Kindness, forgiveness and mercy - which is the greatest?

When we forgive we spread kindness. "And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgement" (Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H).

DO KINDNESS AND MERCY MEAN THE SAME? 

In the dictionary, mercy is a synonym for kindness. A synonym is a word with a similar meaning. Even though they are synonyms we may still use the words in different senses. 

Why do we talk about God’s mercy and for humans kindness? 

Usually when we talk about human mercy we think of when we could kill another but we decide not to do it – that is mercy. Thus mercifulness is when another has done a clear wrong to us but we decide to be merciful (extreme kindness) and pardon them.  Forgiveness is also a synomym of mercy.  Thus we can be kind or merciful when we forgive.  Gentleness is also a synonym of mercy.

FORGIVING THE UNFORGIVABLE

Mercy is compassion and forgivenss shown for something that perhaps is unforgivable by ordinary standards but we are prepared for the sake of the relationship or for some other reason to overlook or pardon.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KINDNESS AND MERCY 

When we open the door for another we are being kind because it is a nice thing to do – in this situation we are not being merciful.

GOD’S MERCY

When dealing with God, we talk about God’s mercy because we have sinned, we have done wrong. God exercises his mercy in this situation. Yes we do talk about man’s mercy but we usually talk about kindness because for most human interactions we need kindness, and kindness means niceness, courtesy and being generous of spirit.

It is kind to exercise mercy but for most ordinary events – humans only need to be kind. However, for a very serious act or transgression then the human needs to think of mercy – which is the most extreme type of kindness, forgivenss and compassion.

ISLAMIC MERCY

If we repent of sin and stop the act then Allah will be merciful. Mercy (forgiveness) prevails over wrath (anger). Thus the meaning of God’s mercy is more about forgiveness (which includes kindness). 

MERCY REWARD 

Reward for kindness and compassion was also assured by Prophet Muhammad: “The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and He Who is in heaven will show mercy unto you” (As-Suyuti).

A Prophet’s Mercy

Prophet Muhammad was sent as mercy to all creations with no exception. This means that Islam was founded upon mercy.

GENTLENESS 

The Prophet was also most gentle in guiding people, and whenever they used to harm him he always asked Allah to pardon them for their ignorance and cruelty.

COMPASSIONATE COMPANIONS 

The followers (known as Sahabas) of the Prophet Muhammad were expected to he compassionate. Compassion is a synonym of mercy. An example of mercy was  Abu Bakr As-Siddiq who dedicated his wealth for buying slaves from their brutal masters and then he set them free for the sake of Allah.

THE CONCEPT OF MERCY

When clarifying the right concept of mercy to his Companions, the Prophet said that it is not by one’s kindness to family and friends, but it is by showing mercy and compassion to the general public whether you know them or not.

MERCY TOWARDS CHILDREN 

When a man once saw the Prophet kissing his grandson, he said, “I have ten children but I have never kissed any one of them.” The Prophet replied: “He who does not show mercy, no mercy would be shown to him” (Al-Bukhari).

ENCOURAGING KINDNESS

The Prophet encouraged kindness by saying that a person is rewarded by good deeds for each hair he strokes on an orphan’s head.

WAR, PEACE AND DISBELIEVERS

Mercy in Islam also extends to enemies, in times of war and peace. Prophet Muhammad used to urge his Companions to maintain family ties with relatives who were disbelievers by calling on them and giving them gifts.

MEN WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE

Allah commands Muslims to grant refuge to enemies if they should ask for it, and forbids anyone to harm them. This is stated in the Qur’an, where Allah says: If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge. (At-Tawbah 9:6).

RESPECT IS ALSO A KINDNESS OR MERCY

The Prophet forbade his Companions to harm the elderly, injured, women, children, and people in places of worship. Also, destroying fields was forbidden. Defacing the corpses of enemies was strictly banned and giving them rapid burial was commanded out of respect.

The Prophet’s orders regarding captives were strictly obeyed by his Companions. In one of the stories about a battle related to us by a captive, he says that he was staying with a Muslim family after being captured. Whenever they had their meals, they used to give him preference by offering him bread while they would eat only dates.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) victoriously entered Makkah after defeating the Quraish, he approached them and asked, “How do you expect me to treat you?” They replied, “You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother! We expect nothing but goodness from you.” Then the Prophet announced, “I speak to you in the same words as Yusuf (the Prophet Joseph) spoke unto his brothers: o reproach on you this day, God will forgive you, He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful. (Yusuf 12:92). Go, for verily you are free.”

On this day, when tolerance and forgiveness were least expected, the Prophet set an example of mercy and forgiveness by releasing all the captives without ransom, and forgiving them for the persecution and brutal torture of the Muslims, which was continuous during the first 13 years of conveying the message of Islam.

KINDNESS TO ANIMALS

When the Prophet saw a donkey with a branded face, he said, “Have you not heard that I have cursed anyone who brands an animal on its face or who hits it on its face?” (Muslim).

The Prophet once said that a woman was sent to Hell because of a cat that she imprisoned, neither feeding it nor setting it free to hunt for its own food. On the other hand, the Prophet said, a man went to Paradise for giving water to a dog in the desert that was panting out of thirst.

The Prophet forbade that knives should be sharpened in front of animals before slaughtering. In addition, the slaughtering of an animal before another was prohibited. This is clear in one of the Prophetic sayings: “God calls for mercy in everything, so be merciful when you kill and when you slaughter: sharpen your blade to relieve its pain” (Al-Bukhari).

One of the Companions related this incident: When they were traveling with the Prophet, they found a bird with its young ones, so they took them from their mother. The bird came and started flapping its wings, so the Prophet asked, “Who has distressed this bird by taking its young? Return them to it at once” (Al-Bukhari).

Animal welfare was affirmed by the Prophet when he said that anyone who took a living thing as a target is cursed. Forcing animals to fight till one gores the other was also strictly banned, for animals have feelings and this would be definite torture for them.

MERCY STARTS WITH GOD

Mercy starts with God and is bestowed by Him to every living creature. Humans show each other mercy, to live harmoniously with one another, and in turn, by showing this mercy, they themselves are shown even more mercy from Allah.

Source of some of the text:  http://www.naveedmalik.com/thetruthoflife/others_mercy.htm

Success in 10 easy ways

EASY PEASY 

For some there is no easy way to success – it requires learning from mistakes and is one of the best ways.  Take Steve Jobs for example – he certainly had ups and downs before he met with meterioic success.  Here are 10 points that help you have more success more easily.

1. ACTION Are you really taking action to move your dreams forward. Think of what actions you can take and do to get moving. Focus upon what the action will bring you. In other words, you need to think what this action will bring you. 

2. NEWNESS Do something new.  If you keep doing the same things the same way  time afte4r time then progress will  be slow or non-existent.  Act upon new ideas and experiment with new ways of doing things.

3. IMPROVEMENT When we talk about improvement – we talk about improving our actions and that includes yours offerings – your product. Ideally introduce to the world something that people will talk about, recommend and resonate with. Make sure your offerings are the tip-top – invest the time and resources you can in it. 

4. POWER UP
It is about your audience, your fans, your customers, your sphere of influence or in marketing talk – your market share.  You need to get your website and your social media working for your too. In these areas you need to offer something of value – somenhting free in exchange for an email address, for example.

5. MONEY

You have to do financial projections for your business and products. Keep financial considerations in your mind too.

6. THE GIFT OF THE GAB

The gift of the gab is the ability to speak. If you want success you need to be able to write well and spaeak well. These are skills that can be improved with regular practice.  Again go into action write and speak as much as you can but with the intention to irmprove and do better. Watch and learn from the best speakers and writers. 

7. BETTER THE LEADERS

In every field there are leaders – study them, what makes them tick. Study their websites and their social media presence.  Don’t copy, but see what ideas might complement your purpose, and also have you can innovate on the current ideas set. I once read a story – it was about some children who were trying to get the bananas of a banana tree.  None of the children could read the bananas on their own. Only when they co-operated and one bent down and allowed another to use her like a stepping stone were they able to get the bananas.  Team work, co-operation and collaboration can get us further.  We may not have a formal relationship but we need to learn from others.

8. COLLABORATIVE EFFECT Often when we share we have more. Think about how others can help spread your message – people in your industry and field. Think alliances and mutual benefits. 

9. PASSIONATE SINCERITY Passion and sincereness are powerful ways to touch your audiences. Inject passion and sincereity. Take the passion test and look at some of the best selling products and think how passion was injected. 

10. SUCCESSFUL FLEXIBILITY Success rarely happens overnight. It may take years – but keep your purpose in mind but be flexible to incorporate new ideas, new directions and new collaborations. 

Mike Ghouse is human and this is how he deals with it!

Hunger PangsBy Day Four of Ramadan (the fasting month for Muslims) Mike was feeling exhausted and hungry from noon onward.

HOW TO DEAL WITH HUNGER
The solution:  pray for hungry children and people around the world in Congo, Haiti, Somalia and Burma.

Mike Ghouse: “The tragedy of Rohingi people in Burma shatters me… it is the identical humility that the Vietnamese suffered, and Darfurians and Palestinians are enduring.”

REAL RESPONSIBILITY
Mike Ghouse: “A sense of responsibility grips me and the only possible thing I can do is pray for them, and through fasting, in my own way, I express solidarity with them, and empathize with them. Taqwa (spirituality) in simple terms is being in tune with the creation, created and the creator. We feel helpless, yet we feel part of the whole universe.”

HUMAN HOLOCAUSTMike Ghouse: My biggest reference point is always Holocaust, the world did nothing while people were sent to gas chambers, and mercilessly shot into the ditches… the looks in their eyes was so overwhelming.

Friends turned their faces away from them; a sheer betrayal of humanity. That is one of the most dominating scenes in my life, when I hear the word helplessness, that is the scene for me."

GOODWILL GENERATIONRamadan for Mike Ghouse is a month of connecting with humanity, a month of feeling empathy for others and a month of goodwill generation.

SENDING PEACE AND BLESSINGSMike broke the fast at Madinah Masjid in Texas, USA on Day Four. After the formal obligatory congregational prayers, most mosques conclude the prayers at the last act of the ritual - that is sending peace and blessings to the right and to the left with the head turning in both directions.  In Madinah Masjid, the Imam goes for the duwa (supplication) after the end of the prayers, a common practice in the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh).

The Imam also keeps the recitations short; the prayers are supposed to be short during Ramadan. There are  the Taraweeh Prayers - special nightly prayers during Ramadan, where one chapter of the Quraan is completed each night  in 29 to 30 days.

RAMADAN PURPOSE
The purpose of Ramadan is to make you embrace the whole world. This is why Mike visits different mosques during Ramadan – to open the mind and be respectful of other traditions.

DAYS ONE TO FOUR OF MIKE GHOUSE'S RAMADAN 

·                  DAY 1, EXPERIENCE RAMDAN AT CARROLTON MOSQUE  URL: http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/07/ramadan-day-1-carrollton-mosque.html

·                  DAY 2,  EXPERIENCE RAMDAN  AT RICHARDSON MOSQUE http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/07/ramadan-day-2-richardson-mosque.html

·                  DAY 3,  EXPERIENCE RAMDAN  AT PLANO MOSQUE http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/07/ramadan-day-3-plano-mosque.html

·                  DAY 4,  EXPERIENCE RAMDAN  AT  MADINAH MASJID http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/07/ramadan-day-4-madinah-masjid.html

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MIKE GHOUSE

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on the topics of Pluralism, Coexistence, politics, interfaith, Islam and cohesive societies. He is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

Pic credit: Nadeem Faraz is an award-winning artist and this pic is his response to the situation in Burmah. 

Nadeem Faraz: “Burma Massacre 2012: Where followers of Muhammad (PBUH) were killed by so called Buddhists. It they defy the basics of religion, peace, they do not deserve to be associated with any religion. Please share the message of peace, that is the best what we can do at the moment, when media and Governments are silent on these massive killings.”

Please share the message of peace

Do you hear the call of God? What is the call of God by Mike Ghouse

WHAT IS THE CALL OF GOD?

Mike Ghouse: “It is a call from God to learn about each other and know each other.”

LISTENING TO THE CALL OF GOD

When we do that, myths about others disappear. We open up to friendships without reserve or fear. Mike shares some practical points about the practice of Islam in the USA and worldwide.

ISLAM USA STYLE

Almost every Muslim (both male and female) drives to the mosque; there are no separate residential areas where people of any religion live exclusively.  Even though there is a trend for developing smaller neighborhoods around the Mosques, it will not become the lifestyle. In the long haul integration (not assimilation) is essential for the overall good of individual communities and nation as a whole.

PRAYERS IN RICHARDSON MOSQUE, NORTH DALLAS

Anyone can lead the prayer, even though Dr. Yusuf Zia Kavakci is the imam (the equivalent of pastor, pundit, rabbi, shaman, clergy, minister), he designates one of his students from his academy to lead the prayers, and he has 60 Huffaz (plural for Hafiz, the one who memorizes the whole Quraan) in Dallas.

WIDER COMMUNITY SERVICE

Richardson Mosque started a Medical clinic to serve the people who do not have insurance. It is for everyone, and people from all faiths and traditions visit this clinic for care.  I am proud of this clinic, where Muslims are contributing to the well being of the overall society.   Indeed, Richardson Mosque is an example of being a part of the society, serving the society.

I believe that is the purpose of a Mosque, a community center.

COMMUNITY PURPOSEThe Islamic Association of North Texas is developing the Islamic Village project, a Muslim neighbourhood. (More about this project at www.Iant.com  - the Islamic Association of North Texas).

The Islamic Village Project is a multi-million dollar project that will foster great change in the Muslim community of Dallas. It will house a senior center, Youth center, Social Services department, residential quarters, play area for the children, retail center, clinic, and a separate building for IQA (Quranic Academy)  and Suffa Islamic Seminary classes. The project will extend from the current Masjid facility at Abrams, on the North and South side of Spring Valley across from the masjid, and West towardsGreenville.

Coming up - an artist’s impression of the Islamic village in North Texas- httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7bjh56GU-0&feature=player_embedded#!

MORE ABOUT MIKE GHOUSE

A call from God to know each other
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2012/01/mission-of-world-muslim-congress.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to doing his individual share of building cohesive societies and invites you to the 8th Annual Unity Day USA on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Details at www.UnitydayUSA.com, it’s an event that builds bridges and uplifts every American. Watch the trailer of the upcoming film - Americans Together, building a cohesiveAmericaat www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com

Mike Ghouse at Richardson Mosque, North Texas.
Mike Ghouse hears the universal call to God,
namely that we should learn from each other
and know each other.
When we do that we can be true friends.
Mike shares some of the practices of
Muslims in Texas, USA.

PROBLEMS WITH TRANSLATIONS AND RUSHING TO JUDGMENT by Mike Ghouse

ARABIC SOURCEThe Quran (the Holy Book of Muslims) was received in Arabic, so if you are reading an Urdu or English version then it is a translation.

MISSING THE MARK
However good the translation, the meaning may not be perfectly accurate or receivable in a way that people can appreciate today.

MODERN MAYHEM
Further modern meanings have changed our understanding of what was originally meant.

WHAT THE QURAN IS AND WHAT A TRANSLATION IS
The Quran is divine and God's word, and it is always about justice, fairness and for the goodness of humanity.

SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH
There are issues with translations, even Arabic writers have misinterpreted. The burden of finding the truth falls squarely on us, after all, no one but us is responsible for our actions on the Day of Judgment.

The translation by Dr. Tahir-ul QadiriA Sura or Surah is a chapter in the Quran. Mike shares some verses from the second chapter – Sura Baqra and mentions his concerns about translations.

2:212, (Qadiri translation) starts with, "life for the Kafirs was set up for the worldly pleasures."

THE MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF KAFIRThe word Kafir was used as though there is a community of people out there who are called Kafirs.

WHAT KAFIR REALLY MEANSKafir is a generic word for those who hide the truth, deny the truth or pretend the truth to be different, and it is an individual attribute rather than a group label. Although it has the simplest meaning, it has acquired a derogatory status to ridicule other people.

INTIMACY2:222 (Qadiri Translation) - talks about avoiding intimacy with wife until she is pure or clean again. Mike has a severe difficulty with this translation. It gives the impression that a woman is unclean or impure. Instead, if the translation had said, “avoid intimacy with wife until she is through with menstruation,” it would have meant a natural process.

SHIA AND SUNNI DIMENSION
Sunni Muslims believe the Prophet in his last sermon was clear; he was leaving his Sunna (Muslim law based on what Prophet Muhammad said) and the book to the people. However, Shia Muslims add the Prophet’s family to it.

These are the two different versions. The best thing is to accept the different interpretations, but not agree as a matter of principle.

Mike Ghouse: “I have no problem with what they believe; I don’t believe what they believe, and they don’t believe what I believe… I am not superior to them, nor they are superior to me. I am right in my way, as they are right in their ways....”

More about Mike Ghouse
Original post: http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.sg/2012/07/ramadan-day-1-carrollton-mosque.html

Mike Ghouse is committed to doing his individual share of building cohesive societies  and invites you to the 8th Annual Unity Day USA on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Details at www.UnitydayUSA.com. It's an event that builds bridges and uplifts every American.

Pic credit – Nadeem Faraz. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Nadeem is an award-winning writer, poet and artist.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon HIm) Blessings for the world by Nadeem Faraz.

What does God really want? Mike Ghouse gives us the answer

HARMONY

Like a mother who wants her children to live well, like a teacher who wants his students to do well, and like a chef who wants his patrons to enjoy his food…

God wants every one of his creation to live in harmony and do well.

LOVE
No one is deprived of God’s love; he has reached every human through a peace maker, messenger, prophet, reformer or simply a wise man or a good friend that brings sense to living.

GUIDANCEThe creator offers a variety of guidance to mankind, no matter where you live, the guidance is there, the guidance that leads to live in peace, and without fear of the other.

PEACE
Religion is one such instrument that God guides us through, and there are many of them, at least 250 traditions including a dozen major ones. Each tradition does well for the believer in bringing peace to oneself.

COHESIVE SOCIETY
Today, the one tradition I am talking about is Islam, and one of its beautiful aspects that helps build cohesive societies.

RAMADAN MUBARAKRamadan is the fasting month for Muslims and one of the pillars of Islam. Mubarak means blessed. Ramadan Mubarak means may you have a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a very busy month for Muslims – they are not just fasting but are spending more time in prayer and reciting the Quran.  It is also a month of learning about others, connecting with others, developing empathy with new fellow beings and reaching new heights in piety and spirituality.

GOD CONSCIOUSNESS
Having piety and spirituality is known as Taqwa in Islam. Taqwa is to become closer to God and emulate his qualities of unselfishness, forgiveness and love.

SERVICE
Ramadan is a month of practicing service to fellow beings and developing the self-discipline to learn to live and be conscious of every moment of the day for 30 days.

BLESSED START
Ramadan starts with the sighting of the moon.  However, in modern times, a few scientifically-inclined-Muslims have adopted NASA’s calculations believed to be precise. Nevertheless, four different traditions are operating concurrently:

i)                Strictly Calendar

ii)              NASA and

iii)            Sighting with bare eyes

and iv) sighting by others in the community.

HUMAN NATUREThe Quraan says, had God willed, he would have made every one of us alike –

then he says, he chose to make us into different tribes and nations from the same couple (or the same source).

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
God goes on to challenge us to know each other – God knows that our conflicts stem from not knowing each other, and living with misinformation about others. When we know each other,  conflicts fade and solutions will emerge.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEIGHBOR
Every religion means peace and Justice and that is acceptable to God. God says, you need not worry who you are, as long as you take care of your neighbor, I will recompense you. Each one of us is responsible for our Karma.

THE BEST PEOPLE
God concludes (Quraan 49:13) that the best among us is the one who knows each other, learns about each other and respects each other. If we take the time, to learn, every religion is out there to bring goodness to humanity.

GOODNESS
Mike Ghouse’s prayer for now and the future: Be good to yourselves and everyone around you.

MORE ABOUT MIKE GHOUSE
Mike Ghouse is committed to nurturing the pluralistic values of Islam and welcomes everyone to explore www.worldMuslimCongress.org and several related sites listed at: http://mikeghouse.net/Sites.MuslimsTogether.IslamTogetherFoundation.com.MikeGhouse.asp . The site www.MikeGhouse.net  lists everything about Mike.

Pic credit - Nadeem Faraz - Nadeem Faraz is an award-wining talented Urdu and English poet, writer and artist.

Self and Allah -- When your thoughts surrender to Allah only by Nadeem Faraz

7 TYPES OF WOMEN TO MARRY

7 TYPES OF WOMEN TO MARRY

THE BEST TYPE OF WOMAN TO MARRY - THE SEVEN PEARLS

Men looking for a woman to marry should consider the qualities that a women will bring to  that marriage.  Here are 7  different types of women to consider. If you can get one woman with all these types - wow - that will be a match made in heaven.  Women can do a lot to make a marriage happy. This post gets us thinking how the woman can create a peaceful, happy environment. Of course it takes two to have a happy marriage - the man must do his part too.

PURE PATIENCE 

1. The Patient: This woman remains patient in all circumstances and never whines, moans and complains when some trouble or affliction hits her. She turns to Allah for help.

PROTECTIVE AND NURTURING

2. The Protector: This woman protects her husband’s wealth, and her chastity when he is away from home. When he returns, she does not burden him with the day's problems, but listens attentively to his needs, and does her best to take his tiredness away.

ADORING

3. The Lover: This woman adores her husband and craves for his children.

GOODNESS

4. The Do-Gooder: This woman has an excellent reputation in society for being

kind, caring and courteous to all. She is good with her neighbors, relatives and never backbites or displays jealousy.

CONTENTED

5. The Content: This woman never casts her eyes at material things and is content with ever little thing her husband gives her. She is thankful to him for every morsel he feeds her, every item of clothing he gifts her and the roof over her head. She makes her gratefulness known to him in words and actions, and thus soothes her husband's heart.

PIETY PLUS

6. The Pious: This woman spends much of her day in Dhikr (or Zikr, "Remembrance [of God]"), tilaawat-e Qur'an (reciting the Holy Book) and Salah (formal worship in Islam) and her nights in praying tahajjud (a night prayer in addition to the five daily prayers) and crying to Allah for forgiveness. She encourages her husband to give da'wah (to invite people to submit to God) and call others to the path of truth.

THE SWEETNESS OF SMILES

7. The Sweet Smiler: The woman who smiles excessively especially when her husband is at home. She always talks gently that it seems that pearls are dripping from her mouth. She never raises her voice while talking to her husband. If her husband is angry with her for some reason and shouts at her, she does not answer him back but maintains a dignified silence. When he has calmed down, she offers him cool water and apologises to him even if she wasn't at fault.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

These women are the ideal – they may be too good to be true but these types of women certainly make life nice for a man.  A lady who listens attentively to her husband’s needs and does her best to take his tiredness away after a long day. Kindness, caring and courtesy are part of her every action. Always thankful for her husband and what he does, she shows her gratefulness in her words and actions. She also takes the time to soothe her husband’s heart.

Women can do a lot to make a marriage happy. This post gets us thinking how the woman can create a peaceful, happy environment. Of course it takes two to have a happy marriage - the man must do his part too. Blessings.

TEXT CREDIT: Bismillah http://www.facebook.com/Saba598ahmed/notes

Let’s uplift our spirits and move closer to God, says Mike Ghouse. Here’s how

I HAVE A HOPE

I hope this Ramadan has uplifted our spirits and taken us closer to God.

I hope we have acquired God qualities each successive day for the 30 days of Ramadan.

I hope we have become kind, forgiving, generous and all embracing.

I hope we have no hate, anger or prejudice towards others, and no barrier between us and another human.

I HAVE A PRAYER
I pray Ramadan helps us become non-judgemental.
I pray that post-Ramadan we work on this and continue to be non-judgmental.

I STRIVE FORWe can strive to be non-judgmental. That is what piety (Taqwa) is all about – getting closer to God.

THE BLESSINGS OF GODGod has kept his part of the bargain. God is closer to us than our jugular vein and knows everything we do, and now, it's our turn to feel him within us and be in tune with the goodness he represents.

OPEN HORIZONSDuring the 30 days of Ramandan, Mike visited 22 Masjids (the Arabic name for mosque) and from different Muslim denominations. He feels it opened his horizons to embrace all Muslims.

SPIRITUAL DEEPENINGMike Ghouse: “I feel I have gotten closer to the Prophet as well, by emulating him, and being a fraction of a billion of being Rahmatul Aalameen. It means I have chosen to follow his real Sunnah – to be mercy (Rahma) to the entire universe without discrimination.”

I HOPE
“Alhamdu Lillah [Praise to Allah], I'm grateful to Allah for making this Ramadan meaningful to me. I hope it has been meaningful to you as well.”

OUR PATH
Protect your Hazira (present status in the society).
It is wise to secure our today, today, while we are working on securing our Aakhira (after life).

BLESS YOU WITH A GREAT LIFE
B: Blessings are the good things in life that are all around us and for us to see, feel and enjoy. Be in tune with the goodness that God is.
L: Let’s uplift our spirits and move closer to God.
E: Enjoy the goodness of God. Enjoy all the blessings of life and God. Embrace all that is good and holy.
S: Strive to be blessed with the greatest blessings – the blessing of getting closer to God by exhibiting God-like qualities.
S: Strive to open your mind by developing your sweet spiritual eyes and see all that is good, holy and blessed.

