Surah 59 (Al-Hashr) verses 21-24
21. Had we sent down this Quran on a mountain , Surely you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder in awe of Allah. Such are the similitudes which we give to men that they may reflect.
22. Allah is he than whom there is no other God; who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, most gracious, most merciful.
23. Allah is he than whom there is no other God---the sovereign. the holy One , the source of peace (and perfection),the gaurdian of faith, the perserver of safety, the exalted in might, the irrisistible, the justly proud, glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to him.
24. He is Allah, the creator, the originator, the fashioner, to him belong the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth does declare his praises and glory, and He is the exalted in might, the wise.
Language is limited and inadequate. It cannot explain the unexplainable. It cannot fathom the unfathomable. It cannot be used to create a picture or image of the uncreated.
Lao Tzu says it well....
Since before time and space were, Tao is
It is beyond "is" and "is not"
How do i know this is true?
I look inside myself and see.
We cannot use the limited and inadequate tool of language to understand God....we must use our hearts and our souls....
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Mountains shall vanish
Surah 78 verses 1 - 20
In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful.
1. Concerning what are they disputing?
2. Concerning the great news
3. About which they cannot agree
4. Surely they shall soon know
5. Surely, surely, they shall soon know
6. Have we not made the earth as a wide expanse
7. And the mountains as pegs?
8. And created you in pairs?
9. And made your sleep for rest,
10. And made the night as a covering
11. And made the day as a means of subsistance?
12. And built over you many firmaments
13. And placed (therein) a blazing lamp
14. And do we not send down from the clouds water in abundance
15. That we may produce threwith grain and vegetables
16. And gardens of luxurious growth?
17. Surely the day of sorting out is a thing appointed
18. The day that the trumpet shall be sounded, and you shall come forward in crowds
19. And the Heavens shall be opened as if there were doors
20. And the mountains shall vanish as if they were a mirage.
Science has advanced and with it our understanding of how our universe works. Knowledge has the potential of making us arrogant. Because we know how things work, we might presume that we can "control" everything around us. If things work according to "laws' such as the laws of physics for example---then if we understand these "laws" and learn to manipulate and control them, then we "master" our surroundings---or so we think.
But this feeling of superiority/control is only an illusion--everything around us works because of God. Even simple things such as growing a vegetable garden. We might think that because we water it everyday and take care of it---that the vegetables were grown by us---but this is an illusion. On the day of judgement--illusions will be washed away like a mirage and we will see reality.
Does this mean that we are powerless? Our free-will is a gift to be used wisely. If we recognize that all things are "submitting to God" ---be it a plant growing from the soil, or rain falling from the sky, Then perhaps we can learn to be more humble. When we give up our arrogance--we will better appreciate and respect all of God's gifts to us---and be grateful.
Some scientists are looking at nature with different eyes. They have begun to appreciate the awwsome efficiency and perfection of nature and are trying to copy it/use it for the benefit of humans and the environment. They call it biomimicry.
In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful.
1. Concerning what are they disputing?
2. Concerning the great news
3. About which they cannot agree
4. Surely they shall soon know
5. Surely, surely, they shall soon know
6. Have we not made the earth as a wide expanse
7. And the mountains as pegs?
8. And created you in pairs?
9. And made your sleep for rest,
10. And made the night as a covering
11. And made the day as a means of subsistance?
12. And built over you many firmaments
13. And placed (therein) a blazing lamp
14. And do we not send down from the clouds water in abundance
15. That we may produce threwith grain and vegetables
16. And gardens of luxurious growth?
17. Surely the day of sorting out is a thing appointed
18. The day that the trumpet shall be sounded, and you shall come forward in crowds
19. And the Heavens shall be opened as if there were doors
20. And the mountains shall vanish as if they were a mirage.
Science has advanced and with it our understanding of how our universe works. Knowledge has the potential of making us arrogant. Because we know how things work, we might presume that we can "control" everything around us. If things work according to "laws' such as the laws of physics for example---then if we understand these "laws" and learn to manipulate and control them, then we "master" our surroundings---or so we think.
But this feeling of superiority/control is only an illusion--everything around us works because of God. Even simple things such as growing a vegetable garden. We might think that because we water it everyday and take care of it---that the vegetables were grown by us---but this is an illusion. On the day of judgement--illusions will be washed away like a mirage and we will see reality.
Does this mean that we are powerless? Our free-will is a gift to be used wisely. If we recognize that all things are "submitting to God" ---be it a plant growing from the soil, or rain falling from the sky, Then perhaps we can learn to be more humble. When we give up our arrogance--we will better appreciate and respect all of God's gifts to us---and be grateful.
Some scientists are looking at nature with different eyes. They have begun to appreciate the awwsome efficiency and perfection of nature and are trying to copy it/use it for the benefit of humans and the environment. They call it biomimicry.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Ask not
Surah 2 verses 268-272
268-Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you conduct unseemly.
God promises you his forgiveness and bounties. And God cares for all and he knows all things.
