ELABORATING on the nature of human life is one of the important themes of the Quran. Life is not all happiness, nor all sorrow, but it presents us with its own educational curriculum in the shape of painful and pleasurable experiences.

Perhaps the trials of life can be compared to a few grains falling to the ground if one cooks rice in a cauldron. Similarly, while filling water in a pitcher, a few drops may spill on the ground. Hence crying over spilt milk is of no use.

One should not be upset over unavoidable happenings. Rather, we should learn lessons for future development. Many of us face trials, tribulations and difficulties. No one lives life on his or her own terms and therefore, adjustments are required throughout life.

There are countless people who think themselves unlucky. However, it is said in the Holy Quran that no one is burdened with more than his or her capacity to bear (2:286). Islam also wishes one to work as a perspicacious judge of circumstances.

Therefore, every one of us has to bear a certain portion of trials and tribulations in worldly life to prove our worth. Even the great saintly personalities also had their share of tests.

Difficulties have a salutary effect on life, allowing us to move on the path of improvement. It is Nature’s way of making people reform their life. It provides us with an opportunity to go through intense introspection enabling us to reform our attitudes and behaviour.

One has to accept, learn and adjust to circumstances accordingly. A reasonable person adapts himself to the world, while the unreasonable persist in trying to adapt the world to themselves.

The Holy Quran likens human life to water. It says “…Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water which We send down from the sky. …” (10:24). Water has many qualities, including adaptability; it shapes and adapts itself to the vessel that contains it. Similarly, a reasonable person adapts himself to circumstances.

Most of us plan and fix targets but untoward circumstances obstruct us from meeting these targets. The Quran is very clear in this regard that “…You cannot will, unless Allah wills. Verily, Allah is ever All-Knowing and All-Wise” (76:30).

Life consists of problems but there are many ways out. One should not behave like a pigeon that closes its eyes when it sees a cat trying to devour it. It thinks that not seeing the problem will wish away the danger. The best way is to confront the problem.

This requires mental maturity, maintaining composure and pondering over the solution instead of creating a fuss. Serious thinking, adjustment and above all divine help is essential in solving difficult problems. Every adversity carries the seeds of success and these bear fruit only after a designed process of maturity.

One should not react with anger over disappointments as this may exacerbate the situation. Expressing sorrow or despondency over problems to gain others’ sympathy is also not the right way of addressing issues. This may aggravate the situation.

One can manage to extricate oneself from a crisis if one follows the Islamic value system of patience, constant struggle, adjustment and flexibility and, last but not least, prayer.

There are a number of Quranic verses which suggest that adjustment and fluidity in hard circumstances enable one to find satisfaction and survival. The Holy Quran narrates the story of Hazrat Yaqub who lost his beloved son Hazrat Yusuf, though temporarily. At that very moment, Yaqub says that patience is most fitting (in odd circumstances). “May Allah bring them all (back) to me. …” (12:83).

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) visited the city of Taif with the hope of conveying the message of Islam to its residents. But contrary to his hope, the people there turned hostile and attacked him severely. But he never gave up and pursued his mission consistently till the end.

Again in Hijri 8, he wished to perform Haj and travelled towards Makkah. But the native Makkans did not allow him to enter the city. He did not react nor lose hope but concluded a peace treaty to ensure a future visit. This shows that the Holy Prophet remained flexible and ready to adjust to the circumstances.

The world can best be described as unpredictable. Situations change in moments. Therefore, human life needs to be adjustable, flexible and adaptable to all circumstances. Those who remain flexible in their attitude can achieve balanced and harmonious living.

Every one of us wants happiness and therefore, nurtures hundreds of thousands of desires, thinking that the fulfilment of these desires would bring happiness. But most desires remain unfulfilled.

Striving day in and day out for the fulfilment of desires should be our motive. But success should be left to Divine will. It is no disgrace if one fails to achieve his or her goal, rather it is an opportunity to re-plan and reassess the situation.

During interactions with others, one should not expect smooth dealing at all times. One has to confront odd situations and be ready to adjust accordingly. One has to accept difference of opinion, divergent views and sometimes strong opposition.

Every individual interacts with others during his lifetime on earth, but the nature of life is subject to vicissitudes. Islam emphasises some perennial values to overcome differences.

The writer is an educationist.

amin.valiani@itrebp.org