The Manifold

There’s been this thought circling in my mind, weaving itself through my reflections on what it means to live with intention. I keep coming back to the idea that before anything was created, everything was... lawful. I don’t mean lawful as in rules and boundaries, but rather a state where every piece of existence simply was, completely aligned, without duality or conflict. It’s a kind of harmony I can barely imagine—one that feels both breathtaking and serene. It’s as if all creation, all possibility, was suspended in a quiet, unified balance, untouched by the weight of choice. But then, here we are, living these lives where every decision—big or small—introduces choice and, with it, the possibility of duality. It’s strange to think that free will, something we often hold so dear, was the very thing that shifted everything. The moment humanity was created, with all our ability to choose, that primordial harmony opened up to something else: duality. We can’t simply “be” like creation wa...

Manifesting the subtle feels like an unfolding, a gentle journey into inner alignment, where the focus shifts from forcing outcomes to simply being in tune with the quiet, underlying rhythms of life. It’s a transformative shift—where letting go of expectations and trusting in the natural flow of things becomes not only a choice but a necessity. Manifesting in this way isn't about aiming for a specific goal or trying to make something happen through sheer willpower. Rather, it's like finding a center of gravity within oneself, a space where everything aligns more naturally without force or friction. This approach brings to mind the small, grounding rituals I’ve found in using essential oils. For years, peppermint oil was a staple for me, working to ease a dry cough that had been a part of my life for so long it almost became background noise. The change was subtle, nearly imperceptible at first, as if the effects emerged not through effort but through a quiet, natural alignment ...

Life is a series of unfolding layers, where every experience holds a complexity that often goes unnoticed until we look closer. What we think is a simple event can reveal much more when we reflect on it with a different lens. It's fascinating how life's lessons unfold in stages, offering new wisdom as we evolve. This post is a reflection of that unfolding, not just for my recent experiences but for all the thoughts I’ve shared in previous posts, and in many ways, it encapsulates the essence of this blog itself. I’ve noticed that even the smallest moments, when deeply considered, carry a weight beyond their surface meaning. When I planted certain plants in my farm, what seemed like a straightforward process—placing the plant in the soil, watering it regularly—became a reflection of life's multidimensional nature. It wasn't just about watching a seedling grow. That act revealed layers of patience, observation, and learning to adapt to the environment. There was the extern...

Surah Al-Fatihah, the opening chapter of the Quran, is one that holds a special place in every Muslim’s heart. It is often referred to as Umm Al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book) because it contains the essence of the Quran. Though it's recited daily in prayers, at ceremonies, there is a depth to this Surah that extends far beyond the surface meaning. For me, it has become a guide, not just in ritual, but as a reflection of my spiritual journey. Each verse feels like a pathway, bringing me closer to understanding both the Divine and myself. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim —In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This verse reminds me to begin everything in life with an awareness of Allah’s presence. It's a conscious step toward acknowledging that Allah's grace and mercy surround me constantly. "The Most Gracious" and "The Most Merciful" are not just titles, but qualities that permeate existence. Every time I say this, it feels like I'm be...

Lately, the concept of identity has been on my mind. Growing up in Malaysia as a Malay, much of my sense of self has been shaped by the rich culture and traditions I was raised in. The values, customs, and expectations were like seeds planted early in my life, guiding me through roles and responsibilities. But now I’m starting to question whether these identities truly define me or if they’re just layers built by my surroundings. It’s fascinating how deeply culture embeds itself into our identities. From the importance of family to the respect for elders, these have been cornerstones of my upbringing. Yet, while they offer a sense of belonging, I’ve also noticed how they can sometimes feel limiting. Clinging too tightly to these roles can create a narrow version of who I am, as if I’m a seed growing in a small pot, unable to stretch beyond its confines. Still, there's something deeply valuable in these roles, and I don’t want to discard them. I recognize that being Malay, with all ...

The emotional and mental aspects of our lives deeply affect our overall health, often starting as early as childhood. If left unaddressed, emotional trauma can linger and manifest in various ways throughout our lifetime, affecting not just our psychological state but our physical well-being as well—sometimes in unexpected forms, like gray hair. Recently, I came across a post on social media showing a young child in Gaza with gray hair. This wasn't due to age, as most might assume, but a consequence of the immense stress and trauma the child had endured due to the war and siege of their homeland. This reminded me of how emotional and psychological strain can manifest in such visible ways, even at a young age, and how deeply the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. I started noticing gray hairs in my early 20s. Though few, they were noticeable to those standing close enough. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, assuming it was simply part of aging. However, as the years pass...

Currently, there's a rainstorm in my area. Rain itself is often seen as a symbol of cleansing or renewal, and rainstorms, in particular, are nature’s way of purifying the earth. From an intuitive perspective, humans are deeply connected to nature, and just as the environment undergoes a cleansing process during a storm, our bodies often respond similarly. We might experience a flu or fever, which can be a sign that our bodies are asking for rest, mirroring the way nature slows down during rain. It’s a reminder that sometimes we need to retreat, cleanse, and renew ourselves. Much like nature, our thoughts and bodies also need pauses. There is a time for deep thought and a time for stillness, when the mind needs to rest and find peace. Sometimes, we get caught up in rushing or forcing things, whether it’s our thoughts or actions. However, learning to listen to our bodies allows us to avoid unnecessary strain. Pushing too hard often leads to headaches, migraines, and stress—signals fr...

