Muslims are violent, terrorists and/or extremists. This is the biggest misconception in Islam, no doubt resulting from the constant stereotyping and bashing the media gives Islam. When a gunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IR guerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are not used to stereotype an entire faith. Never are these acts attributed to the religion of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heard the words 'Islamic, Muslim fundamentalist. etc.' linked with violence.
Politics in so called "Muslim countries" may or may not have any Islamic basis. Often dictators and politicians will use the name of Islam for their own purposes. One should remember to go to the source of Islam and separate what the true religion of Islam says from what is portrayed in the media. Islam literally means 'submission to God' and is derived from a root word meaning 'peace'. Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion doesn't dominate everyday life in the West, whereas Islam is considered a 'way of life' for Muslims and they make no division between secular and sacred in their lives.
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. NOWHERE DOES ISLAM ENJOIN THE KILLING OF INNOCENTS.
The Quran says: "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Quran 2:190)
"If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things." (Quran 8:61)
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term 'jihad' literally means 'struggle'. Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other 'jihad' is the inner struggle of the soul which everyone wages against egotistic desires for the sake of attaining inner peace.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
The Various Outlook Towards the Quran and Sunnah
Allah SWT, the Most Pure and the Most High, truly wants His servants to purify themselves with the truth contained in the Quran and the Sunnah (the way of the Prophet). Whoever is not serious in searching for this truth will certainly fail to obtain it as the truth is a secret hidden deep inside the treasury of Allah. Only His servants who truly love Him will get it and even then, only through serious and diligent effort.At a glance, if one can fluently recite the Quran and Hadith, we tend to say, “Surely this man abides by the Quran and Sunnah. Surely he does not oppose whatever he recites.” But in our experience, we see too many who speak of the Quran and Sunnah, but do not act in accordance to them. They are like a doctor who forbids smoking but he himself smokes.
The truth is that even those who say they abide by and refer to the Quran and the Sunnah, which are supreme, do not fully live by the contents of the Quran and Sunnah. This means not all who have knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah have the attitude and conduct as laid out by the Quran and Sunnah.In fact, what normally happens is too many of these people who have knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah deviate from the true path of this knowledge, which contain the rules of Allah. Why does this happen? It is none other than to make mankind realize that to be one who has “taqwa” (fear of Allah), which is the noblest status amongst mankind, is not easy. It does not suffice merely to enroll into a school of the Quran and Sunnah. Although by this way, one can become an expert on the Quran and Sunnah, it is not sufficient to make him one who has “taqwa”.
In order to achieve taqwa, the following must be done: -
1. We have to seek a teacher who practises the Quran and Sunnah. (In the time of the Prophet, he was the living Quran. In whatever he does daily, he abided and was guided by the Quran).
2. We have to seek a school that can educate us such that the more knowledge we get, the closer we are to Allah and the more we fear Him.
3. Learn from any teacher who appears to have put his life and death in the way of Allah in order to practise and uphold the Quran and the Sunnah in his daily life. Let it be known that whoever regards this matter as unimportant or trivial, these are the groups of people who will be placed into categories according to varying levels of attitudes towards the Quran and Sunnah.
It has been the phenomenon right up to now that various groups of people have various attitudes towards the Quran and Sunnah. From what I see, there are seven groups altogether. With the will of Allah, I will list out the groups for your guidance. Hopefully there is truth in it. The groups are as follows:
1. The group who learn and study the Quran and Sunnah so much so that they become experts in them. They believe in the Quran and Sunnah and they adopt them in their daily lives as a basis for their struggle and as reference in order to answer all questions. Their belief and character are in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah.
If we ask them for proof from the Quran and Sunnah for whatever they do or practise, they are able to present such proof. In fact they can give Quranic proof for every question posed to them. But this group is scarce at this end of time. To find them is like looking for a white crow or red sulphur. There is none. They can be called “extra ordinary people.” They are the people of Allah or people who have taqwa (fear of Allah) and people who are faithful and pious. Those who love this group truly love them, and those who hate this group truly hate them.
Many people hate this group especially scholars (ulamas) who are evil. They feel that these people challenge their status and position and indirectly too reveal their true colours and identity in that they (the ulamas) do not, and they really do not practise the way of life of the Quran and Sunnah.
2. Like the first group, the second group is serious in learning the Quran and Sunnah so much so that they become experts in them. They also believe in the Quran and Sunnah and they make them their references to answer all questions posed to them. They dare speak the truth although it hurts. They are similar to the first group except they do not have the strength to practise all the knowledge that they possess and believe.
They fail to practise fully the Islamic shariah (rules of Allah) in their lives and in their struggle. Their characters too are not as beautiful and as perfect as the true character in Islam. All this is due to the fact that they do not have sufficiently strong faith to fight against their nafs and lust. They do not persevere and are not diligent enough in fighting against their evil desires (nafs) while such desire is the arch enemy of man.
Allah Himself states this, which means, “Verily, desire and lust is always beckoning towards evil.” So, due to weak faith, this group always fail in the fight against their evil desires (nafs). They transgress the rules of Allah and at times they commit sins. But they realize and feel sad and they admit their weaknesses and sins.
This group is numerous than the first. They involve themselves in propagating the Islamic teaching and knowledge to society. With this good deed, hopefully they are safe in the world and the Hereafter. For them Allah says, which means, “Allah forgives whomever He wants and punishes whomever He wants.”
3. The third group also talks of the Quran and Sunnah. In fact, they do learn the Islamic knowledge in general. They also believe in Islam as the truth and as a place of reference. But these people have personal interests. Islam is not the priority in their lives. They are not interested in the Islamic way of life. The Islamic knowledge for them is only for mental exercise and not more than that. Because to them, if Islam is practised, it will not bring success in the world and is not beneficial or profitable.
In fact, to them, Islam, if practised, will bring them shame, will make them suffer from inferiority complex and will cause difficulty to them. But in areas and occasions where there is profit to be made or that can bring success without the element of shame and hardship, they will follow Islam. This group is made up of the people who use Islam for their worldly interests and purposes. They are not honest with the truth.
They are not sincere with Allah SWT. This group is unbecoming (fasiq) and unjust (zalim) to themselves. In the Hereafter, they will be punished in hell, although not forever.At this end of time, there are many who belong to this group.
4. The fourth group is people who do not believe in Islam. But they are interested to learn the Islamic knowledge because they love the knowledge so that they can use it for mental exercise or for other purposes but not as a doctrine or reference to be used in their daily lives. They will use the knowledge only if it is profitable or if it gives them any benefit. Otherwise, to them, the Quran and Hadith do not mean a thing. The Islamic status of this group is in doubt. These are the hypocrites (munafik). In truth, they are the enemies of Islam.
5. Muslims who read the Quran and Hadith but do not understand them. They claim to practise the Quran and Sunnah but they do not learn or study them intensively. Their practice is merely taken from the books of ulamas of the various sects (mazhab) that they follow. They think good of the ulamas of the various sects. They are confident that the ulamas or the sects that they follow and that which they use as a guide uses the Quran and Hadith as its basis and as its terms of reference.
They diligently practise the teachings of Islam that they learn from the various sects. If asked for proof that is used for their practice, they will quote the principles or views of the sects and the opinions of ulamas. They are not capable of bringing forth proof from the Quran or the Hadith. This group is known as the "Muqallidin" or people who follow (taqlid). In Islam, this group is allowed to follow (taqlid) only in matters of “fiqh” (the physical practice of Islam), for Islam views that it is not possible for everyone to fathom the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith to the level of “Mujtahid” (one who truly understands the Quran and is qualified to extract rules and laws from it), that is one who can stand on his own without depending on other people to understand the Quran and the Sunnah.
6. Muslims who hears of the Quran and Sunnah from afar, or who hears of the Quran and Hadith from public lectures (kuliyyah) or those who just follow the crowd. This group depend neither on ulamas nor on the Quran or Hadith. Nevertheless they still claim that the Islam they practise is taken from the Quran and the Hadith. Because they know that the source of Islamic teachings are from the Quran and Hadith; they feel sure that whatever is practised by the society must also be from the Quran and Hadith. This group is the majority and is the most numerous in this end of time.
