Where do I find happiness….?

By Shahla Haider ___ Instructor The Foremost

The world today promises happiness in everything they want to sell.
According to them, if u buy a particular bag, it will make you look stylish and you will be happy.

As soon as u buy it though, it loses its charm, and you want another in a different color. Then you buy another color, design shape or brand, with the same thought, that it will give you greater pleasure than the first.

You end up buying many more with the same mindset and spending more money, thinking that the next big thing is what you always wanted but it just doesn’t give you that satisfaction that you anticipated before you bought it.We spend our entire life wanting certain things, and we work hard for some.

We even have a wish list for some and as we tick each one off, we see that the pleasure curve hits a decline instead of going up.

It is like the “scale of diminishing returns”. It is no wonder that we witness the richest celebrities and the most influential people who have everything they can ask for, beauty, wealth, fame, and still find themselves wanting more and more. These people then end up increasingly disappointed at every curve of life. What could be the reason?

Let me tell u a secret the world doesn’t want us to know.

There is no such thing as “A Happily Ever After” in the Dunya. That is only for Jannah, the Akhirah, the world after this dunya. Whoever chases lasting
happiness in dunya is chasing a mirage in a desert. You keep running to the oasis but as you get to it, you see that it was just an illusion but the thirst for the dunya keeps making you run incircles chasing something that does not exist.

This is the reality!

Happiness is an emotion, and it keeps changing, it is like a seesaw. It can never be constant and it is dependent on external things. That’s how companies thrive and make money. Every experience and product promises you pleasure but they know it won’t last and you will be back
for more.

Contentment on the other hand is a state of mind, it is a state of being, it comes from within and is independent of external influences. Thus, making it more stable and long-lasting. It doesn’t matter what we have or don’t have in this world. It doesn’t matter what we are going through in life, a content person is able to find that peace within themselves. A safe space where we can go to when we are sad, aching, in pain, grieving or just lonely.

Sometimes it is not even clear why we feel so empty.

The question then is …“How do I reach this place of contentment?”
The answer is simple. Having a deep connection with the Quran because it is a divine book that talks to you and it has all the answers and solutions to whatever the soul craves. And The soul craves only Allah. Whoever can build that connection with the Quran it promises …

الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ أَلاَ بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

The ones who believe and their hearts are peaceful with the remembrance of Allah. Listen,the hearts find peace only in the remembrance of Allah

Surah Ar-Rad Ayah #28

Iman Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“There is a Jannah on earth, whoever hasn’t entered it will not enter it in the hereafter.”

I often ask myself this question:
Have I found this Jannah, this peaceful place inside my heart where I can find contentment, no matter what turmoil there is all around me?

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My Ilm Journey

By Farah Usman ___ Instructor The Roots

By the time I was old enough to start understanding the world around me, we had moved to UAE.

And that is where my real ilm journey started.
We lived close to a mosque and my mother took me and siblings to a madrassa as a routine. She joined Al-Huda’s correspondence course, which helped her on her own journey, as well as guide us.

I still remember going to the small madrassa set up inside a house, where the committed abla (teacher) as we called them wouldn’t let us move forward till we had the perfect ع and ح. We spent days on the same surah in order to master it.

Our mum would take us to different classes, courses and halaqas in order to keep us connected to deen. By Allah’s grace, that is how I acquired my Deen Sisters as well.
It is all thanks to Allah, my parents and teachers back then that the foundation of my love for Deen was laid.

I then continued to attend various Arabic and
Tajweed courses but an emptiness remained in my heart. I earnestly wanted to go through the whole Qur’an with translation and tafseer.

Alhamdulillah, when I joined Huma Najm’s Bunyad, that emptiness was filled too, but this is just the beginning. I still have a lot more to learn, in my journey of knowledge with the Quran and Sunnah.

