Lessons from the Quran
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I think we should be conscious that they are all one, the they are not to be taken apart, that their love of God and of Humanity and their faithfullness to their mission makes them one.
I agree. handshake
Let prophets be, let them be our teachers, our lights from the Light, let us not make them smaller, but more helpful to us. They were sent for us and that is why the Qur'an relates many stories about them.
I agree. handshake
The messenger has full conviction in what is revealed to him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. The final destination of all journeys is unto You."
Peace ) peace
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The messenger has full conviction in what is revealed to him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. The final destination of all journeys is unto You."
The whole perception and importance of time frame is lost by erroneously translating/converting a past tense verb into a verbal noun-state of conviction.
http//haqeeqat.org.pk/English%20Tafsir%20e%20Haqeeqat/00.Arabic%20Text/temp%2002%20%202.285b.gifThe Messenger affectionately accepted and believed in that which was descended towards him as compact unit Book from the Sustainer Lord of him.
And the existing Believers of those days; each one of whom had affectionately accepted and believed in Allah the Exalted and the Angels of Him the Exalted, and the Books of Him the Exalted and the Messengers of Him the Exalted, pronounced"We do not castoff-seclude a single one from the galaxy of the Messengers of Him the Exalted".
Further they the Believers said "We have listened the Word-Unitary Verbal Passages of Grand Qur'aan recited by the Messenger and have wholeheartedly accepted it.
We seek and look forward for forgiveness by You the Exalted, O Our Sustainer Lord. We know that the return for accountability is towards You the Exalted."
Translation after grammatical parsing of sentences 2285
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The whole perception and importance of time frame is lost by erroneously translating/converting a past tense verb into a verbal noun-state of conviction.
http//haqeeqat.org.pk/English%20Tafsir%20e%20Haqeeqat/00.Arabic%20Text/temp%2002%20%202.285b.gifThe Messenger affectionately accepted and believed in that which was descended towards him as compact unit Book from the Sustainer Lord of him.
And the existing Believers of those days; each one of whom had affectionately accepted and believed in Allah the Exalted and the Angels of Him the Exalted, and the Books of Him the Exalted and the Messengers of Him the Exalted, pronounced"We do not castoff-seclude a single one from the galaxy of the Messengers of Him the Exalted".
Further they the Believers said "We have listened the Word-Unitary Verbal Passages of Grand Qur'aan recited by the Messenger and have wholeheartedly accepted it.
We seek and look forward for forgiveness by You the Exalted, O Our Sustainer Lord. We know that the return for accountability is towards You the Exalted."
Translation after grammatical parsing of sentences 2285
Are you saying Muhammad was the first person who "affectionately" accepted and believed what God was communicating??? Or am I misunderstanding something.
Plus, just to give everyone a clear aspect of various translations
2285 The messenger acknowledges in what was sent down to him from his Lord and those who have acknowledged. All acknowledged God, His angels, His books, and His messengers, "We do not discriminate between any of His messengers;" and they said, "We hear and obey, forgive us O Lord, and to you is our destiny."85
The Monotheist Group 2285 The messenger believes in what was sent down to him from his Lord. And the believers, all who believe in God, and His angels, and His Scriptures, and His messengers "We do not differentiate between any of His messengers;" and they said "We hear and obey, forgive us O Lord, and to you is our destiny."
Muhammad Asad 2285 THE APOSTLE, and the believers with him, believe in what has been bestowed upon him from on high by his Sustainer they all believe in God, and His angels, and His revelations, and His apostles, making no distinction between any of His apostles;277 and they say We have heard, and we pay heed. Grant us Thy forgiveness, O our Sustainer, for with Thee is all journeys' end!
Rashad Khalifa You Shall Not Make Any Distinction Among God's Messengers 2285 The messenger has believed in what was sent down to him from his Lord, and so did the believers. They believe in GOD, His angels, His scripture, and His messengers "We make no distinction among any of His messengers." They say, "We hear, and we obey. Forgive us, our Lord. To You is the ultimate destiny."
Shabbir Ahmed 2285 The messenger has full conviction in what is revealed to him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His Books and His messengers. (They say), "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey, so grant us the protection of forgiveness, our Lord. The final destination of all journeys is unto You." 199
Transliteration 2285 Amana alrrasoolu bimaonzila ilayhi min rabbihi waalmu/minoona kullun amanabiAllahi wamala-ikatihi wakutubihiwarusulihi la nufarriqu bayna ahadin min rusulihiwaqaloo samiAAna waataAAna ghufranakarabbana wa-ilayka almaseeru
2285
Peace peace
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Selam Taro
Very interesting thread.
