Me Blabbing

There comes a time in every man's life when he learns new things, not from books, or not from the words of a wise one, but from his own life experiences. Those are the real lessons of life. The ones that will stick, not only the concept and the idea, but also the details of its purpose and importance.

Of course, there are always those dim-wits who never learn. They may have fallen into the same pit over and over, a dozen times, yet they fall into it again and again.

But the vast majority are the kind who would never forget these valuable life lessons when they were taught through personal experiences. It serves as a true wake up call for them. One they cannot resist answering.

There are still those who are exhausted from the trials. Feeling like a broken arrow, forgotten on a tree top. Scarred for life. These wounds that heal with a scar, leave no place for a clean slate to start over. You simply move on with a limp. Trademarked and clearly distinguishable. Standing out from te crowd. Yet, desperately trying to fit in. Fighting nature, to blend in with nature. The most natural way, meant for survival.

When its all done, and the tears have dried.. you find yourself wanting to move forward, leave everything behind, and start over (on as clean a slate as one can manage). Nothing of the past will matter anymore. Focus will change to the present and the nearest future. That will pull you through. Help you emerge from your ashes. Like the phoenix. A fresh start, with a new beginning and a re-written end. An entirely new journey. The difference this time being.. that you have already tread upon some of those paths. You know your way around a little better this time. You may reach your short set goals faster this time.

The above matter need not necessarily make any sense..

Time to think...

Something interesting I read on Jen's blog...

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The Big Bad Wolves

As I sit here in front of my PC sipping my tea and typing, I know in the back of my head that a big bad wolf is out there claiming another victim.

Right now as I type or as you read, I can tell you for a fact that another life fell victim to AIDS. Be it an innocent 9 year old girl who got raped and her bare bruised body strewn across a baren land. Or be it another helpless single mother of 5, now earning as a sex worker to feed those starving mouths.

The very same minute another has been diagnosed as diabetic, or hyperlipidemic or hypertensive. Or has just suffered a massive heart attack or MI. At least one man has lost his life to one of these fatal and dreadfully common diseases. And his family now mourns his death.

In another part of the world, women and children are dying as victims of war. Not because they wanted to fight or wanted to be heroes. But because war found them. Because inhumane war and war crimes spare noone. Be it man, woman or elderly. Be it a mother, child or an infant.

Another teenager has been dragged into the depths of the world of drugs and all that comes with it. Little does he know what lies at the end of the 'rainbow'. How many lives have we seen destroyed in the hands of drugs?

The world has become a monstorous land. Looking into the horizon I see a bleak future. Hopeless for a better tomorrow. Hopeless for a better generation to take over.

The big bad wolves continue their hunt... claiming more victims everyday...

Humanity before War

“On December 27th, Israel begins assault on Gaza, code-named "Operation Cast Lead", by launching air raids that kill more than 225 Palestinians.
One Israeli is killed and six others wounded in missile attacks by Palestinian fighters.”
To all those who think it was only fair of Israel to defend themselves - they took the life over 225 Palestinians for the life of one Israeli. As much as I believe every life on this planet is precious. Every single one.

Analysing Israeli soldiers skill in target selection,
“On January 3rd, as Israel begins its ground offensive in Gaza, at least 11 Palestinians, including one child, are killed after Israeli forces strike a mosque in the town of Beit Lahiya.On January 4th, an Israeli air strike hits two ambulances in Gaza, killing four paramedics.On January 6th, an Israeli strike on a UN school in the northern town of Jabaliya kills 43 Palestinians and injures at least 100 who had taken refuge inside the school. Israeli strikes hit two other schools, killing two in the southern town of Khan Younis and three in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.On January 8th, the UN's refugee organisation in Gaza suspends all aid deliveries after an Israeli tank attacks a UN convoy, killing one Palestinian driver and injuring two other people.”
What kind of heart and soul would one have to possess to target places like these? Are the Israeli troops actually aiming at destroying the so-called 'terrorist' activities or the innocent lives of women and children and refugees?

As per the latest figures,
“Israel says 10 Israeli soldiers and three civilians hit by Hamas rockets have been killed so far in the campaign…”
“Around 970 Palestinians have been killed, including some 400 women and children, and 4,300 have been wounded.”
The numbers say it all.Is this a war against terrorism for real or is it plain "genocide" as Mr Miguel d'Escoto out it?

