some things are troubling me you know...some new and some old...
i thought i had a grip on it but i guess it is a constant thing in my mind whereby i have to overcome it as best as i can. God willing this is possible.
I am hearing voices... trust me i am already mad... but I am hearing voices.
The perturbing thing is that there are two voices. one which conforms to my thoughts and understands my stance.. and the other which just blasphemies until i get a grip on it...
untowardly this does not bother me at all because i like to know the far right and far left of every action and thought... it amuses me... but i have discovered that my left voice- the one which goes on and on nd blasphemies- is made up of words, actions and thoughts that i have witnessed from friends and people i surround myself with, from programmes i have watched of books that i have read. these culmination of words is thereby thrown at me "en masse" from time to time... which i dont mind, ( because i then have an internal arguement with myself and go on facts on logic alone) but the one that seems to bother me the most is when i am seeking solace through prayer and deep in thought.
Whilst i know that there is one God and i agree with that fact whole heartedly... I get this rather annoying voice going jesus jesus in my head... rather annoyying wont you think... because why jesus jesus...why not mohammed mohammed... or moses moses... lol
just like the other time that i was researching the hindu religion,,, all my head was going was hindu chants that i read and playing them back in my head and saying things that i consider as horrible and untrue
anyhow, of late i have been around my friends who are all christians and who at every moment exclaim jesus jesus and this reported speech /repeated speech is replayed in my head... over and over again.
Whilst i accept jesus as a messengerof God, i dont accept him as anything else. and that is that frankly..
some christians may say that is is a sign for me to finally accept jesus as lord and master... but i think not..
God be praised and glorified far above the heavens and earth.
My God is one God and all are subiervant to Him.
He is the one who is One God, He did not beget not was He begotten and no one equals him. no one comes even close to the magnitude of my Lord, least of all a mere human that he has creted.
i know who my Lord is.. and i affirm this choice day after day and on this stance i take and am proud to say that My Lord is God, The most gracrious. He is my lord and your Lord, jesus's Lord and mohammeds Lord and he is the same Lord of Abraham and moses and everything else He created.
Jesus is not my God, can never be, will never be.. Jesusu is a servant of my Lord and one of greater rank in my Lords cause.. as is mohammed as is every otehr messenger of my lord.
it is very easy for someone to be mistaken thinking that the voices are signs for them pointing them to what is good for them... but I am not someone.. I am adetutu.. I am beholded to my God so i know and my heart/soul knows that this voice is false..
Logic will always overide everything else. and truth will always stand out from falsehood.
on so many levels i cannot blame it, because i am the one who surrounds my self with the material for its onslaught on me.. i am the one who feeds it because of my long disregard for what was right and truth.. thereby giving myself the hard task of cleansing myself...
See how my mind works..... especially with what i hear and listen to...???everything is played back in my head... when i dont want it to... worse of becausei picture everything... full 360 degree playback.
I have given up watching some movies... because my head stores the pictures and replays then willy nilly, I also veto books that i read now adays due to the same thing... By and large this has helped me streamline where my head/voices gather from... but i guess i need to do more.
By admitting and freely speaking of it... i am able to get a first step and God willing i will be victorious...
suffice to say that before embarking on any film/book/ visit i should seek refuge with God and ask that my thought are not polluted by what i may be privy to even though i may not share their stance...
how do i reconcile these two statements...
one who does not persecute you because of religion you may be friends with them 60:8
one who is hopelessly stuck in disbelief you should not befriend them... 60:13
this is bothering me you know.....
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Praise
My praise goes out to the Initiator of all things.
The One who made the foundations of the heavens and the earth.
My praise goes out to the Creator of all
The One who created life :- the seen and the unseen
My praise goes out to the One i call the Most Gracious Lord
The Compassionate Most Merciful Lord
My praise goes out to the one who is the Ultimate Lord,
One whose Kingship is already established and whose sovereignty is Eternal and encompasses all dimensions.
My praise goes out to the One who has the Authority to forgive all sins.
The One who can redeem me an guide me to the truth.
My praise goes out to the One who is in need of no one.
One who possesses all knowledge and understanding
My praise goes out to the One who is Most Merciful, Most Kind and Most Generous
My praise goes out to the one who is God, the Eternal the Ever-Living
Above whom there is no one else
My praise goes out to thee O Lord for you are all these things and more
You are all these things and more and for the rest of my life
My praise goes out to Thee
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
managers
As a manager, you should allow your colleagues to flourish - provide guidance for them on what should be done and encourage them when they show that extra initiative even when it goes all balls up.
That is my view on a manager.. now i understand that my views and reality views may differ but, lets call a spade a spade and say that- if you want productive employees, them you should be able to put in place clear-cut structures that will imbibe in these employees, provide clear directions on how you want them to behave, allow them to use their natural strenghts and provide feedback behaviour and performance on an ongoing basis.
When i look at this as a compasiron to what is happening in my workplace then i know that we still have a long way to go yet before things get to normal. Generally i feel as if we just have manages who are more concerned with getting their paycheques at the end of the day than actually managing and bringing the best out of the people they are charged with.
Its no wonder that colleagues are offsick constantly.... There is no encouragement or even a culture of learning or openess.
A couple of things were set up- short termism- in my view because the main managers wanted things to perk up slightly for their records and everything was let to fly off the wayside..
How is that meant to motivate colleagues? Rather.. it will deflate their enthusiasm for the work when even the business cannot uphold the obligations it set the employees... bearing in mind that the obligations came in teh first instance from the managers of the business
That is my view on a manager.. now i understand that my views and reality views may differ but, lets call a spade a spade and say that- if you want productive employees, them you should be able to put in place clear-cut structures that will imbibe in these employees, provide clear directions on how you want them to behave, allow them to use their natural strenghts and provide feedback behaviour and performance on an ongoing basis.
When i look at this as a compasiron to what is happening in my workplace then i know that we still have a long way to go yet before things get to normal. Generally i feel as if we just have manages who are more concerned with getting their paycheques at the end of the day than actually managing and bringing the best out of the people they are charged with.
Its no wonder that colleagues are offsick constantly.... There is no encouragement or even a culture of learning or openess.
A couple of things were set up- short termism- in my view because the main managers wanted things to perk up slightly for their records and everything was let to fly off the wayside..
How is that meant to motivate colleagues? Rather.. it will deflate their enthusiasm for the work when even the business cannot uphold the obligations it set the employees... bearing in mind that the obligations came in teh first instance from the managers of the business
- Succession planning that was put in place by the managers went haywire. The selection process was not dont fairly and openly and after about 1 month in operation and it was forgotten.Do you understand how it feels to raise ones hopes and dash it without the slightest incling for how they will feel and react?.
- No business accumen from the managers . The managers dont care where the business is going. In short,they dont know where it is heading. yet senior leaders are utilising them to tell the ordinary folk how the business is performing. The monthly service pack does not get circulated. If it does , it is only to a select few of priviledged colleagues, who have a way of worming the managers round their fingers... ( fair play to them, if you can get away with it, then by all means carry on) How do we expect colleagues to feel proud of the business they woryk for when they dont know jack what happens in the business? No info as to where th company is heading, no clue as to what direction we are facing. They cant explain why the business is taking a certain position. yet these are the leaders we breed and allow to flourish to guide other employees
People are our most important assets, but if we continue to let them be exposed to incompetent managers who virtually have no training/desire to manage people then the outcome for the company is what we are experiencing.
Consistent underperformance which in the end of things has ended up in closure of the busness unit.
I have to be homest i hate it here now, the management have made me sooooooooooooo fraustrated with how this place is run and i am now quite admant that i want to leave.
I guess in the face of all things you have to look at things on the scale of what u have an influence on, what you may be able to extert an influence on and what u cannot exert an influence on.
simple as that!!
Change the things you can, apply elbow grease to those u can influence and stop bothering on those u can do nada with.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Proof.. chapter 98
- Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, as well as the idol worshipers, insist on their ways, despite the proof given to them
- A messenger from GOD is reciting to them sacred instructions
- In them there are valuable teachings
- In fact, those who received the scripture did not dispute until the proof was given to them.
All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion. - Those who disbelieved among the people of the scripture, and the idol worshipers, have incurred the fire of Gehenna forever. They are the worst creatures.
- Those who believed and led a righteous life are the best creatures
- Their reward at their Lord is the gardens of Eden with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever. GOD is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him.
- Such is the reward for those who reverence their Lord.
Translation from http://www.submission.org/.
Today is Jumah(congregational prayer day)
I get excited on jumah days…. I was listening to this verse today and it struck me by its message.
So a couple of things that I have for questions
Proof: Which proof….
For me proof could be a couple of things….
1. Proof of one God worthy to be worshiped
2. Proof that the person bringing the message was true
3. Proof that the religions were all the sameProof of 19 miracle maybe…( if applied to this time)
Secondly I am asking what are the sacred instructions…
Could it be the teachings in the Quran, or maybe other verbal teachings?
These are the two things that jump at me initially…
Then when I look at the surah as a whole..
Then for me I get that :Somebody has brought proof to people, but some people did not accept it.
The iconic part of this surah for me is verse 5..This for me I can safely say is the principles of islam..
Worshiping God- devoting the religion to God alone - This here is crucial since i guess it means God alone... not God and prophet.. not God and messenger but God alone
Salat/mandatory Prayer which is the action of bowing and prostration to God - specified as certain times each day and
Zakat/mandatory Charity which is the charity given on the day of harvest, given to parents, orphans, poor and traveling alien as described in the Quran teachings
In fact I can safely assume (assuming is not good though) that through out the verses in the quran… this is what is asked of us all…
When I look at as a means of joining people/religions together… it is a wonderful thing -God, Prayer and Charity… as simple as that…
On another note...
I always seem to wonder about the scriptures and what to do when reading them…
Generally I tend not to take single verses in isolation but rather read the whole chapter and then try to get an understanding of the whole thing as it relates to me and my experiences.. (Suffice to add here that may God guide be to the best understanding).
From my own logic, I look at it that a whole chapter/surah is giving us a message and the theme of such chapter is in the verses ....I guess.
In isolation, a verse may be ammunition or defense for a variety of acts, it may serve as justification for culpability and action… but when taken as a part of something whole, the verse can be understood in terms of intent and awareness…
Something to think about for later i guess...
fats
Thursday, 5 February 2009
prose and thoughts
LETTING PEOPLE INTERPRETE SCRIPTURE FOR ONE...
i feel it is laziness and roboticness whereby we expect someone to do the hard work of reasoning for one..interpretation differs.. with knowledge, wisdom and life experiences does one come to sence with certain words and statements.in this respect everyhuman being is different and individual with their own life experiences and inside thoughts...there may be pockets of similarity in thought processes with the final outcome different and likewise the final outcome may be the same but the thought process different..advancement of one persons soul is their ability to interprete and apply to their own life given the faculties and direction that the almighty has provided in all the scriptures...it is not one solution for everybody but rather the scripture is there as guideline and it is up to each person to then - given the parameters of conduct/behaviour/spiritual growth - decide how to implement it for their own life...all action is afterall individual not collective...so one sololution fits all may not be possiblewithin the parameters given...
FOCUS ON HADITHS INSTEAD OF QURAN
People go the prophet said the prophet said...
But were you there personally when the prophet said????
Besides...whose testimony is the greatest... the prophet mohammed/any prophet of God OR God...
Can i refer one to these verses...
7:169-70 yusuf Ali translation (the parenthesis are the translators own inference)
169: After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven us." (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to God anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand?
170:As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer,- never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.
That was the people of then... the Torah was given to them they were asked to uphold it... not the additional man made laws they invented..
verse
19:12:(To his son came the command): "O Yahya! take hold of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth,
This was to John(yahya) ... he too was asked to uphold the scripture(book)nothing else...
Verse 28:84-86
84:If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.85:Verily He Who ordained the Qur'an for thee, will bring thee back to the Place of Return. Say: "My Lord knows best who it is that brings true guidance, and who is in manifest error."
