Thursday, September 15, 2011
On the prohibition against cheating and deceit
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Value of Abel's life in light of today's frequent killings.
With so much killing and attempted killing taking place in the news...do we really reflect today on the enormity of taking another man or woman's life? With all of humanity being descended from Father Adam and Mother Eve (pbut), we must take a lesson from the story of brothers Cain and Abel. Many are, already, familiar with the story...Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to the One God and Creator of Father Adam (pbuh), it was accepted of Abel, but, not accepted of Cain. The jealousy of Cain led him to the slaughter of his brother Abel. The Quran and the Bible are on the same page, as far as, that is concerned. However, the Quran sheds a bit of interesting light on something and that is the impact of the slaughter of Abel upon the family, blood-line or offspring (seed) of Abel. The position of the Quran is that Cain did not only slay Abel alone, but, that he slew the entire "Nation" of Abel...future children and grand-children and the multitude of generations that would have been sprung from Abel. I think that if combatants only considered this (on either sides of the fence), the enormous cost of taking the life of another brother sprung from Adam, there would be less killing taking place. If they were made to wander as Cain was...made....the penalty being manifest as it was/is during the Days of the Almighty God (Yahweh, Al Huwa), then perhaps more peace on earth. It is not something only binding of the Children of Israel, but, upon muslims and all who are descended from Father Adam (pbuh).
Another interesting perspective is found in the Lost Books of Enoch, where a description is given of the soul of a man ascending unto the very Gates of Heaven and brings forth a case against Cain and the seed of Cain. So that, in addition, to the penalty of wandering the zones of the earth, there are these continuous, forth coming, charges against Cain by Abel and concerning Abel's seed, that was destroyed in destroying him. This would certainly make a case for peace on earth between warring men...between warring brothers and sons of Adam (infinite peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and mother Eve). Too much killing has been going on. An indication of the lack of regard for the life of another (human) can be seen in those that disregard Kosher & Halal/Zabiha laws. They are not considering, enough, the fact that Allah gave those animals lives & that they must acknowledge that fact in their request for the animals flesh as food, and in what kinds of activities are conducted by the continuity of life granted in the slaughter/sacrifice of animals for food. Thus, it is, evidently, natural to understand that Ad Dawwab will then subjugate those that reject Allah, His Books, and His Prophets (infinite saws).
Holy Bible:
1 Now Adam slept with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When the time came, she gave birth to Cain, and she said, "With the LORD's help, I have brought forth a man!" 2 Later she gave birth to a second son and named him Abel.When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain was a farmer. 3 At harvesttime Cain brought to the LORD a gift of his farm produce, 4 while Abel brought several choice lambs from the best of his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected.6 "Why are you so angry?" the LORD asked him. "Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it." 8 Later Cain suggested to his brother, Abel, "Let's go out into the fields." And while they were there, Cain attacked and killed his brother. 9 Afterward the LORD asked Cain, "Where is your brother? Where is Abel?""I don't know!" Cain retorted. "Am I supposed to keep track of him wherever he goes?" 10 But the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen -- your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground! 11You are hereby banished from the ground you have defiled with your brother's blood. 12 No longer will it yield abundant crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless fugitive on the earth, constantly wandering from place to place." 13 Cain replied to the LORD, "My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from my land and from your presence; you have made me a wandering fugitive. All who see me will try to kill me!" 15The LORD replied, "They will not kill you, for I will give seven times your punishment to anyone who does." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the LORD's presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 17 Then Cain's wife became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and they named him Enoch. When Cain founded a city, he named it Enoch after his son. 18 Enoch was the father of Irad. Irad was the father of Mehujael. Mehujael was the father of Methushael. Methushael was the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech married two women -- Adah and Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to a baby named Jabal. He became the first of the herdsmen who live in tents. 21 His brother's name was Jubal, the first musician -- the inventor of the harp and flute. 22 To Lamech's other wife, Zillah, was born Tubal-cain. He was the first to work with metal, forging instruments of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister named Naamah.23 One day Lamech said to Adah and Zillah, "Listen to me, my wives. I have killed a youth who attacked and wounded me. 24 If anyone who kills Cain is to be punished seven times, anyone who takes revenge against me will be punished seventy-seven times!" 25 Adam slept with his wife again, and she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth, for she said, "God has granted me another son in place of Abel, the one Cain killed." 26 When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. It was during his lifetime that people first began to worship the LORD.
