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Book Summary: 'The Obstacle Is the Way' by Ryan Holiday

  I will start by saying, this is arguably the best among all the great books written by Ryan Holiday. It is indeed an excellent introduction to the philosophy of Stoicism. And I will try to ensure this summary delivers on its perennial value. Now, you're not here to hear what I think about the book, so let's dive in: Marcus Aurelius wrote that we can't stop trying to do what we want to do, even if things get difficult. Our intentions and attitudes will always be the same. We can adapt to the obstacles in our way, and our goals will still be achieved. The more obstacles we face, the more opportunity we have to do something. Sometimes, we may find it difficult to get started, but once we do start moving, the obstacles become the thing that moves us forward. To achieve our goals, we often have to solve difficult problems. This is how we learn to get where we want to go. Most of our problems are internal, not external. What is the Will?  The Will is the part of us that wants t...

Forgiveness Is Not Stupidity

    Allah said in Surah al-Ma’idah 5:45:       وَكَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فِيهَا أَنَّ النَّفْسَ بِالنَّفْسِ وَالْعَيْنَ بِالْعَيْنِ وَالْأَنفَ بِالْأَنفِ وَالْأُذُنَ بِالْأُذُنِ وَالسِّنَّ بِالسِّنِّ وَالْجُرُوحَ قِصَاصٌ ۚ فَمَن تَصَدَّقَ بِهِ فَهُوَ كَفَّارَةٌ لَّهُ ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ   We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives up his right as charity, it is an expiation for him. Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then it is those who are the wrongdoers.  

The Best of Deeds

    As reported in an authentic hadith, Abdullah ibn `Abbas states: “I questioned the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family): Which deed is the most beloved in the eyes of Allah, the Mighty, the Glorious?” He (peace be upon him and his family) replied: “(Offering) prayers at their stipulated times.” I then asked: “Which is the next most beloved deed?” He (peace be upon him and his family) answered: “Goodness towards (one’s) parents.”   I asked him again: “After this which is the most beloved act?”   He (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Jihad in the way of Allah.”