Public Response | August 2021

In contrast to other sciences, Arabic language learning appears neutral. Believers from all sorts of backgrounds may enrol in that class — judgement-free when it's online! Participants have said the space is open and relaxed.

This was in my mind when the classes began, but it became very clear when this anonymous feedback was received after 3 months of classes. Allah bless them and open doors of understanding for them.

I've been thinking about this brave, articulate comment written one year ago, and what good must have come their way since.

As it was anonymous, I could not respond.

This is not just for you.

This is Allah. The Magnificent. He drives good to us. He softens our hearts.

The words could have been written by any student, past or present. The sentiment would resonate with many. We think, 'I'm just going to memorise 1 juz... I'm just going to do 1 hr of Arabic a week...' Yet we find our hearts 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 open. Trace it back to Allah. ﷻ

As it cracks open, guidance can enter. A thirst, a desperation for Allah, spurs you towards good.

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” ― Jane Austen

Their final comment reminded me of the purity of when companions would ask the Prophet ﷺ: 'Is it just for me, or for everyone?' Allah's giving is for you, your family, your community. He made īmān the zīnah of our hearts. He beautified it in your heart.

It was nothing to do with the class, nor the person running it.

It was you and your Lord, just as it always has been.

The one prayer we all have to make, even if nothing else, is for guidance. We ask at least 17 times a day, 'Guide us.' When you ask Allah, know that He will answer, and let that suffice you. This is what teachers say. Ask knowing He gives generously and without account.

When we ask, we ask based on the One giving, not on what we think we are 'worthy' of. We are not worthy. But we *must* ask, because we depend on Him alone. We hope in His giving, and no one else's. Ask knowing He has the treasures of the heavens and earth, and He loves to give.

After making a mistake, we fall into grief and may be less inclined to ask Allah for immense goodness. We may feel we are not 'worthy' to ask for His abundant giving. After erring, that was when Sulaiman (AS), a Prophet, asked for a kingdom no one else had, nor would ever have.

My teacher said: 'There is a difference between the believer who knows their way back to their Lord, and the one who doesn't.'

They err, but instead of shutting down, they turn to Him, hoping for more, wanting to do better. It's a cycle of erring and turning.

نعم العبد إنه أوّاب

My teacher uses a phrase that gives me goosebumps.

“...a heart brimming with love for Allah...”

That's how we ask our Master.