In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

'Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master Muhammad (s.a.s), all his blessed descendents and noble companions.'

                                                         - Aameen.

Dedicated to the little sweetheart who has entered our lives, may Ar Rahman's choicest blessings be always upon you! Aameen ❤️

Chapter Six

Ala inna auliyaa Allaah... (No doubt! Verily, the friends of Allaah...)

Chennai, India

"Put that back from where you took it Adib!"

The little boy ignored his sister's command and continued to examine the quaint looking box.

Eagerly, he tried to pry it open with all his might, failing which, tapped it with a serious frown, and then shook it repeatedly. His efforts' reward was the jingle-jangling sound emanating from inside the pretty box, which seemed to delight him immensely.

"Money. So many coins." He grinned at his siblings, very pleased with the discovery.

"Adib!" the warning came again.

"I want one too!" Adil demanded, trying to snatch it from his twin. Glaring, Adib shoved the box safely behind his back.

"Nobody is having anything." Abida, their eldest sister announced, and after some scolding about proper behaviour in other peoples' home, took the box (forcefully) from her brother and kept it back in its former place.

Humaira entered the room just in time to hear Adib throw a loud tantrum, his twin supporting him in an equally shrill tone.

"Why, what's wrong?" she queried in concern, looking at the miserable scene before her.

The brothers sulked, and Abida reluctantly divulged what had occurred.

"Is that all?" Humaira smiled, the brown eyes twinkling. She took the box and kneeling to their level, held it towards them. "Shall I tell you what this is? In our home, every child has one such box. We call it SB."

"SB?" the twins echoed, forgetting their ill temper and displaying frank curiosity.

Humaira nodded, her pleasant smile lingering as they inched towards her.

"SB means Sadaqah Bank."

"Sadaqah Bank?" Anisa repeated questioningly, having entered the room just then with her younger sister Akifa.

"Didn't you guys ever had a money bank, a little rupee box where you saved all or some of the pocket money you received?" Humaira's gaze rested upon the three sisters. They replied in affirmative.

"But Anisa Di never saves anything; She spends it all," Akifa naively spilled about her sister, earning a sharp pinch and baleful glare in return.

"Oww Didi!" Akifa squealed, rubbing her stinging arm. Then she exacted vengeance by pulling her sister's long braid.

Anisa glowered, roughly pushing away her younger sibling. "How do you know that I spend all my pocket money? Besides, you do the same too!"

"That's enough you two!" Abida chided, putting on a what-to-do-with-these-kids look as she smiled apologetically at Humaira.

The twins seemed much entertained by the spectacle, but then turned back again to the captivating SB box, and now watched with huge round eyes as Humaira opened it and displayed the gleaming pile of coins to their fascinated view.

"In our house," Humaira began in her gentle voice as she closed and fastened the box's lid. "Abba and Ammi never taught us children to save money in boxes for our future use. They always instilled in us that all our Rizq is pre-determined by Allaah SWT, and spending from what we have in Allaah SWT's Path is most beautiful and rewarding in both the worlds."

Placing the box back, Humaira gathered the giggling twins close to her and handed them each a coin, their three sisters smiling and crowding around. "Give that to someone poor in shaa Allaah," she reminded, looking into both the innocent yet identically mischievous faces. They promised enthusiastically that they would do so.

"Practicing economy is very good," Humaira's warm smile enveloped them all as she continued softly, "but not hoarding wealth, for future you know is not guaranteed to any. Hence that which is spent for Allaah Rabbul 'Izzath, it is His SWT's mighty Promise that we will have much better in return for it –both in this dunya and Aakhirah."

"So here at home, we all have a SB where we save some of our money to give to the poor and needy every week if not every day. It's a habit that our parents have encouraged in us Alhamdulillaah, and now in Habib bhaiya's home, even little Yahya have one." She revealed with smiling eyes to the interested audience.

"I want a SB too!" Adil demanded of his elder sisters who probably felt the same.

"Me one SB!" his twin hastily joined in the request. 

There was no doubt that Humaira's words had some impact upon the listening children. For surely, young pristine hearts are tender and fertile – and what is sowed in them loses no time to take firm root and to bloom in the years to come.

It was the last night that Aunty Aaqila's family were staying at Abdullah's home, as their departure was early next morning.

So they served the dinner a little sooner than usual, and the Ta'leem session was kept short as the guests all dispersed to sleep.

Humaira helped Kadhija in tidying and setting right the kitchen, then went to Saira's room to give the dry fruits jar which her sister snacked on in the middle of the night to ease the sudden hunger pangs; Saira thanked and joked about what will she do without Humaira to help and care for her?

