LOVE THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU

DISCLAIMER: I am not a scholar, speaker, informed leader, imam, or knowledgeable person of any kind. If I say anything wrong it is from me, and everything right is from Allah(SWT). I'll be giving advice that I myself have benefited from and  trying to follow as well as hoping to inspire others to walk on the straight path."

Today I feel like discussing love. The fairytale of all fairy tales, the mother of emotions and the most talked about yet least understood confliction within ourselves. It expands to external sources, too. (Unless you don't love anyone but yourself. In which case, please carry on.) 

I love Harry Potter. Sometimes I love it so entirely, all-consumingly enough I don't know how I manage to contain those magnificent, indescribable feelings within me. I am a writer, but I have no words to explain how much I love this life changing series that wasn't a book so much as a second life. One things for certain, though: I don't love it more than I love Allah(SWT) and Islam, which is where you should be drawing the line.

Love has become an issue that I, albeit my young age (or maybe because of it), perceive to be all too common amongst Muslims nowadays. And you know what? We get it. You sin, I sin, we all sin. We're human. We make errors and sometimes it takes years to get through them, and sometimes you lose so much of yourself it's almost impossible to find yourself again. As I said, we all do it; so no, sinning isn't avoidable. Does that make it okay? No. No matter how many kids fry ants with their magnifying glasses, it will remain a monstrous act. Even if the entire world is dating it will be no less a sin than it was when only you did it. 

Reconsider your life and your priorities. Who are you sinning for? Is this random guy on the internet worth punishment in the afterlife? Is walking to the park with the new guy worth your parents' pain, disappointment, or anxiety? Is this text conversation worth Allah(SWT)'s anger? Are the severe consequences worth all of this? No, my friends, my dear beloved sisters. It isn't. 

Islam has given you the moon; we, my sisters, are precious diamonds wrapped in the cleanest of soils where we wait to sprout like flowers in the midst of summer. Do you know what it means to engage in the zina Allah(SWT) has forbidden for reasons He fully understands because He is almighty and we are just specks floating like dust who know nothing about what's right for us? It means you're cutting of your stem, you're tarnishing the sparkly, valuable exterior of your diamond. Do you not deserve better? If you think no, stop. Take a deep breath. Allah(SWT) obviously does, and His word is enough for any of us. SubhanAllah, we are blessed into a religion where our Creator, our God, loves us so much He has instructed us what to do with ourselves. He is always there, looking out for us like the best parents do. If you can't see Him, go through the Qu'ran, hadith, sunnah of Muhammed(SAW). Go through surahs and read their meaning. You will always find Him for He is the ultimate One to whom our love should belong because there is nothing He hasn't done for us (or isn't saving for a later time that He knows is best for us). That's a promise. 

SOMETHINGS TO LEAVE YOU WITH:

• Be patient. Allah(SWT) has good things in store for you. When times get especially tough, make dua. It's available to us for a reason, and good things come to those who wait. Change doesn't happen overnight, and Allah(SWT) knows more than us. 
  
  
• Remember the temporariness of this dunya, this life. A few years secretly dating someone here or an eternity with your husband in jannat(heaven)? The choice is yours. Don't waste it.
  
  
• Repent. Don't hate yourself. We all sin, all have, and all will. Allah(SWT) is Ar-Rahim, the merciful, and He loves to forgive, so ask for His forgiveness. It's never too late, and you're being ridiculous if you think it is. A bad act does not create a bad person. Don't waste time hating yourself; instead, push that energy into something positive, like as a driving force to carry out all the good deeds you set as a goal to accomplish. End the sin, ask for forgiveness, and work on bettering yourself. Islam teaches that the door to repentance is never locked.
  
  
• Love Allah(SWT) most. Go to Him for advice and help. He can do more in one millionth of a millisecond than any average human being can do for you in one year. Remember to not give more of your heart to anyone but Him. Do things for His sake. 
  
  
• Do whatever you can to avoid the sin in the first place. Sure, you might find temporary relief and comfort in the words or arms of someone, but sinning will never make matters well. Ignoring an issue doesn't eradicate it and the beggar doesn't become rich by stealing. Take the means to stop yourself before it gets too out of hand. Don't enter a bar and act surprised later to find you're drunk. All you have to do is put yourself in the wrong situation and Shaytan will take over from there. Don't give him the opportunity.
  
  
• Avoid contact with the opposite gender through social media. If you're bored, get off your phone. Texting, DMing, and even commenting via the internet is how almost all relationships form these days. Stay away from intimate settings and personal interactions. Like they say, when two people are alone together, the third in company is Shaytan. 
  
  
• Turn to the right people. Be honest. Have good company and ask for their help in getting ahold of your life. You can do this. Separate yourself from the wrong crowds. Talk to your parents, Islamic leaders, teachers, or any adult you trust. If you feel comfortable, talk to your friends. Take into consideration the advice people give. You don't know everything, and that's okay. When the conflict gets too big, external help is necessary. 
  

Everything I say is a reminder to myself first and foremost. I'm not perfect in any means, but Allah(SWT) is, and the only way to get through is to remember Him first. May Allah(SWT) help us all do the right things we know we're supposed to be doing, and protect us from the hell-fire. Ameen. Much love to everyone. Catch ya on here soon. X

This article was written by  regular SFC Guest  Contributor, Aiman.  Her writings   can also be found on her  personal blog-spontaneously-splendid.blogspot.com.