AbdurRahman sat in his study, the Quran on the desk in front of him. He looked down at the holy words. Then he looked up and sighed. He stood up, paced two short steps to the right side, returned and sat down at his mushaf again.
How could he study the Quran, with so much on his mind? For one thing, there was his family to take care of. Was he being too strict with them -- or too lenient? Should he spend more time listening to their needs?
For another thing, his office was in perpetual disorder. But how could he use a precious hour like this one to straighten his office, when he might be gaining wisdom from the eternal words?
Oh, yes, the Quran. He returned his attention to the ayat he had been trying to study.
At that instant, he heard a loud squeal outside his house. He stood and looked out his tiny window. Outside, his four children, two boys and a two girls, were running after a ball. They reached it, accidentally kicked it ahead of them, then squealed with delight. They ran after it again, laughing and shrieking.
Some time later, AbdurRahman's wife entered the front room of their little house and noticed that the door to the outside stood open. She walked over to close it, then noticed that her husband was standing just outside.
She watched him. He stood there, shaking his head. Following his gaze, she noticed the children, playing with their ball.
She walked up next to him and took his arm. "Are you all right, Abby? Are the children disturbing your study?"
He turned to face her. "Oh, Khadija," he said. "I am disturbed, but it is not the fault of the children."
He turned back toward the children. "Look at them," he said. "Do you see how they run so purposefully after the ball? How every muscle, every bone in their bodies moves them toward the one thing they seek at the moment?"
He put his arm on her shoulder, as they both gazed at the playing children. "I am disturbed because I cannot seem to do that. Can you imagine how quickly the whole world would be made righteous, if we could all submit to Allah (swt) with that much single-mindedness?"
Khadija slipped her arm around his waist. The two of them remained in their doorway a long time, watching the miraculous Quran before them.
6 comments:
sometimes it is hard..but what counts is trying. you just have to keep trying
Mashallah Br.
As you have already heard from many a people, you do write eloquently and very down to earth, and it touches the heart. Keep up the good work and may Allah reward you for your efforts.
You should write a book someday.
As salaam alaikum.
Jazakallahu khairn for your comments.
samih: Fortitude and faith is critical. Joined with a balance and harmony who knows what is possible?
believer786: Thank you very much for your kind words. If you enjoyed the piece please feel free to share it with anyone else who might like it.
Ma'as salaama,
nuh ibn
Assalam Alaikum Br. Nuh,
You will be happy to know that I linked this article on my blog and I got a lot of positive responses and then I was also requested to post it on ijtema.net which is maintained by myself and a few other talented writers (not that I am talented hehe).
Keep up the good work and I will keep the Nuh banner going inshallah :).
As salaam alaikum believer786.
Jazakallahu khairn for all your hardwork and support. I really appreciate all the effort you've put into 'banging the Nuh drum'.
Barakallahu fik,
nuh ibn
Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah
I pray that you are in the best of health & imaan.
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Wa'salam
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