Well this is it. For the past few months I've been trying to motivate myself enough to write on this blog but it just isn't happening. So I've decided that it's time to close it down.
I still have plenty to write about so that's not the problem. The truth is, blogging just isn't enough for me anymore. I've noticed that a lot of blogs I used to read are going through similar phases so maybe blogging in general is losing its appeal.
I am very sorry to any readers out there who have been expecting further instalments of my Dissertation. After careful deliberation I've decided not to post anymore of it online. If anyone does want to read it, then please email me at desimonkeyhasspoken[at]gmail.com. Even though the blogging has come to an end, the email address will still be working.
Anyway, that's it! Take care of yourselves and go and spread the word: Desi Monkey Has Spoken.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
A Study into Islam's Contribution to the Development of Medicine: Part 1
My disso's finally got the thumbs up from its most worthy critique (my bro,) so here's that post that I promised oh so long ago about it. To begin with, I've copy and pasted the entire Introduction below, but I'll be summarizing each of the chapters from here on in. Despite what my supervisor said, I maintain that the copyright and whatnot rests with me. If you want to know anymore about it, then feel free to either leave a comment on here, or email me (desimonkeyhasspoken@gmail.com). Next instalment will be in a week or two Insha'Allah (if God wills) depending on how my revision's going! Enjoy!
Introduction
Contemporary society is witnessing a conflict between religion and science in an increasingly secular world. In an environment where secularism has begun to penetrate every aspect of society’s infrastructure, we find a civilization that is questioning the role that religion plays, or has ever played in the world. The answer to the question is paramount in a world where the influence of religion is either a source of strength for a community, or a source of utter frustration. Whilst some may view religion as liberating, the opposing argument that it is an oppressive force accountable for much of the world’s disharmony, is reigning ever supreme with an increase in anti-religious propaganda. As a result, such a climate creates a need to defend religion itself, and to remind ourselves of the contributions that religion has and continues to make in society in order to establish a sense of respect between diverse beliefs.
The religion that is at the forefront of many worldwide debates at the moment is undeniably that of Islam. The evidence for this is blatant. The terms “Muslim” and “Islam” appear almost every day, in news reports. The social, political, religious and economic affairs within Muslim communities, and in relation to non-Muslim communities, are being increasingly documented. In light of this, we become aware that whether it is political, social, economic or religious, the Qur’an and religion of Islam seems to affect every aspect of a Muslim’s life. Also, with the increased numbers of Muslims residing in non-Muslim areas, there has emerged the need to find a common ground between these very different societies. I identified this so-called “common ground” to reside in their shared pursuit of knowledge. With the impact of Islam in the area of medicine arguably more overwhelming than in any other field, I chose this as my main focus. Unlike its influence in other aspects of learning, perhaps the most underappreciated is the contribution made by the religion of Islam and the Muslim nation in the art of medicine. What drives this dissertation is the recognition to defend the relationship between religion and arguably the most sacred of sciences: that of the art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases: Medicine.[1]
In this dissertation I shall discuss the legacy of Islamic medicine throughout the world. I shall begin in Chapter One by analysing the state of pre-Islamic medicine in
The third and final chapter will consider the contributions made during the periods ranging from the emergence of the Islamic empire until the present day. In particular I will focus on the Abbasid period, which witnessed a flourishing of knowledge and a passion for learning. The legacy of Muslim figures such as Ibn Sina (d. 1037CE) and Al-Razi (d. between 903-926CE) will also briefly be analysed. Finally, I shall question the factors that may have contributed to the inevitable stagnation within Muslim communities towards medical advancements.
The most important element of this dissertation will be to understand that the contribution of Islam to medicine was not in isolation of any other community, for medicine in itself is independent from discrimination. Muslims were admittedly influenced greatly by Greek thought preceding the emergence of Islam, and during the Islamic empires worked alongside people from different faiths. For anyone, whether Muslim, Christian, Jew, atheist and so forth, to have advanced in the field of medicine is contributing to an ever developing universal system which affects the whole of human civilization regardless of their age, sex, religion or nationality. The contribution made by the religion of Islam and the Muslim nation (Ummah) to medicine is admittedly comprised of many contributors, yet nonetheless deserves to be appreciated in its own right.
[1] Elizabeth A. Martin,
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Three Years Later
These past three years and in particular the last twelve months have been, for want of a better word, weird. Every aspect of my life, without exaggeration, has transformed to such a state that it is almost unrecognisable to the way it was merely three years ago. And most unexpectedly, I've changed. My way of thinking and the way I perceive this world has adapted according to the experiences I, and those around me, have gone through. Whether this is for the better, I guess time will tell.
It's been three years since I left my home to study at university, and despite the frequent visits back, most of my time was spent staying at my university accommodation. In the meantime, my family and I have undergone different experiences. With the prospect of moving back home after three years, I need to realise that our different experiences will result in differing ideas of the world. Now I have two options here: Either let the differences cause divisions; or understand the fact that our ideas stem from different life experiences, and embrace them.
In my second year of university I got highly involved with one particular society on campus. This society was influenced greatly by a certain type, or class of people. As the outsider, it was difficult to blend in with these people, who in essence I shared a similar identity with, but had decided to react to it in a different way. At the time, I pretty much tried my best, and eventually gave up and left the society. What is most frustrating in retrospect is that neither they nor I were able to understand that our differing opinions stemmed from different life experiences. If we had realised this at the time, we could have worked very well together. Or at the least, I could have explained my stance on certain issues with more clarity.
Anywho, that's where my life stands right now, I'm preparing myself to move home, and to finally finish my degree Insha'Allah (If God Wills.) As for how much I've changed, let's see if that reflects in my style of writing as well...