86:And thou hadst not expected that the Book would be sent to thee except as a Mercy from thy Lord: Therefore lend not thou support in any way to those who reject (God's Message).
now this is to the community of Arabs who got the message direct from prophet mohammed.. it is from these people that mainstream islam has adopted much of its practices...some practices which do not comply to what God has decreed in the scripture... infact they add to it and remove from it to suit their whims..... Now...Is is the book and sunnah of Prophet mohammed that we are asked to uphold or is it the Book alone that we are asked to uphold...
If it is the Book and Sunnah.. why then are we not asked to uphold the sunnah of other prophets...Why then ?
If it is the book alone.. Is our God not one God...
should we follow the many hadiths/sunnah which intself contradicts itself because the authors and reporters cannot agree what they saw and recorded...
OR
should we follow one Book where by all muslims can agree that it is the word of God...
remember who's testiminy is the greatest... Gods.. for to God belongs all in the heavens and earth and He is in full control of all things...
tis the Quran we are asked to Uphold... nothing else but the Quran...
thats my view..
think about those laws that the hadiths give ... i saw/heard this person say "he heard this person" who heard this person say that he heard this person say that mohammed the messenger of God said that that that and that...
through reported speech one has to assimilate it, try to make sence of it and then via reporting to someone, will give the message in his/her own words. The original message intent is already lost. Then you do that again... sort of like chinese whispers...
By the time it gets to you it is about (10 to the power of 5) rate message..
think about it yourself.. does it make sense???..
Let me top it up wth surah 31/verse 1-7Yusuf Ali translation.. (the parenthesis are the translators own inference)
1:Alif Lam Mim
2:These are Verses of the Wise Book
3:A Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,
4:Those who establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity, and have (in their hearts) the assurance of the Hereafter.
5:These are on (true) guidance from their Lord: and these are the ones who will prosper.
6:But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge (or meaning), to mislead (men) from the Path of God and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a Humiliating Penalty.
7:When Our Signs are rehearsed to such a one, he turns away in arrogance, as if he heard them not, as if there were deafness in both his ears: announce to him a grievous Penalty.
Surah/chapter42 Verse 13
The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than God, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. God chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)....
If we can all establish the word of God as bond... would unity not flourish... instead we stick to man made/man reported/ cultural practices that divides us all and make us enemies of one another...
honestly it makes me wonder...
i feel it is laziness and roboticness whereby we expect someone to do the hard work of reasoning for one..interpretation differs.. with knowledge, wisdom and life experiences does one come to sence with certain words and statements.in this respect everyhuman being is different and individual with their own life experiences and inside thoughts...there may be pockets of similarity in thought processes with the final outcome different and likewise the final outcome may be the same but the thought process different..advancement of one persons soul is their ability to interprete and apply to their own life given the faculties and direction that the almighty has provided in all the scriptures...it is not one solution for everybody but rather the scripture is there as guideline and it is up to each person to then - given the parameters of conduct/behaviour/spiritual growth - decide how to implement it for their own life...all action is afterall individual not collective...so one sololution fits all may not be possiblewithin the parameters given...
FOCUS ON HADITHS INSTEAD OF QURAN
People go the prophet said the prophet said...
But were you there personally when the prophet said????
Besides...whose testimony is the greatest... the prophet mohammed/any prophet of God OR God...
Can i refer one to these verses...
7:169-70 yusuf Ali translation (the parenthesis are the translators own inference)
169: After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven us." (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to God anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand?
170:As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer,- never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.
That was the people of then... the Torah was given to them they were asked to uphold it... not the additional man made laws they invented..
verse
19:12:(To his son came the command): "O Yahya! take hold of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth,
This was to John(yahya) ... he too was asked to uphold the scripture(book)nothing else...
Verse 28:84-86
84:If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.85:Verily He Who ordained the Qur'an for thee, will bring thee back to the Place of Return. Say: "My Lord knows best who it is that brings true guidance, and who is in manifest error."
86:And thou hadst not expected that the Book would be sent to thee except as a Mercy from thy Lord: Therefore lend not thou support in any way to those who reject (God's Message).
now this is to the community of Arabs who got the message direct from prophet mohammed.. it is from these people that mainstream islam has adopted much of its practices...some practices which do not comply to what God has decreed in the scripture... infact they add to it and remove from it to suit their whims..... Now...Is is the book and sunnah of Prophet mohammed that we are asked to uphold or is it the Book alone that we are asked to uphold...
If it is the Book and Sunnah.. why then are we not asked to uphold the sunnah of other prophets...Why then ?
If it is the book alone.. Is our God not one God...
should we follow the many hadiths/sunnah which intself contradicts itself because the authors and reporters cannot agree what they saw and recorded...
OR
should we follow one Book where by all muslims can agree that it is the word of God...
remember who's testiminy is the greatest... Gods.. for to God belongs all in the heavens and earth and He is in full control of all things...
tis the Quran we are asked to Uphold... nothing else but the Quran...
thats my view..
think about those laws that the hadiths give ... i saw/heard this person say "he heard this person" who heard this person say that he heard this person say that mohammed the messenger of God said that that that and that...
through reported speech one has to assimilate it, try to make sence of it and then via reporting to someone, will give the message in his/her own words. The original message intent is already lost. Then you do that again... sort of like chinese whispers...
By the time it gets to you it is about (10 to the power of 5) rate message..
think about it yourself.. does it make sense???..
Let me top it up wth surah 31/verse 1-7Yusuf Ali translation.. (the parenthesis are the translators own inference)
1:Alif Lam Mim
2:These are Verses of the Wise Book
3:A Guide and a Mercy to the Doers of Good,
4:Those who establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity, and have (in their hearts) the assurance of the Hereafter.
5:These are on (true) guidance from their Lord: and these are the ones who will prosper.
6:But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge (or meaning), to mislead (men) from the Path of God and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a Humiliating Penalty.
7:When Our Signs are rehearsed to such a one, he turns away in arrogance, as if he heard them not, as if there were deafness in both his ears: announce to him a grievous Penalty.
Surah/chapter42 Verse 13
The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than God, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. God chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)....
If we can all establish the word of God as bond... would unity not flourish... instead we stick to man made/man reported/ cultural practices that divides us all and make us enemies of one another...
honestly it makes me wonder...
Friday, 30 January 2009
Similarity is so striking
i was reading this chapter and the last verse struck my interest....
I seek refuge with thee O lord.. you are Seer, Hearer
Chapter 48 verse 29
Khalifa
Muhammad - the messenger of GOD - and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD's blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe, and lead a righteous life, forgiveness and a great recompense.
Yusuf Ali
Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from God and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
Pickthal
Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing and falling prostrate (in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) acceptance. The mark of them is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel - like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers - that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good works, forgiveness and immense reward.
Shakir
Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves; you will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking grace from Allah and pleasure; their marks are in their faces because of the effect of prostration; that is their description in the Taurat and their description in the Injeel; like as seed-produce that puts forth its sprout, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them; Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward.
Sher Ali
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are hard against the disbelievers but tender among themselves. Thou seest them bowing and prostrating themselves in Prayer, seeking Allah's grace and pleasure. Their marks are upon their faces, being the traces of prostrations. This is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is like unto a seed-produce that sends forth its sprout, then makes it strong; it then becomes stout, and stands firm on its stem, delighting the sowers - That HE may cause the disbelievers to boil with rage at the sight of them. Allah has promised, unto those of them, who believe and do good works, forgiveness and a great reward.
"Progressive Muslims"
Muhammad is the messenger of God, and those who are with him are severe against the rejecters, but merciful between themselves. You see them yielding and submitting, they seek God's blessings and approval. Their distinction is in their faces, as a result of submitting. Such is their example in the Torah. And their example in the Injeel is like a plant which shoots out and becomes strong and thick and it stands straight on its stem, pleasing to the farmers that He may enrage the rejecters with them. God promises those among them who believe and do good works a forgiveness and a great reward.
the part that struck my interest was the part about prostration and the torah...
you see, when the 3 vs 5 times prayer issue began, i started to look into prayer practices of all religions and came upon the jews doing a 3 times daily prayer... but nonetheless, it was imprinted in my mind that the practice of prayer is not new because in the Quran... it was mentioned that moses was told to observe Salat, as was jesus as well....hmmmm
Anyhow, this time i looked and found a daily prayer called aleinu which i guess is done 3 times daily.
while reading though what i had found... i then read that the practice of prostrating during this prayer was something that was in practice yonder years but some sects within jdaism have discarded it... while some sects only prostrate during major festival prayers... that got me thinking so i googles aleinu and i found the prayer...
now i am sorry but i have to gush here at my amazement for this prrayer....
i was struck by its words... simple effective and praise for the most high.
so here it is
English translation
Transliteration
Hebrew
1
It is our duty to praise the Master of all,
Aleinu l'shabeach la'Adon hakol
עָלֵינוּ לְשַׁבֵּחַ לַאֲדוֹן הַכֹּל,
2
to acclaim the greatness of the One whoforms all creation,
latet gedulah l'yotzer b'reishit,
לָתֵת גְּדֻלָּה לְיוֹצֵר בְּרֵאשִׁית,
3
For God did not make us like the nations of other lands,
sh'lo asanu k'goyei ha'aratzot,
שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂנוּ כְּגוֹיֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת,
4
and did not make us the same as other families of the Earth.
v'lo samanu k'mish'p'chot ha'adamah,
וְלֹא שָׂמָנוּ כְּמִשְׁפְּחוֹת הָאֲדָמָה.
5
God did not place us in the same situations as others,
shelo sam chel'qenu kahem,
שֶׁלֹּא שָׂם חֶלְקֵנוּ כָּהֶם,
6
and our destiny is not the same as anyone else's.
v'goralenu k'khol hamonam.
.וְגוֹרָלֵנוּ כְּכָל הֲמוֹנָם
Some congregations outside of Israel omit:
7
(For they bow to vanity and emptiness
(Sh'hem mish'tachavim l'hevel variq
(שֶׁהֵם מִשְׁתַּחֲוִים לְהֶבֶל וָרִיק,
8
and pray to a god which helps not.)
umit'pal'lim el el lo yoshia)
וּמִתְפַּלְּלִים אֶל אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ.)
9
And we bend our knees, and bow down,and give thanks,
Va'anaḥnu qor`im, umishtaḥavim umodim,
וַאֲנַחְנוּ כֹּרעִים,
10
before the King, the King of Kings,
lif'nei Melekh, Mal'khei haM'lakhim,
לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
11
the Holy One, Blessed is He.
haQadosh barukh Hu.
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.
12
The One who spread out the heavens,and made the foundations of the Earth,
Shehu noteh shamayim, v'yosed aretz,
שֶׁהוּא נוֹטֶה שָׁמַיִם וְיֹסֵד אָרֶץ,
13
and whose precious dwelling isin the heavens above,
umoshav y'qaro bashamayim mima'al,
וּמוֹשַׁב יְקָרוֹ בַּשָּׁמַיִם מִמַּעַל,
14
and whose powerful Presence isin the highest heights.
ushkhinat uzo begav'hei m'romim,
וּשְׁכִינַת עֻזּוֹ בְּגָבְהֵי מְרוֹמִים.
15
He is our God, there is none else.
Hu Eloheinu ein od,
הוּא אֱלֹהֵינוּ וְאֵין עוֹד,
16
Our King is truth, and nothing else compares.
emet mal'kenu, efes zulato,
אֱמֶת מַלְכֵּנוּ אֶפֶס זוּלָתוֹ.
17
As it is written in Your Torah:
kakatuv baToratecha:
כַּכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה:
18
"And you shall know today,and take to heart,
v'yada'ta hayom,vahashevota el l'vavekha.
וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל לְבָבֶךָ,
19
that Adonai is the only God,
Ki Adonai, hu haElohim,
כִּי יי הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים
20
in the heavens above
bashamayim mi ma`al,
בַּשָּׁמַיִם מִמַּעַל
21
and on Earth below.There is no other."
v'al ha'aretz mitachat. Ein od.
וְעַל הָאָרֶץ מִתָּחַת. אֵין עוֹד
hmmmm.so for me i was struck by a couple of words....
That Adonai is the only God in the heavens above and on earth below. there is no other....
Now..compared to where the Quran states La ilaha illalahu... there is no other god but God...
can you see the similarity...
in fact of you have read the quran.. you should see lods od similarities in this aleinu and what is in the Quran...
so back to this concept of One God.... it is one God, the same God that we all worship... cant we all see that? and it is about the worship of One God alone, as was before as is now as it should be now... all this practices of God plus messenger everytime.. is not concurrent with what is in the Quran... nor is it concurrent with what was in the earlier scriptures....
hmmm
anyhoe back to another point i was then again inspired to remember another part in the quran.. where specicically God was speaking to judaism...
I seek refuge with thee O Lord.. you provide inspiration and guide to the truth
chapter 62:6
Khalifa
Say, "O you who are Jewish, if you claim that you are GOD's chosen, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death if you are truthful!"
Yusuf Ali
Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to God, to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"
Pickthal
Say (O Muhammad): O ye who are Jews! If ye claim that ye are favoured of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then long for death if ye are truthful.
Shakir
Say: O you who are Jews, if you think that you are the favorites of Allah to the exclusion of other people, then invoke death If you are truthful.
Sher Ali
Say, `O ye who are Jews, if you claim that you are the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other peoples, then wish for death, if, indeed, you are truthful.
"Progressive Muslims"
Say: "O you who are Jewish, if you claim that you are God's chosen, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death if you are truthful!"
(Parenthesis are the translators own inference...)
Are you seeing the link.....
one other verse.
Khalifa
We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali
It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to God's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of God's book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
Pickthal
Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers.
Shakir
Surely We revealed the Taurat in which was guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted themselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the masters of Divine knowledge and the doctors, because they were required to guard (part) of the Book of Allah, and they were witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My communications; and whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers.
Sher Ali
Surely, WE sent down the Torah wherein was guidance and light. By it did the Prophets, who were obedient to US, judge for the Jews, as did the godly people and those learned in the Law, because they were required to preserve the Book of Allah, and because they were guardians over it. Therefore fear not men but fear ME; and barter not MY signs for a paltry price. And whoso judges not by that which Allah has sent down, these it is who are the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims"
We have sent down the Torah, in it is guidance and a light; the prophets who have surrendered judged with it for those who are Jews, as well as the rabbis, and the priests, for what they were entrusted of God's Scripture, and they were witness over. So do not fear the people but fear Me; and do not purchase with My revelations a cheap price. And whoever does not judge with what God Has sent down, then these are the rejecters.
Now tell me that you still want to be mentioning one of Gods messengers in your prayer to God and you still are praying to the messengers to interceed for you... despite of what is revealed in the Quran... that you still seek guidance from other than the quran and look to scholars and leaders to tell you about your religion despite that the Quran is clear in content and intention.
If you trust in God you will hold onto God alone..believe in God alone.. dedicate all Prayers to God alone... it is God that we should be singing his praises.. It is God that we should reverence.. it is to God direct that we should direct out prayers to, as it is God that knows us...that created us.. that knows our heart...
the position of any of Gods messengers with God,, they earned for themselves due to the fact that they obeyed their God and held onto their God alone despite of the incriminations they faced...
is there any sense in taking advantage of this.. when we have not earned or even come close to that level of reverence... is that why we choose to sing praises of the messengers... when we know they are dead and cannot respond to us... is that why we go to their graves and pray to their corpse.. when we know they are gone and cannot respond to us...
the human being is lazy....
i am a human being and i know....
while some muslims are here, singing mohammed mohammed mohammed only mohammed,,, to the dis-inclusion of other of Gods prophets....and we have the effontry to beguile ous christian brothers who go about singing jesus, jesus jesus.. to the detriment of other of Gods prophets..
Is it not the same thing...
granted one thinks that mohammed is the key to being saved by god, by associating patnership with God in the addition of mohammeds name to where Gods name is called upon and the other may think jesus is the key to being saved and that Jesus is god...
honestly some muslims are no better than the christians are no better than some jews who invented other laws above that which God revealed to them... infact this is a trait amongst all three...
remember this
alhamdullilahi lazi lam yatakiz waladan
wa lam yakun lahu sharikun fii mulk
wa lam yakun lahu waliyu minna dzullii
Praise be to God who has never begotten a son
nor does He have a partner in his kingship
nor does he need an ally out of weakness...
I seek refuge with thee O lord.. you are Seer, Hearer
Chapter 48 verse 29
Khalifa
Muhammad - the messenger of GOD - and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD's blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe, and lead a righteous life, forgiveness and a great recompense.
Yusuf Ali
Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from God and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
Pickthal
Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. Thou (O Muhammad) seest them bowing and falling prostrate (in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) acceptance. The mark of them is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel - like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers - that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good works, forgiveness and immense reward.
Shakir
Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves; you will see them bowing down, prostrating themselves, seeking grace from Allah and pleasure; their marks are in their faces because of the effect of prostration; that is their description in the Taurat and their description in the Injeel; like as seed-produce that puts forth its sprout, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them; Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good, forgiveness and a great reward.
Sher Ali
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are hard against the disbelievers but tender among themselves. Thou seest them bowing and prostrating themselves in Prayer, seeking Allah's grace and pleasure. Their marks are upon their faces, being the traces of prostrations. This is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is like unto a seed-produce that sends forth its sprout, then makes it strong; it then becomes stout, and stands firm on its stem, delighting the sowers - That HE may cause the disbelievers to boil with rage at the sight of them. Allah has promised, unto those of them, who believe and do good works, forgiveness and a great reward.
"Progressive Muslims"
Muhammad is the messenger of God, and those who are with him are severe against the rejecters, but merciful between themselves. You see them yielding and submitting, they seek God's blessings and approval. Their distinction is in their faces, as a result of submitting. Such is their example in the Torah. And their example in the Injeel is like a plant which shoots out and becomes strong and thick and it stands straight on its stem, pleasing to the farmers that He may enrage the rejecters with them. God promises those among them who believe and do good works a forgiveness and a great reward.
the part that struck my interest was the part about prostration and the torah...
you see, when the 3 vs 5 times prayer issue began, i started to look into prayer practices of all religions and came upon the jews doing a 3 times daily prayer... but nonetheless, it was imprinted in my mind that the practice of prayer is not new because in the Quran... it was mentioned that moses was told to observe Salat, as was jesus as well....hmmmm
Anyhow, this time i looked and found a daily prayer called aleinu which i guess is done 3 times daily.
while reading though what i had found... i then read that the practice of prostrating during this prayer was something that was in practice yonder years but some sects within jdaism have discarded it... while some sects only prostrate during major festival prayers... that got me thinking so i googles aleinu and i found the prayer...
now i am sorry but i have to gush here at my amazement for this prrayer....
i was struck by its words... simple effective and praise for the most high.
so here it is
English translation
Transliteration
Hebrew
1
It is our duty to praise the Master of all,
Aleinu l'shabeach la'Adon hakol
עָלֵינוּ לְשַׁבֵּחַ לַאֲדוֹן הַכֹּל,
2
to acclaim the greatness of the One whoforms all creation,
latet gedulah l'yotzer b'reishit,
לָתֵת גְּדֻלָּה לְיוֹצֵר בְּרֵאשִׁית,
3
For God did not make us like the nations of other lands,
sh'lo asanu k'goyei ha'aratzot,
שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂנוּ כְּגוֹיֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת,
4
and did not make us the same as other families of the Earth.
v'lo samanu k'mish'p'chot ha'adamah,
וְלֹא שָׂמָנוּ כְּמִשְׁפְּחוֹת הָאֲדָמָה.
5
God did not place us in the same situations as others,
shelo sam chel'qenu kahem,
שֶׁלֹּא שָׂם חֶלְקֵנוּ כָּהֶם,
6
and our destiny is not the same as anyone else's.
v'goralenu k'khol hamonam.
.וְגוֹרָלֵנוּ כְּכָל הֲמוֹנָם
Some congregations outside of Israel omit:
7
(For they bow to vanity and emptiness
(Sh'hem mish'tachavim l'hevel variq
(שֶׁהֵם מִשְׁתַּחֲוִים לְהֶבֶל וָרִיק,
8
and pray to a god which helps not.)
umit'pal'lim el el lo yoshia)
וּמִתְפַּלְּלִים אֶל אֵל לֹא יוֹשִׁיעַ.)
9
And we bend our knees, and bow down,and give thanks,
Va'anaḥnu qor`im, umishtaḥavim umodim,
וַאֲנַחְנוּ כֹּרעִים,
10
before the King, the King of Kings,
lif'nei Melekh, Mal'khei haM'lakhim,
לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים
11
the Holy One, Blessed is He.
haQadosh barukh Hu.
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.
12
The One who spread out the heavens,and made the foundations of the Earth,
Shehu noteh shamayim, v'yosed aretz,
שֶׁהוּא נוֹטֶה שָׁמַיִם וְיֹסֵד אָרֶץ,
13
and whose precious dwelling isin the heavens above,
umoshav y'qaro bashamayim mima'al,
וּמוֹשַׁב יְקָרוֹ בַּשָּׁמַיִם מִמַּעַל,
14
and whose powerful Presence isin the highest heights.
ushkhinat uzo begav'hei m'romim,
וּשְׁכִינַת עֻזּוֹ בְּגָבְהֵי מְרוֹמִים.
15
He is our God, there is none else.
Hu Eloheinu ein od,
הוּא אֱלֹהֵינוּ וְאֵין עוֹד,
16
Our King is truth, and nothing else compares.
emet mal'kenu, efes zulato,
אֱמֶת מַלְכֵּנוּ אֶפֶס זוּלָתוֹ.
17
As it is written in Your Torah:
kakatuv baToratecha:
כַּכָּתוּב בַּתּוֹרָה:
18
"And you shall know today,and take to heart,
v'yada'ta hayom,vahashevota el l'vavekha.
וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל לְבָבֶךָ,
19
that Adonai is the only God,
Ki Adonai, hu haElohim,
כִּי יי הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים
20
in the heavens above
bashamayim mi ma`al,
בַּשָּׁמַיִם מִמַּעַל
21
and on Earth below.There is no other."
v'al ha'aretz mitachat. Ein od.
וְעַל הָאָרֶץ מִתָּחַת. אֵין עוֹד
hmmmm.so for me i was struck by a couple of words....
That Adonai is the only God in the heavens above and on earth below. there is no other....
Now..compared to where the Quran states La ilaha illalahu... there is no other god but God...
can you see the similarity...
in fact of you have read the quran.. you should see lods od similarities in this aleinu and what is in the Quran...
so back to this concept of One God.... it is one God, the same God that we all worship... cant we all see that? and it is about the worship of One God alone, as was before as is now as it should be now... all this practices of God plus messenger everytime.. is not concurrent with what is in the Quran... nor is it concurrent with what was in the earlier scriptures....
hmmm
anyhoe back to another point i was then again inspired to remember another part in the quran.. where specicically God was speaking to judaism...
I seek refuge with thee O Lord.. you provide inspiration and guide to the truth
chapter 62:6
Khalifa
Say, "O you who are Jewish, if you claim that you are GOD's chosen, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death if you are truthful!"
Yusuf Ali
Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to God, to the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"
Pickthal
Say (O Muhammad): O ye who are Jews! If ye claim that ye are favoured of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then long for death if ye are truthful.
Shakir
Say: O you who are Jews, if you think that you are the favorites of Allah to the exclusion of other people, then invoke death If you are truthful.
Sher Ali
Say, `O ye who are Jews, if you claim that you are the friends of Allah to the exclusion of all other peoples, then wish for death, if, indeed, you are truthful.
"Progressive Muslims"
Say: "O you who are Jewish, if you claim that you are God's chosen, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death if you are truthful!"
(Parenthesis are the translators own inference...)
Are you seeing the link.....
one other verse.
Khalifa
We have sent down the Torah, containing guidance and light. Ruling in accordance with it were the Jewish prophets, as well as the rabbis and the priests, as dictated to them in GOD's scripture, and as witnessed by them. Therefore, do not reverence human beings; you shall reverence Me instead. And do not trade away My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali
It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to God's will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of God's book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what God hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
Pickthal
Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and a light, by which the prophets who surrendered (unto Allah) judged the Jews, and the rabbis and the priests (judged) by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And My revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers.
