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The Prophetic Art of Empathy
The Formula for Real Change
Let’s talk about emotional intelligence.
Not the kind you find in a glossy psychology textbook, but the type that’s lived, breathed, and modeled by the Prophet ﷺ himself.
The first step is recognition, spotting emotions in yourself and others.
Recognition starts with listening.
And I don’t mean the “uh-huh, yeah, sure” kind of listening you do while scrolling through your phone.
I mean the kind where you’re all in, eyes, ears, heart, and even your gut.
The best listeners focus their attention and recruit all their senses.
Their brains are working overtime, not just to hear words but to find meaning and to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.
When you listen and really “get” what another person is saying, your brain waves and the speaker's are literally in sync.
That’s when empathy, insight, and real connection start to bloom.
Here is a story I love.
The Prophet ﷺ is sitting with Aisha (RA), and he says, “I know when you’re happy with me, and I know when you’re upset.”
Aisha (RA), a little amused, asks, “How do you know?”
She’s enjoying this, probably thinking, “Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”
The Prophet ﷺ explains, “When you’re happy with me, you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Muhammad.’
But when you’re upset, you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Abraham.’”
Aisha (RA) pauses, a look of surprise flickering across her face as she thinks back.
It’s like she’s connecting the dots in real time.
Then she laughs, almost amazed at how well he knows her. “You’re right!” she admits, as if she’s just realized it herself.
It’s such a small detail, but it means everything.
He’s paying attention.
No distractions, no mental to-do list running in the background.
The Prophet ﷺ, with all his responsibilities, noticed the tiniest shift in her words.
And Aisha (RA) felt seen.
That “I know your quirks, your habits, your unspoken feelings” type of seen.
That’s the kind of recognition that makes us feel safe and loved.
And Aisha (RA) teaches us something too.
She says, “I’m only leaving out your name.”
In other words, even when upset, she’s not adding fuel to the fire.
She’s not throwing in extra jabs or dramatic titles.
She’s just quietly shifting her words.
That’s relationship goals right there.
On your worst day, when someone feels like the villain in your story, no need to pile on.
It’s a subtle, beautiful way to show restraint and respect, even in anger.
We all crave to be understood as a person with thoughts, emotions, and intentions that are unique, valuable, and deserving of attention.
When someone truly listens to us, it’s like they’re saying, “You matter. I want to know what’s on your mind.”
It’s the birthplace of connection.
But when we miss those moments, when we’re too distracted, too busy, or just not present, it can be life-altering.
It’s not the big, dramatic events that leave us feeling empty.
More often, it’s the accumulation of small missed opportunities to connect.
The times when nothing happened, but something beautiful could have happened.
That’s what makes us feel most lonely and isolated.
Imagine if we all took a page from this Sunnah.
If we notice the little things, the changes in tone, the words left unsaid.
Imagine the impact on our marriages, our friendships, and even in our workplaces.
Recognition isn’t just about noticing; it’s about caring enough to look and listening deep enough to understand.
Reflect On this:
Are there moments when you wish someone had recognized your feelings without you having to spell them out?
How did that affect your connection with them in that moment?
🎬️ Ready. Set. Action!
If you notice a shift in someone’s mood, gently ask about it
“You seem a bit different today, is everything okay?” Show that you care enough to want to know.
What did you think of today's reflection? |
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*While supplies last.
👶 SunnahStories
Old Abdullah, kind and wise, Watched the clouds in summer skies. Through his field, he took a walk, With gentle steps and peaceful talk. He passed a vine where pumpkins grew, So large and round, with orange hue. And near the path stood proud and tall— An oak whose trunk looked firm and small. A tiny acorn, brown and neat, Hung from a branch above his seat. While pumpkins heavy, vast in girth, Clung to thin vines close to the earth. "Hmm," he mused, "This seems quite strange, The sizes feel a bit deranged!" "Why put a pumpkin on the ground, And acorns high, so small and round?" | He chuckled, smiled, then took his rest, Beneath the tree he liked the best. The wind was soft, the sky was blue— He whispered dhikr, calm and true. But then—*bonk!*—an acorn fell, It bounced upon his turban well! He gasped and laughed: “Oh, what a joke— Imagine if this tree grew squash and gourd folk!” "Alhamdulillah," he said with grace, "Your wisdom, Lord, is in every place." "You planned it all with perfect might, From stars above to fruit so light." So now he teaches far and wide, To trust in Allah as our guide. For even things that seem quite small, Hold Allah’s wisdom after all. |
Reflection Questions:
1️⃣ Why did Abdullah find the acorn and pumpkin arrangement strange at first?
2️⃣ What changed his mind after the acorn fell?
3️⃣ What does this story teach us about trusting Allah’s wisdom?
4️⃣ Have you ever thought something didn’t make sense, but later realized the wisdom behind it?
5️⃣ What ayah from the Qur’an reminds us that Allah creates with perfect measurement?
What did you think of today's SunnahStories?We'll use your feedback to improve them! |
📚DeenDigest
🌎️ UmmahSpotlight:
Should We Keep This Segment? |
🍉 WatermelonWatch: Day 576
‼️ Israel massacred 29+ Palestinians incl. 7 children & injured 52 — 2 consecutive missiles targeted school-shelter in Bureij camp (central), hitting tents housing displaced. Many still trapped under rubble; not enough medical supplies to treat influx of critically injured in al-Aqsa Hospital
🇵🇸 93 Palestinians killed in Gaza in past 2 days
🚩 Hamas ambushed IOF force in Khan Younis (south), killing & wounding soldiers + targeted 2 IOF tanks & bulldozer
🌾 UNRWA: Hundreds of thousands in Gaza eat 1 meal every 2-3 days
🇾🇪 2-day of Israeli airstrikes on Yemen, killing 3 people in attack on Sanaa airport — while US announced halt to its bombing of Yemen
🇵🇸 IOF bombed homes in Gaza City (north) killing 15+ Palestinians; ongoing shelling, shooting & drone strikes killed 3 people incl. a child
🇵🇸 Airstrikes on Khan Younis & Nuseirat (central) targeting homes & groups killed 20+ Palestinians
🇱🇧 IOF airstrike in south Lebanon killed 1 person, wounded 3
West Bank:
🚧 Israel ‘erases’ village in Masaffer Yatta — levelled 11 homes, sheep pens, 7 wells, 8 caves & solar panels, leaving 115 residents incl. 38 kids homeless; threatened to demolish 3 remaining homes & school (🎥 @ajplus)
🏚️ 100-day Tulkarem siege: IOF bulldozer begins demolishing 34 residential buildings in Nur Shams — IOF blocked, chased & detained residents despite permitting them 2 hrs to evacuate. After announcing plan to demolish 106 homes in Tulkarem & Nur Shams (housing 1,000+ people)
ﻡ of the Day
Should We Keep This Segment? |
🤲 Make Du’a for Jannah
﷽
Ya Allah, the Bestower of Love and the Knower of Hearts, bless Jannah with a spouse who is kind, firm in deen, and a source of peace, security, and nearness to You.
Oh Allah, make her journey to marriage easy and full of barakah. Grant her and her family clarity and wisdom to recognize the one who is best suited for her in this life and, insha’Allah, in the eternal life to come.
Unite her with someone whose heart is anchored in faith and whose presence is a mercy, a companion in worship, and a partner in goodness.
Ameen, Ya Rabb al-'Alamin.
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