Mirror of Our Soul

Narcissism is inherent in all of us. More in some and less in others depending on one’s age, looks, build, etc. If the reflection in the mirror is appealing and satisfying and attractive, one feels happy; it boosts one’s self confidence. Depending on the reflection, we may think of taking corrective measures about whatever is wrong with our reflection. Typical reactions are, “Oh! I am putting on weight. I should start jogging immediately,”  or “My hair is in bad shape. I need to visit the stylist,” etc.

What if suddenly instead of showing our physical self, the mirror started showing the state of our soul. Would we faint with grief and sorrow?

We’re so anxious to react to our physical reflection in the mirror and take corrective measures, like jogging to get our bodies in shape, or using things like anti-wrinkle cream to enhance our faces. How much more might be wrong with our invisible souls, the state of which we are totally unaware, and how much more do we need to work on it to bring it back in shape?

As submitters we know, by the grace of Almighty GOD, that it is the soul which is going to last forever. The body is going to last only as long as we live in this world. So anything compared to infinity is nil.

There is no comparison at all.

The soul needs all the nourishment and exercise we can give it, for it to withstand the physical presence of GOD on the day of resurrection. We have to constantly reflect in the mirror of our consciousness about the state of our soul, because, after all, what we see in the mirror is not the real us.

What we think, our actions and deeds based on what we think, is the real us. It’s a constant endeavor till our death to keep our souls strong and healthy. And as junk food and any form of substance abuse is bad for our health while nutritious food and exercise is good for our physical bodies, in the same way refraining from all evil and bad thoughts and deeds, and inculcating soul-developing habits like Salat, Zakat, trusting in GOD alone, reverencing GOD alone is our nutritious food for the soul. And striving in the way of GOD is our healthy exercise for the soul.

[9:120-121] … they do not suffer any thirst, or any effort, or hunger in the cause of GOD, or make a single step that enrages the disbelievers, or inflict any hardship upon the enemy, without having it written down for them as a credit. GOD never fails to recompense those who work righteousness. Nor do they incur any

expense, small or large, nor do they cross any valley, without having the credit written down for them. GOD will surely reward them generously for their works.

What prevents us from seeing a proper reflection of our souls is our ego. It is like what GOD says in [24:39] As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty person thinks that it is water. But when he reaches it, he finds that it is nothing, and he finds GOD there instead, to requite him fully for his works. GOD is the most efficient reckoner.

The heat of our ego deceives our brains and hearts. We think whatever we are doing is right although it might be wrong. That is why GOD has given the example of David, where he has to pass judgment on sheep, and how he bows and repents afterwards, fearing that he had not asked for GOD’s help.

[38:23-25] “This brother of mine owns ninety-nine sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me.” He said, “He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few.” Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment.

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