Subub

I was recently informed about a Spiritual association called Subub founded in 1925 by a so-called Muslim young man named Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo in Semarang, a port on the north coast of Java. He states on the website (http://www.subud.org.uk/index.html) Subud is not a new religion but does claim to provide a better way to live life by adding a deeper and meaning spiritual dimension to existing religions.

Islam in matters such as belief and worship are clear cut. There is no room for vagueness and if someone asks a question then it is a duty of every Muslim to rectify that misunderstanding.
Using an analogy when a student goes to college the teacher will impart knowledge and teach the student and when he/she makes a mistake it is the teachers’ duty to correct the mistake and advise.
Similarly in matters where Islam is portrayed in a misleading manner then is it the duty of every Muslim to correct and impart knowledge with reason and logic.

You are welcome to follow the link and read up about Subub but to make it simpler for the reader and I have summarised his spiritual experience which has led to the Subub and consequently leads to the experience of Latihan.

Firstly he claims the experience transforms his life and that of others. Whilst walking one night he saw a ball of light in the sky. Subsequently the ball of light entered his body through his head and travelled through his body. Upon returning home he saw the inside of his body filled with light. Without control over his body he body begun to move and he walked into the study where his body went through the motions of a Muslim praying. He also states an “invisible force moving him” and a “second person in his body”. These became a regular occurrence during the night. As these occurred independently he accepted these events to be the will of God. The movements of prayers gave way to dance and martial art movements and subsequently created a deeper understanding of his feelings and his experiences and a connection with all the levels of life in the universe: the material, vegetable, animal, human and levels higher than that. (Eventhough the website does not explain what is meant by “higher level”).

As this inner change continues and Subub is regarded by his friends as a person of wisdom and insight an experience a few years later is the turning point and he receives actions from God’s power and is able to transmit to others via contact called “Pembukaan” or opening.

The website continues to mention there is worship handed down by teachings of prophets or messengers of god. There is also worship that arises spontaneously from the human soul being guided by the power of god – Latihan.

Furthermore in 1951 and Englishman – Hussein Rofe arrived in Yogyakarta. His coming was predicted by Subub. Rofe was instrumental in spreading Latihan beyond Java.

I will begin by introducing the basics of Islam. The points are fundamental in understanding how Islam views the above deviations.

What is Islam?

The Quran states that Islam – the complete submission of man before his one and only Unique Creator – is the one and only faith and way of life consistently revealed by God to humankind from the very beginning. Noah, Solomon, David, Abraham, Moses, Isaac and Jesus – prophets who appeared at different times and places – all propagated the same faith and conveyed the same message of Tawheed (Oneness of God). These prophets of God were not founders of different religions to be named after them. They were each reiterating the message and faith of their predecessors.

However, Muhammad (pbuh) was the last Prophet of God. God revived through him the same genuine faith which had been conveyed by all His Prophets. This original message was earlier corrupted and split into various religions by people of different ages, who indulged in interpolations and admixture. These alien elements were eliminated by God, and Islam – in its pure and original form – was transmitted to humankind through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Since there was to be no messenger after Muhammad (pbuh), the Book revealed to him (i.e. the Quran) was preserved word for word so that it should be a source of guidance for all times.

God (Allah) – Surah Iklas
Adding the section explaining God eventhough the verse does not have any bearing to the topic but because the person who asked the original question is a Hindu she will see hopefully see the benefit.

There is a simple test a person can use when understanding the concept of God in Islam. It is one of the earliest revelations to Prophet Muhammad received from Archangel Gabriel.

In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful.

“Say He is Allah, the one And Only!
Allah the Eternal, Absolute:
He begettheth not nor is he begotten
And there is none like onto Him”
(Surah 112 1-4)

The Arabic root word Iklas which means to be purified or refined. Such a purification is the burning away of all of the worldly misunderstandings, concerns and desires that separate us from the One; the One and Only upon whom we depend, the One and Only who is our foundation rock, the Eternal One and Only.

Incidentally there is a striking similarity in the Bhagavad-Gita written a thousand years earlier. I further testimony to the unity of the One who created all of mankind.

“You are the One Creator of all the worlds,
And of that which moves and that which does not move.
You alone are fit for worship, You are the highest teacher.
In all the worlds there is none equal to you”
Bhagavad-Gita 11:43


What makes a Muslim?

A Muslim expresses his/her faith (iman) in the following words:

“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One, without any partner And I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and his messenger”

The above hopefully gave you an understanding of the fundamentals of Islam.
Conclusion
Islam’s fundamental belief is the oneness of God. Therefore acknowledgement and bearing witness of this is key to the Muslim faith, unless this is observed one cannot be a Muslim. A Muslim accepts Allah as the only God, and only Master, Lord and Ruler with no partner in anyway.

