Strong people never put others down!

🌈 1326 – Friday, 14 March 2025 23:50

Hyderabad

The Mehfil around me had just ended, much like when Emperor Akbar once ordered Taqliya (silence) centuries ago. The lively atmosphere faded, leaving behind only quiet thoughts.

Writing this the next morning, I finally got thirty minutes to myself—after making carrot juice for my mother, tidying her room, and then cleaning up the penthouse. By the time I sat down to write about the previous day, I had already spent most of those minutes scrolling through random things instead. Maybe it wasn’t the most productive way to spend my time, but at least it felt like I was doing something for myself. But for what purpose? Should I use this time to learn something new, finish the course I started, or just write things that may not matter to anyone but me?

Either way, here I am, writing about my Friday on this planet Earth. “Hello, Earth. Thank you for having me, for the air I breathe, for my family and the people around me.”

Yesterday was a Friday in March, likely the 14th fast of Ramadan. I hadn’t missed any so far. It reminded me of family gatherings, where elders would ask the same questions: “How’s your studies going? Have you finished university? Got a job yet?” And when all those milestones were checked off, the final, most important question would come: “How many fasts have you missed this year?” When the answer was “none,” their joy would surpass everything else. There’s a unique pride in fasting, a deep connection to faith.

To everyone fasting today, I send my love and blessings.

At 12:30, my father, brother, and I went to our ancestral mosque, Jamia Masjid Ek Minar Qutub Shahi in Uppal, for Jumma Salah. The old grandeur was gone, but we followed the crowd, prayed, and made our way back under the scorching 37-degree Hyderabad sun. On our way home, we stopped at a furniture store to look for a desk for my parents’ living room—a place where I could sit, work, and watch over my mother as her 8th Chemo is approaching on next Tuesday. With my return to England approaching, now was the time to take care of these things. We found a good option but decided to check the measurements at home before ordering.

After Zohr, the entire household took a nap – everyone was fasting, and the afternoon heat made rest almost necessary. A siesta, as they call it in Spain, from the Latin word “sexta,” meaning the sixth hour of daylight.

Later in the afternoon, I had a meaningful conversation with a friend. We spoke about the future, about how quickly people move on. That was the lesson of the day – nothing is permanent. Time passes, seasons change, and everyone walks their path. “Spring is coming in London,” my friend reminded me. “We’re all learning as we go. The important thing is to keep moving forward.”

Yes, seasons change for a reason. And time has a way of healing all things.

At 18:15, the fruits were cut, and by 18:35, we broke our fast, followed by Maghrib Salah. Dinner was simple but satisfying – Chukke ke Bhaji and Kaddu ka Dalcha. At 20:25, we left for Ek Minar again for Isha and Tarawih prayers. We prayed eight rak’ahs before heading to Pista House for Irani chai. After that, a quick stop at Master Chef for a paan, then back home.

The day ended with a paan in hand and my brother by my side.

Around the rest of the world today

• Russia still invading Ukraine – Today a U.S. envoy and the Russian leader discussed a 30-day ceasefire proposal, with tentative support expressed but a request for further details.

• War in the Middle East – Today the United States proposed a “bridge” plan to extend the current Gaza ceasefire through April, encompassing Ramadan and Passover, aiming for a permanent cessation of hostilities. This proposal includes the immediate release of a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen.

• It is predicted that within 3 to 6 months, AI would be capable of writing 90% of software code, potentially leading to AI generating all code within a year.

Three things I’m Grateful for today!

• Grateful to be safe and far from any conflict or war zones.
• Grateful for my little family—all together—and for a friend I chatted with this evening who shared kind words.
• Grateful for the weather. It’s hot, but no complaints.

Now, what would it take for you and me to wake up tomorrow feeling ten times stronger, muscular, more energized, confident, and happier? To start the day with push-ups, everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around us then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?

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Goodnight & good luck!

— Ash Khaleem