Exams, Commitment and Success
October 19, 2007Alhumdolillah. A short story about trials and commitment. Idries Shah, a celebrated Islamic Spiritual teacher and author of myriad of books narrates the parable of the two men in the desert. Both of them went their separate ways in search of water as they had become severely dehydrated.
The first man began digging holes in the sand. In his frantic search, he dug 200 one-foot holes…all to no avail. The other went about digging just one hole, but it was 200 feet deep. He found the water and achieved success. That was the trial of the desert and of steely will.
It is much the same with all the trials we face in life. Now most of you face examinations soon. Commit yourselves. Put in the hard work. Then put your trust in Allah and leave yourself in need of His blessing. Like Musa a.s. after the hard work, you are entitled to say, Oh my Lord, I am need of whatever you send down (Rabbi inni lima anzalta ilayya min khairin faqeer[28,24]).
And when Allah begins to inspire you, be patient and say oh my Lord, increase me in knowledge (Wa qul Rabbi zidni ilma[20,114]).
As a slave, one is entitled to everything from your Lord. So remember who you really are.
Yunous Vagh
