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Have you ever noticed how certain colors make you feel energized and confident, while others induce calmness or even a little sadness? The impact of color on our psychology and mood has intrigued psychologists, designers and artists for centuries, and, quite frankly, can be very subjective.

In the world of fashion, color is not just about aesthetics – it can unlock a world of emotions. It sounds a bit dramatic, I know, but the 

: The colors you wear can have a profound influence on your mindset, mood, and even how others perceive you (power play, anyone??).

Here at Haute Hijab, we’ve been leaning heavily into color this summer and exploring the relationship between the psychology of color and the hijabs we wear. Now, this is a whole science on its own, one we cannot begin to fully address with this post. But, if you are interested in learning more about the psychology of colors and how different colors have been found to stimulate various parts of the brain and elicit distinct emotional responses, keep reading!

It may help you embrace color as part of your hijab styling and pick what colors to wear to reflect (or impact) your personality and emotions. 🙂

(To learn more about the science of color theory and how to make it work for you, click 

. And to learn more about how to understand what skin tone you have and how that plays into the hijab colors that look good on you, click 

If you're seeking a sense of tranquility and serenity, turn to the cool side of the color spectrum. Blue never fails to elicit these feelings. Think of the last time you were at the beach, staring peacefully at the different shades of ocean blues and turquoise. Did it not instill in you a beautiful sense of calmness and peace? Almost as if it quenched the thirst of your eyes? The color blue has actually been shown to lower blood pressure and promote a sense of relaxation – surprised?

Green, reminiscent of nature and growth, is associated with balance, harmony and renewal. Think of a time you were hiking through a forest, or staring at a mountain of evergreens. There’s something soothing and refreshing about it.

Warm colors – such as red, orange, and yellow – are known to evoke feelings of excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Red, in particular, has been linked to increased heart rate and heightened emotions. It can create a sense of urgency and passion, making it an ideal choice when you want to make a bold statement or stand out in a crowd.

Orange is associated with warmth, friendliness, and optimism. It can uplift your mood and promote a sense of vitality. Yellow, often associated with sunshine, is known for its ability to enhance focus and stimulate creativity and happiness. Wearing warm colors can give you a boost of confidence and make you more approachable and extroverted.

What about good old neutrals – the backbone of any wardrobe? Why have they been trending over the past few years, and especially during covid? All over social media, all we saw were white houses, beige interiors, and blush pink wardrobes and household items. There’s a reason for that.

How do neutrals play a role in shaping our image and mood? Neutrals are calm and reliable, undisrupted.

Think about black (yes, black is a neutral, and also 

!), the epitome of sophistication and power. A well-tailored black suit can instantly make you feel self-assured and ready to make a lasting impression and give you an air of authority. It can also be elegantly understated if you wanted to blend in, but appear put together. You really can never go wrong with black!

White, often associated with purity and simplicity, conveys a sense of freshness and openness. A flowing white dress or 

 can create an effortlessly chic and sophisticated look, radiating confidence and approachability.

Gray is seen as a practical and timeless color that exudes neutrality and balance. Brown, reminiscent of earthy tones, is often associated with reliability, stability, and warmth.

Ok, this is all really cool. Now, how do I use color psychology to curate my hijab/fashion wardrobe?

Well, that’s entirely up to you! Do you need to reach for a red hijab or blazer when you’re trying to stand out? No. Your personality can do that for you. You can certainly follow your instinct when reaching for your color of the day (and you’ll actually find that most of the time, your instincts will match the research in color psychology), but it’s cool to have this information in your toolbox for certain situations.

For example, when dressing for specific occasions, consider the impact you want to create. Are you attending a job interview and aiming to project professionalism? Opt for sophisticated neutrals like gray or navy/shades of blue.

Do you want to make a memorable entrance at a social event? Vibrant colors like fuchsia, orange or royal blue can help you stand out and radiate confidence.

At the end of the day, remember to stay true to yourself. These aren’t rules, but rather guideposts that you can choose to follow, if you like. Also, keep in mind that cultural influences play a role in the psychological impact of color. Some cultures wear black to funerals. Others wear white.

