Day 6 and day 7 were basically one incredibly long day for me. I did not sleep between the two and instead found myself knocked out lat in the evening as we missioned home on buses and taxis. 8 hours of sleep later, I'm feeling pretty damn good alhamdullilah, though my mind and heart are incredibly tight.
I could not regret my fatigue yesterday as it fllowed one of the most incredible, and I believe, important conversations of my life.
Our concluding discussions at the IFYC office and final words with Eboo did not particularly seal anything, rather they allowed us to sort through volumes of the mental material we had gained over the past few days and highlight the immediately important elements.
After dinner at the Cheesecake factory we wondered the streets of Chicago. The lights, the high rises, the underground atmospheres below the high street level and the view across the river with the glistening reflections of capitalism brought a lot of things home to us.
As one pointed out, it is so easy to forget the rest of the world in a city like this because there is so much to distract you from it.
Chicago feels like a swerving point in my life. To one side with a steady rise in level.
People empower you. Peple who make you recognise the very depth of human spiritaulity and connection. People whose activism amplifies the need and ability to create justice in this world.
As I wake up this morning, I remember the boy sat in the middle of the road in China. And I know, that unless I do something, unless I trust in my Creator and have the confidence to fulfill the responsibilty to use my knowledge and experiences in the most influential way possible; I am almost no different to him. I am almost living in the path of unknown limit without even raising my head to see that any moment my chances could be over. And accountability is each for their own.
Last night, sitting on the bus at 11 o clock with the Mexixans who had just finished work, I closed my eyes and picture the boy. And when I woke. They had all left. It really is that easy. To walk through someones life and not even know it.
MINT ISH
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
CHICAGO - DAY 6
Many years ago a martial artist, actor, visionary and leader known as Bruce Lee described a picture to paint one of the most underanalysed metaphors modern society has produced. He said, "you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can crash, drip, flow...be water my friend."
The more surreal, undeniable and often challenging element of interfaith focussed social justice work as apposed to other areas is that you find yourself in an ocean of cups, bowls, jugs, teapots, caverns, ditches, homes and hopes. You find yourself riding the most insane wave where your own makeup and core principles remain the same, if not stronger; while you are able to adapt, suggest and question the reality you have percieved for so long. And, the inner battles that 'world peace,' doesn't quite encompass in the job description.
Staring out at the lake here in Chicago was a mesmerising experience. As it calmly rippled in the Chicago breeze, I noticed something. The street lights were being reflected across the water almost in a ray. These rays projected themselves, lighting up particular ripples in a particular direction, for a particular distance.
But they all were a part of this huge lake, made of so many droplets, constantly turning, mixing and merging. Activists are few and far between, and sometimes you have to tap into those that get it and really focus hearts in the right direction, to answer the world's great need.
Speaking today, Rami Shashashibi displayed a fantastic utilization of the English language, when he said that our faith should "drive us to understand and empathise with the human condition." He also quoted a Harvard proffesor who made the incredible point that a leader's role is to define reality. Today the conference came to a close and now I find myself wondering which cup I am going to adapt to, and how broad, unacceptable, inspiring, yet real real real; a leader must be.
I've met so many people here I feel as though my insane inboxes are going to give up on me. But these have been such a cornerstone, such a beautiful life changing experience. As cliche as that sounds, it would be an injustice to call it anything else.
Last night while talking to one of the most inspiring, intelligent and organic people I have ever met, I talked about my obsession with running. If I think I am lost, or something is lost, I tend to just keep going full power head until I find it or find myself. When I got lost in China, I didn't stop to critique the landscape - I just kept running, and ended up empty handed and list rather than vision orientated.
Tonight something extraordinary happened. I stopped, thought, and retraced my steps to retrieve a dropped possession. Now I know to some people that means nothing. But to me, that really means something. It means that I'm finally admitting things.
I personally believe that one of the greatest mistakes we make is forgetting to be the best we can be and truly fulfilling our purpose in life; we forget to encompass who we are as a whole as human beings. As human beings we have this incredible tendency to just leave bits out, and it sets us back, weighs us down or clouds our path. One of the most prominent examples of this is forgetting that who you are today includes the who you were yesterday and every day before that. You past and your soul both have a key role in defining you and what you can offer to society at large.
