I Am Asif

A New Beginning (Again)

2026-05-06T21:47:24.619+06:00

We all love saying "success comes through failure." It's practically a motivational poster at this point. But scroll through LinkedIn, and you'd think everyone's life is just one smooth upward trajectory—achievement after achievement, no stumbles, no restarts.

So let me share what mine actually looks like....

2015. I finished my Master's at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Both my supervisor and the external examiner wanted to take me on for a PhD. It felt like everything was lining up perfectly.

But I came home instead. To be with my family. That mattered more.

2018. I tried again. Enrolled in a PhD program at RUET, thinking I could balance it with my job. I really believed I could make it work.

Life had other plans. Job demands piled up. Family responsibilities grew. The hours I needed simply didn't exist. Last year, after a lot of hard thinking, I made the call: I quit.

Late 2025. An opportunity appeared out of nowhere. I had a conversation with a potential supervisor. He was interested. More importantly, he understood my situation—the juggling act, the constraints, the reality of doing this while working.

And now, here I am. Starting my PhD at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA). Alhamdulillah.

Another starting point. Another attempt.

Are those earlier stops "failures"? Maybe. Probably. And you know what? Let them be. That's what a real life looks like. It's not built on wins alone. It's built on the stops, the restarts, the trying again.

So here's to new beginnings—even when they're not your first.

Your Focus Belongs Where You Have Control [Mindful Moments]

2025-07-26T20:32:00.000+06:00

Social media, news feeds, 24/7 news channels, gossip—our attention is being pulled in every direction, every second. It's easy to feel like we need to keep up with everything, to know every headline, to weigh in on every issue. But the truth is, not everything deserves our focus. And not everything is ours to carry. These platforms are filled with stories from every corner of the globe—politics, economics, crime, sports, and more. But just because something is trending, and just because everyone seems to be talking about it, doesn’t mean we are required to engage with it or feel deeply affected.

Imagine two circles. The inner circle includes the things we can directly influence: our family, our neighborhood, our social and professional circles, and the specific areas where our expertise or actions carry weight. Beyond that is a much larger outer circle—things that may impact us indirectly, but where our own influence is minimal or non-existent.

For instance, global politics or far-off economic crises might affect us in the long run. But often, there’s little we can do in the present moment to influence them. Obsessing over such issues, constantly checking updates, or arguing about them online usually adds no real value. It only drains our focus and energy from what actually needs our attention.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that we should be ignorant. Being aware of what’s happening in the world is important. But being informed and being consumed are two different things. Reading every opinion piece or watching 24/7 updates—especially from non-experts—is not the same as understanding.

So the goal is balance: remain informed, but reserve your attention for what you can actually influence.

In a world where so much lies beyond our influence, we are reminded to return to what is within our grasp. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised:

“Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.” (Tirmidhi)

It’s a call to protect our inner peace by letting go of unnecessary involvement in matters outside our control.

This principle echoes throughout classical and modern wisdom. Imam al-Ghazali, in his Letter to a Disciple, stressed the importance of intentional living:

“Your time should not be without structure… Every action and thought must have purpose and be within your control.”

In other words, the disciplined use of our time and focus isn’t just a productivity hack — it’s a spiritual practice.

Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, draws a similar boundary:

“Proactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence. Reactive people focus on the Circle of Concern.”

That shift from reaction to action — from anxiety to agency — is where true change begins. And as Ryan Holiday writes in The Obstacle is the Way:

“Focus on what you can control, ignore what you can’t. This is the inner citadel.”

This inner citadel — our values, our choices, our effort — is the only territory that’s truly ours to govern.

These timeless reminders ground us in trust and clarity, freeing us from the mental noise of striving after what was never ours to control.

So in a world of constant noise, the question we must keep asking is this:

Is this within my circle of responsibility? Can I do something about it?

If not — let it go. Redirect your attention to where your actions matter.

That’s how change begins — quietly, consistently, right where you are.

What You Have Now Was Once a Dream [Mindful Moments]

2025-07-13T00:06:00.001+06:00

In life and in our careers, there's always a next move, a next goal, a next milestone. We’re almost always chasing something just ahead—an elusive promotion, a better opportunity, some distant version of “success” that keeps moving the moment we get close.

But in all that chasing, we often forget where we’re standing. And sometimes, where we’re standing right now is exactly where we once dreamed of being.

Take a moment to reflect: a year ago—or five, maybe even ten—didn’t you picture yourself hoping to arrive exactly where you are now? The role you’re in now might have once felt out of reach, not all that long ago. The responsibilities you're tired of might have once seemed exciting. And the stability you’ve started to take for granted? That might have been all you were asking for at some point.\

The problem is, we get used to the situations we once prayed for. We settle in, we normalize them, and we start to feel stuck. That feeling of being stuck can quickly turn into dissatisfaction, or worse — a kind of ingratitude that creeps in quietly. Not just toward ourselves or the people around us, but toward Allah, toward the One who gave us what we once so desperately wanted.

As the Qur’an reminds us:

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”
— Surah Ibrahim (14:7)

On a personal note, I’ve been in my current job for almost six years now. I’ve held my current position for about two and a half. And yes, there are times when I feel like I’ve plateaued. Like things haven’t moved much. Like others have gone further, faster.

But when I look back, I remember how hard I tried to get this job. I went through the recruitment process more than once before I finally made it. This job, at one point, felt out of reach. It was the thing I wanted more than anything.

Now that I have it, I sometimes forget that. I forget that this was the dream. And I forget that, for many others—people with more experience, or fewer chances—this position might still be a dream.

