A Journey of Reflection: Letters to My Unborn Children and the Awakening Within
Fun fact, I've been writing letters to my unborn children since 2019. Ambitious, I know. It was inspired by Boona Mohammed's very beautiful and highly impactful video, "A Letter to My Daughter."
Initially, writing was my refuge, a sanctuary for sanity. However, upon revisiting these letters recently, a profound awakening occurred. How could I expect greatness from my children when I was squandering precious time? The realization hit hard.
In aspiring for my future children to be great Muslims, I had to confront the stark truth—I was not fully embodying those principles myself. The letters, rather than serving as a source of inspiration, became a mirror reflecting the inconsistency in my own actions. How could I anticipate their piety and diligence when I hadn't fully committed to these values in my own life?
Islam emphasizes the urgency of time, symbolized by Allah swearing by time in Surah Al-Asr. One of my favorite surahs and in my opinion, one of the scariest too.
“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3).
The Creator of the world declares time as a great measure of one’s success or failure. The Exalted One says that with every advancing moment of existence, humans have a great warning that is associated with it. Time is one of mankind’s most precious resources which can never be replaced or renewed once it has passed. How then are we utilizing ours? How was I utilizing mine?
In this moment of awakening, I recognized the gravity of time management. The ticking seconds and the impending departure from this dunya demanded a reevaluation of my priorities. The letters, which were meant to be a guide for my children, turned into a guide for self-reflection. It became evident that to be a good mother - which is one of my greatest worldly desires, I needed to be a better person. The expectations I set for my children should be grounded in my own commitment to embodying the values of Islam.
As the letters prompted me to question my own use of time, I understood that the essence of Islam doesn't allow for procrastination in self-improvement. If I wanted my children to prioritize meaningful deeds, stay away from inconsequential matters, and be firm with their prayers, I had to lead by example.
This led to a renewed commitment—a commitment to making the most of my time, investing it wisely in deeds that would benefit both my dunya and akhira. The letters, once a mere expression of aspirations, became a catalyst for personal growth. Now, they serve not only as a legacy for my children but as a testament to my dedication to live by the verses of the Quran, not just recite them. To be an embodiment of islam, uncompromising and unwavering.
By aligning my actions with the principles I wish to instill in my children, I'm not just preparing them for a better future but actively contributing to a more profound and authentic legacy.
We often talk about becoming better but at that moment, the realization struck that talk alone is insufficient. We need to actively strive for improvement. The urgency of time, as emphasized in Islam, demands that we make a conscious effort to live up to our aspirations. It's time to bridge the gap between intention and action, to earnestly pursue the path of self-betterment.
Let us seize the opportunity to do better as Muslims, not just in words but through relentless effort and commitment. As the ticking seconds remind us of the fleeting nature of time, let our actions echo our intentions, creating a legacy that reflects the true essence of Islam—a commitment to continuous improvement and a life dedicated to pleasing Allah.
I have found my anchor (these letters), what’s yours? Time waits for no one.
Mutuwa akeyi kullun. Idan ma bamu ji ba, kan mu mukayi wa. Zamuyi bayani.
Ibn al-Mubarak reported: Awn ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “A man advised his son, saying: O my son, you must be mindful of Allah. If you are able to be better today than you were yesterday, and to be better tomorrow than you are today, then do so.”
Source: al-Zuhd wal-Raqā’iq 832
The truth is we will be questioned and we will be held accountable whether we like it or not. Death waits for no one. We see it all around us and we know it. So when do we pay heed?
May Allah forgive Sa’idah Sa’idu and grant her Jannah. May the baby she left behind grow up to be an embodiment of Islam and May she be surrounded by so much love and joy. Ameen.