They are Muslims by descent who practise Islam based purely on the traditions of their race. Their Islamic knowledge is too meagre. Even their individual obligatory responsibilities (fardh ain) are not completely fulfilled. Their practices are only emulations and they do not know why and from where it comes. They are the ignorant. They do not know why they carry out the practice that they do. They are categorized as “unbecoming” (fasiq), or “traitorous” (a’si). Without them realizing it, they can die as traitors or betrayers for their offence of not wanting to learn, to study and to seek knowledge.
7. Non-Muslims who love to study and learn the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith or the group known as the Western orientalists.
There are two possibilities why they like to do this: -
i)To make a comparison between Islam and other religions and ideologies.
ii)To destroy the Islamic teachings. They will change or discard and add or distort the facts and its explanations.
They hope to:
Confuse Muslims who are ignorant about Islam.
Put fear into non-Muslims so that they are afraid to adopt Islam as their religion.
This group consists partly of Christians, Jews and also some from amongst the freethinkers. They are the enemies of Islam. And the Quran itself mentions that: -“And never ever will the Jews and Christians accept you until you adopt their religion.”
Up till today, their evil efforts have borne results. Most Islamic theologians, intellectuals, thinkers and academicians who study in the West are influenced by them, while most non-Muslims at the same time, look upon Islam with disgust and scorn. In our own country too, this phenomenon can be clearly seen. We often see how the intellectuals of Islam talk about Islam using the Western tongue; whereas some of them are people with power, having high positions in politics, economy, education, religion and so on.These are the groups of people who have varying outlook towards the Quran and Hadith.
Among the Muslim themselves, there are six groups. Only two of these groups are good in their practices. The rest, which are the majority, do not display the character of the Quran and in fact are traitorous towards Islam. They use Islam for their own purposes and pretend that they are good Muslims. Although they can fluently recite the Quran and the Hadith, they are actually “wolves in sheep’s’ clothing.” They deceive people by using Islam.Their working papers are fantastic, complete with sound proofs and evidence based on the Quran and Sunnah. In addition, they can talk well making people believe they are practising theologians (ulamas who practice what they preach, ulama-ul-‘amilin), who practise Islam with their families, in their attitudes and behavior, in their social life, in their struggle as well as in their aspirations in life.
But when seen from a closer range, the reality of their lives are far from what they preach. They act differently from what they preach. They are double-faced. Countless people are deceived by them. Verily, in my observations, through my travels around the world, especially to countries where Muslims are the majority, I noticed that a number of these people who are experts in the Quran and Hadith, do not have the intention to practise and to propagate it. They are more inclined to seek worldly gains, glamour and to use the knowledge merely for the purpose of mental exercise.As a result, the people are enthralled by their knowledge but not to the extent of becoming their followers.
They do not have the strength to lead people towards Allah and the Prophet. This is because they are merely people of knowledge who have no followers and who do not practise Islam. They are not leaders who can lead people to struggle and to uphold the Quran and Sunnah, the knowledge of which they possess.I call upon all people not to be deceived and confused by anyone who talks about Islam but do not practise it. Know them at a closer range so that we are not enthralled for too long by them who do not do what they say.
Learn Islam from teachers who practise it so that we too can practise and propagate it. Avoid learning Islam from those who are dishonest towards the truth of this religion of Allah.May Allah always lead us towards the right path.
The truth is that even those who say they abide by and refer to the Quran and the Sunnah, which are supreme, do not fully live by the contents of the Quran and Sunnah. This means not all who have knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah have the attitude and conduct as laid out by the Quran and Sunnah.In fact, what normally happens is too many of these people who have knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah deviate from the true path of this knowledge, which contain the rules of Allah. Why does this happen? It is none other than to make mankind realize that to be one who has “taqwa” (fear of Allah), which is the noblest status amongst mankind, is not easy. It does not suffice merely to enroll into a school of the Quran and Sunnah. Although by this way, one can become an expert on the Quran and Sunnah, it is not sufficient to make him one who has “taqwa”.
In order to achieve taqwa, the following must be done: -
1. We have to seek a teacher who practises the Quran and Sunnah. (In the time of the Prophet, he was the living Quran. In whatever he does daily, he abided and was guided by the Quran).
2. We have to seek a school that can educate us such that the more knowledge we get, the closer we are to Allah and the more we fear Him.
3. Learn from any teacher who appears to have put his life and death in the way of Allah in order to practise and uphold the Quran and the Sunnah in his daily life. Let it be known that whoever regards this matter as unimportant or trivial, these are the groups of people who will be placed into categories according to varying levels of attitudes towards the Quran and Sunnah.
It has been the phenomenon right up to now that various groups of people have various attitudes towards the Quran and Sunnah. From what I see, there are seven groups altogether. With the will of Allah, I will list out the groups for your guidance. Hopefully there is truth in it. The groups are as follows:
1. The group who learn and study the Quran and Sunnah so much so that they become experts in them. They believe in the Quran and Sunnah and they adopt them in their daily lives as a basis for their struggle and as reference in order to answer all questions. Their belief and character are in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah.
If we ask them for proof from the Quran and Sunnah for whatever they do or practise, they are able to present such proof. In fact they can give Quranic proof for every question posed to them. But this group is scarce at this end of time. To find them is like looking for a white crow or red sulphur. There is none. They can be called “extra ordinary people.” They are the people of Allah or people who have taqwa (fear of Allah) and people who are faithful and pious. Those who love this group truly love them, and those who hate this group truly hate them.
Many people hate this group especially scholars (ulamas) who are evil. They feel that these people challenge their status and position and indirectly too reveal their true colours and identity in that they (the ulamas) do not, and they really do not practise the way of life of the Quran and Sunnah.
2. Like the first group, the second group is serious in learning the Quran and Sunnah so much so that they become experts in them. They also believe in the Quran and Sunnah and they make them their references to answer all questions posed to them. They dare speak the truth although it hurts. They are similar to the first group except they do not have the strength to practise all the knowledge that they possess and believe.
They fail to practise fully the Islamic shariah (rules of Allah) in their lives and in their struggle. Their characters too are not as beautiful and as perfect as the true character in Islam. All this is due to the fact that they do not have sufficiently strong faith to fight against their nafs and lust. They do not persevere and are not diligent enough in fighting against their evil desires (nafs) while such desire is the arch enemy of man.
Allah Himself states this, which means, “Verily, desire and lust is always beckoning towards evil.” So, due to weak faith, this group always fail in the fight against their evil desires (nafs). They transgress the rules of Allah and at times they commit sins. But they realize and feel sad and they admit their weaknesses and sins.
This group is numerous than the first. They involve themselves in propagating the Islamic teaching and knowledge to society. With this good deed, hopefully they are safe in the world and the Hereafter. For them Allah says, which means, “Allah forgives whomever He wants and punishes whomever He wants.”
3. The third group also talks of the Quran and Sunnah. In fact, they do learn the Islamic knowledge in general. They also believe in Islam as the truth and as a place of reference. But these people have personal interests. Islam is not the priority in their lives. They are not interested in the Islamic way of life. The Islamic knowledge for them is only for mental exercise and not more than that. Because to them, if Islam is practised, it will not bring success in the world and is not beneficial or profitable.
In fact, to them, Islam, if practised, will bring them shame, will make them suffer from inferiority complex and will cause difficulty to them. But in areas and occasions where there is profit to be made or that can bring success without the element of shame and hardship, they will follow Islam. This group is made up of the people who use Islam for their worldly interests and purposes. They are not honest with the truth.
They are not sincere with Allah SWT. This group is unbecoming (fasiq) and unjust (zalim) to themselves. In the Hereafter, they will be punished in hell, although not forever.At this end of time, there are many who belong to this group.
4. The fourth group is people who do not believe in Islam. But they are interested to learn the Islamic knowledge because they love the knowledge so that they can use it for mental exercise or for other purposes but not as a doctrine or reference to be used in their daily lives. They will use the knowledge only if it is profitable or if it gives them any benefit. Otherwise, to them, the Quran and Hadith do not mean a thing. The Islamic status of this group is in doubt. These are the hypocrites (munafik). In truth, they are the enemies of Islam.
