Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting


My heart, along with everyone who has heard about the heinous massacre at Sandy Hook, grieves and is saddened by the devastating incident. Twenty young, innocent, beautiful potential leaders, teachers, parents, artists, writers, clergy, doctors, nurses, community workers, all robbed of their futures in the twinkling of an eye. In the place where such horror is least expected. A small, quiet, respectful, affluent, model community in the most advanced country in the world and supposedly most civilized. If it happened there and now, it can happen anywhere and anytime in this country. This is sad, disheartening and disappointing. Some of the requirements of being civilized and developed are as follows;
  • We have to learn from our past and mistakes.
  • We have to recognize and admit our faults and errors.
  • We have to be willing make changes and correct our faults.
  • We have to put aside pride, be humble and recognize the virtues and power of commonsense.
Because of our failure to observe the above, once again we have been shocked, saddened and grieved by a situation that is occurring too often. where least expected. We foolishly blame it on our wonderful Constitution. Regardless of how noble, well intentioned, simple and beautiful guidance is, by way of constitutions and scriptures, if not interpreted, applied and understood in the spirit and for the purposes for which they were presented or written, the wrong results will occur.

If a system is flawed in part, whatever results because of the flaw will continue until the flaw is fixed.I hope that they saying of Jesus Christ takes credence now: "Out of evil cometh good".

When we interpret the constitution's "right to bear arms", we have to consider the time, conditions, reasons and type of arms referred to. I am positively sure they were not referring the type of ammunition available now, nor the reasons for which they are now used and the mass murder they are capable of. It was also not expected that civilians will own or have available to them more destructive ammunition that the government forces. They never meant the right to bear a weapon that can murder twenty children and seven adults in three minutes.

I pray to God that better sense prevails and the powers that be follow the spirit and purpose of our Noble Constitution.

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Hajj


Reflecting on this day of Hajj and the event will convince Muslims and others with open minds of its miraculous and divine nature.
The Hajj beautifully portrays the true qualities of Muslims. The following, demonstrates the putting into practice the some of the basic principles Islam.
  • The unity, orderliness and discipline of the biggest gathering of people in the world.
  • The largest gathering of people of different races, languages, customs, traditions and nationalities to gather in one place at the same time.
  • The largest gathering of people in the world performing the same actions, saying the same prayer in the same language in perfect unison following the lead of a single person.
  • The only place in the world where three and a half million people, the population of a small country, comes to a complete halt for praying to Almighty God five times a day.
  • The only place in the world to demonstrate the true brotherhood of mankind, harmony, love, unity and true devotion to Almighty God. 
Muslims need to put this wonderful heritage of beautiful and powerful guidance, exemplified by this annual occasion for the past 1433 years, into their daily lives. 
If the teachings and practical example of this event is applied in the lives of Muslims in the countries where they reside, they will be respected, love, honored and trusted. They will then be reflecting the true image of Islam and the example of Muhammad SAW. 
I look forward to the day when the teachings, principles and real life experience of Hajj is brought back to the communities and countries from whence those who performed the Hajj came.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Tragedy of Mallala Yousafzai


The barbaric act against Malala Yusufzai is just another unfortunate situation where the savages have demonstrated their true quantities. By now we should be able to distinguish normal human behavior from that of savages. I hope and pray for the day when the press and media will realize that whenever the actions of savages are described using words that associate them with a religious ideology, in this case Islam, it is in fact reinforcing their evil agenda and their the cause. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for this evil act. "Taliban" is derived from the Arabic word meaning student. It is normally accepted that a student is one acquiring knowledge for the sake of bettering oneself, one's community, or one's cause. In the same manner you can have one acquiring knowledge for the sake of evil, destruction and creating mayhem. In this case the Taliban belongs to the latter and should not be associated with Islam. Their ideology, if this term can be used, of these groups is savagery and barbarism. As such it will be appropriate and correct whenever actions by such groups are being reported, Islam should not the associated with them. They should be referred to with terminology indicative of their actions and intentions.

The rules regulations, principles and laws of Islam are contained in the holy Koran, the message brought to mankind by the prophet Mohammed, and the messages of other previous prophets of God, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus (EESA), Peace and Blessings be upon them all, and others not mentioned.

