Saturday, March 12, 2016

Ladies of the Light

Women. A creation that completes universe. Her strength and her courage lie beneath her humble demeanour. It's not for the world to see, but seldom fails in the hour of need.

Her beauty is innate, her love unconditional, her dedication fierce, and her determination uncompromising.

You don't mess with a woman, because if she gets down to messing she can mess up your whole life.

I dedicate this series to those women whom even the Almighty has saluted. Women since the birth of humanity who have shaped, and sometimes changed the course of history. Women who are exalted in Islam and whose ordeals have been honoured till the end of time.


[NOTE: There may be inconsistencies in facts as the versions differ slightly in different religions and historical records. My focus is according to the Islamic point of view, the research I undertook, and my own interpretations of their nature. My intention is merely to honour these women for their exceptional bravery and commitment, and to help women in present day to find their inner strength and realise their potential. If anyone's sentiments are hurt, It was honestly not my intention. Discussions are encouraged, but let's keep it healthy.]

* * * * *

My first tribute is to the first woman created by The Almighty. Mother of all humans sans Adam - Eve.

Her Story:

According to The holy Quran, Eve (Muslims refer to her as Mamma Hawwa) was created on the request of Adam when he expressed feeling lonely even in Paradise. They were given the bliss to spend an eternity happily together in Paradise, and forbidden to eat only a particular fruit. It is mentioned as Apple in few versions, and wheat in others. Quran refrains from naming it.

Satan had to avenge his fall from grace which he attributed to Adam, so he came in various guises to lure the couple to that forbidden fruit. When Adam failed to fall to his traps, he targeted Eve first by provocation, then by entreating her mercy.

Her loving heart melted to his false pretences and pleadings, and she agreed to eat the fruit and even succeeded in persuading Adam.
The result was disastrous.

Adam and Eve lost their celestial splendour and invoked the ire of the Almighty. Satan showed his true colours and escaped laughing over their plight.

The errant couple were banished from heaven and thrown on Earth. Not just that, Adam was thrown in the west and Eve on the east. what followed were eons of repentance and traversing the wildness abound in search of each other and the divine forgiveness.

They at last met on the Plains of Arafath after The Almighty forgave them there.

The essence of her example:

Eve is exalted as the mother of humankind and the narration of her story in Holy Quran and Hadith's do not blame her for her faults at all. It is rather understanding of her turmoil and render her human. She is given responsibility of the Great Mistake, but never accused or heralded unworthy of heaven.

They were banished as a punishment to make them realise the cost of disobedience, temptation and ignorance.

The MESSAGE we get from this story is that, It is human to err... but satanic to deny our mistake. We must take responsibility of our deeds and be sorry about it, be willing to bear its consequences, and be humble enough to wait with patience and a true heart till we are forgiven.

The few REALISATIONS we need to understand is that, Women were created as a Gift to mankind, and not to be taken as granted. Women tend to become selfless and are willing to go to any lengths if they hearts are touched and their mercy called upon. But those who exploit this loving and caring heart need to remember it is satanic to do so. And Satan was never forgiven.

Adam too never deserted his wife. He acknowledged his role in the mistake and stood by her through thick and thin. He roamed the entire earth to reunite with her and never once raised a finger at her.

The MESSAGE TO WOMEN:
- The biggest lesson I derive from this story is that looks can be deceptive. Have a loving and caring heart, do reach out to the poor, down trodden, and needy, BUT never do so blindly. Be careful on whom you trust. Do your research well and weigh your situation.

Is it worth it? Are you willing to pay the price? Understand what is at stake. And choose the best course of action.

Secondly, Women are neither weak nor helpless. Eve endured eons of years alone in the wilderness and unsure of what surrounded her. But she never lost her nerve. She remained strong and endured all odds. She used her skills to the optimum,braved all perils and kept moving till she met her beloved husband. she kept persevering till she was forgiven, and she took everything in her stride.

I salute her humanity, her bravery, her love, her perseverance, her struggles and her strength.

Ladies of the Light

Women. A creation that completes universe. Her strength and her courage lie beneath her humble demeanour. It's not for the world to see, but seldom fails in the hour of need.

Her beauty is innate, her love unconditional, her dedication fierce, and her determination uncompromising.

