tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89513640979519265072024-03-07T23:32:32.307-08:00ALL MIXED UPMazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8951364097951926507.post-70177069399694862752007-10-10T13:50:00.000-07:002007-10-10T13:54:19.126-07:00<table id="post457042" class="tborder" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="thead" style="border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(130, 66, 41) -moz-use-text-color rgb(130, 66, 41) rgb(130, 66, 41); border-width: 1px 0px 1px 1px; font-weight: normal;" id="currentPost"> <!-- / status icon and date --> </td> <td class="thead" style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(130, 66, 41) rgb(130, 66, 41) rgb(130, 66, 41) -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 0px; font-weight: normal;" align="right"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=457042&postcount=1" target="new" rel="nofollow" id="postcount457042" name="1"><strong></strong></a> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td class="alt2" style="border-style: none solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color rgb(130, 66, 41); border-width: 0px 1px;" width="175"><br /><div class="smallfont"> <br /><br /><div> </div> </div> </td> <td class="alt1" id="td_post_457042" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(130, 66, 41);"> <!-- icon and title --> <div class="smallfont"> <strong>The Deal---A Satire</strong> </div> <hr style="color: rgb(130, 66, 41);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --> <!-- message --> <div id="post_message_457042"><b><span style="color:Navy;">The Deal---A Satire</span></b><br />by <i><span class="highlight">MazHur</span> </i><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:Navy;">You have ruled long enough,<br />Oh, dear Supreme Spirit<br />Of Evil and Unrighteousness<br />You have done enough harm<br />To the human race<br />Brought enough misery<br />And trouble for people<br />You are the cause and reason<br />For all the unrest and chaos<br />And malignant wickedness<br />Prevailing in this world of God<br />O Lucifer,Fiend, Devil,<br />O You Old Scratch, Old Nick,<br />O Lord, Old Gooseberry,<br />Lord of the Wicked !<br />We have served you faithfully<br />since this world came into being<br />We stood by you<br />When You challenged God<br />For his creation of Adam<br />It was we, you disciples,<br />Who assigned You the power<br />And will to defy God<br />It was we who placed you<br />On the Devils Throne<br />As King of the Dark World<br />It is we who convassed and convinced<br />The human kinds of your doctrine--<br />the doctrine of Evil and Disorder<br />It's we who supported you<br />In fulfillment of your unrighteous<br />Aims and objects and designs<br />All over God's earth<br />Distracting humans from your adversary<br />The God of Mercy and Magnificence<br />And leading them to the Wrong Path<br />It's we who blocked the minds<br />And Hearts Of humans<br />From the remembrance of God<br />And made most of them<br />critically critical<br />Of God's Supreme Being!<br />It's we, your army of Devils,<br />Who did more than anyone else<br />Could have done for You<br />To propagate Evil---<br />Universal Evil--<br />All over the world !<br />It's all due to us that<br />This world of God<br />Has been turned into Hell<br />Enough, enough, we have done for You<br />You have ruled long enough<br />And had your time<br />You have lost the zeal and fervour<br />Of Evil and Demononiac<br />It is now our turn to choose<br />Another Leader for us !<br />Hearing this ,,,<br />The supreme Leader of All Evils<br />The Old Gooseberry, the Demon<br />Had to open up<br />His diabolic tongue<br />To allay the fears<br />And apprehensions of his Comrades<br />And say...........<br /><br />Well, my dear little devils<br />I am proud of you<br />And acknowledge your services<br />You have rendered to our Community<br />In spreading Satanic hold<br />Over the humans<br />Over their minds and thoughts<br />I appreciate the great work<br />You have done to blacken<br />and block Men's hearts<br />From the remembrance of God<br />It's not you only<br />Whom I am indebted<br />for my obedience and loyalty<br />But also to the multitude of humans<br />On this earth<br />who are also your cousins<br />and unknowingly my disciples!<br />Well, I have an offer for you<br />A wonderful deal<br />A package gift of paramount Evil<br />Vote for me and<br />Let me sit on the Devil's Throne<br />Despite all the shortcomings<br />True or false assertions<br />You seem to have gathered about Me<br />I expect you to accept the deal<br />Lest God intervenes<br />And All goodness is let to prevail<br />With nothing more for us<br />to haggle about<br />So, accept my deal<br />Let me rule the Evil<br />Bow to me in Obedience<br />As that's the only choice<br />Left for you---<br />You who are not free from guilt--<br />Guilt of not doing<br />what you ought to have done<br />In destroying God's world<br />With Evil and unrighteousness<br />More than our followers<br />Still live by God's name<br />And I don't like it !<br />Your performance over the years<br />Has not been upto the mark!<br />You have to do better<br />In propagating Evil on Earth<br />Until no one remembers God<br />And the Hearts of all Men<br />Are blackened with the ink<br />Of evil and vulgarity<br />Until then<br />I will stay as your King<br />Without any demur from you<br />In return for your support<br />And promise<br />To perform better in future<br />I will reward you<br />By forgiving All your faults,<br />Corruption and crimes<br />And further give you a free hand<br />To make as much pelf as you want<br />Through Evil means and designs<br />i will also forgive<br />All your murderous actions<br />Your scandalous conduct<br />Anything wrong you have committed<br />In the past<br />These are my words of 'honour' to you<br />But, To affirm things more unambiguously<br />I'll put all this in an Ordinance<br />And sign it for record<br />This is a Deal<br />Take it or leave it<br />By the Grace of God<br />I am not going to Quit !<br /> </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>MazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8951364097951926507.post-69864250080784617392007-06-06T15:06:00.000-07:002007-06-06T15:07:40.305-07:00Miscellania<div id="main"> <h2 class="date-header">Tuesday, January 24, 2006</h2> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113804704758079182"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Reflections </h3> <div class="post-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191); font-weight: bold;">Let The Heart Speak</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191); font-weight: bold;"> And Break The Silence</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Of Your Mind!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*****************************</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Embraced By Venomous Snakes</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sandal Wood Tree</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Flourishes------Unfouled!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*****************************</span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Without Turning </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Round & Round </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Look At The Horizon</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With The Eyes Of Your Mind</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You Will Find God!