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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Eidhul Fitri 1436 Hijrah

17th July 2015 marked the 1st day of Muslim's festive season after a month of fasting. Following Muslim's calendar year, 17th July 2015 is 1st Shawal 1436 Hijrah, means Islam has been existed since 1436 years ago. Let's found how it was celebrated and where my family was.

Masjid at my sister's village, adjacent to Kuantan Airport was where we performed Eid prayer

First and foremost, let us understand what the festive meant for us, the Muslim. Eid ul-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the month long fast of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to two days public holiday in Malaysia. Malaysian usually prolong the celebration for the whole month of Shawwal by inviting relatives and friends to the house, mostly for foods. On the last night of the fasting day, usually on day 29, there will be a regional customs or moon sightings that may cause a variation of the date for Islamic holidays, which begin at sundown the day before the date specified for the holiday. The Islamic calendar is lunar (quite accurately with Chinese Lunar Year Calendar) and the days begin at sunset, so there may be 1 day error depending on when the New Moon is first seen. My family was travelling on the last day of Ramdhan, i.e. day 29 to Kuantan (Eid's eve) to celebrate the jouyous festival with my sister. On the eid morning, we went for eid prayer at the her village mosque where all the village people gather and seek forgiveness with each other.


In Malaysia, we wish everyone who celebrating a “Selamat Hari Raya”, meaning wishing you a joyful celebration. In other part of the world, mostly the Arabs will wish their fellow Muslim “Eid Mubarak or Blessed Eid) which becoming a traditional Muslim greeting reserved for use on the festivals of both Eid ul-Adha (sacrificial eid) and Eid ul-Fitr. Eid means "Celebration" in reference to the occasion itself, whilst Mubarak means "blessed". People will greet those who celebrating as for example: "Eid Mubarak, sister!"


Muslims usually wish each other "Eid Mubarak" after performing the Eid prayer. In the social sense people usually celebrate Eid ul-Fitr after Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha in the month of Dhul Haj (12th and Final Islamic month), by visiting family and exchanging greetings like "Eid Mubarak". This exchange of greetings is a cultural tradition and not part of any religious obligation. In much of South Asia, Eid Mubarak wishes are very common and often accompanied by hugging three times after the Salat al Eid, and that's what we did too.


In Turkey, where 'Eid Mubarak' is not common, the phrase "May your holiday be blessed" is being used. Muslims in other countries, such as Indonesia and Malay language-speaking population (Malaysia, Brunei, & Singapore) use the expression "Selamat Idul Fitri" or "Salam Idul Fitri". This expression is usually accompanied by the popular expression "Minal Aidin wal Faizin", an Arab sentence meaning "May we be sacred one more time and succeeded our fasting". For note of reference, the expression is not recognized by Arabians although it's in the Arabic language. It is a quotation from a poem written by Shafiyuddin Al-Huli during the time Muslims ruled in Al-Andalus.


There will be a spread feast of food on a table at every house. A special foods are prepared and friends or relatives are invited to share the feast during Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for Muslim communities across the world especially those in Muslim country. This event involves many Muslims waking up early and praying either at an outdoor prayer ground or a mosque. People dress in their finest clothes and adorn their homes with lights and other decorations. Gifts and greeting cards are exchanged and children receive presents.  Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion but its underlying purpose is to praise God and give thanks to him, according to Islamic belief.

You may observe how the 1st day of Eid was celebrated by my family by looking at few photos that I shared in this entry, not forgotten a compulsory family raya photo 2015.


Our Family photo


Cousins from 3 different families

Oldest' Koran fragments found in Birmingham University

Amazing discoveries from Birmingham University. Am sharing the link from BBC for future reference. Have faith that Islam will rise in American soil. Just wait and see :)

Do read and believe the authenticity of Koran's content today.

Oldest' Koran fragments found in Birmingham University


Saturday, July 11, 2015

Surah Ar-Rahman, "Then which of your Lord's blessings would you deny?"

