When does a person validate or invalidate their right to exist?

Perhaps, only God can truly answer that question. Yet and still there are times when humans and jinns deal with this very question for decisions that they choose to make concerning the lives of others. Below the question of an animal's right to exist is posed to the people of Thamudi. "To be or not to be, that is the question." ~ Hamlet by Shakespeare. Obviously, this is a question that Allah intended for us to meditate on by teaching us about the Thamudi in the Holy Quran. Allahumma salli ala wa barak ala Nabi Salih (infinite saws). See blog on: The Value of Abel's Life. Although, invalidation is not only limited to life and death, but, also encompasses the areas of influence, authority, freedom, independence, etc., and when these areas are invalidated unjustly the invalidated person suffers hardship and oppression.

[7:73] To the Thamud people (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren: He said: "O my people! worship God: ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! This she-camel of God is a Sign unto you: So leave her to graze in God’s earth, and let her come to no harm, or ye shall be seized with a grievous punishment. [7:74] "And remember how He made you inheritors after the ’Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: ye build for yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits (ye have received) from God, and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth." [7:75] The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were reckoned powerless - those among them who believed: "know ye indeed that Salih is an apostle from his Lord?" They said: "We do indeed believe in the revelation which hath been sent through him." [7:76] The Arrogant party said: "For our part, we reject what ye believe in." [7:77] Then they ham-strung the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying: "O Salih! bring about thy threats, if thou art an apostle (of God)!" [7:78] So the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning! [7:79] So Salih left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but ye love not good counsellors!" ~ Holy Quran Surahtul Araf

Blog on: The Expendables? Perhaps, through meditation upon these verses there is enough to stem the tide of senseless, bloodshed on the earth. Also see blog: Al Mumit Dispensation in the Holy Scriptures. There, obviously, arises situations that require the people of a society to litigate on others rights to "be" when they have committed crimes against that society. Rape, murder, theft, kidnapping, etc. But, injustice occurs when the people in a society validates persons that should not be; and invalidates people that should be. Case and point:

Ezekiel 13:19 - "You turn my people away from me for a few handfuls of barley or a piece of bread. By lying to my people who love to listen to lies, you kill those who should not die, and you promise life to those who should not live."

This passage in Ezekiel (also touching on the topic of "right to be", namely, giving the right to be to those who should not be, and taking the right to be from those who should be) was in reference to people ensnaring the souls of the people of faith by using magic, magic charms, magic veils, sorcery, witchcraft, voodoo, etc. Then, I would say that a person invalidates their right to be when they are spreading mischief in the land against the commandments and instructions of Almighty God. Yet, in the least, people should validate themselves by striving to "be" good fathers and mothers to their sons and daughters, as the Brad Paisley song above suggests. I actually took the video down. It was the "He didn't Have to Be" track.

Theoretically versus Actually. An example.

I always find interesting the hadith, "The Believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body: if one organ complained, the rest of the body develops (responds with) a fever (and wakefulness)." [Bukhari & Muslim] Check Healing in Religion Blog. Then, theoretically, I have sold 30 20ft shipping containers of our All Natural Botanical USA Muslim manufactured Soaps to an Oil Shaykh in Saudi to be delivered by the end of 6 months...with another order for an additional 30 20ft shipping containers of our Soaps to a rich brother in Qatar who is gonna refer me to another 30 container order in UAE. Theoretically, I don't have a care in the world because, in addition, they have assured me that they will be repeat customers.
Theoretically.

Of course, that is not what has actually happened...only theoretically. Still waiting on the actual monies to hit my bank accounts, as it counters all potential exploits of interpreting the above hadith as a Wazira system.

Al Barru Al Bariyu Allah is ♥ x ∞ (there is no doubt about Allah) Al Hasanu Al Kareemu Allah is ♥ x ∞ (there is no doubt about Allah) Allah is with the patient ones. Alhamdulilah. Eh, why do I worry about this dunya anyways...should set my sights on a possible home with Allah in Jannah. Blog on Wazir or Vizier Abrogations in Al-Islam.

The Attributes and Names
of the Ranks and Stations of the Nafs
in its Striving and Elevation

A Translation of a Classic Text

by Mahmoud Mostafa

As has been made clear to us previously, there are three primary enemies and causes of destruction and misguidance for humanity:

1. The desires of the ego (Hawa Al Nafs). Also known as the hidden lust. This is the first and most dangerous of the enemies for through its existence the other two enemies exist and without it there is no existence to the inner enemies of the Nafs. This enemy is inside the very essence of the human being, i.e. in his nafs, in the left half and is inspired to transgression (Fujur). It is the opposite of the right side of the soul that is inspired to consciousness (Taqwah).

The transgression of the nafs is contained in its desires and its desires mean its lust for immortality (Me!) and sovereignty (boundless greed and covetousness). This enemy is the main cause of the self-oppression of humanity. This oppression leads to either denial and polytheism or to misguidance, disobedience, and sins. There is no remedy for these two desires except through constantly reminding the nafs of its mortality and the certainty of death.