You don't mess with a woman, because if she gets down to messing she can mess up your whole life.

I dedicate this series to those women whom even the Almighty has saluted. Women since the birth of humanity who have shaped, and sometimes changed the course of history. Women who are exalted in Islam and whose ordeals have been honoured till the end of time.


[NOTE: There may be inconsistencies in facts as the versions differ slightly in different religions and historical records. My focus is according to the Islamic point of view, the research I undertook, and my own interpretations of their nature. My intention is merely to honour these women for their exceptional bravery and commitment, and to help women in present day to find their inner strength and realise their potential. If anyone's sentiments are hurt, It was honestly not my intention. Discussions are encouraged, but let's keep it healthy.]

* * * * *

My first tribute is to the first woman created by The Almighty. Mother of all humans sans Adam - Eve.

Her Story:

According to The holy Quran, Eve (Muslims refer to her as Mamma Hawwa) was created on the request of Adam when he expressed feeling lonely even in Paradise. They were given the bliss to spend an eternity happily together in Paradise, and forbidden to eat only a particular fruit. It is mentioned as Apple in few versions, and wheat in others. Quran refrains from naming it.

Satan had to avenge his fall from grace which he attributed to Adam, so he came in various guises to lure the couple to that forbidden fruit. When Adam failed to fall to his traps, he targeted Eve first by provocation, then by entreating her mercy.

Her loving heart melted to his false pretences and pleadings, and she agreed to eat the fruit and even succeeded in persuading Adam.
The result was disastrous.

Adam and Eve lost their celestial splendour and invoked the ire of the Almighty. Satan showed his true colours and escaped laughing over their plight.

The errant couple were banished from heaven and thrown on Earth. Not just that, Adam was thrown in the west and Eve on the east. what followed were eons of repentance and traversing the wildness abound in search of each other and the divine forgiveness.

They at last met on the Plains of Arafath after The Almighty forgave them there.

The essence of her example:

Eve is exalted as the mother of humankind and the narration of her story in Holy Quran and Hadith's do not blame her for her faults at all. It is rather understanding of her turmoil and render her human. She is given responsibility of the Great Mistake, but never accused or heralded unworthy of heaven.

They were banished as a punishment to make them realise the cost of disobedience, temptation and ignorance.

The MESSAGE we get from this story is that, It is human to err... but satanic to deny our mistake. We must take responsibility of our deeds and be sorry about it, be willing to bear its consequences, and be humble enough to wait with patience and a true heart till we are forgiven.

The few REALISATIONS we need to understand is that, Women were created as a Gift to mankind, and not to be taken as granted. Women tend to become selfless and are willing to go to any lengths if they hearts are touched and their mercy called upon. But those who exploit this loving and caring heart need to remember it is satanic to do so. And Satan was never forgiven.

Adam too never deserted his wife. He acknowledged his role in the mistake and stood by her through thick and thin. He roamed the entire earth to reunite with her and never once raised a finger at her.

The MESSAGE TO WOMEN:
- The biggest lesson I derive from this story is that looks can be deceptive. Have a loving and caring heart, do reach out to the poor, down trodden, and needy, BUT never do so blindly. Be careful on whom you trust. Do your research well and weigh your situation.

Is it worth it? Are you willing to pay the price? Understand what is at stake. And choose the best course of action.

Secondly, Women are neither weak nor helpless. Eve endured eons of years alone in the wilderness and unsure of what surrounded her. But she never lost her nerve. She remained strong and endured all odds. She used her skills to the optimum,braved all perils and kept moving till she met her beloved husband. she kept persevering till she was forgiven, and she took everything in her stride.

I salute her humanity, her bravery, her love, her perseverance, her struggles and her strength.

Ladies of the Light

Women. A creation that completes universe. Her strength and her courage lie beneath her humble demeanour. It's not for the world to see, but seldom fails in the hour of need.

Her beauty is innate, her love unconditional, her dedication fierce, and her determination uncompromising.

You don't mess with a woman, because if she gets down to messing she can mess up your whole life.

I dedicate this series to those women whom even the Almighty has saluted. Women since the birth of humanity who have shaped, and sometimes changed the course of history. Women who are exalted in Islam and whose ordeals have been honoured till the end of time.


