I Am Asif

In life and in our careers, there's always a next move, a next goal, a next milestone. We’re almost always chasing something just ahead—an elusive promotion, a better opportunity, some distant version of “success” that keeps moving the moment we get close. But in all that chasing, we often forget where we’re standing. And sometimes, where we’re standing right now is exactly where we once dreamed of being. Take a moment to reflect: a year ago—or five, maybe even ten—didn’t you picture yourself hoping to arrive exactly where you are now? The role you’re in now might have once felt out of reach, not all that long ago. The responsibilities you're tired of might have once seemed exciting. And the stability you’ve started to take for granted? That might have been all you were asking for at some point.\ The problem is, we get used to the situations we once prayed for. We settle in, we normalize them, and we start to feel stuck. That feeling of being stuck can quickly turn into ...

There will always be annoying people around us. That’s just how life works. There will always be jerks. We often go through life with this quiet hope—or maybe expectation—that the people we deal with daily, especially our family or colleagues, will be thoughtful, cooperative, and on the same wavelength as us. But that’s rarely the case. The reality is: not everyone is going to be kind, understanding, or even reasonable. Some people will just rub you the wrong way. Some people will test your patience without even trying. And some—let’s be honest—will be jerks. But here’s the thing: we shouldn’t be surprised when that happens. It’s actually more realistic to expect that not everyone around us will align with us. Not everyone will see the world the way we do. And some people will have traits that conflict with ours, sometimes in uncomfortable ways. It’s like living anywhere on earth and expecting there won’t be flies or mosquitoes. That’s not how the world works. We don’t stop going outsi...

Previously, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala clarified what is halal and haram, emphasizing that we must not declare something lawful or unlawful based on personal opinion. Only Allah has the authority to decide what is permissible. Some things may have been halal in a previous prophet’s shari’ah but are haram in ours, and vice versa. These rulings are entirely under Allah’s will, and He may change them as He sees fit. In verse 93, when intoxicants were made haram, some companions became worried about their past actions. Allah reassured them that what was done before the prohibition would be forgiven, as long as they now abstain, maintain taqwa, do good deeds, and remain mindful of Him—He loves such people. Verses 94 and 95 introduce the rule that hunting land animals is prohibited during the state of ihram, even though it is normally allowed. Allah says He will test believers by placing game within reach to see if they obey. If someone breaks this rule, a specific kafarah (expiation) must...

We don’t always realize how much rushing costs us. A decision made in a hurry, a reaction without a pause—it might feel right in the moment, but later? We often wish we had just slowed down. Taking a step back doesn’t mean you’re weak or indecisive. It means you care enough to get it right. Calmness gives you space to see clearly, to think beyond the surface, to understand what really matters. Rushing narrows your vision. Calmness opens it up. And here’s the thing: both are contagious. Ever noticed how one person’s panic can set off everyone around them? The same is true for calm. When you stay grounded, it affects the people around you too. That kind of energy spreads—and it makes a difference. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught this in the most beautiful way. He said: “Patient deliberation is from Allah, and haste is from the devil.” It’s a reminder that stillness and reflection are divine qualities. So next time you feel the pressure to act fast—pause. Take a bre...

In verse 87 and 88, Allah SWT talks about what is halal and haram in the provision He has given. It is mentioned that we should not make permissible what Allah SWT has made impermissible, and vice versa—we should not make impermissible what Allah has made permissible. He also encourages us to eat from the halal and good food—that is, halalan tayyiban —which means beneficial, wholesome food.   We are also reminded to be fearful of Allah when consuming provisions.     Then, in verse 89, oaths are discussed. Sometimes we take oaths casually, and other times they are serious and concrete. Three types of oaths are indicated here, and it is also mentioned what the kafarah (expiation) would be for breaking such oaths. The tafsir provides further detail about which types are serious, which are not, and what should be done in each case if an oath is broken—for example, when kafarah must be given.     In verse 90, Allah gives a very clear command regarding intoxicants, g...

In verses 82 to 86 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah SWT specifically mentions the Christians. This is essentially a continuation from the previous verses, where Allah discusses the beliefs of the Christians and addresses the Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book).  In these verses, Allah SWT states that, in terms of enmity towards Muslims, the Jews and the polytheists are more severe, whereas the Christians tend to be more friendly and non-violent toward Muslims. Many of them have been helpful to Muslims, particularly because they were open to seeking knowledge and discovering the truth. Among them are hermits who renounce worldly pleasures in pursuit of God’s pleasure.  These verses specifically refer to the Abyssinian ruler Najashi. We know the famous story of this ruler—when the words of the Qur’an were recited to him and his people, they recognized them as the word of God. They were moved to tears, acknowledged the truth, and accepted Islam. As a result, Allah promises them Paradise,...