Forging Character

The more one gets to know people in this time and age, more dismayed the heart grows. People have become superficial to the point of being thin as paper – spreading conveniently in social discourses. Inter-personal techniques have replaced the age old values and character-ethics. Truth has become a matter of convenience. Deceptiveness, deceit and lying are sugar coated with diplomacy. City life has become a symbol of hoarding material possessions and filling up the lockers. People are unwilling to share, fearing that giving might replete their supplies.

One serves himself well by going in and around the mountains. Survival in such places is based on mutual reliance and inter-dependence. Characters are forged there, which can withstand the rugged terrains. There are lessons there for those who attend to their soul.

In the wilderness of Bhit, Khirtar Range Mountains, there is a treasure buried deep in to the ground – natural Oil and Gas reserves. Nature has its way with things. It seems that in Bhit land has folded on itself, in order to give a cushion against those vicissitudes of life, which man finds unbearable. In the base of the mountains all find comfort, holy one’s as well as thieves.

Brazen ground, stones and rocks, all have stories to tell. Veiled from external world, people of all sorts find solace here. Now a natural oil field site, it used to be a hideout for outlaws. Isolation is such a paradoxical thing – some raise awareness while other loose it. Phenomenon of life move vividly here, thoughts become clearer as one do away with distraction of modern day living.

These mountains seem to have a majestic presence, circling all around. Wind causes the sand to blow, decreasing the visibility. A mystical haze seems to surround these mammoth mountains. There, you come to realize that sight is so much dependent on things external to the self – out of sight, however does not mean out of mind here. Mountain terrace speaks of God’s presence. Within them they house treasures – spiritual and physical alike. One sees these mountains as a vantage point for any one who wants to test him-self against its vicissitudes.  There are many landmarks, slopes and ridges to give one an identity point.

Plants here seem to have developed reverence for the surroundings. One could see herbs and shrubs, scattered all around. Most of them seem to be dormant, ready to bloom in rainy season. A distinct shade of purple, pale stems gives the whole background an iconic appeal. Though they were small in size, no one could complain of their utility. Few of them are known to produce substances which have anti-venom properties. This place, being a breeding ground for viper snake, seems to carry a panacea of its own – a God’s way of keeping a balance. There were few trees, standing high, resolutely, against the backdrop of wall like mountains. These trees seem to tell a tale of their own, repeating the history season by season and event by event. Their woods is also known to produce finest of the timber.  

Mountains in Bhit and Khadanwari are place where only the rugged and tough ones could survive. Fierce winds seem to move the sand here and there. One could find stones of all shapes and sizes, lying all around, leisurely. Heavy stones seem to be the predominant ones. Same is the case with men, only resolute ones seem to be living there. People with conflicting motives may come here, each serving different reason; from cattle rearing to financial freedom, all have their own motives. Question to ask is: what is your motive in life? 

Just as one shadowy mountain stands beyond another mountain ridge, so does one challenge after another stands in front of human spirit – inciting it towards itself – in order to forge character. The more a person travels towards the mountains, which lie ahead, things seem to go in background. Same is the case with life. As man’s eyes remain ever focused on challenges that lie ahead, he seems to loose sight of old worries and grudges.  

Just as mountains gives way to precious items within itself, so does human mind gives way to wisdom and awareness. One reinvigorates himself, spiritually and physically, by going in mountains like Bhit. All those who suffer from the malaise of meaninglessness of their life, are well advised to seek enlightenment in such places.   

    

A world waiting to be born

Behind a veil of material things there is a spirit – which moves this universe. There is intelligence behind common day event and happenings. The cycle of day and night is just one example. Just as He makes the day come out of night, so does He causes hope to be born out of despair. There is an element in human psyche, call it spirit or mind, which lets a person perceive His will. The more a person listens to its call, the more he comes in tune with its guidance. Slowly and gradually it becomes unerring in its guidance.

