بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين

بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين
May Allah the Almighty grant us more beneficial knowledge, accept our good deeds, forgive our mistakes, protect us from fitna, and join us with the righteous believers in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Note: Some Notes Regarding Good Etiquettes When Exchanging Salaams

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Allah the Almighty knows best.

🗒️Sharing some notes regarding the etiquettes of greeting with the salaam:
1🔷 It is a rewarding Sunnah and voluntary good deed to be the first one to say the salaam. The better of two Muslims is usually the first one to greet with the salaam. 
2🔷 It is obligatory, waajib, mandatory to respond to a Muslim who specifically greets you with the salaam, regardless of whether you know them well or not. Even if you're not close friends with someone, it is a must to answer that person's greeting when they directly greet you with the salaam.
3🔷 If a person's salaam is not aimed at anybody specific, for example they typed the salaam in an online post or group chat or they're a lecturer saying the salaam to a large audience, it is enough/sufficient if even one Muslim responds to their salaam on behalf of the crowd or general public. Answering that Muslim's salaam is optional if they are greeting a big community and at least one person responded to them. It is still better though to be from the few who kindly and confidently return their salaams if you are not busy nor preoccupied with other tasks.
4🔷 It is from good manners for the following categories of individuals to be the ones to usually initiate/start greeting with the salaam:
1] The younger person to be the first to greet an older person 
2] A person riding or driving a vehicle, or means of transportation, to be the first to say salaam to someone passing by them or whom they pass by
3] A person walking or jogging to be the first to greet with the salaam to a Muslim who is sitting 
4] One person to be the first to greet two Muslims or a group of more than two Muslims, for example if one student or teacher arrives late to a classroom or meeting, it is from better manners for them to be the first one to greet with the salaam.

5🔷 Since initiating salaams is a rewarding and recommended Sunnah (not obligatory), there is no sin upon a Muslim who does not do the above on a regular basis either due to shyness, social anxiety or rushing and being in a hurry to complete certain tasks etc.

6🔷 While it is obligatory to respond to another Muslim's salaam, at least by returning the same greeting if one is too busy or too tired to respond with a much better greeting, there are some reasons why some individuals fail to answer our salaams at times:- 
1. They didn't clearly hear us say the salaam. 
2. They are actually ignorant of the proper etiquettes in Islam including the issue of exchanging salaams among Muslims.
3. They wrongly assume that they should answer only the salaams of Muslims whom they like, who belong to their sect or whom they are certain are Salafi Sunnis. This strange conduct is very foul and ignorant because we Muslims are also instructed by Allah the Almighty in the Noble Qur'an to return the greeting of anyone who greets us with the salaam and there is no specification of whether that greeting comes from a Muslim or non-Muslim. So even with non-Muslims or strangers whose religion hasn't been determined yet, we are supposed to answer their greetings rather than acting like silent dismal clowns or cowardly passive-aggressive mimes who speculate their ego is more important than doing the right thing and treating humans with basic decency.

7🔷 If you notice a number of individuals who may regard themselves as "religious" but they consistently ignore your salaams because you can sense they despise you due to extreme jealousy or an unresolved misunderstanding in the past, simply consider them as one of those shady people (of doubtful honesty) in your list to never trust, never depend on and never ask advice from due to how evidently unreliable, immature and unmannered they are. Unapologetically quit following ignoramuses on social media. Gladly take them as examples of how not to behave towards others. Don't let their ignorant acts prevent you from still greeting other Muslims with the salaam for Allah's sake whenever you can. Alhamdulillah we're not like them in being ignorant and obnoxious.


Random Note: If You're Confident Don't Expect To Get Along With Those Who Are Insecure (ChatGPT and Meta AI)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

❓ Question: What does this quote said by an INTJ-A mean "Some mistreating you doesn't imply they're tougher than you.
Your confidence scares them so they want you like em: weak & insecure." Give some examples of such situations at school and in the workplace?
💻 ChatGPT: The quote suggests that when someone mistreats or belittles you, it doesn’t mean they are stronger or more capable than you. Instead, their behavior may be driven by insecurity or fear of your confidence. They might act out to bring you down to their level of weakness and self-doubt, as they perceive your confidence as a threat.

