Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 191
March 12, 2012
Di kaki lima badan tercampak…
*************
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
***************
Renungan
"...Sesungguhnya masjid yang didirikan atas dasar takwa (Masjid Quba'), sejak hari pertama adalah lebih patut kamu solat di dalamnya. Di dalam masjid itu ada orag-orang yang ingin membersihkan diri. Dan sesungguhnya Allah menyukai orang-orang yang bersih." (Maksud Ayat 108 Surah At-Taubah)
****************
PERSOALAN remaja begitu merungsingkan. Sebagai bapa lima anak remaja saya juga diselubungi kerisauan memanjang. Teringat saya daripada sebuah buku yang telah saya baca, Sayidina Ali karamah wahja antara lain berkata didiklah anak-anakmu mengikut zaman mereka.
Ya, zaman sekarang era IT, tak sama masa saya di IPT dulu. Ketika itu antara harta paling bernilai adalah mesin taip buruk. Kini kelengkapan IT anak-anak sangat canggih. Mereka terdedah kepada segala kemungkinan. Itulah yang saya bimbangkan.
Sebahagian ibu bapa tersepit antara memberi kebebasan (peluang) kepada anak-anak remaja ini atau menyekat mereka daripada akses gajet moden ini. Misalnya, kemudahan internet, nak menyekat mereka daripada mempunyai aksesnya tentu merugikan mereka sendiri tetapi membenarkannya kita tidak tahu apa yang anak kita lakukan. Yalah depan kita, segala-galanya nampak okay, tetapi belakang kita terutama ketika bersama kawan-kawan mereka, siapa tahu. Mana kita ada masa nak kontrol mereka 24 jam sehari.
Kalau mak bapak mendidik sendiri anak-anak boleh tahan; tetapi berdasarkan apa yang saya lihat di persekitaran kehidupan saya, anak-anak yang diserahkan kepada datuk nenek, sebahagian besar daripada mereka gagal dalam kehidupan. Ada seorang pemuda saya lihat hidupnya tidak keruan sejak datuk dan neneknya meninggal dunia; itulah mungkin dulu dia terlalu dimanjakan menyebabkan dia tidak tahu hidup berdikari. Dia kini menjadi orang gelandangan, tidur di kaki lima dengan pakaian tak ditukar berhari-hari lamanya.
Ada seorang pemuda pula sudah jadi kaki dadah. Kerja sehari dua untuk mendapat seringgit dua selepas itu hanyut berminggu-minggu dalam dunia dadah bersama-sama kawan-kawannya. Mereka menjadikan sebuah pondok kosong sebagai syurga dunia.
Demikianlah betapa ramai anak-anak muda hanyut; selain dua contoh yang dinyatakan ini, di manakah remaja lain lain berada? Jika anda ke masjid sama ada untuk solat waktu berjemaah atau mengikuti kelas pengajian antara maghrib dan isyak, adakah ada anak muda menyertainya? Jawapannya tidak, jadi ke mana agaknya mereka pergi?
Ramai muda-mudi kita (sebenarnya bukan muda-mudi saja tetapi seluruh umat Islam) sudah tersasar, jadi apakah jalan penyelesaiannya? Seorang pembaca yang mengulas artikel saya sebelum ini yang bertajuk 'Islam akan kembali tadbir dunia', menyatakan: "Benar lagi tepat; Islam sahaja tamadun penyelamat dunia. Mana tidaknya? Bayangkan, ketika peperangan melawan musuh sekalipun, prinsip perang itu sendiri jelas; bunuhlah mereka yang menentang sahaja, tawanan perang hanya diminta menebus diri, syiar agama pihak musuh seperti gereja dan kuil haram diceroboh, apatah lagi diruntuhkan, dan setelah berkuasa, mestilah berdamai, bukan menjajah walaupun dengan tertegaknya pentadbiran Islam.
"Mungkin masih banyak lagi yang saya jahil tentangnya, namun, rasanya dengan itu sahaja pun memadai untuk mengisyaratkan Islam adalah tamadun perdamaian dan kesejahteraan untuk semua, sesuai sekali dengan perutusan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. sebagai rahmat kepada sekalian alam. Begitulah juga dengan segala hukum-hakam serta peradaban yang digariskan Islam, daripada sekecil-kecil dan remeh perkara seperti ke tandas, tidur dan bangun tidur, sehinggalah ke urusan hubungan insani sejagat dan antara hanba dengan Allah SWT, pasti berkesan menyelamatkan masyarakat daripada kehancuran kiranya dihayati seluruhnya, sesuai dengan firman-Nya yang meminta agar kita menjadi Muslim yang mukmin secara total.
"Namun begitu, persoalannya, dengan pelaksanaan Islam oleh pentadbir 'sekular' yang Islam keturunanlah, kesucian Islam telah dinodai. Ia diburukkan lagi dengan kedapatan segelintir mereka yang diiktiraf sebagai 'ulama'" yang turut rakus terhadap keduniaan sebagaimana para pendita Yahudi dan Nasrani. Mana tidaknya, ada ustazah dan ustaz pandai memfitnah orang termasuk melalui tulisan.
"Gejala keruntuhan akhlak remaja sering dikaitkan dengan kecuaian ibu bapa secara langsung. Nah, bukankah mereka yang dalam kepimpinan itu adalah ibu dan bapa kepada anak-anak mereka? Sekali gus, bukankah mereka juga merupakan ibu dan bapa kepada rakyat yang dipimpin? Bukankah dengan penajaan program dan aktiviti hiburan melampau dan pentafsiran agama menurut pemikiran dangkal menyebabkan akidah masyarakat runtuh, kesucian wanita dan gadis ternoda, bangsa jadi leka dan alpa terhadap ilmu, dan bermacam-macam kejahilan dan keruntuhan moral berlaku?
"Dengan itu, mari kita bersama kembalikan kegemilangan tamadun Islam dahulu untuk kini dan selamanya. Semoga usaha kita nan sedikit lagi tak seberapa ini dihitung antara kaedah jihad serta bukti pengabdian kita kepada-Nya sahaja."
Ya, benar apa yang ditulis pembaca ini. Pemimpin mempunyai saham dalam mencorak anak muda kita. Teringat penulis betapa ada pemimpin sanggup turun ke gelanggang konsert Jom Heboh sekalipun berlaku hujan dengan kilat dan guruh berdentam-dentum dan langkah beliau dikuti ribuan anak-anak muda. Muda-mudi ke konsert hiburan rupanya, sebab itu mereka tiada di masjid.
Apabila guru (pemimpin) kencing berdiri, anak murid kencing berlari, itulah sebabnya pada malam itu ramai anak muda bergelimpangan di kaki lima, hujung tahun ramailah yang masuk sekolah mengandung yang disediakan pemimpin berkenaan!
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
***************
Renungan
"...Sesungguhnya masjid yang didirikan atas dasar takwa (Masjid Quba'), sejak hari pertama adalah lebih patut kamu solat di dalamnya. Di dalam masjid itu ada orag-orang yang ingin membersihkan diri. Dan sesungguhnya Allah menyukai orang-orang yang bersih." (Maksud Ayat 108 Surah At-Taubah)
****************
PERSOALAN remaja begitu merungsingkan. Sebagai bapa lima anak remaja saya juga diselubungi kerisauan memanjang. Teringat saya daripada sebuah buku yang telah saya baca, Sayidina Ali karamah wahja antara lain berkata didiklah anak-anakmu mengikut zaman mereka.
Ya, zaman sekarang era IT, tak sama masa saya di IPT dulu. Ketika itu antara harta paling bernilai adalah mesin taip buruk. Kini kelengkapan IT anak-anak sangat canggih. Mereka terdedah kepada segala kemungkinan. Itulah yang saya bimbangkan.
Sebahagian ibu bapa tersepit antara memberi kebebasan (peluang) kepada anak-anak remaja ini atau menyekat mereka daripada akses gajet moden ini. Misalnya, kemudahan internet, nak menyekat mereka daripada mempunyai aksesnya tentu merugikan mereka sendiri tetapi membenarkannya kita tidak tahu apa yang anak kita lakukan. Yalah depan kita, segala-galanya nampak okay, tetapi belakang kita terutama ketika bersama kawan-kawan mereka, siapa tahu. Mana kita ada masa nak kontrol mereka 24 jam sehari.
Kalau mak bapak mendidik sendiri anak-anak boleh tahan; tetapi berdasarkan apa yang saya lihat di persekitaran kehidupan saya, anak-anak yang diserahkan kepada datuk nenek, sebahagian besar daripada mereka gagal dalam kehidupan. Ada seorang pemuda saya lihat hidupnya tidak keruan sejak datuk dan neneknya meninggal dunia; itulah mungkin dulu dia terlalu dimanjakan menyebabkan dia tidak tahu hidup berdikari. Dia kini menjadi orang gelandangan, tidur di kaki lima dengan pakaian tak ditukar berhari-hari lamanya.
Ada seorang pemuda pula sudah jadi kaki dadah. Kerja sehari dua untuk mendapat seringgit dua selepas itu hanyut berminggu-minggu dalam dunia dadah bersama-sama kawan-kawannya. Mereka menjadikan sebuah pondok kosong sebagai syurga dunia.
Demikianlah betapa ramai anak-anak muda hanyut; selain dua contoh yang dinyatakan ini, di manakah remaja lain lain berada? Jika anda ke masjid sama ada untuk solat waktu berjemaah atau mengikuti kelas pengajian antara maghrib dan isyak, adakah ada anak muda menyertainya? Jawapannya tidak, jadi ke mana agaknya mereka pergi?
Ramai muda-mudi kita (sebenarnya bukan muda-mudi saja tetapi seluruh umat Islam) sudah tersasar, jadi apakah jalan penyelesaiannya? Seorang pembaca yang mengulas artikel saya sebelum ini yang bertajuk 'Islam akan kembali tadbir dunia', menyatakan: "Benar lagi tepat; Islam sahaja tamadun penyelamat dunia. Mana tidaknya? Bayangkan, ketika peperangan melawan musuh sekalipun, prinsip perang itu sendiri jelas; bunuhlah mereka yang menentang sahaja, tawanan perang hanya diminta menebus diri, syiar agama pihak musuh seperti gereja dan kuil haram diceroboh, apatah lagi diruntuhkan, dan setelah berkuasa, mestilah berdamai, bukan menjajah walaupun dengan tertegaknya pentadbiran Islam.
"Mungkin masih banyak lagi yang saya jahil tentangnya, namun, rasanya dengan itu sahaja pun memadai untuk mengisyaratkan Islam adalah tamadun perdamaian dan kesejahteraan untuk semua, sesuai sekali dengan perutusan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. sebagai rahmat kepada sekalian alam. Begitulah juga dengan segala hukum-hakam serta peradaban yang digariskan Islam, daripada sekecil-kecil dan remeh perkara seperti ke tandas, tidur dan bangun tidur, sehinggalah ke urusan hubungan insani sejagat dan antara hanba dengan Allah SWT, pasti berkesan menyelamatkan masyarakat daripada kehancuran kiranya dihayati seluruhnya, sesuai dengan firman-Nya yang meminta agar kita menjadi Muslim yang mukmin secara total.
"Namun begitu, persoalannya, dengan pelaksanaan Islam oleh pentadbir 'sekular' yang Islam keturunanlah, kesucian Islam telah dinodai. Ia diburukkan lagi dengan kedapatan segelintir mereka yang diiktiraf sebagai 'ulama'" yang turut rakus terhadap keduniaan sebagaimana para pendita Yahudi dan Nasrani. Mana tidaknya, ada ustazah dan ustaz pandai memfitnah orang termasuk melalui tulisan.
"Gejala keruntuhan akhlak remaja sering dikaitkan dengan kecuaian ibu bapa secara langsung. Nah, bukankah mereka yang dalam kepimpinan itu adalah ibu dan bapa kepada anak-anak mereka? Sekali gus, bukankah mereka juga merupakan ibu dan bapa kepada rakyat yang dipimpin? Bukankah dengan penajaan program dan aktiviti hiburan melampau dan pentafsiran agama menurut pemikiran dangkal menyebabkan akidah masyarakat runtuh, kesucian wanita dan gadis ternoda, bangsa jadi leka dan alpa terhadap ilmu, dan bermacam-macam kejahilan dan keruntuhan moral berlaku?
"Dengan itu, mari kita bersama kembalikan kegemilangan tamadun Islam dahulu untuk kini dan selamanya. Semoga usaha kita nan sedikit lagi tak seberapa ini dihitung antara kaedah jihad serta bukti pengabdian kita kepada-Nya sahaja."
