Zameen & Aasman

“Zameen & Aasman”—How a Hurtful Comment Became a Source of Strength

A Reflection on Growth, Qadr, and Allah’s Mercy

Some words stay with us longer than they should.

Years ago, an aunty casually said to my family that my sister and I were “zameen aur aasman”—the earth and the sky. In other words, “You two are nothing alike… poles apart.”

At that moment, those words hurt. They made me wonder:

Why compare us? Why say something that creates distance between siblings?

But life has a beautiful way of teaching you that people’s opinions are just moments—fleeting, inconsistent, and often said without thought.

Today, when I look back, I feel something entirely different: peace.

In fact, I say Alhamdulillah because that statement became a teacher, a reminder, and eventually a source of strength.

1. Hurtful Words Are a Test — and Tests Elevate Believers

In Islam, we are reminded again and again that whatever reaches us is by the decree of Allah:

“No calamity occurs, except by the permission of Allah…” (Qur’an 64:11)

Even a statement that hurts our heart is part of our journey. Sometimes Allah uses people’s words to teach us emotional resilience, patience, or self-reflection.

Many of the Sahabah were hurt by people’s words too.

For example:

• The Prophet ﷺ was called a magician, a liar, a poet—yet he responded with sabr, dignity, and trust in Allah.

• Umm Salamah (RA) once said she felt sad about how women were treated or compared in society, and Allah revealed verses emphasizing equality in reward and honor.

These stories teach us:

Hurt doesn’t define us. Our response does.

2. Being “Different” Is Not a Flaw — It’s Qadr

When aunty said my sister and I are zameen & aasman, she meant it as a negative comparison. But the reality is:

The earth and sky are different, but both are essential. Both are beautiful. Both reflect Allah’s power.

Allah created each soul with a unique temperament, journey, and purpose.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Souls are like conscripted soldiers; those who knew each other before will come to like each other, and those who did not will remain apart.” (Bukhari)

In other words, differences in personality are part of Allah’s design—not a shortcoming.

If two siblings are different, that’s a sign of Allah’s creativity, not incompatibility.

Some people are calm like the earth, grounding others.

Some are ambitious like the sky, aiming higher and inspiring those around them.

Both roles are from Allah.

3. With Time, You Outgrow People’s Words

Life takes you through phases that change you—pain, growth, motherhood, loss, independence, spirituality. With each phase, you become stronger, wiser, and more connected to Allah.

What once hurt you becomes something you look back at and smile.

Why?

Because you realize:

• Your worth is not defined by someone’s comment.

• Your personality is not a “comparison point.”

• Allah knows your struggles and your heart.

• What people say fades, but what Allah writes for you remains.

This is why the Prophet ﷺ taught us to make dua for emotional healing:

“O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful and protect me from harm.”

With time and Allah’s mercy, your heart becomes stronger than any careless remark.

4. Finding Peace Through “Alhamdulillah”

The moment you say Alhamdulillah, even for something that once hurt you, your heart shifts from pain to gratitude.

Because now you see the wisdom:

• That statement taught you emotional maturity.

• It helped you stop seeking validation from others.

• It made you reflect on your identity.

• It brought you closer to Allah through patience.

Sometimes, Allah writes uncomfortable moments into our lives so that later we can say:

“I grew because of that. Alhamdulillah.”

5. Turning Hurt into a Lesson for Others

Your experience is not random.

Allah may use your story to strengthen someone else who is still healing from a hurtful comment.

Lessons you can take from this:

People’s opinions change — Allah’s mercy doesn’t.

Your value is not tied to comparisons.

Different doesn’t mean inferior.

Time and sabr turn pain into wisdom.

Your journey is written with divine precision.

What mattered then no longer matters now.

What shook you before cannot shake you again.

This is the beauty of trusting Allah.

Conclusion: You Are Exactly Who Allah Intended You to Be

If someone once compared you, misunderstood you, or labeled you—remember this:

Allah created you intentionally.

Your differences are divinely crafted.

Your journey is sacred.

And sometimes, a hurtful comment is simply the seed that grows into emotional resilience, spiritual clarity, and self-respect.

So today, when I remember that aunty’s words—“zameen & aasman”—I smile and say:

Alhamdulillah.

We are different, and that is beautiful.