( Note: The following is a recent Friday prayer sermon -Khutbah- in which the Islamic concept of life's trials are examined. Thoughtful comments and discussion are welcome)
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Pondering The Presence Of God In Our Lives
Recently I delivered a khutbah (Friday prayer sermon) in which the focus was the powerful, yet controversial Qur'anic verses which reads "To God belongs the East and the West, therefore, where ever you turn, you encounter the face of God. Indeed, God is the Expansive, the Knowledgeable."
The context of this ayah addresses the human tendency to create categorizing, labeling, and that such labeling has no impact on the Divine Being (Allah, Subhaanahu wa ta'alaa). He is not limited by the limitations we create. He is not "Our God" to the exclusion of others. The guidance of Allah can be encountered by any, regardless of their location, background or (artificial) label.(#.1)
While this article largely ignores the theological discussion surrounding the verse in question(#2) , studying this verse has prompted me to ponder upon the presence of Allah in my own life, and-likewise- I invite our readers to think about the same question.
Some people, in particular Prophets of the past, and present day saints, have encounters that impact both themselves and those around them(#3) . Due to the presence of such accounts in scriptures, this is what a goodly number of religious people desire to experience, and are left wondering if God truly cares, when such miracles have not happened.
Others think of God as the miracle worker. In the USA there are a number of Television preachers who solicit donations from viewers, promising a heavy payout, selling an illusion to desperate (and usually poor) people.
Allah can be truly experienced, as the above ayah mentions. His presence is in his replacing one situation with a better situation, with His turning grief into joy, His placing a mind and a conscious in us, in saving us from the accident, in His putting the right answers in your mind when they had been absent beforehand. His presence is known when we look at a beautiful sunrise, a full moon in a clear night, even in pets who show affection to us.
His presence is in the loved ones around us, in the prayers we offer, the supplications we make, and in the words of remembrance of Him that we recite.(#4)
A "miracle" can happen, however that is not the point. "Miracles" can likewise emerge from tricks, gadgets we are unaware of, and even from demonic forces!(#5)
The presence of God -when truly experienced- should give us strength, drive, determination, a moral compass, emotional and spiritual maturity.
It is not an overnight experience, but it can happen. And we can benefit from it.
May we all be able to experience God.
Endnotes
(1) The ayah under discussion is 2:115, but for context I would suggest vv.105-120.
(2) The controversy, particularly in the modern period, revolves around the term "face of God" (Wajh Allah). Some Muslim groups have chosen to be open to a literal reading of that expression, but with the caveat that while it is real, its nature is unknown to us. Quranic expressions such as "His Throne" "the hand of Allah", and the like have received similar treatment. However, it has been almost universally understood that these expressions are metaphorical in nature, and need not be viewed with a literal interpretation. I understand the term "face of Allah" to refer to His presence, and this is the view expressed by the majority of commentators. This controversy cannot be adequately addressed in an end note, however on related topic, see our reflections on the throne verse http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2008/01/divine-throne-examination-of-ayatul.html
(3) The term "saints" can admittedly be problematic for Muslim readers. The word 'Awliyaa" (singular Wali) is typically translated as "saints" or "allies (of God)" does not quite have the same religious/cultural implications as the term "saint" in Catholicism. Nor do we limit the possibility of God's direct interaction to saints. An important Quranic reference to examine on the subject of God's direct communication with humans can be found in Q 42:51.
(4) See Q 2:185, which shows that even a verbal affirmation of the Divine is sufficient to generate a real presence of Allah.
(5) The Qur'an repeatedly states that "miracles" ( as popularly understood) do not constitute a strong evidence at all. Indeed, it presents itself as a text with rational arguments and evidences of its claims.
