Reflections From the Shore

I like being by the coast; there’s something about the water that makes me feel good. I remember when we were kids, me and my siblings would have so much fun building sand castles with little beach toys, collecting seashells and different types of pebbles. SubhanAllah the memories are so vivid, it feels like yesterday. Just a simple walk along the shore can give you so much to contemplate.

I can feel the soft sand in between my toes as my feet sink into it leaving a trail of footprints behind me.

“On the Day the earth and the mountains will convulse and the mountains will become a heap of sand pouring down.” [Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:14]

Human beings were created for a purpose. The earth is not our permanent abode, rather we’re here only for a limited time period after which we’ll all return to our Creator. It is as real as our very existence. But we forget; it’s almost like we have sort of a warped sense of time.

Every step I take makes me realize that we’re nothing but mere travelers. The beach which is usually filled is empty apart from a few people spread out. All that can be seen is an endless expanse of sand and water. A beautiful blue color reflecting the clear vast sky above it.

“Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke.” [Surah Ad-Dukhān 44:10]

I just stand still watching the waves silently crash on to the shore. But it’s not the same. For some reason the ocean seems distant. Like the freedom it symbolizes is unreal, nonexistent. I know that’s not true. Man has been granted freewill; we have the freedom to choose. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala has made us capable of reasoning, given us moral conscience and showed us the right way through His Prophet (sallaAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). He sent down the Quran as guidance and criterion between the right and wrong. We are completely responsible for our actions.

“Say, “Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?”” [Surah Al-Mulk 67:30]

Many people think that life is just about being right here, right now. And then what? Where do we go after that?

The feel of fresh air on my face brings me out of my reverie, the wind whipping through my scarf making me wrap it tighter around my head. This world is full of temptations and things that distract us from our primary purpose. The Prophet (sallaAllahu alaihi wa salaam) said: “The example of the heart is that of a feather blown about by the wind of the desert.” [Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 88] It’s easy to slip up. But true faith is in trying to correct yourself after you’ve erred. We must hold fast to our religion, we cannot afford to let it slide.

“And it is Allah who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds, and We drive them to a dead land and give life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Thus is the resurrection.” [Surah Fatir 35:9]

Time. It’s all about time and how we utilize it.

We’re fortunate to be among those who are witnessing the blessed month this year. Alhumdulillah. It is indeed a blessing. It’s an opportunity to pray more and more, seek Allah’s forgiveness, seek His protection from the uncompromising punishment of Hell, pray for a place in Jannatul Firdaws and for guidance. We shouldn’t take it for granted. It’s just something we need to understand. SubhanAllah. May Allah forgive us.

May Allah Ta’aala give us the ability and the opportunity to worship Him in ways that are pleasing to Him, accept our ‘ibadah and forgive us if we forget or err. Ameen.

Please keep me, my family and the whole ummah in your du’as.

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