-- In Sawale --
New Year, Kajupada Pipeline (6.77 Miles) -- 01/03/26
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Friday 01/02/2026, 12 Rajab 1447 -- Back
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Powai Plaza - Central - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:39:35
Mileage: 4.04 Miles - 6.51 Km
Pace: 9'47"/mile - 6'04"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 69.5 kg - 153.2 lbsWe are waken up by patakes at midnight, and come out of the tent. Thankfully, there has been no loud music at all this year!! Gulzar insists on drinking warm tea. I eventually go back to sleep, but wake up at 4am to the sound of some song outside, thinking it is some reveler after all, but extending my arm, find the tent empty. It's her outside listening to her phone. She has not slept since midnight.
After some hesitation, we confirm our departure for today. I thought it would be smart to leave on New Year's day itself (surmising most people would stay over the weekend), but this severely fails. We stay incredibly stuck in a monster trafic jam, as the passage of Karjat takes forever, the police diverting traffic through small roads, we are blocked for an insanely long time. That said, I am still happy to return home, and make the drive fine.
Back home this morning, after Surat Yaseen in Namaaz, running is particularly excellent, easy, free-flowing. But I hold back on the distance, keeping some energy for tomorrow. Gulzar, who had slept little on New Year's eve, is still sleeping when I return. Later, I return to Masjid al-Husainya for Namaaz. The beggars are still forbidden by the police, I meet some of them later in the street.
37th reading Fajr Surat al-An'aam till end; Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 94.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/03/2026, 13 Rajab 1447 -- Kajupada Pipeline
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Saki Naka - 90 Ft Road - Kajupada Pipeline - Kale Marg - LBS - Jogging Track - Bhatwadi short - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:07:07
Mileage: 6.77 Miles - 10.9 Km
Pace: 9'54"/mile - 6'09"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbsUp at 5am with the alarm, unfortunately to a headache (probably caused by the pills). But it's still a fairly good wake-up, and after Tilaavat/Namaaz and stretching, I go out on this run, which I intend to be moderate, yet no too short, to conclude a big week (and the year). After a few hesitations, I head out to the Kajupada Pipeline via 90 ft road, an area I've not visited much lately, through the slums of Asalfa. I feel good, although not as perfect as yesterday, and luckily reject the idea of lengthening this to another long run, coming back through a relatively conservative route - good thing, as I weaken a little in the last third, and happy to conclude this in little over an hour.
This has been my second longest running week this Ramadhan season.
37th reading Morning Surat al-A'raf till v 142; Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till v 172; Maghrib Surat al-A'raf till end.
-- In Sawale --
Through the Red Villas, Air India Loop (10.48 Miles) -- 01/10/26
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Monday 01/05/2026, 15 Rajab 1447 -- Longer than planned
Nahar - Raheja Vihar long - Saki Vihar - To Marriot entrance & Back - JVLR - Powai Vihar Complex - SM SHetty - CHandivali.
Time: 0:59:21
Mileage: 5.85 Miles - 9.41 Km
Pace: 10'08"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 69%
Weight: 70 kg - 154.3 lbsGet up at 4:15, a little tired but ok. But I question whether I should run today, thinking of perhaps a gym session instead. After further revisions of Surat ar-Ra'd (soon I'll start progressing again), I decide to go out after all.
But I feel very tentative at first, a little dizzy. To compound the matter, at around 6:25, it is still dark out (under a beautiful near full-moon), day-light doesn't appear till about 1/2 hr into the run. I decide to head to the quiet Raheja Vihar loop, thinking to keep this short.
But I do find my rhythm, and the dizziness dissipates. Feeling better and better, I lengthen the run in stages, ending up at about one hour. On this side too, the Lake Promenade is blocked by road work, rendering the entire Lake section impractical.
37th reading Morning Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till v 45; Dhuhr Surat al-Anfal till end; Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 30;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/07/2026, 17 Rajab 1447 -- Through the Red Villas
DNeg - Mall - Walking Zone - Royal Palms Studios descent - Khet - Lakshmi Rd, to Picnic Pt & Back - Sunrise Trail - Through the Hamlets - Climb through the Red Villas - Anumati Resto - Walking Zone - Mall.
Time: 0:58:29
Mileage: 5.56 Miles - 8.95 Km
Pace: 10'31"/mile - 6'32"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 70.6 kg - 155.6 lbs36th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 90; Asr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11), till v 111; Surat at-Taubah till end.
Up at 5am with the alarm for once, running a little late, start the run from DNeg around 7:30, planning to keep it relatively short.
But I feel great!! Well awaken, clear cool weather, feeling the unmistakable Call of the Wild, I head for the hills, and like Monday, lengthen this run in stages, to total about an hour. It's a beautiful day in spite of the pollution (which spares Aarey somewhat), a few monkeys in the trees, and on Lakshmi road my usual acquaintances. My running is relaxed, although subtly stiff, but my breath is pleasantly comfortable. On the way back, I am inspired to an innovation: I climb back through the red villas, a meandering road, a little milder than the other climbs, which I had descended only once before. This works great, but having used the full hour, I have to cancel my first meeting at work. Feeling great though!
37th reading Dhuhr Surat Yunus till v 83; After Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end; Asr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 50.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 01/08/2026, 18 Rajab 1447 --
Time: 0:55:20
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Taalab - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal - Back via Picadilly 1 climb.
Mileage: 5.45 Miles - 8.76 Km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 50%
Weight: 69.7 kg - 153.6 lbsI get up before 4:20, this time reach DNeg around the usual 7am, for a second running day in a row. Today, a more ordinary through the milder Konkan Vikas Mahamandal loop, feeling overall ok, although slightly more tired than yesterday. The weather this morning feels particularly fresh.
37th reading Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 69; After Dhuhr Surat Hud till v 96; Asr Surat Hud till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/10/2026, 20 Rajab 1447 -- Air India
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Magan Nathuram - LBS Marg - Air India Loop - Kalina Military Camp - Air India Loop - Back on LBS Marg - Nari Seva Sadan - Khairani E. - Shangarsh Nagar.
Time: 1:47:19
Mileage: 10.48 Miles - 16.87 Km
Pace: 10'14"/mile - 6'21"/km
Weather: 18C; HUmidity 49%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbs37th reading Friday before Jummah Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13); Asr Surat Yusuf till end, Surat ar-Ra'd; Maghrib Surat Ibrahim till v 22. Sunday Morning Surat Ibrahim till end (in Sawale).
I wake up from a bad night, with a tenacious headache unfortunately, due to those damn pills! Having already run three hours this week, I should not need much to reach four hours (a soft goal), and start thinking I might cut this relatively short. But I soon find out that I feel great, this will be a day where "it runs by itself...".
I start again in darkness, decide finally to head towards Kurla, passing just behind the airport runways, with landing airplanes looming very large over my head. Feeling easy and comfortable, I decide to pursue my initial plan, which is to visit the Air India Loop. After passing the impressive slums along the Mithi river, I reach the Air India and Military Camp area, here too, roads have been remade, and there are a few runners, with relatively light traffic. I continue to feel better and better, drinking occasionally on the run from a small bottle of water. I feel so easy that I decide to lengthen the return via the climb through Asafa, finish in perfect control, with again this feeling that I could easily have done more. With a little over 10 miles, this ends up being my third longest run this season.
And I have resumed learning Surat Ra'd, into the 5th Ruku, which I have been rehearsing all along the way.
Up the Dirt Trail (7.38 Miles) -- 01/17/26
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Tuesday 01/13/2026, 23 Rajab 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Straight past Aarey - Road on the right - Right before the River - Shree Gavdevi Mandir - Aarey rd - Royal Palms - Piccadilly 1 - Mall - Dneg.
Time: 0:43:08
Mileage: 4.21 Miles - 6.77 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 48%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs37th Tilaavat Monday Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end; Surat an-Nahl till v 41; Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 84; Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15).
I came back from Sawale with a left knee pain, perhaps caused by crouching too often. Yesterday, I decide to take the day off from running, and even pray all Namaaz seated. But today, I decide to run and see...
I unfortunately wake up at 3am, manage to push myself to vague visions, but fail at sleeping. But I don't feel that bad, and spurred by motivation to advance in Tilaavat Qur'an before dawn, I get up around 3:45, proceed to read Surat al-Isra. Again, I feel better than one might expect, and achieve a good Namaaz as well before leaving at the usual 6:30.
I start the run from DNeg after 7am, curious to see how my knee will fare. I am quickly reassured, paradoxically, while it is mildly painful while walking, I feel hardly anything during the run. I relax very easily into this one, choosing what I would consider the best low-key route in this area, quiet, pleasant, and relatively flat. In spite of the lack of sleep, my breath is excellent again, and the knee doesn't really bother me until late into the run.
Good, but let's hope I don't pay for this later...
37th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Isra till v 53; Dhuhr Surat al-Isra till end, Surat al-Kahf till v 13; Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till v 83.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/14/2026, 24 Rajab 1447 -- Up the Trail
Dneg - Mall - Walking Zone - Anumati - Imperial Palace - Descent - Khet - Sunrise trail - Through the Hamlets - Piccadilly IV Climb - Walking Zone - Trail up the Hill - Back Down on the Road - Mall - Dneg
Time: 0:47:33
Mileage: 4.22 Miles - 6.79 Km
Pace: 11'16"/mile - 7'00"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 69.7 kg - 153.6 lbsYesterday's run paid off: My knee pain is virtually gone!
Today I get up around 4:20 well rested, still marveling at yesterday's success (in spite of waking up at 3am, I had a great day, which I capped by returning to Masjid for Maghrib). I am determined to run again. The drive for some reason feels particularly dark today, and roads are relatively empty (because of Sankranti?), giving the drive through Aarey a wild remote feel.
I start the run around 7am from office, feeling like barely sunrise. In good shape, I decide to go for the Hills today, in search of the Sunrise. I climb comfortably up the steep hill, expecting the descent to reveal a glorious sun view, but find it largely masked by low clouds, its intensily red orbit incomplete.
Running feels fine, but I am strangely slightly bored today. A new idea spices up the end of the run, I decide to explore the trail up the hill, right by the Mall near DNeg, that has been intriguing me for some time. It's a trail that starts paved, but soon dissolves into several narrow dirt trails that meander along the hill and between half abandoned structures. I find my way on this increasingly wild course, connecting with the road at the top. Not quite as exciting as I imagined, but does open up to new possibilities towards the hill slums of Adarsh Nagar, which I should try to connect some day.
37th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Kahf till end, Surat Maryam; Asr Surat Ta-Ha till v 77; Surat Ta-Ha till v 116; Ishaa Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/16/2026, 26 Rajab 1447 --
Nahar - Raheja Vihar - Saki Vihar - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:43:30
Mileage: 4.26 Miles - 6.86 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 49%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbs37th Tilaavat Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Anbiya till v 76; Asr Surat al-Anbiya till end, Surat al-Hajj till v 49; Maghrib Surat al-Anbiya till end (Juz 18).
A low-key, somewhat nondescript run. Started a little slow, but picked the pace up slightly on the return. Feeling ok overall.
37th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Mu'minun till v 23; Morning Surat al-Mu'minun till v 78; Before Jummah Surat al-Mu'minun till end; After Jummah Surat an-Nur till v 35; Asr Surat an-Nur till v 58, Surat an-Nur till end; Ishaa Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/17/2026, 27 Rajab 1447 -- Customs Colony, Pipeline
Nahar - Chandivali - Raheja Vihar short - Saki Vihar - Marwah - Bamandayapada - Customs Colony - Marol Maroshi - Pipeline - Saki Vihar - Solaris Complex - Through the Chawl - Saki Vihar - Raheja Vihar short - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 1:14:36
Mileage: 7.38 Miles - 11.87 Km
Pace: 10'06"/mile - 6'17"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 58%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbsI have slept well in multiple installments, and to multiple dreams. But I feel strangely unmotivated as I get up before 5am. I had contemplated using this weekend to perform my annual long-run to the Bhandup Dargah (about 20km), but renounce that project, especially since we will be in Sawale again next weekend. Very hesitant, I contemplate anything and everything for today, including very short options, but eventually settle for the Marol area, and returning via the Pipeline.
In spite of this, running feels good, as it has been in this late season (about a month left before Ramzaan...) I climb through the narrow passage along the Customs Colony, and as planned, return along the Pipeline, among a steady flow of pedestrians from the nearby slums (no vehicles here). Along the way, a surprise: Over to the right, above a wall, I see people riding horses in a line, against the rising red sun filtering through low clouds. What a strange sight here (I later surmise this must be on the Police Grounds).
As I feel excellent again, I lengthen the run slightly by returning through the slum galli parallel to Saki Vihar, but fortunately do not extend the run further than that, as this duration feels just about perfect for the day.
