United We Have to Stand
by: Mir Reza Ozgen
Last week I met my grade six class fellows after 15 long years. After a cup of coffee and pondering a few miles down the memory lane, I realized how much things have changed. Divulging secrets of the things past led to amusement for some and outbursts of laughter for others. That was a time of harmless mischief and pure innocence. When I compare those times with today its obvious what exactly has changed. What our incompetent leaders are doing and where the war on terror is taking us is altogether a separate issue. Of course it has an impact on our society but not on those who are living in a bubble; the ones who don’t give two hoots about what’s happening around them. I’m talking about our generation and the ones after us. Not that the ones before us have achieved much to put it politely but our current state is right in front of you. The sad bit is that we are moving in a downward spiral.
The reason I’m using this nauseatingly old cliché’ of “living in a bubble” is because there is no other word which does justice to our current state. There’s ample evidence to prove our morbid state of denial and enough evidence to convict us of ignorance, complacency and self deceit. You think I’m exaggerating? Try giving a lecture about morality to a sixteen year old and he’ll shove the same speech right down your throat. Or try discussing religion [for a change] and you’ll be put to your rightful place.
This constant comparison of ourselves with our peers leaves us in a state of utter confusion; facebook is a vital instrument which gives us this far from “self actualization stage” feeling. I’m not sure where we are headed. Why are we so restless? It’s written all over our face that we don’t have that peace of mind that we are so passionately running after and I’m not quite sure if we will get it because we are running in the wrong direction. Is it the glorious future we are running after which holds money, respect, fame and power? Or is it just a deception which is actually leading us straight to the hell-fire while keeping us in constant denial? Our morals are messed up and so are our priorities.
A person’s outside is more important than his inside, what he wears and drives are more important than his actions. It’s a relief to know that I’m not the only one suffering from this disease but that’s not the solution to this problem. Actually it makes things worse. Everyone around me is unwell! We are suffering from all possible ailments; corruption, lying, adulteration, concealed motives, vulgarity, complexes, hypocrisy, greed, bigotry, double standards. It’s a huge bloody morgue with dead men (men without morals= dead men) turned scavengers just waiting for an opportunity to deceive others and get their share in this “short life”.
I’m not quite sure who is to blame; am I the outcome of my environment or is my environment an outcome of me? This uneasy feeling is a part of a much bigger problem of which we all are a party. Some contribute by talking excessively about something or the other but mostly about things they aren’t really sure of while other’s just by simply doing nothing at all. I have always asked myself this question; why is religion a personal matter? For each his own? Between me and my God? Somehow it contradicts my own beliefs. It’s more of a shield that protects us from the outside world.
I’m not for imposing things on others either but there should be a check and balance in place to say the least. These statements might protect us temporarily from criticism but it doesn’t protect others from our actions. For example look at the younger lot and what they are up to. They can’t have enough of this world! They want to party every night like the world is coming to an end in 2012. When girls get together, the most discussed topic by far, is boys. It’s about who you are dating and who you are hanging out with. Gossiping about a common person, by the way, also brings them closer. I’m sure there’s enough gossip around us with zilch productive value to keep us riveted on earthly matters.
It is important to show flesh as it achieves two important objectives, a). It conveys that I’m liberal and have the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing, b). It gets you both; due and undue attention. And to top it off we have mobile phones which have single handedly destroyed the very fabric of our society. The nights pass by in a blink yapping about all days “constructive activities”. Texting in class, half asleep, helps kill time as classes seem never ending. The funny bit, it’s still not enough to entertain them!
If all we think about is what people have said and what is happening in other people’s lives, it will take us nowhere. We are the privileged ones who are given the best our country has to offer. Is this our output? We may excel individually and achieve all the pleasures this life has to offer but why do we not understand that its collectivism which will take us where we should be. Putting others first and thinking for all is more important than excelling alone. If we can’t see beyond ourselves and remain the center of our own attention we are surely lost.
