Al-Qalam 
Al-Qalam senior journalist Ismail Suder went on a solo beach camping trip and felt the connection with the Almighty amidst the crashing waves.
Isn’t it marvelous what a little camping getaway can do for the soul? Desperate to shed off life’s constant pressures, I took off in my little Suzuki Jimny for a one-night trip towards Salt Rock on the KZN North Coast,
As I drove off, leaving behind the smog-filled city of Durban, I could already feel the freshness of air as I sped past lush-green sugar fields.
With Ramadan less than a month away, I thought what better way to ease into the spiritual month with a bit of Zikr right in front of the ocean, at the Salt Rock Camping & Caravan Park, just 43km from Durban.
It was a warm, balmy Sunday and I found the campground only half full as most of the holidaymakers who had descended on the Ballito area for the “Dezemba” holidays had already left for home.
The tidal pool directly in front of my campsite was inviting and the roar of the sea was calming, especially to see gigantic waves crash onto the monstrous jagged rocks.
I deployed the Jimny’s new 180 deg awning at my designated spot number 09, pulled up a chair and cast my eyes beyond the waves, marveling at Allah’s magnanimity
Salty air makes me hungry, so I heated up my little steak & mushroom pizza and listened to the sounds of the sea. With my tummy happy, it was time for some quiet Zikr. Have you ever tried making Zikr while listening to the rhythmic roar of the ocean? Believe me, the feeling is euphoric, like you can really feel the direct connection with your Lord.
As the sun began to set, it was time to supplicate to the Almighty for Maghrib and Esha. Fellow campers turned to look; some seemed confused while others stared out of curiosity. But I noticed one other thing – the loud banter and music at their camp spots were distinctly lowered, perhaps out of respect, although I can’t say for certain.
As the sun set over the horizon, the campsite’s industrial beam lights came on and brightly lit up the waves in a blaze of silvery grey and white. It was pure delight to watch this magnificent sound and light show of the ocean.
At around 10 pm, when most of the campers had snuck into their tents or caravans for an early night, I lit up my one-man braai and relished the three chops and two sausages that I brought along in my cooler bag.
This was washed down with a cup of steaming coffee and a moist carrot cake that I purchased at the last minute fromthe Pastry Chef in North Beach. As the night wore on, I could hear the sounds of night birds as it fluttered over the grainy shoreline.
Not long afterwards, and still dizzy from my delicious supper, I climbed the ladder to my rooftop tent to settle in for the night. With the waves still crashing loudly nearby, I was almost immediately lulled into sleep. I woke up at Fajr to the squalls of the seagulls, and another beautiful dawn.
On my drive home, I promised that I would do this often, if Allah wills. The tension on my shoulders had already eased and I was ready to feel the warm and comforting embrace of Ramadan.
Marhaba ya Ramadan, Marhaba!
