Muslim Sikh Friendship

Posted on 30. June, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

By Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

Sikhs and Muslims have much in common. Both believe in the One God (Ek Onkar) of many names, who Muslims call Allah and Sikhs call Waheguru. Both faiths teach us to love God and serve humanity.

While Sikhs and Muslims have much in common, due to unfortunate political events that occurred during the development of the Sikh religion, much distrust and suspicion still exists between Muslim and Sikh communities.

Sikhism began with the teachings of Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539). He was a very pious man, many Muslims and Hindus regard him as a great saint, as well as Sikhs. Even when he was only a child, he already showed great piety and charitable generosity, much to the displeasure of his own father, who was greatly concerned by this.

When Guru Nanak was only 15 years of age, his father gave him some coins, and asked Guru Nanak to make a good bargain. On the way to the market, Guru Nanak met a party of Muslim holy men (Fakirs). He thought to himself: “Let me feed these holy men. This is surely the most profitable bargain I can make”. Guru Nanak bought some food and fed them well. When he returned home, his Dad learned of this and was very much annoyed. He even slapped the young Guru on his face.

Guru Nanak kept the company of Muslims throughout his life. One of his closest friends was Bhai Mardana, a Muslim brother.

Although Muslims and Sikhs have differences in their beliefs, we have far more in common with each other than what differentiates us.

If we are true to God, ourselves and each other; if we are really following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or the ten Sikh Gurus (may God bless them), there wouldn’t be much difference between us.

Unfortunately many people of both faiths understand little of their own religion, let alone others. Neither Muslims or Sikhs should follow ignorant cultural stereotypes, neither Islam or Sikhism teach this. A true Sikh or Muslim is a person of deep integrity, consciousness of God, who loves his/her brothers and sisters in humanity irrespective of their faith.

“Realisation of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living” Guru Nanak

Rather than just referring to religious labels, we all could learn a great deal from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Let us reach out to each other in friendship and mutual understanding for the love of God who we share.

Facebook Group :  Muslim Sikh Friendship

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3 Keys To Happiness

Posted on 29. June, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

Here is just such a simple solution, presented in the form of three keys, that when remembered and practiced, keep us going in the right direction and while we walk the path, they also are the catalysts in bringing happiness.

Key 1 – Keep Your Heart Free From Hatred

When people, events and circumstances go against our wishes, desires or expectations, they create reactions of anger and frustration within us. These reactions are natural and must not be denied or ignored – rather their underlying reason must be seen and overcome – that of our pre-decided ideas and expectations being thwarted.

These emotions occur as a natural progression of painful events and are fine as long as they are felt and released. The problem lies when we cannot let go of the feelings and they tend to seep into our hearts where they fester till treated. If such is the case, these negative feelings tend to influence our way of thought, and necessarily, of action and become an integral part of our outlook towards life itself. Then everything that originates within us carries the subtle flavour of these very negative feelings.

The first secret of happiness says that no matter what emotions we feel temporarily, our hearts must remain free of hate.

Key 2 – Keep Your Mind Free From Worry

We worry when our thoughts travel either to the future, or linger in the past. Worry is a phenomenon which depletes energy and divides attention – leaving us incapable of giving our best to the moment before us.

The only way to give a 100% of yourself to the task at hand is to be totally present in the present moment without thinking of what’s gone by or what is still to come – both cases where we have no say or control anyway.

Performing the action totally and to the best of one’s ability brings back a positive result based on the law of karma – “As you sow, so shall you reap” – a result which would not be possible had we divided our inner being with worry.

The second secret of happiness is to always perform actions based on careful thought and planning, but without worry.

Key 3 – Give A Lot, Expect A Little

It is crucial for our happiness to come to the realisation early in life that it is our own expectations and pre-conceived ideas and hopes, which when frustrated, cause most of our pain and agony.

Once this understanding has stabilised within us, we begin to live for the moment, and within ourselves instead of seeking outward or external reinforces for our self-esteem or happiness.

It is not enough for us to be passive spectators of our own life, we must also be willing to give and share freely of our best qualities without waiting for a similar return.

It is both wise and practical to remember the advice of numerous spiritual masters that “It is in the giving that we receive.” The free giving of your own self without strings attached bring both peace and contentment in the long run.

The third secret of happiness is to give a lot and expect very little.

Please share your views and comments with us

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May Allah Almighty fill our hearts with the Light of Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Fountains of Noor Team

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Dutch Firework Safety

Posted on 23. June, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

The Dutch government were concerned about people being dangerous with fireworks. So they produced these wonderful commercials. The others can be found at http://www.laaf.info/

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A Father’s Instruction

Posted on 16. June, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding. What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all.

When I was only a little boy, my parents’ only son, my father would teach me. He would say, “Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live. Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say. Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. She will be your crowning glory.”

Listen to me, my child. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life. I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live. Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life—guard it well. Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone. Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come. The road of the wicked, however, is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over. My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. They will give life and health to anyone who understands them.

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Never say anything that isn’t true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don’t hang your head in shame. Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.

