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God reaching out to a lost sheep. Religious conceptual theme.

In Surah Al-‘Adiyat, Allah paints a powerful image: of horses charging forward, panting, sparking fire with their hooves, invading at dawn with suddenness and force. On the surface, this scene depicts the momentum of war or pursuit. But beneath the surface, there’s something far more relevant to our everyday lives—the way groups of people, societies, or ideologies charge together toward a goal, often under the illusion of authority or justice.These verses can be read as a metaphor for how the collective energy of a society can build adrenaline toward suspicion, and how this suspicion is sustained—not by truth—but by a shared emotional charge to validate their narrative. That adrenaline becomes addictive, convincing participants that their involvement is necessary, even noble. But in truth, they may be chasing not justice, but control—control over perception, over outcomes, over others’ lives.And so Allah reminds us:"Indeed, mankind is ungrateful to his Lord." (100:6) This ungratefulness is not just about denying provisions or blessings—it is the moral blindness to the responsibility we have in preserving truth when we act, speak, or judge. "And indeed, he is to that a witness." (100:7) Allah declares that we already know our faults before we act on them. Deep inside, we are aware of the moments we’re tempted to gain favor, to hide our insecurities behind pride, or to play a role in social dynamics just to stay accepted. This self-witnessing is the wealth Allah refers to—not gold, not status—but moral clarity. Yet,"And indeed he is, in love of wealth, intense." (100:8) The "wealth" here, as you powerfully noted, is not material. It is social capital—being seen, being needed, being validated. It’s the currency of influence. And we often chase it at the cost of our integrity. Society programs us to respond through fight, flight, or fawn—especially in environments where judgment and speculation are treated as tools of control. People carry heat for others’ lives as if they own them, projecting their fear of loss, their jealousy, or their ego. This heat isn’t authority. It’s noise.But Allah is not distracted by this noise."Does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered, and what is in the breasts is obtained..." (100:9–10) Allah warns us that every hidden thought, every motive disguised as virtue, will be exposed. Because ultimately, the truth doesn’t belong to people—it belongs to Allah. And the soul’s real duty is not to be validated by others, but to uphold the truth embedded in its chest. This surah, then, is a sharp reminder that the illusion of control and influence in groupthink or society is not power—it’s peril. We can run from Allah in shame or hide in the crowd, but that won’t change the truth we carry within.Integrity, therefore, is the only true wealth. And Allah, Al-Khabeer (The All-Aware), already knows the intentions behind every step we take.