There will always be people ahead of us. People younger than us who’ve gone further. But there will also always be people for whom our current situation is the very thing they’re still striving for.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in a beautiful reminder -

“If one of you looks at someone who is superior to him in wealth and appearance, then let him also look at someone who is inferior to him.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 6490

He (ﷺ) also taught us :

“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more likely to prevent you from being ungrateful for the blessings of Allah.”
— Sunan Ibn Majah 4142

That perspective matters. It keeps us grounded and helps us reframe how we see our current situation. What we have now isn’t insignificant—it’s something we once worked hard for, maybe even longed for. It might feel ordinary now, but it was once something we looked forward to, hoped for, or prayed about. And remembering that is often enough to shift us from frustration to gratitude.

What you have now might not be perfect. But don’t forget—it was once a dream.

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” - Seneca

“If you are not satisfied with what you have, how could you be satisfied with more?”
— Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari

There Will Always Be Jerks [Mindful Moments]

2025-07-06T00:27:00.004+06:00

There will always be annoying people around us. That’s just how life works. There will always be jerks.

We often go through life with this quiet hope—or maybe expectation—that the people we deal with daily, especially our family or colleagues, will be thoughtful, cooperative, and on the same wavelength as us. But that’s rarely the case. The reality is: not everyone is going to be kind, understanding, or even reasonable. Some people will just rub you the wrong way. Some people will test your patience without even trying. And some—let’s be honest—will be jerks.

But here’s the thing: we shouldn’t be surprised when that happens. It’s actually more realistic to expect that not everyone around us will align with us. Not everyone will see the world the way we do. And some people will have traits that conflict with ours, sometimes in uncomfortable ways.

It’s like living anywhere on earth and expecting there won’t be flies or mosquitoes. That’s not how the world works. We don’t stop going outside because of bugs. We adapt. We find ways to coexist or protect our space—without making it our life’s mission to eliminate every single insect.

In the same way, if we keep trying to make our environment free of difficult people, we’re just setting ourselves up for frustration. A more helpful mindset might be to accept that some level of friction is part of the human experience. Annoying people aren’t exceptions—they’re part of the package.

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say [words of] peace.”

- The Holy Qur’an - Surah Al-Furqan (25:63)

This verse is a simple but powerful reminder: there will always be people who speak harshly or act out of ignorance, but the way we respond says more about us than them. Walking with humility and choosing peace isn’t weakness—it’s strength, and it’s a way of protecting our own sanity in a noisy world.

So instead of waiting for life to become perfectly jerk-free, maybe it’s better to grow a little thicker skin, set healthy boundaries, and not take it all too personally. Peace comes not from the absence of annoying people, but from learning not to let them steal your calm.

“When someone irritates you, it is your own response that is irritating you. Learn to detach.” - Epictetus
“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?” - Rumi

Qur’an Reflection - Al-Maida 93 - 100

2025-04-26T22:44:00.001+06:00

Previously, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala clarified what is halal and haram, emphasizing that we must not declare something lawful or unlawful based on personal opinion. Only Allah has the authority to decide what is permissible. Some things may have been halal in a previous prophet’s shari’ah but are haram in ours, and vice versa. These rulings are entirely under Allah’s will, and He may change them as He sees fit.

In verse 93, when intoxicants were made haram, some companions became worried about their past actions. Allah reassured them that what was done before the prohibition would be forgiven, as long as they now abstain, maintain taqwa, do good deeds, and remain mindful of Him—He loves such people.

Verses 94 and 95 introduce the rule that hunting land animals is prohibited during the state of ihram, even though it is normally allowed. Allah says He will test believers by placing game within reach to see if they obey. If someone breaks this rule, a specific kafarah (expiation) must be given.

Verse 96 allows sea animals to be hunted during ihram, showing the precision of Allah’s commands. In verse 97, Allah lists sanctified elements like the Ka‘bah, the sacred months, and sacrificial animals as symbols of protection and respect. He knows all things and balances punishment with mercy.

Verse 99 reminds us that the Prophet’s responsibility is only to convey the message. Obedience is up to us. Whatever we do, in public or private, Allah knows it all.

In verse 100, Allah instructs the Prophet to say that the pure and the impure are never equal—even if the impure may seem attractive or pleasing to us. Those with insight and understanding should remain conscious of Allah, avoid what He has made unlawful or disliked, and that is where true success lies.

These reflections are based on verses 93 to 100 of Surah Al-Ma’idah.

Key Lessons / Takeaways:

Only Allah decides what is halal and haram — not personal opinions.
Sincere repentance and taqwa erase past mistakes.
Allah tests believers to strengthen their obedience.
His commands are precise and must be followed carefully.
Sacred symbols remind us of Allah’s mercy and protection.
The Prophet conveyed the message; following it is our choice.
True success is choosing what pleases Allah, even if wrong seems tempting.

Choose Calmness [Mindful Moments]

2025-04-22T16:54:00.000+06:00

We don’t always realize how much rushing costs us. A decision made in a hurry, a reaction without a pause—it might feel right in the moment, but later? We often wish we had just slowed down.

Taking a step back doesn’t mean you’re weak or indecisive. It means you care enough to get it right. Calmness gives you space to see clearly, to think beyond the surface, to understand what really matters.

Rushing narrows your vision. Calmness opens it up.

And here’s the thing: both are contagious. Ever noticed how one person’s panic can set off everyone around them? The same is true for calm. When you stay grounded, it affects the people around you too. That kind of energy spreads—and it makes a difference.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught this in the most beautiful way. He said:

“Patient deliberation is from Allah, and haste is from the devil.”

