The Signs are Abundant

As I try to analyze my life – who I am, what brought me to the point I am now and where I can go and who I have the potential of becoming in the future – I have resorted to quick dua’s during periods of stress and I’ve kept my eyes open for any sort of sign. Any reassurance I’m going the right way, or any new enlightenment of some sort. Here’s some amazing things alhamdullilah that I have come across during this period of contemplation.

1. The ability to perceive, gain, or attain any sort of new knowledge - this is a sign from Allah(swt) in our lives because it stands firm with the idea that knowledge is never-ending. From this realization, we realize that us, as human beings, will never attain complete knowledge or understanding. Because knowledge is infinite and we are bound by our fate and the limits of time, there is no way that we can know everything that there is possible to know about this life, this universe. In simpler, everyday terms – why a bus route may change in our neighborhood,  the rules of basketball, research on space exploration, etc. While many of these everyday things seem trivial knowledge pursuits and we may be able to find out the answers to all of them quickly. It is those new ideas, thoughs, research in progress that we may never be a part of unless we dedicate time to develop our knowledge and perhaps even actively participate in pushing the boundaries of what we already know to discover something else that was already there. “Something else that was already there” – what does that mean? Think of it this way: space, stars, planets were already a part of this universe before man actually confirmed the discovery. Everything to reach a new level of knowledge is before us. It is there. It is up to us to discover it.

Why do I call this a sign? Have you ever just gone about your life and then come across something that changes the way you think, the decisions you make. It is this knowledge, whether you gain it by talking to someone, reading a newspaper, publications, etc., no matter how it comes to you – it shakes your world just by you ‘merely’ thinking about that piece of information. Nothing is trivial in the pursuit of knowledge. Knowing that most golf balls for example are white, whereas someone who’s never seen the sport before, doesn’t necessarily put you at an advantage of any sort, but this mere distinct difference, even though it is extremly minuate, actually helps develop your level of perception and reality. Reality is based on what we know to exist. Never belittle knowledge – it is a blessing, just like the five senses: touching, smelling, seeing, feeling, hearing.

My Take: This past week I had the opportunity to gain an inside view on the world of investment banking. Is this where I see myself in the future. To be honest, no. But then again I’ll leave all judgments to my lord. Even we can’t be sure that we know ourselves as well as might believe we do. Does this sound confusing? Think of it this way – have you ever though you wanted something, then realized down the road that you may have or may not have wanted it. Your confused – you don’t know what you really want from this life, because that knowledge is only with Allah(swt). But thankfully (shukar-Alhamullilah), He guides you if you have good intentions and you believe.  In this life we have many, many open doors and opportunities we can take that will in turn change our lives for the better or worse. But with all these opportunities comes the responsibility of thanking the One who has given them to us. And who will guide us to righteousness. The One I am talking about is Allah(swt) our creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

2. The Verses of the Quran – These are most definitely a sign. And I can bear witness to profound statements that I have come across in the Quran that I can relate to my life. The knowledge and the relationship between you and the Quran has potential to always be developed. Take the time to read it, to understand it, and to apply it. Take the time to just look at a translation of a few lines – even if your life is busy. This is a starting point. That’s all I did – I looked at a few lines a few days ago and Allahu Akbar – Allah(swt) spoke to me through the Quran. This is the Best of Signs. Believe and you will realize so much more than what you know now.

The verse that I found absolutely relevant, to the thoughts going through my mind about my life, at the time I was reading the Quran were the following from Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave) –

“Be patient with those who worship their Lord in the mornings and evenings to seek His pleasure. Do not overlook them to seek the worldly pleasures. Do no obey those whom We have caused to neglect Us and instead follow their own desires beyond all limits” (18:28)

3. The Signs you see everyday – Just today I said Bismillah before putting a golf ball and it aligned perfectly with one that was 4 ft away. Before saying Bismillah, I had tried to get it perfectly aligned several times with absolutely no success. Coincidence, I think not – this is a sign that my Lord is watching me and all of us.

Levels of Certainty

During a lecture, I attended last month, on the HereAfter it was mentioned that there are three ‘Levels of Certainty’ :

1. Knowledge of Certainty - you see it with your heart and where there are no doubts

2. The Eye of Certainty – if you don’t see it with your heart, you will see it with the ‘eye of certainty’ – refers to the phrase seeing is believing

3. Truth of Certainty – Quran

Here’s some of my further research on the topic:

Certainty is referred to as al-yaqîn

This concept is rooted in Sufism, an inner dimension of Islam (hopefully I’ll touch on this topic in another post) – where I believe the basic belief is to internalize the character of a Muslim: to be in constant remembrance of Allah (swt) and to work towards purifying the heart and soul of the believer- basically building Iman (Faith in a believer).

