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New scientific findings suggest that it is not only the brain but especially the heart that plays a central role in our thinking and intelligence. Research is still ongoing, but more and more evidence indicates that the heart acts like an inner compass – a center of wisdom that provides us with orientation. The world is a web of relationships. Everything is connected – separation is an illusion that exists only in our subconscious. But it is precisely this illusion that is often the source of suffering, pain, misunderstandings, and the endless power struggles that keep repeating themselves. This interconnectedness is something I observe every day in my own garden. Plants do not grow in isolation; they respond to one another in subtle but profound ways. Scientific studies show that plants communicate through root systems, release chemical signals into the air, and even adjust their growth patterns in response to neighboring plants. When one plant is under stress – attacked by pests or lacking nutrients – it can warn others nearby. This natural intelligence in the plant world reflects the same principle we find in heart-centered human awareness: when one part of a system is disturbed, the whole responds. Just as in a garden, when one plant suffers, the surrounding plants either struggle or compensate, so too in human communities: When one part of a community suffers, the entire community should feel it – just as a single sick organ burdens the entire body. The same applies within a person: when the soul or a part of the body is sick, the whole human being suffers. And that is exactly what is currently happening on a global level. Humanity's inner compass has become unbalanced – and the world is reacting sensitively to these impure vibrations. Only when the heart returns to harmony – with itself, with nature, and with the whole – can the human being heal as a whole. Peace is directly proportional to the purity of the heart, and calmness and tranquility in the heart are signs of faith. The Qur'an mentions that peace is the state of the heart. This state is achieved when the heart is cleansed of all impurities and attains pure consciousness. This is also supported by modern research, for example: HeartMath Institute (2015): Exploring the Role of the Heart in Human Performance, Science of the Heart , Vol. 2. McCraty, R., Atkinson, M., Tomasino, D., & Bradley, R. T. (2009): The Coherent Heart: Heart-Brain Interactions, Psychophysiological Coherence, and the Emergence of System-Wide Order , Integral Review , 5(2), pp. 10–115 A study from the International Research Journal on Islamic Studies  (IRJIS, January–June 2022) summarizes the following points: The awakening of heart intelligence enables complex matters to be solved with the most effective and purposeful strategies and decision-making approaches. The human being is a multidimensional entity with higher levels of consciousness. Heart intelligence can be a new gateway for the scientific exploration of other dimensional realities and the expansion of states of consciousness. Heart intelligence encompasses the wholeness of every phenomenon and reveals the hidden purpose, messages, and reasons behind social events, incidents, and undertakings. In this way, individuals gain a greater ability to face life challenges and solve problems wisely. The pure vibrations of the heart field generate love, gratitude, kindness, and altruism, leading to peace and harmony in society. This research opens new perspectives for studies that connect religion with contemporary sciences. In the same way that the heart creates coherence in the human body, the ecosystem of a garden finds balance through harmony, diversity, and mutual responsiveness. When the soil is healthy and the environment is supportive, plants thrive together. In this living metaphor, the garden becomes a reflection of the human condition – showing us that unity, care, and heart-centered attention bring growth, resilience, and peace. The Holy Qur’an mentioned centuries ago that the heart plays a role in thinking and decision-making: "Verily, We created man and We know what his heart whispers to him; and We are closer to him than his jugular vein." (Qur'an, Surah 50, Verse 16)

This world has become too loud. And the more noise we make, the more the axis we are trying to balance on begins to collapse. There are few people who possess true knowledge—those we can trust, those who can guide us. Allah has chosen only some, and for this reason, silence is sacred. Silence invites us to reflect, to observe, to wait. It heals wounds and shows us the way. There is only one true path: the path of God. It is not a path that seeks the destruction of all else, but rather one of balance. The path of Allah is the path of harmony. Islam teaches us to preserve the earth in its rightful balance, to neither transgress nor exceed the limits that have been set for us. Yet those limits have already been crossed—just look around. Instead of continuing to shout, we should learn to wait in silence. To pause. Because the axis we walk upon can only stabilize if we all work together—not against each other. We must let go of personal desires and selfish interests, for it is these that cause us to fall. We have already fallen so low that climbing back up seems difficult. The Qur’an foretold the decline of humanity if its guidance is not followed, but it also continually offers us the chance to return. So why don’t we? We must reconsider everything: our way of living, our priorities, and why we have willingly enslaved ourselves to an economic system. Materialism has crept into every home, through every crack left open. We can call it the devil. And if we don’t protect ourselves, the devil enters through every gap. The result? Disharmony and a loss of balance. Allah created the universe in perfect balance—mīzān—and commanded us not to disturb it. This balance is not only physical, but spiritual, ethical, and social. When we overconsume, oppress, lie, cheat, or allow injustice, we disturb the sacred mīzān that Allah has established. The Qur’an warns us clearly: “Do not transgress within the balance”  (55:8). Yet today, the balance has been ignored at every level—within ourselves, our families, our societies, and the natural world. Restoring the mīzān begins by returning to Divine guidance, by living justly, acting with humility, and honoring the limits that have been placed upon us. Only when we align our lives with the scale of justice that Allah has set can we begin to rebuild what has been broken. The concept of mīzān , or balance, is found in many religions. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indigenous traditions all emphasize justice, harmony, and living within limits. This shared wisdom reminds us that true balance is a divine principle—one that all faiths call us to uphold.

