Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 27

Syaaban 21, 1443: Mantapkan siraturahim mulai Ramadan ini (U)

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

Renungan

"Masukkan kami dalam golongan hamba-Mu ya Allah, yang Kau sebut dalam al-Quran: 'Wahai jiwa yang tenang, kembalilah kepada Tuhan-Mu dalam keadaan reda dan diredai. Masukkan kami ke dalam syurga-Mu ya Allah'." (Maksud ayat 27-30 Surah Al-Fajr)

PERBEZAAN pendapat dibenarkan tetapi memutuskan siraturahim adalah haram. Demikianlah sering kali kita diingatkan jika kita rajin mengikuti kelas-kelas pengajian di surau, masjid atau di pejabat.

Di samping itu kita juga sering diingatkan supaya memuliakan ibu bapa di samping mendoakan mereka sepanjang masa. Jalan ke syurga adalah dengan restu dan reda ibu bapa, lebih-lebih lagi si ibu. 

Jika 'orang tua' sudah meninggal dunia, anak-anak terus dituntut berbakti kepada mereka seperti berakhlak mulia sehinggalah kepada amalan menziarahi sahabat taulan mereka yang masih hidup. 

Jika demikian kewajipan besar kepada ibu bapa, adalah amat memilukan jika ada anak-anak yang sanggup berpatah arang dengan orang tua mereka termasuklah kerana perselisihan pandangan dalam politik.

Akibat daripada terputusnya hubungan ini, ada anak-anak yang sudah lama tidak menjenguk ibu bapa masing-masing. Mereka tidak peduli kebajikan orang tua mereka di kampung - makan ke, sihat ke, mereka tak ambil kisah lagi.

Dalam Islam, anak-anak juga diajar untuk memuliakan ibu bapa sekalipun mereka belum memeluk Islam. Ringkasnya, hubungan kekeluargaan tetap utuh tetapi apa yang berlaku hari ini amat menyedihkan. 

Seorang tokoh agama berkata ramai anak-anak sekarang sudah jauh terpesong daripada mengamalkan ajaran Islam dalam kehidupan mereka. 

Jika dalam sejarah sahabat dan Sirah Nabi ada dikisahkan seorang anak yang tidak dapat mengucap dua kalimah syahadah ketika akan menghadapi sakratulmaut kerana tidak mengendahkan ibunya, anak-anak hari ini nampaknya mendengar saja kisah itu tetapi gagal menjadikannya iktibar dalam mereka menjalani kehidupan. 

Demikian juga amaran Allah agar anak-anak tidak membantah ibu bapa selagi bukan dalam perkara maksiat malah berkata 'aaahhh' pun tidak dibenarkan, nampaknya dijadikan halwa telinga saja. 

Dalam menghadapi perbezaan pandangan, anak-anak sewajar berhemah dalam menghadapi karenah dalam keluarga. Di sini letaknya perbezaan antara insan berilmu dan tidak berilmu. 

Seseorang yang tidak berilmu akan bertindak mengikut nafsu tetapi mereka yang berilmu serta mengamalnya sudah pasti akan bertindak berdasarkan hukum-hakam yang terkandung dalam agama. Apa yang dibolehkan itulah yang dibuat dan apa yang diharamkan, perkara itu dijauhi. 

Berdasarkan apa yang berlaku dalam masyarakat Islam hari ini, kita berpendapat amat penting (wajib) untuk mereka terutama ketua keluarga mendalami ilmu, terutama yang bersangkutan dengan penghidupan sebagai seorang Muslim sejati. 

Jika seseorang itu sudah tahu hukum-hakam agama, kita percaya masalah masyarakat seperti perpecahan dalam keluarga, pulau-memulau dan sebagainya dapat dibendung. Ya, jangan lari daripada mempelajari dan mengamalkan ilmu agama.

Apabila kita sudah ditunjuki 'jalan yang lurus' seperti yang kita ucapkan sekurang-kurangnya 17 kali sehari (dalam setiap rakaat solat), insya-Allah kita akan dapati kebenaran berada di depan mata! Allahuakbar.  

Syaaban 19, 1443: Perihal ketuanan Melayu dan bahasa Melayu...

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

Renungan

"Sembahlah Allah dan janganlah kamu mempersekutukan-Nya dengan sesuatu apa pun dan berbuat baiklah kepada kedua-dua ibu dan bapamu." (Surah an-Nisak, ayat 36)

SEKALI lagi isu bahasa Melayu bergema. Kali ini dicetuskan oleh PM dalam Perhimpunan Agung Umno (PAU). PM Ismail Sabri berkata pelajar asing di Malaysia diperlukan belajar bahasa Melayu. Isu bahasa Melayu ini tenggelam timbul, ada masa naik ada masa 'hilang dari radar'. Umno yang seakan-akan kembali berkuasa, kembali garang dengan ketuanan Melayu dan bahasanya. 

Tidak lama dahulu, seorang wartawan muda bertanyakan saya bagaimana mahu menulis berita mengenai ketuanan Melayu. Saya katakan, tidak perlulah menulis subjek itu secara am kerana ia amat luas tetapi fokuskan kepada bidang tertentu, tentunya akan terdedahlah temberang dan tembelang pihak terbabit – siapa yang makan cili dialah terasa pedasnya.