37th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ash-Shu'ara; Asr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20);
-- 5th Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd --
5th Ruku, Cat Attack! (6.35 Miles) -- 01/24/26
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Monday 01/19/2026, 29 Rajab 1447 -- Miracle Mondays
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Techno - Hiranandani Hospital - Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - Back same way to Hospital - Main St - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR -
Time: 1:01:17
Mileage: 5.97 Miles - 9.61 Km
Pace: 10'15"/mile - 6'22"/km
Weather: 16C; Humidity 96%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs37th Tilaavat Sunday Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till end, Surat al-Qasas till v 61; Asr Surat al-Qasas till end.
I wake up well at 4:30, from some deep dream. In good shape, I complete learning the 5th Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd, and almost pray it in Namaaz (minus the last verse that I have just learned). I go out at around 6:30am, still dark outside, first light won't come till about 30min into the run.
I am looking for a relaxed run today, along a familiar route, and head into Hiranandani. It is particularly cool today, and I soon find that I am feeling great, a case of the Miracle Mondays.
I run up and over to the Hospital and down to IIT far gate, but for once, return the same way, hoping to get about an hour this morning, which I do. I feel great throughout, one of those days where I could easily have done more.
37th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21), till end; Asr Surat ar-Rum, Surat Luqman till v 20; Surat Luqman till end; Maghrib Surat as-Sajdah.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 01/21/2026, 01 Shabaan 1447 -- Miracle Wednesdays
Chandivali - SM Shetty - CLiff - Central - Powai Plaza - JVLR - IIT Main Gate - Hare Krishna - Padmavati Devi - Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Main St - Orchard - Lakehomes - Nahar.
Time: 0:53:38
Mileage: 5.42 Miles - 8.73 Km
Pace: 9'53"/mile - 6'08"/km
Weather: 17C; Humidity 78%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs37th Tilaavat Tuesday morning Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till v 53; Dhuhr Surat al-Ahzab till end, Surat Saba till v 37; Surat al-Ahzab till end; Asr Surat Fatir, Surat Yaseen till v 13; Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end.
I get up at 4:15, and I squeeze this run in before we leave on an impromptu trip to Sawale with the Kadugodi Hazrat (whom we have flown from Bangalore to join us for this). It is again dark at the start, but I again feel excellent! A similar route to Monday's run, and a similar feeling of Miracle Shape.
37th Tilaavat Thursday morning Surat as-Saffat; Dhuhr Surat Saad, Surat az-Zumar till v 22; Asr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24), till end; Maghrib Surat al-Mu'min till v 38.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/23/2026, 03 Shabaan 1447 -- Cat attack!
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbsUnfortunately, for the second night in a row, another dreadful insomnia, impossible to sleep after 3am! I decide to get up, seizing the opportunity to advance in the Tilaavat on this day Jummah. Exhausted, but at least happy with this.
Then, with extra time on my hands, I stretch slowly like every morning, while Gulzar is listening to her phone. But suddenly, the sound of a song triggers Kismat who runs in and attacks everyone!! He seizes my leg, injuring me in several places, then turns to Gulzar and the other cats! I at first minimize the event, but eventually accept that today's running plans are shot (perhaps just as well, I was too tired anyway). Gulzar has gone out during Namaaz, and tragically set Kismat free in the parking lot, his first real encounter with the outside world.
In fact, after Namaaz (Surat Yaseen), we decide to go to the emergency room at Hiranandani. For some reason, I feel in good humor through this, somehow enjoying the emergency, and trying to manage her reaction. After debating over the necessity of rabies shots, we decide for it, perhaps with excessive caution. The doctor, actually fairly impressed with the state of my legs, performs injections near the wounds, which he warns would be painful. I feel quite brave though, mustering the memories from my prostate treatment, but actually sustain the pain very poorly, tensing immensily, and leaving the bed drenched in sweat. Later, I will feel great disappointment in myself for not handling this better, perhaps out of over-confidence, and funnily yearn to be given a second chance.
Later, the events of the morning start to settle in: we have abandonned Kismat, what will he become? (But this is his 3rd or 4th attack, it couldn't go on). Feeling exhausted, I struggle a bit in Masjid today, half dozing during Bayaan, but gather my strength as best I can for Namaaz itself. I am happy to see that the beggars have been allowed to sit again at the Masjid.
All in all, between yesteday and today, two days of grave exhaustion, yet I have greatly advanced in Tilaavat Qur'an.
37th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Mu'min till end, Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 26; Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25), till end; Before Jummah Surat ash-Shura; After Jummah Surat az-Zukhruf till v 68; Asr Surat az-Zukhruf till end, Surat ad-Dukhan, Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 01/24/2026, 04 Shabaan 1447 -- Similar run
Chandivali - SM Shetty - Cliff - Central - Techno - Hiranandani Hospital - Down Nana Palshikar - Padmavati Devi - To JVLR and back - Padmavati Devi - Up Nana Palshikar - Hiranandani Hospital - Techno - Central - Powai Plaza - Orchard - Heera Pana - JVLR - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 1:03:38
Mileage: 6.35 Miles - 10.22 Km
Pace: 10'01"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 19C; Humidity 73%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbsAfter yesterday's incidents, I wake up at 1:30, and again, unable to fall back asleep, for the third night in a row! This proves the theory that these bouts of severe insomnia come in series (with no discernible reason), and that I need to patiently endure until things improve. Although tonight, there is a reason: I play back yesterday's events, particularly the pain in the hospital, mortified that I couldn't handle it better. Eventually, I do go back to sleep, and wake up around 4:30.
I feel reasonable, and happy to resume my routine, learning Surat ar-Ra'd, and going out for a run. I have simply offset this week's plans, running today what I normally would have done yesterday, and still planning on a long run Sunday or Monday.
The run is fine. My right leg looks bad, but isn't painful, and my breathing is reasonably good. For the third time this week, I repeat more or less the same route, going down and up the Hiranandani Hospital hill through Padmavati Devi. I look for Kismat downstairs - to no avail.
37th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Ahqaf.
Eastern Express Highway, Pant Nagar (11.31 Miles) -- 01/26/26
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Monday 01/26/2026, 06 Shabaan 1447 -- EEH / Pant Nagar / Ghatkopar
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - IIT - JVLR - Eastern Express Highway SB - Ghatkopar Jct - Pant Nagar Colony - AS Gawde - Ghatkopar Railway Stn - Jawahar Rd - MG road - Karani/Navroji Ln - Ramchandra B Kadam - Bhatwadi (long) - Khairani E. - Chandivali.
Time: 1:55:18
Mileage: 11.31 Miles - 18.19 Km
Pace: 10'11"/mile - 6'20"/km
Age Graded: 11.31M in 1:33:19, ie. 8'15"/mile pace
Weather: 22C; Humidity 61%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs37th reading Sunday Dhuhr Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath; Asr Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf; Maghrib Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27), till end; Ishaa Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm.
Finally, after days of severe insomnia, an excellent wake up! Yesterday (Sunday), I had cancelled running plans due to headache and dizziness, postponing a potential long run to today, which is off due to Republic Day. This will work out wonderfully!
I am out at 6:45, still in the dark. The Lake Promenade has become impractical, forcing me on the JVLR itself, with a perilous dark narrow passage along the speeding traffic. But things improve as the day lifts, I have decided to go for the Eastern Express Highway, somehow lured today by its long uninterrupted stretches. Is is somewhat hazy, still fresh, the red rising sun piercing through low clouds. Along the highway, there is an increasing number of runners, especially along a section that seems to have been closed to that effect.
At some point, I pass a group of runners posing for a photo, and recognizing among them Michael D'Souza, the eternal runner photographer whom I used to meet on the races, pause to shake his hand. The runners invite me into their photo but I decline, continuing on, with a slight regret that I have yet again turned down an opportunity to socialize.
But as the run resumes, I am drawn back into its soothing rhythm, the spectacle outside, and my rehearsal of the Qur'anic verses. Feeling particularly good, I contemplate how to extend the run, as this would be a perfect day for another 20kms. But eventually, I stick to the original plan of returning via Pant Nagar, passing several Republic Day celebrations as I find my way through the streets to the Ghatkopar Train Station, and from there with a last detour through Bhatwadi back home.
This has actually given me nearly two hours, a near perfect run, my second longest this season. And I even manage to join Gulzar for the Republic Day celebrations in our society, feeling suprisingly fresh after all this.
37th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Qamar, Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah; Asr Surat al-Hadid (Juz 28);
-- With "Rahat Hotel" the goat --
37th Reading, a Night with a Goat (7.94 Miles) -- 02/01/26
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Wednesday 01/28/2026, 08 Shabaan 1447 --
Dneg - Walkzone - Anumati - Imperial Palace - Descent - Kheit - Sunrise trail - Through the Hamlets - Piccadilly IV climb - Palm Island 4 - Dneg Climb.
Time: 0:39:16
Mileage: 3.6 Miles - 5.8 Km
Pace: 10'54"/mile - 6'46"/km
Weather: 18C; Humidity 85%
Weight: 70.9 kg - 156.3 (upper limit)37th reading Tuesday Dhuhr Surat al-Mujadilah; Ishaa Surat al-Hashr.
Up at 4. Stuck again in Aarey !!! Lose 1/2 hour. Proceed with the run anyway. Up the hills. Shorter, which is probably just as well. Yesterday cardiologist, all is well, but endless wait, the day was wasted. Back through Marol: 1h15 !!
37th reading Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun; Surat at-Talaq; Asr Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29); Maghrib Surat al-Mulk.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 01/30/2026, 10 Shabaan 1447 -- 37th reading
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar, to Marriott entrance & Back - Saki Vihar - Khairani Rd - Nahar.
Time: 0:49:04
Mileage: 4.87 Miles - 7.84 Km
Pace: 10'04"/mile - 6'15"/km
Weather: 23C; Humidity 65%
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs37th reading Thursday Dhuhr Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah, Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil; Asr Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat.
Unfortunately, up at 3:30, and unable to sleep back!
But I make the most of it. I get up to perform Tilaavat before dawn, knowing that today (Jummah) I will complete the reading of the book, insha allah! Tired, but actually well inspired, although I eventually start feeling dizzy during Namaaz, leaving me to wonder whether I'll be able to run as planned (it's been a week since Kismat's attack, which had also blocked my Friday run). But I go out anyway, after eating a bar.
This seems to work well. At around 6:45, it is still surprisingly dark, I make my way cautiously at first, as usual partly blinded by the incoming vehicles. But as the day lifts, so does my shape, and feeling increasingly comfortable, I prolong this route in stages, ending up with a pleasant relaxed run.
Sleep. Vaccine. Masjid.
37th reading Fajr Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar; After Jummah Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq, Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad, Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, Surat adh-Dhuha, Surat al-Inshirah, Surat at-Tin, Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr, Surat al-Bayyinah, Surat az-Zalzalah, Surat al-'Adiyat, Surat al-Qari'ah, Surat at-Takathur, Surat al-'Asr, Surat al-Humazah, Surat al-Fil, Surat Quraish, Surat al-Ma'un, Surat al-Kauthar, Surat al-Kafirun, Surat an-Nasr, Surat al-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlaas, Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Naas. Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5.
38th Tilaavat Maghrib Surat Al-Baqarah till v 47.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 02/01/2026, 12 Shabaan 1447 -- Kashele
Jambhulwadi - Jamburg Valley - Village - to Kashele - back same way
Time: 1:20:43
Mileage: 7.94 Miles - 12.78 km
Pace: 10'09"/mile - 6'18"/km38th Tilaavat Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 97 (in Sawale);
We have gone to Sawale, taking a goat with us, that Gulzar wants to let roam on the property. The goat is surprisingly friendly, he doesn't want to stay alone at any time, adamantly following someone or crying if he can't. I have affectionately called him "Rahat Hotel", since Gulzar bought him there on Khairani road. When we go to dinner, we lock him in the house, but he creates such commotion, even ramming the windows, that we end up taking him with us to the restaurant! (luckily outside, and to my surprise no-one objects). At night, the goat refuses obstinately to enter the room where we had locked him earlier, and ends up sleeping with us in our room. At night, he gently lays his head on Gulzar's arm...
Around 10pm, we hear a loud voice, sounding at first like someone talking loudly on the phone from the other room. But once outside, it turns out this is coming from about a kilometer away, where a giant light floods the sky, it is actually a cricket tournament that will last three days (or three nights, rather). This endless voice, unbelievably loud given the distance, will continue throughout the night, till about 5am. Somehow, I do manage to sleep still, on and off, but Gulzar doesn't. Temperatures are warmer than in December, the moon is nearly full, diffused by hazy skies, our first night sleeping in our own house.
I get up around 5:30am, after Namaaz and stretching, set out on this run. I return to beautiful Jamburg Valley Road, this year's revelation. I feel ok, but not great, slightly heavy, and decide to postpone again any further exploration up the road, preferring to return to the now familiar country road to Kashele. This is pleasant as it was a month ago, but I am glad I did not try to extend this any further. When we return to Mumbai, we go straight to Jamal Malik's shop in the slum to give him the goat. The goat will actually create problems that night, and will eventually be fed to the Madrasa.
