Thoughts

Hope OK to start a new post. There is probably a section for this. After all the drama and emotional wipe out of the last 24 hours, Saladin and meself considering the commencement of Armageddon ;-) -  I'd like to change subject. Though this might be as explosive. I don't know. Hope not. I have the vet on hand with the horse tranquilliser just in case.

Allah is Compassion / Mercy

I was talking to a Muslim recently, and I was asking about depression. Was Muhammad ever depressed.  I was sincere in asking and not intending anything offensive. You'd have thought I'd committed some awful blasphemy. Prophets don't get depressed or despairing.

I talked to him about Jesus/Isa. In the bible narratives we are told Jesus was, 'a man like us in ALL things, but sin.' He was a 'man of sorrows'.  A man whose obedience to the Father was made perfect through suffering/submission. That Jesus asked the cup to pass from Him. That He cried out, "My God, My God... why have You forsaken Me?" That Jesus knew what despair felt like - as we do.

I asked how Abraham must have felt when asked to sacrifice his child.

How Job felt.

Isaiah cries out in the psalms.

Out of the depths I cry unto Thee Oh Lord.

I then asked him what Sura 93 was about. Allah speaks to Muhammad (P) who has suffered greatly, and at times felt desolation. He knew the suffering of being orphaned and grows in compassion because of this. Sura 93 seems to be telling Muhammad that his suffering is a preparation for his better service of those he is being sent to tend - to care for - be a 'mercy' towards - show God's compassion to - specifically in this Sura - the orphans, and the petitioners he is asked to listen to.

The angel comes to the mountain when Muhammad is desolate and despairing, to re assure him of the message he is receiving.

My friend once read me something about how Muhammad withdraws from society when he understands how many of his Ummah (?) may go to hell. He is desolate - not wanting to meet or talk to anyone. He just wants to pray for those souls. It reminded me of Moses, when Moses asks God that he would willingly sacrifice his own existence if it would save his people. This is true compassion and selfless love. But linked in a mysterious way to intense suffering.

Have I got a completely wrong take on all of this ? It's not very clear here, sorry. Just thinking out loud.

God bless






Edited by Gulliver - 29 March 2009 at 11:32am

Of course the Prophet Mohammed felt depression. One of the lowest points of his life has been labeled the "Year of Sorrow" in which his beloved wife Khadija and his uncle Abu Talib, who raised him and protected him from childhood both died.

I wonder who your friend is and his level of knowledge?