Studying human nature is a fascinating experience, and when you explore it through the Word of Allah, it becomes even more mind-boggling. Recently, I read an article on Lifehack about how to live a fulfilling life by embracing the power of leverage. As I read, all I could think was, how can humans, with their limited knowledge and self-compassion, lead a content life by turning things in their favor? Leverage (verb): holding an advantage or a stronger position in a situation. Now, here’s the most mind-boggling connection you might not have seen coming (or maybe you did if you're a NAK fan like me). Back in the old days, when I used to study the meanings of a particular Surah, I often skimmed through the Ayat that didn’t seem to convey a deeper, thoughtful meaning. A few of those Ayat included Ayah 19-20 of Surah Al-Najam , which discusses some of the renowned pagan idols: أَفَرَءَيْتُمُ ٱللَّـٰتَ وَٱلْعُزَّىٰ ١٩ Now, have you considered ˹the idols of˺ Lât and ’Uzza, وَمَنَوٰةَ ٱل
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah proved to be a period of immense introspection for me. One of the most profound realizations dawned on me during a tadabbur session, as I reached the final verse of Surah Hajj. The verse reads: "Strive in the way of Allah with a striving worthy of Him. He has chosen you and has not placed any hardship upon you in the religion. Follow the religion of Abraham, [your] father. Allah knows what you do." (Quran 22:78) What struck a chord with me most was the call to strive in Allah's way , but in a manner worthy of His Majesty and Grandeur . Here I was, questioning how someone as vulnerable and insignificant as myself could be entrusted with such a task. Then, the verse itself provided the answer: "He has chosen you." Allah, the All-Wise, had chosen me for a task that initially seemed insurmountable. Yet, as I continued reading the verse, it offered consolation: "He has not placed any hardship upon you in the religion.