The Two Abrahams – Priority of Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a world renowned framework for sociology and motivational theory in psychology. Its being taught in clasess, in business management and also training centres. It depicts what sort of motivation and effort and its direct relation with human behaviour.

It comprises of a three-tier category of human needs (can be classified into 5 rungs), most commonly shown within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are:

Continue reading “The Two Abrahams – Priority of Needs”

The Precious Haya’

In these trying times of where everywhere we turn, everywhere we go, messages through ads, TVs, internet sites as well as magazines tells us that showing the beauty and freedom of rights is the new way of life. Whilst preserving to the ways of Islam is a backward step that we should avoid. This is a trap full of lies that we Muslims should thread with caution.

“Every religion has a distinct call. For Islam it is Haya’.” [Ibn Majah].

 

Haya’ (Shyness) is a quality that we today have lost. It is not only for women but also for men.

 

Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): The Prophet said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith.” (Bukhari)

We often find that shyness, humility and bashfulness is frowned upon by our society as a weakness or a lack of confidence when, In fact these are quality of a dignified upright human being, who is conscious of their actions and their responsibilities in life.

Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.” (Baihaqi)

Long before human neither knew how to fly nor learnt how to communicate with others around the world. But as times goes by, humans learn to do all sorts of advance stuffs, but worryingly we have lost the essential part of being human. This narration is not just about the patience of Moses nor it is highlighting about the kindness of Moses and the weakness of women. It is also not merely about the preparation that Moses has to go through to become a future prophet then. What is it about then? Continue reading “The Precious Haya’”

Seeker of the Soul

In every journey, the traveler must ask was the right path taken. Was the right turn made. Many roads are long and winding. Some are rough and bumpy filled with obstacles. Yet it is filled with those who have lost their way. Some forge their own course guided by faith, seeking not location but a kindred soul. Others step together finding safety in the arms of another. A few remove themselves from the trail to avoid the path of temptation. But those who watch the track too closely fail to see where it led them. They’re often all too surprised by their destination. So great is the journey for the soul. A seeker’s path to reach the Heavens.

O mankind! What is it that lures you away from your bountiful Sustainer, who has created you, and formed you in accordance with what you art meant to be and shaped your nature in just proportions, having put you together in whatever form He willed?

-The Quran (82:6-8)

So many questions asked. Yet with so many signs already shown, we fail to neither read nor understand it. As its mountains pierce through the clouds, high above the lives of men. And its rivers run and split through the earth, right through men. So does the moon illuminate the night and the sun shine through the day. And its stars like priceless jewels from the far reaches of Kings, guiding us through the nights. Signs of the Creator are all around us. Why do we keep asking for God yet we can’t seem to see the Creator’s signs?

With it so many hearts have closed to the wonders of these signs. Like a bird trapped in a cage, asleep with closed wings. Like pearls hidden deep beneath the black water. Continue reading “Seeker of the Soul”