Muhammad

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This fear or sense of uneasiness surfaces when we are challenged by such prophets and their scriptures to cleanse our inner prejudice, ego, resentment, anger, insecurities, and pride. It is this purification of the soul that brings us closer to God and, in the words of Ghandi, leads us to truly know God.

You are what you feel. When you feel resentment towards another human being, your fear and anxiety will come from practicing compassion and kindness. If you are angry or upset, the danger in your life will be to experience quiet patience and peace. If you are intolerant of others, your “terror” will be to open yourself to the tension, difference, and diversity in your life. When you find yourself being judgmental and impatient, you will sense danger and uneasiness from having to practice tolerance.

Hatred, bitterness, revenge, and having the final word will put you against the frightening demons of love and forgiveness. Just when you think you have

figured someone out, are fully aware of their intentions, have labeled them, cut them away, and begin your fight, you just may hear the knock of understanding and patience at your door. Don’t be surprised if you feel uncomfortable and edgy. Don’t be surprised if you prefer to ignore the call. But, before you do, realize that this knock is coming from God. Your soul is being called to trust God and open the door. Your soul is being invited to overcome these fears that limit a wholehearted submission to God. Perhaps, this is why Muslim in English means one who submits fully to God alone; be it a Christian Muslim, Jewish Muslim, Buddhist Muslim or a Muslim Muslim.

We need more “terrorists” today —compassionate leaders with “soul force” who are in love with God and passionate in their service to others. We need their passion and openness to light fires inside us. Such fires shed light and lead us to confront the fears that define our character and the way we engage with others. Only then can our heart fully experience God everyday. Only then can we change from being pretenders, for which the

Greeks invented the word hypocrite, to leaders. And, only then can ordinary people like you, me, and Badshah Khan reach millions of people with our extraordinary message.

I leave you with the words of another great “terrorist” who changed the world 2000 years ago:

You have heard that it hath been said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy.” But I say unto you, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

Amir K.