hatim – Islamic Center In Stillwater https://icstillwater.org Stillwater, OK Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:38:52 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.7 https://icstillwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-site_logo_wide_small-32x32.png hatim – Islamic Center In Stillwater https://icstillwater.org 32 32 The Power of Silence https://icstillwater.org/the-power-of-silence/ https://icstillwater.org/the-power-of-silence/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:27:11 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=12053

The Roar of Your Silence:
Forging Greatness Undisturbed

Look around you. Each of us is an individual, standing on the precipice of a personal journey. From the very moment we draw our first breath, to the solitary challenge of an exam, to the unique name etched on every official document, our existence is fundamentally singular. And when our time here concludes, we depart from this world, just as we arrived: alone.

Given this inherent, undeniable individuality, I ask you: Why should we not be appraised, judged, and held accountable for our actions and deeds entirely on our own? Why do we ever believe we can apologize for our missteps, excuse our wrongdoings, by uttering the feeble justification, “We were told to do this or that“? If being alone is the profound norm of our existence, then the choices we make, the path we forge, rest solely and unequivocally with us.

On this unique path towards our grandest dreams, it is an absolute certainty that we will encounter noise. Not just literal noise, but the cacophony of doubting voices, the unsettling quiet of friends who drift away, and the sharp, baseless criticisms that echo around us. This isn’t mere background static; it’s a powerful, insidious distraction that, if allowed, can utterly derail the most determined among us.

Yet, there’s a profound truth, beautifully articulated by the writer Tawacy, that serves as our guide:

Pay no mind to the unnecessary chatter of those who choose to leave. The day will surely arrive when the resounding echo of your triumph will become their deepest regret.

This isn’t just an inspiring quote; it’s a strategic blueprint. It urges us to cultivate an unshakeable resilience, to remain laser-focused on our objectives, and to understand that our very achievements are the most articulate, irrefutable answer to every doubt and every desertion. So, how do we transform this external clamor into fertile ground for growth, and this focused quietude into a launchpad for ultimate success? Let us explore five critical principles.

First, and perhaps most crucially, you must never allow external noise to drown out your inner voice. Throughout your journey, critics will emerge, judgments will be cast without merit, and departures will leave a lingering sense of misunderstanding. This unproductive noise, this meaningless chatter, doesn’t warrant a single moment of your precious attention. Its sole purpose is to divert you, to pull you off course. Learning to filter it, to concentrate fiercely on your authentic voice—the one that clearly defines what it desires and why it moves forward—is an act of profound maturity and genuine wisdom. It is your true north.

Secondly, understand this fundamental truth: the departure of some individuals is, more often than not, a blessing in disguise. When people distance themselves, the initial sting can be sharp. Yet, reflect for a moment: was their presence truly a support, or more of a distraction? Their exit often creates an invaluable void, quickly filled by peace, by clarity, and by a surge of revitalizing energy. This fading “noise” allows your mind to settle, to quiet, fostering an environment where more substantial progress can finally be built.

Thirdly, embrace silence. It is, unequivocally, success’s greatest ally. The road to significant achievement is frequently a solitary one. It is within the quiet confines of silence—far from the scrutinizing gaze of onlookers—that we dedicate ourselves to arduous work, that we endure setbacks, and that we rise again with renewed determination. It is within this unassuming discretion that the very seed of your ambition genuinely takes root and flourishes. There is no need to engage with mockery or critique; simply allow your unwavering dedication and your eventual results to speak volumes on your behalf.

Fourth, remember that success generates its own powerful, undeniable echo. When you persevere with unshakeable conviction despite the pervasive skepticism of others, an inevitable moment arrives when your success resounds powerfully across every landscape. The very individuals who once disregarded, underestimated, or outright criticized you will unmistakably hear the widespread reverberation of your accomplishments. And that compelling echo will serve as their stark, silent reminder: *you* forged ahead where *they* chose only to disbelieve.

And finally, our fifth principle: Build for self-fulfillment, not for external validation. The potential regret that others may feel about your journey is not, and should never be, your objective; it is merely a natural consequence. Your paramount motivation must consistently stem from your own deepest dream, your personal evolution, and the profound sense of intrinsic pride that accompanies genuine effort and growth. Do not strive to prove a point to anyone; rather, build to achieve your own most authentic self, to fulfill your own highest potential. Everything else—recognition, respect, and even that powerful echo—will organically follow.

