The Man Who Laughs and Cries

 The Man Who Laughs and Cries

Do not criticise the man who laughs at everything,

For one day, he will cry at something.

Do not judge him for his seemingly careless demeanour,

For beneath his exterior lies a depth you cannot comprehend.

He laughs and cries for things he knows,

But you do not see.

Do not shun him, for wisdom lies in observing his pain and laughter.

In his eyes, you will see the reflection of the world's joys and sorrows,

A microcosm of humanity's collective experience.

Listen to his laughter, and you will hear the echoes of a thousand midnights,

Each one a testament to the absurdity and beauty of life.

Witness his tears, and you will see the fragility of the human condition,

A reminder that even the strongest among us are not immune to the whispers of the heart.

So, do not criticise, do not judge, and do not shun.

Instead, observe, listen, and learn.

For in the man who laughs and cries, you will find a wisdom that is both profound and elusive,

A wisdom that can only be grasped by those who are willing to see beyond the surface.

Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Paradox of Scriptural Myopia"

 "The Paradox of Scriptural Myopia"

"As the crescendo of ignorance threatens to engulf humanity, it is imperative that Quran-Only adherents reconcile their rejection of Hadith with the Quran's own affirmations, lest their obstinacy precipitates a calamitous exacerbation of theological vacuity."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Blind Spot of Quran-Only Islam"

 

"The Blind Spot of Quran-Only Islam"

"As the Quran-Only conundrum perpetuates a truncated understanding of Islam, it behoves its adherents to reconcile their rejection of Hadith with the Quran's own affirmation of its complementary role, lest they risk navigating the treacherous waters of theological inconsistency and intellectual myopia."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"The Chains of Deception"

 "The Chains of Deception"

"As we gaze upon the façade of freedom, we must confront the haunting truth that the most formidable prisons are not those that confine our bodies, but those that shackle our minds."

-Whalid Safodien 

"Beneath the Façade: Unveiling the Paradox of Ethnocracy"

 "Beneath the Façade: Unveiling the Paradox of Ethnocracy"

By Whalid Safodien

As we gaze upon the tapestry of global politics, a paradoxical façade unfolds, shrouding the truth in an impenetrable veil of deceit. The ethnocratic state, masquerading as the benevolent democrat, orchestrates a cacophony of chaos, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation, as the innocent are consumed by the very flames of oppression they had once sought to extinguish.

And so, we must pose the question: Who are the true architects of this ethnocratic edifice, and who are the unwitting pawns in their game of global deception? Is it not the self-proclaimed democrats, who, with Machiavellian precision, manipulate the levers of power, perpetuating a cycle of violence and despair, as they ravage the Middle East, leaving naught but rubble and despair in their wake?

As we ponder this existential query, the veil of ignorance begins to lift, revealing the stark reality of our world. The true ethnocrats, cloaked in the garb of democracy, wield their power with an iron fist, crushing dissent and opposition beneath their heel. And we, the gullible masses, blinded by the façade of freedom, remain oblivious to the subtle machinations of our oppressors.

Yet, even as the darkness closes in, a glimmer of hope flickers, like a candle in the tempest. For in the depths of our collective psyche, a spark of resistance remains, waiting to be fanned into a roaring inferno of defiance. And when that day arrives, the ethnocrats, with their façade of democracy, shall tremble before the wrath of the awakened masses.

The Feather Pen

The Unity of the Ummah: A Call to Transcend Sectarian Division

 The Unity of the Ummah: A Call to Transcend Sectarian Division

As I ponder the state of our beloved Ummah, I am reminded of the profound wisdom of the Quran, specifically Surah 3, verse 103:

"And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves." (Quran 3:103)

This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and cohesion within our community. As a Sunni Muslim, I am deeply troubled by the divisions that exist between our brothers and sisters of the Shia tradition. The sectarianism that plagues our Ummah is a scourge that must be eradicated if we are to fulfill our divine mandate as a unified and compassionate community.

As an avid reader and seeker of knowledge, I have delved deeply into the ideologies of both Sunni and Shia traditions. Regrettably, I have discovered errors in the Shia ideology that are irreconcilable with the fundamental principles of our faith. Conversely, I have found that many Sunni scholars are weak in their interpretation of Hadith, failing to apply the Prophetic traditions in a manner that is consistent with the Quran and the Sunnah.

