Author: Hasina Suliman

I grabbed my white leather jacket and my handbag, the raindrops began peppering me as I hastily made my way towards the road that would lead me to the mosque. The street vendors begin collecting their crates of goods, so as to avoid rain damage. 150 steps to the mosque, I find myself thinking ‘Oh Allah, grant me blessing for every step I take towards the masjid’ , I’m early for Jumuah, but not too early to avoid the weather elements. I brush passed a line of beggars seated on the pavement, two women greet me, i think to delve into my pockets but i know i don’t have enough coins for all of them. I walk on, turning into a small alley that leads me to the female’s section of the masjid, i walk in less hasty steps. I pause to steal a glance at the chandelier in the main section of the mosque, beauty contrasting the ever greying skies. Mum waits at the stairs to the ladies section, and lets me enter first. I feel touched by this gesture. I enter –  three steps in, and I recite the dua for entering the masjid. Mum repeats after me.  We do this by habit. I smile. It’s little moments like these that touch my heart to its core. Dua for Entering the Masjid:    اللهم افتح لى ابواب رحمتك...