Whispers in Dawn a short story about prayers on Laylat al-Qadr the Night of Destiny

As the first slivers of light crept through the window, Fatima stirred, the scent of freshly brewed cardamom coffee wafting from the kitchen. Today was a special day, Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Destiny, and she yearned to share its magic with her eight-year-old son, Ali. But Ali, tucked under a mountain of blankets, remained blissfully asleep

Fatima tiptoed closer, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest a comforting melody. She knelt beside him, whispering, Ali, habibi, wake up. It's Laylat al-Qadr

Ali mumbled something unintelligible, burrowing deeper into his cocoon. Fatima chuckled. He always pretended not to hear her the first time. "Come on, sleepyhead," she persisted, gently stroking his cheek. Tonight is special, a night where prayers are answered

A muffled groan was his response. Disappointment tugged at Fatima's heart. Prayer was the cornerstone of their lives, but lately, Ali had been resistant, especially to Fajr, the pre-dawn prayer. Fatima understood. The allure of sleep battled the abstract concept of blessings for an six-year-old

She sat back, studying her son's peaceful face. An idea sparked. "Ali," she said, "imagine the angels are gathering tonight, their wings brushing against the clouds, carrying our prayers to Allah. Wouldn't you want to send your own special message?"

Ali's eyes fluttered open, a flicker of curiosity replacing sleepiness. "A message?"

Fatima grinned. "Yes! Think of something you really want, something you've been praying for. Tonight, your words have extra power."

Ali pondered, his brow furrowed in concentration. Finally, a smile lit up his face. "I want a new bike!"

Fatima chuckled. "A worthy goal, but remember, prayer isn't just about getting things. It's about talking to Allah, expressing your gratitude, and asking for guidance."

"But can I still ask for the bike?" Ali pleaded, his eyes wide with hope

Fatima smiled warmly. "Of course, habibi. But remember to also thank Allah for your family, your health, and all the blessings you have. And ask for His guidance to make good choices."

Together, they walked to the prayer rug, Fatima's hand in Ali's. The pre-dawn air was crisp, alive with the chirping of birds. As they knelt, Fatima felt a surge of love for her son and gratitude for this special night

Ali's voice, small but earnest, filled the room as he recited his own simple prayer. Fatima listened, her heart swelling with pride. It wasn't about the length of the prayer, but the sincerity in his voice, the spark of understanding in his eyes

Later, as they sipped hot chocolate after Taraweeh prayers, Ali's eyes shone with excitement. "Do you think Allah heard my message?"

Fatima squeezed his hand. "I know He did, habibi. And remember, even if you don't get the bike exactly as you imagined, He might have something even better planned for you."

Ali pondered this, then grinned. "Maybe new rollerblades then?"

Fatima laughed, the warmth of the night filling their hearts. Laylat al-Qadr wasn't just about special prayers and blessings; it was about creating memories, nurturing faith, and planting the seeds of devotion in a child's heart. And in that quiet moment, Fatima knew she had succeeded. The magic of the night wasn't just in answered prayers, but in the connection it fostered, the love it shared, and the lessons it taught, one sleepy morning at a time

Some New Vocabularies

- Night of Destiny :شب سرنوشت

- prayer rug :فرش نماز

- cardamom coffee :قهوه هل

- pre-dawn prayer :نماز صبح

- angels :فرشتگان

- message :پیام

- blessings :برکات

- gratitude :قدردانی

- guidance :راهنمایی

- sleepyhead :تنبل خوابالو

- unintelligible :چیزی نامفهوم

- cocoon :پیله

- chuckled :خندید

- muffled groan :نالۀ خفه

- heart :قلب

- cornerstone :سنگِ بنا

- allure :لذت

- abstract concept :مفهوم انتزاعی

- playful conspirator :صدای او با لحنی شوخ و همدستانه

- wings brushing :بالهایشان به ابرها ضربه می‌زنند

- worthy goal :هدف ارزشمندی

- pleaded :التماس کرد

- warmly :با گرمی