Perspectives of a Canadian-Lebanese Human

Visions, Omens, and Inspirations

2011-09-08T01:31:00.002-04:00

i looked deeply into my heart and saw the conclusion of this chapter in my life far sooner than it was destined to happen. i look into my soul and see what others fail to see because i ask the all knowing for wisdom and knowledge. i start a chapter, knowing how it will end, and write the story as the days go by. i sometimes wish i didnt know the end far before it ever happens, but than i see it as a blessing because when it happens, the shock is not painful.

i sit and i question my purpose on this planet and wonder what is god's wisdom when he decides to show me the conclusion of the story before it starts. how will it help me write the story? will knowing my end result change my approach to the situation. i don't know, but what i'm sure is that knowing the conclusion too soon is a mixed blessing, it may soften the impact of the outcome, but it never leaves you in a state of anxiety. sometimes, that anxious feeling is an effect driving force for good.

i feel, in my heart, and see in my mind the signs of god informing me of a good or bad situation ahead. a feeling feels distant, and a thought becomes rational when the situation is difficult. when the situation is good, i feel the signs of god warm up my heart and my thoughts become child-like.

i see in my dreams the life of a young 13 year old boy who begun to realize the consequences of inaction and the gains from attempt. i see, in my dreams a world that my heart pursues when my mind is unconscious in the long hours of the work day. could it be that i am witnessing the reality which defines this world? that life lack realism and purpose if you dont spend your hours amasing wisdom and knowledge. these 2 assets expose the truth:

days are short, good work should never be shyed away from, making others feel a sense of self-worth, and ensuring your hours were used wisely are the most important thing to never forget.

Humility, but not too much.

2011-09-05T03:40:00.003-04:00

I will always remain true to who I am.
Both imperfections and perfections.
Something's will change about me; other aspects will stay the same.
I am a king in my own mind, and a prince amongst my loved ones.
I will taste death for the sake of honour, and not waste a moment in pursuit of vanity.
God's judgement is sufficient on the day of Judgement; but in the coming years ahead - his lessons manifest through the lessons I learn through people.
I am, at my best, a humble man.
I am, at my worst, an anxious man.
I am, on a daily basis, a man with one thing to prove.
That anyone can do well; anyone can become educated; anyone can ascend; anyone can love; anyone can prosper.
In this life, and the hereafter.
I am, a humble man.
But every so often I loose my humility and exchange it for pride.
This pride be sinful? I'm not sure.
But it is in self-defense; in defense of my humble nature.
I'm tired of being spoken to as if my words have little weight.
I'll honour and respect you, but I ask of you for one favor in return.
Don't you dare stomp on my humility, because it doesn't take kindly to your pride.

What we should expect from each other

2011-08-02T11:24:00.004-04:00

The other day, I conversed with a friend of mine whom I mentioned in my very first blog post. The discussion was quite dark and filled with emotions that I'd generally shy away from. Him & I, although very different in many respects, share many character traits. We are both pragmatic & put the needs of others ahead of our own; compromise is a tactic we both take seriously and we try our best to be fair. Currently, we are dealing with people who have shared the same oppinion about us:

"you're not the person I thought you were", "I don't think of you the same way I used to", "Things have changed and I don't feel the same way anymore", "Now that I look at us, I feel that this isn't right".

All of these come from setting expectations too soon in the relationship. I always understood this to be dangerous as it sets up that person up for failure. High expectations that are set too soon in a relationship will always come crashing down as we human's tend to be sloppy and lame in our most comfortable state.

For example, the first few months in a new relationship will always seem like heaven. Everything feels perfect & your partner seems like a godsend. When all guards are down & the true character of the person is exposed - all expectations and presumptions about this "perfect" person come crashing down. This may not always be the case, but it certainly is the situation in many crumbling relationships.

The best way to counter this issue is by understanding that the human character is frail & weak. It's vulnerable to imperfections and cannot sustain a glowing review for long period's of time. When you look at the person, you should always expect that you will be impacted by their fallacies and you should endure {if the fallacy is not abusive, destructive, etc.}

I never like to set high expectations, I do realize that human's are chronically imperfect & that chemistry will not always make things harmonious. But what's most important is that issues can be solved with rationale, love & respect dictate the effort put into the outcome, and change is something that should be taken seriously.

In Pictures: The start of Ramadan - In Pictures - Al Jazeera English

2011-08-02T11:23:00.000-04:00

In Pictures: The start of Ramadan - In Pictures - Al Jazeera English

Satisfied, no matter what

2011-07-20T15:32:00.003-04:00

I look at my dinner plate, it's not apetizing; but that's fine because it's nourishing.

My job is not challenging anymore, I feel like my skills are under utilized; but that's fine, atleast I'm making money and I'm respected.

My financial situation is rather bleak, so much of my money is spent carelessly; but that's fine, atleast my life is sustained.

My relationship with my wife is rocky and we don't find common ground on pressing issues; but that's fine, we work things out anyway.

My physical health is no where near it's peak, I feel like I can never get a grip on balancing my health; it's alright though, atleast I'm strong & healthy.

Sometimes it seems that I'm missing half of my brain, my memory is hazey at best, and I don't function at the speed I need to; not a big issue, I can still process complex ideas.

My mother is growing heavily dependant on me, I don't know if I have the patience and tollerance to maintain this complicated relationship; it's all good though, atleast we love each other and things will work out.

Spiritually, I'm far behind my peak. Knowledge and inner peace is what I was known for, now I feel like my thoughts and feelings wander off into foolish pleasures; but that's alright, what was once lost, can be reclaimed with forgiveness.

My relationship with my father is at a stalemate. We've mutually acknowledged we're not as close as we use to be, and it's consistently growing distant; relationships change & sometimes, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

I have no degree of self discipline; it's a constant struggle, there's always room for improvement, even as you inch nearer to death.

So many of my dreams & ambitions are not materializing due to my poor life management skills, I'm tired of my lack-lusture behaviour; don't worry, at some point, they'll flourish when they're meant to.

I'm worried about my future, I don't want to live vicariously in the sins of my forefathers; don't worry, you are in God's care.

Al Hamdulilah {praise & thanks to the Almighty} I'm satisfied.

For without doubt, with the rememberance of Allah, do hearts find satisfaction. (Quran, 13:28)

The Master Story Teller

2010-07-02T21:53:00.003-04:00

I sat with an elderly woman one evening as she narrated a story that seared through me. She was a rather calm woman, but radiated an energy that spoke of a past laden with wisdom. She was dressed in a very simple black gown and a white scarf flowed over her hair. Her stare would drive through the staunches of men while plaguing anyone with a sense of fear; but it was a fear that drew you near with curiousity.

I listened closely and she began,

"A man was making his sacred pilgrimage to the afterlife - he was dressed in a white shroud and lowered slowly into the earth while his loved ones starred. He was well aware of what was happening and witnessed everyone's unique actions. Some cried, others starred into the distance, several wailed and many breathed deeply. He was a man that was well respected and evoked the emotions of all those he touched.

He clenched tightly with him a book of history. It appeared to be a source of comfort as he lay lifeless in earth that grew tighter with every passing moment. He was then approached by a group of strange looking beings; looked similar to humans but their race & gender could not be distinguished. They asked him a number of questions and each one he answered in the affirmative.

Then passed years and events that struck degrees of peace and anxiety and within a matter of moments, he stood alone in a place that dumbfounded him. It wasn't bound by the elements, and time was not an issue. He clenched that book of history with his dear life and was soon approached by a few men cloaked in gowns made from something other than cloth. It appeared that they were entirely enshrouded in a pleasant warm light. They looked at him and said,

"What's that you have clenched so tightly?"

He said, "it's a book I was given as I was breathing my last"

The 2 men looked at him, smiled and said, "a story perhaps? We are not bound by time anymore, would you mind reading it to us?"

He than realized that it was the day he heard so much about. The day that many people thought was just an old myth. He now realized this was a day that was the definition of reality; it was his judgment.

He started to ease his grip on the book and looked at the front cover; it was bound by brown leather and had no title - but his name was inscribed in tiny gold letters at the bottom right hand corner. He opened it began to read as the 2 men listened carefully to every detail. He spoke of all things beautiful, embarrassing, deceitful, painful, treacherous, glorious, difficult, comical, shameful, enlightening, fearful, and finally anxiety stricken.

He closed the book and the two men stood up and uttered a plea to their Master,

"We seek to intercede on behalf of this believer. We ask, in all humility, to forgive him of his transgressions and show him your highest degree of mercy. He toiled and slaved without asking for any reward. We request that you overlook his shortcomings and give him the pleasure of your nearness. His words and actions matured with his years until they eventually reached harmony. His sins are a plenty - but his good deeds reached the hearts of many and he has sown the seeds of belief in the land that flourished even after he journeyed to the afterlife. Dear Master, do you accept?"

At this point, the elderly woman stopped narrating the story and looked towards me and said,

"do you see the value of this story?"

"What is it?" I uttered.

"Nothing goes to the grave with you, except your story. Your history, your deeds, words, actions and intentions are the only possessions worthy of your toil. Journey to the afterlife with that book clenched tightly, because your story will be your only asset."

You are a Humble Queen Amongst Peasants

2010-07-02T16:25:00.004-04:00

Thank you for reminding me of my humanity,
Much gratitude for the blessed wisdom aged with humility,
Vulnerable is what you are,
Reduced to my knees is what I've become,
My heart fills my body with serenity and extacy,
I beg for freedom from bliss,
knowing, knowing, oh dear Lord, such bitter knowledge
Bliss that will never manifest and reduced to emotionless memory - destined to fade into nothingness
From the guiding light of heaven, my heart begs the question - what ever have I done to be given the taste of bliss - knowing I'll never drown in its extasy.
For the sake of perspective,
my mind recieved inspiration as such
Grateful am I - for life is grand.

Breaking the Wall

2010-03-29T23:32:00.002-04:00

Running is incredibly boring for the average person. Taking strides, street after street can be very unstimulating for some. Then there are people who appreciate the freedom of long distance running. It's your time to get a lot of thinking done while you train yourself to run longer and harder. It's the hour of freedom from the world as you zero in on your body; your brain chanting and motivating you to run harder and to never quit.

Us runners are aware of something, it's called the wall. It's the point of complete physical exhaustion. You try to run & your body refuses to move. Your mind's prowess cannot overcome the intimidating wall & you essentially give up. Some people carry on walking, other try to run & it's usually embarrassing.

However, in the midst of all your exhaustion and pain as you try to move past the wall - it suddenly shatters under its own weight & heroically, you blast off as if you were at the peak of your endurance. This is the golden moment for us runners - where our minds have given up - our bodies have haulted & in a short second - you've igniting and taken off like a wolf.

As you're aware, this is all metaphor for my topic of discussion: it is, "surpassing your limitations" - I will write more tomorrow as for now, I'm exhausted.

Wishes & Dreams

2010-02-28T21:05:00.003-05:00

Never have I laid my head to rest and dreamt of anything worldly.

All my fantasies are simple & attainable.

Never have I turned my head towards my Lord and asked for anything luxiours & unnecessary.

Have I ever owned anything which brought me contentment?

Never.

I gaze at the ornaments that distract me from my goal & eventually realize they serve no purpose t me.

But I still look at them with adornment & cling to it like a fool.

I then open my eyes and realize that reality is beyond the glitter which eluded my soul.

I sit back and think deeply; I dwelve deeply into the abyss of my shallow heart and realize my dreams & wishes

All I ever crave is be the champion of my own self,

Conquerer & Emperor of my battles

I look towards my long time companion,

The friend whose betrayed me, and I blindly wander back to him like a fool & listen to his words of faux wisdom.

He averts me from my dreams & makes me forget that I am a man of foresight

The stupor of intoxication is like the cloud that hides the sun from it's audience - it's confuses their mood for only a little while

Only hope and faith reminds me that the sun will shine through - and only then will I realize, that I never needed the sun to dream.

All I needed was a litte clarity & a good nights rest.

I've made my decision & I stand by it.

2010-02-01T22:52:00.000-05:00

I never make a deicision independently.

That's just plain foolish.

