MG i dont know what to say but you know what i want to say..
i dont know how to take it and i am being non chalant about it - but my mind is jumping all over the place.
it it could be somehting else... but then i wonder in my head...MG i want to say but i reckon the best person to speak to is you... becaause you knwo how u feel, in ways that i cannot describe to anyone...
so far today all i keep telling myself in my head.. God is in control, and He is the best provider.........
My Lord, provide for me, provide for us..... in this life and the next
Monday, 27 September 2010
Sunday, 26 September 2010
One God
i remember like within 2 weeks i read this part in the quran and i was inspired by this one verse....
it moved me to such an extent that i remember and constantly repeat to myself as the day goes by....
Chapter 20:98
Khalifa - Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.
Yusuf Ali - But the god of you all is the One God: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.
Pickthal - Your God is only Allah, than Whom there is no other God. He embraceth all things in His knowledge.
Shakir - Your God is only Allah, there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.
Sher Ali - `Your God is only Allah, there is no god but HE. HE comprehends all things in HIS knowledge.'
"Progressive Muslims" - Your god is God; whom there is no god but He. His knowledge encompasses all things
so yesterday night i decided to look up the verse and it dawned on me that the addition of the chapter digits and verse digits equals 19..... so an idea came to my mind...
i decided to check verse 02:98 and 02:89 which falls in the same category of addition of the digits... and here is the verses that i got
2:89
Khalifa - When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - And when there comes to them a Book from God, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of God is on those without Faith.
Pickthal - And when there cometh unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved - and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
Shakir - And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is on the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - And when there came to them a book from Allah, fulfilling that which is with them - and before that they have prayed for victory over the disbelievers - yet when there came to them that which they knew to be the truth, they rejected it. The curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims" - And when a scripture came to them from God, authenticating what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! God's curse be upon the rejecters
and 2:98
Khalifa - Anyone who opposes GOD, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael, should know that GOD opposes the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
Pickthal - Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Shakir - Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His apostles and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - `Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and HIS angels, and HIS Messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then surely, Allah is an enemy to such disbelievers.'
"Progressive Muslims" - "Whoever was an enemy to God and His Angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the disbelievers."
and i chuckled to myself and i thought to myself wont it just be a curious fascination to search the quran for verses where the chapter digits and verse digits add to 19 and see how the verse reads... it would even be more wonderful if it is compiled in order of revealation....
now i am not a fan of searching 19 in everything one does because there is a fine line in being mesmerised by the number to a detriment to ones mind and soul... however i thought it was funny and i laughtd my head off....
so Glory be to God, who is the best teacher, the best guide and the only Lord and Master......
it moved me to such an extent that i remember and constantly repeat to myself as the day goes by....
Chapter 20:98
Khalifa - Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.
Yusuf Ali - But the god of you all is the One God: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends in His knowledge.
Pickthal - Your God is only Allah, than Whom there is no other God. He embraceth all things in His knowledge.
Shakir - Your God is only Allah, there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.
Sher Ali - `Your God is only Allah, there is no god but HE. HE comprehends all things in HIS knowledge.'
"Progressive Muslims" - Your god is God; whom there is no god but He. His knowledge encompasses all things
so yesterday night i decided to look up the verse and it dawned on me that the addition of the chapter digits and verse digits equals 19..... so an idea came to my mind...
i decided to check verse 02:98 and 02:89 which falls in the same category of addition of the digits... and here is the verses that i got
2:89
Khalifa - When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD's condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - And when there comes to them a Book from God, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of God is on those without Faith.
Pickthal - And when there cometh unto them a scripture from Allah, confirming that in their possession - though before that they were asking for a signal triumph over those who disbelieved - and when there cometh unto them that which they know (to be the truth) they disbelieve therein. The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.
Shakir - And when there came to them a Book from Allah verifying that which they have, and aforetime they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieve, but when there came to them (Prophet) that which they did not recognize, they disbelieved in him; so Allah's curse is on the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - And when there came to them a book from Allah, fulfilling that which is with them - and before that they have prayed for victory over the disbelievers - yet when there came to them that which they knew to be the truth, they rejected it. The curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.
"Progressive Muslims" - And when a scripture came to them from God, authenticating what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! God's curse be upon the rejecters
and 2:98
Khalifa - Anyone who opposes GOD, and His angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael, should know that GOD opposes the disbelievers.
Yusuf Ali - Whoever is an enemy to God and His angels and apostles, to Gabriel and Michael,- Lo! God is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
Pickthal - Who is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and His messengers, and Gabriel and Michael! Then, lo! Allah (Himself) is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Shakir - Whoever is the enemy of Allah and His angels and His apostles and Jibreel and Meekaeel, so surely Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers.
Sher Ali - `Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and HIS angels, and HIS Messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then surely, Allah is an enemy to such disbelievers.'
"Progressive Muslims" - "Whoever was an enemy to God and His Angels, and His messengers, and Gabriel, and Michael, then so God is the enemy to the disbelievers."
and i chuckled to myself and i thought to myself wont it just be a curious fascination to search the quran for verses where the chapter digits and verse digits add to 19 and see how the verse reads... it would even be more wonderful if it is compiled in order of revealation....
now i am not a fan of searching 19 in everything one does because there is a fine line in being mesmerised by the number to a detriment to ones mind and soul... however i thought it was funny and i laughtd my head off....
so Glory be to God, who is the best teacher, the best guide and the only Lord and Master......
parent - children
was having an interesting conversation with my mum today.......
parents and children - this relationship at the best of times is testy....
it then dawned on me and as i told her . in any situation, there are 3 ways to look at it.
there is the way i look at it, then there is the way you will look at it , then ultimately there is the truth about the whole situation.
The mind is prone to amplification and emotion prone to reacting and forming judgement..
parents dont know all, they just know what they know and they do what they think best at that point given the situation they are in.
in any situation everyone would take action to do what they think to be the best thing, given the circumstaces they are faced with and the resources they have at their dispisal - wether that action was in actual fact right or wrong depends on who is looking at it and what their views are.... but in actual fact only time will tell if the acton was indeed right.
like i said before, i have no choice i love my parents however some actions they may have taken i may not agree with, but i cannot blame or judge them becuase if i were in their shoes, i may do the same thing or do worse than they did or even do better.... May God guide us to the straight path....
parents and children - this relationship at the best of times is testy....
it then dawned on me and as i told her . in any situation, there are 3 ways to look at it.
there is the way i look at it, then there is the way you will look at it , then ultimately there is the truth about the whole situation.
The mind is prone to amplification and emotion prone to reacting and forming judgement..
parents dont know all, they just know what they know and they do what they think best at that point given the situation they are in.
in any situation everyone would take action to do what they think to be the best thing, given the circumstaces they are faced with and the resources they have at their dispisal - wether that action was in actual fact right or wrong depends on who is looking at it and what their views are.... but in actual fact only time will tell if the acton was indeed right.
like i said before, i have no choice i love my parents however some actions they may have taken i may not agree with, but i cannot blame or judge them becuase if i were in their shoes, i may do the same thing or do worse than they did or even do better.... May God guide us to the straight path....
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Good advise on points to note when reading the Quran - from www. free-minds.org
PLEASE NOTE THAT that it was quite lenghty but i have simplified it for me as i understand it to be - for more info the website that i got the notes are on file so check it our yourself. the translations used were from the same site as well.
With so many English translations of the Qur’an available, it is inevitable that the reader would ask “why make another one?” The answer to that question lays in the current structure of the Islamic faith itself, and the fact that, for many centuries, Islam has been primarily subcategorized as either “Sunni” or “Shia” or one of the many other denominations that have emerged over the years. As such, all translators have belonged to one school of thought or another which clearly comes across in the interpretation of and choice of translation for specific words or verses.
Also, while many translators have been sincere in their rendering of the Arabic meaning of the words, they have been unable to refrain from adding comments in the form of “parenthesis” within the text of the translation or in the form of footnotes and appendices to reflect their views on certain verses or the views of the denomination they adhere to.
Finally, no matter how much can be said about this translation or any other, it is imperative to point out that guidance cannot come from any human being, rather, the only true knowledge and guidance can only come from the One who initiated the heavens and Earth. May He be glorified forever.
If you are one of those who wish to seek knowledge and improve on your understanding of the Scripture, then we have identified seven key study points which may be put to use by both novices and experts. These points will appear to be quite obvious once you read them, but
sometimes, being reminded, benefits us all.
1. LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER
The first point of contention in the study of the Scripture typically is language. Many of the people who want to uphold the Scripture have been informed that God’s book can only be recited or studied in Arabic and that any translation will not give the proper meaning. The flip-side is that these same “experts” will then tell the Arabic speakers that the Scripture is “too difficult” for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the scholars!
Of course, the Scripture itself says that language is not a barrier to its understanding as God is the One who is making it understood to people who open their hearts to Him and become purified.
“And had We made it a non-Arabic compilation, they would have said: ‘If only its verses were made clear!’ Non-Arabic and Arabic, say: ‘For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away.’”(Qur’an 41:44)
“It is an honorable Qur’an. In a protected book. None can grasp it except those purifi ed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”(Qur’an 56:77-80)
2. LOOK AT THE FULL VERSE
Quoting the Scripture out of context is by far the single biggest mistake that even seasoned students continue to fall into. This method of quoting can be used to justify any desire or any view no matter how un-Godlike it may appear.
For example, a favorite quote which is repeated by many unknowledgeable groups is that the Scripture promotes killing and violence as evidenced by the verse:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them…” (Qur’an 2:191).
However, once we use the method of full context, then a totally different picture appears regarding the same issue:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fi ght them at the Sacred Temple unless they fi ght you in it; if they fi ght you then kill them, thus is the reward of the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:191)
Here we have a case of warfare being engaged in, and the people who were driven out being allowed to fight and reclaim their land/territory… A far cry from the sporadic killing that is implied when quoting out of context.
3. LOOK TO THE SURROUNDING VERSES
Another crucial point to studying the Scripture properly is to always look at the verses preceding and following a specific verse/subject. this i reckon is to get the gist of what it is talking about - this is closely linked to the before point.. it is very easy to take things out of context if you focus on one verse, but in general the quran is a teaching and a guide - one verse out of context is at best foolhardy but when the whole section or story is read, it makes sence with regards to understanding and application of its teachings.
4. BE AWARE OF CONTEXT
Some Arabic words, like in English, can have slightly different meanings depending on the context they are placed in. One such example is the word ‘Daraba’ which has a natural meaning of putting forth as can be seen in the verses below:
“Have you not seen how God puts forth (Daraba) the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is fi rm and its branches in the sky.”(Qur’an 14:24)
“For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth (Darban) in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.”(Qur’an 2:273)
“O you who believe, if you go forth (Darabtum) in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace: “You are not a believer!” You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favored you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do.” (Qur’an 4:94)
However, there are certain cases where this word can give the meaning of ‘strike/beat’ as the act of striking involves the hand being put forth: “So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking (Yadriboona) their faces and their backs?” (Qur’an 47:27)
While this may not appear as a big issue, not looking at the context can have serious consequences as we can see in the meaning that has ascribed to the word ‘Daraba’ by the majority of translators for verse 4:34:
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct , admonish them (fi rst), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them – “Idribuhun” (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means
(of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” (Qur’an 4:34)
As a result of the choice of words, we have generations upon generations of men who believe it is their God given right to ‘beat’ their wives into obedience!
