Yaser El-Waly on Staying Connected in a Changing World

Connection Takes Deliberate Effort
Life in today’s world has made communication both easy and difficult in many respects. It is possible to communicate across the globe through an instant message. However, Yaser El-Waly argues that strong relations cannot be achieved only through use of technology but require real engagement, presence, and time devoted to other people.
The author’s views regarding Islamic values have greatly influenced his idea that relations should not be taken for granted. The effort is needed to maintain the strong connection to family members, friends, neighbors, and people from the local community.
Being Present Beyond the Screen
As per Yaser El-Waly, while digital communication does have its place, it is not always possible to use it to replace face-to-face communication. A text can help one stay connected, but it is a good conversation that helps in making connections. Yaser suggests letting people take time out to communicate without any distractions at all. It may be dinner with someone, visiting relatives, visiting neighbors or even just having a nice chat without any interruptions.
In any city of Australia, whether it is Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, the situation is the same, making connections requires people to give each other some time.
Remembering People During Difficult Times
Sometimes, relationships usually take precedence at a time when there are challenges. It is important, according to Yaser El-Waly, to not have to be called upon to help before checking up on others. A question about someone’s well-being may actually turn out to result in a very meaningful conversation. Sometimes, there is no need for an immediate solution but simply a need for acknowledging the challenge being faced by the person. According to Yaser, this is a very critical part of a good personality. This is because by being interested in other people, one can form relationships where people are respected and not neglected.
Making Space for Different Generations
In addition, Yaser El-Waly believes that any good relationship must have generation to generation communication. The older generations have a wealth of experience and memory that the young generation will only get once in their lifetime. Equally, the young generation has their own way of looking at things which is changing every day. Rather than allowing these differences to create a separation, Yaser believes that they could be used to learn from each other.
Community Begins With Relationships
In the opinion of Yaser El-Waly, a good community comes into being as a result of personal relations between its members. Any large organization and community program can help in building a good community, but they can be effective only through people who are ready to join, communicate and care about others. According to him, any person can make their contribution to creating such an atmosphere through some easy ways: welcoming new people, contacting one's relatives, helping neighbors and paying attention to those people who could be neglected.
It turns out that staying in touch with others, in Yaser El-Waly’s opinion, is not only a kind of social duty but also an expression of one’s beliefs and values. Connection with others can become a way of protecting family ties, building communities and keeping religious values alive in everyday life in the modern world.