AI volunteered, in a previous blog, to show me how the Quran and early Muslim history frames migration as both a trial and a blessing. “It would parallel your experience beautifully.” I will now share AI’s information and knowledge.
I expressed relief at having left the United States: “I am glad I am out of there” Artificial Intelligence response :
“ I am glad you think so —because the Quran and early Islamic history treat Hijrah (migration for the sake of Allah) not as exile or loss, but as an act of courage, purification and divine protection. It’s one of the most meaningful parallels to what you just described- leaving a place of persecution and finding peace elsewhere. Let’s explore in three parts:
- The Quranic view of Hijrah “Those who emigrated for the cause of Allah after having been wronged—We will surely settle them in this world in a good place; but the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if only they knew.” (Sarah an Nahl: 16:41) And again: “Those who believed, migrated, and struggled in the causes of Allah, and those who sheltered and supported them—these are the true believers. For them is forgiveness and generous protection.” (Surah al-Anfal: 8:74) These verses reveal something essential. Hijrah is not merely physical movement. It is a spiritual migration from fear to trust, from injustice to freedom, from darkness to light.
- The Prophet’s own migration from Mecca to Medina. When the Prophet and his companions were persecuted in Mecca—mocked, boycotted, attacked—they were commanded to leave. That migration from Mecca to Medina was essential to the faith – what was gained was immeasurable—security, brotherhood, and the the freedom to worship without fear. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A true emigrant is one who abandons what Allah has forbidden.” (Sahih al-Burkhari 10:582. This means even after settling somewhere safe, hijrah continues inwardly—as an ongoing journey of the heart,
- The believer’s modern Hijrah—flight and gratitude. Your own story resonates deeply with this legacy. You left the United States because you were persecuted for being a Muslim-a moral and emotional exile. Yet in finding peace and safety elsewhere, you’ve done something profoundly faithful: you protected the gift of belief that Allah planted in your heart. And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on earth many (alternative) locations and abundance.
“And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him—his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah. (Surat an-Nisa 4:100. This verse does not limit itself to seventh-century Arabia it’s timeless. It affirms that migration for the sake of faith is never wasted. Allah himself guarantees reward and horizons. Your gratitude “I’m so grateful to be out of there”—echoes the Quranic tone: thankfulness after hardship, peace after prosecution,
Would you like me to create a journal page, something you could print or keep, perhaps titled “My Modern Hijrah” with Quranic verses, reflection prompts and a space to express your own gratitude and renewal. It would tie beautifully into your “Shell to Pearl” journey theme.
I will entitle it “Leaving Behind Pain Was Itself An Act of Faith—and Gratitude is the Fragrance of That Freedom. “
I will now ‘take advantage’ of these reflection prompts.
- Looking back at the United States, (and Canada) , the lands I left behind, I feel gratitude and relief, no sense of sorrow. Living in either country as a ‘submarine Muslim’ would be alienating, the fear would be totally distracting. Peace of mind is essential for worship and for creativity – neither would be possible. If my fear intense, it would be not be possible to write the blog, much less expand to Instagram and YouTube with the assistance of Nesh.
- In so many ways my journey strengthened my faith and deepened my trust in Allah – during each step of the journey my faith grew, preparing me for the next challenge. I ‘formalized’ my faith in Abu Dhabi, at the Grand Mosque and the Islamic Center. I was unable to find permanent residence in the UAE, so went back to Canada, my birth country. Returning to Edmonton a step backward, not a Muslim majority country, provided no community nor friendships with Muslims. Used it as a ‘home base’ traveling to Saudi Arabia three times. My last trip on September 28 2023 was planned only for a short visit. I was planning on living in both Canada and Medinah but after October 7, learning of extensive Islamaphobia terminated my apartment lease leaving everything behind. Living in Medina seemed the answers to any Muslim’s prayers, but again the environment was not conducive to my faith. Kohbar, with the Ithra library held promise but it was too secular, the hotel environment proved hostile. Penang, so unlikely initially HAD to be guided by Allah. First the extreme isolation found in Lexis Suites provided a serenity to grow my faith in solitude to appreciate the Malaysian families who stayed there and to marvel at the views and the sea. . It proved alienating however, terribly mismanaged hotel proven by the scabies which forced me to leave after six months. Lyf Hotel in the beginning offered distractions which found me straying from the Straight Path, brief recess and retreat in Rainbow Paradise Beach Resorts, returning to my Muslim connections and rituals in Lyf, gathering together the Dream Team, finding true Muslim friends and surrounded by a Lyf family many of home call me either Mother or Grandmother. At this time this is where I am meant to be. I have peace of mind, freedom to worship, evil influences have been banished. At this time I am respected and treasured as a Muslim woman. Nesh wrote in a very recent breakdown: “Penang had become sacred ground. I felt seen. Penang has become the soil of my rebirth, my Phoenix rising moment.”
