Individualism doctrine [Prose]

Thursday, 8 Rabi` Al-Akhar 1425H

Individualism doctrine is a dangerous one
In life, being individualistic becomes a culture
Someone with this ideology, as a friend, he will not be loyal when his own interest is at stake
He could stab his friend in his struggle
Someone with individualism doctrine is not trustworthy
For his own self interest, he could betray his own family
What's more important is his success

If he has the nationalism doctrine, he could betray his own race
If he holds any ideology, he could sacrifice his ideology
If has any religious faith, he could sell his religion for his own benefits
This individualistic person if he has a struggle with a certain school of thought
He's not fighting for his school of thought but making use of the struggle for his own interest
Those not observant would find this difficult to detect

Unless someone bestowed with refined observations
This individualistic person is very cunning and intelligent
He's clever in making himself look busy in the struggle
But it's not for the aim of the struggle
He has a personal motive in the struggle
His attributes is more like a hypocrite, pretending is his culture
In a struggle, he could cooperate with the enemies without anyone's knowledge

Individualism doctrine is very dangerous
It is a deadly snake, which may bite;at any time, hidden inside a blanket
If there're many with this doctrine in a jemaah
As a result, the individuals would be rich, the jemaah would be very poor
In this final era, there are many of such incidence in any struggle
Individuals being rich, the party has nothing even though they have the power

270504

Various kinds of love [Prose]

[14 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1422H]

There are various kinds of love, some eternal, some temporary
Some types of love may easily fade away, some not easily faded
Love, a long standing character which could be lost along the journey of life
Every kind of love exits with a reason, some occurs naturally
There are natural love while some are developed
One's love towards or for someone is not similar

There is natural love

Not related to things and material
Like the love of a child towards his parents
Even though the parents are poor, handicapped, with no status, wih no good looks
The child would still love and care for his parents
This kind of love would not easily fade away unless the parents are cruelThere is love based on women's beauty, her sexy body
This love is related with sexual desires
When the sexual attraction disappears
e.g. ageing or beauty lost due to an illness or an accident causing physical disabilities
The love disappears, unless the woman has an honourable character
Her love persists due to her character
There is love for the knowledge or intelligence in a person
Fallen in love for his knowledge, then there is automatic love with the person
This love may fade away as well
When his character degraded, the love disappears.
A number of love exist for someone with fame and glamour
Fallen in love with a well known person

This kind of love fades easily as well
If the person is less known due to an illness or loss of self respect
or due to a demotion, the love for him fades away.
Love for wealth in a person is a common occurence
His wealth is the attraction
This type of love fades easily
When the wealth diminishes or he is stricken with poverty and impoverishment, fades away the love
Some would fall in love in someone for his position and high status accompanying his appointment

Attracted to the status
This kind of love fades away easily as well
Times at the higher position love blossoms, times of demotion, love disappears to nowhereAlso, there are some who are in love in someone for his strength and mightiness
The heart attached to the person
This kind of love is untrue
When crippled or weak due to an illness
Love disappears, the one loved left aloneMajority in the world would fall in love and love those with honourable akhlak
Generous, loving and caring, being humble, sociable, forgiving, understanding, give and take
Gentleness is his attire, priority to others is his culture plus other kind attributes
Towards this person, everyone falls in love with him
Everybody would be crazy for him, including those with bad habits

Including a non believer
Unless someone with a vengeanceIn reality, true and eternal love
Pure and virtuous love unrelated to material things
Love Allah, God in His possession are everything there is
Love not affected by any mishaps
Even though God is invisible to the eye
But His presence felt in the heart
This kind of love achieved only by those with taqwa
Extraordinary love
Those with this love, are unable to describe it.

02.09.2001

Kuliyyah~

HOW TO ADMINISTER THE FOUR ELEMENTS IN MAN
(THE PHYSICAL, THE MIND, THE NAFS AND THE SOUL OR HEART)

Within the self of man, there are four elements that are very important namely the physical, the mind, the nafs (lust) and the soul (heart). We must be aware of these elements. We must take care of them and administer them the best way possible, so that mankind can be aware of his humanity and can appropriately act as the servant of Allah and as His vicegerent on earth. Otherwise, mankind will only appear to be human but his attributes and behaviour will be that of animals and satan.