It’s a reminder that stillness and reflection are divine qualities.

So next time you feel the pressure to act fast—pause. Take a breath. Think.

Your calm could be the reason something turns out right.

Qur'an Reflections - Al-Maidah 87 - 92

2025-04-21T10:11:00.001+06:00

In verse 87 and 88, Allah SWT talks about what is halal and haram in the provision He has given. It is mentioned that we should not make permissible what Allah SWT has made impermissible, and vice versa—we should not make impermissible what Allah has made permissible. He also encourages us to eat from the halal and good food—that is, halalan tayyiban—which means beneficial, wholesome food.

We are also reminded to be fearful of Allah when consuming provisions.

Then, in verse 89, oaths are discussed. Sometimes we take oaths casually, and other times they are serious and concrete. Three types of oaths are indicated here, and it is also mentioned what the kafarah (expiation) would be for breaking such oaths. The tafsir provides further detail about which types are serious, which are not, and what should be done in each case if an oath is broken—for example, when kafarah must be given.

In verse 90, Allah gives a very clear command regarding intoxicants, gambling, sacrificial altars dedicated to other than Allah (such as statues or idols), and the arrows used for divination or lottery. These are considered defilements from the work of Shaytan, and we are commanded to avoid them completely. Shaytan uses these things to keep us away from the remembrance of Allah and from salah. So we should always abstain from them and be conscious about obeying Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), and restrain ourselves from all forms of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger. That’s emphasized again in verse 92.

#halal #haram #food #gambling #alcohol

Qur'an Reflections - Al-Maidah 82-86

2025-04-10T00:29:00.001+06:00

In verses 82 to 86 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah SWT specifically mentions the Christians. This is essentially a continuation from the previous verses, where Allah discusses the beliefs of the Christians and addresses the Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book).

In these verses, Allah SWT states that, in terms of enmity towards Muslims, the Jews and the polytheists are more severe, whereas the Christians tend to be more friendly and non-violent toward Muslims. Many of them have been helpful to Muslims, particularly because they were open to seeking knowledge and discovering the truth. Among them are hermits who renounce worldly pleasures in pursuit of God’s pleasure.

These verses specifically refer to the Abyssinian ruler Najashi. We know the famous story of this ruler—when the words of the Qur’an were recited to him and his people, they recognized them as the word of God. They were moved to tears, acknowledged the truth, and accepted Islam. As a result, Allah promises them Paradise, while those who deny the truth after it has been made clear to them will face the punishment of Hell.

📌 Key Lessons

Truth resonates with the humble: People of understanding and humility are often the most moved by divine truth.
Faith touches the heart: Genuine believers are emotionally affected when they hear the truth of the Qur’an — their tears are a sign of their sincerity.
Immediate submission is a mark of real faith: The believers in this verse don’t delay; they recognize the truth and act on it.
Hope in Allah’s mercy: They seek forgiveness and place their hope in Allah, not in their deeds alone.
Contrast with rejection: Those who knowingly reject the truth face serious consequences, no matter their worldly status.

#christians #history

The Antidote to Fake News

2024-03-08T10:12:00.002+06:00

We're bombarded with info every day from all over—Facebook, Twitter, Insta, WhatsApp—you name it. Politics, celebs, sports, religion... it's all there. And when we see something 'cool', we share it like wildfire. Reposting on our feeds or firing it off to everyone we know.

But hold up—how often do we hit pause and think, "Is this actually true?" Not too often, right? And that's why there's so much fake stuff floating around. It's a big problem, as we all know. Those sneaky algorithms just want our eyeballs, so they'll push anything juicy, even if it's total nonsense.

But here's the thing: we gotta be smarter. More mature. In this age of fake news, it's up to us to stop the spread.

One golden rule? Don't share stuff unless you're sure it's legit.

Prophet Muhammad (S) stressed how serious it is to spread unverified info. He even called someone who does that a plain old liar! He said, “It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears.”

Let's shut down rumors, gossip, and all that fake news nonsense.

Let’s stop misinformation dead in its tracks—it ends with us.

Be the door at which all rumors drop dead.

Take The Time to Make the Right Move [Mindful Moments]

2024-02-19T10:34:00.002+06:00

We face decisions all the time. Maybe it's a sudden opportunity knocking, or a new business idea that needs action pronto. Sometimes it's as simple as a friend suggesting we ditch work for a spontaneous day trip.

But here's the thing: should we always just go with our gut?

Probably not. Being grown-up means thinking things through before jumping in. Whether it's a big decision or a small one, taking a minute to really think about it is key. And the bigger the deal, the more we should take our time.

So, before deciding, stop and think.

Consider the good and bad.

Who else might be affected by what you decide?

What am I saying ‘no’ to by saying ‘yes’.

This is something I’ve always found in my dad. He would never rush to decisions. He would take his time, and tell others to ‘sleep on it’.

That's the way to make choices—thoughtfully. Considering the impact of the decision. On yourself. On your family. On your work. And on everything else that’s important to you.

That’s the mature way to decide. Opting to do something not just because everyone else is doing.

Not to be the nice guy.

Not to be the popular colleague.

Not just because you just felt like doing it.

Take the time to decide what’s the right thing to do. That time maybe 5 minutes, an hour, a day, or a week.

However long it’s necessary to do what’s right.

“Patient deliberation is from Allah, and haste is from the devil” - Prophet Muhammad (S).