My future bathroom, the shower that I will take from there onwards. I'm so thankful for this luxury in life :)

Everyone, God worshiper, non-believer and/or Atheist believes only one thing, that nothings ever existed if it is not being created. Take ourselves for example, we cannot just be born because we are the one who asked to be born. It's our mother who gave birth after 9 averaging months being inside her womb. This is happened because of an intercourse between a man and a woman occured with Allah's permission. Everything happened for a reason, a fate, being a basic foundation of faith. So, let's always feeling blissful for what we have or what we do not have (as it might be for the sake of our own benefit, without knowing), saying our gratitude and prayers to the Creator, Allah or any God called in your own dictionary.

I, for instance keep looking back and forth but could not even think anything at all what Allah has given me thus far is non-beneficial. Everything, including when I was called back from my last overseas assignment was for my benefit. Allah has taught me later to be patience, just had absolute faith in Him and good things will happen, no doubt as I now have a better job and a better working environment. Allah has showered me with His abundance of blessing throughout 48 years of living. Trust me, His blessing is spread to everyones. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity sharing the most beautiful and related surah suit to express my state of feeling.

Take note the title of this surah 55 means the "most beneficent" or in a simple English translation is "the all merciful". This surah is more like reading a poem, touch to the deepest point of feelings as Allah repeated numerously of "then which of your Lord's blessings would you deny?". When I first understand the surah's meaning, I wept as whenever I'm praying, I keep on asking and asking for me not realising that He has provided more than what we need for, for example some that I puy on red text color font. 

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. ((Allah)) Most Gracious!
2. It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.
3. He has created man:
4. He has taught him speech (and intelligence).
5. The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed;
6. And the herbs and the trees - both (alike) bow in adoration.
7. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),
8. In order that ye may not transgress (due) balance.
9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.
10. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:
11. Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates);
12. Also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.
13. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
14. He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery,
15. And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:
16. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
17. (He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:
18. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
19. He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together:
20. Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress:
21. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
22. Out of them come Pearls and Coral:
23. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
24. And His are the Ships sailing smoothly through the seas, lofty as mountains:
25. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
26. All that is on earth will perish:
27. But will abide (for ever) the Face of thy Lord,- full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.
28. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
29. Of Him seeks (its need) every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day in (new) Splendour doth He (shine)!
30. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
31. Soon shall We settle your affairs, O both ye worlds!
32. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
33. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!
34. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
35. On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:
36. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
37. When the sky is rent asunder, and it becomes red like ointment:
38. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
39. On that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin.
40. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
41. (For) the sinners will be known by their marks: and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.
42. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
43. This is the Hell which the Sinners deny:
44. In its midst and in the midst of boiling hot water will they wander round!
45. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
46. But for such as fear the time when they will stand before (the Judgment Seat of) their Lord, there will be two Gardens-
47. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
48. Containing all kinds (of trees and delights);-
49. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
50. In them (each) will be two Springs flowing (free);
51. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
52. In them will be Fruits of every kind, two and two.
53. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
54. They will recline on Carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade: the Fruit of the Gardens will be near (and easy of reach).
55. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
56. In them will be (Maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-
57. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
58. Like unto Rubies and coral.
59. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
60. Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good?
61. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
62. And besides these two, there are two other Gardens,-
63. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
64. Dark-green in colour (from plentiful watering).
65. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
66. In them (each) will be two Springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance:
67. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
68. In them will be Fruits, and dates and pomegranates:
69. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
70. In them will be fair (Companions), good, beautiful;-
71. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
72. Companions restrained (as to their glances), in (goodly) pavilions;-
73. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
74. Whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-
75. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
76. Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty.
77. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
78. Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.



Thursday, July 9, 2015

A story of my late mother vis-a-vis Surah At-Tin (The Fig), Chapter 95


My late mother who died in 2002 at the age of 61 & I who people said resembles her - May you rest in peace mother, my prayer is always with you ... Al-Fatihah

Lately, I've been praying the same prayer that my late mother used to recite whenever she bowed down and asked Allah to grant her, i.e. if she reached old age or in her sick bed waiting to die, she would not want her conditions became a burden to all around her. Because, she have spent all her life looking after a sick person, started with her late mother (my grandmother), my late sister, Nuraida who died at a young age due to SLR and her late mother-in-law. She mentioned to us that if Allah could grant her only that wishes, she would be more than happy. Indeed, Allah is so great and kind and had rewarded her dua due to her patience and observance in taking care of the 3 sick persons.

