Genies

When we watch cartoons, images of genies from lamps or bottles are very common. Remember Aladdin?
And, I grew up thinking that genies were fictional - thanks to the media! Yet today, my understanding of genies is different. I believe in Allah's creations - humans, animals, devils, angels (malaikat) and genies. They all exist but we must understand their significance. Genies are very much like humans. They marry, they have offsprings and they have religion. The only complication is: they share the same world as us yet we can't see them. So, what do you do when you see the unseen?

I have never been a brave person. Since young, I have always been afraid of 'ghosts' and spirits. Being physically alone is scary but until today, I have never ever experienced any sightings. It can be rather funny because people around me have seen, heard and felt the presence of 'something'.

Last night, before falling asleep, Mr. D suddenly told me to recite some quranic verses. When I asked why, he told me to do it without questioning. I crept closer to him and slowly read the verses. I knew that he must have 'seen' something. The thing is, I don't think I dare ask him today.

Pause to reflect...

moonwalking or sleepwalking?

This is a tale of my second twin son. For now, I can't seem to think of a story more interesting than this tale of his. Here goes.

Some time last week, MrD and I were watching the TV. The kids had all gone to bed much earlier so the house was quiet. From the living room, we heard a faint sound of someone coughing and footsteps through the board floors. I asked MrD to check on the kids.

A few minutes later, MrD came running down the stairs, beckoning me to go upstairs. Why? What happened? He was leaping 3 steps at a time. "Hurry!"

My heart was racing by then. Was one of them sick? Did one of them vomit all over the bed? Was one of them bleeding? All the possibly bad things that could logically happen came to mind.

As I reached their room, Twin H was in his kopiah, performing his solah. The praying mat was correctly placed, heading the qiblah. I looked at MrD. "What is he doing?". MrD had a camera in his hand. Apparently, Twin H had gone to the loo to get his ablution done, adjusting the water taps : ensuring that the water flowing out of the mixture was not too hot and not too cold. When MrD asked what solah he was about to perform, he said "solat sunat". Oh, OK.

We waited for him to finish and also have his dua done. I asked, "H, H solat apa?" I sensed he wasn't really in a conscious state. He paused and replied, saying that it was his solat Isya'. "You didn't solat before going to bed?". He shook his head. I kissed him and tucked him back under his warm duvet. I reminded him to read his duas.

We left the room and burst into laughter downstairs! This wasn't the first time Twin H had done such thing. We've had him checking the window, sitting up straight, smiling, and of course, all the talking and shouting. But this was the ultimate! He had his face washed (don't forget the trouble adjusting the temperature of the water) and performed his prayers right up to the end.

The next morning, we asked Twin H whether he recalled what had happened. Obviously, he was sleepwalking and didn't remember a single thing. He thought we were pulling his leg, so MrD showed him the photo. He let out a chuckle. A nervous chuckle, I sensed. I told him that it was probably the malaikat who woke him up because he had forgotten to perform his Isya' prayers. He became frightened. The idea of being waken up by non-human was out of the world! It was too much for him to handle.

Still, it was a good experience because now Twin H hardly forgets his responsibility. Nope, he's never too sleepy for it now.Usually, Twin Z (Abang) is the more responsible and obedient one. And, he'd be the one nagging Twin H to hurry. Perhaps now he can relax.

pause to reflect: Do you sleepwalk?