The Corporate Monasticism : The New Monks of our Age. by Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala
A desperate father complained to me about his son’s extra curiculler activities. He said: “My son prays five times and has no bad habits that can worry me. But he returns home late and does not get involved in domestic responsiblities. He is in college but rarely studies . At home he is occupied on internet chatting with unknown friends…Then the father exclaimed : He is a monk of a different type. A corporate monk.”
This type of complain may be burning in the hearts of many fathers and wives of today. Grown up men remain obsessed with the internet , news papers, watching serials and sports. They are away from the family affairs. They don’t find even talking to the family as interesting as the world affairs they chase.
A Muslim is suppose to be actively participating in multiple things. He is a father, a husband and a son at home. He is helping his neighbour. He visits relatives instead of just messaging them, “May Allah give you a quick recovery”. He is with his children in their school. He is with his mother talking to her. Inspite of this, he finds time for dawah, deen and duniya. You will find him in the front rows in masjid and also a very good businessman. He earns money and also he spends money. He gets up for tahajjud and also goes along with his family for an outing.
A corporate monk will not stay in a monestary far away from the society, but he is there right in the middle of the busy city. He goes home and stays there but like a paying guest who just givs the rent of his staying and remains away from the houshold activities. He is a piece of furniture at home, not responding to any need or call of domestic help. The ancient monks kept away from wealth, but the corporate monks chase careers and wealth. He is spending most of his time in either travelling or gossiping with friends or entertainment. Reports say that an average person staying in a metro city, spends only a half hour with his family. Some dont even get time to talk to their family. When they leave their homes, their kids are sleeping. When they return their kids have gone to sleep.
When Islam permits a man to marry four women it means it also expects this man to run four families. It also expects this man to give time and attention towards all the four families. It means that a man lives in soceity and finds time for society. Being busy does not always means ” I dont have time ” but it can also mean ” I will not give priority to this person, or work or responsiblity…..
When Islam does not allow monastisism, it also encourages its followers to be active in social life. Recall the famous Hadith: “The best among you are the one who are best to their families.”
Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala can be reached at [email protected]
