Checking-Out
Mar 5th, 2010 by Abdul Ghani
The insistent ringing of the telephone brings me to an abrupt state of consciousness. I was just enjoying a peaceful afternoon with Sheikh Ibrahim on the Ain Sefra River. A small crystal bottle bobs up and down at the water’s surface. There is some writing on the bottle but I cannot read it. I turn to Sheikh Ibrahim to ask if he can decipher the inscription. His lips move but I cannot hear what he’s saying. The persistent ringing has taken me far from my dream. I answer the phone with a sigh of discontentment.
I replace the receiver and perform the noon prayer. It is almost time to check out. I reach for the beautiful set of prayer beads given to me by Imam Zafran. They feel at home in my hand. I sit quietly for a few minutes letting the wood move slowly between my thumb and finger. I thank Allah Most High for all that he has given me and I get ready to leave the room.
When I reach the reception desk I find that my bill has already been paid. I question the receptionist. He shrugs his shoulders as he walks over to the ringing phone. ‘Iban man,’ he says. ‘Iban man give money and go.’
Question after question run through my head. This is from Allah. Only He knows the answers. I can only assume that Nasir has been here and that Imam Zafran has something to do with it. May Allah the Almighty reward their kindness. May Allah keep us always under His Mercy. I look around the foyer. Rashimi is waiting by the doors. It is time to go.