My friend lent me her book, mentioning that it would fit everything that has recently happened in my life. She brought me Tuesdays with Morrie. I believe nothing happens by coincidence; Allah has been teaching and nurturing us through everything that happens in our lives—including through reading this book.

The book is rather simple, yet it delivers meaningful and powerful lessons. It tells the story of a professor who, while suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease in the final years of his life, spent his remaining time in a deeply meaningful way.

There are a few lessons I highlighted from reading, contemplating, and connecting everything with how Allah SWT has guided us. I hope these lessons can also bring you peace and joy.

I found that the lessons I learned from the book are closely related to one of the surahs in the Quran:

By time. Indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. —Al-'Asr (103:1–3)

Lesson 1: We should appreciate all the small things we have now

In the book, the professor tried to appreciate every small thing around him. He appreciated the fresh air coming through his window, the sunlight he could see, and the time he had left. He tried to be present for his friends, listening to their stories and problems, or simply offering advice. When he could no longer move his hands and feet, he remembered that his ears could still listen and his mouth could still speak. He focused on doing the best he could.

We still have hands to help and feet that can run and walk. We can still breathe the fresh air and experience time. We are still young and able to move freely. But are we truly grateful for these blessings?

The future is uncertain. While we can still experience these gifts, being grateful is something we can certainly do right now.

Lesson 2: We should not take anything for granted

Professor Morrie had genuine friends. He was also the author's mentor during his college years. Even though their relationship began as professor and student, both of them cherished it through kindness, gratitude, genuine connection, and by appreciating each other's time and health.

Morrie also tried to be present for his friends by listening to their stories and offering counsel. Even with so many physical limitations, he did his best to honor the friendships he had.

Being kind and striving to be beneficial to those around us despite our limitations is a quality every Muslim should strive for.

As Surah Al-'Asr states:

“…and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.”

The advice we give to the people dear to us might help them, just as we can learn so much from our friends' lives and perspectives.

Lesson 3: We should be Muslims who remain beneficial to others until the very end

Morrie strove to be kind until the end of his life by doing things that were meaningful to others. I am amazed by his kindness and lack of selfishness. Instead of focusing solely on his illness, he still considered how to be a good friend. When he could no longer meet friends at a coffee shop, he invited them to his home, listening to their struggles and offering comfort.

This reminds me of a few hadiths and an ayah in the Quran:

"If the Final Hour is established while one of you has a palm sapling in his hand, and he is able to plant it before he stands up, let him plant it." — Musnad Ahmad (12902), Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (Sahih)

"When a human being dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: continuous charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them." — Sahih Muslim (1631)

"As for the foam, it vanishes, being cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth." — Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:17)

This aligns with advice I received during mentorship a few weeks ago. My mentor, who is a psychologist, also guides me spiritually on how to be a grounded Muslim. She reminded me that we should strive to be strong and resilient, while remaining a source of support and benefit to the people around us.

She referenced this ayah:

"Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches reach into the sky? It yields its fruit at all times, by the permission of its Lord. And Allah presents examples for people that perhaps they will be reminded." — Surah Ibrahim (14:24–25)

Reflecting on my friend lending me the book and the advice from my mentor, it truly feels that Allah intended for me to learn these lessons right now.