Category Archives: Narcotics

“Righteous Sinner” Film-Review: How sinful is a “Sinner” & how righteous is a “Righteous-Person”?!!!

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Author’s-Note:

The Producer & Star of this Film, “Righteous Sinner”: Boonaa Mohammed had graciously allowed me to write an Article about his Film. The Movie is in every Sense direct, alluring, gritty, controversial, impactful, powerful, edgy, etc.(www.righteoussinnermovie.com)

The Film mainly focuses on the Inherent-Fragility of Humanity, and how when we have Position, Authority, Influence, Power, etc. Most-Humans don’t realize/care about the Reality that Muslim-Leaders, “Students-Of-Knowledge”, “Scholars”, “Imāms”, “Shaykhs”, etc. are more often than not just as Flawed/Sinful as anyone/everyone else. It indepthly explores & challenges the Tragedy of Muslims whom self-implode/self-destruct, resulting from Egotism/Narcissism via Muslim Celebrity-Culture.(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.25, V.43)

One of the Great-Points which the Film additionally highlights is the Various-Levels of Addiction…Addiction to: Ego/Desires, Substances, Fame, Wealth, Power, Sexuality, etc.

It was easy to see that the Silver-Lining of the Movie stems from the Story of Barsīsah.(Wahb ibn-Munabbih, at-Tabarī, ibn-ul-Jawzī) And in spite of the Speculative-Nature surrounding the Mustalah/Authenticity of the Story, it however still contains Truth/Honesty.

The Mental-Health Elements via the Film are very Spot-On. Especially as Muslims: our Ignorance/Apathy towards Mental-Health Awareness drives us even further into the Depths of Darkness, as per Mental-Illness. Unfortunately via the Muslims: we automatically associate Mental-Illness with at-Tajnīn (Jinn-Influence/Possession), when in fact at-Tajnīn & Mental-Illness are Mutually-Exclusive.

A very Edgy-Component of the Film was that the Director literally combined the Story of Barsīsah with the Spike Lee Film “Jungle Fever”. The Ethnocentric Sexual-Tension/Intensity between the 2 Main-Characters are very apparent. The Film also gives Great-Scope into al-`Asabiyyah/Xenophobia, particularly in Terms of one of the most common Elephants-In-Room amongst Muslims: Interethnic-Relationships/Marriage. These Dynamics within the film cause the Intensity between the two Main-Characters that much more intimate, complex, as well as complicated.

The Tug-Of-War, between the Main-Character & the Voices which they constantly hear throughout this Film, represent the Struggle to maintain their Spiritual-Integrity, also their Sanity. As the Movie evolves, so does the Intensity of Tragedy-Shocking for some, yet unsurprising for others how Things unfold. This, to me, is very near & dear to me. As I’m in the Healthcare/Mental-Health Field, being a Chaplain (Counselor/Therapist). The Struggles very accurately/honestly portrayed via this Film are what I engage daily, via my Profession. I’ve even presented Research to MSU (Michigan State University: Dept. of Psychiatry) & lectured at Cambridge University (Clare College), regarding all the Subject-Matter display in this Movie pertaining to Mental-Health/Illness, as well as at-Tajnīn.(https://garethbryant.wordpress.com/2019/07/08/attajninvsmentalillness)

This is a Film which I’d recommend anyone/everyone to watch, with an Open-Mind/Heart…looking past one’s Shyness or Bias, regarding the Subject-Matter detailed within it.

Gareth Bryant

1442, A.H./2020, C.E.

Sharī`ah’s Anatomy: Where al-Islām meets Bio-Medical Ethics

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Sharī`ah’s Anatomy is a Podcast with Chaplain Gareth Bryant & Dr. James Ferguson, concerning Bio-Medical Ethics from an Islāmic-Lens. The Purpose of this Podcast to empower Muslims & Humanity at large, via Education, concerning how to make Informed-Decisions about their own Healthcare. Also, to learn how to navigate how the Healthcare/Medical-Field works, so that, as Healthcare-Recipients, you can speak/act with Authority, as per how you want, expect, deserve to be treated by Healthcare/Medical-Professionals & the Healthcare/Medical-Industry.

