By: Sheikh Laiqa
There are moments in life when scattered thoughts, childhood memories, and divine guidance come together so seamlessly a clear sign that Allah Himself is gently guiding the heart.”
Recently, I found myself reflecting on a saying my beloved Naani used to tell me repeatedly during my childhood: “Pad pad ke gaya pathar, likh likh ke gaya choor.” By reading endlessly, he became like a stone; by writing constantly, he became a thief.”
For years, I didn’t understand what she truly meant. She only ever said this first part, and I never thought to ask why. Perhaps the second part was in Urdu, and she couldn’t express it fully. But just a few days ago, I heard the complete version:
“Pad pad ke gaya pathar, likh likh ke gaya choor, Jis padhne se Sahib mile, woh padhna hai aur.”
“The knowledge that leads you to Allah, that is the knowledge worth seeking.”
Suddenly, it all made sense. My Naani had been trying to teach me that knowledge without purpose, without direction, is empty and lifeless. True knowledge is that which brings us closer to Allah. I was amazed by the depth of these words and how beautifully they capture the essence of what it means . I realized that knowledge, when pursued with sincerity, transforms the heart and draws us nearer to Allah.
This reflection led me to think of something I read years ago about the profound emptiness that comes from attaching ourselves to the temporary pleasures of this world and how that emptiness affects our hearts. I once came across a powerful reminder: “Empty your heart from the worldly love.”
A question followed that pierced deep into the soul:
“What is it that we really worship? The gift or the Giver? The beauty or the Source of Beauty? The provision or the Provider? The creation or the Creator?”
These words reminded me of the tragedy we often bring upon ourselves by placing our hearts in the wrong places. We attach ourselves to the temporary—whether it be wealth, status, or fleeting desires—and wonder why we feel emptiness and pain. It was explained that we often harm ourselves by attaching to the wrong things and then cry when it hurts.
This insight deeply resonated with me. We are the ones who bind our hearts to the material world and then question why we feel suffocated. True peace and contentment only come when we release those attachments and reconnect with the Source of all peace: Allah, the Creator.
Just yesterday, I was further reminded of this truth while sitting in class, as my teacher explained the Tafseer of Surah Luqman. As I listened intently, my gaze drifted toward the window. The sun was shining brilliantly, and its warm rays softly touched me. In that serene moment, I felt deeply connected to everything around me. It was as though Allah was speaking to me through His creation, reassuring me, guiding me. My teacher recited the powerful words from the Qur’an:
“And ˹remember˺ when Luqman said to his son, while advising him, ‘O my dear son! Never associate ˹anything˺ with Allah ˹in worship˺, for associating ˹others with Him˺ is truly the worst of all wrongs.” (Qur’an 31:13)
Hazrat Luqman (عليه السالم), renowned for his wisdom, began his advice with the most essential truth: to worship Allah alone. This is where true knowledge begins—with Tawheed, the oneness of Allah. Without this foundation, any knowledge gained is incomplete. It reminded me that the path to peace and success lies in recognizing Allah as our Creator and Sustainer and avoiding every form of association and innovation in worship.
This reflection deepened when I remembered something I once heard from a scholar, advising not to chase after fame and wealth but to sincerely seek knowledge. It was said that “if you seek knowledge sincerely, everything else—success, provision, and honour— will follow you naturally.”
This is a truth that many overlook today. When we make Allah our priority, everything else falls into place. The worldly matters that once overwhelmed us suddenly become manageable. Life’s difficulties don’t disappear, but they feel lighter because the heart is content. A heart connected to Allah remains grateful in hardship and patient through trials.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28) True peace comes when we shift our focus from the fleeting pleasures of this world to the eternal rewards of the Aakhirah (Hereafter). When Allah’s love becomes our ultimate goal, He makes the world follow us. He eases our path, grants us contentment, and fills our hearts with light. But this requires sincerity and consciousness (Taqwa). It requires us to rely on Allah fully, to build our connection with Him, and to guard our hearts against shirk (associating partners with Allah) and bid’ah (innovations in religion). Without pure Tawheed, even the most extensive knowledge can lead us astray. But with it, even small acts of learning and worship become immensely valuable.
I was reminded again of the Kashmiri sayings my Naani would often say: “Alim chu noor, Alim chu gash.”
Knowledge is light, Knowledge is guidance.
“Alim badi daulat hai” Knowledge is the greatest wealth.
This light is not just intellectual knowledge, it’s the guidance that leads the heart to Allah. It’s the understanding that this world is temporary and that our true success lies in preparing for the next life. Many people often say that knowledge can be gained through learning, knowing, and spreading information. But in reality, merely gaining and sharing knowledge isn’t enough unless we practice it. I’ve come to realize this late in life, but it’s a truth that I now understand deeply. Knowledge that is not practiced is like a treasure buried deep in the ground—it’s useless unless we bring it into action. “Ilm” (knowledge) should be visible in our actions! It should reflect in how we live, speak, and treat others. It’s easy to point fingers at others, criticizing their shortcomings, and saying that something is wrong, but do we first reflect on our own faults? Only when we rectify ourselves and align our actions with correct knowledge, can we help others by guiding them. This selective implementation of knowledge happens when we pick and choose parts of the Deen that suit our convenience. We selectively practice what we find easy or comfortable while ignoring the rest. This approach is not what Allah wants from us. If we follow our Deen in its entirety, without modifying it to suit our needs, we will find that it makes our lives easier, not harder.
