Originally I just posted this on Facebook, but I decided to post it here, too, because somehow it just really strikes my imagination. These images are from a plane fly-by over a "village" of people who have had absolutely no contact with the outside world, apparently.
If you look carefully at the pictures, absolutely no modern artifact is to be seen. What did they think of the plane? Do they have contact with any other people at all? What do they live like, what do they think and believe?
As for the past week, school has been officially out but I worked a few days this week with some other teachers on preparing in our school for a new math curriculum on Tuesday and Wednesday. Yesterday, I was helping my brother with some of his master's work. Monday we had a barbecue at mom's house. Sunday I took my brother's kids to Territory Days in Old Colorado City. Basically it is a street fair - they close off the streets and set up lots of vendor selling stuff and giving away samples and freebies and there are some rides and entertainment. I saw several of my former students or other people I know because that neighborhood is kind of the hometown area for the high school I teach at. Saturday I did yard work all day. My brother's son helped. Raking is sooo hard! :) Friday and Thursday last week I worked hard at school, too - moving books and going through and getting rid of about 10 years of old department files. So that's about it!
And here's a meme from Patrick's Place
What was your FIRST job?
Well I had two jobs that summer - one at McDonald's and the other at a Mexican non-chain fast-food place in the mall.
What was your FIRST car?
A 1981 Oldsmobile Omega.
Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Baptist. Here's what I remember about her, mainly: She had permed white hair, she beat certain boys with a yard stick when they misbehaved, she taped a 6 on my desk because I kept writing it backwards, and she wanted to move me to 2nd grade early but my parents said no.
Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I think my first by myself was in college maybe, perhaps to Oklahoma; before that I think my family had flown to Florida to visit my uncle and Disney World. And the first (and only) time I flew a plane was in a circle in California.
Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
The one girl who I think best fits the criteria of best friend in terms of how much time we spent together and visiting each other's houses, etc., was Angela Premier. Angela Premier and I were "best friends" for most of elementary school but she moved away and gradually we lost touch. I've tried to find her several times but haven't succeeded yet.
Where was your FIRST sleep over?
I don't remember. It might have been a sleep over involving several Brownies at one of the troop members' houses - maybe Christine Glick's house. But I don't remember for sure - it was probably 1st grade.
Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
I've only been in one wedding - my brother's, when I was in high school. We're not a big formal event type of family.
FIRST foreign country you went to?
Mexico - Juarez, on a junior high Spanish class road trip. Kids sold candy at concessions after school and at events for a long time to raise the funds. I was the first person in my family to ever leave the country!
FIRST movie you remember seeing in the theaters?
I remember going to the drive-in that used to be down here. My dad had a red pick-up truck and he'd park it backwards and I had a sleeping bag to lay in. I think I remember seing Superman and some Western movie but I fell asleep.
First state you lived in?
The only state I've lived in for any length of time is Colorado.
Who was your FIRST roommate?
Helen Cooney from Canon City, my freshman year in the dorms at college.
We didn't really hit it off.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Late Daffodil
People have said we've had a late spring. This Daffodil agrees I guess. I think my mom's bloomed about two months ago, but mine are just getting around to it now.
And my new Columbine:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Graduation
Yesterday, I attended yet another graduation, one of many I’ve participated in as a high school teacher. But for the people crossing the stage, it is a once-in-a-lifetime event. I remember my own graduation from high school only because as valedictorian I was required to give a speech. I was so nervous my legs shook and I was sure everyone could see me shaking.
More people than I realized at the time were proud of me that day. The valedictorian at yesterday’s graduation also elicited pride from his parents, teachers and friends. However, crossing the stage were 315 additional people. Some of them overcame great difficulties just to graduate. Some of them have lived with severe disabilities or illness, some of them have been homeless, and some of them have suffered years of abuse. Although the valedictorian generally receives more recognition, is the accomplishment of being number one in the class a greater one than just making it to the stage for those other students?
How should we consider our accomplishments? In this society, we often take much more credit for what we do than we deserve. With every passing day, I realize more that we owe our successes to Allah swt. For example, while I studied to get the grades I did and chose to take the challenging classes that I did, I could have been made unable to understand the lessons, or unable to complete the assignments, or unable to see or hear the teachers, or too ill to attend school, or so many other things that would have barred me from achieving anything. Additional obstacles could have been placed in my way that might have stopped me – I could have been moving every 6 months in my childhood, I could have been caring for a dying parent instead of going to school, I could have been born some place where school was not available, I could have encountered a teacher determined to make me fail, and so on.
I was the first person in my family to go to college. My parents did not have the financial means to send me, so I knew I had to get a scholarship, and a full-ride one at that. I could not imagine a future for myself without college, but it certainly was not guaranteed. Most of the scholarships I applied for I didn’t get, but the one that really mattered – the full-ride, I did. Somehow I knew ahead of time that I would get it, but even as a teenager not yet aware of Islam, I realized that if I did it was due to Allah swt. There was no way I could really claim that I got the scholarship of my own merit independent of Allah swt. Anything I was capable of, Allah swt had made me capable of. The fact the application and interview were received well by the scholarship board was also something I could not take credit for, but that Allah swt had taken care of.
My first year in college, I met Muslims for the first time. Within a year, I decided that I believed in Islam. While there was certainly a lot of study, self-evaluation, and psychological challenge involved for me, I realized then and now that had Allah swt willed, I would never have met a Muslim, I would never have been inspired to investigate for truth, would never have recognized the truth, or, even worse, would have recognized it but chosen to remain with the religion of my parents because the change seemed to hard to manage. Every day that I wake up and still love the path I have chosen and desire to progress on it, I owe Allah swt for that love and desire.
The achievement of the lowest-ranked graduate may be as great or greater than the valedictorian. Later in life, few people will know or care about your class rank, and it won’t necessarily help you in life or in the Hereafter. What will matter is how you got there. Someone who passes through school with ease, never or rarely challenged, and facing few obstacles might not leave school as well-developed as a person who had to struggle more. Someone who has focused on the grades, maybe even cheating now and then to get them, has learned less and harmed himself severely compared to the one who focused on learning and developing good character and habits. The one who leaves school prepared to learn, to work hard, to persist despite difficulty, and to live an upright life leaves with something that can help them in life and in the Hereafter.
The success in life is in how you make the journey. We all are faced with unique circumstances and challenges that will make our journeys different, and some of these will make you appear to be more or less successful than someone else. But if we take pride in our apparent successes as if we have earned them, we have deserved them, or we have independently accomplished them, then we have misunderstood our dependence on Allah swt. Do you recall the parable of the man who took great pride in his orchard and then Allah swt wiped it out in a day? We could all make the same mistake as he.
So, how do we avoid this mistake? Perhaps the key is in gratitude. Yesterday I was thrilled when it rained here and some flowers in my yard bloomed. I remember a few years ago when we suffered drought here. Since then, I have never again complained about rain. I was blessed by the drought because it made me appreciate the rain and thank Allah swt for it, and the rain is a blessing in itself. Last week I felt like complaining about minor health issues, and then I learned about someone who suffered for a decade from obstetric fistula. She not only endured the suffering from the illness, but also suffered great humiliation, shame, and lack of sympathy for her condition and was forced to exist as an outcast in her society. Then I remembered more how I owe thanks to Allah swt for what I have.
As we mark the anniversary of the death of the great lady Bibi Fatima (as), we can remember the blessing of her tasbih. Reciting it consciously – Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhumdooleluh 33 times, Subhanallah 33 times– can express a small measure of gratitude to our Creator and can revive in us even more gratitude. One of the wondrous natures of Allah swt’s blessings is that they often compound upon themselves – like the double blessing of the rain and gratitude for the rain, or the double blessing of reciting dhikr and being enlightened by the dhikr. Reciting her tasbih does not have to be limited to after the salat, but can be done anytime.
Congratulations to all the graduates; may Allah swt grant us all true success in this world and Hereafter and may we all find in ourselves ever-increasing gratitude to our Creator.
More people than I realized at the time were proud of me that day. The valedictorian at yesterday’s graduation also elicited pride from his parents, teachers and friends. However, crossing the stage were 315 additional people. Some of them overcame great difficulties just to graduate. Some of them have lived with severe disabilities or illness, some of them have been homeless, and some of them have suffered years of abuse. Although the valedictorian generally receives more recognition, is the accomplishment of being number one in the class a greater one than just making it to the stage for those other students?
How should we consider our accomplishments? In this society, we often take much more credit for what we do than we deserve. With every passing day, I realize more that we owe our successes to Allah swt. For example, while I studied to get the grades I did and chose to take the challenging classes that I did, I could have been made unable to understand the lessons, or unable to complete the assignments, or unable to see or hear the teachers, or too ill to attend school, or so many other things that would have barred me from achieving anything. Additional obstacles could have been placed in my way that might have stopped me – I could have been moving every 6 months in my childhood, I could have been caring for a dying parent instead of going to school, I could have been born some place where school was not available, I could have encountered a teacher determined to make me fail, and so on.
I was the first person in my family to go to college. My parents did not have the financial means to send me, so I knew I had to get a scholarship, and a full-ride one at that. I could not imagine a future for myself without college, but it certainly was not guaranteed. Most of the scholarships I applied for I didn’t get, but the one that really mattered – the full-ride, I did. Somehow I knew ahead of time that I would get it, but even as a teenager not yet aware of Islam, I realized that if I did it was due to Allah swt. There was no way I could really claim that I got the scholarship of my own merit independent of Allah swt. Anything I was capable of, Allah swt had made me capable of. The fact the application and interview were received well by the scholarship board was also something I could not take credit for, but that Allah swt had taken care of.
My first year in college, I met Muslims for the first time. Within a year, I decided that I believed in Islam. While there was certainly a lot of study, self-evaluation, and psychological challenge involved for me, I realized then and now that had Allah swt willed, I would never have met a Muslim, I would never have been inspired to investigate for truth, would never have recognized the truth, or, even worse, would have recognized it but chosen to remain with the religion of my parents because the change seemed to hard to manage. Every day that I wake up and still love the path I have chosen and desire to progress on it, I owe Allah swt for that love and desire.
