Pep explaining his evolution to Thierry Henry is pure gold.
“Akanji is a proper defender… incredible focus.
Kyle has the ability to defend the most dangerous wingers in the world.
Be a good defender, I consider it the biggest talent in football.
And now we have players who enjoy defending.” From the old suicidal high line to controlled dominance built on elite defenders who love defending.
These conversations are how you actually learn about managers’ decisions and growth.
The Beauty of Waiting
There is something beautiful about the way Allah sometimes makes us wait for the things we deeply desire.
Perhaps you are waiting for:
* A righteous spouse and a loving marriage.
* Children.
* A home you dream of.
* The ability to memorise the Qur’an.
* Good health and healing.
* A job, opportunity or provision.
* A difficulty to finally come to an end.
Waiting can be difficult, especially when our hearts desperately want something.
But the believer learns that delay does not mean Allah has forgotten you.
Allah says:
“And your Lord is never forgetful.”
— Qur’an 19:64
When you make duʿā’, keep asking.
Ask Allah today.
Ask Him tomorrow.
Ask Him again and again.
Do not become hopeless simply because the answer has not yet appeared.
Allah says:
“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”
— Qur’an 40:60
And Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.”
— Qur’an 8:46
Sometimes Allah gives us what we ask for quickly.
Sometimes He delays it.
Sometimes He gives us something better.
And sometimes He protects us from something we desperately wanted because He knows what we do not know.
“Perhaps you dislike something and it is good for you, and perhaps you like something and it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.”
— Qur’an 2:216
So continue making duʿā’ while maintaining tawakkul.
Do not worship Allah only because you want something from Him. Worship Him because He is your Lord.
And while you wait, allow the waiting itself to bring you closer to Him.
Perhaps the greatest gift was never only the thing you were asking for.
Perhaps it was the sabr you developed while waiting, the tears you shed in duʿā’, the nights you spent turning to Allah, and the stronger relationship with Him that grew along the way.
Never think your duʿā’ has been forgotten.
You may forget what you asked for, but Allah never forgets.
Keep asking.
Keep hoping.
Keep trusting.
Keep praying.
And when Allah chooses the right time, you may look back and realise that His timing was better than your own.
🤲🏻May Allah grant us what is good for us, protect us from what would harm us, give us patience while we wait, and make us completely content with His decree.
I’m sorry but if the doctor told me I was too big to get a MRI done and had to go to the ZOO of all places because I wont fit in the machine, I would be on a diet and in the gym the next day. Imagine having to be next in line after a rhino for a scan. That’s humiliating.
Intelligent people live a boring life. They go to bed at 10. Wake up at 6. Eat simple foods. Go for long walks. Read thick books. Say no to things that drain them. The world chases excitement. But they chase calm. Things that align with their soul. A calm routine. A quiet mind. A healthy body. Meaningful work. A small circle. A private life. Their life may look boring from the outside. But from the inside, they experience a kind of freedom most people spend their entire lives searching for.