The Morning Salat

"Just a Sliver of Promise Shy of Being Full"

It was still dark, only the babies sleeping, when the villagers of Ein Hod prepared to perform the morning salat, the first of five daily prayers. The moon hung low, like a buckle fastening earth and sky, just a sliver of promise shy of being full. Waking limbs stretched, water spashed away sleep, hopeful eyes widened, Wudu, the ritual cleansing before salat, sent murmurs of the shehadeh into the morning fog, as hundreds of whispers proclaimed the oneness of Allah and service to his prophet Mohammad. Today they prayed outdoors and with particular reverence because it was the start of the olive harvest. Best to climb the rocky hills with a clean conscience in such an important occasion.

Thus and so, by the predawn orchestra of small lives, crickets and stirring birds - and soon, roosters- the villagers cast moon shadows from their prayers rugs. Most simply asked for forgiveness of their sins, some prayed an extra rukaa. In one way of another, each said, "My lord Allah let Your will be done this day. My submission and gratitude is Yours," before setting off westward toward the groves, stepping high to avoid the snags of cactus.

-from Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa