Letter to Julia 20111207

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

But out of my cave again comes this reclusive writer, to do some work! For to Allah belongs all power. Oh Julia, I really want to snuggle up with my sweetie on a bunch of fluffy pillows, and kiss longer. The problem is that I'm actually some sort of workaholic, I actually enjoy working, at things that I enjoy working at. But since I'm also a contradiction, I'm lazy, and just want to snuggle up with my sweetie on a bunch of fluffy pillows, and kiss longer. But I guess I can get up to cook a nice meal for my honey, if I have the right ingredients. How about a cheese and asparagus omelette with grilled jumbo shrimp, with a bunch of sweet purple grapes on the side? Ah, alhamdilillah.

Once upon a time there were two men. God granted one of them two gardens, surrounded them with date palms, and in between the two gardens there were cornfields. Each garden brought its produce without fail, and in the midst of them flowed a river. This man boasted to the other that he had greater wealth, honor and power. And he went into his gardens with an unjust state of mind, saying, "I deem not that this will ever perish, nor do I deem that my time will run out. Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find something better in return." The other guy said, "Do you deny God Who created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then fashioned oyu into a man? For my part God is Allah my Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord. Why didn't you enter your garden saying, 'Allah's Will! There is no power but with Allah!' If you see me less than you in wealth and children, it may be that my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and God will send thunderbolts and turn your garden into sand, or the water will run off underground and you will never find it." So the gardens were destroyed by calamity, and the owner was filled with regret, saying, "Why wasn't I appreciative to God while I had the chance?"

Qur'an 20111207

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

28. And keep your soul content with those who call on thier Lord morning and evening, seeking God's Face. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this life, nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the rememberance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.

29. Say, "The Truth is from your Lord." Let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject. For the wrongdoers We have prepared a fire which is like the walls and roof of a tent will hem them in: if they implore relief, they will be granted melted brass that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!

The Cave 18:28-29
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The Truth is from your Lord.

(God does have a sense of humor! Life in hell is often referred to in the Qur'an as "entertainment", where, in the example of verse 18:29, an inhabitant kicks back on a couch of flames, and drinks a cocktail of melted brass.)