Islamically Ever After

Chapter Fourteen

• Bismillahirahmanalrahim •

Please if you guys haven't prayed yet make sure you stop reading, pray and return. This story can wait but Allah (swt) only knows that time doesn't.

Just a little challenge for you guys, if you don't mind...choose one aspect of the book and try to implement it into your life, that way you and I both benefit inshallah. In the comments, please, let me know what that aspect is (whether the patience of Yusuf or the wisdom of Ihsan) because I honestly love hearing/reading what you guys have to say. Jazakallahukheiran!

Enjoy reading and May Allah (swt) grant all those reading this firdous.

Salams,
Your Sister In Islam

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Yusufs POV
We drove for what seemed like years on the freeway, the sky above painted in darkness. I was beginning to get a little nervous as each time I tried talking to Amo Abdullah he didn't answer. Like father, like daughter I guess.

Suddenly the car took a sudden jerk and we landed in what seemed to be a hilltop overlooking a spectacular landscape. Below I could see the ocean on my right and the city skyline on my left. I exited the car in some sort of trance and breathed in the clean, fresh air. This place was amazing, Subhanallah! I couldn't help but fall into prostration at the beauty that surrounded me. I let my heart sing out in awe and humility to my Lord. Ya Allah! Truly you are magnificent and I am nothing but a hopeful sinner, begging for your mercy.

After rising from prostration, my eyes scanned the perimeters searching for Amo Abdullah. I found him laying down on the grass further down the hill.

After joining him, a silent moment of understanding passed between us and I was no longer nervous, I knew I had Allah (swt) by my side. "I take it you like this place?" He began softly. "Yeah, Mashallah it's breathtaking" I replied.
"You know Yusuf, not many kids your age would do sajdat al shukr (prostration of thanks/gratitude). You're a special kid son"
"Um..Jazakallahukheiran Amo. It's not me though, Hamdilah my parents gave me a proper upbringing and Allah (swt) always guides me" I replied bash fully. What can I say? I don't like compliments.

"Waiyakkum Habibi. And humble, I like that."
Silence blanketed us as we lay on the long wispy grass, staring at the stars, each immersed in their own thoughts.
"Yusuf"
"Yes Amo?"
"Listen son. I brought you here for a reason and in case you're wondering, I've informed your dad. Ihsan is my only daughter and she's my little Fatima (the prophet's (saw) favourite daughter). I love her with all my heart and I would die for her in a heartbeat. But the problem with raising girls is that their really not yours to keep. One day the have to leave, taking a piece of your heart with them. You may not understand this now, but you will inshallah when you have a daughter. I fear that this day is near for my little Ihsan. Subhanallah it seems like yesterday she was trying to stick us together with sticky tape, claiming that she never wanted to leave me. And yet here you are. Ihsan isn't overly sensitive, but she has feelings and those feelings can get hurt sometimes to things that others might consider a 'joke.' Don't tease her or call her names, because she doesn't find that funny. Although she may seem like a little soldier, she has the softest heart. Be kind, gentle and loving to her. Trust me, after 22 years of marriage I know these things. The key to a woman's heart is love and the key to a man's heart is respect. Understand that roughness and pushing her away won't help, trust me. Listen to her talk and don't necessarily try to solve her problems. Just listen to her. Hug her and protect her. AFTER marriage that is young man. For years Ihsan has been the one I turned to and we have a very special connection. If I have to give her away I'm glad that it's to someone like you. But I warn you Yusuf, if you hurt her, I will hurt you in ways you could never imagine. Marriage isn't easy and there will be challenges but you need to have patience and communicate. Communication is the key. I won't always be around and I want to leave her in safe hands. Take care of her Yusuf. Love her. Cherish her. Protect her. And most importantly, get her to jannah please. I'm trusting you with a piece of my soul. Don't let me down Yusuf. Don't let me down" he finished and I was very close to tears.
Subhanallah, I now realise that I haven't fully understood the extent of their relationship. It sounded like my relationship with my mum and I could definitely understand where he was coming from. I only prayed that I was worthy of this responsibility.

"Amo I will do all I can in my power to protect her, love her and take her to jannah inshallah. I ask Allah (swt) that I can uphold this responsibly and that I able to be from the best of men, those who are best to their wives as the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said." I replied, still in awe at the love and dedication of the man beside me. "I can only hope that I can love and care for my family as you do for yours Amo" I continued.

"Good answer Habibi. Well I've said all I want and I want you to remember this well. Do you want to get going or stay a little more?" He questioned
"Let's stay a little longer. I like this, if that's alright with you."
"Sure Habibi."
And with that we camped there for the night, exchanging stories of childhood, work and life in general. After praying fajr we started the journey back home.

Amo Abdullah dropped me off home
and I tip toed in, trying not to wake anyone up. Suddenly I felt an immersing weight and reflexes kicked it as I tried to steady my balance. "Yusuf!" the weight exclaimed and I recognised the voice of my dear mother. "Mama" I replied and the rest of the morning was spent with two cups of coffee, mama's homemade biscuits and a detailed recount of the nights events. And as I lay in her arms, reminiscing my childhood, her hands running through my hair I couldn't help but feel inexplicably happy. Alhamdulilah.