Soul of Islam Radio

In this inspiring episode of Soul of Islam Radio, I reconnect with Sister Fatimah Linda Howard—a former attorney, author, and spiritual guide—whose journey of transformation is a testament to the power of intention, faith, and inspired action. After the loss of her brother, her primary resource on faith and religion, Sister Fatima realized it was time to deepen her own spiritual path. That decision led her to study Islamic Meditation, eventually moving to Morocco, learning to read the Qur’an from scratch, and visiting the great masjids of the world—all sparked by the simple advice to “just begin.”



We talk about her new book, From Vision to Divine Provision, where she reclaims the concept of manifestation from a purely New Age framework and roots it in Islamic teachings. Fatima shares how visualization, du’a, belief, trust, action, and gratitude create a sacred framework for living a purpose-driven life. She emphasizes that it’s not about asking the universe—it’s about asking Allah with clarity, sincerity, and humility.



We also explore how unchecked ego can block divine blessings, how feelings shape our lived experience, and why meditation is essential—not optional—for modern Muslims seeking inner peace and divine alignment. Sister Fatimah offers not only wisdom, but a roadmap for Muslims looking to live with more presence, purpose, and peace.



About Fatimah Linda Howard



Fatimah Linda Howard is an author, speaker, and spiritual consultant with a professional background in law and healthcare compliance. After a transformative personal journey that began with the loss of her brother, Fatimah deepened her commitment to spiritual growth and education, integrating her years of experience in meditation with a grounded Islamic perspective. Her work centers on helping individuals and communities align with divine purpose through intentional living, sacred manifestation, and inner stillness.



She is the author of From Vision to Divine Provision: The Islamic Art of Sacred Manifestation, a guide that reframes manifestation within a God-centered framework rooted in Islamic tradition. Fatimah leads retreats, workshops, and community gatherings, and shares her message across social media platforms under the handle @withlindahoward. Her approach combines spiritual depth with practical tools, making sacred living accessible for Muslims navigating modern life.



You can learn more about her at her websites, With Linda Howard and Vision to Divine Provision.



00:00 | Reconnecting with Sister FatimahFatima introduces herself and shares how the death of her brother sparked a spiritual awakening.



02:45 | The Power of “Just Begin”A pivotal moment of advice that inspired a cascade of action in Fatimah’s life.



04:16 | Living the VisionFatimah reflects on achieving major life goals through intention and persistence.



06:53 | Walking Toward AllahFatimah shares a powerful experience living across from a historic masjid in Morocco.



10:01 | Why Meditation Matters for MuslimsFatimah discusses the role of Islamic meditation in clarity, connection, and intention.



13:47 | Ego as a Barrier to BlessingsExploring how unchecked ego can block divine abundance and misdirect success.



16:16 | The Book's Origin StoryFatimah explains how a vision board and community gatherings led to her book.



20:12 | An Islamic Perspective on ManifestationShe unpacks the spiritual difference between asking the universe and asking Allah.



23:10 | The Emotional Power of EnvironmentFatimah discusses how physical spaces impact spiritual and emotional well-being.



29:00 | Regulating Emotions Through FaithShe shares lessons from her mother and how emotional discipline affects life quality.



34:45 | Staying Calm in ChaosFatimah explains how meditation helped her stay grounded during high-stress careers.



39:04 | Book Framework & StructureShe breaks down the book into three parts: foundation, framework, and life’s challenges.

Drawing from the wisdom of Sultan al-Awliya Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil al-Haqqani (qs), I reflect in this episode on a brief but deeply impactful teaching about our relationship with the world. We explore the contrast between two oceans: the ocean of light and spirit that flows from the Divine Presence, and the ocean of dunya, the material world, which veils us from essential reality. The ego craves the material, the temporary, the apparent—but the soul longs for something subtler, more lasting: truth, light, and connection with Allah Almighty.



