Weeping and Islam
2/2010
I have recently been engrossed in an attempt to understand the meaning of weeping
in the context of experiencing joy, grief, pain, love and yearning—all very different emotions. Through my research,
which has mostly focused on the Islamic aspects of why people weep, I have come to find deep and powerful consolation. Now,
it is sufficient for me to simply know that weeping is not “a bad thing” after all. On the contrary, it is a blessing.
Over the past few years and as I have started to come closer to the many wonders
of Islam, I have also seen some subtle but humbling changes begin to occur within my soul. To say that I have grown more sensitive
and emotional than I have ever been is certainly an understatement. When I hear or read anything even remotely connected to
Islam that inspires me to the core or triggers a vivid memory, without even consciously realizing it, I am reduced to tears.
When I pray to God or read the holy Koran, I am often in tears. When I ask something of Him that is very meaningful to me,
I tend to cry. When I hear lyrical poetry or spiritual chanting, I weep away.
It is difficult to fathom. At least I used to find it so because I was concerned that my behavior was abnormal and
that this “religious weeping”—for lack of a better term—was perhaps being prompted by situations in
my life. I would come up with theories to disprove that I could be this extremely touched by my beautiful faith alone.
It is stated that weeping as a form of expression is a great gift from God that
should be valued and nurtured. It points to our vulnerabilities being exposed to Him. It is a measure of being human, and
is enhanced by human insight and self-awareness. It is not a sign of weakness but of inner strength, resilience and perseverance.
It speaks to a higher consciousness. Shedding tears usually means that a person is exposed. Naked. Vulnerable to the extreme.
It is a passionate emotion that cements an individual’s bond with God. It is the feeling of God constantly being there
for the person in an all-encompassing way.
I only have one
power to call my own. That power is God. He protects my heart from decay and keeps it pure. If I have a deep connection with
Him, it can be nothing less than beautiful. And if this connection often tends to elicit tears, "alhamdulillah"
(all praise is due to Allah) for that.
-M
**********
Ayat-ul-Kursi
1/2010
In the holy Koran, within “surah Baqara” (“Chapter
of the Cow”), verse 255 is most beautiful and special as it is “The Verse of the Throne.”
There are numerous merits of this remarkable and great verse. It is the most excellent
and most respectable of all verses in the Koran. It mentions the name of Allah (17 times in this verse alone) more than any
other verse. It also mentions 6 attributes of Allah: Divine Oneness, His Life, His Knowledge, His Will, His Kingdom, and His
Divine Power. It is from the threshold of the “Arsh” (Throne) of Allah. It is equivalent to a quarter
of the Koran. It is greater than the skies, earth, heaven and hell.
Ayat-ul-Kursi has numerous virtues such as:
The reader
of it is protected from the evil effects of the “jinn” (invisible spirits) from morning until evening
and from evening until morning
Whoever recites it after “fard salat” (mandatory prayers) will be
protected until the next salat and only death is the barrier between the reader and “jannah” (heaven)
Reciting it and blowing upon food and drink brings many blessings on the food and drink it is blown on
When read
upon entering the home, the “shaytaan” (satan) finds it intolerable and runs from it
When read upon
going to bed, the person is protected by two angels until morning
When one reads it and blows on his possessions, the
shaytaan cannot come near the possessions
There are many more
benefits to this loftiest of ayats. By reciting it as much as possible, a person will garner immense rewards and blessings
from Allah. Insh’allah.
-M
**********
Some Beautiful Verses from the Holy Koran
(Part 2 of 2)
12/2009
Do ye not
see that Allah has subjected to your (use) all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in
exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge and without
guidance, and without a Book to enlighten them! When they are told to follow the (Revelation) that Allah has sent down, they
say: "Nay, we shall follow the ways that we found our fathers (following). "What! even if it is Satan beckoning
them to the Penalty of the (Blazing) Fire? Whoever submits his whole self to Allah, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed
the most trustworthy hand-hold: and with Allah rests the End and Decision of (all) affairs. (surah 31 Luqman)
Verily Allah knows (all) the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: verily
He has full knowledge of all that is in (men's) hearts. He it is That has made you inheritors in the earth: if, then, any
do reject ((Allah)), their rejection (works) against themselves: their rejection but adds to the odium for the Unbelievers
in the sight of their Lord: their rejection but adds to (their own) undoing. Say: "Have ye seen (these) 'Partners' of
yours whom ye call upon besides Allah. Show Me what it is they have created in the (wide) earth. Or have they a share in the
heavens? Or have We given them a Book from which they (can derive) clear (evidence)?- Nay, the wrong-doers promise each other
nothing but delusions. (surah 35 The Angels, Originator)
By
the Qur'an, full of Wisdom, Thou art indeed one of the apostles, On a Straight Way. It is a Revelation sent down by (Him),
the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. In order that thou mayest admonish a people, whose fathers had received no admonition,
and who therefore remain heedless (of the Signs of Allah). The Word is proved true against the greater part of them: for they
do not believe. We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up (and they cannot
see). And We have put a bar in front of them and a bar behind them, and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot
see. The same is it to them whether thou admonish them or thou do not admonish them: they will not believe. Thou canst but
admonish such a one as follows the Message and fears the (Lord) Most Gracious, unseen: give such a one, therefore, good tidings,
of Forgiveness and a Reward most generous. Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before
and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a clear Book (of evidence). (surah 36 Ya-sin)
Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself
of what ye worship. (I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me." (surah 43 Ornaments of Gold,
Luxury)
Do they not travel through the earth, and see what
was the End of those before them (who did evil)? Allah brought utter destruction on them, and similar (fates await) those
who reject Allah. That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector.
Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject
Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode. (surah 47 Muhammad)
We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in Six Days, nor did
any sense of weariness touch Us. (surah 50 Qaf)
And
We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line Prophethood and Revelation: and some of them were on right guidance.
But many of them became rebellious transgressors. Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles:
We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed
him Compassion and Mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded)
only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of Allah. but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on
those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors. O ye that believe! Fear
Allah, and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light
by which ye shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past): for Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(surah 57 Iron)
O ye who believe! When the call
is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business
(and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew! And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land,
and seek of the Bounty of Allah. and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper. (surah
62 The Congregation, Friday)
Say: It has been revealed
to me that a company of Jinns listened (to the Qur'an). They said, 'We have really heard a wonderful Recital! (surah 72
The Jinn, Sprites)
Has the story reached thee, of the forces-
Of Pharaoh and the Thamud? And yet the Unbelievers (persist) in rejecting (the Truth)! But Allah doth encompass them from
behind! Nay, this is a Glorious Qur'an, (Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved! (surah 85 The Mansions of the Stars, Constellations)
We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain
to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and
the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of morn! (surah 97 Power, Fate)
Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind, The King (or Ruler)
of Mankind, The Allah (for judge) of Mankind,- From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),-
(The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,- Among Jinns and among men. (surah 114 Mankind)
-M
**********
Some Beautiful Verses from the Holy
Koran (Part 1 of 2)
11/2009
In
the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful (surah 1 The Opening)
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah. Who believe in the Unseen, are
steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and
sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord,
and it is these who will prosper. (surah 2 The Cow)
We
divided them into twelve tribes or nations. We directed Moses by inspiration, when his (thirsty) people asked him for water:
"Strike the rock with thy staff": out of it there gushed forth twelve springs: Each group knew its own place for
water. We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails, (saying): "Eat of the good things We
have provided for you": (but they rebelled); to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls. (surah 7 The
Heights)
Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any
pillars that ye can see; is firmly established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his
Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that
ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. (surah 13 The Thunder)
Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from
worshipping idols. (surah 14 Abraham)
He has created
the heavens and the earth for just ends: Far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him! He has created man from
a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer! And cattle He has created for you (men): from them ye derive
warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat. And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them
home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning. And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye
could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful, And (He has created)
horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge.
(surah 16 The Bee)
O ye that are sprung from those
whom We carried (in the Ark) with Noah! Verily he was a devotee most grateful. And We gave (Clear) Warning to the Children
of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and twice would
they be punished)! When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare:
They entered the very inmost parts of your homes; and it was a warning (completely) fulfilled. Then did We grant you the Return
as against them: We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in man-power. If ye did well,
ye did well for yourselves; if ye did evil, (ye did it) against yourselves. So when the second of the warnings came to pass,
(We permitted your enemies) to disfigure your faces, and to enter your Temple as they had entered it before, and to visit
with destruction all that fell into their power. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if ye revert
(to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments): And we have made Hell a prison for those who reject (all Faith). Verily
this Qur'an doth guide to that which is most right (or stable), and giveth the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds
of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward; And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announceth)
that We have prepared for them a Penalty Grievous (indeed). (surah 17 The Night Journey)
At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing
thing hast thou brought! "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!"
But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" He said: "I
am indeed a servant of Allah. He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever
I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; "(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing
or miserable; "So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life
(again)"! Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not
befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says
to it, "Be", and it is. Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight.
(surah 19 Mary)
And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob,
and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter
(of the company) of the Righteous. (surah 29 The Spider)
-M
**********
Consciousness in Islam
10/2009
The gift of human consciousness has held
countless mysteries since the dawn of time. One of the key theological puzzles arising from the concept of consciousness is
the question of free will. Another issue deals with the moral debate concerning whether or not every human being is given
the capacity to judge right from wrong, good from bad, moral from immoral and so on. Yet another matter is how destiny is
linked to free will. The philosophy of consciousness has begged many questions over the centuries in almost all world cultures
and civilizations. Thankfully, all of these queries are addressed directly, clearly and eloquently in Islam.
Do you often wonder why people commit heinous crimes? Do you have difficulty imagining
how certain individuals are able to repeatedly carry out questionable acts throughout their lives without a moment’s
thought or a modicum of consideration? Most of you probably even wonder why such people exist in the first place.
To begin this brief discussion, it is imperative to note that Islam attaches a
succinct definition to the idea of consciousness. Understanding the definition in its entirety is the key to unlocking any
and all questions associated with this topic. Moreover, it is worth noting that consciousness and free will share the same
roots and are practically synonymous concepts.