The achievement of the lowest-ranked graduate may be as great or greater than the valedictorian. Later in life, few people will know or care about your class rank, and it won’t necessarily help you in life or in the Hereafter. What will matter is how you got there. Someone who passes through school with ease, never or rarely challenged, and facing few obstacles might not leave school as well-developed as a person who had to struggle more. Someone who has focused on the grades, maybe even cheating now and then to get them, has learned less and harmed himself severely compared to the one who focused on learning and developing good character and habits. The one who leaves school prepared to learn, to work hard, to persist despite difficulty, and to live an upright life leaves with something that can help them in life and in the Hereafter.
The success in life is in how you make the journey. We all are faced with unique circumstances and challenges that will make our journeys different, and some of these will make you appear to be more or less successful than someone else. But if we take pride in our apparent successes as if we have earned them, we have deserved them, or we have independently accomplished them, then we have misunderstood our dependence on Allah swt. Do you recall the parable of the man who took great pride in his orchard and then Allah swt wiped it out in a day? We could all make the same mistake as he.
So, how do we avoid this mistake? Perhaps the key is in gratitude. Yesterday I was thrilled when it rained here and some flowers in my yard bloomed. I remember a few years ago when we suffered drought here. Since then, I have never again complained about rain. I was blessed by the drought because it made me appreciate the rain and thank Allah swt for it, and the rain is a blessing in itself. Last week I felt like complaining about minor health issues, and then I learned about someone who suffered for a decade from obstetric fistula. She not only endured the suffering from the illness, but also suffered great humiliation, shame, and lack of sympathy for her condition and was forced to exist as an outcast in her society. Then I remembered more how I owe thanks to Allah swt for what I have.
As we mark the anniversary of the death of the great lady Bibi Fatima (as), we can remember the blessing of her tasbih. Reciting it consciously – Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhumdooleluh 33 times, Subhanallah 33 times– can express a small measure of gratitude to our Creator and can revive in us even more gratitude. One of the wondrous natures of Allah swt’s blessings is that they often compound upon themselves – like the double blessing of the rain and gratitude for the rain, or the double blessing of reciting dhikr and being enlightened by the dhikr. Reciting her tasbih does not have to be limited to after the salat, but can be done anytime.
Congratulations to all the graduates; may Allah swt grant us all true success in this world and Hereafter and may we all find in ourselves ever-increasing gratitude to our Creator.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ya Zainab!
Oh Bibi Zainab (as), yesterday we gathered for you. So much we do not know about you. How do we live as women when you, our role model, we know only incompletely? I long to be closer to you and your family, for I feel it is the only cure for loneliness, the only way to raise myself out of the fog, the darkness, toward Allah swt.
How can we gather for you and yet many do not even listen for you or seek you? I feel lost in a sea of people, in their beautiful beaded and sequined dresses; I cannot compare to them, but even so I am confused why is your name not on their tongues, why are they not eager to hear the speaker make remembrance of you on your day? I cannot see their hearts, but I know the spots on my own that shame me.
But still I am happy they are there, for someone should be there, someone must remember you. I seek out anyone with you in their hearts wherever they may be found because I need them; I sought to be free of need in this world, but I am always in need of an occasional beacon or glimmer of burning love for you and your family to light the darkness on my way in this world.
No one stays here long; my heart attaches to a soul and then it moves on, and my heart attaches to others and they move on, and my heart breaks at the loss of a connection, even brief. I am still here and I want to move on, too, but I know my life is about learning patience.
And in solitude, I hear a heartbeat, and it beats remembrance of Ahlulbayt (as); and I realize then that I only feel alone because I allow myself to do injustice. But in the quiet, I again feel the fabric that binds us and remember that you are always there. I cling, as to the rope that pulls away from an icy, turbulent ocean. How grateful to Allah swt I am for the rope of hope, mercy and guidance!
How can we gather for you and yet many do not even listen for you or seek you? I feel lost in a sea of people, in their beautiful beaded and sequined dresses; I cannot compare to them, but even so I am confused why is your name not on their tongues, why are they not eager to hear the speaker make remembrance of you on your day? I cannot see their hearts, but I know the spots on my own that shame me.
But still I am happy they are there, for someone should be there, someone must remember you. I seek out anyone with you in their hearts wherever they may be found because I need them; I sought to be free of need in this world, but I am always in need of an occasional beacon or glimmer of burning love for you and your family to light the darkness on my way in this world.
No one stays here long; my heart attaches to a soul and then it moves on, and my heart attaches to others and they move on, and my heart breaks at the loss of a connection, even brief. I am still here and I want to move on, too, but I know my life is about learning patience.
And in solitude, I hear a heartbeat, and it beats remembrance of Ahlulbayt (as); and I realize then that I only feel alone because I allow myself to do injustice. But in the quiet, I again feel the fabric that binds us and remember that you are always there. I cling, as to the rope that pulls away from an icy, turbulent ocean. How grateful to Allah swt I am for the rope of hope, mercy and guidance!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Mildred Loving, a True Heroine
Heroes and Heroines don't set out to be one in most cases. Mildred and her husband Richard stood up for love and against bigotry, because they loved each other. Mildred has passed away this week.
Read more here.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Get a Mac
I'm a fan of Mac, always have been since my first computer, the LCIII.
My whole family enjoys the Get a Mac computers. Have a few laughs - the Get a Mac ads.
I have one share of stock from Apple. Apparently it is worth nearly 200 dollars now. Not bad - I think when I got it at OneShare.com several years ago it was less than 50. But I don't think that quite makes up for what's been happening to all that retirement investment money going out of my paycheck each month - lately I might as well just be throwing it all away.
My whole family enjoys the Get a Mac computers. Have a few laughs - the Get a Mac ads.
I have one share of stock from Apple. Apparently it is worth nearly 200 dollars now. Not bad - I think when I got it at OneShare.com several years ago it was less than 50. But I don't think that quite makes up for what's been happening to all that retirement investment money going out of my paycheck each month - lately I might as well just be throwing it all away.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Ghost Near One of My Caches?
Check out these two log entries:
April 15 by Grouchcacher (65 found)
Great historical cache! Found it after 30 minutes of searching. I think the barking dog with pnemonia actually suffers from emphysema. And oddly enough, that well dressed young girl was walking around the graveyard aimlessly again. Must be some new security guard? Log was damp. TNLNSL TFTC
Followup after I sent this cacher an e-mail:
I was serious about the young girl. Based on her height (about 5ft 3in)I'd say she was about 12 to 14 years old, 16 max. When I first noticed her my thought was: why wasn't she in school? Then I wondered if Fountain schools were on spring break? I didn't get a good look at her face because it seemed like she was always looking down at a headstone. She had dark hair and a light complexion. I believe the dress she was wearing was dark blue and made of a lacy material coming down to just below her knees. She seem like she was looking for a certain headstone, but the closest she came to me was about 25 yards and I hid behind one of the trees north of the cache. I tend to never read the previous finders posts unless I can't find the cache the first time. So I didn't really think anything about it until I read the one finders post. I thought it was ironic that the weird dog barking and the girl wandering the graveyard were still there. She did however seem real and not an apparition. Hope this helps you.
March 25 by cattales (304 found)
Thank you for the Fountain history lesson with this cache. We enjoyed looking around at some of the really old grave stones. But the ones for young children are so sad. We looked a really long time for this one, at least we knew it wasn't the sprinkler head. The two dogs were really upset with us and one sounded like he has pneumonia, a really congested bark.
We saw a strange young lady in a fancy black dress and high heels strolling in the cemetery.
This is for the Fountain Train Disaster Memorial Cache.
April 15 by Grouchcacher (65 found)
Great historical cache! Found it after 30 minutes of searching. I think the barking dog with pnemonia actually suffers from emphysema. And oddly enough, that well dressed young girl was walking around the graveyard aimlessly again. Must be some new security guard? Log was damp. TNLNSL TFTC
Followup after I sent this cacher an e-mail:
I was serious about the young girl. Based on her height (about 5ft 3in)I'd say she was about 12 to 14 years old, 16 max. When I first noticed her my thought was: why wasn't she in school? Then I wondered if Fountain schools were on spring break? I didn't get a good look at her face because it seemed like she was always looking down at a headstone. She had dark hair and a light complexion. I believe the dress she was wearing was dark blue and made of a lacy material coming down to just below her knees. She seem like she was looking for a certain headstone, but the closest she came to me was about 25 yards and I hid behind one of the trees north of the cache. I tend to never read the previous finders posts unless I can't find the cache the first time. So I didn't really think anything about it until I read the one finders post. I thought it was ironic that the weird dog barking and the girl wandering the graveyard were still there. She did however seem real and not an apparition. Hope this helps you.
March 25 by cattales (304 found)
Thank you for the Fountain history lesson with this cache. We enjoyed looking around at some of the really old grave stones. But the ones for young children are so sad. We looked a really long time for this one, at least we knew it wasn't the sprinkler head. The two dogs were really upset with us and one sounded like he has pneumonia, a really congested bark.
We saw a strange young lady in a fancy black dress and high heels strolling in the cemetery.
This is for the Fountain Train Disaster Memorial Cache.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Hijab
What does a young woman demonstrate about herself when she dons a headscarf, but ties it so that bits of hair hang out or her neck or chest are not fully covered, and then matches it with make-up, form-fitting tops, skin-tight jeans, bare forearms, bare feet, heavy perfume, nail polish, high-heels and a $200 handbag?
What does a young man demonstrate about himself when he openly eyes women and talks to his buddies about their bodies, shows off in front of the opposite sex, and looks for chances to engage in physical contact with women freely?
Hijab is a state of mind enjoined upon both men and women in Islam. At the heart of its purpose, hijab is about maintaining or elevating the dignity of every individual regardless of gender, and preserving the ability of individuals to feel the natural sense of modesty, the loss of which is a serious spiritual sickness.
There are two overarching principles to hijab for men and women according to the Qur’an:
1. Lowering your Gaze
This means you should avoid looking at, listening to, or otherwise observing anything that damages your natural sense of modesty and shame, as well as anything that causes you to feel temptation to sin or causes attraction toward someone with whom you could not lawfully act on it.
2. Guarding your Modesty
This means you should avoid revealing anything about yourself, whether through how you dress, how you speak, what you say or write, or other means, that would cause damage to your natural sense of modesty and shame, or tempt you to sin, or cause you to be attracted to or to attract someone with whom you could not lawfully act on that attraction.
