The Devil's Domino and the Salvation in Servanthood - America, Christians, Muslims, the Middle-east, Iraq, Afghanistan and the War on Terror

10. Armour

People grow armour,

When they should grow flowers,

And they think themselves protected,

Hiding beneath the hard exterior

Of their adopted personality.

Unable to drink

When they have found the river,

Dying and burning in their thousands

Under a radiant morning Sun,

As they walk in their armour,

Cast from molten fire,

In moulds made of hate and fear.

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

Dehumanizing War. The War on Terror is a dehumanizing term because it suggests that it is not a human being behind the bombs and the murders. That terrorism exists in our time because it simply is and there is no point studying the root causes - as if people or a religion (or at least the 'other' people and the 'other religions) are by their nature, evil. I don't know whether this is planned or merely an unintended consequence behind the resurgence in patriotism, wars and defense spending in the U.S. But intentional or otherwise, I think we have read and watched enough news report of 'incidents' where innocent men, women and children in Iraq and Afghanistan have died for no reason whatsoever save that they were in the wrong place and at the wrong time. And I also believe in my heart that they were also guilty of being of the wrong colour, ethnicity and religion. Because I  cannot imagine that the American government would be so cavalier with the extent of 'collateral damage' (yet another dehumanizing term introduced since the First Gulf War) if they had to invade a predominantly white country.

Terrorists? Or simply a case of wrong time, wrong place,
wrong ethnicity and wrong religion?

What Mission? After President Bush declared 'Mission Accomplished!', it is patently clear that the U.S. led coalition has not. Unless of course it was the mission objective to destroy completely the national infrastructure of Iraq, unhinge the fine balance between the Sunni and Shia populace, create a lawless free-for-all state of mayhem, set in motion the undeclared civil war between Sunnis and Shias, promote the influence of Iran amongst the Shia majority in Iraq, help cultivate the al-Qaeda support in the Sunni communities where previously none existed, give billions of Dollars in infra and oil work to American crony corporations, issue contracts to mercenary defense-contractors (Blackwater, now renamed a more respectable "The Academy") - an unhinged collection of war profiteers unregulated even by the U.S. Army handbook... Where do I stop? My litany of woe can go on and on and on.

War on 'the others'. The U.S. government insists that the War on Terror is not a war on Islam or Muslim Arabs. And I agree, because firstly, I do not think that the U.S. government understands what Islam is. So at a contextual basis, Islam as taught by the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) is not in the picture. But such is the influence and penetration of Islamophobia into the national psyche and Western mainstream media, that despite this official line, the lives of many, many innocent Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan have been cut short... in the hundreds of thousands. The U.S. military may not have pulled the trigger on each of these deaths and undoubtedly many were killed due to sectarian strife, but as a famous Chinese proverb says, "If you save someone's life, you are responsible for it." So if the U.S. government wanted to save Iraq and Afghanistan and went in to topple the dastardly Saddam and Talibans and bring democracy, freedom and progress... well the smarty-pants must take responsibility.

Seconds later, the American gunship tore through feeble human flesh.
"The good Iraqis stayed indoors. If they were out they were up to something." was the
feeble reasons given. Would this happen in a white country?

Unprepared for war or peace. The U.S. Army and Marine cultural preparation of their soldiers for the war on Iraq was woefully inadequate and at times misguided. Saddam was a ruthless dictator who gassed his own people, true, and certainly deserved to be toppled. But for many of these young men (and women), their Iraq tour was their first trip abroad, and certainly their first encounter with the Middle East, the Arabs and their religion and culture. Sadly, the leaked pictures (and videos) of the 'Ugly American' became just all too common during and after the Iraq War. Donald Rumsfeld was asked about the American troops trashing the Baghdad museums and Saddam's palaces during the capture of Baghdad, and he basically said that it was not a big deal, just a case of the 'boys' letting off steam. For the U.S. Secretary of Defense to utter such a cavalier remark is astonishing. During the U.S. entry into Baghdad and Nazariah, there were many innocent lives lost in the fire-fight. A senior ranking U.S. military officer said that all the innocent good people were in their homes, and those out on the streets were obviously up to no good... Really? And this comment did not come during the heat of the war, but many, many years later in a television documentary about the tactical and strategic mistakes of the Iraq invasion. Even in hindsight, some soldiers still want to defend the indefensible. This is sad because by comparison, there has been many other fellow American soldiers and marines who have come out to complain and confess their own participation in some of the mindless slaughter of unarmed civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prick the conscience of a nation deluded by politicians and mainstream propaganda.

The politicians and generals must take responsibility. But President Obama is
not interested in 'looking back'. Thus the architects of one of the most ill-conceived
U.S. invasion of a foreign country, and criminals who authorized torture and
water-boarding walks freely on the streets of America, without fear of prosecution.

The core issues. As the almanac has mentioned before, there is a need to address all problems at its inner core. Why are the Arabs becoming terrorists? Why are the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan? Why is there so much hate being spouted from both sides of the no-man's land? Who is an Arab? What does it mean to be a Muslim or a Christian? What is our common shared heritage? What can we learn from our past conflicts?

