Vice or Verse

Following Allah’s guidance isn’t a straight, perfect line, and it was never meant to be. People often think that once someone claims something in the name of religion, they’ve reached some final destination or spiritual height — that they’re trying to impress, to show off something that in truth is deeply private, personal, and rooted in perception.

The reality is, following Allah’s guidance is an ongoing, personal perception. It can easily be misunderstood or twisted by others to look like “using religion” for personal fame. For me, for instance, some people see the niqab itself as an intrusion on faith — it bothered them to even look at it. It bruised their egos to believe that someone like me, who lived the life I lived, could still walk the earth like this, with dignity and faith. They’d rather assume: “There must be something wrong with her, she must’ve sinned terribly, and now look how desperate she is to make us believe she’s so holy.”

But for the sake of keeping the honored reasons in my heart — and honoring Allah, the One who truly knows what’s in my heart — He helped me keep walking forward with vision, confidence, and the patience He always entrusted in me. Long before the niqab became part of my life, I was already being scolded, already neutralizing the negative tendencies that surrounded and judged me.

Even the simple, personal ways I kept my sanity were turned into reasons to judge me: walking five miles on a trail every morning became “too much,” choosing the comfort of my home, cooking, baking, entertaining — these were turned into accusations that I was “too good to be true.” And on the flip side, when it was convenient, suddenly I was “too much,” “too this,” “too that.”

…with the heavy doubt people had surrounding my guidance and their vague perception doubting that I could actually understand what Allah is revealing through the wisdom of the Quran’s verses, it became too intellectual for others to absorb this concept. To them, it was just a flat statement: “Oh, Nora is saying this and that,” “She’s a liar, she’s crazy,” “She doesn’t even read Arabic well,” “She’s got an attitude — she’s probably just trying to get away with sin.”

Even though I was proclaiming openly: This isn’t your average matter and it’s not something you hear every day. But making excuses for other people’s cynicism isn’t my responsibility — I did that for way too long before.

They mistook my drastic withdrawal as a sign of being a cheater trying to hide, instead of what it truly was: me actually stepping back to understand this deeper form of guidance Allah was unfolding in our life. In the beginning, it was almost like a fashion show being watched in the community. And then, suddenly, I dropped from their eyes. The big house, the Benz, the good smile and the good spread — all of it exposed the true colors of people’s hearts. These favors from Allah were twisted into “favors of money” that I supposedly didn’t earn and never deserved. And so, the garment — which was supposed to represent sincerity, repentance, and protection — became an excuse for them to dispose of me in a manner that demeaned my entire existence.

…that misunderstanding extended to the community too — and that itself was something Allah decreed, so it would confirm that this family trial wasn’t meant to stay hidden behind closed doors. It was meant to be extended for all to witness, so the whole truth and nothing but the truth would be delivered by Allah’s grace.

So yes, I was even detained and taken to a mental ward twice — because proclaiming Allah’s word isn’t an everyday message, and this isn’t an everyday story. It shook people so deeply because it didn’t fit the safe, predictable narrative they wanted to hold onto.

And ultimately, Allah made me get my hands "dirty" — to actually step into the fire, rather than just speak from afar. And I kept my patience when I was disrespected, because I wouldn’t have truly learned or earned the depth of understanding any other way. Through every humiliation, every accusation, and every attempt to silence me, Allah granted me knowledge that nobody can take away.

Upon my arrival at the mental ward the first time, I had a debate with a pleasant doctor who was surprised to hear my reason for being there. He put me on a 72-hour hold and prescribed medication that I refused to take due to misunderstanding.

The second time I was admitted to a mental ward, a team of doctors met with me and were appalled at the reason for my detainment — yet they took advantage of the fact that my story included the unproven notion of the FBI’s involvement and the guidance of Allah’s unseen entity. Both roles became tools that empowered those trying to hold me “captive.” Both “excuses” were used to accuse me of being mentally delusional, regardless of how lucidly I explained the matter and how thoroughly I answered their assessment questions.

Complimenting my intelligence while simultaneously taking me to medical court to force the administration of medication was an insult to the integrity of both roles — with one side lacking sincerity and simply needing to control. Meanwhile, my role was to patiently embrace the confusion, and patiently avoid trying to control the outcomes. You can say that has been the theme for me this entire time. 

