shaihadjinasser

[shaihadjinasser]

The Humble Strength of Patience and Prayer

Life hits us all with hurdles. Sometimes, it feels relentless. But this verse from the Quran (2:45) offers a powerful perspective:

"Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard save for the humble-minded."

Finding solace in surrender isn't giving up. It's acknowledging that some things are beyond our control. Patience (Sabr) teaches us to navigate challenges with strength and trust in God's plan. Prayer (Salat) becomes a source of comfort and guidance, a space to express our struggles and find peace.

The key to unlocking this strength? Humility.

It's recognizing our limitations and seeking guidance from something greater than ourselves. It's not weakness, but a profound understanding that true power lies in faith and surrender.

So next time you're facing a storm, remember this verse. Embrace the humbling strength of patience and prayer. You'll find the resilience you need to weather any difficulty.

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

under a pile of mental blankets

Today, the sun is basically yelling, "Hey, why are you still in bed?" But I'm stuck under a pile of mental blankets, staring at the cobwebbed ceiling of my own memories. ️

I know there's good stuff up there, sunshine-filled days from way back when. Building sandcastles with sticky fingers and laughing till my tummy hurt. Grandma's voice, warm and cozy like a hug, weaving stories that took me to magical places.

But there's this grumpy gatekeeper, right? Yep, that's me. Every time I reach for a happy memory, it's like, "Nah, don't bother. It's all gone anyway."

But is it? Are those moments just faded photos in a dusty box? Or can they be like fireflies, lighting up the dark corners of my now?

Maybe it's time to make friends with the gatekeeper. Maybe some memories just need a little dusting off, a few tears to make them shine again. Maybe they're the spark I need to crawl out of this mental cave and back into the sunshine.

So, here's the deal: I'm taking baby steps. One happy memory a day, holding it close like a warm ember. Reminding myself that even when things are gloomy, the sun's still there, waiting to break through. ☀️

Who else has a memory attic they haven't visited in ages? Let's share stories, dust off some joy together, and chase away those grumpy gatekeepers!

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

In a world where societal expectations often weigh heavily on young adults, especially in Muslim households, I'm incredibly fortunate to have a family that doesn't pressure me into marriage. They understand that choosing a partner is a momentous decision that shouldn't be rushed or taken lightly.

Their unwavering belief in my ability to make my own choices stems from their deep love and trust in me. They want me to find happiness and fulfillment in life, and they recognize that marriage is just one aspect of that journey.

I'm so grateful for their patience and understanding. They've taught me that love isn't about conforming to external pressures; it's about finding someone who complements my life and shares my values.

My take on finding a partner at this age is that while it's important to find someone who loves and respects me unconditionally, it's equally crucial to find someone who aligns with my ambitions. Someone who shares my passion for life, my thirst for knowledge, and my unwavering belief in my dreams. Also, having the sense of individuality. A growth that can meet halfway. Though, I admit I haven't find someone like that, but I truly believe he's right somewhere and we will meet at the right time.

When I look at my family, I see a reflection of their unconditional love and support. They're my pillars of strength, and I'm incredibly lucky to have them in my life.

- shaihadjinasser.

#grateful #family #marriage #ownpace

[shaihadjinasser]

The Fear Wall

We've all been there, standing at the edge of our comfort zones, contemplating the next step. It can be nerve-wracking, filled with "what ifs" and a dash of self-doubt. But on the other side of that fear wall lies a world of possibilities, waiting to be explored.

Fear is a natural human emotion, a protective mechanism that keeps us from harm. But sometimes, fear can become an obstacle, preventing us from pursuing our dreams and living life to the fullest.

We yearn for new experiences, for growth, for love, for success. But fear whispers doubts and uncertainties, reminding us of past failures, potential rejections, and the unknown that lies ahead.

This internal struggle can be paralyzing, keeping us trapped in a cycle of hesitation and inaction. We dream of what could be, but fear keeps us anchored to what is familiar, even if it's not truly fulfilling.

But what if we could break free from this fear-driven inertia? What if we could harness the energy of our desires and overcome the obstacles that hold us back?

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

DON'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PALESTINE!

DON'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PALESTINE!

DON'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PALESTINE!

[shaihadjinasser]

#25

[shaihadjinasser]

PET PEEVE ALERT: YOLO patronizers.

YOLO: A Paradox of Reckless Optimism

I used to think that YOLO was just a catchy acronym for "you only live once." But then I started to see people using it in a way that made me think they didn't really understand what it meant.

YOLO is often used to justify reckless or irresponsible behavior. People will say things like "I'm only young once, so I'm going to make the most of it" or "I'm not going to let fear hold me back from living my life to the fullest."