The Devil's Domino. As human beings we are taught to control our egos, nafs (base human desires) and reject the wicked promptings of the Devil. If we say that the West is corrupt, are we so perfect? For the West has gain ascendancy since colonial times, and for that reason the Devil has also focused his attention on the western civilization. He will first corrupt the West and with its dominance spread his cruel lies and tricks the world over. In a manner of speaking, the Western society is one of the first domino to fall in the Devil's plan to corrupt and enslave all of humanity to our ego and nafs. The other domino is the fall of the last Ottoman Caliphate, an event that would not have occurred without the connivance of Muslims themselves, especially in the Middle East.

War is a special condition of the human state. And it must be governed
by rules of engagement. For Muslims this would mean no civilians must
be harmed or placed in harm's way. Even as we condemn the U.S. attitude towards
the Geneva Convention, so too we must condemn the cruel tactics of suicide bombings
and killings of innocent civilians perpetrated by the so-called jihadis.

So while the conservative war hawks in Washington and Moscow (yes, the Russians are simply biding their time) are focusing their hatred on Islam and Muslims, and the misguided 'jihadis' are pouring all their hate and bile against 'the grand western conspiracy', somewhere in his laboratory of fear and hate, the Devil is smiling and laughing, musing to himself, "Ah... the fools! They NEVER learn..." 

Salvation is in Servanthood. Things are happening as it is written. Lines have been drawn on the sand of human conflict. But it is the Devil who is actually holding the stick and drawing the lines. O' Muslims, do not be deceived! O' Christians, do not be deceived! O' Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs... do not be deceived! If there is a noble conflict worthy for the children of Adam, this is it - who amongst us is the kindest, most generous, intelligent, wise and compassionate towards his fellowmen? Who amongst us best reflects the benevolent and divine attributes of our One beloved God? Who is willing to be a servant of God and of all humanity?

Despite all this, I am hopeful. For this is what
the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) is teaching
his nation and all of humanity.
Salvation through servanthood.

Have a thoughtful Thursday, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

A Friend's Dream and the Christian Greeting on the Prophet's Birthday

1. The Moon drifted over Medina

The Moon rose in Mecca,

Then a wind blew and it

Then drifted over Medina,

The Celestial Orb hovered for awhile

To then descend into the marketplaces,

Taverns, houses, bedrooms and such

Awkward places where men

Hide their hearts but show their faces.

Early in the morning, I received a call from a friend. He said, “I just woke up from a fantastic dream.” OH NO. Not another dream story. But I listened anyway –

A Friend’s Dream on Maulid ur Rasul (Prophet’s Birthday)

I awoke from my weary sleep into a waking dream, and before consciousness took me, a voice whispered into my soul… it is the Prophet’s birthday, so how do you greet 
the Morning Sun? And I cried, Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Raising 
my hands to the sky as if to receive the bounty of the entire Universe.

Then I was brought to a place, a cemetery and at the cemetery was a simple grave and a tree stood over the tree giving it shade. Then two friends appeared before me and asked, “O’ brother, if it was the Prophet’s grave before which you now stand, 
what would you do?”

But even in my dream I was a little shy, afraid that people might think me foolish and stupid, so I hesitated. My two friends simply gazed at me and smiled, as if knowing my predicament. Well, since they may know my answer already, I replied, “I would enter the presence of the Prophet Muhammad. For I have not met him… And I dearly wish to see him.” Again and again, I repeated my answer before finally waking up.

…………………

Christian Greeting on Maulid ur Rasul

Later in the morning while having breakfast, I received a call from Major Chan. It seemed that he was on his way to church this Sunday when he decided to give me a buzz. “Good morning, brother Taufiq!” was his frantic salutations, “I just wanted to call you on this noble day, a day when the Prophet Muhammad was born, to wish you a happy Maulid ur Rasul!” He is such a sweet and thoughtful friend.

Have a beautiful Sunday, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

LIFE AS A DIVINE CONVERSATION - "You Love Me?" Asked God. "Why?"

You Love Me? Why?

The most venerable of traditions,

The most eloquent books of praise

I read and recited for God,

And I found religion.

Then one night,

As I was reciting some ancient spell

Extolling love and yearning

For our Creator, He answered and asked,

"Why? Why all these beautiful words for Me?"

"Why? Because You told me to, of course."

"Really, is that the only reason?" He replied and said no more.

From that night on I always sought to find the answer.

Religion is easy. Just do as you are told. But in the context of spirituality, it requires a little more exploration, a bit of adventure through this world. And to answer God's ultimate question - You say you love Me? But why? And it is not enough for us to say "Well, the holy scriptures and traditions of your Prophet (and Prophets and Saints) all say that we ought to love You." For we are not Angels without error. We are human with the innate power of choice, or some would call it a crown of thorns or a bed of nails. We can choose, so it is in that choosing that we may find the answer to God's question.