In the darkness of night, akin to human despair, thoughts dry up, tears begin to flow. Communication through words loose their meaning, any thing you say will go in to oblivion. A stupor would come over every thing, life becoming dull and despondent, to the point of embracing the ultimate end – the death. When this happens hearts may call out, we have come from you, to you, shall we return. Thy will is superior to all our desires. It shall be done in this life, as well as hereafter.  

Spirit in you will perceive thy mercy like a cool breeze moving the banyan leaves, in a chorus of heavenly music. March on appears to be the cry of wind moving the leaves.  Whosoever sets forth on a journey is brought back to the beginning – recapitulating its being – in this constant cycle of genesis. 

Nature with all its glory may flaunt its charm for every one, leaves may teach you a lesson of incarnation, trees may implant a lesson on patience and forbearance, roots may tell you to ignore the wind of trivialities, rooks may sing songs of heights they have come from, but all look up to you for love. There is an element in you, which has taken the responsibility of being a witness to His love. His love may come to you like manna from the sky, falling like a torrential rain on an arid land.   

Emotional Lexicons

                                                                                                                                                                       Emotions are like a fluid-state, words give them a structure and boundaries. It is said that, generally, a man uses around 3000 words in a normal day conversation. Every day language gives most people a chance to express their emotions. Each culture has its unique words, idioms and expressions for conveying emotional distress.

Experts in the filed of language would tell us that there are more words to express negative emotions then positive emotions.  Roughly around 1000 words described positive emotions, while around 2000 describe negative emotions. Just as one example, there are around 264 words to describe the emotion of sadness – words like ‘despondent’, ‘sullen’, ‘heavy-hearted’, ‘moody’, woeful’, ‘grievous’, tearful’, melancholy’, – yet only 105 to describe cheerfulness, as in ‘blithe’, ‘jaunty’, ‘perky’, zestful’, and ‘buoyant’. No wonder people feel bad than they feel good.  

Words, wire us to the way we feel, having a feedback effect on emotional centers in our brain. One can also say that the way we feel, will generally be determine by habitual choice of words. When we wake up in the morning, first thing most people do is scan their mood. Every day we have a choice of feeling some where from bored, disinterested, down, low, depressed or excited, exhilarated, enthralled, engaged and exuberant.. The label you will put will determine the general tone of the day.   

Urdu language has its unique expression of emotions. These can be quite dramatic, at times. From ‘Yasi’, ‘Udasi’, ‘na-ummedi’ to ‘Khafgan’, each convey a different emotional state. Having root words derived from Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, Urdu has a rich background of emotional lexicons.  

All of us are familiar with agony aunt, who is full of woes. She complains of problems from head to toe. There is a burning and stretching on the temples, while heaviness on the nape of the neck. Similarly there is heaviness on the chest, which scares the hell out of you – with the impending heart attack that never happens. All the while this is going; some thing is definitely wrong with the stomach, from churning sensation to bouts of bloody diarrhea. This is despite the bulging belly and visibly prosperous health. One wonders, if all this chubbiness is with these complains, then what would happen if she would really fall ill. Ill she is, but in her mind and soul. There is little recognition that all these non-specific aches and pains can herald a mental health problem.  

It has been said that South Asians use more somatic metaphors to express their emotional distress – called somatisation by some circles in the west. Expression of pain, like headaches, non-specific muscular aches and pains are sighted as an example. Though, some of these symptoms are part and parcel of emotional distress. Conditions like anxiety disorders, stress disorders and depression have physical and psychological manifestations. Bordering these syndromes are non-specific expressions like ‘Jigar-khoon’, ‘dil-malish’ and ubiquitous ‘gas’ concerns.  

It is not that there is dearth of expression in Urdu, what gets the attention of emotionally significant others and health care providers, will determine the unconscious choice of words. To label these symptoms as somatisation is superficial and demeaning. An accurate understanding of the culture, in which emotions are expressed, is a prerequisite before such sweeping judgments can be made. Contrarily, it can be said that people in the west are psychologizers, if not overly concerned about the communication strategies – at the cost of missing the emotional lexicons.  

