The Knowing Cafe

test 2

2026-02-15T23:47:00.002-05:00

test 2

test

2026-02-15T23:43:47.358-05:00

test

Anna Karenin by Leo Tolstoy- A Review

2026-02-15T15:11:00.002-05:00

Lately, I read Anna Karenin by Leo Tolstoy. This is a wonderful book. It’s quite prolific. It took me several months to read it and I savored it. It was a joy to read and was very uplifting. Tolstoy has a wonderful way with language and it shows in this book. I was quite impressed by the flow of the language and its literary style. The book was immensely enjoyable- and while it relates to a romantic obsession or fascination with Anna, it is a treatise on human thought and action. Tolstoy is a natural gifted writer who can weave a story so rich that it captures the imagination- and its vividness brings to life an old culture or old customs. Tolstoy brings the aristocratic life of Moscow into brilliant focus- from the beginning- crafting a story of epic proportions and rooted in the daily customs and tastes of midlevel Russia. It is truly a masterpiece and simply transports the reader into a world of refinement and elegance. We are simply drawn into the text- written by Tolstoy in Russian and translated here- by way of descriptiveness, narrative and dialogue- that enables us to see Tolstoy’s world so clearly. Not only that- Tolstoy who was a count in real life and lived a very privileged life before he became a writer- is a Renaissance man who uses imagery, language, cultural tropes, and a sense of the old World, to create a picturesque novel that lives on in the memory as alive and real. He is serious, authoritative, versed in French and Latin, and is a quite a universal man. Who is also funny at times, and light-hearted, humble and practical, such as Tolstoy himself who lived as a farmer late in life and sympathized with the working classes. He is truly one of the greatest who also gives life to his novel with his brilliant and innate knowledge and wisdom, humour and wit, that dazzles and captivates the mind like no other writer. It is a formidable book that simply reigns as one of the best-lived books of all time, that elevates the modern woman in Anna Karenin as a symbol of virtue, beauty and grace.

Saying

2026-01-19T20:53:00.001-05:00

In life, there are rulers and the ruled.

The Nature of Time Over Time

2025-11-12T16:02:00.002-05:00

The Nature of Time over time

What happens to fixed properties when time overrides itself? Let’s analyze the question. Time as we all know is infinite- thousands and thousands of years and perhaps, millennia. We don’t know the beginning or the end. So does time age? Are the cosmos different from the first day than they are today? What happens to time as it ages and how does it relate to the fixed properties. Since we all know that time is fixed, we must approach the questions through the lens of the eternal flame. Time when it begins may be young and irrational and over time, just like a human being, grows and ages, becomes gray and more feeble. Does this happen to time also and how does the value of fixed properties extend over its lifespan. By studying various points in history we can look and perceive time as changing- for example, the 1800’s are quite different from the 1900’s and the 1900’s are quite different from the 2000’s and so on. When we look back at these different eras, we perceive time to be old at a certain point or developing- carts and wagons are overtaken by cars and trains. So what might exist today hath not existed sixty years ago and through technological advances, time has evolved and the old clunky TV set pales in comparison to the LED version. Does this mean that the concept of the old TV is extant and is no longer relevant- and its infinite value is compromised? We know that fixed properties are fixed and cannot be changed due to the soul. The soul never ages and hence, humans who have existed thousands of years ago may not have had the same resources as today’s, but essentially and inherently are the same. The soul’s needs and wants are the same albeit the means of attaining them might be different. I might have walked ten miles to get a gallon of milk whereas today it might be easier to reach. Let’s look at it another way- colors such as gray, black, red and blue have existed for an eternal period (we cannot conceive a time when color may have been different)- so is our perception of color different now than It was in yesteryear- no, because color has an infinite and fixed quality or are eyes would betray us. White is always white and black is always black and white. However, color such as in the use of dyes might be used differently today to give a variation of our view of color or a stylistic taste. A modern raincoat may look different due to its utilization of color, hence, altering slightly our perception of the color yellow through shapes, forms or patterns. But if we analyze shapes, forms and patterns, we understand that patterns such as crisscrosses, and squares and rectangles and triangles are always the same. They have a fixed quality. A right angle is always a right angle no matter the way it is structured in an orthodox or unorthodox form. Thus, fixed properties remain fixed in the inherent nature of time- albeit, the razor cuts the grain differently from different perspectives. Does this matter to time itself? Watching an old black and white movie might seem different today from watching a film full of CGI. It might look awkward, faded and opaque. However, by altering its image, do we impact its essence? I believe not. The enjoyment of a black and white movie might still be the same, albeit it might force us to adjust our perceptions, biases and beliefs to truly understand it- and accept it- despite our prevailing prejudices or personal biases that have accrued over time. Hence, the morality principle is very evident in the human race when thinking of time, to offer moral accountability to our advances in technological matters such as warfare, scientific advancement, modern technology and beyond. Are we preserving our moral equilibrium as we embark on human progress and achievement? Consider humans living on the moon thousands of years from now? Will they be different from humans living on Earth? Obviously, the context might have changed and the setting and atmosphere may warrant a change in lifestyle or behavior- however, the underlying principle of life will have remained and beg for the immortal coil to preserve itself through proper innovation and causal links. We would have to fight for the name of humanity- thus, overcoming the lure of progress for human sake; to justify the root of human progress, and the intertwining of such forces is the basis of the fixed properties. We are thus bound by the fixed properties despite the longevity of time since time points at the immortal passage of life and death and the behavior of one over the other is inextricably fixed. We look toward the future for a clear horizon- and happiness and the pursuit of happiness- however, we must not forget the past – and do everything to reflect and pay homage to our antecedents. Their immortal structure becomes incumbent upon us to less hoard the spoils of time, but rather to bestow equal rights to its primogeniture. Hath man descended from mammoths, it would not belie him to review his mammalian origins to pursue greater freedoms lest his fur be shed on the altar of disbelief or hypocrisy- undermining his own existence as composed with nature. We must look at this question more deeper and understand while human progress however, far-reaching and untouchable or inconceivable for those before us, may only be a spawn of its own making and its immortal structure is thereby preserved by attainment.

