Since the day I became conscious of my surroundings, I have been fascinated by Surah Al-Fatiha. It literally means “the opener”. It is said that the philosophy of this Surah is the key to unlocking the ideology of the Holy Quran. In addition to meaning, I like its flowing assonance. It is like someone striking your mind with a mesmerizing -ee- beat after constant intervals. It is short but comprehensive; like tightly woven silk.

The Prayer that appears in the beginning of this book is loosely inspired by Surah Al-Fatiha. It is not an exact translation but, if I may say so, I have tried to give it a similar feel. I do believe that, from a collective perspective, we have forgotten our way; in disarray we stray, and we need the lamp of a candid ray to guide us to our destination. I pray that, with His enlightenment, this book may become the guiding light that is so direly needed.

Prayer

We the weak forgot our way

In a forest faraway

Burnt and barren, gruesome grey

Wildered with the wilted hay

In a damnable dismay

In a decadent decay

In the wild a perfect prey

Wasted by the night and day

Neither status nor have say

In a disarray we stray

Sparse and scarce no place to stay

Wayward, labored be we may

But your Order we obey

Made of craven earthen clay

To His pedestal we pray

Who propriety portray

With your pulsing shall we sway

No beguile and no betray

With a sanctified display

Light the lamp of splendid ray

Not tomorrow but today

No deferment no delay

All our ailments do allay

Amen

Lamp of Candid Ray