Im reading a book right now in which a girl is in a horrible car accident that leaves her blind and motherless. Shes an artist by profession so used to seeing things that its devastating for her to have to start over and give up her passion of art. She's been so spoiled by relying on her eyes as her major sense that she's taken by surprise when she realizes what she's been missing out on by never using any of her other senses. Its very interesting to see her growth. In her hospital bed, her sense of smell immediately clues her in to who is around her -- she says she knows who is standing next to her based on their perfume.At home, when she comes into a conversation, she hears a sudden change in tone between how someone speaks to her versus her father. She says she hears disdain as if she interrupted an important, private conversation and she wonders to herself why she never picked up on people's tones before. When she meets a student at the School for the Blind, she strikes up a conversation with them not ever knowing how they look physically, whether they are of a different race, elderly or middle-aged.
Despite its obvious merits, seeing isnt everything.
How many times do we refrain from walking up to someone based on how they look, what they're driving, where they live, or what they do for a living? Its runs deeper than just passing judgment. For whatever reason, sometimes we hold back... we cop out on going further. We admire from afar and run and hide from people/issues/things that challenge our thinking or cause us to shift from the norm. If Allah (swt) has the ability to see us all equally, how special are the blind who see people for who they really are? How humbling of an experience would it be to let go of inhibitions and walk through doors blindly that you couldn't see existed before?
The truth is we can do that now, with our sight intact, Alhamdullilah. On the train home I stop reading, and close my eyes. I cant see anything: no bling, no Armani suits, no incredible smiles, no high cheekbones, no religious adornments, nothing. Then, slowly, I become aware of my surroundings. I hear the obvious sounds: coughing, sighing, laughing, talking, etc. Then, I begin to hear emotions: irritation/annoyance, relaxation, anxiety, contentment. Its a mix of a hearing and feeling, actually. I can feel a stop coming way before its announced -- not just because the train begins to slow down but before that people start to gather their things. The temperature rises. Moving people give off heat. There is an awkward excitement -- and I say awkward because its only Philly after all, not Disney World! Its more of a hustle and bustle. The lady next to me touches my shoulder to alert me of her intended departure. I figure she thinks I'd fallen asleep.
The best of Allah (swt)'s lessons come from forcing us to learn or accept something we thought we were incapable or too weak to deal with. He (swt) doesn't test you with material He (swt) knows you won't pass. Perhaps we should make full use of all our senses before He (swt) decides to take one or more away from us. Id rather not give Him (swt) the idea that Im ungrateful and ignorant of such a pleasant and important gift.
When will you start seeing?
