Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic city and modern urban planning. It is the 11th century city Bhojpal, founded by Raja Bhoj, but the present city was established by an Afghan soldier, Dost Mohammed (1707-1740). His descendants build Bhopal into a beautiful city. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are its nucleus.

The Three-Day “Discover Yourself” Workshop was conducted by A.W. Sadathullah Khan in Bhopal on January, 6, 7 and 8, 2006 at Barkatullah Bhavan. For the residents of the City of Lakes, life was as clear and calm as the lakes after the Workshop. Here, some of the participants share their experiences.

Ayesha: After attending the “Discover Yourself” three-day Workshop , I acquired many valuable ideas about how to lead life in a better way. I had imprisoned myself in an imaginary cage, but now I feel so free. I realised the basis of strong relationships is to give yourself completely without expecting anything in return. I am a perfectionist and expected the same from others. But now I accept people as they are, without looking at their flaws and faults.

Nausheen Khan: The “Discover Yourself” Workshop conducted by Mr Sadathullah Khan gave me the keys to get myself out of darkness and live a life with light. The path towards Allah is the path to love. I really learnt this at the Workshop. I was a person always worried about what people think of me. Now I am free of these shackles and mix with all without any hurdles in my mind.

Syeda Najma Kazi: The most important thing I acquired from the “Discover Yourself” Workshop was the “ Power of Choice.” This is the power that I have now, to choose the path of my life. I have become more focused, have control over my temper and concentrate on my prayers. I was holding on to my annoying past and those memories. But now I have let bygones be bygones and look forward to a bright future. I have become patient now.

Shahana Khan: Losing temper at kids is common. I too used to do it, but not anymore. The Workshop opened up various possibilities for me. One of them was the ability to handle chaos at home. Earlier I would get angry, but now I am calm and with the help of my children’s co-operation able to do make my home look spic and span. I have become kind, generous and helpful.

Subul Aijaz: I always thought I could never change my point of view about people. After attending the Workshop, I got the energy, power and confidence. Earlier I used to derive wrong meaning and judge people, in the process stuck in my past. But by Allah’s grace, through the Workshop, I have let go of my past and also stopped thinking or worrying about my future. I feel empowered to achieve something for myself and for Islam. My family too will be influenced by this “changed me.”

Sameer: The Workshop has helped me start living my life as a “human being.” This means being kind, optimistic, trustworthy, helpful and honour my word, no matter what. The most crucial thing is the ability to balance this present life towards the path of Allah and that came through very well for me in this Workshop. Prior to attending this Workshop, I was short-tempered, leading to stress and tension within myself. . But now I am clear and cool in my mind and heart. Thanks to Sadathullah Sir for this.

Zeba: The knowledge I gained by attending this Workshop was much greater that what I learnt in school. The lessons I learnt here are many-most important –“don’t blame others,” “don’t fear anybody,” “be honest” and “keep your word.” This workshop set me free from all fears and now I can confidently speak up and stand up for the right.

Shazia Jamal Afzal: The Art of Forgiving-is the most memorable aspect I gained from this Workshop. I have given up my anger and even blaming others. This is a unique Workshop, because it helped me acquire the practical tips to implement the principles of Islam in our daily lives. According to me, forgiving is the most tough task, but now I find it as easy as holding a feather.

Syeda Sana Riyaz: The Workshop changed the thinking of not just me, but all the participants. I have become confident and self-reliant. Islam is peace and I feel at peace. The Workshop helped many people realise the power within themselves. Allah has given us good life and we should make best use of it and not waste it away.

Nabila Khan: The Workshop altered every area of my life in a positive way. It helped me deal with anger. My negative image of myself too vanished! I cherish my goal to be a doctor and now I promise myself to work wholeheartedly towards this. At the end of the day, I learnt that I have to be the Khalifa of Allah and that is the purpose of my life.

Farah Khan: To forgive others is something that will set one free. This is what the Workshop did to me. I gave up my prejudices and learnt to forgive people. Decision-making now has become easy for me as I have stopped worrying about my future. I am contented and happy with my life. I accept all the relationships, people and things that Allah has given me as His Gifts.

Sana Ishaque: Unnecessary worries are not out of my heart and mind. After attending the Workshop, my life has completely changed. I am a “new Sana” full of joy and happiness. I love myself, my family and Allah the most.

Workshop Diary