Archive for the 'Interpersonal Relationship' Category
Pakistan's Oil and Gas Exploration Torpedoed!
Pakistan's oil and gas exploration has been torpedoed by the alien interests for fear of uncontrollably boosting Pakistan's strategic, economic military position on top of mega-project CPEC and giving a free pass to its obvious beneficiary China becoming secure and economically efficient with regards to its oil and gas needs; hence becoming more aggressive and pronounced, in its counter-weight super-power posturing.
India, Beduin Pentagon and some other countries would have lost a big chunk of their revenues and standing in international as well as regional affairs. Containment of China and clumsily botched regional—the super-power role of India would have been heavily marginalized.
Given the estimations of the discovery of huge quantities, it may, by default, be a boon to, under the heavy regimen of sanctions, Iran and Venezuela.
In its first assessment, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) estimated that Pakistan had massive deposits of 10,159 trillion cubic feet of shale gas and 2.3 trillion barrels of shale oil – figures that were several times higher than those released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
PROLIFIC BLOCKS & GOOD DATA
Chairperson of P.M Imran Khan's Task Force on energy reforms had rightly boastfully said the blocks for auction were "prolific and … (had) good data", with interested companies including Saudi Arabia's Aramco, Exxon Mobil and Russia's Gazprom.
Only about 4 percent of Pakistan's landmass has been explored, and the success rate, with one out of three wells making a find, is above the international average, he said. He also said at least three more offshore blocks have also been carved out near where Eni and Exxon are searching for gas.
"We will be auctioning those … probably next year."
[Given the turn of events, it seems highly improbable that these blocks will be auctioned any time soon]
ExxonMobil, along with OGDC, PPL, and Italian energy firm Eni, each holds 25 percent interest in Block G located offshore Pakistan which is operated by Eni Pakistan Limited.
The block is located approximately 143 miles (230 kilometers) off the coast of Pakistan in a water depth of about 6,200 feet (1,900 meters).
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2019/01/24/4th-5the-generation-war-waged-against-pakistan/
Tags:Aramco, by default beneficiaries?, Containment of China, CPEC rattling the world, Eni, exxon, Gazprom., Heavily sanctioned regimes, helpless OPEC, India-botched regional power, OGDC, Oil and Bedouin Pentagon, Oil and Gas Game., Pak Exp;oration torpedoes!, PPL, Prolific Block and good data, rightly boastfully decalred, Shale gas in Pakistan, Shale oil in Pakistan.
Posted in Blogroll, Current events., Interpersonal Relationship, Muslim World, POLITICS, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Justice With Terror
An activist Chief-Justice of Pakistan Supreme Court–Mian Saqib Nisar–(above) retired yesterday with a panoply of feathers in his hat. History would remember him with both; admiration and scoffing. He sure won my kudos for much of what he did while, come on, give me a break! for bragging; sleeping for 3 hours only, bargaining for RS. 1000B of looted money with Malik Riaz to get him absolved of all crimes, Idolizing an aider/abettor of political-Dons' lawyer; Aitazaz Ahsan. This was way out of the whack.
He created a sense of terror; which is "inevitable" in countries like Pakistan, where the incumbent government is impotent and everyone else has been busy plundering, robbing and hurting it for 70+ years as a norm.
New Chief-Justice–Asif Saeed Khosa (above)–took oath at the hands of an educated, professional and clean President. This sure is a sign of fortune for a country; with enormous potentials and strategically positioned, like Pakistan.
Tags:activist cJ, Builder Don, corruption and sense of terror, inevitability, inevitable sense of terror, Justice with terror, lack of professionalism, Political Don's lawyer, robbery a norm, wrong idolizing
Posted in Behavior, Blogroll, Current events., Interpersonal Relationship, Just saying, Muslim World, POLITICS, PSYCHOLOGY., Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Existential Amiss
Common sense, Reason, Logic, Causality, Imagination, Morality & Ethics!
I intended to write this piece in a secular fashion but the overwhelming relevance of the Divine wisdom kept piercing through my thought canvas, hence surrendered making it part of the discourse. Human discourse or argumentation, anyway, barely scratches the obvious externalities of the issues while the Divine wisdom put forth the internally woven realities in a succinct yet aptly simple manner. One may notice the examples of such Subtleties in the course of reading this treatise.
Had Common sense, reason and logic been potent enough to reach the absolute certainty of the conclusions drawn, there would have been no need for the Divine religions to barge in. All of these tools are perceptual or experiential outcomes of human endeavors which; given the deficient nature of human faculties; are incapable of coming even remotely close to the level of Divine Wisdom; Revelation, the only fait accompli. (A subtle hint/deduced from Q, 17; 37) Hence some of the precepts of the religion are above and beyond the realm of human commonsense, causality, reason and logic, exuding perfect certitude and submission. (A state of affairs enormously repugnant and conceptually unacceptable to the secularists, anti-religionists and non-believers)
Note:- similar debate has been going on for long. a brief excerpt is quoted here.
[The innovative Jahmiyyah and Their Relatives from Ahl al-Kalaam Asharis and Maturidis fought the greatest battle and contention between the followers of the revealed Books and the sent Messengers and between the followers of the Hellenized Jews, Christians and Sabeans. Those who contradict the revealed texts with their reason (aql), and think the reason is definitive over the revealed texts].
Common sense is really not as common as perceived. Variegated sense perceptions render it somewhat-common, partially-common, quasi-common or purely individualistic rather than really-common in the true sense of the word.
Reason and Logic are even more disparate; propitious-reason and logic; sometimes referred to as rationality; are used to justify a conclusion, one is at home with. (Rational bias) A slightest dissension or differentiation would entail disapproval or divergence. Therefore, all these tools may create some sort of near or quasi-convergence but not an absolute or conclusive one. Logic is derived from the Greek word "logos". In Muslim Philosophy another Grecian alternative "monads"*1 is used instead, to justify a position/stance by distinguishing a good reason from the bad one. It is only the Divine revelation (wisdom, word) which is flawless, absolute and ultimate-truth; authoritative in its perception, understanding and validity…worthy of even blind-Faith.
Kurt Gödel puts it succinctly as follow:-
The logical axioms that underlie everyday things like arithmetic depend on us accepting as reasonable the notion that infinity comes in several different sizes.
In Islamic parlance, however "pristine-reason" (Haq al Yaqeen); in the absence of a human messenger; is considered to be potent enough for a rational being to come; at least, to the cognition of the existence and oneness of God, hence obviating disbelief. "Pristine-reason" here, is "elevated to the status of a "non-human-messenger" of God, for reason gains an edge when the logic fails rational being. (Deduced from Q, 17: 15)
Contemplative tools; human faculties, given the amiss, may help us reach the level of most probable/likely certainty (in the temporal, ancillary and ritualistic matters) but not that of an absolute certitude (in the core matters of belief/faith); which is only possible by Divine consent/intervention through the heart (Q, 10:100), as in the above case of cognition of God's Oneness. Here the externality of this intervention cloaked in the garb of; "pristine-human-reason", is upgraded to the status of "non-human-messenger"
Non-believer's obstinate rejection of the Divine, religious injunctions and that of hereafter; though based on (tenuous and vitiated) reason, logic and common sense, amply explains their state of affairs. (Q, 10:100)
*1 Universal Spirit, the first cause, singularity, Divine, Intermediary agent etc.
