All good is from Allah, and all the mistakes are mine.

Writers will definitely be able to relate to this...

Do you have those moments where you look back at something you've  written and think "Did I actually write that?" or you come across some of your own words and find that it relates so much to something you're  going through at that given time?

When this happens to me it really humbles me. Because I'm reminded that it's  not from me. In the sense that, all good that anyone may benefit from, every word that I write down that inspires another individual, is all from Allah. I'm just the means for which He uses to portray that message. Any mistakes and errors that are made are due to my weakness, but the good and the benefit is a gift from Him alone.

And that's why I cherish being a writer. It takes a lot of strength to express your views, especially when people love to criticise. But what's more beautiful is that Allah chooses to bless and guide your pen, He is the one who gives you the ability to write, to form those sentences. He's the One who inspires a certain thought or idea, who allows the words to flow, to express, to touch hearts and to benefit. You make the choice to put pen to paper, but He guides the pen.

It's never from me. I make the choice to write, He guides my pen and blesses it. All good is from Allah and all mistakes are mine.

Good things come to those who wait

"Good things come to those who wait."

Most of us may have heard this quote consistently through our childhood and youth, time and time again. Every time we've had to sit back and wait, we've been told its always for the better and that the with will be worth it and that nothing great comes easy.

The fact that Allah withholds something from us for a time, and then gifts it to us, is a very beautiful concept. You will never truly comprehend its wisdom unless you go through it yourself, or are going through it right now. I call it, 'the waiting period.'

Sometimes in life, we are going to be made to wait. Whether we are waiting for a reply from a potential employer, whether its the wait for marriage, or the wait which comes with carrying a baby for 9 months, or perhaps the wait we have to go through before receiving our exam grades. The fact is, in this world, nothing comes at the click of our fingertips. Rather, its going to require hard work, effort, lots of Du'aa, trust in Allah, and most importantly patience.

Perhaps there's a vision we have in mind, a goal, which seems so distant and far. Perhaps we are climbing a mountain, taking baby steps, but even so, the peak of the mountain still seems miles away. If you're going through this right now, remember to keep climbing, keep holding on. 

I am a firm believer that Allah gives us these 'waiting periods' to prepare. His delays don't necessary mean His denials. Sometimes, getting something may take longer than expected, because Allah wants to teach you a few lessons. Perhaps the climbing of the mountain is slower than you expected, because there are gems for you to discover and collect along the way. Whatever it is that's taking its time, is doing so for a greater reason.

Let this 'waiting period' be a time for you to prepare. Let it be a time for you to pray harder than ever. A time for you pour out your heart to Allah, asking Him to help you achieve your goal, or reach the mountain peak. Although, the pains of waiting are trying, although it may seem like you are repeating the same Du'aa over and over again, know that you are being rewarded for each second of it.

Allah may be causing you to wait a little longer, because that gift that He has decreed for you, that He has kept hidden for you, will be appreciated so much more when you've had to feel the pangs of waiting. When you've had to discipline yourself, when you've been made to exert more effort and more Du'aa for something, it is only natural and expected that you will treasure it and cherish it better than if it was simply placed in your hands.

So keep holding on. Expect from Allah, and He will grant you. If you're going through the 'waiting period' right now, then try to enjoy the experience, pick up the gems He puts in your way, and keep praying for the gift. Because He will give. Allah is the one who gifts. His blessings are limitless, so don't stop asking, don't give up hope, because the gift will come to you at the perfect time, and remember good things come to those who wait.

<3

Thoughts Of A Singleton [My two-cents]

I used to have a huge fancy list of qualities I would look for in a potential husband. I mean, I still have a list, its still pretty long, but... its not as fancy and nit-picky.

You see, as you grow in knowledge, as you learn more and more, you come to realise that Islam is simple, straight and to the point. Suddenly, how many inches his beard is, or how many inches above the ankles he keeps his pants, or how many organisations he works for, is not the matter of focus.

Now, I'm not saying, forget about the beard, because it *is* important and it *does* reflect his love for the Sunnah, and how many organisations he volunteers for *definitely* hints his desire to help others and give back to the community. However, I believe this should no be our ultimate focus when choosing a spouse, or the basis of selecting a spouse.

As I witness more of my friends get married, as I learn more about myself and more about my religion, as I read more literature on marriage, on selecting the right spouse, etc... one quality always stands out to me every single time. Or one point rather, and that is....GOOD CHARACTER.

The guy may have completed ten PHD's on Islam, may be volunteering for five different charities, yet he may be arrogant, foul-mouthed, un-sumpathetic and completely unaware of how to interact with others in a kind manner.

Yet, you may have another guy, with the standard beard (no tooooo long not toooo short - just how I like it ;), he may not post massive of Islamic content on his FB profile, and he may not make YouTube videos, yet he is the kindest, most caring, polite, modest and bashful individual you come across. [This goes for sisters too btw...]

Sometimes, good character speaks volumes about a person. If he has good character and Taqwa, you're in good hands, and if he claims to have religion, but no character, then that should be a warning sign. Now it doesn't always work like that. Nobody is perfect. Nobody has the perfect character, nor do I - but sometimes character outshines everything else, and if he's working on it, if others find him to be generous, kind, polite, truthful - all qualities that relate to piety, then thats a good sign!

Someone can simply be so beautiful, because their character is beautiful, their interaction with others is beautiful, their speech, their idea, their views on the future... is all beautiful. Character is an umbrella in itself, under it falls their perception of life, their views on raising a family, their future visions etc. And usually, the person who is known for his goodness among the people, and righteousness and good CHARACTER, sometimes may indicate they are beloved to Allah.

However, too many people stop at the first tick. "He studied at this top islamic university, or he posts this and this on Facebook - he's definitely the one!" Whatever happened to akhlaaq, character, his reputation, his dreams, *your* dreams in fact, your views of things, and whatever happened to compatibility?

Just my two-cents. I had thoughts floating in my mind, and needed to get them down on paper (or the computer - whatever...you get it.)

And no, I am not engaged people, because thats what people tend to assume every time I write a marriage post. I just felt like writing this, because too many people confuse themselves and other with what they view to be "religious." And its a reminder for myself too, since I am on the search venture. *gets out the binoculars* `

Oh, and do keep a list of questions to ask zee potential. Its important. Don't ask how long mine is. But remember character first and deen... that should be your ultimate focus.

I recommend everyone to listen to this, the ustaadh goes into detail about what character actually includes and Taqwa too.