The emergence of a new fruit can be scientifically equated to a biological birth—a culmination of complex processes driven by genetic programming, environmental conditions, and cellular development. When the stem is severed and the fruit harvested, it signifies not just the end of a growth cycle but the realization of nature's intricate design. Such precision—repeated across species, seasons, and ecosystems—strongly suggests that nature operates not by chance, but by a meticulous and governed order. This aligns with the Qur'anic principle that nothing in existence is arbitrary. In Surah Al-Qamar (54:49) , it is stated: "Indeed, all things We created with predestination." (Inna kulla shay'in khalaqnahu biqadar) This verse affirms that every entity—animate or inanimate—comes into being at a preordained time, in a predetermined form, and for a defined purpose. All living beings, from flora to humanity, are bound by biological cycles: genesis, development, maturity, and decay. No organism escapes this temporal framework. The Earth, in this context, serves merely as a host—a transient environment that permits a brief existence. As author Tiziano Terzani once reflected, life is like a ride on a carousel. The landscape may vary—beautiful at times, obscured at others—but the motion continues, inevitably returning us to our origin. This return is both physical and metaphysical. Just as each season bears distinct fruits—each with its unique morphology and chemical composition—so too does each individual possess a singular essence. Despite advances in cloning and biomimicry, no reproduction can yield perfect identity, for the nafs —the soul or inner self—is incorporeal and non-replicable. As stated in Surah Ar-Rum (30:8) : "Do they not reflect within themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in truth and for an appointed term." (Awalam yatafakkaroo fee anfusihim maa khalaqallahu assamawati wal-arda wama baynahuma illa bilhaqqi wa ajalin musamman) Understanding this temporality fosters acceptance: of passing seasons, of impermanence in relationships, and of our mortal limitations. It encourages reverence for life’s uniqueness and a willingness to let go. The soul, the seasons, the cycle of life—all are governed by laws far beyond human control.

I’ve asked myself this question so many times. Why did I lose that job I cared about? Why did that relationship end when I gave it everything? Why did my health slip just when I needed strength the most? It’s one of the most human questions — why do things fall apart when we want them to stay? We lose things so we remember Who really owns them. Jobs, people, money — none of it was ever ours to begin with. We just borrowed them. Allah, in His wisdom, sometimes takes things away to bring us back to Him. Not to punish us — but to remind us where to look when everything else fails. "To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth..."(Qur’an 2:284) It hits different when you read that after loss. It softens the heart. We lose things so we can grow. Sometimes, you’re not being broken — you’re being reshaped . You thought that job was your purpose. That person was your forever. That situation was your stability. But maybe Allah wanted to make room for something better. Or maybe He wanted to teach you something your comfort zone never could. Loss is painful, yes. But it’s also a classroom. And when you look back later, you often whisper, “I needed that.” We lose things so we don’t attach to this world. The dunya is beautiful, but it’s not home. Everything in it comes with an expiry date — every breath, every blessing. Allah gently detaches us from this world so we don’t get trapped in it. So our hearts stay light. So we remember where we’re really going. “Whatever you have will end, but what Allah has is everlasting.”(Qur’an 16:96)

