"When few blessings come your way, do not drive them away through thanklessness." - Imam Ali (AS)
Today I was blessed with the ability to celebrate my 26th birthday. Words can't express how I excited and anxious I felt for this birthday. I was doing a count down without really coming out with it by posting facts about numbers and working my way down till I got to 0.
The main reason this birthday excited me was because of Friday the 13th, as well as it being the 13th day of the 7th month. Friday, 07/13; the quote I used - people who understand will be able to connect the dots. It goes to more than just the dates, more-so a bond/connection I feel.
However, there was other factors that made me really anticipate this birthday. There was a quite a few disappointments (to say the least) during the first half of my 26th year (i.e. July to about January). July itself wasn't so bad; but I'd say probably around end of August it wasn't really an enjoyable period. Every time it felt that something was about to go right, it didn't. There was a bit hurt for a while, a bit of disappointment, and a good chunk of frustration. But as I stated in my blog post "Reflection", every experience I had helped me grow.
The second half is where things started getting better in all aspects for me. And with all the positive momentum I received from the Almighty (SWT), it made me feel excited because my 26th year ended on a positive note. And Almighty-willing, my 27th year will be even more positive in all aspects for me.
As for my birthday. Well, I took the day off work. The Almighty's mercy was placed for that because originally, I wasn't able to get that day off. I started the day with Fajr prayers (obviously), feeling a bit more energized. After sleeping & waking up, I trimmed my big beard after 6 weeks. Then I went for a haircut. My head feels 5 pounds lighter now. After that, I got my day really started as I went for Jumaah Salaat (Friday Prayers) - another reason to be excited for me. I came home then and for a few hours, spent time with my family. By the time everybody was gone, there was only a couple of hours left. So I just relaxed; said my Maghrib & Isha prayers. And throughout the day, I received multiple wishes. Overall, a wonderful day. I'm truly blessed for family and friends who took the time out of their busy schedules to think of me (even if it was only for a few moments).
Why is my birthday so important? I'll end this post by explaining that. My birthday is the one and only time a year that I hope (and maybe expect) to be wished/greeted. Any other day, it doesn't bother me if people don't greet me. I feel birthdays are important because that is the day you were brought on this Earth; and I believe everybody is brought to Earth for a purpose (whether we recognize/fulfill that purpose is a different story). And I feel that that by sending a wish to a person, you show them that they are important & that they do have a purpose (again whether they realize that or not is a different story). I've made it a point to try and wish everybody that I can a happy birthday if I know its their birthday. Obviously, I'm not perfect in that sense. But I try my best to wish everybody - from old high school classmates, to co-workers, to friends & family. I feel its a sign of respect - and I don't ask for much except for some respect back. When certain folks don't send a wish even though they have the ability to, it shows a lot about their character to me. To me, it shows they are stingy - how long does it take to type a few simple words? (But please note: I also realize that there are times a person just cannot post due to circumstances out of their control and that doesn't bug me). It also reminds me of this saying:
"The true stingy is that who refrains from greeting." - Imam Hussain (AS)
This is the reason why I hold birthdays to be very important - and not just for myself. This is also why I'll take some time to thank everybody for sending me a wish. And to all of those who wished me, once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart. There are very few things I look forward to, and you all made this day extremely special for me. I am truly blessed.
