The Essence of Fulfillment

Building Resilience in Times of Change

Reading time: 2 minutes

Whoever makes the Hereafter his goal, Allah makes his heart rich, and organizes his affairs, and the world comes to him whether it wants to or not.

And whoever makes the world his goal, Allah puts his poverty right before his eyes, and disorganizes his affairs, and the world does not come to him, except what has been decreed for him.

ﷺ 

In 1971, astronaut Edgar Mitchell set foot on the moon as part of NASA's Apollo 14 mission. 

However, despite the awe-inspiring majesty of his lunar voyage, Mitchell's return to Earth was accompanied by a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection.

For years, he had nurtured an unyielding desire to explore the moon, a dream that fueled his every waking moment. 

Yet, he was adrift in a sea of uncertainty upon achieving this goal, which dragged him into the depths of an existential crisis.

Mitchell had briefly found solace and purpose that eluded him on Earth in the boundless expanse of space. 

But after returning to Earth, he struggled to find significance in the norms of life.

His purpose had been cast adrift in the void of space, and now, he found himself in depression and despair, looking for meaning in his life.

In our pursuit of achievement, we cultivate desires in our minds, only to discover that their attainment leaves us empty. 

When our identities are defined by wealth, status, or appearance, it can trigger a significant crisis when they shift or vanish. 

The allure of the material world offers only temporary satisfaction, leaving us perpetually chasing after the next fleeting pleasure.

To combat this, we must explore the essence of who we are and what drives us, unveiling our core values.

Discovering the bedrock of our identity anchors us in times of change and provides us with a meaningful, personal compass to shape our goals.

This bedrock must go beyond the Ego.

True happiness and contentment are found in our spiritual journey and connection with something larger than us. 

And while worldly pursuits offer transient happiness, faith or helping others connects us to a universal truth.

That we are all part of something much larger than our ambitions.

This guides us to authentic goals rather than fleeting emotional whims or external pressures.

Only then can we begin to aspire to our higher selves. 

Reflection:

What external factors do you tie your identity to, and how do they contribute to your feelings of contentment or disconnection?

🎬️ Take Action

Identify one external factor in your life that you rely on for validation and contemplate what aspect leads to your attachment.

Consciously work to detach your sense of self from it.

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Du’a of the Day

In this section, we will share one du’a that can be used in your daily devotions and share its meaning.

بِسْمِ اللہِ ، اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ

Transliteration: 

Bismillahi , Allahumma innee Auoozubika minal Khubusi wal Khabaa’iss.

English Translation

(In the name of Allah). O Allah, I take refuge with you from all evil and evil-doers.

Explanation

This is the Dua for entering the restroom

The bathroom, a space often associated with impurity and worldly matters, is where the name of Allah is seldom invoked.

In this environment, Shaytan and negative energies find fertile ground to exert their influence, leading us away from the remembrance of our Creator.

This dua is a powerful reminder of our constant need for protection and guidance from Allah.

It is a humble acknowledgment of our vulnerability and a plea for His divine assistance in safeguarding our spiritual well-being.

🍉 Watermelon Watch 🍉 

Day 205


• 66 Palestinians killed, 38 injured in Gaza in the last 24 hours

⚖️ Israel consults US to prevent ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others on the basis of the deliberate starvation of Palestinians in Gaza

• 270+ settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the 2nd time recently w/ IOF protection

🚢 US predicts Gaza pier to be operational in 3 weeks, citing challenges posed by Israel’s naval blockade of aid

• IOF abducts 15 in overnight West Bank raids

🇬🇧 UK says it may deploy troops in Gaza to allegedly help deliver aid. PFLP (socialist resistance group) says UK troops not welcome, and that it may target them

🇺🇸 Biden to discuss concerns ahead of Rafah invasion, threatening to slow arms deliveries to Israel if no appropriate & credible humanitarian plan for Rafah

🇺🇳 UNRWA: 2 children in Gaza killed due to Israeli restrictions on clean water amid rising temperatures

• Israeli police arrest 5 settlers amid West Bank settler rampage, to avoid US & EU sanctions

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