Self-Reflection

“A LOVING PERSON LIVES IN A LOVING WORLD, A HOSTILE PERSON LIVES IN A HOSTILE WORLD: EVERYONE YOU MEET IS YOUR MIRROR” (Ken Keyes,Jr.)

The Mirror

One day Abu Jahl came to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and said; “You have the most ugly face in Bani Hashim.” Abu Jahl was the chief from Quraysh who showed the most hatred of Islam.

The Prophet (PBUH) said; “You speak the truth.”

Soon afterwards Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), came in and remarked, “O! Prophet of Allah, your face shines like the brilliant sun.”

The Prophet (PBUH), gave the same reply; “You speak the truth.”

A Companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was sitting nearby, asked, “How can it be possible, Prophet of Allah , that both these opposite remarks are true?”

The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “I am like a shining, reflective mirror, everyone sees his own face in me.”

(Taken from- "Tales from Rumi" (1997), London: Ta-Ha Publishers).


What would your reflection show about you?

Do you think that you are happy with this reflection?

Imagine that everything you see around you-the character of your family and friends, the experiences you encounter, etc-is a mirror of your consciousness. Notice what you like and what you don’t like. Do this until you feel you are getting to know your reflection.

Write down what you intend to change and what you intend to continue.