LESSONS FROM THE HONEYBEE

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S DESK LESSONS FROM THE HONEYBEE Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Islam’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at spiritofislamperiodical@gmail.com O nce we recognize that our thoughts and actions can be tainted by negativity, we must not let this realization go unaddressed. One of nature’s finest teachers in this regard is the honeybee. Watch how it extracts nectar from flowers, flying tirelessly from garden to garden, and then landing precisely on the flower of its choice. Along its journey, the honeybee encounters many thorns. Yet, with skill and determination, it avoids them and alights gently on its intended bloom. It knows exactly where to go, positions itself with care, and diligently gathers the nectar. Once its work is complete, it wastes no time in idle wandering. It flies directly back to the hive to deposit its share of honey. Such efficiency is only possible because it remains wholly focused on its task. Here lies a lesson for us: to be diligent, persevering, and unwavering in our pursuit of worthy goals. The Creator has not placed us on Earth without purpose. Our mission is to strive for the perfection of our spiritual personality, drawing nourishment from both favourable and unfavourable experiences. Life’s path is strewn with distractions. It is only natural to feel tempted at times to turn aside and pay them undue attention. Yet the Creator allows these diversions as a test–to see whether we can remain patient, compassionate, and free from vengeance.