Oh yes, and my dissertation, which Alhamdulillah (thanks be to God,) has been handed in, will be posted about soon. My loyal subject (my brother,) is reading through it at the moment and until or unless he gives it the thumbs-up, I don't want to paste extracts of it on her just yet. More on that in the coming weeks Insha'Allah (if God Wills.)
It's been three years since I left my home to study at university, and despite the frequent visits back, most of my time was spent staying at my university accommodation. In the meantime, my family and I have undergone different experiences. With the prospect of moving back home after three years, I need to realise that our different experiences will result in differing ideas of the world. Now I have two options here: Either let the differences cause divisions; or understand the fact that our ideas stem from different life experiences, and embrace them.
In my second year of university I got highly involved with one particular society on campus. This society was influenced greatly by a certain type, or class of people. As the outsider, it was difficult to blend in with these people, who in essence I shared a similar identity with, but had decided to react to it in a different way. At the time, I pretty much tried my best, and eventually gave up and left the society. What is most frustrating in retrospect is that neither they nor I were able to understand that our differing opinions stemmed from different life experiences. If we had realised this at the time, we could have worked very well together. Or at the least, I could have explained my stance on certain issues with more clarity.
Anywho, that's where my life stands right now, I'm preparing myself to move home, and to finally finish my degree Insha'Allah (If God Wills.) As for how much I've changed, let's see if that reflects in my style of writing as well...
Oh yes, and my dissertation, which Alhamdulillah (thanks be to God,) has been handed in, will be posted about soon. My loyal subject (my brother,) is reading through it at the moment and until or unless he gives it the thumbs-up, I don't want to paste extracts of it on her just yet. More on that in the coming weeks Insha'Allah (if God Wills.)
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Incurable Disease
"Verily the physician, with his physic and his drugs,
Cannot avert a summons that hath come.
What ails the physician that he dies of the disease
Which he used to cure in time gone by;
There died alike he who administered the drug, and he who took the drug,
And he who imported and sold the drug, and he who bought it."
--------------------------------
"The physician says to thee, "I can cure thee,"
When he feels thy wrist and thy arm;
But did the physician know a cure for disease
Which would ward off death, he would not himself suffer the death agony."
-------------------------------
Cannot avert a summons that hath come.
What ails the physician that he dies of the disease
Which he used to cure in time gone by;
There died alike he who administered the drug, and he who took the drug,
And he who imported and sold the drug, and he who bought it."
--------------------------------
"The physician says to thee, "I can cure thee,"
When he feels thy wrist and thy arm;
But did the physician know a cure for disease
Which would ward off death, he would not himself suffer the death agony."
-------------------------------
I'm writing my dissertation on "Islam's Contribution to Medicine," and keep stumbling across the above verses, so thought I should share them. More on my disso in the near future Insha'Allah (If God Wills.)
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Easier Said Than Done
I have a tendency to come out with some corkers sometimes. Like the other day whilst discussing the Israel-Palestine issue with a friend, I was adamant that despite everything that has happened, peace can still be achieved; if not in my lifetime, then one day. I know it's an incredibly delicate topic, and unfortunately no "artistic licensing" allows one to elaborate any further, especially in the sphere of blogging. All I can say is that I did not state such an opinion without realising exactly what I was asking for; Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God,) I'm not that naive.
But that got me thinking: I haven't seen peace for so long. I used to see it, and I won't say where, but even that's gone now. I don’t just mean on the political scene, but almost in every dimension of our existence. The majority of people have become angry; bitter; vengeful; forgetful; uncompromising; opinionated; hypocritical; doubtful; unjust; corrupt and absolutely merciless on their onslaught on anything, and I mean ANYTHING that gets in their way. What hope has some feeble person like myself, who cries for peace in the corner of a room full of such violence and oppression got in this world?
Suddenly when all this starts to hit-home, I detach myself from it all. I try my best to look at the "bigger picture," and to think how temporary this all is. I'm dying. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day I'm dying; and so are you. As soon as, AS SOON AS we forget that we're all mortals, we start acting like gods; we think each one of us is qualified to impart our idea of justice on each other, and that any sense of accountability is reduced to a mere court of law. Buy enough people off, and even that isn't a threat to the megalomaniacs of this world.
My detachment leads me therefore to believe even more strongly in the necessity of peace in this world. To my friends and to those reading my blog: Don't for one second think I don't know what I ask for. I ask for peace, compromise, patience, equality, forgiveness, justice, mercy, love, courage and all that good stuff because we're all going to die one day; and I would like to leave my children, and yours in a world where they don't have to witness as much conflict as we have had to; Where their innocence isn't raped from them as soon as they open their eyes; and where, most importantly, they remember that they are only human, and can relate to others on a human level, ignoring anything that may divide them.
On the creation of man, it says in the Qur'an:
"[Prophet], when your Lord told the angels, 'I am putting a successor on earth,' they said, 'How can You put someone there who will cause damage and bloodshed when we celebrate Your praise and proclaim Your holiness?' but He said, 'I know things you do not.' He taught Adam the names of all things, then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Tell me the names of these if you truly [think you can].' They said, 'May You be glorified! We have knowledge only of what You have taught us. You are the All Knowing and All Wise.' Then He said, 'Adam, tell them the names of these.' When he told them their names, God said, "Did I not tell you that I know what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?'" - The Qur'an, Surah 2, Ayat 30-33.
Despite the "bloodshed" the angels could foresee in the future of mankind, there has to be a reason we were still created.
Whether you believe in God or not, most people realise that there is a reason we exist; there is a reason there are wars; and there is a reason people like me will not give up in asking for peace.
For those who love war, I'm a thorn in your side. Live with it.
