Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 172

'Please, don't mention it!'

********************* 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. **************************** LIFE is like a wheel; sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down. Sometimes you are on top of the world; sometimes you are at the bottom of the sea. *********************** Sometimes you find yourself flying up in the sky, sometimes you find yourself crying on the ground or buried deep inside the earth. *********************** Normally when we are at the bottom (of the wheel) we pray and cry (usually within) for help. And 'insya-Allah' (God willing) there would always be help to those who themselves had helped others before. Please believe me! *************************** Many, many years ago when I was a student at a local university (1982-85), my 'trustworthy friend' - a Yamaha Cup which I had bought as a second hand item for RM1,200 - broke down and had to be sent to a workshop. ********************** When the repair was done, I was unable to make payment as I did not have enough money. I was at a loss but suddenly a gentleman who was also at the workshop walked up to me and offered to top up the bill. ************************** Yes, help had come; I thanked the good Samaritan who later told me he was a lecturer at a university but to my surprise he said: "Please, don't mention it!" *************************** Truly generous persons feed the hungry (and help the needy) saying, "We feed you for the shake of Allah alone, we seek from you neither reward nor thanks." (Qur'an: 76:9) *************************** Dear readers; I reflect this touching experience after hearing a 'tazkirah' (religious reminder) by an 'ustaz' (Muslim teacher) recently that we should not be telling others about the good things that we had done what more boast about it. **************************** But it today's 'material world' where almost all of us are for praise, we tend to tell the world of our good deeds; the social network such as Facebook is a good example. We tend to display the fair side of us but hide all bad things about ourselves. ************************** And our mass media especially during election time runs too many programmes, advertisements and talk shows telling the people all the good things that the Umno-BN government had done and given to the people such as their 'luar bandar' (rural) development projects, financial assistance such as 'Bantuan Rakyat 1-Malaysia' (BR1M) and book vouchers to students. *************************** Remember what Allah SWT says in Ayah 2:264 (Al-Baqarah or Cow) with the meaning: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth (only) to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a (large) smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable (to keep) anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." ****************************** The 'ustaz' said to be in the correct path is that we should forget all our good deeds but always remember others' help rendered to us. In terms of bad deeds we should always remember our part on others but forget what other people had done to us. *************************** "Revealing one's good deeds falls into two category; one by telling fellow human beings which is not allowed and make that person feel a loser this world and Hereafter and the other by mentioning them to Allah SWT in ones supplications which is allowed. ***************************** The 'ustaz' then mentioned this story about three persons blocked in a cave to illustrate that Allah SWT allows us to mention our good deeds to Him, in what he termed it as 'tawassul' (seeking Allah's help by mentioning about ones good deeds). ************************** The Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.) said: “Three persons of a people before you, were on a journey when they were overtaken by a storm and therefore they took shelter in a cave. A rock slipped down from the mountain and blocked the exit of the cave. ***************************** One of them said: “The only way for deliverance left is to beseech Allah in the name of some virtuous deed.” Thereupon one of them supplicated, “O Lord, my parents were very old, I used to offer them their nightly drink of milk before my children and the other members of the family. One day I went astray far away in search of green trees and could return only after my parent had gone to sleep. ************************ When I had milked the animals and brought their nightly drink to them, they were fast asleep, but I did not like to disturb them, nor would give any part of the milk to my children and other members of the family till after my parents had their drink. Thus, with the vessel in hand, I awaited their awakening till the flush of dawn, while the children cried out of hunger at my feet. When they woke up, they had their drink. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do relieve us of the distress wrought upon us by this rock.” Thereupon, The rock moved a little but that not enough to let them pass out. ************************** Then the second man supplicated: “O Lord, I had a cousin whom I loved her more passionately than any loves a woman. I tried to seduce her but she would have none of me, till in a season of great hardship due to famine, she approached me (for help) and I gave her 120 dinars on condition that she would have sexual intercourse with me. She agreed, and when we got together and I was just going to have intercourse with her, she pleaded: ‘Fear Allah, and do not break the seal unlawfully’; whereupon I moved away from her, despite the fact that I desired her most passionately; and I let her keep the money I had given her. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do move the distress in which we find ourselves.” Again the rock moved a little but not enough to let them pass out. ***************************** Then the third supplicated: “O Lord, I hired some laborers and paid them their dues, but one of them left leaving behind what was due to him. I invested it in business and the business prospered greatly.” After a time the laborer came back and said: ‘O servant of Allah, hand over to me my wages.’ I said to him: ‘All that you see is yours – camels, cattle, goats and slaves.’ He said: ‘Don’t play joke with me, O servant of Allah.’ I assured him: ‘I am not joking.’ So he took all of it sparing nothing. O Lord, If I did this seeking only for your pleasure, do relieve us of our distress.” ***************************** The rock then moved away, and all the three came out of the cave safe and sound! (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) ************************** Based on this hadith, the 'ustaz' said it is okay to mention our good deeds to Allah SWT but he reminded us that there is no point in us revealing our good deeds to our relatives, friends and office mates because human beings as Allah' s creatures are all too weak and poor thus are not in any position to 'upgrade' our position or provide the help and material things that we intend to have. *************************** For example if we tend to 'show off' how generous we are by giving away a mock cheque say RM10,000 to a charity organization in front of cameramen but postphone the event if the pressmen are absent, then we are only making a mockery of ourselves; not only in this world we would be a loser but the punishment that awaits us in the Hereafter is unbearable and everlasting. *************************** The 'ustaz' said all praises should be addressed to The Creator Allah SWT. "So if a person mentions about our good deeds to him or her, 'return' it to Allah SWT by saying 'Alhamdulillah' (All praises be to Allah SWT)." **************************** He said only knowledge could guide a person to be safe in this world and in the Hereafter. He who knows Allah SWT knows himself/herself which is too weak and poor to be 'showered with praises'. We too know 'we are not good enough to recieve all those praises! We too know all of our bad side, and if Allah exposes them, we would be finished! Allah loves us so He hides all of them from others! *********************** A Muslim who knows himself would become a Believer (Mu'min) when the knowledge he or she witnessed 'finds its way to the heart'. The Mu'min are "those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then never doubt, and struggle with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah. They are the ones who are truthful in their claim to be the Believers." (Qur'an 49:15) *********************** Thus it would be a shame if we keep on telling people that we have 'done this and that' (good things to fellow human beings and performing our 'ibadah' to Allah SWT such as doing the late night (tahajud) prayers; instead we should be quiet about it and keep it to our ownself until our final moment on earth (death). ********************** By gaining knowledge we should know that doing good deeds is to please only Allah SWT and none else. Deeds done for other than Allah or along with Allah is not acceptable to Him. ******************************* Allah The Most Beautiful loves beauty. "So give to the kinsman his due, and to the needy, and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah's countenance. And such are they who are successful." (Qur'an: 30:38)

Kisah Pak Samad dan 'rojaknya sekolah' pasca PPSMI...

