I did some research on Ramadan and tried my best to get the gist of it just so I could write this little thing. So this is me NOT claiming that I understand it, or how Muslims pray or anything like that. Just so we're clear ;) But basically I chose one random, not so special night out of Ramadan and have the Masood family about to break their fast for the day. The quoted prayer is the first chapter of the Quran, which (or so I read) is usually used in prayer. This is Syed's thought process at that time, but obviously isn't the only time his thoughts are elsewhere and not where they "should be". Just my stab in the dark at something different.

Disclaimer: I do not own Eastenders, perfect knowledge of Ramadan or the Muslim religion…or the Quran ;)

"In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful."

A closing of another day, sunset, the fifth prayer of the day. They were close to breaking the fast, circled around the table with heads bowed in prayer.

"All praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of mankind."

Syed twitched as he felt Amira gently nudge him, glancing over at her by instinct. She acted as if she hadn't done anything though her small lips were in a smile. He repressed a sigh, closing his eyes again and listening to his father's recitation.

"The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful."

It was clear Amira didn't completely enjoy Ramadan, though Syed did give her some credit for trying. He tried to be helpful, sympathizing with her complaints and even going so far as to joke, but there were times when he found himself losing his patience. Especially when she interrupted his time with Allah.

"The Only Owner of the Day of Resurrection."

Even Christian was more understanding…Syed tried to shake the idea of the other man out of his head, but once it was there he knew he would have no such luck. He had visited him that day, on a whim, just because he felt like it. The smile that had greeted him was still branded into his mind. Christian had been so happy.

"You Alone we worship, and you Alone we ask for help."

They had talked, about nothing really, but then the inevitable discussion about Ramadan came up. Syed had calmly explained it again, laughing this time at Christian's silly questions and even touched at how considerate he was about it. If he thought poorly of Syed's faith, then he did well to hide it, smiling all the while and listening respectfully. He was only happy that Syed was there. And Syed was more than thrilled to be there.

"Guide us to the Straight Way."

Ramadan had never seemed so long before and in an effort to be more honest with himself, Syed acknowledged moments of impatience that crept up on him. More than ever he wanted to be with Christian, to just touch him without condemning his thoughts, to kiss him without having to feel guilty…

He shook his head. He could not think about this right now! Later, that night, after prayer…alone in his bed, he would be able to think about Christian.

"The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not the way of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray. Amin."

"Amin."

"Amin," Syed murmured. When he opened his eyes again, he was surprised to find a single tear slipping down his cheek.

"Syed?" Of course his mother had noticed. He hastily wiped it away, smiling at the concerned woman. "Are you okay?"

"Fine, mum. Just…it's such a powerful prayer." She instantly lit up, cooing at him and agreeing that yes, it was always such a wonderful thing to recite the first chapter of the Quran, that he was such a good Muslim for being so moved by it.

And all he could do was smile and pass the bread to his "half-starved" fiancé. Later that night, he thought, alone in his bed…alone with his thoughts of his forbidden love.

Ramadan. It'll be over before you know it.