But that got me thinking: I haven't seen peace for so long. I used to see it, and I won't say where, but even that's gone now. I don’t just mean on the political scene, but almost in every dimension of our existence. The majority of people have become angry; bitter; vengeful; forgetful; uncompromising; opinionated; hypocritical; doubtful; unjust; corrupt and absolutely merciless on their onslaught on anything, and I mean ANYTHING that gets in their way. What hope has some feeble person like myself, who cries for peace in the corner of a room full of such violence and oppression got in this world?
Suddenly when all this starts to hit-home, I detach myself from it all. I try my best to look at the "bigger picture," and to think how temporary this all is. I'm dying. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day I'm dying; and so are you. As soon as, AS SOON AS we forget that we're all mortals, we start acting like gods; we think each one of us is qualified to impart our idea of justice on each other, and that any sense of accountability is reduced to a mere court of law. Buy enough people off, and even that isn't a threat to the megalomaniacs of this world.
My detachment leads me therefore to believe even more strongly in the necessity of peace in this world. To my friends and to those reading my blog: Don't for one second think I don't know what I ask for. I ask for peace, compromise, patience, equality, forgiveness, justice, mercy, love, courage and all that good stuff because we're all going to die one day; and I would like to leave my children, and yours in a world where they don't have to witness as much conflict as we have had to; Where their innocence isn't raped from them as soon as they open their eyes; and where, most importantly, they remember that they are only human, and can relate to others on a human level, ignoring anything that may divide them.
On the creation of man, it says in the Qur'an:
"[Prophet], when your Lord told the angels, 'I am putting a successor on earth,' they said, 'How can You put someone there who will cause damage and bloodshed when we celebrate Your praise and proclaim Your holiness?' but He said, 'I know things you do not.' He taught Adam the names of all things, then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Tell me the names of these if you truly [think you can].' They said, 'May You be glorified! We have knowledge only of what You have taught us. You are the All Knowing and All Wise.' Then He said, 'Adam, tell them the names of these.' When he told them their names, God said, "Did I not tell you that I know what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?'" - The Qur'an, Surah 2, Ayat 30-33.
Despite the "bloodshed" the angels could foresee in the future of mankind, there has to be a reason we were still created.
Whether you believe in God or not, most people realise that there is a reason we exist; there is a reason there are wars; and there is a reason people like me will not give up in asking for peace.
For those who love war, I'm a thorn in your side. Live with it.
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Desi Monkey Recommendation
Just a quick post to recommend the following article: "Over Sexualized Muslim Men Syndrome."
Don't let the title put you off. Before anyone says anything, yes I know it works both ways: Muslim women are just as bad *sometimes* as Muslim men; and no, I'm not a feminist.
Read away!
Don't let the title put you off. Before anyone says anything, yes I know it works both ways: Muslim women are just as bad *sometimes* as Muslim men; and no, I'm not a feminist.
Read away!
Friday, January 19, 2007
Forgive and Forget
I'm trying to get my head around the saying "forgive and forget." To put it simply, I don't understand how the two can go hand-in-hand, unless applied to a trivial situation which really bears no real consequence on life. But the situations that really hurt are different.
Forgiveness isn't something I find too difficult to partake in if someone apologises for whatever reason. Gandhi said that "forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," probably because it takes more of an effort to forgive someone than it does to bear a grudge against them. Unfortunately, as I've learnt from experience, grudges and the bitterness that ensue can consume people. It's like a cancer in the heart, that destroys the love that you may have felt for that person, and eventually anyone that may associate with them. Forgiveness is the only cure to this bitterness, and the earlier it's put into practice, the easier it is to rid one's heart of the cancer.
But to associate forgiveness with forgetting is illogical to me. If someone has the potential to hurt someone else, and willingly, then how can one forget their capacity to do so? For example, in Islamic law, if someone bears false witness, then their testimony is never to be trusted again; Their reputation as a liar haunts them forever, whether or not they have repented and "mended their ways" so to speak. The reason I have personally derived for this is quite simple: Once someone has recognised their ability to practice the art of lying, then the only person that can stop them from doing so is themselves. If they put it into practice once, then there is nothing to ensure that they won't again, except their own conviction. And seeing as none of us know the intentions of another, we can only trust what someone has the potential of being like from the actions that they undertake.
So back to forgetting; If I have found out for example, that my friend has lied to me, then although I might forgive them for doing so, I won't forget that they have the capacity to lie; If for no other reason, than to make sure I've learnt my lesson of what they are capable of.
After everything that's happened over this past academic year, unfortunately this is what I've had to learn:
Forgetting turns foes into friends and friends into foes. Forgiving shouldn't necessarily mean forgetting.
Any objections?
Forgiveness isn't something I find too difficult to partake in if someone apologises for whatever reason. Gandhi said that "forgiveness is the attribute of the strong," probably because it takes more of an effort to forgive someone than it does to bear a grudge against them. Unfortunately, as I've learnt from experience, grudges and the bitterness that ensue can consume people. It's like a cancer in the heart, that destroys the love that you may have felt for that person, and eventually anyone that may associate with them. Forgiveness is the only cure to this bitterness, and the earlier it's put into practice, the easier it is to rid one's heart of the cancer.
But to associate forgiveness with forgetting is illogical to me. If someone has the potential to hurt someone else, and willingly, then how can one forget their capacity to do so? For example, in Islamic law, if someone bears false witness, then their testimony is never to be trusted again; Their reputation as a liar haunts them forever, whether or not they have repented and "mended their ways" so to speak. The reason I have personally derived for this is quite simple: Once someone has recognised their ability to practice the art of lying, then the only person that can stop them from doing so is themselves. If they put it into practice once, then there is nothing to ensure that they won't again, except their own conviction. And seeing as none of us know the intentions of another, we can only trust what someone has the potential of being like from the actions that they undertake.
