Taming the butterflies

Hafsa paced nervously in her room. Her drama club and their families were gathering today for the final performance of the play, and she was feeling very tensed. She’d revised her lines many times, made sure her voice was loud and clear, and even eaten a snack so she wouldn’t feel hungry.

Her family was getting the house ready for the event – her dad had arranged the snacks, her brothers were setting up the living room, and her mom was checking off all the last minute details. They’d told Hafsa to try and relax in her room before all the guests arrived.

Being alone in her room made Hafsa feel even more stressed out than before. She decided to go look for something to do, to settle her mind. She found her brother carrying some chairs into the living room. ‘Hey Hafsa, all set for your big gig?’, Abbas asked.

‘Hmm, kinda. I’m not sure. I mean I do have everything memorized, but its my first time performing in front of all the parents. I feel like my tummy hurts a bit – do you think I should just ask Amy to do my part instead?’, said Hafsa looking uneasy.

Abbas put down the chairs. He took two of them out, and invited his sister to sit down next to him. ‘If you’re really feeling sick, then I’m sure your friend will be happy to help you. But I think maybe you have butterflies in your tummy. Do you know what that is?’, asked her brother.

Hafsa shook her head. ‘How would butterflies get in my tummy, Abbas? I don’t drink nectar silly!’, she laughed.

Abbas smiled. ‘It’s just a saying. When a person gets nervous or excited before doing something important, their tummy acts funny. Like a bunch of butterflies are dancing in there. Is that how you feel?’

‘Hmm, I think so, maybe., replied Hafsa. I keep thinking that I might forget my lines during the play, and that makes me worried.’

‘You know, Hafsa. The other day I was listening to a story* from the life of Musa (alayhis salam). Do you remember how Musa (AS) was commanded by Allah to go and challenge Firaun? Well how do you think he felt then? He knew Allah had a plan for him, and Musa(AS) wanted to do exactly what Allah had asked. But he was also human, and he was worried about going to talk with Firoun. So he made a special duaa to Allah. Do you want to hear how it goes? It’s like this :

“Rabbishrahli sadri wa yassir lee amri wahlul ukdatan min li saani yafkahu qawli”

(SURAH TA-HA ,VERSE 25-28)

And it means. ‘‘O my Lord ! open my chest for me and make my task easy for me and make loose the knot from my tongue so that they understand my speech”

Prophet Musa (AS) was asking Allah to give him confidence to talk with Firaun. And Allah accepted Prophet Musa’s (AS) prayer. How about we try saying that duaa too? I think it might help your butterflies flutter away super quick. What do you say?’, encouraged her brother.

Hafsa smiled at her big brother. ‘I guess I can try. Will you help me, Abbas? Rabbishrahli sadri wa yassir lee amri wahlul ukdatan min li saani yafkahu qawli. Hmm okay my tummy does feel a tiny bit calmer.Lets say it a couple more times just in case my worries come back.’, Hafsa suggested

Abbas stayed with his sister and said the duaa a couple more times until she felt better. By the time they were finished, he heard some of the guests come into the house. He finished arranging the chairs and turned to look at his sister chatting with her friends who had just come in.

‘Welcome everyone! Come on in! Manal – guess what I learned? I know a super cool duaa that takes all the nervousness away. Let me teach it to you!’, Hafsa pulled her into the house excitedly.

The play was a success and the butterflies had long flown away into the night. Hafsa smiled at her brother and gave him a thumbs up, while she took a bow at all the cheers coming in from the audience.

*  Story inspiration : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SPivf0ZQzg