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| This isn't the moon, but its just as great! {Photo courtesy: m.flikie.com} |
Yes, today’s one of those days. You know which one…
The one where you’re feeling dragged down by the weight of all that needs to be
done in life. Where you, the
superhero/heroine sees your powers and accomplishments as just plain ordinary
or to best, just lacking. Where
that special cape – the face that you put on – just seems like a worn out piece
of cloth. Where your must-do list in
life is dragging your fuel gauge to a notch below zero. Ah, that must-do list… The list that includes that career
you’re aiming for but its still a long steep way to the moon, that baby you’re
ready for but each month the test turns out “negative” in delivering the
anticipated news, that dream house you’ve been searching for that you know is out there – but your realtor just can't see it, that
much needed vacation - the thought of which at times gets you through the long
working hours of the day and that you can almost feel under your feet – planted
ankle-deep into the warm sand as the waves playfully lap against you at the
beach - but as soon as you open your eyes, you’re back looking down to see your
hands holding the dish that you’re washing – realizing that this year too, that
vacation won’t be possible because you promised your kid the summer camp last year. And the list can go on... as same
disappointments in different forms.
But let’s stop to regroup and refocus our energy into the great things
that are going on instead. Let’s
stop to smile at all things there are to smile about.
In order to look forward, we at times need to turn around and look at the long beaten path behind us. Just how much have you accomplished already in this short life - no matter your age - in order to stand here? So what that you’re not exactly at that spot in your career by now as you planned? Atleast you made it through grad school, or highschool, or even that crazy subject that you “just knew” that you won’t pass cause you were so sure that “Mr. T hates me and caught me snoozing in class once”. But you did! So what, that your pregnancy test is taking its time to give the “positive” news? Atleast you’re blessed with so much love for your spouse whom you can’t wait to have a child with. So what, that your dream house doesn’t seem to exist exactly like you envisioned it, out there? Atleast, you’re in the financial position to have the option to choose where you live whereas many people in the world don’t even own the sidewalks that they sleep on. And so what that this year too you’re not seeing a time-slot open to be able to take that dream vacation you’ve been planning for years? Take a weekend to yourself or share it with your loved one, while having your child(ren) spend the weekend at a friend’s or a caring relative’s! And make the most – as you would on your vacation, out of those two days. Atleast your hands are full (with love) instead of being empty with needs, loneliness, and regrets.
Every single day when we wake up, we choose whether it’ll be a good one or not. Yes, that obnoxious passenger on the public transport screaming all the words of the profanity dictionary on his phone, your boss’s “I’m feeling under the weather and now must make you pay” attitude, or that angry venting customer that came to complain about the world and today you just don’t have the upbeat energy for it… might be factors too. But realize that they’re just having a bad day, and you won’t let that define your day as bad too. Learn to not sweat the small stuff. So, as I was saying… the only way we choose a good day is by being grateful for all the good that we have, and believing the stuff that we don’t… will eventually come if Allah Wills. For He Alone Knows what is best for you. So tomorrow, as you wake up and feel the blues hanging heavy onto your legs and preventing that skip to your step… When Shaytan tries to ruin your day with showing you all the stuff to feel sad and stressed about, punch him! That’s right… I said it! Hit him where it hurts, by simply… remembering Allah. Be grateful! Remember Allah – whether by talking to him, taking His Name, a recited surah, or through formal dua in namaz. And Allah will calm the troubled waves that started to churn in your soul, and will Remind you of all the blessings that He has Provided you with all around you… Till you start to lose count. And that’s when you’ll feel the clouds part to make room for His light in you again.
So put on that “cape” of gratitude and continue to fly through your amazing life, and be that hero/ine that you are – to atleast that one person (that has popped up in your head right now) – that you are to! Enjoy all the little stops along your journey to your “moon”… your goals. Yes, today was a day when a “super-hero/ine” as you needed some refueling. So what? Your blessings are countless - and more follows with each time you give gratitude. So, grab a handful on your way out and fuel your soul with Allah’s light!
