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| Albert Eienstein |
The
earliest consciousness of Allah that I can readily remember was when I was
about 5 years old. I had a kid sister who was very dear to my heart; she was 3
years old then. On most evenings, our mother would give us a bath and dress us
up in fine casual clothing and send us off to our father’s
shop, which was about a kilometer away. There, we would remain with him till
his closing time by 6:00pm. As the elder brother, I was usually saddled with
the responsible for my sister’s safety and well being
till we arrived there. She was my good friend and companion. One fateful day,
she fell sick and after a while eventually died. I was devastated. My mother, in
trying to explain to my young fragile mind what happened told me that God has taken
her back to Himself. And that she was much safer and happier there as He is The
Best of sustainers and protectors. I could not understand why God should choose to
separate us, when were so close, making me so unhappy as a result. I missed her
so much that often I would drop a piece of anything good I happen to be eating
or drinking and look up to the sky, whispering to Allah, that it was for her.
Not
long after this incidence the pains were gone, but the curiosity in me about
God has been fully awakened. Who is this Allah? Where is He? How did He create
the sun, water, plants, animals, man etc and why? How do people die? Why can’t
they talk or move? What happens to them when they are buried, where do they go
to? When did He…. What does His… How is He able to…. Who does His…? So, so many
questions. “Kai! Kai!! Kai!!! Kalli gabanka mana. Ko kana son ka….?” Someone
would scream me back to earth.
When I
was 7 old, I was enrolled into elementary school and often while walking down
our street to school, I would observe how terribly unlike the fine tarred
street and buildings I use to see on television they were and so would wish
that God Almighty and Capable would provide me with magical power to cast a
spell and transform the neighborhood, town, city, country, Africa and the whole
world into one conductive environment. All roads would be tarred with covered
gutters, street lights, well nourished families, properly educated children and
comfortable homes for all. Another spell to make all poverty, hunger,
illiteracy and wretchedness disappear forever. The idea came from watching on
television the genie that grants 3 wishes in the Arabian Night. All this I
wanted to make happen, so that we could concentrate fully in our acts of
worshipping God in peace and tranquility. Free from all wants. Much as I try to
evoke such ability, it only made me wish harder. For I was never able to
provide for myself alone, much less my family.
I
wondered again and again why God should allow so much suffering to exist among
mankind. This made me delve deeper in my quest towards unraveling the mysteries
of Allah. Though, now I know it is never going to be possible to achieve such knowledge,
for He Azza wa Jalla (AWJ) and His Ways are beyond unraveling. And knowing what
I know now, it is clear that my
young
fertile innocent sub-consciousness was
being indoctrinated through the television to think that way, for it is contrary
to the realities of life. Life as we know it is a series of tests, trials and
tribulations, the passing of which raises one in status, both earthically
and spiritually till the very end.
I was
very fortunate to have met and become friends with some of the best children of
my time. Together we had some of the most memorable childhood experiences. I
can still remember that we use to admonish ourselves about obeying our parents,
respecting elders, being sincere in our childish interactions and fear Allah by
observing the 5 daily obligatory prayers. At that time only 2 or 3 of such
prayers ever got to be performed by most of us. In certain instances, we would
even stop relating or playing with any one among us unless he has performed his
salaat. Such young free minds, our main past time was testing our knowledge in
the religion by quizzing each other and writing down the score on a sheet of
paper. The next encounter was always a challenge for any looser. So we were
constantly reading and listening to Islamic preaching.
Another
major influence in those days was one of my teachers, who taught us religious
knowledge in Primary III. He was so good at relating prophetic history Sira; the class would sit so still, that
one can hear the sound of a feather floating through the air as it crashes on
the floor with a loud bang. He, may Allah bless him wherever he may be now and
reward him with Al-Jannah in the hereafter, was foremost among those who
succeeded in impressing upon my heart the love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Till this day I can still hear his subtle voice clearly in my mind.
