Sowing and Reaping of Destiny

TUSSLE
There is a silent tussle going on between those who advocate for reforms and
forces that are content with the maintenance of the status quo for re-living their
past. In this silent tussle, stifling intellectual consideration, propelled by
emotions and distracted by the trivia, society often finds itself adrift like a
rudderless ship on high seas.
Among Muslim societies across North America, certain traditionalist oriented
centers are satirically dubbed as “Home Sick Masjid” or “Home Sick Mehfils.”
Within this framework many Khoja Centers can also be classified.
For imparting Islamic education to children, Sunday classes or Sunday
Madrasah are operating with variable degree of success. Voluntary teachers
devoting their time and energy are doing commendable work. Society owes a
debt of gratitude to them.
Overall environment in the West is not conducive to the development of
Islamic values and ethos. Peer pressure outside the home provide for negative
effect. To entirely depend on Sunday classes or the Jamaat institution only to
impart Islamic education to children would be asking for too much.
Role of the family life and the amount of quality time parents can devote to
their children is crucial in this context. For children to grow up as practicing
Muslims in the West, parents have first to set an example in their home
environment with set standards. Families need to cultivate an atmosphere at
home that nurtures learning and practice of Islamic values. Negligence on the
part of parents in cultivating core values at early stages is often reflected in later
lives. Loosening of family bonds in the long run are pointers in this direction.
There is no short cut to success. Already, we are witnessing diminishing
contacts between once closely knit families living in the same area. To stave off
the malady of isolationist tendencies, efforts need to be made to develop and
cement ties with other Muslim communities for our own betterment.
Much has been written by experienced and learned scholars. It would be well
worth for Muslim families living in the West to study at least two books that
address relevant questions with clarity and frankness.
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