With Allah’s Name The Merciful Benefactor The Merciful Redeemer.
Freedom In The City
Surah 90
Part 1
I swear by this city.
This sura begins with a solid reaffirmation that there is no doubt, separation, or division in the soul as I swear by this city. The Historical translation that would be given to this term “Al-Balad” would be the city of Mecca where the Prophet Muhammed, pbuh, had descended. “Al-Balad” is also, country, state, township, etc., or a geographical space.
This space holds within it a sacredness from its valley to the highest horizon. He who is born in this space is a descendant of this space. As one may say, he is a son of the town. We may also say that the Ummah with its abstract boundaries may be seen as the city from which we may descend regardless of the physical land that we occupy. “Remember Abraham said: "O my Lord! make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols.”
You are free by this city.
Being a son of the town gives you the freedom to come and go in the city just as every other citizen who enjoys the rights of the city. This concept of “freedom in the city” is still recognized in a symbolic gesture when a visitor is given the “key to the city.” Thereby, he is recognized by the authorities as a citizen with the right to come and go without restrictions. He is treated like a son. Imam Muhammed once came from a visit from Turkey and he said that they treated him like a son of the country.
This idea of freedom in the city also has its spiritual connotation. The city becomes the soul in which the heart resides. The heart should be free to ascend to the highest horizon without being fettered by societal customs, habits, passions, and desires that have influenced and thereby defined and confined the soul within the limits of strong iron gated fencing or veiling. Thereby the heart becomes imprisoned from within. Muhammad the Prophet’s soul was not defined by the limitations of the influence of the society in which he lived.
We are much aware of the boycotts that were instituted by the residents of Mecca against Muhammed the Prophet and his followers. These boycotts became very strenuous on the lives of the small Muslim community. However, the freedom that is being addressed here goes beyond the idea of political freedom, that is to sit at the same lunch counter, or to ride at the front of the bus, or even attending the same schools. It is addressing this kind of freedom but it goes much beyond this concept of freedom. It is the freedom of ones soul, heart, thinking or intellect – a true freedom.
By a father and what he births.
The original nature (fitr) upon which man, creation, and religion formed maybe be seen as the heavenly father. The English word ‘father’ and the Arabic word ‘fitr’ are similar in terms of the etymological consonantal root letters, f-t-r. Muhammed The Prophet, the Prayers and the Peace of Allah be upon him, said, “Every child is born upon the fitr.” If man was not influenced by anything that would disconnect him from his original nature, or if man would follow the nature he was formed upon, then he would always have the inclinations to be guided right. He would always have in him the innocent heart of the child.
However, the heart becomes a captive, veiled, restricted or imprisoned by the societal influences that thickens the incarcerating walls from the soul. To become liberated from such confined space the heart must turn to the heavenly father, the fitr, and the heavenly father will turn to the heart to break the yokes allowing it to ascend to the highest horizon having contact once again with the sacred spirit of revelation. This Fitr nature is personified in the person of Adam.
Revelation on the mind of man is similar to rain coming down on death earth. The rain drops holds within it substance, G-d tells us this in the Qur’an. We later discover the substance to be nitrates or a natural fertilizer that feeds the captive seed in the ground causing it to burst up through the thick veil of the ground giving it its freedom. Now, we see the plant not only being fed from the material earth but also receiving its nourishment from the heavenly son. These are called signs in scripture. So it is with Adam and the sons of Adam. Revelation can come to the dead mind and bring with it substance that will give life, a new life, a resurrection to the thinking of its recipients. Thus, it will cause man to raise his thinking and spirituality to great heights taking in a fresh breath from the spirit that comes with the word of revelation. “Without doubt he saw it on the clear horizon.”
Surely We created man in struggle.
The sick and weak body, the corrupted heart, the thickness of the veil, ignorance makes the struggle for freedom that more difficult. Allah made man in a natural struggle to achieve or become excellently established. However, moral and intellectual ignorance only makes it that much more difficult. When the baby is born it has to go through toil and struggle stage by stage before it has the ability to stand with excellence, to stand erect and be balanced on his or her two feet. The human being is the only animal that can stand on two feet and keep the balance without bending or falling over. Normally we find in man that walking upright and developing in speech comes together. The baby learns to walk and talk at the same time. So, it is for man in his spiritual and intellectual establishment. Ignorance will cripple the strength to stand and retard the expressions. And Allah says, “We have created man in the most excellent stance.” It is a strong and healthy physical body that enables man’s stance but it is a spirituality that causes the balance. Man has to be upright in his moral, intellectual nature to be established as an individual and to be established as a society. Muhammed the Prophet has said, “Say, I believe, then be upright.”
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Remember Allah and Remember Our Fathers
ASA,
So, when you have completed your rites then remember Allah as the remembrance of your fathers or stronger in terms of remembrance… Qur’an 2:200
This verse is in reference to the season that is upon us, the Hajj season. When we begin the rites of the Hajj we put on the clothing that is called Ihram. The clothes is the indication that we are now in the state of Ihram or the forbidding state. There are things that are now forbidden to us in the Masjid Haram or the sacred precinct.
Many students and scholars of the religion have said that the Ihram is worn by the men and the political, national or cultural dress is discarded as a show of equality. It is a time to remember Allah and take off the clothes and remembrance of your social, political, industrial or national fathers.