Ya, benar apa yang ditulis pembaca ini. Pemimpin mempunyai saham dalam mencorak anak muda kita. Teringat penulis betapa ada pemimpin sanggup turun ke gelanggang konsert Jom Heboh sekalipun berlaku hujan dengan kilat dan guruh berdentam-dentum dan langkah beliau dikuti ribuan anak-anak muda. Muda-mudi ke konsert hiburan rupanya, sebab itu mereka tiada di masjid.
Apabila guru (pemimpin) kencing berdiri, anak murid kencing berlari, itulah sebabnya pada malam itu ramai anak muda bergelimpangan di kaki lima, hujung tahun ramailah yang masuk sekolah mengandung yang disediakan pemimpin berkenaan!
March 10, 2012
Da'wah with wisdom and beautiful preaching…
******************
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)
******************
THE call to prayer (azan) was on air. Instead of listening attentively to the 'azan' and readying themselves to perform the 'zuhur' (afternoon) 'jemaah' (mass) prayers, some workers attending to wiring works at a masjid near my house choose to rest including sleeping on the masjid's verandah.
After entering the masjid with a 'salam' (greeting), as I passed the workers, I said quietly to them; "Jom solat' (let's pray). I realized only one worker responded; he quickly stood and went to take ablution, but the other workers continued lying lazily on the carpeted floor.
After the mass prayer, I went back to the group of workers; and 'Alhamdulillah' (all praise to Allah SWT) I had the courage to talk to them about the important of performing one's religious obligations such as 'solat'. I began with telling them an idiom "You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink" which means I could only give them advice but cannot force them to do it.
"Listen, brothers; Westerners such as Yvonne Ridley (former Taliban captive), Cat Stevens (Yusof Islam) and Lauren Booth (Tony Blair's sister in law) had to travel years and to far away lands searching for the truth before they converted to Islam but what do we have here? You are born Muslim and are now in a masjid yet you are not moved to perform your 'solat'. Why it is so?
"An 'ustaz' (religious teacher) had told me bricks and steel are no hurdle to some workers but to perform one's ablution is a very heavy task. Only a few could stop work, take ablution and perform prayers.
"Allah SWT is very generous. Your tummy must be full after taking your lunch. Allah gives you all those food – 'nasi' (rice), 'ayam' (chicken) and so on. The animal had to die to be on your table. So why not you say 'thank you' to the Provider who is Allah SWT. To say 'thank you' to Allah SWT is by performing your 'solat' (prayer)-lah."
Alhamdulillah, their faces showed they were interested so I kept on telling them the importance of being a practicing Muslim. "Now you are alive it is okay, but who knows one day you fall from the masjid's ceiling and died, what will happened to you in your grave without you having any preparation?"
After speaking my mind to them, I gave oppourtunity for them to ask me question. Only one guy spoke up. Among others, he told me: "Thank you uncle for your concern. But you are not the first person to tell us what to do when we are in this masjid.
"But their ways put us off. One person said in a harsh manner, 'Hey boys, why you all do not pray? You want to go to hell?' Please 'pakcik' we are not primary school children to be treated that way. Couldn't he tell us in a polite manner?
He said many of his friends had improper upbringing at home. Some had never said their prayers at home; their parents too did not 'solat'.
"If our parents do not care if we 'solat' or not, then why should we bother with other's people concerns? Telling us that our place is in hell only made us more rebellious and hated those so called 'religious' people.
"By the way, I like your approach 'pakcik'. You sit with us and talk nicely to us. We listened to you and now it is up to us to accept or trash it."
As I slowly moved away from the group after delivering my 'words', I could not believed myself that I could da'wah 'those guys'. 'Alhamdulillah', God gave me the strength, I knew on 'normal circumstances' I would not be able to do it, but on that particular time, He gave me the courage to speak to those 'tough guys' who could climb ceilings and do hard work.
And 'alhamdulillah', during Asar (late afternoon) prayers, I noticed a few of the workers joined the congregators in 'solat'. Allah had moved their hearts, insya-Allah (God willing) they would be guided to the straight path as we asked every time we perform solat when we read 'ih-di-nasw-swi-ra-twal-mus-ta-qiim' (from Surah al-Fatihah) which means, 'do guide us along the right path'.
Yes, it needs wisdom in da'wah. In Malay, it is call 'berhikmah'. In the Qur'an, there are many 'ayats' suggesting to do the da'wah work with wisdom. Among them in ayat 83 Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow): "…And speak to people good (words)…" (Qur'an 2:83); ayat 148 of Surah an-Nisa (Woman): "Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged…" (Qur'an 4:148); ayat 3 of Surah Ali Imran (Family of Imran): "…And if you had been rude (in speech) and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you…" (Qur'an 3: 159).
Then Allah SWT mentioned in ayat 53 of Surah al-Isra' (The Night Journey): "And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces (dissension) among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." (Qur'an 17:53); ayat 44 of Surah Taha: "And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear (Allah)." (Qur'an 20:44); and ayat 25 of Surah of Surah al-Furqan (The Criterian): "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them (harshly), the say (words of) peace." (Qur'an 25:63)
Regarding wisdom in da'wah, it is not restricted to Muslims only. Da'wah to the non Muslim should be done professionally in a 'beautiful' way. In the Qur'an (ayat 125 Surah An-Nahl, The Bee), Allah SWT says: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided." (Qur'an, 16:125)
And as the result after doing 'good da'wah work' I was interested to quote comments from the Guest Book at Masjid Negara extracted from a phamphelet entitled 'Mosque Tour Guide Programme by Islamic Outreach ABIM' which I received recently.
"We learnt a lot about Islam that we didn't know before." – Linda & Ken Gulbrandsen, Norway
"I received a wealth of truths in this time of untruths." – Vinay Kala, India
"My interest in Islam has grown." – Misaa Makinchi, Japan
"All our questions were answered fully and in a friendly way.' - Carly Bliss, England
"I feel truly blessed to receive the goodness and kindness of your religion." – Milena Langd, Germany
"Open my eyes." – Smonia; India
"Thanks so much for introducing me to Islam. Islam was really impressive." – Sanne Kersken, Holland
"Good conversation with an awesome person." – Lois Enrique, Mexico
"Very good, very, very super volunteer guide. Excellent." – Ying, China
Finally, to all, I included, I quote this from 'The Light of Revelation' by Islamic Outreach-ABIM; "If you seek HIM, you will surely find HIM!"
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)
******************
THE call to prayer (azan) was on air. Instead of listening attentively to the 'azan' and readying themselves to perform the 'zuhur' (afternoon) 'jemaah' (mass) prayers, some workers attending to wiring works at a masjid near my house choose to rest including sleeping on the masjid's verandah.
After entering the masjid with a 'salam' (greeting), as I passed the workers, I said quietly to them; "Jom solat' (let's pray). I realized only one worker responded; he quickly stood and went to take ablution, but the other workers continued lying lazily on the carpeted floor.
After the mass prayer, I went back to the group of workers; and 'Alhamdulillah' (all praise to Allah SWT) I had the courage to talk to them about the important of performing one's religious obligations such as 'solat'. I began with telling them an idiom "You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink" which means I could only give them advice but cannot force them to do it.
"Listen, brothers; Westerners such as Yvonne Ridley (former Taliban captive), Cat Stevens (Yusof Islam) and Lauren Booth (Tony Blair's sister in law) had to travel years and to far away lands searching for the truth before they converted to Islam but what do we have here? You are born Muslim and are now in a masjid yet you are not moved to perform your 'solat'. Why it is so?
"An 'ustaz' (religious teacher) had told me bricks and steel are no hurdle to some workers but to perform one's ablution is a very heavy task. Only a few could stop work, take ablution and perform prayers.
"Allah SWT is very generous. Your tummy must be full after taking your lunch. Allah gives you all those food – 'nasi' (rice), 'ayam' (chicken) and so on. The animal had to die to be on your table. So why not you say 'thank you' to the Provider who is Allah SWT. To say 'thank you' to Allah SWT is by performing your 'solat' (prayer)-lah."
Alhamdulillah, their faces showed they were interested so I kept on telling them the importance of being a practicing Muslim. "Now you are alive it is okay, but who knows one day you fall from the masjid's ceiling and died, what will happened to you in your grave without you having any preparation?"
After speaking my mind to them, I gave oppourtunity for them to ask me question. Only one guy spoke up. Among others, he told me: "Thank you uncle for your concern. But you are not the first person to tell us what to do when we are in this masjid.
"But their ways put us off. One person said in a harsh manner, 'Hey boys, why you all do not pray? You want to go to hell?' Please 'pakcik' we are not primary school children to be treated that way. Couldn't he tell us in a polite manner?
He said many of his friends had improper upbringing at home. Some had never said their prayers at home; their parents too did not 'solat'.
"If our parents do not care if we 'solat' or not, then why should we bother with other's people concerns? Telling us that our place is in hell only made us more rebellious and hated those so called 'religious' people.
"By the way, I like your approach 'pakcik'. You sit with us and talk nicely to us. We listened to you and now it is up to us to accept or trash it."
As I slowly moved away from the group after delivering my 'words', I could not believed myself that I could da'wah 'those guys'. 'Alhamdulillah', God gave me the strength, I knew on 'normal circumstances' I would not be able to do it, but on that particular time, He gave me the courage to speak to those 'tough guys' who could climb ceilings and do hard work.
And 'alhamdulillah', during Asar (late afternoon) prayers, I noticed a few of the workers joined the congregators in 'solat'. Allah had moved their hearts, insya-Allah (God willing) they would be guided to the straight path as we asked every time we perform solat when we read 'ih-di-nasw-swi-ra-twal-mus-ta-qiim' (from Surah al-Fatihah) which means, 'do guide us along the right path'.
Yes, it needs wisdom in da'wah. In Malay, it is call 'berhikmah'. In the Qur'an, there are many 'ayats' suggesting to do the da'wah work with wisdom. Among them in ayat 83 Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow): "…And speak to people good (words)…" (Qur'an 2:83); ayat 148 of Surah an-Nisa (Woman): "Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged…" (Qur'an 4:148); ayat 3 of Surah Ali Imran (Family of Imran): "…And if you had been rude (in speech) and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you…" (Qur'an 3: 159).
Then Allah SWT mentioned in ayat 53 of Surah al-Isra' (The Night Journey): "And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces (dissension) among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." (Qur'an 17:53); ayat 44 of Surah Taha: "And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear (Allah)." (Qur'an 20:44); and ayat 25 of Surah of Surah al-Furqan (The Criterian): "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them (harshly), the say (words of) peace." (Qur'an 25:63)
Regarding wisdom in da'wah, it is not restricted to Muslims only. Da'wah to the non Muslim should be done professionally in a 'beautiful' way. In the Qur'an (ayat 125 Surah An-Nahl, The Bee), Allah SWT says: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided." (Qur'an, 16:125)
And as the result after doing 'good da'wah work' I was interested to quote comments from the Guest Book at Masjid Negara extracted from a phamphelet entitled 'Mosque Tour Guide Programme by Islamic Outreach ABIM' which I received recently.
"We learnt a lot about Islam that we didn't know before." – Linda & Ken Gulbrandsen, Norway
"I received a wealth of truths in this time of untruths." – Vinay Kala, India
"My interest in Islam has grown." – Misaa Makinchi, Japan
"All our questions were answered fully and in a friendly way.' - Carly Bliss, England
"I feel truly blessed to receive the goodness and kindness of your religion." – Milena Langd, Germany
"Open my eyes." – Smonia; India
"Thanks so much for introducing me to Islam. Islam was really impressive." – Sanne Kersken, Holland
"Good conversation with an awesome person." – Lois Enrique, Mexico
"Very good, very, very super volunteer guide. Excellent." – Ying, China
Finally, to all, I included, I quote this from 'The Light of Revelation' by Islamic Outreach-ABIM; "If you seek HIM, you will surely find HIM!"
March 7, 2012
Mencari pengajar lesen L wanita
****************
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
**************
SEORANG anak gadis saya kini duduk-duduk saja di rumah; menunggu keputusan peperiksaan SPM-nya. Ingatkan dia dipanggil menyertai PLKN, tetapi tidak pula. Bagi mengisi masa lapang, saya mengesyorkan dia belajar memandu kereta. Dia bersedia belajar; jadi terpaksalah saya menyediakan wang bagi membayar pelbagai yuran dan kos pengajian yang mencecah RM1,000.
Sebelum ini dua orang anak saya yang pernah belajar memandu ini adalah lelaki; tidaklah saya peduli sangat di mana dan dengan siapa mereka belajar, tetapi apabila anak gadis saya mahu belajar memandu, saya usahakan mencari tenaga pengajar wanita. Ya, wanita belajar dengan wanitalah, tetapi masalahnya wujudkah pengajar wanita itu?