So back to forgetting; If I have found out for example, that my friend has lied to me, then although I might forgive them for doing so, I won't forget that they have the capacity to lie; If for no other reason, than to make sure I've learnt my lesson of what they are capable of.
After everything that's happened over this past academic year, unfortunately this is what I've had to learn:
Forgetting turns foes into friends and friends into foes. Forgiving shouldn't necessarily mean forgetting.
Any objections?
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Procrastination is the Thief of Time
"Procrastination is the thief of time" was what a wise fortune cookie told me once. But is it really daylight robbery when you end up doing something more creative than whatever you're procrastinating from?
This is what I get up to when I'm procrastinating:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/desimonkey/
This is what I get up to when I'm procrastinating:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/desimonkey/
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Official Hiatus
Well I literally prayed this wouldn't happen, but I'm going to have to announce an official hiatus. I blame final year of Uni *grr*
With Eid Al-Adha just around the corner, I'd like to wish an Eid Mubarak to all the Muslims out there; a congrats to those who went on Hajj; a belated Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to anyone celebrating; Oh and an advanced "Happy New Year" when we hit the big 2-0-0-7. (Have I missed anything out? :s Well if I have, apologise.)
I seem to have developed a knack for drawing stickmen of late... As weird as that may sound, I have started a little series of animations which hopefully look more promising than the description I've just given. So, if not writing, I will be trying to find a way in which I can publish these pictures online for everyone to view and leave feedback on.
For now, Insha'Allah (if God wills,) this hiatus won't last too long.
With Eid Al-Adha just around the corner, I'd like to wish an Eid Mubarak to all the Muslims out there; a congrats to those who went on Hajj; a belated Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to anyone celebrating; Oh and an advanced "Happy New Year" when we hit the big 2-0-0-7. (Have I missed anything out? :s Well if I have, apologise.)
I seem to have developed a knack for drawing stickmen of late... As weird as that may sound, I have started a little series of animations which hopefully look more promising than the description I've just given. So, if not writing, I will be trying to find a way in which I can publish these pictures online for everyone to view and leave feedback on.
For now, Insha'Allah (if God wills,) this hiatus won't last too long.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Update
First and foremost a huge apology for not being able to write a new post for so long. I'm so overwhelmed by the amount of study I have on at the moment, that everytime I sit down to write a new post, all I can see through the corner of my eye is a stack of books.
So until I get a chance to get blogging again, I invite you all to read through my previous posts, and to look at some of the blogs that I recommend on the right-hand side. Insha'Allah (if God wills,) I'll be back soon.
Y'all be taking care now.
So until I get a chance to get blogging again, I invite you all to read through my previous posts, and to look at some of the blogs that I recommend on the right-hand side. Insha'Allah (if God wills,) I'll be back soon.
Y'all be taking care now.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Sometimes I Get Carried Away
I forget this world is temporary;
I forget that they're not mine;
I forget that You've been watching
All the passing time.
I forget that justice must exist;
I forget the promise You made;
I forget that all of this
Is simply a facade.
I forget that peace is possible;
I forget the lessons You taught
I forget that all I have
Is a mercy of a sort.
I forget that I am human;
And can get carried away
And forget that my body
Is dying everyday.
So I trust in You
Just like You trust in me;
And this time I won't forget
The truth that I must see.
I forget that they're not mine;
I forget that You've been watching
All the passing time.
I forget that justice must exist;
I forget the promise You made;
I forget that all of this
Is simply a facade.
I forget that peace is possible;
I forget the lessons You taught
I forget that all I have
Is a mercy of a sort.
I forget that I am human;
And can get carried away
And forget that my body
Is dying everyday.
So I trust in You
Just like You trust in me;
And this time I won't forget
The truth that I must see.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
When Hunger Means Nothing
I don't know why I didn't publish this post after I'd written it... Oh well, here it is:
For some reason I've been encountering a lot of conspiracy theories about the world of late. Most of the time I don't pay attention because the fact is that only a select number of people know the truth about the world, and my only concern should be to protest for that truth and not to support any theories, because that's just what they are: THEORIES.
However, I couldn't help but notice one aspect that ran true throughout many of the theories: The hunger factor. Get enough people hungry and they'll be willing to do just about anything for a little bit of food. To demonstrate, I came across this quote that sent shivers down my spine:
There's just one little element which tends to be highly underestimated: Will power.
With the month of Ramadhan in full swing, the majority of Muslims out there are probably feeling the weight of their bodies and the lightness of their souls. You see, on the surface, fasting does lead to a great deal of hunger and thirst, but it's nothing compared to the will power we develop from it. It takes only a matter of hours and body experiences such cravings that you'd think it hadn't had food for days! Whenever I see food and water my body pulls me down, however my soul keeps me up. If it were up to my body, I would never have experienced such hunger in the first place. So why don't I give in? Because my will won't let me. I don't want to disappoint the God who has asked me to fast for Him, ever increasing my determination to keep on going.
With only four or five days of Ramadhan down, I've already learnt a lot. Firstly the power of my soul outweighs the power of my body; and secondly that all those petty things that seem oh so important on a full stomach just don't seem so important anymore...
For some reason I've been encountering a lot of conspiracy theories about the world of late. Most of the time I don't pay attention because the fact is that only a select number of people know the truth about the world, and my only concern should be to protest for that truth and not to support any theories, because that's just what they are: THEORIES.
However, I couldn't help but notice one aspect that ran true throughout many of the theories: The hunger factor. Get enough people hungry and they'll be willing to do just about anything for a little bit of food. To demonstrate, I came across this quote that sent shivers down my spine:
"Hunger is sharper than the sword."
- The Honest Man's Fortune (act II, sc. 2, l. 1,) Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
- The Honest Man's Fortune (act II, sc. 2, l. 1,) Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
There's just one little element which tends to be highly underestimated: Will power.