Pada artikel kali ini saya fokuskan kepada bahasa Melayu yang diangkat sebagai bahasa kebangsaan dan rasmi tetapi malang sekali selepas negara merdeka lebih separuh abad, pihak berkuasa baru-baru ini terpaksa melancarkan Kempen Bulan Bahasa Kebangsaan. Bayangkan sebuah negara berdaulat lebih 60 tahun lalu, terpaksa melancarkan kempen bahasa di kalangan rakyat sedangkan perkara itu sewajarnya sudah lama beres.

Kempen adalah bertujuan mempromosi sesuatu yang baru, tetapi apabila bahasa Melayu terpaksa dikempenkan, ertinya bahasa ini tidak ‘dituankan’ atau didaulatkan di negara ini. Demikianlah bahasa Melayu diperlakukan sedemikian rupa sehingga merempat di negara sendiri. Oleh itu, apa erti dilaung-laungkan ketuanan Melayu jika bahasanya sendiri beransur-ansur dikuburkan?

Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) di di institusi pengajian mulai tahun 2003 oleh Dr Mahathir Mohamad ketika beliau berkuasa dulu adalah bukti jelas tiada ada keyakinan kepada bahasa kebangsaan. Tindakan Dr Mahathir disokong oleh juak-juaknya dan ini menggambarkan betapa tidak pedulinya pemimpin Melayu terhadap salah satu aset ketuanan Melayu yang mereka laung-laungkan iaitu bahasa Melayu. Siapa pengkhianat kepada bahasa dan bangsa Melayu?

Jika bahasa Melayu tidak dimajukan sebagai bahasa ilmu, bagaimana orang Melayu mahu diperkasakan? Tidak ada satu bangsa pun di dunia ini yang menjadi maju sedangkan bahasanya mundur, tidak digunakan di persada dunia keilmuan. Jika diimbau tamadun dunia, orang Arab pada zaman keemasan Islam maju kerana bahasanya maju sehingga begitu banyak perkataannya menjadi pinjaman tamadun lain, orang Inggeris maju seiring dengan bahasanya, demikian juga pada masa kini, orang Jepun dengan bahasanya, orang Korea dan orang Jerman dengan bahasa masing-masing.

Oleh itu adalah luar biasa jika orang Melayu dapat menjadi maju dengan bahasa Inggeris. Penulis yakin orang Melayu golongan atasanlah yang dapat mengaut faedah dengan dasar ini dengan merujuk negara sedang membangun yang mengutamakan bahasa Inggeris dalam pelbagai bidang kehidupan seperti India dan Filipina, sebagai contoh.

Benar, India maju dalam sebahagian hal, tetapi siapa sebenar yang mendapat manfaat? Sebahagian kecil rakyat India berjaya hebat dalam bidang teknologi tetapi majoriti penduduk negara demokrasi terbesar dunia ini, terus kekal miskin dan merempat. Demikian halnya di Filipina, sejumlah kecil berjaya sedangkan yang lain terus menderita dihimpit kemiskinan. Apakah pemimpin Melayu mahu sebahagian kecil Melayu maju dan kaya raya sedangkan majoriti rakyat terus hidup miskin dan merana?

Selain bahasa, identiti kebangsaan negara semakin lama semakin terhakis. Hampir keseluruhan cara hidup, identiti kebangsaan menuju kepunahan. Mungkin ada yang meletakkan kesalahan kepada perkembangan global atau dunia tanpa sempadan, tetapi benarkah demikian 100 peratus?

Kalau dulu kedengaran juga suara memperjuangkan bahasa kebangsaan dan pelbagai isu berkaitan identiti kebangsaan, nampaknya suara-suara itu sudah tenggelam 'bersama tenggelamnya' penggunaan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa ilmu.

Jika adanya suara-suara yang menyatakan rasa tidak senang dengan bahasa iklan dan iklan yang mengambil model 'Pan Asia', hari ini suara-suara itu 'semakin tenggelam' dan dirasakan tidak relevan lagi. Malah iklan menonjolkan budaya terlalu asing (seperti ketika zaman Roman) menguasai siaran TV.

Sekalipun hari ini bangunan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) sudah 'menongkat langit' tetapi bahasa Melayu sudah menuju saat 'ke kuburan', gara-gara sikap gelojoh sesetengah pemimpin negara menidakkan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa ilmu.

Jika ada pemimpin negara bercakap besar mengenai bahasa Melayu yang bersifat global, yang mungkin akan diterima di peringkat antarabangsa seperti Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB), Asean, di institusi pengajian tinggi di Rusia atau China, mereka sebenarnya tidak menyedari bahasa itu bukan bahasa Melayu Malaysia tetapi bahasa Melayu Indonesia.

Universiti-universiti utama dunia termasuk di China, Korea, Belanda dan Amerika juga menawarkan pengajian bahasa Melayu (Indonesia) manakala diplomat asing di Kuala Lumpur dan Jakarta (terutama dari Amerika dan Rusia), fasih berbahasa Melayu Indonesia.

Bahasa Melayu akan hilang kepentingannya sama seperti hilangnya penggunaan tulisan jawi dari bumi yang pernah menggunakan nama 'Tanah Melayu' ini. Kata-kata hikmah Hang Tuah 'takkan Melayu hilang di dunia' mungkin boleh diletakkan di 'Keretapi Tanah Melayu' saja. Maaf, penulis kelihatan terlalu kasar dalam membicarakan isu ini.

Sekalipun hilang pengaruhnya di 'Tanah Melayu', bahasa Melayu dipercayai akan terus berkembang pesat di bahagian dunia lain. Ini kerana bahasa Melayu tergolong dalam kumpulan 12 bahasa utama dunia yang mempunyai lebih 100 juta penutur.