Allah has provided us with guidance to navigate this world, to make our lives easier, and ultimately to attain Jannah.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught us to follow his example, the Sunnah, which we have often neglected. This has contributed to the difficulties we face today. Allah’s guidance and the teachings of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم were meant to simplify our lives, not complicate them. As the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“What is the world to me? What am I to the world? Verily, the parable of myself and this world is that of a rider who seeks shade under a tree, then he moves on and leaves it behind.” (Tirmidhi)
This world is temporary. We should keep reminding ourselves of this fact, especially considering how fragile life is. Every day, we hear of new incidents, accidents, and deaths.
Reminding ourselves of death helps us stay grounded, focused on what truly matters, and inspires us to rectify our mistakes before it’s too late. Allah’s forgiveness is vast, but we should not delay our repentance until the last moment.
And as I pondered further, a beautiful realization hit me: just a few days ago, I was cutting a pineapple, and when I opened it, the inside looked like a delicate flower, with its petals shaped so perfectly. I marvelled at how beautiful it was and couldn’t help but think, “Who but Allah could create something so perfect, so intricate?” And it wasn’t just the pineapple— everything around me, the flowers, the sun, the human being every creation was a reminder of Allah’s infinite power and wisdom. We, as human beings, are created as Asraful Makhluqat, the best of creations. How incredible is that!
Feeling this realization deepen within me, I became even more grateful to Allah for the profound beauty in His creation. We are part of this amazing design, a creation that reflects Allah’s mercy, grace, and power. Every moment is an opportunity to remember Him and seek His guidance.
This awareness reminded me of something I say to my students every morning. I begin each day by asking, “Did you thank Allah today?” After this question, they repeat after me:
“Alhamdulillah for waking up to a new day, Alhumdulilah for we are Muslims, Alhumdulilah for the food we eat, for the clothes we wear, for the ability to learn and grow, for good health, loving families, safe homes, and most importantly, for being part of the blessed Ummah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. “
Allah has honoured us with intellect, understanding, and the ability to recognize His signs in everything around us. ” And if you should count the favours of Allah, you could not enumerate them.” (Qur’an
14:34) I then remind them of the children of Palestine—children who do not have the safety of their homes, the comfort of their families, or even the basic needs we often take for granted. Yet, despite their struggles, they still say “Alhamdulillah” and remain strong in their faith, trusting and loving Allah. Their resilience in the face of hardship is a powerful lesson for all of us.
Dear reader, we must reflect on this and ask ourselves: Do we truly appreciate the countless blessings Allah has given us? Are we patient in our trials and grateful in ease? Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)
Let us learn from the strength and faith of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Let us improve our relationship with Allah, practice the teachings of the Qur’an, and turn to Him in both gratitude and hardship.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم taught us: 1. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This Hadith beautifully connects to how we should self-reflect and care for others in the Ummah, fostering unity and compassion.
- “The Ummah is like a single body; if one part is hurt, the whole body feels the pain.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This Hadith emphasizes how deeply interconnected we are and how essential it is to support and uplift each other.
These teachings remind me of a motto I deeply connect with and carry with me every day is الناس للناس – People are for People. Another principle I hold close to my heart is “Always do good to others for Allah’s sake and you wont regret it.”
Such reminders inspire me and you to support and uplift others with love and compassion.
May we all strive to be the reason someone smiles today. May Allah bless us with patience, gratitude, and unity as an Ummah.
In recalling these moments, I realized how beautifully Allah connects the lessons of our past with the guidance of our present. My Naani’s simple words, the Qur’an’s timeless wisdom, the teachings of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the great scholars all carried the same message: Seek knowledge that brings you closer to Allah, and everything else will follow.
This article is not a reflection of my own righteousness but a sincere reminder to myself and others. Allah, in His infinite mercy, conceals my flaws, and I pray He guides me and all of us to the straight path, forgives our sins, and grants us the strength to act upon the knowledge we gain.
I do not consider myself better than anyone and ask Allah to forgive me if I appear more righteous than I truly am. I share this as a personal reminder, hoping it benefits others and becomes a source of ongoing reward (Sadaqah Jariyah) for me after my death.
As the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Convey from me, even if it is one verse.”
In shaa Allah, we can all benefit from this, and Allah may be pleased with something someone reads and acts upon. I am full of flaws, sins, and in desperate need of Allah’s mercy. Any goodness in me is from Allah, and any mistakes are my own shortcomings.
O Allah, show us the truth as truth, and grant us the ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood, and grant us the ability to avoid it.
May Allah guide us all.
Ameen!