May Allah (swt) increase me in knowledge and forgive me if I am wrong, but so far in the research that I have done I believe that Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi was responsible for developing the concept of the ‘Three Levels of Certainty’.

Who is Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi?

“Mystic, philosopher, poet, sage, Muhammad b. ‘Ali Ibn ‘Arabi is one of the world’s great spiritual teachers. Known as Muhyiddin (the Revivifier of Religion) and the Shaykh al-Akbar (the Greatest Master), he was born in 1165 AD into the Moorish culture of Andalusian Spain, the centre of an extraordinary flourishing and cross-fertilization of Jewish, Christian and Islamic thought, through which the major scientific and philosophical works of antiquity were transmitted to Northern Europe. Ibn ‘Arabi’s spiritual attainments were evident from an early age, and he was renowned for his great visionary capacity as well as being a superlative teacher. He travelled extensively in the Islamic world and died in Damascus in 1240 AD.”       (Source: http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/ibnarabi.html)

What are the Three Levels of yaqîn (Certainty)?

1. Knowledge of Certainty, ‘ilm al-yaqîn (pronounced ‘illum al-yaqeen in arabic)- The first level of degree is known as the ‘knowledge of certainty’. At this level the “object of Certainty is knowledge just as the aim of knowledge is Certainty. Both together are in the soul uniquely, such that Certainty is the first degree of spiritual life and the last of speculative experience.”

2. The Eye of Certainty,  ‘ayn al-yaqîn (pronounced ‘iyn al-yaqeen in arabic) – The second level is known as the ‘Eye of Certainty’. This is when the “object of certainty” is present in front of the person. This knowledge becomes known as “‘ilm-hudûrî (Presence of knowledge)”  because it is within our reality before our very eyes.

3. The Total Reality of Certainty, haqq al-yaqîn – This is the third degree of Certainty. In this stage “certainty is the supreme truth” and “the object of Certainty is identical to the one who is experiencing it, knowledge being transformed into actual experience and actual experience into knowledge. At this stage, in fact, knowledge is not limited to the intellect, nor to the vision of the one who is contemplating it, it becomes one with the human being.” In other words, the supreme truth that we uphold as Muslims is the Quran and with its pages is a truth for all of mankind to understand and experience, no matter how intelligent they may be.

I hope this post enlighted you in some way or another. Try to personalize the concepts above to your own life to really define the meaning.

(Accessed: Monday, Nov 3rd, 2008. All quotes from above are from the SOURCE: http://www.ibnarabisociety.org/articles/osmanyahya.html)

Halaqa 4-30-08: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf, Part II

Joint Halaqa

April 30th, 2008

Speaker: Br. Tarif

Topic: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave), Part II

(Surat Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Holy Quran)

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OUTLINE:

1. What we Learn from Surat Al-Kahf About Knowledge

2. The 3rd Story about Musa (aka Moses) (pbuh) and Khidr

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1. Surat Al-Kahf and About Knowledge

- From the story of ‘the youth’ we learn that life is full of mysteries. We wonder why certain things happen to us or why certain things are the way they are. If we look deeper and strive to gain understanding by getting closer to Allah (swt), inshallah, he will make the truth apparent if he so wills and he will give us knowledge and wisdom.

- Don’t ever think knowledge is limited and you know everything – knowledge has no limits. We keep learning until we die.

-Knowledge is Hard to get

1. you need to seek it
2. In the 3rd story in this Surat we learn that Musa (pbuh) was sent on a journey to attain knowledge

- There are two types of knowledge:

1. Wisdom – it can only be found in ones heart and only Allah (swt) can give it to a person
2. Observation – what we learn from seeing things in our lives (ex. this knowledge we can easily pick up in school)

2. The 3rd Story about Musa and Khidr

Allah(swt) sends Musa (pbuh) on a journey to seek knowledge. He tells him that he will meet a man at the junction of the two seas.

- Musa’s (pbuh) journey to find Khidr

1. Allah (swt) tells Musa (pbuh) before they go on the journey to take a fish and put it in a basket. When it comes alive and jumps into the water, that will be the place where he will meet Khidr.
2. Musa (pbuh) comes to a place, with his servant, to rest.
3. The fish jumps out of the basket into the sea.
4. The Servant forgets to tell Musa (pbuh) about this sign and they continue on their journey.
5. Musa (pbuh) asks for food and then the Servant opens the basket and remembers.
6. They travel back to the same spot that they had left.
7. Allah (swt) froze both sides of the sea where the fish jumped in and it created a tunnel. That is where they meet Khidr.