Daripada 6,000 bahasa di dunia, bahasa Melayu berada di tangga kesembilan dengan lebih 150 juta penutur. Ini termasuk lebih 50 juta orang yang bahasa Melayu adalah bahasa ibunda mereka.

Sebagai bahasa utama dunia, pejuang bahasa Melayu sebenarnya mempunyai landasan kukuh untuk mempertingkatkan bahasa ini sehingga ia boleh diterima sebagai bahasa rasmi pertubuhan serantau seperti Asean sehingga ke peringkat antarabangsa seperti PBB.

Malangnya bahasa Melayu/Malaysia dipersempitkan penggunaannya di bekas bumi bernama 'Tanah Melayu'. Pemimpinnya yang bergegak gempita dengan ketuanan Melayu, tidak yakin bahasa Melayu/Malaysia dapat dijadikan bahasa ilmu atau lingua franca.

Jika dalam isu bahasa saja, pemimpin Melayu ini sudah ‘fail’ (gagal), apalah diharapkan untuk mereka berjuang dalam bidang lain? Mereka hanya melayukan orang Melayu kebanyakan sebaliknya menggemukkan tembolok sendiri, kononnya memperjuangkan ketuanan Melayu! Apa makna ketuanan Melayu sedangkan bahasa Melayu sendiri sudah hampir ke kubur?

Syaaban 18, 1443: A critical thought as we enter Ramadan...(U)

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessing and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w

Reflection

Every self will taste death. You would be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden has triumphed. The life of this world is just the enjoyment of delusion. - Qur'an, 3:185

Almost everyone including non-Muslims knows that Ramadan is the month when Muslims abstain from taking food and drinks during the day. 

So Ramadan is about taking less food (because you can only eat after sunset ) but the irony of it, Ramadan is the month where some Malaysian Muslims spend so much money on it and it is the time of the year when one could have 'exotic food ' including ‘kuih’ (cakes) never found on any other time such as 'badak berendam', 'tahi itik' and 'tepung pelita'.

Ramadan teaches Muslims to be trift on their spending. But it is normal for a Malaysian Muslim family; me included, to spend more during Ramadan especially on food, clothing and decoration of the house.

A few days ago while driving my car, I heard an ‘ustaz’ (religious teacher) say in a radio programme, that one’s ‘puasa’ (fasting) in term of spiritual enhancement of the soul was considered a failure if one’s budget overshot the normal monthly expenditure.

He also jokingly said that if one’s weight dropped a lot at the end of Ramadan, he or she had succeeded in his/her ‘puasa’ but what would be said if one’s weight increased at the end of the holy month?

In recent days during my journey to work, I noticed tents were being erected on not so busy roads such as in front of shops lots; these premises were to be used by traders to sell their goods and products during Ramadan.

At some places, they called it ‘Bazar (Bazaar) Ramadan,’ others were kown as ‘Pasar (Market) Ramadan’, 'Karnival Ramafan' and ‘Gerai (Stall) Ramadan’. In these places, one could find almost all of ones needs including perhaps those ‘exotic food’ mentioned above.

What does the presence of this ‘Ramadan phenomenon’ suggest? Am I wrong in saying that Muslims are encouraged to spend more time and money in this ‘fiesta’ like a monthly occassion; unfortunately it is Ramadan, the best time of the year for Muslims to double or triple his good deeds as required by Islam?

In this holy month, one ‘sunat’ (optional) deed done would be rewarded like a ‘wajib’ or ‘fardu’ (obligatory) deed, and a ‘fardu’ deed would be rewarded 70 times or more than in other months.

Ramadan teaches us to feel the pangs of hunger of the poor people of the world. It has been reported that one person in the world dies every three seconds because of hunger. So wasting of food is criminal. But how is the situation in our country and other rich Muslim nations where the word ‘hunger’ seemed ‘quite unfamiliar’ to us, and seemingly  is happening in far faraway lands. In United Arab Emirates (UAE) it was reported that 500 tons of food are thrown away each year in the holy month of Ramadan!

The lavish meal of breaking fast or ‘iftar’, many say dishonor the spirit of the Muslim holy month - and create an immense a mount of waste. Muslims should be reminded to be moderate with food, and this call could be made by ‘imams’ during ‘tazkirah’ (short religious talk) while doing the optional mass ‘tarawih’ prayers in masjids (special night prayers perform only during Ramadan) or when giving ‘khutbah’ (sermons) on the first Friday prayer of Ramadan.

Then on the eve of Ramadan, some of our people go for projects that are not beneficial for the 'ummah' what's more in line with the teaching of Islam such as making the largest 'ketupat' (rice cook inside wrappings made from coconut leaves) in the world. Not long time ago, it was reported that the Melaka State Constituency (Dun) of Sungai Rambai had craved that its name be in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for cooking that giant 'ketupat' which weighed 1,800 kilogramme and was 1.2 meters tall.

Imagine the wastage of time and resources just to project one's name - 630 kilogrammes of rice was cooked in 21 large pots from 3.00 p.m to 4.00 a.m. The projects was undertaken by 12 people and it took two days to prepare for the neccessary items and ground work. It was reported, the 'ketupat' was distributed to the people in that state constituency but tell me frankly who would want to comsume it?

Muslims should not be involved in such a wastage project, they should be reminded that they are accountable for five things before the coming of five. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Take benefit of five before five - your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free-time before your preoccupation,and your life before your death." (Hakim)

So to Muslims brothers and sisters, do not indulge in such empty, hollow and unbeneficial deeds, for Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Asr: "Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah's cause)."