The correct approach would have been to understand the context of the verse (in this case, it deals with the subject of a woman who wishes to desert her husband “Nushooz”) and thus the word “Idribuhun” is one of the suggested three steps suggested to deal with the situation (the first step is talking it out, while the second is giving her space by avoiding sexual contact with her).
“The men are to support the women by what God has bestowed on them over
one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright women are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch XI over. As for those women from whom you fear desertion (Nushooz4), then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them (Idribuhun). If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is High, Great.”(Qur’an 4:34)
As such, what meaning of “Idribuhun” would make the most sense:
letting the wife temporarily separate from her husband and think things through, or, beating her into submission and forcing her to remain with her husband?
The answer as always is to follow the best meaning derived…
“The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence.”(Qur’an 39:18)
5. ARRANGE SIMILAR TOPIC VERSES TOGETHER
A study point of crucial importance is to arrange the verses of the Scripture by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning. Looking to the example of ‘divorce,’ we find that the subject is
scattered in three different chapters (chapter 2, chapter 33, and chapter 65) which, when placed together, provide a more extensive picture of the proceedings and laws regarding divorce…
Tthe simple step of examination of all related verses gives a very detailed account that can be applied in any civil society.
6. LOOK TO EXAMPLES IN THE QUR’AN
Once a meaning is derived, the final accuracy test is to compare such a meaning to the stories related in the Scripture/Qur’an if such a story can be found. The reason being is that the stories related in the Scripture are ‘live’ examples for us to learn from and compare situations. These stories have not been placed there without purpose or simply for our entertainment.
“We narrate to you the best stories through what We have inspired to you in this Qur’an; and before it you were of those who were unaware.” (Qur’an 12:3)
One of the clearest examples for using this method is to deal with the
issue of ‘theft’.
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off (Iqta) his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Qur’an 5:38) According to the above translation of Yusuf Ali, and according to the practice in most countries that claim to follow Islamic law, the hands of thieves are to be severed completely. If this is indeed what God has commanded, then we have no option but to hear and obey.
However, in this particular case, we find that a small check against the real life example given in the Scripture of Joseph and his brothers and how they dealt with the issue of theft leads us to a completely different conclusion:
“They said: ‘By God, you know we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we are no thieves!’ They said: ‘What shall be the punishment, if you are not truthful?’ They said: ‘The punishment is that he in whose bags it is found will himself serve as the punishment. It is so that we punish the wicked.’” (Qur’an 12:73-75)
The law of God that Joseph applied against his brother in the matter of theft did not lead to any amputation of the hand or any other mindless act of violence. It did, however, lead to the brother being made to remain behind and work as a penalty against that which he was accused of stealing.
Looking back at verse 5:38 with the correct translation we see a completely different understanding from that found by Yusuf Ali:
“As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources—as a penalty for what they have earned—to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an 5:38)
The correct understanding of the verse not only matches the live example given in the Scripture, but it also comes in-line with the other checks and balances that God has given such as the punishment not exceeding the crime (16:126).
7. BE PATIENT AND SEEK GOD’S HELP
Even with all the skill and knowledge we may possess, the study of the Scripture will always be lacking if God is not sought for help and assistance. After all, He is the ultimate teacher of humankind in all things, especially the Scripture.
“When you read the Qur’an, you shall seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. He has no authority over those who believe, and who put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those who follow him, and set him up as a partner.”(Qur’an 16:98-100)
Also, do not be scared or confused if your findings or understandings do not conform to what others have said or taught for years or centuries… Truth does not need to conform to the majority to be truth.
“And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you astray; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.”(Qur’an 6:116)
Finally, remember we are here on this planet to serve God and walk in His path, and not to serve our own agendas and our own egos:
“You alone we serve, and You alone we seek for help.” (Qur’an 1:5)
CONCLUSION
You now should have the necessary tools to educate yourself to the Scripture’s system and method for deriving meanings and laws…Try to make it a habit of seeking the answers for yourself through the guidance of God… Do not be quick to ask ‘others’ what God says regarding this or that matter, but try to establish the bond with God directly yourself…
It is only through this self-awareness that people can have a defense mechanism against the misinformation and ignorance that has been taught for many generations.
Learn to let God be the focus of your actions and your life, and let His words be your guide to success in this life and the next..What will count is not how much wealth we accumulate or how powerful we become, but how we use that wealth to help others and how we use our power and
position to help mankind towards betterment.
“O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from the remembrance of God. And those who do this, then they are the losers. And give from that which We have provided to you, before death comes to one of you, then he says: “My Lord, if only You
could delay this for a short while, I would then be charitable and join the righteous!”And God will not delay any soul if its time has come. And God is Expert to all that you do.”(Qur’an 63:9-11).
I guess this makes perfect sense does it not? well to me it did, this is teh reason why i try not to believe what anyone has said - I rely on the Most Gracious for my understanding and guidance and by His grace - He will guide me to the straight path.
I use WebQT which is a programme on submission.org to help me compare different translations and look to God to help me with the best understanding..... by and large there are similarities on what the translators are trying to convey however there are also major differences in terms on how they feel it ought to read.. this is where it is good to compare and not rely on just one as Knowledge belonges to God and He will guide us to the best understanding.
With so many English translations of the Qur’an available, it is inevitable that the reader would ask “why make another one?” The answer to that question lays in the current structure of the Islamic faith itself, and the fact that, for many centuries, Islam has been primarily subcategorized as either “Sunni” or “Shia” or one of the many other denominations that have emerged over the years. As such, all translators have belonged to one school of thought or another which clearly comes across in the interpretation of and choice of translation for specific words or verses.
Also, while many translators have been sincere in their rendering of the Arabic meaning of the words, they have been unable to refrain from adding comments in the form of “parenthesis” within the text of the translation or in the form of footnotes and appendices to reflect their views on certain verses or the views of the denomination they adhere to.
Finally, no matter how much can be said about this translation or any other, it is imperative to point out that guidance cannot come from any human being, rather, the only true knowledge and guidance can only come from the One who initiated the heavens and Earth. May He be glorified forever.
If you are one of those who wish to seek knowledge and improve on your understanding of the Scripture, then we have identified seven key study points which may be put to use by both novices and experts. These points will appear to be quite obvious once you read them, but
sometimes, being reminded, benefits us all.
1. LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER
The first point of contention in the study of the Scripture typically is language. Many of the people who want to uphold the Scripture have been informed that God’s book can only be recited or studied in Arabic and that any translation will not give the proper meaning. The flip-side is that these same “experts” will then tell the Arabic speakers that the Scripture is “too difficult” for them to understand and that they should leave its understanding to the scholars!
Of course, the Scripture itself says that language is not a barrier to its understanding as God is the One who is making it understood to people who open their hearts to Him and become purified.
“And had We made it a non-Arabic compilation, they would have said: ‘If only its verses were made clear!’ Non-Arabic and Arabic, say: ‘For those who believe, it is a guide and healing. As for those who disbelieve, there is deafness in their ears, and they are blind to it. These will be called from a place far away.’”(Qur’an 41:44)
“It is an honorable Qur’an. In a protected book. None can grasp it except those purifi ed. A revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”(Qur’an 56:77-80)
2. LOOK AT THE FULL VERSE
Quoting the Scripture out of context is by far the single biggest mistake that even seasoned students continue to fall into. This method of quoting can be used to justify any desire or any view no matter how un-Godlike it may appear.
For example, a favorite quote which is repeated by many unknowledgeable groups is that the Scripture promotes killing and violence as evidenced by the verse:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them…” (Qur’an 2:191).
However, once we use the method of full context, then a totally different picture appears regarding the same issue:
“And kill them wherever you fi nd them, and expel them from where they expelled you, and know that persecution is worse than being killed. And do not fi ght them at the Sacred Temple unless they fi ght you in it; if they fi ght you then kill them, thus is the reward of the disbelievers.”(Qur’an 2:191)
Here we have a case of warfare being engaged in, and the people who were driven out being allowed to fight and reclaim their land/territory… A far cry from the sporadic killing that is implied when quoting out of context.
3. LOOK TO THE SURROUNDING VERSES
Another crucial point to studying the Scripture properly is to always look at the verses preceding and following a specific verse/subject. this i reckon is to get the gist of what it is talking about - this is closely linked to the before point.. it is very easy to take things out of context if you focus on one verse, but in general the quran is a teaching and a guide - one verse out of context is at best foolhardy but when the whole section or story is read, it makes sence with regards to understanding and application of its teachings.
4. BE AWARE OF CONTEXT
Some Arabic words, like in English, can have slightly different meanings depending on the context they are placed in. One such example is the word ‘Daraba’ which has a natural meaning of putting forth as can be seen in the verses below:
“Have you not seen how God puts forth (Daraba) the example that a good word is like a good tree, whose root is fi rm and its branches in the sky.”(Qur’an 14:24)
“For the poor who face hardship in the cause of God, they cannot go forth (Darban) in the land; the ignorant ones think they are rich from their modesty; you know them by their features, they do not ask the people repeatedly. And what you spend out of goodness, God is fully aware of it.”(Qur’an 2:273)
“O you who believe, if you go forth (Darabtum) in the cause of God, you shall investigate carefully. And do not say to those who greet you with peace: “You are not a believer!” You are seeking the vanity of this world; but with God are many riches. That is how you were before, but God favored you, so investigate carefully. God is expert over what you do.” (Qur’an 4:94)
However, there are certain cases where this word can give the meaning of ‘strike/beat’ as the act of striking involves the hand being put forth: “So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking (Yadriboona) their faces and their backs?” (Qur’an 47:27)
While this may not appear as a big issue, not looking at the context can have serious consequences as we can see in the meaning that has ascribed to the word ‘Daraba’ by the majority of translators for verse 4:34:
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct , admonish them (fi rst), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them – “Idribuhun” (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means
(of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” (Qur’an 4:34)
As a result of the choice of words, we have generations upon generations of men who believe it is their God given right to ‘beat’ their wives into obedience!
The correct approach would have been to understand the context of the verse (in this case, it deals with the subject of a woman who wishes to desert her husband “Nushooz”) and thus the word “Idribuhun” is one of the suggested three steps suggested to deal with the situation (the first step is talking it out, while the second is giving her space by avoiding sexual contact with her).
“The men are to support the women by what God has bestowed on them over
one another and for what they spend of their money. The upright women are dutiful; keeping private the personal matters for what God keeps watch XI over. As for those women from whom you fear desertion (Nushooz4), then you shall advise them, and abandon them in the bedchamber, and separate from them (Idribuhun). If they respond to you, then do not seek a way over them; God is High, Great.”(Qur’an 4:34)
As such, what meaning of “Idribuhun” would make the most sense:
letting the wife temporarily separate from her husband and think things through, or, beating her into submission and forcing her to remain with her husband?
The answer as always is to follow the best meaning derived…
“The ones who listen to what is being said, and then follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has guided, and these are the ones who possess intelligence.”(Qur’an 39:18)
5. ARRANGE SIMILAR TOPIC VERSES TOGETHER
A study point of crucial importance is to arrange the verses of the Scripture by order of subject/topic to seek its meaning. Looking to the example of ‘divorce,’ we find that the subject is
scattered in three different chapters (chapter 2, chapter 33, and chapter 65) which, when placed together, provide a more extensive picture of the proceedings and laws regarding divorce…
Tthe simple step of examination of all related verses gives a very detailed account that can be applied in any civil society.