[What does it mean for someone to receive 7 times what the Lord punished Cain with? It reads, "11You are hereby banished from the ground you have defiled with your brother's blood. 12 No longer will it yield abundant crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless fugitive on the earth, constantly wandering from place to place." So that would mean 7 expulsions, {which means, that if the earth has 7 zones as spoken in the Quran, "God is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that God has power over all things, and that God comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge." ~ Al Talaq 12; and Hell has 7 gates, "To it are seven gates: for each of those gates is a (special) class (of sinners) assigned." ~ Al Hijr 44. Cain was expelled from the 1st zone of the earth leaving for 6 zones of possible expulsions left of the earth plus expelled from 1st gate of Hell into the 2nd gate of Hell {equaling 7 expulsions} for those that would kill Cain...depending upon which zone of the earth it took place in.} In addition, 7 times no yield on the crops, 7 times the homelessness and wandering.]
Holy Quran:
[5:27] Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! they each presented a sacrifice (to Allah.: It was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: "Be sure I will slay thee." "Surely," said the former, "(Allah) doth accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous.
[5:28] "If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah, the cherisher of the worlds.
[5:29] "For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong."
[5:30] The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became (himself) one of the lost ones.
[5:31] Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?" then he became full of regrets-
[5:32] On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people (nation): and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people (nation). Then although there came to them Our apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
The Lost Book of Enoch:
1. And thence I went to another place, and he showed me in the west another great and high mountain [and] of hard rock.
E
2 And there was in it four hollow places, deep and wide and very smooth. How smooth are the hollow places and deep and dark to look at.
Gg
2. And there were four hollow places in it, deep and very smooth: three of them were dark and one bright; and there was a fountain of water in its midst. And I said: 'How smooth are these hollow places, and deep and dark to view.'
3. Then Raphael answered, one of the holy angels who was with me, and said unto me: 'These hollow places have been created for this very purpose, that the spirits of the souls of the dead should assemble therein, yea that all the souls of the children of men should assemble here. And these places have been made to receive them till the day of their judgement and till their appointed period till the period appointed, till the great judgement (comes) upon them.'
E
5. I saw the spirits of the children of men who were dead, and their voice went forth to heaven and made suit.
5. I saw (the spirit of) a dead man making suit, and his voice went forth to heaven and made suit.
6. Then I asked Raphael the angel who was with me, and I said unto him: 'This spirit--whose is it whose voice goeth forth and maketh suit?'
Gg
6. And I asked Raphael the angel who was with me, and I said unto him: 'This spirit which maketh suit, whose is it, whose voice goeth forth and maketh suit to heaven?'
7. And he answered me saying: 'This is the spirit which went forth from Abel, whom his brother Cain slew, and he makes his suit against him till his seed is destroyed from the face of the earth, and his seed is annihilated from amongst the seed of men.'
Monday, August 15, 2011
Human Waste Being Used to Fertilize Crops in Islamic Lands
Basically, what happened was...I bit down into one of my Tunisian Deglet Noor Dates during an Iftar or Suhur for Ramadan and I tasted sewage...or at least it tasted the way sewage smells, because I don't know that I have ever tasted sewage before.
