February 24, 2008
Peace TV: a 24-hour Islamic Channel
Please visit:
http://www.peacetv.tv/
http://asimiqbal.2.googlepages.com/peace-tv.htm
View Peace TV on-line:
http://www.watchislam.com/tv4/
___
The enterprise is exploration into God
The enterprise is exploration into God
From "A sleep of prisoners" by Christopher Fry
The human heart can go the lengths of God.
Dark and cold we may be,
but this Is no winter now.
The frozen misery of centuries breaks,
cracks, begins to move;
The thunder is the thunder of the floes,
The thaw, the flood, the upstart Spring.
Thank God our time is now
when wrong Comes up to face us till we take
The longest stride of soul men ever took.
Affairs are now soul size.
The enterprise is exploration into God.
Where are you making for?
It takes so many thousand years to wake,
But will you wake for pity's sake!
by Christopher Fry
Christopher Fry, "A Sleep of Prisoners"
(New York: Oxford Univeristy Press, 1951)
QUOTE:
Please visit:
http://asimiqbal.2.googlepages.com/
_____
February 23, 2008
'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost
Assalaamu alaikum.
This poem has been my ever-green favourite since childhood.
When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision, we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
The Road Not Taken (1915)
by Robert Frost (1874–1963)
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
"This poem has been and continues to be used as an inspirational poem, one that to the undiscerning eye seems to be encouraging self-reliance, not following where others have led. But a close reading of the poem proves otherwise. It does not moralize about choice, it simply says that choice is inevitable but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it."
LIVE YOUR CHOICE ! Ask the Creator to Help. When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
___
This poem has been my ever-green favourite since childhood.
When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision, we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
The Road Not Taken (1915)
by Robert Frost (1874–1963)
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
"This poem has been and continues to be used as an inspirational poem, one that to the undiscerning eye seems to be encouraging self-reliance, not following where others have led. But a close reading of the poem proves otherwise. It does not moralize about choice, it simply says that choice is inevitable but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it."
LIVE YOUR CHOICE ! Ask the Creator to Help. When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
___
Shirck: 'the power of your mind to create'.
Shirck (polytheism) in the name of the power of your mind to create whatever you want
Assalaamu alaikum.
You may be aware of this, but perhaps there is a need to reiterate and emphasize this point. You can do it far better than I through your talks and writing.
The Muslim belief is to supplicate and request (for all that is halaal and maroof) from Allah s.w.t., and Allah in His Wisdom may choose to grant it to you if it is best for you, or otherwise.
There is a point and merit in putting your goals in writing, visualizing and affirming the achievement of the written goals, and making dua'as to Allah s.w.t. to help you achieve these goals. Makes you focus and makes you take steps to achieve your goals. Harkat.
To this extent, David Schwartz's book titled 'The Magic of Thinking Big' is fine and acceptable (perhaps except for the word 'magic').
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788
But other literature that is spawned by the likes of Shakti Gawain and Rhonda Byrne is pure shirck and blasphemy.
They, and several other authors, ‘management gurus’, ‘motivational speakers’ and corporate trainers speak of ‘the power of your mind to convert what you think, visualize and affirm to make it manifest and grant it to in reality, for the Universe will give you what you think of and desire, if you so believe’.
Rhonda Byrne's book ‘The Secret’ as well as the so-called ‘management education / edutainment’ movie by the same name states that "You are God in a physical body". She further quotes James Ray who states ".... you have God-potential and power to create your world ....”
Paul J. Meyer blasphemes thus:
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe,
and enthusiastically act upon, must inevitably come to pass." - Paul J. Meyer
http://www.lmi-inc.com/Founder.htm
http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?authorid=39
http://www.pauljmeyer.com/booklets.php
While the programmes and methodology of LMI Inc. are effective, some of their certified facilitators/trainers, such as Mr. Ameen Merchant of India, stretch the concept of the ‘power of the mind’ to shirck. Without batting an eyelid. His twist can be attributed to his 'sufi-istic' beliefs.
Several books on 'positive thinking' have very similar themes where they elevate the ‘power of the subconscious mind’ to the status of being a Creator and/or to the status of having divine powers and potential.
