At Imam Zafran’s
Jan 1st, 2010 by Abdul Ghani
I stride the boardwalk by the lagoon and remind myself that everything is from Allah. I must be satisfied with the station wherein God has placed me. I reflect on Sheikh Ebrahim’s wise words on tawakul or putting all one’s trust in Allah. I walk with these thoughts until I reach the Golden Gate.
I arrive to find Imam Zafran standing by the door to the surau, welcoming all who enter. He is a man of great wisdom, honour and intellectual integrity. He is held in high esteem by all who are fortunate enough to know him. He gestures towards the auspicious straw mats that cover a large area of the room and the men sit down slowly and quietly in what appears to be seiza style. I observe their etiquettes with interest and kneel onto the mat using similar mannerisms.
A silent hush fills the room as Imam Zafran sends blessings on the Prophet Muhammad, Allah bless him and give him peace. His voice resonates off the walls and the ceiling filling every corner of the room. A plate is placed on some smouldering coals and some fragrant aloeswood is placed on the plate. The wood gives off a nostalgic fragrance that transports me to the foothills of Assam. I recall the brother in the zawiya who had swiped my wrist with the Oud that had once been in the hands of a Malaysian Prince. I cast my eyes toward Sheikh Zafran, who nods his head with the reassurance I’ve become accustomed to.
‘O Allah, perfume his noble grave with the fragrant scent of blessings and peace…’
The congregation raise their hands in unison and a chorus of ‘Amins’ permeates the air engulfing those surrounding us. I find myself walking through the colourful markets of Burma with Zainab’s necklace wrapped around my wrist. It is early morning and I walk past endless shops with my ‘lucky money’ tucked away in my back pack…
Another silent hush fills the room and Imam Zafran asks me to begin the story of my journey.