*Shezana’s Diary* *Garments for Each Other ©* *Tuesday, February 25, 2025* Bismillah. Another day, another opportunity to reflect, grow, and inch closer to my Rabb. Alhamdulillah. I’ve been thinking a lot about marriage today. Not in a restless, longing way—but in a way that makes me appreciate its depth and purpose. Marriage isn’t just about companionship or ticking off a societal milestone. It’s a journey, an ibadah, a responsibility. I read something earlier that really struck me: *"A difficulty that brings you closer to Allah is more beautiful than a blessing that takes you away from Him."* How powerful is that? So often, we pray for ease, for things to go smoothly, for happiness in the form that we define it. But sometimes, the very things we struggle with—the rejections, the delays, the unanswered prayers—are actually leading us to something far greater. Marriage isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about choosing someone who will stand beside you through it. Someone whose presence reminds you of Allah, whose love softens your heart toward goodness. And most importantly, someone with whom you can walk the path of Jannah together. Apa always says that before marriage, a person should ask themselves two things: Am I ready to be patient? Because patience isn’t just about enduring hardships; it’s about embracing imperfections, handling differences with grace, and learning to love through the tests. Am I prepared to give more than I take? Because love isn’t just about receiving affection; it’s about serving, sacrificing, and putting another’s needs before your own. Sometimes I wonder if people really think about these things, or if they just assume marriage will magically be all smiles and comfort. But nothing worth having comes without effort. The strongest marriages aren’t built on fleeting emotions—they’re built on Taqwa, on sincerity, on a shared purpose. And that brings me to Ramadan. Only 3 days left now. It’s funny how the closer we get to Ramadan, the more we start feeling its pull. The nights seem quieter, the heart more eager, the soul more restless for something deeper. I don’t want this Ramadan to just come and go. I want it to transform me. I want my heart to soften in sujood. I want my tongue to be drenched in dhikr. I want my soul to detach from this world and attach itself completely to my Rabb. My goals remain the same: 10 Juz a day – Aiming for three complete Qur’an recitations. 1,000 salawaat daily – Sending endless love to my Nabi ﷺ. Less dunya, more Akhirah. Less talking, more du‘a. Less scrolling, more sajdah. I’ve even made a Ramadan checklist for each day—tracking my Qur’an, dhikr, and salawaat. It keeps me accountable. And then, of course, there’s Surah Ahzaab. I wrote another page today. It’s long, yes, but what a beautiful thing to be busy with. A piece of Allah’s Book, written by my own hand, waiting to be placed safely in a corner of my room. Maybe, just maybe, it will be the means through which my duas are answered. Tonight, I will sleep with hope in my heart. Because whether it’s marriage, Ramadan, or any other aspect of life—when we do things for the sake of Allah, He always brings us what is best. And that alone is enough for me. Love Shezana