I consult a man that has comforted me when the dark hour of the night brought out my vulnerability; His name is Zain ul Abedeen [peace be upon him].

My relationship with him started 6 years ago when I searched high & low for solace. I was the luckiest man alive to come across a man who was named "the crowning prince of the worshippers". When I met him, I realized not who he was, although I could tell his soul beamed so brightly - a light so bright - that it shook you at the very core.

He didn't speak much, he was quiet man and only spoke through paper. I asked him questions & he stood there and handed me a book. I looked at it's glittering red cover and gold lettering which stated "as sahafa as sajiddiya".

"hmmm....the psalms of the prostrating", I muttered.

The book was written for those who took comfort in praying and supplicating while their heads touched the ground. I guess he knew I was one of them, I deeply respected the institution of prostration; my hero's advocated it.

I opened the book and there it was....a simple supplication for the person who understands they are not alone in the decision making process.

Zain Al Abedeen [peace be upon him] read the supplication to me and I followed shortly after him - I admired him and was so compelled by his sweet & strong nature that I wanted to abandon my life and become his servant.

I sat down and read the supplication where it stated mans need for help and protection. It went deep into me and showed me that I was never independent in my deicision making - that I needed Allah to decide what to do when I come to a cross roads. Allah, the master of my micro universe, guides my decisions so I may follow through with the best case scenario for myself & those whom I affiliate with.

This is why I stand by my decisions - this is why, whenever I have nightly conversations with Shaytan, I remind him that it was not just me who decided to live the way I do now, it is my Master - Allah, that hath put me here. I am honoured with what I've been commanded to do and I take pride in the situations I am put in.

Indepence is a bullsh*t term, it was coined to fool people that they were the centre of the universe & all revolves around them. We are dependent upon each other and inevitably dependent upon the One.

Thank you Zain ul Abedeen for giving me a bridge to cross into Allah's kingdom.

The Pangs of Vicarious Living

2010-02-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

Living vicariously, or having others live vicariously through you is dangerous. The lifestyle I'm talking about is when you are fulfilling the duties and commitments of those who've stepped out of the picture because they couldn't bare the sitation they were in. The nature of your situation "volun-told"you to absorb the struggle of others.

I've been doing this for quite some time, and only recently has Shaytan conversed with me about it. He [or maybe she] tried to convince me that I don't have to live like this anymore. Only recently, has my friendly enemy sat me down in the midst of night, explaning to me that I need to do what is in my best....selfish interests.

What he explain sounded near logical. Like most humans, you do what is in your interests - you do what is best for you and you decide what you need for yourself. I did something about 3 years ago - I somehow convinced myself that selfless living, is the only way to live. I've managed to turn a lifestyle of selfless service into a selfish passion.

Some might commend a person whose taken on such a role. I questioned the philosophy, thinking I might have put a spell on myself.

Shaytan kept talking - he continued siting next me at the edge of my bed as he offered me a sense of cold contentment. He had me in an intellectual lockdown, I believed him. I thought....just for a moment - even the spiritual master spends time to focus on what is in his selfish interests.

I looked up at Shaytan and asked him,

"If selfless living is an unfulfilling way to live - than why has it bore so many grandoise achievements?"

He then said to me,

"Are you telling me, that you the emptiness inside you is an achievement?"

I paused to quell the frustration and rebutted,

"what champion hasn't been through struggle before he became the master of what God placed in front of him?"

Shaytan stayed quiet, he got up and straightened his suitjacket and walked away. But he left his impression on me. He offered me the chance to decide selfishly for once in my life....I then questioned, was it him or I who offered that proposal?

I just know that I need a little more energy to fulfill my duties as the man I want to be; however, for the time being - I'm in need of a break.

It's Just the Nature of the Situation

2010-01-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

I make errors.

I admit it.

Sometimes, they're a result of poor judgement, other times they're due to mindless laziness & other times, due to being naiive.

My social circle is rather large & therefore, I don't have many intimate [close] friends other than the members of my family. Therefore, I SOMETIMES consult them on matters - but due to my stubborn [Obsessive need to complete a task I started] nature, I take my own route. My parents lay claim that I was like that since childhood; I take advice, and do whatever I rationalize. Like other humans, my rationale isn't always sound, - I'm usually driven by the utilitarian thought process, which is the need to consider "the greater good" & other times, I'm driven by impulse.

The other day, I failed to make a quick move; a move that would be considered logical to most people, but to my lazy & somewhat naiive nature - it wasn't something that crossed my mind. I got some heat for it and rightly so. But, I learned my lesson - one that I wont forget & I'm glad I went through it.

I took a hard look into my life and like most men, I tried to focus the blame on someone else; I realized that was stupid and I reassessed the reason why I'm not the manly, alpha [fu*king] male most people want me to be.

I spoke to my mother about my personal dissapointment and told her,

"Mama, I'm not content with the way I am. I don't like the way I make decisions and feel that I'm not as mature as I need to be."

She spoke to me, as if she knew I was trying to blame her and she was graceful. She didn't respond the way I wanted her to, she said,

"whatever happens, just be grateful and content"

As usual, that brought back a sense of self-satisfaction knowing that, I am who I am and I should be content with that.

But, by inheriting from my father an extreme/overt sense of self-criticism - I couldnt help by feel bothered. In the midst of that insanity I made 1 rational theory: It's just the nature of the situation.

I thought - the situation that I'm currently in is the best-case scenario. Out of all the situations that I could have been, this was the better one. The nature of the situation, nurtured me. No situation will garner what I consider to be the best case scenario; however, it is what I need. I felt relieved and I sincerely appologized to my mother for my lack of gratitude and as most mothers, she accepted.

I think overt self-criticism will be the death of me if I don't stop.

On the vulnerability of Humans

2009-12-15T00:27:00.000-05:00

The other day, I starred deeply into the eyes of the ones I love most. I looked closely at the hearts of the ones that raised me. I starred long and hard, like my life depended on it.

All I saw was the frail soul that hid deeply in the hearts of bani Adam.

I was scared, thinking - maybe it was I that encouraged their souls to feel fragile and vulnerable. Blamed myself for not fulfilling my duties as a son.

I starred deeply into the eyes of my sweet sister, the mother of 2 angels, the wife of a pensive man and saw the same.

Vulnerability...

I saw humans who desired protection and wished for ease. I saw humanity's wish for peace and serenity. All I saw was a masked sadness - however, the masked was crumbling, it was made of a material weaker than that of flesh.

The eyes spoke to me, and its silent words sent me into the depth of the coldest waters. I wished for the water to engulf me and send me beyond the borders of this planet of masked and broken souls.

But I realized, I was the water.

I realized - looking deeply into the eyes of my new friend - the young woman who wished for love and confidence - that it was I, starring at myself in the reflection of her glossy eyes. The gloss of sweet tears that covered over the gentle grey colour. The rare colour that a select few are blessed with.

I wished for a will made of steel, I wished and prayed hard - to be a human not bound by the shakles of vulnerability. But I couldn't break free - I will never.

It is my nature, to forever be vulnerable - it is the will of my heart to remain frail.

The quiver of my character that stands tall in the face all those that wish to be like me. It qivered like a leaf...I quiver because I know that in the face of my Lord - I'm just a weak man, aching for a life free of hardship..

But that ship doesnt sail with the wind - it charges at me without mercy.

My only defense is to admit - I am a human, vulnerable and frail; slightly worn and damaged prematurely. At that point, is where I realize without my Creator, I'm just another pound of flesh about to be trampled by the charging ship.

Instead, I ride the ship like an Angel that enshrouds the sky with stunning light.

and I ensure that it is I that uses life, and not life that uses me.

The animal known as the human is born frail and in need of protection - and lives in that state. We just mask it, some do a better job than others.

My job is to take the mask off and embrace it and wish for the protection of my Creator, the one and only Allah.

blessed be my soul - frail and weak, may it forever realize my need for protection.

The Difference between the broad-minded & petty minded

2009-12-08T18:03:00.000-05:00

I realize that many humans fail to grasp the big picture. We fail to choose long term goals and instead, focus on satisfying impulse. We choose irrational emotional reactions and fail to reflect before we act.

Not to say that emotional reactions are bad - but treat your emotions with value and express them only when you see the situation worthy of your emotions.

I'm tired of the weak spirited human. The one that choose the glitter of planet earth and neglects the reality of selfless humanism.

The trained human has tamed their soul; a taming that suffocates ill reaction to simple and pointless, words and deeds. The tamed human assess and thinks before moving forward.

The brain is such a beautiful thing; it is the universe that begs to be discovered, it's thoughts and memories are endless and the vast depths you can travel within are sometimes frightening.

Your vessel to travel the mental-universe is your heart - the only thing that could protect your soul from the darkness that sometimes lurks in the vast darkness of the mind.

However, why would someone refrain from using their minds? why are people much more willing to submit to impulse and irrational behaviour? I never understood.

Logic is a beautiful thing, it is my passport to sanity in the psychotic jungle known as society.

I'd rather be a poor man with a mind that could conquer ignorance, than a wealthy man whose will submits to impulse.

These are just my disorganized thoughts.

The Fruits of Wisdom

2009-11-16T23:19:00.000-05:00

One evening a Cherokee elder told his grandson
about the battle that goes on inside people.

He said,
“My son, the battle is between the two ‘wolves’ that live inside us all.

One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self-pity, resentment and inferiority.

The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion. ”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
“Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed”.

To witness the blooming flowers....

2009-11-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

Grand, isn't it?

To watch something unfold before your very eyes?
Something that seems so subtle, so natural and profoundly sacred.

To witness it unfold and bloom without the intervention of humanity.
From the bulb - out comes a portrait - one sculpted by the potent phrase "be"...and it became.

Such a portrait is worthy to be seen only by the patient.
For the inpatient cannot bare to watch something take its time and unfold slowly.

The inpatient must see it immediately - so much to the extent that they cannot bare the idea that something hessitates and prepares for its exposure to planet earth.

The inpatient one thrashes at the bulb, some open it gently.
Regardless, they failed to give the bulb the need to open up naturally.

The bulb dies - only to unveil that the hidden portrait within
was too beautiful for the world.
and perished quickly

Some care not.

cursed for life are the inpatient - lost for life are the careless.

Harmony of Mind and Heart

2009-11-08T01:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Readers,
As humans, we are obligated to make decisions that are in the best interests of ourselves, and those near and dear in our lives. The decision making process is a tedious one, as we're require to assess the potential outcome. This requires foresight, hindsight and the willingness to accept responsibility if the outcome causes harm, and if good comes from it - to accept it with humility and gratefulness.

We're obliged to weigh the pro's and con's and if the good outweighs the bad - it is in our best interests to follow through.

Much of what I stated above is structured risk taking.

It's pensive intimate discourse. Sometimes it requires "old man" behaviour [sitting around in the quiet focusing on the task at hand] and we usually pair this with seeking advise from those who've made similar decisions.

Sometimes - we just say "f' it" and just do it without the pensive, structured risk taking. This is the risk taking of adrenaline junkies who appreciate the golden feeling of great memories and aged wisdom.

The kind of wisdom we love hearing about. These lessons are the kind that we cannot prepare for. Your only means to gaining from such risks is to supplicate, have confidence and faith.

As a human being, I appreciate the adrenaline rush of a risk. I despise the phrase "what if I did..."

I need to see something through, right till the end.
and so should you.

Sometimes the need to take the risk and see it right until the end comes from two needs. The need to satisfy curiousity and there's this magnetic need to find out. This is usually a byproduct of contradicting thoughts & emotions, some that are generated by the mind & heart and they are at odds.

and the other is a byproduct of "harmony of mind and heart".

Harmony of mind and heart is the weapon of the spiritual warrior. If you ever are in a state where your emotions and rationale are on par with each other - don't waste it.

This is the highest form of confidence - one in which, your capacity to make something work is at its highest and the anxiety of risk isn't there. You may see a potential risk - but it does not hinder your performance.

This is the equivalent of making your soul a freight train.

I want my soul to be a freight train.

nothing stops me, because I am free.
ameen.

