Chapter Three – The Ocean Taught Me…
Learn some inner beauty from the depths of the sea. Look at its waves. They’re beautiful to look at, aren’t they? A single scene, with a different beauty each time. Coupled with their breeze, smell and breathtaking view, they’re the means of some of our best memories.
They create an amazing feeling when you’re paddling, swimming, surfing or simply walking through them. For those of you that love the seaside, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Get your feet in there and you don’t want to leave. Let the waves push you – you’re sure to laugh the water off your eyelids!
On the flip side, the ocean’s waters can be a formidable force. Let it just receive the command from its Lord, to destroy those that may even adore it… Let it hit you just once with a force you never knew. Let it morph from the sunny sea to a tsunami or hurricane, and it becomes absolutely fierce, terrifying and raging. It unleashes a fury we never imagined.
My point is this: be humble, generous, kind, accommodating and easygoing, to whoever comes your way – whether they’re black, white, purple, pink or green.. but never let those passive qualities tamper with the rights of your Rabb. He comes first and foremost. His is the kingdom and for Him is all praise..
People may love you or hate you for putting the Creator first. But you shouldn’t let any nastiness get to you. Don’t let others distract you from your mission and attack your self esteem. Be conscious of treating people with your manners, not theirs. Sometimes people may throw their negativity at you, trying to liter your heart and thoughts. Think of the sea – people try to pollute it despite seeing its beauty. Remember that no matter what dirt they throw at you, or how they trample over you, as long as your heart remains clean and pure, it will not dull your waters in any way. Remember, that just as we thoroughly enjoy ourselves at the seaside, despite the annoying particles of sand, messy clothing, shells that may hit your feet now and again, so too should we let these mundane bits pass, without losing our focus on what really matters. Keep flowing at the dirt thrown at you will find its way out again.
But. When it comes to the right of Your Allah, never ever just go with the flow. You may take personal attacks on you in your stride but never ever let the infringement of Allah’s laws slide. Let your stand against falsehood be so strong that eventually the world stands up in awe. If the sea is willing to change its nature for its Creator, how then can we not do the same? So take heed from the sea: You can be soft and beautiful while still being a force to reckon with. Let your Imaan dictate which quality to use when. Be strong minded, strong at heart and more importantly, may you always be blessed with strong Imaan.