They will ruin themselves and other people and in fact will destroy all life and civilization on the face of this earth. As such, Islam strongly advocates that the four elements in the self of man be taken care of, nurtured, administered and put in the proper place in accordance to its roles. This is such, that the four elements can contribute to the good of the individual self and to the universe as a whole congruent to the demands of Allah upon humankind as His servant and vicegerent on earth.

What happens when the elements in the self of man become ill?

The Physical

When the physical falls ill, it becomes weak. This renders the physical inactive so much so it cannot strive and work.

The Mind

When the mind falls ill, it cannot think properly, it becomes forgetful, it cannot comprehend knowledge and information or it may even make one lose his mind totally.

The Nafs

When the nafs falls ill, one will have no appetite for food nor the desire to be together with his wife.

The Soul

When the soul falls ill, one loses interest to do good, becomes inconsiderate, loses sympathy for others, dislikes helping and doing service to other people, does not feel sinful, does not feel regret for any wrong doing, loses his fear of sins and finds it difficult to accept criticisms.

When the soul or heart of man becomes ill?

Most people are unaware and will not realise it if their souls fall ill. If someone else notice it and tell them so, they find it difficult to accept. In fact, they will be enraged if told that their souls are ill or diseased.

Because of the fact that the soul is fine and esoteric, it cannot be seen. It nestles in the flesh of the heart. It is what is called the spiritual heart. As such it cannot be seen by the naked eye. It can only be seen by the vision of the heart and illuminated by divine revelation (wahyu). This is why it is difficult to detect ailments of the soul or heart or what is sometimes known as diseases of the spirit. Consequently, it is also difficult to remedy.

Physical illnesses or ailments on the other hand are easily seen, detected and diagnosed because it can be seen by the naked eye. To cure such illnesses too is easy compared to curing spiritual illnesses or diseases of the soul. There are also numerous doctors and specialist who can cure physical illnesses. But doctors and specialists who can remedy spiritual illnesses are scarce and very few. As a result most people who are inflicted by spiritual illnesses and diseases of the soul are left neglected and unattended until they die.

At the same time, most people seriously fight against physical diseases but are laxed and apathetic in dealing with spiritual diseases, whereas spiritual diseases or diseases of the soul are markedly more dangerous than the physical ones.

Taqwa, Main Asset Both For The World And Hereafter [Prose]

[25th Jumada Al-Akhirah 1420H]

Taqwa(Fear of God), main asset for the world and the Hereafter

It is a source of help, a source of provision and a source of victory

To defeat the enemy, purify yourself to attain taqwa

Taqwa is sharper than the sword

Self purification is more sophisticated than modern weapons

In self purification, weaponary is not the main preparation

Although weaponary need also be made available

Self purification is of more importance to practiseIn the face of the enemy, it is the mystic weapon invisible to the eye

It is more effective than the sharpest physical weapon

But many Ummah in Islam, in their struggle, have forgotten this

In their struggle, they continue to commit sins

If sinful acts are committed in the struggle, then taqwa is denied

God will leave you to face the enemy yourself

Usually, the enemy’s physical weapons are better and more sophisticated than the Islamic Ummah

How could you grasp victory in such a struggle

When you do not own both weapons whether they be spiritual or physical

Prayers as well, is a weapon of the Mukmin (the faithful or pious)

Even more so in times of struggle

It is not the weapon of the Ummah in Islam

Mukmins and Muslims differ greatly

Mukmins continuously feel the presence of God in their hearts

Hence persevere to attain taqwa especially in this struggle

It is the most effective and sharpest weapon

Be sure not to commit mistakes and sins in the struggle

For it will thwart the help of God

We will fail and suffer a terrible fate

5.10.1999

Precious Love and Care [Prose]

by: Abuya Imam Ashaari Ibn Muhammad Fatta At Tamimi

In this modern era, love and care is very precious. I have searched for it at every nook and corners of the earth. I have not found it. It has been a long time.

