Maulder was not a person, maulder was  a dog,  an askal. Native dogs are not really considered  special as compared to a pointer, a pit bull or a labrador, but for me maulder was a loyal companion a loving one and a very good watch dog.

He had distinct characteristics , mannerisms that  I learned which made our communication interesting and easy.  We just looked at each other’s eyes  and instantly we know the message .   He loved to put his paw on my lap, rolled on the floor and sleep quietly near me.   This was our routine day in and day out.

Maulder was an early riser, he barked continuously at exactly 5:30 am for his early morning toilet . After 5 minutes he would bark again signaling that he was done. And dutifully I had to open the gate to let him in.  I had to pat his head to show that I was pleased with him, and that was enough for him.   I was grateful for his early ritual because it was  time for me  to pray “fajr” at 6:00 am. He knows exactly my routine and would stay quietly out of my way .

He banged the gate whenever somebody stood  near it, and jumped so high that  earned him the reputation of being a dangerous dog.  With him around I felt so safe for i know he would protect me.

But all of these will only be memories , for on a friday night of June 17,2011, at around midnight , my beloved Maulder was hit by a  motor cycle. His neck was broken and died instantly.   My heart broke and until now i am grieving .  It will be the last dog for me and for  he can not be replaced in my heart. I can not bear the pain of losing another one. Sleep my Maulder sleep.

War is raging in Pakistan. The recent incident between the ethnic group, Pashtuns and Mohajirs in Karachi brought about a lot destruction, and killings. Many were affected and a flurry of violent reactions pro and against the skirmish were made. These are from the adults, but none from a child who is most affected by this useless fight for power.   It is in this same vein that I would like to publish a poem  , “  Soldier “  penned by a 10 year old Pakistani boy who lives in Karachi and experienced first hand the atrocities of war in his own backyard.

Soldier

Being a soldier is tough

People think we are rough and tough

They do not know that

We too can be scared like a cat

Guns and war

Oh ! boy it is not far

Our country will fall

Because of illiterate people

Lives will be lost

That I do care the most

Children crying

Parents dying

I wish there will be peace

Lives will increase

March up and down

Go soldiers don’t frown

Tomorrow is a new day

I,  a soldier will pray

I do not have to go

To the battle that is so far away.

It is a fact , and I know that women are aware and are affected by the recession that plagues world economy.   The question of survival now becomes the main concern not only of the family but also of society as a whole.   With the rapid decline of our economy,  it is expected that women  in both developed and underdeveloped countries will be greatly affected by the negative impact of this recession.

What are the consequences of this global crisis?   There are many and foremost of which is unemployment followed by increase of responsibilities both at work and at home,  loss or decrease  of income that leads to more domestic problems thus aggravating violence against women.

Because of these potential adverse results , we have to identify and respond to the specific needs of women.   Gender perspectives must be taken into account in relation to the impacts of the crisis particularly in the fields of education, health, security and livelihoods.    It is in this context that women are getting a significant recognition and are moving in the direction of equality of women and men.   Global crisis  in a way paved  for the liberation of women from the traditional roles to a more practical one that empowered them to help alleviate  and avert situation that will help the family survive the challenges of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and discrimination.

In the Annual Meeting of the World Economic  Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 28, 2009, a paper was released titled “  The Underworked Solution: Women and the Talent Crunch” which calls for the increased participation of women in the global workforce as a “key” component of economic growth and sustainable development.   To achieve this goal it has been stressed that women must be given access to economic programs aimed at immediately alleviating poverty and hunger,  and must be included in dialogues and decision making processes in these issues.

The Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Confederation of Women Organizations pointed out that women continue to be the world’s under-utilized labor force, thus it is important that the we tap this dynamic force to solve the current economic woes.   Proper training, livelihood programs, adult education, business matching of opportunities and skills of women must be implemented.

Finally , I believe that the biggest obstacle  inorder to achieve  a smooth entry of women in labor force is to remove gender discrimination.   By providing equal opportunity to women , the negative effects of global recession will be minimized.

Assalamalaykum.