By the grace
and kindness of Allah, who possesses knowledge of all choices
that human beings make in life, every human being is born with consciousness (which is the same as inspiration and
common sense, as all require use of one’s mental faculties). Some theologians further define it as light transmitted
through knowledge and intellectual awakening. This last can be misleading however since not all human consciousness is necessarily
good. Islam differentiates good consciousness (“nafs-e-mutminah” in Arabic) which is pure, virtuous and
moral, from bad consciousness (“nafs-e-eummarah” in Arabic) which is ill-intentioned, cruel and oppressive.
The common denominator is that human beings—in all matters over which they have control—have free will to decide
between the two, at any given point in time. The intention of selecting one over the other completely rests with the person.
If the person is ethical, values-oriented, and has integrity, he/she will almost always tend to use his/her good conscience
in daily life in order to be favored by destiny. Similarly, if the person lacks scruples, values and/or a general regard for
his/her surroundings, it is not that the person does not possess a conscience at all (since everyone has a conscience, by
definition, in Islam); this individual has a bad—even unevolved/undeveloped—conscience.
Example: I am about to take a math test. I can take the test based on studying for it or I can cheat
from someone sitting next to me in class. The choice is mine. Regardless of how I choose to take the test (whether based on
studying for it or cheating from a classmate) the score I receive on the test is pre-determined by Allah. Moreover, Allah has always possessed knowledge of what course of action I would take in this particular
instance—to not cheat or cheat.
To summarize, the
end result of each of our choices and decisions in life is pre-destined. How we arrive at the end result is a direct consequence
of free will. If one can thoroughly understand this rational concept, then the jump from having free will to being tested
for our actions in this life, on the Day of Judgment, is the logical next step.
Human beings consciously and subconsciously exercise free will all the time, often times without even applying critical
thought. There is a constant “Y” in almost everything we do—we can go in one direction (travel along one
branch of the “Y”) or the other (travel along the other branch of the “Y”)—or the “Y”
can stem many more branches that we can travel along! Save for matters over which we have no control or extremely limited
control, we are almost always given choices to select from in order to arrive at a particular result. This result is, without
a doubt, pre-destined by Allah. Since divine destiny ("qadar" in Arabic) is one of the articles of faith
for Muslims, it is advised to constantly ask Allah for His guidance in everything we do. Since no human being is perfect,
it is also advised to constantly ask Allah to give us the capacity to make good decisions in life and be good human beings
overall.
Barring very small children or people with mental and/or
physical disabilities, every human being has the capacity to either be a conscientious member of society or dispassionate
and remain in a constant state of spiritual darkness. The choice is up to the individual. If a person chooses to make moral
decisions, he/she can further grow his conscience to become even more empathetic in general while simultaneously achieving
great closeness to Allah. The rewards for good thoughts and deeds in this life are numerous in the Hereafter, as promised
by our Creator.
-M
**********
Gratitude
9/2009
I am grateful to say that my life is never dull or tranquil at any given moment.
My mind is constantly and effortlessly laboring away, driving to some unknown destination that only it can decipher. I tend
to reflect and spend time dwelling on things that may not be worth all that much time or attention to begin with. Call it
a quirk. Today’s events may have fallen into this very same “quirky” category, but I will venture to say
that, they were unique, interesting, profound and, most importantly, spiritually satisfying. For the rest of the day, they
played on my mind like some cerebral tape recorder that keeps rewinding and redirecting the same clips over and over again.
I was given a beautiful and expensive gift a few years ago
for which I had lost all enthusiasm after a while. The truth is, for a good length of time now, it had been sitting at the
back of one of my closets gathering dust. In an effort to put it to some good use, I had vowed to God last year that I would
donate it to one of the local masjids so that, in turn, it could be given in charity to a needy person instead of continuing
to be “The Forgotten Icon of the Gathering Dust!”
Months
went by and then some more months elapsed. The beautiful and expensive gift continued to sit in the closet without receiving
a second’s thought. Then arrived Ramadan just a month ago, and I declared to finally do something about it. After calling
some masjids, I realized that taking the trust, responsibility and burden of passing on the ownership of the gift from me
to a third party was not a notion the masjid hierarchy was comfortable with. I completely understood their perspective.
Today, in this quest to give the gift away, I went to one of the masjids local
to me, and after zuhr prayers, proceeded to ask the masjid elders for names and phone numbers—if they could divulge
this information—of anyone who was experiencing financial hardship, so that I could give away my gift to them. I was
given a name, phone number and address of a person. Those present in the masjid all declared that they knew the young lady
and that if anyone was in a dire situation in life, she was the role model for it.
I called in advance to make sure that the girl—a Burmese widow with two young daughters—was home
before asking to stop by. She barely spoke English but was able to give me directions to her home which was not too far away.
She was waiting outside as I parked my car. Her daughters were in school. The house itself was dilapidated and small but,
as I soon realized, her living quarters, which took the back corner of the basement, consisted merely of a very tiny room
in which she and her daughters slept, an old, 60s-style refrigerator parked just outside the room, a very tight kitchen that
was shared with another tenant, and a bathroom so tiny that it barely allowed a person to turn around without bumping into
one of the fixtures.
