‘The Sufi’s book is not of ink and letters; it is nothing but a heart white as snow’ (Mevlana Rumi, Mathnawi II.159)
Peace, one and all…
So much of my life is about separation and division. O God, Thief of Hearts, let me not live in this way anymore. Let me find that connected centre within my Self, and let me always live from and in that place.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
The annual Examinations Board took place this morning. For those unfamiliar, this is the committee within academic departments that decides all final exam results, and thus is responsible for awarding degrees.
As you might expect, given its seriousness, the Exam Board is an important and sometimes stressful affair, in which every individual student case is discussed in some depth. Given my role as the Student Support Officer, I have a particular engagement with this Board. It’s my job to officially report all special circumstances to the Board, which is then taken into consideration when awarding grades and grade averages.
Al hamdu lillah, on the whole, this year’s Board passed without real incident. However, I was struck by the different approaches people have to the issue of special cases. Some people err on the side of the student, and are vociferous in arguing for as inflated a mark as possible. Or, where there is a problem, such people will continually argue for mercy, highlighting a whole raft of extenuating circumstances by way of mitigation.
Others, it seems, are far more concerned to uphold justice (or the integrity of institutional procedures). Such people are, it seems, very concerned to maintain the strict application of the rules, and where there are special cases, will argue for justice, with less emphasis on mitigating factors.
All perfectly normal, you might argue, and of course, you’d be right. Such is the way of things. However, what did strike me though was the thought that, in some reflected, derivative manner, this distinction reminded me of the two broad categories of God’s attributes (as understood within the Islamic tradition). That is, some people seemed to echo the divine qualities of compassion, tenderness, mercy and forgiveness. Others seemed to echo the divine qualities of justice, balance and fair judgement.
What also struck me is the seemingly unconscious way in which these differences manifest themselves. As I was sitting there this morning, it was as if I could almost hear these two groups of people congealing into two separate ‘entities’, if you know what I mean.
But, this all begs the question: where do I fit in? Well, for those with eyes to see, there are many clues on offer. Firstly, my Muslim name is Abdur Rahman (servant of the Merciful). Secondly, as a Student Support Officer and Muslim Chaplain much of my work involves pastoral and academic care. Well, let me just admit it here and now. I err on the side of mercy and forgiveness. Indeed, may God never find me being judgemental!
Wa akhiru da’wana an il hamdu lillahi rabbil alameen.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
‘I have lost the central thread of my awareness. Limping in this uncertain air, I pray for God to do whatever God does. But which I of me is asking? There are many, some wavering, some solid. This prayer is, Please clear for me the me that wants Your presence.’
(Shaykh Baha’ al-Din Valad, Father of Mevlana Rumi, Ma`arif 1:275)
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
‘Whenever one of you is affected by distress and sorrow, he must bring it to the knowledge of his brother so that he may remove the gloom of grief and agony from your heart’
(Imam Ali, may God ennoble his countenance, Wasa’il al-shi`ah, vol. 2, p. 55)
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
Last week saw the first discussion event of the newly formed Valleys Faith Forum. Our first discussion topic was ‘what is a faith?’ and related questions. Al hamdu lillah, it was a really interesting evening, with some very useful round-table discussions.
The topic was excellently introduced by a colleague of mine, Professor Christine Trevett. It was a fascinating opening, which really set the stage for some interesting discussions. I have to say, though, that I was not at all surprised! I have had the pleasure of teaching with Professor Trevett for the last two academic years, and so I am fully aware of the depth of her insight and scholarship.
The aim of the evening was really just to kick around some ideas, and for us all to get used to discussing things with each other. It wasn’t a very large group, about 20 people I’d say. But, I’m convinced that this kind of work (in its initial stages at least) is best done in small groups.
As a result of this, another colleague of mine and myself have started a little one-on-one dialogue. He’s a Christian priest (of the Anglican denomination). We spent a very pleasant hour together today over lunch, where we discussed all sorts of things relating to life, religion and God. Ya Allah! I really enjoyed it, and I’m sure I’ll benefit greatly from such dialogue (insha Allah).
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
The Messenger of God (alaihi al-salatu wa al-salam) said: ‘There is no harming or returning harm for harm’
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
Phew! Thank goodness for the weekend! What a week it’s been!