After you have completed your rituals then you are free (Ihlal) to put back on your father’s dress as you remember them. But, continue to remember Allah much as you remember your fathers. Allah is not telling us to forget our fathers, but to remember Him the same as you remember your fathers. And remember Him stronger, or have a stronger remembrance.
We are Muslim American. We are Muslim and we are American. We have our political/social fathers. Some of us may not be able to accept it but Thomas Jefferson is one of our political forefathers. Also, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and others who initiated the political structuring of this country.
Also we have our social/cultural fathers such as Fredrick Douglass, W. E. B. Dubois, Booker T. Washington, Drew Ali, Elijah Muhammed, Martin Luther King, Jr., W. Deen Mohammed and more. In many of our local communities we have our fathers as well. So, we should remember our fathers. Women are included in this concept of father. Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Clara Muhammed and others. We have industrial fathers as well.
We should have an observance day that we take the time to remember our fathers. Such a day is called Saviors’ Day for us. We should not have a day to remember just one of our fathers. Martin Luther King Day shouldn’t be the only father remembered. He is in a line of many fathers that have helped in establishing us as Americans.
In all of our remembrance, remember Allah much.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I.
Muslim American Logic Institute
So, when you have completed your rites then remember Allah as the remembrance of your fathers or stronger in terms of remembrance… Qur’an 2:200
This verse is in reference to the season that is upon us, the Hajj season. When we begin the rites of the Hajj we put on the clothing that is called Ihram. The clothes is the indication that we are now in the state of Ihram or the forbidding state. There are things that are now forbidden to us in the Masjid Haram or the sacred precinct.
Many students and scholars of the religion have said that the Ihram is worn by the men and the political, national or cultural dress is discarded as a show of equality. It is a time to remember Allah and take off the clothes and remembrance of your social, political, industrial or national fathers.
After you have completed your rituals then you are free (Ihlal) to put back on your father’s dress as you remember them. But, continue to remember Allah much as you remember your fathers. Allah is not telling us to forget our fathers, but to remember Him the same as you remember your fathers. And remember Him stronger, or have a stronger remembrance.
We are Muslim American. We are Muslim and we are American. We have our political/social fathers. Some of us may not be able to accept it but Thomas Jefferson is one of our political forefathers. Also, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and others who initiated the political structuring of this country.
Also we have our social/cultural fathers such as Fredrick Douglass, W. E. B. Dubois, Booker T. Washington, Drew Ali, Elijah Muhammed, Martin Luther King, Jr., W. Deen Mohammed and more. In many of our local communities we have our fathers as well. So, we should remember our fathers. Women are included in this concept of father. Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Clara Muhammed and others. We have industrial fathers as well.
We should have an observance day that we take the time to remember our fathers. Such a day is called Saviors’ Day for us. We should not have a day to remember just one of our fathers. Martin Luther King Day shouldn’t be the only father remembered. He is in a line of many fathers that have helped in establishing us as Americans.
In all of our remembrance, remember Allah much.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I.
Muslim American Logic Institute
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A Weighty Message
As-Salaam Alaikum.
“Soon shall We send down to you a weighty message.” Qur’an 73:5.
Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was revealed and this is the month to spend extra time in reading the Qur’an. We should try as much as we can to read the entire book by reading one thirtieth each night (day).
The Qur’an is not to follow us but we are to follow it. We should not have our own thinking and then refer to the Qur’an but we should read the Qur’an then have our thinking come from it. The Qur’an is our Imam so keep it in front of us.
When reading the Qur’an, accept it on the heart first. That is, believe everything in it, have no doubts about it and know that it is guidance with no doubt in it. It is a pure book with no flaws so accept it on the heart even if you don’t understand.
The Qur’an was revealed on the heart of Muhammed The Prophet, not the intellect. The intellect will question because it wants to know, it wants to understand, it wants to see and comprehend the logic. Consequently, it has the tendency to reject what it doesn’t know. However, the heart will accept it in its purity. The message in the Qur’an is too heavy for the intellect. You can’t understand the message right away, it would crush the intellect. Metaphorically, if this Qur’an had been revealed upon a mountain surely it would have crushed it.
After it is placed on the heart then read what’s on the heart and the understanding will come gradually, if Allah pleases.
Thank you for taking time to read this note.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
“Soon shall We send down to you a weighty message.” Qur’an 73:5.
Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was revealed and this is the month to spend extra time in reading the Qur’an. We should try as much as we can to read the entire book by reading one thirtieth each night (day).
The Qur’an is not to follow us but we are to follow it. We should not have our own thinking and then refer to the Qur’an but we should read the Qur’an then have our thinking come from it. The Qur’an is our Imam so keep it in front of us.
When reading the Qur’an, accept it on the heart first. That is, believe everything in it, have no doubts about it and know that it is guidance with no doubt in it. It is a pure book with no flaws so accept it on the heart even if you don’t understand.
The Qur’an was revealed on the heart of Muhammed The Prophet, not the intellect. The intellect will question because it wants to know, it wants to understand, it wants to see and comprehend the logic. Consequently, it has the tendency to reject what it doesn’t know. However, the heart will accept it in its purity. The message in the Qur’an is too heavy for the intellect. You can’t understand the message right away, it would crush the intellect. Metaphorically, if this Qur’an had been revealed upon a mountain surely it would have crushed it.
After it is placed on the heart then read what’s on the heart and the understanding will come gradually, if Allah pleases.