6. LOOK TO EXAMPLES IN THE QUR’AN
Once a meaning is derived, the final accuracy test is to compare such a meaning to the stories related in the Scripture/Qur’an if such a story can be found. The reason being is that the stories related in the Scripture are ‘live’ examples for us to learn from and compare situations. These stories have not been placed there without purpose or simply for our entertainment.
“We narrate to you the best stories through what We have inspired to you in this Qur’an; and before it you were of those who were unaware.” (Qur’an 12:3)
One of the clearest examples for using this method is to deal with the
issue of ‘theft’.
[Yusuf Ali Translation]: As to the thief, Male or female, cut off (Iqta) his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in power. (Qur’an 5:38) According to the above translation of Yusuf Ali, and according to the practice in most countries that claim to follow Islamic law, the hands of thieves are to be severed completely. If this is indeed what God has commanded, then we have no option but to hear and obey.
However, in this particular case, we find that a small check against the real life example given in the Scripture of Joseph and his brothers and how they dealt with the issue of theft leads us to a completely different conclusion:
“They said: ‘By God, you know we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we are no thieves!’ They said: ‘What shall be the punishment, if you are not truthful?’ They said: ‘The punishment is that he in whose bags it is found will himself serve as the punishment. It is so that we punish the wicked.’” (Qur’an 12:73-75)
The law of God that Joseph applied against his brother in the matter of theft did not lead to any amputation of the hand or any other mindless act of violence. It did, however, lead to the brother being made to remain behind and work as a penalty against that which he was accused of stealing.
Looking back at verse 5:38 with the correct translation we see a completely different understanding from that found by Yusuf Ali:
“As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources—as a penalty for what they have earned—to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an 5:38)
The correct understanding of the verse not only matches the live example given in the Scripture, but it also comes in-line with the other checks and balances that God has given such as the punishment not exceeding the crime (16:126).
7. BE PATIENT AND SEEK GOD’S HELP
Even with all the skill and knowledge we may possess, the study of the Scripture will always be lacking if God is not sought for help and assistance. After all, He is the ultimate teacher of humankind in all things, especially the Scripture.
“When you read the Qur’an, you shall seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. He has no authority over those who believe, and who put their trust in their Lord. His authority is over those who follow him, and set him up as a partner.”(Qur’an 16:98-100)
Also, do not be scared or confused if your findings or understandings do not conform to what others have said or taught for years or centuries… Truth does not need to conform to the majority to be truth.
“And if you obey the majority of those on Earth they will lead you astray; that is because they follow conjecture, and that is because they only guess.”(Qur’an 6:116)
Finally, remember we are here on this planet to serve God and walk in His path, and not to serve our own agendas and our own egos:
“You alone we serve, and You alone we seek for help.” (Qur’an 1:5)
CONCLUSION
You now should have the necessary tools to educate yourself to the Scripture’s system and method for deriving meanings and laws…Try to make it a habit of seeking the answers for yourself through the guidance of God… Do not be quick to ask ‘others’ what God says regarding this or that matter, but try to establish the bond with God directly yourself…
It is only through this self-awareness that people can have a defense mechanism against the misinformation and ignorance that has been taught for many generations.
Learn to let God be the focus of your actions and your life, and let His words be your guide to success in this life and the next..What will count is not how much wealth we accumulate or how powerful we become, but how we use that wealth to help others and how we use our power and
position to help mankind towards betterment.
“O you who believe, do not be distracted by your money and your children from the remembrance of God. And those who do this, then they are the losers. And give from that which We have provided to you, before death comes to one of you, then he says: “My Lord, if only You
could delay this for a short while, I would then be charitable and join the righteous!”And God will not delay any soul if its time has come. And God is Expert to all that you do.”(Qur’an 63:9-11).
I guess this makes perfect sense does it not? well to me it did, this is teh reason why i try not to believe what anyone has said - I rely on the Most Gracious for my understanding and guidance and by His grace - He will guide me to the straight path.
I use WebQT which is a programme on submission.org to help me compare different translations and look to God to help me with the best understanding..... by and large there are similarities on what the translators are trying to convey however there are also major differences in terms on how they feel it ought to read.. this is where it is good to compare and not rely on just one as Knowledge belonges to God and He will guide us to the best understanding.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
6:51 - And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord - they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master..
6:51
And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord -they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master, nor an intercessor - that they may attain salvation.
6:52
And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.
6:53
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
6:54
When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, "Salãmun `Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful."
6:55
We thus explain the revelations, and point out the ways of the wicked.
6:56
Say, "I am forbidden from worshiping what you worship besides GOD." Say, "I will not follow your opinions. Otherwise, I will go astray, and not be guided."
todays prose is the surah of the moment which is surah Hud...
in particular is the couple of verses
as usual the parenthesis are the translators own inferences and i have used rk translation.
11:25 - We sent Noah to his people, saying, "I come to you as a clear warner.
11:26 - "You shall not worship except GOD. I fear for you the retribution of a painful day."
11:27 - The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "We see that you are no more than a human being like us, and we see that the first people to follow you are the worst among us. We see that you do not possess any advantage over us. Indeed, we think you are liars."
11:28 - He said, "O my people, what if I have a solid proof from my Lord? What if He has blessed me out of His mercy, though you cannot see it? Are we going to force you to believe therein?
11:29 - "O my people, I do not ask you for any money; my wage comes only from GOD. I am not dismissing those who believed; they will meet their Lord (and He alone will judge them). I see that you are ignorant people.
11:30 - "O my people, who can support me against GOD, if I dismiss them? Would you not take heed?
11:31 - "I do not claim that I possess the treasures of GOD, nor do I know the future, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say to those despised by your eyes that GOD will not bestow any blessings upon them. GOD knows best what is in their innermost thoughts. (If I did this,) I would be a transgressor."
11:32 - They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and kept on arguing. We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."
11:33 - He said, "GOD is the One who brings it to you, if He so wills, then you cannot escape.
11:34 - "Even if I advised you, my advice cannot benefit you if it is GOD's will to send you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."
11:35 - If they say, "He made up this story," then say, "If I made it up, then I am responsible for my crime, and I am innocent of any crime you commit."
11:36 - Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who already believe. Do not be saddened by their actions.
11:37 - "Build the ark under our watchful eyes, and with our inspiration, and do not implore Me on behalf of those who have transgressed; they are destined to drown."
11:38 - While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, "You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.
11:39 - "You will surely find out who will suffer a shameful retribution, and incur an everlasting punishment."
11:40 - When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind, together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.
11:41 - He said, "Come on board. In the name of GOD shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."
11:42 - As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."
11:43 - He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from GOD's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.
11:44 - It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."
11:45 - Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."
11:46 - He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."
11:47 - He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."
11:48 - It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."
11:49 - This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You had no knowledge about them - neither you, nor your people - before this. Therefore, be patient. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
the question that arose within me is - "who is anyone to dismiss someone else who says that they believe in God"
my thoughts on belief is that it is not for me to judge regarding anothers one belief - but rather i can make choices regarding shared linkages btw what we believe or not believe in - that choice may lead me to not to associate emotionally with them based on large differences in our paths but it will never stop me from treating them on the level as i would anyone else.
so the question underlying question is - who am i to say that you are a disbeliever?
i dont think i have that right in any event - all i know is that i do not worship what you worship nor do you worship what i worship. to me is my religion and to you is yours.
If on the outscale you say that you believe in the same thing that i believe in but you do other different things different to me - then all i know is that with God is the judgement over us all - he knows our innermost and outermost intentions - Each of us choses which direction to follow - we should race towards righteousness - afterall we all return back to the Creator.
my other thoughts are that life and faith is not one glove fits all. whilst we are all equal in the sight of God - we all have different paths/destinies to follow.
On the large scale the system of God never changes it is the same time after time
On another level - it is presented through our lives in different formats - only the knowledgeable can see it for what it really is - the same.
so what is it to me if someone who says he believes as i do - does something else ? the answer is nothing. i only worry about my own neck - God guides whomever he wills, I cannot be responsible for someone else's guidance - God is in charge of that and He guides whomever he wills - I only pray that God guides me to the straight path.
so why all the arguements that people like to have regarding faith - each person trying to convince the other that their path is the best...
do we forget that not all fingers are equal?
do we forget that God is in control?
do we forget patience, tolerance, understandi
all answers to important questions are found in the scripture.... ( see my thoughts on Say/Qul) why argue, why insist, why be agressive?? i dont understand all of this.
anything else is up to personal interpretation but precedent had been set regarding the responses - afterall intent is the deciding factor and God knows those who are mischevious or not...
my step mum used to say that one thing God did not give anyone is the abolity to see the intent of the other - all we see are outward actions and i know from experience that sometimes the outward actions bear no semblance to the true intention that lies within...
we all act like we are responsible for peoples guidance - we act like it is up to us to show them the way - we can only show them our way - God will show them THE WAY. with God is the knowledge and insight regarding each person and where they will end up -
Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path - 17:84
And preach with this (Quran) to those who reverence the summoning before their Lord -they have none beside Him as a Lord and Master, nor an intercessor - that they may attain salvation.
6:52
And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.
6:53
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
6:54
When those who believe in our revelations come to you, you shall say, "Salãmun `Alaykum (Peace be upon you). Your Lord has decreed that mercy is His attribute. Thus, anyone among you who commits a transgression out of ignorance, and repents thereafter and reforms, then He is Forgiving, Most Merciful."
6:55
We thus explain the revelations, and point out the ways of the wicked.
6:56
Say, "I am forbidden from worshiping what you worship besides GOD." Say, "I will not follow your opinions. Otherwise, I will go astray, and not be guided."
todays prose is the surah of the moment which is surah Hud...
in particular is the couple of verses
as usual the parenthesis are the translators own inferences and i have used rk translation.
11:25 - We sent Noah to his people, saying, "I come to you as a clear warner.
11:26 - "You shall not worship except GOD. I fear for you the retribution of a painful day."
11:27 - The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "We see that you are no more than a human being like us, and we see that the first people to follow you are the worst among us. We see that you do not possess any advantage over us. Indeed, we think you are liars."
11:28 - He said, "O my people, what if I have a solid proof from my Lord? What if He has blessed me out of His mercy, though you cannot see it? Are we going to force you to believe therein?
11:29 - "O my people, I do not ask you for any money; my wage comes only from GOD. I am not dismissing those who believed; they will meet their Lord (and He alone will judge them). I see that you are ignorant people.
11:30 - "O my people, who can support me against GOD, if I dismiss them? Would you not take heed?
11:31 - "I do not claim that I possess the treasures of GOD, nor do I know the future, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say to those despised by your eyes that GOD will not bestow any blessings upon them. GOD knows best what is in their innermost thoughts. (If I did this,) I would be a transgressor."
11:32 - They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and kept on arguing. We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."
11:33 - He said, "GOD is the One who brings it to you, if He so wills, then you cannot escape.
11:34 - "Even if I advised you, my advice cannot benefit you if it is GOD's will to send you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."
11:35 - If they say, "He made up this story," then say, "If I made it up, then I am responsible for my crime, and I am innocent of any crime you commit."
11:36 - Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who already believe. Do not be saddened by their actions.
11:37 - "Build the ark under our watchful eyes, and with our inspiration, and do not implore Me on behalf of those who have transgressed; they are destined to drown."
11:38 - While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, "You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.
11:39 - "You will surely find out who will suffer a shameful retribution, and incur an everlasting punishment."
