Before my wedding, my mother advised me to achieve certain milestones before thinking about marriage. She believed the pressures of marriage could disrupt one’s dreams, a perspective shaped by her experiences and, perhaps, rightly so. However, I hold the belief that everything happens according to Allah’s will and timing.
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” – Quran 94:6
Not everyone will own a house, but most will have a place to call home. Not everyone will get married or have children, and not everyone will own a car, but in a country with affordable public transportation, car ownership doesn’t define success. In fact, economic shifts, like those happening now, are changing how we view such things.
“Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Unfortunately, peer pressure often sets unrealistic standards, leaving many confused about their path. Some even resort to harmful actions to meet these expectations. It’s critical to recognize that there’s no single manual to life.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
For me, milestones like owning land, buying my first and second cars, raising two beautiful boys, and going back to school for a degree all happened *after* marriage. And some of my greatest achievements are yet to come—even after the age of 35.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
So, I urge you: don’t let peer pressure dictate your decisions. Life unfolds differently for everyone, and your journey is uniquely yours.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Idris Animasaun
Architect and Social Change Advocate