Our Podcasts will be livestreamed via Facebook-Live, every Thursday @ 5pm (EST).

Facebook: Shariah’s Anatomy

Instagram: @shariahsanatomy

Y.O.Y.O.: Y.ou’re O.nly Y.oung O.nce

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Your youth is such a priceless treasure…
…don’t waste it on a worthless pleasure…

…If you so chose, to just let your desires run loose…
…you don’t get 2nd-chances with youth, you’ll lose…

When you dwell within the days of innocence’s bliss…
…don’t be deceived by the Devil, as he blows a kiss…

His lips are a dank, dark, toxin, which spews a harsh odor, from his twisted, doubled, tongue…
…he means to deceive us, when we 1st approach maturity: it’s easiest to misguide the young…

…Youth is the state of Life that our Lord allots…
…when we value & use it wisely, we can do lots…

…However, when we follow the crowd, chasing possession, power, fame…
…we’ll end up looking back, years later, regretting what was done in vain…

…From 10 to 20 & from 20 to 30: livin’ wild, rachet, carefree, dirty…
…from 30 to 40 & from then on you’re washed-up: no longer pretty…

You chose to do you; yet, deceived & oppressed yourself…
…only on your deathbed, do you realize Life’s true wealth.

Gareth Bryant/2014

 

What if Muslim Sectarian-Groups were Diseases or Drugs?!!!

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Author’s-Note:

“And cling to the Rope-Of-Allah, altogether & don’t separate.”…”Verily, those whom entertain Sectarian-Groups I’m not with them.”.(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.3, V.103; Chpt.6, V.65)

For more Info. regarding the Context of these Revelatory-Texts:

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2021/12/23/hizbiyyah/

I’ve often wondered to myself, the question that I’ve chosen to title this article. I’ve wondered it, because, it seems to me, and I could be dead-wrong, that Sectarianism, among Muslims, particularly, especially, have been just as destructive, if not more destructive than Diseases and/or Narcotics, which have wreaked havoc on the Human-Race, as a result of careless Substance-Abuse, the promotion of Sexual-Promiscuity, corrupt Governmental-Policies, the Drug-Game/Drug-Trafficking, the Adult-Film Industry, etc. At any Rate, this is what I’ve come up with-I plan to explain why I’ve made Comparisons between Sectarian-Groups & Diseases/Drugs. Really, the Point of this Article is to educate & encourage Muslims to abstain from the Harms of Religio-Sectarianism among Muslims, just as though someone would help to steer People, generally, from things such as Unprotected-Sex and/or Drug-Abuse-These 2-things, respectively: if one isn’t properly educated on these issues, can/will face disastrous results. And, as Muslims, we ought to want what’s best for the People, not what’s worse for them. And, in this case, Religious-Sectarianism is just as destructive for our Souls, as Casual/Unprotected Sex, Non-Marital Sex, and/or Substance-Abuse can/does have on the Human-Body. I’ve listed several Sectarian-Groups, in comparison to several Diseases/Narcotics.

If Sectarian-Groups were Diseases, they would be the following:

HIV

1. Salafism=H.I.V.:
HIV is the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus; its purpose is to destroy all of what’s in its circumference. It aims to engulf, consume all in its path. That’s exactly what Salafism is: the objectives of those whom claim to adhere to one or more forms of Salafism stand on the stance that it is they whom are upon the true way of as-Salaf-us-Salih/the Righteous-Ancestors (as-Sahabah/the Companions [of Muhammad], as well as at-Tabi`in/the Followers [of the Companions])-they have come to the conclusion that all those whom don’t conform to their undestanding are completely astray, and therefore, either through religious or political means, deem to crush & destroy any/all other groups which are not in accordance to their teachings. Now, there are several strands of Salafism: conventional Salafi-Movement, al-Ikhwan-ul-Muslimun/the Muslim-Brotherhood, etc. Many will not believe me; but, they’re all under one: the origins of the Salafis & Ikhwanis were both founded upon similar principles, by similar influences (Rashid Rida, Muhammad Abduh, Jamaluddin al-Afghani, etc.), in Egypt, during the mid 19th-Century.

