I came across a great blog entry today. The blog, The Rules of Breakup, is something I stumbled upon through one my many blog-perusing sessions—I think it was referenced in nine. (And I note, since they both blog anonymously, that I do not know either of them personally—although after all the blog entries I kinda feel like I do.)

Nine is something I came across during my last breakup, when I was desperate to find some form of camaraderie on my journey. She’s spot on with her analysis of the process she’s going through—and while our relationships were very different, we seem to hit the same obstacles at the same time.

Anyways, both of these blogs, although they have a different voice and personality, are well-written and insightful. With that said, in a recent entry on The Rules of Breakup, she recites (rewrites?) a passage from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet that I like…

…and I quote:

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his feathers may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams.

But if in your fear you would seek only
love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you to cover yourself and pass out of love’s door,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh,
but not all of your laughter,
and weep, but not all of your tears.

In preparation for tonight’s radio show (9-11pm cst), I’ll have the privilege of sharing with you a peek into some of my favorite Hardstyle tunes of late.  I must say my fav Hardstyle group is Headhunterz (Twitter) straight out of the Netherlands.  WARNING: for those not familiar with hardstyle, it’s a fast, hardhitting EDM genre, delivering 140-160 bpm (possible to dance to?  ans: YES)

Made up of the talents of Willem Rebergen and Bobby van Putten. Headhunterz got their start after playing at Defqon 1 (a Q-dance event) where The Prophet recognized their talent and got them plugged with the Scantraxx label.  They now have their own sublabel Scantraxx Reloaded and have been delivering severe destro throughout Q-dance events where Hardstyle is rep’ed and respected.

If only the U.S. had a similar appreciation for the Hardstyle…  I must say after seeing this video one of the things I have added to my list of things to do before I die is to attend at least 3 Q-dance events.

This song is says it perfect why most just don’t get it.  I’ll be busy raving my face off while you may contemplate the power of the chune

Artist: Scope DJ
Title: My Vision
Label: Scantraxx
Genre: Hardstyle
Store Date: 17.06.2009
Source: Vinyl
# Tracks: 2
# Vinyls: 1
Lenght: 12:14
Quality: 320 kbps
Channels: Joint Stereo / 44 khz
Nonstop mix: no
*.cue: no
Archive size: 28,3 MB
Recovery record: no

Tracklist:
A1. Scope DJ – My Vision [6:05]
B1. DJ Duro & The Prophet – Not-E-Nuff (Scope DJ Remix) [6:09]

Download from Rapidshare
Download from Mediafire

It’s been a rough week, but one where I feel I’ve made a lot of progress. Having an insight into where Hunky may be at has helped the clenched fist in my stomach to relax a little bit more. The anger’s gone, for now. But every time my mind begins to let go, there’s the inevitable pull back from my heart. I miss him. There’s part of me that’s excited by all the changes happening in my life  – all the growth, however painful – and is looking ahead to the new life I’m building for myself. And there’s part of me that is all “bugger this growth stuff, I want my boyfriend back”. I know all of this is normal, so I’m just taking it as it comes.

There’s a passage from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet that I’ve loved for years, and I thought this was an appropriate moment to share it.

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his feathers may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so he is for your pruning. 

Even as he ascends to your height
and caresses your tenderest branches,
So shall he descend to your roots
and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

All these things shall love do unto you
that you may know the secrets of your heart,
and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only
love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you to cover yourself
and pass out of love’s door,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh,
but not all of your laughter,
and weep, but not all of your tears. 

On Love

When love beckons to you, follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep,

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.

Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,

So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.

He sifts you to free you from your husks.

He grinds you to whiteness.

He kneads you until you are pliant;

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire,

that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart,

and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing floor,

Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say,

‘God is in my heart,’ but rather,

‘I am in the heart of God.’

And think not you can direct the course of love,

for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night,

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

Kahlil Gibran

1923

(In the video the Lebanese performer Fairouz sings the same poem in Arabic)

When the news came out that Tiger Woods had been in a car accident, I was watching a college football game on CBS.  During a commercial break, the CBS Sports anchor reported that Tiger Woods had been in a car accident, just outside his home, and was in serious condition.  The news seemed dire.  But a short time later, the same anchor backed off of the report that his condition was so serious.  I later went to my computer to see if there were any additional, more accurate reports.  I had no difficulty finding additional reports, but accuracy was at a premium.  Within about an hour, I must have read or heard a dozen different accounts of the story.  Unfortunately, weeks later, no one seems to know what really happened during that early morning incident, but that has not stopped the media from reporting each and every whisper that it hears.