"Verily, the Nafs commands to harm except for those upon whom my Lord has mercy" (Yusuf-53)

2. The desire for the ornaments of the world (Shahwat Al Dunia). This is the second enemy but it is outside of the human being's essence. It is the weapon of Iblis that he displays before the lustful eyes of the ego's desire. Thus he makes it like a mirror that attracts the nafs and seduces it so that it stirs and moves toward inequity and attachment to its desires and the love of the material world that leads it to drown in the world's false and perishing ocean.

The only remedy for this desire is to become aware and certain of the fleeting nature of this world and of the necessity of losing one's attachment to it. It is to know the world for the temporary abode and place of trial and test that it is. It is to understand that this world is part of a continuum; before it was the abode of the atom (Dar Al Zhar) and after it will come other stages that are the world of the Isthmus (Alam Al Barzakh). The desires of the world are five as explained in the Quran:

"The love of desires has been made beautiful to people; for women, offspring, gold and silver, beautiful horses and cattle, and cultivation." (Al Imran-14)

3. Satan (Aoudhubillahi) is the third enemy (Shaytan Al Rajeem). He is also external to the human being's essence. His role is to seduce, mislead, and make beautiful all that is false and forbidden and repugnant in this world in order to cause the nafs to become attached to these things through its desires. He has no means other than to embellish and tempt the ego and no weapon except to energize and stir the two inner desires of the ego, the "Me" and "Greed" so that the human being will inflate himself and in turn increase his separation. In this way Satan leads the human being to either denial and polytheism or to disobedience and sins. There is no remedy or prevention for this other than the constant remembrance and seeking refuge in Allah and in putting one's trust in Him.

"Verily, Satan (Aoudhubillahi) is your enemy so take him as your enemy." (Fatir-6)

The ascent or descent of the Nafs depends on the degree of remedy and protection from these three enemies. So the Nafs either ascends to the station of "…the most beautiful station." Or it may descend to the station of "…the lowest of the low."

The Quran mentions five levels for the human soul. The basic level is the one in which we are born which is called the Blaming Self (Nafs Al Lawwama). If it is neglected and left to its whims and desires it will descend to the station of the Commanding Self (Nafs Al Ammara). And if it is developed and cared for through effort and resistance to its desires it will, God willing, ascend to the highest levels of closeness, contentment, and love for Allah and His Prophet. These higher levels are three, the first one above the Blaming Self is the Secure Self (Nafs Al Muttma'ina), followed by the Content Self (Nafs Al Radiyah), and finally to the Gratified Self (Nafs Al Mardiyyah) and that is the self that reaches its natural place and station which is "…the most beautiful station."

The Gnostics (Arifun) have detailed and explained this matter and made it easy for the Muslim to know it and act upon it thus making immunity and remedy easy. They made the levels seven in number within the scope of the five mentioned in the Quran.

1. The Commanding Self (Nafs Al Ammara).

The remembrance that is appropriate for its treatment is La Illah Illa Allah (There is no god except God). It is the lowest level of the self and the worst. In it is found extreme desire and lust for immortality and sovereignty. Thus it is attached to the worst of characteristics from which we have been warned by Allah and His Prophet. For example self-admiration, arrogance and pride, hardness of the heart, oppression of creatures, love for exposing the faults of others, lying, gossip, back-biting, envy, jealousy, criticism, undeserved self-praise, bitterness, attachment to what belongs to others even if it possesses what is better, lack of contentment, constant complaining, lack of gratitude, blindness to its blessings, wishing for increase without effort, extreme selfishness, greed and covetousness that knows no limit, love of control, and love of self and its desires, hatred for those who criticize it even if it is for its own good and love for those who praise it even if it is in hypocrisy, rejection of advice and counsel, and only talking about itself.

This Commanding Self is generally divided into two levels:

The Animal Self (Nafs Al Hayawaniyyah); this is the self that runs after sensual desires and material possessions without regard for right or wrong, justice or inequity, lawful or unlawful. It is drowned in the pleasures of possessions, sex, and adornments. It is characterized by lewdness, evil, and lack of humanity. It abhors religion and loves itself selfishly. It knows neither fullness, nor humility, nor thankfulness, nor honor, nor manners.

The Satanic (Aoudhubillahi) Self (Nafs Al Iblissiyyah); is even lower than the Animal Self because its love for itself has taken it to the stage where it competes with Allah in His divinity and lordship. "I am your lord supreme…" as Pharaoh proclaimed, and "I am better than him…" as Iblis contended.

The Commanding Self is the one with the ill heart. If the heart is not healed, the nafs continues in its ways until the heart is blinded and then it is finally sealed.

The root of this level of the self is that it's convinced that it is perfect and that others are flawed and that everyone will die but it will remain immortal. It got its name because of its constant demands and its numerous calls to satisfy its desires. So it demands a thing and before it attains it, it demands another thing and so on without end. The human in this state is the friend and beloved of Satan and the enemy of the Merciful. "Except those upon whom Allah shows mercy."

