I Am Asif

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 fa...

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 bre...