Love and care has been missing among us

Brotherhood, friendship have gone. Friends do not visit anymore. Only acquaintances remains. You are what you are, I am what I am. Feelings for one another, there are no more.

Going through hardships is a lonely affair, no one to confide with. Confiding becomes a mockery. No one to share your sufferings with. Everyone with their own life and misery. The norm is " No one care for me, why should I care for others!" Relationship with one another is almost non-existent, very uncultured.

Mutual understanding no longer exits in this era. Oh God! When will the hearts of humans enjoin one another. For everyone to love and care one another. Helping, assisting and cooperating with one another. Enjoying the feeling of togetherness and living in harmony.

9.12.02 Dhuha

Kuliyyah~

THE HIDDEN KNOWLEDGE

Among these things are:

1. One of the ways to foster mankind to be good is to endeavor to hurt his nafs (desire).

2. A Muslim who dies in pain due to his physical disease, such pain obliterates his sins or he is awarded a high standing in heaven. But if he dies with the disease of his soul (heart), he goes to hell.

3. A man who suffers physical disease, such disease affects his physical, but a man who suffers disease of the soul (heart) will destroy many things including total destruction on earth.

4. We find it difficult to manage things or matters that we truly like or favor. Normally we often make mistakes in managing them.

5. Most of us can talk about diseases of the soul (heart) but fail to detect such diseases within themselves. Hence, there are people who talk about arrogance, but the same time they are arrogant themselves.

6. To nurture people informally and through our attitude (manners) is more effective than to give them knowledge and its theories.

7. Unbrainy or uneducated people are destroyed by the most stupid of creations. In fact, the cleverest of people including professors as well are also destroyed by them: which is money and wealth.

8. A race of people who have taqwa (fear of Allah) and knowledge, will have control over other races. But majority of races are not able to follow this path. So they control other races with their physical might and strength but this brings about too much destruction.

9. People who own the world always have souls that are not at peace. People who own Allah have souls that are serene and at peace. As such, there are people who own the world but who commit suicide. This does not happen to people who have God.

10. A person who commits suicide has created a bigger sin than a person who kills another person.

11. Actually, problems of human life in this world can be easily solved if we know the secret; which is faith and taqwa (fear of Allah). With faith and taqwa, leaders will protect the people and will uphold justice, the wealthy will be generous, the poor will be patient, the knowledgeable will teach, the theologians will give advice and will foster people, and the youth (males and females) will contribute their energy. Every human will maintain his or her self respect and are by nature shy. Everyone will give priority to other people. Young children are shown love and care, those in school are not to be shown love and care openly and the grown-ups are shown warmth and regarded as friends and are brought into discussions.

12. A person will be loved or will be given sympathy if he knows himself and is able to put himself in his proper place.

13. It is the innate nature of man to love peace, love and care, sympathy, being helped and assisted, being respected and not being disturbed. But man always forget that sometimes and in fact in most cases, the thing that he does not like, occurs as a result of his own fault whether directly or indirectly. As an example, a tyrant will be treated with hate and spite and people will create trouble for him. There will be no peace for him. When there is no peace, the tyrant himself will suffer difficulty and will be threatened. When the rich and wealthy are misers, people will be envious and spiteful. They (the rich) will then have to bear the consequences. When one is arrogant, people hate him. If something happens that put him in difficulty, people will not care for him and they will not sympathize with him. So it is our attitude that sometimes invite calamity and adversity. The same analogy can be drawn from other evil attitudes.

WHEN THE MAIN PILLARS OF SOCIETY ARE GOOD,

THE REST OF SOCIETY WILL FOLLOW SUIT

No one likes a society that is beset with ailments, problems and the emergence of negative symptoms, like the occurrence of the various forms of crime and vandalism such as theft, robbery, strife, fraud, adultery, rape, disrespect for leaders and the aged, no compassion for the young, destruction of public property, loitering and abusive behaviours.It will destroy public peace and instill restlessness, fear, worry, nervousness and turmoil among the society whether directly or indirectly.Negative events happen in the society here. What I wish discuss is Islamic society as outlined above.