In times of crisis,  man turns to religion to keep his sanity.   It provides a person the much needed hope , guidance and courage to face the harsh realities of life.   Sometimes , the search for answers to his troubled mind has been elusive,  thus leaving him in a  limbo of  uncertainty and hopelessness.

Suicide -  a coward’s easy way out has been a common mode of escape of one who is spiritually anemic.    It takes one with a strong faith to survive the trials of life.   But the big question is ,  does his religion provide the spiritual connection with the Supreme Being who gives the ultimate truth of salvation.

There are many religions but one can not label which one is true and the other false.    Religion is something very personal.   It is a living relationship of  love and faith between man and his Maker.    It is  an intimate communication with Him knowing fully well that He listens.   It gives one the hope and satisfaction of attaining spiritual enlightenment of the true meaning of our existence here on earth.    It gives us answers to our innumerable questions which makes acceptance easy .  The purpose of our existence becomes clear,  thus the way to the ultimate goal of being one with the Supreme Being has been laid out.   And this is why  I chose to be a Muslim.

Islam is a religion of love and mercy despite its strict discipline.   One has only to assert the  firm belief in the Unity (Oneness) of God and , that Muhammad  is His Prophet .    Every Muslim must say:   Allah is my Lord,  Muhammad my prophet,   the Qur’an  my Imam , the Kaba  my Quibla and all  the Believers and Muslims my Brothers.

Embracing Islam , my religion and as a way of life has changed my attitude, my beliefs  and has given me peace .

Assalamalaykum.   In my readings of the Holy Qur’an,  I’ve come across the word “similitude” not just once but many times.   And in all of those times,  I noticed that the similitude has always been associated with Nature, the creation of the universe, and many other examples that proved  without doubt the authorship of Allah who created  these wonderful things for man to believe .   The Almighty Allah has made it so simple to understand the messages for us to constantly remind us and experience in our daily lives the proofs and signs of His power .  Clearly the similitude has the Divine Purpose for man to believe that there is only ONE true God . These reminders have been repeatedly mentioned in the different surahs:

Surah BaniiIsraa-iil 17:89      “And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur’an all kinds  of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse aught save disbelief.”    Surah Kafh 18:54  ” And verily We have displayed for mankind in this Qur’an all manner of similitudes but man is more than anything contentious.”  Surah Ankabuut 29:43 “  As for these similitudes , We coin them for mankind, but none will grasp their meaning save the wise.”

Despite the numerous similitudes mentioned , still many refuse to believe and to them Allah has this warning in Surah Hajj 22:73 “  O mankind!  A similitude is coined,  so pay ye heed to it : Lo! those on whom ye call beside Allah will never create a fly though they combine together for the purpose.   And if the fly took something from them, they could not rescue it from him.   So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.”

The above surah then brings me to the first surah recorded in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Baqarah 2:26,  the similitude of the gnat.     It reads “   Lo!  Allah disdaineth not to coin the similitude of the gnat or even anything above that.   Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord;  but those who disbelieve say, What doth Allah wish (to teach) by such a similitude?   He misleadeth many thereby;  and He gaineth many thereby;  and He misleadeth thereby only the miscreants.”

The gnat, known also as the the mosquito appears to be a very insignificant insect to be considered in this surah , yet it is worthy of be examined and pondered upon since it bears the sign of Allah’s creation.

We always think of the gnat as a flying insect ,  but have we ever stopped to think Who created it?   Who gave this insect the design to spend its developmental stage underwater and get out of it and fly when it reaches its adult stage?    Who gave the gnat who starts to fly ,  the special sensing systems at its disposal to detect the place of its prey,  for  it was given the ability to ” see in conformity with the temperature “  that helps it find its prey even in pitch dark?   And more importantly,  who gave it the incredible complex system of the female gnats to suck blood not for food but for their need of proteins found in the blood which help them develop their eggs to secure the perpetuation of its species?  The answers only point to only ONE , Allah the Almighty.

Allah frequently calls on man to investigate Nature and see the “signs” of His Creations, that demonstrate His power , and love for mankind.   Man must not only look but “see”   these beautiful beings and pay reverence to His goodness and believe.

