“I Have No Talent, It’s Just A Question Of Working, Of Being Willing To Put In The Time.” — Graham

Y’all, my little nephew, who’s nickname is “Cabbage,” wanted a “punk jacket,” like Uncle Kade’s. (EMPHASIS ON LITTLE, be nice)

So, I asked him what kind of patches he wanted on it, and this is what we came up with. Just need to sew the patches down and line the vest. I can’t wait to finish it and send it to him.

I CHOSE THE WAY Of BEING A PUNK

source

I miss everything about Graham Greene, love him so much... His writing about 500 words per day is so sort of bizarre.

Poem as usual

The Lonely Traveler

Upon the road where shadows creep,

And silent winds their secrets keep,

A traveler walks with weary stride,

No friend beside, no soul to guide.

His cloak is worn, his boots are torn,

By countless paths and nights forlorn.

A faded map clutched in his hand,

A whisper lost in foreign land.

The stars above, his distant kin,

Flicker cold with light worn thin.

The moon, a watcher pale and high,

A solemn eye in an empty sky.

Through valleys deep and mountains stark,

Past rivers black and forests dark,

He treads where echoes dare not stay,

For silence knows him well each day.

His heart, a compass cracked and flawed,

Points not to gold, nor fame, nor God.

But to a place he cannot name,

A ghostly thought, a fleeting flame.

Villages blur in fleeting glance,

Faces fade in brief romance,

Words exchanged like brittle glass—

Fragile truths that never last.

Taverns filled with laughter’s roar,

Yet none to greet him at the door.

A stranger's smile, a fleeting grace,

Gone before it finds its place.

Storms may howl and tempests rise,

But none can match the storm inside.

His solitude, a cloak unseen,

Stitched with threads of might-have-been.

Footsteps echo, sharp and clear,

Markers of a soul sincere,

But none reply, no voice returns—

Just hollow roads and lessons learned.

What drives him on, what keeps him whole?

Not hearth, nor home, nor whispered goal.

Perhaps the ache, the endless roam,

Is both his burden and his home.

For in the vast, uncharted space,

Where paths diverge without a trace,

A lonely traveler seeks no end—

Only the road, his oldest friend.

And though his shadow walks alone,

It stretches wide, a kingdom grown

From every step, from every scar,

A testament to all he’s far.

So let him wander, let him stray,

Across the dusk, beyond the day.

For in his heart, the road runs deep,

A tale untold, a vow to keep.

And when the stars forget to shine,

And time dissolves the path's design,

His story, woven in the dust,

Will speak of roads, of dreams, of trust.

Not in the finding, but the quest—

A lonely heart that never rests.

POETRY is a Lunch.

Not eating it is punch.

Today I must crunch

While sitting in hunch.

Marriage in Islam: A Detailed Overview

1. Definition:

Marriage (Nikah) in Islam is a solemn and sacred social contract between a man and a woman. It is not merely a physical or emotional bond but a spiritual agreement rooted in mutual consent, responsibilities, and rights. Allah describes it in the Qur’an as a source of tranquility, love (mawaddah), and mercy (rahmah):

"And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Qur’an 30:21)

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2. Importance of Marriage in Islam:

Completion of Faith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion…” (Al-Bayhaqi).

Protection of Morality: Marriage guards against sinful behavior and promotes chastity.

Family and Society: It establishes strong family units, which are the foundation of a stable and moral society.

Spiritual Growth: A righteous spouse can help in spiritual development, offering support in faith and good deeds.

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3. Key Principles of Islamic Marriage:

Mutual Consent: Both the bride and groom must willingly agree to the marriage without coercion.

Mahr (Dowry): A mandatory gift from the groom to the bride, symbolizing respect and commitment. It can be material or non-material, based on mutual agreement.

Witnesses: At least two adult Muslim witnesses are required for the marriage contract to be valid.

Marriage Contract (Aqd Nikah): A formal agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of both spouses.

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4. Rights and Responsibilities:

Husband’s Duties:

Provide financial support (nafaqah), including food, clothing, and shelter.

Treat his wife with kindness, respect, and fairness.

Protect and maintain the family.

Wife’s Duties:

Respect, support, and maintain the dignity of her husband.

Manage household affairs (flexible based on mutual agreement).

Uphold loyalty and faithfulness.

Shared Responsibilities:

Mutual respect, love, and understanding.

Cooperation in raising children with strong Islamic values.

Emotional and spiritual support for one another.

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5. Do’s in an Islamic Marriage:

Communicate Honestly: Open dialogue strengthens the relationship.

Practice Patience and Forgiveness: Marriage requires compromise and understanding.

Uphold Justice: Treat each other fairly, especially in polygamous marriages (if applicable).

Seek Allah’s Guidance: Regular prayer together and involvement in each other’s spiritual growth.

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6. Don’ts in an Islamic Marriage:

No Forced Marriages: Coercion invalidates the marriage in Islam. Consent is crucial.

Avoid Harm (Darar): Emotional, physical, or psychological abuse is strictly forbidden.

Neglect of Rights: Ignoring the spouse’s basic rights and responsibilities is sinful.

No Extramarital Relationships: Islam strictly prohibits infidelity and any form of betrayal.

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7. Divorce in Islam (If Necessary):

While marriage is highly encouraged, Islam recognizes that sometimes separation (Talaq) becomes necessary. It allows divorce as a last resort, but it must be carried out with fairness, respect, and following specific guidelines. Reconciliation is always preferred before proceeding with divorce.

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8. Key Qur'anic Verses and Hadiths:

“They are garments for you, and you are garments for them.” (Qur’an 2:187) – Symbolizing protection, comfort, and intimacy.

“The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi) – Emphasizing kindness in marriage.

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Final Thought:

Marriage in Islam is not just a legal bond but a spiritual journey that reflects love, mercy, and companionship. It’s a partnership built on faith, respect, and the sincere intention to please Allah.

Punk FRIDAY