Messenger Audio 24.1 (17-Dec-1982)

(0:06) We should not take each other's money dishonestly, nor should we bribe the officials that wanted to take other people's money, carefully and morally. (0:18) Is that what I'm supposed to say? (0:20) Whatever, that's up to you. If you want to stop and take a break, that's fine. (0:27) To me, that's my understanding of the government, where we should not take each other's money. (0:32) Well, the government's trying to take it. (0:34) Again, some people like to bribe other people for things that they want. (0:41) And they're doing these type of things in a moral kind of way, and not really being aware that a lot of people at all, (0:49) and by their scheming against the people, a lot of scheming against them. (0:56) So, a lot of people should not take each other's money dishonestly, nor should we bribe the officials. (1:05) Okay, let's put this in perspective. You said that God, uh, God schemes. (1:13) Yeah, you said God would scheme against you, right? (1:17) I'm saying, like, okay, me and you, and I, um, say for instance, I said, well, shall we, um, buy it on or something like that? (1:27) And then I may take this five dollars and go get me a pint of gin or something, or go pay a lobby or something like this. (1:35) But then I might have told you that I needed something to eat or something like that. (1:39) And so, to me, that's being dishonest. (1:41) And then also, um, I was saying, like, uh, if I was, say for instance, something happened to me and I went to jail, (1:54) and I needed to get out, and I would pay the officials, you know, like, say that I stole something from somebody or hurt somebody, (2:04) and then I would pay the officials to get out of jail or bribe them. (2:08) Let me tell you, I give you fifty dollars or a hundred dollars and you let me out. (2:11) Don't worry about those other people. And then they take it. (2:15) And so, I'm worried about these other people not hearing me and seeing me make this bribe to the judge or whomever, (2:23) whereas God is looking directly at both of us, and we're both going to be in trouble. (2:29) But most men, you know, people serious, don't think like that. (2:33) They think that they're kind of nice, and they're not. (2:36) Whereas God is looking at the big unaware, because if they sit down, they're going to get a lot of trouble. (2:42) So that's my understanding. (2:45) Also, to put this in a, in terms of connecting to what you were saying, (2:49) when you talk about schemes, you're very correct, (2:53) in that you go to the market, and you buy things, and then you go out and give the, what do you call the cashier? (3:06) You give the cashier five dollars, and she thinks that you gave her twenty dollars. (3:12) So she gives you the change, you bought things for two dollars, and she gives you eighteen dollars back. (3:19) Because she thought you gave her twenty dollars. (3:21) When you really gave her five dollars. (3:24) Now, you have two choices, you can take the eighteen dollars and walk out, (3:28) in which case you're eating other people's money dishonestly, (3:31) because at the end of the day she'll count her money and she'll be short fifteen dollars. (3:37) Or you can give her the money back. (3:40) But the Quran tells you, the Quran tells you to give her the money back, (3:43) because I gave you only five dollars. (3:48) Now, when you said God's scheme, it's because if you do walk out with the money, (3:52) you eat other people's money dishonestly, (3:56) that person, you don't make fifteen dollars, (4:00) you actually lose a lot more than the fifteen dollars. (4:04) Something else will happen, where you lose a lot of money. (4:10) And on the way home you get a ticket. (4:13) Right, on seventy dollars, speeding ticket. (4:19) Or worse yet, you get in an accident. (4:24) Because breaking God's law is very serious, you know, (4:26) the seriousness here is not just taking fifteen dollars, fifteen dollars is nothing. (4:31) But the serious matter is really disobeying God. (4:35) When he says in the Quran, you shall not take each other's money dishonestly. (4:43) So in that case, you'll take the money because God says you'll take the money. (4:48) But God doesn't know how much it is. (4:52) Right, because it will cost you a lot more, (5:13) it'll cost you a lot more than the price of cigarettes. (5:17) Because sometimes they charge more than they cost. (5:21) It's better that you lose money than you gain money, (5:25) because God never says, walk to the supper. (5:34) You make