Later
all grown up and matured, manly and married. I was in the university and my
curiosity and consciousness about Allah (God) and universe, man and nature has
deepened. Still very much in search of answers to the many elusive questions
that usually trouble a young and inquisitive mind. One day or rather night I
came home from campus for a weekend. It was unusually hot, so we (I and my
spouse) spread a mat in our court yard and lay on our backs next to each other
staring at the sky. I was explaining to her that the rays of light reaching our
eyes from those stars are not the ones being emitted that particular moment,
but ones released some thousands of years earlier, as they would require
thousands of years to travel through the many light years separating our worlds
before reaching our planet.
She
pointed at a bright star as it glows and dims from so far away, then at another
that shines continuously without diming and yet still at a tiny, almost
invincible one that neither shines nor dims and wondered at the difference. So
I had to inform her that some of those stars are natural like the planets in
our solar system, but others are man-made satellites, sent into orbit by humans
some for space exploration like the Apollo 11 and others for communication,
military, weather research purposes etc are revolving round the earth just like
the moon.
After
a while she challenged me to count the stars, so we commenced till we counted about
50 or more, all the while reminding ourselves if we should count any twice and
laughing at the whole joke. Before long we became exhausted, yet there were
many more uncounted stars, scattered all over the sky as far as our eyes can see. And
I reminded her, yet Allah SWT knows the exact number there are. In fact,
there is no leaf on a tree or plant on the surface of the earth or a grain of
sand at the bottom of the deepest ocean that He is not aware of. She wowed! We
became silent for a while, each in our mind flow. Suddenly, my wife asked “Allah
is most gracious, Most merciful and Most Just in His affairs, yet He is going
to put some among mankind in paradise, while others He condemns to hell. Now
how fair is that? He made someone a Muslim, some Christians, others Jews, yet
others Atheist, why? No one was given any choice in the matter; yet, He is
going to punish them for being non-believers in His Oneness. Is there justice
in that? I rather think it is not right, but Allah knows best and I know
nothing. May Allah forgive my sinful soul for entertaining these thoughts”
I could instantly
understand her flow of reasoning for she grew up in a Christian dominated area,
where they were they were forced to say “The Grace”
prayer each morning at their daily school assembly. Fortunately I had an
encounter at the university with a learned and wise imam, who enlightened my
soul about this particular observation. So I unraveled the mystery to her,
seeking Allah’s Assistance towards making
her understand His infinite wisdom in the matter. She eventually acknowledged
it and her mind became at peace.
Then a
few later years later, a practicing consultant working among fellow colleagues
in a consultancy firm. One day during one of our regular break discussion, an Engineer
observed “Awolowo had died, Sardauna,
Zik, Tafawa Balewa, Aminu Kano, Abiola, Abacha, Yar’adua
(past Nigerian leaders) have all gone. Yet none of them has taken the trouble
to communicate back. Something must be wrong somewhere. If truly they care for
this country and their ethnic people, as they were claiming before they died,
then they should at least have found a means of sending back a message. In fact
I know for sure that something was amiss with this death thing when my father
passed-on and refuse to get in touch with me from beyond, for we were so very
close.” He lamented. As a contribution I said, “They refused to communicate
back or maybe it is beyond their powers to.” To which he said, “Yes! I think it
is beyond their control”
With
the same Engineer on yet another occasion, he felt slighted and disrespected
for not being consulted before he was created and sent to this world? Why was
his opinion not sought as to whom he wants to be, when he wants to come to this
world and where he wants to be based? So I had to explain to him in the little
knowledge (for HE is Al-Alim) that I have, of Allah’s
Mysterious Ways, per chance he might gain an insight to free his soul from the
shackles of ignorance and satanic whispers.
