Sheikhaljazuli

Why I Became Muslim Alḥamdulillāh — I embraced Islam over twenty-five years ago- and by the grace of Allah ﷻ- my heart has remained steadfast upon His remembrance. My journey to Islam began as a quiet awakening — a yearning to live with purpose- sincerity- and truth. The world around me felt loud and fleeting- filled with distractions that could not satisfy the soul. But within my heart- there was a call — subtle yet powerful — to return to the One who created me. When I encountered the Qur’an- it was as if a veil had been lifted. Its words pierced through confusion and illusion- speaking directly to my heart: “Indeed- my prayer- my sacrifice- my living and my dying are for Allah- Lord of the worlds.” -Surah al-Anʿām- 6:162- Through Islam- I found what my soul had always longed for — a life rooted in remembrance- humility- and love for Allah. My relationship with Him is one of deep seriousness and devotion- a bond woven with awe- gratitude- and submission. Yet- with others- I strive to be gentle- kind- and compassionate- for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” -al-Muʿjam al-Awsaṭ by al-Ṭabarānī- And Allah reminds us: “And lower your wing of humility to the believers.” -Surah al-Ḥijr- 15:88- Preparation for the Next World My life now is a preparation for the meeting with Allah. The Qur’an declares: “Every soul shall taste death- and only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your full recompense.” -Surah Āl ʿImrān- 3:185- And the Prophet ﷺ said: “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.” -Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī- The awliyā’ have said that the true life is the life of the heart- and that the wise one is the one who prepares for what is everlasting- not for what will perish. These words became the foundation of my path. My days revolve around dhikr- recitation of the Qur’an- and remembrance of the Hereafter. Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet ﷺ One of the greatest gifts Allah has granted me is the practice of ṣalawāt — sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ. For six to eight hours each day- my tongue remains engaged in this remembrance. Through it- Allah has filled my life with barakah- tranquility- and light. The Qur’an commands: “Indeed- Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe- send blessings upon him and peace abundantly.” -Surah al-Aḥzāb- 33:56- The Prophet ﷺ promised: “Whoever sends blessings upon me once- Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold- erase ten sins- and raise him ten degrees.” -Sunan al-Nasā’ī- The awliyā’ often say that ṣalawāt polishes the heart and draws one nearer to divine proximity. Through this practice- Allah has lifted my burdens- softened my heart- and made my life gentle and full of grace. My Daily Devotions and Way of Living Each day- I recite five Juz of the Qur’an. In its verses- I find serenity and strength — a renewal of faith with every page. Alongside my spiritual routines- I maintain balance in the simple joys of life: coffee and tea- running six days a week- hiking and camping amidst Allah’s creation. The Qur’an reminds us: “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly…” -Surah al-Furqān- 25:63- In every breath and step- I seek to live as a grateful servant — preparing my soul for the next world while spreading gentleness and mercy in this one. Zuhd: The Path of the Prophet ﷺ Zuhd — renunciation of the excesses of this world — is the fragrance of the Prophetic path. It does not mean rejecting the world- but rather freeing the heart from attachment to it. The Prophet ﷺ- though the best of creation- lived simply- often hungry- yet always content and radiant. “Be in the world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.” -Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī- “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” -Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim- The Qur’an says: “Whatever you have will end- but what Allah has is everlasting.” -Surah al-Naḥl- 16:96-