Does the Prophet Mohammed Need Defending?

Does the prophet Mohamed need defending?

Forgive me but I am a new Muslim and I am often asked questions like:

Am I Sunni or Shiite?

Do I read the Hadith ? 

Do I follow any movements ? 

Or listen to any modern day preachers?

I always answer these questions in one vein. And that is this:

The prophet Mohamed was a prophet of Allah and the pronouncements delivered to him are internalised in the holy qu'aran . The living word of God. The qu'aran is available for ME to read and interpret and was given so I did not need an interpreter between me and my God. 

I am not Sunni nor Shiite because these are issues of succession by man after the death of our beloved Mohamed. May his holy name be praised. It's has caused more division than any other issue in our beautiful faith, while we forget the contents of the qu'aran that gives us all we daily need to survive.

I am asked, do I not read the Hadith of the prophet Mohamed? I always answer in this vein. Can a man who lived in the 7th century have a relevance in today's world? And my answer is yes. 

But, the Qu'aran is the word of Allah, the Hadith are the words of our prophet Mohamed, and other wise scholars. Living in the times in which he lived. He observed things from his simple and humble back ground and sought to change the world within the basic environment which he found himself, his people the rulers and tribes,  and decided to put in place remedies to cure that society. 

Those remedies were required then and it changed a society in turmoil and gave the world a beautiful faith in its purest form backed by observations of a true leader.  But, that's all the Hadith were in my humble opinion. 

I am asked if I follow the numerous Islamic leaders or scholars? But I always answer in this vein.  I find that most scholars, leaders and charismatic leaders have an agenda behind their agenda. I may have been fortunate that my parents gave me the the biggest gift in life. EDUCATION. This education allows me to examine things in details and not to be so easily offended.

This brings me to the issue of our beloved prophet Mohamed needing defending???

For those who don't understand,  our prophet was a man who lived among us, had issues in his personal life from a very early age to manhood and although may not have lead a life most perfect,...rose to give the world it's greatest faith as delivered to him by God. He has never claimed to be the father, the son and the holy spirit. He never assumed more importance than God, who used him as a messenger for all people.

This is why I am particularly at a disquiet when something as banal, at best insensitive as the film innocence of Mohammed would make Muslims respond so violently. By killing people, each other and essentially finding they need to defend the holy prophet Mohamed. 

The prophets work is done, he resides today with Allah, a journey we all hope to make, inshallah. Allah abhors violence in any form. 

Many may wonder why I am not condemning the actions of the people who made this film. But, my answer is simple. Their actions, in the global world we live in, I cannot be responsible for. I can only be responsible for my actions. My response is to show tolerance for the ignorant who chose to cause upset often in parts of the world where other Muslim brothers and sisters only have access to news that has been sanitised for their consumption.

 I believe if you follow the words of the qu'aran and you submit as our name means: those who submit.  You cannot go wrong. Why then would I feel offended by the assumption and collective nonsense of a few???

Why would I burn houses and fight my brothers when the people who planted seeds of destructions enjoy the laughter of a brotherhood that is intolerant.  I also mistrust leaders in the Muslim world who hide behind such news to hide the real problems we have in our individual countries. 

I guess the point am trying to make brothers and sisters is that almighty Allah is all we need and his divine words as given in the  Quran makes us complete.

Remember: runningwater never assume as to assume makes an ass of u and me.  These are the rumination and thoughts of a simple man. I mean not to offend nor to be misunderstood. I only hope to foster love.

What if I told you I loved you?

What if I told you I loved you?

What would it inspire in you?

Would you succumb?

What if I told you that from afar I've wondered and imagined 

What it would feel like to taste your lips

Secretly imagining a life fulfilled 

With you.

What if I told you that in a heartbeat you changed the course of my life?

And how I wonder how I've survived this long without you

Parce que,..toi sans moi

C'est pas possible!

What if I told you that I loved you?

Would your juices flow

Or would they gush? 

In moments I imagine you and me

Our present and future written

As only God could script it

There are no reasons for doubt

Is there?

What if you heard what I said 

And all became apparent

It all starts to make sense 

Pieces falling in place

My quiet whispers

My overburdened look

The never ending reply to a simple question asked

What if I told you that I loved you?

Would it inspire poetry?

I wish I was brave enough

Strong enough

To admit that,..

Your spirit fills me

Thoughts of you provokes me

What if I told you I loved you?

remember ~ runningwater never runs dry
with belief there is relief ~ never stop believing. 

How we are perceived

It's amazing how we are perceived 

In conversation with a friend recently, I realised in the small glib statement quickly proffered but seldom thought thru. People can lay bare your whole existence, your core without rhyme or reason. You see I have undergone a profound change in the manner by which I live my life. I had looked within and found my life lacked depth. However, unlike many who travel these same roads,... I made the adjustments I felt would make me a better person. Self awareness if you will.

Normally, it wouldn't matter to me too much what people thought as the only person that matters in my life is Allah. 

