Messages

[cognitive dissonance]

Peace Optimist,

Thanks for elaborating.

"Cognitive dissonance is a term used in modern psychology to describe the feeling of discomfort when holding two or more conflicting ideas, beliefs, or values. It suggests that we have an inner drive to hold onto all of our beliefs and attitudes to avoid feelings of discomfort and instability. Sometimes people hold onto a belief system that is very strong and the moment they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence that was presented cannot be accepted. When presented with evidence that works against a belief system, it has the potential

to create a very uncomfortable feeling for the individual, this is called cognitive dissonance. A powerful motive to maintain cognitive consistency can give rise to irrational  behavior and thoughts. We hold many cognitions about the world  and ourselves; when they clash, a discrepancy is created, resulting in a state of tension."

Rationalization is one way of the defense system of the nafs.  In this sura we see the people use the 'sihr' as an explanation to remove the tension

Salaam all,

This verse is not easy for me.  54:2 indicates to me that a phenomenon has happened that led the people to disregard it as magic/sorcery. Maybe there was a lunar eclipse as it will happen again when the time comes,  the moon and the sun will be brought together 75:9

Didn't the pagans have a moon god?  Powerful image to witness a cracking god !

Peace   

Salaam Ahmad,

Depression has been classified as a mental illness which requires medical intervention.  Cause maybe physical like low thyroid hormones or lack of vitamins which can be easily remedied by medication.  Then there is the kind caused by a person's lack of coping skills in the face of life events like serious illness, divorce, death, separation, bankruptcy.  If one is weak in faith, then he would need some kind of counseling to deal with the grief and distress.

I personally believe that iman is enough for those who truly believe.  To be depressed over life events is so contrary to tawakkul.  If one sincerely believes in the Divine will and decree then his concept will change his perception thus he will be able to shake off the depressed thoughts. 
It could be a test as mentioned in the Quran or a punishment; it does not matter.  What we are required to do is patiently persevere and take comfort in the belief that God will not burden us more than we can bear and God will reward the patient.

Peace,

Salaam Islamist,

You asked,  "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except as Allah willeth"(10:49) Does it imply that there is possibility that sometimes the prophet might have had the power to harm and to profit himself.  " 

Just like anybody else, we have no control over things, although we think we do.  How do you know what you will is not what God wills?  You may want to kill yourself or some other soul and take action but if its not the right time or place, you will not succeed.  This is how I understand this verse, because the prophet was being mocked and challenged by the rejecters in the previous verse: (why don't you bring the punishment now,when is it going to be fulfilled?)

"Say, 'I'm not different from other messengers,  I have no idea what will happen to me or to you.  I only follow what is revealed to me.  I am no more than a profound warner.'"  46:9

Salaam sister,

You mention that there is no reason for the angels to record because our brains do the recording but we are told in the Quran that the angels do in fact record For God

Yes, that is true but we are also told in the Quran that we will testify against ourselves, too.

36:65  That day We shall seal their mouths up while their hands will speak to Us and their feet bear witness about what they have been earning.

24:24  On the Day when their own tongues, hands and feet shall bear witness against them about what they did

41:20  when they come close to it (Fire), their ears, eyes and skins will testify against them for their misdeeds.

I said brain because it is the command center of the physical body.

Peace,

Salaam all,

It seems to me like a marketing strategy to grab a share of the multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry by exploiting the religious sensibilities of the people. Quran is very clear on forbidden foods and substances. Forbidding what Allah has not forbidden amounts to shirk.  We should support ethical products that are not tested on animals or harm the environment during its production.  To use skin care products  'free of pork and alcohol derivatives' does not make one 'religiously correct', in my opinion.

Pigs are used in medicine for coronary arteries and heart valves.  I do not want my medicine cabinet without a bottle of alcohol for wound cleaning.  I did a quick search to find out where pork by-products are used.

I found out that  some ice creams, whipped creams, yoghurts and certain butters also contain gelatine, as do certain pet foods. More surprisingly, a number of medicines also contain pig gelatine – everything from painkillers to multivitamins.

Hygiene and beauty products are also made of pig. Fatty acids extracted from the bone fat of pigs are used in shampoos and conditioners to give them their shiny, pearl-like appearance. These acids can also be found in a number of body lotions, foundations and anti-wrinkle creams. Glycerine made from pork fat is also an ingredient in many types of toothpaste.

