Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 125

U Masjid (9): Nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...

Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Dialah (Allah) yang menciptakan bagi kamu pasangan-pasangan (jodoh) daripada makhluk (jenis) kamu sendiri agar kamu condong kepadanya dan berasa tenteram dengannya. Kemudian Allah menciptakan kasih dan sayang antara kamu." (Surah Ar Rum: 21) 
SEMPENA cuti Tahun Baharu Cina, ada banyak kenduri kahwin. Saya sekeluarga menerima beberapa undangan, salah satunya ke rumah saudara di Terengganu. Di sana, untuk bermalam saya memilih tidur (beriktikaf) di masjid.
Berbaring seorang diri dalam dewan solat masjid pada malam sunyi sepi, membolehkan saya muhasabah diri. Subhanallah, malam itu saya rasa 'nak terkencing saja' - ini bukan bermakna saya 'takut' tetapi sebagai penghidap kencing manis saya tahu ia mungkin petanda kandungan gula dalam darah saya tinggi disebabkan terlalu banyak makan dan minum pada siangnya.
Jam 12.00 tengah malam saya ke tandas. Jam 1.00 pagi sekali lagi; demikian juga pada jam 2.00, 3.00, 4.00 dan 5.00 sebelum laungan azan sejurus selepas 6.00 pagi. Tandas jauh pula dari tempat 'lepak' saya tetapi disebabkan 'tidak tahan punya pasal' saya pergi juga.
Ya, malam itu saya tidur-tidur ayam saja. Namun, alhamdulillah disebabkan tidak tidur 'banyak hal' yang boleh saya lakukan, antaranya merenung diri. Apabila ke rumah orang kahwin, eloklah saya berceloteh bab suami isteri dan keluarga sekalipun  kini saya bergelar 'pengantin tua'. Ahh, tak tahulah jika pada masa depan ada 'can' menjadi pengantin baru sekali lagi. Syyy, diam-diam nanti marah pulak orang rumah!
Pada majlis perkahwinan saudara itu, saya melihat pengantin sejoli berbual mesra. Abang sayang, adik sayang. Kelihatan sungguh bahagia mereka yang muda belia itu. Sebelum nikah, mereka 'sorang-sorang' kini sudah berdua. Insya-Allah mereka kemudian akan menjadi 'tiga', 'empat', 'lima' dan seterusnya.
Ketika duduk di tangga masjid dalam kegelapan malam, tersedarlah saya bahawa kisah 'manis' saya menjadi pengantin sudah lama berlalu, sudah hampir 30 tahun rupanya. Sekarang, sedarlah diri kata sesetengah orang kerana kubur kata mari sedangkan dunia kata pergi!
Saya merenung diri. Lebih 30 tahun dulu saya seorang diri (bujang trang tang tang). Harta pun hampir tak ada. Yang ada motor kapcai Yamaha Cup yang dibeli secara 'second hand'. Ke mana-mana saya dengan kapcai buruk. Meredah kota dan desa semuanya secara 'lone ranger'.
Kemudian Allah SWT campakkan rasa suka dan berkenan pada seorang 'awek' sepenggajian di U tetapi berlainan tahun. Rasa-rasa dia pun suka pada kita. Dipendekkan cerita akhirnya kami pun kahwin; daripada 'lone ranger', 'kami' sudah berdua rupanya. Apabila dah kahwin, dapat pakai kereta pula walaupun yang 'second hand' juga. Tak nampakkah kita nikmat Allah yang melimpah luah kepada diri kita?
Bersyukurlah kepada-Nya...belajarlah untuk merasai nikmat itu. Firman Allah SWT dalam Surah Ar-Rahman,  Fa bi ayyi ālā'i Rabbikumā tukażżibān  yang bermaksud; maka nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...

Allah SWT mengulangi ayat ini sebanyak 31 kali, tetapi masa 'muda-muda dulu' saya macam tak mengerti. Siang malam asyik bekerja. Mengejar dunia. Kata orang mementingkan karier saja. Tetapi dalam kesibukan begitu, daripada berdua, 'kami' sudah menjadi tiga, kemudian berempat, berlima, berenam dan setakat ini berakhir pada bertujuh saja.
Dari segi pemilikan harta pula, daripada kereta 'second hand' sudah bertukar kepada yang baru, jenis sedan; selepas itu ditambah lagi dengan kenderaan yang boleh memuatkan tujuh orang. Kediaman pula daripada rumah sewa sudah ada rumah sendiri kemudian di'renovate' lagi, menjadi luas dan selesa. Tak cukup dengan itu pasang 'air condition' pula. Ya,  Fa bi ayyi ālā'i Rabbikumā tukażżibān  (maka nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...)
Teringat saya ketika mula-mula 'terdampar' di Kuala Lumpur ketika mula bekerja pada 1985. Mula-mula cuma ada katil dalam dormitori di ibu pejabat GPMS di Jalan Mahameru. Kemudian berkongsi bilik di sebuah flat di Bangsar, akhirnya baru ada bilik diduduki 'sorang-sorang'. Ertinya berlaku berlaku peningkatan dalam mutu penghidupan. oleh itu,  Fa bi ayyi ālā'i Rabbikumā tukażżibān  (maka nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...)
Dari segi jumlah wang simpanan di bank atau saham di ASN atau ASB, saya percaya 'pengantin veteran' memiliki wang yang sudah bertambah angkanya; mungkin RM100,000 (seratus ribu), RM500,000 (lima ratus ribu) atau RM1,000,000 (satu juta) atau lebih, sedangkan dulu masa bujang bakinya selalu kurang daripada RM100 (satu ratus) atau RM10 saja, cakap nak 'minang' anak dara orang pun sudah 'terketar-ketar'. Ya, demikian 'sengkeknya' kebanyakan daripada kita masa bujang dulu, tetapi sekarang? Oleh itu hayatilah sepenuh hati apabila Allah SWT bertanya... Fa bi ayyi ālā'i Rabbikumā tukażżibān  (maka nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...)
Ingatan keras seorang ustaz dalam tazkirahnya saya jadikan kesimpulan celoteh U Masjid kali ini. Katanya: "Sungguh, terlalu banyak nikmat Allah SWT sudah kita nikmati: yang belum kita rasai hanya MASUK KUBUR, oleh itu bersiap sedialah!"  Fa bi ayyi ālā'i Rabbikumā tukażżibān  (maka nikmat Tuhan kamu manakah yang kamu dustakan...)

Let's adjust to change...

