Tag: people

personal thoughts

The Gracious Eye

nhpureandsimple

First of all, I’d like to say that I have just come across the concept of the gracious eye in the book I am currently reading. I find it interesting to let you know about it too — perhaps, you’re already familiar with it. Anyway, this insight might be helpful when life feels as sour as expired Milk. But, does life have an expiry date? keep reading, and I will explain my point in just a moment.

They say truth needs the gracious eye. Do you know why?

Truth, in most cases, is objective. It reveals accurate facts, real stories, unbiased conclusions. That’s why it can hurt, shock, and even terrify. Truth is usually blunt and heartless. And, that’s why it needs the gracious eye — to make it tolerable, acceptable, and even beautiful.

So, what is the gracious eye?

It is the way you try to find unmentioned within the mentioned, the possible within the impossible, and the light within the dark. In other words, it is when you choose to believe in healing, and strive for contentment. After all, aren’t there useful uses for sour milk? Of course, there are.

Here’s the quote about the gracious eye:

“If we were to describe our life strictly in terms of its factual truth, most of its interesting, complex and surprising dimensions would remain unmentioned. The gracious eye can find the corners where growth and healing are at work even when we feel weak and limited.”

And finally, does life have an expiry date?  I believe it doesn’t, because it is not a commodity. Yes, it’s temporary, but it’s a journey — with a beginning, a fixed time, and a certain destination.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Hate Or Envy

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Both are destructive feelings, but which one do you think is worse?

I don’t know about you, but I believe envy is far more harmful and destructive. It’s envy that opens the door wide to hate, but not the other way around. For example, you hate evil, but you would never envy it. Hate is a stong word which is used for limited and specific reasons or occasions — that’s how our hearts work.

Isn’t it interesting that the heart in Arabic is called Qalb which means something that constantly turns or changes? This can explain why the people or things you hate today, might be the ones you like tomorrow.

On the other hand, envy is an awful disease. It is fed by pride, grows on jealousy, and produces one rotten fruit — hate. It begins as a small, sickly plant called jealousy. One day, you notice that your colleague at college is popular and beloved by all. You start watching them, and wishing them ill. That is when the sharp thorns of envy begins to sprout on the sickly plant. Eventually, you start plotting against your colleague. By this point, the rotton fruit of hate has blossomed, bearing no goodness, and knowing no mercy.
“I want what is yours” “I am better than you” “I will destroy you” the envier whispers, and laughs out loud.

Years ago, my teacher spoke to us about the dangers of envy, describing it as a satanic trait. “Hadn’t Satan been jealous of Adam? Hadn’t he envied Adam? Hadn’t he promised to destroy Adam and all his descendants? He had, full of pride, and challenging God,” my teacher explained and advised us to strive for a positive and healthy mindset. “Instead of focusing on the others, focus on yourselves. If you admire something in others, try to create your own version of it. And, if you find things staring to lean towards envy, pray and pray and pray. God will guide you towards finding your way out.”

May your heart never know envy, and be full of love!

Amen

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Opposites And Light

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‘Opposites throw light upon each other.’

Isn’t this a wonderful quote? Do you think it is common to experience it in this fast-paced, technological world? I doubt it, but first, let me explain my interpretation of the quote.

The opposites in the quote refers to the unique pairs of opposites: day and night, male and female, sound and silence, etc. Here, light symolizes beauty. Now, when you think of it, you can see how the opposites form a beautiful conection in a special, unique way. They complete each other.

Why then, do I doubt this beautiful quote’s relevance in nowadays life? Simply, because, in most cases, the opposites we encouter are not complementary, but  rather one – sided entities with one – sided purposes. As for the light, it’s mostly artificial nowadays.

There are also the opposites in thoughts, which can throw a shinning light on conversations, discussions, or brief encounters. In this context, the shinning light symbolises respect and understaning. Can we allow  this light to flow, or will we turn it off for ever? In other words, we can choose to make our differing ideas fruitful and treasured, or to discard and misuse them.

That’s how opposites throw lights upon each other — just like the day welcomes night, and the night blesses the day.

Does my perspective make sense? I hope so.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

People Do Tell On Themselves

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Isn’t that one of the life’s greatest ironies?

Sometimes, a person is so careful, so clever, so well prepared – in short, a brilliant actor. And yet, as the old Arabic saying goes: A slip of the tongue can expose lies, hidden intentions, and the true face behind the mask.

Surprisingly, on the other hand, honesty and a keen eye is all you need to observe the irony and smile.

The idea for this blog was inspired by a quote I read on Instagram. It brought back an old memory that made me smile. Before sharing it with you, I’d like to give a brief summary about my acquaintance with social media (feel free to skip this part if you’re in a hurry)

It wasn’t until 2015 or 2016 that I opened a Facebook account, and downloaded other social media apps like WhatsApp. It wasn’t that I hadn’t heard about them, of course I had, but I am a full time mother with prioroties and daily plans. I was happy with using Skype, Yahoo, or Hotmail messengers for social commuications. Back then, things were simpler, and more convenient. But, sometimes, you can’t say “no” to change, especially when your children are getting involved. Since then, I’ve found myself in group chats; one for the mummies, one for close friends, one for other friends who are not close, one for community activities, and so on. Oh, these groups were funny, troublesome, and really a waste of time.

