Islamic Voice A Monthly English Magazine

December 2008
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Life & Relationships

Learning to Smile and Forgive
The Three Day “Discover Yourself Workshop” was held at Roshnee, South Africa, on the 7, 8 & 9 November 2008. It was organised by the Roshnee Islamic School. Here, some of the participants share their experiences after attending the Workshop.


Saabir Karim: My family and I participated in the Discover Yourself workshop in Roshnee on the 7-9 November.2008. First of all my son was very negative and by the end of the course he had completely changed and was a new person, highly motivated and with a new outlook on life. He attracted people into his space as he had completely come to terms with himself, his Creator and the people around him. The change was very noticeable and people recognized it immediately. I had a severe exema (skin disease) on my ankles and despite repeated treatment it would not go away. The next day it cleared up and I felt very much lighter. I recognised most of the basic principles of the course presented by Sadathullah Khan and what I wanted to know from an Islamic context. It strengthened my Imaan, reinforced my beliefs in the spiritual aspects of healing. Our Deen is complete and all the answers are there. Other people who attended could not express their gratitude for the difference it made in their lives. I strongly and wholeheartedly recommend that everyone attend this course whether they have any apparent problems or not, as one may not be aware of what lurks in the subconscious and what baggage they are carrying. For this manifests itself in behavioral changes and diseases in our daily lives. In totality we are now more caring, share others’ concern and wish to help others, make positive changes in their lives in accordance with Shariah and the Sunnah.

Geity Miggen: My experience was that I came with an open mind into the workshop and wanted to understand what Islam was all about. I am a Christian and as long as I pray and read my Bible and go to church, I thought I am a good person, but what I have realized here is that you cannot just pray once or twice a week and go to church on Sundays. It is a continuous journey. I do not forget to eat or drink water, as I nurture my body with food supplements, I should also nurture my spirit with its supplements. That spiritual supplement makes me the person that I really want to be. I also learned an important lesson and that is, not to listen to my ego.

Rabia: I learnt to smile with my husband and learnt to forgive. I was a miserable person who could not smile. I had made my children’s life miserable because of my problems. I have learnt to accept my husband having three wives. It feels like a big burden has been lifted from me. I was mentally, physically and emotionally abused for 28 years or more. I want to better myself and come closer to Allah.

Fouzia: At long last! Excellent exposure Allah Bless You! I have been to several self-development courses. Always hoped for some “MIRACLE” – for a Momin to come out with such a workshop! My prayers are answered. I have to take the word forward. Surely from today onwards my approach to life and family and people has changed. This message is going to cross all continents. Sadathullah Khan has a good sense of humor to illustrate his point, is not boring, not fearful. I enjoyed the 3-days. This is just what we need here in South Africa and worldwide. This is the way of Dawah in today’s time. What a breakthrough.

Hajira: This is my second time I am attending the workshop. In this workshop I learnt where I was going wrong in my life and I can see today what has come to my life is from practising what I learnt in my first workshop. My first workshop transformed my entire life and the relationships with my mother, husband, children, family and friends. When I meet people I do not know that they feel the energy and come to me and make conversations. When people visit me, they tell me that my house is full of light and peace.

Khatija: From the very first, in the introductory talk, I was drawn to Sadathullah Khan’s words. He has pointed out how we can establish connection with Allah. My husband was very surprised with my attitude on the first day and he became very much interested in the workshop. I feel so much closer to my husband and other members in my family.

Memoona: I wanted spiritual enlightenment. I wanted to feel connected to the Almighty and now, I feel I can do this, Jazakallah! When I make my Salah now, my concentration is much stronger that I cry without efforts. This workshop has empowered me with the tools and techniques to be a good mother and a wife. This is an inspiring workshop.

Saadia: Self-realisation has dawn upon me. By looking deep inside myself, I have realized that whatever is going on in my life is because I have created it. My husband was so impressed by whatever I said and did in these two days. My children cannot believe that this was their mother- no screaming, shouting, just being able to over look the little things that I normally would make a mountain out of it. This workshop is the biggest gift for my life, spouse, and kids.