A clear distinction must be made between customs, traditions, political rulings, tribal edicts and rules instituted in communities to serve a particular agenda or purpose and the teachings, laws and principle of a particular religion. It is unfortunate that in the case of places where there are predominantly Muslim populations these customs, traditions, political rulings, tribal edicts have become associated with Islam. 

In Islam, the woman enjoys equal rights to that of a man.
  • One of the first educators in Islam was a woman, Ayesha, wife of the Prophet.
  • Khadija was a business owner and employer of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Women can own property.
  • A woman can choose her husband.

By applying the normal principles of languages, words are descriptive of of the object to which we are referring. Muslims believe that Almighty God (Allah) named the religion brought to mankind, through the ages, by Prophet Mohammed, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus (EESA), Peace and Blessings be upon them all, and others not mentioned, Islam and they and their followers, Muslims.

The meaning of Islam is Peace and a Muslim is one who submits to the Will of Almighty God (Allah). Everyone, Muslim or otherwise and especially the press and media must be able to determine when to associate the words Muslim and Islam with persons or acts. If it was not clear before, then it should be abundantly clear now. In the same manner we should not associate barbaric, savage and evil acts with the teachings of Jesus (Essa), David (Daud), Moses (Musa), Abraham (Ibrahim) and other Blessed messengers of Almighty God.

Again I appeal to the press and media. Do not affix positive labels to the evil ones. Do not propagate their evil agendas by associating them with peace (Islam). Call them what they are in your reporting and describe their acts accordingly. When you start doing this we will begin to defeat them and they will begin to lose their efficacy.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Jews in Al Quran

Knowledge engenders peace, love and harmony and ignorance, hate, war and destruction.
If we had the time, desire, willingness and love for the truth, we will discover a beautiful world with beautiful people, the way Almighty God designed it.
For those, Muslims, Jews and others who may have opinions, views and preconcieved notions on the relationship between Jews and Islam, Muslims, Al Quran and Muhammad UWBP, I have quoted some verses from the Holy Quran, 2nd. Chapter verses 40 - 50. These are just a few references of which there are many more.
2:40  O Children of Israel! remember the favour which I bestowed upon you, fulfill your covenant with Me as I fulfilled My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me.
2:41 And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.
2:42  And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).
2:43  And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
2:44  Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget to practice it yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?
2:45  Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble,-
2:46  Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
2:47  Children of Israel! call to mind the favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message).
2:48  Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
2:49  And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
2:50  And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight. 
I hope that this knowledge from the Holy Quran will help serve in bringing about Peace, love and harmony where it was lacking or needed.
Let us continue to recognize all aspects of Almighty God's beautiful creation and always give thanks for it.
Kamruz 
The Islamic Theosophical Society
10/3/12

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called for a ban on insults against the Islamic prophet.


Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called for a ban on insults against the Islamic prophet. Although I understand the spirit in which the appeal was made, when coming from a person holding such office the connotation and implication must be given due attention. It is obvious that such an article will have a very wide readership, hence the importance of conveying the right message and clearing up misconceptions. 
The description "Islamic Prophet" means "Peaceful Prophet", although this is correct the correct terminology is "Prophet of Islam", meaning the Prophet who brought the message of Islam (Peace) to the mankind, which is what Muslims believe.
If the Honorable Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was making a statement on behalf of Muslims, then he will have extend the ban on insults to Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), David (Daoud), Jesus (Issa) and all other prophets who brought God's Message. These are Prophets of Islam and to them are due the highest respect, love and acceptance.
The Quran substantiates the above viz.:
2:87  We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
2:62  Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
2:139  Say to the Jews and the Christians: "Why do you argue with us about God?"  He is our Sustainer as well as your Sustainer, we will be be accountable for our deeds, and you, for your deeds; and it is Him alone that we worship and praise.
The above quotations from the Holy Quran was just to substantiate our relationship to the the other Holy Prophets of God Almighty (Allah), our religious affinity.
I hope that one day soon we will have enough correct representation of Islam and Muslims to bring us back to a state of peace, love and harmony and the rejection of those misrepresenting true Islam and Muslims.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

ISIS - Insipid State's Ignorant Society - Fuelled by hate and barbarity

Hate mongering is the new trend used to gain popularity, recognition and fame. We have become so fickle and shallow that anyone who can find the means to produce and disseminate hate and evil will instantly get an audience, following and willing and eager patrons to serve and propagate their cause, regardless of their evil motives or destructiveness. This is clearly demonstrated in the events currently unfolding regarding the Reactions that have rewarded their evil actions with the results they desired. To some it will appear that the reactions are giving credence to their claims. When will we learn?

