For years I have tried to understand what the maqams are (or maqamats, known as nawbas in Morocco) and I hope these few words here don’t confuse things further. In these posts I have always sought out subjects where the global homogenisation of culture is forcing out the subtler and more indigenous remains of previous traditions – things which enrich and complete the human experience whether language, calligraphy, art, architecture or music. A great loss to us all and future generations. This mode of music is one of the things being pushed out by rigid modes of western harmony. But first I want to step back a bit for a more general view of things.

Sacred Geometry
In my early years I was very conditioned against the concepts of sacred geometry by views instilled in us in the early 1970s. We were taught to view it as a kind of masonic Schuonian conspiracy. Since the drugged days of the 1960s when things like numerology were the rage, I have been a bit suspicious of mathematical explanations of the universe as the truth is that it left us all confused. Like the teachings of Gurdieff and Ouspensky, it was all redolent of higher realities but in fact left you amazed, but helpless, with no prescription of what to do.

A few years ago I saw a short lecture in Granada by John Martineau, publisher of Wooden Books, about sacred geometry and I revised a lot of my opinions on the subject. He expounded on the empirical geometry in creation from flower forms to shell formations and crystal structures – the undeniable geometry underpinning, well just about everything. A recent BBC TV series called The Code presented by Marcus du Sautoy also explored the mathematics of everything in existence as the key to understanding it. Whereas John Martineau suggested a new interest for me in divine mathematics, Marcus Sautoy left me quite uninspired with little understanding of it. The Code was a triumph of form over content with admittedly stunning computer graphic presentations but nothing that really moved me or got to the nub. What both Martineau and du Sautoy had in common was that they described well something fundamentally true except that they shied from talking about the root truth which is what I was looking for. In this, they share where modern science leaves us all short changed. Like the Hadron collider, the multi billion pound white elephant buried in the ground under the French Swiss border, it may unveil secrets about the stuff of what we perceive as solid matter but seems likely to leave us none the wiser about what it all really means. This vast subterranean tomb will deeply puzzle future archeologists whose only explanation will be that it was an underground 28 mile greyhound race track.

Such divinely ordained things as the Golden Section are remarkable in that they seem to underpin beautiful proportions in the natural world as well as man made creations in art and architecture. I only digress into geometry here to illustrate how I also perceive the musical maqams by analogy. Empirical geometry – empirical musical harmonies. The golden proportions of musical harmony. I have no proof for this but I have hunch that the maqams are what the Pythagorians called the music of the spheres. These are harmonic sequences which are empirical, in other words they are not man made. They have pre-existed everything and permeate all of the created universe which includes us.

Maqamats

Pythagoras connected the harmonic relationships of the earth and the celestial bodies with musical harmony and beauty and so should we with the maqamats. The origin of the maqamats is not known but my assessment is as follows. Most of us in western cultures understand the difference between the moods of major and minor keys. These are two modes which we are preconditioned to respond to. Minor – sad. Major – happy. Now imagine many more modes which we are capable of responding to involuntarily but which right now we are not familiar with. This is the clue. Given this we can enter into a new universe of musical experience. Not the arbitrary emotional and horizontal imaginal worlds of western musical composers but something truly celestial and in harmony with something greater than the human self and a form of worship in the right situation. This music is not one of sensuality but one of elevated and inspiring beauty. It is not some cold mathematical world either but one which unlocks the heart and its secrets. This understood, western music can still inspire and unlock incredible zones of emotional experience which can be beneficial but may not be very pleasant sometimes in its inner evocations, like the music of Wagner. But it can be a window into the world that produced that music and musically very moving. But it is not celestial music.

Music is for some a difficult territory. For reasons of culture and religious legal opinions, some people have forbidden it to themselves and their communities. I have never visited India or Pakistan but I know that some sublime music has come from the subcontinent and this aversion to music appears to be something that lives mostly in expatriate communities in Europe or wherever. This is a touchy subject and I have always tried to be understanding of others’ restrictive views but I get frustrated that it’s all looked at in a black and white fashion. I’d better say a few things here before anyone reading this shuts me off  and before I get back to the subject of maqams which is what I really wanted to write about.

