Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 164

Malaysia (In sha-Allah) 'boleh' (can)!

********************************* In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ********************************** Reflection ******************************* "Anyone who obeys the Messenger has obeyed God..." (Nisaa 4:80) ******************************** In life, how often have we heard boasts by all sectors of society especially those in power. Perhaps for those involved (this reminder is also for me) should think first before opening their mouths. ***************************** For example during the trying times of searching for flight MH370, a leader was quoted as saying: "We would search for the black box until it is found." Until today the black box has not been found, so would the mission would still be on until the black box is found? When will it end, until Doomsday? ****************************** The ruling party is fond of this saying: "only Umno/BN can bring prosperity...” or "only Umno/BN can bring peace" or "only Umno-BN can deliver..." Exactly what did Umno/BN deliver? And the old party's slogan...Umno dulu, kini dan selamanya (Umno yesterday, today and forever); is it appropriate to claim to be a 'forever' party? ****************************** If one took effort to think, he or she would realize that such rhetorical propaganda and slogans are against the teachings of Islam - no one knows what will happen not only tomorrow and the days ahead but the next second. Thus no one can dare to promise anything what more boast that only he and his team could do 'this and that'. ***************************** In Ayah 80 and 81 of Surah Yasin (XXXVI), Allah The Almighty (SWT) says: "Is not He Who created the heavens and earth Able to create the like of them? Aye, that He is! for He is the All-Wise Creator, But His command, when He intendeth a thing, is only that he saith unto it: Be! and it is." ************************* And in Ayah 165 of Surah Ali Imran (III), Allah SWT says: "And was it so, when a disaster smote you, though ye had smitten (them with a disaster) twice (as great), that ye said: How is this? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): It is from yourself. Lu! Allah is Able to do all things." ******************************* Lately two events or circumstances brought Malaysians back to their feet - the first one is the drought that lasted for close to three months until the middle of March. When we were in 'a tight and panicky situation' where the 'earth had turned brownish', almost all of us turned to God for help. In masjids, schools and offices, we held special prayers, but when it rained many of us including professionals dared to say: "cloud seeding produces heavy rain!" It seems that we have forgotten God totally... ************************ Please 'brother', do not 'credit' yourself for the rain, perhaps this story e-mailed by a friend about a down to earth person pleading for rain could entertain some of our arrogant leaders, technocrats and men on the street who thought their 'brilliant effort' and 'earnest prayers' had brought us rain. **************************** Abdullah ibn Al Mubarak said: I was in Mecca while they were afflicted with drought. So the people went out to Masjid Al Haram and prayed for rain, but it did not rain. At the side of me was a black slave. The black slave said: ‘O Allah, O Allah, they have supplicated to You and You did not respond to them. Verily I swear by You that You will give us rain.’ He (ibn Al Mubarak) said: ‘By Allah, we did not wait a moment before we were given rain.’ ************************** Then the black slave left. So I followed him until he entered a home of the morticians, so I knew which house it was. In the morning I took some dinars (the local currency) and went to the home, and there was a man at the door. I said: ‘I’m looking for the man of this house.’ He replied: ‘I am him.’ I said: ‘There is a servant of yours I wish to purchase.’ ************************ He replied: ‘I have fourteen servants; I will bring them out to you.’ He (ibn Al Mubarak) said: ‘this particular servant was not amongst them, so I said: “Do you have any more?”’ He said to me: ‘there is a sick youth.’ So he brought him out and he was the black slave. I said: ‘he is the exact one.’ He replied: ‘he is yours Abu Abdur Rahman.’ So I gave him fourteen dinar and I took the servant. ************************ When we left and took one of the roads. He said: ‘O master what do you want with me while I am sick?’ I replied: ‘because of what I saw last night.’ He (ibn Al Mubarak) said: So he (the black servant) leaned on the wall and said: O Allah, don’t make me famous, take my soul to You. He (Al Mubarak) said: So he fell down dead, and the people of Mecca gathered (to pray over him). - Taken from 'Fundamentals of the Creed of Ahlus Sunnah wa Jamaah' ************************ And when our Flight MH370 went missing, again we sought God’s help; but some of our leaders kept on orchestrating words of arrogance; they had none or only little desire to acknowledge the weaknesses of human beings, that we are all subject to Allah SWT’s wish - "Be! and it is." It is nearly two months now, are we still dazzled by the advancement of human being's technology; we have only little thought that Allah SWT could do anything as He pleases? *************************** Thus, to all Malaysians, perhaps we could learn to add the term 'In sya-Allah' (if Allah Wills) to the things and promises we do in our daily lives. Dr Y Mansoor Marican from PERKIM noted that 'In sya-Allah' is a common expression amongst people of all faiths in the Arabic-speaking countries. ************************* Intending to do something in the future should always be attributed to the Will of Allah, Who Alone Knows "what is yet to happen, what is not to be and how it will be if it is to be." (Tafseer Ibn Kathir) ********************** If we are open to acknowledge that everything is at the Will of Allah, perhaps our 'battle cry' of 'Malaysia boleh' (Malaysia Can or Malaysia Can Do It) could be turned into 'Malaysia, 'In sya-Allah' (if Allah Wills) 'Boleh' (Can). ********************** Isn't it simple, yet we would have His blessing (barakah) for by saying 'In sya-Allah', a Believer does not feel alone when he plans for the future. Neither does he show arrogance when he succeeds, nor is he overtaken by despair when he fails. **************************** In all situations, the Believer remembers Allah, expressing gratitude to Him for his success, and accepting whatever is Allah's Will with firm belief that Allah intends only good for His creation. ( see Al-Baqarah- The Cow 2:216)

