"الطريقة الوحيدة لجلب النور الإلهي إلى العالم هي أن يقود المرء نفسه نحو الإلهي"

The heart of this idea is that to make the world a better place, you first need to work on improving yourself. Imagine trying to light up a dark room. If you don't have a source of light yourself, how can you expect to brighten the space? Essentially, by focusing on your own spiritual growth and aligning yourself with higher values, you can then influence the world more positively.

Historically, this kind of wisdom has roots in various philosophical and religious teachings. Think about the ancient sages or spiritual leaders like Buddha or Jesus. They emphasized personal enlightenment or salvation as the first step towards transforming the world around them. Why? Because they knew that you can't pour from an empty cup. You need to be filled—spiritually, mentally, emotionally—before you can offer anything of value to others.

Let's look at a real-life example to make this concrete. Consider Mahatma Gandhi. He famously said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi didn't just tell people to fight for freedom and justice; he lived those values every day. He practiced non-violence, self-discipline, and simplicity in his own life. Because he led by example, others were inspired to follow his lead, and it ultimately contributed to India's independence.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your day-to-day life? Start by reflecting on your own values and actions. Are they aligned with the kind of world you want to create? If you want a kinder, more compassionate world, are you showing kindness and compassion in your interactions? If you seek honesty and integrity, are you being truthful and reliable in your own dealings? It’s about small, consistent efforts more than grand gestures.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at work and notice a culture of negativity—gossip, blame-shifting, low morale. You want to change this, but you feel overwhelmed. Start with yourself. Resist the urge to join in the gossip. Instead, offer genuine compliments and acknowledge people’s efforts. It might seem small, but over time, this can create ripples. People notice positive behavior, and it can shift the overall atmosphere.

Take a moment to think about a personal anecdote. Picture a time when you were stressed, and it affected everyone around you. Maybe you snapped at colleagues or friends. Now, think about a time when you felt at peace. How did that serenity impact your interactions? Likely, you were kinder, more patient, and this had a positive effect on those around you. That’s the essence of leading yourself towards the divine to bring light into the world.

In sum, it’s all about starting with you. Work on becoming the best version of yourself—spiritually, emotionally, morally—and then let that inner light shine outwards. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But like turning on a light in a dark room, each small act of self-improvement helps to illuminate the world.