Veil of Truth

Chapter 17

One well-known narration attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) states:

"Whoever recites Surah Al-Waqiah at night will never experience poverty."
(Shu'ab al-Iman by Al-Bayhaqi)

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Amina opened her eyes at the sound of the alarm. It was 4:00 AM. A sharp pain coursed through her body, but she forced herself to stand up. With great effort, she grabbed her bag and dragged herself towards the room opposite Zayd's. As she passed by his door, her gaze lingered for a moment, her vision blurring with tears as memories of the night before rushed back. She quickly looked away and entered her own room.

She went inside the bathroom, after pulling her clothes from her bag. After freshening up, she came out and silently laid out her prayer mat. Kneeling in devotion, she prayed her Tahajjud, pouring her heart out to Allah. When she finished, she performed her Fajr prayer and, with a soft breath, recited Surah Yaseen, feeling a sense of peace settle in her soul. 

Amina entered the kitchen quietly, ready to prepare breakfast. Zayd, in his usual disdainful manner, had dismissed all the servants, leaving her to handle the work alone. By 7:30, she had finished cooking and neatly set the table.

Moments later, Zayd walked in, impeccably dressed in his office attire. His presence dominated the room, though his eyes never met hers. Without a word, he headed straight to the table.

Amina moved quickly, serving him the breakfast she had prepared. She stood quietly nearby, hoping for even the slightest acknowledgment. Instead, his voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"What now? Are you just going to stand there staring at me?" he snapped, his tone laced with irritation. "Get lost. Let me eat my breakfast in peace."

The harshness of his words made her flinch. Lowering her gaze, she murmured a soft "Sorry" before hurrying back to the kitchen. Her hands trembled as she gripped the counter, steadying herself.

After some time, she peeked out cautiously and saw that Zayd had gone. Letting out a breath of relief, she sat down at the table to finally eat her breakfast in peace.

Once finished, she dove into the long list of chores awaiting her. The hours blurred together as she scrubbed, cleaned, and tidied every corner of the house. By the time she was done, her body ached, and it was already time for the Zuhr prayer.

She performed wudu and laid out her prayer mat, seeking solace in her connection with Allah. The prayer gave her a moment of peace, but her exhaustion soon pulled her toward the bed. She sank into the mattress, falling into a much-needed nap.

When she woke up, the soft golden glow of the afternoon told her it was time for Asr. She prayed again, whispering her heartfelt pleas for strength and patience.

The hours until Maghrib passed in quiet zikr. With each whispered remembrance, her heart found a fragile sense of calm. At sunset, she prayed Maghrib.

After completing her Maghrib prayer, Amina sat on her prayer mat, her hands gently turning the pages of the Qur'an. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of her voice as she began to recite Surah Al-Waqiah.

Each verse flowed from her lips, filling the space with a serene and melodic rhythm. The words carried a weight of tranquility and hope, easing the ache in her heart. Amina found comfort in the promises of Allah, trusting that her efforts and prayers would not go unnoticed.

As she reached the end of the Surah, she closed the Qur'an with care, raising her hands in dua. With tears streaming down her face, she whispered, "Ya Allah, make me steadfast in my faith, ease my burdens, guide Zayd to Your light, and grant my parents a long and healthy life."