Longing for Love & Compassion *



It seems that we have forgotten how to act like human beings. We are far removed from representing our unique status among all of existence. Despite all the qualities we possess as human beings, we engage in acts that even evil spirits would be embarrassed of. We are overwhelmed by the feelings of hatred, fury, and vengeance toward one another. Our breasts are drained of true love and compassion. A haze of loathing obscures our feelings. For so many years now, the magical aura of love has become alien to our perceptions. Destroying our environment, assimilating everything into those things we like, and suppressing the "other" have become almost routine.

No Room for Tolerance

Many of us act upon their emotions and abandon rational thinking. We trample and silence those who do not think the same as we do. This, indeed, is our most distinct character. We plunge forward, headstrong, on our own way, without considering for even a moment that there may be other solutions to different problems. Thus, we lead the way to destruction in many cases where we could be a source of constructive solutions. Winning hearts by addressing one another in sincere tenderness is like a long-forgotten tradition that has fallen out of fashion.

We are frenzied by facing the numerous challenges of oppositional thought and their representatives, all generated by our own selfishness. We easily become enraged and filled with hatred. We crush others if we are powerful enough; and if we are not, we still do not hesitate to defame them, damaging their dignity with all the power and means at our disposal. Indeed, this may cause more grievous harm than death itself can ever cause.

In the face of all these inauspicious facts, we can only hear either the joyous laughter of the tyrants or the screams of the wronged persons. Many countries have been suppressed for decades and their victimized peoples subdued. Minds are pacified, emotions and enthusiasm are extinguished, and people become alienated from their own values. As a result, people approach one another with enmity and intolerance. In such societies, differing thoughts and approaches become a cause of contention and conflict, painful fights are endless, and mischief spreads. One party carves out the eye of another or murders it, and the other party retaliates by running into crowds as suicide bombers, killing as many people as it can.



Whatever can infiltrate into our memories can also pierce through our chests, leaving incurable wounds in our hearts and spirits.


Tainted Humanity

Many have become devoid of any trace of the human soul, and their consciences have become paralyzed. The human free will chases tyrannical plans. The mind, which is supposed to make sure that the limits set by Almighty Allah are adhered to, has surrendered to contaminated desires. The noble human feelings have transformed into a pit full of treachery and danger. The heart - potentially an aperture for witnessing the truth - has become a pitch-dark tunnel with no life in it. In fact, this contradicts the very purpose of the creation of humankind.

As a matter of fact, the world has suffered from similar ills many times in history. Nevertheless, due in part to globalization and the substantial advance in technology, the level of destruction and evil is now more tragic and terrifying than ever.

Every single day, we are terrorized by a different scene of horror on the television, the Internet, or the pages of the press. Unable to bear the enormity of such scenes, we often avert our gaze and try to drive our thoughts away. However, whatever can infiltrate into our memories can also pierce through our chests, leaving incurable wounds in our hearts and spirits.




Help Is Due

Oppressed, weak, and poor people always need a helping hand from those who are just, wealthier, and more powerful. In most cases, however, they only receive indifference and neglect. With no sign of emotion, indolence pervades, and their cries are not echoed. Even those who sympathize with them do not have the power or the means to help.

Shaken in despair, we cannot help but say, "Then, this is how nations will devour one another; friction will continue among the masses, and no one will sincerely love others. People will no longer be concerned for others, and no one will extend a hand to the wronged. No mercy will be shown for the victim, people will not welcome one another, no sense of security will remain, and mad people - whose thoughts, speeches, and hands are stained with blood - will shape the fate of the world. Once again, it will be an era of tyrants." This situation should not continue; if it does, the end of humanity and human values is eminent.

O fellow humans! Having reached a critical intersection in human history, come today and let us lend an ear to the divine calls for mercy and justice. Let us speak out for "love" and "brotherhood and sisterhood"! Come and let us show the entire world the privilege of being human, with all the different colors and patterns! Come in genuine love for dialogue at a time when hatred and revenge have darkened the face of our world! Come and let us open up the gates of our conscience and show love and mercy to others, for Allah is the All-Merciful!

Come and let us rise up against all the evil motives and cry out to the whole world that we are the bearers of divine trust on earth, and that we are racing for Paradise! Come and let us appreciate the blessing of being human! Come and let us leave all evil paths and unite on one single path that leads us to the All-Merciful Lord - the Straight Path.