My Cave [Poem]

They ask me, "So what is this cave you speak of?"
In my head a dozen thoughts enter,
Explanations to this question, which cannot possibly have just one answer.

My cave, I think to myself,
Is a world into my dreams -
And disappointments too.

Sometimes, it accompanies me to dinner parties,
You know, that blank gaze into thin air, you happen to notice?
Yes, that's just a moment I had to step into my cave for a bit.
You see,
It's so messy sometimes, so many thoughts everywhere,
So I have to search under my mattress of goals,
Step over the piles of worries that sit near my chest of dreams,
Clear out the wardrobe of fears,
Dust away those specks of sadness,
Dry the tiny droplets of tears,
That somehow, always make their way in,
Maybe due to the broken roof?
After all, it is a cave.

Most of the time, I resort to my cave when I'm drained,
After a day of babbling with adorable babies,
Or,
After chit-chatting with my siblings,
Sometimes I will resort to my cave,
When I need to recharge my batteries,
Or quench my thirst for knowledge,
And my deep hunger for soul food.

Oh yes,
Sometimes,
My cave feels empty without another understanding soul,
Someone who can dry the tiny droplets of tears,
Fix that broken roof,
Its always breaking; tiny cracks everywhere,
Or surprise me with a bigger chest of dreams,
After all, isn't a good companion better than none at all?

And sometimes,
I simply love to bask in the sweet moments of solitude,
Where it's just me and Him.
And my thoughts,
And my pen,
I love to watch the ink absorb into the paper,
Tiny swirls,
And lots of scruffy letters,
Its like the ink breathes life,
Into those millions of contemplations.

Sometimes it just me and the words of my Lord,
Which brings colour and hope to my cave,
My life,
And my whole world.

So no,
It's not that I'm boring, or dislike being around -
The human creation,
I'm human too, (I assure you).
My cave is just a window into the world of my thoughts,
Please don't mind when the window is blurry,
Sometimes you can see clearly,
Only when your inside.

But in short,
My cave...
Is a place I can dream a new dream,
Reflect,
Recharge,
Rekindle my hope,
And organise my many thoughts,
So I can return,
Better,
Re-energised,
And clearer in my sight, my vision,
And my understanding,
Than before.

Wealth: When The Lens Becomes Blurry

When purpose is lost, all else begins to falter. 

In the past, our forefathers and so many today as well, work tirelessly; long daylight hours, and some even through the night, to earn a *decent* living. They do so with a purpose and an end goal in mind.

For many, the reason wasn't, and still isn't to pile up wealth, or to spend what they earn on themselves - so they can have a little extra cash for possessions they want yet, don't necessarily need, but, it was to provide for their wives and children. For their families who live without roofs over their heads, without waters in their taps, or warm garments on their bodies.

For so long, that was the main purpose of many of our breadwinners. They had a strong sense to earn, to work hard, to struggle. Why? To provide for their loved ones, whom would in turn, shower them with love after a long days work. It kept the household strong and running. The roles were kept intact, the bread on the table was appreciated - there was no craving for more, because they understood it took effort, struggle and sacrifice to get where they were today.

Today, the purpose of gathering wealth has become fuzzy. Whilst some are on one side of the spectrum, earning great amounts, but holding it tightly to themselves, others are on the opposite side, a side where fathers, and mothers too, are having to struggle to make ends meet, to pay the bills, to provide schooling and provision for children. But why?

The problem is such, because so many have lost sight of their purpose. Instead of earning wealth, they are chasing it. Instead of being careful about what and how much they buy, they are acting as spendthrifts. Instead of appreciating what they have, they are using unlawful means to gain more. Instead of giving and using the surplus Allah has blessed them with, they are holding it tightly to themselves, afraid it may leave them.

Our money should be in our hands not heart, and so should every other material gifts. The imbalance in how we view money and finances, has resulted in poverty, broken homes, spoilt children, greediness, miserliness, and lack of charity.