Reflection on Surah Al-‘Adiyat: The Wealth of Integrity

The deepening of my faith over the years has honestly turned out to be the biggest misunderstanding—mostly because of the attention it got along the way. I’ve explained before in my blogs: I’m Muslim, I grew up that way. But I didn’t embrace it wholeheartedly from the start. It happened slowly, indirectly—more like a gradual unfolding. As life moved forward, so did my need to understand my issues.I was always at some kind of crossroads—or just plain stuck. And that’s why my father’s death ended up being Allah’s way of seizing my heart and forcing me to finally confront things I didn’t even know I was ignoring. I had already been doing my own version of self-discovery—unlearning bad habits, eating healthier, exercising, spending time alone—because I could feel the heaviness of my circumstances. I was trying to manage things in a thoughtful way, filling my time with meaningful distractions like helping others, while still trying to give myself some attention too.When Allah prompted me to wear the niqab, it came at a time where had I ignored that guidance, I would’ve left myself open—vulnerable. It would’ve cost me all the internal work I had put into deepening my faith. The niqab wasn’t just a piece of cloth—it came to secure me from the insecurities I had let run the show for too long. It protected the part of me that needed spiritual arbitration, and it simultaneously taught me about Allah’s presence, His help, and all the layered details involved in the different aspects of my divorce.Wearing the niqab reflected the struggle within—but it also showed me how easy Allah actually is with us. We’re the ones who assume He’s waiting for us to hit some impossible standard, when really, He just wants sincerity. As I transitioned outwardly, the inward challenges kept adjusting, retracting, shifting too. It was a constant internal machine in motion—I was trying to stay in flow with Allah’s guidance, and remain as open and receptive as possible.And I can’t say that wearing the niqab made life easier—but I can say Allah made life hard enough that wearing the niqab became the easier path. It steadied me through a lot: exiting my marriage, grieving my sister at a sensitive time, managing social dynamics for the sake of my children, and preserving the respect they deserved while their parents parted ways. And in the midst of all that, I was still trying to hold space for the misunderstandings that came with the bold decisions I had to make.But what I didn’t expect was that it was also preparation for another chapter—one I could’ve never imagined. The arrest. A wrongful judgment after an altercation with my husband. What happened that morning was misread, but I knew even then—it was naseeb. Because I wouldn’t have had the strength to process and close out the difficult phases of my divorce without that moment pushing me to face the deeper truths. Everything I had learned—through my marriage, my kids, parenting, even having my mother-in-law live with us—came to help me navigate what followed after my arrest and time in jail.None of it was a coincidence. It wasn’t fair. But it was part of what had to happen. And for someone like me—someone who always sees the paradox in every trial, and the contradiction in what seems normal—it made sense in its own way. Whenever I felt bound, or misunderstood, or completely alone, I reminded myself: this wasn’t personal from the outside. It was internal. I was chasing a balance that could only come through Allah.Because I know Allah talks business in His own way. He finds ways to buy me time—but that time is the test. And it always comes with results, lessons, and knowledge I didn’t know I needed. That’s why He emphasizes patience. Because the more you learn, the more you grow. And He set me apart from the kind of growth society praises.I had to let go of the fact that I went from being an honor roll student to someone life seemed to set up for failure. I had to accept that I had a free ride—didn’t have to worry about money or providing—and instead of wasting that, I used it to get real. To face life raw, truthfully, and with gratitude for whatever I had.“With hardship comes ease.” Not before. With. That verse doesn’t just repeat—it circles back again and again. Because ease is found inside the hardship. Not after the checklist is done, not once the story wraps neatly.I’ve been misunderstood, misjudged, and unfairly underestimated—not just because I wear niqab, not just because of what happened during and after my arrest—but because this entire path was never for the people watching. It was by Allah’s design.And if there’s any so-called coincidence in it all, it’s that there are no coincidences. Not when Allah is the One flipping the script. Not when He’s the Executive Producer of it all. And how far we drift when we start thinking a simple veil is enough to vilify a person—as if what’s covered could somehow be more offensive than what’s been exposed. But that’s the test, isn’t it?Not of the veil itself. But of what you think the veil is trying to hide.That is exactly why Allah chose me to embark on His journey—to get to know all the ins and outs I needed in order to learn the truth of my circumstances, while simultaneously protecting me from knowing the whole truth. Because that’s how He hones us—for the so-called “coincidence” He always had instilled.Giving your matters to Allah doesn’t ever just mean we speak it in prayer. It means He raises descendants who are coincidence slayers—those chosen to break the cycle, live the paradox, and walk the path that doesn’t make sense to anyone else… until Allah reveals the meaning.

Taking Off to Veil

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline with Manhattan Financial District, World Trade Center, Empire State Building and Blue Sky.

