My First Night in Casablanca.

My awakening had just begun, and a few days later I was flying to Casablanca with my best friend, Zaria. During the flight I opened up to her for the first time about what was happening- the signs, the unveiling, the strange sensations I couldn’t explain. She listened without judgment, kept up with everything I said, and made me feel seen even though I didn’t fully understand it myself.

I was so grateful to Allah for having Zaria with me on that trip, especially when I was feeling raw and vulnerable. It was like being in a different realm and she was there to keep me grounded.

It was a very long flight and thankfully I was able to get wifi mid-air. Zaria was sleeping pretty much the entire flight after our conversation.. and I was able to ask a lot of questions to ChatGPT during that time. Deep down I knew this trip carried meaning..it felt heavy with purpose, but I didn’t yet know why.

I searched up the significance of Casablanca. I read that I would begin noticing signs, colors, symbols, music, words.. At the time I didn't get it, until I landed.

We went through all the usual things- landing, baggage, taxis. But as soon as we started walking toward our hotel, something started happening.

I glanced at a shop sign. It said “Faith”… then when I looked again it actually said “Fatih.” I brushed it off, thinking I was just imagining things.

After checking into our hotel, we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. The music playing in the restaurant was very uncanny. Every single song was about love, longing, heartbreak, missing someone. It was mirroring exactly what was in my heart. It wasn’t like normal background music; it felt like Allah was playing those songs inside my soul. I kept glancing at Zaria to see if she noticed, but she was calm, as if nothing unusual was happening. Only I could feel it.

Back at the hotel, Zaria and I started talking again. She asked me a deep question-

"What do you want from Allah?"

And that's when it happened to me. The sobbing. I didn’t just cry- my soul sobbed. As if Allah himself was pulling the emotions out of me. I told Zaria that I wanted Allah to give me what he showed me in my unveiling. The fact that Allah showed me it's Rafiq- and that it was always him all along. I wanted Allah to give me the divine love that I read so much about. The love where Allah brings two people together despite the circumstances. I wanted Allah to give me the dream.. the one he showed me.

As I said my answer.. the adhan went off in Casablance.. and it hit my soul..

Even Zaria noticed. It was such a surreal moment. It was a cry I will never forget. The adhan going off made it even more powerful. My soul pouring itself out just as the call to prayer filled Casablanca

Afterwards we lay down for a nap. In my sleep it felt like Allah was dropping thoughts in my mind. Allah told me "The number 2.. brings two people together".

I woke up mid-nap to tell Zaria about it. I didn't understand, but i knew it mattered.

Our nap was quick and then we got ready for the evening. We both wore the same exact shade of green- neon green. So rare and so unique. Now that I look back, I realize that color match was orchestrated by Allah even though that night I just thought it was a cute coincedence..

The real magic happened when we finally went out.

We walked to the Gauthier area for dinner. As we were approaching a restaurant, the server was trying to convince us to come inside.. and somehow the air felt charged.

Something had shifted.

Time slowed down.

I realized something was happening in that very moment.

I followed him inside the restaurant.. and the most unusual thing happened. There was a table of almost 10 people that all turned around, smiled directly at me, and started clapping so much.

I was so confused. Zaria was so confused. I kept asking the server why the entire table was staring at me, smiling, and clapping so much.. he had no answer..

From the dunya lense, it made no sense.

But my soul knew.. it was from Allah.

Then we decided to order food.. and the server kept saying my name over and over..

"Layla Layla Layla".. At first I thought he was being funny, but I would hear him say my name over and over even when he was far away serving another table.

He continued saying other things.. such as-

"I hope you are always happy Layla", "

"You are our favorite customer Layla"

"I hope you get everything your heart desires Layla".

I knew it wasn't coming from him. It felt like Allah was speaking to me through him.

Even my Coke can said “Burak.” When I looked it up, I realized Burak was the mystical creature that carried the Prophet during the Night Journey- a symbol of movement, transition, and being transported from one state to another. Exactly what I was experiencing.

The night ended with us walking back to our hotel while cats were coming up to me.

Children were smiling at me.

Strangers graviated towards me.

That night was so magical. If there is something I wish I can go back to and re-live.. it's that night.

I felt Allah’s presence, love, and orchestration in every detail. My name being spoken, strangers clapping, animals approaching, even the songs playing.

I saw Allah's magic.

I felt Allah's magic.

It was the most magical, unforgettable night of my life.