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Reflection

The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort 
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
LAST Tuesday morning (17th January) I went to a government community clinic about 15 kilometers away from my house for my regular diabetes and hypertension medical check up. After waiting for half an hour, I was called to Room 9 where a young male doctor was waiting. 
While examining me with a stethoscope, the young doctor shocked me, saying that my heart was not beating 'healthily'. He politely told me to go to Room 5 to have my heart check up. There a nurse placed electrodes on my body which later on I knew as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) procedure.
ECGs show the functioning of the heart's electrical system. Twelve electrodes are carefully placed on the skin to pick up the electrical pattern which can give information about the heart's ability to contract, the size of the heart, and the speed at which the heart is beating. Changes in the heart's electrical signature on an ECG may indicate a previous heart attack or other cardiac condition. An ECG shows the heart's electrical activity as line tracing on paper.
After having my 'papers' readied, I went back to the young doctor's room. He held up the 'papers' of my previous ECG test and the latest one and showed me their differences. The 'waves' (spikes and dips in the tracings) of the former was about even but the latter had 'high spikes' at regular intervals.
After 'more questioning and examining', finally the doctor set an appointment for me to undergo for another ECG test in a month time - cautioning me not to hesitate to go the emergency department of the state hospital if the need arises.
In 2002 at the age of 40 I was diagnosed of having diabetes and from the recent test (15 years later) when I will turn 55 this February, it was regarding my heart - I was hoping that 'the fast beating' of the heart was 'a false sign'.  But could that be a sign that I was about to enter the world of 'old age'?
I must admit that I was down, but at home as I sat down, doing reflection and looking at some 'positive thinking leaflets' and my old notes, I knew I must not succumb to my own feelings. 
A message written on a notebook left by an unknown person at a hotel room I stayed recently rose the spirit in me. It reads: "Always a better day tomorrow, so don't worry, enjoy what you have now!"
A leaflet by 'Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia' (Malaysia Health Ministry) which I picked up recently read:
Practise good mental health (Let's adjust to change)
Old age is another phase in the journey of life. Life for the elderly can be filled with positive and meaningful experiences.
Let's adjust to :-
Feeling of loneliness, isolation and abandonment arising from:* Loss of your spouse* Loss of your friends* Children leaving home* Loss of independence due to immobility
Financial difficulties arising from:* Loss of income following retirement* Increasing expenditure due to cost of medication and aids/equipments
Changes to your body:* Movement and reaction time slow down* Failing memory* Stiffening joints and weakened muscles* Eyesight and hearing become poorer* Changes in sleep pattern
Early warning signs that show you are not adjusting well:-* Losing your temper easily* Feeling tired all the time* Getting worried easily* Persistent feeling of sadness* Difficulty in coping with everyday activities* Forgetfulness* Changes in sleeping patterns* Changes in eating habits
Suggestions for good mental health
Talk to someone when you have problems:-* Sharing your problems helps you to cope better
Make friends:-* Meet up with old friends* Get involved in activities, societies or hobby clubs
Keep yourself occupied:-* Reading* Share interests with neighbours, relatives, family and friends
Keep you body healthy:-* Exercise regularly* Eat healthily* Drink plenty of water
Do things with your family, maintain a good family relationship:-* Go for walks, meals, movies* Share your hobbies* Discuss issues
Be realistic about changes in:-* Physical abilities e.g. strength* Memory* Concentration
Be aware of your rights as they may make life easier:-* Senior citizens discounts* Healthcare* Financial assistance* Welfare aid
Looking at my notes I took during 'tazkirah' (classes) at several 'masjids' around my house, what have the 'ustazs' (religious teachers) have to say about diseases and old age? Yes, what's the Islamic viewpoints about them?
An 'ustaz' said we must 'reda' (accept willingly) if we are diagnose with a certain disease...it is an 'ujian' (trial) from Allah SWT. In fact we should recite 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return) when we first heard about it.
He said if we could 'sabar' (be patience) with the 'ujian', 'insya-Allah (God Willing), He would raise our ranks. The 'ustaz' said many people only remember Allah SWT when they are in distress thus Allah SWT gave them 'trials' so that they could mention His name. How true because when ones fall sick, he/she would cried: "Ya Allah or Ooo Allah, please help me!"
Another 'ustaz' said: “At the brink of old age you will realize that the ‘nikmat’ (gift) of God will be taken away from you one by one. One ‘nikmat’ is we have to give way on food."
He said one will realize that his/her teeth would start falling, so he/she would have the ‘nikmat’ of eating good but ‘tough’ food such as beef declining as the days went by and when one is tested positive for having hypertension and is confirmed a diabetic then his/her ‘normal’ diet would have to go as well. 
Then it is the time for ‘no more sugar please’ or please, no ‘kambing’ (mutton) for me.’ So you would realize that the ‘nikmat’ of having good food was being taken away from you. 
As you get matured religiously, you will realize that everything you ‘own’ would not ‘stick’ with you. Your black and beautiful hair would be gone, being replaced by ‘silver’ ones; your body and bones would ache; your youthful look gone gone and when you look at the mirror an old tired face would stare back at you!” 
At times while reminiscing our fate including our lost ‘ability and beauty’, we would question ourselves; why were we sent into this world and where we are heading for? 
On why we were sent into this world, in Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 (The Winnowing Winds) Allah SWT says, with the meaning; “I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me.” Yes, human existence along with jinn is to worship Allah SWT. 
"Then would came a fateful day when your 'roh' (soul) leaves your body. Your body would be buried six feet underground in your grave. So everything would vanish from you except for one that is ‘Islam’. If you are a practising Muslim, your ‘amal’ (good deeds) would be by your side, but if you don’t have any…how are you going to face those days which is 'kekal' (forever)…,” says the ‘ustaz’.
So we have to be ‘syukur’ (thankful to Allah SWT) for being Muslims. And among human being to whom should we be thankful in bringing us on the straight path as Muslims? He is none other than Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. 
Only ‘Islam’ (our ‘amal’or work) would help us when we are buried deep inside our graves – everything else would vanish from us; where would be our status, power, posts, positions, youthful looks, strengths, cleverness, monies, luxury cars, bungalows, lands and so on; they are of no help at all. *
But the Prophet s.a.w. had given us the assurance that after death there would be three things that could continously benefit a person: 1) sadaqa (charity) 2) knowledge that he spreads, and 3) children who pray for him. So 'grab' these things before it is too late! 

Jemaah haji 1MDB ‘potong giliran’?

DENGAN Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.

