Have you ever sat
alone,
thinking,
and then all of a sudden.................
you begin to cry?
The reason is unknown...
yet the tears just seem to flow and ironically you feel a great sense of ease.
Thinking, yet not sure what you're thinking about....
Crying, yet not sure what you're crying over?
Have you ever?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ghadr
قدر
شب قدر است بیا قدر بدانیم کمی
خانه دل ز گناهان بتکانیم کمی
شعله افتاده به ملک دلم از فرط گناه
دوست را از دل این شعله بخوانیم کمی
روح را صیقل آیینه دهیم از دل و جان
آه را تا ملکوتش برسانیم کمی
عهد بستیم و شکستیم بسی کاش! که ما
بر سر عهد وفادار بمانیم کمی
پوشه از بار گناهان شده پر حجم بیا
رمضان است به آتش بکشانیم کمی
نگذاریم زبانه بکشد دوزخمان
بنشینیم و به اشکش بنشانیم کمی
بنشانیم نهالی به امید ثمری
چشمه از چشم به پایش بدوانیم کمی
و ارادت بنماییم و بگوییم "الغوث"
ناله را تا به فلک باز رسانیم کمی
التماس دعا دوست عزیز
شب قدر است بیا قدر بدانیم کمی
خانه دل ز گناهان بتکانیم کمی
شعله افتاده به ملک دلم از فرط گناه
دوست را از دل این شعله بخوانیم کمی
روح را صیقل آیینه دهیم از دل و جان
آه را تا ملکوتش برسانیم کمی
عهد بستیم و شکستیم بسی کاش! که ما
بر سر عهد وفادار بمانیم کمی
پوشه از بار گناهان شده پر حجم بیا
رمضان است به آتش بکشانیم کمی
نگذاریم زبانه بکشد دوزخمان
بنشینیم و به اشکش بنشانیم کمی
بنشانیم نهالی به امید ثمری
چشمه از چشم به پایش بدوانیم کمی
و ارادت بنماییم و بگوییم "الغوث"
ناله را تا به فلک باز رسانیم کمی
التماس دعا دوست عزیز
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Secret of Imam Ali's Love
What is the reason for the friendship and love for Ali in people's hearts ? Nobody has yet discovered the secret of this love, that is, no-one has been able to formulate it, and say that if it were like this then that would follow, or if it were like that then this would happen. However it does of course have a secret. There is something in the love which dazzles the one who loves and draws him towards it. This attraction and love are the highest degrees of love; Ali - is the one whom people's hearts adore, whom humanity loves. Why ? In what does Ali's extraordinariness lie, that it incites love and draws hearts towards itself, that it plays the tune of eternal life and lives for ever ? Why do all hearts find out about themselves through him, and do not feel him to be dead but find him living ?
Certainly the basis for love for him is not his body, because his body is not now among us and we have not perceived it with our senses. Love for Ali is also not hero- worship, which exists in every nation. It is a mistake, too, to say the love for Ali is by way of love for moral and human excellence, and that love for Ali is a humanistic love. It is true that Ali was the manifestation of the perfect man, and it is true that man loves great figures of humanity; but if Ali had had all those human excellences that he had that wisdom and knowledge, that self-sacrifice and altruism, that humility and modesty, that courtesy, that kindness and mercy, that protection of the weak, that justness, that liberality and love of freedom, that respect for humanity, that generosity, that bravery, that magnanimity and mercy towards his enemies, and, in the words of Rumi':
In bravery you are the Lion of the Lord,that munificence, benevolence and beneficence - if Ali had had all these, which he did have, but had not had the divine touch in him, it is quite certain that there would not have been the feeling of sympathy and awakening of love that there is today.
In generosity who indeed knows who you are ?
Ali is loved in the sense that he had the divine link; our hearts are unconsciously completely involved with, and connected to, the Truth, right in their depths, and since they find Ali to be a great sign of the Truth and a manifes- tation of the attributes of the Truth they are in love with him. In reality, the basis for the love for Ali is the connec- tion of our souls with the Truth which has been laid in our primordial natures, and since our primordial natures are eter- nal, love for Ali; is also eternal.
