Trying New Tingz
Jummah Mubarak sis! Alhamdullilah for new beginnings and new ventures. When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone and tried something new? When was the last time you took calculated risks? Well, you’ll never know if you haven’t tried. This upcoming week, we encourage you to try something new! Step out your comfort zone a bit, but ask Allah swt to put baraqah in it. Afterall, He’s the sustainer of everything!
Surah Ar-Rum 30:26 (The Romans)
وَلَهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ كُلٌّۭ لَّهُۥ قَـٰنِتُونَ
“And to Him belong all those in the heavens and the earth—all are subject to His Will”
You would think it’s common knowledge that all understand that we belong to Allah swt; everything on this earth and in the heavens, but it’s not “common knowledge”. Allah swt originated everything and continues to repeat it, it’s not a difficult thing for Allah swt. Surah Ar-Rum is a Meccan Surah, in that it was revealed in Mecca during a time when the Roman Empire seemed to be on the verge of collapse. This surah is also one of the strongest pieces of evidence that the Prophet Muhammad saw was a true Messenger. This entire surah calls us to reflect on the countless things we take for granted in a way that allows us to appreciate the many proofs of existence of Allah swt.
A bulk of Meccan surahs are focused on the test of life, monotheism, and Islamic Character. In everything around us are signs of the existence of Allah swt. Revisiting the questions of taking calculated risks, how have you shown appreciation of your life and the countless blessings Allah swt has bestowed upon you? It’s not a matter of knowing your life’s calling, but rather showing your appreciation for life itself. Allah swt allotted us a finite time on this earth, witnessing many signs of His existence and His Majesties. How can we improve on our appreciation?
Resource: Ibn-Kathir Tafseer & Yaqeen Institute
Have you Heard of Stress Buffering?
Neither have we! Social psychologists identify “Stress Buffering” mechanisms, such as a perceived connection with the divine, as key ways people may deal with difficult life events. Some psychologists believe religion may benefit psychological well-being because it encourages supernatural beliefs that can help people deal with stress. Well, we already knew that right? Check out this interesting article about religion and how the perception of happiness, civic engagement, and health around the world varies.
Their research showed that people who are active in religious congregations tend to be happier and more civically engaged than either religiously unaffiliated adults or inactive members of religious groups, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of survey data from the United States and more than two dozen other countries.
