Let’s Pray

For the first time during Ramadan I was at the supermarket at the time of taraweeh prayers. It was empty.

At this time on any other day of the year it would be bustling with families and individuals doing their weekly shop, but there was barely anyone in sight.

I was really happy to see that. Why? Because for me this was an indication that other people had changed their routine in order to go to the mosque and worship during this month.

I was proved right (or at least there was more proof that that was the case) when a little after the prayers would normally finish people started flooding in to the shop to buy their groceries. I was happy.

Later that night, I headed to the mosque for the qiyam prayers. It was the eve of the 27th of Ramadan (a night which people believe the Night of Decree could fall) and the mosques were full. So much so, that I could not even open the door of one the women’s quarters as there were people praying in every corner.

I, along with other late comers (men and women) were forced to go elsewhere for prayers. I choose another mosque which was not too far away and where I knew prayers started half an hour later so I could secure a place.

The number of people at the mosque was amazing. But I wish it was maintained throughout Ramadan and not only on this one night.