One of Rocky’s Best Pieces of Advice You’ll EVER Hear

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Hi

We all know how hard it gets from time-to-time, but what you are about to watch by Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) will help you to appreciate that’s its all about, taking these hits in life, fighting on and moving forwards…

Here’s some of the dialogue:

1:30 - You used to fit right here, I’d hold you up & say to your mother “this kids gonna be the best kid in the world”

1:40 - And you grew up great & wonderful, it was great watching; everyday was just like a privelage

1:45 - Then the time came for you to be your own man, take on the world, and you did

1:51 - But somewhere along the line you changed - YOU stopped being YOU

1:58 - And when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame - like a big shadow

2:05 - Let me tell you something you already know: the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows

2:12 - And I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your KNEES and keep you there permanently if you let it.

2:18 - You, me, or nobody isn’t gonna hit as hard as LIFE - but it ain’t about how hard you can hit - “its about how hard you can get hit & keep moving forwards, about how much you can take and keep moving forwards!”

2:31 - That’s how winning is done!

2:33 - Now if you know what your worth - go out & get what your worth - but you gotta be willing to take the hits & not pointing fingers saying “you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her or anybody!”

2:44 - Cowards do that! And that ain’t YOU!!

2:46 - Your better than that!

2:54 - I’m always gonna love you no matter what

2:57 - No matter what happens, your my son & your my blood

3:02 - Your the best thing in my life

3:06 - But until you start believing in yourself, you ain’t gonna have a life -

3:14 - Don’t forget to visit your mother….

Well now you have it my friend from Rocky himself. Tell me, what more do you need?

For Success & Contentment,

Asad R Khan

The Remaining Half of “The Kneeling” + Exercises

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Hi There,

So you have probably wondered how God had answered the mystery of nature and how He is controller of all physical  phenomena: water, wind and the waves: whoever judges is correctly, sails with a favourably, but those who fall into constant folly, will have no recourse of blame.

21. What! Do those who seek after evil ways think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds,- that equal will be their life and their death? Ill is the judgment that they make.

22. Allah created the heavens and the earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find the recompense of what it has earned, and none of them be wronged.

23. Then seest thou such a one as takes as his god his own vain desire? Allah has, knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart (and understanding), and put a cover on his sight. Who, then, will guide him after Allah (has withdrawn Guidance)? Will ye not then receive admonition?

24. And they say: “What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us.” But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture:

25. And when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them their argument is nothing but this: They say, “Bring (back) our forefathers, if what ye say is true!”

26. Say: “It is Allah Who gives you life, then gives you death; then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment about which there is no doubt”: But most men do not understand.

27. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and the Day that the Hour of Judgment is established,- that Day will the dealers in Falsehood perish!

28. And thou wilt see every sect bowing the knee: Every sect will be called to its Record: “This Day shall ye be recompensed for all that ye did!

29. “This Our Record speaks about you with truth: For We were wont to put on Record all that ye did.”

30. Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy that will be the achievement for all to see.

31. But as to those who rejected Allah, (to them will be said): “Were not Our Signs rehearsed to you? But ye were arrogant, and were a people given to sin!

32. “And when it was said that the promise of Allah was true, and that the Hour- there was no doubt about its (coming), ye used to say, ‘We know not what is the hour: we only think it is an idea, and we have no firm assurance.’”

33. Then will appear to them the evil (fruits) of what they did, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!

34. It will also be said: “This Day We will forget you as ye forgot the meeting of this Day of yours! and your abode is the Fire, and no helpers have ye!

35. “This, because ye used to take the Signs of Allah in jest, and the life of the world deceived you:” (From) that Day, therefore, they shall not be taken out thence, nor shall they be received into Grace.

