Mujeeb Jaihoon asserts on not defining life by career, staying true to self, and being vigilant against deception in today’s world.
The curriculum you studied may change or become outdated, or you may even forget what you learned. You may lose your job, especially during a recession or technological advances. Never build your life dreams on your career alone. The definition of your life should not be based on your career. Do not try to find the meaning of life in your job or your studies, because if you lose either one, it could cost you your life.
For example, the suicides of exam failures and rank aspirants. What is important in life is neither academics nor a job. A computer can also learn, and a robot can also work. The most important thing is your personality and identity. As you navigate your way through society, I urge you to strive to become a distinct person. While society offers you many opportunities to grow, it is equally important to remember that there is a responsibility to give back to those in need later in life. In addition, it’s crucial to be excellent at whatever you are doing. Regardless of your interests, always ensure that you maintain the highest possible quality. Stay current in your area of expertise, and never stop learning.
In today’s world, deception has become an inherent part of our daily lives. It is not uncommon to encounter ‘Harry Potters’ who manipulate us into believing things that are not true. Imam Gazzali, based on his personal experience, has shed light on how our senses can be fooled into believing things that do not align with reality. This knowledge is especially relevant in today’s world, where the internet is rife with deceitful tricks. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant while browsing the internet and to always be aware of the potential risks. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling prey to online scams and frauds.
It’s becoming clear that we cannot always trust our senses. They can deceive us into believing things that aren’t real, and we need to be aware of this when we browse the web, which is rife with deceptive practices. As Imam Gazzali has shown us, there’s a need for insight to see beyond these deceptions. Your job and studies alone can’t guarantee insight. It’s a result of being close to God and having a sincere appreciation of life’s meaning. When you have this kind of insight, you’ll see the world in a new light. To quote the poet Iqbal, “If you can see the world with your own eyes, the skies are illuminated with the light of your dawn.”
Highlights of Jaihoon’s inaugural address at the Teens India Summer Camp, Dubai (Jul 24, 2009)