But her death had impacted me a lot, morally, as I was not ready. We were taught since young age to look after our elderly just like the way she brought us up, hence when she left and thereafter my late father and mother-in-law follows, I have left with no one to take care of. Trust me, it was not easy for her or anyone else as it seek a considerate level of passion to the extent of losing your mind  at times. I witnessed all that. She was miserable at some point for getting so angry with them along the way as she as a person also had so much other things to look after, the house chores and her personal needs beside them. May you mother, be under Allah's protection and you please look after my mother in law too as she may just be around you somewhere, maybe. And Allah, please takes care of the 2 important women in my life that had loves me so much.

My mother in-law was not as lucky as my late mother. She had to go through the pain that was mentioned in verse 5 of Surah At-Tin for many years before Allah called upon her. See the full surah translation to understand what I meant:

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. By the Fig and the Olive,
2. And the Mount of Sinai,
3. And this City of security,
4. We have indeed created man in the best of moulds,
5. Then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,-
6. Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing.
7. Then what can, after this, contradict thee, as to the judgment (to come)?
8. Is not Allah the wisest of judges? 

My late mother in-law was sick for many years and required assistance to move around. She was not capable of looking after herself. This morning, I was recalling of how she looked deeply  into my eyes (she was unable to speak at that time), wanting to say something to me but could not before I left to work on the day she passed away. She died when I was in the office and those sad look haunted me for so long. Dear Allah, please take care of my mother in law too for I now am reading Surah At-Tin in my Maghrib prayers daily, seeking for your forgiveness and humbly request for me not to be so sick at my old age which trouble people. I understood the message behind your Holy words (as Surah At-Tin) as what You have warned us all to remember the judgement day. I promise you that I'll be worthy of living. Bless You and Thank You for everything that you have granted me thus far.



Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The revelation of Al-Quran in the Fasting Month - Chapter 97 Al-Qadr (Power,Fate)

May Allah granted the 1st class of Jannah to whoever fasting but working under the hot sun, i.e. the Construction workers as it's not easy for them as my son here. My highest salute to them all 🙏🏻 Have faith in Allah, only He knows who deserves a true happiness
 Have faith in Allah, only He knows who deserves a true happiness

Muslim is obligated to fast in the month of ramadhan being the third principle of Islam. There are 5 principles altogether, the first is Syahadah (taking oath that there's no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah), second is Praying (5 times obligatory prayers/daily), fourth is giving Alm to the poor (Zakat) and the last is performing Hajj once in a lifetime for those who can afford the trip. The same principles are basically given to the people of the book, i.e. other monotheist. My sisters and brothers in the same beliefs, please refer to your Holy Book respectively to find out the same direction given by the Lord.

Muslim beliefs that toward the end of the 30 days fasting, i.e in the last 10 nights of ramadhan, there will be a bless night where an angel and the Holy spirit will descend to earth to witness who had bow down to Allah seeking forgiveness for all their sins, committed since long time (fresh or old). There is a special chapter about the said bless night, "Laylatul Qadr", i,e, Al-Qadr where Allah has said that the night of power is indeed greater than a thousand months, hence, seek forgiveness (praying, reading Al-Quran and performing non-obligatory night prayers etc for we shall get our sins pardon by Allah... Allahualam). The translation of Al-Qadr are in below paragraph.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah.s permission, on every errand:
5. Peace!...This until the rise of morn!

Above all, I wish everyone of us, a believer in the Holy Book, the Christians, the Jewish and especially the Muslim to go back to the Book's teaching. Do good, do not sin, do not spread hatred and ill thoughts, love one another, have lots of loves and  compassion's in our heart towards our brothers and sisters and most importantly, lets put aside racism and different beliefs and join hands to make this world as a better place. We all will meet our creator one day and only He has the only absolute authority to judge, the only One who knows all secrets and what's in our heart. Let's pray for all of us. Peace!!!!


