Beginning
I am journaling the beginnings of this blog from the library of Sayed Naqib Al-Attas at ISTAC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (pictured blurilly below).
All [at least for now] of these entries will begin as pen to paper on my journal, and then typed up — perhaps less efficient, but nothing surpasses the catharsis that comes with your own hand gliding on paper.
Indeed, actions are by intentions. Therefore, let me start with that.
As much as I pray for sincerity in this, I acknowledge that only comes from God. And so, whether no one reads this at all, or every single literate person on the planet does, it does not and should not matter to me. My intention with this firstly is to reflect, a practice deeply ingrained in tradition.
Reflect on what?
To give some context, in 2025, I completed a series of classes in the ‘Sirat Program.’ This shattered my worldview. Over the course of the 5 retreats, I felt like a plant propagation that had rooted in a worldview that was water. Throughout the course I was planted in the earth and got to experience what it was to be grounded for the first time. Though not easy, I am so grateful for the mental decolonization the knowledge catalysed but also lost on how best to express that gratitude and what to do with it. I am merely a seeking soul who has been given a taste of this life-changing Islamic worldview embedded in the fitra and want to share it (through everyday life experiences and reflections).
Also, I hope this blog will keep me accountable throughout the year, as I struggle with istiqamah (consistency). I am beginning my intentional permaculture journey now and will also update that here.
I love writing reflectively and to share with others my learnings especially whilst I travel the world this year (God-willing) is but a feeble attempt of showing my Shukr (gratitude). Whilst through reflection, sharpening my writing abilities and importantly, my appreciation of God’s creation as I seek to know Him.
Which leads me to the question of why a blog?
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The written medium is a dying one — I acknowledge that. But this is not some dramatic nor radical attempt to revive it (though with GenAI it inadvertently is). I merely feel it is the best medium to capture my thoughts and reflections; inherently vulnerable. If I made this an Instagram or YouTube account using a photo or video medium, what you would see of me walking in the street versus on these accounts would be the same (maybe just sans-filter). However, walking past me on the street does not reveal the racing thoughts contained within me as I make sense of the world.
You have probably read this far and wondered OK but who are you? Answer is, I’m trying to find out…
For what it’s worth I am a servant of Allah, created and placed on this earth as his vicegerent as I get to worship (read: know), Him.
As for the shallow details to clarify the wordly context I operate within, I am a Muslim girl in my twenties born and raised into a Lebanese family in Sydney, Australia. I live with my husband in a humble granny flat at the moment. I work full time as a corporate regulator, though I hold many interests outside of my day job, which are:
· the economy (and specifically, the sickness of the capitalist one we operate in)
· beauty in the natural world (& also in built design)
· permaculture
The rest I’m still trying to figure out.
In keeping with the tradition, I have had in my journals forever, here are five things I’m currently grateful for:
· Travel
· Marriage
· Health
· Literacy
· Knowledge
