Destiny — The Mirror of Life
In the design and history of existence, Destiny is a mirror. For it reflects you within humanity — a servant whose life is not under his own control. The Almighty created the world and its countless creatures — both visible and invisible — some known to man, and others known only to Him.
Yet, among all His creations, He has indeed honored mankind. This truth is clear in many verses of the Holy Qur’an.
This does not mean other creatures lack importance — not at all. But man was given a special rank of honor and superiority. In Surah Al-Baqarah, when Allah told the angels He would create a Khalifah (representative) on earth — meaning Adam — He then commanded them to bow to him in respect (a bow of honor, not worship). That alone signifies man’s elevated position, even above angels.
He did not stop there; He divided mankind into two genders — male and female — into black and white, across different regions and diverse faiths. Even our languages differ — one may speak, and another cannot understand, even when insulted.
He also distinguished us by wealth, knowledge, skills, and blessings. Some have riches, others intellect, some have craftsmanship or physical strength. Yet possessing any of these does not make one greater than another, for a man may be rich in this world but poor in the Hereafter — poor in righteous deeds and eternal destiny.
Similarly, one may live poor here, yet rise wealthy in the Hereafter through his good deeds and pure end.
A scholar’s knowledge might not benefit him in the next life if he fails to use it sincerely and rightly.
A layman may enter Paradise simply because he wronged no one and lived honestly — by Allah’s mercy.
Such is the mercy of the Creator toward His servants.
Life — A Game of Triumph and Trial
The world itself is like a ball in the eye — and human life mirrors that game: sometimes victory, sometimes defeat. The closer you hold the ball to your eyes, the larger it appears — just as your problems and achievements seem great in your own view and heart. But when the ball is thrown farther away, it becomes small.
Likewise, when you truly believe that Allah alone determines destiny and outcome, your troubles and trials appear smaller before your eyes.
The difference in size, then, is only perception — the mind that measures. The magnitude of life’s trials is seen not by the eyes but by the heart and mind.
Let’s shorten this reflection before time runs from us — for time waits for no one.
I only ask you, the reader, to ponder deeply:
What is life? Who are you? Where will you end? What awaits after life’s end?
Believe this: within every life, there is joy, trial, success, failure, challenge, beginning, and end.
They all exist in one life — yours — which you did not design. You had no say in your creation, nor will you control your end. And of all the blessings Allah has given you, none can be repaid with money.
Even worship — if you perform it — benefits you, not Him.
Therefore, let us move forward to our story titled:
> “Drumming in the Water: The Monster’s Healer.”
A story meant to teach, enlighten, entertain, and remind — whenever the time is right.
17th May 2013 — The Beginning
He stirred slightly in his sleep, murmuring words, sweating heavily though the weather was cool and misty.
The man beside him, holding a book, looked up curiously. He touched him, calling his name — no response.
He put the book aside, now uneasy and frightened. This wasn’t the first time his friend and close companion had fallen into such a state during sleep.
Sometimes, you could almost mistake it for possession, though he knew it wasn’t. Whenever this man — Zak-Shadow — slept deeply, he often fell into heavy dreams that shook his body.
The friend shook him harder now, pulling away the army-green blanket and splashing a bit of water on his face. Zak drew a deep, labored breath — like one returning from unconsciousness — then exhaled and slowly opened his eyes.
Masha Allah, what striking eyes! Almost too beautiful for a man’s. His companion stared at him, then looked away as Zak sat up, leaning against the tent wall.
He wore an armless army-green vest over his muscular, well-built frame, and a three-quarter military khaki trouser. Even seated, his posture spoke strength — a true soldier, firm and disciplined, the kind that could face any battle.
His companion shook his head slightly, saying with concern:
> “If only I could force that silent mouth of yours to speak, just to tell me what kind of dream keeps tormenting you like this. Look at you — sweating like you’ve been on the battlefield! Zak-Shadow, this is frightening.”
Zak only gave him a slow, sharp look — then turned away, silent. He stood up calmly.
And I must say — in the army, there are soldiers, and then there are SOJAS. Zak truly lived up to his name — Zak-Shadow. The nickname “Iliya the Mighty” would suit him too, for he was the type who could subdue any enemy without backup.
Without haste or noise, he slipped into his black slippers and walked out of the tent, barely glancing at his worried friend.
The Military Camp
It was a deep forest — no sign of a village or human life nearby. Only the soldiers’ small camp stood there — five tents in total: three large and two smaller ones. Zak’s tent stood alone beneath a massive tree, apart from the rest.
Mist covered the air, making it hard to see far. The ground was flat and green, near a quiet stream — the reason animals came there to drink, sometimes even dangerous ones. But soldiers like Zak feared no such things.
(? May Allah bless and protect all our soldiers wherever they are.)
There weren’t many soldiers outside — only a few pacing with rifles while others rested, likely awaiting orders.
When Zak-Shadow emerged, the nearest soldier instantly straightened up, saluting with full respect and bowing his head slightly — for Zak wasn’t just a superior by rank, but by aura.
His commanding presence made even seasoned men nervous. Not because he was cruel — far from it — but because he was a man of discipline, courage, and truth.
He feared no man in duty or justice, and when he spoke, it was final.
After scanning the soldiers silently, Zak walked on in his steady, confident stride.
Only when he was gone did the men exhale deeply — they had been holding their breath the entire time.
They exchanged looks without words — whispering with their eyes like men who’d just escaped inspection.
