Three days ago we arrived back home.
Here’s a photo of the house going through the process of water-proofing, something best done during summer. It’ll end up looking white due to the final layer of limestone. On the inside, the mud-brick walls are protected by a layer of egg-whites instead of stain-free paint technology.
Houses here take their time to build. One year one floor to let the mud dry and settle in. After which, layers of mud done in intervals for refinement. Basic chattels and tilings are fixed top floor to bottom. The other way around may lead to cracks and corrupting the structure resulting in some doors unable to open or close.
There’s clear observation of the environment and weather. Thus a connection between the limitation of what one is able to do and not able to. It’s not exclusive nor centered on ambition and desire. From human beings to social projects, from schools to civilizations – all great things of goodness that ever lasted, took time to build.
Likewise they were built with higher purpose and simple action. While at work, I don’t hear sighs from the smiley courteous construction workers. Neither wordy expressions nor colorful foul language. But these are three common things I’ve heard them say randomly while at work:
1. La Ilaha Illallah – There is no God except Allah.
2. Allahumma Sollu Ala Muhammad – O Allah: (please do) bless Muhammad.
3. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim – In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
