Pieces Of Me...

~*~ And so I Bow... ~*~

PS: I got this through email from my Aunt.

Running in again, the third time today and just in from Math Honors
Society she doesn't even stop to catch her breath before jumping into
the restroom to make a quick ablution.

Frantically trying to beat time she runs and almost falls down the
stairs, stumbling over her feet. Finally calm and assembled she assumes
her normal composure of sincerity and focus.

As she lifts her hands up over her shoulders to symbolically push all
material concerns away, she quietly utters three of the most powerful
words she has ever known: "God is Greatest." Already absorbed in her
prayer her body begins to tremble slightly, as if a rush of emotions is
building up waiting to break free.

She bends her head slightly to direct her gaze at the ground and the
corner of her head-covering falls softly over her elbow.

In a sincere and humble tone she recites verses of the Holy Qur'an, of
which she has so persistently worked long and hard to memorize.

She gives herself up to the power of the occasion as she bows down to
her Lord, face on floor in a position of the utmost humility. "Praise be
to my Lord the Most High," she repeats to herself three times with only
the desire to please her Lord. Asking forgiveness and giving thanks, she
stands up again but this time with teary eyes. She can not help but be
overcome with emotions at the remembrance of His infinite mercy and
kindness.

She can not help but feel ashamed of all the hurtful things she has said
and done and all the ways in which she has misused His gifts to her.
Like the devoted believers of old she prays her prayer as if it is her
last.

As if this is her final chance to seek forgiveness, redeem herself, give
thanks, and draw herself closer to the Almighty.

Grief stricken and frightened she suddenly realizes how unworthy and
unthankful she is, how wasteful and materialistic she has grown. In such
a state she appeals to her Lord, "Forgive me, educate me, guide me."

Again she recites from the Qur'an and it lifts her spirit and gives her
hope; "If Allah findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you
something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive
you for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." (Holy Qur'an 8:70)

"Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell
therein: that is the supreme felicity." (Holy Qur'an 9:89)

She pleads her case, "I've always tried my hardest, challenged myself
for the best, advocated service to You and your creations, worked to
increase my knowledge, and all for You. Please give me the strength,
hope, and willpower to persevere."

As her prayer nears an end she again bows down. A calmness and peace
seem to surround her, encircle her rolled up body and rest upon her
arched back. She suddenly feels as if she can do no wrong, as if nothing
evil can touch her.

She sits upright again and turns her head to the right and then the left
saying "Peace and blessings be unto you" to the angels perched on her
shoulders. Her spirit and mind is renewed and she is ready to work hard,
contribute positively, and achieve the best. She is ready for the
challenge and the sacrifice and suddenly her A.P. Calculus project no
longer seems so impossible and uninteresting.