Muslim world's rage missing over Uighurs' plight

2009-07-28T10:06:00.000-04:00

Where are the fatwas? The angry marches in front of embassies, the indignant speeches? Where are al-Qaeda's videos? In short, what does China have that Denmark did not? China has been actively discriminating against Muslims, and recently a number of them have been killed in violent street riots.

In Denmark a newspaper printed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, and the Muslim world erupted in anger. Today that same Muslim world seems to be mute, deaf, and blind, and is oblivious to the violence and discrimination suffered by the Uighurs, a Muslim minority group, at the hands of the Chinese government.

The reaction to the cartoons was swift and furious. Eleven ambassadors from Muslim countries formally protested to the Danish government. The Danish Consulate in Beirut was burned, and several people died in street riots in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia. Newspapers in Norway and elsewhere decided to print the cartoons in an act of solidarity, which fueled the wave of violence. Al-Qaeda's videos and Web sites explained that the offensive cartoons were simply another example of the West's crusade against Islam.

Meanwhile . . .

Since the 1990s, the Chinese government has been carrying out systematic policies that discriminate against Uighurs. Their language is forbidden in schools; government employees cannot have long beards or head scarves and are not allowed to pray or fast during working hours. Uighurs also face strong discriminatory practices in education, health care, housing, and employment. Young Uighurs are often forced to work in faraway provinces, while Han Chinese - who are about 90 percent of China's population - are encouraged to move to Xinjiang, the autonomous region where Uighurs are the largest ethnic group. More than two million have settled there.

Any protests against these practices are harshly repressed. The repression of the Uighurs intensified after the Sept. 11 attacks, when many of their political leaders were jailed, accused of having links with foreign Islamist terrorists. Since then, any individual or group convicted of terrorism, religious extremism, or separatism has received draconian sentences.
The recent troubles in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, have left 184 dead, about a thousand injured, and thousands more detained. These are official figures; Uighurs claim the real numbers are much larger.

What have Muslim leaders worldwide said or done so far?

Not much.

Mullahs, imams, and assorted clerics found time to issue fatwas condemning among other practices, Pokémon cartoons, total nudity during sex for married couples, and the use of polio vaccines, not to mention Salman Rushdie. They have yet to find the time to say anything about China's practices toward Uighurs.

The same applies to the Arab League, governments of Muslim countries (where are the 11 ambassadors who protested to the Danish government?), and Muslim organizations in Europe and Asia. They have either been mute or their reaction has been too little, too late.
Take, for example, the case of Turkey. Although the Uighurs have close ethnic, cultural, and linguistic ties with the Turkish people, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not deemed their plea as urgent. At the same time that Erdogan was trying to get the international community to recognize Hamas, his government was denying a visa to Rebiya Kadeer, the exiled leader of the Uighurs (though recently Erdogan softened his posture and said that she would be allowed to visit Turkey). Only recently has Erdogan's government expressed concern about the situation in Xinjiang. Ahmet Davutoglu, the new foreign affairs minister, said this month that Turkey "cannot remain silent in the face of what is happening [in Xinjiang]."

This did not go well in Beijing. On July 10, Global Times, an official Chinese press outlet, published an article titled "Turkey, another axis of evil!?" It noted: "After the riots in Xinjiang, many governments around the world are very cautious making comments, including the American government. But the Turkish government is an exception. As Urumqi is on its way to recovery, this arrogant country has never stopped lashing out at China. In fact, both the Turkish government and its nongovernmental organizations were harsh on China. . . . Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, 'We have always seen our Uygur [as] brothers, with whom we have historical and cultural ties . . .' "

The article concluded: "Turkey's support for the Uygur separatists and terrorists can only cause public indignation in China. If it does not want to ruin the relationship between two peoples, please stop standing behind those mobs and separatists, stop being an axis of evil!"

In politics, blindness and deafness are often induced by an acute awareness of where one's main interests really lie. China will clearly make efforts to clarify to the governments that express too much concern for the Uighurs what their real interests are. And the continuous silence about the situation of the Uighurs that may ensue in coming months and years will offer an eloquent demonstration of Beijing's ability to persuade.

The Gift of Anger.

2009-01-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

I am not tired, nor am I lazy.
I am not unjust, nor am I blind.
my anger is not a result of instinct.
it is a result of rationale.

I rationalized, thought about and realized that if I wasn't angry about the death of the innocent, I would be well adjusted to a f*cked up society. A society that is ill-prinicpled and self-absorbed and cares only for their wealth.

I am not adjusted to a f*cked up society, I am it's polar opposite;
staring at it;
studying it's every move;
and preparing to enlighten it.

Shedding light on the moral ills of modern humanity, or lack there of.
Telling people they need to be angry, they need to utilize the one gift of sheer rage - at the only thing worthy of anger - oppression.

Politicians staying quiet,
politicians working strictly for votes
bending backwards for a ballot that will probably score them some points for a short period of time,
but eventually that paper ballot is what will choke them when the scent of children's blood doesn't leave their hands.

I am angry,
rightfully
and for the sake of what is just.

One of these days, my anger will manifest - and you will be angry like me.

and we'll bring back humanity together.

Feeling Incompetent

2008-12-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

Complete sense of helplessness
unable to do anything
All I can do is protest and blog
possibly donate some money

I become angry - but my anger is suffocated

I will never forgive an oppressor, nor will I forgive
I witness hell on television
the hell of mangled children
the hell of civilians convulsing from shock and pain
but the hell to be experienced by the politicians who've remained silent is far worse

soon enough, they'll rot
soon enough their throne and wealth will be the kindle that fuels their fire

Why is it that every government is tippy-toeing in the tulips for the oppressor
Why did Harper's government react spinelessly?
Why is Obama silent? Why hasn't the revolutionary president done anything
Why is he on vacation as the world burns?
Just another bourgeoisie reaping the wealth of the poor and innocecnt

In due time, the oppressor will beg for mercy
and no one will answer their call
Soon enough the silent leaders will claim innocence,
and no one will be there to hear them

When that happens, I will hope that my prayers for the oppressed
and my dollars
might keep me away from the kingdom of hell the oppressor built for himself.

Your Tears Are Useless Without Action.

2008-12-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

How many people have I heard cry their souls out in the beginning of the Muharram. People crying hard and lamenting - yes, both MEN and WOMEN crying hard in a public setting. Crying hard for the genocide in the scorching deserts of Kerbala, Iraq 1400 years ago.

My Leader and Example, my role model and saint, Hussain (peace be upon him) - the grandson of the last messenger and prophet of God, stood his ground against a regiem and tyrant that still continues to kill today.

Most people don't appreciate the intensity of this tragedy, both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, most Muslims tell me "why are you crying over a death that occured 1400 years ago, get over with it and move on"

Non-Muslims, especially ones living in peaceful countries - never having to fear a dictator, or muderous opressor, don't see the point of commemorating, celebrating or mourning the death of someone who actually stood up and died on his feet, compared to most leaders who'd rather live on their knees.

I'm sure my readers still don't really grasp the necessity to remember the message of Imam Hussain(p.b.u.h), but when you see children dying in Ghaza and people burnt to death in a suicide bombing in Iraq, and Kenyan's running for their lives, and Congalese in threat of another civil war, than maybe you would appreciate the story of a man who stood up, when everyone else sat down.

Especially when that man was one of the most beloved of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), more than any other companion who some dance around for in circles for when they hear their name. More than any other scholar who spent their life trying to propogate their perspective on islamic law. His message was as potent as Muhammad's because it WAS Muhammad's message: Justice in the face of Tyranny, self sacrific, never remaining silent who injustice occurs, action, action, action.

Don't just shed tears, don't just sit and wallow, don't just watch the news and get angry. Get up. Struggle and sacrifice, spend money on the needy, teach people about the need to bark at their government's when they've stayed silent on genocides. Teach the young to be active in their communities and be just in the treatment of others. Teach people that humanitarianism is the greatest act of worship.

Maybe once in our lives, our tears and anger will actually turn into action, maybe once in our lives, our butts can get off their floor, and actually uphold the message of the most incredible leader- Hussain (a.s) whose spirit still lives on.

If I cry this year, it'll be because I'm witnessing my students cry. If I cry this year, it'll be because I'm angry, not sad or shocked at the opression of Imam Hussain (a.s) and his family - I will be angry and cry at the fact, that his message will go to waste without our change in direction and using this religion for the benifit of humanity.

A Village Called....

2008-12-10T00:32:00.000-05:00

Our community was just hit by a locomotive. We heard it coming and some of us tried hard to prepare, and others chose not to.

But now we’ve stood up and we’re shocked with the most intense awakening; the murder of one of our own.

A young man who is my brother, although I didn’t know him. A man who is your son, and is related to you by spirit.

He was a man, a brother of our village…

We all left our villages, our parents’ villages in Lebanon and Iraq and migrated to the village of Al-Huda.

The next time someone asks me what Di’a I’m from, I will say Al-Huda.

My closeness and bonds to you, my fellow villagers, is closer to any bond or any village in Lebanon.

Al Huda is our Die’a, Al-Huda is the village of our children, our children’s children and so on.

We may fantasize about flocking back, but reality stares us in the face and says we are here and our challenges are here, our bonds are here and we have an obligation to protect each other – us – ahlul-dieat Al-Huda. This Die’a is our turba, my flesh is of this die’a and so is all of yours.

It take an entire village to raise a child, we are all responsible for each other.

When one child is hurt or is being seduced by shaytan, it is up to us, the Ahlul die’a to step in and show the child mercy. The same rahma that Nabi-Mohammad (s.a.w.a) showed to his fello members of Medina.

The small, new community of Muslims who faced challenges, like we do, who starred shaytan in the face and realized, if they didn’t take ownership of their new home, shaytan would devour their community.

We need to stick together and bond upon the principles of mercy and patience.

We need to honestly and sincerely bond with each other with intensions cleaner and purer than the ones we current hold.

We need to keep our hearts open and realize the vivid reality which we live in.

The reality known as Akhir ul Zaman, - the end times – the period of human history that is most difficult.

The only way we can succeed is if we take genuine ownership of this die’a and realize that it is home, the village we belong to.

Our children, our young men and women, our brothers and sisters, our young souls nad hearts are also our students who see and learn more from us than we intend to teach – they see us for who we are and want to look up to us.

If we don’t re-adjust the way we think about each other, if we don’t re-approach the way we look at die’at – Al Huda, we will onl witness more tragedies.

An example – this was told to a crowd of about 10,000 muslims at a conference 2 years ago by Imam Abdul Hakim Quick

He said, in South Africa, the drug problem is enormous, all drugs from east – to – west pass through Africa.

Drug usage, esp. methamphetamine, became prominent amongst Muslims.

To the point where young women and the daughters of the community were selling their virginity to pay their debts to dealers and drug lords.

Fitna is vividly everywhere.

But the fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends and all did not accuse their own of sin and stop going to their mosques for fear of embarrassment, they didn’t see shame.

They rallied together, they organized, and they became a source of support for each others and their youth and took to the streets as one voice, one heart and one people.

They challenged the dealers; they challenged the drug lords, the corrupt cops and politicians, and as a community, stood up for their youth at a time when most Muslim communities would accuse them of sin.

The underlying principle of what I’m trying to say is “Rahma”; Mercy should be the governing point, the pivot, the centre, and the underlying principle of how we deal with our brothers, our sisters, and all those who are members of this die’a.

Therefore we need to change something within us, we need rebirth.

What we need is Allah, and none will change our condition except Allah.

And if we turn to Al Quran al majeed – Surat Al ra’ad, verse 11

eng trans: For each person there are angels in succession, before and behind them. They guard him by the command of Allah.

Verily, never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change themselves. But when Allah willeth a people’s punishment, they can be no luring it back, nor will they, besides him, anyone to protect.

So in order for us to work in harmony, to change our condition, we need to change ourselves, our children and the future of die’at A- Huda and the ummah depends on it.

Because it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a die’a to raise a child.

Rally together with merciful intensions to protect each other from Shaytan

A Letter from a Friend About Relationships.

