Ancestral Awakening

 By lilly_en_route

🕊️ Between Königsberg and Punjab

A Granddaughter of Vanished Homes

I was born far from war and borderlines —
one might even say into comfort,
into the quiet hum of post-war wealth,
coming from a white German tax advisor family.
But I carry war and borderlines in my bloodstream
like secret ink.
They rise in dreams, in grief I cannot name,
in the strange way history catches in my throat.
 
On my maternal side, my grandmother’s people fled Königsberg
with pure German on their tongues,
and suitcases that whispered of porcelain, Prussia, and pain.
On my paternal side, my grandfather died when the Partition
cut his past in half:
his wealth lost, his legacy shattered
somewhere between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
 
I was not there.
One could even say I was oblivious to it my whole life.
But something in me remembers.
Though I live in Germany and only know one side of my roots well,
my soul seems to have been born in the in-between.
Between post-war Germany and India/Pakistan,
between silence and song,
between memory and the longing to belong.

🌿 Leila's Life Manifesto

Soft & Sovereign

I was not born to shrink.
I was born to shine with quiet fire—
To walk alone through airports and alleyways
And still carry the elegance of a queen.

I am the daughter of resilience,
The guardian of my mother’s strength,
The echo of prayers whispered in chaos—
And the calm that came after the storm.

I build a life that holds all of me:
Law and light,
Longchamp and God,
Strategy and surrender.

My joy is not shallow—it is chosen.
It is the softness I preserved
Even when the world demanded hardness.

I do not beg for belonging.
I create it.
Across languages, cities, rituals,
I weave my own sanctuary of self.

I am not waiting to be rescued -
I am simply waiting to be met.
By those whose values rise like mine,
By the love that does not confuse power with control.

I give deeply,
But never recklessly.
My heart is generous, yes -
But guarded by discernment, by legacy, by grace.

I carry wounds that taught me boundaries.
I carry beauty that does not ask permission.
I carry silence that speaks volumes.

I am spiritually rooted
In a truth that cannot be colonised by any means -
Open to many paths,
But unwavering in my own.

I forgive myself for the years I survived instead of lived.
I thank the girl who held it all together
So that I could arrive here -
Whole, holy, and sovereign.

And I declare now:
I am not behind.
I am not broken.
I am becoming.

On my terms.
In my time.
With my light.

The Cost of Forgetting — A Plea Against Religious Analphabetism Within Islam

By lilly_en_route

In a world quick to judge Islam from the outside, I find myself just as troubled by a different crisis — one that festers from within. It’s the crisis of religious analphabetism among Muslims themselves, a profound and painful gap between cultural identity and actual understanding of faith. It’s the kind of ignorance that turns prayers into rituals devoid of meaning, that recites verses in Arabic without ever grasping their essence, that claims to follow the Prophet’s example without truly knowing his story. And I can’t help but wonder: how many of our struggles, our disunity, our missteps stem from this very blindness?

In a way, this kind of religious analphabetism is even more tragic than that of those who’ve never known Islam at all. It’s the heartbreak of being lost in a house you were born into, of clutching the keys without ever opening the door. It’s the pain of seeing people call themselves Muslim yet live in a way that contradicts the very compassion, justice, and wisdom that Islam stands for. And I can’t shake the question: how did we get here?

Inherited Faith Without Understanding
For so many of us, faith was an inheritance, passed down in Friday prayers and Eid celebrations, in whispered du'as before exams and hurried Bismillahs before meals. But an inheritance without understanding can become a burden instead of a blessing. How many of us can say, hand on heart, that we truly understand the Quran — not just its words but its spirit? How many of us can trace the lineage of our beliefs, differentiate between cultural practices and actual Sunnah, or articulate why we pray, fast, or give zakat beyond “because we have to”?

The truth is, too many of us practice Islam out of habit, not out of knowledge. We defend it with passion but without insight, turning every criticism into an attack to be countered, every question into a threat to be silenced. We’ve built walls of certainty where there should be doors of understanding. And in this fortress of ignorance, the real Islam — the Islam of mercy, justice, and intellect — has become a stranger.