Even between husband's and wife, fathers and sons, and within the institution of the family; arguments are rising, quarrels are occurring - why? Because of this imbalance and the increase expense of the basic necessities of life, which has caused mothers, whose main and built-in role was to create a beautiful home for themselves, their children and most importantly, their spouse, to have to provide and work also.

But every problem has a solution, and though it may not affect our homes, our lives, or our non-existing children, now, it may one day. That's why we need to change ourselves now, with small steps that will lead to bigger transformations, so that perhaps things can be better for our generations to come and the present day Ummah.

So, how? How can we maintain a balance and attract barakah into our wealth and lives?

- Charity: Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Those who spend in causes seeking the pleasure of Allah remain in His shelter. Angels send blessings on them and pray for increase in their wealth.” [Muslim] 

The more you give, the more you will get back. Charity does not decrease your wealth, it enhances it and attracts barakah, sustenance and Allah's pleasure in your life. It may be difficult to even think about giving some of your wealth in the cause of Allah, because you lack sufficient possessions to provide your families basic needs. But remember, charity is not just about giving from your wealth, but it includes, giving your time, your words, your actions, your advice, your skills, in the cause of Allah. Give, even if its but a sincere intention, and take that step, for you will find sustenance before you.

- Keep on purpose: The purpose of working is not for you to gather so much wealth, which you will keep to yourself, or splash our in buying every new, expensive thing in the market. Whilst it's good and healthy to treat yourself and buy things, remember simplicity is beautiful. How much money would we have to spend on other causes - helping others, feeding the poor, assisting refugees, if only we put others before ourselves, and hold back on our desire to possess the world and all that is in? Keep your money in your hand, not heart, and invest. Don't forget your portion of this dunya, but don't neglect the true and lasting investment of the Akhirah.

- Appreciate your loved ones: Whether its your husband who is working tirelessly to pay the bills, or your a wife who has no choice but to work to support her husband and family, then don't forget to say how much you appreciate each other. According to the book, 'Why Mars and Venus Collide', "Having a job is often no longer a choice for most women, but a necessity." So whilst its something that has to be done, don't forget to not let it come first to creating a loving home. Whether a daughter, spouse, son, or sibling don't forget appreciation, love, and mercy - all qualities that will remind you of the purpose of earning a living and providing for a family.

May Allah place barakah in our sustenance and lives and make us of those who always remain on purpose, ameen.

On Happiness, Gratitude & Contentment

I came across some really beautiful quotes on happiness and contentment. After reflecting on them, I was reminded of why Islam places so much significance on Shukr (gratitude). It is only when we learn to appreciate His many blessings that we experience true satisfaction, happiness and containment. Hope they benefit!

“...are you happy?"

"I am content."

"What is the difference?"

"Between happiness and contentment? Ah, there you have me. It is not easy to put into words. Contentment is a state of mind and body when the two work in harmony, and there is no friction. The mind is at peace, and the body also. The two are sufficient to themselves. Happiness is elusive--coming perhaps once in a life-time--and approaching ecstasy."

"Not a continuous thing, like contentment?"

"No, not a continuous thing. But there are, after all, degrees of happiness.”

― Daphne du Maurier, Frenchman's Creek

~ ~ ~

“Being content with what you have already is an art form that leads to a peace that can’t be replaced by anything else.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert
~ ~ ~

“Be content with what you have;

rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking,

the whole world belongs to you.”

― Lao Tzu
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“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

― Socrates

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“Thankfulness creates gratitude which generates contentment that causes peace.”

- Todd Stocker

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“I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.”

- Henry Fielding

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"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."

- Epicurus

~ ~ ~

"Contentment is the greatest form of wealth"

- Acharya Nāgārjuna

Be Like A Bee

I always had a love-hate relationship with Bees. I call it love-hate because simply the sight of them used to bring back memories of the day I got stung by one. I still remember the day and the pain of the sting. It really wasn't pleasant. Since then, Bees had always been in my bad books. That was until I discovered that there was a Surah in the Qur'an titled 'The Bee" and that ayahs had been revealed regarding them. From then on, I used to love researching and watching documentaries about the Bee and how it lived. Why it made the buzzing sound and how it benefitted human beings. It was fascinating! I realised that the Bee actually taught us so many life lessons.

