SubhanAllah, on our casual walk today, we paused to admire a breathtakingly beautiful flower we had never seen before. Out of curiosity, we used Google lens to discover its name.
The beautiful flower is called Foxglove.
But to our surprise, we came to know it is highly toxic!
Yes, the foxglove is truly mesmerizing, but SubhanAllah, beneath that striking beauty lies a harsh reality, even a small amount, if ingested, can cause severe harm or even death as it attacks the heart!
SubhanAllah! As I write this, I’m in awe, as I was about to pluck the flower, but something made me stop.
Found out later, that it is reported that even touching foxglove can be harmful in certain cases, its sap contains toxins that may irritate the skin or worse, even if touched.
Truly, Allah is Al-Lateef, His protection is subtle and constant, even in the moments we don’t fully realize it.
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ
SubhanAllah! Such a contrast between external charm, and internal danger offers a deep and powerful reminder.
Many things in this dunya (worldly life) appear attractive like wealth, fame, popularity, fleeting pleasures, trends, even certain relationships.
But as the proverb says – not all that glitters is gold. Just like the foxglove, something may look good, but carry poison within.
SubhanAllah! Toxicity exists in words, in habits, in relationships, and in environments. Sometimes, things or people that appear charming from the outside carry the weight of emotional damage, manipulation, or spiritual distress.
It may leave no visible scars, but it burdens the heart, confuses the mind, and clouds one’s spiritual clarity. A toxic experience may wear the dress of affection, but the aftermath is often anxiety, guilt, doubt, or loss of self-worth.
The beauty of Islam is that it gives us a clear lens through the Holy Qur’an, Seerah ﷺ, and du’a to recognize what is truly pure and to avoid what may seem appealing but is harmful.
“…Perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you, and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)
Sometimes, we desire things that harm us like a relationship, a job, or a trend that looks good but distances us from Allah ta’ala. Other times, we dislike things like hardship or delay, but they bring growth, protection, or a better path leading to Him, Al-Azeem.
We see the surface, Allah Al-Al-Baseer (The All Seeing) sees the unseen.
Trust His wisdom, even when things don’t make sense right away.
So, the question arises should we not love beauty then?
Well! the real beauty is not toxic. Infact! the real beauty is not superficial. It is holistic also rooted in the heart, in good intentions, in manners, and in righteous actions.
Unlike the foxglove, which deceives and harms, the true beauty should be a source of benefit, not toxicity.
SubhanAllah! Even in the beauty and danger of a flower, Allah Al-Hakeem has placed signs for those who reflect!
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the ardh and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of understanding.”
(Surah Aal-Imran 3:190)
The foxglove flower reminds us that this dunya is filled with tests and signs. Its beauty is real, and so is its poison.
May we not be fooled by the surface but guided to the truth beneath. May we see the reality of all things, people as they truly are!
اللَّهُمَّ أرِنِى حَقِيقَةَ الْاَشْيَآءَ كَمَا هِىَ
“Ya Allah! Show me the reality of all things as it (really) is..”
May Allah Al-Hafeez protect us from being deceived by outward forms, protect us from all toxic influences within and around, and bless us with insight, sincerity, and the company of what and who truly brings us closer to Him.