Regarding the wastage of food and gluttony during Ramadan, President of Consumer Association of Penang (CAP), SM Mohamed Idris, commented on the lavish spending of Muslims at Ramadan bazaars and the ‘merry iftars’ at restaurants and hotels. 

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to eat nutritious food during breaking fast and sahur (predawn meal) and prohibited from wasting. Unfortunately many tend to prepare many dishes or the easiest way is to buy food and drinks that are sold in abundance in Ramadan bazaars and markets that mushroom during the fasting month.

Mohamed Idris said there is too much of food being served, much of it is not eaten and wasted. This kind of wastage is forbidden in Islam and contradicts the concept of Ramadan.

Then each year during Ramadan, hotel and restaurant is flooded with Ramadan buffet advertisements inviting Muslims to break fast in their hotels. From a rate of as low as RM38++ to RM135++, an individual can eat and drink as much as they like, with a variety of selection, at times offering more than 120 appetizing buffet dishes and desserts.

The Ramadan buffets are also accompanied with live music and keroncong whilst customers enjoy their meal. This indirectly shifts their attention and deviates them from piety of fasting in this holy month.

Those enjoying the buffet style fast breaking will be attracted to the delicious smell and scrumptious looking food. In fact their activated senses will induce them to take more than necessary.

Although gluttony is forbidden in Islam, there is nothing to prohibit Muslims from surrendering to their desire for food during breaking fast. Some would feel that it is necessary to eat a lot for their money’s worth.

As there is too much food put on their plate, many would not be able to finish it and finally the food is thrown away.

Don’t Muslims realise that food is Allah SWT greatest gift for humans and that we will be questioned on Judgement Day, akhirat, on our wasting nature? asked Mohamed Idris.

Remember Allah SWT decree in Surah Al A’raaf, sentence 3, "Eat and drink, but not in excess. Allah does not like people who are superfluous". Whereas Surah Al Israa’, sentences 26 and 27 states, "And do not waste, as those who waste are the devil’s friends".

If we consider the amount of food wasted during Ramadan mainly at buffets in hotels, we will realise that the present followers have lost their love to each other. Whilst many can enjoy the best food for themselves and their families, they forget that there are still people of the same faith who suffer from poverty and hunger.

Besides wasting food, much time is wasted when breaking fast in hotels as they tend to eat a lot until they are too full and making it difficult for them to perform solat, especially solat tarawih in the masjid.

The atmosphere and practice of breaking fast in hotels as mentioned above does not reflect the effectiveness and sacredness of the fasting that among others demands followers not to overeat, resulting in wastage.

Remember Nabi Muhamad SAW’s commandment, "Fight the yearning for food and withstand hunger and thirst as the reward is equivalent as jihad to Allah’s path. There is nothing greater to offer God than resisting hunger and thirst."

In relation to this and in the occasion of this good month, let us all return to true Islamic teachings and practices and not be influenced by wastefulness and guile.

Let it be known that Ramadan is a sacred month among all other months and Allah SWT wants all his followers to fulfil the month with obedience and taqarrub to Allah SWT. The continuous satiety of an individual’s life will fulfil and enhance the soul with obstinacy and extremity. We hope that Ramadan will help develop loving and caring Muslims.

In conclusion, please think about thorough consumption of food of your daily diet either in Ramadan or normal days. Proper cosumption including give to poor or needy people is the best amongst any sadqa (charity)

Syaaban 17, 1443: Transferring' people's money into our pockets, accounts...(U)

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.

MANY, many years ago a motivator cum business manager told me: "There's a lot of money around us - they are inside people's pockets, in their wallets, in the banks, in the drawers of shopkeepers and even under the beds of some people - the 'problem' is how are we going to 'transfer' them into our own pockets, wallets or bank accounts!

He said there are two ways to do it - one is the 'haram' (forbidden) way and the second is the 'halal' (permissible) way. Simple examples of the 'haram' ways are like robbing or cheating people of their money and examples of 'halal' ways are like coxing them into buying our 'trustworthy products' or rendering them our services or work for them.

By doing 'those work', - money from their pockets would eventually 'be moved' into our pockets! But it is up to you; to do it the 'halal' or 'haram' ways! Generally the harder you work or win their hearts, more money would be transferred from their pockets into your pockets.

I felt interested and started thinking how 'nice' it would be if I have 'the power' to 'withdraw' money from other people's pocket and made them mine. The motivator then coaxed me into joining his multi-level business, selling a product. 

It was a direct selling job; one has to be a member of the said company. I became a member of that company after paying RM10 for registration. Then after a simple briefing and paying another RM50 for the company’s products that were multipurpose detergent in plastic containers, I was on my journey ‘to become a rich and famous businessman one day’. 

Yes, I was naive in the thinking that it was easy to make people pull out their money from their pockets to buy my 'wares'. For six consecutive days I sold nothing during my rounds and on day 7; I went to the business manager's office, returned the wares and got my money back. 

From that day, I realized that business was not my line of work. I was no good in coaxing people in giving up their money. That experience gave a great impact on me; the pain of failure in business scared me and I realized that it was not that easy to made people searched for money inside their pockets and 'surrendered' them to me!

After that, I tried to do a few more business ventures such as selling books and opening a tuition centre but they all failed, I was convinced that my hands did not suit businesses; perhaps they are good at other fields such as writing. I admitted I did not had 'the skill' or bold enough to pull people's money by doing business.

