Definitions of Mind

Assalaamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah

Definition of Mind

In Arabic, we call the mind as 'aql. What I understood about the mind? This is just my personal understanding based from my notes or experiences related to the philosophical and metaphysical part of Buddha's teachings. It is a non-physical phenomenon which perceives, thinks, recognizes, experiences and reacts to the environment. It is described as possessing two main aspects...

The first one is the clarity and knowing which means that the mind is clear and formless where it allows for objects to arise in it. The second one is the mind is knowing, or the awareness of mind when the mind is conscious and it could engage with objects. Basically mind is a phenomenon which is not body, not substantial, no form, no shape, no color but like a mirror as it clearly reflect objects. 

Mind consists of two types... Conceptual and non-conceptual. The conceptual one refers to normal mind aspect that beings use to survive in daily life but is ultimately mistaken about as the way which reality exists. The non-conceptual mind which is known as enlightened nature is the fundamental pure nature of mind where it realizes the emptiness. This is what I read in the Astrachakram poem by father Serlingpa who is a Malay Buddhist monk of the 10th century Srivijayan empire. Weird it is, huh... I am an Arab descent but learning the heritage and wisdom which was possessed by Malay Buddhist monks and Malays were propagated toward Islam by our ancestors and people along with other nations at the coastal areas, hehe : )

To study the mind and to train it with wisdom requires the uses of conceptual mind. For e.g preparing the mind before the underlying non-conceptual enlightened nature of the mind may appear. I learned about delusions where we need to diminish and eventually even eliminate it forever for spiritual progress... There is a saying by a philosopher of the middle path school of Buddhism known as father Nagarjuna which says that without the discipline of guarding the mind, what use are any other disciplines? Which means that guarding the mind is a part of the vast disciplines practiced by the beings...         

What are the definitions of mind according to Islamic framework... Mind is crucial and essential for human being. With it, they could differentiate their selves with the beasts and other beings. There are at least three definitions posed in the notes that I have...

1. The Dewan Bahasa dictionary defined the mind as thinking activities and the level of human-being's intelligence.

2. Al-Manzur mentioned in his lexicon the Lisaan al-'Arab that mind refers to the intelligence.

3. Al-Muhasabi defines the mind as a natural characteristic of human-being and their ability to understand something.      

The conclusion made by some people is that, mind is the essential nature and the main concept which makes them responsible with the "burden" and conditions as a sane human-being. Mind is among the greatest grace and blessings of the God to human-being. It is considered as a trust just like other graces of the Lord.  

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace and love, amin! 

Science and Religion: If Clergy Men are Wrong, Academicians are also Wrong!

Assalaamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah

Problems in Terminologies and Reference Consistency

I don't know how to translate or interpret those words such as religious studies experts and non-religious studies scholars. The way I understood science is different from the mainstream views. So, basically what I refer to as clergy men are those who are known as priests, monks, ministers, preachers, pastors, imams or mullas. While academicians in this post refer to scientists or scholars in the universities as what we see today. 

Pre-Conditions to be a Believer of Science

For the scholars, they religiously believe in the science, theories and opinions while they had forgotten that the condition for this science is that; theories will always evolve to another one and if it is contested by the more plausible ones, the previous one will be unreliable. Theories are bounded to time period and the changes in the space. Science and knowledge generally is a group of evidence in evaluating the truth of certain things and matters. If the study is not half-cut in the middle of the research, there are many possibilities for the previous theory to be canceled by the new-founded one till it has to be developed again in other forms.

International Theories and Approach to View World Politics and Affairs

In International Relation and Social Studies for example, the notion by this ulama about "reliability of science" in his writing is the same as what had been lectured to us in our classes for first two semesters. We have political theories such as:

1. Realism

2. Liberalism

3. Marxism

4. Constructivism

And the world is viewed as a stage where the beings in world is viewed as actors. Who are these actors? They are basically those who are involved in decision-making and the basic one that I could provide here is the state and its system. There are also classifications of those mentioned theories into classical theories, neo-theories and post-theories or approaches in viewing the action of actors. This is my personal opinion dear brothers and sisters. We as religious studies students in madrasah must be exposed to these studies. We should not only study Quran and Sunnah. Because we live in the more globalized world where there are people of many views and kind which trying to defame us, Muslims with the notion of modernism, backwardness and fanaticism.

