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This integrated method empowers you to cultivate a healthier and stronger well-being. By emphasizing nutrition and fitness and eliminating any distractions hindering your prayer, you can achieve holistic wellness.
"Surely Allah does not change the conditions in which a people are in until they change that which is in themselves”   Al-Quran: Ar-Ra'd 13:11

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Gain a deeper appreciation for the true impact of Dua in your life and grasp its psychological implications to harness its benefits.
Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds." (Hadith Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2564)

Cultivate Self-Healing Love 

By identifying your goals, strengths, and weaknesses, you'll come to realize how Allah is always working in your favor. 
We have certainly created man in the best of stature. Al Quran: At-Tin 95:4
Allah’s wisdom is beyond our comprehension, so he knows what is best for us and when it is best for us to have it.

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In our daily lives, there are subtle ways we may unintentionally associate partners with Allah (SWT) by placing trust or authority in things other than Him. This often stems from an internal desire to control outcomes rather than submitting to Allah’s divine will. Here are some examples:1. The Desire to Control Outcomes&nbsp;• Internal Factor: When we become consumed with controlling every aspect of our lives—whether it’s relationships, success, or health—we act as if our efforts alone can override Allah’s decree. This reflects a lack of trust in His wisdom.For example, resorting to unethical shortcuts or becoming overly fixated on future outcomes reflects a misplaced belief that our actions alone can control what is ultimately in Allah's hands. Practices such as using hidden cameras, recordings, threats, blackmail, or manipulative tactics like gaslighting and denial of truth reveal an attempt to manipulate circumstances rather than trusting in Allah's wisdom and decree.2. Prioritizing Personal Desires Over Divine Commands&nbsp;• Internal Factor: When our desires lead us away from Allah’s guidance, we allow those impulses to govern us instead of submitting to Him.&nbsp;• Example: Pursuing wealth at the expense of honesty or seeking approval over modesty implies a belief that worldly gains matter more than Allah’s instructions. 3. Relying on Physical Objects for Protection&nbsp;• External Factor: Trusting in objects or rituals for protection rather than relying on Allah opens the door to spiritual impurities and the influence of the unseen.&nbsp;• Example: Wearing charms or relying on superstitions implies that these objects have power independent of Allah’s protection. 4. Altering the Natural Creation&nbsp;• External Factor: Modifying the natural form Allah has given us—through practices like wearing human hair extensions or using artificial enhancements—can disrupt the spiritual purity needed for Angelic presence.&nbsp;• Example: Changing one’s physical appearance beyond permissible limits reflects dissatisfaction with Allah’s creation and invites unseen influences. 5. Shaping Narratives to Suit Personal Agendas&nbsp;• Internal Factor: Manipulating situations to fit our preferred narrative, rather than upholding truth, reflects a desire to control how others perceive reality.&nbsp;• Example: Twisting facts to protect our image or refusing to admit wrongdoing suggests we value personal control over divine justice.6. Seeking Validation from Creation Instead of the Creator&nbsp;• Internal Factor: Prioritizing the opinions of others over Allah’s pleasure suggests a form of hidden idolatry—where human approval holds more weight than divine guidance.&nbsp;• Example: Changing our values or actions for social acceptance, even when they contradict Islamic teachings, implies we trust human judgment over Allah’s authority.The Spiritual ImpactThese actions create an environment where Angels, who are drawn to purity, are repelled by spiritual contamination, while Jinn—especially those influenced by Iblis—are attracted to negativity and manipulation. The degree to which we try to control or distort outcomes reflects the extent of reliance on other powers rather than Allah.&nbsp;

The Power of Reliance: Purification

Crescent moon rising over the Tokyo bay area.

