Thank You God,
I am grateful.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Sunday, 21 November 2010
L'homme propose...... Dieu Dispose....
Ce soir, i feel vulnerable, and sad.
I am letting emotions and my thoughts overwhelm my sense of reasoning.
i understand that in life we all have aspirations, goals, hopes and dreams.
but we only( or in this case i only because i dont know about everyone else, but i do think this is a trait that is shared by everyone) hope and dream for that which is at the end of our noses - we never know how things will "pan out".
i reckon it is a general fact that in life we dare to dream but God makes this a reality
and i reckon it this reality that i am begging my God for.
while it is easy for me to bare my soul and lay out my deepest darkest thoughts and secrets - i reckon i will leave it for my Creator who knowest my anguish and my longings , who knowest my every thought and every action - whether hidden or declared.
Man proposes, God disposes.
This involves trust and acceptance.
Trust that God knows what is best and acceptance that Gods will be done in my life.
It is easy to say that yes i trust, but the "proof is in the pudding". Trust that whatever the circumstances, even if it is a darkest fear turned reality, that i will still always trust in God and accept whatever fate He has ordained for me. - even though a part of me is crying out "God please test me not with a fate that i cannot handle" - coward that i am....."Test me not with a burden that i cannot bare"...
while my mind machinery is going into overdrive, thinking up impossible situations, capitalising on my vulnerability, i have to remind myself that God is always in control.
it is easy to forget that God is in control, especially when there is something that you want so badly. You think that your life will end if you dont have it...... you cannot see past the end of your nose unless you have it, you think your life will be better, everything will fall into place once you have it.!!
but...
sometimes, not everything we wish for is meant to be with us for that time... not everything we wish for is good for us....
firstly this is a lesson for me....
if there is an underlying emotional issue, whatver thing it is will only lift you up for a while and then you descend yet into deeper distress looking for another thing to feel the emotional crutch.
anything in this life is just a posessions and posessions are worthless in the hereafter, the only thing worth value is developing your soul in the path of righteousness
God IS IN control.
I am letting emotions and my thoughts overwhelm my sense of reasoning.
i understand that in life we all have aspirations, goals, hopes and dreams.
but we only( or in this case i only because i dont know about everyone else, but i do think this is a trait that is shared by everyone) hope and dream for that which is at the end of our noses - we never know how things will "pan out".
i reckon it is a general fact that in life we dare to dream but God makes this a reality
and i reckon it this reality that i am begging my God for.
while it is easy for me to bare my soul and lay out my deepest darkest thoughts and secrets - i reckon i will leave it for my Creator who knowest my anguish and my longings , who knowest my every thought and every action - whether hidden or declared.
Man proposes, God disposes.
This involves trust and acceptance.
Trust that God knows what is best and acceptance that Gods will be done in my life.
It is easy to say that yes i trust, but the "proof is in the pudding". Trust that whatever the circumstances, even if it is a darkest fear turned reality, that i will still always trust in God and accept whatever fate He has ordained for me. - even though a part of me is crying out "God please test me not with a fate that i cannot handle" - coward that i am....."Test me not with a burden that i cannot bare"...
while my mind machinery is going into overdrive, thinking up impossible situations, capitalising on my vulnerability, i have to remind myself that God is always in control.
it is easy to forget that God is in control, especially when there is something that you want so badly. You think that your life will end if you dont have it...... you cannot see past the end of your nose unless you have it, you think your life will be better, everything will fall into place once you have it.!!
but...
sometimes, not everything we wish for is meant to be with us for that time... not everything we wish for is good for us....
firstly this is a lesson for me....
if there is an underlying emotional issue, whatver thing it is will only lift you up for a while and then you descend yet into deeper distress looking for another thing to feel the emotional crutch.
anything in this life is just a posessions and posessions are worthless in the hereafter, the only thing worth value is developing your soul in the path of righteousness
God IS IN control.