sure that you're effective rather than aggressive. (5:40) Because God makes it up to you. (5:45) So the Muslim is aware that when this happens, (5:49) the people usually look at you like, (5:50) my God, there's some honest people around here. (5:53) They don't realize that you'll return it because you're scared to death. (5:58) Because it will actually cost you a lot more, (6:00) because it'll be a lot smarter to give back the money. (6:04) It'll be a lot smarter, a lot cheaper, (6:07) and you'll make a lot more money than what you... (6:11) What? (6:21) Because they belong to somebody who works very hard for them. (6:25) What else? (6:26) I know someone who's going to return it. (6:29) Oh, yes. (6:33) Some people have a real struggle, man. (6:40) These are the real tests. (6:41) Yes. (6:43) Okay, people, thanks. (6:45) No, no, no. (6:48) The bribery was... (6:55) We had a national case of bribery on the TV and the radio. (7:00) The head of the Teamsters Union (7:04) was found guilty of trying to bribe a senator, (7:08) give him a few acres of land in Las Vegas, (7:12) because they wanted the senator (7:14) to oppose deregulation of the trucking industry, (7:19) which means the drivers make a lot of money from you and me. (7:25) So this is why, when you read it, it says, (7:27) nor shall you bribe the officials (7:29) in order to take other people's money, simply and knowingly. (7:34) So what the Teamsters Union president wanted (7:36) was to take the people's money, simply and knowingly, (7:40) because the deregulation of the trucking industry (7:44) made the trucking business cheaper for us (7:47) and less money for them. (7:50) That's a bribe. (7:53) Ask him. (7:55) Suppose you are living in a society where you can bribe... (8:02) I will bribe. (8:04) Cheese. (8:06) If you don't bribe, you cannot get even your own right. (8:11) Yes. (8:12) Is it fine to bribe in that case? (8:15) Yes. (8:15) Even though you can... (8:17) Yes. (8:18) You have to be bribed. (8:19) You cannot bribe. (8:21) That's the commandment. (8:23) What the bribe does, you want a visa, for example, (8:26) to leave the country, and... (8:29) You can get it, but you bribe. (8:32) But suppose you stay in the country, (8:34) it means they will kill you unjustly. (8:42) Suppose you did not commit a crime (8:45) and your enemies in the government are going to frame you (8:48) and you know it, (8:49) and you are given a chance to leave the country, (8:51) but you have to give, let's say, 100 good Egyptian pounds. (8:55) If you do not give the 100 good Egyptian pounds, (9:00) then you will allow other people to commit also injustice. (9:04) And then if you die, who will feed your family, (9:07) your children, and so on? (9:08) I think it's a hard question. (9:11) I make a policy of not putting myself to the test (9:13) when I don't need to. (9:15) This is a theoretical situation. (9:18) But does bribery include when you are asked (9:21) for payment for, say, a policeman to forget (9:26) that he's done something wrong? (9:28) Like in the Philippines, you know, (9:30) the cop is like, you know, for something, (9:33) I'm going to forget. (9:36) There's a special on Christmas. (9:39) Yes, on Christmas, the policeman tells you (9:42) you deserve this ticket. (9:45) I will pay for the ticket. (9:47) But you know, he says, (9:48) never mind, the government is rich, (9:49) but my family needs it. (9:50) It's a very big thing. (9:57) It's institutionalized, right? (9:59) Like it's just almost a standard thing, (10:02) like going across the border or something. (10:08) Nobody's going to get me to say, (10:09) go ahead, I'm right. (10:13) The commandment is, you shall not bribe. (10:31) You see, the policeman will take a bribe (10:35) in order to forget about the ticket. (10:37) Now, where does the ticket money go? (10:39) To the government. (10:41) The ticket goes to the general treasury, (10:44) where some other people are going to get the money, (10:47) possibly salaries or whatever. (10:49) So, what it's doing is diverting the money (10:51) from other people. (10:53) But that is different from the other case. (10:56) So, suppose you want to expedite your paper, (10:59) that's something else. (11:00) You go again, I take Egypt again. (11:02) I don't have Egypt. (11:04) So, you are not giving money to, (11:07) you are not going to take away money (11:08) from the government. (11:09) Government says you must pay 10 pounds for passport. (11:13) All right. (11:14) Then you see this hard-working man, (11:17) he's telling, here