<b>As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources - as a penalty for what they have earned - to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.</b>
This verse doesn't mention cutting off of hands?
<b>If the interpretation of the above mentioned verses is correct, this suggests that chastity and good judgment goes hand in hand. And this would mean that a man/woman must maintain his/her chastity if he/she wants to possess the ability to what is judge right from wrong and what true from false. Therefore chastity seems to be of utmost importance in islam.</b>
You wrote this about Joseph, I had a slightly different interpretation of the passage. Joseph knew that if he gave into temptation then he would be of the ignorant. I thought it was because he would knowingly disobey God by having premarital sex. So the lesson I got for it is that the deliberate disobedience of God is ignorance(the wrong path).
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On my first read through of the Koran I took notes so I will attempt to contribute to your thread by sharing some of my notes here. Since I do not speak Arabic and must rely on English translations I'm sure I have gotten many points wrong and would appreciate any corrections.
- And when they fall in with those who believe, they say We believe; but when they go apart to their devils they declare Lo! we are with you; verily we did but mock.?
- When I first read this I had the impression that it was referring to people who would publicly pretend to uphold and be for religion and belief in the God, but then in secret would be working against Him. I think the more proper interpretation is that this sentence is referring to people who say they believe but while claiming belief knowingly give in to their vices. To ?believe? in God is not to simply accept His existence but to follow His way, so when we say that we believe then we don't follow His way, we are declaring through our actions that we are really with our devils(vices) and that when we said we believed we were mocking God.
- Now some men there are who say, 'Our Lord, give to us in this world'; such men shall have no part in the world to come.
- And others there are who say, 'Our Lord, give to us in this world good, and good in the world to come, and guard us against the chastisement of the fire'; those -- they shall have a portion from what they have earned; and God is swift at the reckoning.?
- God warns us against praying for materialistic things in this world, that these things come at the cost of the hereafter. He also instructs us on what we should be praying for, which is basically that he visits good upon us in this world and in the next and to forgive our sins so that we do not face punishment in hell.
- There shall be for divorced women provision honourable -- an obligation on the godfearing.?
- As Muslims it is our obligation to care and help provide for divorced women.
- There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower.? -
The part I want to go over in this passage is ?The right direction is henceforth distinct from error?. This tells us(as opposed to modern atheistic philosophy) that there is a distinct line between right and wrong, that right and wrong are objective in nature and not subjective.
- So if they dispute with thee, say 'I have surrendered my will to God, and whosoever follows me. And say to those who have been given the Book and to the common folk 'Have you surrendered?' If they have surrendered, they are right guided; but if they turn their backs, thine it is only to deliver the Message; and God sees His servants.?
- A Muslim has a duty to inform others of our beliefs to help guide them to God, however if they turn away our duty ends there, we are not to take on any other role besides that of a messenger. So basically the role of judge and/or punisher is not for us, we are to leave that to the All Knowing.
- What though ye be slain or die, when unto Allah ye are gathered??
- This line is asking us the question, what does it matter if you are killed or die (of course assuming we believe and lead righteous lives)when upon our deaths our existence will be elevated to a far greater station. Many people hold it against God, or even try to show it as proof of his non-existence that some good people and even children die early. However, when you look at it from the perspective this line is suggesting then we see that our sorrow at the passing of an innocent or a loved one is mostly if not wholly, selfish. What we are truly morning is not that a loved one is dead, but that they are no longer in our lives for us to share experiences with, or to make our own experience of this life more enjoyable etc.
- God is never unjust unto His servants.
- Many people do not like the idea of belonging to a higher being, I think this is mainly due to pride. I think a good analogy is the relationship between a dog and it's owner. It is fine for a person to own a dog as long as that person treats the dog right, if the dog is beaten and abused by its owner most people can see the wrongness of these actions. It is the same with us, there is no wrong, or degradation to us having an owner/master as long as we are treated well. I can anticipate many people taking offence at being compared to a dog but in reality the relationship between dog and man and God and man is a flattery. A dog is much more important to its owner than a man is to God. A dog can inflict harm on man; which is to be respected, it can protect us, guard our property, herd our livestock, rescue us from danger, guide the blind, help us hunt for food etc. We can do none of that for God.