36. Then Praise be to Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth,- Lord and Cherisher of all the Worlds!

37. To Him be glory throughout the heavens and the earth: and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom!

Some Lessons:

  • The evil-doers and the righteous are not equal; neither in life nor death: in life, the righteous are guided by God and after death His Mercy, while the others reject His Grace and after death receive condemnation.
  • Nor are they the same in this life or hereafter: if the wicked flourish here, they will be condemned in the Hereafter; if the good are in suffering or sorrow here, they will receive comfort in the Hereafter.
  • The real life of the righteous - for they have received spiritual life - is not like the nominal life of the wicked, which is really death; nor is the physical death of the righteous, which will bring them into eternal life, like the terrible death of the wicked, which will bring them to eternal misery.
  • The government of the world is so ordered that each soul gets every chance for its full development, and it reaps the fruit of all its activities. If it breaks away from God’s Grace, it suffers, but no injustice is done to anyone: on the contrary God’s Bounty is always beyond man’s deserts.
  • If a man follows, not the laws of God, which are also the laws of his own pure nature a made by God, but the desires of his own distorted self, as shaped by the rebellion of his will, the inevitable consequence will be the withdrawal of God’s grace and guidance. All his faculties will then be debased, and there will be nothing to guide him, unless he turns in repentance to God.
  • Most people act on conjecture, not solid fact, as from God.
  • The vain wranglers about the future life and deniers of the Truth may have a run in this fleeting world; but the moment the world of Reality is established, they will see what they now deny. The FACTS will destroy their fancies, and they themselves will find themselves humiliated and lost, for having deliberately ignored God’s signs and acted in opposition to His holy Will.
Exercises:
Repeat 10x times morning and evening, eyes closed, head up or down, hands collapsed together:-
  • “I trust in You, Oh God Almighty, for all things”
  • “Oh my Maker, You created me, Grant the Best for me”
  • “Oh my Protector, Protect me, for You are the Best of Protectors”
  • “Oh my Lord, Guide me, for I am lost without You”
For Success & Contentment,
Asad Khan

So You Want Happiness & Success?

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Hi,

In my previous blog where I presented the first half of the “The Kneeling” (Chapter 45), there were some really amazing verses in connection to how God’s purpose is to care for us all. The sea (verse 13) was only one example of God’s cherishing care in making all things in nature available for the use of man, through the genius and faculties which He has given to man. We (mankind), should never forget that it is all from “as from Him”, i.e. from God. For man is God’s trustee on earth and we are here to interact with all things in a manner prescribed by Him, The Master of the Universe.

This is why we have God’s Law’s: as instruments to protect all that is good and sacred, and to deter from all that is harmful and excess. To re-iterate, God’s Laws are here for the “attainment of benefit (arabic: maslaha) and prevention of harm (mafsada)”.  This means everything related to PLEASURE & HAPPINESS and what leads to them, and everything related to PAIN & SADNESS and what causes them.

We know that most of human behaviour is determined by one of these two elements: acquiring pleasure, and deflecting pain. These motivational poles are intrinsically built into the nature of man - its hard-wired in - so that sub-consciously we are all operating by, and between, these two psychological sides.

Such an inherent Reward / Punishment scheme has been given to us a part of our faculties by our Creator. This is why He, the Great and Wise, refers to those who do good as being eternally rewarded and those who sin, or commit evil, as being eternally punished. Its really feeding the same psychological centres that we operate in at the temporal realm where we want to increase GAIN and reduce LOSS.

But our real test comes from realising this Goal of the Creator and to not cave-in to our base desires and live an unruly, rebellious life as a consequence where the greater disadvantage is against our own self, person and soul. The sinners, or those wrong their own souls, think that they are gaining advantage, or pleasure and happiness, by submitting to fleeting, instant gratifications, but in reality they are only serving-up harm against themselves. The good-doers, who obey God’s commands, are living by higher standards of prayer, charity and selfless service and although they may face hardship along the way, these are minor aspects in the grand scheme of things where they will attain peace, satisfaction and immense rewards due to their purified souls. And in this life too, they will live healthily, garner prosperous relationships, have peace of mind, and a serenity in the heart accompanied with real contentment that can only come from above, despite the material comforts that may be afforded to them.

Adhering to the commandments of God (Do’s) & abstaining from His prohibition (Don’t) is the real test and this is where man’s free will, or freedom of choice, is exercised. In all things prescribed (do) and prohibited (don’t) there is CHOICE. In all other matters and things, Pre-determination reigns.

