Finding hope in despair

Stop acting so small you are the universe in ecstatic motion : Rumi

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. When we are hurting, God hurts with us. Who doesn’t long for peace of mind and heart in this painful world? Is that not what we all seek and strive for but sometimes hopelessness discourages us and make us feel like things will never get better, like there’s no way out and make us feel that we’re all alone. Remember in your lowest moments ,when you least expect it ,when you feel most helpless ,He reveals a treasure ,it could come in any forms a helping hand ,a gentle reminder ,an advice or even a smile ,surely when he takes something away from you .He gives you something greater in its place. Allah loves you infinitely more than you can calculate. You are worthy and you matter.

   

Secrets of Divine Love, is a magnificent accomplishment. Here is a manifesto of love, love of God, God’s love for us, love for ourselves and all of creation, a manifesto to hope and a manifesto against despair. Helwa discusses the inner depths of the rituals of Islam, revealing their meaning and philosophy, helping to guide us to a different and profoundly empowering view of the Almighty and ultimately our own reality. “Life is not about reaching heaven after we die, it is about dwelling in the palace of God’s eternal presence while you are living.” Halwa does a beautiful job of taking us, no matter what our faith background, through the Quran, teachings of the prophets and other mystical luminaries.

A. Helwa an award-winning writer who has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers through her passionate, poetic, and love-based approach to spirituality. With over 15 years of experience of writing, speaking on Islam and spiritual development, Helwa draws from her personal experiences and traditional sources to help her readers to access ‘Divine love in everyday life.
The book explores our roles as human beings ,not through our eyes but through the eyes of the
creator .Studded with beautiful gems and words of wisdom ,it is hard to deny the overwhelming feeling of love and belonging. ‘’You are an everlasting sprit held in the mortal embrace of clay .You are not a human being meant to be spiritual, you are a spiritual being living this human being miracle ‘,writes the poet Abu Barzak.

The Book is divided into several sections each addressing a different aspect of divine love and the obstacles of experiencing true love throughout the book .Halwa emphasis the importance of developing a deep and intimate relationships with God through acts of worship, spiritual practices and the contemplations .

She also focuses on the various stages of the spiritual journey as outlined by the sufi tradition .It covers topics such as the purification of the soul, the importance of remembrance and the meditation & the attainment of spiritual stations .It explores the practical application of sufi teaching in everyday life and the topics such as dealing with negative emotions finding balance in life & the developing compression & empathy for others .

Each chapter is laced with quotations not only from the Quran and the saying of the prophet Muhammad ,but also with the welcome use of some helpful lessons from the Bible ,and from other religious traditions too .It offers practical guidance for those seeking to deepen the connection with God and lead a more fulfilling life & also offer a unique perspective on the transformative power of love and its role in the pursuit of spiritual growth & enlightenment.

You have a divine purpose. He has created you as a reflection of his qualities of beauty and majesty .God fills the pitcher of your life with the blessings, so that you may generously water the thirsty hearts you encounter. You are called to step out of your comfort zone and into the valleys of the hopeless , like a lighthouse illuminating the dark corners of the earth.

Even though this book is from an Islamic perspective and speaks about Islamic spiritual guidance its message is universal and moreover it’s very inclusive. This book is a reminder that “no wait God is loving no matter where you are, what you have been through ,that is one door that’s never closed for you .This book will make you emotional at some places because you feel like it’s speaking to a part of you that no one understands ,no one has understand till date .

You matter to Allah and he loves you unconditionally. You were created intentionally ,with a divine purpose. The seeds have been planted for you to blossom into who Allah created you to be. So return to him .Let him love you heal you and remind you that you are worthy Return to him and let him pour peace into every crevice and crack of your heart. Every time you go to astray, return to him. Every time you fall short, return to him. Allah is waiting for you .Return to his ocean of love and let him embrace you with healing waves of his endless mercy.

For someone who is feeling the weight of sorrowful nights I would like you to know this : you are not an inconvenience, nor a flow, nor an issue. You are a unique individual filled with emotions ,abilities and endless possibilities.

You have every right to joy ,even in moments when you doubt it and you are entitled to a promising tomorrow, even if shadows of yesterday loom large. Every stumble, every tear shed, every challenge faced is a testament to your resilience. Remember, your worth is not defined by your darkest hours but by your ability to rise again.

The world may sometimes seem indifferent, but your essence and potential are undeniable .Keep pushing forward, knowing that brighter days are on horizon and that you have the strength to reach them. You will be tempted, troubled and tested with trials ,but with Allah by your side you will be triumphant.

God is speaking to you when he says “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” (20:46). God is speaking to you when he says , “I created you for myself” (20:41) God did not promise you that the path to goodness would always be easy, but the Quran did, “Allah is with those who patiently persevere’’ (8:46).

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