When Culture Masquerades as Faith
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this crisis is how easily cultural practices are mistaken for religious obligations. In some communities, a woman’s hijab is policed more strictly than a man’s honesty in business. Traditions surrounding marriage become more about dowries and displays of wealth than about the simple, sacred bond it was meant to be. Even charity, one of the pillars of Islam, can turn into a performance — more about status than sincerity.

And so, a faith meant to liberate is used to control. A faith meant to unite is wielded to divide — Sunni against Shia, liberal against conservative, immigrant against convert. We look at those who practice differently as though they worship a different god, forgetting that the shahada we recite is the same. We turn our mosques into echo chambers, our religious gatherings into performances of piety rather than places of learning.

How many sisters have been silenced when they dared to ask questions about hadiths they found troubling? How many brothers have walked away from Islam, not because of its teachings but because of the way it was taught — harsh, rigid, devoid of love?

Lost in Translation
Perhaps one of the clearest signs of religious analphabetism is our relationship with the Quran itself. We’ve been taught to revere it, to kiss it, to place it on the highest shelf — but how many of us have read it with understanding? How many of us can even name the themes it addresses most — justice, mercy, patience, the rights of the oppressed — without resorting to clichés?

We boast of memorizing surahs without grasping their meanings, of perfecting our tajweed while neglecting the call to action embedded in every verse. We speak of the Quran as a guide but rarely turn to it for actual guidance, relying instead on hearsay, WhatsApp fatwas, and YouTube scholars who quote more opinion than scripture.

It’s like owning a library of the world’s greatest wisdom and never reading beyond the preface. We cling to Arabic words without seeking their essence, forgetting that the Quran’s first revelation was not a command to believe, but a command to read.

The Danger of Zeal Without Knowledge
Religious analphabetism has also opened the door to extremism. When faith becomes a list of dos and don’ts devoid of context, when haram is used more frequently than halal, when God is depicted only as a judge and never as the Most Merciful, the path to radicalization is alarmingly short. A young person, hungry for meaning, finds it in slogans rather than scholarship.

And so, we see the heartbreaking reality of Muslims who can recite rules about halal meat but can’t explain the rights of orphans, who shout loudly about hijab but remain silent about corruption, who argue over the length of trousers but ignore the weightier matters of justice, compassion, and truth.

Reclaiming Our Faith
But it doesn’t have to be this way. The antidote to religious analphabetism isn’t less religion; it’s more understanding. It’s going back to the Quran — not just to recite it but to wrestle with its meanings, to let it challenge us, unsettle us, change us. It’s reading the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not just as a series of miracles but as the story of a man who dealt with betrayal, grief, politics, and war with unfathomable patience and wisdom.

We need to normalize asking questions in our mosques without fear of being labeled as weak in faith. We need religious leaders who are not just preachers but educators, who can admit when they don’t have all the answers, who see their congregations not as flocks to be herded but as minds to be enlightened.

We need parents who teach their children not just to fear hell but to yearn for paradise, who teach Islam not as a list of prohibitions but as a path to wholeness, to justice, to love.

A Plea for a Faith That Thinks and Feels
So here’s my plea: learn. Learn not just to defend Islam, but to live it. Learn not just what scholars say, but why they say it. Learn from those you disagree with, from those who left Islam, from those who have questions that make you uncomfortable. Because faith that cannot withstand questioning is not faith but dogma.

Let us be Muslims who seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave, who see doubt not as a disease but as the beginning of understanding, who wear our Islam not as an armor but as a light. Let us teach our children to love Allah not out of fear but out of awe, to pray not out of habit but out of hope, to seek truth even when it costs us comfort.

For Islam was never meant to be a list of rules but a way to see the world — a world where mercy is greater than wrath, where justice is more than punishment, where God’s light is reflected in every act of kindness, every search for knowledge, every step toward truth.

Let’s choose to understand. Let’s choose to reclaim our faith.

