Be Your Own Hero

Adapted from the wise words of a renowned Islamic theologian, translated from Arabic – Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on his soul):

A friend will not (literally) share your struggles, and a loved one cannot physically take away your pain, and a close one will not stay up the night on your behalf… So, look after yourself, protect it, nurture it. And don't give life's events more than what they're really worth.

Be certain that when you break, no one will heal you except you. And when you are defeated, no one will give you victory except your determination. Your ability to stand up again and carry on is your responsibility. Do not look for your self-worth in the eyes of people; look for your worth from within your consciousness. If your conscience is at peace, then you will ascend high. And if you truly know yourself then what is said about you won't harm you.

Do not carry the worries of this life, because this is for Allah. And do not carry the worries of sustenance because it is from Allah. And do not carry anxiety for the future because it is in the hands of Allah. Carry one thing: how to please Allah. Because if you please Him, He pleases you, fulfils you and enriches you.

Do not weep from a life that made your heart weep; just say, “Oh Allah, compensate me with good in this life and in the next.” Sadness departs with a sajdah (prostration). Happiness comes with a sincere dua (prayer). Allah does not forget the good you do, nor does He forget the good you do to others and the pain you relieve them from. He does not forget the tears you shed, nor does He forget the eye which was about to cry but you made it laugh.

Live your life with this principle: Be good even if you do not receive good, not for the sake of others but because Allah loves the good-doers.

“In the end you have to be your own hero. Because everyone is busy trying to save themselves.”