"It is Allah Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; then to Him you will be returned." (Quran 30:11)  Every aspect of life, whether simple or complex, seems to arise from a single source and eventually returns to it. Each moment—whether filled with joy or hardship—appears to be linked by an unseen thread, guiding everything back to its origin. Life flows like a manifold, endlessly expanding and contracting, always drawing us toward that deeper connection that binds it all together. In Sufi thought, this single source is often understood as originating from Nur Muhammad —the Light of Muhammad. This divine light, said to be the first of all creation, holds within it the essence of all that exists. From it, everything unfolds, emerging as expressions of God’s attributes—mercy, love, wisdom, and more. Nur Muhammad is the sacred channel through which God's essence flows into creation, giving life, form, and purpose to everything. This light isn't just cos...

As I sit down to reflect on the day, I can't help but revisit the idea of signals, both from within and outside of us. It’s fascinating how the smallest moments, often overlooked, can carry such weight. Whether it's a shift in the wind or the subtle hum of the earth beneath our feet, every little thing seems to matter, shaping us in ways we may not fully grasp at first. I’ve often thought about how introverts, like myself, thrive in this space of subtlety. Our energy isn’t spent outwardly; it’s saved for those deep internal explorations. In moments of solitude, we aren’t really alone. Our thoughts, rich and vivid, keep us company. We notice the little things—the rustling of leaves, the way sunlight dances across the floor—and in that, we find meaning. Extroverts, on the other hand, seem to embrace the world with open arms, finding energy in the flow of conversation, laughter, and activity. It’s a different rhythm, yet just as vital. Each way of engaging with the world shows how...

There’s a quiet, yet persistent language our bodies use to communicate with us—through sensations, discomforts, and subtle changes we often ignore. That persistent dry cough I had for years was one such message. It wasn’t overwhelming, just enough to remind me that something wasn’t quite right. At first, it seemed easy to brush aside, to assume it was just a minor nuisance. It wasn't until much later, when I started paying more attention to myself—really listening—that I realized this was more than a physical issue. It wasn’t just my throat. The cough was a sign, an omen from within, that I needed to stop and take notice. We often look outside ourselves for signs to guide us, but sometimes the most important signals come from within. I turned to natural remedies, sensing that the solution wasn’t just medical but spiritual. That’s when essential oils became a part of my routine. Unlike medication that tends to mask symptoms, essential oils felt like they were addressing the root cau...

Reflecting on my journey lately, I've found myself immersed in the contrast between being spiritual and being true to myself. The notion of spirituality often conjures images of rituals, piety, and adherence to traditions. It’s fascinating how easily one can get caught up in the external expectations of what it means to be spiritual, constantly cycling between feeling pious and then feeling lost again.  This brings to mind the idea of fitrah , an essential concept in Islamic teachings that refers to our innate nature—our original state of purity and goodness. According to Islamic belief, every individual is born with this intrinsic nature, a natural inclination towards recognizing and connecting with the Divine. It embodies qualities such as compassion, honesty, and love. It's so easy to lose sight of this when caught in the whirlwind of outward appearances and societal pressures. What if instead of chasing the external validations of spirituality, I focused on nurturing that i...

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how life seems to offer this delicate dance between what we know and what remains hidden. We often move through life with a certain level of certainty—plans, goals, a sense of where we’re headed. But the truth is, so much of life unfolds in ways we never anticipated. There’s always an element of mystery, something beyond our grasp, and I’ve come to see that embracing both the known and the unknown is where the real magic happens. This thought reminds me of something in the Quran that has always intrigued me—the letters “Alif Lam Mim” (الۤم). They appear at the beginning of some chapters, without any clear explanation. These are part of what scholars call the “Muqattaʿat,” or the disjointed letters, and their exact meaning is unknown. Some scholars suggest that their meaning is a secret, known only to Allah. And for many mystics and Sufis, these letters symbolize divine mysteries—“Alif” representing the oneness of Allah, “Lam” as the connection between t...

Welcome to my first post. I’ve always been drawn to writing as a way to make sense of the world, and I’m excited to share this space with you, where I can put my thoughts into words and reflect on the journey we all navigate through life. That’s what I hope to do with this blog—share my thoughts and insights, drawn from my life experiences and the journey I’ve been on. Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and keeping a journal has always been a habit that helps me reflect and grow. I hope these posts will feel like a continuation of that habit, now shared with you. I’ve often wondered how life can feel so vast and complex, yet somehow all connected. Sometimes it seems like everything is happening all at once—our thoughts, emotions, experiences—and it can be overwhelming, like standing in the middle of a tangled web of moments. But then, at other times, it feels like everything in life folds back into one clear point of meaning. This tension, between feeling...