The Shaykh reminds us that our over-attachment to the world is the root of much of our suffering. The modern pursuit of endless consumption and accumulation leads to spiritual sickness, yet it never satisfies. It’s like drinking from the ocean—salt water that only makes us thirstier. One of the key metaphors here is: “When a man is thirsty, he imagines he drinks all the rivers and springs, yet one glass is enough.” This one line encapsulates the heart of spiritual minimalism.



Through this lens, we revisit the prophetic path of asceticism—taking only what is necessary, living simply, and remaining unattached to the material world while using it in service to truth and eternity. I also reflect on how even good things like home, family, and wealth only benefit us spiritually when approached with the right intention and non-attachment. It’s not about rejecting the world, but about ensuring it doesn't root itself in our hearts.

Over and over again, life brings me back to one central truth: the importance of the inward dimension of faith. While so much of our energy goes into the external aspects of religion—rituals, lectures, and outward practices—none of it has lasting value if we ignore the internal work. As Allah says in the Qur’an, “Successful are they who purify themselves.” This isn’t just spiritual poetry—it’s the foundation of a life aligned with faith.



As a faith-based life coach, I work with seekers who are trying to live a holistic, integrated path, blending their spiritual and practical lives. The heart of that path is the purification of the self. While you may experience short term success in the material world while still being trapped by ego, pride, fear, or selfishness, true success and in what matters most requires refinement of character, humility, and surrender.



We live in a world that celebrates the ego. Even religion can be co-opted by it. But real transformation begins when we begin to notice how our lower self shows up in daily life. A powerful practice I recommend is nightly reflection, or muhassiba: take just a few minutes to identify one moment in your day when your ego led the way. Then make tawbah (repentance), and visualize responding differently next time. This simple practice rewires the heart and mind toward presence, humility, and conscious action.



True ascension isn’t about rising above—it’s about lowering ourselves in sincere prostration. It’s in submitting to Allah’s will in each moment that we begin to change. Radical acceptance of Allah’s decree, especially when it’s hard, is the beginning of freedom from the self. Only through surrender does transformation happen.



If you're ready to take this work deeper, I invite you to join us in Awakening's Academy and the Islamic Meditation Program, where we practice the real, experiential remembrance of Allah Almighty and cultivate a state of surrendered presence. May we be among those who purify ourselves and succeed, by Allah’s mercy. Ameen.

In this episode, I respond to a thoughtful question from a listener on the concept of "manifestation" and its compatibility with Islamic belief—especially the doctrine of Tawheed, the oneness of Allah. The question gets to the heart of a common dilemma: how do we reconcile the popular idea of manifestation, often tied to the "law of attraction," with faith that places creative power solely in the hands of the Divine?



I break down why the fear of shirk—associating partners with Allah—often arises in this context, and how, through proper understanding, that fear can be alleviated. Islam doesn’t deny human agency or the idea that our internal states shape our external reality. In fact, the Qur’an confirms that Allah will not change our conditions until we change what is within ourselves. This isn’t co-creation in the New Age sense but rather the process of choosing, through our thoughts, intentions, and states, among the infinite possibilities that Allah has already created.



We also explore how our beliefs must move from the tongue to the heart—from Islam to Iman—and how life reflects not just what we think we believe, but what we truly hold within. Manifestation, then, becomes less about acquiring worldly pleasure and more about aligning ourselves spiritually to receive what Allah Almighty has already willed for us.



I emphasize the importance of cultivating inner peace and surrender through spiritual practice, including meditation, to create a state receptive to divine mercy and provision. True manifestation is rooted in becoming deeply Muslim—in character and state—not just in name. When we surrender fully, we are best positioned to receive the best possible outcomes, not by our own power, but by Allah’s infinite divine grace.



00:00 | Introduction to Soul of Islam RadioOpening reflections and a listener question on manifestation in Islam.



00:50 | The Question on Manifestation and TawheedA listener asks how to reconcile manifestation with Islamic monotheism.



03:12 | Defining Shirk and Co-CreationExploring where manifestation could cross into shirk and how to avoid it.



03:59 | The Dunya Focus of ManifestationManifestation is often limited to worldly gain—Islamic perspective broadens it.



