Smile and Let Smile

A word. A gesture. A comment. Sometimes that is all it takes to destroy a person.

I read this line today, and it opened the floodgates of memory. Pain that no one saw. Abuse that left no scars on the skin, but carved deep into the soul. Many of us know this silent suffering: we kept quiet, we smiled through it, and we were told that patience meant silence.

But is patience the same as submission? Is silence the same as peace? No. Our faith calls us to speak truth against oppression, even if it is bitter. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us that the best jihad is to speak a word of truth before a tyrant.

We need safe spaces and support systems: in our families, workplaces, and communities; where people can break the silence without fear. Where dignity is restored, and where healing begins. Because unseen pain deserves to be seen, and unspoken stories deserve to be heard.

Here are four steps we can take together:

• Community Listening Circles: safe, moderated gatherings where people share their pain and stories without judgment. Sometimes, being heard is the first step to healing.
• Psychological Safety Champions: trusted people inside organizations who employees can approach confidentially when facing harassment or abuse. Not for paperwork, but for dignity.
• Counseling & Mentorship: imams, scholars, and wise elders trained to provide both guidance and emotional support. Silence is not the only form of patience.
• Helplines & Peer Support Networks: anonymous lines or online groups where someone can hear you say, “I am hurting,” and respond, “You are not alone.”

Let us be the listeners. Let us build the structures of mercy and justice, so that no one has to endure excruciating pain alone.

You can take action today, and be a part of the solution.

Smile and let smile.