Nooj

Between my shadow and my soul

On Loving Ramadan


Children of Adam,  Rejoice, as the Moon calls,
It says, Become aware of the gentleness of my light.
Make your nights mindful and aware
Empty your days of their harsh chasing.

Restrain your daily desires, feel the pangs of withdrawal
Followed by the liberation of victory
Bathe in my soft light and stand in praise of your Sustainer
Let go of delusions of sustenance, only through restraint
Will you see through this mirage of fulfilment

You’ll return in anticipation, to your soul’s rhythm
Love and praise, praise and love, without covetousness or flattery
You would have burnt a path to your core, your spine of existence
This is the Joy you feel when you hear the Moon’s call

Children of Adam, make merry while the ethereal contentment lasts,
Tomorrow may be Eid, when the Sun’s dominance returns,
With its blazing rays of production and consumption
That overwhelm your Soul’s flickering moonbeams.
So now, dance with the Moon and
Sing the Message in evening vigils , and rejoice.

In between the signs

If this soul yearns, 
For a delicious reunion of purpose and passion
It is when, I kiss my mother's feet
And yet my soul yearns for God
Or I clasp my father's hand, 
My soul still yearns for God
Fall asleep in my husband's arms,
Caress my newborn's forehead,
Drive the newest model of my German car,
Stare in awe at the Niagara Falls, 
Summit the tremendous Uhuru;

Even if, my words are published in the world-famous publications.
My face on every prestigious magazine, and my laugh on every television screen
All legitimate Halaal desires, if and only if 
My soul still yearns and is impressed only by reunion with God, then
I have realised what the purpose of being human is 
And will only strive for the rare type of wealth, tranquility (Sakeenah)
Because true love can only exist between a soul and God