Jumáh Journal--Remembering God

Allah SWT syas in Qurán-el-Majeed,
"Then do ye remember me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and reject not faith." (Sura Baqarah, Aya 152)
We ll we are human and forgetful, so He, our Creator, reminds us to remember Him because who else would know better about this forgetfulness. In a saying of the prophet (Hadeeth-Qudsey-- meaning that Allah is saying although the words are those of the prophet)
Narrated by Abu Huraira RA, the prophet (S) said:
"Allah says I am in accordance with the thoughts of my slave about Me; and I am with him when he remembers Me;
If he remembers Me in his thought I remember him in My thought
If he remembers Me in a group I remember him in a better group (i.e. the angels)
If he draws near Me by the span of a Palm I draw near him by a cubit
If he draws near Me a cubit I draw near him by a space covering two hands
If he walks toward Me I go to him running"
This is a sound hadeeth in both Muslim and Bokhari


What it all comes down to is that we as human beings (His slaves) should be conscious of His presence all the time everywhere. The life would be without sin or error.
Most Muslims take it as "Zdikr" repeating God's name with lips like
"Afdalu-zd-dzikr La ilaha illallaah" and that is yes OK but the practically speaking it is more meaningful if you are being God-conscious all the time which is the difficult part, for we forget that when it is most needed--that is when we are committing an error, going astray, doing something wrong, entering into a sin
Go ahead and remember Him by any name with your lips but keep in mind the heart and all other parts of the body which should also conform to that Zdaat-e-aqdas and His teachings.
You may forget but remember HE does not.

Sunday Surkhi--Islam and Taliban

Islamic teachings are always of moderate
"Ummatan-wasatan"
Inspite of that extremism started very early in the history
Enter Kharijiyah- Assasination of Ali RA, cousin and son-in-law of the prophet (S) husband of Fatima RA, father of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain RA, they killed him because in their view he had denounced Islam and therefore it was their duty to execute him.
Today, Enter Taliban: Annexation of Swat from Pakistan
Strict rules are observed and although not openly Wahhabi, the teachings of Taliban seem no different as evidenced by the extreme measures they take in Pakistan, like destruction of one or two video stores and catching and removing one woman from her (despicable) profession, then releasing her on the promise to abstain from that activity (which is good and therefore many Muslims feel it was justifiable-- what about others who are doing successfully everywhere)
Who will change the hearts?
Taliban government can destroy all musical instruments. destroy all video stores, destroy all female institutions, band shaving beards for men, etc. ,so that
Women will not be allowed to go out of homes except in full burqa and that also if there is some dire emergency
There will be no female doctors, lawyers etc.
There will be no alcohol brewed or sold or brought in Pakistan
all men will have beards (next will be how long?) and on and on and on
BUT will that change the hearts?
Will that stop an alcoholic from drinking?
Will that stop cheating and fraud?
Will that make namazi out of all Men and women?
Will that stop Rishwat, chor bazari, hoarding ?
Will that bring peace and daily daal roti for the poor?
Will that provide employment and adequate remuneration for all?
Will that.....
an then where will the women go for medical attention-- only to Male doctors? You are kidding! I have known women dying at home in Pakistan because they will not be taken to Hospital or be seen by male physician no matter how good Muslim he may be.
Of course I have only touched the tip of the iceberg.
Does Qurán say that all music should be banned?
Did the prophet (S) ban music in Islam?
Did the prophet (S) or the Khulafa Rashidoon openly beat with sticks women in Burqa because they were out of home or whatever reason?
Did Umer RA (who was known to be strict in Laws of Allah and carrying a "hunter" with him to punish men if they were breaking Islamic rule) actually openly hurt a fully clad Muslimah in Bazar?
The slogan is that it will be nafaz of Shariáh. OK, how many Ulama are known to have some knowledge of Sharia,( intelligent application of Shariah rules is anothe matter) NOT all the graduates of today's Madrissas. It will be a surprise if anybody today knows how to apply those rules in today's world AND make Pakistan the leaders for the whole world at the same time.
Certainly this is not something that can be accomplished overnight.
Maulana Maudoodi Rahemahullah tried to guide the Pakistan government toward Sharia application about half a century ago, he was put behind the bars. His was a peaceful mission
Today I find the goal of Taliban being introduced at gunpoint.
How will you choose the Khalifa? or Head of the Islamic state?
Who is the most suitable and knowledgeable Muslim Aalim to take up that position? and will he have to be Sunni(May be follower of one of the four accepted schools of thought) or Shia?
Would we see power struggle again and whether it will be with force of arms or peaceful? or just declare Maulana Fadlullah as the chief?
Pakistan is, meray miunh main khak, on the brink of self destruction. USA, Israel and India are waiting for that opportunity and it seems to be ready to fall into the lap of India in the end proving that the voice of Muslims for creation of Pakistan was wrong. May Allah forbid such a happening. Does history and present circumstances support that Shariah can be introduced at gunpoint? I am very doubtful.
Fareed Zakaria was talking today to Imran Khan who gave his opinion about these events of Pakistan. He said that Taliban is not primarily a terrorist organization and it should be separated from Al-Qaeda, which therefore is a terrorist organization (originally created by USA for ousting of Soviet Union from Afghanistan andit worked). He said Taliban is not the enemy, and I would have agreed with him but for the relationship of the two seems currently like a strong marriage. How can Taliban get divorce from Al-Qaeda, now?
He described Obama's strategy in Afghanistan-Pakistan as continuation of Bush's, that is use of force against Taliban and Al-Qaeda to eliminate them which is unachievable with this strategy and according to him Obama must change it at some point now. Maybe he is right but how? Certainly giving in to taliban at this time is fruitless because of too much al-Qaeda infilteration and influence on Taliban.
In my humble opinion the single most effective weapon for mass conversion (of Muslims) is UNITY IN THE WORLD OF MUSLIMS. Can you bring about that unity under a gun point?
I am extremely doubtful.
Yes I had hopes from Pakistan when it was born but as it is now I have lost all hopes from the leadership in Pakistan.