To briefly answer God, I guess we can say that we love Him because of what He has ordained for us. That we awake in the morning, alert and fresh. That we turn to find our children by our side, their eyes sparkling like heavenly pearls stolen from God's own treasury. That the Sun gracefully peeks through the open doorway like a kindly uncle coming once again into our life, to banish darkness and bring light. That for all our mistakes and judgement errors, we are not dispossessed of hope. That despite the cunning duplicity of our egos and how it tries to divide humanity, we can still look across race, religion and nation and still feel empathy. That the love which God says He has for us is felt in every quivering of the restless atom, in every thought which is planted in our mind, in every affectionate gesture we receive from our family, our friends and our lovers.

A Divine Conversation through the Garden of Creation. It was last night when Heche said, "I love you." To which I queried, "Why?" And really, is life not finding God's grace in the best, in the biggest and the smallest drop of Mercy and Compassion which He constantly rain in our lives? What is life if it is not a divine conversation - A walk through the Garden of Creation with the sublime company of God's inspirations? To this end, I walk this world with my Prophet, Muhammad the Mercy to all the Worlds. Perhaps you are walking with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Son of Mary. Or maybe Buddha? Or perhaps Moses the Red-haired?

Well, whoever you are walking with, I am happy you are with me today, sunshine. I cannot think of any other company finer than thee.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

You are Muhammad, the Answer - Prose of Ramadhan Part 38

You are Muhammad. (Ramadhan Verses 21)

We are the raging tempest,

We are the stormy sea,

We are the white blizzard,

We are the thundering avalanche,

We are the river breaking its bank,

For what we are, you are not.

You, whose named is extolled

Next only to God.

You, the still calm eye

Of our whirling cyclone.

You are Muhammad.

Upon the Throne of Hearts,

In gentle repose…

The Herald of Dawn

Against the retreating darkness,

The Light wielding the pen

Of our drunken verses.

I sometimes don't keep promises. But I am glad I can now, and as promised this is the prose in answer to the earlier riddle entitled "Who Am I?"- Click Here.

BAD EXAMPLES. Do not dwell so much in the bad examples of our humanity - the corrupt politicians, the mad mullahs, the chicken hawks in the right wing, the murderers and serial killers. They carry a dark karma, and it is not for you, sunshine. Look away and turn the page. Change the channel even if it's just to the Food Channel.

GOOD EXAMPLES. It is good to compare ourselves to something or someone good. There is no point really reflecting upon our personality in comparison to mad people. If you are Christian, you can compare yourselves to Jesus. If you are Jewish you can compare yourself to Moses (or perhaps Aaron). If you are Buddhist, you can join Buddha and sit under the tree. If you do not believe in God, well there is still your sainted mother and sister to think about. And of course, if you are Muslim, there is always Muhammad. Such are the examples of steadfast virtue and compassion that the Lord has seeded your history with. Look to them, and wait for the tree of servanthood to grow in the fertile soil of your soul.

Have a wonderful Sabbath night, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa

Out of the Ocean, there is You and I. In it, there is Only the Ocean.

I am taking a break contemplating 'Ubuntu', an article by Nun Tuck of Nun Tuck's Almanac (Click Here). It is a traditional African perception of life which essentially says that 'I am because you are, you are because I am. It is a clear and thoughtful exposition into a manner of living and interacting with our fellow human beings that strikes a chord in the spiritual ways of many religion. It is simply Katherine's way, that though she is a Christian, she is able to connect with philosophies not originating from her religion. Or perhaps it is because she is a Christian?

And this brings me to another friend, Sumathi who once shared with me her mystic Hindu study. "My teacher taught me that...," said Sumathi, "For your reflection in the mirror to look angry and scowling, you first must be angry and scowling..."

And my very own teacher once said to a short-tempered friend of mine, "Please carry a small compact mirror. The moment you start to feel angry or bitter about someone, take it out and take a good look at your face. Do you really want to look so ugly?"

We are all dipping our hands into the same one Ocean of Mercy, taking a little truth and love from God's infinite Sea of Love. And there is no limit to what we can take, and it is for us to choose just how far we wish to truly understand the Love of God for His entire creation, from you to me, and not forgetting the cat named Moses.

My suggestion is, if you wish to take counsel from a sinner, is this - when it comes to God, do not be reticent or shy. Ask and ask and ask. And do not stop even if the wind asks you to stop. Even if the stars in the sky say do not ask for more. Even if an angel whispers that you are asking for too much...

Have a wishful day, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa.

The Nun & the Taliban

No, no. Not 'Friar'... its Nun Tuck.

I have had the pleasure of reading Nun Tuck's Almanac today in an article entitled 'Who are the Taliban?-CLICK HERE' She is a Christian fellow blogger and someone whose writing resonates closely to my better heart.

In a world where Islam and the Prophet is often savagely mishandled by writers and journalists, I always find her articles on Islam refreshing. She has a delicate touch and is well-informed, so kudos to her teachers and abbot. In fact, this is another one of her writings which I secretly wish I had written. I am envious that way.

Well, you shouldn't be surprised with my jealousy. I am after all just a sinner.

On a celebratory note, Its Mother's Day!, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa.