There are many countries that have been experiencing shortages of water and droughts for many years now in the Islamic World. However, the resources in the Islamic World are not paltry. With mega developments taking place in some of our wealthier muslim countries the resources do exist: to create the best Desalinization Facilities that money can buy, which would optimize volume and capacities and minimize to completely remove salt content in Salt Water, that would, otherwise, be very damaging to soils; and to create the best Waste Water Reclamation Facilities that would exceed American and European Standards for waste water treatment intended for consumption. I think that leaders in Islam that take the helms of leadership for the greater community of Al-Islam have a duty to say and do what is in the best interests of the greater community and followers of Al-Islam. How unrealistic is it for North African countries that are date producers and producers of other edible crops to go to our wealthier Arab countries and say, "Here dear respected brothers we see the need to build 30 to 50 of the best that the world knows of Desalinization and Waste Water Reclamation Facilities along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea so that we can produce Halal, Tayyib and Kosher crops. We desire to employ, for the purpose, the best engineers and scientists from the US or Europe or Japan to assist in our designs of these facilities...the salt can be purified and packaged as table sea salt for exports...etc."
About 2 years ago, I worked bitterly for about 10 months to get our All Natural Botanical USA Muslim Manufactured Soaps into an Organic Grocery Chain in United Arab Emirates. I was met with flurry after flurry of technical, specification, and certification requirements to comply with UAE government standards that had been recently put in place, only to not get the sale.
I must have walked 5 miles, while fasting, to return those Tunisian dates grown w/sewage water only for the man to tell me not to patronize his store again. He tells me there's nothing wrong w/the dates. I said there grown w/sewage. He said their halal & kosher. I quoted ayats of Quran against using sewage water. He said I should have known they were low quality by the price. Went on 15 minutes. The multi-million $ effort in Texas to convert waste water to drinking water will supposedly get the water just below distilled water in quality. I hope that North African Muslim Countries are able to get the quality of their reclaimed water as high or higher. May Allah accept it.
[25:48]
And He it is Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down pure water from the sky,-
[25:49]
That with it We may give life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created,- cattle and men in great numbers.
[25:50]
And We have distributed the (water) amongst them, in order that they may celebrate (our) praises, but most men are averse (to aught) but (rank) ingratitude.
I think it is needless to say that I would contact the US Government about Dates that taste like sewage and ask them not to allow food like that to enter our country.
[Sample letter of Disagreement]
I would like to report a problem to the FDA about food products coming into America from North Africa, particularly Tunisia.
I recently purchased Tunisian Deglet Noor Dates by the label Golden, Imported and Distributed by International Golden Foods, Inc. Bensenville, IL 60106 phone 1-800-343-7423. The product was certified as Halal and Kosher. A related website is at www.tunisiandate.com. I purchased the product to be used in observance of our Holy month of Ramadan, which we are still observing, and I noticed that when I bit into one of the dates (I hadn't noticed with the 1st 7 dates that I sampled) that it tasted like sewage. I did a little research because I recalled that some of the countries in North Africa like Egypt and a few others will use sewage water of human waste to fertilize their crops. Of course, I smacked my forehead in an aww man, that I had this lapse of memory after I made the purchase, but, I thought the real issue was that it got here in the first place. I think that perhaps North African standards on waste water treatment may be far below that of American standards...for example the waste water treatment that will be taking place in Texas, due to the drought, a multi-million dollar further treatment system of the already highly treated waste water will be built to turn that once waste water into drinkable water. What I am saying is that I believe that the standards in North Africa, particularly Tunisia may be far below the standards set here in America for acceptable for consumption...I mean literally when I can taste it...and say to myself these dates seem as though they have been grown with waste water then they are not up to par. I have included a pdf on Tunisian "reclamation" of water reporting some stats on what they have been doing and, in fact, they are using waste water using the terminology "reclaimed water" for growing crops, as my taste buds informed me. I don't think that these products should enter our country. I have had dates from Algeria and I do not recall this problem, however, they may or may not be reclaiming waters in Algeria and they may or may not have sub-standard waster water treatment...but, what I can say is that the dates coming out of Tunisia need not be either on our Islamic Grocery shelves. I think maybe we need a watch for crops under these practices coming out of North Africa. I think that the Islamic Grocers would be better informed to go with the California Dates Growers Association of Bard Valley and the high quality organic dates that are produced on American standards.
