From: www.cnn.com
Cindy McCain:
Before I begin, I would like to introduce you for the seven reasons that John and I are so happy as a family. Starting on this end, this is Meghan McCain, Andy McCain, Jimmy McCain, Jack McCain, Bridget McCain, Doug McCain, and Sidney McCain. Thank you.
John and I are so pleased and so happy to have them here with us tonight. Nothing has made me happier or more fulfilled in my life than being a mother.
But while John and I take great joy in having been able to spend time together this week as a family, our hearts go out to the thousands of families who have had to leave their homes, once again, due to devastating weather.
It's not -- it's not our natural instinct to rally to them, to lift them up with our prayers, to come to their aid. It's also our duty as a country.
That duty is what brings me before you tonight, and it's a much larger, more important than John or me or any of us. It's the work of this great country calling us together, and there's no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation right now.
That's been very much on my mind these last few months as I've traveled our country. Each day, after the bands packed up, and the speeches were done, and the camera lights darkened, I always came back to how blessed and honored I was to be a part of our national conversation. Watch Cindy McCain speak at the convention »
And in these times, when so many of our fellow Americans face difficult situations, what I saw moved me deeply: Families worried about losing their homes. Towns deserted by industries once at their center. Mothers with no choice but to send their children to unsafe and underperforming schools.
But I have also seen the resilience of the American people. I've heard stirring stories of neighbor helping neighbor, cities on one end of the country offering help to fellow citizens on the other.
Despite our challenges, our hearts are still alive with hope and belief in the individual ability to make things right, if only the federal government would get itself under control and out of our way.
And so tonight is about renewing our commitment to one another, because this campaign is not about us. It's about our special and exceptional country. And this convention celebrates a special and exceptional Republican Party. The hand we feel on our shoulder belongs to Abraham Lincoln. Our country was born ...
Our country was -- our country was born amidst the struggle for freedom, and our party arose from a great battle for human rights, dignity, and equality for all people.
We give way to no one and no other party in that cause.
From its very birth, our party has been grounded in the notion of service, community, self-reliance, and it's all tempered by a uniquely American faith in and compassion for each other's neighbors. A helping hand and friendly support has always been our way.
It's no surprise that Americans are the most generous people in history.
That generosity of spirit is in our national DNA. It's our way of doing things. It's how we view the world.
I was taught that Americans can look at the world and ask either what do other countries think of us or we can look at ourselves and ask, what would our forefathers make of us and what will our children say of us?
That's a big challenge. In living up to it, we know the security and the prosperity of our nation is about a lot more than politics. It also depends on a personal commitment, a sense of history, and a clear view of the future.
I know of no one who better defines how to do that, whose life is a better example of how to go about that than the man I love, whom I've shared almost 30 years of my life, my husband, John McCain.
From the beginning of time, no matter how accomplished in other fields, women have always sought a husband with an eye to what kind of father that man would be. Well, I hit a home run with John McCain. I got...
I got the most marvelous husband, and friend, and confidant, a source of strength and inspiration, and also the best father you could ever imagine.
In that most sacred role, he brought to our children his great personal character, his life-long example of honesty, and his steadfast devotion to honor. He has shown the value of self-sacrifice by daily example and, above all, John showers us with unconditional love and support every family dreams of.
I know what his children say of him. And his courageous service to America in war and peace leaves no doubt what our forefathers would make of him.
It's these virtues of character that led him to this campaign, to this moment. John McCain is a steadfast man who will not break with our heritage, no matter how demanding or dangerous the challenges at home or abroad.
And let's not be confused: These are perilous times, not just for America, but for freedom itself. It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character, someone exactly like my husband, to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead.
I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel.
But you know something? What I've always thought, it's a good idea to have a woman's hand on the wheel, as well.
So how about that Gov. Sarah Palin?
John has picked -- John has picked a reform-minded, hockey- momming, basketball-shooting, moose-hunting, salmon-fishing, pistol- packing mother of five for vice president.
And as a fellow hockey mom myself and a Western conservative mother, I couldn't be prouder that John has shaken things up, as he usually does.
No one can get the job done alone. And that's why I'm glad John will have Governor Palin by his side. We all to have work together, build consensus, the way John has done all of his life.
His leadership inspires, and empowers, and places ultimate success in all of our hands. Ronald Reagan was fond of saying, "With freedom goes responsibility, a responsibility that can only be met by the individual himself."
I have been witness to great service and sacrifice, to lives lived with humility and grace. In World War II, my father's B-17 was shot down. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. But he was quiet about that, never claimed to have done more than his small share, just like my husband.
I think John was a hero in Vietnam.
But you know something? John just thinks it was his turn.
Our son, Jack, will graduate from the United States Naval Academy next year, fourth generation, ready to do his service.
And our son, Jimmy, a lance corporal in the Marine Corps, served honorably in Iraq.
Jimmy served honorably in Iraq, as hundreds of thousands of other young men and women just like him are doing for America and freedom everywhere.
The stakes were never more clear to me than the morning I watched my son, Jimmy, strap on his weapons and board a bus headed for harm's way. I was born and raised in the American West, and I will always see the world through the prism of its values.
My father was a true Western gentleman. He rose from hardscrabble roots to realize the American dream. With only a few borrowed dollars in his pocket, and a strong back and a can-do spirit, he built a great life for his family.
His handshake was his solemn oath. He looked you straight in the eye and always believed the best of you, unless you gave him good cause not to.
Modest and good-natured, he had deep roots in our American soil. He taught me life is not just about you; it's also about nurturing the next generation, preparing a better world for all of our children and helping them find the right way up.
We all come to that knowledge in different ways. For me, the great moment of clarity was when I became a mother. Something changed in me. I would never see my obligations the same way again.
It was after that I was walking through the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, surrounded by terrible poverty and the devastation of a cyclone. All around me were the children and the desperate faces of their mothers. The pain was overwhelming, and I felt helpless.
But then I visited an orphanage begun by Mother Teresa, and two very sick little girls captured my heart. There was something I could do. I could take them home, and so I did.
Today, both of those little girls are healthy and happy. And one of them you just met tonight: our beautiful daughter, Bridget.
Much is expected of a country as blessed as America, and our people are at work all over the globe making it a better planet, doing their part. It was my privilege to work with the men and women of the American Voluntary Medical Teams in places like Zaire, Micronesia, Vietnam, watching as they relieved whole towns from disease and rescued countless children from sickness.
The reward for sharing in that work is truly indescribable. To see a child rescued from a life in the shadows by Operation Smile is to witness and share a joy that is life-changing.
And the challenges go on. I just returned from the Republic of Georgia, where HALO Trust, an organizing -- an organization specializing in the clearing of the debris of war, are rescuing innocent victims from landmines and missiles.
Sometimes the courage of others leaves me breathless. I only need to speak the word "Rwanda," and the images it conjures up are beyond description.
In my box tonight is Ernestine, a woman, a friend, a mother like myself, whom I met in Kigali. She suffered unimaginable horrors and was made to watch appalling havoc wreaked by her family.
Yet, as the violence in her country subsides, she doesn't seek retribution. Instead, she offers love and seeks reconciliation for her people. She says simply, "It's time to move on for me and my country."
Ernestine, please stand up.
Ernestine, your courage is humbling. Your forgiveness is healing. You are my hero.
Forgiveness is not just a personal issue. It's why John led the efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam, to retrieve the remains of our MIAs, to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership, national leadership. And it's leading by example.
The presidential contest will begin in earnest when this convention closes. If Americans want straight talk and plain truth, they should take a good close look at John McCain.
A man tested and true, who never wavered in his devotion to our country, a man who served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider, and who always speaks the truth, no matter what the cost, a man of judgment and character, a loyal and loving and true husband, and a magnificent father.
This is a good man, a worthy man. I know. I have loved him with all my heart for almost 30 years, and I humbly recommend him to you tonight for nominee for the next president of the United States.
I am so grateful -- I am so grateful to have had the chance to speak with you tonight and for the honor that you are about to grant my husband and, indeed, our entire family.
I promise you, I will work every day to help John strengthen our freedom and to serve this great country with the honor and dignity and the love it deserves from each and every generation it blesses.
May God bless all of you in America, the citizens of the Gulf Coast, and all the sons and daughters serving this great country around the world tonight.
Thank you.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Beginning of the Revelation
By: www.islamweb.com
Extracted from The Sealed Nectar (Arabic: Ar-Raheeq Al-Mukhtum)
by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
In the Cave of Hira’:
When Prophet Muhammad(P) was nearly forty, he had been wont to pass long hours in retirement meditating and speculating over all aspects of creation around him. This meditative temperament helped to widen the mental gap between him and his compatriots. He used to provide himself with Sawiq (barley porridge) and water and then directly head for the hills and ravines in the neighbourhood of Makkah. One of these in particular was his favourite resort — a cave named Hira’, in the Mount An-Nour. It was only two miles from Makkah, a small cave 4 yards long and 1.75 yard wide. He would always go there and invite wayfarers to share him his modest provision. He used to devote most of his time, and Ramadan in particular, to worship and meditation on the universe around him. His heart was restless about the moral evils and idolatry that were rampant among his people; he was as yet helpless because no definite course, or specific approach had been available for him to follow and rectify the ill practices around him. This solitude attended with this sort of contemplative approach must be understood in its Divine perspective. It was a preliminary stage to the period of grave responsibilities that he was to shoulder very soon.
Privacy and detachment from the impurities of life were two indispensable prerequisites for the Prophet’s soul to come into close communion with the Unseen Power that lies behind all aspects of existence in this infinite universe. It was a rich period of privacy which lasted for three years and ushered in a new era, of indissoluble contact with that Power.
Gabriel brings down the Revelation:
When he was forty, the age of complete perfection at which Prophets were always ordered to disclose their Message, signs of his Prophethood started to appear and twinkle on the horizons of life; they were the true visions he used to experience for six months. The period of Prophethood was 23 years; so the period of these six months of true visions constituted an integral part of the forty-six parts of Prophethood. In Ramadan, in his third year of solitude in the cave of Hira’, Allâh’s Will desired His mercy to flow on earth and Muhammad(P) was honoured with Prophethood, and the light of Revelation burst upon him with some verses of the Noble Qur’ân.
As for the exact date, careful investigation into circumstantial evidence and relevant clues point directly to Monday, 21st. Ramadan at night, i.e. August, 10, 610 A.D. with Prophet Muhammad(P) exactly 40 years, 6 months and 12 days of age, i.e. 39 Gregorian years, 3 months and 22 days.
‘Aishah, the veracious, gave the following narration of that most significant event that brought the Divine light which would dispel the darkness of disbelief and ignorance. It led life down a new course and brought about the most serious amendment to the line of the history of mankind:
Forerunners of the Revelation assumed the form of true visions that would strikingly come true all the time. After that, solitude became dear to him and he would go to the cave, Hira’, to engage in Tahannuth (devotion) there for a certain number of nights before returning to his family, and then he would return for provisions for a similar stay. At length, unexpectedly, the Truth (the angel) came to him and said, "Recite." "I cannot recite," he (Muhammad(P)) said. The Prophet(P) described: "Then he took me and squeezed me vehemently and then let me go and repeated the order ‘Recite.’ ‘I cannot recite’ said I, and once again he squeezed me and let me till I was exhausted. Then he said: ‘Recite.’ I said ‘I cannot recite.’ He squeezed me for a third time and then let me go and said:
"Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! and your Lord is the Most Generous.’" [96:1-3]
The Prophet (P) repeated these verses. He was trembling with fear. At this stage, he came back to his wife Khadijah, and said, "Cover me, ... cover me." They covered him until he restored security. He apprised Khadijah of the incident of the cave and added that he was horrified. His wife tried to soothe him and reassured him saying, "Allâh will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy, you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness."
She set out with the Prophet(P) to her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal bin Asad bin ‘Abd Al-‘Uzza, who had embraced Christianity in the pre-Islamic period, and used to write the Bible in Hebrew. He was a blind old man. Khadijah said: "My cousin! Listen to your nephew!" Waraqa said: "O my nephew! What did you see?" The Messenger of Allâh(P) told him what had happened to him. Waraqa replied: "This is ‘Namus’ i.e. (the angel who is entrusted with Divine Secrets) that Allâh sent to Moses. I wish I were younger. I wish I could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Muhammad(P) asked: "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa answered in the affirmative and said: "Anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should be alive till that day, then I would support you strongly." A few days later Waraqa died and the revelation also subsided.
At-Tabari and Ibn Hisham reported that the Messenger of Allâh(P) left the cave of Hira’ after being surprised by the Revelation, but later on, returned to the cave and continued his solitude. Afterwards, he came back to Makkah. At-Tabari reported on this incident, saying:
After mentioning the coming of the Revelation, the Messenger of Allâh(P) said: "I have never abhorred anyone more than a poet or a mad man. I can not stand looking at either of them. I will never tell anyone of Quraish of my Revelation. I will climb a mountain and throw myself down and die. That will relieve me. I went to do that but halfway up the mountain, I heard a voice from the sky saying ‘O Muhammad! You are the Messenger of Allâh(P) and I am Gabriel.’ I looked upwards and saw Gabriel in the form of a man putting his legs on the horizon. He said: ‘O Muhammad You are the Messenger of Allâh(P) and I am Gabriel.’ I stopped and looked at him. His sight distracted my attention from what I had intended to do. I stood in my place transfixed. I tried to shift my eyes away from him. He was in every direction I looked at. I stopped in my place without any movement until Khadijah sent someone to look for me. He went down to Makkah and came back while I was standing in the same place. Gabriel then left, and I went back home. I found Khadijah at home, so I sat very close to her. She asked: ‘Father of Al-Qasim! Where have you been? I sent someone to look for you. He went to Makkah and returned to me.’ I told her of what I had seen. She replied: ‘It is a propitious sign, O my husband. Pull yourself together, I swear by Allâh that you are a Messenger for this nation.’ Then she stood up and went to Waraqa and informed him. Waraqa said: ‘I swear by Allâh that he has received the same Namus, i.e. angel that was sent to Moses. He is the Prophet of this nation. Tell him to be patient.’ She came back to him and told him of Waraqa’s words. When the Messenger of Allâh(P) finished his solitary stay and went down to Makkah, he went to Waraqa, who told him: ‘You are the Prophet of this nation. I swear by Allâh that you have received the same angel that was sent to Moses.’"
Extracted from The Sealed Nectar (Arabic: Ar-Raheeq Al-Mukhtum)
by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
In the Cave of Hira’:
When Prophet Muhammad(P) was nearly forty, he had been wont to pass long hours in retirement meditating and speculating over all aspects of creation around him. This meditative temperament helped to widen the mental gap between him and his compatriots. He used to provide himself with Sawiq (barley porridge) and water and then directly head for the hills and ravines in the neighbourhood of Makkah. One of these in particular was his favourite resort — a cave named Hira’, in the Mount An-Nour. It was only two miles from Makkah, a small cave 4 yards long and 1.75 yard wide. He would always go there and invite wayfarers to share him his modest provision. He used to devote most of his time, and Ramadan in particular, to worship and meditation on the universe around him. His heart was restless about the moral evils and idolatry that were rampant among his people; he was as yet helpless because no definite course, or specific approach had been available for him to follow and rectify the ill practices around him. This solitude attended with this sort of contemplative approach must be understood in its Divine perspective. It was a preliminary stage to the period of grave responsibilities that he was to shoulder very soon.
Privacy and detachment from the impurities of life were two indispensable prerequisites for the Prophet’s soul to come into close communion with the Unseen Power that lies behind all aspects of existence in this infinite universe. It was a rich period of privacy which lasted for three years and ushered in a new era, of indissoluble contact with that Power.
Gabriel brings down the Revelation:
When he was forty, the age of complete perfection at which Prophets were always ordered to disclose their Message, signs of his Prophethood started to appear and twinkle on the horizons of life; they were the true visions he used to experience for six months. The period of Prophethood was 23 years; so the period of these six months of true visions constituted an integral part of the forty-six parts of Prophethood. In Ramadan, in his third year of solitude in the cave of Hira’, Allâh’s Will desired His mercy to flow on earth and Muhammad(P) was honoured with Prophethood, and the light of Revelation burst upon him with some verses of the Noble Qur’ân.
