What is the Reality? "The Reality! What is the Reality? And what will make you realize what the Reality is?" These are the opening verses of Surah al-Haqqa - Verse 69, in the Holy Qur'an. These are verses that jolt one's slumped consciousness with a conscious attempt to recalibrate it with the reality. I realize that my eyes are open - they usually are. But the eyes of my mind were shuttered. All the blessings that our Benevolent Lord - Almighty Rabbul Ala'meen bestowed upon me, all the knowledge and wisdom I gained, all the friends and well-wishers I have been blessed with; yet as a human being I am so laden with my failures, with my inability to keep engaged my consciousness. Aware that my consciousness can slump sporadically, I need that awakening jolt intermittently:  "The reality! What is the Reality? ..." As I look around me I see futile discussions taking place that have very little to do with the essence of Islam. A peek into my e-mailbox and I see Muslims arguing on a major Islamic list-server, whether Ameen should be said loud or silently in prayers. Yes, prayer is fundamental to Islam and praying in a manner consistent with the Prophet's is important, but must the Muslims bicker about such details - and for centuries? I see Islamic magazines that are constantly reminding their beloved Muslim brethren and sisters about the innovations (Bid'at) in Islam and the utterly serious consequence of such things in the life Hereafter. Yes, Muslims must be on guard about innovations in the beliefs or rituals, but even this constant reminder about innovation might be an innovation in itself, as our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam did not do it this way. Moreover, innovation in another - technological - sense is an imperative in our contemporary time. Is it any wonder that a society that is constantly reminded against "innovations" would have its overall ability to innovate stifled? I hear from the Friday pulpits how women must cover their head so that not even a single hair strand would show. Observance of Islamic guidance in every aspect is important. Interestingly, it seems when it comes to admonishing the women and ensuring that they "remain in line" with Rabbul Ala'meen's wishes, we may be over-ambitiously animated and vigilant.  The Hijab may have been a mainstay in Khutbah, but seldom have I heard any citation from the Holy Qur'an that pays tribute to the "fighting" women! - And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or FEMALE: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out there from, or suffered harm in My Cause, or FOUGHT or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards." Quran   I observe children being rebuked in Mosques because they are deemed as having absolutely no respect for the stern, loud, deafening, frightening Khutbahs that even the adults have difficulty to feel drawn to. Yes, children should be educated about how to conduct themselves at different places, but do we ever think that some of these kids may develop a bad impression about their visit to Mosques and later our lack of tolerance for their childlike conduct may wither their attachment to Mosque?  What is our priority? I visit websites that are dedicated to drawing up long lists of select Muslim groups who would not be saved. Yes, believing things correctly and doing things properly are important. Yet, the Quran is so categorical against divisiveness and judgmentalism. Surah Al-Mu'minun Verses 52-53. "And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood. And I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other)." "But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects; Each party rejoices in that which is with itself." All Prophets Alayhim Salaam form one Brotherhood: Their Message is one, and their religion and teaching are one; they serve the One True Creator, Who loves and cherishes them; they owe their duty to Him and Him Alone. I come across pulp-literature about Islam in various parts of the Muslim world that lists one hundred twenty-four or thirty-two Fards (the obligatory) in Islam, where the list includes believing in the four madhabs  (Islamic school of thought) constituting four Fards. Of course, I myself don't know this list of Fards in its entirety.  Notably, attachment to a specific Madhab is merely coincidental through our birth and neither the Prophet Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam nor his companions knew anything about any Madhab at all. Our prayers go out for the innocent men, women and children of Iraq who face the perils of yet another humanitarian disaster of war. It is predicted that around one million people are likely to be displaced, the already fragile infrastructure has collapsed and a grave human catastrophe is unfolding.  The weak and vulnerable are the worst affected. "O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah..." Holy Qur'an: Surah Al-Nisa Verse 135