How to Be Yourself and Still Win Hearts: A Guide to Authentic Connection

By lilly_en_route

We all want to be loved, appreciated, and understood. Whether it’s through friendships, romantic relationships, or professional connections, the desire to be seen for who we truly are is universal. But how do you make that genuine connection with others, especially in a world that often encourages us to put on a facade?

The answer is simple: just be yourself. But not just any version of yourself – the authentic you. And here's how.

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness

Each of us carries something special that makes us stand out. Maybe it's the way we express ourselves, our quirky habits, or our passions that spark joy. The world is waiting to see you in all your glory, flaws and all.

When you embrace who you are, you show others that it's okay to do the same. Think about the people you are drawn to – it's not always the perfect ones, but those who aren't afraid to be real. People love authenticity because it invites them to feel comfortable with themselves, too.

2. Connect on a Deeper Level

We’ve all had conversations that felt like small talk, right? The kind where you nod and smile, but you’re really just waiting for the chance to speak your mind. Instead, try to connect on a deeper level. Ask questions that matter, and listen actively.

Being genuinely interested in someone’s story goes a long way. People remember those who make them feel heard and seen. By showing that you value others and their experiences, you'll naturally build a strong, lasting bond.

3. Spread Positivity, But Stay Real

Positivity is contagious – we all know that. But there’s a fine line between being a beacon of hope and being unrealistic. Striving to stay positive is important, but it's also vital to acknowledge the challenges we face. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and pretending it is can alienate others.

Instead, try to bring light into people's lives by being optimistic while acknowledging the tough parts. Share your own struggles, too, and show that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. When you’re real, it makes others feel like they can be real too.

4. Celebrate the Small Wins

In a world that often prioritises big achievements, it’s easy to overlook the smaller milestones. But sometimes, it’s the little things that make a person feel truly appreciated. Take time to celebrate the small victories – whether it's getting through a challenging week, mastering a new skill, or simply getting out of bed on a rough day.

By celebrating these moments with others, you build an atmosphere of gratitude and recognition that everyone wants to be part of. Plus, it makes people feel like they matter, not just for their big accomplishments, but for their consistent efforts.

5. Show Compassion and Empathy

When you show compassion, you open the door to deeper relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, but one of the most powerful ways to connect with people is by showing empathy for what they’re going through. A kind word or a simple gesture can have an immense impact.

People are often moved by those who don’t judge them but instead offer understanding. Life is tough for everyone in different ways, and sometimes all it takes is acknowledging someone else’s pain to create an unbreakable bond.

6. Be Generous with Your Time

In this fast-paced world, time is one of the most precious things we can give. When you show up for someone, whether through a thoughtful text, a phone call, or just an impromptu coffee date, it speaks volumes about how much you care.

Generosity doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, just being present in the moment is all it takes to make someone feel valued. And when you give your time freely, others are more likely to reciprocate, building an environment of mutual respect and affection.

7. Own Your Story

Everyone has a story, and yours is worth telling. Don’t be afraid to share where you’ve come from and what you’ve learned along the way. Owning your narrative doesn’t mean boasting; it means being proud of who you are and where you’ve been.

We all have our struggles, but they don’t define us – how we rise above them does. When you share your journey, you make it easier for others to share theirs, and that’s how genuine connections are formed.

8. Laugh and Have Fun

Laughter is the universal connector. Don’t take life too seriously, and allow yourself to have fun along the way. Playfulness breaks the ice and helps people feel at ease around you. You don’t have to be perfect or polished all the time – in fact, showing your goofy side will make you even more endearing.

When you embrace joy, you invite others to experience it with you. It’s these moments of lightheartedness that make relationships memorable and authentic.

9. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a game-changer. The more we appreciate what we have – and the people around us – the more we attract positivity into our lives. Be thankful for the little things, the lessons learned, and the people who support you along the way.

People are drawn to those who radiate gratitude because it signals a grounded and content individual. Plus, it’s impossible to feel down when you focus on what’s good in your life. Gratitude attracts love, kindness, and happiness.

