Salaam (Peace) to All...
In our Lessons, given to us by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, we are instructed that "Each Student must qualify his or herself for Positions awaiting them. Assignment of Office will be made immediately after Examination, and on Completion of his or her Labor Course. Consideration for the Laborers of Islam will be taken, and Analysis, in the near future by ALLAH!"
In addition he wanted to "...[put] a stop to all Quarreling and Arguments among the Laborers over their Offices in ISLAM until he or she have been qualified and their qualification Examined to see if they are Fit to be used in the Respective Position."
Consider the following:
position:
[c.1374, as a term in logic and philosophy, from O.Fr. posicion, from L. positionem (nom. positio) "act or fact of placing, position, affirmation," from posit-, pp. stem of ponere "put, place," from PIE *po-s(i)nere, from *apo- "off, away" (see apo-) + *sinere "to leave, let," of obscure origin.]
1. condition with reference to place; location; situation.
2. a place occupied or to be occupied; site: a fortified position.
3. the proper, appropriate, or usual place: out of position.
4. situation or condition, esp. with relation to favorable or unfavorable circumstances: to be in an awkward position; to bargain from a position of strength.
5. status or standing: He has a position to maintain in the community.
6. high standing, as in society; important status: a person of wealth and position.
7. a post of employment: a position in a bank.
8. manner of being placed, disposed, or arranged: the relative position of the hands of a clock.
9. bodily posture or attitude: to be in a sitting position.
10. mental attitude; stand: one's position on a controversial topic.
11. the act of positing.
12. something that is posited.
qualify:
[1465, "to invest with a quality," from M.L. qualificare "attribute a quality to," from L. qualis "of what sort" + facere "to make" (see factitious). Sense of "be fit for a job" first appeared 1588. Qualification in the sense of "limitation, restriction" is from 1543.]
1. to provide with proper or necessary skills, knowledge, credentials, etc.; make competent: to qualify oneself for a job.
2. to modify or limit in some way; make less strong or positive: to qualify an endorsement.
3. Grammar. to modify.
4. to make less violent, severe, or unpleasant; moderate; mitigate.
5. to attribute some quality or qualities to; characterize, call, or name: She cannot qualify his attitude as either rational or irrational.
6. to modify or alter the flavor or strength of: He qualified his coffee with a few drops of brandy.
7. Law. to certify as legally competent.
What are the "positions" awaiting us?
How do we "qualify" for these positions?
It is humbly submitted that the "Position" that is awaiting each student is, in fact, tied to the Divine and Unique Purpose for which he or she was called into existence.
The way one "qualifies" for said position, i.e., the way one is made fit to carry out his or her Divine Purpose, is by submitting to a Course of Instruction, and to a Process, which will strip away -- by education and trial -- the misconceptions one has about himself or herself, leaving only the clear knowledge of One's Self and one's Purpose...or "Position".
Are we willing to release the false self and embrace the True Self? Are we willing to experience the discomfort of being remade, reshaped, reformed and reborn? Are we willing to endure the difficulties of giving up the familiar (if necessary) for the unfamiliar?
Are we willing to be made fit for a New Reality?
If so, then we have a chance to qualify for service in the Cause of Allah, in the positions that we are naturally suited for by the nature of our creation.
With Love,
RM
Monday, October 06, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Research Survey
Salaam(Peace), Family! I pray all is well with each of you and your families.
I'm conducting a survey to help me in my research. Any and all responses are greatly appreciated! And by all means, pass it along! :o)
Please click the link below.
http://caeringsolutions.webs.com/survey.htm
Thank You!
I'm conducting a survey to help me in my research. Any and all responses are greatly appreciated! And by all means, pass it along! :o)
Please click the link below.
http://caeringsolutions.webs.com/survey.htm
Thank You!
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
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