-- Last Ruku of Surat ar-Ra'd --
Surat ar-Ra'd, the Great Run to the Dargah (12.04 Miles) -- 02/07/26
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Tuesday 02/03/2026, 14 Shabaan 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Cross Aarey Rd - Straight - to the right - To Aarey Rd Goregaon side - Back - Swayambhu Shree Gavdevi Mandir - Aarey Rd - Royal Palms - Piccadilly 1 - Orchid Mall
Time: 0:48:29
Mileage: 4.88 Miles - 7.85 Km
Pace: 9'56"/mile - 6'10"/km
Weather: 21C; Humidity 70%
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbs38th Tilaavat Monday Morning Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2), till v 153; Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 197; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243.
Another difficult insomnia. But I do manage with commitment to push myself to sleep briefly, get up around 4:30, unfortunately with a headache, probably due to the damn pills! In spite of all this, I decide to run as planned from Royal Palms, electing the "easy route", along peaceful country roads with not much climbing. The run is fine, temperatures still mild, pleasant morning mist. I feel ok under the circumstances, not great, and sleep deprived. On the way, I pass the man from the Patel 7 Masjid and his brother (whom he introduced me to yesterday), they too on a morning walk.
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 274; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 21; Ishaa Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/04/2026, 15 Shabaan 1447 --
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal - Babasaheb Ambedkar - Talaab - Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms Rd - Piccadilly 1 - Mall - Dneg
Time: 0:56:40
Mileage: 5.47 Miles - 8.81 Km
Pace: 10'21"/mile - 6'26"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 63%
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.7 lbsAnother insomnia, again!, but I manage better than yesterday, fall back asleep eventually, get up around 4:20. Gulzar is up doing her Shaab-e-Raat devotions. Yesterday, in Patel 7 Masjid for Dhuhr, extra attendance, and again for Maghrib at Rahat Hotel Masjid. I have been trying to calm an increasingly somber mood as the day wanes.
The run feels much better than yesterday, well relaxed and pleasant. I take it easy, seeking comfort, and rehearsing new verses of Surat ar-Ra'd along the way (only one Aayat remaining to finish the Surah). Feeling good, I take the slightly longer, slightly adventurous route through Babasaheb Ambedkar, wondering where the side alleys through the chawl would lead to.
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 144; Asr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 156.
Thursday 38th Tilaavat Morning Surat Ali-Imraan till end, Surat An-Nisaah till v 11; Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5), till v 43; Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 71; Maghrib Surat An-Nisaah till v 88; Ishaa Surat An-Nisaah till v 101.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/06/2026, 17 Shabaan 1447 --
Nahar - Chandivali - Mahindra Alcove - Saki Naka - Andheri Ghatkopar - Khairani Rd - Nahar
Time: 0:39:12
Mileage: 3.91 Miles - 6.3 Km
Pace: 10'00"/mile - 6'13"/km
Weather: 20C; Humidity 66%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbsThe same challenging sleep pattern, but tonight, I handle it well, with great mind discipline, I manage to push myself back to sleep twice. I confirm the learning of the last 2 Aayats of Surat ar-Ra'd, completing my knowledge of the Surah. As I go out, the moon is well visible, approaching half, signaling the approach of Ramadhan.
I keep this run low-key and short, although today the street chaos proves particularly challenging, forced to constantly weave through obstacles. I am hoping for a long run tomorrow, insha allah, the last of the season.
I return to Masjid in the evening for Maghrib. But surprise, there is no electricity, the Masjid is dark. So we assemble at the dim light of candles and cell-phones, and without loudspeakers, I am struck by the beauty of the Adhaan and the Namaaz, the human voice unaltered. I believe this is how it should be.
38th Tilaavat before Jummah Surat An-Nisaah till v 135; Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6), till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/07/2026, 18 Shabaan 1447 -- Bhandup Dargah
Nahar - Raambagh - JVLR - Saki Vihar - Pipeline - Bhandup Gate - Anthony Church - Overpass - Bhandup Pipeline Railway Line - Mulund Goregaon - Khindipada Dargah rd - to GaibanShah Peer Dargah (6.01M,9,68K)
Back same way - Pipeline - Anthony Church - Gate - Pipeline - Saki Vihar - Lake Platform - Raambagh - Nahar (12.04M, 19.37K)
Time: 2:07:59
Mileage: 12.04 Miles - 19.37 Km
Pace: 10'38"/mile - 6'36"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 54%
Weight: 69.4 kg - 153 lbsSimilar challenging sleep pattern, but again, with great mental discipline I do manage to push myself more or less to the visions, enough to get up roughly ok around 4:30. In Fajr ki Namaaz, for the first time, I recite the last ruku of Surat Ra'd till the last verses.
The hesitations I had regarding this last long run before Ramadhan have cleared: This morning, it appears clearly that I should embark on the Big Run to the Dargah, which could become an annual goal. Clearly, the tranquility of the Pipeline path, free of traffic, appeals to me immensily, and I leave still in darkness at a gentle pace, aiming to find comfort. I do feel ok, but perhaps not as great as a few weeks before, when I seem to have peaked. That said, my determination is reinforced as I go, I will indeed try to reach the Dargah, for the second time only.
Past the Bhandup gate, I am as ever fascinated by the environment of the Chawl, here up in the hills, a different world of sorts, hidden from the rest. I reach the Mulund Goregaon road, hardly recognizing the place as it is under heavy construction (I vaguely remember reading that they will excavate a big tunnel here under the mountain...) I find many monkeys in the area. I run up the steep climb to the Dargah, turn back without stopping, retracing my route through the slums.
The way back is peaceful, although I again don't feel as "miraculous" as some previous runs. I do not stop, but do eat a bar on the run, and drink, slow down as I need to maintain comfort throughout, but never stop. I do make it back home without incident, but perhaps a little more tired than I'd like. On the way back, on Saki Vihar, the sorry (but sadly familiar) site of Jhopra's being torn down by a bulldozer, under heavy police watch.
This run, as intended, essentially wraps up this season, with my second longest run. Next week, Bangalore, where I intend to run only moderately, and the following week, Ramadhan starts.
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 27; Asr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till v 87; Ishaa Surat al-Maidah till end.
Sunday Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till v 91; Asr Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8), till end.
Five Days in Bangalore (7.01 Miles) -- 02/14/26
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Tuesday 02/10/2026, 21 Shabaan 1447 -- Whitefield Circle
Holiday Inn Whitefield - Sai Baba Hospital - Vydehi - Nallurahalli - New Temple Rd - Dunmore House - Nallurahalli - Borewell Rd - Dead-end Alley - Whitefield Inner Circle - ECC Road - Pattandur Agrahara - Holiday Inn
Time: 0:56:50
Mileage: 5.78 Miles - 9.3 Km
Pace: 9'50"/mile - 6'07"/kmWe are spending the week in Bangalore.
When we arrive at the airport, no cars! Never seen this before. We are told it could take an hour, so we opt for the bus, which works but takes us a long way through town, through Hebbal, Ulsoor, Indiranagar, HAL, and finally leaves us at Vydehi Hospital, from where we walk to ITPL. Another surprise here: I have decided to try the cheaper hotel on this trip, but the rooms are tiny! I will want to change, but that won't be possible, and eventually I will get used to this place, especially after Gulzar's departure to Tamil Nadu.
Luckily, I do fall asleep, and wake up after 5am from many great dreams. This run is quite mediocre, my stomach feels heavy, and I struggle to find my breath. Still, I revisit familiar grounds, obviously completely transformed, notably the "Dunmore House" near the Gopalan Settlements, scene of my first encounters with the slumdwellers, then Borewell road (nowadays greatly impeded by countless school buses), and finally EEC road. Not a great run to start, but it will do.
38th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-A'raf till v 54; Asr Surat al-A'raf till v 73; Ishaa Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 163.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/11/2026, 22 Shabaan 1447 -- Siddapura
Holiday Inn - 1st Main Rd - Vydehi - Nellurahalli - New Temple Rd - Siddapura & Back - Nellurahalli Lake (clockwise) - Pattandur Agrahara - Holiday Inn
Time: 1:00:30
Mileage: 6.06 Miles - 9.75 Km
Pace: 9'59"/mile - 6'12"/km
Weather: 17C;Gulzar has decided to leave by train for Nagore. This gives me an unexpected opportunity to advance in Tilaavat yesterday evening. I slept well in the night, in spite of the usual multiple wake-ups, and get up around 4:20, feeling fine. I revise the last rukus or Surat ar-Ra'd, which probably because of all the distraction are evading my memory today, but manage to recite them in Namaaz. I set out on the run around 6:40. In Bangalore, it is already daylight.
Same direction as yesterday, and same mixed feeling at first: With a somewhat heavy stomach, I struggle to find my breath. This time, I continue straight to the main road in Siddapura, where I turn back.
Fortunately, today, I start finding comfort and rhythm about half-way through the run. It is fresher here than in Mumbai, and on the way back, I run around the Nellurahalli lake, which has been nicely outfit for running, as I had discovered last time. I feel particularly good by now, still rehearsing Surat ar-Ra'd, and finish the run in pleasant comfort.
38th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-A'raf till end; Maghrib Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/12/2026, 23 Shabaan 1447 -- Imadahalli
Holiday Inn - Pattandur Agrahara - Nellurahalli - Borewell Rd - Whitefield - Imadahalli Rd - to Hagadur rd & Back - Whitefield Outer Circle - ECC rd - Prithvi Layout - Athashri rd - GR Tech Park - ITPL Holiday Inn
Time: 1:07:59
Mileage: 7.01 Miles - 11.28 Km
Pace: 9'42"/mile - 6'01"/km
Weather: 17C;I suffered a meltdown yesterday afternoon, around 4pm, had to retreat to the Hotel and sleep. This is probably due to insufficient nutrition (two days in a row, I have split my lunch to eat half of it at dinner). Meanwhile, Gulzar is lost in the trains, still trying to reach the Nagore Dargah, spending hours and hours in trains, stations, and going back and forth while trying to find her way. This makes for an anguished night, during which I (finally) finish reading Les Confessions, de Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
I wake up at 4, then again at 5, actually well rested. As often, my mood improves in the morning, good Namaaz, last 3 rukus of Surat ar-Ra'd. I go out by 7am, to chilly temperatures (much colder than Mumbai).
This time, I head straight down Pattandur, planning to reach a new lake which I have spotted on the map. But on a sudden inspiration, I head towards Whitefield instead, and straight into Imadihalli, revisiting my old grounds, closer to where we lived in Ozone, or where Gulzar's sister is. Here too, things have changed, modern shops have popped up, and the eternal school buses, but the side galli (which I do not explore today) seem unchanged, and certain small landmarks remain. The air here feels different, fresher and crisper, and perhaps a certain smell that used to strike whenever I returned from the US. I eventually reach the Hagadur road intersection (which would lead me to Ozone) and turn back, to return via EEC road, adding a re-exploration of the small alleys, to finish through "Dog Alley" (although the aggressive dogs are gone) back to the clogged main ITPL road.
Like yesterday, the run gets better as I go, and I end up feeling very comfortable, partially lifting last night's anguish. A crazy plan is starting to take hold: To run every day while in Bangalore, 1 hour+ runs, to total a 5hour+ week. We'll see if I hold up for this last Hurrah before Ramadhan.
38th Tilaavat Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 30; Ishaa Surat at-Taubah till v 60.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/13/2026, 24 Shabaan 1447 -- The Two Lakes
Holiday Inn - Vydehi - Nellurahalli Rd - New Temple Rd - Siddapura Rd - Right - around Thubarahalli Lake - Back - Nellurahalli - around Nellurahalli Lake - Pattandur Agrahara - Holiday Inn
Time: 1:07:05
Mileage: 6.74 Miles - 10.85 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weather: 18C;Yesterday was actually an excellent day. I eat better, very careful to avoid Thursday's meltdown. And Gulzar has finally reached Nagore! Similar sleep pattern, but I wake up more tired than yesterday. Still, I go out around 7am, in pursuit of my new goal of hour runs every day while in Bangalore.
It is again clear and very cool in the morning, California style weather (so much better than Mumbai!). I am well nourished, but I don't feel as sharp as yesterday, a little laborious (these daily runs must take their toll). Still, I execute the plan of exploring the new road and lake that I've spotted on the map: Thubarahalli lake.
The road starts urban, but soon dissolves into a dirt road along construction sites, with aggressive dogs. I have to slow to a walk near the lake facing a pack of barking dogs, but I handle them well. This lake too has been outfit with a track where people walk and run. Little by little, I do feel more comfortable, and on the way back, end up running around Nellurahalli lake as well, before making my way back up Pattandur Agrahara, in relative comfort, All the while continuing to rehearse the last rukus of Surat ar-Ra'd.
At lunch time, I execute what has become my routine for Jummah in Bangalore. I walk to the Nexus Mall, eat lunch at Starbucks, and go the Masjid on the last floor of the Mall. Something about this Masjid, and its Imaam, suits me particularly. Perhaps it is because I am in Bangalore, but I am moved to tears by the Namaaz. This is the city where it all started, and my extraordinary journey unfolds before me today.
