Sell your cleverness
and buy bewilderment
- Rumi
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Rumi - Childhood Friends ...
What is the mirror of being?
Non-being. Always bring a mirror of non-existence
As a gift. Any other present is foolish.
Let the poor man look deep into generosity.
Let bread see a hungry man.
Let kindling behold a spark from the flint.
An empty mirror and your worst destructive habits,
When they are held up to each other,
That's when the real making begins.
That's what art and crafting are.
A tailor needs a torn garment to practice his expertise.
The trunks of trees must be cut and cut againSo they can be used for carpentry.
Your doctor must have a broken leg to doctor.
Your defects are the ways that glory gets manifested.
Whoever sees clearly what's diseased in himself
Begins to gallop on the way.
There is nothing worse
Than thinking you are well enough.
More than anything, self-complacency
Blocks the workmanship.
Put your vileness up to a mirror and weep.
Get that self-satisfaction flowing out of you!
Satan thought, "I am better than Adam"
And that "better than" is still strongly in us.
Your stream water may look clean,
But there's unstirred matter on the bottom.
Your sheikh can dig a side channel
That will drain that waste off.
Trust your wound to a teacher's surgery.
Flies collect on a wound. They cover it,
Those flies of your self-protecting feelings,
Your love for what you think is yours.
Let a teacher wave away the flies
And put a plaster on the wound.
Don't turn your head. Keep looking
At the bandaged place. That's where
The light enters you.
And don't believe for a moment
That you're healing yourself.
Non-being. Always bring a mirror of non-existence
As a gift. Any other present is foolish.
Let the poor man look deep into generosity.
Let bread see a hungry man.
Let kindling behold a spark from the flint.
An empty mirror and your worst destructive habits,
When they are held up to each other,
That's when the real making begins.
That's what art and crafting are.
A tailor needs a torn garment to practice his expertise.
The trunks of trees must be cut and cut againSo they can be used for carpentry.
Your doctor must have a broken leg to doctor.
Your defects are the ways that glory gets manifested.
Whoever sees clearly what's diseased in himself
Begins to gallop on the way.
There is nothing worse
Than thinking you are well enough.
More than anything, self-complacency
Blocks the workmanship.
Put your vileness up to a mirror and weep.
Get that self-satisfaction flowing out of you!
Satan thought, "I am better than Adam"
And that "better than" is still strongly in us.
Your stream water may look clean,
But there's unstirred matter on the bottom.
Your sheikh can dig a side channel
That will drain that waste off.
Trust your wound to a teacher's surgery.
Flies collect on a wound. They cover it,
Those flies of your self-protecting feelings,
Your love for what you think is yours.
Let a teacher wave away the flies
And put a plaster on the wound.
Don't turn your head. Keep looking
At the bandaged place. That's where
The light enters you.
And don't believe for a moment
That you're healing yourself.
A Story by Khalil Gibran ...
I was strolling in the gardens of an insane asylum when I met a young man who was reading a philosophy book.
His behavior and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.
I sat down beside him and asked:
‘What are you doing here?’
He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:
‘It’s very simple. My father, a brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him. My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example. My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father. My sister always set her husband before me as an example of the successful man. My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.
And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher - they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow. None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.
So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself.’
His behavior and his evident good health made him stand out from the other inmates.
I sat down beside him and asked:
‘What are you doing here?’
He looked at me, surprised. But seeing that I was not one of the doctors, he replied:
‘It’s very simple. My father, a brilliant lawyer, wanted me to be like him. My uncle, who owns a large emporium, hoped I would follow his example. My mother wanted me to be the image of her beloved father. My sister always set her husband before me as an example of the successful man. My brother tried to train me up to be a fine athlete like himself.
And the same thing happened at school, with the piano teacher and the English teacher - they were all convinced and determined that they were the best possible example to follow. None of them looked at me as one should look at a man, but as if they were looking in a mirror.
So I decided to enter this asylum. At least here I can be myself.’
LOVE ...
The heart is a centrifugal organ. Continuously generating emotions and energy out, not just to the senses of our bodies but out to all that our senses extend to: to the touch of a loved one, to the wail of an infant, to the sound of a hum, to the taste of a fruit. All connected to the heart. That's where we are.The hearts that grasp one another come together for the love of the beloved one, Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, uniting together like a binding chain ever illuminating nur ala nur (light upon light).
The next time you wonder why you love someone, turn your hearts towards the Causer of the Causes, and acknowledge that it is that love; that which is light, which He created from the very begining
The Eyes of Love never turn away from its Source
There are times when we just sit in isolation and ponder over why our hearts erupt into such feelings. Feelings that plunge us into attachment for someone close to us. We wonder why our hearts flutter graciously whenever we are around that special person in our lives and even when we are not in their company, our heart aches in yearning and remembrance of that person.
Perhaps the key lies to the source of love. It is impossible to describe love in its whole, just as it is impossible to describe its Creator in whole. Even substituting expressions of our dimension doesn't wholly amount to what it really feels inside when the heart feels love. Love is exquisite. It is a name of His that He has reserved in a special place for His creation. In a place where the entire body is sustained from its core, with all vessels connected to it. It functions as a life support pumping existence to every outlet.
Surely, one who truly treasures and acknowledges the splendours he has been endowed with looks to the origins of its intricate beauty and glorifies its Maker. What love beholds really, only He knows, for it came from Him and surely to Him it must return.
Possessing Love
The ones who look to love as something that has been simply given to them for their possession fail to capture its true essence. As soon as it comes to them, they savour it with all their might, grasping it tight, hoping it to never fade away. To them love is of material possession, for when it exists, to them it exists as theirs. Hence, when it departs, they feel that a part of them departs along with it, caving a crater of emptiness within their hearts.