There are many outstanding features in Ali's being, but that which has assigned him a resplendent and shining place for ever is his faith and morality, and it is that which has given him his divine charisma.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
JACK
You know, tonight, I watched a movie which not only spoke volumes on the real meaning and essence of life...but more so...spoke the very words which my heart has been yearning to verbalize for so long.
What's wrong with being a BIG KID? What's so wrong with having innocent desires from past times which many seem to forget as the age and get older?
Who said it was wrong to ride bikes carelessly, and chew gum out loud, to throw water balloons at people who get on your nerves, and be cautious of people who use "bad words" (and tell on them later). What's so wrong with sitting in a cardboard box and playing space ship? What's so wrong with having a four-story tree house where you can climb up with your friends and have sleep overs while eating smores and telling scary stories? What's wrong with eating gummy bears on a swing on the playground? What's wrong with jumping on a trampoline and falling with a bang and laughing at the top of your lungs? What's wrong with not worrying and constantly looking over your shoulder? What's wrong with loving unconditionally (like kids do best)?
I have come to realize, in just one showing of JACK, that we take life for granted. We take the most simplest, most amazing and beautiful experiences, and become mindless, not paying attention to those very moments which matter most, which make the world of a difference. Is it so wrong to sit in a field and admire the flight of butterflies? Is it so wrong to climb a tree, and sit on a brand, allowing the wind to blow through your hair as the branches and leaves dance to the wind's melody simultaneously? Is it so wrong to imagine Utopia?
I don't think so. I don't think it's wrong to allow the child in each of us to grow. The more we stand against it, the more we become complacent. The more become cold, and hard hearted. Society lacks the main ingredients such as love, compassion, sincerity, humbleness, and truth. Through the eyes of a child, everything becomes so serene. Everything becomes so pure and innocent. Yet why is that so wrong? Why must we choose to "grow up"? How can we grow up when we have not understood what it means to be a child? How can we move to first grade when the elements of Kindergarten have not been accomplished, even by the most "so-called" successful people in our world today? How can we exmplify love when all we have cultivated within us is hate? How can we truly "accept" (again: unconditionally) when we constantly "deny"?
I am tired.
I am tired of being around people who want to stop happiness. I am tired of being in the company of people who are fake, complacent, and cold: DEAD!
I want to LIVE....I want to LOVE endlessly...
I want to be like JACK...is that a crime I ask?
What's wrong with being a BIG KID? What's so wrong with having innocent desires from past times which many seem to forget as the age and get older?
Who said it was wrong to ride bikes carelessly, and chew gum out loud, to throw water balloons at people who get on your nerves, and be cautious of people who use "bad words" (and tell on them later). What's so wrong with sitting in a cardboard box and playing space ship? What's so wrong with having a four-story tree house where you can climb up with your friends and have sleep overs while eating smores and telling scary stories? What's wrong with eating gummy bears on a swing on the playground? What's wrong with jumping on a trampoline and falling with a bang and laughing at the top of your lungs? What's wrong with not worrying and constantly looking over your shoulder? What's wrong with loving unconditionally (like kids do best)?
I have come to realize, in just one showing of JACK, that we take life for granted. We take the most simplest, most amazing and beautiful experiences, and become mindless, not paying attention to those very moments which matter most, which make the world of a difference. Is it so wrong to sit in a field and admire the flight of butterflies? Is it so wrong to climb a tree, and sit on a brand, allowing the wind to blow through your hair as the branches and leaves dance to the wind's melody simultaneously? Is it so wrong to imagine Utopia?
I don't think so. I don't think it's wrong to allow the child in each of us to grow. The more we stand against it, the more we become complacent. The more become cold, and hard hearted. Society lacks the main ingredients such as love, compassion, sincerity, humbleness, and truth. Through the eyes of a child, everything becomes so serene. Everything becomes so pure and innocent. Yet why is that so wrong? Why must we choose to "grow up"? How can we grow up when we have not understood what it means to be a child? How can we move to first grade when the elements of Kindergarten have not been accomplished, even by the most "so-called" successful people in our world today? How can we exmplify love when all we have cultivated within us is hate? How can we truly "accept" (again: unconditionally) when we constantly "deny"?
