Surah 37 139-148
139. So also was Yunus among those sent
140. when he ran away to a Ship laden
141. he (agreed to) cast lots and was of the defeated
142. then the big Hut (marine animal) did swallow him and he had done acts worthy of blame.
143. had it not been that he (repented) glorified God
144. he would have remained in the fish till the day of resurrection
145. but we cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness
146. and we caused to grow over him a spreading plant of the Gourd kind
147. and we sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or more
148. and they believed, so we permitted them to enjoy their life for a while.
These verses are full of imagery because the Quran is primarily a recited text and as in a song or a poem, imagery brings the story to life.
But, what the Quran says is as interesting as what it does not say. The story begins of Yunus, a man sent for a purpose, running away to a ship to escape. What happens before this point is not mentioned and one may assume is not relevant to the theme of the narrative. Once on the ship, circumstances force a choice upon Yunus....again, the details are left out and we only see the action of Yunus making a choice and being defeated. Yet, what is not said is that it is God that is controlling the events/circumstances even though it may seem that Yunus has made a choice.
As we move along the narrative, there are further imagery of Yunus being swallowed, of him repenting and of God's mercy in freeing Yunus onto land and give him a covering and sustenance so he could heal. Here too we can see Yunus make a choice (v 143) and we can see the consequences of this choice(v145-146)---yet in verse 144, God adds a commentary---that had the choice been different, the consequences would have been different too. But, if the choice is between life and death is the choice illusory or real?
The story ends with Yunus completing the mission he was sent on and a large group of people receiving God's blessings. We are left with contemplating the ambiguity between God's will and limited human will in individuals and groups.
There is also a more immediate and simpler theme in this story---that repentance is the way to access God's compassion and mercy either as individuals or as groups/nations. It is simply a matter of asking God for forgiveness---and God forgives all who ask. When viewed from this perspective, the relationship between God's will and limited human free will comes into focus. In other words, it is God's will that we human beings, either as individuals or groups---willingly choose to ask for God's mercy and the circumstances in our lives will propel us in this direction through blessings or hardship so that our hearts/souls will turn in God's direction.
"Nothing that I can do or say will change the structure of the Universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes--goodwill among men and peace on earth." ----Albert Einstein
Quran Surah 5 verse 8
"oh you who believe, be steadfast witness for God in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to God. God is aware of what you do."
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Saturday, September 7, 2013
reciprocate
Surah 30 verses 20-24
20 Among his signs is this,
that he created you from dust; and then, behold, humanity scattered (far and wide).
21. And among his signs is this,
That he created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them and he has put love and mercy between your hearts: Surely in that are signs for those who reflect.
22. And among his signs
is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: surely in that are signs for those who know.
23. And among his signs
is the the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the livelihood you make out of his bounty: Surely in that are signs for those who listen.
24. And among his signs,
he shows you the lightening, by way of both fear and hope, and he sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: Surely in that are signs for those who are wise.
What are we doing here on earth? In our rush to achieve, be successful, to accumulate more of what we already have too much of, we do not have time to stop and reflect. How do we reciprocate all that God has provided for us?
Rumi writes in the Mathnavi
Not a moment passes without your soul struggling with its own death, so in that struggle look to your faith!
Your life is like a purse filled with Gold; every day and night sees the money changer counting out the coins.
God counts the coins and gives to us freely, until the purse is emptied and the eclipse of death appears.
If you keep taking away from the mountain, without putting anything back, then the mountain will one day disappear from that one-sided transfer.
So, then put an equal amount of breath back for every one you take, so you can obey the verse "fall down in worship and draw yourself near" for in that way you will gain what you seek.
----Mathnavi III, 123-127.
If we stop and reflect, we will see the beauty God has created....
"For but an instant
a setting sun transfigures
with gold
a burnt land"
-----Hakyo Ishida
Perhaps then, we can be grateful and reciprocate....perhaps humanity can work together to create harmony, justice and peace and restore beauty back to this earth............and in the process fill our lives with meaning and our souls with happiness.........
20 Among his signs is this,
that he created you from dust; and then, behold, humanity scattered (far and wide).
21. And among his signs is this,
That he created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them and he has put love and mercy between your hearts: Surely in that are signs for those who reflect.
22. And among his signs
is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: surely in that are signs for those who know.
23. And among his signs
is the the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the livelihood you make out of his bounty: Surely in that are signs for those who listen.
24. And among his signs,
he shows you the lightening, by way of both fear and hope, and he sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: Surely in that are signs for those who are wise.
What are we doing here on earth? In our rush to achieve, be successful, to accumulate more of what we already have too much of, we do not have time to stop and reflect. How do we reciprocate all that God has provided for us?
Rumi writes in the Mathnavi
Not a moment passes without your soul struggling with its own death, so in that struggle look to your faith!
Your life is like a purse filled with Gold; every day and night sees the money changer counting out the coins.
God counts the coins and gives to us freely, until the purse is emptied and the eclipse of death appears.
If you keep taking away from the mountain, without putting anything back, then the mountain will one day disappear from that one-sided transfer.
So, then put an equal amount of breath back for every one you take, so you can obey the verse "fall down in worship and draw yourself near" for in that way you will gain what you seek.
----Mathnavi III, 123-127.
If we stop and reflect, we will see the beauty God has created....
"For but an instant
a setting sun transfigures
with gold
a burnt land"
-----Hakyo Ishida
Perhaps then, we can be grateful and reciprocate....perhaps humanity can work together to create harmony, justice and peace and restore beauty back to this earth............and in the process fill our lives with meaning and our souls with happiness.........
Monday, June 10, 2013
Paradox and Tawil
Surah 18 verses 78-82 Al Kahf
78. He answered:"This is the parting between me and you: Now I will tell you the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to hold patience."
79. "As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: They plied the water: but I wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force."
80. "As for the youth, his parents were people of faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to God)"
81."So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.
82. "As for the wall, It belonged to two youths, Orphans in the town; There was beneath it a buried treasure, to which they were entitled; Their father had been a righteous man: So your Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure---a mercy and a favor from your Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation (of those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.
This story begins with verse 60 and from the start it is full of mystery and symbolism. The story centers around a "servant of God" and his conduct in 3 encounters. In the first encounter, he destroys a boat, in the second he kills a youth and in the third he rebuilds a wall. The observer in all this is Prophet Moses (pbuh) who is puzzled and disturbed by what he sees.
But then he had been warned---(verse 68) "For how can you have patience about things which are beyond your knowledge?". Yet Prophet Moses promises to have patience and the journey begins.
Tawil is to "lead back to the origin" and leads to a wholistic interpretation of Divine will. What seems disturbing, puzzling, paradoxical becomes whole, and harmonious when understood in light of the compassion and mercy of God.
Actions that at first seem harmful, wrong and puzzling become a mercy and a favor in light of the whole. In the first event, a boat is damaged. When we see only the literal event. we can only see the harm it has caused to the owners of the boat. Yet, through this trial, God most, compassionate, most merciful, has bestowed unseen Grace. Perhaps, the souls of the boat owners have been saved from the oppression of their means/options becoming too limited. Likewise, trials that happen to us may destroy a material aspect of our lives, yet, surprisingly, new hope, and spirituality can also spring forth.....opening up our options/choices.
In the second event a youth is killed. This is horrifying and wrong. How can God, most compassionate, most merciful, destroy human life?....Yet, death is an inevitable part of "life". All of us are born by God's will and will die by God's will. It is his right to give life when he pleases and to take it back when he pleases. Both life and death are a grace and mercy from God. Life offers us opportunity for repentance and reform thus helping us grow in spirituality, and death saves us from committing sin and error thus preventing us from staining our souls.
Likewise, in those instances when God, most compassionate, most merciful, has interfered in human affairs and destroyed a community, saving those who were good, he has bestowed unseen grace. Preventing the bad from oppressing and overwhelming the good, he has provided space for goodness to take root and grow.
In the third event a wall has been restored in an uncivil and ungrateful community. This is puzzling. The restoration of the wall prevented the treasure from being discovered too early---thus possibly preventing it from being stolen or misused by the community. What appears to be a blessing to the undeserving is actually a balancing of the degree of blessing by God most compassionate, most merciful. From this good action, the rightfully deserving will be able to receive blessings. However, this is not just a mercy, but a favor and a favor entails a responsibility. The orphans must choose to use their wealth for good and refrain from using it for harm.
"A true journey isn't in visiting new places, it is seeing with new eyes"---unknown
"I saw my Lord with the eye of my heart"--al Hallaj
"Good fortune or bad fortune is unimportant. The vicissitudes of life are but the means to shape your character. If you suffer adversity and react in the proper way, in the long run you will be benefited as fully as though you had good fortune." ----unknown
"Good rests on bad.
bad hides within good.
who knows where the turning point is:"
---Tao-te Ching
78. He answered:"This is the parting between me and you: Now I will tell you the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to hold patience."
79. "As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: They plied the water: but I wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force."
80. "As for the youth, his parents were people of faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to God)"
81."So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.
82. "As for the wall, It belonged to two youths, Orphans in the town; There was beneath it a buried treasure, to which they were entitled; Their father had been a righteous man: So your Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure---a mercy and a favor from your Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation (of those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.
This story begins with verse 60 and from the start it is full of mystery and symbolism. The story centers around a "servant of God" and his conduct in 3 encounters. In the first encounter, he destroys a boat, in the second he kills a youth and in the third he rebuilds a wall. The observer in all this is Prophet Moses (pbuh) who is puzzled and disturbed by what he sees.