Those who greet love like a fountain spring cleansing and soothing them at every chance truly acknowledge its existence. These are the hearts that detect the Eternity of Love, acknowledging love in every corner of existence, knowing that it is the Name that drives creation, the battery of survival. To them love is immaterial. It never begins and it never ends.
Love is like a seed waiting to blossom. It lies beneath every surface waiting to be nourished. Every drop it is fed sprouts a new petal, its growth stimulated through the pleasure of commitment; for commitment breeds great pleasure. As each essence unfolds from within, it manifests itself outwardly, scattering its comfort to the surroundings. The blossoming of this love emulates into a source of illumination that guides the wandering, nourishes the deprived and calms the distraught.
Love is delicate. There are those who are reckless with love often letting it slip from their grasp with improper attention and lack of commitment. There are those who devour it in one gulp, swallowing without digestion. The value of true love is hidden from them or rather it melts upon consumption, denying them of an everlasting taste. Their hearts are left cold and emptiness within them persists.
It is only those who savour every drop of it while preserving its value, ensuring that it becomes a part of them and moulds them into the essence of their being, whose hearts wholly benefit. They let the stalk of love remain firmly rooted while receiving the fragrance of its scent and the sweetness of its taste, always admiring its precious and timeless beauty. They regard love as a life support that connects them with its Owner.
Like an admirer of an art piece, ever longing to meet its artist.
The next time you wonder why you love someone, turn your hearts towards the Causer of the Causes, and acknowledge that it is that love; that which is light, which He created from the very begining
The Eyes of Love never turn away from its Source
There are times when we just sit in isolation and ponder over why our hearts erupt into such feelings. Feelings that plunge us into attachment for someone close to us. We wonder why our hearts flutter graciously whenever we are around that special person in our lives and even when we are not in their company, our heart aches in yearning and remembrance of that person.
Perhaps the key lies to the source of love. It is impossible to describe love in its whole, just as it is impossible to describe its Creator in whole. Even substituting expressions of our dimension doesn't wholly amount to what it really feels inside when the heart feels love. Love is exquisite. It is a name of His that He has reserved in a special place for His creation. In a place where the entire body is sustained from its core, with all vessels connected to it. It functions as a life support pumping existence to every outlet.
Surely, one who truly treasures and acknowledges the splendours he has been endowed with looks to the origins of its intricate beauty and glorifies its Maker. What love beholds really, only He knows, for it came from Him and surely to Him it must return.
Possessing Love
The ones who look to love as something that has been simply given to them for their possession fail to capture its true essence. As soon as it comes to them, they savour it with all their might, grasping it tight, hoping it to never fade away. To them love is of material possession, for when it exists, to them it exists as theirs. Hence, when it departs, they feel that a part of them departs along with it, caving a crater of emptiness within their hearts.
Those who greet love like a fountain spring cleansing and soothing them at every chance truly acknowledge its existence. These are the hearts that detect the Eternity of Love, acknowledging love in every corner of existence, knowing that it is the Name that drives creation, the battery of survival. To them love is immaterial. It never begins and it never ends.
Love is like a seed waiting to blossom. It lies beneath every surface waiting to be nourished. Every drop it is fed sprouts a new petal, its growth stimulated through the pleasure of commitment; for commitment breeds great pleasure. As each essence unfolds from within, it manifests itself outwardly, scattering its comfort to the surroundings. The blossoming of this love emulates into a source of illumination that guides the wandering, nourishes the deprived and calms the distraught.
Love is delicate. There are those who are reckless with love often letting it slip from their grasp with improper attention and lack of commitment. There are those who devour it in one gulp, swallowing without digestion. The value of true love is hidden from them or rather it melts upon consumption, denying them of an everlasting taste. Their hearts are left cold and emptiness within them persists.
It is only those who savour every drop of it while preserving its value, ensuring that it becomes a part of them and moulds them into the essence of their being, whose hearts wholly benefit. They let the stalk of love remain firmly rooted while receiving the fragrance of its scent and the sweetness of its taste, always admiring its precious and timeless beauty. They regard love as a life support that connects them with its Owner.
Like an admirer of an art piece, ever longing to meet its artist.
Never do I argue with a man with a desire to hear him say what is wrong, or to expose him and win victory over him. Whenever I face an opponent in debate I silently pray - O Lord, help him so that truth may flow from his heart and on his tongue, and so that if truth is on my side, he may follow me; and if truth be on his side, I may follow him.
- Imam Ash-Shafi
- Imam Ash-Shafi
It is none other than He who progresses or journeys as you. There is nothing to be known but He; and since He is Being itself, He is therefore also the journeyer. There is no knower but He; so who are you? Know your true Reality. He is the essential self of all. But He conceals it by (the appearance of) otherness, which is "you".
If you hold to multiplicity, you are with the world; and if you hold to the Unity, you are with the Truth .... Our names are but names for God; at the same time our individual selves are His shadow. He is at once our identity and not our identity ... Consider ...
~Ibn 'Arabi
If you hold to multiplicity, you are with the world; and if you hold to the Unity, you are with the Truth .... Our names are but names for God; at the same time our individual selves are His shadow. He is at once our identity and not our identity ... Consider ...
~Ibn 'Arabi
The Sufi follows the path toward God primarily by means of love. For the Sufi who is enraptured with the love of God (who is the source of all existence, or, as some might say, who is all of existence), all of existence is extraordinarily beautiful. In contrast, one who is not in love with God to this degree will not see what is so awesome about existence. A discourse on love by Shams-i Tabrizi (the man who was the catalyst of Rumi's divine ecstasy) illustrates this
While some Sufis such as Rumi become utterly consumed by love's fire, for most who wish to love God, their love is merely a wavering flame, ever in danger of diminishing. Hence, by remembering God's forgotten reality and beauty, Sufis rekindle the flame of their love for God. In Sufism, it is remembrance that makes the heart grow fonder. In a nutshell, this is the relationship between dhikr and love.
