大象传媒

Good Morning

Perhaps one of the things that make us human is our need for connection. One of the ways we connect with those in our past is through upholding traditions. These age-old things help give meaning to the way we dress, the way we eat, the stories we tell, and the beliefs we hold dear.

So then how beautiful is it that in modern times, people feel moved enough to start new traditions cultivated and rooted in our current needs and what is required from us in the present?

One such tradition is World Kindness Day. It was first observed 24 years ago today, with the aim of bringing people together under the banner of doing kind acts big and small. This day aims to unite people of all faiths and none to think outside of themselves and ponder on the needs of others.

Muslims are asked to think about kindness and compassion even in the most mundane acts, through the utterance of the words Bismillahir Al rahmanir Rahim, in the name of God the most kind the most compassionate. These words are said at the start of the day, before prayer, before eating, or before starting anything new. These words should be reminders of the kindness that is extended to us, and a provocation to extend that kindness to others. However, it can be easy for the gravity of words to be lost in repetitiveness of an act. Dear Lord, Thank you for your extending your kindness and compassion to us all, please help us to be conduits of your grace and help us to be intentional about spreading it to others.

Ameen