Experiment and find the colors that resonate with your personal style and personality. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Most importantly, go with what makes you feel your best.

Lastly, in my research about the psychology of color, I have to say I am left in wonder at Allah (S), 

 (the most beautiful). It is He who created these colors, all to be found in the most awe-inspiring moments in nature. Sunrises and sunsets, oceans and skies, desert sands, savannahs, and rainforests, underwater worlds, fields of flowers, fruits and vegetables, landscapes, animals, humans and so much more. Everything is by His design, and learning about this has left me in awe, pondering the wonders of His creations, blessings, and mercy.

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ"


“Verily, Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.”

And there is no better artist than He. Everything is as He intends.

Mood Lifting Hijab Hues – How the Colors You Wear Impact Your Psychology & Emotions

Have you ever felt stuck in a season of life, left wondering if this is your new (and maybe permanent) normal? Like the life you see other people live, that you so badly wish for, is just maybe not written in the cards for you?

And most likely, when you’re left wondering this, you’re probably going through some deep hardship, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you’re sitting in a drawn out period of grief, experiencing financial hardships, or life has thrown you more curveballs than you think you can handle, you know that it can sometimes feel like this is just IT for you. You might resign yourself to this “lifeless” or super hard life, or you may be angry and resentful or a slew of other emotions; but when you’re in the middle of it, it’s really really really hard to see anything good or to believe that things will, 

On the other hand, you may be in an okay place in life but feeling 

. Like whatever choices you’ve made for your life, you’re in them forever. Like you’re just constantly sacrificing yourself for your family, and maybe your youth was your only time that you had for yourself. Maybe this is you. Maybe you’re a mom who sacrificed her career to raise her little ones, often looking at her friends and peers climbing the ladder that they often wish they were still on. Maybe you’ve made a specific career choice that you no longer find fulfilling, but on which you’ve spent so many years and time and money. Is this it for you?

But, I’m here to tell you two things:



Allah (S) tells us that this life (on earth) is but a glimpse of your existence. We know that eternity will be spent in the hereafter, not in this 

. We know this. But what does that even mean?

It means that nothing is permanent. Not the good, not the bad, not the in between. It means that life will ebb and flow like a wave. There will be high points and low points; there will be storms and sunny days, but nothing is permanent. That alone can be a source of comfort when you’re in the thick of it. It will pass, Insha’Allah. It will pass. And also, Allah (S) promises us in the Quran, “Verily with hardship comes ease. Verily with hardship comes ease." [94:5-6] 

This promise is repeated twice, for Allah (S) to remind us that there is ease, even in the midst of your hardship. One must only stop and look for it. It may not be the ease you imagined for yourself, or it may not come in a recognizable form, or it may not even happen in a timeline you asked for. But Allah (S) has promised us ease with our hardship in the way that is best for us.

"No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah , is easy ... "

" ... In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful."

Everything that is happening to you is written for you – and while the hard things can seem overwhelming, there is comfort in knowing there is a higher power at play and that there is wisdom behind it all, a promise that ease will come Allah’s (S) mercy, knowledge and wisdom are all encompassing. Hold on to God in these times of darkness; seek His mercy and ask Him for a way out, and Insha’Allah you will get it.

Such is life. Do not be deluded by movies to think that the goal in life is to attain permanent ease and comfort and happiness. That’s a promise for 

[heaven]. Rather the goal in life should be to find stability in our inner selves in our path to Allah (S). That, no matter the storm, our faith anchors us. We may be rocked but never broken to the point of no repair. We have Allah (S), and He’s got us.

عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ

Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.

Stability of our inner selves. Our faith remains steadfast, and in that, comes comfort and ease as you wait for the storm to pass, inshallah.

As for this second statement – there are seasons of life. And the sooner you accept it, the sooner you’ll be able to let go of a lot of invisible guilt and baggage and put down the barriers you may have placed on yourself.

When you read a nice long book, it has chapters, right? The plot doesn’t stay constant. The character evolves and with them, the story evolves as well. That’s a great metaphor for life. As life moves on, so do the chapters, and with that comes change. You’re supposed to change and evolve. You’re not supposed to be stuck in quicksand.

