Prayers from a kindred soul

I was removing my shoes to enter the mosque. A woman was exiting at the same time. She said some words in Turkish, which I didn't understand, so l just smiled.

Sensing my lack of comprehension, she smiled and said, "I pray Allah accepts from you and grants you what you ask for."

I was touched. We did not speak the same language, but as believers, we had the language of prayer. And this is truly the most special type of language.

Perhaps the supplication was a sign that this was a time of accepted prayer. Perhaps Allah answers you because of His love for someone else. Perhaps it is a reminder to just ask, because you have been forgetful.

And perhaps her du'a for me causes Allah to respond to her. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: And for you the same." (Sahih Muslim)

Of course, the irony was that I was debating whether or not to pray at the masjid. I was a traveler, so I could join them later, I thought. If I stopped to pray, I might be late for my reservation. But Allah loves the houses that are built for Him. And Allah loves the congregation. As believers, we have to choose Allah and what He loves.

And somehow, prioritizing Allah always brings blessings in ways we cannot imagine. And today it brought me the supplication of the smiling woman. And I know I will remember this kindred soul, and I will smile like she did when the du'as materialize, inshAllah.

And always remember to pray for each other. We are a nation bounded by love for Allah and sincere prayer for each other. None of us know how many of the blessings descending upon us are because of the prayers of souls beloved to God.

May you all be blessed. And may Allah answer your du’as for the best.