Destination, energy, orientation and will

A wise person is a person who has a goal in life. This goal is his destination. To reach his destination, he needs two things:

1. The energy that will make him move and

2. The orientation that will direct him towards his destination.

If he knows the direction of his destination but he does not have the required energy in order to move in that direction, he will remain still. Similarly, if he has the energy but he disorientates his energy, he will waste it towards a direction that will take him further away from his destination. Moreover, there is something else which is even more important. It is the will to use what he has at his disposition in order to reach his destination. A person may know his destination and may also have the energy, but he does not have the will to use his energy in that direction. He will move still without making any advancement. 

Nowadays, our youngsters are wasting their lives, either due to lack of will or due to disorientation. We must acknowledge that there are many youngsters who are very dedicated and very sincere. However, they are being disoriented by the naïve and irresponsible "preachers" who have led them to a stage where they also denigrate ‘Ulama such as Sheik Muhayyiddeen Ibn-ul-A'rabi (Rahmatullahi alayh) and Sheikh Jalaaluddeen Rumi (Rahmatullahi Alayh).

Therefore, time, energy and effort of our youngsters are being wasted in criticising the ‘Ulama and in developing resentment for those who do not concur with them. The first thing that is learnt from these "naïve preachers" is lack of respect. Before being acquainted with them, one was a humble, soft and calm person. As soon as one associates with them, one is transformed into a rude and vulgar person to such an extent that it becomes manifest even in one’s Salah. That is why the ‘Ulama say that when you see that through the companionship of an Aa'lim, you are getting closer to Allah Ta’ala and your affection for the next person is increasing, then know that you are in a good environment. On the other hand, if you notice that you have started performing Salaah anyhow, for example, you are performing Salaah dressed in T-shirt with dishevelled hair, then you should know that your environment is not good. Do not wait for the environment to tell you that it is not good. You must take note of the change in your good character that you had before joining this environment. That will suffice to show that it is not good.

[English version of "Destination, l'énergie, orientation et la volonté" – Al Jamiat – Vol.3 No.6]