Like language, music can be profane or sacred, and it springs from whatever the intention is. George Martin, erstwhile record producer of the Beatles, (who I briefly worked with in the 196os), is famous for saying there’s only good music and bad music. And I’m with him there 100%. Music has been a huge part of my life and I know it inside out from Thomas Tallis to Verdi by way of Tamla Mowtown and John Coltrane from Gilbert and Sullivan to British Folk Rock and Classical Andalusi Maghrebi music, both as performer, writer or audience. Forgive my pun but music underscores western civilisation, as it has my own life, in the sense that it gives you an emotional taste of a period of time that has gone and timelessness in the case of timeless music. And you can learn from that. But with mass commercialisation of music it is not what it was and in many ways I enjoy more and more silence and the sounds of nature as there is too much pointless music around, horribly amplified, unconnected to meaning or context. Music in cars, radios, TVs, ipods, supermarkets, planes, hotel foyers, ringtones – absolutely everywhere.  Just too much. The real power of music is not now understood, having become another commodity to be exploited for a quick dollar. Much as I love music I’d be the first to warn of its dangers but also the first to advertise its huge benefits. But no reason to ban it. You would need an Inquisition to do that.

On the plus side music (singing included) can elevate the spirit, provide a release from stress and even be applied as a therapy for psychological and physical illnesses. Music therapy, was /is something specifically related to the maqamats and well known to the Ottomans and the Andalusians as it restored some kind of harmony, with the use of mainly instrumental music, to disturbed souls. Whilst maristans in both east and west were dedicated to this treatment in times past, it is now almost a forgotten science. Something well worth reviving. There is a quite a bit on the web relating to this subject and its revival in Turkey.

Dar-ül Kurr’a Madrasa, Erdine, Turkey. This hexagonal building was dedicated to music therapy as well as hydrotherapy in Ottoman times.

The maqamats exist in many musical cultures: in Egypt, Syria, Western China, Turkey, India and of course Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. They share much of the basic maqamat harmonic sequences and have very similar names but reflect the local musical traditions and to the uneducated ear can sound quite unrelated. I can’t claim to be an expert on this but am exploring this intuitively from what I do know from 40 years practical experience of Moroccan qasaid.  I do know that Ziryab brought this musical science from Baghdad to Cordoba where he created the great Andalus maqamats blending Arab music from the Persian courts with Iberian music, Christian and even Jewish music of the peninsular. It left Spain for north Africa after the overthrow of Granada but only half of it is left extant passed down through families and now taught in conservatoires.

http://www.maqamworld.com/ is an interesting web site dedicated to explaining the modal system of arabic music. Worth a visit but it might be just a bit complicated for most people. And pity its interactive bits don’t work on a Mac. It’s pretty difficult for the western mind to wrap itself around the concepts involved on the site but it’s useful as a reference point.

‘O ye who believe! fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow; yea, fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do’.  (59:18)

This is a command from Allah to all believers.  The first part of the ayat is usually translated to mean ‘fear Allah’ but it also means for us to develop righteousness.  The latter part advises us to take stock of what type of deeds we’re sending for the morrow i.e. the hereafter.  

We are recommended to monitor our lives in such a way that we’ll know whether we are sending good or bad ahead.  By adopting this practice one can know whether his/her abode will be Paradise or the hell fire.  It all depends on:

1. Intention:- Am I trying to live for the sake of Allah

2. Allah’s Grace and Mercy: - If I’m living for His sake, insha Allah, He will overlook my shortcomings.

Our intention is the most important thing.  Prophet Muhammad

‘Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men)’.  (107:6)

Only what is done for the sake of Allah will remain with Him.  If it’s done for the world it will go to the world.  

In order to be certain that what we are sending is acceptable we need to keep three (3) things in mind;

1. Wisdom to differentiate that which is good from evil.

2. To keep close watch on our nafs (baser self).  

It is narrated that there was one Companion of Prophet Muhammadwas I a hypocrite today?  Hazrat Omar (ra); someone who was guaranteed Paradise while he was still alive in this world use to visit this blessed Companion everyday.  What about us who are not guaranteed?

3. Trying to know what is a blessing and what is a trial from Allah.  Sometimes we may mistake a blessing from our Lord and utilize it in an unfortunate way.  This is where knowledge becomes important.

One needs to be cautious and keep a constant look over the ego.  It is good to be ambitious but be mindful because it can lead us down the wrong path as Allah says in Surah Zukhruf;

‘If anyone withdraws himself from the remembrance of (Allah) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him.  Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the path, but they think that they are being guided aright!’  (43:36-37)

This is why we pray continuously ‘guide us on the straight path’.