Conclusion:
So, as you continue to step forward on your unique and vital path, remember Tawacy’s profound insight: external noise—the fleeting chatter, the whispers of doubt, the currents of negativity—deserves neither your precious attention nor your vital energy. What truly matters, what profoundly changes everything, is your steadfast commitment to moving forward, quietly, with unshakeable faith, resolute determination, and absolute integrity.

Because, my friends, the most potent “noise” you will ever make… the most resounding statement you will ever utter… is the undeniable sound of your triumph, resonating loudly in the vast silence left by those who lacked faith in you.

Go forth. Be silent. And let your success roar!

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And He taught Adam all the names https://icstillwater.org/and-he-taught-adam-all-the-names/ https://icstillwater.org/and-he-taught-adam-all-the-names/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 22:20:11 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11973

Many people say, “I learned such-and-such in the last year,” or “I learned such-and-such in the last 5 years…” And it’s an undisputed wisdom that we will continue to learn until we die. These experiences, which confirm that we learn new things about life every day, have always been and will remain present in the noble verse: “And He taught Adam all the names…” (The verse continues beyond this excerpt). This verse, in particular, carries philosophical implications of utmost depth.

I’ve often asked myself, “Why names? Actions are more important.” Yet, our Lord taught our master Adam (peace be upon him) all the names, including the names of actions. Ask anyone who tells you they’ve learned a lesson from life, and you’ll find them speaking of nouns, not verbs. They won’t say, “I learned to eat or to drink or to walk or to fear,” but rather, “I learned eating, or drinking, or fear, or caution, or reading, or understanding people, or…” All are nouns; all are new experiences. From this perspective, two points emerge (among many deeply fundamental existential matters):

  1. That humanity was created to learn. The context of the verse suggests that the successor to those who were on Earth (a very long topic!) is a creature (man) capable of learning and evolving. This is unlike, for example, Neanderthals, who remained static until their existence ended. It’s also unlike animals, whose behaviors, upon observation, we find are fixed and unchanging; they are born with them and live by them without deviation. By comparison, we understand that humans are in a constant state of learning.
  2. That we learn about events or through events. This literally means constantly learning new names or experiencing new names for actions that are always new to us.

The question arises: Adam (peace be upon him) learned all the names, so how can I say that we are in a constant state of learning? What will we learn if he already knew “all the names”?

The answer is simple: We, as individuals, learn some of what Adam learned, according to our destinies that we pursue. However, we will never encounter new destinies that Adam (peace be upon him) did not know about. From our experience and observation of our surroundings, we find that we are rediscovering some of what Adam knew, due to the decline, regression, and delay in the level of knowledge. How could it be otherwise, when among the signs of the Hour is the lifting of knowledge until ignorance prevails and people behave without restraint?

As for the word “these” (a demonstrative pronoun) in the noble verse, it signifies yet another miracle! It indicates that all actions (or the names of actions) are creations just like us, brought into existence by God’s command “Be!” Thus, love is a creation, and death is a creation (and it will be “slaughtered” after every person knows their final destiny).

These words just came to my mind, and I’m writing them down instantly.

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Beauty is not in robes or cloaks https://icstillwater.org/beauty-is-not-in-robes-or-cloaks/ https://icstillwater.org/beauty-is-not-in-robes-or-cloaks/#respond Fri, 16 May 2025 01:24:07 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11901

