What is Respect?
I s it from money, from degree? Should a person with more education be more respected than the person with less education? Should a person with more money be more respected than the person with less degree?
Respect is defined as “A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem”. In my opinion, respect has nothing to do with education, status, money. It has more to do with one’s own esteem of oneself. People don’t win respect from money. They win respect by doing the right thing, no matter how hard the circumstances get. They win respect by chivalry towards and understanding of other people. Respect others so they shall respect you. Show disrespect to others and it will come back to you.
Note that money and status only wins temporary friends and fear.
So, what about education? Highly educated people by default get more status and hence more respect. But it is also true that educated people are respected because of the wealth of information they have to offer for the betterment of the society. Secular education is important to get one’s way around the world just like spiritual education is important for finding one’s way around this world and the hereafter.
Is it possible that the Muslim Ummah has lost its respect in front of other people? Yes and No. The correct question is has Muslim Ummah lost its respect in its own eyes? Another question would be if the Muslim Ummah has been targeted negatively by the press. The answer to the later is quite obvious while the answer to the former is not. Perhaps we did lose respect of ourselves and other Muslims as we deviated further away from God and became more materialistic while failing to properly balance our physical needs with our spiritual ones. I believe that the dignity of the Muslim Ummah can be retained only through faith, hard work, self-respect and perseverance.
The norm of this world is to show respect based on symbols of status and wealth. Such a norm should be rejected. Because, it’s possible to have gold hidden among layers of poverty. I think that effective efforts should be made to eliminate poverty so that the poor may enjoy the opportunities this life has to offer. Also, I believe that all conscious individuals should remain open towards poor people. Just because someone is serving in a cafeteria, that doesn’t mean that that person has nothing cool about him/her. That person must be respected and cherished b/c he/she is making a difference in someone’s life through their hard-earned money. Everyone should try to show respect to these descent hard working people. If possible, one may go one step forward and help them out according to his/her ability. Some poor people might not want to accept help and yet others might. So, you have to learn how to communicate properly with them. Don’t be overbearing or make them feel bad about their situation. Just listen, give some ideas, offer some help as gracefully as you can and leave the rest in God Almighty’s hands.
Ask yourself this. How many times have you actually smiled at that old man who serves you pizza? How many times have you said thank you instead of throwing cash and picking up your pizza and leaving. Even smile is charity. Asking how they are doing and how is their life is also charity. You might make the other person feel better and cared for. Not many stop to think this as they go around doing their daily tasks. Some might say “Ah, well, what do I care?” But depriving another person of an act of charity is a very miserly thing to do. It would hurt your own soul, I believe. So, no matter how busy you are, you have to sometimes step back and help someone out. Sometimes its good to sacrifice some of your time, money etc. for another person but at the same time, don’t neglect yourself. Because if you aren’t strong, who is going to help others?
Just a reminder in case we forgot.
Signed: Arzoo Zaheer a.k.a. Cercatore