But then he had been warned---(verse 68) "For how can you have patience about things which are beyond your knowledge?". Yet Prophet Moses promises to have patience and the journey begins.
Tawil is to "lead back to the origin" and leads to a wholistic interpretation of Divine will. What seems disturbing, puzzling, paradoxical becomes whole, and harmonious when understood in light of the compassion and mercy of God.
Actions that at first seem harmful, wrong and puzzling become a mercy and a favor in light of the whole. In the first event, a boat is damaged. When we see only the literal event. we can only see the harm it has caused to the owners of the boat. Yet, through this trial, God most, compassionate, most merciful, has bestowed unseen Grace. Perhaps, the souls of the boat owners have been saved from the oppression of their means/options becoming too limited. Likewise, trials that happen to us may destroy a material aspect of our lives, yet, surprisingly, new hope, and spirituality can also spring forth.....opening up our options/choices.
In the second event a youth is killed. This is horrifying and wrong. How can God, most compassionate, most merciful, destroy human life?....Yet, death is an inevitable part of "life". All of us are born by God's will and will die by God's will. It is his right to give life when he pleases and to take it back when he pleases. Both life and death are a grace and mercy from God. Life offers us opportunity for repentance and reform thus helping us grow in spirituality, and death saves us from committing sin and error thus preventing us from staining our souls.
Likewise, in those instances when God, most compassionate, most merciful, has interfered in human affairs and destroyed a community, saving those who were good, he has bestowed unseen grace. Preventing the bad from oppressing and overwhelming the good, he has provided space for goodness to take root and grow.
In the third event a wall has been restored in an uncivil and ungrateful community. This is puzzling. The restoration of the wall prevented the treasure from being discovered too early---thus possibly preventing it from being stolen or misused by the community. What appears to be a blessing to the undeserving is actually a balancing of the degree of blessing by God most compassionate, most merciful. From this good action, the rightfully deserving will be able to receive blessings. However, this is not just a mercy, but a favor and a favor entails a responsibility. The orphans must choose to use their wealth for good and refrain from using it for harm.
"A true journey isn't in visiting new places, it is seeing with new eyes"---unknown
"I saw my Lord with the eye of my heart"--al Hallaj
"Good fortune or bad fortune is unimportant. The vicissitudes of life are but the means to shape your character. If you suffer adversity and react in the proper way, in the long run you will be benefited as fully as though you had good fortune." ----unknown
"Good rests on bad.
bad hides within good.
who knows where the turning point is:"
---Tao-te Ching
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Salvation
Sura 39 verse 69-75
69. And the Earth will shine with the light of its Lord: The record (of deeds) will be placed (open); The prophets and the witnessess will be brought forward; and a Just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least).
70. And to every soul will be paid in full (the fruit) of its deeds; and (God) knows best all that they do.
71. The unbelievers will be led to hell in groups: Until, when they arrive there, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say, "Did not messengers come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing to you the signs of your lord and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours?" The answer will be:"True: but the decree of chastisement has been proven true against the unbelievers!"
72. (To them) will be said:"Enter you the gates of hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) abode of the arrogant!"
73. And those who feared their lord will be led to the Garden in groups:Until behold they arrive there; Its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you! Well have you done! Enter you here to dwell therein."
74. They will say: "Praise be to God, who has truly fulfilled his promise to us, and has given us this land in heritage: We can dwell in the land as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteoussness)!"
75. And you will see the Angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing glory and praise to their lord. The decision between them (at judgement) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "Praise to God, the lord of the worlds!"
If we understand "Salvation" as being "saved" from hell----then this is inadequate for understanding the Islamic position. In Christianity, because of the doctrine of "original sin" everyone is born a sinner and requires "saving" through the "sacrifice of the son of God". But in Islam, we have the Fitra....A concept that honors the inherent goodness in humanity created by God. Because all human beings are created good----they are naturally inclined towards Paradise----unless they choose to not go there.
Fitra(human nature)= Natural/inherent predisposition of goodness that is inclined towards right action and submission to God/Tawheed.
Fitra + Right belief, right intentions, right actions = Paradise
Repentence/Reform - Wrong belief, wrong intentions, wrong actions = Paradise
Rebelliousness + Wrong belief, wrong intentions, wrong actions = Hell
Definitions---
Wrong belief (Division–superiority of one over the other) promotes wrong intentions (Pride, arrogance) that lead to wrong actions (evil)
Right belief (Tawheed—Unity) promotes right intentions (Compassion, tolerance, humility) that lead to right actions (goodness, altruism)
God's will = Right belief that promotes right intentions that lead to right actions for the benefit of all of God's creations.
Human beings are created with an inherent goodness. Therefore when we do evil—we go against (rebel against) the inherent nature God created us with. Pride and arrogance cause rebelliousness (story of Iblis) but humility and gratefulness bring us closer to God. We not only rebel against our human nature, but also against God's will. That is why the punishment (hell) is so fierce. It is a double rebellion.
Surah 30 v 30
"So set your face truly to the religion being upright, the nature in which Allah has made mankind: No change (there is) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the true religion: but most among mankind know not:"
"The highest good is like water which benefits all things and contends with none." Tao te Ching
Do you not see that God is inviting you to heaven?
Why do you throw yourself into a pitfire?
In order to ascend to the abode of the righteous
make knowledge your feet and obedience your wings
In the battleground of our demented world
make a sword from patience and a sheild from faith
Pluck the bird of wisdom from the branch of religion
This world is not the abode of the wise
it is but a passage for us, therefore traverse it.
-----Pir Nasir Khusraw.
69. And the Earth will shine with the light of its Lord: The record (of deeds) will be placed (open); The prophets and the witnessess will be brought forward; and a Just decision pronounced between them; and they will not be wronged (in the least).
70. And to every soul will be paid in full (the fruit) of its deeds; and (God) knows best all that they do.
71. The unbelievers will be led to hell in groups: Until, when they arrive there, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say, "Did not messengers come to you from among yourselves, rehearsing to you the signs of your lord and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours?" The answer will be:"True: but the decree of chastisement has been proven true against the unbelievers!"
72. (To them) will be said:"Enter you the gates of hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) abode of the arrogant!"
73. And those who feared their lord will be led to the Garden in groups:Until behold they arrive there; Its gates will be opened; and its keepers will say: "Peace be upon you! Well have you done! Enter you here to dwell therein."
74. They will say: "Praise be to God, who has truly fulfilled his promise to us, and has given us this land in heritage: We can dwell in the land as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteoussness)!"
75. And you will see the Angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing glory and praise to their lord. The decision between them (at judgement) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "Praise to God, the lord of the worlds!"
If we understand "Salvation" as being "saved" from hell----then this is inadequate for understanding the Islamic position. In Christianity, because of the doctrine of "original sin" everyone is born a sinner and requires "saving" through the "sacrifice of the son of God". But in Islam, we have the Fitra....A concept that honors the inherent goodness in humanity created by God. Because all human beings are created good----they are naturally inclined towards Paradise----unless they choose to not go there.
Fitra(human nature)= Natural/inherent predisposition of goodness that is inclined towards right action and submission to God/Tawheed.
Fitra + Right belief, right intentions, right actions = Paradise
Repentence/Reform - Wrong belief, wrong intentions, wrong actions = Paradise
Rebelliousness + Wrong belief, wrong intentions, wrong actions = Hell
Definitions---
Wrong belief (Division–superiority of one over the other) promotes wrong intentions (Pride, arrogance) that lead to wrong actions (evil)
Right belief (Tawheed—Unity) promotes right intentions (Compassion, tolerance, humility) that lead to right actions (goodness, altruism)
God's will = Right belief that promotes right intentions that lead to right actions for the benefit of all of God's creations.
Human beings are created with an inherent goodness. Therefore when we do evil—we go against (rebel against) the inherent nature God created us with. Pride and arrogance cause rebelliousness (story of Iblis) but humility and gratefulness bring us closer to God. We not only rebel against our human nature, but also against God's will. That is why the punishment (hell) is so fierce. It is a double rebellion.
Surah 30 v 30
"So set your face truly to the religion being upright, the nature in which Allah has made mankind: No change (there is) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the true religion: but most among mankind know not:"
"The highest good is like water which benefits all things and contends with none." Tao te Ching
Do you not see that God is inviting you to heaven?
Why do you throw yourself into a pitfire?
In order to ascend to the abode of the righteous
make knowledge your feet and obedience your wings
In the battleground of our demented world
make a sword from patience and a sheild from faith
Pluck the bird of wisdom from the branch of religion
This world is not the abode of the wise
it is but a passage for us, therefore traverse it.
-----Pir Nasir Khusraw.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Quran
Surah 29, verses 45-51
45. Recite what is sent of the book by inspiration to you, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and rememberance of God is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And God knows the deeds that you do.
46. And dispute you not with the people of the book, except in the best way, unless it be with those of them who do wrong. But say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our God and your God is One; and it is to him we submit (in Islam)
47. and thus it is that we have sent down the book to you. So the people of the book believe therein, As also do some of these (Pagan Arabs): and none but unbelievers reject our signs.
48. And you were unable to recite a book before this (book came) nor were you able to transcribe it with your right hand; In that case, indeed, the talkers of vanities have doubted.
