THE KALIMAH ALLAH - The Peace of the Day

Belonging

I want to belong,

But if it means rejecting goodness and manners,

Then I am perfectly happy

With my conscience and

The Lord of my Conscience

for company.

For I already belong...

To Him.

Though He does not belong...

To me.

And that is fine,

I want goodness and manners above all things,

Unlike the devil, I want to toe the line, you see...

I want my Lord to be happy...

With me.

And He is happy when He sees

Me treating my brothers 

And sisters fairly,

In whatever dress that 

They wear their

Piety.

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

The peace and contentment in Malaysia, or in particular, West Malaysia is presently being disturbed by a court case. The case involves a Christian group desiring to use the word Allah in its internal magazine, which is being prohibited by the Government for a lot of interesting reasons. None of which I agree with.  Truth be told, I have written a rather long post about the Allah controversy but I think nobody wants to read a lengthy discussion on the matter. Instead I recall a simple prose recorded in 2010 reflecting on this debate, and you may read by clicking here 'What is in a Name? The Meaning...' (So after 3 years, this controversy is back to haunt our headlines... *sigh*)

To be honest with you I am viscerally appalled by the attempt of any group to ban the use of a word by any other group. Some Muslims say that we need to do this to protect the sanctity of God's name and to avoid Christians spreading confusion among the Muslim population (read that to mean convert the Muslims).

For myself, and though a mere sinner, I am afraid that many Muslims are already confused, and in their attempt to defend the faith, they are doing great injustices to the Muslims themselves. But that is only my opinion...

Hmm. Perhaps I will post the discussion, one day. But not today. For the morning greeted me with Salam and I do not plan to spoil the peace of the day.

May Allah (s.w.t.) bless yours and your beloved.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

Second Reflection on Jakarta - Traffic Jams & So-called Jihadis

JAKARTA. You know, I have been to Bali before, but I think you cannot say you have truly arrived in the Land of Sukarno, until you step foot in Jakarta. Arriving in the city last Tuesday, we were well aware we are entering the heart of the regional colossus that is Indonesia, with its population of 238,000,000 souls. In Jakarta alone, almost 10 million people inhabit the city. In other words, we could fit more than one third of Malaysia into the Indonesian capital city. Even its traffic jams are more impressive by Kuala Lumpur standards.

THE INDONESIANS are different from the Malaysians. Their society is more structured in deference to hierarchy, and I think all Malaysians will admit that the Indonesians are certainly more prim and proper, with a stronger attachment to the traditional adab (etiquette). I would pass by the same hotel cleaner 3 or 4 times in the corridor and each encounter elicits the selamat pagi, pak (Good morning, father). It is just part of their culture, and I am always humbled by their humility, which I fear I cannot replicate. Knowing this, a power broker we met made this simple reason as to why many Malaysian business ventures fail in Indonesia, "Arrogance", he said. "Hmm...", me and Ariffin nodded, too shy to disagree.

PERJANJIAN BARU - NEW TESTAMENT. In our hotel room was a cabinet, and in the cabinet was a drawer, the contents of which is to me a reflection of the country. Firstly there was a sticker pointing the way to the Holy Kaaba as direction to which Muslim guests can pray. For Christians there was a blue bible in Bahasa Indonesia, a fact if copied in Kuala Lumpur would make many Malaysians go blue in indignation. Oh, there are bibles in KL hotel rooms too, placed by the Gideons, but they are all in English. A bible in Bahasa Melayu is interpreted by some as an attempt to convert the indigenous Malays to Christianity. Alas, I disagree with such fellow Muslims about this - on a fundamental and cosmic level - Click my earlier posting - "What is in a name or a word? The Meaning...".

And lastly, regardless of religious credentials, there were a couple of emergency brochures in case of fire and earthquake(!). Fortunately, neither events occurred and we managed to sleep through 2 nights in secular Indonesia rather well. Ariffin especially, who had the ability to fall asleep almost immediately upon his head hitting the pillow. Amazing fellow.