The requirements of Islamic modest dress are based upon those two overarching principles. Dress should be such that it guards your modesty and aids you in lowering your gaze and does not make it unnecessarily difficult for someone else to lower their gaze and guard their own modesty.
The basic requirements for female dress in public are four:
1. Extent
Everything but your hands and face must be covered. Feet should be covered, as should hair, neck, ears, and arms. Make-up and adornment should be covered even if that means covering parts that would not otherwise have to be covered. Most scholars say that wedding rings and religious rings need not be covered, but in general, jewelry is adornment and should be concealed.
2. Looseness
The garments should be loose enough so that the shape of your body from at least the shoulders to the mid-thighs is not apparent. Even for the legs, clothes should not be skin-tight. If the fabric follows your curves, it is too tight.
3. Thickness
The clothing should be thick enough that the color of your skin and hair underneath cannot be discerned through the fabric.
4. Style
The clothes should not be of a color, style, or decoration so as to serve the purpose of drawing attention, being adornment, or showing off. Thus, clothes with bright colors, fancy decorations, and expensive fabrics should be avoided. Further, clothes that would be considered as belonging to the opposite gender or to followers of another religion are also excluded. Also, it is improper to be a slave to fashion, spending wastefully for the latest trend, judging and being judged based on style, etc. Simplicity is better for your soul, mind and body.
Men’s clothing requirements are exactly the same as women’s, except for the extent that needs to be covered. Jurists’ rulings differ slightly in this matter, but as a general guideline men should cover from navel to knees at a minimum, although a greater extent is preferable in the presence of women since a greater area than this can be attractive to the opposite sex. Further, men should not wear gold or silk.
All four requirements hold in the presence of na-mahram. It should be noted that, in addition to people of the opposite sex who are not related to you, some relatives are na-mahram, and thus hijab should be observed in front of them. For example, you need to observe hijab in front of cousins of the opposite gender. If you are a woman, you should observe hijab in front of brothers-in-law and uncles related by marriage rather than blood. And if you are a man, you should observe hijab in front of sisters-in-law and aunts related by marriage rather than blood.
When in the presence of mahram individuals only, the requirements for Islamic modest dress are different. Except between spouses, who are permitted to see all of each other’s bodies, the extent of covering required between mahram individuals is such that all private areas are covered. Looseness and thickness of clothing should also ensure coverage of the private areas. Adornment such as make-up and jewelry are generally permitted, but if the purpose is to attract, it should be reserved to be shared between married couples only. As for style, the requirements about showing off, and about wearing clothes of the opposite gender or of another religion hold at all times.
Hijab requirements do not block women and men from doing business or from attending meetings in the same room as long as they are observing hijab. However, the lowering of the gaze means when in the presence of na-mahram, you should avoid looking at them in such a way as to be attracted to their bodies, or listening to them in such a way as to be attracted to their voices, etc. And, in turn, the guarding of modesty means that you should behave so as not to be trying to attract the opposite sex, or showing off, or discoursing with them in a familiar way or about private topics.
Even the enemies of Islam have recognized that hijab of men and women gives dignity to humanity, and thus empowers those who observe it. This is one of the main reasons that they systematically attack it and try to convince Muslim men and women to abandon true hijab. Observing hijab begins and ends with its two over-riding principles – lowering your gaze and guarding your modesty. These two acts are greatly beneficial to you in both this world and the Hereafter – they protect you from hardship, sin, and confusion and they elevate you spiritually - and this is why many people who observe hijab describe it as being very freeing and something they truly love. Examine your interactions and your wardrobe with these two principles in mind, then change anything that is out of line, and you will soon be enjoying the benefits in your own life.
What does a young man demonstrate about himself when he openly eyes women and talks to his buddies about their bodies, shows off in front of the opposite sex, and looks for chances to engage in physical contact with women freely?
Hijab is a state of mind enjoined upon both men and women in Islam. At the heart of its purpose, hijab is about maintaining or elevating the dignity of every individual regardless of gender, and preserving the ability of individuals to feel the natural sense of modesty, the loss of which is a serious spiritual sickness.
There are two overarching principles to hijab for men and women according to the Qur’an:
1. Lowering your Gaze
This means you should avoid looking at, listening to, or otherwise observing anything that damages your natural sense of modesty and shame, as well as anything that causes you to feel temptation to sin or causes attraction toward someone with whom you could not lawfully act on it.
2. Guarding your Modesty
This means you should avoid revealing anything about yourself, whether through how you dress, how you speak, what you say or write, or other means, that would cause damage to your natural sense of modesty and shame, or tempt you to sin, or cause you to be attracted to or to attract someone with whom you could not lawfully act on that attraction.
The requirements of Islamic modest dress are based upon those two overarching principles. Dress should be such that it guards your modesty and aids you in lowering your gaze and does not make it unnecessarily difficult for someone else to lower their gaze and guard their own modesty.
The basic requirements for female dress in public are four:
1. Extent
Everything but your hands and face must be covered. Feet should be covered, as should hair, neck, ears, and arms. Make-up and adornment should be covered even if that means covering parts that would not otherwise have to be covered. Most scholars say that wedding rings and religious rings need not be covered, but in general, jewelry is adornment and should be concealed.
2. Looseness
The garments should be loose enough so that the shape of your body from at least the shoulders to the mid-thighs is not apparent. Even for the legs, clothes should not be skin-tight. If the fabric follows your curves, it is too tight.
3. Thickness
The clothing should be thick enough that the color of your skin and hair underneath cannot be discerned through the fabric.
4. Style
The clothes should not be of a color, style, or decoration so as to serve the purpose of drawing attention, being adornment, or showing off. Thus, clothes with bright colors, fancy decorations, and expensive fabrics should be avoided. Further, clothes that would be considered as belonging to the opposite gender or to followers of another religion are also excluded. Also, it is improper to be a slave to fashion, spending wastefully for the latest trend, judging and being judged based on style, etc. Simplicity is better for your soul, mind and body.
Men’s clothing requirements are exactly the same as women’s, except for the extent that needs to be covered. Jurists’ rulings differ slightly in this matter, but as a general guideline men should cover from navel to knees at a minimum, although a greater extent is preferable in the presence of women since a greater area than this can be attractive to the opposite sex. Further, men should not wear gold or silk.
All four requirements hold in the presence of na-mahram. It should be noted that, in addition to people of the opposite sex who are not related to you, some relatives are na-mahram, and thus hijab should be observed in front of them. For example, you need to observe hijab in front of cousins of the opposite gender. If you are a woman, you should observe hijab in front of brothers-in-law and uncles related by marriage rather than blood. And if you are a man, you should observe hijab in front of sisters-in-law and aunts related by marriage rather than blood.
When in the presence of mahram individuals only, the requirements for Islamic modest dress are different. Except between spouses, who are permitted to see all of each other’s bodies, the extent of covering required between mahram individuals is such that all private areas are covered. Looseness and thickness of clothing should also ensure coverage of the private areas. Adornment such as make-up and jewelry are generally permitted, but if the purpose is to attract, it should be reserved to be shared between married couples only. As for style, the requirements about showing off, and about wearing clothes of the opposite gender or of another religion hold at all times.
Hijab requirements do not block women and men from doing business or from attending meetings in the same room as long as they are observing hijab. However, the lowering of the gaze means when in the presence of na-mahram, you should avoid looking at them in such a way as to be attracted to their bodies, or listening to them in such a way as to be attracted to their voices, etc. And, in turn, the guarding of modesty means that you should behave so as not to be trying to attract the opposite sex, or showing off, or discoursing with them in a familiar way or about private topics.
Even the enemies of Islam have recognized that hijab of men and women gives dignity to humanity, and thus empowers those who observe it. This is one of the main reasons that they systematically attack it and try to convince Muslim men and women to abandon true hijab. Observing hijab begins and ends with its two over-riding principles – lowering your gaze and guarding your modesty. These two acts are greatly beneficial to you in both this world and the Hereafter – they protect you from hardship, sin, and confusion and they elevate you spiritually - and this is why many people who observe hijab describe it as being very freeing and something they truly love. Examine your interactions and your wardrobe with these two principles in mind, then change anything that is out of line, and you will soon be enjoying the benefits in your own life.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Stewards
"The chief way in which the modern Muslim rises above the status of slave is when he becomes God's agent or steward in this world.” – W. Montgomery Watt, in Islam and Christianity Today A Contribution To Dialogue
Here are five easy things you can do to save both energy and money!
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Pay attention to packaging when you buy, and try to buy items that are less wasteful in packaging. Buy items that last longer and can be reused to keep them out of landfills. For example, use a reusable water bottle instead of buying water bottles and throwing them away (especially because most bottled water is the same as tap water anyway!) Also, help keep things out of landfills and keep more from unnecessarily being made by recycling. Many communities offer free curbside recycling. If yours does not, many people can bring their recyclables to work or to a local Walmart or recycle center for free. It takes only a few minutes of planning and one person can prevent huge amounts of waste.
2. Turn things off and unplug
If you’re not using something, make sure it is turned off. For instance, don’t leave lights on that aren’t needed. Did you know that many appliances and electronics draw energy even when off? Many cell phone chargers draw energy even when the cell phone isn’t attached, so unplug it unless you’re using it. Televisions draw energy even when turned off as well. A simple solution is to put all your media electronics onto a power strip and turn the power strip off when not in use. You will see money savings and avoid harmful waste with this simple step.
3. Buy natural, local, and low-energy
Buy energy-efficient appliances and fuel-efficient cars. Replace all your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Buy natural products, such as organic foods, whenever possible. Also, buy locally produced items and you will be helping to save huge amounts of energy as well as supporting your local economy.
4. Enjoy nature
Keep your own organic vegetable garden. Plant trees. Make sure you and your family spend time in nature to appreciate and strengthen your natural connection to our planet. When you play in parks, go hiking or geocaching, and have family picnics and camping trips, you promote your family bond and health as well as develop deeper appreciation and understanding for our dependency on God and the fragility and beauty of life.
