“Be More & Achieve More!”

Hi,

Yesterday we saw the European Elections results revealed, with a disappointing result for my home area, the Northwest of England, where the British National Party gained 1 seat, and 2 seats nationally. This only happened due to the terrible results of Labour, as the BNP did not gain much ground beyond their 2004 election results. Now Nick Griffin is an MEP even though he won fewer than he did 5 years ago: the slump in Labour support meant its share of the vote increased.

This is an interesting feature: a party that does not allow black members has become part of the European Parliament. The Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman described the BNP result as “terrible”.

But I think that this is another wake-up call for the rest of us peace-seeking citizens who believe in plurality, multi-culturism and co-existence. Remember how George W Bush and his cronies did their best to smear the hardworking citizens of many countries and attempted to curtail many civilian rights and freedoms that were enshrined in the First Amendment, The Geneva Convention and the like? But it didn’t last so long, did it? Despite Tony Blair, the then British Prime Minister saying that “we are in this for the long haul”. Forgive me for sounding dismissive of such tripe, but times change frequently, however the absolute truth is unerring and must always prevail: this is what it means to be principled and to stick to true, lasting and higher values.

We are surrounded by contradictions in our societies and the world-over so it is important to have knowledge and self-understanding to help steer through the difficult times. Most around the world marvelled at the victory of the black President Barack Hussein Obama: of black and white descent, of Muslim values and Christian belief systems, and of Eastern and Western heritage. He continues to bridge the gulf between various conflicting parties both in his homeland as well as overseas. Let’s see some of his recent remarks in the Cairo speech:

“We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim—majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam. “

“So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.”

“I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”

“There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.” That is what I will try to do today — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.”

“As a student of history, I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places like Al-Azhar — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities — it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.“

“In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John Adams, wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.” And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they’ve excelled in our sports arenas, they’ve won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Jefferson — kept in his personal library”

“So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.”

“Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum — “Out of many, one.”

“So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.“

“Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.”

“For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.”

“And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes — and, yes, religions — subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.“

And on it goes, covering off thoughts, directions and plans on the following 7 aspects:

1.    “The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
2.    The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
3.    The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
4.    The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
5.    The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
6.    The sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights.
7.    Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.”

“It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward. It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There’s one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It’s a faith in other people, and it’s what brought me here today”

“We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.”

The Holy Quran tells us, “O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”

The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”

The Holy Bible tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

“The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you.”

We all await to see if these words are mere sentiments or an honest call for earnest action. I think that we all need to see that higher purpose and values can manifest through well-meaning people, otherwise we have nothing to solid to hold onto, except assured belief. But Belief without purposeful action is insufficient to meet the needs of people. And so the struggle continues, as it has always been intended by the Creator, for each and every one of us to rise-up to the challenges of the day and fulfill our duties and inherent potential. To give back to others as we have taken, and add a little more to the stock of good hope and collective well-being.

This is how the racist and fascists in our societies will be defeated. We all need to understand ourselves and each other much better. Through such common fraternity we can take bold decisions that re-maps our world. And through selfless service - sharing with others the best of what we have - we can help people make insightful distinctions on aspects of higher value, values and issues pertaining to:

Right / Wrong : Good / Evil : Hope / Despair : Prosperity / Poverty : Progress / Regress

Life is about struggle it always has been and will always remain as such, for this is within the Grand Master Scheme of the Great Architect of the Universe. There must be constant and continuous improvement as this will surely help - help make sense and decrease the contradictions that exist in our world. The clock is ticking, so how are you deciding to contribute…?

For Success and Contentment,

Asad Khan

PS Last night we also witnessed the last episode of this years BBC’s series of The Apprentice . Interestingly, Sir Alan said it was the “Toughest decision ever made in this boardroom” (that he was faced with) / “Between the best I’ve ever had here” (2 distinguished ladies, Jasmina and Kate). Get the MPPPL workbook and help yourself to shift further.

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Hi,

What is time? The question has baffled many a thinker throughout the ages and continues to serve as one of the greatest mysteries. You realise that time ‘flies’ when you’re having fun, or when immersed in a series of long thoughts that has taken you into dream mode. Conversely, when you are waiting for something to happen and keen to see an outcome it seems like its taking forever!

