Soulie Saturday #10: Ramzan Special... Noor (Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad)


A man praying at Jama Masjid, Hyderabad
A man bowing down in prayer at Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad.

O, traveller:
What do you see?

That which fits in your barricaded frame,
That person is not me.

O, traveller:
Step away from your point of focus
And come across.
Strip off your baggage of name and fame
Let all these go for a huge toss.

O, traveller:
Come, come and sit beside me.
The world is real
At the place where I kneel.
Close your eyes
don’t see, just feel.

O, traveller:
Here time ticks as a blessing
The earth joins in the caressing.
All the wounds open and heal
The Noor glows ---
beyond all the lurking shadows
the essence of His presence flows.
Our truth, this joy ---
no one can steal

O, traveller:
What do you see?

That which fits in His frame
of immaculate mystery,

That person is me.

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I clicked this image while wandering in the premises of Makkah Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, Telangana (one of the largest in India) and a prominent landmark of the city along with the magnificent monument of Char Minar and other landmarks like Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar standing close by. The place is so called because the bricks used in the building of the central arch of the mosque are from the soil brought from Mecca, the most revered site of Islam, thus giving the mosque its name. Like a shining jewel in a crown, the mosque formed the central point around which an entire city was planned by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

This was some sort of a praying room inside the masjid with hardly a couple of people inside. I had wanted to go in the room but an elderly gentleman standing there indicated to me that it isn't allowed. May be it was about to be closed? Since he was communicating in the local language Hyderabadi which I couldn't decipher, I couldn't ask any further but I was happy and satisfied nevertheless soaking in the peaceful vibe of the place, seeing this lone man praying and taking this picture.

It's a blessed feeling writing this soulie today... as one of the most auspicious festivals of the Muslims, the fasting month of Ramzan (also Ramadan) is going on right now with its culmination in Eid Al - Fitr just a day away. A revered moment I was a part of, way back in 2013... today feels like coming alive again.

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Be a part of #Soulie!

A Soul Selfie series or '#Soulie' aiming to meaningfully strengthen my personal connect with my Father, God (you may choose to call Him by any name you like, as long as the reference and more importantly, the essence is retained) by peeping within my own heart — collecting your prayers and feelings too as you discover the world – and jotting them down on paper. It’s a spiritual exploration of that which is Unseen and a celebration of that Ultimate sacred space we yearn for - within and without - and the riches we carry in our own hearts. Do take part and share with My Yatra Diary... a piece of your heart.

Here are things you can do if you want to join in.

1. Send me one picture clicked by you and a few lines by your heart on how that captured moment makes you relate with that Someone Higher in your life in a more meaningful and healthy way.

Post a Comment

16 Comments

  1. A different kind of post, I was able to get into that connect mode too. Good luck with this journey...hope many participate!

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  2. Well depicted! Beautiful indeed

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  3. Beautiful! each and every word of the poem. Also a beautiful picture.

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  4. Beautiful capture and wonderful verse! Perfect for the season too!

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  5. Nice post! it is just awesome.I am regular reader of your blog.

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  6. Such a beautiful and profound poem, Arti. It touched me to the core.
    I loved reading this post.

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  7. Never knew that the soil for the brick was brought from Mecca.

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  8. Loved reading this and connection with higher gives a good feeling!

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  9. What a lovely feeling indeed, Arti. To be alone with God, to speak to Him however you want without the fear of being judged, to just be your authentic self since nobody is around.

    Lovely photograph indeed!

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  10. I loved the picture as it speaks volumes about one's belief and a feeling that's very personal. Also, a beautiful poem to go with the picture.

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  11. Soulie is a nice initiative. :) A good idea.

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  12. Lovely post with some great poetry at the top!

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  13. nice post, I don't know much about indiä.
    I tought it was all Hinduism and arranged marriages.
    now I know islam is a big religion to there.
    btw, nice poem

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