Research with Impact: Putting People Before Papers

2024-02-13T13:00:00.001+06:00

So, when I kicked off my master's journey in Malaysia, there was this big push to churn out papers. Everyone, from research students to supervisors, was all about getting as many papers published in top journals and conferences.

It got me thinking: is research just about paper counts now? Are we only doing it to snag a degree or a promotion?

I always figured research should be the other way around. It's about tackling real-life problems, making lives better, easing suffering. Once we focus on that, the papers will naturally flow.

But the problem starts early on, when we're picking research topics. As supervisors, we're telling our students to hop on the trend train. Look for what's hot, what's getting published a lot.

But are we telling them to think about how their research can actually help the world? Nope, not really.

We need to flip the script on how we approach research. It should start right from the get-go, when we're brainstorming ideas.

Instead of asking, "How do I find trending research topics?" or "How do I pick topics for publication?" let's start with, "How do I find research ideas to solve my community's problems?" or "How do I identify problems that need fixing to make lives better?"

let's shift our focus in research from chasing trends to addressing real-world challenges. Even if it is on a small scale. By prioritizing problem-solving over paper counts, we can truly make a meaningful impact on society and create research that matters. It's time to rethink our approach and pave the way for a brighter, more impactful future through our work.

Let's make research about people, not just publications.

ভান করতে থাকো

2024-02-03T00:07:00.005+06:00

Behavioral psychology তে একটা কনসেপ্ট আছে যে, আমাদের শারীরিক আর মানসিক অবস্থা খুব strongly connected. একটা আরেকটা কে affect করে। এটার একটা সাইড খুব সহজেই বোঝা যায়। যেমন কেউ যদি খুশি হয়, তার চেহারায় সেটার প্রতিফলন ঘটে. মুখ হাসি হাসি হয়ে যায়। গলার স্বরেও পরিবর্তন আসে। শরীরে এনার্জি ফীল করা যায়। আবার মন খারাপ থাকলে, মুখটা গোমড়া থাকে, শরীর দুর্বল লাগে। মেজাজ গরম হলেও তার প্রভাব শরীরে পড়ে। এটা আমরা খুব সহজেই বুঝি।

কিন্তু মজার ব্যাপার হলো, উল্টো দিক থেকেও ব্যাপারটা ঘটে। Body language পরিবর্তন করলে সেটা মনের উপর প্রভাব ফেলে। খুব ইন্টারেষ্টিং কিছু এক্সপেরিমেন্ট এর মাধ্যমে দেখা গেছে এই effect . বিখ্যাত behavioral psychologist Amy Cuddy তার গবেষণায় এরকম কিছু এক্সপেরিমেন্ট করেছেন। তিনি দেখিয়েছেন, একজন মানুষ যদি মাত্র ২ মিনিট কোনো না কোনো 'Power Pose' অর্থাৎ খুব পাওয়ারফুল বা আত্মবিশ্বাসী মানুষের মতো body language নিজের মধ্যে নিয়ে আসে, তাহলে সে আসলেই আত্মবিশ্বাসী হয়ে ওঠে , এবং অন্যরাও তাকে সেরকমই মনে করে!

একইভাবে আরেক পরীক্ষায় দেখা গেছে, খুব নোংরা কোনো কাজ যখন একদল লোককে করতে দেয়া হলো, তখন তারা স্বাভাবিকভাবেই খুব বিরক্তি প্রকাশ করলো কাজটার শেষে। অথচ আরেক গ্রূপকে ওই একই কাজ করতে দেয়া হলো, তবে তারা কাজটা করলো মুখে আড়াআড়ি ভাবে কলম চেপে ধরে। এভাবে মুখে কলম ধরে থাকলে, মুখটা হাসি হাসি হয়ে থাকে। এই গ্রূপটা অন্য গ্রূপের চেয়ে অনেক বেশি খুশি মনে কাজটা করলো এবং কাজ শেষে তেমন বিরক্ত মনে হলো না, বরং তারা মজা পেয়েছে বললো। অর্থাৎ দেখা গেলো, যদিও তারা হাসছিলো না, তবুও কেবল হাসি হাসি মুখের কারণে সেটা আসলেই তাদের মনে খুশি তৈরী করেছে, তাই একটা অপছন্দনীয় কাজও তাদের কাছে তেমন খারাপ লাগে নি।

অর্থাৎ ব্যাপারটা এমন দাঁড়ালো, মানুষ যদি কেবল কোনো একটা emotion বা mental condition এর body language কেবল নকল করে, তাহলে ওই condition আসলেই তার ভেতরে তৈরী হয়! তাই psychologist-রা বলছে, এটাকে নিজের advantage এ কাজে লাগাও। অর্থাৎ, কনফিডেন্স এর ভান করো, আসলেই কনফিডেন্স পাবে। নিজেকে একজন potential candidate হিসেবে দেখো, সেরকম act করো, আসলেই সেরকম যোগ্য ব্যক্তির মতো মানসিকতা তৈরী হবে। ইংরেজিতে প্রচলিত কথা আছে, fake it till you make it, তবে Amy Cuddy একধাপ আগে বেড়ে বলছেন, "Fake it till you become it". অর্থাৎ, এরকম acting করতে করতে শুধু একটা ইন্টারভিউ, বা একটা পরীক্ষা পার হয়ে যাওয়াই না, বরং নিজেকে আসলেই বদলে ফেলো, সত্যিকার অর্থেই সেরকম successful হয়ে যায় যাও যেমন তুমি pretend করছো। এবং সেটা আসলেই সম্ভব। এই গবেষক স্বয়ং তার প্রমাণ।

