Axis Shift During Duty

“What is happening in the world?”

“Where will these crises lead?”

“Is a new war breaking out?”

“How will it affect us?”

“What are the great powers planning?”

These kinds of questions occupy people’s minds. There seems to be a touch of anxiety and unease prevailing… But the real issue is this: Have we forgotten our duty? Or are we neglecting what we truly ought to be doing? Perhaps there are far more important matters we should be discussing.

Starting from the Closest Circle

Throughout life, a person is in relationship with various circles. These circles expand outward from the smallest to the largest: the self, the family, the neighborhood, the nation, the ummah, and humanity.

The closest and most important circle is one’s own servitude and family life. Bediüzzaman draws attention to this point. The allure of larger circles may draw a person in, but the primary duty lies in the smaller circle, because accountability will begin there.

Bediüzzaman did not even follow the World War during his lifetime. This attitude does not mean he disregarded events, but rather that he focused on his duty. For him, there was a greater reality: the matter of faith and the next generation.

The Deception of the World

The modern age excels at keeping us occupied. Everything happening around us captures our attention: national issues, economic indicators, social media debates, sporting events… But we also have a home. We forget to ask about the condition of the child sitting beside us. We find no time to listen to our spouse’s troubles. In truth, we become the most distant from the people closest to us. This is a misalignment of priorities. This shift is not merely social; it is a spiritual and moral disturbance.

The Sun-Faced Children of Faith

Has not the time come to return to our duty? To pay greater attention to our children, our youth, and our families… To turn more deeply toward ourselves, our faith, and our future…

In our imagination, there exists a generation described as “the sun-faced children of faith.” It is our duty to raise this generation. They will illuminate the darkness of tomorrow.

They will serve millions.

Point of Reference: Where Is Our Foundation?

Bediüzzaman Hazretleri exclaims somewhere:

“In my innate helplessness, amid my need, exile, and isolation, when the worldly-minded attacked me with their cunning and arrogance, I said inwardly: An army is assaulting a single, bound, weak, and sick man. Is there no point of reference for me? And I turned to the verse: ‘Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best guardian.’”^【1】

This statement is a powerful example of what a person must rely on in difficult times. If our point of reference is Allah, even the largest armies in the world cannot frighten us.

But if we forget that point, even a minor issue can darken our hearts and shake our minds.

Trust Over Anxiety

Let us fulfill our duty. The rest belongs to Allah. Let us strive, but do not forget to place our trust in Him. The greatest antidote to fear is faith and inner assurance.

A person who finds their point of reference fears neither America nor Russia, nor does he succumb to apocalyptic scenarios. For he knows that whoever finds Him finds everything. Whoever does not find Him, no matter what else he gains, remains empty.

Conclusion: Look Through the Window, Do Not Enter

In conclusion, let us not forget our duty, skip steps, or neglect our servitude and family.

This is the most important circle. The outside world is merely a window. We look through it, observe it, and draw lessons. But we do not enter it. And as it is said: “Our Lord sees what is done; whatever He does is beautiful.”