Please see:
http://www.thesecret.tv/
http://www.circlesoflight.com/affirmations/shakti-gawain.html
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Visualization-Imagination-Create-Bantam/dp/0553270443
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709
http://www.wholemindbodysoul.com/acatalog/-_Hicks.html?gclid=CP-XtZG90JACFQoZewodS0C3OQ
http://www.hypnomindpower.com/
Many read such literature and/or hear such speakers.... there is a need to realize where such philosophy ultimately leads one to.
May Allah Guide and Protect us. Aameen. He is the Best to Guide and the Best to Help and Protect.
Wassalaam,
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
________
Assalaamu alaikum.
You may be aware of this, but perhaps there is a need to reiterate and emphasize this point. You can do it far better than I through your talks and writing.
The Muslim belief is to supplicate and request (for all that is halaal and maroof) from Allah s.w.t., and Allah in His Wisdom may choose to grant it to you if it is best for you, or otherwise.
There is a point and merit in putting your goals in writing, visualizing and affirming the achievement of the written goals, and making dua'as to Allah s.w.t. to help you achieve these goals. Makes you focus and makes you take steps to achieve your goals. Harkat.
To this extent, David Schwartz's book titled 'The Magic of Thinking Big' is fine and acceptable (perhaps except for the word 'magic').
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788
But other literature that is spawned by the likes of Shakti Gawain and Rhonda Byrne is pure shirck and blasphemy.
They, and several other authors, ‘management gurus’, ‘motivational speakers’ and corporate trainers speak of ‘the power of your mind to convert what you think, visualize and affirm to make it manifest and grant it to in reality, for the Universe will give you what you think of and desire, if you so believe’.
Rhonda Byrne's book ‘The Secret’ as well as the so-called ‘management education / edutainment’ movie by the same name states that "You are God in a physical body". She further quotes James Ray who states ".... you have God-potential and power to create your world ....”
Paul J. Meyer blasphemes thus:
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe,
and enthusiastically act upon, must inevitably come to pass." - Paul J. Meyer
http://www.lmi-inc.com/Founder.htm
http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?authorid=39
http://www.pauljmeyer.com/booklets.php
While the programmes and methodology of LMI Inc. are effective, some of their certified facilitators/trainers, such as Mr. Ameen Merchant of India, stretch the concept of the ‘power of the mind’ to shirck. Without batting an eyelid. His twist can be attributed to his 'sufi-istic' beliefs.
Several books on 'positive thinking' have very similar themes where they elevate the ‘power of the subconscious mind’ to the status of being a Creator and/or to the status of having divine powers and potential.
Please see:
http://www.thesecret.tv/
http://www.circlesoflight.com/affirmations/shakti-gawain.html
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Visualization-Imagination-Create-Bantam/dp/0553270443
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709
http://www.wholemindbodysoul.com/acatalog/-_Hicks.html?gclid=CP-XtZG90JACFQoZewodS0C3OQ
http://www.hypnomindpower.com/
Many read such literature and/or hear such speakers.... there is a need to realize where such philosophy ultimately leads one to.
May Allah Guide and Protect us. Aameen. He is the Best to Guide and the Best to Help and Protect.
Wassalaam,
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
________
Volunteerism in Islaam: New Initiatives
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
VOLUNTEERISM IN ISLAM
New Initiatives in Volunteer Management:
Attracting, Developing, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers
Assalaamu alaikum.
This article covers:
(a) Misconceptions about volunteerism amongst Muslims
(b) How volunteers should conduct themselves
(c) Causes of volunteer frustration and their solutions
(d) How should Islamic institutions manage:
(i) Their entire volunteer interface
(ii) The mobilization and utilization of volunteers
(iii) New Initiatives in Managing Volunteers, i.e. application of principles and best practices of human resource management to volunteer management, and
(iv) Attracting, retaining, developing and motivating volunteers.
Write to me and I shall InshaAllah send you this article.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
______
VOLUNTEERISM IN ISLAM
New Initiatives in Volunteer Management:
Attracting, Developing, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers
Assalaamu alaikum.