</span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*******************************</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart & Mind </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fighting Forever</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">For Supremacy</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who Wins?</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Doubt? Faith?</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With Faithless----Doubt</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With Faithful-------Faith!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*********************************</span></span> </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2006/01/reflections_24.html" title="permanent link">1:03 AM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804704758079182" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804704758079182;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804704758079182" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804704758079182" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113804677269473013"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Reflections </h3> <div class="post-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191); font-weight: bold;">Let The Heart Speak</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191); font-weight: bold;"> And Break The Silence</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Of Your Mind!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*****************************</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Embraced By Venomous Snakes</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sandal Wood Tree</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Flourishes------Unfouled!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*****************************</span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Without Turning </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Round & Round </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Look At The Horizon</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With The Eyes Of Your Mind</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You Will Find God!</span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*******************************</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heart & Mind </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fighting Forever</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">For Supremacy</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who Wins?</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Doubt? Faith?</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With Faithless----Doubt</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">With Faithful-------Faith!</span><br /> </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 96, 191);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*********************************</span></span> </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2006/01/reflections.html" title="permanent link">1:03 AM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804677269473013" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804677269473013;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804677269473013" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804677269473013" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113804620878209058"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Friends & Foes </h3> <div class="post-body"> <span style="color: rgb(191, 0, 191); font-size: 100%;"> It Makes Me Weep<br />When My Friends<br />Ignore Me<br />It Makes Me Smile<br />When My Foes<br />Don't!<br /><br />by Mazhar Butt<br /></span> </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2006/01/friends-foes.html" title="permanent link">12:53 AM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804620878209058" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804620878209058;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804620878209058" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113804620878209058" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> <h2 class="date-header">Monday, January 02, 2006</h2> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113614270436660314"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Commerce in Religion </h3> <div class="post-body"> by<br />Mazhar Butt<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">East Or The Middle East<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">The Near East As Well<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Is The Home Of Religions<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">The Religions Of God<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">And Man<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Some Are Flourishing<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">The Others Lingering<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Yet Some Dead<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Some Exported To The West<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Or Rather Imported By It<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">From The Shylocks Of East<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">From Merchants & Thugs Adept<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">At Selling Faiths & Religions<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">In Lovely Get Ups<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Beautifully Packed<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">For Retail Or Institutional End-Users<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Nicely Dressed,Graded,Molded & Shaped<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Free From All Spots,Blemishes & Scars<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Aesthetically Inscribed as per<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Buyers Labels<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Elegantly Laced With Gold & Rosy Tinsels<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Sold At Lucrative Prices<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">For Prompt Shipments<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">No Extra Or Handling Charges<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Cost Insurance & Freight Prepaid<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Payment Cash,Sight Draft Or LC<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">CAD,DP Or Consignment Acceptable<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Samples Free,Freight Collect<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Money Back Guarantee<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">30 Days Approval No Problem<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Thus Flourish Eastern Religions<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">In The Advanced But Spiritually Starved<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">World Of The Materialistic West<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">To The Utter Horror & Dismay Of The Easy Going East<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Which Naturally Cannot Benefit From<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">The New Editions Of Their Faiths & Religions<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(169, 74, 118); font-weight: bold;">Which Exactly Are Not Their Own.