💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 It is possible to not get jealous of others' lives when you know that whatever they have, own, and accomplished are all granted by Allah the Most Wise. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is the One Who gave His servants different abilities, sources of joy, and achievements as a test to observe what they would do with the blessings that they've been given. Will they be grateful slaves of Allah the Most Kind and share their joys with others to express their gratitude to Him Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, or will those things which bring temporary satisfaction cause them to be ungrateful, selfish and arrogant, preoccupied with trying to build their own "perfect place" in dunya instead of striving for eternal bliss in Jannah?
If you discover someone who triggers feelings of inferiority complex, or daily browsing through social media makes you feel as though your life isn't cool or enjoyable enough, remind yourself that everything which a person enjoys in this fleeting world were bestowed upon them by Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. Nothing ever occurs on earth except with Allah's Permission.
That stranger's high IQ, ability to communicate in multiple languages fluently, and connections with supposedly educated professionals whose intelligence levels are above average exist because Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala decreed it to be that way. Your friend who married at an earlier age, while another achieves financial success in a business they recently started, got what they wanted only because Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala chose such destiny for them.
Stubbornly comparing your journey to somebody else's story is one of the fastest ways to be unhappy. Aiming to be better than who you were before, focusing on what you're already good at, developing your own capabilities, thanking Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala for the favors that He chose to grant you and staying patient with His Qadr/Destiny are what you need to pass this examination.
If ever you have the urge to compare to someone, remember the less fortunate when it comes to dunya-related matters to stay gratefully contented with what Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala selected for you. Before assuming you're not as clever or intellectually gifted as others, think of those who struggle with physical or mental disabilities. Recall the homeless and refugees worldwide whenever your nafs wants you to complain about simplicity.
The person to compete against should be yourself. Defeat vile desires as much as you can and always train yourself to be more confident, content and wiser than yesterday. Your faith/Imaan and good deeds done for Allah's sake, not material possessions nor worldly gains, are what can benefit you in your grave and scales on the Day of Resurrection.
📖 Ibn 'Abbas RadhiAllahu 'anhuma narrated: I was riding behind the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam when he said to me, "Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you. If you ask, ask from Allah. If you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if the nations gathered together to benefit you, they will not benefit you unless Allah has decreed it for you. And if the nations gathered together to harm you, they will not harm you unless Allah has decreed it for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried." Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2516 Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favors of Allah."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6125,
Sahih Muslim 2963
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Abu Nadrah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "O people, your Rabb (God Allah) is One, and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by piety (Taqwa). Have I not delivered the message?"
Source: Musnad Ahmed 22978
Grade: Sahih
Islamic reminders, Hadith, notes, poems, poetry, lessons, reflections etc.
بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين
May Allah the Almighty grant us more beneficial knowledge, accept our good deeds, forgive our mistakes, protect us from fitna, and join us with the righteous believers in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.