The more I learn about, practise and feel Islam; the more I see that the Islamic revolution was not only a revolution of one Creator, one Judge, one purpose. But of tolerance, coexistence, equality, rights, beliefs, hopes, fears and the most diverse plain of peoples and principles existing on the same plain. Islam is not a dictatorship. It is not to be forced and diluted for power and control. Nor is it an isolated faith. It is not cut off from the other faiths, or from the reality of the world we live in. In fact, it's the most real element of our lives possible.
While many amazing people across the world are stepping up and making a difference by channelling, championing, appreciating and understanding the specific power and province that faith cooperation and belief led action holds. Many others are hindering their attempts at development, encompassment and fair and just living. Pride, ego, ignorance, inexperience, fear, denial and dillusion all contribute to this psuedo reality and justice barrier. As one indescribable friend mentioned today - "We just don't know what's good for us."
All of the Prophets, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them came as messengers, not to teach us how to be perfect, but to teach us how to be human. And what could be more human than recognising one anothers humanity and diversity and embracing the core of our every day purpose and belonging to create the maximum fulfillment of self and society.
This afternoon we visited an after school club where we dressed up and scared the children in a halloweenie haunted house. For some people, seeing the connection between what we, as global activists and seekers of justice and peace; and scaring young children in a decorated basement kitchen, is near impossible. For others, the mental face paint, the group bonding, the tears and laughter of the children, the dedicated leaders of the centre and the awesome time everyone had, really says a lot. Because when we take into account the bigger picture, we cannot forget that the immediate one is important too.
I've been awake for over 24 hours and my mind is buzzing, I finally see the concete essence of what I want to do and how I want to do it.
A group of us stayed up playing Mafia, Samurai and other random yet awesome games.
The idea of sleeping when the wheels in my mind are turning so fast I feel like my head might fly off at any second is impossible.
Tommorow is our last full day in Chicago.
Alhammdullilah, coming here was one of the best moves I have ever made. And for that I am forever grateful because I know it is only by the will of Allah.
Some people can change you life with one word. Tonight I learnt the true importance of three. Trust, responsibility and confidence. Trust in Allah, trust in what you do, teach others how to trust you with your confidence. And then take on board the responsbility that trust brings. Take that weight and manouvre it to your and their, and our advantage.
Our. That is my one word right now.
Our.
The more surreal, undeniable and often challenging element of interfaith focussed social justice work as apposed to other areas is that you find yourself in an ocean of cups, bowls, jugs, teapots, caverns, ditches, homes and hopes. You find yourself riding the most insane wave where your own makeup and core principles remain the same, if not stronger; while you are able to adapt, suggest and question the reality you have percieved for so long. And, the inner battles that 'world peace,' doesn't quite encompass in the job description.
Staring out at the lake here in Chicago was a mesmerising experience. As it calmly rippled in the Chicago breeze, I noticed something. The street lights were being reflected across the water almost in a ray. These rays projected themselves, lighting up particular ripples in a particular direction, for a particular distance.
But they all were a part of this huge lake, made of so many droplets, constantly turning, mixing and merging. Activists are few and far between, and sometimes you have to tap into those that get it and really focus hearts in the right direction, to answer the world's great need.
Speaking today, Rami Shashashibi displayed a fantastic utilization of the English language, when he said that our faith should "drive us to understand and empathise with the human condition." He also quoted a Harvard proffesor who made the incredible point that a leader's role is to define reality. Today the conference came to a close and now I find myself wondering which cup I am going to adapt to, and how broad, unacceptable, inspiring, yet real real real; a leader must be.
I've met so many people here I feel as though my insane inboxes are going to give up on me. But these have been such a cornerstone, such a beautiful life changing experience. As cliche as that sounds, it would be an injustice to call it anything else.
Last night while talking to one of the most inspiring, intelligent and organic people I have ever met, I talked about my obsession with running. If I think I am lost, or something is lost, I tend to just keep going full power head until I find it or find myself. When I got lost in China, I didn't stop to critique the landscape - I just kept running, and ended up empty handed and list rather than vision orientated.
Tonight something extraordinary happened. I stopped, thought, and retraced my steps to retrieve a dropped possession. Now I know to some people that means nothing. But to me, that really means something. It means that I'm finally admitting things.
