Seeking Connection

And becoming a better slave.

As-salaam alaykum. Warahmatullahi. Wabarakaatuh. I’m here again, after ghosting y’all for a few weeks. Again. No vex.

You see, in the weeks since before my last letter till now, I’ve started three letters to you and finished only two. Lost one draft, couldn’t finish the other. One got to you sha, one month ago. So, letter number four here, let’s hope it gets to you too.

I’ve been trying to process some thoughts in the past weeks and they were just not processing. All the letters that have been abandoned had subjects revolving around that single thought–the dynamic of our relationship with Allah. I mean, I know I’m lazy and have been procrastinating a lot, but the network connection in this house is really after my life and the thoughts have also just not been thoughting.

So I was listening to this episode of the TDS Podcast titled, “You Can’t Love What You Don’t Know” earlier this week and it has given me some sort of clarity over those thoughts I’ve been trying to process.

After listening to that episode of the podcast–which I'd really like you to listen to too, here–again though, it finally clicked. The thing is, I have been struggling with improving several parts of my worship and it’s been hard, really hard. In studying on how to make it easier, I’ve had some thoughts I want to share. On the struggle to become a better slave to your creator and things you might want to consider doing to make it easier.

Now, this is what I’ve been trying, and failing, to put together in the past few weeks.

For starters, we must constantly remind ourselves that our sole purpose in this Dunya is to worship Allah. Every other thing is either a means to that end or a distraction from that purpose. And the distractions are so numerous, so much that it is very easy to get lost in them and forget the goal.

But what is even tougher than remembering the goal is working towards it with all of your body, mind and soul. What is hard is not falling into a dull monotonous routine with your ‘ibaadaat. What is hard is waking up everyday and performing all the acts of worship you perform with full consciousness. What is hard is remembering Allah in every situation and turning back to him after every transgression. What is hard is maintaining khushuu’ in your salah. What is hard is not getting sidelined by all the distractions and remembering every step of the journey that, even more than Jannah, pleasing Allah is the goal.

And especially in a world where everything’s moving so fast that there’s barely anytime to take a breath, where you could pick up your phone for a 10 minute break and realize you’ve lost three hours instead to the distractions of IG streets, where there’s distractions pressing into your face from literally every angle, it is very very easy to get sidelined. Very.

Sha. Sha. Sha. Here are some tips I’ve been exploring myself. I hope they work for you too, even more than they’re working for me.

1. Surround Yourself With Goodness

I genuinely feel like this is one of the most important things that would help keep you focused on the goal. Tailor your circle. Surround yourself with good people, the kind of people you’re aspiring to be. Hang around people who would notice when you make mistakes and call you to order. Do you want to stop listening to music? Stop hanging out with the musical crowd. Do you want to start observing your salah at the appropriate times? Hang out with people who do not procrastinate salah. This is not even motivational talk, it’s literally just what happens. When I hang out with the musical crowd, my brain picks up musical stuff. When I hang around the people of the Qur’an, I’m reminded to pick up my Qur’an more often.

And there’s this Hadith,

Abu al-Ahwas reported: Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Remember Allah Almighty often. You must not accompany anyone unless they help you remember Allah Almighty.” Source: Shu’ab al-Imān 8998

And you know what else you get from this? His love, made obligatory for you. See.

‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah Almighty said: My love is a right upon those who befriend each other for my sake. My love is a right upon those who defend each other for my sake.” Source: al-Mu’jam al-Ṣaghīr 1092

2. I’m bringing this one in with a question.

Who is Allah? What is the first thing(s) that come to mind at this question?

How much do you even know Allah?

Before you start para-ing, calm down. Take a chill pill. I know you went to madrasah and islamiyyah, you’ve been learning “Allahu fee as-samaa” since kindergarten. I know, I know. But even though. Even though. Even though upon still.

When you think of Allah, how do you think of Him? (No sly me abeg, I actually want to know).

Do you think of the Rabb that has 99 beautiful names and more than 30 of those names just His kindness, gentleness, forgiveness and compassion? Do you think of His might and dominion that puts everything and anything in His power such that there’s literally nothing you could you ask for that would be outside his capabilities? Do you think of the Rabb who loves you more than ANYONE could ever love you? Do you think of the Rabb who has sustained you from the moment you were conceived till this date?

Now can you list, off hand, just 10 things your Rabb loves? And five things He dislikes? Off the top of your head. This Rabb who knows you more than you know yourself. Do you get my point yet?

Yeah, maybe knowing your Lord better would help you connect with Him better.

3. Your relationship with the Qur’an.

For many of us, studying the Qur’an was not a decision we made. Our parents did. We have since finished memorization or paused it for one reason or the other and our relationship with it is now limited to salah, seeing clips on statuses and maybe Friday Kahf recitations too.

Humor me a little please, but do you know what the Qur’an is? Humor me.

The Qur’an is the word of Allah. It is literally Allah talking to you. He’s advising you, He’s encouraging you, He’s telling you stories, He’s warning you. Allah says,

“This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious]” (Quran, 2:2)

And there’s no chain of transmission. You literally just pick it up/swipe on your phone, open it and He’s speaking to you. Just like that. What better way can you think of to understand your Lord better and get closer to Him?

And you know, you kill plenty birds with one stone. You get closer to your Rabb and you reap the virtues that come with reading the Qur’an, like;

—The rewards,

“Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

—The intercession,

“Read the Quran, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” (Muslim)

And it just goes on.

I’ll stop here. Until my next letter sha, what and who does Allah love? Let me know your answers.

As-salaam alaykum.