"Seest thou not that God sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow, therewith, produce of various colours: then it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then He makes it dry up and crumble away. Truly, in this, is a Message of remembrance to Men of understanding." 39:21
These last few weeks, I have been quite focused on the exams that I had no inspiration to write about something so dear to me - the beauty of God's creation. I thank God for allowing me to be in Scotland, and more than that, being in the "farming" area.
Within Heriot Watt campus, I can see for myself the seasons' effects on nature. As I walked today, I noticed this duck with her ten little ducklings swimming along in a little pond behind the library. I also noticed the three swanlings are gone and it seems that the female swan is sitting on a new brood. The bare trees have started to grow green again and some are blooming. Wild garlic and daffodils are abound. Life is returning from the dead of winter.
This is something not experienced by those living in the tropics where there is no seasonal effect, especially those living in the city. While I experienced it to a lesser degree before, I think being out of the city drives the lesson home as the contrast is more stark. It drives home what God said in the Qur'an regarding the renewal of life and how it is a message for us...
Monday, 20 April 2009
Monday, 6 April 2009
Trip to Skye
It's been ages since I've wrote in this blog. Well, things have been very hectic for the past month with all the projects and assignments. But lessons ended last week and we are having our Easter break before the exams. To take a break before settling to study for the exams, I decided to go for a trip to Skye with the Chaplaincy...I thank my friend Dayang for her recommendation of the island before I left Singapore. The trip was definitely worth every penny for it combined all the things I really loved...history, mountains, water, walking, photography and most of all, good company.
We started out on Friday afternoon, 3 pm, from Heriot Watt and one of our first stops was somewhere I've been before - Glencoe. But what a different Glencoe it is...with the sun shining and the warm (well relative to the freezing rain before) weather, the red deers were frolicking in the glen.
Of course, I couldn't resist to snap some photos of the place, especially with the sun in the background. I like the effect it made.
We then went to Fort William where we had some fish and chips before heading on to Skye. The beautiful weather held up and the longer day made it possible for us to enjoy the scenery as we passed by the Five Sisters (a mountain range) which still have some snow on their peaks. However, by the time we arrived on Skye, in the village of Uig, it was too dark to see anything.
So, we settled down and rested in preparation for the next day. Unfortunately, the day dawned, bringing the rain with it. So, for most of the morning, we were exposed to the rain. Below is an example of how difficult it was to take pictures in the rain - my lenses were misty and dotted with raindrops. But I tried to take this picture of the river that originated from the Cuilins (a mountain range on Skye).
Rocio, my classmate, and I posed below...you can see the Cuillins behind us. Rev Allister's wife, Nickie, mentioned that this area was great for walks. Luckily though we didn't manage to go for a walk here since I don't think anyone fancied walking in the rain.
We also visited Port Righ (Portree), the capital of Skye. It was actually quite small with less than four blocks of main street. Next, Fiona, our guide (and a really lovely lady who volunteers her time arranging the whole trip for us), brought us to Old Man Storr and his wee lady. They are basically these two stone pinnacles, remnants of ancient volcanic plugs. We didn't go up there but visited a nearby waterfall as shown below. One thing good about the rain is that there's enough water in the waterfall for a great picture.
We also visited the Kilt Rock Waterfall which I've decided I wouldn't upload a picture here but it was really impressive. Anyway, as we make our way up the Trotternish Peninsular to Quiraing, the rain gradually stopped though the sun was still playing hide and seek. The Quiraing is spectacular landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge and is about 543 m high.
We started out on Friday afternoon, 3 pm, from Heriot Watt and one of our first stops was somewhere I've been before - Glencoe. But what a different Glencoe it is...with the sun shining and the warm (well relative to the freezing rain before) weather, the red deers were frolicking in the glen.
Of course, I couldn't resist to snap some photos of the place, especially with the sun in the background. I like the effect it made.We then went to Fort William where we had some fish and chips before heading on to Skye. The beautiful weather held up and the longer day made it possible for us to enjoy the scenery as we passed by the Five Sisters (a mountain range) which still have some snow on their peaks. However, by the time we arrived on Skye, in the village of Uig, it was too dark to see anything.
