Success stories of many people, past and present, reveal that their journey of life has been marked by positive thinking. There is no way to get out of the tunnel of darkness and into the light “other than through cultivating a positive mindset.
Positivity is needed globally, of course. Like everyone else, Muslims can do a world of good for themselves (and for others) by adopting a positive attitude in all aspects of life. This is “how they can” rise “out of” the mess that they collectively find themselves in across the world.
Educational progress, employment opportunities and even spiritual growth are possible for Muslims if they stop brooding about the past and begin to live in the present while cultivating a balanced, moderate and positive approach to handling all the issues that confront them.
It is really hard to find positive news about Muslims in the media today. There is no need to blame others for this. It’s Muslims “ themselves” who need to reflect and introspect why this is so. It’s high time they came out of the seemingly safe shell of the blame-game and worked “ harder to rise higher in all sectors of society.
Why blame the West, East, South or North? Why be anti or against other faiths or religions? Why always be on the defensive? Why not learn to respect and learn from good things from others, like gentle manners, punctuality, honesty, hard work? Why not also recognize and appreciate the beautiful “values” that other religions also stand for, such as compassion towards all creatures of God, modesty, “and humility?
“”The deeper the Muslim community drowns itself in “”self-pity and the victimhood syndrome, the deeper it will fall into the well of darkness. We should remember that God helps those who help themselves, not those who do not do anything at all to reform their lives.”
Muslims can build a bright future if they reach out to the world by becoming an asset for others, including through engaging in social work in all fields, setting up organizations for the vulnerable, good quality hospitals, schools and organizations that protect the environment and help animals”¦.the list is almost endless! And such initiatives should aim to help people irrespective of religion.
If Muslims are busy being socially-engaged in positive activities of reaching out to others, they’ll discover that they have absolutely no time to get into negativity and play blame games and wallow in self pity.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had to face many trials and tribulations while on his mission to convey God’s word, yet he did not go into negativity or blame anybody for any situation. His strong faith and trust in God took him through all the difficulties that he faced. From mending his own clothes at home to setting up a society based on moral values, the Prophet personified positivity!
With the new year ahead of us in just a few days, Muslims”individually and collectively”can resolve to develop a positive mindset in all aspects of their lives, starting from their own homes, and then going on to the wider society, the country and the world at large!
AUTHOR: Islamic Voice
Islamic Voice is a monthly Islamic magazine published in Bangalore. It is the largest English language Muslim publication in India. It is a comprehensive magazine, places a relatively high emphasis on social issues and strives to have a broad appeal. Since 1987, Islamic Voice has covered its fascinating namesake without fear or favour, with insight, accuracy, thoroughness and a well rounded perspective on a variety of subjects - be it the economy, politics, lifestyle, the arts, entertainment, travel, science, technology or health. That's why Islamic Voice is the country's most widely read publication, a position it has held for more than a decade. And that's why it makes sense to subscribe to Islamic Voice.
We represents all Muslim sects and shades of thought from all over India. We focus on "our" triumphs which, mostly, go unreported as well as constructively addresses our failures and shortcomings.
Editor-in-Chief: A.W. Sadatullah Khan
Genre: Current Affairs associated with Muslims
Subjects Covered:
Human Rights I Analysis I Special Reports I Issues I Book Reviews I National I International I Newsmakers I Community News I Islamic Perspectives I Classifieds I Opinions
Focus articles on:
Education and Children I Inter-faith Relations I Matrimony I Muslim economy I Muslim Perspective I The Muslim world I Society I Travel I The Western viewpoint I Women in Islam
Special focus on Faith and Law:
Fiqh I Hadith I Quran
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