Memang susah mencari tenaga pengajar wanita. Saya bertanya ke sana dan sini, semuanya menjawab tidak tahu. Mereka tidak tahu kewujudan pengajar lesen L wanita. Agak-agak saya di seluruh negeri kami tidak ada pengajar lesen L wanita.
Namun mungkin niat dan keazaman kuat saya untuk mendapatkan pengajar wanita untuk mengajar anak gadis saya, suatu hari ketika saya sedang memandu, Allah 'menemukan' saya dengan pengajar wanita itu.
Ya, di depan kereta saya ada sebuah kereta L, bergerak perlahan-lahan macam kura-kura; saya meneka yang memandu itu seorang gadis pelajar manakala pengajarnya seorang wanita! Apalagi, bagai pucuk dicita ulam mendatang, saya pun mengikuti kereta ini yang akhirnya masuk ke kawasan latihan memandu.
Kereta itu berhenti; wanita pengajar itu turun dari keretanya, bertanya apa saya mahu kerana mengekorinya. Terus saja saya katakan saya mencari seorang pengajar L untuk anak gadis saya. Orang itu ketawa dan saya pun ketawa. Lama kemudian baru saya perasan bahawa pengajar L itu adalah Lisa, orang yang telah mengajar hampir semua adik beradik perempuan saya dan juga isteri saya mendapatkan lesen kereta lama dulu.
Pada tahun-tahun 1990-an, bapa saya memberi kepercayaan kepada Lisa untuk mengajar anak-anak gadisnya, tetapi selepas puluhan tahun saya sudah terlupakan si Lisa sehinggalah pertemuan terbaru itu.
Saya ingatkan Lisa ini sudah 'pencen' kerana usianya sudah hampir 70 tahun; rupa-rupanya dia masih 'ligat' mengajar 'budak-budak' mendapatkan lesen kereta. Syabas Lisa kerana 'perjuanganmu', tetapi apa yang ingin saya suarakan di sini; semua pihak perlulah berusaha untuk 'meramaikan' tenaga pengajar lesen kereta wanita.
Alangkah 'indahnya' (tentunya faktor agama seperti batas pergaulan perlu diberi perhatian) jika wanita diajar memandu oleh wanita; tidaklah mereka terdedah kepada fitnah jika berdua-duaan dalam kereta dengan pengajar lelaki.
Jadi kepada wanita yang berkelayakan, saya menyeru jadilah tenaga pengajar lesen L agar 'wanita dapat mengajar wanita juga' dan yang paling penting, kita dapat 'menjaga' agama kita.
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
**************
SEORANG anak gadis saya kini duduk-duduk saja di rumah; menunggu keputusan peperiksaan SPM-nya. Ingatkan dia dipanggil menyertai PLKN, tetapi tidak pula. Bagi mengisi masa lapang, saya mengesyorkan dia belajar memandu kereta. Dia bersedia belajar; jadi terpaksalah saya menyediakan wang bagi membayar pelbagai yuran dan kos pengajian yang mencecah RM1,000.
Sebelum ini dua orang anak saya yang pernah belajar memandu ini adalah lelaki; tidaklah saya peduli sangat di mana dan dengan siapa mereka belajar, tetapi apabila anak gadis saya mahu belajar memandu, saya usahakan mencari tenaga pengajar wanita. Ya, wanita belajar dengan wanitalah, tetapi masalahnya wujudkah pengajar wanita itu?
Memang susah mencari tenaga pengajar wanita. Saya bertanya ke sana dan sini, semuanya menjawab tidak tahu. Mereka tidak tahu kewujudan pengajar lesen L wanita. Agak-agak saya di seluruh negeri kami tidak ada pengajar lesen L wanita.
Namun mungkin niat dan keazaman kuat saya untuk mendapatkan pengajar wanita untuk mengajar anak gadis saya, suatu hari ketika saya sedang memandu, Allah 'menemukan' saya dengan pengajar wanita itu.
Ya, di depan kereta saya ada sebuah kereta L, bergerak perlahan-lahan macam kura-kura; saya meneka yang memandu itu seorang gadis pelajar manakala pengajarnya seorang wanita! Apalagi, bagai pucuk dicita ulam mendatang, saya pun mengikuti kereta ini yang akhirnya masuk ke kawasan latihan memandu.
Kereta itu berhenti; wanita pengajar itu turun dari keretanya, bertanya apa saya mahu kerana mengekorinya. Terus saja saya katakan saya mencari seorang pengajar L untuk anak gadis saya. Orang itu ketawa dan saya pun ketawa. Lama kemudian baru saya perasan bahawa pengajar L itu adalah Lisa, orang yang telah mengajar hampir semua adik beradik perempuan saya dan juga isteri saya mendapatkan lesen kereta lama dulu.
Pada tahun-tahun 1990-an, bapa saya memberi kepercayaan kepada Lisa untuk mengajar anak-anak gadisnya, tetapi selepas puluhan tahun saya sudah terlupakan si Lisa sehinggalah pertemuan terbaru itu.
Saya ingatkan Lisa ini sudah 'pencen' kerana usianya sudah hampir 70 tahun; rupa-rupanya dia masih 'ligat' mengajar 'budak-budak' mendapatkan lesen kereta. Syabas Lisa kerana 'perjuanganmu', tetapi apa yang ingin saya suarakan di sini; semua pihak perlulah berusaha untuk 'meramaikan' tenaga pengajar lesen kereta wanita.
Alangkah 'indahnya' (tentunya faktor agama seperti batas pergaulan perlu diberi perhatian) jika wanita diajar memandu oleh wanita; tidaklah mereka terdedah kepada fitnah jika berdua-duaan dalam kereta dengan pengajar lelaki.
Jadi kepada wanita yang berkelayakan, saya menyeru jadilah tenaga pengajar lesen L agar 'wanita dapat mengajar wanita juga' dan yang paling penting, kita dapat 'menjaga' agama kita.
March 6, 2012
Don't let time cut you…
*****************
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.
***********************
HOW time flies. No wonder the Malay says 'masa itu emas' (time is gold) while the Arab is more concerned with his famous proverb; time is like a sword, if you don't cut it then it will cut you. Have we understood how precious is time is?
Those who came before us (the Salaf) understood the essence of what this meant to appreciate/value time; this is how they achieved their revival with the help of Allah. Their sayings and practices bear testimony to this…
· Ibn Mas`ud:
I never regretted anything except a day that passed by without having increased my deeds.
· Al-Hasan Al-Basri:
Every day the sun rises it calls upon us, O people! I am a new day; I am an observer of your actions. Take advantage of me for I will not return until the Day of Judgment. O son of Adam, you are nothing but a few breaths. Once one breath goes out, part of you goes with it. In the same way that part of you has gone, soon all of you will go.
· Ibn ul-Qayyim:
Every gulp of air that goes out in a cause other than the cause of Allah will turn to sorrow and regret on the Day of Judgment.
· Al-Muhasiby:
I wish that time could be acquired with money. If so, I would buy time from wasteful and ungrateful people so that I could spend it serving Allah.
It is reported that Sa`d ibn Mu`adh accepted Islam when he was 30 years old and died when he was 37. Despite living only seven years as a Muslim, the throne of Allah was shaken over his death, and seventy thousand angels came down for his funeral.
If Sa'd ibn Mu'ah made full use of the his last seven years to please Allah SWT, what could be said about me (the writer) who was born a Muslim and celebrated his 50th birthday recently (17th February 2012)? Well, perhaps nothing to compare to Sa'd; but I as a writer, have tried hard to convey messages and pass information to readers from the little reading materials I have come across.
I am now a 'senior citizen'; the past 50 years has become history. Time flies quickly and will never come 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 just like milk being split. You can't have the milk back; there is a proverb about it – don't cry over split milk. But as a 'weak' human being, I still cherish those yesteryears especially my college (secondary school) days because that was the place where me and my mates experienced the process of growing up – from adolescence to the adult world.
At that college, I must admit we were crazy over the paper chase. It was the strings of 'As' that counts. But now at the age of 50, after hundreds or perhaps thousands of religious talks in 'masjids', 'suraus' and 'tazkirah'(religious reminders), only now do I realize how I longed and craved for more and more knowledge.
If you know yourself (this only could be obtained by seeking knowledge), only then you will know Allah SWT and the heavy responsibilities you need to 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 a substance.
So to my 'old friends' (and readers) fulfill your days seeking knowledge, for with 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 it without pillars and feel how small you are, only 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 thing as unemployment in Islam.
There is so much to do and we are short of time to make them materialize. If we were to look at the Prophet as an example, he successfully preached Islam in 23 years - 13 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina, and died at the age of 63.
If we were to look back at our past, we will realize that we had been wasting our time. If we are now in our fifties and suppose we die at the same age as the prophet, we have about 13 years left to spend our lives. If we have done 'practically nothing' during our past 50 years, just imagine what could be done in our last 10 years.
Even though those college days were more than 35 years ago, some of my friends still preserve the bonds among us and with the help of the new social media - ideas and guides kept on pouring and this e-mail from a friend reminded what we should to and think when we had the 'golden age'.
One e-mail read: "Late last year, I chanced upon a bookshop selling Islamic books at Right Angle. There I bought Zad Al Ma'ad, although an abridged version.
Good book, though I rate 2nd to Riadhus Salehin…time for all of us to read these sort of books as we hit, approach 50 y'all!
The following is a sermon that is mentioned in ibn Al-Qayyim's famous book Zad Al-Ma'ad (Provisions of the Hereafter). This book is one of the important resources of knowledge for those who seek to know the Seerah of their Prophet (s.a.w.) as well as, the Fiqh learned from it. This is a book that is unique in that it explains the Sunnah through the Seerah and the Seerah through the Sunnah.
This sermon was delivered when the Prophet (s.a.w.) first arrived in Quba / Al-Madinah and before he (s.a.w.) built his mosque in Al-Madinah.
Ibn Ishaq reported on the authority of 'Abdur-Rahman Ibn Ka'b Ibn Malik that he said (part of the narration): "After the Messenger of Allah arrived in Al-Madinah and he stayed In Quba' on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and he built their mosque, then he left on Friday and time for Friday prayer overtook him in the land of Banu Salim Ibn 'Awf, and so he prayed it in the mosque which was in the middle of the valley before the building of his mosque.
Ibn Ishaq said: "It was the first sermon which he delivered; according to Abu Salamah Ibn 'Abdur-Rahman – and we seek refuge with Allah from attributing to him anything which he did not say – he stood up among them and praised Allah and extolled Him, then he said:
"As for what follows, oh, you people! Send forth for yourselves (good deeds); you know for sure, by Allah, that a person among you will be struck down unconscious and he will leave his sheep without a shepherd, then his Lord will surely say to him – and there will be neither intermediary nor screen between them: "Did not My Messenger come to you and communicate (the Message), and did I not give you wealth and favor you? And what did you send forth for yourself?" And verily, he will look right and left, but he will see nothing; then he will look in front of him and he will see naught but the Hell-fire. So whoever is able to shield his face from the Fire, even if it be only by giving a piece of a date in charity, let him do so; and whoever was unable to do so, let him (shield it) by saying a good word, for the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten times seven hundred times. And may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you."
Ibn Ishaq said: "Then the Messenger of Allah, delivered a second sermon, saying: "All praise and thanks be to Allah, I praise Him and I seek His Aid. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of ourselves and from the wickedness of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, there is none can misguide him and whomsoever Allah sends astray; there is none can guide him. And I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, Alone, without partners. The best of speech is the Book of Allah. He whose heart has been beautified with it by Allah and whom He has admitted to the fold of Islam after he had disbelieved will be successful, for he has chosen it (Allah's Speech) over that of all of mankind. Truly, it is the best of speech and the most eloquent. Love what Allah loves; love Allah with all of your hearts. Do not become tired of Allah's Speech, nor of mentioning His Name and do not make your hearts hard towards it.
"Hence, amongst everything that Allah creates He chooses [something]; Allah would call it: His Kheerah (best) in terms of deeds; His favorite ones amongst the servants; that which is good and useful in terms of speech; So worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him and fear Him as He should be feared and be sincere to Allah in the righteous words which pass your lips and love one another with Allah's Spirit between you. Verily, Allah hates that His Covenant should be broken. And may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you."
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.
***********************
HOW time flies. No wonder the Malay says 'masa itu emas' (time is gold) while the Arab is more concerned with his famous proverb; time is like a sword, if you don't cut it then it will cut you. Have we understood how precious is time is?
Those who came before us (the Salaf) understood the essence of what this meant to appreciate/value time; this is how they achieved their revival with the help of Allah. Their sayings and practices bear testimony to this…
· Ibn Mas`ud:
I never regretted anything except a day that passed by without having increased my deeds.