I
solicited for his cooperation in demonstrating a simple example. By given him a
pencil and a blank sheet of paper, I requested that he should make some lines
freely without measuring or counting them, which he did carelessly and push the
paper back at me with disinterest. I told him to look at the strokes he had
randomly made, after which I said to him “Assuming you were all alone
and out of your own volition drew these lines and that you have the powers to
give these lines the ability to speak, how would you react to this particular
line…” pointing at a short,
crooked one in the row “… questioning why you drew it
the way and manner you did?” Before I could finish explaining, he angrily shouted
out “How dare it. I swear it
cannot try it!” So I pointed out that “Such is the case between you and Allah
Azza wa Jallah.” He then remained silent, staring into space, lost in thought,
reflecting soberly.
Then
it occurred to me that several other individuals the world over must be
thinking the same, yet I cannot go on explaining to each person that I encounter,
who might be experiencing similar turmoil in his or her mind and therefore the
need to commit to writing my explanation became necessary. I seek for Allah’s
guidance and forgiveness once again for my mistakes, which are sure to be
notice by better and much more endowed servants His in this feeble attempt of
mine. It comes in form of this similitude.
Consider
a Professor, who is well renowned, the world over. An authority in his
profession, with several awards and honours from all the relevant organizations,
bodies and institutions of the world. His expertise and sense of judgment at
all levels is in no doubt whatsoever. A sound, sincere and brilliant mind
without any of bias, who is at the peak of his endeavors. Formulating and
confirming theories in his chosen carrier, which have all been tested and
proven beyond any reasonable doubt through the most scientific means possible.
Simply, he is the Einstein of his field.
Let’s
take an example. Art. One day, without consulting or discussing with anyone nor
seeking anybody’s assistance, this
professor all alone, decides to create some artworks. So he gathers all the
material he needed for his masterpiece from source unknown to all and commences
the process of creating the said artworks. How many there are, no one knows. What
medium he uses is anybody’s guess. Why he creates
them, is best known to him. Where he develops the scheme or how long it takes
for each to be produced, nobody has an idea. What he intended to do with them,
is also a total mystery.
Eventually
he finishes the artworks. Each produced deliberately unique in its own right. Each
the best that it could ever be. Each in a class of its own, the marvelous
masterpiece it was meant to be. Based on his vast knowledge and experience about
all aspect of the art world, he sorted the works into classes according to his
expectations. Some he knew at an exhibition the kind of critique, comments and
attention they would command. Others he knew the amount of money they would be
worth at auctions. Still others he knew ahead would be virtually decorative
without any financial value and so would be confined to his studio or best
given out as souvenirs. Then there are yet others he knows would be completely
useless, best fit for the dustbin, eventually fed to the incinerator for they
would only bring him shame, displeasure and disgrace. He almost did that, burn
them off that is, but out of his fairness and justice, instead of doing just
that, he decides further to give each artwork a fair chance at the world, to
possibly prove him wrong.
After
he finishes the creative works, he calls for an international press conference
and informs the world about his accomplishment and declares that they are
strictly not for sale, but would be available as borrowed items for a while,
for individual collections, for exhibitions, for archives etc, but only for a
period of time to the Art World. He also coded each one in such a manner that
it cannot be duplicated. The he accompanies their release with some brochures
in which he explains everything concerning them and advised whoever wants to
know why, when, where and what was his purpose for producing them to read the
publications. In the manuscripts, he reveals his original intentions as regards
the artworks. However, he kept secret his anticipations about each of the
classes.
He
states further that he intends to gather all of them back after a certain
period, from wherever they might be and with whomever they might, one or two at
a time or even in bunches whenever he dims fit. Before then, those fortunate to
be in possession of them should enjoy them, while the time last. When he does recall
them, some he intends to cherish and so will hang them on the wall in his
prestigious chamber. Others would be packed and tied together in a box, never
to be seen or heard of again. Yet some he will refurbish and later decorate
other areas of his domain with them. And still some he intends to destroy
utterly by breaking them into pieces and burning them in his incinerator.
The
whole world gasps at the unprecedented beauty of the revealed works. The
originality, quality and sheer mastery of each media employed. He presents them
according to his classification and those in-the-know without much-a-do
spontaneously declares them priceless and him a perfect master, a genius.