Any way I will stop here, I think my post is getting too long
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Selam Taro
Very interesting thread.
Peace BobaFett,
Thank you for showing interest in this thread. Hopefully you will find it helpful.
As for the thief, both male and female, you shall cut from their resources - as a penalty for what they have earned - to be made an example of from God. God is Noble, Wise.
This verse doesn't mention cutting off of hands?
Off course, you are right. Thank you for pointing out the erronous translation of verse 538 in the Quran. Verse 538 has been mistranslated. No verse in the Quran sanctifies cutting off the hands of thieves as a punishment. I agree with the notion that the thief must be cut off from his resources. This notion is supported by verse 538 in the Quran.
You wrote this about Joseph, I had a slightly different interpretation of the passage. Joseph knew that if he gave into temptation then he would be of the ignorant. I thought it was because he would knowingly disobey God by having premarital sex. So the lesson I got for it is that the deliberate disobedience of God is ignorance(the wrong path).
I think both interpretations of verse 1233 are correct. In other words, both your interpretation and my interpretation of that verse, seem correct.
The first interpretation
If Joseph gave into the temptation, then he would be of the ignorant. Because only those who are ignorant of what is right and wrong, or ignorant of the fact that wrongful acts of lewdness can damage their soul/self, would decide to cheat with someones else's wife. Let me explain this through an analogy. Only a man who is ignorant of the fact that a crocodile bites, would put his hand into the mouth of a Crocodile.
The second interpretation
If Joseph gave into the temptation, he would become ignorant (of what is right and what is true and false). There are two types of laws in this world. Physical laws and non-physical laws. If a man jumps down a very tall building, his body will get damage when he falls on the asphalt. By breaking a physical law (the law of gravity) he ends up damaging his body. In other words, his body will get weaker. If a man sleeps with another man's wife, his soul/self will be damaged after he is finished doing this act. By breaking a non-physical law (the law of chastity) he ends up damaging his soul/self. In other words, his soul will get weaker. And his soul might get so weak that he longer can judge what is right from wrong and judge what is true from false.
God's acceptance of repentance is only for those who commit sin out of ignorance and then repent soon after; these will be forgiven by God, God is Knowledgeable, Wise.
According to verse 417 above, God will only forgive those who commit sin out of ignorance. This means that if a man/woman (who knows what is right and wrong) sleeps with someone else's partner, then the man/woman would not be forgiven. Because only those who commit sin out of ignorance will be forgiven.
Joseph was a man who knew what is right and wrong. In other words, he was not ignorant. Thus, if Joseph gave into the temptation of the Governors wife, then he would not be forgiven. Because only those who commit sin out of ignorance will be forgiven. This fact is backed by the verse 417 above.
From my understanding of the Quran, if someone is not forgiven, he/she would be deprived of guidance (in regards to what is right and wrong and what is true and false). Therefore I believe that chastity (purity) is one the greatest keys to spiritual development.
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Peace BobaFett,
Thank you for showing interest in this thread. Hopefully you will find it helpful.
Off course, you are right. Thank you for pointing out the erronous translation of verse 538 in the Quran. Verse 538 has been mistranslated. No verse in the Quran sanctifies cutting off the hands of thieves as a punishment. I agree with the notion that the thief must be cut off from his resources. This notion is supported by verse 538 in the Quran.
I think both interpretations of verse 1233 are correct. In other words, both your interpretation and my interpretation of that verse, seem correct.
The first interpretation
If Joseph gave into the temptation, then he would be of the ignorant. Because only those who are ignorant of what is right and wrong, or ignorant of the fact that wrongful acts of lewdness can damage their soul/self, would decide to cheat with someones else's wife. Let me explain this through an analogy. Only a man who is ignorant of the fact that a crocodile bites, would put his hand into the mouth of a Crocodile.
The second interpretation
If Joseph gave into the temptation, he would become ignorant (of what is right and what is true and false). There are two types of laws in this world. Physical laws and non-physical laws. If a man jumps down a very tall building, his body will get damage when he falls on the asphalt. By breaking a physical law (the law of gravity) he ends up damaging his body. In other words, his body will get weaker. If a man sleeps with another man's wife, his soul/self will be damaged after he is finished doing this act. By breaking a non-physical law (the law of chastity) he ends up damaging his soul/self. In other words, his soul will get weaker. And his soul might get so weak that he longer can judge what is right from wrong and judge what is true from false.
