Scene 1: A Moment of Forgetfulness
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the teachers' staff room as Maryam sat alone, feeling drained from the long day. The usual chatter among teachers was absent—most had left for their classrooms or for their break.
She sighed, her throat parched. Her body was still recovering from illness, and the fatigue had left her feeling weaker than usual. Absentmindedly, she stood up from her chair, walked to the small water dispenser in the corner, and filled a glass.
The cool refreshing sensation of the water as it touched her lips was instant relief. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, gulping down the entire glass in a few seconds.
And then—it hit her.
Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the empty glass in her hand.
"Ya Allah… what did I just do?"
A sudden wave of panic gripped her chest. She clutched the glass tightly, her heart pounding.
"I was fasting!"
Her breathing became shallow, and she felt dizzy with fear. The weight of what she had done sank deep into her heart.
"Did I break my fast? Was it invalid now? Did I just commit a sin?"
The rest of the school day became a blur. She couldn't focus on teaching, her mind haunted by her mistake. Guilt consumed her, making every passing moment heavier.
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Scene 2: Ayesha Notices Something Wrong
The school day finally ended, and Maryam dragged herself home, still lost in thought.
As she entered the house, Ayesha immediately noticed her pale face and troubled expression.
"Maryam, what's wrong?" Ayesha asked, concern evident in her voice. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Maryam hesitated, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing," she whispered before walking toward her room.
But Ayesha wasn't convinced. She watched Maryam's stiff posture and the way her hands trembled slightly. Something was definitely wrong.
Ayesha followed her and knocked gently on her bedroom door before stepping in.
Maryam was sitting on the edge of her bed, her head buried in her hands, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Maryam," Ayesha said softly, sitting beside her. "Tell me what's bothering you."
Maryam sniffled, wiping her tears, then finally looked up at Ayesha with eyes full of regret.
"In school today… I drank a glass of water," she admitted in a shaky voice.
Ayesha frowned, confused. "But… what's the problem in that?"
Maryam took a deep breath and exhaled. "I forgot… that I was fasting."
Ayesha immediately understood. She placed a comforting hand on Maryam's shoulder.
"So that's why you're so upset."
Maryam nodded quickly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I committed a sin. I was so focused on my thirst that I completely forgot. Did I break my fast? Do I have to make it up later? I don't know what to do."
Ayesha smiled gently. "Maryam, listen to me carefully. You did not break your fast."
Maryam blinked in surprise. "What? But I drank water!"
Ayesha nodded. "Yes, but it was unintentional. And in Islam, if someone eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, their fast remains valid."
Maryam's eyes widened with hope. "Really? Are you sure?"
Ayesha nodded firmly. "Absolutely. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in a hadith:
'If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6669, Sahih Muslim 1155)
"This means that Allah, in His infinite mercy, has excused those who make genuine mistakes while fasting. Since you didn't do it on purpose, your fast is still valid."
Maryam felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Relief flooded her heart, and her lips quivered with gratitude.
"Alhamdulillah," she whispered, her tears now of thankfulness rather than guilt.
Ayesha smiled warmly. "See? You had nothing to worry about. But next time, try to be a little more mindful."
Maryam nodded quickly, wiping her tears. "I promise, I will."
Ayesha playfully nudged her. "Good. Now, stop crying, or I'll start crying too!"
Maryam let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "You always know how to make me feel better."
"That's what sisters are for," Ayesha said with a wink.
The two women hugged tightly, their bond strengthened by faith and understanding.
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Scene 3: Renewed Determination
That evening, as Maryam sat at the dining table preparing for Iftar, she reflected on the lesson she had learned.
"Islam is truly a religion of mercy. Allah knows our weaknesses, and He forgives our unintentional mistakes."
As the call for Maghrib prayer echoed through the house, Maryam smiled peacefully and made a heartfelt dua:
"Ya Allah, thank You for Your endless mercy. Guide me to be more mindful and strengthen my faith with each passing day."
She broke her fast with renewed gratitude, feeling closer to her Creator than ever before.
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