269-He grants wisdom to whom he pleases, and to whom wisdom is granted, he recieves a benefit overflowing: but none will recieve admonition except men of understanding.
270-And whatever you spend in charity or whatever promises you make, be sure God knows it all. But the wrongdoers have no helpers.
271-If you disclose acts of charity, it is ok, but if you conceal them and make it reach those in need, that is best for you: It will remove some of your stains. And God is well aquainted with what you do.
272-It is not for you to guide them to the right path. But God guides whom he pleases. Whatever of good you give benefits your own soul and you shall do so seeking God's countenance. Whatever of good you give, shall be rendered back to you and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.
As the world grapples with the potential of a global financial crises, it is appropriate to reflect on President Kennedy's famous words--but with a twist---Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God.----
And what we can do for God is to have the right intentions that create right actions for the benefit of all God's creations.
What we can do, is put morality and ethics in the forefront of our bussiness practices where the benefit to our fellow man is of paramount importance rather than the amount of money one can rip off in the short term.
What we can do, is remind our politicians that they serve the people---not corporations. Their responsibility is to their fellow citizens. And what is best for people, is a moral, ethical and responsible gevernment.
What we can do, is take care of our selves, our family, our relations, our neighbours, and those in need so that we can all hope for a better future.
But what we really should do is use our intelligence to find ways on how best we can serve God.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Power of Good
Surah 41 verse 34-36
34. Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better: then between whom was hatred, become as it were, friends and intimates.
35. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self restraint--none but persons of the greatest good fortune.
36. And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to you by satan, seek refuge in God. He is the one who hears and knows all things.
Goodness is a powerful tool---powerful enough to melt away hate--but, to use it well, requires the strength of patience and self-restraint.
The Golden rule of Confucious--
" What one does not wish for oneself, one aught not to do to anyone else, what one recognizes as desirable for oneself, one aught to be willing to grant to others"
--- it is a wise rule to follow in our daily relations and the foundation on which courtesy and manners are built. But to take it a step further and be kind, courteous and good to those whom we dislike can be difficult. It can be done if we are able to develop in ourselves compassion and mercy for those whom we cannot like or understand.
In today's uncertain world, it is worthwile to have faith in the power of good--to have good intentions that create good actions for the benefit of God's creations.
Zoaraster
Every human being must strive to understand the eternal law of truth and righteousness (Asha vahista=Good mind) and must try to realize it in his daily life. In order to do this, he must cultivate love---universal love---(Vohu manu=ethical thought) and realize it deep within his inne self. This truth and love once realized, must be translated into acts of service (khshathra vairya=supreme power) All through, one must hold fast to firm unshaken faith (Spenta armati=Holy devotion) faith in the essential goodness and divinity of all creation, and thus one attains to perfection and immortality (Haurvatat and Ameretat) and becomes perfect as our Ahura mazda (divine) ....
What goodness shall we spread today?
34. Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is better: then between whom was hatred, become as it were, friends and intimates.
35. And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self restraint--none but persons of the greatest good fortune.
36. And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to you by satan, seek refuge in God. He is the one who hears and knows all things.
Goodness is a powerful tool---powerful enough to melt away hate--but, to use it well, requires the strength of patience and self-restraint.
The Golden rule of Confucious--
" What one does not wish for oneself, one aught not to do to anyone else, what one recognizes as desirable for oneself, one aught to be willing to grant to others"
--- it is a wise rule to follow in our daily relations and the foundation on which courtesy and manners are built. But to take it a step further and be kind, courteous and good to those whom we dislike can be difficult. It can be done if we are able to develop in ourselves compassion and mercy for those whom we cannot like or understand.
In today's uncertain world, it is worthwile to have faith in the power of good--to have good intentions that create good actions for the benefit of God's creations.
Zoaraster
Every human being must strive to understand the eternal law of truth and righteousness (Asha vahista=Good mind) and must try to realize it in his daily life. In order to do this, he must cultivate love---universal love---(Vohu manu=ethical thought) and realize it deep within his inne self. This truth and love once realized, must be translated into acts of service (khshathra vairya=supreme power) All through, one must hold fast to firm unshaken faith (Spenta armati=Holy devotion) faith in the essential goodness and divinity of all creation, and thus one attains to perfection and immortality (Haurvatat and Ameretat) and becomes perfect as our Ahura mazda (divine) ....
What goodness shall we spread today?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
life
Surah 102
1.The mutual rivalry for piling up things diverts you
2.Until you visit the graves
3. No, you shall soon know
4. Again, you shall know!
5. Nay, were you to know with certainty of mind
6. You shall certainly see hellfire!
7. Again, you shall see it with certainty of sight
8. Then shall you be questioned that day about the indulgence.
The approval of others, success, the desire for achievement, these become our goals so that we forget ourselves. We get caught up in accumulating approval, success, achievements etc and we can feel lost without these goals. But our life here on earth is short. Our fast paced life, from birth to death is like a falling raindrop. It is too late to realize what is important when it is almost over. "Things" can never satisfy our soul. Such hunger can only be satisfied by spirituality.