We will pick-up on the concept of God’s Commands again and reflect on why people fail to follow them, such as nations who were previously blessed by God and they actively rebelled against him, falling into vice, confusion and folly.

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

Between East & West: Former President of Bosnia

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Hello,

Sometime ago, I read (parts of) the book “Islam Between East & West” by the late former Bosnian President, Alija Izetbegovic (1984, American Trust Publications, ISBN: 0-89259-057-2). I must admit it wasn’t the easiest of reads as it appears to be a real in-depth journey into his mind and the reconciliation between his identity, philosophies, nationality and faith. So, I’m glad he summarised the work in his autobiographical notes: “Inescapable Questions” (2003, The Islamic Foundation, ISBN: 0-86037-362-2) so that I may represent the summary here for your convenience (pp 26-29):

“My aim with that book was to consider the place of Islam in the present-day world of ideas and facts. It appeared to me that it lay somewhere between Eastern and Western thinking, just as the geographical position of the Muslim world occupies the space on the globe between East and West. I tried to show that some general ideas and some values are common to all humanity. To summarise briefly, these are the contents of the book: there are only three world views and more there cannot be - the religious, the materialist and the Islamic.

Everything is created in pairs (Qur’an). Man is a dual being: body and soul. The body is merely the ‘carrier’ of the soul. That carrier has evolved, which means it has a history, but the soul has not; it was inspired by the touch of God.

The first aspect of mankind is the subject of science, the second of religion, art and ethics. This is why there are two accounts and two truths about mankind.

In the Western world, they are symbolised by Darwin and Michelangelo. Darwin has nothing to about Michelangelo’s man, and vice versa. Their truths are different, but not mutually exclusive. Over time they manifest themselves as the opposition of civilisation and culture. Science and technology belong within the domain of civilisation, religion and art to culture. The first is the expression of human needs (how do I live), the second of human aspirations (why do I live). This is the contradiction between utopia and drama.

Utopia does not recognise the individual, drama, morality. Study and meditation are two different spiritual activities, with opposing foci: the first is outwardly oriented - towards nature, the second inwardly - towards the spirit and the Self.

Every scientific method leads towards a negation of God and man, whilst all art announces religion. If there is no God, there is no Mankind either. And without mankind humanism, human dignity and human rights are empty phrases.

Civilisation knows nothing of the notion of duty, and every culture is an affirmation of the victim. Civilisations aim is an ‘earthly empire’ with utopian equality, and religion’s is the ‘kingdom of heaven’. This is Campanella’s ‘Civitas Solis‘ as against the ‘Civitas Dei‘ of St. Augustine. Their is no moral order without God. Morality is merely ‘another physical condition’ of religion. While civilisation is evolution; history, religion and art have no true development.

Every religion was pure in its origins (ur-monotheism). It becomes corrupted in the course of its history, as is the case with art and morality; hence the opposition between Jesus and the Church. Every true law is dual, and medicine is never purely science.

Caveman’s drawings or the aboriginal masks from Polynesia are in essence works of art no less stirring than modern creations. The whole of life is marked by this primary dualism, and its ’signs’ may be found in every phenomenon linked with the name of man. Here too is the difference in spirit between Old and New Testament, between Moses and Jesus. One was leader of the people, the other a preacher of morality. And there, too, lie their two different justices and aims: the Promised Land and the Kingdom of Heaven.

These opposites are reconciled in mankind and in Islam. Islam is a synthesis, the ‘third way’ between these two poles that denote all that is human.

I must admit that I was afraid of experts and their reading of the book ‘line by line’. I felt confident that a reader who followed the vision outlined in rough, or even hinted at, in the book would find something more in it than the pedantic, analytical mind. I was aware that my attempt at stating my vision remained understated, merely conjectural, and in places incoherent. I gave a number of familiar concepts a metaphorical rather than conventional meaning: Judaism, Christianity, Islam and so on are metaphors, with general rather than specific meaning. For example, Islam is a major metaphor for the ‘third way’, for every form of life, with a formula that fulfils the human person. In fact, the book was no more than testimony to a vision of the world.