So, we settled down and rested in preparation for the next day. Unfortunately, the day dawned, bringing the rain with it. So, for most of the morning, we were exposed to the rain. Below is an example of how difficult it was to take pictures in the rain - my lenses were misty and dotted with raindrops. But I tried to take this picture of the river that originated from the Cuilins (a mountain range on Skye).
Rocio, my classmate, and I posed below...you can see the Cuillins behind us. Rev Allister's wife, Nickie, mentioned that this area was great for walks. Luckily though we didn't manage to go for a walk here since I don't think anyone fancied walking in the rain.
We also visited Port Righ (Portree), the capital of Skye. It was actually quite small with less than four blocks of main street. Next, Fiona, our guide (and a really lovely lady who volunteers her time arranging the whole trip for us), brought us to Old Man Storr and his wee lady. They are basically these two stone pinnacles, remnants of ancient volcanic plugs. We didn't go up there but visited a nearby waterfall as shown below. One thing good about the rain is that there's enough water in the waterfall for a great picture.
We also visited the Kilt Rock Waterfall which I've decided I wouldn't upload a picture here but it was really impressive. Anyway, as we make our way up the Trotternish Peninsular to Quiraing, the rain gradually stopped though the sun was still playing hide and seek. The Quiraing is spectacular landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish Ridge and is about 543 m high.
As Peter, Fiona's busband, took this picture of the group for us, we were standing at about 350 m above sea level at a guess. We still had a bit more to climb before we arrive at the "Prison", a pyramidal rocky peak which look like a medieval keep.
That's Rev Allister, Tim, and me (from the left) as we pose with the Quirang in the background.
That's Rev Allister, Tim, and me (from the left) as we pose with the Quirang in the background.
Peter is in green and in the middle of the picture, Rocio in yellow and Mauricio, my other classmate, is beside her as we climbed up to the shoulder between the Prison and the Needle. You can definitely identify which of these rock structure is the Needle.
Here is where we part ways with most of the team going up to the Needle and beyond while the rest of us, for reasons of our own, decided to stay at the current level and circled the Quiraing. Below is the small team of us who decided to go for the "low" walk. It was still a great walk and we actually found this wee lochen (small lake) to rest and admire the scenery.
As we made our way back down, the sun finally decided to show itself, and the land was transformed. God's grace made it possible for us to view the various contrasting forms of the land and we were amazed.
After the Quiraing, we went further up to visit a ruin castle owned by the McDonald clan. Such a sad story, it was, of why they abandoned the castle - a tragic death of a child, the heir to the McDonald chief. Nearby, as in almost everywhere in Skye, there are some crofts and here, I saw this really woolly sheep. Couldn't resist...
That's the castle.
Finally, after a long day, we arrive back at our hostel. Guess what time it is from the picture?
Did you guess, correctly? Hmmm....well, it was 8 pm, actually. And the sun was setting in the bay in front of the hostel.
The next day we said goodbye to Skye as we walked along the bridge below connecting Caol Loch Aillse (pronounced as Kyle Lochalsh), a small town on the mainland to Skye. The yellow flowers are gorse, a native vegetation in these parts. A surprise awaited me when Peter suggested we smell the flowers...it brings back memory of home - the smell of freshly grated coconut. Whatdyaknow...God's way of sharing the beauty of His creations with us that in this far away land where coconut was once a strange plant, it shared the same smell.
Slipping away from Skye, we headed towards what must be the most photographed castle in Scotland...Eilean Donan Castle.
We were entertained by the guides within the castle with its history and the history of Scotland.
Above is one of the views of one of the three sea lochs surrounding Eilean Donan. And on the other side of the castle, the daffodils are blooming.
Here is where we part ways with most of the team going up to the Needle and beyond while the rest of us, for reasons of our own, decided to stay at the current level and circled the Quiraing. Below is the small team of us who decided to go for the "low" walk. It was still a great walk and we actually found this wee lochen (small lake) to rest and admire the scenery.
As we made our way back down, the sun finally decided to show itself, and the land was transformed. God's grace made it possible for us to view the various contrasting forms of the land and we were amazed.