While some Sufis such as Rumi become utterly consumed by love's fire, for most who wish to love God, their love is merely a wavering flame, ever in danger of diminishing. Hence, by remembering God's forgotten reality and beauty, Sufis rekindle the flame of their love for God. In Sufism, it is remembrance that makes the heart grow fonder. In a nutshell, this is the relationship between dhikr and love.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Some Hamza Yusuf quotes from the R.I.S conference ...
When you're with the kings, you should watch your eyes ...
When you're with the ulema, watch your tongue ...
When you're with the auliya, watch your heart ...
- People of the world will reject your reminders, because it reminds them that this world is temporary ...
- People of the world will never be satisfied with the ways you try to please them.
- God will complete His Light ...
- Our unity (as an ummah) is based on recognizing human differences ...
- Let there be amongst you people who call to God .. .
- Be those people who call to khair ...
- Whether it's from Jews, Christians, Buddhists, if it's good, we support it ...
- Don't be of those who disperse and differ ...
- Every person and every ummah has a purpose, and ours is to enjoin good and forbid evil, which we will not be able to do if we become sectarian ... Don't accuse each other of disbelief ...
- If you deny that Iranians love places like Mecca, you are deceiving yourself ...
- We don't reject anyone from the religion unless they reject the very thing that brought them into it - (Shahada)
- Either support existing institutions or go out and start your own, for things like women whose husbands don't support them but who don't give them divorces either ... For those who die without anyone even finding out ... For those who need to be taken care of in any way ...
- Be of those who follow the best ...
- For those who say it's a bad time to be a Muslim, it's the best time to be a Muslim ... We could have been people of other prophets (of Noah, Jesus, etc) ... But we have the best one and he will take us by the hand and intercede for us ...
- Look at truth wherever you find it ...
Hamza Yusuf's Advice: Qur'an
- Now instead of Prophets, we have scientists preaching the end of time ...
- Corruption has even manifested in the oceans ("Corruption has spread on land and sea because of what men’s hands have wrought" (Quran 30:42) ... The Quran says that near the end of time the baraka of the earth will diminish, the oceans' bounties will be depleted (coral reefs are dying, for example), especially tuna, which are threatened, almost extinct ... This is from overfishing due to man's greed ...
- Some places are seeking relocation, because in 20 years they'll be under water ...
- The salinity of the ocean is diminishing because polar ice caps are melting ...
- God can reverse all these natural disasters if there is planetary tauba ... Man has become arrogant, thinking we can trample over the earth ...
- We try to perfect that which is already perfect by genetically modifying (fruits, etc) ...
- God is responsible for every thought/heartbeat/breath ... That's why we lower our heads to the ground and say "God is Greater than (Allahu Akbar) ...
- Think about the poor in subhuman conditions ... God says that the rich are His agents to take care of the poor ...
- There's no good in a wedding where there are no poor people to take part in the festivities ...
- Hadith: If you've given to the poor, you'll receive victory ...
- Some of us die from starvation and others die from overeating, in a religion that tells its followers to help everyone ...
- Islam teaches: When everyone can eat some, then give me some ...
- We are in a waking dream ... We see worlds where others scheme - (Hamza Yusuf)
When you're with the ulema, watch your tongue ...
When you're with the auliya, watch your heart ...
- People of the world will reject your reminders, because it reminds them that this world is temporary ...
- People of the world will never be satisfied with the ways you try to please them.
- God will complete His Light ...
- Our unity (as an ummah) is based on recognizing human differences ...
- Let there be amongst you people who call to God .. .
- Be those people who call to khair ...
- Whether it's from Jews, Christians, Buddhists, if it's good, we support it ...
- Don't be of those who disperse and differ ...
- Every person and every ummah has a purpose, and ours is to enjoin good and forbid evil, which we will not be able to do if we become sectarian ... Don't accuse each other of disbelief ...
- If you deny that Iranians love places like Mecca, you are deceiving yourself ...
- We don't reject anyone from the religion unless they reject the very thing that brought them into it - (Shahada)
- Either support existing institutions or go out and start your own, for things like women whose husbands don't support them but who don't give them divorces either ... For those who die without anyone even finding out ... For those who need to be taken care of in any way ...
- Be of those who follow the best ...
- For those who say it's a bad time to be a Muslim, it's the best time to be a Muslim ... We could have been people of other prophets (of Noah, Jesus, etc) ... But we have the best one and he will take us by the hand and intercede for us ...
- Look at truth wherever you find it ...
Hamza Yusuf's Advice: Qur'an
- Now instead of Prophets, we have scientists preaching the end of time ...
- Corruption has even manifested in the oceans ("Corruption has spread on land and sea because of what men’s hands have wrought" (Quran 30:42) ... The Quran says that near the end of time the baraka of the earth will diminish, the oceans' bounties will be depleted (coral reefs are dying, for example), especially tuna, which are threatened, almost extinct ... This is from overfishing due to man's greed ...
- Some places are seeking relocation, because in 20 years they'll be under water ...
- The salinity of the ocean is diminishing because polar ice caps are melting ...
- God can reverse all these natural disasters if there is planetary tauba ... Man has become arrogant, thinking we can trample over the earth ...
- We try to perfect that which is already perfect by genetically modifying (fruits, etc) ...
- God is responsible for every thought/heartbeat/breath ... That's why we lower our heads to the ground and say "God is Greater than (Allahu Akbar) ...
- Think about the poor in subhuman conditions ... God says that the rich are His agents to take care of the poor ...
- There's no good in a wedding where there are no poor people to take part in the festivities ...
