Nawhami, Muhammad Saifur Rahman

Whilst many consider the teacher of old antiquated, in this time of ours where the society changes intermittently in short periods, where culture and need is volatile and unreliable, the teacher of old is the most relevant for they provide a stable identity and consistency. Growth builds on stability whilst those who flip flop with the turning of tides are at a loss.

Discussions can be healthy, benign, or malignant. So, great minds discuss ideas of worth or else stay silent. Their presence uplifts others or at the very least does not cause harm such as the wastage of time.

Knowledge is granted to those that are humble and have trust for without it there is cynicism and doubt. If you wish to acquire the sacred knowledge choose wisely1 and dedicate. Thereafter, trust in their judgement or part company; do not meddle

Patience and gratefulness are co-dependent qualities; both must be sought if one wants to acquire bliss and the pleasure of Allah. The troubled must become grateful for that is when they will acquire patience. The favoured must be patient through contentment for that is when they will become grateful. Glory is to Allah who loves the patient and the grateful.

In the Day of Judgment, the doomed will ask for another chance. They will ask to be returned so that they may prove themselves. They will promise that this time it will be different. Allah, the almighty and all knowing, will reject their plea and throw them in the fiery chasm; a just reward for what they have earned. Had they been returned they would not have kept their promise. Had they been returned they would have chosen to forget and return to their old ways. Had they been returned they would have asked for another chance after their demise.

The signs and lessons from Allah are everywhere for one willing to look and ponder - even in the pesky mice that see it fit to grace their presence every now and then in my humble abode. Allahu Akbar! The amount of damage and the strengths these little creatures have astonishes me. Be it wood or concrete, high or low; they seem to cut through and reach it.

Should we use the carrot (reward) or the stick (punishment) to induce the right form of characteristics. In truth this is a loaded question like most nowadays and needs not a straight answer.