Mah (Poetry from our Urdu Collection)

2025-06-02T20:21:00.003-04:00

Mah (Mother)

Mah, tu kitni pyari sunder tu (Mother, how loving, beautiful you are)

Sabseh badkar achi tu (Better than anyone else)

Saab kah kyal rakti tu (You care for everyone)

Sabseh rehmat karti tu (You are merciful to everyone)

Mah, kitni pyari sunder tu (Mother, how loving beautiful you are)

Key jeeh kareh keh Judah nahi hu (that I should never separate)

aseh hi raheh tu dil meh mereh (Stay like this in my heart as always)

aslah dehti hai tu subkho (Help you give to everyone)

aserah bhi dehti tu subko (support you give to everyone)

pyar khi nazerehoh meh hamesha rai (In loving eyes may you remain)

Mah, Kitni pyari sundur tu ((Mother how, loving beautiful you are)

Life and the Nature of Time

2025-05-05T20:51:00.001-04:00

Life and the Nature of Time

Today, let us examine life and the nature of time. By life, I mean the rebirth of life in the natural world. What is it when we experience such a rebirth? What is its significance and how does it relate to natural time. First let’s examine the characteristics of such a rebirth and renewal. When nature awakens after a long winter, we see leaves sprouting, grass growing and insects buzzing. Such is the renewal that is evident to our eyes and seems quite extraordinary. How does this relate to the nature of time? Firstly, we notice grass growing where it wasn’t before, and leaves sprouting on a barren trees. Also, insects appearing from out of nowhere. How does this occur and what is its impetus. In the winter plants die and insects perish because it is too cold and life becomes unsustainable. Plants need warm weather to flourish just as small insects need sunshine and warmth. Similarly, this can be likened to the concept of death since people perish when they are no longer able to subsist or the clock runs out. But alas, after a sustained period of winter we see a rebirth and life renew itself miraculously. Out of the ashes, comes new life. How does this occur? Well, this is an example of fixed properties of time and the eternal flame. Consider the fact that if we cease to exist, we no longer perceive being reborn, just as the insects and plants but alas, they are re-awakened after a long period of hibernation. So can this be true also of humans? Can we be rise after a long period of hibernation or sleep. According to nature, this might seem true. Why is it that nature can die and be reborn and not man? Thus, fixed properties of time helps us to know that the leaves and grass and insects that rise after every winter are just as immortal in their essence and seem to have infinite rebirth and life. So why not humans who can easily experience the same joy and contentment as do natural things. Thus, the fixed properties of time is a perfect context to study such a phenomenon in nature. We realize that the natural world is a dichotomy of the spiritual world and shares its likenesses. As does the spirit and life is awakened in bees and insects so is the same eschatology in humans. So does the cycle repeat itself? Is rebirth and renewal endless? It certainly seems so every time we gaze upon a pretty flower or butterfly. Just as bees live out their functions so does human life experience the transcendence of immortal life? This is an important concept not to overlook. Does death and renewal occur endlessly and is it infinite. It seems that in its essence, it is infinite and everlasting thus proving the rationale of fixed properties. Since all is