In addition, the Tunisian dates were certified Halal and Kosher, and does this violate our certifying standards for Halal and Kosher that crops grown with human waste as fertilizer should claim to be Halal or Kosher? That seems conceptually contradictory.
Thank you for the few moments of your time,
Muhakeem Abdullah
Below is an excerpt from a report by AkissaBahri.pdf on Tunisia and their efforts to reclaim sewage water for use in edible crop cultivations.
[pg 1] Serge Marlet et Pierre Ruelle (éditeurs scientifiques), 2002. Vers une maîtrise des impacts environnementaux de l’irrigation. Actes de l’atelier du PCSI, 28-29 mai 2002, Montpellier, France. CEMAGREF, CIRAD, IRD, Cédérom du CIRAD.
Water reuse in Tunisia: stakes and prospects
Akissa BAHRI*
* National Institute for Research on Agricultural Engineering, Water and Forestry, BP 10, Ariana 2080, Tunisia
Abstract
Water reuse in Tunisia: Stakes and prospects. In the arid and semi-arid region, countries like Tunisia are facing increasingly serious water shortage problems. According to forecasts, increased domestic and industrial water consumption by the year 2020 may cause a decrease in the volume of fresh water available for Tunisian agriculture. It is therefore important to develop additional water resources as well as protect the existing ones. One way to cope with these problems is to reuse wastewater in agriculture. Therefore and before launching the water reuse policy, a research program was undertaken at the beginning of the 1980s. The objectives of the work were to characterize wastewater chemical and biological composition, to establish impacts of wastewater application on the water-soil-plant system, and to evaluate the long-term changes in soil properties connected to irrigation practices. The results showed the feasibility of water reuse provided that some precautions are taken. A national reuse policy has thus been elaborated and implemented, and water reuse was made an essential component of the Tunisian national water resources strategy. Reuse is up to now mainly practiced for crop irrigation and irrigation of recreational facilities, such as golf courses. Other reuse opportunities such as groundwater recharge are screened. In this paper, the water reuse achievements are presented. This is done by reviewing the last decades' research results and the overall reuse framework. Stakes and prospects are also presented.
[pg 2] Introduction
In the arid and semi-arid region, countries such as Tunisia are facing increasingly more serious water shortage problems. Problems of water scarcity will intensify because of population growth, rise in living standards, and accelerated urbanization which threaten the water supply in general and agriculture in particular and lead to both an increase in water consumption and pollution of water resources. Continuing increase in demand by the urban sector has led to increased utilization of fresh water for domestic purposes, on the one hand, and production of greater volumes of wastewater, on the other. Agriculture in competition with other sectors will face increasing problems of water quantity and quality considering increasingly limited conventional water resources and growing future requirements and a decrease in the volume of fresh water available for agriculture. Around the cities of the region, competition with other sectors often makes water the main factor that limits agricultural development. Policy makers have then been compelled to develop additional water resources as well as to preserve the existing ones. Reclaiming water is among various measures designed to encourage integrated and efficient management and water use was therefore made an important component of the national water resources strategy. To strengthen the development and utilization of reclaimed water, research work was carried out. The main research results related to the agricultural use of reclaimed water are presented in this paper as well as the overall water reuse framework.