The room she shared with her daughters
was a mere “hole in the wall” and, with the simple, queen-sized bed taking up three-quarters of the space, there
was barely any walking space. Moreover, the ceiling and walls had spots of mold, and the ceiling itself was so low that once
or twice I feared that my head would go through it if I stood straight. I was appalled, ashamed and extremely saddened to
absorb the reality that was staring me in the face. I have heard of poverty, read about it and seen it depicted plenty of
times on the news and in movies, but never like this. Here I was, firsthand witnessing abject poverty in all its poignant,
depressing and hopeless colors.
The girl herself was tiny in
stature and bone-thin. She wore a simple sweatshirt, a pair of pajamas and a hijab (head scraf). Through her broken English,
I was somehow able to gather together words and phrases and piece them into a somewhat coherent picture. She came to
the United States about a year ago on terms of political asylum. Her husband of seven years was murdered, leaving her with
two daughters and no one to look after them. She gets by on government assistance and people who give her aid knowing her
desperate situation. She is 23 years of age.
A ray of sunshine
through all of this: Despite the condition of her living space, practically every inch of her room is decorated with Koranic
verses and the like. There is a small, 80s-style TV and a VCR, squeezed into one corner. Next to them are more Islamic decorations.
Also, though she is young and has a delicate manner about her, the hardships of life have not diminished the glorious smile
on her face which played the entire time she and I talked. Her calm manner, quiet dignity and resolute attitude spoke volumes.
She is going to get through these tough times. She has placed full faith in God to help her along. I was overcome with admiration,
emotion and a strong urge to protect. I left my phone number with her and advised that if she needed anything else, she was
to feel no shyness in calling me. I know that the winter months can be severe, so I mentioned that I would go through my closets
and see what I could give her.
A few hours after returning home,
I received a phone call from her thanking me for my kindness, asking God’s blessings to be showered on me and stating
that she would always keep me in her prayers. Moreover, she was very sweet by extending the invitation to cook Burmese cuisine
or clean my home one day, as a gesture of thanks, but I politely refused. I had tears in my eyes at this point. I told her
that her phone call was not even necessary but that it was appreciated and “thank you” enough for me.
Reflecting upon this wonderful experience today, I am left to ponder how many times
we go out of our way to extend gestures of kindness on a daily basis, to strangers and loved ones alike, yet those gestures,
more often than not, go unnoticed, unappreciated or both. It isn’t that we are selfish beings who constantly expect
gratitude for gratitude’s sake, but when someone extends that gratitude genuinely and from the bottom of their heart,
you begin to realize just how rare it is and how wonderful it can make you feel.
-M
**********
Ramadan
8/2009
Ramadan is a month of reflection, inner peace and discipline. On a daily basis,
we experience the joy of worldly living. We, in the here and now, are tied to our daily routines, thoughts, duties and responsibilities
related to life. We don’t often pay attention to faith. But we tend to forget that this earthly existence is merely
a passing, transitory phase. Our ultimate goal should be to lead a life in accordance with the principles of God so that we
may prepare for “real” life for eternity and hope to enter jannat/Heaven.
The beauty of Ramadan is that, though we reach deeper within ourselves in search of answers that we can’t typically
find in our everyday lives, this holiest of months forces us to introspect and, in doing so, allows us to continue seeking
truth not just during Ramadan but much more frequently than that. We tend to think more selflessly during Ramadan, we focus
on charity and helping fellow humankind, we give thanks to God for all that He has blessed us with.
The essence of Ramadan is a beautiful gift from God.
“It
is said that when you take only one step toward Him, He advances ten steps toward you. But the complete truth is that God
is always with you.” –Muhammad PBUH
-M
**********
History
7/2009
During the rapture
of life that never ceases to demand undivided focus on all things pertaining to our immediate five senses, take a moment to
step away from the here and now and reflect on what internal currents have converged to make you the person you are. Who are
you? What forces have shaped you, giving you a clear, distinct blueprint unique only to yourself?
My father, in great familial pride, tells tales of his ancestors who recounted tales of their own
ancestors in turn—tales consisting of almost mythical characters, cast in lush village settings, who dared to dream
or be different or leave a distinct mark in their communities. Some of the anecdotes are quite simple—comical, sad or
bemusing. My maternal grandmother told tales of her own consisting of her colorful ancestors and their fascinating stories.
Other relatives did the same. From days of centuries past, ancestors have invariably passed down these same stories in addition
to newer ones, transforming them into grand myth. The stories are always shared with such gusto that one is unable to tell
present apart from the past regardless of how “old” that past may be. It leaves us to wonder about ourselves and
ponder how future generations will view us. What will future generations say about who we were? What tales will they tell
and in what form will they be conveyed?
I think
that, with minor deviations, people in the same set of families share similar personality, and maybe even physical, traits.
Have you ever been told how closely you resemble your maternal great-aunt or an uncle who died at a very young age? Have you
been chided for sharing rebellious tendencies with an ancestor of a few generations ago who also happened to display a few
more traits in common with you? The apple certainly does not fall far from the tree, as the famous cliché goes!
