By: Sheikh Laiqa

There are moments in life when scattered thoughts, childhood memories, and divine guidance come together so seamlessly a clear sign that Allah Himself is gently guiding the heart.”

Recently, I found myself reflecting on a saying my beloved Naani used to tell me repeatedly during my childhood: “Pad pad ke gaya pathar, likh likh ke gaya choor.” By reading endlessly, he became like a stone; by writing constantly, he became a thief.”

For years, I didn’t understand what she truly meant. She only ever said this first part, and I never thought to ask why. Perhaps the second part was in Urdu, and she couldn’t express it fully. But just a few days ago, I heard the complete version:

“Pad pad ke gaya pathar, likh likh ke gaya choor,
Jis padhne se Sahib mile, woh padhna hai aur.”

“The knowledge that leads you to Allah, that is the knowledge worth seeking.”

Suddenly, it all made sense. My Naani had been trying to teach me that knowledge without purpose, without direction, is empty and lifeless. True knowledge is that which brings us closer to Allah. I was amazed by the depth of these words and how beautifully they capture the essence of what it means . I realized that knowledge, when pursued with sincerity, transforms the heart and draws us nearer to Allah.

This reflection led me to think of something I read years ago about the profound emptiness that comes from attaching ourselves to the temporary pleasures of this world and how that emptiness affects our hearts. I once came across a powerful reminder: “Empty your heart from the worldly love.”

A question followed that pierced deep into the soul:

“What is it that we really worship? The gift or the Giver? The beauty or the Source of Beauty? The provision or the Provider? The creation or the Creator?”

These words reminded me of the tragedy we often bring upon ourselves by placing our hearts in the wrong places. We attach ourselves to the temporary—whether it be wealth, status, or fleeting desires—and wonder why we feel emptiness and pain. It was explained that we often harm ourselves by attaching to the wrong things and then cry when it hurts.

This insight deeply resonated with me. We are the ones who bind our hearts to the material world and then question why we feel suffocated. True peace and contentment only come when we release those attachments and reconnect with the Source of all peace: Allah, the Creator.

Just yesterday, I was further reminded of this truth while sitting in class, as my teacher explained the Tafseer of Surah Luqman. As I listened intently, my gaze drifted toward the window. The sun was shining brilliantly, and its warm rays softly touched me. In that serene moment, I felt deeply connected to everything around me. It was as though Allah was speaking to me through His creation, reassuring me, guiding me. My teacher recited the powerful words from the Qur’an:

“And ˹remember˺ when Luqman said to his son, while advising him, ‘O my dear son! Never associate ˹anything˺ with Allah ˹in worship˺, for associating ˹others with Him˺ is truly the worst of all wrongs.” (Qur’an 31:13)

Hazrat Luqman (عليه السالم), renowned for his wisdom, began his advice with the most essential truth: to worship Allah........

© Kashmir Images