Barack Obama-Dreams from my Father

#1 NY Times best seller. "Beautifully crafted moving and candid" (Scott Turow)
While going through its journeys I could almost feel it is myself traveling through lands and across oceans. Splendid self-revealing and captivating tale of two continents, of two races, of two families, of two cultures and yet one world, one family, one single human race.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Barack has a charming style and a keen eye for the detail, knows how to use his words and events and where and when to use them more effectively.
He takes it easy in telling remarkable achievements of his father and family and is also at ease, to uncover unhesitatingly the unpleasant and unseemly events and personalities in his extensive and varied family.
His candor is just as transparent and discernible in the book as we have recently observed in his speeches during Presidential campaign and how he handled the stones thrown at him like those of being a Muslim, aligning with Rev. J. Wright, being friends with ex-terrorists etc. etc.
I am neither White nor Black and grew up with the concept of two words together negro/slave as if they are inseparable (habashi Ghulam, in Urdu), I am ashamed to admit as I thought of Africa, a land of habashi peoples who enjoy cannibalism, who are uncultured, beastly (wahshi darinday), although felt less so after coming to America. What an attitude I have had.
After reading this book for the first time I am feeling the pain of their side. They are human beings and have the same feelings and sensitivities that you and I have. Muslims today, in the post 9/11 world here struggling to find a comfortable position for themselves in the light of the negative image that has been crafted by media. I am more perceptive of this. I do not have to remind you of or explain to you about what I am trying to say because I think you can understand it too.
And I ponder over the melanin pigment, facial features and such characteristics within the human race. What do they mean to us and what do they mean to the Creator who so eloquently placed before us in a nutshell how He evaluates us:
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of male and a female and made you into tribes that ye may know each other VERILY THE MOST HONORED OF YOU IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH IS (he who is) THE MOST RIGHTEOUS OF YOU....." (S. Hujuraat 49th, verse # 13.
and also:
"Among His signs is the creation of heavens and earth and the variations in your languages AND YOUR COLORS, verily in that are signs for those who know." (S. Rum, 30th, verse #22)

Jumáh Journal - Beheading of Aasia

Beheading is a barbaric heinous act of killing and it was popular in the past (but not during Khulafa-e-Rashidoon time) Hijjaj Bin Yusuf made it popular amongst the Muslims. It is not "Islamic" as is evidenced from other parts of the world (for example British History).
It is ironic that the man (Muzammil Hassan) who pioneered the Bridges TV claiming that it will:
" portray positive image of Islam in America" but he is now responsible for:
"portraying negative image of Islam"
There are many aspects of this unfortunate act but it has definitely stirred up the often repeated question of marital discord and wife-abuse, wife-beating etc. I cannot discuss everything but just one aspect with the following reference.
Qurán Majeed has allowed beating of wife as a last resort (Sura 4th, aya 34) if she is rebellious (Nushooz, which is also applicable to husbands) but most specifically "if she does not guard what God has ordained to be guarded" (the intimacy, privacy or those relations that are ONLY MEANT FOR THE HUSBAND. (My understanding from various commentator's explanations)
First stage is "admonish" the wife (verbally advise her against such actions).
Second stage is " do not sleep with her" physical expression of disapproval and disliking.
Third stage beat her (lightly- see the advice of the prophet who NEVER DID THAT himself but said beating should not leave a mark on the body Etc., for brevity I am not giving more sayings )
Fourth stage, if she is obedient again (refrains from Nushooz and does not persist in those actions), DO NOT FIND EXCUSES FOR continuing misconduct with her.

