The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

When it comes to reflecting on the details of my life that need more attention, it all starts with my faith. As a Muslim, the core foundation of my life is deeply tied to the five pillars of Islam, and I feel that making sure I’m fulfilling them properly and on time is crucial. Of these, the five daily prayers are non-negotiable, but sometimes life has a way of making us rush through them. Lately, I’ve been reminding myself to slow down, to take the time to go to the mosque more often, especially for Fajr and Isha. And it’s not just the prayers—it’s also ensuring that I engage with the Quran daily, even if it’s just a few lines or pages. These small steps consistently ground me in my faith.

Next on my list is something I think many of us tend to take for granted: our spouses. My wife has been my partner through the highs and lows of life, and I firmly believe you can never spend enough time nurturing that bond. When I think about the trials we’ve faced, from raising children to navigating life’s obstacles, I realise that I should constantly remind myself to engage more deeply with her. She’s selfless in her duties as a wife and mother, and I owe it to her—and to us—to reciprocate that effort with presence, patience, and love. It’s easy to forget how much those small moments of conversation and connection mean, but they truly matter.

Another important relationship in my life is with my mother. While I may not get to see her face-to-face every day, I’ve learnt that a simple phone call can make all the difference. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, those conversations are filled with wisdom and comfort that I can’t find elsewhere. It’s something I know I need to prioritise more because, as life gets busier, it’s all too easy to let those connections slip away.

Then there’s the aspect of parenthood. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that it’s not enough to just be present physically; you have to listen. And I mean really listen to what your children are saying. It’s easy for work, technology, or the noise of life to distract us, but those small, everyday conversations with my kids carry so much weight. As parents, we often try to steer them in the right direction, but sometimes what’s most important is just hearing them out, picking up on the nuances, and understanding what’s beneath the surface.

Lastly, there’s work. As much as I’d love to say it’s always perfectly balanced, I know that giving my best every day is essential, not just for personal satisfaction but for those who depend on me in my professional role. However, it comes after faith and family in my priority list, which I think is the right balance for my life.

Ultimately, when I think about what I could pay more attention to, the answer lies in being more intentional—intentional in my worship, in my relationships, and in how I navigate life’s challenges. Life is busy, no doubt, but by focusing on what truly matters, I find that everything else tends to fall into place.

By reflecting on these priorities, I aim to create a better balance, one where faith and family come first, and work fits in seamlessly, not as a distraction but as a piece of the bigger puzzle. This reflection isn’t just for me, but perhaps it’s something we can all think about—what areas of life need a little more attention, and how can we shift our focus to make sure we’re living fully and intentionally?