Many people live under the illusion that free will means freedom from consequence. They think that if they choose not to participate in something, or if they turn their gaze away from it, they are exempt from the weight of responsibility. In the same way, here in this country, freedom of speech is often misunderstood as a personal badge of authority — as though simply having the right to speak elevates every opinion into an untouchable truth.But reality — the deeper, more sobering reality — is that both free will and freedom of speech come with limits. Limits that are woven into the very fabric of creation, decreed by Allah. Free will is not a shield against the natural law of cause and effect, nor against the divine law of accountability. Similarly, freedom of speech does not mean freedom from the consequences of what is said — especially when words are used to harm, mislead, or corrupt.As Muslims, we are especially vulnerable to being caught between these two worldly pressures. On one side, we may fall prey to the intimidation that comes with the misuse of "freedom" — whether it's the pressure to stay silent in the face of falsehood, or the fear of being labeled, judged, or isolated for speaking the truth. On the other side, we may find ourselves tempted to believe that because we are free to choose, we are free from responsibility — that if we simply abstain from the chaos around us, we will be untouched by it.But Allah reminds us otherwise. "And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty." (Qur'an 8:25) Silence, ignorance, and avoidance do not grant immunity. Choices, even the choice to look away, bear fruit — whether good or bad.This is why even personal choices have limits: not to suffocate us, but to protect the delicate balance between individual freedom and collective justice. Free will teaches us where our freedom ends and where someone else’s right begins — and that is how we preserve fairness while still honoring the trust Allah placed in us.If free will is exercised without accountability, it becomes oppression. If freedom is pursued without moral boundaries, it becomes chaos. Thus, the very existence of free will teaches us that real freedom only survives when we respect the rights of others, when we uphold justice, and when we acknowledge that our choices are seen by Allah, who is the ultimate Judge.In a society that glorifies individual authority, it becomes even more critical for the Muslim heart to stay anchored. Free will is a gift — but a test. Freedom of speech is a right — but a trust. They are both a responsibility. Both are weighed, measured, and judged by Allah, not by public opinion. It is our duty to use them carefully, to recognize their limits, and to remain steadfast in our submission to divine truth over worldly clamor.

How to Say Know

There is always a paradox in following Allah’s path. It’s not something you find out at the first step. Allah makes it known in His own timing, in His own way, to keep your heart instilled. His concept of peace isn’t something that happens overnight or at the snap of a finger. It’s a nurturing process, a gradual strengthening of the soul. That is why timing is never really the determining factor — it’s the quality of the time spent that matters most. Whether our intentions are good or not, the quality of our content will always determine the quality of our outcome. For me, this has been the ultimate challenge, especially over the past months and year as I underwent major life changes with my husband, children, and family.I had a standing connection with Allah long before it became outwardly obvious. Because it wasn’t flashy or loud, I was perceived as weak. I was seen as a fraud by those around me because they couldn’t comprehend the sacrifices I was making quietly along the way. While I was working on an important, vulnerable, and humble ascending action with Allah, I was also being trolled, misunderstood, and watched by family who, despite knowing more about my circumstances, chose to strip credibility from me.The week I was arrested — falsely, for a crime I never committed — was the same week my family turned their backs on me. They embezzled my children, scolded me for spending wealth I had in my father’s name, and judged me harshly for trying to move forward. When I attempted to rebuild without leaning on my husband’s resources, it became easy for them to spin a narrative that I must have been punished by Allah, that living in my car after the arrest was proof of some hidden wrongdoing. They saw it as the collapse of a so-called act I had been playing my whole life. But in reality, proof of my innocence was sitting quietly, stored away in a federal building.Allah made me live examples of how people around me were getting away with crimes through ignorance and manipulation, while I was being accused, abused, and framed for crimes I never committed. The way I embraced the niqab, the way I embodied the guidance I had received — these were used against me. What was actually a cry for help against oppression was twisted into something shameful, as if I had spent my inheritance to avoid consequences, when in reality, I was leaving behind neglect and fighting to secure a future for my children — the true wealth I had invested in.Even though the accusations — including false implications of an affair — were piled against me, I never entertained betrayal. Through it all, Allah has been slowly delivering the truth, in His perfect way and time. Despite all the vulnerabilities surrounding my life, nothing is more confirming than the invisible proofs found in consistency. Consistency is who we are, what we desire, and what is truly instilled: character, morals, values, and above all, intention.Since this story is layered and deep, it cannot be flattened into surface-level assumptions. Allah’s paradox is always at play. A recurring theme I have seen is how people use authority born from their own depression, not to heal, but to exert power over the oppressed. And so, as a mother, as a woman who grew through responsibility and trials, my consistency is not found in selfish misperceptions, nor in maliciously composed reports printed against me. It is found in the unseen moments, the overlooked footage, and the silent, patient proofs that only Allah records perfectly.It turns out that controlling our feelings — expressing vulnerability, honesty, and grief — is treated as more criminal than controlling anger, manipulation, or oppression. The paradox of all this will always be obscured by the vulnerable footage that actually reserved the proper handling of this case. My vulnerable confession, made alone in my jail cell, was more important than what was truly happening in my family. It held the real case hostage, the real call for help, the true reason behind the intervention, and the real need for peace.That is why Allah will always continue to serve and deliver His parables. His proofs are subtle but certain. His revelations are delicate but deliberate. And through every injustice, every misrepresentation, every crooked framing, Allah’s certainty continues to shine. No matter how many layers of confusion, deceit, or betrayal are stacked against the truth, Allah’s way unfolds exactly as it must — with patience, with wisdom, and with an authority no worldly narrative can ever overturn. Because just as people constantly scheme against His signs, His proof is constantly orbiting, eventually showing what is right. That is why we always have to strive to pass the tests He gives us — especially the little ones — because the more we deny and use lies, the more He will reveal the way we just do that to get by.&nbsp;

