The modern world today is filled with tests of self-worth and acceptance. No matter where you reside, there will always be trials of pressure and scrutiny over every aspect of life. The social system sets up people to fight for academic prestige and successful careers. We must belong to popular social circles and conform to contemporary ways of life. To complete the perfect picture, don’t forget to find that ‘trophy’ spouse to showcase to the world and say, “I made it”. But between the excitement of pursuing our individual lives, we are rarely reminded that the path to happiness is filled with obstacles. Life shows us how to run after our dreams, but it fails to teach us what do to when those dreams don’t come true.

Most of us do not possess the correct knowledge in dealing with difficulty, even though we are faced with it more often than ease. We instinctively drown our sorrows by confiding in more of what life has to offer. Internal challenges of the heart, soul, and mind are often neglected and suppressed with superficial remedies. Peace and relief can be provided through things like entertainment and the company of close friends. However, it is important to remember that these things do not last forever, nor can they bring a lasting consolation. This is when we are most likely to fall victim to life’s challenges. When the comfort of music and friendship fail to make us happy, we are left to deal with difficult issues in negative and often destructive ways.

Several of us fail to realize the lasting nature of God, and the peace that can be attained from seeking Him. But in the depth of life’s despair, people may not be willing to turn to God. This is because we are thankful to Him during the peak-times of life, while turning away from His presence during tougher times.

We validate our existence to those around us by fulfilling life’s expectations and conforming to the majority. But what if these sources cannot offer us what we are looking for? At one point, we must stop seeking reassurance from the things that do not provide it. Instead, submit yourself to God, who provides acceptance not based on the superficiality of life, but based on our true intention and state of heart.

Umar Ibn al-Khattaab, companion to the Prophet peace be upon him, heard him say:
“Deeds are judged according to their intentions and every person will get whatever he intends. So, whoever’s migration was for worldly gain or for marriage, his migration [will be
rewarded] according to what he migrated for.”  Sources: Bukhari and Muslim

Have faith in God, and do not lose your trust in him during times of difficulty and dismay. The human soul thrives on spiritual closeness with our Creator. Some of us practice a lifestyle that allows for this closeness to God, while others live to forget that He is there. But interestingly, all people will ultimately look for Him at one point of life. Therefore, in order to be better prepared for the ups and downs of life, turn to Him every chance you are given.

Our hearts require rest and tranquility more often than we expect, so return your heart to God, for verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest (13:28).

_ College and university students have different preferences when it comes to studying. For me, I like to make the most out of my tuition and gruelling hours on the bus by studying on campus. The comforting smell of coffee, rustling sounds of paper, and familiar faces provide me with a perfect working environment. I find this far more pleasing than studying in solitude at the library. However, my steady mood often becomes disrupted when some fellow students, often seated not too far from me, begin to engage in a kind of speech that is less than pleasant to my ears.

I'm describing the situation where I overhear conversations that include ‘swear words’, or discussions of an inappropriate nature. Such moments result in baffled feelings as to what I should do. I also find it interesting that students do not choose their words wisely when being in close proximity to others. To remain in my place leaves me in a restless and upset state, while walking away (which is the option I usually resort to) makes me seem like ‘the bad guy’.

Inappropriate speech is something that always leaves me deeply offended, even if it isn’t being directed towards me. As a human being, I take offence at words originally meant to demean and disrespect others. It is easy to assume that academic environments harbour only good conduct. But in reality, lewd behaviour has become common amongst youth communities.

The use of foul language in behavioural studies is a popular field of sociology. However, it is not difficult to observe the pros and cons to any kind of speech. The repeated use of foul language creates limitations in using effective self-expression. When young individuals begin to use foul words during early stages of development, they lose the opportunity to learn how to express themselves thoroughly, without bad words.

Unlike formal or slang language, foul language is not utilized by everybody. For instance, there are those who swear, and those who don’t. This can either lead to the isolation of students who don’t swear, or increased peer pressure on students who become influenced to. We thus become categorized by behaviour intended to create false imagery, particularly if used in schools amongst children and adolescents.

Such divisions in society are often unnecessarily created through the use of foul language. People become unable to interact and learn about one another, simply because of the clash in communicative methods. We must keep in mind that maintaining good conduct through language conveys respect, courtesy, and even tolerance within our diverse environment.