Friday, August 7, 2020
Encountering the Face of Allah: Reflections on the Divine
(Note: The following is our recent Friday Khutbah (sermon) that centers around one of the most beautiful, yet controversial, Quranic verses. Our mosque facebook page (The Masjid Ibrahim) broadcasts via livestream every friday at 1:00 PM (P.T.). We hope this post generates discussion and reflections, as it is truly a deep topic. We also encourage a contextual examination of the chapter in which this verse appears, as it would be rewarding.وَ لِلّٰہِ الۡمَشۡرِقُ وَ الۡمَغۡرِبُ ٭ فَاَیۡنَمَا تُوَلُّوۡا فَثَمَّ وَجۡہُ اللّٰہِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیۡمٌ
The East and the West belong to God. Whichever way you turn, there is the Face of God. God is all pervading and all knowing. (Maulana Wahiduddin Khan translation)
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Q & A session in sunday school
Note: The following videos are from Sunday school gathering, in which an exchange took place between teachers and one of our students. Click on the video comments for time stamps, which summarizes the subjects.
Although the discussion was geared towards addressing the questions of a child, I think the contents of the videos are beneficial for adults as well.
Q and A session part 1
Q and A session part 2
Although the discussion was geared towards addressing the questions of a child, I think the contents of the videos are beneficial for adults as well.
Q and A session part 1
Q and A session part 2
Friday, June 19, 2020
An environment for growth: reflections on Soorah Al A'laa
(Note: the following are reflections based upon the 87th chapter of the Qur'an. The translation, unless otherwise stated, has not been shared. This allows the reader to consult the English translation of their own choice. All translations are my own, unless otherwise stated.)
One of the main functions of the Qur'an is that it compels us to think, to ponder on its words, its message, as well as how that plays out in our lives or the world around us. This Soorah is particularly interesting, in that it weaves together a tapestry of images designed to evoke deep thought. This Soorah is often recited in Salaat Al Witr and Salaat Al 'Eid.
(A) Q 87:1-5
The symmetry is beautiful. The structure of the creation, the physical world, is evidence of Allah's work, displaying reasons we should glorify him.
(B) Q 87:6-7
It reads "We (God) will relate to you, so forget not, except as Allah has willed, Indeed, He knows the visible as well as the hidden". Some have taken this as textual evidence of abrogation (Naskh) in the Qur'an, not only in the development of laws, but even texts. Some have read this as proof that the Prophet was to "Forget" some of the Quranic revelation. The latter view is particularly disturbing, as it presents the Qur'an in a very weak position, as if it is so unworthy of adherence that it has to literally be forgotten. The nature of the Qur'an is the opposite, it is read, memorized and pondered upon by millions, ever since its revelation. To attribute dismissing any Quranic revelation to the Prophet is to do a disservice to both the Prophet, (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Qur'an itself.
In his comments, the Qur'an commentator and translator Muhammad Asad (whose work is called The Message of the Qur'an) alludes to these verses not actually referencing the Prophet or the Quranic revelation given to him. He argues that these verses refer to "mankind's cumulative acquisition of empirical and rational knowledge, handed down from generation to generation and from one civilization to another"(ft.1)
We state this in another way, Allah conveys lessons, points of reference or information, that will be submerged when more important or useful points are needed. This is the Divine system, alluded to elsewhere in the Qur'an, and can be related to all points in the life of a single human being.
(C) 87: 8-13
"And We (Allah) will make the easiness easy for you, so do remind, because reminder is beneficial, such reminder will be really beneficial for those who have fear of God, yet, that reminder will be shunned by the most wretched ones, who will enter the great fire, therefore, in it they neither experience death nor life."
The core commands of God are easy, and He has made them easy. Being open to guidance is-in fact- a characteristic of guidance. Those who shun reminders are those who carry arrogance within themselves, who eventually enter a fire (in this life, fully experienced in the life to come) that consumes them, they can not life healthily therein, nor can they mercifully expire.
(D) Q 87:14-15
There is a logical flow present in this Soorah. Being open to Divine blessings, being able to see the big picture and praise God for it, dropping what God wants you to drop, in order to progress in life.
The rectification of the soul (Tazkiyatun Nafs) is am important subject within Islam, rooted in the Qur'an, it has been noticed by the many great minds of the Muslim civilization, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, but the point being is that we have to be consistent in looking at self, just as we are consistent in bathing!
