Sallam –
Life is full of cross roads. It comes because it is time for a change. How and when does this happen? It’s really something out of our control. Allah is the best of planners, it is He who prepares us with little tasks, and situations in which once ready presents us with a cross road.
Here are some of my own personal cross roads:
- I was twelve and returned to my home country with 0% knowledge of it’s language, culture, even Islam. Went from an 18 person classroom to 50! Wore a uniform, had to write notes in the country’s official language and had to make entirely new friends. Not to mention having to learn Islam at such a late age and a whole new language!
- I turned 17 and my parents didn’t believe in spending money for frivolous girly things. If I wanted something I had to earn it. Got a job. Learnt that if I wanted something all I had to do was say I could and then go and get it. Learnt work ethics at a very early age.
- I entered the University and learnt that I couldn’t horse around anymore if I wanted to succeed. Made life long friends. Either have solidarity or be alone.
- Graduated from the University and went to Mecca. A cross road to wear the hijjab came available but as cross roads are, they are OUR choices. Nope, didn’t make that choice. Continued on being the headless muslima…
- Facing a demanding mother. No job = Inadequacy. Horror flashed in my mind. Drove around many “intersections” looking at nice office buildings and looked up companies that way. I wanted to work at a cool office. Got an interview. Got hired on the spot. Filled out papers on the spot…then asked the Human Resource Director, what is the name of the company and what position did I just get. HR Director (@#(*@!!!)
- Faced demanding father. Stay in one place = Myopic or In-grown. Flew the coup. Left the country for graduate degree and new life.
- Faced no money = starving and living on the street. Got job and went to school. Before finishing got job. Learned that I CAN make it. This is easy.
- Met a man. Fast forward 15 years = Still married to that man + two children + 2 cars + House.
- Rekindled a friendship = aMuslima + dunia job + family + dreams.
- Where next?
I will tell you something though. Allah is really the best of planners. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel like I was being guided. And all I said at each intersection was Bismillah. Allah is the best of planners. Honestly, wouldn’t have it any other way. People ask me if I planned it… no. Not at Allah. I listen to my belly button (My late father says this all the time!) it really means: listen to your gut. Usually your first instinct is correct and true.
My journey continues. Where will you let Allah take you today, tomorrow?
Have a great weekend!
Wassallam
