Salaam(Peace), Family! I pray all is well with each of you and your families.
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Please click the link below.
http://caeringsolutions.webs.com/survey.htm
Thank You!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
“OBSESSION” – The West’s War Against Islam
Salaam (Peace) to all...
Recently, a propaganda DVD was distributed, en masse, by the “Clarion Group” with the title, “OBSESSION: Radical Islam’s War Against the West.” (2005)
After reading one man’s reaction to this movie, I decided to go to the movie’s website…to see what I could see. I was not surprised. However, what I did find interesting was the fact that, even though there were several current and former Muslims who participated in making the film, out of the 24 persons whose reviews of the film were posted on the site, NOT ONE of them were Muslim! Not even the current/former Muslims who participated were asked or allowed to comment.
Why not? ...After watching an "abridged version" of the film, and reading an article by Ali Gharib, the possible reasons began to materialize, and it then occurred to me that the title of the DVD is all wrong. It SHOULD have been titled…
“OBSESSION: The West’s War Against Islam”
It was troubling to me that there was no clear definition given in the film for the term "radical Islam", nor was there any clear delineation between the admitted "majority of peaceful Muslims" and the "radical" element. The potency and forcefulness employed in creating the mental association between "Islam" and "terrorism" is such that the average viewer or listener will find it all but impossible to even hear the word "Islam" without thinking "terrorism". Is this simply incidental, or accidental?
I am not suggesting that there are not "extremists" among those who call themselves Muslims. There are zealots and extremists in every ideology, whether "religious" or political. But what is/are the "cause(s)" of extremism in this case? Is "Islam" an inherently "violent" religion? Are those who are attracted to the Message of Islam inherently violent and/or evil people? Personally, as a Muslim, I reject both such notions as absurd, since the Teachings of Islam emphasize repeatedly Man's potential for Divinity and inclination toward peaceful relations among His fellows.
Could it be that the "radical" elements being portrayed to the world as the "threat to world peace" are actually "reactionaries", responding to an even Greater threat to world peace?
Consider these words from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001:
"Those who perpetrated this horrendous act have lost their humanity and had become like wild beasts with only one thought in mind, to devour their prey. These persons, so depraved, only wanted to bring death and destruction because of their hatred for the United States of America. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught me that our universe is constructed on what the Qur’an calls the mizan, or a balance. That balance is justice. That is why the symbol of justice is a woman blindfolded with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Justice is what balances the human mind. Whenever any human being is deprived of justice, the mind becomes imbalanced. The greater the injustice, the greater the imbalance. In a democratic society and in a civilized nation, institutions are established for the redress of grievances, and it is the success of granting to those who seek the redress of their grievance and having it done that returns balance to the human mind.
"The Palestinians believe they have sustained injustice since 1948. Whether you agree or disagree, from their point of view, they have not had justice. They have cried out in every forum for the redress of their grievances and justice has not come. They live in refugee camps, are scattered throughout the world and every day they live with the horror of what they suffer. So more and more minds become imbalanced to the degree that life has no more meaning, for there is no joy in being free if there is no justice. Joy is the result of justice. Out of despair and hopelesness and waking up everyday without the joy of justice, this is what causes children to strap themselves with bombs. They care nothing for their lives, and they care nothing for the lives of others. They want others to feel the pain of what they live with everyday."
http://www.noi.org/statements/transcript_010916.htm
Former (Late) President Richard M. Nixon is quoted as saying:
“…the real enemy of democracy is not communism, it is fundamentalist Islam.”
Why does the “western” mind consider “fundamentalist Islam” to be “the real enemy of democracy”?
What is the nature of “democracy”?
What is the nature of “fundamentalist Islam”? We can get an idea of the answer to this question by answering a similar question: “What are the ‘fundamentals’ of Islam?”
Prayer – Recognition of a Higher Power, from Whom we derive our Purpose for being, and to whom we are accountable.
Charity – serving the well being of humanity with our time, our talent and what we can spare of our finance.
Fasting – Discipline, Modesty, Abstinence.
Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Sacred Journey to the “House of God”.
Jihad – struggle against the obstacles (primarily within) to our growth and development.
Why would the west see these principles as an “enemy” to “democracy”?
Again, what is the nature of “democracy” that cause its adherents to view “fundamentalist Islam” as an “enemy”.
