The Door Allah Opens for You

DAILYREFLECTION

In Madinah, Imam Malik ibn Anas was renowned for his extensive knowledge and exceptional teaching abilities. He also kept the finest horses, wore beautiful clothes, and used the best perfume.

One day, as he headed to teach, a well-known ascetic (someone who renounces the world) stopped him and spoke plainly: “I can’t believe your state. You ride the finest horses, you wear fancy clothes, and your perfume costs so much. Your religion would be better off giving that up and spending less time with people.”

Imam Mālik answered without irritation. “Allah,” he said, “has apportioned good deeds the way He has apportioned sustenance. Just as people’s worldly circumstances differ, so do their portions in worship. One person finds that Allah has opened the door of prayer for him. He loves extra prayers but does not find the same ease with extra fasting. Another finds charity easy and pleasing, but not night prayers. Obligations are for everyone, but the doors of voluntary worship are not identical.”

He gestured toward the students waiting to learn. “And some are opened to teaching and preserving knowledge. As for my clothes and scent, this is adab for the words of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. I wish to honor the gathering. And as for being with people, how will the Sunnah be inherited if no one sits with them to teach?”

The ascetic listened. There was no defense of luxury, only a principle: follow the path Allah has made spacious for you, and do not condemn the path He has made spacious for someone else. Very few are open to every door at once. Most of us have one primary opening, and we support it with what we can from the others. Your doors can change with time, but sincerity will always remain the key.

REFLECT ON THIS:

Which door feels clearly opened for you right now, and which small deed from another door could you add this week to keep your intention balanced?

^{Share your reflections in the poll at the end of the email.}

WATERMELONWATCH

• Israeli strikes continued across Gaza, killing at least 29 civilians as bombardment intensifies in Gaza City’s embattled districts.

• Hospitals close or operate under siege, as medical staff flee and facilities become untenable under repeated air attacks.

• Aid flotilla made preparations to depart from Greece toward Gaza despite warnings from Israel, aiming to break the naval blockade and deliver relief.

• Abbas addressed the UN virtually, condemning Israel’s actions as “war crimes” and insisting Hamas has no role in Gaza’s future governance.

• Visual evidence published by Reuters challenges Israel’s claims about an August hospital strike, finding the targeted camera belonged to a slain journalist, not Hamas.

QURANCORNER

Each day, you’ll be introduced to one of the 300 most common Qur’anic words. The Qur’an has about 77,430 words in total, all built on just 2,000 root words. By learning these frequently recurring ones, you’ll recognize 70–80% of the Qur’an’s vocabulary and begin connecting more deeply as you read.

Ṣāliḥ (صَالِح) — Righteous / Upright

Ṣāliḥ comes from the root ṣa-la-ḥa, to be sound, whole, and good. A Ṣāliḥ person isn’t just moral; they bring harmony wherever they go, between hearts, within communities, and between the soul and its Creator. Their goodness is quiet, consistent, and sincere. They don’t seek attention, just the pleasure of the One who sees all.