MG i dont know what to say but you know what i want to say..
i dont know how to take it and i am being non chalant about it - but my mind is jumping all over the place.
it it could be somehting else... but then i wonder in my head...MG i want to say but i reckon the best person to speak to is you... becaause you knwo how u feel, in ways that i cannot describe to anyone...
so far today all i keep telling myself in my head.. God is in control, and He is the best provider.........
My Lord, provide for me, provide for us..... in this life and the next
Monday, 27 September 2010
Sunday, 26 September 2010
One God
i remember like within 2 weeks i read this part in the quran and i was inspired by this one verse....
it moved me to such an extent that i remember and constantly repeat to myself as the day goes by....
Chapter 20:98
Khalifa - Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.
Yusuf Ali - But the god of you all is the One God: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.
Pickthal - Your God is only Allah, than Whom there is no other God. He embraceth all things in His knowledge.
Shakir - Your God is only Allah, there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.
Sher Ali - `Your God is only Allah, there is no god but HE. HE comprehends all things in HIS knowledge.'
"Progressive Muslims" - Your god is God; whom there is no god but He. His knowledge encompasses all things
so yesterday night i decided to look up the verse and it dawned on me that the addition of the chapter digits and verse digits equals 19..... so an idea came to my mind...
i decided to check verse 02:98 and 02:89 which falls in the same category of addition of the digits... and here is the verses that i got
2:89
Khalifa - When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - And when there comes to them a Book from God, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of God is on those without Faith.
Pickthal - And when there cometh unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved - and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
Shakir - And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is on the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - And when there came to them a book from Allah, fulfilling that which is with them - and before that they have prayed for victory over the disbelievers - yet when there came to them that which they knew to be the truth, they rejected it. The curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims" - And when a scripture came to them from God, authenticating what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! God's curse be upon the rejecters
and 2:98
Khalifa - Anyone who opposes GOD, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael, should know that GOD opposes the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
Pickthal - Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Shakir - Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His apostles and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - `Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and HIS angels, and HIS Messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then surely, Allah is an enemy to such disbelievers.'
"Progressive Muslims" - "Whoever was an enemy to God and His Angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the disbelievers."
and i chuckled to myself and i thought to myself wont it just be a curious fascination to search the quran for verses where the chapter digits and verse digits add to 19 and see how the verse reads... it would even be more wonderful if it is compiled in order of revealation....
now i am not a fan of searching 19 in everything one does because there is a fine line in being mesmerised by the number to a detriment to ones mind and soul... however i thought it was funny and i laughtd my head off....
so Glory be to God, who is the best teacher, the best guide and the only Lord and Master......
it moved me to such an extent that i remember and constantly repeat to myself as the day goes by....
Chapter 20:98
Khalifa - Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.
Yusuf Ali - But the god of you all is the One God: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.
Pickthal - Your God is only Allah, than Whom there is no other God. He embraceth all things in His knowledge.
Shakir - Your God is only Allah, there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.
Sher Ali - `Your God is only Allah, there is no god but HE. HE comprehends all things in HIS knowledge.'
"Progressive Muslims" - Your god is God; whom there is no god but He. His knowledge encompasses all things
so yesterday night i decided to look up the verse and it dawned on me that the addition of the chapter digits and verse digits equals 19..... so an idea came to my mind...
i decided to check verse 02:98 and 02:89 which falls in the same category of addition of the digits... and here is the verses that i got
2:89
Khalifa - When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - And when there comes to them a Book from God, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of God is on those without Faith.
Pickthal - And when there cometh unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved - and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
Shakir - And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is on the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - And when there came to them a book from Allah, fulfilling that which is with them - and before that they have prayed for victory over the disbelievers - yet when there came to them that which they knew to be the truth, they rejected it. The curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims" - And when a scripture came to them from God, authenticating what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! God's curse be upon the rejecters
and 2:98
Khalifa - Anyone who opposes GOD, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael, should know that GOD opposes the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
Pickthal - Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Shakir - Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His apostles and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - `Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and HIS angels, and HIS Messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then surely, Allah is an enemy to such disbelievers.'
"Progressive Muslims" - "Whoever was an enemy to God and His Angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the disbelievers."
and i chuckled to myself and i thought to myself wont it just be a curious fascination to search the quran for verses where the chapter digits and verse digits add to 19 and see how the verse reads... it would even be more wonderful if it is compiled in order of revealation....
now i am not a fan of searching 19 in everything one does because there is a fine line in being mesmerised by the number to a detriment to ones mind and soul... however i thought it was funny and i laughtd my head off....
so Glory be to God, who is the best teacher, the best guide and the only Lord and Master......
parent - children
was having an interesting conversation with my mum today.......
parents and children - this relationship at the best of times is testy....
it then dawned on me and as i told her . in any situation, there are 3 ways to look at it.
there is the way i look at it, then there is the way you will look at it , then ultimately there is the truth about the whole situation.
The mind is prone to amplification and emotion prone to reacting and forming judgement..
parents dont know all, they just know what they know and they do what they think best at that point given the situation they are in.
in any situation everyone would take action to do what they think to be the best thing, given the circumstaces they are faced with and the resources they have at their dispisal - wether that action was in actual fact right or wrong depends on who is looking at it and what their views are.... but in actual fact only time will tell if the acton was indeed right.
like i said before, i have no choice i love my parents however some actions they may have taken i may not agree with, but i cannot blame or judge them becuase if i were in their shoes, i may do the same thing or do worse than they did or even do better.... May God guide us to the straight path....
parents and children - this relationship at the best of times is testy....
it then dawned on me and as i told her . in any situation, there are 3 ways to look at it.
there is the way i look at it, then there is the way you will look at it , then ultimately there is the truth about the whole situation.
The mind is prone to amplification and emotion prone to reacting and forming judgement..
parents dont know all, they just know what they know and they do what they think best at that point given the situation they are in.
in any situation everyone would take action to do what they think to be the best thing, given the circumstaces they are faced with and the resources they have at their dispisal - wether that action was in actual fact right or wrong depends on who is looking at it and what their views are.... but in actual fact only time will tell if the acton was indeed right.
like i said before, i have no choice i love my parents however some actions they may have taken i may not agree with, but i cannot blame or judge them becuase if i were in their shoes, i may do the same thing or do worse than they did or even do better.... May God guide us to the straight path....
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Good advise on points to note when reading the Quran - from www. free-minds.org
PLEASE NOTE THAT that it was quite lenghty but i have simplified it for me as i understand it to be - for more info the website that i got the notes are on file so check it our yourself. the translations used were from the same site as well.
