The Phoenix Dervish

The IQRA Society

2006-12-24T17:01:00.000+05:00

This is a great new blog, check it out here : IQRA

The Purpose of Life

2006-10-27T22:27:00.001+05:00

The purpose of life, what is it? Why are we here? and what do we hope to accomplish in this life? Where were we before this life and where will we go after this existence ends? These are the most important questions yet they receive hundreds of different answers, I guess that’s because people don’t really know. Every time you ask anyone they just answer with what they have heard other people say, not what they really think or have come to learn. I’ve seen some brilliant scientists saying science can help answer these questions, but I don’t buy that. The fundamental question is, is all this an accident? You me and everything in the universe, just that. . .an accident? Can such accidents really happen? When I look at the sky, I know that’s not there by an accident. When I marvel at the oceans I know they have not been created in vain. Everything in nature has a purpose, intricately designed and crafted to perfection. Surely all this splendor has a creator and sustainer. I for one humble myself in front of this Creator whose bounties I am ever grateful for. Praise be to the Most Merciful who has given me the ability to contemplate all this and submit myself to His will.

A Journey of a 1000 Miles

2006-10-24T19:57:00.000+05:00

It’s been a while since I’ve been on a long journey. Unlike most people I enjoy traveling to distant places, savoring the culture, cuisine and customs of the people along my path. The most unforgettable journey of my life so far has been the Great Pilgrimage (The Hajj). Recently I got a chance to travel through Pakistan on the old English train route. Even though the journey was marred by delays, I enjoyed great company. Met some really interesting people, an insurance salesman, a preacher, one business student and a malang (holy man). All of us spent the entire night remembering all we could of our faith and sharing the stories of mysticism and spirituality. Nights like these are priceless, where emotions are high and theology is felt penetrating your soul. In two days I had passed through Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Bahawalpur Faysalabad. . .Lahore, Chakwal and Finally Islamabad. My father always says “Travel is a Teacher, The best of Teachers!”
Hope life has more to offer, more travels and more tales.

Oh and Eid Mubarik to all, Vix, Twice Translated, Cow, Ticky Talk and Tasha

Some Random Thoughts

2006-10-18T09:15:00.000+05:00

The future is a very uncertain thing. Yet I am optimistic, more optimistic than most people would tend to think. I have noticed that on any blog, the emotions of people are exaggerated. I guess that’s because words are often not very good representatives of our emotions. Thus every time I was blogging in the past, every mild bit of resentment at this world was amplified. I lost all the blogging I did before, some freak accident of blogger.com.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I haven’t seen any good movies for a while, I guess the best one so far was “V for Vendetta”. I quit Indian movies sometime back, nothing but stupidity to be found there. I enjoyed the plot and how it reflects the situation of the world. I guess in the end we can conclude that you can only be as happy as you want to be, no more, no less. Once anyone changes their outlook of life, nothing can stand in their way. I know what I’ve said might not make much sense, but then again, at times nothing makes sense.

The Kite Runner

2006-10-18T08:15:00.000+05:00

I was reading “the Kite Runner” a very good book about an Afghan refugee from the Soviet Occupation, who grows up in America. The book seems very interesting and the storytelling seemed in line with reality. Especially the relationships he has described between himself and his father who refuses to see a doctor despite having cancer. Of special interest is the developing of a relationship between the lead character and a young woman also from Afghanistan. Tribal customs, the traditional societal values etc are portrayed very realistically in this book. I would highly recommend it.

Oh and I’m going home soon :) (inshAllah)

An analysis of relationships

2006-10-13T09:28:00.000+05:00

Why is it that people are so sentimental? I cannot understand why emotions govern people, driving them to do things they are otherwise incapable of! People who are emotionally driven do not have much concern for the consequences their actions may cause. Thus in a storm of passion actions which seem ruinous afterwards are committed without the slightest remorse. Sometimes I wonder how people in relationships can bear the devastating impact of their conflicts. I guess it comes down to this, every relationship is built up of a series of transactions. The survival of the relationship depends on our ability to keep a positive balance in these transactions. Once the deficit reaches a critical point, people drift apart to such an extent that nothing can bring them back again. .