Yet time, and its measurement, remains the same. The only difference is the state of mind that you have whilst experiencing its relativity. Now lets say that there is something that you have to do, its important and much depends on it. But you don’t feel like doing it, before long all the symptoms of procrastination set-in and the whole idea of that important task feels more like a chore, a burden. And if you actually get round to making a start, you tend to be sluggish, out of sync and phased by the whole process.

Consider the alternative: you are feeling fresh, responsive and ready to tackle any challenge coming your way, which may not only be critical, but difficult. And now you are not put off by the size of the job but welcome the opportunity to pour out your creativity and perform at greater levels. In doing so, you do not necessarily realise the amount of time consumed when working on it, which may be much more than what your originally envisaged!

So, enjoying what you do is more important than the act of the doing alone. This enjoyment comes from the inside, from your natural state, which is why you should choose, whenever you can, to work on those things in work and life that suit your inherent interests and abilities.

The test of time is to pick-out the most interesting and rewarding from the trivial, mundane and the un-captivating. Once this is done, you can ‘fly’ through time more often rather than twist and fret on the spot.

The Space-Time Factor

Now, If the Sun is able to warp the space-time factor, and it being only one of the many suns in this lower universe, then you shall deduce that other bigger suns and entities will ‘affect’ time in similarly extraordinary ways. And in the proximity of God, the Ultimate Power, Absolute Force and The Infinite Source of Energy, who sits on His vast throne above the seven heavens, time definitely is not as we perceive it here on earth. Recapping on an earlier Chapter (The Ways of Ascent, 70):

70:4 The angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years:

70:5 Therefore, do hold patience, a patience of beautiful (contentment).

70:6 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event):

70:7 But we see it (quite) near.

So ultimately, in the grandest scheme of things, life and the universe, the only aspects that really matter are the deeds that we send forwards which we all will be accounted for on the Great Day of Reckoning. If we utilise our God-given talents and strengths for the benefit of others, within the guidelines provided for us by our Creator, then we will not only find success but contentment also. This is the test of time, particularly when our ‘goals’ are not reached and the outcome we desire is not in sight, then the magnificence of patience must be exercised and witnessed.

And remember, no-one really manages time, you can only manage the activities that you do through choice and self-discipline.

There is much more that can be stated on this topic including the eastern view of kairos versus the more western chronos interpretation of time. However, if one day can equal 50,000 of our human years, be sure that there is a massive unfathomable world out there waiting to receive us in our onwards journey.

For success and contentment,

Asad.

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Hi,

You know how most political divides are mainly measured across 2 major axes: the economic one and the social one. The range of issues and policies across theses two principal lines is viewed through either a lens of liberalism or conservatism. And in a very brief nut shell this creates the democratic framework around us here in the West, where you can have economic freedom with some social constraints, or social freedom with economic constraints. But you’ll be hard pressed to find both social and economic freedom / constraints bundled together.

However, there is a third central axis that in my view is more elementary and requires a careful integration into the political spectra: the Spiritual Axis. It may already be present to varying degrees as personal values, but it is not appreciated as an order, an entity and an identified need in its own right. So despite outward loyalties or disagreements on policy and law, inwardly there seems to be a disparity between personal conscience, morals and values which is reflected in the shifting tides of political debates and positions.

I’m reminded of parts of the American Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Ingrained into history, collective creed, constitution and general infrastructure is the idea that “all men are created equal”. Yet I cannot rid myself of the belief that ours is a fragmented, fractured and contradictory society, where the individual and communal strands are in constant tension, and the struggle between self-identification is underpinned by state legislature and practice. The basis of the existing creed stated above was, I like to believe, one of sincere determination to uphold higher values and ideals. But, tell me

• Who creates the law?
• Where do values come from?
• What is Truth and how is it adhered to?