This article covers:
(a) Misconceptions about volunteerism amongst Muslims
(b) How volunteers should conduct themselves
(c) Causes of volunteer frustration and their solutions
(d) How should Islamic institutions manage:
(i) Their entire volunteer interface
(ii) The mobilization and utilization of volunteers
(iii) New Initiatives in Managing Volunteers, i.e. application of principles and best practices of human resource management to volunteer management, and
(iv) Attracting, retaining, developing and motivating volunteers.
Write to me and I shall InshaAllah send you this article.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
______
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
Assalaamu alaikum.
It is sad to note that, most of the time and with most non-Muslims, love and compassion do not come to mind when they hear or think of Islam. Non-Muslims, and perhaps some Muslims too, do not associate Islam with love and compassion.
Hence the following two articles fill in a much needed void, more so when one seldom hears Islamic speakers touch upon this theme and also when one rarely comes across any discourse, book or article on this neglected theme. (Of course, besides mere words and rhetoric, we in the Ummah also have to display love and compassion by our deeds, action and everyday living).
A speaker who speaks about this theme and the need for Muslims to be compassionate and kind, and also consider 'Love and Compassion' to be a part of Islamic teachings, is Sheikh Yassir Fazaaga. And he speaks with a lot of love, passion and humility. MashaAllah.
Yassir Fazaaga <yassirf@hotmail.com>
JazakAllah, Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani, for your well-written (MashaAllah) and much needed article on this theme.
'Love according to Islam'
Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani <alaslani@yahoo.com>
http://www.jdci.org/articles.asp (46th article)
http://www.rememberallah.com/articles.asp (46th article)
Please consider the following points that you may wish to add (if you consider them to be relevant, appropriate, suitable & beneficial):
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
1. Seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged and hurt.
Better to do it with humility, sincerity and of your own volition and willingness while you are alive and the person you have hurt is alive, rather than regretting it after the other person has died, or that you are asked about that wrong or hurt by Allah s.w.t. on the day of judgment. (why do some folks have to wait till they on the death-bed, to gather all around them and seek forgiveness? does everyone get such a chance?)
2. Forgiving the person who may have hurt you or wronged you even if he/she may not approach you seeking your pardon.
For "O Lord, please forgive them for they know not what they do" and "Let him who hath not sinneth cast the first stone". For you it’s a win-win situation. They have hurt you. And you forgive them with a tender heart. A good way to please Allah s.w.t.Each one has his own paradigm and perception that he is sincere and doing the "right thing" and wanting to please Allah s.w.t. And in that we do tend to err. Many do not hurt/wrong the other willingly in a wicked, diabolical manner. It is that in their minds and in their perception, what they are doing is 'right'. And from your perspective it is 'hurtful and wrong'.
Now "it takes two to tango, and Satan takes the mango".
3. If we believe that it is Satan who is our avowed enemy (and not the person whom we feel has hurt and wronged us), let's be charitable, forgive, ease our hearts and move on ... and defeat Satan's plotting and whispers.
4. A very common and painful sight is to see men in masaajids in India speaking roughly and rudely to the little ones, asking them to move aside or behind in the congregation, instead of gently and lovingly holding them and welcoming them to Salaah by Jamaat. Will such a child want to come back to the masjid to be humiliated ... or rather go the reverend padre and/or the atheist/rationalist who speaks to him with love?
5. Unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for each other how do we expect to get over 'grudges', petty squabbles and "be not divided amongst" ourselves? And how do we truly expect to touch the hearts and minds of others to whom we wish to do Da'wah or Islaah, unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for that person? And because of us Muslims, does anyone in the world including Muslims think of Love and Compassion the moment Islam and Muslims come to mind?
6. Love, respect and compassion for all humans
Allah s.w.t. has given all humans the free will to choose their beliefs. While we do not agree with any belief, religion and way of life other than Islam, we Muslims respect this right and freedom to believe and to choose one’s faith and beliefs. Islam teaches respect for fellow humans and their lives, property and honour. InshaAllah we shall not violate these even though we may have different beliefs.