Imam Ghazali;- "With regard to sense-perception says; it made him very hesitant to accept the infallibility of reason. He believed in the testimony of sense till it was contradicted by the verdict of reason. Well, perhaps there is above reason another judge who; if appeared, would convict reason of falsity and if such a third arbiter is not yet apparent it does not follow that he does not exist."
When Imam Ghazali could not reconcile the philosophical dispensations with the Divine wisdom, (Obviously there is no comparison between the two; one represents the mundaneness, while the other, word of the Divine) he turned to Sufism.
In quantum physics (Double-Slit) experiment, our act of observing something seems to change what's observed – we are ourselves part of the experiment. Is this the ultimate problem of self-reference, one that suggests a limit to how much we can ever reason about—our surroundings—the universe?
Role of the religion, therefore, becomes inevitable; for it presents us with flawless and absolute truth; which is perceptually-authoritative and practically valid, engendering "Taqwa". [Innate reverential-fear (Awe) of Allah (SWT). Distinct from the usual fear of other (agencies)]
An incisive consideration and pondering, on just two of the aspects of the divine religion: 1) Belief in the hereafter. 2) The contentment would vouch for and warrant religion's inevitability.
Belief in the hereafter is often considered a conceptual absurdity and theological fallacy hence rejected by the non-believers. Belief in the hereafter, however, is the source of immitigable hope and equity, which no atheistic belief/doctrine/philosophy may even, conceives to offer. Unbelief in the hereafter renders one scuttled of many realities. Such as; ultimate-reality; ultimate-hope; ultimate-triumph, and ultimate-Justice. One, without the belief in the hereafter, is like, latching onto the event-horizon of a black hole of hopelessness and despair. The statistics, available on depression/hopelessness resulting in suicide and homicide, is a vindication of this fact. Conversely, in the overwhelmingly religious affluent Middle East, there are hardly any such issues, hence NO mental hospitals needed.
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/scuttling-the-mental-capacity/
Contentment is a huge blessing for a rational being. When someone (even a non-believer) is suffering; no relief in sight; distressed/desperate, resorts back to God, is blessed with His mercy. (Q, 27:62) Overwhelmed with gratitude, he takes a sigh of relief and the most joyous sense of contentment sets in. (One's resorting back to God while distressed, means un-recalcitrant-submission; invigorating the innate impulses; meeting the pre-requisites; of belief in Him, His injunctions, including the belief in the hereafter).
"Is He [not best] who responds to the distressed/desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth?" (Q, 27:62)
"Deprived is the one who has been deprived of the reward of enduring distress" (Khidr–a.s) Fasting in the month of Ramadan from dawn to dusk is a fine practical example of it; whereby one is patiently content (nafs-al-mutmai'nna) all day long, hoping the accrual of the temporal and divinely rewards at the end of the day.
Faculties of thinking and the exercise of Free-will (choice) are also signs of deficiency on the part of the creation. Allah does not think but intends; for He is omnipotent; causer of both, the cause and the effect. Nothing wrong/bad may emanate from His essence (Q, 48:23); but from His schematic creational activities, such as the creation of rational beings inseminated with good and bad. "Indeed, Our word to a thing when We intend it is but that We say to it, "Be," and it is" (Q, 16:40) On the other hand; when rational beings would exercise the option of intention; in the similar fashion; (without thinking and deliberations) it is bound to be fraught with pitfalls, for rational beings are created with an existential amiss.
Imagination is of non-local (metaphysical/spiritual) origin; for it traverses both, the local and non-local domain. Therefore, those who accuse believers of worshipping an "imaginary God" are, unwittingly, admitting this reality. God inculcated, in the constitution of the rational beings, two-pronged sense of imagination (topical and non-topical); a schematic molding, hence the relevance and necessity of Divine and Divine religion becomes inevitable. God does not think but "Wills" whereas man's will (choice) subsists in God's will whereby He equilibrates it with the elements of hope and fear, (existential amiss) rendering it rationally operative. (Q, 17:57)
People need religion because it is the blueprint for the functioning of the "Soul" in the temporal realm. Voltaire, an archpriest of rationalism, alludes to this inevitability in a mundanely best possible way: "Man would have to invent God, even if He does not exist"
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/?s=inevitable+God
Religious Truth is multifaceted. It is comprised of science, logic, philosophy, history, ethics, and experience all mixed together. It is, in a sense, a different kind of knowing, not ignorant of the other kinds of truths (known and yet to be known), asserting the inevitability of the religion.
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2018/02/03/scientific-elaboration-of-surah-at-tin-fig-95-verse-4/
(Hadith) Every child is born on Nature— (his natural disposition/course. Resorting back to/linking with the Creator)
"It is asserted here that fitrah is the essential condition and state of existence in which God fashioned mankind; with innate impulses/urges including the sense of good and bad; fear and safety; pain and relief; cognition of God; submission, transgression and arrogance etc. (existential amiss–Imperfection, tendency/choice to swerve). It is present in the very essence of the creation and is inextricably kneaded into the very substance of the "rational beings" (Q) which is acutely elicited in the following verse.
إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الاٌّمَانَةَ عَلَى السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ وَالْجِبَالِ فَأبَيْنَ أَن يَحْمِلْنَهَا وَأَشْفَقْنَ مِنْهَا وَحَمَلَهَا الإِنْسَـنُ إِنَّهُ كَانَ
نَظَلُوماً جَهُولاً –
"We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it;- He was indeed ignorant and foolish" (Q, 33:72)
Ordinary beings, given their basic knowledge of the religious fundamentals, are tested for their weaknesses (existential amiss). The window of forgiveness is wide open for them; even if they have a mountain of mistakes/sins on their back; as long as they keep seeking forgiveness with utmost sincerity and a commitment not to repeat the same. (There is no numerical or time limitation) This is an esoteric expression of the unbounded mercy of the Creator; for the people of knowledge and intellect who understand.
Men of knowledge (Aalim/Scholar), given the higher degree of knowledge, are tested for the equitable dissemination of the knowledge while acting upon it themselves as is due. Their test becomes harder and their failure attracts equally harsher punishment, for they are given the knowledge as the inheritors of the Prophet (PBUH).
Prophets; given the highest degree of knowledge and the duty of disseminating the message entrusted to them, often face the hardest of the tests for their perseverance, firmness, devotion and endurance instead. They are immunized of the mundanity (existential amiss) to a large extent due to their highest station/status. (Protected from major sins—Asmah/Masoom); which keeps them even from minor sins but some rare slips. (Q, 4:31)
"If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into Paradise]" [Q, 4:31]
Hadith: when a companion asked the Prophet, despite being a Prophet of Allah why do you always keep asking for His forgiveness? He replied; "for any moment passed without His remembrance" This emphasizes the point that one, regardless of his station, should never be oblivious of the innate existential amiss and always keep asking for His forgiveness.
