Presence and Focus Matters
As a physician, I am often intrigued by the part of history taking where it is noted if the patient is oriented in time and space or not. Time as in today’s date and year, space as in the place one is in. The well oriented patient can be trusted to understand and make pertinent decisions with their case management. Similarly, a person oriented in the needful requirement of time and place is able to make effective calculations and decisions.
No wonder Allah emphasizes the value of time by taking an oath upon it, Al Asr, Quran:103.
‘By time, indeed mankind is in loss’.
We are experiencing a time where one is exposed to an overload of information perceived through various senses including, sensory, auditory and visual. This overload of stimulus can cause confusion, often palpable in the conversations of our adults and the young.
With the progression of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Super Intelligence, the future does look uncertain, and daunting at times. We speak about our changing world in terms of jobs and economy, there needs to be an exchange that emphasizes equally on what the future may look like for our children. The future generation is concerned about it for sure and need reassurance as in Al- Asr verse 3. ‘Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience’. This message is going to hold us in focus based in faith, for faith is the strongest path we tread in times of uncertainty. A focus that reminds us to stay true to our purpose. Here are some existential queries that need to be untangled to help stay focused
Why were humans created?
Angels are a creation of Allah, known for their error free and fatigue proof capabilities in worshipping and carrying out the commands of Allah. The Quran also mentions angels expressing their concern that the humans will cause bloodshed on earth. Note that Allah has hope in mankind’s capability of doing something more than what angels and jinn can do.
They asked Allah, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know what you do not know.” Quran 2.30
The Jinn kind existed before the creation of Adam, were reportedly causing mischief and bloodshed, and seems like they were unable to rectify the situation.
Humans were created with pride in their learning ability, that they could apply to bring about positive change. hence Quran was sent for their guidance.
‘He taught Adam the names of all things, then He presented them to the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true’. Quran 2.31
‘Read, in the Name of your Lord Who created’. Quran 96.1
Reorient with purpose
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, angels are error free and fatigue proof, they are able to worship Allah nonstop and are absolutely true to their purpose.
The Jinn are created superior in technological capabilities, they can become invisible, shape shift, fly far and wide.
My point is that humans were created for a different type of superpower. That being the intellectual learning capabilities, recognizing Allah as their Rabb and follow His guidance to create peace and harmony on Earth.
The Place of Ritual Worship in Life
Look at the arrangement of our Solar System, different heavenly bodies around a central entity. The planets have their own axis of rotation which can be likened to the ritualistic worship in Islam, known as the five pillars. When the pillars are practiced with pure intention, they generate energy that fuels self-regulation, focus and the ability to brings ourselves into a peaceful orbit with others.
On the contrary the energy generated from disobedience of the Creator results in chaos, violence and bloodshed.
Place of Technology in Life
Technological advancement is indeed a result of knowledge and learning and needs to be used within a moral framework. Technological advancement in itself does not make humans superior.
Surah Fajr explains the great civilizations of Aad, Thamud and Phiraon. They had superior skills, their advancements more effective than our times perhaps. They fell into the error of Tagha or transgression of bounds.
Quran 89.8: ‘The likes of whom had never been created in the land’.
89.11,12: ‘They all transgressed throughout the land, spreading much corruption there’.
What can I do?
- Be oriented in time and space.
- Be knowledgeable through education.
- Encourage family time where ‘everyone’ learns from each other.
- Put out provocative questions as food for thought
- Do not expect immediate answers for complex scenarios nor attempt to provide quick solutions.
- Be okay with hard conversations regarding focus in life.
I highly recommend the Cave Time Journal for such learning that encourages intellectual response.
Conclusion:
Our Creator has created all things with utmost wisdom. Everything and every person is in the right place in time, hence it is important to be aware of the need of our time. Dwelling in the past, persisting on patterns that perhaps worked in the past and are non-functional now, takes us out of orientation in time. We live in diverse communities in America, keeping ourselves in comfort zones due to dislike of something in the larger community, takes us away from orientation in space. Islam when practiced correctly, has the potential and the power to change things that are not for the benefit of the people. I believe the challenges we face in our time are opportunities and the test of application of faith which can steer us into better condition as a collective in sha Allah.
Dr. Shazia R Anwar
Licensed Behavior Coach, Author, Islamic Educator
