Sine Qua Non
Sine Qua Non. Latin.
Translated it would be “without which not”.
In essence: This is the thing without which you will not succeed. An absolutely indispensable thing or condition.
It is remarkable in such a strange sense the way humans were created. We have a need for everything. We have certain characteristics of ourselves that must be fulfilled, or we become agonized and helpless.
Dunya, which is this complete state of reality we are living in, is able to control us in the most subtle ways. Call it whatever you want, “The Matrix,” “A dream within a dream,” it doesn’t matter what the label is.
You are dunya, I am dunya. Our entire physical existence is dunya. Our souls and the unseen are what makes us unique. Our emotions, our thoughts, the essence of what we are. These things are independent of dunya, though they reside in it at present time.
It was once said that the dunya is like a farm. You have to utilize it for yourself, for your own benefit. But for what, you ask?
Simple. For the worship of a singular God, for Allah.
It is for that reason we were created, was it not?
However, dunya is able to manipulate us in ways we do not even know, or cannot even understand until we are told.
An example can be seen from the famous singer Aaliyah. This was a woman who died in a plane crash on the way back from making a music video off in Cuba.
On the way back, while they were loading the plane, the pilot warned them about what they were doing. He knew that the plane would not be able to take so much weight, and yet they kept on loading the private jet with bags and bags.
The plane crashed. Reason? Weight. Everyone on the plane passed away.
This is a perfect example of how dunya can engulf you in its flames, so much so that you become one with the fire itself, blind to everything around you. Were the contents in those bags so dearly important that they could not have done without a few of them? Couldn’t they have just sent a few bags on another plane?
Imagine if you will, travelers on a ship who have reached a deserted island.
The first group of people get off the ship, take a look around, like what they see, but know that they must go back, or the ship will leave them.
The second group of people love the island and many of the things in it. At the last minute they remember the ship is leaving, and here they come, strolling along with the many things they had found, almost missing the ship. Because they brought so many things, the ship was slower, and made their travel much more of a hardship.
The third group of people became lost in the wonder of this island, so much so that they forgot all about the ship, and were left there to stay and fend for themselves. Sooner or later, a typhoon came and they were destroyed, just like that.
Own, or owned by dunya? Which group of people would you want to fit into?
Understand that opinions, physical appearance, even most of the things you like to do are meaningless. External. Irrelevant.
What people think of you, bad or good, has nothing to do with yourself or who you actually are, what you truly are within. That is left for you to decide, and your Lord to judge.
Learn to see past the scope of what dunya is, and look towards the bigger picture. You can do this easily, wherever you are, it doesn’t matter. Just ask yourself:
What am I doing here?
When am I going to die?
After these questions cross your mind, you’ll start to see that many things you thought were important, have no effect at all.
Purpose is the reason we are here. For one purpose only. It is not to become a doctor or a lawyer, not to please other people’s thoughts about us. It is to worship God, and God alone.
Look at the world in this perspective, and things fall into place easily.
Treat everything as a creation of your Lord. Every person is your brother, your sister. Every tree, every plant, is a unique creation that your Lord has made, yet we take these creations for granted.
Dwell in their beauty, in their intricate traits and just try to imagine how your Lord could have created something so beautiful. Love these things because they are creations of your Lord.
Consciousness is what we truly are. Soul, essence, vibe, whatever you want to call it. Moving your hands, laughing, all of this stems from thoughts, thoughts from the mind.
Just think, without our soul, we are nothing.
A person who has lived this life, breathed the same air we breathe. Loved as we have loved. Cried as we have cried, whose soul is no longer with you. The body remains but the soul will always return to its Creator.
Appreciate the time you spend with those around you, you will never know if it may be the last time you see them again.
Do not insult others. Do not judge or mistreat others. These people are also the creations of Allah. Would you have Allah ask you on the Day of Judgment why you called His creation names? Why you said evil things about His creation?
Help your brothers and sisters. Teach them, love them, console them, treat them with respect, for they are the creations of your Lord as well.
