I was directed, most surely by Allah (SWT) to read the Story of Joseph directly from the Quran,
I did. This is the second English translation read which is more informative and provides better background material. `The Introduction begins as follows:
Rightfully called ‘the best of stories’ this uplifting Mecca chapter was revealed along with the two previous chapters at a crucial time in the life of the Prophet following the death of his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Salih, his two main supporters, shortly after a 3-year boycott by the Meccan pagans to suppress his believers. This is the story of Joseph whose half-brothers were driven by jealousy, conspiring to distance him from his father Jacob. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, falsely accused and imprisoned for several years, only to become Egypt’s Chief Minister, Just like Joseph, the Prophet had to live away from his hometown, was faced with false allegations and abused by his own people, but ultimately became Arabia’s undisputed leader. When the Prophet triumphed over Mecca after many years of persecution, he treated the very people who abused him with grace, recalling the words of Joseph when his brothers begged for mercy in verse 92. “There is no blame on you today. May God forgive you! He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
There are parallels in my own life. I have to live away from my hometown. Although I was born in Canada, my ‘hometown’ is Marin County, California, my place of residence for fifty years. faced false allegations, was abused by my own people. My own people were the residents of Carte Madera, California. Admittedly I was not sold into slavery. I fled first to live in Abu Dhabi, then returned to live in Canada. It is extremely doubtful that I shall become Egypt’s Chief Minister. Equally unlikely that I will become Arabia’s undisputed leader. I am laughing at the improbability of that while I write.
Improbable; not likely to be true or to happen. The origin of the word: late 16th century: from French, or from Latin improbabilis ‘hard to prove’, from in- ‘not’ + probabili
My becoming the Egyptian Chief Minister or Arabia’s undisputed leader is implausible, far-fetched, and inconceivable. It is absolutely NOT probable or certain.
I was jailed, not exactly. I regard my stay at Penang Lexis Suites as a jail. It was extremely isolated in many ways. Its remote location over the hopelessly congested roads of Penang made in inaccessible. There were no sidewalks, so walking anywhere was impossible. I could cross the street to of to Swiss Pharmacy, a grocery store and the Clinic that ultimately diagnosed my scabies but that was about it. There were no restaurants near by. It was possible to walk on the beach but walking on sand is difficult with my left knee. I was basically confined to my twentieth floor room. Not a typical jail cell as there were the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets, cloud formations and a great bathtub. An outside table allowed breakfasting when breakfast was brought to my room – either because I was fasting or if the massive occasional crowds made in stressful to eat amongst the confusion. I regarded my Lexis Sutes Penang months as a time to grow my faith. In the beginning, not at the end, it offered serenity and peace. Serenity, the Quran tells us, is necessary for the growth of one’s faith.
My new hotel, this Lyf, is the exact opposite, diametrically opposed, It is full of life loaded with convenience and color. Everything is brand new and colorful. Thankfully breakfast buffets are a thing of the past. There is a restaurant serving delicious innovative food. Some of the best examples of cuisine. I shall photograph a menu. There are communal areas and.a place to do your laundry, complete with an ironing board. The rooms are tiny but I have a great big bed. No sunrises and sunsets but vibrant colors on the walls, A mural around the bed which has already been picture.
I have begun to explore the surroundings. Went for a brief walk on a sidewalk, turned the corner to find restaurants. Not one, not two, but at least three. I went in one – never have I been more surprised and delighted. It opens at three but does not get going until later. I made a reel, sent to a friend, Not sure if is suitable for distribution. Hahaha. My waiter was Amil, from Pakistan, a Muslim. We definitely hit if off. I ordered two or three of my favorite dishes – you shall see one of them – the stir fried squid. So colorful, so good. The greatest version of green beans ever, wound around a skewer. The best and most colorful roasted peppers. I was able to bring some of it home and shall heat it in the microwave this evening.
One reserves the Lyf kitchen which is supplied with utensils and a communal refrigerator. Labels are provided for you to claim your own. I cannot wait for this new experience. There were no communal areas at all in Lexis Suites except for the lobby which was not inviting. There are even more Lyf treasures. I am here for several more days with the option of signing up again. I can go on long walks along the sidewalk – apparently a park nearby.
My room, with all of these amenities, is less expensive than was Lexis Suites Penang. I have died and gone to Jannah. I am so appreciative – hardship and benefit. Lexis Suites Penang was a hardship – this is a benefit. It makes me appreciate Lyf and my life even more. I now live in a humane environment. The staff are innovative not robots burdened with impossible tasks and uncaring management. It seems that way now. I might be wrong.
This place is on the cutting edge. Cutting edge: being or employing the latest concepts, styles, or techniques. Other words are
Miriam Webster gave this example from the Internet. Their cash-rich governing body recently launched its new national training centre that has cutting edge amenities the rest of the cricket world can only dream of. — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Here is the citation: “Cutting-edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting-edge. Accessed 29 Dec. 2024.
Another way to describe cutting edge: the most recent and advanced stage of development in a particular type of work or activity, with the newest systems, equipment, etc.
Returning to the Prophet Yusaf (Joseph)
I responded to an Instagram reel. My response has received 10 Likes, so far. This is what I said.
“That is so true for me. I was having difficulties. I was directed to the Quran verses of Ysaf. Read and reread them and found immeasurable relief. Probably the psychological aspect but all actually. The science and the poetry as well.”
It is very difficult to put into words the wisdom found in the reel, therefore the link:https://www.instagram.com/reel/DELuv2ksL1H/?igsh=eHh0cXVlbnR0NGU=
Responded to another Instagram reel. This response received 86 Likes. This is what I said:
Very interesting and enlightening to hear. I was abused as a child dealing with it by not feeling. It was not until I reverted thatI truly healed as the faith allowed me to feel. Prayer was essential. I am 81, reverted to the Faith on October 20, 2020.
The link to that reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_L7CyyOVy8/?igsh=cmgzODdmd3pmeTQ0
This response received 1552 Likes.
Me: Excellent Humor so important in these times. Laughing at Israel’s absurdities is a weapon, very rarely used and must be deployed.
My words are definitely out there in this troubled world, not only through this blog but also Instagram. This fills me with laughter and wonder and now a sense of relief. My former Intended Husband does not listen to me. His ears have been apparently closed by Shaytan I have just decided. I am not going to Nigeria for Ramadan – he made it clear I would not be welcome even though he will be going to Istanbul/Morocco. I guess he found a cheap air fare. His life is governed by cheap air fares. He recently travelled on Ethiopian Air from Nigeria to Jannah. He has a layover of fifteen hours in a place I have never heard of – but I am geographically challenged. I travel business class on Qatar Air. My layover is in the Doha business class lounge. Now that is the way to travel. Oh well, to each his own. Not be traveling anywhere with that guy. Hahaha. I have attached two photographs of the Doha Business Class Lounge.
This is an imagined conversation.
They: I am so sorry that you and Alexis have broken up.
He: What? I did not know that! How do you know, where did you hear that?
They: It is on her blog.
He: Oh I never read that. I asked her if there was any update on plans. She said something about reading the blog. Then said if I continued to read it I would see that she will never marry.
Photo of the Doha Business Class Lounge, the dinner menu and the stir friend shrimp.