This is how memories are made!

(2 min read)

As a parent, watching your child grow up and move on to new stages of life can be a bittersweet experience. Recently, my elder son had his graduation day ceremony from Senior KG and was promoted to Grade 1. It was a day full of excitement, joy, and a few tears.

The ceremony was held in the school auditorium, which was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers. The children were dressed in their best attire, and their beaming faces were a sight to behold. It was a proud moment for all the parents to see their little ones being recognized for their hard work and achievements.

My son had participated in a Naat performance, and I could see how much effort he had put into it. He was so excited to be on stage and showcase his performance, and seeing him with his classmates filled my heart with joy. I couldn't help but feel proud of him and his classmates for their courage and confidence.

As the ceremony proceeded, memories of my own childhood came flooding back. I remembered my own graduation day, and how excited I was to move on to the next phase of my academic journey. The joy and pride that I felt as a child were now mirrored in my son's eyes.

It was also a reminder of how quickly time flies. It felt like just yesterday that my son had started his journey in Senior KG, and now he was already being promoted to Grade 1. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that my little boy was growing up so fast.

But at the same time, I felt grateful for the memories we had made together. From his first day of school to his first performance on stage, every moment had been special. And I knew that even as he moved on to new experiences, we would continue to make more memories together.

As we left the auditorium, I looked at my son and saw how much he had grown in just a year. He was no longer a little boy but a confident young child ready to take on the challenges of primary school. It was a proud moment for me as a parent, but also a reminder to cherish every moment and make the most of the time we have together.

Read this when you are feeling down in life

(2 min read)

Allah Subhana Watala (swt) is often referred to as "The Subtle" in the Islamic faith. This refers to His ability to see and understand all things, even those that are hidden or difficult to comprehend. Allah's subtlety is not just limited to His knowledge and understanding, but also His ability to guide and direct us in ways that we may not always understand. He is able to lead us to the right path through the subtlest of signs and nudges, even when we may not realize it at the time.

Have you ever heard someone say something you just needed to hear, for no apparent reason?

Have you ever felt a gentle breeze blowing on your face when you had a rough day?

Have you ever had a tough and stressful situation but felt a special warmth of calmness immediately after having a glance of your spouse or children?

Have you ever watched a video or read a text message that came to you from out of nowhere, that brings you closer to Allah swt?

Has anyone ever said that one word that lifts you up, reminding you of Allah ‘azza wa jall while they don’t even know what you’re going through?

You might think it's the breeze or your spouse or your children or it’s your friends comforting you, but it’s Allah Al-Lateef who sends you such things when you need the most.

He gives provisions to whom He wills. And He is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might. [Quran, 42:19]

 

Have you ever loved something that was displeasing to Allah and slowly just got “off” it to the point where you didn’t even know why you ever liked it in the first place? These are the ways of Al-Lateef, helping and guiding you in your life. As Al-Lateef Himself says: Allah is Subtle with His servants. 

Do you not see that Allah has sent down rain from the sky and the earth becomes green? Indeed, Allah is Laṭīf and Khabīr (Acquainted)” (Qur’an 22:63).

Let's all take guidance from Allah's name Al Lateef:

 - Be gentle to others if you want Allah swt to Lateef to you

 - Love Allah swt and be grateful to Him for He was kind to you in ways you didn't even realize

 - Reflect on yourself and your surroundings. The subtle air, which is not heavy to breathe, the change of the seasons, ripening fruits, the day flowing over into the night, the body and mind of a child developing in perfect milestones, people coming onto your path, an uplifting word at the right time, and events occurring out of nothing but with perfect wisdom— the ways of Al-Lateef can be found all around you. Take them all as opportunities to actively remember Him.