As Sanad Trust Foundation enters its 15th year, I find myself reflecting not just on the milestones, but on the shadows we encounter(ed) along the way. That’s what this climb has been all about: choosing the path, even when you know there are shadows lurking…it’s about the perseverance, and the light that guides us through.

Starting Sanad was a leap of faith, born from a desire to build something meaningful, fueled by a sincere heart, nurtured by family, faith, and the inspiring individuals I met along the way. I was so driven, but also so naive, back then.

I was focused on building something new. My days were a blur of teaching, building the school of my dreams, helping at my late father’s business, and being with my family. But, as I stood in the light of my hope, I started to see those shadows hiding.

I learned that everyone has their own definition of success. What I saw as a necessary sacrifice, others might have perceived differently. It was a reminder that we all have our own internal compass.

It’s been 15 years of walking this path…the son I started Sanad Prep for is now 15, and my 12 yr old daughter has now joined him. Seeing them grow, thrive, learn… this is what fuels me, even when the shadows creep in.

Every path has its challenges, but with each step, we grow stronger and wiser. I’m older now, and have been at this institution-building thing for 15 years. There are more people walking with me too. This is the way of any traveler…you have a clear destination, know its direction, and walk. You will adjust to the terrain and learn where the dangers lie. With every step, your foot falls more firm. You realize it’s the same doubts and anxieties trying to catch up.

These shadows, these doubts, they can linger. But I’ve learned to walk alongside them, to recognize them as part of the journey. It’s a reminder to focus on my own path, my own values, and the light that guides me forward.

And sometimes the shadows are within us. It’s not always external; sometimes it’s our own self-doubt that hits us hardest. But these shadows, both internal and external, are just a part of the landscape. We have to walk around them and stay focused on our path.

On this journey, I’ve discovered though that doubt is often a sister to certainty. It’s a constant companion, a shadow that can be both unsettling and strangely reassuring. It reminds me of something Leslie Hazleton explored in her insightful TED talk about the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) first revelation. She spoke about how doubt and certainty are intertwined, how they coexist in the human experience.

Writing Rehan Climbs has been an unexpected journey in itself. I’ve been surprised by the varied readership…so many of us climbing our mountains. We all have our shadows, our monsters. If you know someone climbing, share this with them, lift them up. Anyone who is trying hard to be sincere and get work done for the sake of God, their family, and a good future…let’s get their back.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah with Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, who watched for danger as the Prophet walked forward. Let’s support each other, watch out for those shadows, and remind each other of the path.

In the end, our hearts expand and contract, one step is followed by another, and light at times casts a shadow. But the path remains, and so do we, insha’Allah.

Until the next step,

Rehan