Monday, July 6, 2015

The words "WE" and "I" - Rumi

Photo courtesy from http://twti.blogspot.com/

The text 'we' and 'I' are occassionally encounter while reading the Holybooks. Why God, whenever pronounce Himself said 'We' instead of 'I' along the textbook of Torah, Old Testament & Quran? Reading deeply into Mevlana Rumi's poetry below, I would therefore think that I finally understood the meaning of it, from  another layer, another perspective...

My heart tells me it is distressed with Him,
But I can only laugh at such pretended injuries.
Be fair, You who are the Glory of the just
You, Soul, free of ‘we’ and ‘I’,
Subtle spirit within each man and woman.
When a man and woman become one,
That ‘one’ is You.
And when that one is obliterated, there You are.
Where is this 'we' and this 'I'? 
By the side of the Beloved,
You made this ‘we’ and this ‘I’
In order that you might play
This game of courtship with Yourself,
That all ‘you’s’ and ‘I’s’ might become one soul
And finally drown in the Beloved.
All is true. Come!
You who are the Creative Word: Be
You, so far beyond description
Is it possible for the bodily eyes to see You?
Can thought comprehend Your laughter or grief?
Tell me now, can is possibly see You at all?
Such a heart has only borrowed things to live with.
The Garden of love is green without limit
And yields many fruits other than sorrow or joy.
Love is beyond either condition:
Without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh.

Remarks: *Obliterated means: 1. destroy something completely. 2. get rid of memory, thought, or feeling. 3. cover something completely so it cannot be seen. The words ‘be’ and ‘just’ is even greater in definition.

Next research: Vedas vis-a-vis Bhagavad Ghita where Dr Zakir Naik commenting that Hindus, Budhist & Jains are monotheist if the ancient book of Vedas (means, knowldedge in sanskrit) be understood truthfully.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Zabur (Psalm)



About 15 years ago, a wise man asked me to recite six pillars of belief (which are the base of muslim aqidah) when we sat down in a group, learning the beautiful words of Al-Quran. Then I recited the following:-

  1. I belief in God (Tawhid, the One-God, there's no God but Allah. Remarks: the first 3 commandment, out of 10 commandment of Moses are these Tawhid too);
  2. I belief in the Prophets and Messenger of Allah;
  3. I belief in Angel (Ruhul Qudus);
  4. I belief in Holy Book
  5. I belief in Judgement day; and
  6. I belief in Destiny (Qada' & Qadar)

We were asked to explore on the 4th oath, the Holy Books, the only 1 out of 6 above that is visible and touchable. Think carefully, it does not say Al-Quran but Holy Books! What is Holy Book? Yes, Al-Quran is also a Holy Book but "Books", a plural means more than 1 book, isn't it? Inside the Al-Quran, there's an answer, check surah 4 verses 163 (4:163), it said "Indeed, We have revealed to you (O Muhammad), as We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron and Solomon, and to David, We gave the book of Psalms (Zabur). Please also refer to many more quoted verses, 4:136, 2:177, 2:285 and 2:98. Al-Baqarah 2:4 specially dealt with the belief in Holy Books, which were given before Al-Quran for those who belief in the Judgement Day. These Books are, Torah (Tawrat), Zabur (Psalms), Gospel (Injil) and Al-Quran. For those who has more time, it's worth to check inside the Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim) too.

Beginning of 2010 ramadhan, I had an opportunity to read and understand the beautiful prayers and collection of songs of 150 Psalms, which partially were written down by David (Nabi Daud), himself and many others by the learned man of his time, like Antioch. The book mostly called people to praise the God and to go back to Allah whenever you are too lost with worldly life and losing sense from the straight path. From David's journey to bring God's religions, he faces a lot of challenges and obstacles, eg. he had to face his son, Absolem who rebelled against him for the throne. His grief after Absolem died was recorded in 1 of his psalm. Notwithstanding that sadness, his other son, Solomon became a great King of Israel after him of the glory can be read from the Quran.

