A Tear and A Smile

I’m writing this as I go through one of the most trying times in my life. I must have sat down to write this article a hundred times, but I never had the will or courage to actually finish it. They say that the things that are closest to your heart are the hardest to share, & maybe that’s the reason why, but I decided that if my meagre effort can inspire just one person, then surely its well worth the effort.
What is life without hope, & what is hope without faith??? No matter how you look at it, they are all intertwined & no matter how hard you try, you cannot separate them. Love gives meaning to life, but its hope & faith that keep you going from day to day. Hope is that tiny spec of sunlight that filters through the storm clouds. It’s always there; it’s just that sometimes it’s hard to see it. When life becomes too much to bear & when the tears & sorrow envelope you, its hope that keeps you going, & your faith in Allah that pulls you out.
I don’t think that that I have ever allowed myself to slip this low & to lose this much hope, but each test that we face is different. Each time we come out on top, it makes us stronger, emotionally & spiritually, & ultimately brings you closer to your Rabb, your Allah. The harder your test, the bigger your opportunity to strengthen your Imaan. These realisations haven’t come easily, & I know all about the heartache, frustrations & anger that you feel when you sitting at your lowest & your world seems to be crumbling at your feet. I admit that sometimes it’s hard to find that hope, but remember that Allah will never abandon you, you just have to reach out your hand and He will be waiting to pull you out. Have faith & a little bit of sabr & never lose hope. Stop concentrating on everything that’s wrong in your life, & start thinking about everything that’s right in your life & all that you are thankful for. You’ll be surprised how a simple change in your thinking can make such a huge impact on your overall wellbeing.
Life is a series of smiles & tears, as a wise man once wrote “I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart for the joys of the multitude. And I would not have the tears that sadness makes to flow from my every part, turn into laughter. I would that my life remain a tear & a smile.” Khalil Gibran