12 Rejab 1434H
Usually, ladies have the luxury of planning their big day one year prior. I had a little over two months to plan mine. This, on hindsight, was one of the many blessings that He has bestowed us when our families were preparing for the big day. With a tight dateline, we were able to really just focus on the essentials, and the nitty gritty was emphasised only after the important details were taken care of. K called me a “Bridechilla” instead of the more infamous “Bridezilla”!
A week ago, we were invited to a little boy’s 2nd birthday party. His parents, Alhamdulillah, have been such tremendous help in making us feel at home here in Dubai. With our weekly Halaqah sessions here being held at their home, we have come to love them as our own family. Brother Roy, with his utmost wisdom, was sharing how he regretted marrying a tad too late as he was too busy chasing after too many things before. He also lamented about how our youths and our culture, sadly, are too preoccupied with saving up solely for the big day, thus delaying the whole marriage thing altogether.
This makes the Halal hard, and the Haram a whole lot easier.
K and I are advocates for marrying early, our parents believes in it as well, as they too married at an early age. But I do believe that each situation and each individual is unique, so there really isn’t a formulaic age or time that is best for everyone to be married.
I believe that your Walimah should be special, but sincere. You, families and friends will only vividly remember the glow of your smile, the beautiful union and the coming together of two families, the peaceful exchange of love and promises and the blushful tinge of euphoria that comes with new beginnings. Not your dress, not the invites, not the decadent stage nor the blings and the glitz.
I remember my wedding day with a smile now. It was sincere, and it was us.
Anonymous asked: Hi Aida, a while back you posted a link to a surah from the source seekiinggrace. I can't seem to find it again, and remember it was beautiful. Do you mind posting it again please? Thank you very much :)
Salam,
Oh dear, I don’t quite seem to remember which one was it. Do you remember what was the theme/topic? Was it only a verse or a whole surah? And the link was a quote or an audio or?
I apologise for my memory fails me.
a
11 Rejab 1434H
We have been in Dubai for four months now. This means we have also been married for the same period of time. Subhan’Allah. Yesterday, as I was preparing dinner, I was telling K how much I miss writing. I mean, yes, I write for The 114 everyday. But, I miss writing for myself.
“You should write again, babe” he said.
I miss this. Blank, white page. Twenty minutes of alone time. It’s too precious and I have honestly missed it.
A few weeks ago, K gave me a little exercise. He told me to sit myself down, uninterrupted, undisturbed and to really think about my ‘map’ and my ‘destination’. The latter is where I envision myself to be in fifteen, twenty years time; my ultimate goal and purpose in this fleeting life, achieved. And the former, steps I have to take to be where I want to be.
This space is one of the many small steps I have to take. Overwhelmingly exhilarating, but I won’t let fear in this time round. Only faith, lots of hard work, kindness, love, humour and the ever-elusive focus and discipline!
In Sha Allah, Fisabilillah.