Water resources and wastewater characteristics
General
Tunisia extends from the Mediterranean coast in the North to the Sahara desert in the South and its total surface area is 164 150 km2. The Tunisian coastline extends over 1300 km. Average annual rainfall is around 594 mm in the North, 289 mm in the Centre, and 156 mm in the South. The annual precipitation in Tunisia is on average equal to 37 billion m3. The annual evaporation varies between 1300 mm in the north to about 2500 mm in the south. The water resources are about 4.7 billion m3 of which 2.7 billion m3 are from surface water and 2 billion m3 from groundwater. The volume of water brought on-line during the terms of the Eighth Economic, Social, and Development Plan (1997) was about 3100 million m3 (Mm3), i.e., 66% of the potential water resources, from large dams, hillside-dams, open shallow wells, deep tubewells, and springs. The country's five-year development plans emphasize water reuse and water harvesting. Reclaimed water is now a part of Tunisia's overall water resources balance (Table I) (Bahri, 1998b). It is actually considered as an additional water resource and as a potential source of fertilizing elements (UNDP, 1987a). Water reuse has been made an integral part of overall environmental pollution control and water management strategy. It is also considered as a complementary treatment stage and consequently, as a way of protecting coastal areas, water resources, and sensitive receiving bodies.
2 Vers une maîtrise des impacts environnementaux de l’irrigation
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The fact is that Allah (swt) says at Holy Quran 16:10-11, "It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought."
At Surah 17:35, "Give full measure when ye measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination."
At Surah 7:85, "To the Madyan people We sent Shu’aib, 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! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you, if ye have Faith."
Other factors are considered like what is the optimum land yield for a particular country and are they trying to exceed it by cultivating with sewage. In addition, there are many countries that will conduct large scale cultivation of organic cocoa, sugar, etc., in places, with rich soil and a plentiful supply of fresh waters, like Africa, Brazil (and other tropical countries) for import back into their own countries. So what they are doing is countries are growing crops in Brazil by leasing out land and then exporting it back to their own countries. Not to mention, trade with muslim countries that have arable tropical lands with a plentiful supply of fresh waters with which to water their crops. Also, the diligent amongst the Judaic communities, in terms of Kosher certifications, would consider Sabbath Days and Sabbath Years in their cultivation practices. People who factor in Sabbath Days and Sabbath Years enjoy a unique relationship with Allah (swt) because of allowing the land to rest.
- Purifying
- Pure
- and Impure
- less than 216 liters of water (qullatayn) which is contaminated by filth (najasa), even when none of the water's characteristics (n: i.e. taste, color, or odor) have changed.
- or 216 liters or more of water when one of its characteristics of taste, color, or odor have changed (n: through the effect of the filth. As for the purity of water that has been used to wash away filth, it is discussed below at e14.14).)
- water that has been changed so much that it is no longer termed water through admixture with something pure like flour or saffron which could have been avoided:
- less then 216 liters of water that has already been for the obligation (dis:c2.1(A):), end) of lifting a state of ritual impurity, even if only that of a child;
- or less than 216 liters of water that has been used to remove filth, even if this resulted in no change in the water.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Is there a USA Islamic Economic Agenda?
Surely, there is much to be said about leadership of Al-Islam in the US. Leaders seem to be extremely proficient in extracting contributions from the body of American muslims for noble charitable causes. This is ultimately the best case scenario in terms of deeds with Allah (swt).
However, as a led community, leadership has been terribly deficient, in terms of, extracting our resources for investments in tangible economic endeavors that would prove beneficial to the infrastructure of the USA Muslim community.
Does that seem to suggest that they are not concerned about the economic health of the USA muslim community, but, are only concerned about what monies can be got to support various international causes? Perhaps. Support for international causes by USA muslims is, in fact, a good thing. But, it should be reciprocated. International muslims should be concerned about our continued development and well-being as an economy.
There really has not been put forth any agenda for the economy of USA muslims for decades. Only recently has there been some focus on our economy, however, with signs of individualism that plagues most American mentalities. Sure, one must be sure to maintain and fulfill one's obligations and make sure that one's personal business is set in order before they can be of effective help to others...not taking away from people being concerned about what is in the best interests of their own companies and enterprises, however, that selflessness shown by us should be met with the same degree of selflessness in our times of need. Otherwise, it takes on the appearance that we are being used. I am not someone complaining about the distribution of alms, I am someone questioning the effectiveness of planners in our communities. I am not someone saying that I am the best planner or that I should be in charge of all planning. I am saying that a closer look should be made at our directions, goals and the intended outcomes for our communities. Sure, Nabi Muhammad (infinite saws) was not a manager of our affairs, but, having a 501c3 and being of non-profit status does not exempt you from planning for our economic future and/or potential reliefs. Economic plans for the American muslims can be done in isolation to charity...so this is not about distribution of alms. There have been a myriad of projects and relief efforts that seem to be insatiable. Many immigrants come here to the US and do better than some natural born American muslims and it makes me wonder why the complaining. I will add to this, as I am currently pressed for time to get my readings in for Ramadan. Just something that has been a question in my mind the last 15 years.
