A personal story that touched my heart

Assalaamu’alaykum, 

There are moments when Allah reveals His presence clearly through the events of your life.

Things fall into place in the most unexpected ways and you have no choice but to fall in prostration, in awe of the miraculous nature of Allah, His kindness, His love and the perfection of His plans.

These moments are quiet reassurances to the heart, Allah letting us know He is listening and always arranging our matters with delicate care.

I’d like to share one such moment that began three years ago when I lost my husband (الله يرحمه) 

When you’re dealing with loss of any kind, it’s the subtle things that make a difference, things you wouldn’t usually associate with grief or comfort, but they matter… they matter a great deal.

I remember warmth being a great comfort. Maybe it was the coldness that comes with loss, but a warm cup of tea, a warm piece of toast, a warm blanket would soothe my soul in ways I still can’t fully put into words.

The warmth of strangers was another kind of comfort. 

I remember speaking to a man named Michael from Sky TV, completely overcome with emotion from the stress of sorting out admin after my husband’s passing. 

I hadn’t expected anything but a standard call, but he responded with such genuine warmth and kindness. He gently advised me to pause every ten minutes, to take a break from the endless phone calls and mountain of paperwork, to put my feet up, have a hot drink and try to ease my mind. His words stayed with me. He was a complete stranger, yet his compassion was so tangible, it reached me through the phone and wrapped itself around my tired heart.

Another such stranger Allah connected me with was Charis. She was from my car insurance company and for reasons we still can’t quite explain other than knowing it was divinely planted, we felt an instant connection with each other.

Other than being an incredibly kind soul to begin with, she later told me that it was something in my voice during our first conversation that moved her. She tried to get her company to waive certain fees on my behalf and when they refused, she offered to cover them from her own money. SubhanaAllah who does that? 

I politely declined her offer but her gesture touched my soul in a way I can’t forget.

We stayed in touch for a while and then naturally lost contact. About a year later, I was involved in a car accident and had to call my insurance company. It’s a large company with countless customer service reps but as Allah would have it, my call went directly to her. 

That wasn’t a coincidence. 

While navigating the admin that comes with car insurance, I had unknowingly missed out an essential step, something that could’ve cost me dearly. 

But once again, Charis was there. She stepped in without hesitation and helped me resolve what could have turned into a major issue. 

She was truly a gift from Allah to me.

We resumed contact once again and to my greatest surprise, she shared that she’s actually a revert, married to a Muslim. SubhanAllah, hearing that instantly brought our hearts even closer. 

After exchanging numbers and sharing stories about our families, lives and circumstances, three years later, we finally met in person just last week!

It was a meeting that felt deeper, soulful, like two kindred spirits had come together through paths only the best of Planners could have made. 

We met at the revert centre where I was volunteering to give a talk. She connected instantly with the organisation and the other reverts and subhanAllah, we were both blessed to witness a shahadah that day. 

We needed to see that for different reasons but for both of us, it was a moment of spiritual renewal, a powerful boost that reminded us of Allah’s mercy and perfect timing.

Afterwards, we had lunch together at a lovely Palestinian restaurant, where the hours just flew by as we spoke and spoke, catching up, reflecting and marvelling at how Allah had written our story. It felt like no time had passed at all and yet so much life had unfolded between us.

I’m sharing this story with you all because it’s one of those incredible reminders of how two hearts can connect in the most unexpected of circumstances. Yet Allah knew all along we both needed to meet and He knew exactly what we would bring to each other’s lives.

It’s a reminder that the miracles of Allah are real. They’re scattered throughout our lives, often arriving in moments we least expect but most deeply need.

Aa’ishah (r) said:

“I heard the Prophet (saw) saying: Souls are like conscripted soldiers; those whom they recognise, they get along with and those whom they do not recognize, they will not get along with.” 
(Saheeh al-Bukhari)

Perhaps this explains why some souls feel inexplicably drawn to one another. It’s a connection beyond words and it’s from the mercy of Allah.

And it's moments like these that I’m reminded just how much we all need people who nourish our hearts and spaces where sincere connections can be made and held.  

If that’s something you’ve been searching for too.

P.S. Here's a few ways we can work together...

1. Join Breaking Barriers. Monthly membership with live trainings, expert guest interviews, powerful Shukr circles and sincere, like-hearted suhba. Access a growing library of faith-rooted tools and resources to help you grow with emotional strength and spiritual clarity. (Sisters only).

2. Personalised faith-based coaching for deep inner work, self-awareness and emotional resilience. If you're ready to align your efforts with your highest worldly and spiritual aspirations, click HERE to schedule a 1:1 discovery call with me. (Sisters only).

3. Join The Travellers Programme HERE. A guided journey of deep reflection, prophetic mindset and meaningful transformation. (Open to all).

4. Join Sail Forward, budget-friendly small group laser coaching sessions for spiritual clarity and practical steps with 1:1 focused support to help solve challenges. Find out more HERE. (Open to all).

5. Join the Telegram community Weekly faith-rooted reminders to uplift your heart and keep you anchored through life’s ups and downs. Join HERE. (Open to all). 

Reflection of the Week

Think about the moments when Allah has unveiled Himself to you in your life:

What did it awaken in your heart and what did it bring into your life?

Dua of the Week

  وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِى بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ 

“My Lord! Inspire me to ˹always˺ be thankful for Your favours which You have blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please you. Admit me, by Your mercy, into ˹the company of˺ Your righteous servants.”(27:19)