I personally believe that one of the greatest mistakes we make is forgetting to be the best we can be and truly fulfilling our purpose in life; we forget to encompass who we are as a whole as human beings. As human beings we have this incredible tendency to just leave bits out, and it sets us back, weighs us down or clouds our path. One of the most prominent examples of this is forgetting that who you are today includes the who you were yesterday and every day before that. You past and your soul both have a key role in defining you and what you can offer to society at large.
The more I learn about, practise and feel Islam; the more I see that the Islamic revolution was not only a revolution of one Creator, one Judge, one purpose. But of tolerance, coexistence, equality, rights, beliefs, hopes, fears and the most diverse plain of peoples and principles existing on the same plain. Islam is not a dictatorship. It is not to be forced and diluted for power and control. Nor is it an isolated faith. It is not cut off from the other faiths, or from the reality of the world we live in. In fact, it's the most real element of our lives possible.
While many amazing people across the world are stepping up and making a difference by channelling, championing, appreciating and understanding the specific power and province that faith cooperation and belief led action holds. Many others are hindering their attempts at development, encompassment and fair and just living. Pride, ego, ignorance, inexperience, fear, denial and dillusion all contribute to this psuedo reality and justice barrier. As one indescribable friend mentioned today - "We just don't know what's good for us."
All of the Prophets, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them came as messengers, not to teach us how to be perfect, but to teach us how to be human. And what could be more human than recognising one anothers humanity and diversity and embracing the core of our every day purpose and belonging to create the maximum fulfillment of self and society.
This afternoon we visited an after school club where we dressed up and scared the children in a halloweenie haunted house. For some people, seeing the connection between what we, as global activists and seekers of justice and peace; and scaring young children in a decorated basement kitchen, is near impossible. For others, the mental face paint, the group bonding, the tears and laughter of the children, the dedicated leaders of the centre and the awesome time everyone had, really says a lot. Because when we take into account the bigger picture, we cannot forget that the immediate one is important too.
I've been awake for over 24 hours and my mind is buzzing, I finally see the concete essence of what I want to do and how I want to do it.
A group of us stayed up playing Mafia, Samurai and other random yet awesome games.
The idea of sleeping when the wheels in my mind are turning so fast I feel like my head might fly off at any second is impossible.
Tommorow is our last full day in Chicago.
Alhammdullilah, coming here was one of the best moves I have ever made. And for that I am forever grateful because I know it is only by the will of Allah.
Some people can change you life with one word. Tonight I learnt the true importance of three. Trust, responsibility and confidence. Trust in Allah, trust in what you do, teach others how to trust you with your confidence. And then take on board the responsbility that trust brings. Take that weight and manouvre it to your and their, and our advantage.
Our. That is my one word right now.
Our.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
CHICAGO - DAY 5
Before the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) became a Muslim and recieved his clear call as a prophet, a messenger to the people from his and their Creator. He used to spend weeks every year fasting in a cave, completely cut off from humanity; inserting himself entirely into his spiritual self. One day, as Jisat alone in the cave, the angel Jibril came to him with the words "Assalaamoalaykum ya Rassul Allah." (Peace be upon you Prophet of Allah) He then went on to tell the illiterate Prophet to recite the message of Allah. After that year, the Prophet never returned. He never isolated himself from his people ever again. He carried the message every day of every year, in every action and personal characteristic possible.
What significance is this in Islam? And how can we use it to inspire and inform us in how we approach our way of life and our way of fulfilling our purpose in accordance with our religion? The lesson is simple - humanity helps humanity within the limitations which humanity has. Great leaders are those who are one with the people, one with the purpose and one with the and ways of approaching life and action within all this.
I would hesitate in saying that today has been a turning point in my attitudes and actions. Rather, today has been the introduction of new bricks, new styles of laying them in the building of my social justice activist core. More importantly, my duty, my individual fulfillment as a Muslim has stood in my immediate path ready to embrace, engage and enhance me in my acceptance of the struggle that is the reality of an anti passive existence.
I plan do a full write up when I return to the UK on the meaning and means of interfaith social justice work. Right now I feel inadequate. It's 3.35am here and we'll be meeting at 7.20am. This environment is fast paced, exciting and over powering and awesome. But it leaves no room for reflection - which isn't really a problem as I want to be forced into making the most of what we are a part of here.