5. Muslims who read the Quran and Hadith but do not understand them. They claim to practise the Quran and Sunnah but they do not learn or study them intensively. Their practice is merely taken from the books of ulamas of the various sects (mazhab) that they follow. They think good of the ulamas of the various sects. They are confident that the ulamas or the sects that they follow and that which they use as a guide uses the Quran and Hadith as its basis and as its terms of reference.
They diligently practise the teachings of Islam that they learn from the various sects. If asked for proof that is used for their practice, they will quote the principles or views of the sects and the opinions of ulamas. They are not capable of bringing forth proof from the Quran or the Hadith. This group is known as the "Muqallidin" or people who follow (taqlid). In Islam, this group is allowed to follow (taqlid) only in matters of “fiqh” (the physical practice of Islam), for Islam views that it is not possible for everyone to fathom the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith to the level of “Mujtahid” (one who truly understands the Quran and is qualified to extract rules and laws from it), that is one who can stand on his own without depending on other people to understand the Quran and the Sunnah.
6. Muslims who hears of the Quran and Sunnah from afar, or who hears of the Quran and Hadith from public lectures (kuliyyah) or those who just follow the crowd. This group depend neither on ulamas nor on the Quran or Hadith. Nevertheless they still claim that the Islam they practise is taken from the Quran and the Hadith. Because they know that the source of Islamic teachings are from the Quran and Hadith; they feel sure that whatever is practised by the society must also be from the Quran and Hadith. This group is the majority and is the most numerous in this end of time.
They are Muslims by descent who practise Islam based purely on the traditions of their race. Their Islamic knowledge is too meagre. Even their individual obligatory responsibilities (fardh ain) are not completely fulfilled. Their practices are only emulations and they do not know why and from where it comes. They are the ignorant. They do not know why they carry out the practice that they do. They are categorized as “unbecoming” (fasiq), or “traitorous” (a’si). Without them realizing it, they can die as traitors or betrayers for their offence of not wanting to learn, to study and to seek knowledge.
7. Non-Muslims who love to study and learn the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith or the group known as the Western orientalists.
There are two possibilities why they like to do this: -
i)To make a comparison between Islam and other religions and ideologies.
ii)To destroy the Islamic teachings. They will change or discard and add or distort the facts and its explanations.
They hope to:
Confuse Muslims who are ignorant about Islam.
Put fear into non-Muslims so that they are afraid to adopt Islam as their religion.
This group consists partly of Christians, Jews and also some from amongst the freethinkers. They are the enemies of Islam. And the Quran itself mentions that: -“And never ever will the Jews and Christians accept you until you adopt their religion.”
Up till today, their evil efforts have borne results. Most Islamic theologians, intellectuals, thinkers and academicians who study in the West are influenced by them, while most non-Muslims at the same time, look upon Islam with disgust and scorn. In our own country too, this phenomenon can be clearly seen. We often see how the intellectuals of Islam talk about Islam using the Western tongue; whereas some of them are people with power, having high positions in politics, economy, education, religion and so on.These are the groups of people who have varying outlook towards the Quran and Hadith.
Among the Muslim themselves, there are six groups. Only two of these groups are good in their practices. The rest, which are the majority, do not display the character of the Quran and in fact are traitorous towards Islam. They use Islam for their own purposes and pretend that they are good Muslims. Although they can fluently recite the Quran and the Hadith, they are actually “wolves in sheep’s’ clothing.” They deceive people by using Islam.Their working papers are fantastic, complete with sound proofs and evidence based on the Quran and Sunnah. In addition, they can talk well making people believe they are practising theologians (ulamas who practice what they preach, ulama-ul-‘amilin), who practise Islam with their families, in their attitudes and behavior, in their social life, in their struggle as well as in their aspirations in life.
But when seen from a closer range, the reality of their lives are far from what they preach. They act differently from what they preach. They are double-faced. Countless people are deceived by them. Verily, in my observations, through my travels around the world, especially to countries where Muslims are the majority, I noticed that a number of these people who are experts in the Quran and Hadith, do not have the intention to practise and to propagate it. They are more inclined to seek worldly gains, glamour and to use the knowledge merely for the purpose of mental exercise.As a result, the people are enthralled by their knowledge but not to the extent of becoming their followers.
They do not have the strength to lead people towards Allah and the Prophet. This is because they are merely people of knowledge who have no followers and who do not practise Islam. They are not leaders who can lead people to struggle and to uphold the Quran and Sunnah, the knowledge of which they possess.I call upon all people not to be deceived and confused by anyone who talks about Islam but do not practise it. Know them at a closer range so that we are not enthralled for too long by them who do not do what they say.
Learn Islam from teachers who practise it so that we too can practise and propagate it. Avoid learning Islam from those who are dishonest towards the truth of this religion of Allah.May Allah always lead us towards the right path.
BEING MODEST IS NOT A DISGRACE
Many assume being humble and modest is disgraceful, in fact a weakness while self idolatory or arrogance considered as an honour, in fact a glory and strength. Actually, being modest or self abasement is an honour and a source of power while self admiration is undignified, in fact a weakness.
Many would be at ease and comfortable with a modest person, generating love and affection, unity and strength. Self worshipping or egotistical, many would despise and stay away from such a character.
Many would detest an arrogant person, no heartfelt feelings towards each other, causing disunity and loss of one of the sources of strength and power. Disunity among the nation of people is a weakness.
Thus the public view is in reverse. The source of weakness considered as strengthening factor, while the the strengthening factor is considered as a weakening factor.
Here, it would be understood that it is insufficient with a mere knowledge without any guidance. Knowledge is inadequate without an understanding and appreciation.Provide knowledge and understanding, more importantly fulfilment. All are considered as appreciation or realization of knowledge.Realization of knowledge would then make the knowledge beneficial in life.
26.5.2003 Before Asar
Many would be at ease and comfortable with a modest person, generating love and affection, unity and strength. Self worshipping or egotistical, many would despise and stay away from such a character.
Many would detest an arrogant person, no heartfelt feelings towards each other, causing disunity and loss of one of the sources of strength and power. Disunity among the nation of people is a weakness.
Thus the public view is in reverse. The source of weakness considered as strengthening factor, while the the strengthening factor is considered as a weakening factor.
Here, it would be understood that it is insufficient with a mere knowledge without any guidance. Knowledge is inadequate without an understanding and appreciation.Provide knowledge and understanding, more importantly fulfilment. All are considered as appreciation or realization of knowledge.Realization of knowledge would then make the knowledge beneficial in life.
26.5.2003 Before Asar
Sunday, January 15, 2006
BETWEEN TWO OPTIONS
14/01/2006
Ahead of us are two roads, a decision have to be made
One leading to Heaven, one leading to Hell
Both roads are well defined, no obscurity
We have to make our own options
The journey to Heaven is very demanding and burdensome, the road is dessiminated with thorns, pebbles and boobytraps
The journey to Hell is very comfortable as the road is laid with soft, tender carpet
Delicious food served at the foodstalls on both sides of the road
At a glance it`s already very tempting
And yet it has not been tasted, very delicious
Then greeted ceremoniously by beautiful ladies
Waving at us on our arrival
Accompanying us throughout the journey
However, there is no food provided on either side of the road to Heaven
However, there is no food provided on either side of the road to Heaven
Beautiful sweet ladies are nowhere to be seen
There is only thick forest on both left and right sides of the road
Nothing exciting and pleasant
Do remember, he has been forewarned
At the end of Hell is a deep ravine, eerie and torturous
Those passing through this road, is destined to fall into the dreadful ravine
We have been informed of what is there at the end of the road to Heaven
Beautiful and fascinating gardens, luxurious palace
Delicious and tasty foods
Beautiful ladies awaiting
Whoever chooses the road to Heaven, suffer first, enjoy later
Whoever chooses the road to Hell, enjoy first, suffer later
Choose either one
Both road are laid for us in our lives
Both roads, very well defined, no obscurityIt is up to us, we have to make our own choice
2.5.97
2.5.97
Saturday, January 07, 2006
FEAR OF GOD
خوفُ اللهِ
07/01/2006
When God is not feared or when God is out of one's mind, one tends to lead his or her own way of life. What's important is one can live with ease, comfort, luxury and wealth and there seems to be no concern about honour and religion.
