16 Comments
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Aamir Razak's avatar

Rumi artfully articulated the human experience in a nutshell. I agree with his view that hardship and suffering are an inevitable and natural part of life, but if we do our best not to resist them when they are present, and instead learn from them, they can become positively transformative for us. I know for myself, personally, that experiencing suffering, like seeing the pain and trauma others are going through, getting a physical injury, or losing a loved one, can be the worst thing to endure, but shifting my view and realizing that something good can be found even in these dark and turbulent times (the proverbial silver lining if you will) provides a measure of hope. Certainly, as Rumi states, not all those who occupy the guest house are necessarily pleasant or welcome, but neither are they permanent visitors. We can only do our best to learn from these guests, enjoy the company of the agreeable ones, and learn from the otherwise unwelcome ones.

Zahra's avatar

Well said!

Saira Anwar's avatar

Mawlana Rumi is my favourite. Wow 😍

Greta Elsbeth's avatar

I love your expression of this concept and how each culture has its own interpretation of radical acceptance and how it can be used to cope with intense emotions. It also echos the framework for working with parts of ourselves.

Roohروح's avatar

Jazakallah khairan. Beautiful writing & Totally relate to this.

May allah make it easy for everyone one of us. Ameen

Zahra's avatar

Ameen 🙏🏻

Eric Walberg's avatar

i grew up in a big house and big family, lots of guests. it feels fearer, more open. so that's actually me. lol

catfish rushdie's avatar

Jazak'Allahu khayr!

Sherry Ning's avatar

How do you politely get a guest to leave lol

Zahra's avatar

No idea but if you ever figure it out lmk

Amr Nosir's avatar

You offer them a cup of coffee and hope they get the hint.

Aamir Razak's avatar

a very good question lol, especially applicable to certain unwelcome guests like sadness anger

RG she/her's avatar

So perfect 😍 thank you 🤩

zainab ⋆⭒˚🪐's avatar

Absolutely loved this! Rumi’s ability to capture and ruminate upon the human condition is brilliant.

Alina Salahuddin's avatar

I think I came on substack just to find you

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Feb 21, 2025
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