This is NOT to say that whenever she disobeys you start beating her up:
"Get me a glass of water honey"
" Sorry, get it yourself, I am busy"
" OK , patakh (a slap) get it now, you so 'n so"
This is a serious matter. You cant take such liberties with God's word.
S. Baqara (II), aya 228, "........And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them according to what is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage ) over them...."
This is regarding the right of the husband for knowing about the unborn child being his responsibility and his right in this matter is more than that of the (pregnant) wife's.
In all other situations wife has the same rights on husband as husband has on wife.
The other exception is what is stated above in 34th verse of 4th sura.
Note that Allah has not given the wife any reason or right to beat up the husband which does not mean that he is free to enjoy the pornography and going out with other women etc. Wife does have rights to challange him for "Nushooz" and has options other than "beating". I am refraining from details here.
The question in the current worldview of marital relations poses more complications such as when wife is the provider rather than the husband, or wife is making more money than the husbad, what would be the situation of rights? I cant discuss those complications here but certainly these aspects do need to be addressed by the Islamic scholars who are not as clear on this subject and refrain from touching it when expaining the meanings of "Qawwam" (from the 4th Sura verse 34) or of " because they support them from their means". (recall that most Urdu writers translate this word as merd auraton per HAKIM hain, which is incorrect )
Allah has given here the responsibilities of men and women. My limited understanding is from a tradition of the prophet (S) when a woman (sahabia) who owned a garden and wanted to give zakat-ul-mal she asked the prophet (S) if she can give it to her husband who was poorer and had no job. The prophet allowed her and told her that she has two rewards one that of paying zakat and second for being good to your husband. (Husband cannot give Zakat to wife because providing her is HIS responsibility. Providing the husband is NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY of the wife)
May Allah forgive our short comings and keep us on the right path and keep our marital lives free from discord and place harmony and love between us always. Ameen

Happy Velan-time day

You may have an alternative version of the origin of "Valentine day" but I recently came across an authentic version, so pay attention please:
Look at the picture provided and ignore the flowers (although they have some meanings as will be apparant later on folks) and the mat that this instrument rests on.
This instrument, called Velan (or Belan) has been used for many purposes usually it flattens the dough into a flat bread. Its uses also include flattening other things, like a misbehaving child's demeanor or overly domineering male.
It is said that in Gujuraat area of India where Patels abound and they were accused of maltreating their wives, so one fine morning (it happened to be 14th of February) the wife could not take it any more and picked up her Velan (the amazing instrument) that she was using for making bread and finding it convenient, charged on the "insurgent" Patel.
She found tha instrument very effective in influencing the husband's behavior in her favor and the word got around until more Patelans (feminine of Patel) started using it so that it became a tradition for the Patelans to keep the Patels from behaving adversely. Not only that, Patels reacted by getting flowers and other presents to gain the favor of their wives. The custom became popular in the West also and 14th of Feb got fixed as Velan Time day gradually as it became more wifdespread (I thought I made a typo error here) in the West it changed to Velantine day. Now, one of the meanings of the Urdu word "Patelna" is ----beating (Checked it in Feerozeson's Urdu Dictionary) , lending truth and authenticity to this story folks.