Pemimpin adil dijanjikan perlindungan Allah

********************* DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ************************ Renungan ************************ "Dan janganlah kamu menghampiri zina, sesungguhnya zina itu adalah satu perbuatan yang keji dan satu jalan yang jahat yang membawa kerosakan." - Maksud Ayat al-Quran Surah al-Israa': 32 *************************** Bersyukur ke hadrat Illahi, kita dipanjangkan usia, dapatlah kita memuzakarahkan isu semasa; kali ini kita ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada pemimpin, kerajaan dan rakyat Brunei Darussalam kerana mendaulatkan hukum hudud mulai 1 Mei. **************************** Brunei melalui pemerintahnya, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, mengumumkan undang-undang syariah fasa pertama mula dikuatkuasakan dan ia akan dikuti dengan fasa-fasa berikutnya. Fasa pertama dan kedua bermula tahun ini manakala fasa seterusnya akan bermula tahun depan. ******************************* Bagi fasa pertama, hukuman penjara dan denda akan dilaksanakan antaranya untuk pesalah yang tidak menghadiri solat Jumaat dan hamil di luar nikah. Pada lewat tahun depan, hukuman seperti rejam dengan batu kerana kesalahan meliwat dan zina akan diperkenalkan. **************************** Ketegasan pemerintah Brunei untuk melaksanakan hukuman Allah sekalipun mendapat kecamanan organisasi dan masyarakat antarabangsa, amat mengharukan kita; kita terkesan dengan sebuah hadis yang menyatakan antara satu daripada tujuh golongan yang mendapatkan naungan Arasy Allah SWT di hari kiamat adalah pemimpin adil. ************************* Pemimpin adil dan berwawasan bukanlah 'bekerja' untuk 'memuaskan nafsu' rakyat dengan 'menimbunkan' kemewahan material seperti wang bertimbun dan makanan berlebihan kepada mereka tetapi berusaha keras menyelamatkan mereka di dunia dan akhirat. Ini berpandukan doa yang sering kita mohonkan kepada Allah - 'Rabbana atina fiddunya hasanah wa fil akhiroti hasanah waqina 'adzabannar' yang bermaksud: "Ya Tuhan kami, berilah kami kebaikan di dunia dan kebaikan di akhirat dan peliharalah kami daripada seksa neraka." (QS. Al-Baqarah 201) ******************************* Pemimpin yang adil tidak rela diri dan rakyatnya dihumbankan ke neraka Allah SWT termasuklah kerana mengengkari hukum-hakam-Nya. Ini kerana sesungguhnya, kuasa tertinggi adalah milik mutlak Allah SWT; pemerintah hanya diamanahkan oleh-Nya untuk menjalankan hukum-hakamnya di bumi ini. Perkara ini dipertegaskan sejumlah besar cendekiawan Islam termasuklah negarawan Pakistan, Abul A'Ala Maududi. ***************************** Maududi dalam syarahannya mengenai 'asas-asas pemerintahan Islam' mengingatkan bahawa prinsip asas yang ditekankan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. ialah bahawa kekuasaan tertinggi dan mutlak hanyalah hak Allah semata-mata. Sesungguhnya bumi dan alam ini adalah kepunyaan Allah. ******************************* Udara, air, cahaya dan segala-galanya yang memenuhi hidup kita ini adalah diberi oleh Allah. Tubuh badan yang kita punyai ini beserta dengan tenaga dan organ-organ yang lengkap, semuanya dikurniakan kepada kita oleh Allah SWT. ***************************** Kita langsung tidak mempunyai hak untuk mengaku yang kekuasaan mutlak itu hak kita. Di samping itu kita juga mesti menolak sebarang pengakuan sedemikian rupa daripada sebarang individu atau kumpulan. **************************** Antara perkara pertama Rasulullah s.a.w. mengajak manusia untuk percaya dan beriman ialah, kerajaan dan negara itu hanyalah kepunyaan Allah. Hanya Allah saja yang berkuasa untuk memerintah dan tiada siapa yang berhak untuk membuat undang-undang melainkan Dia. *************************** Perkara kedua dalam ajaran asas baginda ialah perundangan Rabbani bukannya diturunkan terus kepada manusia tetapi melalui Rasul-Nya. Rasulullah s.a.w. bukannya dipilih oleh sesiapa untuk menjadi pemimpin. ****************************** Baginda juga tidak memilih dirinya sendiri untuk menjadi pemimpin. Baginda telah dipilih oleh Allah agar dapat mendidik dan mentarbiyah manusia dengan tarbiyah Rabbani, menukar pemikiran dan peribadi manusia, menyampaikan perintah Rabbani kepada manusia dan melaksanakan urusan Rabbani itu melalui sesiapa yang menerima dan beriman kepada perintah-perintah tersebut. ******************************** Jadi, berdasarkan nasihat Maududi ini, adalah wajib untuk semua umat Islam tunduk kepada hukum-hakam Allah dan menjadikan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. sebagai panduan dalam mereka melaksanakannya. Ingatlah setiap manusia tidak kira pemimpin atau orang dipimpin akan bertanggungjawab di hadapan Allah atas segala yang telah dilakukan semasa hidupnya. *************************** Jika pemimpin adil dijanjikan naungan Allah, rakyat juga dijanjikan sedemikian kerana mereka mungkin terdiri daripada peniaga jujur termasuk tidak menaikkan harga barang ikut nafsu, pemuda yang sentiasa beribadat kepada Allah, lelaki yang hatinya sentiasa terpaut dengan masjid dan dua orang yang saling cinta mencintai kerana Allah.

'Reunion' punya pasal...

******************** DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ******************* Renungan ********************** "Maka hendaklah engkau hukum di antara mereka, menurut apa-apa yang diturunkan oleh Allah dan janganlah engkau mengikut hawa nafsu mereka daripada apa-apa yang didatangkan kepada engkau daripada kebenaran..." (Al-Maidah: 48) ***************************** TERGELAK 'satu surau' apabila tok guru berkata; begitu mudah berlaku perceraian sekarang ini, salah satu sebabnya pembabitan orang ketiga termasuklah rakan lama yang ditemui di majlis-majlis 'reunion' (perjumpaan semula)..."hai kadang-kadang terjumpa semula bekas rakan setadika pun 'tersangkut'...apalah hal budak-budak sekarang ni..." **************************** Ya, dengan kemajuan ICT (teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi), amat mudah untuk manusia berhubung; ramai memanfaatkannya untuk mengumpulkan rakan-rakan lama sama ada di sekolah, universiti dan tadika (hah! hah!), seterusnya mengatur majlis perjumpaan semula. Dulu sukar mengatur 'reunion' tetapi tidak sekarang. *************************** Ada banyak kebaikan 'reunion' ini seperti dapat menjalin semula persahabatan di samping mempereratkannya, tetapi 'ada juga keburukannya' bagi orang yang mencari kesempatan seperti 'memercikkan kembali nostalgia percintaan lama apabila terjumpa bekas buah hati' sedangkan si empunya diri sudah berumah tangga malah ada yang anak-anaknya 'sudah selori'. ***************************** Ya, pada majlis 'reunion' kerap benar kita 'tersilap' dalam pembawaan diri. Jika kita berusia 50 tahun, 'reunion' dengan bekas rakan-rakan sekolah dan universiti akan menyebabkan kita 'terawang-awangan' seakan-akan kita kembali ke zaman remaja itu, yang hakikatnya sudah berlalu lebih 30 tahun lalu. ************************ Pada majlis ini, jika tidak dikawal dengan syariat agama, akan berlakulah perkara tidak diingini, maklumlah sebahagian besar daripada kita gagal menguasai diri (kita seolah-olah sudah kembali ke zaman muda kita) dengan mempamerkan perlakuan dan sikap seperti ketika remaja dulu seperti bertepuk tampar, ketawa berdekah-dekah, menyanyi secara terlalak-lalak, menghisap rokok dan yang lebih teruk lagi terbabit dalam minuman keras dan pergaulan bebas. ************************* Jika kita hadir di majlis itu secara 'solo', dan kebetulan bertentang mata semula dengan bekas buah hati yang datang secara 'solo' sedangkan masing-masing sudah berumah tangga dan beranak pinak, tidakkah bibit-bibit lama akan kembali terbuka dan jika ia dilayan itulah permulaan kepada masalah...yang akhirnya membawa kepada porak-peranda sebuah keluarga. **************************** Banyak orang boleh melupakan kisah lama, menyedari realiti di depan mata sekali gus 'mengnyahkan' godaan syaitan untuk 'bermain kayu tiga', namun banyak juga orang tewas terjelepok kerana terlalu menurutkan nafsu. *************************** Pada peringkat awal diatur pertemuan rahsia, akhirnya tembelang terbongkar jua, akhirnya jatuh tersungkur mengheret diri dalam senarai ribuan pasangan yang memfailkan kes perceraian mahkamah syariah. Dilaporkan satu perceraian berlaku pada setiap 10 minit dengan sejumlah 56,760 perceraian direkodkan pada 2012. *********************** Kes perceraian tinggi di kalangan orang Islam ini sedikit sebanyak menjejaskan nama orang Melayu. Demikian lagi banyak hal negatif lain membabitkan orang Melayu seperti paling ramai menghuni Pusat Serenti, paling ramai miskin dan lebih malang lagi, 'tidak boleh dipercayai' sehingga ada ungkapan berbunyi 'janji Melayu'. ************************ Saya bawakan hal-hal negatif mengenai orang Melayu ini apabila terkesan dengan kenyataan berani seorang saudara kita (baru) di Radio IKIM baru-baru ini bahawa orang Cina takut masuk Islam kerana mereka menyamakannya dengan 'masuk Melayu'. ************************* 'Masuk Melayu' adalah sesuatu yang orang bukan Islam mahu elakkan. Mengapa begitu? Seorang saudara kita (daripada kaum Tiongkua) pernah mengadu kepada penulis sebahagian orang Melayu tidak mengamalkan ajaran agama sebaliknya memandang rendah dan menghina kefahaman saudara kita mengenai Islam. *********************** Katanya, orang Melayu yang didampinginya mendakwa 'Islam mereka adalah yang terbaik' sedangkan selepas beliau mengikuti pelbagai kelas pengajian Islam, beliau mendapati sebahagian orang Melayu adalah Islam baka saja, mereka tidak pun menunaikan tuntutan agama. ********************** Misalnya, katanya, ada perempuan Melayu berkata, bertudung itu tidak wajib. Mereka ini bukan orang tidak pandai, malah ada daripadanya lepasan universiti. Mereka mendakwa, dalam Quran pun tiada perintah untuk orang perempuan bertudung. **************************** Wanita itu berkata sebagai saudara baru, dia menjadi 'confuse' (keliru). Kawan-kawan perempuannya berkata, "awak perlu ikut kami kerana kami lebih Islam daripada kamu! Kami lebih tahu pasal Islam berbanding kamu. Kami lebih dulu Islam daripada kamu." ************************** Begitu juga dalam amalan kehidupan lain, katanya. Sebahagian orang Melayu tidak beramal dengan kehidupan Islam. Sebagai contoh, dakwanya, bekas suaminya (wanita ini memeluk Islam ketika mahu berkahwin) sendiri bertindak menceraikan sesuka hatinya dan tidak mengikut ajaran Islam dalam soal seperti nafkah. **************************** "Saya tahu Islam amat tekankan tanggungjawab suami atau bekas suami. Sepanjang perkahwinan, dia pun tidak mengajar saya pasal Islam. Selepas bercerai saya ingat mahu lepaskan Islam, tetapi mujurlah saya berpeluang untuk pergi belajar, misalnya ke PERKIM. Dulu saya terumbang-ambing tetapi kini saya cuba cari cahaya kebenaran (nur) itu. Itulah sebabnya saya hubungi awak." ***************************** Katanya, orang Melayu tidak boleh dijadikan contoh sebagai pengamal Islam terbaik. Dalam kes penceraian saya, pegawai di pejabat agama pun mengenakan tekanan ke atas saya. Sebagai saudara baru, saya terasa tersisih, orang Melayu tidak dapat menolong saya manakala orang Cina termasuk saudara-mara sudah lama menjauhkan diri, katanya yang membahasakan diri sebagai Nur. *************************** Gambaran Melayu di kalangan orang bukan Islam sudah buruk sehingga mereka berani menyatakan mereka tidak memeluk Islam sebab tidak "tidak mahu masuk Melayu." ******************************* Jadi orang Melayu, perlulah ambil perhatian, termasuk janganlah jadikan majlis 'reunion' sebagai tapak untuk 'menyemarakkan cinta lama' yang dikhuatiri akan menambahkan kes perceraian, sekali gus menyebabkan orang bukan Islam menjauhkan diri daripada Islam kerana takut 'masuk Melayu'!