casserole.... smasherole
so word on th emarket is that i am officially looking for a casserole dish
and i keep seeing ones that are like 50 -100 quid.
are they that expensive?
crikey!!
preferably i need a stoneware one( i just think that this is best) - but i keep seeing cast iron ones.
arrrgh!!
casserole, smasherole...
what do i do?
you know what i will ask my mum for my wedding gift, a kitchen pot set.. casserole, large cooking pots - quality ones.
and what will i get myself, Godwilling a fandabedozy double oven cooker - preferably a gas cooker, a deep chest freezer and a standing fridge freezer, a a wonderful range of cooking utensils.
and i keep seeing ones that are like 50 -100 quid.
are they that expensive?
crikey!!
preferably i need a stoneware one( i just think that this is best) - but i keep seeing cast iron ones.
arrrgh!!
casserole, smasherole...
what do i do?
you know what i will ask my mum for my wedding gift, a kitchen pot set.. casserole, large cooking pots - quality ones.
and what will i get myself, Godwilling a fandabedozy double oven cooker - preferably a gas cooker, a deep chest freezer and a standing fridge freezer, a a wonderful range of cooking utensils.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Thoughts
my Lord admit me a honorable admittance, and let me depart a honorable depature and grant me from Thee a powerful support - i just realised that i admit i dont say this often enough.
the temptation is there to observe prayer/salat as a perfunctory objective - do it and get it done with and move on to something else.
but prayer/salat is more than that, it is a connection to your Creator, it is reaching out and keeping touch with God.
the inspiration to stay and sit and meditate on Gods wonderful attributes is God's gift to us and should not be taken lightly...
it is a habit that i want to develop, but i understand that my difficulties lies with my everyday duties such as job, home, sleep etc
but nevertheless the overiding consensus should be and is that God somes first. i guess it is a learning curve , to remember to sit or stand or lay after prayer/salat to meditate on Gods attributes.
how long is enough? the answer to that is how long is a piece of string...
even after prayer and on your walk back to work, you can still meditate and praise, even on the journey to the bed till you fall asleep, and transcend the glorification of your Lord to everything that you do.
sometimes, i forget that life is a learning curve, it is a growth process, sometimes you grow, sometimes you stay stagnant and sometimes you may regress, but then you can grow again.
surely remember God is able to revive dead lands...
my Lord admit me a honorable admittance and let me depart a honorable depature, and grant me from thee a powerful support - truly i dont say this often enough.
i remember when i first heard it, i was inspired and it gladdened my heart, for me it just clicked, but over the course of these years, i remember it and sometimes i forget.
May my Lord help me to remember and to do better next time.
As always my Lord, inspiration belongs to thee always and forever.
All Praise is Yours, All Authority, All Kingshio and All Glory - in this life and in the hereafter There is no other God but thee. Be Thou Glorified Most Gracious Lord.
the temptation is there to observe prayer/salat as a perfunctory objective - do it and get it done with and move on to something else.
but prayer/salat is more than that, it is a connection to your Creator, it is reaching out and keeping touch with God.
the inspiration to stay and sit and meditate on Gods wonderful attributes is God's gift to us and should not be taken lightly...
it is a habit that i want to develop, but i understand that my difficulties lies with my everyday duties such as job, home, sleep etc
but nevertheless the overiding consensus should be and is that God somes first. i guess it is a learning curve , to remember to sit or stand or lay after prayer/salat to meditate on Gods attributes.
how long is enough? the answer to that is how long is a piece of string...
even after prayer and on your walk back to work, you can still meditate and praise, even on the journey to the bed till you fall asleep, and transcend the glorification of your Lord to everything that you do.
sometimes, i forget that life is a learning curve, it is a growth process, sometimes you grow, sometimes you stay stagnant and sometimes you may regress, but then you can grow again.
surely remember God is able to revive dead lands...
my Lord admit me a honorable admittance and let me depart a honorable depature, and grant me from thee a powerful support - truly i dont say this often enough.
i remember when i first heard it, i was inspired and it gladdened my heart, for me it just clicked, but over the course of these years, i remember it and sometimes i forget.