- What Musa (pbuh) learns from Khidr

1. First, who is Khidr? – He is a humble servant of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) taught him of his own knowledge. Explanation in Quran:

Then found they one of Our slaves, unto whom We had given mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our presence. (18:65)

Moses said unto him: May I follow thee, to the end that thou mayst teach me right conduct of that which thou hast been taught? (18:66)

Realize that Musa (pbuh) is a Prophet whereas Khidr is not. Musa (pbuh) displays good character by being humble and not boasting.

Khidr replies:

Lo! thou canst not bear with me. (18:67) How canst thou bear with that whereof thou canst not compass any knowledge? (18:68 )

Khidr knows that Musa (pbuh) will not be patient with him. He had previous insight to make this judgment.

ASIDE: Some critical thinking questions that we can ask ourselves while we read this story in this Surat : What is Patience? When do people lose patience? – when they are frustrated by that which they don’t understand.

- Three Actions that Khidr takes

1. Sinks the Ship
2. Kills the young boy
3. Fix the Wall

After the last one, Musa (pbuh) loses his patience, again, because he doesn’t understand. Khidr explains the reasoning behind each of his actions:

He said: This is the parting between thee and me! I will announce unto thee the interpretation of that thou couldst not bear with patience. (18:78 ) As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working on the river, and I wished to mar it, for there was a king behind them who is taking every ship by force. (18:79) And as for the lad, his parents were believers and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. (18:80) And we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in purity and nearer to mercy. (18:81) And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure belonging to them, and their father had been righteous, and thy Lord intended that they should come to their full strength and should bring forth their treasure as a mercy from their Lord; and I did it not upon my own command. Such is the interpretation of that wherewith thou couldst not bear. (18:82)

This story of Musa (pbuh) and Khidr is in this Surat under the title Al-Kahf (The Cave) because it also deals with knowledge and looking beyond what one sees on the surface. From this Story we learn that it is important not to judge others. And there is wisdom behind every action. Khidr was blessed with knowledge from Allah (swt), that no one else during his time had.

Halaqa 4-30-08: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf, Part I

Joint Halaqa

April 30th, 2008

Speaker: Br. Tarif

Topic: Further Explanation of Surat Al-Kahf (The Cave), Part I

(Surat Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Holy Quran)

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OUTLINE:

1. The Meaning behind the title, ‘The Cave’, and How it Connects with our Lives

2. The Story of ‘The Youth’

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1. The Meaning behind the title, ‘The Cave’, and How it Connects with our Lives

- Life itself is a series of caves

1. you have no clue why things are the way they are
2. at first glance you have no clue what is going on
3. be patient, trust in Allah (swt) – he will make the truth apparent if he so wills
4. everything that happens in our lives and goes on around us has wisdom behind it

- We have lost the personal touch of the Quran; it is not all about memorizing

1. we need to look beyond what we see on the surface
2. Allah (swt) is telling us something on each page
3. the more you read and strive to understand, the more layers of meaning you will be exposed to
4. knowledge is NOT reserved for VIP people
5. knowledge is a grasp of meanings and a practice of embodiment

2. The Story of ‘The Youth’

- Who are ‘the youth’ ?

1. they are nameless in the Quran b/c Allah (swt) is telling us that ‘who they are’ and ‘where they came from’ is not important – their story is of utmost importance because it is a Sign
2. they were young men who believed in Allah (swt) and Islam
3. ASIDE: they are known as the Companions of the Cave (these people can be anyone, they are not specific to a time/place)

- Story

1. They wanted to spread the word of Allah (swt), however they feared persecution from the people in the village where they lived.
2. They ran away to a cave; this place that they sought refuge had no sustenance. However, they firmly believed in the power of their lord and that he would provide a means of sustenance for them.
3. Allah (swt) put them to sleep for over 300 years. He made their bodies turn so that their inner circulation would continue. Thus they did not age.
4. When they woke up they had no idea how long they had slept for; it seemed as if only a day. They did not age and still were the same as before. They went to town to get food. When people saw their old coins they recognized the sign and accepted the true faith Islam (by the will of Allah (swt)).

Remember: Allah (swt) has full control of Time, Space, and Realm.

ASIDE: There are many sites online with translations of the Quran for you to read the versus’ that pertain to this story. One of my favorites is Quran Explorer. Look Up: Surat Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, Versus’ 1-27.