Here are a few examples in school and the workplace that could reflect this dynamic:

### **At School:**
1. **Group Dynamics in Class:**
   - **Situation**: You excel in class, participate actively, and consistently get good grades. Some of your classmates, who struggle with self-esteem or academics, may start making sarcastic or dismissive comments about your achievements.
   - **Interpretation**: They might feel insecure about their own performance and may try to undermine your confidence to feel better about themselves, even if it means mistreating you or belittling your accomplishments.

2. **Social Exclusion or Bullying:**
   - **Situation**: You're self-assured and comfortable with who you are, but a group of students constantly mocks you or excludes you from activities.
   - **Interpretation**: Your confidence or unique qualities might intimidate them because they don’t feel as secure in their own identities. Instead of seeing your self-assurance as something to aspire to, they might try to bring you down to their level of insecurity to regain control.

3. **Peer Pressure:**
   - **Situation**: You refuse to engage in negative behaviors (e.g., gossiping, skipping class) because you’re confident in your values and choices. Some classmates might target you for your convictions.
   - **Interpretation**: Your refusal to conform to their behaviors might highlight their own lack of confidence, leading them to lash out at you in an attempt to make you feel as insecure as they are or to pressure you into their way of thinking.

### **At Work:**
1. **Coworkers Undermining Your Ideas:**
   - **Situation**: You propose a new idea in a meeting, but a colleague dismisses it without giving it proper consideration, even though it’s a solid suggestion.
   - **Interpretation**: The coworker might feel threatened by your confidence and initiative. Instead of appreciating your contribution, they want to maintain control of the narrative and feel more secure in their position.

2. **Micromanagement by a Supervisor:**
   - **Situation**: You demonstrate confidence in your ability to handle tasks, but a manager who lacks self-assurance keeps micromanaging your work or second-guessing your decisions.
   - **Interpretation**: The manager’s insecurity makes them want to diminish your confidence to keep you from challenging their authority, even though they may not be as capable or confident themselves.

3. **Insecure Colleague Criticizing Your Success:**
   - **Situation**: You receive a promotion or acknowledgment for your performance, and a coworker starts to criticize your success, either subtly or openly.
   - **Interpretation**: They might feel insecure about their own career trajectory and, instead of celebrating your success, attempt to undermine it because they feel threatened by your accomplishments.

In all these examples, the underlying issue is that the person mistreating you feels insecure or intimidated by your confidence. Rather than addressing their own feelings of inadequacy, they may try to bring you down, believing that if they can weaken your sense of self, they will feel more secure in their own position.

🌐 Meta AI: This quote, likely from an INTJ-A (Architect personality type), highlights a crucial insight:

# Meaning

1. *Misinterpretation of strength*: Others may perceive confidence as intimidation.
2. *Insecurity-driven behavior*: Some individuals try to belittle or exploit confident peers to validate their own worth.
3. *Power dynamics*: Weakness is often seen as more palatable or controllable.

# School Examples

1. *Bullying*: A straight-A student is mocked or ostracized by peers who feel threatened.
2. *Group projects*: Confident leaders are undermined or sabotaged by teammates.
3. *Class discussions*: Outspoken students are interrupted or dismissed by insecure classmates.
4. *Social cliques*: Popular groups exclude confident outsiders to maintain control.

# Workplace Examples

1. *Office politics*: Colleagues undermine confident coworkers to advance themselves.
2. *Micro-managing*: Insecure supervisors overly control confident employees.
3. *Gossip and rumors*: Confident professionals are targeted with baseless accusations.
4. *Scapegoating*: Confident team members are blamed for others' mistakes.

