Love and Gratitude
Jummah Mubarak, sis! Have you paused to show yourself love and gratitude recently? As women, we often find ourselves tirelessly giving to others—family, friends, work, and community—frequently leaving our own needs last. While it is noble to pour into others’ cups, it’s essential to remember that you can only give your best when your own cup is full. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, which ultimately impacts not just you but those you care for as well.
Allah (SWT) blesses us with an ever-flowing cup of mercy, love, and sustenance. Part of honoring that blessing is through practicing gratitude, not only through worship but also by caring for the body, mind, and soul He entrusted us with. By appreciating these gifts, we honor Him.
Showing gratitude can take many forms:
Taking breaks when you feel overwhelmed.
Fueling your body with healthy, nourishing food.
Saying “no” to commitments that stretch you too thin.
Practicing self-care in ways that rejuvenate your spirit, like reading, reflecting, or relaxing.
Engaging in exercise to energize and strengthen your body.
The ways to nurture yourself are endless—whether it’s journaling your thoughts, spending quiet moments in prayer, or simply indulging in a favorite pastime. You have every right to care for yourself as much as you care for others.
May Allah (SWT) fill your cup with peace, contentment, and endless blessings. Take a moment today to pour a little love back into yourself—you deserve it.
Surah Ibrahim | 14:7
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ
And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’”
This Ayah emphasizes that gratitude leads to increased blessings and is a means to gain Allah's mercy. It’s not just a command; it’s a divine principle of life. Gratitude fosters positivity, strengthens faith, and enriches relationships. Studies in psychology even affirm that practicing gratitude improves mental well-being and resilience. As believers, we are called to make gratitude a central part of our lives, both spiritually and practically.
Revealed in the context of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), we are also reminded like the ummah of Ibrahim (AS) about Allah swt’s blessings and urging them to be grateful. The Quran frequently mentions the stories of the Prophets to teach us that gratitude is a key trait of the righteous. For instance, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was referred to as an Ummah (a nation by himself) due to his unwavering devotion and gratitude to Allah despite trials. Prophets Musa (AS) and Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized gratitude in their teachings, warning their people against the dangers of ingratitude.
May Allah (SWT) make us among His grateful servants and grant us the wisdom to recognize and cherish His countless blessings.
The Secrets of Divine Love
The Secrets of Divine Love is a contemporary and spiritually enriching book that bridges traditional Islamic teachings with practical, heart-centered reflections. The author, A. Helwa, draws from the Qur'an, Hadith, poetry, and Islamic mysticism to present a deeply moving exploration of the relationship between Allah and His creation. The book invites readers to embark on a personal journey of love, faith, and gratitude, guiding them to experience the beauty of Islam not just intellectually but emotionally and spiritually.
