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INGRATITUDE
Waiting is often a source of annoyance. The
longer the wait, the greater the feelings of hopelessness. Aminah was waiting
for her friend. Huda, who had promised to visit her that day. It was nearly
nine o'clock in the evening, and Huda still hadn't arrived. Aminah could not
stop worrying. She knew that something important had kept her friend at home.
She tried reading a book, but couldn't concentrate. At half past nine, the
telephone rang. Aminah rushed to answer it, and Huda was on the line,
apologizing for not coming. She promised to come the following day. The next
day, Aminah was so happy to see Huda that she hardly noticed her paleness. They
sat together to talk, and Aminah noticed the lack of warmth and animation that
was usually evident in Huda's voice. She was saddened by her friend's unspoken
distress. Huda was not only a sister in faith for Aminah; she was also a torch
that lit the darkness for her. Huda's strong belief and worthy ideals attracted
the admiration of others. She was calm and wise when she advised her Muslim
sisters.
Hoping to discover
what was wrong, Aminah asked her friend, Now, what prevented you from showing
up yesterday?
Sometimes I am
unable to keep my promises," Huda replied, sighing.
"That is not
unusual," Aminah told her. Various reasons can prevent a person from carrying
out his plans sometimes."
Aminah saw that
Huda was too upset to even speak. "Are you crying?", she asked. Tears should be
shed for the sake of Allah. What is important enough to make you so upset?" Do
you imagine that I would cry for any reason other than His cause? In fact, my
sadness is for the sake of Allah."
Aminah tried to
reassure her friend, Then you have no reason to be upset, because you are on
the right path. You should find comfort and solace in your faith. Shouldn't a
Muslim feel happiness knowing that she is hastening towards Allah with a clear
conscience? Such a person hearkens to the Prophet's (s) words: "How I long to
meet them-the true believers."
"That is exactly
the source of my sorrow," Huda replied. "I am afraid that I may stop in the
middle of the road and that I will fall to meet the Seal of the Prophets with
an unblemished record." "Do you feel that you are performing your religious
duties inadequately?", asked Aminah.
"Oh no, I always do
my best. But, sometimes one is forced to ...", Huda broke off her sentence.
Forced to disobey religious' commandments?" I would never do such a thing, even
if the world pressured me to do so!", asserted Huda. "My discomfort arises from
the thought that I cannot increase my Islamic activities so that I may reach a
higher stage. I sometimes feel depressed when I think that I'll never reach
perfection."
Aminah admonished
her friend," How can you feel depressed? Don't you know that it is unbelievers
who despair of Allah's Mercy and Forgiveness?"
Huda replied, "Of
course, I do not despair of Allah's Mercy, but when I encounter ingratitude or
unfair treatment, I feel that it is due to my inadequateness or to a lack of
faith on my part. Hence, I feel at a loss and do not know what to do. I fear
that such self-doubt may endanger my spiritual strength."
"All aspects of a
Muslim's life are based upon adhering to religious principles. One should
recognize one's faults and weaknesses and work to correct them. Strive to
increase
your Islamic
activities and efforts, " advised Aminah. "I have thought deeply about this
matter", said Huda, "but I have come to no conclusion. This is why I have
confided in you. A Muslim is like a mirror, which can reflect a fellow
believer's faults and also show how they can be corrected."
"But I haven't seen
any faults in you," Aminah answered. "So I can only advise you to continue on
the right path; the one which you are on now. You have the ability to plant
seeds in every sort of soil. If anyone doubts or mocks your good intentions,
another person will benefit from the fruits of your knowledge. An important
aspect of a believer's life is suffering which brings him or her closer to
Allah. When one has a divine aim, the negative reactions of others are not of
any value. For Allah, a good deed will be rewarded tenfold. Such efforts will
inspire others. Please don't allow any pessimistic thoughts to dominate your
thoughts. You are young and active, so don't lay down your weapon or leave the
field. Have confidence in yourself and you will surely overcome all
difficulties."
"Thank you so
much!" Huda exclaimed, embracing her friend." Your words have brought me
tremendous relief. I feel sure now that I will continue on the correct path and
that Allah will help me to do so."
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