I especially love the set in the picture because I really like the print. It’s bright and festive; it makes me smile.
But while I was sewing them I was listening to a lecture. It was the story of when the early Muslims migrated out of Makkah to Madina where another group of early Muslims —the Ansar— lived.
The faith and love the Ansar had —based upon knowledge of Islam, love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and love for Allah— guided these “Helpers” to open their hearts to their fellow man . . . to share the best of their provisions with their emigrant brothers and sisters who had left their worldly possessions behind.
Suddenly I felt ashamed of myself for wanting to keep the napkins.
So, I wrapped the bundle in wax paper, secured it with pink ribbon, attached a hand-made card, and gave it to a family member I love dearly.
The gift was received with such joy. The person felt special that I had thought of them. Not just because it was a hand-crafted gift, but because the person does not have the ability to sew.
I felt fulfilled knowing that the napkins were going to someone who appreciated and needed them.
To make another person happy is the real definition of happiness.
I’m not relating this story to brag. Nor as a confession; we confess our sins and shortcomings to only The Creator. This is a reminder that when we give, we give our best. To show we can learn from our role models — the early Muslims. And to say that even in adulthood, even when we know better, we still need to be reminded to be better.
.♥ والدة – walidah ♥.
And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banî An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. — The Qur’aan Ch. Al-Hashr ‘The Gathering’ 59:9