I am talking like one of madrasah students though I am an out caste due to that I was a madrasah students myself who were kicked out of the track due to harsh environment revolving around me and rising conflicts within myself. Now I am an International Studies students majoring in European continent institutional studies without any basic in my first degree certificate. I studied different things when I was an undergraduate student. In front of people, I might be looking like a scary all-black attire hermit, poor like a beggar and "stupid" but I am listening to what people are talking around besides mentally commenting their opinions. It also includes those of Mahasiswa Islam and Tabligh Jama'at discussions and I am just avoiding them because there are gaps in discussing things with people around and I do not want any conflict.

So, there are little kids who might come closer to me in the musalla and asking me why you are so silent? Most of the Mahasiswa Islam and Tabligh Jama'at members are not of social studies background but are of diverse part of sciences in the university which actually deals with crude sciences related to job skills for human labor or human capital needs. While most of my fellow religious studies brothers in Middle East are purely studying about Quran, religious sciences and Sunnah. I don't know how many people are experiencing things like me. If you have this experience please share or just paste your blogs in the comment box down here. I am listening, pondering and reading everything. This is my part as per Tabligh notion for "Fikir Ummat" or thinking for the nations. I had already been thinking about this since I was a little kid and it was conflicting within myself besides others are looking negatively at me. I had suffered alone for this and still am suffering. The feeling of suffer is like a metal being burnt in the stove. It begins with the "heart". 

Errors of Secular Scholars

A genuine scholar must have the confidence on not being confident. Ready to accept changes and re-evaluate what has been held as his belief after receiving new explanations. This is how science that we see in modern world evolve and we are tracing its historical tracks. Firmly holding a theory or approach for example this is sour or that is stale is a biggest mistake for scholars and scientists. It is as equally wrong with what has happened to clergy men in understanding the evidence in its literal sense!

The error of scholars, academicians and scientists would be even bigger if they thought that scientific research is the only way to reach the truth and fact. It is true that scientific and fact research is a tool to achieve or to be closer to the truth. However it is only a tool among tools. Not the only tool that exist!

I am having issues with these kind of people. They believe in only one approach and hold firm with it. Thus they are creating dogma without realizing it. What is the difference between them and the bigots in other groups of man-kind if this happen?

Physics for example could investigate and provide facts for things which are moving in the universe. However it is not applicable anymore when it comes to things beyond the universe. A wider way of thinking is not only limited to physics. It is goes beyond physics. The metaphysics.

This is what we call as metaphysical matters. They could check the phenomenon such as light and provide everything related to light what about thing which is beyond the light? Their research and questions would stop when it reaches it limit. Science could not reaching the Creator of the Universe or things beyond physical eyes. That is why we could see in American movies, they are trying to make everything scientific and to show that everything could be researched they begin to create stuffs such as aliens, superman, and other imaginary characters within the universe. They might perhaps talking about myth of deities in Greek mythologies or Hindu god pantheon as totally absurd from primitive people imagination. But what is the difference between them and those ancient people that they claim as primitive? The prophets, sages and philosophers of ancient time were talking about metaphysical stuffs. Of course they have no degree nor going to school or not graduated from universities with today's academic system and curriculum.          

Tools in Search of the Truth

Science is useful to reach what is material. But science has no strength and limited only to materials. Outside of material boundaries they could not reach it. Collections of evidences, results of researches, results of experiments, contemplation and observation, analysis and mental tools are for us man-kind to reach the truth. There are also other tools and ways to reach facts and truth which is not mentioned here.

Try to see how many people could disagree that artists, poets, philosophers, musicians or singers could also provide the way for others to be closer to the truth? Who would disagree that these an artist could send others into the secret of the universe merely with "senses" and not with forced thoughts. Senses and feelings which had rise in their soul were presented into humanity in the form of art works which could touch the discreet sentiment of others deeper than any other scientific research to develop something which took scientists and the so-called scholars in universities or research centers hundred of years conducting researches and experiments. 

The real truth is beautiful and beauty is the truth. This is the fact which is agreed by everyone. It is wrong for us to think that the way to achieve the truth is merely with science. Behold that art is from divine inspiration, pure soul and an open mind. This way is also the right and clear way as clear as science.

If the role of artists as the seekers of truth could be recognized by everyone, why not the role of prophets and sages who received divine inspiration and revelation from the God? Why not the genuine religious philosophers are not recognized for their contributions in musing the secret of universe? We would certainly never forget the contributions of religion and spirituality in developing the realm of humanity. Revelation and divine inspirations are among the main ways for man-kind to reach the truth. If with science, we are climbing up above to find the truth. But with revelation and divine inspirations, the truth is descending upon man-kind. It would be marvelously beautiful if both of these are in reconciliation and the pure happiness would be achieved  by everyone.

Conclusion of the Sub-Topic

People could accuse that there are fake prophets, fake imams, fake sheikhs and there are also fake religious philosophers which is known as sufis who sold spiritual matters for worldly fame. But we could also not disagree that there are fake artists, fake poets and scholars who only looking for material benefits.

