The Light we receive, the goodness we pass on

But for this guidance to be witnessed and lived by others, there had to be a people who drew close to him ﷺ, learnt from him and allowed his teachings and example to shape their lives.

These were the Sahabah, the Companions of Rasulullah ﷺ.

In Islamic scholarship, a Companion is generally understood to be someone who met Rasulullah ﷺ after he received Prophethood, believed in him and died as a Muslim. Their distinction was not merely that they lived during the same period as the Prophet ﷺ, but that they encountered him as believers and carried his message forward.

Through their companionship with Rasulullah ﷺ, the Companions witnessed his character, listened to his teachings and learnt from his example. They saw how revelation informed his decisions, how faith shaped his responses and how mercy, courage, humility and justice were embodied in his conduct.

Their lives offer profound examples of how faith and Prophetic guidance can refine a person's character. We see hearts moved by remembrance of Allah ta'ala, courage strengthened by conviction, wealth directed towards charity, and strength tempered by mercy. They were people who worked hard in this world while remaining conscious of their ultimate return to Allah ta'ala.

This reminds us of the hadith in which Rasulullah ﷺ said:

“The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 2101

The imagery is simple, yet profound. Companionship leaves something behind. Like the fragrance of musk that lingers even after we have left the seller, the influence of those around us can remain with us long after our time together has ended. Their words, attitudes, priorities and conduct can shape how we see the world, how we respond to its challenges and, ultimately, the kind of people we become.

This is why the company we keep matters.

We should seek the company of people who remember Allah ta'ala, strive towards righteousness and are not consumed by worldly pursuits. Their presence can remind us of what truly matters, strengthen our faith and encourage us towards good deeds. They may possess qualities that we lack, perspectives that we have yet to consider, or a spiritual discipline that we are still learning to cultivate.

And yet, there is another side to companionship that we must not overlook.

We are not only meant to receive goodness from others. We are also responsible for becoming a source of goodness for them.

Just as we seek people whose light can help refine us, we must strive to be people whose presence brings benefit to others. Our words can encourage someone who is struggling. Our conduct can inspire someone who has grown complacent. Our patience can soften a difficult encounter, and our sincerity can remind another person of the goodness they are capable of embodying.

We may never know the extent of our influence. Sometimes, a person is changed not by a grand gesture or a lengthy conversation, but by consistently witnessing goodness in someone else.

This is part of the beauty of companionship: as we sit together, learn together and remind one another of Allah ta'ala, we can grow in faith and return to our respective homes with renewed enthusiasm to do good.

For the Companions, their faith in Allah ta'ala and their emulation of Rasulullah ﷺ formed the foundations of their lives. Their understanding of Tawhid shaped their priorities, thoughts, considerations and decisions. They did not live merely for the immediate concerns of this world; their choices were informed by their awareness of the Hereafter.

As an ummah living in the end times, we do not have the opportunity to sit with Rasulullah ﷺ as the Companions did. Yet we can continue to learn from his Sirah, study his teachings and strive to embody his noble character. We can also seek the company of people who remind us of Allah ta'ala and encourage us to live by the guidance he ﷺ brought.

Ultimately, the question is not simply whether we have found good company, but also whether we are becoming good company for others.

May Allah ta'ala unite us with His beloved and righteous servants, refine our hearts through good companionship, and make us people through whom goodness reaches others. May we receive the light of guidance with sincerity and carry its goodness into the lives of those around us.

Ameen.

"I made her coffee."

When was the last time I made coffee for someone… and they loved it like that?

My siblings.

My late dad.

And just like that, a memory unfolded.

In our old home, my dad would sometimes peek into my room and make a small, familiar gesture. One only a few of us understood. A silent request: for coffee.

Good coffee.

He loved what I made for him. And I would make it differently, depending on the moment.

For Tahajjud nights; something strong, comforting. A double dose hazelnut latte, extra hot. The kind that carries you through quiet conversations with Allah.

For simple enjoyment; iced, playful, whatever flavors we had at home. Those were lighter moments. Softer.