If I fail badly in making people 'surrendering' their money to me, I was amazed at certain people who could coaxed me into giving my money to them.

For example years ago, a team of young women came to my mother's house and after examining some kitchen wares, told my mother that her cooking utensils such as frying pans and pots were too old and needed to be change. They unveiled some new and shinning cooking utensils which they claimed all were priced at RM1,000 but they would gladly sell them at half the price, RM500.

My mother agreed, but as she did not have enough money, she turned to me who was busily attending to other chores at that time. Without checking the items, I 'surrendered' RM500 to the ladies. Later on that evening only I realized that I had been conned...the items they sold to my mother could not be more than RM200!

After working for about 25 years in the media industry, I opted to retire at the age of 50. I started gardening in a small plot of land owned by my wife. I planted 'easy to grow' plants such as 'serai' (lemon grass), 'ubi kayu' (tapioca) and 'tebu' (sugarcane).

About five years ago, I had planted some 'rambutan' trees - only two 'survived' on the 'hard and barren land'. A few years back, they started 'producing' fruits by the 'abundance'. 'Syukur' alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah), He had given me the opportunity 'to make money' with the 'new ventures' but sadly, I was no good in doing business - I failed in marketing 'my products'. Yes, once again I  must admitted that I was no good in making people 'surrendering' their money to me.

When the rambutans were ripe and 'abundance' in the trees, I placed I notice board on a side of the tree which read: "These rambutans are for 'sadaqah', please pluck them yourself."

I read a 'hadith' with the meaning: "If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him." - Imam Bukhari

In Sahih Muslim, it was reported: "Our Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Never does a Muslim a plants a tree, but that he earns the reward of charity because what is eaten from it; and likewise what is stolen from it, what the wild beasts eat out of it, what the birds eat out of it, and what people take from it is charity for him.”

Well, only now at 'old age' I realized that 'money is not everything'; perhaps during my younger years, I was greedy for money and wealth but it seemed that Allah did not wish 'fast and huge' amount of money 'to fell into my hands'.

About greediness, I was not alone because men are men, they are greedy for material wealth; in a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, the Prophet s.a.w. said: "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to him." (Bukhary) 

For some of us having a lot of money would spoiled us for one of the most wisest person in the world, Sayidina Ali bin Abi Talib said: "Learned men live after death; ignorant men are dead although alive." He also said that you need to guard your property and wealth but if you have knowledge it would protect you. 

Subhanallah, why think a lot about money and properties, why not have a thought on what's the purpose we are sent into this world? In 'ayah' 56 Surah of Surah l-dhāriyāt (The Wind that Scatter) Allah SWT says: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."

Our journey in this world is to please Allah SWT before 'we met' Him in the Hereafter; therefore should we burdened ourselves with having a lot of money (at old age our needs such as food is so little) especially which is not ours. What's the point of having billions and billions of ringgit transferred into our accounts if it involved 'haram' transaction!

Syaaban 14, 1443: 'Tafakkur': You don't have to be 'an Aristotle'...(U)

In the name of God, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessing and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Reflections

"I have only created Jinns and Men, that they may serve Me." (Zariyat 51:56)

One Sunday morning after 'kuliah subuh' (early morning lesson at masjids), I happened to have the opportunity to discuss 'the meaning of life' with a stranger who from his looks (for example his beard unchecked) made me assumed that he might be 'a thinker or a philosopher'.

Yes, he is 'a thinker by his own standard' because he kept on asking why and why; for example why there is no justice in society and why is that the moral standard of our young generation getting from poor to worst.

In his 'jest' to 'live like a thinker' - always questioning and unhappy about himself and others around him - he jumped from a job to another and nowadays he survived by doing a small business. He said he was happy with this work because 'he was his own-boss as he was free from 'receiving orders from others'.

He claimed to be obsessed 'with thinking' and there were times he felt as though 'his head was about to blow up'. "My mind keep on asking why and why for example lately why more and more Malays had lost confidence that Islam is the answer to all of their problems."

Engaging to 'this self-confessed thinker', I remembered what an 'ustaz' (religious teacher) had told congregators during his 'tazkirah' (lesson) at a masjid near my house recently. He said, in  Islam, 'tafakkur' (doing reflection) is an act of 'ibadah' (act of good deeds to Allah SWT) but you do not have to be 'an Aristotle' who during his life time 'did a lot of thinking' but was it in His straight path?

Aristotle, one of the worlds greatest philosopher whose name means 'the best purpose' was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, Chalcidice, about 55 km east of modern-day Thessaloniki. At about the age of 18, Aristotle moved to Athens to continue his education at Plato's Academy. In 343 BCE Aristotle was invited by Philip II of Macedon to become the tutor to his son Alexander (the Great). He gave lessons not only to Alexander, but also to two other future kings: Ptolemy and Cassander.

Aristotle was one of the most revered Western thinkers in early Islamic theology. Most of the still extant works of Aristotle, as well as a number of the original Greek commentaries, were translated into Arabic and studied by Muslim philosophers, scientists and scholars including Avicenna (Ibnu Sina). The Muslims considered Aristotle to be a dogmatic philosopher, the author of a closed system, and believed that Aristotle shared with Plato essential tenets of thought. Some went so far as to credit Aristotle himself with neo-Platonic metaphysical ideas (extract from Wikipedia)

The 'ustaz' gave examples of  'reflections' that are just wasting our time but are common especially among 'veteran men and women'.  At old age, many parents are left alone at their house in the kampungs; their children had moved out and starting their own lives in towns and cities.