uniform, all is immortal. Let us look at the opposite coin. When grass grows, and flowers bloom, their existence is far from perfect. Insects and animals often desecrate trees and flowers, grass can be wild and full of weeds, mosquitoes and fleas can cause havoc. Even locusts can destroy crop. Why does this annihilation occur simultaneously and battle for survival ensue. Does this negate the immortality factor or is it one and the same? Well, firstly, if we examine this closely, we notice that bugs and insects can be quite unique, but due to their irrational nature, such as competition and rivalry, they are pitted in a cycle of rebirth and destruction. If you venture too close to a spider, it might eat you. Thus, nature must be wary just as humans are wary, in order for their survival to continue but the persistence of their natural selves which inherently implies immortality must be understood. We look upon nature and natural selection as a foothold of common understanding that nature is good. Thus, man must be good since nature is good. If nature is good, then nature must be endless and everlasting. Thus man is immortal and everlasting. This constitutes the basic principles inherent in the fixed time principles. We are immortal by way of character just as nature is beckoned time and again due to its character. Heavy rain or floods might sweep away natural habitat but that doesn’t mean it does not revive itself. When fixed properties of time are considered, we notice an inordinate rebirth and renewal in the face of deterioration and decay, much similar to mankind’s state, that helps us come to terms with our immortal and eternal life.

Life

2024-05-11T19:49:00.000-04:00

Life is like broken glass. It's hard to put the shards back together.

Highways

2024-03-23T05:04:00.001-04:00

You ever wonder what highways might look like on other planets.

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

2024-03-22T21:05:00.002-04:00

I believe Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, the great spiritual leader and Zaytuna founder, should win a Nobel Prize.

The Knowing Cafe Book Club

2023-08-27T19:26:00.002-04:00

We are proud to establish The Knowing Cafe Book Club on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/@TheKnowingCafeBookClub-fz1wf

2023-08-26T18:22:00.002-04:00

A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cheerful book. Imaginatively written and contrived. A grand adventure and tall tale about pirates and kidnapped children. Very rich and astute. A survival tale on the high seas of children living among pirates and the high jinks/antics aboard a pirate vessel. A testament on Captain Jonsen, a real-life pirate whose life on the high seas is noteworthy. Only that the book ends in a bittersweet breakup of a bond among children and pirates is what makes it everlasting. A truly remarkable tale and crafty book.

View all my reviews

Quotes

2023-06-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

Human life is a measure of competence.

Jiskoh Aaynah Hai

2023-01-25T20:10:00.002-05:00

Urdu Poetry

Jiskoh Aaynah hai,

woh aayeh gah,

Jishkoh jaanah hai,

woh jahai gah.

Who wants to come,

will come.

Who wants to go,

will go.

Saying

2022-10-08T23:56:00.004-04:00

You are what you wheat. 😀

Poem

2022-09-27T19:13:00.004-04:00

More Urdu poetry from our Poets Corner:

Baarish (Rain)

Ek asrah,(A mercy)

jaab chuleh maan ko (when it touches the soul)

aur tandah khar deh dil ko (and cools the heart)

woh hai baarish (that is rain).

