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Eat, Pray, Escape, Repeat

 Escape. Over time and with experience, I’ve come to believe that escaping is convenient. Of course, not when you’re in a hostage situation or caught in a toxic, three-ring-circus relationship. Let’s be specific: it’s convenient to escape pain. More specific: it’s easier—or, I’d say, more expected—to grab hold of religion as a way to let go of suffering. Because, why not? Why should I give a damn about the Duniya when Deen is all I need? But… but—is this really Deen you’re holding on to? Let’s take a teenager as an example to make things more relatable. This teenager is going through a serious half-of-quarter-life crisis. He just had a breakup, his friends are getting acceptance letters for international student exchange programs, he’s doing just okay academically, and his best friend apparently has a rich uncle who brings him the latest PS5 games. So, yeah, he’s existentially exhausted and wants a way out—or, more precisely, a source of validation for his feelings. Now comes the all-t
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The Devil Wears Hawa

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

Why Weakness is Your Superhero Origin Story

  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.

The Subtle Art of Spending

The last couple of days have been straight-out-of-hell, as everyone, no exaggeration, would like to describe it. There have been times when we all would have thought at least once (if not every day) that we wouldn't be able to make it through, or worst case scenario, pass out from the excessive heat and humidity. In these literally mind-boggling circumstances, the only escape (or, as it seems, the only solution) is to "chill" (pun intended) in an air-conditioned environment.   Well, I don't blame anyone for it. However,  one thing struck me in this scenario: a forwarded message my amma read to me. Excessive ease makes you drift away from your Rab , it said. When a human is treated to unnecessary comfort (mind it, I am not referring to people who have certain medical conditions), he often forgets (or chooses not to think about) other people around him, who do not own the same privilege.   It's convenient to do, I often think to myself. However,