Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem,
Journal Entry: Sweltering Sunday
Today began like every Sunday – lockdown for church services. There’s a certain irony in how the preacher comes around, asking three times if anyone wants services, his voice echoing down our empty corridor. Seven weeks ago, he stayed once, his sermon mechanical, his words bouncing off these concrete walls. We remained locked down until 9:30-10 am.
When the doors finally opened, I discovered my tablet wasn’t available. SubhanAllah, after waking at 10 am, I had to work to procure one. But Allah’s mercy manifested – I managed to get one and spent 30 precious minutes with my children.
The moment the connection opened, their voices filled my heart. “Guess what, Papa?” my daughter began, her excitement palpable. We played our usual game – “What? Can you give me some hints?” The news she shared brought tears to my eyes – she’s memorized the 30th juz. SubhanAllah, even with losing her father to this place, even with all the changes in her life, my daughter continues to grow in her connection with Allah’s book.
She shared how her teacher thought she was too young for Surah Baqarah and suggested Surah Mursalat instead. My heart swelled with pride as I promised to color-code it for her. These are the moments that remind me – even here, I can still be a father, still guide, still teach.
I read them a story, just a page and a half, but those moments were pure gold. They asked me to mail it to them – my little readers, mashaAllah. We talked about swimming classes, summer adventures, video games, Lego and friends – normal childhood things that somehow feel extraordinary when heard through these walls.
My son, not wanting to be left out, asked me to start writing the 28th juz for him. He’s starting from the back, finding his own path, following in his sister’s footsteps but making the journey his own.
Fulfillment, fulfillment, fulfillment – these words echo in my mind. Their mother reads them my texts, even though they don’t write back. But today, hearing their voices, sharing in their achievements, being “Papa” despite everything – Allah’s mercy knows no bounds.
Ya Allah, protect my children, guide them, let them continue to find light in Your book. And thank You for these moments of connection that remind me of Your endless mercy.
Your brother in faith,
Wisam
