Monday, July 18, 2011

Star Rosettes

This is another work in progress post. I will articulate reflection upon this (other than the images) later, perhaps.

Six Rosette a2b2


TwelveRosette3a


TwelveRosette2a


TwelveRosette1a


Six Rosette Cb


Six Rosette Db


Six Rosette Ea

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Illumination of our hearts, minds, souls, faces, lives, & graves in Al-Islam

Islamic Tomb 2

The graphic pic says "Tumba Illuminationem est da Allah" Tumba Illuminationem est" is ancient Latin for "Tomb Illumination is", however, "est" in modern Italian means "east" and "da" in modern Italian means "by" or "from". There was a dua that requested of Allah (swt) the illumination of the suppliants grave. I thought to myself that I had never considered such a wonderful request. I had never thought of this. Illumination of one's grave? Wow. Of course, not everyone is going to be buried like Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal at the Taj Mahal in India, but, there are deeds that we can do to illuminate our graves, faces, minds, souls, hearts and lives far more than the white marble that adorns the Taj Mahal.
Of course, those acts and deeds, include worship, fasting, charity, tauhid, dhikr, hajj, seeking knowledge for the pleasure of Allah (swt), etc. Just look at the real life example of an illuminated grave that we can bear witness to in our own lives, though we do not literally see the unseen grave. It is the tomb of Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) in Masjidul Munawarrah in Medina, Saudi. This is an example of a man's charity working for him even while he has passed from this earth. All of the lessons, food, leadership, khutbahs (or wise instruction), money, food, and good deeds that Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) gave during his lifetime is like a continuous sadaqah for him, and literally his grave, in our minds eye and the apparent reality of a visit to Masjidul Munawarrah (with jumuahs, khutabhs, salaats, saums, hajj stops, dhikr, recitation of Quran, etc), is illuminated. And is perhaps the most apparent example of an illuminated grave in history, though, I have no doubt that all of the Prophets of Allah (infintite saws) had illuminated graves, this is just to say "the most apparent or obvious case" in our lifetime is in Medina Saudi Arabia, and we certainly do not worship the Prophets of Allah (infinite saws)
So, though, the likelihood of us being encased in a white marble mausoleum, engraved with Surahtul Ya Sin around it's 4 towering archways, the scale of the Taj Mahal that took 20 years to construct, is very slim, there are things that we can do, based on how we conduct our lives and ourselves, that can illuminate those things for us. Also, it is important to note that, illumination, but, comes from Allah (swt) it is Allah's doing and it is marvelous to see.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

A Question about the "Half your Deen." Concept


I know that I look at my muslim sisters and my heart is filled with a wholesome fondness for them. Many of them are as precious as gems. But, I am wondering about the concept of she being "half our deen".
The concept does seem to take on a kind of nebulous persona. I mean it starts off: (1.) Marriage is half of your deen; then, it goes to (2.) Marriage is half your religion; then, (3.) Marriage is half of your faith; then, it's (4.) Your wife is half your deen. And men and women often refer to their spouses as their better half. (But, I have always perceived this statement to be within the context of "relationships"); then, as it so turns out on Muslima.com, Singlemuslim.com and other sites it just so happens that some of the sisters are looking for "Soul Mates". At this point I am thinking who is the brother doing the negotiating on behalf of the men of the Ummahtul Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) because he seems to be losing or selling us short...and who the heck is he negotiating with? [Just a reminder to the leader brothers, only negotiate with muslim women of faith in Al-Islam for muslim men of faith in Al-Islam.] Thus, if the sisters are looking for "Soul Mates", has marriage become (5.) "Half our Souls"? Well, as it turns out if you have the instant feature on the Google search engine and you type in "Marriage is half" it will come up with the options of either faith, deen, or religion. But, I know that the inference is still a possibility for those females who mean mischief...and not all women mean mischief, but, there are some females that do.
The quote goes, "The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half.""
(Marriage quotation from Bayhqi)