What we are indulged in is very petty and extremely pointless. It serves no purpose to humanity or life building. Imagine a society with no morals giving birth to a generation with no distinction between right and wrong. A time when everything is right no matter what wrong you are doing to yourself and all those around you. It’s all justified; with no room to even repent. Sometime back I was sitting with an uncle of mine and he rightly said “the quality of metal depends on the quality of alloy and the quality of alloy depends on the quality of the basic metal”. In humans the basic metal is our thought process and what we think because that’s where our actions originate from.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal was known for his poetry and his vision for the Muslim Ummah. This is what he has to say about life;
“All human art must be subordinated to this final purpose (life), and the value of everything must be determined in reference to its life-yielding capacity. The highest art is that which awakens our dormant will-force and braves us to face the trials of life manfully. All that brings drowsiness and makes us shut our eyes to Reality around, on the mastery of which alone Life depends, is a message of decay and death. Art is that which awakens and breathes life into us, not the ones which makes us drowsy. The dogma of Art for the sake of Art is a clever invention of decadence to cheat us out of life and power.”
I’m fearful that these desires will consume us and doing wrong continuously will become part of our character (it’s sad to admit but in some cases it already has). The way of life which we have adopted will be the only way we would know of. I couldn’t agree more with Iqbal when he says in his book The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam that “Character tends to become permanent; its reshaping must require time”.
We are running out of time and we need to fix ourselves because no one can save us but ourselves. Our individuality comes in play only when we have to choose between right and wrong and when we have to face the burden for what we have done; as man will only be entitled to his own burden.
Iqbal says in his book, “That man is the trustee of a free personality which he accepted at his peril” . The verse below supports his argument.
‘Verily We proposed to the Heavens, and to the Earth, and to the mountains to receive the “trust”, but they refused the burden and they feared to receive it. Man undertook to bear it, but hath proved unjust, senseless!’ (33:72).
Yet it is surprising to see that the unity of human consciousness which constitutes the centre of human personality never really became a point of interest in the history of Muslim thought. Iqbal in his second philosophical poetry book Rumuz-i-BeKhudi (The Secrets of Selflessness) addresses the Muslims of the world. He explains the title by pointing out that the individual who loses himself in the community reflects both the past and the future as in a mirror, so that he transcends mortality and enters into that life of Islam, which is infinite and everlasting.
Every Muslim, in striving to make himself a more perfect individual, is helping to establish the-Islamic kingdom of God upon earth. We have a monumental task confronting us and we are ill equipped. Isn’t it ironic that we want to change everything around us but not ourselves?
Reza, this is just brilliant…if this is ur first article, i dont even wanna know wat u r gonna be like with a bit of practice…it really kept me interested, n its not just coz i know u, but coz everything u said was to the point, and dead on! and none of it is coming from a different source, its all u! iv heard u say all of this before…i love the way its starts a little casual, then goes a little serious, then casual n serious again…the tone changes which keeps the reader entertained…so overall i would say this was an excellent attempt! btw i think i know the “16 year old” u were talking abt..
Sara said this on November 27th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
The article is colloquial but this may have been intentional. This piece of work has the characteristics of a soliloquy – addressed to no one in particular. While the article was interesting and thought provoking on occasions, it was difficult to follow the writers thought process. I imagine this to be so because the writer himself is in the infancy of his own thought process. Unfortunately, putting pen to paper may not be his forté at this stage.
However, there are some really brilliant lines in this article that have a delivered a punch but I am left wondering at the end: “What exactly is the point?” I think there are so many thoughts, opinions and issues wedged into this article that it does not do the article justice. Perhaps an in depth analysis topic by topic would make the writer’s thoughts easier to follow. Basic structure is missing here.
“Am I the outcome of my environment or is my environment an outcome of me?” (Definitely something worth pondering over)
“I’m not for imposing things on others either but there should be a check and balance in place to say the least.”
(What sort of checks and balances would you suggest? Also, I’m afraid you’ve already imposed ‘things’ on others by writing this article but I believe that in doing so you have encouraged a discussion which may lead to a solution one day)
What I gather is that you want to make a change or see a change happen but you’re unsure how to go about or what is it that needs changing. I would love to follow your work and watch you grow. InshAllah we’ll all arrive at something together!
Grade 6 Class Fellow said this on November 27th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
My dear Reza, we are a confused nation. This confusion has been given to us by ourselves, our ancestors and our enemies. You said we don’t have a direction. I would say that we do have one but a wrong one which is leading to hell. Bad part of time is that we know this but even then we are sleeping. Whenever we are caught in some problem, we don’t look for a solution but utterly go in search of people those share the same problem. After finding few examples around we feel satisfied. We have immunity to bear any degree of falsehood. We are suffering from ‘self deception’ which is fatal than AIDS. The only solution I see now is practicing ‘Islam’. Degrees from Howard, Cambridge, LUMS, IBA or from any other institution teach us everything but not ‘Morality’. It comes with practicing only. To stay united, morality is a must have.
faisal riaz said this on November 27th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Unfortunately we as a nation are also illiterate.
