RIVER LIFE
This past week, my family and I had a love affair with one of the planet’s life-giving arteries.
The Breede River (Broad River) is the longest navigable river in the Western Cape. Its headwaters gush high in the Ceres mountains and drain into the Indian Ocean.
In time long past, the persistent waters, with their erosive force, carved one of the Western Cape’s most fertile valleys. Today, the river has settled its southeastern route and pleasantly meanders its 320 km picturesque journey while providing irrigation for the estimated 145 farms flanking its banks.
But while the river provides life to a vast area, what is stark is that the quality of life along its settlements is reserved only for the few. The green, lush, well-tilled and harvest-laden valley is a paradise for holidaymakers and landowners but a hellish place for those who till the soil.
Land equity in South Africa is still a significant issue, and most of the land in this valley belongs to white farmers: “We send the winds to fertilize, and We bring down water from the sky for you to drink–you do not control its sources” [15:22].
These farmers do not control the headwaters of the Breede River, but they are the primary beneficiaries of its waters and the swathes of land made fertile by it. These lands have long become inter-generational wealth and remain in the grip of a few: “Pharaoh was domineering in the land and prone to excess” [10:83].
The valley is so rich and abundant that all its inhabitants have the potential to live fruitful lives. Yet, due to excesses, such as using much of the valley for the production of grapes to inebriate, these farmers don’t just deprive the local workers of owning fertile land but also waste the river for this evil.
We must lobby our government on land reform, equitable redistribution of land, and the culling of land use for non-essentials (wine production) and play (golf courses). Instead, these lands must be used to provide decent and dignified housing for the disenfranchised.
MAKE IT EASY
The kiss of the summer morning sun rouses life early as wakefulness unbegrudgingly stirs with the dawn. Regardless of nature setting an ungodly rousing hour, the rising is less painful with the power of the sun’s rays penetrating the land and enthusing life into intercourse.
Unlike humans, animals abide by the sun’s call, whether winter or summer. But if we wish to establish an early morning routine or install a new habit, attempting it is best when the conditions are most favourable.
This formula was the way of the Prophet (s). He (s) always chose the least demanding option if it did not contravene Islamic law.
The principle of least effort or least resistance is the law of nature, too. Water will choose the path of least resistance by selecting the path that offers the least obstruction or difficulty.
Conserving energy is an intelligent thing to do, and the easier something is, the higher the probability it will get done and be repeated.
If you’re not yet a reader, reading a 500-page book in one day is very hard; reading until mid-way is hard, reading five chapters is moderate, reading one chapter is easy, and reading one page is very easy.
When starting a new habit, we must become like a baby if we want to become proficient and make it a success. The goal is to choose the most manageable and painless component and build it up like a child: a baby first lies down, then sits up, then crawls, then stands, then walks, and then runs.
We must live and learn. And if we do, we will discover that ego veils us; it withholds truth, love, understanding and tolerance—all the virtues that grow our humanity.
Until next week, InshaAllah
Zaahied Sallie
Author of The Beloved Prophet – An Illustrated Biography in Rhyme
Thanks for reading. Every Friday, I share thoughts and ideas to help cultivate the link between Allah, the Prophet and me (meaning YOU). Enter your email now and become part of the link.
| There are no products |