Conkers

On Sunday I returned from my trip to Brussels. The reason for going was a national spiritual gathering there on Saturday. After the last trip to Paris I was a little worried I’d be zoned out by the time we reached there and the gathering began, even though I’d attempted to get some extra sleep the day before to make up for all that I would lose on the journey. As it was, it turned out to be ok. We left early in the morning by coach and caught the ferry to Calais, then drove the rest of the way to Belgium. All in all around an 9 hour journey, arriving there around 8.30.

Once we got there we were immediately attended too. I was once again amazed (but not surprised) at how hospitable the fuqarah were. We freshened up, and were then hushed upstairs to a beautiful lunch. Then it was business as usual and we joined in the wadifa, everyone reading from a seperate juz (book) of the Qur’an so that by the end we would finish all the book. After a few hours those from England were whisked away again for dinner, which wasn’t lacking in any department either. Three courses, there was cous cous, rice, marinated roast chicken and cooked fruit and vegetables with some kind of curry. It was amazing how organised the whole thing was! Hundreds of people there, in relatively small building and things went as smooth as silk. Another thing that caught my eye (but again, not surprised by) was how far and wide people had travelled to get here. When a friend and I were eating we struck up a conversation with a brother from Rotterdam, who thankfully could speak a little English. I’m always left a little frustrated by my inability to communicate as much as I’d like when I’m abroad, and I was left wishing I’d payed more attention learning French at school. Luckily though I was saved; words couldn’t describe the atmosphere on that night. Even now looking back I can’t find a word befitting enough. It was beautiful. There is nothing better in this world than the worshipping of God, nothing more worthwhile. Especially when you are worshipping together, it just heightens the effect it has on you mentally. There was such strength of belief and such pure love that it could bring the hardiest man to tears.

So the gathering went on and the qasa’id (songs) were sung. A few years ago I would have joined in with these as I knew quite a few of them. But lets just say my voice isn’t what it once was! This was when the son and grandon of Sidi Hamza arrived. And they lit the place up. Emotions were let wild. It was beautiful. When the songs were sung and people were calmed down, someone gave a talk. This was when I fell asleep. It was pretty annoying. It wasn’t like I was the only one but I regret it now because I love listening to the talks. I guess at that time it was like 6am in the morning. Atleast I can get a video of the gathering off my friend. Anyway, after that it was the end. Everybody gave their farewells and left to wherever they came from. We got straight onto the coach and left for England. No sleep or anything.

S o here I am back at home. I woke up this morning at 2PM. =P I just hope I can keep up the momentum this trip gave me and try and get rid of some of the bad feelings I harbour from day to day. I want to become a better person and I know this is the way forward. I know I’ve said this before and havent delivered, but I’ll try and upload some photo’s from the trip. Not particularly proud of them though.

In other news, Spain won the Euros! I’m happy for them. Actually I’m happy for anyone who beats the Germans. Right on! Now to wait for the Premiership season to begin.

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