7. Love and compassion for animals, plants and the earth’s environment and ecology:
Islam also teaches us to be kind to animals and to protect the flora and fauna, plant life and vegetation. Islam does not permit hunting for sports or “macho / manliness” or as an adventure sport. Islam only permits consumption of certain species by humans.
Let's not allow what is not in our control, to prevent us from doing what is in our control. InshaAllah.
Contemplate:
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and the Prophet p.b.u.h. is a MERCY to humankind.
This write-up needs to be polished. And appropriate references have to be added from the Glorious Qur'an, the Saheeh Hadeeth and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
JazakAllah & wassalaam, and of course, love.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
No Copyrights
This theme is important. The contributor is not.
__________
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
Assalaamu alaikum.
It is sad to note that, most of the time and with most non-Muslims, love and compassion do not come to mind when they hear or think of Islam. Non-Muslims, and perhaps some Muslims too, do not associate Islam with love and compassion.
Hence the following two articles fill in a much needed void, more so when one seldom hears Islamic speakers touch upon this theme and also when one rarely comes across any discourse, book or article on this neglected theme. (Of course, besides mere words and rhetoric, we in the Ummah also have to display love and compassion by our deeds, action and everyday living).
A speaker who speaks about this theme and the need for Muslims to be compassionate and kind, and also consider 'Love and Compassion' to be a part of Islamic teachings, is Sheikh Yassir Fazaaga. And he speaks with a lot of love, passion and humility. MashaAllah.
Yassir Fazaaga <yassirf@hotmail.com>
JazakAllah, Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani, for your well-written (MashaAllah) and much needed article on this theme.
'Love according to Islam'
Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani <alaslani@yahoo.com>
http://www.jdci.org/articles.asp (46th article)
http://www.rememberallah.com/articles.asp (46th article)
Please consider the following points that you may wish to add (if you consider them to be relevant, appropriate, suitable & beneficial):
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
1. Seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged and hurt.
Better to do it with humility, sincerity and of your own volition and willingness while you are alive and the person you have hurt is alive, rather than regretting it after the other person has died, or that you are asked about that wrong or hurt by Allah s.w.t. on the day of judgment. (why do some folks have to wait till they on the death-bed, to gather all around them and seek forgiveness? does everyone get such a chance?)
2. Forgiving the person who may have hurt you or wronged you even if he/she may not approach you seeking your pardon.
For "O Lord, please forgive them for they know not what they do" and "Let him who hath not sinneth cast the first stone". For you it’s a win-win situation. They have hurt you. And you forgive them with a tender heart. A good way to please Allah s.w.t.Each one has his own paradigm and perception that he is sincere and doing the "right thing" and wanting to please Allah s.w.t. And in that we do tend to err. Many do not hurt/wrong the other willingly in a wicked, diabolical manner. It is that in their minds and in their perception, what they are doing is 'right'. And from your perspective it is 'hurtful and wrong'.
Now "it takes two to tango, and Satan takes the mango".
3. If we believe that it is Satan who is our avowed enemy (and not the person whom we feel has hurt and wronged us), let's be charitable, forgive, ease our hearts and move on ... and defeat Satan's plotting and whispers.
4. A very common and painful sight is to see men in masaajids in India speaking roughly and rudely to the little ones, asking them to move aside or behind in the congregation, instead of gently and lovingly holding them and welcoming them to Salaah by Jamaat. Will such a child want to come back to the masjid to be humiliated ... or rather go the reverend padre and/or the atheist/rationalist who speaks to him with love?
5. Unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for each other how do we expect to get over 'grudges', petty squabbles and "be not divided amongst" ourselves? And how do we truly expect to touch the hearts and minds of others to whom we wish to do Da'wah or Islaah, unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for that person? And because of us Muslims, does anyone in the world including Muslims think of Love and Compassion the moment Islam and Muslims come to mind?
6. Love, respect and compassion for all humans
Allah s.w.t. has given all humans the free will to choose their beliefs. While we do not agree with any belief, religion and way of life other than Islam, we Muslims respect this right and freedom to believe and to choose one’s faith and beliefs. Islam teaches respect for fellow humans and their lives, property and honour. InshaAllah we shall not violate these even though we may have different beliefs.
