eem to have moulded laws only for narrow interests. We use religion to propagate hatred against the very human beings for whom these laws were framed. We manipulate situations.We polarise human sentiments to divide people. Really, religion seems to be a tool of destruction. But our own age teaches us wisdom, if we would only learn it.An Englishmen came to Gandhiji and said, I read the Bhagvad Gita and I liked it. Gandhiji replied that he liked it, too and read it daily. The man then said, “But I found it better than the Bible.” Gandhiji answered: “But I read the Bible also and I like it too.” The man said: “I find the Gita is better and want to switch my faith to Hinduism.” Gandhiji said: “I think you haven’t read the Bible properly. You are not yet a good Christian, how can you become a good Hindu? You better go back and try to be a good Christian. The day you do it successfully you will be a good human being, too. And that day the religious wall within your heart will begin to shrink and you will not only be a good Christian but also a good Hindu, a good Muslim, and a good Jew too.”So the difference is only within our heart. Otherwise, we are one species, defined by the common term “humanity”. The proof of this is the feeling that rises in our heart whenever we find any disaster or calamity has hurt human beings in any part of the world. We shouldn’t lose our faith. But blind faith is disastrous, so let us be rational and not lend our ear to demagogues or religious contractors. They take us away from faith in God and love for each other to irrational and illogical hatred and make us encroach unjustly on the faith of our fellow human beings.
No faith better then Love
Should religion break hearts or fill them with love and affection for others?We s
eem to have moulded laws only for narrow interests. We use religion to propagate hatred against the very human beings for whom these laws were framed. We manipulate situations.We polarise human sentiments to divide people. Really, religion seems to be a tool of destruction. But our own age teaches us wisdom, if we would only learn it.An Englishmen came to Gandhiji and said, I read the Bhagvad Gita and I liked it. Gandhiji replied that he liked it, too and read it daily. The man then said, “But I found it better than the Bible.” Gandhiji answered: “But I read the Bible also and I like it too.” The man said: “I find the Gita is better and want to switch my faith to Hinduism.” Gandhiji said: “I think you haven’t read the Bible properly. You are not yet a good Christian, how can you become a good Hindu? You better go back and try to be a good Christian. The day you do it successfully you will be a good human being, too. And that day the religious wall within your heart will begin to shrink and you will not only be a good Christian but also a good Hindu, a good Muslim, and a good Jew too.”So the difference is only within our heart. Otherwise, we are one species, defined by the common term “humanity”. The proof of this is the feeling that rises in our heart whenever we find any disaster or calamity has hurt human beings in any part of the world. We shouldn’t lose our faith. But blind faith is disastrous, so let us be rational and not lend our ear to demagogues or religious contractors. They take us away from faith in God and love for each other to irrational and illogical hatred and make us encroach unjustly on the faith of our fellow human beings.
eem to have moulded laws only for narrow interests. We use religion to propagate hatred against the very human beings for whom these laws were framed. We manipulate situations.We polarise human sentiments to divide people. Really, religion seems to be a tool of destruction. But our own age teaches us wisdom, if we would only learn it.An Englishmen came to Gandhiji and said, I read the Bhagvad Gita and I liked it. Gandhiji replied that he liked it, too and read it daily. The man then said, “But I found it better than the Bible.” Gandhiji answered: “But I read the Bible also and I like it too.” The man said: “I find the Gita is better and want to switch my faith to Hinduism.” Gandhiji said: “I think you haven’t read the Bible properly. You are not yet a good Christian, how can you become a good Hindu? You better go back and try to be a good Christian. The day you do it successfully you will be a good human being, too. And that day the religious wall within your heart will begin to shrink and you will not only be a good Christian but also a good Hindu, a good Muslim, and a good Jew too.”So the difference is only within our heart. Otherwise, we are one species, defined by the common term “humanity”. The proof of this is the feeling that rises in our heart whenever we find any disaster or calamity has hurt human beings in any part of the world. We shouldn’t lose our faith. But blind faith is disastrous, so let us be rational and not lend our ear to demagogues or religious contractors. They take us away from faith in God and love for each other to irrational and illogical hatred and make us encroach unjustly on the faith of our fellow human beings.