Dimpling at the exaggeration, Humaira left her sister, and then checked upon Umar and her parents. Satisfied that they required nothing further, she climbed the stairs to her room, her lips noiselessly moving in gratitude for the whole day.

It was partially empty now –her room. Most of her clothes and possessions were finally packed in large trolley bags. Just three more days for Ahmed's return from Jamaath and after that their subsequent leaving to his house in London.

Her chin in palm and her heart constricting with various intense emotions, Humaira sat gazing at her sealed belongings. It felt queer that in a few more days that she would be so far away from here, from what had been her dear home all these years –from Umar, from Saira Di, the unborn little one... and from her beloved parents.

Humaira felt her throat nearly choking from all the unexpressed feelings, gripping her throbbing heart as she desperately tried not to think about all that. Brushing at the tears that were ever ready to fall, she wondered about her husband. How will he be? What would he say?

For Ahmed had not come on Skype ever since that anxious night when she hadn't received any message from him except the troubling words that he wasn't feeling well. Only the next day he had called for a moment to mutter in a hoarse voice that he was suffering badly from flu. The high fever had ebbed now by Allaah's Grace and all he managed to say yesterday was that he was better Alhamdulillaah.

"I rarely become sick Muskaan." Ahmed had told her sometimes, and though she was somewhat familiar with his sudden headaches, Humaira knew that he hadn't had a cold or flu attack in a long time. She had been distressed that she wasn't with him to offer comfort or soothe in any way. Still, he was in Allaah SWT's Path, and who better to take care than the Lord Himself?

With a deep sigh, she gathered her varying thoughts and proceeded to perform wudu. For a moment Humaira stood still, remembering something that Ahmed had said to her during their honeymoon,

"You know, Islam continues to amaze me with its profound wisdom behind every single thing it teaches us -- when I was in medical school," her husband had paused, smiling in reminiscence,

"During my surgery rotation we were taught how to wash our hands prior to surgery, initially we had to scrub our fingertips and each web of skin between our fingers twenty times, then scrubbing again twenty times the back of each hand, our palms and the sides of our forearms; then ten times everything again,"

Humaira had listened in dismay at such thorough practice for just washing hands. Ahmed laughed at her reaction.

"Our doctor in charge taught us that when rinsing off the soap, to hold our hands up and elbows down, so that the water always runs from the tips of our fingers (a cleaned area) towards elbows which is considered a contaminated area and not vice versa.

Saif taught me how to perform wudu, and when he came to the part of washing hands up to the elbows from the fingertips, it struck me how someone could teach the same thing what a chief doctor has shown me earlier..."

Humaira had smiled, reciting softly,

يا أيها الذين آمنوا إذا قمتم إلى الصلاة فاغسلوا وجوهكم وأيديكم إلى المرافق وامسحوا برؤوسكم وأرجلكم إلى الكعبين، وإن كنتم جنبا فاطهروا

Yaa ayyuhal lazina aamanuu izaa qumtum ilas salaati fagsiluu wujuuhakum wa aidiyakum ilal maraafiqi wamsahuu bi ru'uusikum wa arjulakum ilal ka'bain(i), wa in kuntum junuban fathtahharuu...

"O believers, when you stand up to pray, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads, and your feet up to the ankles. If you are defiled, purify yourselves..." (5:6)

The water came out cold as Humaira carefully made the Wudu shivering a little; Other than its numerous rewards and blessings, she remembered perfectly everything she had read about Wudu's wonderful benefits.

For Ablution is not just cleaning the external organs several times a day before prayers. The psychological and spiritual impact felt by us Muslims after ablution is more deeper than words can express, particularly when perfecting ablution.

Wudu (Ablution) plays an important role in the life of the Muslim, as it keeps him/her always in a state of vitality, vigilance and fitness. The Prophet (SAW) said; "He who performs ablution, and perfects it, his sins would come out from his body, till they pass out from under his nails."

usually exposed to dust is no doubt of a great significance to public health. These body parts are exposed all day long to numerous numbers of microbes counted in millions in every cubic centimeters of air. These microbes are in a constant offensive state against the human body at the exposed areas of skin. In ablution, microbes are taken by a surprise sweep from the surface of the skin, especially with perfect massaging and enough pouring of water, as guided by our Prophet (SAW). Following such a process, no dirt or germs are left on the body except what Allaah SWT decrees.

Her nightly recitation and Dhikr ending, Humaira still sat upon the Musalla, her emotions at rest and her heart smiling peacefully in its every beat.

