REDEMPTION

Zainab Babalola (Nursing, 500L)

What are we? 
We are made up of bodies that betray us.

Our eyes enticed by unholy delight, 
Our tongue speaks ill, 
spreading discord and disdain. 
Our hands grasp darkness, suffocating our light.

These organs betray us 
although knowing it's all that shall testify 
for you and me on the day of reckoning.

We too betray ourselves despite 
our knowledge of Islamic laws and teachings.

For what are we, If not imperfect beings, struggling against our nafs?

This battle, fierce, we wage till the very end. 
In this battle, many give up 
letting the leeches of every sin
feed upon the softness and tranquillity of the heart.

These ones perish with a heart 
as hardened as life itself, bereft of peace.

But, how not to give up in this abyss
where the darkness of our thoughts is constantly seeking a home within our body?

The answer lies in the solace of the masjid's sacred embrace, 
where the beauty and wisdom of Allah's word are shared.

In its grace, Let it fill us completely, 
inside and out, 
So we become a beacon, dispelling doubt.

To not give up is to immerse our body in these sacred spaces, 
Allowing the word and teachings embody our entirety, 
ultimately becoming a source of light.

To not give up is to
never let go beneath our lips, 
the beauty of "istighfar"
Even when our misdoings are as high as the mountains, 
For we know we have a Lord who is the most merciful of all.

To not give up is to remember,
Night and day,
Even in the darkest of times,
'La-ilaha-illah-lah"

To not give up is
To never turn our backs on HIS mercy 
which can not be compared even to the vastness of an ocean.

To not give up is to seek HIS divine light. 
And even when darkness engulfs with all its might,
We become light reflecting the grace and mercies of Allah.

©AMHS LTH/CHS Editorial Board