Other than that. I personally disagree with some quotes from Harun Yahya, Ahmad Deedat, Zakir Naik or other Sheikhs' books or lectures by the public. Before we read the thoughts of a person, to agree or to disagree with them. We get to know them first what is their background and how they had gone through their life to form their worldview. These figures talk about different things but still the central of their argument is to bring people toward Islam through components of science and countering theories such as Darwinism or other accusations by Christian missionaries to Islam.

I agree in term of telling people about Islam, stating our views and spreading the word of Allah across the Universe. But I disagree in attacking other religious faith and belief because that is the way those Christian missionaries in Western European colonial lands did. That is also the way of scholars who religiously believe in their theories or the theories which are in accordance to their inclination. Those who quote these figures I know that they never gone through the torturing path of questioning and getting to know their selves. Go through it, then tell everyone how it feels. Just walk in the moderate middle path and this is an advise for everyone including myself.     

Prayers

May Allah lead us with His guidance and may the ruhul qudus shine upon us. Sanctify our soul ya Allah with Your mercy, forgiveness and eternal love. May we live under Your reign and blessed with Your Great Kingdom.

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace and love, amin!   

Faith in the Resurrection

Assalaamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah

Somehow I can't wait the Yawm al-Qiyamah (the Day of Resurrection). We don't know when but our noble prophet said that it's so close during his living time. What about now yah? I am not practising the tenets of the path fully yet I still can't wait it to come. I think maybe I don't see that this earthly life matter anymore. I just want to return to Him.

Mum had just cried at the phone last night. Urm, yeah I am facing some problems. I feel so guilty for not telling her about my third sister's wedding with brother-in-law and now she knows about that through little sister. Whether the guy is not of our family member is not the issue anymore, but when we don't get the blessings of parents then it is actually something that could be harmful to parents. Our family members are the followers of Imam Shafi'ie school of jurisprudence except me and elders are looking at their children's life partner criteria based on the sunnah tradition too. Although almost all of the native here were Islamisized through our people's missions but not all are practising Muslims. We have to be careful and discreet in our mixing with people not to be arrogant but to save our faith in Allah through prophethood messages. Our life had already being ruined by environment around and life pressures so we try to minimize the destruction by trying to be in accordance to elders' traditions but young people could not understand it. I actually don't understand how people think. I mean things like marriage is not the matter to play or we just use the sunnah teachings to make what is wrong becomes right.  

I think when people say that they are believers, but actually they are non-believers and this really makes me feel worried especially when it comes to myself. Because the tenets of the faith is not well-rooted or bringing impacts in our heart. They are just "hearsays" and we can't see them with our physical eyes. For example paradise and hell. We just listen about them but we didn't reach the state of paradise and hell yet. We listened about Yawm al-Qiyamah about the Resurrection through prophecies of noble prophets appointed by Allah. If for the Christian friends, they were taught about the Resurrection through Marono 'Yishoa' Mshikha (our lord Jesus Christ), and it is mentioned even in their faith declaration as I always listen this in churches during special events. How does this influence our life? 

I feel so sad when I listened to mum cried. Though I am not an obedient child but I never disobey her if she asked me to do things like following her to masjids after my repentance. Actually I wasn't really a rebellious child and I began to fast since I was three years old. I followed elders to majlis (religious occasions) without being accompanied by dad and in some part of my life I was deflected because of the fitnah (tests) on faith which comes through environment around. I wasn't taught by my dad when I was a child to fast or pray. I just feel I wanted to do all of those things. I recited prophets' life and I tried to live like them. I still remember some parts of stories like how prophet Muhammad s.a.w was cleansed by two angels during his stay with Halimat as-Sa'adiyya. I still remember how he feels lonely in his society where they do not live in accordance to ancestors' (prophet Abraham and Isma'el a.h.m.s) tradition but choosing idolatry and associating Allah with worldly materials. I am experiencing this lonely feeling too and I feel myself filthy day by day because of this worldly environment. I know there are people who feels like me around but we just don't see each other yet. But if we have time and chance insha Allah we will see each other.

When I think about now I am stuck in problems, I feel so weak and I only could wait to cry to Allah behind the walls when people leaving behind prayer places. I can't cry in front of others or else they will mistaken me as losing my mind. I don't know where to find counselors  though we have the department for student affairs here. I know what counselors will say to me and it is of no use to talk with people. I have classmates and some not so close friends in my course but I can't talk with them due to that we are "not close". I only have Allah who is close to me. I just cry alone and telling everything to Allah, talking to His angels to please pray for my safety during Resurrection. 