With so many English translations of the Qur’an available, it is inevitable that the reader would ask “why make another one?” The answer to that question lays in the current structure of the Islamic faith itself, and the fact that, for many centuries, Islam has been primarily subcategorized as either “Sunni” or “Shia” or one of the many other denominations that have emerged over the years. As such, all translators have belonged to one school of thought or another which clearly comes across in the interpretation of and choice of translation for specific words or verses.
Also, while many translators have been sincere in their rendering of the Arabic meaning of the words, they have been unable to refrain from adding comments in the form of “parenthesis” within the text of the translation or in the form of footnotes and appendices to reflect their views on certain verses or the views of the denomination they adhere to.
Finally, no matter how much can be said about this translation or any other, it is imperative to point out that guidance cannot come from any human being, rather, the only true knowledge and guidance can only come from the One who initiated the heavens and Earth. May He be glorified forever.
If you are one of those who wish to seek knowledge and improve on your understanding of the Scripture, then we have identified seven key study points which may be put to use by both novices and experts. These points will appear to be quite obvious once you read them, but
sometimes, being reminded, benefits us all.
1. LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER
The first point of contention in the study of the Scripture typically is language. Many of the people who want to uphold the Scripture have been informed that God’s book can only be recited or studied in Arabic and that any translation will not give the proper meaning. The flip-side is that these same “experts” will then tell the Arabic speakers that the Scripture is “too difficult” for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the scholars!
Of course, the Scripture itself says that language is not a barrier to its understanding as God is the One who is making it understood to people who open their hearts to Him and become purified.
“And had We made it a non-Arabic compilation, they would have said: ‘If only its verses were made clear!’ Non-Arabic and Arabic, say: ‘For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away.’”(Qur’an 41:44)
“It is an honorable Qur’an. In a protected book. None can grasp it except those purifi ed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”(Qur’an 56:77-80)
2. LOOK AT THE FULL VERSE
Quoting the Scripture out of context is by far the single biggest mistake that even seasoned students continue to fall into. This method of quoting can be used to justify any desire or any view no matter how un-Godlike it may appear.
For example, a favorite quote which is repeated by many unknowledgeable groups is that the Scripture promotes killing and violence as evidenced by the verse:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them…” (Qur’an 2:191).
However, once we use the method of full context, then a totally different picture appears regarding the same issue:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fi ght them at the Sacred Temple unless they fi ght you in it; if they fi ght you then kill them, thus is the reward of the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:191)
Here we have a case of warfare being engaged in, and the people who were driven out being allowed to fight and reclaim their land/territory… A far cry from the sporadic killing that is implied when quoting out of context.
3. LOOK TO THE SURROUNDING VERSES
Another crucial point to studying the Scripture properly is to always look at the verses preceding and following a specific verse/subject. this i reckon is to get the gist of what it is talking about - this is closely linked to the before point.. it is very easy to take things out of context if you focus on one verse, but in general the quran is a teaching and a guide - one verse out of context is at best foolhardy but when the whole section or story is read, it makes sence with regards to understanding and application of its teachings.
4. BE AWARE OF CONTEXT
Some Arabic words, like in English, can have slightly different meanings depending on the context they are placed in. One such example is the word ‘Daraba’ which has a natural meaning of putting forth as can be seen in the verses below:
“Have you not seen how God puts forth (Daraba) the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is fi rm and its branches in the sky.”(Qur’an 14:24)
“For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth (Darban) in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.”(Qur’an 2:273)
“O you who believe, if you go forth (Darabtum) in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace: “You are not a believer!” You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favored you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do.” (Qur’an 4:94)
However, there are certain cases where this word can give the meaning of ‘strike/beat’ as the act of striking involves the hand being put forth: “So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking (Yadriboona) their faces and their backs?” (Qur’an 47:27)
While this may not appear as a big issue, not looking at the context can have serious consequences as we can see in the meaning that has ascribed to the word ‘Daraba’ by the majority of translators for verse 4:34:
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct , admonish them (fi rst), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them – “Idribuhun” (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means
(of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” (Qur’an 4:34)
As a result of the choice of words, we have generations upon generations of men who believe it is their God given right to ‘beat’ their wives into obedience!
The correct approach would have been to understand the context of the verse (in this case, it deals with the subject of a woman who wishes to desert her husband “Nushooz”) and thus the word “Idribuhun” is one of the suggested three steps suggested to deal with the situation (the first step is talking it out, while the second is giving her space by avoiding sexual contact with her).
“The men are to support the women by what God has bestowed on them over
one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright women are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch XI over. As for those women from whom you fear desertion (Nushooz4), then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them (Idribuhun). If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is High, Great.”(Qur’an 4:34)
As such, what meaning of “Idribuhun” would make the most sense:
letting the wife temporarily separate from her husband and think things through, or, beating her into submission and forcing her to remain with her husband?
The answer as always is to follow the best meaning derived…
“The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence.”(Qur’an 39:18)
5. ARRANGE SIMILAR TOPIC VERSES TOGETHER
A study point of crucial importance is to arrange the verses of the Scripture by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning. Looking to the example of ‘divorce,’ we find that the subject is
scattered in three different chapters (chapter 2, chapter 33, and chapter 65) which, when placed together, provide a more extensive picture of the proceedings and laws regarding divorce…
Tthe simple step of examination of all related verses gives a very detailed account that can be applied in any civil society.
6. LOOK TO EXAMPLES IN THE QUR’AN
Once a meaning is derived, the final accuracy test is to compare such a meaning to the stories related in the Scripture/Qur’an if such a story can be found. The reason being is that the stories related in the Scripture are ‘live’ examples for us to learn from and compare situations. These stories have not been placed there without purpose or simply for our entertainment.
“We narrate to you the best stories through what We have inspired to you in this Qur’an; and before it you were of those who were unaware.” (Qur’an 12:3)
One of the clearest examples for using this method is to deal with the
issue of ‘theft’.
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off (Iqta) his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Qur’an 5:38) According to the above translation of Yusuf Ali, and according to the practice in most countries that claim to follow Islamic law, the hands of thieves are to be severed completely. If this is indeed what God has commanded, then we have no option but to hear and obey.
However, in this particular case, we find that a small check against the real life example given in the Scripture of Joseph and his brothers and how they dealt with the issue of theft leads us to a completely different conclusion:
“They said: ‘By God, you know we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we are no thieves!’ They said: ‘What shall be the punishment, if you are not truthful?’ They said: ‘The punishment is that he in whose bags it is found will himself serve as the punishment. It is so that we punish the wicked.’” (Qur’an 12:73-75)
The law of God that Joseph applied against his brother in the matter of theft did not lead to any amputation of the hand or any other mindless act of violence. It did, however, lead to the brother being made to remain behind and work as a penalty against that which he was accused of stealing.
