Monday, 22 February 2016
Friday, 19 February 2016
Meeting 5 and 6 of 2016, 19 Feb 2016
Attendees: Abdu, John, Mahmoud, Sam, Navid; Date: 5-7:30pm, Friday, 19/Feb/2015
First we're very happy to welcome back our dear brother Navid. We missed you so much brother.
002.080 And they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:" Say: "Have ye taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of Allah what ye do not know?"
002.081 Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
How Allah will rewards the believers
002.082 But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
The covenant between Allah and Children of Israel:
002.083 And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).
002.084 And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye can bear witness.
How people are not following Allah’s covenant:
002.085 After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (Their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancour; and if they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
002.086 These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
Allah sent Moses and Jesus for people before and what people of Israel did.
002.087 We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
002.088 They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: we need no more)." Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.
002.089 And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
Many people didn’t believe:
002.100 Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.
002.101 And when there came to them an apostle from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
Allah is the owner for everything:
002.107 Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
People asked Moses to see Allah
002.108 Would ye question your Apostle as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.
002.109 Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, Till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.
Prayers and Charity
002.110 And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
Debating between Jew and Christian
002.111 And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian."
Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful."
002.112 Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
002.113 The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
002.114 And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.
Warning for Israel Children:
002.122 O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
002.123 Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
002.124 And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded:
"And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."
First we're very happy to welcome back our dear brother Navid. We missed you so much brother.
- During this two meetings we went through Chapter 2 (THE CWO) verses 75 to 124 (the details are attached in the end of this post).
- Brother John shared his learning about attack thoughts described in the lessons "I can escape from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts"
- Attack thoughts: negative thinking; complaints; blame others; angry; worries; etc.
- comments: http://quran.com/23/97-98 "And say: O my Lord! I seek refuge in Thee from the evil suggestions of the Shaitans. And I seek refuge in Thee! O my Lord! from their presence"
- Brother Navid shared his learning of how we build up a sound relationship with the Quran.
- There were a general discussion on how to find out the right path by looking to the best way to Allah, where every attendee shared his view.
Quran
Kareem
Session
2 – opening chapter and cow 1-50
Chapter 2: (75-124) Cow Chapter
Characteristic of Allah:
002.077: Allah knows what you
conceal and what you reveal?
How Allah will punish the unbelievers?002.080 And they say: "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days:" Say: "Have ye taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? or is it that ye say of Allah what ye do not know?"
002.081 Nay, those who seek gain in evil, and are girt round by their sins,- they are companions of the Fire: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
How Allah will rewards the believers
002.082 But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (For ever).
The covenant between Allah and Children of Israel:
002.083 And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).
002.084 And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this ye solemnly ratified, and to this ye can bear witness.
How people are not following Allah’s covenant:
002.085 After this it is ye, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (Their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancour; and if they come to you as captives, ye ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in, and do ye reject the rest? but what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?- and on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what ye do.
002.086 These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.
Allah sent Moses and Jesus for people before and what people of Israel did.
002.087 We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
002.088 They say, "Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: we need no more)." Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: Little is it they believe.
002.089 And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them,- although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without Faith,- when there comes to them that which they (should) have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
Many people didn’t believe:
002.100 Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside?- Nay, Most of them are faithless.
002.101 And when there came to them an apostle from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the people of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
Allah is the owner for everything:
002.107 Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper.
People asked Moses to see Allah
002.108 Would ye question your Apostle as Moses was questioned of old? but whoever changeth from Faith to Unbelief, Hath strayed without doubt from the even way.
002.109 Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could Turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth hath become Manifest unto them: But forgive and overlook, Till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah Hath power over all things.
Prayers and Charity
002.110 And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
Debating between Jew and Christian
002.111 And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian."
Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful."
002.112 Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
002.113 The Jews say: "The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: "The Jews have naught (To stand) upon." Yet they (Profess to) study the (same) Book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.
002.114 And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated?-whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.
Warning for Israel Children:
002.122 O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
002.123 Then guard yourselves against a-Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
002.124 And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded:
"And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers."
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Meeting 4 of 2016, 5/Feb/2016 (A wrap-up after John Dierks's introduction of ACIM)
Attendees: Abdu, John, Mahmoud, Sam; Date: 5-7:30pm, Friday, 5/Feb/2015
ACIM: A Course In Miracles; Topic: A wrap-up after John Dierks's introduction of ACIM
ACIM: A Course In Miracles; Topic: A wrap-up after John Dierks's introduction of ACIM
Abdu:
- ACIM needs evidence, because anyone can
claim anything (analogy with Mormons), ...
- As opposed Islam is a comprehensive
approach that combine Materialistic, Intellectual and Spiritual dimensions
(body, intellect, soul).
*comment:
- http://quran.com/17/85
"...The soul
is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge
except a little."
John:
- There could be many ways to God (the
Source)
- Let's try ACIM, it could be a shortcut.
*comment:
- http://quran.com/39
"The revelation of the Qur'an is from Allah , the Exalted in Might, the
Wise. Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muhammad], in truth. ... Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ.
Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed]
disbeliever."...
Mahmoud:
- we need evidence and independent thinking. Refusing debate is not a constructive way to address
any idea. This could be a "shortcut" that is a non-effective or wrong path.
*comment:
http://quran.com/16/125
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and
argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who
has strayed from His way and who is [rightly]
guided."
Sam:
- Analogy of human beings being nodes
interacting in a social network (graph theory).
- Each node have materialistic
(physical) and non-materialistic (non-physical) attributes with different weights and capacities.
- God is regarded as the source node and also the sink node in such a network.
- Nodes (like our group members) help/interact each other in the journey to God.
- Nodes (like our group members) help/interact each other in the journey to God.
Comment:
- http://quran.com/13/11
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change
what is in themselves".
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