HUMAN life is a great and noble gift from the Almighty with a purpose to be realised.

Life provides us many opportunities to interact with others. During these interactions, one comes across many problems and difficulties. They occur every day for everyone around the world. It is nature’s way of imparting lessons to human beings till one learns the meaning and discovers the purpose of life.

Nature does not overburden anyone beyond his or her capacity. The Quran says that Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope…. (2:286).

In present-day society, we face numerous problems. In fact, facing problems and challenges makes us strong, courageous and opens doors for our development.

The solution of problems depends on the mindset of an individual. Some tackle problems emotionally on the spur of the moment while others prefer the use of the intellect. Those who resort to emotions to solve their problems are mostly sentimental people. Emotions are part of the human make-up; they arise spontaneously. Therefore, the wise do not consider emotions to be the right guide to solving problems unless rightly trained, properly managed and correctly used.

There are a number of verses in the Quran which hint at the emotions latent in human behaviour. For example, the Holy Book says that man is ever more quarrelsome (18:54). A person quarrels when he is overwhelmed by uncontrolled emotions, which he regrets later. Similarly, the Quran says that man is ever hasty (17:11). Haste and knee-jerk decisions are the distinctive features of a sentimental person.

However, at the same time, man is also a rational being. Islam appreciates those who solve their problems by using their intellect. They think over and negotiate all the circumstances adequately, correctly and with Allah’s help arrive at a just solution.

They have recourse to their past experiences, knowledge and suggestions from others. We have ample examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who preferred the use of intellect to find solutions to problems. At the outset of every crisis, whether it was the battle of Badar or of Uhad, he discussed the issue at length with his companions before taking a final decision.

The Quran mentions the story of Hazrat Ibrahim’s nation, which disputed with him on their practice of idol worship. Yet Hazrat Ibrahim dealt with the situation intelligently and with Allah’s blessing and guidance (6:80).

These are some of the examples inviting us to use intellect in seeking solutions to problems. We are here on earth for a limited period. We cannot escape the troubles of material life. But we can avoid emotional outbursts, especially when confronted with problems.

Encountering problems, facing challenges, assessing situations and responding to crises requires rational thinking. This entails calmness, flexibility, creative thinking and generating ideas, breaking deadlocks, forming strategies and going for lasting solutions.

We live in a turbulent society where the crime rate is extremely high and threatens the very fabric of society. Many crimes, such as ‘honour’ killing, acid throwing, vandalising others’ properties etc., are the direct or indirect result of negative emotions.

They ruin peoples’ lives.

Therefore, what is needed, along with the enforcement of the law, is a serious change in society’s attitude. It must embark upon embracing rationality — a core element of Islamic teachings in all spheres of life.

Last year, a fire engulfed a big market in Karachi where a number of shops were burnt to ashes. It was a devastating blow for all those who had shops in the market. Their future presented a bleak scenario. However, everyone whose shop was burnt did not respond to the challenge in the same manner.

One shopkeeper arranged for money to restart his business after renovating the shop while another closed down his business.

Similarly, one of the shop owners fell seriously ill as a result of stress. Others adopted the route of litigation and ultimately gave up. Thus everyone went his own way. But the question is: what is the best course of action to adopt in a worst-case scenario?

The answer lies in fluidity rather than rigidity. Let pragmatism govern our life rather than emotions in such situations.

Our education system does not prepare students to tackle problems rationally, nor does the home environment involve children in reason-based problem-solving. One can observe fraught situations in playgrounds, streets and neighbourhoods where children get into altercations while playing. In some cases, parents involve themselves in their children’s wrangling.

Demonstration of emotions in such a situation makes matters worse and creates permanent hostility. The Holy Quran is very emphatic in this connection. It says: “O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stone….” (66:6). Therefore, it is important that parents should provide essential education, training and a good home environment to their children where reason takes precedence over petulance.

Life is a bumpy road with many ups and downs. It can be peaceful at one point and troublesome at another, and it has many faultlines and grey areas. Therefore, it is the responsibility of parents to make their children aware of the vicissitudes of life.

It is not a bed of roses all the time, but we have to live our life to the full. Living fully means that we have to learn from the lives of all peoples — present and past — as everyone’s life provides many points to learn from. But we must remember the Quranic words in which Allah says, “Do not be weak and ask (others) for peace…. Allah is with you and will never decrease the reward of your good deeds” (47:35).

The writer is an educationist.

amin.valiani@itrebp.org