Filling the Void: Remembrance of Allah

Asalam alaykum loves, I know this is my second post today but again I got behind this week so I am trying to catch up. The posts will probably be shorter since I am just wanting to get them posted. I try to put more research and time into my posts so I apolgize if they are low quality!

So what I wanted to discuss is actually the theme of a Muslim Women's Camp I am a part of coming up later this month. It really is an amazing opportunity because as women who cover modestly we don't often get the chance to be outdoors and be uncovered and run around. The camp is filled with activities like sports, team building exercises, hiking, boating, swimming, claiming and on top of that there is a spiritual aspect included. We are in the outdoors but we are also gathering to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, make new friends, have an outlet to discuss things that we are struggling with and need support with and remember Allah, find ways to become better Muslims and closer to Him.

so anyways, if ya'll are interested, the camp is happening June 28-31, if you are in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I would highly recommend registering, it is something you don't want to miss!

Register if you are a Muslim girl in Minnesota 15 or older: https://docs.google.com/forms/

The theme is talking about how we try to fill what is empty inside with things other than Allah but how we can't fill that void. I can speak from experience when you try to distract yourself with the enjoyment of this life you will be uneasy, lost and something will always be missing. When I had times where I felt unhappy or confused or unfulfilled, and I tried to feel complete by hanging out with friends, watching tv, and other things I will not mention, that only lead to more unsatifaction and tears. Trust me, no matter how much money you have, no matter how popular or famous you are, or the most expensive things you have, or how many degrees you have, or how many places you visit. You cannot truly be happy unless you are working to please and worship Allah.

Surah Baqarah: 152

"So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me."

198:

"There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from 'Arafat, remember Allah at al- Mash'ar al-Haram. And remember Him, as He has guided you, for indeed, you were before that among those astray."

Surah Al-Azhab 41-43

"O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance"

"And exalt Him morning and afternoon."

"It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so] that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is He, to the believers, Merciful."

Surah Al-Mu'minun 84-85

"Say, [O Muhammad], "To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you should know?"

"They will say, "To Allah ." Say, "Then will you not remember?"

Surah Al-Muzzammil, 8

"And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion."

Surah Ar-Ra'd, 28

"Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!

The last verse is the most powerful because it clearly tells us we will find comfort and satisfaction in our hearts when we remember Allah. There is a peace in your heart that comes from prayer, from Zhikr (saying Subhan Allah, Alhumdilah, Allah Akbar) and asking Allah for what you truly desire. Because he listens to our problems, He is the one who knows His creation and what we are going through, so when we cry to him and we are sincere in our love and devotion to Him, he provides us with the missing piece of the puzzle deep inside our souls that we are searching for. When you have a purpose in life, and when it is geared towards Allah, doesn't it make you feel better knowing that you are here, that you exist on this Earth for a reason? To worship Allah and do good to others.

In Surah Azhab it says the angels ask Allah to grant us blessings so that He may bring us out of darkness into light. We so often try to seek a peace of mind, an adrenaline high, a pleasure feeling so that it distracts us from our real problems and issues. But what often happens? That thing that we are doing is only temporary, it only feeds the pain, it makes you forget temporarily, makes you feel good and happy and light headed but it doesn't provide the answers and the happiness you are looking for. It only gives you depression, addiction and the feeling of being incomplete and having no hope.

We all have things that make us happy, a brand new phone, car or clothing, being able to travel, when someone grants you recognition for something you worked hard for, when you put all your hard work into school or a job, and you get a promotion or pass that difficult exam. Those things do add value to your life but if they are not combined with remembering Allah often, praising Him and relying on Him, they are not accomplishments unless we are thankful and grateful towards Allah.

May Allah make us among those who remember him often, no matter where we are and who we are with, who give us the satisfaction and happiness in our hearts that we are searching for, and keep us away from distractions or harmful things that take us away from remembering Allah! Ameen