Not only has Israel enetered a 'new' phase of their offensive, but they have moved onto to using more creative weapons.
“Israel is accused of firing white phosporous bombs on densely-populated Gaza in violation of international law.”

Where is all this headed? Nowhere but the slaughter of hundreds and thousands of lives. Psychological and physical trauma to thousands of women and children. Destruction of thousands of homes and property. May Allah bring an end to all this destruction and inhumane behaviour. May Allah give strength and hope to the suffering people.

Some people share what they went through during this hell of a chaos..(video available on Al-Jazeera):

- A Palestinian woman seriously injured, lying on a hospital bed recollects - "The tanks started bombarding us. I hugged my son. He was 2 and a half years old. He died in my arms. He was my only son. I had him after 21 years of marriage."

- A 5 year old boy tells us his story - "I saw soldier near the store. Then I could not see my mom. I was hit by a bullet in my arm. Then a bullet hit me in my back and came out from my stomach (he says pointing to his abdomen)"

- A very upset father - "My 3 daughters went out with their grandmother. Suddenly the Israeli forces opened fire on them from a very close distance. My eldest daughter was 8 years old. She was hit by 17 bullets. They ripped apart her chest. My other daughter was 2 years old. She was hit by 12 bullets. Both of them died.”

Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen - KNM

The Islahi Movement of Kerala is a reformist organization and movement of Muslims in Kerala with the goals of "fighting" prejudice, including anti-Hinduism, priesthood dependency, and polytheism, in essence attempting to remove the influence of Hinduism and non-Islamic native cultures.

The Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) was formed on 20 April 1950 in Kerala, south India, under the leadership of the scholars of the Islahi Movement in Kerala. Members of the organization call themselves Salafis. Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema (KJU), a body also composed of scholars, was established in 1924, and is still actively functioning. KNM was formed as a common platform for the tens of hundreds of common Islahi. K. M. Maulavi was the first president of KNM. The organization underwent a split about 2 or 3 years ago, with a splinter being formed under Hussain Madavoor, formed new group known as KNM (madavoor).The main reason for split is generation gap between ISM(youth) and KNM . the youth leader Dr:Hussain Madavoor understand that, the religion should interfear in social and plitical activities and introduce islam in new age and style. but the old KNM Scholars oppose these idea, because they are thinking ,no new style for da'wa and we should follow the old scholars and the way of salafi's.

Islam had reached Kerala during the period of Muhammad itself. Arabian traders who visited Kerala spread it, and they maintained a healthy relationship with the local people. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the Muslims in Kerala by large were of namesakes, lacking awareness of Islamic principles. They deviated from the path of Tawheed, the essence of Islamic faith. Muslim community was dominated by those who promoted Bid'ah. There was no formalized religious education systems existed. Qur'an was not taught, and its recitation was considered only for prosperity or curing diseases. Women were discouraged from acquiring any formal education.

The Islahi movement has created an organizational setup in Kerala in 1922 with the formation of ‘Muslim Aikya Sangham’. But it was in 1924, following the establishment of KJU, that the Islahi Movement acquired an organizational setup and began functioning systematically in Kerala.

Islahi scholars were also known leaders of freedom struggle, determined to drive out the foreign rulers from India, besides attempting spiritual and social rejuvenation of the Muslim community. Sanaulla Makthi Thangal, K. M. Jamaluddin Moulavi, Chalilakath Kunhahammed Haji, and Vakkom Abdul Qadar Moulavi were some of the scholars who have worked towards this goal. Leaders like Mohammed Abdul Rahman Sahib, E. K. Moidu Moulavi and K. M. Seethi Sahib upheld true Islamic spirit and prompted every individual of the society to do their duty to their homeland by participating in the Indian freedom struggle movement.

Followers of Islahi movement call themselves ‘mujahids’. The term mujahid means 'one who strives for a noble cause.' The Islahi Movement in Kerala is against terrorism in all its forms.

Islahi scholars had initially identified that one of the basic requirements of the Muslim community during those days was educational reform, and they set up an Education Board to work towards this goal. Under this board, Madrasas, or religious schools, were started in various parts of the state in a meticulous way with modern amenities.