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এই ব্যাপারটা নিয়ে আমি জানি অনেক আগে থেকেই। Amy Cuddy এর সেই বিখ্যাত TED Talk শুনেছি অনেক অনেক বার। তবে সম্প্রতি এই বিষয়টার সম্পূর্ণ নতুন একটা সাইড সামনে আসলো। এতদিন ব্যাপারটা কে শুধু worldly matters-এই applicable মনে করেছি। কখনও মাথাতেই আসেনি যে,, এটা তো দীনি ব্যাপারেও প্রয়োগ করা সম্ভব।

আমরা তো আল্লাহওয়ালা হতে চাই তাই না? তাহলে আল্লাহওয়ালাদের মতোই আচার আচরণ করি না কেন? মন থেকে আসছে না, তবুও তাদের মতো ভান করি। অন্যকে ধোকা দেয়ার জন্য না, নিজের psyche কে rewire করার জন্য। তাদের মতো ধীরে নামাজ পড়ি, দুআ করি, দৃষ্টি নামিয়ে রাখি। হাফিজরা কত তেলাওয়াত করে, হিংসা হয়? তাহলে pretend করি আমিও হাফেজ, তাদের মতোই যখন তখন কুরআন খুলে পড়তে লেগে যাই!

মজার ব্যাপার হলো, আমাদের বড়দের কথাতেও কিন্তু এর ইঙ্গিত পাওয়া যায়। যেমন হাদিসে আছে, তিলাওয়াতের সময় কান্না না এলে কান্নার ভান করো! অর্থাৎ কুরআনের প্রভাবে কান্না আসার কথা, তবে যদি না আসে, তাহলে কান্নার ভান করলেও ওই effect পাওয়া যাবে!

নামাজের মানসিক অবস্থার কারণে শরীরে স্থিরতা আসার কথা। কিন্তু বলা হয়, যদি অন্তরের একাগ্রতা না আসে, তাহলে নামাজের বাহ্যিক বিষয়গুলোতে মনোযোগ দাও। শান্তভাবে দাড়াও, রুকু সিজদা লম্বা করো, ধীরে ধীরে তিলাওয়াত করো। এভাবে দিনের পর দিন চেষ্টা করতে থাকলে, দেখা যাবে এই বাহ্যিক স্থিরতার প্রভাব মনের উপরেও পড়বে, নামাজে খুশু আসবে! অর্থাৎ মনের খুশু যদি না থাকে, আমি এমন ভান করি যে আমার মন খুব স্থির, সেকারণেই খুব স্থিরতার সাথে নামাজ পড়ছি। এভাবে pretend করতে করতে আসলেই এক সময় মনে স্থিরতা চলে আসবে, সত্যিকার খুশু আসবে।

সুবহানআল্লাহ ! "Fake it till you become it" -এর এরচেয়ে ভালো প্রয়োগ আর কি হবে?

Serving Beyond Ourselves [Mindful Moments #2]

2024-02-01T12:00:00.000+06:00

We're always careful about where we spend our money, time, and effort. It's natural to look for good opportunities to invest our money so it can grow over time. We also worry about whether we're wasting time or not. But if we look back, we often see that we're spending our resources on things that only benefit ourselves or our close family.

It's important to look for opportunities to put our efforts into things that are bigger than just our own group. We should spend time, money, and energy on things that go beyond personal pleasure or fulfilling our own needs and our family's needs. Let's try to include people from our neighborhood or community in our circle so that our time, effort, or money can benefit others who are not directly related to us.

Maybe you're helping just one person from the neighborhood or one family from the community, or supporting a cause that benefits your society or the Muslim Ummah. This way, some of the effort you're putting in, whether it's physical abilities, time, or money, is helping a cause that is larger than just yourself or your immediate family.

These are the opportunities we should always look for, as Muslims and responsible members of society. When we find purposes like that—purposes that are bigger than ourselves—only then can we find a meaningful and content life. These purposes can bring us joy that can't be bought with money or new things for our household.

The happiness that comes from putting a smile on another person's face, the contentment from fulfilling the needs of another family, and the satisfaction from serving people without expecting anything in return—these feelings are incomparable to what you can get from material possessions.

So, let's all look out for opportunities like that. Only then can we experience true contentment in life.

ড: হাসিবের গল্প

2024-01-26T12:45:00.004+06:00

এনার্জি কনভার্শন কোর্সের প্রথম ক্লাস আজ। থার্ড সেমিস্টারের ছাত্ররা ক্লাস শুরুর আগে বসে আড্ডা দিচ্ছে। সময়মতোই ক্লাসে ঢুকলেন ড. হাসিব হায়দার স্যার। এই স্যারের ক্লাস আগে করেনি ওরা, তবে নাম শুনেছে বড় ভাইদের কাছে। হাসিব স্যারের ক্লাস নাকি ভার্সিটি লাইফে সবচেয়ে মজার। সেই সাথে স্যার নাকে খুব ফ্রেন্ডলি আর মোটিভেশনাল। স্যারের এই কোর্সের ব্যাপারে সবারই তাই বেশ উৎসাহ।

স্যার রুমে ঢুকেই উজ্জ্বল একটা হাসি দিয়ে বললেন,

‘কি অবস্থা সবার??’
‘ভালো স্যার’
‘অল্প ভালো নাকি বেশি ভালো?’
‘বেশি ভালো স্যার’

সব ক্লাসেই টিপিকাল একটা ফাজিল থাকে, সেরকমই একটা পেছন থেকে বলে উঠলো

‘বেশি ভালো নাই স্যার’
‘কেন?’
‘সেমিস্টারের প্রথম দিন, আর আপনারা ক্লাস নিতে এসে পড়লেন। একদিন না পড়াইলে কি হইতো?’