49. No, here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs.
50. Yet they say: Why are not signs sent down to him from his lord? Say: "The signs are indeed with God: and I am indeed a clear Warner"
51. And it is not enough for them that we have sent down to you the book which is rehersed to them? Surely in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.
"The Qur'an in its original Arabic dress has a seductive beauty and charm of its own Couched in concise and exalted style, its brief pregnant sentences, often rhymed, possess an expressive force and explosive energy which it is extremely difficult to convey by literal word for word translation. (From John Naish's book, The Wisdom of the Qur'an)"
… [T]he Qur'an has invariably kept its place as the fundamental starting point… A creed so precise, … so accessible to the ordinary understanding might be expected to possess and does indeed possess a marvellous power of winning its way into the consciences of men.(Edward Montet, a French intellectual)
There is only One God and all worship goes to him. It is easy to forget this when we encounter faiths with different concepts of God. We assume that a different concept of God means "their" God is different from "our" God. The Quran rejects this idea---for to make any assumption of more than one God negates the Quranic principle/creed of ONE God. Therefore, the Compassionate and Merciful God of the Quran is the same God whose Compassion and Mercy extends to all human beings. All who pray to the Divine---have access to God's grace and forgiveness. There is no such thing as "your" God and "my" God.
God has provided Guidance to all mankind and we must all do our best to follow what we have to benefit all of God's creation. If all of us, from all the religions of the world, concentrate on doing good for the benefit of all of God's creations---we might transform our world.
Surah 2 verse 186
When my servants ask you concerning me, I am indeed close (to them); I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me: Let them also, with a will, listen to my call, and beleive in me: that they may walk in the right way.
45. Recite what is sent of the book by inspiration to you, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and rememberance of God is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And God knows the deeds that you do.
46. And dispute you not with the people of the book, except in the best way, unless it be with those of them who do wrong. But say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our God and your God is One; and it is to him we submit (in Islam)
47. and thus it is that we have sent down the book to you. So the people of the book believe therein, As also do some of these (Pagan Arabs): and none but unbelievers reject our signs.
48. And you were unable to recite a book before this (book came) nor were you able to transcribe it with your right hand; In that case, indeed, the talkers of vanities have doubted.
49. No, here are signs self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: And none but the unjust reject our signs.
50. Yet they say: Why are not signs sent down to him from his lord? Say: "The signs are indeed with God: and I am indeed a clear Warner"
51. And it is not enough for them that we have sent down to you the book which is rehersed to them? Surely in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.
"The Qur'an in its original Arabic dress has a seductive beauty and charm of its own Couched in concise and exalted style, its brief pregnant sentences, often rhymed, possess an expressive force and explosive energy which it is extremely difficult to convey by literal word for word translation. (From John Naish's book, The Wisdom of the Qur'an)"
… [T]he Qur'an has invariably kept its place as the fundamental starting point… A creed so precise, … so accessible to the ordinary understanding might be expected to possess and does indeed possess a marvellous power of winning its way into the consciences of men.(Edward Montet, a French intellectual)
There is only One God and all worship goes to him. It is easy to forget this when we encounter faiths with different concepts of God. We assume that a different concept of God means "their" God is different from "our" God. The Quran rejects this idea---for to make any assumption of more than one God negates the Quranic principle/creed of ONE God. Therefore, the Compassionate and Merciful God of the Quran is the same God whose Compassion and Mercy extends to all human beings. All who pray to the Divine---have access to God's grace and forgiveness. There is no such thing as "your" God and "my" God.
God has provided Guidance to all mankind and we must all do our best to follow what we have to benefit all of God's creation. If all of us, from all the religions of the world, concentrate on doing good for the benefit of all of God's creations---we might transform our world.
Surah 2 verse 186
When my servants ask you concerning me, I am indeed close (to them); I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me: Let them also, with a will, listen to my call, and beleive in me: that they may walk in the right way.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fear
Surah 59 verses 18-24
18. Oh you who believe! Fear God, and let every soul look to what (provision)he has sent forth for the morrow. Yes, fear God, for God is well acquanited with all that you do.
19. And be not like those who forgot God, and he made them forget themselves! Such are the rebellious transgressors!
20.Not equal are the companions of the fire and the companions of the garden: It is the companions of the garden that will achieve felicity.
21. Had we sent down this Quran on a mountain, surely you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of God. Such are the similitudes which we propound to men, that they may reflect.
22. God is he , than whom there is no other god; he knows all things both secret and open; he, the most gracious, the most merciful.
23. God is he than whom there is no other god; the sovereign, the holy one, the source of peace and perfection. The guardian of faith, the preserver of safety, the exalted in might, the irrisistible, the justly proud, Glory to God! (High is he) above the partners they attribute to him.
24. He is God the creator, the originator, the fashioner, to him belong the most beautiful names: whatever is in the heavens (universe) and on earth, does declare his praises and Glory: and he is the exalted in might, the wise.
"The deep ethico-religious value of the fear of God, the lord of the day of Judgement, is largely due to the fact that it cannot but arouse in the mind of the believer a clear consiousness of life and incite him to moral ernestness and responsibility. Act always as if you were standing at this very moment before a divine Judge, before the judgement seat of Allah on the day of reckoning"----Toshihiko Itsuzu, The ethico-religious concepts in the Quran.
Taqwa =God awareness---Love of God that fears dissapointing him.
William Blake wrote
"Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for anotehr gives its ease,
And builds heaven in hells despair"
So sang a little clod of clay,
Trodden with the cattles feet,
But a pebble of the brook,
Warbled out these meters meet,
"Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in anothers loss of ease,
And builds a hell in heaven's despite."
It is only when we truly care about someone that we worry about dissapointing them---their opinion of us matters because their love and approval matter. But not all love is other-centered.
"Love" can be divided into 2 types, the self-love and the selfless-love , the first type strives to fullfill the needs and desires of the self, the 2nd type strives to fulfill the needs and desires of the other. When we speak of Love of God---there is a problem because God has no needs or desires. So how do we express "Love of God"?---By willing submission (Islam). God has given us the Guidance, the Criteria (Furqan) to follow (which is for our own benefit) and by doing that, we hope to seek his pleasure. The other side of the "Love of God" is fear. The fear of dissapointing him, the fear of incurring his displeasure. When these two aspects are in balance--it creates harmony---we are neither filled with overconfidence/arrogance nor are we filled with despair.
The more we practice "love of God"---by willing submission/Islam---the more we become aware of his love, compassion and mercy. Our hearts fill with gratitude for his blessings , but this must be balanced with humility/awe of God. When we see only God's blessings, we can become proud/arrogant---and consider ourselves the special/beloved of God. This creates an imbalance/distortion. In order to restore harmony, both gratitude and humility must be balanced .
"humility, that low sweet root,
from which all heavenly virtues shoot" ---Thomas Moore.
18. Oh you who believe! Fear God, and let every soul look to what (provision)he has sent forth for the morrow. Yes, fear God, for God is well acquanited with all that you do.
19. And be not like those who forgot God, and he made them forget themselves! Such are the rebellious transgressors!
20.Not equal are the companions of the fire and the companions of the garden: It is the companions of the garden that will achieve felicity.
21. Had we sent down this Quran on a mountain, surely you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of God. Such are the similitudes which we propound to men, that they may reflect.
22. God is he , than whom there is no other god; he knows all things both secret and open; he, the most gracious, the most merciful.
23. God is he than whom there is no other god; the sovereign, the holy one, the source of peace and perfection. The guardian of faith, the preserver of safety, the exalted in might, the irrisistible, the justly proud, Glory to God! (High is he) above the partners they attribute to him.
24. He is God the creator, the originator, the fashioner, to him belong the most beautiful names: whatever is in the heavens (universe) and on earth, does declare his praises and Glory: and he is the exalted in might, the wise.
"The deep ethico-religious value of the fear of God, the lord of the day of Judgement, is largely due to the fact that it cannot but arouse in the mind of the believer a clear consiousness of life and incite him to moral ernestness and responsibility. Act always as if you were standing at this very moment before a divine Judge, before the judgement seat of Allah on the day of reckoning"----Toshihiko Itsuzu, The ethico-religious concepts in the Quran.
Taqwa =God awareness---Love of God that fears dissapointing him.
William Blake wrote
"Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for anotehr gives its ease,
And builds heaven in hells despair"
So sang a little clod of clay,
Trodden with the cattles feet,
But a pebble of the brook,
Warbled out these meters meet,
"Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in anothers loss of ease,
And builds a hell in heaven's despite."
It is only when we truly care about someone that we worry about dissapointing them---their opinion of us matters because their love and approval matter. But not all love is other-centered.
"Love" can be divided into 2 types, the self-love and the selfless-love , the first type strives to fullfill the needs and desires of the self, the 2nd type strives to fulfill the needs and desires of the other. When we speak of Love of God---there is a problem because God has no needs or desires. So how do we express "Love of God"?---By willing submission (Islam). God has given us the Guidance, the Criteria (Furqan) to follow (which is for our own benefit) and by doing that, we hope to seek his pleasure. The other side of the "Love of God" is fear. The fear of dissapointing him, the fear of incurring his displeasure. When these two aspects are in balance--it creates harmony---we are neither filled with overconfidence/arrogance nor are we filled with despair.
The more we practice "love of God"---by willing submission/Islam---the more we become aware of his love, compassion and mercy. Our hearts fill with gratitude for his blessings , but this must be balanced with humility/awe of God. When we see only God's blessings, we can become proud/arrogant---and consider ourselves the special/beloved of God. This creates an imbalance/distortion. In order to restore harmony, both gratitude and humility must be balanced .