Is it possible to say that when stripping away social scripting, political bias, selfish interests and peer pressure, there resides within each of us a pure form of a human being that inclines towards higher virtues and ethics? Take a scenario: what were to happen if suddenly we were all to fall victim to a massive earthquake, would we then begin to sense that indeed we we are all created equal and that the fleeting labels, status, privileges, comforts and positions that tend to comfort us otherwise can do little in the event of such major catastrophe?

Would, and can, any advancement in technology or other modern sophistication’s help prevent or avert such a calamity? I think not, it never was possible and it never will be. We are all subject to a common end which is to meet our Creator and answer for our time spent here on Earth.

God’s message in all ages has been singular and we are better positioned when using His guidance as the criterion for measuring right from wrong, truth from falsehood, fact from conjecture. In the chapter of Jonah (10) we are informed:

But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against truth. Verily God is well aware of all that they do.

This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than God. On the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the Lord of the worlds.

The final testament completes, confirms, clarifies and corrects all former scriptures and further elucidates the one true revelation - sent by the ONE TRUE GOD in all ages.

Whist on the topic of Declaration of Independence, values and spirituality, I just want to share with you some other aspect, as I’m pressed for time at present. I’ll cover-off some other aspects with you later, particularly in relation to Ch. 10. Here’s the other part:

The “Ten Points” appear every February 12 in newspaper ads honoring Abraham Lincoln. In fact, these aphorisms are from the pen of Reverend William John Henry Boetcker (1873-1962).

* You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
* You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
* You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
* You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
* You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
* You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
* You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
* You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
* You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and independence.
* You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

A. Lincoln is also claimed to have written the following to his son’s school headmaster:-

“My son will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.
It will take time, I know; but teach him if you can, that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found.
Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning, steer him away from envy, if you can.
Teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that bullies are easiest to lick.
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books…but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.
In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat…
[Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.]
Teach him to be gentle with [gentle] people and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon.
Teach him to listen to all men; but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.
Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad.
Teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him to scoff at cynics and to be beware of too much sweetness.
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders, but never to put a price on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob…and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in humankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow my son!”

Hope this helps.

For Success and Contentment,

Asad R Khan

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Hi,

When most people have issues in their lives, they often base the aspects on a series of events: usually what someone said, how they said it, or the way something was done or how it was not done, etc. This leads to a train of thoughts repeating themselves in the head that creates anxiety and disturbances, which the person own themselves. You see, no one else can really dominate your head, its yours and no-one else’s, so why do many end up agonising so much about (a) other people’s issues, (b) what happened in the past, (c) mis-interpretating the actual event to suit our own inner voice?

Its because its convenient to do so. It’s easier to follow self-furnished notions and assumptions rather than approaching the source of the matter and deal with it thoroughly and clearly. This takes courage, sincerity, respect and courtesy. Wheareas living by assumptions makes us feel secure in our own little world to the extent that we develop a notion, or an assumption, into a living fact, without any actual eveidence for it. This is the base nature of man, and we cannot turn away from it, but rather have to acknowledge it and work on it.

This, in my analysis, is all what NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Meditation, Prayer and a whole host of other therapy/coaching/personal development disciplines are concerned with. Dealing with:

• Creating self-awareness, integrity and openness
• Acknowledging one’s own limiting beliefs, values and assumptions
• Expanding the Inner vision and developing an authentic voice
• Getting to the source of problem on the inside & altering images/sounds/energy vibrations
• Realigning the central nervous system so that it congruent and whole
• Moving to better (higher) place of being, relating, seeing, perceiving, judging and living.

The list is not meant to be exhaustive, but representative of what it means to deal with self-made, mind-consuming assumptions.

Furthermore, the same is true of revealed faith and monotheistic religions. Essentially, they point out the wayward practices of those who design their lives on fanciful conjecture, tradition and habits of convenience.  Continuing from the chapter (68) quoted in the previous posting, let’s take a look at some of the latter verses:-

What is the matter with you? How judge ye?

Or have ye a book through which ye learn-

That ye shall have, through it whatever ye choose?

Or have ye Covenants with Us to oath, reaching to the Day of Judgment, (providing) that ye shall have whatever ye shall demand?

Ask thou of them, which of them will stand surety for that!