is 2 pounds. (11:19) Hurry up! (11:20) Right. (11:21) You know how he will hurry up? (11:22) Is that a bribe or is it a gift? (11:23) I'm going to tell you how he will hurry up. (11:25) He's going to put my paper on the side (11:27) and take your paper and push it through. (11:29) So, my paper is going to be delayed. (11:32) That's what happens. (11:34) You'll get priority to your paper (11:35) by pushing my paper on the side (11:37) or other people's papers on the side. (11:40) No. (11:41) That's true. (11:41) It will be at the expense of others. (11:44) But suppose he says he will just wake up early (11:46) and work extra. (11:48) No, he will not do that. (11:52) He will just, (11:54) he will push other people's papers on the side (11:57) and he will put your paper on the top. (12:00) That's what they will do. (12:01) We must remember that (12:03) there is a law of the Quran that says (12:05) if you are forced by circumstance (12:08) without being malicious or deliberate (12:10) then you are not committing a sin. (12:13) So, God understands the circumstances (12:15) that if you don't get a visa they will kill you. (12:17) Now, that's self-defense. (12:19) You bribe your enemies. (12:20) You are forced. (12:22) You are forced by circumstance (12:24) and you are not being malicious or deliberate (12:26) and you're definitely not eating other people's money. (12:29) That's honestly. (12:30) So, God understands. (12:31) It's a matter of common sense. (12:33) Islam is absolutely common sense. (12:36) Alhamdulillah. (12:37) Do you have a question, Loretta? (12:55) Okay, back to Latif. (13:06) Do not beat around the bush. (13:09) They ask you about the phases of the moon. (13:12) They provide a time and device for the people. (13:16) But we tell them the time will cause COVID. (13:19) It is not righteous to beat around the bush (13:22) by asking questions and having questions. (13:25) But the righteous thing is to be straightforward (13:28) and to observe God and you may succeed. (13:32) Yes, you may succeed. (13:35) That's a good answer. (13:37) But then, I think I finished the last one. (13:42) I couldn't have found it. (13:45) But it's straightforward. (13:50) I think that's how they feel that, you know, (13:53) like somebody asked you about the moon. (13:55) It's the last thing to say, you know, (13:57) to provide a time and device for the people. (14:01) But that was, you know, that's a very good point. (14:04) Yeah, well, this really, they asked you, Muhammad, (14:08) about the phases of the moon. (14:10) These people really came to him saying (14:13) you're not a prophet. (14:17) So instead of saying you're not a prophet, (14:19) they said, what about the phases of the moon? (14:24) Tell us about the phases of the moon. (14:26) But that's not the real question. (14:29) The question is, prove to us that you're a prophet of God. (14:34) So they're beating around the bush. (14:36) Okay. (14:37) So God is providing the answer to Muhammad here in this verse. (14:41) You can tell them that this is a timing device, (14:45) and it will tell us when to pass the month, (14:47) which is the ninth month, which is the twelfth month, (14:50) the time to pass. (14:52) We were looking at the moon today, (14:53) and you can tell this is the second day of the month, (14:58) a new lunar month. (15:00) And you can tell by the fact that it rises early. (15:04) Now it gets later and later, bigger and bigger, (15:08) until the full moon on the 14th day of the month. (15:15) So you can tell it's a timing device. (15:17) Okay, but what I'm saying is that I have problems here. (15:24) I'm not sure. (15:25) To me, okay, what I'm sure of is that it's saying to me, (15:29) my people, just straightforward, (15:30) you might be the ones listening now, (15:32) that's what it's saying to me, and that's what I do. (15:35) But then I have problems with that, (15:36) because sometimes I'm too straightforward. (15:39) So people tell me, and their feelings or whatever get hurt. (15:44) That's very good. (15:44) And so, you know, because of society, (15:47) so you should like maybe care their feelings or whatever, (15:49) or you kind of hold some of it. (15:51) But I'm not like that, I'm being straightforward, (15:54) because that's me, what comes up comes out. (15:56) And it hurts people's feelings, (15:58) and I don't mean to hurt nobody's feelings, (16:00) it's just that I be straightforward. (16:02) You know, boy, I don't like your hair, I don't like your hair. (16:04) And I just said, and before you