I seem to recall the Quranul Kareem saying something to the effect of "Libas" or covering for each other. It reads, "Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. God knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what God Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) God: Approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth God make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint." ~ Surahtul Baqarah Ayat 187
That certainly is a lot different than "Half your deen". When a man of Islam marries a woman of Islam they become one unit, and when children arrive they are more, evidently, defined as one family unit. Though, I comprehend the meaning of both statements (the one coming from the hadith and the one coming from the Quran), but, the hadith statement can be distorted to construe something other than what was intended on a spiritual level. For example, what if the muslim brother is very astute about his faith practice, but, the wife is not? Or, likewise, what if the sister is very meticulous about her faith, but, the husband is extremely negligent? Don't you think that it should be that each person is responsible for his or her striving towards Allah and with respect to deeds, each of them have personal accounts with Allah? Allah is the Source of the Ruhhul Amin; Ruhhul Quddus; Ruhhul Ghulab; and all of the other Ruhhs that fill our spirits, lives, bodies, homes and paths. If sourcing for Ruhh (Spirit) or Nafs (Soul) is taking place to other than Allah (swt), the ones doing this in religion expose themselves to being categorized as mushrikun, and, in addition, this raises the question of the "Forbidden Fruit" on earth in a spiritual exchange (of this type between people) without Allah (swt) being the Source; or going to the wrong Tree for life. We are seeing a lot of programs on the concepts of vampires, like Vampire Diaries and Twilight (series), etc. (may Allah be refuge from Shaitan), but, sourcing another human for spirit, whether going through the blood or whatnot, perhaps is a similitude of the Tree of Forbidden Fruit in the Garden of Eden of days of old Tree of Forbidden Life, Again?. If beings that drank blood were not a problem, then, Allah (swt) would not have revealed Leviticus 17 to Nabi Musa (infinite saws); or Surahtul Baqarah Ayat 173 to Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws). Because perhaps it is not the blood itself that is sought, but, the life that flows through the blood. Leviticus 14 reads, "The life of every creature is in the blood. That is why I have told the people of Israel never to eat or drink it, for the life of any bird or animal is in the blood. So whoever eats or drinks blood must be cut off." From this it is obvious why when Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) was offered a choice between wine and milk, from the ArchAngel Gabriel Jibril (infinite as), Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) chose milk. Below I recount the hadith. Thus, I am not saying that all women (in Islam, etc.) are blood-suckers (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the the women of Islam) but, I am saying that some females of the earth are and have been in the past (may Allah be refuge), "O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ~ Surahtul Taghabuni 14" May Allah guide the earnest seekers of true, wholesome, lawful, just, right and healthy marriage.

No. 3626 - Narrated Abbas bin Malik:
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened.

When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!'

The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris (i.e. Prophet Enoch); pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'

When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'

So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.'

Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.
' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day.

When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers." ~ Sahih Al Bukhari Book of the Merits of the Ansar

No. 3165 - Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "On the night of my Ascension to Heaven, I saw (the prophet) Moses who was a thin person with lank hair, looking like one of the men of the tribe of Shanua; and I saw Jesus who was of average height with red face as if he had just come out of a bathroom. And I resemble prophet Abraham more than any of his offspring does. Then I was given two cups, one containing milk and the other wine. Gabriel said, 'Drink whichever you like.' I took the milk and drank it. Gabriel said, 'You have accepted what is natural (or wholesome), (True Religion i.e. Islam) and if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray.'" ~ Sahih Al Bukhari Book of the Prophets


My hesitation or reservation about the last hadith must be expressed through Surahtul Baqarah Ayat 285, "The Apostle believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in God, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."" Thus, infinite (saws) upon Nabi Musa and Al Masihu Isa Ibn Maryam and upon Maryam.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Neo Plasticism, also known as, "De Stijl"


This is a work in progress blog. I will add my thoughts on the style of Piet Mondrian over the coming days, insha Allah.