********************** 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) ****************************** DATO' A Samad Said atau lebih mesra dengan panggilan Pak Samad 'bukanlah asing' bagi diri saya. Saya pernah bekerja sebumbung dengannya ketika di NSTP pada tahun-tahun 1980-an dulu. ********************************** Kini pada ketika Pak Samad difitnah dan dilempar pelbagai tuduhan jelek termasuk pengkhianat negara, saya mengimbau catatan saya mengenai beliau di samping menelusuri usahanya dalam mengepali bantahan terhadap Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) yang sehingga kini isunya bagaikan 'duri dalam daging' yang bila-bila masa boleh meletup. Tetapi ia senyap saja sekarang ini kerana pembantah PPSMI mungkin sudah terlena dengan janji manis pemimpin kerajaan. ******************************* Dalam buku saya 'Dilema Seorang Wartawan Islam' saya mencatat: "Beberapa hari selepas memasuki Berita Harian, Yunus Said (ketika itu Penolong Pengarang Berita dan menjadi terkenal selepas meletakkan jawatan sebagai Pengarah Operasi TV3), memanggil saya ke meja kerjanya. ********************************** "Beliau memberi nasihat yang mungkin tidak akan saya lupakan sepanjang hayat. Katanya: "Kamu ingat kamu nak jadi Samad Said ke?" merujuk kepada Sasterawan Negara, A Samad Said. Beliau berkata demikian bagi menyindir cara saya bekerja yang dakwanya macam tokoh besar dunia kesusasteraan itu. ******************************** "Saya mula mengenali nama A Samad Said sewaktu bersekolah lagi. Novelnya 'Salina' menarik perhatian saya. Kata Yunus: "Kalau awak buat kerja, temenung sana, temenung sini, bila kerja kamu nak siap? Kerja ni (buat berita) bukan macam buat buat novel, buat cerpen. Buat kerja sikit, kemudian berhenti - minum kopi, temenung dan kemudian temenung lagi. Besok pun termenung lagi." ************************************* Ya, ketika zaman awal saya di NSTP kerap benar saya melihat Pak Samad duduk-duduk di kafeteria NSTP; biasanya santai sekali dia bersama isteri keduanya, Kak Rashidah Md Dahan. Sesekali timbul juga rasa 'jeolous' di hati 'orang bujang macam saya' (ketika itulah)! Ehh, intim sekali 'orang tua berjanggut' ini dengan 'pasangannya', desir hati saya... *********************************** Sebagai anak seni yang halus jiwanya mengerti rentak suara hati rakyat kerana kerap benar beliau menelusuri lorong dengan berjalan kaki hanya bersandal atau berselipar serta menaiki bas awam, 'respek' (perkataan 'baru' yang saya perasan digunakan ketika sambutan Hari Wanita...respek wanita, apa tak boleh dipakai hormati wanita?) saya kepada Pak Samad bertambah jitu akhir-akhir ini apabila mengenang 'orang tua' ini sanggup mengharung derita bersama rakyat marhaen termasuklah dalam isu PPSMI. ****************************** Atas kepimpinan tokoh-tokoh seperti Pak Samad dan bekas Ketua Pengarah DBP, Dato' Dr Hassan Ahmad (kini Allahyarham); PPSMI dimansuhkan (atau lebih tepat lagi 'digantung tak bertali') selepas diadakan satu bantahan besar-besaran di KL pada 7 Mac 2009 yang dianggarkan dihadiri 100,000 orang. **************************** Namun orang politik bijak bersandiwara; PPSMI sebenarnya tidak dimansuhkan serta merta tetapi disediakan landasan 'soft landing', demikian umum Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Pelajaran, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin bagi membolehkan Umno-BN terus mendapat sokongan kedua-dua pihak yang membantah dan menyokong PPSMI. ****************************** Kata Muhyiddin PPSMI akan hanya dimansuhkan sepenuhnya di sekolah rendah pada 2016 manakala di sekolah menengah pada 2021. 'Soft landing' yang dikatakan oleh Muhyiddin yang memberi sekolah kebebasan penuh untuk menentukan sama ada untuk terus menggunakan bahasa Melayu atau bahasa Inggeris dalam pelaksanaan program PPSMI sehingga kohort terakhir tamat pada 2015 (sekolah rendah) dan 2020 (sekolah menengah). ********************************** Muhyiddin dilihat sebagai tunduk kepada kedua-dua pihak yang menentang dan menyokong PPSMI, mungkin bagi kepentingan politik diri dan partinya; seolah-olah memberikan situasi menang-menang (win-win situation) yang diharapkan dapat memuaskan Gerakan Menentang PPSMI (GMP) dan juga kumpulan pro-PPSMI yang digerakkan oleh Persatuan Ibu Bapa Untuk Pendidikan (Page) yang diterajui oleh Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim. ************************************ Berdasarkan perkembangan semasa; Page dilhat semakin lantang dan ke depan sedangkan GMP kelihatan 'agak senyap'. Ingatlah kata pemutus belum ada lagi mengenai PPSMI...ya perjuangan kita belum selesai! Kini pada ketika Pak Samad dituduh pengkhianat, saya cuba-cuba meninjau-ninjau pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik di sekolah pada 'pasca' PPSMI. Terperanjat saya, ada sekolah mengajar dalam bahasa Inggeris saja, ada sekolah dalam bahasa Melayu saja dan ada sekolah dalam 'bahasa rojak' (Inggeris dan Melayu). Di sekolah Cina dan Tamil, tidaklah saya tahu keadaannnya. ************************************* Bagi tujuan peperiksaan, kertas Sains dan Matematik disediakan dalam dwi-bahasa dan apabila menyemak salah satu kertas itu pada panduannya ada ditulis: "Kamu dibenarkan menjawab keseluruhan atau sebahagian soalan sama ada dalam bahasa Inggeris atau Melayu." ************************************ Bercelaru dan 'rojak' sungguh sistem pendidikan kita sekarang ini; yang cukup saya bimbang nasib pelajar-pelajar kita. Sebagai contoh jika di sekolah rendah terutama di luar bandar, murid belajar dalam bahasa Melayu sepenuhnya tetapi apabila ke sekolah menengah (terutama sekolah berasrama penuh) yang memilih bahasa Inggeris sepenuhnya, tidaklah mudah untuk pelajar 'catch up'. Sengaja saya guna ungkapan bahasa Inggeris ini bagi menunjukkan betapa 'rojak'nya diri termasuk sistem pendidikan kita. ************************************* Ya, 'kerojakan' (kecelaruan dan kepincangan) yang berlaku sekarang ini perlu ditentang kita semua; tidak wajar kita bebankannya lagi di bahu Pak Samad sekalipun semangat 'merakyatnya' tetap berkorbar-kobar dan sentiasa menyala. Mana pejuang-pejuang muda kita; ayuh kita kibarkan bendera di atas puing-puing runtuhan kota Melaka!

