Soul of Islam Radio

Gratitude is not a secondary virtue in the spiritual life. It is the very foundation of faith, the essence of worship, and the light by which the heart comes alive. Everything meaningful in religion is built upon gratitude, because the greatest gifts ever given to humanity are guidance and knowledge. Without guidance, life loses direction. Without knowledge of God, existence loses meaning. Faith itself is a divine gift, and gratitude is the natural response of a heart that recognizes this gift.

How Worship Reveals the Light of the Heart

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ made this reality unmistakably clear when he explained the reason for his abundant worship. Despite being forgiven and protected by his Lord, he said, “Shall I not be a grateful servant?” This statement reveals that the true essence of worship is not fear, habit, or obligation alone, but rather is gratitude and love. Worship is the heart’s way of responding to divine generosity. If the veils of ego and heedlessness were lifted, and we truly saw how much Allah has given, continues to give, and will give from His oceans of mercy and beauty, we would never lift our heads from prostration.

Faith is not meant to remain hidden or theoretical. Real faith seeks expression. This is why the principle “faith without works is dead” appears in earlier scriptures and remains universally true. If faith is alive in the heart, it naturally manifests as worship, gratitude, humility, and service. Allah Almighty is absolutely independent and has no need for our worship; rather, worship is a gift given to us so that we may grow in light, beauty, and nearness to Him. When worship weakens, it is an indication that faith itself requires care, attention, and cultivation.

Worship therefore becomes a barometer for the state of the heart. A strong desire for prayer, remembrance (dhikr), sacred knowledge, night worship, the mosque, and wholesome spiritual gatherings is a sign of awakened faith. When these desires are absent or burdensome, it signals that faith has weakened and needs nourishment. This is not a cause for despair, but an invitation to return to the prophetic method of spiritual growth.

The primary method taught by the Prophet ﷺ for awakening faith is righteous companionship (suhbah). Faith was transmitted to the Companions not merely through words, but through presence, character, and living manifest example. This sacred method has been preserved throughout history and will remain so until the end of time by the will of God Who has sworn to protect and preserve the path, the religion and the revelation. Allah commands believers in the Qur’an to seek out the truthful and to keep their company, and through sincere companionship with those who embody faith, gratitude, and humility, hearts are awakened and strengthened.

Awakenings Academy

Islam represents the perfection of sacred and divine guidance given to humanity. Allah has completed the religion and chosen Islam as the way of surrender, balance, and truth. The purpose of life is not merely to believe abstractly, but to awaken the hidden potential within the heart that allows a person to approach their Lord sincerely, humbly, and beautifully. The ultimate goal is not just outward compliance, but entering into the Divine Presence by God’s grace and coming to know Him.

One of the highest stations of gratitude is to be grateful for gratitude itself—to recognize that Allah Almighty has given us the awareness, sensitivity, and capacity to thank Him. Gratitude is beautiful, and beauty is beloved to Allah. True beauty is not external form, but inner character: humility, thankfulness, sincerity, and devotion. Ingratitude, by contrast, is repeatedly paired with disbelief in the Qur’an, while gratitude is a defining quality of a true believer.

The faithful servant is not consumed by complaint or lack, but is focused on thanking the Creator and worshipping Him. Such a heart finds peace, purpose, and meaning, regardless of circumstance.

Chapters

00:00 – The Foundation of Faith: Gratitude
Opening reflection on gratitude as the essence, light, and root of true faith. 85 Gratitude Faith

01:09 – Why the Prophet ﷺ Worshipped: The Secret of Gratitude
Exploring the hadith, “Shall I not be a grateful servant?” and the meaning behind abundant worship.

02:02 – Seeing God’s Gifts Behind the Veils
Recognizing divine generosity and how unveiling would transform our worship.

02:51 – Faith Without Works Is Dead
How true faith naturally seeks expression through worship, gratitude, and righteous action.

03:37 – Worship as a Gift and Mirror of the Heart
Understanding worship as a divine gift that grows beauty, humility, and light within the believer.

04:29 – Diagnosing the Heart: Worship as a Barometer
Desire for prayer, dhikr, and sacred gatherings as signs of strong or weak faith.

05:25 – The Prophetic Method: Sohbah and Righteous Companionship
The essential role of spiritual companionship in awakening and cultivating faith.

06:06 – The Perfection of Islam and the Purpose of Life
Faith, surrender, and awakening the heart’s hidden potential to know Allah.

07:01 – The High Station of Being Grateful for Gratitude
A deeper reflection on gratitude as beauty and the inner character beloved to Allah.

07:54 – Gratitude vs. Ingratitude: The Qur’anic Lens
How unbelief is repeatedly paired with ingratitude—and the qualities of the true believer.

08:53 – A Closing Prayer and Invitation
Final supplication and a reminder to share.

From my journal and personal reflections, I recorded this episode to address a truth that often gets buried under modern distractions: all of Islam is about awakening consciousness. This divine capacity, placed within the human being, is what allows us to witness truth, to grow spiritually, and ultimately to know God. But in our current age—bombarded by content, media, and endless consumption—we face more obstacles than ever to true spiritual awakening.