This means that the decisions you make for your life today does not necessarily define your entire story! If you make the really difficult choice to leave your career to stay at home and run your household and care for your little ones, that doesn’t mean you can never get back into it when the time is right again! I saw this a lot during the Haute Hijab Changemakers tour a couple years back – women often felt despair about their state after years of being homemakers – and often felt their aspirations were out of reach. They also felt bad about themselves, as if they were blaming themselves for being in that position.

But – what if we shifted that mindset? What if we looked at it from a different perspective. What if you made that active decision for yourself for this chapter of your book. The next chapter, when the time is right for you and your family, you can absolutely change the story and evolve! It will look different for everyone, but the worst thing you can do for yourself is to feel stuck and torture yourself with self blame. Be proud of your decisions, and honor the role you held in each chapter of your life with the understanding that things shift and change.

This goes for anyone! Whether you’re feeling stuck in a career or feeling stuck in decisions you’ve made for your life, I encourage you to instead shift mindsets and appreciate each stage you’re in, even if it’s difficult. Timing is everything. And also, make du’a and ask Allah (S) to grant you the best in each chapter of your life!!

So, as you move through the different seasons or chapters of your life, do so with intentionality. Lean into the decisions you’re making and make the best of them, because the next season or chapter for you may hold something entirely different! You can absolutely wear many different hats in your life.

At the end of the day, for however long we live on this earth, one thing is true: Nothing is permanent. We are but visitors passing through, making the most of our time here on earth as servants of Allah (S) by honoring the different roles He chose for us to have. May you get the best of what this life and the next has to offer, even in the midst of your good days and bad days, Insha’Allah!

Shifting Our Mindset to Embrace the Seasons of Our Lives

Confession: I’ve been wearing my sport hijab (the tech wrap) exclusively (minus the days we’re invited to a party or something) for about 2.5 months now (if not more). Before your mind goes there – yes, of course I take it off when I get home. Don’t be gross! But anytime I’m out, that’s the hijab I reach for.

Why? It’s magic. It’s life changing. It’s everything I could ever want in a go-to hijab. Let me tell you why.

First, you need to understand my day-to-day lifestyle: I’m a work-from-home mom of two kids ages almost seven and three-and-a-half. (They have corrected me when I said six and three on more than one occasion, haha.) And as any mom knows, I double as their chauffeur. Between school pickups and drop offs, play dates, sports and more, I’m always on the go, especially now that the weather’s warmer.

So with all the in-and-out I do in my day, I end up putting on and taking off my hijab a million times. When I reach for it to step out again, I want it to be easy, low maintenance, require little to no pins, and be something I can throw on and go but not look like a hot mess.

It’s incredibly soft, light and breathable, and it is super moisture wicking. I’ve worn it in 95 degree weather during soccer games, I’ve worn it out through rain and sunshine, and it has yet to make me feel mucky, extra sticky or wet and soppy. It dries so quickly and doesn’t make me overheat, which is a MUST for me. Remember, low maintenance is what I’m looking for here – and this is as low maintenance as it gets. I literally don’t have to worry or think about my hijab while I’m wearing it.

You know how the product description says the fabric cools you by 1-2 degrees celsius? Yeah, that’s true! Just take me to a spa, why don’t you?! Suchhhhh a light and cooling tech fabric. I’ve definitely noticed a difference when I wear this hijab versus when I wear different fabrics on super hot days.

Also on the low maintenance front: I literally throw it on, secure it with a magnet and go. No other pins necessary, and not a single time do I find myself fidgeting with it or fixing it while I’m out. It’s so comfortable, but also looks super cute!

Tech Sport Wrap - Rose (Rectangle 65" x 26" / Rose / Ice-Cafe)

 for about two to three weeks – and somehow I got it to match every single thing I wore. As all of you who are fans of neutral-color hijabs (like our 

) know, this particular type of color goes with so many things we wear.