"humility, that low sweet root,
from which all heavenly virtues shoot" ---Thomas Moore.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Adam
Surah 2 verses 30-39
30. Behold, your Lord said to the angels; I will create a vicegerent (representative) on earth." They said : "will you place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?--While we do celebrate your praises and glorify your Holy (name)?" He said: "I know what you know not"
31. And he taught Adam the name of all things; then he placed them before the Angels and said: "Tell me the names of these if you are right."
32. They said: "Glory to you: of knowledge we have none, save what you have taught us: In truth it is you who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom."
33. He said: "O Adam! tell them their names." When he had told them their names, God said: Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heaven and earth and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?"
34. And behold, We said to the Angels Bow down to Adam:" and they bowed down: Not so Iblis, he refused and was haughty. He was of those who reject faith.
35. And we said: "O Adam, dwell you and your spouse in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as you will, but approach not this tree, or you run into harm and transgression." 36.Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. And we said "Go down all (you people) with enmity betwen yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time."
37. Then learnt Adam from his lord certain words and his Lord turned towards him; for he is oft Returning, Most Merciful.
38. We said: "Go down you all from here; And if, as is sure, there comes Guidance from me, whosoever, follows my Guidance , on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
39. "But those who reject faith and reject our signs, they shall be companions of the fire; They shall abide therein.
'The movement which is the existence of the Universe is the movement of love"----Ibn Arabi
Why did God create? Perhaps the words "The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful" at the start of every Surah hold a clue. As Ibn Arabi points out, God creates from Love. Perhaps a love so great, so vast, inevitably overflows and is manifested as the created, the finite. We are all from God and we will all return to God. But creation is an act of division, of becomming apart from God the Infinite, the Uncreated.
The story of Adam (pbuh) does not begin with his creation--but with a dialogue between God and his Angels. God reveals his plans for a representative who will manage his creations on earth. The Angels, who perfectly carry out God's will, ask how a creation so imperfect ("one who sheds blood"/has free-will) would manage such a task---when they themselves do it so well. God does not answer the question directly but proceeds to demonstrate the answer. He teaches Man and then places them in front of the Angels, asking them to inform him of the nature of Man. The Angels cannot for they have no knowledge. Then God turn to Man and asks them the nature of Angels---and Man answers. The Angels have limitations because they are only able to carry out to perfection God's will, they have no potential for imagination. But Man has free-will and his potential is limited only insofar as his self-imposed limits to his imagination. It is in this creative power of the imagination that Man becomes better than the Angels.
But, God does not send Mankind directly to earth. Though Mankind is supposed to be a vicegerent on earth, God nurtures him to maturity in the Garden for a while. Why? Because Mankind has yet to demonstrate his ability to use free-will. God gives the instructions to not approach a certain tree and Satans tempts Mankind. At this point Mankind has a choice---he can choose of his own free-will not to approach the tree in spite of Satan---or to choose of his own free-will to be tempted. This excercise of free-will catapults Mankind into the role he was created for---to do God's will on earth. But the choice of Mankind has consequences, for instead of excercising free-will to refrain from temptation, Mankind excercised it to fall into temptation.
Yet, God is most Compassionate, most Merciful and forgives those who repent. Mankind is forgiven and promised Guidance. But with the blessings of free-will comes the responsibility. We must all choose of our own free-will to follow Guidance or to reject it just as Adam(pbuh) did. Our life on earth is not a gift or a punishment---it is a test/trial. God has empowered us, through our free-will, to choose our ultimate destiny---Paradise or Hell.
Those souls who enter Paradise are gently cleansed, while those souls who enter Hell are cleansed fiercely---in the end all creation returns to God.....to Unity.
"That is why the love of the Tao is in the very nature of things" Lao Tzu
"It is he who is revealed in every face, sought in every sign, gazed upon by every eye, ....Not a single one of his creatures can fail to find him in its primordial and original nature." Ibn Arabi.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
hell
Surah 44. Ad-Dhukhan verse 38-46
38. We created not the heavens and the earth, and all between merely in (idle) sport.
39. We created them only for just ends: but most do not know.
40. Surely, the day of sorting out is the time appointed for all of them,
41. The Day when no protector can help his client in anything and no help can they receive.
42. Except those that receive God's mercy: for He is exalted in might and Most Merciful.
43. Surely the tree of Zaqqum
44. will be the food of the sinful
45. like molten brass, it will boil in their insides.
46 Like the boiling of scalding water.
"The only Divine plan is that which allows humankind to shape its own destiny"----Maimonides.
Some people ask why a Merciful and Compassionate God puts people into Hell. People seldom wonder why the same Merciful and Compassionate God created Paradise. The Quran answers, ---Good and Evil are not the same.
Our earth is a place where we determine our destiny. God created Paradise as a place without evil and so, those who have chosen evil of their own free-will, cannot enter it. In order that people will choose paradise instead of hell, the Quran describes hell in the most graphically horrifying terms. We can use these images as a force of deterrence, or, if we are foolish, choose to ignore these warnings. ---its our destiny, and therefore, our choice.
Our earth is a place where we determine our destiny. God created Paradise as a place without evil and so, those who have chosen evil of their own free-will, cannot enter it. In order that people will choose paradise instead of hell, the Quran describes hell in the most graphically horrifying terms. We can use these images as a force of deterrence, or, if we are foolish, choose to ignore these warnings. ---its our destiny, and therefore, our choice.
Free-will empowers us, but its powers are also conditional----Epictetus explains"...Some things are within our control and some things are not. It is only after you have faced upto this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and cannot control, that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible."
Our ultimate destiny of hell/paradise, is our choice...it is within our control. This choice is a God-given gift to us---but with it comes the responsibility of facing the consequences of choosing wrong belief. What is wrong belief?---Epictetus explains "We are born into essential goodness, endowed with natural intuitions about what is good and worthy and what is not. The appropriate response to bad deeds is pity for the perpetrators, since they have adopted unsound beliefs and are deprived of the most valuable human capacity, the ability to differentiate what's truly good and bad for them. Their original moral intuitions have become distorted, so they have no chance at inner serenity."
Our ultimate destiny of hell/paradise, is our choice...it is within our control. This choice is a God-given gift to us---but with it comes the responsibility of facing the consequences of choosing wrong belief. What is wrong belief?---Epictetus explains "We are born into essential goodness, endowed with natural intuitions about what is good and worthy and what is not. The appropriate response to bad deeds is pity for the perpetrators, since they have adopted unsound beliefs and are deprived of the most valuable human capacity, the ability to differentiate what's truly good and bad for them. Their original moral intuitions have become distorted, so they have no chance at inner serenity."
How can we prevent ourselves from adopting wrong belief?----A good starting point is an attitude of humility. Rabindranath Tagore said "We come nearest to the Great when we are great in humility". God-awareness (Taqwa), helps remind us of right belief. ---which is, to develop right intentions that create right actions for the benefit all of God's creations.
"of all the causes which conspire to blind man's erring judgment and misguide the mind, what the weak head with strongest bias rules is pride, the never ending vice of fools."----- Alexander Pope.
Surah 38, verses 27-29
27. Not without purpose did we create heaven and earth and all between! The (opposite) were the thoughts of the unbelievers. But woe to the unbelievers because of the fire (of hell)
28. Shall we treat those who believe and work deeds of rightness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall we treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from right?
29. (here is) a book which we have sent down to you, full of blessings that all may meditate on its signs, and that people of understanding may receive admonition.
"God puts into hellfire only those who refuse to go anywhere else"---Prophet Muhammed(pbuh)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Time
Surah 76 Ad-Dahr verse 1-9
1. Has there not been over man a long period of time, when he was nothing, not even mentioned?
2. Surely, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so we gave him (the gifts) of hearing and sight.
3. We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful
4. For the rejecters, We have prepared chains, Yokes, and a blazing fire.
5. As to the righteous, they shall drink of a cup filled with kafur (Comphor)
6. A fountain where the servants of God drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance.
7. They fulfill their vows and fear a day whose evil flies far and wide
8. And they give food out of love of God, to the indigent, the orphan and the captive,-
9. (Saying) We feed you for the sake of God alone: No reward do we desire from you nor thanks.
Scientists speculate that the universe is approximately 14 billion years old. Light began to be formed around 400,000 years after the Big Bang. These are "earth-centric" time periods. They seem very long when we compare them to our own life span. Comparatively, our life-span on earth would seem like the blink of an eye. In the short time of our life-span, God asks us to remember him so that we may treat all of his creation with compassion and mercy. By being grateful for all of God's blessings, we acknowledge the value of these blessings in our lives and this increases us in compassion and mercy, with which we grow in our spirituality.
In order that we may accomplish this simple Divine request to remember him, God has gifted us with the senses that help us interract with our world, the intelligence to understand, and the free-will to implement our understanding. Because of his immense compassion and mercy, God has given us a short time period in which we can fulfill his simple request so that we are not overburdened. When we do good for God, we open our hearts to inner serenity and tranquility. As Epictetus explains, "happiness and personal fulfillment are a natural consequence of doing the right thing."...and by doing right, we become better human beings and by this effort, we become worthy of paradise. As Seneca explains "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials."