As for the exact date, careful investigation into circumstantial evidence and relevant clues point directly to Monday, 21st. Ramadan at night, i.e. August, 10, 610 A.D. with Prophet Muhammad(P) exactly 40 years, 6 months and 12 days of age, i.e. 39 Gregorian years, 3 months and 22 days.
‘Aishah, the veracious, gave the following narration of that most significant event that brought the Divine light which would dispel the darkness of disbelief and ignorance. It led life down a new course and brought about the most serious amendment to the line of the history of mankind:
Forerunners of the Revelation assumed the form of true visions that would strikingly come true all the time. After that, solitude became dear to him and he would go to the cave, Hira’, to engage in Tahannuth (devotion) there for a certain number of nights before returning to his family, and then he would return for provisions for a similar stay. At length, unexpectedly, the Truth (the angel) came to him and said, "Recite." "I cannot recite," he (Muhammad(P)) said. The Prophet(P) described: "Then he took me and squeezed me vehemently and then let me go and repeated the order ‘Recite.’ ‘I cannot recite’ said I, and once again he squeezed me and let me till I was exhausted. Then he said: ‘Recite.’ I said ‘I cannot recite.’ He squeezed me for a third time and then let me go and said:
"Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! and your Lord is the Most Generous.’" [96:1-3]
The Prophet (P) repeated these verses. He was trembling with fear. At this stage, he came back to his wife Khadijah, and said, "Cover me, ... cover me." They covered him until he restored security. He apprised Khadijah of the incident of the cave and added that he was horrified. His wife tried to soothe him and reassured him saying, "Allâh will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy, you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness."
She set out with the Prophet(P) to her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal bin Asad bin ‘Abd Al-‘Uzza, who had embraced Christianity in the pre-Islamic period, and used to write the Bible in Hebrew. He was a blind old man. Khadijah said: "My cousin! Listen to your nephew!" Waraqa said: "O my nephew! What did you see?" The Messenger of Allâh(P) told him what had happened to him. Waraqa replied: "This is ‘Namus’ i.e. (the angel who is entrusted with Divine Secrets) that Allâh sent to Moses. I wish I were younger. I wish I could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Muhammad(P) asked: "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa answered in the affirmative and said: "Anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should be alive till that day, then I would support you strongly." A few days later Waraqa died and the revelation also subsided.
At-Tabari and Ibn Hisham reported that the Messenger of Allâh(P) left the cave of Hira’ after being surprised by the Revelation, but later on, returned to the cave and continued his solitude. Afterwards, he came back to Makkah. At-Tabari reported on this incident, saying:
After mentioning the coming of the Revelation, the Messenger of Allâh(P) said: "I have never abhorred anyone more than a poet or a mad man. I can not stand looking at either of them. I will never tell anyone of Quraish of my Revelation. I will climb a mountain and throw myself down and die. That will relieve me. I went to do that but halfway up the mountain, I heard a voice from the sky saying ‘O Muhammad! You are the Messenger of Allâh(P) and I am Gabriel.’ I looked upwards and saw Gabriel in the form of a man putting his legs on the horizon. He said: ‘O Muhammad You are the Messenger of Allâh(P) and I am Gabriel.’ I stopped and looked at him. His sight distracted my attention from what I had intended to do. I stood in my place transfixed. I tried to shift my eyes away from him. He was in every direction I looked at. I stopped in my place without any movement until Khadijah sent someone to look for me. He went down to Makkah and came back while I was standing in the same place. Gabriel then left, and I went back home. I found Khadijah at home, so I sat very close to her. She asked: ‘Father of Al-Qasim! Where have you been? I sent someone to look for you. He went to Makkah and returned to me.’ I told her of what I had seen. She replied: ‘It is a propitious sign, O my husband. Pull yourself together, I swear by Allâh that you are a Messenger for this nation.’ Then she stood up and went to Waraqa and informed him. Waraqa said: ‘I swear by Allâh that he has received the same Namus, i.e. angel that was sent to Moses. He is the Prophet of this nation. Tell him to be patient.’ She came back to him and told him of Waraqa’s words. When the Messenger of Allâh(P) finished his solitary stay and went down to Makkah, he went to Waraqa, who told him: ‘You are the Prophet of this nation. I swear by Allâh that you have received the same angel that was sent to Moses.’"
Quran On Cosmology
From: www.islamicweb.com
Of all the references in the Qur'an to scientific matters, the most numerous are on the creation and structure of the universe and the earth. This area is singled out in several verses like the one below as an example of Allah's creative power:
[45:3] Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who believe.
For a much more detailed exposition of the Qur'an and cosmology (and science in general), interested readers should consider reading M. Bucaille's book 'The Bible, The Qur'an, and Science' [10]. Below, a brief summary of some of the more powerful verses.
First, a verse which makes a small note regarding the age of mankind with respect to the universe:
[76:1] Has there not been over Man a long period of Time when he was not yet a thing thought of?
The Arabic word for "Time" in this verse is "Dahr" and it can mean either all of eternity or simply a tremendously long time. Modern science can help us understand this verse better. The first appearance of humans on this earth is estimated to have occurred on the order of one million years ago. The age of the universe, on the other hand, is estimated at roughly fifteen billion years. If we normalize the age of the universe to one day, then man would be less than six seconds old.
The following verse deals with the creation of the heavens and the earth.
[50:38] And We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days, and nothing touched us of weariness.
Notice the sharp counterpoint to the Bible at the end of this verse regarding whether Allah "rested" after the sixth day from tiredness. However, a more subtle yet perhaps vastly more important difference is brought out when we look at the first verse in the Bible, Genesis [1:1]:
Bible [1:1] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
There is no mention of "and all between them", as opposed to the Qur'an (which refers to this in several verses, no less). Modern science has just within this last century discovered that much of the mass of the universe is contained in the vast spaces between galaxies and stars (ignoring for the moment the possibility of 'dark matter' which would only make a stronger point). In spite of having only a single hydrogen atom every few cubic meters on average (interstellar material), the universe is so huge that the "empty" space may account for more of the total universe's mass than all the stars combined - at the very least, it is a significant amount. Thus, it is an important omission to leave out "all between" the earth and the other stars and galaxies ("heavens").
As to the debate which has wracked Christianity and Judaism for centuries regarding the meaning of "six days", the word "days" in classical Arabic has a secondary meaning of a "very long time" or an "era" [12]. The Qur'an, however, presents a conclusive answer to this question via the following three verses scattered throughout the text:
[22:47] And yet they ask you to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His promise. Verily a Day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning.
[32:5] He (Allah) directs (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will (all affairs) go up to Him on a Day the space whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning.
[70:4] The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a Day the space whereof is (as) fifty thousand years.
It is clear from these verses that a "day" in the Qur'an can easily have different meanings in different contexts, and is thus not constrained to mean a strict 24-hour period.
The next two verses address certain details of creation.
[21:30] Don't those who reject faith see that the heavens and the earth were a single entity then We ripped them apart?...
[41:11] Moreover, He applied His design to the heavens, while it was (yet) vapor,and He said to it and to the earth, "Come (into being), willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We do come in obedience."
Verse [21:30] foreshadows the modern cosmological theory known as the Big Bang theory wherein all matter is presumed to have originated from a violent explosion. Verse [41:11] refers to a later stage in creation, one in which a cosmologist would describe the universe as filled with a nebulous gas undergoing a slow coalescence into gross structures such as clusters, galaxies, stars, and so on. The words of these two verses may seem coarse and simplistic to the modern eye, but this does not detract from their general accuracy.
Then there are verses that speak of the sun and the moon.
[25:61] Blessed is He Who put in the heavens constellations, and put in it a lamp and a light-giving moon.
This verse emphasizes the sun as a direct source of light ("lamp"), whereas the moon is not given this title. Man has long since established that the moon's light is simply reflected sunlight.
[55:5] The sun and the moon follow precise courses.
The meaning of this verse is obvious, and we have known the mathematical description of these "courses" since Kepler and Newton formulated them several centuries ago.
[21:33] It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon: all swim along, each in its rounded course.
This verse supplements the previous one: here, we learn that the sun and moon follow "rounded courses." It is significant that the Arabic word used here - "falak" - does not mean circular course, just rounded. Kepler was the first European astronomer to realize that the paths of the planets and the moon are elliptical. It was not until later, though, that astronomers also realized that the sun has an orbit as well - around the center of the Milky Way.
The Qur'an contains a number of verses on the structure and contents of the universe. There are too many to list here, but the following three form an interesting sample:
[51:47] And the heavens We did create with Our Hands, and We do cause it to expand.
Flatly stating what Einstein refused to believe at first, this verse anticipates Hubble's discovery of the expanding universe by approximately thirteen centuries. This verse makes a very clear point that the expansion is continuous (until the Day of Judgement, which is guaranteed by Allah to come upon us unexpectedly).
[42:29] And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through both of them...
[45:13] And He has subjected to you (man), from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.
These two verses are extremely interesting. Not only does the first one very strongly imply the existence of living creatures on other planets throughout the universe, but the second tells us that the heavens are "subject" to us. With a little imagination, we (or perhaps our children) can begin dreaming of the possibility of interstellar travel - and not just confined to our own solar system!
Of all the references in the Qur'an to scientific matters, the most numerous are on the creation and structure of the universe and the earth. This area is singled out in several verses like the one below as an example of Allah's creative power:
[45:3] Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who believe.
For a much more detailed exposition of the Qur'an and cosmology (and science in general), interested readers should consider reading M. Bucaille's book 'The Bible, The Qur'an, and Science' [10]. Below, a brief summary of some of the more powerful verses.
First, a verse which makes a small note regarding the age of mankind with respect to the universe:
[76:1] Has there not been over Man a long period of Time when he was not yet a thing thought of?
The Arabic word for "Time" in this verse is "Dahr" and it can mean either all of eternity or simply a tremendously long time. Modern science can help us understand this verse better. The first appearance of humans on this earth is estimated to have occurred on the order of one million years ago. The age of the universe, on the other hand, is estimated at roughly fifteen billion years. If we normalize the age of the universe to one day, then man would be less than six seconds old.
The following verse deals with the creation of the heavens and the earth.
[50:38] And We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days, and nothing touched us of weariness.
Notice the sharp counterpoint to the Bible at the end of this verse regarding whether Allah "rested" after the sixth day from tiredness. However, a more subtle yet perhaps vastly more important difference is brought out when we look at the first verse in the Bible, Genesis [1:1]:
Bible [1:1] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
There is no mention of "and all between them", as opposed to the Qur'an (which refers to this in several verses, no less). Modern science has just within this last century discovered that much of the mass of the universe is contained in the vast spaces between galaxies and stars (ignoring for the moment the possibility of 'dark matter' which would only make a stronger point). In spite of having only a single hydrogen atom every few cubic meters on average (interstellar material), the universe is so huge that the "empty" space may account for more of the total universe's mass than all the stars combined - at the very least, it is a significant amount. Thus, it is an important omission to leave out "all between" the earth and the other stars and galaxies ("heavens").
As to the debate which has wracked Christianity and Judaism for centuries regarding the meaning of "six days", the word "days" in classical Arabic has a secondary meaning of a "very long time" or an "era" [12]. The Qur'an, however, presents a conclusive answer to this question via the following three verses scattered throughout the text:
[22:47] And yet they ask you to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His promise. Verily a Day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning.
[32:5] He (Allah) directs (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: in the end will (all affairs) go up to Him on a Day the space whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning.
[70:4] The angels and the Spirit ascend to Him in a Day the space whereof is (as) fifty thousand years.
It is clear from these verses that a "day" in the Qur'an can easily have different meanings in different contexts, and is thus not constrained to mean a strict 24-hour period.
The next two verses address certain details of creation.
[21:30] Don't those who reject faith see that the heavens and the earth were a single entity then We ripped them apart?...
[41:11] Moreover, He applied His design to the heavens, while it was (yet) vapor,and He said to it and to the earth, "Come (into being), willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We do come in obedience."
Verse [21:30] foreshadows the modern cosmological theory known as the Big Bang theory wherein all matter is presumed to have originated from a violent explosion. Verse [41:11] refers to a later stage in creation, one in which a cosmologist would describe the universe as filled with a nebulous gas undergoing a slow coalescence into gross structures such as clusters, galaxies, stars, and so on. The words of these two verses may seem coarse and simplistic to the modern eye, but this does not detract from their general accuracy.
Then there are verses that speak of the sun and the moon.
[25:61] Blessed is He Who put in the heavens constellations, and put in it a lamp and a light-giving moon.
This verse emphasizes the sun as a direct source of light ("lamp"), whereas the moon is not given this title. Man has long since established that the moon's light is simply reflected sunlight.
[55:5] The sun and the moon follow precise courses.
The meaning of this verse is obvious, and we have known the mathematical description of these "courses" since Kepler and Newton formulated them several centuries ago.
[21:33] It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon: all swim along, each in its rounded course.
This verse supplements the previous one: here, we learn that the sun and moon follow "rounded courses." It is significant that the Arabic word used here - "falak" - does not mean circular course, just rounded. Kepler was the first European astronomer to realize that the paths of the planets and the moon are elliptical. It was not until later, though, that astronomers also realized that the sun has an orbit as well - around the center of the Milky Way.
The Qur'an contains a number of verses on the structure and contents of the universe. There are too many to list here, but the following three form an interesting sample:
[51:47] And the heavens We did create with Our Hands, and We do cause it to expand.
Flatly stating what Einstein refused to believe at first, this verse anticipates Hubble's discovery of the expanding universe by approximately thirteen centuries. This verse makes a very clear point that the expansion is continuous (until the Day of Judgement, which is guaranteed by Allah to come upon us unexpectedly).
[42:29] And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through both of them...
[45:13] And He has subjected to you (man), from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.
These two verses are extremely interesting. Not only does the first one very strongly imply the existence of living creatures on other planets throughout the universe, but the second tells us that the heavens are "subject" to us. With a little imagination, we (or perhaps our children) can begin dreaming of the possibility of interstellar travel - and not just confined to our own solar system!
Palin accepts nomination, slams Obama in speech
From: http://www.cnn.com/
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican Party's vice presidential nominee, on Wednesday night addressed the 2008 Republican National Convention. Here is the text of the speech:
Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday praised John McCain as a "true profile in courage."
Gov. Palin: Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens, I will be honored to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America. And I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election against confident opponents at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions, and met far graver challenges, and knows how tough fights are won, the next president of the United States, John S. McCain. Watch Palin accept the nomination »
It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.
With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost, there was no hope for this candidate, who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war. But the pollsters...
The pollsters and the pundits, they overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off. They overlooked the caliber of the man himself, the determination, and resolve, and the sheer guts of Senator John McCain.
The voters knew better, and maybe that's because they realized there's a time for politics and a time for leadership, a time to campaign and a time to put our country first. iReport.com: What do you think of Palin's speech?
Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by. He's a man who wore the uniform of his country for 22 years and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who now have brought victory within sight.
And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander-in-chief.
I'm just one of many moms who will say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way. Our son, Track, is 19. And one week from tomorrow, September 11, he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew, Casey, also enlisted and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is so proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform.
So Track is the eldest of our five children. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between, my strong and kind- hearted daughters, Bristol, and Willow, and Piper.
And we were so blessed in April. Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig.
You know, from the inside, no family ever seems typical, and that's how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love. To the families of special-needs...
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message for you: For years, you've sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that, if we're elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.
And Todd is a story all by himself. He's a lifelong commercial fisherman and a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope, and a proud member of the United Steelworkers union. And Todd is a world champion snow machine racer.
Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package. And we met in high school. And two decades and five children later, he's still my guy.
My mom and dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town. And among the many things I owe them is a simple lesson that I've learned, that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.
And my parents are here tonight.
I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath.
Long ago, a young farmer and a haberdasher from Missouri, he followed an unlikely path -- he followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency. And a writer observed, "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty and sincerity and dignity," and I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.