This lamentable state of affairs is a direct result of the failure of our scholars to engage in meaningful dialogue and to seek consensus on matters of the Deen. Instead, we have allowed the voices of division and discord to dominate the discourse, sowing the seeds of strife and sectarianism.

But I say to you, dear brothers and sisters, that we must not be swayed by the whims of those who claim to be scholars but are, in reality, donkeys in disguise. We must return to the Quran and the Sunnah, and engage in a process of introspection and self-reflection, using the Johari Window as a framework for understanding ourselves and our place within the Ummah.

The Johari Window, a concept developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham, is a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of human communication and relationships. It consists of four quadrants: the open quadrant, the blind quadrant, the hidden quadrant, and the unknown quadrant.

As we apply the Johari Window to our own lives and to the state of our Ummah, we begin to see the areas where we are open and transparent, where we are blind to our own flaws and weaknesses, where we hide behind masks of deception and hypocrisy, and where we are unknown to ourselves and to others.

By acknowledging and confronting these quadrants, we can begin to break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges of understanding and compassion. We can create a culture of openness, transparency, and accountability, where our scholars and leaders are truly servants of the people, rather than self-serving elites.

So let us join hands, dear brothers and sisters, and pledge to work towards a future where our Ummah is united, strong, and compassionate. A future where we can look to the North, South, East, and West, and see a community that is one, undivided, and unbroken.

For as the Quran reminds us, "Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me." (Quran 21:92)

Let us heed this call, dear friends, and strive to create a world where our differences are celebrated, our diversity is cherished, and our unity is the hallmark of our faith.

Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

"Brushstrokes of Divine Guidance"

 "Brushstrokes of Divine Guidance"

"As the celestial canvas of knowledge unfolds, the Mufti's brushstrokes of wisdom must dance in harmony with the rhythms of the Quran and Hadith, guided by the constellations of Fiqh, Ijtihad, and interpersonal relations, ever-committed to the pursuit of lifelong learning, as the universe of understanding expands, illuminating the path to enlightened rulings, and casting a warm glow of compassion, empathy, and respect upon the seekers of guidance."

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen

# Unveiling the Brushstrokes of Divine Guidance

In this profound and introspective piece, I am inviting the reader to contemplate the sacred role of the Mufti in Islamic scholarship. The title, "Brushstrokes of Divine Guidance," sets the tone for a deeply spiritual and philosophical exploration.

# The Celestial Canvas of Knowledge

The quote begins by describing the "celestial canvas of knowledge" unfolding, symbolizing the vast and intricate tapestry of Islamic wisdom. This canvas serves as the backdrop for the Mufti's journey, as they navigate the complexities of Islamic jurisprudence.

# The Mufti's Brushstrokes of Wisdom

The Mufti's "brushstrokes of wisdom" are likened to the delicate and intentional strokes of an artist, emphasizing the care and precision required in issuing fatwas (Islamic rulings). These brushstrokes must "dance in harmony" with the rhythms of the Quran and Hadith, highlighting the importance of synchronizing human understanding with divine revelation.

# Guided by the Constellations of Fiqh, Ijtihad, and Interpersonal Relations

The Mufti's wisdom is guided by the "constellations" of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Ijtihad (independent reasoning), and interpersonal relations. This celestial navigation system ensures that the Mufti remains grounded in the principles of Islamic law while adapting to the complexities of human relationships.

# Ever-Committed to Lifelong Learning

The Mufti's journey is marked by an "ever-commitment to the pursuit of lifelong learning." This dedication to continuous growth and development underscores the importance of humility and recognizing the limitations of human knowledge.

# Illuminating the Path to Enlightened Rulings

As the universe of understanding expands, the Mufti's wisdom illuminates the path to "enlightened rulings." This illumination symbolizes the clarity and insight that arise from a deep understanding of Islamic principles and their application in the world.

# Casting a Warm Glow of Compassion, Empathy, and Respect

Finally, the Mufti's guidance is characterized by a "warm glow of compassion, empathy, and respect" cast upon the seekers of guidance. This warmth represents the nurturing and supportive nature of Islamic scholarship, which seeks to uplift and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys.

In "Brushstrokes of Divine Guidance," I offer a poignant reflection on the sacred role of the Mufti in Islamic scholarship. Through this piece, I invite readers to contemplate the importance of humility, lifelong learning, and compassion in the pursuit of wisdom and guidance.

-Whalid Safodien

The Feather Pen