"Cause and effect" is a phenomenon of the sequential morphing of things/ideas in the space-time spectrum. It, however, can't continue ad-infinitum. It also cannot fully transcend back into the metaphysical/spiritual realm. Therefore, becomes unhitched, regressive, and even ineffective. 'Ex Nahilo' is an outright negation of temporal phenomenon of "causality". God (SWT); the very first (primal) cause, therefore, is the sole cause/causer of the Universe. (Creational activity in the space-time realm is known as "Khulq/Takhleeq" )
"When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is" (Q, 2:117)
In the absence of space-time spectrum, there is but an intention/will (ordinance {Amar}), of the primal cause, for the matter/idea to come into being. In the metaphysical/spiritual realm, contrary to the physical realm, no material/tangible cause has to exist to produce a material/tangible effect. Divine causality, therefore, is inimitable by the rational beings in the space-time spectrum. (Creational activity in the absence of space-time spectrum is known as "Takween")
Takween is derived from the word "KUN" fayakun. It is beyond and above the physical laws of the universe and does not need the matter, time or space for a thing to come into existence. (Ex Nihilo=Out of Nothing). Bypassing the temporal physical laws or the temporal causality is also called Takween. {creation of Adam and Jesus Christ—PBUT}
Temporal causality vs. Divine causality
Here are vivid differences.
In temporal causality, a causer may activate the cause but may not have the capability to determine the effect. He would also not have the capability to alter the effect (outcome) of a cause. A rational being may be dealing with a clear cause or INUS (insufficient but non-redundant parts of conditions; which in itself unnecessary, but sufficient for the occurrence of the effects). This distinction would not exist in the Divine causality.
In Divine causality, The Causer of the cause and effect is the same. The Causer is omnipotent to alter/determine the effect(s) as He wills. The Causer is also competent to produce an effect without cause (Ex-Nahilo). The Causer may pre-determine effects or causes in multiple, and then afford the medium (sentient beings) the application of Free-will (Choice) to commensurate effect(s).
"And when We would intend to destroy a township We had sent a commandment (warning) to its people of authority leading easy lives; who yet disobeyed and transgressed; so as a result of our Judgment passed, We annihilated it with complete annihilation" (Q, 17:16)
Note:- (Ghazali's views on causality, read: http://www.ghazali.org/articles/gz-aylon2.pdf)
Morality, mortified by the psychology of innate fear, sprouts from the Divine religious injunctions. Although it lays the ground-rules for this word, the effects also transcend to the next.
Morality, based on reward and punishment, (retribution) works wonderfully due to the psychology of "innate-fear" of being monitored unimpeded and continuously by the "Invisible". Religion (Islam) "submission" was enacted simultaneous to the Creation (forbidding Adam and Eve from eating the fruit) and the punishment for its violation was established by the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Heavens. Satan (Lucifer) was also expelled for his disobedience due to his avarice and pride. They were not simply expelled but with specifically (and schematically) mandated rights, roles, and responsibilities; which, in specifically Islamic parlance could be called "Sharia'a" and in everyday parlance "Morality".
Ethicality is developed by the rational beings, in the light of their past collective experiences. It regulates the immediate, contemporary cultural, societal or communal behavior. It is limited to temporality in scope, optional in its practicality; often floutingly by-passed without compunction. Needless to say that, the resourcefulness of Morality is unsurpassable by the man-made ethicality.
Ethics (Laws) are devised by the people for a community, society or culture; monitoring whereof is also done by people (an agency) employed for the purpose. The compliance would simply depend on either one's call of the conscience or the fear of being caught by the monitoring agent. The physical absence of the monitoring agency would offer all kind of inducements to flout, as it cannot be established and no penalty would ensue. This is the weakest aspect of the man-made ethicality.
A distinct difference between Divine law and the man-made law is that Divine Law compassionately seeks avenues to forgive while the man-made law is hell-bent on seeking evidence to punish.
Those who envisage morality, without religion, in fact, misconstrue ethics as morality.
After all, man is created with an existential amiss.
Innate Fear, Psychology of fear is employed by the Divine to elicit the compliance of the religious injunctions without the presence of a physical watchdog.
An infant, when made to hold a bar, would continue clinging to it due to the innate fear of fall and hurt until made to feel safe to let it go.
In a situation of distress, "heightened state of fear/anxiety" (even in the case of a non-believer) all boundaries and impediments are dismantled; a connection between the Lord and the distressed-servant is immediately activated, and the call of the distressed is heard by the Almighty. (Q, 27:62)
Innate-fear, therefore, is not just a predicate of punishment, as often complained, but also that of an "SOS" signal, in the situation of distress.
Topics covered:- Logic, reason, pristine reason, common sense, causality, Temporal/Divine causality, revelation, Divine wisdom, Inevitability of religion, Non Human Messenger, Gazali's falsity of reason, imagination, Imaginary God, belief in the hereafter, Contentment, Voltaire's rationalism, Fitrah, khulq/takween, Ordinary,/ scholar/ prophet, Psychology of Innate fear, Morality, Ethics and The-Distressed.
Tags:Belief in the Hereafter, Causality, Common sense, Contentment, Depression, Distressed, Divine causality, Double slit experiment, existential amiss, Experiences, Faith, Fitrah, Haq Al Yaqeen, Imam Ghazali, Immagination origin, Internally woven realities, Islam, Kulq, Kun Fayakun, logic, Logos, Man is Ignorant and foolish, Monads, Nature, Non-Human Messenger, Obstinate rejection, Potency of contemplative tools, Presitne Reason, Psychology of fear, religion, Religious inevitablity, Scuttled mindedness, Self, sense perception, sos signal, Soul, suicides/homidices, Takween, Temporal causality, thought, Unbelief
Posted in Behavior, Blogroll, Current events., Divine Religions, Ethics & Morality., Ethnic Bias, Interpersonal Relationship, Islam, Islamic perspective, Psychological dimension of Islam, PSYCHOLOGY., reason theism vs atheism, Religion and Science, religion.logic, Scientific Islam, Sharia'a, spirituality, Sufism, Theosophy, Uncategorized, Virtuous vs Modern Morality | 3 Comments »
Re-alignments in the Middle East, In the wake of, Receding West.
The Arab–Israeli conflict was primarily seen, for many decades, as a conflict between Arab-states and Israel, rather than between Muslims and Israel. Periphery doctrine; an Israeli foreign-policy strategy; was used by P.M Ben Gurion to develop close alliances with Non-Arab Muslim states in the Middle East, to counter the united opposition of Arab states to the illegitimate existence of the state of Israel.
Contemporary politicking is characterized by uncertainties, low probabilities for good and high consequences in terms of deceit, destruction, and miseries.
Strategic-interests of the Israeli government converged with those of the Turkish and Iranian governments of the time. Turkey's (Military lead government) sought integration with the free-market economies and democracies of Europe, a member of NATO and the EU. The Shah of Iran, being a major ally of the United States, facilitated the dialogue between Israel, Iran and Turkey.
In 1950, both Turkey and Iran became the first, and for a long time, the only Muslim states to have diplomatic relations with Israel. Both Turkey and Iran developed extensive military cooperation. During the 1967 Six-Day War, Iran supplied Israel with essential oil and petroleum. Israel helped in the industrial and military development in Turkey and Iran.
With the rise of Arab nationalism under Nasser in the sixties the relationship between Iran and the Arab world started deteriorating (The Persian Gulf was dubbed as "Arabian" Gulf). This further strengthened the relationship between Israel and Iran.
The overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979 was a major setback to Periphery Doctrine. The Islamic regime of Ruhollah Khomeini severed relations with Israel. Ironically, however, throughout the 1980s no one in Israel said anything about or considered Iran a threat—the word wasn't even uttered.