It is only those with a pure and good intentions will go back to Allah.  For example it is reported that a prostitute once found a dog that was extremely thirsty.  She took her shoe and tied it to her scarf in order to retrieve water from a nearby well.  Prophet

Always try to adopt two things throughout your life; increase the amount of good that you are sending before you and try to wipe out the blemishes from your Book.  It is a simple recipe but it as an everlasting effect.  

Keep in mind that there is morrow and all our thoughts and actions will be brought before us.  Make sure that when you are presented with your book of deeds it will be one that you will be proud of, insha Allah.  May Allah protect us and guide us and may He enable us to send plentiful good ahead of us so that our meeting with our Lord will be a pleasant and beautiful one.

“and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only)”.  (21:73)

No human being was exempted from these beliefs and practices.  Each Messenger taught total submission to Allah; and that we are all going back to Him; and in order to successfully meet Him one has to practice that which has been commanded.  

And through these practices the bond among mankind is continuously strengthened.  For example in the institution of Salaat we meet and interact with our follow brothers and sisters.  In the institution of charity we assist and look after those who are in need.  So the beliefs and practices that Allah has ordered us to follow reinforces the union amongst mankind.

In this particular Surah, Surah Anbiyaa, Allah mentions the life of many Messengers; and one thing that resonates in each one of them is, that they had complete faith in their Lord.  They would also put their problems to Him and beg for His interventions and assistance and He responded to them all.  For example, when Prophet Lot (as) complained to Allah that the people of Sodom would not change and they should be destroyed Allah sent upon the disbelievers a terrible punishment.

Why make mention of this?  As Muslims we do not feel that we are better than others.  We do not walk around announcing that we’re the ‘saved and chosen ones’.  We adhere to the principles that we are commanded to follow and in so doing, join with all those who came before.  As Allah says;

“Verily, this nation of yours is one nation, and I am your Lord and Cherisher:  Therefore serve me (and no other)”.  (21:92)

Islam has, in addition to these institutions that make us feel like one family, three additional ‘ingredients’ that will make life pleasant for all.  Allah records them in Surah Balad

“one of those who believed, and recommended one another to perseverance and patience, and (also) recommended one another to pity and compassion”.  (90:17)

Help one another to find out the truth,  to preserve in life with patience and  to show compassion to others.

If these practices are upheld there will be certain elements in society that will contradict with us.  For example those who have a materialistic and selfish outlooks on life will not be open to these three components as it is not in accordance with their desires.  And as Allah says

But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: (yet) will They all return to us.  (21:93)

On the contray, if we apply these three ingredients to our daily lives society as a whole will change for the better.  And this type of behaviour will have a direct relation to the attitude of the future generations.

May Allah grant us the ability of inculcating these principles in our daily lives and may He strengthen the unity among the followers if His Deen.

Nov 23rd 2011: The President of Turkey was welcomed to Britain by the Queen today amid a spectacle of pomp and pageantry.

The Turkish National Culture Foundation, which was founded by conservative businessmen, bureaucrats and scientists such as Turgut Özal, Professor Nevzat Yalçıntaş, Sabri ?lker and Professor Sabahattin Zaim, was formed in 1969 to grant scholarships to promising young people.

The “mission” of the foundation was, as described in those years, “to raise and assist in their career planning, scientists, intellectuals, artists and technical people who have high caliber character and leadership traits and who are dedicated to national culture and traditions.”

A conservative Turkish lad in London

One of the scholarship holders of the foundation in 1976 was Abdullah Gül, who was accepted to the economic doctoral program of Istanbul University. He was only 26 years old when he came to London with the scholarship he won from the foundation. It was the first time in his life he was abroad. He resided at the Muslim Students Federation hostel in London’s Camden Town.

(L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, President of Turkey Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa Gul during their visit to Clarence House on November 23, 2011 in London, England.

 Gül remembered the London of that time as “just like today, a place where freedoms are exercised without any constraint.” He suddenly remembered the demonstrators organized to protest the racist regime in South Africa. “Those two years contributed a lot to me in regards to thinking freely and getting to know the world.” He also said his London years had a significant effect on his intellectual development and shaping of his world views.