- Hadith: If you've given to the poor, you'll receive victory ...
- Some of us die from starvation and others die from overeating, in a religion that tells its followers to help everyone ...
- Islam teaches: When everyone can eat some, then give me some ...
- We are in a waking dream ... We see worlds where others scheme - (Hamza Yusuf)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
To this world you have brought the fragrance
Yet perfume you have hidden from appearance
A million excitements this aroma belies
That you have thrown upon the earth and the skies.
From thy own radiant light and heat
You have set fire to the mind and soul’s seat
From taking thy life-giving jewel
The mine and the ocean have lost their cool.
Millions of souls with radiant faces
Have been confined to dark spaces.
You take the certainty of fools
And give them doubt with mental tools.
They ply themselves with their own hand
And with sweetness take a bloody stand.
The heart-ful find their hearts broken
The heartless with cries of alas are woken.
Shams-e Tabrizi from thy kindness
To lovers have given this madness.
- Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi
Yet perfume you have hidden from appearance
A million excitements this aroma belies
That you have thrown upon the earth and the skies.
From thy own radiant light and heat
You have set fire to the mind and soul’s seat
From taking thy life-giving jewel
The mine and the ocean have lost their cool.
Millions of souls with radiant faces
Have been confined to dark spaces.
You take the certainty of fools
And give them doubt with mental tools.
They ply themselves with their own hand
And with sweetness take a bloody stand.
The heart-ful find their hearts broken
The heartless with cries of alas are woken.
Shams-e Tabrizi from thy kindness
To lovers have given this madness.
- Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
http://www.enlightened-ascensions.com/
ENLIGHTENED ASCENSIONS 2 TRAILER IS NOW UP ... CHECK IT OUT !!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Amir Sulaiman ...
what of the one who so loved the unknown
he wanted to know the unknown
and in his knowing killed his beloved
what of the one who so loved peace
he fought for peace
and in his fighting he killed his beloved
what of the one who so loved contentment
he desired to have no desires
and in his desire he killed his beloved
what of the one who so loved love
he hated hate
and in his hating he killed his beloved (c)
The Girl ...
The girl that just acts her self
Not worrying about anyone else
Criticizing
She wears her hair the way she feels
Dresses how she wants
And does her own thing
The individual girl
Living in her own world of no cares
While hurtful comments bite her from left to right
She still has the self esteem
That helps her sleep at night
The girl that draws whatever she feels
In her head on paper even on her self
The girl that takes criticism and just laughs at it
The girl that stays to her self
With her own styles and fashions
Her own actions
Her own most used phrases
Meanwhile the world looks at her as if she were some mental case
When really her knowledge is above standard
The girl that says what she has to say or wants to say
When nobody’s even listening
The girl that constantly talks to her self with out her knowledge
Is the girl that’s just who she is
Not trying to live up to someone else’s standards
But her own
Living a life with no expectations
Expressing her self with each and every creation
The girl that doesn’t live for the world
The girl that loves being known as
The Girl
- By Subrina F. age 13
Not worrying about anyone else
Criticizing
She wears her hair the way she feels
Dresses how she wants
And does her own thing
The individual girl
Living in her own world of no cares
While hurtful comments bite her from left to right
She still has the self esteem
That helps her sleep at night
The girl that draws whatever she feels
In her head on paper even on her self
The girl that takes criticism and just laughs at it
The girl that stays to her self
With her own styles and fashions
Her own actions
Her own most used phrases
Meanwhile the world looks at her as if she were some mental case
When really her knowledge is above standard
The girl that says what she has to say or wants to say
When nobody’s even listening
The girl that constantly talks to her self with out her knowledge
Is the girl that’s just who she is
Not trying to live up to someone else’s standards
But her own
Living a life with no expectations
Expressing her self with each and every creation
The girl that doesn’t live for the world
The girl that loves being known as
The Girl
- By Subrina F. age 13
Lucille Clifton ...
when the words enterand crash, when they sing
softly through
let the flute of them
carry away into
the consciousness of the night
of the morning
when women all over
remember themselves between
the ancient ink of some bare breasted
book, may your laughter run wild
in the heavens, in love.
"The sound of the flute is the image of God's call to man.
"We were all part of Adam and heard those melodies in Paradise.
"Though water and clay have covered us with doubt, we still remember something of those sounds.
"But since they are mixed with the dust of sorrows, how should these high and low notes produce that joy?"
-Rumi, Mathnawi
"We were all part of Adam and heard those melodies in Paradise.
"Though water and clay have covered us with doubt, we still remember something of those sounds.
"But since they are mixed with the dust of sorrows, how should these high and low notes produce that joy?"
-Rumi, Mathnawi
THE KING AND THE MOST NOBLE PROPHET (SAW) ...
This is an incredible story of the king who sent a letter to our Beloved Prophet (SAW) a thousand years before his birth seeking his intercession! The incident is narrated in ‘Al Mustazarf’, ‘Hajatullah alal Alamin’ and in ‘Tarikh ibne Asakir’ and is translated from an article by Hadrat Maulana Abunnur Muhammad Bashir.
About 2500 years ago, the king of Yemen, Tab’a Awwal Hamiri, went on a tour of his country and those surrounding it. He was a very rich king indeed. In his entourage he had 12,000 Alims, Physicians and learned men in addition to his army of 113,000 soldiers. Wherever they went, the procession of these men and soldiers, which marched with much pomp and ceremony, people gathered and lined the roadsides to watch and welcome them.
When the entourage reached the outskirts of MAKKA, no one came to see them or welcome them to the town. This came as a great surprise to the king. He asked his chief Minister, “ Wherever we’ve gone the people gathered in such droves to see and welcome us, but not here, why? What is the reason?”