Shakir
Surely We revealed the Taurat in which was guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted themselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the masters of Divine knowledge and the doctors, because they were required to guard (part) of the Book of Allah, and they were witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My communications; and whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers.
Sher Ali
Surely, WE sent down the Torah wherein was guidance and light. By it did the Prophets, who were obedient to US, judge for the Jews, as did the godly people and those learned in the Law, because they were required to preserve the Book of Allah, and because they were guardians over it. Therefore fear not men but fear ME; and barter not MY signs for a paltry price. And whoso judges not by that which Allah has sent down, these it is who are the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims"
We have sent down the Torah, in it is guidance and a light; the prophets who have surrendered judged with it for those who are Jews, as well as the rabbis, and the priests, for what they were entrusted of God's Scripture, and they were witness over. So do not fear the people but fear Me; and do not purchase with My revelations a cheap price. And whoever does not judge with what God Has sent down, then these are the rejecters.
Now tell me that you still want to be mentioning one of Gods messengers in your prayer to God and you still are praying to the messengers to interceed for you... despite of what is revealed in the Quran... that you still seek guidance from other than the quran and look to scholars and leaders to tell you about your religion despite that the Quran is clear in content and intention.
If you trust in God you will hold onto God alone..believe in God alone.. dedicate all Prayers to God alone... it is God that we should be singing his praises.. It is God that we should reverence.. it is to God direct that we should direct out prayers to, as it is God that knows us...that created us.. that knows our heart...
the position of any of Gods messengers with God,, they earned for themselves due to the fact that they obeyed their God and held onto their God alone despite of the incriminations they faced...
is there any sense in taking advantage of this.. when we have not earned or even come close to that level of reverence... is that why we choose to sing praises of the messengers... when we know they are dead and cannot respond to us... is that why we go to their graves and pray to their corpse.. when we know they are gone and cannot respond to us...
the human being is lazy....
i am a human being and i know....
while some muslims are here, singing mohammed mohammed mohammed only mohammed,,, to the dis-inclusion of other of Gods prophets....and we have the effontry to beguile ous christian brothers who go about singing jesus, jesus jesus.. to the detriment of other of Gods prophets..
Is it not the same thing...
granted one thinks that mohammed is the key to being saved by god, by associating patnership with God in the addition of mohammeds name to where Gods name is called upon and the other may think jesus is the key to being saved and that Jesus is god...
honestly some muslims are no better than the christians are no better than some jews who invented other laws above that which God revealed to them... infact this is a trait amongst all three...
remember this
alhamdullilahi lazi lam yatakiz waladan
wa lam yakun lahu sharikun fii mulk
wa lam yakun lahu waliyu minna dzullii
Praise be to God who has never begotten a son
nor does He have a partner in his kingship
nor does he need an ally out of weakness...
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Never did i hear such interesting words....
Nothing has such power to broaden the mind as the ability to investigate systematically and truly all that comes under thy observation in life.
Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.
Death is a release from the impressions of the senses, and from desires that make us their puppets, and from the vagaries of the mind, and from the hard service of the flesh.
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
Here is the rule to remember in the future, When anything tempts you to be bitter: not, ''This is a misfortune'' but ''To bear this worthily is good fortune.''
CC: marcus aurelius
Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.
Death is a release from the impressions of the senses, and from desires that make us their puppets, and from the vagaries of the mind, and from the hard service of the flesh.
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
Here is the rule to remember in the future, When anything tempts you to be bitter: not, ''This is a misfortune'' but ''To bear this worthily is good fortune.''
CC: marcus aurelius
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Choose to be blind...
Fear God....
Be aware of God
Respect God
Observe God as He should be observed
Obey God
All these things to me mean the same thing
God is Compassionate,
Loving to his servants,
Most Kind to his people,
Merciful at the same time He is the Avenger.
Observe God and God only and be not in state of fear for any man...
For it is God that you have to report to for your actions
It is God that your reckoning lies with...not man
What you do, do it in sight of where you want to end up in the hereafter...
After all this life is nothing but mere illusions and play...
Leaders and followers...
Followers follow blindly their leaders... even though proof is there
Children follow their parents even though they can see different
We are in a state of robotic response
We have all been taught to obey man, obey parents,
Do not question... just do
We just do, till we end up robotic and placid
We just accept and we do not question..
Where is the free will, when you just do what is given to you without thinking and questioning
Where is the free choice when you just accept without reasoning?
We are a lazy species...
We do not want to think for ourselves
We do not want to see for ourselves
We do not want to reason with ourselves
We are happy to follow leaders
We are content to follow someone else's thoughts
We are joyous to copy someone else's behaviours
We are a lazy species....
What is wrong that we cannot reason for ourselves... Will it kill us?
What is wrong that we cannot speak our minds... Will it destroy us?
Collectiveness is selflessness.. Damn right it is
But at what cost?
At the cost of your soul...
The soul is individual...
It is not collective
Actions are individual
It is not collective
OK then
let us just keep on doing... no questions
Let us keep on copying... no reasoning
Let us keep on roboting... See where we all end up...
Be aware of God
Respect God
Observe God as He should be observed
Obey God
All these things to me mean the same thing
God is Compassionate,
Loving to his servants,
Most Kind to his people,
Merciful at the same time He is the Avenger.
Observe God and God only and be not in state of fear for any man...
For it is God that you have to report to for your actions
It is God that your reckoning lies with...not man
What you do, do it in sight of where you want to end up in the hereafter...
After all this life is nothing but mere illusions and play...
Leaders and followers...
Followers follow blindly their leaders... even though proof is there
Children follow their parents even though they can see different
We are in a state of robotic response
We have all been taught to obey man, obey parents,
Do not question... just do
We just do, till we end up robotic and placid
We just accept and we do not question..
Where is the free will, when you just do what is given to you without thinking and questioning
Where is the free choice when you just accept without reasoning?
We are a lazy species...
We do not want to think for ourselves
We do not want to see for ourselves
We do not want to reason with ourselves
We are happy to follow leaders
We are content to follow someone else's thoughts
We are joyous to copy someone else's behaviours
We are a lazy species....
What is wrong that we cannot reason for ourselves... Will it kill us?
What is wrong that we cannot speak our minds... Will it destroy us?
Collectiveness is selflessness.. Damn right it is
But at what cost?
At the cost of your soul...
The soul is individual...
It is not collective
Actions are individual
It is not collective
OK then
let us just keep on doing... no questions
Let us keep on copying... no reasoning
Let us keep on roboting... See where we all end up...
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Throngs... my thoughts chapter 39
The other time I read this verse, I felt a connection and a stirring, and I was inspired by the verses and i posted the translations
Now a couple of days ago, I listened to this chapter, driving up to my village and again, it stirred in me and as such I feel compelled to put to words my thoughts and feelings…
Now a couple of days ago, I listened to this chapter, driving up to my village and again, it stirred in me and as such I feel compelled to put to words my thoughts and feelings…
As usual it is the verses which jump out at me that i comment on
Throngs
What first gets me about the assumed title is another chapter in the scripture called Triumph – Nasr, where in the verse reads:
I seek refuge in the Most Gracious…
When triumph comes from God and victory,
You will see all the people embracing Gods religion in THRONGS.
You shall glorify and praise your Lord and implore him for forgiveness. He is the Redeemer.
Whenever I read Zumar, I think immediately of Nasr. I don’t know in some ways it just clicks, I guess it is the word “Throngs” which is the association between the two.
Verse 1-3
I guess this part is very clear in its statement and intent
- Scripture is revealed from God
- We should worship God devoting the religion to God alone
- We should not implore on anyone beside God
In retrospect, I personally can think of us people, who implore on Gods prophet, Mohammed, Jesus etc and to those who implore on other people such as saints and martyrs, in order that God may hear their prayer, or give accordance to their cause etc. All because they see these people/figures as those in higher steed with God.
It is a habit in all of us, where I feel we want something, but we can only do it through a middleman, probably because we can only relate with the middleman, rather than relate with the source of what we want.
Verse 4-6
This verse for me, will relate to those who claim that God has a son. The scripture seeks to clarify on that issue by letting us know and confirming that God does not have a son nor is He in need of one. He is God, the Supreme. He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.
Verse 7
"If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts"
I find this part amusing and incisive.
From this in can infer, disbelieving/believing is each persons choice to make, it is ultimately our responsibility; hence if we carry the sins of disbelief we do so for ourselves by ourselves. Whatever choice we make, outwardly or inwardly, God is aware thereof.
Verse 8
IT IS TRUE that when we seek blessings from God we implore, attend to our prayers, give charity and alms, and make sacrifice all fastidiously. Once we get what we seek, we let everything run to the wayside. Does this not inspire you and remind you of you?
Verse 9
-Meditation
-Prostrating at night
-Being aware of the hereafter
-Seeking the mercy of God.
These things I have noted are significant aspects of this verse.
Meditation: which I guess is reflecting on God and His attributes, His wonders and mercies towards us.
Prostration: which I guess, is the physical act of prostration to God. This is the ultimate symbol of submission and showing obeisance to the creator.
Being aware of the hereafter: this I guess is what we should all be doing, our every thought and action should be with regards to the hereafter, as this life is no more than an illusion, the true life/true existence is in the hereafter and as such, our actions here dictate where we will end up in the hereafter. God direct us and keep us in the straight path.
Seeking Gods mercy: which I guess is everlasting and what is needed to shield is from the trappings of this life as opposed to seeking bounty, wealth, position, children – all of which are the part of the temporary illusions and material distractions of this life – (don’t get me wrong they are not wholly bad all depends on how you view and use them)
From verse 10 onwards
This I feel is a message to us all, to remind us that the religion of God - whatever we want to call it - is about God alone.
It is about worshipping God alone, devoting the religion- all the practices, norms, behaviors that are and can be attributed to following a particular line of thought – to God alone. It is about God alone, just God…. no prophet/messenger/saint/holy man/scholar/deity/angel/whatever else you have
Being aware of the hereafter and what your position would be – laying foundations that will cement where you want to be- Remember the retribution of God is awesome, you really wouldn’t want that, I know that I don’t want that, God help me and redeem me, for my sins are many and I sincerely seek His forgiveness.
The real losers are those who loose their soul on the DOR
Verse 18 in particular I feel gives direction and guidance for us all: examining all words and following the best. This for me reiterates that we all have a choice as individuals to make; we can either follow what is being given to us by our parents/scholars/whoever else or choose to examine everything that has been given to us and then make a choice on what we want to believe.
It is not about blind guidance - believing that those in authority – parents/scholars/teachers/whoever else - are guided enough to guide you- it is about liberation, choosing for yourself amidst all that is out there and trust me there are many. God is the one who will inspire you and direct you to the truth.
God is the one who provides for us
Verse 23
What still gets me is how some people can say that they follow reported hadiths for clarity and guidance in religious practices over the Quran all in spite of the fact that the Quran is in itself clear in content and intent.
Question: did the any of Gods prophets/messengers ask us to follow their own ways/behaviours over Gods Laws/commands?
This verse for me clears any assumptions that anyone may have over following hadiths/sunna/whatever else you have over Gods scripture
“GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD's message. Such is GOD's guidance; He bestows it upon whoever wills (to be guided). As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them.
If I may can I proceed down to Verse 29, which states:
“GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know”
** The parentheses are the translators’ own inference
Verse 36
I ask you “ Is God not sufficient for us that we seek to implore and associate others with God”
Verse 38
I was thinking about this I think even before reading this part.
We all say God this, God that, Thank you God etc. When asked whom do you worship, those who believe in God say “God”. So why then don’t we worship God?
I guess it is because we all sideline the worship of God and only revisit it when we are in dire need of help. Which I know only too well myself.
Though we sort of acknowledge that God created us, we disregard worshipping him in favour of all the distractions and trappings that this world has in store for us. We become not bothered and do not affirm each day our gratitude and our devotion to God. But hopefully may God let us realize this before it becomes too late for us.