By week three I figured it was time to finally throw it in the laundry, but it didn’t smell bad at alllllll! Then I switched to my 

, and it pretty much matched everything too. (Carbon and shades of gray are another beautiful neutral that you can pair with so many outfits.) I’ve just been rotating between them, and I don’t really foresee that stopping all summer.

If you haven’t tried this hijab yet, I honestly don’t know what you are waiting for. It will change your life. I got all my friends to switch to the HH Tech Wrap as their new go-to hijab. You’ll never have to worry or think about wearing hijab in the heat again. Welcome to a new era of hijab. Just throw it on, and go live your best summer life girl!

Ode to My Tech Wrap, or Why I Haven’t Taken Off My Sport Hijab in Weeks!	

This Ramadan we are exploring various names and attributes of Allah (S) in a series, which are being featured throughout the holy month.

As Ramadan slowly comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on my own journey this month and have been struggling with what I wanted to give to Allah (S) versus what I was able to actually do by way of 

(worship). The other day in a meeting with some of my Haute Hijab team members, we were doing a Ramadan check-in, and I mentioned that I felt so disappointed in myself because I’ve been perpetually exhausted (mom of two littles here!) and haven’t been able to really do a lot of extra ibadah.

I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

We reminded each other that Allah (S) knows what we go through, what our responsibilities are and what our intentions are. He sees all our sacrifices, and He just wants us to turn to Him, and keep the connection alive with him in whatever way possible. Melanie reminded us that maybe us feeling this way is a sign from Allah (S) to go easier on ourselves, and practice more self love: Allah (S) doesn’t expect for the full time mom/caretaker to have the same stamina to stay up all night praying the way a single college student on break or retired elder would, for example.

Fulfilling your responsibilities is also your ibadah. I reminded myself of Allah’s (S) mercy and wisdom.

He puts me where I need to be, He knows my circumstances and my heart, and He loves me, regardless of how or what I think of myself.

This isn’t to say that because God is all-knowing and doesn’t need our worship that we don’t put an effort. It just means that when we’re doing our best, we shouldn’t be coming down so hard on ourselves. And, deep down we know what we are capable of and what our best is. The important thing is to always keep our connection alive with Allah (S) – in whatever that means for us at different seasons of our lives.

To reflect upon some of His names and attributes, as we’ve done so in this brief Ramadan blog series, is a beautiful reminder of how wonderful, forgiving, merciful, wise (and so many other things) that Allah (S) is to us and for us. These names of Allah (S) are guideposts to how we should tread in our lives.

This series has really helped me – and I hope you as well – put things into perspective. Together we’ve covered eight of Allah’s (S) names: 

Al-Rahman Al-Rahim, Al-Wadud, Al-Hakim, Al-Ghaffar, Al-Ghafoor, Al-Ghafir

. We went in-depth into each of these names, what they mean, and how understanding each one can impact your faith in Him.

Out of all of Allah’s (S) 99 names, these two names are the ones attributed to Allah (S) the most – which should tell you all you need to know. 

 means the ever merciful – past, present and future. Allah (S) wants us to know Him by His mercy. In fact, in a hadith Qudsi, Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

"When Allah decreed the Creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: My mercy prevails over my wrath." [Related by Muslim, also by al-Bukhari, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]

The Affectionate and The Most Loving is He, 

. While worldly love is almost always conditional( one way or the other), Allah’s (S) love for His creation (and yes, that includes you!!) is everlasting, unwavering and unconditional. His love for us is manifested in all facets of our lives, even when we don’t realize it. So when things get rough, know and trust that He loves you unconditionally, and that He has knowledge of what we do not. Everything He does is for the best – even if it does not feel like it. We do not know what He knows.

This name means the All-Wise – and it points to 

Allah’s (S) infinite wisdom in all things

 – that everything He does is done with absolute wisdom, knowledge, and perfection. Of Allah’s (S) 99 names, understanding the meaning of Al-Hakim can help put so many things into perspective and deepen and strengthen your faith by shaping your 

, or trust, in Him. It’s easier to hold on to faith and trust in many of His rules and teachings when you truly understand and appreciate Allah’s (S) ultimate wisdom and knowledge, which of course is tied to His benevolence and mercy.