Is “democracy” against recognition of a Higher Power, from Whom we derive our Purpose for being, and to Whom we are accountable?
Is “democracy” against serving the well-being of Humanity with one’s time, talent and finances?
Is “democracy” against the right of all people to exercise Discipline, Modesty and Abstenance?
Is “democracy” against the right of all people to make the Sacred Journey (of Life) to meet with God?
Is “democracy” against the need and right of all people to struggle to overcome the impediments to their self-development and self-improvement?
When we look at the moral degeneration of the “democracy” that we live in, in America, where every vice and corruptor of the human spirit is not only visible, but “glorified” and perpetuated, it is clear to me why the West has an “Obsession” with opposing “fundamentalist Islam”.
“Babylon, the Great, is fallen, is fallen; and is become a habitation of devils, and a hold for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird.”
–Revelation, Bible
The argument could easily be made that the entire prophecy of the Dragon, in the Book of Revelation, that makes war with the Woman and the Remnant of Her Seed, is referring to the West’s current war against God and those who Believe in Him, regardless of what they call themselves.
We have entered a very dark hour. Let all who would see the Dawn of a New Day, Give ear to the Guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, that we may have Light to guide us through the Night.
God Bless and Keep us all.
RM
Recently, a propaganda DVD was distributed, en masse, by the “Clarion Group” with the title, “OBSESSION: Radical Islam’s War Against the West.” (2005)
After reading one man’s reaction to this movie, I decided to go to the movie’s website…to see what I could see. I was not surprised. However, what I did find interesting was the fact that, even though there were several current and former Muslims who participated in making the film, out of the 24 persons whose reviews of the film were posted on the site, NOT ONE of them were Muslim! Not even the current/former Muslims who participated were asked or allowed to comment.
Why not? ...After watching an "abridged version" of the film, and reading an article by Ali Gharib, the possible reasons began to materialize, and it then occurred to me that the title of the DVD is all wrong. It SHOULD have been titled…
“OBSESSION: The West’s War Against Islam”
It was troubling to me that there was no clear definition given in the film for the term "radical Islam", nor was there any clear delineation between the admitted "majority of peaceful Muslims" and the "radical" element. The potency and forcefulness employed in creating the mental association between "Islam" and "terrorism" is such that the average viewer or listener will find it all but impossible to even hear the word "Islam" without thinking "terrorism". Is this simply incidental, or accidental?
I am not suggesting that there are not "extremists" among those who call themselves Muslims. There are zealots and extremists in every ideology, whether "religious" or political. But what is/are the "cause(s)" of extremism in this case? Is "Islam" an inherently "violent" religion? Are those who are attracted to the Message of Islam inherently violent and/or evil people? Personally, as a Muslim, I reject both such notions as absurd, since the Teachings of Islam emphasize repeatedly Man's potential for Divinity and inclination toward peaceful relations among His fellows.
Could it be that the "radical" elements being portrayed to the world as the "threat to world peace" are actually "reactionaries", responding to an even Greater threat to world peace?
Consider these words from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001:
"Those who perpetrated this horrendous act have lost their humanity and had become like wild beasts with only one thought in mind, to devour their prey. These persons, so depraved, only wanted to bring death and destruction because of their hatred for the United States of America. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught me that our universe is constructed on what the Qur’an calls the mizan, or a balance. That balance is justice. That is why the symbol of justice is a woman blindfolded with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Justice is what balances the human mind. Whenever any human being is deprived of justice, the mind becomes imbalanced. The greater the injustice, the greater the imbalance. In a democratic society and in a civilized nation, institutions are established for the redress of grievances, and it is the success of granting to those who seek the redress of their grievance and having it done that returns balance to the human mind.
"The Palestinians believe they have sustained injustice since 1948. Whether you agree or disagree, from their point of view, they have not had justice. They have cried out in every forum for the redress of their grievances and justice has not come. They live in refugee camps, are scattered throughout the world and every day they live with the horror of what they suffer. So more and more minds become imbalanced to the degree that life has no more meaning, for there is no joy in being free if there is no justice. Joy is the result of justice. Out of despair and hopelesness and waking up everyday without the joy of justice, this is what causes children to strap themselves with bombs. They care nothing for their lives, and they care nothing for the lives of others. They want others to feel the pain of what they live with everyday."
http://www.noi.org/statements/transcript_010916.htm
Former (Late) President Richard M. Nixon is quoted as saying:
“…the real enemy of democracy is not communism, it is fundamentalist Islam.”