know it, (16:07) I said it and this person was hurt, (16:09) and then somebody come back and tell me, (16:11) well, my people, you should have said something, (16:12) I should have heard their feelings and stuff, you know. (16:15) But then that kind of looks back on me, (16:17) to make me, maybe I am being straightforward. (16:22) So, there's that. (16:24) First of all, you have to be straightforward. (16:27) In any form, fashion, whatever. (16:30) Don't beat around the bush, under any situation. (16:32) But, there are different ways of being straightforward. (16:36) There's a diplomatic way, (16:38) there's a way of doing it easy and mild. (16:41) So the Quran says, invite to the way of the Lord, (16:44) by wisdom and tact, (16:47) and being diplomatic. (16:50) So, you can be straightforward. (16:53) Yeah, instead of saying, I don't like your hair, (16:55) you can say, you know, I like your hair better than what comes out. (16:59) So this is a positive. (17:02) This is a positive statement. (17:04) At the same time, you told the person, (17:06) I don't like your hair this way. (17:08) But you said it in a diplomatic way, (17:10) you're straightforward, (17:13) and you're telling the truth. (17:16) But at the same time, you didn't hurt the person's feelings. (17:23) So it is straightforward. (17:31) Rules of war. (17:33) You shall fight in the cause of God against those who fight you. (17:37) But do not address the God you have not loved as well. (17:45) You may kill them if they attack you, (17:54) and evict them from where they evicted you. (17:57) Okay, I would love to attack you. (17:59) No, nothing, I don't want anything. (18:18) Correction, correction. (18:20) I have to correct that. (18:21) She was trying to get Ahmad's attention. (18:26) She was trying to get Ahmad's attention to quiet down the children. (18:30) It was unintentional. (18:31) But Ahmad didn't have no part of it, (18:33) so she threw a pillow at Ahmad. (18:35) But she missed. (18:37) And she got Abdullah. (18:38) Abdullah is always the recipient of these threats. (18:44) The other day, (18:47) Kasim wanted to trip Erol. (18:51) Erol had... (18:52) Done terrible things to Kasim. (18:55) Kasim went and got the shaving cream. (18:59) A can of shaving cream. (19:01) I went to Erol's shoe (19:03) and filled it up with shaving cream. (19:07) Except it was not Erol's shoe. (19:14) He was so good about it. (19:19) He said, that's all right, it happens all the time. (19:28) So God knows that Abdullah can take it. (19:35) Had Masouda got Ahmad, (19:37) he would have turned right around and threw the pillow. (19:40) The bigger pillow. (19:42) But Abdullah just put the pillow aside. (19:45) He smiled. (19:45) He said, bless your soul. (19:52) I think he carried the shoe to Kasim. (19:54) What is the meaning of this? (19:58) She had to explain that. (20:07) You shall fight in the cause of God, (20:09) against those who fight you. (20:11) But do not aggress, (20:13) for God does not love the aggressors. (20:17) As you know, Iraq attacked Iran. (20:21) And they went on fighting each other, (20:23) even in the sacred month, (20:24) when there was no war. (20:26) Supposed to be no war. (20:29) And then they blamed the Muslims. (20:33) The sacred month of Haram. (20:35) The month of Haram. (20:38) Ramadan. (20:41) Razab. (20:43) Razab, Ramadan. (20:45) The month of Ramadan. (20:48) Okay, one line to one. (20:51) You may kill them if they attack you. (20:54) And evict them if they evict you too. (20:57) Oppression is worse than murder. (20:59) Do not fight them at the sacred month, (21:01) unless they attack you therein. (21:03) If they attack you, (21:05) then you may kill them. (21:07) And this will be their death reproduction. (21:12) Keep going. (21:19) Keep going. (21:21) However, if they refrain, (21:24) then God has forgiven mercy for them. (21:26) You may fight them to prevent oppression, (21:29) and to protect God's religion, (21:31) and complete freedom. (21:33) Once they refrain, (21:34) there shall be no aggression (21:36) except against the wicked. (21:40) If they attack you during the sacred month, (21:44) then you may fight during the sacred month. (21:46) Attacking the wicked (21:47) may be meant by equivalent responses. (21:51) If they attack you, (21:52) you may attack them to inflict (21:54) equivalent retribution. (21:56) You shall observe God, (21:57) and know that God is with those (22:00) who observe Him. (22:01) Instead, in the cause of God, (22:04) do not throw yourselves with your own will (22:06) into