In recent years, we have been inundated with the flaws of man.  The 24-hour cable news programs, along with the internet has magnified the sensational over the newsworthy.  They cannot be blamed, however, for the sensationalism.  It’s part competition, but it’s mostly because of the demand over an increasingly dumbed-down culture in our country.  What does it say about us that we are more interested in the “Octo-mom” or the “Balloon Boy?”  What does it say about us that we are more interested in the stories told by Tiger Woods’ mistresses than we are of health care reform?

All stories like that of Tiger’s have some journalistic merit, but I have rarely seen anything like the media backlash in this case.  Not since the Bill Clinton impeachment has infidelity received so much media attention–that’s saying a lot.  The thing has surprised and disappointed me is not so much the saturation of coverage, but the apparent glee on part of the media.  It has seemed as if many were just itching to unload on Tiger Woods.  No news or talk show host can refrain from shaking his or her head in response to the latest attention-grabbing rumor about Tiger Woods.  On the other hand, it is great to see that everyone in the media has been perfect throughout their entire lives.

No one can condone the actions of Tiger Woods, and I certainly won’t, but adultery is not a crime.  The relationship difficulties are between Tiger and his family, and no matter the disapproval by the media, he does not have to talk about that relationship with anyone.  So, media, it is okay to report on this story, but let’s just try to be a little less giddy about the fall of one of the world’s great popular entities. 

In hopes that Tiger Woods will have the courage to stand up after being knocked down, I’ll leave on a paragraph from Kahlil Gibran’s, The Prophet:

You have been told that, even like a chain, you are as weak as your weakest link.    This is but half the truth.  You are also as strong as your strongest link.                              To measure you by your smallest deed is to reckon the power of ocean by the frailty of its foam.                                                                                                                                                  To judge you by your failures is to cast blame upon the seasons for their inconsistency.                       

Artist: The Prophet Ft. Wildstylez
Title: Cold Rockking/Alive!
Label: Scantraxx
Genre: Hardstyle
Store Date: 21.08.2008
Source: Vinyl
# Tracks: 2
# Vinyls: 1
Lenght: 11:09
Quality: 320 kbps
Channels: Joint Stereo / 44 khz
Nonstop mix: no
*.cue: no
Archive size: 25,8 MB
Recovery record: no

Tracklist:
A1. Cold Rockking [5:17]
B1. Alive! [5:52]

Download from Rapidshare
Download from Mediafire

Artist: The Prophet
Title: Recession/Morphed
Label: Scantraxx
Genre: Hardstyle
Store Date: 13.05.2009
Source: Vinyl
# Tracks: 2
# Vinyls: 1
Lenght: 12:15
Quality: 320 kbps
Channels: Joint Stereo / 44 khz
Nonstop mix: no
*.cue: no
Archive size: 28,3 MB
Recovery record: no

Tracklist:
A1. Recession [6:34]
B1. Morphed [5:41]

Download

Allah has praised Idris, describing him as being a prophet and truthful: Mention in the Holy Book (Quran) Idris (Enoch). Verily! He was a man of truth (and) a prophet. We raised him to a high station. (19:56-57 Quran).

Idris was born and raised in Babylon following the teachings and religion of Prophet Adam (pbuh) and his son Siith (pbuh). Idris was the 5th generation of the Prophet Adam. He called the people back to his forefathers religion, but only a few listened to him, while the majority turned away.

Prophet Idris and his followers left Babylon for Egypt. There he carried on his mission, calling people to what is just and fair, teaching them certain prayers and instructing them to fast on certain days and to give a portion of their wealth to the poor.

He was the first of the Children of Adam to be given prophethood after Adam and Siith (peace upon them). It is reported that he was the 1st to invent the basic form of writing. Some of his wise sayings are:

Happy is he who looks at his own deeds and appoints them as pleaders to his Lord

None can show better gratitude for Allah’s favors than he who shares them with others. Do not envy people for what they have as they will only enjoy it for a short while. He who indulges in excess will not benefit from it. The real joy of life is to have wisdom.

