Brief summary, reflection, and lessons learned from "The Food of Paradise"

 

 THE FOOD OF PARADISE

BRIEF SUMMARY

    The pious Mullah Ibrahim taught himself not only to leave his life in the hands of fate but also to discover the method and reason for the provision of goods for man. He exited the seminary and walked out of Baghdad, where he had lived for many years. He was only waiting for the blessings of Allah and had not been eating for days. One day, he saw a floating food on the river to which he reached and opened. It became his supply for a few days ‘til he decided to look where the food originated and he discovered that it was from a princess who threw food in the river. Ibrahim then realizes that Allah surely gives food to everyone, but its quality and kindness are dictated by what man deserves.

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

    Sometimes, a man’s perception changes because of untoward circumstances that disappoint him in life. Just like Ibrahim, he turned his back from his noble job, which is teaching because the school was not paying him well. For this reason, he thought that if Allah really provides, he would survive the life of being jobless. In relation to the society we are living in, we can see many beggars begging for money and food. We can tell that their mindset is the reason why they remain poor. The reasons can be laziness, disappointments, and an unmotivated mindset. If a person wants to succeed in life, he will go against the odds until he reaches what he aims for. However, if a person’s mindset is merely about planning without doing, it means he is stagnant and will not be able to achieve his goals.

    Nonetheless, a man can still change his lifestyle if he will realize the consequences of his actions. In my life, I also have to change things and attitudes so that I can achieve my aspirations. However, there are really instances that I question why things are not going my way. But like Ibrahim, I realized that questioning the Omnipotent for the misfortunes I had is not helping me. A man should understand that life is not all about chasing rainbows; it is sometimes stormy weather.

     Indeed, Allah provides everyone’s needs, but a man receives what he deserves. If we will work hard, we earn good, but if we do not work, we earn less. A man’s fortune is based on the efforts he exerted. We should not depend on luck, because chances of gaining luck are rare.

Altogether, here are the lessons we can obtain:

• We should be thankful for every blessing we receive.
• In life, we must do the best and the Omnipotent will do the rest.
• Never question the Omnipotent for he has plans for you.
• A man gets what he deserves.