From the series: ‘Reflections from Tarim’

Bismillāhi ar-Raḥmāni ar-Raḥīm

Allahumma ṣalli ʿalā Sayyidinā Muḥammad wa ʿalā ālihi wa ṣaḥbihi wa sallim.

Alhamdulillāh, I recently reached 35. I remember once fearing the idea of entering my 30s, leaving behind the carefree years of my 20s and moving closer to the age of 40 without much preparation.

The age of 40 is described by many scholars as the pinnacle of maturity and wisdom. My earlier reflections in my 30’s, I knew I wasn’t living in a way that aligned with the honour and responsibility of that. Now, halfway through this decade of my life, these reflections have returned softer, deeper, and more urgent than before and I can’t help but feel grateful for them. They are reminders from Allah, gentle awakenings, calling me to realign my life, to rise to what I was created for, and to walk the path He destined for me, inshaAllah.

Islam teaches us that our lifespan is a short and precious journey, and that each decade carries its own responsibilities, opportunities, and spiritual openings. Imam al-Ghazālī (rahimahullah) reminds us in Iḥyā’ ʿUlūm ad-Dīn that the years between 20 and 40 are the years to shape one’s character, establish habits, and build the foundations of a meaningful life. These years are a person’s training ground because after 40, change is still possible but requires more effort, as physical and spiritual energy naturally begin to decline.

This is why the age of 40 is described as a golden age: a time when intellect reaches its peak, priorities become clearer, and one becomes capable of deeper understanding and wiser choices. Even prophethood was given at this age, highlighting its significance.

As I approach this stage of life, I feel a mix of reflection, humility, gratitude, and hope. I think about the mistakes I’ve made, the time I’ve wasted on things that didn’t matter, and the opportunities I could have used better. But above all, I feel grateful. Grateful that Allah has allowed me to live this long, grateful for His protection and mercy, and grateful for another chance to return to Him wholeheartedly.

Reaching this age has made me realise how important it is to pause and reflect:

• Who am I becoming?
• Where is my life heading?
• What will I carry with me into the next chapter?
• What will I leave behind for my children and for my akhirah?

It has reminded me that life is too short to be wasted on trivial pursuits and distractions. The time we have is limited, and the years pass quickly. What matters most is not how much we have achieved in the eyes of people, but how sincerely we are striving to improve in the eyes of Allah.

As I look ahead to the coming years, I’ve been reflecting on the universal goals every believer can benefit from that anchor us, uplift us, and bring meaning to our lives:

Goals Worth Focusing On

• Strengthening one’s connection with the Qur’an.
• Building love and closeness to the Prophet ﷺ through salawat and following his character.
• Taking care of the body through movement, mindful eating, and balance.
• Seeking knowledge and strengthening the mind with reading, writing and reflecting.
• Nurturing bonds with family and being present with love and mercy.
• Working toward financial independence, purpose, and a life that aligns with one’s values.
• Cultivating good habits early so they become natural as we age.
• Letting go of distractions and trivial pursuits that steal our time, energy, and heart.
• Becoming someone whose life reflects gratitude, intentionality, and sincerity

If Allah grants me life, I hope to enter the coming years with a heart that is more grounded, more connected to Him, more gentle, more disciplined, and more aware of what truly matters. I hope that anyone reading this feels encouraged to reflect on their own life and to use the time they have wherever they are in their journey to grow, realign, and strive for better.

May Allah allow us all to use our years wisely, to grow in faith and character, and to reach the ages ahead with hearts that are purified, minds that are clear, and lives that are pleasing to Him.

Ameen.

Until next time…..

Peace be with you.