It is an observation that the inspiration behind the establishment of major educational institutions in Kerala including a number of Arabic colleges, arts and science colleges, technical institutes, and schools was actually the activities if the Islahi movement.

The initiation of delivering Juma Khutuba in local language, Malayalam, was another step taken by the movement. It encouraged women’s education and their attendance in mosques, published Qur’an translations and religious books in Malayalam, and started the centralized distribution of Zakat fund to the poor and needy.

They have established orphanages in various parts of the state, and conducted campaigns against dowry, and other social evils. Through their books, magazines, and public speeches, the Islahi movement asked the Muslim public to distance themselves from Bida’a, to stick to the principles of Islam, and to follow ‘Sunnah’. Establishment of 'Qur'an Learning Schools (QLS)' in almost every part of north and central Kerala was considered to be a major activity carried out by the movement.

There are active Indian Islahi Centers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Recently Indian Islahi Centers have been setup in other cities in India, like Delhi,Bangalore and Chennai.


Reference:
Islahi Movement in Kerala
Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM)

Obama - 'The Change'?

And so Obama earns his 'throne'. Congrats to him. Not to mention I always favoured him over McCain from the very start.
However, the true challenge will be from here forth. To live upto the expectations he built. To keep the promises he made. And be the man he displayed himself to be.

What a bummer it would be if not...

I also heard one particular news reporter talking about how there was word going round that it would also be a challenge for him to 'stay alive' through the length of his term. He hasnt even settled in yet, and there are rumors of assassination going round? :o

Anyhoo, there is nothing that reporters will let slip past if there is a remote chance of making news of it - true or not - either way.

GoodLuck Obama. I sincerely hope you will be 'The Change' everyone has been waiting for. :)

Being Grateful

Today at the hospital we had a patient who presented with dizziness, headache, vomiting and abdominal pain. Clinical examination did not reveal any significant findings. However, a couple more minutes of conversation with him led to a most likely diagnosis.
The 19 year old was working at a construction site. He had come here from his country only 1 month ago. He had come here with high hopes for his future and his family's future. He had taken loans from friends and relatives to get here. Now he has a fine job! Working under the sun for 8 hours a day. A detailed enquiry into his diet revealed the most unhealthy eating habit ever. He has biscuits for breakfast (thats around 6 am) and rice for lunch at 12 pm and the next meal is biscuits again at 6 am the next morning. He has 2 meals a day, one of which comprises of "biscuits"! And there is absolutely no dinner! When asked why it is so, his answer was simply - "That's all the company provides us with". He is being paid a measly salary which is barely enough for him to send home. So he cannot afford to buy any food himself. He lives in a labor camp with millions of other labor workers. They are like around 10 men stuffed into a little room with as many bunkbeds as they can squeeze into it.
This meal is simply not adequate for a man who does laborious work under the sun everyday for 8 hours. In fact, any human being even if he were leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle needs 3 regular meals a day.
This man misses home and family, does not get enough to eat everyday, and is unhappy with his life, his work, and his pay. He cannot leave and go back home because it has been only one month since he has come, he has a huge amount of debt to pay off when he gets back and he has a family - his mom and dad - who have built high hopes for their son, and who depend on him for survival. How can he break their hearts?
It would only be surprising if a man in a mental state such as his be fit and healthy.
After hearing about his situation, I felt devastated. And deeply sorry for him. It also made me realize how blessed I am for having 3 meals a day on my table. I feel blessed to be able to live with my family.

Alhamdulillah! I am very grateful to Allah for everything He has given me, for everything He has blessed me with. La Howla Wa La Quwwatha Billah (There is no Power and no Strength except with Allah)

And I pray that Allah gives us all the provision to ensure that we have food on our tables at least 3 times a day. I pray that Allah does not put us in a postion where we cannot afford food to survive. I pray that Allah keeps us close to and dear to our family, especially our parents. I pray that Allah eases our difficulties. I pray that Allah prevent us from falling into such disturbing and difficult places as this man. And I pray that Allah makes this mans' life better and more satisfying and so for anyone else in a position as his.
Ameen.

