TO THE SOUL

 

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Dear soul…

Today, I want to talk to you. It really pains me, seeing how much you’re suffering, in distress, pain, agony, depression over matters that are out of your control. You have failed me so many times when you almost gave up and thought as though no one sees your sufferings. Don’t you believe that all that we go through is by the decree of our creator?

I know you do know that everything that happens was long planned by the master of planners. Then why waste plenty of your precious time worrying over Allah’s decree. He knows you much more better than you do to your own self. How about live a worry-free and hope-full life acknowledging that everything is in control?

If life was only made of good days, we would never learn to appreciate it, we would never know how it feels to be really Joyous. It’s the bad days that make us stronger, they make us more humble and adds up to our gratitude, because life, is made of two days; one is for you, and one against you. Learn to boldly walk in and out of each day. Because a grateful heart is a contented heart, it a blessed heart.

We were all created with the purpose of worshiping our creator, and it is part of our divine journey to get tested, so that our faith can be strengthened . We are told in the Qur’an that; Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing. We have indeed showed him the way, now he be grateful or ungrateful. (76:3)

Ooh my poor soul! You are not the first to suffer. People have suffered more than you but they firmly held on their patience. The likes of our prophets, there are those that suffered harsh treatments and persecution, others suffered betrayal, others suffered from illnesses that had no cure but never did they give up nor dishonor our creator. There are those who suffered immense losses, that included loss of their loved ones, loss of their property and even loss of wealth, But have you read it in any book that any of them gave up?

They were creatures like we are, Though not perfect because perfection is an attribute that only belongs to Allah. Their faiths were made so strong that we could live our lives by their examples.

You got betrayed by the one you loved most and feel as though the world would soon come to an end? You should be grateful for that because Allah made you realize that He is the Most Faithful friend, The Protecting Friend, Patron, and Supporter, Al-Waliyy. So you could trust in him to provide you with what you truly deserve.

Lost a loved one? Dear soul, Don’t you know that to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and earth. I know you’re clearly aware that We all belong to Allah and our final return is to him. Why cry that much? even if he/she was the soul breadwinner of your family, they are not Al-Razzaak, Allah is. He will open more doors of rizk to you and your family. You only need to have sabr as you await for Allah’s blessings to unfold having in mind that you will follow the same path too when your time is due.

Is it an illness that you’re suffering from and it feels like your life is in the edge? Remember there is no sickness that has no cure. We are told in the ahadith that: The Prophet (S.A.W) said, There is no disease that Allah has created except that He also has created it’s treatment. {saheeh bukharee, vol 7, book 71, number 582}. Furthermore, the Holy Qur’an is the biggest cure only if we knew.

You put every single effort in your studies, graduated with your Diploma or Degree but can’t secure a job. Is it your concern? Should that make you worry so much to a point of falling into depression? Again that is out of your control, why? because The one above us all is our provider, and sustainer of lives, He is the giver of rizk and to him only should we turn to. You’re spending most of your time searching for a job, bribing hundred of thousands to secure a job, a well paying job for that matter, but you’ve never been called for an interview? You even think you’re bewitched.

Hey, you’re taking it too far, that’s now shirk. You did the best you could, now turn back to your creator and ask Him to open for you doors of rizk. Use your talent to spend your free time wisely, Never stop praying while you keep on searching. Biidhnillah, Your rizk is on its way. Hold on to your patience.

Your background isn’t wealthy as you wish. At times you sleep hungry, You only see delicious meals on YouTube videos, you don’t remember the last time you put on a new dress or trouser, Your house isn’t as big as your neighbor’s and it only takes you a minute to walk around, You have no idea how it feels to travel in a private car, all you know is the troublesome drivers and conductors let alone the weird passengers in the matatus.

Everything was long planned before you came to existence, by the most high, the best disposer of affairs, He knew that was the best for you. If you’re not contented with the little that you posses no amount of wealth will make you happy. Trust in him, and keep working if you desire to change your life and your background. Because success never comes in a silver plate ( as they say). It must have taken them several years of toil and sleepless nights, they must have failed numerous times just to attain the level of their success, and so should you.

Ooh my poor soul; if you think you’re not beautiful, think of that person who got involved in an accident or got burned and their entire body and face were deformed, yet they still manage to smile. Your little blemishes, dark skin, tinny body, stunted growth hair etc should not make you undermine yourself. Furthermore, what is beauty of the face if your heart is a mess?

If you think the food at your table is tasteless, think of that street child, homeless, sleeping on an empty stomach in the dustbins.

If you think you’re salary isn’t enough and you’re thinking of quitting you job for another imaginary white collar job, think of that graduate who is tarmacking for the tenth year without securing a job, think of that beggar in the streets that waits for your ten bob to give plenty of gratitudes to our creator.

You have struggled to get kids, you think one or two ain’t enough? Think of that barren woman who has shed countless tears and her marriage is on the verge of collapsing but still hold unto patience knowing that one sweet time, she will have a baby of her own.

You think you’re marriage isn’t perfect or isn’t “goals” because your spouse has bla bla bla, or your spouse has too many shortcomings you can’t cope with? Think of that woman/man who is approaching menopause and has never had someone propose to them, imagine the depressing life they’re living.

All in all, life is never perfect, if you think it’s not easy for you, someone somewhere is going through an extremely difficult phase of their life and all they can do is give gratitude to the Almighty.

No one promised us a smooth journey of life, no one promised us a perfect course, there will be twists and turns, ups and downs, dark days and bright days, We only need to keep holding onto patience, we were only promised ease after every hardship, “Verily, with hardship there is relief” (Qur’an 94:6) meaning there will always be tough days all we can do is patiently wait for the better days. There’ll be detours. There’ll be road blocks; but remember it’s a journey of faith. Trust the Almighty fully in every conditions, it’s part of our test. Understand his plan

To every striving soul, here are a few verses to rejuvenate you:

“…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (Qur’an 31:17) and “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40)

“Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” [Tirmidhi]

“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of Great Bounty.” (Qur’an 3:173-174)

“No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence.” (Qur’an 57:22)

“..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity… And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” [Tirmidhi]

“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer…” (Qur’an 2:153)

“And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed…” (Qur’an 5:23)

May we all find courage to stand strong through every challenge, obstacle and calamity that afflicts us. With true patience, and sincere prayer, it shall come to an end and you will happily reap the fruits of your sabr, sooner or later, but definitely, your time is coming… This, I believe.

May you enjoy peace of mind and soul as you patiently wait for Allah to unfold a magnitude of blessings in your journey.

I love you, for the sake of Him who created love.

By: Ms. Fatuma Nantaa

Residency: Kwale county

Nantaa is a young lady, an advocate in girl-child empowerment and a passionate writer who majors in Swahili and Therapeutic writing, she is also the vice president of Kwale Pen People, a writers initiative based in Kwale county and a soon to be published author.

Blog:thumaah002.wordpress.com