Let's Talk 2

Reading books is an additional life for you, especially when they contain the distilled essence of scholars’ knowledge, experiences, and insights. They are like someone who shortens the path for you and speaks to you from the future. Dr. Abdul Kareem Bakkar, may God protect him, is among the authors of such books, which I make it a point to acquire, specifically his works on the cosmic laws of life, which served as an excellent source for the articles I write on this subject. The importance of addressing the topic of cosmic laws in writing, in drawing inferences, and in delivering lectures lies in the fact that they facilitate our understanding of ourselves, our lives, and how to manage and lead them well. Clarity of the path and observing the road we are walking on, with its signs and guidance, brings immediate bliss and instant pleasure, even before achieving and experiencing the results. I would like to ask your permission to share a beautiful and important law that amazed me and prompted me to share it with you: We are the children of what we think about. To put it more clearly, “We are of the kind of what we obsess over.” It is impossible for a person to be different from what they dream of, think about, and aspire to. You are the child of your thoughts, your goals, and your ideas. These reflect on your interests and attention, shape your personality, and form your character. If you wish to discover and understand your personality after many years, look at what currently occupies your mind and attention. For example, if you are interested in drawing and coloring, you will inevitably read books on methods and techniques of drawing, the history and symbolism of art and artists, follow educational programs on this art, learn about types and forms of patterns and touches, and understand how to blend colors, as well as which pens and brushes are suitable for each type of color and material. Your senses and interests will automatically focus on this field that fills your imagination and thoughts. Over time, after many years, you will excel and innovate in this field. Yes, this is God’s law in life: whatever you give your mind to, it will give you everything. You are of the kind of what you obsess over. Apply this principle to every interest, every art, whether in decoration, writing, sciences, professions, or crafts. It all begins with an idea that captures your attention, directs your desires, and sets your compass. Therefore, Islam considers merely thinking and planning for a good deed as earning a reward for it, even if you do not actually perform or practice it. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, it is recorded for him as a complete good deed.” Our thoughts, habits, obsessions, and interests shape us, forge our personality, and crystallize who we are. This is a great and beautiful law. Blessed is the one who pays attention to it and holds it sacred. The cosmic laws that our Lord has embedded in the universe, and which His wisdom dictates must govern this universe according to this law and this balanced cosmic system, are, so to speak, like a hidden antidote that unlocks the code to the beauty and ease of life. Let us ask ourselves a fundamental and detailed question: What currently captures your thoughts? May God have mercy on our mothers and fathers. They never ceased asking us: Sometimes they would say, “What are you obsessing about, my children?” and other times they would ask, “What is on your mind today?” Saeedah Ahmad Ghanem Al-Dibous