11:40 - When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind, together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.
11:41 - He said, "Come on board. In the name of GOD shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."
11:42 - As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."
11:43 - He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from GOD's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.
11:44 - It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."
11:45 - Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."
11:46 - He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know. I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."
11:47 - He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."
11:48 - It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."
11:49 - This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You had no knowledge about them - neither you, nor your people - before this. Therefore, be patient. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
the question that arose within me is - "who is anyone to dismiss someone else who says that they believe in God"
my thoughts on belief is that it is not for me to judge regarding anothers one belief - but rather i can make choices regarding shared linkages btw what we believe or not believe in - that choice may lead me to not to associate emotionally with them based on large differences in our paths but it will never stop me from treating them on the level as i would anyone else.
so the question underlying question is - who am i to say that you are a disbeliever?
i dont think i have that right in any event - all i know is that i do not worship what you worship nor do you worship what i worship. to me is my religion and to you is yours.
If on the outscale you say that you believe in the same thing that i believe in but you do other different things different to me - then all i know is that with God is the judgement over us all - he knows our innermost and outermost intentions - Each of us choses which direction to follow - we should race towards righteousness - afterall we all return back to the Creator.
my other thoughts are that life and faith is not one glove fits all. whilst we are all equal in the sight of God - we all have different paths/destinies to follow.
On the large scale the system of God never changes it is the same time after time
On another level - it is presented through our lives in different formats - only the knowledgeable can see it for what it really is - the same.
so what is it to me if someone who says he believes as i do - does something else ? the answer is nothing. i only worry about my own neck - God guides whomever he wills, I cannot be responsible for someone else's guidance - God is in charge of that and He guides whomever he wills - I only pray that God guides me to the straight path.
so why all the arguements that people like to have regarding faith - each person trying to convince the other that their path is the best...
do we forget that not all fingers are equal?
do we forget that God is in control?
do we forget patience, tolerance, understandi
all answers to important questions are found in the scripture.... ( see my thoughts on Say/Qul) why argue, why insist, why be agressive?? i dont understand all of this.
anything else is up to personal interpretation but precedent had been set regarding the responses - afterall intent is the deciding factor and God knows those who are mischevious or not...
my step mum used to say that one thing God did not give anyone is the abolity to see the intent of the other - all we see are outward actions and i know from experience that sometimes the outward actions bear no semblance to the true intention that lies within...
we all act like we are responsible for peoples guidance - we act like it is up to us to show them the way - we can only show them our way - God will show them THE WAY. with God is the knowledge and insight regarding each person and where they will end up -
Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path - 17:84
Monday, 13 September 2010
worry
i know i should nmot worry but sometimes i just like to worry...
MG please can you grant me this.... and help me let it be ok..
MG please can you grant me this.... and help me let it be ok..
Saturday, 4 September 2010
unresolved feelings..
the presence of one or both of my parents always feels me with fear and the feeling within myself that "what will they do to me or say to me that may or may not embarass me"..
with it also resurfaces a lot of unresolved feelings on how I view how they brought me up.
i guess in some way there is a small element of judgement at how i view how i was brought up but by and large it is a matter of choice of wether i agree or still agree or do not agree with any of their own actions in the past or now, regarding my life etc.
i dont judge them although when i recount my experiences at their hands - one would think different - i just accept that given the choices they had, they choose whatever they could given the cirsumstances they were in - but look at me today - God has helped me see that, their choices - good or bad - by Gods grace guides me to do better.
i have long regarded and finally accepted that my parents and myself ultimately follow different paths - in terms of choices on life and faith.
whereas i see for instance my dad, who potrays on the outward a devout muslim - but i view this with suspicion as i have known a man prone to fetishness( by fetish i mean things of the likes of juju man that involves, sacrifices, incantations, body markings bla bla - seeking to other sources apart from God) - to gain advancement over people, or bring good fortunes his way, or maybe to seek protection in midst of political gain/jungle palava. i know a man whose word sometimes cannot be guaranteed for , who i know will lie outrightly to you and who likes ( in my view) be deluded regarding situations in life and whose treatment of people he considers inferior to him as slightly "over-lordish" - but then again choices he made for himself so i cannot blame/judge him regarding this.
in my mum's instance i see another whose pursuit of every alternative approach to secure her safety/position/good fortune in life and marriage - fetishness or whatever - much to my own detriment as i am always at the recieving end of all them new fads and new potions and new markings - very well much into adulthood.
i view religion with my mum with every mount of suspisions because outwardly she portays muslim but what i see her do is different - whilst i try not to judge - i accept that in life we all choose a path to follow and i recognise that the paths my parents have shown and the path i want to follow are not the same.
my mum is particularly prone to jealousy - but then arent all women to some degree - can be very unforgiving and is very supersticous much to my own annoyance and detriment - so many accusations and statements that cannot be founded on with proof will be thrown out there( much to my detriment - as i usually am at the recieveing end of them - regarding i slept with this that that that - i want to collide to kill her because i play with my step-siblings or accept sweeties from my steo mum etc) - whilst she is quite a suspicious person by nature - she is also prone to being very gaulible and duped by every aladura man who comes telling her this that that and that, to which i have always watched her with amusement and feverently prayed to God that i hope i never turn out like her - that is a judgement on my part i realise - but ultimately it is a choice.
i have to be stark honest with myself regrding my parents choices and where i feel i see the message they are trying to impart on me - DO NOT think by any ways that i dont love my parents - i do - i have no choice in this matter - whaterver wherever - they will always be my parents and i will perpetually be in a love/detest habit relationship with them.
because my mum is coming to where i am today - these feelings have resurfaced again and this morning todays Quran reading was more aptly put - touched on the topic of parents - to which during reading - i had no choice but to bow to my creator and ask for his guidance and help in regards to my conduct with my parents.
i hope to God always to be able to do that which i must do with my parents - to be able to honour then regardless whatever they say or do to me, not to let me get upset with them too much but to treat them as fair and as kind as i can - without any thought of my upbringing or how unjust i may think their actions to be.
As usual remmeber i am using the translation of RK and parenthesis are the inferences of the translator - as always please check the arabic which is the only authenticated word from God.
17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably
17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy
17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent
17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.
17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord
17:28] Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.
If i am honest, over the course of my years, i cannot say that i have kept to this because my parents especially my mum( given that she is the parent i have spent my longest with) seems to bring about the worst in me always - regarding what she expects me to do, who she expects me to like and not like etc bla bla bla - in a way it is a sort of control over me and i always have issues with feelings of people wanting to control what i do not do nto want to do) this always infuriates me to a point of sometimes they may be the uff's with residual resentment and anger - but Thank God as i grow up - i realise that shouting matches or shows of anger does nto benefit anybody - i just state my case if i wish to do so and just walk away. As i grow up - i just realise that arguing over what you dont want to do tells your parents that you can be won over if they persist in pestering you and plying pressure on you - as i grow up i learn that my no should mean no and my yes shouls mean yes - after due consultation - no amount of emotional blackmail should change my mind - i just state my case - and simples - no arguements, no but's no whatifs - if i dont agree with something, then i dont simple!
my mum's relationship with me at best can be quite testy - i love her but at the same time i dislike her habits and choices and if i may dare it makes me dislike her sometimes- i am quite sure if i were around my dad more the case will be the same.
as a women living in the same house and with temperements that we have - which unfortunately i have some( there i have admitted) it is quite testly - btu in reality the solution for both of us is prolonged periods of absence from each other and that generally helps.
i still feel agrieved over what i feel is her manipulation of my 30th birthday and i reckon i feel anger towards myself more for allowing her - because i could have been more insistent - could not believe when she asked me to worship jesus( in effect that was what she was asking me to do) - Most gracious i know my mum loves me but i reckon i may never share her choices or understand them for that matter.
each new year, i ask God to help me to become a better daughter to my parents, to help me do my duty to them which i must do but also to help me to stand up for myself in what i want to do with my own life. and at the end of the year there are some slips and some regrets but ultimately there are learning actions for me for the next year
the general notion amongst most africans is that parents know best and you follow their guidance as they are your elders but if i am honest and the right notion is that they dont.
never ever be deluded into thinking that parents know best because they dont - parents only know what they know and what they have experienced - but remember experiences differs - there may be pockets of similarities but can never be the same - the best thing will be to listen to what they have to say but ultimately MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND regarding what choice to take - because at the end of things - it is you who will suffer whatever consequences.
blind following - without adequate reasoning or logic in my view now is wrong - as a child you have no choice but when you attain adulthood there is no excuse. as long as you honour then and treat them amicably nd with respect - not everything they say is to be taken as Gospel and that is the honest truth - in my view.
not everyones childhood is meant to be rosy - but i am glad for mine in anycase - with the endless signts of calabashes and cowry shelled rooms, visits to the weirdest places, cele pastors - sucess oils to be rubbed all over your body, juju people with their deitys and idols, people claiming that they know the future, uncountable concoctions to be drunk , different body markings, different ritual baths at weird streams or places, different incantations to memorise - metted to be by both of my parents - it only makes me Love God more and wants to make me devoted to ONE source of guidance - that being from God.
i realise that my experience is probably littie compared to others but i thank God all the same for it because without it, i reckon i would not want something different but i thank God that i now know different.
I sincerely ask God this ramadan to help me to be better than my parents and to help my children be better than me. I ask God to continually guide me and to help me let go is whatever residual resentment i may feel towards both of my parents, to help me understand, accept and move on.
given the same situation and if i were in their shoes who knows i may have chosen the same choices - but i thank God for helping me.
this is not a judgement against my parents because in all honestly and reality i have no right to judge over their actions - i can only make informed choices regarding how i want my life to be and what direction gw i would like my life to follow.
May God protect me and help me in this life and the next.
with it also resurfaces a lot of unresolved feelings on how I view how they brought me up.
i guess in some way there is a small element of judgement at how i view how i was brought up but by and large it is a matter of choice of wether i agree or still agree or do not agree with any of their own actions in the past or now, regarding my life etc.
i dont judge them although when i recount my experiences at their hands - one would think different - i just accept that given the choices they had, they choose whatever they could given the cirsumstances they were in - but look at me today - God has helped me see that, their choices - good or bad - by Gods grace guides me to do better.
i have long regarded and finally accepted that my parents and myself ultimately follow different paths - in terms of choices on life and faith.
whereas i see for instance my dad, who potrays on the outward a devout muslim - but i view this with suspicion as i have known a man prone to fetishness( by fetish i mean things of the likes of juju man that involves, sacrifices, incantations, body markings bla bla - seeking to other sources apart from God) - to gain advancement over people, or bring good fortunes his way, or maybe to seek protection in midst of political gain/jungle palava. i know a man whose word sometimes cannot be guaranteed for , who i know will lie outrightly to you and who likes ( in my view) be deluded regarding situations in life and whose treatment of people he considers inferior to him as slightly "over-lordish" - but then again choices he made for himself so i cannot blame/judge him regarding this.
in my mum's instance i see another whose pursuit of every alternative approach to secure her safety/position/good fortune in life and marriage - fetishness or whatever - much to my own detriment as i am always at the recieving end of all them new fads and new potions and new markings - very well much into adulthood.
i view religion with my mum with every mount of suspisions because outwardly she portays muslim but what i see her do is different - whilst i try not to judge - i accept that in life we all choose a path to follow and i recognise that the paths my parents have shown and the path i want to follow are not the same.
my mum is particularly prone to jealousy - but then arent all women to some degree - can be very unforgiving and is very supersticous much to my own annoyance and detriment - so many accusations and statements that cannot be founded on with proof will be thrown out there( much to my detriment - as i usually am at the recieveing end of them - regarding i slept with this that that that - i want to collide to kill her because i play with my step-siblings or accept sweeties from my steo mum etc) - whilst she is quite a suspicious person by nature - she is also prone to being very gaulible and duped by every aladura man who comes telling her this that that and that, to which i have always watched her with amusement and feverently prayed to God that i hope i never turn out like her - that is a judgement on my part i realise - but ultimately it is a choice.
i have to be stark honest with myself regrding my parents choices and where i feel i see the message they are trying to impart on me - DO NOT think by any ways that i dont love my parents - i do - i have no choice in this matter - whaterver wherever - they will always be my parents and i will perpetually be in a love/detest habit relationship with them.
because my mum is coming to where i am today - these feelings have resurfaced again and this morning todays Quran reading was more aptly put - touched on the topic of parents - to which during reading - i had no choice but to bow to my creator and ask for his guidance and help in regards to my conduct with my parents.
i hope to God always to be able to do that which i must do with my parents - to be able to honour then regardless whatever they say or do to me, not to let me get upset with them too much but to treat them as fair and as kind as i can - without any thought of my upbringing or how unjust i may think their actions to be.