[NOTE: There may be inconsistencies in facts as the versions differ slightly in different religions and historical records. My focus is according to the Islamic point of view, the research I undertook, and my own interpretations of their nature. My intention is merely to honour these women for their exceptional bravery and commitment, and to help women in present day to find their inner strength and realise their potential. If anyone's sentiments are hurt, It was honestly not my intention. Discussions are encouraged, but let's keep it healthy.]

* * * * *

My first tribute is to the first woman created by The Almighty. Mother of all humans sans Adam - Eve.

Her Story:

According to The holy Quran, Eve (Muslims refer to her as Mamma Hawwa) was created on the request of Adam when he expressed feeling lonely even in Paradise. They were given the bliss to spend an eternity happily together in Paradise, and forbidden to eat only a particular fruit. It is mentioned as Apple in few versions, and wheat in others. Quran refrains from naming it.

Satan had to avenge his fall from grace which he attributed to Adam, so he came in various guises to lure the couple to that forbidden fruit. When Adam failed to fall to his traps, he targeted Eve first by provocation, then by entreating her mercy.

Her loving heart melted to his false pretences and pleadings, and she agreed to eat the fruit and even succeeded in persuading Adam.
The result was disastrous.

Adam and Eve lost their celestial splendour and invoked the ire of the Almighty. Satan showed his true colours and escaped laughing over their plight.

The errant couple were banished from heaven and thrown on Earth. Not just that, Adam was thrown in the west and Eve on the east. what followed were eons of repentance and traversing the wildness abound in search of each other and the divine forgiveness.

They at last met on the Plains of Arafath after The Almighty forgave them there.

The essence of her example:

Eve is exalted as the mother of humankind and the narration of her story in Holy Quran and Hadith's do not blame her for her faults at all. It is rather understanding of her turmoil and render her human. She is given responsibility of the Great Mistake, but never accused or heralded unworthy of heaven.

They were banished as a punishment to make them realise the cost of disobedience, temptation and ignorance.

The MESSAGE we get from this story is that, It is human to err... but satanic to deny our mistake. We must take responsibility of our deeds and be sorry about it, be willing to bear its consequences, and be humble enough to wait with patience and a true heart till we are forgiven.

The few REALISATIONS we need to understand is that, Women were created as a Gift to mankind, and not to be taken as granted. Women tend to become selfless and are willing to go to any lengths if they hearts are touched and their mercy called upon. But those who exploit this loving and caring heart need to remember it is satanic to do so. And Satan was never forgiven.

Adam too never deserted his wife. He acknowledged his role in the mistake and stood by her through thick and thin. He roamed the entire earth to reunite with her and never once raised a finger at her.

The MESSAGE TO WOMEN:
- The biggest lesson I derive from this story is that looks can be deceptive. Have a loving and caring heart, do reach out to the poor, down trodden, and needy, BUT never do so blindly. Be careful on whom you trust. Do your research well and weigh your situation.

Is it worth it? Are you willing to pay the price? Understand what is at stake. And choose the best course of action.

Secondly, Women are neither weak nor helpless. Eve endured eons of years alone in the wilderness and unsure of what surrounded her. But she never lost her nerve. She remained strong and endured all odds. She used her skills to the optimum,braved all perils and kept moving till she met her beloved husband. she kept persevering till she was forgiven, and she took everything in her stride.

I salute her humanity, her bravery, her love, her perseverance, her struggles and her strength.

Women. A creation that completes universe. Her strength and her courage lie beneath her humble demeanour. It's not for the world to see, but seldom fails in the hour of need.

Her beauty is innate, her love unconditional, her dedication fierce, and her determination uncompromising.

You don't mess with a woman, because if she gets down to messing she can mess up your whole life.

I dedicate this series to those women whom even the Almighty has saluted. Women since the birth of humanity who have shaped, and sometimes changed the course of history. Women who are exalted in Islam and whose ordeals have been honoured till the end of time.


[NOTE: There may be inconsistencies in facts as the versions differ slightly in different religions and historical records. My focus is according to the Islamic point of view, the research I undertook, and my own interpretations of their nature. My intention is merely to honour these women for their exceptional bravery and commitment, and to help women in present day to find their inner strength and realise their potential. If anyone's sentiments are hurt, It was honestly not my intention. Discussions are encouraged, but let's keep it healthy.]