Faisal Riaz: The institution is called Harvard and not ‘Howard’.
Anon said this on November 27th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Hey, a very well written article! You have mentioned certain things that I felt a few days back when out with a couple of friends (just that my “thot process” wasn’t at all as organized n brilliantly chalked out’). I definitely agree with wat u said about our generation, it really disgusts me at times and I think Im quite a victim of it all..
However, I did get lost while reading n wud like an explanation on certain areas bcos im sure each point u made had a depth to it n the article size isn’t doing justice to it.
Overall I wud say that a very captivating article n quite an eye opener!!!
friend said this on November 28th, 2009 at 1:16 am
You know what I personally loved about your effort? That you realize what we need to do in order to fix our situation even though you never explicitly mention it. Islam and Iqbal ! You hit the nail on the head as far as the vision is concerned. Zaid Hamid would be very proud of you. Haha
I am no expert in writing but I did think that the article fell slightly short as far as coherence was concerned. Difficult topics like these need structured organization of thoughts and although you were on the right track as far changing the tones is concerned, it could be something that you can focus on in your next piece.
Overall, I think you did a fabulous job of taking the initiative and talking about a subject that we as a nation tend to sweep under the carpet !
PS: Yes I know you wanted to talk to me about this, I am sorry I was a little too worried about my mother and her health. She is a lot better now.
Keep up the good work and stay classy !
2016 said this on November 28th, 2009 at 1:39 am
You write like your speaking out loud and that is a unique writing style in itself. For those of us who know you it’s very self-defining. The ideas here are larger than what the topic can cover. Some of your thoughts are deep enough to merit an entire essay on their own.
So since you asked for extensive criticism
First for some very specific structure feedback:
-The following two sentences are in the same paragraph. And they happen to be in stark contrast to each other. Even though I understand what you’re trying to say but both these points are coming from separate angles and hence need to be in separate paragraphs (one isn’t in extension of the other but rather a separate idea completely.)
“If all we think about is what people have said and what is happening in other people’s lives, it will take us nowhere.”
“If we can’t see beyond ourselves and remain the center of our own attention we are surely lost.”
-You speak of people’s morality and their habits all in the same paragraph. What people wear is followed by their texting habits.
Both are big subjects to broach but in very different ways.
“What we are indulged in is very petty and extremely pointless.” This by far, according to me is your strongest paragraph. It should be the defining one for this essay. It’s brought together everything you’re trying to say in the initial paragraphs and more importantly it’s dead on.
The other point of yours that I really found interesting is: “I have always asked myself this question; why is religion a personal matter? For each his own? Between me and my God? Somehow it contradicts my own beliefs. It’s more of a shield that protects us from the outside world.”
I’d really like for you to expand this thought. That for me would be a very very interesting read.
(On this same point from a writing style view point: You need to tie in your ideas. Link one to the next. You pointed out the problems in society and then turned to this very deep subject. How are those connected?)
I think what I noticed the most was that you’re working with 2 levels here: Society and the Individual and you have asked very thought provoking questions on both but maybe it would help to work with one at a time in order to scratch deeper at your ideas and link it all together. It would give your writing more coherence and it would give your ideas the depth we’re looking forward to read.
Aamna said this on November 28th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Great writing, more!!
Fasi Zaka said this on December 1st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Reza, first things first, the article has been written well. You have got good writing skills that you ought to pursue. There are some brilliant lines in the article manifesting the potential of the writer. However, I would definitely like to mention some areas for improvement. I have to say that the article tries to deal with a lot of topics and is unable to cover any one of them in a wholesome way. Scope needs to be narrowed down in order to improve the focus. In addition, the theme of the article is a very common one. One would find many similar pieces of work these days. The writer, just like others, describes the plight of his country-men but neither ascribes any particular reason(s) to it nor recommends any remedial action(s). Furthermore, it seems that the writer has not been successful in holding the writing together. There is some lack of unity that, again, is a result of lack of focus. I guess, the writer might be able to do a lot better if he deals with topics that are narrower in scope and result-oriented.. That should bring more focus, unity and purpose in the writing. As a whole, the writer has done a wonderful job and that’s especially impressive as it was the first time. Keep the good work up. Cheers, Reza.
