THERE IS NO ENEMY
Rule of Self Interest
IN the past, people had both friends and enemies. But times have now changed. Today, nobody is anyone’s friend, and nobody is anyone’s enemy.
Every person is now just pro-self. Everyone has now just one concern—and that is what is perceived as their own interest. People today are so deeply embroiled in their own perceived interests that they have no time at all to think against others.
What is the reason for this?
In the past, opportunities were very limited. A certain privileged class
had control or virtual monopoly over opportunities. Today, in principle,
this situation no longer exists. All opportunities are now open for
everyone to avail of. This is why everyone is running after what they
think is their interests. In this frantic pursuit of what they regard as
their interests, no one has the time to think against others. They simply
don’t have the time to plot or conspire against them.
The fact is that the word ‘enmity’ has for all
practical purposes, been removed from the
dictionary of the modern world. Today, if
someone becomes somebody’s enemy, it
happens because he throws a ‘stone’ at him
and thereby provokes him. If somebody
adopts the politics of inviting a raging bull to
attack him, thereby provoking it, the bull will
definitely attack with his horns.
All opportunities are now open for everyone to avail of. This is why everyone is running after what they think is their interests. In this frantic pursuit of what they regard as their interests, no one has the time to think against others.
There is a Hadith of the Prophet that has particular relevance for the present day:
“Fitna is asleep; may God curse the one who awakens it.” (Kanz al-Ummal) Fitna means a state of discord, turbulence and strife.
If you lead your life with wisdom, you will not face enmity from anyone nor will any one conspire against you.