Comparing London to the Islamic world

Gül’s second stop abroad after London was Jeddah. Between 1983 and 1991 he worked as an expert at Islamic Development Bank. He used the opportunity to become more acquainted with the Islamic world. He also had the opportunity to meet in person outstanding names of the Islamic world, several of them whose translated books he had already read.

Interestingly, while Gül is assessing the impressions left by the Saudi Arabia period he does so by comparing it to his London years: “I had the opportunity to see the weaknesses, the soft belly and the inadequacies of this world also and was able to compare...”

In Gül’s life journey, the second Western door that opened after London was Strasbourg. In 1991, after being elected to Parliament as one of the “princes” of Necmettin Erbakan of the Welfare Party, Gül regularly went to Strasbourg for 10 years to attend Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly meetings.

However, despite the Strasbourg window, London has always kept its significance for Gül. After he was elected president, one of his first visitors was the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. Also, one of the most distinguished think tanks of the United Kingdom, Chatham House, had elected him as the statesman of the year in 2010.

‘Destiny has brought me here’

London, at any rate, is a city that has left significant marks on Gül’s life and political venture and continued to do so. Gül, who walked past Buckingham Palace in London exactly 35 years ago as a Ph.D. student, was greeted with a spectacular ceremony as a guest of the royal family the other day.

Did Gül, when he lived in London years ago, ever think at the corner of his mind that such a frame would exist one day in his life? What would he have felt, when entering the Buckingham Palace, as he remembered his London days?

While he was answering my question the other day, the president said, “Destiny,” and continued: “Destiny has brought me to such a position. Of course, it is very exciting, full of pride. On our way to the palace, all streets leading to the palace were decorated with Turkish and British flags. The fact that I am representing the Turkish state is a separate pride, honor and responsibility for me, indeed.”

Allah says in His Holy Words:

‘They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.’

Unfortunately, some people translate it to mean; ‘they scheme and Allah schemes and Allah is the best of schemers’.  This is not proper to say as Allah is not a “schemer”.

Man puts forward a plan and Allah also plans, and His plan will always be the best as He says that He is The Best of Planners.  We see this occurring time and again in history.  In order to expound on this we reference two examples.

Firstly, whether it is true or not according to the Bible Sarah didn’t want the son of Hagar to share in the inheritance of Abraham (as) material acquisitions.  She said ‘the son of a slave cannot inherit with my son’.  But look at what Allah did, He sent Hagar and Ishma’il in the wilderness, out of the dimension of Abraham’s property.  Based on the accounts in the Bible, Sarah’s concern was wealth and property (Allah knows best if this is true or not).  So while she was left preoccupied with this concern, Hagar and Ishma’il were blossoming and developing with a greater purpose.  Allah says of Prophet Ishma’il (as) that he was Haleem (someone willing to forbear with patience).  

Look at Allah’s plan.  He guided Abraham to leave Hagar and Ishma’il near to the foundation of the Holy Kabaa and a few years, later both father and son re-constructed the Holy House of Allah.  Allah wanted to preserve the willingness of submission of this blessed family so He created the institution of Hajj which is the re-enacting of some rituals associated Abraham, Hagar and Ishma’il.  To this very day millions perform these rituals every year.  And look at the condition of the Israelites, there are still obsessed with material acquisitions as they are still fighting of land.

From a very despondent situation Hagar and Ishma’il were in fact fulfilling this great plan of Allah, which at the time would have seem farfetched using reason and logic.

The other example which demonstrates the Wisdom of Allah’s is the story of Prophet Joseph (as), throughout his life, he was faced with hardships and the unfortunate schemes of the people around him. But look at the plan Allah had in store for him;  and all the difficulties and hardships that people dealt him had wisdom in it, as Allah’s plan was slowly being materialised.

Why make mention of this?  Understand that when you put your faith and trust in your Lord He will take care of your affairs.  He says in Surah Baqarah:

‘Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return".  They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance’.  (156-157)

Whosoever puts faith and trust in Allah, He will send blessings upon them and continuously guide them.  

A beautiful example of this is when Abu Bakr (ra) received salutations from Allah.  