This was an old enclosed masjid community design that I turned into an exaggerated, overdeveloped crystal city art graphic (crystal only cause they look like the crystals of gem formations).
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Concerning Sacrificial Offerings
Perhaps, there are some that feel that they not only can sacrifice a man or an animal outside of the Sacred Precincts, but, can also eat of the sacrificial offering themselves and drink it's blood. Well, there are laws and ordinances against that. But, if they say, "well it is not derived from the Altar Offerings Ordinances, but, from the Last Supper Event", then, I have included the Surahtul Maidah passages especially the one concerning not rejecting Allah if they eat the Last Supper.
Leviticus 17
Eating Blood Forbidden
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 (to evil spirits) 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 (pagan) (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.' "
Levitcus 22
Instructions for the Priests concerning Sacrificial Offerings and Cleanliness
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Tell Aaron and his sons to treat the sacred gifts that the Israelites set apart for me with great care, so they do not profane my holy name. I am the LORD. 3 Remind them that if any of their descendants are ceremonially unclean when they approach the sacred food presented by the Israelites, they must be cut off from my presence. I am the LORD! 4 "If any of the priests have a contagious skin disease or any kind of discharge that makes them ceremonially unclean, they may not eat the sacred offerings until they have been pronounced clean. If any of the priests become unclean by touching a corpse, or are defiled by an emission of semen, 5 or by touching a creeping creature that is unclean, or by touching someone who is ceremonially unclean for any reason, 6 they will remain defiled until evening. They must not eat any of the sacred offerings until they have purified their bodies with water. 7 When the sun goes down, they will be clean again and may eat the sacred offerings. After all, this food has been set aside for them. 8 The priests may never eat an animal that has died a natural death or has been torn apart by wild animals, for this would defile them. I am the LORD. 9 Warn all the priests to follow these instructions carefully; otherwise they will be subject to punishment and die for violating them. I am the LORD who makes them holy. 10 "No one outside a priest's family may ever eat the sacred offerings, even if the person lives in a priest's home or is one of his hired servants. 11 However, if the priest buys slaves with his own money, they may eat of his food. And if his slaves have children, they also may share his food. 12 If a priest's daughter marries someone outside the priestly family, she may no longer eat the sacred offerings. 13 But if she becomes a widow or is divorced and has no children to support her, and she returns to live in her father's home, she may eat her father's food again. But other than these exceptions, only members of the priests' families are allowed to eat the sacred offerings. 14 "Anyone who eats the sacred offerings without realizing it must pay the priest for the amount eaten, plus an added penalty of 20 percent. 15 No one may defile the sacred offerings brought to the LORD by the Israelites 16 by allowing unauthorized people to eat them. The negligent priest would bring guilt upon the people and require them to pay compensation. I am the LORD, who makes them holy." 17 And the LORD said to Moses, 18 "Give Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites these instructions, which apply to those who are Israelites by birth as well as to the foreigners living among you. If you offer a whole burnt offering to the LORD, whether to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, 19 it will be accepted only if it is a male animal with no physical defects. It may be either a bull, a ram, or a male goat. 20 Do not bring an animal with physical defects, because it won't be accepted on your behalf. 21 "If you bring a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock, whether to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, you must offer an animal that has no physical defects of any kind. 22 An animal that is blind, injured, mutilated, or that has a growth, an open sore, or a scab must never be offered to the LORD by fire on the altar. 23 If the bull or lamb is deformed or stunted, it may still be offered as a freewill offering, but it may not be offered to fulfill a vow. 24 If an animal has damaged testicles or is castrated, it may never be offered to the LORD. 25 You must never accept mutilated or defective animals from foreigners to be offered as a sacrifice to your God. Such animals will not be accepted on your behalf because they are defective." 26 And the LORD said to Moses, 27 "When a bull or a ram or a male goat is born, it must be left with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as an offering given to the LORD by fire. 28 But you must never slaughter a mother animal and her offspring on the same day, whether from the herd or the flock. 29 When you bring a thanksgiving offering to the LORD, it must be sacrificed properly so it will be accepted on your behalf. 30 Eat the entire sacrificial animal on the day it is presented. Don't leave any of it until the second day. I am the LORD. 31 "You must faithfully keep all my commands by obeying them, for I am the LORD. 32 Do not treat my holy name as common and ordinary. I must be treated as holy by the people of Israel. It is I, the LORD, who makes you holy. 33 It was I who rescued you from Egypt, that I might be your very own God. I am the LORD."
