Habban Murtaza – Aug 24, 2019
^{Edited by Rabhia Shuja}

Before writing this I researched the word “pain” in philosophy. I was really shocked to see the result: 

“The experience of pain is, due to its seeming universality, a very good portal through which to view various aspects of human life”. 

This line from the Wikipedia page just settled within my heart instantly.

As Nietzsche says,

“Did you ever say yes to a pleasure?
Oh my friends, then you also said yes to all pain.
All things are linked, entwined, in love with one another.”

Pain is the suffering we have had in our lives and it ignites the life of immersion. Have you considered why many fathers want to see their children more successful than themselves? One reason definitely is the fatherly instinct. However, it also comes from the pain they themself have suffered; not having good toys, not being able to get a good degree, and much more. And, this is the rule of progression.

From my childhood, I used to read books on Islam and different sects of Islam as I had the liberty to reach my father’s personal library. I always felt the principles of Islam were really peaceful, even as a child. The banners of Shia-Kafir and Sunni-Kafir on our streets were on the contrary. 

Typically, there’s no sense of tolerance amongst ourselves if we have a difference in any kind of ideology i.e politics. This contradictory situation just adds to the gap. Having seen all of that, all I wish to do is spread the message of peace and love. Reading through the books has helped me identify that there will always be a difference in ideology because of the people who remind us of our differences. So, I want to be the carrier of sharing the positives; the common aspects. Hence why I use my knowledge to unify and develop a sense of tolerance in our society.

As a student of history and philosophy, I love to read about modernity and how it has affected humanity. One of the darkest truths which I learned about this so-called modernity is that it gave rise to diseases like depression. For me, the important part is the reason behind the depression. Most cases are because of materialism and society filled with the materialistic approach. We people see happiness in money, on the size of the office, the number of cars we own and the phone we own. 

I had a similar mindset. Until I experienced a financial crisis. My concepts took a 360-degree shift when I had to fast with only water and sleep without eating any meal. I had to sell my own phone to help my friend who was in real need. And at that moment, I truly felt happy. Giving my beloved stone and ring to my friend as I was unable to buy him a gift for his birthday, which gave me happiness. So I want to spread this message: for one day, just live like a poor person and you’ll feel how much they need your support and you’ll know that happiness is in helping each other, not in showing off iPhones. So being in the fight against depression, I want to open a rehab center where more and more psychologists can do therapy sessions.

One more thing that I’d love to add is that I always had a dream of living my life as a nomad and I love mountains. So if Allah gives me the strength and patience, I really want to open a school/college/academy in the hilly, remote areas of Kashmir which will be free of cost and I’ll make sure that we provide the best education there. In this way, I can do well for the progress of my society and my ancestor’s motherland. In Sha Allah, I will do 🙂