I used to think ... now I realize ...

 

I used to think ... now I realize ...

I used to think ... I taught my children about life. 

Now I realize ... my children taught me what life is all about. 

I used to think ... my success is navigated by me. 

Now I realize ... without Allah's guidance, success is never near to me. 

I used to think ... money makes me happy. 

Now I realize ... being the slave to money is ... pity me. 

I used to think ... getting a promotion is the main rezeki. 

Now I realize ... having time to devote to Allah is key. 

I used to think ... I need to lead a luxurious life in this Dunya if I need to sleep peacefully. 

Now I realize ... if I need to sleep peacefully in the grave, I need to wake up in the Dunya. 

I used to think ... my kids, all the materials that I have in this Dunya are mine, mine, mine. 

Now I realize ... all those are on loan basis, they are never mine to begin with. 

I used to think ... Exterior looks are significant, substance comes later. 

Now I realize ... looks without substance is the road to disaster. 

I used to think ... I must achieve high status in people's eyes. 

Now I realize ... what's important is how high my status is in Allah's eyes. 

I used to think ... to get appreciation from others means a whole lot to me. 

Now I realize ... only crave for appreciation from The One and Only. 

I used to think ... look highly on those who are smart. 

Now I realize ... only with Allah's will, smart they be. So who should I look highly on?

I used to think ... happiness is having cool and popular friends. 

Now I realize ... happiness is having righteous friends. 

I used to think ... a cool boss tells me what I like to hear. 

Now I realize ... a sincere boss has the courage to tell me the truth for me to hear. 

I used to think ... when you're in love with someone, you're on top of the world. 

Now I realize ... when you're in love with Allah, it's more than this world.

I used to think ... the more I learn, the more I know. 

Now I realize ... the more I teach what I've learned, the more I know. 

I used to think ... scientists are genius creators. 

Now I realize ... The Creator of the scientists is above all creators. 

I used to think ... security is having tons of money in my bank account. 

Now I realize ... tons of money? Can it  secure me a beautiful place in my next life account?

I used to think ... life is like riding a boat. 

Now I realize ... life is a journey to my final abode. 

I used to think ... my loss is like the end of the world, my worries perpetuates. 

Now I realize ... a loss is a reminder that in life nothing is permanent ... even my worries shall fade away.

I used to think ... unputdownable best selling novel is the best of friend

Now I realize ... Al Quran is the one

I used to think ... I fail if my plan doesn't fly and I cry. 

Now I realize ... Allah will never abandon me, and I also cry. 

I used to think ... sometimes I overthink. 

Now I realize ... I still do!

O' Allah

Guide us to the straight way ...

At least seventeen times a day in our prayer we say ...

Thanks Allah for waking me up ...

Before the day I never wake up ...

Salina Aris

Ramadhan 1437 

201606