"Regardless of Whom or What"

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Salaam Family!

In our Lessons from Master Fard Muhammad, we read the following:

11. Have you not learned that your Word shall be Bond, regardless of whom or what?
Ans. Yes. My Word is Bond, and Bond is Life; and I will give my Life before my Word shall fail.

Word - the spoken or written expression of a concept, idea or intention.

Bond - a binding agreement; a tie; a secure connection; an essential or fundamental link or affinity.

Life - purposeful or intelligent activity and the results or effects produced by such activity.

It has been my own personal experience and observation that, "Regardless of whom or what", each of us is bound, or securely connected -- by the law of cause and effect -- to every intention that we formulate and commit to; and the quality of our lives is directly affected by our ability to fulfill the intentions that we formulate and commit to.

The more unfulfilled intentions one has, the lower will be his quality of life, the poorer will be his performance in life, and the more dissatisfied he will be with his life.

This principle can be seen in the example of a computer that has trouble performing the task at hand (present) because there are too many "background" (past) programs running.

To start one program (intention) and then to start a second program without ever closing the first one; and then to start a third program without ever closing the first and second ones, and so on...creates a host of unfulfilled intentions that affect the Awareness of a person in much the same way that excess "background programs" affect the "awareness" or ability of a computer: they tie up the person's attention (memory) in the past, making it increasingly difficult to perform the task at hand, or to be in "present time", causing the "user" to often become dissatisfied, disappointed, and even depressed; unless he or she knows how to identify and "close" those mental "background programs" -- unfulfilled intentions.

This is one reason why it is so very important to implement the process of Atonement, and the Practice of Lawful Dialogue in our own personal lives -- to help relieve ourselves of the psychological burden of the unfulfilled intentions, unkept words, and broken promises which tie up so much of our awareness in the past, that we are barely functioning in the Present; and we can hardly even envision a future for ourselves.

Another negative effect of failing to complete or fulfill our intentions, is that after a while, it it sets up in our minds a "habit" of "not fulfilling" our intentions; and so we become chronic "starters", but weak "finishers"; which could easily convince a person that he or she "can't" finish or fulfill his or her own intentions; and then becomes dependent on "someone else" to motivate him/her or to tell him/her what to do.

Let us be careful what intentions we formulate and commit to; but when we DO commit to an intention, let us work hard to fulfill it -- not only for the sake of keeping the trust of those we interact with, but also for the sake of our own sanity and quality of life.

Let us Strive, always, to make our word Bond, regardless of whom or what!

Respectfully,

RM

Belief - A conversation...

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

The following is a conversation I recently had with myself.

(Revised, slightly, 11-26-07)
===============================================

What is Belief?
Belief is the acceptance of something as real or true, thus accepting it as a basis for action or decision making, without having direct, experiential knowledge of the thing accepted.

What is the Basis for Belief?
It appears that "Belief" is the expression or sense that there exists some reality that has not yet been realized, having been inspired by one's experience with what has been realized.
In other words, experience yields Knowledge. That knowledge leads one to "believe" in the existence of a yet higher realm of experience, which would yield a higher knowledge. One's experience with the "seen" gives one insight into the Existence and Nature of the "Unseen".

So then, the quality or validity of one's Belief has much to do with the quality of one's experience?
Actually, it appears that the quality or validity of one's belief has more to do with one's perception of one's experience.

What are some of the things that can affect one's perception of one's experiences?
It apears that one's perception of one's experience can be affected by:
1) Comparison to previous experiences.
2) Correlation to previously received data/information.3) How pleasurable or painful the experience is.
4) A combination of any or all of the above.Numer 2) is of particular significance because it carries the possibility of receiving "false" data, which can cause one to misinterpret items 1) and 3).

So, one's beliefs can be affected by the information or data one receives?
Yes.

What do YOU believe?
I believe in the Principles of Freedom, Justice and Equality.

Why do you believe in Freedom, Justice and Equality?
I believe such because what I see in Nature is that all Living things - including myself - seek (desire) to be "free" and to be treated "fairly" (justly) and to have equal access to the necessities of Life; and it is seen that where these Principles are the Essence and the Goal of the Laws governing the society, the people are content with their existence.

Are you the only one who seeks (desires) Freedom, Justice and Equality for Self?
Not at all. It has been my observation that all people, since we are "Living things", are inclined by Nature to seek Freedom, Justice and Equality for ourselves.

Can one attain or experience these Principles for one's self, alone, if the rest of Humanity is denied these Principles?
No. I don't see how that could be possible. In order to secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for One, these Principles must be secured for All. The security of the Whole ensures the security of the Parts that make up the Whole...and vice versa.

How does each individual, who has free will, enjoy or secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for himself without violating the rights of others to enjoy or secure the same?
There must be order among the people that will govern their activities and behavior without denying them any of their Natural Rights, which are based on their Natural Needs.

How is this Order produced?
Order is produced by establishment and enforecement of, and obedience to, Law.

How is Law established among Beings of free will?
Among Beings of free will, Law is established by agreement among them as to what activities will best facilitate the Survival of the Community (or Nation).

How do Beings of Free Will come to such an agreement?
They must have some awareness of the common Nature and Needs they all share as Beings of the same Essence, sharing existence in the same Universe; and they must have some awareness of the Laws that Govern the Universe in which they live, and of which they are a part. Then they can effectively discern the value of a proposed social law, by evaluating how well the proposed social law harmonizes with the Universal or Divine Law.

How is such awareness developed?
Such awareness is developed by study of the physical Universe and the Laws, or natural tendencies, at work within it. However, under circumstances where people have lost the ability to "read" Creation, they must read and study Writings of Those who have done such Study and ahve some awareness of the Laws of Creation, and have recorded their findings for the benefit of others.

So, observation and study of the Laws, or Natural Tendencies, governing Creation results in greater awareness of these Laws?
Yes.

Is it possible, then, for there to be One Being who has a Greater Awareness and Understanding of these Laws than every other Being?
It is not only "possible", but it must be the case, since there are no two things in the Universe (including People) that are exactly alike in terms of form, function, degree, size, etc.
Therefore, there must be, by virtue of the Nature of things, a "larger" and a "smaller"; a "Greater" and a "lesser"; and this reality must always be present so long as there is "existence".

How far back does "existence" reach in time?
I don't "know", exactly. The Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught us that it goes back into the Trillions of years.

So, then, the "Order" of the Universe goes back into the Trillions of years?
Yes, that is what we are taught.

And, is the Universe "ordered" presently?
Yes, it is. If it weren't, it could not exist.

What is it that keeps the Laws, and thus the Order, in place? Why doesn't everything that exists just diffuse or dissipate back into "nothingness"? What is holding everything together?
It appears that there is a definite element of Control at work here, which overpowers the natural tendency in Matter to settle back into a state of diffusion.

What does "Control" suggest?
"Control" suggests "Intelligence"...at least in MY mind.

Ok...so...If Order suggests Control, and Control suggests Intelligence, then does Order suggest Intelligence?
Yes, that certainly appears to be the case.

And, if there has been "Order and "Control" Governing the Universe constantly, from Trillions of years ago to the Present; then has there also been an Intelligence keeping the "Order" and the "Control" in the Universe during that time?
Yes, I believe so ... a constant Presence of Intelligence, ensuring the constant Presence of "Order" by Its constant exercise of "Control".

What is this "Intelligence"?
It appears to be the Energy of Life, which is constantly seeking Expression or Manifestation.

And "where" is this Intelligence?
It appears or seems to be in all Living Things.

Is this Intelligence found in Man?
Yes. It is found ESPECIALLY in Man, as Man appears to be the only Being that can bring order, not only to his own social world, but also to worlds outside of his own social world; and can facilitate directly the survival of not only himself, but of other species as well.

So, the same Organizing Intelligence that formed the Universe is found in the expression of Man?
Yes.

Is Man, then, the Controller of the Universe?
That is what I believe, but I have not yet been able to experience or demonstrate that directly for myself.

Is Man "flesh", or is Man "Energy"?
I am convinced that Man is Light, Life and Power. Even his "flesh" is actualy "energy".

Who is the Supreme One among Man, today?
I believe that Master W. Fard Muhammad -- the Teacher of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad -- is that Supreme One.

Why do you believe He is the Supreme One?
I believe such because of the Teaching or Revelation that He Brought...because of the Supreme Truth that He Brought. Only a Supreme Mind can manifest Supreme Truth from Supreme Wisdom.
Also, because of the Supreme EFFECT that His Truth has had among a people in the absolute worst condition of any other people, ever, on our Planet. His Word has begun the Process of Resurrection among our people, which continues to this day under the Voice and Guidance of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, without any carnal weapons, and despite the intense opposition from the Rulers of this world.
With a Word, Master Fard Muhammad is Bringing about a change of Worlds; that Word being delivered now through the Hon. Louis Farrakhan.

