As we continue to exhibit Qabool, our understanding of and familiarity with other views and perspectives will increase. However, as long as we continue to perceive ideas in the framework of “ours” and “theirs” we will not be able to progress beyond Qabool. We will continue to perceive the views of others as something to be endured and tolerated. This, in itself, connotes that we are doing others a favor by “tolerating” them. And, as long as we feel this, we will not be able to accept the views of others as our own. Thus, what is now needed is the ability to blur the distinction between “ours” and “theirs” and view things from the “us” perspective. This is what we define as Iq’bal. Iq’bal will enable us to see points of intersection more clearly, liberate ourselves from our personal perspectives, and promote a more fluid means of thinking and working together.
The process of adopting Iq’bal starts when; after striving to adopt Qabool, we begin to feel a genuine interest and curiosity in the views and opinions of others. It starts when we feel that the seeds of interest have grown sufficiently to enable us to appreciate what others are saying and see the possible benefits of it. Eventually, this leads us to no longer view these differences as a burden or as something we need to “endure”. Rather, we begin to see them as something of interest that arouses our curiosity.
This curiosity leads us to further investigate and understand others, and to engage in a process of joint learning, and interaction. This will then enable us to uncover common ground and points of overlap to build frames of mind based on a new “us” perspective. This new perspective will then lead us to cooperate with others and build on our new common understanding of issues. We will become energized to work with others and to demonstrate that Mouazarah built a firm foundation of understanding and appreciation rather than one built on a weak foundation of personal interest and temporary benefit.