SubhanAllah! Years ago, when we were in Vancouver, British Columbia, we went to visit Victoria for some work.
We were crossing a road when we saw an entire building covered, almost hidden, in thick green ivy which is a climbing, trailing plant.
Alhamdulillah that I was able to capture this beautiful moment in my cell camera, because I knew it has a lot to teach me. And here I am writing on this, Alhamdulillah. The ivy was so beautiful. It was the first thing to notice. But underneath all that green is a solid stone building, built decades ago. Without that structure, the ivy would have nothing to hold onto. It would have collapsed.
Our lives are the same. The khair (good) we do, our kindness, our patience, empathy our deeds, rests on something hidden, the very foundation, the solid structure which is the consciousness of Allah Al-A’leem, Al-Baseer, if we don’t have this strong structure then no matter how much good we do, it is all vain because then it wouldn’t be for the sake of Allah, the solid structure of consciousness, of Allah is all that matters. Especially the work we do when no one is watching.
Nobody photographs the root. But everything depends on it. Like the stone is still there under all that ivy. You can see it at the edges, at the corners, around the windows. The building did not disappear when the ivy grew. It became the support for everything that came after. We also need to understand that our past does not disappear when we grow either. Our struggles, our mistakes, the raw and difficult years, they do not get erased. They become the structure that holds our growth up, if channelised properly in light of Islam, and that’s the key, we need to channelize all that pain and endurance as per Islam. So don’t ruminate, take lessons and let it all be a part of a strong structure which can hold such beautiful ivy that catches every eye.
Another remarkable thing, the ivy here is not just decorative and beautiful. It also insulates the walls, absorbs sound, shelters small birds and insects. It is beautiful and beneficial at the same time, and that’s the real definition of beauty.
…And If you look closely at the building, the ivy covers everything except the windows. They are still clear, still letting the light in. Was wondering that no matter how much the ivy grew, the windows were carefully left open for the light to enter. In our lives too, no matter how much good we do, no matter how much we have spread like ivy, the window to let the light in must always be kept open. Like for example- your own time alone with Allah Al-Ahad in silence, in reflection, in conversation, in sharing the whole day’s highlight with Him, Al-A’leem (The All Knowing) despite His all knowing attribute, you sharing it all with Him. Also, You developing such acquaintances in life be it family or friends who can be your mirrors in life. These are those beautiful windows which any ivy should not cover, ever.