2008-12-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

Im going to visit my father and talk to him, I will be as proper and patient as possible, hoping he will open up to the idea. Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but it's a route I need to go, it is unfair for her to have her parents involved from the get go and Myself, unable to figure out how I will get my parents to be accepting of the idea.
I know myself, if in my mind, all I can think about is the displeasure of my parents, I won't be able to be myself with her. They are wrong to ever think in the wavelength they do and I would be a fool to submit to anyone's ignorance, but unfortunately ignorance is something I have to overcome before I get involved with a woman as golden as her.
I'll give you an example, when I mentioned the idea to my mother, in the midst of her negative feedback, she said "this is not what WE want". I then asked her, what does she mean by "we" she said..."me and you".
She's of the oppinion that this is her decision as much as it is mine. And with all due honesty, I feel Ive come to a new chapter in my life. I've allowed myself to roll over and let their oppinions in important matters superseed mine even if I knew they're wrong. I started submitting out of exhaustion from argument and fighting. I also submitted and make-believe they were right just so I could avoid a fight and further put dents and holes in an already complicated relationship.
I am thankful and full of praise to Allah for the parents I was born to, they teach me so much, but by virtue of their upbringing and lack of religious education, I have to battle uphill for nearly every opponion I express to my father, and many things to my mother.
I was once independent in my arguments and opponions, and was honoured by my ability to rationalize situations alone, but I've become so tired and hopeless in my dialouge with them, if my father were to tell me it's halal to walk nude, I would agree with belief.
As of today I will never let that happen again. I need to find energy, somewhere to battle their Sherman tank-like stubborness without comming out angry, depressed, etc.
I gotta lay down my sword and see if there is any other tool to wage my spiritual struggle with.
As for her, I will retreat for a few days to strategize. Think things through and find my way.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

2008-12-01T09:17:00.000-05:00

The final weekend of November has been smothered by sheer emotion. Every ounce of my flesh and soul has been overwhelmed with the murder of a 22 year old who I never met. I've never seen him or his family members, but this one tragedy has been the centre of my weekend. His pictures, soulless body and mourning lovers showed how real the challenge is. In our little community centre; the small mosque which is used as a school, recreation centre, social club and wedding hall was transformed for the first time in my generation, into a place of panic and confusion. EVERYONE, I mean EVERY single last person whose ever entered that centre asked "how in God's name have we succmbed to such a tragic way of life?"

I will brief my readers on the mentality of my people: Lebanese Muslim-Shia's tend to known for strong faith and an adherence to islamo-arabic traditions. Much of these traditions are beautiful and are lessons for the world, some of these traditions need to be challenged. But all in all, we, as a people have prided ourselves on resisting an oppressive machine, transformed from secular to Godly, and being beautiful.

The murdered young man was targeted. It was planned, first degree murder. There was a score to be settled for some reason. The members of my community are whispering rumours of drugs and a gang-related lifestyle. But I will leave these questions unanswered - as the Muslims say "Allah-who-alam" God know's best. Because we really have no idea what happened and why he was shot to death.

But whatever the issue is, I lay the responsibility of this man's death on us. Myself, and the village that held the responsibility of raising a man to not ever been involved with such people. Us, you, me, him, her. The father holding the rosary listening to the Imam speak. The mother looking chatting with her counterpart. The 20-something young man who prefers to smoke sheesha and shoot pool and chase skets instead of come to centre to enlighten their hearts. A community that failed to look after it's as if was their own. The village is responsibile for his death, regardless of what the reason was for his planned murder. We all have a hand in this.

I am bloody-f*cking-angry. At the ignorant people who are ONLY focused on their personal affairs. The people who are so possessed by this foul world. This awful planet- that uses the blood of the innocent to water the flowers and foliage which fools us to believe that life is pretty.

I am angry at the fathers who claim they tried, but gave up. I am angry at the men who had good intentions, but did a poor job at manifesting them. I am angry at the gossiping mother. I am angry at the mother's who didn't come together to intervene on behalf of their friend's son. I am angry at the young men who know the truth, but couldn't care less about it. I am angry at the young women, too overwhelmed by the pursuit of (false) love. I am VEXED, Furious with the SELFISH.

ME ME ME, MY MY MY....and at the same time....not my business, not my problem, not my son, not my daughter. Too late.

He's now your son, he's now your daughter, hes now MY brother. I am just as guilty as the ones I am angry with.

Calm Down Neil - Calm Down.... Think...think....think about what Malcom X said (may God rest his pure soul)

"Anger is A Gift".

Productive anger - Anger that moves you in the right direction, anger that makes you want to readjust society from what it is, to what it ought to be.

Alright, now my fire is directed.....I know what to do...

I will let know later on what it is, and if it worked.

Dear Mr. Dryden...

2008-10-10T15:06:00.000-04:00

Tis the season to elect another professional liar...
At one point we could have argued the need to find a politician who is the lesser of the evils. At one point before that, we could have chosen the better of the two.

Now, we live in a meat grinder, both sides are equally destructive, not a single place to turn for the sake of greater governance.

Mr. Ken Dryden, I personally appeal to you and your lack luster Superior. When you approve the necessity to collectively punish an entire population of innocent civilians, you have lived up to the same standards as your slave-ship fore-fathers. You have failed to evolve beyond foul principles that orchestrated the holocaust. You remain as primative...pardon me, as sub-primative as the mass murders who claimed to be doing the earth a favor, when all they did was wreck havok amongst them.

Regardless of my paternal heritage, regardless of my ancestry, and regardless of my blood line Mr. Dryden, I am a human being - one that understands that regardless of someone's race and political affiliation, all innocent civilians are entitled to peace and freedom from terror and oppression.

Any rational human being, one who bares a mind and a heart, understands the logic that the collective punishment of any innocent civilians (regardless of their geographical location, race, or suposid political affiliations) is against the natural and unbreakable law of freedom from punishment.

Why have you approved of the collective punishment of an innocent group of civilians? Do you want to be voted in that badly? do you want the paycheque and approval so badly? Do you really want that "authority" so bloody badly? An authority underneath a leader who lacks the characterisitics of a diplomat?

Excuse me Mr. Dryden, you've stooped lower than the one party your superior attacks consistently. You've truly become the man who stands for nothing and will fall for anything.

God Speed to you Mr. Dryden, enjoy this life and the luxuries you desire. Enjoy your "authority and power" while it lasts, because it'll come to a point when you'll beg for freedom from oppression, freedom from the hell you advocated on behalf of.

China: Woman imams play indispensable role in China's largest Muslim region

2008-10-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

6/10/2008: “At a tiny courtyard mosque in China's most populous Muslim region, Jin Meihua leads other women in prayer and chants." (Xinhua)

"Every day, the 44-year-old dons a black robe and violet scarf and preaches to dozens of women at the Little White Mosque in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous region, where most of the country's Islam-faith Hui ethnic minority live.

She is a female imam or "ahong," pronounced ah-hung, from the Persian word "akhund" for "the learned." In China, a female imam is an innovation, despite being rare in Arab countries. ‘Many female Muslims do not have the benefit of a school education. Although they are Muslims, they know nothing about the Qu'ran. I want to teach them the Holy Scriptures and hope they can be inspired and think independently,’ she said. ‘Women ahong are the best qualified to do this because they can communicate with the female faithful in ways the male ahongs can't.’

As early as the late Ming dynasty (around the 17th century), the faithful had set up female Muslim schools around the country. These turned into female mosques operated by women imams in late Qing dynasty (around the 19th century). The practice of female imams then spread to all the Chinese Muslim societies, said Shui Jingjun, a Henan Provincial Academy of Social Sciences researcher. Currently, Ningxia has more than 80 female imams. There are more than 3,600 registered mosques and 6,000 ahongs in the region, he said.

23 June 2008

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english

Kicking, Pushing & Coasting

2008-10-09T13:47:00.000-04:00

I would like to thank my kind and attentive readers for the generous comments. Although I do not express my thoughts as often as I should (due to a mix of being busy and lazy), I would like to affirm my new found desire to be consistent....hahhahahhaa, well, I'll try.

As you all know, I discuss lessons that most or all people experience, but I like to examine them within the wee hours of the night - the portion of the 24 hour period where the mind wonders to distant realms of the subconscious.

This past year, the one question that has nagged on me is, "how does one succeed? Is success a byproduct of persistent hard work? Is it fate (luck, chance, etc.), is it both?"

Allow me to explain a scenario:

An individual who desires a particular degree of success will receive it. It does not matter if they plead with God, because a plea for success isn't necessarily a conscience "thought out" request. A desire, a deep pensive want in moments of self reflection could be your plea with the most-High (all praises due) I could be wrong, but I BELIEVE you don't need to be consciously asking the All Knowing for him to hear your wants.

So it is essentially a matter of energy, a matter of passion and desire for success. I genuinely believe that is the fundamental core.

However, there are variables that define how you succeed, and the sustainability of your success (great, now I sound like a politician).

in order to define your success and it's sustainability, I propose the question, "why do you want to succeed?" Regardless of your religion or principles, what reward do you seek, is it a) sense of satisfaction; b) money; c) a pure afterlife; d) humanitarian (selfless)?

I would assume that most good people would say all of the above and if you look into it, 2 parts are worldly (a & b), and 2 parts are heavenly (c & d).

a heavenly inclination might grant you a type of success that isn't necessarily visible to the secular eye as "true success" , but to s/he who is God-centred, it would be obvious that they are of the most successful individuals.

If someone is inclined to more worldly intensions, their success would appear as true and genuine success. Neither are necessarily bad, but evil may not be something you actively avoid when you take the worldly into higher consideration. The heavenly would obviously be tempted by the fruits of Lucifer, but would take active steps to ensure s/he is free of it.

Let's try to pull this all of this in together... we have:
a) a passion, a want, a desire for something (for me, it is to spread Islam not by word, but by subtle action and the revolution of thought)
b) It will be served to me, God willing, so as long as I really want it
c) I need to be presistent in reaching it, willing to bare the difficulties affiliated with it (i.e. self-reformation & refinement, backlash, and many many MANY more difficulties)
d) Adjusting my approach and intensions to insure they heavily incline towards the heavenly (they're obviously allowed to be worldly, but that can never outweigh the heavenly, and if they do, go back to step [c])
e) follow through and fly with what was served to you. Be thankful and humble, never failing to acknowledge the fruits of success which have rippened before you.

If I have said anything wrong, May I be forgiven and corrected.

God Speed.

Forever accepting that the only thing definite is death and the day in which there is no doubt...

2007-09-12T00:25:00.000-04:00

As you might have figured out, I'm not as preoccupied as usual. I spend my hours in attempt to initiate my career through online applications - at this point, I am still optimistic, but the only stones I leave unturned are correctional officer (working in a prison) and a legal assistant. I'm beginning to consider policing as an domestic violence specialist - but I don't know...

Options are everywhere, nothing is definite. You can plan all you want, but the the micro-details are unpredictable (yes, I refer to your first career move as a micro-detail before you don't know where anything will lead you).

So the other day I was driving with a good friend (my mother); we go down to my favorite spot near the lake and she becomes as inspired as I. On our way there, I discussed a scenario that I fell into many times. Not once, not twice MANY times...where I was convinced that the final answer was already determined and it was time to carry on with the rest of my life. She looked at me and said; no. That one word shook me; no. Then did I realize, there is no final answer in this life except for death and the day in which there is no doubt (al youm la rayba fe - Judgment day). I was always convinced about determined answers; but nothing is definite. Nothing is the end of all roads; no answer is forever permanent. Maybe because I am not a mathematician in which all is black and white (right or wrong); I am a social scientist, where most or everything is grey.

I concluded that there are no conclusions in life; there is no guarantee that something is over; Your plans or your beliefs may be your aspirations, but definite are they really?

However, you might question, shouldn't we be determined enough to want things to be definite?
Lets say, for example - that a young woman wants to revolutionize her people to stand up against a system that is discreetly being designed to oppress them. She might desire it and pray for it, work for it and fight for it; but what is to say that will happen?

Than how confident can you be in your dreams and ambitions if things are not definite?