So, again, What do YOU Believe?
I believe that Man is the Supreme Being, and that the Supreme Being is Man. I believe that the Universal or Divine Intelligence which Governs Creation, Created the Human Form for Its Expression and Exercise of Power over Matter, to produce an environment (Universe) that is suitable for Its(His) continued evolution and growth.
I believe this Being Created also the means by which the Form or Vessel (Body) could be reproduced, so that the Idea and Work of the First One could continue, and be developed through His Progeny over eons of Time.
This is evident in the Nature of Life, wherein any single generation in the Present represents the cumulative experience and "instinct" of all the previous generations, all the way back to the Beginning of the species; making the Present generation a more evolved expression of their Ancestors.
I believe that the Supreme God/Man among us, today, is Master Fard Muhammad, Who attained His Mastery through a Supreme Study of the Wisdom and Work of the First God/Man -- the Originator (of Self and Creation).

How are the Idea and Wisdom of the Originator Evolved or Improved upon?
It is a demonstrable Truth that Living Beings retain the effects of their expeirences. These "effects" are retained as "information" or "data", and then are passed on to the next generation of Beings. This next generation is thus "born" with the record of the previous generation's experience, and then adds to that the data from its OWN experience, and then passes that combined experience on to ITS progeny, who then continue the Process...
This is just as true for Mental experience (in Man) as it is for physical experience. Man, unlike any other Being on Earth, has the ability to study, examine and evaluate His Past Actions and Ideas, and to determine how, if necessary, those Actions and Ideas should be modified to meet the ever evolving needs of the Present, toward fulfillment of a desired Future. This is Improvement, towards Perfection, of the Wisdom of the Originator, through each successive generation.

Is that what makes Master Fard Muhammad the Wisest and the Supreme of Beings?
Yes, I believe so. We are taught that He Studied (for 42 years) the Wisdom of All the Gods before Him -- especially the Originator -- out of a Deep Love and Respect for the Desire, Vision and Will of the Originator; and was able to Improve on the Wisdom of the Originator, and is in the Process of Improving on the Work of the Originator. This is called "Progress"...or Moving Forward; Building on the Foundation (or Base) Laid by the Originator.

Is this what is meant by the statement that "Allah" Came to us "In the Person" of Master Fard Muhammad?
Yes, I believe so. It means that the Mind, the Idea, the Will, the Spirit and the Power of "Allah" -- the Original Man -- is fully developed and Present among us in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad; as is evident by the Power of the Word He Gave us, which, when adhered to, is shown to be Superior to any other teaching I have encountered, in its ability to Raise the Consciousness of a fallen People. His ability to Reach and Raise the "dead" is proof of His ability to Reach and Raise the Living.

RM

The Rise and Fall of Nations...and Belief Systems

The strength and longevity of a Tree depends, to a large degree, on the strength and depth of its connection (roots) to the Earth.

If a man, having no root in the earth, can walk up to a tree twice his size and push it down so that it falls to the ground, is this an indication of the strength of the man, or of the weakness of the Tree's connection (roots) to the Earth?

Likewise, the strength and longevity of any Civilization (or Belief System) depend, to a great extent, upon that civilization's governing principles being sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order of God's Creation.

If an alien civilization, with no root in the Universal Order, can walk up to an "Ancient" civilization and topple it to the "ground", is this an indication of the "strength" of the "alien civilization", or of the weakness of the Ancient Civilization?

If the Ancient Civilization were sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order, it should not fall victim to that which has no root.

The fall of a particular nation has not so much to do with the strength of opposing nations, as it has to do with the inability of that nation to maintain its connection to the evolutionary process of Change in keeping with the Laws of Nature.

Consider these words from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan:
"When you go out after Knowledge, never say, 'I found it!,' for when you think you have found it, you have stopped searching. You have stopped seeking. When you stop searching, stop seeking, you have reached a plateau of learning. That plateau leads to the death of your society; the death of your own power; your creative energy."

When a people rise to a certain height in cultural development, there is a tendency to "level out", and "rest" at that level, and they get "comfortable" where they are; which means the "push" to further evolve is halted; and the people then begin the process of degeneration, as it is well known that when growth ceases, degeneration begins.

The degeneration of the society begins to produce dissatisfaction in the people whose nature demands cultivation; and that dissatisfaction invariably "gives birth" to a new idea that is more suitable to the needs of the people. If the society at large does not accept the "new idea", then it will continue to degenerate and weaken until either the new idea takes over, or some outside element moves in to take over.

In order to protect itself from this phenomena, a nation or society must encourage and promote the cultivation and evolution of the Minds of its citizens, according to the Natural Order, or Universal Order of Creation. The society must constantly guard itself against 'settling' on any particular level of understanding, and must constantly strive for greater and greater understanding; as Truth and Reality are ever-evolving. This means we must be "open" to consider new Ideas and new Possibilities for the furtherance of the society, and not get "stuck" on any one moment in the past. Everything is moving forward, and so must we.

Where do these "new Ideas" come from? Ofttimes, it is born out of the dissatisfaction of the people, whose Nature is to constantly seek growth, and rebels against stagnation.

However, the most siginificant Source of these "new Ideas" is the Divine Supreme Being, Who, according to Scripture, has been facilitating the evolution of Humanity through time by stages, by way of Divine Revelation.

It is when a society rejects, or turns away from, this Divine Guidance that it ceases to grow, and begins (or continues) the process of degeneration; and so becomes destined for collapse and replacement.

If we, who are in the Present, are seeking growth and evolution through that which is already Past, then we too will soon become a thing of the past...obsolete.

Let us open our eyes and seek out that Guidance that is suited for the Present. We must Honor and Respect the Past, but we also must be mature enough to accept that the wisdom of the Past is not sufficient for the Present time and circumstances.

God's Guidance for the Present, and the proper study of it, is the Key to maximizing our success in the Present, and thus laying a proper foundation to take us into the Future.

Let us "Honor" the past...not "worship" it.

RM

What Is It About Us "Religious" Folk..?

Salaam (Peace) to all...

I was reading over an article today, about a Pastor in Los Angeles who publicly criticized certain members of the Christian Community -- Bishop Weeks, Juanita Bynum, and Paula White -- for the unfortunate circumstances they have found themselves in.

Mind you, I am not deluded into thinking that what I'm about to speak on is a "Christian" problem. I understand that it is a "human" problem which tends to find its greatest manifestation among religious people in general...Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc.

What is it in us, who claim to believe in God, that causes us to be so quick to mock and ridicule a fellow believer who has fallen due to some imperfection, as if we have no imperfections?

I was really disappointed to hear of a Christian pastor openly mocking the misfortune of other Christian leaders, infecting his congregation with the spirit of condemnation of a fellow believer, instead of the spirit of compassion.

Instead of mocking our Brothers and Sisters in faith when they stumble (or fall), why not go to them and offer our SUPPORT...especially when they have demonstrated that they are sincere in the midst of their imperfections.

Many of us claim kinship to a "Jesus" who is lifted up as the epitome of Love, Mercy and Compassion. Should not those same wonderful attributes be found in the hearts of those who follow Him?

Or, do we fall into the category of the "hypocrites", of whom Jesus said, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me"?

It just seems to me that, instead of being so quick to "crucify" one another for the faults that must eventually manifest in all of us, we should run to each other's aid, and seek to "heal the sin sick soul".

"Love covereth a multitude of sins..."

RM

"American Gangster"...American Propaganda...

As I sat in my seat in the theatre, with about twenty other people (a balanced mix of black and hispanic), anticipating the start of the newly released movie "American Gangster", I had no idea that I was about to be hit with a psychological 'bomb'.

The very first scene (set in 1960's Harlem), after only a few opening credits, shows a hispanic brother, tied in a chair, having gasoline poured over him. As the shot widens, the audience is shown that the one pouring the gasoline on this brown man is a BLACK man.

This is apparently some kind of "deal gone bad". The Brown brother is cursing the Black Brother -- "Frank Lucas" (played by Denzel Washington) -- as if in spite...the usual machismo of the "gangster" mentality.

"Frank" then, without hesitation, throws a lit match on the Brown brother and sets him afire...and while he lay burning and screaming on the ground, "Frank" then unloads his handgun on the Brown brother.

All this in the first "two minutes" of the film.

The atmosphere in the theatre went eerily "cold". I could almost feel the reactions of the Brown Brothers and Sisters in the theatre; and I wondered if they could feel mine.

Immediately after this scene, the screen goes black...and the words "Based on a True Story" come up on the screen.

Now, if I were a Brown brother, particularly in the inner city where there is much tension between Black and Brown, I know I would have negative feelings about that scene, and probably even about Black people.

