🌈 1364 – Friday, 11 July 2025 – 11:42 PM

London

It’s a warm night, and I’m not quite ready for bed yet. Downstairs in Mayfair, the streets are lively, and people are out and about. I thought I’d take a walk before Tesco closes to grab some Ritz biscuits. The central area is busy, with sirens in the background – typical Friday night city noise.

This morning, I woke up early but stayed in bed for a while. I’m off work today, so I could’ve taken it slow, but I had back-to-back things to do. Sunlight poured through the window – it was bright and beautiful here. Who knows what it’s like in other parts of the world, but here, life feels normal.

Still in bed, I read some affirmations, checked the family WhatsApp group – Dad had sent his usual good morning prayer, and I made sure all was well with my family and friends. I meditated on the edge of the bed – 40 Surah Al-Hamds, some tasbihs – and did a few push-ups with my feet still on the bed. Then I headed to the gym around 08:20 AM

The gym was quiet, which I love. I worked on my upper body – 4 sets of 11 reps for pull-ups, incline and flat bench presses, lateral and front raises, hammer curls, biceps, and ab presses. After a good workout and shower, I headed back home.

Though I was off work, I had an awards event to attend, so I got ready and reached work by 11:30 AM. I caught up with a few friends but planned to leave quickly. Just as I was heading out, I ran into my old boss. We hadn’t been able to catch up for a while, so we were both happy to see each other. I wasn’t too hungry, but we ended up having lunch together on the terrace – some fish with mushy peas, and it was delicious.

That boss was a special one – kind, father-like. No one else has been that considerate at work, and he’s missed by many. I admire his qualities and hope one day people say the same about me. I’m grateful to have known someone like that.

After lunch, I came home, shirt soaked from the heat. I cooled down for a bit, then showered again and changed into a white thobe to attend Jumma prayer at 2:15 PM at the Mayfair Islamic Centre. The second jamat wasn’t too crowded, and I might prefer attending that one in the future.

Back home, I had a long chat with Mum while Dad napped. My sister and her family had visited earlier in the morning. My nephew passed his driving test today, so the family was celebrating. I said “MashaAllah,” congratulated them, and got back to my plans.

I wasn’t planning to write today, but the warm night and my nephew’s achievement made me want to record this day.

In the afternoon, I worked on my Magistrates’ application. I’ve already done the court observations over the past two days, so I just needed to write my reflections. That took up most of the evening.

Now it’s past midnight – about 12:35 AM – and just as I was about to sleep, my brother called from Riyadh. He was just finishing some extra work. We caught up quickly, wished each other a good weekend, and hung up.

My weekend plans: gym, good food, family time, and studying for my SQE1 exams coming up on the 18th and 23rd. Wish me luck – may God help!

Around the world today:

• Israel–Palestine Conflict: Ceasefire talks in Doha are showing promise, with 80–90% agreement reached on a 60-day truce and the release of around 10 hostages. However, disagreements over troop withdrawals and aid access still remain. (Reuters)

• Russia–Ukraine War: Reports say North Korea is now supplying nearly half of the ammunition Russia is using at the frontlines, including heavy artillery systems, many of which have already been delivered. (Source: Ukrinform)

• AI Innovation: Voice assistants are becoming more emotionally aware – able to pick up on tone, mood, and intent, making them more effective in healthcare and education settings.

3 Things I’m Grateful For Today:

• Grateful to have full control of my time this weekend so I can focus on my studies.

• Grateful that everyone in the family is doing well, despite the heat.

• Grateful for Ritz Crackjack biscuits – my longtime tasty companion.

What would it take for both you and me to wake up stronger, more energetic, muscular, leaner, confident, and grateful? To rise early, have a good workout, feel at peace with family and friends, and enjoy a calm yet productive day tomorrow?

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Goodnight. Good luck!

– Ash Khaleem