10. Be Open to New Connections

Lastly, be open to meeting new people. Every person you encounter has the potential to add something valuable to your life. Whether it's a new perspective, a shared experience, or simply a reminder that we’re all in this together, every connection is an opportunity to grow.

By remaining open-minded and warm, you'll invite people to approach you with the same openness and warmth in return.

In Conclusion: Love Starts with You

You don’t need to be someone else to win hearts. The magic happens when you embrace who you truly are, flaws and all. The best way to connect with others is through honesty, kindness, and showing up as your authentic self.

The world doesn’t need another imitation; it needs you. And once you start being the real you, the love and connections will follow – effortlessly and beautifully.

Hezbollah, Lebanon versus the Path to Peace: A Future Beyond War

By lilly_en_route

A Region Caught in Endless Conflict

The Middle East has been a region of heartbreak for far too long. For decades, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine have found themselves entangled in wars, ideological battles, and devastating loss. Civilians—mothers, fathers, children—have paid the highest price, their lives dictated by geopolitical struggles they never chose.

At the heart of this cycle is Hezbollah, a group that claims to be Lebanon’s protector against Israeli aggression. Yet, for many, including those within Lebanon, Hezbollah has become something far more complicated: a symbol of resistance for some, a tool of foreign influence for others, and a force that perpetuates conflict instead of ending it.

The Story of South Lebanon

For those who grew up in South Lebanon, the name Hezbollah carries weight. It was Hezbollah fighters who drove out Israeli forces in 2000 after nearly two decades of occupation. Many in the region remember the bombings, the losses, the destruction. They remember Israeli airstrikes that left villages in ruins. It is no surprise that some still see Israel as an enemy, one responsible for years of pain.

But what has Hezbollah done since then? What future has it built for South Lebanon? Instead of disarming and allowing Lebanon’s government to build a peaceful nation, Hezbollah has held onto its weapons, dragging Lebanon into new wars—most notably in 2006, when Hezbollah’s actions triggered an Israeli retaliation that left Lebanon devastated once again.

Instead of focusing on rebuilding Lebanon, Hezbollah has expanded its influence, becoming an extension of Iran’s geopolitical ambitions. Instead of offering economic stability, it has contributed to Lebanon’s economic collapse, making everyday life harder for the very people it claims to protect.

Resistance or Endless War?

There is no doubt that Israel’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank and past actions in Lebanon have fueled anger across the region. But the truth is, Hezbollah’s version of “resistance” does not lead to peace or justice—it leads to cycles of retaliation that harm civilians the most.

Resistance is not just about carrying weapons. It is about creating a better future. It is about ensuring that children in Beirut, Tel Aviv, and Gaza can grow up without the sound of air raid sirens. It is about making sure that Lebanon is not a battleground for Iran’s regional ambitions, and that Israel does not see Hezbollah as an existential threat that justifies further military action.

Peace does not come from rockets, nor from airstrikes. It does not come from holding civilians hostage to endless war. Peace comes from courage—the courage to speak against warlords, against extremism, and against those who profit from conflict.

The Forgotten Lebanese

Many in Lebanon—Sunnis, Christians, Druze, and even Shia who do not support Hezbollah—feel trapped. They know that Hezbollah’s power is not just about fighting Israel; it is about controlling Lebanon itself. It is about silencing voices that call for real democracy. It is about maintaining an armed militia outside the control of the Lebanese government.

Lebanon’s economic collapse, corruption, and suffering are not just the fault of foreign nations. Hezbollah’s criminal activities—drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal trade—have made it clear that its survival as an organization comes before the well-being of Lebanon’s people.

If Hezbollah truly cared about Lebanon’s future, why hasn’t it invested in schools, hospitals, and job opportunities? Why does it spend millions on weapons while young Lebanese citizens are forced to leave their homeland in search of a better life?

A Path Forward: Peace for All

The reality is that both Lebanon and Israel need peace. And that peace will not come from political rhetoric or blind hatred. It will come from recognition—recognition that both nations have suffered, that both nations have security concerns, and that the civilians of both nations deserve better.