As usual remmeber i am using the translation of RK and parenthesis are the inferences of the translator - as always please check the arabic which is the only authenticated word from God.
17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably
17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy
17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent
17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.
17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord
17:28] Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.
If i am honest, over the course of my years, i cannot say that i have kept to this because my parents especially my mum( given that she is the parent i have spent my longest with) seems to bring about the worst in me always - regarding what she expects me to do, who she expects me to like and not like etc bla bla bla - in a way it is a sort of control over me and i always have issues with feelings of people wanting to control what i do not do nto want to do) this always infuriates me to a point of sometimes they may be the uff's with residual resentment and anger - but Thank God as i grow up - i realise that shouting matches or shows of anger does nto benefit anybody - i just state my case if i wish to do so and just walk away. As i grow up - i just realise that arguing over what you dont want to do tells your parents that you can be won over if they persist in pestering you and plying pressure on you - as i grow up i learn that my no should mean no and my yes shouls mean yes - after due consultation - no amount of emotional blackmail should change my mind - i just state my case - and simples - no arguements, no but's no whatifs - if i dont agree with something, then i dont simple!
my mum's relationship with me at best can be quite testy - i love her but at the same time i dislike her habits and choices and if i may dare it makes me dislike her sometimes- i am quite sure if i were around my dad more the case will be the same.
as a women living in the same house and with temperements that we have - which unfortunately i have some( there i have admitted) it is quite testly - btu in reality the solution for both of us is prolonged periods of absence from each other and that generally helps.
i still feel agrieved over what i feel is her manipulation of my 30th birthday and i reckon i feel anger towards myself more for allowing her - because i could have been more insistent - could not believe when she asked me to worship jesus( in effect that was what she was asking me to do) - Most gracious i know my mum loves me but i reckon i may never share her choices or understand them for that matter.
each new year, i ask God to help me to become a better daughter to my parents, to help me do my duty to them which i must do but also to help me to stand up for myself in what i want to do with my own life. and at the end of the year there are some slips and some regrets but ultimately there are learning actions for me for the next year
the general notion amongst most africans is that parents know best and you follow their guidance as they are your elders but if i am honest and the right notion is that they dont.
never ever be deluded into thinking that parents know best because they dont - parents only know what they know and what they have experienced - but remember experiences differs - there may be pockets of similarities but can never be the same - the best thing will be to listen to what they have to say but ultimately MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND regarding what choice to take - because at the end of things - it is you who will suffer whatever consequences.
blind following - without adequate reasoning or logic in my view now is wrong - as a child you have no choice but when you attain adulthood there is no excuse. as long as you honour then and treat them amicably nd with respect - not everything they say is to be taken as Gospel and that is the honest truth - in my view.
not everyones childhood is meant to be rosy - but i am glad for mine in anycase - with the endless signts of calabashes and cowry shelled rooms, visits to the weirdest places, cele pastors - sucess oils to be rubbed all over your body, juju people with their deitys and idols, people claiming that they know the future, uncountable concoctions to be drunk , different body markings, different ritual baths at weird streams or places, different incantations to memorise - metted to be by both of my parents - it only makes me Love God more and wants to make me devoted to ONE source of guidance - that being from God.
i realise that my experience is probably littie compared to others but i thank God all the same for it because without it, i reckon i would not want something different but i thank God that i now know different.
I sincerely ask God this ramadan to help me to be better than my parents and to help my children be better than me. I ask God to continually guide me and to help me let go is whatever residual resentment i may feel towards both of my parents, to help me understand, accept and move on.
given the same situation and if i were in their shoes who knows i may have chosen the same choices - but i thank God for helping me.
this is not a judgement against my parents because in all honestly and reality i have no right to judge over their actions - i can only make informed choices regarding how i want my life to be and what direction gw i would like my life to follow.
May God protect me and help me in this life and the next.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
tired
this life troubles me Most Gracious.
it troubles me.
sometimes i ask myself the question - what is the purpose of life - not that i dont have an answer to it - my answer i guess will be generic in saying that the purpose of my life is to worship Thee and redeem myself to be in thy constant favour in paradise.
then i look at my life from start look at my growing up, look at my youth and teenage years look at myself in my early and late 20's.... i dont have much to say for myself...
if i were to die now - what will i leave behind - the true answer to that is nothing... .. i mean on a spiritual sense.... what has my soul done for itself to prepare for the hereafter....
only God knows...
in my maze to try to worship God and trawl through the many many religious laws that we have .... in wondering which is correct, which is false, which is inspiration and which is mad ramblings.... how do i know that i am on the right path...
will I be cast out away from thee will i be able to stay true to my hearts calling, will i stay with God even in the face of persecution?
so many questions so many theories enters my mind...
do i want to live long - the honest answer to that is no... for i fear i may lose my soul.... the chance is there to err, to fall off the path, to be more arrogant, to enable my ego.... with long life - but at the same time - with long life is the opperunity to redeem my soul as long as God guides me to his path...
God i am tired... my spirit is tired.....this life troubles me, its many wayward notions of worshiping thee, its many religions and interpretations of what God wants us to to.. leads many to a spiralling downfall... God i am tired.....
all in all i can only ask of thee - to guide me and keep me in path to thee - to help me to worship thee, glorify and praise thee.I can only ask of thee to accept me in this life and in the hereafter. To have mercy on me and to forgive me the many wrongs that i have committed knowingly or unknowingly..
to strenghten me in thy worship and never to let me forget thee, to keep thy remembrance in my heart always, in my mind and to help me overcome my demons...
it troubles me.
sometimes i ask myself the question - what is the purpose of life - not that i dont have an answer to it - my answer i guess will be generic in saying that the purpose of my life is to worship Thee and redeem myself to be in thy constant favour in paradise.
then i look at my life from start look at my growing up, look at my youth and teenage years look at myself in my early and late 20's.... i dont have much to say for myself...
if i were to die now - what will i leave behind - the true answer to that is nothing... .. i mean on a spiritual sense.... what has my soul done for itself to prepare for the hereafter....
only God knows...
in my maze to try to worship God and trawl through the many many religious laws that we have .... in wondering which is correct, which is false, which is inspiration and which is mad ramblings.... how do i know that i am on the right path...
will I be cast out away from thee will i be able to stay true to my hearts calling, will i stay with God even in the face of persecution?
so many questions so many theories enters my mind...
do i want to live long - the honest answer to that is no... for i fear i may lose my soul.... the chance is there to err, to fall off the path, to be more arrogant, to enable my ego.... with long life - but at the same time - with long life is the opperunity to redeem my soul as long as God guides me to his path...
God i am tired... my spirit is tired.....this life troubles me, its many wayward notions of worshiping thee, its many religions and interpretations of what God wants us to to.. leads many to a spiralling downfall... God i am tired.....
all in all i can only ask of thee - to guide me and keep me in path to thee - to help me to worship thee, glorify and praise thee.I can only ask of thee to accept me in this life and in the hereafter. To have mercy on me and to forgive me the many wrongs that i have committed knowingly or unknowingly..
to strenghten me in thy worship and never to let me forget thee, to keep thy remembrance in my heart always, in my mind and to help me overcome my demons...
Monday, 30 August 2010
Moses 1
Au jourd'hui i gw want to start on a réalisation that has intrigued me for some time now.
Moses, his history charted in the Quran...
the reason for this is more apparent that when i am reading the Quran Moses's history is scattered about, i think in Surah 2 there is a mention - which if readng the Quran according to organisation is the first contact you have with Moses.
To be more specific, i am very intrigued with the notion of Inspiration - i understand it in a kind of whimsical sence of being inspired to do a certain thought in your head.. where the thought comes from one does not know, but it just enters and if gw it is from God, you know that is the best course of action for you.
Moses was inspired by God - he was very lucky - one of the few prophets that spoke to God - do you know how awesome that would be - to be in presence of your creator whose power alone is magnified beyond your understanding and capability.....
it is also of interesting note that the surah's 25/26/27/28 talk about moses a lot..
in order of revealation - moses mentioned in reference to us via the following surah's -87 - 53 - 7 - 25 - 19 - 20 - 26 -27 - 28 - 17 - 10 - 11 - 6 -37 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43 - 46 - 51 - 18 - 14 - 21 -23 - 32 - 79 - 20- 2 - 3 -33 - 4 - 61 - 5 -
Couple of points to note - ****i am always conscious when reading the Qurna of the many translations that there are - i am using the translation by rashad Khalifa - because i find it gw an easy read and am able to grasp essence of the message to us.
*** translation can never be perfect - so i invite everyone to continously search to understand what God is trying to tell us via the Quran - God is the best guide afterall.
** parenthesis - in this context used in translations are always the work of the translator - they are not contained in the arabic Quran. - they serve to help the translator convey his thought of the verse translated - we may or may not agree - but it helps us know where the focus ought to be
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
87:19 - the teachings of abraham and moses . this is part of surah a'la - talks about Glorifying God according to teachings given to moses and also to Abraham.
53:36 - Was he not informed of the teachings in the scripture of Moses? - reference is given to teachings given to moses( this i reckon is the statute book of laws given to moses - which reference is further made to again in some parts of the Quran)
7:103
After (those messengers,) we sent Moses with our signs to Pharaoh and his people, but they transgressed. Note the consequences for the wicked.
7:104
Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.
7:105
"It is incumbent upon me that I do not say about GOD except the truth. I come to you with a sign from your Lord; let the Children of Israel go."
7:106
He said, "If you have a sign, then produce it, if you are truthful."
7:107
He threw down his staff, and it turned into a tremendous serpent.
7:108
He took out his hand, and it was white to the beholders.
7:109
The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "This is no more than a clever magician.
7:110
"He wants to take you out of your land; what do you recommend?"
7:111
They said, "Respite him and his brother, and send summoners to every city.
7:112
"Let them summon every experienced magician."
7:113
The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, "Do we get paid if we are the winners?"
7:114
He said, "Yes indeed; you will even become close to me."
7:115
They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing."
7:116
He said, "You throw." When they threw, they tricked the people's eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic.
7:117
We then inspired Moses: "Throw down your staff," whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated.
