In the Name of the Most High
As we begin our journey, we're on the plane from Paris to Damascus. We missed our initial flight from Houston to Paris, so our meeting with the holy personalities has been pushed back one day. Although we'll be getting to Damascus one day later, and therefore one day closer to Ashura, inside I'm quietly pleased with the prospect of going a day late; the last few days have been exhausting, as my wife and I packed and moved out of our apartment, and I hope the extra day of rest gives us added energy for visiting the haram of Sayyida Zaynab (as).
Already, ziyarat has been beset with challenges. Because we missed our initial flight, we had to argue with Air France officials to get our seats for this flight confirmed. Then, on the Houston to Paris flight, I had a splitting headache the entire time. Thankfully, my wife was able to assuage my pain and gave me a few tablets to suppress the symptoms. Of course, we fully expect our ziyarat trip to be wrought with difficulty, just as Hajj is often described by those lucky enough to make the journey. No one goes for Hajj, my wife informs me, without losing luggage, getting sick, or being tested in some other way. Similarly, we too will be be tested by Allah (swt) to prove the true intention of our journey.
Currently, I'm sitting next to an older Iraqi gentleman. Partially out of a desire to pass time, and partially out of a desire to engage with another person, I strike up a conversation with him. The man tells me he's originally from Najaf. Assuming he is Shi'a, but not willing to ask him directly, I decide to strategically reveal to him we're going to visit Sayyida Zainab (as) in Damascus, and then wait for his reaction. He asks if we are Shi'a, and as I tell him we are, he's delighted. "Welcome," he tells us with a beaming smile, "welcome." He says that if we would like to visit Najaf he can make arrangements for us. As he invites us so lovingly to his country, his generous offer reminds me of a brother from Iran who has coordinated much of the Iran portion of our trip. In this part of the world, hospitality and a sense of pride about one's homeland seem endemic; everyone seems so welcoming and wants to ensure that we have an enjoyable visit to their home country.
I'm now only a few hours away from meeting Sayyida Zaynab (as), whether I'm ready or not. I really feel inadequate going before this magnificent and grand personality who did so much for the sake of Islam and fulfilled her duties toward God so perfectly. What place does this weak, insignificant, and wretched creature have before such a lofty personality? Insha'Allah, my only hope is to be able to purify myself so that I come closer -- ever so slightly -- to this divine personality.
Already, ziyarat has been beset with challenges. Because we missed our initial flight, we had to argue with Air France officials to get our seats for this flight confirmed. Then, on the Houston to Paris flight, I had a splitting headache the entire time. Thankfully, my wife was able to assuage my pain and gave me a few tablets to suppress the symptoms. Of course, we fully expect our ziyarat trip to be wrought with difficulty, just as Hajj is often described by those lucky enough to make the journey. No one goes for Hajj, my wife informs me, without losing luggage, getting sick, or being tested in some other way. Similarly, we too will be be tested by Allah (swt) to prove the true intention of our journey.
Currently, I'm sitting next to an older Iraqi gentleman. Partially out of a desire to pass time, and partially out of a desire to engage with another person, I strike up a conversation with him. The man tells me he's originally from Najaf. Assuming he is Shi'a, but not willing to ask him directly, I decide to strategically reveal to him we're going to visit Sayyida Zainab (as) in Damascus, and then wait for his reaction. He asks if we are Shi'a, and as I tell him we are, he's delighted. "Welcome," he tells us with a beaming smile, "welcome." He says that if we would like to visit Najaf he can make arrangements for us. As he invites us so lovingly to his country, his generous offer reminds me of a brother from Iran who has coordinated much of the Iran portion of our trip. In this part of the world, hospitality and a sense of pride about one's homeland seem endemic; everyone seems so welcoming and wants to ensure that we have an enjoyable visit to their home country.
I'm now only a few hours away from meeting Sayyida Zaynab (as), whether I'm ready or not. I really feel inadequate going before this magnificent and grand personality who did so much for the sake of Islam and fulfilled her duties toward God so perfectly. What place does this weak, insignificant, and wretched creature have before such a lofty personality? Insha'Allah, my only hope is to be able to purify myself so that I come closer -- ever so slightly -- to this divine personality.
No comments:
Post a Comment