'Muhasabah' at the Royal Museum - Final Part

************** In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ***************** Reflection ***************** 'Aisha narrated this hadith: "Usama approached the Prophet on behalf of a woman (who had committed theft). The Prophet said, 'The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet ) did that (i.e. stole), I would cut off her hand'." (Sahih Bukhari) * *********************** WHAT do you feel after visiting a palace? While flipping the pages of the visitors' book at the Royal Museum (Old Royal Palace) at Jalan Istana which I visited recently, I noticed some visitors described the buildings, rooms, the things exhibited and their settings and decorations as 'amazing', 'awesome' and 'nice indeed'. ************************* Notice that the visitors were not forced to praise whatever they saw at the palace, they willingly wrote their praises; this means that they sincerely acknowledged the beauty of what they saw from the bottom of their hearts. ************************* If a visit to a palace could 'melts' our hearts into acknowledging its beauty and magnificent setting, then please do some 'muhasabah' (reflection) about the world (a very large palace) in which we are sent to 'do our job' on a 'temporary basis' say in 60 or 70 years (the average life of a human being). Does the world not leave any impression in your heart? **************************** Do some fast thinking; if a palace which was built by workers and its settings and decorations too was done by human beings, could 'steal' our hearts and we willingly (without being forced) praises the beauty of it, then why must our hearts (I included) 'too cold' and 'ignorant' to acknowledge the beauty and perfectness of this world and of course its Creator, The Mighty Allah SWT. **************************** What's 'that palace' to be compared with this world, this universe and so on? Why it is that we are reluctant to praise to the place where we live in and the 'magic' all around us, whats more their Creator? ************************** Isn't it very, very amazing to see the sky stands without pillars and in ourselves and around us too there are thousands and thousands of 'magic' - imagine isn't it strange that the coffee we drink is black in color but when we urinate, the water is crystal clear or slightly yellow? ************************ Actually what I would to stress is the the greatness of Allah SWT, Master of the whole universe. We do not have to witness supernatural things but by observing all His creations around us would be enough for us to surrender, kneel down on our knees and 'sujud' (prostrate) and admit that He is the Greatest, the Most High (Allah-u-Akbar). ************************ When we are ready to surrender to Allah SWT after acknowledging His Greatness and admitted our weakness (limitations) and how lowly we are as we are created from semen(which human beings would reject if they were given free of charge), then it would be much easier for us to face tribulations of life. ************************** For example in the case of the missing flight MH370, we would ready to surrender in His fate; He is our Lord who could do as He wishes - in Surah Yasin of the Qur'an, ayah 80 and 81, Allah SWT says: "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the like of them? Aye, that He is! for He is the All-Wise Creator, But His command, when He intendeth a thing, is only that He saith unto it: Be! and it is." ********************* If by visiting a palace, one could pour out his or her praises on its beauty, the same applies to men and women who open up their hearts to acknowledge the beauty of this world and praise it and of course to its Creator but the question is how to do it and most important of all, the correct way. *********************** Well, we need a divine guidance; and God, out of His abundant Love and Mercy for mankind, has not left us in darkness to discover the right path by trial and error alone. Coupled with our intellectual capability to reason, God bestowed upon us divine guidance that outlines the Criterion for truth and the knowledge and reality of our existence in this world and the Hereafter. ***************************** From the beginning of mankind God sent exemplars or prophets to convey His revelation and to invite all mankind to the path of true peace and obedience to one true God. This is Islam. This message was conveyed to all nations and tribes in this world throughout successive generations through more than 124,000 prophets - from Prophet Adam a.s. to Muhammad s.a.w. - all inviting mankind to the same path. (The Light of Revelation, Islamic Outreach-ABIM) ******************************** But human history is a chronicle of man's drift between light and darkness. Regarding this matter I would like to comment on the latest development in the Muslim world after an Egyptian court sentenced 529 members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwanul Muslimin) to death after a one-day mass trial that allowed no genuine defense! *************************** It was the biggest mass death sentence handed out in Egypt's modern history. Turmoil in Egypt deepened since the army overthrew Egypt's first freely elected president, Dr Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, in July. Security forces have killed hundreds of Brotherhood members in the streets and arrested thousands. ************************* Well to the Egyptian junta led by General Abdel Fattah As-Sisi, please take note that Cairo was host (and of course it is a member country) of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) leaders meeting which produced the 'Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam' (Resolution Number 48/19-P) which is adopted in Cairo on 5th August 1990 (14 Muharam 1411H) which in Article 2 notes: ***************************** (a) Life is a God-given gift and the right to life is guaranteed to every human being. It is the duty of individuals, societies and states to protect this right from any violation, and it is prohibited to TAKE AWAY LIFE except for a Shari'ah prescribed reason. ************************** (b) It is forbidden to resort to such means as may result in the genocidal annihilation of mankind. *************************** (c) The preservation of human life throughout the term of time willed by God is a duty prescribed by Shari'ah. ******************************* (d) Safety from bodily harm is a guaranteed right. It is a duty of the STATE to safeguard it, and is prohibited to breach it without a Shari'ah-prescribed reason. **************************** As-Sisi was reported 'to have an eye' for 'the throne' of Egptian President; well if you As-Sisi forced your way to that position of power and glamorous and flattered lives in luxurious palaces, then have a thought about former dictators around your land such as Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (Tunisia), Abdullah Ali Saleh (Yemen) and your own 'master' Hosni Mubarak...where have they been? ************************ Some are 'struggling' inside their graves, others are pulling their remaining strength to survive in life, have you not, As-Sisi (and we) learned any lesson?