I am tired.
I am tired of being around people who want to stop happiness. I am tired of being in the company of people who are fake, complacent, and cold: DEAD!
I want to LIVE....I want to LOVE endlessly...
I want to be like JACK...is that a crime I ask?
Your Beauty...
Brighter than the sun
Fairer than the moon
Your beauty is so dazzling
Bigger than the sea
Higher than the clouds
Your soul is so enlightening
What Id give to see your face
Beaming with so much grace
Brighter than the sun
Fairer than the moon
Your beauty is so dazzling
Bigger than the sea
Higher than the clouds
Your soul is so enlightening (x2)
CHORUS:
Ya Mawlay, ya Mawlay Salli 'ala Taha (x2)
husnu Ahmadal Bashir
Akhjalal badral munir
Will I be from those
You welcome with a smile
As you call your nation
Come to my side
Or will I see you frown
And then turn away
I did let you down
I forgot this Day
What Id give to see your face
Beaming with so much grace
Brighter than the sun
Fairer than the moon
Your beauty is so dazzling
Bigger than the sea
Higher than the clouds
Your soul is so enlightening
CHORUS
Bridge:
Ya Habiba Allah
Ya Safiyya Allah
'Alayka Salatu Allah
Wa Salamu Allah
Your smile is so bright
It lits up the dark night
Brought mercy and light
To my waiting heart
I know that Im weak
Of my sins I can speak
Your mercy I seek
Though Im not worthy
What Id give to see your face
Beaming with so much grace
Brighter than the sun
Fairer than the moon
Your beauty is so dazzling
Bigger than the sea
Higher than the clouds
Your soul is so enlightening
funniest thing...
So you know...funniest thing happened this morning while on the phone. I found out that:
It's a small small world after all...
It's a small small world after all...
-- and a beautiful one at that...comforting...yet oh so beautiful...
I can say this with certainty...people never cease to amaze me....and when they do...it's in the most amazing of ways...leaving me awe stricken...wanting more...anxious towards the future.
Thank you...you know who you are...after all...
it's a small small world after all...
I can say this with certainty...people never cease to amaze me....and when they do...it's in the most amazing of ways...leaving me awe stricken...wanting more...anxious towards the future.
Thank you...you know who you are...after all...
it's a small small world after all...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Ibn Rajab Selection
In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
Ibn Rajab, May Allah Have Mercy on him, says in Lata'if al-Ma'arif:
In that Satan has been chained up during the month of Ramadan; and the fires of the carnal lusts have died down due to fasting; and the authority of the soul's vain inclination has been placed in isolation, and power has been turned over to the rule of the intellect, which rules justly; the sinner now has no excuse.
The clouds of heedlessness! Disperse from over the hearts.
The suns of piety and faith! Rise for this new day.
The pages wherein are recorded the deeds of the Fasting people! Elevate yourselves.
The hearts of the fasters! Be filled with humility.
The feet of those exerting themselves strenuously in their devotions! Prostrate to your Lord and bow in humility to Him.
The eyes of those passing the night in prayer! Do not sleep.
The sins of the penitent! Do not return.
The earth of the soul's vain inclinations! Absorb your water.
The sky of the elevated souls! Hold back your rain.
The lightning of longing for the Divine! Shine for the lovers of God.
The intimate thoughts of the Gnostics! Graze in the pastures of Godly bliss.
The aspirations of all who love other than God! May you find no contentment with your imperfect beloved.
Junayd! Be overjoyed.
Shibli! Come quickly.
Rabi'a! Listen carefully.
During these days the tables of Divine Blessings have been spread out for the fasters, and there is no one who has not been invited to the feast. The Almighty says, "O our folk! Respond to the caller of God." Al-Ahqaf: 31
O the lofty spiritual aspirations of the believers! Hasten. Paradise is for one who responds promptly and attains the blessings. Woe unto whomsoever is turned away at the door, and misses the invitation.
May Allah bless us all to respond to the invitation He extends to us during this blessed month.
