When the World Remains Silent

When the world remains silent

While hearts break from ill fate

commit crimes for God's sake

And our hearts do not shake

But an ounce for their pain

As our eyes have been trained

Strained from realities we pray

We don't encounter someday

And we pray empty prayers for those lives filled with sorrow

An arrogance unknowing of what'll come tomorrow

We row on and row on expecting smooth sails as we go

Feeling pity for those having fallen off the boat

Then only can we expect a world drowning in its shame

When the world remains silent

At the expense of those unable to speak

Weak and defeated they plead

To fill mouths left to feed

We grow food in abundance to save our own souls

Yet we're starving ourselves of a mercy foretold

Indeed we know nothing, and Allah only knows

Each test in this life and for whom he chose

When the world remains silent

Violent echoes will remain

Until a day

When our souls are placed before the All-knowing

And our silence is broken

And our tongue speaks on our behalf

Bearing witness to all that was contained in our souls

The Prophet (SAW) said: "If one of you sees something wrong, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart and this is the weakest faith. [Some versions add:] There is no part of faith behind that, not even so much as a mustard seed." --- Al-Bukhari

The Bright Side

I truly believe that being able to see on the bright side of things is really one of the best ways to live one's life. The ability for one to be able to judge quickly and criticize only reminds me of the human being's continued dissatisfaction at the many blessings Allah has bestowed on them. As though somehow they were guaranteed a life of ease and the companionship of perfect people. If we were to make a mistake, then how would we want those around us to respond to us? Nowadays, it is almost as though treating people the way you'd like to be treated is a way of the past. We assume the actions of others are done with ill intentions, as if we gained insight into their exact thoughts and motives. We judge the actions of others as though Allah is in need of assistance in his role. Even he doesn't  pass judgement until the person has left this earth, so then how is it fair that we pass judgement while everyone is still a work-in-progress? We mask assuming the worst of every possible situation by "preparing for the worst". But preparing for the worst only distances us in placing our full hope in Allah swt. How can you trust in him and believe in him to the best of your abilities if we always assume he has the most unfortunate plans laid out for us? Negativity only breeds negativity, and nothing more. Having faith in Allah swt means you believe wholeheartedly that he will always guide you to that which is best for you. If you expect Allah to forgive you for your shortcomings, then would it not make sense that you forgive others of their shortcomings, especially seeing as their shortcomings matter a lot less than those of yours to Allah swt. This life and the people in it were never meant to be perfect, so try and look past the imperfections you are faced with on a daily basis. Instead, look to those things in life which are going well, and the qualities in those people which are good. This way, all that lies ahead of you will look a whole lot brighter
:)

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As always, a BIG reminder to myself before all others