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This Ramadan I resolved to memorise the remaining short suras I have thus far failed to learn. One sura a day, I told myself, for I can do it, for it’s not that hard, for I have learnt twenty ayats in an afternoon or a morning before. But taking stock, on this the nineteenth day of Ramadan, I see that I have failed. Now ten days remain. Ten suras would be better than none, I might console myself, convincing myself that the last days will be better than the first, but still: yes, once more my pervasive regret. I do not know a year when I have not wasted this holy month. Despite my best intentions, this year has been no different. I abstain from food and drink with relative ease, but admit defeat to other urges of the nafs. The voice of idleness remains forever. How different could these days have been. But alas, once more, they have been just the same. And so once more I ask, when will you believe?