5. Use less
Turn down the water temperature on the washer and water heater. Use the AC less and windows more. Use the heater less and sweaters more. Walk, ride a bike, carpool, use mass transit or go to a closer destination whenever possible. Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth. Use a low-flow toilet or put a plastic milk jug of water in your toilet tank. Repair your shoes, clothes, electronics and other items instead of buying new, or make your own items from existing materials, or buy used. Instead of throwing away items you don’t want, give them to charity or use freecycle.org to find them good homes and look for items your want or need. It’s fun!
Here are five easy things you can do to save both energy and money!
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Pay attention to packaging when you buy, and try to buy items that are less wasteful in packaging. Buy items that last longer and can be reused to keep them out of landfills. For example, use a reusable water bottle instead of buying water bottles and throwing them away (especially because most bottled water is the same as tap water anyway!) Also, help keep things out of landfills and keep more from unnecessarily being made by recycling. Many communities offer free curbside recycling. If yours does not, many people can bring their recyclables to work or to a local Walmart or recycle center for free. It takes only a few minutes of planning and one person can prevent huge amounts of waste.
2. Turn things off and unplug
If you’re not using something, make sure it is turned off. For instance, don’t leave lights on that aren’t needed. Did you know that many appliances and electronics draw energy even when off? Many cell phone chargers draw energy even when the cell phone isn’t attached, so unplug it unless you’re using it. Televisions draw energy even when turned off as well. A simple solution is to put all your media electronics onto a power strip and turn the power strip off when not in use. You will see money savings and avoid harmful waste with this simple step.
3. Buy natural, local, and low-energy
Buy energy-efficient appliances and fuel-efficient cars. Replace all your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Buy natural products, such as organic foods, whenever possible. Also, buy locally produced items and you will be helping to save huge amounts of energy as well as supporting your local economy.
4. Enjoy nature
Keep your own organic vegetable garden. Plant trees. Make sure you and your family spend time in nature to appreciate and strengthen your natural connection to our planet. When you play in parks, go hiking or geocaching, and have family picnics and camping trips, you promote your family bond and health as well as develop deeper appreciation and understanding for our dependency on God and the fragility and beauty of life.
5. Use less
Turn down the water temperature on the washer and water heater. Use the AC less and windows more. Use the heater less and sweaters more. Walk, ride a bike, carpool, use mass transit or go to a closer destination whenever possible. Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth. Use a low-flow toilet or put a plastic milk jug of water in your toilet tank. Repair your shoes, clothes, electronics and other items instead of buying new, or make your own items from existing materials, or buy used. Instead of throwing away items you don’t want, give them to charity or use freecycle.org to find them good homes and look for items your want or need. It’s fun!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yay! I saw it. :)
I saw the International Space Station and ATV pass overhead tonight. It is a cool sight. It is amazing that people made that thing - it is so big and bright in the sky.
It makes me feel like a kid again when I was totally fascinated by astronomy and wanted to be an astronaut. Check here for sighting times near you.
It makes me feel like a kid again when I was totally fascinated by astronomy and wanted to be an astronaut. Check here for sighting times near you.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Victoria trip
When I left work today I got into my car, looked over to see if any other cars were pulling out, and spotted this little bunny rabbit resting by the tire of someone's van in the parking lot. On my drive in this morning, a coyote ran across Mesa Road in front of me.
I get a thrill seeing animals in the "wild". This weekend, I went to give a speech in Victoria, BC. On the University campus, there were bunnies everywhere - but nothing like the bunnies I see here - these rabbits looked like the ones sold in pet stores - black ones, brown ones with black patches around their eyes, dalmatian ones (black and white), pure white ones, etc. Very cute. The kids on the bus that we took the university were quite excited to the see the rabbits, too.
On Saturday, I flew to Vancouver BC. I arrived at the airport apparently at the perfect time because all lines were short and it only took moments to get through checking and security. I changed planes in Denver. When I arrived in BC, the line for customs was a bit long but nothing like the incredible lines in Toronto. I saw birds flying around the airports both in Denver and Vancouver. I was met by close friends. The first time I visited them, I remember a child now in 7th grade was not yet weaned - how quickly time flies!
I was dropped off at one person's apartment building and spent the afternoon visiting and eating lunch and dinner. Then the wife and I were picked up by her daughter to go to a ladies-only program at the masjid. The program had two main parts; the first a lady told the story of Karbala in English and then after each brief statement, a short marsiya about that event was sung, in Urdu.
The second part was a play put on by ladies about Mukhtar. It was pretty funny to see the ladies with fake beards and dressed up but the play did a good job teaching about what individuals had done in Karbala in committing crimes against Ahlulbayt (as).
Sunday morning I was picked up by another lady and her husband who took me to the mosque again where we caught a bus to the ferry. A group of us took the ferry to Vancouver Island and then another bus to the University in Victoria. There, I gave my speech first and we had lunch and prayers and then more speeches – one from a university professor about early Islamic archaeology and the rest from Sunni and Shia speakers about different aspects of Karbala. I was relieved to go first and my speech was alhumdooleluh well-received. There were a few non-Muslim attendees for the conference. I think they hoped for more. But, if they really intend a non-Muslim audience, then they need to adjust the speeches accordingly, because as they are, they use too many non-English words and do not start at a basic enough level to be really understood or appreciated by the non-Muslim audience.
Then we caught the 7 o-clock ferry back to BC and I was met by a member of the family that initially met me at the airport. We had dinner at their house and I got to talk with all the kids except the youngest who was already sleeping as it was 10 at night with school the next day. In the morning, one of the family took me to the airport for an early flight back home. Their youngest son has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease at quite a young age and your dua'as would be appreciated for Mustafa Dewji.
I was so happy to see my friends; they are always very warm and welcoming and seeing them again felt wonderful; on the one hand it felt like no time at all had passed since I last saw them, on the other hand time is passing very quickly between opportunities to see them. I thank them very much for their friendship and hospitality.
In an e-mail group I am a member of, someone recently posted about changes in the group over the past decade. A decade ago, we were so much more energetic and optimistic. Now it seems we are more resigned and with more bleak outlooks. I think there are some good reasons you can probably think of that have played out in the past decade that has darkened our eyes; but I also thought how it has sneaked up on us and taken us unaware, this darker outlook on life, and how we should not have allowed it to do so - because regardless of circumstances there is always much to be grateful for and if we keep the right perspective and do the right things in life, one thing fuels the next in positive outcomes or new doors of opportunity. We need to be like children in some ways; a child who is seriously ill takes it in stride, living in the moment - not caught up in worry about ten years from now. A child gets excited about and really enjoys every good thing, too.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Remember the Dead
Loraine Mirza, after a long struggle with cancer, passed away today. She converted to Islam as a teenager and lived to see her children and grandchildren be strong Shias. I knew her from some e-mail groups. She should be buried tomorrow after Friday prayers in California; so if anyone wants to pray namaz washat that should be tomorrow night.
A dear friend's father, Syed Ibadat Ali Rizvi, passed away two weeks ago today in Pakistan.
A 14-year old student in my community, Graham Johnson, was hit and killed by a drunk driver last weekend.
One day we all will die, so let us be kind to and remember our loved ones in life and in death.
A dear friend's father, Syed Ibadat Ali Rizvi, passed away two weeks ago today in Pakistan.
A 14-year old student in my community, Graham Johnson, was hit and killed by a drunk driver last weekend.
One day we all will die, so let us be kind to and remember our loved ones in life and in death.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Nenana Ice Classic
I'm not advocating gambling, but I always found this contest interesting - and a wonderful source of data for AP Statistics students!
Nenana Ice Classic
Global Warming Evidence? That'd be a bit of a stretch at this point.
Nenana Ice Classic
Global Warming Evidence? That'd be a bit of a stretch at this point.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Imam 'Ali (as), on Allah swt
He who assigns to Him different conditions does not believe in His oneness, nor does
he who likens Him grasp His reality.
He who illustrates Him does not signify Him;
He who points at Him and imagines Him does not mean Him.
Everything that is known through itself has been created, and everything that exists by virtue of other things is the effect of a cause.
He works, but not with the help of instruments;
He fixes measures, but not with the activities of thinking;
He is rich, but not by acquisition.
Time does not keep company with Him, and implements do not help Him.
His being precedes time, His existence precedes non-existence, and His eternity precedes beginning.
By His creating the senses, it is known that He has no senses.
By the contraries in various matters, it is known that He has no contrary, and by the similarity between things it is known that there is nothing similar to Him.
He has made light the contrary of darkness, brightness that of gloom, dryness that of moisture, and heat that of cold.
He produces affection among inimical things....
He is not confined by limits nor counted by numbers.
Material parts can surround things of their own kind, and organs can point out things similar to themselves.... Through them, the Creator manifests Himself to the intelligence, and through them He is guarded from the sight of the eyes....
He has not begotten anyone lest He be regarded as having been born.
He has not been begotten, otherwise He would be contained within limits. He is too high to have sons....
Understanding cannot think of Him so as to give Him shape....
he who likens Him grasp His reality.
He who illustrates Him does not signify Him;
He who points at Him and imagines Him does not mean Him.
Everything that is known through itself has been created, and everything that exists by virtue of other things is the effect of a cause.
He works, but not with the help of instruments;
He fixes measures, but not with the activities of thinking;
He is rich, but not by acquisition.
Time does not keep company with Him, and implements do not help Him.
His being precedes time, His existence precedes non-existence, and His eternity precedes beginning.
By His creating the senses, it is known that He has no senses.
By the contraries in various matters, it is known that He has no contrary, and by the similarity between things it is known that there is nothing similar to Him.
He has made light the contrary of darkness, brightness that of gloom, dryness that of moisture, and heat that of cold.
He produces affection among inimical things....
He is not confined by limits nor counted by numbers.
Material parts can surround things of their own kind, and organs can point out things similar to themselves.... Through them, the Creator manifests Himself to the intelligence, and through them He is guarded from the sight of the eyes....
He has not begotten anyone lest He be regarded as having been born.
He has not been begotten, otherwise He would be contained within limits. He is too high to have sons....
Understanding cannot think of Him so as to give Him shape....
Saturday, February 09, 2008
The Covenant of Abraham (as) in the Torah, Bible and Qur’an: Implications about the Universal Nature of the Lessons of Kerbala
Allamah Iqbal once wrote, “The story of the Kaaba is unique, simple and colorful – it ends with Husain (as) and begins with Ishmael (as).”