One day, a friend on one of the groups asked me a question about Quran recitation, as I was the only member with a qualified certificate. I answered her question, and she asked another. The questions and answers continued for a while. After many messages back and forth, she said: “Don’t think I’m examining your knowledge.”

“Why would I? You asked and I explained,” I replied. Honestly, that was how I felt, but at that monent, I realised it really was like  she was examining me. If only she had known that, out of respect for the age gap between us, I didn’t want to excuse myself and tend to my other chores.

She disappeared without a reply, no thanks, nothing. In fact, she wasn’t friendly with me, and if it hadn’t been for the group, I believe our paths would have never crossed.

Can you see how people can tell on themselves?

They say professional liars have bad memories. That must be why they end up exposing themselves.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

story

I Want Your House!

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‘Good morning Madame.’

‘Good morning Sir, how can I help you?’

‘I’m your wealthy neighbour, the third road on the left. My mansion can’t be missed.’

Of course I know your mansion, heard about you,  no need to brag about your power and wealth. Besides, I have never wished, never would, to be honoured either with your presence or your company, I thought holding the door half -open. 

He remained silent, looking from me to my house. I remained silent looking from him to his massive, monstrous car swallowing the whole wide road just like an enormous  whale stuck in a small lake.

‘You’ve got a beautiful house,’ he said, with one of those fake forced smiles.

‘Thank you,’ I replied.

‘May I come in and have a look?’ Now, his smile was a mockery one.

‘A look at what?’

‘Your house.’

‘Have anyone told you mine is for sale?’

‘If you allow me some of your time, I’ll be happy to explain things.’

‘I’m so sorry but I don’t know you and I can’t let you into my house to explain things that have nothing to do with me.’

All his smiles, forced or mocking, disappeared. His face reddened and his eyes blazing. He was, definitely, on the brink of exploding, but that wouldn’t be my fault, would it?

‘But of course, they have. It’s about your house which I know is not for sale. But, I’ve come to offer you the deal of a lifetime.’

‘For my house which is not for sale?’

‘Yes. Now may I come in to talk business?’  He looked a bit calmer, a bit hopeful.

‘No.’

‘Why?’

‘I told you.’

‘I can turn your house into a fairytale palace.’

‘It’s already my fairytale miniature palace.’

 ‘Your garden will be exotic and magical.’

‘Thank you very much but I’m not a wich.’

‘Your kitchen will turn into a sophisticated, modern restaurant with…

‘Sophistication and I do not go well together.’

‘Your bathroom…

‘Clean and tidy.’

‘How many rooms do you have?

‘Enough.’

‘Your bedroom..

‘I want to replace my dressing, and fix my wardrobe drawers.’

‘Give me time to explain.’

‘What do you want?’

‘Your house. It would make a great extension to my compound, influence, and buisness. But it will also remain your place. You can choose to live in its modern renovated version, or nearby. I’ll simply hold the “ownership”, and you will live a better life.’

‘Thank you very much but my house is not for sale.’ I shut the door.

He exploded, but, unfortunately,  I don’t have a fire extinguisher to contain the mess.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing

Baklawa

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Or baklava? Both are correct – the first is in Arabic, and the second in Turkish.

You can buy it from the shops or restaurants, or make it at home. I love to make it. It’s the simplest recipe ever: puff pastry sheets, ground nuts, butter, and syrup. There are millions of videos on YouTube for this simple dessert.

Baklawa is most famous and enjoyed during the month of fasting; Ramadan – our very special, once – a -year guest.

Are your mouth watering  already? Mine is.

Sometimes, you might think, like me, that you can transform your traditional dessert recipe into a healthier one. Here’s my experiment with baklawa last year, and my baklawa this year.

Last Ramadan, I decided to cut all fine sugar and use honey, dates, or fruits in all desserts, including baklawa. It wasn’t because I was on a diet or had any medical issues, but because I want to eat healthily. So, the only change I made to baklawa was to replace the sugar with honey. But honey is thick and has a different taste, yet I insisted on using it.


“Where is the sugar, mama?”
“Why does it taste weird?”
“Is there any other dessert?”

My family compalined, obviously didn’t like it, and neither did I. It wasn’t making your mouth-water but rather make it shut and dry.

Therefore, for this Ramadan, I’m making it the normal way with homemade sugar syrup. Now, that’s the mouth-watering baklawa with layers of pastry sheets full of ground pistachios, walnuts, and almond. On top of each crispy piece, the shiny syrup spreads smoothly and penterates deeply into each layer. One bite of baklawa with its dripping syrup would make it ready to fast for the whole year!

Have you tried fasting before? I’m just wondering how you feel about it?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Charms Or Merit

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“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.” 

