Nothing But A Stop Over
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlah wa barakatuh.
Trust you are good, striving and thriving.
Who buys a house at a stopover?
One of the things that stuck with me from our post-Ramadan workshop on Sunday. I have heard the Dunya described in many ways but this one stuck with me. I am not sure why, but the ridiculousness of trying to glamourize a mere stopover had given me a lot to reflect on . One reflection that came to mind was a project I took on once, it was one of my clearest assignments ever. I started out with very clear intentions and was determined to stay there for a fixed duration to fulfill them. I remember struggling so hard to refuse all forms of attachments and still remember how many boundaries I put in place. I was not interested in associations or anything really that would distract me from my goal. I had my intentions clearly written out at the back of my notebook and constantly reviewed them to stay on track.
Thinking back now, I realize why it was my easiest project to walk away from; I knew it was not the final destination, it was merely a stopover.
I have been reflecting since yesterday on how I can take the lessons from this project and apply them to my life on earth. What were some of the key elements and can I use from that time and how I can apply them now?
A fixed duration: In this case, I do not know how long I will be on earth for, but I am certain I will die. I also know that my death can be at anytime.
Clear intentions: This is a never-ending task, I try to start with them and then constantly renew them. It is more than a daily task for me, it is a moment task.
Managing Attachments: This is still hard because each time I feel like I conquered one, another arrives but there are verses to ground me, there is hope.
Visual reminders: During the project, they were at the back of my notebook, now they are on my wall! This is serious business!
To enhance my commitment further, I have been reviewing an exercise I find extremely useful. It is a response to this question ‘If today were your last day on earth, what would you do differently’?
I got the prompt from two separate platforms but my responses have been almost the same. It always includes my prayers and then other deeds I am trying to be consistent with. My responses usually focus on the quality of these deeds first and then the frequency. Went the further mile and pasted them up in my room, so I am sure I see them every single day and I remember what needs to be done. Today, I have decided to add a sense of urgency the hardest part because fear sometimes ends up crippling me, but with balance in the hope in Allah it is a great tool.
I really want you to reflect on this question: ‘If today were your last day on earth, what would you do differently’? I know you must have heard it a thousand times, but this time, be intentional on really thinking about it and writing out you response.
Remember:
`Abdullah bin `Umar said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took hold of my shoulder and said, 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." The sub-narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, "If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death."
Our Post-Ramadan Workshop Was A Hit!
AlhamduliLlahi Robbil alameen for the blessing of this workshop! We cannot explain how much love, light and pure beautiful energy was in the room. Please make Dua for us that Allah accepts it from us and everyone who attended and was involved in making it a success!
Here is what people said:
I love the connections! The insights gotten from the lecturers
It was so educative, interactive and organised,
I’d score them a 10. I was very satisfied. AlhamduliLlah. The breakout session was my favourite.
What I love is how I was myself and met new awesome sisters. AlhamduliLlah.
I believe it was pretty well organised. Food and drinks no dey pass that one, especially for a free event.
My aim was to pick up Ibaadah acts that I did during Ramadan and also do better and Masha Allah, I got beyond what was expected.
Every single discussion was well thought, spirituality was awakened and I am super encouraged to do more Ibaadah
The Post-Ramadan Workbook- The Star Of The Show
The best part of the workshop for most of the people was the practical activity where people got together to review their Ramadan, share experiences, wins, things they could do better and then planned for ‘life after Ramadan’. The activity was guided by our post-Ramadan workbook which is now available for sale for just ₦1,500/$4/£4
Why should you get the workbook?
It shows you how to maintain your post-Ramadan habits in a simple way.
It starts with a review which is very important.
You buy one, you get last year’s own for FREE!
Another Chance To Experience What You Missed- Introducing The Virtual Edition
So, some of our team members at IbadahPlug who worked very hard on this workshop missed it because they do not live in Lagos, Nigeria. Our hearts could not take it, so we decided to host a private session just for them!
We will be opening this up a few slots for this too, so if you are available this Saturday by 11am Nigerian time, please book your spot here.
It is free but registration is compulsory. Our guide will be the famous workbook, so best to get a copy here!
We look forward to hosting you again!
We leave you in Allah's care,
Us at Ibadahplug.