Why does the “western” mind consider “fundamentalist Islam” to be “the real enemy of democracy”?
What is the nature of “democracy”?
What is the nature of “fundamentalist Islam”? We can get an idea of the answer to this question by answering a similar question: “What are the ‘fundamentals’ of Islam?”
Prayer – Recognition of a Higher Power, from Whom we derive our Purpose for being, and to whom we are accountable.
Charity – serving the well being of humanity with our time, our talent and what we can spare of our finance.
Fasting – Discipline, Modesty, Abstinence.
Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Sacred Journey to the “House of God”.
Jihad – struggle against the obstacles (primarily within) to our growth and development.
Why would the west see these principles as an “enemy” to “democracy”?
Again, what is the nature of “democracy” that cause its adherents to view “fundamentalist Islam” as an “enemy”.
Is “democracy” against recognition of a Higher Power, from Whom we derive our Purpose for being, and to Whom we are accountable?
Is “democracy” against serving the well-being of Humanity with one’s time, talent and finances?
Is “democracy” against the right of all people to exercise Discipline, Modesty and Abstenance?
Is “democracy” against the right of all people to make the Sacred Journey (of Life) to meet with God?
Is “democracy” against the need and right of all people to struggle to overcome the impediments to their self-development and self-improvement?
When we look at the moral degeneration of the “democracy” that we live in, in America, where every vice and corruptor of the human spirit is not only visible, but “glorified” and perpetuated, it is clear to me why the West has an “Obsession” with opposing “fundamentalist Islam”.
“Babylon, the Great, is fallen, is fallen; and is become a habitation of devils, and a hold for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hateful bird.”
–Revelation, Bible
The argument could easily be made that the entire prophecy of the Dragon, in the Book of Revelation, that makes war with the Woman and the Remnant of Her Seed, is referring to the West’s current war against God and those who Believe in Him, regardless of what they call themselves.
We have entered a very dark hour. Let all who would see the Dawn of a New Day, Give ear to the Guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, that we may have Light to guide us through the Night.
God Bless and Keep us all.
RM
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
"Whose Report Will You Believe?"
President Bush Addresses United Nations General Assembly
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York
September 23, 2008
10:12 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT:
...By deliberately murdering the innocent to advance their aims, these extremists defy the fundamental principles of international order. They show contempt for all who respect life and value human dignity. They reject the words of the Bible, the Koran, the Torah, or any standard of conscience or morality. They imperil the values of justice and human rights that gave birth to the United Nations -- values that have fueled an unprecedented expansion of freedom across the world.
...With the brutal nature of the extremists increasingly clear, the coalition of nations confronting terror is growing stronger. Over the past seven years, Afghanistan and Iraq have been transformed from regimes that actively sponsor terror to democracies that fight terror. Libya has renounced its support for terror and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Nations like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are actively pursuing the terrorists. A few nations -- regimes like Syria and Iran -- continue to sponsor terror. Yet their numbers are growing fewer, and they're growing more isolated from the world.
As the 21st century unfolds, some may be tempted to assume that the threat has receded. This would be comforting; it would be wrong. The terrorists believe time is on their side, so they made waiting out civilized nations part of their strategy. We must not allow them to succeed. The nations of this body must stand united in the fight against terror.
We must continue working to deny the terrorists refuge anywhere in the world, including ungoverned spaces. We must remain vigilant against proliferation -- by fully implementing the terms of Security Council Resolution 1540, and enforcing sanctions against North Korea and Iran. We must not relent until our people are safe from this threat to civilization...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080923-5.html
Bush calls for action against Iran
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
16:14:44 GMT
US President George W. Bush questions Iran's place in 'the modern world', calling for a front to take action against the country.
President Bush, under fire for a major economic crisis at home, in his final address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday accused Tehran of 'continuing to sponsor terrorism' - without providing any proof.
The Bush administration has long blamed Iran for the violence in Iraq, a country that is under US military occupation. Iran rejects the allegation, saying it only seeks the restoration of security and stability in Iraq.
