THE KHALIFAH DIARIES Be The Best Muslimah For Allah SWT

Bismillah بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

I’m sitting for my driving test for the third time today. Everything feels so tense. Every time I have a test, I feel nervous—my hands and feet get all clammy. I don’t like it. But I remind myself that it’s just my nervous system trying to help me stay alert. Thank you, oh so sophisticated body. Alhamdulillah.

Yesterday, I had a class with my student on Surah At-Tin. It’s fascinating how Allah swears by so many things in this surah—the fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and the safe city of Makkah. Each one carries deep significance, connecting us to the prophets and their missions.

Allah’s Oaths in Surah At-Tin

In Surah At-Tin, Allah swears by the fig, the olive, Mount Sinai, and the safe city of Makkah:

“By the fig and the olive, and Mount Sinai, and this secure city.” (Quran 95:1-3)

These aren’t random mentions. The fig and olive symbolize Jerusalem, where Prophet Isa (AS) was sent to guide his people. Mount Sinai is where Allah spoke to Musa (AS) for the first time. The safe city of Makkah is where Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a mercy to all worlds.

SubhanAllah, Allah’s subtlety is remarkable. He doesn’t explicitly tell us about these connections. Instead, He gently nudges us to reflect and discover their meanings ourselves.

Subtle Signs in Our Daily Lives

I believe Allah shows us subtle signs every day, just as He does in Surah At-Tin. Yesterday, after coming home from school, I felt lazy about praying Maghrib. I was tired, and my daughter, Maryam, was clingy. I wanted to lie down a little longer, but I thought, “I can’t jeopardize tomorrow’s driving test by delaying my prayer.” So, I pushed through and prayed on time. Alhamdulillah.

This morning, as I tried to wake up earlier than everyone else, I almost snapped my glasses while rummaging in the dark. Imagine if I had broken them. How would I sit for my driving test without being able to see? It felt like a reminder: Allah controls everything.

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11)

Actions and Their Consequences

My husband feels the same way. Whenever he makes a mistake, he notices that things don’t go as planned—he might fall sick, or things take unexpected turns. SubhanAllah, it’s like Allah gently reminds us of His control.

This lesson ties back to Surah At-Tin. Allah swears by significant places and items, reminding us that no nation was left without a prophet. If we deny His messengers, we’re deliberately denying Him.

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.’” (Quran 16:36)

Created in the Best of Forms

Allah then reminds us in Surah At-Tin:

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” (Quran 95:4)

Look at yourself in the mirror. Your eyes, ears, nose—each feature is perfectly designed. Allah made every human unique. Some have big blue eyes, others small black ones. Some are tall with long limbs; others are shorter.

And it’s not just about appearances. Compared to animals, Allah elevated humans with intellect. He gave us the ability to reflect on our existence, to distinguish right from wrong.

“Do they not reflect upon themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and everything between them in truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny they will meet their Lord.” (Quran 30:8)

If we misuse these gifts—lying, cheating, stealing—we risk becoming worse than animals. Animals act on instinct, but humans have the dignity and intellect to choose better.

“They are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are heedless.” (Quran 7:179)

Lowest of the Low

When humans deny Allah and disobey Him after knowing the truth, Allah warns us:

“Then We return him to the lowest of the low.” (Quran 95:5)

This refers to the hellfire, a consequence of deliberate rebellion against Allah’s guidance. Allah gave us countless chances to follow the straight path, yet many choose to disobey.

But here’s the hope:

“Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted.” (Quran 95:6)

The Choice is Yours

Allah lays out the rules clearly. He gives us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes accountability.

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Quran 99:7-8)

Imagine being rewarded for eternity in paradise. Isn’t that worth striving for?

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds—they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Quran 85:11)

Conclusion

Today, as I sit for my driving test, I remind myself: Allah is in control. My nerves, my actions, and even my fate are part of His perfect plan. I trust Him to guide me, and I strive to make choices that align with His guidance.

Just like in Surah At-Tin, Allah’s signs are everywhere—in the places we live, the people we meet, and the challenges we face. He created us in the best of forms, gave us intellect, and guided us through His messengers.

The question is: Will we use these gifts to obey Him, or will we deny His signs and risk being among the lowest of the low? The choice is ours.

“Is not Allah the most just of judges?” (Quran 95:8)