As the Islamic tradition has reminded us for many centuries, the Divine spark that bestows upon us our individuality also bonds individuals in a common human family. In this light, we learn to see our differences in a new way. We can understand that cultural diversity is not a burden or a threat. In fact, it is rather a Divine Gift, an opportunity to learn and to grow, an opportunity to understand and to appreciate the Identity of the Other and thereby one’s own essential identity.
Remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan
Aga Khan Music Awards prize-giving ceremony at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
31 March 2019
In these difficult times, we’ve had to adapt to unique circumstances. You may have been isolating yourself from your immediate and extended family and have only been able to meet your family through virtual channels e.g. on face time or zoom. No matter what challenges you face at the moment, unity and connecting with the family is vital.
These simple questions have been designed to help you on the path to more harmonious relationships:
1. How do I feel right now?
Clarity is power and knowing how you feel is an excellent start from which to make a positive change. It is also useful to examine who you are being right now. Are you showing up as the best version of yourself, one that you could be proud of, or do you have room for improvement? We are all a work in progress, so simply having the desire to be the best that we can be is an incredible start to enriching your own life and that of those around you.
2. How do I see the best in others?
Think about an artist’s impression. If an artist was capturing a party, they could be depicting people having fun, or the quiet person in the corner. The artist’s choice is correct either way, but their impression only tells part of the story. The same is true of life, where we often let our emotions intertwine with facts, when another interpretation could be possible. How much better would life feel if we chose to see everything through the eyes of love? Next time you come across a disagreement, try looking at the situation from a perspective of love to see things through this new lens for an instant shift. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
3. What can we be grateful for right now?
“Where gratitude goes, abundance flows”. Asking this question alone is not only a simple mood boost, but thinking about this question regularly, can drastically improve the quality of our lives.
Are you enjoying spending more time with your children? Are you reflecting on what you may have missed in their development?
Have you discovered how you can spend more time with your family working from home and using digital technology?
Quality time spent with the family and providing Early Childhood Education, whether within the home or externally will empower our next generation and contribute towards a stronger community and society.
Although we are in an era of significant change, by changing our perspective, we may be able to see the blessings around us, which can be immensely uplifting.
4. Where do we draw strength from?
We are truly blessed as a community to have guidance from our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam and support from our institutions.
Remember, you are never alone.
Reflecting upon these simple questions, is a powerful step towards a harmonious, united and stronger family, Jamat and society.
