Salvation 3

Salaam All

Night 23

Salvation is when the Compassionate God rescues you from the weight of sin, the guilt of sin and the future of Hell, and gives you everlasting happiness, everlasting peace and eternity in Heaven. This is the great salvation.

When personal guilt in relation to a past event becomes a continuous cloud over your life, you are locked in a mental prison. You have become your own jailer. Although you should not erase your responsibility for the past, when you make the past your jailer, you destroy your future. It is such a great moment of liberation when you learn to forgive yourself, let the burden go, and walk out into a new path of promise and possibility. Many make empty New Years resolutions...Ramadan is the month to have a permanent makeover because you have God on your side. Self-compassion is a wonderful gift to give yourself...as God's compassion washes over you like the rain this morning.

The Quran challenges us to think and let go of those things that really don't make sense. 

In this short but beautifully constructed Chapter 103 you will find 4 gems:

1. By the essence of all time.

2. Verily, all humankind is in deep loss.

3. Except those who (1) believe in the God and (2)perform good works and (3) remind each other of the truth and (4) remind each other to be patient (sabr).

Make those 4 resolutions in verse 3...to God.

In this impatient world (Did you put in my credit yet? and less than a minute had passed) let's talk about Sabr:

Hurry up and WAIT

Patient waiting is a difficult virtue. We are used to getting whatever we want, whenever we want it. We are accustomed to placing an order, and getting it almost immediately. You can't get your religion from Amazon.com by next day air.

Though instant results are exciting, we lose the value of learning to wait. There is something character-building about desiring something, then taking the steps necessary to acquire it. The longer it takes to acquire something, the more we will likely value it.

This must certainly be true for our spiritual lives, as well. God rarely gives us precisely what we ask for, or what we need, at the exact moment in which we ask it. Instead, we receive it gradually, slowly, incrementally.

This is also an attitude of submission, because as we wait, we acknowledge that we do not expect God to act on our time schedule. God is free to act as God wills. God is not a waiter who takes our order, then rushes around to get it filled and served to us as quickly as possible.

True prayer is always ultimately an act of patient waiting. We acknowledge who God is, make plain our need, and then leave the rest to God.

Shamal...In this month of reflection think about the unfathomable beauty of God's love for us.

 

 

Salvation 2

Salaam All

Night 22

Salvation is the creative act of God – not us making ourselves better!

Simply using the term "salvation" brings about visions of pulpit pounding, running from satan and sin, and getting your fire insurance. Salvation however is a four-letter word.

“And God is Lord of Extreme Grace” Al-Baqara 2.105 reframes the salvation experience and allows it to be what it is - LOVE...God's love for man and man's response to that love. Grace is a primary characteristic of God. Grace means that we receive the love and mercy of God through no merit of our own, but simply because of God’s great compassion and tenderness.

And this is what we seek in the last ten days of Ramadan which are considered the most sacred; Muhammad (p) spent intense nights in prayer during this period. It is also the period during which Laylat al-Qadr, or The Night of Power, occurs. This is the night in which the Quran was revealed.

Muslims believe that this night is “better than a thousand months,” and that those who spend their time in acts of worship on this night earn special favour and reward with God. Some even go so far as to live inside the mosque for the entire ten day period, in a constant regimen of prayer and worship – this is called “i`tikaf.” In many mosques there will be sleeping bags, pillows and backpacks for those who had moved in to observe i’tikaf.

There is an overriding sense of building anticipation, of hope, during these last ten days.

Hope is a commendable thing, because it is a source of incentive, whereas despair is reprehensible and is the antithesis of hope, because it distracts from prayer/work. Know that action on account of hope is of a higher order than action on account of fear, because those who are nearest to God are those who love Him most, and love dominates hope.

The state of hope produces sustained spiritual combat through actions, and perseverance in obedience.  Among its effects are finding pleasure in unbroken acceptance with God, contentment in private prayer with Him and fondness for deferring to Him.