Now I confused myself - although I am convinced that humans have free will and can do as they wish; if they wanted to do something big and revolutionary but it doesn't go in that direction, is that necessarily a bad thing?

maybe this philosophy is just plain out stupid - wait, actually now I got it...

maybe there are somethings other than death and the day in which there is no doubt, and some things where you have control over? Maybe there are somethings that you are destined to do and you envision it years before it happens...is that a legitimate way to understand the term "definite"? Obviously, agnostics and atheists would think I'm retarded - but I'm still trying to figure out what I should close the book on and I should continue looking forward too....

maybe I should just stfu and just "koun (be)"

I guess everyone is allowed to think in wasteful dimensions once in a while...

The Lens...

2007-09-10T01:03:00.000-04:00

This is something that I've grown to understand a while ago, but have only verbalized it recently...although I expressed it to several intelligent friends, I failed to clarify it - or maybe it's because they didn't get my point. I love what Albert Einstein once said, "you only truly understand what you can explain to your grandmother". So in otherwords, I better practice my Arabic more often...(hahahahaha, me so funnnnnnnie)

I tend to write for people who are educated and see things in a similar light as mine - one day I'll be able to simplify things better and eventually universalize the message I feel needs to be broadcasted.

Okay, so here it goes....

Due to intense politicization of the current period, culture, and era that we live in, we as humans are viewing and judging everything from a political lens (or perspective).

Allow me to explain. As an individual, I have the ability and right to judge a scenario or a person after thorough and unemotional examination...

(*sidenote: I am not saying you should be judgmental by judging too quickly, but I am arguing that with wisdom and experience, you need to make competent judgments and conclusions about people and situations. Go ahead, be like Tupac and say "Only God can judge me"; however, I really think that was a message sent out to judgmental individuals*).

...however, that judgment is governed by the perspective you see it from. When people express a firm opinion and try to soften the blow, they might say something "that's just my perspective", or something like that...

The truth is, we have several lenses (or perspectives) - so far I've discovered both a politicized and a spiritualized one; there could be others, but I haven't found them. Both are valid means of coming to a conclusion; HOWEVER, we make the unwise and unconscious mistake of using our political lens to judge something (or someone) that requires the spiritual lens.

Have I confused you yet? I'm trying to be clear - but I have trouble trying to make sense out of things, So I'm gonna further simplify it.

We tend to judge a situation or a person by looking through the wrong lens. We sometimes judge situations that require a spiritual perspective, with a political lens. Hardly do we ever judge a politicized issue from a spiritual lens, due to the fact that we (as I said above) have become so politicized that we've packed away our spiritual lens.

Have I made my self clear now?

Okay, now for the examples....

I am what some people refer to as a SUSHI (from a mixed, Sunni/Shia family). I have a feeling that my generation might be the last of this, due to the fact that sectarianism (a political thing) has dominated people's understanding of the true essence of the religion (which is a spiritual thing). Many people have unconsciously replaced spiritualism with politicism.

This is happening for the follow reason:

- We have a natural desire and inclination to discover the ultimate reality (The one God).

- However, this is not going to feed our need to find cultural solace,

- So we therefore turn to the culture of our parents, due to the fact that the Canadian social fabric is weak (due to the multiculturalism ideology our Federal Government encouraged - it left many young individuals in limbo; unable to understand what their Canadian identity is in comparison to the culture of their parents).

- Nevertheless, cultural values are consistently mistaken with religious principals; and in order for us to decipher the difference between the two, we need to go into a deeper study (which is nightmarishly difficult)

and within this study, we begin to make judgments... and we make these judgments without looking through the correct lens.

Have I made things clear? I know its really complicated - I'll probably post another essay later that's far simpler.
But to conclude, these are thing that I believe should be looked at through a spiritual lens:

1) your relationship with God and your soul
2) your judgment of others (i.e. don't judge someone according to their political or ideological affiliations)

there are others, but I have yet to verbalize them....but I hate it when someone looks down on me because I don't look at everything through a poli-fu*king-litical lense or because my take on religion, or my take on "Sunni's/Shia's" is not consistent with everyone else's.

I have my perspectives, my beliefs and understandings as to the purpose of the sectarianism... even if you are rather rigid to your ideology, I think that it should not interfere with your relationship with other Muslims, especially marital relations...

I will explain more later on, because I know I've begotten a million more questions

God forgive if I've said anything contrary to his natural law and system.

Philosophy to live by

2007-09-10T00:52:00.000-04:00

Practical and simple philosophies you might have heard of, but have forgotten due to the fact that your a human and it is a part of you're nature to forget....So I've taken the liberty to remind you...

Imam Ali (a.s) has said, ‘That knowledge is very superficial when it remains only on your tongue; the intrinsic merit and value of knowledge is that you ACT upon it’.”

in other words, you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?

Beautiful Art work found on www.deviantart.com

2007-08-27T14:08:00.001-04:00

Tuqwa, Iman & it's relationship to character

2007-08-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

I could be totally wrong; I just do a lot of theorizing and I test it by asking my friends and scholars many questions, I look into different texts, ask Allah to guide me to see if my theory is correct and eventually, putting it into practice.

Allow me to explain the terms Tuqwa and Iman in laymen terms. Tuqwa can be understood as God consciousness. It can also be defined as fear of God; the type of fear from punishment, and the fear of wronging someone you really really love (if you truly love someone so much, you are conscious of every move you make and every word that you say, just so you may not disappoint them).

Iman is you confidence in Allah. How you trust him, your relationship with him and your ability to genuine see and feel his presence around you and inside your heart. People see Allah not with their physical eye, but the eye of their heart - in Arabic it is referred to as Haqq-ul-Yaqeen.

I do not know if everyone senses this or understands themselves in light of their relationship to Allah, but I do. I've pondered the universality of this and frankly, I know it is universal, but just because it is so, does not mean everyone can confirm or sense it. This is what I am growing to believe:::

That if you have characteristics, skills, and attributes that are grand, than your iman and tuqwa must be strong enough, in quantity and quality - to satisfy the capacity of the capacity you have. If your iman and tuqwa are weak, your great and unique abilities will never manifest.

First of all this is what you need to do:
You need to confirm and acknowledge the characteristics you have in you without fear of arrogance. You must do this; if you ever deny your truest potential and abilities - you have wronged yourself, Allah and those who you are benefit from your responsibility to them (side note: never view responsibility as a burden, it is a sincere honour to be given responsibilities).

There are many ways of acknowledging how amazing the characteristics you have and I am only sure of one way to do it without arrogance - by thanking Allah for them and asking him to help you use them in servitude to him.

You must search your inner most self; you must disassemble all that you have ever know about yourself and analyze everything from a logical point of view.

You must have a sufficient amount of knowledge to know what borders to cross and which ones to avoid

you must tour the depths of your mind with the vessel that is your heart. Knowing your heart may not be able to take the burden; it is not mechanical and it does adapt to harsh situations - so fear not and just embark on the journey.

There are other ways of humbly acknowledging your greatest characteristics and are necessary to do so for you to genuinely explore their potentials. I am not sure of them yet.

So back to my theory - These characteristics are unique or "high performance"; they might be rare and quite possibly, revolutionary (or at least the cause of one). In order for these characteristics to be truly manifested for the good of yourself and humanity - than you need to have Tuqwa and Iman that would shake the very foundation of the people who make eye contact with you.

Some people will see your potential without you having a strong Tuqwa or Iman. These are the people who will are heavenly appointed savior's, guides and, mentors. If they come across you, turn them not away, for you will be the loser.

If you ask me, these are the seeds of genuine self confidence and confidence in Allah. I think everyone has high potential - its just a matter of spirit and optimism.

I could be wrong, I don't know - I haven't confirmed anything, these are just thoughts - tell me what you think.

May Allah forgive me if I said anything wrong.

The Negative Thought Process

2007-08-27T12:50:00.000-04:00

The awful yet deceiving burn of pessimism never ceases to cause harm. It is the epiphany of weak confidence and low self-esteem; working ever so tirelessly to lower the priceless value of the human individual. It garners its energy and strength from the natural chemicals that react when a negative situation arises; than your little fiend take advantage and pours fuel to further intensify the chemical reaction. It leads you to believe you have little or no worth, it guides you to think you have almost no value in the eyes of those who matter. When this happens, you back away from the people, convinced that they care not about you. It sickens your soul and forces you to think selfishly.

It is a genuine intellectual burden - one that has brought down individuals that could have towered over the masses in sincere servitude to God and his glorious creations. It eliminates love and poisons the heart with numbness - making it forget the blissful beauty of love and the sheer magnitude of intellect. It fools the person making them believe that everything is designed to falter and that nothing has the capacity to love them or care for them because they doubt the blessings God has given them. They question "why would God bless me? I am nothing worthy of blessings, I am just a person with little or no worth."

Pessimism is what breaks the backs of individuals, low self-esteem and poor confidence is the way to a deep black hole - one possibly designed to eat away at the fundamentals the person once held true.

Weak self-esteem, low dignity and weak confidence are not reflected in the persons ability to be extro- or intro-verted; but their ability to hold tight and honor what they genuinely believe in. For me, as a Muslim my principals are as follows:

- a strong belief that justice will prevail and God's wisdom is above all, it may not always be easily understood and one must be patient in pursuing it

- holding true that God does love those who have good intension's and do good deeds and believe in his absoluteness; whether they sin heavily or avoid it - they must be confident that God is guiding and protecting them from what yields no benifit

- holding true to yourself, believing you are someone created for a purpose and that purpose will affect your environment

- holding on to high-spirit, whether the times are Amazing or Miserable, high-tide or low-tide, or if they themselves have messed up chronically for the millionth time

and obviously, the fundamental belief of there is only on God, Allah; Muhammad is his mercy to earth and his messenger, Ali is the one endowed with the responsibility to carry the message forward and that Mohammad al-Mehdi will be the one to bring it back to its genuine path.

these must be held as fundamental truths, not because you are told they are, but you are convinced that they will prevail.

Genuine belief in yourself and genuine confidence is a reflection of those fundamentals you honor and hold true to - if you hold on to them weakly, than you yourself are weak.

Never abide by the laws of pessimism - forever remember by the wisdom of optimism; as unrealistic as it might seem when you've been conditioned to think negatively - it is the only real way to spiritual freedom.

May God forgive me if I've said anything contrary to the Quran and Sunnah.

Drawing Parallels between Modern Theories on Critical Thinking & Shiite Muslim Principals of Spiritual Purification

2007-06-20T10:05:00.000-04:00

Modern Western science is understood without the intervention of religion. Prior to the European renaissance, the Old & New Testaments were used to understand Earthly and Astronomical sciences; however, if scientists made claims that contradicted the Christian doctrine, they would be penalized and eventually sentenced to death (Mirza, 2000). As the Muslim empire began flourishing 1400 years ago, so did science and technology (Mirza, 2000). Although hard sciences were elemental in the intellectual growth of the flourishing Muslim empire, it is spiritual growth made it possible. The Shiite Islamic teachings of spiritual purification made it possible for many people to discover and understand that which initiated curiosity. What made these teachings and practices so unique were not abnormal; they were consistent with the human desire for balance, happiness and tranquility. However, it is odd that many of the characteristics of people who are defined as spiritually sound and pure are parallel with the characteristics of critical thinkers. There are measurable characteristics that determine a person’s critical thinking capacity (Page, 2007). As well, Kohlberg’s (2007) stages of moral development define the different levels people attain in their understanding of morality and justice (Page, 2007). In several reliable Shiite Islamic texts, the characteristics of those who are in the process of spiritual purification are parallel to those of critical thinkers. They also discuss morality and justice and what particular levels Muslims should attain; oddly, they are also parallel to Kohlberg’s stages of moral development. The purpose of this study is to better understand the parallels between modern Western discoveries on critical thinking and Shiite Islamic dimensions of spiritual purification. This will be conducted by breaking down critical thinking characteristics and one stage of moral development as discussed by Page (2007). After this, several exegeses of well known Shiite Muslim texts will be dissected in order to isolate the different meanings of each characteristic used to describe the purification process. The final stage of research will analyze the similarities between the two schools of thought and recommend further research.

Modern Critical Thinking Theories

As there are many theories that explain, describe, and measure critical thinking, several scientist simplifies it with logic. Baron (1991) explains that critical thinking dispositions are learned tendencies that make us act in particular ways (Page, 2007). It is the science of individual thinking; it can be taught and encouraged with dedication and motivation (Page, 2007).

