Research, Lab, Archeaological Dig and the student in Islam

"Say: "Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth." ~ Surahtul Anam 11
"Nor did We send before thee (as apostles) any but men, whom we did inspire,- (men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will ye not then understand?" ~ Surahtul Yusuf 109
"Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts." ~ Surahtul Hajj 46
"Say: "Travel through the earth and see how God did originate creation; so will God produce a later creation: for God has power over all things." ~ Surahtul Ankabuti 30
"Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength: they tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: there came to them their apostles with Clear (Signs). (Which they rejected, to their own destruction): It was not God Who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls." ~ Surahtul Rumi 9
"Say: "Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before (you): Most of them worshipped others besides God." ~ Surahtul Rumi 42
"Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them,- though they were superior to them in strength? Nor is God to be frustrated by anything whatever in the heavens or on earth: for He is All-Knowing. All-Powerful." ~ Surahtul Fatir 44
"Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they have left) in the land: but God did call them to account for their sins, and none had they to defend them against God." ~ Surahtul Ghafir 21
"Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the End of those before them? They were more numerous than these and superior in strength and in the traces (they have left) in the land: Yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them." ~ Surahtul Ghafir 82
"Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them (who did evil)? God brought utter destruction on them, and similar (fates await) those who reject God." ~ Surahtul Muhammad 10

How do we describe Bahthu ain Haqiqat? البحث عن الحقيقة [The search for the Truth], or Hana ain Ilm? حن عن العلم [to yearn for or to long for knowledge], or Hana ain Hikmat? حن عن الحكمة [To yearn or long for wisdom] Nabi Sulaimon (saws) articulated what some would call his thirst for wisdom in the book "The Wisdom of Solomon" in the Apocrypha. Perhaps, words like Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Researcher, Archaeologist, Systematic Analysis, Meticulous Research, Scientific Inquiry or Tenacious Study would be of the mindset. But, to what ends or for what purpose? Perhaps, to improve upon relations with Allah. To improve upon civilization. To advance society. Peace and prosperity and a better future. Just to name a few good reasons. Pins used for setting the corners of excavation sites or archaeological digs, are similarly used for setting the corners of foundations for construction sites. In other words, the intelligence gathered by researching past and other existing societies can be used for laying the foundations of future societies.

But, it is nothing short of a Miracle of God, or command and instruction of Allah, that places that will, drive, focus, determination, energy, concentration, and analysis in a person to cause them to excel in a field of study. Do most Archaeologists at a dig bring out their staff, excavation tools, brushes, etc. and work on the site for a day and then are tapped out of their motivation to learn more the next day? Not hardly...most of them are asking for commissions for projects that would span months or even years of research gathering. And it is Allah that places that light of drive in each of them to do so.

How to describe having that light turned on and then turned off? It would be like someone finding light, and then, whoever puts out that light, it is like that researcher lost their light. We know by the Quranul Kareem that there are those that wish to extinguish the Light of God, and God (Allah) has said that it is His Will to perfect that Light. Some would say that the archaeologist finds a treasure, but, in fact the true archaeologist(s) is a precious gem(s) of a treasure to civilization.

Obviously, those that refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Sometimes delving into a few good books is sufficient as a travel or journey experience in search of knowledge. (Some of us do not have the budget to travel the globe, and some places have become extremely dangerous with sex trades, kidnappings, etc.) With the worldwide web and extensive libraries, fulfilling this aspect of faith is quite easy right from home. The more truthful and meticulous the research the more valuable the person. Again, having that light of inner drive snuffed out is equivalent to losing a type treasure, value or worth. The ones that extinguish this type of light in you (namely, the research of Allah's Divine Words in the 2 Holy Books of Bible and Quran and the study of the World) would be better off with a millstone tied around their neck be flung to the bottom of the sea or ocean as in Matthews 18:6 of the Injeel (Gospel), but, of course taking matters into your own hands could land you behind bars in prison...so not advised. Blog Reflecting on the Value of Abel's Life. Just patiently persevere. I pray that I not cause the faithful or children to lose faith in God. Allahumma Ameen.

Here is some of PBS's work on Lost Roman Ships. To me this is brilliant.

Watch Lost Ships of Rome on PBS. See more from Secrets of the Dead.

The Forbidden Tree of Life, Encore?

If eating of the Forbidden Tree of Life got Adam & Eve (∞ pbut) expelled from Paradise to Earth, then, would repeating that on earth get people expelled from Earth to Hell? & could the Forbidden Tree of Life on earth be considered the "Blood", especially the human circulatory systems? Reference: Leviticus 17.