1. Has there not been over man a long period of time, when he was nothing, not even mentioned?
2. Surely, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so we gave him (the gifts) of hearing and sight.
3. We showed him the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful
4. For the rejecters, We have prepared chains, Yokes, and a blazing fire.
5. As to the righteous, they shall drink of a cup filled with kafur (Comphor)
6. A fountain where the servants of God drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance.
7. They fulfill their vows and fear a day whose evil flies far and wide
8. And they give food out of love of God, to the indigent, the orphan and the captive,-
9. (Saying) We feed you for the sake of God alone: No reward do we desire from you nor thanks.
Scientists speculate that the universe is approximately 14 billion years old. Light began to be formed around 400,000 years after the Big Bang. These are "earth-centric" time periods. They seem very long when we compare them to our own life span. Comparatively, our life-span on earth would seem like the blink of an eye. In the short time of our life-span, God asks us to remember him so that we may treat all of his creation with compassion and mercy. By being grateful for all of God's blessings, we acknowledge the value of these blessings in our lives and this increases us in compassion and mercy, with which we grow in our spirituality.
In order that we may accomplish this simple Divine request to remember him, God has gifted us with the senses that help us interract with our world, the intelligence to understand, and the free-will to implement our understanding. Because of his immense compassion and mercy, God has given us a short time period in which we can fulfill his simple request so that we are not overburdened. When we do good for God, we open our hearts to inner serenity and tranquility. As Epictetus explains, "happiness and personal fulfillment are a natural consequence of doing the right thing."...and by doing right, we become better human beings and by this effort, we become worthy of paradise. As Seneca explains "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials."
Siox prayer
Grandfather Great Spirit
Fill us with light
Give us strength to understand
and the eyes to see
Teach us to walk the soft earth
As relatives
To all that live.
"Then do remember me; I will remember you. Be grateful to me and reject not faith."---Quran Surah 2, verse 152
Monday, January 3, 2011
miracles
Surah 3 verses 45-52
45. Behold! the Angels said: "O Mary, God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him: his name is Massih Isa, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to God.
46. He shall speak to the people in childhood and maturity and he shall be of the righteous.
47. She said "O my Lord, How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?" He said, "Even so, God creates what he wills: When he has decreed a matter, he but says to it "Be" and it is.
48. "And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and the Injil,
49. "And appoint him a messenger to the children of Israel, "(with this message): "I have come to you, with a sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: and heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I bring the dead into life, by God's leave; and I declare to you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Surely there is a sign for you if you did believe."
50. "(I have come) to attest the Torah which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear God and obey me."
51. "It is God who is my Lord and your Lord; Then worship him. This is a way that is straight."
52. When Isa found unbelief on their part he said: "Who will be my helpers to (the work of) God?" The Diciples said:"We are God's helpers, we believe in God and you bear witness that we are muslims."
Miracle=An effect or extra-ordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
Though language can clarify and edify, words can also be used to veil the truth, to delude. Sometimes, the use of too many words, get in the way of the simplicity of truth....and we miss it in our attempts to decipher the jumble of meaningless words........like the definition of the word "miracle" above.
All known human or natural powers must be ascribed to God if we are to understand truth at all. For, if God wills it "Be" and it is, and this is called a "miracle", then our very existence from our birth to the minutae of the events in our lives to our deaths is also a "miracle" for none of it would "Be" if God did not will it so. Therefore, the very supposition that some things are "extra-ordinary" and only such can be ascribed to the Supernatural/God/Divine....is actually veiling the truth of God.
Today we use defibrillators for those whose hearts have stopped. We use robotics---various "forms" made of metal and silicone that function with a switching on of a button, We are exploring the possibilities of repairing damaged organs and restoring health using stem cell research......maybe these things seem ordinary, maybe not, but none of it would be possible if God did not will it so. Yet we do not see God's compassion and mercy behind our human achievements for, in our muddled use of language, we forget to ascribe them to God. We become blind to the "signs of our Lord."
45. Behold! the Angels said: "O Mary, God gives you glad tidings of a word from Him: his name is Massih Isa, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to God.
46. He shall speak to the people in childhood and maturity and he shall be of the righteous.
47. She said "O my Lord, How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?" He said, "Even so, God creates what he wills: When he has decreed a matter, he but says to it "Be" and it is.
48. "And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and the Injil,
49. "And appoint him a messenger to the children of Israel, "(with this message): "I have come to you, with a sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: and heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I bring the dead into life, by God's leave; and I declare to you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Surely there is a sign for you if you did believe."
50. "(I have come) to attest the Torah which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear God and obey me."
51. "It is God who is my Lord and your Lord; Then worship him. This is a way that is straight."
52. When Isa found unbelief on their part he said: "Who will be my helpers to (the work of) God?" The Diciples said:"We are God's helpers, we believe in God and you bear witness that we are muslims."
Miracle=An effect or extra-ordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
Though language can clarify and edify, words can also be used to veil the truth, to delude. Sometimes, the use of too many words, get in the way of the simplicity of truth....and we miss it in our attempts to decipher the jumble of meaningless words........like the definition of the word "miracle" above.
All known human or natural powers must be ascribed to God if we are to understand truth at all. For, if God wills it "Be" and it is, and this is called a "miracle", then our very existence from our birth to the minutae of the events in our lives to our deaths is also a "miracle" for none of it would "Be" if God did not will it so. Therefore, the very supposition that some things are "extra-ordinary" and only such can be ascribed to the Supernatural/God/Divine....is actually veiling the truth of God.
Today we use defibrillators for those whose hearts have stopped. We use robotics---various "forms" made of metal and silicone that function with a switching on of a button, We are exploring the possibilities of repairing damaged organs and restoring health using stem cell research......maybe these things seem ordinary, maybe not, but none of it would be possible if God did not will it so. Yet we do not see God's compassion and mercy behind our human achievements for, in our muddled use of language, we forget to ascribe them to God. We become blind to the "signs of our Lord."
Friday, December 3, 2010
Moral Injury
Surah 5, verses 27-32
27. Recite to them the truth of the story of the 2 sons of Adam. They each presented a sacrifice. it was accepted from one but not the other. Said the latter : "Be sure I will kill you." Surely said the former, "God does accept the sacrifice of those who are righteous."
28. "if you do stretch your hand against me, to kill me, It is not for me to stretch my hand against you to kill you: for I do fear God, the Cherisher of the worlds.
29. "for me, I intend to let you draw on yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong."
30. The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him and became (himself) one of the lost ones.
31. Then God sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the naked body of his brother. "Woe is me" said he; "Was I not even to be as this raven, and hide the naked body of my brother?" Then he became full of regrets---
32. On that account we ordained for the children of Isreal that if any one killed a soul, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land---It would be as if he slew the whole people: and if he saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.
Then though there came to them many messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
Moral Injury = "perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about an act that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations"----Dr Brett Litz
All of us have had moments when we have disliked another. Dislike has the potential to turn into hate and when we hate, it is easy to forget that the "other" is our brother. When we forget the humanity of another, we also lose our own humanity.---we kill our soul and become of those who are lost. ---but when someone shows compassion and mercy to a lost soul, it is as if we have restored humanity---just as the raven showed compassion and mercy to a killer and showed him how to bury his brother.
Lao Tzu said "voilence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself." In this time of increasing intolerance and war, we must accept that intolerance cannot be fought with intolerance---for those who hate and kill are also our brothers. When any one of us commits a moral injury to himself, we injure all of humanity. My brother's inhumanity is also my inhumanity because we each have the potential to fall into brutality---but my humanity is also my brother's humanity because each of us also has the capacity arise to nobility.
We need to find a way to heal our collective moral injury. We need to see a new vision of the world---one that is based on saving a life instead of killing a soul. One that is based on Uniting instead of dividing, on restraining anger instead of committing excess, on giving instead of taking, on "inviting to all that is good and enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong." (Sura 3, v-104)
"One should see the world, and see himself as a scale---with an equal balance of good and evil.
When he does one good deed, the scale is tipped to the good----He and the world are saved.
When he does one evil deed, the scale is tipped to the bad----He and the world are destroyed."
----Moses Maimonides.
27. Recite to them the truth of the story of the 2 sons of Adam. They each presented a sacrifice. it was accepted from one but not the other. Said the latter : "Be sure I will kill you." Surely said the former, "God does accept the sacrifice of those who are righteous."
28. "if you do stretch your hand against me, to kill me, It is not for me to stretch my hand against you to kill you: for I do fear God, the Cherisher of the worlds.
29. "for me, I intend to let you draw on yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong."
30. The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him and became (himself) one of the lost ones.
31. Then God sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the naked body of his brother. "Woe is me" said he; "Was I not even to be as this raven, and hide the naked body of my brother?" Then he became full of regrets---
32. On that account we ordained for the children of Isreal that if any one killed a soul, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land---It would be as if he slew the whole people: and if he saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.
Then though there came to them many messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
Moral Injury = "perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about an act that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations"----Dr Brett Litz
All of us have had moments when we have disliked another. Dislike has the potential to turn into hate and when we hate, it is easy to forget that the "other" is our brother. When we forget the humanity of another, we also lose our own humanity.---we kill our soul and become of those who are lost. ---but when someone shows compassion and mercy to a lost soul, it is as if we have restored humanity---just as the raven showed compassion and mercy to a killer and showed him how to bury his brother.
Lao Tzu said "voilence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself." In this time of increasing intolerance and war, we must accept that intolerance cannot be fought with intolerance---for those who hate and kill are also our brothers. When any one of us commits a moral injury to himself, we injure all of humanity. My brother's inhumanity is also my inhumanity because we each have the potential to fall into brutality---but my humanity is also my brother's humanity because each of us also has the capacity arise to nobility.