Raid Against the Machine

It’s easy to sometimes have a vague understanding of the deen while still believing in Allah (SWT) and the Qur’an in its entirety. We pick it up with firm belief that its message is true, that it holds answers for us. And that belief alone carries us for a while. But then at some point, we start to regress or overlook certain verses—sometimes because we misperceive them, and sometimes because we choose to.That’s why there are so many reasons we don’t understand—and just as many ways we can. And that’s also why Allah reminds us that He can, at any moment, say “Kun fa ya kun”—“Be, and it is.” He can make anything happen in our journey, especially when we’re trying to follow through.Patience is a part of everything. It’s a universal factor in how we live, even when we think timing is everything. But timing is really just a way to see things through—it helps bring things to completion. Because when we learn something, we don’t always understand it right away. We wait to fully grasp it, and in the meantime, we try to live it.Learning is like any relationship—it’s a connection based on how we see our lives and what we expect from it. Deep down, we know life keeps changing. The outcomes are never guaranteed, but we still move forward based on what we’ve been given.Eventually we realize—it’s not the task itself we’re committed to, but the reason we committed. And everyone’s reason looks different, because we’re all dealing with different inner worlds, different surroundings, different tests. Allah doesn’t test those who are patient in the same way He tests those who are still struggling to be.The patient ones have already faced obstacles. They’ve felt the weight of differences, confusion, and delay. But they stayed committed to Allah, trusting that His creation was made in peace. They know that every good is from Him. And they’ve come to see that the painful, resentful, or off-putting interactions in this world aren’t personal. They’re often just Iblis interfering—twisting what was never meant to hurt us into something that feels like it did.And that’s why we will always have a lesson to learn. So we can understand that real understanding requires being receptive—to more than just opinions or time. It requires awareness of what’s actually happening in our living circumstances, because only living circumstances can measure other living circumstances.It’s not about checking boxes or rushing toward outcomes. It’s about removing the checklist and learning to embody the want, the need, and the impermanent stages of constant impermanence—still going for the peace that Allah made possible.In the fragile and ever-changing nature of our lives, it’s easy to overlook or even doubt the subtle, gentle truths in the Qur’an. Iblis uses that uncertainty, trying to make divine guidance feel heavy or harsh—something rigid instead of healing. But Allah, in His mercy, continuously reaffirms the truth of the Qur’an—reminding us that its message is certain, not because it forces us, but because it lovingly guides us back to what’s real. That’s why Allah speaks so thoroughly about belief and the different levels that come with it. Because belief isn’t just a switch—it deepens over time, and patience is what teaches us the value of delayed understanding and reward.&nbsp;