I enjoyed identifying new parallels, theses and antithesis, coincidence and symmetries, but this was not the subject that interested me most deeply. There was one issue that always preoccupied me more than any other: the issue of famous losers. I regarded it then, and regard it to this day, as the deepest religious problem. It can be posited in a number of different ways: whence the tragic and pathos in the Darwinian-Euclidian world? What are the great losers like, and why do we admire them so if this life is the only one we have? Were Antigone, Socrates and Jesus really losers? And if so, why are they so great in our eyes?

What is the origin of our admiration for the fallen heroes that has accompanied us ever since the pre-historical Iliad and The Epic of Gilgamesh? Do not even films such as cheap Westerns exploit our innate sympathy for the victim (that is, for losers) and resistance to the calculated, to self-interest? Sympathy for the victim is not something we can find in the intellect, but only in the soul, by which I mean, essentially, that is not ‘of this world’. And I say sympathy, not understanding, for this is not, and cannot be, understanding.

No amount of reasoning, cogitation and sagacity can explain or justify a single case of a life sacrificed for justice and truth. Something that is very close and comprehensible to every human soul eludes examination by all our science and philosophy. Between the act approved and the approbation there is no mediation of reflection, no apportionment of reasons pro et con. It may even be said that there is no time lapse. It is the instant reaction of the soul to good and justice, to something that is identical to the soul itself. In the world that atheists regard as the one and only, the tragic and tragedy are impossible. In such a world there are only incidents and misfortunes.

In this mindset, tragedy manifests itself to us as a religious parable. In tragedy, villains fall on their feet and great and sincere souls suffer. And because there is no ‘intellectual’ operation to proclaim these eternal losers as mad and demented, the entire story, and in particular its tragic end, appears to us as merely the first act of a greater drama - one that only God could think up. For suffering and death - which are the end of everything to the intellect - are here merely an interval between two acts in a continuing drama. Our admiration and sympathy for the fallen hero are completely meaningless from the intellectual point of view, but for that reason - whether we are aware of it or not - it is deeply religious. For only in such experiences do death and failure or loss have an entirely different meaning.

I dedicated many pages of Islam Between East and West to this question, seeking to resolve it in a variety of ways, but I was never wholly satisfied with the answer. It continues to preoccupy me to this day.”

Take Control & Immediately Change The Quality of Your Life

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Hi,

Often we are journeying in life by attempting to achieve goals that are either reflections of deep inner dreams or ones that are temporary and easy to reach. In either case, the lack of results can lead to resentment of oneself or frustration over prevailing conditions. People then try to help improve the situation by thinking positively, being optimistic and forcing themselves to be cheerful. This can be helpful but not entirely useful. Change and Progress require more than a particular mental frame of mind alone: they need Strategies to help with the way you think, feel and order your time every single day you are alive.

Lesson 1: The first strategy is to Focus On Solutions - rather than the problems: You must believe that it is possible to change. When people get overwhelmed, often they are afraid of failure and develop an acute sense of pain. Because of this they put themselves into a state of ‘learned helplessness’ where a everything goes into a downward spiral: emotions, vision, determination, creativity etc.

The solution is in a change of Perceptions & Taking Positive Action

As a strategy:

  1. Get rid of a negative belief that is holding you back: e.g the past does not equal the future
  2. Clarify your mind, make a decision and stick to it.
  3. Generate more personal power by having persistence in taking action
Lesson 2: There are no failures - only opportunities to learn, adjust and grow. This is to do with how we deal with setbacks that will change: you must keep at it as winner never quit.
Lesson 3: Creating the “Unstoppable You” comes down to your ability to stick with the decision that you made when you felt it in your mind, heart and gut. The power of a decision and its inherent choice gives you the power of change the course of destiny to suit your purpose.
All results then naturally follow. As mentioned in my previous posts, God cannot be taken out the equation, especially for those who are blessed with greater awareness and spirituality. And so Divine intervention can alter what happens at any moment, either for or against you, depending on your personal beliefs and perspectives. As for a believer whatever happens is for the best.