Cancer

2. Sufism=Cancer:
Cancer has many forms, many origins, many outcomes, much like Sufism…Sufism has a very lengthy history among Muslims; however, what is not known is the fact that they are just as volatile as any other group, and here’s why: they take a posture, not all, but, enough of them, that they, alone, possess the keys to spiritual-awareness, nearness, closeness to Allah, and that’s very deadly/dangerous. It’s like they deem themselves, largely, not exclusively, as they only group to have a valid formula for a Muslim to pursue any type of Islamic “Spiritual-Path”. This posture is in and of itself, Cancerous. This sectarian posture has spread, very far & wide, just like any typical Cancer, if/when not dealt with, clarified, corrected, immediately.

Syphilis

3. Shi`ism=Syphilis:
Syphilis is a very stifling disease: it’s one of the cause of Dementia, after all, if/when not treated, just like many of the many pathological beliefs among Shi`is, that they alone truly respect/love Ahl-al-Bayt/the Prophetic-Household, that only certain individuals qualify as being from among Ahl-il-Bayt, that there were people whom usurped the Khilafah/Islamic-Authority, after the death of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), that they (not largely, but, enough of them) even go so far as to condemn certain Companions (May Allah be pleased with them all-together) of not only being Companions, but, as well, being open-sinners, corrupt, and worse yet, not even being Muslims.

4. Ahamdism=Down-Syndrome:
Down-Syndrome, as we all know is a genetic-disorder, which compromises the development of the Human-Intellect (this is in no way meant to make fun of persons with Down-Syndrome by the way…seriously). Likewise, Ahamdism manages to provide the same results: diluted intellect, as a result of lack of knowledge of basic textual-realities. Most (not all) Ahamdis (followers of Ahmadism) have this thwarted belief that there exists Prophethood after Muhammad (Peace be upon him) & these beliefs were taught by a man named Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed that he was endowed by Allah with Prophethood. Now, the comparison between Ahmadism & Down-Syndrome are similar as in both cause a person to be intellectually-compromised. The only difference is that Down-Syndrome is inheritable by birth, while Ahmadism is exclusively a personal-choice to adhere to. Basic knowledge of the text (the Qur’an & Prophetic-Tradition) clearly shows the contradictions of Ahmadism’s claims of Prophethood existing after Muhammad. But, sadly, those whom are adherents of Ahmadism don’t study/learn from classic Islamic texts, because, if the truly did, they wouldn’t even dare to believe the teachings of any False-Prophet.

Stupidity

5. Nation of Islam=Stupidity:
Stupidity is definitely a disease & very few people manifests this level of clinical-stupidity better than the NOI: they claim that Allah is a Human being (Wali Farad AKA Fard Muhammad), the “Black-Man” is “god” & the “White-Man” is the “devil”; yet, ironically, the founder of the NOI, Wali Farad, was not only Non-Black, but, he was actually 1/2-White…And, that’s just some of their erroneously idiotic beliefs, like believing that Elijah Poole (AKA Elijah Muhammad) was a Prophet, even though he received no revelation & the fact that he was a straight-up pimp & con of the African-American Community, along with being a renowned womanizer & adulterer, none of these qualities being that of a Prophet, by the way…so, there you go.

Gonorrhea

6. Kharijism=Gonorrhea:
As nasty as the disease itself, Kharijism is a very debilitating mindset/mentality, which requires that its members disregard the sanctity of fellow Muslims not adhering to their views. Historically, they’ve been responsible for so much turmoil within the Muslim-World for centuries, and everywhere they go they bring destruction with them.