We need to find a way to heal our collective moral injury. We need to see a new vision of the world---one that is based on saving a life instead of killing a soul. One that is based on Uniting instead of dividing, on restraining anger instead of committing excess, on giving instead of taking, on "inviting to all that is good and enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong." (Sura 3, v-104)
"One should see the world, and see himself as a scale---with an equal balance of good and evil.
When he does one good deed, the scale is tipped to the good----He and the world are saved.
When he does one evil deed, the scale is tipped to the bad----He and the world are destroyed."
----Moses Maimonides.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Mercy
Surah 31 verse 20-24
20. Do you not see that God has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and the earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are people who dispute about God, without knowledge, without guidance and without a book to enlighten them.
21. When they are told to follow the (revelation) that God has sent, they say, No, we shall follow the ways of our fathers. What?!, even if it is Satan beckoning them to the chastisement of fire?
22. whoever submits his whole self to God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the firmest handlhold: and to God shall all things return.
23. but if any reject faith, let not his rejection grieve you for to us is their return, and we shall tell them the truth of their deeds: for God knows well all that is in mens hearts.
24. We grant them their pleasure for a little while : in the end shall we drive them to a chastisement unrelenting.
To be a Muslim is to freely submit to God's will and this means to be a "doer of good". Those who reject goodness/good deeds are those who reject God's will. Yet, God's mercy is so vast that those who freely submit to God's will and those who reject God's will are equally sustained and nourished through God's blessings and bounty. But why give blessings to those who reject goodness? Our life on earth--from birth to death--is an opportunity for spiritual growth. God is compassionate and merciful and during our time on earth, gives chances to even those who reject him so that if they do choose to turn to him in repentence, they can have a chance to taste his compassion and mercy. The nourishment and sustenance are blessings from God to all human beings, yet we sometimes take this for granted, thinking that it is simply part of life on earth. We fail to see God's love, compassion and mercy that is actually supporting our life on earth. ---But when we do, our relationship with God becomes filled with gratitude for his love and mercy. As Aristotle said "wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love." The love of God that springs from gratitude by acknowledging his blessings can become a transformative force. As someone said "To love is to recieve a glimpse of heaven." Human beings can use this transformative force for the benefit of all of God's creations. To spread out the blessings and mercy God is blessing us with, to those of God's creations who inhabit the earth along with us. When we transform ourselves, we transform our world.
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love." Sophocles.
20. Do you not see that God has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and the earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are people who dispute about God, without knowledge, without guidance and without a book to enlighten them.
21. When they are told to follow the (revelation) that God has sent, they say, No, we shall follow the ways of our fathers. What?!, even if it is Satan beckoning them to the chastisement of fire?
22. whoever submits his whole self to God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the firmest handlhold: and to God shall all things return.
23. but if any reject faith, let not his rejection grieve you for to us is their return, and we shall tell them the truth of their deeds: for God knows well all that is in mens hearts.
24. We grant them their pleasure for a little while : in the end shall we drive them to a chastisement unrelenting.
To be a Muslim is to freely submit to God's will and this means to be a "doer of good". Those who reject goodness/good deeds are those who reject God's will. Yet, God's mercy is so vast that those who freely submit to God's will and those who reject God's will are equally sustained and nourished through God's blessings and bounty. But why give blessings to those who reject goodness? Our life on earth--from birth to death--is an opportunity for spiritual growth. God is compassionate and merciful and during our time on earth, gives chances to even those who reject him so that if they do choose to turn to him in repentence, they can have a chance to taste his compassion and mercy. The nourishment and sustenance are blessings from God to all human beings, yet we sometimes take this for granted, thinking that it is simply part of life on earth. We fail to see God's love, compassion and mercy that is actually supporting our life on earth. ---But when we do, our relationship with God becomes filled with gratitude for his love and mercy. As Aristotle said "wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love." The love of God that springs from gratitude by acknowledging his blessings can become a transformative force. As someone said "To love is to recieve a glimpse of heaven." Human beings can use this transformative force for the benefit of all of God's creations. To spread out the blessings and mercy God is blessing us with, to those of God's creations who inhabit the earth along with us. When we transform ourselves, we transform our world.
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love." Sophocles.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Giving
Surah 55 Ar-Rahman
1. The most Compassionate
2. It is He who has taught the Quran
3. He has created the human being
4. He has taught him insight
5. The Sun and the Moon follow courses computed
6. and the herbs and the trees bow in adoration
7. and the firmament he has uplifted and he has established the balance of justice
8. In order that you may not transgress due balance
9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in balance
10 it is He who has spread the earth for his creatures
11 In it are fruits and sheathed date palms
12. and husked grain and scented herbs
13 then which of the favors of your lord will you deny?
Some People see love in the actions/deeds of a person. How much someone cares is measured in what the person has done for us. When thinking of God's love, we fall into this trap of trying to measure it in terms of what God has done for us-----Yet, true love is not about recieving but about giving. When a mother loves her child, she only thinks of what she can do for the benefit of her child. When we think of God's love---we should be thinking---not of what God has done for us, ---but what we can do for God. How can we best please God?---by having the right intentions that create the right actions for the benefit of all of his creations.
Because of God's love, his compassion and mercy, human beings have been given guidance, just as a mother thinks of the welfare of her beloved child. It is now upto us to honor this love by giving back........
1. The most Compassionate
2. It is He who has taught the Quran
3. He has created the human being
4. He has taught him insight
5. The Sun and the Moon follow courses computed
6. and the herbs and the trees bow in adoration
7. and the firmament he has uplifted and he has established the balance of justice
8. In order that you may not transgress due balance
9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in balance
10 it is He who has spread the earth for his creatures
11 In it are fruits and sheathed date palms
12. and husked grain and scented herbs
13 then which of the favors of your lord will you deny?
Some People see love in the actions/deeds of a person. How much someone cares is measured in what the person has done for us. When thinking of God's love, we fall into this trap of trying to measure it in terms of what God has done for us-----Yet, true love is not about recieving but about giving. When a mother loves her child, she only thinks of what she can do for the benefit of her child. When we think of God's love---we should be thinking---not of what God has done for us, ---but what we can do for God. How can we best please God?---by having the right intentions that create the right actions for the benefit of all of his creations.
Because of God's love, his compassion and mercy, human beings have been given guidance, just as a mother thinks of the welfare of her beloved child. It is now upto us to honor this love by giving back........
Monday, May 17, 2010
Guidance
Surah 48 Al-fat-h verses 1-5
1. Surely We have granted you a manifest victory
2. That God may forgive you the faults of your past and those to follow; fulfill his favor to you and guide you on the straight way.
3. And that God may help you with powerful help
4. It is he who sent down tranquility in the hearts of the believers, that they may add faith to their faith; for to God belongs the forces of the heavens and the earth; and God is full of knowledge and wisdom
5. That he may admit the men and women who believe, to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell there and to remove their sins from them, and that is in the sight of God, the grand triumph.
Surah 2, Al-Baqarah verses 255-257
255.God, there is no God but he
The living, the self-subsisting, the supporter of all
No slumber can seize hime, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and the earth
Who is he can intercede in his presence except as he permits? He know what is before or after or behind them.
Nor shall they compass any of his knowledge except as he wills. His throne does extend over the heavens and the earth and he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them.
For he is the most high, the supeme.
256. let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and beleives in God has grasped the most trusted handhold, that never breaks. And God hears and knows all things
257. God is the protector of those who have faith. from the depth of darkness, he will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith, the patrons are the evil ones, from light, they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. they will be the companions of the fire, to dwell therein.
Guidance should not only improve, instruct, ennoble, and empower, it must also inspire in the reciever a transformative energy/force that will create a motivation /attitude of change for the better.
The Quran,
Its Guidance is for the taking
If we want it
Its secrets are to be shared by us,
If we seek them,
Its sweetness is apparent,
iIf we savor it.
"Do not be daunted by the ennormity of the wolds grief.
Do justly now
Love mercy now
Walk humbly now
You are not obligated to complete the work,
But neither are you free to abandon it."
-----The Talmud
1. Surely We have granted you a manifest victory
2. That God may forgive you the faults of your past and those to follow; fulfill his favor to you and guide you on the straight way.
3. And that God may help you with powerful help
4. It is he who sent down tranquility in the hearts of the believers, that they may add faith to their faith; for to God belongs the forces of the heavens and the earth; and God is full of knowledge and wisdom
5. That he may admit the men and women who believe, to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell there and to remove their sins from them, and that is in the sight of God, the grand triumph.
Surah 2, Al-Baqarah verses 255-257
255.God, there is no God but he
The living, the self-subsisting, the supporter of all
No slumber can seize hime, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and the earth
Who is he can intercede in his presence except as he permits? He know what is before or after or behind them.
Nor shall they compass any of his knowledge except as he wills. His throne does extend over the heavens and the earth and he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them.
For he is the most high, the supeme.
256. let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and beleives in God has grasped the most trusted handhold, that never breaks. And God hears and knows all things
257. God is the protector of those who have faith. from the depth of darkness, he will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith, the patrons are the evil ones, from light, they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. they will be the companions of the fire, to dwell therein.
Guidance should not only improve, instruct, ennoble, and empower, it must also inspire in the reciever a transformative energy/force that will create a motivation /attitude of change for the better.