I grew up with those people. They're the ones who do some of the hardest work in America, who grow our food, and run our factories, and fight our wars. They love their country in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America.
I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom and signed up for the PTA.
I love those hockey moms. You know, they say the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.
So I signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education even better. And when I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and I knew their families, too.
Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involved.
I guess -- I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.
I might add that, in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they're listening and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.
No, we tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.
As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes and whoever is listening John McCain is the same man.
Well, I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly these last few days that, if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
But -- now, here's a little newsflash. Here's a little newsflash for those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country.
Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reason and not just to mingle with the right people. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
No one expects us all to agree on everything, but we are expected to govern with integrity, and goodwill, and clear convictions, and a servant's heart.
And I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States.
This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau, when I stood up to the special interests, and the lobbyists, and the Big Oil companies, and the good-old boys.
Suddenly, I realized that sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power-brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.
But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up. And in short order, we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.
I came to office promising major ethics reform to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is a law.
While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over-the-top.
I put it on eBay.
I love to drive myself to work. And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef, although I got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her.
I came to office promising to control spending, by request if possible, but by veto, if necessary.
Senator McCain also -- he promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest. And as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.
Our state budget is under control. We have a surplus. And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending, nearly $500 million in vetoes.
We suspended the state fuel tax and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks," on that Bridge to Nowhere.
If our state wanted to build a bridge, we were going to build it ourselves.
When oil and gas prices went up dramatically and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged: directly to the people of Alaska.
And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way that they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources. As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.
I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are open, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
The stakes for our nation could not be higher. When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we're forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. And families cannot throw more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of the world's energy supplies, or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia, or that Venezuela might shut off its oil discoveries and its deliveries of that source, Americans, we need to produce more of our own oil and gas. And...
And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: We've got lots of both.
Our opponents say again and again that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems, as if we didn't know that already.
But the fact that drilling, though, won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines, and build more nuclear plants, and create jobs with clean coal, and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need...
We need American sources of resources. We need American energy brought to you by American ingenuity and produced by American workers.
And now, I've noticed a pattern with our opponent, and maybe you have, too. We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers, and there is much to like and admire about our opponent.
But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or even a reform, not even in the State Senate.
This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting and never use the word "victory," except when he's talking about his own campaign.
But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed, when the roar of the crowd fades away, when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot...
When that happens, what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet?
The answer -- the answer is to make government bigger, and take more of your money, and give you more orders from Washington, and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world.
America needs more energy; our opponent is against producing it. Victory in Iraq is finally in sight, and he wants to forfeit. Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay; he wants to meet them without preconditions.
Al Qaida terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America, and he's worried that someone won't read them their rights.
Government is too big; he wants to grow it. Congress spends too much money; he promises more. Taxes are too high, and he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan.
And let me be specific: The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, and raise payroll taxes, and raise investment income taxes, and raise the death tax, and raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars.
My sister, Heather, and her husband, they just built a service station that's now open for business, like millions of others who run small businesses. How are they...
How are they going to be better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you are trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or in Ohio...
Or you're trying -- you're trying to create jobs from clean coal, from Pennsylvania or West Virginia.
You're trying to keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.
How are you -- how are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy?
Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election: In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers, and then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.
They are the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners or on self-designed presidential seals.
Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speech- making, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things, and then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things.
They're the ones who are good for more than talk, the ones that we've always been able to count on to serve and to defend America.
Senator McCain's record of actual achievements and reform helps explain why so many special interests, and lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.
Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd. He's a man who's there to serve his country and not just his party, a leader who's not looking for a fight, but sure isn't afraid of one, either.
Harry Reid, the majority of the current do-nothing Senate ... he not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee. He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain."
Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man.
Clearly, what the majority leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain and that is only...
... that's only one more reason to take the maverick out of the Senate, put him in the White House.
My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of personal discovery.
This world of threats and dangers, it's not just a community and it doesn't just need an organizer. And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they're always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely: There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you.
There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you in places where winning means survival and defeat means death. And that man is John McCain.
You know, in our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world, the nightmare world in which this man and others equally brave served and suffered for their country.
And it's a long way from the fear, and pain, and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.
But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made. It's the journey of an upright and honorable man, the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this great country, only he was among those who came home.
To the most powerful office on Earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless, the wisdom that comes even to the captives by the grace of God, the special confidence of those who have seen evil and have seen how evil is overcome. A fellow...
A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio...
... Tom Moe recalls looking through a pinhole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway by the guards, day after day.
And the story is told, when McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn towards Moe's door, and he'd flash a grin and a thumbs up, as if to say, "We're going to pull through this."
My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through the next four years.
For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words. But for a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.
If character is the measure in this election, and hope the theme, and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.
Thank you, and God bless America. Thank you.
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican Party's vice presidential nominee, on Wednesday night addressed the 2008 Republican National Convention. Here is the text of the speech:
Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday praised John McCain as a "true profile in courage."
Gov. Palin: Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens, I will be honored to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.
I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America. And I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election against confident opponents at a crucial hour for our country.
And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions, and met far graver challenges, and knows how tough fights are won, the next president of the United States, John S. McCain. Watch Palin accept the nomination »
It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.
With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost, there was no hope for this candidate, who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war. But the pollsters...
The pollsters and the pundits, they overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off. They overlooked the caliber of the man himself, the determination, and resolve, and the sheer guts of Senator John McCain.
The voters knew better, and maybe that's because they realized there's a time for politics and a time for leadership, a time to campaign and a time to put our country first. iReport.com: What do you think of Palin's speech?
Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by. He's a man who wore the uniform of his country for 22 years and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who now have brought victory within sight.
And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander-in-chief.
I'm just one of many moms who will say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way. Our son, Track, is 19. And one week from tomorrow, September 11, he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.
My nephew, Casey, also enlisted and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.
My family is so proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform.
So Track is the eldest of our five children. In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between, my strong and kind- hearted daughters, Bristol, and Willow, and Piper.
And we were so blessed in April. Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig.
You know, from the inside, no family ever seems typical, and that's how it is with us. Our family has the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys.
Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge. And children with special needs inspire a very, very special love. To the families of special-needs...
To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message for you: For years, you've sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. And I pledge to you that, if we're elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.
And Todd is a story all by himself. He's a lifelong commercial fisherman and a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope, and a proud member of the United Steelworkers union. And Todd is a world champion snow machine racer.
Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package. And we met in high school. And two decades and five children later, he's still my guy.
My mom and dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town. And among the many things I owe them is a simple lesson that I've learned, that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.
And my parents are here tonight.
I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath.
Long ago, a young farmer and a haberdasher from Missouri, he followed an unlikely path -- he followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency. And a writer observed, "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty and sincerity and dignity," and I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.
I grew up with those people. They're the ones who do some of the hardest work in America, who grow our food, and run our factories, and fight our wars. They love their country in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America.
I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom and signed up for the PTA.
I love those hockey moms. You know, they say the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.
So I signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education even better. And when I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and I knew their families, too.
Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involved.
I guess -- I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.
I might add that, in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they're listening and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.
No, we tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.
As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes and whoever is listening John McCain is the same man.
Well, I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly these last few days that, if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.
But -- now, here's a little newsflash. Here's a little newsflash for those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country.
Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reason and not just to mingle with the right people. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.
No one expects us all to agree on everything, but we are expected to govern with integrity, and goodwill, and clear convictions, and a servant's heart.
And I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States.
This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau, when I stood up to the special interests, and the lobbyists, and the Big Oil companies, and the good-old boys.
Suddenly, I realized that sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power-brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.
But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up. And in short order, we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.
I came to office promising major ethics reform to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is a law.
While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over-the-top.
I put it on eBay.
I love to drive myself to work. And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef, although I got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her.
I came to office promising to control spending, by request if possible, but by veto, if necessary.
Senator McCain also -- he promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest. And as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.
Our state budget is under control. We have a surplus. And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending, nearly $500 million in vetoes.
We suspended the state fuel tax and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. I told the Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks," on that Bridge to Nowhere.
If our state wanted to build a bridge, we were going to build it ourselves.
When oil and gas prices went up dramatically and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged: directly to the people of Alaska.
And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way that they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources. As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.
I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.
That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are open, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.
The stakes for our nation could not be higher. When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we're forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. And families cannot throw more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.
With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.
To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of the world's energy supplies, or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia, or that Venezuela might shut off its oil discoveries and its deliveries of that source, Americans, we need to produce more of our own oil and gas. And...
And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: We've got lots of both.
Our opponents say again and again that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems, as if we didn't know that already.
But the fact that drilling, though, won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.
Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines, and build more nuclear plants, and create jobs with clean coal, and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need...
We need American sources of resources. We need American energy brought to you by American ingenuity and produced by American workers.
And now, I've noticed a pattern with our opponent, and maybe you have, too. We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers, and there is much to like and admire about our opponent.
But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or even a reform, not even in the State Senate.
This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting and never use the word "victory," except when he's talking about his own campaign.
But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed, when the roar of the crowd fades away, when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot...
When that happens, what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet?
The answer -- the answer is to make government bigger, and take more of your money, and give you more orders from Washington, and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world.
America needs more energy; our opponent is against producing it. Victory in Iraq is finally in sight, and he wants to forfeit. Terrorist states are seeking nuclear weapons without delay; he wants to meet them without preconditions.
Al Qaida terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America, and he's worried that someone won't read them their rights.
Government is too big; he wants to grow it. Congress spends too much money; he promises more. Taxes are too high, and he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan.
And let me be specific: The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, and raise payroll taxes, and raise investment income taxes, and raise the death tax, and raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars.
My sister, Heather, and her husband, they just built a service station that's now open for business, like millions of others who run small businesses. How are they...
How are they going to be better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you are trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or in Ohio...
Or you're trying -- you're trying to create jobs from clean coal, from Pennsylvania or West Virginia.
You're trying to keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.
How are you -- how are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy?
Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election: In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers, and then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.
They are the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners or on self-designed presidential seals.
Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speech- making, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things, and then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things.
They're the ones who are good for more than talk, the ones that we've always been able to count on to serve and to defend America.
Senator McCain's record of actual achievements and reform helps explain why so many special interests, and lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.
Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd. He's a man who's there to serve his country and not just his party, a leader who's not looking for a fight, but sure isn't afraid of one, either.
Harry Reid, the majority of the current do-nothing Senate ... he not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee. He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain."
Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man.
Clearly, what the majority leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain and that is only...
... that's only one more reason to take the maverick out of the Senate, put him in the White House.
My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of personal discovery.
This world of threats and dangers, it's not just a community and it doesn't just need an organizer. And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they're always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely: There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you.
There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you in places where winning means survival and defeat means death. And that man is John McCain.
You know, in our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world, the nightmare world in which this man and others equally brave served and suffered for their country.
And it's a long way from the fear, and pain, and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.
But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made. It's the journey of an upright and honorable man, the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this great country, only he was among those who came home.
To the most powerful office on Earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless, the wisdom that comes even to the captives by the grace of God, the special confidence of those who have seen evil and have seen how evil is overcome. A fellow...
A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio...
... Tom Moe recalls looking through a pinhole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway by the guards, day after day.
And the story is told, when McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn towards Moe's door, and he'd flash a grin and a thumbs up, as if to say, "We're going to pull through this."
My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through the next four years.
For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words. But for a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.
If character is the measure in this election, and hope the theme, and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.
Thank you, and God bless America. Thank you.
Passing the Torch?
From: http://www.newsweek.com/
A chat with Laura Bush and Cindy McCain.
Laura Bush is wrapping up an eight-year run as America's First Lady. Cindy McCain is hoping to succeed her. NEWSWEEK Editor Jon Meacham sat down with the two at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul to discuss mothers, fathers, life in the spotlight, and the sudden emergence of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin onto the national stage.
NEWSWEEK: Thank you all so much. I want to start with the news. You both have been in politics for a long time, you have been engaged in firestorms that have flared up around you, probably more times than you would like to remember. What advice have you given or would you give to Governor Palin as she deals with this intersection with the personal and the political?Laura Bush: Well we met with her [Tuesday] morning. But I knew her already, of course, because, we'd met her a number of times. We didn't dare give her any advice, frankly…We know she can take care of everything; she's very, very strong. But the one thing I said to both of them—to Cindy McCain and to Sarah—is to say to the press, 'Our kids are off limits, and that's just absolutely the way it is.' Because they're not running, and it's just really not fair to have the press ask about family members.
Do you feel with your daughters that was by and large…Bush: By in large, I think that they were left alone, and we appreciate [that], very much.
You met Governor Palin, before the meeting in Sedona.Cindy McCain: Oh yeah, we met her some months ago.
There seems to be an instant simpatico, between the senator and the governor. Is that a fair way to put it?McCain: It is. She's very much like my husband in how she approaches things, her attitude—her maverick attitude, her straight talk, her intelligence. The very first night we met her, which was months ago…you could see a great deal of similarities and also, good things. It was really fun. And more importantly, she will really work well with him, because they had a great understanding…their attitudes are all about reform, and prosperity, and so she could not be a more perfect pick for him. I'm so glad he did it.
It's an historic pick, obviously, and it's an historic year. As our late friend Tim Russert would say, 'What a country.'…Did you expect to see a woman on the ticket?Bush: I didn't. I was surprised, and I'm absolutely thrilled, I've been looking forward to the chance to vote for a Republican woman and now I'm going to get the chance and I'm very, very happy about Sarah. And I do know Sarah. I've known her through the NGA, the National Governor's Association. George and I were with her in Alaska on August 4th on our way to Asia for the Olympics. And everything Cindy says is just right about her. She has a certain grit that I think Western women have and that I admire very much. And I'm very excited about her being on the ticket.
You both have a perspective on war that a lot of people don't. You're married to men who are commanders of forces or oversee them. Mrs. McCain, in your case, you have two sons—one who's been in harm's way, and one who may well [be heading there]. I'm just wondering what's that like….How do you cope really, knowing your sons are possibly in harm's way and trying to support your husband as he makes these critical decisions?McCain: Well as you know, Governor Palin also has a son who is about to deploy [on] September 11th. It's not about coping; both of my sons made a choice to do this. I'm also a mother, so of course I worry, and I would worry if they crossed the street...That's just what I do. But I'm so proud of them, and they had every option in the world to do whatever they wanted and they chose this. I would encourage anyone who has never been to a ceremony for when these troops come home, or when they leave: Go. You don't have to be a member of a family to go. Because these are proud young men and women, and they are the finest America has to offer. So I console myself, on the nights when I am worried, with the fact that I know that they're the best trained, the best equipped, and absolutely the best forces we've ever had.
Mrs. Bush, being married to a commander in chief…Lincoln used to say, 'I go to my knees because I don't have any place else to go.' President Roosevelt had sons in the military. When he comes home, do you not talk about it, does he talk about it? Bush: No, of course, we talk about it, and that is by far, the most difficult decision the president ever makes, and that is to send our troops into harm's way. And it is a burden of worry on the president, and on the president's family as well as on every single family who have a loved one in the military—every single day, every single minute. I mean, that's just a fact of life, that's how it is. And on the other hand, do I think it was the right thing to do? Absolutely. And we're seeing some good results, we just saw Anbar Province turned over back to the Iraqis, I think that's really good. I visited, with women in Afghanistan who can walk on the road and have jobs, and go to school and do all the things that they were not allowed to do under the Taliban. And is it tough? Absolutely. It's very tough, but Americans can do things that are hard. And is it hard on the commander in chief? You know, harder on him, I think, than on anyone else, except for, of course, the families who are also involved.
