The Different Colors of Noise and How They Help Us

Noise is often thought of as annoying, but certain types of noise can actually help us sleep better, focus more, and feel calmer. Most people know about white noise, but did you know there are other “colors” of noise? These include pink noise, brown noise, blue noise, gray noise, and violet noise. Each has its own unique sound and benefits.

I’ve tried some of these myself, and I’ll share my thoughts in this article. Whether you’re struggling to sleep, concentrate, or relax, there’s likely a type of noise that can help you.

What Are the Different Colors of Noise?

The “color” of noise is based on how the sound is spread across different frequencies. Here’s a simple breakdown of each type:

  1. White Noise
    This is the most popular. It includes all sound frequencies at the same level, which makes it sound like static from a TV or radio.
  2. Pink Noise
    Pink noise focuses more on low sounds than high ones. It’s softer and more natural, like steady rain or wind in the trees.
  3. Brown Noise
    Brown noise (also called red noise) has an even deeper sound than pink noise. Think of a heavy waterfall or far-away thunder.
  4. Blue Noise
    Blue noise is sharper and focuses on high-pitched sounds. It’s like a light hiss.
  5. Gray Noise
    This adjusts the volume of different frequencies so it feels equally balanced to our ears.
  6. Violet Noise
    Violet noise is very high-pitched, similar to a sharp hiss or squeak.

Depending on whether it’s day or night, I adjust how I listen to these sounds. At night, I set a timer on a YouTube video. For example, 40 minutes and let it play as I fall asleep. Once I’m drifting off, I turn it off and go to bed. During the day, if I’m stressed, I put my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb,’ close my eyes, and focus on the sound. Find a balance that works best for you.

How Do These Noises Help?

I’ve always been interested in how sounds affect our minds and bodies. Here’s how each type of noise might help:

1. Sleeping Better

White noise is great for masking sounds that might wake you up, like a dog barking or traffic outside. I found pink noise to be even more soothing for sleep. It feels softer, like gentle rain, which makes it easier for me to relax and fall asleep.

Brown noise is another good option if you like deeper, comforting sounds. It reminds me of being safe inside while listening to a storm far away.

2. Staying Focused

When I need to concentrate, white and brown noise work best for me. White noise blocks out distracting sounds around me, while brown noise feels more natural and doesn’t get tiring over time.

Blue noise, on the other hand, feels too sharp for me to use while working, but it might work for people who like higher-pitched sounds to keep them alert.

3. Relaxing and Feeling Calm

Pink and brown noise are perfect for unwinding. Listening to them feels like being in nature whether it’s by the sea or in the middle of a forest.

Violet noise, while not my favorite, is often used for helping people who hear ringing in their ears (called tinnitus).

4. Easing Tinnitus

If you’ve ever experienced ringing in your ears, white or violet noise can help cover it up so it’s less annoying. I don’t have tinnitus, but I’ve read that these sounds bring relief to many people.

Who Should Use These Sounds?

Anyone can benefit from these noises, but certain groups of people might find them especially helpful:

  • Light Sleepers: If small noises wake you up at night, white or pink noise can create a steady background sound to block them out.
  • People Who Get Distracted Easily: White and brown noise are great for improving focus.
  • Those Who Feel Stressed: Pink and brown noise are calming and can help reduce stress.
  • People with Tinnitus: White or violet noise can make the ringing in their ears less noticeable.
  • Babies and Children: White noise is often used to soothe babies because it reminds them of the sounds they heard in the womb.

My Thoughts and Advice

As I explored these sounds, I realized how much they can change the way we feel. For me, pink noise works wonders for sleep and relaxation. It reminds me of peaceful rainy days, which always make me feel calm.

When I’m working or writing, I like brown noise. It’s deep and steady, which helps me concentrate without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re just starting, I recommend trying white noise or pink noise first since they are the most popular and easy to find.

You can listen to these sounds on YouTube. Play around with different types to see what works best for you.

Sound is a simple yet powerful tool that can improve your sleep, focus, and overall well-being. It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact. I encourage you to give it a try, you might be surprised at how much it helps!

