You Matter More Than You Think

DAILYREFLECTION

Among the companions was a young Bedouin relative of the Prophet ﷺ named Zah. He lived in the desert and would come to Madinah from time to time, bringing simple gifts: a few fruits, some vegetables, a container of milk.

On one visit, the Prophet ﷺ pointed him out in front of the other companions and said, in effect, “Zah is our man of the desert, and we are his people of the city.” In a few words, he gave him a place, a role, and a sense of belonging.

Zah did not feel good about himself. In some narrations he is described as not being physically impressive, a person who could easily feel small in a gathering of great companions. Yet whenever he arrived in Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ would call to him more warmly than most, bring him closer than others, and embrace him a little longer, as if to wrap him in extra reassurance.

Whenever Zah visited, the Prophet ﷺ would outfit him with new clothes, give him gifts to take back home, perfume and other small things from Madinah. He would stand up for him, embrace him, and then keep him close by his side throughout his stay, so that Zah felt seen, comforted, and secure until it was time to return to the desert.

Imagine being that young man, walking into the masjid feeling ordinary, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ making you feel like you mattered every single time.

There are two gentle lessons here.

One is outward. There are people around us who feel like Zah: awkward, unnoticed, less accomplished. A few words of public affirmation, a private gift, or simply keeping them close in a room can rebuild a heart more than we realise.

The other is inward. When you feel like Zah yourself, unsure of your worth, remember how the Prophet ﷺ dealt with someone just like that. His way with Zah is a window into how your Rabb honours you when you turn to Him. You are allowed to speak to yourself with that same compassion.

REFLECT ON THIS:

Who in your life might be waiting for one small gesture of affirmation that could change the story they tell themselves about who they are?

^{Share your reflections in the poll at the end of the email.}

WATERMELONWATCH

• Israeli strikes intensified overnight across central Gaza, with UN OCHA reporting new displacement from Nuseirat and Deir al-Balah. Local volunteers continue organizing small neighborhood kitchens to feed families who fled with nothing.

• UNRWA teams warned of critically low fuel and medical supplies entering Gaza, noting that makeshift clinics are treating injuries with minimal equipment. Despite the strain, community health workers are running pop-up vaccination days to protect children wherever they gather.

• Ceasefire discussions resumed in Doha according to Reuters, though negotiators cautioned that progress remains slow. Civil society groups worldwide continue holding vigils and aid drives, raising funds for winter blankets and hygiene kits.

• Water shortages worsened as damaged networks remained unrepaired in northern Gaza, BBC reported, with families relying on unsafe wells. Yet volunteer engineers are teaching residents simple filtration methods that offer some measure of safety.

• Humanitarian corridors remained limited, the ICRC said, complicating the evacuation of the sick and elderly. In Rafah, youth groups are coordinating transport for elderly neighbors, helping them reach safer shelter when openings briefly appear.

QURANCORNER

Idh (إِذْ) — When / Remember When

Idh is the doorway to the past when something happened, when Allah intervened, when hearts were tested, and truth was made clear. The Qur’an uses idh not just to tell history, but to wake the soul. Idh qala rabbuka lil-malā’ikah... When your Lord said to the angels... It reminds us that these are not just ancient events, they’re echoes, meant to shape the present.