Thank you for taking time to read this note.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
Guidance
As-Salaam Alaikum,
“Guide us to the straight way.”
In the previous verses we honored, praised, thanked, and exalted Allah. Now we come to the dua proper. When the higher is addressing the lower it is called a command. But, when the lower is addressing the higher it is called a dua. This verse is the only verse in Al-Fatihah that we implore Allah, and the supplication is for guidance.
Guidance doesn’t include detailed evidence of the reality but it is an indication or sign that is sufficient enough to lead you to towards what is hidden. It’s pictured from the lion’s mane that flops when seeing the lion running towards you from a distance. The flopping mane is a sign or enough evidence to guide to that which is not seen to determine the complete object. Similarly, facial expressions are signals that direct us to that which is on the mind. Thus, we beseech Allah for guidance mentally, social, intellectually, spiritually, in every aspect of life. It is Allah that created us and it is Allah that guides us.
Every creature is given guidance within its own original created form that it may fulfill its destiny. Allah has provided every creature with the intelligence to read its own nature and adhere to its decree. However, the human creature is given a higher form of intelligence an inspired intellect thereby giving it a higher form of guidance preserved in the scriptures – The Qur’an.
Dear Believers, the Qur’an is a guide not a detailed exposition of judicial or social injunctions that can be applied to every circumstance in life for every culture or people. Respectively, within the signs or “ayats” of the Qur’an, no stone has been left unturned. Allah has addressed every significant or important matter known for advancing man’s individual and community life.
If we follow the best of our own intelligence, the best of our own nature that Allah has given us then it is a double mercy that Allah will reward by increasing the guidance. It is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the ways and usages of the systems of knowledge. Likewise, it is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the way of moral, intellectual and spiritual uprightness. What benefit is it to man that he profits the great treasures that all the systems of knowledge produces and offers, but lose his soul? Therefore, our supplication is to beseech Allah and Allah only to guide us to the way that is upright and that we remain “homo erectus.” Muhammed the Prophet has said, “Say, I have accepted faith, then be upright.”
It is only Allah that can guide to this path. No matter how much we are able to hit the center of the target and then attempt to teach others from morally sloping, we cannot guide them, only Allah can guide to the way of moral decency with integrity. Consequently, whatever degree of deviation we wander from the focus or attentive obedience it is considered straying. And some have strayed far, far from the path. Again, it is out of the double mercy of the One Who created us the first time and gave us the guidance, that He will guide us again upon our repentance.
We seek that Allah favor us along this path as he has favored the Jews, Christians, and Muslims that have come before us. And we plead that Allah keep us on the path that is straight. Amin.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
muslimamericanlogic.com
“Guide us to the straight way.”
In the previous verses we honored, praised, thanked, and exalted Allah. Now we come to the dua proper. When the higher is addressing the lower it is called a command. But, when the lower is addressing the higher it is called a dua. This verse is the only verse in Al-Fatihah that we implore Allah, and the supplication is for guidance.
Guidance doesn’t include detailed evidence of the reality but it is an indication or sign that is sufficient enough to lead you to towards what is hidden. It’s pictured from the lion’s mane that flops when seeing the lion running towards you from a distance. The flopping mane is a sign or enough evidence to guide to that which is not seen to determine the complete object. Similarly, facial expressions are signals that direct us to that which is on the mind. Thus, we beseech Allah for guidance mentally, social, intellectually, spiritually, in every aspect of life. It is Allah that created us and it is Allah that guides us.
Every creature is given guidance within its own original created form that it may fulfill its destiny. Allah has provided every creature with the intelligence to read its own nature and adhere to its decree. However, the human creature is given a higher form of intelligence an inspired intellect thereby giving it a higher form of guidance preserved in the scriptures – The Qur’an.
Dear Believers, the Qur’an is a guide not a detailed exposition of judicial or social injunctions that can be applied to every circumstance in life for every culture or people. Respectively, within the signs or “ayats” of the Qur’an, no stone has been left unturned. Allah has addressed every significant or important matter known for advancing man’s individual and community life.
If we follow the best of our own intelligence, the best of our own nature that Allah has given us then it is a double mercy that Allah will reward by increasing the guidance. It is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the ways and usages of the systems of knowledge. Likewise, it is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the way of moral, intellectual and spiritual uprightness. What benefit is it to man that he profits the great treasures that all the systems of knowledge produces and offers, but lose his soul? Therefore, our supplication is to beseech Allah and Allah only to guide us to the way that is upright and that we remain “homo erectus.” Muhammed the Prophet has said, “Say, I have accepted faith, then be upright.”
It is only Allah that can guide to this path. No matter how much we are able to hit the center of the target and then attempt to teach others from morally sloping, we cannot guide them, only Allah can guide to the way of moral decency with integrity. Consequently, whatever degree of deviation we wander from the focus or attentive obedience it is considered straying. And some have strayed far, far from the path. Again, it is out of the double mercy of the One Who created us the first time and gave us the guidance, that He will guide us again upon our repentance.
We seek that Allah favor us along this path as he has favored the Jews, Christians, and Muslims that have come before us. And we plead that Allah keep us on the path that is straight. Amin.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
muslimamericanlogic.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Servants of Allah
As-Salaam Alaikum,
“You alone do we serve and You alone do we seek help.”