'Merdeka' (free one's self) from practicing favoritism (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) * ************************** AT the height of the conquest of Persia, the Muslim general, Sa'ad ibn Waqqass carried out Caliph Umar Al-Khattab's will and sent Rustum (or Rustam), the Persian great general, a number of his companions lead by Asim ibn Amir to call him to follow Islam and Allah's path. ****************************** The conversation between them and the Persian leader lasted long. Finally they ended their talk by telling him, "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness. Whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allah's promise." *************************** During our country's one month 'Merdeka' celebration (until 16th September), I heard several 'ustaz' (religious teacher) discussing the points elaborated by Asim to Rustum to define the meaning of 'merdeka' (freedom). It was regarding 'transforming' people from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to freedom and from ruler's injustice to Islam fairness. ******************************* In Islam, each of us is equal in the eyes of Allah SWT. There is no difference between a rich and a poor man. Yes, only 'takwa' (fear of Allah) differenciate people for He had said in the Qur'an: "O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." - (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13) ******************************* Since in few weeks time we would be celebrating Eid Adha and beginning Friday (6th September) some 22,000 Malaysian pilgrims (6,000 less from previous hajj because of the reduced quota by the Saudis) including two of my siblings and their spouses will begin their jouney to the Holy Land which would be attended by more than two million pilgrims, I prefer to discuss the topic on fairness ('merdeka' from practicing favoritism) based on the hajj 'manasik' (rites and ceremonies performed at hajj). **************************** In the meeting with Rustum, Asim was quoted as saying: "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism..." then hajj is about 'returning to your source - the hajj is not a journey of going (to Makkah); it is a journey of returning. The pilgrim is not going to Makkah, he is returning to his source, Allah The source of Everything. (Hajj of the Heart, Orina) ***************************** It noted that "we are from Adam (peace be upon him - a.s.), he was from 'Jannah' (heaven), and it is where we are heading, 'insya-Allah' (God willing). The hajj is a reminder of 'heading home'; it is recognizing our true origin." ***************************** The road to His paradise should be open and available to all (perhaps that's why Asim insisted that Rustum give way because he was the stumbling block of his people from accepting Islam) by saying "whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allah's promise." ******************************** So in my opinion 'merdeka' means that we are free to practice all our religions obligations and as Muslims we have the rights to implement all of Allah SWT commands including hudud law (because it is mention in the Qur'an) and preventing ‘mungkar’ (sins). Having reservation on any of Allah SWT’s commands is a clear violation of our oath, the ‘syahadah’, that we will submit and obey all of Allah SWT’s commands. ************************** Some scholars even say having such an attitude will nullify our ‘syahadah’ and is sufficient to make a person ‘kafir’ (a non-believer). And Allah SWT has given us warning on this matter in Ayah 85 Surah al-Baqarah (...Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelive ye in part thereof?...)where Allah SWT warns us not to become like the Children of Israel who disobey some of Allah SWT’s commandments in the Taurah. ********************** Muslims should be reminded that they would lead a meaningless and ruined life unless they are guided by the Qur’an, the world of God. But are our lives truly guided by the Qur’an; from the moment we wake up from bed in the early morning till we are in bed again at night are all our actions in acordance to the Qur’an? **************************** Or are we good in taking what we think are good to us and ignoring what we feel bad? In that Ayah 85 of the Surah al-Baqarah Allah warns us, that to accept some part of the Qur’an and to reject some is to reject all of it. There is no room for partial acceptance in your relationship with the Qur’an; there cannot logical be. *************************** The 'big' question is why are we practicing 'favoritisme' in implementing the words of Allah SWT. Ooo Allah, please forgive us for this; we had being cruel to ourselves. We are the 'great liars' - we are actually the great 'favoritisme practitioner', instead we are pointing our fingers at others! ********************************* Have a good look at Ayah (Ayat) 178 and 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah (Cow); why we fully accepted God’s commandments regarding fasting but we were reluctant to his laws of ‘qisas’. Ayah 183 reads; “O ye who believe! Fasing is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you that ye may ward off (evil),” while Ayah 178 reads; “O ye who believe! Retalation is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. And for him who is forgiven somewhat by his (injured) brother, prosecution according to usage and payment unto him in kindness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. He who transgresseth after this will have a painfull doom.” (The Meaning of the Glorious Qu’an, translation by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall) ******************************* Unfortunately we are now leading a secular life; our country, our societies and our families were not governed by His laws. We were placing man’s made laws (whats more they were enemies of Allah SWT) in number one position; thus pushing Allah SWT’s laws aside. ********************************* All Muslims should keep in line with the teaching of the Prophet (pbuh) at all times for Allah SWT says: “Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. to be consistent in performing your duties to Allah SWT, and giving (help) to kin, and forbidden Al-Fahsha (i.e. all evil deeds) and Al-Munkar (i.e. all kinds of oppression). ************************** “He admonishes you that you may take heed. And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (SWT) when you covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them – and indeed you have appointed Allah SWT your surety. Verily, Allah knows what you do.” (An-Nahl: 90-91) ************************** ‘Hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ are ambassadors of good faith; they are highly respected and are look upon as examples in society. In the Holy Land, almost all pilgrims put in practice all the basic principles of Islam such as fairness and equaliy and avoid favoritisme. **************************** For example when pilgrims are in the state of 'ihram' - it is a powerful reminder that wealth, power and status have no meaning in their movement in the direction of Allah The Merciful. All stand as equals in the hajj. ************************** In the Holy Land, almost all ‘hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ follow strictly the word of Allah The Greatest (SWT) and the Prophet (s.a.w.) in order to be rewarded ‘hajji mabrur’ (hajj that would be accepted by Allah SWT and the reward which is none other than ‘jannah’, but sadly upon returning home, some come go back to their old ways. ************************ If during ‘hajj’, they follow word by word whatever penned down and instructed in hajj guidebooks, but in life they fail to adhere to the greatest manual given by Allah SWT to human beings, that is the Qur’an. We tend to adhere to some orders of Allah SWT but fail to practice in life His law such as ‘hudud’. We should know that our lives will remain meaningless and ruined unless they are guided by the Qur’an, the word of God. *************************** So, what's the way out or the solution to all of our problems including the rampant practice of selectiveness where nowadays Muslims are not only being prosecuted in foreign lands by non-Muslims but also in Muslims dominated countries such as Egypt and Syria by leaders who claimed to be Muslims? **************************** The answer is return to the words of Allah SWT and His final Prophet, Muhammad s.a.w. Surrender only to Him; only He could provide us the way out as mention in the 'talbiyah' chanted by hajj pilgrims: Labbayk, Allahumma, Labbayk, Labbayk, La Shareeka laka, Labbayk Innal-hamda wan n’mata laka wal-mulk, La shareekala – (Here I am at Your service, O Lord here I am, No partner do You have, Here I am, Truly the praise and the favour is Yours and the dominion. No partner do You have). ***************************** Remember what Asim ibn Amir had told Rustum: "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness." Well this simplifies the meaning of 'Merdeka'!

Bertindak proaktif hadapi kenaikan harga minyak

******************** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Renungan ********************** "Dan mereka sekalian tetap akan berhimpun menghadap Allah (untuk dihisab pada hari kiamat); kemudian orang-orang yang lemah (yang menjadi pengikut) kepada orang-orang yang sombong takbur itu akan berkata kepada mereka (yang menjadi pemimpinnya): "Sesungguhnya kami telah menjadi pengikut kamu; maka adakah kamu dapat menolak daripada kami sedikit dari azab Allah?" Mereka menjawab: "Kalaulah Allah menunjukkan jalan selamat kepada kami, tentulah kami tunjukkan jalan itu kepada kamu. (Sekarang) sama sahaja kepada kita, sama ada kita menggelisah dan mengeluh atau kita bersabar, tiadalah sebarang jalan bagi kita untuk melepaskan diri (daripada azab itu)". (Ibrahim:21) ************************** KENAIKAN harga petrol RON95 dan diesel (yang terbaru 20 sen seliter) memberi kesan terhadap pelbagai perspektif kehidupan rakyat terutama kepada golongan kelas pertengahan dan bawahan. Hanya orang 'tidak waras' menyatakan kenaikan itu 'tidak mendatangkan apa-apa' kepada kehidupan mereka. ********************************** Kenaikan 20 sen jika dilihat sepintas lalu tanpa 'menggunakan otak' memanglah kecil. Allah, 20 sen saja, kata sesetengah orang dan pihak. Tetapi 20 sen daripada apa? Pertambahan 20 sen adalah bagi setiap liter minyak - sebelum kenaikan RM1.90 kini menjadi RM2.10. Mana ada pemilik kenderaan; hatta 'kapcai' sekalipun mengisi minyak seliter setiap kali ke stesen minyak? ************************************ Kenaikan itu adalah lebih 10 peratus; setiap kali mengisi minyak kereta sebanyak RM10 kita perlu tambah RM1 manakala RM30 lebih kurang RM3. Kalau dalam sebulan keperluan minyak kita adalah RM200; dengan kenaikan itu perlu menyediakan tambahan RM20. Itu baru kenaikan harga minyak, bagaimana kenaikan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan? *************************************** Kebanyakan 'orang biasa' merungut-rungut dengan kenaikan itu. Namun tindakan itu tidak membantu 'orang biasa seperti kita' ke mana-mana pun. Bijak pandai mencadangkan kepada kita dua pilihan bagi menghadapinya; pertama bertindak segera bagi menambahkan pendapatan bagi menampung kos kenaikan itu manakala satu lagi jalan mengurangkan kos kehidupan. ************************************ Bagi menambahkan pendapatan, mereka mencadangkan kita meningkatkan prestasi kerja dan pengeluaran. Misalnya jika kita seorang peniaga kecil, jika dulu kita menjual 50 roti canai, apa kata kita tingkatkan kepada 70 butir. Atau kita kekalkan 50 butir dengan harga sama tetapi kita kecil atau nipiskan sikit roti canai kita seperti dibuat sesetengah peniaga (ini berdosa; harap anda tidak lakukannya). Jika kita seorang buruh kasar pada siang hari, apa kata pada malam hari kita menjadi atenden di pam minyak. *************************************** Kaedah mengurangkan kos pula; berjimat cermatlah. Misalnya, jika dulu kita memandu 'berseorangan' ke tempat kerja, apa kata kita kongsi kereta atau tinggalkan kereta di rumah dan kita menggunakan pengangkutan awam. Kalau ke masjid yang berdekatan rumah, tungganglah basikal atau berjalan. Ini baik untuk kesihatan anda! Kalau dulu anda melanggan akhbar harian, tak payah beli langsung terutama 'yang meloya tu' sebaliknya berkunjunglah ke perpustakaan atau baca di pejabat saja! *************************** Ya, demikianlah dua pendekatan proaktif utama untuk menghadapi peningkatan kos sara hidup - meningkatkan pendapatan dan mengurangkan kos hidup. Persoalannya, bagaimana kita mahu melakukan pendekatan ini? Ketika kenaikan harga minyak 2006, Timbalan Perdana Menteri ketika itu (kini sudah jadi PM) Najib Razak memberikan penyelesaian 'terbaik' - UBAH GAYA HIDUP. ****************************** Betul, kita perlu ubah gaya hidup untuk 'survival' di dunia penuh cabaran. Tetapi kita perlukan contoh, 'kepimpinan melalui teladan'. Bagi orang Islam, idola kita adalah junjungan Rasul s.a.w. Dalam menghadapi ujian, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. adalah pendahulu apa diajarkan. Rumah baginda pernah 'tidak berasap' (tiada makanan) selama berbulan-bulan. Baginda tidur di atas tikar kasar sedangkan harta benda melimpah ruah memasuki 'empayar Islam'. ******************************* Sehubungan itu, wahai pemimpin tanah air; UBAH GAYA HIDUP anda. Bikinlah seperti apa yang anda cakap. Apa kata selepas ini anda tinggalkan 'istana' yang hebat dengan bil utiliti mencapai jutaan ringgit; kenderaan mewah dan pelbagai elaun untuk belajar sedikit sebanyak derita rakyat. Didiklah isteri dan anak supaya tidak bermewah dan boros atau menghabiskan harta negara, ajar mereka mencontohi Sayidatina Khadijah dan Fatimah yang tetap bersyukur sekalipun tiada apa untuk dimakan di rumah. UBAHLAH GAYA HIDUP ANDA wahai semua termasuk diri ini dan pemimpin!

