As salaam alaikum Reader,

I pray this message finds you and your family well. Many people all around the world are facing difficult times, and I pray that Allah alleviate their suffering and make any trials they are experienceing a means of their elevation in this world and the next and an expiation for any sins.

Many years ago I was going through a difficult period in my personal life. I was heartbroken, confused and deeply sad. The type of sadness that feels thick and weighty and drags you down. I remember going into my parents room and sitting on my mothers bed crying. She held me and comforted me with this message...

I know you may be asking yourself 'why me', or wondering if Allah doesnt love you.

Don't say that to yourself.

Worse things have happenned to better people.

It's not about why you, but why not you...this is life, and things happen.

I know these words may not seem comforting to some people. Many people in times of heartbreak or difficulty want to hear about how unfair it is that xyz happenned to them, or how they are such a great person and they dont deserve abc...or the pure evilness of the offender and that they are purely innocent victims of clear and intentional oppression.

But these words my mother shared with me are dear to my heart, and I cherish them to this day.

If you understand the nature of life then you will know that this dunya (worldly life) is a test. Every test is an opportunity to see Allah and be with Allah in the things, spaces, and times that were not in your plan. There is no such reasoning as why me...rather, why not me?

My Prophet (pbuh) lost the love of his life, and would cry fresh tears for her years after she had returned to her Lord.

Khadijah (RA) never got to see the 'glory days' of Islam, she died of frailty relating to the difficulties they faced in Mecca during the boycott against the Muslims.

Our Prophet (pbuh) had children die in their infancy.

Hussein (RA) was slaughtered along with his family.

Asiyah (RA) was torutred by an abusive husband.

Life gets rough. No matter what you plan, things will happen that you didnt count on, and how we respond is critical. Because we plan, and Allah plans and Allah is the best of planners. How we respond to what is clearly His plan is where we have an opportunity to rise and shine even from the depths of hurt and pain.

So I give you the advice my mother gave me. It has served me well to this day. I will add also to prepare yourself. Prepare by being grateful to Allah, prepare by acknowledging that all things are in His control, and cultivate a heart that is pleased with His decree.

May Allah bring us to Him through mercy and love and save us from hardship, suffering and pain.

Wa salaam alaikum

PS-The year is coming to an end, and if you are looking for tools to plan for presence then the Hamd & Shukr planners might be for you. Check them out here.

PPS- I am also considering a mini-course on planning for barakah (blessing) in your time. If you are interested reply and let me know and I will let you know when it opens.