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The Teacher of Islam

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Salah Farah died of his wounds, as he and his fellow Muslim travelers refused to be separated from Christians on the same bus, they proclaimed, if you wish to kill, kill us all, we are all brothers. This was such a heroic act and brave act. There are good people in this world, and so judge not their race, religion or color, but honor those that pay the true price of standing up to evil. This is a man I would have been honored to meet, sad that we have to learn of great human beings only by their untimely death. He was a teacher.

Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Fourth Caliph of the Muslims

Here are a few quotes attributed to him

“Forgiveness is the best victory”

“Be flexible without being weak, be strong without being violent.”

“A worshiper without knowledge is like the mill donkey; it rotates but it does not leave its place”

Islam is non merciful Islam is about repressive means Islam has no heart Over and over this chant shall start For when we close our eyes For when we judge our fellow man Chants may bring us comfort However false is the ringing of the rant Men of terror may fly their black flags Claiming a merciful god orders them to kill al-Shabab reads no holy books, be sure of this At reckoning they will be omitted from Allah’s bliss So let us now pay tribute and honor Let us hold a tissue for a tear so well deserved The blood of Islamic hearts shall surely open your eyes As I myself bow, in despair at a humble mans demise That day, both miraculous and tragic Salah Farah, a kind man, now a hero His Muslim brothers became the strong and the brave For they followed the true teachings of Islam Salah Farah has passed on from Gods bountiful earth A Muslim of brave heart and generous soul He stood up for the love of his teachings No man he claimed, should defile his fellow man As terrorists point their rifles At Christians shivering in fear Salah Farah and his Muslim brothers Stood firm with all of humanity dear Salah Farah proclaimed “we are all brothers” Let us do no harm Let Muslims protect Christians Let Christians protect Muslims For we are one, no matter religion No matter destiny, we must all hold true To the values of compassion and love As every Muslim that day, stood ready die I proclaim, Salah Farah flew the flag of hope His brothers choose love over death The all Merciful’s eyes too had tears His flock of disciples saw his message clear Teaching Mercy Love Compassion

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Timothy Hicks

Date: 2/16/2016 12:47:00 AM

A brave topic to write about, and what an influential person. I agree with what you say, that no matter the religion, people can make any excuse to do horrible things --- it's when people make their own gods as an excuse to get away with their own wicked desires. I don't agree with Muslim religion, but that doesn't mean I don't think you can find good honest (and even heroic) people, that comes in any stripe. We are people, before we are labels! Well said.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 2/20/2016 7:33:00 PM

Thanks Timothy! Cheers!

Robert Lindley

Date: 1/25/2016 6:22:00 PM

A most outstanding poem my friend! Yes that man and those thats stood with him are heroes and were true believers in God, for God is a merciful god and not one that commands us to murder our fellow man... You created a gem with this one my friend. A fav for me. A7

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/26/2016 3:08:00 PM

Thanks Robert , glad you enjoyed!

Funom Makama

Date: 1/25/2016 1:45:00 PM

My senses in totality are in awe of your wonderful lines. Liquefied bliss from the boil of glorious words has brought out enchanting aroma beyond scaling. 7 is simply an underscore for this fine share.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/26/2016 3:07:00 PM

Thank you Funom, much appreciated!

Shaista Aziz

Date: 1/24/2016 2:56:00 AM

Very well written...adding one of the quotes of Hadhrat Ali- never promise when you are happy and never reply when you are angry...

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/26/2016 3:07:00 PM

Thank you shaista, and yes thats a very good quote too!

Elaine George

Date: 1/23/2016 2:25:00 PM

So many wars fought in the name of religion. As the words of a song once said....When will we ever learn, when will we ever learn? Magnificent writing, my friend.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/26/2016 3:05:00 PM

Thank you very much Elaine!

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 1/23/2016 9:18:00 AM

I am a catholic ,He is a muslim ,but before that We are both human..So much alike aren't we? A fantastic message in this poem. A wonderful tribute. Arthur.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/23/2016 10:46:00 PM

Thank you Charmaine, I might add, you had a very good heart!

Keith Bickerstaffe

Date: 1/23/2016 12:29:00 AM

BRAVO Arthur... always in the thick of controversy. I Love it! Well said my friend!! Best wishes, Keith

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/23/2016 10:45:00 PM

Thank you Keith! Cheers!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/22/2016 9:09:00 PM

this is a very good tribute, Arthur. You are showing that religion does not matter. It's how well we defend what is right. I admire your sense of justice , fairness, and what true humanity is all about.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 9:16:00 PM

and for that I kiss you! :)

Tim Smith

Date: 1/22/2016 10:05:00 AM

He was a true hero. In my eye's what everyman should strive to be. The cowards, full of hatred and greed, will have their day. I just wish that day would come soon.

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 8:08:00 PM

yes, they sure were brave lads full of honor, as I said I often wonder if I would measure up. Cheers.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 1/22/2016 9:47:00 AM

this is the oneness we dream about since time immemorial... reflective, deep write, arthur..huggs

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 7:53:00 PM

Thank you Nette, I am always worried that my ideas may not flow forward with intended meanings, I am heartened to see all you good souls showing your compassion! Hugs

Lewis Nyaga

Date: 1/22/2016 3:23:00 AM

Arthur.. a good poem reminding us that we should love our neighbors and avoid demonizing those from different religions or beliefs and cultures.. love is a commandment.. peace and blessings

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 7:51:00 PM

You have said it so well, I thank you kind sir!

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 1/22/2016 2:59:00 AM

Let us all honor this great man by following his example in the degree each one of us is able to and as the need arise. Congratulations to you dearest, Arthur for bringing to our attention the character of this brave man that God has called him into his kingdom. Great tribute! Thank you! A seven times seven!

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 7:50:00 PM

Thank you Demetrios, these men were truly hero's, as I asked my self, I wonder what I would have done, I am afraid that I may not have measured up to what these brave people did.

Jan Allison

Date: 1/22/2016 2:57:00 AM

Such a powerful message Arthur - yet again you open our eyes to issues so often missed by the media kudos to you:-( Hugs jan xx

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 7:43:00 PM

Thank you Jan you are always so kind with your words and heart!

Kp Nunez

Date: 1/22/2016 2:24:00 AM

Powerful message there, Arthur. There is hope for us yet. Thank you for spotlighting on the good, that it may balance the bad images created in our minds. A noble Muslim here. :-)

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/22/2016 7:42:00 PM

Yes that was the idea, thanks so much! hugs!

Eve Roper

Date: 1/21/2016 11:11:00 PM

Wonderful poem, Arthur, there is so much out in the world that just is not right. :(

Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/21/2016 11:23:00 PM

Thank you Eve, and you are correct, all we can do is sow goodwill wherever we can, hugs!