here's to life, here's to the big 25

الله اكبر، ثم كل شيء يصغر

| Allah is Great(er), and then every thing becomes small(er) in proportion | 

Needless to say that 2020 has left a great mark on our small book of life. We started the year with a bang (quite near literally) marked by the death of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani (may Allah swt have mercy on him). At the time, I though nuclear warfare would become the undoing of our world. Something of great size and magnitude. But of course, we were reminded again of the rampant and extremely underestimated capabilities of our microbial co-inhabitants. COVID-19 brought its own bang. The details are documented well enough by articles and memes so I won't tire you with a recount. The world was abuzz and fell silent too fast. We lost many. May Allah (swt) have mercy on my uncle Abdniasir. May Allah (swt) have mercy on the many others named, unnamed, claimed by sickness or injustice. We also welcomed many - shout out to my first nephew and all other COVID-19 babies. I can't verbalize the light our little ones radiate without effort and how much good it's doing us all in these dark times - alhamdulilah for small big blessings.   

This was a year of a multitude of defining moments. Masjids were empty in Ramadan, but our homes were full, our hearts too I hope. Quarantine offered us the unrealized opportunity for solitude and stillness, which I admit was stifling at times. Having to experience all of this + post grad depression (which I assure you is real and all the worse when the economy is reeling from a pandemic) was a great challenge. But, coming back to proportionality and perspective, it was also in its own way a blessing. 

One gentle suggestion I have for myself and others is: when times like these do come (and they shall come), try to remember to recalibrate your lens. Relativity is key. Our trials are big, vast, sometimes to my small mind and heart overwhelming, but they are small and grow smaller still in proportion when compared to the greatness and mercy of Allah (swt) who guides and guards us even in our darkest times. 

Hold close to heart what the hand can't hold. 

Alhamdulilah for 25 years of life.