Semasa kecil ditimang ibu, besar ditimang gelombang...

******************** 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 ************************* RUMAH kecil tiangnya seribu, rumah besar tiangnya sebatang; semasa kecil ditimang ibu, sudah besar ditimang gelombang...saya cukup suka mendengar seni kata puisi atau lagu ini; setiap kali mendengarnya terasa betapa ia meresap jauh ke dalam lubuk hati. **************************** Namun sehingga kini saya masih gagal memahami mengapa bijak pandai Melayu menggunakan pembayang 'rumah kecil tiangnya seribu, rumah besar tiangnya sebatang'. Bagaimana keadaan rumah kecil tiang seribu manakala rumah besar tiang sebatang? Apa rasionalnya, mungkin ada cendekiawan sedia berkongsikan jawapannya, sudi-sudilah menghantarnya melalui e-mel saya. *************************** Apa yang ingin celotehkan kali ini adalah berkenaan maksud seni kata "sudah besar ditimang gelombang" manakala maksud ungkapan "semasa kecil ditimang ibu" pada pendapat saya sudah dimaklumi kebanyakan orang - ibulah yang banyak berkorban dalam segala hal semasa kita kecil dulu. ******************************* Saya setuju kehidupan dewasa kita bagaikan ditimang gelombang - terumbang ambing ke sana ke mari, sekejap ke pantai dan sekejap lagi ke tengah lautan bergelora. Mungkin ia ada persamaan dengan peribahasa 'untung sabut timbul, untung batu tenggelam'. ********************************** Tentunya, sebahagian kita terutama generasi yang membesar pada tahun 1970 dan 1980-an terkedu mendengar lirik lagu 'Gelombang' nyanyian Salamiah Hasan: "Nasibku dirundung malang, sederas gelombang, menghempas di pantai..." ***************************** Namun apabila menginjak usia tua ini, ungkapan 'ditimang gelombang' mulai terasa tersasar daripada pengertian hakikat penghidupan - sebenarnya keyakinan, sikap dan perlakuan kitalah yang menentukan hala tuju kita sama ada menuju kebahagian dunia akhirat (syurga) atau penderitaan di dunia dan akhirat (neraka) tanpa mengetepikan faktor bahawa Allah SWT penentu segala-galanya. ******************************** Mulai terasa dalam diri ini "gelombang bukanlah penentu kehidupan ini" tetapi "kitalah sebenarnya yang menguasai gelombang." Kita menawan gelombang itu dengan iman dan bukan membiarkan diri kita dihanyutkan olehnya - terkapai-kapai tanpa ada perhentian atau pelabuhan. ********************************* Syawal lalu (apabila kelas pengajian maghrib-isyak ditangguhkan sebulan) memberi peluang kepada saya menatap sejumlah buku yang terdapat di masjid dan sebuah buku tebal bertajuk 'Fadhilat Sedekah' benar-benar memukau diri ini untuk bermuhasabah diri. *********************************** Ungkapan seperti 'usahlah gila mengumpul harta untuk ditinggal serta dihabiskan oleh orang lain di dunia ini', 'depositlah harta kamu agar kekal dan berganda-ganda di sisi Allah Taala (yang tidak dapat dimusnahkan oleh manusia seperti pencuri dan perompak dan bencana alam)' dan 'harta kamu yang sebenarnya adalah apa yang kamu telah makan, pakai dan belanjakan di sisi Allah' memberi ingatan kepada kita supaya sentiasa berada di jalan-Nya walaupun sentiasa dipukul gelombang. ************************** Sekalipun badainya tersangat kuat, tabungan kita untuk kebahagian dunia dan akhirat wajib diteruskan. Ada gelombang atau tiada gelombang (seperti kita jatuh sakit, miskin, dihina orang) pelaburan dan tabungan kita (seperti solat, zakat, sedekah, puasa, jihad dan kerja) perlu diteruskan dengan sebaik mungkin. Kita tidak ditimang gelombang sebenarnya, tetapi kitalah yang menguasai diri kita (terutama hati dan tindakan) dalam gelombang itu. *************************** Apa yang menariknya, cendekiawan mengingatkan kita supaya istiqamah (berkekalan) dalam amalan baik kita - biarlah sedikit tetapi berterusan. Misalnya kalau kita mahu bersedekah, tidak mengapa jika jumlahnya kecil tetapi lakukan sentiasa seperti setiap hari. *********************************** Misalnya dalam menderma kepada tabungan seumpama tabung masjid anggaplah ia sebagai salah seorang anak kita yang diberi belanja sekolah setiap hari. Jika kita ada tiga orang anak yang diberi RM2 seorang setiap pagi, anggaplah tabung masjid itu sebagai anak kita yang keempat - 'berilah' tabung itu RM2 setiap pagi (ada banyak fadilat bersedekah pada awal hari, salah satunya malaikat mendoakan kebaikan untuknya) termasuk hari tak sekolah. ******************************* Jika sehari kita derma RM2, dalam masa sebulan jumlahnya RM60; dalam setahun sudah ada RM720. Kalau kita istiqamah dalam masa 10 tahun, ia sudah menjadi RM7,200. Kalau kita mulakan amalan ini pada usia 40 tahun dan meninggal dunia pada usia 70 tahun (tempoh menderma 30 tahun), kita sudah 'melabur' di 'bank Allah SWT' sebanyak RM21,600! ******************************* Jika pelaburan kita dalam membesarkan anak membolehkan mereka menjadi anak salih yang mendoakan kita amat bermanfaat di dunia dan akhirat; begitulah pelaburan kita dalam tabung masjid tadi. Selain keuntungan di dunia seperti dimurahkan rezeki, ganjaran yang menunggu di akhirat nanti tersangatlah besar, hanya Allah SWT menentukannya. ******************************** Ingatlah 'simpanan' kita dalam tabung Allah SWT tidak akan rosak seperti simpanan di bank dunia dan dalam bentuk harta tetap yang akan binasa (seperti bank diisytikar muflis, berlaku bencana alam atau kamu sendiri mati) malah dilipat-gandakan. Namun semuanya perlu dilakukan mengikut landasan yang betul...semata-mata kerana Allah Taala. Di sini ikhlas amat penting. ******************************* Rumusannya, kita sendiri menentukan hala tuju hidup kita sama ada hendak berbahagia di dunia dan akhirat atau ke neraka sana. Nauzubillah. Jadi pada pendapat hamba yang daif ini tidak benarlah ungkapan "sudah besar kita ditimang gelombang!" Bagaimana pendapat pembaca?

