Journey of Devotion: Reflections on Faith and Fellowship

Worshipping Allah with the utmost devotion.

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Muhammad Akram Nadwi
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Journey to the United Arab Emirates (8)
Saturday, 21 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1446 AH

By: Dr. Muhammad Akram Nadwi – Oxford

This morning, shortly after 8 AM, I was visited by Abdullah Ridwan, his wife Fatima Al-Huda, and her noble father. The meeting was warm and filled with camaraderie as we gathered at a nearby café by the university entrance. Sitting inside, we enjoyed tea together, and our conversation revolved around the mission of Dar Al-Salam and its noble objectives.

Fatima expressed her desire to connect psychology with Islam, aiming to enhance our understanding of humanity’s spiritual and psychological needs. Her husband interjected, “I think psychology should be separated from Islam.” I replied, “That is indeed the prudent opinion. Mixing the two can lead to misrepresentation of both Islam and psychology.” I elaborated on this point in detail, expounding at length until I had sufficiently clarified my perspective.

The session was not without questions and inquiries. They showed great interest in my visit to Kerala and southern India and asked about my lectures at New York University, where I observed a rich cultural and intellectual diversity. Our discussion touched upon how Muslims could benefit intellectually from such experiences. This meeting exemplified productive scholarly and human interaction, blending thought and knowledge.

Departure for Dubai

At 11:30 AM, I left the university, heading towards Dubai, and arrived there by 1 PM. Dr. Jinan had graciously arranged a private lunch in a picturesque spot on an island by the lake. Her hospitality was as generous as the rain clouds, and her heart brimmed with kindness.

The meal was delightful, featuring fresh fish, hummus, and bread, enjoyed in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. During our meal, Dr. Jinan warmly praised the success of my visit, expressing her immense satisfaction with the positive impact of my lectures. She mentioned how her colleagues at the university greatly enjoyed and benefited from them. I thanked her for her encouraging words and her dedicated efforts in making this visit a success.

Dr. Jinan also shared fascinating stories about her travels and diverse experiences and informed me of her upcoming plans. She is eagerly looking forward to traveling to Oxford in April for a three-month research fellowship. Our conversation about her forthcoming experience was filled with optimism and ambition. I bid her farewell after half an hour, expressing gratitude for her generosity:

“She attained an enviable station of noble deeds,
Binding the ties of separation and estrangement.“

I am not one to stand by ruins, lament the passing of abodes, mourn lost loved ones, or eulogize those who have departed:

“What stirs my longing is neither the traces of dwellings, nor the departure of loved ones, nor the shadows of tents.“

Return Journey

I reached the airport at 2:15 PM, promptly completing all necessary procedures with ease and efficiency. Afterward, I settled in a quiet, comfortable spot in the departure lounge. This afforded me a chance to focus on some pending tasks, making productive use of the time before my flight.

The atmosphere in the lounge was one of indifference toward me, which allowed for an ideal opportunity to concentrate on my work. In such an environment, I was able to accomplish much during this brief period.

We boarded the plane at 3:30 PM. My time onboard was spent alternating between working and resting. We landed at Heathrow Airport at 8 PM. As I reflected, I thought to myself:

“We come and go, and soon we shall leave this world. Blessed is the one who treads the path of righteousness and innovates ways to guide humanity, while wretched is the one who takes the path of evil and devises methods of leading others astray! Glad tidings for the one who lives a humble life, sustains his family, and worships his Lord:”