When someone openly strives to strengthen their faith, they inevitably draw attention—both admiration and scrutiny. There will always be those who question their sincerity, assuming that their display of piety is performative, a means to gain influence, credibility, or control. The irony is that these judgments often reveal more about the observer than the one being observed.Faith is not something we can measure in others with certainty. Yet, some confidently assume they can decipher someone’s true intentions, as if they hold the ability to distinguish between genuine devotion and calculated portrayal. This assumption is flawed at its core. No one can truly know the depth of another’s sincerity, nor the personal battles they face in their spiritual journey.The presence of struggle naturally invites different interpretations. Some will see it as a sign of resilience, while others will cast doubt, choosing to focus on what they think is an ulterior motive. But the purpose of witnessing another’s faith in motion is not to sit in judgment—it is to reflect. Rather than assume the worst, we should ask ourselves: What does my reaction to this person’s journey say about my own faith?Instead of suspicion and negativity, understanding and self-reflection should take precedence. Judgment is easy, but introspection requires effort. When we see someone working towards righteousness, our role is not to decide whether they are deserving of the reputation they carry—it is to ensure that we are tending to our own sincerity first.Many have misinterpreted my deepening faith, assuming I am using the loss of my father—may Allah have mercy on his soul—as a way to hold onto attention I never even sought. His passing five years ago did not create a need for external validation; it only solidified a truth I had already come to understand: I was no longer in safe hands, at least not in the way I once believed. The security I had once felt in my life shifted, and in that void, Allah’s higher calling became unmistakable. It was His guidance alone that provided balance where the assurance I should have felt from my husband had failed.But when faith begins to manifest outwardly, when it shifts from an internal anchor to a visible truth, it naturally becomes a point of contention for those who think only on the surface. They argue not with understanding but with assumptions that serve only to confirm their doubts. To them, the deeper calling—the surrender to Allah’s will—appears as nothing more than a constructed scheme, an elaborate way to use faith as a platform to gain control. But control over what exactly? That remains unclear, even to them.What they fail to see is that submission to Allah is not a strategy; it is a necessity. My father—may Allah grant him Jannah—left behind an inheritance, but long before he passed, my heart had already made its decision. I knew it was never meant for me. It was meant to be given away, in his name, as a trust that belonged to Allah all along. My father’s hard work was never mine to claim, just as my spiritual journey was never about crafting an image for others to accept or reject. Allah orchestrates our lives in ways we both understand and don’t, and it is that divine arrangement that calls for patience, clarity, and sincerity.This is why we must be easy with one another—understanding rather than suspicious, lighthearted rather than cynical. To truly know Allah—to reflect on His 99 Names, His mercy, His justice—is to understand that faith is never a tool for manipulation. It is not a means to control circumstances or manufacture influence. Having prophetic DNA is separate from the struggles I faced, yet it became a lens through which I could better understand the deeper challenges in my life. It was never about seeking favor, but about strengthening my heart to uncover the truth of my circumstances—because I was already in tune with Allah’s call, and He knows best. We may invoke through words, but I promise, my heart called out for His help and guidance in the silence and patience I have endured-- Allah knew I needed His help all along.Verses from Surah Waq'iah:"Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground.Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower?Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment).(Saying): "We are indeed Mughramun (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)!&nbsp;Tell Me! The water that you drink.Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down?If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)?Then glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.So I swear by Mawaqi (setting or the mansions, etc.) of the stars (they traverse).And verily, that is indeed a great oath, if you but know.That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Quran).In a Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but the purified (i.e. the angels)."

