THE VIRTUE OF SILENCE - adab, scandals and gossips, discretion and the veil over your sins...

A Drop of Adab

Give me a drop of Adab

Than an ocean of knowledge.

Give me a single pause of Adab

Than the most persuasive speech of the orator.

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

The ancient ones value Adab (courtly courtesy and manners) above all else, even knowledge. For Adab is the inner and outer expression of our understanding or lack of understanding. 

Adab tells us when to keep silent and be discreet, and Adab also teaches us when to speak up and also be discreet. Adab is the highest form of human action through which we conduct our affairs with discretion. 

Scandal! Do you like knowledge? For knowledge is a two-edged sword whose edges are very sharp indeed! How do you like being told of a dark secret of someone else? Such knowledge (let's be honest here) is titillating, true. But after the brief moment of dark pleasure at someone's unfortunate contratemp or mistake (for it is a misfortune), we are suddenly weighed with the burden of knowing. And our ego is whispering ever so urgently to us, "Go on... tell it to him. Share this with someone... !"

Like a steak, a scandal is often juicy. But it is bad for you.
And even worse if you share it with someone.

Some people may reason, "But fate has disclosed his/her indiscretions to me! So the general prohibition against talking bad about someone must surely now not apply in this scandalous case! Anyways, it is the truth about him/her!" Hmm, persuasive but...

Gossip

O' foolish traveler! 

O' wayward listener to gossips and scandals!

Draw the veil that someone has saw fit to lift

Over the indiscretions of someone else,

That perhaps Allah may keep the veil

Over your own errors!

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

When you think about all the preachers and evangelical politicians in this world, when you think about all the news, postings, comments, blogs, websites and portals covering Islam, it is ironic that in most instances, what Adab in Islam demands is silent contemplation. 

He he he. So it appears that I have written myself into a corner. So I better stay here for awhile and speak no more.

Have a lovely Monday, sunshine. May Allah (s.w.t.) and His Beloved Nabi Muhammad Sayyidina Alamul Huda (s.a.w.s.), guide you towards the perfection of your Adab. There is no purpose more beautiful than this single purpose!

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

I will not bow my head to the God called Facts - Human Perception, Good Manners, Ego and the Unity of Mankind

The God called Facts. If you follow the social media websites, blogs, postings and commentaries of Atheists, you will notice that they too believe in God. Well, not exactly God, but the God called Facts... Evolution is fact, they will say. Intelligent Design is not fact, they will insist. God does not exist, and that is fact they will argue. Religious strife appears to be the sole and only cause of violence and war, and facts prove this, they will say. And on, and on and on they refer to Mr. Fact and his omnipotent all-conquering remit. 

But facts are entirely what a human being perceives them to be. So actually, they are not relying on facts but human perception. Just as how believers also construct their own world-view with God in the centre and humanity orbiting around the Divine Presence. Thus, however entrenched anyone may be in their belief in God and their religion,  or their disbelief in God and their belief in their dogmas and isms (socialism, capitalism, democracy, positivism, atheism, whatever...), all are united in use of the medium of human perception. What disunites Mankind is the conclusion of such subjective perceptions. And this encompasses scientists also - 

The Scientists

Some scientists use their knowledge to explain God

While other scientists use their knowledge to explain away God

In the course of our lives, we will drift between different points of view. I for one, can be seen as a progressive today, the next a traditionalist, tomorrow a firm conservative, and next week an unapologetic liberal. But however I may drift I return to the centre of all human feelings, thoughts and conjecture - the Human Heart. 

'Adab'

I like Islam because the Islam I am taught teaches me this balance and gives me a point of focus - the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). But this two source of my happiness and contentment ultimately revolves upon Adab (good manners and courtesies). For Adab is the ultimate saviour of Mankind. For however we may disagree between one another, between Jews and Christians, Muslims and Jews, Atheists and Agnostics, Atheists and Believers of God, at the end of the day, we are trained to accept that people are different. And each one of us have our own paths to travel, our own destinies to make (or unmake), our rights to do and our wrongs to deflect. It is only when good manners break down between us that we act in anger, bitterness and hubris... reaching for the sword, the gun, the drones, the missiles and the nuclear button.

'When Adab ends'

Adab is absolutely important in all parts of our daily lives - how we entreat with God Himself, how we treat each other, other creatures and the environment, everything is based upon Adab. Or at least it should be.