'Muhasabah' at the Royal Museum (2)

************************** In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ************************* Reflection ************************** "Do not spy one another, nor let any of you backbite others..." (Hujurat 49: 12) **************************** BEFORE leaving the Royal Museum (Old Royal Palace) at Jalan Istana during a visit recently, I was engaged in a long conversation with two youths - Hafiz a young man of 21 years old and a girl, Nor, 19, who worked as tourists guides inside the palace. ********************** I asked them what they thought about living in this world; based on what they saw almost everyday at the palace - worldly pleasures fit for kings and queens that were exhibited - but the irony of it, where had the majority of the 'subjects' gone to? They were no more among us, they were in their graves or 'alam barzakh' (the space between death and resurrection). ************************ In Surah Al-Hadid of the Qur'an, Allah SWT says: "Know that the life in this world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husbandman, but afterward it drieth up and thou seest it turning yellow, then it becometh straw. And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and only forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but a matter of illusion." (57: 20) ******************************** Hafiz and Nor were almost speechless, I had expected that as my boys and girls (children) of the same age, would react the same way; thus I guided them slowly by explaining that in this world we have to live accordingly to what Allah SWT has prescribed to human beings. All the prescriptions contained in the book of Allah (Qur'an) and Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam who was sent for us to emulate; are to be strictly adhered. ******************************** I told them that when I was the same age as them, I 'was robust' to 'the new world of freedom' when I no longer lived with my parents but stayed by my own self. I 'was free' to do what ever I wish; it was okay for me to return home at the wee hours of night or do not come home at all. ****************************** Well, when there was no one to guard us (and we feel free from 'the eyes of Allah SWT'; we were liken to the saying 'born to be free' and I strongly believed that this is one factor that led to six youths died from drug overdose while catching the Future Music Festival Asia concert in Kuala Lumpur recently. ******************************* Imagine some of the youths were university students; in fact they were Muslim females! They who died were believed to have taken the drug methamphetamine before going to the concert. **************************** I told Hafiz and Nor that I had always reminded my five children who were in the age group of 12 to 25 years old to adhere this simple 'hadith' of the Prophet then they 'insya-Allah' (if God wills it) they would be in His straight path. **************************** On the authority of 'Umar, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: "While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. ****************************** "He sat down close by the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, rested his knee against his thighs, and said, O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam." Said the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, "Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it)." Said he (the man), "You have spoken truly." ******************************* "We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, "Inform me about iman (faith)." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, "It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects." He said, "You have spoken truly." ******************************** "Then he (the man) said, "Inform me about Ihsan." He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, " It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you." He said, "Inform me about the Hour." He (the Messenger of Allah) said, "About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner." So he said, "Well, inform me about the signs thereof (i.e. of its coming)." Said he, "They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings." Thereupon the man went off. ***************************** "I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, "O 'Umar, do you know who that questioner was?" I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know better." He said, "That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion." (Muslim) ****************************** To Hafiz and Nor, I said: "Believe in Rukun Iman and perform all articles under the Rukun Islam, I believed the majority of youths need only to perform their five times daily 'salah' (prayers) and fasting in the month of Ramadan, they are exempted from paying 'zakah' and performing 'hajj' as they had not fulfill the requirements." ******************************* "So as young men and women maintain in doing your 'wajib' (obligatory) prayers, but please do it the 'ihsan' (sincere) way, 'insya-Allah' as you grow older you would find pleasure in doing the 'sunnat' (recomended) ones such as praying the 'tahajud' (late night) prayers. And please, please do not dare to do what Allah SWT prohibits (haram) such as taking 'dadah' (drugs), alcoholic drinks and involved in illicit sex." **************************** Also please also take note on this 'hadith': Amar bin Maymoon Al-Audi (radhi Allahu anhu) narrates that once Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) gave the following advice to a Sahaabi: “Treasure five things before five: Your youth before old-age; your health before illness; your wealth before poverty; your free time before becoming occupied, and your life before death." (Tirmidhi) ****************************** Well, please do not waste your youth years. Yes I wished, I was still a youth and not 'an old man' of 52. If only I could go back to those youthful years with abundance of energy and spirit. **************************** 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 should have done during my youthful years as a guideline to youths such as Hafiz and Nor. *************************** I told them, please seek knowledge, because it is the key to success. If you know yourself and this only 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, whats more taking prohibited drugs during concerts. 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 'lepak-lepak' (wasting time) 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 fifties and suppose we die at the same age as the Prophet, we have about 10 years left to spend our lives. If we had done 'practically nothing' during our past 50 years, just imagine what could be done in our last 10 years! ***************************** 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 youths out there including Hafiz and Nor who I met at the Royal Museum, 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!

