Reflecting on 2024: Lessons in Time, Love, and Purpose

Alhamdulillah, I am here today, reflecting on a year that taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined. And if there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s that time is the most valuable asset we have.

The Gift of Time

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death."

This year, these words echoed in my heart more than ever. We live in a world where we’re constantly rushing — chasing deadlines, scrolling endlessly, consumed by busyness. But what about the moments we’re letting slip through our fingers?

2024 taught me to slow down, to truly be present. To appreciate the quiet mornings when I could hear the birds sing, the laughter shared with loved ones, and the moments of solitude where I found myself. Time, I realized, isn’t just about productivity. It’s about presence.

And when we treat time as sacred, everything else — our relationships, our work, our faith —begins to align.

The Journey of Imaan: A Heart That Wavers

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned this year is how fragile and dynamic our imaan (faith) can be. The heart, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described, is aptly named qalb because it constantly turns and wavers — “berbolak-balik”.

There were moments this year when my imaan felt strong, like a steady flame that couldn’t be extinguished. I found joy in my prayers, peace in my supplications, and clarity in my purpose as a servant of Allah. But there were also moments when my heart felt distant — when doubts crept in, when temptations pulled me astray, and when I struggled to live up to the ideals I hold so dearly.

Through it all, I reminded myself of two things:

1. To keep returning to Allah. No matter how far I felt, no matter how many mistakes I made, I reminded myself to seek His forgiveness and guidance.

2. That Allah is the Most Merciful.

Allah tells us in the Quran:

"Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’"

(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53)

This ayah has been an anchor for me. It reminds me that no matter how much I falter, Allah’s mercy is greater than any mistake I could ever make. His door is always open, His forgiveness always within reach.

The People We Meet

Have you ever thought about why certain people enter your life? Sometimes it feels random, but I’ve come to believe it’s anything but, each person we meet is part of a divine plan, sent to teach us something about ourselves or the world.

Some bring joy and comfort, like the warmth of the sun on a cold day. Others challenge us, pushing us out of our comfort zones. And then there are those who break our hearts, but not without leaving behind the gift of growth.

This year, I learned that heartbreak isn’t the end; it’s a redirection. It’s life’s way of clearing space for something better, for someone better, for a version of yourself that’s stronger and more resilient.

The People We Choose to Leave Behind

Life isn’t just about the people we meet; it’s also about the people we choose to let go. This year, I learned that sometimes, leaving someone behind is an act of love.

It’s not an easy choice. It’s painful to walk away from someone you once shared dreams with, someone who was once your safe space. But sometimes, the relationship becomes unhealthy — it stifles growth, causes pain, or no longer aligns with the journey set for you.

Leaving doesn’t mean forgetting. I still think about those I’ve parted ways with — friends, acquaintances, even people I deeply loved. On quiet nights, their memories sometimes surface, not as regret but as reminders of a chapter in my life that helped shape me.

And in those moments, I pray for them. I pray for their wellbeing, their success, their happiness, and their protection. This silent prayer, I believe, is the truest form of love. It asks for nothing in return; it simply wishes them the best from afar.

Letting go is an act of faith — a belief that both of you will find what you need in the path ahead, even if it no longer includes each other. It’s a bittersweet lesson, but one that has brought me a sense of peace and closure.

The Unseen Pillars - My Friends and Family

As I reflect on 2024, one of the things I am most grateful for is the incredible people in my life — my friends, my family, and those who have been unwavering in their support. They are the unseen pillars that hold me up when the weight of life feels too heavy.

This year, the hecticness of work, responsibilities, and personal growth often left me feeling stretched thin. There were days when I felt so overwhelmed that I had to withdraw—to retreat into my own space, away from the noise and demands of the world. It wasn’t because I didn’t care or didn’t want to be there for the people I love. It was because I needed time to recalibrate, to take care of my own wellbeing, and to find my balance again.

This isolation sometimes meant delayed replies to text messages or missed phone calls. And to those who waited patiently for a reply or understood my silence without judgment — thank you. Your understanding and kindness have meant the world to me.

Despite my moments of withdrawal, I’ve never felt alone. My family has been my rock, grounding me with their love and guidance. My friends have been a source of joy and comfort, reminding me that even on the toughest days, I have people who care deeply for me.

To everyone who has supported me this year, who has shown me love, patience, and understanding — I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the reason I am able to face challenges with courage and embrace life with hope.

Hopes for 2025

With a new year comes new aspirations. For myself, I hope to continue growing — to embrace life’s challenges with courage and faith.

For my family, I pray for health, happiness, and togetherness. They are my anchor, my reason for striving.

For my relationships, I wish for deeper connections built on trust and understanding.

For my work and business, I dream of prosperity — not just in numbers but in impact.

My Motto for 2025

As I step into this new year, I carry with me a simple yet profound motto:

"Be present. Be kind. Be relentless in the pursuit of purpose."

Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about showing up for yourself, for the people you love, and for the dreams you hold close to your heart.

So here’s to 2025 — a year of becoming, of daring greatly, and of living fully. Let’s make it count.