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  • Dealing with the Generation Gap

    Dealing with the Generation Gap

    Generation Gap!

    Have you ever felt that you cannot relate to your parents’ struggles?

    • Do you find it hard to explain your actual feelings about an event to your elders?
    • Do you understand and sense their genuine love and care but don’t see a point in their piece of advice?
    • Have you shared a meme that didn’t tickle that big a laugh in your mother as it did to you and your pal? Why might that be?

    I’m sure we all would have experienced similar situations regarding us and our elders. This is a sneak peek of the famous “Generation Gap.” We have light and fun moments because of this gap, and yet it can also become stifling. What should we do? Parents and elders want youngsters to take advice from them and act accordingly. While the young want elders to not control them, rather let them ‘do their thing.’ The final apparent solution that both parties reach is to just not talk about important stuff and ignore the elephant in the room. This leads to the gap getting widened and now there are two gaps: Generation PLUS communication gap.

    If we try to not let the heat of the moment take the better of us and realize that most of the time situations are not as bad as we view them, we can surely look to adopt ways out of these painful gaps. Efforts to reduce the communication gap help bridge the generation gap, or make it bearable or less painful at least. Inshallah.

    Advice to the parents:

    Try to understand the other party’s perspective.

    One thing that helps us deal with hurtful situations, although it may be quite difficult to practice, is to look past the feelings of anger or frustration. We advise, not because of our anger/frustration, but love and care, and wanting our loved ones to be safe. However, the external anger makes us lose sight of what lies beneath. This is true for both the elders and the young.

    Listen first, advise second.

    What the loving elders can do is, despite their urge of wanting to share their life experience and wanting the young to accept and implement their advice at all costs, let the young share their mindset first. Being an empathetic and interested listener can do wonders. This won’t make the youth defensive either. When elders give advice after having listened patiently, chances of rebellion or rejection by the young are less. They may accept your advice too and it increases the chances of their returning to you voluntarily and seeking advice. Acknowledge their point of view first, and then give a piece of genuine, kind advice.

    Give your child space.

    If your teen seems to be avoiding you after your repetitive snubbing towards them, try to withdraw from them for a few days. Try to not make your presence overwhelming for them because otherwise, they would drift away from you and not closer to you. Yes, I understand, you come from a place of love and concern trying to offer protection and avoid harm, yet understand that our goal is a good tarbiyah (upbringing) and not nipping.

    Seek help.

    Parents can seek counseling to learn effective ways of communicating if they’re having trouble connecting with their children. Learn how to cope with the different attitudes of your kids living in these trying times.

    Counselling is not just for those suffering from mental health issues, it is for all of us to function healthily, inshallah. It is best to connect with like-minded Muslim parents and guardians. There are plenty of resources available online as well, so exhaust those means as much as possible because the last thing you want is to add gaps on top of gaps and live as a family of mutually alienated members who struggle to open up to each other but find easy outlets outside—good and bad both.

    And advice to the youngsters: calm down. 

    Your elders don’t mean you any harm. Although you might not agree or you cannot understand their perspective, that doesn’t sanction you in labelling them as being wrong or outdated, so be careful about that. It’s equally probable that the very view you are opposing now would one day be your own view too, after gaining some experience.

    Always think good of others and don’t judge their intentions—especially of your parents. When we think well of others, our attitude towards them automatically changes—no eye rolls, frustrated tone, loud door shutting, hunger strike, etc. Once you look past the rigid attitude of your parents, you would see their love and how they want nothing but the best for you, by Allah’s tofeeq. Hence, fix your inner state of mind first and then communicate your perspective respectfully. It’s highly possible that your honest, open, and respectful talk would give them a clear picture of your situation in which they may agree with you.

    Understand that a mind that has expanded through lifelong learnings and experiences cannot shrink itself or unlearn everything and start as a novice like you. Offer as much acceptance as you expect.

    It’s not a must that after these bridging efforts from both sides all the conflicts would be resolved instantly forever. No, it might never happen, but your way of dealing with such situations would surely bridge the gap and lead to a more wholesome relationship that offers a chance of individual growth and mutual understanding and acceptance, inshallah.

    “May Allah ta’ala bless us all with barakah and ease in all matters of our lives.” Ameen.