* * * * *

My first tribute is to the first woman created by The Almighty. Mother of all humans sans Adam - Eve.

Her Story:

According to The holy Quran, Eve (Muslims refer to her as Mamma Hawwa) was created on the request of Adam when he expressed feeling lonely even in Paradise. They were given the bliss to spend an eternity happily together in Paradise, and forbidden to eat only a particular fruit. It is mentioned as Apple in few versions, and wheat in others. Quran refrains from naming it.

Satan had to avenge his fall from grace which he attributed to Adam, so he came in various guises to lure the couple to that forbidden fruit. When Adam failed to fall to his traps, he targeted Eve first by provocation, then by entreating her mercy.

Her loving heart melted to his false pretences and pleadings, and she agreed to eat the fruit and even succeeded in persuading Adam.
The result was disastrous.

Adam and Eve lost their celestial splendour and invoked the ire of the Almighty. Satan showed his true colours and escaped laughing over their plight.

The errant couple were banished from heaven and thrown on Earth. Not just that, Adam was thrown in the west and Eve on the east. what followed were eons of repentance and traversing the wildness abound in search of each other and the divine forgiveness.

They at last met on the Plains of Arafath after The Almighty forgave them there.

The essence of her example:

Eve is exalted as the mother of humankind and the narration of her story in Holy Quran and Hadith's do not blame her for her faults at all. It is rather understanding of her turmoil and render her human. She is given responsibility of the Great Mistake, but never accused or heralded unworthy of heaven.

They were banished as a punishment to make them realise the cost of disobedience, temptation and ignorance.

The MESSAGE we get from this story is that, It is human to err... but satanic to deny our mistake. We must take responsibility of our deeds and be sorry about it, be willing to bear its consequences, and be humble enough to wait with patience and a true heart till we are forgiven.

The few REALISATIONS we need to understand is that, Women were created as a Gift to mankind, and not to be taken as granted. Women tend to become selfless and are willing to go to any lengths if they hearts are touched and their mercy called upon. But those who exploit this loving and caring heart need to remember it is satanic to do so. And Satan was never forgiven.

Adam too never deserted his wife. He acknowledged his role in the mistake and stood by her through thick and thin. He roamed the entire earth to reunite with her and never once raised a finger at her.

The MESSAGE TO WOMEN:
- The biggest lesson I derive from this story is that looks can be deceptive. Have a loving and caring heart, do reach out to the poor, down trodden, and needy, BUT never do so blindly. Be careful on whom you trust. Do your research well and weigh your situation.

Is it worth it? Are you willing to pay the price? Understand what is at stake. And choose the best course of action.

Secondly, Women are neither weak nor helpless. Eve endured eons of years alone in the wilderness and unsure of what surrounded her. But she never lost her nerve. She remained strong and endured all odds. She used her skills to the optimum,braved all perils and kept moving till she met her beloved husband. she kept persevering till she was forgiven, and she took everything in her stride.

I salute her humanity, her bravery, her love, her perseverance, her struggles and her strength.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Where goes thou?

Just as 2015 was preparing to leave amidst the usual spirit enlivening Christmas cheer and ushering in of New year, a very happy spirited, well natured and sensible boy next door in my neighbourhood attempted suicide.

He had his reasons. Everyone does. Nobody commits nor attempts suicide on a whim. It may seem trivial to us bystanders, but maybe only they would know what hell breaks on them.

I have honestly never been able to completely empathise with them, but yes, I do not judge them. I do understand that every individual have different levels of tolerance, handle stress in different ways, and what may appear as a ditch to one, can mean an abyss to another.

We were shocked when we came to know of his self-assault. But seeing his family's trauma was heartbreaking; especially his mother. For a week, he battled between life and death, and his family and friends joined heaven and earth to keep him alive.

The second shock came when he attempted to end his life again in the middle of second week. None of us could understand him this time.

Was he insane?

Is he so lost that he cannot see his family's plight over him?

Didn't he value they love for him?

This time they brisked him off to Bangalore, and the Almighty knows what more they did to bring him back to life this time; psychologically even. He's finally out of danger now and recuperating well.