God's acceptance of repentance is only for those who commit sin out of ignorance and then repent soon after; these will be forgiven by God, God is Knowledgeable, Wise.
According to verse 417 above, God will only forgive those who commit sin out of ignorance. This means that if a man/woman (who knows what is right and wrong) sleeps with someone else's partner, then the man/woman would not be forgiven. Because only those who commit sin out of ignorance will be forgiven.
Joseph was a man who knew what is right and wrong. In other words, he was not ignorant. Thus, if Joseph gave into the temptation of the Governors wife, then he would not be forgiven. Because only those who commit sin out of ignorance will be forgiven. This fact is backed by the verse 417 above.
From my understanding of the Quran, if someone is not forgiven, he/she would be deprived of guidance (in regards to what is right and wrong and what is true and false). Therefore I believe that chastity (purity) is one the greatest keys to spiritual development.
Being guarding of yourself is definitely a help in discipline and spiritual growth. At times, we might slip up in life, we are human after all. However I think ask for forgiveness when it is needed. If certain circumstances never happened, we might not become wise and possibly be ignorant to the real capabilities of some people on this planet who are diverted from the truth....
Plus, if you are stubborn and don't accept your wrongs, how can God forgive you if you cannot even forgive yourself? Of course that's a saying but one that makes you ponder. As far as I'm aware, if you do not repent for something or communicate with God for guidance on the circumstances and help to spiritually grow, then God won't forgive you for that particular event. Doesn't mean everything you do which is good is void.
Life is a learning curve. We do things, we learn from them and we thank god for allowing us to see the truth and the right way. ). But obviously, having a solid mindset about guarding yourself against many people in this world is a good place to start. Especially at a young age....
peace
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Peace Taro, sushi and all,
I consider both interpretations of 538 to lack the truthful understanding. It is not meaning to cut from anything at all but the word in 538 refers to an immobilizing/locking/freezing action/mental image such as imprison. So lock (up)/passivize their hands or ability to do something is likely the real interpretation.
The same word occurs in Joseph and the women who see Joseph become so excited that they become entirely pacified. The word is used together with hands and hands is allegorical for (in)ability to do something.
Edit At a second thought I realize that exactly what I wrote above cannot be true and the real interpretation comes true together with 1250-51
1250 And the king said ?Bring him to me.? So when the messenger came to him, he said ?Go back to your lord and ask him what was the matter regarding the women who cut their hands tied/restrained their hands? Indeed, my Lord is aware of their plans.?
1251 He said ?What is your plea that you tried to seduce Joseph from himself?? They said ?God be sought! We know of no evil on his part.? The wife of the governor said ?Now the truth must be known, I did seek to seduce Joseph from himself and he is of the truthful ones.?Obviously the women also were told to try to seduce Joseph and possibly stopped themselves from doing it, but nevertheless the women had an original intention together with the woman of his lord.
1231 So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them, and she gave each one of them a knife. And she said ?Come out to them,? so when they saw him they exalted him and cut their hands tied/restrained their hands, and they said ?Praise be to God, this is not a human being, but a blessed angel!?
If the women were aware of God and gave the expression that they do I think they did not proceed in trying to seduce him? And someone who recognize someone an angel (malak) I doubt would continue to do something particularly with the expression "Praise be to God!"
Have faith
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Are you saying Muhammad was the first person who "affectionately" accepted and believed what God was communicating??? Or am I misunderstanding something.
http//haqeeqat.org.pk/English%20Tafsir%20e%20Haqeeqat/00.%20Tabweeb/00022.%20Yomenoons%20Hamza%20Meem%20Noon%20believe/6.gif Verb Perfect; Third person; singular; masculine; ; - Verbal Noun.
Form IV is Causative - Causing someone or something to perform the action of Measure I. An action done by personal choice without there being threat or coercion connotes affectionately, or willingly. This indicates he believed not under force or threat.Ar Rasul denotes specifically identified person, what he believed in was that which was revealed http//haqeeqat.org.pk/English%20Tafsir%20e%20Haqeeqat/00.%20Tabweeb/0001.%20Pronouns%20and%20Prepositions/Prepositions/01.%20Alaihi%20with%20Ain%20he%20him/1.gif upon him. What was revealed to him? Qur'aan. Who was the first to believe in Qur'aan? The Messenger.