DHUL KIFL

Allah the Almighty declared : Remember Ishmael and Idris and Dhul Kifl, all were from among those who observe patience. (21:85-86 Quran).

Allah directed: Remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and also of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing ) the remembrance of the home (in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter). And they are in Our Sight, verily of the chosen and the best! Remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul Kifl all are among the best. (38:45-48 Quran).

Ibn Jarir narrated that he was not a prophet but he was a righteous man. He supported his people to suffice their needs and administrated justice among them. That is why he was called Dhul Kifl. (means possessor of, or giving, a double requital or portion)

Dwellers of Ar-Rass

Allah Almighty revealed: Noah’s people, when they denied the Messengers We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. We have prepared a painful torment for the Zalimeen (polytheists and wrongdoers) Also Ad and Thamud and the dwellers of Ar Rass and many generations in between. For each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons etc), and each of them We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). (25:37-39 Quran)

Allah the Exalted revealed: Denied before them (these pagans of Mecca who denied you, O Muhammad) the people of Noah and the dwellers of Ar Rass, and Thamud and Ad and Pharaoh, and the brethren of Lot, and the dewellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba, everyone of them denied their Messengers so My Threat took effect. (50:12-14 Quran).

These verses indicate that the dwellers of Ar Rass were destroyed as they were the other people who refused to believe in the prophets of Allah

Ibn jarir stated that the dwellers of Ar Rass were the people of one of Thamud’s villages. Allah sent a prophet to them called Huzlah Ibn Safwan. They denied and killed him, so Allah destroyed them.

Abu Bakr Muhammad Ibn Al Hassan narrated: “The dwellers of AR Rass had a well sufficing them and their land. They also had a just and good-hearted king. When he died, they were much grieved for him. After four days Satan took his form and said: “I was not deed, but I kept absent from you to see your reaction.” They were very joyful. He commanded them to set up a curtain between him and them and told them that he would never die. A great number of them believed him and were fascinated with and worshiped him. Then Allah sent them a prophet telling them that it was only Satan who was addressing them from behind the curtain. He forbade them to worship him and commanded them to worship only Allah and no partner with Him. In spite of that, they killed their prophet and threw his body into a well. Therefore Allah destroyed them and their homes.”

Yasin People

All that we know about these people is what Allah Almighty has told us in the Glorious Quran: Put forward to them a similitude the (story of ) the dwellers of the town, (it is said that the town was Antioch, Antakiya), when there came Messengers to them. When We sent them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third and they said: “Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers.” They (people of the town) said: “You are only human beings like ourselves and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies.” The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message).” The people said: “For us we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not we will surely stone you and a painful torment will touch you from us.” The Messengers said: “Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it “evil omen”) because you are admonished? Nay but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah).” And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man saying: “O my people! Obey the Messengers obey those who ask no wagers of you (for themselves) and who are rightly guided. Why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. Shall I take besides Him aliah (gods) if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use whatsoever, nor can they save me? Then verily, I should be in plain error. Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!” It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): “Enter Paradise.” He said: “Would that my people knew! That my Lord (Allah) has forgive me, and made me of the honored ones!” We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven nor do We send (such a thing). IT was but one shout and lo! They (all) were silent (dead destroyed). Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. ( 36:13-31 Quran).

Years and years passed, Adam grew old, and his children spread all over the earth.
Muhammad Ibn Ishaq related: that when Adam’s death drew near, he appointed his son
Seth (Shiith) to be his successor, and taught him the hours of the day and night along
with their appropriate acts of worship. He also foretold to him the flood that would come.

After Adam’s death, his son Seth (Shiith) took over the responsibilities of prophethood,
according to a hadith narrated by Abu Dhar. Abu Dhar also narrated that Prophet
Muhammad said: “Allah sent down one hundred four psalms, of which fifty were sent
down to Seth.” When the time of his death came, Seth’s son Anoush succeeded him. He in
turn, was succeeded by his son Qinan, who was succeeded by his son Mahlabeel. The
Persians claim that Mahlabeel was the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first
one to cut down trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of
Babylonia. He reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken
over by his son Yard, who on his death, bequeathed them to his son Khonoukh (Enoch),
who is Idris according to the majority of the scholars (Ulama).