Some scholars have noted a relationship between the events we commemorate in Hajj and in Muharram, between the actions of Abraham (as) or Ishmael (as) and those of Imam Husain (as). My purpose in speaking is to provide information about that relationship and the universality to Imam Husain (as)’s aims and appeal that could be utilized for a better future.
In translation of the Qur’an it is written, “You will never find any change in Allah’s way of dealing.” (35:43) In all the scripture we find that every prophet or imam announced his successor or heir according to God’s will. Some of the important events and coming of prophets were predicted or prophesized about long before they came.
So a Muslim might naturally be curious about what surviving scripture from the People of Book has to say about certain aspects of religion, even though Muslims look at the Bible, Torah and other works used by the Jews and Christians today as being not identical to what was originally revealed.
Further, if something is contained in the works used by followers of all three faiths, it can potentially serve as a basis for a common understanding and communication between the followers.
So I think we might look at the Qur’an as well as what the People of the Book have today as we think about Imam Husain (as).
In the New Testament, Simon Peter, the first apostle of Prophet Esa (as), said in a sermon,
“For Moses (as) truly said unto the fathers, a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, and in all matters from him you will hear only what God says unto him. And it shall come to pass that every soul which will not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. And all the prophets from Samuel (as) and those that follow after, as many as have ever spoken, have foretold those days. You all are the children of prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham(as), and in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed.” Acts 3:22-25
This is presented as referring to Jesus (as), but many Muslim scholars recognize it as referring to the Prophet Muhammad (saw), for, as the prophecy repeated by all the prophets says, Muhammad (saw) came through Ishmael’s (as) line rather than Ishaq’s (as), is more like Moses (as) than Jesus (as), and history records undoubtedly that he spoke the Qur’an as revealed from God, just like the prophecy suggests. Further, the prophecy says the prophet is for every soul, not just for a select population, just as Qur’an says about Muhammad (saw) “We sent thee not but unto mankind as a whole.” (34:28) – something claimed about no other prophet. This prophecy is also mentioned in the Torah or Old Testament, in Deuteronomy chapter 18.
And God says, “I will raise them a Prophet from among their brethren, and will put My words into his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” Some Jewish scholars believed this prophet was Jeremiah (as), who lived around 600 BCE, but others still waited for this prophecy to be fulfilled.
Other Christian scripture verses that appear to refer to the coming of prophet Muhammad (saw) are contained in the Gospel of John:
Jesus (as) was asked, “Are you that Prophet”, the one referred to in Deuteronomy but not yet come? He answered them, “No.” Howbeit when the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear from God that shall he speak.”
History records that some Christians after the time of Jesus (as) were still looking for signs of another prophet based on these writings, such that some of them became interested to find out about Muhammad (saw) during his lifetime.
Simon Peter also mentioned a covenant between God and Abraham (as) - “You all are the children of prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham (as), and in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed.”
Torah and Qur’an also both mention this covenant
In the book of Genesis: And as for Ishmael (as), I have heard thee; Behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitful, and will multiple him exceedingly: Twelve Princes shall he beget and I will make him a great nation” (18:20) This is my covenant which ye shall keep between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised as a token of the covenant.
And in Surah Baqarah: God said, I will make thee an Imam for mankind. Said Abraham (as) – and my offspring? My covenant shall not reach the unjust. 2:124
So we see the covenant between God and Abraham (as) signified with circumcision is that the just offspring of Abraham (as) will be blessed and include Twelve Princes from the line of Ishmael (as), that some scholars believe refers to the twelve Imams (as). As a further sign of this, some scholars have said that the male direct descendants of Ishmael (as) including the Prophet (saw) and twelve Imams were born without foreskin, the covenant already being fulfilled in them.
Abraham (as) obeyed the command of God to take Hajar and Ishmael (as) to the desert where she struggled to find water for him. In Genesis it says, “Arise, lift up the lad Ishmael (as) and hold him in your hand for I will make him a great nation. And God opened hajar’s eyes and she saw a well of water and she went, and filled the bottle with water and gave the lad to drink.” When Ishmael (as) had grown, Abraham (as) and Ishmael (as) raised the foundation of the Kaaba, and prayed for just offspring according to the covenant. Then, Abraham (as) had a vision to slay Ishmael (as). He and Ishmael (as) were prepared to obey God with the sacrifice, but instead a ram was put in Ishmael’s (as) place, and according to the Qur’an, Abraham (as) heard, “O Abraham, of course thou hast faithfully fulfilled the dream, thou art of the truthful ones, but verily it is an open test, we have substituted it with a Greater Sacrifice. We have transferred it to later generations.” 37:105-108
According to the scholar S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali, the purpose of such a waylaid sacrifice is as a symbol of obedience and submission to the one God, but that the time was not right for the sacrifice to be able to serve the purpose of leading mankind as a whole towards a universal religion. That time would have to wait until the universal prophet came, and the third of the twelve princes would be put in Ishmael’s (as) place. Whereas Ishmael’s (as) thirst was abated with the well of Zam-Zam, and he and Abraham (as) was victorious in obeying God about the sacrifice while it was only an open test, Husain’s (as) thirst would go unabated and his sacrifice was real, the Greater Sacrifice for the universal religion for the well-being and guidance of all people who should pay heed to the message.
Thus it might be said that the hajj rituals re-enact the beginning of the covenant that is fulfilled in the line of prophets and imams descended from Ishmael (as) at the end of the calendar year, while the beginning of the next calendar year then marks the Great Sacrifice of Imam Husain (as), who turned away from Kaa’ba, who was denied water, and who by his sacrifice achieved the victory of preserving truth and guidance. The hajj –goers wear white shrouds similar to death shrouds. The male participants in hajj must be circumcised, honoring the covenant. It seems that there are many intimate connections between hajj and the sacrifice on Ashura to ponder about.
From the time of Abraham (as), then, it was known that this other, greater sacrifice would be coming. Shaikh Tabarsi reported that Adam (as), Zachariah (as), Abraham (as) and Ishmael (as), Solomon (as), Moses (as) and Jesus (as) all were informed about the upcoming event of the Great Sacrifice of Husain (as) to re-establish God’s religion in the earth.
Hadith report that shortly after the birth of Imam Husain (as), Gabriel told the Prophet Muhammad (saw) about Kerbala, saying, “He will at last be martyred with all his faithful supporters in a desert called Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates in Iraq, it will be a time when the religion of God will be in crisis and the existence of this truth for future generations of Mankind will rest upon the sacrifices of Husain (as), your grandson.”
There is one verse in the Book of Jeremiah in the Jewish Nevi’in or the Christian Old Testament that is sometimes suggested as being about Kerbala.
Jeremiah 46:10 says “For the Lord God of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.” However, the context of this is about war between Babylon and Egypt around the same time as Jeremiah (as) lived. There may be a relationship in location but it seems a bit far-fetched to associate the verse with Imam Husain (as).
Incidentally, There is one ayah of Qur’an that may be about Jeremiah, although it appears more commentators say it is Ezra, who lived a few hundred years after Jeremiah (as).
Consider the one who passed by a ghost town Jerusalem and wondered, "How can GOD revive this after it had died?" GOD then put him to death for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have been here a day, or part of the day." He said, "No! You have been here a hundred years. Yet, look at your food and drink; they did not spoil. Look at your donkey - we thus render you a lesson for the people. Now, note how we construct the bones, then cover them with flesh." When he realized what had happened, he said, "Now I know that GOD is Omnipotent." 2:259
Aside from the ayah about the Greater Sacrifice, it is reported from Shaikh Tabarsi that the Eleventh Imam, Hasan Askari (as) said that the Holy Prophet (saw) was informed of the tragedy of Karbala and that it is confined in the symbol letters in the Qur’an – “Kof Ha Ya Ain Saad of Surah Maryam.
Kaf – Karbala
Ha – Halakat (destruction/death/perdition)
Ya – Yazeed
Ain – Atash (thirst)
Saad - Sabr e Husain (as) – patience and fortitude of Imam Husain (as) "These words are from the concealed codes regarding which Allah informed His Servant the Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) and regarding which it was revealed to the Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s).
The incident is as follows :
Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) asked his Lord to teach him the names of the Five Pure Ones, to which Jibra'eel descended and taught him the five names. Whenever Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) recited the four names, Mohammad (s.a.w.s), Ali (a.s), Fatemah (a.s) and Hasan (a.s), his heart would be enlightened and his sorrow would part away, but when he took the name of Husain (a.s) he would become sorrowful and turn restless. One day he asked Allah Almighty, "My Lord! When I utter the names of these four Pure Personalities, my sorrow parts away, but when I take the name of Husain (as), I turn sorrowful and weep & wail." Then Allah, the Mighty the Sublime revealed to him regarding Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ain, Swad. Kaf stands for Karbala, and Ha for Halakah (perdition) of the Prophet's Household, Ya for Yazeed, the oppresser and murderer of Husain (a.s), Ain for Atash (thirst), and Swad for (Sabr) Patience and forbearance of Husain (as). When Prophet Zakariyah (as) heard this he was so much grieved that for three consecutive days he refused to come out of his place of worship and did not permit people to meet him, and remained grief-stricken and wept profusely. And he recited the following elegy: O Lord! Will you let the best of Creatures see the plight of his son? O Lord! Will you allow this disaster to fall upon his House-hold? O Lord! Will you let Ali (as) and Fatemah (as) wear the dress of grief and will they witness this calamity"? He (Prophet Zakariyah (as)) would always say, "O Lord!
Bestow upon me with a son who would be the light of my eyes in my old-age, and when you present me with a son make my love intense for him and then let me taste the grief of his loss as Your Friend Mohammad (s.a.w.s) who will mourn the death of his son. Thus Allah blessed Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) with a son Prophet Yahya (a.s) whose death was mourned by Prophet Zakariyah (as). Prophet Yahya (a.s)'s period of (his mother's) pregnancy was six months similar to that of Imam Husain (a.s)."
However, it is also said about these and other such letters beginning surahs of the Qur’an that many interpretations have been forwarded and manipulated by some commentators but they are based upon conjecture, lacking definite authority. The Imams (as) said that these letters are a means of reaching the higher realms of true knowledge available in the Qur’an but reserved for the chosen representatives of Allah (swt).