Renungan
Dirawikan daripada Ali r.a. bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda yang maksudnya: "Jika manusia telah membenci orang-orang fakir dan berseronok dengan dunia serta memburunya untuk mengumpulkan wang, maka Allah akan memanah mereka dengan empat hal; masa yang di mana krisis ekonomi, penguasa zalim, pemegang hukum berkhianat dan tipu daya daripada para musuh."
SETIAP tahun sejak 2011 lebih 1,000 jemaah terpilih dari seluruh negara menunaikan fardu haji di bawah Program Khas Haji Perdana Menteri-Yayasan 1Malaysia Development Berhad (PKHYABPM-1MDB). Perkara ini dibidas oleh bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad baru-baru ini.
Lazimnya calon terpilih adalah imam, bilal, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) dan pemimpin masyarakat setempat. Jemaah ini selain ditanggung kos menunaikan haji, diberikan wang saku RM1,000 seorang bagi kegunaan sepanjang tempoh menunaikan haji.
Umum mengetahui pada setiap musim, jemaah haji ke Tanah Suci adalah berdasarkan kuota satu peratus daripada jumlah penduduk sesebuah negara; pada tahun ini (2017) dijangka 27,800 orang akan berangkat ke sana.
Disebabkan jumlah rakyat yang terlalu ramai berhajat menunaikan haji, Tabung Haji melaksanakan pendaftaran haji…siapa daftar awal diberikan giliran terdahulu. Mungkin pendeposit Tabung Haji yang mendaftar sekarang, giliran mereka adalah pada tahun-tahun 2080-an!
Bagi jemaah yang namanya ‘sudah naik’ untuk ke Tanah Suci, dikehendaki mengikuti kursus haji bersiri setiap minggu mungkin sampai 15 kali. Namun ini tidak bermakna mereka sudah ‘confirm’ ke Tanah Suci. Kemudian ada kursus haji perdana lagi, pendeknya cabaran untuk disahkan menjadi tetamu Allah adalah terlalu hebat.
Malah ada yang nama mereka sudah tersenarai (termasuk yang sudah diberikan rantai tangan) dibatalkan pemergian mereka ke Tanah Suci. Seorang ustaz bercerita, ada seorang jemaah datang kepadanya, menangis teresak-esak menyatakan dia menerima panggilan telefon menyatakan dia tidak dapat 'lampu hijau' ke Tanah Suci sehari sebelum dia dijadualkan berlepas. Maka menangislah dia mengadu nasib.
Pada musim haji sebelum ini, seorang jemaah yang mendapat panggilan pengesahan ke Tanah Suci pada 'last minute' mengadu: "Kenduri sudah saya buat sebulan lsebelum itu. Hampir setiap kali ke masjid, jemaah akan bertanya; 'ehh tak berangkat lagi?' Saya naik malu dibuatnya. Syukur, alhamdulillah dapat juga saya ke Tanah Suci."
Dia menyindir dengan berkata: "Orang macam kita ini sudah lama mendaftar. Sudah dipilih dan disenaraikan. Sudah ikut kursus termasuk kursus haji perdana. Namun Tabung Haji tidak mengesahkan tarikh pemergian kita sehingga 'last minute'. Ada orang tak mendaftar pun. Tak ikut kursus pun. Tak berhajat pun nak pergi haji. Tup-tup dia dapat surat suruh dia bersedia pergi haji. Ini apa hal ni?"
Jemaah ini merujuk kepada jemaah haji program 1MDB. Mereka didakwa ‘memotong giliran’ jemaah yang sudah ada dalam senarai. Beliau mendakwa itulah sebabnya mengapa sukar benar pegawai Tabung Haji hendak 'release' nama dan tarikh jemaah yang dapat pergi haji. Kasihan petugas Tabung Haji. Mereka kena ikut arahan atasan sedangkan jemaah asyik menghubungi mereka, bertanya, "dapat ke tak dapat" atau "bila nak berangkat ni?" 
Pening juga petugas Tabung Haji. Ada 'tangan ghaib' lebih berkuasa yang membolehkan ribuan jemaah pergi tanpa ikut proses biasa - mendaftar, menunggu bertahun-tahun lamanya; orang 'terpilih' ini tup-tup saja dapat pergi haji...ewah begitu mudah sekali.
Seorang jemaah lain memberi cadangan ini: "Kalau nak bagi hadiah kat orang-orang yang banyak jasa dan bakti itu, bagilah mereka buat umrah, kan umrah itu boleh dibuat bila-bila masa. Untuk haji ini bagilah orang yang benar-benar nak buat haji, mereka dah lama menunggu, kasihanilah mereka...ada lebih 900,000 orang dalam senarai menunggu. Apa pasal orang tak mendaftar haji pun boleh pergi dulu?"

U Masjid (8): Kaedah pengajian di masjid di takuk lama?

Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Dialah (Allah) yang menciptakan bagi kamu pasangan-pasangan (jodoh) daripada makhluk (jenis) kamu sendiri agar kamu condong kepadanya dan berasa tenteram dengannya. Kemudian Allah menciptakan kasih dan sayang antara kamu." (Surah Ar Rum: 21) 
SELEPAS tujuh kali berceloteh mengenai kisah-kisah di persekitaran masjid, pada kali ini izinkan saya mengutarakan komentar seorang pembaca.
Singgah Abbekar menulis: Saya yang selalu mengikuti tulisan tuan di mana-mana ada kesempatan, berkeyakinan bahawa tuan seperti saya tidak mendapat didikan Islam secara formal. 
Tentunya sebagai seorang Islam, kita tidak buta tentang addin yang kita anuti. Kalau kita 'kaki masjid', waktu di antara Mahgrib dan Isyak saban malam kita dapat mengikuti pengajian walaupun hanya sebagai pendengar atau sesekali terlena juga.
Kalau rajin kita boleh bergerak dari satu masjid ke masjid lain untuk memilih guru atau kandungan pengajian yang disampaikan terutama apabila kitab lama yang dibaca itu telah beberapa kali khatam.
Saya membawa persolan ini apabila memikirkan kandungan, metod dan strategi pengajaran dan pembelajaran yang tak pernah berubah berdasarkan pengalaman saya yang sudah berumur lebih setengah abad. 
Keadaan ini pada saya amat berkait rapat dengan dominasi ke atas masjid oleh segolongan orang yang meletakkan diri mereka dalam kelasnya yang tersendiri.
Selain kelompok ini (mungkin orang muda muak dengan mereka kot), pihak berkuasa juga terlalu menyekat campur tangan orang luar daripada kelompok ini selain membataskan fungsi masjid itu sendiri. Sebagai contoh, jika ada anak muda yang ada suara ala Mawi untuk sesekali melaungkan azan, ada sesetengah jawatankuasa masjid tidak membenarkannya.
Begitu pula dengan ramai lulusan agama, dari luar atau dalam negara, tidak mendapat kesempatan yang baik untuk menyampaikan kuliah mereka dengan pendekatan yang mungkin lebih segar dan menarik. 
Lalu golongan ini selalunya mencari alternatif lain dengan membuka tempat-tempat pengajaran bukan di masjid seperti di surau-surau, markas-markas atau pusat-pusat tarbiah yang dibina secara persendirian. 
Lecehnya, tempat-tempat ini selalunya dipandang serong oleh segolongan umat Islam terutama pak lebai dan orang-orang penting di sesebuah kampung itu. Tuan juga barangkali amat menyedari keadaan ini bilamana terdapat perbezaan aliran pendapat dan pandangan dua pihak.
Jadinya, saya amat mengkagumi cadangan daripada tuan untuk mempelbagaikan penyampaian dakwah terutama melalui ICT. Paling mengembirakan saya ialah apabila tuan memberi ingatan bahawa dakwah itu menjadi kewajipan setiap Muslim termasuk tuan dan juga saya. 
Amat sedih tuan, apabila sesetengah orang yang balik dari luar negara dengan gelaran ustaz dengan ilmu agama penuh di dada tetapi tidak terlibat dengan masyarakat disebabkan peraturan sosial tertentu di kampung-kampung di kebanyakan kawasan dalam negara kita pada hari ini. Wassallam.

