Her fight for life - by Lujain Asad

This time i will not be sharing my words, but the words of an amazing person who existed in my life to influence and motivate me. Not only a sister, but a role model, friend and an inspiration. A great example to the deepness and the strength of the free Arabian women, a result of our beautiful deserts, despite her young age, i foresee her bright future upon her destiny. I will speak no more for this time i am here to listen to her perspective. I hope you enjoy it as much as i did: 

Her fight for Life - By Lujain Asad

“Life isn’t fair”. Now that’s a phrase we’ve all heard an infinite number of times. My question is: Is it supposed to be? Allow me to answer this naïve question of mine.It’s not and never will it be; we just fail to accept this disappointing fact constantly.

Accepting the injustices of life may seem frail, or in other words, surrendering and taking the easy way out. But believe you me it’s the biggest, most immense battle you’ll ever take part in. Even though the words fight, battle and war may appear hostile and barbaric; they’re actually very appropriate and will be used repeatedly throughout this piece.

The so-called warrior within me has been implanted, nurtured and has matured in coexistence with my physical and mental growth. This spirit is attributed to and sustained by the most influential and inspirational individuals in my life, my family. I’ve observed it in the courageous mother that fights for her rights in professionalism and equality on a daily basis; a dependable father who has always fought to provide his household with an upbringing and a life that’s at an opposite pole to his own; affectionate and devoted siblings that fight for contentment and survival in an unkind surrounding; family members that fight for the family’s integrity, safety and subsistence. So the question that lies before me is:What’s my battle? What am I fighting for? Simply, I’m no different from any other twenty one year old fighting for their existence and struggling to develop spiritually, intellectually and physically in order to become whole.

For over a decade now, I’ve been searching for the justice of life, and trust me when I tell you it has been one heck of a battle. Although I’ve got to admit my failure, for I have willingly surrendered to my enemy, and this to my surprise brought me nothing but relief and satisfaction, eventually. As a child, this has led to a great deal of depletion in energy and enthusiasm, as an adolescent, it made me feel victimized and left me asking the oh so popular question: Why me?, but as an adult, I have come to terms with the fact that my struggles were a mere necessity for my being and sculpturing.

Several attempts have been made in the past to cure this poisonous and ongoing dilemma of mine. Yet, for a very long time I’d refused to take that helping hand, blindly believing in the ability of my inner strength to guide me to my safe haven. Now that’s what I call being stubborn. I chose the difficult way, even though the answer to all my problems was right before my eyes. God.

My religion, faith and belief in the greater, influential power of God and the Holy Quran have not only taught me to come to peace with my former troubles and passiveness, it has taught me to fight viciously for my peace of mind. It has taught me not to accept those unfortunate moments and events, but rather to be thankful and appreciative for having them in my life as they have enlightened me and provided me with strength and solidity. One of my favorite insightful verses of the Holy Quran, if I may, is:

(لا يكلف الله نفسا إلا وسعها لها ما كسبت و عليها ما اكتسبت ربنا لا تؤاخذنا إن نسينا أو أخطئنا ربنا و لا تحمل علينا إصرا كما حملته على الذين من قبلنا ربنا و لا تحملنا ما لا طاقة لنا به و اعف عنا و اغفر لنا و ارحمنا أنت مولانا فانصرنا على القوم الكافرين)

Finally, I’d like to conclude by stating that even though life is not fair,all those injustices will have to be dealt with one way or another. After all life is a theater of war, you will win some battles and you will lose many more. So enjoy every single minute of the journey.

I wish you acceptance, solidity and grace during your fight for life.

Jeddah - 3/2/2011