"A few nations - regimes like Syria and Iran - continue to sponsor terror, yet their numbers are growing fewer and they are growing more isolated from the world," said Bush.
He added that a nation that supports 'terrorism has no place in the modern world', suggesting that the international community should take action against Iran.
Showing no desire for improvement of Tehran-Washington relations, President Bush then raised the issue of the Iranian nuclear program, calling for global support to impose a new round of sanctions against the country.
Amid simmering tensions between the White House and the Kremlin, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that he would only accept a follow-up to negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, adding that Moscow would block further sanctions on Tehran.
Under US pressure the United Nations Security Council has so far imposed three rounds of economic sanctions against Iran, demanding the country halt its uranium enrichment despite the UN nuclear watchdog confirming the 'non-diversion' of Tehran's existing nuclear activities.
Contrary to the findings of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. In its latest report, the IAEA announced that it could not find any 'components of a nuclear weapon' or 'related nuclear physics studies' in the country.
The Bush administration has long threatened Tehran with war under the pretext that a nuclear-armed country in the Middle East would pose a threat to Israel - the sole possessor of a nuclear arsenal in the region.
Shortly after Bush's speech, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told the general assembly that Europe supports 'Iran's right to peaceful nuclear activities'.
President Sarkozy, however, warned that the European Union would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran since it would pose a threat to Israel - which considers Tehran as its top foe.
Iran has repeatedly said that it has no use for an atomic bomb, stressing that weapons of mass destructions have no place in its defensive doctrine.
Tehran also contends that it has never launched an attack or been involved in any act of aggression against any party, rejecting the allegations that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seeks to 'wipe Israel off the map'.
MD/HGH
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=70349§ionid=351020104
Iran: US main cause of global woes
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
10:49:00 GMT
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says that the United States is the root cause of the woes in the world.
"The US makes endless allegations against Iran's nuclear program while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that all nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic were legal," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the fringes of the 63rd annual session of the UN General Assembly.
He expressed hope the UN would successfully establish peace and stability in all parts of the world. "We should support independence, national unity and the integrity of Iraq and strive to resolve the country's problems through talks," the Iranian president added.
He pointed to the circumstances in Afghanistan and said, "NATO policies have led to the spread of extremism and an increase of narcotics production in the country."
Ahmadinejad expressed concerns over the present situation in Palestine, saying, "A food and medicine blockade has been imposed on the Palestinian people. Time is ripe to put an end to aggression and looting in Palestine."
Iran has a plan on holding a referendum in Palestine with the aim of determining the fate of its nation, he added, saying the plan will be sent to Ban in the near future.
The UN Secretary-General condemned a non-peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear case, saying it would not work.
He pointed to the situation in Palestine and said that the United Nations is the only international organization which sends humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Ban praised Iran's efforts aimed at stabilizing the Lebanese government.
SF/JG/BGH
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=70315§ionid=351020101
.
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York
September 23, 2008
10:12 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT:
...By deliberately murdering the innocent to advance their aims, these extremists defy the fundamental principles of international order. They show contempt for all who respect life and value human dignity. They reject the words of the Bible, the Koran, the Torah, or any standard of conscience or morality. They imperil the values of justice and human rights that gave birth to the United Nations -- values that have fueled an unprecedented expansion of freedom across the world.
...With the brutal nature of the extremists increasingly clear, the coalition of nations confronting terror is growing stronger. Over the past seven years, Afghanistan and Iraq have been transformed from regimes that actively sponsor terror to democracies that fight terror. Libya has renounced its support for terror and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Nations like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are actively pursuing the terrorists. A few nations -- regimes like Syria and Iran -- continue to sponsor terror. Yet their numbers are growing fewer, and they're growing more isolated from the world.
As the 21st century unfolds, some may be tempted to assume that the threat has receded. This would be comforting; it would be wrong. The terrorists believe time is on their side, so they made waiting out civilized nations part of their strategy. We must not allow them to succeed. The nations of this body must stand united in the fight against terror.
We must continue working to deny the terrorists refuge anywhere in the world, including ungoverned spaces. We must remain vigilant against proliferation -- by fully implementing the terms of Security Council Resolution 1540, and enforcing sanctions against North Korea and Iran. We must not relent until our people are safe from this threat to civilization...