Alexander Pope

I really like this quote.It was so random when I found it while searching for something else. I don’t remember if I have heard or studied Alexandre Pope before, but I think I will have a look at some of his work soon.

How many times have you met a charming person with dazzling looks that would strike the light and blast your mind at first sight?  These things happen at least once or twice in your life, right? But then, things turn out to be just like the old saying: Appearances are deceiving. Or, may I suggest a slight alteration and make it: appearances can be just soulless charms. When your charm is souless, it’s vague, and though it might be expensive and powerful, it is also short-lived just like a tempst in a teapot.

Haven’t things nowadays come to depend first and most on appearances, which are laden with money and power? In most cases, they are soulless charms because they have nothing to do with the soul. They mainly have to do with attention, attraction, and surfaces. Does this make sense? Let me explain more.

The soul is neither an ownership nor a commodity. It’s a divine entity. Whatever is divine is pure, and whatever is pure will touch the pure whining you: your soul.

Is things getting clearer now? I hope so.

That’s why it’s merit, not charisma that wins the soul. Perhaps that’s why some people say what is good, genuine, and honest always makes lasting impressions and wins true respect.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

Why Do You Think We Covered It?

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This extract is from a parable in the Arabic Folklore. It tells a brief encounter between an old, cunning man, and a clever girl.

As the girl was walking along the road, carrying a covered plate in her hands, an old man stopped her.

“What’s in the plate, young girl?’ He asked.

‘And, why do think we covered it?’ She replied.

The man’s face reddened with shame, and he felt as if the girl had just slapped him.

Do you know why he felt so? Can you guess the meaning of this brief encounter?

Of course, both the old, cunning man and the clever girl are not talking about food? Or do you think they are?

It’s okay if you think they are, but then, there wouldn’t be a moral meaning, which means there’s a moral meaning.

Can you guess it now?

Haven’t you ever met or heard about some people who wouldn’t rest until they dig deep into others’ lives? They try their best to uncover what has been covered, perhaps even changed and forgiven. Their main goal is to pry and satisfy their curiosity and sense of gloating, to hurt and debunk others.

Worse still, have you met those who expose themselves and call it complete honesty and ultimate bravery? Their private and confidential life becomes a free open store for anyone to explore, share, and spread all over the world. Sometimes, I really can’t understand if you’ve been granted the chance by God’s grace to have your mistakes, secrets, or even misfortunes, covered and hidden from others, why expose them?

Now, back to the old parable, and the old, cunning man. He wasn’t after the food; he was after the news that was none of his business, nor anyone’s else business. That’ why he was full of shame. It turned out that the girl had given him the lesson of his life.

Do you think this old parable would have any significance, any echo in the world of social media today?

Would this clever girl exist once more?

Would the old, cunning man be ashamed again?

What do you think? Do you have another interpretation of the parable?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

P.S. For all of you who are having snow in their places, have fun! It’s so windy and rainy here as my photo shows, but surprisingly it’s warm!

Just writing

Old Habits

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Old habits die hard. Or, can they?

Have you ever thought that this saying relates to both good and bad – or unnecessary habits. I mean its a double – meaning saying.

“Old habits never die,” is a great and encouraging saying, espcially when it comes to positive habits, like brushing your teeth before going to bed, or taking off your shoes before entering the house.

However, “old habits never die” can also relate to negative habits that you can neither give up nor change. In such cases, you may feel trapped inside their strong, tight net. Still, with determination and strong will, it is believed that your bad old habits can either die or transformed into positive alternatives.

Have you read The Apple Tree by Daphne du Maurier. In the story, Medge, the deceased wife, is portrayed by her husband as having the worst habbit that seems not just hard, but impossible to die. No only that, her husband puts all the blame for their unhappy marriage on her, as if he were an angelic husband fallen down from heaven.

Can you guess what Medge’s old habit that never dies ?

Here’s my review link if you want to know.

https://nh825.wordpress.com/2025/02/06/the-apple-tree/



With all the best wishes,

Nahla

Just writing

A friend to all

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… is not a friend at all.

Have you ever heard this saying? It makes sense, doesn’t it?

Isn’t it odd that one can be your friend and your rival’s, your opponent’s, even your enemy’s? You can, of course, be kind to all, but not a friend to all. I am not talking about social media friends, for in this case you can be a friend to millions. Online frienhip is exactly what it implies “online”. I am talking about real, close friends who you can trust, love, agree, or even disagree with. Perhaps that’s why true friendship is a rare gem, too hard to find and too precious to keep.

In fiction, and in real life, true friendhip could take you by surprise. An old man might be a young child’s best friend, a man of the world might be a saint’s, a prisoner might be his keeper’s, and an animal might be a man’s. In all cases, its the quality,  not quantity that makes unique friendships.

Wouldn’t it be better if this friend of all should be a passerby after all?

Perhaps you can change the saying and add whatever you like.

A friend to all …..

With all the best wishes,

Nahla