As salaam alaikum Reader,

I pray this message finds you well.

Just wanted to share this reflection with you.

Growing up in the US, whenever we had the time - usually during summer vacations- my father would gather together my mother, my sisters and I on Thursday nights (Friday night for us as Muslims since the new day cycle for us begins at sunset) and we would take turns reading 10 ayats a piece of Surah-al-Kahf (Chapter 18 of the Holy Quran).

As you may know, this is a highly recommended sunnah from our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as a means of protection against the dajjal.

Alhamdulillah this is a tradition my husband and I have continued in our family. Everyone takes a turn reading 10 ayats until the chapter is complete. In my family we also read some of the chapter in its original Arabic as well. Alhamduillah.

When we are done reading we go around and share our reflections. The adults pretty much always have something to say. Kids have to sometimes be forced…and that’s okay.

Anyway, reading Surah Kahf recently, something new occurred to me; and isn't amazing how full and deep the Quran is, that something new can be illuminated every time you approach it, Alhamdulillah.

So, what stood out to me on our last reading and reflection were ayats 23 and 24…

1. And never say about anything, “I will do that tomorrow.”
2. Without saying, “If God wills.” And remember your Lord if you forget, and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to nearer than this in integrity.” (translation from here )

Remember Allah if you forget.

That part really got to me. Especially as the distractions in this world increase every day, and become more enticing and insidious…what a beautiful reminder to simply remember Allah when we forget.

Forgetting is part of our human weakness…but there is always remembering, and seeking forgiveness, and doing something new and different in the moment.

There is just so much fighting for our attention these days.
There is so much to waste our time on.

Yes that’s an issue…but in some ways we don’t have to concern ourselves with that.

Just remember Allah when we forget, and beseech Him to guide us to do better.

Alhamdulillah. How beautiful is that…SubhanAllah.

May Allah bless our time and always bring us back to His remembrance.

Wa salaam alaikum

Makeda

PS. If you need help crafting a life that has the remembrance of Allah at its center check out the Hamd & Shukr Islamic planners here.

PPS If you are interested in personalized spiritual development coaching you can schedule a conversation with me here to see if my services resonate with you.