However, I was affected by the thoughts of this individual as I thought they would know better. As they had seen me fall and seen me rise. For a moment I was thrown. Now with my balance and equilibrium restored. I can see clearly now and I understand that sometimes its the people closest to us that judge us the harshest, but always they say from the intention of love.

I also learned in a contradictory manner from the same person that all that matters in life is how you see yourself. To be happy, being the most important thing in life. 

Lesson learned.

Remember: rh2O is a nutritious source of life. Live life without doubt, refuse to pander to the common theory, mad you may be thought. But sanity is a perception paper thin.

5th August, 2012@ 19.08

When is Corruption, Not Corruption?

Ans: Only when its in the West.
Bear with me. Over the last few months, we have listened mouth agape and in awe at the revelations of the * bankers fixing the lending rates( am not going to bore you with the small details of each issues) * The issue at Barclays where its been discovered they have been money laundering for known drug cartel, Al Queda etc * This follows fast on the heels of the telephone tapping at the news of the world * illegal payment to our metropolitan police * The cash for questions/ visits to downing street * The MP’s expense accounts * The Quango’s – this is where the old boy school tie network give jobs to friends on exorbitant salaries for attending only 3/5 times a year. * MP’s employing relatives * National Reality TV Shows fixing shows. Can I stress at this point that all these examples are just allegations. 
They are my observations.

I find it pretty rich that in the West, issues similar to these noted on the African continent and in South America are often frowned upon and unequivocally called CORRUPT. Why are these same principle not applied to what is essentially theft in the West. What’s more bewildering is that these bastions of investigative truth finding, Journalist are just as corrupted. Can we really expect them to expose the majority of the examples given above?
Over the last few weeks, each of the accused merely  responded by apologising and or resigning.

Yet, if I walked into a branch of Tesco’s and left without paying. Upon being accosted by the security guard, I merely apologised, not even offering to return the item. I think you and I know what would happen to me!

All my earlier examples have led to huge losses by those directly involved. Ordinary tax paying citizens. Yet, my examples simply say sorry! However, we are up in arms when we hear of the Nigerian 419 scams. We accuse the government of that country of being corrupt and unable to control these issues. Afterall, it’s a blight on our society.

Am I missing something?

My Bugs bears: 
When people talking about themselves use the phrase: “me, myself”
Oh really, guess what buddy, if you are talking about yourself, it’s quite obvious that I may have worked out you mean: YOU!!! Hence, you do not need to say, “me, myself” The second bug bear is when people say: I, personally work,… 
Haba!!!
Aaaarrrghhhrrr!!  Doesn’t this just get you hot??

Remember: Runningwater is multi use,..you wash with it, drink it and at birth are anointed with it.
Any observations made here are my own and only an attempt to understand the world in which I live.

So there I was

So there I was 
standing on the edge of despair 
Fluent in the language of failure 
Seemingly predictively unorganised
In the throws of human weakness and inanity 
Versed in the chapters of lust over life 
My very being rich in the transient pleasure of ignorance 
Like flat palm wine on a hot day 
No pleasure did I receive from drinking this cup
 So there I was,... 
Unbowed 
Unperturbed 
Unbending  
Inspite of Or despite? 
Words fail me, 
I lack composure  
Structure, lexis and tense 
I mix verbs and nouns  
Adjectives and whatever else!

my inevitable demise 
When we sleep, do we sleep?  Or are we merely transposed ? 
When we are awake, are we awake ? or are we asleep in ignorant bliss? 
Yet I fail to react 
I fail to break ground, to find definition 
Like flat palm wine on a hot day
No pleasure did I receive from drinking this cup 
Who wants to know? ,...only those who care to ask 
So there I was 
,.... this is for you 
Today you entered my thoughts
Grabbed me by my proverbial and made me realise that we all face daily challenges 
And are often judged by our peers who have no right to make such judgements
You gathered me in like a gardener clearing the first offerings of autumn 
You offered me fresh perspective  
And inspired in me hope. 
I love you beyond mere words can tell 
Am inspired by your frailties and lifted by your innocence 
I love it that you are contrary to the given views 
And in standing alone, you are never alone 
So there I was 
Seemingly on the edge of despair 
Fluent in the language of failure 
Like flat palm wine on a hot day 
No pleasure have I derived from drinking this cup 
I was running on empty
But then you came 
Offered me the coolness of your gaze  
The deafening roar of your silence 
And like cool cold palm wine on a hot day  I am drunk with your love 
Shukran  
for fatema,...my inspiration
  
"Allahoma ini la asaloka radda al kada, walakini asaloka allotfa fih"

  Remember ~ runningwater never sleeps,..it runs wide, runs deep, it's a source of life. 01072012@ 07.18

Go Figure!