Beyond the Surface

Gratitude is something I have come to understand through stages, each one reflecting the extent of what I knew at the time. As a mother, I have always felt inclined to set the playing field for my children while simultaneously giving them the independence they need to explore, learn, and simply be. My natural tendency to observe, scope out my surroundings for safety, and remain aware has been a defining trait, one that I attribute to growing up with a strong sense of street smarts. As a mother, these instincts naturally came into play, shaping the way I parented. Over time, I came to realize that physical awareness was only part of a greater wisdom—the wisdom to understand the inherent message I carry within myself and for my children, guiding them with love and understanding.In the grand scheme of life, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, grants us tests that align with our personal knowledge, awareness, gratitude, and desires. He does not set the playing field—we do. Free will grants us autonomy, but it is shaped by our morals and values. For me, my free will was always governed by the nature and needs of my family. Every decision I made was filtered through the lens of what was best for them, extending to everyone I encountered. Most importantly, my autonomy was interwoven with gratitude—but that did not mean I was free from being tested.Within my mind and heart, I have battled difficulties alone. On the surface, my husband and I were a great team—strong parents, good providers, and supportive family members. We managed our household, raised our children, and even balanced the complexities of having his mother live with us. Life, however, is not like filing taxes; you do not simply claim people, pay, and move on. It is constant action—adjusting, responding, fixing, and doing. That is why autonomy is essential—it allows us to recognize our limits, to pause, to recalibrate. As a Muslim, I have learned to collaborate my knowledge with my ability to act in order to clear my path.By 2018, Allah was preparing me for a significant test. I had not yet fully acknowledged the struggles within my marriage, but my awareness was growing. Since 2015, I had experienced a lingering feeling sparked by someone I encountered—an emotion I could not quite define. Out of respect for my boundaries, I kept my distance, allowing it to remain in the background. However, as more truths about my marriage surfaced in 2018, those feelings naturally reemerged as a reflection of my reality. Still, I chose not to indulge them, remaining steadfast in my principles and held true to the inner work I made forgiving my younger self for past vulnerabilities and mistakes.As a mother, I believe the wisdom we carry is what guides our parenting. I also believe that natural laws govern life, and that our children, in some form, inherit the consequences of the things we fail to address. Not everyone agrees with this, but my experiences have led me to hold this belief. In 2019, I faced a challenge that put my personal struggles into perspective. At my daughter's basketball game, my son suddenly fainted. My husband and I immediately picked him up and rushed him outside to assess him. It was a terrifying moment. Though it turned out to be a false alarm, it shook me to my core. That day, the roles shifted—I was reminded that before anything else, I was a mother, and my children were still young. Marriage takes time to build, and even longer to unravel. That experience reinforced the need to put my feelings aside and focus on what was in front of me.But the feelings lingered.Then came 2020, a challenging year as my father’s health deteriorated. Amidst everything happening in my family, I was still wrestling with my emotions. One day, while my husband took the kids to the beach, I visited my parents and sister. On my way home, overwhelmed by frustration, I turned to my dua app and poured my heart into supplications, asking Allah to remove these feelings. Just as I finished my prayers, traffic picked up, and at a red light, I looked to my right—there he was, sitting in the car next to me. Our eyes briefly met before we both turned away. The light turned green, and we drove off, knowing full well there was an inclination to stop and talk. But I did not dare. I would have felt awful to act on those feelings and then return home to my family.That moment was a turning point. It was clear that this was not going away on its own, so I resolved to place my feelings into my prayers. I asked Allah to remove them because I knew what I had at home—love, effort, and time invested. And so, Allah allowed for a pause.Then, in 2021, my father passed away. Grieving while maintaining my role as an engaged and active mother was challenging, but I did it. Meanwhile, my husband’s demeanor toward me changed. He became distant, subtly ignoring me. Yet, we continued upholding the loving family standard we had built. I believe we got lost in translation over the years, and our struggle with connection and bonding had been present from the start.By October 2021, I reached a crossroads. If I wanted the truth, I had to be true to myself. I answered Allah’s call and took my prayers to a deeper level. My mother-in-law had been a living example of devotion, and she inspired me to seek more than just the motions of prayer. My children had grown older, and I was no longer on autopilot. That was the start of my spiritual journey. The more time I spent in prayer, the more I felt Allah’s closeness. His timing is always purposeful, guiding us through our intentions. Life unfolds in tests, and each lesson prepares us for a harder one. The studying is not in books but in action. It is not about memorizing Islamic knowledge—it is about nurturing the core of the soul and the intentions behind it.That is my experience, and I embrace it. My success in drawing closer to Allah was not merely in resisting feelings and maintaining boundaries, but in ensuring that my husband remained the one with whom I shared my life, support, and devotion—despite our struggles. It was in preserving my marriage to the best of my ability and, no matter how vulnerable we may be, holding firm to the principles that truly matter. Feelings are a natural part of life and will always exist, but we are accountable for how we act upon them—whether through words, glances, actions, or even the silence of our emotions. Allah will always reveal the truth we need and are willing to see, and that is how life goes on.&nbsp; "And each and everything they have done is noted in (their) Records (of deeds).And everything, small and big is written (in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz already beforehand i.e. before it befalls, or is done by its doer) (See the Quran V.57:22).Verily, The Muttaqun (pious), will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers (Paradise).In a seat of truth (i.e. Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allah, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honour)."Quran-Qamar: 52-55

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