Spirit of Islam, December 2019

I N this life the choice is not always between right and wrong. The choice is rather between the lesser evil and the greater evil. In every situation, things must be examined objectively. Try to discover which option is better for you—better, not in terms of good and bad, but in terms of lesser and greater evil. When the option is between these two opposites, no wise person will opt for a course of action that will lead to the latter. Opting for the lesser evil is not simply avoidance. It has two very clear benefits: first, it saves you from further loss and second, you are able to economize on your time and will be able to achieve your objectives by re-planning your activities. No situation is unfavourable in an absolute sense. It can only be so in a limited sense. A situation being unfavourable only means that one way is closed to you while, at the same time, there are other ways open to you. You can carry on your journey simply by changing your direction. When you face such a situation, do not delay but re-assess your plans and establish your priorities along new lines. Always remember that although others can create hurdles in your life, no one has the power to decide your destiny. Your destiny is in your own hands, and, by a re-examination of the situation, you can reformulate your plans and attain your objectives simply by following an alternative path. If you have to face some loss, take it as being temporary. No loss is so drastic as to be permanent. At every moment, conditions keep on changing. Loss and gain are also subject to change. Situations, whether positive or negative, are temporary in nature. So, when you face some unwanted situation, do not despair. Just have faith that, sooner or later, the problem will be resolved. Situations in life are like day and night, with every dark night giving way to a bright new day. The same is true of the life of every human being. A well known poet has rightly said: Raat din gardish mein hain WHAT TO DO IN AN UNFAVOURABLE SITUATION? Right Reaction Always remember that although others can create hurdles in your life, no one has the power to decide your destiny.