<br /></span> </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2006/01/commerce-in-religion.html" title="permanent link">12:08 AM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113614270436660314" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113614270436660314;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113614270436660314" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113614270436660314" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> <h2 class="date-header">Tuesday, December 27, 2005</h2> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113569736838503233"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Owaysi Order: Frequently Asked Questions </h3> <div class="post-body"> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"><strong>Q: What does the word Sufism ( <em>Irfan </em>) mean? </strong> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> Some scholars said that Sufism is derived from the word <em>ahl-suffa </em>- the People of the Bench- which refers to the platform on which Prophet Mohammad and the believers used to sit while worshiping God. Others say that they were named Sufis because of their habit of wearing <em>suf </em>(wool). </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12">And yet others have concluded that Sufis were named so because of the <em>safa </em> – purity - of their hearts and the cleanliness of their actions. <strong>Therefore, the practitioners of <em>safa </em> are called Sufis, meaning “pure-hearted.” </strong> The aim is to reach a state of purity, through which they would be in direct relationship with God and attest to the Oneness of God. Reaching this state means that no other but God is in one's heart – <em>safa </em>. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12">The word that captures the essence of Sufism is <em>irfan </em>, derived from the word ma'rifa which means “knowing” or “cognition.” This refers to cognition of oneself and the cognition of God. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong>Q: Is Sufism a new religion? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> Sufism is not a new religion. It has existed since the beginning of human history, for its seed lies within every human heart. Sufism is the essence of the prophets' teachings. It is the way of the prophets. In each age, God has sent prophets to lead people to the knowledge of Him - Zoroaster, Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Mohammad (Peace be upon them) - to name a few. Each prophet has brought humanity a unique instruction to be learned and mastered in order to progress on the inward journey toward “God.” </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12">The great ninth century Sufi, Bayazid Bastami, described the history of Sufism by stating, </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12">“Its seeds were set at the time of Adam, and formed at the time of Moses, and they ripened at the time of Jesus. In the time of Mohammad, they were made into pure wine.” </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong class="style20"> </strong><strong>Q: Why do we need a teacher to practice Sufism? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong>In order t o travel to unknown lands, one needs a guide. Rumi, the renowned 13 th century Sufi, stated, “Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two days' journey.” On the journey of Self-knowledge, the seeker needs a teacher to whose care he/she is given so that by the teacher's guidance, he/she may overcome the obstacles of the journey and find the way to the source of knowledge within. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12">The spiritual teacher provides the guidance of one who has been there, and knows the way to attaining purification and the highest wisdom. The spiritual teacher, called the “Pir,” (meaning “The Light of the Path”) illuminates the darkness to help seekers to find their way. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong>Q: Does one need to become a Muslim to follow the Sufi path? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> No. Following a verse in the Qur'an ( 2:56 ), “Let there be no compulsion in religion,” converting to Islam is neither required nor recommended. The M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi, School of Sufism® teaches stability, not change. Sufism teaches the reality of religion. The path to discovering this Reality is through Self-cognition. Boundaries and categories that mankind has created to further generate difference is not applicable to the path of Self-Cognition. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong>Q: What is the role of women in Sufism? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> There exists no gender identity in Sufism. Sufism teaches that the intent of religion is for the spiritual elevation of each individual, and that religion addresses the soul, which is not subject to gender classification. It is above any notions of ‘masculine' and ‘feminine.' Indeed, at M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi, School of Sufism®, women serve as instructors, researchers, recite the Koran, lead zikr, teach meditation classes, and are regarded as equals to men. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong>Q: What is the relationship between Sufism and Islam? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> Sufism is commonly known as the mystical dimension of Islam. In fact, Sufism is the body, soul and spirit of Islam and so the two cannot be separated. Sufism is the essence of each and every religion. It teaches that if one cognizes his/her true identity, one cognizes God. “Islam” means submission, surrendering to the ultimate knowledge of Existence, to God. The goal of Sufism is submission to God by way of Self-knowledge in order to achieve unification – like a drop in the sea. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"><strong> </strong><strong class="style20">Q: How can I find out more information about Sufism? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong>There is much literature on the topic of Sufism. Please see<a href="http://www.mtopublications.com/" target="_blank"> M.T.O. Publications</a> for a list of books, pamphlets, tapes, videos and CD's in several languages. You can also send us an email at <a href="mailto:sufiway@gmail.com">sufiway@gmail.com </a> and we can assist you in finding more information. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20"><strong>Q: Are there classes nearby I can attend? </strong></p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"><strong>A: </strong> Yes, we have centers throughout the United States . Sessions about Sufism, zikr, retreats, and meditation are available. Please check our <a href="http://www.mto.org/sufiassociation.html" target="_blank">map for locations</a>, types of classes offered, and the days and times. The M.T.O. Sufi Association also has ongoing events you can participate in. </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style12"> </p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style1 style36"> If you have a question about Sufism, or have a suggestion for a FAQ, please write to us at:</p> <div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"> </div> <p style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;" class="style20 style37"> <a href="mailto:info@sufiassociation.org" class="style38">info@sufiassociation.org</a></p> </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2005/12/owaysi-order-frequently-as_113569736838503233.html" title="permanent link">8:23 PM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113569736838503233" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113569736838503233;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113569736838503233" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113569736838503233" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> <h2 class="date-header">Tuesday, December 13, 2005</h2> <!