Zeenat: Islam is a way of life. By attending this workshop I have truly grasped the essence of that way of life. My studies have given me all the theoretical aspects of being a Muslim and of Islam. This workshop has now allowed me to experience the beauty and reality of Islam.

Hawa: I have the power to stop the restlessness in my soul and enjoy the present. Pride and ego makes the Satan stronger. Humility and love purifies our soul. Mr. Khan you will be at our dinner table every day. May Allah reward you and your family for the contribution you are making to the world.

Zubaida: I must stress that I am utterly blessed and touched that my spouse not just attended this course but also reached out and took the maximum benefit from this life changing experience. To see him share and participate as well as hear him speak to all of us at home about the powerful shift that he has encountered, has given me a sense of achievement because inevitably this has already benefited our family and the quality of our relationships.

Samina: I was a pondering, confused, useless, complaining, unhappy, unfaithful, disobedient, selfish, self-centered, tired, greedy person and lastly gave up life. ‘But’ Allah’s plans never fail- Alhamdulillah! A new world began! This workshop is a necessity to all humanity to know the truth and reality. It can effect a change and create a peaceful, compassionate and a harmonious life that is easy and sustainable for every living being.

Osman: It was an awakening as I was in a hypnotic sleep before. Very interesting. The tools used are effective and practical. It is life changing! A lot of misconceptions were cleared up.




Overcoming Negative Approaches
The Three Day “Discover Yourself Workshop” was held in Cape Town on 14, 15 & 16 November, 2008 at UCT, Middle Campus, Lecture Theatre, Kramer 3. Some of the participants share their experiences after the Workshop.


Fatima: By my participation in the workshop, I realised that we may read a thousand books and say that we have heard it before but the difference is that “How can we know Allah when we do not know ourselves”. I learnt that Islam is all about living it with love, peace, kindness, and sincerity while continuously conquering our lower selves. I really feel that a workshop of this nature should be for the masses. This is about our real journey to Allah and this is so badly needed. People should sponsor Mr. Khan to enable him to conduct this workshop in all the mosques. If a poor person were to receive such a workshop it would turn his/ her life around, having this would be more than all the wealth in the world.

Shamina: What I realised when I came here is that I put blame on some one and did not take responsibility for my own life. Playing the blame game for 27 years has only left me hurt and depressed. I made a decision of divorce but after this workshop I have taken responsibility for my life. I wish to make my life and the life of my family better.

Ghouwa Ismail: As a psychology student, I have been bombarded with the theory, one after the other. For the past five years it has been a challenge to implement or change my life for the better. Alhamdulillah this weekend has been life changing. It has afforded me with practical applications in order to change. I came to this workshop as a skeptic, but I am leaving this workshop being a better person and informed person living in the now.

Waseema: When I started this workshop, I never knew I would be so inspired. I judged and it was extremely wrong. I thought it would be boring lectures by people who just talk and do nothing. I regret for judging this workshop. I really benefited from this workshop because now, I look at things differently. I am making a change in my life. I am willing to look forward. I was at a time ready to give up, but now I am strong enough to go on.

Aayesha: Attending this workshop is part of my journey to discover myself and improve my way of dealing with life. Normally I cannot listen to a talk for more than two hours but the positive energy from Khan Saab is very contagious that I never noticed hours slipping by. Every minute spent in this workshop is a valuable investment.

Banu Allie: I have benefited in certain areas of my life where I know I had problems. I have to overcome my negative approach, make a difference to myself and come closer to Allah. Your humour fits in so nicely; it makes the workshop more interesting. I must say that Mr. Khan, you really keep the participants engrossed in your speech and getting across your views and skills.