    Written by Afeerah J. Khan

  • What I’ve Learned After 10 Years of Marriage

    What I’ve Learned After 10 Years of Marriage

    What’s most important in a marriage? 

    As an 18 year old who had her own fantasy notion of how her marriage should be, and would answer love and romance to the question of what is most important in a marriage. As a 20 year old, pregnant with my first child, with hormones flying all over the place I would have answered loyalty to the same question. After two children and overwhelming body insecurity I would have answered trust to the same question. Now, after ten years of marriage I realize that it is none of those things. Yes, love, loyalty and trust are important, but what is most important is being an effective communicator.

    When we hear of an effective communicator, we think of someone who can articulate their words, thoughts, feelings and emotions perfectly so that their partner understands them. While that is definitely a part of effective communication, the other, often ignored part of being an effective communicator is being a good listener, and being a good listener especially when your partner is silent. From my perspective, I feel that silence speaks volumes. My husband is not a very expressive person, displaying emotions and being a romantic is not his strongest forte, but despite that I have no doubt regarding the love, care, respect, and trust that my husband has towards me because I have learned to read and listen to his silence.

    Whereas on the flip side, there might be one person in a relationship, who will let the other person walk all over them. Though they may feel like they let the other person treat them in that way because they love them, it will do more harm than good to a relationship. This is because when you let someone walk all over you and take you for granted or you walk all over someone and take them for granted, at one point, the person who was being taken for granted can have an emotional meltdown or they may even think in the lines of self-harm. They may feel that whatever wrong that happens in the relationship is their fault. This is where being assertive comes in. Being assertive means to stand up for yourself while also being respectful of the other person.

    In conclusion, to make any relationship work, especially a marriage, effective communication is key. When the foundation of communication is open and honest from both sides, then over the years it will strengthen the love, trust, respect and loyalty that couples have for  each other.

    Written by Khadijah Hisham

  • Emotional Burnout From a Woman’s Perspective

    Emotional Burnout From a Woman’s Perspective

    Emotional Burnout! 

    As a woman do you sometimes feel that no matter how much you do, it just isn’t enough? The day-to-day chores seem so mundane and monotonous that you take up more to challenge yourself and discover a new you, only to be submerging yourself in more responsibilities. And now, you’ve stretched your limits, feeling discontented with yourself, and unable to satisfy the needs of others around you.

    Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. A recent Harris Poll survey revealed 35% women felt burned out at home compared to just 25% of men. Moreover, 48% of these women said that their burn out was intense enough to keep them awake at night.

    A lot of the blame goes back to as early as our childhood and high school years when we place status on high achievement. We’re pressured in our grades, friendships, extra-curricular activities and more. The pressure of having to be brilliant at all times creeps into our adulthood and merges into every aspect of our lives.

    But there are other reasons for burnout such as:

    • Lack of support
    • Inadequate appreciation
    • Taking on more than one can handle (Personally and professionally)
    • Poor self-care (Physical and mental)

    Which can lead to physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, lack of enthusiasm in our favorite activities, and even tension in relationships.

    So what can we do when experiencing burn outs?

    I cannot stress enough the importance of self-love. We should begin to love and respect ourselves for who and what we are, and not give the power to another to do it for us instead. The fact that we unfortunately give into societal pressures of how a woman ought to be is what is now becoming detrimental to our health and wellbeing- physical and mental. Burnout is serious and is slowly becoming the new epidemic worldwide.

    Over time, the warped idea of supposed “perfection” has superseded the basic necessity for one to be themselves, to do the best within their ability, to draw boundaries, and to be happy and content with it. It doesn’t mean that as a woman you shouldn’t desire to be more than you are. Of course you should and you can be! It just means that you should respect yourself enough to achieve and become the best version of yourself at the pace and for the reasons that you establish for yourself, not at the pace and reasons that society determines for you!

    As women, we play vital roles at home, in our interpersonal lives, and in society. Along with the many priceless roles we don with ease and dignity, be it a grandmother, mother, sister, wife, daughter, etc., we have women who are also out there conquering the world and mastering many professions and arts with the utmost flamboyance, making women-kind worldwide proud.

    We should be an inspiration to the future generations, just like the beautiful women of strength from our Islamic History. They were the manifestation of fortitude, and worthy of inspiration. Their distinct stories and challenges are incomparable to any of those that we face on a daily basis. Yet, they overcame them with immense grace and dignity.