ليس الجمالُ بمئزرٍ ** فاعلم وإن رُدِّيتَ بُردا
إِنّ الجمالَ معادنٌ ** وَمَنَاقبٌ أَورَثنَ مَجدا
أَعددتُ للحَدَثانِ سا ** بغةً وَعَدَّاءً عَلَندى
نَهداً وذا شُطَبٍ يَقُدُّ ** البَيضَ والأبدانَ قَدَّا
وعلمتُ أنّي يومَ ذا ** كَ مُنازِلٌ كعباً وَنَهدا
قومٌ إذا لَبِسُوا الحدي ** دَ تَنَمَّرُوا حَلَقا وقِدَّا
كلُّ امرئٍ يجري إلى ** يوم الهِياجِ بما استعَدَّا
لمّا رأيتُ نساءَنا ** يَفحَصنَ بالمَعزاءِ شَدَّا
وَبَدَت لَمِيسُ كَأَنَّها ** بَدرُ السماءِ إذا تَبَدَّى
وَبَدَت محاسِنُها التي ** تَخفَى وكان الأمرُ جِدَّا
نازلتُ كَبشَهُمُ ولم ** أرَ من نِزالِ الكبش بُدَّا
هم يَنذُرونَ دمي وأن ** ذُرُ إِن لقيتُ بأن أَشُدَّا
كم من أخٍ ليَ صالحٍ ** بَوّأتُهُ بيدَيَّ لَحدا
ما إِن جَزِعتُ ولا هَلِع ** تُ ولا يَرُدُّ بُكايَ زَندا
أَلبستُهُ أَثوابَه ** وخُلقتُ يومَ خُلِقتُ جَلدا
أُغني غَنَاء الذاهبي ** نَ أُعَدُّ للأَعداءِ عَدَّا
ذَهَبَ الذين أُحِبُّهم ** وبقيتُ مثلَ السيفِ فَردا

Beauty is not in robes or cloaks,
Know this—even if you are draped in finery.
True beauty lies in noble traits,
And virtues passed down, forging glory.
I prepared for harsh days a swift steed,
A tireless mount that outruns the winds.
With a firm lance that slices clean,
Through armor and through flesh alike.
I knew that on such a day,
I’d rise with pride, high as the stars.
My people, when they don their iron,
Become as fierce as tigers, strong and swift.
Each man rushes toward the day of battle,
Armed with whatever he has prepared.
When I saw our women beat the earth,
Marching strong with goats in tow,
Lamīs appeared—radiant,
Like a full moon rising in the sky.
Her beauty, once veiled, now revealed—
And the moment turned solemn and real.
I faced their champion in the field,
For no brave man dodges such a fight.
They sought my blood, but I too swore,
That should I meet them, I would strike.
How many noble brothers I have laid,
With my own hands, into their graves.
Yet never did I panic, never did I cry out,
No tears nor fears could dim my fire.
I wrapped him in his burial shroud,
For I was made, from birth, of iron will.
I sing the song of golden days,
And ready myself for every foe.
The ones I loved have gone before me,
And I remain, like a lone sword—unsheathed.

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Arabic Stanza of Wisdom https://icstillwater.org/arabic-stanza-of-wisdom/ https://icstillwater.org/arabic-stanza-of-wisdom/#respond Thu, 15 May 2025 02:32:29 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11894

فافْخَر فَإنّ الناسَ فيكَ ثَلاثَةٌ
مُستَعظِمٌ أو حاسِدٌ أو جاهِلُ
وَلَقَد عَلَوتَ فَما تُبالي بَعدَ ما
عَرَفوا أيَحمَدُ أم يَذُمُّ القائِلُ

So take pride, for people toward you are of three kinds:
One who admires, one who envies, and one who is ignorant.

Indeed, you have risen high and no longer care,

Whether the speaker offers praise or blame,
Now that they know who you are.

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Beautiful line of Arabic poetry https://icstillwater.org/beautiful-line-of-arabic-poetry/ https://icstillwater.org/beautiful-line-of-arabic-poetry/#respond Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:14:47 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11793

كُلُّ العـداوة قد تُــرجى مــودتها ** إلا عــداوة من عــاداك عن حــسد.

The verse is a beautiful line of Arabic poetry. Here’s the English translation:

All enmity may be hoped to turn into friendship,
Except the enmity of one who hates you out of envy.

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Those people https://icstillwater.org/those-people/ https://icstillwater.org/those-people/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:33:36 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11719

ثق تماما أنهم لا يكرهونك لعيب فيك، ولكن لأن وجودك يمحق (يلغي علشان اللي مستواهم تعبان في العربي!) وجودهم.

Be certain that they do not despise you for any flaw, of your own, but because your very presence diminishes their own.

Some people resent us not for any flaw but because our presence challenges theirs. The statement, “Rest assured, they do not despise you for any flaw of your own, but because your very presence diminishes their own,” highlights the dynamics of insecurity, jealiousy, hatred and grudges that drive them. Recognizing this allows us to navigate relationships with wisdom and resilience.