-- Imam Zaid Shakir (Zaytuna Institute & Academy)
Ibn Rajab, May Allah Have Mercy on him, says in Lata'if al-Ma'arif:
In that Satan has been chained up during the month of Ramadan; and the fires of the carnal lusts have died down due to fasting; and the authority of the soul's vain inclination has been placed in isolation, and power has been turned over to the rule of the intellect, which rules justly; the sinner now has no excuse.
The clouds of heedlessness! Disperse from over the hearts.
The suns of piety and faith! Rise for this new day.
The pages wherein are recorded the deeds of the Fasting people! Elevate yourselves.
The hearts of the fasters! Be filled with humility.
The feet of those exerting themselves strenuously in their devotions! Prostrate to your Lord and bow in humility to Him.
The eyes of those passing the night in prayer! Do not sleep.
The sins of the penitent! Do not return.
The earth of the soul's vain inclinations! Absorb your water.
The sky of the elevated souls! Hold back your rain.
The lightning of longing for the Divine! Shine for the lovers of God.
The intimate thoughts of the Gnostics! Graze in the pastures of Godly bliss.
The aspirations of all who love other than God! May you find no contentment with your imperfect beloved.
Junayd! Be overjoyed.
Shibli! Come quickly.
Rabi'a! Listen carefully.
During these days the tables of Divine Blessings have been spread out for the fasters, and there is no one who has not been invited to the feast. The Almighty says, "O our folk! Respond to the caller of God." Al-Ahqaf: 31
O the lofty spiritual aspirations of the believers! Hasten. Paradise is for one who responds promptly and attains the blessings. Woe unto whomsoever is turned away at the door, and misses the invitation.
May Allah bless us all to respond to the invitation He extends to us during this blessed month.
-- Imam Zaid Shakir (Zaytuna Institute & Academy)
Between You & God
“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone can destroy overnight; build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.”
- Mother Theresa
These lines, often called the Final Analysis, were said to be found written in Mother Theresa’s own handwriting on her wall by her bed, after she died.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Dancing with Gas
It's been two days now since we've had any power, lights, electricity, or water; the feeling of being abandoned and deserted begins to envelope you from every angle. At times, hopelessness can mess with your head...
Moving on: today me and my cousin sat in my car in the unexplainable lines at the gas stations which stretched miles and miles till the eyes could see. There was gas, but no electricity. So as the city was working hard to restore lights to different portions of the city, we sat, waited, (and well in me and my cousin's case, listened to Spanish lessons on her iPod). You know, trying to make the best of every moment as educational as possible.....(yeah uh huh....)
In any case, as one ear was with the Spanish lessons on learning how to order donuts at the donut shop, my left ear was busy thinking, absorbing the sounds around me which then turned into thoughts which lingered in my mind.
I thought about many things, like how long would it be before power was restored, about how people can be so strange when waiting in long lines (but that could be due to the fact that different people react differently to certain situations when made to feel vulnerable; that and well, many just don't have that special feature called: patience) - I (thank God) do come installed with that feature. Nonetheless, I thought so hard, which is usual for me given that I over analyze, and over think things & thoughts. As hours passed, thoughts lingered, and I was now learning about the different deserts they have in Mexico (and how to pronounce them).
At once, I heard a lady screaming, yelling, and jumping while laughing saying, "the lights, the lights, they're ooooooooooooooooooooooooon, woo hooooooooooooo". Around me, I could see people clapping, whistling, smiling, many turning up their music, and a few dancing...It was here that I saw people dancing with gas. It was more than dancing, clapping, whistling, and screaming for joy, it was this unexplainable feeling of some how being free...
I realized as I looked around me, we're all the same, have the same needs, have the same desires and wishes; yet we express then in different ways. We are all human, belonging and connected some how to one another, in ways not comprehendable to us...it's something bigger. Bigger than needing gas, or water, lights, or power...bigger, much bigger....
I learnt today to be utterly care free, to value the small and cherish them oh so closely, and most importantly, that dancing with gas in front of a huge crowd of people is nothing when you look at the grand scheme of things...
