Journey Time and Updates

Bismillah
As salamu alaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barakaatuhu,

Just thought I'd update you on my whereabouts since it  has been quite a while since I shared anything with you guys. (And I'm terribly sorry for that, I've missed doing this sorely).

Hopefully, I'll be much more 'sharey' (yes I just invented that) once my tablet arrives from Japan. It's got strong social networking, blogging potential and with the 16 hour battery, I'll be sure to put all that to good use. Other than that it really makes web browsing, watching lectures, reading books and emailing a breeze so I'd say I'm looking at a huge productivity boost over the next few days Insha'allah. :)

Other than that I'm leaving for Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, in about 4 hours Insha'allah. It's the first time I'll be traveling by train and I must say I am nervous yet excited about it in a very positive way, alhamdulillah. With the emerging fuel crisis you just don't know what to expect from state transport services. But I have been hearing some pretty good things about train travel and honestly, a part of me has always wanted to try it out. So, let's see if it lives up to its fame or falls flat on its face.

Now, why I'm traveling to Islamabad is the real question - and I'm coming to that.
You see, there's this über cool youth driven group here in Pakistan that's organizing an event called 'Skilled Up.' They've got some pretty nice workshops for people who want to be able to 'do more' yet lack the time or commitment to actually take lengthy courses to start off. It's basically a little something to get them started and help them explore their talents.

But that being said I'm not really in it for any of the workshops since the ones I was interested in (Calligraphy to name one) are girls only events. And the ones for the guys don't really seem to interest me. (See a connection there? yeah, don't get any ideas)

I'm going there for the 'Inspiring Talks' event that will be hosted by the Youth Club featuring Islamic scholars and prominent personalities like Dr. Zakia Hashmi and Dr. Khalil ur Rehman Chishti (to name a few). I'm hoping to learn a lot from them and look forward to meeting them all in person, Insha'allah.

Poster for Skilled Up - Designed by yours truly

As always, I pray that Allah helps me purify my intentions of traveling for His sake and makes my footsteps firm during this journey. That through it, He increases me in E'man and allows me to remember and grow upon the the lessons that I learn therein. Lastly, I pray that He increases me in His Love, surrounds me with people who love Him and inspires me to love the deeds that bring me closer to His love during this journey. A'meen.

Always remember to make Du'a before traveling, be it to the local grocery store or somewhere across the globe. You never know which journey is going to be your last, so pray constantly to Allah that He makes each one of your journeys a means of increase in E'man for you.

Allah's treasures are infinite, why shy away from asking of Him? You'll be surprised at what you get.

Peace, love and respect,
Shahraiz Tabassam

Do remember me in your Duas. :)