Y: You move closer and closer to God if you work on acquiring God qualities.
O: Open your horizons – see more, feel more and be more on the path of goodness.
U: Uplift your spirit by moving closer to God.

MORE ABOUT MIKE GHOUSE AND RAMADAN
URL - http://ramadanexclusive.blogspot.com/2012/08/eid-ul-fitr-message.html
Mike
www.MikeGhouse.net
(214) 325-1916
Mike Ghouse is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. He is a professional speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, civic affairs, Islam, India, Israel, peace and justice. Mike is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News and regularly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. The blog www.TheGhousediary.com is updated daily.

Soft skills for a softer side of life by Tayyiba Iram. 10 ways to bring out your soft side

1. NEVER GIVE UP HOPE THAT BETTER DAYS ARE HERE TO COME

Everyday is a brand New Shiny start for a whole new Beginning.
For lasting changes to work we have to really embrace them.

The inner ones are the hardest ones of all.

When we make that change how rewarding it is.

If you can throw off the baggage you can lighten your steps.

2. PUT ON YOUR SOFTEST LISTENING EARS

The Foremost Duty of Love is to Listen.

Listen with your Heart.

Listening is such an Incredible Quality when you hear Hearts of your Dear Ones.

You are very well aware

When we pray God listens to us.Rest in God (photo courtesy of Muhammad Haneef).

3. Rumi’s wisdom puts us in touch with the mature softer side of life

No mirror ever became Iron again
No bread ever became Wheat
No ripened grape ever became Sour fruit.
Mature yourself and Be Secure from a Change for the Worse.
Become the LIGHT. (Rumi)

4. More from Rumi on the softer side of life

Listen with the ears of Tolerance.
See through the eyes of Compassion.
Speak with the language of Love.
Be certain in the religion of Love.
There are no believers or unbelievers.
Love Embraces All. ~ Rumi ~

Be certain in the religion of Love. (pic courtesy of Adil Lahorei)

5. Developing softer values is the greatest achievement in life

The Greatest Achievement is Selflessness.
The greatest Worth is Self-mastery.
The greatest Quality is seeking to Serve others.
The greatest Precept is Continual Awareness.
The greatest Medicine is the Emptiness of everything.
The greatest Action is not conforming with the worlds ways.
The greatest Magic is transmuting the Passions.
The greatest Generosity is Non-attachment.
The greatest Goodness is a Peaceful mind.
The greatest Patience is Humility.
The greatest Effort is Not concerned with Results.
The greatest Meditation is a mind that Lets go.
The greatest Wisdom is seeing through Appearances.

Atisha (11th century Tibetan Buddhist master)

6. Be full of softness

Never be so Full of yourself that you cannot feel the Emptiness of another.

~Rio Vergini ~

7. MOTHER TERESA EMBRACED A STEELY SOFTER SIDE OF LIFE

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and Self-centered; FORGIVE them anyway.
If you are KIND, People may Accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are SUCCESSFUL, you will win some False friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are HONEST and FRANK, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend Years building, someone could destroy over night; Build anyway.
If you find SERENITY and HAPPINESS, They may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The GOOD you do today, people will often Forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the Best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the FINAL ANALYSIS, it is between YOU and GOD; It was never between you and them anyway.

I Just Love that Mother Teresa Said this... So Soothing, So Healing So Comforting...

8. JOY IS SOFT

I have ultimately found that the True source of Joy is in Giving and here Lies all Living.

9. ROAD TO GLORY

The shortest way to Glory is to be guided by Conscience.
~Henry Home~
What a Beautiful and precise path to Glory and Pride.

10. Accept all sides of life softly.

Accept as it is and be happy my friends. May Almighty ease your troubles. Aameen ♥

The greatest Goodness is a Peaceful mind. Adil Lahorei enjoying the sunset in Kahsmir.

Allah’s blessings by Tayyiba Iram. 12 ANSWERS TO OUR PRAYERS

ANSWERS TO YOUR PRAYERS by Tayyiba Iram 

1. MAY GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS FOR FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness of every kind.

MAY GOD ANSWER MY PRAYERS FOR FORGIVENESS. (illustration courtesy of Nadeem Faraz)

Seek Forgiveness from Our Creator.

Let’s also seek forgiveness from all our dear ones, friends or family.

May we never take for Granted the Love, Attention and Care of our dear ones.

So that any carelessness might cause hurt or uncertainty in them.