We continue with Al-Fatiha with the theme of Allah’s double mercy in giving and rewarding as the Lord of all systems of knowledge.
How can man serve Allah if we can’t be of service to each other? The word that we are translating as ‘serve’ also means slave and worship. Because of the corruption of man’s thinking of himself as Lord and provider has brought about perhaps the most inhumane tragedy experienced by humanity. Consequently, it has caused an adverse affect on man’s nature when the ex-slave attempts to render a service to his fellow man. For it is clocked into man’s nature that success is not based upon how much wealth you accumulate, but by the contribution you are able to give as a benefit to humanity. Allah is the Lord of ‘all systems of knowledge.’
Not only did slavery within itself cause problems for man, but the method of emancipation also left unhealed psychological damage. To issue a piece of paper or document without adequate forewarning that informs a people of their freedom, who for generations have known nothing except slavery, created a devastating traumatic experience for generations to come. Not that the whole of our social and psychological predicaments stem from slavery, but much have gone unresolved. Whereas, the worst form of mental mutilation that has occurred as a result of slavery is to, ‘tell a man he is free but take away the only tool that he has to exercise his freedom with.’
There is no Qur’anic verse that explicitly emancipates the idea of slavery – a form of forced labor which people are considered to be, or treated as, property of others. The process was gradual that is left no scars. If a person were to contract himself into indentured servitude, the employer must feed, clothe, house, etc., the servant the same as he eats, sleeps, etc., and he must educate the servant the same as he would educate his own son. Whereas, the only difference between the servant and the family member is that the servant does not inherit.
The American experience of forced labor and persecution became so unbearable and insufferable that the slave, in many cases a former Muslim, would cry out, “When will come the help of Allah.” Another sad tragedy placed on the soul of the former slave is that Allah has sent His help -- “The Opening” -- physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually to the supplicant, and it appears as though the African American has forgotten its Lord.
This verse of Al-Fatiha should be the most precious verse read by the African American. This verse should bring tears to the eyes, more so, than its rhythmic pronunciations.
Whatever we do as an employer or employee, businessman, industrialist, technologist, etc…, whatever man does on this earth as an occupation or vocation he is rendering a service to another man. The more excellent you are as a servant to Allah, the greater advantage it gives in rendering a service in any endeavor. Whatever purposeful, industrious, or conscientious activity you pursue, engage it with excellence, and seek Allah’s help and guidance.
To be continued.
Thank you for your time in reading this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
muslimamericanlogic.com
“You alone do we serve and You alone do we seek help.”
We continue with Al-Fatiha with the theme of Allah’s double mercy in giving and rewarding as the Lord of all systems of knowledge.
How can man serve Allah if we can’t be of service to each other? The word that we are translating as ‘serve’ also means slave and worship. Because of the corruption of man’s thinking of himself as Lord and provider has brought about perhaps the most inhumane tragedy experienced by humanity. Consequently, it has caused an adverse affect on man’s nature when the ex-slave attempts to render a service to his fellow man. For it is clocked into man’s nature that success is not based upon how much wealth you accumulate, but by the contribution you are able to give as a benefit to humanity. Allah is the Lord of ‘all systems of knowledge.’
Not only did slavery within itself cause problems for man, but the method of emancipation also left unhealed psychological damage. To issue a piece of paper or document without adequate forewarning that informs a people of their freedom, who for generations have known nothing except slavery, created a devastating traumatic experience for generations to come. Not that the whole of our social and psychological predicaments stem from slavery, but much have gone unresolved. Whereas, the worst form of mental mutilation that has occurred as a result of slavery is to, ‘tell a man he is free but take away the only tool that he has to exercise his freedom with.’
There is no Qur’anic verse that explicitly emancipates the idea of slavery – a form of forced labor which people are considered to be, or treated as, property of others. The process was gradual that is left no scars. If a person were to contract himself into indentured servitude, the employer must feed, clothe, house, etc., the servant the same as he eats, sleeps, etc., and he must educate the servant the same as he would educate his own son. Whereas, the only difference between the servant and the family member is that the servant does not inherit.
The American experience of forced labor and persecution became so unbearable and insufferable that the slave, in many cases a former Muslim, would cry out, “When will come the help of Allah.” Another sad tragedy placed on the soul of the former slave is that Allah has sent His help -- “The Opening” -- physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually to the supplicant, and it appears as though the African American has forgotten its Lord.
This verse of Al-Fatiha should be the most precious verse read by the African American. This verse should bring tears to the eyes, more so, than its rhythmic pronunciations.
Whatever we do as an employer or employee, businessman, industrialist, technologist, etc…, whatever man does on this earth as an occupation or vocation he is rendering a service to another man. The more excellent you are as a servant to Allah, the greater advantage it gives in rendering a service in any endeavor. Whatever purposeful, industrious, or conscientious activity you pursue, engage it with excellence, and seek Allah’s help and guidance.
To be continued.
Thank you for your time in reading this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
muslimamericanlogic.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Day of Religion, Al-Fatihah part 2
As-Salaam Alaikum,
Owner of the Day of Religion
And what is the Day of Religion? The Day of Religion is when no soul will own another soul under any form or structure. On that Day all matters will be determined by Allah. (Qur’an). This verse in Al-Fatihah is not addressing the next life, the other side. It is addressing this side of the life, the life that we are in now. With all that Allah has given we are to seek the latter life but we are not to forget our share in this life.