Religion and honour are precious in life, priceless, could not be exchanged with anything else. These must be upheld even if we are forced to give up our lives. This is the price of religion and honour only if we could understand and appreciate the value.
Monday, January 02, 2006
MANY DECLARE THEMSELVES AS MUSLIMS
02/01/2006
Many declare themselves as Muslims
They are offended when labelled as non-Muslims
But they disregard aspects of piety or faith
Syariat unconcerned, moral values sneered on
Displeased when Hereafter prioritised
Allah Taala gets mentioned more as a culture
Without any fear in the heart or godly devotionor
God gets mentioned as poignant word, habitual character
Preoccupied with progress, developments, and wealth
Nothing else are important
The fact is many of the successful and wealthy
Their domestic affairs in disarray
The family members disputing each other
Love and care, harmony almost non-existent at home
Unable to feel the contentment
Emptiness of the soul, the mind entangled
The side effects,easily irratable, easily offended, easily sulking
It appears that progress, developments, wealth
would not guaranty love and care
Luxury does not ensure harmonious family
With wealth, happiness is yet to be assured
Before bedtime17.08.2001
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Food For Thought
الإنشقاق
DISUNITY
DISUNITY
29/08/2005
It is the natural instict (fitrah) or the natural demeanour of mankind that every man, every tribe or every race desires unity and solidarity.No man or tribe or race likes disunity, especially if such disunity can lead to enmity and war.
Disunity leads to enmity and subsequently to war,hardship prevails to all parties. Subsistence is difficult to seek for, travelling is a worry as far as safety is concerned. Having a good night sleep is a luxury as one never know when one`s property would become the target of hard crime robbers and murderers. War survivors may be seriously handicapped and disabled, become unproductive in the nation`s progress and development.
Disunity which may lead to war, will result in man losing his freedom, living in fear and anxiety, be emotionally depressed and restless. The effects of disunity are atrocious and there are great risks that man will have to bear, the pain and destruction man have to endure will last for a few generations. Hence, disunity is truly the enemy of mankind, the reason why majority abhors and dislikes it.
Man’s innate desire is wanting to live in peace, for therein contains the secret of happiness and harmony that is longed for by all mankind regardless of their ethnic origins and race.The reason why everyone desires to unite and integrate.
تسونامي رسالة تذكير من الله
TSUNAMI- A reminder from GOD
It has been a year since Tsunami struck an Indonesian town of Banda Aceh and various other coastal parts of Asia.Why has this happened? God Al Mighty has His own agenda with this special incident and let us ponder a little on the wisdom and enlightenment from Tsunami
Among God`s virtues associated with Tsunami are:
1. To those with taqwa, it is to upgrade their status
2. To those solehin, it is to have their sins revoked or forgiven
3. To those obstinate and defiants refusing to accept God and His systems (even though they are Muslims), Tsunami is God`s punishment for them.
4. To those unbelievers, it is a condemnation
There are various additional virtuousness from the Tsunami`s incident :
1. With the increase of Islamic awareness throughout the Asian region, probably there are still those who could be made to repent or realize but not through sermon, preaching or teaching. They are the hard-headed and hard hearted group of people, unyielding to God. Hence, Tsunami is the hard and fast actions to make them realise who they really are in this world. They would realise they are only God`s servants, created in this world to serve God and not yielding to nafs, syaitan or their own mind or intelligence.
2. Human beings should know their wrong doings towards God which could have prompted such God`s action in Asia or far east:
a. We are God`s creations living on His earth and yet we use a man-made living system, rejecting His system as if His systems are out of date, unglobal and various other accusations and insults towards God and His systems.
b. We believe our livelihood, fate, illness all come from God and yet in our struggle in life, daily work and enslavement, we do them not for God but for our own desires and syaitan.
We are not bothered about God. We pledged to God during our daily prayers as our word of honour or oath: " Indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds".However, after the solat, the living concept no longer follows God`s commands but submi
Sunday, December 25, 2005
تعريف التقوى
DEFINITION OF TAQWA
When taqwa is mentioned, it would be interpreted as fear of God. This is not so as taqwa does not mean fear. Taqwa towards God does not mean fear of God. Fear of God is one of the attributes of mahmudah which is embodied into the attributes of taqwa, but it is not considered as taqwa. Fear in Arabic language is khauf or khasha.
Taqwa originated from the term waqa-yaqi-wiqoyah which means to preserve. The proof statement is in the verse of the Quran as follows:
Meaning: “O you who have attained to faith! Ward off from yourselves and those who are close to you, that fire (of the Hereafter).” (At Tahrim: 6)
God has stipulated in the Quran with the kalimah ittaqu or yattaqi. Additional words to the basic kalimah waqa would alter the meaning. At this instance, ittaqullah means ‘one must take Allah as the One who cares/guards/protects’. God must be taken as the Protector’. God taken as the Fortress or stronghold. Once under God's protection, within His Fortress or stronghold, negative or dangerous elements would not penetrate or break through. In other words, God is the wall, protection against evil.
The endeavours rendering Allah as the One who cares or protects or be the fortress are by implementing His commands both physically and spiritually. In other words, His commands are meant for developing the attributes of mahmudah. To accumulate and nurture the attributes of mahmudah are the endeavours rendering Allah as the One who cares or protects. To develop the attributes of mahmudah are the efforts towards taqwa.
Taqwa or wiqoyah have been misinterpreted and its intentions have been limited. It's actually global and comprehensive, like a storage or warehouse for mahmudah (good attributes) consisting of all the attributes of mahmudah. It includes patience, acceptance (redha) , generosity, being loving and caring, charitable with forgiveness vice versa and many other good attributes. The entire mahmudah attributes are considered as taqwa. Thus taqwa meant a great deal. It provides security in this world and the Hereafter.
As such if we say ittaqullah, it would mean; ‘you must take Allah as the One who care for you’. Many of the Islamic terms have been misinterpreted and misused causing the loss of their bliss or barakah. When Islamic terms are in use, somehow there are no associated feelings or sense. For example the term ‘khalwat’ is an honourable word meant as one in a state of solitude with God. It is part of the practices of sufism. However, its interpretation has deviated from the original, now it is meant as the close proximity between man and woman who are not muhram. The same with the term ittaqullah. Every week on Fridays, the term is being called aloud at the mimbar of the mosque, but majority of the congregation (jamaah) could not sense anything. The blessedness or barakah of the term has gone as it has been misinterpreted.
To be someone with taqwa means to be one under God's protection and care and staying within God's fortress or stronghold. One is protected, immuned or untouched from external invasions.Someone with taqwa could be considered as one wearing the armour of steel or bulletproof jacket.
Taqwa is the spiritual attire. It is the rituals for the soul. Taqwa is an inner matter involving the rituals of the heart.When sincerely practised and performed, the attributes of mahmudah such as sincerity, just, truthfulness, loving and caring, gentleness, generous, tawadhuk, humbleness, tolerant, humanitarian, patience, redha, tawakal, giving priority to others, forgiveness, trustworthy, consistent, hard working, open heartedness, cooperative, sympathy, compassion and others, will submerge.
The person with taqwa is an extraordinary person as he has the attributes of malaikat. He is a godly person receiving assistance and protection from God with guaranteed security in this world and the Hereafter.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Business And Its Benefits In Islam
Business will bring two types of profits:
1. Profits in the form of money; although there are circumstances where one failed to gain anything from the business.
2. Profits in the form of good rewards in the Hereafter; although there are people who commit sins and transgressions in their business and Allah has promised them the suitable rewards as well.
In this discussion there is no need to list out the necessary steps to be taken to make monetary profits in business. This has been discussed greatly by the experts. However, we provide an opportunity here to discuss the benefits of doing business in Islam.
Business is one of the acts of devotion to Allah. We are granted opportunities to bring ourselves closer to Allah. We are granted opportunities to think and getting ourselves ready to uphold the shariah (rules) and the characters of Allah. Business is an arena to seek “taqwa” (fear of Allah).