2. The Blaming Self (Nafs Al Lawwama)

Its healing remembrance is Allah (God). This is the self in its original state of birth into the world as Allah says, "By the One who brought the self to equilibrium inspiring it with its transgression and its consciousness." (Shams-7:8)

This is the self that has been touched by Allah's Mercy so that when it commits a sin or falls into disobedience, it blames itself and turns to forgiveness and repents to its Sustainer. Then it holds on to obedience until it slips back into sin then it turns to forgiveness and repentance and so on.

It has grasped what the Prophet said, "All humans are prone to sin and the best sinners are those who repent."

It is a self that is in constant fluctuation between obedience and disobedience. One time it is heedless and falls and another it is aware and resists.

This is the natural station which we start from at birth and from there we descend or ascend. Its sign is the fluctuation between the characteristics of the people of this world and the people of the next world. It is not in the same evil condition as the Commanding Self but the two desires of immortality and sovereignty are still active in it although in a much reduced or weakened condition. This is the first stage of salvation for the self and the first step toward its purification and success.

3. The Inspired Self (Nafs Al Mulhamah).

Its remembrance is Hu (The Divine Pronoun HE). This is the self that has ascended through effort and commitment to its true way from the station of the Blaming Self to the station of the self that is constantly seeking forgiveness and repentance regardless of its guilt or innocence. This is due to its certainty that the root of its attributes is imperfection, fault, weakness and incompletion.

At this level the self is inspired with the early stages of love for good wholesome deeds (Amal Saleh), and for the Quran and Traditions of the Prophet. It is also inspired with love of remembrance (Zhikr) and to seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and to correcting its intentions (Niyyah) and renewing its repentance (Tawbah).

This is the last level of danger for the self for it is still vulnerable to descending to the lower stages of Blame and Commanding. At this stage the two desires for immortality and sovereignty are dormant except in passing thoughts.

4. The Secure Self ((Nafs Al Muttma'ina)

Its remembrance is Haqq (Truth). It is the self that has ascended to the first station of development and the ladders of light toward intimacy, contentment and love for Allah. Its refinement is attained through increasing commitment and honest and sincere fulfillment of its obligations with respect to the true way in all its aspects particularly with respect to human relationships and conduct before acts of worship as the Prophet said, "The Way (Deen) is in conduct," and, "The best of you in character is the best in faith."

The Secure Self has entered the pathways, methods and means of protection and healing through self-accounting, resistance, striving, and devotion. These efforts bear the fruit of certainty in the truth that Allah alone is the Actor. He is the cause and motivator of everything for there is no god but Him and no Lord but Him. And that Allah in all of his actions is merciful and generous. He knows the best interests of the self. This certainty leads to confidence in Allah. It leads to confidence in His mercy and generosity. The self becomes confident that what is with Allah is better and more enduring than whatever is in its possession or in the possession of others. In this way it reaches complete confidence in its Lord; He is the one who knows what is best for it and He is the best of Sustainers (Rabb) and the best of Trustees (Wakeel). So the self becomes secure and ceases to occupy itself with anything other than what it has reached confidence in, that is its Lord Allah.

The self in this station expands in its capacity beyond efforts and devotions toward repentance. Once it is secure with Allah it occupies itself with additional stations such as hope (Rajaa') and fear (Khawf) and trust in Him (Tawwakul). In this station the Secure Self is in constant remembrance of Allah both on the tongue and in the heart.

"Is it not through remembrance of Allah that hearts become secure?" (Raad-28)

This is the first level of completion (Kamal) of the self. The heart begins to shine with the light of consciousness. The ego's power begins to shrink so that purity, refinement, clarity, and light dominate the heart so that it becomes the Secure Self. In this station the desires of immortality and sovereignty become completely veiled and they are returned to their true owner who is Allah. Now the self begins to show its true attributes that were previously hidden; these are the attributes of servanthood (Ubudiyyah), helplessness ('Ajz), humility (Zhull), poverty (Faqr), need (Ihtiyaj), and annihilation (Fana').

5. The Content Self (Nafs Al Radiyah).

"Return to your Lord content…" (Fajr-28)

Its remembrance is Hayy (Living). As the Secure Self ascends to its Lord the lights of the heart increase and fill the entire body transforming the sensual desires of the ego to the desire for what the Prophet brought in the Quran and Traditions. Its desires are now solely for these things and it is totally content with its Lord. Now hardship and ease are the same to it as are harm and benefit, and withholding and giving because it has become certain after becoming secure that every action and deed is from Allah alone; He is its Master, Sovereign, and Creator. He is the one who grants it Mercy and Compassion. He is the one who is Tender and Benevolent toward it. Everything that is from its Beloved is accepted by it and it is content with it. It is content with whatever Allah wishes to do with it.

At this level the self's creed is that if it is tried it is patient, and if it is given it is thankful, and if it is deprived it is accepting, and if it is wronged it is forgiving. It has now become the self with a wholesome and sound heart. It fluctuates in all its states between trust (Tawwakul) and relegation (Tafweed), and contentment (Ridah) and surrender (Tassleem) to Allah. The characteristic of this self is constant cheerfulness, gratitude, and thankfulness no matter what happens.