Shamal...Make supplications like this:  O God you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me. This is an antidote for our sinful sickness.

 

Salvation 1

Salaam All

 

God distributed the Gift of Mercy in the first 10 nights. Then He distributed the Gift of Forgiveness in the 2nd ten nights. And in these last ten nights The Gift of Salvation/Emancipation from Eternal Destruction is on offer. It's the 21st night in Ramadan. So need you be told how EASY it is to be granted.

 

Billions of misguided people see migration to the wealthy zones of the world as their only salvation.

Billions more know where true salvation lies.

 

In these last 10 nights there is one special night that is called the Night of Power/Glory/Destiny. It's on this Night that the Quran was revealed. No human knows the exact night so in essence what one has to do is spend time in intense devotion to God...like in a search for this special night. So instead of slacking off in the spiritual race...we have to summon extra strength from the depths of your soul in the quest to spiritualize our humanness. To become sacred. We are souls. We are spirits. We have the very image of God imprinted in us. In fact, that is what defines us, that is what gives us our identity and marks us as sacred beings.

 

So here are the verses that speak of the night of Power/Glory/Destiny...the most mystical night...a time when the Divine & the human get very close

 

Chapter 97

(1)BEHOLD, from on high have We bestowed this divine writ on a Night of Destiny.

(2) And what could make you conceive what it is, that Night of Destiny?

(3) The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months:

(4) In hosts descend the angels & the Spirit, bearing divine inspiration by their Sustainer's leave; from all that may happen

(5) PEACE does it make secure, until the rise of the dawn

 

A conscious realization of the sanctity of this night acts as a shield against unworthy thoughts and inclinations.

 

It is reported from Aisha, that she said: “O Messenger of God! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr (The Night of Power) was, then what should I say in it?” He said: "Say: O God you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me." These special transcendent words emanating from a reverent soul and finding expression on grateful lips, polishes our heart so that it glitters...do not leave your heart in a tarnished state.

 

Shamal...

Let's awake from the slumber of ignorance and see the dawn of knowledge.

Forgiveness 10

Salaam All

 

We are at the 20th night of Ramadan which means it's the last night of the Gift of Forgiveness...so here's a beautiful supplication during the course of tonight: Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)

 

Conquering Mecca: This ONE magnanimous gesture of forgiveness by Prophet Muhammad (p) continues to shape the world 1400 years later. It echoes & reverberates enlightening the world. Pay close attention...it's by no accident that Michael Hart in his book The 100 named Muhammad (p) the No. 1 personality in the history of humanity....as a leader both on the spiritual & secular levels.

 

Read the following and you'll also understand...

 

The Prophet (peace) asked the people how they thought he was going to deal with them, now that he had conquered Mecca. They replied “as a noble brother” that they expected nothing but goodness from him and he would deal with them kindly. By both Arab and Biblical tradition he reserved the right to march into Mecca and slaughter all the men and take their women as slaves. Yet Muhammad (p) declared general amnesty for all, establishing a paradigm for forgiveness in the moment of his utmost political power. Compare that conquering via forgiveness with Western powers trying to conquer via weapons of mass destruction and losing.

 

It is one thing to preach nonviolence and forgiveness when one is politically inferior, entirely another to mercifully forgive when one has the power to demolish.

 

The Prophet (pbuh) spoke telling them “I speak to you in the same words of the Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) peace be with him, who spoke to his brothers” and Muhammad (pbuh) recited a passage from a chapter of the Quran relating to the story of Yusuf (pbuh): “No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful”. Then he announced to them that they are free and they may go where they please.

 

His old nemesis Abu Sufyan, who had risen up against Muhammad so many times in war, feared for his safety, and yet Muhammad specifically declared Abu Sufyan’s house a sanctuary. There is a time to win people over in war, and there is a time to win people over by the charm of one’s personality. This was a time for mercy.