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

Inspired Learning, Thinking & Action

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Hi,

One thing that is really important to remember when the chips are down, you are feeling over-whelmed,

Success in Goals = Short Term Action x Long Term Planning

5 steps to your Success:-

  1. Think then act; sometimes spontaneity can be a good thing
  2. Take Inspired action only
  3. When in doubt, wait
  4. Take strong action based on faith & purpose
  5. Make it easier by having the right attitude

A while back, after leaving my office and arriving home, I watched a (true) movie: an innocent victim (a bit like the “Baby Killer”) where a falsely accused man of rape & triple homicide/murder was being prosecuted by the State of North Carolina. At the first trial he was sentenced based on ‘weak’ eye-witness account. In the re-trial - after being sentenced to death row - he won and was freed.

What particularly impressed me was the courage, loyalty, tenacity & determination of (a) the defendant’s father (he was his adopted son!) & (b) the defendant’s attorneys.

They worked very hard together to pull things towards a positive outcome - gaining strength, clarity, and self-belief as they progressed forwards.

There was a point when the defendant was coached by his attorneys in controlling his anger/frustration & responding well when sitting in the witness box.

Morals of the story: Human qualities such as kindness can be vast & unmeasurable & this can be awesome in winning people and circumstances. Also:-

  • Never give-up, as truth prevails;
  • Surround yourself with the best quality of people and strategies;
  • Focus on long-term success.

Your success ultimately comes down to how you operate your mind and body. Once you get used to operating your mind in this way by altering your rules and the way in which you view the world, you will gain extra inner power to over-ride danger and ride your way to new heights. Once your mind has been expanded it cannot come back to its original size: unless you force it or allow it to.

Decide now how you which to shape your future by working with the God-given faculties and capacities inherent in you.

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

Why a Former Christian Cricketer Reverted to Islam

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An exclusive Tete-a-tete with Mohammad Yousuf, formerly Yousuf Youhana. Pakistani Cricketer and Revert to Islam. The following is the translation of the interview, which took place recently in Karachi and is courtesy of The True Call.

The True Call: Assalamu Alaikum Brother Yousuf.

Yousuf: Wa’alaikum Asalaam

The True Call: Can you tell us about your childhood, how and where you spent it?

Yousuf: I spent my Childhood in Railway Colony and have been playing cricket since then, and even now I am doing the same. This is how I spent my childhood

The True Call: What was the importance of Religion during your early days? Where did you gain your religious education?

Yousuf: There was no such thing as Religious education. I used to go to Church on some Sundays but not regularly. But later with understanding I started going every Sunday.

The True Call: How did it all start? What drew you to Islam ?

Yousuf: Since childhood all my friends were Muslims, The place where we stayed was a Muslim locality. Just as you said in the beginning, in this world there is a lot of misunderstanding about Islam. its not the fault of Non - Muslims, we Muslims are not obeying the rules of Allah or following the footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) this is the reason we are being let down all over the world. Its all our fault.

During my early days, I used to stay with some Muslims, there was no such thing in them that a person can change by looking at them. The things they used to do, even I did the same.

The True Call: What brought about this sudden change?

Yousuf: It was not all of a sudden. Most of the changes in me have come over the period of last Seven to Eight months. When i was in touch with Missionaries, these people who are fulfilling Allah’s will and the Sunnah (method) of the Prophet (PBUH). This is the work of Prophets. They are doing such work. I have converted seeing them. They never asked me to convert and become a Muslim. They practice Islam, seeing them many people accept Islam. That time i had gone to play one day cricket, I met a jew who had accepted islam in 1970 / 75 This missionary congregation had gone to California, America. That person converted seeing thier practises.

The True Call: Despite the bad propaganda against Islam. People are still accepting Islam

Yousuf: It is not their fault. It is all our fault. The fault of the Muslims. This is not their fault it is our fault. This is an Islamic country but a person coming from outside he cannot distinguish it as an Islamic country. It is our fault, if we follow Prophet’s Sunnah then I feel, that nobody would need to point a finger at the Muslims and say that they are like this or like that.

The True Call: What did you find special about Islam, what appealed you to take this big decision?

Yousuf: I am still new to Islam and learning things. But those people who have inspired me, made me realise that Islam is a complete way of life. It teaches peace, wishing good for everyone we meet, ethics, code of conduct, being good to others, caring for others all the time.