And for the disbelievers i wish to quote Surah Nuur  24: 39   “  As for those who disbelieve,  their deeds are as a mirage in a desert.   The thirsty one supposeth it to be water till he cometh unto it and findeth naught, and findeth, in the place thereof,  Allah Who payeth him his due;  and Allah is swift in reckoning.”

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim. I have been unproductive for several days, not because I like it but because I could not find a suitable topic to write on. My daily routine includes reading the Holy Qur’an, taking down notes and of course praying. It was a rather peaceful activity , there was no stress knowing fully well that I am in my comfort zone.

This, changed however , when one day my daughter informed me that our imam dreamt about me. I was surprised since our imam is in Pakistan and I am here in the Philippines and had no communications verbal or written with him. Knowing that dreams have no boundaries, I excitedly asked my daughter what the dream was about. According to her the imam saw me in his dream that I was alone on top of a mountain and that there are a lot of females at the foot of the mountain. Waiting for more, she said “that was it”. Asked for an interpretation, she continued by saying that the imam believes that I am “favored” by Allah and that maybe I must help preach and spread the teachings of Allah. I felt so humbled by the interpretation , it was so scary knowing fully well of my limitations and unworthiness of doing such a mission. It took me several days again to reflect , pray and analyze the true meaning of the interpretation. I couldn’t find an answer. Until one evening, I felt the Divine gentle push. I really do not have to be an imam, a qari , or a scholar to do what Allah wants me to do. By just simply talking to people , and writing about His teachings, in a way , I have been spreading His Word. I can even do this at the confines of my small secluded world by writing my experiences and sharing my thoughts through my blog.

And having been inspired, I realized that Muslims consider the Holy Qur’an to be the literal word of Allah. It has been the guide and source of comfort since it is the embodiment of His power, mercy and beneficence. Unknowningly, this was what I have been doing all along. I always turn to the Holy Qur’an for solutions to my problems and true enough I was always guided to the surah that explains my situation. It made me understand the causes of my problems and have the right attitude to accept and make the right decisions . I learned that there is indeed a surah for every single problem we have.

For muslims who have been enlightened and blessed with their intellectual achievements, and are tempted to be arrogant this Surah Al-Imran 3:8 will help them bring back to their senses that Allah who gives can also take it away from them.

“Our Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou hast guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Lo! Thou , only Thou art the Bestower”

For muslims who feel depressed and hopeless in problems that seem to be unbearable, Surah Al -Baqarah-2:286 gives us comfort for:

“Allah tasketh not a soul beyond its scope. For it ( is only) that which it hath earned , and against it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us , absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou art our Protector. . .”

For muslims who give charity for show , Surah Al -Baqarah 2:271 warns that:

” If ye publish your alms giving, it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and will atone for some of your ill deeds. Allah is informed of what you do”

For muslims who plan to take their own life , Surah Al-Imran 3:145 warns

” No soul can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at a term appointed. Whosoever desireth the reward of the world, We bestow on him . . . and whosoever desireth the reward of the Hereafter, We bestow on him. . . We shall reward the thankful”

These are only a few of the problems that men are facing in this world of greed and desire for power . Let our faith in Allah , the All Powerful and Merciful save us.

Assalamalaykum. The recent unrest and chaos going on in Pakistan is destroying the peace and progress of a country which I considered my second home. I feel sad that the Western world that is the so-called champion of “democracy ” would try to offer their ideology in a totally different culture they do not fully understand. The concept of democracy in the context of the West is not the same as understood by the East. First and foremost Pakistan is not just Pakistan , it is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Islamic refers to the ideals of Islam, the religion of the Pakistanis.

The Islamic tradition based on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an directs Muslims to abide by the Divine Will not simply as individuals but also as a community. As such they have the responsibility for creating a just and moral social order. These injunctions as laid out in the H.Qur’an form the bases of what is known collectively as the Sharia or the “Islamic Way”.