Another selection in Qur’an associated with Kerbala in commentaries I’ve seen in English 2:154 and 155 reads, “And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, only ye perceive not. "And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient.
It is reported that 154 was first revealed for the slain at the Battle of Badr, but that, in the words of Mir Ahmed Ali, “only once in the history of the world all kinds of trials mentioned in this verse to the maximum conceivable degree have been happily and triumphantly endured and coped with by Imam Husain (as) and his family and friends in the desert of Karbala. Imam Sadiq (as) is quoted in Al-Burhan fi Tafsir il Qur’an as saying that the glad tidings to the patient refers not only to Hereafter, but also means advent of the Mahdi (as), and that all those tribulations before it are signs of his advent. So if these verses are related to Kerbala, then they would appear to have other meanings – such as the general meaning, the Battle of Badr and signs of the end days, as well.
So to this point we see that the tragedy Kerbala itself may or may not be indirectly suggested in the scriptures, but a trend in the various sources suggests that the covenant of Abraham (as) is fulfilled in his progeny, to include the descendants of Ishmael (as) up to Muhammad (saw) and the Imams (as), and that it is plausible that the sacrifice of Ishmael (as) put off for the Tremendous Sacrifice of a later generation refers to the sacrifice of Imam Husain (as), and that its delay was for the fulfillment of the purpose that its message be for all mankind, not a particular sect or tribe of mankind, at a time when this message of God’s religion had been sent for all people.
If we examine the causes of the tragedy of Karbala and the actions of Imam Husain (as) and his party, we see that the stand was one for upholding and saving truth for the benefit of all people of the present and future and opposing oppression and corruption.
All the great monotheistic faiths lay claim to Abraham (as), to the extent of being called the Abrahamic faiths, but all humanity can lay claim to Imam Husain (as), for he rose up for the whole of humanity on universal principles. A Persian saying says about Husain (as)” you came to the world to unite, not to divide.”
Someone said, “It is in the very nature of great reformers that they belong to everybody, everywhere. Hussain's (as) noble deed is so relevant to the entire human race, that I am sure there is a far bigger audience waiting for him somewhere than the one he has already. All that is required is to draw people's attention.
The contemporary society, irrespective of race and religion, would do well to have a closer look at the Hero of Kerbala as his message transcends the barriers of caste and creed, race and religion. Advocates of human rights, sociologists, reformers, theologians, all included, will find "delightful wisdom, sweet instructions, and a meaning suited to their mind", in his story. His message is certainly not an exclusive preserve of any particular group. It embraces the entire human race.”
In the modern era, where free to do so, it seems that those educated about the tragedy of Kerbala with understanding of its implications have a duty to share that education with those willing and able to benefit. Imam Husain (as) and Karbala could be a point of unity on which to grow and increase understanding between cultures and religions.
We can see that people of all backgrounds and faiths can understand, relate to, and benefit from Imam Husain (as)’s service to humanity: this is illustrated numerous times through examples of people in history and present.
Mahatma Gandhi (Indian political and spiritual leader): “I learned from Hussein (as) how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”
Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and essayist): “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Cerebella is that Husain (as) and his companions were steadfast believers in God. They illustrated that the numerical superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and the falsehood. The victory of Husain (as), despite his minority, marvels me!”
Edward Gibbon (English historian and member of parliament): “In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hosein (as) will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.” (The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, London, 1911, volume 5, p. 391-392)
Charles Dickens (English novelist): “If Husain (as) had fought to quench his worldly desires…then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam.”
Antoine Bara (Lebanese writer): “No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Husayn (as) in the battle of Karbala.” (Husayn in Christian Ideology)
Edward G. Brown (Professor at the University of Cambridge): “…a reminder of that blood-stained field of Karbala, where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell, at length, tortured by thirst, and surround by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at anytime since then, sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and the heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief, and an exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles.” (A Literary History of Persia, London, 1919, p.227)
In the modern era, a large segment of the world population is ignorant of Imam Husain (as). Education is lacking in this area. But even if someone is not Muslim, we can see from the mentioned examples that they can appreciate Imam Husain (as) and learning from his example can be a common ground. Abraham’s (as) covenant began before Judaism, before Christianity, before the life of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Husain (as), and today the message and sacrifice of his progeny is for all of us, all of humanity.
In the 1930’s Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the noted translator of Qur’an delivered a speech on the occasion of Ashura. In it he said, “I think you will agree that it is good that we should sit together, even people of different faiths, - sit together and consider the great historic event, in which were exemplified such soul-stirring virtues as those of unshaken faith, undaunted courage, thought for others, willing self-sacrifice, steadfastness in the right and unflinching war against the wrong. And Muharram has still the power to unite the different schools of thought in Islam, and make a powerful appeal to non-Muslims also.
Here are a few more recent and personal examples of the universal appeal of Imam Husain (as):
Shaikh Saleem Bhimji, writing about a conference on Imam Husain (as), said,
"If Imam Hussain's (as) movement was to free humanity from the shackles of servitude to others and to restore ‘freedom’, ‘justice’ and the noble moral traits which everyone seek in their lives, then where are the 'non-Muslims' during these life-changing lectures?" Undoubtedly, the Qur'an, the Prophet (SAW) and the Ahlul Bayt (as) are not the property of the Muslims alone! When introducing His Book, Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) states: “…guidance to mankind, with manifest proofs of guidance and the Distinguisher.” (2:185) The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) is introduced as being the one who: "…Relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them…" (7:157). The Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) are compared to the Ark of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and that "…Whoever accepts them shall be saved while those who reject them shall perish."
Then he related a telling incident: “When lecturing in South Africa during the month of Muharram some years ago, an elderly man approached me after my talk, and with tears in his eyes, 'protested' to me about the fact that for over 50 years of his life, he never "knew" Imam Hussain (as) and the Ahlul Bayt (as), and that from birth, he had "wasted" his life following "others" who were considered as 'leaders' of Islam. He had now formally accepted the Ahlul Bayt (as) into his life and taken them as his guides and intercessors with Allah and was struggling to capture as much of the Hussaini (as) spirit that he could in the little time he had left. In essence, he was complaining to "us" for not introducing the message of Kerbala to him and others like him.
Imam Muhammad Shirazi related a similar incident, when a Christian Italian tourist visited him to complain of not being allowed to enter the Tomb of Husain (as) in Kerbala. They had a lengthy discussion about Islam and Christianity, during which the scholar explained in detail the high character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his splendid virtues, and deep and extensive knowledge, as well as his battles, which were for the sake of Allah and for the betterment of humanity. In the process he was so moved by the noble character of prophet Muhammad (SAW) as well as his words and teachings, that drops of tears rolled down his face. Ultimately the tourist, attracted by the sublime character and ethics of the Prophet (saw) and Ahlulbayt (as) and convinced of the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw), declared his belief in Islam and immediately returned to the tomb of Husain (as) to pay his sincere respects.
Some Christians may feel special connection to Karbala through the reported martyrdom of Wahb, a newly wed Christian whose elderly mother was helped by Imam Husain’s (as) as his caravan passed and who then joined him in his mission to the end, as mentioned in a book by Shaykh Muhammad Ishtihardi.
There have also been scholarly works on the history of several Hindu communities who have venerated Imam Husain (as), and many events of Sunnis joining with Shias to commemorate the tragedy as well. Many of you are aware that many Sunnis have written works and delivered speeches about Kerbala and participated in Moharram processions and events and a few continue to do so today.
The current era is one of division, one in which the universal message of Imam Husain (as) is in some instances being drowned out by noise of conflicts and persistence of ignorance. But there are always some people who are ready to sit and listen and will hear and respond to the call of Imam Husain (as) at some level along with us.
In the 1960’s the American Civil Rights movement turned to lessons of the past to achieve success, learning from Gandhi and indirectly also from Imam Husain (as) to help plan a successful resistance against injustice. This was a great victory, but even greater things are possible. The modern world can benefit from Imam Husain (as) by heeding the message and acting on it, and by sharing it with others.
Some steps are being taken to help include non-Muslims or non-Shias so that they can learn about Imam Husayn (as). Some communities hold an event called Husayn (as) Day, usually after Muharram sometime, when they specifically invite non-Muslim community leaders or members of churches they may have been building relationships with, or non-Muslim neighbors to come and learn about Husain (as) – usually this is in the form of a conference with lectures, but they could have activities presented by children and other activities as well. Communities have been doing processions in busy downtown areas in such a way that they give out pamphlets and make it informative and friendly for the viewers and passers-by. Also, communities have been doing blood drives at which they give out information about Imam Husain (as) to explain the reason for the drive – I think that was even talked about amongst the youth here. So there is room for creativity to share our love for Imam Husain (as) and the lessons we are supposed to learn and apply. And no matter what we do, the most important aspect of anything we do is that take the lessons to heart ourselves and do our very best to reform our own characters, obeying the mottos Live Like ‘Ali (as), Die Like Husayn (as), and Every Day is Ashura, Every Land is Karbala. People will be attracted to us if we are truly following Islam and emulating our Imams (sa) and that attraction may lead more and more people to follow Husayn (as).
In summation, the covenant of Abraham (as) mentioned in the Torah, Bible and Qur’an held a promise of upright progeny from his seed who would deliver and protect God’s religion for all of humanity. Imam Husain (as) and his camp fulfilled what was foretold about them with acceptance and courage, making a great sacrifice to preserve truth for every human being. If given the opportunity to know about the Tragedy of Karbala, people of all faiths can relate to this great sacrifice and its altruistic aims, and it can be a common ground for people to work together for good causes.
Some scholars have noted a relationship between the events we commemorate in Hajj and in Muharram, between the actions of Abraham (as) or Ishmael (as) and those of Imam Husain (as). My purpose in speaking is to provide information about that relationship and the universality to Imam Husain (as)’s aims and appeal that could be utilized for a better future.
In translation of the Qur’an it is written, “You will never find any change in Allah’s way of dealing.” (35:43) In all the scripture we find that every prophet or imam announced his successor or heir according to God’s will. Some of the important events and coming of prophets were predicted or prophesized about long before they came.
