30 Jul 2023 No Comments
The path forward: Articulating my life’s purpose
As I approach a significant milestone in terms of age, I feel a growing need to define my purpose more clearly. I’ve reached a stage where it’s crucial to align my energies and talents towards specific goals that resonate with my personal values and aspirations. The essence of life is fleeting, and as I grow older, I recognise the importance of making the most out of the time that remains. It’s a moment of self-realisation and reflection that’s leading me to articulate my purpose as follows.
Championing education and inspiring change
As CEO of Quest for Education, I strive to foster an organisational culture that champions the right to quality education for all children, especially those in disadvantaged rural regions of Pakistan. I propagate the value of education as a means to transform society for the better and promote resilience, empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation both within the organisation and the wider community. I’m committed to using my position to spearhead initiatives that create meaningful change and share these values and insights through a compelling book and online platforms. My ambition is to create an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and facilitate positive transformation long after my direct involvement.
Financial empowerment
I recognise the importance of financial security in achieving my larger objectives. I aim to make sensible financial decisions that provide not just a comfortable life for my family, but also allow me to contribute more to the causes I hold dear. My strategy includes exploring innovative ways to generate income through my professional and creative pursuits, all the while keeping my primary focus on creating a significant impact and living a life true to my values. I perceive wealth not as an end itself, but as a tool to aid my greater purpose.
Innovative digital experiences
My goal is to develop digital platforms that captivate, entertain, and educate a broad user base. I aim to harness my technical skills and creativity to build software applications and websites that not just aim for mass adoption, but also challenge users to think beyond their usual perspectives. I’m passionate about designing digital environments that foster meaningful interactions and help break down echo chambers, stimulating diverse conversations, and promoting broader understanding. To bring these visions to life, I understand the need to develop entrepreneurship skills and build strong business relationships. I’m committed to learning and adapting in this regard, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that enables me to navigate the digital space effectively.
Promoting unity and understanding
I aim to foster an environment of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect within my community, both online and offline. Drawing upon my personal journey, I share powerful narratives and insights, and challenge people to look beyond divisive beliefs.
Fostering growth and purpose in family
As a husband and a father, I work to set an example for my children by embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, empathy, and respect for diversity. This includes empathy and respect for nature and all its inhabitants, understanding the importance of maintaining harmony with our environment and treating animals with kindness. I’m committed to encouraging and facilitating my family members in their own quests to find purpose, supporting their personal and professional growth. I teach them to value their heritage while embracing the opportunities of the world they’re growing up in. I guide them to understand that the journey of finding a purpose is personal, evolving, and can lead to fulfilling lives. Together, we aim to tread lightly on the Earth, mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment.
Dynamic and diverse storytelling
I harness my personal experiences, unique perspectives, and sense of humour to craft compelling narratives in various formats, from biographical tales to stand-up comedy routines. I aim to explore the depth of my creativity and knowledge by penning a science fiction novel centred around AI or another topic I’m passionate about. Whether it’s through humour, biography, or speculative fiction, I strive to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought among my audience.
Practising gratitude and mindfulness
I endeavour to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the life and opportunities I’ve been given. I recognise and appreciate my upbringing in a stable environment, the privilege of health, and the gift of family. I make it a point to regularly reflect on these blessings and use them as motivation not to squander the opportunity to contribute positively to the lives of others. Gratitude and mindfulness are integral parts of my daily practice, infusing my actions with positivity and purpose.
Life-long learning and overcoming self-doubt
I’m committed to constant personal and professional growth. I embrace every experience, including my failures and setbacks, as a learning opportunity. I use these experiences as stepping stones to propel myself forward, helping me learn, adapt, and grow. I refuse to let negative thoughts about age or worthiness hold me back. Instead, I remind myself of my journey from a poor minority background to a successful software developer and charity director – a testament to my resilience and ambition. I believe in my capacity to effect change and continue to expand my horizons, learning from various sources and evolving my worldview.
Physical and mental wellbeing
Good health is not only a blessing, but it’s also a requisite for a fulfilling life. As I appreciate the importance of my health, I am committed to maintaining my physical fitness and mental acuity. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, ample rest, and practices such as meditation and mindfulness form an essential part of my daily routine. My wellbeing empowers me to take on the challenges and execute my goals with energy and enthusiasm.