While prayers (solat) are the specific occasions to renew our pledge and intention, to do post-mortem on our past deeds, and to renew our hope to live and die to seek “taqwa” and to be a servant to Allah, business on the other hand is the manifestation of such prayers to widen, extend and expand the activities of the shariah of Allah.
If we can uphold the shariah of Allah through all our business activities, it means that the whole period we spend in business are considered as an act of devotion, that bears far bigger rewards than commendable prayers (solat sunat) or commendable fasting. This indicates that our hearts are truly with Allah in our effort to fight against our evil desires (nafs) in order to uphold whatever He likes and whatever He prefers.
Listed below are the profits that can be gained from business that is carried out truly because of Allah and in accordance to the shariah of Allah: -
1. In doing business, we are not only trying to make profits from customers but we are actually doing service to the society by providing the goods people need. By selling our goods, various people are being served well whether directly or indirectly. We get good rewards for giving such services. We should be thankful to Allah and to the customers for accepting our services. Because of them, Allah gives us good rewards.
2. Specifically in the supply of provisions, which include food and drinks, these are essential items for consumers and they will try to obtain them no matter how difficult it is. Therefore, if we run a business that deals with provisions in a certain place, we are providing essential services for the community. This service in actual fact, will bring about great rewards in the Hereafter as we manage to help lessen the burden of the community. They should be thankful although this is not solicited.
Better still if we are able to sell the goods at reasonable prices thus providing huge help to the customers. And would not we feel satisfied and victorious to be able to make our fellow humankind happy and in doing so, Allah will in turn make us happy. Thus in business , do not merely think in terms of monetary gains alone as there are many other forms of profit. Do not be worried about our sustenance. If we put our trust in Allah by giving priority to whatever He likes, has not Allah promised to help? Allah is All Rich and Benevolent.
3. When both businessmen and consumers feel they have benefited from each other, there would be feelings of appreciation and need from both parties, ultimately their hearts will become attached. Friendship blooms. The longer we do business, the better opportunity we have to serve customers and the more friends we can make. Having friends are wonderful! Friends are a benefit on earth and in the Hereafter when they can give intercession (shafa’ah).
4. Buying and selling between customers and retailer require cooperation between the two parties. If both customer and retailer feel each other’s need, surely they must cooperate and help each other. There should be no oppression. As an example, if the retailer is busy especially when there are many customers to serve, customers can help the retailer by taking what they need themselves. Retailers, as a token of gratitude, could give something to them in return, may it be just a piece of candy.
Another instance when a restaurant or eatery is extremely busy with customers, it is considered a good deed for patrons to help collect and arrange used cups and plates, help to clean the table off spills, scraps of the meal after they have finished their meal. This helps the restaurateur and can help develop good relationship between the two. Business should be an arena for cooperation and unity within the society. Unfortunately, this opportunity in getting to know each other through business cooperation is not fully utilized by either business owners or customers.
5. Mankind should endeavour to become tolerant and to yield to others. By being so, man can be virtuous. Is it not good if we can be one who gives priority and opportunities to others and to feel comfortable if others get more than us? Allah will not let this go to no avail. In business, there are lots of opportunities to do this.What we normally see is that there is always a tussle between customers and retailers. Retailers tend to cheat and oppress consumers with exorbitant prices with the intention of making quick profits.However, with kindness and honesty they would be better off.
They gain monetary profits, they gain good character, and they gain the confidence and popularity of others. God willing, their business may expand with better prospects. If customers and retailers make the effort to be tolerant, to give and take while doing business, then God willing, such dealings are blessed, the soul will be at peace and Allah will multiply His provisions.
There are numerous of trials and tribulations in business. Allah does this mainly to give opportunity to businessmen to be patient, or in other words, to accept trials with both fear and hope towards Allah; so that they are able to control their anger or tantrums when faced with the whims and fancies of people, control their feelings, to drown their bitterness and to hope that Allah fulfills all their needs. Those who are patient will get provisions and good rewards without limit.
If we are able to use business as a serious practical training to be patient, masya Allah, then we can reap huge profits from our business. Or do we doubt Allah’s ability to double or triple our business beyond what we expect? Based on experience, those who are not patient, who are not able to suppress their evil desires and who show anger and display tantrums, they tend to lose more in life. People dislike them and their business somehow stays stagnant. Patience is an asset, truly required in life.
6. Islam is a religion where one accomodates and forgives. In other words, if someone is capable of accepting and forgive matters or behavior not agreeable to him, then he has a truly Islamic character. In doing business, we will always encounter matters or people who put us in an uncomfortable situation. So, take such opportunity to reap extraordinary profits to become the noblest of man by having the most virtuous character. We hide our feelings of uneasiness. Do not be hasty to release our emotions or we will lose people’s respect.Try not solve people’s problems by creating more problems. Solve it the way that Allah likes. Then Allah will help us.
Why is it so difficult to forgive and forget people’s mistakes and errors? Don’t we too make mistakes and errors that we want other people to forgive?
Now, let us say other people’s mistakes are severe and serious more than ours that we just find it difficult to overlook and disregard, so much so that we lose our tolerance and forgiveness. If this is so, then we have created another mistake of not humbling ourselves to Allah, who has bestowed upon us goodness which saved us from committing such severe and serious mistakes, which He has not given to the other people we are angry with.
7. Subsequently, businessmen should be happy and contented as they are able to provide employment for others. To have a job means one cease to be unemployed and at the same time earning permitted (halal) income; both of which is commanded by Islam. In fact, through business, man’s energy is used for the benefit of mankind. The society becomes productive and the nation prosperous.
That is the magnitude of profit that we can gain from business. The esoteric (maknawi) form of profit such as this makes us serene and calm. If God tries us with minimal monetary profit, we can easily be appeased as there are other forms of profit which we can enjoy. Or if we gain both forms of profit, then we should all the more be thankful and humble to God for such a big endowment that God gives to this “special servant” compared to His other servants who are not involved in business.
8. We should protect ourselves from greed for money when doing business. We should also hope for good rewards (pahala) in the Hereafter as our service provides a lot of benefit to the society. Through business, we can help market goods produced by others especially fellow Muslims. Producing products for Muslims is a very noble undertaking. And if we are willing to become the agent to distribute such products, hopefully we are considered as those who are also involved in upholding the collective obligation (fardh kifayah). In fact, if we can save goods from being thrown away and wasted, hopefully we can get good rewards for preventing wastefulness. Allah hates wastefulness because it is the way of satan.
9. When numerous Muslim businesses are established, we will see an expansion of the Islamic image and symbol. To develop worldly advancement in the way of Islam in order to promote ease of living is the responsibility of all Muslims as the vicegerent of Allah on earth. By this, people can see the greatness of God and they can be thankful to Him. As long as Muslims do not uphold the image and symbols of Islam in their lives, especially in business, mankind will find it difficult to accept that Islam is a great religion and that Allah is Almighty. Mankind will see nothing special about Islam and they will question why God does not display His ability for Islam. If so, is it not a major contribution if we can establish business in the way of Islam and upon the name of Islam. If we do that, people will be able to feel and to enjoy its benefits and hence they will aggrandize Allah and be thankful to Him.
10. The biggest profit in business that we can gain is when our profits reach its proper level (nisab) and we qualify to pay the tithes which is one of the pillars of Islam. Through the tithes, we can help the poor and destitute and other acknowledged recipients (asnab). The tithe is like a bridge of love and care that connects the rich and wealthy with the poor and the needy.
11. The apex of all profits in business is the fact that we gain knowledge and experience. We gain practical knowledge on management, finance, education, how to serve customers and how to face challenges. Experience comes in many forms. We learn to know people, places, commodities, values and culture. Information such as this is valuable in life and Islam demands that we have such knowledge.
These are the profits that could be gained by anyone who do business because of Allah and in order to uphold the Islamic way of life. Which means that the Islamic system of business actually guarantee businessmen a source of income that is permissible (halal) and also faith and belief that is safe and secure, insya Allah.
