in God's country

i started studying arabic with ustadh (teacher) muhammad when i arrived in cairo. i was sorta like a blank slate when i started at al-diwan and ustadh muhammad taught me everything. i was studying 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, one on one. that's quite intensive, don't you think? anyway, he was supposed to teach me till june but there was a slight change in plans. he decided to leave al-diwan and move to alexandria for a better job opportunity. he left a week ago and i was sad. but now i study with ustadha reham. she's an excellent teacher as well.

so today, ustadh muhammad came by al-diwan and presented me with a lovely gift. surah ahad written in the kufic script in gold on wood. plus, he wrote me a letter in which he wrote some advice. i thought i would translate them into english and share them with you guys 'cause i think they're beneficial:

1. make love for Allah above everything else
2. this life is not everlasting but is just a mere station in life
3. try to increase your faith and obedience to your Lord everyday
4. don't ever get sad over anything because Allah decides everything for you (and He knows what's best for you)
5. always remember Allah in every situation (good or bad)