Moving on: today me and my cousin sat in my car in the unexplainable lines at the gas stations which stretched miles and miles till the eyes could see. There was gas, but no electricity. So as the city was working hard to restore lights to different portions of the city, we sat, waited, (and well in me and my cousin's case, listened to Spanish lessons on her iPod). You know, trying to make the best of every moment as educational as possible.....(yeah uh huh....)
In any case, as one ear was with the Spanish lessons on learning how to order donuts at the donut shop, my left ear was busy thinking, absorbing the sounds around me which then turned into thoughts which lingered in my mind.
I thought about many things, like how long would it be before power was restored, about how people can be so strange when waiting in long lines (but that could be due to the fact that different people react differently to certain situations when made to feel vulnerable; that and well, many just don't have that special feature called: patience) - I (thank God) do come installed with that feature. Nonetheless, I thought so hard, which is usual for me given that I over analyze, and over think things & thoughts. As hours passed, thoughts lingered, and I was now learning about the different deserts they have in Mexico (and how to pronounce them).
At once, I heard a lady screaming, yelling, and jumping while laughing saying, "the lights, the lights, they're ooooooooooooooooooooooooon, woo hooooooooooooo". Around me, I could see people clapping, whistling, smiling, many turning up their music, and a few dancing...It was here that I saw people dancing with gas. It was more than dancing, clapping, whistling, and screaming for joy, it was this unexplainable feeling of some how being free...
I realized as I looked around me, we're all the same, have the same needs, have the same desires and wishes; yet we express then in different ways. We are all human, belonging and connected some how to one another, in ways not comprehendable to us...it's something bigger. Bigger than needing gas, or water, lights, or power...bigger, much bigger....
I learnt today to be utterly care free, to value the small and cherish them oh so closely, and most importantly, that dancing with gas in front of a huge crowd of people is nothing when you look at the grand scheme of things...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ending the Cycle
“Just because a child’s parents are poor or uneducated is no reason to deprive the child of basic human rights to health care, education and proper nutrition.” - Marian Wright Edelman
Regardless of the reasons, the state, race, religion or social status of a child’s parents, each child should be born into this world with an equal foot and stake in the future. Sadly this is not the reality and millions of children across the globe are marked before birth by the status of their parents. It is this disadvantaged at the beginning of life that leaves many children lost in the grey shadows of an unknown future.
Regardless of the reasons, the state, race, religion or social status of a child’s parents, each child should be born into this world with an equal foot and stake in the future. Sadly this is not the reality and millions of children across the globe are marked before birth by the status of their parents. It is this disadvantaged at the beginning of life that leaves many children lost in the grey shadows of an unknown future.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
more "unexpected" inspiration
Once again, tonight, I was "unexpectedly" inspired
this time...well..,this time it was different
yet, they're all different and unique in their own ways.
Yet this time, it wasn't the unexpectedness of it,
rather the "utopia" which I felt.
Could it really be? Could it really be to have someone "understand" in every sens of the word my every word and thought?
I don't know to be honest; I only know what my heart spoke to me.
yet even then it is only HE who can truly "know"...for HE is the All Knower.
HE only knows.....what we view as merely being "unexpected"
this time...well..,this time it was different
yet, they're all different and unique in their own ways.
Yet this time, it wasn't the unexpectedness of it,
rather the "utopia" which I felt.
Could it really be? Could it really be to have someone "understand" in every sens of the word my every word and thought?
I don't know to be honest; I only know what my heart spoke to me.
yet even then it is only HE who can truly "know"...for HE is the All Knower.
HE only knows.....what we view as merely being "unexpected"
Monday, September 8, 2008
A New "Unexpected" Friend
It's amazing how the unexpected happens when you least expect it; I guess that would explain why they say it's "unexpected".
More so, I think it's so amazing and so beautiful how God brings people together who are complete strangers, from opposite ends of the earth together, and brings light into their hearts at their similarities. Many a times, you run into people; again "unexpectedly"; exchange dialog and then walking away thinking to yourself how close you feel to that person, how all of sudden, bearing the distance from someone you JUST met wold be unbearable, looking forward to the next exchange of dialogue, wanting to discover what God will show you.....
