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A Reflection on Surah Ad-Duha In the midst of the greatest trials, there are moments when Allah, in His infinite wisdom, chooses silence. It is a silence that speaks louder than words, a pause that carries weight far beyond its stillness. Surah Ad-Duhaa serves as a reminder of this divine silence—a silence that is not a sign of abandonment, but a notice of preparation for something greater.When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced a period of halted revelation, the people began to whisper doubts, saying that Allah had forsaken him. But then Allah responded with the gentle yet powerful verses of Surah Ad-Duhaa, declaring:“By the morning brightness, and by the night when it covers with darkness—your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is He displeased.” (93:1–3)In these verses, Allah is not just speaking to the Prophet (peace be upon him), but to all of us. He is giving us a notice: silence in the trial is not absence. When Allah withholds His response, when He draws quiet around us, He is giving us the opportunity to grow, to reflect, and to prepare for what is to come. It is during this period of quiet that we are taught to trust more deeply, to rely on our faith without the reassurance of immediate answers.In the test of a lifetime, this silence may feel overwhelming, like we’ve been forgotten or abandoned. But in reality, it is Allah’s way of drawing us closer—not through the sound of answers, but through the depth of trust we learn to build. He is teaching us that our connection with Him does not depend on constant communication; it depends on our unwavering faith in His wisdom, even when He doesn't respond. &nbsp;Sometimes, Allah’s silence is His most potent message: Wait, reflect, grow stronger, because what comes next will be far better than what has passed."Our Lord, do not make us a trial for those who disbelieve, and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Quran 60:5)

Allahs Silent Notice

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In the opening verses of Surah Al-Mu’minun, Allah describes the qualities of the successful believers—those who humble themselves in prayer, avoid idle talk, purify their wealth, and guard their trusts. This passage presents the framework of an inner compass, an orientation toward the divine that Allah has placed within us. It is not a call that rings through the ears, but one that stirs the intellect and soul. Faith is not merely an external adoption of rules but an intrinsic response to the higher truth instilled within every human being.Surah Nuh (71) recounts the relentless efforts of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) in calling his people to the truth. His call was met with rejection, not because the message was unclear, but because of the barriers people placed in their own hearts and minds. They covered their ears, wrapped their garments around themselves, and resisted introspection. This highlights a fundamental reality: Allah’s message is not hidden, nor is His guidance inaccessible. It is people’s refusal to engage sincerely with their inner faculties that creates disbelief. The message of truth, if approached with sincerity, resonates naturally within the fitrah (innate disposition) that Allah has bestowed upon humanity.Allah’s guidance operates as a natural law, much like the laws governing the physical world. Just as the body recognizes nourishment, the soul recognizes divine truth when untainted by distractions, distortions, or self-imposed barriers. However, people often seek visible signs, tangible voices, or miraculous interventions, failing to understand that divine communication is not bound by these sensory limitations. The Quran repeatedly reminds us that the unseen—Al-Ghayb—is the reality in which faith must take root.The modern world thrives on quick interpretations, depictions, and surface-level understandings, often reducing profound spiritual experiences to simplistic representations. This creates a veil over the deeper reality of faith. The reliance on external validations, rather than inner reflection and sincerity, leads many away from the natural inclination toward Allah.Thus, responding to Allah’s call is not about waiting for a voice to speak from the sky; it is about recognizing the divine impulse already placed within us. It requires clearing away the noise, surrendering arrogance, and aligning with the truth that our intellect and soul have been designed to embrace. The successful ones are those who nurture this awareness, safeguard their hearts, and walk the path that Allah has illuminated—not through spectacle, but through the undeniable, unseen truth embedded within existence itself.

The Natural Law of Guidance

Power has a way of distorting perception. Those who find themselves in the orbit of authority figures—whether in workplaces, religious communities, or social circles—sometimes mistake proximity for personal rank. They assume that being acknowledged or favored by someone in a higher position grants them an unspoken seniority over others. This illusion leads them to act as though they have a right to exert influence, often at the expense of fairness, boundaries, and accountability.At its core, this behavior is rooted in entitlement and impatience. Instead of respecting the responsibility that comes with access to power, these individuals exploit their connection to push personal agendas. They make emotional and demanding cases for their desires, not because they seek justice, but because they seek advantage. Their tactics include pressuring authority figures, manipulating circumstances, and disregarding the rights of others to ensure their will is imposed.Crossing Boundaries for Selfish GainOne of the most dangerous aspects of this mentality is the disregard for boundaries. In their pursuit of influence, these individuals fail to recognize the ethical and moral lines they are crossing. They may demand special treatment, exemptions, or favoritism, assuming that their association with power justifies their actions. This behavior corrupts systems of justice and leadership, as decisions become swayed by personal interests rather than principles.The Absence of AccountabilityA major blind spot for those who ride on the coattails of authority is the lack of self-reflection and accountability. They do not stop to consider the consequences of their actions—how their manipulation may cause harm, create resentment, or undermine the integrity of leadership. They focus only on the immediate gratification of achieving their selfish goal, forgetting that power is a test, not a privilege.Islamic Perspective on Authority and JusticeFrom an Islamic standpoint, power and leadership are amanah (a trust from Allah), not a tool for personal gain. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned against seeking leadership for self-serving reasons, stating:“The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who brings the most benefit to others.” (Hadith, al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat)Those who manipulate power for personal advantage violate the principles of justice (adl) and trustworthiness (amanah). The Quran explicitly warns against using influence unjustly:“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Quran 4:58)In contrast, those who seek influence to serve truth and fairness uphold the dignity of leadership rather than corrupting it for selfish ends.Final ThoughtTrue authority is not about closeness to power but adherence to integrity. Those who believe their proximity to leadership gives them the right to manipulate decisions ultimately expose their own weakness of character. Power is not a tool for personal advancement—it is a test of one’s sincerity, humility, and moral responsibility. Those who abuse it will eventually find themselves accountable, if not before people, then surely before Allah.

Proximity to Power: Moral Failure

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

Blog | Soul Air Reality

Allahs Silent Notice

The Natural Law of Guidance

Proximity to Power: Moral Failure

The Power of Reliance: Purification

Beyond the Surface

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