In Space

9 Ramadhan, 1444 

I had enough wriggle room at work to set off reasonably early to the masjid for Friday Prayers. Last week the mosque was already crowded when I arrived and I was lucky to find space in one of the small classrooms on the upper level - but it felt a bit odd doing the prayer in there.

This week I beat the crowd, though I still had to go to the upper level since the organisers seem to have adopted a system of cordoning off various areas in order to ensure the gradual filling-up of key spaces. I preferred the old days of a 'free market' in terms of where you could go but can understand the need to ensure the sensible use of space when the place gets crowded - as it undoubtedly will throughout the fasting month.

It's interesting how quickly things have gone back to normal in the post-pandemic period, reflecting, I suspect, a yearning to restore the old, tried, traditional ways of doing things. Must say, I'm just happy to have the space, the time, and the peace to connect with That which lies beyond all space all time and our compromised version of the ultimate peace.

Shining Brightly

8 Ramadhan, 1444

I normally don't pay a huge amount of attention to the cover design of books. But there's no doubt in my mind that the cover of Symbol & Archetype is my all time favourite of any book I've had the privilege to own. And meditating on the symbolism of blue and yellow, and the nature of the shamsah (little sun) in Islamic iconography, I'm beginning to understand why this is.

So Colourful

7 Ramadhan, 1444 

Relishing my reading of Martin Lings's Symbol & Archetype - and reading with a greater understanding (and intensity) than the first time round. Completed Chapter 3, The Symbolism of the Triad of Primary Colours, early this morning, just before the Prayer, and found it electrifying. Like seeing the colours for the first time. As if bringing colour into our fallen world.

For quite some time people have assumed blue is my favourite colour, I suppose because I wear it so much. Indeed, I also came to assume the same. Now I know this to be the case and Lings has helped me understand exactly why.

The Qur'an: And whatsoever He hath created for you on earth of diverse hues, verily therein is a sign for people bent on remembrance.

A Matter Of Habit

6 Ramadhan, 1444 

Fasting is beginning to feel normal. But old habits die hard - which is one of the great lessons of Ramadhan. 

Around 11.00 this morning things suddenly stopped being incredibly busy at work for the first time since this year's fast began. Very nice. I had something like an hour in which I could afford to do something close to nothing. At the very moment I realised just how free I could afford to be my brain conjured up a picture of myself down in the SAC, a cup of tea in front of me, staring out at the greenery thinking deeply zen-nish thoughts about nothing at all.

It took a good 3 seconds or so to realise I was deluding myself, and, trust me, I felt the pain that came with the realisation. And then it was back to the new normal, lesson learnt (again.)

Remembering, Again

5 Ramadhan, 1444

I suddenly recalled earlier today that the early days of last year's fasting month were darkened by the news of the death of my brother-in-law, John. I spent some time today thinking of him, recalling his remarkable, and sometimes difficult, zest for life. He would have benefitted, I think, from the discipline of fasting, though it's difficult to imagine him resisting temptation of any sort. Especially the stuff that comes in a bottle.

If he's with the Angels - and I hope the All-Merciful just might introduce him to a few - I'm fairly sure they've learnt a thing or two or three in his company. I certainly did.

Good Things Going On

4 Ramadhan, 1444

16.50

Just got back from a shopping expedition to Little India. The Missus needed to buy some ghee, two very large tubs, for the industrial scale baking about to take over our apartment. It was wonderfully lively and bustling around Serangoon Road and environs. Enjoyed the verve and colour, the sheer brightness of it all, but it's strange how fasting makes you not quite part of the happening scene, if you see what I mean. We got hold of a few snacks for later, though, so we were by no means entirely detached from all the good things going on.

20.40

Have now consumed one of the snacks we purchased this afternoon, a chunky samosa, and I can safely say it was jolly tasty. (And just one of the many good things made available with the breaking of the fast.)

One of the characteristics of the Holy Month I'm reminded of: how simple things become, and how good simple things are.

Adjusting

3 Ramadhan, 1444

19.00

Marking, listening to music, sleeping, praying. A most satisfactory day so far. 

I'm intending to get myself to the gym after breaking the fast. Wish me luck!

21.10

It felt a bit odd for the first 10 minutes or so on the elliptical trainer just now. My body seemed leaden, and I had to push hard to get a rhythm going - but then it all came together and I managed the planned 50 minutes with reasonable ease, actually speeding up a little towards the end. I noticed also a degree of reluctance to get myself off to the gym once I'd broken the fast. I suppose I'm so used to just chillin' once I've started on the munchables that it took an effort of will to break the usual happy routine. So, some lessons learnt here about what it will take to keep up going to the gym in the 4 weeks ahead.

In Time

2 Ramadhan, 1444

Today I found time, unofficially of course, slowing down. One of the many gifts of the Holy Month. That final twenty minutes before breaking the fast seemed wonderfully, yet agonizingly, endless. But the end came. Happily so.

Hanging In

1 Ramadhan, 1444

16.00

Busy day so far. Had an appointment at NUH, followed by quite a few work-related tasks. Head now mildly aching and considering getting back to the homestead for a nap.

18.45

Pretty much collapsed into sleep after the Asar Prayer. Strange how tiring the first day of the fast so often feels. But have now come round with only a very mild headache. Looking forward with happy expectation to dates and teh tarik coming soon.

21.30

Now thoroughly relaxed. Not an easy day, but at ease. Just need to say, Selamat Berpuasa, especially to those who lives are not easy at all but who heroically persevere. 

A Month Of Enjoyment

Got to the gym for the last time ahead of the fasting month. Felt comfortable enough on the elliptical trainer to forget my body for a while and think about what to read in Ramadhan. I've deliberately wound up on my listing of what I need to be reading to leave the Holy Month free for Islamic-themed texts, except for my on-going Ammons Collected. (Just finished the mighty Glare and very jolly it was!)

Decided on just two books, knowing that I'm going to be ferociously busy dealing with the Toad, work, and keeping it real accordingly. The first, which I'm about to start on in the next five minutes, is Martin Lings's Symbol & Archetype - A Study of the Meaning of Existence. Have read it before, but revisiting the thought world of the thinking Muslim's favourite modern-day Sufi is a guaranteed pleasure. Some things are denied us in the days ahead, but not pure enjoyment. (Deliberate pun, by the way. Clever, eh?)