The Minister replied “ your highness, there is a house in this town called BAITULLAH. The people of this town and its Khadim have great respect for it; our entourage has no comparison to it. People in large numbers from places far and near come for pilgrimage to this House. In this town no one will heed you or give you any importance. They respect the Holy House more than Kings”.
Upon hearing this the king was furious. In anger he swore and declared, “ I will raze this House to the ground and have the people of this town killed!”. No sooner had the king uttered these words that blood started pouring from his mouth, nose and eyes. The blood smelt so foul that his companions moved away from him and no one would come near him. He called upon his physicians and doctors for treatment but nobody could help or treat him. His condition worsened. He could not sleep at night and kept tossing and turning with restlessness. He wanted to get treated by means and at any cost.
Amongst his entourage was a Physician who was also a God fearing Aalim as well. He came to the king, inspected him, took his pulse and said, “ Oh king, your illness is spiritual. Medicines will not work on you. Did you intend to do something bad or evil, your highness? If you did, He will pardon you and relieve you of your misery and illness if He wishes, YOU SHOULD REPENT.”
Taking the Physicians advice, the King immediately changed his evil plan to destroy the Kaa’ba and to kill the people of Makka. No sooner had he repented the foul smelling blood stopped spurting from his eyes, mouth and nose. He became completely cured. He was very happy at his recovery. He ordered a silk covering for the Kaa’ba and a gift of seven gold sovereigns and seven pieces of silk clothing for each resident of Makka.
Having recovered, he continued his tour. The entourage next reached Yathrib (Madina Munawwara). The Aalims in this group had studied THE BOOKS that had been revealed to the Prophets who had come before them. They took the soil of Madina, smelt it and looked around at the features of this Holy Land. The signs of the place, where the last Messenger of Allah (SAW) would make his Hijra to, as indicated in these Books were all present here. These Aalims were overjoyed and made a commitment to stay put in this town. They wished to live live in Madina and stated that if they were fortunate, one day they would meet the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam), but if they were not, then that the dust of the sandals of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) would land on their graves. This at least they thought, would bring them blessings and salvation.
The King, having heard Alims and counsellors, agreed to build 400 homes for them as well as a big house for the Beloved Prophet (SAW). He left instructions that when the Beloved Prophet (SAW) came to Madina, he should stay in the comfort of that house. The king then dictated a letter to his Chief Aalim and he requested him to present it to the Beloved Prophet (SAW) when he comes to Madina. He further requested that should he die before that meeting, the letter should be treasured and passed onto his children and their descendents and presented to the Beloved Prophet (SAW) whenever he came to this town. He also left enough money to provide for the needs of the 400 alms who where staying behind.
The letter was passed down from generation after generation from the Chief Aalim to his descendents. After more than a Thousand years, the number of children from the 400 Alms had greatly increased and comprised a large percentage of the inhabitants of the population of Madina.. The letter after this time came to be in the possession of Hadrat Abu AYOOB ANSARI (ra) who had given it to his Chief slave Abu Laila for safe keeping.
When the people heard that Rasulullah (SAW) was coming to Madina from Makka on his Hijra, they started making preparations for his arrival. The inhabitants decorated their houses and cleaned the streets. Each of them wanted the Beloved Prophet (SAW) to be welcomed into his house, but to overcome the problem he came up with a proposal; he would let his camel reins free and stay at the house where the camel stopped.
The camel was let loose. It went down the streets and stopped outside the house the king of Yemen had built for him. The Beloved Prophet (SAW) and the people came to this house and Abu Laila was asked to bring the letter, which he had been given for safekeeping. He appeared before the Beloved Prophet (SAW) with this letter that had been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years from King Tab’a Awwal Hamiri.
The Beloved Prophet (SAW) seeing the approaching servant asked him “ Are you Abu Laila?” Abu Laila was surprised, having his name mentioned by the Beloved Prophet (SAW) who had just come from Makka. But knew his name. The Beloved Prophet (SAW) said I am Muhammad, Rasulullah. “ I will have the king of Yemen’s letter that you have for me”.
The Beloved Prophet Sayyidina Muhammad (SAW) was presented the letter he read it and said, “ Congratulations to my pious servant Tab’a Awwal Hamiri”.
The letter from King Hamiri stated:
“ O Rasulullah, (SAW) I pledge my faith in you and in the Book that will be revealed to you and I follow the path of your religion. If I am fortunate enough to see you, it will be with great pleasure. However, if this is not possible, I would request you to intercede for me and not to forget me on the Day Of Judgement. I believe in your Risallah (Prophet hood). I seek your Bay’t in advance of your arrival. I swear that there is only one Allah and that Muhammad (SAW) is his true Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam.” (Mizanul Adyan)
The famous incident of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) letting loose the reins of his horse on arrival in Madina which is then stopped outside Hadrat Ayoob Ansari’s (ra) house is known to many, but the reason why it did so may not be. The incident illustrates the fact that the Beloved Prophet (SAW) had knowledge of the Ghaib and the authority to intercede for all people, even for those before his birth and Prophet hood, and also to decorate houses in celebration and Honour of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) is not Bid’a. The Congratulatory words uttered by the Beloved Prophet (SAW) would seem to have been directed to those he knew would come later, but would not believe in his intercession.
About 2500 years ago, the king of Yemen, Tab’a Awwal Hamiri, went on a tour of his country and those surrounding it. He was a very rich king indeed. In his entourage he had 12,000 Alims, Physicians and learned men in addition to his army of 113,000 soldiers. Wherever they went, the procession of these men and soldiers, which marched with much pomp and ceremony, people gathered and lined the roadsides to watch and welcome them.
When the entourage reached the outskirts of MAKKA, no one came to see them or welcome them to the town. This came as a great surprise to the king. He asked his chief Minister, “ Wherever we’ve gone the people gathered in such droves to see and welcome us, but not here, why? What is the reason?”