7. Love and compassion for animals, plants and the earth’s environment and ecology:
Islam also teaches us to be kind to animals and to protect the flora and fauna, plant life and vegetation. Islam does not permit hunting for sports or “macho / manliness” or as an adventure sport. Islam only permits consumption of certain species by humans.
Let's not allow what is not in our control, to prevent us from doing what is in our control. InshaAllah.
Contemplate:
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and the Prophet p.b.u.h. is a MERCY to humankind.
This write-up needs to be polished. And appropriate references have to be added from the Glorious Qur'an, the Saheeh Hadeeth and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
JazakAllah & wassalaam, and of course, love.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
No Copyrights
This theme is important. The contributor is not.
__________
Customer Service Quality in Islamic Centers
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH
SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER CARE FOR ISLAMIC CENTERS
Those who manage and run Islamic centers and institutions need to introspect and ask themselves:
What is the quality of services that we provide? Who is our target audience? Who are our guests and visitors (customers)? What are their needs and wants? What are their expectations? Does our Islamic Center meet or exceed their expectations?
What is our attitude and the attitude of our staff and volunteers towards the visitors? What type of treatment do our guests and visitors get from us, from our staff and volunteers at our Islamic Center? Do our guests feel welcome? Are all our systems and procedures and facilities designed to provide maximum guest satisfaction? Are these “user-friendly”? What examples do your staff members see in the behaviour and conduct towards guests, of your senior volunteers, trustees and office-bearers? (For what they see and observe, they may emulate).
Are we a “guest-friendly” institution? Are we customer-focused? What are the aims, goals and objectives of our Islamic Center? Do these clearly include guest satisfaction? Are we training our staff and volunteers on guest-orientation and sensitizing them to matters of guest satisfaction?
Would visitors or guests who step into our center feel like visiting us again, after having interacted with us, our staff and after utilizing our services? What impressions do they carry with them? Would we have repeat visits from them? Would they recommend our center and its services to others? And what impressions of Islam and Muslims do they carry with them after having interacted with us at the Islamic Center?
Who pays attention to what the guests want? At our Center, who listens to our guests and visitors? Who has got a ear to the customer? Do we care for their views, suggestions and feedback? Do we truly believe that ‘feedback is the breakfast of champions’?
What steps can an Islamic Center take to ensure that it has high levels of guest satisfaction? Are we taking conscious steps to develop guest loyalty and repeat visitors?
All these issues are related to Service Quality and the manner in which services are managed in Islamic Centers. These issues are extremely important – for only happy guests come back. And only happy guests recommend our center to others. On the other hand dissatisfied guests normally speak negatively about the institution and thereby create negative publicity for it. Beware of the danger of the silent, unhappy guest.
We have a duty before Allah to ensure that we do not cause guest dissatisfaction at Islamic institutions.
It is absolutely important for us and all our trustees, staff and volunteers to be “customer-focused”. We need to build, throughout our Islamic Centers, a culture that is dedicated to guest service and guest satisfaction.
If you want, we shall send you a power-point presentation and a word document on service quality orientation for Islamic Centers. These are is free and are not copy-righted. We hope that these are of use to you and your team, InshaAllah.
The objectives of such a workshop are to:
(a) To develop in the participants, sensitivity to guests' needs.
(b) To encourage participants to look at the services of the Islamic Center from the viewpoint of the guests.
(c) To understand how to provide delight and satisfaction to our guests and visitors.
(d) To develop the participants' skills and attitudes so that they can consistently provide efficient, courteous, compassionate and timely service to guests.
(e) To enable participants to understand the meaning of service quality, understand its components and realize how to be better service providers.
Please note that this theme and the presentation are not in any way intended to undermine the efforts required individually and collectively to develop Taqwa as also Tazkiyatul Nafs amongst all associated with any Islamic institution. For Taqwa is more important and earning the pleasure of Allah should be our sole aim.
JazakAllah Khair.
By Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
(No Copyrights)
_____________
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