Faiz Subri...an open letter from a 'pakcik' (uncle)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Reflection

The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort 
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.'SYABAS' to Mohd Faiz Subri, our 'next door boy' for winning the 2016 FIFA Puskas Award! The word 'syabas' is used in Malaysia and Indonesia meaning well done, congratulations. Thus it fits the scenario as Faiz is the first Asian to win the prestigious award in football.After his win, Wikipedia updated Faiz's profile: "Mohd Faiz Subri (born 8 November 1987) is a Malaysian footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Penang FA, a Malaysian Super League club. He is well-known for his free-kick goal which won him the 2016 FIFA Puskas Award."To supplement my information about Faiz, I took time to read articles from various sources including news portal and newspapers and by chance came across a comment entitled 'If only Faiz could speak' by Terence Netto of Malaysiakini.For his intro he wrote: "What’s the link between Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Malaysia’s footballer of the moment, Faiz Subri?"Both had their moments before a mega international audience and both fluffed their lines - in English."Zahid Hamidi’s fumbles with English pronunciation at the United Nations general assembly last September and FIFA Puskas award winner Faiz’s embarrassing search for and halting delivery of the digital text of his acceptance speech in Zurich last night were sad commentaries on the state of English proficiency in the country."Time was when Malaysians were complimented on the standard of their English; now it is the stuff of embarrassment, not infrequently on the international stage, before a global audience."Among comments posted regarding this article were:* Terence Netto, using Faiz as an example to lament the drop in Malaysian's proficiency of English is certainly in bad taste and uncalled for. How many of those EPL, Europa League multi-millionaire players speaks good English?* Terrence, his football skills are 1000x better than yours. Don't see you winning any international awards for your English.
* I can see Terrence point here but I think comparing politicians with footballers is a bit off tangent. Furthermore, there are so many top South American football players who couldn't speak English at all but that doesn't make them less of a football player.
* I think this article is absolutely unfair to Faiz! He made us proud! It is a world class award and not a 'kampung' champion. Terence, I think you should be more expose to the world out there instead of staying in front of the computer and find fault on others. I will feel as proud as I am now even Faiz choose to deliver his speech in Malay! Language is just a tool for human to communicate. It is not a must to know English obviously! Everyone have their talent in different field. I think Faiz deserve the praises from all Malaysian instead of us - Malaysian poke fun at his English! It is totally unacceptable and ruin the celebrative mode among your fellow country man which is US, 'KITA'!Faiz is still in his twenties. Only at the end of this year he would celebrate his 30th birthday. More than 10 years I wrote an article entitled 'If I were in my twenties…' thus I was in the opinion that perhaps it may help Faiz to ponder about his future during this 'trying times' when some critics volleyed him with their 'overzealous shots'. Faiz's age is about the same as my eldest son who was born in 1989, thus please consider this note as an advise from a father or a 'pakcik' (uncle).In the article I wrote: I am now in my forties. But I wished, I was still in my twenties. If only I could use the time machine, and go back to those youthful years - the abundance of energy and spirit. Who knows, it would then change my outlook and the inside of me.Alas, it was only a dream because time flies quickly and never will be back. Scholars had divided time into three categories - yesterday (the past), now (present) and tomorrow (the future). To the thinking group of people, we have only the present because yesterday has gone and tomorrow nobody knows what would happen.
Yesterday was too far because it was history. But I would like to recollect some of the things that I did and what I should have done during my youthful years as a guideline to youths.Seek knowledge

Knowledge is the key to success.I am not saying education because from the general point of view, education is limited to obtaining a certificate, diploma, degree, masters or a PhD. May be I'm wrong(please do correct me), but after 'becoming an adult' (they say it begins at 40),I discovered that I know nothing in the sea of knowledge.
Human beings' knowledge is only like a drop of water in the vast oceans of knowledge so could you imagine how little we know compared to what we don't. After hundreds of lessons in mosques, 'suraus' and 'tazkirah' (religious talks), only then did I realize how I longed and craved for more and more knowledge.
If you know yourself (this could be obtained by seeking knowledge), only then you will know Allah SWT and the heavy responsibilities you shoulder in this world. Our existence is not without purpose or to 'suka-suka saja' (for play only). Each and every one of us holds higher responsibilities to God, the human race and in fact everything. Everyone is accountable for his actions, even if it is as small as an atomic part of substance.
So to youth out there, don't waste your time,grazing aimlessly at the empty sky. Fulfill your days seeking knowledge,for with knowledge, you will understand that everything you do, is to seek God's forgiveness and acknowledge His Greatness. For example when you stare at the empty sky and acknowledge Allah SWT's greatness in creating without pillars and feel how small you are, then you are in the right direction to have His Blessing in this world and the Hereafter.
When you realize this,you will understand, there is no such things as unemployment in Islam. There is so much to do and we are short of time to make them materialize. If we were to look at the Prophet as an example, he successfully preached Islam in 23 years - 13 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina, and died at the age of 63.If we were to look back at our past, we will realize that we had been wasting our time.If we are now in our forties and suppose we die at the same age as the prophet, we have about 20 years left to spend our lives.If we had done 'practically nothing' during our past 40 years, just imagine what could be done in our last 20 years.

Learn foreign languages

How I wish I could communicate and write in Arabic, Mandarin and other languages. To study Islam in depth for example, one needs to master Arabic because its source, for example the Qur'an is written in that language.Other than Arabic, many books on Islam are written in English, so it is an advantage to those who master this language.
So how I wish I could turn the clock back, back into my younger days so that I could benefit the lot of spare time to learn Arabic a few other foreign languages.To know only one language is not good enough because the more languages one masters, the more opportunities one has,including in gaining knowledge.

Conclusion

There were many more things I wish I had done in my youthful years like travelling ( around Malaysia and the globe), writing books and polishing up my reading of the Qur'an, but I didn't take them seriously. During those youthful years, money was the setback, but wise man used to say, if you have the will, you will have the way.
Time passed, and after getting married and blessed with children, I found out that I too am 'burdened' with family's matters that I don't have enough time and energy to fulfill some of my dreams. So to guys and girls out there, please don't waste your precious time, fill them with your treasured dreams, for when time passes, it was gone forever. That precious time will never return!***Now as I am about to turn 55 this February; I have this 'special advise' to Mohd Faiz, our 2016 FIFA Puskas Award winner - once again I must say 'syabas' but please do remember that our existence in this world including awards and praises heaped upon us is only on a temporary basis.As a 'pakcik', I sincerely hope that you would not be 'swept away' by the powerful currents of the glamorous world but take time off to spend with your family (I saw pictures of your wife and two beautiful children 'escorting' you at the airport) especially regarding the upbringing of the children. They are 'your assets' - insya-Allah (God Willing) if you could spend time - for example teaching them to read the Qur'an; say the Surah Al-Fatihah (The Opening) then hopefully when they were adults, each time they read the surah especially during 'solat' (prayers), you would gain rewards (pahala) from Allah SWT.Alas, 'pakcik' only knew this 'secret' when ;pakcik' was over 50 (when 'pakcik' was in the twenties, thirties and forties 'pakcik' was too busy to even go to 'masjids' and 'suraus' to attend 'takzirah' there); thus 'pakcik' hopefully hope that you Mohd Faiz would realize the situation - yes chase for both worlds (this temporary world and the Hereafter); from ayah 201 of Surah Al-Baqarah, we recited: "Our Lord! Give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." - ES