In Islam, Christians and Jews are known as "Ahl al-Kitab"  — People of the Book . This means we all come from a shared spiritual heritage. We believe in One God, in prophets, and in holy scriptures like the Torah, Bible, and Qur’an. Many scholars agree that the last complete verse revealed was: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” — Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3) This verse signifies the completion of the religion of Islam. There is also a tradition that the last complete chapter ( surah) revealed was Surah An-Nasr (Chapter 110): “When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.” This surah is seen as a sign that the mission of Prophet Muhammad was coming to an end, as many people were embracing Islam. Sit down and talk... Most conflicts between Jews, Christians, and Muslims are not truly about faith. They’re about power, land, politics, or fear . Religion is often used as a tool or excuse to divide people, but the real reasons go deeper. Many of us don’t really know what the other believes. That lack of knowledge can turn into fear, and fear becomes hate. But when we actually sit down and talk, we often find more in common than we expected. Our Scriptures Teach Peace All three religions teach love and kindness: The Qur’an  says: “We made you into nations and tribes so you may know one another.”  (49:13) Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  (Matthew 5:9) The Torah  says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Leviticus 19:18) We are taught to care, not to fight. Think about it The world needs less war and more understanding. We don’t have to agree on everything — but we can still respect each other. Because at the end of the day, we’re all People of the Book . And that means we’re family. “Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light... And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary... And We gave him the Gospel...” — Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44–46) Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:44–46) is important because it shows that Islam confirms the earlier scriptures—the Torah and the Gospel—and honors the prophets before Muhammad. It teaches that Islam is the final and complete revelation, bringing the ultimate guidance and light for all humanity. The Qur’an speaks often about Jews and Christians — the People of the Book  — with respect and recognition: ·        “Say: O People of the Book, come to a word we all agree on: that we worship only God...” (Qur’an 3:64) ·        “Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best and most respectful way...” (Qur’an 29:46) ·        “Among the People of the Book are those who are righteous, who pray and believe in God.” (Qur’an 3:113) Islam teaches that Jews and Christians were given true scriptures before, and that we should treat each other with fairness and kindness — even when we disagree.   So Why Do We Forget? There is something deeply painful in watching people who share the same spiritual roots turn against one another. The Qur’an doesn't teach us to hate our neighbors — it teaches us to understand them. "Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best and most respectful way..." (Qur’an 29:46) "Among them are those who are righteous, who pray at night, and believe in God." (Qur’an 3:113) It tells us to speak kindly, even when we disagree. It reminds us that true belief leads to peace, not pride or cruelty. It’s definitely worth taking the time to study Islam — there’s so much wisdom to discover.

Life is a mix of colors and design — just like a garden. But there’s a key difference: while a house is enclosed, the garden is already open to the light. A garden is a living, breathing ecosystem — independent, resilient, and generous. Even when abandoned, it renews itself. It is a tapestry of plants, flowers, and grasses that support each other, without suffocating what grows nearby. Each plant seeks its own shape, its own center — and each one is different. Diversity, after all, is nature’s most powerful survival technique. Permaculture & Spiritual Responsibility: A Shared Vision In recent years, permaculture has captured global attention — not only as a gardening method, but as a philosophy of life . Surprisingly (or not), its values resonate deeply with Islamic teachings . In Islam, the Earth is a sacred trust — an Amanah  — given to humanity by God. We are not owners, but khalifah : stewards and caretakers. Permaculture echoes this message: we are not here to dominate nature, but to collaborate with it . "Do not waste, for God does not love those who waste." — Qur'an, 6:141 From the Qur'an to the Garden: Living in Harmony Islam encourages a lifestyle rooted in sobriety, justice, and care : Mindful Water Use : The Prophet taught never to waste water, even beside a flowing river. Regenerative Agriculture : He promoted planting trees, respecting animals, and equitable land use. Waqf (Charitable Endowments): Community land, wells, and schools mirror permaculture’s concept of shared commons. In both traditions, tending a garden is not just about food — it’s about growing relationships, dreams, and possibilities . How to Start a Permaculture Garden Permaculture begins not with action — but with observation . Step 1: Observe Watch how the sun moves through the seasons.Notice the wind patterns, water flow, soil quality, and presence of wild plants or animals. Step 2: Nourish the Soil Avoid tilling — instead, mulch with straw, compost, and leaves. Add living organic matter like compost, humus, and worms. Use soil-healing plants: legumes, mustard, clover. Step 3: Manage Water Wisely Build swales (contour trenches) to catch rainwater. Collect rain in barrels or underground cisterns. Plant according to moisture levels: dry vs wet zones. Step 4: Mix Crops Experiment with spiral beds, keyhole gardens, and synergistic planting. Use guilds — groupings of plants that help each other thrive (like corn, beans, and squash). Combine food, herbs, flowers, and medicinal plants. Step 5: Mimic the Forest Design your garden like a forest:Tall trees, understory trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers.This creates food forests — systems that give back shade, nutrition, microclimates, and mulch. Welcome Biodiversity Build homes for insects, birds, frogs, and hedgehogs. Say no to chemicals — and let natural predators (like ladybugs and bats) do their job. Grow companion flowers: marigolds, wild fennel, nasturtiums. Create Shared Spaces A permaculture garden is more than just edible. It’s a place of connection .Include areas for: Relaxation and meditation Outdoor kitchens or dining Educational gardens for children Communal workshops or games Reuse. Recycle. Regenerate. Start small, dream big. My own journey began with a humble 3×4 meter vegetable patch. I tested, observed, made mistakes, and learned. Today, I tend to 500 square meters  of abundance. And every single day, my garden teaches me this truth: The world only works through diversity —of plants, people, and ideas. O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur’an 49:13) "And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Surely in this are signs for those who know." Surah Ar-Rum (30:22) Think about it: Universal Address: The verse begins with "O mankind" (Yā ayyuhā al-nās) —not just Muslims—signifying a universal human message . Islam recognizes a common human origin, which removes the foundation for racial or tribal arrogance. Purpose of Diversity: Nations and tribes are not created for conflict or competition in superiority. They are for taʿāruf  ("knowing one another")—a deep, mutual recognition that fosters understanding, cooperation, and peace. True Merit is Moral, Not Social: The most honored in the sight of God is not based on ethnicity, wealth, or power—but taqwa (God-consciousness) .

