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Breadth In Depth

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Crime and Prejudice

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Heightened Balance

Since I started wearing the niqab, following Allah’s guidance with this curriculum has added more life to my belief than I’ve ever known. It has been the transition of a lifetime— but I learned it has always been apart of Allah’s plan. Each phase of wearing it was a new layer of learning—not just about Islam, but about learning to learn. Because I was already used to unlearning what wasn't needed and He kept guiding me through the steps understanding why.In the depth of practicing Islam, we learn it isn't about surrendering for nothing. It’s about surrendering for reasons that will come into your life—sometimes only when you're ready to see them. His guidance isn't weak or vague like people make it seem. To the outsider, it may look like just rules or restrictions. But to the one who sincerely follows, the depth is in the eye of the beholder.I’ve always had a different perspective that society seems to define it as something that is forged by having financial stability. Yes, I grew up not needing to worry about money, but I was raised to have a high regard for it and I still had limits. My dad made sure I understood what money can buy, what it shouldn’t buy, and what it can’t. That mindset created a moral foundation I didn’t fully understand until later in life. It taught me self-respect, dignity, and never to sell myself short—even if that wasn’t how it was explained at the time.I’ve always had a strong personality, and for some reason, that’s made people assume I’m trying to assert control. My keen observation and willingness were quietly dismissed, simply because I didn’t have a job that paid. But what they didn’t see was that I developed financial confidence naturally—because I genuinely worked, contributed, and earned my credit in life without needing to showcase it. My recommendations and preferences weren’t about status; they were precise, direct, and centered on the essence of a solution.That’s something I carried with me into both marriage and motherhood. I never withheld resources based on someone’s perceived worthiness. I didn’t discriminate or limit the quality of action. I’ve always sought to do what’s right. That principle runs deeply through my life. It’s what has kept me grounded during the hardest times—because at the center of it all is trust in Allah.And this brings me to the concept of guarding chastity. Allah elaborates in the Qur’an to “guard your chastity.” People read that and think it’s just a rule meant to suppress or control. But that’s such a shallow way to see it. If we slow down and reflect, there’s so much wisdom in why Allah says that. It’s not to deprive us of love or connection. It’s to protect us from the kind of spiritual and emotional vulnerability that Shaytan wants to expose.Look at the story of Adam and Hawa. Shaytan influenced them to eat from the tree, and what happened? Allah tells us their private parts were exposed. That’s not just about physical nudity—it’s about spiritual exposure. Shaytan went for their vulnerability. Because if he get's them to disobey Allah's orders, then that exposure causes them to be unheavenly impure. That’s why guarding our chastity—physically, mentally, emotionally—is so deeply tied to protection. Because if we settle for temptation and desire, then that becomes the currency we use to make deals for it. “Making a deal” in today’s world is portrayed as happiness but more often, it’s about transactions controlled by money—the one thing that seems to seal the deal. So when money becomes the deciding factor in our choices, it doesn’t just encourage incentive; it suppresses the real solution. The wrong questions get answered the right way, and we end up drifting from that sincerity found in solutions that put the dollar sign aside. That’s exactly why Adam and Hawa gave in to Shaytan’s whisper. Allah had already given them secure direction. But Shaytan didn’t use logic—he used greed. He tempted them with the illusion of a tree that would take them to a place of endless bounty. He sold them a lie.&nbsp;That’s why I don’t take these commands lightly and why I teach my children—not just to follow rules, but to understand what those rules are meant to protect. Because once you understand the why, it becomes second nature to defend it. So when Allah calls us to fight in His cause, it is a spiritual fight—one rooted in reflecting our belief in Him, even though He is unseen. It’s about honoring the reality He describes, with due process and sincerity.He calls us to recognize that the angels advocate for our purification. So when He instructs us to stay aware, it is a call to honor our God-given intelligence—to detect and resist Shaytan’s quiet influence: the subtle temptations and normalized behaviors that strip away our dignity before we even realize it.For me, wearing the niqab wasn’t just a change of clothes or a statement for show. It was a layer that Allah inspired me to wear—covering the thick skin I had developed over the years by holding firmly, and unconditionally, to principles that others may have avoided or compromised. Because when we get passed the fabric, we will realize the niqab is not a symbol of weakness,&nbsp; but a symbol of resourcefulness, resilience, and pure intentions.Surah An-Najm By the star when it goes down, Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only a Revelation revealed. He has been taught (this Qur’an) by one mighty in power, Dhu Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), then he rose and became stable. While he was in the highest part of the horizon, Then he approached and came closer, And was at a distance of two bows’ length or (even) nearer. So did (Allah) convey the Inspiration to His slave (Muhammad). The (Prophet’s) heart lied not (in seeing) what he saw. Will you then dispute with him (Muhammad) about what he saw (during the Mi‘raj)? And indeed he (Muhammad) saw him [Jibrael (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time). Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (a lote tree of the utmost boundary beyond which none can pass), Near it is the Paradise of Abode. When that covered the lote tree which did cover it! The sight (of Prophet Muhammad) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond (the) limit (ordained for it). Indeed he (Muhammad) did see, of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord (Allah). Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza, And Manat, the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named - you and your fathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire, whereas there has surely come to them the guidance from their Lord! Or shall man have what he wishes? But to Allah belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world). And there are many angels in the heavens, whose intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He wills and is pleased with. Verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter, name the angels with female names. While they have no knowledge thereof. They follow nothing but conjecture. And verily, conjecture is no substitute for the truth. Therefore withdraw (O Muhammad) from him who turns away from Our Reminder (this Qur’an) and desires nothing but the life of this world. That is what they could reach of knowledge. Verily, your Lord is the Best Knower of him who goes astray from His Path, and He is the Best Knower of him who receives guidance. And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, that He may recompense those who do evil with that which they have done, and reward those who do good, with what is best. Those who avoid great sins and Al-Fawahish (illegal sexual intercourse), except the small faults - verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness. He knows you well when He created you from the earth, and when you were fetuses in your mothers’ wombs. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him. Did you (O Muhammad) observe him who turned away (from Islam)? And gave a little, then stopped (giving)? Is with him the knowledge of the unseen so that he sees? Or is he not informed with what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Musa (Moses), And of Ibrahim (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (Allah ordered him to do)? That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad), And that his deeds will be seen, Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense, And that to your Lord (Allah) is the End (Return of everything). And that it is He (Allah) Who makes (whom He wills) laugh, and makes (whom He wills) weep; And that it is He (Allah) Who causes death and gives life; And that He (Allah) creates the pairs, male and female, From Nutfah (drops of semen male and female discharges) when it is emitted; And that upon Him (Allah) is another bringing forth (Resurrection); And that it is He (Allah) Who gives much or a little (or gives wealth and contentment), And that He (Allah) is the Lord of Sirius (the star); And that it is He (Allah) Who destroyed the former ‘Ad (people), And Thamud (people). He spared none of them. And the people of Nuh (Noah) aforetime. Verily, they were more unjust and more rebellious and transgressing [in disobeying Allah and His Messenger Nuh (Noah)]. And He destroyed the overthrown cities [of Sodom to which Prophet Lut (Lot) was sent]. So there covered them that which did cover (i.e. torment with stones). Then which of the Graces of your Lord (O man!) will you doubt? This (Muhammad) is a warner (Messenger) of the (series of) warners (Messengers) of old. The Day of Resurrection draws near, None besides Allah can avert it, (or advance it, or delay it). Do you then wonder at this recital (the Qur’an)? And you laugh at it and weep not, Wasting your (precious) lifetime in pastime and amusements (singing, etc.). So fall you down in prostration to Allah and worship Him (Alone). Surah Al Qamar The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder. And if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: "This is continuous magic." They belied (the Verses of Allah — this Qur’an), and followed their own lusts. And every matter will be settled. And indeed, there has come to them news (in this Qur’an) wherein there is (enough warning) to check (them from evil), Perfect wisdom (this Qur’an), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not, So (O Muhammad), withdraw from them. The Day that the caller will call (them) to a terrible thing. They will come forth, with humbled eyes from (their) graves as if they were locusts spread abroad, Hastening towards the caller. The disbelievers will say: "This is a hard Day." The people of Nuh (Noah) belied before them. They rejected Our slave (Noah), and said: "A madman!" and he was insolently rebuked and threatened. Then he invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!" So We opened the gates of the heaven with water pouring forth. And We caused springs to gush forth from the earth. So the waters met for a matter predestined. And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails, Floating under Our Eyes, a reward for him who had been rejected! And indeed, We have