Yesterday’s blog found me barely arriving at KL after a blessed and eventful trip on the train. I was intending to speak of the rather momentous events of that July 7, 2025 day and evening in the blog of today, but I have been distracted by the events of July 8, 2025 with its unintended consequences.
Aline has planned my KL days with great precision but unplanned events occurred. The best laid plans of mice and men are apt to go astray. Where does that saying come from?
“The best-laid plans of mice and men oft’ go awry” is a famous line from a poem by Robert Burns—written to a mouse whose house suddenly gets plowed over by a farmer, despite the mouse’s careful planning.
Usage is also found in John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men also references this idea, highlighting the tragic consequences of unfulfilled dreams and unforeseen circumstances.
Now you have more pieces of useless information, but you never know when it might come in handy.
Today was to be Islamic Art Museum but other priorities arose and we were having a very late start. Instead we went to an Islamic Book Store. My goodness, such fortuity!
In most basic terms, “fortuity” carries the meaning of occurring by chance, being lucky or fortunate. In the practical sense, being lucky or fortunate is more likely to be associated with an unexpected gain or advantage. This was true in this case, not a profit windfall fas as is usually mentioned but instead inspiration which I feel designated to write about today.
Aline knows everything it seems. She had intimate knowledge of Dakwah Corner Book Store. We found a parking spot, it HAD to be divine intervention. It was a short walk to the entrance. Oh my goodness, I could not believe my eyes. Perfectly organized space brimming with books. Not crossed with books as some book stores, instead all elegantly displayed in a logical manner. One begins with the children’s books. There must be hundreds of them. It was so difficult to choose. I have found, over my four short Muslim years, the beauty of children’s books. I combed through them, trying to decide which ones I wanted, which conveyed the best message. I chose three, after much deliberation. One was Bedtime Quran Stores . Sent a photo of the cover the book to Shamir with this caption.
Me: So I can ready you bedtime stories. He responded with a ❤️
I also sent the photo to his father.
Me: So I can read bedtime stories to Shamir. Hahaha o you too if you like.
Mohan sent a series of emojis, which I was able to translate.
Me: Okay!! To you too!
I finally tore myself away from the children’s books. There were books in all languages, what a treasure trove. Looked at many, took then to a comfortable sofa to pursue them more thoroughly. Rejected some that looked promising but were not – too dogmatic, too limited in their vision it seemed to me. A thought suddenly came to mind. I thought that Shamir’s birthday book was out of print, necessitating my borrowing it when I vaguely recalled a wisdom
It was in print, merely a different publisher. I was ecstatically happy. Sent Shamir the good news.
MeI Went to a fabulous book store and was able to get your birthday book. It had been published by another company. I am SO happy.
Later I looked through the book contrasting it with the version I had given to Shamir.
Me: But first good news. I went to the Islamic Book Store AND got a book.. so you can have your birthday book back. Why?? (Sending him a photo) I am keeping this one.
Me; So funny, Your birthday book is missing many pages, I am going to write you an email about it and maybe incorporate it into the blog. The Islamic Bood Store has a website and we can probably get you a whole one of your very own. The owner of the store is the nicest man. Well, not as nice as you of course.
He: Missing pages? Maybe it’s a paper muslim version.
Me: Probably. Paper Muslims are always missing something. Hahaha Gotcha again. Hahaha I cannot imagine a day without teasing you about something. It would be meaningless. Hahaha
Then I sent him a GIF that I hope to show you at the end of the blog.
Then we had an absolutely silly message about AI
He: I think AI is using your phone to reply to me.
Me: AI is not that intelligent and is a phony. This is the real me. Don’t you see??? Good night wet one. Gave dry dreams.
He: Okay this is definitely you. All the AI combined worldwide cannot mimic the most intelligent writer on the planet.
Me: This intelligent statement proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you are my son.
He sent loving emojis. The next morning I awoke sending him this message.
Me: I woke up to your beautiful message and Quran 23:115.
Quran 23:115 Did you then think that We created you without purpose, and that you would never be returned to Us???
The verse came to me via QuranFaith.com. Verses are posted daily. This verse brings comfort to me, and I am sure, to all those who suffer despair because of the continued atrocities in Gaza. Quran 3:169 Never think of those martyred in the cause of Allah as dead. In fact, they are alive with their Lord well provided for___
But to get back to the book, Muslim Character, the birthday book version and the real thing, intact and whole. The birthday book version ends, interestingly enough, in the middle of the chapter entitled Patience. There are ten more chapters to the book ending with a most helpful index.
The ‘birthday book’ did not, of course and unfortunately, contain this profoundly meaningful conclusion , found on page 378.
The world itself is a sign, whose reality is not possible to be discovered. However we can recognize it only by studying its sign and symptoms., because the secrets of the ephemeral and ever lasting light are buried in that:
He it is you, Who has sown you broadcast in the earth, and to him you will be gathered. And He It is Who gives life and causes death, and His is the difference of night and day. Have you then no sense? —Al Mu’minum 23: 79=81
The thing necessary to understand is that this life of ours is not useless, and that Allah has not made it without Amy purpose. When we get to know this secret , The world will not break able to destroy us ever.”