Later in the movie, the same "Frank" that killed the Brown "male" ends up in a Love relationship with a Brown "woman" (which, by the way, could not have made a good impression on the Brown Brothers watching the movie)...

The movie then suggests that a "Black Man" (Frank) was responsible for bringing herione into the country in collaboration with the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam war.

It even goes so far as to suggest an association between "Frank Lucas" and "Muhammad Ali", who, as anyone who is familiar with the era knows, was a member of the Nation of Islam at that time.

It is also noteworthy that BET (Black Entertainment Television) recently aired a documentary of the same name, "American Gangster", which depicted a group called the "Black Mafia", which is alleged (in the documentary) to have been connected to...guess who...the Nation of Islam.

The obvious question in all of this...to ME...is, "Why put out a movie like this?" "Why NOW?"

Are the Producers and Writers and Financiers of this movie UNAWARE of the tensions between Black and Brown across this nation?

Why put out a movie about Black Men engaging in corrupt activity during a time of WAR, while the country is PRESENTLY at war?

The Hon. Louis Farrakhan gives critical insight into this question:

"I am here to announce today that President Bush has met with his Joint Chiefs of Staff, under the direction of General Colin Powell, to plan a war against the Black people of America, the Nation of Islam and Louis Farrakhan, with particular emphasis on our Black youth, under the guise of a war against drug sellers, drug users, gangs and violence-all under the heading of extremely urgent national security."
http://www.noi.org/statements/transcript_891024.htm

The Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught us that the Brown and Red Man and Woman of North and South America are ORIGINAL PEOPLE, along with the Black Man and Woman...and that we share a common History and a common Nature and a common Destiny. The Brown man is NOT the Natural enemy of the Black Man, nor vice versa. But the two are being "played" against each other by a wickedly wise government and people who believe that in order to preserve their wicked rule, they must destroy the Black and the Brown...or get them to destroy EACH OTHER.

WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! We must find a way to UNITE and put an end to the strife between our peoples, and put an end to the enemy's control over our two peoples.

How do we prevent or counter the plans of our common enemy?

Consider the following:
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_2094.shtml

RM

Belief: A Psychological View

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

What is "Belief"?

In one sense, “belief” is the acceptance of an idea or proposition as “true”, based on examination of related evidence, but without direct experience or knowledge: the more factual the evidence, the more valid the “belief”.

When the “I” accepts an idea or concept as “true”, whether by direct knowledge or by indirect conclusion (belief), that idea or concept becomes a basis (“stable data”) for evaluation, comparison, conclusion, decision and action.

Therefore, to “believe” something is to accept it as a basis for action, whether a mental action or a physical action.

Thus, to get a fair idea of a person’s basic or core beliefs, it is well to observe that person’s actions. No matter what beliefs a person “professes”, it is what a person routinely does that describes his or her basic, core beliefs.

A person who espouses a belief in lofty ideals, but is satisfied to live a baser life, believes more in the baser life than he does the ideals he promotes. His core beliefs undermine and nullify his “stated” beliefs, even though he may be “unaware” of such core beliefs.

How much can we discern of a person’s core beliefs by simply observing that person?
It seems that much can be discerned by observation, particularly when the subject is unaware of being observed, because what people choose to do of their own free will directly reflects their thinking at that moment.
(Learn to observe people.)

What is the effect on a person, whose attempts to live up to his “stated” beliefs are thwarted by opposing core beliefs?
Conflict?
Confusion?
Frustration?
Depression?

How can these unpleasant effects be alleviated?
By identifying the core beliefs, and questioning them scientifically to determine whether to enhance them or to deconstruct them.

How are “core beliefs” de-constructed?
By examining the fundamental assumptions that contribute to the formation of the core beliefs, and then correcting those assumptions, as needed.

What are “fundamental assumptions”?
They are conclusions drawn based on past experience. They are things held to be “true”, but are often hidden from the awareness of the one holding them.
Fundamental Assumptions can distort our “view” of reality, including God and Self, to a greater or lesser degree.

How does one identify one’s own fundamental assumptions?
One way is by effective use of the question, “Why...?”

“Why do I believe...?”
“Why do I react...?”
“Why do I...?”

...and then, by being as honest as possible with the answers. It may prove more effective, however, to have a trusted second person ask these questions, i.e., "Why do YOU believe...?", so that one can be "free" to focus on the answers.

What goes into forming one’s fundamental assumptions?
I would say, how one interprets one’s experiences goes a long way toward forming one’s fundamental assumptions.

What determines, or affects, how one interprets one’s experiences?
One factor could be the “meaning” assigned to previous experiences.

So, one’s previous experiences contribute to the formation of one’s fundamental assumptions?
Yes.

And, one’s fundamental assumptions contribute to the formation of one’s core beliefs?
Yes.

And, one’s core beliefs are visible in one’s routine behavior (response to stimuli)?
Yes.

What is the process by which these assumptions and experiences can be identified, analyzed and corrected (if necessary)?
Lawful Dialogue?
Auditing?

Can a person’s “core” beliefs be changed by helping him/her to better understand his/her experiences?
This seems to be the case.

This can be a challenge, since all "core" beliefs seem to carry some perceived survival value for the person holding them. To ask someone to examine, critically, his or her own "core" beliefs can easily cause that person to feel as if their survival and security are being threatened.

How are "core" beliefs formed?
“What happened?” - Experience
“What does it mean?” - Interpretation/Assumption
“How does one feel about it?” - Attitude
“How should one act in response to it?” - Belief (Core)


EXPERIENCE

Living Things retain the effects of their experiences. What one experiences becomes part of one's consciousness (or sub-consciousness). The "data" from one's experiences is stored in the Mind for interpretation (to determine "meaning") and for future use.


INTERPRETAION

A Being is attracted to “pleasure” => suggests “survival”
A Being is repelled by “pain” => suggests a “threat” to survival

Pain-Pleasure Scale

<--Pain-----------------------------------------0------------------------------------Pleasure-->

Death-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Survival

Repel-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Attract

Therefore, it is conceivable that a Being will tend to assign meaning to experience based on where it falls on the “pain-pleasure” scale, particularly where the Being’s powers of Reason are not sufficiently developed to consider that pain is necessary for growth; such as with young infants and children, or with underdeveloped adults.

Does a Being ever “equate” pain with survival?
Or, is it that a Being merely accepts pain as part of the struggle for survival?

Did the ORIGINATOR have any "painful experiences" in His own Self-Creation?
If so, HOW did the Originator interpret HIS “painful experiences”?

Did He tend to “shy away” from pain in search of some “easier” way?
It is possible that He may have had that tendency. If He did have such tendency, apparently He eventually accepted there was no “getting around” it...so He Pushed through it!

Therefore, it seems that it is how we interpret (assume meaning for) our experiences which determines how we ACT in response to them (belief); and it appears that we will always respond to experience (stimuli) in a manner which we believe will promote our survival.

What are some elements that can influence how one interprets one's experience?
1) The "pain-pleasure" dynamic?
2) The impulse to survive?
3) Perceived "authority", whether of Divine Guidance, of force, of peer pressure, or of social custom?
4) All of the above?
5) _________ ???

More to follow, soon...God Willing.

RM

Stanley Crouch: "Chief of Scouts"

This is Mr. Stanley Crouch:

I just finished reading his recent "Opinion" article titled "Wake Up and Smell the Thuggery".

It brought to my mind the movie, "Geronimo", starring Wes Studi in the title role. In this movie, the U.S. Army was depicted as going to war with the Apache People for conquest of their lands, and enlisted the help of some poor, misguided Apaches, as "scouts" and "trackers", to help the army invaders track down and "neutralize" the so-called "hostile" Indians.

There was one scout, in particular, who was of the same tribe as Geronimo; who, bless his heart, really thought he was acting in the best interest of his people by helping the invaders and oppressors of his people.

Long story short, this scout, "Chato", was very proud of his position in the white man's army, and thought that by helping the white man, he would secure some benefit for himself and for his family. That is, until they actually caught up with Geronimo.

Upon Geronimo's surrender, the white man had no more use for Chato and the other scouts, and so arrested them -- despite their loyal service to the invaders -- and exiled them to distant reservations along with Geronimo and the rest of the "hostiles".

It was at this moment when Chato realized he had been deceived by his "employers", and was actually being used "against" his people, while being made to believe he was "helping" his people.

In the last scene, Chato had to face the disgust of his brethren, whom he betrayed, and who no longer trusted him for his demonstration of disloyalty in siding with the enemies of his people.

Why am I recalling this? Well, if it isn't obvious by now, it is to set the context for a question or two I'd like to ask regarding Mr. Crouch.

For whom does he really speak? Does he speak for [the interests of] Black People? Or does he speak for [the interests of] White People?