disaster. (22:07) You shall be charitable, (22:09) for God loves the charitable. (22:13) Okay, all that really is just a claim (22:15) to say the law (22:18) that Allah has given us (22:19) for the blessing. (22:21) And talking about the sacred month, (22:24) that we should not fight in the sacred month, (22:26) but if somebody attacks us, (22:28) then we can fight them or kill them, (22:30) or even give them the same amount of punishment (22:33) that they give us. (22:35) No more, no less, (22:37) to attack. (22:39) And I think someone else (22:41) just said in his paper, (22:43) it would be better if you could (22:44) just watch out. (22:46) You see, again and again it says, (22:49) do not aggress, do not attack, (22:51) only if they attack you. (22:53) Yet, the general belief in the world (22:55) is that Islam is a religion of the soul, (22:58) and aggressors, (22:59) and really you don't blame the people (23:01) because of what so-called Muslims are doing. (23:05) But Islam, this is the real Islam, (23:07) in the Quran. (23:08) If you do not attack, (23:10) and if they attack you, (23:14) how about the people of Pakistan, (23:16) the people of Pakistan, (23:18) the Islamic militants, (23:20) you know what they say in Taiwan, (23:23) they don't aggress, (23:25) they don't aggress. (23:25) When they went to Egypt and Syria, (23:27) there was no war. (23:29) When they went to North Africa, (23:30) there was no war. (23:32) They didn't aggress. (23:35) When they went to Spain, (23:40) that's why they lost Spain. (23:43) When they went to Spain, (23:44) they went to other places. (23:46) I think even in North Africa, (23:47) they found some resistance (23:49) of other people. (23:54) The Burmese, yeah. (23:56) Or the Burmese. (23:57) I thought Burmese. (24:02) Burmese and Burmese. (24:10) So as you see, (24:11) the verse is very clear (24:12) that you do not aggress. (24:14) You take the side of the weak. (24:16) But the instances (24:19) where you fight (24:20) are two things. (24:21) If you are attacked (24:22) or if you are oppressed, (24:27) religion-wise, (24:28) because the most precious thing, (24:30) the most precious thing to us (24:32) is our convictions, (24:34) worshiping God alone. (24:35) If there's any circumstance (24:37) that would stop us from doing this, (24:39) we have to fight to preserve it. (25:13) We're talking about religious oppression. (25:17) Religious oppression. (25:20) Before I close, (25:21) before we close, (25:23) I want to mention that (25:25) the dhikr will be (25:27) at 6 o'clock. (25:28) It is followed by the Arabic language lessons. (25:31) And we are having a lot of fun. (25:33) I'm telling you. (25:34) If you're not taking the Arabic lessons, (25:36) you're missing a lot of fun. (25:38) And the students can testify to that. (25:40) Also, we have the best Arabic course (25:42) in the whole world. (25:43) Just think, next week, (25:45) Latifa will be reading Quran in Arabic. (25:48) That's right. (25:49) And she started (25:51) from zero. (25:54) This morning (25:55) we're going to finish the alphabet (25:58) and the cursive (26:00) the way it is written (26:01) in Quran. (26:03) So a week from today, I promise you, (26:05) Latifa will be reading Quran in Arabic. (26:07) And this is how good the Arabic course is. (26:13) Don't worry, Latifa. (26:14) I must say Inshallah. (26:17) Yes, you have. (26:18) This is the Quranic injunction. (26:21) You must say Inshallah. (26:22) So a week from today, Inshallah, (26:24) Latifa will be reading the Quran in Arabic. (26:26) How about the meaning of it? (26:29) Are we going to finish this? (26:30) Yes, we're going to. (26:32) This one she's going to read, but she'll not know the meaning of it. (26:34) This is only two weeks. (26:37) No, but they've made it out. (26:39) Right. (26:39) Of course, yes. (26:44) But when you read the word (26:45) Quran in Arabic, you understand (26:47) what it is talking about. (26:48) When you read words like Allah, (26:50) there are already some words that you know. (26:55) We're going to close. (26:56) And then we'll go home and sleep. (27:00) Fatiha. (27:22) Arabic recitation. (27:24) Who's Aaron? (27:26) Aaron is in California. (27:28) Aaron is his mother. (27:31) Very good. (29:53) But the verse we looked at, (29:55) 11, 1, 4, 10, (29:56) gives the same meaning. (29:58) So, (30:00) apparently, (30:01) Salat is also another means of (30:03) wiping out sins. (30:06) Now, I would say those are (30:08) the (30:10) unperceivable (30:12) sins. (30:13) What was the