Assalamualaikum everyone. May peace be within you, within your hearts and within your souls, and may you be surrounded by peace. Discipline In Islam, there are nine verses that mention discipline. The concept of discipline is normally associated with waking up early, sticking to a schedule, or exercising self control when faced with temptation. Due to this, it is often viewed merely as a set of rules or a rigid system. However, in Islam, discipline is more than just a routine. It is a way of life deeply intertwined with faith and personal development. Islam encourages in every. Islam encourages discipline in every aspect of life, from the way we interact with others to how we manage our time and resources. It helps shape a person's character, promoting balance, respect and mindfulness. Let's explore how discipline is embedded in Islamic teachings and why it's so central to to the Muslim way of life. One of the most obvious ways discipline is evident in Islam is through acts of worship, particularly the five daily prayers and fasting. These prayers are not just a religious obligation, they are a means of spiritual purification. The discipline required to pray at a specific time each day, regardless of what's happening around you, brings structure to daily life. Imagine being so in tune, so connected to your faith, that no matter how hectic your day is or how hectic your day becomes, you stop everything to connect with the divine. That's discipline in action. So when I say, when we talk about prayer, I always think about when Abdurrahman and I embraced Islam in California, in Los Angeles, and we were so excited about our new faith and wanting to do everything correctly and do our prayers on time, that if we were on the highways, and I know that if you guys have driven in Los Angeles, traffic is just crazy. So if we were on 405 or the 101, we always carried prayer rugs with us. And what we would do is we would stop on the side of the highway, put our prayer rugs out and pray. Now today, we would never, ever feel safe doing that. With all the Islamophobia and all the stuff that's going on in the world, we would actually pray in the vehicle. It would not, I would not take that chance. Wudu, which is the, the most crucial proceeding step before partaking in the act of worship or the prayer or when we, before we read the Quran. So the wudu is a, a wash. So in the Quran, in chapter 5, verse 6, it says that you wash your hands up to your elbows, you put water on your face, rub your hands over your head, and then you wash the feet to the ankles. And this is Symbolic as well as a physical wash, it's an internal cleanse. When we're washing our hands to our elbows, we we don't want to do anything that doesn't please God. When we wash our faces, we don't want to see anything that doesn't please God. When we put our hands over our hair, we don't want to have any thoughts that aren't pleasing to God. And when we wash our feet or wipe the water over our feet to our ankles, we don't want to step into places that are not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. And also when we wash our feet, it represents steadfastness in our faith. So I mentioned that wudu is the most crucial proceeding step before partaking in the act of worship prayer or before reading the Quran. And this is the Islamic ritual of purification where Muslims clean most important parts of their body such as the face, arms, head and feet. It primes our mind and creates structure that prayers can be built upon. Grasping the significance of the matter is essential as it emphasizes the concept of procedure and discipline to complete each task in its proper order. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is another demonstration of discipline. From dawn to sunset, Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink and conjugal relationships. But fasting isn't just about self control over personal desires. It's about learning about patience, gratitude and empathy for those less fortunate. The discipline required for fasting even extends to controlling negative emotions like anger, impatience and frustration. It isn't just about following rules, but also about maintaining a positive mindset and controlling our behavior even in challenging circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said if anyone eats or drinks forgetfully, then he should complete his fast for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by God. So contrary to popular belief, the concept of discipline is not so hard and fast as God the Merciful shows leniency towards his followers. Now, if we ate something purposefully and we just decided that this fast is just too difficult or it's too hot and I'm going to break my fast, we would have to make that fast up. This is not absentmindedly putting something in your mouth. The hadith mentioned above can be taken as an example of this as it shows that even if we absentmindedly slip up, we are not reprimanded and we are not held accountable. All in all, fasting and Ramadan there is helps Muslims develop a deeper sense of self discipline that extends to other areas of life. It teaches time management, encourages moderation in eating and drinking and nurtures a spirit of charity. Aside from obligatory prayers and fasting, Islam places a strong emphasis on good manners and respectful conduct which is anchored by discipline. The Quran instructs Muslims to avoid harmful actions such as lying, gossiping or backbiting. And this is mentioned in the Holy quran in chapter 49, verse 11. O you who have believed, let not people ridicule another people. Perhaps they may be better than them. This verse reminds us to be careful with our words and actions and to always maintain respect for others, no matter their background or their beliefs. Discipline in Islam also involves controlling one's desires. The concept of the Arabic word is nafs, which translates to mean ego. The self or the ego, is central to understanding Islamic discipline. The ego can be a powerful force that leads us towards selfishness, greed or even arrogance. But Islam teaches that we should strive to purify the ego, purify the nafs through acts of worship, culture, good deeds and self restraint. Take the example of modesty in dress in Islam. So Muslims are encouraged to dress modestly, not out of a sense of restriction, but as a reflection of inner discipline. The Quran teaches in chapter 2431 and tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not to display their adornment. Lastly, time is one of the most valuable resources in Islam, and discipline in managing it holds the utmost importance. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said, there are two blessings which many people lose. They are health and free time. So this is not in. This is a hadith or a tradition of the Holy Prophet. Peace and blessings be upon him. Islam stresses the importance of using this time to work hard to be productive. The Quran encourages us to use our talents and resources for the betterment of ourselves and society. Chapter 56, verse 10 to 11 says and the forerunners, the forerunners, those are the ones brought near to God. This verse reminds us that discipline is also about being proactive, using our time and skills to contribute positively to the world. At its core, the discipline promoted in Islam isn't about rules or restriction or punishment. It's a lifelong journey of self improvement, growth and balance, as well as fostering inner peace and harmony with the world around you. Islam teaches that true peace comes from submitting to the will of God through worship, modesty, or in a plethora of other ways and aligning our actions with divine guidance. This submission requires a deep level of self discipline where we consciously choose to let go of our desires for instant gratification and focus on what truly matters. Through discipline, Muslims learn to manage their emotions, control their impulses and make decisions that are in line with their faith. This brings clarity and purpose, creating a sense of calm amid life's challenges. It's not about being perfect, but about striving for personal growth and closeness to the Creator. Discipline is a bridge between goals and accomplishments. Practical application in lifestyle Adherence to the Divine Law Discipline is rooted in following the guidelines of the Quran and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad. Peace and blessings be upon him which guides Muslims in all aspects of life from worship to daily routines. Prioritizing and Time management Self discipline includes managing time effectively and prioritizing tasks to ensure all responsibilities are met. Overcoming challenges we are encouraged to use hardships as opportunities to build discipline and bring us closer to the Creator. Honesty and accountability Discipline extends to all areas of life. Seek righteous company. Keeping company with these folks can provide motivation and guidance for maintaining a disciplined lifestyle. When I think of discipline, I chose to give a very short synopsis of Malcolm X because he and oh, let me tell you about it. So Malcolm X's discipline was characterized by his self education, his transformation after coming from the Nation of Islam and his dedication to social empowerment and self determination. Now the Nation of Islam are a political group, they are not Sunni Muslims, so I've got to point that out. But Malcolm X, this is where his journey of self actualization, self improvement, self empowerment actually began and his dedication to social empowerment and self determination. While in prison he taught himself to read and write by copying the dictionary. And he dedicated his life to learning perseverance and fighting for social justice. His self discipline was evident in his ability to reinvent himself, turn his pain into purpose and stand firm in his beliefs. Though he later evolved his views after his pilgrimage to Mecca. With God's grace and mercy, he transformed from the Nation of Islam to Sunni Islam which we belong to Abdurrahman and I. So this is a faithful I would like to read a poem from Rumi and then I would like to share my contemplations after disciplines do not expect to be always happy on this way. You have been caught by a lion, my dear. The friend dumps plaster on your head. Think of it as expensive perfume. Inside you there is a monster that must be tied up and whipped. Watch the man beating a rug. He is not mad at it. He wants to loosen the layers of dirt. Ego accumulations are not loosened with one spot. Continual work is necessary. Disciplines in dreams and even awake you will hear the beloved screaming at you. A carpenter saws and chisels a piece of wood because he knows how he wants to use it. Curing a Hide the tanner rubs in acid and all manner of filth. This makes a beautiful soft leather. What does the half finished hide know? Every hard thing that happens works on you like that. Hari shams come back like the sun comes back every day with new and powerful secrets. Reflection Rumi's work on discipline often uses metaphors like a carpenter shaping wood or a tanner curing hide to explain that hardships and consistent effort are essential for growth. Poems like disciplines and various quotes emphasize that true discipline involves a continuous work to loosen the layers of dirt from the self, not through anger, but with patient, relentless effort to achieve spiritual and personal refinement. He also connects this process to the idea that the wound is in the place where the light enters and that the cure for pain is found within pain itself through disciplined acceptance. So I want to say that it was lovely to be with all of you today. Thank you so much for having me and once again I pray that peace that you are filled with peace and I look forward to seeing everyone again. Thank you so much. You guys have a wonderful, wonderful Sunday. Lots of love. Thank you. Joy Band Amazing original music thank you so much. Naran. Thank you for your passion and your teachings. We are very, very grateful. Naran has been with us from the