What does he think his white "employers" will do with him, when they have no more need for his services?

As his people become more aware and more dissatisfied with the socio-political climate in this country, and he continues to speak from the platform of the enemies and oppressors of his people, how will he face them when his "employers" cut him loose, and leave him to face the people whose interests he has betrayed?

His apparent disdain for the Nation of Islam and the Hon. Louis Farrakhan is of little consequence, in truth; as he has not the power to stop him from what God has Appointed him to do; so I am not really concerned about that. But I am concerned about him (Mr. Crouch), and the people he infects with his bias.

This article was just more confirmation for me that "intellect" and "responsibility" don't necessarily go hand-in-hand.

Shame.

RM

"Had We wished to take a pastime..."

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.


Allah says, in the Holy Qur'an, Surah 21:
16 And We created not the heaven and the earth and what is between them for sport.
17 Had We wished to take a pastime, We would have taken it from before Ourselves; by no means would We do (so).
18 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, so it knocks out its brains, and lo! it vanishes. And woe to you for what you describe!

I was reflecting on this passage the other day, when something occurred to me, "What does that word 'pastime' mean?"

Basically, it means 'anything one does to pass the time'. It is time spent without assuming the responsibilities of progress.

So, I thought about the way that verse is worded:
"Had We wished to take a pastime, We would have taken it from before Ourselves; by no means would We do (so)."

In other words,
"...if there were something that had existed before Us, then we could take that as a pastime; but because We are before everything, and are thus the Makers and the Owners of everything, then We are also RESPONSIBLE for the order and wellbeing of everything. Our pastime is the maintenance of the Order and Purpose of the Heavens and the Earth. And since the Universe is Created with Truth, then Falsehood interferes with the Maintenance of the Universe. Therefore, We who are Responsible for the Maintenance of the Universe must be ever on the look-out for Falsehood, and if discovered, We must hurl the Truth at that Falsehood to preserve the Order and Wellbeing of that which We are Responsible for."

Then it occurred to me that, as individuals, we could consider that there is plenty that was here "before ourselves", and therefore plenty of time for a pass-time; but the closer we get to the Mind of God (by His Permission), with that closeness comes an increased level of responsibility for the order and wellbeing of our environment (which ultimately is the Universe and everything in it).

The Question is: "Do we WANT that Responsibility?"

Just something to ponder.

Four Birds

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah,
And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

As I was doing my daily reading the other day, I came across a verse in the Holy Qur'an that reminded me of the spirit and purpose of the Nation of Islam and the Atonement Commmission; and it has been on my mind since then. So I thought I should share it with my family.

2:260
And when Abraham said, "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." [Allah] said, "Do you not believe?" [Abraham] said, "Yes, but that my heart may be at ease." [Allah] said, "Then take four birds, then tame them to incline to you, then place on every mountain a part of them, then call them. They will come to you flying; and know that Allah is Mighty, Wise.

Here, Abraham is asking how Allah gives life to the "dead". Apparently, he is troubled in his heart over his lack of understanding just "how" Allah gives life to the dead. Why would Abraham have such a concern?

We, too, could ask the question of Allah and of ourselves, "How do you, Allah, give life to the Dead?".

I find it very interesting that Allah's answer and instruction involved the use of "birds" as a model of "the dead", and I began to ask myself the question, "Why use BIRDS as an example of how to raise the DEAD? What is the connection?"

The HOnorable Louis Farrakhan has taught us that a "bird" is a very delicate creature and is very sensitive and humble. As such, one must take great care in handling a bird so as to prevent traumatizing it, whether physically or mentally, or scaring it away.

So, Allah says to Abraham: "...take four birds, then tame them to incline to you..."

This suggests to me that the birds were not "inclined" to him when he "took" them. So, how was he able to "take" them? How did he approach them so that he could "take" them without harming them or scaring them off? Did he approach them in a harsh or careless manner? Did he approach them with loud noise and a great "show" of power? Or, did he approach them quietly and carefully, with great respect for the sensitivities of the birds?

What does it mean to "tame"? What does it mean to "incline" to someone or something? And HOW did Abraham "tame them to incline" to him?

One of the definitions of "tame" is "to reduce from a wild to a domestic state; to subject to cultivation." To "cultivate" means to nurture the life or the existence of something, so that it may become fully what it is destined to be.

To "incline" means "to lean toward", or "to lean, tend, or become drawn toward an opinion or course of conduct."

So then, Abraham was instructed by Allah to "tame them to incline" to him, or, make them willing to lean toward him for cultivation and sustenance.

How could he accomplish this except by meeting the Natural Needs of the Birds? HE would have to meet their need for Security (Peace) and all that goes toward makeing them Secure. He could not have been successful if he had handled the "birds" in the same way one would handle an elephant or a dog, etc. He had to understand something of the Nature and Needs of the Birds in order to approach them in a way that would not repel them.
(see also H.Q. 3:158)

So, what does this have to do with "giving life to the dead"? And who ARE "the dead"?

Does "the dead" refer only to our people in the street? Or, could "the dead" also refer to our families? Could it refer to the atmosphere in a Mosque? Could it refer to the whole human family?

If you or I were in Abraham's shoes, how would we go about accomplishing Allah's instruction to "tame them to incline to you"?

After Abraham was successful in taming the birds to incline to him ("After learning Mathematics..."), he then could call them, and they would naturally come to him "flying" because he demonstrated the ability to suffice their legitimate needs.

What are we to learn from this?

May Allah Forgive us our sins and continue to Bless, Guide and Keep us all.

RM

Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged...

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Something I was pondering this morning:

We must be slow to judge, and be careful HOW we judge, for all of us are part of an ever-changing, ever-evolving reality; and none of us are exactly the same, today, as we were yesterday.

If I "label" someone based upon my own limited experience and insight, then, in my mind, I am not allowing him or her the freedom to grow into that which Allah Created him or her to be.

In reality, if we, in our minds, hold someone to a particular moment in time; it is not they who are held captive in that moment, but it is we who are held in that moment in the past, and so become disconnected (to some degree) from the present.

In other words, we cannot hold someone captive in a certain moment in the past without holding ourselves captive in that same moment.

"Judge not, lest ye be judged..."

RM

UFO over HAITI ???

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Below is alleged footage of a "UFO" filmed over Haiti on August 6, 2007.

While many people are assuming that it is a hoax, I must say that I have watched this video several times and could not find any significant indicators of fraud.

Also, all of the "debunkers" of this footage that I have read, focus solely on the immediate surroundings of the two "UFOs": The UFOs themselves, and the trees beneath them. However, I have yet to read one statement of criticism which focuses or even addresses the movements of the OTHER lights in the sky which are clearly visible and define highly unusual flight paths.

I cannot say, for certain, that this is NOT a hoax, because I was not there to witness it. However, I am more inclined to accept this footage as authentic than any other footage I have seen.

You be the judge.



RM

We Must FIGHT!

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

90:4 - We have certainly created man to face difficulties.

What are the difficulties that man was created to face?

Man was Created to face the difficulties of his own existence and Life, which are similar to the difficulties experienced by the Originator when He was struggling to complete His Own Make, which is also Our make.

SINCE He Created Himself to face - to be able to meet and overcome - the difficulties and problems of His Own Existence,
AND He Created Us from Himself,
THEN We are also Created with the potential ability to meet and overcome all obstacles in our path...

...But we MUST have the Spirit to go to WAR against the conditions (and in some cases, the people) that serve as obstacles to the Establishment of Our Goals; especially when our goals are rooted in the Will of Allah (God).

We must Fight for our Existence...both Individual and Collective.
We must Fight for our Lives.
We must Fight for the Establishment of God's Truth.
We must Fight.

Life is a constant Battle between Light and Darkness, Good and Evil.
Only those who are willing to Fight have a chance of winning.

RM

What is "PRAYER"?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

"What is PRAYER?" This question was asked in another forum.

I will give my perspective as a Member of the Nation of Islam, from more of an "esoteric" view than an "exoteric" one.

We believe that Allah (God) has always been, is now, and always will be Manifested through the Form of the Human Being. We believe that the "Person" of the First God, the Originator, is no longer present among us; but that His IDEA, Intelligence, Wisdom and Spirit are passed down from Generation to Generation, so that there is always One among the People of our Planet who is the Representative and Carrier of the Idea and Will of the Originator. This One is always referred to as the Supreme Being. This is the One Whose Mind is the "Nexus" for the Universal Intelligence, so that His Mind is one with, and has power over the Laws of Creation.

We believe that Being Came to North America in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad, and chose Black People in America as His People for the purpose of using them (us) to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, as it is written in the Bible that "the stone(people) that the Builders(of civilization) rejected, the same has become the headstone of the corner."