Halaqa 4-28-08: Islam and Character

Sisters Halaqa

April 28th, 2008

Speaker: Sr. Tomhe

Topic: Islam and Character

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OUTLINE:

1. The Arab Society before Our Prophet Recieved the Revelations

2. What Islam Teaches Us About Character

3. The Best Role Model: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

4. Knowledge

5. The 3 Characteristics of the Hypocrite

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1. The Arab Society before Our Prophet Recieved the Revelations

A. Over 300 statues were in the Ka’ba, the people worshiped other gods.

B. The Arab people, knew that at some point, Abraham (aka Ibrahim (pbuh)) had come to establish the Ka’ba as a place of worship, many years before, however they had very limited knowledge (or better put, remembrance of that event because it was before their time) and therefore, they didn’t have an understanding of who their Creator (Allah (swt)) was and they didn’t know how to pray properly.

C. Their society was uncivilized

- they could not read or write

- they used to drink a lot

- [there's a lot more, check out a history book at your public library]

There is a reason why Islam came to them. Allah (swt) wanted to show ALL of Mankind how Islam can pick up the lowest of the low and make them the best of the Best people. When the revelations and Quran came to them the followers practiced it throughly and became the Best people in the world. They were the cleanest and had the best Characters.

Therefore, we can learn a lot about Islam and what it teaches us about Character.

2. What Islam Teaches Us About Character

A. Be Kind to Your Family and All of Creation

- we were created from one man and one woman so that we could be one family (one Ummah)

- care for one another

- be kind to all animals

- the one who does not give mercy ‘to mankind and all of creation (which includes animals)’, they will not be given mercy on the day of judgment

B. The best in the eyes of Allah (swt) is the one who follows his word and helps the people in this world (his family).

C. The most noble is the one who does everything for the sake of Allah (swt).

- ‘everything for the sake of Allah (swt)’: What does that mean? It means that we need to remember Allah (swt) before we take any action in our lives. We need to please him by doing good deeds and we need to fear his displeasure if we are not nice to those around us or engage in activities that go against the principles set forth by Islam.

- for all the good deeds that you do you will be rewarded

- don’t help someone for personal desires; help them because Allah (swt) wants you to and he is the one that you need to please

- don’t ever put someone down

- Muslims control their ego; they do not let their ego control them

- the best act that someone can perform is one that has the intention of pleasing Allah (swt) and is done with sincerity

D. Build relationships – don’t break relationships

- getting two enemies to become friends will be more rewarded then extra prayers and extra fasting

- One of our natural attributes, as being humans, is that we like to ‘build’ and ‘improve’, upon anything, whether it be knowledge, relationships, work, etc. Not a single one of us, was created by Allah (swt) as naturally disposed to having a destructive character. Our creation is one with attributes of gentleness, nobility, courage, etc. To learn more I encourage you to take a closer look at the ‘creation of Adam (pbuh)’ and the ‘99 Names of Allah (swt)’; I will cover more on this in a later post.

E. Be considerate to everyone, whether you like them or not.

- Love each other for the sake of Allah (swt)

- If there is a discussion and people are sitting in a circle then don’t have your back to another person. This may sound a little extreme, but it goes to show the level of consideration that is shown to each other.

3. The Best Role Model: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was perfect in character and he ‘acted’ the Quran.

He was the last messenger and established an ‘everlasting message’ (the Quran) that will not be changed until the end of time. Hand in hand with the final revelation (the Holy Quran), he displayed the best character this world had ever seen during his time. After his death, as Muslims we follow his example because his humble display of good character was also an everlasting standard that every Muslim strives to match.

4. Knowledge

Share any knowledge you have.

The most Generous (in order): 1. Allah (swt) 2. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) 3. Anyone who shares a little knowledge

“the ignorant is not from my Ummah” – Saying of the Prophet (pbuh)

Who is the ‘ignorant’? – the one who is not educating and educating others

5. The 3 Characteristics of the Hypocrite

- he talks lies

- he breaks promises

- they are trusted with something and they steal it/stab the other in the back

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SIDE NOTES:

If we mention/remember Allah (swt) he will mention us to the angels.

You can NEVER lose with Allah (swt), repent for your sins with sincerity and he will forgive you. Remember if you have Allah (swt) you have EVERYTHING. If you don’t have him you have NOTHING.

“Life” is very important

1. It is our collateral for the hereafter

2. the “time” you live in is so precious

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FINAL NOTE:

“Practice good character and you will strengthen the Ummah.”