· Al-Hasan Al-Basri:
Every day the sun rises it calls upon us, O people! I am a new day; I am an observer of your actions. Take advantage of me for I will not return until the Day of Judgment. O son of Adam, you are nothing but a few breaths. Once one breath goes out, part of you goes with it. In the same way that part of you has gone, soon all of you will go.
· Ibn ul-Qayyim:
Every gulp of air that goes out in a cause other than the cause of Allah will turn to sorrow and regret on the Day of Judgment.
· Al-Muhasiby:
I wish that time could be acquired with money. If so, I would buy time from wasteful and ungrateful people so that I could spend it serving Allah.
It is reported that Sa`d ibn Mu`adh accepted Islam when he was 30 years old and died when he was 37. Despite living only seven years as a Muslim, the throne of Allah was shaken over his death, and seventy thousand angels came down for his funeral.
If Sa'd ibn Mu'ah made full use of the his last seven years to please Allah SWT, what could be said about me (the writer) who was born a Muslim and celebrated his 50th birthday recently (17th February 2012)? Well, perhaps nothing to compare to Sa'd; but I as a writer, have tried hard to convey messages and pass information to readers from the little reading materials I have come across.
I am now a 'senior citizen'; the past 50 years has become history. Time flies quickly and will never come 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 just like milk being split. You can't have the milk back; there is a proverb about it – don't cry over split milk. But as a 'weak' human being, I still cherish those yesteryears especially my college (secondary school) days because that was the place where me and my mates experienced the process of growing up – from adolescence to the adult world.
At that college, I must admit we were crazy over the paper chase. It was the strings of 'As' that counts. But now at the age of 50, after hundreds or perhaps thousands of religious talks in 'masjids', 'suraus' and 'tazkirah'(religious reminders), only now do I realize how I longed and craved for more and more knowledge.
If you know yourself (this only could be obtained by seeking knowledge), only then you will know Allah SWT and the heavy responsibilities you need to 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 a substance.
So to my 'old friends' (and readers) fulfill your days seeking knowledge, for with 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 it without pillars and feel how small you are, only 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 thing as unemployment in Islam.
There is so much to do and we are short of time to make them materialize. If we were to look at the Prophet as an example, he successfully preached Islam in 23 years - 13 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina, and died at the age of 63.
If we were to look back at our past, we will realize that we had been wasting our time. If we are now in our fifties and suppose we die at the same age as the prophet, we have about 13 years left to spend our lives. If we have done 'practically nothing' during our past 50 years, just imagine what could be done in our last 10 years.
Even though those college days were more than 35 years ago, some of my friends still preserve the bonds among us and with the help of the new social media - ideas and guides kept on pouring and this e-mail from a friend reminded what we should to and think when we had the 'golden age'.
One e-mail read: "Late last year, I chanced upon a bookshop selling Islamic books at Right Angle. There I bought Zad Al Ma'ad, although an abridged version.
Good book, though I rate 2nd to Riadhus Salehin…time for all of us to read these sort of books as we hit, approach 50 y'all!
The following is a sermon that is mentioned in ibn Al-Qayyim's famous book Zad Al-Ma'ad (Provisions of the Hereafter). This book is one of the important resources of knowledge for those who seek to know the Seerah of their Prophet (s.a.w.) as well as, the Fiqh learned from it. This is a book that is unique in that it explains the Sunnah through the Seerah and the Seerah through the Sunnah.
This sermon was delivered when the Prophet (s.a.w.) first arrived in Quba / Al-Madinah and before he (s.a.w.) built his mosque in Al-Madinah.
Ibn Ishaq reported on the authority of 'Abdur-Rahman Ibn Ka'b Ibn Malik that he said (part of the narration): "After the Messenger of Allah arrived in Al-Madinah and he stayed In Quba' on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and he built their mosque, then he left on Friday and time for Friday prayer overtook him in the land of Banu Salim Ibn 'Awf, and so he prayed it in the mosque which was in the middle of the valley before the building of his mosque.
Ibn Ishaq said: "It was the first sermon which he delivered; according to Abu Salamah Ibn 'Abdur-Rahman – and we seek refuge with Allah from attributing to him anything which he did not say – he stood up among them and praised Allah and extolled Him, then he said:
"As for what follows, oh, you people! Send forth for yourselves (good deeds); you know for sure, by Allah, that a person among you will be struck down unconscious and he will leave his sheep without a shepherd, then his Lord will surely say to him – and there will be neither intermediary nor screen between them: "Did not My Messenger come to you and communicate (the Message), and did I not give you wealth and favor you? And what did you send forth for yourself?" And verily, he will look right and left, but he will see nothing; then he will look in front of him and he will see naught but the Hell-fire. So whoever is able to shield his face from the Fire, even if it be only by giving a piece of a date in charity, let him do so; and whoever was unable to do so, let him (shield it) by saying a good word, for the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten times seven hundred times. And may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you."
Ibn Ishaq said: "Then the Messenger of Allah, delivered a second sermon, saying: "All praise and thanks be to Allah, I praise Him and I seek His Aid. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of ourselves and from the wickedness of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, there is none can misguide him and whomsoever Allah sends astray; there is none can guide him. And I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, Alone, without partners. The best of speech is the Book of Allah. He whose heart has been beautified with it by Allah and whom He has admitted to the fold of Islam after he had disbelieved will be successful, for he has chosen it (Allah's Speech) over that of all of mankind. Truly, it is the best of speech and the most eloquent. Love what Allah loves; love Allah with all of your hearts. Do not become tired of Allah's Speech, nor of mentioning His Name and do not make your hearts hard towards it.
"Hence, amongst everything that Allah creates He chooses [something]; Allah would call it: His Kheerah (best) in terms of deeds; His favorite ones amongst the servants; that which is good and useful in terms of speech; So worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him and fear Him as He should be feared and be sincere to Allah in the righteous words which pass your lips and love one another with Allah's Spirit between you. Verily, Allah hates that His Covenant should be broken. And may the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you."
March 4, 2012
Jangan abai pengundi wanita
************
DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Dan jika kamu menghitung nikmat Allah, tidaklah dapat kamu menghitungnya." (Ibrahim:34)
************
HAMPIR separuh (lebih 49 peratus) pengundi di Malaysia adalah wanita oleh itu sumbangan golongan ini adalah besar bagi kejayaan mana-mana pihak dalam pilihan raya umum ke-13 yang akan diadakan dalam masa terdekat ini.
Sehubungan itu, kita meminta semua pihak memikirkan hal ini dan melakukan tindakan segera bagi memenangi hati wanita kerana mereka mungkin menjadi penentu kemenangan pilihan raya. Isu-isu wanita perlu diketengahkan dan ditangani secara bijaksana kerana sebarang kelemahan di pihak kita akan memungkinkan musuh meraih sebanyak mungkin undi daripada golongan ini.
Kita mungkin sudah bergerak ke depan dengan mengemukakan sejumlah calon Muslimat pada pilihan raya umum lalu dan juga pilihan raya kecil Dun Tenang (calonnya Normala Sudirman) tetapi masih banyak lompang yang perlu diperbaiki. Sekalipun kita mengemukakan lebih ramai calon Muslimat, pihak musuh akan tetap menuduh kita sebagai hanya mahu memancing undi golongan wanita.
Sebenarnya, apa saja yang kita buat (termasuk memartabatkan golongan wanita) akan dipandang sinis oleh pihak ini; oleh itu tabahkan semangat untuk terus memberikan yang terbaik kepada golongan wanita sejajar dengan ketetapan Allah SWT melalui Kitab dan Rasul-Nya. Namun pelaksanaan hal ini tidak mudah kerana wanita sebagai golongan lemah yang dijadikan daripada tulang rusuk Nabi Adam s.a.w.; sebahagiannya mudah terpengaruh dengan manis dunia termasuklah hiburan dan laranya. Kelemahan inilah yang dieksploitasi oleh pihak lawan kita yang terus berjanji memberikan yang muluk-muluk kepada wanita penyokong atau pengundinya.
Di sini kita lihat betapa pentingnya golongan lelaki sebagai pemimpin (termasuklah sebagai suami dan bapa) berperanan untuk mendidik orang di bawah mereka. Bukanlah Allah SWT telah berfirman melalui ayat 6 Surah At-Tahrin yang bermaksud: "Wahai orang yang beriman. Peliharalah diri kamu dan keluarga kamu daripada api neraka, yang bahan-bahan bakarnya adalah manusia dan batu (berhala)."
Insya-Allah apabila kebanyakan wanita sudah dirapati dan dipasakkan ilmu agama dalam diri masing-masing, mereka akan tahu menilai mana intan dan mana kaca; pihak mana yang berjuang untuk keselamatan mereka di dunia dan akhirat dan pihak mana yang hanya menjanjikan kemanisan dunia yang bersifat sangat sementara. Ya berusaha keras dan berdoalah agar wanita-wanita kita diberi taufik dan hidayah untuk memilih antara kaca dan permata.
Namun memasakkan ilmu ke dada-dada wanita kita bukan proses mudah atau boleh dilakukan menjelang pilihan raya saja. Pendidikan bermula daripada bayi dalam kandungan lagi, berterusan di alam bayi, alam kanak-kanak, remaja, dewasa, tua sehinggalah seseorang itu masuk ke alam kubur. Ertinya pendidikan adalah proses seumur hidup. Persoalannya adakah kita bersedia dan cukup prasarananya untuk menjayakan cita-cita mendidik seluruh masyarakat ini?
Sekalipun kelihatan berat, tetapi usaha perlu dilakukan dengan doa tanpa putus-putus. Insya-Allah apabila wanita kita terurus matlamatnya, kita akan sentiasa mendapat sokongan mereka termasuk ketika pilihan raya.
DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Dan jika kamu menghitung nikmat Allah, tidaklah dapat kamu menghitungnya." (Ibrahim:34)
************
HAMPIR separuh (lebih 49 peratus) pengundi di Malaysia adalah wanita oleh itu sumbangan golongan ini adalah besar bagi kejayaan mana-mana pihak dalam pilihan raya umum ke-13 yang akan diadakan dalam masa terdekat ini.
Sehubungan itu, kita meminta semua pihak memikirkan hal ini dan melakukan tindakan segera bagi memenangi hati wanita kerana mereka mungkin menjadi penentu kemenangan pilihan raya. Isu-isu wanita perlu diketengahkan dan ditangani secara bijaksana kerana sebarang kelemahan di pihak kita akan memungkinkan musuh meraih sebanyak mungkin undi daripada golongan ini.
Kita mungkin sudah bergerak ke depan dengan mengemukakan sejumlah calon Muslimat pada pilihan raya umum lalu dan juga pilihan raya kecil Dun Tenang (calonnya Normala Sudirman) tetapi masih banyak lompang yang perlu diperbaiki. Sekalipun kita mengemukakan lebih ramai calon Muslimat, pihak musuh akan tetap menuduh kita sebagai hanya mahu memancing undi golongan wanita.
Sebenarnya, apa saja yang kita buat (termasuk memartabatkan golongan wanita) akan dipandang sinis oleh pihak ini; oleh itu tabahkan semangat untuk terus memberikan yang terbaik kepada golongan wanita sejajar dengan ketetapan Allah SWT melalui Kitab dan Rasul-Nya. Namun pelaksanaan hal ini tidak mudah kerana wanita sebagai golongan lemah yang dijadikan daripada tulang rusuk Nabi Adam s.a.w.; sebahagiannya mudah terpengaruh dengan manis dunia termasuklah hiburan dan laranya. Kelemahan inilah yang dieksploitasi oleh pihak lawan kita yang terus berjanji memberikan yang muluk-muluk kepada wanita penyokong atau pengundinya.
Di sini kita lihat betapa pentingnya golongan lelaki sebagai pemimpin (termasuklah sebagai suami dan bapa) berperanan untuk mendidik orang di bawah mereka. Bukanlah Allah SWT telah berfirman melalui ayat 6 Surah At-Tahrin yang bermaksud: "Wahai orang yang beriman. Peliharalah diri kamu dan keluarga kamu daripada api neraka, yang bahan-bahan bakarnya adalah manusia dan batu (berhala)."
Insya-Allah apabila kebanyakan wanita sudah dirapati dan dipasakkan ilmu agama dalam diri masing-masing, mereka akan tahu menilai mana intan dan mana kaca; pihak mana yang berjuang untuk keselamatan mereka di dunia dan akhirat dan pihak mana yang hanya menjanjikan kemanisan dunia yang bersifat sangat sementara. Ya berusaha keras dan berdoalah agar wanita-wanita kita diberi taufik dan hidayah untuk memilih antara kaca dan permata.
