Assalamu Alaikum, my dear friend,

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I hope you’re doing well and that life is treating you kindly. As I sit down to write this, it feels like we’re sitting together by a cozy fire, just talking heart to heart.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how noisy the world has become—so much vying for our attention, so many voices pulling us in every direction. In this whirlwind, I felt a deep need to reconnect with you, not to grab your attention, but to share something meaningful—something good.

That’s why I’m starting this new series, “Heart to Heart.” It’s my way of opening up, sharing lessons and stories from my life, and hopefully adding a little light to yours. My only goal is to contribute goodness, for Allah’s subuhanawut’ala sake, without expecting anything in return.

Let me start with a story that’s been close to my heart for decades.

More than 25 years ago, when I was in my early 20s, someone visited my little room. It was a humble space—a bed, a small cupboard, a study table, and a bookshelf stacked with books of all kinds. This visitor took a moment to browse my collection and said something I’ve never forgotten:

“Rushdhi, I hardly ever see a young person with so much interest in so many different fields.”

Now, I know it was an exaggerated compliment, but those words settled deep within me. They made me feel seen, appreciated, and encouraged in a way that shaped how I’ve lived my life. To this day, I carry those words with me.

And here’s the thing: it was such a small act. Just a few kind words, but the ripple effect they created was enormous.

This reminds me of the beauty of our deen, Islam, which teaches us that even a small act of kindness can be heavy on the scales of good deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"A good word is charity." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

So here’s what I want to leave you with: Catch the positive.

What does that mean? It’s not about ignoring negativity or pretending challenges don’t exist. It’s about actively hunting for positivity around us. It’s about training ourselves to focus on the good, even when the bad feels overwhelming. This shift in focus doesn’t just change how we see the world—it changes how we live in it.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was always optimistic. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he disliked pessimism and taught us to look for the good in every situation. Following his sunnah, let’s focus on finding and amplifying the good around us:

• When your kids are testing your patience, notice the spark of curiosity or creativity in them that’s driving their behaviour.
• When a colleague makes a mistake, acknowledge their effort or initiative before offering feedback.
• When you encounter a stranger, let a smile or a kind word be your sadaqah for the day.

Sometimes, these small shifts have profound effects—not only on others but also on ourselves.

May Allah subuhanawut’ala bless you with the strength to spread kindness and the wisdom to see its beauty in your life. I’ll be here again soon, sharing another piece of my heart.

Until then, make dua for me, as I make dua for you.

With love and gratitude,
Rushdhi

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This post is part of my new weekly email series, “Heart to Heart.” If you enjoyed reading this and would like to receive these reflections directly in your inbox, you can subscribe below!