The Quran,
Its Guidance is for the taking
If we want it
Its secrets are to be shared by us,
If we seek them,
Its sweetness is apparent,
iIf we savor it.
"Do not be daunted by the ennormity of the wolds grief.
Do justly now
Love mercy now
Walk humbly now
You are not obligated to complete the work,
But neither are you free to abandon it."
-----The Talmud
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Gratitude
Surah Al Waqia (56) verses 63-74
63.Do you see the seed you sow in the ground?
64. Is it you that cause it to grow or are We the cause?
65. Were it our will, we could make it broken orts. and you would be left amazed.
66. (saying), "We are indeed left with debts"
67. "Indeed we are deprived"
68. See you the water which you drink?
69. Do you rain it down from the clouds or do We?
70. Were it our will, we could make it saltish (unpalatable). Then why do you not give thanks?
71. See you the fire which you kindle?
72. Is it you who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
73. We have made it an article of comfort and convenience for the denizns of the deserts
74. Then glorify the name of your Lord, the supreme!
It is often the little things in life that bring us the greatest, most sincere joy. Yet, in savoring the happiness of the moment, we overlook to thank God. Often, we are so focused on ourselves, that we overlook the big things too. It is a priveledge to live on this planet, to enjoy the wonders of nature, to eat of the foods from the earth, the sea, and the soil, to have the company of those we love......yet, we forget to thank God. In this age of abundance and luxury, our attention sometimes wanders to the things we do not have but would like to have. In our pursuit of achievements or success, we forget that our stay here is transitory, that our final destination is to God..... Our God, who is compassionate and merciful and has given us so much.Instead of looking at all the inconveniences and trails of the day, it is time to strive for an attitude of gratitude for the blessings we have been given. To remember to take the time to thank God, the compassionate and the merciful.
For each new morning with its light
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food
For love and freinds
For everything your goodness sends
---Thanksgiving by Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts
With our thoughts We make our world
-----Buddha
Let's try to fill our thoughts and our hearts with gratitude today......
63.Do you see the seed you sow in the ground?
64. Is it you that cause it to grow or are We the cause?
65. Were it our will, we could make it broken orts. and you would be left amazed.
66. (saying), "We are indeed left with debts"
67. "Indeed we are deprived"
68. See you the water which you drink?
69. Do you rain it down from the clouds or do We?
70. Were it our will, we could make it saltish (unpalatable). Then why do you not give thanks?
71. See you the fire which you kindle?
72. Is it you who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
73. We have made it an article of comfort and convenience for the denizns of the deserts
74. Then glorify the name of your Lord, the supreme!
It is often the little things in life that bring us the greatest, most sincere joy. Yet, in savoring the happiness of the moment, we overlook to thank God. Often, we are so focused on ourselves, that we overlook the big things too. It is a priveledge to live on this planet, to enjoy the wonders of nature, to eat of the foods from the earth, the sea, and the soil, to have the company of those we love......yet, we forget to thank God. In this age of abundance and luxury, our attention sometimes wanders to the things we do not have but would like to have. In our pursuit of achievements or success, we forget that our stay here is transitory, that our final destination is to God..... Our God, who is compassionate and merciful and has given us so much.Instead of looking at all the inconveniences and trails of the day, it is time to strive for an attitude of gratitude for the blessings we have been given. To remember to take the time to thank God, the compassionate and the merciful.
For each new morning with its light
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food
For love and freinds
For everything your goodness sends
---Thanksgiving by Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts
With our thoughts We make our world
-----Buddha
Let's try to fill our thoughts and our hearts with gratitude today......
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Spiritual Pleasure
Surah 92 Al-Lail verses 12-21
12. Surely we take upon us to Guide
13. And surely to us (belong) the end and the beginning
14. Therefore I warn you of a fire blazing fiercely
15. None shall burn there but the most unfortunate ones
16. Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs
17. But those most devoted to God shall be removed far from it
18. Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification
19. And have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return
20. But only the desire to seek for the countenance of their Lord most High.
21. and soon will they atttain (complete) satisfaction.
Rabia Al Basri wrote----
If I adore you out of fear of hell
burn me in hell
If I adore you out of desire for paradise
lock me out of paradise
But, if I adore you
for yourself alone
Do not deny to me your eternal beauty.
Rumi wrote----
A heart without love is nothing but a handful of dust.
A human devoid of love is not worthy of humanity.
As intelligent human beings, we should not forget the values that make us civilized and humane. It is in ever striving for these noble values of compassion, mercy, justice, tolerance, patience, perseverance, love.....that we can create better selves and thus better societies.
Let us strive to be a little better today than we were yesterday.....
12. Surely we take upon us to Guide
13. And surely to us (belong) the end and the beginning
14. Therefore I warn you of a fire blazing fiercely
15. None shall burn there but the most unfortunate ones
16. Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs
17. But those most devoted to God shall be removed far from it
18. Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification
19. And have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return
20. But only the desire to seek for the countenance of their Lord most High.
21. and soon will they atttain (complete) satisfaction.
Rabia Al Basri wrote----
If I adore you out of fear of hell
burn me in hell
If I adore you out of desire for paradise
lock me out of paradise
But, if I adore you
for yourself alone
Do not deny to me your eternal beauty.
Rumi wrote----
A heart without love is nothing but a handful of dust.
A human devoid of love is not worthy of humanity.
As intelligent human beings, we should not forget the values that make us civilized and humane. It is in ever striving for these noble values of compassion, mercy, justice, tolerance, patience, perseverance, love.....that we can create better selves and thus better societies.
Let us strive to be a little better today than we were yesterday.....
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
law
Surah 91 Ash-Shams verses 1-9
In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful
1. By the sun and her brightening
2. By the moon when it follows her
3. By the day when it dispels her
4. By the earth and what shaped her
5. By the soul and what formed her
6. and revealed her debased
7. and revealed her faithful
8. whoever honors her flourishes
9. whoever defiles her fails.
When we contemplate on the world around us, we realize that everything works according to "Laws",....laws of biology, botany, physics etc. These laws are based on cause and effect, a particular cause creates a particular effect. So, it would be reasonable to assume that human beings are also under the influence of "laws". One law, whose effects on the human body we can observe with science, is the law of biochemistry. But we are more than just our body. We also have "self". This "self" is blessed with knowledge and free-will that gives us a certain amount of "control" over the "laws". Yet, this must have an 'effect" or consequence since all of creation works under "laws". This law of "self" is explained in the Quran. ---The right intentions, that lead to right actions for the benefit of all of God's creations. ---Adhering to this law benefits the self by strengthening it in spirituality, ignoring this law harms the "self" by debasing it.
This "law of self" is tied to the "law of Judgement", where the benefit and harm to our "self" will be weighed.
The Tao gives birth to all beings,
nourishes them, maintains them,
cares for them, comforts them
protects them,
takes them back into itself,
creating without possessing,
acting without expecting,
guiding without interfering,
That is why,
the love of the Tao
is in the very nature of things.
In the name of God, the compassionate and the merciful
1. By the sun and her brightening
2. By the moon when it follows her
3. By the day when it dispels her
4. By the earth and what shaped her
5. By the soul and what formed her
6. and revealed her debased
7. and revealed her faithful
8. whoever honors her flourishes
9. whoever defiles her fails.
When we contemplate on the world around us, we realize that everything works according to "Laws",....laws of biology, botany, physics etc. These laws are based on cause and effect, a particular cause creates a particular effect. So, it would be reasonable to assume that human beings are also under the influence of "laws". One law, whose effects on the human body we can observe with science, is the law of biochemistry. But we are more than just our body. We also have "self". This "self" is blessed with knowledge and free-will that gives us a certain amount of "control" over the "laws". Yet, this must have an 'effect" or consequence since all of creation works under "laws". This law of "self" is explained in the Quran. ---The right intentions, that lead to right actions for the benefit of all of God's creations. ---Adhering to this law benefits the self by strengthening it in spirituality, ignoring this law harms the "self" by debasing it.
This "law of self" is tied to the "law of Judgement", where the benefit and harm to our "self" will be weighed.
The Tao gives birth to all beings,
nourishes them, maintains them,
cares for them, comforts them
protects them,
takes them back into itself,
creating without possessing,
acting without expecting,
guiding without interfering,
That is why,
the love of the Tao
is in the very nature of things.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Iblis
Surah 7 al-araf verse 11-17
11. It is We who created you and gave you shape. Then we bade the angels prostrate to Adam. They did so, Not so Iblis; He refused.
12. "What prevented you from prostrating when I commaded you?" He said "I am better than him; you created me from fire and him from clay."
13. "Get down from it, it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are malicious.
14. He said "Give me respite till the day they are raised up."
15. "Be you among those who have respite."
16. He said "Because you have thrown me out, I will lie in wait for them on your straight way.
17. Then will I assault them from before them and behind them and from their right and their left; Nor will you find in most of them, gratitude (for your mercies)."
Iblis used his free will to choose a path that disobeyed God. Why did God give him respite? because God is merciful and compassionate to all his creation. The time that we have been given can be used for good, perchance, offsetting our errors. But some of us, in our arrogance and pride may refuse---and be ungrateful for God's mercies, just like Iblis. But if God is omnipotent, why give Iblis the opportunity to "assault" us on the straight way? Why not take away Iblis's free-will so that they will only be observers? Human beings naturally tend to view the world from a Human-centric perspective---everything should be for our well-being/convenience. But taking away free-will also means taking away the chance to repent. Would that not be an injustice? God's justice is for all of his creations.