    Cut yourself some slack. Take it easy on yourself. Give yourself a well- deserved break. You are amazing just the way you are. You are capable. You are powerful. You are brave. You are strong. You are Passionate. You are all of this a whole lot more!! No one can tell or make you feel otherwise, because,

    You are a Warrior!

    Written by Safra Nawasadeen

  • Muslim, Single, Female – What is my purpose?

    Muslim, Single, Female – What is my purpose?

    Muslim, Single, Female | What’s my purpose?

    A couple of days ago, I came across a post on an all-women Facebook group where a young Muslimah asked about how to find your purpose in life. A sentence that stood out to me said: “Please do not tell your kids that marriage is their purpose. As an unmarried woman, I do not relate.”

    The dilemma faced by our smart sister is the same for many of us. The societal pressures of finding a spouse and having children in order to fulfil the narrative our families have painted for can become daunting. Can we be unmarried and still lead a fulfilling, purposeful life? Here’s my take on it.

    Marriage is a beautiful institution, yet it is only a part of life and not your whole life. We need to make our youth feel included, even if they haven’t gotten married yet. To associate the purpose of life with marriage naturally makes the young feel worthless. The idea is to not denounce marriage but to guide the youth on how to go about life when they haven’t yet received the rizq of marriage. Yes, make du’aa, take measures to get married, have tawakkul in Allah, learn about what marriage is, and inshallah, Allah will grant you the best. Until then, do your best to be among the best slaves of Allah, utilizing the capabilities and resources that Allah has bestowed upon you now. There’s a huge list of things that we can do to fulfil our purpose in this Dunya. Before diving into “how,” let’s first see “what” the purpose is.

    Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an:

     “I have not created the jinn and humans except for my worship.”

    (Surah Az-Zaariaat, 51: 56)

    Does that worship entail only prayers, fasting, hajj, etc.? No doubt, all these acts are noble and fard acts of worship with immense virtues, yet worship in Islam is a comprehensive and wholesome concept. In the words of our teacher and well-known da’ee of our times, Dr. Bilal Philips, worship in Islam is a broad concept – every act is a potential act of worship provided we do it with sincerity to Allah, and follow the Sunnah; even the act of going to the toilet and relieving ourselves can earn us rewards if we follow the Sunnah of reciting the du’aa of entering the toilet, stepping the left foot in the toilet first, stepping out with right foot first and saying the du’aa of coming out. SubhanAllah,this concept can be extended to all realms of life. Therefore, if someone becomes a doctor or psychologist or any medical-related position, intending to gain Allah’s pleasure through treating the ill people, it is an act of ibadah. If a person becomes an engineer, or a teacher, or starts a business with the intention of providing Muslims with relevant facilities in an Islamic way, then these too become acts of worship.

    Thus, married or not, we can utilize our potential to be among the best slaves of Allah by making the best of our abilities and time, inshallah. If you are good at writing, you can write to educate people about Islam and other subjects. If you can cook or bake you can start a small business out of it and provide people with halal foods, and spend from that income on charity. If you like to paint or draw or are interested in arts and crafts, you can make cards for different occasions, or gift Quranic/Hadithic du’ass or azkaar writing and designing them beautifully. If you have the knowledge, you can surely share it with others. Last, but not least, the best resource you have is yourself and your time – you can spend it listening to a grieved soul or an elderly or lonely person and listen to the burden on their chest. Doing all of these, for the sake of Allah, will earn you tremendous rewards. In sha Allah.

    One thing we can all do, no matter what our age or occupation or location is – seek knowledge. The most virtuous of all areas of knowledge is that of deen that one can never claim to have acquired fully. In addition to that, participating in programs related to self-grooming and self-awareness is also an immensely valuable investment we can make in ourselves.

    Youth is a prime time when we can learn more about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and our triggers and motivators, and hence operate from a position of awareness. The process of learning about oneself is extremely helpful in marriage as well – only when we fully know ourselves are we able to determine what type of a person is compatible with us. 

    Thus, married or not, we can do a lot. Yes, as spouses and parents, we can make a big impact on our family and society, but that doesn’t mean we can’t if we aren’t one of these two. So, yes, spouse and kids are not end in and of themselves rather means to an end; and we keep getting different means at various stages of our lives, Alhamdulillah. The rizq of marriage and kids will arrive when Allah allows them to. The thing is to not attach our hearts to temporary means, but to the ridaa (pleasure) of Allah since the purpose of our “entire” life is to worship HIM – and there are limitless incentives for that. We only need to focus on the present and value it and make the best of it, In sha Allah. 