Many elders would sit near the door or window of their house especially when festivals such as Hari Raya is around the corner, looking out of their house and 'day dreaming', hoping that their sons and daughters and their families would be back during the big day.

Some of us have the 'hobby' of spending a lot of time recollecting our sadness and misfortune in life while some others would day dreaming what they would do if they have this and that...for example in having a lot of money, having power and position and so on.

The 'ustaz' said we are only wasting our time in doing such 'thinking activities'; they are not in line with the teaching of Islam, thus would not be rewarded by Allah SWT. "In Islam, we are encouraged to do a lot of thinking, but the question is what are we going to think about?

"We are not required to be a thinker like Aristotle; Islam as a complete way of life had set the things we should think about or 'tafakkur'. The 'materials' to 'tafakkur' are already available; we are only required to pick it up and do our reflection.

"For example, we have the Qur'an. Read a sentence or sentences from the Qur'an, search for the meaning and then do the 'tafakkur'. For example in Surah LV (The Beneficent), Allah had many, many times asked us; "Which is it, of the favours of your Lord, that ye deny?" Next, do the thinking...it was a guided one; thus it is unnecessary for us to think about improper things or things of our fancies."

You too could 'tafakkur' over your sins, creation, yourself and to take lessons from the things Allah SWT has created. When the good people are praised in the Qur'an, it is declared that "they always remember Allah while they are standing, sitting, lying on their sides, and they meditate over the creation of the heavens and earth. They say, “O our Lord! You did not create them in vain. You are far from it [from creating useless, meaningless things. Protect us from the torment of Hell." (Surah Ali ‘Imrân, 191)

There are many hadiths that mentioned about the importance of 'tafakkur'. Among others, "A momentary meditation on Allahu Taala's Grandeur, Paradise, and Hell is better than spending a night in worship" and "meditating for a while is more valuable than one year’s (supererogatory) worship."

Regarding 'tafakkur', Imam Shafie said it sharpens one' intelligence while Wahb bin Munabbih said it makes a person knowledgeable and a knowledgeable person, in turn, does good deeds. Bishr-i-Hafi noted that a human being who contemplates Allahu Taala's grandeur cannot be disobedient to Him. 

Scholars said 'tafakkur' can be done in four ways that are pondering about the beautiful arts and benefits which manifest on Allahu Taala's creatures causes one to believe in Him and love Him; pondering about the rewards promised by Him for the worships causes one to perform those worships; pondering about the punishments informed by Him causes one to fear Him and thereby inhibits one from committing sins and wronging others; and pondering about one’s having enslaved oneself to one’s nafs and committing sins and living in a state of heedlessness regardless of all the blessings bestowed by Him causes one to have shame towards Allah Taala.

As a conclusion, Islam as a complete way of life provides us with guidance in everything we do (so that we would be in His straight path) including what we should think or reflect about (tafakkul). So you do not need to be 'an Aristotle' to do all the thinking by yourself'! 

Syaaban 13, 1443: Hari suamiku pulang…(U)

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

Renungan

"Dialah (Allah) yang menciptakan bagi kamu pasangan-pasangan (jodoh) daripada makhluk (jenis) kamu sendiri agar kamu condong kepadanya dan berasa tenteram dengannya. Kemudian Allah menciptakan kasih dan sayang antara kamu." (Surah Ar Rum: 21) 

SUDAH lama saya tidak tengok drama Melayu di kaca televisyen. Lama dulu pernah saya cuba ‘menumpang tonton’ drama yang sedang disaksikan anak saya…ceritanya ‘entah apa-apa’ (kisah cinta muda-mudi tak bertempat)…jadi saya pun ‘blah’ kerana bagi saya ia membazirkan masa saja.

Terfikir di benak saya alangkah bagus dibuat drama atau teater berdasarkan kisah teladan termasuk yang membabitkan sahabat Rasululllah s.a.w. seperti ‘Menunggu Kata Dari Tuhan’ yang dipentaskan tidak lama dulu. Alangkah bagus jika kisah teladan masa lampau digarap dan diadaptasikan dalam drama atau filem mengenai kehidupan hari ini supaya ia dapat menjadi panduan kepada masyarakat.

Dalam saya berfikir-fikir ‘ketandusan’ mutu drama-drama kita, secara kebetulan dalam kuliah antara maghrib dan isyak di sebuah masjid yang saya hadiri, ustaz yang mengkuliahkan kitab Riyadhus Shalihin karya Imam Nawawi, membicarakan kisah Ummu Sulaim, sang isteri yang bijaksana iaitu ibu kepada pembantu Rasulullah s.a.w., Anas bin Malik.

Sang ustaz membicarakan kebijaksanaan Ummu Sulaim yang solehah dalam menjaga kebajikan suaminya, Abu Talhah (bapa tiri Anas). Diriwayatkan oleh Anas, dia berkata: “Pada suatu ketika seorang putera Abu Talhah dan isterinya yang bernama Ummu Sulaim, meninggal dunia; Ummu Sulaim berkata kepada keluarganya: “Janganlah kalian memberitahu musibah ini kepada Abu Talhah sehingga saya sendiri yang akan memberitahukannya.”

Tidak lama kemudian Abu Talhah tiba di rumah. Seperti biasa, Ummu Sulaim menghidangkan makan malam untuk suaminya. Lalu Abu Talhah makan dan minum dengan senangnya. Kemudian Ummu Sulaim mula berhias LEBIH CANTIK daripada hari biasanya hingga Abu Talhah menggaulinya.