We also believe, as we have been taught by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, that Master Fard Muhammad has actually "Perfected" the Wisdom of the Originator; which means that He is greater in wisdom and power than the Originator. He is the One Who has "closed the Circle", so to speak. When the Circle is "closed", Eternity begins.

Now, that means that we believe that He - Master Fard Muhammad - is the Supreme of "Supreme Beings", and therefore we "pray" to Him.

However, I remember once hearing that the Hon. Elijah Muhammad was once asked if Master Fard Muhammad "Prays". The Hon. Elijah Muhammad answered, "Yes".

Now, this certainly presented a sort of a puzzle..lol.

"IF Master Fard Muhammad is the SUPREME Being, then WHY does HE Pray? And WHO does He pray TO, especially if HE is the Supreme One?"

Well, the Hon. Louis Farrakhan once said, regarding this, that Master Fard Muhammad prays "in rememberance of Him Who Originated the Heavens and the Earth."

Not "TO" the Originator...but "In rememberance of" the Originator.

So that got me to Thinking...

"Perhaps prayer for the student(neophyte) is not the same as Prayer for the Master."

It is my understanding that Children need a focal point, a Teacher, to Guide them. If I am in a Math Class and run into a Problem I don't have the answer to, I don't call on "Mathematics". I call on the Teacher...the one who has the answers to my questions.

However, the Master's Aim is to make Masters out of the Students, so that they Grow to the point where they draw from the Same Source as HE does, therefore negating the need for any more "Masters"; for if ALL are Masters, then All are Guided by the Same Universal, or Divine Intelligence, which is the Root of our Being.

So...then it appears to me, in this context, that "prayer" is the Alignment (or RE-Alignment) of one's Consciousness and Intention with the Divine Will, or Universal Intention; or the IDEA of the Originator. But for most of us, we need a focal point (Master) to Guide us into our own Mastery, after which we rely on the Master within.

Please consider the following, from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan:

"Master Fard Muhammad is the Conduit through Whom the Message from the Lord of the worlds came to us. He is Alive and has Absolute Power to bring His Will into fruition because His Will is in complete harmony with the Eternal Will of the Originator of the Heavens and the Earth.

"If Master Fard Muhammad is so Powerful, why does He pray? He would not have such Power if He did not pray. Through His prayer, He draws from the Power and Creation of The Originator at the point of its origination."

Worthy of the deepest consideration...

RM

Some Thoughts on "Depression"

Salaam (Peace) to all.

It seems to me, from my experience and study, that Depression has 4 main causes:

1) The perceived inability to make happen what one wants to make happen,

2) The perceived inability to prevent from happening what one doesn't want to happen,

3) The perceived inability to stop or change what IS happening,

4) The awareness that something "has happened" that one could not, or did not, prevent from happening.

Essentially, it is the feeling that one is incapable of effectively dealing with the challenges of life that makes one feel "de-pressed", meaning "pressed down" or "held down" by the circumstances of life.

Much of the time, it is the result of MISUNDERSTANDING... ...misunderstanding of events, actions, words, etc. When our FUNDAMENTAL ASSUMPTIONS about Life are based on flawed information, or "false data", then the result can be anything from "unrealistic expectations" to "low self-esteem".

What is "false data"?

Mathematically speaking, "false data" could be any data which, when acted upon, brings about a "false" conclusion.

The different types of "false data" could be classified as follows:
1) Data that is completely false.
2) Data that is partly true and partly false.
3) Data that is true, but incomplete.
4) Data that is true and complete, but misunderstood because of previously accepted "false data".

Like any computer, the Brain/Mind's answers to problems can be only as good as the information it has to work with. The more "true" the information being used to draw a conclusion, the more rational or "correct" the conclusion will be.

The Bible Teaches that "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." The Idea here is that the Essence and Spirit and Power of God is in EACH of us; but unless that Essence, Spirit and Power are Cultivated by the acquisition and application of proper Knowledge, then the "Greatness" of God within us will be "held down" by the circumstances of Life.

When a Divine Being perceives that He or She is UNABLE to manifest His or Her own Divinity and Power, that Being is without sufficient Knowledge of Self, and the result is...Depression.

Depression can be remedied with the Proper Knowledge...the Knowledge of Self.

RM

Are YOU Being Affected by an Anti-Social (Suppressive) Personality?

Salaam (Peace) to all.

It should be noted that we may all occasionally demonstrate anti-social "tendencies", and this does not make one, necessarily, and anti-social "person". However, where the personality consistently demonstrates more than one or two of these "tendencies", it may be a sign of the need for corrective action.

Here are some indicators:

The anti-social (suppressive) personality...

...likes to use general terms like "everyone knows..." or, "you know what they say", to try to justify their ill feelings or bias against an individual, group, organization or project.

...deals mainly in bad news and invalidation of others.

...alters, for the worse, information he or she is given to pass on.

...does not respond to treatment, reform or psychotherapy.

...is normally surrounded by people who are crippled by his/her negativity (when he/she is present).

...habitually selects the wrong target; blames everything or everyone except the actual cause.

...cannot finish a cycle of action; is laden with a host of unfinished projects.

...does not accept responsibility for his/her wrongs or violations. It's always "somebody else's fault", or it "just happened".

...supports only destructive groups and attacks - even if only verbally - any betterment group.

...supports only destructive groups and attacks any activity aimed at self-improvement.

...cannot stomach sincerely helping others, but will easily feign help to get a chance to do harm.

...has no real respect for the property of others, and seeks to invalidate the success of others.


HOW TO KNOW if you are being affected by an Anti-Social Personality (ASP) or Suppressive Personality (SP):

The person (or persons) affected by an ASP/SP will usually be on an "emotional roller coaster", doing well (active) when the suppressive influence is absent, and doing badly (passive) when the suppressive influence is present.

There are two basic ways a person can be ill affected by an ASP/SP:
1) He/She is associated with, or connected to, an ASP/SP in his/her present time environment; either in the vicinity of, or in communication with.
2) He/She is having a PAST suppression "restimulated" by someone or something in his/her present time environment.

If you find yourself doing "great" some days, and then, for no apparent reason feeling "down in the dumps" or "anxious" about something; it could be that you are connected to a suppressive person or environment, or you are connected to persons or environments which closely resemble past incidents of suppression and they are restimulating your reaction to those past incidents.

What should one who is affected by an ASP/SP do?

In short, it only requires a few steps:
A) DISCOVER who or what is having a suppresive effect on you.
B) CONFRONT the fact that you are experiencing suppression.
C) HANDLE the situation by direct (but respectful) Communication, designed to inform the possible ASP/SP of the suppressive effect(s) he/she is having on you (they may be unaware).

If that does not work, then possibly the best thing to do is to...
D) DISCONNECT from the person(s) or environment that is having a suppressive effect on you.

In the Case of one who is having a "past suppression" restimulated by present time circumstances, one could disconnect as well; but the root solution would be to get resolution/closure on the Past suppression, and that will make one's present time situation more bearable.

I realize some of these terms may sound "semi-clinical", but don't let that throw you. Just focus on the Ideas/Principles given, and they can do wonders!

RM

The AKON-troversy...

Ok...I've gotta say this...

YES...AKON should be ashamed of himself!

...but so should that "Preacher's Daughter". AKON can always claim he didn't know she was underaged...it ain't like "HE" was checkin ID's at the door.

But SHE knew she was underaged...and she didn't look to me like she was resisting at all...with her legs all up in the air...wrapped around his waist.

Who forced this girl to go to a club that her Father forbid her from going to?

Who forced this girl to lie about her age to get into the club?

Who forced this girl to find her way to the stage and participate in a "dance contest"?

Who forced this girl to lay on her back, raise her legs and spread them for him to simulate sex with her?

Who forced her?

Yes...what AKON did was inexcusable and savage...but she was a willing participant.

If we're gonna flog ONE...we need to flog the OTHER. Justice is fair and impartial.

What say you?

RM

Are YOU a "Worker of Iniquity" ?

In the Name of Allah - the Beneficent, the Merciful:

Matthew 7
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

WORK(ER):
–noun
1. exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil.
2. something on which exertion or labor is expended; a task or undertaking: The students finished their work in class.
3. productive or operative activity.

INIQUITY:
[Origin: 1300–50; ME < L iniquitas "unevenness, unfairness", equiv. to iniqu(us) "uneven", unfair (in- in-3 + -iquus, comb. form of aequus even, equal) + -itas -ity]
[c.1300, from O.Fr. iniquite, from L. iniquitatem (nom. iniquitas) "unequalness, injustice," noun of quality from iniquus "unjust, unequal," from {in- (not) + æquus (just, equal)}]

Since a "worker" is one who "exerts effort directed to produce or accomplish something",

And...

Since "iniquity" is essentially "inequality" or "injustice",

Then...