Leviticus 17 Eating Blood Forbidden 1 The LORD said to Moses (∞ saws), 2 "Speak to Aaron (∞ saws) and his sons and to all the Israelites and say to them: 'This is what the LORD has commanded: 3 Any Israelite who sacrifices an ox, a lamb or a goat in the camp or outside of it 4 instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it as an offering to the LORD in front of the tabernacle of the LORD--that man shall be considered guilty of bloodshed; he has shed blood and must be cut off from his people. 5 This is so the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the priest, that is, to the LORD, at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. 6 The priest is to sprinkle the blood against the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 7 They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves. This is to be a lasting ordinance for them and for the generations to come.' 8 "Say to them: 'Any Israelite or any alien living among them who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice 9 and does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD--that man must be cut off from his people. 10 " 'Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood--I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. 11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life. 12 Therefore I say to the Israelites, "None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood." 13 " 'Any Israelite or any alien living among you who hunts any animal or bird that may be eaten must drain out the blood and cover it with earth, 14 because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, "You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off." 15 " 'Anyone, whether native-born or alien, who eats anything found dead or torn by wild animals must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be ceremonially unclean till evening; then he will be clean. 16 But if he does not wash his clothes and bathe himself, he will be held responsible.' " [Here the words foreigners and aliens are interchanged in different translations. Another translation of verses 7 & 8 is, "7 The people must no longer be unfaithful to the LORD by offering sacrifices to evil spirits out in the fields. This is a permanent law for them, to be kept generation after generation. 8 "Give them this command as well, which applies both to Israelites and to the foreigners living among you. If you offer a whole burnt offering or a sacrifice 9 and do not bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle to offer it to the LORD, you will be cut off from the community."] ~ Kitab/Bible

It's a worthy topic because when you have people worshiping other humans for life; health and the healing from every known illness to man or in the American Medical Association, and for other things like; provisions; to be reborn; to be able to do all things through you [extremely problematic]; etc. then they are sourcing a human life or lives, instead of Sourcing Allah. May Allah be refuge from the evil one that originally tempted to taste the Forbidden Fruit & the 1s that continue to do so today. Ameen. (I like that hadith about how the ArchAngel Gabriel (∞ as) asked Nabi Muhammad (∞ saws) to choose between wine & milk, & the Nabi (saws) chose milk.) Obviously, if this were not a problem, then, Allah would have never mentioned it (blood) as forbidden in both scriptures. See blog: Concerning Sacrificial Offerings, Wazara or Vizier Abrogations, and Be Careful of Defiling Others.

"He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of God. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is he guiltless. For God is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful." ~ HQ 2:173

There is just a little more critically important detail in Leviticus 17 on why it is forbidden that allows the reader to surmise why someone would want to drink blood. Aoudhubillahi. But, waking up in India with a kidney stolen is making the concept of organ transplants a Forbidden Tree of Life scenario, instead of a consenting act of charity. #InnaLillahiWaInnaaIlaihiRajeun 

This blog post was originally written in 2011 when the incident took place in India and in 2022 I have appended these events to this same blog post. Initially I was somewhat judgmental as you can see in top 2 paragraphs here but have since then simmered down. I mean I was a moderate in those days but very much against being sourced in the Spirit and the Flesh in these types of ways. I do believe that moderation, patience, prayer is key to getting through fitnah in the ghaib (Turmoil and torment in the unseen).

1st video is of a bad doctor that was stealing organs from India Muslims.

2nd video is Afghan desperate conditions causing people to sell kidneys. Year 2022

3rd video is when 50 Nigerian Women were trafficked in Lebanon. Year 2020

4th video is of immigrants to Egypt having to sell kidneys in Egypt to get money. Year 2020

5th video was a modern-day slavery in Libya. Year 2020

Not a lot of news agencies in the US reported this information. This information is very concerning for African American Muslims because we tend to be more susceptible to having low wealth and this makes the risks to making Hijrah to these places when these activities are happening a recipe for problems. Al Jazeera, France 24, DW News and South China Morning Post reported these stories.

This was not composed to make a mockery or insult of these countries nor of the economic conditions of these countries nor of the people who were the victims of these misfortunes. It is important to know this information if you are considering making hijrah (migrating) travelling etc. African American Muslims tend to be susceptible to poverty or low wealth count and so this information is valuable.

See videos below:

This was the situation in India in which India Muslims were having their kidneys stolen from them.

Year was 2022

On how powerful words can be as solutions. Knowing this information can save lives.

Extreme poverty drives desperate Afghans to sell their organs for survival

Must be careful of organ trafficking in Afghanistan. Knowing this information can save lives.

https://youtu.be/tGbF8hmjlrU

Year was 2020

On how powerful words can be as solutions. Knowing this information can save lives.

50 Nigerian Women were trafficked in Lebanon

Must be very careful of trafficking activities in Lebanon.

https://youtu.be/_i_3d8TR3PU

Year was 2020

On how powerful words can be as solutions. Knowing this information can save lives.

East African had to sell a kidney in Egypt to get money.

Must be careful of organ trafficking in Egypt and other parts. This was last year and may or may not have calmed down in activity.

https://youtu.be/5yosbHBDOzM

Year was 2020

On how powerful words can be as solutions. Knowing this information can save lives.

Libya was very dangerous during this time. Unsure if it continues but they were imposing Modern Day Slavery.