Al-Ghaffar, Al-Ghafoor, Al-Ghafir, Al-Afw

These names (plus some more that I don’t mention) all 

point towards Allah’s (S) generously forgiving nature

 – how He will always forgive us so long as we turn to Him in [sincere] repentance, no matter how big or small the sins. Moreover, He doesn’t just forgive, but He LOVES to forgive us and loves when we turn back to Him after we transgress. Why? Because He created us as human beings with all our flaws and imperfections. We are not expected to be perfect, but are perfected to pursue our path to Allah (S), even as we make mistakes along the way.

The impetus behind this series was to help us better understand who Allah (S) is so that it becomes easier to submit to Him and have a relationship with Him. When we learn about Islam, oftentimes we come across the do’s and don’t’s … what’s 

. Depending on where you are in your faith journey, it can be easy or hard (or in between) to follow said rules and guidelines, especially if you don’t know why they exist, or if they’re imposed upon you by someone else. This often can build resentment towards others, and worse, towards your religion and Lord.

But, to know someone is to love them, and to know Allah (S) is to love Him and understand (as much as He’ll allow) Him. And when you love Allah (S), submitting to His will, especially when times get tough, becomes easier. And isn’t that what we all want? To be able to easily turn back to Him no matter what is happening in our lives, and to understand that He always has our backs, no matter what?

If you took nothing else from this Ramadan, I want you to take this: Allah (S) loves YOU. He wants YOU to turn to Him, regardless of your past and even when you aren’t “feeling it.” Actually, especially when you aren’t “feeling it” or feeling close to Him, because you’re still submitting to Him, and He will open the way for you. Learn about Allah (S), fall in love with your Creator, and devote yourself to Him.

In addition to our series on Allah’s (S) 99 names, we’ve also held 

every week this month, which I highly recommend you watch. They’re over on IGTV for you to reference any time! We discussed Allah’s (S) 

May Allah (S) accept our Ramadan and allow us to live to see the next, Insha’Allah. Remember, even if you’re disappointed with yourself for how your Ramadan has been going, you still have a few days left. All it takes is one moment of connection with Him, 

, to revive your heart and spirituality. Turn to Him, be vulnerable with Him, and talk to Him about everything. He is the everlasting, the All-Merciful, the All-Loving, the All-Wise, the All-Forgiving and so much more.

Allah's (S) Names Light the Way to His Love, Forgiveness, Protection, Guidance & Mercy

This Ramadan we will be exploring various names and attributes of Allah (S) in a series, which will be featured throughout the holy month. This post focuses on

“Allah’s love and divine intimacy with us does not change, but our awareness of that love shifts due to the ever-changing states of our hearts and minds.”

Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam

Over the past three weeks, we’ve learned more about some of Allah (S) names, including 

. While we know that Allah (S) has 99 names (that we know of), I chose these particular names because they helped me fall in love with my creator, which helped me trust in His wisdom even when I didn’t understand it. This in turn heavily impacted and strengthened my faith, Alhamdulillah. We’re not done though – two more posts (focusing on more names of Allah (S)) to go, 

This week’s theme is quite the treat, because we’ll be discussing four of Allah’s (S) names – 

. All four of these are related to one theme: forgiveness. And oh how much we need His forgiveness!

(Learn more about verses of the Quran that 

Pause here for a moment. When we did a deep dive into 

, it was incredible to learn that Allah (S) used two names back-to-back to describe His mercy. And now, when it comes time to describe His forgiveness, there are multiple names (Some that I’m not even mentioning – there are at least seven!) to describe His forgiving nature. Ya Allah (S).

Let’s get into it. What do each of these names mean?