'Muhasabah' at the Royal Museum (I)

************************** In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. *************************** Reflection ********************* Surat Adh-Dhariyat 55:56 (The Winnowing Winds) Allah SWT says, with the meaning; "I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me." ************************* RECENTLY while I was in Kuala Lumpur, I took the opportunity to visit 'Istana Negara Lama' (Old Royal Palace and nowadays being called the Royal Museum) at Jalan Istana. ******************** The entrance fee is RM5 for locals and for foreign tourists RM10 and it is open daily from 9am to 5 pm except on two days that are on 'Hari Raya Puasa' (Eid Fitr) and 'Hari Raya Haji' (Eid Adha). ************************** For years, I used to pass 'Istana Negara' on my way to and fro from work from my hometown in Melaka and my office in Jalan Pahang Barat and could never imagine how it looks like inside. ************************** Visitors too could only have glances of the palace from the main gate. However, that is history when the Royal Museum open its doors to the public in 2012. Since the opening of the new palace, the old palace has been turned into an exhibition hall thanks to the Museum Authority of Malaysia. **************************** After the 'Istana Negara' moved to the new palace at Jalan Duta in December 2011, 'Istana Negara Lama' was later used for a royal exhibition called 'Raja Kita' (Our King), in conjunction with the installation of Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, the Sultan of Kedah, as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2012. **************************** Visitors would have a great opportunity to experience and understand the history behind the old Royal Palace. Wikipedia noted that the palace was originally a double-storey mansion which called The Big House built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing. ************************* During the Japanese occupation from 1942–1945, it was used as the residence of the Japanese Governor. After the surrender of the Japanese on 15 August 1945, the British Military Administration (BMA) commandeered it for a senior military officers mess from the rank of brigadier. ************************* With the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1950, the Selangor State Government rented the residence from the owners for Straits Dollars 5,000 a month until Merdeka or Independence in 1957. It was renovated to become the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor. In 1957, the owners sold the property of 13 acres to the Federal Government at an agreed valuation of Straits Dollars 1.4 Million. *********************** The Federal Government then converted the residence into the Istana Negara for the newly created sovereign post of Yang di-Pertuan Agong of 'Tanah Melayu' (Malaya) which was about to achieve independence that August as scheduled. Since then it has undergone several renovations and extensions. ************************ But the most extensive upgrading was carried out in 1980, as it was the first time that the Installation Ceremony of His Majesty DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong was held at the Istana Negara. Prior to this the Installation Ceremonies were held at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur with the first one held in 1957. *********************** After spending about an hour inside the palace 'peeping' into royal rooms and other rooms such as 'Bilik Duta' (Ambassador Room), 'Bilik Menteri' (Minister Room) and 'Bilik Permaisuri' where the Queen receives her guests; its time for me to say goodbye, but the visitors' book placed on a table on the way out 'stopped' me from making 'a fast disappearance'. ************************** I took time to look at some comments written by visitors. Among others were: ************************* * Mrs Wulan, Indonesia - Amazing. ********************* * Dr Wulan Retno W, Indonesia - Nice indeed. ************************ * Shoko Miyoke, Japan - Awesome! Love it so much. ************************ * Hussein Al-Murib, Iraq - So nice palace, and simple and classic. I like the design and type of original material. *************************** * Razet, India - Museum are about stones! There is nobody to tell stories relating to the king's life. A very sad experience. ************************ Well, it was my turn; what did I write in the book? I wrote nothing; but in my heart I have 'something to say' about my 'muhasabah' (reflection) at the 'istana' - but I 'reserved' it to be shared with readers. ***************************** My mind 'race back' to the final exhibit on the first floor which I went - the Royal Bedchamber, the room where the King and Queen slept. It was posh and large with different sections or smaller rooms such as His Majesty Restroom, Her Majesty Restroom and Her Majesty Powder Room. The Royal Bedchamber had four different lighting systems which stimulated the change of seasons. ********************************** Just outside the Royal Bedchamber, on the walls there were a few large pictures; one that caught my attention was the picture of His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman posing with Prime Minister, Tuanku Abdul Rahman. It was written that the picture was taken in 1955, but while staring at the smiling and jovial face of both statesmen, made me have the feeling that they are still among us today, but the real fact that both of them had passed away many, many years ago. ***************************** 'The jovial mode' that was captured in picture was just like yesterday, but the reality of it; the event was slipping further and further away in the name of time. The 'magic moment' captured on picture is still there, but where had the 'subjects' gone? *************************** Contradict to events whether they are happy or sad moments that are moving away from us, our own death is creeping nearer and nearer and perhaps in one, two, five, 10 or 15 years time, we would too be no longer in this temporary world where once we 'used our minds and strength' to the maximum to gather worldly gains such as power, ranks, status, wealth and perhaps women. **************************** But when death knocks at our doors, all that worldly pleasures had to be left behind - not even our much loved item would be buried with us in our graves. Everything would be separated from us, we would be left alone in the darkness of our own graves. We would be answerable to each and everything we did and owned in this world. ******************************* It is reported in a 'hadith' that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - s.a.w.) said: "This world is captivatingly sweet and rosy; and Allah will make you rulers therein and will see how you act. Behold fear this world and fear your desire for woman." ************************************* When the Jews rose to power, sex, gold and fine dresses became their weakness. Think for yourself, O brethren, have we not fallen victim to the same malady as had befallen the Jews? - Pearls of the Prophet (Islamic-Outreach-ABIM) ************************************ We have been cautioned every now and then in the Qur'an to realize our folly and guard ourselves against pitfalls and illusions. We are told in Surah Al-Hadid very clearly: "Know that the life in this world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husbandman, but afterward it drieth up and thou seest it turning yellow, then it becometh straw. ********************************** "And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and only forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but a matter of illusion." (57: 20)

LanH, please practise what you write...

