The Heart Of A Muslim

As I was ironing some clothes today, I began to reflect on the incidents this week. From the death of the three young and beautiful students, to the passing of the new legislation. As I reflected, a familiar tune began to play in my mind, a nasheed I used to listen to when I was a little kid, whose words felt so apt for the feelings that were harbouring in my heart at that moment, and the thoughts that were repeating in my mind. The nasheed was Zain Bhikha's 'Heart of a Muslim', it was one of my favourites as child, but as I began to deeply reflect on its words, it no longer became about the catchiness of the song, or the fact that it rhymed - rather, it was the beauty of the words and its relevance that struck me, that made me smile and rekindled within me, hope.

The words were:

It's the heart of a Muslim through the guidance of Islam
That makes you fair and kind and helpful to your fellow man
So living as a Muslim means that you must play a part
Allah looks not at how you look, but what is in your heart

In our poor meager state, little food on our plate
Mother said she was glad, always sharing what we had
When I asked how can we share what's not enough
She said the heart of a Muslim's filled with love

He said its time you should know, you will learn as you grow
That some people around will do what's bad to bring you down
Father said to be a star that's shining bright
For the heart of a Muslim does what's right

The last couple of lines really hit me.

This is the advice I used to listen to, over and over again as a child. Oblivious to the fact, that a day would come, when these words would light up a sorrowful heart, and would make so much sense amidst the turbulent waves and harsh storms that the Muslims are facing. It really did make me smile. Because it reminded me to always have hope. That the heart of a Muslim must be strong. That we all need to strive to be stars that are shining bright.

We lost three stars. But that doesn't mean more stars can't arise and beautify the sky. That the remaining stars lose their brightness. No, rather we try harder, continue chasing our dreams, knowing that He is our ultimate guide, our ultimate protector. We strive to become better, brighter, so that we light up dull and dark skies.