FarooqiBlog

 Escape. Over time and with experience, I’ve come to believe that escaping is convenient. Of course, not when you’re in a hostage situation or caught in a toxic, three-ring-circus relationship. Let’s be specific: it’s convenient to escape pain. More specific: it’s easier—or, I’d say, more expected—to grab hold of religion as a way to let go of suffering. Because, why not? Why should I give a damn about the Duniya when Deen is all I need? But… but—is this really Deen you’re holding on to? Let’s take a teenager as an example to make things more relatable. This teenager is going through a serious half-of-quarter-life crisis. He just had a breakup, his friends are getting acceptance letters for international student exchange programs, he’s doing just okay academically, and his best friend apparently has a rich uncle who brings him the latest PS5 games. So, yeah, he’s existentially exhausted and wants a way out—or, more precisely, a source of validation for his feelings. Now comes the all-t