In my yearning for you ya Allah, I want to be like the baker who met Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (May Allah have mercy on him); so grounded in his remembrance of Allah, so certain in his trust in Allah and earning a closeness to Allah that guaranteed his du’a to Allah never going unanswered.

In my yearning for Allah, I seek a softening of my heart that only finds joy in His remembrance, in seclusion with Him ya Rabb, my beloved. Ya Rabb, O Turner of hearts keep my heart firm on Your path. Ya Rahman Most Merciful, do not ever take away my yearning for You. It is the only thing that I can confidently say by Your mercy keeps me going.

I fall short in many ways but never do I cease longing for You, loving You, seeking intimacy with You and praying that You’re content with me. Ya Rabb guide me through my yearning for You, grant me Your love, the love of those who love You and the love of deeds that earn Your love. Allahumma Amin ya Rabb.

With love,
Ibtisam