May my Lord help me to remember and to do better next time.
As always my Lord, inspiration belongs to thee always and forever.
All Praise is Yours, All Authority, All Kingshio and All Glory - in this life and in the hereafter There is no other God but thee. Be Thou Glorified Most Gracious Lord.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
why
sometimes i wonder about life and i ask myself why?
why?
sometimes it makes me question myself and my convictions...
why?
sometimes it makes me question myself and my convictions...
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Winter blues
i have notices something - as the year approaches the end, i get more depressed.
yes i have said it and i accept it i am depressed.
i am having flashes of high highs! and low lows and it is messig up my head.
but nevertheless, Be thou Glorified Most Gracious Lord.. wether i am happy or sad, crying with joy or mad, Let e forever praise thee and Glorify.
yes i have said it and i accept it i am depressed.
i am having flashes of high highs! and low lows and it is messig up my head.
but nevertheless, Be thou Glorified Most Gracious Lord.. wether i am happy or sad, crying with joy or mad, Let e forever praise thee and Glorify.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
help please my Lord
Most Gracious,
i know i should not worry but i guess that i still will.
but this does not mean that i dont trust in thee..
i like to worry because, worry makes me more humble, it makes me more appreciative of thee.
these dreams my lord, they trouble me, they trouble me because it brings up faces of people i have lost trust in, people i prefer to forget..
when i start to see them in my dreams, these old feelings of mistrust surfaces again and it makes me think wrong thoughts and let the imagination of my mind unfold and descend yet into deeper depths.
it does not help that the story surrounding these faces if personal...
Most Gracious, i do trust in thee, i have no choice in this matter neither do i want to have a choice in it.
As you are my creator, you have created me, As you are my Lord, you have total control over my life, As you are my God you are the Best sustainer, Provider and Nourisher.
So i will continually - if thy Grace permits - to ask thee daily, to sustain me, to nourish me and provide for me.
your blessings that are life inspiring, My King, i beg of thee.
in some ways i feel like a failure, like a second rate thing not worthy of your blessings, but then i remember that you have asked us to implore thee, to be appreciative of thee, to remember thee.
These things i seek - if thy Grace permits - to do all my life.
I also remember that you have said your mercy is one of you attributes - so my Lord, i implore thee to have mercy on me and help me.
at the same time, i seek refuge in Thee - my Lord , lest i ask for that of which i have no knowledge but i am confidant that my Lord is good to me and He is in control and knows what is best.
i know i should not worry but i guess that i still will.
but this does not mean that i dont trust in thee..
i like to worry because, worry makes me more humble, it makes me more appreciative of thee.
these dreams my lord, they trouble me, they trouble me because it brings up faces of people i have lost trust in, people i prefer to forget..
when i start to see them in my dreams, these old feelings of mistrust surfaces again and it makes me think wrong thoughts and let the imagination of my mind unfold and descend yet into deeper depths.
it does not help that the story surrounding these faces if personal...
Most Gracious, i do trust in thee, i have no choice in this matter neither do i want to have a choice in it.
As you are my creator, you have created me, As you are my Lord, you have total control over my life, As you are my God you are the Best sustainer, Provider and Nourisher.
So i will continually - if thy Grace permits - to ask thee daily, to sustain me, to nourish me and provide for me.
your blessings that are life inspiring, My King, i beg of thee.
in some ways i feel like a failure, like a second rate thing not worthy of your blessings, but then i remember that you have asked us to implore thee, to be appreciative of thee, to remember thee.
These things i seek - if thy Grace permits - to do all my life.
I also remember that you have said your mercy is one of you attributes - so my Lord, i implore thee to have mercy on me and help me.
at the same time, i seek refuge in Thee - my Lord , lest i ask for that of which i have no knowledge but i am confidant that my Lord is good to me and He is in control and knows what is best.
