We sat around the table, my daughter, son and me
Shall I tell you a new story?
They both chorused, No! Let me. Let me.
Hmm...I responded. Let's play a guessing game instead
We'll take turns describing favorite heroes
And then guess who they could be.

My hero was a great leader and fought bravely in each battle.
My hero washed his clothes with no complaint and was kind to all he met.
What a coincidence I said because my hero did both of these.
Son said his hero was the greatest teacher the world had ever known.
Daughter giggled and said her hero and his wife played racing games.
How amazing I exclaimed because my hero did both of these.

A dark cloud in the sky followed my hero when he was just a boy.
Daughter claimed her hero became a great trader while working for his wife.
Oh, my! this is astounding because my hero did both of these.
Son scratched his head while thinking hard...not willing to give up.
Daughter twirled her braid and thought aloud who can Mom's hero be?
I smiled knowingly at both of them and waited patiently.

Son grinned broadly and then announced importantly
My hero never told a lie and taught Muslims how to pray.
Daughter said her hero could top that. Son said there was no way.
My hero talked to Allah's Angel she declared dramatically.
My goodness I said with wonder because my hero did both of these!
At this point my children protested. You haven't told us anything!

So I declared my hero left his Sunnah for all mankind to understand.
He recited each of Allah's Words in our most honored Qur'an.
I know! I know! Both clamored wildly waving hands at me.
Your hero is our hero they exclaimed excitedly.
They had solved the guessing game and were bursting with their glee.
Our hero is the Last Prophet, Muhammad, the most Trusted and Praiseworthy.

 

Linda's poem won first place in the Praise the Prophet International Poetry Competition sponsored by IslamicPoetry.org.

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