The Peaceful Souls

  

As the setting sun said bye,

And shut his eyelids for the night, 

'Salam!’ said the moon, ‘It’s time to rise!'

Called out to the stars, 'Lets fill the skies!'

'On an exciting adventure let us go

Cities and towns let's go explore!'

Off she sailed across the sky,

By low valleys and mountains high.

Silver she painted the roofs and trees

Silvery waves making silvery seas.

As she looked down on cities in sleep,

Towns and villages in slumbers deep;

All of a sudden from the edge of her eye,

A tiny gold light, in the distance she spied.

Who could be up at this late, late hour?

Over this window she paused to hover.

Two faces were shining, emanating light.

Two hands raised in prayer, a wonderful sight.

One face: a lady’s so peaceful and calm.

The other: a little boy, still by her arm.

The moon looked around this simple, small room

Two millstones, a stove, a mat and a broom

And nothing besides - the room was bare

Yet shining! She thought - rich beyond compare!

The moon waited - patient. She heard the lady say:

'God help my neighbours on each step of their way.

The hungry, the poor, the lonely, the needy

The traveller, the orphan, the sick and weary.

God, feed them and keep them all safe from harm’s way

God, ease their pain, I beseech you, I pray.'

A beautiful prayer, thought the moon as it lingered

And heard the little boy, soft, as he whispered,

'What about us mum? Shall we pray for us?'

His mother smiled gently, 'Yes, let’s pray for us …

Now that we’ve asked God for peace on our neighbours

It is time to beseech Him for Mercy on ours.

Remember, it’s selfish to pray for ourselves

Before we seek God’s blessings for those around us.'

Faces lifted, hands rose, lips parted again

In prayer for self: ‘Allah, You hold the rein

Of life. Control our thought, action and speech;

Steer and direct our course so we reach -

You – O Fashioner, O Origin and Destination –

Perfected: forged, hammered, shaped - patient

Worthy, tranquil souls, at peace with Your Will.'

The moon tarried longer  - curious and still.

'Who are these two graceful people?' she thought               

Who've traded their sleep, seeking closeness to God?'

A passing star whispered: 'Fatima and Hasan.'

The Prophet's daughter and his little grandson.'

‘What a privilege it is,’ thought the moon in a daze

‘To witness this amazing moment of praise,

'May Allah's peace be on them.' star heard her say.

As once more on her journey she drifted away.