HIDDEN BLESSINGS OF LIFE

A Lesson from One’s Footwear

This article is written by Maulana Iqbal Umri

Recently, I travelled in a general bogie of a train—nothing fancy, just the humble, crowded, and often chaotic space where countless ordinary stories unfold every day. I had recently bought a new pair of slippers, and half the journey went by with them faithfully protecting my feet. As night fell and drowsiness overtook me, I dozed off, laptop bag clutched tightly to my chest. I had removed my slippers for a while, allowing my feet to breathe.

But when I opened my eyes, they were gone. Not the laptop. Not my wallet. Not even my bag. Just the slippers. A strange kind of loss.

For a moment, I couldn’t help but think—so there’s no safety even for slippers ? I had always thought modern thieves had graduated to stealing phones and laptops. But here I was, learning that even the most ordinary items are at risk in a world that takes what it can, whenever it can.

I stepped off the train barefoot into the cold, early morning darkness. The streets were not meant for bare feet—there were stones, broken glass, dirt. And to my dismay, no shop was open that early to buy a replacement. I walked home, each step a small lesson. Some people stared. Some pitied. And for the first time, I felt how easy it is for others to judge someone based on the most superficial things—like what’s on their feet.

But as discomfort gave way to reflection, I realized something powerful. Footwear—something we take for granted is a blessing from God. In the Quran, God says: He has given you all that you asked of Him; and if you try to reckon up God’s favours, you will not be able to count them. Truly man is very unjust, very ungrateful. (14: 34)

We are surrounded by blessings—big and small, visible and hidden. But most of the time, we only realize their worth when they’re gone. A pair of slippers might seem insignificant, but it guards us against harm, pain, and dirt. It gives us dignity, comfort, and ease.

The Prophet Muhammad taught us a profound way to live: to notice our blessings, to be grateful, and to never belittle any gift, no matter how small. He said: “Look at those who are lower than you and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to make you not belittle the blessings of God upon you.” (Sahih Muslim)

That night, a missing pair of slippers taught me more than many sermons could. It reminded me to be alert—not just against theft—but alert to the gifts we live with each day. It reminded me to be humble, because everything we possess is temporary. And it reminded me to be thankful, because even something as simple as footwear can be a shield of mercy.

So, next time you slip your feet into your footwear, pause for a second. Say Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God). That small whisper of gratitude could be the key to recognizing a world full of unnoticed favours.