But there's a difference between living your life to the fullest and living dangerously.

YOLO is not an excuse to do whatever you want, regardless of the consequences. It's about putting yourself or others at risk.

YOLO doesn't mean you should be reckless or irresponsible. It means you should make the most of your life and enjoy all that it has to offer, but you should also be smart about it.

It's about living a life that is true to yourself and your values. It's about making the most of every opportunity, but it's also about being responsible for your actions.

IT HAS CONSEQUENCES.

I do not patronize the reckless or irresponsible use of YOLO. Please be safe and responsible when making decisions.

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

as daughter of a forester, i grew up being amused by the nature. thanks to my dad.

[shaihadjinasser]

Why I am very selective.

[shaihadjinasser]

Am I really lucky to be alive? I'm watching these videos and I'm literally tearing up.

I feel so helpless. I feel like there's nothing I can do to stop the suffering in the world. I want to be a diplomat, but I'm not there yet. I want to be one of those people who fights against oppression and injustices but I don't know how.

I know that some humanitarian people are useless. It's sad, but it's true. But there are also so many amazing people out there who are doing incredible things to help others. They're the ones who give me hope.

I know it's hard to keep going when you feel like you're not making a difference. But my voice matters. It matters more than I think. I won't give up.

I'm going to speak out against injustice. I'm going to educate myself and others about important issues. I'm going to be kind to others.

Even small acts of kindness can make a difference. So I won't give up. The world needs my voice.

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

If you want to make a difference in the world, you need to take a side.

Neutrality is like sitting on the fence. It's safe, but it's also boring and ineffective. When you stay neutral, you're essentially saying that you don't care about the issue. You're also saying that you're not willing to put any effort into solving it.

Neutrality is also a cop-out. It's a way to avoid taking responsibility. When you stay neutral, you're essentially saying that it's not your problem.

Neutrality is not a safe bet. It's a gamble that could cost us everything. When we stay neutral, we're not just letting the bad guys win. We're also putting ourselves in danger.

Neutrality can lead to violence, human rights abuses, and corruption. It can make the world a more dangerous place for everyone.

If we want to live in a safe and just world, we need to take a stand. We need to choose sides. We need to take a side on the issues that matter.

So don't be neutral. Take a side. Make a difference.

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

At this point in my life, I could say I am very grateful to have studied in the lens of Eastern countries. I have been asking myself why I didn't get to pursue my dream of becoming a Chemical Engineer. My parents wanted me to take Islamic Studies so I could pursue Shariah law after and then become a lawyer. I was totally against it. But now I understand why Allah (SWT) put me on this journey.

Looking back, I realized that my curiosity with history and the mysteries of the world played a huge role in shaping my path. Questions about why I was born here instead of there, what people in distant lands were doing while I was here, and countless other curiosities led me to reading from a very young age. My parents, recognizing my passion, filled my room with books. I do not even own a single Barbie doll in my life. I love reading novels, poems, etc.

During trips to the mall, I'd pester my mom to take me to a bookstore. I was more interested in the pages of books than the latest toys or gadgets. It was the stories and knowledge contained within those books that captivated me.

As I encountered people whom I believed were living exciting lives, jealousy and envy sometimes took hold of me. I yearned for a life like theirs and began to emulate their choices. In this pursuit, I made my fair share of mistakes, losing sight of myself, my religion, and my identity.

Interestingly, I never truly explored social media until after completing college. In high school and college, I had an account merely to stay connected with friends and family. I refrained from posting or sharing anything, often changing my display picture as my sole interaction.

It wasn't until I completed my degree in Islamic Studies, with a major in Political Economy, that I realized the significance of my education. I had even graduated with Latin Honors, a fact I had taken for granted. Back in the day, I was a total geek. I was once a journalist, a school president, an achiever, but never once used those opportunity to become, a voice for my fellow students, especially Muslims.

Today, I promise never to underestimate the value of this knowledge. I intend to share what I've learned with those who need it, embracing my educational journey and the insights it has granted me. My passion for history and curiosity about the world have evolved, and now, I see the beauty in my chosen path, one that allows me to bridge cultures, understanding, and knowledge for the betterment of others.

- shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

Alhamdulillah

| Credits to the real owner of this video.

[shaihadjinasser]

#FreePalestine🇵🇸

As I watched 'Schindler's List,' I was reminded of the incredible impact of one person's compassion can have. Oskar Schindler's actions during a dark chapter in history saved countless lives.

It makes me reflect on the ongoing struggles in Palestine, where many face suffering and uncertainty. Like Schindler, I aspire to make a positive change and contribute to the cause of freedom and peace.

