Feeling Faith

Can I feel the faith I follow?

I persist every day in observing practices that give life to my soul and keep me connected to my Creator. I may waiver from time to time, but the rituals of remembrance including prayer and charity have become en-grained in my routine. I remain steady sensing the support of these pillars as the changing current of life passes through me. I am grateful recognizing this rare blessing but question how deeply I can feel my faith. Can I feel my faith arousing passion for God and softening my heart to tremble as I sum-mon or hear His name (8:2, 22:35)?

Can I readily forsake my bed to worship God out of reverence

and hope (32:16)? I peel from my sheets sluggishly just before sunrise simply to cross off an obligation and resume my peaceful slumber. I need to feel the excitement that springs me to my feet in anticipation of praising the Most Praiseworthy from the deepest sense of long-ing and respect. I want to feel this enthusiasm rejuvenating my resurrected soul from the weight of weariness or the worries of the day ahead. I need this feel-ing inspiring me every dawn to remain in meditation, treasuring to be among the witnessed recit-ing God’s revelations, implor-ing the Most Merciful for for-giveness, and continuing my glorification until the Lord of Daybreak fades the stars (3:17, 17:78, 51:18, 52:49). And when the same stars appear at night, I

must be eager to meditate once more to clear the troubles of my exhausted mind with the most beautiful names of my Lord (17:79). I need to feel the pres-ence of being seen by the Seer nourishing my soul in praise of God until the death of sleep prevents me from forsaking my bed (26:218).

Do I remember God or am I reverently conscious of my Lord (23:57)? I need to feel an un-ending awareness that breathes with awe, moving me to glorify God as I first rise in the morn-ing, during the light of His day as I seek His provisions, under His cover of night when I re-treat, and at last as I retire (30:17-18).

Cont’d on page 2