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.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Trials
Surah 90, verses 1-20
In the name of God the Compassionate and the Caring
1. I swear by this place
2. And you are the inhabitants of this place
3. By the begettor and the begotten
4. We created the human being in hardship
5. Does he think there is no power over him?
6. He says: look at the goods I consumed
7. Does he think no one sees him?
8. Did we not endow him with eyes, lips, and tongue
9. And guide him to the two high plains
10.And yet, he did not climb the steep path
11.What can tell you of the steep path?
12.To free a slave
13.To feed the destitute on a day of hunger
14.A kinsman, orphan, or a stranger out of luck, in need.
15.Be of those who keep the faith(trust)
16.Who counsel one another to patience
17.Who counsel to compassion
18.They are of the right.
19.As for those who cast our signs away, they are of the left.
20.Over them a vault of fire.
We are capable, intelligent beings with much potential for good if we so choose. Yet, even the best of people among us go through pain and sufferring in their lives. Prophet Muhammed(pbuh) is an example of an exemplary human being and a Muslim(One who submits to God), yet he sufferred too.
Our life experiences are a test. We choose how we deal with them. In war-torn Iraq, some may feel there is no God when they see such senseless pain and sufferring all around them. Some may feel immense anger and helplessness. We may be one of those who cast his signs away because we refuse to see his compassion and mercy and only see despair and destruction.
Yet, we are the inhabitants of this place, we have it within us to help another in need, no matter how great our own need. We have within us the fortitude to climb the steep path.
Courage is made up of patience and faith(trust in God). Instead of dwelling on the material things we lose, we should reflect on the spirituality, patience, and compassion gained by the difficult life experiences. .....even a cactus blooms in the desolate desert.
Surah 67, verses 1-2
1. Blessed be he in whose hands is dominion and he has power over all things
2. He, who created death and life, that he may try which of you is best in deed.
In the name of God the Compassionate and the Caring
1. I swear by this place
2. And you are the inhabitants of this place
3. By the begettor and the begotten
4. We created the human being in hardship
5. Does he think there is no power over him?
6. He says: look at the goods I consumed
7. Does he think no one sees him?
8. Did we not endow him with eyes, lips, and tongue
9. And guide him to the two high plains
10.And yet, he did not climb the steep path
11.What can tell you of the steep path?
12.To free a slave
13.To feed the destitute on a day of hunger
14.A kinsman, orphan, or a stranger out of luck, in need.
15.Be of those who keep the faith(trust)
16.Who counsel one another to patience
17.Who counsel to compassion
18.They are of the right.
19.As for those who cast our signs away, they are of the left.
20.Over them a vault of fire.
We are capable, intelligent beings with much potential for good if we so choose. Yet, even the best of people among us go through pain and sufferring in their lives. Prophet Muhammed(pbuh) is an example of an exemplary human being and a Muslim(One who submits to God), yet he sufferred too.
Our life experiences are a test. We choose how we deal with them. In war-torn Iraq, some may feel there is no God when they see such senseless pain and sufferring all around them. Some may feel immense anger and helplessness. We may be one of those who cast his signs away because we refuse to see his compassion and mercy and only see despair and destruction.
Yet, we are the inhabitants of this place, we have it within us to help another in need, no matter how great our own need. We have within us the fortitude to climb the steep path.
Courage is made up of patience and faith(trust in God). Instead of dwelling on the material things we lose, we should reflect on the spirituality, patience, and compassion gained by the difficult life experiences. .....even a cactus blooms in the desolate desert.
Surah 67, verses 1-2
1. Blessed be he in whose hands is dominion and he has power over all things
2. He, who created death and life, that he may try which of you is best in deed.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Suffering
Surah 64 Al-Tagabun verses 8-11
8. Believe, therefore, in Allah and his messenger, and in the light which we have sent down. And Allah is well aquainted with all you do.