So Close Yet So Far

Man has conquered distance like never before. The world has become a smaller place. Cell phones, chatrooms, video conferences and so on, have made communication over long distance as easy as visiting your next door neighbor. To have a conversation with a friend or relative half way across the globe is not an issue anymore.
There was a time though when communication was very difficult. Even over shorter distances. Even an urgent message would travel only as fast as the fastest horse or pigeon could. Or feet even. To have a conversation in person with a loved one or anyone for that matter, meant having to spend days of travel on horseback. Distances mattered and were of concern to many.
However, comparing the difference in relationships back in those days and as it is today – it is more than obvious where we stand. Inspite of the difficulties people faced back then, there was more genuine love and humanity then than there will ever be today. We are now living in an era where one has to watch out for betrayal and deceit coming even from within the family.
The big question is ‘Why’. Why is it that when technology has brought people closer together, it has corrupted their hearts?

.... will complete this when I get the time!

Remembering Death

Prior to accepting Islam, many things were happening in my life prompting me to change my ways. One such thing was a dream I had – well it was more like a nightmare actually. It started with my bed being placed in the middle of an abandoned warehouse. As I looked around, I suddenly became aware of two huge, robed figures standing at the foot of my bed. They took me by the hand and all of sudden we were at the base of a mountain. As we climbed they did not speak, just kept walking with quick, sure steps. When we reached the summit, they both pointed for me to look over the edge. As 1 did, a wave of scorching-hot air blasted me in the face. Beneath me was a sea of fire and blood. People, naked and piled on top of each other, were screaming in agony. They were imploring me to pull them out of the sea. But I was transfixed. I could do nothing but stand in horror at what I was seeing and hearing. When I awoke, I was shaken and utterly terrified. The only thought on my mind was I did not want to end up there.

Alhamdulillah, Allah guided me to Islam and the Sunnah of His Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the lesson of that dream, which was not dying in a state displeasing to Allah. Life and death belong to Allah alone. But if we look at our actions and how we spend our time, it seems that we think that we own both. We plan out our days, weeks and months, as if we were given guarantees that any of these days, weeks or months will come. We plan for life, while we do not plan for death. We live as if we would live in this world forever. We forget that this life is fleeting and that we all have an appointment with death that must be kept. It is a promise from Allah, subhanahu wataala, and whatever Allah promises must come to pass.



"Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be given what you earned. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of deception." Holy Qur'an (3:187)




He, subhanahu wata'ala, says, "Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be given what you earned. So, he who is prevented from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained his desire. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of deception ."[3:187] Death brings with it the true reality of our situations. About his the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "When one of you dies, he is shown his place (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is from the people of Heaven, then he is among the people of Heaven. And if he is from the people of Hell, then he is among the people of Hell. And it will be said to him, 'this is your place until Allah resurrects you on the Day of Judgment." (Muslim). Knowing this, arc we prepared to meet the Angel of Death?

If we knew we only had today to live, how would we live it? What would we do with our day? Are there bridges that need mending? Do we have grudges or misunderstandings that need to be set aright? Would we spend it in front of the television or in reading the book of Allah? Would we spend our final moments chasing down this worldly life or seeking the next life? Would we repent to our Lord? Would we be careful with every word, every deed, every glance and every thought? Would we safeguard our salah? Would we spend it in fasting and in giving charity? Would we spend our day with our families and our children? Would we tell them how much we love and appreciate them? Would we cry out of fear for what is about to befall us? If so, then why don't we do so every day? Every day is some-body's last day and today might be ours.

When death was approaching Umar after he had been stabbed, Abdullah ibn Abbas said to him, "O Commander of the Faithful! You accepted Islam when others disbelieved; you struggled along with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, when others deserted him; the Prophet, sallallahu alavhe wa sallam, died while he was pleased with you; no two people have disagreed on you and you are about to die a martyr." Umar replied, "The flattered is the one whom you flatter. By Allah, if I had what ever the sun rose upon I would give it away in order to protect myself from what is about to rise [upon me]."(TanbeehulGhafileen).

Umar was more pleasing in the sight of Allah than any of us can ever hope to be. Yet, he was fearful of what death brought. We, on the other hand, are secure in our false hopes and delusions. As we heedlessly zip though our days, we say, tomorrow, tomorrow. Unfortunately for most of us tomorrow never comes. So let us strive to do our best today. Let us resolve to remember death. When we purchase a new outfit, let us remember the burial shroud that will serve as our final outfit. When we arc outfitting our new homes and domiciles, let us remember the smallness of the grave. Let us remember to ask ourselves, will our deeds make it a place of rest or a place of torment?

