Day 23: Allahu Akbar

"God is the Creator of everything. He is the guardian over everything. Unto Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth." (Quran 39:62, 63)

Ramadan was rocked by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake today.  Saanya and I were driving; we didn't feel a thing. My father and Zayd saw the wooden bookcases in our study shudder. Mom heard thundering noises above her -- the glass shelves in our bathroom shattering to pieces.  Allah ka shukr that was the only damage.

We decided to say Maghrib prayers outside today, on the deck, under the stars -- perhaps to feel connected to the earth that shook our confidence.  Zayd said the azan, loudly, for all the creatures in the forest to hear. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. God is Great. God is Great.  For so long, we lay on our janamazes looking at the night sky above; listening to the symphony of cicadas, and bats and frogs; marveling at a spider spinning its web; saying duas with Nani and Nunno -- prayers of thanks for our safety,  prayers of protection for those who may have suffered.   Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. God is Great. God is Great.  Only He can make the earth shake.  Only He can make the forest sing. Only He can spin a delicate web.  Day 23: Deed 23: Marveling at Allah's might.

namaz on the deck