Loyalty and mutual growth in relationships
Family and friends are the cornerstones of my life. My dedication to them is unwavering and I value their trust above all. I am committed to being a loyal friend, a reliable family member, and a supportive companion in their journey. Together, we challenge each other, we learn from each other, and we hold each other accountable. My goal is to foster an environment where we can all grow together and support each other in the pursuit of our individual purposes.
Creating meaningful and happy experiences
Life isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s also about cherishing the journey. I aim to create and enjoy meaningful, joy-filled experiences with my family and friends. From the smallest moments of shared laughter to the grandest celebrations, I want to fully engage in these times of joy and connection. These memories serve as my cherished treasures and rejuvenate my spirit for the ongoing journey.
23 Sep 2024 No Comments
Knocking Out Literalism
In my fourth year of university, which started in September 1997, I lived in a rundown part of East London, above a furniture shop on Upton Lane, next door to a mosque.
Because of the location and the predominantly Muslim neighbourhood, as well as the diverse backgrounds of my flatmates and their friends, a variety of Muslims would pass through for occasional stays. The flat was often unkempt, but it was always lively, full of intriguing characters with different approaches to life and faith.
One such character was a man named Ibrahim, though I might be wrong about his name. He was a white convert to Islam and, like many converts, had chosen to name himself after a prophet. It might have been Ibrahim or another prophetic figure, but what stood out to me wasn’t his name—it was his enthusiasm for Islam, though it often took on a literalist tone that I found concerning.
Ibrahim’s faith was sincere, but he seemed to interpret Islamic teachings in a very rigid way. One evening, he challenged my friend Yaseen, who lived with me. Yaseen was an almost-professional boxer, having been offered a chance to train under Frank Maloney’s boxing stable, though he ultimately didn’t have the commitment to attend regularly. Ibrahim confidently proclaimed that, through the strength of his faith, he could avoid Yaseen’s punches. Yaseen, ever the joker, was amused by this claim and agreed to the contest.
Ibrahim set himself, and Yaseen, with a grin, threw a punch. It wasn’t a hard one, but it was enough to knock Ibrahim’s glasses askew. Unfazed, Ibrahim muttered a prayer under his breath and asked Yaseen to try again. This time, Yaseen’s punch knocked off Ibrahim’s turban and again dislodged his glasses, possibly damaging them. The scene repeated a few more times, each punch harder than the last. Yaseen wasn’t holding back—his punches were audacious, surprising even me with their force.
It was clear he wasn’t just playing along for amusement. With each strike, Yaseen seemed to be sending a message, trying to break through Ibrahim’s rigid understanding of things. I, however, felt conflicted—on the one hand, I respected Ibrahim’s dedication, but on the other, his naivety troubled me. His literal approach to Islam seemed to be working against him, not for him. I’m not sure which prayer Ibrahim was making, but his expectation seemed to me way off the mark.
Ibrahim had very poor eyesight and relied heavily on his glasses. The next time we saw him was at Regent’s Park Mosque during Ramadan, where many gathered for the free iftar. When we approached him, it was clear he didn’t even recognise us, likely because he wasn’t wearing his glasses. Yaseen, ever curious, asked him why. Ibrahim muttered something about mustard seed curing all ailments, adding that he didn’t need his glasses anymore. He was shaking his head in wonder and praising Allah, yet the situation bordered on the ludicrous—it was obvious his eyesight hadn’t improved, and yet he clung to this misguided belief, seemingly oblivious to the reality in front of him.
I couldn’t help but feel that Ibrahim’s interpretation of this Islamic tradition—about the benefits of mustard seed—was causing more harm than good. It seemed to me that, instead of embracing the practical wisdom that Islam encourages, he was getting lost in a form of blind faith that hindered his ability to function effectively in the world.
I left that encounter feeling concerned for him, hoping that he would eventually find the guidance he needed to navigate his faith in a way that empowered him, rather than hindered him.
Note: Names have been changed to protect the identity of individuals mentioned.
by Abu Imaan in Uncategorized