# Recognizing the Pattern

1. Unwarranted criticism or belittling.
2. Passive-aggressive behavior.
3. Exclusion or ostracism.
4. Manipulative comments or actions.

# Responding Effectively

1. Stay calm and assertive.
2. Set clear boundaries.
3. Focus on your strengths.
4. Seek support from trusted peers or mentors.
5. Document incidents (if necessary and persistent).

# INTJ-A Perspective

As analytical and strategic thinkers, INTJ-As often recognize these dynamics and advocate for confidence, self-awareness and assertiveness.
~•~
The statement "Lions can't befriend snakes & sheep" implies that individuals who possess strong qualities like confidence, truthfulness, and integrity (symbolized by the "lion") may find it difficult to form close connections with people who lack similar values, such as "snakes" (deceptive, manipulative individuals) and "sheep" (people who are generally passive, weak, or lack independent thought). 

For an INTJ-A (a type known for being assertive, strategic, and highly independent), this suggests that they are likely to feel disconnected from people who don't share their high standards or who don't display the same strength of character. They see themselves as individuals who can handle harsh truths and confront challenges head-on, which might make them appear intimidating to others who are more afraid of conflict or less willing to confront difficult realities.

### Character and Vibes:

1. **Confident and Assertive**: As an INTJ-A (the "A" stands for Assertive), this person exudes self-assurance and clarity in their convictions. They know their worth and tend to project an air of certainty and control.
   
2. **Strategic and Visionary**: INTJs are often described as strategic planners, able to foresee long-term outcomes and create detailed plans. This individual would likely give off a vibe of purposefulness, driven by a deep understanding of how things work.

3. **Intimidating or Detached**: Their confidence and truthfulness might make them seem cold, unapproachable, or even intimidating to others. People who lack confidence or integrity may feel threatened or uncomfortable around them because they can't easily manipulate or conform to the INTJ's high standards.

4. **Independent Thinker**: INTJs value autonomy and independence. They might avoid forming close bonds with people who aren't able to think critically or stand firm in their own beliefs. Their preference for intellectual stimulation means they may not enjoy socializing with those who prioritize superficial or shallow conversations.

5. **Direct and Honest**: They are likely to speak their mind without concern for how others may react, especially if they believe the truth is important. This could be perceived as blunt or harsh by those who are more sensitive or not used to such candor.

6. **Loyal and Selective**: While they may not easily befriend others, once they do form a bond, it’s typically deep and loyal. They will likely choose relationships with individuals who challenge them intellectually and share their values.

Overall, an INTJ-A who expresses this sentiment values authenticity and integrity. They likely view themselves as leaders or trailblazers who are more comfortable being solitary or surrounded by like-minded people, rather than being part of a group that lacks the strength or conviction they demand in others.
⤴️ ChatGPT

🌐 Meta AI: This statement, made by an INTJ-A (Architect personality type), conveys:

# Implications

1. *Incompatibility*: Genuine relationships require shared values and trust. Lions (confident/truthful individuals) can't truly connect with snakes (manipulative/deceptive) or sheep (weak/lacking integrity).
2. *Intimidation factor*: Confidence and truthfulness can intimidate those lacking courage and integrity, leading to distrust or hostility.
3. *Moral clarity*: The speaker values honesty, courage and integrity, distinguishing themselves from those with opposing values.

# INTJ-A Character Traits

1. *Analytical*: Logical, strategic thinkers.
2. *Independent*: Value autonomy, self-reliance.
3. *Confident*: Unapologetic, assertive.
4. *Straightforward*: Direct, honest communication.
5. *Discerning*: Judicious, perceptive.

# Probable Vibes

1. *Assertive*: Unwavering confidence.
2. *Introspective*: Thoughtful, reflective.
3. *Perceptive*: Astute observer of human nature.
4. *Dry humor*: Witty, sarcastic.
5. *Authentic*: Unpretentious, genuine.

This statement reflects the INTJ-A's analytical, confident and principled nature, emphasizing the importance of integrity, courage and authenticity.