For Israel, that means recognizing the suffering of Palestinians and working toward a genuine solution that gives Palestinians dignity and a future. For Lebanon, it means freeing itself from the control of Hezbollah and foreign interference so that it can truly become a sovereign and prosperous country.

For Hezbollah supporters, it means asking a critical question: If Hezbollah really had Lebanon’s best interests at heart, why is the country in ruins? And for those in Israel who see Lebanon only as a threat, it means acknowledging that not every Lebanese person supports Hezbollah, and that many dream of peace just as much as they do.

The Role of Ordinary People

Governments, militias, and armies will not bring peace. People will. Conversations will. Recognizing each other’s pain and humanity will.

To the people of Lebanon: Your country is beautiful, and it deserves more than being a pawn in someone else’s war. Your voices matter, and your future should not be dictated by weapons.

To the people of Israel: Security is important, but peace will never come through endless military campaigns. Your children deserve a future where they are not soldiers, and where neighbors are not enemies.

To everyone in the region: The true enemy is not an entire nation, but those who profit from war and division.

Hope Beyond Hezbollah

A future without Hezbollah’s control over Lebanon is not a future where Lebanon is weak—it is a future where Lebanon is strong, independent, and at peace with its neighbors. A future where Israeli children and Lebanese children don’t have to fear the next war. A future where people live freely, without fear of retaliation for speaking their minds.

That future may seem far away, but it begins with courage. The courage to question. The courage to resist—not with weapons, but with the demand for a life beyond war. And above all, the courage to believe that peace is still possible.

The Cost of Not Knowing — A Plea Against Religious Analphabetism within a broader perspective

By lilly_en_route

In a world that’s more connected than ever, we’re shockingly unprepared for one of the simplest, yet most profound tasks: understanding each other. I find myself troubled by the growing tide of religious analphabetism — not just a lack of faith, but a profound ignorance of what faith means to others. It’s the kind of ignorance that builds walls instead of bridges, that turns a deaf ear to prayers simply because they’re spoken in a different language, or not at all. And I can’t help but wonder: how many of our conflicts, our prejudices, our quiet judgments stem from this very blindness?

It’s easy to dismiss what we don’t understand. A headscarf becomes a threat. A cross, a symbol of oppression. A mosque, a foreign body in the cityscape. We avert our eyes from scriptures we haven’t read, holidays we don’t celebrate, rituals we can’t explain. It’s easier that way. Safer. But what is the cost of this safety? What do we sacrifice in this comfort zone of ignorance?

We lose the stories that could have mended our hearts, the parables that might have taught us mercy. We miss out on the shared grief of mothers burying sons, whether in Gaza, Tel Aviv or simply in Paris, whether they wear hijabs or crucifixes or nothing at all. We become tourists in each other’s pain, snapping photos but never really seeing.

How many times have we scrolled past headlines of massacres at synagogues, temples, churches, thinking, “That’s sad, but it’s not my faith”? How many of us understand why a Sikh man wears a turban, why a Muslim fasts 30 days in random seasons, why a Jew keeps kosher, why a Christian marks her forehead with ash on a cold February morning? The truth is, our ignorance isn’t passive. It’s an active choice, a decision to close our eyes and call it peace.

But peace built on blindness is no peace at all. It’s a truce waiting to collapse at the first sound of foreign prayers. We must do better.

We must learn — not to convert, but to comprehend. Not to agree, but to empathise. To sit in a mosque and marvel at the call to prayer and inviting friends to join celebrating Eid, to light a menorah with friends and understand the miracle of oil, to see the ashes and remember that we are dust, and to dust, we shall return. To read the Bhagavad Gita not as scripture, but as poetry. To hear the silence of an atheist and know that it, too, is a form of faith.

If we don’t, if we continue to choose the darkness of ignorance over the light of understanding, we are complicit in the hatred that blooms from misunderstanding. We are no better than the zealots we so quickly condemn.

