Episode 02: The Purpose of Life Is To Be Aware

Who are you?

I am an Artist, Writer, Philanthropist, Mother, and Daughter.

How do you define Purpose?

As our life changes and our situation in life changes, our purpose changes. We have to adjust to that reality. It’s about being mindful about which direction you are moving in. That is purpose. It’s being aware, asking yourself, “where am I now?” It’s having a reality check and looking within yourself.

What is your advice on achieving purpose for the youth?

I try to make the best of whatever is happening right now and I find all of the good in the situation. For me, the glass is always is half full. You have to go one day at a time. I am inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s words, “You just to have know what’s the next thing to do.” Like now, I need eight hours of sleep. When I wake up in the morning, I need to eat a healthy breakfast. I also know that plans are always subject to change.

How has God played a role in your life?

God plays a purpose in my life. Islam is a way of life. It’s a down to earth religion and the best thing about it is the moderation. Islam doesn’t expect you to go to a cave and just call God all the time. Islam wants you to get out, live with people and do some work.

Who had an influence on your life?

My mother is a picture of contentment. I admire her the most. I have seen how God blesses her all the time even after she became a widow. She is not made of the material that we are made of.

Shireen’s book on Allama Iqbal’s poetry, ‘Tulip of Sinai”

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to just disappear. I want people to feel happy when they think of me. I want them to feel that I spread a lot of happiness and goodwill. And I want people to feel that I made life a little easier for those around me and that I made the hardness of life a little lighter for the time that they knew me. This is why I do my writing. My writing is my “sadaqa jariyah”, the legend I leave behind. I benefited from Allama Iqbal’s thoughts and ideals and they made a positive change in my life. When I am down, I pick up a verse of Allama Iqbal’s poetry, I am immediately lifted. My purpose is to share what I have learned and benefited from Iqbal’s poetry with the next generations. I made an effort to present Iqbal’s poetry and ideas in a way that the next generations will be able to like it, appreciate it, and understand it.