Common conditions which can mask there multiple, medically un-explained symptoms can be a common mental disorder i.e. depression and anxiety. These are psychiatric conditions, which are not so uncommon. Statistics tell is that every third Pakistani is suffering from common mental disorder. These are twice more common in females then males. It remains unrecognized in the community settings. However, about 30% to 50% visits to general practitioners (G.P) are due to common mental disorders. G.P’s often miss these conditions, as patients’ presents with non-specific symptoms, which are not part of psychiatric nomenclature.  

Alexithymia is a condition in which person is incapable of expressing his emotions in words. With advancement in neurosciences, it has become apparent that in this condition, the neuronal connectivity between the centers for emotions and word expression is under-developed. This has lead researchers to understand the true nature of emotions and their expressions.  

Limbic system is the center in the brain that is the seat for emotions. Generally these are primitive in nature. Through neuronal circuitry these centers are connected to frontal cortex, higher center for human behavior, emotions and personality. There are different centers in the brain for word expression and understanding – called Broca’s and Wernicke’s area. There are association areas which coordinate various activities of understanding and expression. Damages to any of these areas by brain injury, insult or stroke leads to problems in communication. This has, however, guided understanding of human brain through research.

Generally brain divides its work, with each area specializing in a particular function. Language and emotional expression is one such example of specialized function.  It is not surprising that we find more refrained expression of emotions in educated individuals and communities. Education and refinement lead people to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation.

We, in contrast to developed countries are seen as a nation which resorts to violence, arson and looting when it comes to expression of dislike (to put it mildly). Perhaps time has come when we should, as a nation and individuals, learn more about language and emotions, rather then technology stemming from Einstein’s equation of e=mc² 

                                     

Wisdom

Wisdom being wisdom should prove it self. Question is can you confine wisdom, like a literal pool. Yes and no. Yes, one can do that in a university or seminary. No in the sense that you cannot possess wisdom, though it can posses you. The more you align yourself with it, more you actualize it in your daily life.   

Every thing has its use in its proper place and time. Even, literal stones contribute in raising the level of water, so do idiots play a role in distinguishing wise among men. In nature, sum total is always more then the individuals added up.   

The same water which threatens to drown a duck, keeps it afloat. There is a life force which woks within it to support a purpose. Same life force works within you, healing you, redirecting you towards your destiny. If only you would recognize and drift with it.  

Wisdom, an internal sense perception, helps you see the design of an intelligent life force in and around you. The more you sharpen it, more astute it becomes. It becomes unfailing in its guidance. It tells you literally, where to go and what to do. It seems, behind this material life of objects there is another world. It seems there are angels, overlooking every state of affair. Every small move, every small gesture seems to be accounted for.  

We seem to be loved and cared beyond our imagination. There is some one who is infinitely concerned with what we do with our lives; it is not mere commotion and movement. There is a purpose and reason behind the veil of incidences. The more we sharpen our internal sense perception, more astute our observations become.  Things literally began to talk to us.  

For beginners, it is training the mind to perceive God in every day happenings, coming to point where they recognize Him without failing. You can, then, see God in morning air, nights dew, flowers and plants – giving you life and vitality.  

Serenity

If I were to give an acquired wisdom of my life in one sentence then I would say ‘every thing before you and every thing after you have perfection as a rule’. If there is any discord in your life then it is due to dissonance within you. The more you get your life in tune with this eternal perfection, the more you actualize peace and serenity. Slowly and steadily your life will become an embodiment of joy.  