Every human being is to pursue its share of this life, the material, moral, spiritual, its total subsistence. In its pursuits and acquisitions it is presupposed that every soul in its essence is enriched with the natural inclination and posses the capacity, capability and faculties to obey Allah. Knowledge is the lost property of the trustworthy-believer and wherever he or she finds it, they have a right to it, even if it means traveling to the furthest distance on the globe.
Therefore, it is not necessary for one man to be the owner or possessor of another, likewise it is predetermined and forbidden that a man inherit another. No man can inherit a woman as his wife which says that no man can inherit a community as its leader. We all belong to Allah as His property and we are all returning to Him as His property.
Nevertheless, in our gains of the material, intellectual and spiritual properties it is incumbent and a moral responsibility that man communicates and share with one another. If you do not share what you have with someone, it is as though you never had it. While you are in pursuit for your own usage and enjoyment the goods of this life, you should be improving the productive life of another.
In addition, it is etched into man’s social nature that he does not transgress the bounds of another, thereby having an essential duty to conduct a form of mutual consultation “shuraa.” That is why many of the social scientist proclaims that man is political by nature. This may be coupled with the fact that man is indebted to his Benefactor consequently he must act accordingly; he must have taqwa, a special consciousness to do what Allah wants in him.
When we study the life of Muhammed The Prophet, the prayers and the peace be upon him, and when we study the life and leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed we can conclude that the Imam followed the life example of the Prophet in leading their respective communities to the Day of Religion.
To be continued
Thank you for taking time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim Amerian Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Owner of the Day of Religion
And what is the Day of Religion? The Day of Religion is when no soul will own another soul under any form or structure. On that Day all matters will be determined by Allah. (Qur’an). This verse in Al-Fatihah is not addressing the next life, the other side. It is addressing this side of the life, the life that we are in now. With all that Allah has given we are to seek the latter life but we are not to forget our share in this life.
Every human being is to pursue its share of this life, the material, moral, spiritual, its total subsistence. In its pursuits and acquisitions it is presupposed that every soul in its essence is enriched with the natural inclination and posses the capacity, capability and faculties to obey Allah. Knowledge is the lost property of the trustworthy-believer and wherever he or she finds it, they have a right to it, even if it means traveling to the furthest distance on the globe.
Therefore, it is not necessary for one man to be the owner or possessor of another, likewise it is predetermined and forbidden that a man inherit another. No man can inherit a woman as his wife which says that no man can inherit a community as its leader. We all belong to Allah as His property and we are all returning to Him as His property.
Nevertheless, in our gains of the material, intellectual and spiritual properties it is incumbent and a moral responsibility that man communicates and share with one another. If you do not share what you have with someone, it is as though you never had it. While you are in pursuit for your own usage and enjoyment the goods of this life, you should be improving the productive life of another.
In addition, it is etched into man’s social nature that he does not transgress the bounds of another, thereby having an essential duty to conduct a form of mutual consultation “shuraa.” That is why many of the social scientist proclaims that man is political by nature. This may be coupled with the fact that man is indebted to his Benefactor consequently he must act accordingly; he must have taqwa, a special consciousness to do what Allah wants in him.
When we study the life of Muhammed The Prophet, the prayers and the peace be upon him, and when we study the life and leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed we can conclude that the Imam followed the life example of the Prophet in leading their respective communities to the Day of Religion.
To be continued
Thank you for taking time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim Amerian Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Comments on Al-Fatiha
With Allah’s Name The Merciful Benefactor The Merciful Redeemer.
Al-Fatiha means “The Opener” or “The Opening.” Some reasons given for its name is that it opens the reading of the Qur’an, the first chapter of the Qur’an. It is also used as a prayer or invocation for opening important events and ceremonies. This chapter of the Qur’an is also referred to as the key that unlocks previous scriptures that were sealed.
We began with Allah’s name. Whenever we start with an act or intention we preface it by saying, “…With Allah’s Name…” Allah is the Merciful Benefactor in that He extends His gifts immeasurably to all of His creatures including human beings. He gives to his creature far beyond his personal needs and in many cases more that he can make use of. Categorically, the return on the cultivation, development, nurturing, fostering or encouragement of His benefits is many times over the initial contribution. For example, if we cultivate just one grain, the return would be seven ears and on each ear one hundred grain. Appreciatively with gratitude, we say that Allah is the Merciful Redeemer. In addition, He offers for His servant is a special portion of His mercy.
“The Praise, Thanks belongs to Allah the Guardian Lord of the worlds -- systems of knowledge.”
The highest praise or thanks given to Allah is “Al-Hamdu lillah,” (Praise be to Allah). This expression of gratitude must be spoken with the tongue, soul, mind and intellect – with every aspect of the total being. This act of praise and thanks may even supersede prayer, fasting, charity, sacrificing of an animal, circumambulation of the Ka’bah as a display of graciousness and appreciation.
The Lord is one who cherishes, nourishes, evolves, and sustains everything and everyone from its inception to its maturity. After we reach maturity we still depend on Allah, our Lord. In this case He is the Lord of all worlds, all systems of knowledge. A world of knowledge is formed from symbols that are collected and combined as interrelated independent elements and then categorized as an entity that produces volumes which define a system. We have the world of biology, chemistry, mathematics, zoology, etc., -- many worlds. In each world there are paths. In the world of anatomy the study of the eye offers volumes and volumes of a systemized curriculum. And so it is for the nervous system, repertory system, etc. It is Allah as Lord that has evolved the sciences or paths out of His mercy.
