Exploited Desires

[Mystique]

Assalamualaikum to those on the path of Siratol-Mustaquim

Brothers and Sisters, we know that we are in a battle against the Nafs. In the midst of our fight, we are faced w/ all sorts of nuisance that can irritate our iman especially those of us w/ less Taqwa.

I just want to bring our attention to one of the many penetration points of a shaitan used to make its way into our realm. An easy target----our desires.

You will see that advertisers often promote products by associating them with powerful desires. Consider jeans, for example. Today, manufacturers such as Calvin Klein, Jordache, George Marciano, promote jeans through sexual association. For instance, a recent Jordache advertisement features a stunningly attractive couple wearing jeans. He is resting his back against a truck in a sexually suggestive pose--legs spread, one hand on a hip and the other brushing his thigh, etc. etc. She crouches catlike at his side, hugging one of his legs as tightly as her jeans hug her hips etc.etc...... "Wear Jordache" the advertisement suggests "and fulfill your sexual desires"....very typical of jeans advertisements--Guess?, Buffalo, Versace.

Keep in mind that Jeans advertisers are not the only ones to exploit ppl's desires, and sexual desire is not the only desire exploited through advertisements. More examples later. Brothers and sisters, my message to you, don't allow these ppl who have been reduced to the lowest of the low, to toy with your emotions.

Thank you. May peace and blessings of Allah be w/ you.




[This message has been edited by Mystique (edited 27 September 2000).]