left this as a sign, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? Then see how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings! And indeed, We have made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember? ‘Ad belied (the truth). Then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings? Verily, We sent against them a furious wind of harsh voice on a day of evil omen and continuous calamity. Plucking out men as if they were uprooted stems of date palms. Then see how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings? And indeed, We have made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember? Thamud belied the warnings. And they said: "A man, alone among us — shall we follow him? Truly then we should be in error and distress or madness!" "Is it that the Reminder is sent to him alone from among us? Nay, he is an insolent liar!" Tomorrow they will know who is the liar, the insolent one! Verily, We are sending the she-camel as a test for them. So watch them, and be patient! And inform them that the water is to be shared between her and them. Every drinking will be attended (by turns). But they called their comrade and he took (a sword) and killed (her). Then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings? Verily, We sent against them a single Saihah (blast), and they became like the dry stubble of a fold-builder. And indeed, We have made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember? The people of Lut (Lot) belied the warnings. Verily, We sent against them a storm of stones (which destroyed them all), except the family of Lut, them We saved in the last hour of the night, As a Favour from Us. Thus do We reward him who gives thanks (by obeying Us). And he indeed had warned them of Our punishment, but they did doubt the warnings. And they indeed sought to shame his guests, so We blinded their eyes (saying): "Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings." And verily, an abiding punishment seized them early in the morning. Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings. And indeed, We have made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember? And indeed, warnings came to the people of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh). They belied all Our Signs, so We seized them with a Seizure of the All-Mighty, All-Capable. Are your disbelievers (O Quraish!) better than these [nations of Nuh, Lût, Sâlih, and the people of Fir‘awn] or have you immunity (against Our Torment) in the Divine Scriptures? Or do they say: "We are a great multitude and we shall be victorious?" Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter. Verily, the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) are in error and will burn. The Day they will be dragged in the Fire on their faces (it will be said to them): "Taste you the touch of Hell!" Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainment of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees — Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). And Our Commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye. And indeed, We have destroyed your likes, then is there any that will remember? And everything they have done is noted in (their) Records (of deeds). And everything, small and big, is written down. Verily, the Muttaqûn (the pious and righteous) will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers, In a seat of truth (Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allah, the One, the Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honour).

Curb Your Currency

It’s easy to misread the tone of the Qur’an, especially when it speaks about hell and what leads people there. Because the Qur’an is the final, unchanged revelation from Allah, many of us already carry a natural awe and seriousness toward it. And while that respect is necessary, it can also make some feel intimidated. As if picking up the Qur’an or reading just one verse will immediately demand something they’re not ready to face. As if opening the Book is like signing into something permanent they can’t walk away from.That hesitation is real—and it's one of the most common tactics of Shaytan. He knows how to prey on those vulnerable moments when we’re reflecting, questioning, or considering turning back to Allah. He doesn't need to convince someone to reject faith outright—just enough fear or hesitation is enough to keep them stuck. That cycle of pondering, then pulling back, is familiar to many of us.But Allah already knows this about us. That’s part of why He sent guidance in the first place—across generations, through different nations, in every form of language and leadership. We’re all the children of Adam. But in the Qur’an, Allah also makes the Children of Israel witnesses to the first book, the Torah—placing on them, and by extension humanity, the responsibility of remembering how divine guidance has always come and how it’s been treated over time.So when Allah speaks firmly in the Qur’an, it’s not a tone of harsh control or random punishment. It’s a tone that comes after generations of watching how we respond to truth—how we negotiate, twist, delay, or outright ignore it. The Qur’an doesn’t say, “There’s Hell because life is a trick.” It’s saying something more truthful and more direct: “There is Hell because turning away from divine instruction, especially when you know better, has consequences—because that’s how the spiritual reality works.”It’s not an emotional punishment. It’s just cause and effect.Think of it like constantly being presented with two doors. One opens to good. One opens to harm. The Qur’an teaches us how to recognize which is which. But