an ocean in a drop, a drop in an ocean

mindful gratitude

[khadlja]

2023 was the year we realized just how true our beloved prophet's (saw) words are when he said:

"whoever among you wakes up physically healthy, feeling safe and secure within himself, with food for the day, it is as if he acquired the whole world." [sunan ibn majah]

2023 was the year we woke up to the reality of the deception of the world and felt this ayah to the depths of our hearts:

"and what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." [57:20]

2023 was the year we realized how desperately we yearn for a hereafter, not just for ourselves because we want to go to jannah and reunite with our loved ones there, but so that every single oppressor and terrorist on this earth can finally meet his humiliating end, so that every single innocent life taken, drop of blood spilled, and anguish caused can be replaced with eternal rest without fatigue, comfort without pain, justice without oppression, and joy without grief.

[rose1water]

"If you truly put your full trust in God as He deserves to be trusted, He will provide you as He provides the birds—a sustenance of boundless abundance. Look at the birds, how they leave their nests in the morning with empty bellies, with complete reliance on their Nurturing Lord, and return with food and sticks for themselves and their families"

— Holy Prophet (s) Bihar al-Anwar, vol 68, p 151

[thawabuponthawab]

“My Lord has always been kind to me.”

19:47

[anotheraldin]

Truly, despite it all.

[consciousfortitude]

The 16-18th years of my life were a bittersweet time. But I do not identify with her anymore.

There have been such dynamic shifts in the past 7 years of my life, so subtle yet impactful, that I do not recognise my past self.

Usually it's no problem. I'm pretty good with moving on like that. It's only uncomfortable when I converse with people who knew me as the 17 year old me. I start to see myself from their pov, and I worry that they either find a stranger in me, or worse yet, don't believe the changes I may point at.

The first few years, I looked at myself with nostalgic eyes. Then I began to resent who I was and who I was becoming. Now, I've only accepted it all. There are aspects of me that I've become progressively better at, and ones that I'm not proud of the decline. The net result was an utter havoc and internal conflicts at first, and growth eventually. The basic story of being human.

I am certain of this though: I will be moulded a couple of more times before I die. We all will be. Those who believe otherwise, even if they're content and beyond with who they are at the moment, are only in a delusional state of stasis. You will be tried by God so many times in this short life of yours, it would be a sorry waste if you don't let your tests/hardships/mistake change you, hopefully for the better.

I pray you are at peace with the constant change.

[consciousfortitude]

I've noticed that I chronically never liked myself and that's one reason why I adapt to internal changes so quickly. Still struggling in that department is a blessing in disguise because guess what, I am still evolving.

[consciousfortitude]

Parenting in this time and age is becoming more challenging than ever. I worked in a well-baby clinic, where I finally had the opportunity to build bonds with parents and spoke about the overall well-being of their children beyond the conventional illnesses that kids usually come in with, and so many of them spoke of their struggles in ways I knew existed but had no clue of their true prevalence and impact. One mother described her teenager's peers as cruel and damaging. Behavioural issues can have a direct impact on the developmental, mental, and physical health of children. I know I am not that old, but these challenges are unprecedented to me. Schools weren't perfect in just the last decade, but they were still a safe space. Teachers have unfortunately seen a decline in the respect and reverence students once held for them, leaving them in a state of helplessness when confronted with these new challenges. I find myself contemplating whether the issue at hand is related to a generation gap. We also discussed the importance and complexity of nurturing resilient and intelligent children who possess the ability to advocate for themselves, while maintaining a sense of kindness and avoiding hostility.

[consciousfortitude]

Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in all my affairs and determination in following the right path.

[consciousfortitude]

had my highest highs, my lowest lows, and a near-death experience all in one week. alhamdulellah for each and every moment and for the ways He covers up for me. alhamdulellah for my parents and for their unending love and support. alhamdulellah for the few true friends I've got. my heart is so full of gratitude for His mercy. i pray i am able to please Him through the troughs and peaks. i pray He forgives me for my countless shortcomings.

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

Why be Kind?

1. Everyone is struggling in one way or another, and it makes a huge difference when someone’s kind to us.

2. It improves your mood, and enhances self esteem. It is, therefore, good for your own mental health.

3. Kindness is innate – it’s at the heart of who we are. Thus, we’re being more authentic when we choose to be kind.

4. Kindness is contagious and will likely ripple out, so the others in your world will be inspired to be kind, too.

5. It builds connections with others so we feel much less alone, more cared for, more connected, more valued and more loved.

[anotheraldin]

On the day Omar became the Caliph, he stood on the pulpit, and after praising Almighty Allah and thanking Him for His countless favors, Omar said: 

“O ye people, I am going to pray to God Almighty, so endorse my supplications:

 'Lord! I am gruff, so please soften me. I am stingy, so please make me generous. Lord, I am weak, so please make me strong.‘”

The whole congregation then solemnly assented: "Amen.”

-Hilyat Al-Awliya by Imam Abu Na’im.

[consciousfortitude]

My toxic trait is that I spend a lot of money on skincare products

[consciousfortitude]

Eid Mubarak girlies and bros

[consciousfortitude]

please observe closely. in true matters of life, you're probably rich.

[consciousfortitude]

I love it when my friends realise their dreams, when they are doing exactly what they feel so passionate about, and when they are proud of what they are becoming. The world is just infinitely better when my friends are happy and fulfilled. And I wish that upon my friends. I also love it when they find in me a space safe enough for them to share their joys unabashed, gleefully, and with ease.

[anotheraldin]

So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who ˹always˺ pray, and worship your Lord until the inevitable comes your way.

-Surah Al-Hijr | 15:98-99.

[anotheraldin]

I think there’s an Anais Nin bit that sums up the hopeless romantic fairly well,

“I have such a fear of finding another like myself, and such a desire to find one! I am so utterly lonely, but I also have such a fear that my isolation be broken through, and I no longer be the head and ruler of my universe.”

[rueyam-deactivated20220824]

i love being intuitive. i see your aura before i see you

[consciousfortitude]

this may be my greatest strength lol - alhamdulellah. Funny tho, i always make an effort to ignore my gut feeling because I look for "evidence" and give people a chance to prove my intuitions wrong or excuses as to why they may appear so and so. Don't regret doing that tbh, but every time I go like "ah, I told you so" to myself xD

[consciousfortitude]

I am constantly torn between wanting to love life and being so done with it. Times when I find my mindset fluctuating between the two, I make a point to take time off, step back, and relax. Let go. Then my inherent self chooses what's best for it. Technically, Allah guides me to it.