We are well advised to ponder on the ripple in our minds. They wax and wane us unduly. The less we pay heed to them, the less we attend to our selfish selves, the more we grow in contentment.  The business you have developed, or perhaps, your work has grown to a point were it occupies most part of your life. The children you have raised, has become a part of your joy and sorrow. You have done all of this in good faith. However, there comes a point where these things become suffocating. Why is this? This is due to the fact that you have made them the reason for your life. These things are ingredients to a better life, not life themselves. The earlier you recognize the transience of these things, they more contextual you will grow. Losses will fail to bend you out of shape. Similarly, joy of gains will also be tinged with the sorrow of loss.  

If you contemplate, then you come to a conclusion that since the beginning of time, no man-made work has survived. Civilizations have come to nihilism. How is your work more important then your predecessors?  

Yet you see tiny supple growing out of hard earth, dwindling in the frolicsome air, embodying the will of its creator – Almighty God. You see, sun shinning bright in the sky, giving life and warmth to every creature. If you come upon a lake then you cannot help but ponder the diversity of creation – the nature and form of water – how different it is from the earth. Same goes for the creatures living in water. The magnificence of a swan, swimming gracefully through the water, is eye catching. The trail of water, it leaves behind, its path slowly yet steadily, comes to merge with the serenity of the lake. This is akin to design of life were all things before you and after you come to take a shape, full of perfection.  

Every thing seems to reflect the attributes of an all perfect creator. Their intent, purpose and desire are to express their gratitude. A crow sitting on a twig – a mundane thing, asks question. Every thing in nature is in unison – except you. You seem not be part of this eco-system. You seem to be an alien – observing and contemplating. However, through this mundane thing, intelligence seems to be talking to you. This stream of consciousness that flows through you, asks you to observe things in its real form.  

An individual heart goes out in prayers:

Drop thy still dew of quietness

Till all our striving cease  

Take from our souls,

the strain and stress

And let our ordered our life confess,

The beauty of thy peace   

Spiritual Life

  Clean sparkling water is reminiscent of spiritual life in many ways. Just like water, when human spirit is also transparent all can be seen. One can perceive the eternal wisdom of things by first-hand experience. As if, one can look at the very essence of motives and reasons. So malevolent is this spirit that permeates the essence of all things. However if there are impurities then this spirit becomes opaque – blinding us from observing the divine light. See http://syedhaidernaqvi.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/ocean/ for some thoughts posted earlier.

Gender discrimination and Mental Health

It is ironic how a modern civil (Islamic) society can tolerate discrimination based on gender. In every sphere of life, one can see a bias against females. Patriarchal system in Pakistani society is fraught with lions share for the male breed. Religion and culture is often distorted in order to bring legitimacy for this trend of male-dominance. An antithesis Feminist movement, over the course of century, has brought a further skew to this biased cultural trend. Side stepping the cliché of feminist movements, one has to look at the mental health issues stepping from this discriminatory behaviour. This review aims to discuss consequences of this bias with an attempt to focus on some solutions.  

Demographic statistics provide a measure of the effects of discrimination against women. Pakistan is probably unique in the world in having a lower number of women in its population than men i.e. 906 women for every 1,000 men (Census of Pakistan – 1981) as against a world average of 111 women to every 100 men. In the population segment of 15 to 40 years olds there are 75 per cent more female deaths than male. This is attributed to nutritional anemia that affects most women in the country resulting from discrimination against women in the sharing of food. They are given less and have often to make do with left-overs. Because of the lower resistance of their underfed bodies women are more susceptible to killer diseases. Repeated pregnancies also take a heavy toll by lowering their resistance to disease. In the case of the urban lower-middle class women, their condition is aggravated both physically and psychologically by their incarceration within the four walls of their appallingly confined and insanitary homes. They get little of the sun and fresh air and no recreation at all while their men go about everywhere freely and are not affected, therefore, quite so much by their poor housing conditions[1].

