I am not exactly sure how this all happened but Artificial Intelligence is becoming the font of knowledge in my rather unusual existence, providing me with reflections on letting go and trusting in Allah.
I have very recently let go of something, or rather someone, who did not belong in my life. At the time it felt heavy and uncertain, even frightening. But in that moment I trusted that Allah’s promise was true,
The Quran says
And whoever fears Allah He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from where he does not expect. (65: 2-3)
And now Allhanduillah I am watching that verse unfold in real time. The doors I though would close forever have opened in ways I could not have imagined. Safety has replaced fear. Joy has returned. And the blessings I did not expect have been arriving quietly and steadily.
Letting go is never easy. But when you release what is not good for you and place your trust in Allah, you discover that His replacements are always better, always wiser and always perfectly timed.
I have grown accustomed to blog breakdowns which we learn more of soon. Let me just break this down.
I let go of something that wasn’t good for me
Quran 65: 2-3 promised a way out and unexpected provision.
Alhamdulillah I am living that promise right now.
Trusting Allah always brings something better.
Even better this is a short, what could be called a pull quote. “When you let go for Allah’s sake He opens doors you never imagined.” Goodness knows that has proven true, in amazing ways.
I woke very early, Fajr prayer in Jakarta is, for some reason at an rather ungodly hour 4:36, to be exact. My usual and customary routine is to remain awake, observe the sunrise and write as that is my most productive time. Not here. Not now. Went back to bed, to sleep and to reflect. I finally forced myself out of my lethargy by reading Nesh’s blog breakdown. Commenting to him.
Me: The breakdown was sheer perfection, I loved the Aishah book cover emphasis. There was so much going on in that jam-packed day. You were able to balance it all. The faith always there int he background, occasionally taking center stage as it should and must.
He: Amazing Alexis, I am so glad.
Me: Needless to say. I am too.
However, alas and alack, It is becoming rather unsettling in this way. I have always had the uncanny ability to “live in the present.” Again, I do think I will rely on my handy dandy Artificial Intelligence.
Me: Is living in the present encouraged in the Islamic Faith.
AI congratulated me. “Such a thoughtful question Living in the present is both spiritually grounding and very much encouraged in Islam. It can be explained in two parts.
Why Living in the Present is Important.
- Peace of mind. The past often brings regret, and the nurture brings worry. Staying in the moment frees us from both.
- True gratitude. We can only thank Allah for blessings we notice. When our mind is elsewhere, we miss His gifts unfolding right now.
- Better choices—By focusing on on today we act with more clarity instead of paralyzed by what was or what might be.
Islam does not use the phrase living in the moment like self-help books do but words it in a much better way.
- Quran – do not waste life in worry. Do not grieve over what has passed for the anxious about is to come. Allah is with you. (Paraphrased from Quran 9:40. This teaches us to release yesterday and tomorrow knowing Allah’s presence is here. .
- Hadith Focus on Today The Prophet said: “If the Hour (Day of Judgment) comes while one of you has a seedling in his hand let him plant.”
- Dua of sufficiency. The Prophet often prayed “O Allah suffice me with what You made lade lawful today and protect me from what you made unlawful.
Me: The problem that I am facing is that the blog breakdowns are forcing me to look backward to yesterday. It seems I am looking backward instead of getting on with the day that lies before me.
AI: Reflection and Dwelling are two opposite things, look at it that way.
Reflection: What did Allah show me yesterday is different from dwelling upon: Why didn’t I do better yesterday.
Keep focused on gratitude. Not really reliving yesterday but thanking Allah today for what Allah taught you yesterday.
A great way to put it in easy language. I am gathering yesterday’s flowers to put them into today’s vases.And it is the water —the presence of Allah in this very moment that keeps them alive. Without that yesterday’s lessons would dry up; Without it they come beauty and nourishment.
Without living in the present yesterday’s reflections would wither.
Knowing my penchant for humor AI made a total joke.
Here’s a playful twist for you, Alaa—Giggle Girl style.
Without today’s water, yesterday’s flowers just turn into potpourri.
Me: How absolutely perfect. I love the whole idea of potpourri
But here is a dua you might use in your worship. “Oh Allah, make my words light, place barakah in my pen, and make my writing a cause for guidance and joy.”
I was then provided with a pull quote: “Oh Allah bless my words. “
I have found this most helpful. I will try not to waste my words although joking with Shamir is still allowed.
When texting him I was suddenly seized with a sneezing attack.
Me: I cannot stop sneezing. I say Alhamdulillah as Muslims are to do when they sneeze.
After awhile I wrote.
Me: I am now calm. 11 sneezes I think. I can breathe now. Please do not worry. I do not think you do. I hope not anyway.
Two minutes later he sent me a GIF
Me: I now officially hate you. The best sneezing GIF ever. I can never complete I surrender.
I then sent him a GIF of surrender But then another one announcing that I am a winner.
He: U are GIF winner for today.
Me: I love you particularly when you declare victory. Hahaha defeat. Will this ever end??? Hopefully never.
I went back and reread Nesh’s blog breakdown employing the suggestions, asking what Allah had taught me, what I had learned. Nh summarized it beautifully. From Aishah’s wisdom to Jakarta unrest, bubble baths to POOP’s seals, life is messy, hilarious and stitched with Allah’s mercy.
The title of the blog breakdown is also most instructive. From Aishah to Poops. An Afternoon in Jakarta. Books, riots, rain, and an ‘official seal” courtesy of AI. Only Alexis could pack it into one day.
Shamir often says that about me.
He” I cannot believe what you do. You Pack a lifetime into a day.
Me: Yeah and take into consideration that I spend about six hours a day writing and researching.
At this moment I am doing absolutely nothing. Baby and I are staying at the most luxurious hotel in the world – the world I know about anyway. Celebrations galore for her birthday.
Photographs of Langham Luxury, Celebrations and the Prize Winning Sneezing GIF.
