Book Read: Youth and Morals
Chapter 3: Pessimism: The Bright and Dark Points in Life; The Negative Effects of Pessimism; Islam Versus Pessimism
The Bright and Dark Points of Life
Life is composed of pain and comfort, however it is greatly on our thoughts how this will play.
Often the problems we complain about are not the actual problem, but our way of approaching or perspective of the matter.
âYet, after we come to realise the deep meaning of this life, we can direct our vision towards the beautiful side of existence and cast away the ugly entities which tarnish the fact of life in this vast universe;...â (p.51)
We choose our thinking, to focus on the positive and dwell on the bounties of purpose of existence, for each creation, and our own, or dwell on the negative, which does not have much but gloominess.
It is important to choose, choose positive, and practice self-control, or âOtherwise, we may face irreplaceable loses, or even fall victim to the typhoons of misfortuneâ. (p.51)
âOptimists never abandon the borders of modesty, restraint and patience.â (p. 53)
A segment of a quote mentioned by one unnamed scholar: â...and if you are merciful and truthful, you will find people around you who will love you and open the treasures of love and respect of their hearts to you.â (p.53)
Pain is also a bitter reality of life, however it helps us to reach our spiritual potential. This is in reference not to that humans should cause challenges for others, but the God given life challenges that come naturally.
The Negative Effects of Pessimism
âPessimism is a painful misfortune that tortures the human soul and leaves incurable defects on manâs personality which cannot be erased.â (p.53)
Pessimism can be a sort of revolt in the face of challenges, one needs to accept, embrace and go through challenges, not disvalidate them.
If we are pessimistic we âcannot comprehend conduct of innocent individuals clear of evil aimsâ (p.54).
Pessimism affects not only the soul of course, but the body as well, naturally as it is connected to the soul.
Pessimism causes people to âdestroy their abilities to develop and advanceâ (p.55)
âIf we examine any sector of human society, we will find that backbiting and gossip stem from suspicion that is paired with a lack of examination and reflection.â (p.55)
âO you who believe! Avoid most suspicion, for surely suspicion in some cases is a sin.â (Holy Quran, 49:12).
âA Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his property and (it is prohibited) for one to think negatively of another.â - Jami al-Salah of al-Tirmidhi, ch. 18; al-Sunan of Ibn Majah, ch. 2; al-Sahih of Muslim; ch. 32, al-Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol. 2, p.277 and vol. 3, p.491.
Multiple quotes are shared regarding suspicion, and for example, having suspicion of a doer of good, is even considered oppressive.
âSometimes suspicion diverts the suspected persons from the straight path and leads into corruption and lowliness.â (p.57)
Lack of self-confidence leads to being easily inflicted with negative memories by minor setbacks, which feeds, often unknowingly, into weighty, burdened souls or attitudes, i.e. more easily depressed or suspicious. (p.59).
Manifesting a suspicious thought is more prohibited than the thought itself.