World's Better Half

  Let us begin this journey into decision making by starting from the comfort of deterministic models and gradually stepping into the uncertainty of stochastic ones. A deterministic model is one where the outcome is completely predictable — the same input always produces the same output, like the mathematical fact that 2 + 2 equals 4. A stochastic model, on the other hand, involves randomness; rolling a die, for example, can yield any value from one to six. The goal of this discussion is to build the foundations for understanding decision making under uncertainty . At the heart of this problem lies a simple loop: an agent observes an environment and then takes an action based on what it observed. This is known as the observe–act cycle . Although this loop appears simple, each component (Environment, Agent, Observation, Action) is filled with uncertainty: The effects of our actions are uncertain The true state of the environment is uncertain The behavior ...

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 24) In Page 24 , the Quran provides a powerful framework for handling adversity. It reminds us that those slain in the path of Allah are not dead, but alive in a way we cannot perceive. It also lists the trials believers should expect—fear, hunger, and loss of wealth or life—and gives the famous response of the patient: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un." Additionally, it establishes Safa and Marwa as symbols of Allah and emphasizes the Oneness of God (Tawhid). 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 24) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 154. And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not. 155. And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. 156. Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah,...

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 23) In Page 23 , the Quran highlights that the truth of the new Qiblah is undeniable. Allah (SWT) commands the believers that no matter where they travel, they must turn their faces toward Al-Masjid al-Haram . This page also introduces a beautiful shift toward personal spiritual growth, urging us to "remember Allah" so that He remembers us, and to seek help through patience and prayer . 🕌 Arabic Text (Page 23) 🌍 English Translation (Sahih International) 146. Those to whom We gave the Scripture know him as they know their own sons. But indeed, a party of them conceals the truth while they know [it]. 148. For each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. 150. And from wherever you go out [for prayer], turn your face toward ...

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 22 - Start of Juz 2) Welcome to the beginning of the second Juz ! In Page 22 , Allah (SWT) addresses the turning point in Islamic history: the changing of the Qiblah . This shift was a test of faith to distinguish those who truly followed the Messenger (PBUH) from those who did not. Allah also describes the Muslim community as a "Middle Nation" —one that is balanced, moderate, and serves as a witness to mankind. 🕌 Arabic Text (Uthmani Script) ۞ سَيَقُولُ السُّفَهَاءُ مِنَ النَّاسِ مَا وَلَّاهُمْ عَنْ قِبْلَتِهِمُ الَّتِي كَانُوا عَلَيْهَا ۚ قُلْ لِلَّهِ الْمَشْرِقُ وَالْمَغْرِبُ ۚ يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ (١٤٢) وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنْتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّنْ يَنْقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَبِير...

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 21) In Page 21 , we see the Quranic response to those who claim that one must belong to a specific sect to be guided. Allah commands the believers to declare their faith in all the Prophets without distinction. A beautiful metaphor is used in verse 138: "Sibghatullah" (color/religion), signifying that Islam should be the natural "hue" of a believer's life. This page marks the end of the first Juz of the Holy Quran. 🕌 Arabic Text (Uthmani Script) وَقَالُوا كُونُوا هُودًا أَوْ نَصَارَىٰ تَهْتَدُوا ۗ قُلْ بَلْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (١٣٥) قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ (١٣٦) فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنْتُم...

📖 About Surah Al-Baqarah (Page 20) In Page 20 , we witness the completion of the Ka'bah's construction. Ibrahim (A.S.) and Ismail (A.S.) pray for a Messenger to be sent to their descendants—a prayer that was answered centuries later with the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The page also highlights the final advice of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob) to his sons, reminding them to remain firm in submission to Allah until their very last breath. 🕌 Arabic Text (Uthmani Script) وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (١٢٧) رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ (١٢٨) رَبَّنَا وَابْعَعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولًا مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ ...