Vaccination Against Discontinuities

In order to follow the discussion in this article, it is imperative for you to read two previous articles (Continuity of Sustenance, Preparing for the Discontinuity of Sustenance). From this point on, I am assuming that you have read them.

So, we are in a quest to find a vaccine, or better a family of vaccines, against the discontinuities that threaten our existence and our faith due to their magnitude and extreme duration. This clearly is a research area and must be an ongoing one due to the ever changing life conditions and the ever improving methods and devices of evil. Below, I am sharing with you some of my conclusions from personal experiences and discussions with people.

An idea in this regard can be obtained from the example of the prophet Muhammad pbuh. Had he come today, what would he do in order to strengthen the faiths against the disturbing discontinuities? This question may sound nonsense and even ridiculous to you, because, one, he is not coming back, two, who are we to empathize with a messenger of God. Still, in the Quran, God tells that there are good examples in the person of the prophet for those who believe in God and the afterlife. So, why not try a time travel and pay a visit to our doctor?

"You have had a good example in God's Messenger for whosoever hopes for God and the Last Day, and remembers God often." (33/21)

The first event that draws my attention is the prophet's action during the battle of Hunayn. Initially, the Muslim army was dispersed and bewildered in the face of the enemy, and the Muslim soldiers were running back from the field. Upon seeing this, Muhammad pbuh stood against this flow and shouted as strong as he might: "I am the messenger of God, there is no lie in this." Such bravery gave a shock to the Muslims, because they realized that the prophet was standing alone and trying to fight against the enemy, all the while trying to call his friends to their senses. It didn't take too long for the Muslim army to recollect and execute a conclusive assault leading to victory.

This event is an analog to the discontinuities we are discussing. It shows that if you yourself are able to stand against the adversity, when others are bewildered or even giving up, that action of yours can function as a vaccination to your fellows. Allah sometimes guides his servants through the example of some other servants. And if He has blessed you with the faith, conviction, strength and guidance to stand against the adversities, then you must share your inspirations and ideas with others, remind them the conditions of their agreement with God, and trigger an immunity against disbelief. 

Another idea of vaccine can be found in the concept of patience. Patience is an indispensable component of survival in dire conditions. So, the activities, exercises that strengthen your patience can help you endure the extreme tests later on. For example, doing sports that take a long time and extreme effort to complete are superb for this purpose. Marathon running (quarter, half or full), mountain climbing are two such examples.

Similarly, a factor that undermines the will power and feeds depressive thoughts is the absence of a meaning in what is happening. Research has shown that people who see a meaning in their suffering can both endure the tough conditions better and can come out stronger, whereas those who see no meaning are more likely to fail or come out destroyed. So, practices that help us see a bigger picture in the complicated things or events can also help us survive the pitch dark times that seem like eternity. In this regard, making puzzles (500, 1000, or 2000 pieces) or other artistic productions that take long time to complete (embroidery, sculpture, painting, etc.) can be highlighted.

Next idea is Quran memorization. Here, I am not talking about memorizing only the short chapters. I am talking about memorizing several pages, or even tens of pages, even if you cannot memorize the entire Quran. There are several benefits coming with this. First, the reason we are trying to device a vaccine is that we want to become and remain loyal servants of Allah. So, having His living word with us wherever we go is a prime source of energy and help. Even when nobody can be with you, He can speak to you through His word that is in your mind. You can recite it for tens of minutes or even hours. The One who has the control over everything and the One who gives meaning to anything is communicating with you as you utter every single word of Quran. Another reason for Quran memorization is that it takes patience and effort to do, and knowing more of the Quran helps you see everything through better and larger lenses, which connect this practice to the two previous reasons.

Last but not the least, another vaccine suggestion that again connects to everything explained so far is doing good willed actions or charity projects that push you to your limits and beyond so that you must get out of your comfort zone and force things and people desperately, all the while praying to Allah for a successful end to your project. This effort is certain to bring you face to face with your Creator, and it is meant only for you to conduct that communication. That is, I cannot go beyond telling you to try it.

"Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: 'I do indeed clear myself of what you worship. (I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me.' And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah)." (43/26-28)