Thus
understood, the artworks are allowed to circulate across the world, taken into
different countries and cities and displayed in diverse art centers. Meanwhile
he embedded in each a tracker, to keep records of its entire sojourn. Remember
he holds the full ownership of each, with no copyright permits given to any to
lay claim on each. Among the pieces he
knows would do well at auctions, each performs according to his prediction,
bringing in dollar offers to the exact amount but he refuses to sell, keeping
all as his sole possession. Various awards and recognitions come through
several other artworks as expected. Those that would generate hot arguments and
critics failed not to. The ones he anticipated would cause him a lot of
annoyance went to the extreme and those that should not have ever been exposed
at all were indeed worth the bet. He keeps a record in which all their
activities were closely written down. Each piece living up to his expert expectations
to the latter.
Finally
he starts to recall all the artworks back from every nook and corners of the
Art World.
Once
again he was back alone with them, as in the beginning without any adviser,
associate or helper, at an appointed time and place, his studio. He brought out
their journey records and charts, closely referring to each piece according to
its performance, thus sorting them out once again into their initial, original categories.
Being the guru he is, each turned out to fit precisely his original predictions.
He thus smiled at himself and acknowledged his own expertise and authority,
justifying his original forecast.
He
subsequently executes his intended mission regarding the artworks according to
his initial sorting out, comfortable in the knowledge that his actions are now justified
after giving each of the artworks the benefit of doubt, the chance to prove his
predictions wrong.
Now,
the questions; whose idea was it creating the artworks in the first instance?
Whose advice did he seek before commencing their production? Did he request for
any help or assistance in the process? How long and difficult was the process
of creating them? Whose possessions are the end products? Who determine how
long the artworks are allowed to be in circulation? How about the sorting out
and classifications, what was the basis? And the sources, location as well as
type of materials used? What about the formula and mixture proportions employed?
Who decides for him the time of recall or which artwork gets the first, joint,
collective or last recall?
Also
for consideration is the place where he created or gathers them, who scheduled
the time and location? Who contributed in designating final placement after the
sorting out? What if he changes his mind about any or all of the artworks, who
is there to counteract such a decision? Who can know better than him what each
of the artwork should be worth or where each deserves to be placed? So
ultimately what justification is there for anyone or anything to question the rationale
behind his initial and final action as regards his artworks? Endless questions,
but one answer would suffice, for there is only one truth and when it manifests,
falsehood quickly disappears. End of similitude.
Let us
take a quantum leap to another level by effecting a few changes to the characters
and conditions in the above similitude. May Al-Mighty Allah forgive our short
coming in finding the most befitting approach to this exercise.
The Professor is replaced The
Supreme Being, ALLAH, Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim, only this time there is no other in
the realm e.g. partners, equal professors (gods), associates, advisers,
assistants, helpers or even observers. Also to be discarded is the “in
our own image” idea or visualizing any
form, shape or definition for him, but rather His Presence only should be
acknowledged. All alone, all over, everywhere and infinitely beyond the wildest
and widest imagination, for there is nothing like unto him (Q112:4). He Azza Wa
Jallah is total, absolute, perfect in all his decision and actions.
The Artworks are Mankind, you and I, but
instead of being framed and dormant on display, we have been endowed with special
and unique abilities such as intelligence, free will (Q18:29), choices, motion,
speech, sight etc with which we are able to express ourselves individually and
collectively.
Our Creator
(Allah) knows (Q20:110) at the point of bringing mankind into existence that
some, if He commands them to associate no partners with Him and to worship none
other but Him alone, if He commands them to obey His messengers, live by His
rules and regulations, struggle with their lives and wealth for His cause, seek
for His pleasure by trusting in Him or even ultimately sacrificing their souls
for Him in return for that which is better, would obey willingly and
submissively without the slightest hesitation (Q35:32). While others would
carry out parts of a command and neglect other parts or would choose to obey
some command and ignore others, aiming to please their patrons (Q3:100). Still
others would mischievously pretend not to understand the instructions at all,
thereby refusing to comply.