04:34 | Responsibility, Effort, and Divine WillBalancing our agency with Allah’s will and the importance of personal effort.



06:03 | The Universe as a Mirror of BeliefHow our external reality reflects our internal state and belief.



06:54 | Islam vs Iman and the Role of FaithThe distinction between spoken belief and deep, heartfelt conviction.



08:30 | Infinite Possibilities in Divine KnowledgeWe choose from among infinite realities already known to Allah.



10:08 | Surrender as the Path to Divine GiftsTrue manifestation happens through spiritual surrender and presence.



11:46 | Fear of Shirk and Clarifying Our RoleChoosing is not creating—reaffirming Allah’s role as sole creator.



12:39 | Life as a Test and the Power of SurrenderTrials deepen surrender; everything good is from Allah’s mercy.



13:25 | Closing Reflections and Du'aEncouragement for deeper learning and a concluding prayer for guidance.

I came across the book Saved by the Light by Dannion Brinkley years ago, and it left a lasting impression on me. In this episode, I reflect on the profound lessons from his near-death experience (NDE), where after being struck by lightning, he underwent a deeply detailed life review. What makes this account so remarkable is how closely it aligns with spiritual principles we know through Islam—especially the notion of accountability after death, the weight of our intentions, and the unseen consequences of our actions.



In this episode, I share a few brief excerpts from the book and explore themes like respect for parents, the moral impact of harming others, the ripple effect of our behavior, and how even seemingly small actions carry immense spiritual weight. One of the most sobering parts is how Dannion relived the pain he caused others—from animals to entire communities impacted by his involvement in war and arms trading. His life review serves as a mirror, reminding us of the responsibility we hold not just for our actions, but for their impact on others and even the Earth itself.



Through this lens, we are reminded of how faith calls us to repentance, reflection, and righteousness. The Prophet ﷺ said that even an atom’s worth of good or evil will be accounted for. Dannion Brinkley’s story becomes for believers a blessing—not only for his transformation, but as a wake-up call for us.



May Allah Almighty guide us to be better, to cause less harm, and to live lives of and in the light.



Ameen.



00:00 | Introduction to Saved by the LightI introduce the book and its relevance to both spiritual seekers and believers.



00:52 | What Is a Near-Death Experience (NDE)?An overview of clinical death and the common features of NDEs.



01:46 | Struck by Lightning: Dannion Brinkley’s NDEDetails of Brinkley’s dramatic death and revival after being hit by lightning.



02:30 | Life Review Begins: Facing the SelfBrinkley confronts the harsh truth of his past behaviors and selfishness.



04:12 | Feeling the Pain of OthersDuring his life review, he experiences the emotions of those he hurt.



05:40 | The Weight of Hurting ParentsReflections on parental respect and the deep pain caused by disobedience.



08:07 | Kindness to Animals MattersBrinkley relives a moment of cruelty to his dog and learns its spiritual cost.



10:58 | Karma, the Earth, and IntentionEvery action has consequences—even toward animals and the planet.



12:27 | The Cost of Killing and WarBrinkley relives deaths from his military service and their far-reaching impact.



14:49 | The Horror of Collateral DamageA hotel bombing reveals the devastating consequences of collective guilt.



18:06 | The Business of WarWeapons transfers and the military-industrial complex are shown in stark moral light.



22:20 | “Who You Are Is the Difference God Makes”A powerful spiritual message from the being of light.



23:50 | The Meaning of True TransformationUnderstanding that Allah’s light in our hearts makes us who we are.



25:32 | Reflection and the Path to PurityEvil creates spiritual density, and only reflection and repentance can lighten the soul.



27:48 | The Power of Self-AwarenessTrue piety is not external—it’s in recognizing our own flaws and striving to change.



28:38 | The Small Things That Matter MostLove, kindness, and sincerity in everyday actions are what truly count.



30:10 | Final Thoughts and InvitationI share closing reflections and invite listeners to learn more about this profound book.