Reflection by Sr. Khadija
The first time I learned about the Day of Judgement as a child, I was worried. How can I save myself, my loved ones, and all the good people, even those I don’t know? I thought. As silly as it sounds, I imagined every one of those people holding hands and being saved altogether, in this chain as a shield against the worst thing imaginable.
Years have passed, and my mind would still come back to this question. How can I save everyone? I’m just one person, aren’t I?
What I didn’t realize was the path that my Rab has set up for me, even more than a decade later…
University life feels like a hamster wheel. Chasing assignments, deadlines, exams, and everything else.
Feeling bright-eyed and alert is a rare treat when I’m running on a few hours of sleep. I’m wrapping up one class, and already making a mental to-do list as I navigate the crowded halls on a bleary winter morning.
And yet – there it is. The da’wah booth. I wave at my sisters and that stress and tension that’s keeping my shoulders hunched melts away. Here’s where I want to be. I set my bag and books down and greet my sisters with salaam, each of us grinning at finally seeing each other after a long day.
Thinking back to moments like these, I realize that my most cherished memories of university years revolve around sisterhood on campus, beneficial gatherings, and the highlight of every school year – United Islam Awareness Week (UIAW).
What is it?
United IAW is a collaborative effort across Western Canada to come together and share the true, unfiltered message of Islam in a principled and professional manner. It speaks to growth on an individual and organizational level, whilst impacting the hundreds who take part each year – whether volunteering, speaking, or organizing on an administrative level.
Put simply, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Why is it such a big deal?
Volunteering for UIAW is what kickstarted me on a journey that would change my life for the better. Each year, it nourished my emaan, nurtured lifelong friendships, and came as a solace and something to keep me busy during some of the most difficult and intense experiences of my life.
It was almost as if Allah SWT wanted me to keep busy with khair, because He knew how badly I needed the reminder, the community, and the tasks that would keep my mind from thinking about these challenges. He was telling me, that these problems I’m facing are insignificant compared to the finality of the Akhirah.
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, “if only I had done such and such” rather say “Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa’ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).” For (saying) ‘If’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.'”
Sunan Ibn Majah 79
https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:79
What does UIAW mean to me?
It’s more than all the meetings and trainings and deadlines and tasks; more than graphics and room bookings and everything else.
It’s about doing the work of the prophets (peace be upon them all)… sharing the true message of Islam… and watching yourself flourish, change and grow as a Muslim all throughout.
It’s about volunteering alongside your fellow Muslims, who remind you – to pray your salah on time, begin studying for midterms early, have focused study sessions between da’wah booth times, to make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating properly throughout it all, sending reminders and reflections to keep you anchored in the remembrance of Allah (SWT). You’re nurturing relationships rooted in a love for Allah (SWT), the sweetest and longest lasting – in this life and the next.
It’s about getting over your fear of speaking, inviting strangers and passersby on campus at the da’wah booth and handing out flyers even if you’re afraid people will ignore you. You’re sacrificing your ego and humbling your nafs because you know that Allah SWT is the Greatest.
It’s about absorbing the reminders you didn’t even realize your heart needed during those evening lectures, your mind racing with self-reflective questions and this yearning to push and break through your own weaknesses and reach out to the vastness and freedom that comes with submitting to Allah (SWT) – to be someone better, to be someone who your Rab is pleased with.
And all of a sudden…
I’m graduating university, that frantic gap of trying to find a job during a time when it seems impossible. Months pass, and I’m working full-time…
This is what I wanted, wasn’t it?
Back to where we began
I’m quietly sitting and staring out the window. The seasons seem to change within the blink of an eye. The trees sway gently in the breeze and the rustling of the leaves is a gentle yet stirring reminder. I still have 10 minutes left on my break, and I’m trying to savour every moment before it’s back to the lull of work.
Things seem to change so quickly. In a few months, it’ll be a new year. The world is changing at a terrifying pace. Those signs of the Day of Judgement we learned about during ‘Ilm Circle are becoming more and more clear. Yet the world seems to be more and more confused and blurring the lines between truth and falsehood, good and bad.
My mind is turning over these thoughts and one in particular seems to tug at it persistently.
That yearning I had in my heart as a young girl – wanting to save everyone, friends, family, loved ones, people I’ve never met and who knows if I ever will? – before a Day where there’s no return.
I realize with a start, that it all points back to this – the lessons in growth, the challenges over the last few years, the brotherhood and sisterhood cultivated in work done for the sake of Allah SWT – it points back to the mission of the Prophet (pbuh), all our righteous predecessors, the legacy of da’wah that must continue long after we’re gone.
A small, sweet alhumdulillah for the blessing and opportunity to still be able to stay involved in this work for the sake of Allah SWT. No matter where I am in life and who I’m with and what’s happening, this is an anchor.
And for me, UIAW was – and still is each year – the beginning and continuation of that beautiful, beautiful journey…
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you, that would be better for you than having red camels [the best kind]. (Muslim 2406)