Business should not be used as an arena solely for the purpose of seeking monetary profits to the extent that the poor who are involved in the system are deceived and oppressed. But this is the tradition of the capitalists. They do not have the sense of the “unity of God” within their souls as an asset to guide and to guard their business. As such, they do whatever they like solely to reap personal benefits. Customers, or consumers, or buyers are not duly served. What is important to them is to make customer’s money change hands quickly to become theirs, no matter whether it is by evil or violent means, directly or indirectly.
Their business premises are not used as meeting places or places to foster unity. Their individualistic culture is widespread and is clearly noticeable. They do not realize that business is the center of human development that is very practical and profitable.This approach towards business exists only in Islam, except that Muslims are not able to practise it. For people who love Islam (the religion of Allah), business is an arena for the struggle in the way of Allah (jihad fi sabilillah). They can simultaneously reap two forms of profit both for the world and the Hereafter. They can balance between the material and the spiritual and they can achieve a perfect civilization for mankind. This is Islam, a way of life that can replace the capitalist system, which is now on the brink of death.
They have a lot of money but their hearts and souls are destroyed and diseased. Humans quarrel among themselves amidst richness and wealth that they accumulate through business. This is the sort of paradise that the capitalists dream of and long for; physical development which is enchanting that is hunted and possessed by people who suffer conflict and chaos.
Hopefully, the Islamic system of business can be practised within our society because people are now looking for an alternative to the capitalist system especially when the monetary exchange rate has drastically dropped.
Certainly they are looking for a business system that can give them serenity and that promises them happiness for their physical and spiritual life. To achieve that, let us begin this system in our lives. Let us make it our struggle in the way of Allah (jihad fi sabilillah) beginning from our own business premises.
1. Profits in the form of money; although there are circumstances where one failed to gain anything from the business.
2. Profits in the form of good rewards in the Hereafter; although there are people who commit sins and transgressions in their business and Allah has promised them the suitable rewards as well.
In this discussion there is no need to list out the necessary steps to be taken to make monetary profits in business. This has been discussed greatly by the experts. However, we provide an opportunity here to discuss the benefits of doing business in Islam.
Business is one of the acts of devotion to Allah. We are granted opportunities to bring ourselves closer to Allah. We are granted opportunities to think and getting ourselves ready to uphold the shariah (rules) and the characters of Allah. Business is an arena to seek “taqwa” (fear of Allah).
While prayers (solat) are the specific occasions to renew our pledge and intention, to do post-mortem on our past deeds, and to renew our hope to live and die to seek “taqwa” and to be a servant to Allah, business on the other hand is the manifestation of such prayers to widen, extend and expand the activities of the shariah of Allah.
If we can uphold the shariah of Allah through all our business activities, it means that the whole period we spend in business are considered as an act of devotion, that bears far bigger rewards than commendable prayers (solat sunat) or commendable fasting. This indicates that our hearts are truly with Allah in our effort to fight against our evil desires (nafs) in order to uphold whatever He likes and whatever He prefers.
Listed below are the profits that can be gained from business that is carried out truly because of Allah and in accordance to the shariah of Allah: -
1. In doing business, we are not only trying to make profits from customers but we are actually doing service to the society by providing the goods people need. By selling our goods, various people are being served well whether directly or indirectly. We get good rewards for giving such services. We should be thankful to Allah and to the customers for accepting our services. Because of them, Allah gives us good rewards.
2. Specifically in the supply of provisions, which include food and drinks, these are essential items for consumers and they will try to obtain them no matter how difficult it is. Therefore, if we run a business that deals with provisions in a certain place, we are providing essential services for the community. This service in actual fact, will bring about great rewards in the Hereafter as we manage to help lessen the burden of the community. They should be thankful although this is not solicited.
Better still if we are able to sell the goods at reasonable prices thus providing huge help to the customers. And would not we feel satisfied and victorious to be able to make our fellow humankind happy and in doing so, Allah will in turn make us happy. Thus in business , do not merely think in terms of monetary gains alone as there are many other forms of profit. Do not be worried about our sustenance. If we put our trust in Allah by giving priority to whatever He likes, has not Allah promised to help? Allah is All Rich and Benevolent.
3. When both businessmen and consumers feel they have benefited from each other, there would be feelings of appreciation and need from both parties, ultimately their hearts will become attached. Friendship blooms. The longer we do business, the better opportunity we have to serve customers and the more friends we can make. Having friends are wonderful! Friends are a benefit on earth and in the Hereafter when they can give intercession (shafa’ah).
4. Buying and selling between customers and retailer require cooperation between the two parties. If both customer and retailer feel each other’s need, surely they must cooperate and help each other. There should be no oppression. As an example, if the retailer is busy especially when there are many customers to serve, customers can help the retailer by taking what they need themselves. Retailers, as a token of gratitude, could give something to them in return, may it be just a piece of candy.
Another instance when a restaurant or eatery is extremely busy with customers, it is considered a good deed for patrons to help collect and arrange used cups and plates, help to clean the table off spills, scraps of the meal after they have finished their meal. This helps the restaurateur and can help develop good relationship between the two. Business should be an arena for cooperation and unity within the society. Unfortunately, this opportunity in getting to know each other through business cooperation is not fully utilized by either business owners or customers.
5. Mankind should endeavour to become tolerant and to yield to others. By being so, man can be virtuous. Is it not good if we can be one who gives priority and opportunities to others and to feel comfortable if others get more than us? Allah will not let this go to no avail. In business, there are lots of opportunities to do this.What we normally see is that there is always a tussle between customers and retailers. Retailers tend to cheat and oppress consumers with exorbitant prices with the intention of making quick profits.However, with kindness and honesty they would be better off.
They gain monetary profits, they gain good character, and they gain the confidence and popularity of others. God willing, their business may expand with better prospects. If customers and retailers make the effort to be tolerant, to give and take while doing business, then God willing, such dealings are blessed, the soul will be at peace and Allah will multiply His provisions.
There are numerous of trials and tribulations in business. Allah does this mainly to give opportunity to businessmen to be patient, or in other words, to accept trials with both fear and hope towards Allah; so that they are able to control their anger or tantrums when faced with the whims and fancies of people, control their feelings, to drown their bitterness and to hope that Allah fulfills all their needs. Those who are patient will get provisions and good rewards without limit.
If we are able to use business as a serious practical training to be patient, masya Allah, then we can reap huge profits from our business. Or do we doubt Allah’s ability to double or triple our business beyond what we expect? Based on experience, those who are not patient, who are not able to suppress their evil desires and who show anger and display tantrums, they tend to lose more in life. People dislike them and their business somehow stays stagnant. Patience is an asset, truly required in life.
6. Islam is a religion where one accomodates and forgives. In other words, if someone is capable of accepting and forgive matters or behavior not agreeable to him, then he has a truly Islamic character. In doing business, we will always encounter matters or people who put us in an uncomfortable situation. So, take such opportunity to reap extraordinary profits to become the noblest of man by having the most virtuous character. We hide our feelings of uneasiness. Do not be hasty to release our emotions or we will lose people’s respect.Try not solve people’s problems by creating more problems. Solve it the way that Allah likes. Then Allah will help us.
Why is it so difficult to forgive and forget people’s mistakes and errors? Don’t we too make mistakes and errors that we want other people to forgive?
Now, let us say other people’s mistakes are severe and serious more than ours that we just find it difficult to overlook and disregard, so much so that we lose our tolerance and forgiveness. If this is so, then we have created another mistake of not humbling ourselves to Allah, who has bestowed upon us goodness which saved us from committing such severe and serious mistakes, which He has not given to the other people we are angry with.
7. Subsequently, businessmen should be happy and contented as they are able to provide employment for others. To have a job means one cease to be unemployed and at the same time earning permitted (halal) income; both of which is commanded by Islam. In fact, through business, man’s energy is used for the benefit of mankind. The society becomes productive and the nation prosperous.
That is the magnitude of profit that we can gain from business. The esoteric (maknawi) form of profit such as this makes us serene and calm. If God tries us with minimal monetary profit, we can easily be appeased as there are other forms of profit which we can enjoy. Or if we gain both forms of profit, then we should all the more be thankful and humble to God for such a big endowment that God gives to this “special servant” compared to His other servants who are not involved in business.