The bargain for Paradise
Religion is not about empty ritual but about faith. Nor can it be a compulsion on any one. But it’s curious how true devotion always seems to pay you back. One of my favourite stories about this concerns Bahlol of Baghdad, known as Bahlol Diwana.One day Bahlol was by the riverside making a sandcastle, like children do. Zubaiyda, wife of Caliph Haroon-al-Rashid happened to pass by. She was kind hearted enough to ask, "Bahlol! What are you doing?""Constructing a home for Paradise," replied Bahlol."Please would you sell this house to me?""Yes, I can, but for 100 dinars."Since Zubaiyda wanted to help Bahlol in any way she could, she immediately paid him the amount.Bahlol asked, "Don't you need a receipt?"“Just write it up and send it to me later,” replied Zubaiyda.When the Caliph came to know about it, he laughed at his wife. Meanwhile Bahlol distributed that money among the poor as he usually did.That very night Zubaiyda had a dream. She saw a big garden, the like of which she had never seen before. In it was a splendid palace, rich with jewels and decorated sumptuously A river flowed by, its banks blooming with flowers. Zubaiyda was given a receipt, written in gold, and was told that this was the Garden that she had bought from Bahlol. Zubaiyda woke up and told Haroon about it. Early in the morning, Haroon summoned Bahlol and asked to buy a house, too. Bahlol laughe
d aloud. “Sorry, they are out of stock now. And even if I had one, I regret to say that I may not have given it to you, because Zubaiyda bought it without seeing (the reward). Whereas, you want to buy one now because you see gain in it.” Haroon felt ashamed but now it was too late.It can be said that real rewards come through faith, not greed. God seems to best admire those services rendered without any motive but goodwill.Almighty loves the act of Sacrifice
Almighty says; submit yourself to the welfare of the mankind. Almighty loves the submission of will and to sacrifice all that a person loves without any condition.
In a dream Abraham saw himself sacrificing his son. It was mere a dream but Abraham considered it a command from his lord. Although Ismail was replaced by a sheep but his devotion was considered of a high degree. So high that it is declared a Sunnat and is to be replicated till the day of judgement.
We people often claim about day to day donations and so called charity. In reality what we do? Donate our useless things or the petty amounts! For a naked poor we have the useless clothes. Even for a hungry fellow we have a food that have been kept for our pets or to throw it away. So it is ridiculous to say; Almighty is not showering the blessings although we are generous.
Hazrat Ali, the Muslim caliph was sitting by Fatima on her death bed. Fatima you have never asked for anything in your life said Ali. At least provide me an opportunity to serve you once in a life. Can you bring me a pomegranate said Fatima.
Ali left the home and stiff search he managed to get a piece of pomegranate from a fruit seller. On his way back home he saw an ailing person. Ali stopped for a while and asked for his wish.He too made the same wish.Ali parted the piece and served him the one. Finishing it the fellow asked for a more. Ali again made two pieces and served the one to the sick fellow but he wasn't satisfied yet. In the end Ali returned home empty handed but he had no sign of failure on his face. It was the only wish Fatima had made to him and it was he who had forced her to ask for a boon. He had failed to fulfill his own words but he was satisfied. For him the poor sick fellow was in more need for pomegranate as he had never tasted it. So was Ali and his acts raised him to the highest place of humanity.
The point to say is that a the best sacrifice is one that you love the most. Almighty is pleased when the most valuable or important thing is given away in the way of Allah.Condition is that the submission or the donation should be generous and there shall be no intention of rewards. Almighty is there to look after. He know all your needs so never expect any quick gains. Once you are in a real need you will accordingly be rewarded.