During the peak of the Persian Empire, Jews are thought to have comprised as much as 20% of the population. Jews trace their heritage in Iran to the Babylonian Exile of the 6th century BC and have retained their ethnic, linguistic, and religious identity. Now their number, however, has dwindled to mere 9000.
Zionist Organization was first established in Persia by the Jewish elders and Rabbis. The Jews of Persia understood that "Zion" is the biblical name of Jerusalem and Zionism demonstrates the end of exile and the beginning of redemption.
Rumors, during the time of Hitler, cropped up in Iran that Hitler has secretly converted to Islam and has taken the name Heydar (the title of Imam Ali). What made, European and Jews, panic was that Hitler is planning to reveal his true religion after defeating the deceitful British, the godless Russians and the Jews.
Unfortunately, the Bible has a little good to say about Gentiles (and barely any about Jews) with the exception of Cyrus the Great; who was the first Zionist, yet exalted in the Bible. Persians and Medes, according to Old Testament, are the only people who hadn't oppressed Jews or committed atrocities against them. There was Jewish royalty in Iran, including Queen Esther, buried there (as are Daniel and Mordecai). Iran, thus, logically, becomes the second holiest land in Judaism. Israel, nevertheless, is Iran's arch-enemy always conspiring to destroy or at least weaken it.
Is there any possibility of a raproshma between the two?
It seems too late. The chances, by far, are getting slimmer by every passing day; for the World's naiveté, despite all the neo-conic, fascist and populist strategies employed by the retreating west, is eroding. Iran, despite being a pariah ( Shia'a state), is increasingly gaining acceptance in the comity of nations as a Muslim-dominated, relation-worthy sovereign state. Bedouin Pentagon, on the other hand, is losing its Shia'a-Sunni (sectarian) tug of war.
It would have been most probable if the Palestinian state was created and the West's fosterage of Israel forsaken; to let it exist and grow on its own; cultivating relationships on mutuality, rather than arms twisting by its sugar daddy—the USA.
On the other hand, ironically, in the vein of strange realism, Western Intelligentsia and the Academia have already started contemplating and discussing the Post-Israel-Middle East.
After the Iranian revolution in 1979, the country set out to export its brand of revolutionary Islam. As Iran became an Islamic republic, Sunni Islamists were not only jealous of the triumph of the Shia'a Imamate (State) but became even more determined to establish their version of the Islamic state.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran has oscillated between indifference, hostility, rapprochement and tension over the decades. Prince MBS appears determined to intensify the rivalry with Iran as he continues to raise Riyadh's concerns over Iranian expansion in the Arab world and beyond.
Saudi Arabia exported Wahhabi Islam, to counter Iranian revolutionary Islam, across Africa, Asia and even Europe. Saudis are notorious for stoking sectarianism. The two countries entered a fierce battle over the souls of Muslims with Saudi clerics augmenting their anti-Shiite rhetoric and the Iranian counterparts playing down their Shiism to appeal to Pan-Islamic, anti-imperial and anti-Western sentiments among Muslims. Saudi Arabia, despite President Obama's realistic understanding of the Middle Eastern issues, continued pressing the USA to bomb Iran.
The Saudis see the resurgence of the Iranian influence as a revival of the Old Persian nationalism. Blowing-up the Iranian threat magnifies MBS's role as the savior of Bedouin-Pentagon from Persianization and Shiification.
Saudis see the brutal war in Yemen, where the Shia'a-Houthis are supported by Iran, as a battle for survival for the Saudi nation and the hegemony of Arabness over Persianization. Prince MBS's Vision 2030 for the Kingdom excludes Iran from the greater regional integration with the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and Israel.
Muta'a Doctrine (marriage of convenience) in Politics
During the Cold War, Saudi Arabia and Iran worked together with the United States against the Soviet Union. They accepted a division of labor: Iran provided military capabilities; Saudi Arabia provided theological ammunition and funding against the Soviet Union. Now Iran is replaced as a new enemy for the Soviet Union and Israel as a friend for Iran. A toxic nexus has emerged between the US, Saudi Arabia and Zionist Israel in the rapidly changing situation in the Muslim East. Saudis maintained discreet relations with the Zionist-Israel, hiding this illicit relationship from the Muslim World. Now, however, they arrogantly flaunt it as a badge of honor due to the changed political compulsions.
As is already well-known; the Saudi and Israeli common cause against perceived Iranian influence and expansion; in places like Syria, Lebanon and Iraq of late has forced the historic bitter enemies down a path of cooperation as both seem to have placed the breakup of the so-called "Shia'a crescent" as their primary policy goal in the region at any cost. For Israel, Hezbollah, seen as an Iranian proxy contingent, has long been its greatest foe, present right up against the Jewish state's northern border.
This new arrangement, on the one hand, mitigates the Kingdom's fear of losing its role as the "loyal regional villain", while, strengthening the "Triangle of Hate" on the other. Saudis have presented the Islamic awakening, sweeping the Muslim East, an Iranian inspired plot.
Saudi Arabia, despite the huge reduction in its oil revenues, is trying to maintain its role as a "cash cow" and the "lynchpin of America's Muslim East policy". Saudi Arabia's worst nightmare is the fear of American abandonment for a new regional partner. This will bring Saudi Arabia's relevance, regionally and globally, to naught.
The rise of the Justice Development Party of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2000s led to a steady deterioration in Israel–Turkey relations. Unlike, previous Turkish governments, Erdogan's government openly condemned Israel's policies towards Palestine and blamed it for the conflict. Relations between Sunni-Turkey and Shia'a-Iran are on the rise.
Tags:1950's Turkey & Iran, Arab-Israeli conflict, Babylonian Exile, BEDUIN PENTAGON, Convergence of Interests, Cyrus the Great--Zion, history, Hitler Converted to Islam, Hizbolah--eternal foe, Jamal Nasser's Arab Nationalism, Khomeini Factor, Muta'a Doctrine, Non Arab Muslim States, Periphery Doctrine, Persianization, Post Israel Middle East, Raproshma ?, realignement of the Middle East, receding west, religion, Risky alternative, Shah Of Iran, Shia'a Crescent, Shia'a Imamate, Shia'a Revolutionary Islam, Shiafication, Sunni Caliphate, The First Irani Zionist, Toxic nexus, USA, wars, Whabbism export promotion
Posted in Blogroll, Current events., Ethics & Morality., Interpersonal Relationship, Islam, Middle East, Muslim Dominated Countries, Muslim Naivete, Muslim World, POLITICS, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
The Great Migration (1915-1960)
Back and forth serial migration caused a permanent scar on the psyche of the Blacks. They, obviously, would have felt like an undesirable, unwanted heard of aliens. Permeating the reactionary attitude towards; in particular the whites, and the society in general. It is harming them (the blacks) the most rather than the intended whites or the society. Had they been systematically relocated according to the opportunities, skill level etc; throughout the country; mixing up with the whites and other communities; they would have lifted themselves up; owing to natural compulsions of their surroundings, assimilating and growing at the pace of the national development.
America, most likely, would have nurtured them (the blacks) into the most productive, intelligent and socially cohesive part of the multicultural mosaic.
Unfortunately, they are still being treated as pet-scavengers for political exigencies; by exploiting their naiveté and ingrained reactionary attitude, in return for Food-stamps, WIC-vouchers, and other handouts. They are being kept on the dole-out to be used as and when needed by the old masters donned with a new garb of Politicians.
