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An old college friend of my husband's happened to be in town the other day, and he brought him by the house. Since my husband went to a very prestigious school back in the day, many of his friends are now what we would call 'highly paid professionals' in their respective fields. Since I am not yet old enough to know better than to care, I still feel self conscious about my living conditions, as our house is a little older than the average, and kind of messy with all the kids. Not that I was a neat freak before we had the kids, but I like to think things were a little better :).

And so I thought a bit about my life. The man who visited is someone I only met briefly when we were first married, but I liked him very much then, and even more now, as he is a person who is doing something good with his life for the Sake of Allah. I'm sure he didn't mind our humble abode, as he is not the type to be haughty.

That night my house was full of friends and their children. I realized that these people came here because they love to be with me, in this place, so we might enjoy one another's company. I never have to worry about anyone coming here because I'm rich, or have all the right clothes, makeup, and fancy this and that. And in that I found that I had received something in this life which no money can buy...friendship for the Sake of Allah. For what is it that binds us together? It is our dhikr, our prayer, our faith, and that we love one another because being together often increases our remembrance of Allah.

I actually never knew what it really meant to love someone for the Sake of Allah until the last year or so. I used to ask people what that meant, but I never got a clear answer. But I know now, and I can say with certainty, that is was my work with my Shaykh, through the Mercy of Allah, that this was possible.

So while I know I can take better care of my home, be more organized and efficient, and work harder, I feel that I have been infinitely blessed. Money can buy a lot, and certainly I would like to have more of it so I might spend it in the Way of Allah. But some things are found in the corner of the room, in prayer and devotion to Allah. Or on a rooftop in Africa, or under the trees, or in any humble place. These are the gifts He sends for us, our reward for our efforts towards Him. We can have helpers along the way, but no one but Allah can provide such rewards.