Great Expectations

Many have said that every form of relationship involves expectation. Shirke used to say, “Love doesn’t hurt; Expectations do.” Lao Tzu said, “Act without expectation.” Why? Dodinsky said, “If you are walking in the street of expectations, not far is a lonely bench called disappointment.” Shakespeare said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” For “Real love begins where nothing is expected in return”. So live life without expectations and you’ll appreciate things more as they come along. Hmm...

What does Islam say of this? Keep doing your part and leave the rest to Allah SWT. Indeed, the only reason you need to do something is none other than Allah SWT. Mum used to say, “If all the people are pleased with you but Allah is not, what have you gained? If Allah is pleased with you but no one else is, what have you lost?” 

“Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our Protector, and on Allah let the Believers put their trust” (QS 9:51). “… And live with them (people) in kindness. For if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good” (QS 4:19). I'm reminded of what RasululLah SAW said - “Make it easy, do not make it difficult; convey glad-tidings and do not cause them to run away”. Indeed, in gentleness there is strength, reflecting a character of quality. Wa-Allahu a’lam :)