The writer, Asgar Jafferali Dhanji (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) served as the Secretary-General of the Africa Federation for two – 3-years terms. He served as JIBA Vice Chairman – with a particular passion for raising funds and offering microfinance to our Community – for low-income, underprivileged, startups, Business loans, individuals, and small enterprises — thereby giving them opportunities to grow economically. He is the founder of Imaan Finance Ltd — the First Islamic Finance Institution in Tanzania. and has also served in Dar es Salaam Jamaat’s Arbitration Committee as well as a Board member of Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital – with a particular passion for the project of building the new hospital. He is now a motivational/Inspirational speaker giving regular Saturday Fajr lectures at Dar Imambara.
Personal Development:
Suffering is an inevitable part of life, and it comes in many forms, whether physical or emotional. Understanding the root causes of suffering can help us navigate through challenges with more resilience and empathy. Generally, suffering arises in three primary ways:
Our Own Choices and Behavior: Often, our own wrong decisions, poor choices, and inappropriate behaviour contribute significantly to our suffering. This could range from small, everyday mistakes to larger, life-altering decisions. It’s important to recognize when we are the source of our difficulties, as this awareness can lead to personal growth and better decision-making in the future.
Other People: The actions and behaviour of others can also cause us pain. Whether it’s a difficult neighbour, an abusive boss, a broken relationship, or even something as trivial as a mosquito, external factors can create distress. There’s a humorous anecdote about a baby mosquito that, after its first flight, excitedly told its father that people were clapping for it. The father knew, of course, that they were trying to swat the mosquito away. This illustrates how a positive outlook can change our perspective, even in the face of adversity. However, it’s also a reminder that while maintaining a positive attitude is essential, we must not forget that others can and will affect us.
Forces Beyond Our Control: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts remind us that some suffering is caused by forces beyond our control. These events disrupt lives and cause tremendous pain, yet they are part of the world we live in.
While suffering is unavoidable, we can reduce its impact on others by being mindful of our actions. By choosing not to add to others’ pain through our words or behaviour, we can contribute to a more harmonious environment.
Ultimately, maintaining a positive outlook, like the baby mosquito, can elevate our consciousness and help us endure life’s inevitable disturbances. As the saying goes, “Rather than leaving someone in pieces, we should try and bring them peace.”
The writer, Asgar Jafferali Dhanji (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) served as the Secretary-General of the Africa Federation for two – 3-years terms. He served as JIBA Vice Chairman – with a particular passion for raising funds and offering microfinance to our Community – for low-income, underprivileged, startups, Business loans, individuals, and small enterprises — thereby giving them opportunities to grow economically. He is the founder of Imaan Finance Ltd — the First Islamic Finance Institution in Tanzania. and has also served in Dar es Salaam Jamaat’s Arbitration Committee as well as a Board member of Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital – with a particular passion for the project of building the new hospital. He is now a motivational/Inspirational speaker giving regular Saturday Fajr lectures at Dar Imambara.