Verse 45
For the muslims friends who subscribe to “God+prophet” that I have spoken to when you go “God alone” they vehemently refuse to believe, likewise the Christians friends who subscribe to the notion of trinity. I find it very amusing, because I probably would have been the same ages ago myself. But I am thankful to God for letting me see past all the misgivings that some people in authority try to spoon-feed us and allowing me to the circumstances that led to me going “It is all about God alone”
Verse 46 onwards speaks for itself
For me i feel it is clear and Gw willing it will always be clear that worshipping God is about one God. God continue to guide us and provide us with inspiration from Him.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Duhh!! go figure....
A lot of peeps are sending wellwishing messages to me, all with more or less the same theme - wishing a prospeous new year and all that.
But what is is with these wishes..
A thought just crept to mind now,
lets say for instance a person who unbeknown to his friends has desires to kill 100 people.
Then he gets the messages, i am wishing you all your hearts desires and wants.. bla bla bla etc.
Now what if that wish comes true? what then?
We all know the heart is sometimes weak, filled with disease and desires of the flesh, not so?
So why wish on someone their hearts desires? How do you know if what they desire is Good..
( we all have to accept the comfirmity of generalised 10 commandments as the indicator for good and bad)
What if they desire harm for you, the person who is wishing them supposedly all these good things?
Now adays i am careful when people go i wish you this, that, that that as the same i am careful when i wish upon other people as well. Uncontrollable laughter!!
Cos i dont know what is good for them or bad for them as the case maybe, i just tend to ask and wish for them Gods guidance and protection....
Just an uncanny thought which just crossed my mind...
But what is is with these wishes..
A thought just crept to mind now,
lets say for instance a person who unbeknown to his friends has desires to kill 100 people.
Then he gets the messages, i am wishing you all your hearts desires and wants.. bla bla bla etc.
Now what if that wish comes true? what then?
We all know the heart is sometimes weak, filled with disease and desires of the flesh, not so?
So why wish on someone their hearts desires? How do you know if what they desire is Good..
( we all have to accept the comfirmity of generalised 10 commandments as the indicator for good and bad)
What if they desire harm for you, the person who is wishing them supposedly all these good things?
Now adays i am careful when people go i wish you this, that, that that as the same i am careful when i wish upon other people as well. Uncontrollable laughter!!
Cos i dont know what is good for them or bad for them as the case maybe, i just tend to ask and wish for them Gods guidance and protection....
Just an uncanny thought which just crossed my mind...
Adetutu needs a resolution.......
Resolutions are one a penny
The heart is there but the spirit is sometimes weak and cowardly.
Resolution are intentions yearly
Not seeing them through can make us weary
This year my Lord I ask so sincerely.
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by Day
For with thee my Lord I find strenght
And in thee My Lord I discover truth
The truth which is out there
The truth which liberates all fears
For in truth, I can grow, I see and I know
For with your truth, my Lord, my spirit flows.
This year, Lord I hope I dont ask for much
For no wish is beyond your delicate touch
This year Lord I desire to serve thee
To worship, to see and to believe
Money and riches holds no weight with me
Money and riches may in fact strangle me
My heart desires You, all things which comes from thee
My soul desires truth so it can be free
Keep me bound to thy service Lord
Keep me bound in thy worship Lord
For I have no desire to let Go
No desire to go and depart myself from thee.
For all Praise is Yours, all Authority, Kingship and Glory is yours my Lord
In this life and in the hereafter, there is no other God but Thee
Be you Glorified, Most Gracious Lord
Monday, 29 December 2008
Yasin- Chapter 36 and memories
This was the first surah that I took any great interest in right from young.
I still remember the recitation of hand, all memorized able to recall: albeit with a few jolts.
I remember the tape version, how the reciter a one Alfa Hussain Mohammed would pronounce the words even with the Yoruba intonations, which was always evident with his work.
I remember as a child waking up from sleep and going to sit in the living room while my dad was performing his nightlong prayers. I remember the smell of incense burning in the background – in particular the long one packaged in the green and white box.
I remember my dad sitting on his prayer mat whilst I was cuddled up on the sofa both sitting in silence until I fell sleep. (Maybe this is where I got my love of sleeping on the sofa and living room; I cannot seem to shake this habit)
I was mesmerized by this surah for a long time. A lot to do with the clout and pageantry surrounding its mysticism. I remember some people said that the prophet Mohammed said that this was the heart of the quran – The powerful surah with the seven “mubins”.
Why this is of importance I don’t know and why the number is important I don’t know either.
Question: What is peoples fixation with the numbers 3, 6, 5, 7, 9, 11?
I remember the seven “mubins” very well: when my dad will get us all to sit and say prayers reciting the surah 7 times, with each “mubin” he will get us to recite 7 “Qursiyu”
Out of this fixation, I memorized this surah. Reciting it to give me a sense of achievement and accomplishment that Yes! I too can get it – whatever was out there with this surah will come to me too.
I would look at it and read it: Arabic only – whenever I looked at the translation it just washed over me – gobbledygook- just like when I pick up a physics book and read, I just read but I don’t know what I am reading. The translations just washed over me, I am reading but I am not getting, I am juts fixated with the mubins – as I have been mesmerized by everyone’s fixation with it.
It wasn’t until about 2-3 years ago with trying to find out about worshipping God that I looked at the translation of what I had been reading and it struck me…What exactly do people see in this surah?
When reading through the translation, what strikes me is the gloominess and advent of retribution for people who end up disbelieving. Which in a way is befitting because it means for those who cannot see God alone but for the partnering “God with his last prophet” that such people are just digging themselves deeper into the ground.
This surah talks about consequences and reminds of warnings of disbelieving, of DOJ, reminds us of the blessings from God…
Then I started to see chapter 36 in a different light. Whist the memorization has stuck in my head- albeit I may need a few jolts of verses to remember it- I no longer hold it awe or am I fixated by it.
I am now interested in surah Maryam, Furqan and Ibrahim. Firstly because the recitation by Abdul Sudais is one of the most beautiful melodious ones I have ever heard and also because I feel - in particular for Surah Maryam- that the gripe between major world religions are clarified for me in them. It embodies the crux of what we all argue about or have issues about.
Remember the part in the quran where it offers a logical agreement to us all
If I can recall, God help me with this “ that we should come to a logical agreement whereby we do not worship besides God any other.” Which for me is a fair cop out whereby we agree to disagree. If we say we worship God, then lets leave all the minor differences out of the way and focus on this one God who we say is the creator of all things.
Anyway I digress again……
For translations see : http://www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php, enter the chapter number and compare up to six translations side by side. my preffered translations are khalifas and progressive muslims
I still remember the recitation of hand, all memorized able to recall: albeit with a few jolts.
I remember the tape version, how the reciter a one Alfa Hussain Mohammed would pronounce the words even with the Yoruba intonations, which was always evident with his work.
I remember as a child waking up from sleep and going to sit in the living room while my dad was performing his nightlong prayers. I remember the smell of incense burning in the background – in particular the long one packaged in the green and white box.
I remember my dad sitting on his prayer mat whilst I was cuddled up on the sofa both sitting in silence until I fell sleep. (Maybe this is where I got my love of sleeping on the sofa and living room; I cannot seem to shake this habit)
I was mesmerized by this surah for a long time. A lot to do with the clout and pageantry surrounding its mysticism. I remember some people said that the prophet Mohammed said that this was the heart of the quran – The powerful surah with the seven “mubins”.
Why this is of importance I don’t know and why the number is important I don’t know either.
Question: What is peoples fixation with the numbers 3, 6, 5, 7, 9, 11?
I remember the seven “mubins” very well: when my dad will get us all to sit and say prayers reciting the surah 7 times, with each “mubin” he will get us to recite 7 “Qursiyu”
Out of this fixation, I memorized this surah. Reciting it to give me a sense of achievement and accomplishment that Yes! I too can get it – whatever was out there with this surah will come to me too.
I would look at it and read it: Arabic only – whenever I looked at the translation it just washed over me – gobbledygook- just like when I pick up a physics book and read, I just read but I don’t know what I am reading. The translations just washed over me, I am reading but I am not getting, I am juts fixated with the mubins – as I have been mesmerized by everyone’s fixation with it.
It wasn’t until about 2-3 years ago with trying to find out about worshipping God that I looked at the translation of what I had been reading and it struck me…What exactly do people see in this surah?
When reading through the translation, what strikes me is the gloominess and advent of retribution for people who end up disbelieving. Which in a way is befitting because it means for those who cannot see God alone but for the partnering “God with his last prophet” that such people are just digging themselves deeper into the ground.
This surah talks about consequences and reminds of warnings of disbelieving, of DOJ, reminds us of the blessings from God…
Then I started to see chapter 36 in a different light. Whist the memorization has stuck in my head- albeit I may need a few jolts of verses to remember it- I no longer hold it awe or am I fixated by it.
I am now interested in surah Maryam, Furqan and Ibrahim. Firstly because the recitation by Abdul Sudais is one of the most beautiful melodious ones I have ever heard and also because I feel - in particular for Surah Maryam- that the gripe between major world religions are clarified for me in them. It embodies the crux of what we all argue about or have issues about.
Remember the part in the quran where it offers a logical agreement to us all
If I can recall, God help me with this “ that we should come to a logical agreement whereby we do not worship besides God any other.” Which for me is a fair cop out whereby we agree to disagree. If we say we worship God, then lets leave all the minor differences out of the way and focus on this one God who we say is the creator of all things.
Anyway I digress again……
For translations see : http://www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php, enter the chapter number and compare up to six translations side by side. my preffered translations are khalifas and progressive muslims
Sunday, 28 December 2008
Chapter 35 Al-Fateer
Verse 1
“Alhamdullilahi”
The starting of the verse with the phrase “Praise be to God” for me is important for me because I regard this statement as the essence of worship to the Creator. The creator who is the initiator of everything
Verse 2
Simple fact - what God wills be done, nothing can alter Gods plans/decisions be it in earth or in the heavens
Verse 3
“O People” – I guess this refers to every human being… asking us to remember Gods blessings upon us. Also again states “There is no other God beside Him”…How could we deviate.
The deviate part I can take to imply
Deviate from before practices of worshiping God
Deviate from God alone
Deviate from the book of God etc
Verse 4
I guess this verse is speaking to the messenger - reaffirming that God is in control, whether we believe what the messenger has brought forward from God or not.
The messenger has brought forward the scripture of God, from God to serve as a guide for us to redeem ourselves before the Day of Ressurrection/Judgment. This is my own view
Infact when I think of it again a là what we have going on at the moment regarding “God Plus ” for me it defies belief that the messenger(s) himself/themselves would testify “God plus messenger” because
It don’t make sense
It don’t follow the principles of what has been revealed previously
It still don’t make sense to me
Verse 5
Reminds us about our priorities… This life is but a mere illusion. As a matter of fact I have to remind myself of that daily.
Verse 6
I chuckled when I read this part but it is true though. Enemy is enemy and they are best avoided and best treated with animosity because really in times of war and everything, your enemies want to kill you and finish you off n’est pas? So fight is fight. It is a fight for survival in the hereafter The Devil is enemy because the devil seeks to repel from the path of God. Plain and simple
Verse 8
I still insist that this is the worse state to be in… “Misguided belief”.. God don’t visit such a fate on me and may He guide me to the straight path.
Verse 11
Interesting points raised here. The theme for me reinforces that nothing happens except for the will of God. Nothing comes into being or leaves existence except for as how God wants it to be
Verse 12
I smiled when I read this part – Salt water/Fresh water… Indeed we should b grateful
Verse 13-14
Slight chuckle at the part where I read “ if you call them they cannot hear you, even if they can hear you they cannae respond to you and on the DOR/DOJ thy will disown you”
Gba o! All these supplications to prophets, saints and whatever else… whatisgoingon there? Praying for prophet and family members and whatever else. How on earth do you know if the family members were guided, if for instance lets say for argument sake that the messenger/prophet was guided, how d I know if his family was? Hmmm
Tell me, how do I know what is in their heart that I can be praying for them? Hmmm,
When my time can be better-spent thinking about my God and praising my God hmmm
Lol. Sometimes I am mad….
