Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, Alhamdulillah, Amma Ba’d.

The following advice was given to me in written form by a very good friend of mine to guide me in this small life. It is dear to me for it was given before our parting of ways. My friend, in actual, received this desiderata engraved on a bronze plate as a gift from her elder sister who was studying in UK then. I, in turn, would like to share it with you readers. May Allah bless us all and help us reap benefits from it.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak the truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant ~ they too have their stories.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career however humble ~ it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs ~ for the world is full of trickeries; but let this not blind you to what virtue there is ~ many persons strive for high ideals ~ and everywhere, life is full of heroism.

Be yourself ~ especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love ~ for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the councel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune ~ but do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars ~ you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful. Strive to be happy.