Life is A Journey

By : Zeba Hashmi, London Ontario

While we are facing much uncertainty, moving forward in 2021, we can rest assured that our journey through life is uncertain. Uncertainty does not have to be a negative concept. Learning, applying effort, planning, and most of all having faith and a positive frame of mind, can direct us towards a fulfilling life In'Sha'Allah (God Willing).

When we are young, there is a lifetime ahead of us. Our lifespans are only known to Allah SWT (Subhan wa’ Ta’ala - May He be Glorified and Exalted) but we all expect to be born, live through the various stages of life and return to our Creator.

‘Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return’ (2:156).

There are so many questions from a youth who may be starting their post secondary education, such as:

‘Where will my rizq come from?’, ‘Will I be successful in my career?

‘Who will be my future partner?’, and

‘Where will I live?’

We all wish to live the best life in this world and also have the best after-life. As Muslims, we have the Holy Book and examples of the Prophet (pbuh) as a provision. The guidance given to us is for anyone to follow. Our essential belief submits us to the One God who oversees everything in this life and beyond this life. Having faith allows a level of shedding away of some of the uncertainty. The spiritual connection is for us, because Allah SWT does not need us, but we do need Him.

As we grow older, our minds become more mature through learning from our experiences. We grasp a clearer picture of the direction we are heading in life as our studies begin to materialize and our experiences begin to shape us. To feel the joys, one must understand sadness. To feel success, one must also feel failure. Challenges are part of life. Allah SWT states, ‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear,’ (Quran 2:286) and ‘For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease,’ (Quran 94:5). Allah SWT tells us that our challenges will be as much as we can bear, and we will receive relief. Challenges require intervention utilizing the resources available along with faith. Belief, prayer, and supplication are to maintain our spiritual connection with our Lord. It is a necessary part of the faith to exert effort to solve problems and help others who are vulnerable and need help. Seeking assistance of those who are experts in their fields and professionals is a must alongside prayer and supplication.

As we progress towards middle-age, we become more aware of who we are and what we wish to accomplish in life, if we have not already done so earlier. At times, maturity brings new direction to our pathways. The Prophet (pbuh) was 40 years old when he received revelation which took him on a life-changing journey for him and the world over the next 23 years of his life, till his death at the age of 63. However, there is great reward for youth who are able to be close to Allah SWT in worship during when one might have many years ahead of them. The concept of worship beyond the Fard (obligatory) is in every day living if the understanding and intention is present. Some examples are reaching out to parents with a kind word, knowing that is what pleases Allah SWT, or smiling to someone to uplift them, or feeding a hungry animal.

A thought-provoking hadith is one narrated by Ibn Mas’ud – ‘Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a wayfarer.’ This does not mean avoiding planting a solid footing in our efforts but rather it is to be aware that we are born and at some point we must leave all that we see here. This hadith shows us how to view life and to not become too attached to the materialism surrounding us. We should always strive to be the best version of ourselves, with the right intentions.

Another hadith that provides some direction to what Muslim teachings value:

Narrated Ibn Mas`ud that the Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘There is no envy except in two: a person who God has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom and he gives His decisions accordingly and teaches it to the others’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari). This hadith can provide guidance on how to optimize our lives by giving through monetary means and sharing of beneficial knowledge with others. Our good intentions are being noted even if we are not able to perform them. These good intentions, good efforts, and good work can be in the form of perpetual charity; they can be material such as contributing towards a well, a school, or a hospital. Benefiting others through the spread of useful knowledge, and additionally, in the form of raising progeny who do good alongside with the intentions of doing it for the sake of Allah SWT.

As creations of a higher power, Allah SWT, we are born into our environments which can dictate our paths, with many unknowns along the way. Each individual faces their own successes and challenges, and that is part of the journey. The ability to understand our purpose in life helps ground us, navigate, and focus on what matters. If we focused on the stable aspects in our lives, we would realize we have so much to be grateful for. For the more challenging aspects, we try our best with all the resources and supports that are available, through family, friends, teachers, professionals, spiritual assistance through our mosques and centers. There are many successes out there as well as individuals who are facing hardship. If we apply the concept of doing good, we can make a little bit of difference for others. We can all express our gratefulness for what we have. The more solid we can be in our circumstances, the more we can reach out and uplift others, making us more beneficial in society and in our faith. We keep reaching out and having conversations with the All Mighty, because He is the Hearer and Knower of all things.

Possessing a healthy mind, attitude, towards successes and adversity is important. Demonstrating humility when provided with all the comforts in life is also essential. Staying grounded with our thoughts, regardless of our abilities and circumstances, is one way of acquiring peace and progressing through this beautiful gift of life.