It's about sacrifice. 

It's Not Easy. It's not Cheap. 

The first Muslims gave up everything for their belief that Allah is one. They were ostracized from their families and community, suffered hunger and in some cases torture. Those seeking the Truth traveled great distances to hear and learn from the Prophet Mohammad pbuh. The sacrifice they made was for Allah, they gave up worldly comforts believing that Allah would take care of them, provide for them and was sufficient for them. 

Those early Muslims were tested in ways that we, inshallah, will not be. However, Allah promises that he will test us. The test is- take something we love, and sacrifice it. To gain a deeper understand of ourselves and grow closer to Allah we must give up something. It is a mistake to think that a deeper connecting will come without changing anything about our life or mindset. We must turn away from whatever we are attached to in this world and put our full trust in Allah. 

The fee I've listed represents a monetary sacrifice but you can turn towards Allah in other ways. This work can only be done after demonstrating a seriousness of commitment to Allah. The fee is not for me, it is for you to let go of what you love in this world, other ways you can 'pay the fee' are: 

• quitting a bad job 
• giving up toxic friends or relationship 
• booking travel for haij or umrah
• reconnecting with family members 
• moving or extended travel
• stopping a habitual sin 
• donating the fee amount 

This will be some of the most challenging work you will ever engage in. Facing your fears, doubts and constructed realities head on. You'll be battling against your nafs and the shaytan who are deeply entrenched in keeping you from realizing your true power. The rewards are priceless, but it will cost you *some* of this world. 

You do not need to work with me. Making the sacrifice for Allah may be enough for you to do this work on your own. You would have made your step towards Allah and He has promised that He will come nearer to you. 

For those who want the support of someone who is going down the path, I'd love to be with you! Our work will begin when you let me know what you've given up for Allah - monetary or otherwise.  

MY Sacrifice 

I only attained the understanding, peace and abundance I have now when my husband and I gave up his salary. We are living in Manhattan and he had a well paying but it was crushing his spirit. Although, we tired to line up something else before he quit nothing came though. We decided to quit with no safety net believing that Allah would provide for our family of 5. You can read my husband's reflection on this here. 

For six months we living in one of the most expensive cities in the world with no income. We had retirement that we pulled out and only had money for rent and food for a few months. I was forced to live out my faith that Allah would provide. I had no worldly thing to rely, I could only rely on Allah and that forced me to do the hard work of opening myself up and dealing with emotions and relationships that I'd long buried. 

I knew I had turned to Allah so I was paying close attention for any indication that he was coming towards me. Allah's promises is true and each day I learned something, and witnessed Allah's bounty and signs. My heart opened up to see with clarity, my nafs lost it's grip on me and I began to notice the traps of the shaytan. 

Allah made clear for me that everything I need, I already have within, it was the outward search that was distracting me from seeing that. Now that I've found my power, I want to make sure everyone else can find theirs as well. Surrender to Allah, he will not let you down.