Dear Sahir,
Allah (SWT) has been the most Merciful.
Just two years ago, we were not in the mindset we currently possess. We were fragile, brittle, hurt, bruised, and calloused from long nights praying on our knees, begging and pleading for some sign of life. Drowning, grasping for the air escaping our lungs. We feel as if we do not deserve the goods of this world. Besides, we did not do anything to earn the goods of this world. Well, oh how things have changed. From that dark room, searching for an answer, to Allah (SWT) presenting the solutions to the most trivial puzzles. Allah (SWT) has been the most Merciful.
This Ramadhan, I have spent time reflecting on Allah (SWT)’s miracles and mercy. I know you currently feel lost; you feel down eleven rounds on the judges’ scorecards in a twelve-round fight; you feel defeated, the finish line seeming far out of reach. You don’t stay that way for too long.
Your life has changed.
You have seen the world, from parading the streets of London and riding boats on the south bank of the Thames river, to attending village ceremonies in Senegal, not knowing a lick of Wolof or French. Remember when you were crying because you felt that you would never have the opportunity to gain these experiences? Remember you were doubting your only dream, to explore the world, would ever come true? Remember you were upset because you could not go to Umrah when you were 18? Well, guess what? You have been on Umrah…. twice, and you sure needed it more both those times than you did at 18.
This Ramadhan, I have spent time reflecting on Allah (SWT)’s timing.
Everything comes within Allah (SWT)’s decree.
All the cards fall in their place. You have learned and grown, and now you tell your story as an inspiration to others. From being lost, spending days and nights deadlocked serving as a waiter, to now getting a Master’s at Howard University and speaking in front of politicians at Philadelphia City Hall; Allah (SWT) has allowed you to grow. You have been so happy. You do not stress. You do not show anguish.
You, currently, put everything up to Allah (SWT) because Allah (SWT) has given you so much.
Have we been too spoiled by the riches? Protect us against blindness from the shine of our fortunes. Keep us humbled. Keep us sane. Keep us gracious. None of this is yours. None of this is ours. This is all Allah (SWT) and his timing. This is hearing the call and not being afraid to pick up the phone every. Single. Time. We are spoiled.
What did we do to deserve all this?
I sin. You sin. We will always sin. Why is Allah (SWT) so merciful? How is Allah (SWT) so merciful, when it took us this long to understand and appreciate his mercy? Not every question requires an answer.
Just thank you, Allah (SWT). Thank you.
Thank you for another opportunity to come back. Thank you for bringing us closer to you. Thank you for showing us that it is never too late. Thank you for revealing the cracks in the glass that distorted our image.