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The Pursuit of Happiness Part I

By Shahla Haider

Happiness is a state for which all other human desires exist, so to say the epitome of all desires is happiness…
The question arises: How do I get that? Well, if the answer to this was simple, 50 percent of the population in this world would not be unhappy.
But there is good news for a believer, as Allah says in Surah Tauba:111

۞ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱشْتَرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلَهُم بِأَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلْجَنَّةَ ۚ يُقَـٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَيَقْتُلُونَ وَيُقْتَلُونَ ۖ وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّۭا فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ وَٱلْقُرْءَانِ ۚ وَمَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِۦ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَٱسْتَبْشِرُوا۟ بِبَيْعِكُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَايَعْتُم بِهِۦ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ ١١١
 "Allah has bought from the believers their lives and their wealth; for that the Paradise is theirs — they fight in the way of Allah, killing and being killed — a promise binding upon Him in the Torah and the Injil and the Qur’an. And who better fulfils his covenant than Allah? So, rejoice then in your bargain that you have contracted with Him; and that is the Great Achievement."
(Surah Tuba:111)

Being a believer is blessing enough for us to rejoice and be happy if all else fails!
I have read many articles on happiness and attended many talks by happiness counsellors, and it is said that we should get up every morning and find a reason to be happy when we look in the mirror,
and I think, what about a person who can’t get out of bed because they are paralyzed head down?
The truth is there is no justification in this dunya if there is no concept of recompense in the Akhirah.
True happiness, eternal happiness is what we are working for in this dunya. It is like a laborer who has spent his entire life starving and slogging with no peace. Suddenly, he gets a letter that some relative has just left him with a billion dollars, which he will get in the next few months.
How do you think this laborer will feel in the next few months? He will not focus on what he is going through just because he believes that paper, that promise in his pocket, will get him the life of his dreams.
The same meagre food, the days of slogging, the hardship will be of no consequence because he has his eyes on a bigger prize.
Does that mean a righteous believer will not find happiness in this world?

In my opinion, it is a buy one get one free concept.

You buy the Akhira, and your dunya comes for free with it.

But if you buy the dunya, then the dunya becomes a burden, discontentment, sadness, and stress.

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةًۭ ضَنكًۭا وَنَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ
 “But whoso turns away from My message, he will have a straitened life, and We will gather him blind on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Surah Taha: 124)

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًۭا ٨٢
"And We send down of the Quran what is a healing and mercy for the believers;"
 (Surah Israh :82)

Thus, the two key components of happiness are:
1) Balance of Emotions:

This relates to balance between the negative and the positive emotions and moods. Happiness is generally linked to experiencing more positive feelings. (which is profoundly administered through a deeper understanding of the Quran)

2) Life Satisfaction:

I would define it as knowing that you are doing the right thing. (which can only be truly accomplished by making Allah the priority of all our decisions)
If these two are according to the above-mentioned criteria, then a believer will be rewarded the gift of contentment, a feeling, and a state which is deeper and longer lasting than the fleeting moments of happiness.

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Question & Answers with Sara Asif

Coordinator Quest

Instructor The Rope & Mindful Me

1. How do you balance teaching and family responsibilities?

Balancing both requires intentionality. I prioritize my time and ensure that I’m present in the moment—whether it’s preparing lessons or spending quality time with family. Having a supportive family and the clarity that teaching is also an act of service to Allah makes the process smoother.

2. What’s the most memorable moment from your teaching experience?

One moment that stands out is when a student shared how a simple Quranic reflection changed their perspective on life and helped them cope with a personal challenge. It was a powerful reminder of how Allah’s words transform hearts, and being a small part of that journey felt deeply rewarding.

3. What’s the most meaningful project you have worked on?

One of the most fulfilling projects was creating a structured Islamic curriculum for a female working audience, designed to make Quranic teachings relatable to their everyday struggles. Seeing the positive impact and the genuine interest it sparked among these women made every effort worthwhile.

4. What are the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was staying authentic to the core teachings of Islam while making them relatable to a modern audience. It required constant learning, self-reflection, and a sincere connection with the Quran and Sunnah. Overcoming this meant going back to the basics—seeking guidance from mentors, making dua for clarity, and ensuring my intentions remained aligned with pleasing Allah.