They kept me there for two weeks, and during that time I came to understand more deeply how Satan and the jinn can affect mental health — and how devastating their influence can be on someone who is truly vulnerable. Satan’s mission is to corrupt the mind, knowing that once the mind drifts, the body and soul will follow. He specifically targets minds that are weakened or distracted.

It isn’t so much about “possession” as it is about submitting to desires that open the door to his whispers. The “ozone” layer of our soul absorbs his influence differently depending on the depth of our knowledge, the strength of our faith, and the history embedded in our DNA. Each of us has unique vulnerabilities to his influence.

That’s why Allah commands us to follow His guidance — a spiritual protocol designed to protect us from Satan’s plan to lead us astray. Allah saw how Satan affected the descendants of Adam, which is why Prophet Ibrahim stood out as the first to truly recognize the spiritual need for healing and to seek peace through unwavering faith.

Allah (SWT) emphasizes throughout the Qur’an that anyone who follows the path of the Prophet will be accused of practicing “magic” or being a “madman.” So while people conditionally demand that I must have a formal degree in the Qur’an to speak on it, Allah knows the degree of sincerity I’ve maintained in reading His words — in the language my heart embraced it. Yes, that personal perception is mine to own, but I’ve been openly, publicly, privately, and consistently responsible in sharing it — because this isn’t just about me. And to affirm that truth, Allah added years of proof to back me up.

I went through all of the phases of Allahs mercy, each according to the guidance and protection that was needed, and yes the "loser" in me who's had one money making job in her life, was receptive to Allahs guidance, my intelligence hidden in plain sight because of all the other jobs I did for free, because its easier to call me a homewrecker rather than a legitimate homemaker. 

Surah Yunus (10): Verses 71–93
10:71-73 – The story of Nuh (Noah)

And recite to them the news of Nuh (Noah). When he said to his people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh is hard on you, then I put my trust in Allâh. So devise your plot, you and your partners, and let not your plot be in doubt for you. Then pass your sentence on me, and give me no respite.
But if you turn away [from accepting my doctrine of Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allâh], then no reward have I asked of you, my reward is only from Allâh, and I have been commanded to be one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh's Will)."
They denied him, but We delivered him and those with him in the ship, and We made them generations, while We drowned those who belied Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Then see how was the end of those who were warned.

10:74-93 – Messengers after Nuh & the story of Musa (Moses)

Then after him We sent Messengers to their people. They brought them clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in what they had rejected before. Thus We seal the hearts of the transgressors (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allâh and disobey Him).
Then after them We sent Mûsa (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs with Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but they behaved insolently and were people who were Mujrimûn (disbelievers, sinners, criminals, etc.).
So when the truth came to them from Us, they said: "This is indeed clear magic."
Mûsa (Moses) said: "Say you (this) about the truth when it has come to you? Is this magic? But magicians will never be successful."
They said: "Have you come to us to turn us away from that (Faith) we found our fathers following, and that you two may have greatness in the land? We are not going to believe you two!"
And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "Bring me every well-versed sorcerer."
And when the sorcerers came, Mûsa (Moses) said to them: "Cast down what you want to cast!"
Then when they had cast down, Mûsa (Moses) said: "What you have brought is sorcery, Allâh will surely make it of no effect. Verily, Allâh does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidûn (the evil-doers, corrupters).
"And Allâh will establish and make apparent the truth by His Words, however much the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) may hate it."
But none believed in Mûsa (Moses) except the offspring of his people, because of the fear of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and verily, Fir'aun (Pharaoh) was arrogant tyrant on the earth, he was indeed one of the Musrifûn (polytheists, sinners, etc.).
And Mûsa (Moses) said: "O my people! If you have believed in Allâh, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allâh's Will)."
They said: "In Allâh we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)"
"And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk."
And We inspired Mûsa (Moses) and his brother (saying): "Take dwellings for your people in Egypt, and make your dwellings as places for your worship, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give glad tidings to the believers."
And Mûsa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendor and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment."
Allâh said: "Verily, the invocation of you both is accepted. So you both stand straight, and follow not the path of those who know not."
And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said: "I believe that Lâ ilâha illa (Huwa): (none has the right to be worshipped but) He, in Whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh's Will)."
Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before and you were one of the Mufsidûn (evil-doers, corrupters).
So this day We shall deliver your body (out from the sea) that you may be a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).
 