The Minister replied “ your highness, there is a house in this town called BAITULLAH. The people of this town and its Khadim have great respect for it; our entourage has no comparison to it. People in large numbers from places far and near come for pilgrimage to this House. In this town no one will heed you or give you any importance. They respect the Holy House more than Kings”.
Upon hearing this the king was furious. In anger he swore and declared, “ I will raze this House to the ground and have the people of this town killed!”. No sooner had the king uttered these words that blood started pouring from his mouth, nose and eyes. The blood smelt so foul that his companions moved away from him and no one would come near him. He called upon his physicians and doctors for treatment but nobody could help or treat him. His condition worsened. He could not sleep at night and kept tossing and turning with restlessness. He wanted to get treated by means and at any cost.
Amongst his entourage was a Physician who was also a God fearing Aalim as well. He came to the king, inspected him, took his pulse and said, “ Oh king, your illness is spiritual. Medicines will not work on you. Did you intend to do something bad or evil, your highness? If you did, He will pardon you and relieve you of your misery and illness if He wishes, YOU SHOULD REPENT.”
Taking the Physicians advice, the King immediately changed his evil plan to destroy the Kaa’ba and to kill the people of Makka. No sooner had he repented the foul smelling blood stopped spurting from his eyes, mouth and nose. He became completely cured. He was very happy at his recovery. He ordered a silk covering for the Kaa’ba and a gift of seven gold sovereigns and seven pieces of silk clothing for each resident of Makka.
Having recovered, he continued his tour. The entourage next reached Yathrib (Madina Munawwara). The Aalims in this group had studied THE BOOKS that had been revealed to the Prophets who had come before them. They took the soil of Madina, smelt it and looked around at the features of this Holy Land. The signs of the place, where the last Messenger of Allah (SAW) would make his Hijra to, as indicated in these Books were all present here. These Aalims were overjoyed and made a commitment to stay put in this town. They wished to live live in Madina and stated that if they were fortunate, one day they would meet the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam), but if they were not, then that the dust of the sandals of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) would land on their graves. This at least they thought, would bring them blessings and salvation.
The King, having heard Alims and counsellors, agreed to build 400 homes for them as well as a big house for the Beloved Prophet (SAW). He left instructions that when the Beloved Prophet (SAW) came to Madina, he should stay in the comfort of that house. The king then dictated a letter to his Chief Aalim and he requested him to present it to the Beloved Prophet (SAW) when he comes to Madina. He further requested that should he die before that meeting, the letter should be treasured and passed onto his children and their descendents and presented to the Beloved Prophet (SAW) whenever he came to this town. He also left enough money to provide for the needs of the 400 alms who where staying behind.
The letter was passed down from generation after generation from the Chief Aalim to his descendents. After more than a Thousand years, the number of children from the 400 Alms had greatly increased and comprised a large percentage of the inhabitants of the population of Madina.. The letter after this time came to be in the possession of Hadrat Abu AYOOB ANSARI (ra) who had given it to his Chief slave Abu Laila for safe keeping.
When the people heard that Rasulullah (SAW) was coming to Madina from Makka on his Hijra, they started making preparations for his arrival. The inhabitants decorated their houses and cleaned the streets. Each of them wanted the Beloved Prophet (SAW) to be welcomed into his house, but to overcome the problem he came up with a proposal; he would let his camel reins free and stay at the house where the camel stopped.
The camel was let loose. It went down the streets and stopped outside the house the king of Yemen had built for him. The Beloved Prophet (SAW) and the people came to this house and Abu Laila was asked to bring the letter, which he had been given for safekeeping. He appeared before the Beloved Prophet (SAW) with this letter that had been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years from King Tab’a Awwal Hamiri.
The Beloved Prophet (SAW) seeing the approaching servant asked him “ Are you Abu Laila?” Abu Laila was surprised, having his name mentioned by the Beloved Prophet (SAW) who had just come from Makka. But knew his name. The Beloved Prophet (SAW) said I am Muhammad, Rasulullah. “ I will have the king of Yemen’s letter that you have for me”.
The Beloved Prophet Sayyidina Muhammad (SAW) was presented the letter he read it and said, “ Congratulations to my pious servant Tab’a Awwal Hamiri”.
The letter from King Hamiri stated:
“ O Rasulullah, (SAW) I pledge my faith in you and in the Book that will be revealed to you and I follow the path of your religion. If I am fortunate enough to see you, it will be with great pleasure. However, if this is not possible, I would request you to intercede for me and not to forget me on the Day Of Judgement. I believe in your Risallah (Prophet hood). I seek your Bay’t in advance of your arrival. I swear that there is only one Allah and that Muhammad (SAW) is his true Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam.” (Mizanul Adyan)
The famous incident of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) letting loose the reins of his horse on arrival in Madina which is then stopped outside Hadrat Ayoob Ansari’s (ra) house is known to many, but the reason why it did so may not be. The incident illustrates the fact that the Beloved Prophet (SAW) had knowledge of the Ghaib and the authority to intercede for all people, even for those before his birth and Prophet hood, and also to decorate houses in celebration and Honour of the Beloved Prophet (SAW) is not Bid’a. The Congratulatory words uttered by the Beloved Prophet (SAW) would seem to have been directed to those he knew would come later, but would not believe in his intercession.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sa'di ... In honor of the Prophet (SAW) ...
Balagha 'l-ula bi-kamlalihi
kashafa 'l-dujja bi-jamalihi
hasunat jami'u khisalihi
sallu alayhi wa alihi
"He reached hights of perfection
he unveiled darkness through his beauty
he achieved the totality of beauty in all qualities
Peace be upon him, and his family."
kashafa 'l-dujja bi-jamalihi
hasunat jami'u khisalihi
sallu alayhi wa alihi
"He reached hights of perfection
he unveiled darkness through his beauty
he achieved the totality of beauty in all qualities
Peace be upon him, and his family."