The Holy Prophet Muhammad requested contributions for an expedition, and the Muslims gave whatever they could give, but Abu Bakr Siddique (ra) exceeded all by giving all that he had without leaving anything for his own family.  He even included the clothing he was wearing.  Thereafter he appeared in front of the Holy Prophet wearing a sack held together by date thorns.  When the Prophet asked him what he had left for his family, he replied, “Allah and His Messenger are enough for them.”  When Allah saw this expression of love of Abu Bakr (ra) He ordered Angel Jibraeel to go to the Holy Prophet and say, ‘Allah has sent salutations (salaam) to Abu Bakr  and asks if he has at least left food at his home and if he is pleased with Allah’.  When  Abu Bakr (ra) heard this he went into a state of ecstasy, began whirling and began crying out repeatedly, ‘I am pleased with my Lord!’  This story which is narrated by Ibn Asakir (ra) is recorded in both Tirmidhi and Abu Daud.

Abu Bakr (ra), one of the wealthiest persons, gave everything for Allah’s sake and pleasure and when he was left with nothing Allah sent salutations to him.

Those who put their affairs in Allah’s Hands, He will help them to plan properly.  No one is as Wise and Knowledgeable as Him.  It is only a question of faith and desire to get close to Him.  People can do what they want but if you have Allah and His Rasul what else do you need.  

There are so many things in this world that can bring about emotional unrest but if you have sincere faith in Allah He will send a way out for you as He says in His Holy Words.  And what appeared to be hardship and difficulty may turn into something favourable.

We beg Allah to make us from amongst those who will put out faith and trust in His Hands and may He make us accept His plan and take care of our affairs in both worlds.

When Allah appointed Hazrat Adam (as) as Khalifa and made his abode the Garden, He gave him one instruction which was to enjoy everything that was there except a particular tree.  Unfortunately for Adam (as) Satan had access to the Garden and he wanted to diminish Adam’s status.  So the first thing he did was to create some sort of mischief by tempting and enticing Adam and Eve ever so often to eat from the tree and thereafter when they forgot the command they suffered the consequences.

Keep in mind at all times what Allah says in Surah Yaseen;

   “Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that he is to you an enemy avowed?”  (36:60)

Allah can do anything.  If He wanted He didn’t have to create Satan, or allowed the situation in the Garden to take place; or simply put Adam (as) on earth after his creation.  This is not impossible for Him, as He is All Powerful.  But there is wisdom in everything Allah does.

Two things occurred when Adam (as) ate from the ‘unapproachable tree’.  Firstly, he disobeyed a command from Allah; and he also brought hardship and difficulty upon himself.  Look at his life in the Garden and his life on earth.  In the Garden he didn’t have to do anything except follow one command.  On earth he had to work and toil for his livelihood and sustenance, etc.

Allah speaks about the dhalimeen – the transgressors’ in many places in the Qur’an.  A few of them are;

• ‘Allah loveth not the transgressors’.  (3:57)

• ‘Allah guides not the transgressors’.  (3:86)

• ‘Thou wilt be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward of the transgressors.’  (5:29)

• ‘and those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.’  (49:11)

• ‘The transgressors will have no Protector or helper’.  (42:8)

We see from these ayats the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the transgressors.  And the reason for making mention of all of this is for one very important principle.  

We know Satan is our enemy and that we must, at all times follow the commandments of Allah.  But sometimes we succumb to our weaknesses, knowingly or unknowingly.  We are human beings and are sometimes prone to errors and shortfalls.  So we will falter at some point in time; but when we do; we should repent to Allah immediately.  

Sometimes we may think that we are doing good through our ignorance; but in reality we may be transgressing against the don’ts that Allah has commanded.  So at all times we must repent and beg for forgiveness for the wrong that we commit knowingly and unknowingly.  Only Allah is All Knowing.  We can’t say for certain that every single thing we did in a day was purely good.  Only Allah knows.

This is possibly why the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: “By Allah, I seek Allah's forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.”  (Bukhari)

And this blessed personality was completely sinless and yet he repented so many times for one day.  What about us?  

Repent and beg Allah as much as you can before it’s too late.  Just as the stick of a match grain is useless after the flame has been out so too is our bodies when the soul departs.  So while we have our total personality intact use it to get closer and amongst the favourable ones of Allah.  Prepare yourself to meet Him.  

May Allah save us from being counted amongst the transgressors and may He give us the ability to repent to Him as much as possible so that we would be amongst the fortunate ones on that Day.

