ISLAM
By Compiled by Latheef Farook
Islam encourages Muslims to be optimistic and cheerful
'Well, believe it or not, I owe my being a Muslim today to a simple
warm smile," Stacey, an Australian friend of mine who had just become
Muslim a couple of years ago said.
She explained that the reason that made her interested to know about
Islam was a very optimistic and cheerful young lady named Sarah, who
used to work with her at the same company.ÓI did not know her well, but
I always felt there was something unique about her", added Stacey.
She explained how Sarah used to help everyone, looked cheerful and
optimistic and her mind always seemed free of troubles. Stacey wanted to
know the secret, so she decided to get in direct contact with Sarah.
One day, Stacey decided to directly ask the young lady about the
secret of her being always positive and optimistic. "My religion helps
me apply that! I'm a Muslim, you know," replied Sarah. She then started
explaining how being a Muslim affects how you think, act, and feel
towards yourself and towards others around you.
That was when Stacey decided to learn more about this wonderful
religion that does not only address a person's spiritual relationship
with God, but also, their communication skills when dealing with others
around them. Many people wrongly believe that in order to look
respectable, they have to have a serious frown on their faces, so that
others would feel that seriousness, and consequently respect them.
Well, not in Islam. Islam always encourages Muslims to be optimistic
and cheerful. That is basically because they believe in destiny.
Muslims believe that whatever happens in their lives only happens for
their best, and that God is always watching over them wherever they are.
Even when things seem really complicated, true Muslims believe deep down
inside them that God's wisdom is behind all of that, and that soon
enough, everything will turn to be just fine.
Muslims try not to worry too much about the future and what lies
ahead. That does not mean that they do not always think about it; they
definitely do, but they set clear goals, and plan for the steps they
need to take in order to achieve these goals. However, after that, they
stop worrying and put their full trust in God, leaving everything to His
wisdom and mercy.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself was always said to have been
cheerful, optimistic, and smiling. His face used to shine with the light
of gratefulness to God, even though he faced so many hardships that no
other human being could have ever endured. He was sure deep inside him
that God is always there, looking over him, and changing his life to the
better.
He (peace be upon him) also taught us to do the same. He even
said:ÓWhen a Muslim smiles to another Muslim, it's as if he or she has
done a charitable action." (Al-Bukhari)
What is interesting about the smile is its power.
While practicing Islam, each one of us has the responsibility of
showing the real Muslim character to others around us. It has been
always said that actions speak louder than words, so the way we interact
with others leaves a more profound effect than the actual content of the
words we speak.
Believe it or not, body language does have a huge effect in
communicating with others; "It's not what you say, it's how you say it."
What is interesting about the smile is its power. It is surprisingly
contagious among all people from different backgrounds, cultures,
genders, ethnicities, and ages. It is the kind of language everyone
understands. It has the power of making people feel special and
appreciated, as it spreads positive energy all around the place.
Even according to psychology, smiling is considered a very healthy
thing to do every now and then. Try it yourself: can you look at someone
who is smiling at you and not smile back? I doubt that! I guess it is
part of human nature just to smile back at someone who's smiling at you.
We do it without even thinking.
To sum all that up, there is only one statement that I keep on
reminding myself with; "I am a Muslim, and I have the most merciful God
ever, so why should I even worry about anything, when I know deep down
inside that everything happening to me is for my best interest?"
I encourage everyone out there to start practicing this healthy
habit, spread positive energy all around, and get lots and lots of
reward from God because of the charity being performed while smiling. |