A SUICIDE BOMBER. At the entrance of our hotel was a small table with the sign 'Security Check' and a metal detector. I see no point really in this vigilance because the post was never manned. Anyway, those fruit baskets that impersonate as Muslim Jihadis tend to target the more prominent hotel chains. Perhaps that is why our client chose a small and less conspicuous hotel. I sympathise with Indonesia because it had to deal with its fair share of terrorists (whom I refuse to call fundamentalist Muslims, because they the only thing they are fundamental about is their penchant for merciless slaughter. Oh no. They are just bandits and the enemy of all civilised human beings) and bombings. This latter fact was brought to head on the day of our flight back when news report from Jakarta confirmed that a suicide bomber hit a congregation of Muslims praying at the az-Dizkra mosque in the Cirebond police compound.

This shameless act of terror signals the bandits shift from just targeting US and Western symbols to fellow Muslims. Some news report like to call these loonies "pengebom berani mati" which roughly translates into "death defying bombers". This suggestion that they are courageous is a gross error - really, the best adjectives are "pengebom tak sayang nyawa lagi" or "pengebom yang tak ada hati perut" (Bombers tired of living or heartless bombers). These foolish young men have been bred and nursed from the milk of despair which their elders call Islam. Such preachers of hate only defame the faith and tradition of my Prophet. They are our enemies... (Click here on my earlier posting - "Ground Zero Mosque and the Ornament of the World".

There is no doubt that ethnic Indonesians and Malaysians are 'seakar serumpun', ergo, of the same root and branch. We share many of the same cultural and religious traditions. And I guess its little surprise that familiarity sometimes breed contempt. Both countries have had our fair share of spates and misunderstanding. But even then, I am contented to say that the quarrels never last long. In the worst case scenario, Malaysia will have no choice but to send our No.1 best export to Indonesia, the diva Siti Nurhaliza to mediate. I am sure that after her intervention, all will be okay, and we will resume happily puffing the famous rokok kretek (Indonesian herb infused cigarette) in celebration. After all, as Ariffin likes to mention to almost every Jakarta-en he met, from the taxi driver to the university professor, "Indonesia is the big brother to Malaysia". And I do believe I agree with him.

Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Indo-Malaysia Bilateral Relations Saviour

Have a lovely Tuesday, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa

The Throne of God, the Noble Hope & Divine Surprises

SURPRISE, GOD! There is no way of surprising God. After all, all things are fated to happen. And fate is in God’s hand… so no surprises there, sunshine.
.
BAD SURPRISES. But I wish I could just for once, surprise God. With a happy one, mind you, and not one of those “I CAN’T believe that you just did that, Taufiq!” kinda surprise Oh no, when it comes to bad / stupid stuffs that I have done, I am an expert.
.
VERSE OF THE THRONE. It is not fair, I think. After all, God gets to surprise us ALL THE TIME. But I guess, we need him to be 24/7 in the know, otherwise, who can imagine what sort of mess we will get ourselves into. My friend commented to me that I should refer to the holy scriptures once in a while… okaaay. So this is the ayatul-kursi (Verse of the Throne) which kinda makes it plain and clear that God is Ever Vigilant and Ever in the Know…
.
[2.255] Allah (God)* is He besides Whom there is no god, the Everliving, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist; slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep; whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His; who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot comprehend anything out of His knowledge except what He pleases, His knowledge (throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of them both tires Him not, and He is the Most High, the Great.
(*my insert)

.
I took some pictures of Mika yesterday. I think he is one of the most beautiful surprises that God has given me in my entire life. And the great thing is that it is a gift given to me each and every day when I see him.

.

Mikhail brought up the world map to show me exactly which countries he wants to conquer. As you can see he cannot make up his mind. But for some strange reason he admires Canada of all countries.

.
THE NOBLE HOPE. We all feel this way to our children. At the end of the day, what we want is to simply leave this world with the knowledge that we have somehow left it a better place for our children. I am sure we are all holding unto this Noble Hope… Guys like Dennis Piker of North Dakota who continues to be an inspiration safely held in my heart and memory. It was he who uttered the noble hope to me, some 5 years ago in Bismark, North Dakota.

Pax Taufiqa.

Footnote: I have been wanting to share this... I make fun, I Facebook-poke at angels and twist the beards of saints. I approach God and creation without proper levity. But the truth is... Although I am a lone pen in a billion upon billion of pens out there, I take what I write seriously. So... for you who read my almost-twice daily postings... Thank you. Thank you so very much for giving me a little space in the corner of your mind, a little hospitality in the saloon of your soul. May God reward you the kindness you have shown to this sinner and his ramblings.