'Merdeka' (free oneself) from practicing favoritism (II)

*************** 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) ****************** ************************* '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) ************************ Yes, dear readers, favoritism is not only on 'small matters' (as some of us think) regarding our attitude when treating a beautiful or a 'pariah' cat (or any other animal) as I mentioned in my previou article but most important we must do justice to all; treat all of them including human beings equally whether they are whites or blacks, Malays or Chinese, rich or poor, kings or subjects. *************************** I brought up this subject after witnessing it myself and being told by some 'ustaz' (religious teacher) in their 'tazkirah' (lessons) about some forms of favoritisme or discrimination in life. ******************************* Once when attenting a 'kenduri' (wedding feast); I saw two sets of reception areas (tents) - one for the VIPs and the other for 'ordinary guests'. **************************** The tables for the VIPs were set on a platform whereas for the 'ordinary guests' they were placed on the ground. Of course the settings and types of food served were different - the VIP's tables were with rotating units while the 'ordinany guests' had to satisfy eating at the 'hard tables'. **************************** An 'ustaz' said there were some people who organized Hari Raya 'open houses'; inviting only selected people of their own class or status and forgot about their next door neighbours. Some totally ignored the poor even if they were residing in the same areas. ******************************** The 'ustaz' also complained that some people held 'kenduri kahwin' (feast during weddings) without inviting the poor. He said such 'kenduris' unfortunately would be without blessing from Allah SWT for Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) states: “The worst food is that of a wedding banquet (walima) to which only the rich are invited whilst the poor are not invited. And he who refuses an invitation (to a banquet) disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4882) ******************************** It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya: “It is recommended to invite neighbours, relatives and friends.” Thus, one should invite family-members, relatives, friends, associates, scholars and pious people and others. It is wrong to invite only rich people or those who are regarded to be from the upper-class. ***************************** So why do we discrimate people or practise favoritism? Perhaps this experience by one of my sisters in law who is a housewife and does part time tailoring at home, could open our eyes in that there is no point in us giving priority to someone just because of his/her appearence, status and ranks. ******************************* A few months before Ramadan she was approached by a 'Datin' who asked her to design and sew curtains for her bangalow which would be used for Hari Raya. The cost of the project amounting to thousands of ringgits made my sister in law work hard to finish it fast and by doing so she ignored a few 'small projets' given to her earlier including by my wife. In short she gave priority to the 'Datin'. *************************** When she was readying the curtains, the 'Datin' came several times to her place and she was not happy with the work done. She grumbled a lot and when the curtains was ready, she refused to make full payment; saying that she was looking for a sponsorship and claimed that the practice was rampant among her ranks of 'Datuk' and 'Datin'. ***************************** My sister in law was speechless, she had learnt her lesson; do not give special treatment to a person just because of his/her status and rank. Do not practice favoritism - treat all people equally whether they were Datin, Dato', Tan Sri or Puan Sri. ************************** Moving on to a more serious note; what does Islam teach about justice? Neither love nor hatred can be allowed to compromise justice. *************************** An Islamic scholar, Khalid Baig says there is one word that captures the essence of all Islamic laws and all Islamic teachings; one word that describes the overriding value that permeates all Islamic values. Justice. ************************* The Qur'an says: "We sent aforetime our messengers with clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that men may stand forth in Justice." (Al-Hadeed 57:25) **************************** The sole purpose of sending the prophets was to establish justice in the world and end injustice. Broadly speaking, doing justice means giving everyone his due. But this simple statement camouflages all the complexities of life in their myriad and ever-changing relations; all the temptations; all the apprehensions and concerns; all the conflicts and dilemmas. To guide the people, Allah sent down the prophets with clear signs, the Book, and the Balance. ************************* The Book contains the revelations that spell out what's fair and unfair or right and wrong. The Balance refers to our ability to measure and calculate so we can follow the path shown by the Book and explained by the Prophets. ************************* Together these sources taught us what are the rights of Allah, of other people, and of our own persons on us and how to balance them. A life lived in obedience to Allah, then, is a continuous balancing act, both individually and collectively. **************************** Under normal circumstances many people can be just. But Islam commands its followers to be just even in the face of strong conflicting emotions. In dealing with other human beings, two major impediments to justice are love and hatred. ******************************* See how the Qur'an teaches us to overcome the first impediment when we are dealing with our closest relatives or even ourselves. "O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. (An-Nisa 4:35) ************************* Here is the resolution from the Qur'an of the perennial conflict between self-interest and justice. Be just, even if it is against your narrowly defined self-interest or of those very close to you. Ignorant people think they are protecting their self-interest by being unjust to others. ************************* Their decision to be just or unjust may be based on a cold calculation of self-interest. But real faith in Allah elevates one beyond that narrow-mindedness. These verses remind us that the real protector of interests of all people is also Allah and He will protect us when we follow His command to be just. The justice demanded by Islam permits no favoritism. **************************** Justice is much needed in todays world. "Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things." (An-Nisa 4:58) **************************** Some people show favouritism in the way they give gifts to some of their children but not others. According to the soundest opinion, doing this is haraam unless there is some legitimate reason, such as one child being in greater need than the others due to sickness. *************************** Does Islam show favoritism to any specific racial group or is it open to any ethnicity? Islam shows no favoritism towards any specific racial group. All are equals in the Eyes of Allah SWT. ***************************** We cannot show favoritism in Islam. We are all the creations of Allah, the children of Adam. The tribe of Ibrahim (Abraham), the followers of Muhammad. Allah sends food to all and protects us all. And tomorrow He will question us all, no matter who we are or what position we hold. ************************** On the Day of Questioning and the Day of judgment, each of us will be judged for whatever good and evil he has gathered. Before that time we cannot tell if someone is good or bad, or high or low in status. We are all Adam's children, all fruits from the same tree.

Fatahillah - pembakar semangat kemerdekaan

******************** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Renungan ********************** "Dan mereka sekalian tetap akan berhimpun menghadap Allah (untuk dihisab pada hari kiamat); kemudian orang-orang yang lemah (yang menjadi pengikut) kepada orang-orang yang sombong takbur itu akan berkata kepada mereka (yang menjadi pemimpinnya): "Sesungguhnya kami telah menjadi pengikut kamu; maka adakah kamu dapat menolak daripada kami sedikit dari azab Allah?" Mereka menjawab: "Kalaulah Allah menunjukkan jalan selamat kepada kami, tentulah kami tunjukkan jalan itu kepada kamu. (Sekarang) sama sahaja kepada kita, sama ada kita menggelisah dan mengeluh atau kita bersabar, tiadalah sebarang jalan bagi kita untuk melepaskan diri (daripada azab itu)". (Ibrahim:21) ************************** Sempena ulang tahun kemerdekaan negara ke-56 tahun, disiarkan balik artikel dalam buku 'Dilema Seorang Wartawan Islam' mengenai pejuang bangsa dan agama di Nusantara supaya kita kenal siapa itu pejuang sebenar atau 'pejuang tiruan' atau 'pejuang jadi-jadian' yang diangkat oleh pihak-pihak tertentu demi kepentingan tertentu. ********************* Kalau roboh kota Melaka, Papan di Jawa saya dirikan, Kalau sungguh bagai dikata, Nyawa dan badan saya serahkan. ************************* Demikian saya teringat serangkap pantun lama apabila terlihat sebuah papan tanda menyatakan Melaka bersiap sedia menyambut penubuhannya yang ke-600 tahun tidak lama dulu. ************************* Ketika Melaka menyambut ulang tahunnya yang ke-600, kota raya Jakarta di Jawa pula merayakan ulang tahunnya yang ke-470 (pada tahun 1997). Jika kota Melaka roboh, dihancurkan oleh armada Portugis pada 1511, kota Jakarta pula didirikan selepas kejayaan rakyat tempatan mengusir Portugis pada 22 Jun 1527. **************************** Sekalipun tiada hebahan di negara kita mengenai ulang tahun ke-470 kota Jakarta, peristiwa penubuhannya amat penting diketahui bagi menyemarakkan semangat perjuangan anak bangsa menghadapi kerakusan penjajah. *********************************** Kota Jakarta asalnya sebuah pelabuhan kecil di kuala Sungai Ciliwung dengan nama Sunda Kelapa yang masih wujud sampai sekarang. ***************************** Selepas menawan Melaka, Portugis meluaskan pengaruhnya di Nusantara termasuk membina sebuah kota di Sunda Kelapa pada 1522. Bagaimanapun, mereka tidak disenangi oleh penduduk tempatan dan selepas berlaku pertempuran hebat pada 1527, angkatan Portugis yang gagah perkasa itu akhirnya ditewaskan oleh angkatan perang seorang pemerintah Islam bernama Fatahillah. ******************************** Sempena kejayaan itu, Fatahillah menamakan kota itu Jayakarta, yang kemudian terkenal dengan nama Jakarta sehingga hari ini. Kisah Fatahillah ini sudah difilem dan ditayangkan di Indonesia dan Malaysia. ********************************* Ketika berada di Jakarta tidak lama dulu, saya sempat melawat pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa yang terletak di utara ibu kota Indonesia itu. **************************** Pelabuhannya kecil tetapi sibuk. Ia dipenuhi tongkang dan kapal layar. Barangan utama yang diperdagangkan di sini ialah kayu-kayan yang diperolehi dari Sumatera dan Kalimantan. Kayu-kayan ini dieksport ke pelbagai negara seperti Jepun dan Korea Selatan. *************************** Air di muara Sungai Ciliwung di mana terletaknya Sunda Kelapa ini kotor dan hanyir. Bagaimanapun, air sungai yang mengalir perlahan ini sebenarnya menyaksikan jatuh bangun anak bangsa di tangan penjajah - Portugis dan Belanda. **************************** Kejayaan Fatahillah menewaskan Portugis adalah pembakar semangat kepada perjuangan anak watan. Ia membuktikan bahawa bangsa Asia adalah setaraf bangsa Eropah yang menjajah dan memporakperandakan kehidupan mereka. ****************************** Selepas beratus-ratus tahun dijajah, semua wilayah di rantau Asia sudah merdeka - ada melalui perang dan pertumpahan darah manakala sesetengahnya secara rundingan dan perjanjian. ****************************** Pada detik 12 tengah malam 30 Jun 1997, dunia menyaksikan satu peristiwa bersejarah, menandakan berakhirnya keangkuhan satu lagi bangsa Barat ke atas rantau Asia. Hong Kong akhirnya diserahkan kembali ke tangan China oleh penjajah British selepas menguasainya sejak 1842. British akhirnya terpaksa akur bahawa 'cahayanya di Timur sudah padam'. ******************************* Selain British yang terpaksa 'angkat kaki' dari rantau Timur, Portugis juga berbuat demikian apabila ia menyerahkan Macau kepada China pada 1999. Penyerahan Macau bermakna semua wilayah di rantau Asia bebas daripada cengkaman penjajah. *********************************** Sekalipun penjajahan Barat sudah lenyap dari bumi Asia, hakikatnya rantau ini masih terbelenggu dengan ideologi Barat. Negara Barat masih meneruskan penjajahan mereka di rantau ini - tetapi kini bukan dengan dasar pecah dan perintah tetapi dalam bentuk baru. ********************************** Penjajahan minda adalah antara contoh pendekatan baru dunia Barat. Sekalipun sudah bebas dari segi fizikal, masyarakat rantau ini terus disogokkan segala bentuk kehidupan Barat. ******************************* Jika dulu, China tewas kerana rakyatnya ketagihan candu yang dibawa oleh British, tidak memeranjatkan apabila negara di rantau Asia tewas sekali lagi jika penduduknya hanyut dibuai kelekaan yang didatangkan oleh Barat. **************************** Seperti kepahlawanan Fatahillah yang menewaskan penjajah Portugis lebih 570 tahun lalu, kita mengharapkan kelahiran lebih ramai tokoh berwibawa sepertinya yang dapat menghancurkan penjajahan bentuk baru ini, seterusnya menyelamatkan rantau Asia daripada menanggung malu buat sekian kalinya.