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080923-5.html
Bush calls for action against Iran
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
16:14:44 GMT
US President George W. Bush questions Iran's place in 'the modern world', calling for a front to take action against the country.
President Bush, under fire for a major economic crisis at home, in his final address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday accused Tehran of 'continuing to sponsor terrorism' - without providing any proof.
The Bush administration has long blamed Iran for the violence in Iraq, a country that is under US military occupation. Iran rejects the allegation, saying it only seeks the restoration of security and stability in Iraq.
"A few nations - regimes like Syria and Iran - continue to sponsor terror, yet their numbers are growing fewer and they are growing more isolated from the world," said Bush.
He added that a nation that supports 'terrorism has no place in the modern world', suggesting that the international community should take action against Iran.
Showing no desire for improvement of Tehran-Washington relations, President Bush then raised the issue of the Iranian nuclear program, calling for global support to impose a new round of sanctions against the country.
Amid simmering tensions between the White House and the Kremlin, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that he would only accept a follow-up to negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, adding that Moscow would block further sanctions on Tehran.
Under US pressure the United Nations Security Council has so far imposed three rounds of economic sanctions against Iran, demanding the country halt its uranium enrichment despite the UN nuclear watchdog confirming the 'non-diversion' of Tehran's existing nuclear activities.
Contrary to the findings of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons. In its latest report, the IAEA announced that it could not find any 'components of a nuclear weapon' or 'related nuclear physics studies' in the country.
The Bush administration has long threatened Tehran with war under the pretext that a nuclear-armed country in the Middle East would pose a threat to Israel - the sole possessor of a nuclear arsenal in the region.
Shortly after Bush's speech, French President Nicolas Sarkozy told the general assembly that Europe supports 'Iran's right to peaceful nuclear activities'.
President Sarkozy, however, warned that the European Union would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran since it would pose a threat to Israel - which considers Tehran as its top foe.
Iran has repeatedly said that it has no use for an atomic bomb, stressing that weapons of mass destructions have no place in its defensive doctrine.
Tehran also contends that it has never launched an attack or been involved in any act of aggression against any party, rejecting the allegations that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seeks to 'wipe Israel off the map'.
MD/HGH
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=70349§ionid=351020104
Iran: US main cause of global woes
Tue, 23 Sep 2008
10:49:00 GMT
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says that the United States is the root cause of the woes in the world.
"The US makes endless allegations against Iran's nuclear program while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that all nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic were legal," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the fringes of the 63rd annual session of the UN General Assembly.
He expressed hope the UN would successfully establish peace and stability in all parts of the world. "We should support independence, national unity and the integrity of Iraq and strive to resolve the country's problems through talks," the Iranian president added.
He pointed to the circumstances in Afghanistan and said, "NATO policies have led to the spread of extremism and an increase of narcotics production in the country."
Ahmadinejad expressed concerns over the present situation in Palestine, saying, "A food and medicine blockade has been imposed on the Palestinian people. Time is ripe to put an end to aggression and looting in Palestine."
Iran has a plan on holding a referendum in Palestine with the aim of determining the fate of its nation, he added, saying the plan will be sent to Ban in the near future.
The UN Secretary-General condemned a non-peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear case, saying it would not work.
He pointed to the situation in Palestine and said that the United Nations is the only international organization which sends humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Ban praised Iran's efforts aimed at stabilizing the Lebanese government.
SF/JG/BGH
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=70315§ionid=351020101
.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Why I Stopped Trying to "Connect" with God!
In the Name of Allah(God), the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.
Many of us have probably heard others (or even ourselves) speak of their utter dissatisfaction with their current circumstances in life; sometimes to the extent that they express a sincere desire to "connect with God" in hopes of finding relief from the confusion and despair that their condition has brought them to.
Lately, however, I have been pondering over this phenomenon; as I, myself, have been in similar situations more times than I care to recount. One day, it occurred to me that, for all my desperate sincerity, my attempts to "connect" with God were, in all honesty, quite useless -- and in truth, could never have been anything other than useless.
"Why?", you may ask. "How on earth could it ever be useless to try to connect with God? Don't you want to be connected with your Creator?"
Fair question... What follows is the essence of my answer.
