Signs on The Horizons Challenge

Day 1 Challenge: Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:70)

For one day, practice seeing beyond appearances by engaging with the people around you as if they could be saints in disguise. Pay attention to those you typically overlook—the cashier, the janitor, the quiet colleague—and interact with them with sincerity and respect. Before the day ends, reflect on how these encounters shifted your perception of spirituality hidden within everyday life.

Reflect on this:

  • What do you expect to see when you look at others acknowledging that within them also is a spirit gifted by God?
  • How often do you engage mindfully with those around you? How does it feel to do so?
  • What insights could be gained when you adopt an attitude of humility and an acknowledgement of divine presence in daily life?

 

Tips for Success:

  • Slow down and observe; sacredness often hides in simplicity.
  • Remind yourself that every person carries a divine sign.
  • Approach conversations with genuine curiosity and kindness.

 

Day 2 Challenge: Strength in Surrender

“And put your trust in Allah; and sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:3)

Embrace the paradox of strength in weakness by identifying one area in your life where you feel out of control or helpless. Instead of resisting it, consciously surrender it to God through supplication and quiet contemplation. Throughout the day, whenever you feel the urge to worry or grasp for control, replace it with a whispered Hasbi Allah wa ni’mal wakeel (God is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs).

Reflect on this:

  • How do you believe surrendering to God’s will, will affect your emotions and stress levels?
  • What can you learn about reliance on Him versus reliance on yourself?

 

Tips for Success:

  • Recognize that letting go does not mean passivity; it means trusting in divine wisdom.
  • When faced with hardship, view it as a potential doorway to spiritual elevation.
  • Keep reminding yourself: real strength is found in acknowledging your need for God.

 

Day 3: The Practice of Remembrance

“Remember Me, and I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)

Today, engage in continuous remembrance throughout your routine. Choose a short phrase such as SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar and softly repeat it during your daily tasks—while driving, cooking, walking, or working. As an additional challenge, take a few minutes to silently observe your thoughts and notice where your mind naturally gravitates. Bring it back to remembrance each time it strays.

Reflect on this:

  • What distractions divert your attention from remembering God, and how can you transform them into moments of remembrance or remove them altogether to deepen your connection with Him?

 

Tips for Success:

  • Tie remembrance to specific activities to make it habitual.
  • Visualize each remembrance as a light filling your heart.
  • Trust that even the smallest remembrance is deeply valued by God.

 

We’d love to hear about your journey with these challenges! Share your reflections, experiences, and any insights you gained by reaching out to us at letsgrow@sowsee.com.