By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki*
A day of a da’i and activist, no luxury to rest. Jannah is the place to rest!
You’re exhausted again, so much that you can’t sleep even though you’re dead‑tired. Thousands of thoughts spin in your head; you picture a world inside your mind bigger than the one around you. It feels lonely even amid crowds.
Everyone sees your strength, the thick shell you wear to protect yourself—like a walnut, hard outside but fragile within. No one notices the fragility inside you. They all see your smile, the one that always graces your face, yet no one knows you’re waiting for a moment alone to cry.
They all lean on you; that’s been your role, always the shoulder, the support. But how do you tell them that even the strongest have weak moments and need someone to lean on too? You’re afraid to admit your weakness. A tree can’t say, “I want to lie down for a while; I’m tired of standing!”
Don’t worry, my friend, don’t worry!
This is your destiny: to be like a candle that burns itself to give light to others. Stay steadfast, because in your steadfastness there may be strength for many who find encouragement in you. If you waver, they will waver. I know you’re tired, but you have no luxury to rest. A warrior doesn’t lie down while battle rages, even when exhausted.
Now stand for a moment and lend me your heart, just a little. Didn’t you once tell me, “People in this world only walk the path of their fate”?
So stop torturing yourself with over‑thinking and don’t fill your heart with things beyond your control. Allah’s will shall be done, no matter how hard the road or how tightly the doors are shut.
All you can do is strive, and all you must do is walk. When, how, and where you’ll arrive is a mystery known only to Allah the All-Knowing!
One thing you must never forget, part of responsibility is a divine choice. Allah only uses those who are pure. We wouldn’t use a dirty tool to finish a job. How much more so with Allah?
Allah has chosen you. He has seen into your heart and approved it. So what can darken you after that?
The battle is hard. I know it well, but hasn’t it ever crossed your mind, even as motivation, that Allah gives the toughest battles to His strongest soldiers?
May peace and blessings always be with you!
Happy Wednesday!
*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center / President, Nusantara Foundation
