Problems For ‘Others’ Opportunities For ‘Us’

There is still a segment among Muslims that sees problems more than the opportunities. The other day I met a graduate from a madrasah who later earned University degrees and is now in the teaching profession. He was painting a very bleak picture of the entire scenario and was unhappy about a lot of things. May be justifiably so. I, however, requested him to do a favour to me and prepare a list of opportunities and problems in the Indian context. So that we could look at the two columns and might debate the whole issue further in the light of that table. After I reminded him for the list I received a reply without the list. Would like to share my response (in blue) which I find somehow relevant. The name and any other specifics have been withheld, obviously.

Read your email with profound interest. I have nothing to say except that I admire your beautiful way of writing and the fact that you express your ideas very well. Allaahumma zid fa zid! I understand that having studied in a mdrasah you had to struggle a lot to learn this level of good English. It does not come easily, obviously.

I have no evidences and proofs for whatever I shared with you the other day. I have only one proof and that is YOU, (and then the name). Your journey at every stage of your life has been a journey of hope and of positive attitude. All the negative situations you have turned into positive forces for yourself – all along. Otherwise it wouldn’t be possible for you to earn University degrees and carve out a place for yourself in such a competitive world.

I sense it from your email that you still have the same ambition (read hope) alive in you and want to scale greater heights. Deservedly so. Do it by all means. My all best wishes are always with you. “I always remain in the process of learning to enhance my thought and do my job according to the opportunities (that) lie in my way” are very wise words and bear witness to a very positive and progressive approach towards life, for you personally. Now you do not need to make a list of ‘opportunities’ and ‘problems’. Discard my previous request. Whenever I will think of you and will look at your career I will automatically get the answer.

I would, however, request you to use the same capacities of heart and mind (and of languages) to transmit the same positive and progressive outlook towards life to others. It is a must as the Hadeeth exhorts us: “Like for your brother what you like for yourself.” Make this outlook contagious so that many more (name withheld) who are in the darkness of negative thoughts and who think that the life has only problems and no opportunities, may also start thinking otherwise and become thankful to Allah for what they already have. They, too, might achieve more in life and discover more avenues of being thankful to Him.

I took the liberty to share it because I find it symptomatic. No opportunities and hope for ‘others’. The opportunities and hope are ‘ours’ – exclusively – at our personal levels.