Aasif said this on December 1st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Yai Masail e tasawuf yai tera bayan ghalib
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Good attempt very good attempt.
I have even higher expectations of you as far as the thought process and clarity of concepts is concerned.
But you totally surprised me by the very well written piece and good use of vocab. Practice and keep writing. I am sure I will be able to say in the time to come that I know a great writer of our time
Qazi said this on December 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
Thought provoking!I am not a writing expert so I cannot comment on your writing but yes I am impressed thinking that you wrote all this and loved the way you poured your heart out. The only problem is that the topic is so vast that one tends to get lost in all one needs to say so it feels like that you want to say so much and time is running out on you. An awe-inspiring effort nonetheless.Keep writing.
Naveed said this on December 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
u said that u were not good at voicing ur thoughts….well i totally disagree with u….its a wonderful article n a very nice attempt by a beginner….one thing i’ve noticed is that the language is a little offensive at a few places….i mean using words like ‘bloody’ must be avoided….rest everything is awesome.
Sajid Ali Khan said this on December 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
well well well… I did not know u could write something like that..I am impressed..its quite an article.. in relation to what u have written Allama Iqbal once said ” when i go to the West i see Islam without Muslims..and when i go to the East i see Muslims without Islam”…
Once again a wonderful job as it was your first..I am sure u can do wonders with some practice..looking forward to more such thought provoking creations ! all the best !
azhar said this on December 5th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
This first attempt has passion written all over it. I am must say, i sincerely enjoyed what i read. You have handled a sensitive and debatable topic with poise which is truly impressive by a first time writer.
The content had weight and impact but lacked confident direction. I almost believe everything you say as I can tell, you want to be honest with your own reasoning but you have tried to show the picture from many different angles. Not that, that is a bad or wrong way to do it, it’s just more difficult to do justice to the different perspectives to want to show. This if not done expertly leaves the reader confused. I very much appreciate your effort of doing so, and I am sure that with practice and time you will sharpen those edges.
Your expression has vigor and exuberance which is why you have great potential. Please continue to write more, I will be waiting for your next piece.
All the best!
Jay said this on December 7th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Rez ! An excellent piece for your first attempt, a reality check for almost everyone, i have to say im impressed. I always knew you’d do a great job once you bring yourself to put down your thoughts, practice and im sure you’ll be neck to neck with Mohsin Hamid thats how far you can go with such expression and confidence. I throughly enjoyed reading it till the very end and will be waiting for more.
All the best!
seher O said this on December 8th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Reza,
that was a really good piece. i never knew you could write so well, what i liked about the article was its simplicity and the direct approach to things…i hate writers that confuse the reader and lose their interest by caking the articles up.
About the topic, you were right on target about a lot of things that are happening and it is so very true that we have forgotten that not only do we belong to this country but we belong to a religion that expects humbleness, modesty and respect.
how can we represent our country when we can’t even represent our religion.
This is really good for your first piece, i am very impressed. A small comment…[constructive criticism, ofcourse:)] i felt the ending was a little abrupt.
other than that touche!
i loved it!
Alefiyah said this on December 8th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Reza, you certainly have a knack for writing as it is captivating and thought provoking for sure. There is sarcasm in a subtle way yet you have refrained from imposing your views on the readers which is a sign of a good balanced writer.
However, if you allow me, it seems you have lots of thoughts in your mind which you want to share. And in my opinion, after a detailed backdrop, you could have focused on one particular aspect. Also, some sort of way forward from your end could have been a good idea.
Keep writing
Regards
Sh. Taimur Nawaz said this on December 8th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Reza,
A very interesting read! I can’t comment on your writing style, because I’m no writing expert myself, but as far as your views are concerned, I couldn’t agree with them more! I really do believe that as the few people in our country who have attained real education, we have an immense responsibility upon us. Instead of embracing it, we get caught up in rat races and futile, worthless activities which you’ve mentioned in your piece.
If you really believe in the power of the pen, keep writing and use it to inspire, not just to criticize. Thought provoking articles are great, but few people have the power to provoke action.
Saroash Butt said this on December 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Well written!
Xainab said this on February 6th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Reza, this article was very well written especially for a 16 year old! You need practice to become better, and you have a lot of writing potential. Keep practicing and keep it up, you will do well in the future. I agree with what you are saying. Try writing about different things from different angles and you wil become very good.
Mustafa Shaban said this on February 22nd, 2010 at 2:07 am