MondrianCompIIRBYReplicationb


MondrianCompRYBReplicationb


MondrianComp10Replicationb


Mondrian Inspired I


Mondrian Inspired 2


Mondrian Composition 1 with Red Replication


Replication of a Mondrian Composition 1 Lozenges with 4 lines


Monday, July 4, 2011

Reflections on Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism with Monotones

Essentially, abstract expressionism with minimalism in monotones has a lot of variety and is, thus, a rich artistic treasure when used properly. Monotones are not only colors, but, audio expressions in music, speaking, and recitation of Quran, and further, goes on to be synonymous with an action or working, in the word, 'monotonous'. Perhaps what I am speaking of, here, is fewer tones. I'll give the definition of monotone anyway.

Definition of MONOTONE
1 a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitch
2 a single unvaried musical tone
3 a tedious sameness or reiteration
4 a person unable to produce or to distinguish between musical intervals
5 having a uniform color

With synonyms such as humdrum and monotony there are people that avoid the routine and crave excitement and high risk. And though monotony has a negative connotation it does carry with it many good things, such as, tenacity, diligence, habit, symmetry, focus, methodical, concentration and detail orientation.

Technically, what I am referring to is less inflection or fewer tones (as a measure) (as opposed to only one note), which tends to be less varied and less emotive, yet methodical, measured and rhythmic (Easy to imagine in the example of Quran recitation) "Or a little more; and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones." ~ Al Muzzamil Ayat 4
The essence of monotone minimalism seems to be it's simplicity, which is its purity. What could be described as using bitter herbs in cooking becomes the pleasant flavor of the expression and as delectable as sweetness. Though, there is nothing wrong with having the occasional sweets, but, everything in measure. (Kind of like in the Asian disciplines and monasteries there is meditation and an occasional resounding, single-toned, bronze gong. Often those tones are very therapeutic for the mind.) Contrast this with emotionalism with its myriad of inflections and you have what is an apparent spice or artificial sweetness that is favored by many an artists, especially in music. The man who sprints in a long distance or cross country race will, most likely, not finish the race. But, that methodical monotone (from which the word monotony is derived) with slight variations (a little more uncommon today in Quran recitation)...there is just something of a hidden richness about its conservancy...it is more conservative and more measured, as contrasted with, emotionalism which is more liberal in its expression.

The trend that is apparently prevalent is emotional or overly emotional expressions, perhaps, because it has an element of an attention grabbing characteristic. (Overly emotive expressions can seem too much or chaotic often times) However, it is a very monotonous act to spin yarn or thread; or to thread embroidery; to harvest and thresh wheat (and there is a peacefulness with many of the menial or routine, mundane activities); to produce calligraphy; to study engineering; to study medicine; to measure with scales, (What many women think about monotone voices in men.) etc. That conservancy can yield a treasure when applied over time or one's life. This gift from Allah (swt) should be cherished and preserved. Because a person should not be made to work hard only to yield little or no fruits, unless they are involved in magic (suhr, jibt, taghut); or injustice (Zilm); or hindering others from the path of Allah (swt); or rejection of Allah; and other similar things as those.

Nabi Sulaimon (infinite saws) said, "A poor man's land can produce plenty of crops, but, injustice sweeps it all away." Even, the silk worm and the honey bee have a monotony about their work, which in turn, requires a monotony on the part of the spinners of silk or the harvesters of honey. Nabi Shuaybi (infinite saws) was sent to the Madyani people...his (saws) main message was measuring with scales just and balanced; and the giving to people what was their just due; and, of course, the tauhid and monotheism of Allah (swt). The Madyani people were an affluent or wealthy people and he saw that their unjust scales were going to be their undoing, in addition, to what Allah (swt), Himself, was going to send as a penalty for cheating scales. But, essentially, it was a way that, naturally, would not succeed. So there is much that should be hoped for in leading a routine, monotonous or monotone life. It is a hope of the poor and oppressed that should not be shattered by corruptions, lies, thieves, pagans, etc.