So today as I sat on my granny's farm, taking in the sight of the beautiful scenery (and sheep), my gaze fell upon a bee that was hovering from plant to plant just inches away from me. If this was a couple of years ago, I would have entered a mode of panic due to my phobia and ran off out of fear. This time I began to closely watch this tiny creature and its weird yet wonderful antics. It would dance from one flower to another in obvious search of pollen. In those few seconds, it must have stopped at around ten different flowers. It kept going from one to another and continued to do so. Never give up, I thought to myself. Always keep going. If you fail at something, try again. Keep going, but don't ever give up.

In those few moments of close observation, I learnt a few things from the Bee, which I hope to share with you today:

- The Bee doesn't settle for less. It will keep going and hopping from one flower to another until itwho seeks out the best flower. It doesn't settle for less. Rather, it continues to travel through the spectrum of flowers, till it reaches the one which is pure, untouched, and one whose perfume is still fresh. This teaches us Ihsaan. We should always aim high and for the best in everything we do in life. We should also give our very best to others and in the cause of Allah. The Bee has high expectations and we too should have high expectations in our Lord and good thoughts of Him.

- The Bee gives more than it takes. The bee always gives more than it takes. It will not eat from the flower until it has given it more than it has taken, and even when it does take, it acts delicately and softly, as to not ruin the petals or cause them to break. If the Bee was harsh, it would ruin the flower, because the petals of a flower are so soft and easily torn. Yet, if you observe the Bee, you will be amazed to find that it is so gentle, it will take the pollen but as it takes, it will make sure not to hurt the plant in anyway. 

- The Bee works hard for its Rizq. The Bee doesn't take the food of another bee because it recognises that Allah's provision is vast. If another Bee is taking from a flower it will not jump into steal the provision but will move onto a better place out of respect for its fellow bee and out of knowledge that Allah is the Most Bountiful; the one who provides. You and I must work hard for our provision, whatever is we are seeking, we must taken the means and not steal or be envious of another person's provision in the process. We must do our best and leave the rest to Allah will full trust that He will provide.

- The Bee helps itself by helping others. The flowers a bee travels to are very far from the hive. So sometimes a bee may travel miles to reach the flowers to get its Rizq. When it returns to the hive which is shared with a whole community of bees, Allah teaches the bee to do a little movement called 'The Bee Dance.' It is taught to hover in the air in order to teach and navigate all the other bees to the direction of the flowers so they can also get Rizq.The bee teaches us that when we benefit others, we're all benefiting ourselves. If we're doing well we must also help others to do well also, as this will strengthen our community and relationships. How many of us hate to see others do well? Let's change this. Let's be like the wise bee.

To Every Despairing Soul

Have you ever felt so engulfed in the darkness of your sins that you felt suffocated and so close to drowning in despair?

Have you ever sat and cried tears of regret and remorse over the sin you committed? Your heart ached every time another anxious tear fell from your eye. Do you remember the pain?

Have you ever felt drained to the point you felt like no uplifting words and no amount of reassurance could life you from the depths of hopelessness? 

But do you remember the moment you chose to turn back? When you turned regret into resolve. You lifted yourself up when you were at your weakest - with determination and good hope in your Lord. You reminded yourself that no sin was too big for Him to forgive, and that His doors of Mercy were always wide open even for those who had transgressed against their own soul. Even for those who immersed themselves in the worst kind of sins. Even for those who had been distant for so long.

To every despairing soul, and to every child of Adam who is currently battling between hope and fear, let me remind you of the beautiful words of Allah, who says in His glorious book:

 Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [39:53]

This ayah is so beautiful that is acts as a balm of every aching, hopeless soul. Allah refers to His sinning, transgressing slaves, as 'my servants.' Simply from the word, 'my' we get an insight into the love Allah has for each and every one of us. Even if you are of those of us who have sinned and who have disobeyed your Lord, then know you are still His slave. You are still His servant regardless of how far you've gone. 

