Life is...
A Journey in the meaning of words.
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The Power of Words. Thus was a prose recorded a couple of years back. It is a simple idea with both beautiful and terrible consequences. People have been saved by words, inspired to do good by words, to help his fellowmen, to preserve the environment and treat all of creation with the respect and love that it deserves. On the other hand, words have led to assaults, murders, thievery, rape and bloody wars ranged between mighty nations on earth. So it is important to have a clear idea as to the meaning of words. For they can bring you both goodness and evil.
Happy meaning. I am happy when I come across happy souls who can teach me the meaning of words. Because contented people have an outlook towards life that glimmers with the light of love. They may be not-well-to-do, living in an desolate ghetto, or they may be staying in a suburban paradise, but their optimistic, never-say-die attitude enlivens the very words that they use. The word 'God' becomes this mind-bendingly awesome Divine Personality of incredible Wisdom, Mercy and Compassion. And for Muslims, the word 'Love' and 'Muhammad'(pbuh) becomes this wonderful avenue through which God approaches mankind, and by which we are called to approach His Divine Presence.
We are all heretics. In a 2010 posting, Katherine, who writes the Nun Tuck's Almanac wrote an interesting piece entitled 'TEN RELIGIOUS WORDS THAT THE SPINDOCTORS DOCTORED.' She is a Christian and I often found her writing admirable and worthy of praise. Here is one of the ten words...
"9. HERETIC- The Roman Catholic church has, over the centuries, given this word a new definition. Its current definition means those who hold unorthodox or controversial beliefs or opinions which differ from that of the official dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. However, in its original form, the word, from its Greek roots “hairetikos” to its Latin and early English and French derivations, simply means ”able to choose”. SO, A HERETIC, IS ONE WHO IS ABLE TO CHOOSE WHAT HE OR SHE BELIEVES. A wonderfully democratic term turned slander."
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If we were to apply the original meaning of 'heretic' I guess we can then say that all of mankind (and Djinn) are therefore heretics. For that is the distinctive nature that God has imbued into Adam and Eve... the ability to choose - To elect whether to do good or bad. A power (for it is a power, actually) and a trust that no one and nothing else in creation were willing to accept. This was the divine offer and promise transacted between God and each soul in the Day of Promises.
When it comes to religion and spirituality, the wise always says that it is the inside that counts, not the form or appearance. I think if we can practice and nurture this simple ideal, there is no challenge we cannot face down even in this often troubled and divisive times. Together, you and I, sunshine, we can continue this journey in the meaning of words, and complete our Lexicon of Love.
wa min Allah at-taufiq
Hate has no place in Islam
Love will show the Way
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