THE KHALIFAH DIARIES Be The Best Muslimah For Allah SWT

Bismillah بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

Family vacations have a unique way of grounding us, reminding us of what truly matters in life—love, connection, and gratitude. Our recent beach getaway to Pantai Morib was a much-needed escape from the daily grind, offering a chance to relax, bond, and reflect on the blessings that surround us.

Although my husband couldn’t join us, it was just me, my parents, and my siblings—like the good old days—plus one special new addition, my little Maryam. This trip was a beautiful reminder of the importance of taking breaks, recharging our souls, and living a balanced life where work and play, grounded by spiritual awareness coexist in harmony.

The Beauty of Slowing Down

Life can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of work, responsibilities, and commitments. This short getaway made me realize how essential it is to pause, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones.

Allah reminds us in the Quran,

“And He it is Who has made the night a covering for you, and sleep a rest, and He has made the day a means of subsistence.”
(Surah Al-Furqan 25:47)

This verse beautifully illustrates that rest and recreation are not just luxuries but a part of the divine balance we should maintain in our lives. Just as we work hard, we must also allow ourselves time to relax and appreciate the blessings around us.

A Beachside Retreat with Loved Ones

The drive to Pantai Morib took about an hour and a half from home, and as soon as we arrived, I could feel my stress melting away. The clear blue sky, the gentle waves, and the familiar warmth of my family’s laughter made it a truly special moment.

Maryam, my little explorer, was absolutely fascinated by the cold, murky waters. Since it was right after Eid, the beach was almost empty—everyone else was still busy with family gatherings and celebrations. This meant we had a peaceful retreat, uninterrupted by crowds.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of family bonding, saying:

“The best of you are those who are best to their families.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1977)

Being surrounded by family, sharing laughter, and simply enjoying each other’s company was a profound reminder of the blessings of strong family ties.

Finding Joy in Simple Moments

One of the highlights of our trip was the mud facial experience—yes, you read that right! Since our spot was near a mangrove area, the seabed was soft and cushiony due to the mud. My brother, always the adventurous one, volunteered to be the first to try a mud facial, and before we knew it, we were all laughing and joining in!

Meanwhile, my youngest siblings took on an ambitious project: building a mini swimming pool for Maryam. They dug a huge hole in the sand, lined it with plastic, and tried to fill it with water. Even though it wasn’t the most practical project, the effort and teamwork made it an unforgettable moment.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged play and fun within the family:

“Indeed, there is a time for this (seriousness) and a time for that (leisure).”
(Sahih Muslim 1468)

This balance between work and play is essential—not just for children but for adults too.

A Family with Different Adventures

What I love about my family is that everyone brings something unique to the experience. While my mum and eldest sister were hunting for beautiful seashells and corals, my brother was on a mission to catch crabs. And my dad? Well, in his classic cowboy hat, he was strolling along the beach, making friends with street vendors and chatting with strangers like the extrovert he is!

Unfortunately, he couldn’t get into the water due to agas laut—tiny insects that give him rashes. But even from the shore, he was enjoying the trip in his own way, proving that adventure comes in different forms.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

As much as I love my work, I realized how crucial it is to take intentional breaks. This short trip left me feeling rejuvenated and excited to return to my students with fresh energy. Instead of dreading the post-Eid school week, I now feel more motivated and inspired.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ wisely said:

“Your body has a right over you.”
(Sahih Bukhari 5199)

Taking time off isn’t a sign of laziness—it’s an act of self-care that allows us to be more productive, present, and grateful in our daily lives.

Reflections on Ramadan and the Path Ahead

This Ramadan felt different—more meaningful, more connected. One of the most cherished moments was doing I’tikaf in the last ten nights. There was a sense of peace in dedicating time solely to worship, away from distractions.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever stands in prayer during the nights of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759)

Even after Ramadan, I find it easier to wake up for Tahajjud, to spend time with Allah, and to carry that spiritual momentum forward.

I also have my next reading goal lined up—“Interaksi dengan Quran” (Interaction with the Quran), recommended by my sister. I want to deepen my understanding of the Quran because true personal growth comes from continuously learning and implementing.

Conclusion: The Beauty of a Balanced Life

Looking back, this trip was more than just a vacation—it was a reminder of the beauty of balance. There is a time for work and a time for play. A time to strive and a time to reflect. A time to serve others and a time to reconnect with Allah.

As I sat in the waters of Pantai Morib, with almost all my loved ones around me, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Alhamdulillah, I have a job I enjoy, the ability to plan vacations, and the blessing of a close-knit family.

I pray that Allah grants us many more opportunities to travel together, strengthen our bonds, and continue supporting each other, even as we build our own families.

May we always be given the chance to experience many more Ramadans, improve ourselves, and stay close to Allah.

Till next time, Assalamualaikum.