Allah continues, by reminding you, not to despair! Allah forgives *all* sins. Yes, every single sin, He is willing to forgive just as long as your willing to turn back to Him with sincere repentance and remorse. Take your moment of weakness and turn it into a strength, a kind of strength which steers you towards His obedience and repentance. 

You and I are not perfect, and the journey to Allah is also not for the perfect. Every child of Adam is a sinner, and every child of Adam makes mistakes for indeed perfection is only for the Divine. But every time you feel like you've stooped so low, every time your sins begin to weigh heavy on your shoulders, remind yourself that there is always hope in attaining His Mercy. Remind yourself and turn your deep regret into strong resolve, for Allah's Mercy is vast and plenty, even for the despairing soul.

“Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi 

The Wilting Rose

"How many strawberries have you picked so far, Amal?" Yasmin asked as she tried peering into her daughter's basket.

"Heyyy. That's a secret!" giggled Amal, as she quickly sought to hide the basket behind her back.

Yasmin smiled.

"Hmm, a secret is it. Only between you and papa, I assume?" Yasmin questioned.

"Yup! I will only tell Papa. Only he can count the shtrawbellies." Amal cheered. The way she said strawberries made Yasmin burst into laughter.

"Oh, Amal. You are very cute."  She ruffled her daughters silky brown hair.

"Are you trying to break Mama's heart?"

Amal grinned proudly.

Amal and her mum and had come on a day trip to the local strawberry fields. It was their favourite summer time hobby. They would walk on the same narrow path that had been formed between the two fields that were planted with stunning, ripe strawberries, all set in perfectly neat rows. From a distance, the strawberries looked like red poppies, that would occasionally dance with the wind as it blew.

"Mama, can we visit that rose garden? Amal pointed out to the pretty looking garden situated ahead.

Yasmin checked her watch. "Hmm, yes, but lets pick a few more shtrawbelllies and then we'll go."

Amal and Yasmin entered the rose garden and began to walk around slowly, taking in the absolutely beautiful smell of roses, admiring the amazing design of them, closely peering at the various shades of reds, pinks and yellows that looked so perfect, so stunning to the human eye.

"Wowww." Amal stopped in her tracks as her gaze felt upon a huge red rose that stood out amongst the rest.

"Mama, look at that one! Its so big!"

"Yes, aren't they all so gorgeous, Amal?"

"Yes, mama. I've never seen so many roses in life life. Can I have one, please?"

"We can't pick up one from this garden, honey, but we can buy a bunch to take home on our drive back. What say?"

"Yess, mama!" Amal chanted excitedly.

The same evening, Yasmin placed the bunch of roses in a antique vase she had purchased long ago from the historical city of Istanbul. It nicely complimented the spectrum of colours of the roses and perfectly matched the colours of Amal's room.

Amal smiled widely as she watched her mother place the vase on her windowsill. For days after, Amal would water her roses, observe them as they blossomed in the sunlight. She even gave them all names. Everyday she would water her favourite ones, expose them to sufficient sunlight, take care of them, and occasionally draw a sketch of them in her notepad.

One day, Amal filled the jug of water and made her way upstairs and into the room, ready to water her favourite roses. As she slowly began to fill the vase with water, and check each of her precious roses as she did so, her eye caught sight of something that made her gasp.

She blinked her eyes in to make sure what she was seeing was real, and when that was confirmed, her heart began to race. She leaped off her footstool, and ran downstairs to Yasmin who was busy in the kitchen.

"Mama, mama..." She said trying to gasp for breath.

"What's wrong, Amal?" Yasmin asked as she rushed over to her daughter.

At this point, Amal's eyes were filling with tears.

"My.. one of my roses is breaking, Mama. It's sad, it's not happy like the other roses and I don't know what to do!"

Yasmin smiled at Amal's innocence. She grabbed her hand and escorted her to room where the wilted rose sat amongst the other blossoming roses.

Amal sniffled. "That one." she exclaimed pointing the wilting rose. The rose was bent forward, its once deep shade of redness has faded into a pale pink colour.

"It' sick, Mama."