Knowledge feeds you strength. Knowledge of your personal
background is empowering and bestows a new breed of confidence that you never thought you had. It gives you control of your
destiny and makes you master of your personal universe. Moreover, it gives you a sense of being, a sense of security and a
sense of belonging in this world. More than anything else, it guides you to reflect, learn and become an even better person
than you are today.
Acquiring knowledge and
learning about your ancestors is a start on the journey to finding yourself. Your history, much like a timeless ghost that
guides like a shadow through life, is your personal DNA. Take comfort in knowing that there is no other person in this world
quite like you as no other person possesses the same ancestry and family background as you do.
-M
**********
The Color Mystique
6/2009
Colors are extraordinarily special. They not only capture and enhance the visual
experience but also go a long way in defining our memories. Our minds attach meaning to color. Like looking through a pair
of binoculars and appreciating every minute detail, colors enable us to distinctly reconcile objects and thoughts with our
senses. They are central to our existence.
Ever since I was
a child, I have loved the color red. It has held strong, mystical fascination for me. It is a vibrant, bold, daring, jolting,
flavorful color that offers depth and a chance for the curious observer to associate it with the core of humanity. It signifies
red embers of flame. It embodies certainty and signifies truth. Roses are red. Chilies are red. The curtain that befalls us
upon closing our eyes is red. It is simply gorgeous.
Pink emanates
tenderness. It is a soft color that neither screams nor is worthy of being disregarded. Lighter shades of pink are like small
puffs of autumn breath mingling with lilac scent. Darker shades constitute a daring nature. Soft. Neutral. Surreal.
When I think of yellow, I am taken back to my childhood when making lemonade from
fresh lemons was the most fun activity of all. Lemon cake is yellow. Vanilla custard is yellow. Cheesecake is yellow. The
angelic glow of early day is yellow. Stars and comets blazing through our universe are yellow. The life force of our solar
system—the sun—is yellow. Dandelions and sunflowers are yellow. Spring is yellow.
Oranges are sweet. I always associate the color orange with renewal and regeneration. It is the color of deep sky
upon dawn and the color of tiger lilies. It is a milder red that signifies life’s simplest of pleasures. It is rust.
Brick. Sandstorm in a smoldering dessert. Earth. Never under-stated and always fun.
The one color that means many things to me and changes meaning just as time changes course so often is the color
green. It is Mother Nature. Earth. Life. Goodness. Energy. Health. Benevolence. It is the soul of land.
Blue and any shade of this color hold a light, airy quality that guides us through
a multitude of nuances. It is the color of water, wind, and sky. It is the color of creation. Blue is the yearning for revival.
Transcendent. Elusive. Hopeful.
Imagine our lives without the
splash of color within it. We are left to ponder if this is even remotely possible.
-M
**********
Angels
5/2009
They are light. Literally. As God’s esteemed creations, they exist only and
only to carry out His command. They do not have free will. They can do no wrong. This is the Islamic belief on these most
impressive of God’s creations. Belief in the existence of angels is one of the six articles of faith for Muslims. In
addition to having faith in God, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day and Predestination as an action of God, Muslims must
also believe in Angels.
The world of angels is both fascinating
and mysterious. Real and sublime. They are made of light and, consistent with mythical belief, in fact do have wings
that can range into the thousands in number. Their wings are strong and can span vast horizons.
"Praise be to God, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, who made the angel messengers
with wings - two, or three, or four (pairs) and adds to Creation as He pleases: for God has power over all things." (Surah
Fatir, 35-1)
Angels can take on different forms. The archangel
Jibrail, also known as Gabriel, appeared to Prophet Muhammad PBUH often times in the form of a man when revealing the holy
Koran. Likewise, in the form of a man, Jibrail appeared to Maryam to announce that she will have a virgin birth.
There are many angels of God. Some of the more notable ones in the Koran are Jibrail,
Mikail, Azrael, Israfil, Maalik, Harut and Marut. Each is distinct. Each is assigned unique responsibility.
"Everything in the heavens and every creature on earth prostrates to Allah,
as do the angels. They are not puffed up with pride. They fear their Lord above them and do everything they are ordered to
do." (Surah an-Nahl, 49-50)
“The angels
descend on those who say, 'Our Lord is Allah,' and then go straight. 'Do not fear and do not grieve but rejoice in the Garden
you have been promised. We are your protectors in the life of this world and the hereafter. You will have there all that yourselves
could wish for. You will have there everything you demand. Hospitality from the One who is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'”
(Surah Fussilat, 30-32)
Angels are magnificent. Pure. Inspirational.
Light.
-M
**********
Humility
4/2009
Being humble is certainly one quality that permeates almost every aspect of life.
It guides our behavior and dictates our subconscious responses to the world. It is a trait that often tends to affect other
traits that create our unique individual personalities. Being humble denotes knowing your soul and having a healthy relationship
with yourself.
No thanks to the current global recession, I
am seeing a lot more homeless people on the streets of large and small cosmopolitan areas. In fact, during my daily morning
ritual quick-stop to my favorite coffee shop before heading to work, I often see an elderly, bearded and disheveled homeless
man steadfastly planted on one of the sofas there, a blanket spread out over his frail body as he clutches a re-used cup of
coffee. There is always a distant, sad look in his eyes which often makes me wonder about his personal story. Could he simply
be a lazy, aimless man who doesn’t know what to do with his life? Could he have been a victim of the current economic
situation? Is this a temporary state for him or a permanent one? Does he have family to support? These are some questions
that run through my mind each time I glance in his direction. Regardless, he is visibly humbled by his situation and that
in itself is humbling to see.
