Hassan Saeed
Read time: 4 minutes
In a previous letter, How to Reflect on the Quran, I mentioned that one of the ways to better reflect on the Quran is to have more life experience.
I used to think that more life experience was a byproduct of aging—something that happened naturally over time. However, I’ve since realized that this isn’t necessarily true.
Today, I want to share one approach that can help accelerate the process of gaining meaningful life experience.
“Longer life” doesn’t necessarily mean “More life.” A younger person could have more life experience than someone twice their age.
The Mistake of Limiting Yourself
Our first social circle is given to us at birth—our family. As we grow, this circle expands to include neighbors, classmates, and eventually coworkers.
For many, this process happens passively. Social interactions are dictated by convenience and proximity rather than conscious effort.
The result is a life spent mostly among people who share similar backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of thinking.
Even more limiting is when the same group of people overlaps across multiple circles in your life.
Imagine someone growing up in a small town and never leaving. Their entire social experience revolves around the same familiar faces at:
Home
School
Work
Etc.
This kind of environment reinforces a singular perspective.
Each social group has its own unwritten rules—how people dress, speak, think, and prioritize their lives. Without exposure to contrasting perspectives, growth remains limited.
We naturally gravitate toward communities that share the same backgrounds. While this provides comfort and familiarity, it also limits opportunities for broader learning and adaptation.
The Power of Diverse Social Circles
Expanding social circles is especially important during formative years, as it significantly shapes one’s worldview. However, it remains equally valuable at any stage of life.
A big change in my personal growth happened when I made a conscious effort to connect with people from different backgrounds, interests, and ways of thinking.
I increased my exposure by getting involved in different communities. For example, I:
Joined a Quran memorization program at the mosque
Enrolled in language courses
Worked multiple jobs in different industries
Started a small business
Explored a variety of hobbies
Sought guidance from different mentors for religious growth, education, and career development.
I rarely had the same group of people crossing over into multiple areas of my life.
Each environment introduced me to new perspectives and challenges, fostering a more well-rounded understanding of the world.
Over time, I began noticing patterns. Each new circle revealed different aspects of my personality and pushed me to grow in unique ways.
Some circles challenged my assumptions, others strengthened my confidence, and some even forced me to reconsider long-held beliefs. Every experience contributed to a more enriched and nuanced perspective.
Through these experiences, I gained insight into various:
Career paths
Levels of wealth
Political ideologies
Cultural backgrounds
Approaches to growth
Etc.
This variety shaped my thinking and expanded my ability to empathize with others.
The Role of Online Communities
You are what you consume.
In today’s world, broadening one’s social exposure is not limited to in-person interactions.
Online spaces—from professional networks and discussion forums to digital communities and the influencers we follow—shape our perspectives just as much as face-to-face interactions.
Being intentional about these virtual circles ensures that personal growth is driven by diverse insights rather than passive consumption.
Live More, See More, Grow More
To get the most out of expanding your social circles, keep these principles in mind:
Be intentional in your choices – Before joining a new circle, ask yourself if it will expose you to new, interesting perspectives or help you learn something valuable.
Join diverse circles – Connect with people from different walks of life, like educators, professionals, or entrepreneurs, to broaden your perspective and growth.
Always ask why – Challenge assumptions and seek deeper understanding.
Avoid being judgmental – Approach differences with curiosity, not criticism.
Be open to discomfort – Growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
Embrace diversity – Engage with people who think and live differently than you.
Learn How I Memorized the Quran: