10 X 10 = Out of the Box (Part 2)

10 X 10 = Out of the Box (Part 2)

We’ve journeyed through the darkness, explored the depths of our struggles, and now it’s time to step into the light. Discover how faith can transform our perception of life, bringing clarity and purpose where there once was confusion. Allow your mind to find peace as this life is an illusion.

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CONTEXT:

3. The Light and Enlightenment:

Surah Al-Noor (24:40):

"Or [they are] like darknesses within an unfathomable sea which is covered by waves, upon which are waves, over which are clouds - darknesses, some of them upon others. When one puts out his hand [therein], he can hardly see it. And he to whom Allah has not granted light - for him there is no light."

This verse emphasizes the necessity of divine light for true guidance and clarity, contrasting it with the profound darkness of ignorance.

Surah Al-Anfal (8:29):

"O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion [to distinguish between right and wrong] and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty."

This verse highlights the clarity and discernment that come with faith (IMAN), representing the light that guides believers out of darkness.

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Time Tells ALL Tales : Light

"Many tell tales"

Light Interpretation: This line (can) represent the rich tapestry of stories and experiences we share, each one adding to the collective wisdom of humanity. These tales, full of meaning and lessons, help us understand ourselves and the world around us.

“With no holds”

Light Interpretation: The lack of constraints is from freedom and limitless possibilities. Life is a vast landscape where we can explore, grow, and create our own path, unrestricted by rigid boundaries (unless we (ourselves or our fellow man), puts chains on us) .

"No continuity of time"

Light Interpretation: Time becomes a fluid and dynamic force, allowing us to experience the past, present, and future in a more connected way. This continuity gives us the opportunity to learn from the past, live fully in the present, and shape a hopeful future.

"Many metaphors"

Light Interpretation: Metaphors are powerful tools that help us make sense of the world. They allow us to express complex ideas in relatable ways, enriching our understanding and opening up new perspectives and means/modes of understanding.

"Build the floors"

Light Interpretation: These 'floors' symbolize the strong foundations of our reality, built on shared experiences, knowledge, and beliefs. Each step we take is supported by the solid ground of our collective human journey.

"As we try and walk."

Light Interpretation: Walking here symbolizes the purposeful journey of life. Each step, guided by intention and wisdom, brings us closer to our goals and dreams, as we navigate the path with confidence and hope.

"The uneven sand of our reflections"

Light Interpretation: Our reflections, our thoughts and self-perceptions; are dynamic and ever-evolving (much like shifting sand). This flexibility allows us to grow, adapt, and refine our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

"The unsteady flow of our existence"

Light Interpretation: Life’s flow, though unpredictable, is full of opportunities for growth and discovery. Each twist and turn teaches us resilience and opens new pathways, leading us to unexpected and fulfilling destinations.

"Lead to a coarse road, and we then flock."

Light Interpretation: The road, though challenging, leads us to come together in community and solidarity. By supporting each other, we turn the coarse road into a journey of shared experiences, leading to collective growth and strength.

"In life"

Light Interpretation: This line reminds us that life is a precious journey filled with moments of beauty, learning, and connection. Every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth, and every joy we experience adds to the richness of our existence.

"Comedies turn to tragedies"

Light Interpretation: Life’s moments of joy and sorrow are interconnected, reminding us of the ebb and flow of human experience. Tragedies can give way to deeper understanding, and from sorrow, new hope and resilience can emerge.

"Time-tense tends to switch,"

Light Interpretation: The fluid nature of time allows us to move between reflection and anticipation, helping us to integrate our past experiences, live fully in the present, and prepare for the future with wisdom.

"AND"

Light Interpretation: This word signifies the continuous unfolding of life’s story. Each moment builds on the last, creating a rich and interconnected narrative that shapes who we are and who we are becoming.

"Future, past, present collide in one mix."

Light Interpretation: The blending of past, present, and future creates a harmonious and holistic view of life rooted in understanding beyond the “I” and beyond the “AM”. Each time period informs and enriches the others, allowing us to live with a deep sense of connection to the entire spectrum of our existence and understanding, giving us direction rooted in something beyond our “world”.

"END"

Light Interpretation: The 'END' here signifies not a cessation, but a transition; a doorway to new beginnings. Each end marks the start of a new chapter, filled with possibilities and opportunities for growth and renewal.

"Then a new tale begins."

Light Interpretation: This final line highlights the cyclical nature of life, where each ending leads to a fresh start. It’s a reminder that life is a series of stories and experiences, each one building on the last, leading us ever forward on our journey. Guiding us to our purpose (if we so choose).

CONTEXT:

4. Spiritual Enlightenment and Guidance:

Surah Al-Hadid (57:28):

"O you who have believed, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger; He will then give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."

This verse speaks to the journey of receiving divine light and mercy as a believer, representing spiritual enlightenment.

Surah Al-Isra (17:9):

"Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward."

This verse underscores the Quran as a source of guidance and light, leading believers from darkness into a righteous path by the Light of the Creator (the only light).