Nowadays you commonly hear news
of people who, despite having had lucrative careers in their respective industries, are surviving from paycheck to paycheck,
barely able to make ends meet—and these are the lucky ones. Most are newly unemployed or on the verge of receiving the
potential wrath of the downsizing wizard. In this scenario, these people have been humbled at the hands of our fragile economy.
Add to the current state of the economy other areas of our lives and even daily
situations that impact us emotionally and socially, and you have a complete and highly intriguing list of opportunities afforded
us that either force humility on us or encourage the seeds of humility to be planted firmly in the hopes of invoking introspection.
Moreover, as we grow wiser, more often than not, we benefit by learning from other peoples’ experiences and are humbled
by them.
Whether forced by circumstances or by your personal
nature, being humble teaches you to be thankful for the world around you. It forces you to value other people and their unique
situations. It also ultimately forces you to appreciate you own status and struggles in life.
-M
**********
Significant and Impactful Life Experiences
3/2009
Ever since I can remember, my family has relocated often due to my dad’s
career. As a result, I have had the privilege of experiencing new environments and people wherever I went. It wasn’t
that I found it difficult to start from scratch at each new place we lived in or new school I attended. In fact, I recall
that, at the time, my parents would often discuss the ‘un-ideal’ circumstances of our somewhat gypsy-like lifestyle
and its impact on us. However, from my perspective, the experience of relocating was always a thrilling new adventure to eagerly
look forward to. Though it wasn’t by choice that I changed schools every few years or bid farewell to friends often,
I somehow always managed to integrate and make a bevy of new friends at each new place. Each bend in the road of life was
full of exciting nuances.
It has been over two decades since
my family and I last relocated so, although I am grateful for the stability of life that my parents provided for me and my
siblings, I also appreciate my past, going from place to place and having to start over each time. Those years resonate with
me in my adulthood as, though there haven’t been instances of relocation for a significant length of time now, I do
find myself being flexible in establishing, with ease, new connections with my surroundings and people, anywhere and at any
time.
Throughout our transitory lifestyle and to this day,
my family has never diverged from the strong bond we have shared all along. Given our many relocation adventures together,
my parents and siblings have remained constants in my life. If the whole world abandoned me at any given point in time, I
know that the comforting arms of my family will always continue to give me perspective. My family is my safe zone.
When I reflect on those gypsy years, I thank my parents for making my life a little
tougher and more spontaneous than that of my siblings, especially so as I am the eldest of siblings. They subconsciously made
me appreciate my surroundings and the people I was around. They gave me the courage to empathize, be kind, be a leader and
“think outside the box.” Without even realizing it, they have given me these beautiful gifts which I will cherish
forever.
Over the years, I have grown more confident and extroverted
each day due to the extraordinary lifestyle my family and I led. I am not only very comfortable now, in my adulthood, in meeting
fascinating new people from all walks of life but also in giving them encouragement, hope and a reason to believe that there
is sunshine in everyone’s life; we just have to identify it and enjoy it for as long as we live.
Socrates once stated, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” There
is something to be said for life experiences both great and small. They create us, mold us and provide us with the foundation
for becoming who we are. They are to be appreciated and treasured for eternity.
-M
**********
Alcohol Consumption and the Power
of Faith
2/2009
There are some
intrinsic beliefs that we hold so sacred that no matter how much we may attempt to understand or justify them in some cosmically
mysterious way, they continue to remain deeply rooted within us. Such, for me, is the matter of alcohol and drinking.
Despite being raised in a traditional family that frowns upon drinking, like any
child growing up in American suburbia curious about what teenagers are trying and incorporating as social norms within their
lives, I too began investigating the "mystery behind the bottle" (as I like to call it) back in the day.
Wide-eyed with curiosity and eager to test it myself, I remember taking an extremely
cautious, slow and small sip of beer at a friend's high school graduation party one particular time. I spit it out in
haste and wondered why everyone was so crazy about the stuff. It tasted not just bad but BAD, so why was everyone so into
it?
I didn't give the issue much thought after that until,
during my junior or senior year in college (can't recall exactly when), a friend decided to take us for a taste of something
“stronger” one fine day. I remember that the three of us sat at a table while our lead, "expert" friend
decided to order vodka for us. All I remember is being served in a toy-sized tall cup that held a quarter of the deep amber-colored
liquid within it. Again, just like a few years prior when I had taken a sip of beer at a friend's graduation party, I
took a tiny, careful sip of the liquid and ended up vomiting on the floor.
Many say that alcohol is an acquired taste. Personally, ever since the day when I had the misfortune to attempt vodka,
I never cared to be further interested in it. To this day, I have not had alcohol other than during those two instances in
my life. For me, the concern extends far beyond the simple matter of taste.
