Always look for the good
A leader for whom I have immense respect and appreciation is El-Hibri Foundation President Farhan Latif. His equanimity, humility, and adab (respectful manner) are a source of inspiration. Farhan shares this beautiful wisdom that he learned from his dad, as part of 30 Days of storytelling this Ramadan.
“There is so much wisdom that my father imparted to me growing up that continues to guide me, but one in particular that I think about often is both his example and advice to view people as three dimensional and to always look for the good in them.
I recall many conversations at the dinner table or in gatherings, where someone’s name would come up and my father’s contribution emphasized the good qualities of that person. It’s not that he would ignore the imperfections, but he would always focus on the positive actions or quality of the person; sometimes it would be a small thing, but he would notice it and mention it.
My parents’ home was often a gathering place, always open to guests and neighbors. There were times when friends and family stayed with us when they were going through hard times. I remember during drives, I’d be sitting in the back of the car hearing the back and forth between mom and dad, analyzing some family issue or discussing a conflict they were helping to reconcile, and my father would always bring the conversation back to something good about that person.
And now more than 35 years later, as I’m doing this work, I always turn to that wisdom. There are so many issues in our community that we’re trying to tackle, and a fundamental part of our work is community building. I always go back to my father’s example and think ok what is the good in this person or situation – try to recognize that and emphasize that and use it as a thread to keep the social fabric together. There’s hurt, there’s pain, there’s anger, there’s frustration. But everybody has something to contribute. If we could just see the good in them, it allows us to build.”
How do we create a culture where we are actually finding reasons and excuses to see the good in people, to nurture social cohesion, brotherhood and sisterhood, and connectivity. This is very top of mind for me, and it’s my father who showed me how.”
THANK YOU!
To have mom in the first row of my talks is such a blessing. Thank you NWMI for your warmth and welcome and the opportunity to inspire some kindness and service.
Thank you to the Diyanet Center for the opportunity to share some stories. Signing my book for someone is such a thrill every single time.
Please follow more inspiring stories on Instagram @salma.hasan.ali.
This is newsletter #28. A few past newsletters:
Journalist Mehdi Hasan’s wisdom from his dad
A Letter of Gratitude, for my Husband’s Surgeon
Wisdoms Inspired in Nature: My New Book!
Life Lessons for my Son, that I Learned this Week