Then
there are those will just laugh at such commands (Q37:187), even mock at them (Q36:30)
or kill the couriers of such messages (Q47:187) and make their utmost attempt to
prevent His willing and obedient servants from executing their obligations
(Q13:99) and often they would even go all the way towards changing or
destroying his revelations and promoting all nauseous vices i.e. shirk, usury,
homosexuality etc (Q29:29) to His utter displeasure, as well as going to the
extreme by campaigning for total disregard of His existence (Atheists) Q11:92.
How
fair and just would it be for those different classes among mankind (artworks)
to be treated and rewarded equally after the recall by the Most Just God,
Al-Adl? Q28:61
The Art World is planet earth, with all
the God-made natural recourses found within (animals, plants, water, mineral
deposits, gravity etc) and heavenly ones found without (atmosphere, sun, moon,
stars etc) necessary for the survival and wells being of mankind to explore,
expose and exploit, thereby achieving his (un)limited potentials within his
specified time frame on earth.
The Brochures at the press conference
are the divine revelations and inspirations [Az-Zab’r (Psalm), At-Taurat (Old Testament), Al-Injeel (Gospel) and Al-Qur’an (Koran) etc among others) Q29:27.
These holy books are the key to understanding the purpose of creation and for
each generation and time according to man’s level of advancement and
understanding, appropriate messages are inspired by Allah into their prophets
and messengers (20:123). The original scripts all contains one divine message
for mankind and that is La ilaha Illallah (None is worthy of worship but Allah Alone). With the revelation of the Qur’an
through the Seal of all prophet, Muhammad (PBUH) no more divine scriptures or
prophet is going to manifest, the Qur’an being the final message
from God to man.
Though
revealed over 1430 years ago, its universal message has stood, is standing,
will stand the test of time till the ultimate recall. It confirms the truth
about earlier revelations, warns against disbelief in the oneness of Allah
(Kufr), gives glad tidings to sincere worshippers of The One, True, Living and Eternal
God (Allah), challenges the doubtful in its authentic divine source, provides
the criteria for knowing right and wrong conducts by Allah’s
standards and informs about things known and unknown among others. It is a
religious, social, artistic, historical, mathematical, scientific masterpiece.
It treats the past, present and future of mankind in details, for those who are
endowed with understanding and wisdom. By all standards, it indeed worthy of
its unique title of Ummil Al-Kitab (Mother
of all Books).
Available only for a period
of time, as stated above means our
journey through this earthly life (Q6:2) some among mankind would travel all
over the world, to the deepest part of the ocean and even into space, while
some would not even venture beyond their villages/countries. However, others
would have a fairly good life, exhibiting their talents in science, technology,
commerce, arts, sport, academia etc, becoming rich and famous in the process,
getting so engrossed with celebration of life as to forget the purpose of their
existence, thus their mission in this worldly journey. Then all of a sudden
their circulation time runs out, the recall takes effect and the person cease
to exist. Their sojourn fully documented. Q36:12
The Recall is death (Q23:15). The
soul (nafs) is removed from its container (human body) and kept in a place
called Barzakh (Q2:100) with a
barrier in between, separating the two realms, which prevents it (soul) from
ever communicating with those on earth, and the body, which hitherto was so
pampered, begins to deteriorate rapidly, becoming a thing avoided and unwanted. For some they would live in
peaceful bliss, while for others would be in perpetual turmoil, till the
sorting out.
The Sorting Out (Q77:13) is the Final
Judgment. Here all records (Q78:29) will be presented on each individual’s
dwelling period on earth and proofs of what each soul deserve would be
established beyond both reasonable and “unreasonable”
doubt, (Q81:10), so that nobody would be unfairly recompensed (Q36:54). Mankind
would be sorted into our classes, based on the result from their individual
records.