Al-Ghafoor, Al-Ghafir, and Al-Ghaffar all come from the same Arabic root word, “

,” which literally means to cover up or conceal. The connotation became one of forgiveness because to forgive someone means to overlook or ignore harm they ever did to you.

 indicates frequency; He is the one who continuously forgives.

 is the one who has the power to forgive, regardless of the sin. This is one of Allah’s (S) most often mentioned names in the Quran, about 91 times. One of the most common ways this name shows up are: “Al-Ghafoor Al-Rahim” (The forgiving and merciful) and “Al-Ghafoor Al-Wadud” (the one full of generous love, who loves to forgive), and “Al-Aziz Al-Ghafoor” (the one who forgives out of power, not out of weakness).

In Surat Al-Hijr, ayah 49, Allah (S) says,

نَبِّئْ عِبَادِي أَنِّي أَنَا الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

Tell My worshipers that I am the Forgiving, the Most Merciful. 

This is your Lord – who is all forgiving, who forgives when He doesn’t have to, when we don’t deserve it, who forgives out of His love for us. He’s constantly telling us about His loving and forgiving nature, so who are we to not seek his forgiveness, or worse, to despair from it and think that we have sinned too much? In this context, to despair is actually to deny Allah’s (S) power – in a way, you are telling Allah (S) that your sins are bigger than his power.

In surat Al-Zumur, ayah 53, Allah (S) says to the Prophet,

قُلْ يَٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

We are human beings; we fall short. That’s how Allah (S) created us. He didn’t create us as angels who are perfect. No matter how much we fall, we must strive to not despair in Allah’s (S) love and mercy – even when we do not understand why things happen the way they do. For sure it is hard to trust in Allah’s (S) plan, especially when we may be in crisis or managing a lifelong challenge, and sometimes we feel despair creeping in. But Allah (S) is telling us who He is, and sometimes, we just need to close our eyes, hold on, and pray for His mercy.

Remember that God’s expectation is not that we will be perfect and not sin. He created us as human, who will sin by nature, so that we may constantly turn to Allah (S), who is Al-Rahman Al-Raheem, Al-Wadud, Al-Hakim, Al-Ghaffar, Al-Ghafir, Al-Ghafoor, Al-Afw and more.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “By the One in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin, and they would seek forgiveness from Allah and He would forgive them.”

What does this tell us? The point of our existence is not to not sin, it’s to constantly seek Him and return to Him, even when we do sin. He is the constant, His nature is constant. Our awareness of His nature can shift, depending on the state of our hearts and faith, but He does not change.

And He loves to forgive. You just have to ask for it and take the step towards Him.

Ok, so let’s get into the fourth name of this week: Al-Afw.

This name also signifies Allah’s (S) forgiving nature, but it does not come from the same root word as the others. It comes from the Arabic root word, ‘afa, which means to erase to the point that no trace is left. So while the words stemming from ghafara mean to overlook and forgive, Al-Afw means that Allah (S) doesn’t even take into account that the sin occurred. Al-Afw wipes your slate clean.

Allah (S) mentions this name several times in the Quran, typically for major sins, and the Prophet (saw) commanded us to evoke this name of Allah (S) during the last ten nights of Ramadan.

It was narrated from ‘Aishah that she said: “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come upon 

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni

'" (“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”) [Sahih]

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

, and asking Allah (S) for Afw is so important: We will not enter Jannah because of our good deeds; we will enter Jannah because of Allah (S)’s mercy and forgiveness. You may be wondering, how can our deeds not help us? They do help, but deeds alone are not the way forward to Jannah.

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Follow the right course, be devoted, and give glad tidings. Verily, none of you will enter Paradise by his deeds alone.” They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet said, “Not even me, unless Allah grants me His mercy. Know that the most beloved deed to Allah is that which is done regularly, even if it is small.”

Think about it. How much do you actually worship Allah (S) in your daily life? I don’t ask this to shame (and I ask it of myself first and foremost), but to show how we do not glorify and worship Allah in a way He deserves. And yet, he magnifies all our good deeds – one good deed counts as ten, and in Ramadan, counts as 70 or more (In fact, 

if you’re able to worship on Laylatul Qadr

, your deeds can be counted as if you performed them for up to 1000 months). One bad deed? That counts as one, and He asks us to ask him for forgiveness so He can eliminate those sins, those bad deeds.

