Khawatir

The Chatbox Can Listen, But It Can’t Care

Why AI Can’t Replace the Sacred Bonds of Human Companionship

Aug 30 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

14

From Good to Great: Why You Can’t Bypass the First Step

“Bury your existence in the earth of obscurity, for whatever sprouts forth, without having first been buried, flowers imperfectly.” – IbnAtaillah…

Aug 15 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

14

5

July 2025

Cultivating Community: The Juice Is Worth the Squeeze

What we long for is real—connection, safety, meaning—but the fruit only grows where hearts show up and hands keep tending the tree.

Jul 30 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

12

Humility: A Non-Hajj Story

The disappointment of being rejected from performing Hajj with a beloved teacher forced me to explore humility in the company of another.

Jul 15 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

15

3

June 2025

Ruminations: Grief, Mentor Matrix, + Therapy

“When are you going to write again?” was the final question my therapist asked me, and I knew he got me.

Jun 23 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

7

April 2025

Trepidation

The house gleamed, but his heart trembled. What burden was hiding beneath the surface of a simple Suhba?

Published on The Guest House • Apr 24

Performing Love: Why Nice Guys Finish Last

Love without disciplined principles is just emotional indulgence dressed up as care.

Apr 16 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

34

7

February 2025

Ruminations: Race, Travel, + Ramadan

What does it mean to be a "strong Black man," rooted in faith, standing in the river of history, navigating a spiritual journey to serve others?

Feb 28 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

20

2

Develop People: Advice to Community Servants (Part 3)

Prophets left legacies of people, not wealth; a true servant of the community values people over programs and love over achievements.

Feb 15 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

10

5

January 2025

Ya Banati 2: On Love and Marriage

Marriage is a journey of growth and worship—my second love letter to you is a reminder to love and forgive for Allah’s sake, always trusting His wisdom.

Jan 31 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

34

5

Ruminations: 2024

The patterns of this year felt divinely woven—constriction, brokenness, suhba, and hope—each trial and blessing a thread in Allah’s perfect plan.

Jan 14 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

26

December 2024

Maturity in the Midst of Grief: Searching for the Creek

Maturity emerges in the space where humility meets thoughtful action, turning setbacks into stepping stones to success.

Dec 25, 2024 • 

Abdul-Malik Merchant

15

4