Dome of the Rock - Umrah Pilgrimage Part 11

WEST AND EAST JERUSALEM. We entered the city through the Jewish side which is West Jerusalem. It looked nice, clean and cosy, reminding me of the mews and close of old London, with beautiful gardens and picture pretty frontages. I remember passing by what appears to be a University campus and young Israelis walking to and from classes.

As our bus climbed up the hill, our arrival at the Arab quarter is announced by the stone walls of old Jerusalem, parts of it rebuilt by the Ottoman when they held Jerusalem. Feroz the guide mentioned that this is discernable by the Ottoman type architecture and design. I nodded sagely while wondering “But this end of the wall looks exactly like the other end of the wall…” No doubt a practiced eye would see the difference which is lost to this sinner-pilgrim.

We finally arrived at the appropriately named Holy Land Hotel. After a quick breakfast and shower (after almost 20 hours' travel, I felt and no doubt smelt like a camel's breath), we assembled outside for our walk to the Dome of the Rock and Masjid al-Aqsa (“Al Aqsa Mosque”). The roads of Jerusalem are narrow with impossible corners and turnings, but somehow tour buses and large lorries still manage to navigate the serpentine streets of this city (with a lot of shouting, hand waving and honking).

HEROD’S GATE. About 100 metres down from the hotel we arrived at Herod’s Gate, which is one of the many entrances into the Old Jerusalem. At the gate, the sign of ‘Allah’ (God) and ‘Muhammad’ in Arabic script adorned the right and left side (which is the traditional position – as Arabic script is written and read from right to left) of the entrance. The ubercool thing was that it was written on two road signs. This is the first thing which made me think, “Yowza. I like this town…”

The labyrinth of the old city was captivating. Down each alley, turning right into a corner, I feel myself walking back in time, as around me, Arabs children play and their elders drink coffee and smoke outside the shop fronts.

Despite my dreamy reflection, I was soon jolted into the present when I saw an abandoned police barricade - a sign of past troubles and an indication that while the city seems peaceful, tension and conflict is never far beneath the surface.

I must run! Even my companion travelers on wheelchairs are far in front of me. I turn left, then right after a Christian souvenir shop. I walked down a long straight which was kinda dark at the end. In the gloom, two bored Israeli police officers sat, (boy, they look young! In fact all Israeli soldiers and policemen I encountered looked to be in their 20s) observing with mild interest the arrival of these strange creatures from Malaysia.

THE DOME OF THE ROCK. Then suddenly, I saw a glint of gold. There it is, beyond the darkness of our troubling times, a light at the end of the tunnel. Beautiful and golden, glorious monument of the Prophet’s heavenly ascension…

How did it feel, sunshine? It felt familiar. Oh so familiar. Suddenly I am reminded why I am here. I am pursuing Love. As Muhammad did, when one serene night Gabriel came to him and led him away from Mecca, far away from Arabia… to the Land of the Prophets and to the City of Prophets and Saints - beautiful and captivating Jerusalem. It felt like a dream. And writing this now… It feels like I am there still.

Pax Taufiqa.

Green Israel, Holy and Ancient Jerusalem - Umrah Pilgrimage Part 10

TEL AVIV. We arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv in early Tuesday morning (22nd Mar 2011). Ergo, the picture of the sinner in front of an ATM (with Hebrew squiggly writing) and the Galilee Travel Bus Service as proof. No diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Israel? No problem! Just remember to remind the Israel Immigration official not to chop your passport. “Please don’t chop my passport!” I urged, as the officer rolled up her eyes, no doubt tired of hearing the phrase for the 48th time. (I was no. 48 in the Visa Manifest list)

Ben Gurion Airport was built to impress, with huge sandstone walls and uber-high ceilings of a modern techno-cathedral. A permanent edifice intended to remind visitors to this embattled state of Israel's desire to remain permanently in the Holy Land. Visible presence of security is minimal. In fact I think that in KLIA I can see more police and security personnel than here. No doubt the airport is well protected, but you just don’t see many guns and khakis.

After about 40 odd minutes all our group passed through as harmless Muslims with no intention to bomb or hurt anybody in Palestine-Israel. Walking out, Ariffin commented ruefully “Just wait till we get to Medina airport in Saudi Arabia. Immigration will not be so easy there…” Replaying my school days, I joined the rowdy crowd in the back of the bus. Well, rowdy as you can be when you are middle class, middle aged and middle-minded in that fuddy-duddy kinda way. You know, my kinda crowd of respectable sinners.

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UNEXPECTEDLY GREEN. The trip to Jerusalem lasted about one hour, and I guess what impressed me was the green. Miles upon miles of cultivated greenery - agricultural, decorative and national park(s). The picture below would not be out of place if taken in Germany or France, but then you notice the dry, brown and sandy soil. These people are in the vanguard of agro-bio, and it appears that they are quite adamant to green the desert. Impressive, in that earnest get-out-of–my-way sort of commitment.

