How to Keep Going With Your Ideas After the Excitement is Over

At many points in our life, we are possessed with ideas, we think, we aspire, we plan. And we achieve their transformations as well. We work hard and put all our best efforts in the attainment of our goals, we go to the limits and do all in our power to make them come true and reach our destiny.

Although, it’s not always as it seems, there are phases when we lack the vigour to proceed, when we are disheartened, or nothing seems to work in our favour. In these types of situations we need motivation and inspiration to keep us going, driving us forward with the same intensity of hope, courage, zeal and enthusiasm towards the accomplishment of our ideas.

So let’s take a look at how to overcome our fears and apprehensions and uplift our dampened spirits, by taking into account the positive side of the turn of events, so as to stimulate a progressive energy within us that will channel us towards our goal.

1. Be Realistic in Your Approach – There is a Big Difference Between Aims and Wishes: 
When you plan, involve both your mind and heart. Be realistic about your idea and aims. Plan what you can achieve keeping in mind your capabilities and strengths. A task well planned is a task half done. Keeping your goals within your reach and setting practical deadlines will help you in taking things one by one and to effectively deal with the challenges that come in your way.

2. Imagine the Final Moment of Rapture of the Materialization of Your Idea:
You should never stop dreaming! Visualize the moment when you will fulfil the potential in your idea and turn it into reality. Imagine the sense of euphoria, the utter joy and pride you’ll feel at that particular moment. The sensation will give you a lot of motivation and positive energy that will always steer you towards your destiny and the realization of your dream with fresh dedication and passion.

3. Set Reminders Where You Will be Able to See Them Regularly:
Human nature is prone to laziness. In order to remind yourself that you have a goal to reach, keep physical and tangible reminders, other than your deadlines or milestones. For example you dream to be a famous painter someday and recreate a special place or scenery. Keep a photograph of that place where you can see it daily or from time to time, it will keep you focused on your idea.

4. Spare Time Reading:
Utilize your spare time in reading stuff and knowing more about the idea that you are planning. Staying well informed about the idea will increase your interest and will keep you well prepared.

5. Self Confidence:
Seek your ideas with a true and devoted heart. Always hope for the best and have complete faith in your abilities. Self confidence and a positive attitude are your firm support on the ladder to success. When you can dream it, you can achieve it!

6. Remember the Past as its Remembrance Gives You Joy:
Everything happens for a reason, the hardships and unfruitful attempts come in your way to strengthen, prepare and polish you. So don’t be discouraged or abandon your ideas. Gather along your experiences, either good or bad, learn from them and cherish them. The toils you take in bearing your failures lead you to success.

As related by Abu Huraira RA, “Allah’s Apostle (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials’." 
[Translation of Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 548]


7. Treat Yourself at Every Step You Climb Towards Success:
Every step towards your goal counts. Enjoy each and every successful attempt towards the fulfilment of your idea, truly and wholly. These moments of joy will act as stimulant when you are low and will drive you forward.

8. Seek Help and Guidance from Allah:
Allah is our best hope and guide. Put your trust in Allah, be grateful to Him and ask from Him for His favour and help. Praying consistently for success will keep you determined. You have to do your best with complete faith in Allah; He listens to our prayers and has power over all things.

When you have taken a decision trust in Allah. Verily Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). If Allah helps you none can overpower you, if He forsakes you who is there, after that who can help you. And upon Allah let the believers rely. 
Al Quran [3:159,160] 

In the end let me share with you two thoughts I found very motivating and encouraging.

The question was once asked of a highly successful businessman: “How have you done so much in your lifetime?”
He replied, “I have dreamed. I have turned my mind loose to imagine what I wanted to do. Then I have gone to bed and thought about my dreams. In the night I dreamt about my dreams. And when I awoke in the morning, I saw the way to make my dreams real. While other people were saying, ‘You can’t do that, it isn’t possible,’ I was well on my way to achieving what I wanted.”

As Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the U.S., said: “We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nourish them through bad days until they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”

Be a Productive Muslim, keep working towards your goals with zeal and have faith in yourself. Don’t let any obstacle in your path divert you from realizing your idea! Insha’Allah success will be yours.

Good Luck!

Through March 1940 to March 2011

23 March 1940: Pakistan Day, the day when the existence of Pakistan was first demanded. The dream of a nation was said out loud and formed up in black and white. The flight of Iqbal’s falcon was the flight of the mind and souls of masses. A dream materialized into passion. A passion so fierce that it united the Muslims all over the subcontinent to write a new chapter in the book of history. 