Layla’s recent arrival has, of course, meant that we’re all busy at home. Moreover, work is very busy at present. It’s Exam Board time again, which means marking, marking and more marking! On Monday and Tuesday, I marked 115 first year exam papers! So, by Wednesday my brain had turned to slush! I’ve also been using the car far more than I usually do, which means that I’ve not been writing as much poetry as I have been.
I also had an unexpected visit from my two Turkish friends. They were visiting the UK on an academic matter, and stopped off in Cardiff. Al hamdu lillah, we went to jumu’ah together and then I took them on to London.
Next week promises to be even busier, as Exam Boards always bring lots of last minute details to iron out.
Insha Allah, things will return to normal soon!
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
The beautiful calligraphy above is modelled on traditional Ottoman calligraphy and presents the text of a traditional poem. The text runs thus:
‘Do not say ‘Who will guide me on the path of love?’ Just get on the road and God gives success’.
Ma sha Allah. Source.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
Dr. Ataullah Siddiqui, a noted Muslim academic and the co-ordinator of my Muslim Chaplaincy course, has recently produced an in-depth report about Islam in Universities, for the Department for Education and Skills. You can find a copy here and here.
As this is an important topic, with all sorts of implications beyond chaplaincy, I aim to explore this document in some detail in the coming weeks, insha Allah.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Malik Ul Mulk Lashareeka Lahoo
Wahadahoo Laa Ilaahaa Illaahoo
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Yeh Zameen Jab Na Thii Yeh Jahaan Jab Na Thaa
Chaand Suraj Na Thay Aasman Jab Na Tha
Raaz-E-Haq Bhi Kisi Per Ayaan Jab Na Tha
Tab Na Tha Kuch Yahaan Tha Magar Tu Hee Tu
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Sana Bashar K Liyeah Bashar Sana K Liyeah
Tamaam Hamd Sazawaar Hai Khuda K Liyeah
Ata K Samnay Yarab Khata Ka Zikar He Kya
Tu Ata K Liyeah Hai Bashar Khata K Liyeah
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Kiyoon Piyaa Ibn-E-Haidar Nay Jaam-E-Fanaa
Khaal Khichwai Tabraiz Ne Kiyoon Bhala
Daar Per Charh Ke Mansoor Nay Kia Kaha
Sab Banatay Khilonay Lay Raha Tu He Tu
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Laa Ilaahaa Teri Shaan Ya Wahdahoo
Tu Khayaal-O-Tajassus Tu He Aarzoo
Aankh Ki Roshni Dil Ki Awaaz Tu
Tha Bhi Tu! Hai Bhi Tu! Hoga Bhi Tu Hee Tu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
Allah Huu! Allah Huu! Allah Huu!
I recently found the lyrics to one of my favourtie Qawwali songs, Allah Huu, by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Insha Allah, I’ll post the English translation shortly.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
An interesting story, by a Zen master:
‘A novice asks a Master: “What happens when we die?” the Master shrugs and says, “I don’t know.” “But you’re a Zen Master!” protests the student. “Yes,” responds the Master. “but I’m not a DEAD Zen Master.’
Turban tip to The Imugi.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
‘Purification is cleansing oneself. There are two kinds of cleanliness. One, exterior, is ordained by the precepts of the religion and is carried out by washing one’s body with pure water. The other, inner purification, is obtained through the realisation of the dirt in one’s being, being aware of one’s sins and sincerely repenting for them. This inner purification necessitates taking a spiritual path and is taught by a spiritual teacher.
According to the religious rules and precepts, one becomes impure and one’s ablution is broken when certain bodily matter such as faeces, urine, vomit, pus, blood, semen, etc, is expelled. This necessitates the renewal of the ablution. In the case of semen and menstrual bleeding a total washing of the body is necessary. In other cases, the exposed extremities of the body – the hands and forearms, the face and feet – must be washed. Concerning renewing one’s ablution our Master the Prophet (alaihi al-salatui wa al-salam) said: ‘At each renewal of ablution Allah renews the belief of His servant whose light of faith is repolished and shines brighter,’ and ‘Repeated purification by ablution is light upon light’.
Inner purity can also be lost, perhaps more often than outer purity, by bad character, arrogance, lying, gossiping, slandering, envy and anger. Conscious and unconscious acts by one’s sense soil the spirit: the mouth which eats unlawful food, the lips which lie and curse, the ear which listens to gossip and slander, the hand which strikes, the feet which follow the tyrant. Adultery, which is also a sin, is not performed only in bed; as the Prophet (alaihi al-salatui wa al-salam) says, ‘The eyes also commit adultery’.