7:118
Thus, the truth prevailed, and what they did was nullified.
7:119
They were defeated then and there; they were humiliated.
7:120
The magicians fell prostrate.
7:121
They said, "We believe in the Lord of the universe. - it is quite interesting - this re-inforces for me that the God we all want to worship is one God - The Lord of the universe - some call God - Allah, some call God Jehova - God is God - the God before whom there is no other - His knowledge encompasses all things. Moses is entwined in what i call the three major faiths - each faith having their version of his story - but as we all know - there was only one moses - so there can only be one truth to his story - moses's story and the rest of it will be fallacy and inventions - which arises through no others fault than Man - via reported and extra reported speech.
7:122
"The Lord of Moses and Aaron."
7:123
Pharaoh said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? This must be a conspiracy you schemed in the city, in order to take its people away. You will surely find out.
7:124
"I will cut your hands and feet on alternate sides, then I will crucify you all."
7:125
They said, "We will then return to our Lord.
7:126
"You persecute us simply because we believed in the proofs of our Lord when they came to us." "Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, and let us die as submitters."
7:127
The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "Will you allow Moses and his people to corrupt the earth, and forsake you and your gods?" He said, "We will kill their sons, and spare their daughters. We are much more powerful than they are."
7:128
Moses said to his people, "Seek GOD's help, and steadfastly persevere. The earth belongs to GOD, and He grants it to whomever He chooses from among His servants. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous." - Gods laws never changes
7:129
They said, "We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us." He said, "Your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave." - see children of isreal- loosing faith in times of difficulty- this is the general trait among us all as humans - but gw as we grow - we understand that all victory belongs to God and may He strenghten our hearts and make us firm in his path
7:130
We then afflicted Pharaoh's people with drought, and shortage of crops, that they may take heed.
7:131
When good omens came their way, they said, "We have deserved this," but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know.
7:132
They said, "No matter what kind of sign you show us, to dupe us with your magic, we will not believe."
7:133
Consequently, we sent upon them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood - profound signs. But they maintained their arrogance. They were evil people.
7:134
Whenever a plague afflicted them, they said, "O Moses, implore your Lord - you are close to Him. If you relieve this plague, we will believe with you, and will send the Children of Israel with you."
7:135
Yet, when we relieved the plague for any length of time, they violated their pledge.
7:136
Consequently, we avenged their actions, and drowned them in the sea. That is because they rejected our signs, and were totally heedless thereof.
7:137
We let the oppressed people inherit the land, east and west, and we blessed it. The blessed commands of your Lord were thus fulfilled for the Children of Israel, to reward them for their steadfastness, and we annihilated the works of Pharaoh and his people and everything they harvested.
7:138
We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. When they passed by people who were worshiping statues, they said, "O Moses, make a god for us, like the gods they have." He said, "Indeed, you are ignorant people. - look at us now - no graven images of God, bow not before any other God other than your Lord, look at us as a society and see where we have turned wrong - God guide us - seriously and help us in this life and hereafter
7:139
"These people are committing a blasphemy, for what they are doing is disastrous for them.
7:140
"Shall I seek for you other than GOD to be your god, when He has blessed you more than anyone else in the world?"
7:141
Recall that we delivered you from Pharaoh's people, who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, killing your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial for you from your Lord.
7:142
We summoned Moses for thirty nights, and completed them by adding ten. Thus, the audience with his Lord lasted forty nights. Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Stay here with my people, maintain righteousness, and do not follow the ways of the corruptors."
7:143
When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer."
7:144
He said, "O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative."
7:145
We wrote for him on the tablets all kinds of enlightenments and details of everything: "You shall uphold these teachings strongly, and exhort your people to uphold them - these are the best teachings. I will point out for you the fate of the wicked."
7:146
I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.
7:147
Those who reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are nullified. Are they requited only for what they committed?
7:148
During his absence, Moses' people made from their jewelry the statue of a calf, complete with the sound of a calf. Did they not see that it could not speak to them, or guide them in any path? They worshiped it, and thus turned wicked.
7:149
Finally, when they regretted their action, and realized that they had gone astray, they said, "Unless our Lord redeems us with His mercy, and forgives us, we will be losers."
7:150
When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people."
7:151
(Moses) said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful."
7:152
Surely, those who idolized the calf have incurred wrath from their Lord, and humiliation in this life. We thus requite the innovators.
7:153
As for those who committed sins, then repented thereafter and believed, your Lord - after this - is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
7:154
When Moses' anger subsided, he picked up the tablets, containing guidance and mercy for those who reverence their Lord.
7:155
Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to our appointed audience. When the quake shook them, he said, "My Lord, You could have annihilated them in the past, together with me, if You so willed. Would You annihilate us for the deeds of those among us who are foolish? This must be the test that You have instituted for us. With it, You condemn whomever You will, and guide whomever You will. You are our Lord and Master, so forgive us, shower us with Your mercy; You are the best Forgiver.
7:156
"And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat), (3) believe in our revelations, and
7:157
"(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."
7:158
Say, "O people, I am GOD's messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death." Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.
7:159
Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.
7:160
We divided them into twelve tribal communities, and we inspired Moses when his people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with your staff," whereupon twelve springs gushed out therefrom. Thus, each community knew its water. And we shaded them with clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." It is not us that they wronged; it is they who wronged their own souls.
7:161
Recall that they were told, "Go into this town to live, and eat therefrom as you please, treat the people amicably, and enter the gate humbly. We will then forgive your transgressions. We will multiply the reward for the righteous."
7:162
But the evil ones among them substituted other commands for the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent upon them condemnation from the sky, because of their wickedness.
7:163
Remind them of the community by the sea, who desecrated the Sabbath. When they observed the Sabbath, the fish came to them abundantly. And when they violated the Sabbath, the fish did not come. We thus afflicted them, as a consequence of their transgression.
7:164
Recall that a group of them said, "Why should you preach to people whom GOD will surely annihilate or punish severely?" They answered, "Apologize to your Lord," that they might be saved.
7:165
When they disregarded what they were reminded of, we saved those who prohibited evil, and afflicted the wrongdoers with a terrible retribution for their wickedness.
7:166
When they continued to defy the commandments, we said to them, "Be you despicable apes."
7:167
Additionally, your Lord has decreed that He will raise up against them people who will inflict severe persecution upon them, until the Day of Resurrection. Your Lord is most efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is certainly the Forgiver, Most Merciful.
7:168
We scattered them among many communities throughout the land. Some of them were righteous, and some were less than righteous. We tested them with prosperity and hardship, that they may return.
7:169
Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand?
7:170 - Those who uphold the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), we never fail to recompense the pious.
7:171 - We raised the mountain above them like an umbrella, and they thought it was going to fall on them: "You shall uphold what we have given you, strongly, and remember the contents thereof, that you may be saved."
IT is here that we first get a glimpse into the story of moses and his goings on with pharoah and the children of Isreal
Pharoas was told to free the chidren of isreal but he refused - eventually he had no choice but to do so and he renegaded on his word - pursued the children of isreal till he met his doom.
this part of the Story tells us of the conduct of the children of isreal - which in itself is the comduct of all humbeings - advertently or inadvertently - if not for Gods constant guidance and protection and mercy - we will loose hope very easily and somewhat fall short of grace from God. we tend to want to follow that which we see in front of our eyes - we seem to have a knack for worshipping statues or rather should i say we have a knack for trying to bind( if this is the right word for it) the essence of our creator in a statue - we thus denegrate the awesomneess and magnifcince of the authorty that the creator has to a thing that the creator has created.
there is mention of 70 people who had audience with God - arent they lucky - and the twelve tribes of isreal - then we get the trait of human beings - substituting comands from God with commands made by man - this thing i reckon is something which plagues us all - Sabbath day -
substituting Commands - i guess inspiration for good can also sometimes be confused with inspiration for bad or indifference - then i also reckon that in effort to do more, to worship more - people invent unecessary rules and additions to what God has decreed - in order to make themselves appear more pious, more worthy of Gods blessings. but then i reckon that Gods words are perfect, his rules and commands are designed to enable us have the perfect life that we can have - if we are content with our lot then there is no need to appear to be more pious or want to be - we just do as we are asked and Gw we find success with God.
May God guide us all to his path.
Moses, his history charted in the Quran...
the reason for this is more apparent that when i am reading the Quran Moses's history is scattered about, i think in Surah 2 there is a mention - which if readng the Quran according to organisation is the first contact you have with Moses.
To be more specific, i am very intrigued with the notion of Inspiration - i understand it in a kind of whimsical sence of being inspired to do a certain thought in your head.. where the thought comes from one does not know, but it just enters and if gw it is from God, you know that is the best course of action for you.
Moses was inspired by God - he was very lucky - one of the few prophets that spoke to God - do you know how awesome that would be - to be in presence of your creator whose power alone is magnified beyond your understanding and capability.....
it is also of interesting note that the surah's 25/26/27/28 talk about moses a lot..
in order of revealation - moses mentioned in reference to us via the following surah's -87 - 53 - 7 - 25 - 19 - 20 - 26 -27 - 28 - 17 - 10 - 11 - 6 -37 - 40 - 41 - 42 - 43 - 46 - 51 - 18 - 14 - 21 -23 - 32 - 79 - 20- 2 - 3 -33 - 4 - 61 - 5 -
Couple of points to note - ****i am always conscious when reading the Qurna of the many translations that there are - i am using the translation by rashad Khalifa - because i find it gw an easy read and am able to grasp essence of the message to us.
*** translation can never be perfect - so i invite everyone to continously search to understand what God is trying to tell us via the Quran - God is the best guide afterall.
** parenthesis - in this context used in translations are always the work of the translator - they are not contained in the arabic Quran. - they serve to help the translator convey his thought of the verse translated - we may or may not agree - but it helps us know where the focus ought to be
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
87:19 - the teachings of abraham and moses . this is part of surah a'la - talks about Glorifying God according to teachings given to moses and also to Abraham.
53:36 - Was he not informed of the teachings in the scripture of Moses? - reference is given to teachings given to moses( this i reckon is the statute book of laws given to moses - which reference is further made to again in some parts of the Quran)
7:103
After (those messengers,) we sent Moses with our signs to Pharaoh and his people, but they transgressed. Note the consequences for the wicked.
7:104
Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.
7:105
"It is incumbent upon me that I do not say about GOD except the truth. I come to you with a sign from your Lord; let the Children of Israel go."
7:106
He said, "If you have a sign, then produce it, if you are truthful."
7:107
He threw down his staff, and it turned into a tremendous serpent.
7:108
He took out his hand, and it was white to the beholders.
7:109
The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "This is no more than a clever magician.
7:110
"He wants to take you out of your land; what do you recommend?"
7:111
They said, "Respite him and his brother, and send summoners to every city.
7:112
"Let them summon every experienced magician."
7:113
The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, "Do we get paid if we are the winners?"
7:114
He said, "Yes indeed; you will even become close to me."
7:115
They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing."
7:116
He said, "You throw." When they threw, they tricked the people's eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic.
7:117
We then inspired Moses: "Throw down your staff," whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated.
7:118
Thus, the truth prevailed, and what they did was nullified.
7:119
They were defeated then and there; they were humiliated.
7:120
The magicians fell prostrate.
