SPIRITUAL HOLLOW
The desire to consume is a fathomless pit, an insatiable void, a baseless abyss.
The emptiness we house in our bosoms is very real, and the only solution big enough to fill the vacuum is the source of space itself, the source of everything.
Yes, only God can populate the emptiness inside of us.
Every other offering is a ruse, a false prophet, an empty promise, a temporary fix. Material means are meaningless when disconnected from grace and providential care.
The flimsiest house found in nature is that of a spider, and I’ve been a denizen many times before. But God reminds me, you, and everyone else: ‘What is the life of this world but amusement and play? Verily the Home in the Hereafter, that is Life indeed—if they but knew’ [29:64-65].
RAISE YOURSELF ABOVE YOURSELF
The impulse to use the backs of others as step ladders is a tenant within most of us. But we must all flee this odious occupation.
Allah describes the Prophet’s character as so elevated that it would scale the highest mountain [68:4]. But despite his exaltedness, he never arrogated himself above others and, with all humility, said: ‘I am just a man like you’ [41:6] and ‘Verily, I am only a servant, so refer to me as the servant of God and His Messenger’ [Bukhari 3445].
Like the Prophet (s), we must raise ourselves above ourselves, not above others.
To transform, we must strive with might and main, constancy and determination, accept the light, reject the darkness, and follow the truth that will lodge in our hearts. It will cure our defects and raise us above ourselves. The following verse offers the means and speaks to this transformation: ‘And those who strive in Our (cause) – We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right’ [29:69].
The best host is one who surrenders to God’s decree.
Below is a poem by Rumi teaching us how:
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
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