Or have they some “Partners” (in Godhead)? Then let them produce their “partners”, if they are truthful!

Just as we tend to repeat the false notions of others in our minds, the same is true of our spiritual beliefs and practices: we tend to reject the avenue towards clarity and evidence-based spirituality and rather follow convenient mis-truths because we have a sense of security by being surrounded in their presence: idols, fetishes, priests, godlings, suspicions, omens, materialism, fellowship, intellect, science, art, construction, industry etc.

Do we stop and consider the whole order of the universe and our little place in it? Are the work of our minds, imaginations and hands nothing but lesser reflections of the great order of the universe. If so, why not acknowledge the Creator of the heavens and the earth for this great order and leave all other considerations aside? Convenience should not replace logic, proof, evidence, justice, rationale, and pure spirituality based on these aspects. This was the way of Father Abraham and this is the right way. All other ways are bound to lead to confusion and imbalance.

The first step towards FREEDOM is to question. Question:

1. Yourself - the mind, body, soul and spirit, who’s controlling them?
2. Your Existence - from whence and to where, and why are you here?
3. Your Provision - who ultimately provides this for you?
4. Your Relations - what do they really mean and do you honour any of them?
5. Your Code of Conduct - who’s standards do you live by?
6. Your Laws - Who says what’s allowed and what’s prohibited to you?
7. Your Tastes - What are the boundaries and structures that define your choice of taste?
8. Your Inheritance/Legacy - How are you linked before you and with generations after you?

Begin this honest questioning process with yourself and then once done, ask yourself this:

What are my foundations for these, i.e. by which Authority  do I claim such matters? Do I have a Book, a God-head, or any other higher authority that determines such matters for me, or am I just living by ’societal norms’ of which I am clueless as to who, or how, these norms have come into place.

Question, for it is the beginning of your journey and the end of fanciful assumptions.

“Ask, & you shall be answered,
Knock, & you shall be opened to,
Seek, & you shall find”

For Success and Contentment,

Asad Khan

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Welcome,

I’m going to relate to you a story of a group of people who wished the best for themselves and relied on their own capacities alone.

A long time ago there was a group of people who were preparing to go to sleep and dream about how they wanted to gather their harvest early in the morning. They had eagerly looked forwards to reaping the fruits of hard labour and resolved to gather the bounty at the break of dawn. When they awoke, they called upon each other to hurry towards the garden and to move quietly whilst doing so. When they arrived, they found the garden, to their great dismay and anguish, in utter ruins. But why? What had happened?

Well, let’s hear it from the One Who Knows all in His own Majestic words, Chapter 68, The Pen:

17. Verily We have tried them as We tried the People of the Garden, when they resolved to gather the fruits of the (garden) in the morning.
18. But made no reservation, (”If it be God’s Will”).
19. Then there came on the (garden) a visitation from thy Lord, (which swept away) all around, while they were asleep.
20. So the (garden) became, by the morning, like a dark and desolate spot, (whose fruit had been gathered).
21. As the morning broke, they called out, one to another,-
22. “Go ye to your tilth (betimes) in the morning, if ye would gather the fruits.”
23. So they departed, conversing in secret low tones, (saying)-
24. “Let not a single indigent person break in upon you into the (garden) this day.”
25. And they opened the morning, strong in an (unjust) resolve.
26. But when they saw the (garden), they said: “We have surely lost our way:
27. “Indeed we are shut out (of the fruits of our labour)!”
28. Said one of them, more just (than the rest): “Did I not say to you, ‘Why not glorify (God)?’”
29. They said: “Glory to our Lord! Verily we have been doing wrong!”
30. Then they turned, one against another, in reproach.
31. They said: “Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!
32. “It may be that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this: for we do turn to Him (in repentance)!”
33. Such is the Punishment (in this life); but greater is the Punishment in the Hereafter,- if only they knew!
34. Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord.
35. Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin?

So, these foolish and greedy people wanted to steal the fruits of not just their labour, but other people’s too, who had an equal share in reaping the rewards. And also, they had no inclination towards relying on the Sustainer, the Source of all Goodness, for their provisions but in their ignorance thought they had control over all aspects of livelihood.