"God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of Life, and man became a living soul." -Holy Bible
"Surely, I am going to create a mortal of sounding clay, of black mud fashioned into shape. So when I have made him complete, and breathed into him of my Spirit, fall down, making obeisance to him." -Holy Qur'an
The reason that I concluded that it is useless for me to try to "connect" with God is that, when I reflect upon the passages above, I realize that I always have been, am now, and always will be..."CONNECTED" to God. ...Not because of any effort on my part, but because when God Created me, from the Essence of His Own Being, there was already an unbreakable Connection between God and myself. From the instant that I was conceived in the Womb of my Mother (PBUH), to this present moment as you read these words, and for the rest of my natural Life, I am "unbreakably" connected to my God; and no one -- not even I -- can change that!
Although this wonderful realization from God -- that I am never, and never can be, "disconnected" from Him -- brought me much relief, spiritually; I was still left with the question of the cause of my past feelings of being "disconnected".
Upon closer study of the Teachings of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, and of the Scriptures, it became clearer to me that my feelings of "disconnectedness" from God were the result of being out of Harmony with the Will of God and with His Divine Purpose for my Life! I was out of Harmony with my own Divine Nature!
But why?
God says, in the Bible, "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge." ..Not that their bodies were destroyed, but their Peace and Power were destroyed because they did not have the Knowledge of their Divine Connection to Almighty God, nor the Knowledge of how to Benefit from that Connection.
So it was, and is, with me. Although I am never "disconnected" from God, I realize that without the Knowledge of how to use that Connection, and/or without the will or desire to Cultivate that Connection, I do not have what I need of Knowledge and Power to effectively deal with the challenges of Life, both material and spiritual.
However, as I continue to pray; as I continue to seek and receive Guidance through study; as I continue to put in practice those principles discovered in my study, I am reminded that my Connection to God is as Real as HE is, and that I am never -- at any time -- disconnected from Him. I am never -- at any time -- disconnected from His Favor, His Love, His Power, His Spirit; and I find that it is just as true for me as it was for the Apostle Paul, or any other, when he said, "In Him I live, move and have my being," for I am in Him...and I’m beginning to see that He is in me.
He is with me, always...even unto the end of the world!
That Knowledge gives me Peace.
What about you?
RM
Many of us have probably heard others (or even ourselves) speak of their utter dissatisfaction with their current circumstances in life; sometimes to the extent that they express a sincere desire to "connect with God" in hopes of finding relief from the confusion and despair that their condition has brought them to.
Lately, however, I have been pondering over this phenomenon; as I, myself, have been in similar situations more times than I care to recount. One day, it occurred to me that, for all my desperate sincerity, my attempts to "connect" with God were, in all honesty, quite useless -- and in truth, could never have been anything other than useless.
"Why?", you may ask. "How on earth could it ever be useless to try to connect with God? Don't you want to be connected with your Creator?"
Fair question... What follows is the essence of my answer.
"God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of Life, and man became a living soul." -Holy Bible
"Surely, I am going to create a mortal of sounding clay, of black mud fashioned into shape. So when I have made him complete, and breathed into him of my Spirit, fall down, making obeisance to him." -Holy Qur'an
The reason that I concluded that it is useless for me to try to "connect" with God is that, when I reflect upon the passages above, I realize that I always have been, am now, and always will be..."CONNECTED" to God. ...Not because of any effort on my part, but because when God Created me, from the Essence of His Own Being, there was already an unbreakable Connection between God and myself. From the instant that I was conceived in the Womb of my Mother (PBUH), to this present moment as you read these words, and for the rest of my natural Life, I am "unbreakably" connected to my God; and no one -- not even I -- can change that!
Although this wonderful realization from God -- that I am never, and never can be, "disconnected" from Him -- brought me much relief, spiritually; I was still left with the question of the cause of my past feelings of being "disconnected".
Upon closer study of the Teachings of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, and of the Scriptures, it became clearer to me that my feelings of "disconnectedness" from God were the result of being out of Harmony with the Will of God and with His Divine Purpose for my Life! I was out of Harmony with my own Divine Nature!
But why?
God says, in the Bible, "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge." ..Not that their bodies were destroyed, but their Peace and Power were destroyed because they did not have the Knowledge of their Divine Connection to Almighty God, nor the Knowledge of how to Benefit from that Connection.
