AR-RAQIB (The All Watchful)
Ar-Raqib, one of Allah's names meaning "The Watchful," emphasizes that Allah is always observing His creation, as mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. This awareness fosters ethical behavior, self-discipline, and mental peace, guiding individuals towards integrity and accountability in the modern world.
"O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer."— (Qur'an 4:1)
it was asked of Prophet ﷺ "Inform me about al-Ihsan (perfection or performance of good deeds). He ﷺ said: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don't see Him, He, verily, sees you. (Sahih Muslim 8a Sahih al-Bukhari 50)
Islamic term meaning:
auzubillah minashaitan ni rajeem (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan)
astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness in God)
auzubillah (I seek refuge in Allah)
In sha Allah (God willing)
Subhanallah (Glory be to God)
La hawla wala kuwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah)
bismillah (in the name of Allah)
alhamdulillah (praise be to God)
Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)
Assalamu Alaykom wa rahmatallahi wa barakatu (Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings)
Ma sha Allah (God has willed it)
Cicada summarized his study on cell differentiation in front of his colleagues, his voice steady as he navigated the complex material. He had been conducting experiments on the human body, a sharp contrast to his other research interests that spanned the mysteries of the cosmos. In his presentation, he explained that cell differentiation is the process by which a less specialized stem cell becomes a more specialized cell type, a fundamental mechanism in the development of multicellular organisms that allows for the formation of various tissues and organs.
He described how the process begins with stem cells, which have the potential to develop into different cell types, and how it is initiated by specific signals that trigger changes in gene expression. These signals, originating from both genetic and environmental factors, lead to the activation or repression of certain genes through transcription factors and epigenetic modifications, guiding the cell toward its specialized fate. Cicada's colleagues listened intently, noting the connection between these microscopic changes and the larger biological processes they enable.
As Cicada continued, he explained that as differentiation progresses, cells undergo significant changes in morphology and function, adapting their shape and structure to meet the needs of their specialized roles. This includes the development of specific organelles and structures necessary for their functions, such as the granules in pancreatic cells for insulin storage or the microvilli in epithelial cells for absorption. He concluded by noting that once a cell has differentiated, it generally maintains its specialized state through continuous regulation of gene expression and epigenetic marks, ensuring stability and function over time. Cicada emphasized that differentiated cells might continue to divide, producing more of their specialized type to maintain tissue function, thereby supporting the organism's growth, development, and long-term health.
Zanpakuto Survey: Ashisogi Jizo
I prefer a hero who embodies logic, reason, and intellect above all. This hero seeks truth through systematic inquiry and empirical evidence, valuing knowledge that can be verified and justified through reason. They approach problems methodically, relying on critical thinking and analysis to navigate the complexities of the world. In every challenge, they uphold the principles of logic and rational thought, avoiding the pitfalls of emotional bias and unfounded beliefs.
In their pursuits, my hero demonstrates a relentless curiosity and a commitment to intellectual rigor. They are a seeker of knowledge, always questioning and probing the world around them to uncover deeper truths. This hero believes that through reason and scientific inquiry, humanity can achieve progress and enlightenment. They are not satisfied with superficial explanations or untested theories but dig deeper, employing the scientific method and logical deduction to reach well-founded conclusions.
Ultimately, my hero champions the idea that rational thought is the key to solving the world's problems and advancing human understanding. They inspire others to think critically and question assumptions, fostering a culture of intellectual honesty and evidence-based decision-making. Through their actions, my hero shows that true wisdom and progress come from a disciplined mind that values reason over superstition and evidence over conjecture. In this unwavering pursuit of truth, they lead by example, guiding others toward a brighter, more rational future.
Rukia ate her breakfast earlier than usual, wanting to avoid Byakuya since she didn't know how to face him after learning the real reason behind her adoption. Although it wasn't like her to shy away from her problems, sometimes avoidance seemed the only way to cope.
As she exited the Kuchiki manor, a wave of relief washed over her, freeing her from the invisible chains that often subdued her within its walls. Outside, she didn't have to pretend to be a true noble Kuchiki lady; she could just be a regular shinigami.
But as that thought crossed her mind, Rukia realized she wasn't even a licensed shinigami. The fact that she had gained her position not through her own merits but through privilege weighed heavily on her self-esteem. As she walked through the streets, she noticed the people around her, their eyes filled with expectations and thinly veiled prejudice.
The constant scrutiny was just as hard to bear as when she had been scorned as a street rat. Now, she was whispered about, ridiculed as someone unworthy of her aristocratic status. Even her fellow shinigami patronized her, refusing to treat her as a regular person—a simple thing she deeply desired.
It was nearly impossible for her to approach them, knowing they had already judged her, their hushed criticisms and pointed stares making it painfully clear. Only Kaien treated her like a normal person, making her feel accepted for who she was, not because of her superficial status. Everyone else either tiptoed around her or outright hated her for reasons she couldn't control.
Little was known about Mayuri Kurotsuchi's early history, but 110 years ago, he was the only prisoner in the Maggot's Nest deemed dangerous enough to be confined in a small prison cell, chained to the wall by his ankle. He spent his days in isolation, seemingly content with his life in the dark recesses of the Nest. One day, however, his solitary existence was interrupted by an unexpected visitor.
Kisuke Urahara, dressed in his usual laid-back manner, entered the cell with a curious smile. "Kurotsuchi Mayuri, right?" Kisuke began, his tone casual yet purposeful. "I'm here to make you an offer."
