October 22, 2026. I write from the Lyf Lobby, opened my computer to surprising news. Surprising as I had not been following the machinations of Alberta, Canada. I shall not leave you in suspense, instead informing you immediately.
This from the Walrus
On Monday, Albertans voted overwhelmingly to remain in Canada. A million and a half voters wanted to stay, while only half a million wanted to at least vote later on leaving.
I am sorely tempted to read on – I think I shall with the prayer that I will read of the expected demise of Premier Danielle Smith who has haunted the lives of Canadians and also my life, as I lived in Edmonton during her reign. I wonder how many times she appeared in my blog. Will check my search engine at some point.
Off to read more. OH NO Already OOPs.
On Tuesday night Danielle Smith announced to the public that there Will be no more no more votes on separating—as long as she is premier. The last part may be the rub.
I read on, it was dispiriting to say the least. Separatism is still rampant in both Quebec and upon reading I was reminded of the following. I hold a Canadian passport, it contains my Sarawak visa. I had it renewed for ten years, not my US passport. This allows me to remain in Malaysia – not return to Canada. I am definitely not planning on doing so. Therefore, I do not want to spend the next ten years of my precious life keeping up with Canadian politics. Why? There is SO much more to learn about. My bookmark, from the Dahwah Book Store reads “My Lord Increase me in knowledge.” Surah Taha, 20:114. Allah does respect all knowledge but am sure He would allow me the freedom to ignore the Canadian politics scene. Hahaha Besides, my country statistics rank Canada fourth, barely outranking China. Therefore, no need to pander to potential Canadian readers. Case closed, as we lawyers declare when victory is ours.
I was planning to write of the blessings of my life before the Walrus Inbox announcement appeared. Back to the basics.
Back to Basics means returning to the simplest and most important things, stepping away from complicating details. My faith is the most important thing and in many ways it has been made simple. Let me tell you about my morning.
My alarm went off announcing it was time for Fajr prayer I usually pray most simply, but this morning was mindful of the power of my yesterday afternoon prayer, Again used my treasured book Noor I will quote t the poem and then the Quranic verse. The poem is entitled C’est La Vie
C’est La Vie,
Just enjoy the ride-
What’s the worst that can happen?
What is it we say to our child when they fall:
My, my, what a strong child you are-
Go on get up, you’re fine.
So even if we fall, Let us get up again
And I bet this time you’ll avoid
Whatever tripped you the first time…
C’est la vie!
Quran 16.97 Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer—We will surely cause him to live a good life and We will surely give them their reward accepting to the best of what they used to do.
Then the Pearl of Wisdom found on the facing page as well
“Life is all about appreciating those small things that go unnoticed, but bring the most happiness. The only way you can live your life to the fullest is by looking at everything with a positive perspective and with patience placing yourself in others’ shoes before judging them, and seeing the good in everything —because everything does happen for a reason.
As for mistakes, we all make them We take missteps, veer off course, and fail. It is an integral element of human nature and part of the journey of discovery into who we are. As much as it might hurt, and as much as we might want to change the past, we should never regret the decisions we make, no matter what or where they lead to. Through failure, we learn, we grow spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Through that growth, we adapt to our surroundings, using the past’s errors as a platform to enhance our lives well into the future.”
I somewhat laugh at the last sentence. It reminds me of the saying: “I learn so much from my mistakes that I am going to keep making them. “ That saying and one other seems to govern my life. “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing” Needless to say, these mantras cause me pain at times.
Now it is back to basics again which is telling you of my day.
After prayers I used my Allah Remembrance Counter, my dhikr. I shall photograph the simplicity of my dhikr AND the count. Seeing is believing. I do know that the dhikr brings me peace of mind. But wondered what was the ‘mechanism’ so to speak. I do admit I asked AI to provide me with some guidance on this matter.
AI: It gives you mind somewhere peaceful to rest. With dhikr several things may work together.
The repetition anchors you attention, Returning to a familiar words can interrupt the circling of worries. The rhythm helps you style. Focused, repetitive practices can encourage relaxation, especially when breathing becomes gentle and unhurried. The counter carries the numbers for you. You can press the button and stay with the words instead of remembering your tally. The words have meaning for you. My sense is that remembering Allah brings you reassurance: you you do not have to carry everything yourself. The psychology helps explain how attention and the body settle. Your faith gives that peaceful attention its meaning.
Me: Interestingly I read that this was not one of the Prophet’s practices.
AI: If you mean a counting instrument, that is a useful distinction. A hadith describes the Prophet counting his glorification on his fingers (Abu Dawud 1502) Dhikr itself was art of his practice.
You see, I do learn so much from learning about the daily life of the Prophet. This is made possible by, of all things, a book. The book is Life with Prophet Muhammad; this is from the back cover of the book.
“His blessed biography brings his radiant image before us: we know his appearance, his walk, his speech, his prayer, and his recitation of the Qur’an. We know the garments he wore, the food he ate, the home he lived in, and the beauty of his character in every sphere of his life. We witness how he treated his Companions, how gentle and loving he was with his wives, how he interacted children, servants, and strangers, and how he conducted himself in every circumstance. To study his life is not merely to read history—it is encounter a living example so vivid and intimate that one feels as though the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) walks among us still.”
This does accurately speak of the impact of the book upon me. Not only is the Messenger of Allah walking with me, it feels as if I know him intimately, in settings I find myself. It is so instructive.
What I am learning from this blessed day – a day that turned into a day of peace is to get rid of all that is irrelevant and trust in Allah. Irrelevant seems to be a key word. When that happens it is tine to look up the meaning of the word.This seems to be a word whose meaning is best found in the synonyms: besides the point, immaterial, neither here nor there, peripheral, tangential, extraneous, inconsequential,, of no matter/moment, trivial, petty, superficial.
So I am looking to banish everything in my life that is beside the point, neither here or there, extraneous and immaterial. Watch out multitudes. Hahaha
This wondrous day was preceded by the best meal of my entire life, I am convinced.. It was served where I live – how convenient. The meal and accompanying beverages was served at Mojos on the ground floor of Lyf. I shall picture the menu and then later speak of the delicious food and include photos. One photo is of Alexis Alaa McBride dressed for the occasion. I do believe in dressing for success. Hmm wonder what that means. Guess who I asked?
Me: Please say something interesting and profound about dressing for success.
AI: Dressing for success cam mean choosing clothes that remind you who you are, rather than who you think you must become, to win approval. The most powerful outfit says: “I belong here.” And sometimes dressing beautifully is simply a way of saying that to yourself.
Me: I love that and thee is no such thing as overdressing only underdressing.
AI: Why should the occasion have all the say? Sometimes you dress for the joy you intend to bring to it.
Me: Indeed!! I will include this conversation on the blog complete with the photo.
AI: With your photograph these words will have their living illustration. You may have just dressed the occasion up to your standards.
Me: Indeed I did!! Will write about the grand event in the next blog.
AI: Then the photograph is the opening act—and the grand event gets its own story. You’ve already given your readers a reason to return!!
Photos of my dhikr, the cover of Life with Prophet Muhammad, The photo of Alexis Alaa McBride dressed for success. Then the event announcement and the menu are pictured.