But this incident had me thinking, how fickle our hearts and minds are. They play such games with us, that our very lives depend on their muse. We make snap decisions heeding either of these two, and so many lives are put at stake. They are even so devious in their working, it takes more than just strong will and self control to escape their traps, and save ourselves from becoming a slave to them.

Suicide has become such a common cause of death in present day world, we hear about it everyday. We sympathise with some, we are shocked over few others, and some don't even affect us. History and literature too abound with such cases. And there seems to be no telling what can trigger such an extreme reaction, or who are most at risk. Studies suggest, those who seem most tough-going and joyous in their attitude are also more likely to go down this path.

I find this theory has logic. Just take the case of my neighbour. Nobody would have even imagined in his nightmare that he would choose this way out. Yet he did. Then among the renowned and famous, one which affected me the most was of Robin Williams- my favourite and most inspiring actor of Hollywood. Such people are so adept to hide their pain, that we wouldn't even know when their dam breaks.

There are signs to look out too, if you find someone close to you under stress. Timely support and caution can prevent the disaster.

In one of the personality building classes held during my high school years, our instructor asked us to always ask ourselves one question whenever we feel so helpless- who is the loser in the bargain?

The people behind the problem? - No. In a way they've succeeded in making our lives a hell.

Those who survive us? - Yes. Life will move on, but few loses leave a void.

We, the dead? Definitely. We lose our life and all chances we could have got to set things right, and all the chances we could have got to start afresh.

I have one question to add now. Does our ending our lives end all problems? The aspects concerning us may resolve, but what about the problems and trauma that arise in the wake of our death?

*****

And for anybody contemplating such a move, as a friend I have only this much to say,

"Where goes thou?
Leaving us all behind?
Everything behind?

Things will look up.
Please don't go.

We love you.
We need you.

Please stay."

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Rejoice the new beginnings.

Huma  Masood. An amazing person with a heart of gold. One who has the courage to call a spade a spade, and concern to stand by her family and friends through thick and thin. Who has such elegance that it trickles down to even her speech and a wisdom one can rely upon.

Meeting Huma, reading her blogs, and participating in some of her Facebook discussions has been like manna from heaven to me, and I have never told her yet, but I would like her to know through this forum today that, In her I have found my soul-sister and I will always admire and respect her.

Thank you, Huma  for

* * * * *

HERE I PRESENT THE LOVELY HUMA MASOOD SHARING WITH US HER THOUGHTS ON NEW YEAR:

Thank you Asma for sharing your beautiful blog with me.

New year eve has a special importance for me. No, not the parties nor the
celebrations, rather it is the "me-time" that I enjoy. I enjoy looking back
at my footprints and then planning my path forward.

A fresh new year... feels like I am holding a beautiful blank dairy with
365 dates to fill in, hopefully, with lots and lots of nice memories and
positive things. Yes, that's what I love the most about it - the HOPE that
accompanies it and inspires me... hope to find time to do what I missed
before...

It is the time to summarise the old and plan for new...

About 365+ days ago, I had realised I needed to focus on healthier living -
it seemed very difficult at the time and I was really not sure if I would
be able to accomplish it - eat more veggies, less processed food, more
exercise, a little gardening... well sort of balcony gardening, healthier
cooking, and so on... Persistence paid and I was able to fill 2014 with a
lot more healthier living choices than ever before, although I slipped
NUMEROUS times, surrounded by the temptations of pizzas and fried chickens
that I was, but I struggled on, not losing hope. Hopefully I will continue
this in 2015 too but with less of slipping.

Now on the eve of this newest year, 2015, I have this strong desire to
explore my "lost-self"... the part of myself that I miss...

I want to reconnect with old friends and forge new friendships and explore
the depth of all my relations.

I want to stand up for what I think is right and not worry about saying the
"right thing".

This year I want to find my voice that I lost trying to catch up with this
fast-paced life. I know it's still there somewhere, since I hear it, time
to time, urging me to "just say it".

I want to spend more time doing my two favourite things - reading and
writing...

and make time for the little things that may not make me richer but
definitely make me happier.

And I hope I do....

I want to thank you all for patiently reading my endless chatter and I wish
you all a very HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and HOPEFUL 2015.

www.facebook.com/silken.scribblings Sent from my iPad

--Huma Masood Blogger on Silken Scribblings

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