I crossed paths with Zak, a remarkable soul in the serenity of a mountain's embrace. Our encounters were profound, and I often told him that he embodied not just a man on the mountain but the essence of the mountain itself. During that pivotal meeting, I was shattered, my spirit weighed down by losing my dearest anchor, my beloved Abbaji. In Zak, I discovered someone who intimately understood grief—his speciality lay in healing hearts and guiding them to embrace the journey of living with grief.
Zak's presence brought solace to my brokenness, and his teachings resonated deeply within me. His heartfelt approach helped me reconnect with my emotions, navigate the waves of sorrow, and find meaning amid the pain.
Today, as I reflect upon our encounters, my heart overflows with gratitude for Zak's impact on my life. His gentle guidance and profound understanding of grief touched my soul in ways words cannot fully express. In addition to Zak's profound impact on my spiritual journey, I've also shared with my delegates the transformative skill he imparted to me: the ability to send my complaints upwards with a rawness to Allah. It is a skill I have learned and developed under Zak's guidance, and it has remarkably affected my life.
Through Zak's teachings, I discovered that expressing complaints to Allah is acceptable, highly cathartic, and empowering. He showed me that a genuine connection with the Divine involves acknowledging our frustrations, disappointments, and grievances. By embracing this rawness, we open the doors to healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationship with Allah.
In my first letter, I shared a picture with Zak. His response was swift and direct, urging me to stop deceiving myself. He reminded me that Allah sees through all veils and knows the truth, so there was no point in lying. With his guidance, I embraced honesty and vulnerability in communicating with God. Zak's words resonated deeply, teaching me the power of authentic connection and the futility of self-deception.
Inspired by Zak, I now encourage my delegates to embrace this skill. I guide them to write letters that lay bare their deepest concerns, allowing them to process their emotions and seek solace and guidance from the Divine. I share the power of expressing their complaints to Allah with authenticity and sincerity.
The skill Zak showed me goes beyond mere complaint; it is a skill of vulnerability, trust, and surrender. By sharing this practice with others, I hope to empower them to find their own voice, release their burdens, and foster a genuine connection with Allah. Through our collective efforts, we can cultivate an environment where true healing and growth can flourish.
During Ramadan, I taught my delegates how to approach Allah with their complaints, embracing honesty and authenticity. Inspired by Zak's teachings, we let go of formality and rituals, encouraging a raw and genuine connection. I emphasized the importance of being like a child who fearlessly expresses their wishes and complaints to their mother without worrying about the "how." Now, my delegates pass on this invaluable lesson to their clients, spreading the transformative power of open and persistent communication with Allah.
Today, a beautiful moment unfolded as my client asked if she could share the teachings I imparted during Ramadan. Without hesitation, I responded with a resounding "Yes!" In that instant, I realized the true essence of Zak's legacy. He taught me, and I, in turn, shared it with others. Now, as they carry forth this wisdom, it becomes our collective legacy—a testament to the power of the sand. We are a community that thrives on sharing, uplifting, and benefiting one another. Although physically veiled from us, Zak remains integral to my world. Gratitude fills my heart for his eternal presence. 💕
Let us honour Zak's legacy by embracing rawness, expressing our complaints to Allah, and supporting one another on our spiritual journeys. Together, we will find solace, strength, and profound transformation. Let our hearts unite in this sacred practice as we navigate the depths of vulnerability and seek relief in Allah's infinite wisdom. As we uplift one another, let us remember that we are not alone—Zak's teachings resonate within us, guiding us towards healing and a deeper connection with the Divine.
If you're eager to embark on this transformative journey, I encourage you to find a quiet space to be alone with your thoughts. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to tune in to the emotions and grievances dwelling within you.
To get started, consider using writing as a tool to express your complaints to Allah. Begin by addressing Allah directly, pouring out your raw and honest feelings. Don't hold back—let your emotions flow freely onto the paper. You can even use specific prompts like, 'Dear Allah, today I want to express my deepest concerns about...' or 'I feel frustrated because...'
As you continue writing, let go of any inhibitions or fears. Don't worry about adhering to formalities or rituals; this is your space to connect genuinely with the Divine. Remember that Allah already knows the truth within your heart, so be sincere and authentic in your expressions.
Beyond writing, it's crucial to cultivate a deeper connection with Allah through consistent prayer, reflection, and seeking guidance from the Quran. Engage in self-reflection to understand the underlying emotions behind your complaints, and actively seek wisdom and solace in Allah's words.
Remember, this practice is not about dwelling solely on complaints but rather about releasing and processing emotions healthily. By expressing your complaints to Allah, you create space for healing, growth, and a renewed sense of trust in His guidance.
May you find solace and strength on this remarkable journey of expressing your complaints to Allah. Embrace the rawness, embrace vulnerability, and trust in the transformative power of this practice. Zak's teachings live on through each heartfelt expression as we forge deeper connections with Allah and find peace within ourselves.