The Lexicon of Love and the Journey in the Meaning of Words - I met a nun once...

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

The Void of Meaning That Make up Us - Friday Contemplation with Nun Tuck

The Void of Meaning That Make Up Us

After a long sabbatical, the Nun is back at her Almanac, doing what she does best - writing about God and mankind. In her most recent posting she wrote something which triggered something else in my head. This was what she had to say - "I have also discovered that this meaning making is only eked out in relationship with others, it is the ONLY way we gather context in order to do any kind of self-examination." This is from her article entitled 'Word Up Socrates' (Click Here to read). It is only through interaction and conversation with others do we fill up the void of meaningsthat make up us.

Reason For Creation

How right she is. I am thus reminded of that oft-quoted Sufi proverb (quoted in this Almanac many times before) about the reason for creation by God, in which God said, "I was a hidden jewel, and I desired to be known." And truly, there was no need for God to create, it was only His desire to be known and acknowledged that prompted His creation of the heavens and the earths and all its inhabitants.

Breakfast At Alai

When I went for breakfast early this morning, the cashier of the small tea-shop finally acknowledged me as a habitual customer. He asked me, "How are you?" To which I replied that I was very fine, thank you very much. I don't think I was particularly fine, to be honest. But his acknowledgement and friendly greeting woke me up from my state of half-consciousness.

Good Morning, God!

So this morning, I wish to do the same for God and say good morning to God, and inquire as to His state. I know that I shall never understand the expanse of His condition, Him being God and all. But I think it is simple courtesy. And I also wish to welcome Nun Tuck back to her almanac. May her pen never run dry.

Have a wonderful Friday, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

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.

When We are United in Worship to God, Even the Most Impossible Hopes of Mankind Become Not only Probable, But Certain

“We can discover the wisdom to open the doors and windows of the Spirit. It begins, always, with a loving kindness towards ourselves. It is after all, almost impossible to truly love others…until we know, love, and accept ourselves. From this touchstone, we can spread our ability to love towards those in our inner circle, and then out into the wider world.

Begin with the breath of mindfulness, it is the breath that calls us to this moment. It is life’s breath. It is the breath that breathes through you, that you do not have to control, that you do not ultimately control.”

Not the same but same. So wrote Nun Tuck, my friend in her posting today entitled 'Love Kindness Meditation'. Much earlier in October 2004, I recorded the prose below…

1. On the Scale of al-Amin

Allah,

We dream in eternity,

Unconfined by time and space,

But we count each breath,

Letting no moment go to waste.

Giving the great its due,

Giving the small its due,

In perfect balance,

Between what is Merciful,

And what is True.

Amin.

Katherine aka Nun Tuck is a Christian writer. Ever since our paths crossed last year we have been bouncing thoughts and ideas across the thousands of parsecs that separate us. But it is merely physical distance, so it troubles us little.

Brethren in Conscience. When Katherine writes, she writes with biting honesty but also with a sense of common kinship with the rest of mankind - married to an impossible hope in a Love that would surmount humanity's most bitter divisions. She is my brethren in the theology of the conscience and I pray that God shall always lighten her burden and brighten her day with beautiful sights and souls. Otherwise, I am afraid that she might stop writing (hehehe). Click Here to read the rest of her soulful posting.

The Connection. Sometimes late at night, I would listen to a song and hope springs eternal. We are writing truths and we will not leave this world undefended against our eternal foes – the egos of those haters, bigots and hubris-mad men who would seek to destroy our unity in the worship of our One Beloved God. Whether clothed as a Christian, Jew or Muslim, I recognize my brethren, because I feel a connection.

The Song. Earlier this afternoon Heche shared with me this song – somehow I think it is apt to end this posting and I do hope you will like it too. It is Adele and she is singing “Make You Feel My Love”. For you see, when anything is possible in the Ministration of the Most Beloved, do we not feel His Love in each breath that we take and exhale?

Certainty in Hope. You know, sunshine, it is okay if you do not feel the love 24 hours a day. Life is after all a journey and we are not perfect. But at least you and I, we are assured by what lies ahead – The All Loving God Who is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful to all His servants. And that makes the most impossible hope not only probable, but certain.

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.

Writer's Block, Dead Poets, a Nun and a the Association of Pointy-Hatted Dudes

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WRITER'S BLOCK. Sometimes I just don't know what to write. This happens when the day has been particularly busy, and I had no chance for any thought or feeling to mature in the oak cask of my soul. Busy with work, busy with life generally. So my posting today may lack symmetry and a continuous theme. For that I beg your forgiveness, pet.

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NUN ON THE RUN. My fellow blogger, Nun Tuck is back with a vengeance. I guess she too were suffering from some form of writer's block. I am glad to see her writing regularly now. I bumped into what I believe to be her happiest posting (Click Here). It is noteworthy that the posting begins with a Rumi prose. This is purely coincidental. Or is it? It is a lovely turn of event that many of my blogmates all share the same weakness for this dead old poet (including Ruzbihan Baqli, Hafiz and the other usual suspects). I guess we are all members of the Dead Poets Society...