This is the second stage of the Complete Self (Nafs Al Kamilah), which is the station of servanthood. By ascending to this level the Content Self has entered into the first stage of "…the most beautiful station." This station is connected to the station above it.

6. The Gratified Self (Nafs Al Mardiyyah).

"Return to your Lord Content and Gratified." (Fajr-28)

Its remembrance is Qayyum (Self-Subsistent). At this stage the self is not only content with its Lord it is also gratified by Him.

"Allah is content with them and they are content with Him." (Bayyinah-8)

The Prophet was asked "When shall we attain Allah's contentment with us?" he replied, "When you are content with your Lord."

At this stage the light of the heart is completed. The heart advances from wholesomeness (Qalb Saleem) to a heart that is in total awe (Khashiyah) of Allah, constantly inclined (Muneeb) toward Him, imbued with modesty (Hayaa') toward Him in every condition.

"Whoever is secretly in awe of the Merciful and comes to Him with a sound heart. Enter it in peace! This is the day of immortality. In it they shall have whatever they wish, and with Us is more." (Qaf-33:35)

The folk of this station are the people of witnessing of the manifestations of the actions of the names of Allah (Mushahadat Tajalliyyat Afa'al Allah). Their witnessing in their hearts to the manifestations of Allah's power results in their awe in the face of Allah's greatness and majesty in all of His actions that are essentially the manifestations of His names. The folk of this station are also gifted with unveiling and miracles to enable them to call people to the love of Allah. These miracles are essentially for those who deny and reject the truth but who are at the same time called to Allah. So He sends to them miracles through the folk of this station so that the egos of these people will submit to these miracles and thus return through Allah back to the path of Allah. For when Allah loves one of His servants He seeks Him and calls him to Him. If once called the servant responds then he is brought near otherwise Allah seeks him through trials, or through miracles. For Allah's command must come to be and is utterly irresistible.

This station is the last of the stations of faith (Iman) and through it the self enters the presence of the station of "…the most beautiful station" (Ihsan) which is the goal and desire of the heart of every servant.

7. The Complete Self (Nafs Al Kamilah).

Also known as the Self of Light (Nafs Al Nuraniyyah), the Muhammadan Self (Nafs Al Muhammadiyyah), and the Loving Self (Nafs Al Muhibbah).

"Allah will bring folk whom He loves and who love Him; they will be humble towards the faithful and stern toward the deniers. They shall strive in the way of Allah and will not fear any blame from the blamers. This is the favor of Allah that He grants whomever He wishes among His servants. Allah is All-Encompassing and All-Knowing." (Maa'idah-54)

"Then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is the Forgiving and Merciful." (Al Imran-31)

Its outer remembrance is Qahhar (Compelling) and its inner remembrance is Wadud (Loving). This is the station of the completeness of servanthood to Allah through the completeness of following the teachings of His beloved, Muhammad, peace be upon him. The one who reaches this station is blessed with knowing the complete love of Allah for him and for His Prophet.

This is the Station of Beauty (Maqam Al Ihsan) and it is above all the stations of faith that preceded it. In this station the servant has completely attained the level of "…the most beautiful station." And so enters into the light of His beloved, the Chosen, in the station of "Two bow's lengths or nearer." in the footsteps of the beloved, Muhammad, peace be upon him.

It is the final level in the stations of the self. This station has no end to its ascension and refinement. The people of this station have nothing in their hearts but the love of Allah and His Messenger and those who are loved by Allah and His Messenger. At this level the Completed Self becomes the mirror of the light of the essential Prophetic Muhammadan self so that it attains the complete attributes of love and servanthood. In this station the self enjoys the lights of manifestation of the Attributes and Essence of Allah (Tajaliyat Al Siffat wa Al Zhat Al Illahiyyah) so that it fluctuates in the lights of bliss in all its stations and states. It is an angelic self of light (?) inside human bodies. The truth is that it is selfless; it has no choice and if given a choice it would chose only what Allah loves and is pleased with. If it is asked whether it is receiving or deprived it would not know because love has overpowered it and so it is totally unoccupied with causes. It is annihilated through love (Hubb), fascination (Walah), and passion (Ishq) into the light of the beauty of the essence of the Lord of causes who is its Beloved and Protector. The people of this station are the people of Divine Love and Passion. They are the people who follow the true footsteps of Muhammad.

They are busy with their love and worship of the Truth and are not distracted by creation except to fulfill their obligations. And since they have become a mirror of the Muhammadan light they are constantly in the Prophetic Presence. All their motions, stillness, words, and deeds are from Allah, through Him, to Him. All of their hearts follow the Beloved and Elect, peace be upon him because they have come to know through Allah that he (the Prophet) is the first beloved, the first light that prostrates, worships, and serves Him. Whoever of the lovers obeys him, and loves him, and models his example in character, deeds, and worship, gains the love of Allah.