Islam is a perfect and practical religion of equality , liberty and fraternity as defined in the Holy Qur’an. These principles embodied in the concept of democracy are the very core of Islam but in a different context, it recognized that all human activity bears a religious significance. The H. Qur’an has adapted to the circumstances of the modern world as it has adapted fourteen centuries ago. This adaptation clearly demonstrated the universality of the teachings of the surahs. But the interpretations on the principles of liberty tainted by Western thought especially on “democracy” do not do justice to the original Quranic meaning since the Western idea, the “bitter pill” , which they believe is the solution to the problems of this Islamic nation and which is being rammed down the throat of the Muslims are not relevant to the Islamic world.

Assalamalaikum. As I was going over the pages of the Holy Qur’an, I came across Surah al Baqarah verses 67 to 73. It is most interesting because it had to do something about the kind of a cow to be slaughtered as instructed by Allah to Moosa in trying to resolve a problem.

And the story as narrated by Ibn Abbas ‘Ubaydah As-Salmarni, Abu Al-’Aaliyah Mujahid, Suddi, begins with a very wealthy man among the Banu Isra’il who was very old . He had some nephews, sons of his brother who wished him dead so that they could inherit his wealth. One night , one of them killed the old man , and threw his body on the thoroughfare.

His body was discovered and the old man’s nephews staged a show of mourning. They shouted and cried, wailed and mourned. In this state of deep sorrow , the people advised them to go to Moosa and tell him what happened. One of the nephews did . The Prophet asked them in the Name of Allah what they knew about the death of their uncle but no one offered to make a statement. They requested however , to get the guidance of Allah in finding the truth of who really did the dastardly act.

Moosa then sought the guidance of Allah and transmitted this message to them, “Verily Allah commands you to slaughter a cow ” verse 67. Realizing that the message was not a joke, they asked for a definite description of the kind of cow that must be slaughtered . And to this question, Allah said ” . . . it must be a cow that is neither old nor young, but aged between the two , so do as you are commanded “, verse 68. Not satisfied , they insisted for more details as to the color and the type of cow for they complained that cows all looked alike. Again, Allah granted their request and said, ” . . . it should be a bright yellow cow who pleases those who look at him, . . . a cow that is neither trained to plough the soil nor water the fields, and which is healthy without any faults ” . After a long search , they found the cow and sacrificed it. Then Allah ordered them “Smite him with a part of it “ verse 73, so the dead man can tell who murdered him. When they did that, Allah brought back the man to life and was able to tell that his brother’s son killed him. Having said that , he reversed him to death as he had been. “ In like manner, does Allah bring the dead back to life and He shows you His Aayaat so that you may understand “.

And with this same power of bringing back the dead to life , He will do the same on the day of Qiyaamah when He brings back mankind to life.

Assalamoalaykum. In our daily life one is faced with problems. They may be petty or serious ones and could emanate from nature ( calamities i.e floods, tsunami, earthquakes), culture , personal (family differences) and even oneself. In all instances , we try to find solutions to these problems hoping that they could be resolved. But sometimes no matter how much one tries, still they remain like cancer that slowly destroys the resistance until one succumbs to defeat. Why do we reach this point of helplessness? Are we failing in this crucial test of faith and loyalty to the Supreme Being? Questions like these bring us back to the story of Sayyidina Ayyub.

S. Ayyub was a descendant of Sayyidina Ibrahim. He was the son of Moos bin Razih Al’ Ays bin Ishaq bin Ibrahim. He was a wealthy man, had many children and a large family. But all of these were seized from him and his body was inflicted with diseases except his heart and tongue which enabled him to pray to Allah. Despite all these sufferings and seemingly endless persecution he remained faithful , patient and persevered in his love and loyalty to Allah. It is affirmed in the Hadith that the messenger of Allah said ” The most afflicted of people in trials are the Prophets, then the righteous . . .” He also said that ” A man is put to trial in relation to his religion ” which through his faith could turn these trials and hardships to increased perseverance and patience and ultimately will be rewarded with eternal bliss .

One therefore must not lose hope , instead one must realize the power of prayer that helps us put us back in the straight path. Al Baqra 2 Sec. 286 is a reminder that ” Allah tasketh not a soul beyond it scope. For it ( is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved . Our Lord condemn us not if we forget or miss the mark! . . . Our Lord impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us , absolve us and have mercy on us . . . .”