Reflection on Trust and Surrender
Nov 15, 2025
Life led me into a quieter current, a space for reflection and realignment. Sometimes, those pauses are necessary; they soften the heart and remind us of where we are heading. And as Ramadan draws near, I find myself thinking deeply about what it means to slow down, to trust, and to let Allah carry us, just as water carries those who stop struggling against it.
That is where my swimming story begins.
The Journey Begins
I didn't grow up with the luxury of swimming lessons. As a child, I would watch others glide effortlessly through water and wonder what that must feel like, weightless, free, confident.
As an adult, I wanted to learn, but something always came up, fear, time, excuses, or life unfolding like sudden clouds with no warning.
Recently, Allah beautifully facilitated the chance for me to finally take swimming lessons, part of my wellness journey, not just for the body, but for the soul.
It wasn't easy. There were moments I froze at the thought of sinking. My instructor once told me:
"Your determination surpasses your fear."
That line lingered in my heart, because swimming, like faith, teaches you about surrender. It showed me that what holds us back from floating are often:
- Fear: the whispers that say, "You can't."
- Trust: the courage to believe you'll be carried.
- Patience: progress takes time; growth unfolds quietly.
- Surrender: you only begin to float when you let go.
Every time I stepped into the water, I noticed something profound, the more I fought, the more I sank. But when I breathed, released, and trusted the water to hold me, I began to float.
The Spiritual Parallel
Isn't that what our journey with Allah often feels like? We try to control, we worry, we cling, yet Allah keeps inviting us to let go and trust Him completely.
And as Ramadan approaches, maybe you're yearning to reconnect with the Qur'an, to start again, to build consistency, or simply to rekindle that closeness. But fear, doubt, or past failures may whisper otherwise. Here is what swimming reminded me, and perhaps it will speak to you too:
- Show up trembling but show up anyway. Courage is built one step of obedience at a time.
- Start small, stay steady. A verse with reflection is better than a chapter without connection.
- Celebrate small progress. Every effort counts in Allah's sight.
- Let Allah be your anchor. He never lets sincere hearts sink.
Allah reminds us:
"But We shall be sure to guide to Our ways those who strive hard for Our cause: God is with those who do good." (Surah al-Ankabut, 29:69)
Take That First Stroke
As we approach Ramadan, a month of surrender, trust, and spiritual renewal, take that first stroke. The water might feel cold at first, but once you release your fear, you will find that Allah's mercy carries you effortlessly.
May Allah keep you and me steadfast, Ameen.
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