Namun memasakkan ilmu ke dada-dada wanita kita bukan proses mudah atau boleh dilakukan menjelang pilihan raya saja. Pendidikan bermula daripada bayi dalam kandungan lagi, berterusan di alam bayi, alam kanak-kanak, remaja, dewasa, tua sehinggalah seseorang itu masuk ke alam kubur. Ertinya pendidikan adalah proses seumur hidup. Persoalannya adakah kita bersedia dan cukup prasarananya untuk menjayakan cita-cita mendidik seluruh masyarakat ini?
Sekalipun kelihatan berat, tetapi usaha perlu dilakukan dengan doa tanpa putus-putus. Insya-Allah apabila wanita kita terurus matlamatnya, kita akan sentiasa mendapat sokongan mereka termasuk ketika pilihan raya.
February 29, 2012
Remember Prophet Muhammad not only on his birthday!
*************
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)
*************
IF for Aidilfitri, some Malays celebrated it for a month during Syawal; I was surprised when some 'masjid people' told me for the Prophet's birthday (Maulidur Rasul), we should celebrated it during the whole month of Rabiulawal (the Prophet's birthday is on 12th Rabiulawal).
Thus at some places, there are still functions and talks on the subject. Recently a 'surau' near my house too held that event. There were other functions too at masjids nearby.
Of all the talks I had attended, I cherished one remark by an 'ustaz'. He said: "Please do not remember Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. only on his birthday but keep thinking about him at all times."
In doing so, he said 'insya-Allah' (God willing) all our actions would be in line with his teachings. Then our lives would be guarded; our actions would be based on the five sections of 'hukum shara' (law of fiqh or religious law), that are 'waajib' (obligatory), 'sunnah' (optional), 'harus' or 'mubah' (probable), 'makruh' (improper) and 'haram' (unlawful or sinful).
It is 'wajib' to perform our five daily obligatory prayers (subuh, zuhur, asar, maghrib and isyak) so perform our best while doing it; it is 'haram' to shake hands with those of the opposite sex who are not our 'muhram' (those who are closely related to us such as our father, mother and siblings), then just leave it.
But the problem with some of us, we ignore what is ordained upon us; we just follow our 'nafsu' (desires), thinking that what we do (such as shaking hands with the opposite sex) is allowed or just a 'small sin'.
Shaking hands involving the opposite sex is rampant in top party functions. If we were to observe closely the moment when a leader arrived at a function, he would be greeted with handshakes by men and women.
The leader seemed not to have a sense of guilty when shaking and pressing his hand to the hands of other people's wives (bini orang) or daughters (anak dara orang). It is sinful but the people of that party just ignore it. Women too, were seen pressing or pushing their way to shake hands with the top leaders.
Based on 'this sinful' phenomenon, I am afraid we are not thinking about Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. at all times, we are only good at remembering him when celebrating his birthday. Imagine what the Prophet would say, if he were to witness our deeds of not following his teachings and yet during Maulidur Rasul processions some of us are shouting our lungs in praising him.
During this long month of Rabiulawal, Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Maulidur Rasul; on a large scale with most of the events such as gatherings and processions being organized by government and its agencies such as the state religious department. In masjids, events such as reading of the 'Barzanji' (a kind of song in praise of Prophet Muhammad) were mainly dominated by the masjid's committees.
During these gatherings, Muslims were reminded again and again about the life and sacrifice of the Prophet, his humble beginning as an orphan, his becoming a prophet at the age of 40, how he was mistreated in Makkah and about his flight from Makkah to Medina (the Hijra).
And in Medina, it was about the many battle the Prophet lead, the Islamic state of Medina he founded, the expansion of Islam in the Arabian peninsula up to his demise in Medina at the age of 63 in 632 AD.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the unanimous choice of scholars as the the greatest man in history. Michael H Hart in his book 'The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History' ranked the Prophet first, while Lamartine/Histoire de la Turquie/Paris 1854 asked; "If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?"
Hard's The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, has sold more than 500,000 copies and been translated into 15 languages. What mainly surprised readers in this book was the first person on Hart's list (Hart, 1992). Hart decided to choose Muhammad over Jesus or Moses. Hart attributes this to the fact that Muhammad was "supremely successful" in both the religious and secular realms.
During the many 'Maulidur Rasul' talks I attented, almost all the speakers reminded Muslims to show their love for the Prophet by always remembering him by way of pronouncing the 'salawat' (salutations to the Prophet) and to adhere and follow all his teachings and actions.
So what are the teachings of the Prophet s.a.w. or to cut short what is Islam? In the book 'Essence of Islam' (Islamic Outreach-ABIM), it is stated that Islam means complete submission or surrender to the will of Allah SWT (The Most High).
Islam also means peace and the way to achieve peace. Islam teaches that there is only one God, who is called Allah in Arabic. Since the time of emergence of the first man on earth, God in His mercy raised among men numerous prophets or messengers, such as Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishak), Jacob (Yaakob), Joseph (Yusof), Moses (Musa), David (Daud) and Jesus (Isa). The last of all the messengers was Muhammad s.a.w.
Islam is not a new religion. It consists of the same basic message which God has given in all true religions, and all prophets brought this same message for our guidance.
Muhammad s.a.w., the final Prophet and Messenger of God, taught us the full and complete meaning of Islam (surrender and commitment to the will of God) through his words, his actions and the revealed book, the Holy Qur'an.
All Muslims actions are governed by the principles of 'halal' (permissible) and 'haram' (forbidden, unlawful or sinful). It is 'halal' to be involved in business activities but 'haram' in practising 'riba' (usury).
It is 'halal' to touch one's wife (or to the extent of having sex with her) but is 'haram' for men to touch and shake the hands of non-mahram women, but why does this continue to happen at the ruling party's functions?
All along the party leaders would be shaking hands with the opposite sex. If dealing with this 'simple' matter, they do not follow the teachings of the Prophet, then what could be said about their commitments and pledges in more important and pressing matters.
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)
*************
IF for Aidilfitri, some Malays celebrated it for a month during Syawal; I was surprised when some 'masjid people' told me for the Prophet's birthday (Maulidur Rasul), we should celebrated it during the whole month of Rabiulawal (the Prophet's birthday is on 12th Rabiulawal).
Thus at some places, there are still functions and talks on the subject. Recently a 'surau' near my house too held that event. There were other functions too at masjids nearby.
Of all the talks I had attended, I cherished one remark by an 'ustaz'. He said: "Please do not remember Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. only on his birthday but keep thinking about him at all times."
In doing so, he said 'insya-Allah' (God willing) all our actions would be in line with his teachings. Then our lives would be guarded; our actions would be based on the five sections of 'hukum shara' (law of fiqh or religious law), that are 'waajib' (obligatory), 'sunnah' (optional), 'harus' or 'mubah' (probable), 'makruh' (improper) and 'haram' (unlawful or sinful).
It is 'wajib' to perform our five daily obligatory prayers (subuh, zuhur, asar, maghrib and isyak) so perform our best while doing it; it is 'haram' to shake hands with those of the opposite sex who are not our 'muhram' (those who are closely related to us such as our father, mother and siblings), then just leave it.
But the problem with some of us, we ignore what is ordained upon us; we just follow our 'nafsu' (desires), thinking that what we do (such as shaking hands with the opposite sex) is allowed or just a 'small sin'.
Shaking hands involving the opposite sex is rampant in top party functions. If we were to observe closely the moment when a leader arrived at a function, he would be greeted with handshakes by men and women.
The leader seemed not to have a sense of guilty when shaking and pressing his hand to the hands of other people's wives (bini orang) or daughters (anak dara orang). It is sinful but the people of that party just ignore it. Women too, were seen pressing or pushing their way to shake hands with the top leaders.
Based on 'this sinful' phenomenon, I am afraid we are not thinking about Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. at all times, we are only good at remembering him when celebrating his birthday. Imagine what the Prophet would say, if he were to witness our deeds of not following his teachings and yet during Maulidur Rasul processions some of us are shouting our lungs in praising him.
During this long month of Rabiulawal, Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Maulidur Rasul; on a large scale with most of the events such as gatherings and processions being organized by government and its agencies such as the state religious department. In masjids, events such as reading of the 'Barzanji' (a kind of song in praise of Prophet Muhammad) were mainly dominated by the masjid's committees.
During these gatherings, Muslims were reminded again and again about the life and sacrifice of the Prophet, his humble beginning as an orphan, his becoming a prophet at the age of 40, how he was mistreated in Makkah and about his flight from Makkah to Medina (the Hijra).
And in Medina, it was about the many battle the Prophet lead, the Islamic state of Medina he founded, the expansion of Islam in the Arabian peninsula up to his demise in Medina at the age of 63 in 632 AD.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the unanimous choice of scholars as the the greatest man in history. Michael H Hart in his book 'The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History' ranked the Prophet first, while Lamartine/Histoire de la Turquie/Paris 1854 asked; "If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?"
Hard's The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, has sold more than 500,000 copies and been translated into 15 languages. What mainly surprised readers in this book was the first person on Hart's list (Hart, 1992). Hart decided to choose Muhammad over Jesus or Moses. Hart attributes this to the fact that Muhammad was "supremely successful" in both the religious and secular realms.
During the many 'Maulidur Rasul' talks I attented, almost all the speakers reminded Muslims to show their love for the Prophet by always remembering him by way of pronouncing the 'salawat' (salutations to the Prophet) and to adhere and follow all his teachings and actions.
So what are the teachings of the Prophet s.a.w. or to cut short what is Islam? In the book 'Essence of Islam' (Islamic Outreach-ABIM), it is stated that Islam means complete submission or surrender to the will of Allah SWT (The Most High).
Islam also means peace and the way to achieve peace. Islam teaches that there is only one God, who is called Allah in Arabic. Since the time of emergence of the first man on earth, God in His mercy raised among men numerous prophets or messengers, such as Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishak), Jacob (Yaakob), Joseph (Yusof), Moses (Musa), David (Daud) and Jesus (Isa). The last of all the messengers was Muhammad s.a.w.
Islam is not a new religion. It consists of the same basic message which God has given in all true religions, and all prophets brought this same message for our guidance.
Muhammad s.a.w., the final Prophet and Messenger of God, taught us the full and complete meaning of Islam (surrender and commitment to the will of God) through his words, his actions and the revealed book, the Holy Qur'an.
All Muslims actions are governed by the principles of 'halal' (permissible) and 'haram' (forbidden, unlawful or sinful). It is 'halal' to be involved in business activities but 'haram' in practising 'riba' (usury).
It is 'halal' to touch one's wife (or to the extent of having sex with her) but is 'haram' for men to touch and shake the hands of non-mahram women, but why does this continue to happen at the ruling party's functions?
All along the party leaders would be shaking hands with the opposite sex. If dealing with this 'simple' matter, they do not follow the teachings of the Prophet, then what could be said about their commitments and pledges in more important and pressing matters.
February 27, 2012
Penulis buku 'tercungap-cungap' nanti royalti
**************
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
Menangis kasihankan pencuri wangnya
Mampukah anda menjadi seperti orang salih ini...Begini kisahnya: Di Khurasan ada seorang salih yang pernah kehilangan wangnya. Dia hanya mampu menangis kerana kehilangan wang dinarnya itu. Al-Fudhail kemudian bertanya; "Mengapa engkau menangis?" Orang salih itu pun menjawab: "Aku ingat bahawa di akhirat kelak, pada hari kiamat, Allah akan mengumpul aku dengan pencuri itu. Aku kasihan kepadanya!"
(Hidayah, Rabiulawal 1433/Februari 2012)
**************
RAMAI orang dalam dunia penulisan dan akademik berharap Dr Awang Sariyan membawa sinar baru di Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) selepas beliau dilantik Ketua Pengarahnya yang baru. Berbicara mengenai dunia buku dan penerbitan, saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk menokok tambah betapa penulis tanah air kita yang 'tercungap-cungap' (bagaikan ikan darat bernafas di daratan selepas di pancing) menanti imbuhan daripada penerbit. Yalah, mereka bagaikan menunggu buah yang tak jatuh-jatuh...
Jadi, apabila Pak (Dr) Awang sudah menjadi 'bos' di DBP dan juga kepada peneraju syarikat-syarikat penerbitan lain, sama ada yang 'gergasi' atau baru 'merangkak-rangkak nak hidup', dengarlah keluhan penulis-penulis kecil termasuklah diri ini.
Sebagai penulis yang telah menghasilkan beberapa buku, kini fahamlah saya sedikit sebanyak akan 'mogok seni' Sasterawan Negara, Pak Samad Said tidak lama dulu. Jika Pak Samad yang bukunya diterbitkan oleh pihak ternama, mengalami 'derita itu', masakan penulis 'cabuk' termasuklah saya tidak terasa 'pedih'nya.
Jadi benarlah cakap-cakap sesetengah orang; menulis buku ini hasilnya (maksud saya perolehan kewangannya) tidaklah berbaloi dengan minda dan tenaga yang dicurahkan.
