The Power of Solitude

Finding Stillness

Reading time: 2 minutes

Be still, and the world will offer itself to you freely.

Franz Kafka

The Power of Being Alone

Leonardo da Vinci would rise early to work on The Last Supper, alone in the silence of the monastery before anyone arrived.

Bill Gates, one of the world’s most prominent innovators, schedules biannual “think weeks,” retreating to a cabin alone to immerse himself in deep reading and reflection.

These are not vacations but purposeful pauses to wrestle with our nafs, gain clarity, and refocus.

The wisdom is clear: solitude is about understanding our lives better.

Solitude creates the space to ask life’s big questions:

What do I want? What am I here to do? Where am I going?

The Prophetic Example of Solitude

Our greatest example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), knew the value of solitude.

Before receiving revelation, he retreated to the cave of Hira for days, reflecting on Allah's signs and seeking clarity.

Even after he became a leader, he still found moments to be alone with his Lord.

Aisha (RA) beautifully described how, at that hour of the night, when every person was closest to their beloved, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went to be with Allah.

This solitude was preparation.

It equipped him with the strength and clarity to carry out his mission in the world.

Complete solitude is not feasible or advisable for us.

Islam teaches balance: solitude for self-reflection and connection and engagement with the world for service and action.

Solitude in Pockets

You don’t need a 40-day retreat in a cave to reap the benefits of solitude. Solitude can be found in pockets of your day if you look for it:

  • The early morning before the house wakes up.

  • The quiet moments during your commute

  • Sitting for a few extra minutes after Salah

  • The stillness of the night after the world has gone to sleep.

These moments, though small, can be profound.

They offer the chance to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with your purpose.

Grab them. Schedule them. Cultivate them.

Why Solitude Matters

When we take time for deep reflection, we emerge recharged, refocused, and ready to navigate life’s complexities with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.

Reflect in stillness, then take the insights you gain back into the world, where they can fuel your work, worship, and relationships.

In the stillness, we find clarity.

In the quiet, we hear the whispers of inspiration.

And in those moments of retreat, we reconnect with Allah, the source of all peace.

All our actions and interactions become more intentional.

So, take time today to find your corner of stillness.

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Reflection:

Schedule a 5-10 minute block of intentional solitude in your day.

It might feel challenging at first if you’re new to it, but try it and reflect on how it impacts your day.

What did you think of today's reflection?

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🤲 Make Du’a for Irshad🤲 

 

Ya Allah, Most Merciful and Generous, bless Irshad and his family with unity, closeness, and abundant love. Strengthen their bonds, fill their home with peace and joy, and make them a source of comfort and support for one another.

Oh Allah, grant Irshad and his family halal rizq and endless barakah in their provisions. Bless them with good health, happiness, and protection from all harm. Guide them on the straight path and make their hearts steadfast in faith.

Grant them success in both this life and the Hereafter, and let their lives be filled with Your mercy and blessings.

Ameen.🤲🏽

🍉 WatermelonWatch 🍉 

Day 417

‼️🇱🇧 First violation of ceasefire as IOF bombed & shelled 2 cities in south Lebanon, targeting & injuring 2 journalists. Israel threatened displaced citizens trying to return, imposing curfew until Thursday morning on south Lebanon, forbidding any movement; and abducted 4 people

🇵🇸 33 Palestinians killed in Gaza yesterday

🇵🇸 Israel attacked another school-shelter in Gaza City while people slept, killing 12 people incl. kids & journalist Alaa Barhoum. Also targeted & killed 4 family members returning home in Shujayea. ~300,000 in Gaza City, subject to catastrophic conditions forced to shelter in bombed schools amid daily attacks, little aid w/ no adequate protection from cold, wind & rain

🍞 WFP: All bakeries in central Gaza non-operational amid rampant starvation across all of Gaza due to IOF aid blockade. Thousands line up for hours for food, some forced to search through garbages

🇺🇸 Reuters: Biden admin pushes ahead w/ $680m weapons sale to Israel

🇵🇸 Ongoing 53-day north Gaza siege: Heavy attack on Kamal Adwan hospital cause large clouds of smoke (👆), 3 people killed. Beit Lahia: IOF targeted school-shelter, abducted, handcuffed & blindfolded men while pushing women & kids outside; also targeted group killing 1 pregnant woman, critically injuring 5

🇵🇸 West Bank: IOF stormed Tubas & Far'a refugee camp w/ bulldozers, seized home for military outpost, attacked property & destroyed infrastructure

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