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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Paradox of our times |
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| georger |
| 05/21/04 at 14:38:11 |
| The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart, and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. To all my friends in my life, thanks for being there. The secret of life is not to have everything you want, but to want everything you have! |
| Re: Paradox of our times |
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| Trustworthy |
| 05/22/04 at 01:19:15 |
| [slm]... Masha-Allah...that is so true. And then we expect our lives to be perfect yet do nothing to achieve it. If only people would not just open their eyes but their hearts as well. I used to think that peace in the world was possible and I used to blame the leaders of the world. Now I know it's the indiviual that needs to change first before changing the whole world. Jazakh...for the reminder. Ma-asalaamah..... |
| Re: Paradox of our times |
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| kashifs |
| 05/25/04 at 00:27:14 |
| Assalamua'aliakum, I agree individuals need to change first, victory of the hearts more important than any political or military victory. :-* Per accomplishments and lack thereof of break neck fast paced society two things among many come to mind. One being mother therasa's famous quote "As poverty is the achiles heel(vex) of the east, loneliness is that of the west" ....Societies in the east are known as 'communal' while those of west 'individualistics' with as the benefits and drawbacks in both....yet now seems western individualistic values are eroding the east in a negative sense for the larger part as education and civil freedoms not transfered as rapidly as materialism and loose morals.. Second how salt cystals (or ice cystals in window frames) form(as I saw in science centre). As they they crytalize tiny nudges or stresses here or there determine how future crytalizations from in effect after nudge/stress even removed and the overall composition of the formation. I see modern societies in west( Toronto, Canada) as similar we have a few hollywood/music/business icons(the nudges) tellings the rest of hundreds of millions of us how to behave, socialize, ethics etc...and these are meliable the next wave the next crave lemmings(especially when it comes to artifical body enhancements craze of tens of millions) and then the huge marketing machines help us copy these new norms while making billions(just cosmetics is supposed to be a $ 16 Billion industry) for the few rich ones again. Class mass craze, everyone hurrying towards SUVs and materialism but the millions then oops not enough oil(and more accidents) and oops average north american more than $ 20 thousands in credit debt(thus stug are lower levels of society due to its effects). I believe part of the solution is pull the plug on TV/cable(at my home we do so except on weekends) thus we have more autonomy to think and breath differently than victoms ot unpresented collosal marketing of what to think, what tunes run in our heads, and how to behave/socialize/normalize machine that TV/Radio is. Muslims are now developing alternative Media like Bridges Television (Cables) and many local and Radio shows....we are entering mainstream society yet many of us get diluted in the process when others become more intellectual, creative and inspired that would in other parts of the world. I agree that family is the nucleus and foundation of society and Muslims should nurture and pass on strong caring family values to non-Muslims and fellow Muslimsthat may need to regain them. The important Islam place on good family ties and being good to parents. That is where healing of society can most take place if we wish to create a better North America for everyone(muslim and non-muslim) we need to instill in us and others that care to listen to the nobler values of our Islam(while shedding cultural values like lesser role/value of females) . I need to remind us all during this turbalent phase of histry that I believe that all that is happening in this world right now is part of Allah(s.w.a) plan....as Allah(s.w.a) is the best of planners. ;-) Wassalam ;-) |
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