In the evening, Gulzar finally returns from Chennai, exhausted, and barely able to walk.
38th Tilaavat Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11); Maghrib Surat at-Taubah till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/14/2026, 25 Shabaan 1447 -- Palm Meadows
Holiday Inn - Vydehi - Nellurahalli Rd - New Temple Rd - Siddhapura - Vartur Main Rd - Ramagondanahalli (Palm Meadows) - Palm Meadows Hamlet - Borewell - Banyan, Kadamba, Frangipani - Outer Circle - EEC Rd - Pattandur Agrahara - Holiday Inn.
Time: 1:05:40
Mileage: 6.6 Miles - 10.63 Km
Pace: 9'57"/mile - 6'11"/km
Weather: 18C;Gulzar returned last night, very tired. This morning, I wake up at 4:20, eat breakfast, Namaaz, stretching, all in silence and dark to not wake her up. I go out earlier at 6:15, luckily just at day break.
Amazingly, I feel well! Good breath, and body surprisingly fluid. So I perform this last run, the 5th in a row, along the same route but pushing this time to Sidhapura, then past Palm Meadows, and returning through what used to be an alley (now a road with too many school buses). Past Borewell road, I try my luck finding my way through the small alleys near Whitefield Circle, remembering my way as I go. I finish the run in surprising comfort. When I return to the room, Gulzar is barely waking up. Incredibly, I have run over an hour today too!
This concludes my "five days in Bangalore". I had not planned for this last flurry at all, rather, I thought I would taper down before Ramzaan. But instead, I ended up running 5 days in a row (completely counter to my motto all year), over an hour each time, making this my longest running week this season by far (5h18 weekly running time).
We return to Mumbai on Sunday, with only a few days before the start of Ramadhan.
-- Gulzar at Nagore Dargah --
The Passage to the JVLR (6.02 Miles) -- 02/18/26
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Monday 02/16/2026, 27 Shabaan 1447 -- Before Ramzaan
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Rd - Orchard - Powai Plaza - Central - Main St - Orchard - Heera Panna - JVLR - Lake Rd - Powai Vihar Complex - SM Shetty - Chandivali.
Time: 0:49:38
Mileage: 4.86 Miles - 7.83 Km
Pace: 10'12"/mile - 6'20"/km
Weather: 22C; Humidity 53%
Weight: 69.8 kg - 153.9 lbs38th Tilaavat Sunday Asr Surat Yunus till v 41.
Back home, unfortunately, wake up at 3am, unable to sleep back really, feeling somewhat hot and oppressed. I get up around 4:20am, revising previous rukus from Surat ar-Ra'd. Strangely, I feel quite good in the morning, particularly, in spite of last week's running extravaganza, my stretching is quite smooth, no soreness really.
I leave on the run around 6:40, still partial darkness here. I feel tentative, tired and slightly dizzy. It feels warmer than when we left, and of course much warmer than in Bangalore. But about halfway into the run, I find my comfort, feeling fluid and comfortable breath, so I lengthen the way back home, finishing well. Reaching 1,000 yearly miles could be within reach in the next few days before Ramzaan, but it isn't an important goal, we'll see.
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Yunus till end; Asr Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 50; Surat Hud till v 69; Maghrib Surat Hud till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/18/2026, 29 Shabaan 1447 -- To the JVLR, TARAVEE
Dneg - Royal Palms Rd - Aarey Dairy - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal - Ambedkar - Alley to JVLR (Shiv Mandir) & Back - Konkan Vikas Mahamandal (cont.) - Aarey Dairy - Royal Palms - Piccadilly 1 - Mall
Time: 1:01:56
Mileage: 6.02 Miles - 9.68 Km
Pace: 10'17"/mile - 6'23"/km
Weather: 24C; Humidity 67%
Weight: 70.3 kg - 155 lbs38th Tilaavat Tuesday Dhuhr Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till v 58; Asr Surat Yusuf till end.
Another uncomfortable night, I struggle to sleep, feeling hot and dry, oppressed. Gulzar is sick, coughs repeatedly. But I do manage to sleep somewhat, and get up shortly after 4am, actually feeling ok. A morning headache soon dissipates through Tilaavat and Namaaz.
This could be my last run before Ramzaan. I want to take it easy, leaving aside the goal of reaching 1,000 yearly miles. I start the run not bad, but feeling a little tired, slightly tentative.
But I soon find comfort. It's another beautiful morning in Aarey forest, I contemplate the pleasure of running among the trees, and as often my ambition grows. I had dismissed at first the idea that I could use this last run for a new exploration, but as I strengthen along the way, I am lured into its appeal. Today is the day that I will attempt to reach the JVLR.
I turn into Babasaheb Ambedkar, looking for a passage to the right. A little further than I thought, I find a small bridge opening to a narrow alley, going through a chawl hamlet. The dogs let me pass, as the alley narrows even further as it winds through the small dwellings. Up ahead, over the trees, I see the elevated metro line, very close, and indeed, I quickly come out on the JVLR, a narrow opening along a shop which would have been impossible to find from the street without prior knowledge, right opposite Sardar Vallabhai Patel Road. This opens up new ambitious possible routes, which I intend to explore next season, Insha Allah!
I return by completing the Konkan Vikas Mahamandal loop (where I see another dead young cow, thrown on the side of the road - this seems to happen daily!), and the steep climb back up to Royal Palms. All in all, this ends up being an excellent run, longer than planned, continuing to find soothing comfort along the way.
I found out later that, with this run, I have come just 2 miles short of 1,000 Yearly Miles. Convinced that Ramadhan will start on Thursday night (Friday 1st Roza), I resolve to run one last short run from Royal Palms tomorrow, just to pass that symbolic number. But this was not to be.
To my surprise, Ramadhan is declared on Wednesday night, and I quickly rush to Masjid for the Tarawee prayers, feeling a little unprepared. The month of Ramadhan has started, ending this running season.
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd, Surat Ibrahim till v 22; Asr Surat Ibrahim till end [38th READING INTERRUPTED].This wraps up the 2025/26 season.
Here is my mileage over the last several years (measured from Ramzaan to Ramzaan):
05/2022 - 03/2023 ==== 1310 Miles - 2108 Km
04/2023 - 03/2024 ==== 1122 Miles - 1806 Km
04/2024 - 02/2025 ==== 984 Miles - 1584 Km
04/2025 - 02/2026 ==== 998 Miles - 1607 Km
In the end, I ran similar mileage to last year, just short of 1,000 Miles (but passing 1,600 Km).
All in all, it has been a surprisingly successful year, especially as it build up to the winter months. By deliberately releasing pressure, easing off on my schedule and my weight goals, stopping any speed work or races, I have actually rebounded beautifully, finding renewed pleasure and strength in running that had largely eluded me last year. This good shape also allowed me to push further fascinating explorations, particularly in the Royal Palms area, and in Sawale. Let's see what next season brings, insha allah.
RAMADHAN
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Thursday 02/19/2026, 01 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 1, TARAWEE
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbsFor some reason, I was firmly convinced that Ramzaan would start on Thursday night (Friday 1st Roza), and feel quite unprepared when the start of the month is declared on Wednesday night (I had missed that Arabia had already started the fast). Feeling strangely unbalanced, I rush to Masjid around 7:50, not sure when Ishaa will start, walking too fast through Khairani road's chaos. That rush is unwarranted: When I reach, the Masjid is nearly empty, just Jamal Malik is sitting in the front to the side, and I sit with him. The Namaaz starts at 8:30. This year, again, two young men lead Tarawee (the 2nd one is new from last year), after Ishaa by our Imaam. I am able to focus relatively well, and measure my continued progress on the text, as I am able to recognize more and more passages.
But at night, I am struck with another terrible insomnia. To make matters worse, Gulzar is sick, and coughs through the night. After 2:30 or so, in spite of bravely pushing myself to visions, I do not find any sleep, and finally get up before 4am, actually eager to start the month. This is ok at first, I perform Namaaz well, drive to work at the usual 6:30, and start Tilavaat in the solitude of the office. But my forces decline throughout the day. I can only manage very short naps, and eventually succumb to exhaustion. I pray Dhuhr ki Namaaz at Patel 7 Masjid, where the full room is now used for the extra affluence. Back home, I cancel a meeting to sleep, only partially restoring my forces. I do manage to complete the Tilaavat of the day, exceeding slightly yesterday's Tarawee prayer, which is beyond the 1st Juz.
This is a difficult start. I exhort myself to patience, while I wonder whether I'll be able to gather my forces (a state of exhaustion I had been fearing in the lead-up to the Month). But after Iftaari, and another nap, I feel better, further restoring my forces on the walk to the Masjid, and attend Tarawee prayers with success.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 82; Dhuhr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 142 (Juz 2), till v 177; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till v 189.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/20/2026, 02 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 2, TARAWEE
Weight: 70.4 kg - 155.2 lbsAnother threat of insomnia during the night, around 1:30. I panic at first, but luckily this time do manage to sleep back. I get up around 4am, well before alarm, feeling better.
And the day is MUCH better. Working from home, I can more easily manage, and actually feel well rested and energetic.
On this first Jummah of Ramzaan, I go to Masjid as early as 12pm, to perform Tilaavat there. I sit at my usual place, take the book from the shelf, but I am soon "reprimanded" by an old man to sit on the side by the wall (why is this?). I eventually settle into the Tilaavat, but when I emerge, realize that the Masjid has filled up, and am challenged somewhat to find a place where I usually sit (which I do, next to a man I vaguely know, who immediately offers me perfume, in Jamal Malik's absence). I feel good today for some reason, much fresher, and optimistic. My devotion is not perfect, but I feel happy.
In the evening, I go out with Gulzar on Khairani Road to buy things for Iftaar. Later, after a short sleep, I do well in Tarawee, again able to follow things generally. We complete Surat Ali-Imraan.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat Al-Baqarah till v 243; Jummah (in Masjid) Surat Al-Baqarah till v 253 (Juz 3), till v 274; Asr Surat Al-Baqarah till end, Surat Ali-Imraan till v 31.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/21/2026, 03 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 3, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsSimilar to yesterday, another good day. I have not yet reached sufficient devotion in Namaaz, but I feel well rested, and quite content.
I go to Rahat Hotel (which is closed during the day) Masjid for Dhuhr ki Namaaz, it is already quite full, but I sit next to the Hazrat, who is rehearsing his portion of the Qur'an for tonight's Tarawee. I then directly join Gulzar at the Spa where I get my second lifetime pedicure (able to master again my inexplicable panic of touching my small toe, and come out with baby feet).
Then after Iftaar, to al-Husainya Masjid for Tarawee. Arrived early, I set next to Jamal Malik on the second row, but in the play of row formation while standing for Namaaz, a khali spot has opened at the front-most left corner, which the young boy next to Jamal Malik resists to take. So I go, letting him stay in his place, ending up in the front row, at the corner by the window (at some point later in Tarawee, playing children will be knocking at the windows), which I adapt to but do not like much. At some point, the Imaam stays seated after an odd Rakaat (I have risen but get back down). As usual, the audience emits a sort of rumbling then all rise. After the second Rakaat then, the Hazrat performs "Sajdah Sahw", which confirms to me its exact tarika. After the change, the second Imaam struggles a bit with memory, helped several times by members of the congregation. For once, I am not sure exactly where we have reached, although it must be somewhere near the end of Surat an-Nisaah.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Ali-Imraan till v 92 (Juz 4), till v 121; 39th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat Ali-Imraan till end; Asr Surat An-Nisaah till v 24 (Juz 5), till v 34.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 02/22/2026, 04 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 4, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbsAnother good wake-up around 4:30, time to rehearse Surat Ra'd before Sehri, although I completely jumble my recitation in Namaaz, which gives me an opportunity to perform Sajdah Sahw, like I have witnessed yesterday in the Masjid. But I feel good again, this is another clean wake-up.
Another good day, not much to report. Dhuhr ki Namaaz again at Rahat Hotel Masjid (actually al-Mustafa Masjid, which is how I'll call it from here on). I am more actively focusing on devotion, striving to achieve better, not let myself slide into a half-focus. It is not about just going through the gestures, an inner dialog with Allah needs to be established, and maintained as much as possible. Difficult, but intensely rewarding.
It is getting hot, and for the first time, I feel thirst till Iftaar (and really enjoy the Lassi). In Tarawee, I am able to follow Surat al-Maidah relatively well, quite satisfied. I am again sitting between Jamal Malik and the fat man, this time not getting pulled into the first row. When I come back, Sofia has found a cat who could be Kismat, looking emaciated and hurt. Gulzar sends her to feed it, then goes herself. But it is actually a female.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat An-Nisaah till v 97; Dhuhr Surat An-Nisaah till v 148 (Juz 6); Asr Surat An-Nisaah till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 02/23/2026, 05 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 5, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsAnother good day. I feel strangely rested and content.