Looking back at verse 5:38 with the correct translation we see a completely different understanding from that found by Yusuf Ali:
“As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources—as a penalty for what they have earned—to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an 5:38)
The correct understanding of the verse not only matches the live example given in the Scripture, but it also comes in-line with the other checks and balances that God has given such as the punishment not exceeding the crime (16:126).
7. BE PATIENT AND SEEK GOD’S HELP
Even with all the skill and knowledge we may possess, the study of the Scripture will always be lacking if God is not sought for help and assistance. After all, He is the ultimate teacher of humankind in all things, especially the Scripture.
“When you read the Qur’an, you shall seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. He has no authority over those who believe, and who put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those who follow him, and set him up as a partner.”(Qur’an 16:98-100)
Also, do not be scared or confused if your findings or understandings do not conform to what others have said or taught for years or centuries… Truth does not need to conform to the majority to be truth.
“And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you astray; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.”(Qur’an 6:116)
Finally, remember we are here on this planet to serve God and walk in His path, and not to serve our own agendas and our own egos:
“You alone we serve, and You alone we seek for help.” (Qur’an 1:5)
CONCLUSION
You now should have the necessary tools to educate yourself to the Scripture’s system and method for deriving meanings and laws…Try to make it a habit of seeking the answers for yourself through the guidance of God… Do not be quick to ask ‘others’ what God says regarding this or that matter, but try to establish the bond with God directly yourself…
It is only through this self-awareness that people can have a defense mechanism against the misinformation and ignorance that has been taught for many generations.
Learn to let God be the focus of your actions and your life, and let His words be your guide to success in this life and the next..What will count is not how much wealth we accumulate or how powerful we become, but how we use that wealth to help others and how we use our power and
position to help mankind towards betterment.
“O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from the remembrance of God. And those who do this, then they are the losers. And give from that which We have provided to you, before death comes to one of you, then he says: “My Lord, if only You
could delay this for a short while, I would then be charitable and join the righteous!”And God will not delay any soul if its time has come. And God is Expert to all that you do.”(Qur’an 63:9-11).
I guess this makes perfect sense does it not? well to me it did, this is teh reason why i try not to believe what anyone has said - I rely on the Most Gracious for my understanding and guidance and by His grace - He will guide me to the straight path.
I use WebQT which is a programme on submission.org to help me compare different translations and look to God to help me with the best understanding..... by and large there are similarities on what the translators are trying to convey however there are also major differences in terms on how they feel it ought to read.. this is where it is good to compare and not rely on just one as Knowledge belonges to God and He will guide us to the best understanding.
With so many English translations of the Qur’an available, it is inevitable that the reader would ask “why make another one?” The answer to that question lays in the current structure of the Islamic faith itself, and the fact that, for many centuries, Islam has been primarily subcategorized as either “Sunni” or “Shia” or one of the many other denominations that have emerged over the years. As such, all translators have belonged to one school of thought or another which clearly comes across in the interpretation of and choice of translation for specific words or verses.
Also, while many translators have been sincere in their rendering of the Arabic meaning of the words, they have been unable to refrain from adding comments in the form of “parenthesis” within the text of the translation or in the form of footnotes and appendices to reflect their views on certain verses or the views of the denomination they adhere to.
Finally, no matter how much can be said about this translation or any other, it is imperative to point out that guidance cannot come from any human being, rather, the only true knowledge and guidance can only come from the One who initiated the heavens and Earth. May He be glorified forever.
If you are one of those who wish to seek knowledge and improve on your understanding of the Scripture, then we have identified seven key study points which may be put to use by both novices and experts. These points will appear to be quite obvious once you read them, but
sometimes, being reminded, benefits us all.
1. LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER
The first point of contention in the study of the Scripture typically is language. Many of the people who want to uphold the Scripture have been informed that God’s book can only be recited or studied in Arabic and that any translation will not give the proper meaning. The flip-side is that these same “experts” will then tell the Arabic speakers that the Scripture is “too difficult” for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the scholars!
Of course, the Scripture itself says that language is not a barrier to its understanding as God is the One who is making it understood to people who open their hearts to Him and become purified.
“And had We made it a non-Arabic compilation, they would have said: ‘If only its verses were made clear!’ Non-Arabic and Arabic, say: ‘For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away.’”(Qur’an 41:44)
“It is an honorable Qur’an. In a protected book. None can grasp it except those purifi ed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”(Qur’an 56:77-80)
2. LOOK AT THE FULL VERSE
Quoting the Scripture out of context is by far the single biggest mistake that even seasoned students continue to fall into. This method of quoting can be used to justify any desire or any view no matter how un-Godlike it may appear.
For example, a favorite quote which is repeated by many unknowledgeable groups is that the Scripture promotes killing and violence as evidenced by the verse:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them…” (Qur’an 2:191).
However, once we use the method of full context, then a totally different picture appears regarding the same issue:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fi ght them at the Sacred Temple unless they fi ght you in it; if they fi ght you then kill them, thus is the reward of the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:191)
Here we have a case of warfare being engaged in, and the people who were driven out being allowed to fight and reclaim their land/territory… A far cry from the sporadic killing that is implied when quoting out of context.
3. LOOK TO THE SURROUNDING VERSES
Another crucial point to studying the Scripture properly is to always look at the verses preceding and following a specific verse/subject. this i reckon is to get the gist of what it is talking about - this is closely linked to the before point.. it is very easy to take things out of context if you focus on one verse, but in general the quran is a teaching and a guide - one verse out of context is at best foolhardy but when the whole section or story is read, it makes sence with regards to understanding and application of its teachings.
4. BE AWARE OF CONTEXT
Some Arabic words, like in English, can have slightly different meanings depending on the context they are placed in. One such example is the word ‘Daraba’ which has a natural meaning of putting forth as can be seen in the verses below:
“Have you not seen how God puts forth (Daraba) the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is fi rm and its branches in the sky.”(Qur’an 14:24)
“For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth (Darban) in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.”(Qur’an 2:273)
“O you who believe, if you go forth (Darabtum) in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace: “You are not a believer!” You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favored you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do.” (Qur’an 4:94)
However, there are certain cases where this word can give the meaning of ‘strike/beat’ as the act of striking involves the hand being put forth: “So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking (Yadriboona) their faces and their backs?” (Qur’an 47:27)
While this may not appear as a big issue, not looking at the context can have serious consequences as we can see in the meaning that has ascribed to the word ‘Daraba’ by the majority of translators for verse 4:34:
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct , admonish them (fi rst), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them – “Idribuhun” (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means
(of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” (Qur’an 4:34)
As a result of the choice of words, we have generations upon generations of men who believe it is their God given right to ‘beat’ their wives into obedience!