In order to live in such a way that regrets are minimal, it is important to create balance. We need to feed both our worldly needs and our spiritual needs.
Tao te ching
"The five colors blind the eye
The five tones deafen the ear
The five flavors overwhelm the palate
Fancy things get in the way of one's growth
Racing here and there,
hunting for this and that---
Good ways to madden your mind that's all
Relinquish what is without
Cultivate what is within
Live for your center, not your sences. "
1.The mutual rivalry for piling up things diverts you
2.Until you visit the graves
3. No, you shall soon know
4. Again, you shall know!
5. Nay, were you to know with certainty of mind
6. You shall certainly see hellfire!
7. Again, you shall see it with certainty of sight
8. Then shall you be questioned that day about the indulgence.
The approval of others, success, the desire for achievement, these become our goals so that we forget ourselves. We get caught up in accumulating approval, success, achievements etc and we can feel lost without these goals. But our life here on earth is short. Our fast paced life, from birth to death is like a falling raindrop. It is too late to realize what is important when it is almost over. "Things" can never satisfy our soul. Such hunger can only be satisfied by spirituality.
In order to live in such a way that regrets are minimal, it is important to create balance. We need to feed both our worldly needs and our spiritual needs.
Tao te ching
"The five colors blind the eye
The five tones deafen the ear
The five flavors overwhelm the palate
Fancy things get in the way of one's growth
Racing here and there,
hunting for this and that---
Good ways to madden your mind that's all
Relinquish what is without
Cultivate what is within
Live for your center, not your sences. "
Sunday, January 11, 2009
"The will of God Prevails"
Surah 105
In the name of God, Most compassionate, most merciful.
1. See you not how your Lord dealt with the Companions of the elephant?
2. Did he not make their treacherous plans go astray?
3. And he sent against them flights of birds
4. Striking them with stones of baked clay
5. Then did he make them like an empty field of stalks and straw (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
The Surah refers to an event around 570 CE when the Abysinnians tried to destroy the Kaba. Here the will of God prevents this from happening.
Today---with the ongoing conflict between Israel/Palestine --It is interesting to reflect on this verse along with the observations made by Abraham Lincoln during the American civil war.
"The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party---and yet, the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect his purpose. I am almost ready to say this is probably true -- that God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet. By his mere quiet power, on the minds of the now contestants, he could have either saved or destroyed the Union without a human contest. Yet the contest began, and having begun, he could give final victory to either side any day, yet the contest proceeds"
It seems to me that when the passionate desires for hate, revenge, power, and possession of territory are changed to the noble virtues of justice, compassion, mercy, recognition of our brotherhood and sharing our earth, then we will have learned the lesson that a better world will come about when we try to submit to God's will. For 60 years this contest has continued.
In the name of God, Most compassionate, most merciful.
1. See you not how your Lord dealt with the Companions of the elephant?
2. Did he not make their treacherous plans go astray?
3. And he sent against them flights of birds
4. Striking them with stones of baked clay
5. Then did he make them like an empty field of stalks and straw (of which the corn) has been eaten up.
The Surah refers to an event around 570 CE when the Abysinnians tried to destroy the Kaba. Here the will of God prevents this from happening.
Today---with the ongoing conflict between Israel/Palestine --It is interesting to reflect on this verse along with the observations made by Abraham Lincoln during the American civil war.
"The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party---and yet, the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect his purpose. I am almost ready to say this is probably true -- that God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet. By his mere quiet power, on the minds of the now contestants, he could have either saved or destroyed the Union without a human contest. Yet the contest began, and having begun, he could give final victory to either side any day, yet the contest proceeds"
It seems to me that when the passionate desires for hate, revenge, power, and possession of territory are changed to the noble virtues of justice, compassion, mercy, recognition of our brotherhood and sharing our earth, then we will have learned the lesson that a better world will come about when we try to submit to God's will. For 60 years this contest has continued.
Friday, January 9, 2009
God
Surah Ikhlas (112)
1. Say: He is God, The One
2. God, the eternal, absolute
3. He begets not, nor is he begotten
4. And there is none like unto him.
God is one, indivisible unique. God is the creator, all else is the created. God is independent of his creation but all creation is dependent on him.
God does not "need" or "want". God will exist regardless of what we do or do not do. So what is the purpose of Guidance?
Guidance is given to people because God is compassionate and merciful and gives us warning of Judgement day so that we can choose the path that is right and avoid the path that is wrong.
1. Say: He is God, The One
2. God, the eternal, absolute
3. He begets not, nor is he begotten
4. And there is none like unto him.
God is one, indivisible unique. God is the creator, all else is the created. God is independent of his creation but all creation is dependent on him.
God does not "need" or "want". God will exist regardless of what we do or do not do. So what is the purpose of Guidance?
Guidance is given to people because God is compassionate and merciful and gives us warning of Judgement day so that we can choose the path that is right and avoid the path that is wrong.
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