But the right way is to remember that all our plan’s success depend on how much they accord with God’s Will and Plan. His universal Will is supreme over all affairs. The foolish men who had secretly plotted to rob the poor of their just rights were frustrated when their plan was foiled by the Greater Force. They were put into a position where they were unable to continue with their fraudulent mission, as a storm destroyed the fruits and trees and altered the place beyond recognition.

This is the spiritual reason behind a physical phenomena which often we do not see nor realise. We will think it an unfortunate matter of ‘nature’ that has nothing to do with anyone, or thing, in particular. But here, we are told that the deceptive, cruel and selfish motives of a certain bunch of people triggered the spiritual intervention that created the physical upheaval. The dreams of the selfish were destroyed because they thought they could cheat the poor of their share. Class struggle? Yes, the rich owners of the orchid did not realise the rights of the poor that they were trampling on so their greed was punished.

Their first thought was of personal loss, the loss their labour and the loss of their capital. They had plotted to keep out others from the fruits: now, as it happened, the loss was their own. When such greed is punished often people are ready to throw blame on others. With varying degrees of guilt, one had pointed out in moments of reflection that he had warned them of wrongdoing and defying the Will of God and the right of man.

The selfishness created an arrogance in them that they were the proud owners of the garden and this led them to forget God. However, once they realised their mistake some sincerely repented and hoped for a better exchange to what the previously had. This is the beauty of God’s Mercy: there’s always room for it if we sincerely draw nearness to Him and repent. If not, we are warned that the punishment of the Hereafter is much worse than what we witness here.

You may wonder “why do the wicked flourish?” God’s mercy is one of the reasons but there are others we can refer to:

1. the limited choice left to man’s will;
2. his moral responsibility;
3. the need of tuning his will to God’s will;
4. the long-suffering quality of God, which allows the widest possible chance of-
5. His Mercy &
6. in the final part, the nature of spiritual punishment, which is not an arbitrary act, but a long gradual process in which there is room for repentance at every stage.

All these aspects are represented in this remarkable Parable of the People of the Garden, which also illustrates the greed, selfishness and heedlessness of man, as well as his tendency to throw blame on others if he can think of a scapegoat.

All these foibles are shown, but the Mercy of God is boundless, and even after the worst sins and punishments, there may be hope of a better orchid than the one lost, if only:

• the repentance is true &
• there is a complete surrender to the Will of God.

And if there is no surrender of the will, then the punishment in the Hereafter is something incomparably greater than the little calamities in the Parable.

So now, think of the times and situations where such phenomena may have taken place in your own life, or in the lives of those you know or have heard of. Can you think of what the real reason might be, unknown to you at the time, of a particular case of misfortune befalling on anyone? It is not the nature of good people to wish bad for any other but we do need to learn the lessons of past mistakes and move ahead with a greater recognition of the universal order around us and the just rights of the people. You may now also begin to see the current global economic crises in a different way: the leaders of wall street and other major banking corporations have had to rely on government bail-outs which ultimately the people will have to pay for.

But the good will wait for their turn and are patient with testing times, for they understand that all affairs rest with Him above and know if they wish to have their dreams materialised, they must trust in God and surrender their will to His.

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

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Greetings,

We, mankind, are created weak, hasty and ungrateful. We have learnt in the previous postings that when things go dead against us we do one of two things: (i) despair and give-up all hope; (ii) enter into prolonged prayers with the deity that we know to exist - the One who created the heavens and the earth and rests on His Mighty Throne above - but lack the proper knowledge to relate to Him. Why? because our base nature tends to seek Him and want His assistance and yet, attempting to be patient, grateful and resolve to persevere only comes with great character development and spiritual insight.

Then, when we are bestowed favours from above, we forget the Source of Goodness and assign the turn-around to our own abilities, or ‘luck’, or worse some false deity or spiritual force. And as the person continues along the path of good fortune he begins to develop a sense of self-sufficiency that quickly rises into a type of arrogance that we are all too familiar with.