Yasmin, trying hard not to smile too much and instead sympathise with her daughter, took Amal into her embrace.

"I think its time for a story?" Yasmin said as she sat Amal down besides her.

Amal wiped her tears.

"Once upon a time, there lived a beautifully blooming rose called Warda. It lived amongst many other roses in the lush rose garden near the famous strawberry field. One day, some people came to visit the rose garden, and when they saw Warda, they stopped in their tracks, in awe of its beauty. One of the women amongst them, decided that Warda would be the perfect gift to give to someone, and a rose that would definitely brighten up somebody's day."

Amal shuffled in her seat, trying to make sense of the story.

"So, they decided to buy Warda and some other roses from the garden's owner and made a deal that they would turn the roses into a beautiful bouquet for sellers to buy. Soon after, a lovely little girl called Amal found the roses on a shelf in the flower shop. She purchased them, and displayed them in her room and took care of them. But, due to the excitement of taking care of the other big, tall, roses, Amal forgot about Warda. She wasn't being showered with much love or care anymore, and thus she began to feel sad. Slowly, as they days passed by Warda began to wilt. She was being deprived of love and care and simply wanted to be look aftered. Some days, she would feel that bit of care, other days it never reached her, she remained in the corner, hoping that the sunlight would shine down upon her.

Amal widened her eyes. "Did Warda become better, ma?"

"Aha, now this is where I want you to complete the story. What do you think Warda needs? What will make her feel better?"

"She's a wilted rose, so she feels sad and broken...and she looks like she's going to fall. Maybe she needs someone help her back up. Maybe she needs some love and care!"

"Yes, Amal. That's exactly what she needs. And that's exactly what your wilting rose needs too. She needs to be showered with more water, sunlight and nutrients so she can blossom again. Maybe you can lend her a helping hand with that. Maybe you can give her hope."

"I would love to!" Amal exclaimed as she picked up the jug again.

"See, Amal, we learn a lesson from this wilting rose too."

"Really?"

"Yes. Sometimes in life, we will begin to wilt and wither, due the life's struggles weighing down upon us or due to to sadness or heart break, but if we remember Allah in such times, He will shower us with His mercy, love and care, which will help us heal and rise back up stronger. We learn that even for the wilting rose there is hope of blossoming better than it was doing before."

Amal paused and reflected.

"That's so true, mama. I hope I can help her blossom better than she did before."

"InshaAllah." Yasmin pecked Amal's cheek.

"Feeling better now?"

"Yup!" Amal smiled. "Lots better."

The Best Of Both Worlds

Allah says in the Qur'an:

And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have in the Hereafter no share.But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (2:200-201)

Sometimes one may wonder, observe and ponder over the plight of the one who lives for this world and has been blessed with so many riches this life has to offer. You may have come across a disbeliever for example, who has everything he wishes, and gets what he desires - instantly in this life. Yet, a believer, on the other hand, who too has gifts and provision, but some of those gifts came after struggle, patience, tawakkul and strife. 

Although, we are made for the hereafter, Allah still out of His Mercy gifts and showers us with our share of provision and sustenance in this dunya. Yet, sometimes we will be tested with such gifts, other times we will have to work hard for them, sometimes they will come after a period of hardship, which brought us closer to Allah.

Perhaps Allah is teaching us in these ayahs, that yes He will give you, and yes He will provide, and yes you may seek out sustenance in this world, but whilst doing so, always keep the ultimate goal in mind; the akhirah. Every gift can be a means to invest in our Jannah and protect ourselves from the hellfire if our intentions and attitudes are correct.

The disbelievers may receive instant pleasures in this world, with no boundaries, rules, and the freedom to do what they wish - yet they miss out on the sweetness of seeking the pleasure of Allah, pleading to Him and trusting in Him and gaining rewards in the process.

Allah loves us so much, that even when He gifts us in this dunya with things that brings us happiness, those same gifts and favours can be utilised as an opportunity to build our Jannah. Perhaps the patience and Du'aas you have to make are an opportunity for you to invest in your Akhirah.

Seek the best of both worlds, but in doing so, remember your ultimate goal.