PRU: Tak tunai janji padah dunia, akhirat

Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Maafkanlah dan suruhlah (mengerjakan) yang makruf dan berpalinglah daripada orang-orang yang jahil." - Q.S. Al-A'raf: 199)
SELEPAS membaca akhbar alternatif seperti Suara Keadilan saya tidak membuangnya begitu saja. Kadang-kadang saya letakkan di rumah ibu bapa saya jadi dapatlah adik beradik, pasangan dan anak-anak masing-masing yang berkunjung, menatapnya.
Hasilnya memberangsangkan; ada yang dulunya tidak peduli kepada politik pembangkang mula menunjukkan minat. Insya-Allah dengan membuka minda dan hati dapatlah seseorang itu mengenal mana satu intan mana satu kaca. Ringkasnya satu cara terbaik menambah ilmu dan maklumat adalah melalui pembacaan.
Selain itu saya juga memasukkan akhbar berkenaan ke dalam raga motosikal di lokasi tumpuan ramai seperti di kawasan pakir pejabat. Suatu hari saya masukkan senaskhah Suara Keadilan dalam sebuah raga motosikal di kawasan parkir masjid.
Selang sehari ketika pulang bermotosikal dari masjid melalui jalan perkuburan masjid, saya dapati helaian naskhah Suara Keadilan itu bertaburan di atas kubur, ada antaranya di celah-celah batu nesan. Sungguh tak disangka ‘orang kubur’ pun minat membaca Suara Keadilan!
Hakikatnya, penerima Suara Keadilan itu begitu ‘allergic’ (benci) dengan akhbar itu dan ‘rakan-rakan sewaktunya', jadi dia telah membalingkannya di kuburan. Apabila ‘orang jenis’ ini dapat akhbar seumpama ini, mereka akan segera membuangnya tanpa ada rasa sedikit pun perasan untuk membacanya. Ertinya dari awal lagi mereka sudah menutup pintu hati masing-masing.
Alangkah ruginya orang sebegini tetapi itulah hakikat sebahagian daripada anggota masyarakat kita. Hati mereka sudah beku, kita cakap apa pun, isu 1MDB ke, ‘wang derma’ ke, Felda rugi ke, mereka tak peduli. Bagi mereka hanya parti yang berslogankan ‘dulu, kini dan selamanya’ yang betul sekalipun pemimpinnya didakwa tidak betul hatta oleh bekas pemimpin Nombor Satunya!
Bercakap mengenai pemimpin ini, pada ketika negara kita hampir mengadakan pilihan raya umum ke-14 (PRU-14), kita ingin mengingatkan pemimpin pembohong termasuk tidak menunaikan janji pilihan raya bahawa bohong itu adalah satu daripada tiga ciri orang munafik. Dua ciri lain ialah apabila berjanji dia mungkir dan apabila diberi amanah dia khianat.
Apabila seseorang membuat janji, perkara itu perlu ditepati. Hal ini perlu difahami pemimpin kerana mereka bertanggungjawab kepada banyak pihak (rakyat jelata) sedangkan janji orang kebanyakan mungkin membabitkan seorang atau beberapa individu saja. Jadi bahana pemerintah berdusta terhadap janji mereka adalah tersangat hebat; mereka akan dimalukan di dunia dan juga akhirat.
Ada banyak kes pemimpin tidak tunai janji. Misalnya sebelum pilihan raya umum harga minyak tak akan naik, tetapi naik juga. Janji nak buat projek, siap pasang papan tanda lagi tetapi selepas pilihan raya, sehingga papan tanda sudah runtuh, projek ‘habuk pun tarak’.
Kalau rakyat tak baca akhbar alternatif seperti Suara Keadilan, mana mereka tahu hal seperti ini. Ya, sesetengah mereka memang tak nak tahu, buktinya selepas ‘dihadiahkan’ akhbar ini, mereka campakkannya di kuburan!
Dalam kitab Bahru Al-Madzi (Syarah Mukhtashar Shahih At-Tirmizi, Juzuk 11) susunan Syeikh Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi ada dinyatakan Islam melarang keras imam (pemimpin) mungkir janji termasuklah janji kepada orang bukan Islam. Pemerintah yang menipu teramat besar dosanya, daripada Ibnu Umar, katanya: ‘Telah aku dengar Rasulullah SAW bersabda ia: “Bahawasanya orang yang menyalahi janji itu didirikan baginya bendera pada hari kiamat di punggungnya.”

Maka bendera itu diangkat tinggi atas kadar menyalahi janjinya kerana memasyhur kepada alim akan tabiatnya di dunia. Maka yang lebih besar bendera ialah bendera raja yang menyalahi janji dan diberitahu pada sekalian bendera itu dengan kata: “Inilah penyalahi janji si anu.”
Menyalahi janji itu haram, istimewa pula daripada orang yang mempunyai pemerintahan kerana menyalahi janjinya membawa kepada mudarat melampau kepada makhluk yang banyak.

Di dunia lagi pelanggar janji akan menerima balasan tetapi di akhirat mereka akan diberikan tanda (bendera) sebagai PENIPU dengan dimalukan pada sekalian makhluk. Pemimpin diberikan amanah, tetapi jika mereka khianat, mereka akan menerima pembalasan sungguh dahsyat!

Attracting 'mualaf' with 'zakat'

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Reflection

The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort 
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
CLAIM My Rebate - I saw this tagline on a piece of paper among pamphlets given to my wife when she paid her 'zakat' (tithe) at a state 'zakat' institution recently. 
She took the opportunity of the offer to settle her 'zakat pendapatan' ('zakat' on income) before December 31 among others because those who did so could claim rebate from their income tax for the new year which government servants and corporate workers usually settle in April.
Why give or pay 'zakat'? First it is Allah's order as it is the third (or fourth) article of the 'Rukun Islam' (Five Pillars of Islam). Ignoring paying 'zakat' when ones fulfills its requirements, then his/her faith is at jeopardy.
Scholars said all things belong to Allah SWT, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word 'zakat' is both 'purification' and 'growth'. Giving 'zakat' means giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.
Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Looking at another note of my wife's pamphlets, I noticed it mentioned about the eight classes of people (asnaf) who have right to receive 'zakat' - a group called 'muallaf' (the dictionary spelling is 'mualaf') caught my attention. The 'Kamus Perwira' defines 'mualaf'; as a person who newly converts to Islam.
In my wife's pamphlet notes, it mentioned that 'muallaf' means 'mereka yang dijinakkan hatinya atau yang diharapkan kecenderungan hatinya untuk menerima Islam...' (those who are attracted and keen to Islam but have not confessed the faith; by giving them 'zakat', hopefully they could be coaxed to embrace Islam).
This definition of 'muallaf' fits to what an 'ustaz' stressed during his 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson) at a 'masjid' near my house which I followed closely a few days ago. He said many people thought that 'mualaf' is a person or a group of people who had just embraced Islam - in short they were 'saudara baru' ('reborn' to the Islamic faith).
The 'ustaz' said it is true that a 'saudara baru' falls into the group of 'mualaf' and could have the 'zakat' money but in true sense those who are not yet Muslims (this term should be used and not non-Muslims) but interested in the religion are also 'mualaf' thus they too have the rights to be given 'zakat'.
Yes, it needs wisdom in da'wah including calling not yet Muslims to Islam and one way is by giving those interested in Islam the 'zakat' money. In Malay, it is call ‘berdakwah secara berhikmah’. In the Qur’an, there are many ‘ayats’ suggesting to do the da'wah work with wisdom. 
Among them in ayat 83 Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow): “…And speak to people good (words)…” (Qur’an 2:83); ayat 148 of Surah an-Nisa (Woman): “Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged…” (Qur’an 4:148); ayat 3 of Surah Ali Imran (Family of Imran): “…And if you had been rude (in speech) and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you…” (Qur’an 3: 159).

