Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do. (Quran, ch.36, v.55)

Miriam noticed her mother sitting by herself in the backyard. Her mother had been sitting there for a long time.

"Are you sad, Ummie?" Miriam asked.

"Yes, I suppose I am," she replied as Miriam sat down beside her.

"Why are you sad?" Miriam asked.

"I am not sure," said her mother. "I guess I was sad without even thinking about it. I am glad you asked, Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah)."

"Are you upset with me?" asked Miriam, "Did I do something wrong, Ummie?"

"No, no," her mother replied as she gently kissed her. "You are a real joy to me."

"Are you feeling ill?" Miriam asked.

"No," said her mother. "Sometimes I just feel a little sad. There is nothing wrong. Insha Allah (God willing) I will feel better soon."

"What makes you feel better?" asked Miriam.

"Well, your helping me right now," said her mother. "It makes me feel good just to chat with you."

" I like it too," said Miriam. "I don't like to see you sad."

"Please don't worry," said her mother. "When some people are around, I pretend to be happy when I'm not. You are my child, so I don't have to pretend around you."

"When I was sick, we prayed a dua'a (supplication) to Allah." Miriam said.

"Yes," her mother said, "and I am grateful that Allah, azza wa jaal (Mighty and Majectic), helped. Sometimes when I'm sad I forget to offer salat (prayers) or to make a dua'a. Thank you for reminding me to ask for help from Allah."

"You told me Allah is the one you should call on at all times," said Miriam.

"That's right!" said her mother. "And He knows that I am sad. You've been a real help, Miriam. Let's have a cup of tea!"


Questions

1) When you’re sad, can you ask someone for help? Whom?
2) Do you help others when they are sad? How?
3) Is everyone sad sometimes?


Dua'a

Oh Allah, cleanse our hearts of sadness and let us live and die as sincere, humble Muslims.