By Liza Nerva Abdullah

Earlier this year, in the blessed month of Ramadan, Allah SWT gave me a beautiful gift.

I was chosen by Him to attend the Spiritual Retreat with Rose of Madinah in Penang, Malaysia.

What made it even more special was that I got to bring along two of my grandchildren. Alhamdulillah, we were fully sponsored for the trip and I am truly touched and thankful for this kindness.

May Allah reward all of you for your generosity, you don’t know how much it meant to this grateful heart of mine.

The retreat was organized so lovingly by the young sisters and brothers who attend Ustaz Sameer’s classes with us.

MashaAllah, they reminded me of my own children and grandchildren, full of energy and compassion, and always thinking about others.

When we arrived in Penang, we were greeted so warmly by Ustaz Sameer and his team. It felt like coming home. The breeze was gentle, the masjid nearby called to prayer so beautifully, and the peaceful kampung surroundings made my heart feel calm.

My grandchildren settled in quickly too. The lovely brothers and sisters there looked after them like family. I felt so cared for, and I kept thanking Allah SWT in my heart.

But Allah SWT always knows best. The next morning, I woke up feeling quite unwell. I felt cold despite the warm weather, my body started to ache and my head was heavy.

I thought maybe it was just tiredness, so I pushed myself to join everyone for suhoor, qiyam and Subuh prayers. But after that, my body just couldn’t take it anymore.

I had to rest in bed for most of the retreat. I felt so disappointed at first because I had come all this way, looking forward to the lessons, the reflections, and the company of good people.

But SubhanAllah, even in that quiet room, Allah SWT gave me something else: stillness, remembrance, and His company. The sisters took such good care of me, may Allah SWT bless them all.

They made sure I was okay before heading off for lessons, placed a cool towel on my forehead, and bought me food without me even asking. Even though I was feeling unwell, Ustaz Sameer personally asked one of the sisters to check in on me.

He made du’a over a bottle of water and passed it to me. Though I couldn’t drink it since I was fasting, the sisters helped by reciting Salawat Shifa and gently wiped over my body with the water and that small act brought comfort to my heart both spiritually and physically.

In that quiet moment alone, I found myself making zikr and softly whispering du’a. I reflected on the countless blessings I’d been given, my health, the ease of worship, the ability to sit in gatherings of knowledge.

It struck me that sometimes, Allah SWT draws us closer not through grand events, but through quiet trials that gently turn our hearts back to Him alone.

By the third day, Alhamdulillah, I was feeling a bit better and could join everyone again. Even though I missed most of the sessions, the love, care, and support from everyone made this retreat unforgettable. They brought me notes, shared their learnings, and always checked in with a smile.

It wasn’t the retreat I imagined.

In fact, it was more. It reminded me that faith can grow even when the body is weak, and that Allah SWT’s mercy reaches us in ways we don’t always expect.

To those who made this possible for me and my grandchildren, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You gave us more than a trip.

You gave us a memory, a lesson, and a connection that will stay with us, InshaAllah, for the rest of our lives.

May Allah bless every one of you with goodness in this life and the next. Ameen.

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