Did it help that the president's father had been in the same position?Bush: Maybe, I mean, I don't know about that, I don't know if you can practice for that, for coping, as you say that you have to do. There's no doubt about that, but yeah, I mean, I can remember when President Bush, when watching television in Dallas, when the U.S. went in to liberate Kuwait, you know, I can remember that. I can remember how worried he was, how worried sick he was about it. So I think John McCain is certainly a student of history, I mean he's lived through very, very historical times himself… And he knows, and I think anybody who's running for this office knows, that those are the kind of challenges that you may have to face. We didn't expect that, you know we never expected that. Both of us thought that we would have a time of almost total domestic issues, and those would be the big issues. The Cold War was over, the central European countries were liberated from the Soviet Union, that's just what we thought it would be. But the one thing you know, and I know John McCain knows this, is that when you are running for this job, you don't know what is gonna happen, but you know things are going to happen. And you have to be prepared, and he is prepared, and I think that's what makes him, by far, the candidate that everyone ought to support.
You both are also married to men who have—formidable mothers would be a safe way to say it. I wouldn't cross either one of them. How do you think that influenced them?McCain: Oh, in my husband's case, she was clearly the strongest influence in his life, because his father was gone so much. She not only shaped his sturdiness—and by that I mean his grit, his demeanor—a large part comes from his mother, but also his values, the way he approaches things. I think a lot of his straight-talk attitude comes from his mother. And I love it. I don't know if you ever met her, but she's a pistol, and I love her to death.
Not only that though. I think her perseverance for many, many years being a single mother, and having to raise the kids. I know this story she tells about driving cross-country, during World War II, with her kids in a car with no air conditioning in the 40s. I can't imagine what that would be like. And doing it because it was the right thing to do, because her husband was serving, and they were serving. So I've learned a great deal about my family, as certainly have my sons from her, from her attitude towards service.
And your mother-in-law?Bush: I think George really likes women. And I think that happened because he liked his mother, and he has a very close relationship with her, as the oldest child he did. And she was just 18 or 19 when she had him, she's just not that much older than we are, really. Plus, a lot of the same things Cindy said, both our husbands are pretty out front, and I think their mothers are, too.
I talked to Senator McCain a couple of weeks ago about his father. And he was very interesting. Unprompted, he started talking about his father, about his wonderful strengths, but also about his weaknesses in terms of alcoholism. How do you think that affected him? He was somewhat reflective.McCain: Well, I know that number one is that a large part of the stress and strain was due to the fact that he was commanding and ordering the bombing, while his son was captive. And it presented a huge strain on him. He fought alcoholism his entire life, and I think what my husband gained from that was a wariness of the disease, and certainly a wariness of the dangers that lie in public life and certainly in stressful situations. But he also knew his father to be, as you know, a genuinely religious man with a great deal of depth, and love for this country. He did have the one demon that chased him his entire life.
If everything works out eight weeks from today…what will your focus be if you were to live in the White House? What would be the causes?McCain: Many of the same things I'm doing now and certainly more. As you know, I do a lot of international relief work. I would not want to change what I do. Hopefully with the ability to do it from the position of first lady, I would be able to bring even more reflection and observance of things that are critical around the world. I like what I do and it's a part of my fiber. I would never stop, I would just do more of it; and I enjoy it. And I also want to encourage people to get involved. I don't mean you have to cross a pond to do it. But go to the corner, go to your neighborhood church, go to your community center, but get involved. Because I think a large part of what people do is sit back and complain, and wait for the government to take over. And in my opinion, I think it's much better to get involved, on a community level and volunteer and be a part of it. The government shouldn't be responsible for that. I want people to really be encouraged and inspired to, as my husband said, serve a cause greater than your own self-interest.
Mrs. Bush, what would you like your legacy to be, as you head back to Texas?Bush: Well, like Cindy, I've had the opportunity really, and the privilege, to represent the United States with programs like the ones we're going to talk with right now—with World Vision and the One campaign. I've been to Africa five times since George has been president. I've been to Afghanistan three times to talk to women there and work with women. So, I hope I'll be able to also continue that—the ways the United States can reach out around the world and in the specific ways we can help people who are oppressed. Not just by a regime like the Taliban, but also by malaria, and by AIDS, and by hunger and by all the other ways that people are oppressed around the world.
Neither of you married a politician. So do you ever wake up and wonder why exactly you have to talk to someone like me?McCain: I had the same experience I know I've heard Mrs. Bush talk about it…My husband told me I'd never have to make a public speech and here I am 25 years later. But I would like to add one thing to this, because this really kind of caught my attention. In the middle of the night the other night—you know how you wake up to things…My husband could possibly be in the same kind of situation like his father was, with his son serving. I have thought about that a great deal, and I thought about what it would mean to my family, and also what it would mean to the nation. And, at this particular time in our country's history…I truly, truly believe that he is the best person for this. I'm not trying to make a political speech here, but because we have a vested interest in this, it's more than just a situation across the world that's deadly, it's about having family involved. And so I'm so proud of my husband in that respect, and I'm also so honored to be a part of it. And I hope that my husband becomes commander in chief because I truly believe he would serve our troops well. Bush: Hear! Hear!
A chat with Laura Bush and Cindy McCain.
Laura Bush is wrapping up an eight-year run as America's First Lady. Cindy McCain is hoping to succeed her. NEWSWEEK Editor Jon Meacham sat down with the two at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul to discuss mothers, fathers, life in the spotlight, and the sudden emergence of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin onto the national stage.
NEWSWEEK: Thank you all so much. I want to start with the news. You both have been in politics for a long time, you have been engaged in firestorms that have flared up around you, probably more times than you would like to remember. What advice have you given or would you give to Governor Palin as she deals with this intersection with the personal and the political?Laura Bush: Well we met with her [Tuesday] morning. But I knew her already, of course, because, we'd met her a number of times. We didn't dare give her any advice, frankly…We know she can take care of everything; she's very, very strong. But the one thing I said to both of them—to Cindy McCain and to Sarah—is to say to the press, 'Our kids are off limits, and that's just absolutely the way it is.' Because they're not running, and it's just really not fair to have the press ask about family members.
Do you feel with your daughters that was by and large…Bush: By in large, I think that they were left alone, and we appreciate [that], very much.
You met Governor Palin, before the meeting in Sedona.Cindy McCain: Oh yeah, we met her some months ago.
There seems to be an instant simpatico, between the senator and the governor. Is that a fair way to put it?McCain: It is. She's very much like my husband in how she approaches things, her attitude—her maverick attitude, her straight talk, her intelligence. The very first night we met her, which was months ago…you could see a great deal of similarities and also, good things. It was really fun. And more importantly, she will really work well with him, because they had a great understanding…their attitudes are all about reform, and prosperity, and so she could not be a more perfect pick for him. I'm so glad he did it.
It's an historic pick, obviously, and it's an historic year. As our late friend Tim Russert would say, 'What a country.'…Did you expect to see a woman on the ticket?Bush: I didn't. I was surprised, and I'm absolutely thrilled, I've been looking forward to the chance to vote for a Republican woman and now I'm going to get the chance and I'm very, very happy about Sarah. And I do know Sarah. I've known her through the NGA, the National Governor's Association. George and I were with her in Alaska on August 4th on our way to Asia for the Olympics. And everything Cindy says is just right about her. She has a certain grit that I think Western women have and that I admire very much. And I'm very excited about her being on the ticket.
You both have a perspective on war that a lot of people don't. You're married to men who are commanders of forces or oversee them. Mrs. McCain, in your case, you have two sons—one who's been in harm's way, and one who may well [be heading there]. I'm just wondering what's that like….How do you cope really, knowing your sons are possibly in harm's way and trying to support your husband as he makes these critical decisions?McCain: Well as you know, Governor Palin also has a son who is about to deploy [on] September 11th. It's not about coping; both of my sons made a choice to do this. I'm also a mother, so of course I worry, and I would worry if they crossed the street...That's just what I do. But I'm so proud of them, and they had every option in the world to do whatever they wanted and they chose this. I would encourage anyone who has never been to a ceremony for when these troops come home, or when they leave: Go. You don't have to be a member of a family to go. Because these are proud young men and women, and they are the finest America has to offer. So I console myself, on the nights when I am worried, with the fact that I know that they're the best trained, the best equipped, and absolutely the best forces we've ever had.
Mrs. Bush, being married to a commander in chief…Lincoln used to say, 'I go to my knees because I don't have any place else to go.' President Roosevelt had sons in the military. When he comes home, do you not talk about it, does he talk about it? Bush: No, of course, we talk about it, and that is by far, the most difficult decision the president ever makes, and that is to send our troops into harm's way. And it is a burden of worry on the president, and on the president's family as well as on every single family who have a loved one in the military—every single day, every single minute. I mean, that's just a fact of life, that's how it is. And on the other hand, do I think it was the right thing to do? Absolutely. And we're seeing some good results, we just saw Anbar Province turned over back to the Iraqis, I think that's really good. I visited, with women in Afghanistan who can walk on the road and have jobs, and go to school and do all the things that they were not allowed to do under the Taliban. And is it tough? Absolutely. It's very tough, but Americans can do things that are hard. And is it hard on the commander in chief? You know, harder on him, I think, than on anyone else, except for, of course, the families who are also involved.
Did it help that the president's father had been in the same position?Bush: Maybe, I mean, I don't know about that, I don't know if you can practice for that, for coping, as you say that you have to do. There's no doubt about that, but yeah, I mean, I can remember when President Bush, when watching television in Dallas, when the U.S. went in to liberate Kuwait, you know, I can remember that. I can remember how worried he was, how worried sick he was about it. So I think John McCain is certainly a student of history, I mean he's lived through very, very historical times himself… And he knows, and I think anybody who's running for this office knows, that those are the kind of challenges that you may have to face. We didn't expect that, you know we never expected that. Both of us thought that we would have a time of almost total domestic issues, and those would be the big issues. The Cold War was over, the central European countries were liberated from the Soviet Union, that's just what we thought it would be. But the one thing you know, and I know John McCain knows this, is that when you are running for this job, you don't know what is gonna happen, but you know things are going to happen. And you have to be prepared, and he is prepared, and I think that's what makes him, by far, the candidate that everyone ought to support.
You both are also married to men who have—formidable mothers would be a safe way to say it. I wouldn't cross either one of them. How do you think that influenced them?McCain: Oh, in my husband's case, she was clearly the strongest influence in his life, because his father was gone so much. She not only shaped his sturdiness—and by that I mean his grit, his demeanor—a large part comes from his mother, but also his values, the way he approaches things. I think a lot of his straight-talk attitude comes from his mother. And I love it. I don't know if you ever met her, but she's a pistol, and I love her to death.
Not only that though. I think her perseverance for many, many years being a single mother, and having to raise the kids. I know this story she tells about driving cross-country, during World War II, with her kids in a car with no air conditioning in the 40s. I can't imagine what that would be like. And doing it because it was the right thing to do, because her husband was serving, and they were serving. So I've learned a great deal about my family, as certainly have my sons from her, from her attitude towards service.
And your mother-in-law?Bush: I think George really likes women. And I think that happened because he liked his mother, and he has a very close relationship with her, as the oldest child he did. And she was just 18 or 19 when she had him, she's just not that much older than we are, really. Plus, a lot of the same things Cindy said, both our husbands are pretty out front, and I think their mothers are, too.
I talked to Senator McCain a couple of weeks ago about his father. And he was very interesting. Unprompted, he started talking about his father, about his wonderful strengths, but also about his weaknesses in terms of alcoholism. How do you think that affected him? He was somewhat reflective.McCain: Well, I know that number one is that a large part of the stress and strain was due to the fact that he was commanding and ordering the bombing, while his son was captive. And it presented a huge strain on him. He fought alcoholism his entire life, and I think what my husband gained from that was a wariness of the disease, and certainly a wariness of the dangers that lie in public life and certainly in stressful situations. But he also knew his father to be, as you know, a genuinely religious man with a great deal of depth, and love for this country. He did have the one demon that chased him his entire life.
If everything works out eight weeks from today…what will your focus be if you were to live in the White House? What would be the causes?McCain: Many of the same things I'm doing now and certainly more. As you know, I do a lot of international relief work. I would not want to change what I do. Hopefully with the ability to do it from the position of first lady, I would be able to bring even more reflection and observance of things that are critical around the world. I like what I do and it's a part of my fiber. I would never stop, I would just do more of it; and I enjoy it. And I also want to encourage people to get involved. I don't mean you have to cross a pond to do it. But go to the corner, go to your neighborhood church, go to your community center, but get involved. Because I think a large part of what people do is sit back and complain, and wait for the government to take over. And in my opinion, I think it's much better to get involved, on a community level and volunteer and be a part of it. The government shouldn't be responsible for that. I want people to really be encouraged and inspired to, as my husband said, serve a cause greater than your own self-interest.
Mrs. Bush, what would you like your legacy to be, as you head back to Texas?Bush: Well, like Cindy, I've had the opportunity really, and the privilege, to represent the United States with programs like the ones we're going to talk with right now—with World Vision and the One campaign. I've been to Africa five times since George has been president. I've been to Afghanistan three times to talk to women there and work with women. So, I hope I'll be able to also continue that—the ways the United States can reach out around the world and in the specific ways we can help people who are oppressed. Not just by a regime like the Taliban, but also by malaria, and by AIDS, and by hunger and by all the other ways that people are oppressed around the world.
Neither of you married a politician. So do you ever wake up and wonder why exactly you have to talk to someone like me?McCain: I had the same experience I know I've heard Mrs. Bush talk about it…My husband told me I'd never have to make a public speech and here I am 25 years later. But I would like to add one thing to this, because this really kind of caught my attention. In the middle of the night the other night—you know how you wake up to things…My husband could possibly be in the same kind of situation like his father was, with his son serving. I have thought about that a great deal, and I thought about what it would mean to my family, and also what it would mean to the nation. And, at this particular time in our country's history…I truly, truly believe that he is the best person for this. I'm not trying to make a political speech here, but because we have a vested interest in this, it's more than just a situation across the world that's deadly, it's about having family involved. And so I'm so proud of my husband in that respect, and I'm also so honored to be a part of it. And I hope that my husband becomes commander in chief because I truly believe he would serve our troops well. Bush: Hear! Hear!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Our Attitude Towards Sin
By: Maged Taman
53:31 And unto Allah belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, that He may reward those who do evil with that which they have done, and reward those who do good with goodness. وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسَاؤُوا بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا بِالْحُسْنَى (53:31)
53:32 Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations, save the unwilled offences (for them) lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy. He is best aware of you (from the time) when He created you from the earth, and when ye were hidden in the bellies of your mothers. Therefor ascribe not purity unto yourselves. He is best aware of him who wardeth off (evil).
الَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ إِلَّا اللَّمَمَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَاسِعُ الْمَغْفِرَةِ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنفُسَكُمْ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَى (53:32)
Blogger Comment:
1- One of the wise introduction in the Quran to God is mentioning his creation which include all in the heavens and earth.
2- Then he mention his orders that we to obey and his reward and punishment he has for us.
3- He describe who are righteous in the second verse 53:32 as:
Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations,: This is the deal we avoid the big sins.
save the unwilled offences (for them): He will forgive us the small ones.
lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy,: He has vast mercy
He is best aware of you (from the time): He created us and know us.
when He created you from the earth,: He know us when he created our father Adam from the earth.
and when ye were hidden in the bellies of your mothers: and when we were inside the wombs of our mothers.
Therefor ascribe not purity unto yourselves: So we all are sinners we should do not ascribe purity for ourselves and impurity to others.
He is best aware of him who wardeth off (evil): He know who of us is the God conscious.
الَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ إِلَّا اللَّمَمَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَاسِعُ الْمَغْفِرَةِ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ إِذْ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَإِذْ أَنتُمْ أَجِنَّةٌ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنفُسَكُمْ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَى (53:32)
Dimensions of the Quran - Acts of Kindness
From: www.islamicity.com
By: Sadullah KhanIslamiCity* -
Surah Al- Ma'un Acts of Kindness / Service to the Needy (Quran Chapter 107)
This chapter is a Makkan revelation according to the majority of Qur'anic scholars. According to some authorities this is a Makkan-Madinan revelation (The first three verses are said to have been revealed in Makkah and the rest in Madinah). Yet this chapter in its theme and structure is one interwoven entity, aiming at the establishment of one of the most fundamental aspects of faith. It must be added here that the strongest evidence favors the view that the whole chapter was revealed early in the Makkan period.
