It’s true though. Sometimes, after trying so hard and going out of our way to help someone, all it takes is two words—thank you—to start the rush of accomplishment and success. In fact, it happens all the time at work and school when we get a pat-on-the-back for the job-well-done on a project or a paper.

I used to ponder on the significance of giving “thanks” to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He). Clearly there is no benefit to Him, al-Ghani (the One that is free of all needs). Slowly yet surely though, life comes to show that it truly is the thought that counts; at the core, it’s about the very process and not the details. The very act of giving thanks is a humbling comment; a recognition of benefit and respect or even awe. The professor didn’t reminisce on the contents of the thank you, but rather the fact that he was thanked. And notice – the value of the thank you increased because the student was so thankful that he was willing to thank his professor years later, even at the cost of the student’s time and effort. In other words, the fact that his student was so thankful that he thanked him again, was worth more.

We’re so blinded by our own heedlessness and the thick, murky fog of this dunya (the physical Universe) that we readily miss the blessings that surround us. But when we are so fortunate to see some of the things that keep us standing, we don’t have to search for Allah’s contact information. He’s the friend that we’ve known the longest and His number never changes wa alhamdulilLah (and praise be to Allah).

Within seconds, the first man, standing at 6 feet tall and 200 lbs, was lunging at the vendor over a flimsy table, covered with BBQ, hot coal and sharp skewers. A couple of men from the crowd intervened, pushing the giant back against the opposite wall, but they were no match for his size and strength. He snatched a small blade used to open bread from the table and started swinging at the vendor in rage. This time, many more men stepped in and were finally able to drag him away as he yelled over his shoulder for vengeance.

I stood in utter shock. All this over what? BBQ smoke? For the attacker, nothing mattered more at the time than his pride in front of the audience. How dare the vendor humiliate him in front of everybody, not only by ignoring his request, but by talking back? The man allowed his rage and pride to consume him in a brief moment, to the point where he was willing to hurt (or even kill?) somebody to defend his honor.

The rage this man embodied is likely rooted in years of frustration, repression, shame and resentment. The manifestation of his rage was probably only outlet for his condition. This is exactly the kind of behavior that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to change. He ﷺ was sent as a mercy to show society how to manifest itself in its best form. Most of us can see that, but rarely do we understand or truly implement his methodology (i.e. sunnah). The Prophet ﷺ developed in the sahabah (his companions) a God-centric worldview that extended beyond their speech and into their actions. The Prophet ﷺ changed them from members of tribal factions into a united ummah. This truth was not only iterated through their verbal commitment, but through hard lessons and sacrifices. He ﷺ was able to show them the beauty of his sunnah by exemplifying it. It was through this example that he was granted the ability to transform the world – by the will of God – in 23 years.

Some say that in light of the Park 51 Islamic Center, the Qur’an burning, the vandalism, the hate-mail and so many other reported incidents, that “times are getting tougher for American Muslims.” It seems that an increasing number of people, especially in the media, are trying to define us, for us.

Having a God-centric worldview defines an individual as independent of their environment. An individual that is not contingent on societal relationships, but on a Divine relationship. An individual that trusts in the divine wisdom and divine decree.

American Muslims, and surely Muslims throughout the world, are in dire need of leaders willing to make the statement that our lives are not defined by shame, power, resentment or pride. A statement not given at the podium, but through our relationships at work with co-workers, in the classroom with our classmates, in salah with our brothers and sisters, in the dining hall with our dorm-mates and at home with our families. More profound than any news broadcast or YouTube video are the simple acts of kindness and strong bonds of friendship. This is one of the many reasons why the Prophet  ﷺ was so respected and trusted, even by his enemies. It was not because he did what everyone wanted or expected him to do, or reacted the way everyone else did, but rather because he always did the right thing.

This is a reminder, to myself first, to remember our identity as American Muslims, and to live by the example of the Prophet ﷺ.

Most of us are familiar with the ever so famous hadith that actions are taken to account by their intentions (maybe it’s about time we memorized it eh? – hint hint, wink wink, yes YOU!)

Most of us struggle with our intentions day in and day out and – subhan’Allah (glorified is God) – we’ve found that it’s no easy task; in fact, it’s a life long battle. One aspect we often miss, however, is that our actions are also judged by the size of our intentions! As recorded by Imam Bukhari, `Aisha radiya Allahu `anha (may God be pleased with her) narrated: Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said, “When a woman gives in charity some of the foodstuff (which she has in her house) without spoiling it, she will receive the reward for what she has spent, and her husband will receive the reward because of his earning, and the storekeeper will also have a reward similar to it. The reward of one will not decrease the reward of the others.” Allahu akbar (God is greater!)

Someone once mentioned to me that Islam is the best pyramid scheme ever, subhan’Allah, nobody loses! As humans we are often shortsighted and fail to see beyond the obvious. Our actions have implications much beyond our perception and Allah readily rewards us for those benefits. When we gain knowledge do we gain it solely for our benefit or also for the benefit of our family and friends? When we help a brother or sister move do we look beyond the labor and see the growth of a family and community? When we donate to a charity organization do we donate for that one time or do we also donate to the success of the organization? Imagine the individuals who first financed and put time into Islamic Relief! Talk about return on investment! When we give da`wah (call to Islam) do we give da`wah to one person or to an entire family, lineage, and social network?

So what are we waiting for? Let’s make our intentions grand!