Among the mental health problems, Depression occupies a central position. This is due to the mammoth proportion of cases in the community; prevalence estimates from community-based surveys, using robust methods gives an estimated prevalence of 30% to 66%. Ratio for females is twice the number of males as far as risk of depression is concerned. There are varying risk factors for this higher trend among females. Some of them are biological while others are socio-cultural. Discussion on biological risk factors is beyond the scope of this write-up, however, socio-cultural stressors need special attention.  

Among the socio-cultural risk factors, institution of marriage needs to be looked at rather closely. Marriage is supposed to harness peace of mind and emotional and intellectual security for BOTH partners. In the research studies from developing countries, marriage is demonstrated to be a protective factor against depression. However, the situation is quite the opposite in the context of our culture. More married females are reported to be at risk for depression; marriage at young age, little choice in the choice of spouse, hostile in-laws, lack of financial autonomy, lack of reward for home-making role, non-confiding relationship with the husband, repeated child births and longing for a male heir are just few of the stressors contributing to the higher frequency of depression in females.  

Treatment of clinical depression is one thing which mental health professionals deal with, another, yet quite important aspect is prevention. Unless one addresses the root cause of the problem, the mental health fraternity would continue to struggle with this problem. It is imperative that a public health perspective should be taken and mental health care providers work with individuals in the community to address these basic life issues. Skills pertaining to parenting, marital relationships, practice of contraception, problem-solving and life-skills are few of the skills that should be in armamentarium to the younger generation. Equipped with the knowledge and awareness of their rights and responsibilities, they can negotiate life’s difficult turns.  

In order to be effective any program has to be in congruence with the ethos of the society. Religion occupies a central position in the lives of the average Pakistani. Islam as a religion provides guidance in regards to gender role and responsibilities; it is the interpretation of scholars in a biased way that shuns people from driving benefit from this source of wisdom. Emancipation of women was an agenda that was near and dear to the Prophet even in the discriminatory culture of pre-Islam Arabia. These were the times when female off-spring were buried alive and there was no concept of inheritance for females. They used to be treated like possessions and livestock. In this context, we must study what factors brought about a change. Education is one central issue; there is a famous and oft who quoted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): ‘it is mandatory on every Muslim men and women to acquire knowledge’. If only this saying is implemented with letter and spirit, it would have far reaching consequences. Without education and awareness females are trapped in a reproductive cycle of child birth and rearing, impervious to needs of the family, becoming a victim of this vicious cycle of abuse.  

It is time that debate on such issues is brought to the forefront. Seminars, conferences, research papers should focus on these urgent and all important issues. If we are to enter the twenty-first century as a mature and independent nation then emancipation of women should be a top priority. This is not the responsibility of government functionaries nor a specific department looking after the welfare of women. Quite the contrary, it is the responsibility of all stake-holders; seminaries, universities and N.G.O’s, which should work together in raising awareness. The lasting peace of mind and mental health, of a society/community, is in empowering individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities. Legal and legislative protection are also issues that need to be looked in to. Rather then promulgation of laws, their implementation in letter and spirit is the need of the hour.   

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[1] Hamza Alavi. Pakistani women in a changing society

Attitude and Bees

                                       Human being is supposed to be at the apex of the pyramid called creation. It is endowed with instincts of all other creatures. Bees are no exception. This may sound silly at the first instance. But a careful observation of human attitudes will give us the whole picture.  

Honey bee sits only on the flower extracting best of the nectar; giving life, health and longevity. There are other bees who sit on the dung and wastage. Like them it is our human choice either to extract goodness and well being from our acquaintances or spread the germs of ill health, mistrust and deceit by focusing on what is not good in others. In doing so we are like the later bee not the honey bee. How do we do that? Some do it subtly while others are obnoxiously overt. Subtle ones do it by expression of the face; the expression of dislike and distaste. While regarding latter, all of us are familiar with a friend or colleague unloading their hearts with gossips and rumors. What we forget is that; the person who has tales for us has tales about us. 

