Soulie Saturday #10: Ramzan Special... Noor (Makkah 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.