Summary
Highlights
The host introduces Aliyah Umm Raiyaan, author of "Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal." Aliyah, a revert to Islam for over 20 years, shares her early passion for writing, which was sidelined after converting due to life's challenges, including illness, divorce, and losing her home. She found solace in writing and began sharing her reflections, which resonated with many, leading to a publishing deal with Penguin Random House after a heartfelt dua.
Aliyah recounts making a sincere dua in Ramadan 2022 to write a book that would draw hearts back to Allah and reach corners of the world she hadn't visited. Two months later, Penguin contacted her, leading to the publication of her bestselling book, which fulfilled her dua by reaching readers globally.
Aliyah shares a personal anecdote about being related to Al Pacino on her maternal Italian side. She then reintroduces herself as a servant of Allah, a revert of 24 years, founder of the charity Solace UK (supporting revert women), and now an author, whose book "Ramadan Reflections" became a Sunday Times bestseller.
Aliyah explains that she wrote the first draft of her book in just 30 days after being approached by Penguin. She describes "Ramadan Reflections" as a hybrid work: part journal, part memoir, part reminder, focusing on a personal journey with Allah and inviting reader interaction. She emphasizes the importance of dua during the writing process.
Aliyah reads a powerful passage from her book about the essence of love and its absence leading to spiritual death, drawing on a quote about the heart's journey to Allah. She discusses her conscious decision to be vulnerable and personal in her writing, sharing her own journey to connect with readers on a deeper, faith-based level.
Aliyah explains the three parts of her book: 'Healing from the Past,' 'Journeying with Presence,' and 'Focusing on the Future'. She highlights that the book guides readers to reflect on past experiences, link them to their purpose of worshipping Allah, and live consciously in the present.
Aliyah emphasizes the book's context within Ramadan and the importance of stillness, quiet, and reflection, drawing a parallel to the Prophet's retreat for reflection. She notes that in a fast-paced, distracted world, these practices are often lost but essential for strengthening one's relationship with oneself and Allah.
Aliyah discusses the concept of "response-ability," emphasizing that while we may be victims of others' actions, we have the power to choose our response, which can set us free from living in the past or as victims. She connects this to our emotions, stating that while they are valid, we are responsible for how we react to them.
Aliyah introduces the idea of reframing failure, seeing perceived closed doors not as an end but as part of Allah's greater plan. She explains that what seems like a failure might be Allah moving us towards something better, emphasizing that "there is no failure" in a believer's journey when viewed through divine decree.
Aliyah discusses the chapter on repentance, using the powerful image of a "drowning sinner." She explains that while all humans are flawed and will sin, the key is not to despair but to take one's sins to Allah, who offers hope and mercy. Keeping sins to oneself leads to drowning, but lifting them to Allah leads to rising.
Aliyah shares an emotional insight into tests, explaining that Allah knows us intimately and orchestrates challenges specific to each individual to lead them to success and closer to Him. She states that these tests are a form of love and mercy, deepening faith and reliance on Allah, often in ways that ease and joy do not.
Aliyah concludes by discussing "choosing your hard," acknowledging that an easy life is not possible outside of Jannah. She illustrates that life presents choices, each with their own difficulties, and the decision lies in choosing which 'hard' to embrace. She shares her personal example of choosing Islam, equating it to the "best hard" she ever chose, as Allah makes it easy with glimmers of joy and faith.