Life Lessons and the Distortions

The power of technology has inadvertently connected us to a world without boundaries; to witness what is going around us with a mere click of shares or posts in various media platforms. Besides the virtual engagements, we are surrounded with people day in and day out, through various obligations that we do. 

Such interactions have taken a toll on some of us, who are still grieving with the atrocities of so-called superpowers that have taken the lives of the innocents. We get really helpless of not being able to physically extend our help. We get angst with the inaccuracies of reports of tarnishing the truth with falsehood. We continue to question the 'authorities' to do something right. That is especially true in the case of oppression, where it tends to shaken the 5 cores of Maqasid Shariah.

There can be many different feelings and perspectives to looking at our life experiences now. It is part of human nature to feel the hurt and pain, as we also grieve on our own challenges that we know we cannot bear with His Mercy.

I would like to share my reflections pertaining to these technological impact on our wellbeing:

1. Recognizing the presence: Technological tools and social media are already out in the open and it is widespread too. We know how capable technological media can be, based on how it has been influencing our mindset, actions and decisions. However, its sharing may consist of the distorted ones; the ones that are painted with flowery vision that everything is in order if we follow the sequence. So, to what extent do we succumb to these influences and the narratives that it paints? Will it be in the expense of our faith and yaqeen to the Almighty due to the reliance on material world? 

2. Leveraging on the technology and media: How to know if such is merely narrative or something worth following? The solution is not as complex as it seemed; seek knowledge of the religion to discern the right from the wrong. We have to choose what works for us for the best of both worlds, and do not let the distractions affect our imaan. Additionally, give due rights upon ourselves and our close ones. Preserve and grow our 5 cores; religion (faith), life (nafs), intellect ('aql), progeny (nasl) and property (maal). Open our hearts and minds. Be open to differing approaches and ideas, yet stay rooted to our belief system.

3. Take examples from positive behaviors of others: Human beings ourselves have valuable life lessons that we can learn from. We can choose to emulate or model individuals’ good behaviors based on their sharings in social media. On the contrary, being exposed to negative traits would bring us awareness to avoid such behaviors, and to continue strengthen our faith. For instance, when we view oppressive contents, it is to make us realize how we should not be displaying such perpetuity. We know we need to continue living rightfully by His Decree to counter such oppression and corruption. 

Besides these reflections, I would also share my experience in the past months to highlight the importance of social support in the midst of a crisis. 

Our belief in common good is enhanced through support 

I was called upon to facilitate a good-size circle (safe space) where members were free to express their sentiments about the ongoing crisis in Gaza. I felt solemnly unfortunate that we had to meet in this circumstance, but i felt compelled to make a difference in their experience to sharing in a group. I have run group therapies before, but not as immediate, dire and large as this, and certainly not this kind of issues which are way beyond what we can control or have the power to stop. 

I applauded members' sincerity and genuineness to have them heard, to feel vulnerable in front of others in a short period of time! Typically, I made plans for what shall be discussed in a group; by preparing the list of questions and activities that can be held. But somehow for this group, the members already answered what I had hoped for! These were the talking points I prepared by the way: 

1. How do people around you make sense of the recent crisis?

2. How do you make sense of the crisis?

3. How have you been coping?

4. What's expected of you, in your role in dealing with this? Has there been any conflict of interest? 

I found that we all felt the need to express, to feel the solidarity that we are on the right side, and to offer listening ears to one another. There is also a need to channel one's expertise or skills into action-oriented purposes while coping with the crisis, with the hope that the efforts will create a positive impact in the community. InsyaAllah with these preliminaries, we will continue to provide meaningful spaces for members according to their needs. 

Way forward: 

1. Seeking spiritual strength and forgiveness: For this, I reflect upon a poem taken from Burdah of Imam Busiri, Chapter 2. Imam Busiri sought forgiveness from Allah of his own shortcomings, thinking that he had done nothing good. Another reflection is on the du’a of Nabi Yunus from Surah al-Anbiya’, ayat 87. All of us should do our part in returning to Him and coming out stronger insyaAllah as we believe that the All-Forgiving is merciful towards those who repent. Perhaps by this means, all the bala’ and waba’ (calamities and atrocities) will be lifted? This is not impossible. 

2. Take part in benefiting others: Our Prophet has taught us that: “The best of you are those who bring benefits to others”. This saying shows that we are encouraged to participate in action-oriented activities, which I recommend to be based on our interests, expertise and skill. These include offering voluntary services to the community and assisting in humanitarian efforts. I couldn't agree more to the importance of volunteerism as it gives impactful lessons not to the receivers but to ourselves, first and foremost. For youths, they may consider joining the Youth Expedition Project, an overseas service-learning program that is meant for them to contribute in community building projects.

In conclusion, this piece of writing is a reminder to my future self when I chance upon rereading it, and upon you too if you find its relevance in your life. WaAllahu a'lam. May Allah guide us all to His way.