Seasons Greetings Invocations to Allah

The Lazy

It is important to live life patiently and not at a frantic or hectic pace. To be thorough, detail oriented, careful, etc. which all takes time. When we greet each other in Al-Islam we do so with an invocation to Allah for peace upon one another...this includes tranquility, order (away from chaos), serenity, stillness in the presence of Allah, security and many others worth mentioning. But, I had to reflect upon these statements from Prophet Solomon (eternal saws) who's name contains the root word "Salam" in it. While he was a man of peace, order and wisdom...he was also one of progress, positive growth and positive change. One, steady step at a time is, really, all I can do.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

Proverbs 10:26 Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.

Proverbs 12:24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

Proverbs 12:27 Lazy people don't even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.

Proverbs 13:4 Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.

Proverbs 15:19 A lazy person has trouble all through life; the path of the upright is easy!

Proverbs 18:9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

Proverbs 19:15 A lazy person sleeps soundly -- and goes hungry.

Proverbs 19:24 Some people are so lazy that they won't even lift a finger to feed themselves.

Proverbs 20:4 If you are too lazy to plow in the right season, you will have no food at the harvest.

Proverbs 21:25 The desires of lazy people will be their ruin, for their hands refuse to work.

Proverbs 22:13 The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!"

Proverbs 24:30 I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one lacking sense. 31 I saw that it was overgrown with thorns. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. 32 Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: 33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest -- 34 and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

Proverbs 26:13 The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, "I can't go outside because there might be a lion on the road! Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there!"

Proverbs 26:14 As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.

Proverbs 26:15 Some people are so lazy that they won't lift a finger to feed themselves.

Proverbs 26:16 Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.

From Nabi Sulaimon (∞ x saws)

May Allah (swt) be eternal refuge for me from being lazy or being made to become lazy. Allahumma Ameen.

See Blog on: Be Careful of those that sap strength (or the life out of you).

"The Prophet used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from helplessness, Laziness, cowardice and feeble old age; I seek refuge with You from afflictions of life and death and seek refuge with You from the punishment in the grave."" ~ No. 2634 - Narrated Anas bin Malik Sahih Al Bukahri

Bearing another's load.

A very popular song, that was remade and whose message was made into a movie, communicates the importance of being a Good Samaritan, and lending a helping hand to the degree of bearing the burden of another. Does kindness like this get exploited? Does Allah in the Holy Quran offer protection or justice from being manipulated in this form of courteous behavior? Does dissenting in one's opinion to this popular song make a person selfish, ego-centric, self-centered or not a person of God? How can one be of help without crossing the line of what is acceptable by Allah?...as in Wazirat or Viziers? A Vizier is: "To bear, carry (a burthen). A burthen, heavy weight, load; at HQ 47:5 it means "Arms, or other burthens imposed by war." An inaccessible mountain, and hence an place of refuge. One who bears a burthen. A counsellor or minister who bears the burthen of state commonly spelt Vizier" ~ John Penrice. Nevertheless, this is the main reason that I shy away from poetry in music. The song goes:

Bill Withers - Lean on Me Lyrics

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain We all have sorrow But if we are wise We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride If I have things you need to borrow For no one can fill those of your needs That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til I'm gonna need Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear That you can't carry I'm right up the road I'll share your load If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand We all need somebody to lean on I just might have a problem that you'd understand We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long Till I'm gonna need Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...

All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners. All lyrics provided for educational purposes only.

Some verses below from the Quranul Kareem on this issue. I guess that, in truth, there is a limitation here on this concept articulated by Bill Withers in his song, "Lean On Me". The below verses should be viewed in light of the verses: 1. Surahtul Anfali 73, "The Unbelievers are protectors, one of another: Unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief."; and 2. Surahtul Nisa 29, "O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful!" [See the blogs Theoretically versus Actually, and Wazira or Vizier Abrogations.]

And the Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Follow our path, and we will bear (the consequences) of your faults." Never in the least will they bear their faults: in fact they are liars! ~ Surahtul Ankabuti 12

They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgments they will be called to account for their falsehoods. ~ Surahtul Ankabuti 13

Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet God,- until on a sudden the hour is on them, and they say: "Ah! woe unto us that we took no thought of it"; for they bear their burdens on their backs, and evil indeed are the burdens that they bear? ~ Surahtul Anam 31

Say: "Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than God, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards God: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed." ~ Surahtul Anam 164

"Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures),- in the law and the Gospel;- for he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper." ~ Surahtul Araf 157

When it is said to them, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "Tales of the ancients!" Let them bear, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear! ~ Surahtul Nahl 24-25

Who receiveth guidance, receiveth it for his own benefit: who goeth astray doth so to his own loss: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: nor would We visit with Our Wrath until We had sent an apostle (to give warning). ~ Surahtul Isra 15

Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another’s burdens if one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load. Not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other). Even though he be nearly related. Thou canst but admonish such as fear their Lord unseen and establish regular Prayer. And whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul; and the destination (of all) is to God. ~ Surahtul Fatir 18

Further expansion on the communal concept of living together (which has intrinsic in it the reality that there will be occasions that call forth the need to act and reflect upon being a good neighbor; Good Samaritan; and the extent to which one assists others without crossing the line (Wazira) of what is acceptable to Allah) can be found in the Book of Acts.