Shaytan makes the harmful door look easier—quicker, more appealing, more satisfying in the moment. And we often defend it because it gives us temporary relief or pleasure. But it’s the door that takes the most from us, often silently.Meanwhile, Allah doesn’t say: “If you make a mistake, I’ll punish you immediately.” No. His mercy is vast. His patience is unmatched. He knows when you’re sincerely trying. He knows when you’re lost but still curious. He knows when you want to return but aren’t sure how. And His guidance doesn’t come to shame you—it comes to empower you with clarity.Allah doesn’t need us to defend His message. He’s not asking us to become public speakers or religious experts. He sent the Qur’an so that we could defend ourselves—from what hurts us, from what confuses us, from what distances us from who we were created to be.He gave us a Book that speaks a universal truth no matter the century or the culture. And His tone isn't there to trap us but remind us of the door that always leads back to Him.I’ve been misunderstood plenty of times in my life, but one situation that stands out recently was when I was admitted to a mental ward—not because I posed any harm to myself or others, but because I conveyed a message. The Quran elaborates that anyone following Allah's guidance and the Prophets way of life can be misperceived. The essence is proclaiming the connection with Allah in an unseen entity.&nbsp;I shared a truth in following Allah's guidance. The type of message that doesn't come from casual reflection but from deep spiritual alignment. I don't hear voices in my head nor do I see visions. The revelations are from having a deeper understanding of the Quran's verses in metaphor--With Allah's guidance according to the context of my circumstances. So upon being questioned-- I referenced Allahs revelations has also attracted higher authority, like the FBI's involvement and that alone triggered the assumption that I was experiencing delusions of grandeur.&nbsp;I take responsibility for the weight of what I shared. It’s not an everyday message. It’s not something random. And I would never play with the Qur’an or use Allah’s words in vain. Even the thought of that is wrong on so many levels. But I also know that Allah doesn’t let His servants walk blindly. I understood that the doctors were doing their job based on what they know. I knew this situation was unique, and that they would need time to truly reflect on it.They placed me on a 72-hour hold. During that time, I sat with all kinds of women—each struggling with their own mental health battles. But as the third day approached, they were still insisting that I was delusional. And honestly, nothing I said mattered at that point. Even if I placed undeniable proof on the table, I was in the ward now, and they weren’t going to let me go without feeling like they had the upper hand. That was something many of them had already decided behind the scenes. Keeping me detained was a way to "sedate" the message.&nbsp;The irony is, the FBI already knew I was focused on spiritual sedation—holding proof my spiritual work brought the peace. But the staff in the ward didn’t want to hear that. Their energy was more like, “Hold on—you’re not going anywhere until you sing the blues.”They wanted to put me on medication even though my assessment went great and I was responding authentically and comfortably. So I refused the medication and defended my stance. Bottom line is it falls under freedom of speech. And I never posed danger to myself or others.&nbsp;But they clung to their code of principles, suppressing the essence of the situation. They ended up taking me to medical court. And by then, I could tell the court had already been briefed. The doctor gave them the rundown, because everything about the way they approached me proved they weren’t interested in starting from zero. They weren’t interested in why I was there—they just wanted to enforce protocol.&nbsp;So I was cornered and they ordered medication based on a misdiagnosis. And the medication lowered my already low blood pressure. It was a terrible move—especially for someone like me who doesn’t even take capsules from vitamins. I’ve always leaned toward natural healing—Chinese herbs, food, spiritual alignment. I don’t believe in suppressing symptoms. I search for the root. I believe in curing, not coping. The medication wasn't good at all.The worst part? My assessment went very well. I was articulate, coherent, stable. But they overrode that too. But they had to work ona solution because they stuck to the original reason for my detainment. They didn’t treat a symptom or try to understand the actual concern. Instead, they attempted to provoke an episode by misreading my devotion, as if I was just a desperate woman fasting, away from her kids, desperate for God's forgiveness. They also tried to use my remembrance of Allah to strengthen their case. As if asking spiritual questions about worship as proof of mental instability. Even though they had confirmation that the FBI was already aware of my case, and that my intentions were rooted in peace.We don’t need to keep treating those who speak sincerely about Allah’s message as if they’re a threat to be silenced. Allah is already making it clear—this is a message meant for all of us. And when He chooses to uncover what’s false, no system or structure can stand in the way.Instead of turning to labels, control, or division, maybe it’s time we pause and reflect on why the truth feels unsettling. Perhaps it’s not the truth that’s the problem, but what it asks us to let go of. And in that discomfort, there’s an opportunity—not for conflict, but for clarity. Because the Quran is cool once you open your heart for the truth, you'll learn it was never supposed to be perceived the way people make it out to seem.