Ignorance is among the greatest of sins. Ignorance is a very powerful dogma which encompasses religion and destroys its principles, laws and guidance. Hence when a people adopt a dogma for their religion they react in very irrational, destructive and self effacing ways, causing death, and mayhem.

May the Peace (Salam) and Blessings of Almighty God (Allah) be with the righteous, the doers of good deeds, the wise and intelligent, the seekers of peace (Islam), the God (Allah) conscious, those who stand for justice, honesty, freedom, those who are considerate, those who protect the elderly, women, children, ill and infirm, those who do not destroy other peoples' properties, livelihood, schools, hospitals and places of asylum, those who permit the freedom of speech, religion, opinion, those who respect the religious beliefs of others, those who respect the places of worship of others and caretakers of such, those who do not destroy infrastructure and vegetation, those who are good, kind, considerate, tolerant, patient and understanding, those who protect and serve and the upholders of peace (salaam) and stability.

It is imperative that the following terms be understood, categorically:

Allah: The Arabic word for the One and Only Almighty God. The word used in the Arabic editions of the Holy Bible.
Islam:  Peace, through voluntary submission to God Almighty.
Muslim: One who submits to the will of God Almighty.
Idiots: Someone who acts in a self-defeating or significantly counterproductive way.
Savage: Wild, uncivilized, barbaric, ferocious, crude, vicious, destructive to property and society, unthinking and ignorant.

The reason for clarifying the words above is so that the reader will appreciate the behavior of the misguided and put things in perspective. From the above it is abundantly clear that there is a clear and unambiguous difference between those who purport to be "Muslims" and  those are not acting as Muslims ought to behave. It is also very clear whose Religion is Islam and whose are not. It is also clear the leaders of those taking innocent lives and causing wanton damage and destruction are not following the laws and principles of Islam nor are they acting as Muslims.

My dear civilized brothers and sisters, the above describes the attributes and qualities of everyone who believes in Almighty God (Allah) and who have adopted civilized values in this society. 
As Muslims, we believe that everyone has the God given right of freedom of thought, religion and speech. We have to respect everyone's thought process and religious beliefs; we have to respect their places of worship and the caretakers of their religions and places of worship. This is not an adjunct to our belief system but an integral and specific commandment of Islam. 

It is unfortunate and sad when idiots and those with twisted minds, full of hate, can control, negatively, the behavior and actions of so many people. Those whose actions or words lead others to destructive and irrational behavior is the stronger of the two and is in fact controlling those who react. Little do they know that they are like pawns in their hands.

You cannot defend a religion, cause or philosophy by breaking or negating the laws, rules and principles of that which you are claiming to defend. That is madness and ignorance of the highest order.

It is also sad and unfortunate that in today's world of information and knowledge the "intelligent" and the "press and media” are still not aware of the meanings of some of the most used words in the news, "Allah", "Islam" and "Muslims". Or, they know and are feigning ignorance. Every single day the news mention Islamist (Peaceful) terrorist. A clear contradiction  in terminology. Whenever the press and media uses this term it reinforces the mission of those hate groups. But if the press and media refrains from describing them as Islamist or Muslims then they will realize that there cause is not being propagated as they will like it to be and they will realize that their missions are losing their efficacy. This is one very effective way that the press and media can help to bring about peace.

I hope and pray that we will be able to bring about the much needed information and knowledge so that right and wrong, truth and falsehood, justice and injustice will be easily discernible and understood by most people, God Willing.


American Christian massacres cinema attendees

"American Christian massacres cinema attendees". This is how the headlines could have read describing the attack by James Holmes, 24, who opened fire on a crowded theater during the July 20 midnight showing of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."

