The Capacity of 37

Three years from the age Islam calls mature.

Do I feel I’m heading in that direction? Absolutely.

Could I have said that when I turned 30? Again, absolutely.

So, what’s the difference?

Today, I will only say what I know. Maybe next year, I’ll have more—or a different—perspective.

Here’s a blog I can reflect on next year!

So, my near-mature self says:

“I’m heading in that direction because I feel more confident in who I am as a character. I’m in a zone I call contentment, where I know what I value.”

Yes, I am more confident in my character, but does that mean there’s no room for improvement?

Always room for improvement.

Rather, it means I’m more confident in acknowledging where I can improve in different contexts.

With that, I can grasp the moment, pause, and make better, more suitable decisions.

My maturity just celebrated this.

It is this confidence that will take me to new heights and allow me to make more valid decisions. I am more conscious and awake—hence, present in the moment.

Now, for the contentment zone.

Defining contentment is difficult—but not when I have friends who share the same desire to grow closer to Allah (s.w.t).

When I am part of this collective drive, I realise contentment erases financial status and material satisfaction, instead drawing on happiness from within.

Surrounding myself with people who help me move forward is key.

When one realises that Allah (s.w.t) is true love and the ultimate goal, everything else that is not on that pathway loses meaning. They exist, but they don’t weigh on the heart. If buying something truly makes a difference, its value becomes real. If not—walking away is easy.

I begin to develop awareness of what true value is: value in myself and in my closeness to ultimate love.

Allah (s.w.t) sends us families, friends, education, and wealth. Within each of these realms, I need to find what truly makes a difference.

The summary:

Contentment is a step towards maturity because now I can confidently say:

“This is my capacity, and this is what I want to achieve now.”

To further elevate this, I add the special gift of tawakkul —trust and hope in Allah—to my capacity, and then it will have more barakah (richness).

This means I may achieve more than I anticipate—if God wills!

For now, I will enjoy this thought.

Let’s revisit in September 2024!