The likes of these folk are the servants of Allah who have been brought near (Muqarrabun) and have been selected and have gained certainty that their first obligation, after servanthood, is to love Allah and His Messenger. This is while keeping the Law, and upholding its tenets. They are leaders of religious knowledge and they are lights of gnosis in Truth. Through the lights of their hearts the hearts of those around them are illuminated, and through their remembrance mercy descends. They have all they desire and they only desire love of Allah and His Messenger. They do not seek this world, nor are they occupied by the next world. All their concern is intimacy with Allah, to hear from Him, to be near Him for they regard even a moment of separation as torment greater than Hell.

"Truly, the God-conscious ones are in gardens and rivers, in a place of truth in the presence of an Able Sovereign" (Qamar 54:55)

The End.

{Inna lillahi wa inna illahi rajeum. Allah (swt) is responsible for the "Truth" in it, and may He (swt) be refuge from shaitans and any false in it. Allahumma Ameen.}

Building can get outta control. One must measure even about how much to build. From twisting motorized skyscrapers that change shapes to the world's tallest...men have loved the idea of out doing each other.

Notes on the Romans again (with additions)

The Romans,

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[30:1]A. L. M.[30:2]The Roman Empire has been defeated-[30:3]In a land close by; but they, (even) after (this) defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious-[30:4]Within a few years. With God is the Decision, in the past and in the Future: on that Day shall the Believers rejoice-[30:5]With the help of God. He helps whom He will, and He is exalted in might, most merciful.[30:6](It is) the promise of God. Never does God depart from His promise: but most men understand not.[30:7]They know but the outer (things) in the life of this world: but of the End of things they are heedless.[30:8]Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did God create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)![30:9]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.[30:10]In the long run evil in the extreme will be the End of those who do evil; for that they rejected the Signs of God, and held them up to ridicule.[30:11]It is God Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; then shall ye be brought back to Him.[30:12]On the Day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.[30:13]No intercessor will they have among their "Partners" and they will (themselves) reject their "Partners".[30:14]On the Day that the Hour will be established,- that Day shall (all men) be sorted out.[30:15]Then those who have believed and worked righteous deeds, shall be made happy in a Mead of Delight.[30:16]And those who have rejected Faith and falsely denied our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter,- such shall be brought forth to Punishment.

When I examine the first few ayats of this Surah, the first thing I ask myself is why will the "muminun" (believers) rejoice at the victories and successes of the Romans? My next question is, 'What is the struggle of the Romans?".

"...the Latin language, like Greek, belongs to the great Indo-European family which spread, in the course of many centuries, from an original centre somewhere south of the Caucasus into India, Iran and Europe. The ancestors of the Romans must include many people who entered Italy from the North, probably not a single group, reaching the site of Rome by about 1000 B.C. They modified the Indo-European inheritance considerably (Etruscans). It was their influence, for instance, that explains the triad of deities worshipped on the Capitol: Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. That makes sense only in Etruscan terms. From Etruria also came elaborate systems for discovering the divine purposes by means of omens, which were officially practised by Roman magistrates.
Such qualities as parsimonia, severitas, frugalitas, simplicitas constantly praised as being a product of evolution to manness. That Roman consuls and poets were the inheritors of Etruscan kingly regalia and Greek aesthetic refinement.
The Imperial administration insisted on two things: taxes must be paid; and law and order must be maintained.
"Michael Crawford acknowledges and isolates Roman history into two elements: Italian and Roman. In 509 B.C. Rome had conquered Italy. That there is a relationship between Rome and Italy. Political crisis were a result of conquests, at one level, resolution involving the final stages of the Romanization of Italy and the Italianization of Rome."
Patri - father. Patricians were the elite. Pleb. - common. Plebians were the oppressed . Least. Weak. The laws of their courts and judicial procedure and legislature in court (was for the purpose) to argue, vie, contend for rights. And so contracts or covenants were enacted and seemed to serve the purpose of manipulating the Patricians. The Plebian organization set out to break the Patricians monopoly of secular and sacred office in the Roman state and to reduce the extent of economic exploitation of the poor by the rich. (A system of checks and balances, however, still very pagan) The Plebians had success and 2nd century Cato could assume "no formal barriers". It can not be too strongly emphasized that the openness of Roman society to Plebian mobility which is a corollary of this fact is as far as we know a feature unique to Rome. (Hinting at the vulnerability) And as stated in the book Roman dominance in Italy involved the openness of Roman society to penetration from below. The Roman people had Comitia Curiatia, the people organized in kin groups, and Comitia Centuriata, the people organized in army units. The growth of the Plebian organization involved creation of Plebian officials, of whom the most important were the tribunes of the Plebs, and of another assembly, Concilium Plebis or Comitia Tributa, the people organized by tribus, areas of domicile. The Plebs achieved their aim of equality of political and (pagan) religious rights with the Patricians (who were also pagans), its organization was simply grafted on to that of the Roman state. ~ 'The Roman World' - John Boardman, Jasper Griffin, Oswyn Murray. The Oxford History of the Classical World Oxford, New York. Oxford University Press"


Italy is known to occasion tarantula populations. Holy Quran Surah 29:41 Al Ankabuti. "The likeness of those who take (false deities as) Auliya (protectors, helpers) other than Allah is the likeness of a spider who builds (for itself) a house; but verily, the frailest (weakest, flimsiest) of houses is the spider's house - if they but knew."