In my garden, I observe every day that there isn’t a single creature that does not vanish. From the most visible flower to the hidden branch, perhaps buried under countless leaves or entirely invisible—everything appears only to dissolve. This vision, made clear to me through silent observation and contemplation, found an unexpected and powerful echo in the Qur’an. The Qur’an speaks of the impermanence of all things, of the universe itself as a reality destined to dissolve. It teaches that everything will perish—except God. “Everyone upon it [the earth] will perish. And the Face of your Lord, full of Majesty and Honor, will remain.” (Qur’an 55:26–27) One of the most emblematic verses expresses clearly the illusory nature of worldly life: “This worldly life is nothing but play and amusement, while the Hereafter is the [true] life, if only they knew.” (Qur’an 29:64) This verse does not deny the reality of earthly experience but reveals its transience and relativity, especially when compared to a higher, eternal, immutable life—one that only a spiritually awakened consciousness can begin to perceive. Time as an Illusion The Qur’an presents a radically different concept of time, one that breaks from the linear and chronological framework we are used to. Two extraordinary stories clearly demonstrate this: The Man and the Ruined Town (Surah al-Baqarah 2:259) A man wonders how God will bring life back to a city already destroyed. God causes him to die for a hundred years and then brings him back to life. When asked how long he had been gone, he says, “A day, or part of a day.”  God tells him it was a hundred years, even though his food and water remain fresh, while his donkey has decayed. This event reveals a profound gap between subjective and objective time, or rather, the relativity of time within the Divine dimension. The Companions of the Cave (Surah al-Kahf 18:9–26) A group of young men seeks refuge in a cave and sleeps for centuries, thinking they’ve only been there a few hours. The Qur’an describes this as a cosmic sign (ayah)—a symbol demonstrating that: Time is merely a human measurement, and Truth lies beyond the sequence of events. Creation and Meta-History Islam is not rooted in a single historical event through which God enters time. Rather, the Qur’an teaches that God is above history, and everything is contained within His perfect knowledge, outside of linear time: “Indeed, We have created all things according to a measure.” (Qur’an 54:49) This meta-historical perspective suggests that linear time is a veil—an appearance, which can be transcended through spiritual consciousness. Mystical Experience and Inner Openings In my book, I will focus especially on the mystical dimension of my personal experience, which resonates deeply with what Islamic tradition calls ḥāl (spiritual state) and futūḥāt (inner openings or unveilings). My first extra-temporal, out-of-body experiences date back to childhood—around the age of six. Later, my time spent in an ashram in India and, now, my spiritual connection with Islam have confirmed what I had always intuitively known: we do not see only with our physical eyes. There is a higher, unseen dimension, subtle yet real. The Qur’an alludes to this reality in the verse about the Prophet Abraham: “Thus We showed Abraham the kingdom (malakūt) of the heavens and the earth.” (Qur’an 6:75) The Qur’an does not deny, but rather affirms, the impermanent and illusory nature of worldly life. Time, as portrayed in the Qur’an, is relative, flexible, and transcendable. And this vision aligns profoundly with what many spiritual traditions—both Eastern and Western—have always intuited: the ultimate reality lies beyond form, beyond time, and beyond the self. The unity of consciousness and reality is the heart of true spiritual knowledge. And Islam preserves this vision in a deep, subtle, and radically transformative way.