The correct approach would have been to understand the context of the verse (in this case, it deals with the subject of a woman who wishes to desert her husband “Nushooz”) and thus the word “Idribuhun” is one of the suggested three steps suggested to deal with the situation (the first step is talking it out, while the second is giving her space by avoiding sexual contact with her).
“The men are to support the women by what God has bestowed on them over
one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright women are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch XI over. As for those women from whom you fear desertion (Nushooz4), then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them (Idribuhun). If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is High, Great.”(Qur’an 4:34)
As such, what meaning of “Idribuhun” would make the most sense:
letting the wife temporarily separate from her husband and think things through, or, beating her into submission and forcing her to remain with her husband?
The answer as always is to follow the best meaning derived…
“The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence.”(Qur’an 39:18)
5. ARRANGE SIMILAR TOPIC VERSES TOGETHER
A study point of crucial importance is to arrange the verses of the Scripture by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning. Looking to the example of ‘divorce,’ we find that the subject is
scattered in three different chapters (chapter 2, chapter 33, and chapter 65) which, when placed together, provide a more extensive picture of the proceedings and laws regarding divorce…
Tthe simple step of examination of all related verses gives a very detailed account that can be applied in any civil society.
6. LOOK TO EXAMPLES IN THE QUR’AN
Once a meaning is derived, the final accuracy test is to compare such a meaning to the stories related in the Scripture/Qur’an if such a story can be found. The reason being is that the stories related in the Scripture are ‘live’ examples for us to learn from and compare situations. These stories have not been placed there without purpose or simply for our entertainment.
“We narrate to you the best stories through what We have inspired to you in this Qur’an; and before it you were of those who were unaware.” (Qur’an 12:3)
One of the clearest examples for using this method is to deal with the
issue of ‘theft’.
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off (Iqta) his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Qur’an 5:38) According to the above translation of Yusuf Ali, and according to the practice in most countries that claim to follow Islamic law, the hands of thieves are to be severed completely. If this is indeed what God has commanded, then we have no option but to hear and obey.
However, in this particular case, we find that a small check against the real life example given in the Scripture of Joseph and his brothers and how they dealt with the issue of theft leads us to a completely different conclusion:
“They said: ‘By God, you know we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we are no thieves!’ They said: ‘What shall be the punishment, if you are not truthful?’ They said: ‘The punishment is that he in whose bags it is found will himself serve as the punishment. It is so that we punish the wicked.’” (Qur’an 12:73-75)
The law of God that Joseph applied against his brother in the matter of theft did not lead to any amputation of the hand or any other mindless act of violence. It did, however, lead to the brother being made to remain behind and work as a penalty against that which he was accused of stealing.
Looking back at verse 5:38 with the correct translation we see a completely different understanding from that found by Yusuf Ali:
“As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources—as a penalty for what they have earned—to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an 5:38)
The correct understanding of the verse not only matches the live example given in the Scripture, but it also comes in-line with the other checks and balances that God has given such as the punishment not exceeding the crime (16:126).
7. BE PATIENT AND SEEK GOD’S HELP
Even with all the skill and knowledge we may possess, the study of the Scripture will always be lacking if God is not sought for help and assistance. After all, He is the ultimate teacher of humankind in all things, especially the Scripture.
“When you read the Qur’an, you shall seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. He has no authority over those who believe, and who put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those who follow him, and set him up as a partner.”(Qur’an 16:98-100)
Also, do not be scared or confused if your findings or understandings do not conform to what others have said or taught for years or centuries… Truth does not need to conform to the majority to be truth.
“And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you astray; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.”(Qur’an 6:116)
Finally, remember we are here on this planet to serve God and walk in His path, and not to serve our own agendas and our own egos:
“You alone we serve, and You alone we seek for help.” (Qur’an 1:5)
CONCLUSION
You now should have the necessary tools to educate yourself to the Scripture’s system and method for deriving meanings and laws…Try to make it a habit of seeking the answers for yourself through the guidance of God… Do not be quick to ask ‘others’ what God says regarding this or that matter, but try to establish the bond with God directly yourself…
It is only through this self-awareness that people can have a defense mechanism against the misinformation and ignorance that has been taught for many generations.
Learn to let God be the focus of your actions and your life, and let His words be your guide to success in this life and the next..What will count is not how much wealth we accumulate or how powerful we become, but how we use that wealth to help others and how we use our power and
position to help mankind towards betterment.
“O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from the remembrance of God. And those who do this, then they are the losers. And give from that which We have provided to you, before death comes to one of you, then he says: “My Lord, if only You
could delay this for a short while, I would then be charitable and join the righteous!”And God will not delay any soul if its time has come. And God is Expert to all that you do.”(Qur’an 63:9-11).
I guess this makes perfect sense does it not? well to me it did, this is teh reason why i try not to believe what anyone has said - I rely on the Most Gracious for my understanding and guidance and by His grace - He will guide me to the straight path.
I use WebQT which is a programme on submission.org to help me compare different translations and look to God to help me with the best understanding..... by and large there are similarities on what the translators are trying to convey however there are also major differences in terms on how they feel it ought to read.. this is where it is good to compare and not rely on just one as Knowledge belonges to God and He will guide us to the best understanding.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
6:51 - And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord - they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master..
6:51
And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord -they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master, nor an intercessor - that they may attain salvation.
6:52
And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.
6:53
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
6:54
When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, "Salãmun `Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful."
6:55
We thus explain the revelations, and point out the ways of the wicked.
6:56
Say, "I am forbidden from worshiping what you worship besides GOD." Say, "I will not follow your opinions. Otherwise, I will go astray, and not be guided."
todays prose is the surah of the moment which is surah Hud...
in particular is the couple of verses
as usual the parenthesis are the translators own inferences and i have used rk translation.
11:25 - We sent Noah to his people, saying, "I come to you as a clear warner.
11:26 - "You shall not worship except GOD. I fear for you the retribution of a painful day."
11:27 - The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "We see that you are no more than a human being like us, and we see that the first people to follow you are the worst among us. We see that you do not possess any advantage over us. Indeed, we think you are liars."