It is in these instances, where, we, as humans, realize how united and connected we really are. We may not be connected by blood ties, or acquaintances, or even close friendships, but God, the most Gracious the most Merciful, in his most amazing wisdom, has connected all of us through something more intimate: that is our hearts, the most sacred place, that which has been called "the real Ka'aba"....think about it.....I know I am....
Today on the 8th of Ramadhan, I had this very connection with another heart, a conversation amazingly awesome (I know weird choice of words) and now, I yearn for another set of exchange of words....
May God the Gracious bring all of us closer together, realizing the inner beauty which connects all of us in the greater "human family"......
Dedicated to: Rayyan
More so, I think it's so amazing and so beautiful how God brings people together who are complete strangers, from opposite ends of the earth together, and brings light into their hearts at their similarities. Many a times, you run into people; again "unexpectedly"; exchange dialog and then walking away thinking to yourself how close you feel to that person, how all of sudden, bearing the distance from someone you JUST met wold be unbearable, looking forward to the next exchange of dialogue, wanting to discover what God will show you.....
It is in these instances, where, we, as humans, realize how united and connected we really are. We may not be connected by blood ties, or acquaintances, or even close friendships, but God, the most Gracious the most Merciful, in his most amazing wisdom, has connected all of us through something more intimate: that is our hearts, the most sacred place, that which has been called "the real Ka'aba"....think about it.....I know I am....
Today on the 8th of Ramadhan, I had this very connection with another heart, a conversation amazingly awesome (I know weird choice of words) and now, I yearn for another set of exchange of words....
May God the Gracious bring all of us closer together, realizing the inner beauty which connects all of us in the greater "human family"......
Dedicated to: Rayyan
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Ramadhan's Arrival
With the crescent so slender and sleekThe month of Ramadan gives a peek
Filling joy in all hearts
And mind full of peace and redemption
The pious month of fasting and remembering Allah
The one who created the world and all
The month filled with blessings pure
Mercy and forgiveness for sure
Nights all calm and beautiful
Mornings a blissful sight
I stand to pray my one true God
And hopes all get charged and renew
With every passing day misery and pain stays all so few
By the end the ills all completely disappear
Hunger thirst and pangs makes us stronger
Controlling all that's evil and bad
Leaves our ailing souls relieve
What a mercy
What a blessing
The month of Ramadan
Most awaited
Most blessed
And all so pure
I stand to embrace you
And wish you happiness and mercy all the days through
Filling joy in all hearts
And mind full of peace and redemption
The pious month of fasting and remembering Allah
The one who created the world and all
The month filled with blessings pure
Mercy and forgiveness for sure
Nights all calm and beautiful
Mornings a blissful sight
I stand to pray my one true God
And hopes all get charged and renew
With every passing day misery and pain stays all so few
By the end the ills all completely disappear
Hunger thirst and pangs makes us stronger
Controlling all that's evil and bad
Leaves our ailing souls relieve
What a mercy
What a blessing
The month of Ramadan
Most awaited
Most blessed
And all so pure
I stand to embrace you
And wish you happiness and mercy all the days through
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sound Advice
If you are seeking closeness to the Beloved,
love everyone.
Whether in their presence or absence,
see only their good.
If you want to be as clear and refreshing as
the breath of the morning breeze,
like the sun, have nothing but warmth and light
for everyone.
love everyone.
Whether in their presence or absence,
see only their good.
If you want to be as clear and refreshing as
the breath of the morning breeze,
like the sun, have nothing but warmth and light
for everyone.
Shaikh Abu-Saeed Abil-Kheir - 'Nobody, Son of Nobody' - Vraje Abramian
O' Lord
O Lord,
If tomorrow on Judgment Day
You send me to Hell,
I will tell such a secret
That Hell will race from me
Until it is a thousand years away.
O Lord,
Whatever share of this world
You could give to me,
Give it to Your enemies;
Whatever share of the next world
You want to give to me,
Give it to Your friends.
You are enough for me.
O Lord,
If I worship You
From fear of Hell, burn me in Hell.
O Lord,
If I worship You
From hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates.
