slip-sliding away…..

Here you are, 
dear human:
beautiful package of 
body
and
soul;
two parts co-existing
in a single being.

The outer, fleeting — 
a vessel from the Earth.
The inner, eternal — 
your true self,
sent from the Heavens.

Each nourished from its source realm.
Each needing attention
for you to flourish.

But for 11 months each year,
the outer
is over-fed,
satiated - temporarily -
again and again.
Body dominating, crowding out
neglected soul;
inner being
starved,
as you wonder why
darkness stalks you...
never realising
happiness is a quality of the soul.

But once a year,
Your Lord sends
a golden gift:
a Ramadaan reset,
flipping the paradigm;
starving the body -
desires defeated by daytime deprivation;
elevating the soul -
spiritual sustenance soaring
as self-control brings slow purification.

Balance restored.

And though this month brings 
freedom
from the whisperers,
know that in their chains they 
plot
to make you 
            f
              a
                l
                  l.

For,
once the silver sliver is spotted -
day of celebration near -
it's easy
to let go:
      enforced fasting fades,
      communal spirit ceases,
      intensity gone.
      Discipline disintegrates 
                     as 
            the scale 
        slowly 
    slides 
back.

Disequilibrium once more.

So, while this month is still here,
for the next eleven,
plan the habits you'll hold dear.
From salaah to fasting,
Quran and dua, 
charity and dhikr,
keep striving
to maintain your best,
hang on to taqwa,
so your heart can find rest.

But don't expect
an easy ride,
for schedules will change,
so take it in stride:
be persistent
in deeds 
small and consistent,
for those are what your Lord loves most;
an easy way to earn the pleasure
of your Most Gracious Host.

Make plans,
ask Him for steadfastness,
then go forth and be that better you.

And even if you fall,
get up and try again
and again...
and again.

For 
you only fail 
when you stop trying.

So take this chance,
dear human.
Grasp it with both hands.
Save Ramadaan's changes
while you still can.

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