⛰️ #1 | Are We Really Free?

Are We Really Free?

It is no secret that today’s lifestyle, weight of accomplishment, and overall success as a person, essentially runs on the reverence for the idea of “hustle-culture,” or to be more frank, “workaholism.” The glorification of the idea that one must be in constant pursuit of their professional goals to achieve some personal fulfillment has surpassed absurdity, and crossed the playing field, into a norm.

Whether it be fellow university students burning out while attempting to secure their fifth internship by sophomore year, or a colleague working 25 hours a day at a corporate job, in the hopes of landing that promotion, it is absolutely confounding.

And yet, the appeal of “something better” is always lingering on the horizon -- the slowly setting sun of brilliant success, as you frantically sail towards it, on unrelenting waters, but watch it disappear in front of your eyes…until it rises again…on the other side of the sky. A continuous cycle of toxic striving, a non-existent work-life balance, and competition.

At first glance from inside this cyclic cage, it seems impossible to leave, but little do we know that the key is in there with us. And the lock is within us.

Allah (swt) gives us the key, the solution, in a myriad of places in the Qur’an, and it can be simplified to one concept: Tafakkur. Tadabbur. Reflection. Contemplation. Pondering.

Allah says in Surah Muhammad:

{أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا}

What, do they not ponder the Holy Qur’an? Or is it that there are locks upon their hearts?

(Muhammad 47:24)

SubhanAllah. Within the literal text of our scripture, the answer is right there.

While the act of reflection can be expanded into various types (literal text, signs within the creation, etc.), which I hope to expand on in future pieces, the understanding of the basic essence of purposeful contemplation is the most pivotal tool to wield for an escape from the toxic lifestyle society has created.

Allah has made humans special from His other creations in the fact that we have the innate ability to reason, to reflect, and to choose our paths.

The million-dollar question is this: Will we choose to employ this gift Allah has blessed us with in the physical pursuit of only the dunya? Drowning our ability to reason in the grind of advancements, killer-exams, high-range salaries, and promotions?

Or will we use our intellect to create a healthy balance, a life where we pursue the spiritual light alongside the physical for the sake of our Lord, where we reflect on our boundaries, limits, and goals, and prioritize what really matters?

Reflection is the intrinsic key.

We can choose to be free, with the will of God.