Yesterday, I was in the airport with my son Zakariya travelling back to Cairo, when I saw a new video game kiosk.
Zak was looking intently at the F1 game with steering wheels and pedals. Never in a million years would I consider something like this in an airport, but seeing his interest I said, ‘Do you want to play’?
He said ‘No, no it’s ok – it looks expensive!’ (Clearly, I’ve taught him well!)
I said to the guy, we want one game please and Zak raised a beaming smile.
So why did I do that in the Terminal 1 departure lounge!?
For the past 9 months, Zak has been slogging away for the 11+ exams. A mixture of frustration, parents shouting, crying, tantrums… everyone who has kids this age know what I mean.
When I saw this game kiosk, the first thought that entered my mind was that I want to make him happy, *because* of the effort he exerted for the exams. A small gift for the past 9 months of turmoil. I would have walked past that shop 99 times out of 100, but because he’s pushed himself at our instruction, it felt like he deserved it.
He was over the moon, but it got me thinking how:
a) Allah (swt) continuously gives us things in life out of the blue. Unexpected. A random tax credit in the post. Good news about a family member. A new job offer. These are from the bounties of Allah (swt).
Zak was looking intently at the F1 game with steering wheels and pedals. Never in a million years would I consider something like this in an airport, but seeing his interest I said, ‘Do you want to play’?
He said ‘No, no it’s ok – it looks expensive!’ (Clearly, I’ve taught him well!)
I said to the guy, we want one game please and Zak raised a beaming smile.
So why did I do that in the Terminal 1 departure lounge!?
For the past 9 months, Zak has been slogging away for the 11+ exams. A mixture of frustration, parents shouting, crying, tantrums… everyone who has kids this age know what I mean.
When I saw this game kiosk, the first thought that entered my mind was that I want to make him happy, *because* of the effort he exerted for the exams. A small gift for the past 9 months of turmoil. I would have walked past that shop 99 times out of 100, but because he’s pushed himself at our instruction, it felt like he deserved it.
He was over the moon, but it got me thinking how:
a) Allah (swt) continuously gives us things in life out of the blue. Unexpected. A random tax credit in the post. Good news about a family member. A new job offer. These are from the bounties of Allah (swt).
وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجًا * وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ
“Whoever fears Allah, he gives for them a way out of every difficulty and he provides more sources he cannot imagine” (65:2)
But Allah also gives us whether we deserve it or not. That’s the essence of His bounties. Even a non-believer will roam in the meadows of Allah’s generosity. But for us, it’s recognising it is ALL from him (swt).
b) Allah rewards us for the effort and not necessarily the result. My son’s results have not come out yet, but this video game was not linked to the outcome. If a created being as limited as ourselves is predisposed to recognise and reward effort, then how about the Lord of the Worlds, who sees and hears everything, even the whispers in our hearts?
Allah says in the Qur’an:
b) Allah rewards us for the effort and not necessarily the result. My son’s results have not come out yet, but this video game was not linked to the outcome. If a created being as limited as ourselves is predisposed to recognise and reward effort, then how about the Lord of the Worlds, who sees and hears everything, even the whispers in our hearts?
Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَكَانَ سَعْيُكُم مَّشْكُورًا
“Your striving has been appreciated.” (76:22)
Some of our good actions might not help hundreds and thousands of people. It might just be one person you help. But when you do something for the religion of Allah – the tiredness, the effort, the frustration which comes with it does not go unnoticed. That’s what Allah (swt) will reward.
Whatever you have the ability to do to please Allah, just do it. If you face difficulties and obstacles, don’t let it get you down. It’s the endeavour, not the result that matters.
Some of our good actions might not help hundreds and thousands of people. It might just be one person you help. But when you do something for the religion of Allah – the tiredness, the effort, the frustration which comes with it does not go unnoticed. That’s what Allah (swt) will reward.
Whatever you have the ability to do to please Allah, just do it. If you face difficulties and obstacles, don’t let it get you down. It’s the endeavour, not the result that matters.