Be Brave !!!

Peace !

Its now or never - to wake up>

Have Good week!

Peace !

YOU WILL LOVE THESE GUYS!

You will love these guys – Suleiman mirza and mate. These two ordinary guys with extra-ordinary talents given the chance to express themselves.

Britons, you are great for allowing these two ordinary guys to achieve their dreams. Suleiman Mirza, a minority British of Pakistani descent especially is so talented! He has achieved his impossible dreams!

I love societies that allow young people to express their talents. Good job Britain’s Got Talent!!! God bless you all!

You can watch them here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaBsshIYT2w

CAN'T WE JUST LET IT BE???

I have found many times in this country it is "tough" to be a Muslim, especially if you want to practice your faith as you understand.

For example, the song "Let It Be" by Beatles used to be my comforting and inspiring song to uplift me during my teens when I find that the going gets tough. Till today, automatically the song rhymes in my head when something challenging or disastrous happens.

To my Muslim mind, it means "redha". 'I with me', there are no problems. But I remember when I spoke about this song in my teens, an ustad overheard this and rebuked me: " How can you listen to this song and say it is nice? Jaga, nanti termasuk kristian".

To day of course if any person tells me the same thing that the ustad said I will probably ask him if he really thinks I am stupid as I may look or as weak as him to falter in faith due to a song. I wished people can just see the main message without reading too much into something that is probably born from their prejudice or insecurity.

But I would have thought that such a phenomenon would have died many years ago but no...even up to date, if you are a Muslim, you may find another Muslim (a complete stranger whom you never even knew existed before that) coming up to you and telling you what you can and you cannot do as a Muslim. (but be sure, he will not be giving you any money or an opportunity to make money - that is something private!) They will be busy wanting to save your souls but your body - you can do it on your own!

Over the years, we Muslims seem to have cultivated a culture whereby when it comes to "religious matters" it is not necessarily private and anyone else who has the "religious credentials" or appears to have can talk down to you and tell you how to behave - otherwise, you can be sent to stand in the corner of society! In matters of religion, you may be treated like you are still a child!

After many, many years and with total faith in Allah, I now will like to share publicly a very inspiring song by the Beatles - "Let It Be"...let Allah's grace shower upon all of us to bring forth love and understanding irrespective of our diverse backgrounds.

Peace !

MICHEAL JACKSON, HAVE A GOOD JOURNEY BACK HOME.

This morning when a friend smsed me that "Micheal Jackson had died", I did not know how to respond. I know that he had planned a tour of comeback in July in London. I was looking forward to it. Man proposes, God disposes, they say.

Now he has returned Home. The human part of me was sad. He had a great impact on me - more than any politician or religious cleric ever could. His life itself was a major message. His songs and dance were powerful reminders of many things, if you "see" beyond the "pop" culture. I do not know what I could write at this moment as there are so many things flying in my mind, all at the same time.

I just wrote about him on 1st June - some 25 days ago. I have been thinking of him for the past two days. I was going to write about him over the weekend, but never thought this is what I will be writing.


His Early days: - One day in your life



The Transformed Micheal: - I will remember the times you shed light in my life, Mikey



Mikey, you are right - at Home, it doesn't matter if your are Black or White. Why should it matter now? I wish we can remember you by understanding this song.



Mikey, have a pleasant journey Home.

Peace !

MICHEAL JACKSON

I have always liked Micheal Jackson songs and his dancing for along time. In fact he is probably the only artist whose development in the music industry I followed. In a sense, I use him to compare with my developments in my life and end up concluding that he has so much greater discipline and persistence than I do!

He is, of course the undisputed King of Pop. KING. A self made King from scratch who resides in the hearts of those who like his songs. Surely, even if you hate his songs, you must admire the fact that with all the odds against him, he managed to be KING.

Funny, many of his songs remind me of the signs of the Creator especially the one called the Man in the Mirror - so inward looking. Every time I hear that song, I feel that I have done so little in this world. Every time I hear that song, it is a reminder NOT to point fingers at others but criticize myself first. Amazing that Micheal Jackson had a greater impact on me than any cleric in constantly reminding me of the Creator. I suppose it has to do with perceptions - the window of your soul.

MIkey, like all of us, you have to journey your own path. Thank you for mingling with mine. I sincerely wish that you will pass all the tests that are laid on your journey.

Mikey's Earth song reminds me of so many verses from the Quran and in particular this one:

"Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same
as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the
same as those who turn aside from the right?" (Quran :38:28)




Earth Song Lyrics - Micheal Jackson

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaah

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaah

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah
Aaaaaaaaaaah Aaaaaaaaaaaah

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
(ooo,ooo)
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)
What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
(ooo, ooo)
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by creed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
(ooo, ooo)
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What was us)
What about death again
(ooo, ooo)
Do we give a damn