Let me confess that I do not have very good Adab. Heche tells me that I can be very bitter sometimes (this is true) and can get mad over petty things. But (I hope) I am anchored upon some simple rules that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) teaches all humanity - maintain good manners in all occasions, and if you fail, as we are wont to do, being all too human, try and learn from it and seek forgiveness from the person we have aggrieved, whether by our words or deeds.

So the God that I worship teaches me this. I will not bow my head to the God called Facts, for the God called Facts is in truth the God of Human Perception, who by any other name can be known as the Ego. I wish Atheists could see this simple danger that is forever attempting to usurp their good manners. I say this because I have the unfortunate habit of bumping into Atheist iconic personalities being so darn swarmy and oh-so condescending on believers, especially towards Christians of the West. 

Oh well, we can only do so much, I guess. God bless you, sunshine and may you have a restful Sunday.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

Islamic State? What Islamic State? - Cure of Confusion from The Sinners' Dictionary

MOB INJUSTICE. I do not think that mob justice has a part to play in Islam. When I think mob, I think injustice. It has been the counsel of the Saints for some years now, perhaps decades even, to the mureeds (students) under their charge, to avoid political gathering in public places. To especially avoid the angry and disgruntled, whether they consider their wrath justified under any moral, legal or spiritual convention. It is the nature of the times that we live in, that democracy becomes abused and can quickly turn into anarchy. And anarchy has no role, certainly no positive role to play in any society, of whatever religion or ideology.

WHAT IS AN ISLAMIC STATE? Muslim nations, by which I mean a country which is predominantly Muslims, have the highest example to follow. And that is the way of the Prophet (the Sunnah). But I wonder why is it that the more people stress on their 'Islamness', the less Islam it appears to me. In the wonderfully intelligent British political comedy television series, 'Yes, Minister', and later 'Yes, Prime Minister', I recall Sir Humphrey Appleby advising the Minister that when it comes to promulgating a Government White Paper (proposal for legislative change), it is best to put the difficult bit on the cover. So lets have more 'Islamic' countries, he will say. Because frankly, by calling itself Islamic,  the country often falls into a state of substantive-comatose - both the people and (especially) the Government considering the deed is already done. But in substance? Ah. Good question.

THE NAME. I think the best way to judge whether a country is Islamic is first the name. If it does not have the prefix 'the Islamic ....' is a good clue. I always thought that in Islam, it is for God Himself to judge whether you, on a personal level, are indeed a Muslim or not. For an entire nation, of perhaps tens of millions of people to claim in one spur of the collective ego that it is 'Islamic', is frankly, to my delicate nature, a trifling presumptuous.

TREATMENT OF MINORITIES. The second aspect is how the country treats its minorities. The moment I hear the baying of mobs and hordes, hungry to 'raise the banner of Islam' and 'defend the faith' against a small minority, well, that is also an intelligent indicator that Islam, in the truest sense of the word, is on the way out. 

FAIR PLAY. Because come on, if fair play has become abhorrent to the followers of Islam, then for heaven's sake, what are they actually following? Islam is not anything if it is not about fair play. And don't listen to the politicians and preachermen on their soap boxes justifying unfairness in the name of some holy pretext. There is no such pretext. Either these men are deluded or they are deceivers. Reject them utterly.

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. One day, the Prophet was walking by a stream when he noticed a Companion performing the wuduq in the running water (physical and spiritual ablution prior to performing prayers). "I say, ol' chum." He said (well, not actually, but the gist is here). "Don't go wasting water. Get on with it and perform your wuduq quicker."

BEAUTIFUL THINGS. It is the nature of what the Prophet is offering, that anything that flows from his teaching must by its origin be beautiful. Beautiful buildings, houses and mosques. Beautiful music and poetry. Beautiful paintings and sculptures. Beautiful dancing and singing. And of course, beautiful manners and etiquette. If they are not, then pause and reconsider the source of your inspiration.

BEAUTIFUL MANNERS. It is the nature of a Muslim community that the members must exhibit an exceedingly humble and delicate code of manners. One day a mureed was walking with his Master when he came across a stone on the path. Remembering the sunnah which reminds people to help clear a common foot path, the young mureed kicked the stone aside. The Master promptly stopped to admonish the spiritual aspirant. "Even things which appear to contain no life in it, deserves respect. Next time, pick up the stone and set it aside by the path gently." The student mildly protested, "But Master, it is just a STONE." The old man then explained. "If you wish to continue following me, my son, know that to me there is no "...just a..." Then he paused. "What you cannot hear, I hear. And what you cannot see, I see. The stone was in a constant state of dzikr (remembrance of God by recitation of His Divine Names)." The mureed smiled and said, "Ah, thank you. That is why you are the teacher and I am the student." 