“i thank god for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees & for the blue dreams of sky & for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.” — e.e. cummings

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough” — Oprah Winfrey

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero

“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” — Woody Allen

“I do not think we have a “right” to happiness. If happiness happens, say thanks.” — Marlene Dietrich

Jax

“Purring is not so different from praying. To a tree, a cat’s purr is one of the purest of all prayers, for in it lies a whole mixture of gratitude and longing, the twin ingredients of every prayer.”  — Kathi Appelt (The Underneath)

“I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best. “ — Walt Whitman

“When we find someone who is brave, fun, intelligent, and loving, we have to thank the universe.” — Maya Angelou

“Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” — Dalai Lama XIV

“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” — Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia)

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. “ — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

“You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.” — Kahlil Gibrán (The Prophet)

GiGi

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things” — Maya Angelou

“Fell in love with a beautiful blonde once. Drove me to drink. And I never had the decency to thank her. ” — W.C. Fields

“True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.’” — Oprah Winfrey

“Gratitude is a ‘heart’ memory” — French Proverb

“He was still too young to know that the heart’s memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good, and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past.” — Gabriel García Márquez (Love in the Time of Cholera)

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” — Albert Schweitzer

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ” — John F. Kennedy

“I tell you this, my friends, in the experience of my life time, the failure and the pain have certainly outstripped the triumphs. But this has not destroyed my faith — my faith in reason, in truth, in human solidarity — but, on the contrary, it has made it indestructible. I see the hope of the world in you. And, from my heart, I thank you.” — Frida Kahlo

“Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.” — Garrison Keillor

Happy Thanksgiving!

I recently, while browsing through net discovered this real genius, Khalil Gibran. I’ve heard of him in the past but recently read his awesome work. You can follow the link at the bottom of this post and download his work which is really worth having.

So here he goes, ON LOVE:

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.”
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

From: The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

Image source: Getty Images

And now Alladin and Sinbad are to be enacted in Hollywood, when Chuck Russell-maker of Mummy and The Scorpion King- reportedly plans a $70 m project based on One Thousand and One Nights, the collection of Middle Eastern Tales. The Arabian Nights has taken the names Alladin and his Magic Carpet, Sindad, Alibaba and 40 thieves to the hearts at every corner of the world. >>Read More

By Anupama

At times mood goes haywire, things appear to be dull and monotonous. In those times books, movies, music and other such things come to our rescue. Last night, to overcome mental lowness I peeped into one of my book cartons and picked up The Prophet! We get attached to some books so much that the pleasure of reading them never diminishes, ideas conveyed appear to be new and ever inspiring. The Prophet is one of such books I love to read again and again.

The Prophet is a book of twenty six poetic, philosophical essays written in English in 1923 by the Lebanese artist, philosopher, and writer Khalil Gibran. In the book, the prophet Almustafa who has lived in the city of Orphalese for twelve years is about to board a ship which will carry him home. He is stopped by a group of people, with whom he discusses many issues of life, humanity, its nakedness. The issues discussed include love, friendship, work, joy and sorrow, reason and passion, self-knowledge, teaching, treasure, marriage, beauty, crime and punishment and so on. I enjoy reading this small and beautiful book which gives an insight into philosophy of life.

Below are the few lines picked from the book The Prophet,

On Joy and Sorrow

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow”, and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater”. But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together come, and when sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

On Love

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself,
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed:
For love is sufficient unto love.

On Work

Always you have been told that work is a curse and labour a misfortune.

But I say to you that when you work you fulfill a part of earth’s furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born,

And in keeping yourself with you are in truth loving life,

And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life’s inmost secret.

On Talking

When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the market-place, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue.

Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear of his ear:

For his soul will keep the truth of your heart as the taste of the wine is remembered. When the color is forgotten and the vessel is no more.

On Beauty

And beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth, but rather a heart inflamed and a soul enchanted. It is not the image you would see nor the song you would hear,

But rather an image you see though you close your eyes and a song you hear though you shut your ears.

People of Orphalese, beauty is life when life unveils her holy face.

But you are life and you are the veil.

Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.

But you are eternity and you are the mirror.

Thanks to one of my friends who gave this wonderful book!