Friday, 29 October 2010
soooooo blue
It never ceases to escape my notice how this life is ever changing circumstances and journies never stops to make me wonder and ask why oh why oh why!
sometimes i find life hard, difficult and sometimes it is easy and effortless
when i read the quran it also amazes me that some verses that i have read before but never paid attention to and now the ones that come to light and linger in my mind a few moments longer.
i guess this is inspiration, it is funny how before when i used to read the quran way way before, the words just washed over me and now when i read, some words linger on more than others - i have a desire to sit and to note them down with each passing year - to explore my thoughts and my understanding - i started to write write them down but then i just faltered and and became preoccupied with other things... but i guess for me it is a learning curve for it interests me to see how i develop, what my thoughts are and how they change with each reading, each new experience and with each new guidance and inspiration from God.
seemingly so because of the situation that i am in, the ever need that i want to regain that exhuberance as before to attach my nightly devotions as before, never wanting to be short of Gods mercy and guidance....
this life, let me no lie makes me tired, i just feel weary and tired, a part of me wishes to give everything up and a part of me knows that i am that much of a workaholic that i would not know what to do if i did.
i guess it is the weather... its sooo dark and i am feeling blue.
if only i could just say i need to take some time off - if not for my financial obligations i probably would....but as ever it is not a moan or a complain but a passing observation....
but hey look at the brighter side... 2 months to my birthday.. that sure is something to celebrate.... innit..
the approach to the month always depresses me.. because i start to evaluate my life and i ask myself - how true have i been to myself in that what i want to achieve, how true have i been to my God, and i ask myself if i were to die now, what do i have to show my God...
the last couple of times that i asked myself - the answer was nothing... and if i am honest i will always say nothing....
what do i hav to show for 30 odd years - i have forsaken my God so many times, but my God has never forsaken me... he has been soooooo good to me, every so nice and Merciful and kind as well even when i never deserved it...i have done things that were unbecoming of one whos heart yearns to be at peace with her creator, who hearts feels at most happy when she is singing and rejoicing at the wonders of her Lord... i the coward that i am, have in the past felt embarassed to worship..
but i can say that now God willing i am getting better - i always tell myself to be true to myself, never to lie to myself, and with that i gain a better understanding of myself and what makes me err, and i know what to stay away from and what to move closer to, to help my soul develop.
at the start of each new year, i get into a rut with my prayers - i basically forget to wake up for morning prayers - and this has happened the last 2 years - also when the time changes the same thing happenes for about a week intermitently.. so i know it is an issue so it is something i have to look out for...
i know that when it is nearer the time for my mum to travel we would have a big big arguement --as i grow up i ask God to help me with my conduct with both my parents,... to help me not to say uff.. but to say what i want to say and to leave it at that - i learn that there is no point getting upset if people say things that i dont like or dont agree with - ( but i do have to admit that sometimes shouting does seem to release some stress) in any case i learn to accept people more and understand that i am not in control of anything...
my relationship with my brother can never be lovey dovey - because i do not like him at all as a person. i do not like the way( my opinion) that he treats people, that he manipulates and runs away from his responsibilities.. i also dont like the fact that my mum is partial with him that with any of her children - he can get away with murder but the rest of us wont... ( there is a hint of jealousy there)
i understand that i am using shopping as an emotional crutch. this is very bad i agree but God willing it will get better.
i understand that whether i like it or not my heart will forever be devoted to God. and thank God i am glad that i like it.
so maany learning.....
sometimes i find life hard, difficult and sometimes it is easy and effortless
when i read the quran it also amazes me that some verses that i have read before but never paid attention to and now the ones that come to light and linger in my mind a few moments longer.
