The Cancer Of Complaining
Assalam Alaekum Waramatullahi Wabarakatu, dear sis,
You good, good?
I really thought this week’s newsletter would be dampening cause of how bleh a bit of yesterday was for me. But, isn’t Allah merciful? This is less than 24 hours later and I am already my bubbly self again! AlhamduLlilahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen!
I have to start out with a special shout-out to Sh. Abdullah Oduro, whose amazing reflections on Surah Yusuf, inspired this topic (TBH, I lifted the whole topic! Fam, it was too pure to be diluted, hehehe).
Honestly, if there was one thing I could do without it will be complaining , for sure! I detest it and also find it to be an absolute waste of my time. Unfortunately, ridding myself of it, is not as easy as I thought, so I am countering it with everything I have got! On my list is taking it to Allah, never letting go of gratitude, striving for a solutions mindset, avoiding complaint-ridden conversations ( the hardest) and just allowing myself a few grumbles when absolutely necessary.
I have learnt so much from this battle against complaining, things like how my life is amazing (and so is yours) , trials are an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and how I can creatively turn situations from bleh to YAY! Like every other human being however, I also fall and stumble and that was why I RAN to the Quran this morning to pick me up when I felt a shower of complaints approaching.
I listened to Quran 30 for 30 and it turned out to be Juz 13 and my fave Surah, Surah Yusuf! Even better, Sh. Abdullah ’s reflection was centered on the cancer of complaining! He spoke about how complaints can easily lead to despair, open the door for more complaints and even worse, spread to others, including our children..SubhanaLlah! It can never be worth it!
After listening to this, I was already nodding in agreement and pretty much feeling like I had won the battle against complaining, till he passed the mic to Sh. Sarah! I really think the time has come to hand her an award for best in therapy cos those reflections felt like a healing session! Her analysis of how Prophet Yusuf drew strength from his trials, were so good, I had to share my notes!
And that’s not all Sr Sarah has contributed to dealing with struggles. I dug up this short video, where she shares beautiful tips on how to be grateful too! Can we just crown her already?
I'll wrap this up with Yaqeen Institute's latest resource on dealing with the impact of trauma on faith! No better way to end , I tell you!
I truly pray that this is truly beneficial for you and that Allah grants you ease in all your affairs. Ameen
I leave you in Allah's care,
One of us at Ibadahplug