Concerning nouns (persons, places and things) minimus and nouns maximus, "Allah (God) disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means God by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path)," ~ Surahtul Baqarah Ayat 26. Also the Messiah (eternal saws) taught, "Matthew 5:19 NLT So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven." In addition, the Messiah (eternal saws) taught, "Matthew 19:30 NLT But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." We do have to be careful of the tone we take with Allah (swt) and remember to reverence our Guardian Lord, Most High. "Proverbs 20:25 NLT It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost." ~ Nabi Sulaimon (infinite saws) I have been reflecting on Abstract Expressionism Minimalism in Monotones of the likes of the painter Callum Innes. Though, I tend to think in concrete terms, this analysis of Innes was a stretch. Maybe I need to tone down the abstract thinking and figurative language. :) Below are some of the pieces that I've replicated and created. I guess I am on to the next artist.

OvercastGreyForestGreen


LightGreyWheat


OvercastGrey2


OvercastGrey


CharcoalGrey


CadmiumOrange2


CadmiumOrange

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Healing in Religion

Bismi Allahi Al Rahmani Al Raheemi.
Aoudhubillahi minal shaitanir rajeemi x ∞³³³¹¹³³²
Peaceful greetings to believing family and friends.
{Header added 04/17/2026}

Matthew 9:19 As Jesus and the disciples were going to the official's home, 20 a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed." 22 Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.
Concerning healing and the effect that it has on time (Reference Surahtul Asr). It is not really having time if the person has not healthy, optimum, and efficient use of that time. Otherwise, the time is being used to heal and recover (in the case of health) or is being wasted (in the case of optimal efficiency). Rest, leisure and relaxation (including exercise) should be factored into your optimum use of time. May Allah bless the muslims time (and count me amongst the muslims). But, it is certainly good to have time to recover from all illnesses, though, death is the exception (although, the grave is a rest before the greater existence of the Afterlife the time spent there in healing is predicated on the life a person led by their faith and deeds, because as we know the grave can either be a place of torment with hellfire and dragons or a place of healing rest.). But this raises the question of the wisdom behind the decision of the medical industry to charge people for healthcare. I mean, after all, the Messiah (infinite saws) did this for free as an act of charity. Should those that are serving in the medical fields be volunteers? Continuing on the issue of time, one has to factor in that the doctor and the other people serving have to maintain healthy resistance to the illnesses of the people that they treat. That would require supplies, equipment and a healthy lifestyle for those professionals. This is not to be taken out of context. I am not slighting Obama Healthcare Reforms. Because under that policy physicians still get compensated by the insurance coverage. I am talking here about "doctors" being used involuntarily for service, versus voluntary service, and whether or not that "doctor" has the right to demand payment; or that patient to demand free service? Another question is does that, then, subject the "doctor" to being exploited on an involuntary or voluntary basis? Making the doctor a sort of "sacrifice" for the patients illnesses. Blog Concerning Sacrifices. And does that lend credence to why it is important for holy religious leaders to be compensated for the time spent healing others, leaving to their discretion as to when and where they do things for free.
Does a patient have the right to make a doctor serve them for free? I mean, in matters of the Holy Spirit which the Messiah (infinite saws) was strengthened with, "Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! thou makest out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thou breathest into it and it becometh a bird by My leave, and thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ’This is nothing but evident magic.’" ~ Holy Quran Al Maidah 110 So again, in matters of the spirit, the Messiah (infinite saws) was strengthened with the Ruhh Al Quddus and he (saws) detected when the hemorrhaging woman had touched his robes. Thus, indicating to me that it was felt, and if it was felt, then, it had an effect upon him. The verse suggests that she was trying to get healed for free and without him knowing about it. The question, then, becomes does the doctor have the right to charge people for the process of recovery from the effects of having healed people; and to shield from being exploited? Afterall, the scriptures say that he (infinite saws) (and Maryam (infinite saws)) were both people that had to eat their daily bread, "And the apostles whom We sent before thee were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: will ye have patience? for God is One Who sees (all things)." ~ Holy Quran Al Furqan 20
