A good way to approach this life can be described by how my previous input ended… “Acknowledge that generalizations are not universal truths and adapt decisions according to what you know rather than what you think you know. In the end, that is the mistake that most people tend to do in this life… we think, we decide, rather than… we understand, we decide.”
Indeed, those words are worth to keep in mind. Stereotypes are often inaccurate, unfair, and damaging, because they make us overlook individual differences, or it may affect us to misjudge a situation. Like I said in an earlier input… “We each have people around us, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters… some of which may be very close to us and yet we may at times think and act very differently from them.”
So, how can we notice what makes each person unique? How can that help us on our path to Jannah? In fact, it’s also good to consider… what makes you stand out from the rest?
By striving to understand these things, you can develop a deeper awareness of the individuality in everyone you meet as well as in yourself…
سورة الرُّوم ٢٢
وَمِنۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ خَلۡقُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَٰفُ أَلۡسِنَتِكُمۡ وَأَلۡوَٰنِكُمۡۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّلۡعَٰلِمِينَ
Surah Ar-Room 30:22
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
Noticing what makes each person unique requires curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding people. It’s a good practice just to listen. Listen to a person with respect. This may be a challenge in certain situations. Even if you disagree with a person, understanding how this person sees the world can reveal what makes him or her unique. Strive to understand the person’s values. If you’re in a direct dialogue with them, ask what they prioritize or find meaningful in life. A deeper understanding of this will give you a good idea about how the person works as an individual. It will also help you avoid the ones who might affect you in a negative fashion…
سورة النِّسَاء ١٤٤
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡكَٰفِرِينَ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ سُلۡطَٰنٗا مُّبِينًا
Surah An-Nisaa 4:144
O ye who believe! Take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers: Do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
It may of course equally give you an idea of the ones who may be of benefit to you. The golden rule to keep in our minds at all times is this… avoid stereotypical thinking. Not everyone think or act the same in all things. This is not news to any of us, yet many of us keep judging people on superficial grounds. We are taught valuable wisdom from Prophet Musa’s situation (عليه السلام) in Surah Al-Kahf…
سورة الكهف ٦٨
وَكَيۡفَ تَصۡبِرُ عَلَىٰ مَا لَمۡ تُحِطۡ بِهِۦ خُبۡرٗا
Surah Al-Kahf 18:68
“And how canst thou have patience about things about which thy understanding is not complete?”
Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, it’s just as valuable to remember it every time. Base decisions on specific, reliable data rather than personal assumptions. Recognize that people are complex and cannot be accurately defined by broad categories. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s not about what you are but about who you are. Character above all else.
We will continue the discussion next time inshallah, make sure not to miss it. For now, I hope you found this input interesting and inspiring. I would like to take this opportunity to wish a beautiful and blessed Friday. Jumma Mubarak everyone, and a day full of safety and comfort inshallah. All my well wishes, from the heart.
The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.
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