The Missionaries spend their money, their time; they leave their household and travel to invite others to the way of Allah.

This has been the work of prophets. As Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet and there is no other prophet to come, so its our job, we Muslims have to call others to the way of Allah. But we sit back at homes. We do not believe in Allah completely, we follow our own way, we decide for ourselves and think we can make things happen, but the fact being that nothing happens without the will of Allah.

The True Call: In the light of recent chaos where there are strikes and protests happening, what according to you should be the stand of Muslims in this scenario?

Yousuf: We have to maintain peace. Protests are necessary, but protests should be carried out peacefully. But we need to rectify ourselves first. Are we leading the lives of true Muslims? Are we leading lives in accordance with the rules set by Allah and the ways taught by Muhammad (PBUH)? We first need to evaluate these. Until we rectify ourselves, others will surely make fun of us.

The True Call: How difficult was the decision? What was the family’s reaction to it?

Yousuf: Well, family did react, they were against my reversion. I was speculative that my family members would be angry with me. But the broader thought was, that this world is not our main goal. Success in this world is not the true success, and the failure in this world is not the true failure. Since everyone has to leave the world. The biggest truth in this world is death, and the biggest deception is life.

The True Call: What was your wife’s initial reaction when you broke the news of your reversion?

Yousuf: I did not tell her that I have become a Muslim, rather I told her that I am doing a couple of things which in turn are giving me peace and am feeling nice about it. I asked her to go the place where Islamic education is held, and told her if you find anything that is good in it, you can embrace it. Because, there is no compulsion in Islam. Islam has not spread by violence, Islam has spread by love and affection. It has spread for the betterment of humankind. It helps in purifying the thoughts of people so that they get close to Allah.

The True Call: Who deserves the credit of helping you realise this truth? Who played this important role?

Yousuf: I think the people fulfilling Allah’s will and following Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I have come seeing them like Saeed Anwar and many others who are practicing this.

The True Call: Masha’Allah! Pakistani team seems inclined towards Islam as well, what brought about this change?

Yousuf: For this very reason… since 8 years I am in Pakistani team but I did not see….

The True Call: What brought about this change?

Yousuf: For this very reason.. for this very reason.. Because of their concern, these people not only in Pakistan but worldwide spread the message so that people come towards Allah’s path. They never said come to us or join our community. They only say whenever you get time call people towards Allah’s path. In this way not only you correct yourself but also provide a better understanding to the people. Like I have also gone to places with them to spread the message, there are many people who are ignorant and know nothing like me who knows not much but I go for learning to get a better understanding of Islam i.e. How to lead life? etc.

The True Call: What suggestions do you want to give to people, who want to learn the Truth about Islam, but due to some pressures they are afraid. What message do you want to give to them. Is it really a difficult decision?

Yousuf: Actually I have also felt this fact that and also the wise agree that instead of making a Non Muslim a Muslim it is better to make the Muslims Muslim, because making a Non Muslim a Muslim is not difficult. Because in other religions you do not find this much Peace. Because I have come from another faith, where you do not find this much of peace. So it was easy for me to enter this faith. Because of the family there were a few obstacles. But if you see the reality, Islam is the truth and Islam is the true religion.

It is not difficult for a Non Muslim to enter the fold of Islam but to make a Muslim a Muslim, now this is a difficult task.

The message from me to my brothers is: Obey the orders of Allah and adhere to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is not difficult to convince a Non Muslim to become a Muslim.

The True Call: When you were a Christian, What impression did you have of the Muslims?

Yousuf: Seeing the true Muslims one would realise that, Yes! this is a religion. True Muslims; seeing whom I became a Muslim. Who obey the orders of Allah and adhere to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
From them it appeared to me that this is a religion. That this is the true religion. And this is from Allah.

It is not at all a difficult task. It is we who have made it difficult for ourselves. We just have to correct ourselves. If this thought appears that “We have to correct ourselves”. I personally feel everything will be fine on its own. When I am correct then I will find you good. If I myself am not correct then I will not find you good. We should correct ourselves.

