Stuck in Traffic? -- Remember Allah… and Think

[Sheikh Salman al-Oadah]


All too often, we find ourselves waiting for ages at the doctor's office, or in traffic jams, or for that business meeting to start. We spend most of that time stewing in our frustration, complaining about our dwindling reserves of patience, and accusing everyone else of being inconsiderate, incompetent, or both.

We fail to see how valuable that time is in our busy lives. We always hear the advice that we should remember Allah more often, especially in our idle time, but what good advice it is. Remembering Allah is what enlivens our hearts and souls, brings us peace of mind, and elevates our status with Allah. It cleanses us of our sins -- and it makes our Lord pleased with us.

Lost in thought as you walk home, you reflect about the day you’ve had. It’s not been a good day so your thoughts lead you to think about all the other problems in your life, all the past and current dilemmas, all the current hardships you are facing and the old wounds that are yet to heal.  The same thoughts go round and round in your mind and you start to feel a little sad.

From sadness to anguish to wallowing in misery, you can feel yourself about to be engulfed, completely consumed and being pulled towards this pit hole of pain, agony and depression.

And then you look up.  And you see a man smiling into his phone as he walks.  A phone he holds with the stubs of his arms because this man has no hands.