FarooqiBlog

 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 a...

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...