The inexorable ticking of time
As another year draws to a close, momentarily our attention is drawn to the passing of time.
Certain milestones flicker in our minds. Shaky legs learnt to walk, wobbly teeth fell out, exams were passed, knots were tied and white hairs appeared and loved ones left us.
365 days expired – never to return. As we pause to revisit the more memorable moments, amongst the mundane, the disrupters of the daily rhythm and grind, another cycle of seasons has passed. The fresh buds that emerged, bloomed gracefully and withered quietly. The leaves of 2025 dropped from their branches, some catching our attention as they pirouetted briefly before they were forgotten.
Of course new seeds were also sown – physically and metaphorically. Only Allah knows which of those will blossom and when. It may be years from now when a chance encounter or crisscrossing paths in 2025 leads to a new job opportunity or a wedding or twist in someone’s destiny months or years from now.
Meanwhile, as we look back we see that life did not stand still. We did not just grow a year older, we faced new challenges. We repeated old mistakes, but we also learned something new. We did not always see eye to eye with those round us, but we also offered and received useful advice.
At times we felt wronged or unheard or misunderstood, at others we revised our opinions, accepted we made mistakes and formed the wrong assumptions. The wise among us were able to let go.
At state level, decisions made impacted countless lives. Conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions collectively displaced tens of millions.
Migration debates became heavily politicised with certain countries, including the EU members and the US, increasing restrictions on migration and asylum with far right voices fuelling the bitter resentment towards migrants.
In September 2025, Nepal experienced widespread Gen Z–led anti-corruption unrest, which was followed by the resignation of the Prime Minister and the dissolution of parliament. At the same time, civil liberties were restricted in many countries.
Alarmingly, we continued to trash our planet. The American Institute for Biological Sciences reported:
We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet’s vital signs are flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer future threats but are here now. This unfolding emergency stems from failed foresight, political inaction, unsustainable economic systems, and misinformation. Almost every corner of the biosphere is reeling from intensifying heat, storms, floods, droughts, or fires. The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing.
At a personal, national or environmental level, our futures are being shaped now. Many decisions are out of our hands, but how we choose to interpret, evaluate and and engage with the world around us is up to us. What influences or which influencers we allow to colour those perceptions can be consciously and actively selected.
Allah created us with choice and agency, so that we are not robots. He gave us intellect, so we are not mindless as AI, and a heart so that we can taste the sweetness or bitterness of the joys or disappointments that come our way. Above all, He gave us a soul that connects us to Him, supporting us, comforting us and guiding us.
May He enable us to gain clarity in our thoughts, courage in our decisions, and the strength to forge our paths in the best direction and in the best way. Ameen.