Thus, there is the need for, even, these men (Al Anbiya, the Prophets) to be nourished and sustained. Is this justification enough for charging people for medical services. I would have to answer that it certainly doesn't give another person the right to demand, command or order a holy person to heal them for free; nor when that holy person does not wish to. Contrarily, is there a price that anyone can place on The Spirit of Allah, or one's own spirit, and this becomes an alarming concern as neither should be sold.
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4 Book of Medicine
Whenever Allah's Apostle went to bed, he used to recite Surat-al-Ikhlas, Surat-al-Falaq and Surat-an-Nas and then blow on his palms and pass them over his face and those parts of his body that his hands could reach. And when he fell ill, he used to order me to do like that for him.
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4 Book of Medicine
A group of the companions of Allah's Apostle proceeded on a journey till they dismounted near one of the Arab tribes and requested them to entertain them as their guests, but they (the tribe people) refused to entertain them. Then the chief of that tribe was bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and he was given all sorts of treatment, but all in vain. Some of them said, "Will you go to the group (those travelers) who have dismounted near you and see if one of them has something useful?" They came to them and said, "O the group! Our leader has been bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and we have treated him with everything but nothing benefited him Has anyone of you anything useful?" One of them replied, "Yes, by Allah, I know how to treat with a Ruqya. But. by Allah, we wanted you to receive us as your guests but you refused. I will not treat your patient with a Ruqya till you fix for us something as wages." Consequently they agreed to give those travellers a flock of sheep. The man went with them (the people of the tribe) and started spitting (on the bite) and reciting Surat-al-Fatiha till the patient was healed and started walking as if he had not been sick. When the tribe people paid them their wages they had agreed upon, some of them (the Prophet's companions) said, "Distribute (the sheep)." But the one who treated with the Ruqya said, "Do not do that till we go to Allah's Apostle and mention to him what has happened, and see what he will order us." So they came to Allah's Apostle and mentioned the story to him and he said, "How do you know that Surat-al-Fatiha is a Ruqya? You have done the right thing. Divide (what you have got) and assign for me a share with you."
Here the Sahabas were intending to treat the man for free, but, because of how they were treated decided to charge that people for the service. This Sunnah, obviously, makes it permissible to charge people for medical services in Al-Islam, and further gives the treating physician/religious scholar the discretion whether to charge or not charge. Compare this snakebite treatment to the scripture which reads: "Numbers 21:1 The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that the Israelites were approaching on the road to Atharim. So he attacked the Israelites and took some of them as prisoners. 2 Then the people of Israel made this vow to the LORD: "If you will help us conquer these people, we will completely destroy all their towns." 3 The LORD heard their request and gave them victory over the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroyed them and their towns, and the place has been called Hormah ever since. 4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient along the way, 5 and they began to murmur against God and Moses. "Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?" they complained. "There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this wretched manna!" 6 So the LORD sent poisonous snakes among them, and many of them were bitten and died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and cried out, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take away the snakes." So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the LORD told him, "Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to the top of a pole. Those who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!" 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to the top of a pole. Whenever those who were bitten looked at the bronze snake, they recovered!" Contrast the Numbers passage above with the content at this link: The Caduceus as a symbol of Medicine also, some points of concern and reflection upon this post and the content of the Caduceus link with: Forbidden Najwa, Laghwa and Gharrar. Also check The Romans blog investigation that I performed. It has an additional post within it on pagan gods of ancient Rome and Greece.
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4 Book of Medicine
The Prophet used to treat some of his wives by passing his right hand over the place of ailment and used to say, "O Lord of the people! Remove the difficulty and bring about healing as You are the Healer. There is no healing but Your Healing, a healing that will leave no ailment."
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4 Book of Medicine
The Prophet used to say to the patient, "In the Name of Allah The earth of our land and the saliva of some of us cure our patient."

