Embrace the Era

In the name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Gracious

The past, the present and the future are three interesting characters. They may not live in the same era but there is most certainly one thing they have in common. These characters bring with them some emotion but only one character is worthy of being truly embraced.

There is an interesting part of this emotional attachment. The past and the future are really on opposite sides and no doubt the present is right in the middle. So which one does one embrace and why should one embrace it, if any of it at all.

Have you not noticed that the one who so passionately embraces the past, often gets lost in relation to the present, and does perhaps not even realise there is a future. Be that past, be it good or be it bad, when they dwell on it, they are almost permanently in reverse as if their lives have already ended except that their heart may still miraculously be ticking.  They gloat of achievements and all wondrous actions, deeds and awards, yet their only tool is a feather-duster, such that the cobwebs may be removed from these memories which is by now entrenched in their minds.

The fellow on the other side, he too is sucked in by emotion and yes, while perhaps the past had some influence, he is rather pre-occupied with the future such that either he fears the future, absolute paranoia, or he has embraced the future as if nothing else exists or has ever existed. This latter person will be changing the world except perhaps he is unaware of where the world was or where the world present is at. The future is  bright and rosy, nay bright and laserly, technologically-driven absolutely awesome new horizon awaits. Unless of course you are the paranoid little guy/gal whose every second in the future is.... DOOOMMMM ...

But alas, both the past and the future is unlike one special character, the present ... interesting name for this fellow, The present, a gift of life, the one to really embrace. The past has no doubt led to the present and whatever has happened then, one of two may need to happen going forward – build on it OR change it, especially if it was bad. Your present is the first step to your future – embrace it. Your present is where you make the real decisions to influence the future. Your present is the time where you act such that the foundations for the future are laid. Embrace it. The past is gone – learn from it. Smile a while when the past has been great but don’t get sucked in by it. Shake the head, and perhaps shed a little tear, but don’t get sucked in by it because is over and done.

Contemplate the future only in as far as you understand the present and you instil two important ingredients in your daily life – contemplation and learning. Contemplation together with learning are two powerful ingredients to plan your course going forward and that course starts now.

Don’t be too harsh on those living in the past, but they may be shocked by what is really happening, which could be a real nasty blow (to their health). Those living too far in the future, gently bring them back to reality but don’t burst their bubble, merely deflate it so that it still floats but within reasonable reach.

As for the present, embrace it to the extent that every passing second is history and belongs to the past. The next second belongs to the future and thus be prepared for it.

In conclusion, I am reminded by Quran to prepare for tomorrow, that is the Great Day of Recompense, of Account, of Judgement. While that day in itself may yet be a while off, for each one of us, death may in fact be tomorrow, thus we must strive to do our best always, let no time be wasted – work hard in this world to leave a legacy for your family and perhaps humanity, and work hard to achieve the full and best rewards of the life to come, the life of paradise - if indeed you want success.

Quran is the word of Allah, revealed as an oral text to Muhammad – peace be upon him –via Angel Gabriel – peace be upon him. The Quran confirms what came before it with respect to the various Prophets and other Divinely revealed scripture

Also read: http://abutameem-houseview.blogspot.com/2011/11/eloquence-and-majesty-of-book.html

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Lifting the Veil

In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful

A man and a woman have words; so bad that they even scare away the birds. The woman needing support calls her friend to complain; while the friend is quite happy that the woman this course must maintain. Hardly a word is spoken that between husband and wife they should mend; rather what is advised by this friend is only to offend. The man on his part too may not say much; yet he too may find every bit of fun as a clutch. So it is that many a time a marriage sadly does fail;  for every problem that happens is void of a veil.

Often we think that marriage is perhaps difficult a bond to break;  but alas few give it the necessary attention it may take. And so as easy as a broken marriage;  so with it often it goes a justice-miscarriage.  Many suffer for one or both were misled;  simply because of the public broadcast of what was being said. With a soapie mentality we find that both female and male; they gladly seize every opportunity to tell the tale. They do so without fail;  for the mouths too are without veil.

Perhaps we will realise that any bond that we help break; it is the great instability we make. We promise to be there for a friend;  when it is to our own marriage we must tend. It is really easy to give advice;  it is someone else’s life that will pay the price. Do this, do that, how can he; while the other says who really she thinks is she. Cheap words are now spoken; words with which so easy the marriage vow is broken. At such gossip crowds gather as if it is a sale; that happens when we on our privacy lift the veil.

So shall we rather not speak kind words; perhaps the two will once again become love-birds.  You are fortunate that things in your life is rosy;  help others therefore to at least make their home cosy. The children should at no time be harmed, ensuring only that their emotions are calmed. We need to help every family build a home lest we find any one of them the streets roam. Spread love not mischief nor ever mislead, if only we can realise the power of this deed.

