AL-LATEEF (The Knower of Subtleties)

" [And Luqman said, "O my son, indeed if wrong should be the weight of a mustard seed and should be within a rock or [anywhere] in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted."— (Qur'an 31:16)

In a hadith narration, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ says to Aisha (ra): "show gentleness, for if gentleness is found in anything, it beautifies it and when it is taken out from anything it damages it." Sahih (Al-Albani) Sunan Abi Dawud 4808

Overall, remembering Allah as Al-Latif enriches our spiritual journey, promotes virtues such as gentleness and awareness, and provides a sense of tranquility and purpose in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Islamic term meaning:

auzubillah minashaitan ni rajeem (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan)

astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness in God)

auzubillah (I seek refuge in Allah)

In sha Allah (God willing)

Subhanallah (Glory be to God)

La hawla wala kuwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah)

bismillah (in the name of Allah)

alhamdulillah (praise be to God)

Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)

Assalamu Alaykom wa rahmatallahi wa barakatu (Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings)

Ma sha Allah (God has willed it)

Zanpakuto Survey: Sode no Shirayuki,

I hold a distinct perspective when it comes to choosing a hero to support. For me, empirical evidence and rationality are the pillars of decision-making. I seek a hero who embodies these principles, someone whose actions are based on logic, reason, and a deep understanding of the world around them.

I am drawn to a hero who not only possesses extraordinary abilities but also uses them thoughtfully and strategically. Their decisions should be grounded in evidence, with a clear understanding of cause and effect. I value critical thinking and a rational approach to problem-solving, traits that I believe are essential for a hero to make a meaningful impact.

Moreover, I am interested in a hero who values collaboration and teamwork. Empirical data often highlights the importance of collective efforts in achieving success. A hero who can inspire and lead others towards a common goal, while respecting diverse perspectives, is someone I would eagerly support.

In essence, my quest for a hero aligns with my belief in empiricism. I seek someone who combines exceptional abilities with rational thinking, collaboration, and a strong sense of responsibility. This hero, I believe, would not only excel in the virtual reality game but also serve as a beacon of progressive leadership in the larger world.

O young men, if you are able to support a wife, then get married. Verily, it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. Whoever is not able to do so, then must fast as it is a means of control.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1806,

The sun had yet to rise fully on the horizon, but Rukia refused to return to her futon after her escapade awhile ago, especially since Byakuya's voice kept echoing in her mind.

She thought about how she had never met someone with such a beautiful voice. His song seemed to reverberate inside her heart, although she didn't understand the words.

After finishing cleaning her room, she decided to observe her new surroundings.

A semblance of hope grew in her chest, despite her circumstances.

This place could be her 'home', though she could never fathom it to be so.

Stepping out of her room, she glanced to the side, realizing that Byakuya's room was actually connected to hers.

Suddenly, she remembered his cold demeanor last night, knowing for a fact that somehow he was angry. At her... maybe.

Rukia decided not to ponder anymore about her mysterious Niisama. She roamed all over the manor until she ended up in the kitchen.

The servants greeted their new lady and offered her a light snack.

Rukia smiled at them in gratitude, although it didn't reach her eyes, asking them to call her Rukia without the honorifics. Some honored her request, while others remained treating her as the lady of the Kuchiki house despite her not having a drop of Kuchiki blood.

Before long, she found herself cooking, which brought back fond memories of cooking with her childhood friends. She remembered Renji saying that her cooking skills were outstanding while he was holding a plate of noodles he cooked for her on her birthday.

At that memory, Rukia felt saddened.

"Baka," she whispered, refusing to let herself shed a tear, knowing that Renji chose to push her away.

Byakuya had just returned from his visit to Hisana's grave when he passed through the main kitchen on the way to the dining room. He heard Rukia's distinctive voice coming from the kitchen.

"Please just call me Rukia," she said with her surprisingly gentle voice, unknowingly causing Byakuya to stop in his tracks.

He had the urge to look at what was happening inside but chastised himself. After all, he was fasting for the day. Nothing good would come from doing unnecessary things.

And so, Byakuya continued on his way, albeit reluctantly.

"Auzubillahi," he prayed.

Before long, food was served in the dining room in front of them, prompting him to recall how he hadn't informed the cook that he was fasting, knowing that his decision to fast was rather unintended. Somehow, he had just decided to fast today since he couldn't sleep last night. Or at least, that's what he wanted to believe...

Far away from his stoic character, Byakuya, in truth, was quite whimsical inside, like a child he had to hide from the world, understanding that any weakness for someone like him could be disastrous. Hence, only those who knew him from childhood had an inkling of his childish ways.

On the other hand, Rukia was intently staring at the food next to Byakuya's plate, internally questioning why the cook had decided to serve her dish as the main course. She might be confident about her cooking skills, but she knew that Byakuya must have high standards for culinary excellence.

Suddenly, she looked up at him and noticed how his forehead wrinkled as though he were angry. Not long after, he stood up from his seat without taking a single bite.

"Wear your shinigami uniform," he commanded without looking at her. His voice was devoid of emotion, but Rukia still sensed the anger in his tone. "I will accompany you to your squad today."

"Hai, Niisama," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness. Although she didn't expect anything from him as her adoptive sibling, somehow her heart still ached at his dismissal. "Arigatou."

Byakuya exited the dining room and promptly called his agent, instructing them to apprehend Rukia's lady-in-waiting for letting Rukia wear Hisana's kimono. It was one thing that his grandfather let Rukia stay in Hisana's room; it was another to taint his wife's memory.

"Auzubillahi minashaytani rajeem," he prayed in order to calm himself and repel the whispers of Shaytan.

Allah doesn't like people who sever familial relationships.

Rukia and Chad stood in front of the defeated hollow, triumphant.

"Just give up," Rukia commanded the hollow. "In sha Allah... a guy is coming to get rid of you."

"Stay still until then," Chad added while lifting the electric pole onto his shoulder, even though he couldn't see or hear the ghost they were fighting.

Suddenly, the hollow laughed, revealing his trump card. Small animal-like hollows jumped on Rukia and Chad, pinning them to the ground.

Rukia tried her best to free herself while the hollow ranted about who he should eat first. Suddenly, Chad stood up and shook off all the small hollows as if it were nothing, surprising her.

Chad, on the other hand, began punching the air around him.

"Over here!" Rukia called for the boy's attention. "Kick right above me," she instructed.

Suddenly, he kicked the air above her, sending the small hollows flying.

Chad then returned to punching the air around them.

"No, not over there! He's flying," Rukia yelled at the boy.

"The sky?" Chad asked her.

"Relax," Rukia mysteriously said. "I've got an idea."

to be continued...