11:28 - He said, "O my people, what if I have a solid proof from my Lord? What if He has blessed me out of His mercy, though you cannot see it? Are we going to force you to believe therein?
11:29 - "O my people, I do not ask you for any money; my wage comes only from GOD. I am not dismissing those who believed; they will meet their Lord (and He alone will judge them). I see that you are ignorant people.
11:30 - "O my people, who can support me against GOD, if I dismiss them? Would you not take heed?
11:31 - "I do not claim that I possess the treasures of GOD, nor do I know the future, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say to those despised by your eyes that GOD will not bestow any blessings upon them. GOD knows best what is in their innermost thoughts. (If I did this,) I would be a transgressor."
11:32 - They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and kept on arguing. We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."
11:33 - He said, "GOD is the One who brings it to you, if He so wills, then you cannot escape.
11:34 - "Even if I advised you, my advice cannot benefit you if it is GOD's will to send you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."
11:35 - If they say, "He made up this story," then say, "If I made it up, then I am responsible for my crime, and I am innocent of any crime you commit."
11:36 - Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who already believe. Do not be saddened by their actions.
11:37 - "Build the ark under our watchful eyes, and with our inspiration, and do not implore Me on behalf of those who have transgressed; they are destined to drown."
11:38 - While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, "You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.
11:39 - "You will surely find out who will suffer a shameful retribution, and incur an everlasting punishment."
11:40 - When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind, together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.
11:41 - He said, "Come on board. In the name of GOD shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."
11:42 - As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."
11:43 - He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from GOD's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.
11:44 - It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."
11:45 - Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."
11:46 - He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."
11:47 - He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."
11:48 - It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."
11:49 - This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You had no knowledge about them - neither you, nor your people - before this. Therefore, be patient. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
the question that arose within me is - "who is anyone to dismiss someone else who says that they believe in God"
my thoughts on belief is that it is not for me to judge regarding anothers one belief - but rather i can make choices regarding shared linkages btw what we believe or not believe in - that choice may lead me to not to associate emotionally with them based on large differences in our paths but it will never stop me from treating them on the level as i would anyone else.
so the question underlying question is - who am i to say that you are a disbeliever?
i dont think i have that right in any event - all i know is that i do not worship what you worship nor do you worship what i worship. to me is my religion and to you is yours.
If on the outscale you say that you believe in the same thing that i believe in but you do other different things different to me - then all i know is that with God is the judgement over us all - he knows our innermost and outermost intentions - Each of us choses which direction to follow - we should race towards righteousness - afterall we all return back to the Creator.
my other thoughts are that life and faith is not one glove fits all. whilst we are all equal in the sight of God - we all have different paths/destinies to follow.
On the large scale the system of God never changes it is the same time after time
On another level - it is presented through our lives in different formats - only the knowledgeable can see it for what it really is - the same.
so what is it to me if someone who says he believes as i do - does something else ? the answer is nothing. i only worry about my own neck - God guides whomever he wills, I cannot be responsible for someone else's guidance - God is in charge of that and He guides whomever he wills - I only pray that God guides me to the straight path.
so why all the arguements that people like to have regarding faith - each person trying to convince the other that their path is the best...
do we forget that not all fingers are equal?
do we forget that God is in control?
do we forget patience, tolerance, understandi
all answers to important questions are found in the scripture.... ( see my thoughts on Say/Qul) why argue, why insist, why be agressive?? i dont understand all of this.
anything else is up to personal interpretation but precedent had been set regarding the responses - afterall intent is the deciding factor and God knows those who are mischevious or not...
my step mum used to say that one thing God did not give anyone is the abolity to see the intent of the other - all we see are outward actions and i know from experience that sometimes the outward actions bear no semblance to the true intention that lies within...
we all act like we are responsible for peoples guidance - we act like it is up to us to show them the way - we can only show them our way - God will show them THE WAY. with God is the knowledge and insight regarding each person and where they will end up -
Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path - 17:84
And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord -they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master, nor an intercessor - that they may attain salvation.
6:52
And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.
6:53
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
6:54
When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, "Salãmun `Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful."
6:55
We thus explain the revelations, and point out the ways of the wicked.
6:56
Say, "I am forbidden from worshiping what you worship besides GOD." Say, "I will not follow your opinions. Otherwise, I will go astray, and not be guided."
todays prose is the surah of the moment which is surah Hud...
in particular is the couple of verses
as usual the parenthesis are the translators own inferences and i have used rk translation.
11:25 - We sent Noah to his people, saying, "I come to you as a clear warner.
11:26 - "You shall not worship except GOD. I fear for you the retribution of a painful day."
11:27 - The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "We see that you are no more than a human being like us, and we see that the first people to follow you are the worst among us. We see that you do not possess any advantage over us. Indeed, we think you are liars."
11:28 - He said, "O my people, what if I have a solid proof from my Lord? What if He has blessed me out of His mercy, though you cannot see it? Are we going to force you to believe therein?
11:29 - "O my people, I do not ask you for any money; my wage comes only from GOD. I am not dismissing those who believed; they will meet their Lord (and He alone will judge them). I see that you are ignorant people.
11:30 - "O my people, who can support me against GOD, if I dismiss them? Would you not take heed?
11:31 - "I do not claim that I possess the treasures of GOD, nor do I know the future, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say to those despised by your eyes that GOD will not bestow any blessings upon them. GOD knows best what is in their innermost thoughts. (If I did this,) I would be a transgressor."
11:32 - They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and kept on arguing. We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."
11:33 - He said, "GOD is the One who brings it to you, if He so wills, then you cannot escape.
11:34 - "Even if I advised you, my advice cannot benefit you if it is GOD's will to send you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."
11:35 - If they say, "He made up this story," then say, "If I made it up, then I am responsible for my crime, and I am innocent of any crime you commit."
11:36 - Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who already believe. Do not be saddened by their actions.
11:37 - "Build the ark under our watchful eyes, and with our inspiration, and do not implore Me on behalf of those who have transgressed; they are destined to drown."
11:38 - While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, "You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.
11:39 - "You will surely find out who will suffer a shameful retribution, and incur an everlasting punishment."
11:40 - When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind, together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.
11:41 - He said, "Come on board. In the name of GOD shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."
11:42 - As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."
11:43 - He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from GOD's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.
11:44 - It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."
11:45 - Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."
11:46 - He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."
11:47 - He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."
11:48 - It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."
