Words flowing out like rain... from my overwhelmed brain

The Optus countdown timer that comes up when you type 'HSC Countdown' in Google tells me I have 36 days 18 hours 58 minutes and 33.. 32.. 31 (this is really scary) seconds left. Signing in to Facebook frequently reminds me that there are 19.. 18.. 17 days till the end of school. I have been telling myself that HSC is 'just a stepping stone to the rest of this life' - Ms Ackers' words of advice. I also realise that there are more important things in life, like having a good character and a strong personality. Yet, when all those reminders constantly hover on my face, its a little hard to do so. UMAT results should be coming out soon and deadlines for university application forms and scholarship forms are getting closer. I feel so overwhelmed by it all. I wish life would slow down a tad bit so that I can catch up.

In the midst of it all, Ramadan is passing incredibly fast. Today is already the 21st day and it feels like it only started. Eid would be on the Sunday or the Monday week. Before that, one of these days, contains the most blessed night of the year. I really hope I can get it. It's a chance to wipe the slate clean and start all over again. Maybe that'll be the night that'll speed me up so that I can keep up with life. My heart has long turned back towards the nitty gritties of the world, so the result of all the hard work to become a better person is slowly disintegrating. In the beginning of Ramadan, I felt that my perceptions are clearing. I could see this life on a holistic level and place all the pieces in their right places. I had my priorities set clearly and I attempted to stick to them. But right now, I feel far, far away from that peaceful place. I'm sinking again.

I think we are getting closer to the end. One of the signs is that days seem shorter and shorter because there are so many things to do. This is quite clearly evident. Here are some more:

Qiyamah will come when...

Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (R.A.) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhii Wassallam) said, "Qiyamah will come...

When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions. (quite obvious, no?)

When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy. (people say this is the rule of the world!)

When it will be hot in winter. (I think we experienced it quite frequently this winter here in Australia)

When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours. (and it still seems so long!)

When orators and lecturers lie openly.

When people dispute over petty issues.

When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring.

When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day.

When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.

When lies prevail over the truth.

When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.

When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.

When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat.

When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).

The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (R.A.) when he inquired from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) about the Signs of Qiyamah. (The current world is unfortunate to have met all the requirements!

Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.

People will indulge in homosexuality.

There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.

There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back- biters and taunters in society.

People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones.

Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.

The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance.

The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.

Gangsters and evil people will prevail.

Various wines will be consumed excessively.

I don't know how many of the 6,706,993,152 people in our world read my blog, or believe in what I say. We have become so cynical that it is almost impossible to just 'believe'. I wish things would change. I wish I was different. Different and strong.