I wrote this around the time of the Turkish earthquake [1]. I don’t remember much about the time, my memory is shot to pieces anyway , but I do know that every time I play it I feel quite overcome from the feeling expressed by the lyrics. There are no words for the chorus intentionally, because there’s nothing I can say better than “la de da” to sum it all up.

Oh yeah, and that bit about “helping out the people who need it the most”, that’s a reference to us working harder for less so that it keeps greedy people in the manner they are accustomed to. I actually think they need more help than someone with tons of rubble on top of them and only minutes to live, because at least that person has some idea of how precious life is. Living with greed must be like living the half life of a hungry ghost.

“Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?” [2]

Everything’s great

Everything’s great
I saw it on TV
They laughed and they joked
While on Channel 6
They choked underneath the rubble
Must’ve been too much trouble
To think about someone else
For a change

Everyone’s down
I heard it on the news
Too much stress and depression
Apprehension ’bout job security
So they give their time for free
Helping out the people
That need it the most

La dee da dee da (x4)

Everywhere I go
Everyday I see
Someone else unhappy
Living out someone else’s fantasy
When are we going to learn?

C F7 Am F Fm
C F Dm Ab

Copyright 1999 by Iain Barnett

[1] 1999 İzmit earthquake
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_%C4%B0zmit_earthquake

[2] Giving, The Prophet, Khalil Gibran
http://leb.net/~mira/works/prophet/prophet5.html

Primary reference: “Al-A`mal al-Mudaa`afah” (Dar al-Watan, Riyadh)
By Sulaymaan ibn Saalih al-Kharaashi

How great will be the regret of those who waste the opportunity!

1. Preserving the ties of kinship: ” Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his age lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2. Performing many prayers in the two noble Harams (in Makkah and Madinah): “Prayer in this masjid of mine is superior to a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid al-Haram, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram is superior to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” [Ahmad and ibn Majah]

3. Performing prayers in congregation. “Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Praying `Isha and Fajr in congregation: “He who prays Isha’ in Jama’ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night. As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night.” [narrated by Malik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it]

5. Performing voluntary prayers at home. “Superiority of a man’s prayer in his home over his prayer when people see him is like the superiority of an obligatory prayer over a voluntary one.” [al-Bayhaqi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] “The most superior prayer of a person is in his home, except for obligatory prayers.” [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

6. Observing some manners of the day of Jumu`ah. “Whoeverghassala (washes his head, and it is said: has intercourse with his wife so that it be a means to lower the gaze from the haram that day) on the day of Jumuah, then comes in the earliest time and before the first khutbah, walks and doesn’t ride, stays near the Imam, listens and does not speak – for each step [he makes] he has actions of one year, the reward of fasting and standing in prayer in it.” [Ahl as-Sunan]

7. Salat ul-Ishraq. “Whoever prays al-ghadaa (i.e. al fajr) in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and `Umrah [The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, repeated 'complete' three times for emphasizing].” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]

8. Attending lectures in the mosque. “Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj.” [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]

9. Performing `Umrah in the month of Ramadhan. “`Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to a Hajj with me.” [al-Bukhari]

10. Performing obligatory prayers in the Mosque. “Whoever leaves his home in a state of purity to perform obligatory prayer, his reward is like that of a pilgrim (while) in the state of ihram [i.e. he receives reward similar to that of spending time in ihram during Hajj].” [Abu Dawud, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani] So one should be in a state of purity when leaving one’s home, rather than the place for ablution within the mosque, except due to necessity.

11. Being from the people of the first row in congregational prayers. `Irbad bin Saariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to seek forgiveness for [the people of] the first row three times, and for [the people of the] second row once.” [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]. “Allah and His Angels make salawat upon [the people of] the first row.” [Ahmad, with a good isnad]

12. Prayer in Masjid Qubaa’ in Madinah: “Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Qubaa’ and prays in it has the reward like that of `Umrah.” [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]

13. Saying what the caller to prayer says: “Say as they say [i.e. callers to prayer], and when you finish, ask and you will be given.” [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i] That is, supplicate when you finish repeating after the caller to prayer.

14. Fasting Ramadhan and following it with six days of Shawwal. “Whoever fasts Ramadhan, then follows it with six (days) of Shawwal, it is like fasting all the time.” [Muslim]

15. Fasting three days each month. “Whoever fasts three days each month, it s like fasting all the time.” [at-Tirmidhi]. This is supported by the verse, “Whoever comes with a good deed for him is a tenfold [reward].” One day being equal to ten days.

