What is the greatest gift to man? Is it his ability to reason, the sole factor that distinguishes him (human) from animal? Or is it his intellect, allowing him to conquer all that exists around him? Some say life in itself is a gift, but many would beg to differ. Especially when the giver 'will take' that 'gift' back from you whenever HE chooses. A child may receive a gift on his birthday, but if he has no appreciation or desire for the gift, the purpose of 'giving' is defeated. Is it truly a gift if we never wanted it in the first place?

Is it the lessons we learn through our hardships, trials, and tribulations? I doubt it, for a lesson is merely an awareness that previously did not exist, and the ignorance it killed could be viewed as 'spoiling the fun'. History also says otherwise, showing men repeat the same hardships, trials, and tribulations over and over and over.

Is it a certain event/circumstance that we encounter in life, whether it be positive or negative? In the latter, some events are like bruises that put a swelling on the soul for a short period of time and eventually disappear. Others are like scars in which the pain may minimize over time, but the mark it leaves on you will be visible to the soul forever. And if the former occurs after the soul has already been scarred, does it really even matter?

Is the gift to discover the purpose of life? What is the purpose? To which many say Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.. Yet those same people cannot agree on one consensus for the purpose of each of those faiths! Is the purpose of religion to guide or abide?

Is it the gift of companionship from the rest of humanity (men and women)? In a world that spits on you when you are at your lowest level and reaches out to you when you are most high - intellect, reason, and this particular stance should tell you the overall nature of man is cowardice, and you're ability to 'identify' this distinguishes you from the likes of many them. Dealings with them should be perceived as tolerance, not as a gift.

The qualities I see that are needed to make something a gift are the following:

Faith - Faith is key! When man loses faith, he is a living mind walking with a dead soul. Faith goes hand in hand with hope. Man's faith alone can get him to the next world; but when another soul has faith in him, it will help him get through this world.

Forgiveness - Forgiveness is 'key'! When man comes to the realization that he is just that, man, he realizes that perfection died in the days of the prophets and he must be able to rebound from his mistakes. Forgiveness from the Almighty will help him rebound for the next world, but forgiveness from a fellow soul will help him rebound in this world.

Respect - Respect is 'key'! It is a natural desire within man to be respected by the rest of mankind. Disrespect can cause man to lose his reasonable ways of thinking and stray towards more animalistic ways of dealing with others. When one is respected, it allows the true nature of his soul to reflect, as the gatekeeper of his soul, anger, steps down.

Acceptance - Acceptance is 'key'! Societies have man made standards that approve/disapprove, label, and stereotype individuals into perceptions that prevent those that are different from the majority to be perceived as better or equal to the majority. Man should know his Lord and Creator will accept him as he is, but acceptance in this world based on individuality rather than affiliation is unlikely. For one to be accepted for who he truly is also allows the soul to reflect its true nature as the other gatekeeper of the soul, hate, steps down.

Unconditional love - Unconditional love is 'key'! To love based on actions towards an individual is the norm. And we all know people, circumstances, and actions change. So with this, the love changes. To love unconditionally is eternal, regardless of changes in circumstances, individuality, or actions. Our creator loves us unconditionally, yet the worldly love is truly conditional. To receive unconditional love in this world is a true gift to the soul.

Loyalty - Loyalty is 'key'! Loyalty goes hand in hand with trust. When man is unswerving in allegiance and faithful to those he considers true to himself, that is loyalty! This is a true characteristic of a real man, and to receive it in return is a true gift to his soul.


All these characteristics should be combined to work together - like chemicals in black seed oil - to bring about happiness, peace, and mental well being. Integrating all these things together, creating an output of well being would be nearly impossible to get in this horrific world we live in. However, I have learned that all of this does exist, and I have been blessed with it throughout my life. Understanding this has brought peace to my mind and has eased off the anger and hatred that exists within my soul.

I was long overdue for a post here, so surprise! Here it is.

-Sara