The True Call: What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself Ten years from now

Yousuf: If you are talking with respect to Islam then nobody knows about his future. I would like to see myself in Islam. How much life Allah has granted me I will make an effort to spend it in the way of Allah.

The True Call: Thank you very much for taking time out of your hectic schedule to speak to us.

Yousuf: JazakAllahu Khair

For Success & Contentment,

Asad

And We Know What His Soul Whispers Within Him…

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Hi,

Here is something that I wanted to share with you; so sit back, watch, read, listen and enjoy.

Remember, if you are in a state of denial, look around at the physical wonders around you - WHO created them and for what? Look into yourself and see what you are really made of. Don’t deny arrogantly nor confuse matters of Faith with those of dogma. Open your eyes and be frank with the Truth, perchance you may really see the beauty around and within you. Thereafter turn to Him, who created all, and thank Him for it all….For if you get this part right, all else will follow and things will fall into place. I know this, let me tell you why further below:

1:00 But rather they belied the Truth when it came to them & so they are in a state of confusion

1:07 Have they not looked up to the sky above them, how We have built it and adorned it and that there is no rift therein?

Earth, Flawless Sky, Rain, Water, Gardens, Grain, Produce of all kinds, Land, Life…
Then why deny: look at the end of those who came before you: destroyed for their iniquities: remnants of a time gone by…confused of their Creation.

3:18 And We indeed created man and We know what his soul whispers within him, and We are nearer to him than even his jugular vein.

Long before when i was much younger, I used to think of things related to existence, world, universe and so on whilst others were thinking/talking of matters more closer to them: what people said, think, wore, went, watched etcetera. So they used to think I must be of my rocker - well not exactly, just perhaps that I was a little aloof. Well, recently I went through a period of thinking how others think on a regular basis. I didn’t intend it to do so, it just happened that way. Probably because it was meant to be so that i may learn what it means to see the world through such lenses. Anyway, I can tell you that I didn’t like it. I can understand, and relate to it as necessary, but it often ends up with me getting into some kind of argument. So, I realise that its not ‘my cup of tea’ and that I’m suited to sticking to matters of higher concern and priority.

See people will live according to their levels of thinking. This truly is the defining factor, not what you wear/live/drive/work/associate with, although these aspects can help from time-to-time. No, what really matters is attitude and level of thinking. If that is in order, then all else gets sorted along the way.

So, as Einstein said, “Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” So, when humanity is in crisis, as it is, do you think the type of leadership that currently exists can resolve it? What’s happening in Palestine/Israel? Is it a matter of “Leadership” in the ordinary sense, or do you think it requires Leadership of a pristine level: as like with the types of Saladin (Salahuddin)?

So my friend, one can talk of ‘leadership’ ’till the cows come home’ but the foundation of pure leadership is in bringing into perspective. and integrating, proper beliefs and values.

We’ll talk further but as ever,

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

Honestly Express Yourself says Master Bruce Lee

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Hi,

& welcome back after the summer break. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did - for me it was thrilling and a roller coaster ride all the way: spiritually, emotionally, socially and mentally.

My last post in August 2009 spoke about a crucial element on the road to self-mastery, success and contentment: the element of adapting. So I thought who better to talk about the Art of Adapting than the masterful, powerful, entertaining and wise Bruce Lee. Check out this video and enjoy -

2:41 “Its different depending on what you see in it”

Interviewer: Philosophy, Art & Sport: facets of the same thing =

3:10 “Honestly expressing yourself - not lying to oneself: very difficult to do. You have to train, you have to keep your reflexes, so when you want it - IT IS THERE - when you want to move, your moving & when you move you, you are determined to move…..nothing less than that.”

Interviewer: Very un-Western Attitude =

4:00 “Become one with yourself”

5:10 “Can learn the language, what’s difficult is understanding the feelings + meanings behind the words”

5:30 “Different ways of reacting”

7:00 “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. You put water in a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water in bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”

Interviewer: “I feel the power behind it.”

So dear reader, LIFE IS NON-LINEAR so adapt, be flexible, be like water & learn to HONESTLY EXPRESS YOURSELF, and you may find yourself reaching your goals in any case!