It is a historical fact that most of the African Slaves brought to West were Muslim or those forcibly converted to Christianity before shipping, by the Dutch, British and French colonial masters.
Ironically, now a class of well-groomed middle-men (Black's representatives/activists/clergies etc) has emerged, to muster them and make them available, whenever wherever needed.
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/human-skin-color-in-quraan/
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2017/02/08/color-coding-worship/
Tags:African slave, Black's assimilation, Black's Psyche, Great Migration 1915-60, Multiculturalism Mosaic, reactionary attitude, serial migration, socially-cohesive, well groomed mid-men
Posted in Behavior, Blogroll, Ethics & Morality., Interpersonal Relationship, POLITICS, PSYCHOLOGY., Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The face is the index of the mind
(First published on 9th Feb 2015 on FB)
Though it is a famous quote may warrant some explication. In general, good features of a person are presumed to be a sign of his or her being witty. It may be true in some cases but is not a rule of thumb. The probable reason for that is that such a person was lucky enough to have lived a comfortable and affluent life. (This might have contributed in sharpening his/her mental faculties).
A poor person, on the contrary, would normally be scathed by the bad times. Only Saints and Sufis would be able to endure such a torment without a scathe on their personality. An ordinary person often is affected so immensely that his whole personality would be disfigured reflecting itself in his every movement, let along his thinking. It would continue reflecting in his coming generations through mutilation of his genetic make-up. A redress would require several generations to pass enjoying comfort and affluence. Affluence is not the only but major factor. Freedom of thoughts and movements would rank 2nd in restoration.
It, however, does not mean that an ugly person cannot be witty. Such a person would normally develop some supplementary traits; exuding wit and garnering respectability, hence becoming likable. Some cosmetic changes in his/her overall demeanor might be helpful in amending the state of affairs. It could mean that such a person is on the accelerated track of recovery.
Tags:accelarated track/recovery, comfort and affluence, Cosmetic changes, disfigured personality, facial features, genetic make up, genetic mutilation, mental faculties, overall demeanor, rule of thumb, Scathed Personality, Sufi Saints, supplementary traits, wit
Posted in Behavior, Blogroll, Current events., Ethics & Morality., Interpersonal Relationship, Just saying, Psycho-sophy, PSYCHOLOGY., Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Cocoon dwellers
I have been fascinated by the variations in human and animal behavior from a very early age, keenly observing and pondering on their behavioral activities. This piece, however, would be devoted to human behavior; especially of those, who either behave naturally or pretentiously. The caption of this piece (addition of new terminology in behavioral psychology) is an outcome of sustained objective observations of several "subjects", by the writer.
The terms introversion and extraversion were popularized through the work of Carl Jung and later became central parts of other prominent theories including the Big 5 Theory of personality.
Introverted-people tend to be inward turning, or focused more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation. …Introverts tend to be more quiet, reserved, and introspective. Everyone has some degree of both introversion and extraversion. However, people often tend to lean one way or the other.
Introverts are laced with the following sub-traits, which are somewhat different than those of the cocoon dwellers.
Very self-aware
Enjoy understanding details
Interested in self-knowledge and self-understanding
Tend to keep emotions private
Quiet and reserved in large groups or around unfamiliar people
More sociable and gregarious around people they know well
Learn well through observation.
Tend to be around people to whom they are close.
Cheek, a psychology professor at Wellesley College argues that there are four shades of introversion; social, thinking, anxious, and restrained. And many introverts are a mix of all four types, rather than demonstrating one type over the others.
Social: Social introversion closely matches the commonly held beliefs about introversion, in that it's a preference for socializing with small groups instead of large ones or with no groups at all— solitude is preferred by those who score high in social introversion. They prefer to stay home busy doing something of interest or stick to a small group of close friends.
Thinking: People with high levels of thinking introversion are not averse to social events. Instead, they're introspective, thoughtful, and self-reflective. Not in a neurotic way, but in an imaginative and creative way.
Restrained/Reserved: Such introverts seem to operate at a slightly slower pace, preferring to think before they speak or act. Haruki Murakami; in his–What I Talk About When I Talk About Running–which contains a passage, that neatly illustrates the concept of a restrained/reserved introversion. In it, he discusses how it takes his muscles a while to warm up when he starts to run. "When I put on my jogging shoes in the morning and set out, my feet are so heavy it feels like I'll never get them moving".
Anxious: Unlike social introverts, anxious introverts generally seek out solitude for they are overly self-conscious and feel awkward around other people. Their anxiety, however, doesn't fade when they're all alone. They're usually not very confident in their own social skills. Such people might be suffering from a tendency to ruminate.
Cocoon dwellers: Insecure and overly self-conscious. Defensive: due to a lack of self-esteem. Think they know and fully understand everything, including themselves. Pretend to be very social even with unfamiliar people when accompanied by a friend (s), often opinionated, critical and negative about others. Try to control the behavior of close –friends through vague-suggestions or couched instructions. Some are routine "Janus-faced", one for the public other for themselves.
Note:- Cocoon dwellers, most often, are suffering from psychological issues hence may not be clubbed with the above four classes of introverts. An Anxious Introvert, however, seems to be, on his way to being a Cocoon dweller.
Self-styled introverts – are generally more empathic, interpersonally connected than his/her outgoing counterparts. They are normally self-controlled and rationally balanced. They could also be classed as Inverted-extroverts; who can change sides as and when needed.
https://shakir2.wordpress.com/2019/11/18/camouflaged-narcissist-in-our-ranks/
Comments/Feedback/Like/Share/Follow.
Tags:Anxious introvert, Behavior, Cocoon dweller, extrovert, Introvert, Janus faced, pretentious, reserved introvert, restrained introvert, self-styled introvert, Social introvert, thinking introvert
Posted in Behavior, Blogroll, Interpersonal Relationship, PSYCHOLOGY., Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Temporal Love
Love (Psychosophically speaking–Temporal)
It is twitching of the brain, impulsive vibrations translating into emotive feelings yearning for the satisfaction of lust or instinct. It has beginning and end, it is ephemeral. It may, however, be a fractional constituent of the true whole, which we were inculcated with before being descended into temporality. Buried in sub-conscience, it is clamoring to reach its Zenith in perpetuity. True love with fellow human beings is improbable, but an instinctual bonding; which cannot be classed as love. Love could only exist between God and (Creation) human. This love, if true, would require human to lose his "self" or else it would simply be reverence. Temporally speaking, it is delusional attachment entailing unwholesomeness—self-centeredness. [Allah/God, nowhere in the entire Qura'an, used the word "Love" for His creation]
LOVE (Theosophically Speaking–Spiritual)
Most of us observe servitude, whereas love is a gift endowed only to far and few between like, Yazid Bastami and Rabia Basri. (frenzied) Even Prophets do not seem to be the recipient of the gift of love since they are entrusted with the obligations and responsibilities of Prophet-hood. They cannot afford the ecstasy of an endowment of love by neglecting their primal obligation towards their people/Ummah. They are however accorded with the highest echelon of spiritual rank, immunity from all evils, and guidance through direct and indirect means.