After the Quiraing, we went further up to visit a ruin castle owned by the McDonald clan. Such a sad story, it was, of why they abandoned the castle - a tragic death of a child, the heir to the McDonald chief. Nearby, as in almost everywhere in Skye, there are some crofts and here, I saw this really woolly sheep. Couldn't resist...
That's the castle.
Finally, after a long day, we arrive back at our hostel. Guess what time it is from the picture?
Did you guess, correctly? Hmmm....well, it was 8 pm, actually. And the sun was setting in the bay in front of the hostel.
The next day we said goodbye to Skye as we walked along the bridge below connecting Caol Loch Aillse (pronounced as Kyle Lochalsh), a small town on the mainland to Skye. The yellow flowers are gorse, a native vegetation in these parts. A surprise awaited me when Peter suggested we smell the flowers...it brings back memory of home - the smell of freshly grated coconut. Whatdyaknow...God's way of sharing the beauty of His creations with us that in this far away land where coconut was once a strange plant, it shared the same smell.
Slipping away from Skye, we headed towards what must be the most photographed castle in Scotland...Eilean Donan Castle.
We were entertained by the guides within the castle with its history and the history of Scotland.
Above is one of the views of one of the three sea lochs surrounding Eilean Donan. And on the other side of the castle, the daffodils are blooming.
As time passes, we had to leave the enchanting castle for another historic but more ruined castle along Loch Ness. There I was resting and trying to see if I could spot Nessie. Unfortunately, there was narry a shadow.
At last, we were heading back to Heriot Watt, passing through Aviemore and we spotted snow still clinging to the mountain tops.
At last, we were heading back to Heriot Watt, passing through Aviemore and we spotted snow still clinging to the mountain tops.
We got back about 8 pm (dusk) and I was happy to see my bed. Still, it was a great trip.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
With hardship, comes ease
Tonight, my mind and soul feel so weary; a burden of the mind and the spirit that makes me seek solace in God's words:
"With every hardship, comes ease. Verily, with hardship comes ease." (Chapter 94; verses 5-6)
This refrain, echoed twice, stress upon the sometimes "hidden" blessings within a given burden or hardship. In the ordinary words of mortals, "In every dark cloud, there is a silver lining." Sometimes, we are too weary, too burnt out, too depressed to see that "ease", that silver lining. After all, when surrounded by darkness, it is not easy to "see." Usually, we understand the "ease" afterwards and therefore make the mistake that the ease comes after hardship. But note the stress in the refrain of the word "with" which indicates that the ease comes hand-in-hand with the hardship. (Once again, the duality that I was discussing in an earlier note kicks in.)
The Mercy of God is that He does not give us the hardship without providing its relief at the same time.There are so many examples in my life of these incidents of hardship and ease going hand in hand. But the most recent is the really lovely friends I had like Bahar, Nicole, and Rocio who helped me last week when I was struck by a strong migraine. Yet it is not always that obvious, when probably one is driven to the edge such that one raises up one's face to the Heavens to ask "Where is the ease promised?"
When that happens, God answers, "Ah! Verily, the help of God is (always) near!" (Chapter 2; verse 214)
I am reminded of the famous Christian poem, "Footprints in the Sand" which indicates how little awareness do we have of God that His presence in those times of hardship, easing our burdens, is totally not felt. It is thus, for a believer of the Creator (no matter which religion), that faith must be entwined with hope. Hope that He will continue to provide ease, even when we're not aware of it. To be be hopeless is to lose faith in that eternal promise of twining of ease with hardship, to lose faith in God's help and mercy. Without that hope and faith, life becomes meaningless and it is easy to give up. Perhaps that is why people can be driven to suicide, perhaps because they can see no exit out of the darkness surrounding them. I continue to read chapter 94 which states:
"Hence, when you are freed [from distress], remain steadfast...and unto your Sustainer, turn with love." (Chapter 94; verses 7-8)
and am heartened for love is the basis of all these...hardship, ease and the promise of freedom from the hardship springs from His love for us, and all the reciprocity He asked for is for us to remain steadfast and love Him back. Why do I say that the hardship springs from His love? For He says:
"Every human being is bound to taste death; and We test you [all] through the bad and the good [things of life] by way of trial: and unto Us you all must return." (Chapter 21; verse 35)
Hardship is a form of test for us and our hearts, to distinguish our level of faith, to help us get closer to Him.
