Journey Towards Allah SWT By Areeba Nakhuda
- Noor Ala Noor Blogs
- Apr 30, 2019
- 3 min read
Belonging to a family where wearing dupatta wasn't a norm and absolutely no sign of dedication towards deen. It was just that we were bound to perform faraiz (necessary practices of Islam). We would fast the whole month for the sake of feasting ourselves after staying hungry the entire day but was unaware of the true meaning of this month. We didn't know this month was about patience, to experience what unprivileged people go through each day, not that this month is about purity, staying away from the bad and the sins. We would pass the whole month fasting and not worshiping, instead, wasting the days preparing to make our Eid a blessing.
What does it mean to be close to Allah SWT?
Is it just offering salah 5 times daily, fasting the whole month, giving zakat (charity)?
No, being close to Allah means to have a clean heart towards everything and have utmost faith in Allah with no sign of doubt that whatever happens is because of Allah alone.
Offering the rituals just because they are farz (necessary) instead in the love and dedication towards Allah, has no meaning.
I was in 6th grade when I became friends with a girl who was devoted to deen. She wore hijab. Being in her company I started to change. Gradually I started understanding the importance and need of hijab. I felt more protected and vocal about my religion when I attached my identity with hijab. I started developing an interest in my religion. I studied Hadiths (saying of Holy Prophet SAW) and acquired the knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. I realized that Islam is the religion that spreads peace and holds the written rights to every individual either Muslim or Non-Muslim. From a reference to Hadith, it is said that:
“Your best friend is the one who: seeing him reminds you of Allah, speaking to him increases your knowledge, and his actions remind you of the hereafter.” (Al-Muhasibi)
Even though I had the appearance of a Muslim, I was still an arrogant person who wouldn’t care about others, mocked and taunted people over little fights. Prophet SAW was the humblest person, an ideal for mankind but being a Muslim I had the worst attitude, not only towards my fellows but also my parents. No one liked me due to my irrational behavior. I then met a girl who wasn't a hijabi but her personality was the kindest like an angel has fallen from the star. For years I tortured her through insults and aggression and there wasn't a day she would fight back. She stayed calm and gulped down every bit of my temper standing right beside me even though she knew she could leave as I never valued her. No one felt important to me as I would never get affected by someone leaving. But she changed me. I started feeling guilty for my actions and developed the fear of losing her
I started putting her first before me. I started understanding emotions. I then realized that it is the heart that connects us to things and I was able to connect mine with Allah. I understood that Allah has kept the human rights first and when humans are happy with you, Allah automatically holds your hand. In a reference to Hadith, it is said: “A man follows the religion of his friends; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend” (Abu Dawud) and I realized it over these years. Allah blessed me with the best of friends. He called me towards Him to walk with modesty through them. I have learned that trust in Allah is the most important thing to be close to Him. My belief and dedication towards Him are what gives me patience and I have seen my duas (wishes) being answered.
My present overpowered my past self. My journey towards Allah SWT will always be continued till my last breath as I aim to be better each day. He held my hand and walked me this far where I am a believer, even if not perfect, my faith is what strengthens me to continue this path.
Written By: Areeba Nakhuda Dated: April 30th, 2019
Contact/Website: https://areebanakhuda.wixsite.com/writersblog
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