Monday, February 13, 2012

WFNYS Session Notes 2-10-2012

WFNYS Session Notes 2-10-2012
by: M. Sajjad

Quran: Surah Dukhan (44). Practice and prepare this same surah for next session 2-17-2012.


Br. Hosseini's Discussion:

Topic: The journey from being a Male to Man to Human to Perfect Human

*Introductions*

There is a difference between being a male and a man and a human.

Surah Baqarah Ayah 213

When each individual is alone they are one. Then when they come together they are a nafs. Then when they have a direction they are an Ummah.
After this life, where we spend time together, we are set apart and are again one (alone individual).
Why is there a constant battle within us to be good or to be bad?

Humans have a tendency to use other individuals for their own purposes, whether good or bad.
In the conflicts of men, those who have more always win. More money, more power, more knowledge. We have a tendency to abuse, use, and conflict with each other. Therefore Allah (AWJ) sent Prophets to guide us through life. Codes of Conduct, Laws, or Rules don’t ascend from the low (men) to the high, but rather from the high (Heavenly powers and beings) to the low (men).
Men are intrinsically good, but in groups they tend to use and abuse each other.

Quran is the only direct source of Rules from god to man. 356 time the Word: “Ya” has been used, meaning 356 times God has directly spoken to man.

Back to the Ayah, from this Ayah we have a direct statement that from the beginning Man was One Ummah. Ummah meaning Man was one group, in one direction.
Allah sends us Mubasshir bring good tidings and Munzir to frighten men.
1.       Conflict
a.       Before religion
b.      After religion
After religion: Happens when people use religion for their own selves, as they tried to use men before religion, now they use religion as a tool to do the same thing. Therefore the source of conflict now is people who consider themselves experts in religion.
The people in our time are those few who believe they are such experts. Therefore we should know our country, our state, or community; about the history, the current events, and the attitude or the people and places around us. Awareness highly recommended for the people who are living here.
Allah (SWT) sends books to guide people to guide people. Allah (SWT) also promises that He WILL guide anyone who wants to be guided, despite all divisions.
Don’t aim your goals or academics for an occupation, but rather for your life time. This life is you picking up what you need FOREVER.


Ali Reza's Discussion:
Topic: Importance of Repenting and Asking for Forgiveness and Mercy.
We always slip up and mess up so we should always reconnect with and ask forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
Benefits of Istighfar, asking for forgiveness:
1.       “When a Muslim on one side of the world is oppressed, another Muslim on the other side of the world is depressed and distressed over that.” One of the best ways to get of distress and depression is reconnecting with Allah (SWT)
2.       During times of Financial difficulty, reconnecting with God will help you when you feel there is no one else you can turn to.
3.       When you feel threatened and unprotected physically or mentally, Istighfar (asking for forgiveness) will shelter you. What better than the shelter of God and the Ahl-al-Bayt.
4.       God will send you your Rizq from the most unexpected places that you did not think of, not only money but a good community, a good spouse, a good family, good friend, etc.

From Fi Mostadreke Safeenate Bahar V. 3 P. 179 Imam Reza said many times “May God Bless the person who rejuvenates our words.” Haravi asked “How can someone rejuvenate and resurcet your words” Imam Reza said “By reading and learning our words and Hadiths and teaching them to others.”

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