-- Begin .post --> <div class="post"><a name="113447758631604685"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> Test Test Test </h3> <div class="post-body"> 1..2...3... Testing! Testing!! </div> <p class="post-footer">posted by MazHur | <a href="http://gobyscience.blogspot.com/2005/12/test-test-test.html" title="permanent link">5:38 PM</a> | <a class="comment-link" href="comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113447758631604685" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113447758631604685;">0 comments</a> <span class="item-action"><a href="email-post.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113447758631604685" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"> </span></a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1062130311"><a style="border: medium none ;" href="post-edit.g?blogID=19829482&postID=113447758631604685" title="Edit Post"><span class="quick-edit-icon"> </span></a></span> </p> </div> <!-- End .post --> <!-- Begin #comments --> <!-- End #comments --> </div> <!-- Begin #footer :: bottom area --> <div id="footer"> <p> <!-- Copyright © 2004 [Your name] (plus any additional footer info) --> </p> </div>MazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8951364097951926507.post-85692176769151385762007-06-06T14:59:00.001-07:002007-06-06T15:02:49.416-07:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">On Freedom and Democracy</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Unless we Pakistanis change our mentality and learn to live an honorable life in the society we shouldn't expect anything we don't deserve. Freedom and democracy have no meaning if we do not realize the rights of others and live a respectful and dignified life. freedom and democracy have been in </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; height: 1em; font-weight: bold;" id="lw_1181167121_0">Pakistan</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> in one or the other forms and that's because we people deserved as much and no more ! With a most corrupt and shameless society (in general) we must not dream for miracles to happen. Lets all act in unison for the splendid goal we aspire for . Remember : God doesn't help those who don't want to help themselves. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mazhar Butt</span>MazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8951364097951926507.post-42225438849587797052007-06-06T14:59:00.000-07:002007-06-06T15:00:38.547-07:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">On Freedom and Democracy</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Unless we Pakistanis change our mentality and learn to live an honorable life in the society we shouldn't expect anything we don't deserve. Freedom and democracy has no meaning if we do not realize the rights of others and live a respectful and dignified life. freedom and democracy have been in </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; height: 1em; font-weight: bold;" id="lw_1181167121_0">Pakistan</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> in one or the other forms and that's because we people deserved as much and no more ! With a most corrupt and shameless society (in general) we must not dream for miracles to happen. Lets all act in unison for the splendid goal we aspire for . Remember : God doesn't help those who don't want to help themselves. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mazhar Butt</span>MazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8951364097951926507.post-90913497343786757492007-06-05T14:35:00.000-07:002007-06-05T14:39:58.801-07:00Blasphemy Laws<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" >Blasphemy Laws</span><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> According to reports , </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">there were 48 cases of blasphemy and the majority of offenders consisted </span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">of 27 Muslims whereas the accused Christians were only 10 and Ahmadis 11.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> How does it prove that blasphemy laws 'persecute religious minorities in</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> the name of religion.?' The Parsi Petitioner (Mr Bhandara) whose petition was</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> rejected on 8 May by the Assembly had</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">not been realistic in his approach.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">As regards Lal Masjid, there is least to agree with the statement that the </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">protesters there are ""kidnapping, beating and threatening people in the name </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">of religion."" What religion? Not any religion, ofcourse. Muslims have every right</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> to protect their religion in their domains. Dont you protect your children </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">in a family, students in an educational institutions, commonace in a republic?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> In order to ensure discipline and the 'writ' you sometimes have to take harsh</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> actions as well against your own people. Islam commands us to strictly </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">observe that our children say their prayers when they reach an age of seven.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> If your own people do not observe the law then it becomes imperative to use force against </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">them to make them abide by the law. It is moreso important when the rulers fail.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> Rulers have evidently failed in <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; height: 1em;" id="lw_1181079337_0">Pakistan</span> in enforcing laws, Islamic or other wise, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">and therefore people have become so desperate as to take direct action. This is </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">what is happening at the Lal Masjid. For those who do not agree with their action</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"> I suggest they leave this Islamic Republic of Pakistan and find some other </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">place for themselves.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="text">Mazhar Butt</span><br /></div><span class="text"><br /></span>MazHurhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15346220576585088789noreply@blogger.com0