    Make every day count, look for opportunities every day, do every act with taqwa seeking the rewards from Him alone. In this way, we will be fulfilling our purpose every single day, inshaallah.

    May Allah make us among the best of the people who benefit others the most and make each moment of our lives a moment of ibadah and of closeness to Him, Ameen.

    Written by Afeerah J. Khan

  • Hijama – A forgotten sunnah!

    Hijama – A forgotten sunnah!

    Hijama – A Forgotten Sunnah!

    “Indeed in cupping there is a cure.” – (Sahih Muslim, Hadith : 5706)

    Cupping, an age old healing and remedial procedure practiced worldwide for centuries.

    From the Ancient Egyptians in the 1550BC, to the Chinese and Europeans who practice this form of healing till date.

    It is a process in which a vacuum is created within a cup and the cup is thereby placed on the body of the patient. The vacuum then creates a pressure from within and sucks the muscles inwards and draws blood to the cupped area, this is otherwise known as ‘Dry Cupping.’

    However, another form of cupping that is widely recommended as the Sunnah, is called Wet Cupping or Hijama – where the cup is removed and small, shallow incisions are made in the same area before the cup is placed back. Pulling out the toxic blood, acids and excess fluids from the body.

    Hijama – literally means to ‘return to normal state’ of internal well-being by removing toxicity and stagnant blood from the body. Several hadiths and narrations prove the authenticity of the holistic nature of this medical technique and the benefits it boasts.

    The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said: “The best thing with which you can treat sicknesses is cupping.”

    The best treatment is cupping, it removes blood, lightens the back and sharpens the eye sight. (Al Hakim 4/212, Al Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3053)

    Hijama is renowned as a cure for the mind, body and soul. It can have the following effects on the body:

    • Improves circulatory and immune system,
    • detoxification
    • treats illnesses and relaxes patients,
    • relieves pain,
    • aids in fertility,
    • Treats Neurological, cardio vascular and muscular issues,
    • Alleviates depression and anxiety,
    • and removes black magic.

    Ibn al Qayyum (May Allah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is one of the best of cures for this, if performed correctly.”

    The Islamic calendar predominantly depends on the lunar cycle, and studies have discovered that the lunar cycle has a massive influence on the physiological and behavioral patterns of humans and animals. As an Islamic form of therapy, Hijama is performed under strict Islamic guidance and in accordance to the religious rules.

    • The three sunnah days when Hijama is recommended to be performed are on the 17th, 19th and the 21st of every Islamic month.
    • Patient and practioner should perform ablution and the procedure should take place with the Qur’an recitation.
    • The sunnah points of Hijama are on the upper back. Helps cleanse and unblock major arteries and veins, as it aims to target the heart, lungs, brain and spine.

    Unfortunately, this blessed practice is a fast disappearing sunnah, and it is upon us as Muslims to revive it once again and create an awareness of the multitude of benefits it possesses that are almost immediately effective and can be vouched for by the patients. Hijama should be the form of medical aid people should start considering resorting to more often than not.

    Written by Safra Nawasdeen

  • Do Not Fall into the Trap of Believing in Prophecies!

    Do Not Fall into the Trap of Believing in Prophecies!

    Do not fall into the trap of believing in Prophecies!

    Spirituality is a huge part of us Muslims. The happiness we feel from reading the Quran is one example of when we experience it. Likewise, we feel tranquillity and higher concentration while praying in a congregation in the Masjid. In addition, many women feel pride when they wear their scarf in an especially modest way during Ramadan. All of these are all otherworldly feelings that are too good to describe. However, where is the limit to which we can attribute our happiness and success to our own perfection or Allah (swt)’s satisfaction?

    It is one thing to believe in the Unseen (which we cannot see, including the jinn, angels, and future). It is another thing to believe that we understand it beyond what is taught to us. A few examples of ‘prophecies’ that are invalid because they are based on incorrect beliefs includes: crystal globes, horoscopes, astrology including star signs (not to be confused with astronomy, which is a proven science), using ancient religions as a guide, or even modern religions other than Islam.