7:121
They said, "We believe in the Lord of the universe. - it is quite interesting - this re-inforces for me that the God we all want to worship is one God - The Lord of the universe - some call God - Allah, some call God Jehova - God is God - the God before whom there is no other - His knowledge encompasses all things. Moses is entwined in what i call the three major faiths - each faith having their version of his story - but as we all know - there was only one moses - so there can only be one truth to his story - moses's story and the rest of it will be fallacy and inventions - which arises through no others fault than Man - via reported and extra reported speech.
7:122
"The Lord of Moses and Aaron."
7:123
Pharaoh said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? This must be a conspiracy you schemed in the city, in order to take its people away. You will surely find out.
7:124
"I will cut your hands and feet on alternate sides, then I will crucify you all."
7:125
They said, "We will then return to our Lord.
7:126
"You persecute us simply because we believed in the proofs of our Lord when they came to us." "Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, and let us die as submitters."
7:127
The leaders among Pharaoh's people said, "Will you allow Moses and his people to corrupt the earth, and forsake you and your gods?" He said, "We will kill their sons, and spare their daughters. We are much more powerful than they are."
7:128
Moses said to his people, "Seek GOD's help, and steadfastly persevere. The earth belongs to GOD, and He grants it to whomever He chooses from among His servants. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous." - Gods laws never changes
7:129
They said, "We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us." He said, "Your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave." - see children of isreal- loosing faith in times of difficulty- this is the general trait among us all as humans - but gw as we grow - we understand that all victory belongs to God and may He strenghten our hearts and make us firm in his path
7:130
We then afflicted Pharaoh's people with drought, and shortage of crops, that they may take heed.
7:131
When good omens came their way, they said, "We have deserved this," but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know.
7:132
They said, "No matter what kind of sign you show us, to dupe us with your magic, we will not believe."
7:133
Consequently, we sent upon them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood - profound signs. But they maintained their arrogance. They were evil people.
7:134
Whenever a plague afflicted them, they said, "O Moses, implore your Lord - you are close to Him. If you relieve this plague, we will believe with you, and will send the Children of Israel with you."
7:135
Yet, when we relieved the plague for any length of time, they violated their pledge.
7:136
Consequently, we avenged their actions, and drowned them in the sea. That is because they rejected our signs, and were totally heedless thereof.
7:137
We let the oppressed people inherit the land, east and west, and we blessed it. The blessed commands of your Lord were thus fulfilled for the Children of Israel, to reward them for their steadfastness, and we annihilated the works of Pharaoh and his people and everything they harvested.
7:138
We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. When they passed by people who were worshiping statues, they said, "O Moses, make a god for us, like the gods they have." He said, "Indeed, you are ignorant people. - look at us now - no graven images of God, bow not before any other God other than your Lord, look at us as a society and see where we have turned wrong - God guide us - seriously and help us in this life and hereafter
7:139
"These people are committing a blasphemy, for what they are doing is disastrous for them.
7:140
"Shall I seek for you other than GOD to be your god, when He has blessed you more than anyone else in the world?"
7:141
Recall that we delivered you from Pharaoh's people, who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, killing your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial for you from your Lord.
7:142
We summoned Moses for thirty nights, and completed them by adding ten. Thus, the audience with his Lord lasted forty nights. Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Stay here with my people, maintain righteousness, and do not follow the ways of the corruptors."
7:143
When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, "My Lord, let me look and see You." He said, "You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me." Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, "Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer."
7:144
He said, "O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative."
7:145
We wrote for him on the tablets all kinds of enlightenments and details of everything: "You shall uphold these teachings strongly, and exhort your people to uphold them - these are the best teachings. I will point out for you the fate of the wicked."
7:146
I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.
7:147
Those who reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are nullified. Are they requited only for what they committed?
7:148
During his absence, Moses' people made from their jewelry the statue of a calf, complete with the sound of a calf. Did they not see that it could not speak to them, or guide them in any path? They worshiped it, and thus turned wicked.
7:149
Finally, when they regretted their action, and realized that they had gone astray, they said, "Unless our Lord redeems us with His mercy, and forgives us, we will be losers."
7:150
When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, "What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?" He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother's head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, "Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people."
7:151
(Moses) said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful."
7:152
Surely, those who idolized the calf have incurred wrath from their Lord, and humiliation in this life. We thus requite the innovators.
7:153
As for those who committed sins, then repented thereafter and believed, your Lord - after this - is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
7:154
When Moses' anger subsided, he picked up the tablets, containing guidance and mercy for those who reverence their Lord.
7:155
Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to our appointed audience. When the quake shook them, he said, "My Lord, You could have annihilated them in the past, together with me, if You so willed. Would You annihilate us for the deeds of those among us who are foolish? This must be the test that You have instituted for us. With it, You condemn whomever You will, and guide whomever You will. You are our Lord and Master, so forgive us, shower us with Your mercy; You are the best Forgiver.
7:156
"And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat), (3) believe in our revelations, and
7:157
"(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."
7:158
Say, "O people, I am GOD's messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death." Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.
7:159
Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.
7:160
We divided them into twelve tribal communities, and we inspired Moses when his people asked him for water: "Strike the rock with your staff," whereupon twelve springs gushed out therefrom. Thus, each community knew its water. And we shaded them with clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails: "Eat from the good things we provided for you." It is not us that they wronged; it is they who wronged their own souls.
7:161
Recall that they were told, "Go into this town to live, and eat therefrom as you please, treat the people amicably, and enter the gate humbly. We will then forgive your transgressions. We will multiply the reward for the righteous."
7:162
But the evil ones among them substituted other commands for the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent upon them condemnation from the sky, because of their wickedness.
7:163
Remind them of the community by the sea, who desecrated the Sabbath. When they observed the Sabbath, the fish came to them abundantly. And when they violated the Sabbath, the fish did not come. We thus afflicted them, as a consequence of their transgression.
7:164
Recall that a group of them said, "Why should you preach to people whom GOD will surely annihilate or punish severely?" They answered, "Apologize to your Lord," that they might be saved.
7:165
When they disregarded what they were reminded of, we saved those who prohibited evil, and afflicted the wrongdoers with a terrible retribution for their wickedness.
7:166
When they continued to defy the commandments, we said to them, "Be you despicable apes."
7:167
Additionally, your Lord has decreed that He will raise up against them people who will inflict severe persecution upon them, until the Day of Resurrection. Your Lord is most efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is certainly the Forgiver, Most Merciful.
7:168
We scattered them among many communities throughout the land. Some of them were righteous, and some were less than righteous. We tested them with prosperity and hardship, that they may return.
7:169
Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, "We will be forgiven." But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand?
7:170 - Those who uphold the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), we never fail to recompense the pious.
7:171 - We raised the mountain above them like an umbrella, and they thought it was going to fall on them: "You shall uphold what we have given you, strongly, and remember the contents thereof, that you may be saved."
IT is here that we first get a glimpse into the story of moses and his goings on with pharoah and the children of Isreal
Pharoas was told to free the chidren of isreal but he refused - eventually he had no choice but to do so and he renegaded on his word - pursued the children of isreal till he met his doom.
this part of the Story tells us of the conduct of the children of isreal - which in itself is the comduct of all humbeings - advertently or inadvertently - if not for Gods constant guidance and protection and mercy - we will loose hope very easily and somewhat fall short of grace from God. we tend to want to follow that which we see in front of our eyes - we seem to have a knack for worshipping statues or rather should i say we have a knack for trying to bind( if this is the right word for it) the essence of our creator in a statue - we thus denegrate the awesomneess and magnifcince of the authorty that the creator has to a thing that the creator has created.
there is mention of 70 people who had audience with God - arent they lucky - and the twelve tribes of isreal - then we get the trait of human beings - substituting comands from God with commands made by man - this thing i reckon is something which plagues us all - Sabbath day -
substituting Commands - i guess inspiration for good can also sometimes be confused with inspiration for bad or indifference - then i also reckon that in effort to do more, to worship more - people invent unecessary rules and additions to what God has decreed - in order to make themselves appear more pious, more worthy of Gods blessings. but then i reckon that Gods words are perfect, his rules and commands are designed to enable us have the perfect life that we can have - if we are content with our lot then there is no need to appear to be more pious or want to be - we just do as we are asked and Gw we find success with God.
May God guide us all to his path.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
spirit
if i am honest i have been feeling low and down of late.
i thought it was work, being tired but i dont think it is.
my spirit is flagging. it is not filled with the exhuberance it usually is..
sometimes i catch glimpses of the heart that is how it wants to be but most of the time i guess i just feel like i am in a lifeless form.
this evening God i want to do so many things, say so many things..
the old demons seem to be knowcking at my door,
things dont feel like they are going right
everything is just bugging me..
as ever in my times that i feel that are of despair, i seek to thee Most Gracuous
as i hope to seek to thee in my times of joy..
i turn to my Lord, for with Him i find refuge...
Keep me close o Lord and dont let me go.
i thought it was work, being tired but i dont think it is.
my spirit is flagging. it is not filled with the exhuberance it usually is..
sometimes i catch glimpses of the heart that is how it wants to be but most of the time i guess i just feel like i am in a lifeless form.
this evening God i want to do so many things, say so many things..
the old demons seem to be knowcking at my door,
things dont feel like they are going right
everything is just bugging me..
as ever in my times that i feel that are of despair, i seek to thee Most Gracuous
as i hope to seek to thee in my times of joy..
i turn to my Lord, for with Him i find refuge...
Keep me close o Lord and dont let me go.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Righteousness.
What constitutes righteousness?
this is the question on my mind today.
I wikied the word - righteousness and it was suprising to me that the only references were in light of the Old and new testament...
but i know that when reading the english translated Quran, righteousness is a strong theme of the message from God.
and by what yard stick do you define who is righteousss?
there ar emany different religions out there... and i am sure so many feverent worshippers sticking to what they find comfort in, trying to be the best they can be according to their faith..
because one is seen to act fastidously to ones religious tennents - does this mean that they are righteous?
some righteousness in the bible -
Matthew 5:6, ‘Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blest because they will be satisfied.’
Matthew 6:1 ‘Be careful not to do righteous things in front of men so they can see what you are doing. Otherwise, you won’t have a reward with your Father in heaven.’
Matthew 6:33, ‘[If you] put the Kingdom and righteousness in first place, then all these [other] things will be given to you.’
Matthew 11:19, ‘Wisdom is proven righteous by the things it does.’
James 3:18, ‘The seeds of the fruit of righteousness are planted in peace by those who are making peace.’
John 7:24, ‘Quit judging from the way things look on the surface; judge righteously!’
Romans 3:28. ‘We believe that a man is called righteous due to his faith, so he doesn’t have to follow the Law.’
James 2: 24, ‘A man is called righteous by the things he does, not just by his faith.’
Romans 6:12-14 ‘As the result, don’t allow sin to rule your mortal bodies and don’t obey its desires. Nor should you offer your body parts as unrighteous weapons of sin. Rather, offer yourselves to God as someone who has been raised from the dead, and [offer] your body parts to God as weapons of righteousness. So, sin must not be your master, because you aren’t under Law, but under [God’s] loving kindness.’
Romans 10:10 ‘It is this belief in your heart that makes you righteous, but it’s your mouth, when it confesses this, that brings salvation.’
Matthew 5:10, ‘Those who have been persecuted for doing what is right are blest, because the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to them.’
Some Righteousness in Quran -
2:62 - Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve
2:130 - Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.
2:179 - Equivalence is a life saving law for you, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.
2:177 - Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
2:224 -Do not subject GOD's name to your casual swearing, that you may appear righteous, pious, or to attain credibility among the people. GOD is Hearer, Knower.