23 March 2011: Pakistani cricket fans all over the world were rejoicing Pakistan’s excellent performance in the World Cup. Every individual from the youngest to the oldest was excited at the prospect of Pakistan’s encounter with West Indies in the Quarter Final. People were glued to their television screens and cheering every falling wicket. Every Pakistani wanted their team to win, the team that had been scorned and mocked a few months ago was everyone’s hero now. Whether an avid cricket fan or not, we all wanted the 'Men in Green' to leave the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium victorious. And the 'green caps' never failed our expectations, not even for a single over. It was a dedicated team play, the unity, determination, the cool and composure of our team that showed brilliantly throughout the tournament was the reason we achieved such a superb win. In the presentation ceremony jubilant Shahid Afridi gifted the Green Cap triumph to the Nation on Pakistan Day doubling the reason to celebrate....

Back in 1940 the nation that was struggling for a Free Muslim state, was basking in the glory, standing together as a united front, supporting their champions in the World Cup uplifting the green and white crescent and star emblem flag. That day we were one, just like the Pakistani team, strong and connected. We weren’t people divided into 5 provinces, we had the same interest, one hope, one desire. A single soul, our hearts beating together, pumping up joyfully, we were one, cheering our super eleven, forgetting all resentment towards each other. Yes, we were a nation in the true sense then.

At that moment I felt  that we started strong and have grown weak in the middle, it’s time to put our differences behind our back and to face the challenges that comes our way. Challenges that have tried us severely and have left us broken. Remember 1940, we fought for identity, sovereignty and rights, we fought for Pakistan. Now we are fighting over Pakistan. The identity we proudly upheld once is lost somewhere over the decades, the values we treasure seemed stolen, the courage and valor, that honesty and faith nurtures in a nation are extinct.

I felt that Pakistani nation is like Pakistani cricket team, its a cornered tiger, which when once roused, can shatter its enemy into oblivion. Just like Rameez Raja wrote about Team Pakistan:

"This team doesn't stop to amaze me. A knockout game was supposed to rattle the nerves and test the temperament. It not only passed the mental test without a fuss but laid to rest any suspicion of its class. It was a devastating win that punched the West Indies into oblivion and pushed Pakistan closer to greatness."

Similar are we, its the need to rise up, to once again spread our wings and fly, the flight of falcon. To stand up to the wrong and injustice and not allow ourselves to act as a toy and play into the hands of our enemies. Lets match our forefathers in character and grit, difficult as it may be, and make our nation a 'Nation' in true sense. Rise and live like a nation that is alive, thriving and cultivated. That can fight for its rights not over its rights. Don't let this feeling of helplessness and deprivation overwhelm you. Because our land needs a change! A better and independent Pakistan!

I'll end here wishing all the best of luck and vigour to our youth and people, and similarly to our team. May Allah bless us with success on all fronts and protect Pakistan and give us strength to deliver the lost sovereignty to our nation and country. Ameen

Good Luck Pakistan and Team Pakistan!

There is always a Silver Lining to the Blues...

Sometimes its just a stray thought, a daily happening, a word we overhear or any little thing that plunges us into the blues and we feel desolated from our surroundings, separated from the rest of the people around us. As if we are marked out to be tried again and again.... At such times it’s hard to disguise the sadness within and laugh and joke with the rest. We may wonder, why it has to be me? At those time the river deep within just wants to gush out, tearing down all the barriers that have been blocking it for so long....

Some days ago I felt deeply afflicted and in my distress the cheerful side of my disposition took over and I started wondering if there could be a way to find out the secret of happiness somehow? To capture and learn it, so that I may be able to thwart the sorrow and despair that affects me. I directed my thoughts so as to break away from the glum mood, to live my life! And comprehension suddenly dawned, as my thoughts whispered out the secret to me, and do you know what it was? I realized that I, hold the key to my happiness!

The choice of being bitter or better lies with me, and it is my decision that affects my happiness. It’s my outlook towards life that makes it beneficial or sore, for me and others around me. I know that life isn’t all smooth and pretty, it maintains equilibrium, because too much sweet is spoiling, isn’t it? The good times and the hard times just balance it out perfectly for me. Without the hardships and trials, I wondered, how will I learn to value the reward and happiness that I reap, and be grateful for it?

Sometimes only a little good news tells us that there is happiness and goodness around. That is exactly what happened with me. As I was on my way back to home, I got a message from a friend, informing about the birth of a girl to a close friend of mine... This news just changed my mood completely! Just like the shining sun that emerges from behind the clouds after a dark storm, rejuvenating the beings!

I realized that in my dissatisfaction and grumblings, I have forgotten how rich I am in the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon me! What an ingrate I had been to weep a tear and never comprehending what  damage I was doing to myself, because of my bitter thoughts!

My stranded and tangled thoughts connected together, showing that a clear road lies ahead. I understood that in the remembrance of Allah, in seeking help from Him, believing that you will always be helped, there lies all the success and peace!