হাসির রোল উঠলো ক্লাসে। হাসিব স্যারও হেসে দিলেন তার বিশাল হাসি,

‘আরে আজকে পড়াবো কেন, পাগল নাকি?’
‘তাহলে আজকে কি হবে স্যার?’

মনে হয় অনেকটা মন খারাপ করেই জিজ্ঞেস করলো ফার্স্ট বেঞ্চের ভারী ফ্রেমের চশমা পড়া আঁতেল।

‘তোমাদের সাথে প্রথম ক্লাস। তোমাদের সাথে গল্প করবো। তোমাদের পরিচয় জানবো।’

একে একে হাসিব স্যার সবার পরিচয় নিলেন। বাড়ি কোথায়। প্ল্যান কি। হবি কি। এই সব আর কি।

সবার বলা শেষে বোর্ডে নিজের নাম বড় করে লিখলেন,

Dr. Hasib Haider.

‘স্যার আপনার কথা বলেন এবার।’
‘আরে আমার কথা তো বিশাল লম্বা! বলতে গেলে পুরা কোর্স লাগবে একটা।’
‘অল্প কিছু বলেন স্যার, আপনার পড়াশুনার কথাই না হয়…’

সামনের বেঞ্চের আঁতেলটা চশমাটা নাকের উপর ঠেলে দিয়ে বললো,

‘স্যার, আপনার পিএইচডি করার গল্পটাই শোনান।’

হাসিব স্যারের চেহারায় হঠাৎ কেমন যেন পরিবর্তন দেখা গেলো। কিছুক্ষনের জন্য কালো হয়ে গেলো মুখটা। দৃষ্টি যেন সরে গেলো খুব দূরে কোথাও। যেন অনেক দিন আগের কোন দিনে ফিরে গেছে মনটা।

খানিক পরেই আবার তার হাস্যজ্বল এক্সপ্রেশন ফিরে আসলো,

‘হ্যা, এই গল্পটা বলাই যায়!’

একটা লম্বা দীর্ঘশ্বাস ফেলে , হেটে হেটে বলতে শুরু করলেন ড. হাসিব -

‘আমি যখন টিচার হিসেবে জয়েন করি, আমার তখন পিএইচডি ডিগ্রি ছিল না। শুধুমাত্র মাস্টার্স করা ছিল। কিন্তু রিসার্চের প্রতি আমার ছিল অনেক আগ্রহ। পিএইচডি তে ভর্তি হয়েছিলাম, কিন্তু চাকরির প্রেশারে সেটা আগায়নি বেশি দূর।

এদিকে আমার ক্লোস কলিগরা সবাই পিএইচডি-ধারী। আমার চলাফেরা, ওঠাবসা সবসময়ই তাদের সাথে। একসাথে রিসার্চ করতাম। পাবলিকেশন করতাম। বেশ কয়েকটা পুরস্কারও পেলাম রিসার্চের জন্য। ভার্সিটির সবাই আমাকে ভালো রিসার্চার হিসেবেই জানে। কিন্তু…..’

কিছুক্ষনের জন্য চুপ হয়ে গেলেন স্যার। ‘কিন্তু কি স্যার?’

‘কিন্তু রিসার্চ যাই করি না কেন, পিএইচডি নেই বলে সবসময় ডিপ্রেসড থাকতাম। এদিকে প্রমোশনও হচ্ছে না ডিগ্রির অভাবে। এভাবে মন মরা হয়ে যেতে লাগলাম দিনকে দিন। একদিন আমাদের সিনিয়র স্যার প্রফেসর কবির আমাকে ডেকে নিলেন তার অফিসে। তিনি আমার ডিপ্রেশনের ব্যাপারে জানতেন। বললেন,

‘দেখো হাসিব, তোমাকে কয়েকটা প্রশ্ন করবো, ঠিক ঠিক জবাব দিবে, ওকে?’
‘অবশ্যই স্যার’
‘তুমি কি বিশ্বাস কর তুমি একজন রিসার্চার?’
‘জি স্যার’
‘তোমার কি তোমার পিএইচডি করা কলিগদের মতোই গবেষণা করতে ভালো লাগে?’
‘খুবই ভালো লাগে স্যার’
‘তুমি কি মনে করো যে তোমার রিসার্চ তোমার পিএইচডি-ধারী কলিগদের মতোই ভালো মানের?’
‘তা তো অবশ্যই, আমার রিসার্চ পেপারগুলো তো তাদের সাথেই লিখছি।’
‘তাহলে তুমি আজ থেকে, মন থেকে, গভীরভাবে বিশ্বাস করবে, তুমিও পিএইচডি করেছো।’
‘কিন্তু স্যার, পিএইচডি তো আমি আসলেই করিনি, শুধু মাস্টার্স করেছি।’
‘পিএইচডি না করে থাকলেও, তোমার আচার আচরণ, কথাবার্তা, কাজকর্ম, তোমার পাবলিকেশন, সব কিছুই ডক্টরেটদের মতো। তাই তোমার পূর্ণ অধিকার আছে নিজেকে ডক্টরেট বলে দাবি করার। নামের আগে ‘ড:’ লেখার !!’

