Wednesday, November 29, 2006
While sitting in some random corner of the mosque, trying to absorb the pearls of wisdom dropped by a Shaykh, one specific comment was very interesting and thought provoking.
It is not enough to simply have a good intention. The act must also be in accordance with the Quran and the sunnah. In fact, when Allah talks about it in the Quran, He first mentions the importance of carrying out the act correctly and then the intention. If the act is correct and intention wrong, a person can always change it but if the act is something unlawful, then no matter how pious the intention, it will not be accepted.
We were discussing on how Muslims tend to compromise their principles at times in claim for a greater good. But the end do not justify the means.
It is not enough to simply have a good intention. The act must also be in accordance with the Quran and the sunnah. In fact, when Allah talks about it in the Quran, He first mentions the importance of carrying out the act correctly and then the intention. If the act is correct and intention wrong, a person can always change it but if the act is something unlawful, then no matter how pious the intention, it will not be accepted.
We were discussing on how Muslims tend to compromise their principles at times in claim for a greater good. But the end do not justify the means.
I share an office with a self confessed atheist. A middle-aged man with broad shoulders, he remains in good shape due to frequent jogs in Arctic like weather when most decide to hibernate.
It’s the same routine every morning. Lazily strolling into the office, I find him on the phone talking to his wife and school aged children. I don’t mean to eavesdrop but when you’re in the same office, any conversation is impossible to block out and not that he tries either.
One of his conversations with his eldest daughter, barely in junior high, struck a deep chord within me. He inquired about the preparations of the Christmas list. She must have mis-understood and began to recite off the list of presents she wanted. He corrected her and asked whether she has a list prepared for those not as fortunate.
He advised to buy a present for a girl of her own age and donate it. Then he named off more kids, possibly around the neighborhood or the family, who she should consider buying gifts.
I was nearly moved to tears.
It’s the same routine every morning. Lazily strolling into the office, I find him on the phone talking to his wife and school aged children. I don’t mean to eavesdrop but when you’re in the same office, any conversation is impossible to block out and not that he tries either.
One of his conversations with his eldest daughter, barely in junior high, struck a deep chord within me. He inquired about the preparations of the Christmas list. She must have mis-understood and began to recite off the list of presents she wanted. He corrected her and asked whether she has a list prepared for those not as fortunate.
He advised to buy a present for a girl of her own age and donate it. Then he named off more kids, possibly around the neighborhood or the family, who she should consider buying gifts.
I was nearly moved to tears.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Been thinking about a return to blogging. There have been sudden urges but they die out before I can act. It's the purpose that's lacking, the one thing that stops me every time.
Why should I blog?
I need some more time.
Why should I blog?
I need some more time.
Labels: personal