8. We should protect ourselves from greed for money when doing business. We should also hope for good rewards (pahala) in the Hereafter as our service provides a lot of benefit to the society. Through business, we can help market goods produced by others especially fellow Muslims. Producing products for Muslims is a very noble undertaking. And if we are willing to become the agent to distribute such products, hopefully we are considered as those who are also involved in upholding the collective obligation (fardh kifayah). In fact, if we can save goods from being thrown away and wasted, hopefully we can get good rewards for preventing wastefulness. Allah hates wastefulness because it is the way of satan.
9. When numerous Muslim businesses are established, we will see an expansion of the Islamic image and symbol. To develop worldly advancement in the way of Islam in order to promote ease of living is the responsibility of all Muslims as the vicegerent of Allah on earth. By this, people can see the greatness of God and they can be thankful to Him. As long as Muslims do not uphold the image and symbols of Islam in their lives, especially in business, mankind will find it difficult to accept that Islam is a great religion and that Allah is Almighty. Mankind will see nothing special about Islam and they will question why God does not display His ability for Islam. If so, is it not a major contribution if we can establish business in the way of Islam and upon the name of Islam. If we do that, people will be able to feel and to enjoy its benefits and hence they will aggrandize Allah and be thankful to Him.
10. The biggest profit in business that we can gain is when our profits reach its proper level (nisab) and we qualify to pay the tithes which is one of the pillars of Islam. Through the tithes, we can help the poor and destitute and other acknowledged recipients (asnab). The tithe is like a bridge of love and care that connects the rich and wealthy with the poor and the needy.
11. The apex of all profits in business is the fact that we gain knowledge and experience. We gain practical knowledge on management, finance, education, how to serve customers and how to face challenges. Experience comes in many forms. We learn to know people, places, commodities, values and culture. Information such as this is valuable in life and Islam demands that we have such knowledge.
These are the profits that could be gained by anyone who do business because of Allah and in order to uphold the Islamic way of life. Which means that the Islamic system of business actually guarantee businessmen a source of income that is permissible (halal) and also faith and belief that is safe and secure, insya Allah.
Business should not be used as an arena solely for the purpose of seeking monetary profits to the extent that the poor who are involved in the system are deceived and oppressed. But this is the tradition of the capitalists. They do not have the sense of the “unity of God” within their souls as an asset to guide and to guard their business. As such, they do whatever they like solely to reap personal benefits. Customers, or consumers, or buyers are not duly served. What is important to them is to make customer’s money change hands quickly to become theirs, no matter whether it is by evil or violent means, directly or indirectly.
Their business premises are not used as meeting places or places to foster unity. Their individualistic culture is widespread and is clearly noticeable. They do not realize that business is the center of human development that is very practical and profitable.This approach towards business exists only in Islam, except that Muslims are not able to practise it. For people who love Islam (the religion of Allah), business is an arena for the struggle in the way of Allah (jihad fi sabilillah). They can simultaneously reap two forms of profit both for the world and the Hereafter. They can balance between the material and the spiritual and they can achieve a perfect civilization for mankind. This is Islam, a way of life that can replace the capitalist system, which is now on the brink of death.
They have a lot of money but their hearts and souls are destroyed and diseased. Humans quarrel among themselves amidst richness and wealth that they accumulate through business. This is the sort of paradise that the capitalists dream of and long for; physical development which is enchanting that is hunted and possessed by people who suffer conflict and chaos.
Hopefully, the Islamic system of business can be practised within our society because people are now looking for an alternative to the capitalist system especially when the monetary exchange rate has drastically dropped.
Certainly they are looking for a business system that can give them serenity and that promises them happiness for their physical and spiritual life. To achieve that, let us begin this system in our lives. Let us make it our struggle in the way of Allah (jihad fi sabilillah) beginning from our own business premises.
ACTIONS BEFORE WORDS [Prose]
"Actions before words" as actions are considered as fruits of any knowledge.
There should be silence before any actions.
One should not even say anything when there is no action to follow on.
Knowledge unpractised is like unused weapons.
Which will get old and rusty.
What's the purpose of keeping all the unused weapons in the store.
It will become a burden.
Unused knowledge will be a burden in the Hereafter.
There should be silence before any actions.
One should not even say anything when there is no action to follow on.
Knowledge unpractised is like unused weapons.
Which will get old and rusty.
What's the purpose of keeping all the unused weapons in the store.
It will become a burden.
Unused knowledge will be a burden in the Hereafter.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
RAMADHAN, MONTH FOR OVERHAUL TO THE HEART [Prose]
21Ramadan 1423H
Allah Taala created human beings together with his strength and weakness
God knows how to strengthen the weak
as well as how to nurture the strong ones
Allah Taala in the knowing of their goodness
as well as their wickedness
Naturally, God has provided human beings with the good and the bad seeds
God in the knowing of the source of both the goodness and the wickedness
Heart is the recepient for the goodness and wickedness
Throughout the year human beings are exposed to
various teachings and challenges
Challenges in the form of stress in life, busy at work
having to face those whimsical characters
At times dramatic tests do occur
Unexpected accidents
Witnessing, hearing to harmful matters
In addition, the results from these teachings and readings
do have a negative effects to the hearts of many
Exception for those close to God
His soul undisturbed and untouched
Challenges cause no harm to their soul
in fact, they move closer to God
With God's blessing and love
He commanded fasting in Ramdhan including other additional ibadahs
Ramadhan will help to restore the goodness
Damages in a year, only a month to restore
As if Ramdhan is a month for overhauling the human's heart
Like an overused car
with multiple faults especially the engine, requiring overhaul
Overhaul the only way to restore the car
which has not function satisfactorily
Human beings with corrupted heart and minds
attitudes and behaviours, restored through training in Ramadhan
Training in Ramadhan comes in a package
strengthening one another
followed by recitations of Al Quran
Combined with various other good deeds
zikr, tasbih, tahmid, salawat and tafakur
giving alms and being generous are encouraged
Discussions to improve awareness
as well as how to nurture the strong ones
Allah Taala in the knowing of their goodness
as well as their wickedness
Naturally, God has provided human beings with the good and the bad seeds
God in the knowing of the source of both the goodness and the wickedness
Heart is the recepient for the goodness and wickedness
Throughout the year human beings are exposed to
various teachings and challenges
Challenges in the form of stress in life, busy at work
having to face those whimsical characters
At times dramatic tests do occur
Unexpected accidents
Witnessing, hearing to harmful matters
In addition, the results from these teachings and readings
do have a negative effects to the hearts of many
Exception for those close to God
His soul undisturbed and untouched
Challenges cause no harm to their soul
in fact, they move closer to God
With God's blessing and love
He commanded fasting in Ramdhan including other additional ibadahs
Ramadhan will help to restore the goodness
Damages in a year, only a month to restore
As if Ramdhan is a month for overhauling the human's heart
Like an overused car
with multiple faults especially the engine, requiring overhaul
Overhaul the only way to restore the car
which has not function satisfactorily
Human beings with corrupted heart and minds
attitudes and behaviours, restored through training in Ramadhan
Training in Ramadhan comes in a package
strengthening one another
followed by recitations of Al Quran
Combined with various other good deeds
zikr, tasbih, tahmid, salawat and tafakur
giving alms and being generous are encouraged
Discussions to improve awareness
Fasting during the day, solat plus the Taraweh at night
All these are the basis of mujahadah to fight the nafs
to determine if training in Ramadhan is successful or otherwise
Training in Ramadhan includes mujahadah, fasting, solat
together with Al Quran and other additional things
Mujahadah means strong will is required
compelled to do what's ordered
compelled to leave what's forbidden
To leave all forbidden both physical and spiritual
Mujahadah indicates being forced, feeling miserable
detestful, monotonous and tiring
All these are the basis of mujahadah to fight the nafs
to determine if training in Ramadhan is successful or otherwise
Training in Ramadhan includes mujahadah, fasting, solat
together with Al Quran and other additional things
Mujahadah means strong will is required
compelled to do what's ordered
compelled to leave what's forbidden
To leave all forbidden both physical and spiritual
Mujahadah indicates being forced, feeling miserable
detestful, monotonous and tiring
With a weak soul, the efforts may not proceed
or may be done half-heartedly
As such, mujahadah requires an encouraging incentive or stimulus
The incentive is fasting of both the hearts and minds
solat done full heartedly
teachings of Al Quran which are understood and enlivened
Part of training from solat, increase of feelings of subservience
and refinement of godly feelings
Part of training from Al Quran, in it there are good news
reminders, good examples plus enlightment and realisation
Training from fasting includes feeling of weakness, subservience
understanding, enlightening and realisation
From the 3 training package, prime objective is
to be the incentive or stimulus to strengthen the soul, nurture the soul and firming the faith
When the soul is strong, nurtured, mujahadah will be strong as well
when the soul is strong and Ramadhan's hikmah is nurtured
from the 3 training package, mankind can be developed
When Ramadhan's hikmah is achieved,
extraordinary human beings will be born
Indicating, those being overhauled during Ramadhan
will return to his pure soul
An extraordinary human being appears
One with true feelings of subservience
with humility, patience, acceptance, love and care
understanding, generous, cooperative
Shyness is his attire, tawakal is his emotions, solid faith
When all these attributes possessed, mazmumah automatically destroyed
Arrogance, greediness, stingy, anger, jealousy
grudges, praise-crazy, name-crazy, all would be gone
They are the ones winning and successful with training in Ramadhan
Ramadhan passing, human beings returning to the naturally pure soul
Only they are eligible to celebrate eid
As success in returning to pure soul
Eidul Fitr is the name
Eidul Fitr means returning the soul back to its purity and genuine
If the soul is pure and genuine throughout the year
For the next Ramdhan
It would be only for providing better shine, not for overhaul
This is Ramadhan's training, many failed
only a few succeed.