But here I want to help you to link this state of arrogance with one other crucial feature: miserliness. You see, this self-conceited person who believes in his own abilities as being the sole power to shape his destiny becomes hard-hearted and shows the exact opposites characteristics of when he was in despair: “I have such and such, so much, and I managed this myself and hence who are you to ask me for anything? Go do it for yourself!” Might be the silent messages emanating from his conduct.

We have been looking at verses in Chapter 70 (Ma’arij, The Ascent) and I want to share with you a coiuple of other verses to put things into further perspective:

17: Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right)

18: And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)!

And so, as the great commentator A Y Ali say, the analysis of sin is given in four master-strokes, of which the first two refer to the will or psychology of the sinner, and the last two to the use he makes of the good things in life.

1. Sin begins with turning your back to the Right, refusing to face it squarely, running away from it whether from cowardice or indifference.
2. But conscience and the sense of Right will try to prevent the flight; the Grace of God, Allah, will meet the sinner at all corners and try to reclaim him; the hardened sinner will deliberately turn away his face from it, insult it and reject it.
3. The result of this psychology will be that he will abandon himself to greed, to the collection of riches, and the acquisition of material advantages to which he is not entitled; this may involve hypocrisy, fraud, and crime.
4. Having acquired the material advantages , the next step will be to keep others out of them, to prevent hoarded wealth from fructifying by circulation, to conceal it from envy or spite.

And so it is: In adversity man complains and get into despair. In prosperity he becomes arrogant and forgets other people’s rights and his own shortcomings.

So here is the simplest of formula to write but amongst the weightiest to enact:

Faith + Gratefulness = Righteousness + Charity (Benevolence)

As per the prophetic tradition, all children of Adam sin, but the best amongst them are those who repent and return to their Creator.

Most sincere people, the general do-gooders, are those who will have a strong sense of guilt when committing a sin and feel a strong tremble within when approaching that which is not proper. And even if this was recklessly repeated due to the weak nature, then this generally good and sincere person does his best to stay away from falling into the same trap. It is only those who refuse to believe that any wrong is being committed, they have deluded themselves into thinking that what is improper is actually valid and acceptable. They have become hard-hearted, deaf in the ears and blind in their sight, though they have a pumping heart, physical ears and eyes. The gap between the physiological function of these organs and their respective spiritual faculties has widened - this connection is lost.

Their central nervous system (CNS) no longer trembles at the idea of committing a sin - whether it be against their own person or against another - as this CNS does not have the same sensitivity or sensibility towards understanding virtue, morals, thoughts, intentions, deeds or habits.

It’s only with a real big JOLT to the CNS that a chance of self-awareness is created and the possibility of appreciation, gratitude and humility re-enters the emotional pattern. Otherwise, the person is far removed from such sentiments and it is no wonder that righteous conduct does not follow.

So what is righteousness you may ask. Let’s us see what the Divine instruction on this is. As well as 2:177, we have in the same chapter 70 that we been studying so far the following masterful insights and instructions:

Not so those devoted to Prayer;-

Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;

And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.

For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);

And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgement;

And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-

For their Lord’s displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;-

And those who guard their chastity,

Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed,

But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;-

And those who respect their trusts and covenants;

And those who stand firm in their testimonies;

And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;-

Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).

Prayer, Selfless-Sacrifice, Generosity, Probity, Chastity, True and Firm Witness, and the real consciousness of Higher Presence are the hallmarks of those who desire Peace & Tranquillity in this life and the Eternal Garden of Bliss in the next.

Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of Bliss?

By no means! For We have created them out of the (base matter) they know!

We are all on a journey and the emptiness, confusion and uncertainty of faith that pervades people’s everyday life comes from a lack of true knowledge. Hence the requirement of Divine Revelation to help put matters into the context of the actual Reality.

The animal part of man is nothing to proud of, and we know it. It is by spiritual effort, and long preparation through a good life that a man can rise above the mere animal part of him to his high dignity as a spiritual being, and his noble destiny in the Hereafter.

We all have our day-day experiences, some good, some exciting, others challenging and yet others still quite mundane and tedious. We have to learn to develop a greater awareness in order to make this journey peaceful and more importantly to ensure we safely arrive at the desired ultimate destination.

