..Lessons Learned

I was chatting earlier today with my dear brother about whether or not
he should start studying his books out of sequence, or wait he has then entire set. So I suggested he start reading the volumes he has now…because it’s possible there is a message he should receive now insha'Allah. Allahu A'lam
(Allah knows best)

We were briefly discussing spiders from a previous conversation, when I told him about the spider whose web protected the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr (ra) while they were in the cave.

It was this delicate web of the spider that shielded them from the enemy. The web gave the appearance of existing across the cave for a long period and not having in inhabitants thus, making the enemy walk by the cave leaving the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) unharmed.

My brother then asked if I knew the animals mentioned in the Qur’an, which are not too be harmed. I thought about it, and replied with what I thought were the correct answers. Finally I admitted I didn’t know, and for me this was to be my lesson!

It’s not always the answer that is most important, but the approach and receptiveness we have while seeking the truth. Every moment is an opportunity. Every moment there is a message, and for me it was about surrender. Not allowing room for ego in my life! Now, while I thought finding the answer to my brother’s question was my task…my lesson was completely different!

Thank you brother for letting me realizes that to admit “I don’t know” is perfectly okay. Your patience reminded me that as sisters and brothers in Islam…we are to always treat each other with the best of manners.

Again my brother said it best, “Allah (SWT) guides in ways we don’t expect or recognize.” Jazak Allah Khairum!

Oh and for those who wanted to know, the animals not to be harmed as mentioned in the Qur'an are the bees, ants, birds…and the baby animals. The babies, while they may be halal for eating will upset the mother if taken from her, and for that they shall not be harmed. There may be others, Allah knows best.

I Hear His Prayer

I am sitting wrapped snugly in my robe, quietly thinking about the start of my day. The cold from the night forces me to get an extra blanket and settle back in my chair, I open the Qur’an and begin to read.

The sky is still blanketed in darkness, dawn not yet approaching. Then I hear him, this tiny bird, his song starts without fail. A creation so small is offering prayer. What else could this beautiful and delicate sound be except and offering being given back to his creator?

I can only hear this sweet sound… I have tired to see him against the night sky but I never can find him. But then I think, why should I witness what is meant only for Allah swt, and I say Alhamdulillah.

I worried about the birds especially this winter with the severe weather. Thinking surely they will freeze under these conditions, as we were warned daily from the news to remain inside, and go out only in case of an emergency.

Yet each morning as I prepare and wait for Fajr to come in, I still hear him. He survived the winter with all of its bitter winds and snow. As his song travels in the air; I am reminded of the Power and Mercy of Allah swt.

As strange as it may sound to some, I learned a lesson of perseverance from my little bird. Every day, regardless of the circumstances…he is there somewhere in the tree. His sweet soul is not affected by any change that the day brings to him.

As simple as it sounds, I think too much of the everyday occurrences distract me from Allah swt. Insha’Allah I will learn to live with simplicity and more gratitude in life. Sometimes our life’s lessons won’t be found in the pages of a book or, spoken by some great person of knowledge.

There will be times, when the lesson will have already been taught, and we simply need to stop, listen and reflect. For me, today’s lesson was hearing the little bird’s prayer. Insha’Allah I will remember that no circumstance of life big or small…should interrupt me from giving back my gratitude and submission to my Creator.