Tags:Annihilation, Connectivity, delusional attachment, Ecstasy, endowment, Love, Nature, Phenomenality, Prophethood, Psycho-sophy, Rabiaaa Basri, Self, self-centerednness, spiritual love, Spiritual rank, spirituality, temporal love, Temporality, Theosophy, Unwholesomeness, Yazid Bastami
Posted in Blogroll, Current events., Interpersonal Relationship, Islamic perspective, Just saying, Psycho-sophy, Psychological dimension of Islam, religion.logic, spirituality, Theosophy, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
A WOMAN'S PLACE IN ISLAM
Women's position in Divine religions; is not as it is contemporaneously construed; on the basis of western social and cultural practices; rationalized in the hoopla of gender-equality, since it is based on Divine wisdom. It, therefore, demands an extensive contemplation to reach an understanding of the real role of a woman in Islam. It is somewhat supplementary and utilitarian graced with superlative* dignity and respect. (It may sound outlandish/non-apologetics but is the reality).
*(Islam stands out in conferring maximum rights, respect and dignity to women)
A Look at the Primal Divine Mode of the creation of man and woman
In support of this, two postulates need to be pondered upon. 1)-The woman was created out of the rib cage of man (Adam-PBUH) who was created by God with His own hands (Created by His own hands here signifies the preeminence of Man) and that; 2) – the woman was created for the service/comfort of "The Man". She was created so, for she was to supplement, as a part and parcel of, man and NOT as his competitor or a distinct equal; which, is obviously counter-intuitive, cause for acrimony and antagonism, defeating the very purpose of her creation. "Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe" (Q, 2:223)
(She has never been endowed with the responsibility of Prophet-hood, leading the prayer, or divorcing but rather asking for it when necessary).
"O humanity, fear your Lord who created you from one soul, and created from it its mate…"(Q,4:1) Many Scholars and exegetes understood this to mean that Allah Most High first created Adam (PBUH), and then from him, i.e., from his rib cage, our mother Hawwa {Eve-PBUH}
Both Jewish and Christian traditions also maintain that Eve was created from Adam's rib, although in a literal translation of the Jewish tradition, a rib is sometimes referred to as side.
Imam Razi and others mentioned that another interpretation is also possible, meaning; "Who created you from one soul" i.e., "starting from one soul" since "from" in Arabic could indicate the starting point of something [ibtida' al-ghayab], and then "created from it its mate" i.e., "created from that same species, its mate." [Mafatih al-Ghayb]
A scholar who pondered about this verse (4:1) states;"It is believed that there is no text, old or new, that deals with the humanity of women from all aspects with such an amazing brevity, eloquence, depth and originality as this divine decree"
Why man has a degree above woman?
We have created everything in pairs so that you may reflect (Q, 51:49) When observed carefully It is noticed that one of the pairs is always given/created with an edge over the other to make them befitting the purpose. For example, A lioness kills the pray but the lion devours the kill first–for he is the protector and head of the family. A hen, for the most part, sits on the eggs to hatch the chicks whereas cock, for the most part, is busy serenading other hens—to produce more eggs and chicks. This excellence (pre-eminence) of one over the other, as a norm in a couple; is always maintained. ."Because Allah has made one of them to excel the other" (Q, 4:34)
The western rationale for women's conversion to Islam (improvised for this article)
A woman realizes that she is a pack animal and that packs are hierarchical. There is a chain of command. There are the pack leader and his followers. That understanding is built into her nature. She is hardwired to lead (when compelled by circumstances) or submits. Her psychological comfort will depend on a clear understanding of where she stands on the pecking order, and what her role is in the group in the given circumstances. For a pack animal, nothing is more stressful than uncertainty about his place in the hierarchy.
We, the westerners, have been born and raised in an environment where pathological concepts like democracy and gender equality are thought to be desirable and viable. We embrace these concepts on a conscious level but not on a subconscious level, for they conflict with human nature. People, as pack animals, crave for clarity and moral absoluteness. They need a clear demarcation of good and evil, right and wrong, dos and don'ts and a sense of purpose. If they don't have it, they'll find one. Whom Allah guides turn to Islam else goes astray and the devil will find one for him. (added on 10/15/2018)
Human beings as the crown of the creation [most innovative, intelligent and beholden to the urges of free-will] may, however, alternate this edge or dispense with it altogether, due to circumstantial compulsions; falling victim to botched notion of gender-equality, hence have been told specifically of their assigned places/roles in tandem with Adam and Eve (PBUT). Allah knows well what He has created; which we humans cannot fathom, even at the prime of our intelligence. "Nature (framed) of Allah, in which He hath created, man. There is no altering (the laws of) Allah's creation". (Q, 30:30)
Spiritual Equivalence
Quran provides clear-cut verdict that a woman in the sight of God is equal to a man as far as her rights and responsibilities entailing retribution are concerned. "Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" (Q, 74:3)
(Responsibilities/deeds include obedience/fidelity to Husband–Q, 2: 223 & Ahadith quoted in forthcoming paragraphs)
One may accept it as "Divine Wisdom" —OR— exploit it as "Denigration of Women" It, however, does not mean, in any sense, that she is made either worthless or insignificant or should be treated as such. Both, man and woman have been assigned a specific role.
Her personality and contour, by design, is made attractive to the man. She has been endowed with femininity coupled with, an intense desire for a mate (man) to fulfill her role as an embodiment of procreation. All these factors result in complete harmony and synchronicity; between a man and a woman; (with the help of Allah, placing love and mercy between them-Q, 30; 21); providing a sound foundation, for an efficacious family unit.
Islam, to compensate for her; apparently—obsequious—but in reality; indispensably supportive role–accords her highly respectable status; with specific instructions to be treated with dignity and respect; even in worst of the situations, such as divorce.
Women not only used to help in wars and other matters but also were consulted by the Prophet (PBUH) in certain matters. Ayesha (Prophet's wife) and Fatima, (Prophet's daughter) are among the most revered women; describing and elaborating Prophet's (PBUH) religious teachings, including those relating to women.
In Quran mother of the Jesus Christ Maryam (Marry) has been mentioned by name and characterized as the "Most PIOUS, PURIFIED" woman. The wives of the Prophet (PBUH) have been venerated as the mothers of the believers; hence no other man; after the prophet (PBUH), may dare marry them. Daughters in Islam are considered a sign of blessing and mercy of God. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to adore his daughters.
Prophet (PBUH) said that "paradise lies under the feet of the mother". With these instruction/sayings, it became a religious responsibility, a praiseworthy act, to respect and honor women.
The woman, according to Qura'an is not blamed for Adam's first mistake (Original sin, in Christianity). Both were jointly held responsible for disobedience, both repented and both were forgiven. (Q, 2:36, 7:20-24)
In another verse, Adam alone was specifically held responsible. (Q, 20:121). {An allusion to his {man's} preeminence and leadership role}
Accolade lavished, by the prophet (PBUH), on those raising daughters.
"Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor son over the daughter. God will enter him into Paradise" {Ibn Hanbal # 1957}
"Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature, he and I (Prophet-PBUH) will come in the Day of Judgment as this" (Prophet joined two fingers together). (Muslim & Tirmidhee)
The tender touch of Islam for women (Exceptions granted in religious duties)
A woman is exempted from fasting; during pregnancy; or while nursing a baby, if there is some risk to her or her baby's well being. She does not have to make up for the missed prayers in the above cases. She is not obligated to go to the mosque for congregational prayers. Her physiological and psychological changes associated with her natural functions are also taken into account.
