| By dawud72,
on 09-03-2004 05:19
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Views : 1243  |
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Published in : , Articles |
I was rifling through old papers the other day; school certificates, notes passed in class, newspaper clippings and that sort of memorabilia when my eyes fell on a crumpled, tea stained photograph. A young(er) me stood smiling at the chief guest as I collected my prize during the speech day at my old school. I smiled with fond memories, scanning the picture for familiar teachers and other friends, taking in every detail of me, my uniform, my scarf... my scarf!
OK, maybe all memories aren’t as fond. Like this one. I clearly remember the scene of the prize distribution. I was standing in line with my friends, chattering excitedly about which latest bestseller we might receive, when my teacher approached.
“Child!” she squeaked loudly. “What’s that THING on your head?”
I looked at her innocently. “I don’t know, what?” I pulled my scarf even lower on my forehead.
“You know the Preeenciple wont LIKE it!”...
“Well, I’m sorry.”
“Please take it off before going on stage! You know it’s not allowed, dear. Of course, you can put it back on after you go back”.
“I’m sorry”, I repeated, while my friends looked on. “I’m going to have to keep this on”.
This went on for a while, with other teachers intervening. Finally, I stepped out of line. “It’s quite alright. I don’t mind taking my prize later. But I’m not going to remove my headcover”.
My friends spoke up, as well as a few supporting teachers. “We’ll step out too”, said a girl close behind me.
In the end, I won the tussle. Obviously, it would be bad publicity for the school if this leaked out, and besides, if the rest decided to step out, a lot of questioning parents would raise some sort of a hullabaloo. I walked tall and straight up on stage; carefully avoided the Chief Guests outstretched hand, smiled a thank you and walked off.
But here I’m not illustrating my rare chances of performing some heroic deed, it’s more than that. Stand up. one lesson I learnt that day was: don’t sit still and quiet and passive and let everything and everyone run over you. Know what you are, and be it. We often complain of unfair things and rage against the system which doesn’t let us make our own choices and have a go at decision making. That’s untrue. Who said you can’t do anything, at least in your personal lives? You hasten to run when your algebra sum is wrongly marked but when your teacher gives you a low grade because she doesn’t agree with your views on secularization of the state, you hold back. Why? Tell her you are a proponent of “free speech” and “broad mindedness” and some other fancy terms and that you believe everyone has a right to express their views, and then see if she marks you down in the next paper. It’s important here to always be ready. Know what you are standing for. Discuss. Share your views. There’s no need to scream and fight and blow your top. Use intellectualism, logic and reason to win your case.
We’re often also afraid of what friends will say. That’s okay; it’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive about how others will regard you if you say anything or take a bold step. However, when you’re the only one standing up for the shy girl who everyone in the class is making fun of, people will learn you are loyal, respect others, and defend their faults. I’ve often found in my interactions with people that very few people know what’s right or wrong. And sometimes the only reason why someone is doing something is because no one has told her what is right! one day in sociology class a girl was arguing for the Darwinism thesis. From her talk, I judged that she didn’t even know what the whole theory was about, apart from the “we evolved from apes” stuff they teach in fourth grade. When I told her I didn’t believe in it and that I accepted the Prophet Adam to be the first human, she looked at me for a second, agape. “I never even thought of that”, she exclaimed amazed. I was equally amazed, but it just furthered the fact that people are waiting to be told. Obviously, it doesn’t mean you go around propounding your views to everyone and sundry. Judge situations with care and include general information in your flow of speech. “Oh, yeah, I was just reading that day that…”
Afraid that you’ll be the only one and everyone else on the other side of the fence? Sorry to break your illusion. If someone is standing up for what everyone inside wants to stand up for… they’ll join in. Those who really mean it will. Most often we hold back from doing something because we’re waiting for someone else to start. At parties, for example, you are aware it’s past Maghrib time but are waiting for someone else to remind everyone it’s time to turn the music down and head for prayers. But consider this: Maybe someone is waiting for you to be the one to stand up! And by not initiating, a lot of folks are losing out.
What else can you do? Write letters. Write a letter to the newspaper. Sign a petition. Send articles. Talk to someone in charge. Go to your principal, your local mayor, anyone with influence. Take an example from the beautiful story in Surah Kahf, of the people of the Cave. When they saw ills in their society and felt they needed to make a choice between society and their imaan, they chose Imaan and retreated out of the city. What happened? Allah brought them together and put them into a long sleep, until their evil King had passed and they would be safe. The crux of the story is, when you step forward for Allah, He sends help your way. Allah says, “Walk towards me and I will run towards you”. Don’t ever think anything impossible, the power of Allah is great. Seek His help.
Discussing an issue with friends is also an important start. “Oh, you’re wearing that blue sequined dress to the ball? Me? I’m not going. Too much haram for one night, man. Hey, I have a better idea! Why don’t you guys come over to my place for a sleepover and we’ll…” Provide alternatives. Don’t only say what’s wrong. Start with right. Show them the only way to have fun lies not solely in mixed parties and laughing at the guy who had too much to drink. Arrange girl’s nights out, camping expeditions, dress up and go shopping, whatever! Have your lines ready. “Oh, I don’t go out or date because I want to save the experience for someone who’s really special – and permanently mine.”
Put up posters in school. Schools are often the biggest breeding ground for fitnah and people often go towards something because that’s the only option or that’s what everyone’s doing.
Just don’t be afraid. once you take the first step towards changing something, standing up for your rights and privileges, or whatever the situation, Insha’Allah the rest will fall into place. Not only will you get your aims achieved but you will feel better about yourself, your beliefs, and your strength in getting things changed.
Last update : 09-03-2004 05:19
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