Every sane person is commissioned to travel one of the many paths. It is the true religious life that keeps us on these paths that we give a reformed thinking to the expression “Fee Sabeel lillah” (go in the path of Allah). We will find the gifts and rewards so beneficial, numerous and profitable that it becomes a sin to obtain knowledge that is not useful. Therefore, it is imperative without reservation that we declare Allah is the Merciful Benefactor, Merciful Redeemer, Lord of all systems of knowledge.
To be continued.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Al-Fatiha means “The Opener” or “The Opening.” Some reasons given for its name is that it opens the reading of the Qur’an, the first chapter of the Qur’an. It is also used as a prayer or invocation for opening important events and ceremonies. This chapter of the Qur’an is also referred to as the key that unlocks previous scriptures that were sealed.
We began with Allah’s name. Whenever we start with an act or intention we preface it by saying, “…With Allah’s Name…” Allah is the Merciful Benefactor in that He extends His gifts immeasurably to all of His creatures including human beings. He gives to his creature far beyond his personal needs and in many cases more that he can make use of. Categorically, the return on the cultivation, development, nurturing, fostering or encouragement of His benefits is many times over the initial contribution. For example, if we cultivate just one grain, the return would be seven ears and on each ear one hundred grain. Appreciatively with gratitude, we say that Allah is the Merciful Redeemer. In addition, He offers for His servant is a special portion of His mercy.
“The Praise, Thanks belongs to Allah the Guardian Lord of the worlds -- systems of knowledge.”
The highest praise or thanks given to Allah is “Al-Hamdu lillah,” (Praise be to Allah). This expression of gratitude must be spoken with the tongue, soul, mind and intellect – with every aspect of the total being. This act of praise and thanks may even supersede prayer, fasting, charity, sacrificing of an animal, circumambulation of the Ka’bah as a display of graciousness and appreciation.
The Lord is one who cherishes, nourishes, evolves, and sustains everything and everyone from its inception to its maturity. After we reach maturity we still depend on Allah, our Lord. In this case He is the Lord of all worlds, all systems of knowledge. A world of knowledge is formed from symbols that are collected and combined as interrelated independent elements and then categorized as an entity that produces volumes which define a system. We have the world of biology, chemistry, mathematics, zoology, etc., -- many worlds. In each world there are paths. In the world of anatomy the study of the eye offers volumes and volumes of a systemized curriculum. And so it is for the nervous system, repertory system, etc. It is Allah as Lord that has evolved the sciences or paths out of His mercy.
Every sane person is commissioned to travel one of the many paths. It is the true religious life that keeps us on these paths that we give a reformed thinking to the expression “Fee Sabeel lillah” (go in the path of Allah). We will find the gifts and rewards so beneficial, numerous and profitable that it becomes a sin to obtain knowledge that is not useful. Therefore, it is imperative without reservation that we declare Allah is the Merciful Benefactor, Merciful Redeemer, Lord of all systems of knowledge.
To be continued.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Matter and its Prototype
As-Salaam Alaikum,
It is that which created seven heavens as layers (one above the other), what do you see in the creation of The Merciful from perishables? Then return the vision, do you see from an original prototype. Qur’an 67:3.
Man in his original nature has the potential to ascend to the highest heaven. The motif of the ascension starting with the primary life is in morals and ethics, intuition, empirical studies, cultural expression, government, with the highest spiritual upward mobility being universals truths. These seven stages respectively prepare the human being for establishing the best community life.
When we first observe created matter we find it in the guise of perishable items. Everything over a period of time diminishes and will eventually pass away. There are species of plants and animals that once had a life on this earth that exist no more. Some mountains have expired their period of establishment. Some things have a short life span while others seem to be forever. However, they all are evolved from common inherent laws, principles, and regulations including the smallest particles of molecules and atoms that are shared in transient matter.
Allah encourages the believer to engage the material world. Investigate beyond its ecstatic appearances and return the vision as a scientist, philosopher, seer, or visionary. Observe the nature of things. Have a curiosity that leads to a rational investigation of questions about existence. Those things that appear so simple on the surface may hold within it a complex system of knowledge that a given prototype can be interchangeable within a specified time and space.
For example, you have a nice dress on and you tear or spill something on it and ruin it. It is the one who made the dress that will say, “don’t worry I have the original pattern I can make another one.” The second dress may look nothing like the previous though it is cut from the same original pattern.
Likewise it is with communities. The ancient Egyptians, builders of the great Pyramids were of communities that have passed away. They have left remnants of their great works that are marveled at but not reproduced. However, modern communities of man have made their contributions in knowledge and science. Though both communities do not resemble each other in their great contributions they are cut from the same original pattern.
With Al-Islam being the religion of nature, with returning the observations with hypothesis and testing, the eyes may come back wearied that it may find knowledge of things that are outside of known science and physics that carry no flaws. Though it may advance philosophical, metaphysical, or religious thought, all the same we would have to declare, “Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I., Muslim American Logic Institute
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
It is that which created seven heavens as layers (one above the other), what do you see in the creation of The Merciful from perishables? Then return the vision, do you see from an original prototype. Qur’an 67:3.