(Proverbs 4:1-27 GNB)

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Shaykh Hamza Yusuf – The Perfect Path

Posted on 28. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

www.zaytuna.org

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A Cautionary Note on Dr Zakir Naik

Posted on 28. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

Over the last decade, Dr Zakir Naik has become extremely popular due to his charismatic talks and debates. The scriptural quotations he highlights are interesting, and in many cases enlightening. He has been working very hard, establishing IRF and Peace TV. Much of this is positive and commendable.

However, I am increasingly concerned about some of the ideas he has promoted. When watching Peace TV, I have noticed most of the people he is working with are Wahabis and Deobandis. These sects are not mainstream Sunni’s, as they hold views that Sunni scholars class as heresy.

While Dr Naik himself has denied affiliation with any particular sect of Islam, these observations cannot be ignored. While I respect his hard work and dedication, I think we should be careful not to become too enamored by him.

We would also do well to remember that no one is perfect except Allah, and everyone has flaws except the Angels and the Prophets.

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Questioning Our Existence

Posted on 28. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

I strongly disagree with the idea that in order to follow a religion, we have to give up our ability to question. While this my be true in certain narrow minded cults, I personally I found my faith through questioning. I have always been extremely inquisitive, and that hasn’t changed since I started praying! Many scientists throughout the ages have been devout believers of one religion or another, a fact many choose to forget.

Early Microscope 1751There are many things in this life we do not understand. Even though many today know far more than their forbears, this only causes us to realise how little we truly understand. If ever there was a case for the existence of God / Creator / Divinity, surely this is it! There is clearly beauty, detail and complexity in every aspect of this universe. When we discover one level of this, we find another, and yet another as we investigate further. Look for instance at the development of microscopes.

Scientists in the time of Charles Darwin, saw cells through microscopes, just thinking they were simple gelatinous blobs. With better microscopes, scientists realised cell’s contained various organelles inside. Today, when we look at cell’s through the latest electron-microscopes, we see that each minute cell is an incredibly complex structure.

We analyse the chemical processes that occur continuously within each cell, amazed how all this can happen within tiny cells, far more efficiently than our modern industrial chemical processes. Cell’s have inspired bio-chemists, to learn how we can improve our own chemical industry. We haven’t even discussed DNA yet. DNAThe sheer amount of information encoded into the DNA molecules of any cell, is enough to fill libraries, if it were written down as letters in books!

If we question sincerely, we have to wonder how all this came to be. While it makes sense, there must have been some process of how life came to colonise the Earth. Was this purely as the result of chance and coincidence, or is there more to it? Nothing humans have produced in our entire existence, has even come close to the complexity and ingenuity of nature. Hence, why many scientists are trying to reproduce natural processes and structures in the laboratory. Surely it takes more blind faith to believe all this came to be without a God, than to believe there is Supreme Intelligence guiding our existence!

Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

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Earthquake and Cyclone Appeals

Posted on 26. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

In our prayers, we are remembering the victims of the Wenchuan Earthquake, and the cyclone in Myanmar. The relief efforts to rebuild these areas, helping residents return to some degree of normality, will be ongoing. Hopefully the worst destruction is now over, but the plight of survivors is only just beginning, they need our help and our prayers. Please donate generously to the efforts of relief agencies.

Chinese Embassy (UK) Sichuan Earthquake Donation account

Islamic Relief : Sichuan Earthquake appeal

Islamic Relief : Myanmar cyclone appeal

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Evolution and Spirituality

Posted on 23. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

I’ve been a fan of Sir David Attenborough’s work since childhood. I share his fascination for the natural world. Unlike Sir David, I grew up believing things evolved, yet now I do feel this is all part of a Divine plan. Not that I disagree that life has evolved, in one way or another. But that there is a grand design in nature, which cannot easily be explained.

On the other hand, I think religiosity can be a serious problem, and I say this as a devout Muslim! There is little wrong with genuine spirituality, but the problem that often arises, when religion gets organised; It can lose the initial spark and profound wisdom of it’s guiding lights. Corruption sets in, and the “official” religious leaders are often just doing a job. Hence, the hypocrisy that arises, naturally causes people to shy away from religion.

Yet, I have found tremendous good in religion. I believe we need a spiritual outlook on life, that it is good for us. But we must retain perspective, reason and science. One of the great wisdoms found in many ancient scriptures, is that we need to find balance. We need to walk the middle way; as the Buddha discovered, “if you tighten the string too much, it will break. But if you leave it loose, it will not play.” In between these too extremes, we find harmony and enlightenment.

I feel I have profoundly benefited, from my scientific upbringing, as I have benefited from spirituality. I would give up neither, neither do I see any real contradiction. Our challenge is really narrow minded perception. Science and spirituality are equally valid ways of understanding, problems only arise when we don’t see this, and feel our way, is the only way of seeing things.

Paul Salahuddin Armstrong

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Every Cigarette is Doing You Damage

Posted on 21. May, 2008 by Paul Salahuddin Armstrong
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