Aameen

2. MAY GOD MAKE ME WORTHY OF FORGIVENESS

Oh Allāh certainly You are most Forgiving, You Love to Forgive, so Forgive me.

Do eyes speak with everyone around; No. Heart only speaks when others’ heart frequency and energy matches.Yes Heart speaks, heart feels, heart gets hurt, Heart tears, Heart dances, Heart Loves. All I have is Love in my heart. I’m loved and Blessed one. Gratitude.♥ ~ Tayyiba Iram ~

Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) by Nadeem Faraz.

3. MAY ALLAH POUR HIS BLESSINGS UPON YOU

May Allah bless you with good health and long life to see much happiness around. Aameen

4. MAY ALLAH GUIDE US IN HIS WAYS AND GIVE US ….

Oh GOD..!

Guide My Heart and my Soul.

Give me the strength to successfully pass your tests.

Give me the discipline to remain Humble and Righteous.

Give me the Hope and Knowledge of Forgiveness.

Give me the heart to Love and Respect everyone.

Give me the Health to do Good.

Give me Eyes to see the Truth and the Good in people.

Give me the Ears to hear the Truth.

Give me the touch to feel your Blessings and to alleviate the Sufferings of others. Give me the Vision to successfully conquer this world.

Give me the Courage to accept my Shortcomings.

Give me the Ladder to claim your Path.

Give me your Angels to protect me from my own and the actions of others.

Give me the honor to serve you.

Give me the chance to Praise you one more time.

Give me the Opportunity to Repent before its too late.

Give me the Means to help others.

Give me that which will Benefit me and Help me.

Forgive me, my family and friends and all your followers.

Oh God, this Prayer is for all mankind.

Truly YOU we worship, and from YOU we seek Protection, Guidance, Help and Forgiveness.

Ameen, Sum Ameen

5. MAY ALLAH STRENGTHEN ME WITH ALLAH’S ALL KNOWINGNESS

I know you are there Allah.

I know you see my tears.

I know you hear my prayers.

I know you are testing me.

And all I ask from you is to strengthen my Imaan (faith) so I can handle the struggles in life and make me from Your humble ones who know nothing except Gratitude to you and Gratefulness to everyone.

Aameen Ya Rab

6. May Allah bless me with more knowledge

Oh Allah, increase me in knowledge, but let this knowledge be with sincerity, not seeking fame, glory, status, material wealth. Let this knowledge serve Your cause in a way that You accept, and let it benefit humanity.
Ameen.

7. May Allah out pour his love upon us and set off love all around

Oh ALLAH ! Bless me with Your Love. Grant me that wisdom with which I can make better decisions. Provide me that Vision which allows me to Focus towards my Goals. Help me in Implementing my Goals in such a way which will make difference in many Life's of this World.
Aaameen! Ya Rab!

8. MAY ALLAH ALWAYS HAVE MERCY UPON ME
ALLAH Please Help me to correct whatever is Wrong in Me Either in my mind, Body, soul and Spirit.

Allah Give me compassion and wisdom so that I may be able to understand others.

O Allah bless me that Peace which can never be disturbed.

Ya Rabbul Alameen

Guide me towards RIGHT Path always which never takes me towards any Guilt or Doubt.

Make My Mind very Much Clear Ya rab.

Indeed You are the Most knowledgeable (Al Khabeer).

You know all my Needs and the best way to fulfill all needs.

You know all My Intentions and Actions.

Please always Have Mercy on Me and My dear ones. Please Bless me with the toufeeq to pray till my last breath. Aameen Ya Rab... ♥

9. MAY WE BE BLESSED WITH ALLAH’S GRACE

Almighty listens prayers, All you need is Conviction.

"O Most Merciful, O Most Loving, enrich me with the wisdom of obeying You, so that I have no need to disobey You, and enrich me with Your grace, so that I have no need for any other than You."

10. MAY ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH US

ALMIGHTY LORD! Increase for us and do not reduce from us, Honor us and do not humiliate us, Grant to us and do not forbid (your blessings) from us, Enable us to prevail (upon others) and Let us be pleased (with You) and You be pleased with us.
Aameen

11. MAY ALLAH INCREASE OUR FAITH

"If Allah should aid you, No one can overcome you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely" [Quran 3:160]
How beautiful and so True.

12. MAY YOU BE WITH US ALWAYS
Dear Allah please don’t ever Forsake us. Aameen Ya Rab ♥