In a dream Abraham saw himself sacrificing his son. It was mere a dream but Abraham considered it a command from his lord. Although Ismail was replaced by a sheep but his devotion was considered of a high degree. So high that it is declared a Sunnat and is to be replicated till the day of judgement.
We people often claim about day to day donations and so called charity. In reality what we do? Donate our useless things or the petty amounts! For a naked poor we have the useless clothes. Even for a hungry fellow we have a food that have been kept for our pets or to throw it away. So it is ridiculous to say; Almighty is not showering the blessings although we are generous.
Hazrat Ali, the Muslim caliph was sitting by Fatima on her death bed. Fatima you have never asked for anything in your life said Ali. At least provide me an opportunity to serve you once in a life. Can you bring me a pomegranate said Fatima.
Ali left the home and stiff search he managed to get a piece of pomegranate from a fruit seller. On his way back home he saw an ailing person. Ali stopped for a while and asked for his wish.He too made the same wish.Ali parted the piece and served him the one. Finishing it the fellow asked for a more. Ali again made two pieces and served the one to the sick fellow but he wasn't satisfied yet. In the end Ali returned home empty handed but he had no sign of failure on his face. It was the only wish Fatima had made to him and it was he who had forced her to ask for a boon. He had failed to fulfill his own words but he was satisfied. For him the poor sick fellow was in more need for pomegranate as he had never tasted it. So was Ali and his acts raised him to the highest place of humanity.
The point to say is that a the best sacrifice is one that you love the most. Almighty is pleased when the most valuable or important thing is given away in the way of Allah.Condition is that the submission or the donation should be generous and there shall be no intention of rewards. Almighty is there to look after. He know all your needs so never expect any quick gains. Once you are in a real need you will accordingly be rewarded.
The Grace of Mercy
Showing mercy towards others is one of the acts that Allah like the most. After all, human is destined to err and their faults should be forgiven with ease. Fault doesn't lye in erring but in repeating it. Those who err are human and those who repeat are fools but those who forgive generously are the greats.There are many instances in the history of mankind where we find that the worst enemies have been forgiven. Who can forget the mercy shown by victorious Prophet Muhammad against the pagans of Mecca, even though they had forced him to live his home and live in exile.
There is another story related to one of the member of Prophet's Family. One dark night Imam Zainul Abidin, found a person in refuge behind the shrubs. By appearance he seemed to be a person deserted from the battlefield. Who is there, asked the Imam. Without waiting for a response he offered the man with water and food, which he carried with him. Come to my place dear and take rest, as you seem to be tired. In the morning we will meet again and then we will talk about your miseries. The men silently followed him. Imam welcomed him with courtesy and offered him the clothes to change and a bed to sleep.
The man could not sleep the whole night. In the morning he tried to escape the place unnoticed. He failed as he saw Imam was already awakened and was completing his morning prayers. Where are you going Sanaan, asked the Imam? The man fell to his feet. O Maula! You recognized this betrayer and the man of sins, asked Sanaan. Yes, last night only, replied the Imam. Sanaan I know you are the one who had killed my brother Akbar at the battlefield of Karbela. I also recognize as one of the worst enemy for the day of Ashoura. Then why didn't you kill me, asked Sanaan ibn Anas. You were in trouble Sanaan and I found you in my refuge so how can I kill you? Moreover Sanaan I have been taught to be kind towards the human. You were my enemy in Karbela and now I find no reason to kill a person who himself seem to be ailing of his sins, addeda the Imam.
Sanaan you can leave after having a breakfast with me. For your crime it is Allah who has to decide now. I may have forgiven had the crime was committed against me. Your victim is not in this world so let Allah judge your acts. Don't you remember the words of holy Prophet about showing mercy? He used to say that forgiving a person for his sins has thousand rewards in the form of grace from Allah, said the Imam.
The following citation may be the best example of forgiving and having mercy towards human being, even though he is your enemy.
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