So a Muslim might naturally be curious about what surviving scripture from the People of Book has to say about certain aspects of religion, even though Muslims look at the Bible, Torah and other works used by the Jews and Christians today as being not identical to what was originally revealed.
Further, if something is contained in the works used by followers of all three faiths, it can potentially serve as a basis for a common understanding and communication between the followers.
So I think we might look at the Qur’an as well as what the People of the Book have today as we think about Imam Husain (as).
In the New Testament, Simon Peter, the first apostle of Prophet Esa (as), said in a sermon,
“For Moses (as) truly said unto the fathers, a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, and in all matters from him you will hear only what God says unto him. And it shall come to pass that every soul which will not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. And all the prophets from Samuel (as) and those that follow after, as many as have ever spoken, have foretold those days. You all are the children of prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham(as), and in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed.” Acts 3:22-25
This is presented as referring to Jesus (as), but many Muslim scholars recognize it as referring to the Prophet Muhammad (saw), for, as the prophecy repeated by all the prophets says, Muhammad (saw) came through Ishmael’s (as) line rather than Ishaq’s (as), is more like Moses (as) than Jesus (as), and history records undoubtedly that he spoke the Qur’an as revealed from God, just like the prophecy suggests. Further, the prophecy says the prophet is for every soul, not just for a select population, just as Qur’an says about Muhammad (saw) “We sent thee not but unto mankind as a whole.” (34:28) – something claimed about no other prophet. This prophecy is also mentioned in the Torah or Old Testament, in Deuteronomy chapter 18.
And God says, “I will raise them a Prophet from among their brethren, and will put My words into his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” Some Jewish scholars believed this prophet was Jeremiah (as), who lived around 600 BCE, but others still waited for this prophecy to be fulfilled.
Other Christian scripture verses that appear to refer to the coming of prophet Muhammad (saw) are contained in the Gospel of John:
Jesus (as) was asked, “Are you that Prophet”, the one referred to in Deuteronomy but not yet come? He answered them, “No.” Howbeit when the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear from God that shall he speak.”
History records that some Christians after the time of Jesus (as) were still looking for signs of another prophet based on these writings, such that some of them became interested to find out about Muhammad (saw) during his lifetime.
Simon Peter also mentioned a covenant between God and Abraham (as) - “You all are the children of prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham (as), and in thy seed shall all the kindred of the earth be blessed.”
Torah and Qur’an also both mention this covenant
In the book of Genesis: And as for Ishmael (as), I have heard thee; Behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitful, and will multiple him exceedingly: Twelve Princes shall he beget and I will make him a great nation” (18:20) This is my covenant which ye shall keep between Me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised as a token of the covenant.
And in Surah Baqarah: God said, I will make thee an Imam for mankind. Said Abraham (as) – and my offspring? My covenant shall not reach the unjust. 2:124
So we see the covenant between God and Abraham (as) signified with circumcision is that the just offspring of Abraham (as) will be blessed and include Twelve Princes from the line of Ishmael (as), that some scholars believe refers to the twelve Imams (as). As a further sign of this, some scholars have said that the male direct descendants of Ishmael (as) including the Prophet (saw) and twelve Imams were born without foreskin, the covenant already being fulfilled in them.
Abraham (as) obeyed the command of God to take Hajar and Ishmael (as) to the desert where she struggled to find water for him. In Genesis it says, “Arise, lift up the lad Ishmael (as) and hold him in your hand for I will make him a great nation. And God opened hajar’s eyes and she saw a well of water and she went, and filled the bottle with water and gave the lad to drink.” When Ishmael (as) had grown, Abraham (as) and Ishmael (as) raised the foundation of the Kaaba, and prayed for just offspring according to the covenant. Then, Abraham (as) had a vision to slay Ishmael (as). He and Ishmael (as) were prepared to obey God with the sacrifice, but instead a ram was put in Ishmael’s (as) place, and according to the Qur’an, Abraham (as) heard, “O Abraham, of course thou hast faithfully fulfilled the dream, thou art of the truthful ones, but verily it is an open test, we have substituted it with a Greater Sacrifice. We have transferred it to later generations.” 37:105-108
According to the scholar S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali, the purpose of such a waylaid sacrifice is as a symbol of obedience and submission to the one God, but that the time was not right for the sacrifice to be able to serve the purpose of leading mankind as a whole towards a universal religion. That time would have to wait until the universal prophet came, and the third of the twelve princes would be put in Ishmael’s (as) place. Whereas Ishmael’s (as) thirst was abated with the well of Zam-Zam, and he and Abraham (as) was victorious in obeying God about the sacrifice while it was only an open test, Husain’s (as) thirst would go unabated and his sacrifice was real, the Greater Sacrifice for the universal religion for the well-being and guidance of all people who should pay heed to the message.
Thus it might be said that the hajj rituals re-enact the beginning of the covenant that is fulfilled in the line of prophets and imams descended from Ishmael (as) at the end of the calendar year, while the beginning of the next calendar year then marks the Great Sacrifice of Imam Husain (as), who turned away from Kaa’ba, who was denied water, and who by his sacrifice achieved the victory of preserving truth and guidance. The hajj –goers wear white shrouds similar to death shrouds. The male participants in hajj must be circumcised, honoring the covenant. It seems that there are many intimate connections between hajj and the sacrifice on Ashura to ponder about.
From the time of Abraham (as), then, it was known that this other, greater sacrifice would be coming. Shaikh Tabarsi reported that Adam (as), Zachariah (as), Abraham (as) and Ishmael (as), Solomon (as), Moses (as) and Jesus (as) all were informed about the upcoming event of the Great Sacrifice of Husain (as) to re-establish God’s religion in the earth.
Hadith report that shortly after the birth of Imam Husain (as), Gabriel told the Prophet Muhammad (saw) about Kerbala, saying, “He will at last be martyred with all his faithful supporters in a desert called Karbala on the banks of the Euphrates in Iraq, it will be a time when the religion of God will be in crisis and the existence of this truth for future generations of Mankind will rest upon the sacrifices of Husain (as), your grandson.”
There is one verse in the Book of Jeremiah in the Jewish Nevi’in or the Christian Old Testament that is sometimes suggested as being about Kerbala.
Jeremiah 46:10 says “For the Lord God of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.” However, the context of this is about war between Babylon and Egypt around the same time as Jeremiah (as) lived. There may be a relationship in location but it seems a bit far-fetched to associate the verse with Imam Husain (as).
Incidentally, There is one ayah of Qur’an that may be about Jeremiah, although it appears more commentators say it is Ezra, who lived a few hundred years after Jeremiah (as).
Consider the one who passed by a ghost town Jerusalem and wondered, "How can GOD revive this after it had died?" GOD then put him to death for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have been here a day, or part of the day." He said, "No! You have been here a hundred years. Yet, look at your food and drink; they did not spoil. Look at your donkey - we thus render you a lesson for the people. Now, note how we construct the bones, then cover them with flesh." When he realized what had happened, he said, "Now I know that GOD is Omnipotent." 2:259
Aside from the ayah about the Greater Sacrifice, it is reported from Shaikh Tabarsi that the Eleventh Imam, Hasan Askari (as) said that the Holy Prophet (saw) was informed of the tragedy of Karbala and that it is confined in the symbol letters in the Qur’an – “Kof Ha Ya Ain Saad of Surah Maryam.
Kaf – Karbala
Ha – Halakat (destruction/death/perdition)
Ya – Yazeed
Ain – Atash (thirst)
Saad - Sabr e Husain (as) – patience and fortitude of Imam Husain (as) "These words are from the concealed codes regarding which Allah informed His Servant the Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) and regarding which it was revealed to the Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s).
The incident is as follows :
Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) asked his Lord to teach him the names of the Five Pure Ones, to which Jibra'eel descended and taught him the five names. Whenever Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) recited the four names, Mohammad (s.a.w.s), Ali (a.s), Fatemah (a.s) and Hasan (a.s), his heart would be enlightened and his sorrow would part away, but when he took the name of Husain (a.s) he would become sorrowful and turn restless. One day he asked Allah Almighty, "My Lord! When I utter the names of these four Pure Personalities, my sorrow parts away, but when I take the name of Husain (as), I turn sorrowful and weep & wail." Then Allah, the Mighty the Sublime revealed to him regarding Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ain, Swad. Kaf stands for Karbala, and Ha for Halakah (perdition) of the Prophet's Household, Ya for Yazeed, the oppresser and murderer of Husain (a.s), Ain for Atash (thirst), and Swad for (Sabr) Patience and forbearance of Husain (as). When Prophet Zakariyah (as) heard this he was so much grieved that for three consecutive days he refused to come out of his place of worship and did not permit people to meet him, and remained grief-stricken and wept profusely. And he recited the following elegy: O Lord! Will you let the best of Creatures see the plight of his son? O Lord! Will you allow this disaster to fall upon his House-hold? O Lord! Will you let Ali (as) and Fatemah (as) wear the dress of grief and will they witness this calamity"? He (Prophet Zakariyah (as)) would always say, "O Lord!
Bestow upon me with a son who would be the light of my eyes in my old-age, and when you present me with a son make my love intense for him and then let me taste the grief of his loss as Your Friend Mohammad (s.a.w.s) who will mourn the death of his son. Thus Allah blessed Prophet Zakariyah (a.s) with a son Prophet Yahya (a.s) whose death was mourned by Prophet Zakariyah (as). Prophet Yahya (a.s)'s period of (his mother's) pregnancy was six months similar to that of Imam Husain (a.s)."
However, it is also said about these and other such letters beginning surahs of the Qur’an that many interpretations have been forwarded and manipulated by some commentators but they are based upon conjecture, lacking definite authority. The Imams (as) said that these letters are a means of reaching the higher realms of true knowledge available in the Qur’an but reserved for the chosen representatives of Allah (swt).
Another selection in Qur’an associated with Kerbala in commentaries I’ve seen in English 2:154 and 155 reads, “And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, only ye perceive not. "And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient.
