Blogging seemed to give me a sense of relief. I would be in a different zone trying to see the world with a philosophical perspective. So I start again. Though I have a few other blog sites, irrelevant to this one, this is the only one with my personal thoughts. The others are mirrors of my interests.

Wish me luck!

Loba

Carl Jung

Gertrude Stein

Life hardened
World angered
Reality reformed

Yet, with another simple word

Life softened
World calmed
Reality renewed

Oh what a word

Loba

- Loba

Sure empathy may not have any monetary benefits but it has alot of emotional benefits! So next time someone spills their heart out, please please do a great favor and Listen deeply and empathize, instead of throw up Dr. Phil crap everytime.

- Loba

Never use abusive language for anyone, even though he abuses you. Be humble in spirit, kind and gentle, and forgiving, sympathetic towards all and wishing them well, so that you should be accepted. There are many who pretend to be kind, gentle and forgiving, but inside they are wolves; there are many on the outside who look pure, but in their hearts they are serpents.

You cannot be accepted in the presence of the Lord unless you are pure, both on the outside and inside. (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad – The Promised Messiah. ‘Kashti Nuh’)

At first it was out of the ordinary for me and I had to think a bit harder to list five new things. Soon after, I started going through the days and noticing so much more than before.

I am committed to mark the days as 5. I realize to mark it less than that would be a sign of ungratefullness for every blessing to God. I also believe that bad moments rarely outweigh the good moments in a day. If we were to list the bad and good moments/blessings in a day and give them all one point each, the good will win the race.

To live another day is a blessing. To have the opportunity to see and spend time with loved ones is a blessing. To see them laugh and see another day is a blessing. To even chat with wonderful friends for a few minutes is a blessing.

To work, play, laugh, and even cry are signs of blessings. For to cry for something, must mean the sorrow of missing a blessing.

I truly recommend the practice of a gratitude journal (in any format) to anyone. In all its simplicity, it’s a wonderful practice for us all to find or achieve a higher level of inner peace.

- Loba

It left me with much thought and appreciation for life and the natural progress of it.

Loba

This is why I think it’s best to write a list of expectations and set quantifiable goals. Otherwise, resolutions will be mere hopes forgotten in no time.

Loba

I guess I can excuse all this on death. When it creeps on a loved one, it takes a part of the souls of the ones left. Death, though inevitable is never really expected. You can prepare yourself all you want to handle it all gracefully but when it actually happens all plans shatter.

Life suddenly loses its colorful meaning and becomes bleak and mute. Everything redefines itself to a sorrowful and sad state full of deep pain and regrets never felt before.

There’s still so much I want to express about all this but now is not the time.

Loba

You know the door locks of most apartments and condominiums? I’ve had a recurring nightmare about this type of lock, for well over 20 years, at least twice a month, every month. In my dream, everyone is either out or sleeping or somehow I’m just all alone. And somehow I hear a noise coming from behind the house door and see the lock about to open as if someone has the key and I walk over and try to close it against the other person. Look through the peep hole and sometimes I see the stranger but most of the times, it’s blocked view and I keep closing it. Everything is always incredibly quiet.

In my younger years this dream would take up practically the whole night and exhaust me. Sometimes the perpetrator would break the door open and I’d run up and down some stairs to escape but most of the times it was just about the door lock and a door. Nowadays, it still takes up that long, but I guess I control the dream a bit more and try to scream or call the police, but I think the fact that I try to control the direction of the dream actually exhausts me even further.

I pray and I’m thankful. I’ve reformed my life and am still in the process of it. This all stems back to when I was a young child living through the Iran and Iraq war. I go through life as a normal and actually a happy person but with one minor difference. I never feel safe or secure at home alone or most other places. I’m horrified of fireworks. I don’t and furthermore can’t watch war movies or most action or horror movies and avoid the news as much as possible. All they do is cause my blood to boil and bring on more nightmares.

I’m sure I’m not the only one like this and I’m also sure there are people who are just fine or even forgotten their traumatic experiences. Either way, if you haven’t personally lived through a war, you’ll probably never understand it to this level. That’s not to make you feel inferior or superior but to actually say that you are amongst a different set of people. Wars are and will always be presented as patriotic, as acts of defense while we all know that’s just pure crap and it’s all politics and worse intolerance of others. And even worse a way for super-powers to manipulate impressionable, money driven and intolerant countries to go to war against their imagined enemies.

That’s why it pains me to see Muslims enrage further intolerance and ignorance between the different religions and sects of Islam. Be it against Ahmadis, Shias, Sunnis, Ismaelis. Whether or not you like it, they’re all Muslim and I pray that all preach and practice peace and tolerance and stop judging others and strive towards Allah and work on improving themselves. Allah will judge how good of Muslims they are, we don’t have such rights.

So before another war starts, I’d love to make such people think to themselves. What are they so afraid of? Why do they feel threatened that someone is another sect or has varying beliefs? How does that affect their lives? Is it worth their families and future generations suffering at their own hands? Do they really think Allah would forgive them for such crimes?

So to all the ones who actually don’t feel the way most of the intolerant ones do, how do we stop intolerance and ignorance amongst everyone? How do we make people see that hatred feeds on hatred and it breeds more hatred AND this is not how anyone should behave?

Wasalam.

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

“A timely “no” beats a hasty “yes.”"

“Between the beginning and the end there is always a middle.”

“A wise man learns at the fool’s expense.”

“God writes straight even on wavy lines.”

“An old man with a torn sleeve never dishonored anyone.”

“For every ailing foot, there is a slipper.”

“Haste is the mother of imperfection.”

“Never promise a poor person, and never owe a rich one.”

“One who does not look ahead remains behind.”

“Goodwill makes the road shorter.”

“The earth is not thirsty for the blood of the warriors but for the sweat of man’s labor.”

“The trees with most leaves will not necessarily produce juicy fruit.”

“Where blood has been shed the tree of forgiveness cannot grow.”

“He who knows nothing, doubts nothing.”

“You can only take out of a bag what was already in it.”

“It’s not shameful not to know, but it’s shameful not to ask.”

“Make sure your blanket covers your feet.”

“One’s own simple bread is much better than someone else’s pilaf.”

“Never mind storms and snows for the sake of a friend.”

“Saying “halva-halva” won’t make your mouth sweet.”

“Until spring comes, nightingales do not sing.”

“A cat likes to eat fresh fish but it will not go into the water.”

“It’s difficult to take a wolf cub without bringing in the whole pack.”

“Don’t look for bad things in the good that you do.”

“The winner has many friends, the loser has good friends.”

“Even foul water will quench fire.”

“The distance between heaven and earth is no greater than one thought.”

“He who wants to build high must dig deep.”

“One idiot can ask more questions than ten wise men can answer.”

“A donkey that carries me is worth more than a horse that kicks me.”

“Times are not always the same; the grass is not always green.”

“Once you have locked your door you are the emperor in your own domain.”

“Don’t undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river.”

“You can’t put two saddles on the same horse.”

“There are men who walk through the woods and see no trees.”

“A tiger wearing a bell will starve.”

However, God does work in mysterious ways and sometimes we’re blessed with people of a higher caliber so we can learn and work on progress and sometimes it’s the other way around and we need to help them up.

Loba

I don’t believe she’s succeeded.

I tried with much effort to feel her pain and empathize. I tried to make her see some reason and focus on her growing children and their future. I tried to convince her to save her prayers for useful matter and turn her devotion back to God. I tried to ask her to leave her ex-husband and this woman in God’s capable hands and trust God’s will.

I don’t believe I succeeded.

Loba

I have always been fond of saying how we are all creatures of habit and I firmly believe it to this day. Habits, good or bad, define us. They define our quality of life, character, ethics and foundation of beliefs.

Unfortunately many bad actions, though they may seem insignificant at the time, if repeated will very likely develop into long-term habits. Such habits can include drinking, smoking, using violence, gossiping, judging, embracing sheer arrogance or spreading ignorance at worst.

I feel truly blessed to be able to at least detect this and to try and sometimes be able to stop the growth of such mold wherever possible. I just hope others do too.

Loba

Hasan ibn Ali (radhi allahu anhu) relates that he learnt the following from the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam): “Leave alone that which involves thee in doubt and adhere to that which is free from doubt, for truth is comforting and falsehood is disturbing. (Tirmidhi)

“The Unity of God is a light which illumines the heart only after the negation of all deities, whether they belong to the inner world or the outer world. It permeates every particle of man’s being. How can this be acquired without the aid of God and His Messenger? The duty of man is only to bring death upon his ego and turn his back to devilish pride. He should not boast of his having been reared in the cradle of knowledge but should consider himself as if he were merely an ignorant person, and occupy himself in supplications. Then the light of Unity will descend upon him from God and will bestow new life upon Him.”

- Roohani Khazain Vol. 22 Haqiqatul-Wahi, p 148

“Wondrous is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything, and it is so for him alone. If he experiences something agreeable, he is grateful to God and that is good for him; and if he experiences adversity, he is steadfast and that is good for him.”

- Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)

That he/she shall keep away from falsehood, fornication, adultery, trespasses of the eye, debauchery, dissipation, cruelty, dishonesty, mischief and rebellion; and will not permit himself/herself to be carried away by passions, however strong they might be.

That he/she shall regularly offer the five daily prayers in accordance with the commandments of God and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him); and shall try his/her best to be regular in offering the Tahajud (pre-dawn supererogatory prayers) and invoking Darood (blessings) on the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him); that he/she shall make it his/her daily routine to ask forgiveness for his/her sins, to remember the bounties of God and to praise and glorify Him.

That under the impulse of any passions, he/she shall cause no harm whatsoever to the creatures of Allah in general, and Muslims in particular, neither by his/her tongue nor by his/her hands nor by any other means.

That he/she shall remain faithful to God in all circumstances of life, in sorrow and happiness, adversity and prosperity, in felicity and trial; and shall in all conditions remain resigned to the decree of Allah and keep himself/herself ready to face all kinds of indignities and sufferings in His way and shall never turn away from it at the onslaught of any misfortune; on the contrary, he/she shall march forward.

That he/she shall refrain from following un-islamic customs and lustful inclinations, and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of the Holy Quran; and shall make the Word of God and the Sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) the guiding principle in every walk of his/her life.

That he/she shall entirely give up pride and vanity and shall pass all his/her life in humbleness, cheerfulness, forbearance and meekness.
That he/she shall hold faith, the honor of faith, and the cause of Islam dearer to him/her than his/her life, wealth, honor, children and all other dear ones.

That he/she shall keep himself/herself occupied in the service of God’s creatures for His sake only; and shall endeavor to benefit mankind to the best of his/her God-given abilities and powers.

That he/she shall enter into a bond of brotherhood with this humble servant of God, pledging obedience to me in everything good, for the sake of Allah, and remain faithful to it till the day of his/her death; that he/she shall exert such a high devotion in the observance of this bond as is not to be found in any other worldly relationship and connections demanding devoted dutifulness.

- Book: Conditions of Bai’at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi

“A poetical verse says: You want the communion of God and you also want this mean world. Let me tell you, this is utterly impossible and it is nothing less than madness.

Nobody knows when he would be called upon to surrender his life. That being the case one should not be unmindful of the fact of his mortality and he should not give preference to the worldly affairs over his religion.

Do not depend on your life. You should not think that you are secure against the devastation of the Time.”

- Malfoozat Vol. 9, pg. 406

The truth is that unless a man proves that he is a true believer in God and has very strong faith in Him, he cannot be the recipient of the blessings and the grace of God which are granted to those who are His near ones. The blessings that are vouchsafed to those who are near and dear to God have their sources in those people being the possessors of high certainty and strong faith; these are the people who give preference to God over everything else in the whole universe.

You must try to realize that Islam does not tantamount to mere verbal profession of faith and some “wird” and “wazaa-if” (uttering of some words repeatedly for spiritual influence); one’s practical life should be so good that he may become the recipient of the help and succour of God and he may be vouchsafed God’s generous Bounties. All the Prophets had their lives very pure, truthful, trustworthy and of high morals. They were not like the ordinary people – their fasting, payment of zakat, prayers and bowing and prostration and recitation of sura Fatiha, was not like the ordinary people, they had caused a sort of death to everything in the world; the only thing they visualized was the Being of God the Almighty; they took Him alone as their Helper and real Sustainer. It is with Him that they had real communion and it is of Him that they always thought and it is in Him that they lived their lives.”

- Malfoozat, Vol. 10, pg. 37

- Malfoozat Vol. 1, pg. 118

“Your Lord knows best what is in your minds; if you are righteous, then surely, He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again.” (17:26)

God knows it quite well as to what is there in your hearts; if you are righteous, then you should know that God forgives those who turn to Him. The Champions of the Holy Prophet, sallallaho alaihi wa sallam, were also confronted with hardships, and for religious reasons their relations with their parents were strained. But of course, it is for you to try all you can to be good to them and to look after them as best lies in your power; you should not lose any opportunity to serve them. Your good intentions will bring you good rewards. If you have to get yourselves separated from them, because of your religion, that, of course, is a thing, that you cannot help. But you should always keep in mind that you have to try to be good to them; your intentions must always be very good. You should supplicate to God for them.

It is not only you who have been made to confront with this kind of situation. Hazrat Ibrahim, peace be upon him, had also to pass through the same circumstances. However, you should know that your duty to God comes first. You should give preference to Him and try to do your duty to your parents as well; you should also be praying for them – and you should be very sincere in whatever you do. Your intentions must always be good.

- Malfoozat Vol. 10, pg. 131

“A gentle word opens an iron gate.”

“From the promise to the deed is a day’s journey.”

“A crow will never be a dove.”

“Grapes do not grow in a willow tree.”

“Every frog has his own pond.”

“A lion lurks in everyone’s heart; awake him not.”

“He who breaks his word shall through his word be broken.”

“A lion lurks in everyone’s heart; awake him not.”

“Life is a ladder – some will climb up it, others down.”

“No hero without a wound.”

“From walking, something; from sitting, nothing.”

“A fortress surrenders from within.”

“The village feeds the town.”

“He who has been at the mill has flour on his hat.”

“The neighbor’s chicken is a duck.”

“A song belongs to no one.”

“Ravens do not peck each other’s eyes out.”

“If you would live long, open your heart.”

“A word about to be spoken is like a stone that is ready to be thrown.”

“The fox falls into the trap only once.”

“If you cannot serve, you cannot rule.”

“New day — new destiny.”

“If you let everyone walk over you, you become a carpet.”

“If you want apples, you have to shake the trees.”

“An axe without a shaft is no threat to the forest.”

“Only other people’s eggs are double-yolked.”

“If you call one wolf, you invite the pack.”

- Malfoozat vol. 7, pg. 93

“It should be remembered that the Umma (the Muslims) have been granted two things. One, to achieve strength and two, to display that strength. Istighfar is meant to get strength; in other words it is seeking after help. Sufis say that just as taking exercise with the help of some heavy things (called Mugdars and Mogris) gives strength to the body so is the case with Istighfar i.e. it gives strength to the soul and also grants steadfastness to the heart. Whoever wishes to get strength should do Istighfar (ask for forgiveness) Ghafar actually means to cover or to suppress. Istighfar helps to cover and suppress the feelings and the thoughts which try to take the man away from God. Thus Istighfar means to overpower the poisonous matter that attacks man to undo him, and by removing the checks and hurdles in the way of obeying the commands of Allah, to act upon those commands in a practical manner.

This also should be remembered that there are two kinds of matters. One, the poison which is handled by the Satan and, two, the elixir. When a man shows pride and thinks that he is somebody to be reckoned with and does not seek help from the elixir, the poison overpowers him. But when he humbles himself and realises that he is nobody and very low and thus feels the need of the help of God then Allah really produces a fountain through which his soul begins to flow. This is what Istighfar means i.e. to overpower the poisonous matter with the power received from God.”

- Malfoozat vol. 2, pg. 67-68

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore,

The General Assembly,

Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11

1. Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
2. No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.
2. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14

1. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
2. This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15

1. Everyone has the right to a nationality.
2. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16

1. Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
2. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
3. The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17

1. Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
2. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
2. No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21

1. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
2. Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country.
3. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23

1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
2. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
3. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
4. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25

1. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
2. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26

1. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
2. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
3. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27

1. Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29

1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
3. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Source: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm
]]> http://lobaf.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/feed/ 1 LF http://lobaf.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/rights-to-practice-faith-waived/ http://lobaf.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/rights-to-practice-faith-waived/#comments Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:17:13 +0000 LF http://lobaf.wordpress.com/?p=243 ]]>

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Martin Luther King, Jr.

9 June 2008 – PRESS RELEASE

INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY

It is with great regret that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has learnt of the apparent decision of the Head of State of Indonesia, President Susilo Yudhoyono to sign a decree ordering members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to stop practicing their faith or face possible imprisonment. This decree belligerently violates the human rights of every Ahmadi Muslim in Indonesia and ignores the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

The Spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said:

“The Indonesian Government must realize that it is denying its most loyal citizens their most basic rights and this alone speaks volumes. In recent months Ahmadis have been attacked, forced out of their homes and seen their places of worship being burnt down. This decree can only increase the risk of violence and cruelty against our peace loving and tolerant Community.

The thoughts and prayers of all Ahmadis are with our brothers and sisters in Indonesia and indeed in all other parts of the world where we are persecuted. May God Almighty keep them all under His protection.”

End of Release

Please show your support against such inhumane acts by writing to:

UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNHCHR): tb-petitions@ohchr.org
Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org/contact.html
Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org/en/contact
International Federation for Human Rights: http://www.fidh.org/_contact.php3
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT): omct@omct.org

P.S. Please feel free to post your letters as comments on this post.

Since then, I have developed a keen interest to observe these wonderful brown trucks with their hurried drivers. In an effort to be number 1, they seem to have somehow forgotten road safety. Though I may be picking on UPS, I’m sure they don’t stand alone in this battle to provide speedy and efficient service at any rate.

I’d love to see these trucks have bumper stickers “How’s my driving? Call Us! UPS Truck 1234″. That may deter some of these hazardous drivers to take a moment and think before they zoom through an intersection without any regard of who may be crossing right in front of their trucks.

Loba

How you can help: As always, supporters like yourself are stepping up and helping in disaster relief efforts through generous donations, and by volunteering for various roles in field operations. Please visit http://www.humanityfirst.org.

Humanity First is registered in 25 countries across 6 continents, and has been working on human development projects and responding to disasters since 1992. These have included the earthquakes in Turkey, Pakistan, Japan and Iran, floods in Africa and Latin America, storms and tsunamis in the USA, Indonesia and Bangladesh, and conflicts in Eastern Europe. Over 93% of donated funds are spent directly on aid projects. With the majority of labor including skilled engineers and clinicians being volunteers along with preferential rates for materials benefiting from global sourcing, Humanity First is often able to deliver a value of aid many times the value of donations provided.

http://www.humanityfirst.org

How About a FREE Movie (and Great Prizes)?

Next Tuesday, June 10, there will be an exclusive screening of The Sing-a-Long Sound of Music at the Royal Cinema, 608 College, and we’re giving away 25 passes for two to this splendid, gloriously interactive event.

What happens at The Sing-a-Long Sound of Music is this:

You are invited to come dressed as your favorite Sound of Music character, object or song (costumes are not required, but they are highly recommended – nuns, snowflakes, goatherds, girls in white dresses, warm woolen mittens all welcome).

The evening begins with your host – Gavin Crawford, host of the CBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – leading you through a vocal warm-up, judging the costumes, awarding prizes, showing you how to use your free goody bag of edelweiss, party-poppers (and more) and suggesting some appropriate heckles (hissing the countess, barking at Rolf and, of course, cheering for Maria). Then, you sit back and watch the original 1965 movie in glorious Technicolor, with the lyrics for all the songs on the screen, and sing your hearts out.

If that’s not enticing enough, special guests for the evening will include the von Trapp children, Justin, Amanda, Melanie and Sofia – the great grandchildren of Captain von Trapp – in the flesh. And, there will be PRIZES, with one lucky person (maybe you) winning a trip for two to Salzburg, Austria, to experience a Sound of Music tour, courtesy of the Austrian National Tourist Office and the Salzburg Tourist Board.

The event is Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. The place is The Royal Cinema, 608 College Street, Toronto.

To win a free pass for two, just email lonelygoatherd@mirvish.com with your answer to this simple, skill-testing question: “In what mountainous, land-locked, German-speaking European country (NOT Switzerland) is The Sound of Music set?

25 winners will be chosen in a random draw of correct entries – which will take place this Friday, June 6 – and notified by email. Entries must be received by Friday June 6 at 4:00 PM.

That’s it for now. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehn and adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu (just practising for the singalong).

“A wise person is one who watches over himself and restrains himself from that which is harmful and strives for that which will confront him after death; and a foolish one is he who gives rein to his cravings and seeks from Allah the fulfillment of his vain desires.”

- Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)

Consider, if the tongue that God the Sublime has bestowed on us, made up of nerves and muscles, was not equipped with its capacities, we would not have been capable of speech. He granted us a tongue that can express the thoughts and designs of the mind for the purposes of prayer. If we do not employ the tongue for supplication, it would be our great misfortune. There are so many ailments any of which could instantly stop its functioning.

Similarly, He has equipped the mind with the qualities of humility and lowliness and the faculties of contemplation and reflection. Be mindful, then, that if we fail to use these powers and faculties, our prayer is vain. If we do not use the gifts we possess, how can we supplicate for more? That is why: We worship Thee alone, precedes: Guide us along the straight path. This is an affirmation that we have not left unemployed and stultified the gifts and faculties that Allah has granted us.”

Al-Hakam, Dec. 10, 1901

“Cleanliness is half of faith; the utterance of: All praise belongs to Allah; fills the scales of good works; the utterance of: Holy is Allah and worthy of all praise; fills the space between the heavens and earth; Prayer is light; charity is proof of faith: steadfastness is a glow and the Quran is a plea in your favor or against you. Everyone begins the morning ready to bargain with his soul as a stake and ransoms it or ruins it.”

- Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)

“The official death toll from Burma’s killer cyclone has nearly doubled to 78,000 as aid workers hampered by the country’s un-cooperative military regime struggled to get basic data about the needs of up to 2.5 million desperate survivors.

Burma state television said the official death count from the May 3 cyclone was 77,738, with another 55,917 missing. The Red Cross warned that the lack of clean water may increase the number of deaths.” – Press Association

Let’s put Humanity First! Let’s not buy that nice dress or shoes this weekend and donate at least $20 that could essentially save lives. There will always be nice dresses and shoes in stores but lives cannot be reversed!

Remember that WE ARE BLESSED! We are blessed to have a home, have shelter, food, money, access to technology, health care. We are blessed to be able to see, write, type, read, listen and not be afraid for our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

If situation was reversed, we’d plead for help and people would step up from all over the world to help. We have to do the same. We are all of one kind. We laugh, and cry, and are as vulnerable if put in the same conditions. We deserve to have our basic necessities of life met.

Please help Humanity First help those in great need. Every dollar counts. Every dollar always counts!

Loba

“Life is short. Be swift to love! Make haste to be kind!” – Henri Amiel

“Goodness speaks in a whisper, evil shouts.”

“A lie is like a jump from a high roof.”

“No matter if you eat a little or a lot of garlic, the smell is just as strong.”

“The moon grows darker as it gets nearer to the sun.”

“Thieves never steal bells.”

“Master and servant — both have the same body odor.”

“The wish is father to the thought.”

“The wise understand by themselves, fools follow the reports of others.”

“To set fire to the wood, you need the help of the wind.”

“The person who gets stuck on petty happiness will not attain great happiness.”

“If you want to know your future, look at what you are doing in this moment.”

“Who can say with certainty that one will live to see the morrow?”

“Words are mere bubbles of water; deeds are drops of gold.”

“Excellent people are honored wherever they go.”

“Eat according to the limits of your provisions; walk according to the length of your step.”

“All’s well that ends well.”

“A word is enough to the wise.”

“Children and fools speak the truth.”

“Curiosity killed the cat.”

“Forgive and forget.”

“Better ask twice than go wrong once.”

“A small gift is better than a great promise.”

“Forgive thyself nothing and others much.”

“Love cannot be bought or sold, its only price is love.”

“No tree falls at the first stroke.”

“Charity looks at the need and not at the cause.”

“One bad apple spoils the bunch.”

“One hand washes the other.”

“Out of sight out of mind.”

“Pearls of wisdom.”

“Practice makes perfect.”

“Proverbs are like butterflies, some are caught and some fly away.”

“Speak little, speak truth. Spend little, pay cash.”

“The sweetest grapes hang highest.”

“Time is the best counsellor.”

“A proverb never lies, it is only its meaning which deceives.”

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”

“A closed mouth catches no flies.”

“A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.”

“A forced kindness deserves no thanks.”

“‘They say so’, is half a lie.”

“A happy heart is better than a full purse.”

“A friend is not known till he is lost.”

“A blind man is not judge of colours.”

“A gold key opens every door.”

“A crown is no cure for the headache.”

“A golden cage does not feed the bird.”

“”Yes” and “no” govern the world.”

“All are brave when the enemy flies.”

“A fool throws a stone into a well, and it requires a hundred wise men to get it out again.”

“Among men of honour a word is a bond.”

“A burden that one chooses is not felt.”

“Better to ask than go astray.”

“A golden bit makes none the better horse.”

“Different times different manners.”

“Every rose has its thorn.”

“A gift with a kind countenance is a double present.”

“Do good, and care not to whom.”

“A dead man does not make war.”

“Every day has its night.”

“A fool can ask more questions than seven wise men can answer.”

“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”

“Every promise is a debt.”

“A favor to come is better than a hundred received.”

“Friends in need are friends indeed.”

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

“Everybody’s friend, nobody’s friend.”

“Eat to live, not live to eat.”

“Deeds are love, and not sweet words.”

“Every one reaps as he sows.”

“A fair-weather friend changes with the wind.”

“Like father, like son.”

“Love has no law.”

“Misery loves company.”

“One fool makes a hundred.”

“Tell me with whom thou goest, and I’ll tell thee what thou doest.”

“A word and a stone once let go cannot be recalled.”

“Spilt salt is never well collected.”

“Walls have ears.”

“Another’s bread costs dear.”

“Water washes everything.”

“Lovers’ quarrels are love redoubled.”

“Truth and oil come to the surface.”

“Better anticipate than be anticipated.”

“Every one is wise for his own profit.”

“Times passes like the wind.”

“Fair flowers do not remain long by the wayside.”

“Honour a good man that he may honour you, and a bad man that he may not dishonour you.”

“Even the most beautiful sheets have small flaws.”

“The sooner begun, the sooner done.”

“Third time is the charm.”

“If you laugh to-day, you will cry to-morrow.”

“Everybody’s friend or nobody’s friend, is all one.”

“Fine words don’t fill the belly.”

“Jack of all trades and master of none.”

“As you see yourself, I once saw myself; as you see me now, you will be seen.”

“An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.”

“Conversation is food for the soul.”

“A person born to be a flower pot will not go beyond the porch.”

“He who does not venture has no luck.”

“The eleventh commandment: Thou shalt not contradict.”

“He who is accustomed to evil is offended by good.”

“The lion believes that everyone shares his state of mind.”

“The house does not rest upon the ground, but upon a woman.”

“Cleanliness is the luxury of the poor.”

“If you give away what you have, you will not yearn for what you see.”

“The envious never give praise, they only take it in.”

“He who doesn’t look ahead remains behind.”

“Love is too rare to be lost on jealousy.”

“It’s not the fault of the mouse, but of the one who offers him the cheese.”

“Let the water you cannot drink flow by.”

“God did not give wings to scorpions.”

“The right time to dine is: for the rich man, when he is hungry; and for the poor, when he has something to eat.”

“Agreements should be clearly expressed, and chocolate should be served thick.”

“Though a cage may be made of gold, it is still a cage.”

“Never confuse gratitude with love.”

“We are all made of the same clay, but not from the same mold.”

“Everyone makes firewood of a fallen tree.”

“Tell me what you want to buy and I will tell you what you are.”

“He who divides and shares is left with the best share.”

“Fortune is like a wall that falls on those who lean on it.”

“One string is good enough to a good musician.”

“Nobody leaves this world alive.”

“Never ask God to give you anything; ask Him to put you where things are.”

“Necessity is a great teacher.”

“He who doesn’t speak will get no help from God.”

“Do good and don’t worry to whom.”

“God is bigger than your problems.”

“A bully is always a coward.”

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

“He who does no more than another is no better than another.”

“A fortunate man may be anywhere.”

“Let every man mind his own business.”

“A good hope is better than a bad possession.”

“If there is still doubt do not accuse.”

“A mewing cat is never a good mouser.”

“The best mirror is an old friend.”

“Beggars must not be choosers.”

“A friend to everybody and to nobody is the same thing.”

“Opportunity only knocks once.”

“For want of a nail the shoe is lost.”

“A monkey remains a monkey, though dressed in silk.”

“Do not lose honour through fear.”

“Command your wealth, else that will command you.”

“A person who talks a lot is sometimes right.”

“Cut your coat according to your cloth.”

“He who avoids the temptation avoids the sin.”

“Compare your griefs with those of other men and they will seem less.”

“Habit becomes second nature.”

“He who wants pearls has to dive into the sea.”

“It is easier to make a camel jump a ditch than to make a fool listen to reason.”

“If you cannot build a town, build a heart.”

“Kind words will unlock an iron door.”

“See with your mind, hear with your heart.”

“It is more difficult to contend with oneself than with the world.”

“Many will show you the way once your cart has overturned.”

“Loneliness is a nest for the thoughts.”

“Of everything else the newest; of friends, the oldest.”

“No means, no market.”

“Of evil grain no good seed can come.”

“Listen a hundred times; ponder a thousand times; speak once.”

“Some will enjoy the honey, others will have to put up with the sting.”

“Not every cloud brings rain.”

“Only by falling do you learn how to mount a horse.”

“No matter where you go, your destiny follows you.”

“Part with your head, but not with your secret.”

“Those who do not go to war roar like lions.”

“The devil takes a hand in what is done in haste.”

“Once a friend, always a friend.”

“Search yourself, and you will find Allah.”

“Stairs are climbed step by step.”

“What you give away you keep.”

“A threat does not lengthen your sword.”

“A visitor comes with ten blessings, eats one, and leaves nine.”

“Fear an ignorant man more than a lion.”

“Do not throw the arrow which will return against you.”

“You cannot get into Paradise without a guide.”

“What flares up fast, extinguishes soon.”

“‘If’ and ‘when’ were planted, and ‘nothing’ grew.”

“One arrow does not bring down two birds.”

“For the birds that cannot soar, God has provided low branches.”

“The dog that is going to bite does not show its teeth.”

“Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.”

“Silence is music to a wise man.”

“Death is the black camel that kneels before every door.”

“A weapon is an enemy even to its owner.”

“Everything is worn out with usage; except for experience.”

“God postpones, he does not overlook.”

“A hungry dog will bring a lion down.”

“A liar’s house is on fire and no one believes him.”

“You don’t wash blood away with blood but with water.”

“A knife wound heals; a wound caused by words does not.”

“Gold takes no rust.”

“Do not search for a calf under an ox.”

“Gold that is lent goes away laughing and comes back in tears.”

“Do not leave to the morning the business of the evening.”

“Good actions are never lost.”

“He that considers in prosperity; will be less afflicted in adversity.”

“A building without foundation is soon demolished.”

“He that converses not knows nothing.”

“The eagle does not feed on flies.”

“If a stone falls on an egg, it is bad for the egg; if an egg falls onto a stone, it is still bad for the egg.”

“Don’t say amen to an unacceptable prayer.”

“Good advice is given; good esteem is no given.”

“He that falls by himself never cries.”

“A friend is one soul in two bodies.”

“Don’t speak sweet words when your deeds are of stone.”

“A prudent man will read the letter from back to front.”

“Even too much praise is a burden.”

“Even if the whole world conspired against you — that would not inflict a quarter of the harm you inflict yourself.”

“A horse knows his rider by his spurs.”

“He who lives on hope, dies of starvation.”

“He that falls today may be up again tomorrow.”

“A man will sacrifice his head to conquer a heart.”

“Don’t sell the fish that is still swimming in the ocean.”

“A defeated wrestler is not tired of wrestling.”

“He that speaks, sows; he that hears, reaps.”

“One hour of justice is worth seventy hours of prayer.”

“The bear knows seven songs and they are all about honey.”

“You can proclaim the truth also in a friendly way.”

“The earth has ears, the wind has a voice.”

“If the lady of the house breaks something it is an unfortunate accident; if the servant does, then it is a terrible disaster.”

“Sorrow is to the soul what the worm is to wood.”

“One hour of justice is worth seventy hours of prayer.”

“Who gossips to you will gossip about you.”

“It matters less to a person where they are born than where they can live.”

“Sighs never fall on the ground.”

“Tell a lie on Saturday and you will be ashamed on Sunday.”

“Satan’s friendship reaches the prison door.”

“Keep the tongue in your mouth a prisoner.”

“Abundance doesn’t know contentment, but contentment is abundance.”

“He that conceals his grief finds no remedy for it.”

“A person does not seek luck; luck seeks the person.”

“Heaven was inspired by the first judge to take a bribe.”

“He that speaks without care shall remember with sorrow.”

“Be thine enemy an ant, see in him an elephant.”

“Honey is one thing, the price is another.”

“There are many words that are like salted jam.”

“A true word needs no oath.”

“He who has no children has one sorrow, he who has children has a thousand sorrows.”

“A man without grief is not a man.”

“He who knows much makes many mistakes.”

“Abundance is from activity.”

“A stupid friend is a greater plague than a wise enemy.”

“He who gives little gives from his heart; he who gives much gives from his wealth.”

“Call the bear ‘Uncle’ till you are safe across the bridge.”

“Better your enemy who you recognize than a dark friend.”

“The rose comes from the thorns that were born of roses.”

“Hawks will not pick out hawk’s eyes.”

“He ran away from the rain and was caught in a hailstorm.”

“Cotton cannot play with fire.”

“To a good rider, right or left makes no difference.”

“He who controls his tongue, saves his head.”

“To listen to a lie is harder than to tell it.”

“There is no right way to do a wrong thing.”

“Never become a teacher where you yourself were a pupil.”

“In our eyes the neighbor’s chicken is a goose.”

“One eats, another watches; that’s how revolutions are born.”

“Measure a thousand times and cut once.”