Bruce Lee speaking on the mental attitudes of combat ... Brilliant !!
Question: What are your thoughts when facing an opponent?
Bruce: There is no opponent.
Question: Why is that?
Bruce: Because the word ''I'' does not exist. A good fight should be like a small play...but played seriously. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity... I do not hit...it hits all by itself (shows his fist). Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it.
Question: What are your thoughts when facing an opponent?
Bruce: There is no opponent.
Question: Why is that?
Bruce: Because the word ''I'' does not exist. A good fight should be like a small play...but played seriously. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity... I do not hit...it hits all by itself (shows his fist). Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Palestinian Women are Israel's Demographic Nightmare ...
By Iqbal Tamimi
Mar 5th, 2009
No condolences to apartheid Israel….yes, it has killed 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza because its fears are of a demographic nature, its army never cared what age or gender it killed, Israel’s machine was harvesting Palestinians of all ages and sizes…young and old, disabled and healthy, pregnant women and young girls, the ones resisting the occupation and the ones who are still too young to understand such expressions….. Israel’s nightmare is of a demographic scale, it is frightened to be outnumbered…so the answer was to starve people to death, stop them from receiving medication so that they would die of ‘natural causes’ then bar the media from investigating that and then knit a freshly made lie to suit its new tailored fib. Israel’s actions mean there was a terrorist in every cradle, there were tunnels turning bread to arms.
During the time Israel was feeling victorious and happy counting 1,300 massacred Palestinians in cold blood, Palestinian women retaliated by giving birth to 3,570 babies. The Palestinian woman is considered a demographic bomb, a highly fertile creature as fertile as the soil of Palestine. The more Israel sends Palestinian on a one way trip to the womb of the land, the more Palestinian women’s wombs show generosity, giving birth to more heroes.
At a time the average fertility in Israel is 2.6 babies per woman, Gaza is considered one of the most fertile in the whole wide world with an average of 6 babies per woman. Israel suffers a high percentage of senior citizens while Gaza has an abundance of youngsters and according to UNICEF’s report on the 3rd of March 2009 the total number of children in Gaza is approximately 793,520, or 56 per cent of the population (PCBS). This was one of the main reasons that forced Israel to stop its military incursions, for there are 4,170 humans per every square Kilometre in Gaza, to imagine how densely populated Gaza is, one should know that Lebanon is 29 times the area of Gaza.
This brings us back to Israel’s devious methods of trying to kill women who are considered as factories of men, without being blamed directly for that by its policies of blockades, and checkpoints where sick women or women about to give birth suffer for not being able to reach hospitals, by denying them the right to travel or import foods and medicines, by bombing their infrastructure leaving them with no water to drink or use for hygiene, by depriving them of fuel leading to total arrest of the sewage system refineries, by spraying them with chemicals from above and burning them with white phosphorus, and by killing them indirectly out of sorrow and deep grief after losing their family members especially their young ones, but as Yasser Arafat once said we Palestinians are an undefeatable nation we are ‘Shaab Aljabbareen’.
http://palestinethinktank.com/2009/03/05/iqbal-tamimi-palestinian-women-are-israels-demographic-nightmare/
Mar 5th, 2009
No condolences to apartheid Israel….yes, it has killed 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza because its fears are of a demographic nature, its army never cared what age or gender it killed, Israel’s machine was harvesting Palestinians of all ages and sizes…young and old, disabled and healthy, pregnant women and young girls, the ones resisting the occupation and the ones who are still too young to understand such expressions….. Israel’s nightmare is of a demographic scale, it is frightened to be outnumbered…so the answer was to starve people to death, stop them from receiving medication so that they would die of ‘natural causes’ then bar the media from investigating that and then knit a freshly made lie to suit its new tailored fib. Israel’s actions mean there was a terrorist in every cradle, there were tunnels turning bread to arms.
During the time Israel was feeling victorious and happy counting 1,300 massacred Palestinians in cold blood, Palestinian women retaliated by giving birth to 3,570 babies. The Palestinian woman is considered a demographic bomb, a highly fertile creature as fertile as the soil of Palestine. The more Israel sends Palestinian on a one way trip to the womb of the land, the more Palestinian women’s wombs show generosity, giving birth to more heroes.
At a time the average fertility in Israel is 2.6 babies per woman, Gaza is considered one of the most fertile in the whole wide world with an average of 6 babies per woman. Israel suffers a high percentage of senior citizens while Gaza has an abundance of youngsters and according to UNICEF’s report on the 3rd of March 2009 the total number of children in Gaza is approximately 793,520, or 56 per cent of the population (PCBS). This was one of the main reasons that forced Israel to stop its military incursions, for there are 4,170 humans per every square Kilometre in Gaza, to imagine how densely populated Gaza is, one should know that Lebanon is 29 times the area of Gaza.
This brings us back to Israel’s devious methods of trying to kill women who are considered as factories of men, without being blamed directly for that by its policies of blockades, and checkpoints where sick women or women about to give birth suffer for not being able to reach hospitals, by denying them the right to travel or import foods and medicines, by bombing their infrastructure leaving them with no water to drink or use for hygiene, by depriving them of fuel leading to total arrest of the sewage system refineries, by spraying them with chemicals from above and burning them with white phosphorus, and by killing them indirectly out of sorrow and deep grief after losing their family members especially their young ones, but as Yasser Arafat once said we Palestinians are an undefeatable nation we are ‘Shaab Aljabbareen’.
http://palestinethinktank.com/2009/03/05/iqbal-tamimi-palestinian-women-are-israels-demographic-nightmare/
Confucius ...
