taught me a child

One day I was struck by a kind of depression, I did not know the real reason behind it, as I live, thank God, in the midst of a middle-class family and work in what can be described as good conditions. However, I began to feel sadness, anxiety, and tension lately. I no longer handled things well, which made many people slightly annoyed with me. I searched a lot for solutions to get me out of this state, and I found several solutions and pieces of advice... Among them was talking to a close person, filling the void. Indeed, I thought about filling my void with something beneficial. I thought about visiting family and strengthening family ties, as they prolong life and increase blessings. Indeed, at the end of the week, I paid a surprise morning visit to a member of my family; he was happy. He lives in the same city but in another simple, popular neighborhood. The last time I saw him was 9 years ago, before he got married. He is now married and a father of a girl about seven years old and a little boy not yet five years old. The family welcomed me very much. Despite their simplicity, I felt very comfortable with them. I found generosity, humility, and warmth in their reception. The wife prepared breakfast and placed the tray on the mat. Then she went to call her daughter. As for the little boy, he was sitting next to his father, and what caught my attention a lot was the child's joy. He started spinning around the tray happily and actively, repeating incessantly the phrase "Little things create happiness at home". I didn't know where he got this phrase from, but he kept repeating it innocently and happily. I said to myself, perhaps he always does this, as he is a child, and children naturally love food.

We started having breakfast together. At that moment, I deliberately watched the little boy, who did not leave the smile from his face. After we finished eating, the wife went to the market. At that moment, I sat with Sa'id, and we exchanged small talk. I learned then that he works as a builder and is the sole provider for his small family and his parents, who live in the countryside. Sa'id sends them a sum of money every month. In our conversation, he kept repeating the phrase "Alhamdulillah" continuously. I felt contentment and satisfaction in him. After an interesting conversation with Sa'id, he asked for permission and began to try to fix their small TV, which seemed old. At that moment, the children were playing next to me. I tried to join them in playing. Then I took the opportunity and asked the girl about the reason for her brother's joy today while having breakfast. She innocently answered, saying: "Today breakfast was different from what we used to have, not just bread and tea, but there were also olives. That's what made my little brother happy and joyful." I smiled at her, and sadness filled my heart. I understood then what he meant by repeating the phrase "Little things create happiness at home" - he meant the olives.

I love the poor because I am one of them. Contentment and simplicity distinguish them, and the simplest things make them happy. Yes, unfortunately, many people lack the happiness that they seek. It is not a shame to be poor or to be rich, but it is shameful to be rich and forget the poor, weak, and needy.

This child, who is not yet five years old, taught me that true happiness is not related to money, wealth, or luxury. Happiness is being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for me, being content with what I have. Happiness is helping others without expecting anything in return. Happiness is tranquility; it is relying on Allah, following what He has commanded, and staying away from His prohibitions.

As that kind, gentle father taught me, we should thank Allah at all times and under all circumstances. Alhamdulillah always and forever.

My visit to this family relieved my sadness and worries. About what sadness am I talking about as long as my eyes see and my tongue speaks? I am in good health and well-being; thus, I possess all goodness.

At that moment, I remembered the patient who never leaves hospitals, the prisoner, the homeless, and the orphan... My advice to whoever reads these words, if you ever feel depressed, look at those who are less fortunate than you, rush to do good and help others, and always say, "Alhamdulillah".