5. One advice you’d like to give to those who are new to practicing/learning Deen:

Take it slow and steady. Build your connection with Allah through small, consistent steps. Focus on quality over quantity, and never hesitate to ask for help or guidance from knowledgeable and sincere people. Remember, this is a journey, not a race. So enjoy growing closer to your Creator one step at a time.

6. What’s your favourite hobby?

Long drives! There’s something so refreshing about hitting the road, enjoying the journey, and reflecting on life along the way.

7. Your favourite way to spend an afternoon.

A quiet afternoon with a strong cup of black coffee and dark chocolate, surrounded by a cozy and aesthetically pleasing space—either reading or reflecting—is my ideal recharge.

8. How do you prioritize self-care and personal growth amidst a busy schedule?

Prioritizing self-care and personal growth amidst a busy schedule means carving out intentional time, even if just a few minutes daily, for personal reflection and connecting with the Quran. This nourishes the soul, while small joys, like my favorite coffee or maintaining a calm, comfortable environment at home, bring balance and comfort. 

Physical fitness plays a vital role too—it not only boosts energy but also clears the mind, helping me stay focused and disciplined. It’s about small, consistent efforts that nurture the mind, body, and soul.

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Heart to Heart with Purnia Hasan

Instructor ___ Prophetic Path

1. How do you manage teaching and parenting responsibilities with young children?

Haha I don’t! You will constantly find me in a state of frenzy. And I think every mom will attest to this, but no matter how organized you are, your schedule is always a gamble with kids. But I’m trying to learn to embrace it. I love being a mama to my babies, and teaching has been an incredible way for me to stay connected with my study of religion. So Alhamdulillah for all the frenzy.

2. How do you prioritize self-care and personal growth amidst your busy schedules?

I didn’t for the longest time and it reached a point where it started to take a toll on my mental health. But at some point I started scheduling in my workouts while the kids were in school and it made a huge difference to my state of mind. Once you realize that self care actually helps you become a better version of yourself in other areas of life, it becomes that much easier to prioritize it as well. 

As far as personal growth goes, since becoming a mom it felt like all my goals were way out of reach. And it still feels that way. But again, it’s all about embracing the phase of life you’re in. So instead of focusing on my end goal, I focus more on the little steps that will get me there. And that, in essence, is where personal growth lies. 

3. Can you share a personal story on how seerah has influenced your life?

Ah that’s a tough one. There are so many, but If there’s one overarching lesson I’ve learned after studying seerah, it’s that the confidence that comes with Imaan, is truly one of a kind. Having complete trust and reliance on Allah, and acknowledging that He In fact is the source of all our happiness and success, is truly liberating. The inner peace and acceptance that comes with it is actually something we’re all constantly craving in today’s world. But this is only something that can be experienced by people with Imaan. 

4. Since you’ve lived abroad, what do you think is the most challenging part of adapting to new environments?

Figuring out who you are, what your values are and what’s important to you. Once you’re confident answering those questions, it’s a little less scary adapting to change because you know you won’t lose yourself to that new environment. And whatever new things you do end up adopting, would only better you as a person. It’s a lot easier said than done. But I’ve learned that having the Quran as a constant companion really grounds you and gives you confidence in the most challenging of situations. 

5. One advice you’ll like to give those who are new to studying Seerah?

It’s quite possibly the most remarkable story of one of the most remarkable individuals you’ll ever come across. Just immerse yourself in it and come to it with an open heart. Trust me, you’ll want to revisit it over and over again. Each time, with a different perspective and each time, taking away something new.

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Let’s Get To Know Shanila Dadabhoy

Instructor __The Script

1. What inspired you to become a calligraphy teacher?

My relationship with calligraphy started many years ago. All I wanted was to write Allah’s (S.W.T) words beautifully.

I am not a scholar, but I like to share whatever I have learned and researched over the years, with people who want to learn. People who are like “thirsty birds” as one of my students is fond of saying.

2. How do you encourage students to explore their creativity?

Everyone has a creative  side, which hasn’t been explored. Once they come out of their comfort zone, they realise what they are capable of.