Ambil contoh pengalaman diri saya; daripada sebuah buku yang diterbitkan lebih lima tahun lalu, dapatlah saya RM2,500; sebuah buku lain RM1,000; sebuah buku lagi belum pun saya dapat duitnya walaupun ada kalanya saya lihat dalam akhbar tajuk buku itu tersenarai 'top 10' dalam carta buku terlaris kedai buku termasyhur tanah air.
Ada beberapa buku saya terbitkan sendiri; sebuah buku saya habis R10,000; modalnya mungkin sudah pulang tetapi saya tidak tahu mana wangnya pergi. Nasib baiklah saya tidak berhutang; kalau tak 'aniaya' saya. Satu lagi buku, kos penerbitannya hampir RM5,000. Buku ini lagi malang, bukan untung dapat, malah modal pun hangus.
Sebagai penulis yang pernah menerbitkan buku sendiri, saya tertanya-tanya macam mana ada penulis yang boleh dapat RM100,000 sehingga RM200,00 daripada penerbitan sebuah buku. Ya, awak tulis buku, tak kaya-kaya juga; tahu tak awak ada penulis hidup mewah dengan karya mereka, kata seorang sahabat.
"Itulah," kata seorang sahabat lain, "awak terbit buku ilmiah dan panduan, tentu susah nak laku, dia orang tulis novel, terutama novela 'cintan' lakulah buku dia orang sehingga 10,000 malahan 50,000 naskhah. Kalau satu novel berharga RM20 dan penulisnya diberi royalti 10 peratus, kiralah wang yang 'masyuk'."
Ya, wang lebat tidak 'masyuk' dalam akaun penulis kecil seperti saya. Namun satu hal yang amat menggembirakan saya; nikmat menyebarkan ilmu dan kesedaran disuntik melalui buku-buku yang kita tulis dan pengalaman daripada menulis, menerbit, melakukan promosi seterusnya menjual buku, sesungguhnya tidak dapat dijual beli.
Dua buah buku saya pernah dipromosikan dalam siaran TV3, Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI). Malah saya pernah muncul secara langsung di kaca TV dan siaran radio bagi memperkenal seterusnya mendiskusikan buku berkenaan. Pengalamannya adalah nikmat dan publisiti diberi mengujakan. Jadi, hati mana tidak 'kembang', apabila ada 'orang kampung' bertanya; "Eh, abang ke (muncul) dalam TV itu hari?"
Namun jika berhasrat 'membuat banyak duit' dengan menulis buku ilmiah, usahlah berangan-angan panjang. Tolak hasrat itu ke tepi, betulkan niat; kita menulis untuk mendidik dan menyedarkan anak bangsa. Ya, aku (kita) menulis bukan kerana nama...ataupun wang. Kita menulis hanya kerana-Nya!
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
Menangis kasihankan pencuri wangnya
Mampukah anda menjadi seperti orang salih ini...Begini kisahnya: Di Khurasan ada seorang salih yang pernah kehilangan wangnya. Dia hanya mampu menangis kerana kehilangan wang dinarnya itu. Al-Fudhail kemudian bertanya; "Mengapa engkau menangis?" Orang salih itu pun menjawab: "Aku ingat bahawa di akhirat kelak, pada hari kiamat, Allah akan mengumpul aku dengan pencuri itu. Aku kasihan kepadanya!"
(Hidayah, Rabiulawal 1433/Februari 2012)
**************
RAMAI orang dalam dunia penulisan dan akademik berharap Dr Awang Sariyan membawa sinar baru di Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) selepas beliau dilantik Ketua Pengarahnya yang baru. Berbicara mengenai dunia buku dan penerbitan, saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk menokok tambah betapa penulis tanah air kita yang 'tercungap-cungap' (bagaikan ikan darat bernafas di daratan selepas di pancing) menanti imbuhan daripada penerbit. Yalah, mereka bagaikan menunggu buah yang tak jatuh-jatuh...
Jadi, apabila Pak (Dr) Awang sudah menjadi 'bos' di DBP dan juga kepada peneraju syarikat-syarikat penerbitan lain, sama ada yang 'gergasi' atau baru 'merangkak-rangkak nak hidup', dengarlah keluhan penulis-penulis kecil termasuklah diri ini.
Sebagai penulis yang telah menghasilkan beberapa buku, kini fahamlah saya sedikit sebanyak akan 'mogok seni' Sasterawan Negara, Pak Samad Said tidak lama dulu. Jika Pak Samad yang bukunya diterbitkan oleh pihak ternama, mengalami 'derita itu', masakan penulis 'cabuk' termasuklah saya tidak terasa 'pedih'nya.
Jadi benarlah cakap-cakap sesetengah orang; menulis buku ini hasilnya (maksud saya perolehan kewangannya) tidaklah berbaloi dengan minda dan tenaga yang dicurahkan.
Ambil contoh pengalaman diri saya; daripada sebuah buku yang diterbitkan lebih lima tahun lalu, dapatlah saya RM2,500; sebuah buku lain RM1,000; sebuah buku lagi belum pun saya dapat duitnya walaupun ada kalanya saya lihat dalam akhbar tajuk buku itu tersenarai 'top 10' dalam carta buku terlaris kedai buku termasyhur tanah air.
Ada beberapa buku saya terbitkan sendiri; sebuah buku saya habis R10,000; modalnya mungkin sudah pulang tetapi saya tidak tahu mana wangnya pergi. Nasib baiklah saya tidak berhutang; kalau tak 'aniaya' saya. Satu lagi buku, kos penerbitannya hampir RM5,000. Buku ini lagi malang, bukan untung dapat, malah modal pun hangus.
Sebagai penulis yang pernah menerbitkan buku sendiri, saya tertanya-tanya macam mana ada penulis yang boleh dapat RM100,000 sehingga RM200,00 daripada penerbitan sebuah buku. Ya, awak tulis buku, tak kaya-kaya juga; tahu tak awak ada penulis hidup mewah dengan karya mereka, kata seorang sahabat.
"Itulah," kata seorang sahabat lain, "awak terbit buku ilmiah dan panduan, tentu susah nak laku, dia orang tulis novel, terutama novela 'cintan' lakulah buku dia orang sehingga 10,000 malahan 50,000 naskhah. Kalau satu novel berharga RM20 dan penulisnya diberi royalti 10 peratus, kiralah wang yang 'masyuk'."
Ya, wang lebat tidak 'masyuk' dalam akaun penulis kecil seperti saya. Namun satu hal yang amat menggembirakan saya; nikmat menyebarkan ilmu dan kesedaran disuntik melalui buku-buku yang kita tulis dan pengalaman daripada menulis, menerbit, melakukan promosi seterusnya menjual buku, sesungguhnya tidak dapat dijual beli.
Dua buah buku saya pernah dipromosikan dalam siaran TV3, Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI). Malah saya pernah muncul secara langsung di kaca TV dan siaran radio bagi memperkenal seterusnya mendiskusikan buku berkenaan. Pengalamannya adalah nikmat dan publisiti diberi mengujakan. Jadi, hati mana tidak 'kembang', apabila ada 'orang kampung' bertanya; "Eh, abang ke (muncul) dalam TV itu hari?"
Namun jika berhasrat 'membuat banyak duit' dengan menulis buku ilmiah, usahlah berangan-angan panjang. Tolak hasrat itu ke tepi, betulkan niat; kita menulis untuk mendidik dan menyedarkan anak bangsa. Ya, aku (kita) menulis bukan kerana nama...ataupun wang. Kita menulis hanya kerana-Nya!
February 23, 2012
Islam akan kembali tadbir dunia
***************
DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
Janganlah memuji dirimu
Janganlah anda memuji-muji diri anda sebagai orang yang suci dan bersih daripada dosa. Dengarlah firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud: "Ia (Allah) lebih mengetahui akan keadaan kamu semenjak Ia menciptakan kamu (berasal) daripada tanah, dan semasa kamu berupa anak yang sedang melalui berbagai-bagai peringkat kejadian dalam perut ibu kamu; maka janganlah kamu memuji-muji diri kamu (bahawa kamu suci bersih daripada dosa). Dialah saja yang mengetahui akan orang-orang yang bertakwa." (An-Najm:32) - Hidayah Rabiulawal 1433/Februari 2012
****************
AKHIR-AKHIR ini kita dapat saksikan dunia kehidupan Barat sarat dengan permasalahan sosial; yang terbaru kematian artis pujaan ramai Whitney Houston pada usia 48 tahun, dikatakan berpunca daripada pengambilan dadah berlebihan.
Apa yang dilihat sebagai individu yang mencapai kemuncak kemasyhuran dalam pelbagai segi seperti Whitney dan penyanyi tersohor Michael Jackson, mendedahkan sisi buruk tamadun Barat yang seolah-olah mengiyakan bahawa ia berada di ambang kehancuran.
Permasalahan sosial Barat terlalu genting, ia menunggu masa untuk hancur; bagi kita hanya Islam yang kini berkembang pesat di Eropah dan Amerika Utara dapat menyelamatkan umat di sana, seterusnya orang Barat yang telah menerima Islam dapat mendaulatkan Islam, ia akan kembali mentadbir dunia. Benarkah Barat yang sudah Islam dapat muncul sebagai pentadbir baru dunia ini? Atau ini hanya satu ilusi, tidak berpijak di bumi nyata?
Bagi kita kemusnahan tamadun Barat dan di atas runtuhannya adalah kebangkitan Islam, mempunyai asasnya. Islam kini muncul sebagai agama paling pesat berkembang di sana; malah sudah muncul sebagai agama kedua terbesar di Amerika Syarikat, Perancis dan Britain.
Barangkali ada orang melihat Barat dengan kehebatan kemajuan sains dan teknologinya, tetapi jangan lupa manusia Barat sudah lama menuju kehancuran, kini mencapai kemuncaknya apabila mereka yang ternama dan ada 'segala-galanya' seperti Whitney Houston dan Michael Jackson mati dalam keadaan terhina.
Manusia Barat yang tersedar daripada mimpi panjang sedang tercari-cari erti kehidupan; ramai individu masyhur sudah memeluk Islam. Mereka daripada orang ternama seperti Lauren Booth (adik ipar Tony Blair), wartawan Yvonne Ridley sehingga penyanyi antarabangsa Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) mendapat hidayah di tengah-tengah kebobrokan masyarakat Barat.
Kini perkembangan di dunia Timur termasuk di negara-negara Arab membawa sinar kemenangan kepada gerakan Islam. Kita percaya tempiasnya akan dirasakan di dunia Barat. Jika dulu pemerintah Barat dengan lantang menolak kemenangan pihak bernaunsa Islam seperti parti Barisan Penyelamat Islam (FIS) yang menang pada pilihan raya Algeria pada awal 1990a-an, hari ini mereka terpaksa tunggu dan lihat perkembangan yang membawa kemenangan kepada parti pendukung Islam di negara Arab seperti Mesir dan Tunisia.
Memang benar, kuasa Barat dengan kehebatan armada perang berteknologi tingginya dapat menduduki dengan mudah negara umat Islam seperti Iraq dan Afghanistan tetapi sepanjang sejarah Islam, pihak yang mendominasi akhirnya akur kepada kehebatan agama penduduk rantau yang dikuasai. Misalnya, orang Mongol yang terkenal zalim dan kejam selepas memusnahkan Baghdad (empayar Abbasiyah) pada tahun 1258, melahirkan keturunan pemeluk Islam hebat yang telah membina beberapa kerajaan gagah di Asia Tengah. Pemerintah empayar Moghul di India yang masyhur itu juga berketurunkan orang Mongol yang zalim itu.
Bagi kita Barat dengan segala helahnya untuk menguasai dunia secara mutlak selepas hancurnya blok komunis pada 1990-an dulu, terus gagal sekalipun kerap memangsakan negara dan umat Islam dalam satu percaturan dinamakan Barat lawan Islam, dengan kemuncaknya pemburuan terhadap apa dituduh sebagai pengganas Islam selepas runtuhnya bangunan Pusat Dagangan Dunia dalam satu serangan pada September 2001.
Hari ini satu demi satu kepincangan dunia Barat yang terselindung di sebalik kecanggihan teknologi dan apa didakwanya kemodenan hidup; terserlah satu demi satu.
Barat kini dihuni manusia berpenyakit lemah jiwa, dibelenggu keruntuhan akhlak dan rapuhnya nilai-nilai rohaniah yang menyebabkan ia lemas di tengah-tengah pertarungan agama dan ideologi. Insya-Allah hanya Islam yang dapat menyelamatkan umat Barat ini.
DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
Janganlah memuji dirimu
Janganlah anda memuji-muji diri anda sebagai orang yang suci dan bersih daripada dosa. Dengarlah firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud: "Ia (Allah) lebih mengetahui akan keadaan kamu semenjak Ia menciptakan kamu (berasal) daripada tanah, dan semasa kamu berupa anak yang sedang melalui berbagai-bagai peringkat kejadian dalam perut ibu kamu; maka janganlah kamu memuji-muji diri kamu (bahawa kamu suci bersih daripada dosa). Dialah saja yang mengetahui akan orang-orang yang bertakwa." (An-Najm:32) - Hidayah Rabiulawal 1433/Februari 2012
****************
AKHIR-AKHIR ini kita dapat saksikan dunia kehidupan Barat sarat dengan permasalahan sosial; yang terbaru kematian artis pujaan ramai Whitney Houston pada usia 48 tahun, dikatakan berpunca daripada pengambilan dadah berlebihan.
Apa yang dilihat sebagai individu yang mencapai kemuncak kemasyhuran dalam pelbagai segi seperti Whitney dan penyanyi tersohor Michael Jackson, mendedahkan sisi buruk tamadun Barat yang seolah-olah mengiyakan bahawa ia berada di ambang kehancuran.
Permasalahan sosial Barat terlalu genting, ia menunggu masa untuk hancur; bagi kita hanya Islam yang kini berkembang pesat di Eropah dan Amerika Utara dapat menyelamatkan umat di sana, seterusnya orang Barat yang telah menerima Islam dapat mendaulatkan Islam, ia akan kembali mentadbir dunia. Benarkah Barat yang sudah Islam dapat muncul sebagai pentadbir baru dunia ini? Atau ini hanya satu ilusi, tidak berpijak di bumi nyata?
Bagi kita kemusnahan tamadun Barat dan di atas runtuhannya adalah kebangkitan Islam, mempunyai asasnya. Islam kini muncul sebagai agama paling pesat berkembang di sana; malah sudah muncul sebagai agama kedua terbesar di Amerika Syarikat, Perancis dan Britain.
Barangkali ada orang melihat Barat dengan kehebatan kemajuan sains dan teknologinya, tetapi jangan lupa manusia Barat sudah lama menuju kehancuran, kini mencapai kemuncaknya apabila mereka yang ternama dan ada 'segala-galanya' seperti Whitney Houston dan Michael Jackson mati dalam keadaan terhina.
Manusia Barat yang tersedar daripada mimpi panjang sedang tercari-cari erti kehidupan; ramai individu masyhur sudah memeluk Islam. Mereka daripada orang ternama seperti Lauren Booth (adik ipar Tony Blair), wartawan Yvonne Ridley sehingga penyanyi antarabangsa Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) mendapat hidayah di tengah-tengah kebobrokan masyarakat Barat.
Kini perkembangan di dunia Timur termasuk di negara-negara Arab membawa sinar kemenangan kepada gerakan Islam. Kita percaya tempiasnya akan dirasakan di dunia Barat. Jika dulu pemerintah Barat dengan lantang menolak kemenangan pihak bernaunsa Islam seperti parti Barisan Penyelamat Islam (FIS) yang menang pada pilihan raya Algeria pada awal 1990a-an, hari ini mereka terpaksa tunggu dan lihat perkembangan yang membawa kemenangan kepada parti pendukung Islam di negara Arab seperti Mesir dan Tunisia.
Memang benar, kuasa Barat dengan kehebatan armada perang berteknologi tingginya dapat menduduki dengan mudah negara umat Islam seperti Iraq dan Afghanistan tetapi sepanjang sejarah Islam, pihak yang mendominasi akhirnya akur kepada kehebatan agama penduduk rantau yang dikuasai. Misalnya, orang Mongol yang terkenal zalim dan kejam selepas memusnahkan Baghdad (empayar Abbasiyah) pada tahun 1258, melahirkan keturunan pemeluk Islam hebat yang telah membina beberapa kerajaan gagah di Asia Tengah. Pemerintah empayar Moghul di India yang masyhur itu juga berketurunkan orang Mongol yang zalim itu.
Bagi kita Barat dengan segala helahnya untuk menguasai dunia secara mutlak selepas hancurnya blok komunis pada 1990-an dulu, terus gagal sekalipun kerap memangsakan negara dan umat Islam dalam satu percaturan dinamakan Barat lawan Islam, dengan kemuncaknya pemburuan terhadap apa dituduh sebagai pengganas Islam selepas runtuhnya bangunan Pusat Dagangan Dunia dalam satu serangan pada September 2001.
Hari ini satu demi satu kepincangan dunia Barat yang terselindung di sebalik kecanggihan teknologi dan apa didakwanya kemodenan hidup; terserlah satu demi satu.
Barat kini dihuni manusia berpenyakit lemah jiwa, dibelenggu keruntuhan akhlak dan rapuhnya nilai-nilai rohaniah yang menyebabkan ia lemas di tengah-tengah pertarungan agama dan ideologi. Insya-Allah hanya Islam yang dapat menyelamatkan umat Barat ini.
February 21, 2012
Membeli kehidupan dunia dengan akhirat
***
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
***
SAYA pantang melihat bahan bacaan. Habis saya baca jika ada kesempatan. Kegemaran sejak kecil ini saya teruskan kini walaupun umur hampir setengah kurun. Baru-baru ini saya mengambil 'sebeban' bahan bacaan 'free' dari Masjid Negara dan Masjid UPM Serdang.
Ada banyak bahan menarik; salah satu daripadanya risalah bertajuk 'Konsep Sambutan Hari Lahir – Menurut Perspektif Islam' yang ditulis oleh Imam Masjid Putra, Haji Abdul Manaf Mat.
Setelah membaca risalah ini, saya berpendapat apa yang ditulis imam ini amat relevan untuk dijadikan sandaran dan bahan renungan kita apabila ada daripada kita termasuk pemimpin yang sanggup ke rumah ibadat penganut tertentu dan bersama-sama merayakan hari kebesaran mereka.
Sekalipun tajuk risalah itu 'hari lahir', Haji Abdul Manaf tidak memaksudnya sebagai hari lahir seseorang sebaliknya "sambutan hari lahir menurut perspektif masyarakat Malaysia bermaksud menyambut secara terbuka dengan sahabat handai yang berbilang kaum dan pelbagai bangsa di Malaysia secara bersama-sama."
Menurut beliau, perbuatan meraikan upacara atau perayaan bukan Islam sama ada perayaan yang disambut oleh golongan Nasrani, Yahudi ataupun Musyrikin, adalah sangat jelas bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam berdasarkan firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud: "Dialah yang mengutus Rasul-Nya (Muhammad) dengan membawa petunjuk dan agama yang benar (agama Islam), untuk dimenangkan dan ditinggikannya atas segala agama yang lain, walaupun orang-orang musyrik tidak menyukainya." (TMQ. At-Taubah (9): 33)
Di dalam ayat yang lain, Allah SWT berfirman yang bermaksud: "Dialah yang mengutus Rasul-Nya dengan membawa petunjuk dan agama yang hak agar dimenangkan-Nya terhadap semua agama. Dan cukuplah Allah sebagai saksi." (TMQ. Al-Fath (48): 28)
Tafsiran kedua-dua ayat al-Quran ini dengan jelas menerangkan bahawa orang-orang kafir kesemuanya akan dimasukkan ke dalam neraka bersama penguasa mereka sebagaimana yang dikuatkan oleh sebuah hadis Rasulullah s.a.w. yang bermaksud: "Sesungguhnya akan terbukalah bagimu (kaum Muslimin) bahawa bumi Allah dari timur sampai ke barat. Dan bahawa para penguasanya akan masuk neraka semuanya kecuali yang bertakwa dan melaksanakan amanat di antara mereka." (HR. Ahmad, tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Jadi, untuk apa kita menyambut hari lahir menurut perspektif agama lain sedangkan mereka kesemuanya akan dihumban ke neraka? Justeru perbuatan untuk duduk bersama-sama di dalam majlis sambutan hari lahir yang menyamai orang-orang bukan Islam seolah-olah kita membenarkan kemenangan agama mereka.
Pada hal, Islam diutus untuk dimenangi dan ditinggikan atas semua agama yang ada. Kerap kali juga kita dapat melihat menerusi kaca TV, bagaimana sebahagian Muslimin yang berpakaian menyerupai penganut-penganut agama lain ketika menghadiri sambutan hari lahir tersebut.
Justeru, perbuatan tersebut termasuk dalam apa yang dikatakan sebagai 'tasyabbuh bil kuffar', yang bermaksud menyerupakan orang kafir.
Ini suatu perbuatan yang mana sangat jelas bertentangan dengan akidah Islam yang kita anuti. Islam melarang umatnya daripada meniru dan menyerupai perbuatan-perbuatan orang bukan Islam.
Larangan telah dinyatakan dengan tegas oleh junjungan besar kita Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. dengan sabdanya bermaksud: "Barangsiapa di kalangan kaum Muslimin yang menyerupai, atau meniru-niru perbuatan-perbuatan orang kafir, maka di kalangan mereka (orang-orang kafir)." (HR. Abu Daud, Al-Baihaqi, Ibnu Majah, Ahmad dan Ad-Daruquthni)
Apa pun, sambutan hari lahir mengikut cara orang bukan Islam juga merupakan salah satu perbuatan yang dianggap sebagai reda terhadap agama dan kepercayaan mereka, di samping secara tidak sedar mereka telah mengiktiraf dan mengakui wujudnya agama selain daripada Islam.
Orang yang menjual agama untuk mendapat kepentingan duniawi termasuk politik diberi amaran oleh Allah SWT; "Mereka itulah orang-orang yang membeli kehidupan dunia dengan (kehidupan) akhirat. Maka tidak akan diringankan azabnya dan mereka tidak akan ditolong." (Maksud ayat 86 Surah Al-Baqarah)
Dan ingatlah antara maksud Surah Al-Kafirun: Untukmu agamamu, untukku agamaku.[image error]
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
***
SAYA pantang melihat bahan bacaan. Habis saya baca jika ada kesempatan. Kegemaran sejak kecil ini saya teruskan kini walaupun umur hampir setengah kurun. Baru-baru ini saya mengambil 'sebeban' bahan bacaan 'free' dari Masjid Negara dan Masjid UPM Serdang.
Ada banyak bahan menarik; salah satu daripadanya risalah bertajuk 'Konsep Sambutan Hari Lahir – Menurut Perspektif Islam' yang ditulis oleh Imam Masjid Putra, Haji Abdul Manaf Mat.
Setelah membaca risalah ini, saya berpendapat apa yang ditulis imam ini amat relevan untuk dijadikan sandaran dan bahan renungan kita apabila ada daripada kita termasuk pemimpin yang sanggup ke rumah ibadat penganut tertentu dan bersama-sama merayakan hari kebesaran mereka.
Sekalipun tajuk risalah itu 'hari lahir', Haji Abdul Manaf tidak memaksudnya sebagai hari lahir seseorang sebaliknya "sambutan hari lahir menurut perspektif masyarakat Malaysia bermaksud menyambut secara terbuka dengan sahabat handai yang berbilang kaum dan pelbagai bangsa di Malaysia secara bersama-sama."
Menurut beliau, perbuatan meraikan upacara atau perayaan bukan Islam sama ada perayaan yang disambut oleh golongan Nasrani, Yahudi ataupun Musyrikin, adalah sangat jelas bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam berdasarkan firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud: "Dialah yang mengutus Rasul-Nya (Muhammad) dengan membawa petunjuk dan agama yang benar (agama Islam), untuk dimenangkan dan ditinggikannya atas segala agama yang lain, walaupun orang-orang musyrik tidak menyukainya." (TMQ. At-Taubah (9): 33)
Di dalam ayat yang lain, Allah SWT berfirman yang bermaksud: "Dialah yang mengutus Rasul-Nya dengan membawa petunjuk dan agama yang hak agar dimenangkan-Nya terhadap semua agama. Dan cukuplah Allah sebagai saksi." (TMQ. Al-Fath (48): 28)
Tafsiran kedua-dua ayat al-Quran ini dengan jelas menerangkan bahawa orang-orang kafir kesemuanya akan dimasukkan ke dalam neraka bersama penguasa mereka sebagaimana yang dikuatkan oleh sebuah hadis Rasulullah s.a.w. yang bermaksud: "Sesungguhnya akan terbukalah bagimu (kaum Muslimin) bahawa bumi Allah dari timur sampai ke barat. Dan bahawa para penguasanya akan masuk neraka semuanya kecuali yang bertakwa dan melaksanakan amanat di antara mereka." (HR. Ahmad, tafsir Ibn Kathir)
Jadi, untuk apa kita menyambut hari lahir menurut perspektif agama lain sedangkan mereka kesemuanya akan dihumban ke neraka? Justeru perbuatan untuk duduk bersama-sama di dalam majlis sambutan hari lahir yang menyamai orang-orang bukan Islam seolah-olah kita membenarkan kemenangan agama mereka.
