Are We on the Right Track?
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Ya Ali Madad.
Today, we will reflect on a topic that is particularly important for the youth. A sincere question: Are we truly on the right track?
At first glance, this question might seem unusual, but in today’s time, it has become critically important. This video may come across as bold and even a little bitter—but sometimes, truth must be shared sincerely.
Allah states in the Holy Qur’an that.
“Believers strive with one another in good deeds.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148)
And perhaps, the tradition of serving (Mehmaani or Naandi) in the Jamatkhana is a symbolic reflection of this principle.
Yet today, we have slowly shifted away from true spiritual competition. Instead, we find ourselves competing in worldly and trivial matters. Is that truly the right direction?
Often at functions, we focus more on what others are wearing than on the purpose of the gathering. We compare ourselves. Or worse, we criticize others' clothing—down to their shoes, sandals, even hairstyles.
As a result, unnecessary spending begins to dominate our lives. Whether or not it’s essential or affordable, we start chasing brands blindly. Not because we truly need these things—but because we want to project status in society.
This cycle gives rise to spiritual ailments like envy and pride. Sometimes, in trying to elevate ourselves, we bring others down with our words—without considering the emotional harm we might cause.
And in this environment, some families begin to withdraw from the community due to societal expectations they simply cannot meet. In some cases, they even stop attending Jamatkhana.
Have we ever considered the spiritual loss that such a family might endure? Yet, we remain so preoccupied with appearances that we begin to overlook even the sacred guidance of our beloved Imam-of-the-Time.
Hazrat Imam Shah Karim al-Husayni (A.S.) said in his Takhtnashini Farman:
“Each one of you should have a deep knowledge and true understanding of his faith.”
In the same Farman, he further said:
“From time to time, I give you Farmans concentrating [on] worldly matters, but the essential, what has and always will be essential, is that My spiritual children must understand the meaning of their faith. Religious functions were from Imam to Imam virtually unchanged after centuries.”
Then how can we abandon spiritual knowledge and blindly run after worldly pursuits?
Yes, the Imam has graciously guided us to seek a good quality of life—but what does that truly mean?
According to Hazrat Imam Shah Karim (A.S.), the quality of life is clearly defined—and is beautifully presented on the AKDN website.
It means: Access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and infrastructure to ensure self-reliance and dignity.
But unfortunately, many of us associate “quality of life” with branded goods, luxury cars, and expensive houses. Is this truly correct?
In that same Farman, the Imam also said:
“I do not want My spiritual children to forget that life on earth is but a very short passage in eternity; and you must not believe that you are here for what is only one existence, and that thereafter, you have to account for nothing. These worldly matters are not and never will be for any spiritual children the matters of first importance. You must understand that we are in this world for a very short period. We cannot take with us, when we leave this world, whatever we have made in terms of worldly goods. And therefore, it is not only foolish but stupid to chase after worldly matters indiscriminately.”
We’ve all observed that material success only brings temporary relief. The moment one goal is achieved, we immediately chase another—often in response to what others have. This creates restlessness, jealousy, and disappointment. And in that state, we may compromise ethics… and even overlook our Imam’s guidance.
In trying to create a perfect impression, we’ve normalized harmful habits like smoking, stalking, and drinking—social evils that corrupt the soul. If we run blindly in this race, what will become of society?
And when these habits damage our health or family, we blame the Imam—forgetting the divine guidance we ignored in the first place.
When we look at this topic and the principle of quality of life, the Imam has clearly said in the same Farman:
“Any rapid change in your material surroundings will impose upon you immense unhappiness, immense worry and frustration.
You will have to be very careful of the way you live, not to live luxuriously, not to live in a rich manner which can only do you and your children and your families much harm.
You will fail to understand that the material benefits will have produced in your hearts only dissatisfaction and disillusionment.”
Today’s world may be advancing materially, but we must ask: is our inner self—our batin, our soul—also advancing?
Simply reciting duas cannot replace the responsibility of seeking true spiritual understanding.
If we do not strive to acquire the Imam’s knowledge, how will we ever truly understand the Imam?
When we speak of knowledge, many think only of history. But this ‘ilm’ is not merely about events and geography—it is about the Imam’s batini light and intellectual pearls.
We must not step outside of the Imam’s guidance.
As the Imam himself said in his Farman:
“If you acquire (spiritual) knowledge (ilm) and live according to it, you may become angels (farishta).”
All these Farmans can be found in the Farman Mubarak 313 volume. Though in this episode, we have referenced only one Farman—the truth is, we are blessed with an ocean of guidance. Alhamdulillah.
Mawlana Hazar Imam Shah Rahim al-Husayni (A.S.) has summarized these directions beautifully in his Takhtnashini Farman, offering clear guidance on every essential matter.
Let us conclude today’s reflection by quoting one final line from that Farman, as a beacon pointing us toward the light of intellectual and spiritual growth:
“The Shia Ismaili Tariqah of Islam has a rich intellectual tradition. I will continue to ensure that the Jamat has access to high-quality educational materials and programmes, to enable you better to know the history of your faith and of the Jamat, to strengthen the understanding of your identity, and to support you in your personal search for enlightenment.”
With deep gratitude, we submit our humble prayer at the feet of our Imam-of-the-Time:
O Mawla, bless us with the strength to walk on the path of righteousness. Enrich us with Your knowledge and help us live ethically in this world. Ameen.
Ya Ali Madad.
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