Then how could they have obtained a covenant from the Supreme Creator if polytheism is so intermingled with the society and government of the state of Rome. As Allah said Himself that "it is a promise binding on Him in the Past and the Future." Tauhid has been from the Alpha: The Creator's policies the same to the Omega. Below some further excerpts from the book.

"and of renewing the prayers of the Roman people for the favour of the gods." ~ pg 18. 'Roman World'

"The Roman community...also included the gods." ~ pg 18. 'Roman World'

"The two major colleges, the Pontifices (with pontifex maximus as a head and the Vestal Virgins under his general control) and the augures; the former were concerned, in general terms, with sacrifices to the gods (the Vestal Virgins with the sacred hearth of the community), the latter with ascertaining the will of the gods." ~ 'Roman World'

"For at Rome religion and politics were not two worlds, but inseperable parts of the same world. One must not suppose that there was something 'wrong' with the Roman religion because the world of the gods was involved in the world of political dispute." ~ pg 18. 'Roman World'

"the steady importation of new deities, from Etruria, from elsewhere in Italy, or from overseas." ~ pg 18. 'Roman World'

"as the gods helped Rome to win battles, the more gods one worshipped the better." ~ pg 18. 'Roman World'
Monastery Retreat Notes Pagan Gods

Thus, it is clear to see that one of the Rome's battles or struggles (jihads) was against the spread of paganism. Another was perhaps dissidence.

"The Hellenization of Rome, the late 4th and early 3rd centuries. It was in this period that Rome absorbed from the Greek world an interest in the expression of the idealogy of victory, a phenomenon which was not the least of the legacies of Alexander the Great. The consequence at Rome was the introduction of new cults of gods of war; gods of victory; victory herself. It was in this period that the cult of Hercules, heavily dependent on Greek models, became widespread in the Roman world, evidenced by the institution by the state of new cults and the upsurge in humble offerings to the new hero." ~ 'Roman World'

Why Pompeii and Heraclea (perhaps named in connection to Hercules) were destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. just shortly after the deliverance of the "True" messege of the Injeel (Gospel) by the wise teacher and Prophet Jesus, son of Mary (infinite peace and blessings of Allah be upon them both). Some historians cite: 1. Hedonism; 2. Pomp; 3. Blasphemy against Allah; 4. Rejection of the messenger of Allah sent to the centre of the population. The message at 79 A.D. was the Injeel and Torah. Many of the Hawariyun (the Disciples of Jesus (saws)) were still alive when this happened.

It seems the earliest documented contact of Rome with the monotheism of the God of the Torah, Tanakh, Tehillim, and Injeel (Gospel) would be Rome's encounter with Jews living in Rome from poor migrants (that spoke Greek) to slaves from Jewish conquered lands. Could this be where the promise of Allah began (as spoken in Surahtul Rumi of the Quranul Kareem as binding on Him (swt) in the Past and the Future)?

"The first attested Jews in Italy were the ambassadors sent to Rome by Judah Maccabee in 161 BCE, Jason son of Eleazar and Eupolemus son of John. According to I Maccabees they signed a treaty with the Roman Senate, although modern scholars like A.N. Sherwin-White argue that this embassy did not happen.
It is known more securely that an embassy was sent later by Simon Maccabeus to Rome to strengthen the alliance with the Romans against the Hellenistic Seleucid kingdom. The ambassadors received a cordial welcome from their coreligionists who were already established there.
Large numbers of Jews lived in Rome even during the Roman Republican period. They were largely Greek-speaking and poor. As Rome had increasing contact with and military/trade dealings with the Greek-speaking eastern Mediterranean, during the second and first centuries BCE, many Greeks, Jews among them, came to Rome as merchants or were brought there as slaves.
The Romans appear to have viewed the Jews as followers of peculiar, backward religious customs, but antisemitism as it would come to be in the Christian and Islamic worlds did not exist.[citation needed] Despite their disdain, the Romans did recognize and respect the antiquity of their religion and the fame of their Temple. Many Romans did not know much about Judaism, including the emperor Augustus who, according to his biographer Suetonius, thought that Jews fasted on the sabbath. Julius Caesar was known as a great friend to the Jews, and they were among the first to mourn his assassination.
In Rome, the community was highly organized, and presided over by heads called άρχοντες (archontes); or γερουσιάρχοι (gerousiarchoi) . The Jews maintained in Rome several synagogues, whose spiritual leader was called αρχισυνάγωγος (archisunagogos). Their tombstones, mostly in Greek with a few in Hebrew/Aramaic or Latin, were decorated with the ritual menorah (seven-branched candelabrum).
Jews in pre-Christian Rome were very active in proselytising their faith, leading to an increasing number of outright converts, as well as those who adopted some Jewish practices and belief in the Jewish God without actually converting.
The treasures of Jerusalem (detail from the Arch of Titus).
The fate of the Jews in Rome and Italy fluctuated, with partial expulsions being carried out under the emperors Tiberius and Claudius. After the successive Jewish revolts of 66 and 132 CE, many Judean Jews were brought to Rome as slaves (the norm in the ancient world was for prisoners of war and inhabitants of defeated cities to be sold as slaves). These revolts caused increasing official hostility from the reign of Vespasian onwards. The most serious measure was the Fiscus Judaicus, which was a tax payable by all Jews in the Roman Empire. The new tax replaced the tithe that had formerly been sent to the temple in Jerusalem (destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE), and was used in the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome.
In addition to Rome, there were a significant number of Jewish communities in southern Italy during this period. For example, the regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia had well established Jewish populations.[1]" ~ Wikipedia History of Jews in Italy

Roman persecution of Christians, who were obviously an offshoot of the House of Israel, ended in about 330 A.D.