কবির স্যারের কোথায় চোখে পানি চলে আসলো। কতদিনের অপূর্ণ স্বপ্ন! নামের আগে ‘ড:’ বসাবো! ভেবেছিলাম কখনোই পূর্ণ হবে না। কিন্তু না। সেই স্বপ্ন আজ সত্যি।

কোনো প্রতিষ্ঠান থেকে পিএইচডি পাইনি ঠিকই, কিন্তু মনে প্রাণে, কোথায় কাজে আমি একজন ডক্টরেট। তাই সেদিনের পর থেকে, নিজেকে আর লুকিয়ে না রেখে, গর্বের সাথেই নিজের পরিচয় দেই …

Dr. Hasib Haider

রুদ্ধশ্বাস শুনছিলো সবাই। স্যারের গল্প শেষে সবাই এক সাথে উঠে দাঁড়িয়ে তালি দিয়ে উঠলো। কাউকে দেখা গেলো আস্তিনে চোখ মুছতে।

ব্যাক বেঞ্চার সেই ফাজিলটা চোখ মুছতে মুছতে এগিয়ে আসলো সামনে। স্যারের সাথে হাত মিলিয়ে বললো,

‘স্যার তাহলে আসি। ‘
‘আরে যাচ্ছ কোথায়, ক্লাস টাইম তো এখনো বাকি। Attendance নিবো না?’
‘স্যার, আমার আর এই কোর্স লাগবে না।’
‘তার মানে?’

আবেগ জড়ানো কণ্ঠে সে বললো, ‘স্যার, এই কোর্সটা এই নিয়ে তিনবার রিটেক নিলাম। পাশ করতে পারছিলাম না কোনোভাবেই। কিন্তু আমি সবসময়ই বিশ্বাস করি আমি এই কোর্স পাশ করার যোগ্য। আজ আপনার কথা শুনে মনে হলো, এই বিশ্বাসটাই আসল। আজ থেকে আমি বিশ্বাস করি, এই কোর্সে আমি পাশ করেছি। তাই আমার আর এই কোর্স করার দরকার নেই। থ্যাংক ইউ স্যার! থ্যাংক ইউ সো মাচ! ’

হাসিব স্যার খুশিতে বাকরুদ্ধ হয়ে গেলেন। অন্তত এই একটা ছেলের জীবনেও যদি পরিবর্তন এনে দিয়ে থাকেন, তাহলেই জীবন সার্থক।

গর্বে বুক ফুলে উঠলো তার!

A Lively Exchange of Thoughts

2023-12-11T18:38:00.007+06:00

As a part the 2023 5th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR INDUSTRY 5.0 (STI 2023) conference at Green University of Bangladesh, we recently had an engaging dialogue between some brilliant minds from the fields of technology, industry and academia. Together we explored the realms of technology advancement, local expertise growth, collaboration strategies, sustainability practices, and Bangladesh's trajectory for the next decade.

We had the privilege of having with us Prof. Dr. Khondaker A. Mamun, PhD, a veteran in the fields of technology development, entrepreneurship and academic research; one of the leading AI experts from our own country and founder of Intelligent Machines, Mohammad Oli Ahad; visionary young industrialist Golam Murshed; and industry expert with a vast experience Engr. Md. Selim Reza.
The session was chaired by none other than Prof. Md.G. Samdani Fakir, our former vice chancellor and a legendary figure in education development in Bangladesh.

It was an absolute honor for me to be able to moderate the session, facilitating the discussion between the panelists. I enjoyed every minute of the lively conversation.

The Tech we Take for Granted

2023-11-23T19:11:00.007+06:00

There are so many pieces of tech that we directly or indirectly benefit from that we take for granted completely. The sewing machine has been around for more than 200 years. Every piece of clothing we've ever worn surely has come through some sort of a sewing machine. But have we ever wondered about the brilliance of the human mind over several decades that's behind the development of this mechanical marvel?

Yet another brilliant video by one of my favorite channels @veritasium !

How NOT to react to a different perspective

2023-11-20T19:11:00.003+06:00

How should you react if your perspective is challenged?

There is no doubt that generative AI models are hampering the development of original content. Previously aspiring writers had to spend days to read and study a particular writing style and then try to implement that tone into their own writing. Now they can simply paste a sample text and ask GPT models to write something for them in similar tone and language. This threat to original writing content is simply common sense and is quite naturally acknowledged even by AI developers.

This should be quite easy to acknowledge, right?

Well today I came across a profile who claims to 'help people become efficient academic writers with the help of AI'. Ok so far.

But in one post he said the following:

"A lot of folks think ChatGPT will kill original writing.

Apps like ChatGPT will make original writing insanely profitable.

The better writer you are, the better instructions you will be able to write for customizing chatbots.

The better you customize chatbots the more money you make."

Quite astonishing! In the beginning of the post he's talking about people worried about chatgpt killing 'original writing', but later he tries to debunk that threat by saying you can actually use your writing skills to instruct gpt to make better chatbots, which makes more money!

So this guy is equating original writing (pouring hours into constructing your sentences, paragraphs, tones etc. to come up with original literary, creative or academic writing) with 'writing' to instruct gpt to make better chatbots to make money. How can that even make sense?

The story doesn't end there. I politely brought his attention to the difference between original writing, and writing chatgpt prompts. Just a few hours later when I checked back, I found that he silently removed my comment 🤣😂.

Don't get me wrong. Someone can build a business around helping people learn GPTs for academic purpose. But mixing up original writing with writing prompts for the sake of promoting your own courses is definitely wrong. Moreover, when someone actually presents a different perspective, it's better to try to learn from that viewpoint rather than shutting it down.