Surah Hud (11): Verses 19–22
Those who hinder (others) from the Path of Allâh, and would seek to make it crooked, they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.
By no means will they escape (from Allâh's Torment) on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allâh! Their torment will be doubled! They could not bear to hear (the preaching), and they used not to see (the truth).
They are those who have lost their ownselves, and their invented false deities will vanish from them.
Certainly, they are those who will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.
 
Surah Al-Isra (17): Verses 52–65
It will be on the Day when He will call you and you will answer (His Call) with words of His Praise and Obedience, and you will think that you have stayed (in this world) but a little while!
And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitân (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.
Your Lord knows you best. If He wills, He will have mercy on you; and if He wills, He will punish you. And We have not sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a guardian over them.
And your Lord knows best all who are in the heavens and the earth. And indeed, We have preferred some of the Prophets above others, and to Dâwûd (David) We gave the Zabûr (Psalms).
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like angels, Iesâ (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person."
Those whom they call upon [like 'Iesâ (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allâh), as to which of them should be the nearest; and they [Iesâ (Jesus), 'Uzair (Ezra), angels and others] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily, the Torment of your Lord is (something) to be afraid of!
And there is not a town (population) but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book (of our Decrees)
And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamûd as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We send not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).
And (remember) when We told you: "Verily! Your Lord has encompassed mankind (i.e. they are in His Grip)." And We made not the vision which We showed you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as an actual eye–witness and not as a dream on the night of Al-Isrâ’) but a trial for mankind, and (also) the accursed tree (mentioned) in the Qur’ân [see verse 44:43]. We warn them, but it only increases their naughtiness in great disbelief, oppression and disobedience to Allâh.
And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate to Adam." They prostrated except Iblîs (Satan). He said: "Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?"
[Iblîs (Satan)] said: "See? This one whom You have honoured above me, if You give me respite to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring, all but a few!"
(Allâh) said: "Go! And whosoever of them follows you, surely Hell will be the recompense of you (all) – an ample recompense.
"And befool them gradually those whom you can among them, with your voice; make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry; share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways – usury, bribes, by fornication etc.), and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.
"Verily! My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism), you have no authority over them. And All-Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian."

Surah Maryam (19): Verses 58–64
Those were they unto whom Allâh bestowed His Grace, from among the Prophets, of the offspring of Adam, and of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nûh (Noah), and of the offspring of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and Isra'îl (Israel) – and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the Verses of the Most Beneficent (Allâh) were recited unto them, they fell down prostrate and weeping.
Then, after them, there has succeeded an (evil) generation who have given up As-Salât (the prayers) [i.e. made their prayers to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or on their prescribed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell.
Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) and work righteousness. Such will enter Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught.
(They will enter) 'Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which the Most Beneficent (Allâh) has promised to His slaves in the Unseen. Verily! His Promise must come to pass.
They shall not hear therein any Laghw (dirty, false, evil, vain talk), but only salâm (salutations of peace). And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and afternoon.
Such is the Paradise which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our slaves who have been Al-Muttaqûn (pious and righteous persons – see V.2:2).
And we (angels) descend not except by the Command of your Lord (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between those two, and your Lord is never forgetful

Quran Surah Al Ankabut:
29:49
“Nay, but they, the clear Ayāt [i.e. the description and qualities of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (from the People of Scripture). And none but the Zālimūn (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) deny Our Ayāt.” myislam.org+15legacy.quran.com+15legacy.quran.com+15

29:50
“And they say: ‘Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?’ Say: ‘The signs are only with Allāh, and I am only a plain warner.’” legacy.quran.com+6corpus.quran.com+6myislam.org+6

29:51
“And is it not sufficient for them that We revealed to you the Book which is recited to them? Indeed, in that is a mercy and reminder for a people who believe.” legacy.quran.com+7legacy.quran.com+7legacy.quran.com+7

29:52
“Say: ‘Sufficient is Allāh between me and you as Witness. He knows what is in the heavens and the earth.’ And those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in Allāh — it is they who are the losers.”