Betapa jauhnya umat ini daripada ilmu, amal...

******************Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ******************* Renungan ******************** “Sesungguhnya Allah mengasihi orang yang banyak bertaubat, dan mengasihi orang yang sentiasa mensucikan diri”. (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayat 222) *********************** RAMADAN lalu memberi peluang kepada saya untuk beriktikaf di beberapa masjid. Jika Ramadan-Ramadan sebelumnya, saya tiada pengalaman bermalam di masjid; kali ini tahulah saya 'sikit sebanyak kisah di masjid'. *************************** Pengakhiran Ramadan, ramai orang mahu membayar zakat fitrah. Ini sesuatu yang positif kerana ia petanda anggota masyarakat sedar mengenai kewajipan itu yang mesti ditunaikan sebelum solat Aidilfitri. ****************************** Namun berdasarkan kunjungan orang ramai itu, saya amat-amati sebahagiannya hanya melihat akan kewajipan membayar zakat; tidak lebih daripada itu. Jadi berlakulah adegan-adegan yang pada pandangan 'hamba yang daif ini', tersasar daripada 'perlakuan cantik dan indah' seorang Muslim atau Muslimah. ************************** Di sebuah masjid, dua wanita yang saya agak anak dara yang turun daripada motosikal menegur saya: "Pak Aji, mana bilal (merangkap amil)? Kami nak bayar zakat." Terkedu saya melihat cara mereka berpakaian; pakai seluar sendat, baju-T mendedahkan lengan tetapi bertudung kepala; hai...pergi ke masjid dengan pakaian sebegitu? Ini macam iman pak aji dan pak bilal pun boleh tercalar, apatah lagi pada bulan mulia ini. Astaghfirullah... ***************************** Suatu petang selepas solat Asar saya luangkan masa bersama pak bilal yang duduk di sisi meja kecilnya menanti orang datang membayar zakat. Seorang pemuda berjeans dan berkemeja-T masuk masjid, terus merapati pak bilal. Ya, dia masuk dan terus duduk mahu bayar zakat. Demikian, ramai lagi orang berbuat sedemikian. ********************** Apakah 'orang-orang' ini tidak tahu peraturan keluar masuk masjid? Majoritinya tidak pun solat tahiyatul masjid. Main redah aje masuk masjid, kemudian 'blah' begitu saja. Ada seorang pemuda di samping membayar zakat fitrah, membawa bersamanya sesikat pisang. *************************** "Mana mahu taruh pisang ini?" tanyanya. Pemuda ini tahu berbudi dengan membawa pisang untuk santapan jemaah ketika berbuka puasa nanti, malangnya dia tidak menunaikan solat menghormati rumah Allah. ****************************** Ramai juga yang datang mahu membayar zakat seketika sebelum azan solat waktu dikumandangkan. Mereka tercari-cari pengutip zakat (biasanya bilal, imam dan noja) sedangkan petugas-petugas ini bersiap sedia untuk solat. Hairan juga, kenapa mereka tak solat sekali; selepas solat nanti bayarlah zakat. Bukankah itu akan menyenangkan pihak-pihak terbabit dan mereka juga mendapat fadilat besar dengan menunaikan solat berjemaah? ************************** Suatu pagi, selepas solat subuh, seorang lelaki penunggang motosikal, selepas turun daripada kenderaannya, tergesa-gesa memasuki masjid dan bertanya kepada saya yang kebetulan keseorangan di situ: "Saya nak bayar zakat, pak aji bilal ke?" *************************** Apabila saya menjelaskan saya bukan bilal, dia mengemukakan soalan mendesak-desak saya seperti "bila bilal, imam nak datang ni?" Hai, saya menjadi hairan, apakah hal hendak bayar zakat fitrah pagi-pagi buta ini? Tak tahukah dia, bilal dan imam pun 'kena pergi kerja' juga. *************************** Insya-Allah tengah hari nanti imam dan bilal datanglah semula; bilal bersiap sedia mengkumandangkan azan seterusnya jemaah menunaikan solat zuhur. Tak bolehkah datang masjid untuk solat zuhur selepas itu bayarlah zakat; ini pagi-pagi buta terlolong-lolong buat apa? ****************************** Demikianlah apabila berada agak lama di masjid, 'bermacam-macam hal' saya saksikan. Barulah saya tahu bukannya mudah untuk bertugas sebagai bilal, imam, noja, siak dan sebagainya yang perlu menghadapi pelbagai karenah anggota masyarakat. ***************************** Berdasarkan apa yang saya saksikan, saya bimbang ramai anggota masyarakat kita tidak cukup ilmu agama sebenarnya, apatah lagi beramal. Mungkin kebimbangan ini ada asasnya, jika diamat-amati hadirin pada kelas pengajian di masjid (biasanya antara solat maghrib dan isyak) pada saban malam adalah 'orang itu, orang itu juga'. Majoritinya orang KRU (kumpulan rambut uban) dan RTM (rehat tunggu mati). Jarang kelihatan anak-anak muda. ******************************* Mungkin itu antara sebab apabila anak-anak muda ini ketika membayar zakat fitrah, macam-macam karenah dapat disaksikan. Namun syukur juga, mereka mahu membayar zakat fitrah, kalau jenis yang tak nak bayar, lagi susah kita. ***************************** Mungkin ada pembaca tertanya-tanya mengapa saya mencelotehkan hal yang berlaku pada Ramadan ini pada ketika bulan Syawal pun sudah habis manakala jemaah haji sudah bersedia berangkat ke Tanah Suci. ********************************* Antara alasan saya, saya kekeringan bahan yang antara sumbernya adalah kelas-kelas pengajian di masjid. Namun kebanyakan kelas pengajian belum bermula lagi. Pada Ramadan lalu, kelas ditangguhkan selama sebulan dan Syawal ini SEBULAN lagi...Aduhai, terlalu lamanya orang Melayu berehat dan berhari RAYA!