The Psalm, 37, verses 29 and Al-Quran 21:105 had a parallel verse of "And we have already written in the book of Psalms after the (previous) mentioned that the land (of paradise) is inherited by my righteous servants". It's worth to note down that both the prophets, Adam & Moses also contributed to the Psalms writing.

My heart almost stop beating when I reach Psalm 119 with these words as sub-head "Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, He, Vaum Zain, Cheth, Teth, Jod, Caph, Lamed, Mem, Nun, Samech, Ain, Pe, Tzaddi, Koph, Resh, Schin, Tau". I saw kalam Allah and recalled the story of Prophet Muhammad, when Gibrael revealed the 1st verse for him to recite, 'Iqra' in Hira' Cave. MasyaAllah, so true that we, who, belief in You, Allah, unconditionally have our own obligations and duties to read and understand the unique way of Allah's teaching as nothing comes easy in life. Allah will always wait for us, despite our ignorance and no matter how far we had gone from his reach, committing sin endlessly. He, always forgive you sincerely. And, who are we to judge others when we cant even see our own reflection?

Jesus, who was sent to the world to bring people of the book to the right way, quoted similar words of teaching with Muhammand, pbuh, for example: "Thou shall not killed, commit adultery, those men who steal will be cut his hand..etc.etc." You obviously can see, he meant to discipline his people with Hudud Law too". He never claim that he is son of God, and not even a verse can proof that he was. His 12 apostles who fought along with him during his life received the same punishments, mostly were crucified. How could a christian can have faith in trinity when they also believe in the oath of ten commandment? What the churches did was amending the law of Allah.

The Al-Quran are a detailed book to address all issues for whoever wishes to adopt Islam as ad-deen, a way of life. Hold on and bring truly to our heart of the 5 pillars of Islam, Syahadah, Prayers, Fasting, Zakat and Haj.

Qualification: This note is written based on my personal research and my own understanding in order to strengthen my faith. It shall not be misinterpreted and/or quoted otherwise.

The Principles of Faith

Among the books that I read while on research about the Holy Books vis-a-vis other religion

Torah, Jewish,Judaism:


I wish to draw a simple relationship between the Torah, the Jews and Israel in the following short brief as an introduction before discussing further on their relationship in a bigger context:-
  1. Torah contains the 5 books of Moses, respectively quoted in the Quran as understood by Muslim as 1 of the holy book from the same God, Allah. The 5 books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Torah has been use as reference for 2 Jewish text of Judaism, called Mishnah and Talmud composed in the 2nd and 4th century CE, also being collated at the beginning of 5 chapters in the Christianity Gospel (Old Testatement & New Testament);
  2. The Jews,  also known as the Jewish people, are a nation and ethno religious group originating in the Israelites or Hebrews of the Ancient Near East. The Jewish ethnicity, nationality, and religion are strongly interrelated, as Judaism is the traditional faith of the Jewish nation. Converts to Judaism, whose status as Jews within the Jewish ethnos is equal to those born into it, have been absorbed into the Jewish people throughout the millennia. A similar concept with Coverts to Christians and Muslims; and
  3. Israel is a renamed given to Prophet Jacob by Allah and it has been referred to as the Land of Israel for the last 3000 years, as promised by Allah to the patriarch of Jacob. There are more than 5.4 million jewish people in Israel and between 5.4 to 6.2 million in America. The jewish in Amerika were mostly migrated after the Nazi’s or Hitler’s genocide killing, Holocaust. There are 12 sons of Israel (Jacob) among others are Prophet Joseph, his brother Benjamin and the famous Judah (Remarks: separate notes on the Jacob family in another entry).
Both Judaism and Islam guides are its adherents in both practice and belief, and has been called not only a religion, but also a "way of life".

Principle of Faith

Unlike Muslims, both Christianity and Judaism does not have any specific principles of faith but Christians claims they hold onto Moses’s Ten Commandment. As for Judaism, though debated among the rabbis, no specific principles were quoted, but the doctrine strongly believe in one indivisible God as recited in the prayer of Jewish, Shema Yisrael (the first two words of a section of the Torah that is a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services), "Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One". This is a very important note for both Judaism and Islamism to decline the Christian’s beliefs in trinity. "The Quran 4:171. O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs."