"The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) relate that Eve was created while Adam was sleeping from his shortest left rib and that, after some time, she was clothed with flesh. He (Prophet Muhammad-PBUH) used the story of Eve's creation from Adam's rib as a basis for imploring people to be gentle and kind to women. "O Muslims! I advise you to be gentle with women, for they are created from a rib, and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part. If you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked; so I urge you to take care of the women." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Man on the other hand; right through the known history of mankind; has been beholden to the status of; the head of the family, rationality and reasoning.
Quiwama—(Maintenance and Protection)
This alludes to the natural physical difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker/feminine sex to the protection (as a norm in a couple) of the stronger/masculine sex. Man's leadership role in relation to his family does not mean the husband's dictatorship. (Islam quashes any such misunderstanding by clear-cut advice issued by the prophet).
"The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are the best to their wives" {Ibn Hanbal # 7396}
Here is how the scholars and renowned exegetes interpret the position of a woman in Islam.
"According to Qura'an women are created for men. Their existence is based on comfort for men". "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought" (Q, 30:21) &
"He is the one who created you [man] from a single soul, and from him created his wife, so that he may find comfort in her. So when he covered her with himself, she carried a light burden and moved about with it, thereafter, when she grew heavy, they both prayed to their Lord, if you bless us with a perfect child, we shall be among the grateful" (Q, 7:189)
The Creation of Hawa (Eve)
Adam knew the names of everything. Sometimes he talked to the angels, but they were preoccupied with worshipping Almighty Allah. Therefore Adam (PBUH) felt lonely. One day he slept and when he awoke he found near his head, a woman gazing at his face with beautiful tender eyes. The angels asked him her name. He replied: "Eve (Hawa)." (Means living things).They asked: "Why did you call her Eve?" Adam said: "Because she was created of me and I am a living being."
Ibn Abbas and a group of companions of the Prophet (PBUH) narrated that when Iblis (satan) was sent out of Paradise and Adam was accommodated therein, Adam was alone in Paradise and did not have a partner from whom he could get tranquility. He slept for some time and when he woke up, he saw a woman whom Allah had created from his ribs. So he asked her, "Who are you? She replied, "A woman," He asked: "Why have you been created?"She said;"So that you could find tranquility in me" The angels, trying to find out the extent of his knowledge, asked him: "What is her name O Adam?" He replied, "Eve," They asked, "Why was she so named?" He replied, "Because she was created from something living" (Based on Q, 2; 33 & Hadith narration).
"Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them, guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance – [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them*3. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed Allah is ever exalted and grand" (Nisa, 4:34)
{Carol Gilligan argues: women tend to focus on concrete relationship and responsibilities, especially based on care. Men, on the other hand, tend to focus on abstract notions such as justice, duties, rules and rights}
*3 (with something like a handkerchief or a bunch of shrubs not leaving a mark on the skin).
"Because Allah has made one of them excel the other, for they spend (t support them) from their means" (other here is the man) [Al Nisa' 4:34]
{Explanation/Tafseer}
Al-Badawi said in his Tafseer (2/184): "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women' means that they are in charge of them and responsible to take care of them. He gave two reasons for that, one that is inherent in them and one that is acquired subsequently, and said: 'because Allah has made one of them to excel the other', because Allah has favored men over women by making men more "Apt" in reasoning and running affairs, and has given them more (physical) strength (and endurance) with regard to work and acts of worship. Hence men are singled out when it comes to Prophet-hood, leadership, guardianship, establishing rituals, giving testimony in legal matters, the obligation to engage in jihad and praying Jumu'ah, and so on, and they are given a greater share of the inheritance, and divorce is in the man's hand. 'and because they spend (to support them) from their means' refers to what they spend with regard to marriage, such as the "mahr" (man's obligatory due committed to the wife) and maintenance, etc."
{Note:-Firstly, Maintenance here is not limited to monetary or material support, it encompasses every tangible and intangible aspect attached to this relationship. Secondly, In Islam this obligation is not reversible despite the fact that a wife may be a woman of means or a breadwinner of the family—for injunctions are ordained for commonplace situations, not exceptions}
Mutuality of rights and obligations
"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise"
[Al-Baqarah 2:228]
Gender-equality in Islam exists insofar as all human beings are equal and that they shall be equally accountable for their good and bad deeds. There is nevertheless a marked divergence when it comes to the roles of the two; which is a schematic, innate and natural; evident from the episodic story of Adam and Eve, described in scriptures and Ahadith. Gender –equality in the western sense of the word is malevolent, contrary to the natural order of things. Its ill effects, unfortunately, are being portrayed as an epitome of women's emancipation achieved by the western progress and liberalism. Women have been brainwashed to give up her most coveted position to be exploited willingly as a cheap sex object. Most abused partner in sexual nomadism.
Woman in Ahadith
"If I were to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded women to prostrate to their husbands. By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, no woman can fulfill her duty towards Allah until she fulfills her duty towards her husband. If he asks her (for intimacy) even if she is on her camel saddle, she should not refuse."
Note:- (Similitude of prostration to husband emphasizes the pre-eminence of man and importance of woman (wife)'s obedience to her husband; providing him comfort, which is the very foundation of a happy and tranquil family)
Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1853; classed as "Saheeh" by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said in his Tafseer (1/363): "The phrase 'but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them' means that they are superior in physical nature, attitude, status, obedience to the commands of Allah, spending, taking care of interests, and virtue, in this world and in the Hereafter, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Because, Allah has made one of them to excel the other' means because men are superior to women, and men are better (poised) than women. Hence Prophet-hood was given to men only, as is the highest position of authority (i.e., Khilaafah or the position of caliph) because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "No people will ever succeed who appoint a woman as their ruler." Narrated by Al-Bukhaari, from the hadeeth of 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr, from his father. "The same applies to the position of judge etc. 'and because they spend (to support them) from their means' means, because of the "mahr", spending and maintenance that Allah has enjoined upon men with regard to women in His Book and in the Sunnah of His Prophet (PBUH). So men are better (poised) than women in and of themselves, and they have the responsibility to spend on them and maintain them, so it is appropriate that the man should be the protector and maintainer of the woman"
Al-Baghawi said in his Tafseer (2/206): "because Allah has made one of them to excel the other means, men excel women because they have more powers (apt) of reason and religious commitment and they are in charge of affairs. And it was said that this refers to giving testimony because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 'And if there are not two men (available), then a man and two women' [Al-Baqarah 2:282]. And it was said that it refers to jihad, to worship i.e., Jumu'ah and prayers in congregation, or that it refers to the fact that a man may marry four wives, (consent of the wife{ves} is not required) but a woman is not permitted to have more than one husband; or the fact that divorce is in the man's hand; (though women may also resort to authorities, seeking the divorce from her husband, for legit reason) or with reference to inheritance, or Diyah (blood money), or to Prophet-hood."
Material Equivalence
One may appreciate that; where Allah (SWT); on the one hand; has created man with an edge; He on the other; has granted a favored status to woman affording her some exceptions, thereby maintaining "material equivalence" in their rights and responsibilities.
Social and Political Rights
There are many recorded historical references that at the beginning of Islam, at the time of the Prophet (PBUH), Muslim men or women chose to join the Prophet's army to fight against his enemies, and leading wars after his passing. There are also occasions recorded in the history of Islam where men and women, would equally, take bayat (pledge) with the Prophet, voting and choosing him as a political leader"
Such positions, rights and equality among all were the results of the support and the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). Women could take part in social, political, and military affairs. The result of his teachings was not only the promotion of human rights but also encouraging individuals to stand for their own rights.