The chapter deals with two basic principles of Islam whose neglect constitutes denial of religion itself and could be construed as disregard for the consequences of accountability on the Day of Judgment. These principles are: worship of God and service to humanity. The title of this chapter is taken from the word "al-ma'un" with which the chapter ends.
"Have you observed the person who belies the Faith and denies the Judgment." 107:1
This chapter starts with a perplexing question addressed to all those who can use the faculty of thought and perception, generating suspense and holding their attention in order to make them reflect and realize the aim, the subject and the moral of this chapter. Have you observed, or reflected on the person who falsifies, misrepresents the Deen of Islam, or who undermines the final authority and comprehensiveness of the Final Judgment? It must be noted here that the word al-Deen is the infinitive noun from Arabic which means "he obeyed / earned." The word "Deen," by implication, could be construed to mean: requital, recompense, judgment or reckoning, predominance or ascendancy, mastery or rule, religious organization, righteousness, state or condition, Divine decree, habit, custom; or religion in general. In view of the different meanings of Deen, this first verse may signify reference to the person who has no faith in Divine reckoning; or one who disobeys and defies propriety to the community or society or ideological grouping to which he belongs; or one who does not believe that religion is the ultimate source of morals; or one with whom the doing of good does not become a habit; or one who does not conform his conduct to Divine Decree and thus does not develop in himself divine attributes; or one who does not worship God with true and sincere devotion. We can thus deduce that the word "Deen" includes in its signification all those things which are moral, beneficial and done with commitment, consciousness and sincerity.
"That is the person who repulses the orphan without care or consideration and does not concern himself nor encourages others to feed the poor and help the needy" 107:2-3
The word yadu'ue, though implying harsh or rough action, could include misappropriation, usurpation, repulsing, insulting, disgracing and denigrating any orphan. The Holy Qur'an has not only urged us to give the orphans their rights but also reprimands those who do not give them respect. (Chapter 89, Verse 17). In the preceding verse we were told that denial of religion or of the Final Reckoning opens the way to heedlessness and a sense of non-accountability. These verses speak of perhaps the two most deadly ills of society, which if not scrupulous guarded against, could bring about the decline and disintegration of a community;
The failure to take proper care of the orphans (this kills the spirit of sacrifice, of sharing and caring in people).
Neglect of the poor and needy (which deprives a useful section of the society the initiative and the will to improve their condition.)
These verses represent one of the two basic principles of Islam, huquq al 'ibad (service to humanity). The Holy Prophet in numerous ahadith made reference to this spirit of service and goodwill to humanity as "shafaqatu'ala khalqillah". The verbs used in both these ayats yadu'ue and yahuddu are used in the future tense and thus the case indicate the continuity of such actions in regard to orphans and the poor. It must be noted that to feed the needy is in itself a virtuous deed, irrespective of whether the needy person be a Muslim or a non-Muslim; and to be harsh to an orphan is a sinful act in all conditions whatever religion, ideology or community the orphan may belong to.
We also realize from these verses that if we cannot feed the hungry by ourselves then we must encourage others who are able to, to do so. What is most significant to not is that at the time when this chapter was revealed the number of Muslims in Makkah was very small and the Muslim community was still in its infancy, yet the command to feed the poor and help the needy at the inception of Islamic society is proof that Islam wants to create in its followers that feeling of human sympathy, whose sphere of influence is vast enough to cover the entire humanity and on the basis of which every deserving person should be helped.
As regards the response to the question about the one who denies the Judgment or the Deen of Islam, these two verses give a direct response. It is the one who harshly repels the orphan and does not care nor urges others to feed the poor. This definition of disbelief or false claimant to belief may surprise some when compared with the traditional understanding and definition of faith, but this is the root of the whole issue. Indeed the one who misrepresents the faith is the person who is wicked, harsh, humiliating, careless and selfish. If the truth of Islam had in any way affected his heart, such a person would never treat the most needy members of society (and creation of God) with such harshness and would neither manifest a non-chalant attitude of this nature. True belief then, is not mere utterance of the mouth, but an overall change of the individual's heart and attitude, motivating him to benevolence and goodwill for all human beings, especially those that are in need of his care, attention or assistance.
"Shame unto those worshippers who are unmindful (concerning the dimensions of) their prayer" 107:4
The unconscious worshippers have been singled out here as unmindful of the nature and the true purpose of prayer since their prayer fails to bring about in them a moral change which prayers are intended to create and the social consciousness that the jama'ah ought to develop in the worshipping person. Prayer represents the duties and obligations we owe to God and they are called huquq- God (obligations due to God- the first basic principle of Islam).
These verses also purport that the prayers of those hypocritical persons who do not discharge the obligations they owe to God's creations (huquq al-'ibad, obligations due to humanity at large) are like a body without a soul, a shell without substance. Their actions tend to be superficial and hypocritical, which instead of doing them good adds to their hypocrisy. They are those who put on a show of piety, who execute the mechanical aspects and pronounce the verbal formulae of prayer, but their hearts are not receptive to them, neither are they enriched by praying, nor is their social consciousness awakened.
Thus the essence and purpose of prayer and its components are not present in their psyche. They offer prayer merely as exercise or a habit; perhaps to impress or deceive others, but not out of true devotion to God and His commands regarding himself and the rest of creation. Muslims, it must be remembered, are obliged to offer their prayer regularly, bearing mind that these prayers are a manifestation of their servitude to God in all aspects of life and indicates commitment to the comprehensive commands of the Creator. The term sahun is derived from sahu which implies a mistake done unintentionally or a wrong done neglectfully. In the first case one could be excused, but in the second case one is not. Here, sahun purports negligence with guilt. So being unmindful of prayer could be construed as meaning not paying heed to the spirit of prayer, and prayer in jama'ah specifically should motivate members of the jama'ah to care for the jama'ah as they care for themselves.
"Those who perform ostentatious prayer (prayer for show) yet refuse and refrain from helping others" 107:5-7
Prayer for show is bereft of sincerity and is merely a prayer of soulless display and hypocrisy which is done in order that people may think of the worshipper as being pious and religious. Such display their pray-fullness and their would-be piety to the public. Once again, we find the Holy Qur'an presents the fundamental nature and spirit of prayer. Any semblance of servitude which is intended for show and not devoted to God; that kind prayer that has not affected their hearts, their behavior and thus not motivated them to selfless service for the benefit of those they are able to assist; to such hypocrites God says; "fa waylul lilmusallin" (woe to such worshippers).
In connection with such hypocrisy there are statements of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, Peace be Upon Him) which are quoted in the Book of Matthew verse 6, where he is reported to have said, "Beware of practicing your piety before people in order to be seen by them. When you give alms sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the places of worship and in the streets, so that they may be praised by the people. Truly I say to you they have already received their awards (the accolades of the people for whom they are showing off). But when you give charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing; and when you pray you must not be like hypocrites for they love to stand and pray in places of worship and in public so that people may see them." Further on in Matthew, Nabi 'Isa (Peace be Upon Him) said: "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Who devour widows' houses and for pretense you make long prayers wherefore you will receive great condemnation. Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup but inside you are full of filth. Shame on you scribe and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like a white- washed tomb, which outwardly appears beautiful, but within they are full of dead man's bones and all un-cleanliness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to people but inside you are full of hypocrisy and injustice." (Matthew, verse 23)
It would be appropriate here to reflect upon the famous hadith of the holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) "Actions will be judged and evaluated according to the intention that motivates the action. And each person will be rewarded according to his or her intention." The chapter concludes with the word al-ma'un which is also the title of the chapter. Al-ma'un refers to the necessities of life, articles of common use; can refer to zakah, acts of kindness, good deeds or helping others in general. In its wider sense it denotes aid and assistance in any difficulty. Al-ma'un is explained by Imam Bukhair (R.A) as meaning al-ma'ruf kulluhu (that is every good, or kind of charitable deed). And Ikrama (according to Bukhari), considers the highest form of ma'un to be zakah and the lowest form to be assisting others with basic useful things; thus, according to Bukhari, al-ma'un includes all acts of kindness or assistance offered to all human beings. In the last two verses of this chapter, two major issues are brought to our attention:
One is hypocrisy, where prayer is done for show and not performed sincerely;
Secondly, refusal to supply basic assistance to the needy.
This indicates that whatever is for God the insincere ones do and perform to show people, and whatever is for the benefit of people they refuse to fulfill. Here we call to mind the words of our master Muhammad (pbuh) who is reported to have said: "God is at the assistance of a person as long as that person is of assistance to his fellow human beings." Serve the Creator and Creation this chapter gives expression to the prominence, which Islam gives to helping the needy and uplifting the poor. Anyone who pays no attention to this is spoken of as one who has belied the Religion and undermined the Judgment.
Prayer to God and help to the poor are repeatedly spoken of in the Holy Qur'an as foundations of Islam. But we are told, in this chapter, that even prayer is mere show and hollow if it does not generate feelings of love, sympathy and fellow- feeling. Islam is not a way of life built on ostentation and superficiality. Different aspects of Islamic acts of worship are meaningless if they are purely mechanical, unless motivated by sincerity, commitment and devotion. Sincere worship produces effects within the individual's heart, which should cause him to act righteously, fairly, justly and in a balanced way. This will be reflected in his social behavior.
The essence of Faith, if firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of people, must immediately operate behaviorally through the person and manifest itself in the person's attitude, expression and actions. The chapter stresses that if that is not the case, then where is the faith, truly speaking. The qualities of despising orphans, refusing to feed the hungry or assist the needy, being heedless of the prescribed prayer, showing off, hypocrisy and not being co-operative with the people; illustrates miserliness, conceit and such persons have neither connection with the people nor true association with the Creator.
The holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Surely the selfish person is far from God, far from people, far from the paradise, close to the Fire; but the charitable, helpful person is close to God, loved by people, close to the paradise and far form the Fire." From this thought-provoking chapter, we gather the intent behind what God demands of us when He instructs us to believe in and worship Him. God is free of all wants and thus seeks no benefit for Himself, but He cares for the welfare and prosperity, the purification and happiness of His creation. The Creator wishes human life to be elevated, happy, based on pure motives and characterized by mutual compassion, brotherhood, purity of heart, clean conscience, unwavering commitment and beneficial behavior.
Sa'dullah Khan is the Director of Islamic Center of Irvine. He has presented lectures on Islamic Civilization at California State University at Dominguez Hills. He is a frequent lecturer for the Academy of Judaic, Christian and Islamic Studies at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). He is also an advisor to the Chancellor's Committee on Religion Ethics and Values at UCLA and serves as Director of Muslim Affairs at USC (University of Southern California).
By: Sadullah KhanIslamiCity* -
Surah Al- Ma'un Acts of Kindness / Service to the Needy (Quran Chapter 107)
This chapter is a Makkan revelation according to the majority of Qur'anic scholars. According to some authorities this is a Makkan-Madinan revelation (The first three verses are said to have been revealed in Makkah and the rest in Madinah). Yet this chapter in its theme and structure is one interwoven entity, aiming at the establishment of one of the most fundamental aspects of faith. It must be added here that the strongest evidence favors the view that the whole chapter was revealed early in the Makkan period.
The chapter deals with two basic principles of Islam whose neglect constitutes denial of religion itself and could be construed as disregard for the consequences of accountability on the Day of Judgment. These principles are: worship of God and service to humanity. The title of this chapter is taken from the word "al-ma'un" with which the chapter ends.
"Have you observed the person who belies the Faith and denies the Judgment." 107:1
This chapter starts with a perplexing question addressed to all those who can use the faculty of thought and perception, generating suspense and holding their attention in order to make them reflect and realize the aim, the subject and the moral of this chapter. Have you observed, or reflected on the person who falsifies, misrepresents the Deen of Islam, or who undermines the final authority and comprehensiveness of the Final Judgment? It must be noted here that the word al-Deen is the infinitive noun from Arabic which means "he obeyed / earned." The word "Deen," by implication, could be construed to mean: requital, recompense, judgment or reckoning, predominance or ascendancy, mastery or rule, religious organization, righteousness, state or condition, Divine decree, habit, custom; or religion in general. In view of the different meanings of Deen, this first verse may signify reference to the person who has no faith in Divine reckoning; or one who disobeys and defies propriety to the community or society or ideological grouping to which he belongs; or one who does not believe that religion is the ultimate source of morals; or one with whom the doing of good does not become a habit; or one who does not conform his conduct to Divine Decree and thus does not develop in himself divine attributes; or one who does not worship God with true and sincere devotion. We can thus deduce that the word "Deen" includes in its signification all those things which are moral, beneficial and done with commitment, consciousness and sincerity.
"That is the person who repulses the orphan without care or consideration and does not concern himself nor encourages others to feed the poor and help the needy" 107:2-3
The word yadu'ue, though implying harsh or rough action, could include misappropriation, usurpation, repulsing, insulting, disgracing and denigrating any orphan. The Holy Qur'an has not only urged us to give the orphans their rights but also reprimands those who do not give them respect. (Chapter 89, Verse 17). In the preceding verse we were told that denial of religion or of the Final Reckoning opens the way to heedlessness and a sense of non-accountability. These verses speak of perhaps the two most deadly ills of society, which if not scrupulous guarded against, could bring about the decline and disintegration of a community;
The failure to take proper care of the orphans (this kills the spirit of sacrifice, of sharing and caring in people).
Neglect of the poor and needy (which deprives a useful section of the society the initiative and the will to improve their condition.)
These verses represent one of the two basic principles of Islam, huquq al 'ibad (service to humanity). The Holy Prophet in numerous ahadith made reference to this spirit of service and goodwill to humanity as "shafaqatu'ala khalqillah". The verbs used in both these ayats yadu'ue and yahuddu are used in the future tense and thus the case indicate the continuity of such actions in regard to orphans and the poor. It must be noted that to feed the needy is in itself a virtuous deed, irrespective of whether the needy person be a Muslim or a non-Muslim; and to be harsh to an orphan is a sinful act in all conditions whatever religion, ideology or community the orphan may belong to.
We also realize from these verses that if we cannot feed the hungry by ourselves then we must encourage others who are able to, to do so. What is most significant to not is that at the time when this chapter was revealed the number of Muslims in Makkah was very small and the Muslim community was still in its infancy, yet the command to feed the poor and help the needy at the inception of Islamic society is proof that Islam wants to create in its followers that feeling of human sympathy, whose sphere of influence is vast enough to cover the entire humanity and on the basis of which every deserving person should be helped.
As regards the response to the question about the one who denies the Judgment or the Deen of Islam, these two verses give a direct response. It is the one who harshly repels the orphan and does not care nor urges others to feed the poor. This definition of disbelief or false claimant to belief may surprise some when compared with the traditional understanding and definition of faith, but this is the root of the whole issue. Indeed the one who misrepresents the faith is the person who is wicked, harsh, humiliating, careless and selfish. If the truth of Islam had in any way affected his heart, such a person would never treat the most needy members of society (and creation of God) with such harshness and would neither manifest a non-chalant attitude of this nature. True belief then, is not mere utterance of the mouth, but an overall change of the individual's heart and attitude, motivating him to benevolence and goodwill for all human beings, especially those that are in need of his care, attention or assistance.
"Shame unto those worshippers who are unmindful (concerning the dimensions of) their prayer" 107:4
The unconscious worshippers have been singled out here as unmindful of the nature and the true purpose of prayer since their prayer fails to bring about in them a moral change which prayers are intended to create and the social consciousness that the jama'ah ought to develop in the worshipping person. Prayer represents the duties and obligations we owe to God and they are called huquq- God (obligations due to God- the first basic principle of Islam).
These verses also purport that the prayers of those hypocritical persons who do not discharge the obligations they owe to God's creations (huquq al-'ibad, obligations due to humanity at large) are like a body without a soul, a shell without substance. Their actions tend to be superficial and hypocritical, which instead of doing them good adds to their hypocrisy. They are those who put on a show of piety, who execute the mechanical aspects and pronounce the verbal formulae of prayer, but their hearts are not receptive to them, neither are they enriched by praying, nor is their social consciousness awakened.
