One of the very senior educationalists from Sindh University visited sayyidi wa sanadi Shaykh Mohammad Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him). He lamented about the despairing prevalent conditions at the educational institutes, in society and the country all over. Corruption, hypocrisy (nifaq), irreligious trends and immodesty prevails. Truth, sincerity and honesty are mocked upon.  He requested for a remedy.

Sayyidi wa sanadi replied,

‘Yes, indeed the conditions are such as you describe. However, Islam provides us a solution for all the conditions. There are are two things for us to do under these circumstances.

First is to focus on self rectification (islah). That is, to correct all the deficiencies an individual has in his actions and morals to the best of his abilities. This will at least make a single person better in the environment. And if all people act according to this strategy eventually the whole institute or country will change for the better.

The other thing is to make supplication (dua) for improvement in our condition. Asking Allah for help sincerely.

In order to avoid despair in these circumstances we need to reflect on the incident of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) when he was invited to a vice by the wife of the ruler. He was aware that all the doors were locked, however, he decided to do whatever was within his means. That was, to run towards the door to escape. He did that. And Allah helped him by unlocking the doors miraculously.

We should do similarly. Trying to save ourselves and asking for help from Allah.

He then quoted the Persian couplets of Mawlana Rumi (Allah have mercy on him) about this incident.’

2nd January, 2011, prior to zuhar salah, office, Darul Uloom Karachi