Paul (1990) proposes a unique and practical definition of critical thinking,

“Critical thinking is disciplined, self-directed thinking which exemplifies the perfections of thinking appropriate to a particular mode or domain of thought. It comes in two forms. If disciplined to serve the interests of a particular individual or group, to the exclusion of other relevant persons and groups, it is sophistic or weak sense critical thinking. If disciplined to take into account the interests of diverse persons or groups, it is fair- minded or strong sense critical thinking” (Paul, 1990, p. 4).

In the classroom, critical thinking defines the difference between exceptional students and otherwise. A student’s acquisition of long term knowledge is dependant on their ability to think critically about any topic that is presented to them (Paul, 1990, p. 1). When any student is presented with a ritualistic education; one in which the journey to the answer is not stimulated in the higher order of thinking (Paul, 1990, p.1), the desire to further gain knowledge is suffocated.

As stated by Paul, there are two orders of thinking, the lower and higher. Unfortunately, many students associate their education in their lower order of thinking. In this realm, learning is completed by association or rote (Paul, 1990, p. 2). For example, when a topic has been defined as one which only requires repetitive memorization, the learning center of the brain is under-stimulated and fails to retain and understand the nature of the topic. The lower order of learning does not require the use of logic (Paul, 1990, p. 3), it is the aspect in which rehearsal and recognition are computed; thus, preventing the thinking capacity of the student from reaching higher potential. Logically, the higher order is where critical thinking and analysis would take place.

Values that liberate critical thinking ability

The beauty of critical thinking is the fact that its philosophy can applied universally. It may appear different when looked at from a cultural context; however, the under-lying values and principals are consistent throughout the human race. They will be explained in the later part of this research.

Critical thought is beyond the computational aspect of thinking, it is the ability to think deeply and reflectively about a particular topic. It is using the power of thought to gain knowledge, instead of utilizing only what is dictated and heard by socialization. Critical thinking is intellectual discipline; it can be used to transform an entire person by starting with revolutionizing one’s basic modes of thinking (Paul, 1990, p. 4). Although it is something that can be taught, the student must have the desire and motivation to acquire it (Page, 2007).

Critical thinking in fundamental Shiite Islamic doctrine

As in any other organized religion, Shiite Islam holds several texts to be sacred. In addition to the Quran, which is used and held as the highest text by all Muslims, the Shiites have several other books that act as manuals for a successful worldly life and afterlife. In this research, several books were reviewed to draw an accurate understanding of the two schools of thought.

Spiritual Purification has stereotypically been affiliated with organized religion. We as carnal humans have maintained distant from it because of the political connotation affiliated with organized religion. We find difficulty in attempting to understand purification, due to the fact that many people fail to understand its complexity.

In Amini’s (1935) book, Self Building, he opens up by discussing that the spiritual objective of any human is refinement, purification and training of the self. He references several important figures in Shiite Islam that explain that good morals and excellent conduct are the source of all excellence and victory (Amini, 1935). As this philosophy is consistent with almost every other way of life, its universality is logical; excellent conduct will have great impact. However, this is not a simple task; it starts with self-awareness and self- building (Amini, 1934). Throughout the later part of this research, these two concepts will be explained and linked to meta-cognition and critical thinking.

The Peak of Eloquence is a compilation of sermons, letters and sayings of one of the greatest Islamic thinkers, Ali Ibn Abi Talib. He was defined as the gate to the city of knowledge. He not only held this standard, but he was the first Leader of Shiite Muslims & the fourth Caliph of the entire Muslim population 1400 years go. He is highly regarded as one of the greatest people to have walked the earth. To some scholars, the Peak of Eloquence is free of heretical transmission and is therefore laden only with his authentic works. There are also scholars who argue that no scholastic text can be perfect except for the revealed Quran. The reason for mentioning this fact is to assure the reader that the sermon used has been verified as sound by scholars of the two abovementioned arguments. Of the many sermons and letters in this book, one was selected on the basis that it discussed the perfection of character (Sermon 193). In it, he gives a description of a person who is enlightened, purified in character, and God conscious. There are many characteristics, but several notables ones that are parallel to critical thought will be analyzed in the later part of this research.

The Psalms of those who Prostrate (1984) is a book of supplications written by Ali Ibn Abi Talib’s Grandson, Zain ul Abidin. He is the only male to survive Islam’s greatest tragedy, the massacre of Husayn Ibn Ali in the deserts of Karbala, Iraq (Aslan, 2006). This book has been defined as a heart rendering manifestation of humanity’s struggle with the self by defining their relationship with the Creator. Although these are supplications, they are evidently consistent with the deep internal struggle that humans endure in life’s journey. Out of the 54 supplications, the one in which God is implored for excellence in morals and good conduct was selected because characteristics are paired with their opposites; therefore, asking for the unlearning of one ideology and the learning of a new one. Afterwards, several characteristics that directly compare to the attributes of critical thinkers are listed; publishing goodness, bending the knee of humanity, calmness of disposition, forbearing rebuke, speaking the truth though difficult, and underrating personal good. The final plea is for the extraction of impure elements from the soul and preservation of whatever may enlighten it (Muhani, 1984).

Drawing the Similarities Between the Two Schools of Thought

Meta-cognition (self-awareness) is the key to critical thinking

In the journey towards becoming a critical thinker, meta-cognition is a step towards becoming intellectually independent. Although meta-cognition is an essential element in the critical thinking process, it should not be confused with it. If meta-cognition is the awareness of ones own thought process, than critical thinking would be the wiser and more intellectual version of it (Paul, 1990, p. 4). It is the stage before any degree of critical thought; therefore, before anyone has the capacity to critically understand the world, they must first be able to critically analyze themselves.

Amini explains the self as a single reality – one that possess various dimensions and facts within their single existence (Amini, 1934). There is a physical dimension, which occupies space and time; the animal dimension, which are carnal instincts; and lastly, the human dimension, which is wisdom, thinking, and thoughts (Amini, 1934). The objective of every person is to build their “human” dimension; without this, our success as individuals and as a collective group is lost.

In Shiite Islam, the entire objective of life is to purify and build the spiritual (human) self. It is the dimension that will define the survival and prevalence of humanity. Paul (1990) makes the very same argument about meta-cognition and critical thinking in his title,

“What every person needs to survive in a rapidly changing world” (Paul, 1990, p. 1).

The nature of Paul’s research is to develop a practical critical thinking criterion for teachers. There are several detailed lists that describe how to develop and condition certain characteristics; oddly, these are defined as virtues within the Shiite Islamic doctrine. A read though will instantly reveal the virtuosity of the characteristics because the people who do possess them are far and few between. The first list explains the perfections and imperfections of thought. They are fundamental disciplines that can be used for good or evil and with much practice and conditioning, grow to be an intellectual survival kit.

The critical thought characteristics are paired with the virtues of the purified; doing this shows the close relation of the two schools of thought: Clarity, logicalness and straightforward speech; precision, accuracy, specificity and attention to knowledge; relevance, consistency and steadfast in trivial times while upholding values; depth and a deep emotional desire to understand themselves; completeness and faith in conviction; fairness and humility; significance and adequacy for purpose (Paul, 1990, p. 4) (Radi, 2002).

Afterwards, Paul discusses interdependent and universal mental traits that are necessary when contemplating the self or any issue. Again, it is paired off with its sibling from the Peak of Eloquence. Intellectual humility and acknowledgement of ignorance; intellectual courage/integrity and endurance in (intellectual) hardship; intellectual perseverance and eagerness in seeking knowledge; faith in reason and determination along with leniency; intellectual sense of justice and satisfied only with the truth; intellectual empathy and understanding others by way of leniency and mercifulness (Paul, 1990, p. 6) (Radi, 2002).

The connection between critical thinking and spiritual purification is clear. Through sermons, supplications, and knowledge acquisition, Shiite Islam is whole-heartedly emphasizing its practitioners to be critical thinkers.

Nevertheless, both schools of thought offer many more characteristics with deep explanations; however, the nature of this research is to only draw a connection between the world of tested scientific fact and a spiritual understanding of the soul.

Kohlberg and the stages of moral development

As explained by Page (2007), Kohlberg theorizes and describes six stages of moral development. Although it starts at the onslaught of childhood, it continues throughout life and most people stop at the 3^rd or 4^th stage (Page, 2007). The sixth stage, known as universal ethical principals, is deserving of only a few people whose names have been etched in almost every mind. In this stage, Kohlberg claims that it is the application of transformational ethics. It is where a person understands the unbalanced and unfair dynamics that hurts society and works to deconstruct them and replace them with the universal principals of human rights (Page, 2007). In the sermon discussed earlier, Ali Ibn Abi Talib’s vivid account of spiritually purified people is closed off with,

“They transfuse knowledge with forbearance and speech with action” (Radi, 2002).

Thus, Kohlberg’s empirically proven understanding of highly evolved morals is consistent with people who are defined as spiritually purified. As this was the understanding of human beings 1400 years ago, it shows the consistency, validity, and universality of human moral evolution, regardless of generation.

Recommendations for further research

In the Canadian Context, this higher order of thinking would need to be experimented during adolescence. Topics and courses must be designed to teach them to individually utilize their mental capacities. Topics and course content must be enriching and controversial enough that it would naturally train the student to utilize their critical thinking ability (Paul, 1990, p. 4).

Although standardized testing can measure the algorithmic aspect of thinking (Page, 2007), it fails to measure the critical thinkers thought patterns which are learned over time.

One of the more difficult objectives of humanity is the breaking of bad habits. Whether they are manifested physically (smoking, alcoholism, and so on) or in poor thinking habits (dogmatism, prejudice, and so on), the unlearning process is wrenching. As this step in life is one of the greatest mysteries, we still hear of people who have overcome their bad habits. They all have unique stories, but I have not come across an empirically tested theory as to how unlearning occurs. It has been explained from a spiritual stand point in which Amini references several notable figures discussing the steps towards liberation from bad habits, but an empirically tested though process is difficult to find.

This area requires further research; if done so, it can help solve some of the greatest obstacles humans have come across. Because scientists shy away from using religious sources as assistance and inspiration for further research, it would be rather difficult to convince psychologists to use Shiite Islamic sources. The politics behind the religion and science debate stems from a feud between Darwinists and the Church. If this is overcome and behavioural sciences are tested from an Islamic perspective, than maybe, further progress can be made in understanding the science behind breaking bad habits.

Side effects....

2007-03-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

You know, when you hold in your tears
and you let out anger....it further sours your heart.
it makes it hard
you become cold
uncaring and rude
I think I fool myself when i say i can take it
I just swallow it, but I'm sure its going to come back to hit me 10 times as hard.
I feel really cold
I feel almost soul-less
man, talk about a trial

If there's gonna be a revolution, it's gotta start in your bedroom

2007-03-04T23:13:00.000-05:00

Change is not easy.
Breaking bad habits is war.

Lets face it, our society is plagued by addiction. Things like, "shopaholics", gambling addictions, cigarettes, alcohol, video games, over eating, sex addiction et cetera, et cetera & et cetera. Almost anything and everything can be qualified as "addictive".

A bad addiction tends to keep you away from duties, it stops you from reaching your potential, it consumes precious time and honestly.....it oppresses your heart.

Only the ignorant and foolish say using your heart to make decisions is unwise. Let me make it clear....your brain cannot explore the depths of this universe without a strong willed and good heart.

If your brain is the universe, than your heart is the vessel that allows to travel within it.

However, the aspect of the heart is a very complicated one. It's not just a muscle that pumps blood;

It's also a fertile plot of land, waiting for the seed of a blooming flower that forever gives off beauty.
It seeks to be cultivated;

It begs for contentment,

It yearns to be pure,

Anyways...anyone who desires a revolution, who wants to see change or simply, wants to make someone glow a warm smile, than their hearts need to be free; or at least working towards freedom.

Issues like compulsion and addiction are like shackles around the ankles and wrists; you become imprisoned by your limitations; or simply put, your carnal self.

There are people who argue that they need a change of scenery, a new life, a new place of "being", so that they might change.