Then Allah SWT mentioned in ayat 53 of Surah al-Isra’ (The Night Journey): “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces (dissension) among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” (Qur’an 17:53); ayat 44 of Surah Taha: “And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear (Allah).” (Qur’an 20:44); and ayat 25 of Surah of Surah al-Furqan (The Criterian): “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them (harshly), the say (words of) peace.” (Qur’an 25:63)

Da'wah to the not yet Muslims should be done professionally - in ‘beautiful’ ways. In the Qur’an (ayat 125 Surah An-Nahl, The Bee), Allah SWT says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided.” (Qur’an, 16:125)
The 'ustaz' said one beautiful way of 'da'wah' to the not yet Muslims is by providing them good reading materials (nowadays materials at par with the ICT era) and to produce these materials we needed good financial assistance and one way is to have the 'zakat' money.
He said many of the not yet Muslims are poor in 'Bahasa' (Malay), why not we produced materials such as books and CDs in languages they are familiar with. Yes, we could produced books, pamphlets and leaflets in simple English, Chinese, Tamil, Iban and so on.
Alhamdulillah, nowadays many sectors including  non governmental organizations (NGOs) such as ABIM had produced numerous books, pamphlets and leaflets which were placed at locations such as at verandas of 'masjids'. 
However from my observation, those items placed at certain 'high profile' masjids such as Masjid Negara attract attention but they only collect dusts at other masjids. Thus, in my opinion, they should be placed at places that are of easy reach of the not yet Muslims especially among tourists such as at airports, hotels, bus terminals and railway stations. 
Regarding the result after doing ‘good da'wah work’ I was interested to quote comments from the Guest Book at Masjid Negara extracted from a pamphlet entitled ‘Mosque Tour Guide Programme by Islamic Outreach ABIM’ which I took from a rack recently.

“We learnt a lot about Islam that we didn’t know before.” – Linda & Ken Gulbrandsen, Norway

“I received a wealth of truths in this time of untruths.” – Vinay Kala, India

“My interest in Islam has grown.” – Misaa Makinchi, Japan

“All our questions were answered fully and in a friendly way.’ - Carly Bliss, England

“I feel truly blessed to receive the goodness and kindness of your religion.” – Milena Langd, Germany

“Open my eyes.” – Smonia; India

“Thanks so much for introducing me to Islam. Islam was really impressive.” – Sanne Kersken, Holland

“Good conversation with an awesome person.” – Lois Enrique, Mexico

“Very good, very, very super volunteer guide. Excellent.” – Ying, China

Subhanallah, it is so touching to know that many not yet Muslims were keen of the religion but the question is have we reach 'the millions out there'. 'Insya-Allah' we would be able to do so, perhaps with some 'zakat money' it would spruce our efforts. So zakat institutions, please take note! 

U Masjid (7): Kisah tahi cicak dan kahwin bidadari...

Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Dialah (Allah) yang menciptakan bagi kamu pasangan-pasangan (jodoh) daripada makhluk (jenis) kamu sendiri agar kamu condong kepadanya dan berasa tenteram dengannya. Kemudian Allah menciptakan kasih dan sayang antara kamu." (Surah Ar Rum: 21) 
AL-QURAN ada menyebut sejumlah binatang seperti labah-labah, semut dan lebah untuk dijadikan iktibar. Ada kisah menyatakan Namrud iaitu Raja Babylonia pada zaman Nabi Ibrahim a.s. mati selepas seekor nyamuk memasuki otaknya.
Kemudian ada kisah burung ababil yang memusnahkan tentera bergajah pimpinan Abrahah yang bercita-cita memusnahkan Kaabah. Kisah ini dirakamkan dalam Surah Al-Fil.
Berceloteh mengenai binatang ini, saya tertarik membicarakan hal cicak yang biasa kita temui di persekitaran masjid. Suatu malam ketika kuliah antara waktu maghrib-isyak di sebuah masjid saya duduk di beranda (disebabkan hal tertentu), bukan di dewan solat. 
Ketika mengikuti butir-butir perkataan dituturkan sang ustaz, saya memandang ke siling dan dinding masjid; terlihatlah saya seakan-akan satu 'pesta' sekurang-kurangnya 10 ekor cicak yang sedang 'mencari makan'.
Terpegun saya memerhatikan ketangkasan cicak-cicak itu memburu mangsanya. Cicak 'terlekap' di siling dan dinding tetapi sungguh menakjubkan bagaimana binatang yang tidak bersayap ini boleh menangkap mangsanya yang kebanyakannya berkepak seperti kelkatu. Subhanallah, binatang tak bersayap boleh makan haiwan bersayap. Fikir-fikirkanlah!
Cicak-cicak ini sentiasa 'bersedia' - menunggu mangsanya 'membuat sedikit kesilapan' atau 'lalai'. Apabila kelkatu bergerak 'terkonteng-konteng' di dinding, sepantas kilat sang cicak menerkam - hasilnya kenyanglah perutnya. Seekor dua cicak bertindak lebih berani dengan bergerak di lantai bagi mengejar kelkatu yang jatuh.
Daripada 'hal cicak' ini, pakar motivasi kerap mengingatkan kita - jika sang cicak yang tak bersayap itu pun boleh 'menikmati' daging binatang bersayap; apakah kita (manusia) yang dijadikan khalifah di dunia oleh Allah SWT tidak mampu membina kekuatan diri...hai takkan nak mengeluh saja...berusaha kuatlah bagi memenuhi impian diri...kalau nak ke syurga pun 'kena berusaha keras', tidak boleh berpeluk tubuh.
Saya perhatikan cicak-cicak yang banyak itu, 'menjatuhkan' najis yang banyak juga di lantai. Tahi-tahi cicak amat jelas kelihatan kerana lantai di beranda masjid itu adalah daripada jenis kayu parquet.
Sambil duduk-duduk itu timbullah ilham di kepala saya. Tahi cicak adalah najis dan mengotorkan masjid...jadi tidak mahukah saya mengambil 'tugas' untuk 'mengutip' tahi-tahi cicak untuk dibuang! 
Wah ini satu peluang keemasan; terfikir di otak saya untuk melakukan 'pekerjaan' ini secara tetap...terngiang-ngiang di telinga saya ada ustaz dalam ceramah mereka menyatakan membersihkan kotoran seperti membuang tahi cicak ibarat 'mas kahwin' (mahar) kita kepada bidadari di syurga nanti...aiii, awak tak nak 'kahwin' dengan bidadari ke?
Dulu masa kecil, selalu juga saya dengar 'orang' bercerita jika kita bunuh cicak terutama pada malam Jumaat, kita dapat pahala. Betulke? Ketika itu saya pun sudah jadi 'pembunuh cicak' dengan 'melastiknya' dengan 'lastik getah mainan'.
Apabila menginjak dewasa, saya semak hadis - memang betul ada hadis menyebutkan perkara itu. Antaranya, hadis yang diriwayatkan daripada sahabat Abu Hurairah, Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: “Barang siapa membunuh cicak dalam sekali pukul, maka ditulis untuknya 100 kebaikan, dan dalam dua kali pukulan kurang daripada itu (100 kebaikan), dan dalam tiga kali pukulan, kurang daripada itu.” (Hadis riwayat Muslim)
Hadis lain riwayat Imam Muslim menyatakan: “Sesungguhnya Nabi Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa sallam memerintahkan untuk membunuh cicak, dan Nabi Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam menamainya dengan nama Fawaisiqo (binatang jahat).” Sejak melihat cicak banyak di beranda masjid itu bermulalah 'tugas' saya 'mengutip' tahi-tahi cicak di beranda masjid terutama pada waktu subuh kerana faham-fahamlah ketika itu tahi cicak agak banyak selepas cicak-cicak itu 'berpesta' sepanjang malam.  Mula-mula saya gunakan berus dan bekas yang disediakan pihak masjid. Tetapi peralatan ini kerap tiada daripada ada. Al-maklumlah berus dan bekas ini 'sentiasa bergerak'...kejap berada di dalam ruang solat, kemudian di beranda, kemudian di tepi masjid, kemudian ghaib terus.
Akhirnya terfikirlah saya untuk membawa peralatan sendiri yang disimpan dalam kenderaan saya. Keadaan ini lebih menyenangkan. Sampai saja ke masjid, saya boleh memulakan 'tugas'. Kutip tahi cicak sebelum jemaah terpijak...kalau dah terpijak apa nak dikata...
Yalah, mula-mula 'cerita kahwin dengan bidadari' mengujakan kita untuk 'bekerja' membuang kotoran dari masjid. Kata orang ia 'bagai satu inspirasi'. Tetapi lama kelamaan, kita tak peduli lagi 'cerita bidadari itu'. 
Kita buat 'kerja' semata-mata kerana Allah Taala. Jika masa budak-budak kita boleh 'lastik' (bunuh) cicak sekarang ni apabila 'dah pencen' tak laratlah nak 'kejar' dan bunuh cicak, nanti cicak 'tertawakan' kita...jadi sekarang ini 'angkat' tahi cicak pun jadilah!

