Dr. M. Omar August 2012, Orlando Contemplating the Quran in Ramadan-3 Outcomes of Belief in the Unseen (Iman) Awaken to Presence Transform your life workshop series Based on the Second Word, authored by B. Said Nursi. See: Nursi, Words.

What is iman? اَلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ 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 to their 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-centered Arrogant 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 enemies See 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 Receptive and humble Joyful Short-sighted Pessimistic

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 yourself recognize 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 blessings great 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!