A "worker of iniquity" would be one who "exerts effort" directed to produce or accomplish "inequality" between one entity and another.


In Mathematics, "inequalities" are represented by the symbols...

"<" (less than),

and

">" (greater than).

What Jesus was saying of this class of "Christians" who would be present in the Last Day, is that he would not even recognize them as being of him, because they were not working from his Spirit. They were doing "many wonderful works", but they were doing it from the attitude that they were "greater than" those who were not of their particular order or group. They "worked" to produce or accomplish the idea that they were "greater than" those whom their Master told them to be "servants" of. They created in their minds and "unjust" attitude that they were "better than"...or..."better off than" everyone else, and, because they were operating from an attitude of "injustice" and "inequality", they could only deal with the people unjustly.

"If you're not one of us, then you're "less than" us." ...Workers of Iniquity.

Basically, what it boils down to is "self-righteousness", which is rooted in ignorance...because if they REALLY understood the Message of their Master, they would come to the people as "Servants" and not as "Judges". They tell everyone "Judge not, lest ye be judged"...while they inwardly judge those who don't believe as they do.

No wonder Jesus said, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me."

How grieved he must be to see those who claim his name, demonstrating such "iniquity" in thought, word and deed. No wonder it is said that Judgement will begin in the House of God.

All that being said, now go back and replace the name "Jesus" with every other prophet who has a modern-day following, and the same applies.

It is precisely the attitude that "I am better" which makes us "lesser".

Beware.

RM

"I and My Father are One"

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

It is a widely held and scientifically supported view that "living things retain the effects of their experiences." The effect of an experience is, in essence, a change from a previous state. This is true for cells as well as organisms.

Take "Cell A", for example...it is indeed a "living thing". As such it has intelligence and is affected by its environment (experience). The experiences of the Cell are recorded, and the effects are retained and then passed on to the next generation of cells so that "Cell B" (the descendant of Cell A) contains all that Cell A contained at the time of the "birth" of Cell B.

This suggests that Cell B begins its existence with the benefit of Cell A's experience in its genetic makeup. Then Cell B lives out its life, having experiences of its own, and retaining the effects of those experiences; so that by the time Cell B reproduces itself, it possesses the cumulative effects of the experiences of Cell A and itself, and passes that "data" on to its progeny, Cell C. "Cell C" then lives its life, retains the effects of its experiences, combined with the inherited cumulative data from the experiences of Cells A and B, and then passes that information on to its progeny, Cell D, who now possesses the data from the cumulative experience of Cells A, B and C. And the process continues on into infinity...

The Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught us that the Originator began as an Atom of Life, trillions of years ago, turning in the darkness; and that Atom kept growing, turning and evolving in the darkness until it produced a Form for Itself through which It could effectively Express itself.

What kind of "experiences" did that Atom of Life encounter? What Lessons were Learned over those trillions of years of Self-Development? What information was recorded in its genetic makeup that was passed on to His Progeny? How many generations of Experience and Information have been added to that genetic "database" from that time to now, where YOU and I are now Living?

WHO ARE WE, REALLY???

And HOW is our Cumulative Genetic Make-Up affected by the EXPERIENCE of Studying the Teachings (IDEA) of Master Fard Muhammad, as given to us by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad?

And...HOW is this relevant to the Science of Mating???

Just something to think about.

RM

Oh REALLY??? Can you PROVE it???

Salaam (Peace) to all.

The problem with most religious people, regardless of what religion they belong to, is that they insult the Intelligence of the people by telling them to "believe", or accept as true, that which they themselves do not even understand and cannot Explain...and that is why so many people turn away from "religion", because the proponents of religion are usually ill-informed and superstitious, and the Mind demands Truthful, Mathematical answers to legitimate questions.

The Bible teaches us to "prove all things". Does that include the Bible, itself? Does that include the doctrine of "Christianity"? What is the process or standard by which we "prove" the Truth of the Bible, or the Qur'an, or any other Text?

What is the process or standard by which we "prove" the accuracy of our UNDERSTANDING of these texts?

If you hand me a book, and tell me "this is the Truth and your salvation", my first words to you would be, "PROVE it". How would you begin the PROCESS of "Proving" to me that what you are offering to me is "The Truth"? Would you begin with an ASSUMPTION that the Book is true, and make that ASSUMPTION the basis of your position? Or, would you introduce me to a Universal, Observable, Unchangeable Standard by which the Book you are presenting to me could be measured?

Something to Think on...

RM

Is It Wrong to JUDGE???

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

[1] Judge not, that ye be not judged.
[2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

John 7
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Online Etymology Dictionary
judge (v.)
1225, "to form an opinion about," from Anglo-Fr. juger, from O.Fr. jugier "to judge," from L. judicare "to judge," from judicem (nom. judex) "to judge,"
a compound of jus "right, law" + root of dicere "to say" (see diction).
The O.E. word was deman (see doom). Meaning "to try and pronounce sentence upon (someone) in a court" is from c.1290. The noun is from 1303. In Hebrew history, it refers to a war leader vested with temporary power (e.g. Book of Judges), from L. judex being used to translate Heb. shophet

Given both scriptures and the etymology, I think that the point here is that we must be VERY CAREFUL HOW we judge, because once we make a "judgment", we concretize that judgment as a basis for how we interact with, treat or respond to the object of our judgement from that point, forward.

This is dangerous because most people do not see deeply enough INTO the person, thing or event under consideration to render a "true" judgment; and since the word "Judge" basically means to "speak rightly" or "speak truth", we have to strive to resist the temptation to "speak" on that which we do not have a full knowledge of.

Another meaning of the word "judge" is "to evaluate"..."to determine or assess the value of". This is another dangerous area, because, although it is a natural function of the human brain/mind, too many times people are hurt and even killed because someone else made an improper "evaluation" of themselves or another, based on something said or done that was not fully understood.

I don't think it is realistic to suggest that people "not judge". I think a better approach is to emphasise the need to exercise great care and caution in the process of forming judgments.

Now, in the matter of Religion...if God, Himself makes a Judgment and then pronounces His Judgment among the people, then the people have a Right and a Duty to use His Judgment as a Basis for their judgments. We must uphold that which God upholds, and we must reject that which God rejects. HOWEVER, we still must exercise the greatest care and caution in doing so, because we want to make sure that our MOTIVATION for acting on God's Judgement is the same as GOD's Motivation for rendering the Judgment. If we act on God's Judgment from a spirit of "self-righteousness", then we have corrupted God's Righteous Judgement by seeking to make it our own, using God's Name as the "justification".

For example:

Saint Sam understands that it is against God's Will to _____ . Saint Sam therefore does not _____ . However, when Saint Sam comes upon Sinner Sue who DOES _____ , then Saint Sam forms a judgment in his mind about Sinner Sue that causes him to see her as less than himself. This only proves that Saint Sam doesn't really understand God's Purpose for rendering His Judgement regarding _____ . Nor does Saint Sam understand God's Love for both him AND Sinner Sue.

If Saint Sam really understood God's MOTIVE for the Judgement regarding _____ , then, when he came across Sinner Sue he would have done whatever he could to HELP Sinner Sue to come up out of _____ , knowing that SHE is no different from HE, except that she has a need to be helped in the area of _____ .

More on this later, God Willing, from the Beautiful book, "Closing the Gap: Inner-Views of the Heart, Mind and Soul of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan."

RM

Where is AMERICA in Scripture?

Salaam (Peace) to all.

For those of us who Believe in the Truth of the Scriptures, whether Bible or Qur'an...or Both, we know that both Books teach of a time period known as the "Last Days". Hence, we have a reference that was originally written thousands of years ago, giving foresight into the time of the end of this present era by the Judgement of God.

If we take these accounts as true, that the prophets were given glimpses of the days we are living in now -- the Last Days -- and the circumstances that would bring about the Judgement of God, and...

If AMERICA is the mightiest nation on earth in these "last days", then...

Did God leave America out of His Description of this time? Or, did He include His Description of America as the mightiest nation on earth in the Last Days?

And...

If God showed the prophets the last days, and directed them to write down what they were shown, then...

"Where is America in the Scriptures?"

"Where is the enslavement of millions of Africans by the most powerful nation on earth mentioned in the scriptures?"

Or, do you think God left that part out?

==============================================

"...the Christian Church in America can't understand why the greatest country the world has ever seen seems not to be mentioned in scripture, a scripture mind you, that has accurately labeled every major world kingdom with frightful accuracy and clarity..."

"What is even more scary than all of this is that the so called "Leaders" of the evangelical church are so desperately blind to what all of their teachings have brought about on the world stage! The absolute unwillingness of the world evangelical Church to place America in the scriptures, due to the fact that the only place it could possibly fit, is the great and powerful kingdom that arises, from which the Son of Perdition comes..."

