Our First Family 'Tarawih' Prayers Together This Ramadhan

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate
I am a happy servant of Allah today because my father lead in the Tarawih prayers in our home. This is the first time in so many years that my father has lead the family in prayers and I am so proud of him. My father, he...has come a long way. Everybody has his or her past and my dad had his past. But today, he is a good role model for his two daughters and beloved wife. Mokhs joined us in the prayers. My father must have been rejoicing within because he has always wanted a son. Today, God has blessed him with one.

Yet despite a good start to this Ramadhan in the family, I was very upset that my sister was not around to join us. Somehow, the family was incomplete. Apparently, she was still at the office working till late. Actually, I have not seen her for a whole week. I do not see the need to mention why she has not been home for a week. The reason (other than work) was made clear to me before of her absence from home. Albeit the fact that she has been away because she was (and still is) 'helping out a friend', I find it a battle to accept it. I do not like the fact that she is spending so much of her time on a friend rather than a family member. I am saddened when I look at her empty room and I am saddened when I look at my parents who struggle to pretend that they are ok with it when I know that deep down they are in a dilemma. I can almost read their minds, 'If I scold her, she's going to be upset. If I don't, she's thinks it is ok to do this.' Sometimes, I ask myelf whether I am selfish. Sometimes I do not know what to think. This Ramadhan, I pray God to open her heart and mine. Hopefully, things will turn out fine for both herself and myself as sisters.

So my dear Muslim brothers and sisters, tomorrow will be the first day we fast before we usher in Eid. May Allah guide us in His Way, bless us with faith and patience and see us through our challenges and obstacles.

I thank Allah first and last for without His Mercy, nothing is possible and nothing is blessed.

All praise and thanks be to Allah, My Lord. - Jaslina Yassin