99:7

Recently, I noticed a small change in myself once I started fasting. I started trying to smile more, even at random people who look at me. Sometimes it feels natural, sometimes it feels forced, but I still try for some reason. Even to those kids troubling the whole masjid , I smiled once when i noticed one of their naughtiness.(Was running in and around and between legs of people and making sounds_)

It is also the time of Ramadan, and I am fasting. During this month, I try to be more mindful of my actions and the way I treat people( I told I am trying). Smiling felt like a simple way to spread a little kindness is one thing I remember from my 2nd grade religious studies.

There is an old man I have seen around even before this fasting month. I never really spoke to him before, but recently something unexpected happened. One day he came up to me and said, From my broken Hindi + Urdu this wis what I understood: “You look like you have more Emaan nowadays. You are looking handsome as well. Your face looks very bright. Be like this forever. Everything is in Allah’s hands. Always smile and be kind. You will get everything you want soon. Allah is seeing everything."'

His words stayed with me. I didn’t expect someone to notice such a small change in me. It made me feel seen in a quiet way.

Even though I try to smile more these days, sometimes it doesn’t work. Some days are heavier than others. With all the thoughts and superstitions in my mind, it can feel difficult to stay positive all the time.( Means I feel I shd be in sad mood sometimes(Ppl who brings joy in me are Angels in fact)

But I’m starting to realize that maybe it’s okay. Maybe it’s okay if the smile doesn’t come naturally every day. Maybe it’s okay to not be okay sometimes.

Still, I want to keep trying to smile, to be kind, and to trust the one above sees everything, even the small efforts.