From the series: ‘Reflections from Tarim’

Loving Tarim is sometimes a path walked alone. Many may not understand the longing for a land so simple, a place that offers no luxury or lavish comfort. To those who haven’t felt it, this affection for a barren valley surrounded by mountains may seem strange yet those who have experienced it know it is unlike anything else.

In Tarim, the soul discovers a quiet it never knew it needed. Here, one learns to appreciate the simplest mundane things that we often overlook in comfort and convenience. What is ordinary elsewhere feels precious here: twenty-four-hour electricity, uninterrupted internet. And yet it is in these simple things, in the everyday blessings, that gratitude grows. You find yourself smiling whispering Alhamdulillah for the smallest of mercies, over and over again.

Tarim is a place that calls people to one community, even though its inhabitants come from all over the world. Yet they live as if they are one, bound not by language or nationality, but by love of Allah and his beloved Muhammad ﷺ.

It is a living reflection of the Prophet ﷺ’s words:

“You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it.”

In Tarim, you go through a journey of learning from everyone. From the simple shopkeeper to the taxi driver to the great scholar.

This city is unique in that it is inhabited by the descendants of the Prophet ﷺ more than any other place I have witnessed. Learning from them is a gift beyond measure. They carry an unbroken chain of connection in both blood and knowledge to the Prophet ﷺ, and their love for him is profound. In every class, in every lesson, the echo of salawat rises spontaneously when his name is mentioned ﷺ as a sign of respect, yearning, and intimate love, as if he were a beloved member of their own family.

The Sunnah ( the optional actions and sayings of the Prophetﷺ) is followed as if it’s fard (obligatory).

I find a deep sense of belonging here, yet a part of me remains elsewhere. With loved ones who have not yet experienced Tarim’s sweetness. Loving this city sometimes means loving it alone, carrying its light in your heart while longing for others to one day feel it too.

I am endlessly grateful to have been called back to Tarim in a season I least expected. I know with certainty that Allah does not call a heart to this valley except for a purpose and that purpose is always goodness, growth, and light.

Tarim is not just a place. It is a state of the heart. Those who have been touched by it carry its radiance wherever they go. You can see it in their presence, their humility, their devotion, and the way they love and remember Allah and his messenger ﷺ.

May we all find our own Tarim, wherever we are — that inner sanctuary, within or without, where our hearts are lit again.

For as the Prophet ﷺ said:

“A person is with those whom he loves.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Peace be with you.