Some of the surprising products that can include pig material include photographic film, which uses collagen from pig bones; shoes that use bone glue from pigs to improve the quality of the leather; and certain paints that use bone fat to enhance their glossy properties.

Some makers of cigarettes use haemoglobin from pig's blood in their filters. Apparently this element works as a sort of 'artificial lung' in the cigarette so, they claim, 'harmful reactions take place before the chemicals reach the user'.

And the next time you buy a loaf of bread you would be well advised to read the packaging. Some manufacturers use an ingredient called L-cysteine, which is a protein made from pig or other animal hair and which is used to soften the dough.

Pigs make an enormous contribution to medicine, with insulin, the blood-thinning drug heparin and pig heart valves all vital.

"However, for vegetarians, Jews keeping kosher, Muslims and anybody else wishing to avoid pig products, this may not be such good news.
The complex workings of the global food and processing industry have ensured that it is almost impossible to avoid pig altogether."

FYI

[thabbatnāka]

Salaam Saba and Islamist,

What else am I meant to do?

Nothing sister.  You tried and the example you provided 17:74-75 says it all.

Islamist, The Quraish had wished to turn the prophet away from his mission by applying temptations as well as force and had "WE" not made you firm thabbatnāka, strengthened you,you would have inclined to them a little.  Making a small concession to compromise even to fulfill a divine mission is not acceptable for God - 5:2 "do not cooperate in sin and transgression". Two wrongs do not add up to right. His punishment would be doubled: first for his own nafs for not taking responsibility, second for the improper guidance of mankind.  God is not taking chances; protects His rasuls.  After all, they are humans.  Potentiality is in the DNA.

Let us agree to disagree and move on to another issue.

Peace,

In my opinion, we cannot legislate faith.  It is a God given right (no compulsion) that only God himself is the judge, jury and the executioner.  Here is a good opinion article.


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/opinion/blasphemy-women-and-the-law.html?pagewanted%253Dall&_r=0

Salaam Islamist,

In verse 28:10 it only means that the mother of Moses had complete Trust in Allah.  She knew that whatever she had been promised would be happening ultimately.  Ofcourse she was very much distressed but ultimately her faith and trust in Allah strengthened her and made her not to disclose. 

28:7 mentions the revelation received that the mother should cast him in the river when the time comes.  At this point she already has her faith and  the baby was let go based on total reliance of God.  She did not know the baby would be picked up by the Pharaoh's family. then fuādu ummi mūsā fārighan (empty) To be more poetic we can say (A heavy weight of anxiety was lifted or removed from the heart) Then strengthening comes to prevent her from disclosing out of joy.

This is my understanding of course and Allah knows best.

Sorry for the continuation, hit the post button prematurely.

the mother's heart may have needed strengthening with extra faith if she did not find out the fate of Moses;  then she would be  only hoping for the best without knowing if he was alive or not.  That is total reliance on God.  It was not the case.

Peace Islamist,

28:10 could be interpreted as the mother of Moses was so distressed regarding the fate of her infant that she may have become ecstatic to realize the safety of the child thus needed help to restrain her joy and remain patient.  It is a normal human reaction when released from anxiety.

Peace brother Joseph,


So, the moral of the story in light of 63:4 is always be on your guard (isn't this taqwa?) against the appearances that come with the potential of deception in them.  Their masked elegant speech serves like a magnet. Once you are hooked on to their speech, they make you feel guilty for being suspicious of their double dealing. (munafiqun)

Peace Islamist,

You are correct.  Thanks for making me understand better!  God bless

Peace,

The verse clarifies further that  (just because the prophet gives ear to all it does not mean he is easy to get fooled)  the prophet believes in Allah and His laws and has complete faith in the Believers (i.e. he wants to give equal importance to all types of people by listening to all and you better know that he is not going to be influenced by the views of others).

Exactly, this is my understanding, too.  Why is this even an issue?  Was the Prophet ever bothered by what they said that God had to clarify his position?
Maybe I'm reading more than there is to be read!

Thanks for your reply, brother

Peace brother Joseph and all,

"He is all ears."   Why is this a source of grief for the Prophet?  There are several interpretive translations with subtle differences in meaning like:

He will listen to anything
He only listens
He is unquestioning
He is the one who believes everything that he hears
He gives ear to all
He is just an ear
He believes what he hears
He is only a hearer

What is your understanding of this verse?  Why is he being belittled?

Thanks in advance for your input.