This Ramadan, I pray that we get to know our Lord more, fall in love with Him, and seek Him in all our affairs. May He make us of those who get afw, or pardoning, in these last 10 nights of Ramadan, and may He always keep our hearts connected to Him.

Allah's (S) Forgiveness is Immediate, Powerful, Continuous & Complete – All We Need to Do is Ask

“Even if our doubts span an entire ocean, the light of God’s wisdom can rise beyond the furthest horizons and illuminate our hearts with a deep sense of contentment."

There is a lightness and peace in knowing there are things you have no control of. And there is safety and comfort in knowing that all things are in control of Allah (S), who is 

Of Allah’s (S) 99 names, Al-Hakim is one that has helped me put so many things into perspective and deepen and strengthen my faith by shaping my 

, or trust, in Him. Honestly, it’s been easier to hold on to my faith and trust in many of His rules and teachings ever since understanding and appreciating Allah’s (S) ultimate wisdom and knowledge, which of course is tied to His benevolence and mercy.

At the surface level, Al-Hakim means “The All-Wise,” but there is so much more to it than that:

According to an-Nabulsi, Al-Hakim that Allah (S) “does the proper thing in the proper way in the proper place and the proper time.” Everything from Allah (S) is done with precision and absolute perfection and absolute wisdom. And He, in all His infinite wisdom, is the manager of our affairs, Alhamdulillah. And, He is not just Al-Hakim, He is ALL of His 99 names and attributes, like 

The name Al-Hakim is mentioned in the Quran about 100 times. In Surat Al-Baqarah, ayah 129 (among many other instances), Allah (S) refers to Himself as “Al-Aziz Al-Hakim” showing us that His power, strength, and might (Al-Azizi) is connected deeply to His wisdom. He is infinitely wise and infinitely powerful. Nothing can harm me except that He wills it, and if He wills it, then there is wisdom in it, even if I do not know/see it yet. 

Again, it comforts me, and makes me feel held – which goes a long way in the moments you feel alone, confused, scared, or like there’s no way out from what you’re going through. Allah (S) is there. He wills. He knows. He says “be” and it is.

So, how did understanding the meaning behind Al-Hakim change my life and deepen my trust and faith in Allah (S)? Simply speaking, it brings me comfort when things in life happen to me that I do not understand. Instead of my default being “Why?” It is much easier for me to say “Alhamdulillah” and acknowledge that this is the best thing that can happen to me – even if it is something hurtful or extremely challenging – because it is Allah (S) who allowed and decreed it to happen.

مَآ اَصَابَ مِنْ مُّصِيْبَةٍ فِى الْاَرْضِ وَلَا فِيْٓ اَنْفُسِكُمْ اِلَّا فِيْ كِتٰبٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ نَّبْرَاَهَا ۗاِنَّ ذٰلِكَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ يَسِيْرٌۖ

“No calamity occurs on the earth or among yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book [of Decrees] before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to achieve, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you.” 

(will) liberates the believer. When calamity or hardship afflicts us, knowing that it was already written, and we couldn’t have done anything to change it allows us to focus instead on how we’re going to react. It takes the pressure and the “what if I did this…” out of the equation. And what’s more, it gives us solace knowing that Al-Hakim ordained this. So when we respond, we respond accordingly to how Allah (S) would want us to respond – with beautiful patience.

Allah (S) being Al-Hakim also means He will not thrust any trial upon anyone unfairly. Holding on to this belief is so crucial in facing any hardship that comes our way. In Surat Al-Baqarah, Allah (S) says,

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ

“Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity.”

If Allah (S) is testing me with something, I know full well that I can handle it. I will not be thrust into anything that is beyond my capacity. Alhamdulillah. And from last week’s reflection, we know that Allah is also Al-Wadud, the most loving. So not only is He the most wise, there is love infused in everything He does for His creation. Perhaps whatever it is that I am going through right now will allow me to grow as a person – whether it’s my spirituality or character or faith. Or, perhaps what I am going through now will lead to good for others (which Allah (S) will also reward me for). It may also uncover some truths that would have otherwise remained hidden.