************************** In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ************************** Reflection ************************* "Anyone who obeys the Messenger has obeyed God..." (Nisaa 4:80) ************************* IT is 10 years now since my first article (on a regular weekly basis) appeared in the English Section of Harakah. The 'anak sulung' (first child) was published in the 1-15 February 2004 issue with the title 'PAS is waiting for its 'anak sulung' in Malacca and as I checked my files of published articles, I found out that this article (if published) is the 391st. **************************** PAS Melaka has had its 'anak sulung' after its candidate, Dr Khalid Kassim created history to become the first PAS 'YB" (state assemblyman) in Melaka after winning the Bukit Baru state constituency in the recent General Election (GE) on 5th May 2013. ********************************** Ten years is a long period of time; one question is what have I gained or achieved from my writings? A few weeks ago, while following a 'tazkirah' (lessons) of an 'ustaz' (religious teacher) at a masjid near my house; I was stung by a point raised by the 'ustaz' when he asked congregators why lately lectures, lessons, speeches, sermons, talks, books and even articles published in magazines and newspapers failed to impact the masses; they are dry without souls in them! ********************************* He said one reason was that those people involved such as leaders, teachers and writers were merely doing their jobs - they only delivered their messages - but failed to adhere or put into practice what they preached, taught, talked and wrote. Even lessons by some ustaz too were taken for granted; as though 'masuk telinga kanan, keluar telinga kiri' (enter the right ear but quickly vanish through the left ear). *************************** It is a disturbing and alarming trend when more and more sectors of society especially the young generation are turning a deaf ear to suggestions from elders including leaders of the country. Why is it so? Perhaps the leaders are not sincere; they do not put their hearts to what they say and propose. ********************************* Some leaders in their speeches say "be moderate" but they and their family members themselves are 'big spenders' and lead extravaganza lives; some say "follow the rules of Islam" but they themselves promote an unIslamic way of life; some say "be extra careful on the road" but they themselves with their big cars and riders do not adhere to traffic rules - their motorcades 'buzz off' at high speed even when the traffic light is red! Perhaps to them, rules are only for the poor and weak; they are high class or chosen people who are above the law! ************************** The 'rakyat' (men on the street) especially youngsters who witness such scenes would be totally confused - in schools they are told to adhere to traffic rules; in 'real life' they see the opposite; where a set of people are not equal to others! ***************************** Regarding 'those above the law' or 'immune' leaders, I remember a 'hadith' of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. - "What destroyed the nations preceding you, was that if a noble amongst them stole, they would forgive him, and if a poor person amongst them stole, they would inflict Allah's legal punishment on him. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut off her hand." **************************** And about equality, in Ayah 8, Surah V (Al-Ma'idah or The Table Spread), Allah SWT says: "O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do". ************************* Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. whose career covered all possible spheres of life such as that of a preacher in a masjid, as a worldly man amongst family and friends, as a man of piety, as a leader, as a soldier, a reformer, politician, statesman, and administrator and finally as a ruler of a vast kingdom, he had the privilege therefore of not only laying down rules of guidance in all such capacities but also gave a practical illustration of these rules. *************************** His personality combined all that was best in morals and manners and he was the very embodiment of all that was preached and enjoy in the Holy Qur'an. "Certainly there is for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example." (XXXIII - Al-Ahzab, 21) ************************ When the Holy Qur'an affirms that the Prophet was the very embodiment of that which was best in life and was the perfect model to be followed, it was not mere idle talk but was a practical demonstration of it. To judge its truth, let us have a glance at his life. *********************** Taking for instance the injunctions laid down by the Qur'an for believers in respect of prayer, fasting and alms-giving, we notice that while Muslims were directed to pray five times a day, the Prophet himself, prayed eight times, superimposing on himself three extra prayers, twice after morning prayer, and the third beginning at midnight and sometimes extending right up to dawn thereby causing swelling in his feet. - Pearls of the Prophet (Islamic Outreach-ABIM) ************************ Mentioning about the midnight or late night prayer (tahajud), I heard the ustaz say: "How could an ustaz influence congregators at his session in the masjid to perform the 'tahajud' prayer if he himself did not perform it what more being consistent in its performance. A person who preaches the public to do good works, must perform it first and must be consistent in doing it." ************************ "The same too could be said of writers; please practice what you write. If you suggest something to readers, you too must do it. If not, you are like a 'munafik' (hypocrite); this is one reason why a large percentage of articles on Islam published in newspapers and magazines look dry, without soul and do not bring much impact on readers," said the ustaz. "The writers are only good at preaching to others but they totally forget about themselves. *************************** I knew the ustaz was not referring to me as he did not know me; but I could feel 'the pangs' from his statement. Yes, LanH please practise what you had written. At home, I quickly searched for some of my latest articles which were published in the English Section of Harakah. **************************** In one article I suggested to readers to 'free ourselves from the burden of carrying coins' (Harakah issue 17-20 February) in which I suggested to readers to 'dispose' all their loose coins in donation boxes while shopping and frequenting masjids to perform our five times daily prayers including 'solat Jumaat' (Friday prayer). ***************************** I must admit that 'this suggestion' kept 'ringing in my ears' every time I bought items at shops or went to the masjid. I must prove my worth, what I write must tally with my action...'Subhanallah' (Glory be to Allah) it worked...perhaps readers would like to share with me whether my writing have had any impact on them. Please email your comments to Lanh14@englishsection.com

Why OIC silence on the issue of Egypt?

************************ 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. ***************************** DURING my stint at a local daily many years ago; one subject that I was given to take charge was matters relating to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (then Conference) (OIC), an 'umbrella' for more than 50 Muslims countries. ************************* In December 1997, I was in Teheran, Iran, covering the 8th OIC summit, which featured deliberations and declarations of major significance for the development of Islamic states, for relations with Western countries, and for peace in the Middle East, namely Palestine. ************************** The summit was historical as it was 'a great avenue' when two main powers and leading countries in the organization - Saudi Arabia and Iran - paved way for better understanding between them which had a sour relationship for decades. **************************** At that time OIC's Secretary General was Azeddine Laraki from Morocco; and at present it is under the hands of Iyad Amin Madani from Saudi Arabia. ***************************** Perhaps, 'this' could explain why OIC is very, very quiet on matters regarding the 'turmoil' in Egypt - where recently an Egyptian court sentenced 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwanul Muslimin) to death after a one day mass trial that allowed no genuine defense. ************************ Before discussing this matter, allow me to admit that I was naive in not updating my knowledge regarding OIC after I left the local daily in 1998. Only recently did I know that OIC no more stands for Organization of Islamic Conference as on 28 June 2011 during the 38th Council of Foreign Ministers meeting (CFM) in Astana, Kazakhstan the organization changed its name to Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The OIC also changed its logo at this time. *************************** What's the difference between 'conference' and 'cooperation'? Perhaps the word 'cooperation' is more focus and meaningful than 'conference' and during 'the old days', critics lambasted that the OIC was only good at holding meeting after meeting and in issuing statement after statement but was slow in action or had failed in helping Muslims all over the world. *********************** For example OIC failed to shine when war broke in the Balkan (Bosnia-Herzegovina) or even rendered help to Muslims who were minorities in countries such as China (the Uighurs), Myanmar (the Rohingyas), India (the Kashmiris) and Thailand (the Malays). ************************** In recent months, thousands of Rohingyas had left their homeland in Arakan, while the Uighurs were subjected to ill treatment and human rights violation, but the OIC only issued statements expressing concern on the developments. *********************** Some critics lambasted OIC for being an 'Oh I See'; it's without any power to take appropriate action to defend Muslims and their lands. Perhaps, by changing its name, there's hope in the Muslim world under the 'umbrella' of the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations which was established in Rabat, Morocco on 25 September 1969. ************************ Alas, hope in OIC did not turn into action...the latest prosecution on members of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt did not raise any eyebrow in OIC, the irony of it; it was in Egypt the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam was adopted and issued at the Nineteenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Cairo on 5 August 1990. ************************* In it, the member states of the OIC; ************************** * Reaffirming the civilizing and historical role of the Islamic 'ummah' which God made the best nation that has given mankind a universal and well‐balanced civilization in which harmony is established between this life and the Hereafter and knowledge is combined with faith; and the role that this 'ummah' should play to guide a humanity confused by competing trends and ideologies and to provide solutions to the chronic problems of this materialistic civilization. ************************ * Wishing to contribute to the efforts of mankind to assert human rights, to protect man from exploitation and persecution, and to affirm his freedom and right to a dignified life in accordance with the Islamic Shari’ah. *********************** * Convinced that mankind which has reached an advanced stage in materialistic science is still, and shall remain, in dire need of faith to support its civilization and of a self‐motivating force to guard its rights. *************************** * Believing that fundamental rights and universal freedoms in Islam are an integral part of the Islamic religion and that no one as a matter of principle has the right to suspend them in whole or in part or violate or ignore them in as much as they are binding divine commandments, which are contained in the Revealed Books of God and were sent through the last of His Prophets to complete the preceding divine messages thereby making their observance an act of worship and their neglect or violation an abominable sin, and accordingly every person is individually responsible — and the 'ummah' collectively responsible — for their safeguard. **************************** Proceeding from the above‐mentioned principles, declare the following: ************************ Article 1 ************************* (a) All human beings form one family whose members are united by submission to God and descent from Adam. All men are equal in terms of basic human dignity and basic obligations and responsibilities, without any discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, sex, religious belief, political affiliation, social status or other considerations. True faith is the guarantee for enhancing such dignity along the path to human perfection. ************************** (b) All human beings are God’s subjects, and the most loved by him are those who are most useful to the rest of His subjects, and no one has superiority over another except on the basis of piety and good deeds. ************************* Article 2 ************************ (a) Life is a God‐given gift and the right to life is guaranteed to every human being. It is the duty of individuals,societies and states to protect this right from any violation, and it is prohibited to take away life except for a Shari’ah‐prescribed reason. ******************** (b) It is forbidden to resort to such means as may result in the genocidal annihilation of mankind. *************************** (c) The preservation of human life throughout the term of time willed by God is a duty prescribed by Shari’ah. *************************** (d) Safety from bodily harm is a guaranteed right. It is the duty of the state to safeguard it, and it is prohibited to breach it without a Shari’ah‐prescribed reason. *********************** Article 3 ************************ (a) In the event of the use of force and in case of armed conflict, it is not permissible to kill non‐belligerents such as old men, women and children. The wounded and the sick shall have the right to medical treatment; and prisoners of war shall have the right to be fed, sheltered and clothed. It is prohibited to mutilate dead bodies. It is a duty to exchange prisoners of war and to arrange visits or reunions of the families separated by the circumstances of war. ************************** (b) It is prohibited to fell trees, to damage crops or livestock, and to destroy the enemy’s civilian buildings and installations by shelling, blasting or any other means. ********************** I only noted three articles from the 25 mentioned in the Cairo Declaration but in my opinion it was enough to put OIC to shame for not taking any action including to those in power in Egypt to fully observe the declaration adopted and issued by itself in that country which is a leading member of the organization. *************************** To the Egyptian coup d' tat leaders, please take note that Article 23 of the Declaration among others declared that everyone shall have the right to participate, directly or indirectly in the administration of his country's public affairs. He shall also have the right to assume public office in accordance with the provisions of Shari'ah. So, why must President Mohammed Morsi ousted from power; the fact is he was chosen by the people? **************************** In Article 24, it is noted that all the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shari'ah and in Article 25 it is mentioned that the Islamic Shari'ah is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification to any of the articles of this Declaration. ************************* The last question is why was OIC silent on the prosecution of leaders and members of the Muslim Brotherhood? As I had mentioned earlier, Saudi Arabia is now at the helm of OIC with Iyad Amin Madani as its Secretary General. On 7th March, Saudi Arabia had declared the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and it was followed by almost all of the Gulf states except for Qatar. ******************************* Saudi Arabia was said to force Qatar to follow its steps; Riyadh was very much afraid that the Muslim Brotherhood which took power over Egypt for a year from June 30, 2012 to July 3, 2013, would 'export' its revolutionary ideas to take over one country after another beginning with Saudi Arabia. ******************************** So, the Muslim Brotherhood must be stopped at all costs - thus OIC until today had been totally silence on the Egyptian issue!