Back-bitter lets his tong inflict injury on others. What is he trying to tell us? He wants you to believe that he is your real friend and sympathizer. By demeaning others he wants to tell you that no one else is as concerned about you as him. What is wrong in this? He seems to be motivated by a noble desire – if you may call it. No, it is not so. Firstly, he is shredding the very fabric of the society which keeps all connected with love, trust and goodwill. In its absence every one is subject to paranoia or jungle rule; each man for himself. Secondly, he is given to deceit. He sounds sweat and loving but he has no desire to watch your back. In fact, if given a chance, he will be the first person to stab you on the back. One with instinct of common bee is one who is low in courage and determination.  

Once a Soldier told me that judgment regarding person’s character can be a matter of life and death. In time of battle how many people will fight till the end, how many will abscond, this will ultimately predict the result; in favor or against.  So, it is imperative that we read the people right in life and in war. His advice was – essence of a man is his will-power.  One who is low in will-power will be given to blandishments and back-biting. Be weary of that person. He will make distant things look near while near things distant. He would make you wage war in low grounds when you should have planned an ambush in high grounds. He will ask you to move in summer when you should have moved in winters. You will be devoid of a true counselor who thinks accurately.  

It is such a common problem in the society. What one does in this situation? I know some one who gets weary when some one starts talking in third person! He has stable character and has worked on rectifying this character deficit.  He told me; in his younger days he went in to personal Musharta; if he bad mouthed some one than he would pay a certain amount of ransom, in the line of charity besides going to him in person and apologizing. Initially this was difficult but with patience and perseverance he put a rein on this bee-like-impulse to spread words. 

Noble man neither indulges nor promotes the impulse to talk loosely about people.  He reads the other persons character and motives correctly. He understands that mans character can be eclipsed by the bad words spread by his enemies. He judges the individuals and situations according to his own insights. He is also mindful of the fact that at times God cause the good words to go around while at other He tests people; with devil spreading disrepute. Only those with wisdom, courage, fortitude and loyalty will come to understand us in those times. We will then, gather those, who are best among the man kind. Such is the design of the universe. It weighs the attitude and goodness as small as the size of the mustard seed.   

Most of Muslims are aware of Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H) narration that one who is given to back biting eats the rotten flesh of his brethren. This gives the impression that back biting is much abhorred character trait. Generally we tend to explain the traditions of prophet as metaphoric teachings rather than literal facts and injunctions. What will happen if this proves to be literally and metaphorically as it is? Same is the issue with other beliefs too. When the scripture says ‘lord is my light and salvation….’ Is it saying this literally and metaphorically? Lord is indeed the light and the salvation.  

This also makes sense if we consider the experience of life review ( http://syedhaidernaqvi.wordpress.com/2007/08/07/life-review/); there has been an increasing awareness in our times regarding the life after death. This has been influenced by the account of few people who have near death experience. Those who have this experience describes that at the moment of death or afterwards, one has an experience in which his/her whole life is reviewed very vividly; pains, missed opportunities and joys alike. The experience of few has helped in raising awareness in many. This is also pertinent to the back-biting attitude; how will this be experienced. Probably in the same manner as narrated by the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).      Back to our busy bees, I wonder, why only honey bee stings?

Stranger by my side

I was passing through a small town in city suburbs on this week-end. Since I had time on my hand, I decided to take a stroll, some distance in to the fields. There in twilight of the day, (mystical) haziness spread over the village. I could vaguely see human figures. When I focused my attention I noticed that people were working incessantly in the fields; men and women together, shoulder to shoulder. Strange feeling of un-knowingness came across me; who are they? What are their dreams and aspirations? How have they lived their life?

At times, one experiences this alienating feeling when we come across a stranger. How your life comes in contact with the life of another person; you look into their eyes and they look into yours. There is a moment in time when you experience these feelings and go on with your business of living. One could read burden of life, hopes, dreams, and aspiration on their wrinkled face.

