Don't Be Sad

Currently I am reading this book titled “DON’T BE SAD”. It is written by ‘Aaidh ibn Abdullah al Qarni and published by the International Islamic Publishing House. Actually I think I was probably destined to find this book. There was a time when I had a lot of questions in my heart which I could not find answers to. I prayed to Allah for all the answers and asked for Divine guidance so that I get peace of mind. Then one day I took my children to the local bookstore to get them some revision books. At this shop, I went to the religious book corner and there I found this book. I treasure the book so much, since the author with his simple and convincing method eased the burden that I had. To date I have given this book as gifts to family members and also recommended the book to others who need guidance and examples from the Muslims who came before us. It has been more than six months since I bought this book but I still had not finish reading it. The reason is because, I need to pause and reflect on all the messages from the Quran and sunnahs that I read from this book.

I would like to quote this book especially on the verses of the Quran so that we will be able to as the author says “ get answers to the doubts that besiege us when we are afflicted with hardship or depression.”

The first few pages of this book teaches us how to contemplate and be thankful for all the blessings that we have.
“health, safety, nourishment, clothing, air and water-these all point to the world being yours, yet you do not realize it. You possess all that life has to offer, yet remain ignorant. You have at your disposal two eyes, a tongue, lips, two hands, and two legs.”

(Then which of the blessings of your LORD will you both (jinns and men) deny?) ( Qur’an 55:13 )

This book also teaches us how to deal with bitter sarcasm and criticism.
“ You will always face criticism. As long as you shine, give, produce, and have an effect upon others, then disapproval and condemnation will be your lot in life.”

“ So remain firm and patient when facing their insults and criticism. If you are wounded by their words and let them have an influence over you, you have realized their hopes for them. Instead, forgive them by showing them the most beautiful of manners. Their disapproval of you only increases you in worth and merit.”

Apart from the above this book teaches us how to give comfort to the heart. How doing good to others and repelling boredom with work gives comfort to the heart.
Nowadays our minds have been distorted and we are not sure what happiness is. Some people think having expensive or branded stuffs bring happiness, others may think good food brings them happiness. Then why is it we find more and more people especially in the western world, turning to meditation and yoga to find relieve and happiness?

“ Show kindness to others, and you will be the first to find solace and comfort. Give to the needy, defend the oppressed, help those in distress, and visit the sick.. you will find that happiness surrounds you from all directions.”

The Prophet saw said:

“ Do not dismiss certain acts of kindness by deeming them to be insignificant, even if ( such an act) is to meet your brother with a smiling face ( for that is a deeed which might weigh heavily on your scale.”
There is still so much to write about this book. I find such happiness when I read the verses of the Quran and how it totally relates to our lives. I will keep updating on this book title “ Don’t Be Sad ” Happy reading