"Humair Di?"

"Hmm?" In the dim light, Humaira could make out the slight form of Akifa, the twelve-year-old standing hesitantly near the door.

"Come in pet," she smiled kindly, inviting and patting the place beside her. "How come you're still awake?"

Akifa flashed a wide rapturous grin as she came and sat close to Humaira, pouring forth her adventure, "Oh I pretended to sleep Di and then waited and waited for so long until all fell asleep, except Ammi and Abba... they kept talking and talking! Finally, Abba began to snore and I tried to sneak away but you know what? Ammi caught me!" She made a wry face at the recollection. "So I had to tell her the truth that I wanted to come see you..." her voice lost its buoyancy and she muttered slowly, "...as we would be leaving after Fajr you know..."

"And what did your mum say?" the brown depths twinkled yet Humaira's heart melted at the girl's sincere affection.

"She said okay, that I should be back in ten minutes."

"Well sweetheart, five gone already," Humaira remarked, dimpling a little.

"Oh really?" Akifa blinked in dismay. "Then I must be very quick with what I wanted to say..." she looked around the room, her gaze lingering upon the various packed luggage.

"Abida Di says that you would be leaving soon too, with Ahmed bhaijaan to... to London. It's true yes?" the young girl's forehead furrowed with sudden deep lines of worry.

"Yes in shaa Allaah," Humaira replied quietly, pressing the soft hand resting in her own. "But why this worry child?"

"I don't know Didi," Akifa shook her head dolefully. "I'm afraid for you, that you're going so far away. After this, I won't be able to see you at all... are you –are you not afraid too?"

Humaira pulled the girl into a warm hug, smiling sweetly as she reassured,

"I'm not going alone pet, I'm going with my husband in shaa Allaah... besides, you know what?"

"What?" the girl couldn't help but smile in response and feel her heart lighten as her favourite cousin recited ever so melodiously, the pure brown depths sparkling at her –

أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

"Ala inna auliyaa Allaahi laa khawfun 'alayhim wala hum yahzanoon"

(No doubt! Verily, the Auliya' (friends) of Allaah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allaah and fear Allaah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allaah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve.)

"So Akifa beta, though I fear and often worry about my Aakhirah, it is very rarely that I spend precious minutes in anxiety for this dunya... don't we have the power of Du'a with us? Besides, Hasbi Allaah (Sufficient for me is Allaah)!"

Akifa's face beamed, her smile widening like the full moon.

"You don't talk much Humair Di, but when you do, I feel as if I could go on listening to you always and always... see," she pointed at her chest, "my heart is happy now."

Humaira chuckled, kissing the girl's forehead. "Alhamdulillaah."

"Alhamdulillaah!" Akifa fervently echoed. "And one last teeny weeny thing, yesterdayevening you sang something to Adib and Adil, could you sing it again now,please please?" 

"Now! The Naat (poetry praising Nabi SAW) you mean?"

Akifa bobbed her head eagerly. "Yes yes yes!"

"But it's late now sweet, and your ten minutes have elapsed..."

"Oh," the excitement fizzled into disappointment. "I guess then I must go –"

Humaira nodded sympathetically. For she knew that our word of promise, however slight it is, given to whoever may it be, yet especially to our parents, must always be honoured.

"No, let us hear the Naat."

Both the woman and girl looked up startled, and found Aunt Aaqila standing in the unsettled shadows – looking almost like one herself, for she had entered the room soundlessly and now stood listening to their conversation behind a large trolley bag that was nearly merged with the sketchy darkness.

"Ammi, you scared me!" Akifa shuddered.

Her mother snorted, coming forward towards them. "It's time you slept child."

"But Ammi, you just said that we could hear the Naat..." the girl whined and begged alternatively.

"No such thing, if Humaira wants, she can sing a few lines for you, then back you go to bed!"

"I'll in shaa Allaah," Humaira calmed with a smile, and then noting the still crumpled face of her cousin, she suggested to her Aunt, "Let her sleep with me tonight Aunty..."

The face amazingly bloomed back as the girl danced around her mother. "Oh Ammi can I? Can I? Can I? Say yes please! Do say yes please!"

Aaqila shook her head, disapproval showing clearly in her reaction, yet the light of the intelligent eyes that watched Humaira suddenly turned tender and kind.

"Thank you beta, but it's not necessary..."

"No Aunty, having her with me tonight would be really wonderful... as you can see, it's only me here in this room, no trouble at all."

The severity completely eased. "You really think so?" Humaira nodded as her aunt turned to Akifa, "And you, will you behave?"

