Woke up early devastated by news of the standing ovation made by the evil politicians in Washington coupled with the futility of any protest I made against the atrocity on Instagram.
Atrocity is an extremely wicked or cruel act. It was inhumane, wicked, to learn about and see elected officials give a standing ovation to a mass murderer telling lies to justify his killing of thousands of innocents. Making any statement on Instagram is a waste of time and breath but I had written that Netanyha was not a war criminal but was a mass murderer. My strong statement made no difference or impact whatsoever.
Nonetheless and side by side, coupled with the sense in absolute injustice was immense overwhelming gratitude pouring forth from my pores because I am not living in the USA helplessly witnessing the atrocity. I am in Malaysia, a peaceful Muslim majority country content to care for its citizens rather than become a tyrannical world power. I am here in safety amongst Malaysian Muslims. My being here cannot be an accident, nor a coincidence . I see the providence of Allah (SWT). Rudely awakened by myself, decided to offer a night time prayer – not for guidance but for thanks, for gratitude. The prayer as it evolved became, not only, a prayer of gratitude, but also one of repentance during which guidance was mercifully and compassionately given.
Wikipedia provides night time prayer guidance.
“Tahajjud, (Arabic: تَهَجُّد) also known as the “night prayer” or “Qiyam-u-lail”, is a voluntary prayer performed by followers of Islam. It is not one of the five obligatory prayers required of all Muslims, although the Islamic prophet Muhammad was recorded as performing the tahajjud prayer regularly himself and encouraging his companions. The Tahajjud prayer is usually performed in the last third of the night.”
Thankfully the following instruction was provided.
“Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed.” My prayer practices will be discussed in a subsequent blog. The many prayer rules and rituals It can be most confusing to a revert, particularly one who came to the faith during the pandemic.
Following prayer at about three AM I climbed back into bed laughingly reminding myself that in the past it took some time before the night time prayers would take effect. Suddenly, out of nowhere, came fragments of a song, Turn, Turn, Turn. Could not get back to sleep, so I I hauled out my computer – went to Google and found the song. It is perfect – I now send it out to you.
The song is Turn, Turn, Turn. Here are are lyrics.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Wikipedia was most informative with all sorts of information about the songs origins and various recordings made over the years.
“The Biblical text posits there being a time and place for all things: birth and death, killing and healing, sorrow and laughter, war and peace, and so on. The lines are open to myriad interpretations, but Seeger’s song presents them as a plea for world peace with the closing line: “a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.” This line and the title phrase “Turn! Turn! Turn!” are the only parts of the lyric written by Seeger himself. “
Then this sequel to the story, making it most interesting and topical – proving that the horrors facing Palestine are not new. Seeger was trying to assist twenty-five years ago, .
In 1999, Seeger arranged for 45% of the songwriting royalties for “Turn! Turn! Turn!” to be donated to the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.
The discovery of the song brought peace, learning more about the origins of the song. The biblical text mentioned is Ecclesiastes, was authored by King Solomon.
“in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on his life and experiences. He concludes that fearing God and keeping His commandments constitute “man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). He observes that without God life has no real meaning—and that all too many people waste their lives pursuing things that will never truly satisfy them. He reminds us that God will eventually bring every human work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:14).” (ucg.org)
Briefly back to speak about Wikipedia, the source of much information. I am a proponent of the truth, always have, always will be. To this extent, I search and read the citations found on Wikipedia to verify the truth of the statements made. Found the Seeger contribution citation came from a reliable source. If you have nothing better to do check it out yourself. The problem is this, If one is looking for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, it is difficult if not impossible to find these days. There is one source – utterly and totally reliable. It is the Quran. Don’t take my word for it, read it yourself.
Looking back at the morning the song was an inspiration because it is and should be the song of the day. This dark day where representatives of the American people gave a standing ovation to a man who, as I said in my Instagram post, was not a war criminal but a mass murderer who atrocities are greater than either Hitler or Stalin. I further went on to say that there was blood on my hands as my tax dollars paid for this carnage. Carnage is describes what is happening and continues to happen. It is a strong word: the killing of a large number
The remainder of the day was spent in quiet contemplation, reading the Quran and writing. This morning awoke with some degree of energy, determined to try my luck at tying my head scarf in the Malaysian fashion. Amy of Lex Spa instructed via an Instagram post which I shall link if anyone gets particularly energetic: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXPW6XgBJ8h/?igsh=Y2M1OHRpZXZuaGln. Took photographs of my scarf tying accomplishment which were posted on Instagram and will be included at the conclusion of this blog.
Went to a crowded breakfast, meeting two of the most interesting families. A man, woman and young son were from Morocco. We had a lively conversation. I found to my wonderment that my junior high French lessons were still lodged in my brain. I was actually speaking French to them and to others – I was Bon Jour (ing) to Lexis Suites staff and guests. Another family, originally from Syria were here for a short stay. Explained my fame by showing them my blog and was delightfully surprised. Sent this email to Computer Guru Chris. Subject line: WOW
Me: Was at breakfast showing a family my blog. Went to the menu found not only Home, About Me, Books, Gallery BUT also YouTube. I almost fainted in sheer delight, Almost not quite you will be glad to hear. I do absolutely love what you said: “Here is a link to my YouTube channel., don’t be shy go ahead subscribe.” Hahaha. I think it is great addition because I am getting way too serious on the blog. YouTube will coordinate the two MEs serious and funny
Go ahead – do not be shy, subscribe. I am continually surprised to see that my serious selfie recorded at the Medina Prophet’s Mosque has received almost 800 views – and it is serious. Difficult to tell it is me with my hijab and polka dot face mask. But it is me. I have threatened to come to the Lexis Suites breakfast buffet totally covered, thinking I would not be recognized. Everyone just laughs.
They: We would know it was you!
Me: Not if I wore sunglasses to hide my blue eyes and wore slightly dark makeup.
They: Your voice would give you away, Alexis. You would start talking and laughing and everyone would know it was you.
Therefore I have not even attempted the cover up. I would not be able to talk. What fun would that be????