"And most certainly We shall try you all, so that We might mark out those of you who strive hard [in Our cause] and are patient in adversity: for We shall put to a test [the truth of] all your assertions." (Chapter 47; verse 31)
"...It is they whose hearts God has tested [and opened] to consciousness of Himself; [and] theirs shall be forgiveness and a reward supreme." (Chapter 49; 3)
After all these, I think I can no longer bemoan my current burden but must struggle to accept, strive hard, and be patient for I know He is near, even if I do not feel His presence at the moment.
"With every hardship, comes ease. Verily, with hardship comes ease." (Chapter 94; verses 5-6)
This refrain, echoed twice, stress upon the sometimes "hidden" blessings within a given burden or hardship. In the ordinary words of mortals, "In every dark cloud, there is a silver lining." Sometimes, we are too weary, too burnt out, too depressed to see that "ease", that silver lining. After all, when surrounded by darkness, it is not easy to "see." Usually, we understand the "ease" afterwards and therefore make the mistake that the ease comes after hardship. But note the stress in the refrain of the word "with" which indicates that the ease comes hand-in-hand with the hardship. (Once again, the duality that I was discussing in an earlier note kicks in.)
The Mercy of God is that He does not give us the hardship without providing its relief at the same time.There are so many examples in my life of these incidents of hardship and ease going hand in hand. But the most recent is the really lovely friends I had like Bahar, Nicole, and Rocio who helped me last week when I was struck by a strong migraine. Yet it is not always that obvious, when probably one is driven to the edge such that one raises up one's face to the Heavens to ask "Where is the ease promised?"
When that happens, God answers, "Ah! Verily, the help of God is (always) near!" (Chapter 2; verse 214)
I am reminded of the famous Christian poem, "Footprints in the Sand" which indicates how little awareness do we have of God that His presence in those times of hardship, easing our burdens, is totally not felt. It is thus, for a believer of the Creator (no matter which religion), that faith must be entwined with hope. Hope that He will continue to provide ease, even when we're not aware of it. To be be hopeless is to lose faith in that eternal promise of twining of ease with hardship, to lose faith in God's help and mercy. Without that hope and faith, life becomes meaningless and it is easy to give up. Perhaps that is why people can be driven to suicide, perhaps because they can see no exit out of the darkness surrounding them. I continue to read chapter 94 which states:
"Hence, when you are freed [from distress], remain steadfast...and unto your Sustainer, turn with love." (Chapter 94; verses 7-8)
and am heartened for love is the basis of all these...hardship, ease and the promise of freedom from the hardship springs from His love for us, and all the reciprocity He asked for is for us to remain steadfast and love Him back. Why do I say that the hardship springs from His love? For He says:
"Every human being is bound to taste death; and We test you [all] through the bad and the good [things of life] by way of trial: and unto Us you all must return." (Chapter 21; verse 35)
Hardship is a form of test for us and our hearts, to distinguish our level of faith, to help us get closer to Him.
"And most certainly We shall try you all, so that We might mark out those of you who strive hard [in Our cause] and are patient in adversity: for We shall put to a test [the truth of] all your assertions." (Chapter 47; verse 31)
"...It is they whose hearts God has tested [and opened] to consciousness of Himself; [and] theirs shall be forgiveness and a reward supreme." (Chapter 49; 3)
After all these, I think I can no longer bemoan my current burden but must struggle to accept, strive hard, and be patient for I know He is near, even if I do not feel His presence at the moment.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Wintery Sunrise
It's just 10 minutes past sunrise and while there are a couple of souls and birds out and about in the campus, it is still quiet. The inhabitants (students) have yet to stir from their bed this wintery morning. Outside, the trees and ground are covered in snow, once again painting the "world" in white.