&nbsp; In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most MercifulO you who believe! Do not put yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.Verily, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger, they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward.Verily, those who call you from behind the dwellings, most of them have no sense.And if they had patience till you could come out to them, it would have been better for them. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar — evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.And know that among you there is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in many matters, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.(A grace) from Allah and His Favour. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both. But if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you all against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable.The believers are nothing else than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one's brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers).O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (piety). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, 'We have surrendered (in Islam),' for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful.Say: "Will you inform Allah about your religion while Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing of everything By those winds that scatter dust. And those clouds that bear heavy weight of water. And those ships that float with ease and grace. And those angels who distribute provisions by Allah's Command.Verily, that which you are promised is surely true. And verily, the Recompense is sure to happen. By the heaven full of paths. Certainly, you have different ideas about the truth. Turned aside therefrom is he who is turned aside. Woe to the liars, Who are under a cover of heedlessness. They ask: "When will be the Day of Recompense?" (It will be) a Day when they will be tried over the Fire! "Taste you your trial! This is what you used to ask to be hastened!"Verily, the Muttaqun (the pious) will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs, Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinun (good-doers). They used to sleep but little by night. And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness. And in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the poor who does not ask others.And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your own selves. Will you not then see? And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised. Then by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is the truth, just as you can speak.Has the story reached you, of the honored guests of Ibrahim? When they came in to him and said: "Salam (peace)!" He answered: "Salam," and said: "You are a people unknown to me." Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf. And placed it before them, (saying): "Will you not eat?" Then he conceived a fear of them. They said: "Fear not." And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge. Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"They said: "Even so says your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower." (Ibrahim) said: "Then for what purpose have you come, O Messengers?" They said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimun (criminals), To send down upon them stones of baked clay, Marked by your Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds." So We brought out from therein the believers. But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [the family of Lout]. And We have left there a sign for those who fear the painful torment.And in Musa (Moses) too (there is a sign), when We sent him to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) with a manifest authority. But he turned away along with his hosts, and said: "A sorcerer, or a madman." So We took him and his hosts, and dumped them into the sea, while he was blameworthy.And in 'Ad (there is also a sign), when We sent against them the barren wind. It spared nothing that it reached, but blew it into broken spreads of rotten ruins.And in Thamud (there is also a sign), when they were told: "Enjoy yourselves for a while!" But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord, so the thunderbolt seized them while they were looking. Then they were unable to rise up, nor could they help themselves.And (so were) the people of Nuh (Noah) before them. Verily, they were a people who were rebellious.With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof. And We have spread out the earth: how Excellent Spreader (thereof) are We! And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember (the Grace of Allah).So flee to Allah. Verily, I am a plain warner to you from Him. And set not up (or worship) any other god along with Allah. Verily, I (Muhammad) am a plain warner to you from Him.Likewise, no Messenger came to those before them but they said: "A sorcerer or a madman!" Have they transmitted this saying to these (pagans)? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds! So turn away (O Muhammad) from them, you are not blamed. And remind (them), for verily, the reminding profits the believers.And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. And verily, for those who do wrong, there is a portion of torment like the portion of their fellows, so let them not ask Me to hasten it. Then woe to those who disbelieve from their Day which they have been promised.