9. The day that he assembles you for a day of assembly--that will be a day of mutual loss and gain (among you). And those who believe in Allah and work righteousness--he will remove from them their ill, and he will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: that will be the supreme triumph.
10. But those who reject faith and treat our signs as falsehoods, they will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein for aye: and evil is that goal.
11. No kind of Calamity can occur except by leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (He) Guides his heart: for Allah knows all things.
Sometimes it is simply easier to be intellectually lazy.---and we humans will often take the easier route. These verses are interesting because they hint at the root of suffering---as well as its solution.
Euclides frames his understanding of Suffering and God's nature----
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
then he is not omnipotent
Is he able, but not willing?
then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence comes evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him GOD?
In the above, the key that is missing in the understanding of suffering is Human beings and the effect/consequences of their free-will. When we frame questions in order to understand a phenomenon or problem, we should take into consideration all aspects, for to do otherwise is to frame the wrong question---thus giving ourselves the wrong answer.
If God is omnipotent and therefore, capable of preventing evil---then where does suffering originate from? It comes from the consequences of the egoic actions of human beings. ---But, one might argue---there are forces of nature beyond human control--such as the Asian Tsunami, Katrina(U.S.), or the earthquakes in Asia.(for example China---where a school building collapsed). While it may be easier to blame God, it would be intellectually lazy to do so---in all of these instances, it was human actions that intensified the sufferring, --In China, the buildings were made of shoddy materials--so that someone could make more profit---Katrina---the whole area was built on a former marshland that was below sea level---it was a disaster waiting to happen---and the time was up. In the case of the Asian Tsunami---U.S. warning systems were all over the sea-bed---but secrecy was more important than lives and adequate warning was never passed on to the relevant governments---We humans have the intelligence and the technology to alleviate and/or prevent much of the sufferring in our world---if we co-operate with each other, respect nature and all of God's creations, there is much good that we can do---instead we are divided---too worried about our own petty concerns.
We may be the cause of much of our sufferring but we are also the solution. Many of our Wisdom teachings tell us that all mankind is one family, we are brothers and sisters of each other. As members of a global family, we can show mutual respect, concern and compassion for each other. With this inner attitude, possibilities can open up for much good action....Inshallah.
Our free-will is a gift from God. We can choose to use it wisely for the good of all of his creation.
8. Believe, therefore, in Allah and his messenger, and in the light which we have sent down. And Allah is well aquainted with all you do.
9. The day that he assembles you for a day of assembly--that will be a day of mutual loss and gain (among you). And those who believe in Allah and work righteousness--he will remove from them their ill, and he will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: that will be the supreme triumph.
10. But those who reject faith and treat our signs as falsehoods, they will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein for aye: and evil is that goal.
11. No kind of Calamity can occur except by leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (He) Guides his heart: for Allah knows all things.
Sometimes it is simply easier to be intellectually lazy.---and we humans will often take the easier route. These verses are interesting because they hint at the root of suffering---as well as its solution.
Euclides frames his understanding of Suffering and God's nature----
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
then he is not omnipotent
Is he able, but not willing?
then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?
Then whence comes evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him GOD?
In the above, the key that is missing in the understanding of suffering is Human beings and the effect/consequences of their free-will. When we frame questions in order to understand a phenomenon or problem, we should take into consideration all aspects, for to do otherwise is to frame the wrong question---thus giving ourselves the wrong answer.
If God is omnipotent and therefore, capable of preventing evil---then where does suffering originate from? It comes from the consequences of the egoic actions of human beings. ---But, one might argue---there are forces of nature beyond human control--such as the Asian Tsunami, Katrina(U.S.), or the earthquakes in Asia.(for example China---where a school building collapsed). While it may be easier to blame God, it would be intellectually lazy to do so---in all of these instances, it was human actions that intensified the sufferring, --In China, the buildings were made of shoddy materials--so that someone could make more profit---Katrina---the whole area was built on a former marshland that was below sea level---it was a disaster waiting to happen---and the time was up. In the case of the Asian Tsunami---U.S. warning systems were all over the sea-bed---but secrecy was more important than lives and adequate warning was never passed on to the relevant governments---We humans have the intelligence and the technology to alleviate and/or prevent much of the sufferring in our world---if we co-operate with each other, respect nature and all of God's creations, there is much good that we can do---instead we are divided---too worried about our own petty concerns.
