7. People, Process, & Principles on the Path
People. At home and in the masjid, I like to pray next to my son. When he was younger I would hold his hand as we found a place for two. Now that he’s older, I don’t need to hold his hand, we remain close by habit. Our taraweeh prayer is a chess game of finding a spot for two and then moving up rows via carefully mapped routes as men slowly retreat after each pair of raka’at. When there is only room for one we play the humble game for a second, nudging the other forward; I usually nudge a little harder to have him go ahead.
Whether it’s in prayer or another act of sulook, keep the people most dear to you – especially spouse and children – close on your path to Allah and in your love of His Messenger (peace be upon him).
Process. Sanad is built on sound faith-inspired processes. We are also built on a financial model that relies on tuition/service-based income, donations, grants, and an endowment. When you build an organization from intention to implementation on a faith-inspired design, then your processes can never be compromised. In a recent conversation with our team about a potentially large grant and increased enrollment, this is what we reminded each other about. We have a process, and we are dedicated to be true and authentic to it in every way — no matter the consequence. We must never be driven by external needs, but by sound and sincere, faith-inspired processes. For Muslim-led organizations, they are critical in diffusing any sense of desperation or external demands often found in hopes of expedited growth.
Principles. There is a left turn lane to an on ramp to the highway my family and I have to take on our daily commute to Sanad. It’s a poorly designed setup, with the single lane splitting into two just before the left turn to the ramp up. Cars from the thru lanes to the right always jump into the second left lane after the split, backing up traffic and invariably clogging the flow of cars in the intersection. They seem to think those of us who have been patiently waiting in the appropriate turning lane are not intelligent enough to figure out this remarkable traffic hack.
I have learned that being a teacher, father, and founder means I have to live by the principles I expect of others in public and private. This is often easier said than done, but in that car every morning my kids see principles cross into all aspects of life. For this reason, I never regret the minute lost staying in the right lane.
My life’s path is shaped by the people I love, the processes I follow, and the principles I hold dear. Which one shapes yours the most?
Until the next climb!
– Rehan
I’m an organizational psychologist, educator, father & founder. After completing graduate school at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York I spent formative time with students & scholars at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. I’ve worked with the UNHCR in Geneva & taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. I write, speak, & consult on parenting, education, & institution-building. I’m honored to serve as the founding executive director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, & community programs for children, families, & elders.
