An email response to my family – Here for my students and friends
My brother sent this to a discussion on Islamic Financial System that lead to further discussion on the efforts of our Ulema-e-karaam:
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. ~Edward Eggleston
Following is my response in a philosophical mindset:
So true! Where does one get such strength and solid thought as flesh and material surely perish as it is beyond human power to control it. After baba’s death I decided to sort out how I could accept death? How I can perish with being sure I am a winner as a whole? The answer was to face myself and fix internal errors where perception and understanding is twisted with ones desires and misconceptions in the society. This can ruin both this life and the eternal one whereas both are important for a sane believer! Death is expected anytime so we have to make sure how we want to progress and what state of mind and heart is required during this long process so that we can embrace death and the eternal life with a strong desire anytime through this progress.
I made dua to Allah to lead me to the truth and give me eternal success. I made an honest and unbiased effort to find the best of whats possible. I found out things that would make me go through mental shocks for a long time till I could sort it out towards a positive meaning and action plan. In Aasil’s case I learned that the system is screwed up full time and my only way to fix it with all my responsibilities is to live effectively with least possible dependence on it.
At the moment I am learning various specifics of existence and it’s responsibilities, while I am clear at the conceptual level as a servant of my lord and a responsible family member apart from being part of the umma and human race. I am working out weaknesses and major problems prioritized on weight-age and practicality.
Desire is a powerful strength and it can be used to achieve some certain important goals. If you keep an insight on eternal life in your decisions than you are surely going to win in case you are honest to yourself. Material losses will matter less while eternal will be more important and it is based on the decisions, intentions and effort made! A proper balance is required because material losses also affect eternal life.
Above is an integral part of the juice of my learning and experiences but I do accept that I have been taking family and friends’ issues emotionally at times rather than practically. At the cost of some emotional and spiritual damages I have progressed a lot but it could have been a better experience if I had been more careful by discussing things with my sheikh and teacher before reacting to them. And a lot is still to be covered!
It would be nice if you guys also share such stuff so that we can strengthen our synergy easily. The future of our family, race, umma and the greater humanity depends on our best possible effort. We need to correct ourselves as well as deal our external matters in an organized way.
Love.
–
Shahbaz
