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Only recently I came back from a seven week vacation with my family in California. School started as lecturers hit the ground running. Being rushed back into this lifestyle was definitely a culture shock. Papers and midterms hauled upon us every week like grenades, ready to explode if we do not perform to the highest standard, and it’s not even midterm yet.
Then, only yesterday I was handed back my French literature homework with a long comment at the end:
‘Read it carefully’ the lecturer joked with a big grin, eyes glowing:
‘46/50 One of the best literature essays I have ever marked. Superb A’
To my surprise a group discussion of my work and a round of applause followed. I was quietly overjoyed but then the philosophical maze that has become my frame of mind since my return reawakened…What does all this mean? Why should we, at the tender age of 17 burn the midnight oils for this thing we call success? Why should 27-year-old attorneys spend all their time defending clients?
No doubt, that evening I went home and prayed, thanking God for what he had bestowed on me, for success only comes from Him. It all brought back the advice a friend gave me:
‘Live as if everything depends on God, but,
Omar, work as if everything depends on you.’
Still, the questions remained, deep inside my heart I questioned why I left what have become my closest relationships to come back and toil away at night while the nation sleeps – To get an A grade.
Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not being ungrateful. I’m just trying to find a place in my heart for material achievement. For me, that is a very, very small space.
Too many people have forgotten the true value of loved ones, family and friends, those who genuinely care. We are all too concerned about trying to achieve material wealth, trying to make a quick buck. When we get thrown out of work, then we call up these so-called friends begging for help.
Too many people in too many lands have forgotten the true feeling of family- knowing that you are close to someone’s heart. Everyone is always thinking about, me, me, and me. What happened to “we”? What happened to God?
It fails me how people can leave their families behind in their struggle for worldly success. In a few days when we die, there won’t be time to mend broken relationships and build friendships.
A man asked our Prophet Mohammed, ‘Oh Mohammed, when is the hour?’ The Prophet replied, ‘How have you prepared yourself for it?’ We don’t know when we are going to die.
That’s why today is the day to spend time with your loved ones; today is the day for affection. I can only watch in horror as devotion to God and ones family is eroded by people who have time only for their work and material achievement. Today is the day to bury hate, and bring the nurturing qualities in you to life. The time for introspection and soul searching is now, not tomorrow.
In this state of mind, I called my cousin in San Francisco and I wouldn’t expect anything else. As she picked up the phone, you could just hear the happiness in her voice; you could almost imagine a great big smile on her face.
We exchanged news from both sides of the Atlantic, and then she said, ‘Omar, you know I went to this restaurant last week and I was thinking I should have taken you there, you would have loved it.’ We joked about cheerful moments, reflected on what we had achieved, and I talked about my triumphs so far this term. ‘That’s really good’ she said, ‘I’m so happy for you.’ Then I thought, Ayela, yes they are achievements to be content about but talking to you makes me happier.
You can forget how people look, you can forget somebody’s name but you can’t forget how they make you feel. It’s from those closest to you from which you get the encouragement to toil, in the know that they perpetually care. Lots of people want to ride with you in the Benz, but in the end, what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the Benz breaks down.
So, as you go home this evening, call a loved one, call your parents, if you are fortunate to have them around and even if you have locked them away in an old peoples home, call a friend; shine light on their hearts in showing them you care, but also feel the inner joy evolved by that experience.
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Omar S. Roomi
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Comments
Interesting Shayaan Afsar | Nov 9th, 2003
A well-written article which brings out an inner philosophical search that we all encounter at some point in our lives. This article should be one of a series of eye-openers that help us realise the significance of closeness to more than just money. It makes me wonder why we still want a luxurious lifestyle that money can buy but often ignore the social interaction that can often bring us better happiness.
Life is very short Shah Khanam | Nov 15th, 2003
Very good article. This is the fact that life's very short & we r wrapped up in our problems & we forget that the ones who love us won't be around foreve OR we won't be around!
Such a touching article! Nourhan Mohammad Aboulabbas | Nov 22nd, 2003
It does not often happen that I read something "from the heart". I totally agree with Omar that life is not only about money and profesional success. Indeed, Life is appeciated most when you are among people that you love, enjoying the most vauable gift of life; human warmth. Reading this article raised my spirits alot, it made me feel that there is somebody out there who understands life as I understand it. Thank you, Omar!
Its so important Vinita Agarwal | Dec 3rd, 2003
I hope that this provided some food for thought...for alot of people, and Im glad that theres one more person who appreciates these things, its so important :)
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