I reflect on how anything that reduces our consciousness—from intoxicants to social media—impedes our development and distances us from divine purpose. Even well-intentioned content can become harmful when consumed without reflection. The inner jihad, or jihad al-nafs, becomes the most essential struggle of our time—a greater jihad that demands mindfulness, discipline, and spiritual minimalism.

True progress lies not in collecting more information, but in emptying the self to receive real, living knowledge from Allah Almighty. This episode emphasizes the need for sincere companionship with righteous guides, those who walk the path of truth and embody divine presence. As Imam Malik (ra) taught, only with both the outer form (Sharia) and the inner path (Tariqah) can we reach Haqq—the Truth.

I also discuss how our time is precious and fleeting. To live with meaning, we must consciously step away from illusion, superficial religiosity, and ego-driven distractions. We must strive to become truth-seekers, grounded in sincerity, willing to sacrifice for real transformation. This is the heart of Islam: to awaken, evolve, and ultimately realize our nearness to God.

00:00 | Introduction and Intentions
Opening reflections on journaling and the purpose of sharing these insights.

00:45 | What Is Consciousness?
The deeper meaning of consciousness as the heart of Islam.

01:40 | Consciousness vs. Thinking
Thinking as a byproduct of deeper spiritual consciousness.

02:41 | What Harms Consciousness
How substances and content that reduce awareness are spiritually harmful.

03:43 | The Double-Edged Nature of Our Age
How today’s access to knowledge comes with greater distractions.

04:33 | Social Media and Lower Consciousness
How media consumption feeds the ego and prevents growth.

05:17 | The Greater Jihad in Modern Times
The inner struggle as the most urgent and rewarding jihad.

06:04 | Spiritual Minimalism and Content Diet
Deliberate content consumption as a spiritual discipline.

07:46 | Realigning with Prophetic Simplicity
Consumption habits, prophetic guidance and spiritual health.

08:40 | Introducing the Path of Real Knowledge
The path of spiritual companionship.

10:16 | Awakening the Heart
The central goal of Islam: the awakening of the heart.

11:11 | Real Knowledge Is Hidden
Why true spiritual knowledge is rare and often overlooked.

11:58 | Leaving Illusion Behind
Detachment from both worldly and superficial religious illusions.

13:41 | The Truth Seeker’s Journey
The mindset needed for true spiritual seeking.

14:31 | What Is the Rope of Allah?
The rope of Allah as the companionship of the righteous.

15:19 | The Only Path to Truth
Sincerity and striving are the only way to reach divine truth.

16:15 | The Gift of Time and the Need for Focus
How to use our time wisely and avoid distraction.

17:03 | Closing Reflections and Call to Action
A call to share, rate, and spread the message to sincere seekers.

In this episode, I explore the vital distinction between pain and suffering through the lens of Islamic spirituality, journaling, and self-awareness. Drawing from personal reflections and teachings, I share how pain is a natural and unavoidable part of life—but suffering often comes from our resistance, our ego, and the stories we construct around that pain. As I reflect on writings from my own journal, I touch on the wisdom of the Qur’an, the sacredness of writing, and insights from classical teachers like Rumi (qs), who remind us that our wounds are often the entry points for divine light.

I discuss the spiritual path as one of surrender—surrendering the ego, the mind, and the false narratives that keep us trapped. True freedom and inner peace begin with accepting pain without resisting it and recognizing that suffering is not imposed from outside, but generated from within. The way forward lies in patience, presence, and persistence. This isn’t a quick fix, but a lifelong practice of returning, of softening, and of deepening in trust and faith. Through writing, contemplation, and spiritual discipline, we create space for wisdom and guidance to flow—transforming our experience of hardship and reconnecting with the Divine.

00:00 | The Sacred Value of Contemplation
Reflecting on the importance of contemplation and the prophetic tradition valuing one hour of reflection over years of worship.

01:15 | The Divine Command to Read and Write
Discussing the first Quranic revelation and the significance of learning and journaling in Islamic practice.

03:08 | Writing as a Spiritual Practice
How the act of writing becomes a sacred tool for receiving divine inspiration and clarity.

06:22 | Introducing the Theme of Suffering
Exploring the difference between pain and suffering through personal journaling and spiritual insight.

08:24 | Pain Is Inevitable, Suffering Is Optional
Understanding that resistance to pain creates suffering, while surrender leads to peace.

10:08 | The Ego and the Story of ‘Me’
Identifying the ego and personal narratives as the root of suffering.

11:53 | Beyond Judgment: Rumi’s Field
Exploring the wisdom of Rumi (qs) and the spiritual field beyond right and wrong.

12:42 | The Path of Surrender and Presence
Describing the journey of spiritual awakening through letting go and transcending the self.

14:07 | Persistence as the Greatest Miracle
Why spiritual growth is slow and steady, and why consistency matters more than perfection.