Relief, swept over me, wave over wave, as I realized that Allah has guided me to khair again, that He has not deserted me! That beautiful feeling strengthen my faith, I came to know deep within my heart that these tough experiences are to train me strong, rather than breaking me apart. It is to bring me closer to my Lord, rather than distancing me away from Him!

Remember, there’s always a silver lining to the darkest cloud, I didn't understand it when Iffu first told me the meaning of this idiom, but now I know it means that there is always hope to look forward to!. Listen to the voice that speaks softly in the times of despair and be grateful to Allah for all His countless blessings and favors! Because Allah grants more to those who are thankful for what they have got and bear with patience what that has been taken away from them.

It was on this journey that I grasped in truth , “worry ends when faith begins”!

It was only yesterday when upon reading this Hadith, that I decided to share my journey with you, hoping that may be in any modest way it'll help you to strengthen that perpetual connection with Al Rehman...

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle(Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials."

Translation of Sahih Bukhari

Volume 7, Book 70, Number 548:

Life Returns...

On the way back from office, I was listening to some nasheeds.
I was randomly picking up my playlist when I came across 'Life Returns', a nasheed by Dawud Wharnsby, and was completely overwhelmed by it.


Here's the link to it, do listen, its simply wonderful. Although I have heard it a couple of times before but the feeling i experienced that time, cannot be put into words...


And among His Signs in this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the (dead) earth can surely give life to (men) who are dead. For He has power over all things.  [Al Quran 41:39]




The earth is hard,
Soil is cracked,
bleached and blistered.
Trees bend, withered and weary.
Ground gasps, dusty and dry.

Allah hears and the rain comes
wetting and washing the world,
Flushing and flooding the clay,
Spilling and splashing,
Life returns.

Allahu Akbar! (Allah is great!)

We are the cracked earth,
The thirsty, dirty spirit of man.
If we gasp, we will be heard.
Forgiveness falls like rain on our hands.

Allah hears and the rain comes
Wetting and washing the world,
Flushing and flooding the clay,
Spilling and splashing,
Life returns.
Allahu Akbar! (Allah is great!)




What else can be a better new year resolution... a better incentive... A Return To Life. Journey of our dusty, tired parched and thirsty souls, towards salvation, peace and harmony..


A Very Happy New Year to All....
Have a blessed year and life ahead, may Allah guide all of us to Hidayat. ameen.

Moon, Dreams and Life

A stroll under a starry sky with the full moon gliding beside the clouds, in a chilly night is one of the most beautiful and aesthetic experiences ..
It has been a busy day. I had to complete my packing for my upcoming flight, had to do some last minute shopping while trying to cope up with a sudden flu and above all was consistently trying to bear the din that my siblings were making (they were a ‘little’ hyper, enjoying five holidays in a row because of Eid). Naturally, all this exertion was too much and resulted in a ‘slight’ headache!

I decided to escape from the entire hustle bustle downstairs and headed to our rooftop to say hello to my dear friend, the splendid full moon, and to greet its devoted companions, the shinning plasma balls, the stars...

Whenever I observe the full moon, its splendour and solitude always impress me into a peaceful and contented silence, to marvel the beauty of this universe and everything in it. Silence which gives me the time to reassemble my scattered thoughts, to reflect on most of the things that I’ve forgotten and have pushed deeper inside my mind... It brings alive all those fantasies that my mechanical routine had sent to a slumber! It mesmerizes me almost every time. I think I can never explain my joy in words here...

This time, however, it wasn’t the moon that probed my thoughts. It was the recitation that I was listening to, while walking in the moonlight, which made me grab my notebook and write down this piece.

'And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them.' Al Quran (14:34)


When I was a little girl, I always used to dream of a cosy little home with a lovely garden having a couple of trees and some beautiful flowers. A room where the window opens towards east, from where the rising sun greets you with a good morning and the moon to bade you adieu in the night while you snuggle in your bed...

As I was standing leaning on the roof’s wall, looking over the topmost branches of the mango tree that were at level with my face, watching a cat smuggling into the garden, that my childish fantasy came to my mind.

I realized that Allah has fulfilled my dream long ago! He has blessed me with a home I dreamt of, with a perfect and loving family. And as I started pondering, many things dawned at me. I became aware how very ungrateful I've been!

I had been busy in keeping up with the pace of the outside world, and in doing so, I isolated myself from the little joys and wishes that I used to cheer. In looking for bigger dreams, I let go of the little pleasures that came my way...

Life doesn’t spare you a moment to turn back the wheels of time, be grateful enjoy what you've got and make the most of your little achievements and dreams! Live them fully and find a reason to be happy, to stay happy and to flourish happiness amongst those around you and your loved ones.
Because happiness is always around us, it’s we who turn away from little joys in life, seeking and running after others (the big ones), missing what that comes in our way.

Whatever you do, remain grateful to Allah, for His numerous blessings that you observe and for all those that you can never comprehend!

Take Care, and have fun!