“Be More & Achieve More!”

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

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Hi,

Most often people cannot see beyond the limited scopes of their own intelligence. The filters on their perceptions and the processing mechanisms of their minds are dulled due to montonous repetitions of life in which attempts are made to live life without understanding and to ‘progress’ without meaning. Repititious small acts of work, play, social interaction and the pursuits of creature comforts lead to a type of thinking where everything is hunky-dory and there is little to worry about. Until, of a sudden, something happens to make a person stop, think and reflect on the every-day wonders surrounding us that serve as pointers to the higher truths.

Recently, I was up on Moses Mountain, St. Catherine, Sinai, Egypt recently and the views were breathtaking, especially after ascending all night to reach the summit (2639m) and offering my pre-dawn prayers in the place of worship built at the peak (there is a church and a mosque). It is the place where the Prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments from God and nearby is also the ‘burning bush’ from where God spoke to Moses.

The fact remains that such a place was specified for a very important moment in the history of mankind: the revelation of the Ten Commandments.

According to the Biblical records, God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, inscribed on stone tablets, and intended for the guidance of the people of Israel after their exodus from Egypt. They form a small but vital part of the total 623 laws in the Torah (five books of Moses, the first books of the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament).

There are three versions of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament they are Exodus 20:2-17, Exodus 34:12-26 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. Exodus 20 is the most commonly used set.

In the King James’ version of the Bible, Exodus 20 reads as follows:

20:1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 20.2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

20.3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

20.4 Thou shalt have not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 20.5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and the fourth generation of them that hate me; 20.6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

20.7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

20.8 Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy.

20.9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 20.10 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 20.10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 20.11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested  the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

20.12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

20.13 Thou shalt not kill

20.14 Thou shalt not commit adultery

20.15 Thou shalt not steal

20.16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

20.17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, that shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Different religious groups have divided the commandments in different ways. Most Protestants and Orthodox Christians divide and enumerate them as follows:

1. The prologue and prohibition of the worship of any deity but God
2. Prohibition of idolatry
3. Prohibition of the use of the name of God for vain purposes
4. Observance of the Sabbath
5. Honoring of one’s father and mother
6. Prohibition of murder
7. Prohibition of adultery
8. Prohibition of stealing
9. Prohibition of giving false testimony
10. Prohibition of coveting the property or wife of one’s neighbor.

Roman Catholics and Lutherans combine the prologue and the first two prohibitions and divide the last one into two that prohibit separately the coveting of a neighbour’s wife and of his property.  In Jewish tradition, the prologue is considered the first commandment, the first two prohibitions are combined as the second commandment, and the rest follow the same as the Protestant and Orthodox traditions.

Although many verses in the Quran confirmed the Biblical Ten Commandments, many Quranic commentators have referred to the following three verses from Surah Al-Ana’m (The Cattle, 6:151-153) as “The Ten Commandments”. Aspects of Quranic moral values depicted therein:

The 1st commandment:

“Do not take partner with Allah or any thing equal to Him”

The 2nd commandment:

“Be benevolent to your parents”

The 3rd  commandment:

“Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We who shall provide substance for you as well as for them”

The 4th commandment:

“Do not even come near any shameful deeds, whether committed openly or secretly”

The 5th commandment:

“Do not kill any human soul whom Allah has forbidden except for a just cause

The 6th commandment:

“Do not even come near (touch) the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he or she attains the age of full strength”

The 7th commandment:

“Give full measure & weigh with equity. We do not burden any human’s soul beyond its capability”

The 8th commandment:

“Whenever you speak, speak justly even (if the matter) it concerns (against) a near relative (one near of kin)”

The 9th commandment:

“Always fulfill your covenant with Allah”

The 10th commandment:

“This is my way (the straight path), then follow it and do not follow other paths. They will scatter you from this (straight) path”

The Quran refers to the Biblical laws revealed to Prophet Moses (PBUH) on Mount Sinai as follows:

“And we wrote for him (Moses) in the tablets (of the law) all manner of admonition, clearly spelling out everything. And (We said:) hold fast unto them with (all your) firmness and command your people to hold fast to their most goodly rules…” (Surah Al-A’raf 7: 145).

The above verses have been referred to as “The Ten Commandments” because every one of the three verses ended up with Allah (SWT) saying:

“Thus does God command you that you may attain wisdom” (151);

“Thus does God command you that you may remember” (152); and

“Thus does God command you, that you may remain conscious of Him” (153).

As Ever, For Success & Contentment,

Asad 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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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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