So here’s my plea: read. Read the Quran and the Bible, the Torah and the Vedas, the words of saints and skeptics alike. Ask questions not to argue, but to understand. Walk into temples, mosques, churches, not as a tourist but as a guest. Be willing to feel uncomfortable, to have your certainties unraveled and rewoven with threads of compassion.

Because at the end of the day, our world doesn’t need more tolerance. It needs more tenderness. And tenderness begins with the courage to know each other truly.

We cannot afford the self-comfort of religious analphabetism. Not now. Not ever.
Let’s learn to read each other’s hearts.

The Spiritual Path to True Love: A Guide to Finding Meaningful Connection

By lilly_en_route

Love, in its purest form, is one of the most profound experiences we can have in life. Many people seek it, desire it, and long for the deep connection that comes with it. But true love is not simply about attraction or physical compatibility; it is about nurturing a bond grounded in spirituality, respect, and a higher understanding of life and relationships.

The Role of Divine Guidance in Love

For many, the path to finding true love is intertwined with their spiritual beliefs. The teachings of a higher power can provide clarity on the importance of love, both as a divine gift and a responsibility. Love, as many believe, is not merely an emotion but a reflection of divine grace, designed to bring out the best in individuals and in their relationships.

True love, as revealed through spiritual teachings, begins with love for God. It’s taught that when we cultivate a deep, unwavering relationship with God, we open ourselves to greater understanding, compassion, and humility—qualities that are essential in any loving relationship. By nurturing this connection, we align ourselves with divine wisdom, which helps guide our hearts towards true love.

However, it’s essential to understand that religion is not just a set of rules to follow—it’s an experience. It’s not about adhering to a rigid set of guidelines but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the divine. It's an ongoing journey of connection, reflection, and growth that influences every aspect of our lives, including how we give and receive love.

Purifying the Heart for True Love

A pure heart is central to finding authentic love. Spiritual teachings emphasise the importance of purifying the heart from negativity, such as pride, jealousy, and resentment. These qualities can block the flow of love and prevent us from connecting deeply with others. When we let go of these barriers and focus on nurturing our inner selves, we create space for love to flourish.

Through self-reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness, we allow ourselves to grow spiritually, becoming more attuned to the needs of others. This helps us understand what true love really means—compassion, respect, loyalty, and selflessness. In the process, we begin to attract love that is pure and aligned with our highest values.

The Importance of Patience and Trust

In spiritual teachings, it’s emphasised that true love comes in God's perfect timing. This requires patience and trust. Love cannot be rushed, and forcing a connection based on superficial desires often leads to disappointment. Instead, patience teaches us to wait for the right person, knowing that God has a plan for us that is greater than what we can imagine.

The journey toward true love is also a journey of self-discovery. As we grow spiritually, we come to realise that we must first be content and complete within ourselves before seeking another to share our lives with. This sense of self-assurance fosters a healthy and balanced relationship, where both partners complement each other.

Respecting Boundaries and Values

True love flourishes when respect is at the core of the relationship. Spiritual teachings stress the importance of respecting each other's values, boundaries, and individuality. Love does not seek to control or manipulate; rather, it allows space for each person to be their true self.

By recognising the divine spark in others and respecting their journey, we build a love that is rooted in mutual respect and understanding. A relationship based on these principles is not only lasting but also fulfilling.

Love as a Reflection of Divine Beauty

Finally, true love is seen as a reflection of God's beauty and mercy. When we experience love in its truest form, we witness a glimpse of the divine presence in our lives. It is a reminder of the beauty and compassion that exist in the world and a source of strength when we face challenges together.

In every act of love, we reflect God's light, and in return, we are blessed with a love that is pure, lasting, and transformative.

Conclusion

True love is not found in the pursuit of fleeting desires or superficial attractions; it is discovered through a spiritual journey, one where we align ourselves with divine wisdom, purify our hearts, practice patience, and honor the sacred bond of respect. By following these teachings, we open ourselves to the possibility of love that transcends the ordinary, becoming a source of profound peace and joy in our lives. Religion is not a rulebook—it's an experience, one that shapes us, guides us, and brings us closer to the true love we seek.