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Along the way we had Feroz, our local guide who once studied in UIA (International Islamic University) Kuala Lumpur and picked up a pretty good command of Malay. He kindly educated us in a strange Palestinian-Indonesian accented Malay on some basic facts about Palestine-Israel - For instance, that of the 10 million people inhabiting the land, about half is Arab and the other half Jews, although in Jerusalem itself the number of Jews are much higher. He also spoke about the state sponsored program for Jewish citizens to receive free housing if they are willing to settle out of town centres, which I guess is an initiative to spread the Jewish settlement more evenly across the land. He didn’t comment at all about this, merely mentioning it as a matter of fact. I am pretty certain that the privilige is not extended to the Arabs.

After about an hour, I noticed a green road sign in Hebrew, Arabic and English, speaking to me the name of our destination, the City on the Hill, praised and beloved of the 3 Faiths, Baitul Muqadis, the ancient and holy Jerusalem…

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O’ Jerusalem II

O’ Jerusalem,

You draw me like A moth to the flame,

And your bitter flames Lick me like a flaming petal Of a red and divine rose.

Again and again, you attract me, Again and again, you repel me.

But your resolute rejection of me Makes you even more compelling!

For I am unlike other men, I am Taufiq, I am Taufiq,

And to conquer you or To die upon your high walls

As a knight-errant of Fatima az-Zahra, My last breath would still speak,

“My Lord drove me to you,

And My Lord is welcoming me home!”

We are getting close, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa.

Take-Off - Umrah Pilgrimage Part 9

The Prophet's Mosque, Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .

Well, I am back, sunshine.

14 DAYS. After 14 days of travel and pilgrimage covering (or passing) Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Jericho, Jordan, Medina, Mecca, Jeddah and the Red Sea, your loyal sinner is home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Warm, wet, rainy and humid Malaysia.

I DO APOLOGISE. I must, because I promised to write and blog in my travel. Unfortunately there weren't any convenient (meaning cheap or free) wireless network that I could connect into. The last was KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), and even then it appears that I have failed to properly upload my writing, about 2 hours before my flight to Amman, Jordan. There I am below, confidently writing my last post more than 2 weeks ago (or so, I thought!)...

.

Being away from this blog for so long has made me a little shy of sharing. But I will, for in my travel I have managed to collect copious notes and pictures. And along the way, I made new and interesting friends, both dead and alive. (death and mortality should not stand in the way of a good frienship, I was always taught)

. .

JERUSALEM, OH JERUSALEM! Never did I contemplate that I would ever reach its crowning hill of olives, prophets and saints. But I did... first though I had to reach Amman, Jordan, and from there take a connecting flight to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv. From the capital city of Israel it was an hour and a half's bus ride to the Holy City of the Jews, Christians and the Muslims...

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O’ Jerusalem I

I do not want to break your heart,

I want to find your heart.

It is too beautiful too resist, I am not sorry at all.

I am blessed to fall in love with you,

I want to be near you, for as long As God gives me the pleasure.

I am Taufiq, a fool And a sinner,

You are my Jerusalem,

You mean nothing…

And everything to me.

There are many words to write, and many mixed emotions for me to contemplate as I recall these past two weeks. I hope that it will be interesting to you, sunshine, and that you will keep me company as I begin my posting about my pilgrimage which began 21st March 2011 and ended only yesterday, 4th April 2011.

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Pax Taufiqa.

Footnote - Just to avoid any confusion, let me be clear here that the earlier Parts 1 to 8 postings recorded my feelings and reflection prior the actual pilgrimage. Yes, yes... I am a little disorganised. Sorry.

Objectivity? What Objectivity? Part 4

I mean what I write but not necessarily what you read...

I mean what I said but not necessarily what you heard...

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REGRET. In the last posting, I promised to share with you what I think is the significance of the three earlier posts entitled "Objectivity? What Objectivity?". I woefully regret my vows because I do not know how to now conclude the topic.

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FACTS? WHAT FACTS? The post which I anticipated to now write is my conclusion that facts - cold hard damnable facts do not truly exists. Simply because I remember writing a prose about it. And now I cannot find the damn poem! Maybe facts do not exist because I, your poor sinner has trouble remembering them.

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NO EXPIRY DATE. NO SELL BY DATE. GOOD FOR YOU FOR ALL TIMES. So I shall not go down that road. Instead I will make a safer conclusion, and one that is more easily believed and digestable. I think that anyone who has a religion with holy scriptures can accept that their divine books must contain meanings which continue to be applicable from the first moment that a holy prophet wrote or uttered such words. And this goes to what I wish to share with you. A friend of a friend of a Murid (student) of a Sufi Master once had this to say about the Sunnah (traditions and sayings) of Muhammad Prophet of God - "Oh... the sayings of the Prophet can be used for all times!" And I bet a Jew would say the same about Moses, a Buddhist would agree that it applies to Buddha, and the Christians would vouch that the gospel of Jesus is undoubtedly applicable in year dot as it is now in year 2011.

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When we consider our earlier theory that the meaning of words changes as it slides, curves, swerves and bends in their majestic journey across the space and time continuum, it all makes sense, doesn't it (Well it does to me. Hehehe). And what is ultimately important to remember is that however the meaning of such utterances changes, the speaker is still a Prophet of God... and you, my precious friend... you are still the listener. You are not like the Modern Man...

.....

