بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
It rained yesterday. No, it poured yesterday. We all went out to enjoy the rain as it is a rare feature in this region, but we soon found ourselves seeking shelter under the parking lot's canopy as it poured. Suffice to say, we were all soaked. Nonetheless, the rain was beautiful.
The wind is especially strong tonight, stronger than last night. As I peek out of the window, the only clear evidence of the wind's strength is the movement of the water that remains in the partially flooded parking lot. The wind is singing her song.
I'm reminded of Huthaifa bin Al Yaman (حذيفة ابن اليمان) radhi Allahu 'anhu, a particularly special sahaba (to me) of the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He was asked by the Prophet salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam to go into the enemy's camp on a severely windy and cold night during the Battle of the Trench (Al Khandaq). I won't attempt a retelling of the experience except by mentioning the comfort and security that he felt on this mission until his safe return. His steadfast and sincere obedience to the Prophet salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam was met by immediate comforts.
I find myself unable to find a fitting home for my heart. I should know better than to expect a change in the physical environment to have any role in this journey. The outward does facilitate the inward, but it doesn't dictate it. It is no wonder that the outward experiences of the sahabas were all beautiful. Despite being tortured, abused, mocked, and murdered - things vile by themselves - the sahabas exemplified beauty after beauty. How so? With their responses. The outward circumstances had no negative influence on their inward states. Disobedience to the commands of Allah and His Messenger are repulsive to the rightly guided. What of us today?
The beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Be in this world as though you are a stranger or a wayfarer." This is specific advice regarding the inward's relation to the outward, but does that mean that sakinah, for some, may not take a form? I don't know. I live one day at a time, grateful for the many favours of my Lord that constantly ease my affairs while I chastise myself for failing to walk on this earth manifesting this honored debt of gratitude to my gracious Creator and Lord.
Written on November 18, 2013