But if I worship You for Yourself alone
Then grace me forever the splendor of Your Face.
Rabi´a al-Adawiyya, translation by Andrew Harvey and Eryk Hanut - 'Perfume of the Desert'
Selfish Love
I have two ways of loving You:
A selfish one
And another way that is worthy of You.
In my selfish love, I remember You and You alone.
In that other love, You lift the veil
And let me feast my eyes on Your Living Face.
Rabi´a al-Adawiyya. Doorkeeper of the heart:versions of Rabia.
All for you...
In love, nothing exists between heart and heart.
Speech is born out of longing,
True description from the real taste.
The one who tastes, knows;
the one who explains, lies.
How can you describe the true form of Something
In whose presence you are blotted out?
And in whose being you still exist?
And who lives as a sign for your journey?
Rabia al-Adawiyya
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I am...
I am a Muslim.
My Mecca is a rose.
My mosque is a spring, my prayer stone the light.
Fields make my prayer rug.
I make ablution with the heartbeat of the windows.
Moonlight flows through my prayers, the spectrum too.
My Kaaba lies by the water,
My Kaaba lies under the acacias.
My Kaaba travels like the breeze,
From one garden to the next,
From one town to another
My Mecca is a rose.
My mosque is a spring, my prayer stone the light.
Fields make my prayer rug.
I make ablution with the heartbeat of the windows.
Moonlight flows through my prayers, the spectrum too.
My Kaaba lies by the water,
My Kaaba lies under the acacias.
My Kaaba travels like the breeze,
From one garden to the next,
From one town to another
A Lesson About Love
It was a busy morning, about 8:30 , when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the
needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.
I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the
needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.
I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
In Loving Memory....
In The Name of Allah
The Most Gracious The Most Merciful....
In honor and love of you, Oh dear Ali, I mourn...we mourn....
You are indeed the winner, as you have passed this test called "life". And God, your "professor" has determined your time to move on. Yet we have remained, so that hopefully, we may do just as well as you and pass so that we may join and be next to you...
Myself and others feel we have lost a great treasure, a beautiful and priceless gem...yet in reality we only lost you in the physical realm, yet your spirit, your laughter, your smiles, your jokes, your radiant heart, you strong character, your endless compassion, your willingness to help, your zest for life which you instilled in all of us has not died.
Indeed all of these have just awoken...
You were a friend and befriended so many, but to me, you were indeed something greater. You exemplefied beyond the call of duty, your role not only as a friend but more so as an older brother.
The countless times I called on you, and you reached out.
The countless times I needed an ear, and found years ready.
The countless times I found myself in trouble and you came to save the day. You became my super hero solely at the press of a button. You were always just a phone call away...
The countless times I almost felt alone, only to turn around and see your shadow; right behind me.
The countless times I was in need of advice, and you always had an answer. Not just any answer, but the best and most practical.
The countless times I was scared, and you taught me to face them, to take risks, to be bold...you taught me to never fear anyone or anything but God.
You were and will continue to be the source of inspiration not only for me, but for everyone who you have left behind. I hope, that as you look down upon me, and all of us, you can smile and be proud. Know that you did so much right.
I regret not calling that night.....I regret not seizing the moment as you taught me. I regret not reaching out..........
I am writing this so that I may not only share my pain and grief of having lost you; but more so, to let everyone know what an amazingly beautiful human being you were. And how you instilled so much in all of us, and how you taught us so many valuable lessons.
Anyone who knew you would talk about that special and unique glow in your eyes, and the warmth in your smile. That was your trademark Ali jaan....that was your trademark. The trademark of compassion, warmth, endless and selfless sincerity.
You were indeed, the most selfless person I came to know in my life, and for that I am thankful to God.
I am thankful that I was blessed to have your unique presence as long as I did; and now, I will continue to remember you by the beautiful messages and lessons you taught me and left behind.
This message in no way does you the much deserved justice, but it is for what it's worth, my small attempt to express my thoughts, feelings and endless gratitude.
Ali jaan...I promise you to do one thing, and that is never to allow anyone to forget you; and for those who didn't know you, I will introduce you....