16. Providing food for breaking of the fast: “Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast of a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

17. Standing in prayer on Laylatul-Qadr. “Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [Qur'an 97:3], that is, superior to approximately 83 years of worship.

18. Jihad. “Standing of a man in a row (saff) in the way of Allah is superior to 60 years of worship.” [al-Hakim, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] This is the superiority of standing in a row, so what about one who fights in the way of Allah for days, or months, or years?

19. Ribaat. “Whoever takes a post (at borders of Muslim lands, where an enemy may be expected) for a day and night in the way of Allah has the reward of fasting and standing in prayer for a month, and whoever dies in such a state receives a continuous reward similar to it, and is [also] rewarded with provision and saved from al-Fattaan.” [Related by Muslim] Al-Fattaan is punishment of the grave.

20. Righteous actions in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. “There are no days in which righteous deeds are dearer to Allah than these ten [days of Dhul Hijjah].” They said, “O Messenger, even jihad in the way of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for the man who leaves with his wealth, and does not return with any of it (life or wealth).” [al-Bukhari]

21. Frequent recitation of Qur’anic soorahs. “Qul Huwa’Llahu Ahad” is equal to a third of the Qur’an and “Qul yaa ayyuha’l Kaafiroon” is equal to a fourth of the Qur’an.” [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]

22. Al-Istighfaar. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man ad believing woman.” [at-Tabarani, classed as Hasan by Al-Albani]

23. Fulfilling people’s needs. “That I walk with my Muslim brother in [fulfilling his] need is dearer to me than being in i`tikaf in the masjid for a month.” [Ibn Abi Dunya, classed as Hasan by al-Albani]

24. Dhikr. That I say ‘Subhaan Allah, wal-Hamdu li’Llah, wa laa ilaaha ill Allahu wa’Llahu Akbar’ is dearer to me than what the sun has risen upon.” [Muslim]

“Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah waHdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul Hamdu yuHyi wa yumeetu wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa `alaa kulli shay’in qadeer’ [there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent.] Allah will write for him a million good deeds, erase a million of his bad deeds and raise him a million levels.”[at-Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan by al-Albani] There are many other words of rememberance which are rewarded abundandtly, as is well known.

“There are two blessings which many people lose: good health and free time.” [al-Bukhari]

Source: Islaam.com

“And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”

-Khalil Gibran – The Prophet

>jules

  Guest Editorial by Mike Duminiak 

Somalia is “ruled” by a large number of armed groups. In the classic ‘might makes right’ story, any group of yo-yos with a large amount of fire power can stake out some territory and then ‘rule’ that scrap of land. The people living in that area are forced to conform with whatever arbitrary rules are instituted by whichever group of losers has control at any given moment.

Even the capital city of Mogadishu (capital in name only as there is no real government) is ruled by multiple armed bands much like inner city gangs holding neighborhoods hostage. The difference in Mogadishu is that there is no 911 to call to bring in law enforcement when the thugs get out of hand. The thugs are the law.

One area of Mogadishu is run by Islamic Radicals under the name Al Shabaab. Reports indicate that they are related to Al Qaeda. In a way, I hope those reports are accurate. Why? Simply because these morons in Al Shabaab are doing themselves more harm than anyone else could do to them. The idea that Al Qaeda could be so poorly run is a good sign.

Al Shabaab has declared war on immorality in their little corner of the land of anarchy. They have banned dancing, watching movies, playing soccer and ringtones on cell phones. Yes, ringtones are banned. Listening to music is forbidden and that includes ringtones on cell phones. All cell phones are required to use only the reading of verses from the Koran for their ringtones.

Unfortunately for these rocket scientist radicals, people can’t answer their phones at all now. You see, it is a violation of Islamic Law to interrupt the reading of the words of the Prophet. So, when your phone ‘rings’ and some cleric starts reading the verse from the Koran, you’ll be in violation of Islamic Law if you interrupt the reading to answer the call.

It is this kind of inability to think through their asinine radical moral crusade that is doing them more harm than armed opposition. The people are being shown just how impossibly moronic fundamentalist Islamic law is and they’re learning a valuable lesson in the process. If Somalia ever does have a government again someday, experiences like this one will ensure that it won’t be based on Islamic Law.