Next time before we say a word rather we inhale, then exhale .. but never never so whimsically lift the veil

The Look on your Face

In the name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Especially Merciful

The day I met you father and asked

I saw the look on your face

The day we were finally bonded together

I saw the look on your face

The days that you longed for motherhood

I saw the look on your face

Sisters and friends were bestowed that privilege

I saw the look on your face

Then you too were gifted and when you knew

I saw the look on your face

A bundle of joy was a beautiful boy

I saw the look on your face

When you were sick when he was sick

I saw the look on your face

When I faulted when he faulted

I saw the look on your face

Ah the look on your face when it is smiling

Oh the look on your face when it is crying

The look on your face when you think I am not trying

The look on you face for sure not are your feelings lying

The look on your face is important to me

The beat of your heart is important to me

The beat of your heart is the look on your face

Ever sweet ever filled with grace

That is how I see the look on your face

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Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The most perfect of the believers is the best of you in character, and the best of you are those among you who are best to their wives."  - Tirmidhi

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What have you done

In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful

My son, I was so good to you all your life, was I not? Then Why, Why did you leave me here alone in this dark and cold place. Why did you have these people all come along and then you leave me. What is to become of me? Who is there to help me? This place is small. Yet I have so much money to buy a bigger place. What have I done to deserve this?

These are but the thoughts that should cross our minds for a day will soon come when we too will be like the one who is left alone in what seems to be a cold and dark place. All of this is reality except that the latter will be only for some while for others it will be spacious and comfortable.

The son, the father, the brother, the friend who left you, did what they had to do. You have taken on the responsibility to be born into this world, but you may have forgotten that this world is but a temporary abode. Yet, you lived as if this life was eternal. You have been left in this place, this small and dark place because you are now in the dock. You will be questioned about your life and perhaps you pass the test. But if you do not, then you only  have yourself to blame for you, who hold all these qualifications and seem quite intelligent, either befriended the enemy or were simply duped by this character. Yes, you were subservient to the enemy and now you are being court-martialled. Neither your money, nor your worldly status, nor your many friends can help you in the least. You have been stripped of all these and you will present your own case.

What is your case? You sought much pleasure while living on mother earth. You forgot that the real pleasure was the satisfaction of Him who created you. You forgot that it is with His Mercy that He will grant you an eternal abode of pleasure. That abode is beyond this earthly life. Yet you, with your brilliant mind, yet you were influenced and forgot Him, forgot Him who Created you. You chose to party, club, consume alcohol, fornicate, dress provocatively, gamble and all those things that were expressly forbidden to you while in this temporary life. And now you are in this icy cold and dark place, a place so small that you feel constricted, and those sent to interrogate you are not kind to you in the least.

In your pain and anguish, you do not realise that, barely a few meters from you, is another person. Yet this person is in luxury, not the worldly luxury, but by far better. He was one who remembered that this world was but temporary. He knew there was something better to come and he worked for it. He read a book, a book of guidance from the One who created you and him. He read the book and followed it and followed the teachings of the one who conveyed the message of this book.

My son, I wish I was a better person, I wish I had another chance. I know I will never have that. You are still on this earth. Know the pain of the grave and rather repent before it is too late. Repent, for your Lord loves those who repent and He, Most High, is quick to accept repentance.

Leave that which will harm you and take care of yourself, your time, your health, your family, your youth before it is all taken away from you.

“Verily from Allah do we come and verily to Him is our return” (Quran 2:156)

Growth requires Change

In the name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Especially Merciful

A time to pause, a time to reflect, a time to plan a course of action

Pondering deeply, some thoughts are bound to find traction

A young boy sits obediently and determined to memorise the Holy Book

His mother plays her natural motherly role, while also teacher and the cook

A man is deep in thought as he contemplates the state of world affairs

While meditating and seeking the guidance of the One who truly cares

He is consumed by the concern for his family and community out there

The change was necessary to make a difference and show we care

It took much time and deep reflection to reach this stage of growth

Take not for granted the bounties received after one made an oath

That you will exert your energy to ease and fulfil other’s needs

So be reminded that everything we do is written in the book of deeds

Change has to come and one must constantly look to grow

Certainly as long as the heart beats and the blood does still flow

It takes time to reflect deeply, remaining patient, for those who are wise

And when the right time comes these people will with wisdom arise

Successful indeed are those in whose actions discipline does abide

Contented, as they do their hopes and desires in their Lord confide

Where the truth resides

In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Especially Merciful

What is there to say when all words are spoken

Opinions are voiced such that bonds are broken

Perhaps we have reached a time when few are wise

Sadly this may indeed be why people do not realise

That in relating issues we need to be more circumspect

For with that we do the dignity of others protect

But for sure this is exactly what some are against

When it is the blood of a person that is sensed

Evil indeed are people with hearts impure

Rejoicing at the pain a brother may endure

The tongue is actively broadcasting the message

Of truthful content there is merely a vestige

In silence there may yet be more benefit

Than the talk emanating from a poisonous pit

How much better if we do make the heart pure

Then with that our words may indeed be a cure

So moisten rather your tongue with remembrance of your Lord

Evil indeed is the one whose tongue puts others to the sword

Let us all speak the truth and let all animosity cease

Embrace one another with a sincere greeting of peace

Shade

In the same of Allah, theAll-Merciful, the Especially Merciful

As today the sky is completely covered with cloud,

That day, O my Lord, please also my sins Thee shroud

Alas, as the sun is hidden there is a hint of darkness

So I pray that that day my face with light sparkles

Ah, how wonderfully Merciful Thou art that today is so cool

That day too, O Lord, let not my body be for the fire fuel

How Thou remind me so clearly of what is possible that day

The coolness, the coolness will be for those worthy of Thine shade

So, I plead with Thee, My Most Gracious Lord, to make me of the seven

Whose reward, as Thou did promise, will surely be the eternal heaven.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him said)

There are seven whom Allah ill shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: 'I fear Allah', a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.'

Narrated by Abu Hurairah & collected in Sahih al-Bukhari

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