    A few interpretations of dreams are based on pagan beliefs, and decisions made from them set the interpreter to failure. In fact, if one looks at the way people feared the end of the world in the year 2012 much of the theories were rooted in the ancient Mayan civilisation that ended years ago. The Mayan religion did not hold the belief of the world ending at this date, yet this did not stop conspiracists from making claims of their own. The golden rule that Muslims must abide by is that if Allah (swt) did not say that an event will happen, nor is there a logical reason for us to decide that it will occur, then it is not befitting to make claims on such.

    It is suitable that false prophesying is a sin due to its misleading nature. Even the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty nights.” Narrated by Muslim (2230). This is despite if what the soothsayer is saying becomes true or if they are using ‘Islamic’ evidence as reference. The signs of the day of judgement are clear, and anything that extrapolates from this is involving oneself in haram.

    Written by Nour Jamal

  • Appreciate the Good Friend

    Appreciate the Good Friend

    Reminder: Appreciate Great Friends!

    Human beings are accustomed to living a social life. We maintain relationships with those who we can share our good and bad days with. Friends are indeed a blessing of Allaah ta’ala, and above all are those friends who understand you when you are unable to understand or articulate yourself. These relationships can sometimes surpass the blood ones making us realize that relations are not just tied by blood, there’s much more to it. There are friends with whom you’re able to pour your heart out and not gain a sense of loss in doing so, or when a friend lends her shoulder to you, you forget all the weight of thoughts you have been carrying all by yourself for a while.

    With time, we realize that friends aren’t just those with whom we can hang out, or shop, or eat with, but those who are there for us when everyone else is too busy or too bored to listen to our rants. You believe in their sincerity with all your heart and mind. You expect from them a positive, yet eye opening, response and here you go. True friends who can point out your mistakes and pat your back to move on are the biggest favour one can ask for in this world. If you have any of these friends around, take a break from your chores and thank them for their tireless services they have been offering. Tell them how significant they are to you and what they mean in your life.

    Written by Binte A. Q.

  • How Diversity Develops Character

    How Diversity Develops Character

    CAN WE BE BETTER AROUND PEOPLE THAT ANNOY US?

    We come across different people with different habits and moods in our daily lives. We cannot always dictate to others to act according to our wishes and demands, but is our responsibility to accommodate the varied behaviours of people to connect with them. This is especially required in the closest relationships where keeping family ties is very significant as well as demanding. To the people with whom we share blood relations, one needs to be very considerate and compromising, but this task isn’t easy at all.

    In a household, siblings with varying characters will exist. The elders could be bossy and dictating, the youngsters could be moody and childish. Therefore, parents need to adopt quite a wise approach in order to keep harmony within the family. This home management becomes very tiring where every kid has his own choices and grievances. They come up with emotional blackmailing, to which the parents often surrender.

    Allaah SWT has described in His book various traits and characteristics of certain nations. Some were warriors and others were statesmen. Some had physical power and potential, whereas others possessed the talent of warfare and business skills. He has sent His messengers with different qualities to tackle each of the nations accordingly. Allaah SWT has taught us to take advantage of these differences rather than criticize or look down on them. We were created for human companionship because the unique qualities that differentiate others can complement our weaknesses. Realize that there is always a hidden opportunity in every relationship to become better at developing our character, just as Allah SWT has intended it.

    The contrasting personalities of human beings make this worldly life colourful and interesting, but we should handle them with care and composure. We should give each other the space to express our concerns and address issues. Silencing the anger and agony never brings positive outcomes.

    Written by Binte A. Q.

  • A Mum’s Top Tips to a Productive Day

    A Mum’s Top Tips to a Productive Day

    A mum’s top tips to a productive day!                

    Our world values the daily hustle, but productivity looks different for everyone. Some people may do less and feel accomplished, while others may be busy the whole day and feel that they have done nothing productive. Even with pre-planning there’s no guarantee that everything will go as planned.

    Many of us wake up with these plans but end up consuming content on our phones and neglecting the day ahead. The way your morning unfolds can set the tone for the rest of the day. This can skew progress and affect your mood.

    After listening to and reading extensively on ways to be effectively productive, I have incorporated these tips in my life to make my day that bit more productive.