Sudah tua, suami mahu dipanggil 'Abang'...

******************** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ******************* Renungan ********************* "Bahawasanya manusia itu dijadikan berkeluh kesah, apabila ditimpa kesusahan dia sangat resah gelisah, apabila beroleh kebajikan bersifat kikir dan menahan kebajikan, melainkan orang-orang yang mendirikan solat." (Al-Ma'arij: 19-22) ********************************** SAYA kenal rapat sepasang suami isteri. Mereka golongan veteran, sudah berkahwin puluhan tahun. Sekarang tinggal berdua selepas semua anak berkarier dan berumahtangga. Sepanjang tempoh perkahwinan mereka, si suami memanggil isteri dengan namanya, begitu juga dengan si isteri memanggil suami dengan namanya saja. ************************ Memang ramai suami yang memanggil isteri mereka dengan nama masing-masing; misalnya Rosmah, Zuraidah, Kamariah dan lebih ramai yang memanggil dengan kependekannya seperti Ros, Mah, Idah, Zu, Yah dan Kam. *************************** Namun ada yang 'terkeluar daripada kebiasaan' dengan memanggil isteri mereka 'panggilan manja seperti ''Ling' (Darling), 'Sayang', 'Manja', 'Sweetie' dan 'Adik'. **************************** Bagi pasangan Melayu, adalah 'standard' untuk si isteri memanggil suaminya 'Abang' (Bang) atau 'mengandingkannya' dengan nama singkatan, maka menjadilah 'Bang Mat' atau 'Bang Aji'. Malah ada suami yang lebih muda daripada isteri turut dipanggil 'Abang'. Namun ada yang memanggil dengan nama saja, ada juga dengan gelaran manja seperti 'Ling'. *************************** Apabila perkahwinan sudah 'memasuki usia senja', kerap berlaku perubahan negatif dari segi panggilan suami isteri ini, maka wujudlah panggilan kasar dan 'tidak romantik langsung' seperti 'mak kau', 'bapak kau' dan 'ayah kau'; yalah kalau dah veteran nampak kurang sesuai suami memanggil isterinya 'Ling', 'Sayang' dan 'Manja' apatah lagi di depan anak dan cucu. ************************* Al-kisah, si isteri daripada pasangan veteran tadi mengadu kepada penulis suaminya sejak akhir-akhir ini 'komplen' mengapa dia tidak memanggil si suami dengan panggilan 'Abang'! ************************* "Apalah, 'pakcik' kau tu, dah tua-tua teringin pula dipanggil 'Abang', dah puluhan tahun kahwin tak sebut pun perkara tu,sekarang mahu dipanggil 'Abang' pula. ************************* Yalah, kata orang; orang lelaki ini makin tua makin menjadi-jadi dan mengada-ngada; saja nak bermanja dengan isteri sebab itulah dia minta dipanggil 'Abang'. Namun, kepada suami yang 'sudah veteran' baru mahukan isterinya memanggilnya 'Abang', berdasarkan apa diberitahu 'tok-tok guru' pada kelas pengajian yang penulis ikuti, hajatnya untuk dipanggil 'Abang' oleh isteri berkemungkinan besar tidak akan terkabul! ************************* Dalam kelas pengajian, tok guru bertanyakan jemaah (kebanyakannya golongan veteran) apakah isteri mereka hampir menepati watak Atiqah (ada meriwayatkannya sebagai Muti'ah), wanita pertama yang akan memasuki syurga mendahului Sayidatina Fatimah binti Rasulullah s.a.w. ********************** Atiqah dikatakan akan memasuki syurga dulu sebab dia memegang tali unta yang dikenderai oleh Fatimah. Wanita salihah ini dikatakan terlalu taat kepada suaminya. Apabila suaminya balik, dia menyambut dengan muka manis berbekalkan segelas air, kain lap dan rotan. Rotan itu adalah untuk suaminya memukulnya jika khidmatnya kurang memuaskan. ************************** Tanya tok guru, ramai suami termasuk yang veteran (seperti jemaah yang mengikuti pengajian) kurang puas hati di atas layanan isteri masing-masing. Apabila mereka balik rumah, isteri tidak sambut pun, air pun tak ada. Isteri pun buat endah tak endah saja. ************************** Tok guru bertanya, sebahagian besar ini salah siapa? "Ini salah suami sendiri sebab dia tidak didik isterinya sebaik-baiknya dengan ilmu dan amalan agama selepas bernikah, sebaliknya menyoal kenapa isteri tidak berperangai macam Atiqah selepas mereka berkahwin 30, 40, 50 atau 60 tahun." ***************************** Dulu masa baru-baru berkahwin, kerana dok terlalu sayangkan isteri, suami tak ajar pun isteri dia buatkan air untuk dia, tak ajar pun isteri untuk sambut di pintu apabila dia balik, apatah lagi sediakan rotan untuk pukul isteri; jadi hasilnya dapatlah isteri begitu. ************************** "Kita pun tak salahkan suami 100 peratus sebab dulu dulu semasa muda (baru berkahwin) mereka jahil agama, tidak tahu pun kisah Atiqah ini, selepas dah tua (apabila mengikuti pengajian agama) barulah mereka mahukan isteri macam Atiqah, tetapi nampaknya sudah terlambat. Isteri sudah 'lawan tauke', mana boleh nak suruh mereka jadi macam Atiqah lagi..." ****************************** Berdasarkan apa yang diutarakan tok guru; hajat suami veteran yang 'teringin sangat' isterinya memanggilnya 'Abang' pada usia senja, berkemungkinan besar tidak akan tercapai. Yalah, bukan mudah untuk menyebut 'Abang' selepas berpuluh-puluh tahun memanggil suami dengan namanya saja. Jika 'Abang' susah disebut, apatah lagi 'Sayang' atau 'Darling'...uhhh, rasanya amat teruk sangat untuk menyebutnya apabila usia sudah di penghujung ini! ******************************* Kesimpulannya, kata tok guru, "wahai anak-anak muda 'mailah' (marilah) belajar ilmu agama sebelum berkahwin." Ketahuilah kisah Atiqah dan ramai lagi wanita salihah supaya kita dapat didik isteri kita sebaik saja kita menikahi mereka. **************************** Ketika muda 'tang tang tang' tidak menjadi masalah jika kita suruh dia (si isteri) memanggil kita 'Abang', 'Mas' 'Sayang', atau 'Darling' dan suruh mereka tunggu kita di belakang pintu dengan air di tangan kerana 'dia tengah suka dan syokkan kita' tetapi selepas 30, 40, atau 50 tahun berkahwin, baru kita nak suruh dia panggil kita 'Abang', ahh ini satu 'problem' besar! ***************************** Namun, 'kalau berani' kahwinlah satu lagi - ambil wanita muda 'tang tang tang', ajarlah dia panggil kita 'Abang' dan tunggu di belakang pintu macam Atiqah...kita doakan kepada suami tua selamat berbahagia kerana akhirnya hajatnya dipanggil 'Abang' tercapai jua!