word in English today? (30:15) Inadvertent sins. (30:19) Like you (30:20) tell Allah, (30:21) inadvertently. (30:24) Like, (30:25) Oh, I love your dress. (30:27) When you really hate it. (30:31) This is an inadvertent (30:34) inadvertent sin. (30:37) So, the prayers will take care of all. (30:41) I shouldn't put any indications on it. (30:43) Oh, I'm sure any of the (30:50) positive practices, (30:54) you know, there's a reason for them. (30:55) God gave us (30:57) a description. (30:58) Salat, zakat, (31:01) charity, fasting. (31:04) I'm sure all these things. (31:05) I mean, fasting is a form of (31:07) self-imposed (31:09) suffering, isn't it? (31:11) And it is worshipped at the same (31:13) time, and therefore, I'm sure (31:15) it wipes sins. (31:20) So we do it (31:21) hoping that this will clean (31:23) our records. But the idea (31:25) that we learned (31:27) from the Adam and Eve lesson (31:29) is that we cannot be in heaven with one sin. (31:32) And God picked out (31:33) a very simple sin, you know. (31:35) It's eating from the tree. A bite of (31:37) apple. You're out. (31:40) I mean, it's not really a bite of apple, (31:43) but if you think of it this way, as is commonly (31:45) believed, (31:47) it's a very simple act of (31:49) disobedience. (31:52) And you're out. (31:53) So this teaches us this. (31:57) If the verse also says that (31:59) it is... (32:01) I lost it again. (32:04) 29. (32:06) If it's the means... (32:10) Remembering God? (32:13) If it is (32:15) any means for remembering (32:17) God, which is even (32:19) greater. So (32:21) if it's the means for remembering Allah, (32:23) we can also say that Salat is a technique (32:27) against (32:27) forgetting. (32:29) It means, therefore, Salat might be (32:31) the technique that we will not fall (32:34) into the sin of (32:35) Adam. (32:38) So it prevents us from (32:39) eating from that tree. (32:42) I think these things are all connected here. (32:44) Actually, (32:45) in one of the statements, at least one, (32:48) in the Quran, it says Adam and Eve forgot. (32:50) So they forgot (32:52) God. (32:52) And the (32:54) prayer makes you remember God. (32:56) How many common people think of God? (32:59) How often (33:00) do they think of God? They wake up in the morning (33:02) and they're going to work. (33:05) They get up in the (33:06) morning and they're hitting it (33:08) and they go shaving or making up (33:10) their faces and putting their (33:12) faces on, as they say. (33:15) And then (33:16) go to work. (33:18) And they never think of God. (33:20) And then (33:21) at the end of the day, back home, (33:23) they think of God. (33:28) So (33:28) most people don't think of (33:31) God whatsoever. (33:34) They forget. (33:36) Which reminds me (33:38) of a commandment in Surah 59 (33:40) verse (33:43) 18. (33:45) Just look (33:46) at it. (33:48) It's in Surah (33:55) 59 verse (33:56) 18. (33:56) It says, (33:57) O you who believe, beware of God. (33:59) And let each of you examine what he or (34:01) she has advanced for the coming (34:03) days. You shall observe (34:05) God, for God is cognizant of everything (34:07) you do. Do not be like those (34:09) who forgot God, so He made them forget (34:11) their own souls. (34:14) These are the wicked. (34:15) Not equal are those who have preserved (34:17) Heaven and those who have preserved Heaven. (34:19) Those who have preserved Heaven are the (34:21) winners. So it says (34:23) when people forget God, God makes (34:25) them forget themselves. So they neglect (34:27) themselves. (34:29) And who is themselves? (34:31) Themselves is their soul. (34:33) They forget to feed their soul. (34:36) Lots of people are (34:36) very careful in the morning to get a cup of (34:39) tea or breakfast. (34:41) They're giving their body (34:44) their cup of (34:45) coffee or (34:47) breakfast. (34:48) And if they don't have breakfast (34:50) together, they never forget lunch. (34:52) So they don't forget their body, (34:54) which is not them. (34:57) The body is a (34:58) garment worn by them temporarily (35:00) for a blink of an eye. (35:04) This whole life is like a blink (35:05) of an eye, even if not that. (35:10) Because in the real (35:12) life of the Hereafter, we can talk in terms of (35:14) millions of years. So what is (35:16) 60 years or 100 years? (35:18) It's a blink of an eye. (35:20) Yet people put all their (35:22) concentration on this blink of an eye. (35:24) Are they going to be rich (35:26) or poor, tall or short, (35:29) fat or skinny? (35:33) In a blink