Assalamualaikum wbt.
Let me start my writing today from the famous ayatul quran from Surah Ar Rahman :
“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?” [The Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rahman (55): 13]
When we talk about blessings, we always make room for denial and ignorance. Allah – The Merciful and Graceful, unconditionally shower us with His blessings in different forms. As much as being showered by invitations and seminars, Allah sent a little time off for time reflection. I was hospitalized for few days. For some, it is definitely the most unpleasant for everybody same goes to me.
While I am away from my office desk, I spent my time reconnecting with the Almighty. In limitation, I still continue doing my task. I was supposed to be a speaker for my Work Life Balance (WLB) series. However, my honourable guests – Prof Dr Madeline Berma & Puan Laila Johari did a super great job by sharing their thoughts in beautiful afternoon at ADLA.
Not only that I missed this opportunity to seat among them, I did not manage to enjoy my staff trip to Limbang, Sarawak recently. My team did a lot of research on activities and place of interest in Limbang.
Again, Allah knows best. Let me share an ayat from
Al Baqarah :
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you, And perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows, while ye know not.”
As much as we want, so deeply, we have to obey and understood that things happen for a reason and this is one example. No matter how much you have plan, Allah knows when the right time is for you. I am a true believer on Qada’ and Qadr.
The word, ‘qadr’ means to measure; to assess; and to determine. The word, ‘qadha’ means to decide; to settle; to judge. In the Qur’an this word has been used frequently with reference to both man and Allah. (Definition from https://www.al-islam.org/man-and-his-destiny-ayatullah-murtadha-mutahhari/part-4-literal-meanings-qadha-and-qadar)
This the point that I want to emphasize today – by doing things as plan but being aware on risk and what have been destined or pre destined. Struggles are real. As you breathe, struggles comes in many forms.
Come back to the ayat from Surah Ar Rahman – we as human, always underestimate the power of our Lord, where He actually the centre of our life. In His hand, relies our fate, destiny, success, our downturn, everything.
So, while we are talking about us – building our life, career and putting too much energy and effort, bear in mind that no plan can be done by the permission of Him. Always, take time or make way to your life back in track by rearranging your priorities.
It has been sometime I want to write something holistic approach and I guess this is really the right time. In reference to article by B V Krishnamurthy on Problem Solving (Refer to link : https://hbr.org/2008/04/a-more-holistic-approach-to-pr.html), I was very fond with the four way view which he introduces to improve communication – work, home, community, and self – and by doing this approach, you may find creative ways of bringing them together into a more comprehensive approach.
I will share more in the next posting. Until we meet again, Insya Allah!