Vigilance in purifying efforts is mainly exercised, as the verses indicate, through reciting the name(s) of Allah and through prayer.
The classical commentator Abul Qasim Mahmud Az-Zamakhshari (d.1144) cites the importance of purification from idolatry, disobedience, as well as acts of physical purification which precedes prayer, as concrete examples of things to do to be vigilant in soul-care (ft.2).
(E) 87:16-19
It is my view that these verses can apply to both the life now (Dunya) and the life after death, as well as life with and without guidance.
The life without guidance can be glittery. It is glitter. It is attractive in many ways. However, the life of substance, of real and tangible core values, morals and ethics, a life of God-connection, that is the real life, the enduring life.
These insights were presented and symbolized by both Abraham and Moses, upon both of them be peace. They stood for God and were connected to him.
Footnotes
(1) The Message of the Qur'an by Muhammad Asad (Gibralter 1980) page 1080.
(2) Al Kashaaf 'An Haqaaiq At Tanzeel, page 556, Vol.2 ( Beirut edition, 2016)
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Thoughts on Muslim Unity in the midst of Differences
Introduction
From a faith perspective, religion comes to provide clarity, guidance, and light in a world of confusion, fears and anxiety. We are conditioned to accept that it is all clear cut, black and white, right or wrong.
Scriptural citations are made in order to validate particular theological or methodological positions, and an assumption is automatically made that any disagreement with the position in question amounts to religious corruption, rejection of faith, or even rejection of God himself (i.e. atheism).
The purpose of this brief post is to outline some important points to remember when encountering views or methodologies that are counter to our own. The primary focus of this article is the religion of Islam and the Muslim community.
One Scripture, Many Interpretations
A profound expression attributed to the Prophet's son in law, 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, says that while the Qur'an is from God, its interpreters are humans. Diversity is a part of the human experience, and creation itself would be a dull ad boring existence if not for the various ways of understanding and applying ideas, arts, and any other item you could name.
For Muslims we are blessed to have a scripture that is universally accepted as being the same text that emanated from the Prophet (FT.1). It is viewed as a text that is totally secure from corruption. It is the most read and scrutinized religious text.
While there has always been differences in interpretation (ft.2), the primary as well as the most of the secondary foundations have always been accepted. Thus, Shiites and Sunnis accept the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad ( Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), the five pillars, the articles of faith, and so forth. Divergence from these core principles have rightly been viewed with suspicion.
The Qur'anic language itself is largely general. It deliberately does not always go into specifics. Indeed, the story that forms the second chapter of the text highlights the pitfalls of always looking for precise details. Allah The Almighty asks the Children of Israel to make a sacrifice. They demand the specific details of the animal, so much so that the point of doing that was lost.
With that said, it is also a part of the nature of the Quranic text that it has allowances for the mind to delve into it, to bring out gems of insight, beautiful and profound realizations that impact one's faith, law, and social development.
Unity through diversity
Within the same religious community, even the same sect, differences can emerge. This is part of the development of man. The Qur'an itself states thusly :" And if God has wanted, He would have made you one unit...( Q 5:48).
Allah wants us to benefit from diversity, indeed, unity itself can be achieved when we can accept that differences are fine, so long as the foundational structures are present.
I believe that the trend to make everyone think and act the same, atleast in an Islamic framework, comes from an imperialist mindset. It assumes that we are always right, and other always wrong. It stems from a desire to exercise power, and it is such mindsets that we have to be cautious of.
There is always more grey than black and white. Life and its surrounding circumstances can be very complex and complicated. Our experiences may not be the experiences of others, we are often not privy to the social and religious realities of others.
Allah wants dedication and sincerity, Not Robotic movements
All of us are aware that the Qur'an says that God desires neither blood nor meat, but rather taqwaa. Taqwaa is a by product of moral and spiritual intelligence.It has to be cultivated, and that takes time. Knowledge and wisdom likewise takes time to develop. It is actually lifelong. Mistakes can be made along the way, but that is also a means by which lessons are learned.