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Woopsedoo, my mistake. Didn't saw that the thread had multiple pages.
It's late and i'm on my phone.
However, I think its a very good idea and the verses you bring up are very good. These verses are the things that unite us and believers, because they do not have 100 different interpretations like ramadan and salat.
I am dissapointed too that others do not participate here. -
Salaam brother,
Thanks for sharing. I will check it out.
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I like this )
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Our prayers are answered indirectly
In verse 475, the Quran advises the servants of the God, to fight in the cause of the God, by helping men, women and children who are oppressed. We are told that the men, women and children who are oppressed, pray to God to bring them out of this town whose people are wicked. And they ask the God to grant them a supporter, a victor. Why is the God advising his servants to help the oppressed men, women and children when they pray for God's help? Perhaps it's because the prayers of humans are answered indirectly (through the help of other humans). If the God had helped the oppressed people directly (without advising humans to help them), then he would have broken the laws of nature. And it seems that God doesn't break the laws of nature. It seems that the God doesn't intervene in human affairs. That being said, I think that the God can intervene in human affairs, if he wants. But from my understanding of the Quran, the God isn't going to intervene in human affairs until the day of judgment/reckoning.
In verses 2823-24, the Quran states that Moses helped two women by drawing water for them. After he had drew water for them, Moses turned to a shaded area said and said to his creator that he is poor, lacking any provisions his creator has sent down. In other words, Moses prayed for help. Because he needed help. In verses 2825 we are told that one of the two women approached him, and told him that her father wants to reward him for drawing water for them. In verse 2826-27 we are told that the father of the two women wants to hire him and wants him to marry one of his daughters. By working for the father of the two women, he would probably no longer be poor, and no longer lack any provisions. Thus, it seems that Moses prayer was answered. But it seems that his prayers was answered indirectly (through the help of humans).
In verse 474, the Quran seems suggests that the God doesn't intervene in human affairs.
Quran 474 So, if you encounter those who have rejected, then strike the control center until you overcome them. Then bind them securely. You may either set them free or ransom them, until the war ends. That, and had God willed, He alone could have beaten them, but He thus tests you by one another. As for those who get killed in the cause of God, He will never let their deeds be put to waste.
Also, in verse 3647, the Quran seems to suggests that the God doesn't intervene in human affairs.
Quran 3647 When they are told "Spend from what God has provisioned you." Those who reject say to those who acknowledge "Shall we feed those whom God could feed, if He so willed? You are clearly misguided!"
As we can see in the above-mentioned verse, it's humans who have to help poor/needy humans. Because verse 3647, seems to suggest that God doesn't intervene in human affairs.
Keep in mind that I haven't said that our prayers are only answered indirectly (through the help of other humans). For example, if someone gets sad or depressed, and prays to the God for help, perhaps his/her prayers can be answered directly (without the help of other humans). If the God removes his/her sadness/depression, then this suggests that the God answers his/her prayer directly (without the help of other humans). Also, if someone senses danger, and asks God for help, perhaps he/she could be helped by God through inspiration. For example, if a man/woman is in a jungle (where there are dangerous animal), and he/she senses danger, and listens to his/her intuition, it might save his/her life. It seems that men/women can get direct help from God in dangerous situations. This example suggests that the God can answer the prayers of humans directly (without the help of other humans).
To conclude, it seems that most of our prayers are answered indirectly. But there also seems to be a possibility that some of our prayers are answered directly.
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Guidance and struggle goes hand in hand
In verse 2969, the Quran states those who strive in the cause of God, will be guided to his paths. Thus, it seems that guidance and struggle goes hand in hand.
Quran 2969 As for those who strive in Our cause, We will guide them to Our paths. For God is with the pious.
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Self-defence restrains corruption on earth
In my view, to turn the other cheek" is a wise principle that one can learn a great deal from. But in some situations this principle can lead to fatal consequences. For example, if a villain attacks an innocent man with the intention to take his life, the man needs to defend himself against his enemy, if he wants to survive. If the man "turns the other cheek" to his enemy, it might cost him his life. His enemy is a cruel/heartless enemy that doesn't understand the language of love, he only understands the language of force. Thus, the ability to defend himself against such an enemy, seems to be vital for the man's survival. The Quran is a practical book which is concerned with reality, not with fantasy/idealism. And in reality people sometimes need to defend themselves against others in order to survive. So in some situations, to "turn the other cheek" can lead to fatal consequences.