Universal Truce

Trees at the garden of Arashiyama Public Park in Kyoto, Japan.

In this world, power, money, and status define who’s considered “elite.” The ones who have influence, the ones who can afford to speak louder than others, are usually seen as the most valuable in the eyes of society. On the other side, the poorest and most disregarded of people can also hold the highest worth in the sight of Allah swt. And history proves that. The majority of those who followed the Messengers were among the weakest in their communities—not because they lacked value, but because their hearts were more receptive to truth. They were mocked, overlooked, and ridiculed for believing, but Allah elevated them through their faith.It’s important for Muslims to remove money from their personal criteria when judging the worth of a matter. Why? Because it’s the very factor society uses to decide what’s successful, what’s valuable, and what’s respectable. And when we internalize that same thinking, it sabotages our ability to see the actual lesson Allah is highlighting.Money is a background factor. It paints the picture, but it’s not the whole painting. It shows up in the scene, but how we use it up front determines the spiritual climate of our intentions. Since life is a dimensional experience—where everything changes form depending on what you’re focused on—money naturally comes and goes. So the test isn’t in having or losing money. The test is in our intentions. Do we trust the Source of provision, or are we clinging to the provision itself because we’ve attached multiple meanings to it?Society uses money to measure a person’s importance, but Allah made it clear that dollars and coins don’t measure morals, don’t build character, and shouldn’t be used to make executive decisions about someone’s worth. Money can assist in the path to goodness—especially when used for charity—but Allah also tells us that charity isn’t just financial. It’s also about your time, your effort, your kindness, your ability to lead with good character and carry people through hardship with support. These are forms of charity too.The Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity extinguishes sin like water extinguishes fire.” But sadly, some people use that hadith as a loophole. They sin with the intention of giving charity later, thinking they can use the deen to balance out their disobedience. They manipulate the system—acting like the sin is worth it as long as they can pay it off with a good deed. This is the exact deceit Shaytan whispers. He validates the sin by convincing the heart there’s a way to cancel it out without repentance. It’s a trap that raises the challenge against the very intelligence and spiritual awareness Allah gifted us with.And when that mindset takes over, it starts to block the flow of understanding. You can’t grow past the sin, because you’re not truly trying to. It becomes an emotional cover-up.&nbsp; And eventually, that behavior builds into ignorance and arrogance—causing people to lose their connection with Allah because they lacked the understanding of how. They connected to the benefits of the pillars, not the pillars themselves.So if we’re serious about self-accountability with Allah, then we have to stop letting money be the silent decision maker in understanding matters. We must recognize that while it holds weight in the dunya, it holds no weight in front of Allah unless it’s used with pure intention. The real currency in this life is character, truth, and trust in Allah.I’ve had to face this truth personally. In recent years, my deepening of faith began to reflect the person I’ve always been inside. But when I chose to cover my face, that’s when people assumed I was hiding something—when in reality, those who truly knew me understood that it was a reflection of the boundaries I was trying to keep. It was never about hiding. It was about containing a matter with boundaries, only Allah inspired this containment be enwrapped in a garment.But that message became distorted. It fell into many hands, twisted and passed around, turning me into this manic, unstable character in other people’s narratives—someone desperate for validation, forgiveness, or pity. None of that was ever my aim. And nobody truly knew the depth of my capability to handle this guidance. So I’ve come to learn that this distortion has served a divine purpose. It kept the “limelight” on something real as I was genuinely following Allah’s instruction for me. And since that is something that doesn't happen overnight, He made that exposure strong.&nbsp;The challenges I’m facing—starting with the most painful one, being separated from my children—have only confirmed for me that Allah created me to be His messenger in this time, conveying His peace through the lens of this family trial and broader community affair. That understanding didn’t come with applause. It came with loss, struggle, misjudgment, and silence. But it also came with clarity—and a kind of strength that no one can take away. This isn’t meant in a prophetic sense, but as someone who has endured trials and been entrusted with a renewed understanding of faith, so we can collectively remember that our provision comes from Allah (SWT) alone.

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