My reasoning for shunning alcohol may seem complicated but is, ultimately and ironically, very simple: It is forbidden
in Islam. One may argue that there are many actions, things and thoughts that are forbidden in Islam so why not adhere to
those more than singling out this particular element? To this, as a logical and rational human being, I say that though I
may not be an ideal Muslim in some other ways, as no singular human being is perfect, I had vowed never to touch an alcoholic
drink in my life.
In no uncertain terms, alcohol causes evil
and, since there is a logical reason for everything in Islam, there is a reason behind the prohibition of alcohol as well.
One doesn't need to go further than some basic everyday situations that take place in this world to see what effects alcohol
has on daily life. It is because of these very same reasons that Islam prohibits alcohol consumption.
We are blessed to be living in a modern society that tolerates much and has blessed us with many opportunities and
new perspectives that the Old World, from where our ancestors hail, did not. Unfortunately, this society also tolerates numerous
vices, one of which includes drinking. Alcohol is an equal opportunity destroyer. It makes (mentally and physically) weak
of the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the powerful and the sane.
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug causing a widespread disease called alcoholism that is chronic, progressive and often
fatal. It debilitates in numerous ways.
At an elemental level,
it causes addiction that leads to the disintegration of the family unit through physical and mental abuse and violence. This
in turn leads to alcoholics needing treatment and the need for alcohol rehabilitation centers. Furthermore, if and when an
alcoholic is no longer a functioning member of society, society involuntarily assumes responsibility for one more person not
contributing to the fundamental growth of the economy and society as a whole.
Alcohol treatment requires local and state facilities, the funds for which can be utilized effectively elsewhere
if there was a lack of this epidemic or (even in the best-case scenario) the epidemic was not widespread. Along the same lines,
as mass alcohol consumption causes cirrhosis of the liver, hospitals must consider this expense with respect to added budgeting
in order to effectively incorporate medical treatment to their programs.
Drunk driving is the greatest cause of driving injuries and deaths in this country. What is sad is that each driving-related
injury or death is completely avoidable.
Alcohol consumption
slows brain functionality. Though the effects of a slow mind may not be apparent immediately, the results progressively worsen
with continued consumption over time.
Alcohol is a drug that,
once it takes control of a person’s mind, makes the person vulnerable to anything (and I do mean ANYTHING). It leads
to improper, shameful behavior as well as, on a more serious level, sexual misbehaviors of various kinds.
I have a pronounced set of standards and expectations of myself. I am my own worst
critic. I am not a perfect human being by any means, but I feel that if I can avoid alcohol consumption by not yielding to
societal pressures and simultaneously not compromise my social circles, others can just as easily do so as well. It is simply
a matter of willpower and prayer in your heart to Allah.
It
is easy to “blend in” and succumb to societal pressures. It is easy to subconsciously experience an “inferiority
complex” of sorts and to “go with the flow”. It is easy to think that a vice such as alcohol consumption
is not just a given but a desired societal norm.
Help change
these trends. Help change society for the better. Help this world become a better place for us and for generations to come.
Develop and maintain a high level of self-esteem and confidence. Develop a feeling of being self-assured and in control of
your actions at all times. Have faith in Allah and constantly ask Him for His guidance. Be a leader. Take a stand. Set a new
trend, a new standard, a new limit.
Love of Allah and self-love
will do wonders for you.
-M
**********
Love
1/2009
It is purely
a state of mind. Some even say it is an illusion. Each individual perceives it differently, and there certainly is no magic
formula to it. Regardless, for those of us who hold true to the eternal ideals of love and romance, it is one of the purest
qualities that human beings are blessed to potentially experience in their lives.
Clearly, there are various
types and degrees of the feeling that is called love. The love of parents for their children is different from spiritual love.
Loving our favorite pets is different still from the concept of romantic love.
With due respect to the annual
tradition called Valentine’s Day, which is just a few weeks away, let us focus this discussion specifically on love
of the romantic nature…
A friend recently declared that those who possess the capacity to love are
blessed. It seems that, as we glide through the unpredictable tide of life, growing, changing and learning about ourselves
and about human nature, we experience the duality of becoming stronger and more confident in ourselves and the world surrounding
us. But, while we are more sure of ourselves after each episode of disillusionment, betrayal or distrust, most argue that
a person generally tends to become much more reluctant, reserved and suspicious when at the gates of potentially loving once
again.
Love is a double-edged sword. There are two natural possibilities.
One can dive
into the clear waters of love selflessly, risking potential hurt at some point during the relationship. In the worst-case
scenario, this kind of situation can and often will lead to the end of a relationship. Love begins to seem dark and threatening.
The person will experience phases of sadness, anger and frustration. He/she will lash out at the world for what it has caused
this person to experience. The feeling is that of heartbreak.
The other possibility, of course, is giving
oneself selflessly in love and achieving ever-lasting happiness, contentment and the feeling of being whole with the other
person. Love overshadows one’s life in every way. It makes life worth living. It, in fact, is the highest of ideals.
Ironically, it is an extreme rarity in this day and age. Everyone hopes to find true love in life but very few actually experience
it.