In reality however, we all know that the joys of this life are constantly fluctuating.  Sometimes we experience great joy and at other times we experience sorrow and difficulties.  Remember nothing is constant, except the Word of Allah.  In informing us about this Allah says;

“Allah doth enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He giveth) to whom so He pleaseth. (the wordly) rejoice in the life of This world: but the life of This world is but little comfort in the Hereafter”.  (13:26)

Everything is from Allah.  He gives to whomsoever He wants; and vice versa.  However, when measured against the pleasures and comforts of the Hereafter; all the material joys and happiness are rendered incomparable.

Look back at different moments in your life.  There were times that you experienced good and there were also times that you had a bit more challenges to face.  This is how life is in this material world.  

The Holy Qur’an uses two words to describe pleasure and happiness.  These are Farh (فَرَح) and Suroor (سُرُور).  Farh denotes to happiness for a period of time.  This means that the state of happiness or pleasure will inevitably come to an end.  Suroor on the other hand, denotes to the ‘all embracing joy’.  In this state a person will have absolutely no question of regret and emotional unrest.  The state of suroor cannot be attained in this material world however, but only in the Hereafter.

The material pleasures and comfort that many people run after are mixed with sorrow, sadness and anxiety.  In relation to this our blessed leader, Prophet Muhammad, is reported to have said;

‘The life of the present world compared to the Hereafter is just like when one of you inserts his finger into the ocean, so let him contemplate of how much he will be carrying with him”.

If you dip your finger in the sea how much water will remain on the finger?  just a mere drop or two.  So Prophet is informing us that the pleasures and joys of the Hereafter are like the vastness of the ocean and the joy of this material world is just a few drops in comparison.  Unfortunately, we see some who would prefer to sacrifice the ocean for a few drops on their fingers.

In another narration it is reported that Prophet Muhammad was passing by the wayside and saw a shepherd discarding a dead sheep.  Upon seeing this Prophet said ‘the life of this present world is as insignificant to Allah as the dead sheep is to the shepherd’.

Don’t give the joy and comforts of this word too much importance.  Yes we need it; as it would make life a bit more comfortable; but utilize the blessing and bounties from Allah to get much more in the Hereafter.  Sometimes you may lose your focus, but this is human nature.  Beg for forgiveness and continue persevering.

From this short lesson we can conclude that:

1. It is wrong to judge someone based on their material acquisitions’.  Remember that it is Allah Who gives and withholds.

2. It is wrong to excessively rejoice on the basis of material success.  Be thankful to Allah for favouring you but do not make it your goal and be all and end all.

3. It is wrong to sacrifice the pleasures of the Hereafter (Suroor) for a little material pleasure in this world (Farh).  

4. It is wrong to believe that material acquisitions’ are as a result of your doing and not that blessing and bounties from Allah.

Everything we have and will ever have, is from the Grace and Mercy of our Lord, so be thankful and humble.  This is why, believers live in fear and hope.  Fearing that Allah can take us to task for our weaknesses; and hoping for His Mercy, Forgiveness and Blessings.

Be mindful of this and always remember that the material happiness is but for a short time and insignificant when compared to what Allah has prepared for His believing servants in the Hereafter.

To this end we should all try to learn these two duas (shown below) as it encompasses our reliance and faith in our Lord.

Dua to be recited in the morning

Asbahnaa wa asbahal mulku lillaahi rabbil Aalameen. Allahumma innii as aluka khaira haazal yawm fath hahu wa nasrahu wa nuurahu wa barakatahu. Wa auuzubika min sharri maa fiihi wa sharri maa ba'dahu

The morning has come to me and the whole universe belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, O Allah, I ask of you the good of the day, it's success and aid and it's nur (celestial light) and barakaat (blessings) and seek hidayah (guidance) and seek refuge from the evil in it (this day) and from the evil of that which is to come later.

Dua to be recited in the evening

Amsainaa wa amsal mulku lillaahi rabbil Aalameen. Allahumma innii as aluka khaira haazihil lailata fath hahaa wa nasrahaa wa nuurahaa wa barakatahaa wa hudaahaa. Wa auuzubika min sharri maa fiihaa wa sharri maa ba'adahaa

The evening has come to me and the whole universe belongs to Allah who is the Lord of the worlds. O Allah, I ask of you the good of the night, it's success and aid and its nur (celestial light) and barakaat (blessings) and seek hidayat (guidance) and refuge from the evil of this night and the evil that is to come later.