Quran 2251 And thereupon, by God's leave, they routed them. And David slew Goliath; and God bestowed upon him dominion, and wisdom, and imparted to him the knowledge of whatever He willed. And if God had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, corruption would surely overwhelm the earth but God is limitless in His bounty unto all the worlds.
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The creator is in control of everything
There seems to be things that are beyond our control in this life. For example, a man or a woman might decide to accomplish a very important aim/objective in his or her life. But for some reason, no amount of planning helps the man or woman to accomplish his or her aim/objective. No matter how hard the man or woman tries, he or she fails. It seems that if the God doesn't want something good to happen for one of his or her servants, no amount of planning can make it happen. And it seems that if the God wants something good to happen for one of his or her servants, nothing can stop the creator from making it happen.
In the story of Joseph, we are told that Joseph was thrown into a well by his brothers, picked up by some travelers, sold to an influential/powerful governor and his wife, falsely accused of seducing the governors wife, put in prison, interpreted the dream of a King, released from the prison, rose to a position of power/leadership, reunited with his family and raised his parents to a place of honor. Joseph's brothers wanted to misguide him, but he was guided. Joseph's brothers wanted him to fail, but he succeeded. When Joseph's brothers threw Joseph in the well, he might have been brought to the lowest level. But in the end he was definitely raised to the highest level. It seems that Joseph was guided from the beginning to the end.
In the story of Moses, we are told that he was placed in a basket by his mother, thrown into a river, casted ashore by the river, picked up by the family of Pharaoh, forbidden to accept all the nursing mothers, found by his sister and returned back to his mother. Everything went well for Moses. It seems that all of these things happened according to a divine plan.
From the story of Joseph and Moses we can learn a very important lesson, in my opinion. "The creator is in control of everything." It seems that nothing or no one can stop the God's will from happening (see verses 1221, 1267 and 2813).
I think we can always control our actions. But we can't always control outcomes, in my opinion. I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will not get disappointed if things don't go they way we had planned. I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will not be frustrated and sidetracked by things that are out of our control. And I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will be able to meet our destiny with fortitude. This reminds me of a quote.
"Do your best and let God do the rest."
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The creator is in control of everything
From the story of Joseph and Moses we can learn a very important lesson, in my opinion. "The creator is in control of everything." It seems that nothing or no one can stop the God's will from happening (see verses 1221, 1267 and 2813).Correct, and the next question will be What will be your attitude towards it?
And it takes a swallowing of self-ego to admit to the level of "even my own action was driven by God's will".This is the meaning of islam.. an attitude.. of peaceful acceptance and mindfulness of everything..
Such thinking and idea exist on nearly all teachings spread around the world, spoken by many teachers, throughout the century. From the ancient past up until today's self help books.
"Let your will be done on earth as it's in heaven"
-- Matthew 610"Love,
Embracing Tao, you become embraced.
Supple, breathing gently, you become reborn.
Clearing your vision, you become clear.
Nurturing your beloved, you become impartial.
Opening your heart, you become accepted.
Accepting the World, you embrace Tao.
Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
Controlling without authority,
This is love.?
-- Tao The Ching"I discovered that I was happier and more peaceful when I accepted what had happened instead of constantly fighting to change things."
-- Deepak Chopra"Yes, acceptance is a choice?a hard one most definitely, but a choice nonetheless. There are two ways out of a problem accept what?s happening, see the positive, and choose a peaceful state of mind; or fight against it, be miserable, and struggle against the universe. Acceptance, in my opinion, is the key to convert momentary happiness to enduring happiness. It helps you move from feeling happy to actually being happy."
-- Tiny Buddha -
The creator is in control of everything
There seems to be things that are beyond our control in this life. For example, a man or a woman might decide to accomplish a very important aim/objective in his or her life. But for some reason, no amount of planning helps the man or woman to accomplish his or her aim/objective. No matter how hard the man or woman tries, he or she fails. It seems that if the God doesn't want something good to happen for one of his or her servants, no amount of planning can make it happen. And it seems that if the God wants something good to happen for one of his or her servants, nothing can stop the creator from making it happen.