11:49 - This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You had no knowledge about them - neither you, nor your people - before this. Therefore, be patient. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
the question that arose within me is - "who is anyone to dismiss someone else who says that they believe in God"
my thoughts on belief is that it is not for me to judge regarding anothers one belief - but rather i can make choices regarding shared linkages btw what we believe or not believe in - that choice may lead me to not to associate emotionally with them based on large differences in our paths but it will never stop me from treating them on the level as i would anyone else.
so the question underlying question is - who am i to say that you are a disbeliever?
i dont think i have that right in any event - all i know is that i do not worship what you worship nor do you worship what i worship. to me is my religion and to you is yours.
If on the outscale you say that you believe in the same thing that i believe in but you do other different things different to me - then all i know is that with God is the judgement over us all - he knows our innermost and outermost intentions - Each of us choses which direction to follow - we should race towards righteousness - afterall we all return back to the Creator.
my other thoughts are that life and faith is not one glove fits all. whilst we are all equal in the sight of God - we all have different paths/destinies to follow.
On the large scale the system of God never changes it is the same time after time
On another level - it is presented through our lives in different formats - only the knowledgeable can see it for what it really is - the same.
so what is it to me if someone who says he believes as i do - does something else ? the answer is nothing. i only worry about my own neck - God guides whomever he wills, I cannot be responsible for someone else's guidance - God is in charge of that and He guides whomever he wills - I only pray that God guides me to the straight path.
so why all the arguements that people like to have regarding faith - each person trying to convince the other that their path is the best...
do we forget that not all fingers are equal?
do we forget that God is in control?
do we forget patience, tolerance, understandi
all answers to important questions are found in the scripture.... ( see my thoughts on Say/Qul) why argue, why insist, why be agressive?? i dont understand all of this.
anything else is up to personal interpretation but precedent had been set regarding the responses - afterall intent is the deciding factor and God knows those who are mischevious or not...
my step mum used to say that one thing God did not give anyone is the abolity to see the intent of the other - all we see are outward actions and i know from experience that sometimes the outward actions bear no semblance to the true intention that lies within...
we all act like we are responsible for peoples guidance - we act like it is up to us to show them the way - we can only show them our way - God will show them THE WAY. with God is the knowledge and insight regarding each person and where they will end up -
Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path - 17:84
Monday, 13 September 2010
worry
i know i should nmot worry but sometimes i just like to worry...
MG please can you grant me this.... and help me let it be ok..
MG please can you grant me this.... and help me let it be ok..
Saturday, 4 September 2010
unresolved feelings..
the presence of one or both of my parents always feels me with fear and the feeling within myself that "what will they do to me or say to me that may or may not embarass me"..
with it also resurfaces a lot of unresolved feelings on how I view how they brought me up.
i guess in some way there is a small element of judgement at how i view how i was brought up but by and large it is a matter of choice of wether i agree or still agree or do not agree with any of their own actions in the past or now, regarding my life etc.
i dont judge them although when i recount my experiences at their hands - one would think different - i just accept that given the choices they had, they choose whatever they could given the cirsumstances they were in - but look at me today - God has helped me see that, their choices - good or bad - by Gods grace guides me to do better.
i have long regarded and finally accepted that my parents and myself ultimately follow different paths - in terms of choices on life and faith.
whereas i see for instance my dad, who potrays on the outward a devout muslim - but i view this with suspicion as i have known a man prone to fetishness( by fetish i mean things of the likes of juju man that involves, sacrifices, incantations, body markings bla bla - seeking to other sources apart from God) - to gain advancement over people, or bring good fortunes his way, or maybe to seek protection in midst of political gain/jungle palava. i know a man whose word sometimes cannot be guaranteed for , who i know will lie outrightly to you and who likes ( in my view) be deluded regarding situations in life and whose treatment of people he considers inferior to him as slightly "over-lordish" - but then again choices he made for himself so i cannot blame/judge him regarding this.
in my mum's instance i see another whose pursuit of every alternative approach to secure her safety/position/good fortune in life and marriage - fetishness or whatever - much to my own detriment as i am always at the recieving end of all them new fads and new potions and new markings - very well much into adulthood.
i view religion with my mum with every mount of suspisions because outwardly she portays muslim but what i see her do is different - whilst i try not to judge - i accept that in life we all choose a path to follow and i recognise that the paths my parents have shown and the path i want to follow are not the same.
my mum is particularly prone to jealousy - but then arent all women to some degree - can be very unforgiving and is very supersticous much to my own annoyance and detriment - so many accusations and statements that cannot be founded on with proof will be thrown out there( much to my detriment - as i usually am at the recieveing end of them - regarding i slept with this that that that - i want to collide to kill her because i play with my step-siblings or accept sweeties from my steo mum etc) - whilst she is quite a suspicious person by nature - she is also prone to being very gaulible and duped by every aladura man who comes telling her this that that and that, to which i have always watched her with amusement and feverently prayed to God that i hope i never turn out like her - that is a judgement on my part i realise - but ultimately it is a choice.
i have to be stark honest with myself regrding my parents choices and where i feel i see the message they are trying to impart on me - DO NOT think by any ways that i dont love my parents - i do - i have no choice in this matter - whaterver wherever - they will always be my parents and i will perpetually be in a love/detest habit relationship with them.
because my mum is coming to where i am today - these feelings have resurfaced again and this morning todays Quran reading was more aptly put - touched on the topic of parents - to which during reading - i had no choice but to bow to my creator and ask for his guidance and help in regards to my conduct with my parents.
i hope to God always to be able to do that which i must do with my parents - to be able to honour then regardless whatever they say or do to me, not to let me get upset with them too much but to treat them as fair and as kind as i can - without any thought of my upbringing or how unjust i may think their actions to be.
As usual remmeber i am using the translation of RK and parenthesis are the inferences of the translator - as always please check the arabic which is the only authenticated word from God.
17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably
17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy
17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent
17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.
17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord
17:28] Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.
