Today humans have developed grudges and mostly take decisions based on caste, creed, and religious perspectives etc. With the worldly affairs growing, humans have been posed bigger challenges, and not stopping anywhere. Today crimes and wrong doings are becoming the routine of the day. There are feuds and fights that have black dotted human values. There is loot and robbery becoming an order for the day. There are shoot outs and bombings draining out this world in terms of loss of vital assets both human and non human. We see pathetic stories of our sisters been exploited on daily basis and worse to this world is that not even teens and toddlers have been spared. There is someone as poorer and innocent becoming the sufferer at the end of the day. There is someone as fair put behind bars when the culprits are roaming free. Our educated youth are found under high stress to occupy higher echelons in life. There is someone who has lost his close one in a big tragedy. A poor man is facing the vicious circle and getting down and down. Oh! Man is in doldrums to lead and live a good life. Despite all the challenges, there is someone living in his big dreams regarding his preferred future. There is someone in hope despite all the despair he has to face. This world is but temporary and no one and none will exist for ever. Not even the best of best has to survive in this world and only good deeds will be remembered. Everyone has to face a day when everyone has to be answerable for his/her every deed in this world. Man-then why you are so greedy?
The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Mohammad (saw) once said: “If the world to, Allah were equal to a mosquito’s wing, then He would not allow the disbeliever to have a sip of water from it.” This hadith means that whatever good things of the world Allah (swt) has given to those who deny His attribute of Oneness, as well as the Prophet-hood of His beloved Messenger, He has given those things to them because the world, as a whole, is entirely insignificant and valueless before Him. The value of this world is limited to a wing of a mosquito. Deeply analyzing this fact this world has over 200 countries, how much share can a single country have? Our country has over 28 states how much share we will have? Our state has 22 districts, what will be my part then? My village has 80 villages how much I owe then. My family has 5 members, what will I get? We should not be fooled by what the disbelievers have of the luxuries of this world, for they have no share of anything good in the Hereafter. One more Hadith reveals that the world compared to the Hereafter is like a drop compared to an ocean. So what we should be concerned about is that we get the blessings and comforts and luxuries of the ocean, for that is what really count.” It demands introspection that death is but the fact of life and the value of this world is limited to a small part and the ultimate value lies hereafter, so why we to have attitude and ego.
Ramadan Kareem is a unique and special time for Muslims around the world. It is a good time for us to renew our faith in Allah. The purpose of the fast during Ramadan Kareem, which also prohibits participating in sensual pleasures, is to lessen believers’ dependence on material goods, purify their hearts and ascertain cohesion with the poor to encourage charitable works during the year. Muhammad (saw) reportedly said, “He who does not throw away falsehood in word and action in accordance with fasting, Allah has no need that he should abandon his food and drink.”
We must be good to everyone (irrespective of caste, creed, and color etc) and that is the only mantra to make this world a safer place. It does not require some magic. Our success as humans is guaranteed because of our right values and good choices in life. We must enjoy every moment of life but equally think about other humans and the species in this world. We’re only here for a blink of an eye so we must stay positive and accept reality. We must not compare ourselves to anyone else, for everyone has his own joys and sorrows and everything will not be revealed.
Most of us underestimate the value of humility in life. It is a great asset that one must develop. It keeps us modest and eager to learn new, regardless of how much we already know. The huge thing we can do in a bad situation is to move on. We must not allow grudges and grievances to add to the weight we carry on the road towards achieving our objectives. At one time or another everyone experiences both success and failure. In fact, the more we are willing to risk, the more there are chances to fail. The key is to think of failure not as the end but as part of the process towards the success. What impossible in life may be a matter of a narrow point of view. We must allow no barrier to restrict our outlook on life. Every rejection will mean we are one rejection closer to the next yes. Allah has gifted humans with the power of thinking. It is among the greatest powers humans possess, and it’s our choice to use it negatively or positively.
Science and technology are also on the rise and at a rapid pace. Many good researchers reveal that advanced technology has led to a horrible rise in crime, exploitations, murder, corruption, suicide, and other wrong doings in the society. In the modern times now we are surrounded by electronic gadgets and many options to engage in conversations without having to see or hear one another. Over dominance of those electronic screens are posing a threat on our good relationships and badly making humans suffer. It’s becoming vital to focus on the real relationships instead, grow them and to build a meaningful life.
When we rule our mind by controlling pessimism and doubts, we will rule our world. Peace and prosperity doesn’t result from how much we get but we contribute in the society. If we want an abundant life, we must give to poor and needy as much as we can. There is an ever increasing call for communities to focus on the messages of the divine personalities to develop and improve communities. It is important to learn and apply their good teachings in action and spirit. We must strongly focus to build a strong and diverse society, where people of every race, faith and color are valued for the qualities of their character, actions and deeds. The values of Ramadan are ones that we must not forget; the importance of patience, empathy and service to others. Ramadan Kareem shows us all how these values can be put into practice in our everyday life. May Allah guide us – Happy Ramadan Kareem.
(The author is Assistant Professor, ITM University Gwalior and can be reached at: dr.shahidamin15@gmail.com)