Finally,
each class would be rewarded according to Allah’s
Promise and would subsequently be directed toward its final destination (Q22:18).
Some would receive the highest and ultimate reward Al-Jannah i.e. Paradise (Q11:108). Others would be held off
temporarily before they are allowed to proceed. (Q11:107) Yet others would be
sent to Hell for an appointed term (Q78:21-30). But for others, alas, they
would dwell therein forever: a permanent abode, may Allah forbid. To each
party, a befitting recompense for their souls’ earning, and never will anyone
be treated with injustice (Q29:18).
Based
on the foregoing, it is crucial once again to ask “What
right has anybody or anything to challenge Allah’s
Wisdom and absolute Supreme Power over His creations?”
For if any amongst His creations (mankind) desire to be cherished, now, this
earthly life is the only chance available for him or her to earn it, before the
recall. The free will to choose is ours.
And
be afraid of the day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person
shall be paid what he/she earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. (Q2:281)
All
this might seem like a fairy tale, a bit farfetched, tales of people of ancient
times to some if not many of mankind, but
what if it turns out to be true and you find yourself standing alone before
Allah, completely unprepared, without any tangible excuse as a defense?
Remember,
Allah stated in the Injeel (Gospel) and further confirmed it in the Qur’an
that Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) was created through a miraculous
birth, without a father. Some people denied this truth, declaring that you need
46 chromosomes (23 from a female, 23 from a male) to produce a human embryo “Impossible!”
they arrogantly cling to their inadequate knowledge. Yet “Behold,
Dolly!” the sheep that was given
birth to from a single cell extract of her mother, without a male contributor
(i.e. father) through one of the recent scientific discoveries at the dawn of
the 21st Century called Cloning, no
doubt a confirmation of Allah’s Sign (Ayah).
Soon will We show them Our Signs
in the (furthest) regions (of the earth) and in their own souls, until it
becomes manifest to them that this (Qur’an) is the truth (from the Lord
the worlds). Is it not enough that the Lord doth Witness all things? (Q41:54)
If
people, some 2000 years ago were told that man would be able to penetrate into
the heavens with so much ease and even land on the moon one day (Q55:33), there
are some that are sure to say “Asadiirul
awwaleen” (Tales of the ancient) as
usual. What about today? Now many are being told of the Hereafter, and what do
they say? “This is nothing but tales of the ancient.” As it was then, so it is
now!
But it
is not too late, yet. Please take heed, before it becomes too late.
Please
permit me to present Muhammad Auwalu Tsakuwa’s poem, a beggar boy who
stood before me and recited this beautiful Hausa reminder:
UNTITLED
Ran da za ai rabon takardu
Du halllita za ta sadu
Wajen hukunci harda shaidu
Ga Raqibu zuwa Atidu
Wanda ba za su yi sabon
ubangiji ba
In aiyukanmu irin na kirki
Wanda za ai ko da a daki
Sun rubuta ko tafarki
“Masu bin umarni daki daki”
Goma dai ne za su nuna
“Ba”
su boye tara in da kauna
Translation
On The Day, results will be distributed
All
creations, will be gathered
At the
Judgment, with the witnesses
Angels
Raqib and Atid, in attendance
Who
never disobey, their Lord’s Commands
If our
works are of good kind
With
ones committed even in seclusion
They
record them plus our intensions
Following
instructions by the detail
Ten is
it, they will present forthwith
Nor
will they hide nine, even of a loved one
With
this little effort, it hopes by Allah’s Kindness and Assistance that similar
troubled minds on the subject, Muslims and Non-Muslims the world over, would gain
a small insight, find some solace and be at peace (Islam) with themselves and
their One and Only True, Just Lord (Allah), about His Promise Final Day.
Surely Allah wrongs not
even of the weight of an atom (or less or a small ant), but if there is any
good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Him (SWT) a great reward. (Q4:40)
***Quote:
We are all struggling to
survive, only to die - Tijjani Muhammad Musa
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