We are human, and admittedly it’s hard to have this consistent, strong tawakkul in the journey Allah (S) puts us on and whatever comes along the way. But I promise you there is a sweet relief and surrendering of the heart when we are able to say “Alhamdullilah” at whatever comes our way - be it good or difficult - and trust in Allah (S) as knowing what is perfect and right for us. Sometimes that means trusting that while we may never understand the long game, Allah (S) knows what is best, and maybe our reward will come in the hereafter.

In a lecture on this topic, I was reminded of the 

 (as), who went through years and years of tragedy, trials and heartbreak. If he hadn’t been kidnapped, he’d never have ended up in prison in Egypt and interpreted the dreams of two men, who led him to interpret the dream of the King, which led to Yusuf telling the King that there will be an economic financial social crisis in the country, and thousands of children would have starved to death. Yusuf suffered for years, but it ended up saving an entire country. Hindsight is always 20-20 though, right?

The hard part is accepting it, even when you do not know.

When you don’t know why something is happening to you, or in the world on a larger scale, trust and know that Allah (S) knows. He will not harm you or lead you astray. Submit not just “yourself” to Him, but 

There is a difference between knowing Allah (S) decrees everything and appreciating it – and that’s what learning about Al-Hakim did for me. I now can more easily appreciate and say Alhmadulillah about situations that might have otherwise tested my faith.

May Allah (S) increase us in faith and grant us the gift of trusting in His wisdom, even when it is difficult, scary and painful. May He grant us the gift of 

, and wisdom to understand that all that comes from Him is good for us, and may He grant us beautiful patience to get through any hardships we may face. 

Trust in Allah (S), Al-Hakim – Who Does Everything with Precision, Perfection & Absolute Wisdom

“God does not love you just because of who you are; He loves you because love is who He is. So never stop praying. Even when the pain is too much to bear, even when you have broken a thousand promises, even if all that comes out is a silent whisper that only God can hear. No matter what storms you are facing, no matter how bad you mess up, no matter how painful life becomes, the door to prayer is always open for you. After all, as Imam Ali said, “When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.”

Week One of Ramadan is almost over. How do you feel? Close your eyes and breathe. Give yourself a moment to just be. Release yourself of all expectations you placed on yourself, or social media placed on you. Shed that weight. Drop your shoulders. (They’re sitting tense, aren’t they?)

Now, remind yourself of the purpose of Ramadan – to get closer to Allah (S). To recharge your spiritual battery. Your soul is tied to Him. Your soul needs Him. He is who you need to seek. Not the spiritual high, like Dr. Marwa Assar (here is the 

 Melanie did with her) has emphatically stated:

Now, read the above quote by A. Helwa again: “God does not love you just because of who you are; He loves you because love is who He is.”

To know Him is to love Him, and amid all the ibadah (worship) we do and everything we are managing, we must never forget how Allah (S) is love. TAs we continue our journey together to get to know some of Allah (S) names and attributes better, (Last week we 

.) this week we’re doing a deep dive into another one of Allah’s (S) attributes: Al-Wadud, “The Affectionate” or “The Most Loving.”

The following is what I’ve learned over the years from various credible scholars, imams and teachers on the topic. I am in no way a scholar myself

,” which means love (a special kind of love, which we’ll get into). There are other words in Arabic that also mean love, like “

.” However, Allah (S) intentionally chose Al-Wadud. Why?

Hub is a generic word for love, while wud is a higher, purer, more perfect form of love that doesn’t have a romantic connotation and doesn’t have any conditions. It’s a nurturing love that makes you want to care for the person you love without expecting anything in return. It is an active love and not just an abstract feeling that lives in the heart.

He has no need for you, and you cannot benefit Him in any way. And yet, He created you in the best way to be uniquely you. He nourishes you, loves you, teaches you, guides you and protects you, even when you do not know it; and most importantly, even if you reject Him. He doesn’t stop, out of His love to you.

Worldly love is often conditional. We love because there’s always something coming back to us, benefitting us or giving us fulfillment. But Allah (S)’s love is unconditional and all encompassing.