Starting From Within
It can sometimes become a habit to focus more on what’s happening on the outside than on the inside. We often focus so much on how things look and end up neglecting seeing how they really truly are. But what goes on within us is often reflected on the outside. A beautiful heart speaks beautiful words and in turn, the opposite also applies.
When it comes to building a home, it’s important we start on the ones we have internally. Everything external is somewhat materialistic, and our hearts are our biggest investments. Are we taking care of ourselves and nurturing our hearts and minds? How we feel about ourselves is reflected in our work and everything we do in life. So…where do we begin?
Turning a house into a home requires building beautiful and everlasting habits. Because a home then becomes an important pillar in the ummah, where the future is raised. It’s up to the individuals within those walls to learn and understand the importance of nurturing themselves and each other.
No Matter How Small…
It’s not uncommon for us to look at those who have more than us. It’s become extremely normal to compare our lives to individuals who appear to be living the life we’re aspiring to have. But what is sometimes normal does not necessarily make it right. There is a hadith where the Prophet (S.A.W) tells us:
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to hold you back from belittling the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you.”
Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2963
We live in a society that encourages us to constantly crave more. No matter how luxuriously or comfortably we may be living, the grass always looks greener somewhere else. This hadith has such a profound lesson and mentions the dangers of continuing down this road. No matter how big or small our space may be, no matter the situation, we must remember that some don’t have a space at all. When it comes to turning a house into a home, so much gratitude is required. Alhamdulillah for the blessing of this beautiful opportunity needs to be at the forefront of our minds!
From Foundations to Pillars
In order to build a sturdy and strong building, which can withstand strong winds and harsh weather, the foundations need to be firm. Without a strong foundation, this building won’t be able to withstand anything. Any difficulty that comes its way will cause it to crumble, requiring it to be rebuilt over and over resulting in wasted time and energy. That’s why it’s so important that when turning a house into a home, strong foundations are built first.
What kinds of mindsets will run this home? What’s the ultimate goal in building it in the first place? Is it to be another physical building intended to house chasing the dunya, or otherwise?
The aim is always to become a pillar for the ummah – adding to its foundations to only aid it in growing stronger. When it comes to turning a house into a home, it’s important we understand that without the religion of Allah (S.W) being the essence which we carry behind those closed doors, we just won’t succeed in anything. The goal is to turn a house into a home here, to earn an everlasting one in the hereafter.
An Everlasting Investment
Imagine your palace in Jannah, built and designed to exactly your delight. Maybe it will have marble floors, gold-trimmed bannisters and the highest walls and ceilings you have ever seen. Imagine walking through your new home, a queen of a palace for every effort you exerted in this life. For the daily struggles you faced but greeted with patience, the burning feeling you’d feel inside which you suppressed with shukr, for every ounce of hardship rewarded.
Turning a house into a home is so much more than choosing new furniture. It’s the way you plan your entire week around your family. It includes the difficult decisions you make for the betterment of the ummah, all of which never go unseen. Turning a house into a home means nurturing yourself through educating yourself about your Lord. And learning all about who He wants you to be – not society.
The daily test of keeping out the difficulties the dunya has to offer from what you’re trying to turn into a haven is no easy task. Fighting off the fitna the outside world carries and facilitating a safe space full of sakinah is what the Queen of a palace does. And what an everlasting investment you are making, inshaAllah.
