A Technical Note for my readers Many of you know I’ve been writing my reflections on an Acer running Windows for years. With Windows 10 reaching its end, I’ve switched to Linux Mint. The laptop feels brand new—faster, cleaner, and free of the resource-heavy antivirus software. I find Linux brings a spirit of independence to my digital life. UPDATE: At the moment GOOGLE, YOUTUBE, FIREFOX and countless OPEN SOURCE Organisations, enable us to maintain a degree of freedom and respect as human beings.
“Your existence is a marathon."
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON LIFE?
Many people believe that the purpose of life is to find personal happiness, fulfillment, and meaning. This could involve pursuing passions, building meaningful relationships, or making a positive impact on the world. For others, the purpose of life is tied to their spiritual or religious beliefs. These beliefs may offer a sense of purpose, direction, and connection to a higher power. Others find meaning in contributing to society or making a positive difference in the lives of others.
This could involve volunteering,
advocating for social justice, or pursuing a career that benefits the
community. Some people believe that the purpose of life is to learn, grow, and
develop as individuals. This could involve exploring new experiences, challenging
oneself, and striving to become the best version of oneself. It can be said
that your environment, culture, religious beliefs and upbringing do play a
significant role in your approach to life. At the end of the day, you are what you are. That is your created state (fitrah). There is no right or wrong answer,
and it may change over time as life experiences and perspectives evolve. (10 Sept 2024)
OUR APPROACH TO ISLAM
Our approach to Islam for decades has been and still is based on a Traditional approach to studying Islam. There is nothing wrong with this approach but it is subject orientated and specific in nature. It does not take in the whole picture. For example, an ustad/ustazah may quote a Hadith on building a mosque and your reward would be a palace in paradise. This is valid but if you study accounting there is a 'profit-loss' account and if you go bust you would lose everything. In an Islamic context, lose your 'palace' in paradise.
It is this approach based on Qur'anic verses and Ahadith that produces incomplete pictures of existence. Take example the call to Jihad in the Qur'an. Individuals with specific objectives sounded this call and many joined ISIS without realising that they were not actually fighting for Allah's cause but some proxy war with invested interest.
Even though what has been mentioned in Qur'an and Ahadith are valid, its not a 'short-cut' to salvation. If you are helped, it was probably due to Allah's mercy, but if you want to be really 'answered', you have to be 'close to Him'. In other words, you have to 'qualify' to enjoy assistance from Him. Duas are good but ask yourself how many of your own have been answered, which clearly indicates that Allah is not an 'emergency' life-line. You have to live up to 'expectations' and this requires 'total submission and surrender'.
Islam today is abused and manipulated to serve 'invested interest'. If you really want to 'be a Muslim' in a true sense then get down to understanding who Allah is and your relationship with Him; the purpose of creation, its creation and existence, and you are on your way to "Haqqul Yaqeen" (Certainity of Reality as it stands with Allah) not "Ilmul Yaqeen" (Certainty of Knowledge: Qur'anic terms). Ibnu Arabi is a master of reality and many of his book have been translated by William Chittick (Prof. at New York University). The study of Islamic Cosmology and Islamic Metaphysics will enlighten you on Creation. You will also find this information in Sahih Bukhari etc. Get these download free (look for pdf files) or email me:
Ibnu Abbas (r.a.) supplicated: "Ya Allah, by the Light (Nur) of your Face, which shines on the heavens and the earth, place me in Your fortress, Your protection, Your guardianship, and under Your shadow." The Qur'an states that "Only His Face remains". It is this Light that keeps us all alive. If this 'Veil of Light' is withdrawn everything will be destroyed (Bukhari).
10. Journey to The Lord of Power (A Sufi Manual of Retreat) by Ibnu Arabi.
Kindly recommend my blog to your friends. My email: hajimokhtar2@gmail.com
WISHING ALL MUSLIMS A BLESSED RAMADHAN,
"ALWAYS KEEP ALLAH IN YOUR HEART AND THE WORLD IN YOUR POCKET". - Haji Mokhtar Stork/Shaykh Mokhtar
SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
TAWHEED: Only Allah exist. There is no power greater than His. Nothing takes place without Him knowing and approving it as He deems fit. It is His Light (Nur) that keeps the whole Creation alive. His Light is within you, outside of you, everywhere and in everything. Everything is a manifestation of His Divine Names and Attributes. Those who understand this, know that their lives, like Creation is measured out by Him. Therefore, to succeed in this world and the next, you submit, serve within your means... only doing good without expectation, and you will reach your destination, enjoying Allah's pleasure. This is your Tawheed.
TAWAKKUL is the Essence of Tawheed. You will experience it when you reach the end of the road; when every effort of yours has failed; when you are demoralised... almost lost faith in all your beliefs and practices: That is the moment... the moment of total surrender to Allah, only then will Tawakkul in Allah suddenly become a reality to you, because it is the only thing left for you. It will seize your heart to have meaning and substance, otherwise, it just a word to you.
lAILATUL QADR is not just an event like looking at a 'bloody moon' eclipse. It goes beyond that. Throughout my life, I have experienced it in different ways. It is not on the same day for everyone. One does not witness it in accordance with one's desires because Allah does not attend to our whims and fancies. Therefore, if the desire is to seek Allah's forgiveness, mercy, kindness, love and affection, as well as being saved from the 'Blazing Fire of Hell' and the Torment of the Grave'.... your chances are greater. Often, it just happens to many unexpectedly because Allah loves those who purely serve Him, seeking nothing in return but His pleasure. Think about this and avoid joining the 'circus of sightseers'.
REVISED: The ISLAMIC COSMOLOGICAL APPROACH TO GOD AND CREATION (Mankind) (17 Oct, 2024)
All political Shia and Sunni preachers are blinded by the real fact that there is no Islamic State whatsoever. The Treaty of Hudaibiyah has been politically manipulated. The turmoil after the demise of the Prophet s.a.w., his burial and the election process that followed (found in Ahadith), clearly indicate the politics of the Quraish (the wealthy and powerful, especially those who contributed towards Islam). It is this politics that sidelined Ali and his family. The Prophet clearly declared: I leave two things behind, the Word of Allah and the Sunnah of the Ahlul Bayt (they were never Shia'!) It is this universal disease between the Sunni and Shia' that has witnessed collections of Ahadith selected to suit them and in almost every other matter. Unfortunately, the real victims are the Ahlul Bayt, who should lead the way.
GOD'S LIGHT (NUR) DETERMINES YOUR FAITH (192 pages 5x7): published 2024
Summary: What I am presenting here is an Analogical Argument based on God’s Light (Nur) and how it determines Fate. This has not been previously presented, mentioned or written. Traditionally, we have viewed Creation as a process taking place within “six days” according to the Qur’an, (Surah A’raf 7:54). In the world of science, the ‘Big Bang’ theory represents the way the universe came into existence without a God. This theory can be viewed as God creating Creation in darkness with His Light (Nur). This Analogical Argument deals with 1). The Creation as a whole, 2). The Creation of Adam, and 3). Qada and Qadar (Preordainment). By viewing Creation in this manner, we are able to conclude that the amount of Light (Nur) from God, as determined by Him, forms the basis and foundation of existence. The ‘amount of Light (Nur) a person receives from God’ at the time of his/her inception into the world, has a relationship with scientific evidence concerning Criminality, Down Syndrome etc.
Previously Published Books
