RAMADAN DAY 6: I WISH I HAD HER LIFEIf there was a “best-social-media-for-ruining-self-esteem” award

RAMADAN DAY 6: I WISH I HAD HER LIFEIf there was a “best-social-media-for-ruining-self-esteem” award, instagram would be getting a gold medal. It has the power of leaving some of us completely, utterly and thoroughly shitty about ourselves. But self-esteem is only a part of it. What’s worse than being insecure, is to be jealous. Hasad- one of the most debilitating emotion. It was not until this morning that I stumbled upon this verse (refer picture; Quran 4:32). I spent the next few hours reading commentaries and translations of it. This is what I learnt.According to the verse, Allah has stated that he has created us differently. Some of us may be greater in knowledge, wealth, beauty etc. All of these levels exists according to His will and wisdom and thus we should never complain or feel bitter about it. However, don’t confuse this by thinking that we shouldn’t work hard to improve ourselves. That’s something else. This verse is warning us from being jealous at the things that are totally not in our control. Even if we work our asses off to achieve something, isn’t it Allah who decides on whether we will or will not be getting it in the end?You see, there’s nothing wrong with wanting what another person possesses, as long as you are truly & genuinely happy for them too, it’s perfectly OK. That isn’t jealousy. The greatest mark of jealousy is when you wish to receive something that someone has, and hope that the person loses that blessing. Rather than saying “good for them” you say  “Why them? Why not me?” or “How can I truly be happy when I don’t have we she has”.  Jealousy is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. The jealous person is only going to hurt himself the most. Another very important thing highlighted in this verse is the instruction to ask Allah of his bounty, or in simpler words, to make doa. To channel all that energy in a positive way. If you want to also be rich, make doa. If you want to be on top of your class, make doa. Don’t keep your hands in your pocket, take them out and raise them up against the sky. Making doa is the essence of worship. It signifies that you recognize Allah as Ar-Razzaq; The Provider. It is also important to note that just because you do not get what you pray for, it doesn’t mean Allah has ignored you. He gives us according to his knowledge, just as he withhold according to his knowledge. This reminds me of Surah Al-Baqarah verse 216, which reads:But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.For my fellow sisters out there, I understand how it’s tough having to live up to the beauty standards of society today. We all want to look ‘the best’ instead of only ‘our best’. But just because you see someone prettier, that doesn’t in any way, make you ugly. There’s this saying that goes, “The beauty of the sky does not diminish that of the sea, the embers of lava do not shadow the brightness of the stars”. Beauty is supposed to inspire you, not conspire against you. Allah has sculpted us perfectly. If we knew what and why he has created us the way we are, I’m sure we wouldn’t ask to be any different, regardless of what we see on instagram. Besides, no one would put up an ugly picture of themselves onto social media anyway.  Being envious is how to single-handedly destroy yourself. Fight those instagram insecurities, or should i say, instacurities? Remember guys, nobody’s life really looks like their Instagram.May peace be upon you x -- source link

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