"40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!" 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church -- about three thousand in all. 42 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity -- 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved." ~ Acts 2

"1 There was also a man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, but he claimed it was the full amount. His wife had agreed to this deception. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us but to God." 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men wrapped him in a sheet and took him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, "Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?""Yes," she replied, "that was the price." 9 And Peter said, "How could the two of you even think of doing a thing like this -- conspiring together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Just outside that door are the young men who buried your husband, and they will carry you out, too." 10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and all others who heard what had happened. 12 Meanwhile, the apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared to join them, though everyone had high regard for them. 14 And more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord -- crowds of both men and women. 15 As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed." ~ Acts 5. See blog on Healing in Religion.

Further, the Messiah did communicate that if anyone wanted to walk with him that they must be willing to bear their own burdens. This can be interpreted as burdens of adherence to the Commandments of God, as well as, the individual responsibilities of life in community.

I just realized something...it's not my fault we are the 99%

Rivalry in Worldly Increase
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. [102:1] Rivalry in worldly increase distracteth you [102:2] Until ye come to the graves. [102:3] Nay, but ye will come to know! [102:4] Nay, but ye will come to know! [102:5] Nay, would that ye knew (now) with a sure knowledge! [102:6] For ye will behold hell-fire. [102:7] Aye, ye will behold it with sure vision. [102:8] Then, on that day, ye will be asked concerning pleasure.

The Traducer
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. [104:1] Woe unto every slandering traducer, [104:2] Who hath gathered wealth (of this world) and arranged it. [104:3] He thinketh that his wealth will render him immortal. [104:4] Nay, but verily he will be flung to the Consuming One. [104:5] Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Consuming One is! [104:6] (It is) the fire of Allah, kindled, [104:7] Which leapeth up over the hearts (of men). [104:8] Lo! it is closed in on them [104:9] In outstretched columns.

Defrauding
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. [83:1] Woe unto the defrauders: [83:2] Those who when they take the measure from mankind demand it full, [83:3] But if they measure unto them or weight for them, they cause them loss. [83:4] Do such (men) not consider that they will be raised again [83:5] Unto an Awful Day, [83:6] The day when (all) mankind stand before the Lord of the Worlds ? [83:7] Nay, but the record of the vile is in Sijjin - [83:8] Ah! what will convey unto thee what Sijjin is! - [83:9] A written record. [83:10] Woe unto the repudiators on that day! [83:11] Those who deny the Day of Judgment [83:12] Which none denieth save each criminal transgressor, [83:13] Who, when thou readest unto him Our revelations, saith: (Mere) fables of the men of old. [83:14] Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their hearts. [83:15] Nay, but surely on that day they will be covered from (the mercy of) their Lord. [83:16] Then lo! they verily will burn in hell, [83:17] And it will be said (unto them): This is that which ye used to deny. [83:18] Nay, but the record of the righteous is in ’Illiyin - [83:19] Ah, what will convey unto thee what ’Illiyin is! - [83:20] A written record, [83:21] Attested by those who are brought near (unto their Lord). [83:22] Lo! the righteous verily are in delight, [83:23] On couches, gazing, [83:24] Thou wilt know in their faces the radiance of delight. [83:25] They are given to drink of a pure wine, sealed, [83:26] Whose seal is musk - for this let (all) those strive who strive for bliss - [83:27] And mixed with water of Tasnim, [83:28] A spring whence those brought near (to Allah) drink. [83:29] Lo! the guilty used to laugh at those who believed, [83:30] And wink one to another when they passed them; [83:31] And when they returned to their own folk, they returned jesting; [83:32] And when they saw them they said: Lo! these have gone astray. [83:33] Yet they were not sent as guardians over them. [83:34] This day it is those who believe who have the laugh of disbelievers, [83:35] On high couches, gazing. [83:36] Are not the disbelievers paid for what they used to do?

The Earthquake
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [99:1] When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion, [99:2] And the earth throws up her burdens (from within), [99:3] And man cries (distressed): ’What is the matter with her?’- [99:4] On that Day will she declare her tidings: [99:5] For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration. [99:6] On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done). [99:7] Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! [99:8] And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it.