21. Modern Man II
Modern man thinks
He is thinking,
Sadly, he is only drifting.

He could have chosen safety,
And stayed in the harbour,
But he is disdainful of his elders,
And seeks a reputation
For wisdom and adventure.

He has no sail or anchor,
He is without a rudder,
Really, he has no ship whatsoever,
For such things are inventions
Of another era, and in his pride
He thinks he can do better.
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THE ANCIENT MAN. Whether you are 14 or 40 years old, you seek love, and the wisdom of those who have long passed away many years ago, but are in truth never absent from your presence...

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22. Wise is he
Wise is he who
Takes into account
Everyone, whether
They are present
Or absent.
Nothing is regretted,
No words misheard.
All things occurring as fated.

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Pax Taufiqa.

(The addenda are the 3 last paras added at 7.29am, 8th Mar 2011.)

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Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Crusade & Chivalry, Jihad & Futuwat - United in Love against the Hemlock of Hubris Unholy

The Christians must recall history through the path of love, for surely they will continue to fight a battle different to the battles that the Muslims have fought and continue to fight, though in the past

they fought each other in the same plains and valleys of war.

For the Muslims, they too must revisit history through the path of love, for surely they will persist to fight a battle far different from the battles that the Muslims in the past have fought,

for so long as they think that glory in arms is the enlightened end.

The irony of these days is that it is not a Holy War that is consuming

the Christians and Muslims, it is the Hemlock of Hubris Unholy

– offered in a cup held by deceitful hands

while proclaiming themselves as heirs of Crusaders and Jihadis.

The way of glory is easy - It is the vain path of all would-be heroes,

martyrs and historians.

The Path of Love - ‘tis the hardest and most bitterly fought.

Here is the true Crusade and Chivalry. Here is the true Jihad and Futuwat.

And if anyone contests what you say, then tell them that it is I, Zulfiqar who says this!

And if they disbelieve you, so what!
………

Glory to God this wonderful Sabbath, pet. In this silent and bracing morning, I do not hear the Universe disagreeing with me at all.

Pax Taufiqa.

The Straight Path, Womankind, the Coke Bottle, Valentine's Day and Love

The path is straight.

But the journey is full of bends and turns.

For the journey to God is like getting to know a woman.

It is a way of corners, curves and turnings.

God bless Sarah mother of Isaac!

God bless Hajar mother of Ismail!

God bless Mary mother of Jesus!

God bless Aminah mother of Muhammad!

God bless all our mothers, sisters and daughters!

Oh women, you are mysterious and lovely.

And in your hands you hold our hearts captive and besotted!

When our grandfather Adam was asleep, how by God was Eve created?!

Through you, may our willful self and ego be cheated!

Grace in abundance, creation walking in munificence with a halo that makes heavenly lamps flicker!

An arrow speeding to my heart from a Cherubim's quiver.

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VALENTINE'S DAY. There is a small ruckus in my country about Valentine's day. It is not a big ruckus, because we Malays tend to avoid being busybodies. But there is of course a noisy minority representing the political Islam activists. They are harrumphing and agonising in the media about how Valentine's Day promotes adultery and is a Christian event. I am glad the Christians woke up and in the Star newspaper reported that "The Christian Federation of Malaysia has stressed that Valentine’s Day is a secular observance which Roman Catholics and Protestants do not commemorate as a religious festival. Its chairman Bishop Ng Moon Hing said Christians in Malaysia were hurt by statements made which linked Valentine’s Day to sins and Christianity."

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Rightfully, the main argument if you desire, is that Valentine's Day is a rather shallow and mega-commercialised social event that makes florists and confectioners happy. I do not think that any kid even know of the historical / mythical origin about St. Valentine and his day.

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THE RELIGION OF LOVE. The fact of the matter is that all people concerned with the health of their religion is utterly convinced that the commercialisation of religious festivities is a bad trend. Valentine's Day (assuming it is one), is just one of many examples of galloping commercialisation of faith. And no religion has escaped this appalling consumerism virus. I say this is true even if your religion is the faith of Love.

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COKE. The Coca-Cola bottle picture is of course a visual reference to the famous bottle's shape which is often commented as depicting the female form. It is drawn by this rather talented artist Mark T. Woodland (Click Here).

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But I do not wish to be a complete party-pooper, so if you are celebrating with your love today, Happy Valentine's Day, sunshine. But alas, Love gives us no rest - and He is celebrated every day, with every breath that we inhale and exhale. Ya Huuuu!

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Pax Taufiqa

Cheerleading is Divine Work for the Divine One

Last week I proceeded with the development of Mikhail's understanding about God (God help him that he has me for his papa. Hehehe). And about God's best pal, which for the Muslims, is the Prophet Muhammad (whom we sometimes refer to here as Nabi Muhammad). In an earlier posting entitled "Even the mightiest of trees began life in a tiny little seed" I mentioned how Mika says that his Boss is Nabi Muhammad and God. Or perhaps more theologically correct, God and Nabi Muhammad.