When inner purity is thus soiled and spiritual ablution is broken, the renewal of ablution is by sincere repentance, which is performed by realising one’s fault, by painful regret accompanied by tears (which are the water washing away the dirt from the spirit), by intending never to repeat this fault, by wishing to leave all faults, by asking the forgiveness of Allah, and by praying that He prevent one from committing such a sin again.
To pray is to present oneself in front of one’s Lord. To have ablution, to be in a purified state, is a prerequisite for prayer. The wise know that the cleanliness of one’s exterior being is not sufficient, for Allah sees deep into one’s heart, which has to be given the ablution of repentance. Only then is prayer accepted. Allah says:
‘This is what was promised for you - for every one who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept (His law)’ (Sura Qaf: 32)
The purification of the body and exterior ablution in accordance with religioous precepts is bound by time, for sleep cancels ablution as well. This cleanliness is tied to the day and the night of the life of this world. The cleanliness of the inner world, the ablution of the invisible self, is not limited by time. It is for the whole of life – not only the temporal life of this world, but also for the eternal life of the hereafter’
(Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, The Secret of Secrets, 71-72)
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
In a recent post, our worthy brother Akash asks a very interesting series of questions. As I understand it (and given my recent marking-fest, I may be a little frazzled), the essential questions are:
What do you, my worthy readers, think about these questions? Answers on a postcard please!
Seriously, I am very interested in exploring these ideas further, so a discussion would be great. My thanks to Akash bhai for his (as usual) thought-provoking questions.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Allahu Ackbar! I’ve just finished the first wave of exam marking. Al hamdu lillah! I’ve had to wade through papers on early Islam. I enjoy teaching, of course, but marking is a very tiring exercise.
So, by way of relaxation, here are some fine examples of Islamic calligraphy.
Taken from: elshaarani.com (Ma sha Allah, a very beautiful site).
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
‘It is the depth and vibrancy of friendship that brings beauty to your life. Friendship is the ground you plan your tree in, the fertile basis of your flourishing. Friendship creates a continuous vitality around you, and in you. The friend may be a bird, or a cat, or a frail person who is dying. Still, if the friendship is strong, it will purify the circle of your living as a drop of the prophet’s blood does the ground it falls on.
True friends sacrifice wealth and reputation, everything, for each other. When asked why, they say, I wish I had more to give. Abu Bakr and the other companions of Muhammad lived in such a friendship’
(Shaykh Baha’ al-Din Valad, father of Mevlana Rumi, Ma’arif 1:310)
And may we all be so blessed!
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
I was recently asked to lead a brief prayer/reflection at a local Christian theological college. I wanted to share the text of this with you. Regular readers will recognise part of it as an earlier post on beauty.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Peace, one and all…
The Messenger of God (alaihi al-salatu wa al-salam) said, ‘A Muslim never gives a fellow Muslim a better gift than wisdom through which God increases him in guidance or turns him away from harmful behaviour’
(Recorded by al-Baihaqi)
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
Car Bomb Found in Central London
June 29, 2007Peace, one and all…
I turned on BBC news this morning to be greeted with their newly unfolding story regarding a car bomb found in central London. Apparently, so the early reports suggest, members of the public reported a suspicious car driving along Haymarket (near Piccadilly Circus) at 2:00 am this morning. It seems that the driver of the car crashed it into some dustbins before running off into the night. When police investigated the situation, they found a ‘potentially viable explosive device’. In other words, it seems that they discovered a car bomb, of an as yet indeterminate size.
Although the situation is clearly unfolding by the minute, a bomb going off in the West End of London at 2:00 am would have caused serious harm. For those unfamiliar with London’s night life, this part of the city is the entertainment centre, and is extremely busy at this time of night.
Of course, our thoughts immediately turn to al-Qaeda and others of a similar ilk. At this moment in time, I’d like to make a suggestion: let’s wait and see before we jump to conclusions, and say (or especially do) anything we may later regret.
If it is the work of a Muslim, though (and it’s still an if at this stage), let me state unequivocally that I condemn such acts. The bombing of civilian targets has no place in Islam. For further useful information, see this fatwa of a leading Islamic scholar (it is rather long, but certainly worthwhile).
Ya Qahhar! Save us from ourselves, lest we destroy this world which You have made.
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
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