Reasons to Smile
Jummah Mubarak, sis! I’m sending you nothing but smiles today because Halaqah Tingz has achieved a major milestone that was celebrated in the most beautiful way. Our Inaugural Gala was an unforgettable afternoon, marking so many incredible accomplishments. With every smile shared during that time, we felt a profound sense of barakah flowing through us all. The energy in the room was contagious, and the generosity radiating from those smiles felt like an endless stream of blessings. Truly, it was an afternoon of celebration, gratitude, and abundant charity.
As the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Your smile for your brother is a charity." (Sunan Abi Dawood) Each smile shared that afternoon carried a sense of goodness, unity, and love, filling the room with both spiritual and worldly blessings.
We’re excited for the future and looking forward to more smiles, continued growth, and the strengthening of love and sisterhood in our community. Here's to many more moments of joy and collective progress!
Surah Al-Anbiya | 21:92
إِنَّ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُونِ
“Indeed, this ummah of yours is one ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me”
This ayah carries a profound message of unity and collective strength. It reminds us that despite the diversity in our backgrounds, cultures, and individual differences, we are all part of one ummah, one global community of believers, united under the worship of Allah swt.
This sign emphasizes the importance of solidarity and harmony among us, as we share the common goal of seeking Allah swt’s pleasure and striving to live according to His guidance. It encourages us to set aside differences and focus on the greater purpose of our shared faith and values. The unity of the ummah is not only a spiritual concept but also a call to support and uplift one another, especially in moments of challenge or celebration.
For our sisterhood, this ayah is particularly powerful. It encourages us as women to come together in love, compassion, and mutual respect. Just as the ummah is one, so too should our bonds of sisterhood be strong, rooted in shared faith and a collective desire to grow together in Allah swt’s path. It reminds us that we are not isolated in our journeys but are part of a greater community, one that thrives through mutual care, support, and understanding.
It inspires us to work together as sisters in faith, strengthening each other’s iman, sharing in both our joys and struggles, and fostering an environment where love, respect, and unity are at the heart of our interactions. Just as the ummah thrives when united, our sisterhood can flourish when we are bound together in love, faith, and the shared purpose of pleasing Allah swt.
The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper
This memoir explores healing, emotional recovery, and the connection between compassion and human connection. Harper, a Black female ER physician, reflects on her experiences with people from all walks of life and the importance of human kindness and empathy, often conveyed through simple gestures like a smile.
Both books reflect the power of positive human interaction and the subtle yet profound impact of a smile on both the giver and the receiver.