5. Ultimate Success and Peace:

Surah Al-Furqan (25:63):

"And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace."

This verse reflects the peace and tranquility that come with spiritual enlightenment and following the light of Allah’s guidance.

Surah Yunus (10:62-64):

"Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. Those who believed and were fearing Allah. For them are good tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. No change is there in the words of Allah. That is what is the great attainment."

These verses capture the ultimate success and peace that come with living in the light of faith, contrasting the darkness of despair.

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“Rose coloured glasses”: The Merger:

Evolution of perception and its fluidity

"Many tell tales" → "Many seek truth"

Transition: The shift from telling tales to seeking truth represents our journey from creating or believing in narratives that lacked meaning to actively searching for the ultimate truth, as guided by the teachings of Islam.

"With no holds" → "With firm boundaries"

Transition: Where once life seemed weak and without structure, the guidance of Allah provides firm boundaries and a clear path.

"No continuity of time" → "Time as a divine order"

Transition: Instead of viewing time as a chaotic blur, we can now see it as part of Allah’s divine order, where each moment has purpose and significance (whether we perceive it or not)..

"Many metaphors" → "Clear signs"

Transition: Metaphors that once seemed deceptive or hollow are now seen as signs from Allah, meant to guide and teach us deepening our understanding (for those who ponder).

"Build the floors" → "Build on faith"

Transition: Where we once built on shaky foundations, you now build on the solid foundation of faith in Allah. The importance of grounding one’s life in Islamic principles, creating a firm base of “knowledge” upon which to grow and develop.

"As we try and walk" → "As we follow the path"

Transition: Walking aimlessly becomes following a clear path illuminated by the light of Allah’s guidance to the straight path (Sirat al-Mustaqim), leading to spiritual growth and fulfillment.

"The uneven sand of our reflections" → "The steady ground of faith"

Transition: The instability of self-reflection(ruminating) is replaced by the stability that comes from faith in Allah in reflection of the SELF.

"The unsteady flow of our existence" → "The purposeful flow of life"

Transition: Life’s unpredictability is now seen(rightly) as part of Allah’s greater plan. Instead of a freefalling (glimpses of serenity or thrills until you realize there is no parachute), life is understood as a purposeful journey with divine guidance soaring on the wings of wisdom.

"Lead to a coarse road, and we then flock" → "Lead to the straight path, and we unite"

Transition: The coarse road of despair is replaced by the straight path of the Sunnah of Allah and his messenger (PBUH). Where believers come together in unity and in success under Allah’s guidance, this line becomes an observation, rather than a reality.

"In life" → "In the light of faith"

Transition: Life, once seen as a series of struggles, is now viewed in the light of faith, where every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every moment a chance to earn Allah’s favor.

"Comedies turn to tragedies" → "Trials turn to blessings"

Transition: Instead of life’s joys turning into sorrows, we now see trials as opportunities for earning blessings and growing closer to Allah. With this now…how can we even count our blessings?

"Time-tense tends to switch" → "Time is in Allah’s hands"

Transition: Rather than being overwhelmed by the fluidity of time, we can find peace in the knowledge that time is in Allah’s control and relative to our perception.

"AND" → "AND Allah is always near"

Transition: The overwhelming accumulation of life’s struggles is now accompanied by the comforting knowledge that Allah is always near (closer than your jugular vein), providing guidance and support (if you perceive it, but many perceive it NOT).

"Future, past, present collide in one mix" → "Future, past, present are guided by Allah’s wisdom"

Transition: The once chaotic mix of time is now seen as part of a greater, divine plan, where each moment is guided by Allah’s infinite wisdom. Where every experience—past, present, or future—is part of the journey towards ultimate fulfillment in the Hereafter with all its interconnectedness and intricacies.

"END" → "END leads to eternal life"

Transition: The dark, finite end of life is replaced by the belief in eternal life after death, where the soul continues its journey in the presence of Allah (if you so choose).

"Then a new tale begins" → "Then the true journey begins"

Transition: Instead of a cyclical pattern of despair, the end of one tale now embodies the beginning of a true, eternal journey in the light of Allah’s mercy. I want to conclude this segment with a message of hope and renewal, that every end in this world is the beginning of something greater in the next.( till Next time ) because there will always be a next timE.

As we’ve explored, the journey from darkness to light is one of breaking free from the chains of confusion and despair. As Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said, 'Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.'

These chains, whether they be doubts, fears, or societal expectations can only be unlocked by seeking the truth! As we continue this journey together, let’s strive to free ourselves from these chains “free your mind!, and the rest will follow” (En Vogue).

Discovering the true freedom that comes from understanding our purpose and the divine guidance that lights our way “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery” (Bob Marley).

What is your favorite quote that highlights the changes required within?

I’d love to hear how these ideas resonate with you. Share your thoughts as we explore the many themes that build our reality, let’s continue this conversation!

If this journey has captured your curiosity, make sure to share it with others who might also be curious. Stay connected for more explorations into the mysteries of the universe and the self!

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May Peace Be Upon Those Upon Guidance <3

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