Works of Abul Baraa Muhamad Amreeki

Summary

This article explores the importance of expanding our horizons by stepping beyond comfort zones in pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and solutions. Drawing on Qur’ānic lessons, the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ, historical events, and modern business examples, it emphasizes that true growth requires learning from diverse peoples and cultures. From the journey of Musa (ʿalayhi as-salām) with al-Khiḍr, to the printing press, to the rise and fall of modern companies, the message is clear: survival and progress demand openness, seeking knowledge, and embracing beneficial change.

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Expanding Our Horizons: Lessons from Islam, History, and Modern Times

Introduction

To grow as individuals and communities, we must be willing to expand our horizons. This requires stepping outside our comfort zones and seeking knowledge beyond the boundaries of what we already know. Too often, people become content with the information they possess, assuming it is sufficient. Yet history, religion, and experience teach us otherwise.

For the African-American community in particular, this lesson is crucial. At times, we must look beyond our immediate circles for solutions, resources, and opportunities. Just as one may venture beyond familiar ground to find rizq (provision), so too must we sometimes seek knowledge and strategies from other people, cultures, and histories.

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The Qur’ānic Call to Seek Knowledge

Allah commands believers to actively seek knowledge and never remain complacent:

> وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Qur’ān 20:114)

This verse, addressed even to the Prophet ﷺ, reminds us that no matter how much knowledge we acquire, we must always strive for more.

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

> طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Mājah, 224)

Knowledge does not come to us while we sit idle; it requires effort, travel, and sacrifice.

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The Need to Broaden Horizons

Remaining within the limits of our community or knowledge base can create stagnation. To expand one’s horizon is to expand one’s scope, perspective, and insight. The solutions to our problems may not always be found within; they may exist outside, among people who do not look like us or share our background.

Drawing on the experiences of others allows us to return with knowledge and strategies that can benefit our people and improve our condition.

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Lessons from the Seerah

Islam itself provides examples of this principle. During the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ, the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq) stands as a reminder. The Muslims adopted a military strategy—the digging of trenches—suggested by Salmān al-Fārisī (رضي الله عنه), a companion of Persian origin.

This tactic, unknown to the Arabs at the time, expanded the horizons of the Muslim community in warfare and secured their survival. It shows that wisdom and solutions can come from beyond one’s immediate culture.

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History and Technology

History reinforces this truth.

The Printing Press: Its invention transformed societies and governments across the world. Those who embraced it gained power and influence, while those who resisted it, such as the Ottoman Empire, were left behind. Though the decline of the Ottomans had many causes, their hesitation to adopt this technology is often cited as a contributing factor.

Modern Business Lessons: Polaroid, once a giant in photography, resisted digital technology. Their refusal to adopt digital cameras led to bankruptcy, while the digital revolution transformed photography into the age of smartphones.

Both examples teach the same lesson: unwillingness to expand one’s horizon leads to decline and obsolescence.

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Seeking Knowledge in the Islamic Tradition

The tradition of ṭalab al-ʿilm (seeking knowledge) has always required leaving one’s comfort zone. Great scholars of the past traveled far beyond their homelands in search of authentic knowledge.

Imām al-Bukhārī (رحمه الله): He traveled extensively across lands to collect authentic ḥadīth, often venturing far from his home province.

Many other scholars left their villages, towns, and even countries to learn from masters of knowledge, often enduring great hardship.

This is a reminder that true knowledge is not found in isolation but through active pursuit.

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The Story of Musa (ʿalayhi as-salām) and al-Khiḍr

The Qur’an offers a profound lesson in Surah al-Kahf (18:60–82). When Prophet Musa (ʿalayhi as-salām) was asked who was the most knowledgeable, he said it was himself. Allah corrected him, revealing that ultimate knowledge belongs only to Allah, and that there was another servant, al-Khiḍr, who possessed knowledge Musa did not.

Allah commanded Musa to travel and seek him:

> فَوَجَدَا عَبْدًا مِّنْ عِبَادِنَا آتَيْنَاهُ رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ مِن لَّدُنَّا عِلْمًا
“So they found a servant from among Our servants to whom We had given mercy from Us and taught him knowledge from Our own.” (Qur’ān 18:65)

Through their encounters, al-Khiḍr demonstrated insights Musa could not initially grasp—damaging a ship to save its owners, killing a boy to spare his righteous parents hardship, and repairing a wall to protect the inheritance of orphans. Each act carried divine wisdom beyond Musa’s perception.

The key lessons are:

1. No matter one’s status—even as a prophet—there will always be someone with knowledge you do not possess.

2. Musa had to travel to al-Khiḍr. Knowledge did not come to him; he had to seek it.

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Lessons for Today

The point is clear: we cannot remain in our comfort zones expecting knowledge, solutions, or opportunities to come to us. We must actively seek them out.

For the African-American community, this means embracing lessons, strategies, and knowledge even from outside our immediate circles. Other nations and societies may hold insights that can benefit us.

Just as the Prophet ﷺ, the companions, the scholars, and even the prophets themselves sought knowledge beyond their own communities, so too must we.

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Conclusion

Expanding our horizons is not a luxury—it is a necessity for survival and growth. Whether in religion, business, or community development, we must be willing to leave our comfort zones, learn from others, and embrace new ideas.

As Allah demonstrated to Musa (ʿalayhi as-salām), knowledge is vast, and no one person or people holds it all. It is our duty to seek it, wherever it may be found, and to use it for the betterment of ourselves and our communities.

> مَن سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Muslim, 2699)

Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi-ḥamdik, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Anta, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk.

By Abul Baraa Muhammad Amreeki.