25.11.2002
or may be done half-heartedly
As such, mujahadah requires an encouraging incentive or stimulus
The incentive is fasting of both the hearts and minds
solat done full heartedly
teachings of Al Quran which are understood and enlivened
Part of training from solat, increase of feelings of subservience
and refinement of godly feelings
Part of training from Al Quran, in it there are good news
reminders, good examples plus enlightment and realisation
Training from fasting includes feeling of weakness, subservience
understanding, enlightening and realisation
From the 3 training package, prime objective is
to be the incentive or stimulus to strengthen the soul, nurture the soul and firming the faith
When the soul is strong, nurtured, mujahadah will be strong as well
when the soul is strong and Ramadhan's hikmah is nurtured
from the 3 training package, mankind can be developed
When Ramadhan's hikmah is achieved,
extraordinary human beings will be born
Indicating, those being overhauled during Ramadhan
will return to his pure soul
An extraordinary human being appears
One with true feelings of subservience
with humility, patience, acceptance, love and care
understanding, generous, cooperative
Shyness is his attire, tawakal is his emotions, solid faith
When all these attributes possessed, mazmumah automatically destroyed
Arrogance, greediness, stingy, anger, jealousy
grudges, praise-crazy, name-crazy, all would be gone
They are the ones winning and successful with training in Ramadhan
Ramadhan passing, human beings returning to the naturally pure soul
Only they are eligible to celebrate eid
As success in returning to pure soul
Eidul Fitr is the name
Eidul Fitr means returning the soul back to its purity and genuine
If the soul is pure and genuine throughout the year
For the next Ramdhan
It would be only for providing better shine, not for overhaul
This is Ramadhan's training, many failed
only a few succeed.
25.11.2002
After Taraweh
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Al-sabru diya'ul Ramadhan
[The pure Light of Ramadhan]
By Ibn Salik
Bismillah
Muqaddeemah
ALLAH said:
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you in order for you to gain TAQWA [God consciousness]…"
[surah al baqarah:183]
The meaning of Fasting
The word fasting in Arabic is Asy-Siyaam or As Saum, fasting also mention in certain kitaab as al Imsak [to refrain from eating and drinking]. Basically, fasting generally means to abstain from something. What it means here is abstaining from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset with the explicit intention of doing so (for the sake of Allah). [Kitab At ta’leem fee Ramadhan wa Syawwal- Tahqeeq by Maryam Syafie]
The Prophet (s) named fasting "the poor-tax of the body" (zakat al-jasad) and he named it "a shield" (al-siyamu junna) and also "half of restraint" (al-sabru nisfu al-sawm), and he named restraint "pure light" (al-sabru diya'). [Istaqbalu Shahri Ramadhan by Shaykh G.F Haddad]
Imam Ash Sya’ranie mention in his book called Salabus Salaam Volume 2:151 explain;
“…to refrain oneself from eating and drinking and sexual intercourse and other actions that has been forbidden [by the Creator] and to refrain from doing it during the day, according to what has been sent down. And to refrain someone by talking about things which are useless or utter vulgar words. And speaking on matter which has been haraam [forbidden] and makruh [offensive] on certain time and with certain condition…â€
As Saum also can be translate as; an obedience that arises from a sense of fear towards ALLAH s.w.t that helps to prevent from khateeah [bad / evil action]
The Virtues of Fasting
[Fiqh As Sunnah, Volume 3, Page 107a:]
Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, saying:
"Allah said: 'Every action of the son of Adam is for him except fasting, for that is solely for Me. I give the reward for it.' The fast is a shield. If one is fasting, he should not use foul language, raise his voice, or behave foolishly. If someone reviles him or fights with him he should say, 'I am fasting,' twice. By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the [bad] breath of the one who is fasting is better in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection than the smell of musk. The one who is fasting is happy at two times: when he breaks his fast he is happy with it, and when he meets his Lord he will be happy that he has fasted." [This is related by Ahmad, Muslim, and an-Nasa'I]
A similar version was recorded by al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud, but with the following addition: "He leaves his food, drink, and desires for My sake. His fasting is for Me... I will give the reward for it, and for every good deed, he will receive ten similar to it."
'Abdullah ibn 'Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:
"The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad related this hadith with a sahih chain].
Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."'[This hadith is related by Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim who classified it as sahih]
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further away from his face." [This is related by "the group," except for Abu Dawud.]
Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet said: "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [This is related by al Bukhari and Muslim.]
The Virtues of Ramadan and the Deeds Done During It
[Fiqh As Sunnah, Volume 3, Page 109]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: "The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it, the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates to hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]." [This is related by Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Baihaqi.]
Categories of Fasting
There’s two type of fasting, obligatory and voluntary. In this case, we will cover the obligatory fasting.
As mentioned by Imam Ghazali [may ALLAH have mercy on his soul] in his book called Ihya’ U’lummuddeen. There are 3 types of people who fast.
Awwaamul Musleemin
2. Saumul Khusus
3. Saumul khusul khusus
Practices that you can do in the month of Ramadhan
1. Recitation of the Quraan with full understanding of its meaning and its context
2. Qiamul Layl [Solat Taraweh]
3. I’teekaf [retreat] in the masjeed
4. Sadaqah [giving charity]
Some Hadiths on Zakat ut-Tatawwu [Voluntary Sadaqah]
[Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3 Page 98: Types of Sadaqah]
The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:
"Every Muslim has to give sadaqah." The people asked: "O Prophet of Allah, what about the one who has nothing?" He said: "He should work with his hands to give sadaqah." They asked: "If he cannot find [work]?" He replied: "He should help the needy who asks for help." They asked: "If he cannot do that?" He replied: "He should then do good deeds and shun evil, for this will be taken as sadaqah." This is related by al-Bukhari and others
It is related following Abu Zhar that the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:
"Sadaqah is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." It was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, from what do we give sadaqah every day?" He said: "The doors of goodness are many--the tasbih [to say 'Subhaan-Allah'], the tamhid [to say 'Alhamdu lillah'], the tahlil [to say 'La-ilaha-illallah], enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are sadaqah prescribed for you." This is related by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih. Al-Bukhari related it in a shortened form and added in his report: "Your smile for your brother is sadaqah. Your removal of stones, thorns, or bones from the paths of people is sadaqah. Your guidance of a person who is lost is sadaqah."
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
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
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
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
Monday, September 26, 2005
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 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
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
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
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.
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
Sunday, September 25, 2005
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?
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.
Monday, September 19, 2005
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
Sunday, September 11, 2005
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.
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
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.
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