With the month of Ramadhan in full swing, the majority of Muslims out there are probably feeling the weight of their bodies and the lightness of their souls. You see, on the surface, fasting does lead to a great deal of hunger and thirst, but it's nothing compared to the will power we develop from it. It takes only a matter of hours and body experiences such cravings that you'd think it hadn't had food for days! Whenever I see food and water my body pulls me down, however my soul keeps me up. If it were up to my body, I would never have experienced such hunger in the first place. So why don't I give in? Because my will won't let me. I don't want to disappoint the God who has asked me to fast for Him, ever increasing my determination to keep on going.
With only four or five days of Ramadhan down, I've already learnt a lot. Firstly the power of my soul outweighs the power of my body; and secondly that all those petty things that seem oh so important on a full stomach just don't seem so important anymore...
Thursday, September 14, 2006
I would like to draw your attention to a post by Lightness of Being (http://lightnessofbeing.wordpress.com/), entitled "Some days and Others." It's a particularly good read. In addition to that, she wrote a very powerful story a while back which I'd also like to take this opportunity to recommend entitled "My Name is Zack."
That's all for now folks!
That's all for now folks!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Truth be told...
I hate lying. I actually have a personal grudge against it. I hate it so much that I do my utmost to avoid it and even those "little white lies." I've noticed those types are the most lethal and can cause more damage than good, so I avoid them by either not saying anything, or telling the truth.
It's not necessarily that I'm trying to take the moral high ground and say that lying is bad, blah, blah, blah, but rather that it simply causes an avoidable amount of inconvenience in our lives, so I figure, why bother doing it? I mean, the truth ALWAYS finds a way of getting out (sorry for hitting you with a cliche there, but it's true!) The other thing about lies is that they walk around in packs, waiting to attack. It's impossible to tell one lie without telling a whole bunch of them just to maintain that first one. They're harder to maintain than they're worth. For example, let's handle the dreaded question that men face:
Sally: "Does this outfit make me look fat?"
John: Uhh...
*No, your fat makes you look fat*
No honey...
Later that evening... (At a get-together between "friends"):
Sally's friend Janice, who has a tendency to express her opinions when they aren't asked
for: "Wow, that outfit is a bit tight isn't it?"
Sally (who wants to prove Janice wrong): *humph* Well it's lucky I have a good figure, haha, right JOHN?
An unsuspecting John: Uhh.. *Starts sweating* Uhh... *Contemplates running...* Uhh...
Ah ha! Now, does John tell more lies to cover up the one he said before, or does he tell the truth?
*Rewind*
OK, what John failed to notice earlier was that he could have very tactfully rephrased his answer to Sally's question of "does this make me look fat?" For example, all he needed to say (in an endearing way, because of that whole lovey-dovey pukey stuff) was: "you know what honey, I reaaaally like that pink one you have hanging in the wardrobe- It brings out your *insert her most prided feature.*"
It's not necessarily that I'm trying to take the moral high ground and say that lying is bad, blah, blah, blah, but rather that it simply causes an avoidable amount of inconvenience in our lives, so I figure, why bother doing it? I mean, the truth ALWAYS finds a way of getting out (sorry for hitting you with a cliche there, but it's true!) The other thing about lies is that they walk around in packs, waiting to attack. It's impossible to tell one lie without telling a whole bunch of them just to maintain that first one. They're harder to maintain than they're worth. For example, let's handle the dreaded question that men face:
Sally: "Does this outfit make me look fat?"
John: Uhh...
*No, your fat makes you look fat*
No honey...
Later that evening... (At a get-together between "friends"):
Sally's friend Janice, who has a tendency to express her opinions when they aren't asked
for: "Wow, that outfit is a bit tight isn't it?"
Sally (who wants to prove Janice wrong): *humph* Well it's lucky I have a good figure, haha, right JOHN?
An unsuspecting John: Uhh.. *Starts sweating* Uhh... *Contemplates running...* Uhh...
Ah ha! Now, does John tell more lies to cover up the one he said before, or does he tell the truth?
*Rewind*
OK, what John failed to notice earlier was that he could have very tactfully rephrased his answer to Sally's question of "does this make me look fat?" For example, all he needed to say (in an endearing way, because of that whole lovey-dovey pukey stuff) was: "you know what honey, I reaaaally like that pink one you have hanging in the wardrobe- It brings out your *insert her most prided feature.*"
Anyway, enough of the relationship advice, my point remains: The truth can be avoided, and in a sense told using tact if you think it will hurt someone's feelings (You'll notice politicians do this quite well, so start taking notes from their speeches ;-) ) Otherwise, apart from that little scenario, when the truth is spoken, you'll find that people appreciate it more that being lied to. Isn't it better to have a reputation for speaking the truth than for telling lies; or when a lie gets out of control, a reputation for being a hypocrite?
"No legacy is so rich as honesty."
- William Shakespeare, "All's Well that Ends Well", Act 3 scene 5
"No legacy is so rich as honesty."
- William Shakespeare, "All's Well that Ends Well", Act 3 scene 5
"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything."
- Mark Twain
There's just one little problem I find with telling the truth: I've often expected the same in return. So, I just remind myself, as my mum always says "don't expect anything from anyone." If I choose to be honest, then it's my choice, and I shouldn't expect the same from anyone else. Ain't that the truth!