Take note: The surah corrected the wrong teaching of Catholic Christianity Church that Prophet Jesus is a son of God, i.e the trinity concept. If Prophet Jesus was born without a father, what about Prophet Adam? He was descend from the heaven and born without a father nor a mother. He (Adam) would be then rewarded as God following a twisted teaching of Christianity, a religion that was born after the death of Jesus. Jesus was preaching the Old Testament during his life on earth, whilst Prophet Muhammad was bringing people of the book to the original teaching of all prophets before him.

To the Jews, Moses being regarded as the highest prophecy among all due to the miracles quoted in Torah, including an encountered appearance with Allah in Mt. Sinai. In Exodus, chapter 24, Moses was directed by Allah to the Mount of Sinai, where the glory of Allah abode upon Mt Sinai, clouded for 6 days and on the 7th day Moses was called unto the midst of the cloud where he stayed there for forty days and forty nights to receive the Law of Allah, the testament.  (about 613 according to the Rabbinic tradition, but the most recited are the present 10 commandment).

The ten commandments of Moses are:-
  1. "I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me (Similar Shahadah, the oath for those converting to Islam "There's no God but Allah")..." - This commandment is to believe in the existence of God and His influence on events in the world, and that the goal of the redemption from Egypt was to become His servants (Rashi). It requires the worship of the Abrahamic God before any additional deities ;
  2. "Do not make an image or any likeness of what is in the heavens above..."  -  This prohibits the construction or fashioning of "idols" in the likeness of created things (beasts, fish, birds, peoples) and worshipping them (In Islam, Shirk or Shirik is the highest sin);
  3. "Do not swear falsely by the name of the LORD..."  - This commandment is to never take the name of God in a vain, pointless or insincere oath (similar prohibited act in Islam);
  4.  "Remember [zachor] the Sabbath day and keep it holy" (the version in Deuteronomy reads shamor, "observe") -  The seventh day of the week is termed Shabbat and is holy, just as God ceased creative activity during Creation. The aspect of zachor is performed by declaring the greatness of the day (kiddush), by having three festive meals, and by engaging in Torah study and pleasurable activities. The aspect of shamor is performed by abstaining from productive activity (39 melachot) on the Shabbat (a Friday prayer to Muslim, once a week);
  5. "Honor your father and your mother..."  - The obligation to honor one's parents is an obligation that one owes to God and fulfills this obligation through one's actions towards one's parents;
  6. "Do not murder" - Murdering a human being is a capital sin;
  7. "Do not commit adultery."  - Adultery is defined as sexual intercourse between a man and a married woman who is not his wife;
  8. "Do not steal." - According to the Talmud, this commandment refers to kidnapping and not to theft of material property, as theft of property is forbidden elsewhere, and it is not a capital offense. In this context it is to be taken as "do not kidnap.";
  9. "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor" - One must not bear false witness in a court of law or other proceeding; and
  10. "Do not covet your neighbor's wife" - One is forbidden to desire and plan how one may obtain that which God has given to another.
It is also worth to know about the seven laws of Prophet Noah,

  1. Prohibition of Idolatry: You shall not have any idols before God;
  2. Prohibition of Murder: You shall not murder;
  3. Prohibition of Theft: You shall not steal;
  4. Prohibition of Sexual immorality: You shall not commit any of a series of sexual prohibitions, which include adultery, incest, sodomy, and bestiality;
  5. Prohibition of Blasphemy: You shall not blaspheme God's name;
  6. Dietary Law: Do not eat flesh taken from an animal while it is still alive;
  7. Requirement to have just Laws: Set up a governing body of law (eg Courts)
I discovered about Jewish Rabi, Moses Maimonides or his Arabic name was Abu Imran Musa bin Ubaidallah Maimun al-Qurṭubi. He was born in Cordoba, Spain (1135) wand as a prominent medieval Jewish philosopher; one of the greatest Torah scholars of the middle ages had narrated 13 Principles of Faith. He worked as a rabbi, physician and philosopher in Morocco and Egypt. With the contemporary Muslim philosopher Averroes [or Arabic name is Abu 'l-Walid Muammad bin Amad bin Rushd better known just as Ibn Rushd- a scholar of Maliki’s school], he promoted and developed the philosophical tradition of Aristotle, which gave both men prominent and controversial influence in the West. His 13 Principles of Faith of Judaism are:

  1. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is the Creator and Guide of everything that has been created; He alone has made, does make, and will make all things;
  2. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is One, and that there is no unity in any manner like His, and that He alone is our God, who was, and is, and will be;
  3. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, has no body, and that He is free from all the properties of matter, and that there can be no (physical) comparison to Him whatsoever;
  4. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, is the first and the last;
  5. I believe with perfect faith that to the Creator, Blessed be His Name, and to Him alone, it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being besides Him;
  6. I believe with perfect faith that all the words of the prophets are true;
  7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses our teacher, peace be upon him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both those who preceded him and those who followed him;
  8. I believe with perfect faith that the entire Torah that is now in our possession is the same that was given to Moses our teacher, peace be upon him;
  9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that there will never be any other Torah from the Creator, Blessed be His Name;
  10. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, knows all the deeds of human beings and all their thoughts, as it is written, "Who fashioned the hearts of them all, Who comprehends all their actions" (Psalms 33:15 "he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works”);
  11. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, Blessed be His Name, rewards those who keep His commandments and punishes those that transgress them;
  12. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and even though he may tarry, nonetheless, I wait every day for his coming; and
  13. I believe with perfect faith that there will be a revival of the dead at the time when it shall please the Creator, Blessed be His name, and His mention shall be exalted forever and ever.
To be continued...

Qualification: the note is written based on personal research and knowledge..not to be misinterpret and/or quoted otherwise.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Hafez-e-Shiraz (1325-1389)

On 1st December 2011, 1301 local time, I was waiting for my flight to Kuala Lumpur via Dubai. Since I was alone, no company to engage me in a conversation, I was hiding at a corner with foods and drinks browsing internet at the Business Lounge at Jinnah International Airport. I was at that time very passionate in religious comparison and a deep learning of philosopher's poet, which quite uneasy to understand their verses of poetry. I found the famous Hafez from Shiraz, Iran who lives in Tamerlane's conquered period of time. 

Photo courtesy from http://simerg.com/about/photo-essay-the-treasures-of-iran/

This was what I wrote on those short available time about him, Hafez of Shiraz. 

From a persian tale "Tamerlane (Timur) angrily summoned Hāfez to account for one of his verses, If that Shirazi Turk would take my heart in hand, I would remit Samarkand and Bukhārā for his/her Hindu mole. Samarkand was a Timur's capital and Bokhara was his kingdom's finest city. "With the blows of my lustrous (shining) sword," Timur complained, "I have subjugated (force into submission) most of the habitable globe... to embellish Samarkand and Bokhara, the seats of my government; and you would sell them for the black mole of some boy in Shiraz!" Hāfez, so the tale goes, bowed deeply and replied, "Alas, O Prince, it is this prodigality (someone behaving badly but receiving friendly welcome) which is the cause of the misery in which you find me". So surprised and pleased was Timur with this response that he dismissed Hafez with handsome gifts.

Below was 1 of his poet's collection from "Ghazal 98": By Hafez
Translated by A.Z. Foreman

Last night, the wind brought wind of my Loved Friend who'd gone away.
I too shall yield my heart unto the wind: let come what may.
At length my loving comes to this: I have no confidant
but blazing lightning every night and dawn wind every day.
Defenseless in your deep curled locks, and out of me, 
my heart never once said "Let me recall the body where I lay"
Today, I see my friends were wise to counsel against lovefall.
Elate my counselors' souls, O Lord, and bless the truth they say.
Remembering you, my heart was bloodstruck every time wind blew
open the rosebud's robe out on the grass in gentle play.
My weakened being leaked out through my fingertips till dawn,
whose wind blew hope of you, and brought the life back to my clay.
Hafiz, your noble heart will soon achieve your true desire.
Wherever noble men cry out, let every soul obey

Should you wish to know more about the poet, you may read his biography by clicking on the attached website http://www.hafizonlove.com/bio/.