Yaser El-Waly on Living with Faith and Reflection
Yaser El-Waly on Living with Faith and Reflection
Looking Inward Before Looking Ahead
By the time Yaser El-Waly was in his fifties, he had come to regard reflection on an equal footing with learning. Currently residing in Perth, Western Australia, he has been spending considerable time learning about Islam and letting it guide him in terms of his actions on a daily basis. Being a West Australian Muslim man, he feels that faith gets its importance when it affects one’s actions in normal circumstances instead of abnormal ones.
In all his decisions, he uses the Qur’an and Sunnah as his guiding principles. No matter whether he considers his family affairs or social affairs, each decision is a chance for him to prove his sincerity in front of Allah rather than before anyone else.
Guidance Without Haste
Yaser El-Waly's way of offering religious guidance is unhurried. He prefers to understand the person behind the question before discussing possible answers. His conversations rarely become debates. Instead, they encourage careful thought and a willingness to examine one's own intentions. He speaks about patience the way someone speaks about a road they have personally walked, not a concept they once read about.
He always keeps reminding others of the fact that it takes some time for one’s personality to develop well. One cannot develop honesty, humility, self-control, and gratitude overnight. It can only be achieved through continuous effort with full knowledge of the fact that God knows everything.
Serving the People Around Him
Life in Perth has ensured that Yaser El-Waly remains very close to the Muslim community in the area. While he provides guidance through religious instruction, Yaser is also involved in mentoring activities and charity works where he believes that learning must translate into helping others. Unnoticed assistance has always been more important for Yaser than any recognition.
At the same time, Yaser makes sure that he emphasizes family matters at home. He frequently mentions respect for parents, love among family members, and performing one's duties with patience as being integral components of Islam.
A Consistent Standard
Anyone who spends time with Yaser El-Waly will find that his approach does not vary much, irrespective of the environment that he is in. The principles he talks about can be seen in the way he conducts himself and the way he treats people.
Deen for this West Australian is not just a field of study but the bedrock of leadership, charity, humbleness, community work, and dedication to worshipping Allah throughout life.