Mayuri looked up from his position on the cold stone floor, his eyes narrowing. "What could you possibly offer me, Urahara? I have no interest in leaving this place."
Unfazed, Kisuke continued, "How about the position of vice-president in the newly established Shinigami Research and Development Institute? It would get you out of here, and you'd have all the tools and resources you could ever want at your disposal."
Mayuri scoffed, turning his gaze away. "Why would I need anything more than what I have here? I'm quite content, thank you."
Kisuke leaned in closer, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Are you, though? Down here, you have nothing to tinker with, no challenges to push your genius further. As vice-president, you'd inherit everything should anything happen to me."
For a moment, Mayuri remained silent, contemplating the offer. The thought of limitless resources and the potential to surpass even his own expectations slowly chipped away at his stubbornness. Finally, he spoke, "Fine. But understand this, Urahara—I'll do things my way."
Years passed, and Mayuri thrived in his new role. One day, as he walked through the Seireitei with Kisuke and Hiyori Sarugaki, they were greeted by 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako and his Lieutenant, Sōsuke Aizen. Shinji greeted Mayuri casually, "Hey, Mayuri."
Mayuri frowned, clearly displeased. "It's Kurotsuchi Mayuri to you, Hirako. Show some respect."
Shinji shrugged, unbothered by Mayuri's irritation, while Aizen and Urahara exchanged a few words about the ongoing investigations into the disappearances in the Rukongai. Mayuri, uninterested in the conversation, kept to himself, though his mind was always working, always analyzing.
In the lab, tensions ran high between Mayuri and Hiyori, who served as a lab manager. Their arguments were constant, each one trying to assert more authority under Urahara's command. "Why do you always think you're in charge?" Hiyori snapped during one of their frequent clashes.
"Because, Sarugaki, I have the experience and the intellect to back it up," Mayuri retorted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Their bickering was cut short when Urahara entered the lab, explaining the importance of the new Gigai he had developed due to the disappearances. "Hiyori, I need you to go to the investigation site," he said, much to her irritation.
"Why me? Why not send someone less important, like Akon?" she protested.
Urahara, always calm, responded, "Because you're the only one I trust with this task."
Reluctantly, Hiyori accepted, though not without a parting glare at Mayuri. After the incident that led to Urahara's and Tessai Tsukabishi's banishment and the Hollowfication of several captains and officers, Mayuri succeeded Urahara as the head of the Research and Development Institute.
In his new role, Mayuri began working on the Nemuri Project, modifying his Zanpakutō and eventually creating life from "godly soul cells" in the form of Nemu. "Creating new souls from nothing," he mused to himself, "a dream for any Shinigami... though dreams are foolish."
Years later, during a captains' meeting after the issue of Shinigami being killed in Naruki City was resolved, Mayuri listened with thinly veiled displeasure to Isshin Shiba's report. "You couldn't even bring back the body of the 'Mysterious Hollow,'" Mayuri remarked, his tone dripping with scorn.
His experiments extended beyond Hollows, as Mayuri also conducted studies on Quincy, including Sōken Ishida, 'the last Quincy,' pushing the boundaries of what even he considered ethical in the name of research.
Rukia led Ichigo to the rooftop, a secluded spot away from the prying eyes of their classmates. As they stepped into the sunlight, she handed him a tube with duck on it's lid while muttering under her breath, her tone laced with frustration.
"This isn't even what I ordered," she grumbled, shaking her head. Ichigo glanced at her with a raised eyebrow, not entirely surprised by her annoyance.
"Yeah, well, most of the guys in school are ready to kill me because they think we're close," Ichigo retorted, rolling his eyes as he held the pill dispenser. "You could try being a little less oblivious."
Rukia shot him a sideways glance, unimpressed by his complaint. "Oh please, that's your problem, not mine. Anyway, this isn't about your reputation, it's about the pill."
Ichigo, sensing the shift in conversation, let the topic drop. "So the reason you were gone is because of this?" he asked, holding up the pill.
"Yes," Rukia replied, her tone more serious now. "After what happened yesterday, I decided you should have this gikongan in case of an emergency when I'm not around and there's a hollow."
"Gikongan?" Ichigo repeated, eyeing the pill with curiosity. "But why does the label say 'soul candy'?"
Rukia sighed, her eyes narrowing as if the answer should be obvious. "It's because of the Shinigami Women's Association. They changed the name three years ago."
Ichigo blinked, his gaze now fixed on the label. "But why is there a duck on it?"
Rukia's expression shifted from annoyance to enthusiasm as she explained, "Stop complaining. I wanted the most popular one, Chappy the Bunny, but there was a shortage."
Ichigo couldn't help but smirk, his skepticism clear. "So you wanted the bunny, huh..."
Rukia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her secret love for Chappy the Bunny now laid bare. Her blush quickly turned to a glare, and she shot him a look that could have burned through steel. "What of it, carrot top?" she snapped, her anger rising to cover her embarrassment.
Ichigo chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing, nothing at all. Just... didn't peg you for the cutesy type."
"Keep talking, and you'll find out just how 'cutesy' I can be," Rukia warned, her tone serious.
Ichigo shook his head, still grinning. "Bismillah ..." he prayed as he popped the pill into his mouth. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the pill, I guess. Even if it's got a duck on it."
Rukia gave him a sharp nod, her expression softening slightly. "In sha Allah...Just make sure you use it wisely. And try not to get yourself killed because you're too busy worrying about what the other guys at school think."
Ichigo's grin faded into a determined look as he nodded back. "In sha Allah. I got it."
to be continued...