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Raising one’s voice in the mosque https://icstillwater.org/raising-ones-voice-in-the-mosque/ https://icstillwater.org/raising-ones-voice-in-the-mosque/#respond Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:45:00 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11695

Question:

What should be done about someone who speaks loudly in the mosque during prayer, causing a disturbance to worshippers? How should they be reprimanded in a way that does not violate proper etiquette, considering they have already been advised kindly but have not responded?

Answer:

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions, and those who follow them.

Raising one’s voice in the mosque and disturbing worshippers is prohibited in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Let those of sound judgment and wisdom be nearest to me, then those who follow them, then those who follow them – three times – and beware of the commotion of the markets.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Imam Al-Nawawi explained that “the commotion of the markets” refers to the confusion, disputes, arguments, loud voices, and chaos that occur in marketplaces. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
“Do not raise your voices over one another when reciting the Qur’an.” (Narrated by Malik in Al-Muwatta’)

Abu Al-Walid Al-Baji commented in Al-Muntaqa:
“If raising one’s voice while reciting the Qur’an is prohibited because it disturbs the worshippers, then raising one’s voice in conversation or anything else is even more deserving of prohibition. This also indicates a lack of respect for mosques, a disregard for their sanctity, and a failure to dedicate them to their intended purpose—remembrance of Allah. Allah the Almighty says: ‘And [in] mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned.’ (Surah Al-Hajj: 40)”

If someone raises their voice and disturbs the worshippers, they should be advised gently and with kindness. It is preferable to do so privately to avoid embarrassing them, so they do not resist the advice. However, if they refuse to comply and persist in their behavior, scholars have stated that such a person may be expelled from the mosque.

Imam Al-Qurtubi mentioned that scholars permitted the removal of anyone who disturbs others in the mosque, just as those with offensive odors can be asked to leave. He said:
“If the reason for expelling someone from the mosque is that they cause harm to others, then by analogy, anyone who disturbs their fellow worshippers—such as being foul-mouthed or behaving offensively—should also be removed. As long as the cause of disturbance remains, the removal remains valid.”

Abu ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-Barr narrated:
“I witnessed our teacher, Abu ‘Umar Ahmad ibn ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Hisham (may Allah have mercy on him), issue a fatwa regarding a man whose neighbors in the mosque complained about him. They unanimously agreed that he was causing them harm with his speech and actions. After consultation, he ruled that the man should be expelled from the mosque and prohibited from attending prayers with them.”

Thus, we recommend that such cases be referred to the relevant authorities (such as calling the police or courts) to handle the matter appropriately. Worshippers should not take it upon themselves to expel the person, as this could lead to greater discord and harm.

And Allah knows best.

Arabic Translation:

:السؤال
ماذا على المتحدث بصوت عال في المسجد أثناء الصلاة، والتسبب في إيذاء المصلين فيه؟ وكيف يتم نهره بحيث لا أخالف الأدب، حيث تم نصحه بالحسنى ولم يستجب؟

:الإجابــة
الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على نبينا محمد، وعلى آله وصحبه، ومن والاه، أما بعد
فرفع الصوت في المسجد، والتشويش على المصلين، منهي عنه شرعًا، كما في الحديث عن رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أنه قال: لِيَلِنِي مِنْكُمْ أُولُو الْأَحْلَامِ، وَالنُّهَى، ثُمَّ الَّذِينَ يَلُونَهُمْ ـ ثَلَاثًا ـ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَهَيْشَاتِ الْأَسْوَاقِ. رواه مسلم.
قال النووي: هيشات الأسواق: هي بفتح الهاء، وإسكان الياء، وبالشين المعجمة، أي: اختلاطها، والمنازعة، والخصومات، وارتفاع الأصوات، واللغط، والفتن التي فيها. اهـ. وقال صلى الله عليه وسلم: لا يجهر بعضكم على بعض بالقرآن. رواه مالك في
الموطأ
قال أبو الوليد الباجي في المنتقى: وَإِذَا كَانَ رَفْعُ الصَّوْتِ بِقِرَاءَةِ الْقُرْآنِ مَمْنُوعًا حِينَئِذٍ؛ لإذاية الْمُصَلِّينَ، فَبِأَنْ يُمْنَعَ رَفْعُ الصَّوْتِ بِالْحَدِيثِ، وَغَيْرِهِ، أَوْلَى وَأَحْرَى.. وَلِأَنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ اسْتِخْفَافًا بِالْمَسَاجِدِ، واطراحًا لِتَوْقِيرِهَا، وَتَنْزِيهِهَا الْوَاجِبِ، وَإِفْرَادِهَا لِمَا بُنِيَتْ لَهُ مِنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى، قَالَ اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ: وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا. اهــ.