This life is only a respite. We can use Iblisi logic, and in our arrogance and pride, disregard goodness---or we can walk on the Guided path. Blaming "evil" on God is simplistic. Iblis does not have any power except that which we give them. Because of our free-will, we are fully empowered to determine the course our life here on earth takes.
11. It is We who created you and gave you shape. Then we bade the angels prostrate to Adam. They did so, Not so Iblis; He refused.
12. "What prevented you from prostrating when I commaded you?" He said "I am better than him; you created me from fire and him from clay."
13. "Get down from it, it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are malicious.
14. He said "Give me respite till the day they are raised up."
15. "Be you among those who have respite."
16. He said "Because you have thrown me out, I will lie in wait for them on your straight way.
17. Then will I assault them from before them and behind them and from their right and their left; Nor will you find in most of them, gratitude (for your mercies)."
Iblis used his free will to choose a path that disobeyed God. Why did God give him respite? because God is merciful and compassionate to all his creation. The time that we have been given can be used for good, perchance, offsetting our errors. But some of us, in our arrogance and pride may refuse---and be ungrateful for God's mercies, just like Iblis. But if God is omnipotent, why give Iblis the opportunity to "assault" us on the straight way? Why not take away Iblis's free-will so that they will only be observers? Human beings naturally tend to view the world from a Human-centric perspective---everything should be for our well-being/convenience. But taking away free-will also means taking away the chance to repent. Would that not be an injustice? God's justice is for all of his creations.
This life is only a respite. We can use Iblisi logic, and in our arrogance and pride, disregard goodness---or we can walk on the Guided path. Blaming "evil" on God is simplistic. Iblis does not have any power except that which we give them. Because of our free-will, we are fully empowered to determine the course our life here on earth takes.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
conditional free-will
Surah 10 Yunus verses 104-109
104 Say: O you people! If you are in doubt as to my religion, (see) I worship not what you worship other than Allah. But I worship Allah---who will take your souls (at death). I am commanded to be of the believers.
105 And further, turn your face towards religion with true piety and never in any way be of the unbelievers.
106 Nor call on any other than Allah; such can neither profit you or hurt you--if you do only see, you will be of those who do wrong.
107 If Allah does touch you with hurt, there is none can remove it but he: If he do design some benefit for you, there is none can keep back his favor. He causes it to reach whomever of his servants he pleases. And He is the often forgiving, Most merciful.
108 Say: O you people. Truth has reached you from your Lord. Those who recieve guidance, do so for the good of their own souls ; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not going to arrange your affairs.
109 Follow the inspiration sent to you and be patient and constant, till Allah decides, for he is the best to decide.
God is Omnicient and Omnipotent and he decides everything. Yet, there is also the reality that we make our own choices and we are responsible for those choices. How do we reconcile these realities? Our free-will is from God and the level of free-will we have in any given circumstances is determined by God. Therefore, sometimes we have many choices, other times only a few and there may be occasions when we have no choice. Our level of responsibility depends on our level of free-will which is determined by God. We cannot escape our responsibilty by refusing to excercise our free will in the hopes that God will decide for us, for the choice to use or not use our God-given gift of free-will is a decision in itself. We must be actively involved in life and living and "arrange our affairs". However, God is compassionate and merciful and has given us a criteria (Quran) so that we have access to His wisdom when we make choices. If we choose to follow His wisdom, it will help us and ease our souls. Yet, as we excercise our free-will, we must also trust in God, ---his power and his love.
One must strive to make dynamic, creative, God-centered decisions. By putting our trust in God and his wisdom, we can make fearless choices. Vincent Van Gogh asks "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
"I love the man that can smile in trouble,
that can gather strength from distress,
and grow brave by reflection.
Tis the bussiness of little minds to shrink;
but he whose heart is firm,
and whose conscience approves his conduct,
will pursue his principles....." Thomas Paine.
104 Say: O you people! If you are in doubt as to my religion, (see) I worship not what you worship other than Allah. But I worship Allah---who will take your souls (at death). I am commanded to be of the believers.
105 And further, turn your face towards religion with true piety and never in any way be of the unbelievers.
106 Nor call on any other than Allah; such can neither profit you or hurt you--if you do only see, you will be of those who do wrong.
107 If Allah does touch you with hurt, there is none can remove it but he: If he do design some benefit for you, there is none can keep back his favor. He causes it to reach whomever of his servants he pleases. And He is the often forgiving, Most merciful.
108 Say: O you people. Truth has reached you from your Lord. Those who recieve guidance, do so for the good of their own souls ; those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not going to arrange your affairs.
109 Follow the inspiration sent to you and be patient and constant, till Allah decides, for he is the best to decide.
God is Omnicient and Omnipotent and he decides everything. Yet, there is also the reality that we make our own choices and we are responsible for those choices. How do we reconcile these realities? Our free-will is from God and the level of free-will we have in any given circumstances is determined by God. Therefore, sometimes we have many choices, other times only a few and there may be occasions when we have no choice. Our level of responsibility depends on our level of free-will which is determined by God. We cannot escape our responsibilty by refusing to excercise our free will in the hopes that God will decide for us, for the choice to use or not use our God-given gift of free-will is a decision in itself. We must be actively involved in life and living and "arrange our affairs". However, God is compassionate and merciful and has given us a criteria (Quran) so that we have access to His wisdom when we make choices. If we choose to follow His wisdom, it will help us and ease our souls. Yet, as we excercise our free-will, we must also trust in God, ---his power and his love.
One must strive to make dynamic, creative, God-centered decisions. By putting our trust in God and his wisdom, we can make fearless choices. Vincent Van Gogh asks "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
"I love the man that can smile in trouble,
that can gather strength from distress,
and grow brave by reflection.
Tis the bussiness of little minds to shrink;
but he whose heart is firm,
and whose conscience approves his conduct,
will pursue his principles....." Thomas Paine.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Judgement
Surah 45, Al-Jathiya verses 20-27
20.These are the clear evidences to men, and a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith.
21. What! do those who do evil deeds think that we shall make them as equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds,-that equal will be their life and their death? ill is the judgement that they make.
22. God created the Heavens and the Earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find recompense of what it has earned, and none of them shall be wronged.
23. Then do you see such a one as takes as his God his own vain desire? God has left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put an cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after God has withdrawn his guidance? Will you not then recieve admonition?
24. and they say : "What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us". But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture
25. And when our clear signs are rehearsed to them, their argument is nothing but this: they say "Bring (back) our forefathers, if what you say is true"
26.Say: "it is God who gives you life, then gives you death; then he will gather you together for a day of judgement about which there is no doubt". but most men do not know.
27. To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and the day that the hour of Judgement is established,- that day will the followers of falsehood perish.
Human beings have an inherent potential for goodness. But sometimes we fail ourselves and we fail God when we choose badness. Evilness degrades our soul. Our life on earth may have blessings but it also has trials and sufferring. Without heaven, our life on earth would have no meaning--all that we do, our goodness, trials and blessings will be for nothing. Without heaven, there would be chaos because there would be no point in being good and doing good.
God created the Universe in balance and harmony. God created the earth and heaven in justice. Our actions and intentions during our time on earth have a meaning and purpose. We are accountable for our choices and we will be judged for all we do. Those who have striven for good and asked forgiveness for their lapse will be rewarded---for this is justice tempered with compassion and mercy. Yet, justice also demands that those who have caused sufferring and pain to others be held accountable for their deeds, and be punished. Aristotle said "In justice is all virtues found in sum."
"Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience, recognize also the voice of justice."
---Aleksander Solzhenisyn
"The way of heaven:
benifit all, harm none"
Lao Tzu.
20.These are the clear evidences to men, and a guidance and mercy to those of assured faith.
21. What! do those who do evil deeds think that we shall make them as equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds,-that equal will be their life and their death? ill is the judgement that they make.
22. God created the Heavens and the Earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find recompense of what it has earned, and none of them shall be wronged.
23. Then do you see such a one as takes as his God his own vain desire? God has left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put an cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after God has withdrawn his guidance? Will you not then recieve admonition?
24. and they say : "What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us". But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture
25. And when our clear signs are rehearsed to them, their argument is nothing but this: they say "Bring (back) our forefathers, if what you say is true"
26.Say: "it is God who gives you life, then gives you death; then he will gather you together for a day of judgement about which there is no doubt". but most men do not know.
27. To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and the day that the hour of Judgement is established,- that day will the followers of falsehood perish.
Human beings have an inherent potential for goodness. But sometimes we fail ourselves and we fail God when we choose badness. Evilness degrades our soul. Our life on earth may have blessings but it also has trials and sufferring. Without heaven, our life on earth would have no meaning--all that we do, our goodness, trials and blessings will be for nothing. Without heaven, there would be chaos because there would be no point in being good and doing good.
God created the Universe in balance and harmony. God created the earth and heaven in justice. Our actions and intentions during our time on earth have a meaning and purpose. We are accountable for our choices and we will be judged for all we do. Those who have striven for good and asked forgiveness for their lapse will be rewarded---for this is justice tempered with compassion and mercy. Yet, justice also demands that those who have caused sufferring and pain to others be held accountable for their deeds, and be punished. Aristotle said "In justice is all virtues found in sum."
"Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience, recognize also the voice of justice."
---Aleksander Solzhenisyn
"The way of heaven:
benifit all, harm none"
Lao Tzu.
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