Allah Tests Us with Everything

When I look around, I see that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes I feel happy, and other times I feel lost or in pain. This made me wonder, why do we go through all of this? Then I remembered what Allah says in the Quran:

“Every soul shall taste death, and We test you with evil and with good as a trial, and to Us you will be returned.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:35)

Allah tells us very clearly that this life is a test. Everything we have, our health, our money, even the people we love, can be taken away at any time. And it’s not because Allah doesn’t love us; it’s because He’s testing us to see how we act.

I strive each day to be a better version of myself. It’s not always easy. I make mistakes, and some days are harder than others. But every night before I go to bed, I ask Allah to forgive me and help me improve in the things I struggle with. I know I’m not perfect, and Allah knows that too. We are human, and we will fall. But Allah knows our intentions, and that’s what matters the most.

Allah also says:

“And this worldly life is no more than play and amusement. But the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. Will you not then understand?” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:32)

This verse always reminds me not to get too attached to this world. It’s like a dream, everything here will end, but the Hereafter is forever.

Rewards of Heaven

The Quran gives us beautiful details about the rewards of Jannah. Allah says:

“Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure. On adorned couches, observing. You will recognize in their faces the radiance of pleasure. They will be given to drink pure wine, sealed. The last of it is musk. So for this let the competitors compete.”
(Surah Al-Mutaffifin, 83:22-26)

Jannah is beyond what we can imagine. It’s a place where there is no pain, sadness, or hardship. The people of Heaven will live in eternal happiness, surrounded by blessings, enjoying the company of their loved ones, and, most importantly, being close to Allah.

Punishment of Hell

Hell is described as a place of unimaginable torment for those who turn away from Allah and commit sins without repentance. Allah says:

“Indeed, Hell has been lying in wait. For the transgressors, a place of return. In which they will remain for ages [unending]. They will not taste therein coolness or drink, except scalding water and [foul] purulence. An appropriate recompense.”
(Surah An-Naba, 78:21-26)

Hell is not just physical pain; it’s also a place of regret and hopelessness that will never end. This is a warning for us to avoid sinful actions and turn back to Allah with sincere repentance.

A Reminder

Sometimes, we might think we can get away with doing wrong things. Maybe no one sees, or we think it’s a small sin. But Allah warns us:

“Indeed, your Lord is in observation.”
(Surah Al-Fajr, 89:14)

No matter what, Allah is always watching. Even if we escape punishment here, we will face it in the Hereafter if we don’t repent.

Final Advice

Be careful with your actions. Don’t think that just because you got away with something in this world, you’re safe. Allah is fair, and everything will come back to us after we die. Let’s make sure we are preparing for that day.

May Allah guide us all and make our tests easy. Ameen.

Jumu’ah Mubarak!

Almighty Allah vs Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar (Evil Eye)

Throughout human history, people have tried to make sense of the forces that shape their lives. For us as Muslims, our understanding of destiny, protection, and success is anchored in faith in Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) power and wisdom. Yet, in daily life, many turn to ideas like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (the Evil Eye) to explain misfortunes or successes. These concepts are not from Islam; they’re often rooted in misunderstandings or borrowed from other belief systems. My goal in this article is to explain why true peace and resilience come from relying on Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala alone and not on these human created myths.

From the start, we’ve been given examples of Allah (swt) wisdom and authority. Shaytaan was one of the first beings to defy Allah (swt), refusing to honor Adam (AS). This act of pride led to Shaytaan’s downfall, showing us what happens to those who turn away from Allah (swt) commands. Over time, Allah (swt) justice has unfolded through various generations, as seen with the destruction of communities in the time of Prophet Noah (AS) and the people of Prophet Lut (AS). Back then, the punishment was immediate; people saw the consequences of disobedience right before their eyes.

Today, however, Allah (swt) allows us more time to choose our paths and reflect. But even with this patience, Allah (swt) attributes remain: He is still the All-Powerful, the Most Merciful, and the Best Planner. As the Quran says, He alone is responsible for the fate of all creation:

To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and whatever is within them. He has power over all things.
(Quran 5:120)

And Allah is the best of planners. (Quran 3:54)

He created the heavens and the earth in truth and formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the [final] destination.
(Quran 64:3)

In our fast-paced world, however, we often overlook these verses. Instead, we begin to rely on concepts like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye) to explain events. But why? These beliefs give a sense of immediate cause and effect, an illusion of control over what happens to us. Yet, believing in such ideas inadvertently diminishes our faith in Allah’s ultimate plan and protection.