14:48 | The Choice to Suffer or Surrender
Reiterating that suffering is a choice—and surrender, patience, and trust are the remedy.

In this inspiring episode of Soul of Islam Radio, I reconnect with Sister Fatimah Linda Howard—a former attorney, author, and spiritual guide—whose journey of transformation is a testament to the power of intention, faith, and inspired action. After the loss of her brother, her primary resource on faith and religion, Sister Fatima realized it was time to deepen her own spiritual path. That decision led her to study Islamic Meditation, eventually moving to Morocco, learning to read the Qur’an from scratch, and visiting the great masjids of the world—all sparked by the simple advice to “just begin.”

We talk about her new book, From Vision to Divine Provision, where she reclaims the concept of manifestation from a purely New Age framework and roots it in Islamic teachings. Fatima shares how visualization, du’a, belief, trust, action, and gratitude create a sacred framework for living a purpose-driven life. She emphasizes that it’s not about asking the universe—it’s about asking Allah with clarity, sincerity, and humility.

We also explore how unchecked ego can block divine blessings, how feelings shape our lived experience, and why meditation is essential—not optional—for modern Muslims seeking inner peace and divine alignment. Sister Fatimah offers not only wisdom, but a roadmap for Muslims looking to live with more presence, purpose, and peace.

About Fatimah Linda Howard

Fatimah Linda Howard is an author, speaker, and spiritual consultant with a professional background in law and healthcare compliance. After a transformative personal journey that began with the loss of her brother, Fatimah deepened her commitment to spiritual growth and education, integrating her years of experience in meditation with a grounded Islamic perspective. Her work centers on helping individuals and communities align with divine purpose through intentional living, sacred manifestation, and inner stillness.

She is the author of From Vision to Divine Provision: The Islamic Art of Sacred Manifestation, a guide that reframes manifestation within a God-centered framework rooted in Islamic tradition. Fatimah leads retreats, workshops, and community gatherings, and shares her message across social media platforms under the handle @withlindahoward. Her approach combines spiritual depth with practical tools, making sacred living accessible for Muslims navigating modern life.

You can learn more about her at her websites, With Linda Howard and Vision to Divine Provision.

00:00 | Reconnecting with Sister Fatimah
Fatima introduces herself and shares how the death of her brother sparked a spiritual awakening.

02:45 | The Power of “Just Begin”
A pivotal moment of advice that inspired a cascade of action in Fatimah’s life.

04:16 | Living the Vision
Fatimah reflects on achieving major life goals through intention and persistence.

06:53 | Walking Toward Allah
Fatimah shares a powerful experience living across from a historic masjid in Morocco.

10:01 | Why Meditation Matters for Muslims
Fatimah discusses the role of Islamic meditation in clarity, connection, and intention.

13:47 | Ego as a Barrier to Blessings
Exploring how unchecked ego can block divine abundance and misdirect success.

16:16 | The Book’s Origin Story
Fatimah explains how a vision board and community gatherings led to her book.

20:12 | An Islamic Perspective on Manifestation
She unpacks the spiritual difference between asking the universe and asking Allah.

23:10 | The Emotional Power of Environment
Fatimah discusses how physical spaces impact spiritual and emotional well-being.

29:00 | Regulating Emotions Through Faith
She shares lessons from her mother and how emotional discipline affects life quality.

34:45 | Staying Calm in Chaos
Fatimah explains how meditation helped her stay grounded during high-stress careers.

39:04 | Book Framework & Structure
She breaks down the book into three parts: foundation, framework, and life’s challenges.

44:27 | Law of Attraction vs. Sacred Manifestation
Fatimah critiques the Law of Attraction through a God-centered lens.

51:04 | Standing Firm in Faith
On owning Islamic language and identity in mixed or non-Muslim settings.

54:03 | Final Reflections
Fatimah closes with a message of gratitude, intention, and divine trust.

Drawing from the wisdom of Sultan al-Awliya Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (qs), I reflect in this episode on a brief but deeply impactful teaching about our relationship with the world. We explore the contrast between two oceans: the ocean of light and spirit that flows from the Divine Presence, and the ocean of dunya, the material world, which veils us from essential reality. The ego craves the material, the temporary, the apparent—but the soul longs for something subtler, more lasting: truth, light, and connection with Allah Almighty.

The Shaykh reminds us that our over-attachment to the world is the root of much of our suffering. The modern pursuit of endless consumption and accumulation leads to spiritual sickness, yet it never satisfies. It’s like drinking from the ocean—salt water that only makes us thirstier. One of the key metaphors here is: “When a man is thirsty, he imagines he drinks all the rivers and springs, yet one glass is enough.” This one line encapsulates the heart of spiritual minimalism.

Through this lens, we revisit the prophetic path of asceticism—taking only what is necessary, living simply, and remaining unattached to the material world while using it in service to truth and eternity. I also reflect on how even good things like home, family, and wealth only benefit us spiritually when approached with the right intention and non-attachment. It’s not about rejecting the world, but about ensuring it doesn’t root itself in our hearts.