The rewards for taking care of aging parents

************************ 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. ***************************** ONE Dr Safiah Osman once in a while in her email 'provoke' me to write about 'my part in helping' my aging parents and what 'worldly rewards' I get or witness from it. I am reluctant because I am very shy to talk about 'my help' to them as it was nothing to shout about. ************************* I mean 'nothing' because they; especially my mother had sacrificed everything for me; when she did everything that she did for me – she gave up her time, her pleasures, her health – she gave up everything she had to raise me as you see me today, but I have given her 'only a little helping hand and time'. Ooh, that's unthankful and disgraceful for me... *********************** But recently in my weekly 'kuliah subuh' (lectures after dawn prayers), the 'ustaz' involved gave a talk about seven rewards awaited those who devoted their 'everything' including time to look after their parents made my rethink about Dr Safiah's request and thought they might help in opening up minds of some readers. ************************* Dr Safiah who was a Professor of Language Education at the University of Malaya (UM) and at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) requested me to do so after reading my previous articles 'on mothers' including one with the title 'Love your mother, mother and mother' in which among others I wrote: "Since a few years back I was responsible for her well being, almost every Wednesday I had to take the day off to take her to the Melaka Hospital for her weekly consultation and appointment. Nowadays she needs to go to the hospital or community clinic almost daily and that this was one reason I decided to opt for an early retirement at the age of 50." **************************** Yes, there are bountiful rewards in this word and the Hereafter to those who take great care of their parents; what more when they are of old age but those who abandon them would see the doom in this world and Hereafter. ************************** Of course our parents (and we too) are getting older and older by each day. They too are getting weaker and weaker thus our help are very much needed. Regarding this, Allah SWT in the Qur'an does not advise us to offer physical help to them. Rather He says: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Qur’an Al-Isra' 17:23) ************************* In the following verse, Allah SWT goes on to explain further how we should treat them: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Qur’an Al-Isra' 17:24) ************************** 'Lowering the wings' is a saying used to express humility. It means that you have a chance to show your power, but you refrain out of humbleness. Similarly, the word “rahmah” or “mercy” gives a connotation of someone, despite having the upper-hand, still showing kindness. ************************** Dr Safiah herself had published several books mostly on education and not long ago she had sent me a copy of her work entitled 'Let Us Remember Allah for the Gift of Love in Our Hearts'. In her book, Dr Safiah began with reminding us to remember Allah and move on to love for parents and ending it with love for those who are not greedy and miserly. ************************* Regarding 'Love for Parents', Dr Safiah wrote in a beautiful poetic style prose; *********************** Allah SWT has given us the precious gift of life, the treasured gift of love. So He says: Love your parents and give them your endless devotion, Show a great deal of affection and let there be many beautiful tender moments, Treasure each precious moment that you are with them, Embrace them, take their trembling clasped hands and plant light kisses on them, Show kindness, gentleness and polite manners and use polite speech, And always, forgiveness from them you beseech, Beseech Allah's forgiveness for them. Respect them, do not give even one exasperated sigh or utter a single harsh word, Because if you do it will hurt you more for your prayers may not be heard, Also, it will be a cause of regret, Regret, your heart torn with regret, pierced with regret, Regret, deep regret, that it had been too little and too late, Regret that will rip your hearts to shreds... The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said: "Love your mother, love your mother, love your mother and then love your father." ************************** The 'ustaz' during the 'kuliah subuh' said the seven rewards to those who do good deeds to their parents according to various 'hadiths' are: ************************* 1. Those who take great care towards their parents, their deeds made Allah SWT happy and the reward in doing so is much more compared to the reward of going to a 'jihad' war. According to a report by both Bukhari and Muslim, a man came and asked the Prophet s.a.w. for permission to participate in jihad. He asked him; "Are your parents alive?" He said, "Yes," so the Prophet s.a.w. told him: "So perform jihad by taking care of them." ****************************** 2. The reward is equivalent to performing hajj and minor hajj (umra). *********************** 3. They would rewarded with the bounty of Paradise. *********************** 4. It is a reason to prolong our lives, having bounty and 'barakah' (blessed) in our properties. ********************* 5. A very great opportunity to be admitted to Paradise; those who dismiss this chance would be at a great loss. ************************** 6. Erasing all our sorrows and sadness but opening up to the feeling of goodness, and 'insya-Allah' (if Allah wills) we are on the road of success. *************************** 7. If our parents are please with us, then Allah SWT is also please to us; whats more we want in life other than His blessing! ************************** Our parents are like fields for us to gather rewards from Allah SWT. Doing good deeds to them are like opening up the gates to Paradise. He who wishes to enter Paradise through the best door must please his father and mother. **************************** The Prophetic tradition provides us with motivation when we find it hard to deal with our parents: In a famous narration, the Prophet s.a.w. said, “Ameen,” to three supplications made by Angel 'Jibrail' (Gabriel). One of them was, “Far away is the person whose parents, one or both of them, reach old age during his lifetime but he does not enter Paradise!” (Muslim) *************************** This person was given a chance to enter Paradise by being good to their parents, but they let the opportunity slip away. This person lost out because of how easy it can be to gain reward for helping them or staying in their company. The Prophet s.a.w. called out this person because it is the ultimate lack of mercy to leave your parents in their old age. ************************** The 'ustaz' said a son or daughter could still help his/her parents even after their death because there is a 'hadith' narrated by Abu Hurairah r.a. which said: "There are three things which continue to benefit a person after death, a recurring charitable act, knowledge which he has imparted to others from which people derive benefit and thirdly, pious off springs who continue to offer prayers invoking Mercy of Allah upon him."