The free ride and ‘lecture’ on the MRT…

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Reflection

The Declining Day (Al-'Asr)
1. By the declining day,
2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss,
3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort 
one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance.
ALHAMDULILLAH (all praise belongs to Allah) I have tried the Mass Rail Transit (MRT) recently; travelling from the stations of Pusat Bandar Damansara to Sungai Buloh and back. 
It was a free ride; PM Najib Razak while officially launched Phase One of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line, the country’s first MRT line on December 16th said commuters would be given a free ride for a period of one month.  He too said the public is free to give their comments.
This section of the line involves 12 stations between the Sungai Buloh Station and the Semantan Station, namely Kampung Selamat, Kwasa Damansara, Kwasa Sentral, Kota Damansara, Surian, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara.
Before trying the MRT, I did some research on the internet and was glad to know the authorities provided shuttle buses – so on the early morning of ‘that historic day’ I went to the bus stand in front of the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) building in Jalan Raja Laut to catch that ‘special’ bus.
While sitting on the bench of the bus stand, a gentleman whom I guessed a Bangladeshi gave me a ‘salam’ and after waiting for almost half an hour, he loose patience and mumbled some words which I could not understand.
He then asked for my destination; well both of us were waiting for the ‘bas pengantara’ (feeder bus) to take us to the MRT station of Pusat Bandar Damansara.  After getting to know each other, we were at ease to talk about Islam and problems faced by the ‘ummah’ (Muslims).
So during the ride (which was also free) on the feeder bus which came about 15 minutes later and on the MRT we exchanged thoughts but it was the Bangladeshi who ‘dominated’ the conversation. I let him pour out his heart.
Only once I interrupted the Bangladeshi’s ‘lecture’.  I heard him saying, among others: “Brother, I came all the way from Bangladesh to Malaysia for what purpose….Yes I am here to heap as much money as I could. After my contract ends, I would take home all the money I have. Back home I will start a new life.
“Here in Malaysia we need to have the ringgit. With that money we could buy things for our needs…rice, salt, sugar and so on. Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are paid in ringgit. I have a wife and six children back home. Every month I sent them some money.
“There in Bangladesh, arm with the ringgit you could not spend your money. You need to have the ‘taka’.  Ringgit is worth to spend only in Malaysia while taka is acceptable only in Bangladesh. Now listen very carefully, if you need to have ringgit in Malaysia and taka in Bangladesh, oooh brother tell me what ‘currency’ is of value ‘to spend’ in the Hereafter?”
I was stunned to the Bangladeshi far sighted views.  I only replied that we needed ‘pahala’ (rewards for good deeds) in the Hereafter. I then looked around; there were only a few commuters on the train. The MRT run and passed towns and housing estates …the Bangladeshi continued his lecture:
“Yes, it is ‘pahala’. We need ‘pahala’ in the Hereafter as we need money in this world. It is okay for us to heap as much money as we could. But remember dear brother, we must obtain the money by the ‘halal’ (permissible) way. The food that entered our mouths and stomachs must be ‘halal’ and obtain from ‘halal’ sources.  Our wives and children must be fed with ‘halal’ food derived from the ‘halal’ money we earned hard from our work…
“The problem in Bangladesh, corruption is too bad. Corruption destroys our country.  Here in Malaysia, I see the main problem is ‘zina’ (adultery). Leaders fall because of women. If this trend is not check, it will also destroy the country.”
The ‘lecture’ by the Bangladeshi reminded me about my own lecture notes which I had compiled over the years. Among others, I noted that our 'worldly treasures' including houses, cars, money and businesses would of no use in the Hereafter. The much sought items there are ‘iman’ (faith) and good deeds; unfortunately the Hereafter is not a place to do good deeds but a place to reaped ‘our best crop’ grown on earth! 
The world 'is only a stepping stone' for one to gather as much as 'benefits' as possible to be taken to the Hereafter. It is only a place to sow seeds but the fruits shall be reaped in the Hereafter. The duration of our life in the world (say 60-70 years) is only about two and a half hours compared with the next world which is for eternity. 
Our temporary life here is only a life of probation, for perpetual life in the Hereafter. All life ends in death. Therefore, let us remember that a certain time is fixed for us when we will be abandoned to the darkness of our graves. We should be therefore, consider the passing life of this world as a means towards our ultimate goal. Yes, this material world is not the main object of our life but a means towards a higher goal.
So it is really a very big mistake we put so much effort for our worldly gains and benefits in this world but forget our share in the Hereafter. Everything we heaped in this world would be left behind. The correct way is to follow the path shown by Allah SWT. From the Quran (Surah al-Baqarah 2:201), we recited this popular 'du'a': 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar" with the meaning: "Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire."
Two of the best companions of the Prophets traded their worldly pleasures for the Hereafter. During a war campaign when the Prophets asked Muslims to help to finance it, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq gave all his properties while Umar Al-Khattab donated half of his belongings. To Abu Bakr, the Prophet s.a.w. asked: "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr answered: "God and His Prophet."
In the Qu'ran (Surah an-Nisa' 4.74), Allah SWT says: "So let those who trade the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in God's cause. Whoever fights in God's cause, whether he is killed or victorious, We will grant him a tremendous reward."
But there are people who seemed not to bother at all about their fate in the Hereafter. Many people even 'veterans' are madly in the 'rat race chase' - their lives are only to fulfill their worldly desires such as having a big house, a fleet of cars and lots of money stashed in banks.
Some seemed like animals; Allah SWT says in the Qur'an: They are like cattle, who only think about what it eats, and does not think about the future and prepare for another life. They are not only like cattle but even worse, because cattle obey Allah in reasons of its creation. This is reflected in Surah al-Furqan where it says: "They are only like cattle - nay, they are even further astray from the Path - even worse than cattle." (Al-Qur'an 25: 44)
Allah informs man about the insignificance and deceptive allure of the world in the Qur'an: "Know you (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: how rain and the growth which it brings forth delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And forgiveness from Allah and (His) good pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception? (Surat al-Hadid: 20)
Subhanallah, in life we begun with nothing...we brought nothing along with us but as the days turn into weeks, months, years and decades our 'properties' increased for example regarding vehicles, we started from owing a walker, then it is a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car and so on; but what is the state of our ‘imam’?
As children we stayed at our parents house, then we rented a room; after getting married we managed to rent a house, then we bought one, then had two or three houses or enlarge the former until the day when we die...we would be send to our 'deep and narrow graves' with nothing (worldly properties) attached to us...yes we were from zero and would be back to zero but this time around we would be answerable to all our actions in the world in the form of 'dosa' (sins) and 'pahala' (rewards)!
The Bangladeshi whom I befriended on the bus and MRT was right…his ‘lecture’ was priceless. It reminded me to be always on His straight path…but in my opinion his advice is not only for me but applicable to leaders of the country – well it is great for us to have ‘great projects’ like the MRT, the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) but all of them must be in ‘HALAL’ ways!