Thus, this is work that is being done in the Spirit of Allah or Ruhh Al Quddus...by the Spirit of Allah or Ruhh Al Quddus. I support this observation with the ayat,
[16:102]
"Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims."

So what becomes the problem? The problem arises when person A, who goes to Allah (swt) for what it is that they need, comes across person B, who likes to source humans or (holy men and women) for the healing that they need from the spirit. Important to note: this is a problem that is in all of the 4 major faith groups in various ways. Again, each group has guilt, in this, in various ways. It becomes kind of like being robbed for those that go to The Source or One God. I would like to cite, at this time, 2 earlier blogs: Some Notes on the Bible; and Those that Sap. There is a correlation with being someone that is in a sapped state and being one that saps others. Thus, the 2 states can be toggled in the Proverb of Nabi Sulaimon (infinite saws) mentioned, therein. Spirit of Allah.
[2:183]
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
[2:184]
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
Reference to a similar scenario may be needed here:
[58:4]
And he who findeth not (the wherewithal), let him fast for two successive months before they touch one another; and for him who is unable to do so (the penance is) the feeding of sixty needy ones. This, that ye may put trust in Allah and His messenger. Such are the limits (imposed by Allah); and for disbelievers is a painful doom.

[2:185]
Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

This investigation was, by no means, exhaustive. There are still areas like "Parable of the Roman Officer" in the Injeel and questions such as "Forbidden Fruit" (on earth) However, it was a sincere crack at the issue of healing in religion. Forgiveness is like being healed, it is hard for a person to heal or recover that continues to do the things that angered Allah (swt), initially. I close with Surahtul Qadr of the Holy Quran, essentially, Allah's costs (time spent in fasting the month of Ramadan) for the Spirit to His (swt) worshippers:
Power or Decree
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[97:1]
We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
[97:2]
And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
[97:3]
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
[97:4]
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by God’s permission, on every errand:
[97:5]
Peace!...This until the rise of morn!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Hypocrite Nuisance


The Hypocrites
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[63:1]
When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art indeed the Apostle of God." Yea, God knoweth that thou art indeed His Apostle, and God beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.
[63:2]
They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct (men) from the Path of God: truly evil are their deeds.
[63:3]
That is because they believed, then they rejected Faith: So a seal was set on their hearts: therefore they understand not.
[63:4]
When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak, thou listenest to their words. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of God be on them! How are they deluded (away from the Truth)!
[63:5]
And when it is said to them, "Come, the Apostle of God will pray for your forgiveness", they turn aside their heads, and thou wouldst see them turning away their faces in arrogance.
[63:6]
It is equal to them whether thou pray for their forgiveness or not. God will not forgive them. Truly God guides not rebellious transgressors.
[63:7]
They are the ones who say, "Spend nothing on those who are with God’s Apostle, to the end that they may disperse (and quit Medina)." But to God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth; but the Hypocrites understand not.

[63:8]
They say, "If we return to Medina, surely the more honourable (element) will expel therefrom the meaner." But honour belongs to God and His Apostle, and to the Believers; but the Hypocrites know not.

[63:9]
O ye who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of God. If any act thus, the loss is their own.
[63:10]
and spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, "O my Lord! why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good".
[63:11]
But to no soul will God grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come; and God is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.