 

On this day, Muhammad even forgave an ex-follower who had apostatized and return to paganism. The rest of the conquest of Mecca, was also a tale of forgiveness and amnesty. And like this the Prophet (pbuh) granted his forgiveness to his former enemies, those who wanted to destroy his belief, his reputation, his life and his associates not long ago. He forgave them all men and women that came to him or his companions. So here we see his mercy for mankind, which Muslims can only describe as a gift from the Giver of all things. As we read in from the Quran “We sent you, Muhammad not, but as a Mercy for all creatures”.

 

All can learn from this act of selflessness by Muhammad (pbuh). It exposed the true aim of his mission as a messenger of God, which was to establish Islam (literally meaning ‘peace’ and ‘submission’), for mankind. A religion not based on vengefulness and war and confusion, but of freedom from strife, God awareness and submission to the One.

 

There is THAT country that uses war, drones, terror, murder, confusion, fear...but still tries to convince the world that it's the opposite. Fools and hypocrites...these are the greatest dangers to mankind...and they proliferate amongst political leaders.

 

For a society to flourish and achieve the best of its ability, forgiveness must be a main concern. Mecca under the leadership of Muhammad (p) is the world's blueprint for Mercy & Forgiveness.

 

Shamal...the politicians of this country need to take Prophet Muhammad (p) and actions such as the above as their guide...otherwise they would NOT be counted except as among the worst of humanity.

Forgiveness 9

Salaam All

 

We've become an obsessive compulsive society addicted to anything and everything. Alcohol, drugs of all types, gambling, gaming, porn, porn & more porn, violence, excess social networking, excess television, excess shopping, always wanting the latest gadgets to SHOW OFF. More, more, more is never enough. Corporate fascism run amok has rendered every society hollowed out to the core. Every TV ad with dancing young people drinking alcohol should be countered with the suffering of millions of other people.

 

Even in line for prayer people are fiddling with their phones...now how stupid and senseless is that...

 

So there is a lot of excesses that are really emptinesses that are really sins...It time to call on God and refocus our lives.

 

We view God as the ultimate Santa Claus, as we send requests north to heaven. Today’s devotional is about a simple important prayer that actually has a guarantee from God. Yes, it is guaranteed to always be answered with a “yes.” Drumroll, please!

 

That prayer is, “God, please forgive me.”

 

You see, when it comes to forgiveness for the mistakes, slip ups, sins, and bad things we have done, the hardest part is to say those powerful words with sincerity. So our role in this process is really quite simple, contrary to what our flesh, the world, or Satan influences us to think: we must humble ourselves & ask God's forgiveness.

 

The sooner we can grasp and believe that the forgiveness prayer is always answered “yes”, (especially in these nights of Ramadan), the easier it is to rid ourselves of the dysfunctional shame, guilt, remorse and accumulated emotional weight of past sins. So many of us carry that around like a huge stone. So, ask for God’s forgiveness right now and each time you misstep each day. Don’t let the many sins you commit accumulate and hinder your powerful relationship and direct communication with God.

 

We all allow our past sins to influence our present lenses and lives. What past sin eats at your view of yourself … your self-esteem … or your ability to relate well with someone close? What is the effect of that sin? Why do you still let it influence you? Confess and dig into God’s word to access different lenses so you can see the complete forgiveness God has for you! This corrective lens surgery will truly free you. Dig deep into your heart, identify distortions and struggle areas, then apply God’s healing words so you can see clearly. Having the humility to ask for and accept God’s forgiveness and grace is your decision, so choose well.

 

Shamal...sing with me "I can see clearly now my sins are gone...I can see all obstacles in my way" lalalalaaala

Forgiveness 8

Salaam All

 

The Quran gives glad tidings to ALL religions: "Those who believe and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabians - whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does right - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. (2:62)
Religions all over the world preach the act of forgiveness for attaining peace of mind.

 

According to Buddhism, forgiveness “averts harmful emotion” which can cause great harm to our mental well being and fill us with discontentment and frustration.

 

In Islam, Allah is described as “The Most Forgiving.”