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Well, last week I mentioned to Mika that not only is God and Nabi Muhammad his Boss(es), they are also his cheerleader(s). After all, even if God is Lord over all creation, and the Numero Uno Master of the Universe(s), He is also your Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Compassionate. And in addition to that constellation of Mosts, God is also the Most Wise in Planning for Your Success, and, so long as you wish Him to be, Your Most Motivating Motivator, All-Cheering One, He Who possesses, beyond the highest love of even a father and mother, the belief that you can indeed be the best that you can be. He and His Prophet, They are at the sidelines of the pitch, cheering you on when you are running for the pass, cheering you on when you are down and injured. Cheering you on and saying Go! Go! Go! or perhaps also Medic! Medic! Medic!

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I share this with you, o' Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Wiccans and Trekkies, because I can. Because beyond the label of 'God' and 'Muhammad' is the meaning in such words. And in my life, I have met sainted souls who call upon my Lord in different names and different ways. Yet I am proud and honoured by their friendship in worship. In fact, they humble me by their dedication and charity.

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I am tired of the 'us and them'-ism of so-called religious people. Because, from where I am running in the field of life, I see the Lord and His Beloved Prophet cheering us on, and beside me I see people of many faiths and dispositions, helping me race the good race, and fight the good fight. On the stands and bleachers, I see Angels looking on, recording and taking notes. But they cannot understand us. But you can, sunshine. Because, really... are you not me? And am I not you?
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Have a wonderful Friday. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
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Pax Taufiqa.

Once Upon a Time, a Living Muslim Saint met a Dead Christian Saint

ONCE UPON A TIME, on a Sunday during the Ottoman Caliphate, Christians of a town was celebrating a dead Christian saint. On that auspicious day the Christians would carry the saint's ashes and personal paraphernalia through the streets and fairway in a holy procession of veneration and worship.
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A Muslim saint, for he was one, was passing by and noticed the crowd. Curious, for he was that sort of a saint, he followed the procession which proceeded to the church. There amidst the throng of people seeking divine aid, the ashes of the Christian saint was presented for ceremonial healing of the sick and ailing.

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The (Muslim) saint's eyebrows shot up in surprise to see the miraculous effects of the sanctified ashes upon the sick - the blind can sudddenly see, the lame could now walk and the deaf husband is cured to finally hear the continuous nagging of his wife. All walked away happy and contented that God had answered their prayers.

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Well, Joe (Let's call the Muslim saint by this name) look confused, and once the faith healing ended, he walked away feeling perplexed - If he is on the right path, and the Christians aren't, why have God granted the miraculous healing? All done through the ashes and relics of a dead Christian saint. Why? .
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That night while he slept in his friend's home he had a dream, in which a voice spoke to him. "The answer your heart desires is this - God is the Lord of all mankind. And if people seek His aid, He shall grant it to them, be they Muslims, Christians, Jews or of whatever faith that they say they believe in. For ultimately, they all believe in Him. He grants the miracles as a reward for their charity, dedication and piety in their belief." The voice then continued, "Do not ask then, 'Why is my Lord rewarding the Christians. Instead say, 'Surely, if this is how merciful and loving my Lord is to the good Christians, what marvelous rewards there must be for the good Muslims!'

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I am a Muslim, but I am not here to preach the greatness of my religion. Christians, Jews, Hindus are more than welcome to err... amend God's answer - and replace the word 'Muslim' with Christian, Buddhist or whatever. If there is ever a need of competition between faiths let it be this - Who of the Lord's servants shall be the most kind, loving and just to his neighbour? Whoever that person may be, of whatever creed he may hold - I would be proud and humbled to be his brother, friend and companion.

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Have a nice day, sunshine - May we live happily ever after...

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Pax Taufiqa.

"Dearest," Spoke My Love..., "Merry Christmas"

56. "Dearest," Spoke My Love

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my blood and it is red,
If you love me, paint the canvas
Of your life with me."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my heart and it is wounded,
If you love me, take my heart
And heal my hurt."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my hand, and it is delicate,
If you love me, hold it firmly enough for me
To know that you are here,
But don't crush my spirit."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my lips, and they
Are seldom silent, both wisdom
And folly issue forth from them,
If you love me, kiss my lips,
Listen to my wisdom, and
Ignore my foolish speech.

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my memories,
"If you love me, remember where I
Come from and accept me and
My memories as one,
For we are inseparable."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"These are my weaknesses, and I have a few,
If you love me, hide them as you would hide
Your most precious stones,
Guard my name as you would
Guard your own."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is all my hope, and it is alive.
Help make it come true and I
Shall help makes yours
Come true too."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is the abyss of my fears and it is dark.
Be the bridge for me to walk across, and
Whisper into my ears, 'There is nothing
To fear, now that Love is here'."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my family and they are mine.
Love them, as you love yours and
Crown me as your queen before
The Throne of Time."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my feet and they have walked
Far and wide to find you. Anoint me
In the truth of healing upon
The bed of divine relief."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my eyes, and tears have run
The length of the Nile in my sorrows.
So tell me that today I am yours,
And I am yours for
All your tomorrows."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is my ears, and I am tired of
Hearing the promises of men.
So promise me nothing, but walk with me
On the path of life, Serenaded by angels,
While above us, the Moon is smiling,
Merciful and happy."

