A few reflections on 2012

2012. The year, according to the Mayans, the world in its entirety was to end. It didn’t. This may not perhaps be much of a surprise considering even Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) didn’t claim to have knowledge of the final hour. Indeed when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Angel Jibra’il to tell him of the last hour, he replied, “The one being asked knows no more of it than the one asking.” (Sahih Muslim) The discussion over the world ending however puts everything into context. One day, we know, we will each have to leave this temporary abode behind. One can’t help but ponder over what legacy will be left.

Time, as one proverb informs us, is “like a sword. If you don’t cut it, it will cut you!” Through reflecting on how our year has gone we are able to gain a better understanding of how we have used our time, and inshāAllah use our experience to better utilise what time we have left. Surah al-‘Asr emphasises the concept of time, where Allah swears by it: “By time. Verily man is at loss…”This highlighting of time in the Qur’an brings to head its importance.

Looking back at 2012, some key events stand out. Any international sporting event is usually met with great jubilation. The fact that the Olympics and Paralympics were brought to home soil this year boosted the experience. Branded as an Olympics set to ‘inspire a generation’, the focus was a noble one. Hope and inspiration work well in international events such as the Olympics. Equally however at a grassroots level do certain projects shine. The launch of the ‘Ilm 2 ‘Aml Curriculum across Muslim schools in Southern and Northern England too has geared a community to focus on educating and inspiring the next generation. Equipping the youth with an understanding of key citizenship and religious issues, alongside activating and encouraging them to be directly involved in local community projects, the progress of the curriculum will definitely be one to watch in its shaping of a next generation who are both positive and proactive.

Another defining moment of the year was when the Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner broke the sound barrier by freefalling 128,000 ft. Undoubtedly jaws dropped across the world as we watched him fall so fast from such a distance. The progress of science has moved fast in recent times. Technological advances in every field have gained momentum such that as humans we feel ever more in control of our affairs. Yet, we are reminded in the Qur’an to look further and realise that it is our abidingly real Creator Who sets to motion all the causes and effects in perfect harmony. We all attain highs in our personal lives, when we see our own plans come to fruition, duās get answered and things go our way. It is in such moments though, far from turning away and believing ourselves to have independently caused our success, we realise that in truth these moments are opportunities to get closer to our Lord through praising and thanking Him for such gifts.

The continued bloodshed around the world in 2012 has illustrated clearly that there is a bigger plan in motion. From Gaza, Palestine to Connecticut, America, both in the East and West have people faced a reality of injustice this year. It is in the time of difficulty that as Muslims we again are reminded to turn to Allah and turn to assisting the community. What occurs during these trials is the chance to assist those in harm. The aid convoys and continual charity being donated to war zones all over is a sign that the Ummah is rallying together to serve those in harm’s way. The contribution of Muslims to the multi-faith prayer ceremony for the Connecticut shooting also illustrated empathy and unity.

While many of us easily get excited about the synchronisation of numbers, (yes, 12/12/12 caused quite a stir this month, and 1/2/34 of the Islamic calendar which came about in December also got many a folk excited), looking at the synchronisation of our actions with the Qur’an and Prophetic guidance is of greater importance. As we reflect on what has past, both in global events and in our personal lives, and look forward inshāAllah to what is to come, it is worth going back to the source of direction, the Qur’an and contemplating again on the emphasis given in Surah al-Asr.

“By time. Verily man is at loss. Except those who have faith and do righteous deeds and join together in mutual teaching of truth and in patience. ”

(Written for www.1stethical.com)

Be with whom you love

"The disbeliever is bewildered by creation but the believer is bewildered by the Creator"
-Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah:

"Verily there are signs for those who reflect!"

"In the fast paced consumer world we live in, we hardly get time to stop, time to think about what is really happening around us, what is happening to us. Be one who reflects. Be one who contemplates. Think. Smile. Appreciate...and most importantly thank The Magnificent, The Giver, The Generous, Our Lord."

Say, “Are the ones who are blind in respect of the mind equal to those who are endowed with mental perception and understanding? Will you not then THINK & REFLECT?” [6:50]

And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are Ayaat [proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.] for those who THINK & REFLECT! [13:3]

We have sent down unto thee the Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may THINK & REFLECT! [16:44]

Human Committment

" If someone claims to love Allah, but has great difficulty in loving or respecting the human beings around them, then we have a right to be a little suspicious of their claim... The muslim who neglects his or her human committments has forgotten that there will be a day when all the books are opened and does not realise that perhaps their book will record that they failed those whom they should have been loving and helping, when they were really needed by them...."

-For Heavens Sake, Ruqaiyah Waris Maqsood

Subhannallah.

The above reminded me of a talk on marriage by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, and particularly the point he made regarding why marriage is 'half ones faith', I quote from my sad excuse for notes...

" You have to understand that the Deen has two halfs. One half relates to your relationship with Allah, your faith and worship. The key to it is ikhlaas and sincerity. The other half is your dealing and conduct with God's creation. That has a key, the key of which is a good marriage. This has one vital quality, mentioned explicitly by Rasoolullah, 'Deal with people with good character'..."

I am tempted to continue to write up the notes from the fantastic talk, but I do not want to focus, for this post atleast, on marital relationships only. I understand why marriage is 'the key' though, considering it is that base which will pave the way for the future. A strong wholesome marriage, level headed parents, will raise children of adaab, who will seek to serve their fellows, seek to build good character, a live example of which they witnessed in their parents, who lived by what Rasoolullah taught. Inshallah one can hope. It's the circle of life.

Focus on serving those close to you, for now, oh self. For you know not what will weigh heavy on the scales on the Day it matters. Let me repeat oh self, incase you forget...
"The muslim who neglects his or her human committments has forgotten that there will be a day when all the books are opened and does not realise that perhaps their book will record that they failed those whom they should have been loving and helping, when they were really needed by them...."

And actions speak louder than words.

Signs

Subhannallah. The creation of The Creator. How wondorous it is!

Simple things deserve attention. Have you ever thought about the grip of the hands? How perfect Allah has made hands and the way in which they fulfil their jobs. Have you ever thought of the job of the thumb? Joint to the fingures but unique it its abilities. And the feet too. These are our life tools. Taking us where we must go from day to day and helping us establish our dreams. Amazing.

It was these thoughts that kept me company on my walk home from University. How super the thought process as well. Able to move from thoughts, able to link various memories and issues, able to appreciate. Amazing.

At home, my family members were watching 'Life' on BBC1. Something to do with killer squid. They were filming deep in the ocean, these remarkable killer squid, with astounding features, huge mouths and a weirdly wonderful nature. Subhannallah. Amazing.

To think, that Allah is the Creator of EVERYTHING. To think, He is the Controller of EVERYTHING. To think. Its simply marvelling. And our minds cant even appreciate 1% of it. For how much to we actually know? Not much of anything. How do we appreciate for that which we dont know, all the secrets the world holds, all its beauty.

"And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (through the earth), are Signs for those of assured Faith." (45:4)

May Allah allow us to ponder about the vast beauty of His creation and the Greatness of Him, the Creator, May Allah allow us to be among those who have faith, Ameen.