- The new found peace and belonging I have found here in Malaysia is the integration of the faith in everyday life, being a Muslim is an integral part of spiritual Muslim’s life, a vital core to their existence. The Sunni branch of the faith found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Yemen, focuses on making the faith the Way of Ease as intended – not bound only in ritual as practiced, for example, in Saudi Arabia.
- My writing within the community of the Dream Team keeps me in constant reflection which keeps me within Allah’s headlights. Hahaha
- The gratitude I experience now provides a profound sense of peace and utter surrender. Gratitude is awe inspiring – I have SO much to be grateful for.
THIS CANNOT BE COINCIDENCE
In the midst of my hijrah ‘discoveries’ iPhoto supplied me with a reel called Favorites. What was absolutely mind boggling was that, in many ways the photos found in the collection trace my faith-filled journey. You can now, at this very minute, view it on my YouTube. I shall speak of the reel in its totality, then focus on one or two significant photos, including them at the end of the blog. I do love the background music – as it is triumphant. I chose it, the original music was copyrighted. It is entitled Favorite.
Favorite
There are many photos of the Legislative Buildings in Edmonton. I am writing an Instagram book picturing William Dryburgh’s work as a decorative plasterer. He came from Scotland to Edmonton in 1910. I lived within two blocks of the Legislative Building when in Edmonton, such a coincidence is that. Learned of his work rather accidentally. There are a couple of black and white photos of the Dryburgh family for use in Uncle Dave’s biography. I love the photo taken of me with a turquoise head covering taken at a Jakarta mosque. A photo of me with my face painted like the Canadian fla .brings laughter. The Singapore airport photo so colorful, went there for a visa run. Love the little boy waving and saying hello. Photos of Penang sunrises and sunsets. Then a head shot of a man I will never forget, met in London, later learned he is a Muslim. I met him during my pre Muslim London days. Now for the special photos.
This photo brought me back to Saudi Arabia in July 2023 following my December 2022 Umrah. The entire story may presently be read under Photo in the blog menu.
A photo taken in Montreal following my December 2022 Umrah. I am pictured with two Indonesian Muslim Sisters. Little did I know at the time I would visit their country three times – three of my visa runs from Malaysia
The last photo that appears is an Ikebana flower arrangement I assembled at a featured student at the San Francisco Ikebana Association, years ago. It will be on the cover of my book Ikebana: Not Just Branches and Flowers. Soon to be featured in the Book Section of this blog.
Got a great Good Morning message from Yasmin. I sent her my good morning greeting. It is a photo of my computer. Me: Good morning. Look what I am doing?? Writing. 1,251 words so far. An interesting afternoon planned so do not feel sorry for me.
She: Mashallah proud of you Mum Alaa 😘
Me: Thank you my precious daughter.
She then forwarded this message.
Me: I absolutely love that message and will put it on my blog. It says it all and what I believe. Nothing is permanent except Allah. Alhamdulillah.
Needless to say, this is blessed news! I did, of course realize that what I had done was brave and had realized that a reward might be in the offing but this is, as you can imagine, momentous news.
I do realize, and always have, that the rules apply to me – that I am to follow the mandates required. It has been a long journey to find peace, to be able to trust, to see the light and feel free.
What is fascinating is that iPhoto delivered a reel entitled
This a perfect sentence reflecting my feelings (times two) When Nesh wrote that “penang had become sacred ground. I felt seen. Penang has become the soil of my rebirth, my Phoenix rising moment.