Well, these are some points to ponder over your cup of coffee. It is of course not exhaustive, but it is a good start. If a country, or a community cannot even wrap their collective turban around these basic concepts of human decency (which is basically what the Prophet exemplified), then I would advise them (not that they would listen to a sinner) to drop the title 'Islamic...' in their name, manifesto or logo, and to stop pandering to their private prejudices and systemic hubris manifested as 'piety'. 

Have a good day, sunshine. And whether the day is Islamic or not, leave that to the Creator to decide. 



Pax Taufiqa.

One Secret in the Nature of Haqq (Truth) - DISCRETION

Before you unlock the Truth, better learn some discretion first...

RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. I find it strange that when it comes to religion, some people put their finest sentiments, their most beautiful aspects aside, ignoring the very best things in their character which makes them such good people. It is like the moment an issue arises which requires consultation of a religious book or a religious authority, they change. They are not themselves anymore, not as sweet, caring and understanding.

GOSSIPS. I have a friend who recounted his village life, saying how his neighbours ALL attended the Marghrib prayers (evening) at the surau (small mosque) of his village. Before and after prayers they would often sit in a circle and talk. Sometimes, one of the congregation would notice a man walking outside the surau, heading somewhere, but clearly not heading into the mosque, then they would speak of that fellow (who is oblivious to what is going on) saying things like, “Look at that guy, where is he coming from and where is he going to? He should be here praying!”

HUBRIS. You know, I have absolutely no problem with people going to mosques and praying. Indeed, I do believe it is one of the cornerstones of the faith (like in all religion). Associating with your brethren and strengthening your ties with each other – it makes sense. But why sully your very best intentions, your attendance in a House of God with gossip and backbiting? This thing, which happens too often, pains me, because my friend really is one of the nicest and honest man I have had the pleasure of knowing.

BITTER IRONY. And the irony of it all is that what my friend is saying is not untrue. It is not a lie. It is true that you should be praying in the mosque, the more often the better. But how you couch your comments… how you enunciate them and with whom… all these variables affect the Truth of what you are saying. And when you offer truth, but tainted with a little hubris (and a lot of self-satisfaction)… well, it just spoils the taste of Truth. This reminds me of a poem I have posted earlier. Now I cannot find it, but I reckon it went something like this…

The Finest Truth?

You can have

The finest Truth,

But who would

Sip the wine if

You serve it

In a dirty glass?

There are many people (sadly, many of the learned) who doesn’t appear to comprehend this simple rule. They go about their lives dispensing truths according to their knowledge, but it sounds like curses and condemnation to you and me. They would shout to a believer or non-believer, “No! No! You are not dressed decently, you cannot come into the temple / church / mosque!” Sometimes they would sit with you and say things like, “I like you. I really do. And as one friend to another, why don’t you convert and join us in heaven?”

ONE SECRET IN THE NATURE OF TRUTH – DISCRETION. So I will share with you one secret aspect of Truth. One refined understanding of the Divine Attribute of God, by Whose command, we also call Him by the name of Haqq (Truth). And this is it, sunshine, ... that is Discretion is also the Nature of Truth. Discretion to pick the right time and audience to say what you consider to be true. The Discretion to keep secret what needs to be hidden, and the discretion to pick your words carefully. But such discretion doesn’t come easy for some. You must earn it through wisdom, and not knowledge. Knowledge is the first step of the lover. Wisdom is the second station which comes when the lover becomes the servant.

And we have to do this, because God does it too. One famous Sufi tale exemplifies this.

One day, a saintly saint asked God, “Oh my Lord! Release my senses from the cage of this world that I might see, hear and feel things as they TRULY are. God being on a buddy-buddy relations with this fella, assented to the saint’s prayers. And so, for a while the saint’s existence was amplified by his third eye, seeing and reveling in the hidden reality – which is the continuous dzikr (remembrance of God) by all living and non-sentient things. It was breathtaking for the Sufi. It was that is, until the Sufi had to go to the toilet, and accordingly needed to clean his body from the impurities. But he found it impossible to do so. You know why? Well how could you, assuming you want to use water, or sand, a rock or a leaf, when your ears can hear them ALL reciting the Divine Names of God?

So the saint quickly prayed to God, asking that the truth, that the absolute reality of creation be drawn again behind the veil of his mortality. And suddenly as Universal Dzikr started, the world became silent once again. The sufi was a little sad. But let me tell you that he was also very, very relieved!

So have a wise and discreet day, sunshine. God bless you!

Pax Taufiqa.