We live in a world overflowing with imagery — screens, signs, beauty, and distraction. Our physical eyes are constantly open, constantly absorbing. But according to the Qur’an, true blindness has nothing to do with the eyes. It’s something much deeper. "For indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearths within the chests that are blind"-Qur`an 22:46 This verse shakes us awake. It tells us that the real blindness  is not physical — it's spiritual . It's the blindness of the heart , the soul , the inner self  that can no longer feel truth when it touches it. Seeing vs. Perceiving You can see a tree  and still be blind to its Creator can read a sacred text  and still miss its wisdom. You can walk through the world  and miss the signs shouting to your heart. The Qur’an speaks often of signs (āyāt)  — in nature, in history, in ourselves. But it also reminds us: not everyone sees them. Some hearts are so closed, so distracted, or so hardened by ego and fear that they no longer recognize the truth. What Does It Mean for the Heart to Be Blind? A blind heart: Refuses reflection or humility Ignores injustice and suffering Rejects divine reminders Replaces meaning with distraction Lives in a world without spiritual responsibility In contrast, a heart that "sees" is: Awake to beauty and meaning Sensitive to truth, even when uncomfortable Guided by mercy, not just logic Humble before something greater than itself The Eyes of the Heart In Islamic spirituality, the heart (qalb) is the center of understanding — not just emotions, but deep awareness  and connection to God . True knowledge flows from the heart that is polished, soft, open , and aware. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "There is a piece of flesh in the body-if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. It is the heart" -Sahih al Bukhari & Muslim. So healing begins from within — not with vision correction, but with soul correction . Blindness is not just about seeing — it's about missing the truth , even when it's in front of us. May our eyes see, and may our hearts never forget how to feel . In a world obsessed with appearances, let us be among those who strive to see with the heart . Scientific Facts Heart neurons:  The heart has about 40,000 neurons, forming its own “mini brain” that can send signals to the brain. Heart-brain communication:  The heart and brain constantly talk through nerves and chemicals, affecting emotions and thinking. Heart Rate Variability (HRV):  Variations in heartbeat timing show how well the heart adapts to stress and emotions. Hormones:  The heart produces hormones like oxytocin, which influence feelings like love and trust. Electromagnetic field:  The heart creates the strongest electromagnetic field in the body, stronger than the brain’s.

There’s a road I used to walk often. It wasn’t remarkable, just the same path I took when returning from long journeys—dust on my shoes, thoughts scattered in the wind. But every time I passed that way, I spoke to something unseen. I didn't call it God back then. I only asked, silently, for a sign. A direction. A knowing. Then one day, without warning, the answer came.“Look left.” There it was. A tree I had passed a hundred times now held a small wooden sign: "For Sale." It was simple, almost invisible. But to me, it felt like thunder. That sign didn’t just announce a piece of land—it whispered something deeper. I knew instantly this was the beginning of something. I just didn’t know how long it would take. More than five years passed. Papers. Problems. Delays. Bureaucracy tangled like overgrown weeds. It would’ve been easy to give up, to say maybe it wasn’t meant for me. But I remembered what a friend once told me: "If something is meant for you, it will find its way to you. If it’s not, something better will." I held onto that. Now, as I stand in this garden—my garden—I know those words were true. Because this land did  wait for me.Because I am the right person for this story.Because it is mine —not in the sense of ownership, but in the sense of belonging. This garden is more than soil and trees. It carries memory. It carries the footsteps of those who came before me—villagers who planted their food, raised their animals, lived from the land. Many of them are gone now, but the land remains. Quiet. Steady. Ready. And now, it grows with me. I didn’t find the garden. It found me when I was ready. This is what I want to tell you: Trust the unfolding. Trust the Creator. Trust the timing. Sometimes we spend years chasing signs. But when it's right, the sign will appear—maybe nailed to a tree, maybe in your heart. And when it does, don't rush it. Let it take root in its own time. Because what's truly yours will wait. Just like this garden did.