Thus the essence and purpose of prayer and its components are not present in their psyche. They offer prayer merely as exercise or a habit; perhaps to impress or deceive others, but not out of true devotion to God and His commands regarding himself and the rest of creation. Muslims, it must be remembered, are obliged to offer their prayer regularly, bearing mind that these prayers are a manifestation of their servitude to God in all aspects of life and indicates commitment to the comprehensive commands of the Creator. The term sahun is derived from sahu which implies a mistake done unintentionally or a wrong done neglectfully. In the first case one could be excused, but in the second case one is not. Here, sahun purports negligence with guilt. So being unmindful of prayer could be construed as meaning not paying heed to the spirit of prayer, and prayer in jama'ah specifically should motivate members of the jama'ah to care for the jama'ah as they care for themselves.
"Those who perform ostentatious prayer (prayer for show) yet refuse and refrain from helping others" 107:5-7
Prayer for show is bereft of sincerity and is merely a prayer of soulless display and hypocrisy which is done in order that people may think of the worshipper as being pious and religious. Such display their pray-fullness and their would-be piety to the public. Once again, we find the Holy Qur'an presents the fundamental nature and spirit of prayer. Any semblance of servitude which is intended for show and not devoted to God; that kind prayer that has not affected their hearts, their behavior and thus not motivated them to selfless service for the benefit of those they are able to assist; to such hypocrites God says; "fa waylul lilmusallin" (woe to such worshippers).
In connection with such hypocrisy there are statements of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus, Peace be Upon Him) which are quoted in the Book of Matthew verse 6, where he is reported to have said, "Beware of practicing your piety before people in order to be seen by them. When you give alms sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the places of worship and in the streets, so that they may be praised by the people. Truly I say to you they have already received their awards (the accolades of the people for whom they are showing off). But when you give charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing; and when you pray you must not be like hypocrites for they love to stand and pray in places of worship and in public so that people may see them." Further on in Matthew, Nabi 'Isa (Peace be Upon Him) said: "Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Who devour widows' houses and for pretense you make long prayers wherefore you will receive great condemnation. Shame on you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup but inside you are full of filth. Shame on you scribe and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like a white- washed tomb, which outwardly appears beautiful, but within they are full of dead man's bones and all un-cleanliness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to people but inside you are full of hypocrisy and injustice." (Matthew, verse 23)
It would be appropriate here to reflect upon the famous hadith of the holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) "Actions will be judged and evaluated according to the intention that motivates the action. And each person will be rewarded according to his or her intention." The chapter concludes with the word al-ma'un which is also the title of the chapter. Al-ma'un refers to the necessities of life, articles of common use; can refer to zakah, acts of kindness, good deeds or helping others in general. In its wider sense it denotes aid and assistance in any difficulty. Al-ma'un is explained by Imam Bukhair (R.A) as meaning al-ma'ruf kulluhu (that is every good, or kind of charitable deed). And Ikrama (according to Bukhari), considers the highest form of ma'un to be zakah and the lowest form to be assisting others with basic useful things; thus, according to Bukhari, al-ma'un includes all acts of kindness or assistance offered to all human beings. In the last two verses of this chapter, two major issues are brought to our attention:
One is hypocrisy, where prayer is done for show and not performed sincerely;
Secondly, refusal to supply basic assistance to the needy.
This indicates that whatever is for God the insincere ones do and perform to show people, and whatever is for the benefit of people they refuse to fulfill. Here we call to mind the words of our master Muhammad (pbuh) who is reported to have said: "God is at the assistance of a person as long as that person is of assistance to his fellow human beings." Serve the Creator and Creation this chapter gives expression to the prominence, which Islam gives to helping the needy and uplifting the poor. Anyone who pays no attention to this is spoken of as one who has belied the Religion and undermined the Judgment.
Prayer to God and help to the poor are repeatedly spoken of in the Holy Qur'an as foundations of Islam. But we are told, in this chapter, that even prayer is mere show and hollow if it does not generate feelings of love, sympathy and fellow- feeling. Islam is not a way of life built on ostentation and superficiality. Different aspects of Islamic acts of worship are meaningless if they are purely mechanical, unless motivated by sincerity, commitment and devotion. Sincere worship produces effects within the individual's heart, which should cause him to act righteously, fairly, justly and in a balanced way. This will be reflected in his social behavior.
The essence of Faith, if firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of people, must immediately operate behaviorally through the person and manifest itself in the person's attitude, expression and actions. The chapter stresses that if that is not the case, then where is the faith, truly speaking. The qualities of despising orphans, refusing to feed the hungry or assist the needy, being heedless of the prescribed prayer, showing off, hypocrisy and not being co-operative with the people; illustrates miserliness, conceit and such persons have neither connection with the people nor true association with the Creator.
The holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "Surely the selfish person is far from God, far from people, far from the paradise, close to the Fire; but the charitable, helpful person is close to God, loved by people, close to the paradise and far form the Fire." From this thought-provoking chapter, we gather the intent behind what God demands of us when He instructs us to believe in and worship Him. God is free of all wants and thus seeks no benefit for Himself, but He cares for the welfare and prosperity, the purification and happiness of His creation. The Creator wishes human life to be elevated, happy, based on pure motives and characterized by mutual compassion, brotherhood, purity of heart, clean conscience, unwavering commitment and beneficial behavior.
Sa'dullah Khan is the Director of Islamic Center of Irvine. He has presented lectures on Islamic Civilization at California State University at Dominguez Hills. He is a frequent lecturer for the Academy of Judaic, Christian and Islamic Studies at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). He is also an advisor to the Chancellor's Committee on Religion Ethics and Values at UCLA and serves as Director of Muslim Affairs at USC (University of Southern California).
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
7:146 I shall turn away from My revelations
By: Maged Taman
7:146 I shall turn away from My revelations those who magnify themselves wrongfully in the earth, and if they see each token believe it not, and if they see the way of righteousness choose it not for (their) way, and if they see the way of error choose it for (their) way. That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them.
سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ آيَاتِيَ الَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِي الأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَإِن يَرَوْاْ كُلَّ آيَةٍ لاَّ يُؤْمِنُواْ بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوْاْ سَبِيلَ الرُّشْدِ لاَ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلاً وَإِن يَرَوْاْ سَبِيلَ الْغَيِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلاً ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا وَكَانُواْ عَنْهَا غَافِلِينَ (7:146)
God mention in this verse that he will turn away form his signs and revelations those who are:
1- magnify themselves wrongfully in the earth,
2- and if they see each token believe it not,
3- and if they see the way of righteousness choose it not for (their) way,
4- and if they see the way of error choose it for (their) way.
5- That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them
Compare those with the Muslims who submit to God:
1- They humble themselves.
2- They see the signs of God and believe in it as the creation, the inner desire to connect with God, good and evil....
3-They submit to the righteous way of God.
4- They avoid the way of errors and sins.
5- They submit to God 's revelations and regard them highly.
Though the process of belief require our intellect it depends in large part on our humility and hearts. Thus God guide those who are humble and sincere to believe and make their hearts open to Islam and those who are arrogant and close their hearts God harden their hearts more.
7:146 I shall turn away from My revelations those who magnify themselves wrongfully in the earth, and if they see each token believe it not, and if they see the way of righteousness choose it not for (their) way, and if they see the way of error choose it for (their) way. That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them.
سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ آيَاتِيَ الَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِي الأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَإِن يَرَوْاْ كُلَّ آيَةٍ لاَّ يُؤْمِنُواْ بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوْاْ سَبِيلَ الرُّشْدِ لاَ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلاً وَإِن يَرَوْاْ سَبِيلَ الْغَيِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلاً ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُواْ بِآيَاتِنَا وَكَانُواْ عَنْهَا غَافِلِينَ (7:146)
God mention in this verse that he will turn away form his signs and revelations those who are:
1- magnify themselves wrongfully in the earth,
2- and if they see each token believe it not,
3- and if they see the way of righteousness choose it not for (their) way,
4- and if they see the way of error choose it for (their) way.
5- That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them
Compare those with the Muslims who submit to God:
1- They humble themselves.
2- They see the signs of God and believe in it as the creation, the inner desire to connect with God, good and evil....
3-They submit to the righteous way of God.
4- They avoid the way of errors and sins.
5- They submit to God 's revelations and regard them highly.
Though the process of belief require our intellect it depends in large part on our humility and hearts. Thus God guide those who are humble and sincere to believe and make their hearts open to Islam and those who are arrogant and close their hearts God harden their hearts more.
39:22 Is he whose bosom Allah hath expanded for the surrender (unto Him), so that he followeth a light from His Lord, (as he who disbelieveth)? Then woe unto those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah. Such are in plain error. أَفَمَن شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ فَهُوَ عَلَى نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَاسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِكَ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ (39:22)
Bush praises McCain as 'the man we need'
From: www.cnn.com
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush told the Republican National Convention on Tuesday that presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain "ready to lead," saying he's been prepared for the presidency by a lifetime of service.
President Bush says John McCain is "ready to lead" the United States.
"We live in a dangerous world," Bush said. "And we need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen and not wait to be hit again.
"The man we need is John McCain."
Bush was originally slated to speak on the opening night of the convention. But he was forced to cancel as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf Coast. He spent much of Monday visiting hurricane response centers in Texas.
He made the comments live via remote from the White House shortly before 10 p.m.
Before Gustav roared into the gulf, Republicans had wrestled with how to incorporate Bush into a convention in which McCain is expected to try to distance himself from the president, whose approval ratings are hovering around 30 percent.
After deflecting several reporter's questions, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said it was a "mutual decision" that Bush would address the convention remotely instead of appearing in person.
Don't Miss
Weather-delayed convention ramps up
TIME.com: McCain keeps Bush at a safe distance
Transcript of Bush's speech
Election Center 2008
She called speculation that the convention was trying to lower his profile "psycho-babble," and said Bush wanted to remain available should the aftermath of Gustav prove more troubling than expected.
"It takes a lot of logistical effort to move a president anywhere," she said. "And thankfully, there's technology that exists today that President Bush can give a satellite address that will be live for the people in the hall."
In his speech Bush sought to reinforce the McCain campaign's theme that the Arizona senator is a maverick who has been willing to buck his own party's leadership.
"John is an independent man who thinks for himself," Bush said. "He's not afraid to tell you when he disagrees. ... No matter what the issue, this man is honest and speaks straight from the heart."
In the remarks, Bush touted McCain's support of the troop "surge" in Iraq, which backers now credit for improvements in security there.
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama's campaign wasted no time using Bush's comments to once again tie McCain to the unpopular president -- as it has attempted to do throughout this election season. They commented on excerpts released before the speech.
"Tonight, George Bush enthusiastically passed the torch to the man who's earned it by voting with him 90 percent of the time, and who will continue this president's legacy for the next four years -- his disastrous economic policies, his foreign policy that hasn't made us safer, and his misguided war in Iraq that's costing us $10 billion a month," said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.
"The man George Bush needs may be John McCain, but the change America needs is Barack Obama."
Bush also said he's thankful that damage from Hurricane Gustav was less than many had feared and credited the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas for their work coordinating with federal officials while preparing for the storm.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush told the Republican National Convention on Tuesday that presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain "ready to lead," saying he's been prepared for the presidency by a lifetime of service.
President Bush says John McCain is "ready to lead" the United States.
"We live in a dangerous world," Bush said. "And we need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen and not wait to be hit again.
"The man we need is John McCain."
Bush was originally slated to speak on the opening night of the convention. But he was forced to cancel as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the Gulf Coast. He spent much of Monday visiting hurricane response centers in Texas.
He made the comments live via remote from the White House shortly before 10 p.m.
Before Gustav roared into the gulf, Republicans had wrestled with how to incorporate Bush into a convention in which McCain is expected to try to distance himself from the president, whose approval ratings are hovering around 30 percent.
After deflecting several reporter's questions, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said it was a "mutual decision" that Bush would address the convention remotely instead of appearing in person.
Don't Miss
Weather-delayed convention ramps up
TIME.com: McCain keeps Bush at a safe distance
Transcript of Bush's speech
Election Center 2008
She called speculation that the convention was trying to lower his profile "psycho-babble," and said Bush wanted to remain available should the aftermath of Gustav prove more troubling than expected.
"It takes a lot of logistical effort to move a president anywhere," she said. "And thankfully, there's technology that exists today that President Bush can give a satellite address that will be live for the people in the hall."
In his speech Bush sought to reinforce the McCain campaign's theme that the Arizona senator is a maverick who has been willing to buck his own party's leadership.
"John is an independent man who thinks for himself," Bush said. "He's not afraid to tell you when he disagrees. ... No matter what the issue, this man is honest and speaks straight from the heart."
In the remarks, Bush touted McCain's support of the troop "surge" in Iraq, which backers now credit for improvements in security there.
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama's campaign wasted no time using Bush's comments to once again tie McCain to the unpopular president -- as it has attempted to do throughout this election season. They commented on excerpts released before the speech.
"Tonight, George Bush enthusiastically passed the torch to the man who's earned it by voting with him 90 percent of the time, and who will continue this president's legacy for the next four years -- his disastrous economic policies, his foreign policy that hasn't made us safer, and his misguided war in Iraq that's costing us $10 billion a month," said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.
"The man George Bush needs may be John McCain, but the change America needs is Barack Obama."
Bush also said he's thankful that damage from Hurricane Gustav was less than many had feared and credited the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas for their work coordinating with federal officials while preparing for the storm.
Can We See God?
From: http://www.islamreligion.com/
By IslamReligion.com
The human mind is a true marvel, but in certain areas it is limited. God is different from anything the human mind can think of or imagine, so the mind will become confused if it tries to picture God. Nevertheless, it is possible to understand the attributes of God that do not require one to make any mental pictures of Him. For example, one of God’s names is al-Ghaffar, which means He forgives all sins. Everyone can understand this easily because that is how the human mind can think of God. Jewish and Christian teachings on God are confused partly because of incorrect understanding of this issue. The Jewish Torah teaches God is like man,
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…so God made man in His own image.’” (Genesis 1:26-27)
Moreover, certain churches contain statues or images of an old white bearded man depicting God. Some of these were produced by the likes of Michelangelo who depicted the Face and Hand of a god – a tough looking old man - in paintings.
Rendering images of God in Islam is an impossibility, and amounts to disbelief, as God tells us in the Quran that nothing resembles Him:
“There is nothing like Him, but He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” (Quran 42:11)
“There is nothing comparable to Him.” (Quran 112:4)
The Request of Moses to See God
Eyes can not bear the vision of God. He tells us in the Quran:
“Vision cannot grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision.” (Quran 6:103)
Moses, to whom God spoke and gave great miracles, was chosen by God to be His Prophet. It is said that he thought that, since God used to speak to him, he might be able to actually see God. The story is in the Quran, where God tells us what happened:
“And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me (Yourself) that I may look at You.’ (God) said, ‘You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.’ But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, ‘Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.’” (Quran 7:143)
God made it clear that no-one, including the great prophet Moses, can bear the sight of the divine, for God is too great to be grasped by human eyes in this life. According to the Quran, Moses realized his request was in error; therefore, he sought forgiveness from God for having asked.
Did Prophet Muhammad See God In This Life?
Prophet Muhammad traveled in a miraculous journey through the heavens and met God. People thought that since Prophet Muhammad spoke to God in that journey, he probably saw God too. One of the companions, Abu Dahrr, asked him about it. The Prophet replied:
“There was only light, how could I see Him?” (Saheeh Muslim)
What was the light he saw? The Prophet explained:
“Surely, God does not sleep nor is it befitting for Him to sleep. He is the one who lowers the scales and raises them. The deeds of the night go up to Him before the deeds of the day and those of the day before those of the night, and His veil is light.” (Saheeh Muslim)
Visions of God in Spiritual Experiences
Some people, including some who claim to be Muslims, report spiritual experiences where they claim to have seen God. Common reported experiences also include seeing light, or a magnificent being seated on a throne. In the case of Muslims, such an experience is usually accompanied by dropping basic Islamic practices like salah and fasting, under the mistaken opinion that such practices are only for common people who had not had their type of experience.
