I am a firm believer that every occurrence in our lives, happens for a reason. These occurrences or experiences may be a test, a lesson or a blessing. In these experiences, we should focus on serving or at least one person in our daily lives .
Serving your soul in the sacred Month
The month of Ramadan is a month where Muslims around the world fast from dawn until sun-set. In Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking along with other acts that do not bring you closer to the creator. In the last month of Ramadan, my family and I decided that we would limit our use of all electronic devices, especially our phones. I personally, struggled with this task during Ramadan.
Blessing that serves humanity
As I was browsing through my Instagram feed one day during Ramadan, I came across a post about a Muslim brother by the name of Ali Banat. In the post, bro. Ali was talking about some money tins that his followers were inquiring about. As I listened to the clip, I noticed that bro. Ali appeared weak and fragile. The compassionate, caring and curious side in me decided to click on the page to find out more about this brother.
As I visited his page, (matw_project: Muslims Around the World https://www.gofundme.com/matwproject ), I learned that bro. Ali had cancer. Since his diagnosis, brother Ali’s mission had been to help the improvised communities of Togo, Africa. While browsing the page, I also learned that he had passed away. Have you ever cried for someone you have never met in your life?
Serving through vulnerability
I was overcome by so many emotions that I wept once I learned about brother Ali’s death. My reaction shocked me. Why would I cry for someone I had never met or heard of before? I decided to embrace that moment and let my tears flow.
I cried and prayed to Allah for our brother Ali, for his family, for the Ummah, for my family and for my parents. Many layers of emotions surfaced from reading that one post. Have you ever experienced this? I realized how easy it is to get distracted from the purpose of our existence. Which as a Muslim, I believe is to worship our creator.
Service with ease even in hardship
Even in brother Ali’s hardship and complications from of his illness, Allah blessed him with the ease to help those who were less fortunate than him. Quran: chapter 94 verse 6: “Verily, along with every hardship is relief.” The work he did in the last few years of his life are such an inspiration. His mission, is an example of the success he attained in this and the reward that he will be granted in the next, with Allah’s will.
Serving a purpose
How easy it is to chase the short-lived life of this world. In reading those few posts, I learned so much about brother Ali. I came to the realization that I personally must work toward giving more and consuming less. Now, that statement may seem contradictory of my online women’s boutique. However, I am very passionate about modest fashion. One of my goals is to give back to my community and the world even in small ways.
Moving toward service
I pray that I am forgiven and that I too can forgive, I ask that you are forgiving as well. It was not by chance that I happen to be on Instagram and came across the story of bro. Ali. I believe that Allah directed me to matw_project for a reason that I plan on exploring.
I am not endorsed nor am I affiliated in anyway with the matw_project or any of its members or other endeavors. If you plan on donating to the matw_project or any organization, I will advise that you do your research prior to donating.
Let me know in the comments below if you have ever had an experience where an encounter with a stranger compelled you to make an change in your life.