So this has been one of the Best Ramadan so far, to me, due to the considerate amount of supposed inactive time. As regards the pandemic, we will still stay safe but God will see us through it all and as regards Worldly activities … it is what it is.😌
And the tale begins… With the whisperer fettered
"Freewill is the only characteristic we humans have that makes us different from all other beings. With that we make different choices and decisions, we also ...", the lecturer said as he talked on the theme of the lecture.
One of the many lectures organised before the month of Ramadan or the holy month. It was fast approaching and although it wasn't yet evident, it was in the depth of our minds.
It was my 4th lecture that week and even though I attended all, something was missing. Maybe it was the fact that most of those in the crowd were there for the famous item 7 or because they had to be there to look the part. In my case, it was more of I've been pestered and had to show up or the theme caught my eye. Most times the former than the latter as though only when pestered do I get to know the theme.
The next lecturers topic was the main reason why I was here, as much as I gained during the former, the next was what caught my eye.
"Introducing, Sheikh Umar Alim on the topic Ramadan and the whisperer fettered", the MC said with all smiles getting a lot of applause in response.
The Lecturer walked to the podium and once he picked up the microphone, the audience settled as he greeted and said his pleasantries. The lecture began.
"Ramadan is the holy month where the Quran was revealed, as we all know. The month where every Muslim is at their best behaviour, one where you get to meet a lot of people you never even knew were Muslims, to begin with. The mosques are exceptionally full for prayers at the stated time and the number of Hijabis increase drastically. Every one endeavors to be at their best and try to gain a lot of blessings during that period. Many also take it as an analysis period and change for the better, literally a turning point. Some also try their best to ask for forgiveness as though it could be the best period to wash away your sins and start a new. Greatest of all, the worshippers are more active and aware of all their deeds", he said after completely gaining the attention of almost everyone.
He explained much about the month, talked about prayers to do to make it out turning point in life. To increase our Iman and to be as sinless as possible. He talked about training our minds to be flawlessly good, reducing the amount of bad thoughts and also trying to be better in many ways. One part that captured me was when I became bored and was about to leave, at this time my mind had partially wandered and although I could hear him. I wasn't processing it, I was looking at those who were talking around me and looking for the best route to pass and not to get much attention on me. I was making up a whole strategic getaway plan in my head when one part of his speech got into my head.
"... you have to leave, huh", I turned to look at him thinking he say my fidgety behaviour but he wasn't.
"... those are some whispers you can hear at this time. The need to be out of this place, and as long as you have no reason to be out of here you shouldn't, for those are the whispers from Iblis. Those sinking thoughts to do bad things, those of you being extremely against something so good for you like Salat, it's his doing. During the coming month of Ramadan, the gates of hell will be chained and those of Al Jannah will be wide open, take it as though Iblis is chained and gain as much as you want. Use your free will to break free from his grasp and you will surely prosper. Asalamualykum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh", he said marking the end of the lecture.
I stared at him wide-eyed as though he read my mind and began a conversation with me. Coincidence much, but to me it was a sign, one which I will hold close to me and move further in life.
As coincidental as many things seem, there are many more possible outcomes. Many were bound to have happened, many more might have happened somewhere else, many will happen in future and it all comes back to “not being sure”.
With thoughts like maybe it was a slight push or a sign or even the best thing ever, sometimes the worst. I believe things happen for a reason, one to be known in future or even never. What do you think?