The belief in the Prophet as a servant and Messenger of Allah completes one faith. The Prophet Muhammad was the seal of prophets with no share in divinity. This is a very important belief that keeps Muslims from associating partners with Allah. This is a very important belief that keeps Muslims from associating partners with Allah. This part of the declaration of faith reinforces the first part of Allah being the only Supreme Being with no partners and also establishes the absolute authority of the Holy Prophet as the last messenger of Allah, who must be obeyed as well as in all matters of faith.

Final Messenger

Muslims believe in the past Allah sent over 124,000 messengers to all the nations (before Prophet Muhammad) as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah (sayings of Prophet Muhammad)

“Allah raised up these prophets, among every nation” (Surah 16:36)

“And undoubtedly, We sent many Messengers before you, of them, there are some whose story We have narrated to you, and there are some whose story We have not narrated to you, and it is not for any Messenger that he should bring any sign without Allah's permission, but when the command of Allah will come, the matter shall be decided with truth, and then the men of falsehood shall lose there." (Surah 40:78)

The above verse from the Quran clearly states all miracles done by Prophets are clear signs from Allah. This included predicting future events and having unexplainable occurrences. These are all miracles from Allah.

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Apostle of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets." (Surah 33:40).


"Messengerhood and prophethood have ceased. There will be no messenger or prophet after me." [related by Ahmad]

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "The Children of Israel used to be ruled and guided by prophets: Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What do you order us (to do)?" He said, "Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship." [al-Bukhari 4.661]


All previous Messengers have entered the world displaying miracles by the will of Allah and the last and final Messenger of Allah is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)


Innovation - Bidah

Allah also states in the Quran:
"this day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion"
(Surah Maidah 5:4)

This verse embodies a clear statement that the religion has been completed and so has no need of addition and deletion, and our noble Messenger (SAW) said,

Allah says in His Book,

"and We have revealed to you a Book explaining everything"
(Surah An-Nail 16:89),
and He says,
"We have neglected nothing in the Book"
(Surah Al-An’ am 6:37).


In conclusion you cannot be a Muslim and a follower of Subub and claim to receive contact from God. Islam is a complete religion complete with the correct methods to worship Allah. No mortal can predict the future and lastly the religion Islam is perfect and complete as it states in the Quran. No Prophets will be sent to earth with another message or spread a new religion.

I hope this clarifies some of the misconception about Islam as well as serve as a reminder to the followers of Subub especially if they are Muslim. May Allah guide as all.

House prices dropping

Good news for people like myself who are desperate to get a house. In the news today it is reported property prices fell for the fourth month in a row and purchasers are refraining from buying until the future is clearer. The number of new buyers registering with the estate agents has fallen and the lack of activity is increasing the amount of time a home takes to sell. So taking into account the factors it’s highly likely the house prices will continue to fall, right?
There is a chance but a chance nonetheless. Currently there is also a shortage of homes coming on to the market including the newly built house therefore not keeping up with the demand. These are interesting times ahead for the housing market. The last 6-7 years have been unprecedented and prices have consistently increased at a steady pace but with the looming American recession, credit crunch hitting consumers hard and the weak confidence in the housing market which has created less confidence amongst the purchasers will hopefully continue to put downward pressure on house prices.

Billionaires Road

House prices are dropping. Encouraging news for people like me who are desperately trying to get onto the property ladder. While properties in around London are falling a road in East Finchley nicknamed Billionaires Road is oblivious to the volatile economic climate. A house on Bishops Avenue recently sold for 50 million pounds. It includes a 30 ft dining table and Turkish bath and amongst other things a swimming pool with a glass bridge going across it.

Money worth spending! :s

Courtesy car number 2- SEAT Ibiza

As the Accident Management company promised, my like4like car was delivered on Tuesday. A SEAT Ibiza, Black, 1.4, 3 door and beautiful in every sense of the word and did I mention the car was black.
Without sounding fickle about cars, the SEAT was the right colour, size and after hitting the A329m at a staggering 100 miles an hour she was smooth albeit noisy (but driving at 100 m/p/h your bound to hear some engine noise).
The SEAT is a German car and similar specification to the VW so stability and a smooth drive are a given with German cars. German cars have good reputations.
The only complaint I do have is the 3 doors option. Its inconvenient getting in and out of the back, but as its not myself who will be in the back its not a huge problem. Surprisingly the space in the car is small and my Peugeot is larger inside including ample boot space.

