Selfless or Selfie

You have read the news headlines lately “Court hears details of shots that killed Reeva”, “Girl who survived brutal attack, dies”, “New uncertainty about missing Malaysian plane”, “Robbers get 30 years” – Sorry, sad reading.

Crime is nothing new, but the alarming rate at which it is increasing is scary. On self-examination many of us will pause momentarily and show our disgust at all of this. Very good – at least there is some feeling and emotion showing that our values have not been depleted totally. Few really care and show a keen interest and get involved. Others cannot be bothered by the detail as it is too far removed from themselves.

It is of course no secret that our own self-absorption causes us to not reflect on these situations enough. How will we know what is enough. – Aah – therein lies the issue. Until and unless we start to know ourselves, our very beings, the reason how and why we created, everything seems trivial. An atheist once argued that he does not need religion to have values. This is true to an extent, but then how does one define values. Values that shows little concern for another can that really be considered a value ; not stealing (and the implied honesty) can be considered a value, but is that not necessarily an inherent value because there is a law that prohibits stealing. So in a way, there is agreement that laws must exist.

But human laws have changed over time and as such lawlessness has become the order of the day. The penal system in itself is weak, but that is because the “value” system attaches more value to the rights of the individual than to that of society.

So you and I don’t really care – because we differ on whose value system is right. A value system indeed, guided by the whims and fancies of small, but yet seemingly powerful groups. This value system is diluted because we don’t know who we are. So let me belt it out – we were created from dust, we are mere nothings who have been given status only by our Creator. We forget that and behave as if we are self-made and we forget that we will one day return to our Creator.

We turn our back to His laws, or we twist His laws, we rewrite His laws as it suits us so that we may fit into society and claim our little bit of popularity. We dress shamelessly, we speak shamelessly and our promiscuous selves act shamelessly believing there is no beginning and no end to our fun. We forget we come from dust. Yes! Applying that make up after you were fashioned in the best of ways both inside and out – but you applied the paint on the outside and the inside become rusted. The inside where the value system is supposed to be nurtured has become a rust bucket.

There is hope yet, but first we have to clear our thoughts and words of superiority like, ”who died and made you God”, “Who gave you the right to speak to me”, “you tell me to dress like this while you have that problem”, etc ,etc. Bite your tongue and find the tonic to clear that rusted heart. It is easy for those who want to be selfless and not preparing to take another selfie.

Our most Merciful Creator has created chance after chance for us to improve ourselves internally. Let’s not be fake – show gratefulness to Him by acting on it. You are better than you look or are trying to look.

 

 

 

 

Amends

in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful

I have so much to say but why won’t you listen and when you have to speak then you rather stay quiet

But behind the scenes you scheme and the real character emerges as you plan a riot

Broken bones and broken dishes these can be fixed although this one is more serious than that

I noticed that you are quite adept at that when you swoop at speed faster than an eyelid can bat

So the heart is all broken as you inflict pain when you take away that which is most beloved

For it is in your jealousy and deep selfishness that everything meaningful you wish to covet

You walk away without a shred of shame because for another you feel no pain

Arrogance in your walk for those who care to observe as another relationship you toss down the drain

Sadly, blind are those around you or may be not, but definitely their minds and tongues are numb

You have certainly been at it many-a-time but know that to your dirty tricks we will not succumb

You lie and cheat, and so much more, but one thing is for sure that you memory is short

While your protectors here may soon be gone you have given that no thought

But you do believe, even though you may only say it, that there is yet a life to come

And for the good people they will most definitely be entered into a place so awesome

If in any way they fall short to achieve this entry into this place called paradise

You will be called upon to pay your debt for all the harm you brought upon them and lies

Time is ticking away at a rapid pace and can you not picture your white shroud being prepared

Why then not hasten to repent and make amends before one of us is really dead.

The Tyrant

 In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful

You have heard the story of Pharoah – Oh what a tyrant he was – then you heard about this one and that one – all these tyrants who oppressed many a people. So you may curse them for those who rule and spread corruption in the land, are cruel and unjust to their people – may be cursed because these oppressed people have nothing else left but their silent thoughts and prayers.

And you think smugly – they, the tyrants, are deserved of that. And you think that you are free of any blame. So you believe you are not a tyrant – because? You are not a tyrant because you do not rule over people? Then perhaps you should look into the mirror and check your thoughts – are you feeling of superiority for what you see?  Take a look at your family and see whether there is any fear for you from them? Go outside and see who do you relate to best of your neighbours and why?

But then – look at all the people that you interact with or that you perhaps need to interact with and ask yourself – have I taken any of their rights – Have I taken someone’s inheritance? Have I caused some people to hate others only because of some differences or that they were blessed with more (in any way or form) than I am? Have I been hypocritical in my affairs such that deep down I plan the downfall of another?

Am I a tyrant?

The world is filled with tyrants at all levels and most of us are unaware that we may bear some of those traits. Tick tock the time flies by. We have added to family problems, to societal problems and these become global problems – are we not guilty?

A great man – Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him - said: By the one in whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you submit, and you will not submit until you love one another. Greet each other with peace and you will love one another. Beware of hatred, for it is the razor. I do not say it shaves hair, but rather it shaves away the religion.
Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 260, Grade: Hasan

So spread goodness and slay the monster and tyrant from within. If you do not do so perhaps time will pass you by until you get into a situation like Pharaoh did as related in Quran: “
And We took the children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said: "I believe that none has the right to be worshipped bu) He, in whom the children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allah's Will)."

Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before and you were one of the mufsideen (evildoers, corrupts, etc.). So this day We shall deliver your dead body out from the sea that you maybe a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among mankind are heedless or our Ayah (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). (Ch 10:90-92 Quran)

Superiority causes hatred but likewise does inferiority – rather remember we are all the children of Adam and he was made from dust. Spread love amongst one another, seek pardon and bite your tongue rather than spread tales and gossip.

Love and Peace

 
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the especially Merciful

The sharpness of the blade is felt as it penetrates his back. He did not see his attacker yet he knew too well who he is. He did not expect that his attacker would stoop so low. There were many skirmishes and sparring sessions before but this was a step too far. They have grown a little older and a sense of maturity was expected of them all. That a sense of dialogue that needs to maintained to iron out any little issue that may arise. But the transgressor must believe that either the victim has the same ulterior motives as him or that perhaps the goodness of the victim already puts the transgressor on the back foot. He pounces, a strong hit as the blade penetrates, then, a twist to finally put the matter to rest. No one can survive that.

And so the transgressor thinks to himself: “Yes, victory at last and no one to dispute with me now. I am the king and have no concern about my tyrannical nature. I have my way to avoid being brought to account because simply put “there were no witnesses”. And it is quite clear that no one will dare challenge me. I have even before taken out the then mighty. Today everyone lives by my rules and shall bow down to me”

And such is life that in families, friendships, groups and communities there are always those who seek the glory. They will lie, betray, backstab and use whatever means possible to attain their goals. They forget too quickly that one day they will be brought to account before our Creator and will face the penalty that day.

So, let us check ourselves that we have not harmed another even like the brothers of Joseph (pbuh) or that we have not cast a stone at another. It is not too late to ask for forgiveness both from your Creator and your victim. As time ticks by, it becomes all the more difficult for when your “victim” is lying on his deathbed, do you expect him then to have the capacity to forgive you?

I say firstly to myself and then to you – that whatever harm we may have done – today I ask for pardon and wish to never repeat any such evil. I say to you, that the harm you caused me, the words of Joseph (Pbuh) to his brothers “today there is no blame on you” – I have forgiven you.

I pray that we spread goodness - that we spread peace – that we spread love.

Fusion of Hearts

 In the name of Allah, most Gracious Most Merciful

I proposed to you on a day when I did not know you
Yet in a few minutes I saw in you the future of us two
That together we will face the challenges the world may offer
Many may think we hide a treasure in some magic coffer

But it is the meeting of the minds and the fusing of the hearts
A magical place where seeds are planted and true love starts
The goal is simple to live with respect and serve each other
The evil one can do his best but he does us not bother

Even sometimes when sadness overtakes one of us
The other is there to untie all the knots and end all the fuss
It is true that every couple may have their disagreements
But how can we ever allow these to be of any permanence

No doubt some may ask whether ours was love at first sight
My only answer is that at the end of every prayer there is light
So for the one I love is that I do my best to treat her well
And I know when she missed me tears do make her eyes swell

So my love you know best that I am not perfect
But the love I have I am sure you will never reject
Praise indeed to the Lord who created me and you
And bonded our hearts into one instead of two
 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

#Love #heart #Lord #treasure

Bring no Harm

in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Even from a young age you called me by name

Yet you showed no love as you put me to shame

With that you only can cast a shadow over your life

As with each step you do only invite nothing but strife

 

If it is fame you seek at the expense of another

So does the hurt you bring with it not you bother

Did you forget this world is but a temporary abode

That you worry not about deeds you carry in your load

 

So sad you see not now the error of your ways

Happy you are for as long as people sing your praise

What will be your state when upon you reality does dawn

Will you then be the one who cuts a figure so forlorn

 

The one you so deliberately took your time to harm

In so many ways that often there was little calm

So now in old age the victim has certainly not forgot

So his denial of forgiveness will surely be your lot

 

It is often said a cat has nine lives and we have one

But when the warner came you were happy for him to be done

For the reminders of your Lord was never meant for “me”

You seem certain your Lord will accept your “not guilty” plea

 

You prayed and you have been to the stranger good

Sadly the laws of your Lord you never really understood

So today I can only remind myself of that which I must avoid

For in you I see a reminder of how acts of goodness can be void

 

 

 

#spreadgoodness #spreadlove

Patience and Silence

In the name of Allaah, Most Gracious Most Merciful

 

If silence is a sign of patience, then I need to be silent more

 

If silence is a sign of wisdom, then I need to be silent more

If patience is a sign of wisdom, then I need to be patient more

If a prayer is better uttered in silence, then I need to be silent more

But how is it that one can be silent when one sees suffering and even abuse

It is that one practises wisdom through patience

But patience may require silence but never inaction

Thus practise wisdom with patience and a measured silence

Such that there is no need to wail and beating the chest

Such acts are best replaced by silence

But the silence is broken when the wisdom has been relayed to a tongue

That speaks out against abuse and injustice

But there is beauty in patience

but excellence in wisdom

While silence is golden when little is to be said.

 
And the best jihad is patience

for this is the real jihad