Letter

2022-07-28T18:00:00.002-04:00

I am writing today to express some concern about the increased rate of pet ownership in America. This has led to a decline in our moral and social outlook. It seems that there is influx of pet ownership in America in recent years. No longer is man man’s friend but man’s best friend- the dog- has taken precedence. People seem to prefer owning dogs rather than socializing with their neighbors. A lot more people are relying on companionship with dogs rather than companionship with other people. This is a serious moral decline. We need people to unite rather than own large hulking dogs that look threatening. People are more fond of their pit bulls than of their neighbors or friends. Why is this occurring? It seems that the pet market has flooded our communities with more pets than ever before. We need some kind of regulation to curb pet ownership in America. People need to socialize more, be more outgoing, attend gatherings and events, have more social contact, venture out to go to theaters and parties, rather than stay at home with their dogs. Hyper pet ownership is slowly deteriorating our culture. We need to create more incentives for people to be more outgoing and sociable, rather than owning pets. In some cultures, pets are not allowed inside the home. So why are American’s owning pets en masse? Serious thought must be given to this matter. We must recognize that owning pets creates distance among people in our communities, might be threatening to others since we are always walking our dogs rather than walking with friends, creates estrangement in our communities and is flatly sometimes, creepy and withdrawn. We need to regulate our pet economy from infiltrating our communities with too many dogs. It seems that more people are walking dogs these days than going to the movies or a social event. This should give concern to our lawmakers. At a time, when violence is escalating in our communities, and we need to bring communities together, people are exhibiting a defensive attitude by owning more dogs than ever before. More dogs are congregating in the streets than people who have likeminded values and principles. Also, we do not know if such a rapid incline has even led to a more humane treatment of dogs. Are novice dog owners even humane to their dogs? Do they even know proper handling, care and upkeep? This is serious topic that should concern even animal rights activists. It seems that people are running to pet stores to own dogs to fight depression and inertia- creating a social wall that says “don’t bother me” and “I am not accessible right now” and other mixed signals. We really need to highlight the fact that dog ownership is a privilege and should not be a mass cultural craze. We need to curtail the ownership of dogs by regulating the market for dogs, and advocating more humane treatment and enabling our society to be more culturally progressive. We are harming our social and cultural values when we see the rampant ownership of dogs rather than the integration of communities and creating more estrangement and alienation. I hope you will fight for the reduction of dog ownership in America.

Interesting fact

2022-07-17T16:30:00.003-04:00

Interesting fact: There are more ants than humans in the world

Test

2022-06-22T12:47:00.003-04:00

Test

Inventions

2022-05-30T02:19:00.001-04:00

Foot dryers for malls and shopping centers.

Books by AJ Naseem

2022-05-18T08:05:00.003-04:00

Amazon.com: AJ Naseem: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Read Artemesia by AJ Naseem

2022-05-17T18:49:00.004-04:00

Time as it relates to Historic Events

2022-04-22T15:15:00.001-04:00

Let’s analyze fixed properties of time as it relates to historic events. Such as Columbus sailing the world or Alexander the Great marching into the Indus, or Napoleon conquering Europe. How do these events relate to fixed properties of time? Let’s take a deeper look. When historic events take place, it is known that they have in fact occurred and are part of a historic record. The events such as Columbus sailing the world become known by the record-keepers and the progenitors who live out such a legacy. So how does that relate to fixed properties? We can say, definitively, Columbus sailing the world is a unique, singular event that took place in recorded human history and is in fact true. So it is the same with Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address or the American Revolutionary War. But what if there was an alternate timelines such as in the paradox that two events can exist at the same time with altering results. How would that impact our perception of time?

For instance, if the American Revolution took place how would it be different if the British won? Would America exist today? Or if Napoleon was defeated at Austerlitz would he have gone on to become a great general. We would have to look at it both ways. If Columbus sailed the ocean and had landed in India, we can say that the future of the world would surely have been altered. But he did not. He landed in the Americas and that in turn, changed the fate of a large part of humanity. Thus, his trip was predestined in a way and is fixed in terms of its point of view. If he landed in India, the same amount of time would have passed since his landing if it had otherwise not been so, and the results would have been drastically altered. So why does this paradox exist and why does time relate to fixed events if they are seen in retrospect?

Let’s examine further. If Kennedy had not taken that ill-fated trip to Dallas, could it be that he would never been shot? Would the course of history been altered? But he did take that trip, and he did ride in the motorcade that eventually led to his assassination and a great human tragedy took place. The course of history would never be the same and it seemed predestined. Was it preordained for Kennedy to die that day or even Lincoln? Could a slight variation have changed the course of history? How would the impact be felt?