Those who advocate for a complete form of free speech may question whether it’s necessary to have such sentiments attached to this subject. Indeed, I don’t ignore the fact that our personal experiences and socialization play a large part in who we are, and what we believe in. What liberates me might cause somebody else to disagree with it, and what brings contentment to another may cause me to turn away from it. Who is the wrong-doer in these cases? Should we even look for a wrong-doer when people are meant to live their own and separate lives?

Diverse communities are strengthened with understanding and compromise. Therefore, issues involving differing perspectives are better analyzed under the context of their benefits and disadvantages to communities. While there are many who are prone to swear, I believe it is important to judge this act according to its effects on society as a whole, which have proven to only be detrimental.

Inspiration from Around the World: A Review of Muhammad Yunus’s Banker to the Poor, Micro Lending and the battle against World Pover




It is no secret that Muhammad Yunus, head professor of Economics at Chittagong University, shook the world with his innovative and breakthrough theories on micro-financial lending. Founder of the successful banking institution the Grameen Foundation, Yunus became responsible for bringing much needed attention to the dire state of poverty in his native of Bangladesh.

However, the accomplishments which he writes about in his autobiography, Banker to the Poor, were certainly not met without difficulty. In fact, Yunus’s original inspiration behind tackling poverty was a natural progression derived from his many life experiences. Together, the events discussed in his book illustrate an intriguing account of the life of a simple man’s journey, and his dream becoming a reality through relentless effort and dedication.

The following article is a review of his acclaimed autobiography, Banker to the Poor: Micro Lending and the Battle against World Poverty.

Yunus’s literary work easily trumps the average written biography we are used to seeing in bookstores and libraries. Banker to the Poor offers readers an exciting journey alongside Yunus in his adventures from being a young boy caught in the whirlwind of a revolutionary era, to an intelligent young student with exceptional academic skills and active participation in politics and government. Born in South Central Bangladesh, Yunus was raised under his parent’s strong beliefs of educational achievement and religious spirituality.  Being the third of fourteen children (with the exception of five whom passed away during infancy), Yunus was brought up from humble beginnings living in the second floor of his father’s jewelry workshop.

Banker to the Poor can be categorized into two parts. It first begins with an intimate account of Yunus’s personal life as a curious child growing up amidst the chaos of the Second World War, the Pakistan Movement, along with the Bengali War of Liberation. Unique to his story are the events which will surround and affect his childhood, adolescent and adulthood life. His insatiable need for the advancement of his educational background brings light to the countless unique positions he acquires throughout the book. This includes teaching positions, international scholarships, along with several leadership responsibilities during the Bengali road to independence. Yunus’s ever changing environments eventually lead to the second half of the book, which tells a riveting tale of the inspiration and lengthy process behind the birth of the micro-financial lending system that is Grameen.

Upon his early years as head of the Economic department at Chittagong University, Yunus sought practical ways of implementing his teachings to bring about positive change to the poor and destitute. However, through the author’s narration readers will quickly discover the societal barriers placed upon those less fortunate, thus isolating them from participating in the banking system. Not only is poverty one of the most definable aspects of life in Bangladesh, it is also virtually impossible for poor families to exit their current state of living, simply because they are unable to obtain financial loans or credit. The Grameen Foundation was first established by Yunus to counter-act these issues through unique methods described in his book. After years of experimenting and trials of implementation, it soon launched as the first international organization of its kind with profound success behind the specific cause.

If you are looking to get back into the habit of reading, or if you are on the search for a worthy read, I strongly recommend this book. Issues not only within Bangladesh, the ideas behind Grameen were a result of the global characteristics of poverty which the author observed within much of his country’s geography. Furthermore, a critical analysis into the life choices and decisions of Yunus will uncover his helpful nature and consistent drive to assist people by providing them with the proper resources to build improved livelihoods and remove them from the cycle of poverty. We are individually blessed with unique life experiences, but this book will offer the inspiration to make the most out of them.

Approximately seven years after the publication of Banker to the Poor, Yunus went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Years into the international legacy of the Grameen Foundation has shed an innovative perspective on the stigma of credit loaning to individuals in poverty-stricken areas of the world.