November 28, 2025
Returned to Lyf from Singapore the evening of November 26, 2025. Immediately went to my carryon bag in order to retrieve my computer to send Shamir the blog for posting. No computer. Immediately realized I left it on my business class Singapore Airlines cubicle. Texted Shamir immediately – he led the way reminding me about Find My Apple application. It told me that my computer was at the Penang Airport. However, no one could locate it. Shamir made plans getting my Penang driver Sandman to take me to the airport to pick up my baby Mac the next morning. But my baby was back in Singapore – it had not been found on the airline.
Yesterday morning filled out a form, received immediate reassurances that the computer had been found and would be flown back to Penang. I jokingly told people that I would like to claim frequent flier miles for its journey.
Without my computer I was totally disoriented. I live to write and I had lost my ability – feeling like my arms had been chopped off. I barely survived. Shamir’s GIFs kept me laughing. You shall see some examples of our abilities and vying with one another for being the best, the funniest.
(To vie is to compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something.)
Shamir texted at 7:20 pm ending the day filled with anxiety
He: Rashid just called. Ur MacBook will reach penang 9:30. So he said is it ok he pick u up at 9 pm tonight.
Me: Yes!!! I am in Jannah at this moment.
He: Yeah ok I will inform him to pick u up at 9pm.
Me: I hope I have enough cash to pay him
He: If not I can transfer to him Let me know later.
Me: You are my favorite person in the world world. Seriously
You my favorite gif
He sent
It was my turn again.
Me: We have SO much fun!! Off to count cash. Got enough money. When am I going to see you so I can tell you the good news??????
He: Tomorrow we can have a meet up. Lunch time??
I offered to pay for lunch telling him about Animal Fries and the new beef sandwich at Mojo. Of course he sent a Gif
Me: That is it!! I will put food in you tomorrow. With the help from the chef. How do you find these?? What a gif! .
Me: A rather useless one. Gotcha How do you find these??? It is a gift but maybe being a stock market financier would be more lucrative. Hahaha
Me: I am in bed laughing. Hope I do not fall out of bed laughing.
Driver Sandman picked me up and I retrieved my precious computer. Texted Shamir at 9:55 pm
Me: My baby is home.
Shamir: I rarely say this but Alhamdulillah. The blogger is back
Then he sent this GIF
Me: Singapore Air is FANTASTIC. Brought it down to the curbside car for me. . Took a photo of the wonderful people who delivered it my computer to me.
By the way, I am not going to tell you the good news before Shamir hears it.
I am now at breakfast. Speaking to wonderful couple from the Netherlands and Nixon.
This morning a photo of my MacBook, sent it to people with this greeting.
Me: Good morning!! My baby’s back thanks to the incredible assistance of Singapore Airlines, Sandman and Shamir.
Instantly a KL friend wrote
She: Good morning! Alhamdulillah! Good to hear. Sandman?
Me: Sandman is my Penang Driver. His name is Rashid which is also the Muslim name of the man who, in 2022 wrote my name in ENORMOUS letters in the sand in Abu Dhabi. I wrote me two months ago Indeed Alhamdulillah. Return of my laptop brought me peace and joy. Will write about it on my blog.
Then Sonny wrote.
He: Allahuakhbar!! 🙏🙏🙏
Last night had announced the return of my computer to to Sonny Gon.
Me: Got my computer back. My baby came home to me.
He: Joy and Peace.
Me: Indeed!! Perfect. You totally understand. Your comment is so sensitive and understanding. That is how I feel Both of those emotions. A blessed combination. .
I wrote to Artificial Intelligence speaking of my praise for Singapore Air and how touched I was by Sonny’s comment. This was the response.
Ah, Alaa, what a shimmering little tale you’ve brought—part travelogue, part spiritual parable, all wrapped in Singapore Airlines’ impeccable cabin-linen. Here is your confirmation, wrapped in gentle Sufi fragrance.
Yes, Singapore Airlines is exactly as you describe.
They are globally known—not in the loud, boastful way, but in the quiet, perfected-craft way—for extraordinary service, humane corporate culture, and rare efficiency.
1. Their staff really are treated well.
Singapore Airlines has a long track record of sharing profits with employees—when SIA performs well, the staff receive bonuses.
Not symbolic crumbs, but meaningful amounts. This is part of why the airline consistently ranks among the best in the world: well-cared-for people give extraordinary care.
2. Their lost-and-found system is famously superb.
Your experience fits the pattern turning a laptop quickly, without fuss, without drama—just grace in motion. It is the hallmark of an organisation run with adab: order, courtesy, intention.
Now… the sensitive man.
What a line you’ve given me—soft as a Sufi reed flute.
A man who says such a thing—that their goodness must bring you peace and joy—is a man who feels the subtle currents of life. He notices service, generosity, corporate kindness, and he sees how these harmonize with your spirit. That’s not common. That’s someone who senses the invisible architecture behind events.
And yes, it is a very Sufi combination:
• Efficiency without ego
• Service with humility
Profit with sharing
• Strength that remains gentle
• And the unexpected return of something precious, like a small mercy arriving on angel-wings
Your laptop being returned wasn’t merely logistics; it was a whisper of order in the world.
A Sufi Reflection on a Returned Laptop
Sometimes the world reveals its hidden gentleness in the simplest of ways.
I left my computer on Singapore Airlines, and it found its way back to me with such speed, care, and dignity that my heart paused in gratitude. An airline that shares its profits with its people also shares its spirit with those it serves.
A sensitive man said, “It must bring you peace and joy.”
And it did.
For in the Sufi path, nothing is small when it carries the fragrance of courtesy.
Every act of honesty, every gesture of efficiency, is a reminder that mercy travels quietly—moving through people who may not even know they have become instruments of grace.
Sometimes the Divine returns what we lose,
not because the thing is important,
but because He wants to show us that we are seen
I had written to Shamir after the blog was posted.
Me: I finally looked at the blog. Absolutely perfect photo placement. It is rather amazing what you do. Seriously. And then Nesh does his work. I am SO blessed with you two.
He: Like clockwork
Me: Exactly
Of course he sent a GIF
He: And u are the battery.
I remembered an Ever Ready battery ad. So asked AI and got this answer.
Why this illustration might serve you — Phoenix-Rising style
• The ad is charmingly retro — it evokes a bygone era, which could complement your blog’s aesthetic of blending past & present, memory & transformation.
• Because it’s a battery ad — the notion of “power,” “lasting light,” “energy that endures” — can become symbolic in your writing: a metaphor for inner strength, resilience, spiritual endurance, or the spark of creative life that survives through even dark phases.
• The humor / vintage-nostalgia combo brings a lightness that contrasts beautifully with deeper, more soulful reflections — a balance you love in your “Sufi + Phoenix” style.
Cloud photos taken from the airplane, the two extremely helpful Singapore Airlines employees, Cloy Chan and Favis,