Why Allah (swt) Power Surpasses Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar (Evil Eye)

Allah (swt) wisdom and justice encompass everything, including what we understand and what we don’t. When we believe in Allah (swt) alone, we don’t need explanations like Karma or Jinx because we know that everything is part of His divine plan. Allah (swt) doesn’t rely on luck or fate in the way humans might think; His wisdom is beyond any human comprehension.

Consider Pharaoh, as mentioned in the Quran. He was wealthy and powerful, ruling with an iron fist and enslaving his people. Some might even view him as a “successful” ruler by worldly standards, yet his arrogance led him to defy Allah (swt), even claiming divinity. Despite his immense power, he met his end in the Red Sea, where Allah (swt) preserved his body as a lasting reminder of what happens to those who rebel against His commands. Pharaoh’s fate is a profound lesson that no one, no matter how strong or influential, can challenge Allah (swt) authority.

As the Quran says:

This day We shall preserve your body, that you may become a sign to those who come after you! But verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our signs. (Quran 10:92)

If Pharaoh lived in our times, he might be considered one of the most cruel powerful figures in the world, a leader with seemingly unlimited control. Yet, even with all his influence, he was defeated by Allah (swt), his body left as a warning to humanity. This demonstrates an essential truth: no amount of wealth, power, or influence can stand against Allah (swt) will. Truly, no human, no matter the era or “universe” could ever match Allah (swt) might.

Why Do People Believe in Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar?

Karma, Jinx, and Nazzar (Evil Eye) are appealing because they seem to explain the things we don’t understand. Karma promises that “what goes around, comes around,” while Jinx and the Evil Eye imply that someone else’s jealousy or negativity can bring harm. But these concepts ultimately rely on a worldview that Allah (swt) wisdom and protection overrule. When we put our trust in Allah (swt), we recognize that nothing happens without His permission. No amount of envy, “bad luck,” or supposed curse can harm us if Allah (swt) does not will it.

In the Quran, Allah (swt) reassures us of His protection:

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. (Quran 10:107)

This verse is a powerful reminder that Allah (swt) alone controls what happens to us. Believing in anything else is a form of shirk, or associating others with Allah (swt) power, which is a grave sin. When we start to place our faith in Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye), we lose sight of Allah (swt) role as our protector and guide.

Building a Mindset of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

So, what does it mean to fully place our trust in Allah (swt)? It means that we recognize His wisdom in every situation, even when we don’t understand it. Practicing tawakkul, or reliance on Allah (swt), frees us from the anxiety and fear that come with beliefs in Karma or the Evil Eye. If something difficult happens, we know it is a test from Allah (swt). If we achieve success, we thank Allah (swt) for His blessings. This mindset is incredibly powerful because it removes the need to control every detail of our lives, giving us peace and contentment.

One practical way to practice tawakkul is through gratitude and humility. Each time we accomplish something, we should say, “Masha’Allah,” recognizing that Allah (swt) is the source of our success. Instead of thinking, “I earned this entirely by my own effort,” we can say, “Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) blessed me with this opportunity.” Gratitude not only humbles us but also serves as a shield against envy or negativity from others.

Trust in Allah (swt): The Path to Inner Peace

Many of the anxieties we face today stem from a lack of trust in Allah (swt). When we put faith in concepts like Karma or Jinx, we open ourselves to needless worry. “Will my success bring bad luck?” “Is someone giving me the Evil Eye?” These questions only arise when we forget that Allah (swt) is our protector.

Here’s a practical approach to letting go of these fears:

  1. Constantly Remember Allah (swt): Keep Allah (swt) in your heart and mind throughout the day. Recite “Bismillah” when starting anything, and thank Allah often.
  2. Believe in Divine Wisdom: Remind yourself that Allah (swt) knows best, even when situations seem difficult. Trusting in His wisdom helps us accept His will, regardless of the circumstances.
  3. Practice Gratitude: Saying “Alhamdulillah” or “Masha’Allah” for blessings keeps us grounded and reminds us of Allah (swt) mercy.
  4. Pray for Protection: When you feel anxious about the Evil Eye or other fears, pray sincerely. The Quran tells us that Allah (swt) is our best protector: “And Allah is the best of protectors, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Quran 12:64)
  5. Read the Quran and Seek Guidance: The Quran is filled with verses that bring comfort and wisdom, reminding us of Allah (swt) power. Regularly reading the Quran strengthens our faith and reinforces our reliance on Allah (swt).