If i am honest, over the course of my years, i cannot say that i have kept to this because my parents especially my mum( given that she is the parent i have spent my longest with) seems to bring about the worst in me always - regarding what she expects me to do, who she expects me to like and not like etc bla bla bla - in a way it is a sort of control over me and i always have issues with feelings of people wanting to control what i do not do nto want to do) this always infuriates me to a point of sometimes they may be the uff's with residual resentment and anger - but Thank God as i grow up - i realise that shouting matches or shows of anger does nto benefit anybody - i just state my case if i wish to do so and just walk away. As i grow up - i just realise that arguing over what you dont want to do tells your parents that you can be won over if they persist in pestering you and plying pressure on you - as i grow up i learn that my no should mean no and my yes shouls mean yes - after due consultation - no amount of emotional blackmail should change my mind - i just state my case - and simples - no arguements, no but's no whatifs - if i dont agree with something, then i dont simple!
my mum's relationship with me at best can be quite testy - i love her but at the same time i dislike her habits and choices and if i may dare it makes me dislike her sometimes- i am quite sure if i were around my dad more the case will be the same.
as a women living in the same house and with temperements that we have - which unfortunately i have some( there i have admitted) it is quite testly - btu in reality the solution for both of us is prolonged periods of absence from each other and that generally helps.
i still feel agrieved over what i feel is her manipulation of my 30th birthday and i reckon i feel anger towards myself more for allowing her - because i could have been more insistent - could not believe when she asked me to worship jesus( in effect that was what she was asking me to do) - Most gracious i know my mum loves me but i reckon i may never share her choices or understand them for that matter.
each new year, i ask God to help me to become a better daughter to my parents, to help me do my duty to them which i must do but also to help me to stand up for myself in what i want to do with my own life. and at the end of the year there are some slips and some regrets but ultimately there are learning actions for me for the next year
the general notion amongst most africans is that parents know best and you follow their guidance as they are your elders but if i am honest and the right notion is that they dont.
never ever be deluded into thinking that parents know best because they dont - parents only know what they know and what they have experienced - but remember experiences differs - there may be pockets of similarities but can never be the same - the best thing will be to listen to what they have to say but ultimately MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND regarding what choice to take - because at the end of things - it is you who will suffer whatever consequences.
blind following - without adequate reasoning or logic in my view now is wrong - as a child you have no choice but when you attain adulthood there is no excuse. as long as you honour then and treat them amicably nd with respect - not everything they say is to be taken as Gospel and that is the honest truth - in my view.
not everyones childhood is meant to be rosy - but i am glad for mine in anycase - with the endless signts of calabashes and cowry shelled rooms, visits to the weirdest places, cele pastors - sucess oils to be rubbed all over your body, juju people with their deitys and idols, people claiming that they know the future, uncountable concoctions to be drunk , different body markings, different ritual baths at weird streams or places, different incantations to memorise - metted to be by both of my parents - it only makes me Love God more and wants to make me devoted to ONE source of guidance - that being from God.
i realise that my experience is probably littie compared to others but i thank God all the same for it because without it, i reckon i would not want something different but i thank God that i now know different.
I sincerely ask God this ramadan to help me to be better than my parents and to help my children be better than me. I ask God to continually guide me and to help me let go is whatever residual resentment i may feel towards both of my parents, to help me understand, accept and move on.
given the same situation and if i were in their shoes who knows i may have chosen the same choices - but i thank God for helping me.
this is not a judgement against my parents because in all honestly and reality i have no right to judge over their actions - i can only make informed choices regarding how i want my life to be and what direction gw i would like my life to follow.
May God protect me and help me in this life and the next.
with it also resurfaces a lot of unresolved feelings on how I view how they brought me up.
i guess in some way there is a small element of judgement at how i view how i was brought up but by and large it is a matter of choice of wether i agree or still agree or do not agree with any of their own actions in the past or now, regarding my life etc.
i dont judge them although when i recount my experiences at their hands - one would think different - i just accept that given the choices they had, they choose whatever they could given the cirsumstances they were in - but look at me today - God has helped me see that, their choices - good or bad - by Gods grace guides me to do better.
i have long regarded and finally accepted that my parents and myself ultimately follow different paths - in terms of choices on life and faith.
whereas i see for instance my dad, who potrays on the outward a devout muslim - but i view this with suspicion as i have known a man prone to fetishness( by fetish i mean things of the likes of juju man that involves, sacrifices, incantations, body markings bla bla - seeking to other sources apart from God) - to gain advancement over people, or bring good fortunes his way, or maybe to seek protection in midst of political gain/jungle palava. i know a man whose word sometimes cannot be guaranteed for , who i know will lie outrightly to you and who likes ( in my view) be deluded regarding situations in life and whose treatment of people he considers inferior to him as slightly "over-lordish" - but then again choices he made for himself so i cannot blame/judge him regarding this.
in my mum's instance i see another whose pursuit of every alternative approach to secure her safety/position/good fortune in life and marriage - fetishness or whatever - much to my own detriment as i am always at the recieving end of all them new fads and new potions and new markings - very well much into adulthood.
i view religion with my mum with every mount of suspisions because outwardly she portays muslim but what i see her do is different - whilst i try not to judge - i accept that in life we all choose a path to follow and i recognise that the paths my parents have shown and the path i want to follow are not the same.
my mum is particularly prone to jealousy - but then arent all women to some degree - can be very unforgiving and is very supersticous much to my own annoyance and detriment - so many accusations and statements that cannot be founded on with proof will be thrown out there( much to my detriment - as i usually am at the recieveing end of them - regarding i slept with this that that that - i want to collide to kill her because i play with my step-siblings or accept sweeties from my steo mum etc) - whilst she is quite a suspicious person by nature - she is also prone to being very gaulible and duped by every aladura man who comes telling her this that that and that, to which i have always watched her with amusement and feverently prayed to God that i hope i never turn out like her - that is a judgement on my part i realise - but ultimately it is a choice.
i have to be stark honest with myself regrding my parents choices and where i feel i see the message they are trying to impart on me - DO NOT think by any ways that i dont love my parents - i do - i have no choice in this matter - whaterver wherever - they will always be my parents and i will perpetually be in a love/detest habit relationship with them.
because my mum is coming to where i am today - these feelings have resurfaced again and this morning todays Quran reading was more aptly put - touched on the topic of parents - to which during reading - i had no choice but to bow to my creator and ask for his guidance and help in regards to my conduct with my parents.
i hope to God always to be able to do that which i must do with my parents - to be able to honour then regardless whatever they say or do to me, not to let me get upset with them too much but to treat them as fair and as kind as i can - without any thought of my upbringing or how unjust i may think their actions to be.
As usual remmeber i am using the translation of RK and parenthesis are the inferences of the translator - as always please check the arabic which is the only authenticated word from God.
17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably
17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy
17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent
17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.
17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord
17:28] Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.