i guess this is inspiration, it is funny how before when i used to read the quran way way before, the words just washed over me and now when i read, some words linger on more than others - i have a desire to sit and to note them down with each passing year - to explore my thoughts and my understanding - i started to write write them down but then i just faltered and and became preoccupied with other things... but i guess for me it is a learning curve for it interests me to see how i develop, what my thoughts are and how they change with each reading, each new experience and with each new guidance and inspiration from God.
seemingly so because of the situation that i am in, the ever need that i want to regain that exhuberance as before to attach my nightly devotions as before, never wanting to be short of Gods mercy and guidance....
this life, let me no lie makes me tired, i just feel weary and tired, a part of me wishes to give everything up and a part of me knows that i am that much of a workaholic that i would not know what to do if i did.
i guess it is the weather... its sooo dark and i am feeling blue.
if only i could just say i need to take some time off - if not for my financial obligations i probably would....but as ever it is not a moan or a complain but a passing observation....
but hey look at the brighter side... 2 months to my birthday.. that sure is something to celebrate.... innit..
the approach to the month always depresses me.. because i start to evaluate my life and i ask myself - how true have i been to myself in that what i want to achieve, how true have i been to my God, and i ask myself if i were to die now, what do i have to show my God...
the last couple of times that i asked myself - the answer was nothing... and if i am honest i will always say nothing....
what do i hav to show for 30 odd years - i have forsaken my God so many times, but my God has never forsaken me... he has been soooooo good to me, every so nice and Merciful and kind as well even when i never deserved it...i have done things that were unbecoming of one whos heart yearns to be at peace with her creator, who hearts feels at most happy when she is singing and rejoicing at the wonders of her Lord... i the coward that i am, have in the past felt embarassed to worship..
but i can say that now God willing i am getting better - i always tell myself to be true to myself, never to lie to myself, and with that i gain a better understanding of myself and what makes me err, and i know what to stay away from and what to move closer to, to help my soul develop.
at the start of each new year, i get into a rut with my prayers - i basically forget to wake up for morning prayers - and this has happened the last 2 years - also when the time changes the same thing happenes for about a week intermitently.. so i know it is an issue so it is something i have to look out for...
i know that when it is nearer the time for my mum to travel we would have a big big arguement --as i grow up i ask God to help me with my conduct with both my parents,... to help me not to say uff.. but to say what i want to say and to leave it at that - i learn that there is no point getting upset if people say things that i dont like or dont agree with - ( but i do have to admit that sometimes shouting does seem to release some stress) in any case i learn to accept people more and understand that i am not in control of anything...
my relationship with my brother can never be lovey dovey - because i do not like him at all as a person. i do not like the way( my opinion) that he treats people, that he manipulates and runs away from his responsibilities.. i also dont like the fact that my mum is partial with him that with any of her children - he can get away with murder but the rest of us wont... ( there is a hint of jealousy there)
i understand that i am using shopping as an emotional crutch. this is very bad i agree but God willing it will get better.
i understand that whether i like it or not my heart will forever be devoted to God. and thank God i am glad that i like it.
so maany learning.....
ps: i have a million and one things that i have to br grateful to God for, and my Lord let me not say that i fall unappreciative of your blessings on me. My Lord i am grateful indeed i am.. when i consider what you have given me and when i consider others,, i see and know that my Lord is indeed good to me...
Monday, 18 October 2010
downcast
I don't know how to describe how I am feeling rght now.
I feel all worn out, spent and tired... I cannot seem to shake this feeling of tearful sorrow...
I can't seem to hold back my tears.... I juust want to cry and let it out of my system.... But let what out? I don't know....
I feel soooooo alone but I try to remember..... Wa huwa aynamakuntu wa llahu bima ta'malua nbasir....
He is with you wherever you may be, God is seeer of everything....
In my time of despair and in times of joy, may my Lord hold me close and near...
Today at work I have to acknowledge My Lord - and to many an elegant praise I have never deserved my Lord has given currency onto me... I an grateful Most Gracious for your provision and Give all thanks to thee. May
I feel all worn out, spent and tired... I cannot seem to shake this feeling of tearful sorrow...