"I will I will I promise I'll be sooo gooood!"

Her mother smiled at the upturned shining face.

"Did you thank your cousin?"

The girl clasped Humaira's arm, still grinning ear to ear as she poured forth her earnest childish gratitude.

"Shall we hear the Naat now?" Akifa looked at her mother for confirmation who gave a nod, still smiling.

Humaira smiled in response. "All this feels so unreal, having you both here in my room at this hour and singing!"

"Yes it's awesome isn't it?"Akifa shifted closer, feeling most pleased in the knowledge that this was atreat, which she was very lucky to enjoy all by herself. Tomorrow, she toldherself, she would brag about this to her sisters. 

"Um... well, what I sang yesterday was something that Saif Bhaiya taught us all which he had learned at his Madrasa... alright," drawing a deep breath and invoking the Most Blessed Name of Allaah SWT in her heart, Humaira softly began in a throbbing tone,

"Naatein Sarkarki Parti Hoon Main

[I'm reciting the Naat of our Leader Muhammad (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam)]

Bas Issi Baat Sai Ghar Mein Mere Rahmat Hogi

[So that for this reason that there will be Mercy in my home]

Ik Tera Naam Waseela Hai Mera

[It is your name that will be my intercession]

Ranj O Gham Mai Bhi Issi Naam Sai Raahath Hogi

[In my sad and distressing days, your name will bring me peace]

... ... ...

Thus, as the souls trembled with suppressed longing and awe, she ended most beautifully in the tranquil hush of the still night that seemed to pulse with His never-ending Love. The mantle of Ar Raheem's Mercy was draped over them and the whole house... and now that the Praise of Al Wadud's beloved was over, even the angels who had gathered to hear were reluctant to part from the room, still lingering in the hope that perhaps Humaira would utter some more Praise...

Sallallaahu 'Ala Muhammad Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam!

Akifa had fallen asleep, her head lying in Humaira's lap and her hand still clutching her cousin's tightly. Her mother silently drifted towards the door, just like she had come in, yet at the door she paused and turned, saying in a strangely moved voice,

"I understand my daughter now. One cannot help loving you, for you make us remember and love Allaah Subhanahu wa ta'Ala and... and I think that you're much loved by HE Himself! I'm thankful to have known you beta, and pleased that you're the daughter of our Kadhija."

And as Aaqila left the room, the Salutations that Humaira had recited at the end had already reached the Master of all Prophets, Nabi e Kareem SAW, in the far, deeply yearned for city of Madinah Munawwarah.

Allaahumma salli 'alaa Sayyidina Muhammadiw wa 'alaa aalihi biqadri husnihi wa jamaalihi!

(O Allaah send peace and blessings upon our master Muhammad and upon his family, his beauty and grace.)

*****

A/N :)

A short chap, I know, I've already begun the next Alhamdulillaah, which by your Duas in shaa Allaah would be posted a little earlier... after Chapter Seven I believe there would be an indefinite hiatus in the updates of IHL, still wAllaahu 'Alam.

As some of you would know, our Chennai became engulfed by floods last month, it was all really terrible yet brought out its great moments too, as everyone be it of whatever religion, cast or creed reached and bonded out to help and fight back Alhamdulillaah... It was also a profoundly enriching spiritual experience –making us all turn back to Him SWT, making us realize Allaah 'Az wa Jal's Glorious Power, His Magnificence, His Wrath... as we felt with a deep certainty that indeed we and what we've created were, are nothing, and that HE was, is everything!

When the rain was lashing out, and the water had reached and submerged even our neighbour's home downstairs (they had moved earlier to their relations' house), and when we had no electricity for nearly four days, I wrote this chapter in a notebook yet had no time to type it until a day or two before, as you might perhaps know my Didi gave birth to a great blessing –a baby girl Alhamdulillaah :)

So these had been frantic, hectic, time-consuming yet memorable days or were they weeks? Anyways, Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil 'Alameen!

When I read your comments for an update, I seriously do sometimes wish I could just audio record the whole remaining events of IHL and post it here lol, and thus end the story and your Sabrun Jameel... indeed, it is very tough these days to find time and sit down to pen this work even though all the chapters are there in my head... still as always, if not for me, your love and care for IYL and IHL was most appreciated ;) jazak Allaahu khairan katheeran katheera! Don't forget in precious Duas in shaa Allaah...

in deepest gratitude,

with Duas and Salaam,

abdurRahman (Gudi :))

p.s. oh yea the video's the Naat which Saif teaches Humaira and which she sings in the hush of night ;)