Akhiri sandiwara perkauman menjelang PRU-14

DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.

Renungan

Daripada Aisyah r.a., berkata: "Saya mendengar Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: 'Semua manusia dikumpulkan tanpa memakai alas kaki, telanjang dan belum dikhatan.' Aisyah bertanya; 'Apakah antara lelaki dan perempuan akan saling melihat antara satu dengan yang lain?' Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: 'Urusan pada hari itu lebih dahsyat daripada mementingkan hal-hal seperti itu.'" (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim)
NEGARA kita sudah hampir 60 tahun merdeka tetapi sungguh membimbangkan kerana persoalan perkauman masih membelenggu rakyat terutama apabila disemarakkan oleh pemimpin yang mahu berkuasa 'dulu, kini dan selamanya'.
Berbicara mengenai negara ini terutama menjelang pilihan raya umum ke-14 (PRU-14) , tidak lengkap jika tidak membicarakan komposisi kaumnya yang pelbagai itu - Melayu, Cina, India, Iban, Kadazan dan sebagainya. 
Hal ini termasuklah politik apabila kaum masing-masing pada asalnya diwakili oleh pertubuhan politik perkauman; seperti United Malay National Organization (Umno), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) dan Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).
Sekalipun ketiga-tiga parti ini bergabung membentuk dulunya Perikatan, kini Barisan Nasional (BN), perjuangan parti masing-masing adalah berdasarkan perkauman (desakan dan kehendak kaum masing-masing); hanya sedikit hal berhubung matlamat sama seperti mencapai kemenangan dalam sesuatu pilihan raya.
Sekalipun sedar akan keperluan sesuatu kaum memperjuangkan masa depan kaumnya, jika kita rujuk kepada Sirah Rasulullah SAW yang sewajarnya menjadi panduan setiap Muslim dan tatapan ‘non-Muslim’, baginda Rasul tidak pernah melaungkan semangat perkauman seperti "hidup Arab" atau "hidup Quraisy" (bagi kita "hidup Melayu" sambil menghunuskan keris dan sebagainya), tetapi membebaskan manusia daripada kejahilan dan kesesatan kepada hanya tunduk kepada Yang Maha Kuasa.
Baginda berhijrah dari Makkah ke Madinah dan kemudian kembali ke Makkah adalah bagi membebaskan bangsa Arab dan seluruh manusia daripada penjajahan dan penindasan sesama manusia dan bukan mengangkat martabat sesuatu bangsa seperti Arab ke puncak kuasa atau menguasai bidang kehidupan seperti ekonomi dan perluasan wilayah.
Hakikat Islam sebagai satu-satunya ajaran yang dapat membebaskan seluruh umat manusia dinyatakan dalam firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud; "tidaklah Aku utuskan engkau (Muhammad) melainkan untuk rahmat kepada sekalian alam." Di atas dasar inilah umat Islam menyebarkan risalah Allah ke seluruh pelosok alam.
Perihal kemerdekaan terutama tugas memerdekakan akidah manusia kepada mentauhidkan Allah SWT dinyatakan dengan jelas oleh Ruba’i bin ‘Umair, panglima tentera Islam ketika berhadapan dengan panglima Rustum dari Parsi; "Kami datang untuk membebaskan umat manusia daripada penyembahan selain daripada Allah, membebaskan manusia daripada kesempitan dunia kepada keluasan akhirat dan daripada kezaliman kepada keadilan. Barangsiapa yang menerimanya, kami akan kembali (tidak akan berperang dengannnya) tetapi bagi siapa yang enggan maka kami memerangi mereka sehingga Allah menunaikan janjinya."
Bagi kita, politik berasaskan perkauman kian menjauh dan tersasar daripada realiti perkembangan semasa. Apatah lagi dalam situasai sekarang, dengan perkembangan terlalu pantas di bidang teknologi maklumat, hampir semua perkara terdedah kepada pengetahuan umum dan dibahaskan semua peringkat rakyat saban masa. Oleh itu sebarang lontaran isu perkauman termasuk untuk mendapat sokongan undian kaum tertentu ketika pilihan raya akan hanya memakan diri dan lebih malang lagi mengundang negara dan manusia sejagat ke jurang kehancuran.
Di sini, kita melihat betapa murninya ajaran Islam dengan Allah SWT mengutus Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. untuk membawa rahmat kepada sekalian alam termasuk manusia. Baginda tidak diutuskan untuk kebahagiaan satu-satu kaum saja seperti orang Arab atau Quraisy tetapi membawa mesej kesejahteraan untuk semua - orang Islam, bukan Islam malah makhluk lain seperti jin, binatang dan tumbuh-tumbuhan. Lihatlah betapa indahnya peraturan dalam Islam seperti adab-abab peperangan dan penyembelihan bagi membuktikan bahawa ajaran Nabi Muhammad SAW itu adalah rahmat bagi sekalian alam.
Kewujudan negara-negara dengan sempadan sekarang ini adalah bikinan Barat untuk menunjukkan kekuatan dan melempiaskan kebongkakan mereka ke atas bangsa lain (bangsa jajahan). Dengan wujudnya situasi ini, maka bebaslah mereka mempromosi kekuasaan bangsa mereka ke atas bangsa lain; bagi mereka kaum di negara taklukan seperti Iraq dan Afghanistan tidak bernilai sesen pun sebab itu pembunuhan puluhan ribu orang di rantau ini tidak ada apa-apa kepada mereka sedangkan jika sejumlah kecil bangsa atau warga mereka terbunuh, mereka memburu pihak disyaki hingga ke lubang cacing dan melabel mereka sebagai pengganas.
Demikianlah tembelang dan temberang pejuang perkauman sama ada di dalam negara atau di luar negara kian terdedah, maka kepada Muslim dan Muslimat dinasihatkan agar kembali kepada ajaran Islam bawaan Rasulullah SAW kerana hanya itu penyelamat sebenar kehidupan di dunia dan akhirat.