Dr. M. OmarAugust 2012, Orlando

www.nurspirituality.org

Contemplating the Quran in Ramadan-3Outcomes of Belief in the Unseen (Iman)

Awaken to PresenceTransform your life

workshop series

Based on the Second Word, authored by B. Said Nursi. See: Nursi, Words.

What is iman?

ب� غ�ي �ال ب �ون� �ؤ م�ن ي �ذ�ين� �ل ا

Those who believe in the unseen (Quran 2:3)

What are the implications of iman in our daily

lives?

The simple prophetic solution:

Surrender to the Truth

I Choose

(Loving Grace)

Humility• Surrendering:

Accepting reality and living accordingly

Arrogance• Choosing the illusion:

Who said my life is contingent to a Source?

Ongoing process…

Moment by moment…

Let’s start with an example…

Two students are enrolled in a school

Their experience changes completely according totheir perception…

My experience in school is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Wisdom

Compassion

Love

Set schedule

Uniform

Leaving one class and going to another

Different grades

SeenUnseen

My experience in school is based on my attitude…

Wisdom

Compassion

Love

Set schedule

Uniform

Leaving one class and going to another

Different classes

Self-centeredArrogant

I can’t do what I want

It will never be like I want:Pessimistic

Humble

There is a reason for this order

They thought of everything for me:This is wonderful!

Wow, they prepared everything for me,

I am thankful...

I love my parents, teachers, friends…

I like PE better, but Math is necessary, too…

I will miss first grade, but it is time for second grade...

I am joyful!

They are forcing us to go to classes. I hate it.

These teachers are my enemiesSee these students, too!

I love PE, why do I have to take Math?

I loved first grade. Why do I have to go to second grade?

School sucks!My short-sighted solution:I need to numb my senses

My experience in school is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Wisdom

Compassion

Love

Set order

I am not free

Death

Hardships and Ease

SeenUnseen

Theocentric viewpoint Egocentric

viewpoint

Our experience of life is based on our perception

Receptive and humble

Joyful

Short-sightedPessimistic

Wow! We are brought to a wonderful creation!

I am so excited to be created! Everything too!

Everywhere is a joyful festival, displaying God’s attributes...

Everyone is my friend.

Whoever finishes his duty is discharged.

This is a wicked place!

Nothing is like what I want!

Everyone is my potential enemy.

Everything is dying, I can’t handle this!

My conscience is in a state of torment.

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

I am pleased and happy at both my own joy and that of all the others!

Thank you God!

My short-sighted temporary solution:

I have to shut my mind and senses

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Belief in God (Iman)Certainty in his

Unseen Presence

great happiness and blessings

great pleasure and

ease

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Recognizing the Unseen bears the seed of Tuba-Tree of Paradise Not recognizing the

Unseen conceals the seed of Zaqqum-Tree of Hell

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Wisdom

Compassion

Love

Set order

I am not free

Death

Hardships and Ease

SeenUnseen

My experience in life is based on

my perception of what is beyond…

Solution:The solution is within

YOU

Change your perception!

Recognize your reality!

IMAN

How? I can:ponder on the creation and yourselfrecognize the actions of the unseen just,

compassionate, beneficent, powerful, order-loving Divine Oneness!

recognize that He is conscious! Talk to Him!surrender my own illusions and recognize my role:

Everything witnesses that I am brought to this world to learn, witness, love and enjoy

That’s what makes me joyful.

leave the intoxicants & come to my senses!I put myself in

this hellish state

Belief in God (Iman)Certainty in his Unseen Presence

great happiness and blessingsgreat pleasure and

ease

“Belief in the Unseen” (recognizing the Unseen) is not a mere acceptance.

It is a life transforming moment by moment paradigm!.

The cure to every problem lies in it!