He never rushed it. He would sip slowly, fully present, as if the cup in his hands was something precious. As if the moment itself mattered.

And today, thinking of that… something in me broke open.

I cried.

Deep, aching tears. The kind that come from missing not just a person, but the small rituals that made love feel alive. I miss making coffee for him. I miss how he received it. How he appreciated it every single time.

But even as the tears fell, there was something else beneath it.

Gratitude.

Because even though he has returned to his Creator, I am still given chances: to serve, to give, to love people in quiet ways. Like making a cup of coffee just right for someone.

I am learning to show up, even when it hurts.

To carry forward the traditions we once shared, and gently weave them into the lives of others. Because love doesn’t end: it transforms. It finds new places to land.

So do something for someone today.

Even something small.

Make them feel seen. Make them feel cared for.

Make them happy.

“None of you (truly) believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.”  (Bukhari & Muslim)

#yusufzuhri

Reflections on 'Her Compass'

Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.

"Muhammad is a man, but not like other men"

Al-Ghazali: The Principles of the Creed – Book 2 Revival of the Religious Sciences

One had her hand on her cheek.

One had her hand on her forehead.

The only gentleman in the room started to scratch his head.

What was I doing? I let out a huge sigh as  I wiped my face.

Imam Ghazali (ra) leaves no room to let your nafs escape. It felt as if he is grabbing our nafs by the neck and reprimand it with severity.  I appreciated the introspection. It felt Imam Ghazali (ra) was speaking to us in those pages. And there is a genuine concern in his words simply because he does not want us to slip into the traps of ostentation, or self-admiration: thinking we are safe from hellfire.   

May Allah ta'ala bless Imam Ghazali (ra) for his noble works; where his sincerity continue to permeate. May his efforts continue to touch and transform the lives of others, in generations to come, ameen. 

I witnessed 'Ayat Seribu Dinar' in Kashmir.

I saw him coming and my lips subconsciously mouthed "oooh" yet I had to stop myself; I didn't want them to think I was keen.  I have no cash. And I didn't want to ruin the photo.

My husband kindly declined explaining we didn't have cash to spend on.

"I don't have enough to buy this," my husband said.

"Where are you from?" The man asked.

"We're from Singapore."

"Singapore?! It's okay, you take it. It's my gift to you. So when I go home, I can tell my mother I gifted Singaporean Muslim our shawls." 

Of course our hearts melted, but my husband insisted, "Ya Allah, no no no, it's okay, please."

The man insisted, "Don't worry, rezq is from Allah. Don't worry about it." He gently pushed the shawl to my husband.

That was it. He had entered the gates of my husband's heart. While they were at it, I pretended not to see what was happening and went through the shawls if we were really getting them, and two patterns caught my eye. Right behind was the restaurant, where my sisters, Diyanah, Hafizah and Hidayah were enjoying their Kashimiri cuisine. I went up to the glass window and tapped to get their attention.

"Help me choose," I mouthed. They pointed to a pink-green one. I gave a thumbs up and ran back to my husband. He was digging into his sling bag so deep I thought he wanted to make a hole out of it. Alhamdulillah, he had enough for one shawl (don't know how he had enough cash). We purchased one shawl from them. We were all grateful. I took their photos, exchanged handshakes and heartfelt du'as, we slowly walked back to the restaurant.

As we were about to board the bus, two sisters were missing. Some 5-10 minutes later they boarded the bus and apologized because they too, bought more shawls from these men. One of the sisters said, "Ustazah, they made du'a for you."

Ajeeb.

We thought we didn't have enough cash.

Yet we ended up purchasing one. Allah made it enough for us so we could purchase from them.

And the gentlemen got more sales after that.

And all because he said Allah gives whenever, however He wishes. Allah subhaanahu wa ta'ala indeed opened doors for them.

And I witnessed that.

All of us in the bus witnessed that.
Shoutout to Brother Hasif and 'Abid, may Allah subhaanahu wa ta'ala bless your family business and increase you with blessed rezq, ameen!