Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the impact of the constant influx of information on our lives. The news cycle never seems to stop, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of opinions, anxieties, and negativity. I’ve noticed it in myself – a subtle tension, a feeling of being constantly “on,” and a struggle to truly disconnect and find moments of peace.

As a father and a leader, this internal struggle has prompted me to search for solutions, not just for myself, but for my children and the team at Sanad. I knew I needed to find a way to bridge the gap between the noise of the world and the quietude of our hearts.

Words and the Wisdom of Retreat

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) These words resonate deeply in our age of information overload. We’re constantly bombarded with news, opinions, and distractions, making it harder than ever to guard our hearts and minds. This constant barrage can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected.

Throughout history, sage thinkers, philosophers, and even Prophets have sought solace and wisdom in moments of retreat. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself would often retreat to the cave of Hira for contemplation and reflection. Even in nature, we see this principle at play. Consider the eye of a hurricane: a place of profound stillness amidst the chaos that surrounds it.

In our own lives, creating these pockets of pause can be transformative. Stepping away from the noise allows us to hear the whispers of our hearts, the gentle guidance of our intuition. It’s in these moments of quiet contemplation that we often find clarity, inspiration, and renewed purpose. This inner peace then ripples outward, affecting our relationships and how we interact with the world.

The Heart of the Matter

This need for hope and reflection is especially important when it comes to our families and organizations. As a father, I’ve noticed how easily negativity can seep into our homes and affect our children. Their emotional intelligence is still developing, and they absorb the anxieties and fears of those around them. It’s our responsibility to cultivate an environment of hope and optimism for them.

Similarly, as the founder of Sanad Trust Foundation, I see the impact of stress and anxiety on our team. Organizations, after all, are simply collectives of human hearts. And just like individuals, they need a healthy emotional environment to thrive. Creating a workplace culture that values well-being and encourages open communication is essential for both individual and organizational success.

Lessons in Listening

At Sanad, I’m blessed to work alongside incredibly talented and compassionate Muslim women. They have an innate ability to listen with empathy and create a safe space for sharing. It makes it easy for me, as a Muslim man, to express my anxieties and seek counsel. This experience has highlighted the importance of open communication and emotional support, both at home and in the workplace.

Unfortunately, this kind of vulnerability isn’t always encouraged in male peer groups. There’s often a pressure to keep our emotions under wraps, to appear strong and stoic. But this can lead to a buildup of stress and a sense of isolation. We need to encourage our brothers to express themselves, to find healthy outlets for their emotions.

With my children, as well as the students at Sanad Prep, I strive for honesty and authenticity. I share my feelings with them and show them that it’s okay to be vulnerable. I want them to know they can always come to me for a listening ear and a guiding hand.

Practical Steps for Finding Peace

How can we cultivate this inner peace and create a more positive environment for ourselves and those around us? Here are a few practical steps I’m trying:

• Limit News Consumption: Reduce negativity and free up time. Be mindful of your news sources. I find the short morning update by NPR to be sufficient.
• Increase Dhikr, Prayer, and Quran Recitation: Strengthen your connection with the Divine and find solace in spiritual practices.
• Connect with Loved Ones: Nurture your relationships. Spend quality time with your family and friends.
• Prioritize Well-being: Take care of your physical and mental health. Make time for exercise and spend time in nature.
• Seek Beneficial Knowledge and Do Good: Expand your horizons and contribute to your community.
• Create Space for Retreat: Allow yourself time for reflection. Carve out time for quiet contemplation.
• Foster a Positive Workplace: Build a supportive environment. Incorporate regular check-ins with colleagues and team huddles.

Connect with Each Other

Finally, a personal request. Let’s connect and check in on each other more often. Reach out and listen, or share what you’re feeling—it might be easier for others to hear you. Whether you see me in person or online, don’t hesitate to check in. Even if you see me around, you’re welcome to ask me how I’m doing, how my heart is feeling. Sometimes, the strongest among us need a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and reconnect. And please know that I’m here for you too. We’re all on this journey together, climbing towards peace and understanding. Let’s keep climbing, insha’Allah.

May Allah give our hearts peace, clarity, words to share, connection to those who will listen and care, and work and lives that fulfill our needs.

Until the next step,

Rehan