In Tarawee, the entirety of Surat al-An'aam is recited, which I particularly enjoy. I am again seated between Jamal Malik and the fat man, I struggle to understand their language. I am able to follow the recitation of Surat al-An'aam quite well, having learned it, especially through the first Hazrat whose voice is clear. I do not get that sense of unintelligible haste that I sometimes felt on previous years. And as usual, having declined Jamal Malik's generosity, I return home walking along Khairani road, which I thoroughly enjoy as well. I do believe tragically this world is bound to disappear, as gentrification progresses.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Maidah till v 57; Dhuhr Surat al-Maidah till v 83 (Juz 7), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 02/24/2026, 06 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 6, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsAnother good day. Back in office. I particularly enjoy the morning Tilaavat, before the day starts.
But for some reason, today I struggle a little with Tarawee, in sharp contrast with yesterday's excellence. Other than the first rukus (which I had read earlier), and the very last (which I know by heart), I am unable to follow most of Surat al-A'raf, even though its narrative content should be relatively easy. On top of that, as every night, I cannot prevent "leakages", which particularly frustrate me (there is a name for this by the way: Mazur, "a person with incontinence who cannot maintain Wudhu during Namaaz). And then to cap my small frustrations, I get another foot cramp, which for some reason always happens on the last Raakat of Tarawee. Tomorrow, I might consider wearing a sanitary pad...
But on the way out, I meet the Imaam, whom I have not talken to in some time. He asks for news of my father, and assures me he is keeping him in his Du'aa. To my surprise, he heads out walking in front of me along Khairani road's chaos, and I join him again. He asks me for my father's name, I articulate as clearly I can, Jean-Claude, and he tries his best to repeat. Later, I realize to that I should have better given his Hebrew name, Joseph, which translates easily to Yusuf. The next morning, frustrated over my small miss, I send him a brief voice recording to correct.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-An'aam till v 111 (Juz 8); Dhuhr Surat al-An'aam till end, Surat al-A'raf till v 48.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 02/25/2026, 07 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 7, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsAnother good day. This year, I feel particularly good physically in this first week of Ramadhan, clear minded and energetic. I return to Patel 7 Masjid for Dhuhr, at the end of which the old man makes an announcement that I don't fully understand. Some people stay behind, and so do I, expecting some sort of Bayaan. But this is actually a meeting to discuss how to hold the Jumma prayers. I leave somewhat awkwardly. He asks me on the way where I pray Jummah ki Namaaz, "Ghar pe, Khairani road...", saving me from a silent exit, which I imagine would not have been appropriate.
In Tarawee, as if counter-reacting to yesterday, I do well, following the recitation as best I can, even though these (Anfal and Taubah) are challenging to follow (I have read to about 8 Rakaat, which helps me recognize certain passages). Again, my mind is clear, and I enjoy walking back home among the activity. Also, as resolved yesterday, I am wearing a sanitary pad, which not only keeps my clothes clean, but strangely seems to prevent the leakages to happen at all. I have noticed this before, and wonder why that would be. This will now become the norm for Tarawee. I do suffer from another foot cramp once, but I don't mind, today is a good day.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-A'raf till v 88 (Juz 9), till v 158; Dhuhr Surat al-A'raf till end, Surat al-Anfal till v 29; Asr Surat al-Anfal till v 41 (Juz 10), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 02/26/2026, 08 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 8, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsI have slept less last night, get up early shortly after 4am, following the same routine, although slightly tired. Gulzar is still fast asleep, leaving me plenty of time to revise the Qur'an. Today, I am switching from Surat at-Ra'd to Surat An'aam, revisiting the longest Surah I know (which had defined my first year praying Tarawee four years ago).
As often, some morning thoughts. Today's topics: Irrelevance of the existence of God to religious practice - Against cancel culture - About finding once true tastes.
Funnily, this Thursday is very similar to last Thursday, which was the first day of Roza. After a good morning, my strength declines through the day, and starting to feel exhausted, I skip a meeting to drive back home and sleep for a time.
I do sleep before Iftaar, and again after Iftaar, but still walk to Masjid feeling staggered, it takes me some time to recover. I sit again between Jamal Malik and the fat man with dyed hair, as they talk while exchanging scent over my shoulder. I ask Jamal "kaunsi bhasha baat kar rahe hain, mein nahi samajh sakta?". He smiles enigmatically amused, "kuch nahi samajhte?". "Das percent" I respond showing a small amount with my hand. The fat man addresses me for the first time, "main hindi me bataunga apko samajh aega..." and he repeats what he has said. "Yaha sab UP se hain", all people in the congregation are from Uttar Pradesh. "Sab log?", I confirm?
I leave them as I am drawn again today to the first row in the formation of the Saffat. I resolve to do a sans faute in spite of my groggy state, which I start poorly by forgetting the last Fardh Rakaat of Ishaa. From there on, focusing intensely, things do improve. I am able to well concentrate on the recitation of Surat at-Tauba and Hud, and no foot cramp (as well as protection from the sanitary napkin). I am satisfied to follow elements of the recitation, even from passages I have not read today, and even from the younger Hazrat, whose confidence seems to build up every day. (I have reached to about 11 rakaat in reading earlier). I walk back feeling much better.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat at-Taubah till v 73; Dhuhr Surat at-Taubah till v 94 (Juz 11), till end; Surat Yunus till v 21; Asr Surat Yunus till v 41.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 02/27/2026, 09 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 9, TARAWEE
Weight: 70.2 kg - 154.8 lbsI wake up well around 4:30, again well before alarm, slightly frustrated by an apparent weight gain even though I feel that I am eating well. I subtly reduce my portions. I continue to revise Surat al-An'aam, but still pray Surat Yaseen in Namaaz. No office today, how relaxing!
I go to Masjid early, meet Jamal Malik in the Wudhu, and he laughs that I know to arrive very early during Ramzaan. I have taken phone and glasses for once, but still hesitate what I'll do. Seeing that the Masjid is still quite empty, I do take a Qur'an from the shelf, and a stand from the floor, and sit with my back against the wall (as instructed last Friday), to the left of Jamal Malik, and start to read as I would at home, checking translation against the phone as needed, although I understand this Surah almost entirely. I eventually put book and stand back as I feel the time for Adhaan approaching, and sit in the same place with no problem. There. Today, I think I have figured out how to read the Qur'an in the Masjid, and no one has objected anything.
I feel remarkably good. Physically alert, and clear mind, and listen with interest to the Bayaan about Zakat, and then Namaaz. My good form continues as I walk back, and even as I climb our stairs to 9th floor, as the elevator is broken. Strangely, I feel better than if I were eating!
In evening Tarawee, I follow very well Surat Hud and the beginning of Surat Yusuf, basically whatever I have read earlier in the day, but lose a bit the rest of Surat Yusuf, and surprisingly am only able to partially follow the beginning of Surat ar-Ra'd, even though it should still be fresh in my mind. This underscores that it's better to read the verses before Tarawee. As every year, there will be a tipping point where that happens, probably once they settle into reading according to Juz (which they are still exceeding). Again a foot cramp, always in the same place, that is on the last rakaat of Tarawee (you would think I should be able to avoid this). And I am wearing a sanitary napkin, much needed today as I do feel occasional leaks. All that said, I continue to feel remarkably well, in better physical form than I ever remember.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Yunus till end; Before Jummah Surat Hud till v 6 (Juz 12), till v 50; Jummah Surat Hud till v 96 (in Masjid); Asr Surat Hud till end, Surat Yusuf till v 36; Surat Yusuf till v 53 (Juz 13), till v 58.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 02/28/2026, 10 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 10, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsI wake up too early at 3:30, but somewhat eager to get started, get up before 4am, feeling again miraculously good. In a surprise move, I return to learning Surat ar-Ra'd, inspired by yesterday's Tarawee. Revisiting the opening verses of the Surah actually works great for me, and perhaps I will stay with it till the end, making Surat ar-Ra'd the defining Surah of his Ramadhan, in the same way that Surat al-An'aam had defined my first Tarawee four years ago. For the first time, I catch up with yesterday's recitation after Fajr itself.
A really improbable occurrence: As I walk back from Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I overhear a voice from someone's phone, and vaguely recognize it could be Trump's. In an improbable guess, I surmise it perhaps means that he has declared war on Iran. Later, that wild shot guess actually proves true: America has indeed attacked Iran!
In the evening Tarawee, it turns out that, convinced that we would complete the 14th ruku, I have over-read today, they do not finish Surat an-Nahl, and I am unable to completely capture where we have stopped. I actually struggle more generally to follow, it feels like the first Hazrat has recited particularly fast. The second one continues to build confidence, seems to overtake the other in clarity and beauty, in spite of being much younger.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Yusuf till end, Surat ar-Ra'd till v 19; Dhuhr Surat ar-Ra'd till end, Surat Ibrahim; Asr Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end, Surat an-Nahl till v 61; Before Iftaar Surat an-Nahl till v 84.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/01/2026, 11 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 11, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbs39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15), Surat al-Isra till v 41;
Up slightly before 4am. I have taken the pill yesterday which leaves me with an unfortunate headache in the morning. Luckily, Advil does dispel it, and I eventually feel quite good. In another turn, I have returned to Surat an-An'aam, and plan to stay with it now, perhaps for months, excited by what feels like the start of a long journey, somehow matching world events. I recite the first two rukus in Namaaz, to great effect.
A day at home, mostly, which as often ends up being more challenging then you'd think, feeling a little groggy. Yet I still get well through the Tilavaat of the day, Surat al-Isra which I know so well, and Dhuhr ki Namaaz at Mustafa Masjid. In the late afternoon, we go out at last, on Khairani road for the usual Iftaar shopping.
But I feel so-so when going to Tarawee. On the way to Masjid, I notice an unusual police presence on Khairani road, and further down the road, am passed by a procession of mostly motorbikes, brandishing torches and waving saffron flags. At the Masjid, the Iftaar items still make me uncomfortable, I feel a little quizzy, with a subtle stomach pain and occasional hiccups. I do make an effort though, and luckily, am able to follow Surat al-Isra quite well. But this does highlight the point that I only succeed because I know it by heart, able to play the verses in my mind as they are recited, regardless of whether I can fully hear them or not. For lesser known verses, this would not be possible, no wonder I struggle otherwise. As predicted, we reach Juz 16 on the spot, and I anticipate that we will now stick to the Juz division.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat an-Nahl till end (Juz 15), Surat al-Isra till v 41; Dhuhr Surat al-Isra till end, Surat al-Kahf till v 23; Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 45.
-- Moon over Nahar --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/02/2026, 12 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 12, TARAWEE
Walk: 0:39:34
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsAn uncomfortable night, I am digesting poorly the food from Khairani road, and in the morning, wake up thoroughly disgusted at the idea of eating more of those fried things at Iftaar. I don't have to convince Gulzar of this when she wakes up, she herself is suffering from loose motion!
But I experience an excellent wake-up, from an excellent dream (again, dream quality seems to greatly impact rest quality). Seeing the moon at dawn, large and crimson near the horizon, I call Gulzar to the balcony, and we marvel. We later go on a morning walk together after Namaaz, inside Nahar, the first morning walk this Ramzaan. I feel good.
Later, to Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr, and Tarawee in the evening. I start very well, able to follow Surat Maryam, but start to lose the thread as the recitation accelerates (there seems to be a threshold in recitation speed beyond which I cannot follow), and I end up somewhat disappointed that I have not understood Surat Ta-Ha better, in spite of its clear narrative structure.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till end; Dhuhr Surat Maryam, Surat Ta-Ha till v 43; After Dhuhr Surat Ta-Ha till v 77; Asr Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/03/2026, 13 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 13, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsI am up before 4am, but feeling quite good. Today is Holi, no work, and in the morning, the atmosphere is very heavy with the smell of smoke from last night's bonfires. I pray a good Namaaz, and good Tilaavat.
An otherwise uneventful day. We go to the Mall, where I buy my next pair of running shoes, for after Ramzaan. Since I have completed the Juz of the Day quite easily, I decide to resume my 38th Reading of the Qur'an, which I had paused before Ramadhan, advancing the two in parallel.
In Tarawee, I yet again try to refine my technique, after having read in the Hadith, applying myself to sit and stand straight during the short intervals, and finally have started responding "Rabbana walakal hamd" (although not yet able to do it consistently). My digestion continues to bother me slightly, and I wonder what I should eat for Iftaar optimally. Also, through the first Rakaats, I feel a small bug crawling around on the back of my neck, like a test of my ability to focus. But I manage to follow relatively well. Today, now that we are on the Juz rhythm, Tarawee ends earlier. On the way back, a small group on Khairani road, which I assume is around some street vendor. But no, I catch a glimpse of a man who has fallen face first on the pavement.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Anbiya; 39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Hajj till v 49; Dhuhr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18). 38th Tilaavat before Iftaar Surat al-Hijr v 1 (Juz 14), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/04/2026, 14 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 14, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.9 kg - 154.1 lbsUp again before 4am, and again feeling ok in the pre-dawn hours, silently eating breakfast, Seheri, while revising the Qur'an. I drive again to work, but start to tire during the day. I complete today's Juz before Dhuhr, laboriously fighting fatigue, with a great effort to read deliberately with focus. At Patel 7 Masjid for Dhuhr, another example of Sajdah Sahw in Namaaz, as the Imaam must have made some mistake which strangely I didn't catch. I return home quite exhausted, luckily with some time on my hands fall deeply asleep.