of an eye. And they are concentrating (35:36) all their effort on that blink of an eye. (35:39) When it's really (35:40) not important at all to be tall or short, (35:42) man or woman, fat or skinny, (35:46) beautiful or ugly. (35:47) It really doesn't matter. (35:49) The blink of an eye. (35:53) What matters (35:54) is this blink of an eye is very (35:56) important in that it prepares you for (35:58) the Hereafter. (36:00) So our goal is (36:02) to go out of this life (36:04) sinless. I don't know if (36:08) Sami and Beth missed that, but (36:10) Rahima just added (36:12) that there are verses in Quran (36:14) that says that the Salat prayer wipes out (36:16) sins also. Another way (36:17) to wipe out sins. (36:22) In fasting? (36:23) Yes, fasting and charity. (36:25) All the duties (36:27) imposed on you by God (36:29) wipe out your sins. (36:32) Because that verse (36:33) we looked at in 11-14 (36:35) is a general statement that the righteous works (36:37) wipe out sins. (36:40) Righteous works. (36:41) When you feed a hungry person (36:43) out in the street, that's why (36:45) some of them sin. (36:48) You know, I've talked to (36:50) about fasting. (36:54) Fasting on the blood. (36:56) You know, when you're out (36:57) you feel kind of bloody. (36:59) Is the tradition of fasting (37:01) supposed to wipe out your sins? (37:07) I don't know for fasting. (37:08) I don't know. (37:12) What if I could make up (37:13) for days I didn't do? (37:16) Otherwise, no. (37:18) Right. (37:19) Is there a tradition (37:20) of Monday and Thursday? (37:23) Monday and Thursday? (37:26) Just like in wudu. (37:27) Wudu four times but they do nine times. (37:29) I don't go for that. (37:30) I don't believe in what God says. (37:34) God says fast a lot in Ramadan. (37:36) Extra fasting is not good. (37:38) No, it doesn't. (37:40) But fasting, the number (37:42) of days you missed is not good. (37:43) Right. (37:44) What? (37:48) Right. (37:50) It's stated in the Quran. (37:55) Like if you break an oath (37:56) you have to fast three days. (37:59) That's... (38:00) These are (38:05) obligatory. (38:06) They're stated in the Quran but (38:07) you just fast on your own. (38:11) So if you fasted all of Ramadan and you have no fast to do (38:14) and you want to fast the next day, (38:15) then would you do that? (38:17) Right. (38:20) God says fast a specific number of days. (38:23) It's like saying when you break (38:24) a wudu, you do these four things. (38:26) So Satan wants you (38:28) to disobey God (38:30) in any way or form. (38:33) So if you want to (38:34) fast, go on a diet. In other words, (38:36) for that reason, I will deliberately (38:38) break my fast. I will go on (38:40) a diet and I will eat a date (38:42) or a peanut or something (38:44) just to...so I will not be (38:45) on a diet. (38:51) So Satan's object is to (38:53) make us break fast on... (38:56) They started off to fast (38:57) for 30 days. (38:59) Yeah. (39:01) It's a very common (39:03) practice among the (39:05) Sunni Muslims to fast on (39:06) Ramadan. (39:08) Yeah, what does it say? (39:11) The three white days. (39:13) Yeah. (39:14) If fasting is righteous, (39:16) then I don't understand...it's just like (39:18) well, God says in the Quran (39:20) to do five prayers, and I don't (39:22) feel that if you did more (39:24) than five, if you did extra prayers, (39:26) you would be fine. (39:28) I mean, you're not doing it just to (39:32) eat or... (39:33) You do it without meditation. (39:35) Well, if you do it just because (39:36) you feel like doing it... (39:38) But the Quran says that. (39:40) The Quran says you can pray extra prayers. (39:42) But what does it say? Fast extra prayers. (39:45) That's where (39:46) the difference is, (39:47) that as far as extra prayers (39:50) are concerned, God says, do them. (39:53) Get up in the middle of the night (39:54) and pray. (39:55) But there are no limitations, no specific (39:58) numbers. And you have to do it (40:00) because you feel like it. (40:04) And you are rewarded for that. (40:06) So the Quran deals specifically with this. (40:07) It says, go ahead and do extra salats. (40:09) Right. But it never says (40:11) do extra fasting. (40:12) It says a specific number of days. (40:15) Right. As far as fasting, it says (40:17) fast a specific number of days. (40:23) If you do more than five, (40:24) after you say your translation, (40:25) on a specified day. (40:29) Specified day. (40:30) The month of Ramadan. (40:32) There's a new moon (40:34) in the month of