In my view, one’s heart is one of the greatest gifts from God. We all have it. Do we all feel with
it? Some more so than others. While I am a believer in taking cautious steps when giving your heart away, I also believe in
continued optimism, hope and the power of faith in God to help us achieve true love. It takes time to nurture and develop
a sacred bond that blossoms into love but, unless a person is positive and genuinely open to finding love, it remains an ideal
that most fail to attain.
-M
**********
Class
12/2008
Imagine being in the midst of the holiday crowd on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
shopping to your heart’s content and soaking in cottonball flurries on a crisp winter night. Your fellow shoppers, bundled
up to the nines, are enjoying the night atmosphere as much as you are. The difference is that, while you may feel a modicum
of guilt splurging on the latest Cole Haan leather evening clutch, a pair of Gucci sandals from this season’s collection
or the most fashionable Escada jacket, perhaps some of the much wealthier crowd of shoppers may not. While you may consciously
give the haggardly beggar on the corner sidewalk near Trump Tower a passing thought or even a quick glance as you make your
way to one of the trendy side cafes, others used to the daily hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue may not.
Am
I saying that kindness, compassion and empathy are the sole contributing elements that define a classy personality? Certainly
not. As I would argue, class is innate and cannot be learned—to a great extent anyway! It is a gross misconception that
people who are generally decent, giving and respectful are defined to be classy.
One may be perfectly generous
of spirit and financial resources but may treat others with complete disregard and disrespect. Consider someone of some political
and/or community influence who has risen to power through his/her connections in order to gain ultimate success yet abuses
that power in the name of recognition and importance. Is that person innately classy? Absolutely not. In fact, as I have so
keenly observed, people in positions of power are especially prone to abusing their influence for personal gain while simultaneously
being perceived as classy, sophisticated and elegant. Unless such individuals are exposed, others wrongly continue to perceive
them as—in a manner of speaking—saintly.
Class, in my unique book of standards, has as much
to do with uniqueness of personality with regards to how one thinks and behaves, how one carries himself/herself, and how
one perceives the world in general, as with how one cares to be perceived. A person’s upbringing is greatly reflected
in his/her character which in turn is an essential part of his/her overall defining personality. The factor of class is therefore
not so much learned as it is inherent; it is a product of a person’s environment and influences while growing up through
mostly the childhood and adolescent years. It is an intangible quality that can neither be bought not taken away. This is
the eternal beauty of a classy person.
My mother is the standard for class in my eyes. Audrey Hepburn was
the epitome of class. Jackie O. was stylishly classy. The founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was a classy leader. Barack
Obama is a refreshing representation of class in the superpower leadership arena today. Prophet Muhammad PBUH was an undoubtedly
inspiring, magnanimous and classy personality.
Class is an unusually rare quality to possess in today’s
world. Those who are fortunate enough to be termed classy are indeed the proverbial diamonds in the rough. They have enormous
wisdom, confidence, and appeal. They are sensitive, compassionate, honest and sincere. They are true to themselves, to others
and to God. They approach life artistically and with great surety of mind. They are vivacious, courageous, charismatic and
positive. They are kind and generous. They are stylish. They are the trendsetters of society. In a nutshell, they are in a
category of their own. To sum it up in one simple but powerful sentence, as Ann Landers once eloquently stated, “Class
is the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life.”
-M
**********
Genuineness
11/2008
When we use the word “genuine” in describing others, often times, words such as sincere, true and
authentic immediately come to mind. The word is so commonly used that we tend to overlook all the essential ingredients it
is composed of. Moreover, surprisingly, ongoing observation dictates that the quality of being genuine is fast dwindling in
our society.
Just the other evening, I was strolling along the quaint, old New England town of downtown Princeton,
and happened to notice a plump girl of no more than ten or twelve years of age holding a tin can, asking passersby to donate
pocket change towards the local Thanksgiving food drive. Though she managed to collect a fair number of coins and dollar bills,
she also received some not-so-nice snickers and fun-poking grins.
The irony of the scene struck me as a descriptive
straight out of a nineteenth-century novel of Dickens’ London. Here is a young girl who is doing a kind deed for those
less fortunate while others walking by, some more than three or four times her age, possessing not mere age but wisdom as
well—or so we would think—are not only dropping money into her tin can but gawking at her obese frame while doing
so. Sad.
Likewise, in the name of helping those from within one’s community achieve similar goals,
those attempting to help are often times more concerned selfishly with what they will get in turn rather than the sheer joy
of assisting another human being for no personal gain whatsoever. Sometimes without realizing it, some of us seem to constantly
be competing with others for that which we believe we do not possess—tangible and intangible qualities/things included.
Sad.
Sad indeed! It is a sad reality of our world that while there was a great deal more genuineness during
the times of our Prophet Muhammad PBUH and prophets that preceded him, this very same quality—a highly desirable quality
in the eyes of God and other human beings—is fast disappearing and becoming a thing of the past.
People
who are sincere and inherently good, whose actions match their deeds, and who do good works, form the basis of a healthy,
well-functioning society. All good qualities have the capacity to spread exponentially through example. Genuineness too is
contagious. Being genuine in today’s society is a unique and beautiful quality that is respected and emulated by others,
and rewarded by God. Do not let time, or lack of it, dictate your ability to be genuine, and always strive to be genuine in
your actions, words and thoughts as much as possible.
-M