Jumáh Journal- Well-known Hadith

Reported by Anas Bin Malik, (RA) the servant of the prophet (S)
The prophet (S) said,
"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself"
Recorded in ("Shaikhain") both Muslim and Bukhari therefore it is considered to be definite and true (Sahih) and called "Muttafiqun Alaih"
President Obama mentioned this hadith in the annual National Breakfast prayer during his talk. I think it indicates he has lot of knowledge and not that he learned such things when he was being "Influenced" by his Muslim father or step father or being taught in Schools, or that he has a Muslim background etc.. Such exaggerations that he is an Arab and that he is actually a Muslim was the negative Propganda during his presidential campaign. He was however completely open and truthful that he is Christain and his grnadmother has given all the American and Christain values to him in his upbringing. I may add here that moral teachings of all three Abrahamic religions are essentially the same.
I have been brought up in a Muslim home and only when I took up Arabic as optional subject during my undergrad years I learnt Hadith (a few) and not this one anyway. That is the norm. Children are only given instructions of Qurán, its recitation and may be meanings especailly for the non-Arabic speaking Muslims.
And yet we find that he is being criticised (at least by the right wingers) for such a statement that he is guilty of wooing or pleasing Muslims or whatever else the political punditery can think of. I think it is just plain shameful.
On the pther hand I must (and I think American Muslims ) must encourage the president to continue his efforts of decreasing the gulf between USA (and the West) and 1.25 Billion Muslims of this world, a gulf that has been created by opportunists.
After all, the open-ness of Washington to Muslims has been going on for a couple of decades or longer now:
The opening prayer of Senate sessions performed at least three times by Muslim Leaders including the late Imam Warith D. Muhammad, and Imam Siraj Wahhaj
Iftar parties given during Clinton times (and still continue)
Wishing of the president to the Muslim Americans for Ramadhan and Eid festivals etc.
All these "gestures" are real and leave no doubt in my mind that Muslims are now recognized in USA (not by 9/11). I remember when US army appointed the first Muslim Chaplin who was posted at Fort Bragg in 1994-5 (I lived in Fayetteville then and with the help of local Muslim in the Army we had established Jumah prayers in Fort Bragg in early eighties)
And I have not documented everything in this respect but only highlighted some events.

As such I appeal to all American Muslims to be knowledgeable about Islam (and not just the Imams and Muslim leaders) for we all have a heavy responsibility on our shoulders. I am reminded of a word given to me personally by Dr. Mohammad Muhsin Khan in 1977 (a chance meeting with this erdiudite scholar) that "You are an embassador of Islam in America"

Persistent Vegetative State

Neurologists consider the human beings who are in vegetative state that is:
the person has lost the ability to interact with surroundings or other persons
May have some reflex movements preserved
May have lost the ability to eat or drink and would only maintain nutrition and hydration provided and maintained by others.
They call it persistent or permanent when this state goes on without improvement for three months.
Most people became aware of this condition a couple of years ago when in Terry Chiavo, a young woman who had been in that state for years and her husband wanted to discontinue nutrition and hydration whereas her parents wanted to continue.
A recent news from Italy about a woman who developed that state at age 17 and dies at age 38 while her Pastors and Vatican were teaching her parents to maintain her and NOT take the tubes out. Here it should be noted that Roman Catholic teaching insists on maintaining.
I was wondering the poor girl had more "Life" on tubes (21 years) than her real active life (17 years).
Such patients will die from dehydration within a couple of weeks if left alone and they do not feel hungry or thirsty as far as can be ascertained. There are tests that may indicate who is more likely to pull through such vegetative state and who is not likely to do so.
But on the whole we still have problems that have been created by our advanced technology. Philosophical and moral teachings without religious guidance are unable to help here and in some cases the religious guidance does not help.
I have therefore a plea to the Islamic scholars to get together and make statements for guidance of the Muslim population of this world on all these matters pertaining to technological advancements or indeed produced by them. Muslims need a scholars forum (muftees of all schools of thought) expressly for this purpose, active and ongoing and we need it today.

Sunday Surkhi--Nuclear NPT and AQ Khan

Since the release of Dr. A Q Khan from restrictions of being house bound by Pakistan Government on 6th of Feb. there is lot of speculation and preposterous presumption going on in many circles.
USA expresses "concern" on this release. Indian National Congress asks why should Pakistan not be declared " a terrorist State" and of course many others Governments keep talking that
A Q Khan was the man who "leaked" nuclear material and know-how to Iran, Korea and Libya and they say now he is free again to do the same. That is really strange because as I understand he has been released with the understanding that he will have nothing to do with Pakistani or any other Nuclear establishments and he does not need it. Out of all countries India and Indian N. Congress seems to be concerned as if India has no responsibility in Pakistan's Nuclear development. He has Ca of prostate requiring treatment, is already over 72, he will be thinking of nuclear? Come on, you must be kidding!
I fail to understand these things myself. The only country that has ever used this technology in War is USA and all the "allied group of Nations" are responsible for it and USA has the freedom and as well as more than 5000 nuclear heads in its arsenal (what for?). Less than half of that may be in Russian hands (what for?) and over thirty in a small country of Israel (what for?). Of course these are not states that will use them or would they!!!!!! (Did you ever see the documentary of Cuban crisis during Kennedy's time?, I was horrified to see how close we were to the destruction of this world)
Mohammed ElBardei, the IAEA chief has a lot to say about these Nuclear heads. He is more knowledgeable and more practical in these affairs but his opinion is not given any weight by those who do not wish to have peace. He says that there is more danger in keeping such nuclear heads in the countries as any suicidal chap can go and create atomic explosion, he does not have to possess it. Such matterials are transported from one place to another with that calculated risk and that is more of a concern. He considers that max. of 500 N. war heads are enough to destroy this world, why should a country have more than that he fails to understand. He feels that Nuclear war heads are now a thing of the past and new bombs and Drones etc. are going to be the future weapons not Nuclear war heads
I find more sense in his statements than in the cry of various governments (including our own US) about Nuclear NPT.