- Mark Twain
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Bill Hicks: The Legend
“I had a vision of a way we could have no enemies ever again if you’re interested in this- Anybody interested in hearing this? It’s kind of an interesting theory and all we have to do is make one decisive act and we could rid the world of all our enemies at once. Here’s what we do: You know all that money that we spend on nuclear weapons and defence every year- “trillions” of dollars? Instead, if we spent that money feeding and clothing the poor of the world, which it would pay for many times over, not one human being excluded, not ONE; We could as one race explore outer space together in peace forever.” - Bill Hicks
I'll tell you one thing: it doesn't take the likes of a philosopher, a doctor, a world leader or any other sort of academically or otherwise acclaimed human being to bring about changes in our world. It takes ordinary human beings who aren't afraid to open their eyes and be honest with themselves about what they see. Such people are so selfless that they protest when witnessing even the smallest act of injustice with great ease. They constantly step back and see the "bigger picture," and do not allow short-sightedness to get in the way.
The words above were uttered by a comedian; A comedian who went further than the callings of his profession and spread a message of equality; charity; peace; justice; courage; truth and MOST importantly, the unification of the human race. This man saw beyond the divisions and was able to visualize prosperity for humanity as a collective.
I refuse to resign myself to the notion that the world is nearing an end, or any other so-called explanation for its current state. As long as the world is here, the vision remains.
What Hicks imagined was not impossible. We humans have the capacity to do much good, as long as we allow ourselves to do it.
In the words of Bill Hicks, "end of f**king story."
The words above were uttered by a comedian; A comedian who went further than the callings of his profession and spread a message of equality; charity; peace; justice; courage; truth and MOST importantly, the unification of the human race. This man saw beyond the divisions and was able to visualize prosperity for humanity as a collective.
I refuse to resign myself to the notion that the world is nearing an end, or any other so-called explanation for its current state. As long as the world is here, the vision remains.
What Hicks imagined was not impossible. We humans have the capacity to do much good, as long as we allow ourselves to do it.
In the words of Bill Hicks, "end of f**king story."
Friday, August 18, 2006
I'm Right and You're Wrong
Whenever I'm asked about my religion, there will always be some smart aleck who says to me "what makes your religion better than so-and-so religion?" Or in other words, "what makes what you believe in, your way of life, better than mine or anyone else’s?" When this question was presented to me more recently I began to realise some powerful truths.
Firstly I realised that hell yeah, I do believe my religion is the best. For there is no sense at all in choosing a religion, or way of life, that falls short of being the best.
Secondly, I realised that I had committed no crime, and that I should not be ashamed for believing my religion is the best because I had done only what all humans are guilty of doing.
Let me put it like this: don't we all already live our lives believing that we are living the better one in comparison to another? And if not, then don't we all DESERVE the right to live a life which we think is the best? After all, as far as any of us know, we only get one life, and we all intend to "live life to the full" as it were. So why live a life which one does not feel is the best for them?
Individually we all choose what sort of life style suit us and we don't chose it because we think it's the worst for us; we think it's the best.
The reality of it is, we all have one life which we can choose to do whatever we like with. If you chose not to be a Muslim, I really shouldn't be bothered because I should be content that I am living my life to the best of my capabilities. My only concern should be that I have done my utmost in increasing my own and your understanding of different beliefs so that we can live in a harmonious world, where we show sincere respect for each other.
We don't need an intolerant society where we all try to justify that we're right and everyone else is wrong; we need one where there's dialogue, understanding and peace. Hands up if you agree.
Firstly I realised that hell yeah, I do believe my religion is the best. For there is no sense at all in choosing a religion, or way of life, that falls short of being the best.
Secondly, I realised that I had committed no crime, and that I should not be ashamed for believing my religion is the best because I had done only what all humans are guilty of doing.
Let me put it like this: don't we all already live our lives believing that we are living the better one in comparison to another? And if not, then don't we all DESERVE the right to live a life which we think is the best? After all, as far as any of us know, we only get one life, and we all intend to "live life to the full" as it were. So why live a life which one does not feel is the best for them?
Individually we all choose what sort of life style suit us and we don't chose it because we think it's the worst for us; we think it's the best.
The reality of it is, we all have one life which we can choose to do whatever we like with. If you chose not to be a Muslim, I really shouldn't be bothered because I should be content that I am living my life to the best of my capabilities. My only concern should be that I have done my utmost in increasing my own and your understanding of different beliefs so that we can live in a harmonious world, where we show sincere respect for each other.
We don't need an intolerant society where we all try to justify that we're right and everyone else is wrong; we need one where there's dialogue, understanding and peace. Hands up if you agree.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Just Keep Singing
It's begun.
Just keep singing.
Some watch.
Just keep singing.
Some join in.
Just keep singing.
Now they're part of the show.
Just keep singing.
People without bones.
Just keep singing.
Make things worse.
Just keep singing.
There's no where to run,
So enjoy the show.
Me? I don't understand;
So I'll just keep singing.
One day you'll learn the tune
I've just got to keep singing.
Just keep singing.
Some watch.
Just keep singing.
Some join in.
Just keep singing.
Now they're part of the show.
Just keep singing.
People without bones.
Just keep singing.
Make things worse.
Just keep singing.
There's no where to run,
So enjoy the show.
Me? I don't understand;
So I'll just keep singing.
One day you'll learn the tune
I've just got to keep singing.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
I know that with the recent events in Lebanon, all of us, especially fellow Muslims may be feeling particularly drained.
If anyone's taking everything as hard as I have, then I would recommend reading the following post by Shabina, because it shows the resilience we all need during the times we face:
"Sunday is for Shabina" - http://shabina921.blogspot.com/
I really wanted to produce a post myself in light of everything that's happening, but I don't think I could do it any justice right now. Insha'Allah (If God wills,) maybe one day I'll be able to.
If anyone's taking everything as hard as I have, then I would recommend reading the following post by Shabina, because it shows the resilience we all need during the times we face:
"Sunday is for Shabina" - http://shabina921.blogspot.com/
I really wanted to produce a post myself in light of everything that's happening, but I don't think I could do it any justice right now. Insha'Allah (If God wills,) maybe one day I'll be able to.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Paint it Yellow
A post that I took my time publishing (I've been rushed off my feet.) The date is that in which I actually wrote it. Enjoy!
