8. ADJUSTMENT—A GOLDEN PRINCIPLE
“You may dislike something although it is good for you, or like something although it is bad for you: God knows but you do not.”
Al-Baqarah 2:216
What man may dislike might be pleasing to God. For that alone will benefit in the next, infinitely vaster world. In God’s sight, evil lies in man giving preference to his own pleasure rather than the pleasure of his Creator. Evil may benefit a person in this temporal world; in the hereafter it will do him only harm.
What is adjustment? Adjustment means living with a normal mind in an unwanted situation. Adjustment is a way of life. Apparently, adjustment is a behaviour that you adopt towards someone else, but in fact, it is for yourself.
The problem is that according to the creation plan of God, our world is a world of differences. Every human being is either Mr. Different or Ms. Different. Also, everyone has the freedom of choice to behave in whichever way they want. In such a situation, every human being is compelled to live in a jungle of differences. You cannot change this creation plan. Then, what to do in such circumstances?
The only realistic option for you is to adjust with other people. Here, adjustment means not reacting, not trying to change others, not becoming negative, and not taking the situation as an obstacle, but managing it smoothly.
In every situation, you have two options: either to adjust with others or to opt for the way of not adjusting. If you opt for the principle of non-adjustment, then it will only enhance your problems. You will live in tension and disturbance of mind and thus waste your time and energy. But if you opt for adjustment, then you will be able to instantly free up your mind. You will be able to save yourself from all kinds of negativity.
Adjustment gives you a chance to continue your journey. The policy of non-adjustment is bound to halt your life’s journey, either temporarily or permanently.
Adjustment is not a submissive attitude; it is rather an attitude of wisdom. It is the same principle that everyone follows when they are on the street. On the street, traffic comes from both sides. So, everyone opts for the keep- right or keep-left policy in accordance with the traffic rules of their country. This is a way of adjustment on the roads. If you refuse to follow this traffic culture, you may face a disastrous situation, maybe even death. Adjustment is based on a natural formula: ‘Save yourself’. When you are not in a position to change others, change yourself. It is this behaviour that is called adjustment.
One of the teachings of the Quran is mentioned in chapter Al-Nisa’ (Women) in these words: As-sulh khair, that is, Settlement is best. (4:128)
Settlement is only the other name of adjustment. This Quranic verse refers to a law of nature. According to the law of nature, settlement is the best way of life. When you face any difference with the other party, do not adopt the confrontation method, but adopt the adjustment method. This is best for you in terms of the result. By adopting this formula, you will reach your goal without any delay. Be practical: do not waste your time and energy. Adopt the way of adjustment and ensure your success.