For Success and Contentment,

Asad Khan

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Yesterday I wrote a note on the need to be patient when asking and anticipating anything in one’s life and we looked at how the nature of man’s involves 2 elements as parts of his impatient base character (70:20-21):

1. fretful when evil touches him
2. niggardly when good reaches him

How many times have we seen people call upon ‘God’ for bringing about goodness in their lives, especially when they feel all the usual support structures and creature comforts around them are insufficient in helping them? I say ‘God’ in quotes because it is in these moments of deep despair that ones calls upon the real, All-seeing, All-Hearing God even thought they do not realise this. This is because normally they rely on demi-gods: things manufactured out of one’s fanciful imagination that hold no authority or power to bring good or deliver from harm. And so when the All-Merciful God delivers good to the person and with time fortunes change, the same person becomes stubborn and arrogant, rejecting the favours of his Lord, and selfishly hoards wealth / knowledge / talents / resources / charity for himself.

Now, hear what else we are told about our nature by our Fashioner in the Chapter “Children of Israel”:-

17:11 “The prayer that man should make for good, He makes for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds).

Man in his ignorance or haste mistakes evil for good, and desires what he should not have. The wise and instructed soul has patience and does not put its own desires above the wisdom of God. He receives with contentment the favours of God and prays to be rightly guided in his desires and petitions.

If any do wish for the transitory things (of this life), We readily grant them - such things as We will, to such person as We will: in the end have We provided Hell for them: they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected.

Those who do wish for the (things of) the Hereafter, and strive therefor with all due striving, and have Faith,- they are the ones whose striving is acceptable (to God)

Of the bounties of thy Lord We bestow freely on all- These as well as those: The bounties of thy Lord are not closed (to anyone).

See how We have bestowed more on some than on others; but verily the Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.

Take not with God another object of worship; or thou (O man!) wilt sit in disgrace and destitution.

Remember how I said in my previous blog post not to be overly concerned with what some people have and what others don’t? Here again we are reminded in the plainest of terms similar wisdoms:

• If any wishes for the material aspects he will be granted them - as determined by his Creator
• Asking, receiving and not thanking (in its fullest meaning) is next to treason: the wicked are warned with the severest of punishments
• The Provider gives and restricts as He pleases, yet His Provision is open to all without prejudice
• Think about The Maker, The Provider, The Sustainer and thank Him- Alone - through devotion, prayer and faith with selfless service and charity
• Bear in mind the Day of Meeting your Lord when all will be laid-out in front: those who are true to Him win his Grace; those who rebel and reject His favours are humiliated
• And each person will then be to their own and there will be sufficient evidence from within (the soul) to account for or against him
• The end-game, the Hereafter, is the real deal and this is what ought to be truly sought after.

Every man’s fate We have fastened on his own neck: On the Day of Judgement We shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open.

(It will be said to him:) “Read thine (own) record: Sufficient is thy soul this day to make out an account against thee.”

Who receives guidance, receives it for his own benefit: who goes astray doth so to his own loss: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: nor would We visit with Our Wrath until We had sent an apostle (to give warning).

So if one is going to ask for such and such, would it not be better not ensure that it is for worthy reasons and moreover, show gratitude for what one has in any case whilst remaining patient and steadfast at all times?

We have now seen how God’s help is widely available as He is the All-loving and The Cherishing. Let’s confirm this love, mercy and care for us with verses from the fourth chapter (The Women):

Allah does wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He does wish to) turn to you (In Mercy): And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.

Allah does wish to Turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that ye should turn away (from Him),- far, far away.

Allah does wish to lighten your (difficulties): For man was created Weak (in flesh).

Our Creator and Provider knows our inherent strengths and weaknesses and is ever-ready to assist and return an honest call. He wishes to help us, show us the way and strengthen our bond with him. But then the choice is left to us whether or not we like to play-out according to His wisdom and support or our own selfish and limited desires.

4:32 And in no wise covet those things in which God has bestowed His gifts More freely on some of you than on others: To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: But ask God of His bounty. For God has full knowledge of all things.