Hope is alive

2006-10-12T08:59:00.000+05:00

People keep searching for meaning in their lives. I am on a similar quest, yet every turn I take, seemingly hopeful ends in a surprising twist. Yet I am not dismayed by the way life has turned out, I am not the least bit disappointed. Life has many lessons to teach us, if we are aware and conscious. Yet the problem with us is that we are barely conscious of our direction in life at the best of times, most of us are lost in oblivion. The next time you feel like life has thrown you a curve ball, I suggest you whack it out of the ball park! You are powerful, you have the courage to succeed. Most of the time, the only thing holding you back is yourself! As my faith teaches me to be optimistic, so I too urge you to be optimistic. At such times, I can only think of the following phrase:
“Hopelessness if Faithlessness!”
I say this because without faith, we are animals, without guidance we are lost. Remember, God is on your side, He is with you right now! That’s something which can always cheer me up :)

2006-09-16T12:40:00.000+05:00

Hope (For the broken hearted)

This is the latest video, got pretty good reviews :)

2006-07-27T16:10:00.000+05:00

With Love From Israel

How the civilized world refuses to help the suffering of innocent Lebanese people. . . Shame on all of us!

What is Islam? (High Quality)

2006-07-20T14:05:00.000+05:00


a six minute introduction to Islam! For all those who want the truth about this misunderstood faith

The Caped Crusaders (Funny)

2006-07-17T16:44:00.000+05:00

Caped Crusaders Bush & Cheney

Simply a Massacre. . .

2006-07-14T15:46:00.000+05:00

For the past three days Israel has been bombing the hell out of Lebanon. For three soldiers hundreds of civilians have been killed, hundreds more injured. The media does not seem to see this as a war as it is controlled by the west. I for one cannot sit back silently, people, we need to wake up! Take some time out from your "Busy" lives and look at the bigger picture. We are Muslims, while our brothers and sisters are dying for proclaiming there is not God but God, we as Muslims are dancing and partying away our youth. How bleak will be our situation when we face God on the day of resurrection.

Even Israeli children are brought up to hate and abuse Muslims, watch the picture if you dont believe me. How come the world sits back while human rights of millions of Palestinians are being violated.

Islamic Youth Awakening Nasheed Part3

2006-07-13T15:58:00.000+05:00


This is the third and latest in a series of videos for young muslims asking them to return to Islam. . .

Islamic Youth Renaissance Nasheed Part 1

2006-07-13T15:56:00.000+05:00


This is the first of a series of videos, which have been made to awaken the spirit of Islam in the youth. More soon, inshAllah

THE SHIPWRECK*

2006-07-10T16:29:00.000+05:00

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island ....

He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him,and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food,he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened;everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

"Allah, how could you do this to me!" he cried.
(Comment; Plenty of people use such statement --- think again you should never qestion Allah nor object to his willing)

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly.
But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of Allah.

*someone shared this with me, I thought I'd share this with all of you.

Muslim Atheist Dialogue Part 3

2006-07-07T11:38:00.000+05:00

and why did he make those bad people, so that they can later rot in hell.
But then how is he merciful that shows that god is more of a sadist who derives pleasure from all this.

As I have stated earlier, God has not made people to rot in hell. In the Noble Quran God has stated that Humanity is created to worship Him. Thus it is our purpose in life, to serve God and obey His commands. It is God’s infinite mercy that He has time and again sent Messengers to remind Humanity of their true purpose in life. It is God’s infinite Mercy through which a man or woman can obtain salvation even on their deathbed after a life of Sin and Vice. It is God who says “If you walk towards me, I shall run towards you”. Thus God is there to help us, guide us and provide us peace. Condition is, we should be willing to embrace it, make at least some effort to search for the truth. “This truth shall indeed set you free from being a slave of thy self”, selfishly serving your needs, wants and desires is not the means of happiness or contentment. I have seen the poorest of the poor people embracing Islam and gaining the utmost of happiness and contentment. Similarly there are numerous people I have met who have all the wealth they wanted, yet they cannot sleep at night. They are filled with disease such that the dog in their house eats better food than them. Thus satisfaction and success is not in wealth, but in spirituality and faith. There is nothing more important than contentment of the heart & soul!

Muslim Atheist Dialogue Part 2

2006-07-04T15:21:00.000+05:00

So why did he create the bad people, to disrupt the peace and harmony of the world………?

God did not create “bad people” no one is born on sin according to Islam. There is not concept of Original Sin in Islam. People become good or bad because of their own choices, when I choose to commit a sin I have the power not to do it! God does not put anyone in a trial which they cannot pass. Thus do not blame God for your actions, because He has given you the power to change yourself and your actions. In Islam people are born on “Fitra” which is the Inherent Nature of Excellence. This inherent nature is positive and leads people to do good things in their life. Also people have stark reminders of their true purpose in life. By this I mean they have windows of opportunity to accept the truth of God. Yet they fail to embrace such opportunities and remain lost in their purpose. People who have had near death experiences can relate to what I've just said. People like Cat Stevens and Hamza Yusuf turned to Islam after life threatening incidents. It's at moments like these that we really understand how helpless and fragile we are in the eyes of God. Frankly as a practicing Muslim I can assure you that the spiritual aspects of Islam which are attained through prayer have given me such a sweet contentment of the heart that I cannot put into words. I have absolutely no worries in this world, I have faith in God and this faith gives me such contentment and confidence that nothing of this world can provide.