So what does Islam teach about this? Islam teaches us that it is Satan who pretends to be God to deceive ignorant people who believe in such experiences and go astray. One of the fundamental foundations of Islam is that the law revealed to Prophet Muhammad cannot be changed or canceled. God neither makes lawful for some what He has made unlawful for others, nor does He communicate His Law through such experiences to people. Rather, divine law is revealed through the proper channel of revelation to the prophets, a channel that was closed after the advent of the prophet Muhammad, the last of God’s prophets.
Seeing God in Afterlife
In Islamic doctrine, God cannot be seen in this life, but the believers will see God in the next life; even then, God will not be grasped in totality. This is stated clearly in the Quran and the Sunnah. The Prophet said,
“The Day Of Resurrection is the first day any eye will look at God, the Mighty and Exalted.”[1]
Describing the events of Resurrection Day, God states in the Quran:
“On that day some faces will be bright, looking at their Lord.” (Quran 75:22-23)
The Prophet was asked if we will see God on the Day of resurrection. He replied, “Are you harmed by looking at the moon when it is full?”[2] ‘No,’ they replied. Then he said, “Surely, you will see Him likewise.” In another hadith the Prophet said, “Surely, each of you will see God on the day when you shall meet Him, and there will be no veil or translator between Him and you.”[3] Seeing God will be a favor that is additional to Paradise on the people who will dwell therein. As a matter of fact, the joy of seeing God for a believer will be greater than the all the joys of Paradise combined together. The unbelievers, on the other hand, will be deprived of seeing God, and this will be greater punishment for them than all the pain and suffering of Hell combined together.
Footnotes:
[1] Darqutni, Darimi
[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[3] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZrArWuzauk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI0MR1YMx0U&feature=related
By IslamReligion.com
The human mind is a true marvel, but in certain areas it is limited. God is different from anything the human mind can think of or imagine, so the mind will become confused if it tries to picture God. Nevertheless, it is possible to understand the attributes of God that do not require one to make any mental pictures of Him. For example, one of God’s names is al-Ghaffar, which means He forgives all sins. Everyone can understand this easily because that is how the human mind can think of God. Jewish and Christian teachings on God are confused partly because of incorrect understanding of this issue. The Jewish Torah teaches God is like man,
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…so God made man in His own image.’” (Genesis 1:26-27)
Moreover, certain churches contain statues or images of an old white bearded man depicting God. Some of these were produced by the likes of Michelangelo who depicted the Face and Hand of a god – a tough looking old man - in paintings.
Rendering images of God in Islam is an impossibility, and amounts to disbelief, as God tells us in the Quran that nothing resembles Him:
“There is nothing like Him, but He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” (Quran 42:11)
“There is nothing comparable to Him.” (Quran 112:4)
The Request of Moses to See God
Eyes can not bear the vision of God. He tells us in the Quran:
“Vision cannot grasp Him, but His Grasp is over all vision.” (Quran 6:103)
Moses, to whom God spoke and gave great miracles, was chosen by God to be His Prophet. It is said that he thought that, since God used to speak to him, he might be able to actually see God. The story is in the Quran, where God tells us what happened:
“And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘My Lord, show me (Yourself) that I may look at You.’ (God) said, ‘You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.’ But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, ‘Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.’” (Quran 7:143)
God made it clear that no-one, including the great prophet Moses, can bear the sight of the divine, for God is too great to be grasped by human eyes in this life. According to the Quran, Moses realized his request was in error; therefore, he sought forgiveness from God for having asked.
Did Prophet Muhammad See God In This Life?
Prophet Muhammad traveled in a miraculous journey through the heavens and met God. People thought that since Prophet Muhammad spoke to God in that journey, he probably saw God too. One of the companions, Abu Dahrr, asked him about it. The Prophet replied:
“There was only light, how could I see Him?” (Saheeh Muslim)
What was the light he saw? The Prophet explained:
“Surely, God does not sleep nor is it befitting for Him to sleep. He is the one who lowers the scales and raises them. The deeds of the night go up to Him before the deeds of the day and those of the day before those of the night, and His veil is light.” (Saheeh Muslim)
Visions of God in Spiritual Experiences
Some people, including some who claim to be Muslims, report spiritual experiences where they claim to have seen God. Common reported experiences also include seeing light, or a magnificent being seated on a throne. In the case of Muslims, such an experience is usually accompanied by dropping basic Islamic practices like salah and fasting, under the mistaken opinion that such practices are only for common people who had not had their type of experience.
So what does Islam teach about this? Islam teaches us that it is Satan who pretends to be God to deceive ignorant people who believe in such experiences and go astray. One of the fundamental foundations of Islam is that the law revealed to Prophet Muhammad cannot be changed or canceled. God neither makes lawful for some what He has made unlawful for others, nor does He communicate His Law through such experiences to people. Rather, divine law is revealed through the proper channel of revelation to the prophets, a channel that was closed after the advent of the prophet Muhammad, the last of God’s prophets.
Seeing God in Afterlife
In Islamic doctrine, God cannot be seen in this life, but the believers will see God in the next life; even then, God will not be grasped in totality. This is stated clearly in the Quran and the Sunnah. The Prophet said,
“The Day Of Resurrection is the first day any eye will look at God, the Mighty and Exalted.”[1]
Describing the events of Resurrection Day, God states in the Quran:
“On that day some faces will be bright, looking at their Lord.” (Quran 75:22-23)
The Prophet was asked if we will see God on the Day of resurrection. He replied, “Are you harmed by looking at the moon when it is full?”[2] ‘No,’ they replied. Then he said, “Surely, you will see Him likewise.” In another hadith the Prophet said, “Surely, each of you will see God on the day when you shall meet Him, and there will be no veil or translator between Him and you.”[3] Seeing God will be a favor that is additional to Paradise on the people who will dwell therein. As a matter of fact, the joy of seeing God for a believer will be greater than the all the joys of Paradise combined together. The unbelievers, on the other hand, will be deprived of seeing God, and this will be greater punishment for them than all the pain and suffering of Hell combined together.
Footnotes:
[1] Darqutni, Darimi
[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[3] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZrArWuzauk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI0MR1YMx0U&feature=related
Monday, September 01, 2008
CRITICAL MASS
From: www.newsweek.com
CRITICAL MASS
Eye of the Storm
A closer look at the GOP's akilter convention debut.
A Quiet Start
The launch of the GOP convention was muted by concern for those in the path of Hurricane Gustav
By Jeremy McCarter Newsweek Web Exclusive
The Democrats couldn't have had a much more exuberant week last week: historic barriers broken, historic torches passed, historic numbers of Kleenex used for historic happy tears. Though it won't be easy for the Republicans to match that kind of epochal spectacle at their convention this week, they still have a shot at groundbreaking drama, thanks largely to the vice-presidential nomination of Sarah Palin, the rootin'est, tootin'est, unvetted'est first-term governor in these United States. But not on Monday. With Hurricane Gustav roaring ashore along the Gulf Coast, the Republicans pieced together a shortened opening program. And with all notions of Change and of Reform left on hold until Tuesday, the Republicans looked and sounded, for one more afternoon, like the party we've long come to know.
The short program at the Xcel Center in Minneapolis had the charm (or, depending on your view, the stagnation) of old certainties. Even as convention chair Mike Duncan explained how to use cellphone technology to make a donation to victims of the hurricane, the afternoon offered lots of God (in his soft drawl, Duncan offered his hope that the delegates would be generous "with both your prayers and your pocketbooks"), lots of the flag (splayed across the enormous screen that dominates the stage and on many a lapel), and lots of white people. (At 93 percent, the delegate pool isn't quite Vermont white, but must be at least as white as the crowds that queue up to see Pat Boone, longtime bearer of the party standard.)
Even on a day spent largely on procedural matters, there was still anthropology to be had. Congressman Kevin McCarthy—handsome and amiable, Romney without the gel—introduced the party's platform as "one grounded in enduring Republican principles." As he expounded on those principles, he used a vocabulary that made very clear that we're not in Denver anymore: "a firm belief that the American way of life is worth defending," "a dedication to the rule of law that protects and preserves liberty," "a belief in a positive optimistic patriotism driven by an uncompromising passion for freedom and justice." It's worth noting that the only Democrat who seemed especially comfortable using this rhetoric last week was that America-hating me-firster,
McCarthy also pointed out that Republicans don't think that Washington has all the answers, unlike "some people"–-a phrase that in the original draft must have read "Barack Obama and Joe Biden." For in addition to not being a festive day--there was no music in the program--it was also not a partisan day. The only slip came during a testimonial video from the governors of Gulf Coast states about their hurricane preparations. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was filmed (as he put it) "standing outside of a beautiful C-130 aircraft," explained that "you're seeing Republican governors in Republican states doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do." Back luck, Oklahomans: The remnants of Gustav are headed your way, with only Democrat Brad Henry to protect you.
The video was introduced by Laura Bush, who got the longest, loudest ovation of the afternoon. (Small anthropological aside: references to Sarah Palin tended to get longer, louder applause from the delegates than references to John McCain.) Behind the podium, she seems to embody the small-town virtues that conservatism declares itself intent on preserving -- calmness, kindness, decency -- no matter what dirty things Curtis Sittenfeld imagines about her in her new novel. In fact, if you listen closely, you'll hear that even after seven-plus years as First Lady, she still sometimes lets out a nervous little laugh after an applause line. She seems so effortless a vessel of what Obama in his first book calls "needlepoint virtues" that she only needed a pillbox hat to make this seem like archival footage of the 1972 convention, or the 1956 one.
A brief closing appearance by Cindy McCain pointed the way towards the rest of the convention and beyond. Having navigated a difficult day with ease, the convention gets down to its real business tomorrow: returning the fire that Obama sent in his speech last week, reveling in the energy that Palin has brought to the proceedings, basking in McCain doing what few do better than he does--using the traditional language of patriotism and the example of his own service to motivate the party. As the delegates filed out, C-SPAN--blessings upon you once again, most faithful of all television channels--offered a fleeting montage of the party he'll inherit and begin to lead. All in all, they're a more tidily dressed crowd than the Democrats. Men in business attire, women in pearls. The Texas delegation in matching blue shirts and Stetsons. An Abe Lincoln look-alike. A man in an Uncle Sam hat sporting a Goldwater button. A lady in a straw hat with an "English is America's language" pin. Miss Texas herself, swathed in patriotic bunting. And there, in the red sportcoat, could it be? It could: Pat Boone himself.
CRITICAL MASS
Eye of the Storm
A closer look at the GOP's akilter convention debut.
A Quiet Start
The launch of the GOP convention was muted by concern for those in the path of Hurricane Gustav
By Jeremy McCarter Newsweek Web Exclusive
The Democrats couldn't have had a much more exuberant week last week: historic barriers broken, historic torches passed, historic numbers of Kleenex used for historic happy tears. Though it won't be easy for the Republicans to match that kind of epochal spectacle at their convention this week, they still have a shot at groundbreaking drama, thanks largely to the vice-presidential nomination of Sarah Palin, the rootin'est, tootin'est, unvetted'est first-term governor in these United States. But not on Monday. With Hurricane Gustav roaring ashore along the Gulf Coast, the Republicans pieced together a shortened opening program. And with all notions of Change and of Reform left on hold until Tuesday, the Republicans looked and sounded, for one more afternoon, like the party we've long come to know.
The short program at the Xcel Center in Minneapolis had the charm (or, depending on your view, the stagnation) of old certainties. Even as convention chair Mike Duncan explained how to use cellphone technology to make a donation to victims of the hurricane, the afternoon offered lots of God (in his soft drawl, Duncan offered his hope that the delegates would be generous "with both your prayers and your pocketbooks"), lots of the flag (splayed across the enormous screen that dominates the stage and on many a lapel), and lots of white people. (At 93 percent, the delegate pool isn't quite Vermont white, but must be at least as white as the crowds that queue up to see Pat Boone, longtime bearer of the party standard.)
Even on a day spent largely on procedural matters, there was still anthropology to be had. Congressman Kevin McCarthy—handsome and amiable, Romney without the gel—introduced the party's platform as "one grounded in enduring Republican principles." As he expounded on those principles, he used a vocabulary that made very clear that we're not in Denver anymore: "a firm belief that the American way of life is worth defending," "a dedication to the rule of law that protects and preserves liberty," "a belief in a positive optimistic patriotism driven by an uncompromising passion for freedom and justice." It's worth noting that the only Democrat who seemed especially comfortable using this rhetoric last week was that America-hating me-firster,
McCarthy also pointed out that Republicans don't think that Washington has all the answers, unlike "some people"–-a phrase that in the original draft must have read "Barack Obama and Joe Biden." For in addition to not being a festive day--there was no music in the program--it was also not a partisan day. The only slip came during a testimonial video from the governors of Gulf Coast states about their hurricane preparations. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who was filmed (as he put it) "standing outside of a beautiful C-130 aircraft," explained that "you're seeing Republican governors in Republican states doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do." Back luck, Oklahomans: The remnants of Gustav are headed your way, with only Democrat Brad Henry to protect you.
The video was introduced by Laura Bush, who got the longest, loudest ovation of the afternoon. (Small anthropological aside: references to Sarah Palin tended to get longer, louder applause from the delegates than references to John McCain.) Behind the podium, she seems to embody the small-town virtues that conservatism declares itself intent on preserving -- calmness, kindness, decency -- no matter what dirty things Curtis Sittenfeld imagines about her in her new novel. In fact, if you listen closely, you'll hear that even after seven-plus years as First Lady, she still sometimes lets out a nervous little laugh after an applause line. She seems so effortless a vessel of what Obama in his first book calls "needlepoint virtues" that she only needed a pillbox hat to make this seem like archival footage of the 1972 convention, or the 1956 one.
A brief closing appearance by Cindy McCain pointed the way towards the rest of the convention and beyond. Having navigated a difficult day with ease, the convention gets down to its real business tomorrow: returning the fire that Obama sent in his speech last week, reveling in the energy that Palin has brought to the proceedings, basking in McCain doing what few do better than he does--using the traditional language of patriotism and the example of his own service to motivate the party. As the delegates filed out, C-SPAN--blessings upon you once again, most faithful of all television channels--offered a fleeting montage of the party he'll inherit and begin to lead. All in all, they're a more tidily dressed crowd than the Democrats. Men in business attire, women in pearls. The Texas delegation in matching blue shirts and Stetsons. An Abe Lincoln look-alike. A man in an Uncle Sam hat sporting a Goldwater button. A lady in a straw hat with an "English is America's language" pin. Miss Texas herself, swathed in patriotic bunting. And there, in the red sportcoat, could it be? It could: Pat Boone himself.
The Prophet in Ramadan
From: www.islamreligion.com
By Prof. Shahul Hameed
It was Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, who made us raise our eyes from the dust beneath to view the glory of the starry heavens above. It was Muhammad who led us from the depths of darkness to the grandeur of the light of God.
The Prophet was the one who led us to break our stone statues and wooden gods. It was Muhammad who lifted us out of the filth of idolatry to relish the serenity of God’s transcendence.
On the Night of Power in one Ramadan, the Quran descended on Muhammad, and he received its first verses in the Cave of Hira. (Ibn Abbas)
Thereafter the Prophet taught us how to celebrate Ramadan through days of fasting and nights of prayer: to honor each day of Ramadan as a day of patient endurance through fasting, and each night as a night of gratitude through prayers.
An Unexpected Transformation
It was nothing short of miraculous how the Prophet reformed and refined those unruly tribes of Arabia and transformed them into pious, disciplined, God-fearing ascetics, who stood in prayers in the mosque five times a day seeking the guidance of God.
And imagine: these same people who once reveled in the pleasures of “wine and women” could now spend the whole month of Ramadan in fasting and prayers.
Into the hearts of his followers, the Prophet instilled the love and fear of God and love for humanity. His example was inspiring and irresistible; and each of them became eager to be his closest follower.
