["A Child's Prayer" from Zain Bhikha's album "Allah Knows"]
I am currently in a superb "mood." I don't like to refer to this state as a "mood" since it seems too short lived. Nonetheless, let me share it with you, if I can.
There is so much rubbish out there in this world. I spend time reading articles detailing the experiences of people who are going through so much hardship. I cannot even pretend to understand their situations. Yet all the while, I don't directly experience it. What personal grief do I, Farzeen, have? Nothing. Nothing! My life is great, praise be to God. Sure, I don't have x-y-z. And sure, I am not x-y-z. And yes, people will hold my lack of x-y-z against me. But so what?
I guess for quite some time I've fronted a nonchalant attitude towards the head-shaking attitude that people have against each other. Towards the standard of living that is set before us. And the standard of beauty. And the standard of "knowledge." It really all goes down the toilet and remains swimming amongst a sea of other grotesque waste products that should serve to humble humans.
I recognize the need to set my own standards, using truth as my guide. No, not because I think I'm better. No, not because I think I'm capable of setting these standards. No, not because I'm special. And no, not because I'm worth any more than a speck of dust. It's because the standards that people set for me are not what I want, and more importantly need, to be.
The child's prayer is my prayer. No child I am, but I hope like a child. We can do it. We really can. I can achieve what I need to be, despite what may not come my way. Even if you don't want to do it with me, o fellow children, I will do it. Why? Because it's not about you. It's not about me. It's about us. It's about our world. It's about our destiny. It's about our eternity, and a return to the truth of love.
Smile. If you won't smile for yourself, smile for the child in you. :)
Optimism at its peak, for Your sake, o my Lord. Guide us to move with swiftness under the cloak of Your mercy, wisdom, guidance, and good pleasure. Ameen.
[Note: The lyrics to the song that I've quoted above are wonderful. If you haven't heard the song (the remix version too), let me know and I'll e-mail it to you, insha'Allah. The message is strong, and you will have to smile. Trust me, if you dare.]
3 comments:
Assalam-o-alaikum.
That certainly was a great way to recharge the 'optimism' that most of us are often low on, despite faith. I've also come to believe now that the path one choses to walk on, the aims one sets for him/herself cannot be defined by anyone except by one's own self.
I haven't listened to 'A Child's Prayer' but I think I really should. I think I'll get the album.
Oh and your blog header is GREAT! I'm crazy about deserts (having grown up with them) and that picture is just perfect. :)
Assalam Alaikum Farzeen,
I like your reflection on optimism. As sister Ameera said a lot of us are low on it and are in need of it. Verily Allah provides respite to all who stay patient during times of stress and keep Imaan strong.
Ameera: Wa 'alaykum assalaam sis
Thanks for your kind words. For some, it is unfortunately a pretty isolated walk. I feel as though only now I'm learning about who I am... Sort of like a butterfly coming out of her cocoon (just not nearly as beautiful). The exciting part of it all is that I hope that with each experience I'll learn more about who I am, what I'm about, how to achieve my purpose in life, and all the rest.. insha'Allah. :D I sincerely believe that everything has its time, and even realizations come only at perfectly predestined times. Praise and thanks to Allah for all. :)
Let me know if you'd like me to send the song to you (before you get the CD, insha'Allah).
I'm glad you like the blogger header. :) I quite liked the picture too, but I've since been thinking of changing this template all together (despite my lack of expertise in this area) since one of my sisters said it looks a bit like a cut and paste job (gotta love honesty... hehe).
Believer: Wa 'alaykum assalaam brother
I'm surprised you dropped by given that you've recently travelled. Ahlan. Thanks for your kind opinion and the reminder.
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