Tawakkul - A True Blessing

Dear Mama,

I know it has been very very long but to be very honest, the last few months have been very happening! Where do I start from? Okay, so firstly, I have finally moved closer to where you are! I can feel you in the air of Abu Dhabi; or maybe it's because I am with your family here. Everyone reminds me so much of you Mama, it's kind of cheesy. Oh well.. I'm here and I feel positive. I think you're with me more than ever now (if you aren't then please BE) and good luck to me henceforth! Let's see what this country has to offer! 

Secondly, the main purpose behind this letter today Mama was to tell you something very very important that I have learnt over the passage of time and that is Tawakkul. Tawakkul is the word for the Islamic concept of reliance on God or "trusting in God's plan". It is seen as "perfect trust in God and reliance on Him alone. 

I made it this far only and only because of Tawakkul. I can't say that it was always a 100%; I am human, and I am flawed. However, the last few months of my life have made my faith stronger than ever. EVERYTHING happens for a reason. I am in Abu Dhabi, something I had not even envisioned last year. And I still don't know WHY I am here. But I am. And, it took longer than expected. The wait? Was overwhelming to say the least. And it was only Tawakkul coupled with the support of my very very very special friends (who are definitely my God sent personal guardian angels) and brothers that made it all possible.  

Let me quote the Holy Quran to highlight the importance of Tawakkul:

‘The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses are recited to them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord.’

Al Anfal-02

‘.. and when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. If Allāh helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allāh (Alone) let the believers put their trust’

Al Imran- 159,160

‘And whosoever puts his trust in Allāh. Then He will suffice him.’

Al- Talaaq- 03

We spend our lives whining and complaining about every little thing: ‘Why am I still unmarried? Why don’t I have a good job? Why isn’t Allah blessing me with children? Why does everyone hurt me? Why does my life have to be so difficult? Why does my husband have to be so overbearing? Why didn’t I get a good result? Why can’t I buy the car I’ve been eyeing for so long? Why can’t I lose weight? Why can’t I live in a nicer house?  Why can’t my parents let me go out more often? So on and so forth. Resultantly, all these questions and constant worry about past, present and future gives us anxiety (I STILL get anxiety, I’m not saying I’ve overcome it). If only we would understand that we have absolutely no control over our fate and destiny. Yes, our efforts play a part BUT believe me, I CANNOT stress enough on this:

The minute you accept that everything happens for a reason and Allah is watching out for you, even in the darkest of situations, it becomes MUCH more bearable and gives you a unique peace of mind.

The key to this peace is: BALANCE! It is essential that you strike a balance between your human efforts and Tawakkul. Yes, Allah tells us to put our trust in Him but He has also blessed us with wisdom and knowledge and hence, expects us to utilize those in conjunction with COMPLETE trust in Allah to achieve an optimal state of mind.

And attaining this balance has become my life’s mission. I aim high and struggle to be the best. I fail, I fall. I stand back up. And why do I stand back up? Because I know Allah is watching over me. I know that Allah has written something amazing for me and so, I can’t give up. That is just not an option anymore. And of course, I have to make you proud too Mama! 

Before I sign off, let me acknowledge my amazing friends and brothers who have played a huge role in ensuring I remain sane, who stepped in at EVERY step to help in whatever capacity they could. And whatever they did was ALL because Allah had willed them to do so, Allah had placed them in those specific circumstances to be my backing, Allah fulfilled His promise of not leaving me alone.

Words cannot do justice to how blessed I feel (regardless of all obstacles) and I cannot emphasize enough on HOW IMPORTANT TAWAKKUL IS! 

Keep sending me some positive vibes and love from Jannat, Mama! I love and miss you immensely!

Trying to make you proud always,

Love, M!