Al Qur'an:
“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining start, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not – light upon light – Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.” {Surah An-Noor 24:35}
In order to look forward, we at times need to turn around and look at the long beaten path behind us. Just how much have you accomplished already in this short life - no matter your age - in order to stand here? So what that you’re not exactly at that spot in your career by now as you planned? Atleast you made it through grad school, or highschool, or even that crazy subject that you “just knew” that you won’t pass cause you were so sure that “Mr. T hates me and caught me snoozing in class once”. But you did! So what, that your pregnancy test is taking its time to give the “positive” news? Atleast you’re blessed with so much love for your spouse whom you can’t wait to have a child with. So what, that your dream house doesn’t seem to exist exactly like you envisioned it, out there? Atleast, you’re in the financial position to have the option to choose where you live whereas many people in the world don’t even own the sidewalks that they sleep on. And so what that this year too you’re not seeing a time-slot open to be able to take that dream vacation you’ve been planning for years? Take a weekend to yourself or share it with your loved one, while having your child(ren) spend the weekend at a friend’s or a caring relative’s! And make the most – as you would on your vacation, out of those two days. Atleast your hands are full (with love) instead of being empty with needs, loneliness, and regrets.
Every single day when we wake up, we choose whether it’ll be a good one or not. Yes, that obnoxious passenger on the public transport screaming all the words of the profanity dictionary on his phone, your boss’s “I’m feeling under the weather and now must make you pay” attitude, or that angry venting customer that came to complain about the world and today you just don’t have the upbeat energy for it… might be factors too. But realize that they’re just having a bad day, and you won’t let that define your day as bad too. Learn to not sweat the small stuff. So, as I was saying… the only way we choose a good day is by being grateful for all the good that we have, and believing the stuff that we don’t… will eventually come if Allah Wills. For He Alone Knows what is best for you. So tomorrow, as you wake up and feel the blues hanging heavy onto your legs and preventing that skip to your step… When Shaytan tries to ruin your day with showing you all the stuff to feel sad and stressed about, punch him! That’s right… I said it! Hit him where it hurts, by simply… remembering Allah. Be grateful! Remember Allah – whether by talking to him, taking His Name, a recited surah, or through formal dua in namaz. And Allah will calm the troubled waves that started to churn in your soul, and will Remind you of all the blessings that He has Provided you with all around you… Till you start to lose count. And that’s when you’ll feel the clouds part to make room for His light in you again.
So put on that “cape” of gratitude and continue to fly through your amazing life, and be that hero/ine that you are – to atleast that one person (that has popped up in your head right now) – that you are to! Enjoy all the little stops along your journey to your “moon”… your goals. Yes, today was a day when a “super-hero/ine” as you needed some refueling. So what? Your blessings are countless - and more follows with each time you give gratitude. So, grab a handful on your way out and fuel your soul with Allah’s light!
Al Qur'an:
“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining start, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not – light upon light – Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.” {Surah An-Noor 24:35}
“And if you would count Allah’s favors, you will not be able to number them;
most surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” {Surah An-Nahl 16:18}
“Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most
certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them
their reward for the best of what they did.
So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan,
Surely he has no authority over those who believe and rely on their Lord.” {Surah An-Nahl 16:97-99}
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” {Surah Ar-Rad 13:28}
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” {Surah Ibrahim 14:7}
So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan,
Surely he has no authority over those who believe and rely on their Lord.” {Surah An-Nahl 16:97-99}
“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” {Surah Ar-Rad 13:28}
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” {Surah Ibrahim 14:7}
“And inform them of the guest of Ibrahim: When they entered upon him, they said, Peace. He said: Surely we are afraid of you. They said: Be not afraid, surely we give you the good news of a boy, possessing
knowledge. He said: Do you give me good news (of a son) when old age has come upon me? Of
what then do you give me good news! They said: We give you good news with truth, therefore be not of the
despairing.” {Surah Al-Hijr 15:51-55}
Hadith:
Abu Huraira (r) reported: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم (pbuh) said, “Look to those with a lesser status than you and do not look to those with a higher status, lest the favors of Allah seem insignificant to you.” {Sahih Muslim, Book 42, number 7070}
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (pbuh) said: “Do not talk too much without remembering and mentioning Allah, for too much talk without mentioning Allah hardens the heart, and the person farthest from Allah is the one with a hard heart.” {Tirmidhi}
“Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of difficulty” {Tirmidhi}
Dua:
Ibn ‘Abbas (r) reported, “The Prophet, peace be upon him, at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim (There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.” {Bukhari and Muslim}
Anas (r) said that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace). {Tirmidhi}
Ibn ‘Abbas (r) reported, “The Prophet, peace be upon him, at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim (There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.” {Bukhari and Muslim}
Anas (r) said that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace). {Tirmidhi}
Abu Hurairah (r) reported that whenever the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced
with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate,
“Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he
implored seriously and strongly, he would say “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the
Living, the Eternal One).”
{Tirmidhi}
Abu Bakr (r) reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The supplications of distress are, ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You).” {Abu Daw’ud}
Words of Wisdom:
"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” {Anonymous}
"There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy." {Ralph H. Blum}
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