Finally, I eat well for Iftaar, a lighter meal, and feel consequently much better (I feel I am rediscovering the proper nutrition on every Ramadhan). After my usual short sleep before going out, I follow Tarawee with reasonable success, especially whenever the speed slows down a bit, and am able to recognize passages I've read earlier in the day.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Mu'minun; Dhuhr Surat an-Nur, Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19);------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/05/2026, 15 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 15, TARAWEE
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbsUp at 4:30, feeling rested after several episodes of dreams. Finally figured out my nutrition last night, and feel much better in the morning, together with an abrupt weight loss. To work. Complete almost the entire juz in morning, the monodic rhythm of Surat ash-Shu'ara.
I feeling truly excellent today, like on the first week. I imagine this is largely due to proper nutrition last night. At Dhuhr ki Namaaz in Patel 7 Masjid, I find the opportunity to meet the man, offer to give to the Masjid. "Jazakallah Khair", he shakes my hand with effusion, and shows me a QR code that I can scan. I have left my phone at work as always, but will come back, I feel satisfied that I am progressing.
Small incident in the evening, as I get ready for Iftaar, Gulzar has gone missing, and left her phone. Increasingly concerned, I end up breaking the fast alone, with whatever left-over food I can find and a toast. She finally arrives after 10 minutes, she is with Shaheed. That explains that. She sends him with me to Tarawee. I'll admit I feel quite reluctant at first, but I end up enjoying the experience, even if it costs me a little of my concentration. I can't help but imagine the experience through his eyes, and miss about half of my "Rabbana wa lakal Hamd"! Nevertheless, I am able to focus well at times, and follow Surat an-Anbiya through its leitmotiv repetitions quite well.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Furqan till end, Surat ash-Shu'ara; Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20); 38th Tilaavat Asr Surat an-Nahl till v 71.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/06/2026, 16 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 16, TARAWEE
Walk: Shangarsh Nagar - SM Shetty - Powai Vihar - Heera Panna - Road 6 - Raambagh - Nahar.
Time: 0:50:16
Weight: 69 kg - 152.1 lbsI get up normally around 4am, today, exceptionally, I have slept in a single go, no wake-ups during the night. This essentially never happens! I have again handled nutrition well last night, in spite of the rocky Iftaar, and feel quite good in the morning, and my weight drop is confirmed. Surat Yaseen as usual on a Friday in Namaaz.
Later, I go to Masjid for Jummah, leaving early before 12. This time, I have well figured out how to read the Qur'an, sitting on the side by the wall, and stop in time so that I can sit in the Majlis without a problem. Walking back from Namaaz along Khairani road, I notice a small but dense crowd on the other side, a group of women in black and a group of men in white, pressed near a cloth partition masking one of the shops. I assume this is a funeral. And then as I pass near Mustafa Masjid, called by the nice man I cross the street to meet him. He shows me right by the small shop, a coffin that I had not noticed, here too kissi ka intakaal ho gaya. I take this opportunity to ask him about how to make a donation to the Masjid. He will introduce me to the right people.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat an-Naml till end, Surat al-Qasas till v 43; Before Jummah Surat al-Qasas till v 76; Jummah (in Masjid) Surat al-Qasas till end, Surat al-Ankabut till v 29; Asr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21); 38th Tilaavat Surat an-Nahl till v 90, till end (Juz 15).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 03/07/2026, 17 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 17, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbsA quiet day. We go to Sanichar Bazaar in the morning, but it's all gone! All the street vendors have been chased away, it's the first time I see this street empty! We return empty handed, but at least we have gone out. The rest of the day, spent mostly indoors, ends up feeling a little difficult.
To Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr ki Namaaz. The nice man introduces me to the head of the Masjid, an old man sitting at the front row reading the Qur'an. Sitting by him, I ask him how to make a donation, but the dialogue is not that conclusive, I will have to talk to the Imaam.
There is again no electricity at the Masjid. But this time, it creates some commotion, probably because the Masjid is full. People brainstorm how to allow everyone to follow the Namaaz, including on the upper floors where people have overflowed. Finally, a few callers are placed strategically, one with us, another at the corner, another at the base of the stairs, another on top etc., and we hear them calling loudly in close succession to the call of the Imaam. With the fans not working, it gets very hot inside, and I end the Namaaz in sweat.
I make great efforts to cling on to excellence, but I do struggle a bit through this middle section of the month. A small occurence: I cannot find my Deeniyat books, which I normally keep by the Qur'an (I've planned to study them at some point to further my knowledge of Urdu). It turns out Gulzar, thinking I have not been reading them, has donated them to Haji Ali(!!), where they will either be kept, or thrown in the water! In spite of my protestations, she insists that such unused books should not be kept at home. I try to prevent this small incident from occupying my mind as I head to the Tarawee prayers. These are generally good tonight, for once, someone has sat next to Jamal Malik before me and I end up on the 3rd row. I continue to fight for my focus, determined to not let up, always strive for the best I can accomplish.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Ankabut till end, Surat ar-Rum; Dhuhr Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah, Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22); 38th Tilaavat Asr Surat al-Isra till v 61; Before Iftaar Surat al-Isra till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/08/2026, 18 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 18, TARAWEE
Walk in Oxygen Park
Time: 1:17:50
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbsUp again at 4am, again in a single episode of sleep. I have eaten the pill yesterday, and fear a headache this morning. Luckily, this dissipates, and Fajr ki Namaaz is truly excellent (I continue to revise further into Surat al-An'aam). We then go on a walk in Oxygen Park. Luckily, as we take a break on a bench, I fall fast asleep. It is good to be out, do not want to repeat yesterday's cabin fever.
And today is MUCH better than yesterday!
I feel extraordinarily sharp, none of that grogginess that was plaguing me, and the Ibaadat comes very naturally, whether the Namaaz of the day, or reading today's Juz. Also, I finally make great progress on distributing the Zakat, starting to give to the people that the Imaam has sent me (I have asked for five people). I find that I can do one a day, so this will continue through next week, but I do feel better and more confident. In the last few days, thoughts on how to give the Zakaat were weighing me down almost obsessively, anguished by what would be considered suitable or not. Today, freed from this sterile debate, I feel confidence in my acts.
But in the evening, I feel surprisingly tired, and struggle somewhat to stay awake during Tarawee (which I spend again on the first row). With eyes closed, I am prompt to slide unavoidably into the visions, and have to open my eyes to stop them (I notice that, like me, the man next to me occasionally briefly snaps out of balance, probably in a similar state). I eventually spend the rest of Namaaz with my eyes open, follow as best I can, until in the last two Rakaat we reach Surat Yaseen, of which I understand every word. Reaching Surat Yaseen always feel like the completion of the book is near. On the way back home, people watching a Cricket Match outside in our neighbor society.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Ahzab till end; Dhuhr Surat Saba, Surat Fatir till v 27; Asr Surat Fatir till end, Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23); 38th Tilaavat Asr Surat al-Kahf till v 32; Before Iftaar Surat al-Kahf till v 54.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/09/2026, 19 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 19, TARAWEE
Walk: Nahar - Mhada - Raheja Vihar loop - Chandivali - Nahar.
Time: 0:49:66
Weight: 69.6 kg - 153.4 lbsUp before 4am, as usual, I have not been woken up by the alarm once during this Ramadhan so far. I feel good, and complete reading of Surat Yaseen in Tilaavat, then on this pleasant walk. I definitely feel morning walks help through the Roza.
For some reason, my anxiety around Zakaat raises to a new high, and I get irritated at how much of my attention it commands. Determined to give Zakaat properly, I struggle with how to do it appropriately. I wish this was over so I could move on from it, but due to various impediments, it continues to stretch, further augmenting my anguish. I definitely need to change strategy for next year!
After a successfull Tilavaat, I go to Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr, feeling agitated from the anguish. There is again no light in the Masjid. I happen to cross the Muedhin Saab, a perfect opportunity to solve this at least, so I ask him how to give to the Masjid. He answers nicely, that Zakaat cannot be given to Masjid, it is meant for Madrasa only. This plan falls apart too, but I am at least relieved by the clarity. I sit in the Masjid, fearing the heat like yesterday, but moments before Namaaz, the electricity returns, and all proceeds normally. I feel a bit appeased after Namaaz.
This silly obsession with Zakaat continues, and I continue to get irritated by how much it monopolizes my thoughts. I take as a trial. But gathering my forces yet again, I rebound in Tarawee. Luckily, I feel extraordinarily clear, and in steps am able to break away from the lingering thoughts. Surat Yaseen is first completed from yesterday, a Surah that I can follow easily word for word. But my attention hardly lapses through the remainder, or if it does, I am able to rein it back. I return walking home feeling as if I have won a battle. We have entered the last ten days of the Ramadhan.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Yaseen till end, Surat as-Saffat till v 114; Dhuhr Surat as-Saffat till end, Surat Saad, Surat az-Zumar till v 22; After Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 32); 38th Tilaavat Surat al-Kahf till v 75 (Juz 16), till v 83; Surat al-Kahf till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/10/2026, 20 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 20, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.2 kg - 152.5 lbsI wake up a little later at 4:30, which ends up being just enough for my usual normal pre-dawn rituals and food. I drive to work at 6:30, and there perform my morning Tilaavat, Surat az-Zumar, which again strikes me, and confirms my decision to attempt to learn it next insha allah. At Dhuhr ki Namaaz, I go to Patel 7 Masjid, try in vain to scan their QR code to make my donation. The nice man encourages me, which feels better to me, I have taken its photo and hope to make the donation later from home. 25 Taleem study here itself, after Maghrib, so this Masjid, nestled on the ground floor of one of those decrepit Mhada type buildings, does indeed serve as a Madrasa. Later, once home (after a 24hr delay since the last transaction), I succeed in making the transfer, after one final hesitation on the appropriate amount. Too much? Not enough? Or is it ridiculously high?
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat az-Zumar till end, Surat al-Mu'min till v 40; Dhuhr Surat al-Mu'min till end, Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till v 47 (Juz 25); 38th Tilaavat Asr Surat Maryam till v 51; Surat Maryam till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/11/2026, 21 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 21, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbsWake up at 3:30 unfortunately, and find only vague half sleep till I get up around 4:10. I go to office again, feeling clearly more tired, yet I manage. As usual, Fajr ki Namaaz, and morning Tilaavat (around 7am when reaching office), are the most productive. I do go to Patel 7 Masjid for Dhuhr ki Namaaz. My donation from yesterday has been received. The man asks me, is this Lilaah? I ask him to explain. And so I learn the difference between Zakat, Sadaqah and Lillah.
Later, the first headache this Ramzaan, which of course I can do nothing about. It is increasingly doubtful that I will be able to go to France at the end of the month, as Dubai is still closed, and the war seems to prolong. My mother is advocating that I cancel and book a direct flight as soon as possible, but I hesitate greatly.
The Tarawee prayers continue this quandary, although I discipline myself to not get overly distracted, and focus on the Tilaavat. Today, Gulzar brought back some Adult Diapers, and so, for the first time, I attend the whole Namaaz wearing a diaper (it actually works well).
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat Ha-Mim Sajdah till end, Surat ash-Shura; Dhuhr Surat az-Zukhruf, Surat ad-Dukhan; Afternoon Surat al-Jathiyah (Juz 26); Before Iftaar 38th Tilaavat Surat Ta-Ha till v 77.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/12/2026, 22 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 22, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbsWake-ups in the night, but I manage to sleep back (in spite of the heat) and get up at the usual 4am. The dilemna over my trip to France continues, I am leaning towards cancelling, to my mother's dismay, who is ready to re-book the tickets on direct flights. Difficult decision...
I sleep as usual after Iftaar, strangely wake up in a bad mood, aggravated by the thousand obstacles walking on Khairani road. But once in Masjid, I fight back with determination, and Tarawee goes well.
39th Tilaavat Morning Surat al-Ahqaf, Surat Muhammad, Surat al-Fath till v 27; Dhuhr Surat al-Fath till end, Surat al-Hujurat, Surat Qaf, Surat adh-Dhariyat till v 31 (Juz 27);
-- Lake Powai Walk --
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/13/2026, 23 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 23, TARAWEE
Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Promenade - Platform - Overpass - Rambaug - Nahar.
Time: 0:51:36
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbsI wake up with the alarm for once, unfortunately later than I would have liked (4:45). This makes this morning's preparations a bit rushed, but I do manage to get through everything. I misread my weight at first, thinking I've spiked back to 69.8 kg, but then realize this is actually another weight drop, crossing into the 68's for the first time (all season?).
