#99withIM – connecting our hearts and minds to the 99 names of Allah (SWT)
The desire to understand or find ourselves has always been a long standing desire of mankind throughout history. We continuously search for clues that can answer why we do things, and how we grow from our experiences. We may be temporarily satisfied with what we find, but more often than not, these findings simply scratch the surface. How can we satisfy our souls, our spiritual self, the thirst of our searching?
The ‘not so simple’ answer is… Maybe we can’t. Maybe that’s the beauty of living and being the creation of the One who has no end or beginning, the One whose existence cannot be completely understood, the One who fashioned us and takes care of us, the One who, if we choose to become closer to, to forge a companionship with, we would no longer be distracted by the desire to understand or find ourselves. Rather, we would shift our focus to experiencing the bounties which Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon us and experiencing this life with Him in our hearts and minds.
Allah (SWT) is our greatest companion and we can become more conscious and mindful of Him by simply finding Him in our everyday life, which is exactly what #99withIM is all about. Your relationship with Allah (SWT) does not need to be a formal one, or one bound by specific times or situations. You can make Him your ally by remembering Him often and effortlessly. What better way to get to know yourself than getting to know your Creator?
Join this campaign and join the ummah in remembering Allah (SWT) often and simply with both our hearts and minds. All you have to do is take a few moments each day – whether that’s on a walk, on the train, whilst writing an email or drinking your cup of tea in the morning, and snap a picture of what prompted you to remember a specific name of Allah (SWT), and then submit it here with a short reflection (even if it’s a sentence!) so that the world can take inspiration and join you in remembering Him.
There are many ways to remember Allah (SWT), but here are some ways you can implement this simple exercise into your daily life:
- Pick a name of Allah (SWT) each day or each week and reflect on what that name means to you – how does it makes you feel, what part of your life can you relate it to, and use it in your adiyaat (supplications). Simply snap a picture of something that reminds you of Allah’s Attributes and submit it when you’re ready.
- Taking time out of your day specifically for this exercise to reflect upon a name of Allah (SWT), or Allah (SWT) Himself and finding a name that fits your experience, thoughts and feelings in that moment can help you get into a flow and forming a habit.
- Let it come naturally! If you’re someone that already thinks of one of Allah (SWT)’s Names or Qualities in response to a situation/experience, simply snap a photo of that moment and submit it with your reflection here.
Find inspiration below on how others have been connecting their hearts and minds to the names of Allah (SWT). See if you can spot your submission, keep an eye out for it on social media and remember to come back and visit this page when you need to connect your mind and heart to Allah!
“Allah says, “I treat My servant as he hopes that I would treat him. I am with him whenever he remembers Me: if he thinks of Me, I think of him; if he mentions Me in company, I mention him in an even better company. If he draws near to Me a hand’s span, I draw near to him an arm’s length; and if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw closer by a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.” [Bukhari]