Herpes

7. Qur’anism=Herpes:
Qur’anism is a sect that just won’t go away. Once they came on the scene, with their sick belief that the Qur’an is the only text that Muslims need, to function religiously, when there are so many things, Islamically, that are not at all explained within the Qur’an, but, are in fact detailed within the documented Prophetic-Tradition of Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

Clamydia

8. Modernists=Chlamydia:
Chlamydia has the ability to even cause blindness, among other unfortunate damages to the Human body, and so does Modernism. It causes Muslims to be blind to the fact that the enemies of Islam prpagate the negative actions & interpretations of Islam, among the Muslims & in the Public-Sphere (via Media), to such a disgusting extent, that Muslim now feel the need to water-down their own practice of Islam, just to appease the Public, to make themselves seem non-threatening to the same persons who constantly attack our way of Life, our Lifestyle, our Religion. Instead of just standing up for Islam, by being proper Muslims, as good examples for others to follow, they just scrape away bit-by-bit, and piece-by-piece, more and more of their own Islam, thinking that this is a good way to get accept by the enemies of Islam, while blinding themselves to the truth of what Allah clearly states within His own Book, “The Jews & Christians will never be pleased with you, unless you accept their religion.”.(Noble Qur’an: Chpt.2, V.120) The Jews & Christians changed their Books-of-Revelation, in both text & meaning; now, the Muslims change their Book-of-Revelation, in meaning. The Jews & Christians celebrate the births of their dead/presumed-dead Prophets (Peace be upon them); now, the Muslims celebrate the death of Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The Jews & Christians are starting to support “Same-Gender Marriage”; now, the Muslims are supporting “Same-Gender Marriage”, and so on.

If Sectarian-Groups were Narcotics, they would be the following-

Cryatal Meth

1. Salafism=Crystal-Meth:
Currently, the most lethal drug around, Meth has disastrous effects on both the mental & physical health of anyone/everyone who indulges in that particular substance. Likewise, when it comes to Salafism, the “end-all-to-be-all” so-called “Saved-Sect”, this as well has detrimental results, for those who adhere to this group, as well as those allow themselves to succumb to the teachings of this group. Meth imposes the following side-effects:

a. Meth-Mouth: This occurs as the result of the loss of teeth, from pathological, long-term use of Meth. This plays out in Salafism as the loss of family, friends, etc., because as a Salafi, you deem one’s self so religiously elite, that they tend to treat others whom they deem as less than them religiously like utter garbage, which often results in family-ties, friendship-ties completely damaged beyond repair.

b. Obsessive-Behavior: This occurs as a result of Salafis being obsessed with claiming to be upon the Way of the Salaf, while their actions are often the exact opposite of what they claim, or call others to. the tend to be very arrogant, obnoxious, unyielding, judgmental, boorish, etc. They have this superiority-complex, in which they feel entitled to think less of other Muslims, just because of their claims to be members of al-Firqat-in-Najiyah/The Saved-Sect

Marijuana

2. Sufism=Marijuana:
Marijuana gives a person a sense of carefree, happy frolicking-in-the grass feeling, much like Sufism. Sufism, according to many adherents, is based upon what is known as Tasawwuf/Spirituality, which is something already infused within Islam without the need of any external discipline to be added or made-up. Sufism often claims to give its adherents a sense of spiritual enhancement, via Sufi practices, etc. But, the problem is that generally, based upon what many Sufi adherents state themselves, as though they alone possess the ability to truly connect to Allah, I view that as wrong. No one has to be of any particular sect, to acquire a relationship with one’s Creator. And, much like Marijuana (which is actually a plant, that has been known to be used medically), when used incorrectly, can & often does have dangerous results, Sufism, as well, when those who adhere to this attempt to monopolize on Spirituality/Spiritualism.

