As a normal human being we feel ourselves happy and celebrate the moments of success. Ofcourse, a moment for which we have worked hard – day and night, is now bearing results. Yes, it is a moment that goes for a celebration. But many a times we get carried away with this celebration neglecting the other part or responsibilities or commitments of our life which is not the true essence of being a human. Someone said it very correctly “success in one walk of life doesn’t compensate for the failure in other.”
As Toastmasters we always try to strike a balance between the communication and leadership track. As soon as we are about to achieve a milestone in communication track lets say a Competent Communicator we see to it that we also achieve a milestone in Leadership track, Competent Leader as per the example. Truly, what is a communicator who cannot be a leader and what is a leader who cannot communicate!?
Let us also maintain this balance in our personal lives as well. We might get a promotion in our professional life but what is it if our family life is dull!? We might buy a new Mercedes but what is it if we do not have friends who could share it with us!? We might be Toastmasters as per the Toastmasters International membership but what is it if we aren’t practical Toastmasters!? Let us all communicate this enough both verbally and by means of our actions to bring in this change in ourselves and in our society. Let us not make one commitment suffer just because of another commitment. Let us all enjoy success in all walks of life!
Happy Toastmastering!
Best Regards,
Abdul Lateef, ACB, AL
President—Millennium Toastmasters
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mobile No.: +971-50-8206535
E-mail: abdul_lateef_03@yahoo.com
http://millennium.freetoasthost.net/files/Millennium_Marvel_Vol9_Issue1.pdf
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Goodwill Speech
After completing 10 speeches at Toastmasters I continued doing speeches from Technical Speeches and Speeches by Management manuals. Then an elongated gap followed. And after taking up the position as President of the Millennium Toastmasters Club, I decided to continue doing my speeches. Thought of starting with Story Telling manual which I believed would be a fairly easy job. But somehow it did not excite me to prepare and deliver my speeches. I went through a few other manuals and finally got hooked to the objectives presented in the Public Relation manual. I called up the Vice President – Education, CC Devlal of our club and requested him to include my name in the agenda as a speaker for the coming meeting. And below is the speech that I presented at our club.
“People may lie in a coffin than to give a sermon at a funeral.”
Is public speaking some kind of a disease, may be, they call it – Speak phobia!
Toastmaster of the evening, fellow Toastmasters, and perspective guests, a very good evening to all of you!
Is public speaking such a difficult task!? Can something be done to overcome this false fear of public speaking? Is there any forum which helps us in developing the art of public speaking?
Tonight let me share with you a few tips on preparing and delivering a speech.
1. First, identify the purpose of your speech. What is the purpose of my speech, is it to motivate or persuade the audience? Is it an informational speech? Call to order?
2. Have two to three main points directly supporting the purpose of your speech.
3. Have a definite opening, body and conclusion of the speech. It is recommended to memorize the opening and conclusion of the speech so that the impact can be created.
By saying impact, I remember, recently one of the speakers had to discontinue his long talks on account of his throat. Several people threaten to cut it!
4. Try to include some humor; a speech sprinkled with subtle humor is well received by the audience.
And while delivering the speech
1. First thing to remember is when you are here on the stage, feel like a king. Audience is here investing their time to listen to you.
2. Your body speaks – include appropriate gestures and body movements.
3. Incorporate some vocal variety. This will give some kind of variety to your speech and will improve and hold audience attention.
4. Most importantly, be yourself! Do not try to over act.
Well dear friends, just by reading or listening how to prepare and deliver a speech will not make us a champion speaker. What it takes for a man to be perfect!? Practice, yes practice! Thus, we need a forum which helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, thinking and listening vital skills that promote self actualization, enhance leadership potential and foster human understanding and thereby contributing to the betterment of mankind.
Toastmasters is such a place where we learn all these.
In conclusion let me use the words of Robert McKenzie “Success to you may mean many things, if you could given a wish today, what would you do?”
Over to you, Toastmaster of the evening!
And these were the valuable comments which I received from fellow toastmasters.