Inevitably there will be groups which will think and try to overcome such problems. Normally the educated and those with some standing in society will come forward to address the problem. The general populace will surely be in the dark, confused and in such confusion and fear, they prefer to wait and see who will take responsibility.

When a group comes forward to solve the problems of the society, it is for certain that they will meet and discuss proposals. Finally conclusions pertaining to the actions to be taken and steps as to how it will be implemented, is taken as a guide. Such mechanism and efforts comes second in the process of solving the ailments of society. The basis of solving such problems is to ensure that the main pillars or stalwarts of such society who wish to take action must firstly be good. What is meant by pillars or stalwarts of society are the heads of the various races, the leaders of society, the theologians (ulama), the educated elite, political leaders, government officers especially those holding high posts and lastly, parents.

Not only should they take action to arrest the problems but they must also set good examples to society, so that the public will love, respect and give them their heartfelt support and fullest cooperation. Moreover, those who cause the problems will feel ashamed and be respectful. Whatever the leaders say will be heeded. More importantly, the leaders will not be mocked and scoffed at behind their backs.The main pillars or stalwarts of society are the examples and role models that the public emulates. If they can be good examples, their efforts will become effective because the public respect and is shy of them.

Their words and suggestions are readily accepted. More important than that is Allah SWT will help and will grant them success through their efforts. Hence the stalwarts of society must be people whose religious practices (ibadah) are good, who have knowledge and good character such as being humble, generous, loving and caring, gentle, honest, sympathetic, compromising, who serve others before self and other positive qualities.When the pillars and stalwarts of society are good, they are loved and respected. They become role models for the public. Their efforts are fully accepted. Their struggle is whole-heartedly supported. The public feels ashamed and is filled with self-realization.

Allah’s assistance comes because of their “taqwaâ€‌ (fear of Allah).The pillars of society are like masts or poles. The people are like shadows of the masts or poles. If the masts or poles are straight, their shadows will also be straight. If the masts or poles are crooked, their shadows will also be crooked. Such are the stalwarts of society. If they are good, the society will be good. The people are apt to follow and emulate, especially when those whom they follow are people they love and respect.

Today it is difficult to alleviate the evils in society because its pillars or stalwarts who have the power in the society and who wish to be responsible for the society, are by the majority not loved and respected. In fact, there are cases where their efforts are mocked and scoffed at behind their backs if not in public, for the people and the criminals know the evil deeds of the stalwarts themselves so much so they are neither loved nor respected. The public refuses to give full support.

The bad-hats in society hate them more. There are times when they become angrier and revengeful. They commit more wild and savage transgressions worsening the situation.Examples of the leaders’ evil (although they may not commit vandalism): they are arrogant and hotheaded. They may not loiter, but they are corrupt. They may not steal, but they are greedy and miserly.

They may not commit adultery but they are selfish. They may not quarrel but they are conceited, they love glamour and fame.A normal person may not realize these characters, because they seldom publicize these inner qualities in public but Allah knows. This is the reason why Allah does not assist them in their efforts.

Today too many stalwarts of society are not or are still not repentant but wish to make others repent. They seldom purify themselves but want others to do so. They want to change the violators of society but they themselves refuse to change. Moreover while they refuse to change, they blame, pointing their fingers and insult those whom they regard as violators of society. As a result, it is not only the violators who become furious but the good citizens abhor them as well, for everyone knows they too are the ones who damage the society except that the form is not the same.

The young ones do it their way. The stalwarts too do it their own way. The violators do their damage in the open in the midst of the populace but the stalwarts do it in closed and exclusive places. Even if others do not know, can they escape the scrutiny of Allah?Sometimes these are the same people who launch programs to solve the problems of society to get rid of all types of crimes and negative symptoms. How would Allah assist such programs when their sponsors have incurred Allah’s wrath? Consequently, time, money and energy are wasted without any result.

The problems of society continue to remain. At times, the problems become worse. As such, plain effort is not enough. The assistance of Allah is gravely needed and has to be taken into account. If Allah Taala does not assist our efforts due to our sins, then all our efforts will be to no avail. In fact at times it will push us into committing more sins while the problems of society remain unresolved.