Noor and the Noisy Sky

Tip-tap, tip-tap. The rain knocked on Noor's window. It was bedtime in Newcastle.

Noor was snuggled in bed with her soft bunny. Baba sat beside her, stroking her hair.

Then — BOOM! The thunder rumbled across the sky.

Noor squeaked and dived under her blanket. Bunny went too.

"Baba," said a small voice from under the blanket. "The sky is too loud."

Baba lifted one corner. Peep! There was Noor, with two big, round eyes.

"Come here, my sweet pea," said Baba. He wrapped her in a big, warm cuddle.

"Thunder is very loud," said Baba softly. "But we are cosy inside. And Allah is looking after us. He sees us and He hears us, all night long."

BOOM, went the thunder. Noor held on tight.

"Do you know what I say when I feel a bit scared?" whispered Baba. "Special words from the Quran. HasbunAllahu wa ni'mal wakeel."

"Hasbun... Allah," said Noor.

"Yes! It means Allah is enough for us. He is the best One to take care of us."

"HasbunAllah," Noor whispered.

"HasbunAllah," Baba whispered back.

Noor peeped at the window. Tap, tap, went the rain on the glass.

"Where is the rain going, Baba?"

"Down to the big trees in the park," said Baba. "Allah is giving the trees a lovely drink. Sip, sip, sip! Tomorrow, in sha Allah, they will be shiny and green."

"Sip, sip," giggled Noor.

BOOM! went the thunder, one more time.

Noor jumped. But this time she did not hide. She held Baba's hand. "HasbunAllah," she whispered.

Tip-tap, tip-tap.

Noor gave a big yawn.

Rumble... rumble... Slowly, the thunder rolled far away.

Her eyes grew heavy. Bunny went floppy. Baba tucked the blanket under her chin.

Tip-tap... tip-tap...

Noor was fast asleep. Safe and warm, and looked after, all night long.