I didn’t notice it at first. The vines had grown wild and lush, weaving themselves into a tangled green jungle. I had walked past them a dozen times, thinking maybe the melons were still taking their time. But today, something caught my eye—a glimmer, almost like the garden was winking at me. There it was. Nestled quietly beneath a canopy of broad leaves, my watermelon was shining—striped, round, and perfect. A secret jewel hidden in plain sight, soaking in the sun and waiting patiently to be found. I couldn't believe I’d missed it. It had been growing in silence, thriving without fanfare, like nature’s little surprise just for me. It was proof that tending to something with love and patience brings joy in return. That nature has its own rhythm. That sometimes, magic grows right in your own backyard. So here’s to the watermelon in my garden—today’s gift, today’s lesson, today’s smile.

Surah An-Nahl, Science, and the Bee: A Divine Design Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) — verse 68 — says: "And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: Build your homes in the mountains, in the trees and in what people construct." Qur`an (16:68) Interestingly, the surah is number 16 , and the female bee  — the one that builds, produces honey, and is essential for the hive — has 16 chromosomes . The male bee (drone) , which hatches from an unfertilized egg, has only 8 chromosomes . In Arabic grammar, the verbs in this verse ("build your homes") are in the feminine form , reflecting that the bees addressed are females  — long before modern biology confirmed the central role of female bees  in hive structure and honey production. This subtle harmony between revelation and biology , between divine wording and genetic truth , leaves a powerful impression: the Quran speaks with a precision  that continues to resonate even in the age of molecular science.

One of the most profound lessons I’ve drawn from both Islam and Stoicism is the delicate balance between effort and surrender —between taking responsibility for what we can  control and letting go of what we cannot . In Stoic philosophy, Epictetus teaches us that external events are beyond our power. The only thing truly within our control is our response  to those events. This means that while we cannot change what happens around us, we can  choose how to face it—with calm, wisdom, and resilience. Islam echoes this wisdom beautifully. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Tie your camel, then trust in Allah.”  This simple but powerful advice means: take the necessary steps, do your part, but ultimately place your trust in God’s plan. It’s an invitation to act with intention, yet remain humble and patient in the face of uncertainty. For me, this teaching is a life anchor. It reminds me that anxiety often arises from trying to control the uncontrollable—whether it’s the outcome of a project, others’ opinions, or the unpredictable twists of life. Instead, I’m learning to focus my energy on what I can  influence: my attitude, my choices, and my effort. At the same time, trusting Allah—and the natural order as the Stoics understood it—means releasing the illusion of total control. It means accepting that some things are beyond my grasp, and in that acceptance, finding peace. Mastering the self, then, is not about rigid control or passivity. It’s about disciplined action paired with graceful surrender . It’s a dynamic dance between responsibility and trust, effort and patience. Islam & Stoicism: Where Revelation Meets Reason 1. Control the Self, Trust in the Greater Plan Stoicism: "We cannot control external event. We can only control our response". Epictetus. Islam: "Tie your camel, and trust in Allah", proph. Muhammad (Tirmidhi) "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us". - Qur`an (9:51) Both traditions teach:– Master your inner self .– Let go of what you cannot control .– Respond with dignity and intention .The Stoic calls this apatheia  (freedom from destructive emotion); Islam calls it sabr  (patient perseverance). 2. Reason & Responsibility Stoicism: "Man is disturbed not by things, but by the views he takes of them" - Marcus Aurelius. Islam: "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" - Qur`an (13:28). "Actions are but by intentions" - Proph. Muhammad (Bukhari & Muslim). Islam and Stoicism both emphasize:– The power of thought and intention .– Taking ownership  of your reactions.– Cultivating inner clarity  through reflection (Stoic journaling or Islamic muhasaba  – self-accounting). 3. Virtue is the Path Stoicism: Virtue is the highest good - justice, courage, temperance, wisdom. Islam: "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you" - Qur`an (49:13) For both, true freedom comes from inner discipline and moral clarity . Not material success, not reputation, not emotion—but a heart aligned with truth. 4. Accept Death, Live Meaningfully Stoicism: "You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think".- Marcus Aurelius. Islam: "Every soul shall taste death" - Qur`an (3:185). "Live in this world as if you are a traveler or a stranger"- Proph. Muhammad. Both traditions teach memento mori : Remember death . Not to fear it, but to awaken purpose. Live with humility, accountability, and depth.