Must be careful of human trafficking and modern slavery in Libya which may have networks to other parts of North Africa.

https://youtu.be/HKQoRg0dZg4

The Expendable Muslims?

Expendable Muslims?:
What does “Expendable” mean? Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary defines it as:

Definition of EXPENDABLE
: that may be expended: as a : normally used up or consumed in service b : more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected

In other words the question becomes is the life of a muslim expendable on and off the battlefield? Or, does any military or community leader have the right to request of you to commit suicide on or off the battlefield? Or, does any military or community leader have the right to request or suggest or recommend that you fall on your sword on or off the battlefield? Does it begin with the cursing of the muslim expendables? I would argue (the last question), yes, that that is indeed an indication of devaluation.
What does the Quran say? At Surahtul Nisa Ayat 93 it reads,
“If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of God are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.”

Ok, well some might say that I didn't kill him, he killed himself with the C4 vest that I gave him/her. The vest was really a robe of heaven and an opportunity to join the ranks of the martyrs. To that I would say, perhaps...but, only Allah knows, I can only go on the evidence that I have been given. Therefore, I put forth another possibility of the interpretation of these acts,
“And the Law-Giver Allah has made one who leads another to do a deed equal to the doer of the deed himself, both in reward (for a good deed) and in punishment (for a crime). So the inviter to a good deed and the inviter to a bad deed both will have a reward (good or bad) equal to the reward of the one who has done the deed (without taking away from the deeds of the doers)” ~ Appendix 4 of The Quranul Kareem of Darussalam Publishing and Distribution of Riyadh Saudi Arabia and translated by Muhammad Mohsin Khan and Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Hilali

So what if Allah interprets it as Surahtul Nisa Ayat 93, can any of us afford to take the risk. Then what of considering the ayat of Quran Surahtul Nisa Ayat 29, “...Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily God hath been to you Most Merciful!” This portion of this ayat is self-explanatory and is written the same in the over 2 billion Qurans that blanket this Ummah on earth at this time. “Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a Great Sin.” ~ Surahtul Isra Ayat 31. As well as, Surahtul Furqan Ayat 68, "Those who invoke not, with God, any other god, nor slay such life as God has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only) meets punishment..."

Sometimes war happens and if it does, Allah has given us instruction to prepare ourselves for it. But, this requires governments. If you are not being equipped with tanks, air craft carriers, air-force, navy, ground troops, submarines...and you are poorly equipped, then one should choose the pen, or a musical instrument over the C4 vest. Then, maybe your writings or the French Horn or some other instrument becomes your weapon for peace, though music should be the least important subject studied by a muslim, because it is a grey area...but, certainly choose it rather than the C4 vest which clearly has been decreed to mean hell-fire by Surahtul Nisa Ayat 93. This is not cowardice. The Quran says at Surahtul Anfali Ayat 60, “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your enemies and others besides, whom you may not know but, Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of God, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.” This is something of Islamic governments in Islamic lands to undertake, for the scale of this is too great for any gang or mob mentality. Thus, either join your country's military or use the pen or music (or other leading fields of study) as your weapon for peace in Islam and on earth. In addition there is also the option of getting involved in your country's politics to foster positive change on the causes which you stand for. Also there is the option of becoming a professional boxer; mixed martial artist; or UFC competitor and using these arenas as an expression of the mission for your cause so that random acts of violence on the streets can stop taking place.

It has been said that, “The ink of the scholar is more holier than the blood of the martyr.” (many attribute this saying to Nabi Muhammad (saws), which obviously shows preference for peace through wisdom; to peace through bloodshed on earth.) Another saying is that, “The blood of the muslim is worth more than the Ka'bah.” ~ Sunan Ibn Majah; Silsilah as Saheehah, 3420; Saheeh al Targheeb wal Tarheeb, 2441. It seems that this one suggests that it should not be considered a light matter for the blood of the muslim to be spilled upon the earth. Sacred life.

In short, we have still been given the Commandment from Allah (swt) through Nabi Musa (saws) in the 10 Commandments, "Thou shalt not kill." This is the goal...not to spread mischief and bloodshed upon the earth as when the Malaika (Angels) asked Allah will You create one who will shed blood and spread mischief whilst we dost celebrate Thy Praises and Glorify Thy Holy Names. It is something to think about nonetheless. ASA WR WB to Sami Yusuf, Yusuf Islam and Hamza Yusuf.

And whoever commits suicide with piece of iron will be punished with the same piece of iron in the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
Also the Hadith you quoted: the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is also reported to have said: "A man was inflicted with wounds and he committed suicide, and so Allah said: My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid Paradise for him.”

It may start with a curse upon a brother, sister or jumaat in faith, and then the concept of expendable believer begins. Al Masihu Isa ibn Maryam (∞ pbut) has expressed the wisdom that to curse a brother or sister, in faith, is just as bad as murder. This is, perhaps, where the concept of expendable man or woman of faith begins.

21 "You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' 22 But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. 26 I assure you that you won't be free again until you have paid the last penny. ~ Matthew 5