If I lost a dollar while walking to the subway, it might have some small effect on me- I might not have enough fare or have to walk or turn back. But the effect would be slight and my will would overcome the choice of the dollar being lost or saved. Hence, if some bigger historic event occurred such as the sinking of the Titanic, it might be felt more greatly but the greater pathos would prevail and would eventually subsume that loss. So if the Titanic did not sink or sank it would not matter in the greater course of things since a single event does not define all of human history. In the same way, fixed properties of time relate to our immortality in that the slightest variation in the course of historic events does not change the essence of our being and hence, only changes our perception. We can overcome loss, rebound, resist and prevail if our will is strong enough. Thus, even the greatest, ill-fated histories can often be overcome with faith, the power of healing and love. It seems in the scope of fixed properties, we can change our destinies.

So from an existential point of view, we can outlive historic events for good or for bad due to their relationship with fixed properties. If we have the will we can find a way, so to speak. So even the most traumatic events or tragic loss can be reverted and redeemed if our will to see the truth and act accordingly is carried out. Thus, history as it relates to our fixed properties is only a matter of seeing the glass half full or empty.

The Human Want Principle

2021-10-15T01:08:00.005-04:00

The Human Want Principle

What are human wants? Let’s look at human wants as they relate to fixed properties. Human wants or desires are inherent to all human beings and relate to what we want or desire. Our desires can be exponentially greater than our needs. Why is this so? To understand the significance of human wants, we must closely examine the nature of the question. A human want can be as simple as wanting a nice car to as complex as wanting to go to the moon. Essentially, human wants are things that we all crave but have no set boundaries. For example, wants are different from needs. Wanting a nice car is different from buying a car or driving a car for the purpose of not walking. If we want a Porsche, a car that is well-known and prestigious, we desire to have a car for the reason that it is a luxury car and not just meant for driving. Essentially, our want is greater than our need since wanting a Porsche is a desire that exists irrespective of the fact that we own a Porsche or not.

I can desire many women or one woman but if I desire all women and marry just one woman, perhaps, my need is only as great as wanting one woman but not all women. Hence, the want principle is greater than its need. I can marry one woman but marrying all women may be impossible simply because it is not physically possible. That means if I like women, I can only marry one but wanting all women is still a paradigm of the want principle as it applies to all men. To resist wanting all women is to accept that I can only marry one woman and be faithful to just that person. If I am hungry, I may be hungry all the time and not so only when I have eaten. To be hungry or to crave food, is a natural human obsession that is linked to the want principle. While a meal satisfies us, it may not satiate our infinite desire for food that is not temporal. But a humble meal may be just as satisfactory as all meals combined since our appreciation for that one meal is subjunctive to our widespread desire for food. Thus, the want principle seems to fall in line with the fixed properties.

Let’s look at it another way. I might desire to be a lawyer but if I became a lawyer the universal desire to be a lawyer is not negated by the fact that I have become a lawyer. My want is greater than my need. My desire to be a lawyer exists irrespective of the fact that I am a lawyer but practicing the law in an honest and virtuous way does justify the want to be a lawyer universally. Thus, when are talking about the want principle, we must recognize it in correlation to fixed properties of time. When fixed properties of time are considered, we realize that fixed portions of time allotted things are necessary to balance out our lives. The doughnut hole is filled by the batter. When we appreciate the direct correlation such as having a nice car makes me feel good, having some money and not being the most richest man is sufficient, or marrying a decent woman, are all factors of humility and judgment within ourselves. We must always pay homage or as they say not take life for granted.

The want principle exists it seems only to make us respect the limitations of our human capacity to achieve those wants as they are universally but to have appreciation for those wants individually as a matter of transcendental love. When we have transcendental love, we can accept our limited wants as commensurate to our unlimited desires that bisect each other. Simply, because God gives us free will he also removes the possibility of wanting everything if only to make us fitted for the immortality of the soul. To live as an individual is essentially different from supernatural wants, thus interwoven in the grand scheme of things that enable the immortality of the soul. To desire or want something more greatly than what we can ever have, is an anomaly that can only be explained by our willingness to accept our gains as much as our losses and be satisfied somewhere in between. Thus, the human want principle is inextricably linked to the fixed properties.