"Dearest," spoke my love,
"This is who I am, and if I appear
Foolish, teach me. And if I appear
Impatient, be patient with me.

Guide me as you are guided, and
Speak plainly to me. I need no roses
To be sprinkled before my feet, I need
No honeyed words to sooth my temper.
Just tell me that you love me
And that you will love me forever.

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I think the prose is as plain as day, and on this eve of Christmas, I wish all followers and lovers of Christ the very best in this Kingdom and in the Kingdom of Heaven - that you may find relief and reward in the exchanging of vows that we once made, in the name of God, Truth and Love... For you see, I remember all of you.

Merry Christmas, sunshine!

Pax Taufiqa

Footnote: Poem is from chapter entitled 'The Bride's Dress' (early 2010)

A god of war, Neo-Jihadis, Neo-Crusaders, Children, the Ego, the Business End of a Bullet and a Message of Mercy

131. Compassion and the Masters
Compassion,
In the hands of the Masters,
Is a weapon deadly,
True and fatal,
As Mercy is,
A mighty engine of war,
In God’s Own Armory,
Set upon a strong redoubt,
Raised high above the crowd
Of petty human jealousy.

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Today’s verses are battering rams to bring the Gates of Ignorance and Hate crashing down. Today, I am sending 5 poetic sallies against the towering edifice that men call their Jihad and Crusade, but is in truth built on the clay of hubris and pride, and set in mortars of ignorance and bricks of hateful desperation.

We are all born malleable and yielding like natural clay, but the fire of our ego is burning us up, and making our clay hard. The so-called neo-Jihadis and neo-Crusaders of God are therefore an unyielding lot, and their hearts are shut to you. They are heartless men who will gaze upon the lifeless body of a child and say, “It is normal that an innocent dies for a good cause.”

3. Children
The blood of children is inviolable,
And do those who spill it
Believe Allah is on their side?
They have declared war on Allah and His Prophet,
And
Allah and His Prophet have declared war on them.

The frantic tribesmen of violence? The black-suited chickenhawks walking the corridors of power? The demagogues of religions and ideologies? They are mere nuances of falsehood, hate and ignorance whose existence is suffered by the Universe only to highlight in contradistinction Truth, Love, Beauty and God. They serve no other purpose.

So they persist in their mad folly, repeating the chorus, “In the Name of God! In the Name of Reason! In the Name of Justice! In the Name of Civilization!” But God speaks not to them. They are listening to their own ego, confusing the all-destructive ego with the all-Caring God. They are a deluded bunch.
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12. Business End of a Bullet
My brothers today dream martial dreams,
And place their hopes on the altar
Of a god of war.

Seeing nothing beyond the business end of a bullet,

Recognising no honour in peace,
Realising not that the commanding voice
Strangely resembles their own.

Dumb lackeys and errand-boys
Of a god of their own devising

They shout, “Infidels! Infidel!”, and taunt, “Savages! Savages!” – They set their sword’s edge to the neck of an innocent, they move the cursor target on the satellite picture, their finger hovering over the Launch button… They have declared war on the children of God when they should have declared war on their egoistic selves…

27. State of mind
Evil is a state of mind,
To be fought in your mind,
And if you have not
Declared war on yourself,
Truly, you are one of the ignorant…

But, friends, don’t worry... It is not all bad. In fact it is really all good. Do your bit to make that part of your neighbourhood a better place. Quit that bad habit. Recycle. Invent a rival system to Windows. Donate to an orphanage. Donate a smile. Exercise. Do some gardening. Cook for your family and friends. If you are lazy (like me), try writing a blog. Anything, just do it! Time itself is on your side. The Universe is your cheerleader. The Sun is your coach and motivator. The pebbles and rocks beneath your feet are your constant support! They bear your weight in good cheer, saying, "Upon us walks a man/woman who is establishing Godly Worship! Ya Huu for God! YA Huu for Love!"

I found this graffiti scrawled on the walls of my soul one quiet night, five years ago…

4. The Roadbuilder
I build roads,
Not walls.
For my message
Is peace,
Not war.

I grow roses
Not weeds,
For my message
Is beauty,
Not deceit.
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So, the poems begin with a prose about Masters and ends with a prose about Master Muhammad Habibullah. May God bless all Christians, Jews, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims, Druids, Animists, Socialists, Vegetarians, Meatarians, Trekkies, Progressives and whoever else who are busy establishing Lordly Worship on this saintly Earth. You are all my treasured friends…

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Drink, and have a terrific Tuesday, sunshine,

Pax Taufiqa.

Footnotes - 'Compassion & the Master' is from Chapter 1 'The Dam.SunSun.Ana', June 2004. 'Children' is from Chapter 5 'The Profane & the Profound', Sep 2004. 'Business End of a Bullet' is from Chapter 11 'Winter & Rain". 'State of Mind' is from Chapter 16 'Qubruz Bluez' Sep 2005. 'The Roadbuilder' is from Chapter 17 'East of Albion' Jan 2006.