Man in his original nature has the potential to ascend to the highest heaven. The motif of the ascension starting with the primary life is in morals and ethics, intuition, empirical studies, cultural expression, government, with the highest spiritual upward mobility being universals truths. These seven stages respectively prepare the human being for establishing the best community life.
When we first observe created matter we find it in the guise of perishable items. Everything over a period of time diminishes and will eventually pass away. There are species of plants and animals that once had a life on this earth that exist no more. Some mountains have expired their period of establishment. Some things have a short life span while others seem to be forever. However, they all are evolved from common inherent laws, principles, and regulations including the smallest particles of molecules and atoms that are shared in transient matter.
Allah encourages the believer to engage the material world. Investigate beyond its ecstatic appearances and return the vision as a scientist, philosopher, seer, or visionary. Observe the nature of things. Have a curiosity that leads to a rational investigation of questions about existence. Those things that appear so simple on the surface may hold within it a complex system of knowledge that a given prototype can be interchangeable within a specified time and space.
For example, you have a nice dress on and you tear or spill something on it and ruin it. It is the one who made the dress that will say, “don’t worry I have the original pattern I can make another one.” The second dress may look nothing like the previous though it is cut from the same original pattern.
Likewise it is with communities. The ancient Egyptians, builders of the great Pyramids were of communities that have passed away. They have left remnants of their great works that are marveled at but not reproduced. However, modern communities of man have made their contributions in knowledge and science. Though both communities do not resemble each other in their great contributions they are cut from the same original pattern.
With Al-Islam being the religion of nature, with returning the observations with hypothesis and testing, the eyes may come back wearied that it may find knowledge of things that are outside of known science and physics that carry no flaws. Though it may advance philosophical, metaphysical, or religious thought, all the same we would have to declare, “Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I., Muslim American Logic Institute
muslimamericanlogic.com
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Best Community
As-Salaam Alaikum,
You are the best of any community extracted from the total humanity, commanding the known (to be good) and prohibiting the despicable, and believing in Allah; if the people of the Book believed then it was be good for them, there are believers amongst them but most of them are no good. Qur’an 3:8.
Allah is informing the true trust-believing people that they have reached the pinnacle of potential for establishing community life. The potential that was placed in the first community of Adam, you have now been extracted out of the humanity to be an example for all other communities and Muhammed The Prophet, Pbuh, is an example for you.
This community life is a group of trustworthy-believers of common thought, ideologies, philosophies, common interests, goals, and common ownership that they share within a common geographical space – a “Shared Freedom Space.” This verse also speaks of the common good, the material goods products, housing, roads, buildings, etc. which helps define community existence. Likewise it speaks of the spiritual good – morals, ethics, character, behavior, etc.
Contrarily, prohibitions are placed on despicable conduct and presentation – lewdness of dressing, vulgarity in speech, spousal abuse, run down homes and neighborhoods. To take satisfaction in such predicaments, whether you are the primary cause of it or not, is outlawed by the Trustworthy-Believer.
This excellent public and private life is extended to any that believes in Allah. Jewish, Christian, Muslim, whoever believes and trust in Allah and rehearse the Scriptures revealed by His Servants, are given an open invitation to realize the inherent paramount possibilities for group existence. However, you will find that the majority of people amongst the “People of the Book,” (including Muslims) are burdened souls for not accepting what Allah has prescribed and approved for all of us.
Thank You for taking time to read this article.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I.
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
You are the best of any community extracted from the total humanity, commanding the known (to be good) and prohibiting the despicable, and believing in Allah; if the people of the Book believed then it was be good for them, there are believers amongst them but most of them are no good. Qur’an 3:8.
Allah is informing the true trust-believing people that they have reached the pinnacle of potential for establishing community life. The potential that was placed in the first community of Adam, you have now been extracted out of the humanity to be an example for all other communities and Muhammed The Prophet, Pbuh, is an example for you.
This community life is a group of trustworthy-believers of common thought, ideologies, philosophies, common interests, goals, and common ownership that they share within a common geographical space – a “Shared Freedom Space.” This verse also speaks of the common good, the material goods products, housing, roads, buildings, etc. which helps define community existence. Likewise it speaks of the spiritual good – morals, ethics, character, behavior, etc.
Contrarily, prohibitions are placed on despicable conduct and presentation – lewdness of dressing, vulgarity in speech, spousal abuse, run down homes and neighborhoods. To take satisfaction in such predicaments, whether you are the primary cause of it or not, is outlawed by the Trustworthy-Believer.
This excellent public and private life is extended to any that believes in Allah. Jewish, Christian, Muslim, whoever believes and trust in Allah and rehearse the Scriptures revealed by His Servants, are given an open invitation to realize the inherent paramount possibilities for group existence. However, you will find that the majority of people amongst the “People of the Book,” (including Muslims) are burdened souls for not accepting what Allah has prescribed and approved for all of us.
Thank You for taking time to read this article.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I.
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cautions Against Taking Disbelievers as Guardians In Religion
As-Salaam Alaikum,
Let not the Trustworthy-Believers take the disbelievers as guardian protectors more so than the Trustworthy-Believers; whoever does that, in no way is any of it from Allah; except that you be exceptionally conscious of them, and Allah cautions you Himself, and the place (that you turn out to be) belongs to Allah. 3:28.