“A masterpiece speech, wonderful.” – CC Shajahan
“Amazing speech and useful tips. I like your self – confidence.” – TM Hessa
“Excellent – congrats. You need to consider slowing down the pace of speech – for a great speaker.” – CC Mohammed Shafeeque
“Could have used some personal experiences on how you started out as a Toastmaster to encourage the guests here tonight to take the first step.” – CC Roy Jacob
“People may lie in a coffin than to give a sermon at a funeral.”
Is public speaking some kind of a disease, may be, they call it – Speak phobia!
Toastmaster of the evening, fellow Toastmasters, and perspective guests, a very good evening to all of you!
Is public speaking such a difficult task!? Can something be done to overcome this false fear of public speaking? Is there any forum which helps us in developing the art of public speaking?
Tonight let me share with you a few tips on preparing and delivering a speech.
1. First, identify the purpose of your speech. What is the purpose of my speech, is it to motivate or persuade the audience? Is it an informational speech? Call to order?
2. Have two to three main points directly supporting the purpose of your speech.
3. Have a definite opening, body and conclusion of the speech. It is recommended to memorize the opening and conclusion of the speech so that the impact can be created.
By saying impact, I remember, recently one of the speakers had to discontinue his long talks on account of his throat. Several people threaten to cut it!
4. Try to include some humor; a speech sprinkled with subtle humor is well received by the audience.
And while delivering the speech
1. First thing to remember is when you are here on the stage, feel like a king. Audience is here investing their time to listen to you.
2. Your body speaks – include appropriate gestures and body movements.
3. Incorporate some vocal variety. This will give some kind of variety to your speech and will improve and hold audience attention.
4. Most importantly, be yourself! Do not try to over act.
Well dear friends, just by reading or listening how to prepare and deliver a speech will not make us a champion speaker. What it takes for a man to be perfect!? Practice, yes practice! Thus, we need a forum which helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, thinking and listening vital skills that promote self actualization, enhance leadership potential and foster human understanding and thereby contributing to the betterment of mankind.
Toastmasters is such a place where we learn all these.
In conclusion let me use the words of Robert McKenzie “Success to you may mean many things, if you could given a wish today, what would you do?”
Over to you, Toastmaster of the evening!
And these were the valuable comments which I received from fellow toastmasters.
“A masterpiece speech, wonderful.” – CC Shajahan
“Amazing speech and useful tips. I like your self – confidence.” – TM Hessa
“Excellent – congrats. You need to consider slowing down the pace of speech – for a great speaker.” – CC Mohammed Shafeeque
“Could have used some personal experiences on how you started out as a Toastmaster to encourage the guests here tonight to take the first step.” – CC Roy Jacob
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Why do the Muslims worship and bow down to the Kaaba in their prayer?
Kaaba is the Qibla i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Kaaba during prayers, they do not worship the Kaaba. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah.
It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
"We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction."
[Al-Qur’an 2:144]
1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.
2. Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.
3. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you".
4. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan
At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?
It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah:
"We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction."
[Al-Qur’an 2:144]
1. Islam believes in fostering unity
For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Kaaba. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Kaaba they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Kaaba they face the west.
2. Tawaaf around Kaaba for indicating one God
When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaaf or circumambulation round the Kaaba. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship.
3. Hadith of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)
Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a hadith (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you".
4. People stood on Kaaba and gave the adhaan
At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Kaaba and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Kaaba; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Why are most of the Muslims fundamentalists and terrorists?
This question is often hurled at Muslims, either directly or indirectly, during any discussion on religion or world affairs. Muslim stereotypes are perpetuated in every form of the media accompanied by gross misinformation about Islam and Muslims. In fact, such misinformation and false propaganda often leads to discrimination and acts of violence against Muslims. A case in point is the anti-Muslim campaign in the American media following the Oklahoma bomb blast, where the press was quick to declare a ‘Middle Eastern conspiracy’ behind the attack. The culprit was later identified as a soldier from the American Armed Forces.
Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fund amentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
Dr. Zakir Naik
Let us analyze this allegation of ‘fundamentalism’ and ‘terrorism’:
1. Definition of the word ‘fundamentalist’
A fundamentalist is a person who follows and adheres to the fundamentals of the doctrine or theory he is following. For a person to be a good doctor, he should know, follow, and practise the fundamentals of medicine. In other words, he should be a fundamentalist in the field of medicine. For a person to be a good mathematician, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of mathematics. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of mathematics. For a person to be a good scientist, he should know, follow and practise the fundamentals of science. He should be a fundamentalist in the field of science.
2. Not all ‘fundamentalists’ are the same
One cannot paint all fundamentalists with the same brush. One cannot categorize all fundamentalists as either good or bad. Such a categorization of any fund amentalist will depend upon the field or activity in which he is a fundamentalist. A fundamentalist robber or thief causes harm to society and is therefore undesirable. A fundamentalist doctor, on the other hand, benefits society and earns much respect.
3. I am proud to be a Muslim fundamentalist
I am a fundamentalist Muslim who, by the grace of Allah, knows, follows and strives to practise the fundamentals of Islam. A true Muslim does not shy away from being a fundamentalist. I am proud to be a fundamentalist Muslim because, I know that the fundamentals of Islam are beneficial to humanity and the whole world. There is not a single fundamental of Islam that causes harm or is against the interests of the human race as a whole. Many people harbour misconceptions about Islam and consider several teachings of Islam to be unfair or improper. This is due to insufficient and incorrect knowledge of Islam. If one critically analyzes the teachings of Islam with an open mind, one cannot escape the fact that Islam is full of benefits both at the individual and collective levels.
4. Dictionary meaning of the word ‘fundamentalist’
According to Webster’s dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ was a movement in American Protestanism that arose in the earlier part of the 20th century. It was a reaction to modernism, and stressed the infallibility of the Bible, not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record. It stressed on belief in the Bible as the literal word of God. Thus fundamentalism was a word initially used for a group of Christians who believed that the Bible was the verbatim word of God without any errors and mistakes.
According to the Oxford dictionary ‘fundamentalism’ means ‘strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam’.
Today the moment a person uses the word fundamentalist he thinks of a Muslim who is a terrorist.
5. Every Muslim should be a terrorist
Every Muslim should be a terrorist. A terrorist is a person who causes terror. The moment a robber sees a policeman he is terrified. A policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly every Muslim should be a terrorist for the antisocial elements of society, such as thieves, dacoits and rapists. Whenever such an anti-social element sees a Muslim, he should be terrified. It is true that the word ‘terrorist’ is generally used for a person who causes terror among the common people. But a true Muslim should only be a terrorist to selective people i.e. anti-social elements, and not to the common innocent people. In fact a Muslim should be a source of peace for innocent people.
6. Different labels given to the same individual for the same action, i.e. ‘terrorist’ and ‘patriot’
Before India achieved independence from British rule, some freedom fighters of India who did not subscribe to non-violence were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been lauded by Indians for the same activities and hailed as ‘patriots’. Thus two different labels have been given to the same people for the same set of actions. One is calling him a terrorist while the other is calling him a patriot. Those who believed that Britain had a right to rule over India called these people terrorists, while those who were of the view that Britain had no right to rule India called them patriots and freedom fighters.
It is therefore important that before a person is judged, he is given a fair hearing. Both sides of the argument should be heard, the situation should be analyzed, and the reason and the intention of the person should be taken into account, and then the person can be judged accordingly.
7. Islam means peace
Islam is derived from the word ‘salaam’ which means peace. It is a religion of peace whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.
Thus every Muslim should be a fundamentalist i.e. he should follow the fundamentals of the Religion of Peace: Islam. He should be a terrorist only towards the antisocial elements in order to promote peace and justice in the society.
Dr. Zakir Naik
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Concept Of God In Major Religions
Answers To Non Muslims Common Questions About Islam
Answers To Non Muslims Common Questions About Islam
From: abdul_lateef, 22 hours ago
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