Pada hal, Islam diutus untuk dimenangi dan ditinggikan atas semua agama yang ada. Kerap kali juga kita dapat melihat menerusi kaca TV, bagaimana sebahagian Muslimin yang berpakaian menyerupai penganut-penganut agama lain ketika menghadiri sambutan hari lahir tersebut.
Justeru, perbuatan tersebut termasuk dalam apa yang dikatakan sebagai 'tasyabbuh bil kuffar', yang bermaksud menyerupakan orang kafir.
Ini suatu perbuatan yang mana sangat jelas bertentangan dengan akidah Islam yang kita anuti. Islam melarang umatnya daripada meniru dan menyerupai perbuatan-perbuatan orang bukan Islam.
Larangan telah dinyatakan dengan tegas oleh junjungan besar kita Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. dengan sabdanya bermaksud: "Barangsiapa di kalangan kaum Muslimin yang menyerupai, atau meniru-niru perbuatan-perbuatan orang kafir, maka di kalangan mereka (orang-orang kafir)." (HR. Abu Daud, Al-Baihaqi, Ibnu Majah, Ahmad dan Ad-Daruquthni)
Apa pun, sambutan hari lahir mengikut cara orang bukan Islam juga merupakan salah satu perbuatan yang dianggap sebagai reda terhadap agama dan kepercayaan mereka, di samping secara tidak sedar mereka telah mengiktiraf dan mengakui wujudnya agama selain daripada Islam.
Orang yang menjual agama untuk mendapat kepentingan duniawi termasuk politik diberi amaran oleh Allah SWT; "Mereka itulah orang-orang yang membeli kehidupan dunia dengan (kehidupan) akhirat. Maka tidak akan diringankan azabnya dan mereka tidak akan ditolong." (Maksud ayat 86 Surah Al-Baqarah)
Dan ingatlah antara maksud Surah Al-Kafirun: Untukmu agamamu, untukku agamaku.[image error]
February 16, 2012
'Going to Heaven alone?'
**************
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
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. (Al-Baqarah, 178)
***************
DURING this season of 'Maulidur Rasul' (Prophet Muhammad's s.a.w. birthday), I attended several lectures on the subject, a talk by one preacher, Ustaz Long Kechik moved my heart and I would like to share it with readers.
His talk and presentation with aid of a power point illustration was simple; it revolved on why we were sent into this world and where we are heading for. On why we were sent into this world, he quoted Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 (The Winnowing Winds) with the meaning; "I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me."
Yes, human being existence along with jinn are to worship Allah SWT, but Ustaz Long explained in this 'ayah', Allah SWT used the word 'men or mankind' and not Muslim, so the duty of Muslims is not confined only to worship Allah SWT, it is more than that.
So what are other duties of Muslims? To explain this, Ustaz Long discussed at length about Allah SWT's mercy in sending His prophets.
Allah SWT, 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, Allah SWT bestowed upon us divine guidance that outlines the Criterion for truth and the knowledge and reality of our existence in this world and Hereafter.
From the beginning of mankind Allah SWT 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 – all inviting mankind to the same path.
Ustaz Long said prophets before Muhammad s.a.w. were sent to their own people or tribe. Their followers were not given the duty to preach the religion and when the prophets died, they were replaced by other prophets.
But Prophet Muhammad being the 'khatamah' (final) Messenger of Allah; was not only sent for his own tribe (Quraisy and Arab) but for all mankind and even jinn at every corner of the planet and his teaching would valid until 'kiamah' (the end of the world).
"If Prophets before Muhammad s.a.w. died; their teachings would be upheld by their followers and when they swayed from the true religion, Allah SWT would send another prophet, but what would be the case of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.'s followers?" asked Ustaz Long.
He said, after Prophet Muhammad's demise; the duty to preach and uphold the religion falls on the shoulder of every Muslim. This is what the Prophet s.a.w. used to tell his Companions to do: "Convey (knowledge) from me if it is just one 'ayah'." (al-Bukhari)
In another hadith, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "Whoever calls people to the truth will have a reward like that of those who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Sahih Muslim)
Based on this fact, Ustaz Long stressed that the duty of every Muslim (the followers of Muhammad) is to worship (serve) Allah SWT (as mentioned in Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 "I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me") and to do the 'dakwah' (be a 'daie' – preacher).
'Umat' (the followers of) Muhammad was in front and have special place in the eyes of Allah SWT compared to other Prophets' followers because among others they were given the task to spread the message of the Final Prophet s.a.w.
"So do we carry out the two tasks given to us as the followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?" asked Ustaz Long. "True some of us devote ourselves to worship Allah SWT and to refine it such as doing the 'tahajud' (late night prayers) or 'iktikaf' (spending much time in masjids; praying, reading the Qur'an or thinking about God or oneself) but sadly, many of us distance ourselves from doing the 'dakwah' work.
"I would like to give you some simple examples. I know during 'subuh' (dawn) prayers many of you dashed off to the masjid with your bike. Sure, you devout yourself to your Lord but sad to say some of us do not bother on whether our wives of children say their prayers or not. To some extent; some of us were not bothered to wake up our children to say their prayers especially during their school holidays.
"Then how many of us are concerned about our wives and daughters attires; do they comply with the Islamic code of dressing? Then there are cases where the mother wears the hijab but the daughter puts on sexily clad dress.
"Why this situation is rampant in our Muslim homes? One factor is we do not do our 'dakwah' job. The father thinks that he should be a good Muslim but forget about his wife and children.
"He should 'dakwah' not only himself but his dependents for Allah SWT says: "Believers! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are angels stern (and) severe as wardens, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded." (Qur'an 66:6)
"After doing 'dakwah' to one's family, have a look at our neighbourhood. Are our neighbours good practising Muslim or if they were of a different belief, have we shown them good aspects of Islam so they would be interested in the religion. Have we talked about Islam to them?
"Then we have to look at problems of our society, our state, country, and globally and lend our hands in solving them.
"The problem with Muslims nowadays is that we do not do the dakwah work, we only concentrate on own 'ibadah' (acts of devotion to Allah SWT) only as though we are going to Heaven alone. Remember a man would be stopped from entering Heaven by his wife or wives, daughters, sisters and mother if they insisted he had not done enough in guiding them to the straight path," said Ustaz Long.
Sadly, nowadays dakwah seemed so strange, said the ustaz. Malays must not forget that they become Muslim from the hard work of dakwah of Arab, Indian and Chinese preachers who were mostly traders and they efforts were rewarded when rulers of Pasai/Perlak, Melaka, Aceh, Palembang, Patani and almost all entities in the Malay Archipelago accepted Islam beginning from the 10th century and reached its peak in the 15 and 16th century.
"If not because of the dedication of these traders and preachers, Malays would still be pagans, Nauzubillah," said the ustaz.
Centuries ago, the Chinese such as Laksamana (Admiral) Cheng Ho had their part in preaching Islam to the people of Melaka and Palembang. Nowadays have the Muslim Malays done their jobs in explaining Islam to the Chinese community? The same should be asked on the dakwah work of the Malays to the Indians community.
So, based on the fact that dakwah seemed to be left out these days, Ustaz Long suggested it should be rekindled; insya-Allah (God willing) the ills of society would be able to be checked and more non-Muslim becoming interested in the religion and insya-Allah become Muslims themselves.[image error]
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
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. (Al-Baqarah, 178)
***************
DURING this season of 'Maulidur Rasul' (Prophet Muhammad's s.a.w. birthday), I attended several lectures on the subject, a talk by one preacher, Ustaz Long Kechik moved my heart and I would like to share it with readers.
His talk and presentation with aid of a power point illustration was simple; it revolved on why we were sent into this world and where we are heading for. On why we were sent into this world, he quoted Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 (The Winnowing Winds) with the meaning; "I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me."
Yes, human being existence along with jinn are to worship Allah SWT, but Ustaz Long explained in this 'ayah', Allah SWT used the word 'men or mankind' and not Muslim, so the duty of Muslims is not confined only to worship Allah SWT, it is more than that.
So what are other duties of Muslims? To explain this, Ustaz Long discussed at length about Allah SWT's mercy in sending His prophets.
Allah SWT, 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, Allah SWT bestowed upon us divine guidance that outlines the Criterion for truth and the knowledge and reality of our existence in this world and Hereafter.
From the beginning of mankind Allah SWT 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 – all inviting mankind to the same path.
Ustaz Long said prophets before Muhammad s.a.w. were sent to their own people or tribe. Their followers were not given the duty to preach the religion and when the prophets died, they were replaced by other prophets.
But Prophet Muhammad being the 'khatamah' (final) Messenger of Allah; was not only sent for his own tribe (Quraisy and Arab) but for all mankind and even jinn at every corner of the planet and his teaching would valid until 'kiamah' (the end of the world).
"If Prophets before Muhammad s.a.w. died; their teachings would be upheld by their followers and when they swayed from the true religion, Allah SWT would send another prophet, but what would be the case of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.'s followers?" asked Ustaz Long.
He said, after Prophet Muhammad's demise; the duty to preach and uphold the religion falls on the shoulder of every Muslim. This is what the Prophet s.a.w. used to tell his Companions to do: "Convey (knowledge) from me if it is just one 'ayah'." (al-Bukhari)
In another hadith, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "Whoever calls people to the truth will have a reward like that of those who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Sahih Muslim)
Based on this fact, Ustaz Long stressed that the duty of every Muslim (the followers of Muhammad) is to worship (serve) Allah SWT (as mentioned in Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:56 "I have only created jinn and men, that they may serve Me") and to do the 'dakwah' (be a 'daie' – preacher).
'Umat' (the followers of) Muhammad was in front and have special place in the eyes of Allah SWT compared to other Prophets' followers because among others they were given the task to spread the message of the Final Prophet s.a.w.
"So do we carry out the two tasks given to us as the followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?" asked Ustaz Long. "True some of us devote ourselves to worship Allah SWT and to refine it such as doing the 'tahajud' (late night prayers) or 'iktikaf' (spending much time in masjids; praying, reading the Qur'an or thinking about God or oneself) but sadly, many of us distance ourselves from doing the 'dakwah' work.
"I would like to give you some simple examples. I know during 'subuh' (dawn) prayers many of you dashed off to the masjid with your bike. Sure, you devout yourself to your Lord but sad to say some of us do not bother on whether our wives of children say their prayers or not. To some extent; some of us were not bothered to wake up our children to say their prayers especially during their school holidays.
"Then how many of us are concerned about our wives and daughters attires; do they comply with the Islamic code of dressing? Then there are cases where the mother wears the hijab but the daughter puts on sexily clad dress.
"Why this situation is rampant in our Muslim homes? One factor is we do not do our 'dakwah' job. The father thinks that he should be a good Muslim but forget about his wife and children.
"He should 'dakwah' not only himself but his dependents for Allah SWT says: "Believers! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are angels stern (and) severe as wardens, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded." (Qur'an 66:6)
"After doing 'dakwah' to one's family, have a look at our neighbourhood. Are our neighbours good practising Muslim or if they were of a different belief, have we shown them good aspects of Islam so they would be interested in the religion. Have we talked about Islam to them?
"Then we have to look at problems of our society, our state, country, and globally and lend our hands in solving them.
"The problem with Muslims nowadays is that we do not do the dakwah work, we only concentrate on own 'ibadah' (acts of devotion to Allah SWT) only as though we are going to Heaven alone. Remember a man would be stopped from entering Heaven by his wife or wives, daughters, sisters and mother if they insisted he had not done enough in guiding them to the straight path," said Ustaz Long.
Sadly, nowadays dakwah seemed so strange, said the ustaz. Malays must not forget that they become Muslim from the hard work of dakwah of Arab, Indian and Chinese preachers who were mostly traders and they efforts were rewarded when rulers of Pasai/Perlak, Melaka, Aceh, Palembang, Patani and almost all entities in the Malay Archipelago accepted Islam beginning from the 10th century and reached its peak in the 15 and 16th century.
"If not because of the dedication of these traders and preachers, Malays would still be pagans, Nauzubillah," said the ustaz.
Centuries ago, the Chinese such as Laksamana (Admiral) Cheng Ho had their part in preaching Islam to the people of Melaka and Palembang. Nowadays have the Muslim Malays done their jobs in explaining Islam to the Chinese community? The same should be asked on the dakwah work of the Malays to the Indians community.
So, based on the fact that dakwah seemed to be left out these days, Ustaz Long suggested it should be rekindled; insya-Allah (God willing) the ills of society would be able to be checked and more non-Muslim becoming interested in the religion and insya-Allah become Muslims themselves.[image error]
Roslan Hamid's Blog
- Roslan Hamid's profile
- 2 followers
Roslan Hamid isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