Fatima, daughter of the Prophet (PBUH), was well learned and highly respected. It is reported that whenever Fatima entered the room, the Prophet would stand up and give his seat to her. Her sacrifices to protect and support human rights were among the most praiseworthy acts.
Property Rights conferred on women
Under the laws of Islam, women have obtained the right to sell and buy property, own business, take legal action, vote, and participate in political affairs. Inheritance law was/is also among the most important rights. According to Islam, a woman inherits half the share of her brother. At the same time a daughter, can choose but has no obligation to support her parents or children, while her brother does. This right undergoes no changes whether she is single or married. She retains her full rights to buy, sell, mortgage or lease any or all her properties. A man, a brother, has the obligation, by the rules of Islam, to support his mother, wife, children, sisters, and the children of his sisters if necessary. If a woman, a mother, a sister did not have the wealth or the desire to support her children it would become the duty of her brother to support them. The Prophet (PBUH) has introduced the rules and the laws for humanity, some honor the rules and some chose not to. Under Islamic law, women also have control not only over their property but also dowry claims. Once she is married, she may demand her dowry from her husband at any time, and in the case of divorce, she would receive her share of the property.
A woman in Politics & Public life
During the Caliphate of Umar Ibn Al Khattab, a woman argued with him in the mosque, proved her point and caused him to declare in the presence of people, "A woman is right and Umar is wrong"
Women role in the early period of Islam had been significantly visible but seems to have been curtailed in the later period*1. Women excelled in the field of war, literature, oratory, public administration, music, theology (Kalam), jurisprudence (Fiqh), Hadith Studies (I'lmul Hadith), mysticism (Tasawwuf), poetry etc. Fatima Binte Abbas and Sikha Sayeeda, the two Islamic scholars, used to come to the mosque regularly to deliver lectures on Islamic theology. Ayesha (R.A) is recorded to have been chanting Adhan and saying Aqama. History records the name of many female warriors who fought against the enemies in the battlefields. Even Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) took an active part in many battles. Umme Atyqah was a brave lady who accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) in seven battles. Wairyh, the sister of Muawia, led a contingent of women in the battle of Yarmuk.
*1 (Most logical reason seems to be the rationalization of the division of labor in the aftermath of an increased numerical strength of Muslims).
Woman as a Head of State
There is no verse in the Quran regarding the permission or prohibition of a woman being head of the state/ruler. The Quran is silent on this point but according to one Hadith Prophet (PBUH) rendered woman ineligible (not incapable) for the position of "Head of the State" in these words;"A people will not prosper if they let a woman be their leader".*2 this limitation has nothing to do with the dignity of the woman, or with her rights. It is rather, related to the natural differences in the biological, physiological and psychological make-up of men and women.
*2–The reporter of this Hadith Abu Bakra; according to some sources, lacks the credibility.
Though the majority of Islamic scholars do not support the leadership role of a woman or woman as a head of the state, there are some eminent scholars who support it.
Apologetes for woman's position.
Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadavi (R.A), in his book Seerat-i-Ayesha (R.A), recognized the practical considerations in this context:
This is correct that the natural tendencies of the women make her unfit for discharging the duties of Imamate (government or chieftainship) and it is not possible for the fair sex (Woman) to comply with the conditions which Islam has imposed for the governmental role. For this reason, the women are exempted from the assumption of the authority of the head of the state. But from this, it cannot be concluded that it is not lawful for a woman to ever lead the public politically or to assume the leadership of the army. (Hossain 1987:217).
Mohammad Elius, Lecturer, Department of World Religions, the University of Dhaka published in The Arts Faculty Journal, July 2010-June 2011
If we make a thorough examination and critical appreciation of the arguments advanced by both parties, we come to notice that none of these two parties has been able to carry their points. Arguments given in favor of the proposition and arguments given against the proposition are by and large indirect. There is no verse in the Quran which directly either permits the rule of women or prohibits it. The traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), mentioned in this article, against women as the head of the state are believed to be unreliable and unauthentic due to many reasons. As a result, we can say without contradiction that the Quran and Sunnah. Rather the silence of the Quran and the Hadith on this very important and vital issue is not without wisdom and sagacity.
(The author of this opinion is assuming the silence of Ahadith, against women being Head of State, due to their reported weaknesses)
(Translation of 4:32 by Yusuf Ali)
"And no wise covet those things in which Allah has bestowed His gift more freely on some than the others; to men is allotted what they earn and to women is allotted what they earn; but ask Allah of His bounty, for Allah has knowledge of all things"
Explanation Note – 542
Men and women have gifts from Allah-some greater than others. They seem unequal, but we are assured that Allah has allotted them by a scheme by which people receive what they earn. If this does not appear clear in our sight (view), let us remember that we have no full knowledge but Allah has. We must not be jealous if other people have more than we have-in wealth or position or strength or honor or talent or happiness. Probably things are equalized in the aggregate or in the long run, or equated to needs and merits on a scale which we cannot appraise. If we want more, instead of being jealous or covetous, we should pray to Allah and place before Him our needs. Though He knows all and has no need of our prayer, our prayer may reveal to ourselves our shortcomings and enable us to deserve more of Allah's bounty or make ourselves fit for it. (an apologetic contrivance by Yusuf Ali)
Imam Malik (R.A) is reported to have opined that a woman can become head of the state in all its affairs.
Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) would have given an opinion in favor of their appointment as judges.
A rational, logical and cogent explanation
(It would make sense only, when looked at objectively, with an open mind and without being emotionally charged—especially by the women).
According to Islam, the head of the state is not merely a figurehead. He leads people in the prayers and festivities, decision making in times of war and peace, leading in Jihad as commander-in-chief. This demanding position or any other of a similar nature is generally inconsistent with the biological, psychological and physiological make-up of a woman. For example, during their menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, rearing and weaning of children such demanding positions; which require maximum strength, rationality, composure and emotional stability, may put excessive strain/stress, thereby impairing their decision making capability thereby distracting them from fulfilling their leadership role.
Such a demanding position, therefore, is logically and rationally, inconsistent with the natural disposition/make-up of a woman.
Islam is a religion in which a Muslim's temple is not limited to a building; instead it is the whole wide world; whereas the guidance always descends on his heart; a Muslim's preacher/trainer is neither a priest nor a liberal teacher, but the intellect (Wisdom) descending on his unblemished heart (Fuwad–enlightened by Allah's mercy through Qura'an, and the Prophet) by Allah (SWT). It's a religion of preemption to stem the miscarriage of justice and obligation; and if one's religion is founded upon mere (thoughtless) imitation, he enjoins blasphemy. In Islam, ignorance is an unforgivable sin; so is one's evasion of responsibility, towards oneself as well as all the sentient beings.
(May Allah forgive and guide us all on the right path with true understanding)
Tags:Adam & Eve, Apologetics, Beholden of Free-will, Biology of woman, Man A degree above, Material equivalence, Not a distinct equal, One Excells the other, Physiological state of woman, Pre-eminence of Man, Primal mode of creation, psychological state of woman, Spiritual equivalence, The last word, Wives are your tilth, Woman as Head of state, woman in Islam, Woman is made for man, Woman's dignity, Woman's rights
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