Scene 1: The Early Morning Preparation
The air was still and quiet, the world wrapped in the darkness of pre-dawn. But inside Ayesha's home, soft clattering and the gentle sound of a simmering pot filled the kitchen.
Maryam, too excited to sleep, had woken up much earlier than everyone else. She had tied her hair into a neat bun, wrapped an apron around herself, and was busy chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and setting plates.
"This is my first Suhoor," she whispered to herself, smiling. "I want it to be perfect."
She had carefully prepared a spread—omelets, parathas, fresh fruit, yogurt, and dates. The aroma of spiced tea filled the kitchen. Just as she was about to take out the glasses, she heard soft footsteps behind her.
"Maryam?" Ayesha's sleepy voice broke the silence. She stood in the doorway, rubbing her eyes. "What are you doing so early?"
Maryam turned around with a beaming smile. "I thought I'd cook for everyone today. It's my first Ramadan, and I want to make this Suhoor special!"
Ayesha chuckled and walked toward the counter, taking in the delicious spread. "Maryam, you really didn't have to do all this. But mashAllah, this looks amazing."
"I wanted to!" Maryam insisted. "You've done so much for me. This is my way of showing my gratitude."
Ayesha patted her shoulder. "JazakAllah khair, my dear. Now, let me help you set the table."
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Scene 2: A Young Heart's Desire
As Ayesha and Maryam carried the dishes to the dining table, they heard a small yawn behind them.
It was Khadija, standing in the hallway in her pink pajamas, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She walked toward the table and looked at the food in amazement.
"Wow! Everything looks so yummy!" she said, sitting down on one of the chairs. She looked up at her mother with big, eager eyes. "Mama, I want to fast today!"
Ayesha smiled but shook her head gently. "Khadija, you're still too young for fasting, my love. You don't have to do it yet."
Khadija pouted. "But I want to try! I can do it, I promise!"
Maryam laughed softly. "How about this? You can wake up for Suhoor and eat with us, just like a big girl. Then, you can try fasting for a few hours in the morning. When you feel hungry, you can eat. That way, you can practice little by little."
Khadija's eyes lit up. "Really? Can I?"
Ayesha nodded. "Yes, but only for a few hours, okay? You'll have to wait until you're older to fast for the whole day."
Khadija clapped her hands in excitement. "Yay! I'm fasting!"
Everyone chuckled at her enthusiasm as they took their seats.
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Scene 3: Suhoor and Reflection
The family gathered around the dining table, and Ubaid joined them, smiling as he saw the food. "Maryam, did you make all of this?"
Maryam nodded shyly. "Yes, I wanted to do something special."
"MashAllah," Ubaid said. "This reminds me of my childhood back in Karachi. Ramadan mornings were always filled with the smell of cooking and the warmth of family."
As they began eating, the conversation turned to Ramadan memories and reflections.
"Ramadan is not just about fasting," Ubaid said. "It's about patience, self-discipline, and drawing closer to Allah."
Maryam listened intently. She had read about this, but hearing it firsthand from practicing Muslims made it even more profound.
Ayesha turned to her. "Maryam, do you know what the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said about Suhoor?"
Maryam shook her head.
"He said, 'Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is a blessing.' Even a small bite or a sip of water before dawn carries immense barakah."
Maryam smiled. "That makes it even more special."
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Scene 4: The Final Moments Before Fajr
As the clock neared 4:45 AM, Ayesha reminded everyone, "Ten minutes left until Fajr Adhan. Time to finish up."
The family hurriedly took their last bites and drank water to keep hydrated for the long fasting hours ahead. Maryam ate a date and took a sip of water, feeling a deep sense of gratitude.
"Alhamdulillah," she whispered, placing her hands together.
At exactly 4:55 AM, the melodious call to prayer echoed from the nearby mosque.
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar..."
Ayesha and Maryam cleared the table quickly, preparing for Fajr Salah.
"Maryam, are you ready for your first fast?" Ayesha asked with a smile.
Maryam took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. And I pray that Allah makes it easy for me."
Ayesha placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "InshAllah, He will. Ramadan is about effort, not perfection. You've already begun beautifully."
As they stood for Fajr prayer, Maryam felt a deep sense of peace and belonging. This was a new beginning—a spiritual journey she was eager to embrace.
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