A Still Mind.

We begin in God’s Name. Peace and Blessings. 

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a book that I, for many months, having been anxious to get my hands on. This book is called The Book of Assistance by Imam ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Alawi Al-Haddad. The book is basically as the title decrees. That is, a book to assist one who is longing to regain the favour of his Lord. I find its like a step-by-step guide on how and what you should do in order to adhere to ones faith. The book was originally written as an answer to a brother asking of the Imam to write something for him that would help assist him. As the imam states in his book:

I was prompted to obey this formidable command and was reinforced in my wish to attain to the generous promise given in the aforementioned verses and hadiths, as well as others which have not mentioned, by a truthfully aspiring brother, a sayyid who treads the path to felicity, who asked me to write to him with a counsel to which he might firmly adhere.

I have been so taken by the way in which the author writes. You would have to read it in order to understand the magnitude of his eloquence.  I have come across beautiful passages, which I would like to share with you. But before doing so, I wanted to bring to your attention the chapter on Remembrance & on Reflection. Acquiring a peace of mind only happens when your focus shifts from the stresses of this world, which is trivial in nature, to that which truly matters. Within our holy scripture, it is written that peace within your heart is acquired through constant remembrance of God.  The best of circumstances is when an individual is alone. The best time:

…for reflection is the one in which are the least preoccupations, worries and most potential for the heart to be present, such as the depths of the night.

The book goes on to say that:

An hour’s reflection is better than a year’s worship                    

Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore.

Interestingly, within the last few decades, there has been scientific articles and literature written on the importance of meditation. Scientists and researchers go on to say that if one engages in some form of mediation, then they have a greater chance in living a longer and healthier life. I find it amazing how this research finding corresponds so well to the well-established tradition in Islam of remembrance and reflection.

I have recently tasted the sweetness of conversing silently with God. The solace I find when knowing that I can freely express my thoughts and sources of anxiety without any judgement, is beyond what words can describe. Though I lack in numerous ways, I believe that this realization has become my foundation in whats to come as I begin to strengthen my belief in Him. Allocating time for yourself, whether it is to think about God, rid yourself of stress or just simply attain a peaceful mind, is something I strongly recommend. Slowly, but surely and with great diligence, I pray that we shall find solace and peace in our own solitude.

A’yaan Nusaibah Ibraaheem