I do feel good in Tilaavat before dawn. Then while reciting SUrat Yaseen in Fajr ki Namaaz, I am hit by a strong vision: I must go. I realize abruptly that I have to accept my mother's offer, cancel my Dubai flights and book direct flights to Paris and London. The vision of this makes me cry abundantly, slowing my Namaaz, but I feel I have reached the correct decision, insha allah.
Later, after morning Tilaavat, I go for this small walk before work. It is hot even in the morning, and even a moderate walk makes me sweat (what would it be if I were running?). The Lake Promenade is still under construction, I have to find my way, but am greeted by a nice hazy morning view.
I set out for Jummah ki Namaaz extra early, before noon, with the plan to finish reading today's Juz there. At noon, the heat is suffocating, the sunlight blinding. This time, I feel I have finally achieved a satisfactory Tilaavat in the Masjid. By now, several people stay in the Masjid itself, a few sleeping on the ground. The left wall is taken, so I sit on the first row, where the formation of the Saffat has often led me in Tarawee. Here at least there will be no worry about sitting for Namaaz. I take a plastic stand, take a Qur'an from the shelf, and proceed to read the three last Surah's of the Juz, Surah Rahman, Waqi'ah, and Hadid, which I know well enough to not need any translation (and therefore do not need the phone on the side). A man offers me perfume and talks to me briefly, thinking at first that I am Kashmiri (and wondering if the other white man, who is actually Kashmiri, could be my brother?). I complete my reading with ease, fold the book and keep back on the shelf, with some time left before Adhaan, which I occupy by continuing to revise Surat al-An'aam (this time on the phone). Before Namaaz starts, the young man who prays Tarawee every night, whose appearance strikes me, sits next to me. After Bayaan, we rise for Namaaz, today led by a different Imaam. The young man throws a rag on the floor which he always seems to carry. I feel particularly good today, Namaaz, longer than usual, is very productive, and when the Imaam goes on a passionate Du'ah, the young man next to me seems to be crying with him. On the way out, since I have my phone, I make a donation to this Imaam's Madrasa, which I resolve to do more regularly next year to handle the Zakat a bit better (every day during Ramadhan, different different Madrasas visit the Masjid).
Once back home, as soon as I free up from meetings, I call my mother. She is moved by my decision, revealing how sad she was that I couldn't come. We book the airplane tickets right away, through Air France and British Airways, without too much problem (the trip to Paris is abnormally expensive, but strangely the return from London is about normal).
This has been among the best days. I have felt sharp and alert, a case of the clear mind, able to perform all 'Ibaadat of the day near my best. In the evening, I walk again to al-Husainya Masjid for Tarawee. I do well, but without matching the heights of earlier in the day. We reach Surat ar-Rahman in the second half, which I can follow word for word, as well as Surat al-Waqi'ah right after it, bringing an excellent conclusion to this excellent day.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat adh-Dhariyat till end, Surat at-Tur, Surat an-Najm, Surat al-Qamar; 38th Tilaavat Morning Surat Ta-Ha till end (Juz 17), Surat al-Anbiya till v 30; Jummah 39th Tilaavat Surat ar-Rahman, Surat al-Waqi'ah, Surat al-Hadid (in Masjid); Asr 38th Tilaavat Surat al-Anbiya till v 83, till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 03/14/2026, 24 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 24, TARAWEE
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbsUp at 4:50, earlier than usual, a little tired, but ok. An otherwise nondescript day. We were planning to go to Haji Ali, but eventually do not, and I go get a haircut instead. I walk to Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr, feeling blasted by the midday heat, blinded by overwhelming sunshine. But otherwise all is fine. Today, I finish distributing the Zakaat finally, by giving to the Imaam who has provided me contacts of people in need. I am relieved this is over, hoping my mind will rest at peace, although elements of it will continue to disturb me, the question of whether I have done right remains. But I am aquitted of what should be, and started as, a source of great satisfaction, and I can focus on the last days of the month. I do well again in Tarawee, grasping certain passages here and there, able to refocus yet again. I am fighting the feeling that it is almost over, resist the tendency to project the after-Ramadhan, rather push myself to a final effort in this last week.
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Mujadilah, Surat al-Hashr; Dhuhr Surat al-Mumtahanah, Surat as-Saff, Surat al-Jumu'ah, Surat al-Munafiqun, Surat at-Taghabun, Surat at-Talaq, Surat at-Tahrim (Juz 29); Asr 38th Tilaavat Surat al-Hajj till v 49.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 03/15/2026, 25 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 25, TARAWEE
Walk: Nahar - Raambagh - Orchard - Main St - Central - SM Shetty - Jama Masjid Shangarsh Nagar - Chandivali.
Time: 1:03:10
Weight: 68.7 kg - 151.4 lbsWake up too early at 3:20, unable to sleep back, so get up around 3:45. But I again feel surprisingly good in the hours before dawn, studying the Qur'an while eating, and to an excellent Namaaz. In fact, I even go on this morning walk, which feels good in spite of the heat. Clearly the early morning hours are my most lucid and energetic, by far.
We later go to Haji Ali. There, we sit on the outside, facing the sea, to a marvelous fresh wind that abates the midday heat, sheltered on a small patch of shadow which will remain. As Dhuhr approaches, I go to read in the Masjid, reproducing my habit of sitting by the left wall. I want to use my phone for translation, but it doesn't work here, so I end up reading without any translation, which is a crutch I should hardly need any more, but these Surah's (among the early Surah's) are surprisingly difficult, quite different in vocabulary than the later ones. Also, I have stupidly taken my progressive glasses rather than the reading ones, which proves a little challenging with the small text, and my reading somewhat dissappoints. I read till Muddaththir, but finish feeling a bit dissatisfied, as if I had failed to complete today's Juz properly. I put the book back and wait for the Adhaan, which as usual moves me here, in this small post on the Arabic Sea, and a striking reminder of our early days. Namaaz is excellent.
I find her sitting under the pavillion where normally Qawali groups sing (none today). It is actually rather sparse today, not much crowd. But here, shielded from the wind, we soon feel too hot, and decide to return by the sea. The water has receded, revealing rocky paths, we walk out and sit near the water line, in full sunshine but cooled down by the sea breeze. I cover myself as best I can, but fearing that I'll burn, we retreat back to our little shadow area, our back against a small building which is actually the woman's bathroom. The shadow line has not moved under the sun's course, it is pleasant here under the same breeze. We dream of going to Hajj by boat, how long would that take? We squint our eyes towards the horizon, today remarkably clear, as if to see Arabia, or traces of the distant war.
I eventually return in the Masjid to finish today's Juz, and pray Asr before Jammat. Like before, my reading does not feel completely satisfying (other than Surah Muzzammil which I know well). We leave, after distributing to the workers, with whom we have become very popular! We return by taxi. Somehow Gulzar had felt this coming, the driver loots us with over rs. 1,500 (and the Sealink toll in addition), whereas the earlier drive had cost only 560. But we do make it back home comfortably before Iftaar.
I have felt extraordinarily well all day! As I suspected, being outside helps greatly with the Roza. Surprisingly, I have not slept once! But after Iftaar, I do fall so deeply asleep that startled and disoriented by the alarm, I walk staggeringly along Khairani road (get nearly hit by a bike!) for Tarawee, where I gradually find my senses to follow the recitation. On my way back, I see a police van in Nahar, and am shocked as I pass by a pool of blood. Once home, I find out that a child has been run over and killed there by a vehicle, who has fled the scene. This is a stark warning, as everyday I fend my way through the traffic chaos. Gulzar thinks I should stay home, but I refuse!!
39th Tilaavat Fajr Surat al-Mulk, Surat al-Qalam, Surat al-Haqqah; Dhuhr (in Haji Ali) Surat al-Ma'arij, Surat Nuh, Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir; Asr (in Haji Ali) Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30).------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday 03/16/2026, 26 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 26, TARAWEE, LAYLATUL-QADR
Walk: Godrej - Shangarsh Nagar (S to N) - Juma Masjid - To Panchvati & back - Juma Masjid - Pawar Public School - Shangarsh Nagar, N to S via Eastern road - Back Godrej - Chandivali.
Time: 0:55:56
Weight: 68.9 kg - 151.9 lbsUp again at 4am, without alarm, feeling quite clear. Still somewhat dissatisfied with yesterday's Tilaavat in Haji Ali, I decide to repeat some of it, from Surat al-Jinn onwards. This proves a good decision, I resonate with the text. Then I embark on this walk, for an unplanned trip through Shangarsh Nagar.
I start from the South end, walk along the mostly familiar route that leads to the Juma Masjid, there, I first continue straight into the starkingly contrasted posh neighborhoods near SM Shetty. But I soon regret this, turn back, deciding to return through Shangarsh Nagar again, this time to explore its outer edge. I turn towards Pawar Public School, through the decrepit housing socities, like walls on each side.
There awaits a surprise: A modern activity park has been built here, complete with walking track and outside exercise machines. From here I follow the outer Eastern edge of Shangarsh Nagar, along increasingly dilapidated buildings, with impressive rock cliffs to my left. At first bothered by school buses that press through these narrow disheveled roads, this eventually wanes down as the road turns to dirt, along mostly abandonned buildings, and I am left alone with hardly a few stray dogs (although I am generally impressed as often in the slums by the level of morning activity, particularly school kids, or people going to work). I stay as much as I can along the perimeter, impressed by the environment (which reminds very much of Royal Palms where Patel 7 Masjid is), and eventually come out again around Nahar, with the sense of having travelled through a different world.
Around mid-day, I abruptly feel very tired, but walk to Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr to shake it off. I end up standing next to the man who has asked me for help (which I don't plan to give), whom I'd prefer to avoid, AND he has a strong cold which I don't want to catch. We shake hands but do not talk (and I wash my hands at the Wudhu place while leaving). Namaaz has indeed woken me up as I hoped, and revigorated, in the intervals between meetings, I finish my 39th reading of the Qur'an, well before Asr ki Namaaz.
Like yesterday, feeling tired, I fall deeply asleep after Iftaar, and walk staggering to the Masjid through the chaos. I find myself in a sulky mood, expecting that Laylatul-Qadr will not suit me (as it typically doesn't), making plans to return home immediately after Namaaz. But I fight back. There is unusual activity at the Masjid, children are cleaning and mopping the floors. Inside, many water bottles are passed around, and bags are brought to the front for later distribution. The "tall thin man" realizing that he has forgotten his water sends the boy sitting with us outside. He takes time to return though, and as Ishaa ka time nears, Jamal Malik protects the boy's place. "Chokra a raha hai" he says to a man about to sit, which for some reason makes the man laugh. The boy makes it back just in time. Namaaz starts, then Tarawee. My mood gradually reverses, I am able to follow word-by-word past Surat al-Buruj, increasingly realizing the moment. I gradually settle the debate of whether I will stay or return home, I see visions of her waiting, yearn to be at her side, finally clearly see that I will return, my love has stayed intact after all these years. We reach the end, led by the second young man, when reverting back to the start of the book in the last Rakaat, he recites one additional verse. A pause is marked, men gather at the front, drink water, the Imaam makes an announcement, then starts an oversized Du'ah in his style that I know so well. Finally, we rise again for Wajib Witr, and Namaaz comes to an end.
Like every year, we are asked to stay seated while Mithai is distributed along the rows, somewhat hampered by those who have started praying additional Rakaats. After receiving a first Ladoo, I try to get more from the Muedhin Saab, but a small riot builds up around him, bacche and even some adults assaulting him on the verge of falling on Jamal Malik. The Muedhin Saab is kind enough though to save three for me, I rejoice at the idea of offering them to Gulzar. Still wanting to be by her, I take leave from Jamal Malik (who ensures that I did get sweets) and from the boy. In the hall, people are already seated on the ground for the meal, large cauldrons, I am invited to stay, but head out in the night. Only a few Mu'mineen like me are walking on Khairani road, most have stayed at the Masjids.
Back home, I offer her the Ladoo. She has prepared mutton. I eat well, including the sweet, which is actually delicions, not excessivetly sweet.
39th Tilaavat Fajr (repeat) Surat al-Jinn, Surat al-Muzzammil, Surat al-Muddaththir, Surat al-Qiyamah, Surat ad-Dahr, Surat al-Mursalat (Juz 30); Morning Surat an-Naba, Surat an-Nazi'at, Surat Abasa, Surat at-Takwir, Surat al-Infitar; Dhuhr Surat al-Mutaffifin, Surat al-Inshiqaq; After Dhuhr Surat al-Buruj, Surat at-Tariq, Surat al-A'la, Surat al-Ghashiyah, Surat al-Fajr, Surat al-Balad, Surat ash-Shams, Surat al-Lail, Surat adh-Dhuha, Surat al-Inshirah, Surat at-Tin, Surat al-Alaq, Surat al-Qadr, Surat al-Bayyinah, Surat az-Zalzalah, Surat al-'Adiyat, Surat al-Qari'ah, Surat at-Takathur, Surat al-'Asr, Surat al-Humazah, Surat al-Fil, Surat Quraish, Surat al-Ma'un, Surat al-Kauthar, Surat al-Kafirun, Surat an-Nasr, Surat al-Lahab, Surat al-Ikhlaas, Surat al-Falaq, Surat an-Naas; Surat al-Fatihah, Surat Al-Baqarah till v 5.