I can't seem to hold back my tears.... I juust want to cry and let it out of my system.... But let what out? I don't know....
I feel soooooo alone but I try to remember..... Wa huwa aynamakuntu wa llahu bima ta'malua nbasir....
He is with you wherever you may be, God is seeer of everything....
In my time of despair and in times of joy, may my Lord hold me close and near...
Today at work I have to acknowledge My Lord - and to many an elegant praise I have never deserved my Lord has given currency onto me... I an grateful Most Gracious for your provision and Give all thanks to thee. May
Sunday, 17 October 2010
God is and will always be in control
sometimes i have to keep reminidng myself that God is in control every day and in each every way..
i guess it is with practice that it embedds in my psyche,
i agree and i acknowledge that this fact is true - God is in control..
its just sometimes, i let wishful thinking and unbecoming thoughts overcloud my processes, and i feel sad and downcast..
its that old age demon - why me!! why me!! but i realise after thought( thank God for this) that everything is as it should be, everything is the way God meant it to be.. that i should not worry over things that i have no control over....
that if i have a wish, a desire or a longing, i should put it before the Most Gracious and trust that the best outcome will suffice..
thinking like this makes me feel better and makes me realise how me and whatever issues i may have are so insignificant when compared to the world and its goings on...
i remember from the scripture a befitting prayer - My Lord i seek refuge with thee lest i ask for that of which i have no knowledge and unless you have mercy on me and forgive me, i shall indeed be lost... ( this is how i remember it, not word for word, )
so the case is the same, my Lord, i have asked thee for so many things, and i put all before thee, all my aspirations, all my longings, my wishes and my future and i ask thee to oversee them for me...
Provide me O lord with all the good provisions from thee in this life and in the hereafter - inspiration, forgiveness, mercy, support, help, assistance, blessings, kindness, - all in this life and the hereafter..You are my Lord, the Best Provider.
as it is on my lips Most Gracious, One family devoted to thee alone, worshipping thee alone and holding on to thee alone, Guide us O Lord , provide for us, assist us, help and support us, forgive us and redeem us, in this life and in the hereafter. Be you Glorified, Most Gracious Lord.
i guess it is with practice that it embedds in my psyche,
i agree and i acknowledge that this fact is true - God is in control..
its just sometimes, i let wishful thinking and unbecoming thoughts overcloud my processes, and i feel sad and downcast..
its that old age demon - why me!! why me!! but i realise after thought( thank God for this) that everything is as it should be, everything is the way God meant it to be.. that i should not worry over things that i have no control over....
that if i have a wish, a desire or a longing, i should put it before the Most Gracious and trust that the best outcome will suffice..
thinking like this makes me feel better and makes me realise how me and whatever issues i may have are so insignificant when compared to the world and its goings on...
i remember from the scripture a befitting prayer - My Lord i seek refuge with thee lest i ask for that of which i have no knowledge and unless you have mercy on me and forgive me, i shall indeed be lost... ( this is how i remember it, not word for word, )
so the case is the same, my Lord, i have asked thee for so many things, and i put all before thee, all my aspirations, all my longings, my wishes and my future and i ask thee to oversee them for me...
Provide me O lord with all the good provisions from thee in this life and in the hereafter - inspiration, forgiveness, mercy, support, help, assistance, blessings, kindness, - all in this life and the hereafter..You are my Lord, the Best Provider.
as it is on my lips Most Gracious, One family devoted to thee alone, worshipping thee alone and holding on to thee alone, Guide us O Lord , provide for us, assist us, help and support us, forgive us and redeem us, in this life and in the hereafter. Be you Glorified, Most Gracious Lord.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
!!!
tonight i ask myself, why is it that the people who claim to be righteous or who are intent and so passionate about atatining righteousness, seems to be the ones, who dont show tolerance, understanding and patience.....
