A R E E B A

“I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity.”

“And I wanted to scream. I wanted to scream that it hurt. That loving you hurt but instead I ran. I ran far, far away and I didn’t look back and for that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for lot’s of things but loving you is something I am not sorry about. You are something that I am not sorry that happened. You are something that needed to happen in my life. You gave me my life back and I wish I could tell you that but I can’t so I hope that this letter reaches you. I won’t send it but I hope it reaches you. I hope it touches you in the way you touched me. Thank you. Thank you for giving me my life back. Thank you for loving me and showing me that love does exist. That it can be beautiful and real. That it can last.”

Beware of judging others when it comes to their path of coming closer to Allah. Everyone will be inspired and have an inclination towards something different. While some love highly intellectual lectures that are about deep struggle, others enjoy most the quiet solitude of the early morning, reading Quran. One sister may love attending class after class at the masjid, while another prefers to download lectures and take notes in a journal. So long as a person is seeking their Lord, and striving their best - leave the judgment aside. The cycles of life (youth, early marriage, kids, reaching 40, elderly) all have different spiritual needs, and these must be honored and respected. Judgment is for Allah, and your role is to be a good brother or sister in Islam, be a bearer of khair for others, and to focus on your own character. (oh, and please do not turn this into a “but what if it’s bid'ah conversation. That is not what we’re talking about here!)

“When you see someone who is not as religious, remember that you were once on the edge of the fire, and it was Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala’s favor upon you to guide you. Arrogance will wipe away any goodness from the transformation.”

“Being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure.”