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.

.

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!

.

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.

.

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?
.

.

Have a wonderful Friday. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
.
Pax Taufiqa.

Introducing Hamzah the Lion!

Related postings by Taufiq -

What is in a name or a word? THE MEANING...

Mad Jihadis, Crazy Crusaders and God, Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, Tuhan, Father and Ram

Ground Zero Mosque and the Ornament of the World

Mad Jihadis, Crazy Crusaders and God, Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, Tuhan, Father and Ram

God, Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, Tuhan, Father, Ram. If you call unto God by whichever name that is familiar to you, who am I to question you? I am not obsessed with names and forms, but the meanings behind them. Earlier this year it was recorded …

1. Aku tidak memuja NamaMu
Aku tidak memuja NamaMu,
Wahai Tuhanku,
Aku memuja Dikau
Dan ErtiMu.*

*I do not worship Your name,
O’ my Lord,
I worship You
And Your meaning.
.

If you call unto God, and the meaning you attach to Him is the Most Loving, Most Kind, Most Merciful, Most Understanding and Tolerant of the sins of His servants – you are my brother and my sister.

If He is God that calls on you to love another man whatever the colour of his skin, whatever the temple that he worships in, you are my brother and my sister. If you recognize that Good and Grace is not monopolized by the names and symbols of your religion alone, but sown like heavenly seeds in all of us - you are my brother and my sister.

If you understand this simple thing – That the Beauty and Utter Loveliness of God finds expression in the recital of the Quran, the pealing of church bells, in the archway of a Synagogue, the dance of a Hindu maiden and engraved upon the walls of a Buddhist temple – you are my brother and my sister.

If you are drawn to tears by the madness of men who choose to oppress and kill ‘in the name of God,’ blinded by the hubris of their self-appointed guardianship of ‘God’ – you are my brother and my sister. The inmates of the asylum may have taken over the mosque, madrasah, church, temple and synagogue. But you have within you, the Gracious Meanings of God - beyond man's capricious infatuation for mob madness and 'us and them-ism'.
.

2. Forms and Meanings II
Let not your ignorance of
The true essence of God
Be a hindrance to
Your happiness.

Know thyself.

You and I, we are not soldiers of forms and words. We are not mad jihadis or crazy crusaders fighting over symbols and shapes. Nay, you are the custodians of Beauty, Truth, Love, Compassion and Mercy. Trustees of the Governing Fire - Eternal Enemy of the Black Fire.

3. Divine Names III
The Concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God),
By its meaning and
By the nature of men
And their uncommon ways,
Traverse religions and races.

It is not just a bridge in Islam,
But a bridge between Islam
And other faiths,

That is its truth.

Glory be to God,
God of the Believers
And Unbelievers,
Glory be to Him
In Whose name woman
Cry out in bringing forth
The child into the world.

And you seek to burn the bridge?

Why do you bring hurt
Unto yourselves???

If you love your mother, know that I love mine too. So how can we not be brothers and sisters?

Have a wonderful Friday, sunshine.

Pax Taufiq.

P/S - Earlier related posting click here.
P/P/S - Pic courtesy of Arafia's Deviant Art site. Pay her a look-see

P/P/P/S – All prose from the chapter entitled ‘The Bride’s Dress’.

What is in a name or word? THE MEANING...

i do not worship idols

.

made of stone or wood

.

Nor do i pray to gods

.

cast in a name or word.
..................................................

A couple of months back, Malaysia was beset with the ‘Allah’ controversy. A public debate arising from a court application by the Herald in East Malaysia for the right to use ‘Allah’ in reference to God in that Catholic publication.

The above prose and sketch were recorded in those troubling days when politicians and pundits were talking about ‘the god that the Christians worship’ and ‘the god that the Muslims worships’- strange and worrying phrases coming from believers reputed to be super-duper monotheists.

I am not comfortable with such notions. I am one of those old fashion monotheists who believe that, in truth, everyone prays to the One God, whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian or whatever.

But who cares what I think…,

I am after all, just a sinner.