3. What are the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was to make a one year,  once a week outline, to equip my students with all the tips and tools I could so that they could start their journey with calligraphy.

4. What’s the most memorable project you’ve worked on?

I have yet to make a memorable piece, and when I do, I will share it with everyone.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend an afternoon?

My afternoons are spent practicing calligraphy and painting Islamic art. On the weekend, I give traditional Islamic art workshops with a friend.

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Tajweed Reflections

By Ambereen Khalid – Facilitator The Connection

While filling out the form for the intensive Quran course, Rihla, in 2022, I promised Allah (S.W.T) to give my best to it, learn from it, and change my ways, so as to rebuild my weakening connection with Him. While it took a lot of discipline, commitment and inner reflection, Tajweed has been a real reality check for me. As my struggle continues, it has made me pause, and draw a
few parables for myself. Perhaps that’s what the Almighty wants me to realize and polish as I continue with my daily practice.
Here are some of the learnings through the module called “Tajweed.”
Mistakes like not elongating the maddah as per its required counts, stretching the dammah or the qasrah unnecessarily, difficulty in taking out the sound through the right makhraj, and the gymnastics of the tongue switching from a fat letter to a thin or vice versa teaches me to be more attentive and mindful of my speech. The heedlessness in our conversations is now more glaring than ever, as well as the need to control the mighty tongue, which will one day stand witness for or against me on the Day of Judgement.
Paying attention to every harf and its sound as the teacher recites, teaches me to give a listening ear, with complete focus to the spoken words. It sharpens my listening skills to understand people better, as opposed to simply hearing, while the mind wanders off and the words just become a background noise.
Clear articulation of the words being spoken requires opening the mouth and
not feeling the constriction in my throat. I have to overcome my fear and inhibitions. It brings clarity in my thoughts and communication, without any ambiguity. As I learn to suppress my turbulent emotions, my apprehensions no longer wreak havoc within me due to my inability to confront them.
Giving each harf, each word its due rights, forces me to ask myself questions:

When do I round my lips? When do I pause? What are the prompts to stretch
a letter, and then, how much do I stretch? It draws a parallel to life – one must give each relationship and role its due time and right, know when to bend backwards and go the extra mile, when to hold on, when to let go, where to draw boundaries, or perhaps, even disconnect completely.

Letting go of the tune of my favourite recitation, stuck in my head, has been the
toughest. The voice of the Qari rings in my mind recurringly, and I push it away every time, only for it to return. It hits me with the realization that I need to change the tune, as well as the speed of my life, as I let go of old ways, and tune into adopting the ways of my beautiful deen that I now know and understand. I must strike the right balance; not too slow for it to become a drag, and not too fast, that I miss out on the finer details of both the recitation and life itself.
If I make a mistake, I revisit the word carefully, just as I am required to revisit
situations in my life too. I contemplate on where I have gone wrong, and on
how to make amends and move forward with grace. When I err in life, learning
to take a step back and an inward look allows me to address my mistakes and not repeat them. In recitation, as well as in real life, I stick with the mantra:
Repeatedly, I will fall, change, and rise in HIS eyes. Even when disappointed, I can not give up! The key is to continuously show
up, practice consistently and break away from the previous mistakes of
Tajweed.
It is quite the same with life – we continuously bring in positive and permanent
changes till our last breath. We keep trying and rising. My shortcomings teach me to be more mindful of my steps in life as I draw nearer to my end – my tongue in His zikr, my hands clasping His Book close to my heart, my ears listening to His Kalaam, my heart engulfed by His love and mercy – I am returning to Him again and again, till His words and His promise are absorbed
by my being!

Allah (S.W.T) knows what I don’t. All I know is that He wants me to put in more
effort not only on my Tajweed but on myself too, and what is needed to ground
me, take me closer to Him, and bind me tighter to His Book. I keep missing
the mark on most days, the frustration of not being able to get it right peaks, and yet the struggle continues – to never give up till I return to my Creator