As ever, For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

Life Really is Non-Linear…

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Hi,

Most times we think that everything in life simply has to follow a particular order of progression, development and as a natural consequence, an upward and onward ascent. Well what happens when this is not the case? Are you put off by the lack of results or do you stick to your plan? Do you even have a plan in the first instance? Let me tell you that sometimes, for some people in some places, things can go so tremendously well that you think that astronomic results have materialised out of thin air. I mean exponential growth occurs almost in the figurative ‘blink of an eye’: look at Trump, Branson, Gates, Slim, Mittel et al. They may not have necessarily had it all to begin with, yet within in the span of a few decades they have amassed a net-worth eclipsing many lives over.

So many self-help books will cite their triumphs in attempt to make you feel inadequately small and raise your inquisitiveness until you ask yourself “why don’t I do what they do in order to reap the same type of rewards as they?” I know that the natural tendency of humans is to see what others are doing and if it resonates with oneself then a pursuit to mimick, or ‘model’, them is taken on. Now 1 of 3 things can happen:-

  1. You achieve it (not likely)
  2. You give up (likely)
  3. You adapt

We can talk all day about qualities such as Perseverance, Faith, Sense of Certainty, Resilience, Resourcefulness, and the like, which are key to the success of most endeavours, but one crucial oversight not referred to so much is the aspect of Divine Intervention.

Too many people agonise over the triumphs of others and forget the many small favours in their own lives. The seemingly more successful ones will tease you to have what they have and belittle you for not being like them. The levels, or leagues, of competition and achievement may differ as time progresses but the sentiments often remain the same. So then what happens? One builds feelings of resentment, jealousy, stiffness and rigidity towards greed that only fuels the drive towards mimicking those role-models even more.

Now I’m not saying that modeling is a bad idea per se, I’m saying its a disease when one loses their bearings of reality. When it gets to a point where a person cannot see anything else but the what others have achieved then alarm bells should ring because that is not a healthy state of being to function in.

Try to remember the following:

Its not in the arriving, its in the journeying

You will deepen your sense of self-satisfaction if you let-go of delusional ideas and focus on the little things that are more readily accessible, do-able and manageable. When you do this, things will gradually unfold before you in  a way that is right for you, at that particular time in your life. So, some of the other key ingredients towards leading a prosperous and fulfilling life is to ensure that you are flexible in both thought and action. Do what is necessary to make the ascent natural, for rewards are around you already, if you were keen to notice them…The Hand of the Divine is operating at all times to keep you safe, grant you the faculties of mind, intelligence sight and hearing, given you loving relationships, and most importantly given you time and health to continue. The blessings really are in the doing and you don’t want to mess-up your chances by chasing a negative dream.

Relax, focus and work in a step-wise fashion on your pet-project/s and let the flexibility open the door to creativity and ingenuity. Many successful people have probably done the same anyway: amonst other things they may have also mastered the art of patience as this entails flexibility. Be patient and realise that the ultimate success factor is Divine Intervention, for He determines when, how, where and how much:

Man proposes and God disposes.

And by the way, those others who you look-up to may also have done things which may be less than desirable: cheat, lie, steal, fraud, etc. so why not look at your own beauty and see the magic that is within. To have a patience is great treasure and it needs to be exercised in every department of life: career, business, relationships, finances, health, overall living conditions, and even against those who have wronged you. Letting it go and letting the matter rest with the ALMIGHTY above is the surest way of bringing relief to your heart and mind. Acting with patience is to act in the reflection of the Merciful One, to act in haste, or anger, is to act in the reflection of the accursed one. We want to win on all fronts, so why not be savvy and work the inner world in a way that is authentic, balanced and to higher purpose? This is self-leadership as stated in the last testament:

“And for those who fear God, He will make their path easy” (65:4)

So dear reader you don’t have to give-up, you don’t have to agonise over those you are attempting to model, you don’t have to feel inadequate at any stage as long as you keep to you true self, work hard, hold onto the rope of the Divine and thank Him for your blessings as you go along, because now you understand that Life really is non-linear.

For continued Success and Contentment,

Asad Khan