I rarely watch Indian movies, but today my mum convinced me to watch a film entitled "Rang de basanti" ("Paint it Yellow") which my brother and I had bought her for her birthday.
I obviously can't write much about the film itself, so as not to spoil it for those who haven't watched it. However I'll just touch upon a few themes that become evident to the audience very early on.
It starts by showing the up rise of the Indian citizens against the oppressive rule of the British Empire. Ironically, we find that after the rule of the British Empire ceases, civil warfare emerges. Those same Indians who had once united against a tyrannical regime were now fighting amongst themselves. Indian against Indian; Sounds familiar no?
Although I don't quite enjoy the echoes of patriotism that run throughout the film, it's still a worthwhile film to watch- A rare recommendation that I make to my readers.
Maybe watching a three hour Indian movie after so long took its toll on me, or maybe it's the parallels between the film and real life that are getting to me... Whatever it is, unfortunately I don't think the effects will last for long. I'll tuck myself into bed, dream my comforting dreams, and awake to a new day where I forget everything that's happening in the world because it's too much to bear.
I rarely watch Indian movies, but today my mum convinced me to watch a film entitled "Rang de basanti" ("Paint it Yellow") which my brother and I had bought her for her birthday.
I obviously can't write much about the film itself, so as not to spoil it for those who haven't watched it. However I'll just touch upon a few themes that become evident to the audience very early on.
It starts by showing the up rise of the Indian citizens against the oppressive rule of the British Empire. Ironically, we find that after the rule of the British Empire ceases, civil warfare emerges. Those same Indians who had once united against a tyrannical regime were now fighting amongst themselves. Indian against Indian; Sounds familiar no?
Although I don't quite enjoy the echoes of patriotism that run throughout the film, it's still a worthwhile film to watch- A rare recommendation that I make to my readers.
Maybe watching a three hour Indian movie after so long took its toll on me, or maybe it's the parallels between the film and real life that are getting to me... Whatever it is, unfortunately I don't think the effects will last for long. I'll tuck myself into bed, dream my comforting dreams, and awake to a new day where I forget everything that's happening in the world because it's too much to bear.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
It's a Way of Life
Until the other day I didn't realise how difficult it is for a non-Muslim to comprehend the impact the teachings of Islam have on the way in which a Muslim leads their life. We Muslims constantly say that Islam is "a complete way of life;" but what does a non-Muslim actually understand by this?
Islam literally is a way of life. It guides EVERY single aspect of a Muslim's life. For example, whilst sitting in my room the other day talking to my housemate I tried to demonstrate the way in which Islam was playing an active role in everything I was doing:
"I look out of my door and I can see that the passage light is on. I'm thinking 'I have to switch that off otherwise electricity is being wasted and I will have to account to God for knowingly allowing that to happen.' When you came into the room you sat on the floor and I thought 'should I also sit on the floor because it might be rude that she's sitting there and I'm sitting above her? Or should I say to her to sit on my bed? Or should I just leave it because I know her well enough to know that she'll sit wherever she feels comfortable' I'm thinking, it's 2am, I need to stay up for the Fajr prayer now- I can't let myself fall asleep. Heck, with all this running in my mind, I can't even begin to think about those Muslims half way across the world suffering in Guantanamo, Israel, Afghanistan etc. It's all too much."
Islam touches upon the slightest social, political, economic and indeed spiritual aspects of a Muslim's life. The question that Muslims now face, that they have never faced on mass before, is how do we maintain the principles of each of these rulings whilst living in predominantly non-Muslim societies? For example, in regards to medicine, what should the so-called "Islamic" perspective be on cloning? Should we participate in the consumption of genetically modified foods, bearing in mind that in the Qur'an it says that we were sent as "vicegerents" to earth, meaning that we have an environmental responsibility too? (Refer to Surah 2, ayat 30 of the Holy Qur'an.) These are just two of the many questions we are now encountering.
In terms of Muslims residing in predominantly Muslim countries, they too face a whole new challenge. As my Islamic History lecturer once said, unlike before when Muslim empires used to collapse and rise up again like a phoenix from the ashes, the Ottoman Empire to our surprise did not. It was the last of the Muslim empires which the Muslims could not recover from... We weren't prepared for such a long-lasting demise. This left us vulnerable to foreign influences and deviation from the principles of Islam as we experienced great moral, social, political, spiritual and perhaps most importantly, economic decline.
This year I have learnt a lot about my fellow Muslims. Never before had I interacted with Muslims on such a scale as I have done more recently. At one point I started to experience bitterness towards some Muslims as they were deviating from my understanding of Islam. I had a choice of either allowing such bitterness to consume me, which indeed it momentarily did, or to step back and realise that their intentions were incredibly similar to mine.
Regardless of little difference that I may have with a fellow Muslim, I have begun to understand the importance of maintaining peaceful relations. In terms of Muslims, we are all united under one faith, under the set principles of belief in One God and His final revelation (The Holy Qur'an); His final messenger and his sunnah (Peaces be upon him;) and the five pillars of Islam: The declaration of faith; the five daily prayers; the giving of charity; fasting during the month entitled "Ramadhan" in the Muslim calendar, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage. In my opinion, one of the most important uniting factors for all Muslims is the shared fear and love of God that we experience every second of the day. It is such fear and love that make us strive towards pleasing our Creator. Heck, this can even be seen to unite all believers- Muslims, Christians and Jews.
The following hadith of Bukhari has been narrated to me numerously throughout my life:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
"I heard Allah's Apostle (Peace be upon him) saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended...""
If one steps back and truly comprehends the impact of this teaching, then we realise that the truth of every individual's intention can only be known by that individual and God. As far as we are concerned, we have to invest a bit of trust in what someone may claim their intention to be when committing a particular act.