This dear reader is the authentic text that is beyond doubt and corruption gifted to mankind for his guidance and welfare. Too many people forge their own understandings and have little knowledge of the Truth. Fanciful conjecture is not the means or style of Ark2Ark Training and Coaching. Rather, we aim to deliver the compelling messages of Truth and Certainty based on proofs and visible, undeniable Signs of God and His Mercy.

For Success & Contentment

Asad Khan

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Usually when we are in anticipation of something it can seem like ages before anything eventful really happens. Why? Because we all want results right now. This minute. It’s got to happen now - “I’m a Professional for God’s Sake! I know how to manage People and Processes, so surely I can manage my own affairs and achieve my goals as and when I please, right!?”

Well no, not exactly. Not as we/I/you please but rather as it has been pre-ordained by the Creator. All too often we are quoted all sorts of examples of illustrious personalities who have achieved mega success at relatively tender ages or otherwise (Trump, Gates, Obama, Brin/Page-Google, et al.) but the reality behind these success is anything but normal. So we get pumped-up into thinking that if they can do it then so can I. Well its great to have such ambitions, nothing wrong with that, and its great to pick-up on points that can be modelled and integrated into your own psyche and characteristics.

But my point here is about timing rather than the nature of ambitions and personal drive. I was reading some verses from the Holy Book and I thought that I’d like to share  some of them with you to expand on this aspect:

70:19-21: “Verily man was created very impatient -fretful when evil touches him; and niggardly when good reaches him.”

You see man, according to plan of God, was created in the best of moulds (95:4). But in order to fulfil his high destiny he was given free will to a limited extent. The wrong use of this free will makes his nature impatient. That becomes his nature by his own act, but he is spoken of as so created because of the capacities given to him in his creation.

So what happens when we don’t get what we want, when we want it or how we want it? Despair, gloom and blame. But our psychology would better serve us if we were to think of higher order, patiently persevere with the times and work diligently towards the achievement of our noble personal goals. And if and when they are fulfilled, then we must not forget the share of the less fortunate ones who need assistance and support, just as we did in times of anguish.

Look at what else your Creator informs you in Chapter 41 (The Expounded):

46. Whoever works righteousness benefits his own soul; whoever works evil, it is against his own soul: nor is thy Lord ever unjust (in the least) to His Servants.

47. To Him is referred the Knowledge of the Hour (of Judgment: He knows all): No date-fruit comes out of its sheath, nor does a female conceive (within her womb) nor bring forth the Day that ((Allah)) will propound to them the (question), “Where are the partners (ye attributed to Me?” They will say, “We do assure thee not one of us can bear witness!”

48. The (deities) they used to invoke aforetime will leave them in the lurch, and they will perceive that they have no way of escape.

49. Man does not weary of asking for good (things), but if ill touches him, he gives up all hope (and) is lost in despair.

50. When we give him a taste of some Mercy from Ourselves, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, “This is due to my (merit): I think not that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) be established; but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have (much) good (stored) in His sight!” But We will show the Unbelievers the truth of all that they did, and We shall give them the taste of a severe Penalty.

51. When We bestow favours on man, he turns away, and gets himself remote on his side (instead of coming to Us); and when evil seizes him, (he comes) full of prolonged prayer!

52. Say: “See ye if the (Revelation) is (really) from Allah, and yet do ye reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism far (from any purpose)?”

53. Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

54. Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things!

These verses are powerful, true and revealing. If properly understood they give immense insights into the nature of our being and help shape our reality for the better.  Weak, hasty and ungrateful is the the base nature of humans, so its only when we recognise the Source of All Goodness and rely on Him utterly to fulfil our needs that we then begin to raise our ranks to fit in with the “Best of Moulds” - as we were intended in our primary purpose. Timing, and Time itself, is in His Hands alone. No need therefore for any to fret over what others have or have not. Stick to your own personal convictions and purify them, strengthen them and work towards the fulfilment of your noble goals with the assistance of Higher Order and Grace.

For Success & Contentment,

Asad Khan

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