We may be the cause of much of our sufferring but we are also the solution. Many of our Wisdom teachings tell us that all mankind is one family, we are brothers and sisters of each other. As members of a global family, we can show mutual respect, concern and compassion for each other. With this inner attitude, possibilities can open up for much good action....Inshallah.
Our free-will is a gift from God. We can choose to use it wisely for the good of all of his creation.
Monday, November 23, 2009
relationships
Surah 31 verses 12-19
12 We bestowed (in the past) Wisdom on Luqman: "Show your gratitude to God." Any who is so grateful does so to the benefit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, surely God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
13 Luqman said to hs son: "O my son! Join not in worship (others) with God for false worship is indeed the hightest wrong-doing.
14 And we have enjoined on man to be good to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in years twain was his weaning. (hear this command)"Show gratitude to me and to your parents: to me is your final goal."
15 And if they make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; Yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me: in the end the return of you all is to me, and I will tell you all that you did.
16. Luqman said "O my son, if there is a weight of a mustard seed and it were hidden in a rock or anywhere in the heavens or on earth , God will bring it forth and God is subtle and aware.
17 O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just and forbid what is wrong and bear with patience constancy whatever happens, for this is firmness (of purpose) in the (conduct of) affairs.
18 And don't swell your cheek (in pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth: for God does not love the arrogant boaster.
19 And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of an ass."
This may have been Luqman's advice to his son, but there is much we can learn from it. True faith comes from inside---from the integrity of character, and this is best reflected in our relationship with our parents. In our pursuit of ambition and pleasure, we should not forget the sacrifices our parents have made for us. Likewise, we should always be grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on us. If we keep in mind that our return is to God, it will help us in our journey through life. It is not for us to determine what someone else is doing or not doing---for God knows all---we should concentrate on our soul/self, for we can only control our own intentions and actions. Practicing, moderation, patience and humility in our relationships, we strengthen our character and bring our soul/self closer to true faith.
12 We bestowed (in the past) Wisdom on Luqman: "Show your gratitude to God." Any who is so grateful does so to the benefit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, surely God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
13 Luqman said to hs son: "O my son! Join not in worship (others) with God for false worship is indeed the hightest wrong-doing.
14 And we have enjoined on man to be good to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in years twain was his weaning. (hear this command)"Show gratitude to me and to your parents: to me is your final goal."
15 And if they make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; Yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to me: in the end the return of you all is to me, and I will tell you all that you did.
16. Luqman said "O my son, if there is a weight of a mustard seed and it were hidden in a rock or anywhere in the heavens or on earth , God will bring it forth and God is subtle and aware.
17 O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just and forbid what is wrong and bear with patience constancy whatever happens, for this is firmness (of purpose) in the (conduct of) affairs.
18 And don't swell your cheek (in pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth: for God does not love the arrogant boaster.
19 And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of an ass."
This may have been Luqman's advice to his son, but there is much we can learn from it. True faith comes from inside---from the integrity of character, and this is best reflected in our relationship with our parents. In our pursuit of ambition and pleasure, we should not forget the sacrifices our parents have made for us. Likewise, we should always be grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on us. If we keep in mind that our return is to God, it will help us in our journey through life. It is not for us to determine what someone else is doing or not doing---for God knows all---we should concentrate on our soul/self, for we can only control our own intentions and actions. Practicing, moderation, patience and humility in our relationships, we strengthen our character and bring our soul/self closer to true faith.
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