Conclusion: Allah (swt) Alone is Sufficient

Ultimately, our lives and destinies are in Allah (swt) hands, not in the hands of concepts like Karma, Jinx, or Nazzar (Evil Eye). When we deepen our faith in Allah (swt) and turn to Him for guidance, we are no longer bound by superstitions or unfounded fears. Placing our trust in Allah (swt) above all else allows us to live with purpose, peace, and gratitude. The more we rely on Him, the more we can let go of beliefs that weaken our faith. Insha’Allah, may we all strive to remember that Allah (swt) is our protector, our guide, and the source of all blessings.


Note:

“Allah” is the Arabic word for God, referring to the One and only God.

“Subhanahu wa ta’ala” (SWT) is an Arabic phrase that translates to “The most glorified, the most high”. It is a Muslim honorific used to refer to God.

“Nazzar” is an Urdu term that translates to the “Evil Eye” or “Black Eye” in English. It refers to the belief that envious or negative energy from others can bring harm or misfortune. However, as explained, our faith in Allah’s protection and wisdom is far greater than any superstition, reinforcing that we are under His watchful care alone.

How I Learned to Stay Calm and Be More Upfront When I Don’t Like Something or Go With the Best “Durguzar”

In life, we often encounter situations that make us uncomfortable, frustrated, or even upset. For many years, I struggled with how to handle these moments. I either kept my feelings to myself, leading to pent-up resentment, or expressed them too late and too harshly. Finding the balance between staying calm and being upfront when I didn’t like something was not easy. However, through self-reflection, practice, and some effective techniques, I managed to develop a healthier approach.

Acknowledging the Need for Change

I realized the need for change after experiencing repeated situations where avoiding confrontation only led to stress and strained relationships. Whether it was staying silent when someone made an offhand comment or agreeing to things I wasn’t comfortable with, the internal pressure built up over time. I would go over conversations in my head, thinking about what I should have said, but rarely acted on those thoughts. I came to understand that staying quiet wasn’t protecting me—it was hurting me.

This realization was a turning point. I needed to learn how to express my feelings without waiting until I was too overwhelmed to do so effectively.

Techniques to Stay Calm

One of the first steps I took was learning how to stay calm in tense moments. Here are some techniques that helped:

Mindfulness and Meditation

I started practicing mindfulness, which helped me stay present in difficult conversations. Instead of spiraling into negative thoughts or overreacting, mindfulness allowed me to observe my feelings without judgment. This made it easier to approach discussions with clarity rather than frustration.

Breathing Techniques

Breathing is simple, but incredibly powerful. I found that deep breathing exercises, particularly slow inhales and exhales, helped me calm down quickly. Whenever I felt anxiety rising, I focused on my breath, which gave me time to reset my emotions before responding.

Reading the Quran

For me, reading the Quran has been a profound source of calm and grounding. In moments of stress or uncertainty, turning to the Quran not only brings me spiritual peace but also offers guidance on how to navigate difficult situations. The messages of patience, wisdom, and kindness within the verses remind me to approach everything with a sense of balance and self-control.

Here are some Quran verses that may help you calm down and be grounded:

Surat Al-Baqarah 2 Verse 153

“O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient”.

Ash-Sharh 94 Verses 5-6

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease”

Ghafir 40 Verse 60

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you'”.

Surah Ali ‘Imran 3 Verse 7

He is the One Who has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book, of which some verses are precise—they are the foundation of the Book—while others are elusive.1 Those with deviant hearts follow the elusive verses seeking ˹to spread˺ doubt through their ˹false˺ interpretations—but none grasps their ˹full˺ meaning except Allah. As for those well-grounded in knowledge, they say, “We believe in this ˹Quran˺—it is all from our Lord.” But none will be mindful ˹of this˺ except people of reason.

