SubhanAllah! While visiting a beloved sister in Mississauga, I finally captured the famous twisting towers, often called the Marilyn Monroe Towers for their curvy design said to resemble her iconic figure.
We all know that Marilyn Monroe was adored worldwide by many, yet her fame did not shield her from loneliness, exploitation, or depression.
SubhanAllah! She had beauty, wealth, and recognition, but inwardly she struggled with emptiness. Reports even suggest her death went unnoticed for hours, some say even days. It is quite a thrilling reminder of how quickly “friends” disappear when the glamour fades.
She was objectified by an industry that thrives on appearances, reducing people to commodities.
Islam, by contrast, preserves dignity and modesty for both men and women, safeguarding us from being treated as objects of desire.
Islam calls us to prepare for death at all times, to value sincerity over superficiality, and to seek meaning and purpose beyond material success. A life built on fame and beauty may glitter outwardly, but without spiritual grounding, it collapses.
What endures is iman (faith), righteous deeds, and a heart content with Allah Al-‘Azeem.
Marilyn’s life was also marked by depression and drug abuse. Islam reminds us that the body, mind, and soul each have rights upon us, and we will be questioned about it as they are amanah (trust) given to us by Allah Al-Khaaliq.
Balancing the emotional, spiritual, and physical is part of living responsibly, and neglecting one dimension destabilizes the rest.
Despite being surrounded by admirers, Marilyn often felt utterly alone.
Islam reassures us, even if the world abandons us, Allah Al-Waliyy (The Protective Friend) never does, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (Holy Qur’an 9:40). People may come and go, but Allah as The Ultimate Friend remains forever, and never abandons.
Marilyn Monroe died at only 36, yet her name lives on but often in the shadow of tragedy, not as a legacy of goodness. Islam teaches us to leave behind what truly benefits like sadaqah e jariyah (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, or righteous children who pray for us.
A legacy of khayr (goodness) is more lasting than such a fleeting glamour.
Though she was hailed as a “symbol of liberation,” but true liberation is what Islam has defined as freedom not in the rejection of all limits, but in submission to the limits set by Allah Al-Ahad alone. That submission frees us from slavery to society’s expectations, fleeting desires, and exploitative systems. The servant of Allah is freer than the servant of people’s opinions.
Her beauty, while a gift, also became a test drawing envy, exploitation, and industry’s pressure. Beauty, like wealth, is a trial, it requires humility and protection, not display or abuse.
Her sudden, shocking death is a reminder that death doesn’t knock politely, it arrives unannounced. “No soul knows in what land it will die.” (Holy Qur’an 31:34). Fame, youth, or success cannot delay it. Repentance should never be postponed for old age.
Marilyn Monroe’s story is a mirror. It shows what happens when the world chases outer beauty, fame, and desire while neglecting the soul. Islam flips the script, calling us to nurture the qalb, invest in righteous deeds, and secure what truly lasts beyond this fleeting world.
So, yeah the Marilyn Monroe towers standing tall in Mississauga is a tale of tragedy giving us insights in lessons to imbibe.