“My heart is at ease knowing that what was meant for me will never miss me, and that what misses me was never meant for me.” Imam Al-Shafi’i
I came upon this quote today. It brought me peace.
What a concept. That what was meant for me will never miss me and that what misses me was never meant for me. This takes away all worry and concern. It’s like faith in the universe on steroids.
It doesn’t mean I’ll stop working and trying and going for my goals and desires. It doesn’t mean I’ll stop dreaming, or putting in the effort to achieve my dreams. It just means that I don’t have to try so hard. Or push too much. Or maybe even go all out…except for when I want to.
I keep reminding my clients to stop and smell the roses. To take breathers. To enjoy their days. This quote reminds me to do the same. Because if what is meant for me will never miss me and what misses me was never meant for me, I have more time for roses and breathers.
Now, one could argue that this approach is a cop out. A sour grapes attitude. A giving up. I don’t see it that way. To me it’s not giving up, but giving in. Letting go. Trusting. And trusting a bit more.
I was walking past a window just a bit ago and looked up briefly enough to notice the sky…in its brilliant sunset. I could have missed it. I could have kept going with my task at hand. I could have kept trying and working and doing “what I needed to do.” But I stopped for a moment to stare at the sky. And smile.
And felt my heart ease.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please share this post with others if it resonates with you!
I love this message Lisa. Appreciating what you have right now and in front of you, and enjoying every moment and every joy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. I love “enjoying every moment and every joy.” 🙂
I came across the quote you posted and notice it’s attributed to Imam Al-Shafi’i. Can I know where you got the source of the quote? I ask because it has been attributed to Umar Ibn Khattab as well and I would like to know the most accurate reference.
Hello. I’m not sure where I got the original source, but every time I look it up I still get Imam Al-Shafi’i. I hope that is correct and please let me know if you find something different.
This concept gave me absolute understanding about the concept of life..our heart should always be at ease anytime we feel are hesitating towards our destination.. the quote conveys the message that whatever circumstance we find ourselves in some point of our life , it was supposed to and there’s a reason why it all happening .. this quote doesn’t prevent or retard us from fighting for our aims and goals but it rather encouraging us to accept whatever form of uncertainty that might happen with fate because it was actually meant to happen.. If anything you have been working so hard to achieve is still is still impossible then somehow it wasn’t meant to be.. accept what life brings to your door and make the best out of it .. if it meant to be it will definitely not miss you but if it doesn’t then wasn’t meant to be hence it will miss you irrespective of how u desire for it …
Thank you and yes. Again, it brings me back to acceptance and ease. Having my goals and my desires AND showing up and letting things be as they are all at the same time. Still sometimes new muscles for me…and ones I’m strengthening as I go along. 🙂
Hi Lisa,
This is the quote from Umar ibn Al-Khattab which I believe may have some similarity with the above quote from Imam Al-Shafi’i —
“No amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by God’s decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from you it cannot flee.”
― Umar ibn Al-Khattab
Thank you Tatay! I love it. It is always a great reminder for me.