Life is Like a Hike — Reflections from Ben Nevis I recently had the opportunity to climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. Here are some of my reflections. Like a hike, life is a journey. We all begin at a starting point and we all know our final destination. 'Every soul shall taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.' — Surah Al-‘Ankabut (29:57) There are moments of ease and beauty along the way, but the journey itself is a test. Those who study the path, who learn from those who successfully completed it before them, are the ones best prepared to succeed. 'Do you think you will enter Paradise without Allah testing those of you who fought hard and remained steadfast?' — Surah Aal-‘Imran (3:142) For a hike, we benefit from the advice of those who’ve already reached the summit. In life, we have the ultimate examples in the Prophets (peace be upon them), their companions, and others who passed their tests in this temporary world. 'Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad ﷺ) you have a good example to follow for the one who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.' — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21) At times, you’ll have support—someone to share the burden, to encourage you. At other times, the path will be steep and lonely. But even then, Allah is always with you. 'And when My servants ask you about Me—indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me.' — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186) He is the One who brings ease after hardship, who guides those who trust Him and strive to resist the temptations of Shaytaan. 'So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief.' — Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5–6) 'Indeed, Shaytaan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his followers to become inmates of the Blaze.' — Surah Fatir (35:6) An important lesson I learned was about carrying unnecessary burdens. When you know the route, you plan accordingly—you take what’s essential and leave behind what will weigh you down. Why then, in this life that we know is temporary, do we gather so many possessions, so much excess, that only makes our journey harder? 'The life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But the Hereafter is better for those who are mindful (of Allah). Will you not then understand?' — Surah Al-An‘am (6:32) The hike reminded me that hardship is always followed by ease. After the challenge came warmth, food, laughter, and connection with those who shared the climb. And so it will be with this life—after the trials of this dunya, there is an eternal reward in Jannah for those who remain patient and faithful. 'Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast – the angels will descend upon them, (saying), ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’' — Surah Fussilat (41:30) Alhamdulillah for being given the opportunity to be surrounded by the beauty and signs (ayaat) of Allah. I ask Allah to grant us all understanding and help us succeed in both our dunya and our akhirah through understanding our journey and purpose in this life.
Sajid Bhutta
5y agoFussilat (41:30)+2 more
الأم المطمئنة يَـٰٓأَيَّتُهَا ٱلنَّفْسُ ٱلْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ ٱرْجِعِىٓ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةًۭ مَّرْضِيَّةًۭ فَٱدْخُلِى فِى عِبَـٰدِى وَٱدْخُلِى جَنَّتِى يا امي ! هل رجعت الى ربكِ راضية مرضية ؟ هل وجدت ما وعد ربكِ حقا؟ هل تنزلت عليكِ الملائكة الا تخافي و لا تحزني ؟ هل بشرت لكِ بالجنة التي كنتِ توعدين ؟ هل فُتحت نوافذ الجنة في مرقدك كيف ريح الجنة ؟ هل هي مثلكِ؟ هل زرت جدك الذي احببت ؟ موتك صعب عليَّ يا امي أ تعلمين أن جاء رمضان بدونك يا امي كيف جاء؟ ألا يعلم انكِ ذهبت سبحان الله ، الحياة جارية بدونك هل اعطاك ربك شيء فرضيت؟ هل الآخرة خير لك من الأولى؟ هل داركِ خير من دارنا في الدنيا؟ هل رزقكِ عندكِ احسن و اطيب منا؟ كيف الصحبة با القران؟ أح
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1 Comment
This reflection is incredibly moving—what a beautiful way to tie a physical journey to the spiritual path we’re all on. May Allah continue to inspire your heart through His creation, and may your reflections guide others to see the signs (ayaat) around them and within them. Ameen.