Amazing is the only words for it, and truss me, not in the positive sense. John "some of my best friends are black" Terry, will be permitted to lift the European cup if Chelsea wins. Even more amazing, he has been chosen on merit for the England football team. This was purely a footballing decision.
For those of you who do not know JT, he of the impeccable honour of sleeping with his best friends wife. He of the fame of cheating on his wife. Yes, that JT. He that has  been alleged to have racially abused Anton Ferdinand. Yes, that JT. A man of impeccable character. Former England football captain. The same JT, who thru his endeavours for Chelsea in the European cup competition against Barcelona, got sent off. The same JT that behaved as if he were the victim that night until the cameras revealed otherwise.
He that was spouting the usual diatribe of nonsense a  man of his limited intellect could only use. "most people who know me, know that I am not a cheat" If it wasn't beyond a joke I would have joined in the side sniggers. This is the same JT, who in July will face prosecution ( and i dont mean persecution as he might see it) for racial abuse. An allegation he strongly denies.
Confining ourselves to my initial amazement. this guy will be permitted to lift the champions league cup, should his team win it. Let us hope for all things decent that they do not win. In this same team we have players of the ilk of the Brilliant Brazillian Ramires. A Player who left nothing on the pitch in ensuring his TEAM made the final. A final he will  not be playing in because he received a yellow card. Also missing will be the immense defender, Branislav Ivanovic. A great player, a great defender who will miss the final not for doing something stupid but for commitment to the chelsea cause. I fail to understand how JT is so lauded as a player. For me, he is an ordinary player, playing with superb players who make an ordinary man as him seem more than he is.
But you know that after all is said and done, Chelsea may win that final in the end but only thru association in former Chelsea star Arjen Robben lifting the cup on behalf of Bayern.
Go figure!
But you know something,...we all pay for our deeds. Its called Nemesis, the law of retribution. In plain speak for the likes of JT,.." you gonna get served" I, for one will be looking on in sheer amazement.

Remember: runningwater is a life constant, we cannot live without it.
Bilbao - over Spain: onboard: Royal Air Maroc ~ 198052012@20.58

Get A Grip

Why do we always judge people by our own expectations? Why do we set limits to possible attainments? In the Yoruba language they have a saying: ika o dogba ( translated, it roughly means the digits of your hand aren't equal) by this we can see that the digits of the hand reside side by side in perfect harmony. Each contributing to the useful existence of the hand. None, more important than the other. We have some that are tall, slim, short etc,... But yet none holding more sway than the other. With this simplest example of God almighty's gift to us, it makes me ponder why as human beings we suffer issues of racism, prejudice, classism, religious and sexual intolerance and any of the other isisms. The list is endless.

 Ask yourself this simple question,...out of your 5 digits, which would you sacrifice if requested? Am figuring the answer would be none? Yes, atimes you get the prima donna, (the wedding ring finger) assuming diva status simply because it wears the band. But right next door is the f... U! Finger, internationally recognised. Go figure. I say get a grip!

The basis of my discourse is that I want to examine the ongoing issue of: inter racial relationships. Some liken it unfortunately to bovril. Yes, bovril! You either like it or you don't. In the media recently we have witnessed the vitriolic response to that rather quick footed Jamaican Usain Bolt and his choice of partner. 

The arguments are that most successful field niggers aspire to be household niggers. 

This coming essentially from the plantation period of America slaveploitation. In that period, dark skinned negros worked the fields and mated where and when it was decided by "massa"(old negro term for the slave master) whilst household negroes waited on the "massa" in the mansion. Sometimes at close quarters to the massa's alleged desirable white womenfolks. Whilst the massa made nightly visits to the most buxom and attractive of the field negresses, forcing, raping and violently abusing these women., whilst externally wearing the cloak of respectability. The massa's wife knew what her husband was doing. She wasn't blind!. She had desires the massa could not fulfil and desire for the strong field negro grew. So she indulged, she made nightly visits. She found the experience enthralling, carnal and without boundaries. The massa had been cuckolded! 

Some say, this mentality exist today and it's what draws most successive black men to desire a white woman. They say it's the reason why the UK is the most racially mixed nation in the world. But in my somewhat perverse example above,..do we not learn that the core of human existence is love and desire. You desire that which you cannot have, and have that which is readily available.

Get a grip!

Whilst I accept that to some, having a sexual experience or indeed a life experience with someone other than your identified skin colour may be seen as an issue of triumphant success. I completely disagree. I have walked both sides of this path and I know it takes a lot more than colour to determine who you will run life's endurance race with. 

It's too simple an argument, to say its all about colour preference. To say so would be an injustice to President Obama, Robert De Niro, General Colin Powell, Sir Trevor McDonald, The British Royal family. Othello & Desdemona( you see what i did there?) Please dont reply, am informed they are fictional characters.

My point here is simple. We all emanate from the same source, even though we may stand aback in awe of the stupidity of some people, the callousness and sheer hatred of others. But aren't those issues of character? nature over nurture??

The elephant in the room is this: if you were a self proclaimed racist, or Muslim extremist, and your child needed a blood transfusion or the doctor providing the medical care to your very loved one was from a background you despised,.. Would you accept their donation or help?
Now look at your fingers and tell me that despite their differences we are not all the same skin deep.
So, why do we judge people by our own expectation??
I say get a grip.

Londres mai 16,2012
Remember: running water ~exfoliates