Jumáh Journal--Peace is not just absence of War

The 47th, 48th and 49th suras contain some instructions for the Muslim governments how to interact with Muslim and non-Muslim governments. These are not the only chapters with such messages but I wish to pick out one Aya from 49th (S. Al-Hujuraat):
" If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them; but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, the fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; but if it complies then make peace between them with JUSTICE and be FAIR; For Allah loves those who are fair (and just)." (Aya9)
The verse offers no confusion and is clearcut about what to do when two "Parties" of mominoon fall into quarrel.
Three things I would like you to note
1. Make peace between them (try to intervene as a group of Muslim Governments or heads of Muslim states or such equivalents)
2. If the aggressor does not agree for peace or for equitable terms and you have to use force
Use force against the aggressor in order to bring that peace which is the goal and not as a punishment of the aggressor- for the punishment is with the Ultimate Judge (the Almighty).
3. The third and in my opinion more important is the bringing about of peace after forces are withdrawn having done the job. I have capitalized the words used by Allah SWT to make the emphasis more apparant: that peace should be followed with equity, justice and bringing back the normal friendly relations.
Peace is not merely absence of war.
The next verse, not surprisingly, begins with the well-known words
"Innamal-mominoona ikhwah...." (all believers are brothers).

I have contemplated on this verse often at least when Iraq and Iran were fighting and I saw that Muslim heads of states did not achieve what the non-Muslim heads did and same about Iraq and Kuwait quarrel. The results have been disaterous for Muslims. OIC as most of you know is just "O! I see !!!", an impotent organisation
I strongly felt at that time that there should be a more powerful organization- call it whatever but it should be like---
United Nations of Muslims. (I am not alone in that kind of thinking and it is not new either, the ldea having been around for may be a century if not more)

Sunday Surkhi-Zameer

Zameer in Urdu carries a meaning generally of "conscience" although it may also be indicative of heart or mind, thought or reflection etc. and of course the grammatical meaning of personal pronoun.
I am talking about Conscience.
We from America have given so much to Israel and continue giving all support, political, moral material, financial (Aid with no strings attached). Have done that from the moment Israel was born. We have conveniently shut out our human conscience and let this state openly flout all our warnings on many occasions and have vetoed everything that showed an iota of injury to Israel in UNO. We call Israel our friend and Ally.
I was going through the British Parliament's Labour rep.'s statement in the British Parliament and was amazed at his balanced view indicating that many Jews are against Israel state's policies of territorial gains or opting for more Lands than for peace. (Iftikhar Ajmal Bhopal's blog).
I see clearly the Human conscience waking up (nothing new amongst the Jews, many others have stated such things, I am aware of that, even here in the USA where the Israel's Lobby keeps the Congress and Senates on their toes for Israel---and that is why I dont call it Jewish Lobby). Similar thoughts are seen amongst the Christains who loyally support Isarel's right to defend etc. but clearly oppose their methods of human rights abuse and open killing of Palestinans, such as we have recently witnessed. I have purposely omitted Muslim views and thoughts for obvious reasons but there is one thing still evident, that conscience has been seen only in the "PM of Turkey's walk-out" even though it may be considered a politically motivated gesture as some would say. Otherwise all the Muslim states' heads have not shown so far much of that human conscience though I believe that this Zameer is human and crosses the religious or geographical or racial boundaries.
May be I dream too (almost like the late Dr. M. L.King Jr.), but if in this country after 200 or so years an African American become President, may be after another 200 or even less years (some other kind of) Osama may..........

Addendum to above
Lest my readers draw an erroneous conclusion I wish to clarify
I have used "Osama" only to relate to Obama otherwise I am against the Osama teachings or philosophy cloaked in the religious terms. I also understand the name can be used by a Christian as much as by a Muslim but I am using here for a Muslim only.