Invalidity is intolerable for people of faith and belief in Allah. But, invalidating opponents is one of the favorite tools of hypocrites as is evidence by verses 7 and 8 above. The opponents of hypocrites are people of faith in Allah (and Allah). People of faith, by faith and truth from Allah, wish to have faith and truth influential in the community. If this does not suit the needs of hypocrites, then, they become opposed to some or all faith and truth. Of course, not all invalidation is unfounded or bad, but, is quite necessary. Again, not all invalidation is bad, but, on the contrary, is quite necessary to do, otherwise, injustices will spread and prevail rapidly and permeate the community. Invalidation also seems to be a favorite tool of those thirsty for power and influence, perhaps, there is a correlation between thirst for power and munafiqun, as this is, essentially, what they were refusing to surrender to the Nabi of Allah (infinite saws). The Messiah (infinte saws) said, "And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family. 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief."" ~ Matthew 13:57-58 and "Anyone who welcomes you is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Lord who sent me." ~ Matthew 10:40. This certainly speaks of the impact and effect of invalidation. And as indicated by Matthew 13:58 invalidation of the Prophets (Al Anbiya) has an impact upon the miracles that they perform amongst those that are disbelieving or invalidating. Here it is safe to deduce that those that invalidate the signs of Allah get fewer miracles according to the degree of their rejections to the signs, ayats and Prophets of Allah. Thus, it is clear that, those that practice the habits of invalidating the signs and Prophets of Allah, shut themselves off from success.
"When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do -- blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get." ~ Matthew 6:2
"And now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I assure you, that is all the reward they will ever get." ~ Matthew 6:5
This point is echoed by the Quranul Kareem passage of Surahtul Nisa Ayat 142: The Hypocrites - they think they are over-reaching God, but He will over- reach them: When they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of men, but little do they hold God in remembrance;" The Messiah continues with more instructions to avoid hypocrisy with:
"And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I assure you, that is the only reward they will ever get." ~ Matthew 6:16
Here the Messiah (infinite saws) gives a stringent set of Laws against hypocrisy. These verses are concerning charity (zakaat and sadaqah); prayer (salaat); and fasting (saum). Here 3 pillars of "Faith" in Al-Islam are mentioned here along with some proper etiquette by which to perform them.
Matthew 15:7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, 8 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings.'"
Matthew23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures. 3 So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. 4 They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden. 5 "Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes. v 6 And how they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue! 7 They enjoy the attention they get on the streets, and they enjoy being called 'Rabbi.' v 8 Don't ever let anyone call you 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are on the same level as brothers and sisters. 9 And don't address anyone here on earth as 'Father,' for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. 10 And don't let anyone call you 'Master,' for there is only one master, the Messiah. v 11 The greatest among you must be a servant. 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 13 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you won't let others enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and you won't go in yourselves. 14 15 Yes, how terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn him into twice the son of hell as you yourselves are. 16 "Blind guides! How terrible it will be for you! For you say that it means nothing to swear 'by God's Temple' -- you can break that oath. But then you say that it is binding to swear 'by the gold in the Temple.' 17 Blind fools! Which is greater, the gold, or the Temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 And you say that to take an oath 'by the altar' can be broken, but to swear 'by the gifts on the altar' is binding! 19 How blind! For which is greater, the gift on the altar, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 When you swear 'by the altar,' you are swearing by it and by everything on it. 21 And when you swear 'by the Temple,' you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it. 22 And when you swear 'by heaven,' you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne. 23 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law -- justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things. 24 Blind guides! You strain your water so you won't accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel! 25 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy -- full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too. 27 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs -- beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 You try to look like upright people outwardly, but inside your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed and decorate the graves of the godly people your ancestors destroyed. 30 Then you say, 'We never would have joined them in killing the prophets.' 31 "In saying that, you are accusing yourselves of being the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Go ahead. Finish what they started. 33 Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell? 34 I will send you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. You will kill some by crucifixion and whip others in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city. 35 As a result, you will become guilty of murdering all the godly people from righteous Abel to Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered in the Temple between the altar and the sanctuary. 36 I assure you, all the accumulated judgment of the centuries will break upon the heads of this very generation. 37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me. 38 And now look, your house is left to you, empty and desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, 'Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'"
There are still some lessons here to learn from the Messiah (infinite saws) on hypocrisy...some lessons for all. There is a saying that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I pray that Allah (swt) saves me from such a trial (fitnah). I pray that Allah saves me from being a "hypocrite".Surahtul Nisa Ayat 145: "The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them;-"
Narrated by Anas, "The Prophet said, "Love for the Ansar is a sign of faith and hatred for the ansar is a sign of hypocrisy." ~ Sahih Al Bukhari The Book of Faith No. 16.