MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Put A Smile On Somebody's Face!

 

Make A Difference!

Put A Smile On

Somebody's Face!

(M. Javed Naseem)

We are all human beings – white, black, brown, yellow, red or of any color. We are one community and are supposed to help each other in times of need. As human beings we should feel for others because we are all parts of one great body and pieces of one big jigsaw puzzle. We all face similar problems and go through similar or the same hurdles on different stages in life. We can benefit from others' experiences. Helping others has no limits in ways and means. If we can't do anything materially for others, at least we can support them and guide them morally. Sometime, a soothing word works wonder and does more than material help. One without the others is nothing.

We, the believers, are like a brotherhood, a fraternity, or a community. We are supposed to be merciful and compassionate toward each other. We should be sharing love and kindness among ourselves. We should be like one body so that if one part of the body is not well, the whole body shares the sleeplessness. If one part of the body hurts, the whole body feels and shares the pain or fever.

That’s the way the Muslim community is supposed to be. The best among us is not the one who has achieved top position in sports, education, science, technology or arts. These honors are good for one’s personal satisfaction. If he/she cannot use it for the benefit of other human beings, it’s of no use. The best among us is the one who has the best morals, best conduct and best character. Islam calls for a society based on social justice and compassion – the spirit to help others. It is an obligation.

If we are not selfish and self-conceited, we should always be thinking about others; especially the less fortunate, the not-so-lucky, the handicapped and the needy. If we cannot help them materially, at least console them morally with some kind, nice, soothing and sympathetic word. Don’t ever think it is worthless! It matters, for it touches the heart and soul of the needy. And that's what we remember in life.

There is a traditional narration attributed to the Prophet (s.a.w.) that goes like that:

“The one who looks after and helps a widow or a poor/needy person, is like a warrior
fighting for Allah’s cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night.”

Let me give you a simple but very important quiz I read the other day:
1- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2- Name the last five Olympic champions in 100m dash.
3- Name the last five winners of Miss Universe contest.
4- Name five people who have won the Nobel prize.
5- Name the last five winners of Academy Award for best actor & actress.

Now, how did you do? Remember anybody or anything? They were the most important people at that particular time. But none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. They were no second-rate achievers. They were the best in their field. These were the people who made headlines. They were on TV, radio, talk-shows, in the magazines and newspapers for days, even weeks. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten easily. Certificates and medals get buried with their owners. They become forgotten heroes.

Now, here is the second part of that quiz! See how you do on this one:

1. List five teachers who aided your educational journey in life.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Think of five persons who have made you feel good, appreciated and special.
4. Name five people you enjoy spending time with.
5. Name five heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? Of course! So, what’s the lesson? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, most money, or the most awards & medals. They are the people who cared; who touched your heart and soul; who were there with a kind and encouraging word when you were down. And that makes the difference.

Now, you try to be one of those people and touch somebody’s soul. Make a difference! Leave your footprints on somebody’s life. Please do it while you still can.

God bless you!

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