Beautiful Chaos
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Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlah wa barakaatuh.
Trust that you're good, striving, and thriving.
Anytime this newsletter drops this Ramadan ehn ? Please just help me manage it like that, may Allah reward you for your consideration!
Sometimes there’s a beautiful order in randomness or chaos, so just go where your heart leads yoouuu…Trusting Allah would guide you always! -My Dear A
The message above was sent to me by dear sister A when I complained about how chaotic my Quran plan for Ramadan has been! I was constantly moving from one goal to the other and after this message from her, I took a step back and decided to accept my current situation instead of fighting it.
You see, I have to be honest here, I am spoiled when it comes to Ramadan! I have had the luxury of having some control over my schedule for the last two years, taking projects when I want to, closing when I want to, and having a plan! This year however is different, the uncertainty has been REAL! Impromptu meetings, deliverables, and just a couple of things to juggle. I cannot complain though o! I prayed for this, I just forgot to specify the timing🤣🤣🤣 Alhamdullilahi! I am joking, Allah’s timing is ALWAYS perfect!
So back to my beautiful chaos, this message from my dear sister helped me to realize that I am right where I am supposed to be, it is just a slightly different response that is required. My situation is here to teach me flexibility.
This idea of flexibility/adaptability being an important skill for a Muslim first came up during a Quran session with my faves at AA Plus and then I tuned into Quran 30 for 30 and Imam Tom Facchine was talking about the same thing! He specifically referenced how the Ummah is supposed to differentiate themselves by always being responsive to Allah’s commands and he referenced the Qibla as a symbol of that. I do not do this explanation justice, but you can watch it here . Could this be a coincidence? I don’t think so! These messages made me realize that I needed to respond by being flexible.
What has that looked like you may wonder? I will tell you! I have been managing the beautiful chaos by:
1. Having an intentions wish list: I love this because I can always shop from it every time there's an opening. There are whole list of items there, talk about diversifying my acts of worship! Some are as short as 5 minutes, others may last for hours. All I need to do is go there and find one to do. I can be certain there will always be a beautiful way to connect to my creator there.
2. Rushing to do good: It is just day 10 and Allah has blessed me with sooooo many opportunities to do good! The minute they come, I try to make sure I get to them ASAP! One of my favorites so far is a request from someone I hadn't spoken to in years asking me to help out her friend who wants to become a Muslim and needs help with taking his Shahadah! Beautiful, beautiful gift!
3. Holding on to the Qur'an: This is the month of the Qur'an, so I’m refusing to let go! Holding on for dear life! Even though my goals have changed so much, I'm still here. After some days of no direction for my reflection goals, I've finally settled on verses that jump out at me and even though I wondered what that meant at the beginning, I'm amazed at how Allah's made so many verses jump out at me. Alhamdullilahi! Oh and splitting up my recitation throughout the day, I do not have the luxury of many time blocks but I have pockets of time sprinkled throughout the day and that is good enough.
4. Keeping The BEST Company: May Allah bless my champs! If you are one and you are reading this, know that I am making Dua for us all to be companions in Al Jannah Firdaus. Having two different time slots in a day where I can spend time with the Quran is a blessing I am very grateful for! Cannot forget my gratitude girls who always remind me to be grateful and are so supportive. There are other sisters I have too, keeping me on track, and making sure I make those commitments even when I just want to snooze! They have all HELPED ME! The very little I am doing could NEVER have been done alone.
5. Letting Go: If you know me, you know I am a PLANNER! So letting go of anything is a big deal for me. Allah has blessed me with the Sekinah to make this happen Alhamdulillah! Even though there are days when FOMO has almost finished me, I still try to accept what I can do and keep moving!
With everything going on though, there is still so much to be grateful for! If there is one thing that has become more obvious to me this Ramadan, it has to be how much Allah knows me. With every passing day and everything He has sent my way, it is more obvious than ever that He wants me to succeed. I got this Ramadan Insha Allah and so do you!
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
The benefits of Taqwa.
When a believer is mindful of his Lord, it enriches him to the degree where he experiences the epitome of happiness. Allah has arranged numerous benefits in this world and the Hereafter for those mindful of Him-Hammad Fahim
RAMADAN PRAYER MENU
Sharing this prayer menu from my dear Ramadan JOMO Queen who has kindly permitted me to do so. It is a simple plan that helps you to write down the Surahs you intend to read in Solah every day of Ramadan! I love it because it helps you to reflect on them before you go into Solah and Insha Allah develop a better connection because you understand what you are reciting. it has the Fard and Nawafil prayers in there in there too! Feel free to download it, fill it out, and share it widely!
DEEN STORIES IN RAMADHAN
A dear sister of mine has this amazing program that she does for kids every Ramadan and I highly encourage that you join! They have a great mix of practical activities that teach Islamic values every day by 4:45 pm Nigerian time! All the details are in the flyer below.
Is there anyone not following the Yaqeen series? You see this particular episode, I felt it! I have no words to explain how deeply it resonated with me. Such a beautiful, beautiful episode! May Allah bless Shaykh!
Please please keep me in your Duas this blessed month. May Allah grant us all ease and accept ALL our striving! Ameen
Till next week In shaa Allah.
We leave you in Allah's care,
One of us at Ibadahplug.
Much needed. Jazakumullah khairan