Surah Ar-Rum 30 Verse 54

It is Allah Who created you in a state of weakness, then developed ˹your˺ weakness into strength, then developed ˹your˺ strength into weakness and old age.1 He creates whatever He wills. For He is the All-Knowing, Most Capable.

Hobbies and Comedy Movies

Engaging in hobbies I love, whether it’s painting, reading all sort of books, or simply being creative, helps me clear my mind and recharge. These activities give me time to reflect, helping me return to conversations with a calmer mindset.

Similarly, watching comedy movies is a favorite go-to. Humor has a way of dissolving tension and offering perspective. After a good laugh, I often find myself in a lighter mood, making it easier to be upfront in a gentle and positive way. These small joys work wonders in resetting my emotions and preparing me to approach challenging conversations with more clarity.

Pause Before Reacting

I also learned to pause. Giving myself even just a few seconds before responding allowed me to process what was happening, gather my thoughts, and avoid snapping back emotionally. The pause was key in helping me stay composed and intentional in my responses.

Learning to Communicate Assertively

With these calming techniques in place, I turned my attention to communication. I knew that staying calm wasn’t enough—I needed to be upfront about my feelings, but in a way that was constructive and clear.

Clear Communication

I realized that I had to be direct, but not aggressive. Instead of saying vague things like “I don’t know” or “It’s fine” when something bothered me, I began to practice clear and honest communication. I would say things like, “I’m uncomfortable with this,” or “I don’t agree with that,” which made my perspective clear while still being respectful.

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries was also a big part of this process. I used to feel guilty about saying no or expressing when something wasn’t working for me. But I learned that by setting clear boundaries, I could protect my energy and emotional well-being. This didn’t mean being rigid or inflexible, but simply ensuring that I honored my own limits.

Non-verbal Cues

I also became more aware of my non-verbal cues. Often, our tone of voice or body language can communicate just as much as words. By maintaining calm eye contact, using a neutral tone, and standing or sitting confidently, I could reinforce the message that I was being upfront in a composed way, not aggressive or defensive.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like anything, this took practice. I didn’t wake up one day suddenly able to handle every tough conversation perfectly. I started small—by expressing myself in low-stakes situations. Over time, this built my confidence. I found that as I became more comfortable, being upfront felt less like a confrontation and more like a necessary and healthy exchange.

If None of This Works: “Darguzar”—Let It Go

Despite all these techniques, sometimes the best solution is to let go. In my language, we have a word for this: “darguzar,” which means to let it go and forgive. If you’ve tried staying calm, communicating clearly, and setting boundaries but the situation remains unresolved or out of your control, it’s essential to embrace forgiveness and move forward.

Letting go doesn’t mean you’ve been defeated or that your feelings aren’t valid—it means you’re choosing peace over conflict. By practicing “darguzar,” I’ve learned that not every battle needs to be fought. There’s freedom in accepting that some things are better left behind, and with forgiveness comes emotional relief. It allows me to maintain my inner calm and focus on the things that truly matter.

The Positive Outcomes

The results of this shift have been transformative. By staying calm and being clear about my feelings, I’ve seen significant improvements in my relationships—both personal and professional. People have responded positively to my honesty, and I’ve earned more respect for standing my ground without being combative. Additionally, the anxiety that once accompanied difficult conversations has greatly diminished, leaving me with a sense of control and confidence in how I handle these situations.

Perhaps the most surprising benefit has been how this change has impacted my self-esteem. By being true to myself, setting boundaries, and speaking up calmly, I’ve grown more confident in my own voice. I no longer second-guess my feelings or question whether I should have said something. Instead, I feel empowered by knowing that I can address issues head-on without losing my composure.

At Last Statement

Learning to stay calm and be more upfront when I don’t like something has been a game-changer. It’s an ongoing journey, but one that has brought immense peace and growth into my life. If you struggle with similar issues, know that you don’t have to choose between staying silent or erupting in frustration. With mindfulness, clear communication, and a commitment to honoring your own boundaries, you can find that balance too. And if none of this works, remember the power of “darguzar”—letting go and forgiving can bring its own form of calm and closure.