“There is no reply to the ignorant like keeping silence.”

“In the company of the blind, close your eyes.”

“None is so rich as that he can throw away a friend.”

“No flock without a dog and shepherd.”

“No camel route is long with good company.”

“The raven sees its chickens as falcons.”

“Man is his own mirror.”

“Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose.”

“A thousand years hence the river will run as it did.”

“He that fears danger in time seldom feels it.”

“Everyone admires his own character.”

“A tongue has no bones but it can break.”

“The most difficult master is the servant who became master.”

“Before you love, learn to run through snow without leaving footprints.”

“A thousand regrets do not cancel one debt.”

“A ship with two captains sinks.”

“He who asks for alms blushes once; he who refuses, twice.”

“Having two ears and one tongue, we should listen twice as much as we speak.”

“No matter how far down a wrong road you are, turn back.”

“The gardener who loves roses is slave to a thousand thorns.”

“Vinegar that costs nothing is sweeter than honey.”

“If a rich man dies, all the world is moved; if a poor man dies, nobody knows it.”

“All riches come from the earth.”

“Advice is a free gift that can become expensive for the one who gets it.”

“It is better to carry stones with a wise man than accept the meal of a madman.”

“Tears have meaning but only he who sheds them understands.”

“No one will give a pauper bread, but everybody will give him advice.”

“You cannot put a fire out with spit.”

“When the thief has stolen from a thief, God laughs in heaven.”

“The bee gets honey from the same flower where the snake sucks her poison.”

“When the cart breaks down, advice abounds.”

“When your fortune improves, the columns of your house appear to be crooked.”

“The butterfly who settles on a branch is afraid that he will break it.”

“On a rainy day many offer to water the chickens.”

“You cannot hit the point of a needle with a fist.”

“He who looks for a friend without a fault will never find one.”

“A drowning man will clutch at straws.”

“Better to be an ant’s head than a lion’s tail.”

“As mills require two stones, so friendship requires two heads.”

“A pain in the foot is soon forgotten; a pain in the head is not.”

“Friendship is not born of words alone.”

“He who cannot pray at home will celebrate mass somewhere else.”

“Give a horse to the one who likes the truth so that on it he can escape.”

“A calf is not found under an ox.”

“He that asks knows one shame; he that doesn’t knows two.”

“Choose a friend with the eyes of an old man, and a horse with the eyes of a young one.”

“He who speaks a lot learns little.”

“Dine with a friend but do not do business with him.”

“A mule can swim seven different strokes but the moment he sees the water he forgets them all.”

“He’s looking for the donkey while sitting on it.”

“Dogs that fight each other will join forces against the wolf.”

“Clouds that thunder do not always rain.”

“At death’s door a man will beg for the fever.”

“You are as many a person as languages you know.”

“You don’t satisfy your hunger by watching others work.”

“To ask a favor from a miser is like trying to make a hole in water.”

“The world is a pot, man but a spoon in it.”

“Love did not grow any garlic.”

“Where is there a tree not shaken by the wind?”

“The water in which one drowns is always an ocean.”

“The voice of the people is louder than the boom of a canon.”

“The tongue of the fool is always long.”

“The eagle was killed by an arrow made from its own feathers.”

“Quiet horses kick the hardest.”

“How can one start a fast with baklava in one’s hand.”

“Ashamed of what she sees in the daytime the sun sets with a blush.”

In many villages, reports suggest that 30% of the population have perished and many more are injured. Over a million people are now believed to be homeless, many of them young children. They lack shelter, medication, food and clean water, and require urgent assistance. The Burmese authorities have declared five regions Yangon, Bago, Kavin, Ayeyarvady and Mon as disaster areas.

Humanity First is investigating the best method of getting aid to the desperate people as quickly as possible and it aims to provide food, clean water and basic rations to the dislocated people, especially children who would be more susceptible to water borne diseases, as reports have already confirmed that 40% of the Burma dead are children. Food shortages and contaminated water can lead to widespread problems if people remain stranded. Humanity First has mobilized its teams to respond to requests for help in the severely affected towns and villages. Funds are required urgently to accelerate the distribution of essential supplies.

Time is of the essence for bringing in vital supplies, including food and water-purification tablets, if a worse humanitarian crisis and higher death toll are to be avoided. Thousands of people are getting sick and many places are under salt water, and there is nothing to drink. The victims are in urgent need of food, fresh water and medical supplies that are running low. There is a danger of spread of water borne diseases due to contaminated water.

Humanity First is seeking your generous contributions to continue with its relief efforts. Donations towards the “Burma Cyclone Relief Fund” can be made online at www.humanityfirst.ca or through cheques written to Humanity First – Burma Cyclone Relief Fund, 245 Bowes Road, Concord, ON, L4K 1H8.

About Humanity First

Humanity First is an International Non-Profit Charitable Organization established to promote and safeguard the preservation of human life and dignity.

Humanity First is a non-political, non-sectarian international relief and development agency that works with communities around the globe to improve the quality of life for some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Humanity First has been granted a special consultative status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). For further information please visit our website http://www.humanityfirst.ca