"Real Knowledge is to know the extent of ones ignorance"
"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it"
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated"
"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it"
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated"
This is just a reminder that the iCreate Arts and Crafts Bazaar for Gaza is less than ONE WEEK AWAY! Come out and support this unique project for a great cause!! Bring your family, bring your friends, and tell everyone around you!Purchase quality hand-made goods from local artisans and part of the proceeds will be donated towards helping victims of Gaza.
This event is in collaboration with Islamic Relief. Some of the great things you'll see are: Cards and stationary, cookies, henna art, baked goods, paintings, calligraphy, tote bags and key chains, bookmarks, chocolates and confectioneries, veneer art, printed t-shirts, children's toys, jewelry and MUCH MORE! Lots of great gift ideas!
There will also be a special kids table with face painting and balloon animals! Also a special Spoken Word performance by Jafar Alam !
Join us on Sunday March 8, 2009 from 10am to 3pm at Olive Grove School [2300 Speakman Drive, Mississauga, ON]
Visit our website at: http://www.geocities.com/icreate.bazaar/
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Many struggle in the maze of religion and religious differences. They are like dogs fighting over a bone, seeking their own selfish interests. The solution is to remember that there is only one Creator, who provides for all of us. The more we remember the One, the less the fighting....
A river passes through many countries and each claims it for its own. But there is only one river.
Truth does not change. People change. People try to possess truth and keep it for themselves, keep it from others. But you cannot own the truth.The path of sufism is the elimination of any intermediaries between the individual and God. The goal is to act as an extension, not to be a barrier.To be a dervish is to serve and to help others, not just to sit and pray. To be a real dervish is to lift up those who have fallen, to wipe the tears of the suffering, to caress the friendless and the orphaned.
-Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak
A river passes through many countries and each claims it for its own. But there is only one river.
Truth does not change. People change. People try to possess truth and keep it for themselves, keep it from others. But you cannot own the truth.The path of sufism is the elimination of any intermediaries between the individual and God. The goal is to act as an extension, not to be a barrier.To be a dervish is to serve and to help others, not just to sit and pray. To be a real dervish is to lift up those who have fallen, to wipe the tears of the suffering, to caress the friendless and the orphaned.
-Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak
Intoxicated by the Wine of Love.
From each a mystic silence Love demands.
What do all seek so earnestly? 'Tis Love.
What do they whisper to each other? Love.
Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts.
In Love no longer 'thou' and 'I' exist,
For Self has passed away in the Beloved.
Now will I draw aside the veil from Love,
And in the temple of mine inmost soul,
Behold the Friend; Incomparable Love.
He who would know the secret of both worlds,
Will find the secret of them both, is Love.
-Farid ud Din Attar
From each a mystic silence Love demands.
What do all seek so earnestly? 'Tis Love.
What do they whisper to each other? Love.
Love is the subject of their inmost thoughts.
In Love no longer 'thou' and 'I' exist,
For Self has passed away in the Beloved.
Now will I draw aside the veil from Love,
And in the temple of mine inmost soul,
Behold the Friend; Incomparable Love.
He who would know the secret of both worlds,
Will find the secret of them both, is Love.
-Farid ud Din Attar
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Killing Me Softly ... Lauryn Hill ...
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
Hi, yo yea yea. now this is wyclef refugee
el boogie up in here (doo dooo doo doo)
one time one time one time
hey yo L you know the lyrics!
I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him, and listen for a while
And there he was, this young boy, a stranger to my eyes
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters, and read each one aloud
I prayed that he would finish, but he just kept right on
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
WHaaaoooooo aoooooo whoaoaoao
lalalalalalaLALALALALALA ohohoh laaaaaa LAAAAAAA
Strumming my pain with his fingers
(yes he was) Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
strummin my pain. yeyeyeyeye :)
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
Hi, yo yea yea. now this is wyclef refugee
el boogie up in here (doo dooo doo doo)
one time one time one time
hey yo L you know the lyrics!
I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him, and listen for a while
And there he was, this young boy, a stranger to my eyes
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
I felt all flushed with fever, embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters, and read each one aloud
I prayed that he would finish, but he just kept right on
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
WHaaaoooooo aoooooo whoaoaoao
lalalalalalaLALALALALALA ohohoh laaaaaa LAAAAAAA
Strumming my pain with his fingers
(yes he was) Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly... with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly... with his song
strummin my pain. yeyeyeyeye :)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Love Quotes ...
"Once in your lifetime you will meet someone that takes your breath away, not because you want them to, but because they were meant too"
"Real Love is feeling like being a part of that person's life isn't enough. It's more like a feeling that you would live in the same skin with them if you could. Sharing every thought, heartbeat and emotion as one"
"Love is the expression of simplicity in emotion, the unattainable longing that comes so unexpectedly, with great subtlety and bliss"
"Look not for the beauty, nor the color of the skin, but look for a heart that is loyal within. For beauty fades and the skin will grow old, but a heart that is loyal, will never turn cold"
"It's not the beauty of someone you fall in love with, it's the beauty within them"
"The best Love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds"
"You don't say I Love you to hear it back, you say it so they won't forget"
"Real Love is feeling like being a part of that person's life isn't enough. It's more like a feeling that you would live in the same skin with them if you could. Sharing every thought, heartbeat and emotion as one"
"Love is the expression of simplicity in emotion, the unattainable longing that comes so unexpectedly, with great subtlety and bliss"
"Look not for the beauty, nor the color of the skin, but look for a heart that is loyal within. For beauty fades and the skin will grow old, but a heart that is loyal, will never turn cold"
"It's not the beauty of someone you fall in love with, it's the beauty within them"
"The best Love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds"
"You don't say I Love you to hear it back, you say it so they won't forget"
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