This verse begins in the reflexive voice, that is the action of taking or accepting occurs from within. It is addressing the inner or abstract form of the person more so than the external or physical form. Not that we are not to befriend or become acquaintances with religious disbelievers, on the contrary we do not give them the trust of concerns that are close, dear or intimate to our vital development and preservation of the true human character. The precious religious concepts, ideas, philosophy, logic that we depend on for our Muslim existence are to be supported by the Trustworthy-Believers. I hear some people saying you can get knowledge and wisdom from anyone, yes you can, but we are not to put our hope, conviction, or expectation in anyone. Don’t go to them when you don’t understand what G-d wills in you from the Qur’an. Pursue those that hold the same cherished values of life that you hold.
The analogy of the guardian amongst the Trustworthy-Believer is based upon the Qur’anic Arabic word that connotes first (rights), guardian, and family. We know that it is Allah that has the first rights. It is Allah that brings us into existence, provides, nourishes, sustains, and evolves us to a mature state. After that it is Allah that we continue to depend on. So it is only logical that He has the first rights in respect and honor of the safeguards. Muhammed The Prophet (Pbhh) is closer to the Trustworthy-Believer than their own selves. Subsequently, the blood relatives are closer for the perpetuation and conservation of the total human life; categorically the mother is nearest of them. Allah tells us that it is the possessor of the womb that is closer than the Trustworthy-Believer are to each other. This is the sign of the religious life that Allah wants in terms of the protection, guardianship, and friendship that the Trustworthy-Believers are to emulate in their communities.
When we are in the presence of the disbelievers we are to be acutely aware and mindful of the unhelpful influences. Our interactions may be through personal, media, workplace, etc., however, we are to have the special consciousness for the destructive public encouragements that doesn’t agree with the life that Allah prescribes for us. In all affairs, activities and endeavors we are to be extremely aware or our relationships outside of trustful family members as well as outside of the community of righteous trustworthy believers.
Allah has placed special emphasis on the fact that he cautions you Himself. Allah is not a person like we are a person. Allah does not have a self similar to the self that we have. Allah does not have a soul as we have a soul. This is an important concern for the theologian. Those who study the concept and the relationship that we are to have with Allah know that Allah can’t be put into an anthropomorphic figure though the Qur’an speaks of Allah as a self having hands, hearing, seeing, speaking, etc. So this language is suggesting that the punishment we be so severe if we ignore the decree of Allah. That it will be as though Allah himself will execute the retribution with his own hands. So let’s arrive at the place that Allah wants for us.
Thank you for reading this article.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I., Director
Muslimamericanlogic.com
Let not the Trustworthy-Believers take the disbelievers as guardian protectors more so than the Trustworthy-Believers; whoever does that, in no way is any of it from Allah; except that you be exceptionally conscious of them, and Allah cautions you Himself, and the place (that you turn out to be) belongs to Allah. 3:28.
This verse begins in the reflexive voice, that is the action of taking or accepting occurs from within. It is addressing the inner or abstract form of the person more so than the external or physical form. Not that we are not to befriend or become acquaintances with religious disbelievers, on the contrary we do not give them the trust of concerns that are close, dear or intimate to our vital development and preservation of the true human character. The precious religious concepts, ideas, philosophy, logic that we depend on for our Muslim existence are to be supported by the Trustworthy-Believers. I hear some people saying you can get knowledge and wisdom from anyone, yes you can, but we are not to put our hope, conviction, or expectation in anyone. Don’t go to them when you don’t understand what G-d wills in you from the Qur’an. Pursue those that hold the same cherished values of life that you hold.
The analogy of the guardian amongst the Trustworthy-Believer is based upon the Qur’anic Arabic word that connotes first (rights), guardian, and family. We know that it is Allah that has the first rights. It is Allah that brings us into existence, provides, nourishes, sustains, and evolves us to a mature state. After that it is Allah that we continue to depend on. So it is only logical that He has the first rights in respect and honor of the safeguards. Muhammed The Prophet (Pbhh) is closer to the Trustworthy-Believer than their own selves. Subsequently, the blood relatives are closer for the perpetuation and conservation of the total human life; categorically the mother is nearest of them. Allah tells us that it is the possessor of the womb that is closer than the Trustworthy-Believer are to each other. This is the sign of the religious life that Allah wants in terms of the protection, guardianship, and friendship that the Trustworthy-Believers are to emulate in their communities.
When we are in the presence of the disbelievers we are to be acutely aware and mindful of the unhelpful influences. Our interactions may be through personal, media, workplace, etc., however, we are to have the special consciousness for the destructive public encouragements that doesn’t agree with the life that Allah prescribes for us. In all affairs, activities and endeavors we are to be extremely aware or our relationships outside of trustful family members as well as outside of the community of righteous trustworthy believers.
Allah has placed special emphasis on the fact that he cautions you Himself. Allah is not a person like we are a person. Allah does not have a self similar to the self that we have. Allah does not have a soul as we have a soul. This is an important concern for the theologian. Those who study the concept and the relationship that we are to have with Allah know that Allah can’t be put into an anthropomorphic figure though the Qur’an speaks of Allah as a self having hands, hearing, seeing, speaking, etc. So this language is suggesting that the punishment we be so severe if we ignore the decree of Allah. That it will be as though Allah himself will execute the retribution with his own hands. So let’s arrive at the place that Allah wants for us.
Thank you for reading this article.
Salim MuMin
M.A.L.I., Director
Muslimamericanlogic.com
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