 

The Hindu thought considers “forgiveness as the greatest virtue which each one of us should have.” The Bhagvad Gita says “if you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive.” 

 

Christianity also preaches the doctrine of forgiveness. The Bible says: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgives you.(Colossians 3:13)”

 

Isn’t it possible that the diversity of religions and faith traditions on earth are designed to complement, undergird, and support each other? Isn’t it possible that by coming together, rather than by fighting each other, we might actually discover deeper truths and possibilities?

 

Each faith tradition holds only a couple of the pieces that together make up the grand jigsaw puzzle of God’s glorious intentions for the world. We make the mistake of thinking that our pieces are the puzzle. But this is because we can’t see the finished picture. We only see a part of the puzzle. Instead, we need everyone else’s piece. Only when all the pieces are in place, fitting together neatly, can we see what God had intended in the first place. This religious diversity shouldn’t scare us; rather, it should excite and inspire us.

 

Besides, God is big. Our attempts to limit God, to shrink God within the boundaries of our own officially-recognized revelation, is a disservice to the Divine. It limits the Limitless One, and attempts to make God into an idol that we can control and sell. We must humbly acknowledge that God is infinitely bigger than our convictions, no matter how well-honed and intellectually sound. At times, we have to shut up and let the silence of God overwhelm us.

 

All our faith traditions recognize that God transcends our human limitations, and works in us despite our misunderstandings, sins, and fallibilities. And not just in our own traditions, but in all the traditions of the world, in every nation, every ethnic group, every family.

 

God is the source of this diversity. Reread that quote from the Quran.

 

Shamal...let's accept our convictions as gifts, rather than possessions that must be held with a closed fist.

 

Forgiveness 7

Salaam All

 

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close to them. I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when they call on Me" Quran 2:186

 

Purification of your character is a wonderful side-effect, if you will, of Prayer. Prayer helps you forgive the “unforgivable”; love the “unlovable”; understand the “unfathomable”, have compassion for the “enemy”, and show kindness for the “unkind”.

 

Forgiveness is something many people talk about but never truly do. It’s hard! Deep wounds from being wronged can fester for lifetimes, and the negative energy of the act weighs heavy on one’s shoulders.

 

Psychological trauma can be buried deep. It can appear suddenly, viciously, without warning - and with devastating effects. The ability to truly forgive and let go is critical to psychological health. Forgiveness applies whether you need to forgive someone else, or yourself. The burden of the stress caused by psychological trauma is very heavy and can even manifest in the body as disease or illness. Prayer releases this stress from the physical body and the mind. 

 

As you go deep into prayer, you lose your sense of self. That is, you lose your identification with your struggles and pain. Thoughts of “I am upset; I am hurt; I am a victim; I am a survivor” and similar thoughts that keep the negative energy alive, dissipate.

 

You go beyond that, in prayer. You go beyond experiences and your interpretations of those experiences, to a state of ‘being’ - just being, not doing, not identified with your actions and experiences. In this state, love comes easily. Forgiveness and compassion are natural. By entering this state of unity, you purify yourself of thoughts that are ego-driven.

 

The awareness to truly see your own flaws is important for personal growth to occur. During prayer, you strip away the layers of rationalizations and excuses for why you act the way you do. This is difficult introspection, but ultimately as you see your own character flaws, you also begin to see yourself in others.

 

We all share aspects of the flaws that make us human. Understanding our flaws brings the ability to improve ourselves, and at the same time have compassion for others.

 

Intense spiritual training - specifically, the mental training of prayer, produces physical change that is permanent. The point of this is that prayer can help you reach a more enlightened state of being that is more loving, compassionate, kind, forgiving, understanding... and happy. If at the end of Ramadan you reach this state...then you can rest easy that your Ramadan was successful. If you continue to get angry quickly, still hurling insults...then....

 

Shamal...if your prayer tonight is led by someone who reads the Quran like a race car or without calmness and in a sweet tone none of the above will occur. Prayer must be meditative if we want God to respond to the prayer.