In the story of Joseph, we are told that Joseph was thrown into a well by his brothers, picked up by some travelers, sold to an influential/powerful governor and his wife, falsely accused of seducing the governors wife, put in prison, interpreted the dream of a King, released from the prison, rose to a position of power/leadership, reunited with his family and raised his parents to a place of honor. Joseph's brothers wanted to misguide him, but he was guided. Joseph's brothers wanted him to fail, but he succeeded. When Joseph's brothers threw Joseph in the well, he might have been brought to the lowest level. But in the end he was definitely raised to the highest level. It seems that Joseph was guided from the beginning to the end.
In the story of Moses, we are told that he was placed in a basket by his mother, thrown into a river, casted ashore by the river, picked up by the family of Pharaoh, forbidden to accept all the nursing mothers, found by his sister and returned back to his mother. Everything went well for Moses. It seems that all of these things happened according to a divine plan.
From the story of Joseph and Moses we can learn a very important lesson, in my opinion. "The creator is in control of everything." It seems that nothing or no one can stop the God's will from happening (see verses 1221, 1267 and 2813).
I think we can always control our actions. But we can't always control outcomes, in my opinion. I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will not get disappointed if things don't go they way we had planned. I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will not be frustrated and sidetracked by things that are out of our control. And I think if we focus on actions instead of outcomes, then we will be able to meet our destiny with fortitude. This reminds me of a quote.
"Do your best and let God do the rest."
bravo
Not just this, but all the posts you have written for this thread are brilliant Taro. I was having the same feeling for a while.Self-defence restrains corruption on earth
In my view, to turn the other cheek" is a wise principle that one can learn a great deal from. But in some situations this principle can lead to fatal consequences. For example, if a villain attacks an innocent man with the intention to take his life, the man needs to defend himself against his enemy, if he wants to survive. If the man "turns the other cheek" to his enemy, it might cost him his life. His enemy is a cruel/heartless enemy that doesn't understand the language of love, he only understands the language of force. Thus, the ability to defend himself against such an enemy, seems to be vital for the man's survival. The Quran is a practical book which is concerned with reality, not with fantasy/idealism. And in reality people sometimes need to defend themselves against others in order to survive. So in some situations, to "turn the other cheek" can lead to fatal consequences.
Quran 2251 And thereupon, by God's leave, they routed them. And David slew Goliath; and God bestowed upon him dominion, and wisdom, and imparted to him the knowledge of whatever He willed. And if God had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, corruption would surely overwhelm the earth but God is limitless in His bounty unto all the worlds.
I agree with you on turning the other cheek. But I am also used to seeing innocent people getting nothing out of their kind nature like the one you explained above. It is soooo common here in California. I think most people understand the meaning of defense. But the problem I see is in help. For instance, you will commonly find people here giving away their money to homeless or the needy. But sometimes it just seems to bring negative consequence. I am trying to understand the situations. I'll list a few
- A friend's family couple of years ago gave away all the stuffs they had in the house. They are Buddhist, but I never heard Buddhism teach that if something bad occurs in your house it is best to get rid of all your stuffs to fight the energy that brought it. Her mom used this as a reason to give away their belongings. Needless to say that they are always ready to help anyone. But they have always been having money problem.
- A nurse used to always give money to homeless. Now she is homeless and lives in a shelter. Even she does not understand why God did this to her despite her history of helping people.
- We have some health centers here in CA which never promise promotion and increase in salary for those who are in the administration. They have their own problem. They are focused on giving free medical care to the needy. Their funds are limited. Yet the employees year after year continue to work there. Because of the change in our healthcare system, these centers are now burdened with more patients. But the employees never say goodbye. A classmate of mine did research on them. In the interviews, they said they just like to help people. They aren't interested in salaries. But as you know, inflation is in the air globally. We are hit too. Why God burdened them with more work, but no reward?
Can anyone shed some light on these cases?
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I think that the cases of people that do not get reward in this world is not an end reultbut part of the whole-The whole is not this life but this life with the other life, whatever lies in front of us after we die.
They will get comensation that is for sure. It is like those who die sruggling fi sabilillah. They are not dead, according to the Qur'an. That is it about faith. People, whatevr they call themselves as to religious adherence, who strive in god's way know, by faith, by heart, that goodness is a value to which everything else ows subordination. They do notdoubt that what is just lies avobe their own particular destiny. They believe inwhat they do, therefore they are believers and they know, even if they do not have quoes from any holy book, that what they do is worth and above other worldly values. Therefore they hve a life beyond "this world", the world where everything dies, good fortune or bad fortune, everything dies, but what they do is not like the houe of the spider, it lives.
Yes very good Taro's messages.
Salaam