Story: 'A Mother’s Advice'

. . . Amazing woman, whom, I think, has a determination like steel. She has gone through many ups and downs in her life but, if you talk to her, you will not find any trace of sadness, regret or anger in her . . .

I was talking to one of my parent’s long life friend. She has always amused me with her positive and never-say-die attitude in life. She is an amazing woman, whom, I think, has a determination like steel. She has gone through many ups and downs in her life but, if you talk to her, you will not find any trace of sadness, regret or anger in her. I can say that she is always ever so positive, optimistic and upbeat about life, Masya’Allaah.

From her life’s story, you will know that she once had it all. She was tested with wealth and now with hardship. From owning a few huge bungalows to living in a small rented apartment, from dining in seven star hotels to getting her food from the hawkers by the road side, from having an excellent health only to be diagnosed with cancer, from having a happy marriage to being a single woman, from driving a big Mercedes Benz to using the public transportation, from having hundreds of friends around her to be left with only a few loyal ones. Subhanallaah. As I said before, she once had it all.

What is phenomenal about her is that her outlook in life remains the same, despite of the circumstances she was put in. Masya’Allaah. She is still the aunty whom I know  - a kind, charitable, honest, happy and most importantly, contented person. 

When asked, she said for her, this ayah is enough to allow her to go on with her life in enthusiasm.

It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape- and made your shapes beautiful,- and has provided for you Sustenance, of things pure and good;- such is Allah your Lord. So Glory to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds! [ The Believer 40 : 64]

It is all in Allaah’s hand. And He provides sustenance for His slaves. Her conviction and faith in her Deen is so strong that she feels there is no reason for her to feel depressed about her situation right now. In fact, she is still her entrepreneurial self. She picked up the pieces and proceeded with her life as if nothing had ever happened. She learnt tremendously from it, of course but still she is not giving up. Never. She starts to venture into businesses where she feels can give her halal rezki. Trust Allaah, my daughter, as she always calls me. Trust Him, she says. And be thankful.

I reflected on His ayah which was sent down to us, as a soother to a distressed soul:

And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. [al-Talaaq 65:3]

For all things, there is an appointed time. This is so beautiful. It gives me such calmness knowing that whatever test that I face in this world, there is a time period to it.  And if I just trust Allaah, He shall give me a way out of the problem I am facing. I am absolutely very sure of that because He promised! J

And you know what, don’t worry about life’s trial. If you are faced with a problem, rest assured that it is a sign of love from Allaah. Why did I say that? Well, because of this…

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity" (Saheeh Al-Bukhari : the Book of Patients).

Ahh… this is so cool. It means that if I face any adversity, it is just a sign that Allaah loves me. Allaah loves me! Me! Alhamdulillaah. How great that could ever be?

Let me share with you a poem I wrote sometime ago upon reflecting the advice given by my mother entitled: ‘That too, will be over’

 Yes, my mother is right. Life is about facing our tests. She told me not to expect a life that is easy and simple. Once we pass one test, there will and should be another test coming. This reality given to me by my mother has allowed me to see a life that is trouble free and undemanding. Nope. In fact, if I suddenly realized that my life is cushy and comfortable, I asked myself - Has Allah forgotten me? Has He forgotten me?

And that's when I will beg Allah to send His Signs of His Love to me. And the cycle will begin again. Al Hamdulillah. And I will fell loved all over again. Can you feel His Love too?

Sis Zabrina