But the reality is, most of us don't have the immense wealth and resources he had. Yet, that doesn't mean we can't contribute. I may not have much, but I can educate my friends and family, raise my voice, and share my thoughts, like I'm doing right now.

It's just a dream, yes, but dreams can be the spark that lights the way to change. Let's make our voices heard, in our own little ways, and hope for a better world. In a world divided by borders and conflict, let's unite in our dreams for a more compassionate, peaceful future.

- shaihadjinasser.

#standwithpalestine

[shaihadjinasser]

Finding My Way Back to Islam: A Letter to Myself and Those Like Me

Dear Self,

As I approach my 25th birthday, I can't help but reflect on the journey that has led me to this point in my life. It's been quite a ride, hasn't it? I want to take this moment to write not just to myself but to anyone who's walked a similar path, especially those like me, a Muslim woman who grew up in a non-Muslim community.

I grew up surrounded by people of various backgrounds and beliefs, and I cherished the connections I made with them. But deep down, I always felt a pull towards Islam, a yearning to understand and embrace my faith more fully. It was a path that I knew I had to tread, no matter the challenges or mistakes that lay ahead.

I've made my fair share of mistakes, both big and small, throughout my 24 years. But one thing I've learned is that those mistakes don't define me. They are not obstacles preventing me from returning to my faith; rather, they are lessons that have guided me toward it. I've forgiven myself for my past transgressions, and I'm determined to transition into the image of a proper Muslim woman.

One of the most important realizations I've had is that I can't blame anyone else for the choices I've made. Regardless of the circumstances I faced, I always had a choice. It's a principle I live by and a reminder that we are all responsible for our actions.

I am not perfect, and I don't claim to be. But it's time for me to put into action the knowledge I've gained through my studies in Islamic studies, where I graduated cum laude. It's time to embody the teachings and values I've learned and make them a part of my everyday life.

I know that the journey ahead won't be without its challenges. Living as a Muslim in a non-Muslim community can be both a challenge and a great opportunity. It's a chance to harmonize our faith with the modern world without compromising our iman. What truly matters is our intention.

So, my dear self and anyone else on a similar journey, let's do it with sincerity. Let's inspire ourselves and inspire others. True change starts within us, and it's never too late to become a better version of ourselves. As Muslims, we understand that everything is written (Maktub), and our paths are predestined, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to improve.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who have encouraged and supported me on this journey. I know that my past may lead some to judge my actions now, but that doesn't matter. As long as our intentions are pure and sincere, the judgments of others are insignificant.

So, to my fellow travelers on this path, remember that it's not a sign of weakness to change. It's a testament to your strength and your commitment to becoming a better person. Time will come for everyone, so let's focus on the present and enjoy every moment.

I will become better, and I hope that this message resonates with others who, like me, are striving to grow and strengthen their faith. Embrace your journey, and may your intentions always be pure. InShaa Allah ✨

With love and faith,

-shaihadjinasser.

[shaihadjinasser]

We shared the same mindset. If I were in their shoes, I'd make the same choices, without a doubt. We communicated, we planned, and when circumstances led us down different paths, we understood.

Shared understanding has always been our common ground. 🤝

These are the kind of people I truly appreciate – practical and driven, with hearts full of compassion. My happiness matters too, and I'm grateful to have been with partners who consider my future just as much as their own. There are no hurt feelings here, only a shared journey of growth and mutual respect.

In the end, it's all about supporting each other's dreams and aspirations while cherishing the beautiful moments we've had together.

- shaihadjinasser.

#relationship #positivity #mutual understanding #mindset

[shaihadjinasser]

heart and core

In a world of trials and tears,

Amidst the struggles and the fears,

I find a reason to be thankful,

Even when the road seems ungrateful.

For with each hardship that I face,

I'm gifted strength to run this race.

Through storms and trials that come my way,

I learn to navigate, I find my say.

The journey's tough, the path unsure,

But in thankfulness, I find a cure.

For every setback, every fall,

In gratitude, I'll stand up tall.

The dreams I chase, they're still alive,

Through sleepless nights, I will strive.

With hope and faith, I'll forge ahead,

Thankful for each step I tread.

In moments when I feel defeated,

I'll seek the blessings, once repeated.

A family's love, a friend's embrace,

Remind me of life's wondrous grace.

And when success, at last, I meet,

I'll stay thankful and never retreat.

For every hurdle, every test,

Led me to this moment, my very best.

So, though unsure of what's in store,

I'll face the future, heart and core.

Thankful for the chance to try,

With gratitude, I'll touch the sky.

- shaihadjinasser.

#poetry