Just be strong, recite Quran and pray to Allah without stop. Brothers of the past really help me since their stories are recorded by His Word and I could recite them when I am alone. Anyhow, brothers and sisters may come and dump anything that worries, bringing anxieties to you, or simply making me your trash bin. I am open to this because I become a place for my sisters, my mum, and my dad to talk anything though they never really care about me, especially my sister lah because when you have other men in your life you will forget everything including your parents, your dad, your brothers who will be responsible for your sins in the hereafter in front of Allah. You treat your men like "gods" and if those "gods" really obeying the Lord then it is ok but if not then your dad and brothers will have to bear the destruction because of you.

Marriage is sunnah... Yes I will never deny this. It is a sunnah but what is your purpose and intention to marry a man or a woman? Is it because you love his or her physical, you need someone to love you or loving someone, following trends because it is the trend to get marry and not being labeled as lesbos or gays, because you can't control your lusts and etc? Check the sunnah and what obliged a person to get marry through sunnah beside simply saying you are building this masjid and that masjid because you listen to others saying like that. I had seen many people getting marry very early at the age before maturity around 18 years old for guy and 17 years old for girls and how they later divorcing because they realized that is not what they wanted to. What happened to His Wrath? People only take some part that they want and leaving behind what they don't want.

If people say to me, because you need a son or daughter to inherit you... I will just answer with two questions: "How long this world will last and how deep is your faith toward Resurrection?" lol : )

Anyhow just an experience of a guy, a philosophy from a failed guy... Just treat this like a novel or a movie being formatted in writings but it is happening and not from imagination, hahaha.

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace, and love, amin!

Religion Evolution Theory and Refutation to It: Intro

Assalaamu'alaikum wa rahmatullah!

I seek protection of the God from the accursed Satan! In the Name of the God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful! 

Introduction

Some human believe that there is God, which is the Essence that created human and the universe. In this matter, all of human being who believe in it are in common understanding. But when it comes to Divinity concept, there are varieties in it. There are those who proclaim that the God is only One. He is Unique and nothing could be equated to Him as for Muslim believe this. 

The Christians with their Trinity concept of the God with God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All three of them are One but not the same. This is the result of Kalam apart of philosophy in Doctrine and being refuted by Hanbali methodology scholars and others as well.

In Hinduism, there is an Essence known as Paramatman or Brahman. Paramatman means the Supreme Soul while Brahman means the Universal Spirit. It is divided to three according to their functions which are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva according to school of philosophies. Besides the Hindu Trimurti concept of godheads, there are also incarnations of them into other gods based on their power and functions.

These are varieties of human believe toward Him. There are those who believe in the absoluteness of His Unity those the ideology is called as monotheism. The Abraham paths such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are categorized by most people as teachings based from monotheism. However, the development of these three religions are not the same. There are differences in the understanding of monotheism for each of them. 

For example, for Christianity, they believe that the God is One but with the notion of Trinity. Thus, the Absoluteness of the God Unity is not valid according to strict monotheism ideology. This is not my view, but the writer of a book's view. I would put the reference once this is done, inshaallah. As per comparison with Islamic Creed on the God, He is without any beginning nor ending. Nothing in the earth nor heaven is equal to Him. Nothing is the same to Him, nor picturesque about Him. He is unbeatable. He is not confined by time, place and space. The God needs no one, but those in existence in the universe need Him. His Will be done and nothing could obstruct Him.

While Hinduism as for example is categorized under polytheism. It is the belief in many gods which are incarnated from a God. They still believe in One God but the functions and aspects of the God is personalized into Three which is represented by the Trimurti. The gods are then portrayed in idols and paintings. Each face of God has its own worshipers. Some people worshiping Shiva, some people worshiping Vishnu and perhaps small number of people worship Brahma. All three aspects are God by their rights but each of them are worshiped more by people according to their tendencies, school of philosophies, and others. 

In primitive human belief, there are dynamism and animism. Dynamism means the belief on the power which is impersonal in beings of the universe whether alive or dead. Beings of the universe could be human, animal, plant, recorded words, and etc. This kind of belief raises up magic or act to control invisible powers stored in beings of the universe in certain manner in order to use it for ones own benefit. 

Animism means the belief that the soul or spirit could influence human's life. Spirits do not comply within normal nature's law but comply within their own law which is supernatural without any time, space, and they are eternal. Animism gave rise to ancestral worship for humans' benefit. A bit developed animism worship is called as shamanism. This kind of worship is quite popular in Africa and Eastern Asia.

Sealed with prayers for mercy, peace and love, amin!