Perhaps the Muminun are hoping that the Romans are successful, in terms, of their relationship with the One God, as Rome and Greece has had a history with a myriad of pagan dieties. Thus if Romans are reconstructing a Pagan Temple it is safe to say that this is not being victorious...and certainly there are some other struggles that comes along with it. That, in their struggles they have come to "Truth", "Justice", "Equity", "Fairness", "Peace", "Security", "Oneness of Allah", "Belief", "Faith", "Freedom from Corruption". So, in terms of the archaelogical digs and historical records of the previous rulers of Ancient Rome and Greece, there is much to learn (of mathematicians, logic, philosophers, statesmen, etc) and much to unlearn (paganism, hedonism, idolatry, occult, etc.) "Yafrahu al Muminun" is something that the Muminun are hoping and searching for concerning the efforts of the Romans which Allah blesses them to succeed in.

Therefore, next it becomes necessary to ask oneself who are the comtemporary Romans, for Allah has said that this is something binding on Him in the Past and in the Future. When we look around at the world's nations we can see many who have been substantially influenced by the ways of the Romans.

Then, this gives the mumin a different demeanor and disposition towards humanity...one of hoping for the Romans success to find Allah; and not one of hoping for the Romans failure to find Allah. For both mentalities do exist and one has to decide which one they wish to adopt.

The Mockers

This is scripture surrounding the topic of mockery from individuals and the prophesies against such a defect of character. The Quran instructs that we should throw back their covenant on them...this is difficult to do if one has not examined the Holy Bible (or rather the "Truth" that remains therein).

The Wicked

This is a kitab on "The Wicked" and what places individuals in this category and what befalls those that fall into this category. This is a good order to know when in lands controlled by Ahli Kitab. It is like a powerful roadmap away from the fitnah that can surface in lands void of the Quranic laws of Allah especially when used in dua. Also Allah asks us to throw back on them their covenant with Allah (difficult to do if you haven't read it)...and these verses, which I have shared with you, are very powerful in their benefits for believers when used in that way. I guess we can call some of these videos in this series "Remind them of their Covenant upon them 101"

Some notes on the Bible

Holy Quran [8:58]
"If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for God loveth not the treacherous." - This is difficult to do if one has not examined the Kitab. One should not examine the Kitab until they have spent at least 4 years studying the Quran intensively. And if you obtain a Kitab make sure you obtain one that does not have the symbol of the Trinity on it for Allah has said, "Trinity desist." They do sell them without it on them. One must also maintain that about 15 to 20% of the Kitab is false/erroneous and about 80 to 85% is valid historical and prophetic evidence. These points are concerning those that claim that a man and Prophet of Allah should be a sacrifice for others sins (namely his flesh being the bread and his blood being the wine for the purpose of redemption from sins). Within the Kitab itself is a refutation to this concept.

Sacrifices outside of the Sacred Precincts are forbidden by strict law. Live, healthy animals must be presented to the entrance of the Tabernacle (in Israel) and given to the High Priest. The animal cannot have a bite taken out of it; nor be partially eatten. Individuals must not attempt to assume that they are Levite Priests and begin portioning the meats and grilling them upon an altar out in the fields(incidentally a grill is not a Sacrificial Altar. So I am not referring to a friendly act of barbequeing)...an altar erected by themselves. Individuals must stop thinking that slaughtering an animal for consumption is like slaughtering an animal for a sacrificial offering to Allah or themselves, as if they are "gods". Leviticus 22 - strict law forbids that the sacrificial meals be consumed by anyones other than the Levite Priests and the familial members of the Levite Priests households. Can any of us (non Levite Priests; nor even a Nazirite) sacrifice a life and then partake of the sacrificial offering meal ourselves, as a Sacrificial Offering Religious Rite, in the Name of Yahweh?
And, of course, the Book of Malachi will shut the Temple doors to blind, defective, lame, diseased animals as offerings to Allah and some of the Prophecies of Malachi are useful instruction here, as well, on building relations with the Supreme God.
The consumption of the blood has got to be one of the more subtler extreme offenses of the communal spirit of Faith in the One God, Allah. Its penalty is banishment from amongst the community of Faithful, Believers of Israel...exile from the land, as well as, Allah setting His Face against those that consume blood in any form. Allah setting His Face against anyone is the opposite of salvation, the opposite of happiness and bliss, the oposite of life, and the opposite if Eternal blessings from Himself...it is in fact death, destruction, wrath and torment. It is void of the blessings and mercies of God for Him to set His Face against someone.
Perhaps it is a likeness to the Tree of Life, in that, the life spirit flows through the blood and what is being attempted is to find life increase by the consumption of the blood, thus, the consumption of the life spirit of the creature or human. And I speculate that this is the likeness of the type of life fruit consumption that has been made forbidden to us even from the Garden of Eden (which according to Quranul Kareem will no longer be a trial for those who make it safely back to Paradise).

