What is the American dream? What is America today? What makes an American an American? Mostly people talk about becoming famous. Rich. Live a luxurious life. Have everything you can have that money can buy. As many cars as you need. Become rich in a few months and not work for the rest of the life. How many of those who have become popular because of an art they know, have become more humble? When we hear about the life of the rich and famous, people admire them. What a life they have. Everyone around them are so gorgeous. What happens to a life, when they no longer experience any difficulty? Everything is easy, they can buy what they want, at any time? No restrictions? Allah takes away the joy and satisfaction? A rapper once said, I have everything I desire, still I have no peace. Maybe he lost what he needed the most to achieve peace. The love of Allah, and being obedient to Him.
How Is Life In Norway
What is the Norwegian dream? Back to basics. People travel almost every other weekend to the mountains, away from the city, where they can find peace. Go skiing. Simple life in a cottage. They only bring with them the essentials. They connect with the quietness of nature and the peace surrounding them. Away from turmoil, cars and traffic signals. They find themselves through the quietness. The humbleness that is seen is very beautiful. Before the world became a global unity. Life was easier. Most people weren`t so much aware of the right clothes. They spent more time on being the right person. The increase of media, has resulted in people becoming so aware of fashion, that it has lost it`s value. Now, it`s more about what you’re wearing than who you are? Is it the right brand? Norway has also been affected by this. Many people are trying to find the american dream in Norway. But that`s not typical norwegian. There was a time, when the leaders also lived a very ordinary life. A very norwegian simple life. The fear of terrorism has changed how we live. Many important people doesn`t leave their home with out people who protect them.
Simplicity
When we compare these two types of national dreams, what is the conclusion? We find peace where we find simplicity. Where there is less noise. Connect with oneself, and family. Away from gadgets, tv etc. Talking. Connecting with each other without distractions. The characteristics of a typical norwegian has some matters in common with typical muslims values. Finding tranquility, connecting with Allah. See His Beauty. How beautiful He has made Norway. It`s not only the mountains and the sea`s. If we look at the bunad. It is different from city to city. One matter it has in common, it shows the femininity of a woman, while the same time, a modest dress. This is the heritage of Norway. If we look at what american woman wants to wear, they are starving their body to fit into a dress that shows much skin. The national dress of Norway, is very expensive. Teenager are often gifted it from the family in their teens.
Beauty In Re-Use
The new thing now, is to own the most newest thing. New phone, new car, new design, new fashion. If it’s old it’s out. Many american magazines are influencing their readers into becoming more materialistic. When the phone breaks, we buy another of the newest designs. Many Norwegians are very sensitive about the environment. Not even that, they find pride in wearing their grandparents clothes from their younger years. A family can often re-use clothes in many generations, before their worn out. And they proudly say it to their friends, and do not hide it. Many still doesn’t care more about newest fashion and design, than something from their family. Often many designs do come back after several years. They also often find proudness in buying second-hand, clothing and furniture. Many people have made it their hobby, to go to such places and try to find some real antiques. Often do they get a great bargain. The money sent to help people, and they find one of a kind of something real ancient an awesome. They care for the history behind the ancient stuff.
Take Care Of Their Health
With eating fast food and less exercise, it is easy to gain weight. The majority of American has come into this vicious circle, where they make a little effort to keep their health. In general Norwegians are very active people. They like to keep themselves fit by being active in summer and winter sports. Not only with their school, but also with family, friends and free time. It is a part of their culture. Taking part in outdoor activities. Spending time camping.
Norwegian Support Good Causes
Often when there is any kind of people who need help. They eagerly take part in collecting donations. In demonstrations against oppression, there are more Norwegian participants, than the ethnicity of the people they are fighting for. They care, they listen. Often supportive of the weak, the oppressed. They spend many hours daily and weekly for voluntary work for the less fortunate. The refugees. Those who live on the street. Finding missing people. They want to help the community. Give back of the goodness, they have. Many are doing much remarkable efforts. It is not about money. They genuinely care for the weak. It’s very inspiring. Even with family, children, and many of the same chores of other muslims, they still manage to take out time for the betterment of the community.
They Earn Their Money
They earn their living. Many take education, and work to attain a meaningful living. After retirement, many help as volunteers helping children with their school work. They don’t see work as burdening. Good work ethics. Being active. Utilizing their skills.
Your Voice Is Heard
The democratic system. Their open debate. Often amazes me. People can voice their opinions. They often have open debate about matters around social security. The good news is, people are heard. The bad news can be, that people (countries, groups) can harm them through the info they get via media.
Norwegian Muslim?
There is much beauty in the Norwegian heritage and culture. There is much goodness in calling ourself Norwegian muslims. Proud of where we live. Thankfulness. Gratitude. Muslims come from many backgrounds, many ethnicities, many colors. One matter they have in common is their deen. We can still be good muslims and good Norwegian citizen, at the same time.
Roshnii179 