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THANKS. My friend Shamsul aka Atuk (also known as Moses in this blog) gave thanks to my brother indirectly through my earlier posting entitled A Little Note on my Brother's 47th Birthday. For you see, way back in 1988, my brother was already a pointy-hatted-turban-wearing curiousity in my house. With the mandatory walking stick and robe, my brother was in full regalia as a Sufi aspirant. Happily, my parents were tolerant of this wizard-like phantasm loitering about in our house. I just thought "Weird", and never gave it any further reflection. As my friend said, we were then too clueless to even know that we should seek 'something'. Well, fret not my friend, I replied. Even if we were not seeking 'something', we were still sought by 'something'. God bless God, the Giver of Gifts Undeserved.

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W.I.P. I am planning to write something about Mawlana Abul Kalam Azad. Hopefully I can get the reading done soon.

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Take care, sunshine.

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Pax Taufiqa

Mika Mr. Big Heart, How to Recognise a Saint, and Being Saintly

Driving through a wealthy neighbourhood one day, Mika observed, “Wow, Papa, these houses are HUGE!”

I am not poor. I am okay. But in my life, we have seen happy people living in a tiny house, and I have seen frustrated and sad souls surrounded by all the luxuries that this life can offer. I know of an elderly woman, who travels from one family home to another, with no fixed address or house to call her own, but who has the clarity of mind greater than someone half her age. She is beloved wherever she minds to stay.
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Along that point, I said to Mika in response to his observation, “Mika, if you live in a small house but have a big heart, you are okay. On the other hand, if you live in a big house but have a small heart, you are in trouble.” He was quiet and thoughtful, so I asked him, “What about you, do you have a big heart?”

“Papa, I have the biggest heart!”, he responded excitedly.

I queried my son further, “And how come you have a big heart?”

He turned to me and said with great serious-ity, “Because I never give up, Papa.”

I was struck by Mika’s reply, as I anticipated his stock answer, which would be “Oh, because God and Nabi Muhammad is in my heart, Papa.” Mika’s words takes me back a couple of months ago when I bumped into Nun Tuck’s blog. The very first posting which I came across was one entitled “Saints are sinners who keep on trying.” Click here to read this wonderful article.

You can be a bona fide saint or you can be plain old saintly. You can try to be a saint if you want, but I know of no saint who actually wants to be a saint. It is a 24/7 job with parallel responsibilities running along the different dimensions and pseudo-worlds. On top of that, as a de jure Saint, you have to deal with the appalling manners and constant bleating of sinners like me...
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10. Blue Mosque
Someone has given me
Sinan’s building plans,
Though I know not
How to even build up a sweat.

Someone has given me
The key to Baghdad’s library,
Though I lie easily,
So whatever is learnt is easily forgotten.

Someone has brought me
To the attention of a Master,
Though when I was in school,
I was indifferent.
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So why not be saintly, my friend? Just keep on trying and don't give up (on sinners like me).

Pax Taufiqa.

Footnote: ‘Blue Mosque’ is from Chapter 4, ‘The Eighteen Verses’. First picture is of Mika and his cousin, Aqil attending a thursday night God-remembering (Dzikr) function.

Al-Qaeda can shove it. Taliban can stuff it. Osama is a nutjob - Putting the Joy back in Jihad, Putting the Fun in Fana!

17. Putting the Fun in Fana
Do not blame us for feeling happy
Being at the side of our Saidi
Swimming we are, in a sea of manna
Leaving footprints, on the shore of fana.

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(From Chapter 1, ‘The Dam.SunSun.Ana’) Fanaa (فناء) is the Sufi term for extinction. It means to annihilate the self, while remaining physically alive. Persons having entered this state are said to have no existence outside of, and be in complete unity with God. Fanaa is similar to the concepts of nirvana in Buddhism and Hinduism or moksha in Hinduism which also aim for annihilation of the self. Fanaa may be attained by constant meditation and by contemplation on the attributes of God, coupled with the denunciation of human attributes. (from Wikipedia - I do not agree entirely with this definition, but it's not too bad)

Some seven years ago, I wrote this poem. A happy, happy verse reflecting my happiness in finding a compass in my sea of doubt, a ranger to lead me through the witch’s forest, a friend, a guide, a Jedi Knight, a Saidi.

In March 17 2010, a friend published an article called ‘Putting the Joy back in Jihad’ in her blog. I found it to be some kind of wonderful. Do read it. I have mentioned Nun Tuck already in my previous postings. If I were to judge my religious convictions on whether I agree with the merits of her words, then I too am a Christian. But I am tired of labels and labeling.

While others use religion to stick labels on people, bloggers like Nun Tuck applies religion to peel away our prejudices of ‘the other people’. Only when you remove your misconceptions of other people, only then, will you be able to break through your own misconception of who you are. Once, you know what you are not, you are on your way to knowing who you really are, and hey, that’s only a wink away from knowing God. *Wink* *Wink* *Wink*

I hope that one day, I may be accepted as those who establish Lordly worship. I hope that one day, people will remember me and say, “Taufiq? He was neither here nor there, but how he loved the Prophet!” As for now? Now I am just a sinner.

But despite that, you are still my friend. I would say that God will thank you for befriending a sinner, but I know you. You are already happy befriending a sinner. You already know what others know not.

Have a goodish Tuesday, sunshine!

Pax Taufiqa.