Lets project this news to a village at the foothills of the Himalayas. The message to them is that this is the behavior of Americans who are Christians, neither of which is true, although the fact is that James is an American and his name indicates that he is Christian. We know that this is not how Americans or Christians behave or act. However, if our brothers over there had the knowledge, information, education, access to these and were not blind followers of misguided and hateful leaders, they would have been able to discern what it means to be American and Christian. 

History has constantly reminded us how men who are hateful. misguided and have evil agendas can influence their followers and those blinded by ignorance and hate. We are again experiencing the results of such misguidance in the many "protests," demonstrations, self inflicted destruction and deaths as the result of a hate monger producing an insignificant and hardly viewed video about Muhammad, the one who brought a message called Islam meaning of which is Peace.

How ironical it is that those who purport to be reacting in defense of Muhammad and Islam is doing so in a manner that is contradictory to the teachings and principles of Muhammad and Islam. Freedom of speech, religion, worship and expression are inherent principles in the framework of Islam as it is in the American Constitution.

The destruction of property, vegetation, infrastructure, maiming of non-combatants, taking of lives are all against the principles of Islam. Those carrying such activities are therefore not acting in accordance with Islam's principles nor are they acting as Muslims aught to behave. 

Freedom of religion, thinking and belief as stated in Al Quran


One of the basic tenets of Islam is freedom of religion, thinking and belief as stated in Al Quran, 109:6 "Unto you, your religion, way of life, thinking and  belief, and unto me mine." It follows logically that this freedom will result in some form of expression by way of the written or spoken word, being the only forms of expression available formerly. Fortunately or unfortunately now there are so many other forms of expression and dissemination, but the same freedom applies. What make expressions of peoples of other beliefs than ours significant or effective is an audience, a readership, those looking for a means to stir up discord, those looking for means to leadership or fame, those looking for an excuse to vent feelings for one reason or the other. In the same manner that one has the right to publish, voice or video whatever they wish, it is our right and prerogative to pay attention, give recognition or heed such. The effectiveness, significance or awareness of such publication or broadcast is fully dependent on our desire and willingness to give it attention or credence. In other words the power is in our hands propagate it and let it live or to let it die. Its success or failure. awareness and longevity is solely in our hands. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of leaders, the intelligent, those with the ability to obtain information and its dissemination, those who desire peace and harmony to ensure that such knowledge and information is not used to inflame, incite or encourage discord, hate and disharmony. The former results in emotional and sentimental reactions resulting in self destruction, death, destruction of infrastructure and actions contradictory to the principles of the religion, Islam, they are claiming to be defend. The reactions, by way of the violent demonstration, destruction, maiming and killing are definitely not the teachings of Islam nor the actions of Muslims, who are following the laws and principles of Islam (Peace).

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Muslim Rage

"American Christian massacres cinema attendees". This is how the headlines could have read describing the attack by
James Holmes, 24, who opened fire on a crowded theater during the July 20 midnight showing of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."
Lets project this news to a village at the foothills of the Himalayas. The message to them is that this is the behavior of Americans who are Christians, neither of which is true, although the fact is that James is an American and his name indicates that he is Christian. We know that this is not how Americans or Christians behave or act. However, if our brothers over there had the knowledge, information, education, access to these and were not blind followers of misguided and hateful leaders, they would have been able to discern what it means to be American and Christian.
History has constantly reminded us how men who are hateful. misguided and have evil agendas can influence their followers and those blinded by ignorance and hate. We are again experiencing the results of such misguidance in the many "protests," demonstrations, self inflicted destruction and deaths as the result of a hate monger producing an insignificant and hardly viewed video about Muhammad, the one who brought a message called Islam meaning of which is Peace.
How ironical it is that those who purport to be reacting in defense of Muhammad and Islam is doing so in a manner that is contradictory to the teachings and principles of Muhammad and Islam. Freedom of speech, religion, worship and expression are inherent principles in the framework of Islam as it is in the American Constitution.
The destruction of property, vegetation, infrastructure, maiming of non-combatants, taking of lives are all against the principles of Islam. Those carrying such activities are therefore not acting in accordance with Islam's principles nor are they acting as Muslims aught to.