Death, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhewa sallam, said is the robber of desires. By remembering death, the servants of Allah purify themselves and their actions. They acknowledge their feebleness and helplessness before the Lord of the Worlds and walk through this life with caution and hope. We should live as the companions of the Messenger o f Allah, sallallahu alavhe wa sallam, lived. If they lived to pray the Fajr, they did not hope to see the Isha; and if they made the Isha, they did not hope to see the Fajr. Let us not ever forget that this moment could be our last, and not put off until tomorrow what can, and should be done today.


- Sumayyah Bint Joan

Niche of Truth - Remembering Death

Looking Back...

"Hijabists"

There is a short but adequate list of certain groups of people who are hatable. Off the top of my head racists, sexists and the like. So why are they so easily put into a group where people can openly declare their hatred towards an entire group of people? It obviously has to do with a bit of stereotyping, disregard, discrimination and hostile behaviour.

It has been a while since I've noticed the very same attitude and behaviour towards, what some people like to label, "Hijabis". To begin with, its not even a proper terminology. It was coined by 'I dont know who' simply for the convinience of those people whom I will from hereforth refer to as "Hijabists"! I mean do you call a person wearing a dress, a dressi? Or someone wearing a scarf, a scarfi?Or a hatti? Then why must someone wearing a Hijab be reffered to as a Hijabi?

The term Hijab by itself means 'to cover' or 'to veil' or 'to protect/shelter'. It is also used to refer to the clothing that women use to cover themselves (their head). Although the term Hijab has a much vaster meaning than that. I shall do a write up on that inshaAllah.

Since the younger generation these days are fans of creating their vocabulary, and consider it 'cool' I'll skip to the real point.

There is a general (mis)understanding that a Hijab is like a magic cloak of some sort. Perhaps they believe its a piece of clothing for God Himself? Whatever the reason, people (including some Muslims) expect a woman in Hijab to be as perfect as an angel. There ought to be a transformation in them from whatever they were like into a new and improved being that is incapable of sin. For this reason, any behaviour on the part of a "Hijabi" that is flawed in any way is looked upon with disgust. The saying is "She's a Hijabi and she does that?!" with mouth wide open. Little do people realize that a women under a headscarf is still herself. She still carries the same personality. She is just like any other human being.

Just like different cultures have different traditional clothing, so do different religions. Making a decision to wear your religious outfit, simply means looking like the religion you belong to. It represents your religion. Wearing it does not by default mean you've taken a secret oath of perfection. You are still the same person and character.

So if you see imperfection or even repulsive behaviour in someone wearing a headscarf, its not something to awe about. They are humans too.

That being said, I must emphasize the fact that being a Muslim (with or without hijab), if you have sincerely accepted Islam, means you have taken an oath to try your best to attain perfection in the eyes of Allah.
I took that oath years before I took up the Hijab. Its a long journey that never ends. And I've only moved inches from the starting line over the years.

This is for all you "Hijabists" out there. We're not evil people.

The Phoenix

Butterflies seem to be flying again. Flowers blooming again. Birds singing again. And I seem to have developed the urge to write again. Why? I do not know. But I now feel the need to find time in my busy tight schedule to write again. I found an inspiration perhaps? Or inspiration found me? Either way, for better or for worse - I am going to start writing again. I pray I have not lost my touch. Hopefully, I will pick up again inshaAllah.

So much has happened since. So much has changed since. I feel different. I have changed too, I suppose.

An attempt to immerse myself in a hobby that used to bring me joy and peace. A world and space of my own.
:)

Peek-A-Boo

So many months of no blogging, and I miss it. Been quite busy this year. And I have no clue what to write about at the moment. Just wanted to add a post! I'll think of something. But that'll have to be later.

Ma'assalama.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.....

Man is never satisfied. He is forever complaining. Nothing ever satisfies him.

The stress during the exams was the killer type. The kind that doesnt allow you to sleep well, eat well nor be well. Disrupts your entire life, turns it upside down. And when it leaves, it leaves you in chaos - leaves you to pick up the fallen pieces and put them back together by yourself.