So it was, and is, with me. Although I am never "disconnected" from God, I realize that without the Knowledge of how to use that Connection, and/or without the will or desire to Cultivate that Connection, I do not have what I need of Knowledge and Power to effectively deal with the challenges of Life, both material and spiritual.
However, as I continue to pray; as I continue to seek and receive Guidance through study; as I continue to put in practice those principles discovered in my study, I am reminded that my Connection to God is as Real as HE is, and that I am never -- at any time -- disconnected from Him. I am never -- at any time -- disconnected from His Favor, His Love, His Power, His Spirit; and I find that it is just as true for me as it was for the Apostle Paul, or any other, when he said, "In Him I live, move and have my being," for I am in Him...and I’m beginning to see that He is in me.
He is with me, always...even unto the end of the world!
That Knowledge gives me Peace.
What about you?
RM
Monday, September 15, 2008
"All is Vanity...Except Surrender to Allah(God)."
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.
After listening to a Beautiful Message from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan this past Friday, I was forced to look at myself, my family, my people, Humanity...and even God...from a different perspective from the usual.
NONE of us, except the Originator of the present Universe, had the opportunity to choose the vessel that we came into this world in. The "Black" man or woman could just as easily have been born a "White" man or woman, and vice versa.
How then, can we glory in one and ridicule the other, when NEITHER had any choice in the matter? Should a person be honored, invalidated or persecuted for differences in his or her being over which he or she had/has no control?
Allah says, in the Holy Qur'an, "...into whatever form He Pleases, He casts thee...".
Whatever form HE pleases...not what "we" please!
With this in mind, of what use is it for the one born in "black" skin to devalue the one born in "white" skin (or vice versa), when both emanate(d) from the same Essence? Of what use is it for the one born a male to exalt himself above the one born female (or vice versa), when both are manifestations of the same Divine Reality?
I am not suggesting that it is wrong to appreciate one's self or one's attributes; but the Truth of the matter is that it is not "color" or "gender" or "ethnicity" that makes one person or people "better" than another or "lesser" than another. It is the quality of our conscious behavior, compared with our Divine Purpose for existence, that determines whether we are "better" or "lesser" than another.
Allah also says, in the Holy Qur'an, that the "best" among men are those who are "Most mindful of their duty (to God)." It does not mention color or gender or culture. The Bible teaches that, "In Christ there is no Jew nor Greek, no bond nor free, no male nor female...for all are one in Christ."
Quite simply, we are what we choose to be, and we cannot "choose" our race or gender; but we can choose how we will live our lives in relation to God's Plan, and at the end of the day, that is really all that matters.
Peace to all.
RM
After listening to a Beautiful Message from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan this past Friday, I was forced to look at myself, my family, my people, Humanity...and even God...from a different perspective from the usual.
NONE of us, except the Originator of the present Universe, had the opportunity to choose the vessel that we came into this world in. The "Black" man or woman could just as easily have been born a "White" man or woman, and vice versa.
How then, can we glory in one and ridicule the other, when NEITHER had any choice in the matter? Should a person be honored, invalidated or persecuted for differences in his or her being over which he or she had/has no control?
Allah says, in the Holy Qur'an, "...into whatever form He Pleases, He casts thee...".
Whatever form HE pleases...not what "we" please!
With this in mind, of what use is it for the one born in "black" skin to devalue the one born in "white" skin (or vice versa), when both emanate(d) from the same Essence? Of what use is it for the one born a male to exalt himself above the one born female (or vice versa), when both are manifestations of the same Divine Reality?
I am not suggesting that it is wrong to appreciate one's self or one's attributes; but the Truth of the matter is that it is not "color" or "gender" or "ethnicity" that makes one person or people "better" than another or "lesser" than another. It is the quality of our conscious behavior, compared with our Divine Purpose for existence, that determines whether we are "better" or "lesser" than another.
Allah also says, in the Holy Qur'an, that the "best" among men are those who are "Most mindful of their duty (to God)." It does not mention color or gender or culture. The Bible teaches that, "In Christ there is no Jew nor Greek, no bond nor free, no male nor female...for all are one in Christ."
Quite simply, we are what we choose to be, and we cannot "choose" our race or gender; but we can choose how we will live our lives in relation to God's Plan, and at the end of the day, that is really all that matters.
Peace to all.
RM
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