Our Temporary Companions

As close friends we are comfortable with talking about anything under the sun. Yet, it’s understood that if we decide to pray taraweeh in the same masjid, we would pray in two opposite corners (or at least not close together).

Why? Because we seek the uninhibited freedom & comfort that is afforded by the company of total strangers, to immerse in & relish the prayer experience. Strange? Perhaps.  

As strangers, standing so close, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, motionless, for the lengthy periods of qiyaam – you share a different, almost unique, bond with the individuals on your right & left.

In unison, the hearts sway with the tempo of the recitation of Quran, quivering in fear at the mention of Hell, fluttering in delight at the descriptions of Paradise, awed by the manifestation of Allah (SubbhanaWaTaAla)’s Names & Attributes and humbled at the eloquently cited examples of His creation.

 Diversified through various languages, age & social status they seek the same ultimate goals, have the same hopes, and pray for the same successes. As the eyes flow, noses run & tongues move in unison with ‘the Ameen’s, the amazing bond that unites them – the strangers – transcends beyond this world & time.

As the imam calls salaams, the unique relationship comes to an end. Worldly strangers once again, they disperse, sometimes with a polite greeting & sometimes, without even a side glance – at their temporary companions.

 The close friends meet again at the door and talk….. about their Eid plans.

A tiny part of them left behind with the nameless companions they will probably never meet again.  

Sharjah- City of Masjids & Female Huffaaz

Many outside the emirate may not know but by the grace of Allah, Sharjah is not only blessed with countless masjids, but a majority of these masjids have some kind of Quran Memorization program for women.

The program is Awqaaf initiated/approved & is free for all. Every morning (usually after Fajr or by 7am depending on the masjid), you will see hordes of women walk to their neighborhood masjid with their mushafs in hand.

Every masjid has atleast one Awqaaf appointed female teacher. But depending upon the size of the masjid & number of students, there could be as many as 5-6 teachers who sit in circles with their students.

Each student is memorizing a different juz, at her own pace. The teacher takes the attendance, listens to each one, reviews the older portions & gives them their new lesson for the next day. The classes are held everyday except Friday & Saturday. After completion of every two juzs, an examiner is called to test them. After passing successfully, the student is issued her certificate. After memorizing ten juz, she becomes eligible to teach at other masjids.

The first time i visited a masjid during class hour, i was surprised to find the number of women (mixed nationalities) who had already memorized more than five juz. Their eagerness & commitment was also noteworthy.

In a year or two, most of those women will be haafizzas, inshaAllah. And judging by the number of masjids & the number of women students in each, it can be safe to say that Sharjah will soon be a city of female huffaaz. InshaAllah.

Prophet (Salulaahu alahi wasallum said,  “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan: Recite and rise in status, recite as you used to recite in the world, for your status will be at the last verse that you recite.”  [Al-Tirmidhi (2914) and Abu Dawood (1464) ]

PS.    Please click ‘here‘ to read a beautiful English translation of the book, ‘Al-Asbab al-Mueena alaa Hifdh al Quran’ (it means ’Causes that aid in the memorization of the Quran’).