Author: Bashir Ahmad Ahmadi
The Role of Values in Human Life (Part One)
For many Westerners, material possessions and worldly accomplishments dominate their priorities, while other aspects of life hold little significance. Parents, among the most precious jewels and vital values in human existence, are often neglected, with many elderly individuals sent to nursing homes when they become a burden to their children’s business and interests. In Islam, however, the ultimate goal is to please Allah, the Exalted. Achieving this requires not only avoiding frivolities and distractions but also relinquishing material values such as life and property when necessary.
Every action in life carries value, serving as the motivation behind our efforts and movements. Acquiring knowledge and education is particularly important and considered an unchangeable value in society. Individuals willingly invest time, money, and effort into education because they recognize its significance. Additionally, values such as physical health, wealth, welfare, marriage, and love drive people to travel great distances and invest their time in pursuit of fulfillment.
A significant issue currently affecting the world, especially in Islamic nations, is the neglect of true values and the misallocation of life and resources to futile pursuits. Many individuals study various subjects without understanding the purpose behind their education. Often, students select their fields of study during entrance exams without a clear grasp of their future careers or the nature of their intended jobs upon graduation.
Years are spent in classrooms and considerable money is spent, yet no defined goal is pursued, and no specific results are attained. Unfortunately, much of our time is squandered through sleep, late nights, unfinished discussions with friends, binge-watching series, playing computer games, and other trivial activities. When examined closely, these distractions lead to wasted years and resources, yielding no fruitful outcomes.
Countless individuals have watched thousands of series and movies, indefinitely continuing this cycle. Some have spent countless nights in entertainment, yet upon examination, their lives reveal numerous shortcomings; they have abandoned countless values while squandering precious time on meaningless activities. These individuals have distanced themselves from their human nature, forgotten fundamental values, and are cloaked in the darkness of ignorance.
Conversely, throughout history, many individuals have recognized the values in their lives, achieving remarkable success in agriculture, trade, industry, and personal development. Their efforts have benefited not only themselves but others around them. Humanity could not have set foot on the moon without first understanding and valuing the pursuit of such monumental endeavors. The advancements in medical science that benefit people worldwide stem from dedicated efforts rooted in the recognition of their value. Similarly, innovations in transportation, machinery, and countless discoveries reflect values embraced by individuals who sought achievement.
Albert Einstein, the renowned scientist, exemplifies the importance of recognizing and pursuing values in life. Countless people exist today with similar intellectual potential, yet Einstein distinguished himself by not wasting his life on mindless entertainment or aimless pursuits. Instead, he dedicated his life to meaningful endeavors, planning each moment purposefully.
Furthermore, Abu Ali Sina, the father of modern medicine, recognized that laziness and indulgence in trivial activities would only serve to squander his life. Historically, every region on Earth has nurtured valuable scientists, scholars, and individuals, highlighting that the pursuit of knowledge and values is not confined to a particular era or location but rather pertains to those who actively seek and embrace them.
In conclusion, every task—regardless of its magnitude—possesses inherent value. It is crucial for us to recognize these values and allocate our energy accordingly. By evaluating the worth of our activities before undertaking them, we quickly realize that many of our current endeavors lack true significance, while numerous valuable opportunities await our attention and effort.
Continues…
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