Verse 15
I agree, yes! We are all in need of God
Verse 18
No transfer of sins. What you earn you earn! That entire one where some people may think that “Jesus died for our sins” I don’t get that after reading this verse.
From Verse 19 onwards
It is either on or the other, no in-between I guess. Blind and Seer, Darkness and Light, Coolness of shade and Heat of the sun. This brings to mind anther part the this scripture where I think it goes ” there is no compulsion in religion, the right way is now distinct from the wrong” and another one which I think goes “ righteousness is not about beating around the bush”
Verse 22
God causes whomever wills to hear…You cannot make hearers out o those in the graves.
We all have to make the initial choice/will I guess to want to be closer to God and ask God for the rest, for Him to direct us to the right path.
When you are dead, that’s it! That is your own part /story played out. Whatever you have earned you have earned, no going back once you are dead, no chance to overturn, no chance to repeat. God guide us right and keep us as righteous believers and grant us a good position on the DOJ.
Verse 25
I singled this part out.. “ Messengers have been with clear proofs, the psalms and the enlightening scripture”
Verse 27
I smiled at the description of words and colour
Verse 29
Investment: Recite the book of God, Prayer, and from Gods provisions to us we spend.
Verse 31
This verse for me again is pinnacle foundation of what we should uphold.
“What is revealed in this scripture is the truth consummating all previous scripture”
I get from reading the Quran that this is what we should uphold. This is what the messenger has brought forward from God and advocates that we read and uphold the teachings therein. So how can we start to deviate and practice from other things not sanctioned by God? Or even His messengers for that matter?
For translations go to http://www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php eterchapter number and compare different translations
Praise be to God, the Eternal Most Gracious.This is what has caught my interest initially while reading this verse.
“Alhamdullilahi”
The starting of the verse with the phrase “Praise be to God” for me is important for me because I regard this statement as the essence of worship to the Creator. The creator who is the initiator of everything
Verse 2
Simple fact - what God wills be done, nothing can alter Gods plans/decisions be it in earth or in the heavens
Verse 3
“O People” – I guess this refers to every human being… asking us to remember Gods blessings upon us. Also again states “There is no other God beside Him”…How could we deviate.
The deviate part I can take to imply
Deviate from before practices of worshiping God
Deviate from God alone
Deviate from the book of God etc
Verse 4
I guess this verse is speaking to the messenger - reaffirming that God is in control, whether we believe what the messenger has brought forward from God or not.
The messenger has brought forward the scripture of God, from God to serve as a guide for us to redeem ourselves before the Day of Ressurrection/Judgment. This is my own view
Infact when I think of it again a là what we have going on at the moment regarding “God Plus ” for me it defies belief that the messenger(s) himself/themselves would testify “God plus messenger” because
It don’t make sense
It don’t follow the principles of what has been revealed previously
It still don’t make sense to me
Verse 5
Reminds us about our priorities… This life is but a mere illusion. As a matter of fact I have to remind myself of that daily.
Verse 6
I chuckled when I read this part but it is true though. Enemy is enemy and they are best avoided and best treated with animosity because really in times of war and everything, your enemies want to kill you and finish you off n’est pas? So fight is fight. It is a fight for survival in the hereafter The Devil is enemy because the devil seeks to repel from the path of God. Plain and simple
Verse 8
I still insist that this is the worse state to be in… “Misguided belief”.. God don’t visit such a fate on me and may He guide me to the straight path.
Verse 11
Interesting points raised here. The theme for me reinforces that nothing happens except for the will of God. Nothing comes into being or leaves existence except for as how God wants it to be
Verse 12
I smiled when I read this part – Salt water/Fresh water… Indeed we should b grateful
Verse 13-14
Slight chuckle at the part where I read “ if you call them they cannot hear you, even if they can hear you they cannae respond to you and on the DOR/DOJ thy will disown you”
Gba o! All these supplications to prophets, saints and whatever else… whatisgoingon there? Praying for prophet and family members and whatever else. How on earth do you know if the family members were guided, if for instance lets say for argument sake that the messenger/prophet was guided, how d I know if his family was? Hmmm
Tell me, how do I know what is in their heart that I can be praying for them? Hmmm,
When my time can be better-spent thinking about my God and praising my God hmmm
Lol. Sometimes I am mad….
Verse 15
I agree, yes! We are all in need of God
Verse 18
No transfer of sins. What you earn you earn! That entire one where some people may think that “Jesus died for our sins” I don’t get that after reading this verse.
From Verse 19 onwards
It is either on or the other, no in-between I guess. Blind and Seer, Darkness and Light, Coolness of shade and Heat of the sun. This brings to mind anther part the this scripture where I think it goes ” there is no compulsion in religion, the right way is now distinct from the wrong” and another one which I think goes “ righteousness is not about beating around the bush”
Verse 22
God causes whomever wills to hear…You cannot make hearers out o those in the graves.
We all have to make the initial choice/will I guess to want to be closer to God and ask God for the rest, for Him to direct us to the right path.
When you are dead, that’s it! That is your own part /story played out. Whatever you have earned you have earned, no going back once you are dead, no chance to overturn, no chance to repeat. God guide us right and keep us as righteous believers and grant us a good position on the DOJ.
Verse 25
I singled this part out.. “ Messengers have been with clear proofs, the psalms and the enlightening scripture”
Verse 27
I smiled at the description of words and colour
Verse 29
Investment: Recite the book of God, Prayer, and from Gods provisions to us we spend.
Verse 31
This verse for me again is pinnacle foundation of what we should uphold.
“What is revealed in this scripture is the truth consummating all previous scripture”
I get from reading the Quran that this is what we should uphold. This is what the messenger has brought forward from God and advocates that we read and uphold the teachings therein. So how can we start to deviate and practice from other things not sanctioned by God? Or even His messengers for that matter?
For translations go to http://www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php eterchapter number and compare different translations
Praise be to God, the Eternal Most Gracious.This is what has caught my interest initially while reading this verse.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
chapter 2 my thoughts
baqrah!!
Vs 1-5
Scripture infallible, a beacon or the righteous . The righteous are the peeps who believe in the unseen ( which to me, may mean God and his wonders), peeps who perform salat and give to charity, believe in revelations previous and this revelation ( to me means Quran) and are certain of teh hereafter
Vs 6-20
Talks to me about disbelivers: peeps who say they believe but dont really believe: for me this is a bad scenario person to be in....
Vs 21-22
Worship only your Lord - Creator of All
Vs 30 onwards
Starts to talk belief in one God and about the reation of Adam and what people call the "concept of original sin"- Adams expulsion from heaven. how God redeemed Adam by giving him specific words... (this for me re-inforces the notion of God inspiring one with words)
Vs 37
this one is important to me because ti says Adam recieved from his Lord words of redemption... This could be the "rabanna zalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfirlana,... etc which is found in surah 7:23
Vs 40
Children of Isreal and their convenant with God ... Belief in One God, Do not confound truth with falsehood.. Observe Salat and zakat and bow down with those who bow down, Do not exhort others to be righteous while forgetting yourself... seek help through steadfastness and Salat.. ( from here i can confirm that all aspects of what peeps call 5 pillars of islam are already established in times of children of isreal: moses time... as it is said in Quran elsewhere ( will try find you verse) re these things have been established in times of Abraham as well... so salat is not new, it has been practiced from times ago...as was Zakat...
Vs 48 onwards
starts to talk about the DOJ- the day when no soul can avail another. there is no intercession ( i.e no one begging for you or interceeding for you), no ransome allowed and no help
Talks about Pharoah and how the COI were saved from him.
The summoning of Moses for 40 nights (30 and then additional 10) and what happened i.e the peeps worshiping of the calf - God redeemed the people even after that incident...talked about the provisions from God and how this was not enuff for teh COI, talks about upholding the convenant made with God i.e sign was raised mount sinai above them - Uphold what they were given and remember its content that they be saved - what happened when some peeps desecrated the sabbath day and what happened about the heifer which God asked the people to sacrifice and how the people shifted and shifted until they were convinced...
*Strong Theme - Do not kill
*Believe but not yet believing - distorting scripture....
Vs 83 onwards
The convenant with the Children of Isreal: Worship God only.. Honour Parents, Regard relatives, orphans and poor, treat people amicably, Shall observe Salat and Zakat, Shall not shed blood, shall not evict each other from their/your homes. ( this is clear in context and i think somethimes this is what peeps refer to as the 10 commandments)
Also talks about teh scripture given to Moses, Jesus;s miracles and confirms that God supported jesus with holy spirit.. ( for me this links judaism, christianity and islam as One entity) What happened when messengers went with things that the people didnt like - rejecting messengers and killing them...
Also Confirmation of Quran scripture with other scriptures: (moses scriptuire. Abrahams scripture, Davids, Jesus... these were all i think who quran state had scriptures)
How we prophesise ( i guess with scriptures) but when prophecy happens we fail to recognise it and how some people choose to believe in some scripture and disregard the others...
Talks about the prophet of God and the angels and scriptures
Mentions Solomon and his empire - sorcery/witchcraft was occuring then... Warning !!!...do not practice witchcraft cos if you do you will not have share in hereafter
Vs 111 onwards
How people think that they know who goes to paradise ( for me this means Judge not.. cos only God knows who is and who is not saved.. no one know future, so all these people who we think for sure they are going to end up in paradise, we dont knwo do we,, cos only God knows that)
Oneness of God
Reinstates for COI - remember my favours which I (God) bestowed upon you and that I (God) blessed you more than any nation
Abraham and the Kaaba - no one really knows wether abraham was jewish/christiam or muslim.. all we know is that he worshipped One God - submitted to the Lord of the universe... it tells us to follow the religion of Abraham... monotheism.. ( this part for me is where i can make the distinction that all these additions that we see in islam today i.e addition of Prophet to God is a fabrication.. because in the time of Abraham, there was no mohammed.. and salat was already established... and it is this same salat that we are trying to perfom today... In Abrahams time, is was all about God as i should be now as well... nothing has changed... we should follow monotheism.. worshipping One God only... so all this you have to be muslim/christian/jew before u see the kingdom of God is bullshit...)
Vs 136
States it here : Make no distinction btw messengers : which for me means all messengers are messangers of God,, i sould not make a disctinction btw anyone of them... so Mohammed is to jesus as is to Moses as is to Abraham.. all the same... canne uphold one more in favour of the other..
Vs 139 onwards
very Good statement made here " Do not argue with us about God, He is my Lord and your Lord.. the essence for me here is God is one God, so all the debates btw religion is pointless really...
Reinforces that God is one God which for me is a follow up on Verse 140... No one can really say if our prophets.messengers were definately of christians/jews/muslims mainstream religions because the truth is that we dont know..
For me this means which ever you subscribe to doesnt matter ... the most important thing is belief in ONE God - we all share the same prophets/messengers, yet we are all different from each other and despise each other...what we now have as defined mainstream religion is now how it was then... nor do i think how it should be now because i believe worshipping God is very simple, not the complication that Man has made for himself... once you start to seperate God from man made inventions the simplicity then becomes clear i feel...
Vs 143
For me this stalks about the direction of prayer... i think going by hazy memory that it used to be towards jerusalem then God changed it towards mecca... I remember when my friend used to ask me that "if God was everywhere.. omnipresent/omnipotent, then why do muslims have to face one direction to pray"...
my answer to this was to link it to the bible story about Saul.. which is also in the Quran... God told them on their way somewhere not to stop by a certain river to drink and this act initself was a test from God... but some people drank from the river... This was Gods way of distinguishng those who would readily follow or those who would not follow Gods words... so similar to direction if salat... it is a test from God to see those who would readily ober God and those who would not.. " change of Kiblah to distinguish " who would readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels"
Vs146
Says that "those who recieve scripture knows that this ( meaning this Quran scripture) is the truth and recognise it as such"
Vs 147
Reinforces... thsi is the truth from your Lord... do not doubt it... Reiterates for me that God is the only source of truth... no doubting.. From this alone i made my confirmation that it is Quran alone and nothig else... God has explained to me all i need to knwo and to be aware of.. everything else i may question may God inspire me to and Only to Him would i look to seeking answers and solutions...