ومن رفع صوته، وشوش على المصلين، فإنه ينبغي نصحه برفق، ولين، والأفضل سرًّا من غير إحراج له أمام سائر الناس، حتى لا يستكبر عن قبول النصيحة، فإن أبى وأصر، فقد ذكر أهل العلم أن للناس إخراجه من المسجد، كما قال القرطبي عن إخراج من له رائحة من المسجد، قال: قال العلماء: وإذا كانت العلة في إخراجه من المسجد أنه يتأذى به، ففي القياس أن كل من تأذى به جيرانه في المسجد بأن يكون ذرب اللسان، سفيًها عليهم … وكل ما يتأذى به الناس كان لهم إخراجه، ما كانت العلة موجودة فيه حتى تزول
قال أبو عمر بن عبد البر: وقد شاهدت شيخنا أبا عمر أحمد بن عبد الملك بن هشام -رحمه الله- أفتى في رجل شكاه جيرانه، واتفقوا عليه أنه يؤذيهم في المسجد بلسانه، ويده، فشوور فيه، فأفتى بإخراجه من المسجد، وإبعاده عنه، وألا يشهد معهم الصلاة. اهـ.

والذي نوصي به هو أن من كان حاله كذلك، فإنه ينبغي رفع أمره إلى الجهات المختصة (كالشرطة والقضاء)؛ حتى يزجروه عن ذلك، ولا نرى أن يتولى المصلون بأنفسهم إخراجه من المسجد؛ لأن الغالب ترتب مفسدة على هذا
والله أعلم.

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Prepare for Ramadan https://icstillwater.org/prepare-for-ramadan/ https://icstillwater.org/prepare-for-ramadan/#respond Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:11:27 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11664

Mental preparation for Ramadan:

  • Intention (Niyyah): Start with a sincere intention to fast for the pleasure of Allah, seeking spiritual benefits
  • Self-Reflection: Reflect on your behavior, identify areas for improvement, and set spiritual goals for the month.
  • Patience and Gratitude: Cultivate patience and gratitude to navigate the challenges of fasting and appreciate the blessings in your life.
  • Forgiveness: Forgive others and seek forgiveness, fostering a positive and compassionate mindset.

Health Preparation for Ramadan:

  • Balanced Diet: Plan nutritious meals for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (meal at sunset) to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
  • Hydration: Ensure adequate water intake during non-fasting hours to prevent dehydration during fasting.
  • Moderate Exercise: Engage in light physical activity to maintain fitness, but avoid strenuous workouts during fasting hours.
  • Adequate Rest: Prioritize sufficient sleep to support overall well-being and manage fatigue during the fasting period.

Wealth Preparation for Ramadan:

  • Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Allocate a portion of your wealth for and give Zakatul Fitr, Zakat, and charity, helping those in need.
  • Budgeting: Plan your expenses for Ramadan, including iftar preparations, charitable contributions, and other associated costs.
  • Avoid Excess Spending: Resist unnecessary or extravagant purchases, focusing on simplicity and mindful consumption.
  • Financial Accountability: Review your financial situation, set goals for savings, and reassess spending habits for long-term economic stability.
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An Arabic Wisdom https://icstillwater.org/an-arabic-wisdom/ https://icstillwater.org/an-arabic-wisdom/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 03:23:46 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11607

إذا المرءُ لا يرعاكَ إلا تكَلفا ** فدعهُ ولا تُكثِر عليهِ التأسُّفا

If a person does not care for you except out of formality,
Then leave them and do not grieve over them too much.