To them he was the sincerest and the most cordial of leaders. And his life was open before them like a book; they could see him practicing most closely in his own life what he was preaching.
Letting the Spirit Reign Supreme
The Prophet demonstrated to his people how this world is less important than the next, and how the body is less important than the soul. In fasting, the Prophet taught them step by step how to ignore the physical demands so that the spirit reigns supreme.
Abandoning food, drink, and sex was only a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: of conquering avidity and cupidity, lust and licentiousness; of liberating one’s mind from flights of passion and fits of temper. Indeed the Prophet said:
“The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Also about the effect of fasting on one’s behaviour, the Prophet said, “Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: ‘I am fasting. I am fasting’.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The core of fasting according to the Prophet was one’s willingness not merely to give up self-indulgence, but to feel the need of one’s brother as one’s own. And no one was more kind-hearted and generous than the Messenger of God; and his generosity reached its peak in Ramadan. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet stressed on the importance of treating people nicely when he said:
“Make things easy for people and do not make them difficult, and cheer people up and do not drive them away.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
He also said:
“The most beloved of actions to God Almighty, is making another Muslim happy, removing a hardship that has befallen him, paying off a debt of his or ridding him of hunger. It is more beloved to me indeed that I walk with my Muslim brother to see to a need of his than secluding oneself in a mosque for a month…” (Tabarani)
The heart of one who sincerely fasts is open to the contemplation of the magnificence of the countless bounties of God. That is why the Prophet asked his followers to avoid gluttony:
“The food of two people is enough for three, and the food of three people is enough for four.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Gentleness in Hardship
God is All-Merciful and He has expressed His Mercy to us His creatures through the sending of His final messenger Muhammad as an embodiment of mercy. The Prophet said:
“Have mercy to those on earth so that He Who is in Heaven will have mercy on you.” (Tirmidhi)
“The believer is not the one who eats his fill when the neighbor beside him is hungry.” (Bayhaqi)
So it was not surprising that the Prophet’s Companions loved him dearly, as he was the kindest of men, bestowing his mercy not only upon humans but also on other creatures of the world as well.
No leader could be more considerate and solicitous of his followers than Muhammad: he never allowed any Muslim to bear any burden more than they could bear, as taught by God Himself.
For he was well aware of the infirmities of people; and this is evident from his consideration for his followers in the matter of fasting: He taught Muslims to delay the sahur (the pre-dawn meal before fasting) till a little before Dawn Prayer and not to delay the iftar (the meal to break the fast) after the call to Sunset Prayer so that no unnecessary strain is laid on the fasting person by prolonging the fast time.
During travel in Ramadan, the Prophet would either fast or break his fast; and he allowed his companions to choose between the two, according to their ability.
It is noteworthy that the Prophet did not specify a particular distance in travel as a minimum limit for a person to break the fast. His Companions sometimes broke the fast immediately after leaving home, because this was the example set by the Prophet himself.
Similarly during times of heat or thirst they were permitted to cool themselves by pouring water on the head, and the Prophet himself did so.
His example in the matter of consorting with his wives during Ramadan was not different; he disallowed only such acts that would obviously undermine the fasting.
As for the Tarawih Prayers (the supererogatory night prayers performed in Ramadan), it is recorded that the Prophet began praying them in congregation and then he stopped, fearing that such prayers would become obligatory if he continued to pray them in congregation.
Thus while he demonstrated through his example that the Tarawih Prayers are better offered in congregation, he allowed leniency in the matter out of his mercy.
Seclusion: Refreshing the Soul
The highest point of Ramadan for Muslims is seeking the Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) during the last ten days. One act of worship the Prophet emphasized particularly during this time is itikaf, which is a spiritual retreat in which one confines oneself to a mosque to spend one’s time entirely to the worship and remembrance of God.
In these modern days when people hanker after indulgence in ephemeral pleasures, one needs to return to the seclusion of the house of prayer from time to time; which is essential for one’s spiritual rejuvenation and the return to one’s Creator.
Thus the beloved Prophet has taught us how to use Ramadan as a month for disciplining our intransigent passions, for renouncing our desires for self gratification and for practicing patient endurance in the face of hardships.
The Prophet exhorted us that during Ramadan most especially it is our duty to support and uplift our less fortunate fellow humans.
Above all, Ramadan is a month of contemplating the Grace and Bounty of God Almighty, of returning to our Guardian Lord in repentance, of sincerely seeking His forgiveness.
By Prof. Shahul Hameed
It was Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, who made us raise our eyes from the dust beneath to view the glory of the starry heavens above. It was Muhammad who led us from the depths of darkness to the grandeur of the light of God.
The Prophet was the one who led us to break our stone statues and wooden gods. It was Muhammad who lifted us out of the filth of idolatry to relish the serenity of God’s transcendence.
On the Night of Power in one Ramadan, the Quran descended on Muhammad, and he received its first verses in the Cave of Hira. (Ibn Abbas)
Thereafter the Prophet taught us how to celebrate Ramadan through days of fasting and nights of prayer: to honor each day of Ramadan as a day of patient endurance through fasting, and each night as a night of gratitude through prayers.
An Unexpected Transformation
It was nothing short of miraculous how the Prophet reformed and refined those unruly tribes of Arabia and transformed them into pious, disciplined, God-fearing ascetics, who stood in prayers in the mosque five times a day seeking the guidance of God.
And imagine: these same people who once reveled in the pleasures of “wine and women” could now spend the whole month of Ramadan in fasting and prayers.
Into the hearts of his followers, the Prophet instilled the love and fear of God and love for humanity. His example was inspiring and irresistible; and each of them became eager to be his closest follower.
To them he was the sincerest and the most cordial of leaders. And his life was open before them like a book; they could see him practicing most closely in his own life what he was preaching.
Letting the Spirit Reign Supreme
The Prophet demonstrated to his people how this world is less important than the next, and how the body is less important than the soul. In fasting, the Prophet taught them step by step how to ignore the physical demands so that the spirit reigns supreme.
Abandoning food, drink, and sex was only a prelude to the next stage of greater significance: of conquering avidity and cupidity, lust and licentiousness; of liberating one’s mind from flights of passion and fits of temper. Indeed the Prophet said:
“The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Also about the effect of fasting on one’s behaviour, the Prophet said, “Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: ‘I am fasting. I am fasting’.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The core of fasting according to the Prophet was one’s willingness not merely to give up self-indulgence, but to feel the need of one’s brother as one’s own. And no one was more kind-hearted and generous than the Messenger of God; and his generosity reached its peak in Ramadan. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet stressed on the importance of treating people nicely when he said:
“Make things easy for people and do not make them difficult, and cheer people up and do not drive them away.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
He also said:
“The most beloved of actions to God Almighty, is making another Muslim happy, removing a hardship that has befallen him, paying off a debt of his or ridding him of hunger. It is more beloved to me indeed that I walk with my Muslim brother to see to a need of his than secluding oneself in a mosque for a month…” (Tabarani)
The heart of one who sincerely fasts is open to the contemplation of the magnificence of the countless bounties of God. That is why the Prophet asked his followers to avoid gluttony:
“The food of two people is enough for three, and the food of three people is enough for four.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
Gentleness in Hardship
God is All-Merciful and He has expressed His Mercy to us His creatures through the sending of His final messenger Muhammad as an embodiment of mercy. The Prophet said:
“Have mercy to those on earth so that He Who is in Heaven will have mercy on you.” (Tirmidhi)
“The believer is not the one who eats his fill when the neighbor beside him is hungry.” (Bayhaqi)
So it was not surprising that the Prophet’s Companions loved him dearly, as he was the kindest of men, bestowing his mercy not only upon humans but also on other creatures of the world as well.
No leader could be more considerate and solicitous of his followers than Muhammad: he never allowed any Muslim to bear any burden more than they could bear, as taught by God Himself.
For he was well aware of the infirmities of people; and this is evident from his consideration for his followers in the matter of fasting: He taught Muslims to delay the sahur (the pre-dawn meal before fasting) till a little before Dawn Prayer and not to delay the iftar (the meal to break the fast) after the call to Sunset Prayer so that no unnecessary strain is laid on the fasting person by prolonging the fast time.
During travel in Ramadan, the Prophet would either fast or break his fast; and he allowed his companions to choose between the two, according to their ability.
It is noteworthy that the Prophet did not specify a particular distance in travel as a minimum limit for a person to break the fast. His Companions sometimes broke the fast immediately after leaving home, because this was the example set by the Prophet himself.
Similarly during times of heat or thirst they were permitted to cool themselves by pouring water on the head, and the Prophet himself did so.
His example in the matter of consorting with his wives during Ramadan was not different; he disallowed only such acts that would obviously undermine the fasting.
As for the Tarawih Prayers (the supererogatory night prayers performed in Ramadan), it is recorded that the Prophet began praying them in congregation and then he stopped, fearing that such prayers would become obligatory if he continued to pray them in congregation.
Thus while he demonstrated through his example that the Tarawih Prayers are better offered in congregation, he allowed leniency in the matter out of his mercy.
Seclusion: Refreshing the Soul
The highest point of Ramadan for Muslims is seeking the Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power) during the last ten days. One act of worship the Prophet emphasized particularly during this time is itikaf, which is a spiritual retreat in which one confines oneself to a mosque to spend one’s time entirely to the worship and remembrance of God.
In these modern days when people hanker after indulgence in ephemeral pleasures, one needs to return to the seclusion of the house of prayer from time to time; which is essential for one’s spiritual rejuvenation and the return to one’s Creator.
Thus the beloved Prophet has taught us how to use Ramadan as a month for disciplining our intransigent passions, for renouncing our desires for self gratification and for practicing patient endurance in the face of hardships.
The Prophet exhorted us that during Ramadan most especially it is our duty to support and uplift our less fortunate fellow humans.
Above all, Ramadan is a month of contemplating the Grace and Bounty of God Almighty, of returning to our Guardian Lord in repentance, of sincerely seeking His forgiveness.
My Muslim Husband
From: www.islamreligion.com
By Sumayyah Meehan
It’s been 12 years since I married my Muslim husband and the road has truly been long and winding, but happy. At the time we got married I was Catholic and had no intention of converting to Islam.
My new husband was very understanding and only asked that I at least try to read an English translation of the Quran from time to time. I agreed. We soon moved to Kuwait as the U.S. economy was so weak at that time and it was impossible to earn a good living.
The minute I stepped off the plane I was thrust into a whole new world that was full of Islam, Muslims, cultural traditions and a whole new way of thinking. To say that I was shaken to my very core, in blind terror, is an understatement. All I wanted to do was to jump right back on that plane and fly away from this strange new World.
Yet through it all, my Muslim husband was by my side every step of the way. When I found that his mother’s cooking was too spicy, he made sure that other food choices were available, including American gourmet items like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
When I was homesick for my family in the US, he stayed up with me all night consoling me and offering to take me “home”. Through every happy moment, every illness and on the days when I was so sad I could barely summon a smile, my Muslim husband has been right there holding my hand.
My husband turned into my teacher as he taught me all about Islam, fasting and the Islamic prayer.
He is my best friend, confidant, and the father of my children. He equally shares in changing dirty diapers, spill patrol and nipping temper tantrums in the bud. Nothing fazes him, not even kids throwing up on his brand new shirt or his having to wash the dishes when I am too tired to move.
It’s unfortunate that Muslim husbands, especially, get such a bad rap in the Western media. Quite often Muslim husbands are portrayed as control freaks who force their wives to wear “Islamic garb”.
The reality is that both Muslim husbands and wives often choose to follow an Islamic code of dress because it is ordained in the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. It is not an issue of force or a war of wills.
God Almighty says in the Quran what means:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: That will make for greater purity for them: And God is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof.” (Quran 24:30)
For me, personally, I came to Kuwait wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans. I wore what I choose and neither my Muslim husband nor his Muslim family said anything to me.
However, my husband did continue to ask me to read the Quran. His gentle, and sometimes nagging, reminders paid off. I finally started reading the Quran and my hunger for more and more Islamic knowledge grew.
I searched and scoured until I found the truth I had always been looking for within the pages of the Quran. I made the decision to become a Muslim and I went shopping for my first hijab all by myself.
My husband turned into my teacher as he taught me all about Islam, fasting and the Islamic prayer. When I made mistakes or faltered, he did not scold me but increased his own efforts in teaching me everything properly.
His patience was remarkable as my own grew thin. I wanted to know a lot about Islam and it was just not something that happened overnight. But it did happen.
Islam has brought a sense of calm to my very being and a serene atmosphere to my home as well as my marriage. Since I became a Muslim I have noticed that I am less stressed or worried about the future.
I have a lot more patience and do not get as flustered as I used to with the little nuances of daily living. Through the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad I have learned what this life really is all about and strive every day to engage in good deeds that will open the door to the next World to come.
Sumayyah Meehan reverted to Islam almost 11 years ago. She is a Waynesburg College graduate with a BA in criminal justice. She is working on an Islamic children’s book. She resides in Kuwait with her husband and three children.
By Sumayyah Meehan
It’s been 12 years since I married my Muslim husband and the road has truly been long and winding, but happy. At the time we got married I was Catholic and had no intention of converting to Islam.
My new husband was very understanding and only asked that I at least try to read an English translation of the Quran from time to time. I agreed. We soon moved to Kuwait as the U.S. economy was so weak at that time and it was impossible to earn a good living.
The minute I stepped off the plane I was thrust into a whole new world that was full of Islam, Muslims, cultural traditions and a whole new way of thinking. To say that I was shaken to my very core, in blind terror, is an understatement. All I wanted to do was to jump right back on that plane and fly away from this strange new World.
Yet through it all, my Muslim husband was by my side every step of the way. When I found that his mother’s cooking was too spicy, he made sure that other food choices were available, including American gourmet items like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
When I was homesick for my family in the US, he stayed up with me all night consoling me and offering to take me “home”. Through every happy moment, every illness and on the days when I was so sad I could barely summon a smile, my Muslim husband has been right there holding my hand.
My husband turned into my teacher as he taught me all about Islam, fasting and the Islamic prayer.
He is my best friend, confidant, and the father of my children. He equally shares in changing dirty diapers, spill patrol and nipping temper tantrums in the bud. Nothing fazes him, not even kids throwing up on his brand new shirt or his having to wash the dishes when I am too tired to move.
It’s unfortunate that Muslim husbands, especially, get such a bad rap in the Western media. Quite often Muslim husbands are portrayed as control freaks who force their wives to wear “Islamic garb”.
The reality is that both Muslim husbands and wives often choose to follow an Islamic code of dress because it is ordained in the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. It is not an issue of force or a war of wills.
God Almighty says in the Quran what means:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: That will make for greater purity for them: And God is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof.” (Quran 24:30)
For me, personally, I came to Kuwait wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans. I wore what I choose and neither my Muslim husband nor his Muslim family said anything to me.
However, my husband did continue to ask me to read the Quran. His gentle, and sometimes nagging, reminders paid off. I finally started reading the Quran and my hunger for more and more Islamic knowledge grew.
I searched and scoured until I found the truth I had always been looking for within the pages of the Quran. I made the decision to become a Muslim and I went shopping for my first hijab all by myself.
My husband turned into my teacher as he taught me all about Islam, fasting and the Islamic prayer. When I made mistakes or faltered, he did not scold me but increased his own efforts in teaching me everything properly.
His patience was remarkable as my own grew thin. I wanted to know a lot about Islam and it was just not something that happened overnight. But it did happen.
Islam has brought a sense of calm to my very being and a serene atmosphere to my home as well as my marriage. Since I became a Muslim I have noticed that I am less stressed or worried about the future.
I have a lot more patience and do not get as flustered as I used to with the little nuances of daily living. Through the Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad I have learned what this life really is all about and strive every day to engage in good deeds that will open the door to the next World to come.
Sumayyah Meehan reverted to Islam almost 11 years ago. She is a Waynesburg College graduate with a BA in criminal justice. She is working on an Islamic children’s book. She resides in Kuwait with her husband and three children.
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