Bridgetown, BARBADOS (29 September 2011)

With Chairman of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas’s impassioned plea to the United Nation’s General Assembly at last week’s sitting to grant Palestine formal recognition of statehood and full membership in the UN’s body, the issue has continued to get support from Caribbean countries.

Guyana, Suriname, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and most recently Antigua and Barbuda have formally recognized Palestine.

Barbados’s Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly last week stated the following:

“The State of Israel has a right to exist and the people of Israel have a right to live in security and to do so with the full and undisputed recognition of the rest of the world. On the other hand, the Palestinians are entitled also to enjoy the fruits of prosperity within their own sovereign state. Much else in this conflict may be negotiable. Surely, those two postulates are not. The Holy Land has for centuries been the locus of humanity's hopes. It is high time that it now becomes a symbol, not of humanity's divisions, but of humanity's unity. This state of affairs will ensue only when the disgracefully long wait of the Palestinians for a homeland is brought to an end.”

Guyana has been in the forefront of recognition of the Palestinian state. Since the 70’s Guyana has been vocal on the world stage promoting the Palestinian aspirations.  In fact Guyana since 1975 has been a member of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and in the 1970’s severed diplomat ties with Israel.

Earlier this year Caribbean Foreign Ministers at their Fourteenth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in St. Kitts reiterated the Community’s long standing and unwavering solidarity with, and commitment to, the just and legitimate aspirations of the people of Palestine for the exercise of their right to self determination and to achieve a homeland of their own, independent, free, prosperous and at peace. In its communiqué it stated:
“The Council further reiterated its support for a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the people of Israel and Palestine living side by side in their free and independent countries in peace, prosperity and harmony and within secure and internationally recognized borders”.

In June Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority Riyad Maliki visited Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts-Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago seeking support for an independent Palestine. Maliki said that he was confident of the region’s support in his country’s bid for nationhood.  “All responses were very encouraging to us and this really raises our expectations that things would move into the right directions,” he said without indicating the Caribbean countries likely to support the diplomatic initiative.  “There are countries that have said that they would contemplate that issue; others said that they would look positively, favorably into this matter; others said we would go forward with recognizing the state of Palestine.  Others said we would like to seek a collective decision by CARICOM. But all in all, all responses and actions and messages were very encouraging.” 

Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has chosen the path of UN recognition rather than continuing with the useless charade of direct talks.”

While General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labor (CCL) Senator Chester Humphrey of Antigua warned of “severe implications” for the region if they do not support Palestine’s application for statehood at the UN Security Council. “It has serious implications for governments who are straddled with serious constraints in terms of falling revenues, growing social demands and poverty and large unemployment,” Humphrey told a trade union conference.  “It’s the right and just thing to do. The Palestinians need a state and the occupation of their country must come to an end,” he said. Humphrey stressed that biblical ideologies should not be confused with political realities, while pointing out that Arab countries have significant financial resources, which the region badly needs at this time.

The position adopted by Caribbean governments and the calls of support from non-governmental agencies have not gone unnoticed by the Israelis. Informed Caribbean sources have reported that Israel's Foreign Ministry personnel, including the Israeli non-resident ambassador to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been promising the Caribbean states security and intelligence assistance in return for their votes in the UN General Assembly against recognition of Palestine's sovereignty.  It is felt that Israel's strategy is to have 60 members of the General Assembly vote against the Palestine resolution, abstain on it, or be absent from the Assembly and not vote. Sixty votes would deny Palestine and its supporters a two-thirds majority. For that reason, Israel is concentrating its efforts on the 38 members of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With all or a majority of the 38 SIDS members, Israel hopes to pick up the remaining 22 to 30 votes from small European and African nations, as well as from the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and some of the NATO nations of eastern Europe.

The envoys, most of whom had never been to Israel before, were scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor, Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Affairs Moshe Yaalon and opposition leader Tzipi Livni during their five-day mission.

