TODAY'S HADITH
"Do not take me to task for what they say and forgive me for what they do not know."
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Someone says something kind about our character or our work, and two things happen at once.
First, the ego takes a small, eager sip. It feels good to be noticed. It feels good to be thought capable, or patient, or wise.
Then comes the quiet flinch. Right beneath the warm feeling is a sharp prick of worry: if they only knew what we are like at home. If they heard our thoughts at two in the morning. If they knew how easily we slip.
So we either puff up a little, or we put on an awkward show of modesty, looking at our shoes until the moment passes. Both reactions keep the spotlight on us.
One of the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ had a better answer. When praise came his way, he turned straight to Allah with two short requests: don't take me to task for what they say, and forgive me for what they don't know.
People can only praise what they see. Allah sees the rest, and He has covered much of it.
The du'a admits both at once, and then the moment is over. We can say thank you to the person, give the praise back to Allah, and carry on with our day a little lighter.
REFLECT ON THIS
Whose approval have I been chasing lately, and what would change if Allah's were enough?
TODAY'S RIPPLE
The next time someone compliments you today, say thank you, and quietly say the Companion's du'a in your heart: "Do not take me to task for what they say and forgive me for what they do not know."
SUNNAHSTORIES
A forest fire, a tiny parrot, and three drops of water at a time. Read it with the little ones tonight.
MAKE DU'A
For sister Rashidah's prayer for all of us: may Allah bless the believers with Paradise, peace, love, joy and nearness to Him, unite this Ummah to protect one another, and bring peace to the world. And may He protect our hearts from the pull of praise. Ameen.
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