However, once its all done and you settle back down again.. you realize that your life is so empty with so much extra time at your hands. Time is at a stand still and no matter how many tasks you perform in a day, you still have nothing to do.

I have a list of objectives. But its hard to place them into a timetable, with so much time. I still manage to find large gaps filled with nothingness.

InshaAllah I shall figure out the best way to make the best use of the free time that I have at my hands right now. May Allah help me achieve this goal and make my life more purposeful.

Man is also the most ungrateful. He is never thankful for the blessings that he is given or bestowed with. Its shameful, yet a quality that describes every human being.

Alhamdulillah, we have a home with a roof over our heads to protect us from the rain and sun and snow. Alhamdulillah, we have at least 3 meals a day to keep ourselves alive. Alhamdulillah, we have eyes that allow us to see the beauty and color filled world around us. Alhamdulillah.

Exams

Yes, I'm trying to prepare for my exams. Not going to get into that detail.

Not been able to make a good post.

This was a nice read. God's Love

Go ahead and have a look.

Just to add, that I keep adding links on the right column there -->

You might wanna check it out now and then.

Thats about it for now. Perhaps after two weeks, I might come up with something to post. InshaAllah.

Intoxication

Refering to toxins of all kinds and sorts.

I'm going to start with stating the example of drug-abuse (crack/pot). The short-term effect of these drugs is anything but intoxicating. It is probably the best known escape from all the troubles in your life and the world. The euphoria and the light-headed feeling is to crave for - isnt it? However, it is the long-term use of it that is not just "harmful" rather it is "fatal". Not only does it kill you but gets you addicted so that you actually end up poisoning yourself. A devil by itself.

That would be intoxication of the physical body. My main focus is intoxication of the mind.

I once read an article on advertising skills and techniques. The use of a certain combination of colors has a special effect on the human mind. Also, the manner in which the advertisments are displayed make a difference. There was one example of how some brands flashed their advertisments during movie intervals, or between tv programs. Flashing these ads intermitently during shows, embeds it into your subconscious mind. And when you go shopping, your head automatically fancies the advertized brand over the one you previously used. Its inside your head, without your knowledge. Kids being the best victims. Do you find your child attracted to a certain brand because of advertisement? Intoxication? I believe so!

The above example of advertising was to show the possibility for intoxication of the mind. And the fact that some people do actually know about it, and use it to their advantage.

Moving on to the subject of my interest... Music. One that I have recently classified under toxins to the mind. One that I believe does in fact, unknowingly intoxicate us.

Certain music, is soothing to the mind. Known to cure and relieve tension and anxiety. How many of you know how long that effect lasts? It is actually a very short-lived effect. In some articles I read 15 minutes. Some others a few hours. Just like the effect of drugs. As long you keep taking the drugs, the effect is pleasing. As long you keep the music running, its soothing. But what are the long-term effects?

Music is addictive! This is a fact I derived from personal experience, and experiences of people I know. A need to listen to a certain song, the urge to have music running. Your life feeling empty without music. All signs of addiction. Time and again, there have been claims of the positive effects of music. How many of you have read up the negative effects of music? Just like music is known to soothe and calm some people, it is known to instill suicidal and homicidal tendencies is others. It is known to build criminals out of many. It is known to build sexually abusive tendencies in teens.

How many times have you found yourself humming to a catchy tune when you're studying or trying to concentrate? When you're waiting your turn at a dentist's clinic or worse - when you're praying? How many times have you tried really hard to get the tune out of your head so you can continue studying or concentrate on your prayer? Why are you not able to get rid of it? Why does it go round and round in your head? Intoxicating? I believe so.

I have no scientific proof or evidence to claim the validity of this belief. It is based on my observation and understanding.

The thoughts were provoked after my investigation into Islam's stance on the permissibility of Music. Interesting how many like to end by concluding "It is a controversial topic". Not because they truly mean it, but because of their love and passion for Music. Is it not odd, that music is so hard and difficult to give up? I see it as a sign of addiction again.

Its JPN, not JAP!! Why?!

I just newly discovered this myself (during one of the Japan matches). I decided to look up the dictionary myself. And here is what I found.

Jap
n. Offensive Slang
Used as a disparaging term for a person of Japanese birth or descent.
n. Offensive Slang
A Jewish-American girl or woman regarded as being pampered or overindulged.