Law of Contradictions and Fixed Opportunities of Time

2021-10-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

Today, let’s study the law of contradictions and the fixed opportunities. What is a contradiction? A contradiction is something that can be defined as contrary to something else. For example, black is contrary to white or blue is contrary to red. But a contradiction is not entirely the opposite of something. A contradiction can occur when someone wants to go out to eat and they can’t agree on where to go. It can also occur in our religious beliefs, way of dress, mode of living and habits. You might be Jewish and I might be Muslim and our way of life might not conform but we are still practicing a form of religion. A contradiction can also be a feeling. I might not like that joke but you thought it was funny. America in all its diversity is full of contradictions where as other countries that have a uniform way of life may not seem all that contradictory. In a country like Iran for example, where all women where a veil and it is required, the sameness makes it less contradictory. But in a country like the US where there is freedom of all religion and not all things are alike, there may be more contradictions. Thus, contradictions that occur in our daily life are perceived notions of how we should look, feel, behave and act.

Physical contradictions are less distinctive than emotional ones. For example, there are all kinds of sickness in the world. But we can’t die of all the same thing but that is not considered a contradiction. However, our way of dress, style of clothing, way of life and preference for one thing or another is contradictory. It is not a contradiction that someone should be in a wheelchair and the other person can walk. The physical aspects of our lives such as sight, smell, touch and taste are more uniform than the emotive side. We sympathize with our physical state but are discriminating in our tastes and lifestyle choices. Why is this so?

For example, someone might like to eat pancakes for breakfast and the other person might like eggs. They are both hungry and the act of eating is the same to satiate the hunger instinct, but the preference of one over the other is the contradiction. So when we are sitting at a restaurant and watching other people eating, we know it is based on choice. If someone eats something due to a restricted diet or weight consciousness that may not be a contradiction in itself but the preference to eat anything else would be contradictory. When we visit other countries, we might notice people drinking tea after every meal where other places may not have the same custom. The preference for tea whether it is abundant in that country or not, does not negate the desire that the act of drinking tea in a customary way and habitual way is in fact contradictory to everything else and to all places since drinking tea is a conscious choice. Hence, a contradiction occurs at a universal level when we engage in acts that are distinct. Tea drinking in Afghanistan may be customary and widespread due to people’s tastes and regional considerations but the overall act is contradictory if universal choice is considered. So bowing to your parents in India or China may be a religious modicum but it might not occur everywhere else. Hence, a contradictory behavior occurs when the universal choice is present.

That brings us to fixed opportunities. To look at it another way, consider a friend who likes cars. Your friend might like to drive a sports car rather than anything else but you might prefer to take the bus. A contradiction may occur when you see your friend driving the sports car when you are not too fond of it. But where sports cars are a trend or geographically sound, you might see everyone driving a sports car and the contradiction may seem less stark, but would still exist in your mind. Driving a sports car no matter if it is sufficient or a choice, does not negate contradictory behavior by itself. The choice to drive a sports car rather than anything else is still a contradiction in the perceived sense. Potatoes might grow in one place and may be consumed at a higher rate than carrots that grow somewhere else and define cultural food habits, but are contradictory in and of themselves. When we engage in contradictory behavior, we must realize that contradictions are important in our analysis of fixed opportunities.

The matter of choice exists precisely because we are given an opportunity to achieve uniformity in our actions. Communism, for example, is a form of government that promotes sameness or equality in all of our actions. Democracy, on the hand, enables choice. Both leave the law of contradiction open. When we strive to achieve uniformity in our actions that we all should dress the same way, or talk the same way, or greet each other the same way, we are working towards uniformity and hence the equality of contradictions. However, when our actions are contradictory to our overall good such as eating chocolate when it might be bad for our teeth, we are straying from the path of good and teetering on contradictory, negative behavior. Contradictory behavior is only accepted when it is working for our overall good. So when someone prays or goes to church and we are agreed that such actions are for our best interests it is no longer contradictory but universal truth. The more we can subdue our innate desires to achieve uniformity in our thinking and actions, the more we become less contradictory and more accepting in the eyes of others. So if the choice is present and we are charged with such a task, we must always think what is best and not what is most expedient.