Chasing negativity away

Negativity is a disease of the human psyche, some people see it as subtle but it should be noted that its effect is manifested in the entire spectrum of a victim’s life. For example one who has negative opinions about almost everything about life would fail to have a positive demeanour and his reaction to issues would be horrendous and disastrous

CAUSES OF NEGATIVITY

One’s Upbringing: when one’s is raised in an environment that does not allow a positive outlook in Negative times. The result would be the declining of the power of reflection, contemplation and optimism. If one has been accustomed to the cliché “My Life is horrible” or people telling him “you are horrible” he would later grow to think that of himself thereby growing into someone whose statements lacks positivity and insight and whose choices are marred by temporary challenges.

Accompany Negative people: As they say good friends are those who make you a better person, and Negative friends make you a negative person. If one is surrounded by people who push him to react or think in a negative way. One way or the other we are influenced by our immediate environment and the type of people we mix with.

Life of seclusion: when one has been accustomed living alone or a life of seclusion, it deprives one of the opportunities of gaining experience and widening one’s scope of thinking.

Failure to understand the true Nature of Islam: Islam is a religion that encourages one to make dua to Allah if one is faced with challenges or problems. And as Muslims we have to remember that at a point in our lives we would be tested with trials. How we deal with those trials determine how strong our belief in Allah is or not.

Disregard for the remembrance of Allah: Part of the reward of remembrance of Allah is “opening of breast” and “easing of task”. On the other hand the result of negligence in remembering Allah and keeping away from him is a “Negative life” and being denied wisdom.

MANIFESTATION OF A NEGATIVE OUTLOOK

The presence of Negativity in a person’s life is manifested in a myriad of ways which include.

Discontent: The person who is negative expresses anger and discontent towards everything. He/she is often backward, regressive and incapable of keeping pace with the difficulties faced in modern society.

Disregard and Difficulty: Negative people always disregard everything including having a narrow-minded opinion on issues. Aside from that, they are always intolerant and aggressive to those who do not agree with them.

Impatience: Displeasure and impatience at any issue that is facing other people. Negative people are quick to point out that you are not facing anything compared to what they have endured. They are used to uttering these word “I have faced all the problems in these world and I did not die”

REMEDY

Read with the Qur’an: ‘The Qur’an is for yourself, not for your shelf,’ a wise saying goes. Many times in our lives, we feel lost and ask God for guidance. Meanwhile, our Qur’an sits in the corner of the room gathering dust, waiting to be picked up and opened.

The Qur’an is The Manual of Life that has been sent to us by God Himself. If only we spend more time reading and studying it, we will find in it the cure to our problems of the heart, and the light that will guide us to the right path.

And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss (Quran 17 verse 82

As we strive to spend more time studying the Word of God, we will find our faith and our problems becomes just a problem because we learn to console ourselves with the fact that after every difficulty there is relief.

Contemplate the effect of Negativity: Envisaging the effect of negativity on individuals, or the society as illustrated earlier in the write up should encourage us to keep a confident, optimistic and positive demeanour always.

Bring up children in a positive way. This provides children the tools to deal with difficult and negative times. It also develops their talents and when they grow up they will be aided with a confident and self-reliant mentality.

Reflections on the Biography of The Prophet Muhammed: His life was not a bed of roses, he lost his wives, his children, he was hungry, he was wounded and almost killed etc. his life is filled with many situations and attitudes which help in broadening one’s mind and deepening one’s insight.

Keep away from negative people: Even if our iman is in good shape, it can quickly deteriorate should we indulge in bad company. It pays to stay aware of who we are mixing with. Seek the company of widely experienced people who enjoy broad vision and intellect.

Keep Good connection with Allah: By keeping good connection with Allah and abstaining from major and minor sins, observing acts of worship, and working righteousness in general. This would confer on you wisdom which would allow you to have a positive outlook and far sightedness.