Patience is a Virtue

The complex dynamic of a family isn’t to be taken lightly—just like the surface of that dynamic isn’t meant to reveal all its depth. What’s seen isn’t always the whole picture. That’s why there are so many ways to approach any given problem, with solutions that are also outlets—not just to fix what’s broken, but to help prevent it from happening again.For someone like me, the decision to correct my prayers didn’t happen instantly. It came after a long trial of just doing basic prayer. I went through phases—waves of commitment, moments of weakness, frustration, and impatience. But all of that was necessary. It was the strengthening process. It helped me build a more solid approach to prayer, to understand its weight and its defining moments.&nbsp;I knew the force was real. I knew Allah was present in my life. But I didn’t yet have the confidence to fully understand. That might sound like a sad excuse—but really, it’s a valid way to recognize how intimidating belief can be. Our spiritual sense is quick to acknowledge when we’re lacking, when we’ve neglected something. And our ego, or our intuition, will respond. That’s where the battle begins—within. Constant self-assessment. A tug-of-war between what we know and what we’re ready to act on.That’s part of the phases we go through—forming the connection we have with Allah through the trial and error of our prayers. And when I reached the point where I was tired of being in that trance-like state during salah, Allah aligned the guidance with what I needed. It was precise. Like a seesaw—He balanced it with just enough support to keep me steady.This journey didn’t start with salah alone. It began when I started exploring life itself, the soul, and what happens when we pass. And every time I looked back, I could see the sequence of events—how Allah kept confirming the guidance, inspiring me, leaving me no choice but to keep turning toward the truth He continued to show me.It wasn’t because I fit some perfect criteria. It was because I was open to the call. That’s what people often don’t understand. The connection with Allah is a give and take. And when we don’t grasp that, it creates doubt—blinding us to the easier ways we can rise to a challenge, and pushing us toward the harder paths where we sometimes miss the opportunity altogether.When looks can be so deceiving, the deceit itself becomes the look. It becomes the expectation, the face everyone recognizes, even when it's not real. For someone like me, harkening to a truth that’s so personal yet so universally derivative, I found that my family’s quiet SOS—a distress call I didn’t even realize I was a part of—was really an indirect response from Allah delivering authority on land. But what unfolded felt more like a Broadway show called Wicked.A show where my struggles, my weaknesses, even my strengths, were on full display—twisted into scenes I never asked for. Used to entrap me in roles I never auditioned for. Roles shaped by years of misunderstanding, projections, and emotional debt no one ever paid off. They took the present confusion and the past pain (or the other way around) of my family and used it like a script—to control the narrative, to define me, and to prevent the good nature that usually tames the beast of the passage… from actually reaching its climax.That good nature—my instinct to hold space, to forgive, to try—is what usually helps the process move forward. But when your softness is used against you, when your stillness is mistaken for guilt, and your strength mistaken for defiance, it becomes harder to move. It becomes harder to breathe within the same walls that raised you. And yet, through it all, Allah was near. Watching. Rewriting. Waiting for me to see what He already knew.That is why Allah will always supplement the steps you take getting to know the treaded path He paves—so you don’t mistake the source that planned it that way. So you don’t give credit to coincidence when it was His Mercy guiding you the whole time. Every subtle shift in your heart, every inner dialogue, every pause you took instead of reacting—He saw it. And He responded in ways you weren’t even always ready to understand.Because it's a responsibility—to relieve yourself from the unspoken nuances surrounding you. The ones that mold your decisions before you even realize it. The silence in the room when truth is mentioned. The tension in the air when you choose peace over performance. These things shape the path too. And Allah knows that. Which is why He waits—not passively, but with full knowledge of what’s unfolding. Waiting for the result of the call. Waiting for you to respond to your own prayer.We often think we’re the ones calling out. But sometimes we forget—He was the One who placed the call first. We just picked up later.And when we finally arrive at that clarity, we realize—we were never truly lost, only redirected. Brought back through experience, through pressure, through roles we never asked for but were shaped by anyway. Because once you start to recognize the divine reasoning woven into the struggle, the chaos begins to quiet. The confusion loses its grip. The noise softens, and what’s left is the meaning that was always there, waiting to be seen.

Blog | Soul Air Reality

Reflection on Surah Al-‘Adiyat: The Wealth of Integrity

Taking Off to Veil

How to Say Know

Raid Against the Machine

Patience is a Virtue

Are You From Stagnant Island?