At the Crack of Dawn

Sunrise in my city (I didn't take the picture btw!)

I’m sleeping silently and all of a sudden an ear-wrecking noise awakens me. Confused at what it might be, it takes me a few seconds to realise it’s my alarm clock. Eyes closed, head underneath pillow, my hand reaches out to find the snooze button…. Tranquillity at last. Without any further thought I fall back into my dreamy sleep.

Moments later the alarm begins to scream again. This time I make the extra effort of turning off the damn thing.

Fajr already. Seems like I only went to bed a few minutes ago.

I lay on my back staring at the dark ceiling, persuading myself to get up. I remind myself that Aṣ-ṣalātu khayru min an-naūm, Aṣ-ṣalātu khayru min an-naūm - Salat is better than sleep, salat is better than sleep.

I turn my head towards the window. The dark sky is slowing filling up with light; Fajr is going to end soon. Under my breath I recite Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim- In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful, and then jump out of bed.

I make my way down the stairs, towards the bathroom, making as much noise as possible- Silent dawah's the best kind isn't it?! ;)

Back in my room, I face the Kiblah and begin my salat- Allah u Akbar- Allah is the greatest.

It's so peaceful at this time: no noise, no people, no cars......just silence. It feels like the world has disappeared, and I'm here, all alone, standing infront of my lord.

I could stay on the prayer mat forever, but sleep lures me back into bed. As I close me eyes, I get a feeling of satisfaction, and ease....Truly, Salat is better than sleep.

The Verdict....

This morning when my dad put all the post on the table, something caught my eye. Underneath the letters there was an envelope with "University of..." stamped onto it.

"OMG Results!" I screamed (by accident of course..). I had completely forgotten about them. Typical, when the day comes I forget!

Anyway...I picked up the envelope and carried on munching my toast (I wanted to finish my breakfast, cos if I had failed I wouldn't eat all day...and I was hungry o.k!?). Dad couldn't wait any longer, so he snatched the envelope....I snatched it back and carried on slurping my tea (we love each other really :D ).

You'd probably think I was used to this kinda thing by now, especially after A-levels. But getting A-level results wasn't as bad.... you could re-take and nobody would know (not that I ever did re-take)..... but at uni if you failed everbody would know...I mean EVERYBODY!... At uni they pin up the failiures names on the main notice board, and at home, because you're Pakistani, all your relatives find out...... which is total baistee!

Oh so when I did finally finish my breakfast, I opened the envelope.....*Drum roll* ..... I PASSED! Woooooh!

I was surprised cos for 6 out of 7 modules I only revised the night before..... and they were good passes!

Comment from dad- "hmmm..... all around 70%....hmmm....not bad for the first year, I suppose."

Honestly!.... My parents expectations are so high I need a ladder to reach them...... Anyone got a spare ladder? heh!