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Sagesse: https://icstillwater.org/sagesse/ https://icstillwater.org/sagesse/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:36:39 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11465

It could be meaningles s to write in French for English speaking audience. But I really miss my French! Here isUn  réflexion est profondément inspirante et pleine de force.

Je suis fier de moi parce que j’ai survécu aux jours où je pensais ne pas pouvoir y arriver. Aux moments où le poids du monde me semblait insupportable, où je ne savais pas comment j’allais tenir une heure de plus – encore moins jusqu’au lendemain –, et pourtant, je m’en suis sorti. J’ai tenu bon, même quand tout en moi voulait abandonner. J’ai avancé, pas à pas, même lorsque le chemin était incertain, même lorsque j’avais l’impression qu’il n’y en avait plus du tout.

Survivre à ces jours n’a pas été facile. Ce n’était ni gracieux ni beau. C’était chaotique, douloureux et brut. Mais je l’ai fait. Je me suis relevé pour moi-même, même quand personne d’autre ne le pouvait. J’ai trouvé en moi une force dont j’ignorais l’existence, et j’ai continué d’avancer, même lorsque tout semblait s’effondrer. Et ça, c’est quelque chose dont je peux être fier.
Parfois, survivre, c’est simplement réussir à sortir du lit quand son cœur est lourd. D’autres fois, c’est respirer à travers la douleur, s’asseoir dans le silence et laisser les larmes couler sans honte. La survie n’a rien à voir avec la perfection ni avec le fait d’avoir tout sous contrôle – c’est choisir de rester, de se battre, de guérir et de croire, même faiblement, que de meilleurs jours viendront.
Aujourd’hui, en regardant en arrière, je vois tout le chemin parcouru. J’ai grandi d’une manière que je n’aurais jamais imaginée. J’ai découvert une résilience dans les ténèbres et trouvé de la lumière là où je pensais qu’il n’y en avait plus. Ces jours difficiles m’ont appris des leçons précieuses que je porte avec moi chaque jour : je suis plus fort que je ne le pense, plus courageux que je ne le ressens et plus capable que je ne l’imagine.
Je suis fier de moi parce que je n’ai pas laissé ces jours sombres me définir. Ils m’ont façonné, certes, mais ils ne m’ont pas brisé. Je suis toujours debout. Je suis toujours là. Et chaque jour où je choisis d’avancer est une victoire, aussi petite soit-elle.
À tous ceux qui lisent ceci : sachez que survivre aux jours difficiles est un accomplissement dont vous devez être profondément fiers. Célébrez-vous pour les batailles que vous avez menées et gagnées, même silencieusement, même si personne ne les a vues. Vous êtes là, et c’est tout ce qui compte.

Translation:

I am proud of myself because I survived the days when I thought I couldn’t make it. During the moments when the weight of the world seemed unbearable, when I didn’t know how I would last another hour – let alone until tomorrow – and yet, I made it. I held on, even when everything inside me wanted to give up. I kept moving forward, step by step, even when the path was uncertain, even when I felt like there was no path at all.

Surviving those days wasn’t easy. It wasn’t graceful or beautiful. It was chaotic, painful, and raw. But I did it. I got back up for myself, even when no one else could. I found within me a strength I didn’t know existed, and I kept moving forward, even when everything seemed to be collapsing. And that’s something I can be proud of.

Sometimes, surviving is simply managing to get out of bed when your heart is heavy. Other times, it’s breathing through the pain, sitting in silence, and letting the tears fall without shame. Survival has nothing to do with perfection or having everything under control – it’s about choosing to stay, to fight, to heal, and to believe, even weakly, that better days will come.

Today, looking back, I see all the distance I’ve traveled. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I discovered resilience in the darkness and found light where I thought there was none. Those difficult days taught me precious lessons that I carry with me every day: I am stronger than I think, braver than I feel, and more capable than I imagine.

I am proud of myself because I didn’t let those dark days define me. They shaped me, yes, but they didn’t break me. I am still standing. I am still here. And every day that I choose to move forward is a victory, no matter how small.

To everyone reading this: know that surviving difficult days is an achievement you should be deeply proud of. Celebrate yourself for the battles you’ve fought and won, even silently, even if no one saw them. You are here, and that’s all that matters.**

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