2:245 - Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned
3:92 - You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.
3:110 - You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.
3:179 - GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good. Nor does GOD inform you of the future, but GOD bestows such knowledge upon whomever He chooses from among His messengers. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. If you believe and lead a righteous life, you receive a great recompense.
4:114 - There is nothing good about their private conferences, except for those who advocate charity, or righteous works, or making peace among the people. Anyone who does this, in response to GOD's teachings, we will grant him a great recompense.
4:125 - Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
what am i learning from all this?
well righteousness transcends religion.. it is not about religion. it is about God.
it is about utmost belief in God that God is.... and doing good for God, not for anyone but for God.
My Lord, accept me as a righteous servant of yours in this life and the hereafter, keep me devoted to thee alone.
this is the question on my mind today.
I wikied the word - righteousness and it was suprising to me that the only references were in light of the Old and new testament...
but i know that when reading the english translated Quran, righteousness is a strong theme of the message from God.
and by what yard stick do you define who is righteousss?
there ar emany different religions out there... and i am sure so many feverent worshippers sticking to what they find comfort in, trying to be the best they can be according to their faith..
because one is seen to act fastidously to ones religious tennents - does this mean that they are righteous?
some righteousness in the bible -
Matthew 5:6, ‘Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blest because they will be satisfied.’
Matthew 6:1 ‘Be careful not to do righteous things in front of men so they can see what you are doing. Otherwise, you won’t have a reward with your Father in heaven.’
Matthew 6:33, ‘[If you] put the Kingdom and righteousness in first place, then all these [other] things will be given to you.’
Matthew 11:19, ‘Wisdom is proven righteous by the things it does.’
James 3:18, ‘The seeds of the fruit of righteousness are planted in peace by those who are making peace.’
John 7:24, ‘Quit judging from the way things look on the surface; judge righteously!’
Romans 3:28. ‘We believe that a man is called righteous due to his faith, so he doesn’t have to follow the Law.’
James 2: 24, ‘A man is called righteous by the things he does, not just by his faith.’
Romans 6:12-14 ‘As the result, don’t allow sin to rule your mortal bodies and don’t obey its desires. Nor should you offer your body parts as unrighteous weapons of sin. Rather, offer yourselves to God as someone who has been raised from the dead, and [offer] your body parts to God as weapons of righteousness. So, sin must not be your master, because you aren’t under Law, but under [God’s] loving kindness.’
Romans 10:10 ‘It is this belief in your heart that makes you righteous, but it’s your mouth, when it confesses this, that brings salvation.’
Matthew 5:10, ‘Those who have been persecuted for doing what is right are blest, because the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs to them.’
Some Righteousness in Quran -
2:62 - Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve
2:130 - Who would forsake the religion of Abraham, except one who fools his own soul? We have chosen him in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.
2:179 - Equivalence is a life saving law for you, O you who possess intelligence, that you may be righteous.
2:177 - Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
2:224 -Do not subject GOD's name to your casual swearing, that you may appear righteous, pious, or to attain credibility among the people. GOD is Hearer, Knower.
2:245 - Who would lend GOD a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? GOD is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned
3:92 - You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.
3:110 - You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in GOD. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked.
3:179 - GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good. Nor does GOD inform you of the future, but GOD bestows such knowledge upon whomever He chooses from among His messengers. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. If you believe and lead a righteous life, you receive a great recompense.
4:114 - There is nothing good about their private conferences, except for those who advocate charity, or righteous works, or making peace among the people. Anyone who does this, in response to GOD's teachings, we will grant him a great recompense.
4:125 - Who is better guided in his religion than one who submits totally to GOD, leads a righteous life, according to the creed of Abraham: monotheism? GOD has chosen Abraham as a beloved friend.
what am i learning from all this?
well righteousness transcends religion.. it is not about religion. it is about God.
it is about utmost belief in God that God is.... and doing good for God, not for anyone but for God.
My Lord, accept me as a righteous servant of yours in this life and the hereafter, keep me devoted to thee alone.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
dreams
I saw you in my dream
when i woke up you were gone
i started searching for you
but you found me instead...
when i woke up you were gone
i started searching for you
but you found me instead...
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
thoughts
when i atch programmes and see these nig buildings, lost civilizations, an dstuff, i am amazed and how big the world is.... and i wonder in aspects of religion......these communities, what did they worship, how did they worship.
the scriptures tells of of some ancient communities and i guess it does nt tell us of all of them....
take for instance the mayan civilization, ancient egypt, the kingdons of singpore/malaysia, the ancient chinese civilizations etc.....
all these things make me scared if i must admit....
the scary thought is always - can/will i attain righteousness and find favour at my Lord...
thi is always followed by an abstratct look at my past and projection for the future.... the answer to that is in all fainess - i dont know. i know what the dream is, i know what the hope is and what the heart aspires to ..... but i dont know what conditions will be placed on it. how it will respond...
smetimes i get sad and tell God, that i am tired of this life, its trappings and complications.... it is a gamble - the longer one lives - the more exposure to influences which may distract you from God.... but then again, whoemever God has assured suffifiency and support, is truly blessed.
God sincerely, i beg for guidance. i beg for help,, in this life and the hereafter... keep me close to Thee.
the scriptures tells of of some ancient communities and i guess it does nt tell us of all of them....
take for instance the mayan civilization, ancient egypt, the kingdons of singpore/malaysia, the ancient chinese civilizations etc.....
all these things make me scared if i must admit....
the scary thought is always - can/will i attain righteousness and find favour at my Lord...
thi is always followed by an abstratct look at my past and projection for the future.... the answer to that is in all fainess - i dont know. i know what the dream is, i know what the hope is and what the heart aspires to ..... but i dont know what conditions will be placed on it. how it will respond...
smetimes i get sad and tell God, that i am tired of this life, its trappings and complications.... it is a gamble - the longer one lives - the more exposure to influences which may distract you from God.... but then again, whoemever God has assured suffifiency and support, is truly blessed.
God sincerely, i beg for guidance. i beg for help,, in this life and the hereafter... keep me close to Thee.
CHANGE
someone used to say to me, that the only thing constant in life is change.
Change happends wether we like it or not.
The world changes according to its times and new influences
inanimate objects such as voitures, maisons, forchettes, sacs etc changes, according to new usage, and practicability
People have no choice but to change too.
why has this been on my mind.. well i donr know...
i guess i am asking myself, how much change do i see in myself in the future?
i look at myself 10 years ago and i look at myself now... i have changed by and large but at the same time i am still the same person...
i am the same person, who is still speaking in her head to God, who is searching for God, for simplicity and peace.
in another 10 years, how much will i change?
it is easy i guess to be deluded that people will not change, that they always remain the same, but unfortunately i reckon that is not what life is meant to be ..
you know, this life is a test..... sometimes i dont think there is a pass or fail but then when i am rememberd by the overall - heaven/hell - then you can say there is a pass or fail element to it.
i remember this part of a song of praise - that i find omforting.
.....change and decay in all around i see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
May God guide us all, in our lifes in our minds and in our hearts. May God guide me to His path and keep me devoted to Him alone.
Change happends wether we like it or not.
The world changes according to its times and new influences
inanimate objects such as voitures, maisons, forchettes, sacs etc changes, according to new usage, and practicability
People have no choice but to change too.
why has this been on my mind.. well i donr know...
i guess i am asking myself, how much change do i see in myself in the future?
i look at myself 10 years ago and i look at myself now... i have changed by and large but at the same time i am still the same person...
i am the same person, who is still speaking in her head to God, who is searching for God, for simplicity and peace.
in another 10 years, how much will i change?
it is easy i guess to be deluded that people will not change, that they always remain the same, but unfortunately i reckon that is not what life is meant to be ..
you know, this life is a test..... sometimes i dont think there is a pass or fail but then when i am rememberd by the overall - heaven/hell - then you can say there is a pass or fail element to it.
i remember this part of a song of praise - that i find omforting.
.....change and decay in all around i see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
May God guide us all, in our lifes in our minds and in our hearts. May God guide me to His path and keep me devoted to Him alone.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
god is wonderful - this life is interesting, can be decieving.. human beings are crazy..... but May God guide as all.
surah 20 and Exodus 3 - it is interesting and with amazement that when i see thiese things, - i feel in my heart that is it not by chance, it is Gods will... this strenghtens my heart that my God, is the one god, your God and our God - of this we cannot escape - God of abraham, Noah, Moses, JAcod, David, Jesus, Mohammed and all the prophets and messengers that have past..
May God guide us to his path.
this is with notice for future, fatima, for when you reflect - remember tonight - May God grant us righteousness and acceptance and may He keep me devoded to Him alone.
20:10
When he saw a fire, he said to his family, "Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring you some of it, or find some guidance at the fire."
20:11
When he came to it, he was called, "O, Moses.
20:12
"I am your Lord; remove your sandals. You are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.
20:13
"I have chosen you, so listen to what is being revealed.
20:14
I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.
Exodus 3
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
2And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
4And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
5And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
6Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Exodus 4
2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
6And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
7And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
8And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
20:17
"What is this in your right hand, Moses?"
20:18
He said, "This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes."
20:19
He said, "Throw it down, Moses."
20:20
He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent.
20:21
He said, "Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state.
20:22
"And hold your hand under your wing; it will come out white without a blemish; another proof.
20:23
"We thus show you some of our great portents.
20:24
"o to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
10And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13And he said, O my LORD, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
15And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
16And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
20:25
He said, "My Lord, cool my temper.
20:26
"And make this matter easy for me.
20:27
"And untie a knot from my tongue.
20:28
"So they can understand my speech.
20:29
"And appoint an assistant for me from my family.
20:30
"My brother Aaron.
20:31
"Strengthen me with him.
20:32
"Let him be my partner in this matter.
20:33
"That we may glorify You frequently.
20:34
"And commemorate You frequently.
20:35
"You are Seer of us."
20:36
He said, "Your request is granted, O Moses.
May God guide us to his path.
this is with notice for future, fatima, for when you reflect - remember tonight - May God grant us righteousness and acceptance and may He keep me devoded to Him alone.
20:10
When he saw a fire, he said to his family, "Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring you some of it, or find some guidance at the fire."
20:11
When he came to it, he was called, "O, Moses.
20:12
"I am your Lord; remove your sandals. You are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.
20:13
"I have chosen you, so listen to what is being revealed.
20:14
I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.
Exodus 3
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
2And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
3And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
4And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
5And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
6Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Exodus 4
2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
3And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
4And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
6And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
7And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
8And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
20:17
"What is this in your right hand, Moses?"
20:18
He said, "This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes."
20:19
He said, "Throw it down, Moses."
20:20
He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent.
20:21
He said, "Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state.
20:22
"And hold your hand under your wing; it will come out white without a blemish; another proof.
20:23
"We thus show you some of our great portents.
20:24
"o to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
10And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13And he said, O my LORD, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
15And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
16And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
20:25
He said, "My Lord, cool my temper.
20:26
"And make this matter easy for me.
20:27
"And untie a knot from my tongue.
20:28
"So they can understand my speech.
20:29
"And appoint an assistant for me from my family.
20:30
"My brother Aaron.
20:31
"Strengthen me with him.
20:32
"Let him be my partner in this matter.
20:33
"That we may glorify You frequently.
20:34
"And commemorate You frequently.
20:35
"You are Seer of us."
20:36
He said, "Your request is granted, O Moses.
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