Until I Met You ✔️.

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NAEEM.
Algiers, Algeria.

After Aman showed me the men's area, I met up with a brother named Abubakr, who showed me around the masjid and explained everything I had problems understanding. By the time we were done, we'd already become friends.

He's a good man. Masha Allah says he got married young, works in a law firm, and spends his free time with his family or here in the masjid. "But how did you cope? Getting married at nineteen sounds like you had too much on your plate," I ask, genuinely interested in how he managed it all.

"Well, it was too much at first, but then things got better; I was already working with my father on some minor projects of his while still going to university, and Alhamdulillah, my wife isn't the type who has too much needs, Masha Allah."

"By the time I was twenty-four, I was done with university and had already secured a good job, and then my wife gave me the most wonderful news: I was going to be a dad. And now, at twenty-seven, I have no regrets." He explains with a smile on his face.

"Allahumma barik, I'm glad things worked out for you," I say sincerely. "Thanks, man. Just know that when you set your mind on something and pray to Allah for strength and guidance, then in shaa Allah things will be alright." He says, and I nod, agreeing with what he said.

After praying Magrib in the masjid, I walk back home to break my fast. Aamir called to ask me how everything went, and I've never been glad that I agreed to help. The children are all amazing, Mashaa Allah.

After dinner, I take a quick shower before leaving the house with my father for Taraweeh. "Assalamu alaikum, Naeem," Aamir greets. "Waalikumus salam, Akhi," I reply, hugging him. "Abubakr was telling me you two met; bro likes you already, Masha Allah," he chuckles, shaking his head and making me smile too.



"Alhamdulillah, he's a really good man. I enjoyed talking to him too." I say, "Come meet my father; he's been asking about you since you led the prayers yesterday," he says dragging me towards the parking lot.

"Assalamu alaikum, Baba, nice to see you," I greet, bowing my head a bit. "Alaikumus salam habibi, come give me a hug; it's been long since I've seen you," he smiles, opening his arms, which I gladly walk into.

We talk some more before Abi starts calling my phone. "I have to go; Abi is calling me; I think he's ready to go," I explain. "Say salam to him for me, will you?" Oncle Aaban says, "Insha'Allah," to which I reply as I walk towards our car.

On the way home, Abi asks me about Aamir, and I tell him he's fine. "We should invite them to Iftar; I'm sure they'd love to come," he says, and I nod.

"Your mom and I spoke earlier, and she spoke to me about finding a girl for you, but I wanted to talk to you first." I sigh inwardly and nod. "Yes, Abi, she has been trying to get me to agree to meet some sisters, but I'm not exactly ready for that now." I explain.

"That's fine; I just wanted to let you know that I'm always here, and if you do have someone in mind, do tell me so we can discuss how to get things done the halal way," he says. "Thanks for understanding, Abi."

When we get home, I retire early to read a few pages of the Qur'an before bed. And suddenly, a certain hijabi pops up in my head. I blink a few times, as if that would rid my brain of her.

I don't even know her. Well, I do know her, but not in a way that I'd be interested in getting to know her more. For Allah's sake, she's my friend's baby sister. I wouldn't want someone to think of my sister in any way, but here I am thinking of another person's sister.

It's too early for whatever game my head is trying to play. Sighing, I close the Qur'an and make du'a for Allah to choose whats best for me, then climb my bed to catch up on some sleep before I wake up for sahoor.

Salam lovelies!!
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