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Strength Isn’t in the Shout
Daily Sunnah
August 30, 2025 • Est 5 minutes
We've all seen the person who dominates every gathering through sheer volume, the loudest voice on social media that drowns out everyone else, the one who mistakes noise for authority.
It's tempting to think that whoever can roar the loudest must be the strongest. But Umar (RA), whose own voice was legendary for its power, had a surprising take on real strength.
"Don't be impressed by the volume of a man's voice," he said. "That's not what makes a real man."
Coming from someone whose voice could be heard across entire neighborhoods during night prayer, whose presence made people scatter, this statement carries weight.
If anyone had the right to equate volume with power, it would be Umar (RA).
The True Measure
Instead, he offered his own definition: "A real man is someone who fulfills the trust of people and restrains himself from hurting their honor."
Two simple criteria that turned conventional notions of strength at the time upside down:
First, reliability is being someone others can depend on, who honors commitments and responsibilities without fanfare.
Second, restraint is having the power to hurt someone, damage someone's reputation but choosing not to, protecting people and their dignity even when you could easily destroy it.
What's beautiful about Umar's (RA) definition is how it reframes strength as something internal rather than external.
Anyone can raise their voice, but it takes real power to hold yourself back from hurting someone when you have the capability to do so.
Reflect on this?
👶 SunnahStories
A blackbird soared in skies so free, It sang of Allah’s majesty. But on the ground, it saw with glee, Some grains of wheat beneath a tree. It swooped down low, but with a snap, A net fell down—a wicked trap! A hunter grinned, with hands held tight, “You’ll be my meal before the night!” **“O hunter, wait! Please set me free, And wise advice I’ll give to thee. Three lessons true, just let me speak, One now, one free, one when I’m weak.”** The hunter laughed, **“Then tell me fast, For little bird, you will not last!”** "Never trust a desperate one," The bird then spoke—the first was done. The hunter, curious, set him loose, The bird then perched upon a spruce. | "Never regret what’s lost," he said, "For what's now gone cannot be read." The hunter’s frown began to grow, "And now the third? I wish to know!" The blackbird laughed, and spread its wings, Then spoke of truly foolish things. **"Within me lies a pearl so great, It weighs more than your own fate!"** The hunter gasped, **"Why did I fail?! I could have been so rich and hale!"** He climbed the tree, but much too late, The bird flew high—his chance was fate. **"O hunter, fool! You did not learn, Your greed has made your wisdom burn!"** So heed this tale, both girl and boy, A wise heart finds its greatest joy— Not in regret, nor chasing more, But trusting what Allah has in store. |
Reflection Questions:
1️⃣ Why did the blackbird trick the hunter?
2️⃣ What were the three lessons the bird taught?
3️⃣ How did greed make the hunter act foolishly?
4️⃣ What does Islam teach us about being content with what we have?
5️⃣ Can you think of a time when chasing something too much made you lose what you already had?
What did you think of today's SunnahStories?We'll use your feedback to improve them! |
🍉 WatermelonWatch: Day 693
BREAKING!! 4 IOF soldiers MISSING amid Hamas’ capture operation, Israel activates Hannibal Directive
Hamas launched 2 large ambushes on IOF positions in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, reportedly aiming to take IOF soldiers as Prisoners of War (POW).
🔎 4 IOF soldiers now missing as IOF rushes to search for them
🚨 The IOF activated the Hannibal Directive, authorizing the IOF to kill Israelis rather than let them be taken prisoner.
🚁 Israeli helicopters evacuating multiple injured & dead soldiers from Zeitoun but come under heavy gunfire from Hamas fighters.
Israeli media is describing this as one of “the most difficult events” for Israel since Oct 7.
☝️ Hamas military spokesman Abu Obaida warned earlier today that Hamas will teach Israel “tough lessons” as Israel announced the start of its large-scale invasion of Gaza City.
💥 Clashes ongoing NOW in Zeitoun as Palestinians fight back against genocidal IOF forces, as Israeli media just reported a FOURTH “security incident” in Zeitoun.
Another Hamas attack on IOF was also reported tonight in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood.
ﻡ of the Day
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