    Prepare the night before. A productive morning begins the night before  and there are three things you should do the night before that can help clear your mind and improve your mood in the morning:

    1. Arrange the house and kitchen. Put away the toys and, wash the dishes and put everything back in the proper places. There is nothing more satisfying and calming than getting up to a clean house
    2. Plan for the next day. When you plan for the next day, and even if certain things go out of plan, you still have an outline for the next day.
    3. Meal prep and clothes prep – this is my favorite, I hate waking up in the morning just to get caught in the office and school rush of making breakfast, packing boxes and ironing clothes. At least prepping for the meals and getting the clothes organized saves a lot of time and stress in the morning.

    Pray Fajr and recite a few lines from the Quran. As mentioned earlier, how you start your day, sets the tone for the rest of the day. Praying Fajr will give you a sense of calm that will remain with you throughout the night, and by reciting a few lines from the Quran, Allah will put barakah in your time.

    Take short breaks. Make sure that your break doesn’t extend for more than half an hour, because a body in motion stays in motion and body in rest stays in rest.

    Make religious affairs a family event. After Asr, I spend time with the kids for 30-60 minutes, either playing with them or helping them in their school work. After Maghrib, we spend time reciting and memorizing the Quran, and read a hadith or two together as a family.

    On busy days, choose simple recipes and cook in batches. I prepare dinner the same time I make lunch. For example, I either make the curry for dinner and knead the dough for dinner or I make extra curry for lunch so that I can use it for dinner as well. In the same way, while making dinner, I prep for the next day’s meals.

    Delegate. While I’m getting the dinner ready, I will ask my children to go and clean their room and put away their toys. Delegation is an important part of having a productive day, because however much you feel like you have to live up to being an ‘IDEAL’ and ‘PERFECT’ mother, if you do everything by yourself you are going to face a burnout sooner than later and that will result in you being snappy and irritated and you will then take out your anger on others, especially your children. A HAPPY MOTHER IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN A PERFECT MOTHER.

    Read to your Children before Bed. Reading is one of the best habits that we can inculcate in our children. It sharpens their mind, helps them think critically and logically and opens the doors to their imagination. Also, as we know, alhamdulillah, kids are full of energy throughout the day, and reading and quiet time will give them a chance to unwind and calm down before bed, which will result in them being able to sleep easily.

    Unwind with your partner. After the kids have slept, my husband and I take some time to spend together. Either we chat,  watch a movie, or just be in each other’s presence. I also use this time to brain dump and plan for my next day.

    Watch what you consume before bed. Anything that stimulates your brain before bed will disrupt your ability to fall asleep. So turn off your phones, and be mindful of what you consume. I like to read a book before I sleep.

    While each individual’s day pans out differently and can have different responsibilities, some may be working, some may live in extended families and the like, the important points to remember are:

    • Plan your day around Salah and don’t squeeze salah into your plan
    • Take breaks when necessary
    • Don’t feel guilty when you are not able to complete everything in your to-do list or give equal attention to everyone, not all days will be the same.
    • Delegate and don’t shy away from asking for help when Talk to your partner or significant other if you need help.

    Written by Khadijah Hisham

  • Two Types of Busy

    Two Types of Busy

    Working hard is a significant part of being Muslim. Laziness is not a likeable trait. We must always strive our hardest to achieve our goals, and not expect anyone else to do our work for us. Hard work is something that only two types of people can do. These two types of people have different intentions, which are, for the sake of Allah (swt), and for the sake of themselves.

    Those that work for the sake of Allah (swt) have a high value because of the amount of humility they hold in their hearts. It is patience that keeps them pleased and content. Patience is a rare gift that not many people can say they have.

    Among the things that the Prophet (pbuh) said on patience was this:

    “Whoever refrains from asking others, then Allah will make him content. Whoever would be independent, then Allah will make him independent. Whoever would be patient, then Allah will make him patient. There is no gift that is better and more comprehensive than patience.”

    (Sahih al-Bukhari 6470, Sahih Muslim 1053)

    Here independence is seen to be linked with patience. Both independence and patience are the result of perseverance and putting in effort. These qualities cannot be achieved by being lazy. There is another intention that could make a person a hard worker which is self-interest, or wordly interest. This type of purpose is shallow when compared to enduring hardships for the sake of Allah (swt). May Allah (swt) accept our prayers when read the Quranic verse:

    “Verily, my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin” Quran 6:162

    Written by Nour Jamal

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