Alcoholism & Islam

2006-06-17T10:07:00.000+05:00

The Noble Quran 2:219
THEY WILL ASK thee about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: "In both there is great evil as well as some benefit for man; but the evil which they cause is greater than the benefit which they bring." And they will ask thee as to what they should spend [in God's cause]. Say: "Whatever you can spare." In this way God makes clear unto you His messages, so that you might reflect

Brief explanation from my point of view:
There is benefit in wine yet the harm is greater. Just look at the social and physiological harm alcohol does to people. We know that even a little wine can hurt the fetus during pregnancy. So many rapes, murders, beatings and numerous other crimes occur due to people being drunk. Depression, Liver Cirrhosis, Heart Failure and Damage to the Brain and Nervous System are all well documented effects of alcohol.
Secondly Islam does not encourage human beings to run away from their problems by intoxicating themselves for a illusionary “quick-fix”. When non-Muslims have problems they go to their “Liquor Store” and get drunk. When we Muslims have problems we go to our “Zikar Store” (Remembrance of God as the true sustainer of everything) which provides great spiritual relief and contentment of the heart. Personally I have seen that not only has “Zikar” helped calm myself, but my problems have also been solved by the help of Allah.

Muslim - Atheist Dialogue: Part - 1

2006-06-16T16:37:00.000+05:00

Atheist: "K so if the god exists why it is that peace is not there in this world?"

Muslim: "The entire purpose of this life is a test. This test is to see who will accept the true message of God. The argument that God should make perfect peace and perfect humans who cannot commit sin is against the concept of free will! In fact merely questioning God's existance is proof of God's gift of free will. If we start blaming God for our acts of violence and intolerance, it is not right! Consider the GMAT test. If you do not study and obtain terrible scores, you cannot say “I blame GMAT administrators” they should have passed everyone with perfect scores! If you do this you are neglecting the idea that “you” did not study! Similarly the concept of free will enables us to make our own choices, however every choice has a consequence. You have no one but yourself to blame for your actions and situations. This life is a competition to win the success of the eternal life. As with any competition there are people with different aptitudes, skills and endurance. Some will fail, some will pass, no one should blame God for their problems. Secondly if you are going to blame God, why not try the solution God has given for your success in this life and the next? Why not take up Islam for a few weeks and try to experience the pleasure in the obedience to God? I can assure you, the contentment and spiritual pleasure of prayer in Islam is such that if the Generals of the world knew it, they would fight the Muslims with all their armies for it! I do mean to say that you actually try to understand Islam, not just pay lip service to its message as many do."

More soon. . . inshAllah

Inherent Nature of Excellence (Fitra)

2006-06-08T15:34:00.000+05:00

In Islam there is no concept of original sin. From an Islamic perspective children are born on "fitra" or the inherent nature of excellence. Thus in Islam, people are not thought to be born sinners, they are born Muslims i.e born to the submission of God. It is the choices they make in suppressing their quest for the truth which leads them away from the true path of God. Everyone is given chances to turn to the true path of God. When someone experiences that feeling of uneasiness with their belief and practices is a sign from God to look for the truth, those who accept that window of opportunity do indeed find Islam. God has preordained which household a child is born in. However it is not an injustice to that child, as I have explained every person is given difficulties according to their ability to cope with difficulties. Thus we have the stories of people born in the houses of priests and ministers turning to Islam. I have watched a few videos of Hindus, Christians, Jews and Atheists turning to Islam. There are hundreds of such videos on the net. Thus people who have accepted their search for the truth and looked at different faiths have found Islam. Even in Texas the heartland of American Christianity, we have accounts of people converting to Islam. Even people from the US Army and Air force accepting Islam, watch it your self:

Turning Muslim in Texas (23 min)

Here is an account of a woman who was homeless, went through three different foster homes, accepted Jesus as her personal savior, was an active Christian and after all that found Islam and accepted it as the truth:

Going through three foster homes, Acceptance of Jesus as personal savior and then finding Islam

This is the most interesting one, this one is about a Protestant minister who admittedly hated Islam and Muslims, was born in a minister’s house and had a born again Christian wife. After all that he accepted Islam:

Protestant Minister, Catholic Priest and Born Again Christian Accept Islam

The true Message of God is out there, those who want it, inshAllah find it. Those who cry out towards the true Creator for true guidance and do not consciously suppress their instinct for the search of truth are indeed led on the right path. Based on the interviews of Christian, Jewish and Hindu converts, when they have looked at Islam beyond the propaganda of the media, acceptance of its truth and its beauty came naturally.