We should always know why we do what we do.
As I’m typing this, I’m eating candied pecans. Why? Because they are really good. Because snacking is something that I often do when writing. And probably because I enjoy the mild endorphin rush that comes with yum-yums.
The “why” of a thing is perhaps the most important and overlooked question that needs to be asked. Among Muslims, the question is foundational, as expressed in this axial prophetic tradition:
Actions are according to intentions . . .
Bukhari and Muslim
And as our Grind cohort of men and women prepares to head out for three days and two nights in the Superstition Wilderness, it’s worth asking: why?
I queried the group and here are a few of the answers.
I’m looking forward to having another trip with new adventure and meeting more beautiful people.
That’s a man who went rafting with us before and he enjoyed both the excitement and the company.
A woman who is traveling with her husband had this to say:
This is going to be our first solo outing in over 8 years! I look forward to creating beautiful memories with all of you. May God bless us to create bonds and friendships that will reunite us under the shade of His Throne.
Her intention is to form and strengthen interpersonal connections, for the benefit that offers us in this world and the next.
And her husband had this to add:
I imagine a trip like this is perfect for finding one’s true essence.
This one may require a little context. This is a gentleman who suffered a significant health scare not too long ago. He’s made some dramatic changes in the months since. There is every reason to believe that he is already on a journey of profound self-discovery. And I agree with his belief that time in the wilderness is a powerful tool in that journey.
A younger participant is on another kind of journey:
Recently I’ve been feeling like I’m missing a spiritual aspect to my life. I hope to be able to find some inspiration on this trip. I feel the way Islam is taught in my culture is slightly toxic- always emphasizing the punishment for doing or not doing certain things. However, I want to be a better Muslim. Not because of fear, but because of the love and beauty of this religion. I hope to be able find some inspiration and answers by taking this trip with everyone from this group.
This one is very special to me. His hope can be validated by my experience, and thank God for that. God teaches through His creation. Most of our lives are spent in environments where that creation has been manipulated and reinterpreted so aggressively by man that it’s hard to even recognize the Divinity in it.
But the wilderness is different. It is creation unfiltered and uninterpreted and in it you can experience directly the Majesty and Mercy of God Most High.
A two-time veteran of the Grind experience shared this:
Grind trips are in locations where there is no cell reception or wi-fi. This is a tremendous blessing as it forces me to be completely disconnected from all electronics. I love that I can’t be reached by anyone for 3 days. Disconnect Delight!!! And Grind trips are physically exhausting and make me somewhat anxious (where will I pee or poop? will my hands be too cold? will I run out of water?). I feel more connected to God when I am worried about having my basic necessities met – necessities that are always met outside these trips, and that I take for granted every day. I always emerge from these trips with a renewed sense of gratitude, not just for physical necessities that are met (food, water, shelter), but also for emotional necessities that are fulfilled by all of the participants, through your companionship and brotherhood/sisterhood – food for the soul.
This will be her third year coming out with her husband. Prior to her first Grind trip in 2019, she had never been backpacking or even camping before. In her experience is the physical proof of transformation. Hers is the kind of reflection that validates the work of D&T- facilitating growth through adventure.
My own rationale behind the inception of Grind, our coed backpacking adventure, was discussed here, but it doesn’t really matter that much. It’s a wonderful thing to see something you built with a specific intent repurposed to meet the needs of others. The reasons for going are as different as the people participating.
In every case, the words of the Prophet Muhammad are true, may God bless him and give him peace: actions are indeed according to intentions.
May we all find what we intend.
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