I am working hard to prove this otherwise. I do believe that if someone is going to be the change the want to see, they have to start between the four walls.

Why, because your mind and heart are what need to change. That vessel of yours needs to be rebuilt and strengthened in order to withstand the dangers of the universe.

Have I confused you yet? I'm just trying to say that.....Nothing will make this world better, unless the world inside you is better.

Tests, Tests, Tests.

2007-03-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

Funny isn't it? when you walk into class and you see the busy youngin's smiling and contemplating their ventures for the day, you wonder...what struggles to these people encounter?

Their glowing faces and bright smiles tend to mask their pains; almost to the point where you might even think their lives are almost pain free.

Obviously, that's not true, every one of your mates, regardless of how big and bright their smiles might be, have something that's breaking their hearts. At the very least, it probably crosses their hearts every week.

Would it be fair to assume it crosses their minds daily? maybe even hourly? maybe the thoughts are so often, it distracts them from their obligations?

Maybe they're better at managing their internal life, quite possibly....they could have mastered the art of struggle & it doesn't phase them, it becomes second nature.

Too many maybes, not enough definites....so I'll stop asking questions and move on to my point.

If any of you take your struggles as seriously as I do; see them as tests. See them as something you need to prepare for, plan it like a war. Plan it as if you know you'll loose a lot, plan them knowing you'll come out injured. But may I make my point clear....never cease to gather each and every lesson from that test; whether you passed or failed.

My second point is, make this your personal responsibility & think about it as if it is your life's goal. Teach yourself, condition your weak & fragile heart to never loose it's cool; for "us as humans" this is the greatest attribute. It pieces together patience, wisdom, self-control, through thinking, conflict resolution & so many other priceless spirits that you will become someone with as much magnitude as a deep loving mother.

It's not easy, I know; if I had the formula to it, I would give it to everyone. I would dedicate my life to giving to everyone.

Bas khaleey'neh oulkoun sheh, iza badkoun seeroo haleem, lazem balshou bi' imankoun.
(But let me tell you something, if you want to become forbaring; you must start with purifying your soul).

You cannot start this by thinking of it as a "task" oriented process (i.e, if you want to be strong willed, you need to follow steps 1, 2, 3), it's far more complicated; when I find out, I'll let you know.

If you do know, please feel free to share you knowledge.

The pangs of tough love....

2007-02-22T19:46:00.000-05:00

So I'm reading this book called "The Road to Whatever" by Elliot Currie; it's about the crisis facing middle class youth. He does a really good job at dissecting an issue that's been neglected for quite some time.

He gives examples of many adolescents that have been reared in financially stable homes and are facing problems that are always co-related to poverty.

The problems they're dealing with prove that poverty is not a strong co-relation to rebellion and dangerous behaviour.

He sums it down to several social issues that all breed from social darwinism. The most obvious is the selfish phenomena referred to as "tough love". It's quite possibly the most destructive form of parenting. Where parents neglect the child for the sake of their own good ("neglecting" for their own good? I don't get it... That's like saying to your girl..."I'm gonna rape you for your own good....").

They do this when the child becomes "out of control" or "too rebellious" and what the parents do is disown their child by not commincating with them, being harsh and lacking empathy & eventually throwing them out on the street (or sending them to rehab).

Currie goes on to say many of these adolecents only rebel or loose control because they cannot live up to the ridiculously high standards society put out for them. They live to them for a while & eventually burn out. He also goes on to say that, the parents hardly ever acknowledge their child's success' and only criticize their imperfections (if I grew up in that kind of a home, I would have ended up the most ruthless thug on the planet, I am the definition of imperfection....Thank GOD for ma familia).

So, this social darwinism phenomena says that, "if your not the best, your nothing". The whole "survival of the fittest" motif, he claims, has destroyed an adolecents possibility to be just "human".

As well, he notes about the whole, American Christianity ideology which says "a sin is a sin". Whether I've lied, smoked crack or went on a killing spree, I'm in the boat of "wretched sinner"' so alot of religious and irreligious adolecents end up saying "the hell with it, whether I accidentally curse or get smashed, I'm just as bad, so whats the point of trying so hard to perfect?"

This forces many adolecents to completely disregard any potential of them doing good.

I've only summarized a portion of his book, there's so many things and I highly suggest you read his book too. But I would like to end off with the central reason as to why many adolecents are sinking terribly. It is because they've lost their sense of self "human" worth. The idea which plagues modern culture, which is a mix of social darwinism and some really bizarre form of Chrisindom says in this society that you either sink or swim; because sinking is just much easier when all the odds are against you, what do you have to loose.

Never loose your sense of worth, you, as a human, share the same value as everyone around you; priceless.

I love satire.....read the quote in the cartoon

2007-02-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

Khadija tul Kubra and Islam

2007-02-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

Today, Islam is the greatest force in the world. Its enemies cannot do it any harm. It is like a mighty oak which the storms of the world cannot uproot. Yet there was a time when this mighty oak was a tiny sapling, and desperately needed someone to protect it from the hurricanes of idolatry and polytheism which threatened to uproot it.

Muslims may forget it but Islam cannot forget that in its infancy, it were Abu Talib and Khadija who protected it. They made Islam invulnerable. Abu Talib protected the sapling of Islam from the tempests of misbelief and heathenism; and Khadija irrigated it with her wealth. She did not let the sapling of Islam die from draught. In fact, she didn't even let it wilt from neglect. Protecting Islam was, for Abu Talib and Khadija, their foremost duty. Islam was their first love, and it was a love which they passed on, as their "legacy" to their children. If they - Abu Talib and Khadija - had protected the tree of Islam from its enemies in the lifetime of Muhammed Mustafa, and had "irrigated" it with vast quantities of gold and silver, their children and their grandchildren protected it, from its enemies after his death, and irrigated it with their blood. Their blood was the most sacrosanct blood in all creation. After all, it was the blood of Muhammed Mustafa himself - the Last and the Greatest of all Messengers of Allah, and the Chief of all Apostles and Prophets.

Khadija was an "eye-witness" of the birth of Islam. She nursed it through its infancy, through its most difficult, and through its most formative years. Islam was given shape and design in her home. If any home can be called the cradle of Islam, it was her home. She "reared" Islam. If any home can be called the "axis" of Islam, it was her home; Islam revolved around her home. Her home was the "home" of Quran Majid -the Book of Allah, and the religious and political code of Islam.

..

It was in her home that Gabriel was bringing Revelations from Heaven for ten years.

Khadija has collected more "firsts" in the history of nascent Islam than anyone else. She was the first wife of the last messenger of Allah. She was the first Believer. She was the very first mortal to declare that the Creator was only One, and that Muhammed was His messenger. Next to her husband, she was the very first individual who heard the Voice of Revelation. She was the first person who offered prayers to Allah with her husband. Whenever he went into the presence of Allah, she was his constant companion. She was the first Mother of Believers. She was the only wife of Muhammed Mustafa who did not have to co-exist with a co-wife. All the love, all the affection and all the friendship of her husband, were hers and hers alone -exclusively!

When Muhammed Mustafa proclaimed his mission as the messenger of Allah, and told the Arabs not to worship idols, and called upon them to rally under the banner of Tauheed, a tidal wave of sorrows broke upon him. The polytheists began to thirst for his blood. They invented new and ingenious ways of tormenting him, and they made many attempts to stifle his voice forever. In those times of stress and distress, Khadija was a bastion of strength for him. It was only because of her and Abu Talib that the polytheists could not disrupt his work of preaching and propagating Islam. She made, in this manner, a most important contribution to the survival and propagation of Islam.

Khadija set basic standards that spell domestic peace, harmony, happiness and fulfillment, and she upheld and reflected them in her life. She demonstrated that the key to a family's strength and happiness is the degree of emotional closeness between its members. She spelled out the rights and duties of husbands and wives. The standards set by her, became the "blueprint" for family life in Islam. Muhammed Mustafa and Khadija spent twenty-five years together, and in those years, they formulated the "laws" that make a marriage successful and a life happy. Since then, even in temporal terms, the rest of the world has not been able to find better laws. Islam incorporated the same laws in its own programme.

Khadija turned the abstractions of idealism into reality. Her life with Muhammed is concrete evidence of that fact. What she gave to the world was not merely a set of principles or theoretical ideas but an experience, rich in moments of pure enchantment with Islam, and subtle rhythms of love for Allah and His Messenger.

As mentioned earlier, the pagan Arabs had a sense of honor gone all awry. It was their "sense of honor" which impelled them to kill their daughters. Islam of course put an end to this barbaric and horrendous practice by making it at once a sin against Allah, and a crime against humanity. Besides putting an end to female infanticide, Islam also gave dignity, honor and rights to women, and it guaranteed those rights.

Allah Ta'ala wished to demonstrate that the laws of Islam were all practicable. To demonstrate the practicability of those laws, and to show the Islamic "Design of Life," He chose the house of His slaves, Muhammed and Khadija. Without Khadija, the laws of Islam would have remained meaningless. In fact, it is even possible that Muhammed Mustafa could not have promulgated those laws without her.

One of the greatest blessings that Muhammed Mustafa and Khadija received from Allah Ta'ala was their daughter, Fatima Zahra. As noted before, Fatima was born after the death of her brothers, Qasim and Abdullah. She was only five years old when her mother died. After the death of her mother, Muhammed Mustafa, the messenger of Allah, became both a father and a mother for her. In bringing up his daughter, the Messenger of Allah was demonstrating the applicability of the laws of Islam. Since he is the model for all Muslims, they have to imitate him in all his deeds. He bestowed the utmost love upon, and showed the greatest respect to his daughter.

Both in Makka and in Medina, many important persons, such as princes and leaders of powerful tribes, came to see the messenger of Allah. He never rose from the ground to greet any of them. But if he heard that his daughter, Fatima Zahra, was coming to see him, he rose from the floor, went forward to greet her, escorted her back, and gave her the place of honor to sit. He did not show so much esteem and regard to anyone at any time in his life - man or woman!

SUCH IS THE BOUNTY OF ALLAH, WHICH HE BESTOWS ON WHOM HE WILL: AND ALLAH IS THE LORD OF THE HIGHEST BOUNTY.

(Quran Majid. Chapter 62; verse 4)

Allah Ta'ala bestowed His Bounty upon Fatima Zahra, the daughter of His friend and His messenger, Muhammed Mustafa.

It was Khadija's only daughter, Fatima Zahra, who became the recipient of the accolades of Heaven in the 76th chapter of Quran Majid - Sura Dahr. In fact, the whole chapter is "dedicated" to her and to her family comprising her husband, Ali ibn Abi Talib; her children, Hasan and Husain; and her maid, Fizza. She also became the "exegesis" of the 108th Chapter of Quran Majid - Sura Kauthar (=Abundance). Allah Ta'ala gave Khadija a son-in-law like Ali ibn Abi Talib who became the Lion of Allah; "the Right Arm of Islam;" and the shield and buckler of Muhammed Mustafa; and He gave her grandsons like Hasan and Husain who became the Riders of the Shoulders of the Messenger of Allah, and "the Princes of the Youth of Heaven."

Without a doubt, Islam means the practice of the house of Khadija; and without a doubt, Quran Majid is the "dialect" of her family. Her daughter, Fatima Zahra, and her grand-children, Hasan and Husain, grew up "speaking" Quran Majid. She has the same relationship to Islam and Quran Majid that light has to the eyes, lustre to a pearl; and fragrance to a rose.

Even the most eloquent of languages fails adequately to express or fittingly to commend, Khadija's merits. But Allah Ta'ala has promised His reward to his loving slaves like Khadija in the following verses of His Book:

THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH AND DO RIGHTEOUS DEEDS, - THEY ARE THE BEST OF CREATURES.

THEIR REWARD IS WITH ALLAH: GARDENS OF ETERNITY, BENEATH WHICH RIVERS FLOW; THEY WILL DWELL THEREIN FOR EVER; ALLAH WELL PLEASED WITH THEM, AND THEY WITH HIM: ALL THIS FOR SUCH AS FEAR THEIR LORD AND CHERISHER.

(Chapter 98; verses 7, 8)

What it means to be sincere...