Fahmida: When I attended the workshop the first day, I liked it. I liked it in a sense that I had the whole weekend to myself. First time in 14 years, I had the weekend to myself. Second day, whatever went on in here the topics, the questions, the discussions, all that went straight into my head. I am definitely willing to give up my anger.

Hoosain: I have learnt and realized the power of my words; especially how they affect my children. I see forgiveness is the key to improving myself and appreciating those around me. I see now that I am well on the way to leading a powerful life.

Haseena: I learnt to see myself in a different way and to view my life, issues and experiences in a different way. I learnt how to deal with situations and experiences in a better, more matured way. I learnt to improve my relationships with everyone in my life and others whom I meet.




Calm Temperament
The human mind works at its best when the surrounding environment is calm and settled. Likewise, it works at its best when the thinker's temperament is calm. When the human mind is beset with external or internal commotion, its powers become weak and it more easily falls prey to rashness and reckless passion.

It is a strategy of debate to get one's opponent angry, since once the opponent loses his or her composure his or her defeat is almost imminent, especially if one is able to keep one's cool and a smile on one's face.

The Prophet (Pbuh) warns us that: "Anger is a burning ember in the human heart that is stoked up." [Musnad Ahmad]

The Prophet's conducts should remind us that just because we know we are in the right, this gives us no excuse to get angry. Indeed, if we are upon the truth, this should give us all the more reason to remain calm. Anger merely confuses things and makes it more difficult for us to think clearly and communicate our thoughts to others.

We should remember the Prophet's words: "The strong person is not the one who can throw his opponent. The strong person is the one who can keep control when angry." [Bukhari]

Compiled From: "Calm" - Salman al-Oadah
“DISCOVER YOURSELF”

3-DAY WORKSHOP ON
Personality Development through Self-intorspection
(Based on Islamic Principles)
The workshop aims to achieve self empowerment
through the transformation of one-self.
“Now we need a revolution, not for changing others, but to change ourselves”
http://www.nanima.co.za/discoveryourself.html


In the first day of the workshop your anger disappears and you enter into a state of peace and tranquility. You feel free and light and your view of life, people around you and the world transforms.
The next day you get rid off the burden of the past and the constrains the past imposes on your view of life. You get access to live in the present and create a new future. You have the power, freedom and self-expression to take any challenge that life throws at you and life is no longer a burden. Your view of life alters. You create a new you, surrendering to the will of Allah. You purify your heart and truly get connected with Almighty Allah.
Third day you witness a whole new world around you by demolitioning (fana) your ego. You see life as simple with Truth prevailing and Falsehood perishing. You experience, love, joy, peace, happiness, contentment and bliss, a gift Allah has given you to experience and share with others.
Unless there is individual transformation there will be no Universal Transformation. Now we need a revolution, not for changing others,
but to change ourselves




SRINAGAR
FOR MEN AND WOMEN
DATES: 19, 20 & 21 DECEMBER 2008
VENUE: B.ED COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
M.A ROAD, SRINAGAR
(Arrangements for heating the avenue already made)
CONTACT FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION:
Mr. Bakkal, Mobile No. 9419032956 (10am to 5pm)
E-mail: rafibakkal@gmail.com
Mrs. F. Bukhari, Mobile No. 9419015411 (10am to 5pm)
E-mail: fouziabukhari@gmail.com

WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY 2009
QATAR

DATES : 22,23 & 24th JANUARY 2009
CONTACT Mr. Ikram Thowfeek
Email: thowfeek2000@yahoo.com
NORWAY
DATES : Friday 6th February to Sunday 8th February 2009
ORGANISED BY : Islamic Womens Association, Stavanger
Contact for details:
Hussain Noor M. Email: : Noor.M.Hussain@fkra.no
Zerina Parker-Knapp, email: zerinapk@gmail.com


Workshop Designed and Conducted by:
A.W. Sadathullah Khan  B.Sc, B.E (Mech),
Editor, Islamic Voice,
Cell: 0091-9845158996
Email: awskhan@gmail.com/ editor@islamicvoice.com