Prophet's Archery - It is about the preservation of life, not the taking of life. It is never about the destruction of life, rather it is about the validation of life.

9. Heart Surgery

The arrow that pierces,

Also bears the cure.

The sword that cuts,

Also heals the wound.

...............

Archery is a Sunnaturasul, which essentially means that it is a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh). Particularly when practised in the traditional art of archery.

My brother followed our friends when they took part recently in the Al-Faris International Horseback Archery Competition in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Part of the entourage, mind you, and not involved at all in the competition, as far as I am aware. Not even Poon's (as how my brother's friends like to call him) most ardent admirer will say that Poon is a particularly energetic fella.

But over the past couple of days, he has taken up the offer (some might call it instructions) from our mutual friend, Pak Din, to learn archery from him. Seeing my brother going off in the evening to learn archery (perhaps his first physical training in 25 years) warms the cockles of my heart.

Because you see, whenever the Prophet practises something, it is not about violence or death. In truth, it is about the preservation of life and not the taking away of life. It is never about destruction, rather it is all about validation... of your life. my life, my brother's life. This is true of archery, horseback archery, wrestling, swordsmanship and all other martial arts of the Sunnaturasul. Thus, I am very glad for my brother.

Have a lovely day, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way