If i am honest, over the course of my years, i cannot say that i have kept to this because my parents especially my mum( given that she is the parent i have spent my longest with) seems to bring about the worst in me always - regarding what she expects me to do, who she expects me to like and not like etc bla bla bla - in a way it is a sort of control over me and i always have issues with feelings of people wanting to control what i do not do nto want to do) this always infuriates me to a point of sometimes they may be the uff's with residual resentment and anger - but Thank God as i grow up - i realise that shouting matches or shows of anger does nto benefit anybody - i just state my case if i wish to do so and just walk away. As i grow up - i just realise that arguing over what you dont want to do tells your parents that you can be won over if they persist in pestering you and plying pressure on you - as i grow up i learn that my no should mean no and my yes shouls mean yes - after due consultation - no amount of emotional blackmail should change my mind - i just state my case - and simples - no arguements, no but's no whatifs - if i dont agree with something, then i dont simple!
my mum's relationship with me at best can be quite testy - i love her but at the same time i dislike her habits and choices and if i may dare it makes me dislike her sometimes- i am quite sure if i were around my dad more the case will be the same.
as a women living in the same house and with temperements that we have - which unfortunately i have some( there i have admitted) it is quite testly - btu in reality the solution for both of us is prolonged periods of absence from each other and that generally helps.
i still feel agrieved over what i feel is her manipulation of my 30th birthday and i reckon i feel anger towards myself more for allowing her - because i could have been more insistent - could not believe when she asked me to worship jesus( in effect that was what she was asking me to do) - Most gracious i know my mum loves me but i reckon i may never share her choices or understand them for that matter.
each new year, i ask God to help me to become a better daughter to my parents, to help me do my duty to them which i must do but also to help me to stand up for myself in what i want to do with my own life. and at the end of the year there are some slips and some regrets but ultimately there are learning actions for me for the next year
the general notion amongst most africans is that parents know best and you follow their guidance as they are your elders but if i am honest and the right notion is that they dont.
never ever be deluded into thinking that parents know best because they dont - parents only know what they know and what they have experienced - but remember experiences differs - there may be pockets of similarities but can never be the same - the best thing will be to listen to what they have to say but ultimately MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND regarding what choice to take - because at the end of things - it is you who will suffer whatever consequences.
blind following - without adequate reasoning or logic in my view now is wrong - as a child you have no choice but when you attain adulthood there is no excuse. as long as you honour then and treat them amicably nd with respect - not everything they say is to be taken as Gospel and that is the honest truth - in my view.
not everyones childhood is meant to be rosy - but i am glad for mine in anycase - with the endless signts of calabashes and cowry shelled rooms, visits to the weirdest places, cele pastors - sucess oils to be rubbed all over your body, juju people with their deitys and idols, people claiming that they know the future, uncountable concoctions to be drunk , different body markings, different ritual baths at weird streams or places, different incantations to memorise - metted to be by both of my parents - it only makes me Love God more and wants to make me devoted to ONE source of guidance - that being from God.
i realise that my experience is probably littie compared to others but i thank God all the same for it because without it, i reckon i would not want something different but i thank God that i now know different.
I sincerely ask God this ramadan to help me to be better than my parents and to help my children be better than me. I ask God to continually guide me and to help me let go is whatever residual resentment i may feel towards both of my parents, to help me understand, accept and move on.
given the same situation and if i were in their shoes who knows i may have chosen the same choices - but i thank God for helping me.
this is not a judgement against my parents because in all honestly and reality i have no right to judge over their actions - i can only make informed choices regarding how i want my life to be and what direction gw i would like my life to follow.
May God protect me and help me in this life and the next.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
tired
this life troubles me Most Gracious.
it troubles me.
sometimes i ask myself the question - what is the purpose of life - not that i dont have an answer to it - my answer i guess will be generic in saying that the purpose of my life is to worship Thee and redeem myself to be in thy constant favour in paradise.
then i look at my life from start look at my growing up, look at my youth and teenage years look at myself in my early and late 20's.... i dont have much to say for myself...
if i were to die now - what will i leave behind - the true answer to that is nothing... .. i mean on a spiritual sense.... what has my soul done for itself to prepare for the hereafter....
only God knows...
in my maze to try to worship God and trawl through the many many religious laws that we have .... in wondering which is correct, which is false, which is inspiration and which is mad ramblings.... how do i know that i am on the right path...
will I be cast out away from thee will i be able to stay true to my hearts calling, will i stay with God even in the face of persecution?
so many questions so many theories enters my mind...
do i want to live long - the honest answer to that is no... for i fear i may lose my soul.... the chance is there to err, to fall off the path, to be more arrogant, to enable my ego.... with long life - but at the same time - with long life is the opperunity to redeem my soul as long as God guides me to his path...
God i am tired... my spirit is tired.....this life troubles me, its many wayward notions of worshiping thee, its many religions and interpretations of what God wants us to to.. leads many to a spiralling downfall... God i am tired.....
all in all i can only ask of thee - to guide me and keep me in path to thee - to help me to worship thee, glorify and praise thee.I can only ask of thee to accept me in this life and in the hereafter. To have mercy on me and to forgive me the many wrongs that i have committed knowingly or unknowingly..
to strenghten me in thy worship and never to let me forget thee, to keep thy remembrance in my heart always, in my mind and to help me overcome my demons...
it troubles me.
sometimes i ask myself the question - what is the purpose of life - not that i dont have an answer to it - my answer i guess will be generic in saying that the purpose of my life is to worship Thee and redeem myself to be in thy constant favour in paradise.
then i look at my life from start look at my growing up, look at my youth and teenage years look at myself in my early and late 20's.... i dont have much to say for myself...
if i were to die now - what will i leave behind - the true answer to that is nothing... .. i mean on a spiritual sense.... what has my soul done for itself to prepare for the hereafter....
only God knows...
in my maze to try to worship God and trawl through the many many religious laws that we have .... in wondering which is correct, which is false, which is inspiration and which is mad ramblings.... how do i know that i am on the right path...
will I be cast out away from thee will i be able to stay true to my hearts calling, will i stay with God even in the face of persecution?
so many questions so many theories enters my mind...
do i want to live long - the honest answer to that is no... for i fear i may lose my soul.... the chance is there to err, to fall off the path, to be more arrogant, to enable my ego.... with long life - but at the same time - with long life is the opperunity to redeem my soul as long as God guides me to his path...
God i am tired... my spirit is tired.....this life troubles me, its many wayward notions of worshiping thee, its many religions and interpretations of what God wants us to to.. leads many to a spiralling downfall... God i am tired.....
all in all i can only ask of thee - to guide me and keep me in path to thee - to help me to worship thee, glorify and praise thee.I can only ask of thee to accept me in this life and in the hereafter. To have mercy on me and to forgive me the many wrongs that i have committed knowingly or unknowingly..
to strenghten me in thy worship and never to let me forget thee, to keep thy remembrance in my heart always, in my mind and to help me overcome my demons...
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