“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kubler –Ross
Beauty varies according to the eyes of the beholder. What may seem beautiful to one person may not be so to another. However, there are certain things about whose beauty there is universal agreement, such as the sight of roses, an innocent smile, and the act of being kind to others, natural scenery in the lap of Mother Nature and so on. In addition, there are so many things around us that are so beautiful but we tend to ignore them, and it needs perhaps a poet to point out their beauty. In fact, the world is full of beautiful things, some of them are evident; many are hidden. It is left to us to notice and enjoy all the beauty that is strewn around us to make our life more colorful.
When I see a vibrant flower, or a peacock majestically strutting his colorful plumes, I revere the beauty of nature. Beauty is everywhere, Appreciate the beauty around you while beauty is still in its prime. Picture to yourself the charm of a mild breeze on a spring morning or the allure of cool dew on a rose petal. A waterfall flowing from a green mountain, a light rain in a romantic weather and the blossoming trees in the heart of a garden or on a river bank, are sure evidence of the beauty of nature. You will naturally enjoy all these charms and attractions. Breathing in a fresh air and relaxing at the beach will fill you with great pleasure. Ashley Smith says, “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
Imagine praying with tearful eyes and a soulful heart in the privacy of midnight or at the crack of dawn. In other words, how will you feel when a lump in your throat makes your tears run down your cheek and a deep sadness is in your heart while there is thirst of your soul? A spiritual dialogue with your God at the altar of worship enables you to realize the sanctity of the Creator. Indeed, there is a great solace and mysticism in such a prayer.
Think how a man visualizes an attractive eye-catching, fashionable woman; and vice versa? Imagining a charming person of good looks, coy smile, fresh cheeks, glossy hair and delicate body, will arouse you. Moreover, when a girl uses make-up and the most modern fashions, naturally, a boy cannot resist the temptation to gaze in admiration. Of course, he will succumb to her beauty and attraction.
How do you behave with a kind-hearted person who always beams and blooms warm-heartedly? Of course, besides this, there is another type of beauty which is more significant. For instance, honesty, loyalty, commitment, bravery, etc. demonstrate the high values and humanity of a person. One’s nobility and ignobility lie in these inner characters. If you are a person of a good moral standard, you will live an honorable life in your society.
Think of a person who always frowns and groans, whose lips never form a smile. Won’t such furious eyes and angry looks, put one off? We all know that a person who does not bear a decent moral standard, however good-looking he may be, he still is repulsive. As Elisabeth Kubler-Ross says, “People are like stained – glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” - Lady Gaga says, “You define beauty for yourself, society doesn’t define your beauty. Your spirit and your faith define your beauty.”
Beauty is of two types: external and internal. Internal beauty is loved for itself; it is the beauty of knowledge, reason, generosity, chastity and courage. That inner beauty is what God looks at and loves in His servant. Moreover, inner beauty beatifies the external image, when the person is covered with reverence, sweetness and beautiful manners, his soul acquires of those features. A believer is granted reverence and beauty according to his faith, so he is revered by those who meet him and loved by those who deal with him. This is commonly observed as you can see the righteous, charitable and well-mannered man projecting the nicest impression even if he is plain in looks. This happens especially when he has been blessed by the practice of night-prayers, since they illume the face and beautify it.
Once there was a deep bias against Blacks in the Arabian Peninsula. These Africans were hired as slaves and they were treated unfairly due to their color. However, when Islam emerged, the black slaves changed into heroes in the history of Islam. This change occurred because of the firm religious beliefs and moral standards in early Islam. The fight against cruelties and violence among the tribal leaders, and their commitment to moral values made them real human.
Unfortunately, in our society people give more importance to external beauty than to the internal one. Religious values and moral standards are largely marginalized in our individual and collective life. One is respected for his good appearance rather character.