"The truth is, that the Bible could not, in its amazing accuracy and precision, fail to mention a country like America. To believe that it could is a foolish and ridiculous notion, that no true believer in our great God could swallow."

http://www.11th-hour.info/Articles/Doctrines_of_Devils.html

==============================================

"Exactly where is America in the prophecies concerning the tribulation?"

"...The first school of thought is that the United States in mentioned either directly or indirectly in the Book of Revelation...it is difficult, nearly impossible, to explain how a major superpower can simply not be mentioned."

http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=1993

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"We fear the doom of America that is now cutting her to pieces. The prophecy teaches us that her doom will come in one day -- death and mourning came in one day. One day means one year.

"Even after that she shall utterly be burned with fire. Divine prophecy is that America will suffer isolation from the nations of the earth.

"The Revelations of John of the Bible prophesy of America’s doom. America is spoken of under the savage name of a beast and dragon who will oppose the Messenger of God and all those who seek to follow him.

"Beast and dragon are the names used to represent America because of the nature and the characteristics of this people -- evil and haters of his Black once-slave."

http://www.seventhfam.com/temple/books/fall_america/amfall44.htm

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Also, Why is it that one of the oldest recorded histories known to man - Egyptian/Kemetic History - has absolutely no record of any "Hebrew Slaves" in captivity, building the "pyramids", or making a mass "exodus" from that region nearly 4,000 years ago?

It is not necessary to be defensive about what I am saying or asking. I assure you, I value and read and study my Bible AND Qur'an as often as I can. So I couldn't be "attacking" the Bible...unless I'm insane.

I am merely posing questions about certain APPARENT discrepancies to provoke thought on the subject, in hopes of opening the reader up to the possibility of a more relevant interpretation.

There is a saying in Islam that, "One Learned Believer is harder on the devil than a thousand ignorant worshippers." What is a Learned Believer? What is an ignorant worshipper?

The Bible teaches us to "prove all things", and to "Study to show thyself approved unto God...".

If we shut the doors of Reason in the face of questions that challenge our beliefs or interpretation, we cannot be considered "learned believers".

HISTORY is very important in the confirmation of that which we claim to believe, as is Nature and Mathematics.

If there is no HISTORICAL evidence of some account which we read of in the Scriptures, that doesn't necessarily mean the Scripture is false. It COULD mean that we have to look at it from a different perspective.

Suppose, for just a moment, that the account of Moses and the Children of Israel, in the Bible and Qur'an, are not so much "historical", but are more PROPHETIC. What would that mean? We could reasonably conclude, then, that these Books were revealed and written, not so much as an historical record, but as PROPHECY of that which would happen at a later time.

"What if" the ENTIRE ACCOUNT of the Children of Israel's sojourn in, and Exodus from Egypt is REALLY referring to the history of the Black Man and Woman in America (and the Diaspora)?

What would that say about the Future of Black People in America?

What would that say about the Future of America, herself?

These are questions that those of us striving to be "Learned Believers" must at least consider...because our very lives could depend on it.

RM

Did the Honorable Elijah Muhammad Teach TRUE Islam?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Salaam (Peace) to all.

After skimming over a post discussing whether or not the Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught "true" Islam, I thought it might also be a good idea to go after the Root of the Question:

"What IS true Islam?"

We know that the word Islam means, in short, "entire submission to do the will of Allah."

Key words: "do", "will", "Allah"...and "true"

do
1. to perform (an act, duty, role, etc.): Do nothing until you hear the bell.
2. to execute (a piece or amount of work): to do a hauling job.
3. to accomplish; finish; complete: He has already done his homework.
4. to put forth; exert: Do your best.
5. to be the cause of (good, harm, credit, etc.); bring about; effect.

will
1. the faculty of conscious and especially of deliberate action; the power of control the mind has over its own actions: the freedom of the will.
2. power of choosing one's own actions: to have a strong or a weak will.
3. the act or process of using or asserting one's choice; volition: My hands are obedient to my will.
4. wish or desire: to submit against one's will.
5. purpose or determination, often hearty or stubborn determination; willfulness: to have the will to succeed.
6. the wish or purpose as carried out, or to be carried out: to work one's will.

Allah
The Supreme Being, the One True God Who is the Author of, and is solely Responsible for, all existence.

true
1. being in accordance with the actual state or conditions; conforming to reality or fact; not false: a true story.
2. real; genuine; authentic: true gold; true feelings.
3. sincere; not deceitful: a true interest in someone's welfare.
4. firm in allegiance; loyal; faithful; steadfast: a true friend.
5. being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something: the true meaning of his statement.
6. conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, or the like: a true copy.
7. exact; precise; accurate; correct: a true balance.
8. of the right kind; such as it should be; proper: to arrange things in their true order.
9. properly so called; rightly answering to a description: true statesmanship.
10. legitimate or rightful: the true heir.
11. reliable, unfailing, or sure: a true sign.
12. exactly or accurately shaped, formed, fitted, or placed, as a surface, instrument, or part of a mechanism.
13. honest; honorable; upright

Now...

IF, to be "true" one has to be (among other things) "in accordance with the actual state or conditions; conforming to reality or fact",

THEN, we must ask the question, "That which was the actual state or condition of the Arabs, 1400 years ago; is it the same as the actual state or condition of the Black Man and Woman of America today?"

Of course, the answer is "no". This is obvious. So then, Allah's will for the Arabs of 1400 years ago cannot be exactly the same as His Will for the Black People of America, since "the actual state or conditions" present today are not the same as those of 1400 years ago.

Now, we do understand that the ETERNAL will of Allah is the SAME ALWAYS, like the Theme of a Book with many chapters. The Book has ONE Theme, but is composed of chapters which each have a theme of their own, contributing to the Overall Theme of the Book.

So, as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has stated, and scripture bears him witness, there is a "temporal" aspect to Allah's Will, and an Eternal Aspect to His Will.

Each time Allah raised a Prophet or Messenger, He gave that one a Message designed to address a particular "state or condition" that existed at that time; but that Message was Rooted in Allah's Eternal Will for Humanity...the eventual growth of Man into his completed or perfected state.

Therefore, when asking whether or not the Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught "true" Islam, one must first determine "What is the Will of Allah for the Black Man and Woman in America, in the particular state or condition they are in today?"

What method would be most effective in bringing the Black Man and Woman in line with Allah's Eternal Will for Humanity? What ills among us must first be addressed? What obstacles and enemies must be overcome? What conditions must be changed? And who has been more effective in demonstrating answers to these questions among us than the Hon. Elijah Muhammad?

If the critics of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad are not willing to sincerely consider and examine questions like these, then they are not looking deep enough to properly evaluate the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and His Mighty Work among us...continued today in the person of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan.

So, "did the Hon. Elijah Muhammad teach Black People entire submission to carry out, or execute, the Will of Allah, in a manner that effectively addresses the actual state or condition of Black People in America at the time?"

The answer is, unequivically, YES!

To try to use methods tailor-made for the Arabs of 1400 years ago in their particular "state or condition", to address the needs and condition of the Black Man and Woman of America TODAY, would not be "true" to the reality of our condition...it would not be "True" Islam.

"Farrakhan Supports Iran's Nuclear Program"

As-Salaam Alaikum, Family:

The above is a Headline that is being circulated now across numerous news wires and blogs. Of course the headline is deceptive, because it suggests something entirely different from what Minister Farrakhan actually said.

Here is my response to one of the blogs, along with a link to the "transcript" of an Al-Jazeerah interview conducted with the Hon. Louis Farrakhan this past Sunday:


Louis Farrakhan, Leader of the "Nation of Islam", Declares His Support of Iran's Nuclear Program and Claims that Since the U.S. Administration Ignored His Warnings, "the Time for the Chastisement of Allah Is Here"
http://www.memritv.org/Transcript.asp?P1=1407

Greetings,

I think it is important to include what the Hon. Louis Farrakhan ACTUALLY SAID in plain view:

"America can’t tell Iran they can’t develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes. International law says that Iran has that right. America wants to put up more nuclear facilities so she won’t be dependent on oil. China’s trying to do the same thing. Other nations are trying to do the same thing. You cannot deny Iran access to knowledge when God says to us go through the prophet and search for knowledge, whether it be in far off China. So if he went to China to get nuclear knowledge, he’s obeying God; and if he wants to use it for peaceful purposes, he’s obeying God.

"You’ve got the power to monitor him if he doesn’t want to use it for peaceful purposes, but you hate him because he’s an enemy of Israel."
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3287.shtml


This is in harmony with the United Nations Resolution presently under consideration:

"The UN Security Council completed Friday a draft resolution aimed at Iran's nuclear defiance, banking on threats of stricter targeted sanctions, but offering at the same time a long-term agreement on Iran's right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."

