Inherent in human beings is the concept of ego – the urge of regarding self as most important. The avid nature within that holds the ‘I’ as the priority. Recognition of the self is not something discouraged but rather promoted in Islam. Yet giving the self so much importance as to going to the extent of placing Islamic values at a lower level with respect to one’s ego is wrong. And we are indeed but all guilty of it.
The bus came to a halt at a bus stop on its usual route and I reflexively looked beyond the window I was seated by. My window view showed a middle-aged man appearing to be sitting in a chair as his full stature could not be seen. I realize then that he is maneuvering on the path with the chair. It dawns on me that the man is on a wheelchair waiting to get on the bus. I wondered how he would enter the bus and if it were possible. The conductor emerges from the back of the bus and lowers down a platform for the man to wheel into the bus.
The conductor, out of etiquette and respect, helped the man into the bus by pushing his wheelchair. As I observed this scenario, I felt a sense of shame about the misuse of my health and limbs – taking them for granted. While contemplating on the idea, I noticed the bearded man mouthing what seemed like supplications to Allah in a mute tone. I felt more remorse. I searched through me thinking if I felt pity for him. Instead, a voice within evoked the understanding that pity should be felt for my own state – a soul unjust to herself and ultimately to her Master – the Owner of souls. When wellbeing is at its best, I still do not remember my Lord for His bounties and belittle His gracious gifts with trivial complaints. I speculated if he felt pain. Subsequent shift in logic made way to the comprehension that he indeed may not feel physical pain but what about psychological pain? Would he be rewarded for bearing his
psychological pain patiently? The discomfort and anguish for not being able to help after oneself but at the same time being grateful to Allah at all times?
SubhanAllah I thought to myself as I contemplated over the immense blessings he gets from Allah for his ordeal! This realization led to the insight that this would indeed be ironical to people. Why, you may ask? It is because one would look at this man’s physical disability and feel sorry for his state and regard him/herself as being on the greener side. Alas, how we fool ourselves?!
What if the Veils had been lifted and Reality been seen, it would be stark bright to us – the imbalance of our abilities endowed by Him in correlation to our deeds!
I wondered about his family. I tried to empathize and look from his perspective. Lines of labor apparent on his face but not dusted with worry. There seemed to be serenity and an inner peace. The man had got onto the bus from an affluent business district area. I assumed that he may have a stable well-paid job. My mind prodded about how he works and if people treated him differently at work. How does he feel about it? I speculated if this barrier in physical abilities a recent occurring or from a time long before. I wished if I were blessed to have an insight into this man’s tarbiyyah (guidance and upbringing) from Allah and learn some valuable wisdom.
The conductor had ushered and helped him into the bus. I questioned if it in the least offended him. Wouldn’t he want to exert independence in taking care of himself despite his situation? From his expressions, it seemed not to offend. He got off at the stop where I got off for school in an academic district. The man asked for the conductor’s assistance when I moved towards the door to exit the bus. I questioned how that felt on the ego? Asking for help? Being dependent on someone openly? A stranger, even?
Inherent in human beings is the concept of ego – the urge of regarding self as most important. The avid nature within that holds the ‘I’ as the priority. Recognition of the self is not something discouraged but rather promoted in Islam. Yet giving the self so much importance as to going to the extent of placing Islamic values at a lower level with respect to one’s ego is wrong. And we are indeed but all guilty of it. How many times did you race to ‘restore’ your honor when you felt you were being talked bad about? And lashed out severely in the process because it hit your ego? All in all, the wrong approach won its way through anger and regretful words – Distasteful to Allah.
Surrendering ourselves – our ego – to Allah is being a Muslim. Serving others instead of ourselves is being a Muslim. Taking hits at one’s pride and struggling to transform it into worship is being a Muslim. Asking for help, like in this instance, actually humbles you, and helps you give up your ego and consider yourself only the slave of your Creator. This man, in essence, reflected that. A humble servant of Allah who is content in whatever situation brought upon by this test of life and patiently seeking His reward.
By: Aaliyah Alam
Posted on: May 31, 2011