Setelah mengetahui bahawasanya Abu Talhah telah merasa puas dan lega, maka Ummu Sulaim berkata: “Wahai Abu Talhah, bagaimana menurut pendapat engkau apabila ada sekumpulan orang memberikan pinjaman kepada suatu keluarga. Kemudian, ternyata pinjaman tersebut mereka minta kembali. Apakah boleh keluarga itu menolak permintaannya?”

Dengan mantap Abu Talhah menjawab: “Tentu saja keluarga itu tidak boleh menolak permintaan kumpulan itu.” Lalu Ummu Sulaim berkata: “Maka demikian dengan anak kita, ketahuilah bahawasanya anak kita yang tercinta telah diminta oleh Zat yang telah Mencipta dan Memilikinya. Oleh kerana itu relakanlah kematian putera kita tersebut.”

Betapa terkejut dan marahnya Abu Talhah mendengar informasi yang disampaikan isterinya itu. Lalu dia pun berkata kepada isterinya: “Mengapa kamu tidak memberitahu terlebih dahulu berita ini? Tetapi kamu memberitahukannya kepadaku setelah aku menggaulimu?”

Keesokan harinya Abu Talhah pergi menemui Rasulullah s.a.w. untuk menceritakan kepada beliau tentang apa yang telah terjadi pada keluarganya. Mendengar cerita sedih tersebut, Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: “Semoga Allah memberkati kalian berdua dalam menjalani malam kalian (persetubuhan).” Maka beberapa lama kemudian ada seorang dari kalangan Ansar berkata: “Aku melihat kedua-duanya (Abu Talhah dan Ummu Sulaim) memiliki sembilan anak yang semuanya telah hafal al-Quran.”

Sang ustaz dalam kuliahnya menekankan bahawa Ummu Sulaim telah BERHIAS paling cantik untuk suaminya dan hal ini perlu diambil perhatian oleh isteri-isteri moden hari ini. Ini kerana ramai para isteri berhias paling cantik siap dengan semburan minyak wangi apabila keluar rumah untuk urusan bekerja dan sebagainya tetapi dalam rumah apabila berhadapan dengan suami hatta di bilik tidur dengan baju dan kain batik kusam.

Jadi terfikir di benak saya, tidak bolehkah orang filem atau drama kita membuat filem misalnya dengan tajuk ‘Hari Suamiku Pulang’ atau 'Menunggu Kepulangan Suamiku' bagi menggambarkan suasana pada hari seorang isteri menyambut kepulangan suaminya, misalnya kembali ke pangkuan keluarga selepas meringkuk dalam penjara gara-gara ISA. Atau ditahan selepas protes 'Bersih'.Tunjukkan bagaimana istimewanya layanan seorang isteri kepada suaminya seperti dicontohkan oleh Ummu Sulaim. Bagaimanapun, janganlah dipamerkan ‘perkara bukan-bukan’ – jagalah batasan agama.

Dengan adanya drama atau filem yang mengandungi unsur dakwah ini, diharapkan dapat mengubah minda anggota masyarakat seperti dalam kes ini isteri berpakaian sedap dipandang mata suami (tidaklah berbaju kelawar atau berkemban dengan kain batik lusuh ke sana sini) dan pada hari 'spesial' dia berpakaian 'seksi gila', tetapi sang ustaz mengingatkan jika suami mahukan sedemikian, isteri pun mahu melihat kehebatan penampilan suaminya, jadi pada suami janganlah di rumah asyik 'berkemban' dengan kain pelikat gombang...sesekali pakailah kot dan 'tie'!

Syaaban 12, 1443: 'Corot' in the world and Hereafter...(U)

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.

WE are in the month of Syaaban and  about to enter the holy month of Ramadan. An 'ustaz' in first 'kuliah subuh' (early morning lesson) for the month of Ramadan at a 'masjid' near my house few years ago, advised congregators 'to work hard' during this holy month so that they would not be 'corot' in the Hereafter after being 'corot' in this world!

The Malay word 'corot' is defined by a dictionary as 'last' and 'left behind'...yes, many among us Malay/Muslims were left behind in life...we may be poor in terms of wealth, health and deprived of status, ranks and so on. In fact in various fields of life such as economy and education, we were far left behind.

Then we were looked down - how true because Muslims all around the globe were locked in problems and being bullied by the so-called superpowers globally and in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq and were prosecuted by regimes such as in Myanmar, Palestine (Israel) and China.

In short we have nothing or 'having too little' perfecting the Malay saying 'kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang' (to live from hand to mouth) in the world but remember 'that condition' was temporary because life is also temporary...our aim is to be successful in the Hereafter even though in this world we were looked down as 'corot', failures or losers, said the 'ustaz'.

But he reminded congregators that being successful in both worlds (this world and the Hereafter) should be sought. In the Qur'an, Allah told us to be successful in the world and Hereafter. Muslims recited this du'a over and over again: 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar' (Our Lord! grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire." (2:201)

About the condition of a Muslim, Abu Huraira (may Allah have Mercy on him, r.a.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him (s.a.w.), said, “The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be frustrated. If something befalls you, then do not say: If only I had done something else. Rather say: Allah has decreed what he wills. Verily, the  phrase ‘if only’ opens the way for the work of Satan.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2664)

Regarding this 'hadith' Imam An-Nawawee r.a. said: "The intended meaning of strength here is a firm will and a desire to work for the Hereafter. So the one being described as a strong believer is more bold and stern against the enemy in Jihad, quicker to go out (to fight) and searching for it (Jihad), more firm in the way he enjoins the good and forbids the evil, (more firm) in his patience with the harms he faces throughout all of that, and stronger in the way he carries out difficult tasks for Allah's Sake. He loves to pray, fast, make zhikr, and perform the rest of the acts of worship, and he is more active in seeking after these affairs, and he keeps a closer watch over his performance of them."