Vs 148
We each all choose our own paths.. righteousness is the desired path..... from what i am getting here
Vs 149 -150
Prayer direction... towards sacred masjid,, masjid-il-Haram... stipulation that this is the truth from God
Vs 152
Remember God so that God remembers you and be appreciative... simple i guess.. be thankful for every mercies... seen and unseen
Vs 153
Seek help through steadfastness and salat... God is with those who steadfastky preservere... help from anything-- through steadfastnass... i guess this to mean patience, perseverance and holding onto God only,,
Vs 158 onwards
HAJJ.. rites for hajj... safa and marwa,,, walking the distance btw the two
Vs 163
Reiterates again... One God!!! "Your God is one God, There is no God but He, Most Gracious, Most merciful.... Clear and simple,,,t his is the theme of the Quran for me.. its is always lailaha illa llahu... pure and simple... nothing else other than one God... so where these additions of our own world comes from i beg to wonder...no where in Quran will you find the declaration of Oness of God couple with declaration of messanger...because rememer from earlier. do not make distinction btw messengers... The Quran is clear wo why i feel we are doing something else??? go figure...
Vs 165
"Yet some peeps set uo idold to rival God and love them as if they are God"... Important statement here... Which is true when we look at the devotion that we people have to saints/prophets/leaders,, more than the devotion that we give to God... This is represantative of what what is happening here and now ...we will rise to arms when our leaders our insulted but everyday people insult god but we do nothing about it... so who are we really worshipping... is it God.. or is it them leaders, who are we reallly loving... is it God or is it them leaders/saints/prophets
Vs 164
Those who were followed will disown those who followed them,- for me it is already warning us...why bother following someone else... Direction and guidance comes from God only.... apply this to christians and jesus/saints, muslims and mohammed/malims ... why seek guidance and help from mortals, when God is omnipotent???
Vs 168-169
so not follow satan
Vs 170
People seem comfy to follow what their parents show them... *role of parent very serious indeed* but they dont want to follow what God has revealed for them in the Quran...how do we know that our parents have the right guidance and wisdom to direct us in the path of God??? what if they are not guided in themselves... always remember what we see on the outside is never indicative of what is on inside... they may pray 5 times or 3 times daily they may be feverent during prayer, that does not give them licence to direct or guide... as only god directs and guides in His path...
You can apply this to mean... if parents told you to kill yourself knowing that it is wrong to do so... would you??? it also follows application for me in the sense of following malims/scholars etc.. what if they dont understand.. God is the best guide from God and God has given us the Quran,,,
Vs 173
food restriction...Animals that die of themselves, blood, meat of pigs, animals dedicated to other than God are our only prohibitions...
Vs 177
Righteousmess is belief in God, thelast day, The angels, the scripture and the prophets... Giving money to relatives, orphans, needy, the travelling alien, beggers, to free the slaves, Observing prayer, giving Zaka, righteous peeps are those who keep their word, steadfastly preservere in face of persecution, hardship and war...
Vs 178
LAW: equivalenve is the key for dealing with everything.. LAW for dealing with murder... the free fo rfree, slave for slave ets...
Vs 180
LAW: when death approaches, you must write a will
Vs 183
Fasting is decreed for us
Vs 184
rules regarding fasting... only on specified days, if ill or travelling we can substitute equal number of days.. for those who can fast but with great difficulty, they can substitute by feeding one poor person for each day of breaking fast... however it stresses fasting is the best for you...`
Vs185
Fast in month of ramadan ( also month Quran was revealed)
Vs186
People shall respond to God and believe in god in order to be guided
Vs187
LAW: fasting rules
Vs188
LAW: shall not take each others money illicitly... no bribing of people nin order to deprive others of their rights
Vs 189
I like it where is says" righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforwrd" observe God that we may succeed
Vs 190
LAW: We may fight in the cause of God against those who attack us... but we should not aggress... i.e fighting only as a form of defence... so we cannot strike first
Vs 191
LAW: We may kill those who wage war against us or evist themwhence they evicted us... oppression is worse than murder... clear guidelines here...
Vs 193
We may fight to eliminate oppression and to worship God freely. It also iterates... do not aggress!!! Aggression is only permitted against the aggressors
Vs 194
During sacred months aggression may be met by an equivalent response...
Vs 195
LAW: you shall spend in the cause of God, you shall be charitable and not throw ourselves with our hands into destruction... for me means spend wisely not lavishly or foolishly...
Vs 196
LAW: Observe complete rites of Hajj and Umrah for god...mentions what to do if we cant... Question here for me is how does one send an offering???
Vs 197-207
LAW: Hajj shall be observed in specified months
Vs 208
Embrace total submission
Vs 211
Children of Isreal... who are they???
Vs 212
Stay strong.. that is the message therein for me... The believers will be victors on the DOJ... May God include me with the believers and righteous and spare me the retribution of Hell.. God willing
Vs 213
For me this verse links back to one community.. One God. Same prophets i.e Abraham, isaac etc... it says here it was those who recieved the scripture that rejected any new scriptures despite the proofs...
Vs 214
Test for everyone.. Test so grave that people started to ask... where is Gods victory... must have been tough times...
Vs 215
RULES FOR CHARITY : to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the travelling alien... I think travelling alien is someone not from your own part of the world who is new to your neighbourhood
Vs 216
God only knows!!! Link this with when i say that i only ask for what i want what is present for me... i dont know the future and dont know wether what i am asking for is good for me or not... only God knows future and what is best for me... sometimes i may ask for that which is not good for me but only God knows and i know that god will not give me that which is bad for me... so if i dont get what i ask for, then maybe it is a good thing...
Vs 217
RULES FOR FIGHTING IN SACRED MONTHS
Vs 219-220
RULES on INTOXICANTS and GAMBLING.. causes more harm than good... WHAT TO GIVE TO CHARITY... the excess ORPHANS... bring them up as best righeous person is the best that we can do/// if we mix their property with opurs then we treat them as members of our family
Vs 221
RULES ON MARRIAGE... marry only believing men and women... they must be believers in God.. it makes no conditions that they be jewish/christian/mislims,,, just says "beliving" just believing
Vs 222
RULES ON MENSTRUATION...no intercourse during menstruation that is all it says... nothing like women cant pray on menstruation or cant touch quran or cant go into mosque... all thiese things which are man made... Quran is very clear....
Vs 224
Do not use Gods name in vain... or to attain credibility or appear righteous
Vs 225
What is important is innermost intention... that is what counts i guess
Vs 226-233
RULES ON DIVORCE... if you intend to divorce, wait 4 months to see if u change your mind,, if you do then fine and if u dont... proceed with it
Vs 234-237
RULES ON WIDOWS.. wait 4 months and 10 days before being open to offers from other men
Vs 238
SALAT: Consistently observe salst, especially middle prayer... Salst Wusta, devote yourself totally to God
Vs 239
RULES CONCERNING PRAYER... you may pray while walking.riding if under unusal circumstances.. Once safe commemorate God as he taught you what you did not know... i take it means when u arrive at destination commemorate God... it doesnt say what is unusual so i guess it is individual citcumstances... we each have to decide for ourselves
Vs 240
WIDOWS: make a will to support wives for a year as long as they remain in the same household
Vs 241
DIVORCEES... you shall provide for them as well
Vs 246-251
SAUL... evnts surrounding Saul and how the people at first didnt like him being king.,.. may be worthwile to read the bible story surrounding saul and because it says similar thing as well
Vs 249
test for saul and his troops... drinking at stream... similar to test for changing Qiblah
Vs 252
States that this revelation (Quran) is truthful... sort of confirms other scriptures
Vs 253
Talks about messengers and some of their differences in terms of how they related with Goid.. Also mentions Jesus - SON OF MARY and the holyspirit... also re-iterates that we were" one community" until the proof came to followers and then they disputed and all defacted
Vs 254
LAW: give to charity
Vs 255
Ayat Kursiyu... Only One God who is aware of all things, the Eternal, The Ever living God. He knows past and future and only by His will do things occur
Vs 256
Each person must make a choice... worshipping God is not by force... choose right over wrong
Vs 258-261
God in all his wonders is Omnipotent and is the Creator
Vs 262-276
RULES ON CHARITY: charity in the cause of God... should not be followed by insuly/harm... kind words/comapssion is better than charity followed by insult... charity in the cause of God not to show off
Vs 277
traits for righteousness... belive and lead righteous life, Salst, Zakat
Vs 278
LAW: No unsury at all in whatever form
Vs 280
RULES ON DEBT AND PAYMENT
Vs 282-283
RULES ON LOANS
Vs 285
Attributes of believers: Belief in God, Angels. Scriptures, Messengers- also states again make no distinction among any of Gods messengers And yes!! I am digging at those of our community who do....
Vs 286
God never burdens a soul beyond its means
Alhamdullilahi...
these are my views on this suran... May God in His mercy continue to guide us and inspire us, lead us and keep us in the straight path
Vs 1-5
Scripture infallible, a beacon or the righteous . The righteous are the peeps who believe in the unseen ( which to me, may mean God and his wonders), peeps who perform salat and give to charity, believe in revelations previous and this revelation ( to me means Quran) and are certain of teh hereafter
Vs 6-20
Talks to me about disbelivers: peeps who say they believe but dont really believe: for me this is a bad scenario person to be in....
Vs 21-22
Worship only your Lord - Creator of All
Vs 30 onwards
Starts to talk belief in one God and about the reation of Adam and what people call the "concept of original sin"- Adams expulsion from heaven. how God redeemed Adam by giving him specific words... (this for me re-inforces the notion of God inspiring one with words)
Vs 37
this one is important to me because ti says Adam recieved from his Lord words of redemption... This could be the "rabanna zalamna anfusana wa in lam taghfirlana,... etc which is found in surah 7:23
Vs 40
Children of Isreal and their convenant with God ... Belief in One God, Do not confound truth with falsehood.. Observe Salat and zakat and bow down with those who bow down, Do not exhort others to be righteous while forgetting yourself... seek help through steadfastness and Salat.. ( from here i can confirm that all aspects of what peeps call 5 pillars of islam are already established in times of children of isreal: moses time... as it is said in Quran elsewhere ( will try find you verse) re these things have been established in times of Abraham as well... so salat is not new, it has been practiced from times ago...as was Zakat...
Vs 48 onwards
starts to talk about the DOJ- the day when no soul can avail another. there is no intercession ( i.e no one begging for you or interceeding for you), no ransome allowed and no help
Talks about Pharoah and how the COI were saved from him.
The summoning of Moses for 40 nights (30 and then additional 10) and what happened i.e the peeps worshiping of the calf - God redeemed the people even after that incident...talked about the provisions from God and how this was not enuff for teh COI, talks about upholding the convenant made with God i.e sign was raised mount sinai above them - Uphold what they were given and remember its content that they be saved - what happened when some peeps desecrated the sabbath day and what happened about the heifer which God asked the people to sacrifice and how the people shifted and shifted until they were convinced...
*Strong Theme - Do not kill
*Believe but not yet believing - distorting scripture....
Vs 83 onwards
The convenant with the Children of Isreal: Worship God only.. Honour Parents, Regard relatives, orphans and poor, treat people amicably, Shall observe Salat and Zakat, Shall not shed blood, shall not evict each other from their/your homes. ( this is clear in context and i think somethimes this is what peeps refer to as the 10 commandments)
Also talks about teh scripture given to Moses, Jesus;s miracles and confirms that God supported jesus with holy spirit.. ( for me this links judaism, christianity and islam as One entity) What happened when messengers went with things that the people didnt like - rejecting messengers and killing them...
Also Confirmation of Quran scripture with other scriptures: (moses scriptuire. Abrahams scripture, Davids, Jesus... these were all i think who quran state had scriptures)
How we prophesise ( i guess with scriptures) but when prophecy happens we fail to recognise it and how some people choose to believe in some scripture and disregard the others...