Conclusion
Islam is a religion that seeks the best for its followers, indeed, for mankind itself. This is why it is not only against the consumption of intoxicants and gambling (waste of resources), it is also against destructive concepts such as racism, sexism, and the like. We seek the preservation of all that makes life worth living, all that makes life safe and happy.
Unity is achievable through diversity, and diversity is likewise achievable by the recognition of the true source of unity, THE LORD OF ALL. The Lord of all has put us in the situations that we are in. He has put us in the environments we are in, and has allowed us to make judgements that are-hopefully- in line with the goals and apsirations of all human beings, justice, peace and security.
Let us avoid sectarian pitfalls, try to stick to the fundamentals of our faith, agree on what we all agree upon, agree to disagree, and move on.
Footnotes
[1] While the religious teaching that the Qur'an was given to the Prophet by God through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) is disputed by Non Muslims, it should be accepted by all hands that the Qur'an was recited from the Prophet to humans.
[2] The differences in interpretations, at least in the early period, seemed to be more around Fiqhi issues rather than theological points. There are a variety of interpretative methods that have been employed throughout the ages, approaches to scripture that have yielded great results. A good way to understand the Qur'an, even if reading it in a language other than Arabic, is to read it consistently, take notes, ask those whose knowledge and insight you can trust and respect, and keep in mind that your own relationship to the text will keep changing as your own life expands in experiences.
From a faith perspective, religion comes to provide clarity, guidance, and light in a world of confusion, fears and anxiety. We are conditioned to accept that it is all clear cut, black and white, right or wrong.
Scriptural citations are made in order to validate particular theological or methodological positions, and an assumption is automatically made that any disagreement with the position in question amounts to religious corruption, rejection of faith, or even rejection of God himself (i.e. atheism).
The purpose of this brief post is to outline some important points to remember when encountering views or methodologies that are counter to our own. The primary focus of this article is the religion of Islam and the Muslim community.
One Scripture, Many Interpretations
A profound expression attributed to the Prophet's son in law, 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, says that while the Qur'an is from God, its interpreters are humans. Diversity is a part of the human experience, and creation itself would be a dull ad boring existence if not for the various ways of understanding and applying ideas, arts, and any other item you could name.
For Muslims we are blessed to have a scripture that is universally accepted as being the same text that emanated from the Prophet (FT.1). It is viewed as a text that is totally secure from corruption. It is the most read and scrutinized religious text.
While there has always been differences in interpretation (ft.2), the primary as well as the most of the secondary foundations have always been accepted. Thus, Shiites and Sunnis accept the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad ( Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), the five pillars, the articles of faith, and so forth. Divergence from these core principles have rightly been viewed with suspicion.
The Qur'anic language itself is largely general. It deliberately does not always go into specifics. Indeed, the story that forms the second chapter of the text highlights the pitfalls of always looking for precise details. Allah The Almighty asks the Children of Israel to make a sacrifice. They demand the specific details of the animal, so much so that the point of doing that was lost.
With that said, it is also a part of the nature of the Quranic text that it has allowances for the mind to delve into it, to bring out gems of insight, beautiful and profound realizations that impact one's faith, law, and social development.
Unity through diversity
Within the same religious community, even the same sect, differences can emerge. This is part of the development of man. The Qur'an itself states thusly :" And if God has wanted, He would have made you one unit...( Q 5:48).
Allah wants us to benefit from diversity, indeed, unity itself can be achieved when we can accept that differences are fine, so long as the foundational structures are present.
I believe that the trend to make everyone think and act the same, atleast in an Islamic framework, comes from an imperialist mindset. It assumes that we are always right, and other always wrong. It stems from a desire to exercise power, and it is such mindsets that we have to be cautious of.
There is always more grey than black and white. Life and its surrounding circumstances can be very complex and complicated. Our experiences may not be the experiences of others, we are often not privy to the social and religious realities of others.
