A few weeks ago, a trend started on social media with people detailing what they have achieved at age 23. I am not sure why 23 was the benchmark age, but a lot of people got on to the trend to share their achievements at that age. From the trend, it was obvious that while some people have figured out their life and made some remarkable feats, a whole lot were still trying out things. However, it was evident from the trend that not getting it figured out at 23 or any other age does not mean that you will not make it in life – and that is the major lesson from the trend.
We all have different trajectories in life and while some will figure it out earlier., some might be later. Thus, every one of us needs to be thankful to Allah and keep putting in our best. There is no age benchmark for making it in life, major development comes from continuous improvement, and that should be our focus – not worrying about what age determines when someone has made it.
Having established this, there are three things I think we should take note of the trend.
The evil eye is real
"The evil eye is real and if anything were to overtake the divine decree, it would be the evil eye." Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)
The evil eye is described as a situation when a person harms another with his eye. It starts when the person likes a thing, then his evil feelings affect it, through his repeated looking at the object of his jealousy.
As discussed in the book, Zaad al-Ma’aad, the evil eye is like an arrow which comes from the soul of the one who envies and with an evil eye towards the one who is envied and on whom the evil eye is put - sometimes it hits and sometimes it misses. If the target is exposed and unprotected, it will affect him, but if the target is cautious and armed, the arrow will have no effect and may even come back on the one who launched it.
Thus, it is very necessary to seek refuge with Allah from the one who envies or puts the evil eye on another. And more importantly, to guide ourselves and prevent situations where we make people envious of us. You do not know those who might have evil eyes and are envious of you, protect yourself.
Do not excite jealousy in others
While it can be argued that how people react to a situation is what matters most, the impact of the stimulating environment or condition can not be underestimated. The trend involves displaying your achievements, and in a way triggers a reaction in the mind of others who have not made such feats or even trying to still figure their lives. In an era where mental health is a major concern, such displays might be detrimental to others who might feel pressured or even question their Lord – God when?
While you might consider the effect of such on people as not your fault, but the way they chose to react, it is noteworthy to relate one of the teachings of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).In describing the rights of neighbours, he was reported to have mentioned among many other things that;
"give him a share when you buy fruits; if you do not, bring what you buy quietly and let not your children take them out to excite the jealousy of his children."
If the Prophet advised us to avoid a situation that can incite jealousy, then I think it is important that we do take note of it in our daily lives.
Be grateful to Allah
Lastly, but not the least important, you should know that everything comes from Allah. Achievements in life are nothing but the blessings of Allah that He bestows on those whom He wishes. Thus, every one of us should note that not achieving those things is not necessarily a result of weakness or insufficiency on their part. With this understanding, you will not feel bad for yourself or get jealous of others, but understand that it is the blessing of Allah of which you have a great share of yours too which you should be thankful for.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to hold you back from belittling the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you."
You are alive, and that is the most important thing, either at 23, earlier or later. For while there is life, there is hope!
Nicee 👍
This post here just reminded me of the fact that a certain age isn’t the benchmark to measure success and that one’s current trajectory is more important than one’s current condition. Great post sir.