Here's hoping for more maturity and ethical practice in professionals. Including myself.

The passion to learn and teach

2023-11-15T21:55:00.001+06:00

This is the kind of passion that I admire so much (and feel so jealous of). This guy built a fully transparent, fully functional engine, all by himself using simple machining tools in his garage. All by hand.

If only us teachers had a slight portion of such enthusiasm to learn and teach. Tiny bits of creativity, just a few moments of thinking outside the box, could take our teaching-learning experience to a whole new level.

Instead.... we just stick to the old PowerPoint slides that we made ten years ago when we started our teaching career. Because it's the easy way out.

Pods & Pages [#11]: The Secret to Becoming a Better Listener [Podcast Rec]

2023-11-07T14:40:00.003+06:00

Explore a thought-provoking discussion in a world filled with noise and distractions. Learn how to centralize your listening skills for personal growth, enriching relationships, and deepening your spiritual connection in this recommended podcast episode.

Join Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith from the prestigious Qalam Institute in Dallas, Texas, as he shares insights from his latest publication, 'When Hearing Becomes Listening: The Art of Prophetic Listening'. Discover the transformative power of attentive listening and its potential to elevate various aspects of your life.

Link to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/onepath-podcast/id1505436317?i=1000626429274

Pods & Pages [#10]: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday [Book Rec]

2023-10-31T12:47:00.001+06:00

This book is one of my absolute favorites. Unlock the power of Stoic wisdom, one page at a time. This beautifully packaged daily devotional is your gateway into the profound world of Stoic philosophy.

Each day, turn to a single page and uncover the timeless teachings of Stoic greats like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, as well as the lesser-known but equally impactful philosophers like Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. This accessible format ensures that you can focus on one enlightening message every day.

Structured around twelve monthly themes, this book aligns with your journey through life's challenges. Each month is dedicated to a specific topic, guiding you to enhance your perception, improve your actions, and unleash your inner strength.

Let Ryan Holiday and the Stoics be your companions on this transformative journey. With just one page a day, it's your perfect primer into Stoic philosophy, offering daily insights that will empower you to find balance, wisdom, and serenity in the chaos of the modern world.

Pods & Pages [#9]: What Vision Loss Helped Andrew Leland Gain [Podcast Rec]

2023-10-23T12:23:00.004+06:00

Discover a truly inspiring story in this podcast episode featuring Andrew Leland. As a teenager, Andrew was diagnosed with a condition that gradually diminished his vision. However, instead of letting this challenge narrow his view of life, he's expanded his horizons in incredible ways.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew not only delves into the profound life lessons he's gained through his transition into blindness but also provides invaluable insights into the rich culture of blindness and disability. You'll be moved by his perspective on navigating change and find yourself drawn into a world where accessibility practices are infused with joy and humor.

Andrew Leland, a gifted writer, teacher, and audio producer, shares his experiences and wisdom, offering a unique and eye-opening take on what it means to embrace life's twists and turns. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with a profound sense of the boundless possibilities life has to offer.

Link to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-better-human/id1544098624?i=1000627458578

Be Better [Mindful Moments #1]

2023-10-22T22:13:00.001+06:00

Perfection is not the goal. Being perfect is almost impossible, and it depends on so many external factors.

But what you can actually try to be is …. better.

Better than yesterday. Better than last month. Better than last year. Better than last semester. Better than your last job.

No matter by how much, just strive to improve, just a little bit, bit by bit.

Pods & Pages [#8]: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Mark Manson [Book Rec]

2023-09-26T14:56:00.004+06:00

I've got a fantastic recommendation for you this week: "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by the awesome Mark Manson.

This book is an absolute game-changer in the world of self-help. It tosses out the idea that we should be endlessly cheerful and instead encourages us to embrace life's ups and downs. With wit and wisdom, Manson shows us the power of focusing on what truly matters. If you're ready for a no-nonsense, laugh-out-loud journey toward personal growth, this book is an absolute must-read!

More about the book on Goodreads.

Pods & Pages [Week#7]: Indistractable - Nir Eyal [Talk Rec]

2023-09-19T11:45:00.002+06:00

Highly recommend Nir Eyal's session in Talks at Google, in which the author basically summarizes his book 'Indistractable' in about 30 mins! 🚀

💡My 5 Key takeaways from the talk:

1. Intent Matters: Traction vs. Distraction hinges on intent.

2. Hidden Distractions: Recognize unnoticed distractions.

3. Work-Related Traps: Even work can distract if unplanned.

4. Time Management = Pain Management: Understand what distractions cost.

5. Time Boxing: Replace to-do lists with focused time blocks.

Here's the full talk:

Pods & Pages [Week#6]: Breath by James Nestor [Book Rec]

2023-09-12T10:43:00.000+06:00

"Breath" by James Nestor is a groundbreaking exploration of the often-overlooked yet profoundly vital act of breathing. Nestor takes readers on a global journey, unearthing the hidden science behind ancient breathing practices and presenting cutting-edge research that challenges our understanding of this fundamental bodily function.

Through captivating storytelling and meticulous research, the book unveils how proper breathing can enhance athletic performance, rejuvenate internal organs, combat health issues like asthma and autoimmune diseases, and even correct spinal deformities. "Breath" is a compelling reminder that something as simple as adjusting our breath can lead to remarkable transformations in our health and well-being. Whether you're seeking personal growth, better health, or just a captivating non-fiction read, this book will leave you with a profound appreciation for the power of breath.

More details on Goodreads