Subsequently my repetitious drive into work has been significantly better and not to mention how much i've saved on wear and tear by driving the courtesy car.

Alas all good things come to an end and the repairs on the Peugeot are to complete on Tuesday (tomorrow) when I have to (reluctantly) return the SEAT Ibiza to the Accident Management company.

Courtesy car - Vauxhall Corsa

On the 17th January my beautiful Peogeot went in to be repaired. I received a courtesy car the very next day delivered at work. The Vauxhall Corsa 1.2! The accident manangement company sent the Vauxhall Corsa as it was the only car available eventhough I was entitled to a like4like car while my car was off the road to be repaired. This car was only for a short period of time so I accepted the corsa. Nevertheless it was a surprise because the corsa drove smoothly. Responded well and for a small engine was pretty nippy on the road.

I take back any harsh words I have said in the past about Vauxhall Corsa's but given a choice I wouldn't buy Vauxhall, because its a courtesy car it'll do.

Taking risks

Taking risks for some comes natural but not for me, well not until recently. Just before Ramadan (2007) I took significant risks because at the time I thought they were worth taking. Now in January those risks are back and raring their ugly head and can be potentially detrimental to my life.
There is nothing I can do except mitigate those risks as best I can.

Non-liable Car Accident

It was a typical drive to the Peugeot dealership close to home to pick up a small part for my car. Simple visit and I'm usually in and out in a couple of minutes if I know the type of part I need. This time it was a simple bulb connector for passenger side indicator. The metal had corroded away and it’s been a fault with the car for many months now and because of this I don’t have a left indicator light working. The cost was £2.79 but unknown to me it wasn't going to be a simple visit this time around.

I parked up horizontally to Citroen Xsara Picasso and opened the bonnet of the car to remove the faulty connector and went into the parts area. Waited in the queue and watched a father and daughter pick up and part and went on their way. Whilst speaking to the man behind the counter I heard this noise. To be honest I didn’t know what it was. It sounded like scaffolding falling. The man behind the counter looked at me and we both looked at each other as to inquire if the other knew what the noise was. Instantly we went outside to check the noise and to my surprise the girl who had left moments before me had ploughed straight into the Citroen Xsara Picasso and then my car.

The damage was considerable to both cars eventhough the Citroen Xsara Picasso came out worse.

Consequently I decided to remain relatively calm as 1) It wasn’t my fault so the 3rd party would have to cough up all the repair costs and 2) That’s the whole point of insurance so they can do all the leg work and settle the costs. However the driver of the Citroen didn’t quite have the same thing in mind. It was clear his car was a mess and no doubt a right-off.

I'm now driving a Peugeot 307 with a badly damaged bumper and the passenger side wing is looking sore. Not sure what the repairs will cost but I'm neither bothered nor stressed about the whole thing. My insurance company seems to have it all under control. I need to provide them with two repair estimates and evaluation of the car. I get a replacement car while my car is at the garage.

I very much doubt the 3rd party are feeling upbeat as I am. The driver was a "L" Driver with the father in the passenger seat. The father had said she had lost control after the driver side door flung opened, she panicked and swerved to the left hitting the Citroen and then my car. A part of me is hoping the evaluations come back and declare the car a right-off and I can buy myself a new car.

On a side point the reason why I went into the garage in the first place to buy the spare part was a success and I now have a working indicator light albeit the front light might well be have to be replaced. Oh well!

Truth about Binge Drinking

Another documentary using a celebrity to highlight the issues prevailing in the society we live in. Putting aside the fact Michell's motives to do the programme had probably nothing to do with her fading career, the documentary highlighted some strong and negative points about the effects of alcohol on the body. (There are other factors drinking alcohol in excess will have on society but the documetary only underlined the health issues)
Personally it reinforces my belief that alcohol causes more damage than it does any benefit but they are not the reasons why I have always chose to refrain from consuming the drug. (Yes thats right I refer to it as a drug. I will explain my reasons later). I choose to stay clear of alcohol because i'm a Muslim.
The reason why I perceive alcohol as a drug because I believe it is; "A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction". All because the government has made it lawful and the fact it generates immense revenue for the governement in taxes will not make me believe alcohol is acceptable and be deemed as a drink for social purposes.

It also highlighted a group of people (who are fast becoming the majority in this society) who clearly depend on the alcohol to make them relax, be themselves, socialise and go out and basically have a great time. That's both alarming and extreme!

2008 baby!

Well here we are! 2008 and the inception of a new blog. Sister in the city! That's me.

Watch this space..... :)