Differences and Complications

A'salaamu 'aleikom Gentle Reader.

Today i attended a different masjid for Jumah, I sould mention that this is the first time i have actually attended Friday Prayers at a masjid, I usualy just pray at home.

Anyway my experience was a little different to my prior one on Sunday. Here I was a stranger. Everybody knew each other, so they were a little busy with their own social affairs to notice who I am. But that's okay, I only went there to pray anyway.

I did meet an interesting gentleman and had a nice conversation about comparative religions, and their history's. He was somewhat curious as to what led med me to Islam, although at first, as we had met in the street, he greeted me as if I were not of Islam. No problem, I told him that he need not feel bad about it as he did not know me anyway, and I felt bad that he was feeling bad.

The Masjid was packed. So many people that the other room had to be used as well. Luckily for me I had turned up about an hour early because I was unsure of the time to start.

Soon it will time for Rammadan. I am not too sure how I will handle it this year. last year I tried to do the fasting thing, but due to complcations with my Diabetes, I did have some difficulties healthwise. I have changed my Medication, (tablets), so I will see what happens.

I have been trying to sort out a little complication with some friends. By friends, I mean members of a Band, or should I say The Band. I have not performed fo about three years and now they have asked me if i can do backup harp for the Blues section at the next few gigs.

The complications become obvious when I am told that music per se' is haram.

Since becoming a Muslim, I have lost family, friends, my Spouse and some of my children. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, I figure that somewhere there is a purpose in all this, ( One I'll discover what that purpose is :)), and besides, I know my dissenting children will eventualy get over the shock, except one daughter, who kind of dissagrees with my edict against her drinking in my home. But she is young and there are many years ahead of her, for her learn.

As for my Youngest, I know where she is now and have spoken to her, and the lady she is staying with.

It seems that her problem is cause by this house. It holds too many memories for her, about the days when we were all one family, and she gets very sad. Which is why, apart from seeing her mother with another man, she cannot live with her Mother. She tends to get too angry about things. It is understandable that she is having difficulties. I mean she has lost that feeling of security that comes with being in a family. The love that bound us all together has been taken away, and she does not know why. Anyway, Insha 'allah we will be moving house soon.  Maybe then we can move on. Build that bridge and get over it at last. She still wants me to marry again, and it can be quite amusing when she goes online and starts picking out "Potentials" as she calls them. I just say that if the right person ever comes along and lets me know her intention, I will consider it. In the meantime, I will just eat sugarless dark chocolate and contemplate the meaning of life, while cooking dinner.

I think it is about bedtime for me as it is after mid-night.

So until next time Gentle Reader, I pray that Allah (subhanna wa ta'ala) watch over you and keep you safe.

W'asalaam

Ibrahim