This seems to be passing event. We go on with the ‘rush for gold’ in our lives, ignoring these chance happenings. The synchronicity of events, which brings us together, never lets us delve into these brief moments in the window of time. To give you another example, we often look into the eyes of another driver when we come to halt at traffic signals. Do we exchange smile, wondering were this person is going? Is he in a rush? By this time signal often turns green and we go our way.

I was contemplating on these ubiquitous happenings, trying to make some sense out of my indulgence. Inexplicably realization came over me: how much do we know about the people who we think we know. Individuals that are part of our life are also strangers to us in some way; colleagues, family members, spouse, we meet them daily, yet they have some unshared corner of their life. The colleagues we work with, thinking that we know enough about them, are strangers to us in some ways. The loved ones, who we take for granted, might have a few things to share; after that last argument the unacknowledged feelings might be there, making the relation stale. Do we take time to look into their eyes, just a moment longer to acknowledge and apologize?

If we take time out and make efforts in getting to know the people in our life, those seemingly strangers will drift towards us with love and well wishes. The alienation of un-knowingness will give way to acquaintance where we acknowledge the universal bond of humanity- binding all of us in one golden chain. After all, human beings, all over the world are inherently the same.

Peace of Mind -II

I wrote a brief essay titled peace of Mind some time back (see the link: http://syedhaidernaqvi.wordpress.com/2007/05/05/peace-of-mind/). Few of my friends objected on secular way in which this topic was treated. Though, if you ask me, every line in that essay speaks of God’s grace. In any case, with the view to write more on the subject I am posting another short essay with a similar title.   

In order to have peace of mind man has to understand his true nature. A world view which is consistent with his nature will bring him peace while a diversion from the true state will bring dissatisfaction. Peace is an internal state of mind. It should be treated as such. No doubt, there are things in the environment that serves to distract us from this internal state. Scientists’ calls ‘state’ a predominant frame of mind. This can be swayed from time-to-time by our focus and distractions. For example, you read a nice piece of literature or watch an interesting movie, which would put you in a different state – a trance. No amount of pleasure seeking will change a person’s state permanently, though, as discussed above, may temporarily alter it.  

Ironically, scientific discourse on happiness and peace of mind has always missed this frame of reference. Though, religion, through ages has served to bring this point to forefront. There are historical and political reasons for development of this secular trend in science, side-stepping them, we would work towards a more applied version of modern day human psychology. Time has come when scientists and priests should work together in order to promote healing.  

Faith in existence of God, as the creator and sustainer of Universe is a corner stone of a world view consistent with peace of mind. This is some how imbibed in man’s soul – so tells us scholars through out the history.  

Peace of mind can only be achieved when a man aligns his world view with his true nature. It is his innate desire to worship an omnipotent being; to appreciate an infinite intelligence behind the scheme of things. Pursuit of this appreciation lies in his essence, however disguised it may seem. All his life he relentlessly follows this desire. It can be confounded by temporary idols he resurrects for himself, believing they will bring salvation. Like a mirage, this keeps him moving from pillar to post, until he is haggardly tired. Pursuit of an ideal self, a prestigious position, an economic security or a perfect love may all well be the guises he chooses to personify. If we take away the veils, it is the desire to worship one God, the almighty. Indeed, the peace of mind lies in remembrance of God, as it satisfies this innate tendency. As said in bible ‘man shall not live on bread alone…’. This fact is also reiterated in many a verses of Holy Quran (Rome; 30, Ra’d;28, Al-Asr 1 &2 etc).  

Similarly, Imam Jaffar al-sadiq, a leading Muslim theologist, says: there is no believer (momen) but Allah (i.e. for all believers He) has made his faith his friend and partner in such a way that if he is all alone on a mountain-peak he will not have any fear (Behar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, page 106). Bible tells us ‘according to your faith be it on to you’. In a similar light Holy Quran goes on to say that those close to God (aulyia) are neither perturbed by passing events nor grieve or are at a loss (See Fajr; 27-30).