'Merdeka' (Free) from practicing favoritism

******************** 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. *************************** ************************ HAVE you a pet cat (or any other animal)? Why do you love it? Is it because it is beautiful and has other 'heavenly characteristics' attached to it such as the much 'priced' Persian or Siamese cats? ******************** In my opinion, we should love all including animals the way they are. If we only love and give food and fondle our beautiful pet cat but chase away a ‘kucing kurap’, then we are not cat or animal lovers. We are only ‘beauty lovers’. ********************** We love the cat because it is good to stroke its beautiful body; what would happen if the cat suddenly developed illness and transformed into ‘a skeleton figure’, would we be still love it? Or we just dump it? We should be sincere (ikhlas) in our actions including when treating animals. ******************* We should only love them for the sake of Allah SWT. Thus we would give the same treatment to a beautiful cat or a ‘kucing kurap’. To us, all of them are God’s creatures; they deserved to be treated fairly. ******************** I reminded readers and myself to love animals as what they are after receiving this posting from a dear friend who was residing in Kuwait. And his posting was commented by other friends. ********************* Assalam alaykum; After 'maghrib' (dusk prayer) last Friday and coming out of the 'masjid', I heard cries of a little kitten. Me and my son looked and saw this poor thing. ************************ I then picked it up (with a newspaper) and thought of bringing it home but as I was about to bring it into my car, an Egyptian guy saw what I was doing and forbade me from doing so. ************************ He said, the mum could return anytime so there's no need to take it away. Just leave it there, he said. There were ants at where I found the kitten so taking heed of the Egyptian fella, I left the kitten slightly away from the ants. ******************************** Then me and my son went home and me son then told his mum about the encounter. When 'isyak' (late evening prayers) came, I brought along my wife to the 'masjid' to pray and also to see the kitten. Yes, the kitten was still there, crying for the mum. After 'isyak', my wife decided to bring it home. It could have been just two days old... ****************************** It was a difficult task, raising an orphaned kitten. My kids quickly googled to get info on how to save the poor kitten. ************************* Me wife also emailed to the local PAWS the next day and rather pleasantly she received a reply not too many hours later, only to regretfully be told that they're not taking in any kittens. *********************** So the arduous task began. ************************** First, my wife/kids fed it (not sure of its sex) with our usual carton milk but upon reading online, we were informed that the next best milk after its own mum's milk would be goat's milk. *********************** I duly bought a carton... ******************** On Saturday, the kitten was still crying out...gradually the cries became lower in volume and by Sunday...the cries were already few and far in between. ************************ As I sat waiting for the 'azan' (call for prayers) to break fast on Monday, my wife described the kitten as almost similar to humans struggling to breath, gasping for air in the face of death. 'Masya-Allah'. *********************** By 'isyak' there were no more sound coming from the poor thing but it was still breathing - one could see the body still moving inhaling and exhaling... ************************ My wife told me that it could be just a matter of hours now...she told me that if it was confirmed, she wants me to accompany her to bury it - preferably at where we picked it a few nights back - immediately so as to avoid any stench in the house. *********************** By 11.30 pm, I went to the box where it was lying and knew that it had already breathed its last.. *********************** I summoned my wife and kids and announced that it's gone....inna lillah wa inna ilaihi raji'un... ********************** By 12.15 past midnight, we drove - me, wife and eldest - to the site. I was told to do the digging! ************************* The sandy nature of the soil made the task easy. I only dug up to a foot deep and then my wife placed it inside...it's gone... ********************** We all quickly covered the hole with the sand and headed home... ************************ Done...buried on the night, just 72 hours after we picked it up... ************************** Look at the animal...even the mouth is opened just like a human's mouth would, in death... ************************** Just a reminder, that we all shall return to Him ultimately. ******************** Actually I never did like cats. I took pity on the poor thing only because I had intended to save a life with the intention of releasing it no sooner than it could walk... ******************** Never understood why people would spend hundreds if not thousands of ringgit on 'whiskas', cat shampoo...etc. The sight of people shopping in Tesco with cans of 'whiskas' in their trolleys could make me wanna throw up... heck, there are people out there trying hard to make ends meet... ************************* But I guess geopolitics could well influence as to why people prefer Persians and Cheshire as opposed to Siamese... ************************** * A most noble, yet futile attempt as you have observed. We had exactly the same experience once with a much older kitten. Apparently there's more to just feeding the kitty to give it the will to survive. It must have been sick at birth and could have been abandoned by the mother when it showed the signs. True indeed, there are lessons in there for all but most important, it is the compassion for the lessor 'insan' (human beings) that surfaced there. A good lesson in life; in the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. *************************** * Can't say I love cats. Don't have one now, never bought one. Just happened to pick up a 'pariah' one once in a while and took care of it just in case I get questioned later at the gates of heaven by the voice like the alien in Chicken Little, “Did you take care of the poor cat?". And I can meekly say, “do I get brownie points for it?".... ************************* * 'Alhamdulillah' I have had the honor of surviving three abandoned kittens over the last decade. My late jogs at night in and around Tasik Perdana almost as a daily constitutional, and a number of times we pick up a kitten in fear of them either getting run down by traffic, or just dying of starvation or the rain. We would take them home, clean them up, feed them, talk to them (hoping that they would somehow understand what we were trying to do), and basically keep them warm and safe. The next day we will usually call the vet and have them come over and give them all the typical vaccinations and vitamins, and basically give them a clean bill of health, with follow up visits. ****************************** We raise them like our own children, and treat them like one, too, and give them names. One of them, Sweetie, even grew up having her own, to which my wife was the 'bidan' (midwife). She died being run down in front of our house. Another became my son's pal, Commando (you can guess what kind of kitten he was) was the entertainer of the house for many years until he decided his life was in the jungle. The third, and last, was Yasmin. She sneaked into the engine compartment of our car one night, and her foot got caught in the belt when I switched on the engine in the morning. She had to have surgery to have the foot amputated, but the three-legged one survived the ordeal and lived happily with us for many years until she got run down in front of our house. ************************ It was then that I said, “no more". The loss of a loved one was heart-wrenching to say the least, but to have to go through it three times was quite frankly unbearable. *************************** Yes; dear readers, do not love animals because they are beautiful etc. Be 'merdeka' (free) from that attitude. Do not practice favoritism. Love them all. Love them only because of Allah SWT, the Beneficent, the Merciful even though they (for example 'kucing kurap') are skinny, dirty and with illness; perhaps their faces are swollen and had wounds all over theirs body. ************************ Treating animals well without looking at their conditions were recommended by the Prophet s.a.w. In two separate 'hadiths' narrated by Abu Hurayrah (the cat-loving Companion), the Prophet told his Companions of the virtue of saving the life of a dog by giving it water and quenching its thirst: one referred to was a man who was blessed by Allah for giving water to a thirsty dog. ************************ The other was a prostitute, who filled her shoe with water and gave it to a dog that was lolling its tongue in thirst. For this deed she was granted the ultimate reward: eternal Paradise. Note that the man and woman gave water not to their pet dogs but stray ones; they only did the good deeds for Allah’s sake. They loved Allah’s creatures; it did not matter if others did not appreciate their good deeds. It was only to please Allah SWT. ************************* Truly generous persons feed the hungry, saying, “We feed you for the sake of Allah Alone, we seek from you neither reward nor thanks.” (Qur’an: 76:9) If those who treated animals well were praised by Allah SWT, those who mistreated them would be seeing the doom. Regarding this, Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, (peace be upon him, s.a.w.) said, “A woman was punished because of a cat she had imprisoned until it died. She entered hellfire because of it. She did not give it food or water while it was imprisoned, neither did she set it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 56, Number 689) ************************* The Prophet s.a.w. was known to be very fond of animals. He was so merciful that if he saw a cat whilst he was performing ablution, he would lower the utensil down for the cat to drink from and then perform ablution from the leftover water. Yes, the Prophet s.a.w. loved all animals, regardless of whether they were beautiful or a 'kurap' one; but some of us love animals because of their beauty; for example a beautiful cat is pampered with love but a ‘kucing kurap’ is shooed away…! ********************** So, please dear readers, 'merdeka' our 'corrupt mind' from liking and loving only the 'seen pleasures and goodness of this temporary world'. 'The unseen' such as the Hereafter (akhirat), paradise (syurga) and hellfire (neraka) are everlasting; grab every opportunity to do good deeds including treating a 'pariah' cat well so that we will be rewarded well as to those persons mentioned in the Prophet's hadith.