Allah wants dedication and sincerity, Not Robotic movements
All of us are aware that the Qur'an says that God desires neither blood nor meat, but rather taqwaa. Taqwaa is a by product of moral and spiritual intelligence.It has to be cultivated, and that takes time. Knowledge and wisdom likewise takes time to develop. It is actually lifelong. Mistakes can be made along the way, but that is also a means by which lessons are learned.
Conclusion
Islam is a religion that seeks the best for its followers, indeed, for mankind itself. This is why it is not only against the consumption of intoxicants and gambling (waste of resources), it is also against destructive concepts such as racism, sexism, and the like. We seek the preservation of all that makes life worth living, all that makes life safe and happy.
Unity is achievable through diversity, and diversity is likewise achievable by the recognition of the true source of unity, THE LORD OF ALL. The Lord of all has put us in the situations that we are in. He has put us in the environments we are in, and has allowed us to make judgements that are-hopefully- in line with the goals and apsirations of all human beings, justice, peace and security.
Let us avoid sectarian pitfalls, try to stick to the fundamentals of our faith, agree on what we all agree upon, agree to disagree, and move on.
Footnotes
[1] While the religious teaching that the Qur'an was given to the Prophet by God through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) is disputed by Non Muslims, it should be accepted by all hands that the Qur'an was recited from the Prophet to humans.
[2] The differences in interpretations, at least in the early period, seemed to be more around Fiqhi issues rather than theological points. There are a variety of interpretative methods that have been employed throughout the ages, approaches to scripture that have yielded great results. A good way to understand the Qur'an, even if reading it in a language other than Arabic, is to read it consistently, take notes, ask those whose knowledge and insight you can trust and respect, and keep in mind that your own relationship to the text will keep changing as your own life expands in experiences.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Selections from Ramadan Reflections 2020
Note: During Ramadan, I shared thoughts on various topics, as well as answering various questions, on a daily basis via our YOUTUBE channel. Below you will find selections from those videos. For the entire reflection series, go to Arifin Library . Also below you will find our 'Eid ul Fitr Khutbah, which occurs after Ramadan has concluded.
Day 1- Appearance of Guidance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPY2tWO4w5o
Day 4-Taqwaa manifestations click here
Day 6- Justice and Taqwaa click here
Day 7- Self Care Click here
Day 10- Types of Speech Click here
Day 13 Toxic Friends and Family click here
Day 25 Understanding 'destiny' and Allama Iqbal click here
Day 30- Religious practices in the age of Coronavirus click here
Eid ul Fitr Khutbah - click here
(Note: For Eid service, the summary is as follows 0:30 Takbeerah chant . 27:02, Br Brent accepts Islam, shares his story. 29:25- Salaat ul 'Eid (Eid prayer). 37:34, Khutbat ul 'Eid (sermon). All of our Friday services since the emergence of the coronavirus are archived, available for viewing, at our mosque Facebook page Click here . Your support is greatly needed and appreciated, and is best achieved by donating at our secure website The Masjid Ibrahim donation page . All donations are tax deductible. )
Day 1- Appearance of Guidance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPY2tWO4w5o
Day 4-Taqwaa manifestations click here
Day 6- Justice and Taqwaa click here
Day 7- Self Care Click here
Day 10- Types of Speech Click here
Day 13 Toxic Friends and Family click here
Day 25 Understanding 'destiny' and Allama Iqbal click here
Day 30- Religious practices in the age of Coronavirus click here
Eid ul Fitr Khutbah - click here
(Note: For Eid service, the summary is as follows 0:30 Takbeerah chant . 27:02, Br Brent accepts Islam, shares his story. 29:25- Salaat ul 'Eid (Eid prayer). 37:34, Khutbat ul 'Eid (sermon). All of our Friday services since the emergence of the coronavirus are archived, available for viewing, at our mosque Facebook page Click here . Your support is greatly needed and appreciated, and is best achieved by donating at our secure website The Masjid Ibrahim donation page . All donations are tax deductible. )
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