دار محمد Daar Muhammed

A few decades in this dunya has been long enough to show that the picture to the outside world? It means nothing.

Absolutely nothing. In reality. For the individual, in essence.

Because we are Muslims, we are not sadists. We neither seek out nor praise hardship and melancholy. We value beauty, both internal and external. By nature of our Deen, we are drawn to ease, tranquilly, and joy. Simultaneously, genuine happiness and ease can occasionally be discovered in “unlikely” locations, away from a dazzling façade. Under extreme hardships or at situations when hope is at its lowest. The locations of these hidden gems are unexpected. It is surprising where these treasures are hidden. Often found by people others feel ‘sympathy’ for. By those who have little but have so, so much of real things. By people who don’t live up to the standards of “normalcy” or even “perfection” that our communities, society, and the world demand. 

A restful night’s sleep with nothing itching in your heart. Reflective, quiet moments. Laughter, unforced and genuine, with whom you love. The taste of eating from money earned from the work of your hands. The agency to say no without fear when it does not align with your values. Apologising when you slip, making up with better, being forgiven and moving on. Appreciation of others, however different to you they are. The freedom to try out good or beneficial things. To feel comfortable in your own skin. Validation from within. Resilience and giving yourself chances. Knowing your Creator and His Kindness beyond the projections, fear mongering and limitations of the ignorant man. Treading through life, light and free.

Treasures, Allahumma, treasures.

It is not our business to investigate whose picture perfection is true or not. We can instead make dua things are beautiful for everyone. What is our responsibility is to prevent ourselves from ever chasing a polished and perfect image while crumbling inside. To run behind anything pushed at you at the cost of priceless treasures like these. Or to ever feel sad at not having ‘it’ while basking in His Blessings day after day.

The final outcome dunya offers for those who pursue it is summarised in the 20th verse of Surathul Hadeed:

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ

كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا

وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ

وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.