I was actually quite surprised at what I found. Although, I dont recall having had to use "Jap", under normal circumstances, I would have simply considered it short for Japan, or Japanese even. Not anymore, I guess. There might actually be a chance that I get beaten up for using the term "Jap". Also, I found that it is actually equated to racial discrimination just as the term "Nigger" is considered.

Jap, n was first used in 1860 to refer to members of the Japanese embassy in the United States. It was later popularized during World War II to describe those of Japanese/Asian descent, and used as a disparaging term to describe Japanese people.

At the time, the word "Jap" was commonplace - and it wasn't a term of endearment. One online encyclopedia defines the word this way: "Jap is a slang term with a strongly negative connotation, a term used and proliferated by the US government during WWII to express hostility."

"Jap" at its simplest is just an abbreviation of "Japan" or "Japanese." It was first used by Westerners a few years after Commodore Matthew C. Perry forced Japan open to international trade at gunpoint 150 years ago. In 1860, when "Jap" was first used in America to describe the samurai and servants who were sent from Japan as part of the first U.S. diplomatic mission, the term was used merely for its brevity and convenience. There was no hatred or distrust for Japanese at the time.

Japanese themselves bore the brunt of blunt racism during the "Yellow Peril" scare of the early 1900s, with alien land laws preventing them from owning property, and attacks by white laborers. By the time Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, the term "Jap" carried a certain kind of venom in much of America.

During the war, "Jap" was painted with the blood of brutality - unfortunately committed by the Japanese themselves - and became an easy way to vent hate and anger at both Japanese and the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were sent to internment camps.

Many Americans find the term extremely offensive and racist, but a Japanese living in Japan would have trouble understanding their strong reactions, as the term would not be racist to him. Many non-Americans use the term as a natural abbreviation of the word "Japanese".

Oddly, one of the first hits on Google for "Jap" is "Jap.com" a Japanese run site, which would seem to indicate that at least some of the Japanese people do not consider the term perjorative.

Perhaps, it was due to the ignorance of this past, or because some of the Japanese themselves havent shown enough concern about this matter, that people are not as aware of this issue at hand.

Just thought that it would be a piece of useful information to share, in case you end up in such a situation.

Extracts from wikipedia & http://www.jref.com/nikkeiview/jap.shtml

The World Cup Syndrome

Some like to call it "The World Cup Fever" and some call it "The World Cup Mania". And whatever else you like to call it, it all boils down to the same thing.

It involves a wide range of symtpoms, varying from person to person, from time to time, from game to game and from country to country.

The major factor in play here is a soccer ball (pic below).


The ball is kicked around a field, the details of which are shown in the picture below.


The game is played every four years, and this year is currently being played in Germany, in the following cities - Berlin, Hamburg, Hannover, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Leipzig, Koln (Cologne), Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and Munich.

There are 32 countries taking part this year - Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Serbia and Montenegro, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine and United States of America.

Each game is between two teams, each consisting of eleven players (thats 22 players and a referee on the field at a time. The aim of the game is to get the ball into the opponent's goal, and prevent it from going into your own. All this fuss and hassle to win the "Fifa World Cup".


The World Cup Syndrome however, does not affect the players but rather the audience, who watch the matches. The event lasts for a whole month, and the same for the syndrome. For some the syndrome may last for over a month, sorta like a hangover.

The symptoms, as I mentioned vary from person to person. The term 'fever' is usually a misnomer, because rarely does anyone actually experience a rise in temperature. The most common symtpom is tachycardia and palpitations (an increase in heart rate). Sweating is a common phenomenon. There are also a wide range of mental symptoms including euphoria, depression, frustration, anger and sudden mood swings. The mental symptoms may last even after the one month long games are over. That 'hangover' usually comprises of either euphoria and light-headedness, or depression and frustration. Insomnia is another commonly observed symptom, sometimes due to nightmares and sometimes of unknown cause. Some patients were known to complain of incoherent speech, inability to concentrate, and lack of performance at work place. Rarely, there are patients who complain of an exacerbation in their allergies.

