The last 10 days of Ramadhan

Ramadhan has moved so fast. Already we are in the last 10 days of the month. A very important period of the already important month because this is when Lailatul Qadar make its appearance. Its a night that all muslims longed. Its also the time when muslims spent their time at the mosque, day and night. This practise is call Ittikaf.
This time around, I have decided to take leave from the 20th of Ramadhan onwards. I want to join the thousands of muslims all over the world - in search of Lailatul Qadar. I also want to spend time at the mosque, read the quran, pray during the last third of the night and give to the needy.
If only I manage to do half od what I planned to do, I'II be happy!

Days of Ramadhan

Usually my mother would wake me up for the morning 'sahur'. She had woken up much earlier to prepare for the food. Somehow she would just know what to put on the table. No matter that the time was, be it four or five in the morning, the food would still look inviting.
I started to observe the fast when I was about 7 years old. In fact I started earlier but only for half the day. Later it was for 3/4 day and soon, it was full day. By that time, fasting was already a routine.
Night time would be spent going to the mosque for the Isha and Tarawih prayer. The prayers would last till about 10pm after which we would have the 'more'. This would be food sponsored by someone or an organisation. Sometimes it was lavish i.e. 'nasi minyak' but sometimes it would be just bread and 'teh tarik'. This would depend on who was sponsoring for the night. When the mosque remained crowded even after the tarawih prayers, then we know it's 'nasi minyak' night.
After the food, we would have Tadarus, that is reading the Quran in small groups.
Usually by the time we reached home, it would be almost midnight.
Tired we may be but it was fun.

The days fly in Ramadhan

Time flies! Yes! Time actually flies. It seems just yesterday when Ramadhan came and all good muslim started their fast. Suddenly, its already a week into Ramadhan. I feel as if I have not even left the starting block. There were so many things I planned to do this Ramadhan. Increase the frequency of my non obligatory prayer, read the Quran more, read more religuous books, give money to the needy, say every prayer in congregation, go to the mosque, increase the night prayer etc. etc.
Have I done any of them? Maybe a bit but not enough! I need to do more. Need to pick up speed or Ramadhan will pass me by. Then its another Ramadhan gone to waste. I must not let it happen!