The Weekly Journal #1: It's Been a Year?
When starting my blog, one year ago, I never would have expected to be writing about my surprisingly expansive list of travels or finally starting my degree or even the assassination of Charlie Kirk but by the Will of Allah we are here, and for the better. There hasn't been a single stroke of the keyboard actioned without intention nor a topic explored without purpose and authenticity. I have tried to extract from myself honesty and the delivery of a fixation I have with the advancement of our Ummah here in the West.
Before anything I must thank each of you, the people who showed up week after week reading, analysing, critiquing and sometimes praising. Without all of your input and desire to be part of this project, it wouldn't have become what it is today. I am so thankful for every message, email and DM correcting those surreptitious spelling mistakes and grammatical errors; thank you for the words of encouragement, for sharing the articles and for those brilliant topic suggestions.
As always, we have to give thanks to those specific people who raise us, who develop us into the functioning, in most cases, people we are today. Our parents raise us from cot and cradle to working adults, learning, teaching, growing and spreading the message of Islam in own way. Every time I publish an article, you all receive the same notification but no response and critique and praise finds its way back to me quicker than my parents'. They are the first to love or hate it, the first to praise my assertions and correct my ignorances. My Dad encouraged me to start this blog and there isn't a post he hasn't read or a topic he hasn't suggested. May Allah bless all of our parents and reward them for their sacrifice and stubborn desire for our very best.
Upon review of the last year, I noticed the grand themes of many articles, the detailed reflections of century old books, recounts of travels across the globe, analysis of news and contemporary incidents but there felt a lack of personal connection, you knew my political stances and hot takes but did you know me? Did you discover the fabric on which my ideas were embroidered? I found the answer to be no.
Over the following year, I would like to develop a new kind of interaction on The Issa Ishaq Blog. A Weekly Journal that highlights key lessons and moments from the week and any insights into my life I think would be beneficial to you all. This will happen alongside the usual essay, op-ed style of posts. Any further suggestions please feel free to reach out to me.
Once again, you have all ensured the growth of this project by reading each article and engaging with the content as much as you can. I owe its budding success to you and truly I will keep you in my duas. Later this week, I will be sharing some stories from my recent trip to Norway, so keep an eye out.
Faithfully, Issa.