I sit here gazing out of my window, enjoying the quiet and the winter wonderland outside. Soon, the day will begin and I will be swept up by my busy schedule once again with little time for reflection. But for now, I give thanks to God for His blessings and opportunity to experience this.
I sit here gazing out of my window, enjoying the quiet and the winter wonderland outside. Soon, the day will begin and I will be swept up by my busy schedule once again with little time for reflection. But for now, I give thanks to God for His blessings and opportunity to experience this.
Sunday, 8 February 2009
The beauty of snow leading to contemplations on duality
It's late evening and I'm feeling a little mellow. It's been snowing since 2 hours ago and now the ground is white as snow. The lochen is almost frozen over and covered with snow as well. Again, I find myself thinking of God's beauty which is reflected in the beauty of His creation.
Yet, each of His creation is a double edged sword. There has been people stranded in the snowstorms around Britain this week and a boy died falling through the ice. In Australia, they are battling yet another creation of His; the fire whose usefulness to human is enormous. I heard about 96 people are believed to have died and the body count is expected to rise. Similarly, humans too, as His ultimate creation, tasked to be His viceroy on Earth, have both good and dark sides.
It is a philosophical question, but why does God create as such? In Islam, God has 99 names, much of which are reflections of His attributes and characters. Take for example:
Al-Qaabid
The Constricter, The Retainer, The Withholder, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
Al-Baasit
The Expander, The Englarger, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
or
Al-Khaafid
The Abaser, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
Ar-Raafi
The Exalter, The Elevator, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
Many of His attributes are again coupled, a dual quality that allows us to appreciate the contrast in order to develop a deeper understanding. I believe it is something that God devised for us especially. Unlike His other creations like the other living things on this Earth, we make choices based on our rationality. As Descarte said, "I think therefore I am." In the Qur'an, this appeal to our thinking or reasoning is very much apparent.
Duality is central to life in this universe. In physics, you have push-pull forces. Then there is the concept of expansion and contraction. Positive and negative. In finance, a call and a put option. In OR, there is maximization and minimization, primal and dual problems to be solved. Hot and cold. Male and female. I found this webpage on duality that I really like in which the author succintly states
"Why does this Law of Duality exist at all? Simply because if we didn’t have duality, we would not yearn and strive for wholeness and unity. In other words, we would not be impelled to return to the unmanifested Source of Being."
Sidenote: I believe that the universe and us are manifestations of His attributes and characters, though not of His Essence.
Yet, each of His creation is a double edged sword. There has been people stranded in the snowstorms around Britain this week and a boy died falling through the ice. In Australia, they are battling yet another creation of His; the fire whose usefulness to human is enormous. I heard about 96 people are believed to have died and the body count is expected to rise. Similarly, humans too, as His ultimate creation, tasked to be His viceroy on Earth, have both good and dark sides.
It is a philosophical question, but why does God create as such? In Islam, God has 99 names, much of which are reflections of His attributes and characters. Take for example:
Al-Qaabid
The Constricter, The Retainer, The Withholder, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
Al-Baasit
The Expander, The Englarger, The One who constricts the sustenance by His wisdomand expands and widens it with His Generosity and Mercy.
or
Al-Khaafid
The Abaser, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
Ar-Raafi
The Exalter, The Elevator, The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction and raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
Many of His attributes are again coupled, a dual quality that allows us to appreciate the contrast in order to develop a deeper understanding. I believe it is something that God devised for us especially. Unlike His other creations like the other living things on this Earth, we make choices based on our rationality. As Descarte said, "I think therefore I am." In the Qur'an, this appeal to our thinking or reasoning is very much apparent.
Duality is central to life in this universe. In physics, you have push-pull forces. Then there is the concept of expansion and contraction. Positive and negative. In finance, a call and a put option. In OR, there is maximization and minimization, primal and dual problems to be solved. Hot and cold. Male and female. I found this webpage on duality that I really like in which the author succintly states
"Why does this Law of Duality exist at all? Simply because if we didn’t have duality, we would not yearn and strive for wholeness and unity. In other words, we would not be impelled to return to the unmanifested Source of Being."
Sidenote: I believe that the universe and us are manifestations of His attributes and characters, though not of His Essence.
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