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A beautiful story is told about three humble worshippers living on a remote island.

Their devotion was simple yet sincere.

These men faithfully performed their salat, and beyond this, their sole supplication was:

"We are three; You are One; have mercy on us."

This was the only dhikr they knew, but they recited it with pure hearts and unwavering faith.

When a learned shaykh heard about these devout worshippers, he felt compelled to visit them.

He wanted to teach them better forms of dhikr and different remembrances he knew.

The worshippers welcomed his teachings with open hearts.

After spending time instructing them, the shaykh set sail to return to the mainland, feeling satisfied that he had imparted valuable knowledge.

As his boat drifted away, the shaykh noticed a radiant light approaching swiftly across the water.

To his astonishment, it was the three worshippers running atop the waves. Breathless, they called out:

"We have forgotten part of your instructions and wanted to ask you to repeat them."

Witnessing this miraculous display of their sincere faith, the shaykh humbled himself and replied:

"Forget what I taught you and continue to pray in your old way."

They insisted on learning more forms of dhikr and worship to expand their knowledge anyway, and the shaykh decided not only to teach them but also to learn from them.

In our journey of faith, it's easy to become preoccupied with the mechanics of worship—the precise words, the exact timings, the amount of rewards.

While these aspects are important and have their place, they should not overshadow the core of our relationship with Allah: a heartfelt connection built on sincerity and love.

We are encouraged to talk to Allah like a close friend, sharing our deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, and gratitude.

This personal conversation with our Creator fosters a bond that transcends formalities.

It's about opening our hearts, laying bare our souls, and seeking solace in His presence.

Honoring the Obligatory Acts

However, it's essential to emphasize that the foundational pillars of our faith—the Salat and other fardh (mandatory) acts—remain necessary.

These practices are obligations gifted to our ummah by Allah.

They are not mere rituals but profound opportunities to connect with the Divine.

Engaging deeply with these practices allows us to tap into the immense wisdom, benefit, and light they contain.

They are conduits through which we receive guidance, mercy, and spiritual elevation.

Finding Depth in Our Worship

While the obligatory acts form the bedrock of our faith, we are also encouraged to engage in additional forms of remembrance, supplication, and worship that resonate with our hearts.

For some, a simple dua taught by a loved one may hold profound meaning.

For others, sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ fills their hearts with love and peace.

Yet others feel closeness in reciting the 99 names of Allah.

All of these practices can unfold new facets of understanding and closeness.

Embracing Individual Paths to Allah

Each of us is unique in how we experience and express our faith.

Some find a profound connection between acts of charity and serving others, embodying the principles of compassion and generosity.

Others may experience tranquility through contemplation and reflection, finding Allah's signs in the wonders of creation.

Let us honor these individual journeys without judgment.

Striving for Balance and Sincerity

Balance is key in our spiritual lives.

While we seek to learn and adhere to the practices taught by the Prophet ﷺ—including the Salat and other fardh acts—we should also nurture the personal, heartfelt conversations with Allah that keep our faith alive and vibrant.

It's about integrating the external forms of worship with the internal states of the heart.

Let us strive to worship sincerely, allowing our hearts to guide our tongues.