It marked the final day of our college academic year, concluding our ultimate examinations. In the expansive corridor, the students had assembled, engaging in conversations concerning the assessment. Owing to disparate interests and inclinations, I had limited interaction with my fellow classmates. I never talked with them much because they usually had girls in their group and I didn't like talking to non mehrams, which was the sole reason for me staying away. I confidently walked through the bustling flood of students, happily observing the surrounding hustle and bustle while keeping my gaze downwards as I gracefully descended the stairs and proceeded towards the main gate.
I made my way towards the main road as I departed from the college, fully aware of the considerable distance that lay ahead. As my heart raced within me, I instinctively looked back one final time, hoping to capture a fleeting image of her. And there she stood, firmly rooted to the same spot near the old maple tree. Her name was 'Maryam', a fellow student from my batch, characterized by her humility, simplicity, devoutness to her faith as a practicing Muslimah, and a strong sense of self-worth. She was always in her hijab from the first day. She never interacted much with anyone, just like me. She was constantly staring at me and trying to prevent me from leaving, which made me realize that this was the last time I would see her, as I waved the coming taxi and made my way home. There were tears streaming down my face, as I came to the realization that I would no longer have the opportunity to see her. My heart experienced a profound sense of pain, and I began to feel remorse for leaving her behind. I began to experience a sense of loss in regards to something that I deeply desired, as the Taxi raced along the deserted city streets en route to our intended destination. My mind wandered back to the day when she unexpectedly approached me, extending a piece of paper without uttering a single word.
I thought it was just some college notes or crucial exam questions, but to my utter astonishment, it turned out to be something beyond my imagination. With a sense of growing concern, I hurried back home and began reading the contents she had written. The letter contained the following unsettling message: 'Assalamualaikum, mujhe galat mat samajhna, aapko notice kiya hai pehle din se, aap mujhe bohot acche lage, Islamic aur bohot simple ho mashallah, girls se interaction nii rakhte ho. Seedhi si baat hai aap mujhe pasand ho, nikah kroge mujhse? Neeche mere abbu ka number hai, rishta bhejoge to ha kar dungi.' which meant, 'Assalamualaikum, please don't take me wrong, I've noticed you from the first day and started liking you, you're Islamic and a simple person. You don't have any interactions with non-mahrams, that's the reason I like you and want to marry you, I have mentioned my father's phone number below, please call him if you accept me.'
I took a deep breath and started thinking deeply about it. I was just 22 years old and not earning yet, and at what cost would I keep her happy or provide for her? I decided to stop thinking about all this and left everything to Allah (saw). I woke up at Tahajjud and made dua for making everything easy for me. The next morning, I woke up and wrote a reply to her, 'Waalaikum assalam, mujhe abhi shaadi nahi karni hai aur na mere ghar wale karwayenge, aur na main abhi kuch kama raha hu, aur aainda se mujhe koi letter mat likhna' which meant, 'Waalaikum, I don't want to marry, and neither my family will let me, I am not earning now, and how will I be capable of keeping you happy? Please don't write anything further. Jazakallah.'
She was beautiful and a strict practicing Muslimah. I liked her for the way she wrote the letter, without even talking to me. She straightforwardly wanted to do Nikah without getting both of us into any haram relationship. The last lecture finally ended, I emerged from the main gate, and hurried towards the tree, which was merely a five-minute walk away from the college. And yet, my apprehension grew, for I lacked the bravery to approach her and deliver the paper personally. Time dragged on as I anxiously awaited her arrival, my heart pounding in my chest. This unfamiliar situation had me on edge, my nerves in a state of turmoil. I noticed her approaching from afar, and as she neared and paused at a distance, I gently set down the paper containing my written response. With a profound sadness in my gaze, I took a deep breath and began my journey homeward. I briefly glanced back, observing her standing firm, clutching the paper in her hand and watching me leave.
Ever since then, I became deeply concerned and anxious. Every night, I would willingly wake up for tahajjud, pouring my heart out in prayer, desperately beseeching Allah to bless our union and ensure a smooth journey towards nikah. In addition, I fervently prayed for my parents and sought guidance for all the challenges in my life. Not once did I neglect tahajjud; my devotion to it remained unwavering. The Taxi dropped me home, and to my dismay, I was worried sick as I anxiously yearned to catch a glimpse of her once again.
Three months passed and our final results were out, but I couldn't help feeling worried about going to college. This time, I nervously decided to tell her to wait until I talk with my parents about nikah. I hailed a taxi and proceeded towards the university campus. Upon arrival, I entered the college premises and retrieved my academic outcomes, where I discovered that I had achieved an exemplary 'A' grade, which filled me with immense satisfaction. Subsequently, I exited the building and patiently awaited her on the same spot near the old maple tree. I waited for hours, but couldn't locate her within the college premises. Disappointed, I sadly headed home, knowing it was my final opportunity to ask her to wait, and now it was gone. I returned home and diligently pursued my career, never forgetting to perform tahajjud and earnestly making dua to Allah for her well-being, despite being unaware of her whereabouts.
A year went by, and I gradually acclimated to my new circumstances. Over time, I successfully founded my own business, which provided a steady and dependable income. Despite the passing months without catching sight of the girl I had hoped to marry, I remained dedicated to offering tahajjud prayers and fervently praying for our union. Although I reached the ripe age of 24 and had achieved stability, my parents urged me to enter into a marital bond, yet I respectfully declined, seeking a little more time.
One day when I returned home from work, I noticed my elder sister's blush and smile directed at me. Approaching me, she kindly stated, 'Dear brother, you've never mentioned that you had an interest in someone during your college days.' Her words left me incredibly startled. She went on to inform me: 'Koi Mariyam ka rishta aaya hai aapke liye aur unki ammi bataye ki bacche ek dusre ko pasand krte hai', meaning 'We have received a proposal from Mariyam's family for Nikah, her mother informed us that you both liked each other from college days.' I couldn't believe what just happened, my duas were finally answered after two years. I was so shocked and started to show that I never knew her. 'Kon ma..ma..maa...Mariyam, mai koi Mariyam ko nahi jaanta, lekin rishta aaya hai, to dekhenge,' I said making a strange face, I said: 'I don't know any mm..ma..maa..Mariyam, but if we have got a proposal, we will look forward to it.' I said with a dull face trying to hide my excitement and joy.
I experienced immense joy on that day and expressed my gratitude to Allah. This moment taught me the valuable lesson that worthwhile things require time and necessitate trust in Allah's divine timing. I recognized the importance of avoiding haraam actions in order to attain Allah's pleasure, and I understood the significance of maintaining patience and refraining from haraam decisions that displease our creator. I accepted her proposal and we did our nikah in a very simple manner. Alhamdulillah.
