Black and White , Who is Colored?

When I born, I black

When I grow up, I black

When I go in Sun, I black

When I scared, I black

When I sick, I black

And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow

When you born, you pink

When you grow up, you white

When you go in sun, you red

When you cold, you blue

When you scared, you yellow

When you sick, you green

And when! You die , you gray

And you calling me colored?

Received a forwarded email for the above poem from a friend with a quote, "the  poem  was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2009 and written by an african kid". I've done some research but the statement can not be confirmed because there are few other versions about the origin of this poem such as :

1. It was nominated as the best poem of 2006 not 2009
2. It was a pop song in 1990s
3. It was written by Malcom X
4. It has been around since 1970s
5. Some say this is a prank or a hoax thai is circulating on the internet for some years.
6.  Some even say this poem is just a racist view about human life and has no merit or truth to support it by facts, stating that all babies, irrespective of their race and ethnicity are born in the same color. The newborn baby is reddish purple in color as the skin is very thin and transparent and we actually see the color of the blood which is the same in all humans. It takes several weeks of maturation before the baby develops permanent skin tone and color. Black kids get sun burn, they turn blue, they turn yellow when they are sick and they turn gray as the aging process continues.
   
   

Very interesting poem indeed....but just bear in mind that whether we are black or white or colored or whatever color of our skin is....Allah says in the Al Quran, Surah Al Hujuraat Verse 13 which means;

"O mankind! we created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and Tribes, that ye may know Each other (Not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the Most honoured of you In the sight of Allah is (He who is) the Most righteous of you. and Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."...

Who are we to say otherwise?.....

Understanding Engineers (2)

What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers? They say...

Mechanical engineers build weapons and...

civil engineers build targets.

But for the mechanical bridges across the Chicago River below, they were built together by Mechanical and Civil Engineers..

I say...don't look for the difference..find ways to work together for the benefits of human being..

Understanding Engineers (1)

To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. 

To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

My 2 cents notes : Engineers are taught to be very particular when designing things i.e optimize the design, a glass designed to hold 100ml should be filled up at least up to 90ml, otherwise  give them a smaller glass ....if not the glass will be considered 'over designed' or 'under utilized'.

Investing Time

In the holy Quran there is a short chapter which is very unique in its content. Often, when any two of the Prophet Muhammad's companions used to part ways, they made sure to remind each other of this chapter.


The chapter refers to the importance of using one’s limited time on earth wisely. It highlights the importance of living a full and fruitful life that respects the creator’s intentions. There is only one route that leads to eternal paradise and all other paths lead to loss and misery. The Quran urges us to use our time wisely, following the route to eternal happiness.


“By the declining day (time), (1) Lo! ;[To be]Human is a state of loss, (2) save for those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. (3)”
(Al-ASR (Time))


Every human life is, basically, a given period of time. Life consists of a limited number of days and every day that passes results in a loss of our time on earth until the day when our time here is finished. According to one of Prophet Muhammad’s Hadiths, at every break of dawn the day calls saying: “Oh Human, I am a newly born creature and a witness to your deeds, so make the most out of me for I never come back till the end of days.”

God said that to be human is to be in a general state of loss. With the passing of time our life on earth is gradually consumed. Consequently, time is one of mankind’s most precious assets since it can never be replaced or renewed once it has passed. When we squander our time it is much like someone investing his capital unwisely and not using it to generate profit. However, when we invest
our time wisely, we can avoid this inevitable loss. When we invest our time in that which is right and just, using it to uphold right beliefs, perform good deeds, offer honest advice and speak the truth we are making a wise investment.