A LOVER OF GOD, NOT OF THE WORLD
‘Pharaoh’s wife, who said, ‘Lord, build me a house near You in the Garden. Save me from Pharaoh and his actions; save me from the evildoers.’ [66:11].
The wife of Pharaoh is a glorious testament to women’s strength, courage and determination to overcome their circumstances. While many women cower under the thumb of their tyrannical husbands, the wife of the worst tyrant challenged her oppressor.
Thus, she abandoned a life of decadence and pomp that so many covet. Her spiritual vision and strong scruple prohibited her from indulging in Pharaoh’s lifestyle. Instead, her heart directed her to seek asylum with Allah.
Her prayer, filled with sincerity and pain, still echoes and inspires us today.
She was a true paragon of solemnity, for only a sincere heart calls on Allah when the world lay at her feet. Her exemplary character elevated her to an immense rank with Allah, that of one of the four purest women in human history.
The wife of Pharaoh is an archetype for all women—faithful, independent thinker, justice seeker, visionary, selfless, humble, deeply moral, authentic, courageous, spiritual, godly and who understands that the ultimate triumph is with Allah.
THE CONGENIAL MESSENGER
The Prophet (s) taught us that even a smile is charity. And since he was the greatest benefactor, he smiled the most.
So, why is a smile considered charity?
Smiling lifts our spirits. Science has proven that exercising your zygomaticus major muscle and orbicularis oculi muscle stimulates the brain to release endorphins—happy hormones. Both these muscles are activated when we smile.
Whether the smile is natural or exercised does not matter to the brain.
People respond in kind, so when you smile at someone, they smile, too. You are, therefore, simultaneously responsible for prompting another into charity and lifting their hearts. And when you lift their spirits, you neutralise their stress, which improves their health.
Smiling proves the axiom: Charity begins at home. Your smile benefits you first.
Smiling should not only be reserved for when you are in the presence of others. When stressed or troubled, take three deep breaths and smile. Performing this simple exercise will instantaneously shift you towards a more positive state.
Og Mandino, regarded as one of the most widely read and influential self-help authors in the world, writes in his book The 10 Commandments of Success, ‘Fifth Commandment: Thou Must Smile In The Face Of Adversity Until It Surrenders.’
Smiling can thus be considered medicine from God: ‘That it is He Who granteth Laughter and Tears’ [53:43].
A congenial personality is part of good adab, Muslim comportment, as it cultivates an environment of good cheer, fellowship and health. It creates a positive feedback loop when gifted to oneself or another.
Allah has designed us perfectly flawed: ‘And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak’ [4:28]
It is human nature to falter, but God-centrism to reorient back to the source.
Believers should never despair and know that Allah’s storehouses are replete with His mercy: ‘Say: “O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’ [39:53].
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
p.s. Red Kufi Courses are now available, Alhamdulillah. Click to learn more.
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