Indeed, Kindness is Free

LIFE LESSON: 'INDEED, KINDNESS IS FREE'

Despite the lack of outcome, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. The words of encouragement and support I have received remind me that I am not alone in this journey.

 In the world today, kindness is sometimes hard to come by. People are often too busy and consumed in their own lives to think about the welfare of others. As a result, it often falls on the shoulders of those whom we trust the most and who have the ability to help another in their time of need. It is with this understanding that we acknowledge the immense feeling of gratitude to such a person who was able to show great kindness and help us at a time when we did not expect it at all.

When I was young, I never expected to have to swallow my pride and beg for work in order to survive. Having responsibilities and obligations as the breadwinner can make life especially difficult. I found myself in a situation where I had to convince myself that things would be okay and that Allah knew what was happening and what was best for me.

Today, I had to swallow my pride and reach out to family and friends for help, but to no avail.

The footprints of kindness in Islam are mentioned in the Qur’an, where Allah states: “And whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah” (Quran 2:110). This statement implies that Muslim individuals should practice good deeds, as the rewards from Allah for benevolent deeds will come back in greater measure. This Qur'anic verse also signifies that good deeds should be embodied in our daily lives. Muslims are actually commanded to go even further by performing good deeds for others, which are defined as the highest level of ikhlaas.

The words ‘Alhamdulillah, Indeed prayers were answered’ come to mind when we think about such a person. This is because the person we are talking about was not someone whose presence was known to us, but to whom we would have been forever grateful for providing us with the help that we had no idea how to acquire. Even though we did not know each other well, they provided us with the necessary assistance needed without asking for anything in return. This is truly a sign of character and kindness that many will never get to experience.

The gesture was so special that it was impossible to articulate properly how appreciative we were for the help. All that was felt was that there was a person who genuinely cared and wanted to be a part of our solution. Someone who selflessly put their trust in us and provided the aid that was required, without expecting any form of reward. Such kindness is priceless and has the ability to move one to tears, especially when we feel so helpless in times of need.

We can only hope and send our prayers that He Almighty Allah will accept all their prayers and grant them peace in their life. We also pray that He protects them, their family, and all whom they hold dear, from any sort of harm or danger. We know that those who show such auspiciousness will be protected and receive His many blessings in return.

It is important to remember that since we do not know each other that much, the act of selflessness that was done was not something they had to do, but something they chose to do. For this, they deserve much respect and admiration. As humans, we all have the ability to show kindness and compassion for others, and when we give without expecting anything in return, that is what the true meaning of kindness is. Thus, we can pass on such kindness to others who may not expect it and spread the same courtesy we ourselves received. May He Almighty Allah grant them all His many blessings.

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Algazelus 09.05.23