Some patients have been found to have an increased tendency to lie, act and exaggerate. Most common lies being, back ache or pain in the back and the patient usually enters the clinic with an exaggerated stoop, and hand on his back, claiming that he is unable to stand up straight and perform well at work. There is always the 'fall' excuse. Falling from stairs, from table tops, from side-walks, from work places, construction sites, etc is very common. These patients usually enter the clinic limping or accompanied by two other partners in crime.

Studies show that this one month shows an increase in the number of patients at hospitals, a majority of whom approach the doctor for a sick leave from work for a few days. The same patients are seen visiting another doctor a few days later. Requests for leave at work shoots to a maximum. In some cases, the boss himself/herself is on leave as well. Governments suffer great losses during this one month period.

After the month period, there has been found to be an increase in the number of patients visiting the ophthalmologist. All complaining of increased tearing, pain in the eye, and/or decreased or blurred vision.

No treatment has yet been found for this syndrome. However, symptomatic treamnet can be provided. Treatement of each symptom, one by one.

I have recently discovered that I suffer from a mild form of this disease. Get yourself checked right away!

P.S. Live Fifa score updates --> http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/
Live updated commentry Blog --> http://www.worldcupblog.org

Pretty Pink Glasses

Here's a story I remembered from my school days. Its about two men at a hospital. Their beds were beside each other. Which is why they have a story together.

Both the men were bed-ridden. However, one of them had the advantage of having his bed by the window, so that he could have a view of world outside the dreaded hospital walls. The other man, however did not enjoy this luxury. And so the man with his bed by the window, used to narrate what he could see in order to help his new found friend paint a picture of the beauty outside - in his head.

He used to talk about the beauty of the blue sky, the birds flying by every now and then, and most of all the beauty of the stream that ran by past the hospital premises. Everyday, he would repeat what he could see, making it sound ever more beautiful each time he spoke of it.

Several days passed, and the two men became really good friends. And then there came the day when the man by the window died and his bed was carried away. The other man was saddened and dis-heartened by this event. A few days later he asked one of the nurses to allow his bed to be moved closer to the window, so that he could get a look at the scenery his friend had painted for him in his head.

The nurse agreed. With all excitement he propped up and peered out the window. To his dismay, all he could see was an old brick wall. He called the nurse, and asked when and why the brick wall was built there. She said, the wall has always been there. The man was confused. So he told the nurse about how his friend had seen the sky, a stream and the birds. She smiled and told him that his friend had been blind from the very start!

Its the choice of the spectator to see what he wishes to see. You choose your own colors. You choose the colors that you view the world with. Whether it be 'Black and White' or whether it be 'PINK'!!

Thinking Too Hard

Life has strange ways. This usually goes without saying. But I simply can't stress that enough.

Every day of our life, we go about our usual chores. The same routine sometimes. A few changes here and there sometimes. And in this manner days go by, weeks go by, months go by and then you find several years going by.

So many hours, so many minutes, so many seconds. All skipping along serving no purpose, leaving no meaning and not having affected anyone or anything in anyway.

Yet, in comparison to all those millions of hours that I find speeding past me, I find myself thinking of the few seconds that have meant the most, those which have left a lasting impact and those which had a purpose for existing.

It may have been the few seconds I was waiting for the elevator. Or waiting inside the elevator. Or waiting for the bus. Sometimes, the few seconds before I fall asleep. The few moments I spend at the window, looking down at the world.

Inspite of the fact, that it was only a few seconds, in comparison to the number of hours I've lived, those seconds have been more worthwhile than any number of hours I've spent. Some very important facts and observations dawn on me during these idle moments in life. They may seem idle for an on-looker at least. However, in those few seconds I manage to be able to skim through my entire life, or life events and analyze them - if not each one by one, at least in general.

I realize what I've achieved so far, and what I haven't. How much meaning my life has, and how much it doesn't. What I've lived for so far, and what I haven't. What I should have been doing and what I shouldn't. In what way certain things have influenced me, and in what way they havent. They way life is, and the way it should have been. And several of other things.

And the seconds after that, when I snap out of it (or when I'm forced to snap out of it) I try my best to make a change in the way I best can. I try my best to make a difference based on what just hit me.

I read this today, on my friends laptop :D ....
It is narrated by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Allah said, 'The son of Adam annoys Me for he abuses Ad-Dahr (Time) though I am Ad-Dahr (Time); in My Hands are all things, and I cause the revolution of day and night." ( Sahih Bukhari)