I........
will..........
introduce you....
The Most Gracious The Most Merciful....
In honor and love of you, Oh dear Ali, I mourn...we mourn....
You are indeed the winner, as you have passed this test called "life". And God, your "professor" has determined your time to move on. Yet we have remained, so that hopefully, we may do just as well as you and pass so that we may join and be next to you...
Myself and others feel we have lost a great treasure, a beautiful and priceless gem...yet in reality we only lost you in the physical realm, yet your spirit, your laughter, your smiles, your jokes, your radiant heart, you strong character, your endless compassion, your willingness to help, your zest for life which you instilled in all of us has not died.
Indeed all of these have just awoken...
You were a friend and befriended so many, but to me, you were indeed something greater. You exemplefied beyond the call of duty, your role not only as a friend but more so as an older brother.
The countless times I called on you, and you reached out.
The countless times I needed an ear, and found years ready.
The countless times I found myself in trouble and you came to save the day. You became my super hero solely at the press of a button. You were always just a phone call away...
The countless times I almost felt alone, only to turn around and see your shadow; right behind me.
The countless times I was in need of advice, and you always had an answer. Not just any answer, but the best and most practical.
The countless times I was scared, and you taught me to face them, to take risks, to be bold...you taught me to never fear anyone or anything but God.
You were and will continue to be the source of inspiration not only for me, but for everyone who you have left behind. I hope, that as you look down upon me, and all of us, you can smile and be proud. Know that you did so much right.
I regret not calling that night.....I regret not seizing the moment as you taught me. I regret not reaching out..........
I am writing this so that I may not only share my pain and grief of having lost you; but more so, to let everyone know what an amazingly beautiful human being you were. And how you instilled so much in all of us, and how you taught us so many valuable lessons.
Anyone who knew you would talk about that special and unique glow in your eyes, and the warmth in your smile. That was your trademark Ali jaan....that was your trademark. The trademark of compassion, warmth, endless and selfless sincerity.
You were indeed, the most selfless person I came to know in my life, and for that I am thankful to God.
I am thankful that I was blessed to have your unique presence as long as I did; and now, I will continue to remember you by the beautiful messages and lessons you taught me and left behind.
This message in no way does you the much deserved justice, but it is for what it's worth, my small attempt to express my thoughts, feelings and endless gratitude.
Ali jaan...I promise you to do one thing, and that is never to allow anyone to forget you; and for those who didn't know you, I will introduce you....
I........
will..........
introdu
Ali Khan: Februray 16, 1979- May 31, 2008
Do YOU have ALL the answers???
1. Why is the mad who invests all your money a 'broker'?
2. Do bald men wash their head with soap or shampoo?
3. What hair color do they put on the drivers licenses of bald men?
4. Why is a person who plays a piano called a pianist but a person who drives a race car not called a racist?
5. How can sweet and sour sauce be sweet and sour at the same time?
6. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge would they call it Fed UP?
7. Are one handed people offended when police tell them to put their hands up?
8. Why are the obituaries found in the 'living' section of the newspaper?
2. Do bald men wash their head with soap or shampoo?
3. What hair color do they put on the drivers licenses of bald men?
4. Why is a person who plays a piano called a pianist but a person who drives a race car not called a racist?
5. How can sweet and sour sauce be sweet and sour at the same time?
6. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge would they call it Fed UP?
7. Are one handed people offended when police tell them to put their hands up?
8. Why are the obituaries found in the 'living' section of the newspaper?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
1:54 a.m.
I'm excited...awake....alive...deep in thought...nonetheless ecstatic...
all at 1:54 a.m.
Why you may be asking yourselves....
For now I will basque in this feeling of utmost delight...
all at 1:54 a.m.
all I can say now is: it's all in the Sufi's goofiness
all at 1:54 a.m. (even though it's now officially: 1:57 a.m.)
all at 1:54 a.m.
Why you may be asking yourselves....
For now I will basque in this feeling of utmost delight...
all at 1:54 a.m.
all I can say now is: it's all in the Sufi's goofiness
all at 1:54 a.m. (even though it's now officially: 1:57 a.m.)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