2007-02-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

Never reject someones sincerity.
"we as humans" can grow to be selfish enough to reject the sincerity of others. A perons words that lack sincerity is like a body that has no soul. So when anyone approachs you in sincerity, reply to them with the same caliber of sincerity.

This may be difficult, considering you may not feel the necessity or desire to be sincere; however, there are two ways that "we as humans" can be genuinely sincere, when we might feel otherwise.

1. actively listen to the other persons words; try hard not to think of how you want to respond, but focus on what they're saying (both verbally & physically). Direct your mind to the person speaking and seperate your brain from your personal thoughts & feelings. This helps you see between the persons words which is basically, understanding their sincerity. This is pretty difficult, but it's like anything else....practice will eventually make you a pro at it. But, the better you become at it, the easier it'll be to seperate the person's intentions from their inability to communicate their message (e.g. someone really angry, but just wants to do good).

2. Try really hard not to take anything personal, even if it is directed at you. As in, if someone is terribly upset with you, try hard not to erect a "psychological defense wall" that will prevent you from understanding their message. Even if someone is directly angry with you, humble yourself to listen carefully, even if it sounds like rubbish. You can humble yourself by instantly acknowledging you've done something wrong and by actively listening, you can disect why the person is emotional (or irrational, angry etc.) and this will help you connect with them.

"we as humans" should strive to connect with people on the basis of sincerity. This helps us connect with people on the most "human" level because sincerity is someones desire to be genuine.

We make the mistake of "wanting" to connect with people on the basis of their knowledge, wealth, status and so on. This is selfish and anti-human because sub-consciously we are wanting to "get" something out of them. But ofcourse, there are exceptions.

We cannot engage with people who we think will match or excell us in knowledge, these are the seeds of arrogance and we all know, it is a slipperly slope.

How do we do all this????
It's done through active consciousness. We need to make sure that we are not always acting or speaking on behalf of our habits (which humans portray unconsciously). "We as humans" need to know what our bad habits are. So that when we think they will come out, we will actively engage with ourselves to ensure that we will act according to what we know is best.

Again, there are always exceptions.

Just wishing "we as humans" can act like this all the time.

The Little Hujja

2007-02-19T23:48:00.001-05:00

A Country's Most Valuable Export Is Not A Prodcut Or A Service But Rather A Myth.

2007-02-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

Last night I was able to attend Dr. Jamal Zahalka's
(member of Israel's Knesset) lecture as the last
keynote speaker at the Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) at
the U of T. Dr. Zhalka's opening statement was about a
very valuable Israeli export describing it as the Most
Important Export: the concept that Israel is a
democracy.

Dr. Zahalka's lecture was not yet another attack on
Israeli policies and practices and he did not throw
around details documenting atrocities and so on. Arabs
have done that for years without any success and
listeners largely tune out when they hear such
arguments against Israel and dismiss them as
Anti-Semitism citing the FACT THAT "ISRAEL IS A
DEMOCRACY TRYING TO DFENED ITSELF". What made Dr.
Zhalka's lecture interesting is the concept of Israel
EXPORTING a MYTH and buyers are willing to pay
exuberant sums of money, efforts, and morale compass
for it. There are endless buyers of such export
ranging from the traditional western politicians,
academics, and religious leaders to even Arab masses.

From the get go, Dr. Zhalka did not claim to be
neutral but stated that he will try to be objective.
He then went on to support his statement that Israel's
democracy is a myth by arguing that Israel's very
existence as a state for the Jews from outside
Palestine dictates that it can't be democratic for all
its citizens (because of the conflict it created
between Christians and Muslims on one side and Jews on
the other side). Simply put, democracies serve the
interests of the majority and Jews were a minority in
Palestine at the time of starting the process of the
creation of the state. To insist that Israel be
democratic is to change the demographics so that Jews
are the majority and Christians and Muslims are a
minority. To forcibly change the demographics of a
country is an undemocratic process.

The tragedy that befell the Palestinian people was due
to two things: first, the plan of outsiders to create
a state for the Jews and second and most significant,
insistence that such a state be democratic. The
insistence on the state of Israel being democratic
dictated that its demographics must change and that
its Muslim and Christian population must be
out-rooted. Palestinians would have been better off if
outsiders had decided to create an apartheid state
(like South Africa for example) whereby few powerful
European and Arab Jews ruled a mostly poor Christian
and Muslim Arab population because then there would
have been no need to expel the Palestinians and
eventually over time all would have learned to live in
one democratic country.

Demographics are the reason why Israel STILL IS NOT a
democratic state. As Israeli Arab population grows
very fast, the state is trying to ensure they do not
become a significant minority (the cutoff percentage
according to Dr. Zhalka is 30% of the total
population) let alone a majority. Laws are enacted to
prevent such growth. Such laws are enacted in “the
most democratic way”: they are proposed by the
government, debated in the Knesset, and voted on. To
an outside observer this is great democracy at work
but it does not take too much research to realize that
such laws have one clear objective: to discriminate
against Arabs in such a way that their population does
not grow. Democracies do not discriminate against
their minorities.

A discourse on human relations with Allah (God)

2007-02-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

"We as humans" have a problem.

We've done a terrible job at seperating our personal relaitonship with Allah from the political turmoil of the holy land. It is as if, our Iman (faith) is reliant on the truthfulness of certain nations/leaders of particular religious denominations. We tend to say, the christian religion is founded in the Neo-conservative policial ideology, or that, if you are a Sunni you side with Saudi Arabia and have faith in their leaders OR if you are a Shia, you have faith in Iran and have faith in their leaders OR if you are Jewish you have faith in Israel and their leaders.

STOP DOING THIS, this is anti-spiritual.

This is no way to conduct your religious affairs and will only act to corrode your personal relationship with Allah.

"We as humans" have a personal & private relationship with the ONE GOD; and this is above any political authority on this burdensome planet. Remember, your religion is not necessarily reflected in global politics. Do not rely on a particular country to help you re-affirm the validity of your religion.

Again, your relationship with Allah is above all, nothing determines it except your ability to witness him; not in the country which claims to carry it's flag.

Ameen.....If I've said anything incorrectly, forgive me.

A discourse on universality

2007-02-18T21:39:00.001-05:00

The personal is the universal.

This is probably a poor way of trying to understand life, but I justify my understanding of humanity by saying: "I am a human, therefore I represent the entire human race".

By this I mean that, the experiences and encounters I meet are universal; that most or all human's will/have experienced them. From the billions who lived before us, the billions among us and God knows of the amount that will live after us.

I would have to say all humans (according to my limited perspective) will experience certain things that are constant with what all humans experience while living on this planet.

So anyways, when I say "we as humans"; I am mentioning something I've experienced. However, I also believe it is a universal experience; such that all humans will experience it or have experienced it.

Keep in mind, no one knows how we feel. However, this is a result of unique perception. "We as humans" are so unque that we all see the same thing, but interpret it differently.

It's been a while...So I'll start with something I love....women =)

2007-02-18T01:58:00.000-05:00

Last night, a young brother and I were leaving a University campus, there was a lecturer discussing the rights of oppressed peoples in a "so called" democratic land in the Middle East. We walked out, not only mezmorized at what we learned from the speaker. We couldn't help but notice something.

The women at this conference were definately one of a kind. They were shockingly beautiful, sometimes, I couldn't help but stare like I was just hypnotized. Apart from their completely unique physical appearance, it was something else that made them so unique.....in arabic, we call it two things; Izzah & Istekama.

I have an obsession with these two terms; they are my favorite words in the arabic dictionary.
Izza means self-respect; something so many people lack....unforunately, it's plagued many women.
Istekama means up-rightness, firmness & dignity; again, its something so many of us lack.

These two elements make anyone beautiful; you can see it in their posture, their eyes, their voice.....essentially, its the foundation to their soul.

Anyways, back to women...
These women are the offspring of an oppressed people. They're obviously aware of the torment their people are enduring and I am wondering....these characteristics (Izzah & Istekama) tend to be of those who value their: a) a humanity b) a womanhood/manhood c) a spiritual 'being' d) their roots
What did the knowledge of those 4 points give them??
- it gave them DIGNITY, PRICIPAL & COURAGE.

I thought....apart from their gentle smiles, comforting voices, welcoming attitudes, piercing eyes & mountain moving hips.....what made these women worthy of humility was their understaning of the value of life.

I'm sure if I wanted to list the attributes of these women, I could go on 'till the wee hours of the morning, but I'll stop here saying....

How in GOD's name do you ask a muhajibah for her phone number????

Yeah I'm whack.....I know it, but I'm still a ging'gas'tar.

Does the Mass Media Present Different Perspectives or is it Just a Battle for Propaganda?

2006-08-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

As we all know, land in the western hemisphere is being cultivated in order to capitalize (i.e. building sub-division's, Wal-Mart's, etc.). The heart is the same way, if it is left uncultivated a foregin element will seek to cultivate it and might I say with sheer honesty, it doesn't want to do anything good with it. For some people, capitalization is the key element to life and if we buy into it, we will turn into its consumers.

So, onto my point... the mass media has several desires, but the grandest one to capitalize on the hearts it laid its waste on. It polutes your heart and mind with propoganda that would confuse those who claim to be the most intellectual of thinkers. It shows you a perspective that attempts to stomp the truth to death. However, have we humans forgotten? THE TRUTH IS INDESTRUCTABLE.

People have doubts about the Lebanese resistence, people like to believe all they see on television, but there also a group of people whose hearts are a little weak. They might bare the intellect to know propoganda is spiritual polution, but their hearts are having difficulty determining whether this propoganda is just or not. There are those who are fixed with their understanding of the term "resistence" (i.e. DEFENSE), and their hearts are strong and stable and are aware of propoganda's poisonus whispers.

What do I suggest? know that everything Israel does is UNJUST.

As many have forgotten, the relationship between the student and teacher is a sacred one...

2006-08-18T01:37:00.000-04:00

The commercialization of studies has almost nullified the sacred and precious relationship between a student and his or her master/teacher. The relationship between a teacher and their students is half of the learning process, when it becomes impersonal the greater the likelyhood of the students lacking genuine and direct inspiration.

My blog's are not of significant importance, however; over the summer I spent several months with the student of a grand Ayatollah in Iran (known for his works on spiritual purification) the kind mind was teaching me classical arabic and conjugation.

We eventually evolved into friends before he took the role as "master" and I took the role as "student". He taught me out of the kindness of his heart and I accepted what ever he said; however I was still defiant.

He modestly taught me the responsibilities of the community elders and the ones endowed with education; he also taught me the responsibilities of student and the rights they entrust to eachother.

Nevertheless it was phenominal, it was a system, where complete trust in the teachers knowledge is the foundation of the relationship; and the pursuit of knowledge had no borders. The student was at the mercy of the teacher and contrary to what you might think, the teacher never took advantage. The teacher was far more fearful of God than any of his students and did not dare to transgress. The teacher feels his/her purpose is to enlighten their students, through mutual understanding, open-mindedness and also....obedience.

This relationship is sacred, education has become commericalized (which is normal and constant in modern western civilization) but this sacred essence, unfortunately, has melted away. These universal codes could even be applied to secular education.

My question is: If our education system is consistently facing budget cuts, growing skepticism and different perspectives that not all can agree with, how can each student be taught the fundamental spiritual characteristic of trust if teachers dont fill the hearts of their students with it?

The Importance of understanding "Perspectives"

2006-08-17T23:17:00.000-04:00

This evening a Brother and I shared something special...

How odd was it? two men who look identical and who are consistently mistaken for eachother, have two completely different spectrums of understanding?

This isn't a selfish blog where I focus on myself and the ones closest to my heart, however we are humans and to an extent, represent the human race. Even if this example is personal, it still is universal.

So I figured out, if one human sees something and interprets it from a theorectical/computational perspective, it's by far, different than one whose more rational and compassionate. Neither are wrong, but it is obvious, that different perspectives apply to different situations.

For example, a humanitarian situation would require a compasionate and rational perspective. A Perspective which is directed towards the earning of material would use a theoretical perspective; But ofcourse, therer are exceptions...

So All that discussion leads into what?