It is reported that 154 was first revealed for the slain at the Battle of Badr, but that, in the words of Mir Ahmed Ali, “only once in the history of the world all kinds of trials mentioned in this verse to the maximum conceivable degree have been happily and triumphantly endured and coped with by Imam Husain (as) and his family and friends in the desert of Karbala. Imam Sadiq (as) is quoted in Al-Burhan fi Tafsir il Qur’an as saying that the glad tidings to the patient refers not only to Hereafter, but also means advent of the Mahdi (as), and that all those tribulations before it are signs of his advent. So if these verses are related to Kerbala, then they would appear to have other meanings – such as the general meaning, the Battle of Badr and signs of the end days, as well.
So to this point we see that the tragedy Kerbala itself may or may not be indirectly suggested in the scriptures, but a trend in the various sources suggests that the covenant of Abraham (as) is fulfilled in his progeny, to include the descendants of Ishmael (as) up to Muhammad (saw) and the Imams (as), and that it is plausible that the sacrifice of Ishmael (as) put off for the Tremendous Sacrifice of a later generation refers to the sacrifice of Imam Husain (as), and that its delay was for the fulfillment of the purpose that its message be for all mankind, not a particular sect or tribe of mankind, at a time when this message of God’s religion had been sent for all people.
If we examine the causes of the tragedy of Karbala and the actions of Imam Husain (as) and his party, we see that the stand was one for upholding and saving truth for the benefit of all people of the present and future and opposing oppression and corruption.
All the great monotheistic faiths lay claim to Abraham (as), to the extent of being called the Abrahamic faiths, but all humanity can lay claim to Imam Husain (as), for he rose up for the whole of humanity on universal principles. A Persian saying says about Husain (as)” you came to the world to unite, not to divide.”
Someone said, “It is in the very nature of great reformers that they belong to everybody, everywhere. Hussain's (as) noble deed is so relevant to the entire human race, that I am sure there is a far bigger audience waiting for him somewhere than the one he has already. All that is required is to draw people's attention.
The contemporary society, irrespective of race and religion, would do well to have a closer look at the Hero of Kerbala as his message transcends the barriers of caste and creed, race and religion. Advocates of human rights, sociologists, reformers, theologians, all included, will find "delightful wisdom, sweet instructions, and a meaning suited to their mind", in his story. His message is certainly not an exclusive preserve of any particular group. It embraces the entire human race.”
In the modern era, where free to do so, it seems that those educated about the tragedy of Kerbala with understanding of its implications have a duty to share that education with those willing and able to benefit. Imam Husain (as) and Karbala could be a point of unity on which to grow and increase understanding between cultures and religions.
We can see that people of all backgrounds and faiths can understand, relate to, and benefit from Imam Husain (as)’s service to humanity: this is illustrated numerous times through examples of people in history and present.
Mahatma Gandhi (Indian political and spiritual leader): “I learned from Hussein (as) how to achieve victory while being oppressed.”
Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and essayist): “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Cerebella is that Husain (as) and his companions were steadfast believers in God. They illustrated that the numerical superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and the falsehood. The victory of Husain (as), despite his minority, marvels me!”
Edward Gibbon (English historian and member of parliament): “In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hosein (as) will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.” (The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, London, 1911, volume 5, p. 391-392)
Charles Dickens (English novelist): “If Husain (as) had fought to quench his worldly desires…then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam.”
Antoine Bara (Lebanese writer): “No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Husayn (as) in the battle of Karbala.” (Husayn in Christian Ideology)
Edward G. Brown (Professor at the University of Cambridge): “…a reminder of that blood-stained field of Karbala, where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell, at length, tortured by thirst, and surround by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at anytime since then, sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and the heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief, and an exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles.” (A Literary History of Persia, London, 1919, p.227)
In the modern era, a large segment of the world population is ignorant of Imam Husain (as). Education is lacking in this area. But even if someone is not Muslim, we can see from the mentioned examples that they can appreciate Imam Husain (as) and learning from his example can be a common ground. Abraham’s (as) covenant began before Judaism, before Christianity, before the life of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Husain (as), and today the message and sacrifice of his progeny is for all of us, all of humanity.
In the 1930’s Abdullah Yusuf Ali, the noted translator of Qur’an delivered a speech on the occasion of Ashura. In it he said, “I think you will agree that it is good that we should sit together, even people of different faiths, - sit together and consider the great historic event, in which were exemplified such soul-stirring virtues as those of unshaken faith, undaunted courage, thought for others, willing self-sacrifice, steadfastness in the right and unflinching war against the wrong. And Muharram has still the power to unite the different schools of thought in Islam, and make a powerful appeal to non-Muslims also.
Here are a few more recent and personal examples of the universal appeal of Imam Husain (as):
Shaikh Saleem Bhimji, writing about a conference on Imam Husain (as), said,
"If Imam Hussain's (as) movement was to free humanity from the shackles of servitude to others and to restore ‘freedom’, ‘justice’ and the noble moral traits which everyone seek in their lives, then where are the 'non-Muslims' during these life-changing lectures?" Undoubtedly, the Qur'an, the Prophet (SAW) and the Ahlul Bayt (as) are not the property of the Muslims alone! When introducing His Book, Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) states: “…guidance to mankind, with manifest proofs of guidance and the Distinguisher.” (2:185) The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) is introduced as being the one who: "…Relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them…" (7:157). The Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) are compared to the Ark of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and that "…Whoever accepts them shall be saved while those who reject them shall perish."
Then he related a telling incident: “When lecturing in South Africa during the month of Muharram some years ago, an elderly man approached me after my talk, and with tears in his eyes, 'protested' to me about the fact that for over 50 years of his life, he never "knew" Imam Hussain (as) and the Ahlul Bayt (as), and that from birth, he had "wasted" his life following "others" who were considered as 'leaders' of Islam. He had now formally accepted the Ahlul Bayt (as) into his life and taken them as his guides and intercessors with Allah and was struggling to capture as much of the Hussaini (as) spirit that he could in the little time he had left. In essence, he was complaining to "us" for not introducing the message of Kerbala to him and others like him.
Imam Muhammad Shirazi related a similar incident, when a Christian Italian tourist visited him to complain of not being allowed to enter the Tomb of Husain (as) in Kerbala. They had a lengthy discussion about Islam and Christianity, during which the scholar explained in detail the high character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his splendid virtues, and deep and extensive knowledge, as well as his battles, which were for the sake of Allah and for the betterment of humanity. In the process he was so moved by the noble character of prophet Muhammad (SAW) as well as his words and teachings, that drops of tears rolled down his face. Ultimately the tourist, attracted by the sublime character and ethics of the Prophet (saw) and Ahlulbayt (as) and convinced of the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw), declared his belief in Islam and immediately returned to the tomb of Husain (as) to pay his sincere respects.
Some Christians may feel special connection to Karbala through the reported martyrdom of Wahb, a newly wed Christian whose elderly mother was helped by Imam Husain’s (as) as his caravan passed and who then joined him in his mission to the end, as mentioned in a book by Shaykh Muhammad Ishtihardi.
There have also been scholarly works on the history of several Hindu communities who have venerated Imam Husain (as), and many events of Sunnis joining with Shias to commemorate the tragedy as well. Many of you are aware that many Sunnis have written works and delivered speeches about Kerbala and participated in Moharram processions and events and a few continue to do so today.
The current era is one of division, one in which the universal message of Imam Husain (as) is in some instances being drowned out by noise of conflicts and persistence of ignorance. But there are always some people who are ready to sit and listen and will hear and respond to the call of Imam Husain (as) at some level along with us.
In the 1960’s the American Civil Rights movement turned to lessons of the past to achieve success, learning from Gandhi and indirectly also from Imam Husain (as) to help plan a successful resistance against injustice. This was a great victory, but even greater things are possible. The modern world can benefit from Imam Husain (as) by heeding the message and acting on it, and by sharing it with others.
Some steps are being taken to help include non-Muslims or non-Shias so that they can learn about Imam Husayn (as). Some communities hold an event called Husayn (as) Day, usually after Muharram sometime, when they specifically invite non-Muslim community leaders or members of churches they may have been building relationships with, or non-Muslim neighbors to come and learn about Husain (as) – usually this is in the form of a conference with lectures, but they could have activities presented by children and other activities as well. Communities have been doing processions in busy downtown areas in such a way that they give out pamphlets and make it informative and friendly for the viewers and passers-by. Also, communities have been doing blood drives at which they give out information about Imam Husain (as) to explain the reason for the drive – I think that was even talked about amongst the youth here. So there is room for creativity to share our love for Imam Husain (as) and the lessons we are supposed to learn and apply. And no matter what we do, the most important aspect of anything we do is that take the lessons to heart ourselves and do our very best to reform our own characters, obeying the mottos Live Like ‘Ali (as), Die Like Husayn (as), and Every Day is Ashura, Every Land is Karbala. People will be attracted to us if we are truly following Islam and emulating our Imams (sa) and that attraction may lead more and more people to follow Husayn (as).
In summation, the covenant of Abraham (as) mentioned in the Torah, Bible and Qur’an held a promise of upright progeny from his seed who would deliver and protect God’s religion for all of humanity. Imam Husain (as) and his camp fulfilled what was foretold about them with acceptance and courage, making a great sacrifice to preserve truth for every human being. If given the opportunity to know about the Tragedy of Karbala, people of all faiths can relate to this great sacrifice and its altruistic aims, and it can be a common ground for people to work together for good causes.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
a brief poem by Ameen Khorasanee
Men weep for you today in many lands
and on their breasts in bitter anguish beat
and in sad, mournful tunes the tales repeat
of how you lost your life upon on the sands
You nobly spurned the tyrant’s base demands
And chose death to prevent your soul’s defeat
Became a martyr with unflinching feet
For these well may one weep who understands.
This sorrow at your death, despite the years
Is still as fresh, which time as failed to quell.
In every heart this day new pain appears
And of your sufferings men each other tell.
They see a vision through slow-falling tears
Of that lone battle where athirst you fell.
and on their breasts in bitter anguish beat
and in sad, mournful tunes the tales repeat
of how you lost your life upon on the sands
You nobly spurned the tyrant’s base demands
And chose death to prevent your soul’s defeat
Became a martyr with unflinching feet
For these well may one weep who understands.
This sorrow at your death, despite the years
Is still as fresh, which time as failed to quell.
In every heart this day new pain appears
And of your sufferings men each other tell.
They see a vision through slow-falling tears
Of that lone battle where athirst you fell.
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