When Strength Meets Gentleness

Insights from a Humorous Encounter

Reading time: 2 minutes

O Ibn Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Never does Satan find you going on a way, but he takes another way other than yours."

One quiet afternoon, the Prophet ﷺ was sitting in his home, surrounded by some women from the Quraysh.

The atmosphere was lively and filled with animated conversation.

The women spoke freely, their voices occasionally rising as they discussed their desires and concerns.

Some say they were asking for a bit more regarding worldly provisions.

Now, the Prophet ﷺ was the epitome of patience and modesty.

He listened attentively, his kind eyes reflecting understanding.

Despite their voices being louder than his, he remained gracious, allowing them to express themselves openly.

His gentle demeanor made everyone feel at ease in his presence.

As the discussions continued, a familiar figure approached the door—none other than Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).

Umar (RA) was a man whose mere voice commanded attention.

He sought permission to enter, his deep tone resonating from outside.

A sudden hush fell over the room when the women heard Umar's (RA) voice.

In a flurry of movement, they quickly retreated behind the curtains, their laughter and chatter silenced instantly.

It was as if a breeze had swept through, carrying them away.

The Prophet ﷺ observed this sudden change and couldn't help but smile.

In fact, he began to laugh—a rare and beautiful sight.

Umar (RA), upon entering, found the Prophet ﷺ still smiling broadly.

"May Allah keep you laughing, O Messenger of Allah," Umar said, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his voice.

"What makes you laugh?"

The Prophet ﷺ replied, "I am amazed at these women who were just here with me. They were speaking freely, but when they heard your voice, they hastily hid themselves."

Umar (RA), raising an eyebrow, turned toward where the women had concealed themselves.

He called out, "O enemies of yourselves! Shame on you. How can you feel awe towards me but not towards the Messenger of Allah?"

From behind the veils, one of the women mustered the courage to respond. "Yes, but you are harsher and sterner than the Messenger of Allah,"

Her words hung in the air, and the room grew quiet.

A flicker of concern passed across Umar's (RA) face.

Was he genuinely seen as harsh and hard-hearted?

Did his demeanor push people away, even when he intended otherwise?

Sensing his unease, the Prophet ﷺ turned to him with a reassuring gaze.

“O Ibn Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hands my life is!" the Prophet ﷺ said, “Never does Satan find you going on a way, but he takes another way other than yours."

Remember The Prophet ﷺ never told a lie.

He wasn't merely consoling Umar.

He was affirming his strength, courage, and purity of heart.

His firmness wasn't a flaw but a formidable barrier against evil—a strong quality that even Satan would avoid crossing paths with him.

Umar's (RA) eyes softened as he absorbed this affirmation. The worry melted away, replaced by gratitude.

The Prophet ﷺ had, with a few heartfelt words, lifted his spirits and reassured him.

This story is a testament to the Prophet's ﷺ unparalleled ability to navigate human emotions with grace and wisdom.

He acknowledged the light-hearted moments, addressed concerns sincerely, and knew exactly what to say to heal and inspire.

It also reminds us of the beautiful diversity among the companions.

Each had unique traits that made them pleasing to Allah and beneficial to the people in their own special ways.

And the Prophet ﷺ embraced them all, guiding them towards their best selves.

May we strive to emulate the Prophet's ﷺ wisdom in our interactions—bringing comfort to others, speaking words of kindness, and knowing when to infuse a moment with light-heartedness or deep compassion.

Reflection:

How do our perceptions of others influence how we treat them, and how can we adjust our views to foster better relationships?

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Day 357

🇱🇧 Health Ministry estimates Beirut death toll to rise to 300, has so far only confirmed 6 killed, 90 wounded as medical staff report that bodies evaporated from intensity of bombs

🇱🇧 Israel again bombs Dahiyeh neighborhood of Beirut 7 times in past hour

🇱🇧 25+ people confirmed killed by IOF today. Likely severe undercount

🟡 Hezbollah launches rocket barrages at occupied Safad, Tiberias, and colonies in Galilee & Haifa area. Strikes sites in Safad. Also claims targeting Tel Aviv, Ashkelon

🇺🇸 Calls for Secretary of State Blinken to resign after evidence emerged of him dismissing reports that Israel blocked US aid to Gaza & lied to Congress saying the US didn’t assess it

🇵🇸 North Gaza: IOF kills 4 people in Jabalia home incl. 2 kids. IOF bombed home on Hamid Street killing & injuring many people. 1+ killed in IOF attack on Gaza City St

🇵🇸 At least 1 killed, others wounded, in IOF strike on displacement camp in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital (central)

🇺🇳 UN delegates walk out in protest of Netanyahu speech as he vows to continue war & shows map showing West Bank, Gaza as part of Israel

🪖 Israel to recruit African asylum seekers to fill 10,000 soldier shortage, in exchange for residency

🇸🇾 UN: 30,000+ crossed into Syria from Lebanon in 72 hours

🌾 Israel destroys food storage facility in Qalqilya (West Bank)

🇵🇸 West Bank raids: IOF fire tear gas, sound bombs at Bethlehem residents & protestors in Nablus, injuring 1+. Also opened fire at people in Hebron

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