Talks about the prophet of God and the angels and scriptures
Mentions Solomon and his empire - sorcery/witchcraft was occuring then... Warning !!!...do not practice witchcraft cos if you do you will not have share in hereafter
Vs 111 onwards
How people think that they know who goes to paradise ( for me this means Judge not.. cos only God knows who is and who is not saved.. no one know future, so all these people who we think for sure they are going to end up in paradise, we dont knwo do we,, cos only God knows that)
Oneness of God
Reinstates for COI - remember my favours which I (God) bestowed upon you and that I (God) blessed you more than any nation
Abraham and the Kaaba - no one really knows wether abraham was jewish/christiam or muslim.. all we know is that he worshipped One God - submitted to the Lord of the universe... it tells us to follow the religion of Abraham... monotheism.. ( this part for me is where i can make the distinction that all these additions that we see in islam today i.e addition of Prophet to God is a fabrication.. because in the time of Abraham, there was no mohammed.. and salat was already established... and it is this same salat that we are trying to perfom today... In Abrahams time, is was all about God as i should be now as well... nothing has changed... we should follow monotheism.. worshipping One God only... so all this you have to be muslim/christian/jew before u see the kingdom of God is bullshit...)
Vs 136
States it here : Make no distinction btw messengers : which for me means all messengers are messangers of God,, i sould not make a disctinction btw anyone of them... so Mohammed is to jesus as is to Moses as is to Abraham.. all the same... canne uphold one more in favour of the other..
Vs 139 onwards
very Good statement made here " Do not argue with us about God, He is my Lord and your Lord.. the essence for me here is God is one God, so all the debates btw religion is pointless really...
Reinforces that God is one God which for me is a follow up on Verse 140... No one can really say if our prophets.messengers were definately of christians/jews/muslims mainstream religions because the truth is that we dont know..
For me this means which ever you subscribe to doesnt matter ... the most important thing is belief in ONE God - we all share the same prophets/messengers, yet we are all different from each other and despise each other...what we now have as defined mainstream religion is now how it was then... nor do i think how it should be now because i believe worshipping God is very simple, not the complication that Man has made for himself... once you start to seperate God from man made inventions the simplicity then becomes clear i feel...
Vs 143
For me this stalks about the direction of prayer... i think going by hazy memory that it used to be towards jerusalem then God changed it towards mecca... I remember when my friend used to ask me that "if God was everywhere.. omnipresent/omnipotent, then why do muslims have to face one direction to pray"...
my answer to this was to link it to the bible story about Saul.. which is also in the Quran... God told them on their way somewhere not to stop by a certain river to drink and this act initself was a test from God... but some people drank from the river... This was Gods way of distinguishng those who would readily follow or those who would not follow Gods words... so similar to direction if salat... it is a test from God to see those who would readily ober God and those who would not.. " change of Kiblah to distinguish " who would readily follow the messenger from those who would turn back on their heels"
Vs146
Says that "those who recieve scripture knows that this ( meaning this Quran scripture) is the truth and recognise it as such"
Vs 147
Reinforces... thsi is the truth from your Lord... do not doubt it... Reiterates for me that God is the only source of truth... no doubting.. From this alone i made my confirmation that it is Quran alone and nothig else... God has explained to me all i need to knwo and to be aware of.. everything else i may question may God inspire me to and Only to Him would i look to seeking answers and solutions...
Vs 148
We each all choose our own paths.. righteousness is the desired path..... from what i am getting here
Vs 149 -150
Prayer direction... towards sacred masjid,, masjid-il-Haram... stipulation that this is the truth from God
Vs 152
Remember God so that God remembers you and be appreciative... simple i guess.. be thankful for every mercies... seen and unseen
Vs 153
Seek help through steadfastness and salat... God is with those who steadfastky preservere... help from anything-- through steadfastnass... i guess this to mean patience, perseverance and holding onto God only,,
Vs 158 onwards
HAJJ.. rites for hajj... safa and marwa,,, walking the distance btw the two
Vs 163
Reiterates again... One God!!! "Your God is one God, There is no God but He, Most Gracious, Most merciful.... Clear and simple,,,t his is the theme of the Quran for me.. its is always lailaha illa llahu... pure and simple... nothing else other than one God... so where these additions of our own world comes from i beg to wonder...no where in Quran will you find the declaration of Oness of God couple with declaration of messanger...because rememer from earlier. do not make distinction btw messengers... The Quran is clear wo why i feel we are doing something else??? go figure...
Vs 165
"Yet some peeps set uo idold to rival God and love them as if they are God"... Important statement here... Which is true when we look at the devotion that we people have to saints/prophets/leaders,, more than the devotion that we give to God... This is represantative of what what is happening here and now ...we will rise to arms when our leaders our insulted but everyday people insult god but we do nothing about it... so who are we really worshipping... is it God.. or is it them leaders, who are we reallly loving... is it God or is it them leaders/saints/prophets
Vs 164
Those who were followed will disown those who followed them,- for me it is already warning us...why bother following someone else... Direction and guidance comes from God only.... apply this to christians and jesus/saints, muslims and mohammed/malims ... why seek guidance and help from mortals, when God is omnipotent???
Vs 168-169
so not follow satan
Vs 170
People seem comfy to follow what their parents show them... *role of parent very serious indeed* but they dont want to follow what God has revealed for them in the Quran...how do we know that our parents have the right guidance and wisdom to direct us in the path of God??? what if they are not guided in themselves... always remember what we see on the outside is never indicative of what is on inside... they may pray 5 times or 3 times daily they may be feverent during prayer, that does not give them licence to direct or guide... as only god directs and guides in His path...
You can apply this to mean... if parents told you to kill yourself knowing that it is wrong to do so... would you??? it also follows application for me in the sense of following malims/scholars etc.. what if they dont understand.. God is the best guide from God and God has given us the Quran,,,
Vs 173
food restriction...Animals that die of themselves, blood, meat of pigs, animals dedicated to other than God are our only prohibitions...
Vs 177
Righteousmess is belief in God, thelast day, The angels, the scripture and the prophets... Giving money to relatives, orphans, needy, the travelling alien, beggers, to free the slaves, Observing prayer, giving Zaka, righteous peeps are those who keep their word, steadfastly preservere in face of persecution, hardship and war...
Vs 178
LAW: equivalenve is the key for dealing with everything.. LAW for dealing with murder... the free fo rfree, slave for slave ets...
Vs 180
LAW: when death approaches, you must write a will
Vs 183
Fasting is decreed for us
Vs 184
rules regarding fasting... only on specified days, if ill or travelling we can substitute equal number of days.. for those who can fast but with great difficulty, they can substitute by feeding one poor person for each day of breaking fast... however it stresses fasting is the best for you...`
Vs185
Fast in month of ramadan ( also month Quran was revealed)
Vs186
People shall respond to God and believe in god in order to be guided
Vs187
LAW: fasting rules
Vs188
LAW: shall not take each others money illicitly... no bribing of people nin order to deprive others of their rights
Vs 189
I like it where is says" righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforwrd" observe God that we may succeed
Vs 190
LAW: We may fight in the cause of God against those who attack us... but we should not aggress... i.e fighting only as a form of defence... so we cannot strike first
Vs 191
LAW: We may kill those who wage war against us or evist themwhence they evicted us... oppression is worse than murder... clear guidelines here...
Vs 193
We may fight to eliminate oppression and to worship God freely. It also iterates... do not aggress!!! Aggression is only permitted against the aggressors
Vs 194
During sacred months aggression may be met by an equivalent response...
Vs 195
LAW: you shall spend in the cause of God, you shall be charitable and not throw ourselves with our hands into destruction... for me means spend wisely not lavishly or foolishly...
Vs 196
LAW: Observe complete rites of Hajj and Umrah for god...mentions what to do if we cant... Question here for me is how does one send an offering???
Vs 197-207
LAW: Hajj shall be observed in specified months
Vs 208
Embrace total submission
Vs 211
Children of Isreal... who are they???
Vs 212
Stay strong.. that is the message therein for me... The believers will be victors on the DOJ... May God include me with the believers and righteous and spare me the retribution of Hell.. God willing
Vs 213
For me this verse links back to one community.. One God. Same prophets i.e Abraham, isaac etc... it says here it was those who recieved the scripture that rejected any new scriptures despite the proofs...
Vs 214
Test for everyone.. Test so grave that people started to ask... where is Gods victory... must have been tough times...
Vs 215
RULES FOR CHARITY : to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the travelling alien... I think travelling alien is someone not from your own part of the world who is new to your neighbourhood
Vs 216
God only knows!!! Link this with when i say that i only ask for what i want what is present for me... i dont know the future and dont know wether what i am asking for is good for me or not... only God knows future and what is best for me... sometimes i may ask for that which is not good for me but only God knows and i know that god will not give me that which is bad for me... so if i dont get what i ask for, then maybe it is a good thing...
Vs 217
RULES FOR FIGHTING IN SACRED MONTHS
Vs 219-220
RULES on INTOXICANTS and GAMBLING.. causes more harm than good... WHAT TO GIVE TO CHARITY... the excess ORPHANS... bring them up as best righeous person is the best that we can do/// if we mix their property with opurs then we treat them as members of our family
Vs 221
RULES ON MARRIAGE... marry only believing men and women... they must be believers in God.. it makes no conditions that they be jewish/christian/mislims,,, just says "beliving" just believing
Vs 222
RULES ON MENSTRUATION...no intercourse during menstruation that is all it says... nothing like women cant pray on menstruation or cant touch quran or cant go into mosque... all thiese things which are man made... Quran is very clear....
Vs 224
Do not use Gods name in vain... or to attain credibility or appear righteous
Vs 225
What is important is innermost intention... that is what counts i guess
Vs 226-233
RULES ON DIVORCE... if you intend to divorce, wait 4 months to see if u change your mind,, if you do then fine and if u dont... proceed with it
Vs 234-237
RULES ON WIDOWS.. wait 4 months and 10 days before being open to offers from other men
Vs 238
SALAT: Consistently observe salst, especially middle prayer... Salst Wusta, devote yourself totally to God
Vs 239
RULES CONCERNING PRAYER... you may pray while walking.riding if under unusal circumstances.. Once safe commemorate God as he taught you what you did not know... i take it means when u arrive at destination commemorate God... it doesnt say what is unusual so i guess it is individual citcumstances... we each have to decide for ourselves
Vs 240
WIDOWS: make a will to support wives for a year as long as they remain in the same household
Vs 241
DIVORCEES... you shall provide for them as well
Vs 246-251
SAUL... evnts surrounding Saul and how the people at first didnt like him being king.,.. may be worthwile to read the bible story surrounding saul and because it says similar thing as well
Vs 249
test for saul and his troops... drinking at stream... similar to test for changing Qiblah
Vs 252
States that this revelation (Quran) is truthful... sort of confirms other scriptures
Vs 253
Talks about messengers and some of their differences in terms of how they related with Goid.. Also mentions Jesus - SON OF MARY and the holyspirit... also re-iterates that we were" one community" until the proof came to followers and then they disputed and all defacted
Vs 254
LAW: give to charity
Vs 255
Ayat Kursiyu... Only One God who is aware of all things, the Eternal, The Ever living God. He knows past and future and only by His will do things occur
Vs 256
Each person must make a choice... worshipping God is not by force... choose right over wrong
Vs 258-261
God in all his wonders is Omnipotent and is the Creator
Vs 262-276
RULES ON CHARITY: charity in the cause of God... should not be followed by insuly/harm... kind words/comapssion is better than charity followed by insult... charity in the cause of God not to show off
Vs 277
traits for righteousness... belive and lead righteous life, Salst, Zakat
Vs 278
LAW: No unsury at all in whatever form
Vs 280
RULES ON DEBT AND PAYMENT
Vs 282-283
RULES ON LOANS
Vs 285
Attributes of believers: Belief in God, Angels. Scriptures, Messengers- also states again make no distinction among any of Gods messengers And yes!! I am digging at those of our community who do....
Vs 286
God never burdens a soul beyond its means
For translations go to http://www.submission.org/quran/webqt.php enter chapter numnber and compare up to six different transltions
Alhamdullilahi...
these are my views on this suran... May God in His mercy continue to guide us and inspire us, lead us and keep us in the straight path
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