In most of the scenarios that I faced this year I found that it was the intentions that united and the acts that divided us. The intentions were usually to please God, and not necessarily to strive for reward and avoid punishment. Sometimes, however, it is easier to judge a person by their acts, and to forget the intentions behind them. (Please bear in mind that this does not apply to so-called Muslims who hide behind the religion of Islam to justify some of the preposterous crimes that they commit, such as the murdering of innocent civilians. I'll leave that topic for a rainy day.)
Back to Islam being a way of life. As far as I have seen, even though I may not agree with the more minor acts of some Muslims that I have come across, there is no doubt that they are all simply putting into action their understanding of Islam. I had to bring myself to understand that they must sincerely believe what they were doing was for the pleasure of God, so that their intentions when acting are just like mine.
Personally when I choose to act in a particular way I neither bear in mind the punishment or the reward- Paradise and Hell rarely ever come into it. My only motivational factor is God. I can't bear to see the look of disappointment on His face if I do something wrong, and am eager to see His happiness if I do something right.
Hmm, then again despite my claims that these are my intentions, only God and I know the truth of what is in my heart... I guess you'll all have to invest a little trust in me...
Islam literally is a way of life. It guides EVERY single aspect of a Muslim's life. For example, whilst sitting in my room the other day talking to my housemate I tried to demonstrate the way in which Islam was playing an active role in everything I was doing:
"I look out of my door and I can see that the passage light is on. I'm thinking 'I have to switch that off otherwise electricity is being wasted and I will have to account to God for knowingly allowing that to happen.' When you came into the room you sat on the floor and I thought 'should I also sit on the floor because it might be rude that she's sitting there and I'm sitting above her? Or should I say to her to sit on my bed? Or should I just leave it because I know her well enough to know that she'll sit wherever she feels comfortable' I'm thinking, it's 2am, I need to stay up for the Fajr prayer now- I can't let myself fall asleep. Heck, with all this running in my mind, I can't even begin to think about those Muslims half way across the world suffering in Guantanamo, Israel, Afghanistan etc. It's all too much."
Islam touches upon the slightest social, political, economic and indeed spiritual aspects of a Muslim's life. The question that Muslims now face, that they have never faced on mass before, is how do we maintain the principles of each of these rulings whilst living in predominantly non-Muslim societies? For example, in regards to medicine, what should the so-called "Islamic" perspective be on cloning? Should we participate in the consumption of genetically modified foods, bearing in mind that in the Qur'an it says that we were sent as "vicegerents" to earth, meaning that we have an environmental responsibility too? (Refer to Surah 2, ayat 30 of the Holy Qur'an.) These are just two of the many questions we are now encountering.
In terms of Muslims residing in predominantly Muslim countries, they too face a whole new challenge. As my Islamic History lecturer once said, unlike before when Muslim empires used to collapse and rise up again like a phoenix from the ashes, the Ottoman Empire to our surprise did not. It was the last of the Muslim empires which the Muslims could not recover from... We weren't prepared for such a long-lasting demise. This left us vulnerable to foreign influences and deviation from the principles of Islam as we experienced great moral, social, political, spiritual and perhaps most importantly, economic decline.
This year I have learnt a lot about my fellow Muslims. Never before had I interacted with Muslims on such a scale as I have done more recently. At one point I started to experience bitterness towards some Muslims as they were deviating from my understanding of Islam. I had a choice of either allowing such bitterness to consume me, which indeed it momentarily did, or to step back and realise that their intentions were incredibly similar to mine.
Regardless of little difference that I may have with a fellow Muslim, I have begun to understand the importance of maintaining peaceful relations. In terms of Muslims, we are all united under one faith, under the set principles of belief in One God and His final revelation (The Holy Qur'an); His final messenger and his sunnah (Peaces be upon him;) and the five pillars of Islam: The declaration of faith; the five daily prayers; the giving of charity; fasting during the month entitled "Ramadhan" in the Muslim calendar, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage. In my opinion, one of the most important uniting factors for all Muslims is the shared fear and love of God that we experience every second of the day. It is such fear and love that make us strive towards pleasing our Creator. Heck, this can even be seen to unite all believers- Muslims, Christians and Jews.
The following hadith of Bukhari has been narrated to me numerously throughout my life:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
"I heard Allah's Apostle (Peace be upon him) saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended...""
If one steps back and truly comprehends the impact of this teaching, then we realise that the truth of every individual's intention can only be known by that individual and God. As far as we are concerned, we have to invest a bit of trust in what someone may claim their intention to be when committing a particular act.
In most of the scenarios that I faced this year I found that it was the intentions that united and the acts that divided us. The intentions were usually to please God, and not necessarily to strive for reward and avoid punishment. Sometimes, however, it is easier to judge a person by their acts, and to forget the intentions behind them. (Please bear in mind that this does not apply to so-called Muslims who hide behind the religion of Islam to justify some of the preposterous crimes that they commit, such as the murdering of innocent civilians. I'll leave that topic for a rainy day.)
Back to Islam being a way of life. As far as I have seen, even though I may not agree with the more minor acts of some Muslims that I have come across, there is no doubt that they are all simply putting into action their understanding of Islam. I had to bring myself to understand that they must sincerely believe what they were doing was for the pleasure of God, so that their intentions when acting are just like mine.
Personally when I choose to act in a particular way I neither bear in mind the punishment or the reward- Paradise and Hell rarely ever come into it. My only motivational factor is God. I can't bear to see the look of disappointment on His face if I do something wrong, and am eager to see His happiness if I do something right.
Hmm, then again despite my claims that these are my intentions, only God and I know the truth of what is in my heart... I guess you'll all have to invest a little trust in me...
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