Heroin

3. Shi`ism=Heroin:
When it comes to Shi`ism, Heroin is a good comparison. And, I’ll explain why. Heroin, as we know, is an Opioid, that causes immediate addiction. And, with something like Shi`ism, which stresses the point of respecting/loving Ahl-al-Bayt (the family of Muhammad [Peace be upon him]), even though their are scores of persons who many/most Shi`i don’t even consider to be from among Ahl-il-Bayt.(for more information about Ahl-il-Bayt: http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/theperfectsolutiontothewholeahlulbaytissue) However, this “respect/love” becomes very pathological, addictive, fairly quickly & easily, with the advent of having a lot of animosity over historical happenings, like Abu-Bakr, `Umar & `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with them) becoming Khulafa’/Islamic-Rulers before the paternal 1st-Cousin of Muhammad, `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him), which gave rise to so many unsettled disputes between Shi`is & Sunnis, that have never been resolved even in the present-day. Also, in terms of the assassinations of `Ali, as well as his two sons: al-Hasan & more specifically/especially al-Husayn (May be pleased with them both), has caused many Shi`is to indulge in unwarranted beliefs/religious-stances regarding certain Companions: Abu-Bakr, `Umar, Mu`awiyah, etc. (May Allah be pleased with them), as well as indulging in religious-practices that, are by definition, completely against Islamic-Teachings. When conversing with many/most Shi`is, concerning their takes on historical events about the history of Islam after the death of Muhammad & their positions regarding certain Companions, seems on the surface, very convincing, until one realizes that their take on history, certain Companions are very biased, to say the least.

Cocaine

4. Ahmadism=Cocaine:
Cocaine gives a person a sense deep nostalgia. This drug makes things seem so much the opposite of what’s really there. So, Ahmadism is no different: Ahmadism gives people the impression that Prophethood didn’t die with Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Hence, the desire to follow the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. The pathology that is believing in Prophethood after Muhammad is completely unfounded in Islamic-Teachings. It’s as though the Ahmadis are in fact sadated religiously, caught in a sad trance, believing that the founder of this movement of theirs is rightly guided.

Crack

5. Nation of Islam=Crack:
Just like how Crack is a cheap, easy-to-move by-product of Cocaine, the Nation of Islam is exactly that, a cheap by-product of Ahmadism. The Nation of Islam was actually founded ban Ahmadi, by the name of Wali Farad (AKA Fard Muhammad), who the members of the N.O.I. regard as “Allah incarnate” & Elijah Poole (AKA Elijah Muhammad) as the “Messenger of Allah”. So, it’s very easy, by virtue of who their founder was, to tell that their are some similarities between the NOI & Ahmadism, like the belief in Prophecy after Muhammad, etc.

Ecstasy

6. Kharijism=Ecstasy: Ecstasy has people all messed-up. Just like this substance has one in a constant fantasy realm, of perverse longing to acquire gratification, so are the effects of being a Khariji. Kharijism, just like Ecstacy, causes their victims the pursuit of a thrill, that places them at the pinnacle of what they set out for. For those who use Ecstacy, they deem to pursue sexual prowess. While those who indulge in Kharijism, they deem to indulge in self-righteousness. Both who are addicted to these substances.

Angel Dust

7. Qur’anism=Angel-Dust/PCP:
Angel-Dust is a narcotic, which causes, among so many things: imbalance, of moods/emotions, as well as general anatomical equilibrium. Likewise, with Qur’ansim, they loose their balance, when they claim that the Qur’an is all that’s needed for guidance for Humanity, after Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The bogus claim for this rhetoric, by its adherents, the Qur’aniyyun/Qur’anis is based upon their pathological mistrust for Humans, in dealing with Revelation. Basically, they claim that only the Qur’an has been properly protected & preserved, whereas, Ahadith (singl. Hadith/Recording: Prophetic-Statements [of Muhammad]) have not been preserved in the same care as the Qur’an, and/or that Ahadith were only recorded centuries after the death of Muhammad. Now, some big problems arise:

a. It’s a known historical fact that both the Qur’an as well as Prophetic-Statements were in fact recorded during the lifetime of Muhammad, by many, countless of his Companions (May Allah be pleased with them altogether). So, how could it possibly be that they trust those who recorded the Qur’an, word-for-word, in the current form that has been preserved in, for the past 14-centuries, yet they distrust the recordings of Ahadith, which were in turn recorded by the same exact persons that recorded the Qur’an.(https://garethbryant.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/quranandsunnahjointly)

b. How can they possibly learn how to induct someone into Islam, make Salah/Prayer (5-times per day), commit to Siyam/Fasting (during the month of Ramadhan), give Zakah/Obligatory-Charity, make Hajj/Pilgrimage, any of the most basic tents of Islam, which according to the Shari`ah/Islamic-Law a Muslim?

Think about it!!!

LSD

8. Modernists=LSD:
This, among the others, is possibly one of, if not the most destructive of them all. In the 1950’s & 1960’s, C.E., LSD had been used for psychotherapy purposes, for was perceived to possess therapeutic value, in the treatment of alcoholism, pain and cluster headache relief, spiritual purposes, to enhance creativity, etc. However, several government organizations, like the Drug Enforcement Agency, in the United States, through their own research-studies, have come to the conclusion that LSD produces, enhances, none of the above that were sought after during the middle part of the 20th-century, C.E. Now, in comparison to Modernism, it’s the same results. Modernism, among Muslims deems to try to rid Islam of archaic “beliefs” and/or “practices”, which they have allowed themselves to believe to be no longer relevant, useful, important, crucial, to Islam and/or Muslims, in our Modern-World. However, ironically, just like how it has been found out that LSD has no positive results, neither does Modernism. In fact, it actually takes Muslims deeper into the depths of theological/religious darkness than anything that they claim to rid from Islam. Some examples are the following:

a. The acceptance of the ideals of Evolution/Darwinism which, in many ways completely contradict Islamic-Teachings, especially when it comes to the advocacy of Agnosticism/Atheism: the doubt/denial of the existence of a Divine-Creator of the Universe, as well as the fallacy of the origin of the Human-Race being the anatomical-descendants of Primates, etc.

b. The acceptance of degenerate social-practices, such as Homosexuality, Same-Gender Marriage, Abortion, etc.

c. The denial of practices that Islam blatantly allows, such as Youth-Marriage, etc.

And, the list goes on, and, yes…and on…no need for any more examples. All of these pathologies are propagated by Modernists, among Muslims, because they believe that they’re promoting the common-good, but, in fact, they either don’t realize or don’t even care that they’re subsequently being used as proxies, for a global Non-Islamic agenda, paving the way for ad-Dajjal/the Anti-Christ, based upon the freedom to do what one wants secularly, and to be free from any types of moral standards, religiously.

And, I do know that there will be plenty of People who will not take very kindly to what I’ve written. However, that’s Life…deal with it. Now, if I’m wrong, then, by all means correct me, if you can…I’ll be waiting for what I hope to be a lot of feedback.

Gareth Bryant

“My Poetic-Proposal to my Lord”

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Oh, Allah:

Let me remember you when I am both happy and sad…
…regardless to whether I am calm or stark raving mad.

Allow me to be ever thankful for any test which you’ve set forth in my path…
…for me never to take Your mercy for granted, that I never earn Your wrath.

Have me in Your noble-service, by constantly being in the service of the Other…
…to view every Human, regardless of their creed, as my sister and my brother.

Give me a clean heart, full of Faith, which will never doubt, reject Your existence…
…shower me with Your ultimate graces, so that I always thank you via repentance.

Make me a Warrior, for Your pleasure: struggling on & off the battlefield…
…let me be skillful & worthy enough to spread mercy & the power to heal.

Let me be of those whom the People feel safe around…
…that I have the ability to turn all frowns upside down.

Let it be I who bring smiles to the faces of the miserable…
…let it be I who give strength to the weak, meek & feeble.

Let not my days be done, lest I can guide People to Islam…
…that Your name be praised, by every man & in every land.

Gareth Bryant/2014