38th Tilaavat Asr Surat al-Hajj till end (Juz 18), Surat al-Mu'minun till v 23.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 03/17/2026, 27 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 27, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbsI wake up at 3 to an uncomfortable digestion from the Mutton and Ladoo, and suffering from the heat. As it feels vain to sleep back, I am inspired to get up to complete Laylatul Qadr now, in the hours before Fajr (since till then it lasts). I first revise Surat al-An'aam while drinking coffee, hoping to find better devotion. Once the coffee finished, I am inspired to pray Tahajjud ki Namaaz, what better use of it could there be? This indeed works out supremely well. I then resume the 38th Tilaavat, before Fajr, advancing in Surat al-Mu'minun, by then I hear her waking up. I go by her, we talk with animation, and finally I eat Seheri till Fajr ka time.
This episode has worked extraordinarily well! It seems that I have finally found my version of Laylatul Qadr, one that works for me. In previous years, I had not been able to stay up with much pleasure or devotion, largely missing the occasion, so why not play to my strength, which is to rise well before dawn? My reading and Namaaz are invariably best at that time, in the solitude of the night's last hours. To my amazement, in spite of sleeping so little, I feel gradually excellent, sharp, and devotions are well focused. I pray Fajr ki Namaaz still in that spirit, concluding this extraordinary episode, which probably sets the standard for the future, insha allah.
I drive to work, still surprisingly fresh, although do not mind after this success what happens further in the day. In Patel 7 Masjid for Namaaz, I am determined to talk again to the man about Zakaat, wanting to offer that he take half of it for Lillah (for general use in the Masjid), mortified that I may have given too much for the Madrasa. But the occasion does not present itself. After Namaaz, they proceed to read Surat Yaseen, but I leave before that starts.
In the evening, Tarawee has gone short. But people are still in attendance. The second boy recites by himself, using the last 10 Surahs of the Qur'an (which are the shortest) to complete the 20 Rakaat. But my focus slips somewhat, perhaps understandably.
38th Tilaavat before Fajr Surat al-Mu'minun till v 93; Morning Surat al-Mu'minun till end, Surat an-Nur till v 41; Dhuhr Surat an-Nur till end, Surat al-Furqan till v 21 (Juz 19), till end; Asr Surat ash-Shu'ara till v 69.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 03/18/2026, 28 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 28, TARAWEE
Weight: 69.1 kg - 152.3 lbsI get up around 3:50, again, feeling surprisingly good. I drive to work in the early morning and perform Tilaavat there, resuming fully my 28th reading. I return to Patel 7 Masjid for Dhuhr, this time, find an opportunity to talk. I propose to the man to assign part of my Zakaat to Lillah, but to my surprise, he declines, saying that it will be used. This wraps this small episode which has been troubling me excessively. I am moved today by the Namaaz here, in this small room at the bottom of one of those Mhada type buildings, feeling far from the world. This will be my last Namaaz here for this Ramadhan. Somehow, I feel particularly excellent today, sharp and focused, quick naps restoring my strength beautifully. I drive back home satisfied to have made it to office through the entire month.
I feel tired in the evening though, and after the usual brief sleep post Iftaar, I walk to the Masjid for Tarawee. But a loud procession has taken over the Nahar street, on this day of Gudi Padwa, a large group of women clad in red and orange, carrying something on their heads, escorted by police and a small crowd, blocking traffic. I pass to the side, but as I plunge into Khairani road, I find the pavement littered with abundant color paper confettis, all the way the Mandir that is in the alley of our Masjid.
For once, Jamal Malik is not here. The boy wonders where he is, keeps the water bottle he has brought for him in his place, until Namaaz starts, still without him. Attendance does feel a little less, in fact, even our Imaam is absent, leaving the duty of the entire Namaaz (Ishaa + Tarawee + Witr) to the first young man. I feel more focused than yesterday, following the last Surah's one by one, pondering about the month about to end (this could be the last Tarawee if Eid falls on Friday). Some announcement is made regarding Eid-ki-Namaaz, building that sense that things are ending. Namaaz concludes and we get out, but the Jalsa from earlier happens to have reached right here in front of the Masjid, largely blocking the narrow street, loud with constant monodic music and drum beat, and led by a police van. It must have done circuit from the Mandir into Khairani road, Nahar Amrit Shakti, returning from Mhada. We pass our way to the side, squeezing by an auto-rickshaw fitted with an air gun shooting bursts of confetti.
38th Tilaavat Morning Surat ash-Shu'ara till end, Surat an-Naml till v 60 (Juz 20); Dhuhr Surat an-Naml till end, Surat al-Qasas till v 61; Asr Surat al-Qasas till end;------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 03/19/2026, 29 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 29, TARAWEE
Walk: Oxygen Park with Gulzar
Time: 0:46:58
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbsUp at 3:30 from several dreams, feeling extraordinarily good! This good shape is eerie. Clearly dawn hours are my best, clarity of mind, purpose and focus, before getting polluted by fatigue and distractions. With this unique clarity, I rehearse further into Surat al-An'aam (and in Namaaz), as well as start today's Tilaavat before Namaaz, with the great opening verses of Surat al-Ankabut. After all this, we go walk in Oxygen Park, still feeling sharp!
A good day. I went to Mustafa Masjid for Dhuhr ki Namaaz, (surprised that the heat has abated, even at mid-day), and although we stayed at home, stayed sharp. I pray Asr ki Namaaz with the awareness that this could be the last Namaaz of this Ramadhan, a mixture of awe and fear, and I catch myself already fearing whether I'll be able to sustain the next Ramadhan!!
Around Maghrib, I return a few times to the balcony: The sky is clear and colorful, pure with no trace of the moon. As I suspected, the new moon is not sighted, tonight will be the last Tarawee, tomorrow the last Roza. Last Tarawee, and coincidentally, last diaper. Today, I do meet Jamal Malik and the boy, resuming our steadfast trio. Similar to the previous days, we repeat the last 10 Surahs twice, and so it ends. Jamal Malik shakes my hands, he says in his slow grave voice, "Eid ka din ana hai", - "Insha allah" I acquiesce. -Zoharbaat... (Zoharbaat, what could that be?). And then I understand, "Dhuhr ke baad". "Zarur aenge insha allah" I reply. I walk back after this last Tarawee, grasping last sights of Khairani road.
38th Tilaavat before Fajr Surat al-Ankabut till v 45 (Juz 21); Fajr Surat al-Ankabut till end, Surat ar-Rum; Dhuhr Surat Luqman, Surat as-Sajdah, Surat al-Ahzab till v 9; Asr Surat al-Ahzab till v 31 (Juz 22), till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday 03/20/2026, 30 Ramadhan 1447 -- ROZA 30, JUMATUL-VIDA
Walk: Nahar - Raambagh - Lake Powai - "Sunrise Park" - Back JVLR.
Time: 1:06:21
Weight: 68.8 kg - 151.7 lbsI am again up at 3am, feeling miraculously well, miraculous!
I perform Tillaavat well before dawn, then Gulzar (who has also wake up) and I talk, and finally Namaaz. What a fabulous rhythm, and how extraordinary that I can sustain it, alhamdulillah! Then this walk, peaceful, pleasant, weather feeling subtly fresh, better. I cross my "friend" on Raambagh, we greet each other warmly, "aaj akhri roza".
I arrive early at the Masjid having left before 12, for this last Friday of the Ramadhan. I sit by the left wall again, first read Surat Furqan, choosing to leave the translation aside, and then Surat Yaseen, which I know by heart. This goes well, although I still feel some distraction in this environment, particularly about where to sit as the Masjid fills up, and when to stop reading to take my place. I imagine it'll take more time to feel fully comfortable performing Tilaavat in Masjid, as it eventually has for other things. Jamal Malik and the boy have come early too, an old man gestures for me to switch with him to be by them, as if to preserve our trio, but I end up on the side between rows, exactly as I feared. Adhaan is given, and we finally rise for Sunnat Rakaat. Luckily, Jamal taking things in hand organizes the row in such a way that I can stand next to them, reunited as we would for Tarawee.
The Bayaan from the Imaam proceeds. Today is Jummat-ul-Vida (last Jummah of Ramadhan), and akhri din bhi (last day also). The feeling at the end of Ramadhan is both of thankfulness (to have been granted the Taufiq to observe the month) and fear (to have fallen short in ways). We rise again for Namaaz, during which he recites the "classic" combination of Surat al-A'la and Ghashiya. I am deeply moved, both by the Muedhin's Iqama, and the Namaaz itself, containing nascent tears. The Imaam recites Du'ah, he may have mentionned my father's cancer, I didn't quite catch the name. I again feel longing for next year.
We come out. The police have pushed the beggars into the street. I visit them on both sides, then return home by the usual Khairani road. There, on this last day of Ramadhan, since there are still some funds left from Zakaat, I make a donation to the Dar-Uloom-Deobandi online.
Later, as I fatigue towards the end of the day, and work is quiet, we go out for the final Iftaari shopping. She encourages me to give Eidi to the man selling the orange sweet. Still tiring, we break the last fast, the last Iftaar, and after Maghrib, the new moon crescent is clearly visible from our balcony! I lie down to rest as I have every day this month, but this time fall into the deepest sleep, waking back quite uncomfortably around 10:30.
38th Tilaavat Fajr Surat Saba; Jummah (in Masjid) Surat Fatir, Surat Yaseen till v 22 (Juz 23), till end; Asr Surat as-Saffat; Surat Saad till v 41; Before Iftaar Surat Saad till end.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 03/21/2026, 01 Shawwal 1447 -- EID-UL-FITR
Weight: 68.3 kg - 150.6 lbsI wake up at 4am, again feeling great, and so does Gulzar. I revise the Qur'an before dawn, and perform my first stretching since a month, before Namaaz. I leave early for Namaaz at 6:30am, passing long lines of beggar sitting in the street on Khairani road near each Masjid. I reach on time Al-Husainya Masjid, another 5 or 10 minutes it would have been full. We have to wait for some time, a boy sitting next to me asks me repeatedly, when will it start?
Since Jamal Malik has not come, I offer perfume to my neighbor. But this is a different style bottle, without a roller to apply, so the man pours a lot of perfume all over his hand by mistake, which he tries to spread hurriedly to those around him. I feel slightly embarassed by the incident, as if guilty of it, but block its distraction from my mind. About 45 minutes before Namaaz, the Imaam starts the Bayaan, centered around the concept of today being "Jumaat-ul-Vida", the last Jummah of Ramadhan, as well as "Akhri Din", its last day. He confirms a few things GUlzar was telling me earlier, particularly, on that day to go to Masjid one way and return another. Some of the themes resonate with my practice of the month, a day of gratitude, but also a day of fear.
After he has explained its tarika, we rise for Namaaz. I am moved to tears, though keeping them in control. A question dominates: Will I be able to survive without Ramadhan? I realize how the demands of the Ibaadat have largely shielded me from the ever detoriorating international situation, I fear to confront it without its protection. And the eternal question, will Allah grant me another Ramadhan? Insha allah.
After the Namaaz, again the classic A'la / Ghashiya pairing, a prolonged Qutbah, and his Du'ah to conclude. The young man who had been praying Tarawee all month has again sat behind me, I greet him for Eid, then get in line to meet the Imaam, which he does with special effusion. And I finally meet the father of the boy who has been at our side all month. The boy refuses Eidi.
And as Gulzar - and the Imaam - have recommended, I go back through Mhada, all the while chanting Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Walillah il-hamd.
Later at home, Gulzar is hesitant to go out, refusing at first to visit Jamal Malik as I had indicated. But thankfully, she reverses herself in the afternoon, and we go in the afternoon, meeting Jamal Malik at the Maidam at the end of Mhada, following him through a narrow alley, dark and wet pressed between rows of houses, with the habitual bustling outside activity. At his house, he sits us all in a smaller room than last year. After sweets, he offers us to share a meal which we hesitate. He calls on me: "Kha lo Jannu!" in a hilarious imitation of Gulzar! We stay for mutton, his wife joins us, retelling their family disputes. Gulzar recommends that she rub fresh meat over her body, than throw it in the ocean, to evacuate the "Nazar". We have stayed longer than intended, once we leave, Shazia asks me aside: Black magic, does it really exist??
Like yesterday, I collapse around sundown, fall deeply asleep to wake up uncomfortably after 9pm...
38th Tilaavat Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till v 32 (Juz 24); Dhuhr Surat az-Zumar till end;
-- Eid-ul-Fitr, at Jamal Malik's House --