Kembalilah kepada fitrah termasuk dalam berpolitik

*************************** DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. **************************** Renungan *************************** "Sesungguhnya kami memberi makanan kepadamu hanyalah untuk mengharapkan keredaan Allah, kami tidak menghendaki balasan daripada kamu dan tidak pula (ucapan) terima kasih." (Surah Al-Insaan, ayat 9) ************************* Bersyukur ke hadrat Illahi, kita dipanjangkan usia bagi membolehkan kita memuhasabah diri ketika Aidilfitri yang antara lain bermaksud 'kembali kepada fitrah' selepas sebulan melalui tarbiyah Ramadan. **************************** Berdasarkan perkembangan semasa termasuk dari segi politik dan sosial yang di negara kita dan dunia antarabangsa seperti di Mesir yang dari sehari ke sehari kita lihat semakin runcing, adalah perlu untuk semua kembali kepada fitrah. Kita tertanya-tanya mengapa kezaliman, isu agama, perkauman dan jenayah sosial termasuk pembunuhan semakin menjadi-jadi akhir-akhir ini. **************************** Bagi kita, pemerintah atau pemimpin adalah paksi utama yang mencorakkan suasana dalam negara. Jika baik pemimpin, maka baiklah rakyat tetapi jika sebaliknya, hal inilah yang merisaukan kita semua. ************************* Bagi pemerintah dan pemimpin, pada kesempatan Aidilfitri ini adalah penting untuk mereka mengorak langkah berpolitik secara fitrah; mungkin pendekatan seorang cendekiawan disegani, Abul A'Ala Maududi dapat mengubat permasalahan negara dan rakyat yang kian kritikal. ************************* Kita tidak mahu negara dan rakyat dibebani ketidak-tentuan berterusan kerana masalah dalaman yang kian berat dan yang paling penting kita perlu sedar dan mengambil tindakan sewajarnya kerana kita semakin jauh daripada kebarakahan Allah SWT selepas kita tidak mengendahkan perintah dan larangan-Nya seperti yang termaktub dalam Kitab-Nya (al-Quran) dan hadis Rasul. *********************** Maududi mengingatkan bahawa kuasa mutlak adalah hak Allah. Berhubung 'asas-asas pemerintahan Islam', negarawan kebanggaan Pakistan ini menegaskan bahawa prinsip asas yang ditekankan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w. adalah bahawa kekuasaan tertinggi dan mutlak hanyalah hak Allah semata-mata. Sesungguh 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. *********************** Perkara ketiga dalam ajaran Rasulullah ialah supaya manusia percaya akan konsep ini di mana setiap manusia akan bertanggungjawab di hadapan Allah atas segala yang telah dilakukan semasa hidupnya. ************************ Selama 13 tahun Rasulullah s.a.w. menyampaikan ajaran ini dan mereka yang menerima ajaran tersebut telah disatukan dalam satu jemaah (ummah). ************************** Semasa tiga tahun terakhir di Makkah, sekumpulan penduduk dari Madinah telah memeluk Islam lantas menjemput Rasulullah s.a.w. bersama-sama sahabatnya ke Madinah. ***************************** Benarlah kata-kata Sayidatina Aisyah di mana beliau menyatakan yang Madinah telah ditawan oleh Quran. ************************* Setelah mengetahui isi kandungan surah-surah yang turun di Makkah, mereka bukan sahaja menerima dan memeluk Islam tetapi mereka terus menjemput Rasulullah s.a..w. dan para sahabatnya untuk tinggal di kampung halaman mereka sendiri. ***************************** Jemputan ini bukan sahaja untuk memberi perlindungan kepada baginda, tetapi ialah supaya baginda menjadi pendidik mereka, pemimpin dan juga penyatu umat Islam di antara Makkah dan Madinah sebagai satu umat lantaran menegakkan satu sistem hidup di Madinah berlandaskan keimanan Islam yang telah mereka bulatkan. Inilah cara pemerintahan Islam yang ditegakkan pada hari pertama Rasulullah s.a.w. sampai di Madinah. ************************** Tugas utama pemerintahan itu ialah untuk menyampaikan ajaran Islam kepada penduduk seluruhnya. Memandangkan Islam itu adalah petunjuk dan ilmu yang Rabbani, kejahilan terhadap Islam itu adalah satu halangan ke arah jalan ini. *************************** Rasulullah s.a.w. dan para sahabat telah bekerja sepenuh tenaga dalam usaha untuk memberi kefahaman kepada penduduk Madinah ketika itu dan seterusnya beriman dengan ajaran Islam. ******************************* Apabila kefahaman itu berkembang dan penduduk Madinah berpegang kepadanya, maka lama-kelamaan Islam pun berkembang dan mula menjadi kuat. ******************************** Tugas kedua Rasulullah s.a.w. ialah memurnikan akhlak masyarakat ketika itu berdasarkan akhlak yang tinggi lagi mulia. ************************** Tidak ada sistem pemerintahan pun yang akan berjaya jika pemimpinnya tidak mempunyai akhlak yang tinggi dan masyarakatnya tidak bertakwa dan amanah. *********************** Keadaan ini akan terus berpanjangan walaupun sistem pemerintahan itu mempunyai perundangan yang baik dan pada zahirnya kelihatan hebat dan berkaliber. *********************** Itulah sebabnya, setelah mengajak supaya beriman kepada ajaran Islam dan seterusnya mengembangkannya, Rasulullah s.a.w. sangat menekankan persoalan ketakwaan dan akhlak yang mulia. ****************************** Asas yang penting di dalam sistem yang ditegakkan oleh baginda ialah menganjurkan akhlak masyarakat supaya menepati akan kehendak dan ajaran sistem tersebut. ***************************** Keadaan ini tidak memerlukan penggunaan kuasa kekerasan untuk manusia tunduk dan patuh kepada undang-undang tersebut. **************************** Cukuplah apabila dikatakan di sini bahawa semua telah diperintahkan oleh Allah, maka terpulanglah kepada masyarakat untuk mematuhinya. *************************** Pada zaman Rasulullah s.a.w. tidak ada pasukan polis dan tidak terdapat penjara-penjara. Tidak terfikir langsung akan keadaan di mana masyarakat menerima arahan daripada Rasulullah s.a.w. tetapi tidak mematuhinya. ************************* Contohnya, kita ambil kes mengenai larangan meminum arak itu sendiri. Apabila dikhabarkan di kota Madinah yang arak itu haram, maka tempat menyimpan arak semuanya dipecahkan dan masyarakat Madinah terus berhenti meminum minuman tersebut. *********************** Di sini, sejarah gagal untuk memberi contoh akan kepatuhan kepada undang-undang secara spontan. ************************ Malah, berjuta-juta dolar dibelanjakan di Amerika Syarikat untuk menjelaskan kepada masyarakat akan kesan buruk daripada arak itu sendiri. *********************** Satu propaganda besar-besaran telah dilancarkan untuk tujuan tersebut. Dengan sambutan masyarakat, satu pembaharuan telah dibuat di dalam undang-undang Amerika Syarikat untuk meluluskan satu undang-undang mengharamkan arak. ***************************** Tetapi keesokan harinya masyarakat meminum pula minuman lain yang beracun dan berbahaya. Perbuatan ini merebak dengan cepatnya di mana akhirnya undang-undang pengharaman arak tadi terpaksa ditarik balik. **************************** Jadi, marilah kita membuat perbandingan ke atas dua keadaan yang berlaku tadi. Pertamanya, di mana arahan yang dikeluarkan telah dipatuhi dengan serta-merta. **************************** Keduanya di mana satu undang-undang telah digubal setelah satu perbelanjaan dan propaganda yang besar dijalankan yang disokong oleh masyarakat tetapi akhirnya mereka juga yang melanggarnya. **************************** Ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa asas pada satu-satunya sistem pemerintahan adalah terletak kepada keimanan dan akhlak yang mulia. ********************************* Jika kedua-dua asas ini tidak ada, maka satu-satu sistem pemerintahan itu tidak akan berjaya, walaupun undang-undang itu telah digubal dengan baik.