Ramadan, (40:35) and the new moon is the next month. (40:45) Right. (40:45) Right. (40:47) Right. (40:49) You're just making me trouble. (40:53) It's exactly the same. (40:53) As if it is Ramadan. (41:06) Right. (41:09) I'm going to quit smoking. (41:11) I pledge to God I'm going to quit smoking. (41:14) I already have done. (41:16) No, it's a pledge. (41:23) It's a pledge to God. (41:25) That's a question. (41:26) If you say you're going to do something (41:29) and you don't do it. (41:33) I'm going to do the laundry tomorrow (41:34) and I don't do it until Friday. (41:36) Oh, a promise to somebody. (41:38) You're supposed to fulfill your promises. (41:40) But if you don't for some reason (41:42) fulfill a promise, is that something (41:44) you're going to ask your father for? (41:45) That's your question, isn't it? (41:46) No. (41:48) Because only when you say God I'm going to do something. (41:51) It's a pledge. (41:52) It's a pledge to God that you have to fast (41:55) three days a week. (41:56) I don't fast. (42:02) Because God's merciful (42:04) and symbolic, (42:05) don't you get more credit (42:07) for good deeds than you take away (42:09) for sin? (42:12) Yes. (42:12) That's right. (42:14) When you do a good deed, you're rewarded for ten. (42:16) When you do a bad deed, (42:18) it's recorded as one sin. (42:23) Pardon? (42:27) No, no, no. (42:27) The Quran says that. (42:30) Yep. (42:34) Yeah. (42:34) God says (42:36) you do one good work (42:38) and I'll give you a reward for ten. (42:41) But if you do a bad work, (42:42) you'll be punished for one. (42:44) So if you have to pay for it here, (42:46) if you commit, if you go drink (42:48) now, for example, (42:50) you have to pay (42:52) for the wine of friends. (42:54) Because you know it is wrong. (42:58) But if you feed the hungry person (43:00) on the street, you get the reward (43:02) for feeding ten. (43:06) When you do one salat, it's equivalent (43:08) to ten. (43:10) You get the reward for ten. (43:18) So (43:20) the only unforgivable (43:22) offense is idolatry. (43:24) They had to be kept away (43:26) because it sounded so discouraging. (43:29) Saying a jinn (43:30) took your life out of sinning. (43:33) Yep. (43:33) But now it came to one. (43:36) See? (43:37) Yeah. (43:41) Yeah. (43:46) see, (43:48) the people who are in idol worship (43:50) they do not have the advantages (43:52) of forgiveness. (43:54) The disbelievers and idol worshipers (43:56) do not have the advantages (43:58) of forgiveness or repentance. (44:02) So like I mentioned this before (44:06) that this (44:07) bumper statement says (44:08) believers are not better, they are just forgiven. (44:13) We can depend on idol worship. (44:16) Oh yeah. (44:18) We can depend on idol worship (44:19) as long as we are alive. (44:21) And when I'm talking about idol worship, (44:22) a person who dies is an idol worshiper. (44:27) That person is (44:29) a hopeless person. (44:35) I don't think of it. (45:01) I don't remember it. (45:03) What if I say (45:05) I'm going to go down and get drunk tonight? (45:07) And then I say, no, I can't do that. (45:10) And I stay away from it. (45:12) Do I get anything extra for that? (45:14) It sounds like a hobby to me. (45:15) What you get is you prevented (45:17) the virus from going into your records. (45:20) You saved yourself (45:21) from punishment. (45:25) This is a hadith, I know that. (45:27) But I was thinking that (45:29) lots of things in hadiths are also in Quran. (45:31) I had to think about it. (45:33) But we do get credit for that (45:34) because we're passing another test. (45:37) Except it's funny. (45:39) Yes, it's a temptation. (45:46) See, what you're doing, (45:48) your body (45:49) wants to go and get drunk (45:50) and you told your body, (45:52) no, don't do that. (45:53) So you're exercising your soul. (45:55) Your soul is becoming stronger. (45:57) And your body is becoming your slave. (45:59) It's all the way around. (46:01) So your thoughts and actions, (46:03) your thoughts are like a test (46:05) and your actions are like a test. (46:06) You'd be surprised how many tests (46:08) people put themselves into. (46:12) A lot of times (46:13) we give ourselves tests when we really don't need to. (46:17) What would you do (46:18) if you were in that position? (46:36) Yes. (46:40) There are thoughts that are wrong. (46:52) Yes. (47:03) We're simply converted into Christians. (47:11) Here's the verse. (47:12) Let's look at it. (47:16) Let's go. (47:32) Twenty-five seventy. (47:35) Twenty-five seven all.