Growth requires Change

In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Especially Merciful

A time to pause, a time to reflect, a time to plan a course of action

Pondering deeply, some thoughts are bound to find traction

A young boy sits obediently and determined to memorise the Holy Book

His mother plays her natural motherly role, while also teacher and the cook

A man is deep in thought as he contemplates the state of world affairs

While meditating and seeking the guidance of the One who truly cares

He is consumed by the concern for his family and community out there

The change was necessary to make a difference and show we care

It took much time and deep reflection to reach this stage of growth

Take not for granted the bounties received after one made an oath

That you will exert your energy to ease and fulfil other’s needs

So be reminded that everything we do is written in the book of deeds

Change has to come and one must constantly look to grow

Certainly as long as the heart beats and the blood does still flow

It takes time to reflect deeply, remaining patient, for those who are wise

And when the right time comes these people will with wisdom arise

Successful indeed are those in whose actions discipline does abide

Contented, as they do their hopes and desires in their Lord confide

My Mother

Blessed am I that you have been chosen as my mother

With every action with love you do smother

How is it that even though with the difficulty that you bore me

Not once did you ask of me not the slightest of fee

No doubt strict you were and never short of a rule

But learn I had to as certainly you were to me a school

Today you have reached yet another milestone

And still an opportunity for my disobedience to atone

Now, My Lord knows, how I wish to you I was an ideal son

So I offer to make amends and pray you reach a ton

And judging by your good health I pray it’s really so

Having you is like having a river of blessing that flow

I say these words being fortunate still to have a mother

And not a chance that I could ever swop you for another

As much as you have done for me I have a request

Since by my Lord the prayer of a mother is always blessed

Please, o please forgive me for whatever I did that made you sad

And I urge you pray to our Lord that He erases all my bad

In turn, daily with every opportunity, I continue to pray

That ultimately that you be granted paradise as a place to stay

Before then that He grants you good health and long life

Filled with much happiness and not an iota of strife

Mom, just for being Mom, how can I ever thank you

Mom I love you, I do I do I really really do

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The poet said: “The mother is a school: if you prepare her properly, you will prepare an entire people of good character, The mother is the first teacher, foremost among them, and the best of teachers.”

Diwan Hafiz Ibrahim, 282. Published by Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyyah.

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