The diplomats reportedly taking part in the mission included from the region:

Barbados: Ambassador John E. Beale

Belize: Ambassador Nestor Enrique Mendez

Dominica: Ambassador Hubert John Charles

Dominican Republic: Ambassador Anibal De Castro

Grenada: Ambassador Gillian Margaret Susan Bristol

Haiti: Ambassador Louis Harold Joseph

St. Lucia: Ambassador Michael Louis

Trinidad & Tobago: Ambassador Neil Parsan

Israel has developed strong ties with several Caribbean governments over the years and agreements have been entered into between the states especially in the areas of cooperation on agriculture and security.  At the ground level the Palestinian cause has had varying degrees of support from Caribbean people.  Muslims in the region have in the past been vocal on issues related to the Palestinians and made their opposition known to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian lands.  Several speakers sponsored by Muslim organizations have visited and spoken on the subject to diverse audiences in different Caribbean islands. Persons and groups outside the Muslim community have also voiced their support but equally several individuals and groups have also voiced their support of the state of Israel.  In particular several Evangelical church groups have been very supportive and have also brought in their speakers in defense of the Israel.  A recent panel discussion by the Olive Tree group in Barbados, which featured Walid Shoebat, highlighted the strong support Israel has among these Christian groups.

Asking questions is not wrong when one sincerely wants to learn.  Allah encourages it.  He says in Surah Anbiyaa; “ask of those who possess the Message”.  But be mindful when asking questions especially to a learned person such as one's Spiritual Teacher because it is possible that at that time you won’t have the capacity to understand.  You may not be capable of understanding the real spiritual meaning.  For example a lot of people ask the question ‘why stand for Tazeem?’  At this point in time they can’t understand the merit behind it, but Insha Allah through time will come wisdom.

A potent example of this given in the Qur’an is the encounter between Prophet Moses (as) and Hazrat Khdir.  Moses (as) wanted to know more about the truth, more than about creation.  Theologically Moses (as) was a learned person, but he wanted to acquire that knowledge that is beyond reason and logic.  So he set out on a spiritual journey to acquire this knowledge.

Allah guided him to Khdir.  Who was Khdir?  He is a personality Allah mentioned in the Qur’an.  Some say he was a Prophet of Allah, some say he was an angel, some say he was a wise servant of Allah who still functions today.  We can’t say because Allah didn’t give any details about this personality.  All that is recorded is “so they found one of Our servants whom We had mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our Own.”

Throughout their journey Moses (as) demonstrated his limited understanding by questioning Khdir on three separate occasions.  At that point in time he couldn’t see the purpose of Khdir’s actions.  And Khdir summed it up beautifully by asking Moses (as) the question prior to their journey “How can thou have patience about things which thy understanding is not complete?”

We see from this encounter the wisdom in bearing patience, especially when in the company of the learned.  Allah reinforces this in Surah Maidah;

“O ye who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble”.  (5:101)

Continuously asking questions may make things a bit harder for you to understand, as was the case with the Jews.  When they were commanded to slaughter a cow they kept asking Moses (as) question after question and every time they got an answer the task became a little more difficult for them; until they were made to pay gold that equated the weight of a the cow.  This story is recorded in Sruah Baqarah, verses 67-73.

Understand something very important; i.e. we do not know Allah’s plan.  Our knowledge and understanding is limited.  Don’t question Allah.  Don’t say why me! when you are faced with trials and tests.  Don’t question Allah’s work.  We don’t know what He has planned for us.  What we do know is that He loves us and He will take care of us.  

Unfortunately, we don’t see believers behaving in this manner.  Sometimes we try to take matters into our own hands.  This lesson is really  important especially, when it comes to Spirituality.  If you are told to do something especially by a Sheikh you don’t question it.  There is wisdom and reason for it.  

Those who are trying to get closer to Allah are careful and cautious when it comes to opening their mouths.  They remain silent and look on with the outlook that Allah will take care of the affairs of His servants.  

Satan was so blessed that he was favoured with entry into paradise amongst the company of Angels, but he questioned Allah and look how far he fell.  The angels displayed their reservations when Allah announced to them that He was going to create man.  Thereafter when they were questioned they responded;

“Glory to Thee, of knowledge we have none, save what Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou Who Art Perfect In Knowledge and Wisdom”.  (2:32)

What Allah wants to happen will happen.  He knows what is best for us.  Our understanding is limited and short-sighted.  Put your faith and trust in Allah and He will take care of your affairs.

We beg Allah to make us from amongst those who will never question His Decisions and accept whatever He sends our way.  May He make the trials and tests easy and bearable and may He inculcate in us the ability to demonstrate patience when seeking knowledge and spiritual advancement.