How to Have Beautiful Eyes

{photo credit: lonely planet}

Our eyes. We don't really think much about them, do we? But we know without our eyesight life would be completely different. If I were blind I would feel immobilised but there are blind Muslims who read, learn and memorise the Qur'an and some even become Imams, mashaa Allah. They don't allow their lack of vision to stop them from doing something as challenging as memorising the Qur'an. It makes me wonder, "What about me? What have I done with the blessing of eyesight? Have I done more good than bad, or otherwise?" 

"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms..." {Qur'an, Surah An-Nur, 24:31}

Here's another thought which crossed my mind. We always tell men to lower their gaze but as women we have to lower our gaze too. It doesn't mean we shouldn't interact with men at all but to do so while remembering Allah (swt) and having haya' (modesty) in our hearts. Even though it seems harmless it doesn't feel right for us to ogle at random men or male celebrities. The way we should behave with men is how we would like our husbands (or future husbands) to behave with women. As a woman would you like it if a man you love were to keep pictures of female celebrities on his laptop or cellphone?

"... and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: these (believers) are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness, and a provision honourable." {Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:26}

Something I saw on Ammar Al Shukry's Facebook page which inspired this blog post:

This video helped put things into perspective for me. Am I truly grateful for my eyes? Do I use them to remind myself of Allah's Greatness? It also made me realise that God's definition of beauty is far more important that society's standard of beauty. We know it's impossible to please people and live up to their fluctuating expectations but we know exactly how to please God. In His vision we are already beautiful without all the make up and the YouTube tutorials. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, once said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.” {Sahih Muslim}

Don't you think this hadith is a wonderful reminder of how we can continue to be steadfast in our deen when Ramadhan ends? The most superior in Allah's vision isn't the person who is only beautiful on the outside but the person who does good deeds and has a sound and kind heart which is free of arrogance towards Him and other people. This is the formula to achieving beauty according to God's standards,  inshaa Allah.