Leviticus 17
Eating Blood Forbidden [With Al-Islam blood has been forbidden and wine has been forbidden for us.]
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Speak to Aaron 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.' " [Thus, it seems that if Allah was in to human sacrifices they would have to bring the human unblemished, nor lame, nor blind, nor defective, and without a bite taken out of him, nor diseased, nor already dead, etc. to the entrance of the Tabernacle in Israel...not any other country, and present him to the Levite Priests who would then portion the meat and roast it on the altar.] But, we do understand that our solution in Al-Islam for the Sacrificial Offering is the Hajj Sacrifice that has been prescribed for us. Right?

Thieves in their many manifestations, as well as, those that lie (or swear falsely) by the Name of Allah (God, Yahweh, Adonai, Eli, Ilah, Elohim, Eloah, El, and all of His Sacred Names) will be banished from the land (which means from amongst the "People of Faith in Allah) and their homes will be completely destroyed by the curse of this Scroll that will be sent into the house of everyone that does these 2 things. Nothing will remain not even it's timbers nor stones. Further, sin will be collected into a basket, which will include the woman named "Wickedness" herself, and carried away from the land. Now combine this with the banishment of Leviticus 17.

Zecahriah 5
Flying Scroll
1 I looked up again and saw a scroll flying through the air. 2 "What do you see?" the angel asked."I see a flying scroll," I replied. "It appears to be about thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. " 3 Then he said to me, "This scroll contains the curse that is going out over the entire land. One side says that those who steal will be banished from the land; the other side says that those who swear falsely will be banished from the land. 4 And this is what the LORD Almighty says: I am sending this curse into the house of every thief and into the house of everyone who swears falsely by my name. And my curse will remain in that house until it is completely destroyed -- even its timbers and stones."

Their is an ethical system to committing oneself to the spirit and community of charity, which was the communal life of the early followers of the Moshiach (Messiah, Al Masihu). In addition there is the very important instruction not to lie to the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of the community of people of Faith in the One God, Allah.

Acts 5
The Communal Spirit and its relationship with Charity
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

At Mark 10 [Here is the formal invitation to the communal life evolved in Acts 5 and what some of the stipulations for that lifestyle consists of.]
17 As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good. 19 But as for your question, you know the commandments: 'Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.' " 20 "Teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child." 21 Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. "You lack only one thing," he told him. "Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!" 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, "Dear children, it is very hard to get into the Kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" 26 The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. 27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God."

Sahih Al Bukhari Book of Injustices

This is a very excellent set of instructions handed down by traditions of hadith (and certainly the best hadith is the Quranul Kareem). Herein is instruction on how precious the items are of others from bowls to houses of hermitage...valuable information because sometimes someone mistakingly will destroy something of someone elses (and the sunnah of how to react when someone is attempting to rebuild something of yours that they mistakingly destroyed)...Nabi Sulaimon (saws) would have the theive pay back 7 seven times what they stole, even if it mean't selling everything in their house to do so. Or may mistakingly misjudge a situation because the wrongdoing person had a better presentation than the wronged person...and lessons like these. When I created this video I had the intention of completing all of Sahih Al Bukhari this way...my strength did not preserve me to do it, so far. Inna lillahi wa innaa ilaihi rajeun.

Why would touching the Ark of the Covenant Definately kill the person? Speculation.

One of the things that I was attempting to illustrate when I created this vid was the ordinance in the Torah concerning the washbasin and the wearing of the special clothing upon entering the Tabernacle. And how similar that is with the ordinances in Al-Islam of making wudu and "wearing your beautiful clothes at every time and place of prayer." ~ Quranul Kareem
It does seem that some people are of the mindset that they wish to defile something that is holy in order to purify themselves. What is powerful is that the Injeel mentions this very thing when Al Masihu Isa ibn Maryam (infinite saws) said, "Do not cast pearls and sacred objects at swine for all they will do is trample them underfoot and turn around and attack you." ~ Injeel
We should not approach the Sacred Objects of Allah (swt) with the mindset that we wish to wipe our behinds with them and make ourselves all clean, but, with the mindset that these items are a sign of Allah's Promise and Covenant to us and it is through obedience to His (swt) Commandments and Instructions that we will become holy for Allah is the Lord that makes us holy. Allah swears oaths in the Holy Quran by many Sacred and Holy items, places, things and He essentially says that by those items a particular law or blessing shall be fulfilled. So now when looking at the Oaths and Adjurations look at the items that He is swearing by and then look at the law or blessing that is being confirmed by those items that He swore by...it really is beautiful.