Family Together
Dua- "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar." (Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)
The aroma of spices filled Zahra's home as her family prepared for iftar. The kitchen was a whirlwind of activity. Khadijah, Zee's mom, was directing the cooking, her voice a mix of instructions and gentle scolding. Fatima, Zahra's grandma, sat at the kitchen table, expertly folding samosas. Muhammad, Zee's dad, was setting the table, humming a cheerful tune.
Khadijah (Zee's Mum)
Omar, stop stealing the dates! *swatting her son's hand away.* "They're for iftar!"
Omar (Zee's younger brother)
But they're so good!
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
*Walked into the kitchen, a notepad in hand.* I'm conducting a pre-iftar inventory. To ensure all food is accounted for.
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
Oh, Zahra, you and your detective work, *chuckled.* Just relax and enjoy the chaos.
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
Chaos is my natural habitat, Dad, *scribbling notes.* But I must maintain order.
Fatima (Zee's CharmingGrandma)
*Smiled, her eyes twinkling.* Zee, you are like your grandfather. Always investigating something.
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
*Turning to her* Grandma, did you see Omar take the dates?
Fatima (Zee's CharmingGrandma)
He is a growing boy, *waving her hand dismissively.* A few dates will not hurt.
Khadijah (Zee's Mum)
But they're for the tamarind drink!
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Omar (Zee's younger brother)
"I'll get it!" *shouted, racing towards the door.*
Omar (Zee's younger brother)
*returned* dragging a large box. It's for you, Zee!
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
*Opened the box, revealing a pile of detective-themed gadgets* A magnifying glass, a fake moustache, and a fedora.
Khadijah (Zee's Mum)
What is this? *raising an eyebrow.*
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
My detective kit! *eyes sparkling.* For…investigating iftar mysteries!
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
*burst out laughing.* "Only you, Zee."
As the sun began to set, the family gathered around the dining table. The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter.
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
Zee, do you know the rules of the listener of Adhan?
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
No, Dad. Can you teach me?
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
Then, follow these rules during Adhan.
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
For the Listener:
Sunnahs (Recommended Practices):
To listen attentively to the Adhan.
To repeat what the Mu'adhdhin says silently, except when he says "Hayya 'ala-s-Salah" and "Hayya 'ala-l-Falah," in which case one should say "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no might nor power except with Allah).
After the Adhan, to send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A common supplication is "Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ala ali Muhammad" (O Allah, send your peace and blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad).
To recite the Du'a al-Wasila: "Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-d-da'awati-t-tammati wa-s-Salati-l-qa'imati, ati Muhammadan il-wasilata wa-l-fadilata wa-d-darajata-r-rafî'ati wa-b'ath-hu maqamam mahmudan illadhi wa'adtahu" (O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and the established prayer, grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and the lofty rank, and raise him to the praised station that You have promised him).
To make Du'a (supplication) for oneself between the Adhan and the Iqamah (the call to begin the prayer), as this is a time when supplications are often answered.
To declare your testimony of faith, acceptance of Allah as Lord, Islam as religion, and Muhammad as the Messenger.
Things to Avoid:
Engaging in idle talk or distractions during the Adhan.
Continuing to eat or drink when the Adhan for Fajr (dawn prayer) begins, especially if one is fasting. It is safer to stop as soon as the Adhan starts.
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
I got it, Dad.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar- (Adhan starts)
Fatima (Zee's CharmingGrandma)
Zee, *handing her a plate of samosas* stop investigating and start eating.
Zahra (DetectiveZee)
But Grandma, what if someone steals a samosa? *her eyes darting around the table.*
Omar (Zee's younger brother)
*snickered* I wouldn't dare.
Muhammad (Zee's Dad)
Zee, enjoy family time, *putting a hand on her shoulder.* There are no mysteries here, just love and good food."
As they broke their fast, Zee finally relaxed, realizing that sometimes, the best mysteries were the ones you didn't have to solve. And that family was the most important thing.
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