Holy Quran Chapter of the Table Spread with Food (Passover) Al Maidah
This is an ordinance and sunnah concerning the rejection of Allah with Al Maidah.
[5:111] "And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger. they said, ’We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims’".
[5:112] Behold! the disciples, said: "O Jesus the son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a table set (with viands) from heaven?" Said Jesus: "Fear Allah, if ye have faith."
[5:113] They said: "We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle."
[5:114] Said Jesus the son of Mary: "O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs)."
[5:115] Allah said: "I will send it down unto you: But if any of you after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples."
[5:116] And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah.?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden.
[5:117] "Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, ’worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things.
[5:118] "If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."
[5:119] Allah will say: "This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires).
[5:120] To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Man gambles away daughter in India
Indian man gambles daughter away
Posted September 20, 2009 19:00:00
A father in eastern India gave away his teenage daughter to a fellow gambler after he lost a card game, with police launching a hunt to retrieve the girl.
Ismail Sheikh, from a village in West Bengal, used his 18-year-old daughter as a stake after he lost all his money, The Times of India said on Sunday (local time).
"Ismail lost the game again and Mustafa walked away with the girl," said Satyajit Bandhopadhyay, a senior police officer investigating the case.
The girl protested but the victorious Mustafa dragged her out of the village, the report said.
Family members were quoted as saying the father was a compulsive gambler with a drink problem and they had thrown him out the house after losing the teenager.
Gambling is illegal in India but thousands of underground dens operate, attracting poor villagers who hope to make a quick buck.
- AFP
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Naturally, children are seeking guardianship from the parents (and adults as a whole). It is a lot to ask of a child to fend for his or herself, and it is more to ask of a child to fend for his or herself against those who are supposed to exercise the roles of guardians, by birth. The reality of this story is, obviously, quite alarming. What I would tell our youth in Al-Islam (because apparently those men possessed muslim names, and though I am not their judge, nor the judge of muslims, for only Allah can truly judge us), would be to learn the truth of the Kalima of Allah in the Quranul Kareem and the "Truth" of the Kitab (and not the falsehood in it) and all pertinent knowledge of the hadiths and fiqh...so that they may possess discernment. The ability to discern truth from error; good from bad; right from wrong is important. Being leaders or parents is like taking a "trust" or amanat...and again I don't know the truth about the daughter or the father (like what is their natures and characters), but, that apparently gambling is wrong in Al-Islam and that the trust in which the father was entrusted to care for her was quite, evidently, breached. If someone tells you anything in deen, then, ask them what and where is the source of this knowledge (Where does it say that?). And if they cannot provide a valid source, then, perhaps what has been said can be considered invalid until the sources are confirmed as "Truth".
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Attributes and Names of the Ranks and Stations of the Nafs in its Striving and Elevation
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.}