beginning, Philip Lupo and the tech team who we now have met all in person. Thank you for all your amazing work. They take crazy and make it wonderful. If you have needs, whether in person or virtual, seek them out and they will help you be beautiful and wonderful. Past services are available at People of Diversity on Facebook, our group, our page. And then if you go over to YouTube, we have a People of Diversity YouTube channel. After 30 days, all of the Facebook premieres or live events go away and all that is Left is the YouTube channel. On that YouTube channel you can search by faith or by topic and it goes back five and a half years, over 240 videos for you to dive through and investigate. So know that that stuff is there. Now here's the other piece of that. If you subscribe to the YouTube page, you'll get a ding on Sunday morning at 10:30 to say it's starting. If you if you join the Facebook group or page, People of Diversity, you'll get a ding on Sunday morning at 10:30 to say it's starting. So that's your reminder every week that you can come and hang out with us and have a great time. I think that's all I know. We have an we have an evening service that's on Facebook. Book. It's at 5:45. That's all I know. Okay. Okay. Our next live event is tomorrow night, Monday, November 3rd, at the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship in Rockledge. And Mr. Donnett is going to lead a drum circle. So if you have no experience, that's fine. If you have lots of experience, that's fine. If you don't have any drums, don't worry about it. We got plenty. If you have extra drums, bring them. Yes. And it's just we'll put a basket out and everybody can throw a little bit in to help pay that rent. And it's a lot of fun. It's very laid back and we drum for an hour and a half or so and it's fun, a lot of fun. So we start that at 7 o' clock the next Monday, which is not our usual first or last Monday of the month, but this is going to be Special. And it's November 10th. And who you saw last week on the pod service, Donna Frost is going to be live at the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship in Rockledge. She's coming to do a concert all the way from Gallatin, Tennessee, coming to do a concert with us. And she will start at 7:00'. Clock. And again, this is a love offering. Be generous. She's coming a long way and we want to send her home happy. So she's always great. It's a lot of fun when Donna comes and she's been coming down here for years to do concerts with us. So check that out. Very special date, the last Monday of the month. We're not doing anything at the Unitarian Universalist because that is the Interfaith United United in Thanksgiving service. It's something they've been doing. I think this is their seventh or eighth year. Seventh year. Right. Okay. Is going to be at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic community in Indialantic. It's a huge event. There will be several hundred people there, music and speaking. And this year is different. They usually have a celebration and with everything going on in the world right now they are doing, the topic is going to be loss, healing and love. So there'll be speakers on each of those and a little bit of audience participation. It's a free event. Afterwards there is a reception where people bring foods from their own faith perspective. Since the POD has so many faith perspectives involved. We bring the water. We'll be in the middle of the room. Come see us if you would like to help with that event. If you Would like to volunteer. They need ushers, they need people to carry things, you know, put things out for the food and, and clean up people. And they can use people in the choir, all kinds of things. Just contact us@newwaypodmail.com and I'll put you in touch with the right people and that would be great. It's also bring canned food. Yeah, a canned food drive as well. When you come, if you have any non perishable food you'd like to donate, they collect that. We'll have a big old box at the front door. Yeah, it's really a cool event and I suggest if you haven't ever been there before, try it out. If you have been there before, you already know. If you or your business would like to sponsor one of our live events, not interfaith United, but one of the events at the Unitarian Universalist. Our rent there for a Monday evening is $50. That would be great. That would help us tremendously. If you want to sponsor that, you can get up before we start whatever's going on and say a few words about your business or whatever it is you have going on. And if you want to remain anonymous, that's great too. So let us know if you'd like to do that. Okay, I'm done. Our state today is Ohio. Cleveland, Ohio was the first place to bring us down the road of traffic lights. First ever traffic light in America was in Cleveland, Ohio. All kinds of really cool things happen in Cleveland and in. It's just an interesting place. Let's pray for the people of Ohio and say these words together. May peace prevail in Ohio. May peace prevail on earth. May peace prevail in me. Thank you. Tithes, donations offerings can be made at www. POD People of diversity, please help us close this up in a healing circle. If you'll bring to your mind's eye anyone who needs love, support, healing, put them in a circle, step into that circle yourselves. Let's put in our world leaders and help them do good things and send love and light around that circle as we are listening to this amazing, amazing song and have a great week and we'll see you soon. Thank you. One power. One power. One power. There's one power invisible and you see it everywhere and every day One power indescribable and just speak of it with every word you say Mysterious until you know the truth as simple as the love inside of you Call it God, call it spirit call it Jesus, call it Lord call it Buddha Bah, Mullah angels wings all heaven's door but whatever name given it's all one power can't you see? It's the power of the love in you and ME1 Power1 Power1 Power1 Power SA open new app.