yo uknwo it is very easy to point fingers and disregard people because of religious beliefs, all in the name of righteousness, but i reckon that is not the way it should be...
why do people think that worshipping God is a one process thing.... i dont think there is one way to God, rather i think there are many ways to God.....the most important thing thought is to worship God alone devoting worship to him alone....
whosoever volunteers more righteous works to God, God for him, remember at least that we should race to righteousness....... it is not a one glove fits all... there are many paths to god but the key to opening this path is recognising that there is only one God and whatever worship practice it must be devoted to God alone.....
God surely knows those in the right path, we only pray that God includes us with the righteous...
this vjust perplexes me.... its like someone telling me, that when i refer to God, i should only call him Allah and not the Most Gracious for instance....... logic like that for me is ludicurous.....
i would rather answer back and say - to you is yours and to me is mine... after all, God knows my intentions...
we as humans worry too much over people and their directionthat we fail to grasp that all important thing... - we cannot guide anyone, God is in charges of all our guidance... we think that by ostracising people we can force them to rethink, we justify being nasty, rude because we think that we are defending God..... but we forget, God is in no need of our defence.. We are only defending ourselves, our positions.... not God.....
belief in God/righteousness for me does not mean a disregard of your fellow person, one whom you had spoken with before in kindess and love an djust because they see things in a different light, you criticise and be ride and insult.... that for me is not an example of righteousness.... regardless of who started what first, it doesnt mean that you should retaliate.....
in anycase - you can see that i am talking about a specific thing here - and my last thought on the issue is to delete and block eveything. God is sufficient for me, God is the one who guides.... i am ashamed to be associated with these people, seeing as their conduct, their divisive nature and ego positions are for me quite evident...
tolerance is not accepting bad behaviour but rather understanding that people come from different background an dhave difference approaches and logic... We look to God to help us to learn from what/where is important and useful and disregard the rest that are not useful.......
yo uknwo it is very easy to point fingers and disregard people because of religious beliefs, all in the name of righteousness, but i reckon that is not the way it should be...
why do people think that worshipping God is a one process thing.... i dont think there is one way to God, rather i think there are many ways to God.....the most important thing thought is to worship God alone devoting worship to him alone....
whosoever volunteers more righteous works to God, God for him, remember at least that we should race to righteousness....... it is not a one glove fits all... there are many paths to god but the key to opening this path is recognising that there is only one God and whatever worship practice it must be devoted to God alone.....
God surely knows those in the right path, we only pray that God includes us with the righteous...
this vjust perplexes me.... its like someone telling me, that when i refer to God, i should only call him Allah and not the Most Gracious for instance....... logic like that for me is ludicurous.....
i would rather answer back and say - to you is yours and to me is mine... after all, God knows my intentions...
we as humans worry too much over people and their directionthat we fail to grasp that all important thing... - we cannot guide anyone, God is in charges of all our guidance... we think that by ostracising people we can force them to rethink, we justify being nasty, rude because we think that we are defending God..... but we forget, God is in no need of our defence.. We are only defending ourselves, our positions.... not God.....
belief in God/righteousness for me does not mean a disregard of your fellow person, one whom you had spoken with before in kindess and love an djust because they see things in a different light, you criticise and be ride and insult.... that for me is not an example of righteousness.... regardless of who started what first, it doesnt mean that you should retaliate.....
in anycase - you can see that i am talking about a specific thing here - and my last thought on the issue is to delete and block eveything. God is sufficient for me, God is the one who guides.... i am ashamed to be associated with these people, seeing as their conduct, their divisive nature and ego positions are for me quite evident...
tolerance is not accepting bad behaviour but rather understanding that people come from different background an dhave difference approaches and logic... We look to God to help us to learn from what/where is important and useful and disregard the rest that are not useful.......
Monday, 27 September 2010
hmmmmmm
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
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
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.
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