Seeking Sakina

Before I came to Islam it’s not secret that I was pagan for over 34 years.

Leaving paganism meant I left behind allot of beliefs and celebrations.

The summer solstice was always such a joyful event watching the magnificence of the sun rise at Stonehenge. So I began digging into the Quran to discover if it held any significance and of course it does.

So Let’s talk summer solstice.

In the uk it occurred at 950pm last night.

“The Lord of the two Easts, and the Lord of the two Wests.” (Quran 55:17)

This ayat has been interpreted in various ways. One interpretation that aligns with scientific knowledge is that it refers to the two solstices: the summer solstice (21st June) and the winter solstice (21st December). These two astronomical events mark the shortest and longest days of the solar year, respectively, and represent the furthest points east and west where the sun rises and sets. So before we dismiss this as pagan event we need to realise that Allah is found in everything and this verse highlights the magnificence of Allah, who governs the entire cycle of the sun throughout the year.

Islam doesn’t require us to throw everything away but instead to look to where it originates or is associated and the rising of the sun the creation on which we live is all from the creator. So take joy and bliss from basking in the sun as this is a gift from Allah too.

My heart rests in the one truth that is Allah. I love life; it has so many twists and turns, each offering a new path to travel, lessons to learn, and knowledge to gain. I am grateful to be the type of person who doesn’t stick to one lane, but instead chooses to experience all, knowing that every path ultimately leads back to Allah. This journey is one of love, the path of the Sufi, where every step is guided by the divine truth of Allah.

This lifetime and especially the last 20 years has felt like a personal fast-track evolution. My incessant searching hasn’t been about finding a final destination, as I once thought, but rather a mission to gather as much experience and knowledge as possible, always recognizing that Allah is the ultimate truth guiding me. My soul is not tied to any set path except the one that leads to Him. The more I let go of outdated ways and teachings, the clearer my journey becomes, revealing Allah’s wisdom in every turn. The journey is surprising and yet so familiar.

When faced with our own mortality, we can assess life like an eagle from above, seeing everything with clarity and cutting away all that no longer serves us. What truly matters becomes crystal clear, like water on a sunny day, revealing Allah’s guidance and purpose in our lives.

There is one absolute truth in my life—Allah. Following His truth is essential, and to not follow it would be living a lie. Don’t be bothered by others’ opinions or entertain them. Be true, be you, and trust in Allah. Walk the path of love, the path of the Sufi.

Having pure intentions solely for Allah doesn’t require us to justify ourselves to others. People may try to impose their own intentions or have hidden agendas. It’s essential to stay true to our pure selves and continue bringing our light into the world. By focusing on sincerity and righteousness, we align with Allah’s guidance and positively impact those around us. Letting go of the need for external validation keeps our intentions genuine, fostering a deeper connection with our faith and purpose.

I often turn my face to the stars and to Allah, sharing my innermost feelings and pondering deeper questions. The stars, mentioned thirteen times in the Holy Quran, are likened to the sun due to their illuminating nature in the night sky. They serve as guides for us.

Allah is the One who has set out the stars for us, so we may guide ourselves by them through the darkness of the land and sea. “And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know” (Quran 6:97).

This Ayat conveys that just as the stars help us find the right path at night, reflecting on this impeccable sign of Allah can guide us to the ‘right path’ in life. By contemplating the stars, we can distinguish between right and wrong, leading us to a deeper understanding of Allah’s guidance and a more righteous path.

The world doesn’t become a better place by chance; it improves through intentional change. This change begins within each of us, in the realm of our hearts. To make a positive impact, we must cleanse our hearts of impurities with sincere faith in Allah. By fostering honesty, integrity, and steadfastness in both hard and good times, we align our actions with our inner values.

We must turn our hearts to Allah, for only then will we gain true victory. Always seeking knowledge and being sincere in our repentance are crucial steps in this journey. Even when the world turns against us, we must never lose hope in Allah, remembering His promise in the Quran: “So do not lose heart or despair, for you will be superior if you are true believers” (Quran 3:139).

Personal transformation, rooted in faith and sincerity, sets off a ripple effect, leading to a better, more just world. Through this internal change, we can collectively create a brighter future.

As I wrote this Into my journal tonight I began thinking and saying over and over “the unseen world of our hearts determines our actions which map out the course of the world” what did I even mean?

For me it brought to mind something I learnt during my psychology degree about how that our inner thoughts and emotions shape our behaviors, which in turn shape the world around us, like one stone creating the ripple effect.

This aligns with the Quranic verse “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Quran 13:11).
It highlights that for societal change to occur, individuals must first transform their inner selves. Positive inner states lead to positive actions, creating a ripple effect that can improve the broader community.

So when we want to see a change either in our communities or in the larger world we need to look within first

Every moment spent complaining is a moment wasted, revealing our dissatisfaction with Allah’s plan. Instead of dwelling on grievances, let’s focus on gratitude and the lessons learned from past experiences. By shifting our perspective and acknowledging Allah’s blessings, we cultivate a sense of thankfulness.

In our prayers too for love and companionship, let’s approach with humility, accepting Allah’s will. Let’s resist the urge to cling to rigid expectations and trust in His wisdom. Even when things don’t go as expected, let’s accept Allah’s plan with gratitude, knowing that His guidance is always present. 

Reflections….
Ingratitude reveals ignorance … what a line

How often do we get overwhelmed by our troubles or tests and forget that we have so much to be grateful for even when the tests are coming thick and fast and hard.

Surah Ibrahim Verse 7
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’”
(Quran, Ibrahim 14:7)

By showing gratitude to Allah this is a gift to call us back to Him for our own survival. We know that Allah (SWT) is closer to us than our jugular veins and that He loves us seventy times more than a mother loves her own child, but by constantly being in a state of gratitude, Allah (SWT) keeps our hearts always connected to Him. Perhaps this is His way of ensuring we never feel alone no matter how tough life gets and to soften our heart’s pain

Yesterday after my trip to the ocean I spent some time journaling. I reflected upon how our struggles in this dunya can become the darkness in which we find no light but we must search for the light and that this light is gratitude.

At the time of writing I kept returning to the thought of how there must be a turning, just as the sunflowers turn to the sun to grow we too must turn to the light that is An Nūr. Only by turning to him, he who illuminates everything in darkness can we truly find the light, the path of gratitude and love in this world.

When your heart is illuminated with gratitude to him only then can we bring the light of love into the world for others.

As I reflect on today, Eid, the crescent moon emerged last night marking the end of Ramadan. But the usual jubilation that fills the air at this time was overshadowed by a somber reality.

In Gaza, where the echoes of bombings and the weight of dire conditions persist, the spirit of my Eid celebration felt muted, if not altogether absent.

Instead of the customary excitement of new clothes, presents, and elaborate feasts, there was a deep sense of restraint and reflection in my home. How could we revel in abundance when our brothers and sisters are enduring unimaginable suffering?

Yet, amidst my heavy heart, I found solace on my prayer mat. I carried on as best I could, with prayers on my lips and empathy in my heart. I chose to forgo extravagance and instead directed my thoughts towards those less fortunate as we ate a simple meal.

In the absence of grand gestures, I made dua—prayers—for the healing and well-being of our besieged brothers and sisters. I prayed for peace to descend upon the war-torn streets and for hope to bloom amidst the rubble.

As the sun sets on Eid, I hold onto the belief that better days will come. And until then, I vow to continue standing in solidarity, extending a hand of compassion to those in need, and fervently praying for the dawn of peace in Gaza.