Ramadhan: 
In the bitter sweetness of our nights. 
by Maliha Balala

 
The blessings we can’t simply recount  
The beauty we can not begin to announce 
Hearts wrapped in the Mercy of the Divine 
Senses controlled 
Desires kept in line 
It’s more than just a fast 
The embodiment of an essence 
That ever lasts 
 
The canvas of the night 
Paints all our prayers 
The depth of our calls 
Whispering hopes and fears 
Winds of Mercy dampening 
All our tears 
 
Hardened hearts caved in 
Remembrance of all  
Grotesque sins 
Bleeding till dawn  
Weeping  
Forlorn 
Tasting the bitter sweetness 
Of an Iman forgone. 
 
We pray in the solitude of 
Our secure nights 
While true Mujahideen 
Are fighting for survival rights 
Reminiscing past victories 
From Badr to Al Quds 
Praises of Allah on their lips 
They keep marching through 
The revolving doors 
Of repeating histories 
 
Bleeding till dawn 
Weeping 
Forlorn 
Tasting the bitter sweetness 
Of Martyrdom so strong 
Fragrances of Jannah  
Whispering “Home  
Sweet Home”. 
  
 The canvas of the night 
Paints all our prayers 
The winds of His Mercy 
Cradle our Hopes and 
Fears 
 
Auspicious days go by  
Before we know the  
Month has run dry 
Tears creep in the softness 
Of My sheets 
Have I fulfilled my part? 
Oh sweet Ramadhan 
Will I witness your  
Sacredness again 
Before my soul this 
Earthly body departs? 
Time waits for no one 
She is so hard to keep 
I hold this moment close 
As my soul begins to  
Weep 
 
For the sadness of our 
State 
For my brothers and 
Sisters dying  
For their faith 
For remembrances of  
His Grace 
For dying to submit 
Before death claims our 
Fate 
 
It’s the month of surrender 
The days to return 
Bleeding till dawn 
Weeping 
Forlorn 
Tasting the bitter sweetness 
Of a Ramadhan 
That tarries but a moment 
Before like yesterday's fleeting breeze 
She is finally gone.