Today I had a fantastic workshop on International Interfaith Fairtrade with a representative for Thanksgiving coffee which really set out a lot of ground for me and what I want to do. We also had the incredible oppurtunity to sit down with Eboo, and get some bunt, critical and analytical advice and inspiration.
I also met, and heard some of the most incredible people, including Rabbi Or whose deep spiritual reflections and perception of our world really stirred me. A Malaysian Swedish member of the Muslim Peace Movement who really made me look within myself to why I do what I do. A Roman Catholic teacher who helped remind me of the impact of my own childhood Catholic best friend on me. A German and International Relations Christian student who wants to change the German education system specifically to tackle issues within the Muslim youth.
Keith Ellison talked to us about knowing our history but tapping into our creativity. It is time to start the conversations we don't want to have, with the people we don't want to talk to. Time to defend our beliefs without being defensive.
The common vision of the diverse community here is one which I have never encountered on such a huge level. It reminds me of the importance of living alongside one another for the sake of our Creator in the interest of justice and peace. In the Qu'ran we are told how God is Merciful to those who show mercy to man. Mercy on earth is an active concept. We are here to serve, to submit to the cause, to liberate the ignorance or oppressed.
If you believe in this, you act in it. Conversation is a dressing, not a leaf. Read books but read reality too. Read yourself and how useful and honest with yourself and your own beliefs you really are. This is true consciousness in your own humanity and conscience of your role.
I tried come up with a one line definition for faith in action. And all I could think of, was; "to jump into the arms of the struggle with your eyes to the sky".
Mirembe (Peace- Uganda)
What significance is this in Islam? And how can we use it to inspire and inform us in how we approach our way of life and our way of fulfilling our purpose in accordance with our religion? The lesson is simple - humanity helps humanity within the limitations which humanity has. Great leaders are those who are one with the people, one with the purpose and one with the and ways of approaching life and action within all this.
I would hesitate in saying that today has been a turning point in my attitudes and actions. Rather, today has been the introduction of new bricks, new styles of laying them in the building of my social justice activist core. More importantly, my duty, my individual fulfillment as a Muslim has stood in my immediate path ready to embrace, engage and enhance me in my acceptance of the struggle that is the reality of an anti passive existence.
I plan do a full write up when I return to the UK on the meaning and means of interfaith social justice work. Right now I feel inadequate. It's 3.35am here and we'll be meeting at 7.20am. This environment is fast paced, exciting and over powering and awesome. But it leaves no room for reflection - which isn't really a problem as I want to be forced into making the most of what we are a part of here.
Today I had a fantastic workshop on International Interfaith Fairtrade with a representative for Thanksgiving coffee which really set out a lot of ground for me and what I want to do. We also had the incredible oppurtunity to sit down with Eboo, and get some bunt, critical and analytical advice and inspiration.
I also met, and heard some of the most incredible people, including Rabbi Or whose deep spiritual reflections and perception of our world really stirred me. A Malaysian Swedish member of the Muslim Peace Movement who really made me look within myself to why I do what I do. A Roman Catholic teacher who helped remind me of the impact of my own childhood Catholic best friend on me. A German and International Relations Christian student who wants to change the German education system specifically to tackle issues within the Muslim youth.
Keith Ellison talked to us about knowing our history but tapping into our creativity. It is time to start the conversations we don't want to have, with the people we don't want to talk to. Time to defend our beliefs without being defensive.
The common vision of the diverse community here is one which I have never encountered on such a huge level. It reminds me of the importance of living alongside one another for the sake of our Creator in the interest of justice and peace. In the Qu'ran we are told how God is Merciful to those who show mercy to man. Mercy on earth is an active concept. We are here to serve, to submit to the cause, to liberate the ignorance or oppressed.
If you believe in this, you act in it. Conversation is a dressing, not a leaf. Read books but read reality too. Read yourself and how useful and honest with yourself and your own beliefs you really are. This is true consciousness in your own humanity and conscience of your role.
I tried come up with a one line definition for faith in action. And all I could think of, was; "to jump into the arms of the struggle with your eyes to the sky".
Mirembe (Peace- Uganda)
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