So, if Minister Farrakhan is "guilty" of anything, it is echoing the sentiments of the United Nations.

RM

Saviours' Day 2007 and Surah 77 - "Those Sent Forth"

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

As this Saviours' Day was the 77th Anniversary of the Nation of Islam's Birth in North America, we were instructed to read Surah 77 in preparation for coming to Detroit to See and Hear from Allah's Apostle, the Hon. Louis Farrakhan.

I shared in an earlier post some things that I felt were relevant and very profound concerning the Timing of it all, particularly concerning Surah 77, "Those Sent Forth".

I concluded that post with these words:
Could it be that we are being called to Detroit by Allah and His Christ, through their Apostle among us, to receive instructions that will prepare us to be among "Those Sent Forth to spread goodness", as we begin the "Last Part" of this phase of "Our Work Today", following the Guidance found in "The Announcement"?

With that in mind, please consider the following:

Apostle
[from L.L. apostolus, from Gk. apostolos "messenger, person sent forth," from apostellein "send away, send forth," from apo- "away" (see apo-) + stellein "to send" (cf. epistle)]

Surah 77, "Those Sent Forth" => "The Apostles" ?


May Allah continue to Feed our Spirits and Grant us His Favor and Protection.

HAPPY SAVIOURS' DAY...and...LONG LIVE MUHAMMAD !!!

RM

HAPPY SAVIOURS' DAY !!!

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah
And I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

As-Salaam Alaikum, Family.

My oh My...where to begin...lol...

First, I am truly grateful to Allah that He Allowed so many of us to answer His Call through the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, for our Special "Homecoming" Saviours' Day; and I am equally grateful that Allah Blessed us to return safely to our homes and families.

Next, I am so thankful to Allah for Hearing and Answering the Prayers of the Believers (Muslim and non-Muslim) for the restoration and healing of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan. I was so Happy to see our Brother and Champion and Divine Example. It DEFINITELY was the Highlight of my weekend! I could tell he was still a little ways from a complete recovery, physically, but it was so refreshing to be in his presence again, to feel the Presence of Almighty God among His People. It was truly a Blessing!

Also, I absolutely MUST mention how very Honored and Humbled I was to be asked to be a part of the Male/Female Relationships Workshop on Saturday. Thank you, Sis. Ati, for allowing me to be a part of that wonderful experience, and PLEASE forgive me for failing to inquire about your Father and our Brother, Jabril Muhammad. Please know that he is yet in our prayers.

I was so honored to be sitting on the panel with such great minds and wonderful spirits: Minister Ava Muhammad, Bro. Howard and Sis. Callie, Sis. Mildred, Sis. Myoshi, Sis. Tracy, Bro. Mark...and I believe there were a couple more...forgive me for my memory lapse..lol.

Also, I met Sis. LaSchwanna, Sis. Kia, Sis. Dedra, Bro. Alga...and so many others; and then there were those that I just hadn't seen in a while. It was a wonderful weekend...and I honestly didn't wanna leave...lol.

I thank Allah for this trip...He Knows I really needed it. (smile) There is so much, in addition to the Minister's Words to us, that I came away with in the way of inspiration, that I pray that Allah will grant me many, many more years to continue striving in His Cause, in an attempt to demonstrate my sheer Gratitude to Him for His Mercy and Kindness to me and my family.

Thank you, Believers of Detroit, for making us feel so "at home"; and thank you Believers of the Nation, from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York to LONDON...thank you All for helping to make my Saviours' Day one that I will never forget!

May Allah Bless and Keep us all through the days ahead.

Oh...and LONDON...just wanted you all to know...your presence was Felt! THANK YOU ALL for the sacrifices you made to be with your Family. May Allah Bless you all.

I Love you all and I thank Allah for each and every one of you...my Family. :o)

Bro. Reuben

More Thoughts on This Coming Saviours' Day, 2007

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

The following was originally posted, January 2, 2007

As soon as I received news that the 38th President - Mr. Gerald Ford - was going to be laid to rest in the State of Michigan, my mind went immediately to Surah 38 (Sad) and this coming Saviours' Day. Later on, I began thinking about the references to the state of Michigan in the "Problem Book" in our Lessons from Master Fard Muhammad - God in Person.

Submitted for careful consideration:

Saviours' Day 2007 is scheduled to be held in the city of Detroit, Michigan, in the very area where Master W. Fard Muhammad began Teaching our poeple, a little more than 76 (2 x 38) years ago.

The 38th President is, as of the date of this post, soon to be buried in the state of Michigan.

The 38th Surah, "Sad", in the Maulana Muhammad Ali translation, begins with the following introduction:
"The chapter is entitled 'Sad', from its initial letter, which stands for 'Sadiq' or 'Truthful' God. It describes the sufferings of prophets at the hands of their enemies. Even prophets like David and Solomon, who ruled mighty kingdoms, and like Job, who had been granted abundance, did not escape opposition and had to suffer at the hands of their enemies. But as the name of the chapter signifies, Allah was a 'Truthful God', Who at the height of opposition foretold the discomfiture of the enemy, and the final triumph of Truth."

The following Problems in the "Problem Book" make either direct or indirect reference to the State of Michigan, where this coming Saviours' Day will be held, and where the 38th President of this nation (USA) will be buried:
Problem 9
Problem 10
Problem 12
Problem 33

May Allah Bless us to look carefully into, and speak thoughtfully on, this information.


Perhaps a couple of weeks ago, I was reading over some material related to this coming Saviours' Day, and it was stated that this year is the 77th year since the beginning of Master Fard Muhammad's Work among us.

Well, naturally, my mind went to the 77th Surah of the Holy Qur'an...but I never did get around to reading it then.

Then, last Saturday, at the close of a most delightful chat with some of the Students of the Commissioners' Workbook, it came to me to remind the Believers of the significance of this year, as mentioned above. I said to them that I yet had not read the 77th Surah, titled "Those Sent Forth", but I thought it would be a good idea if we did so before going into Detroit. That was Saturday.

The next day, during the webcast from Chicago, we were instructed to read Surah 77 as preparation for this coming Saviours' Day.

To get to the point...lol...I finally read it last night, and I found it to be very powerful in the present context of the Time and Circumstances we are in.

Aside from the actual content of the 77th Surah, which is most telling; one of the things I found to be interesting was that the 77th Surah is the last Surah of "Part 29", of the 30 Parts read during the Sacred Month of Ramadan; which means that after reading the 77th Surah, there is only one part left before the completion or end of the Book.

Another thing I found interesting was that both the 77th Surah and Part 29 end with the question, "In what narration after it will they believe?". The next Surah, 78, opens up as if in answer to that question. It is titled "The Announcement".

Now, most of us are probably aware that the Press Conference that the Hon. Louis Farrakahn gave on October 24, 1989 - Wherein he brought to public view the "More than a Vision" Experience he had on the Wheel - was titled "The Announcement."

Could it be that we are being called to Detroit by Allah and His Christ, through their Apostle among us, to receive instructions that will prepare us to be among "Those Sent Forth to spread goodness", as we begin the "Last Part" of this phase of "Our Work Today", following the Guidance found in "The Announcement"?

I am very interested in knowing what the Believers see in this.

Humbly Submitted,

RM

Are Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam REALLY "Anti-Semitic"?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Ever since 1984, when the Hon. Louis Farrakhan came to the defense of Rev. Jesse Jackson as he was being politically attacked by members of the Jewish Community, the term "anti-semite" has been attached to the Hon. Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.

Is this an accurate description?

In order to get at the ROOT of what an "anti-Semite" is, we must look at the meanings of the words...

anti-
a prefix meaning “against,” “opposite of,” used in the formation of compound words (anticline); used freely in combination with elements of any origin (antibody; antifreeze; antiknock; antilepton).

Semite
1. a member of any of various ancient and modern peoples originating in southwestern Asia, including the Akkadians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs.
2. A member of a group of Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East and northern Africa, including the Arabs, Arameans, Babylonians, Carthaginians, Ethiopians, Hebrews, and Phoenicians.
3. a member of any of the peoples descended from Shem, the eldest son of Noah.

I have been following the Hon. Louis Farrakhan since 1989, and I have never once heard him say, or heard of him doing, ANYTHING that is against the Semitic peoples of the Earth. However, I have heard him, on many occasions, speak against the evil that people do, REGARDLESS of their race, or creed, or color.

Is Minister Farrakhan "anti-black" for criticizing black people for the evils they/we commit?
Is Minister Farrakhan "anti-muslim" for criticizing Muslims for the evils they commit?
Are those who call themselves Jews above criticism?

Are those who call themselves Jews even "Semites" at all?

Could it be that those Jews who label Minister Farrakhan "anti-semitic" are actually the REAL "anti-semites"?

Something to think about.

RM