Scholars said a strong Muslim benefited other Muslims, and in defending Islam and the Muslims. They concluded that the believer who has strong 'iman' (faith) is more likely to be fit and in shape. This is because he understands the importance of Jihad and staying in shape in preparation for it, while the weak believer may easily get fat and out of shape, from his overeating and laziness. So physical strength is a direct result of strength in 'iman'.

Conversely, a person could be a topnotch bodybuilder and superb athlete, but he can't even wake up for 'subuh' (Fajr), and Allah is the One whose Help is sought! So clearly his strength is not making him better nor more beloved to Allah, so how could he be considered a strong believer?, they asked.

Abu Kabsha reported: The Messenger of Allah s.a.w. said, “I will narrate a saying to you, so preserve it. Verily, the world is only for four kinds of people. There is one whom Allah has granted wealth and knowledge, so he fears his Lord regarding them, upholds family ties, and acknowledges the rights of Allah over him. He will be in the best position. There is one whom Allah has granted knowledge without wealth and he has a sincere intention and he says: If I had wealth, I would have acted like this person. If that is his intention, then he will have the same reward as the other. There is one whom Allah has granted wealth without knowledge and he squanders his wealth in ignorance, he does not fear Allah regarding it, he does not fulfill his obligations to his family, and he does not acknowledge the rights of Allah over him. He will be in the worst position. There is one whom Allah has granted neither wealth nor knowledge and he says: If I had wealth, I would have acted like this person. If that is his intention, then he will have the same sin as the other.”

Well, what's the meaning of being successful in life? We would make a very big mistake or blunder if we take 'successful' to only what we had achieved in this world. But it would be worst if we were 'corot' in this world and in the Hereafter. In short we fail in both 'worlds'.

The 'ustaz' warned that our status, position, power, wealth and all worldly achievements would of no use when we were dead. Only our ‘iman’ (faith) and ‘amal’ (good deeds) would be able to help us. 

The key to success is to take religion and practice all its teaching. Those who upheld religion should have no worries but enjoy life because the world would be at his or her feet but those who are after the world, they would lose the world and worst of all, doomed in the Hereafter. Remember the call of prayers (adhan) has this 'clear message' on how to be successful  - 'hayya 'alas-salah' (come to pray) and 'hayya 'alal-falah' (come to success)...then how come you could be successful if you disobey Allah SWT, Creator (Master) of the universe including yourself?

The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) listed 32 tips (ways and means) to be successful in this world and Hereafter. They are: 

1. Believe in Allah: The one and only Creator, Sustainer, Giver of Life, Owner, Inheritor and God of the universe. Allah has no peer, while the universe is a tiny speck in the grandeur of Allah. Also believing in all His prophets from Adam, the first man to the final prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him, s.a.w.) The Qur’an which was revealed to Muhammad s.a.w. is 100 percent Allah’s words. Only one version, the Qur’an is being translated by many translators and memorized by millions. (Qur’an 23:1 and 24:31) 

2. Sincerity: Doing good deeds to please only Allah and none else. Deeds done for other than Allah or along with Allah is not acceptable to Allah. Allah The Most Beautiful loves beauty. (Qur’an 30:38) 

3. Worship Allah alone: None has the right to be worshiped but Allah, the One-And-Only. (Qur’an 22:77) 

4. Guidance from Allah: From the unadulterated Al-Qur’an and authentic ways/sunnah of Muhammad s.a.w., the last prophet. We can never go astray when we follow the Qur’an and sunnah. (Qur’an 2:5 and 31:5) 

5. Remember Allah always. Almighty Allah deserves to be remembered all the time. Only by remembering Allah, will our hearts experience true and lasting tranquility. (Qur’an 8:45 and 62:10)

6. Grateful to Allah: Be thankful and optimistic about everything Allah has prepared for us in this world by worshiping Allah zealously. A grateful person lives a meaningful life. (Qur’an 7:69) 

7. Fear Allah (takwa): Venerate, love, have hope in while being anxious and concerned of Allah. The most honourable in the sight of Allah are those who fear Allah most. (Qur’an 3:130) 

8. Perform regular worship of Allah (five times prayers) and duties like declaration of faith, fasting, tithe and hajj. (Qur’an 22:77) 

9. Listen and obey Allah’s law. Allah’s and His messenger’s words will lead to a perfect life. 

10. Rationale: The Qur’an agrees very well with the sunnah of Muhammad s.a.w. matches well with the wise mind and fits the fitrah (innate instinct of humankind) – Qur’an 2:189 and 5: 100) 

11. Gives preference to Allah’s choices Allah Sees, Hears and Knows everything. (Qur’an 2: 189 and 5:100) 

12. Scatter over the earth and seeks Allah’s bounty. Aren’t we Allah’s vicegerents on earth? (Qur’an 62:10) 

13. Avoid evil deeds; like consuming intoxicants, gambling and ascribing partners to Allah. Satan promotes lawlessness among us but succumbs among us but succumbs to those who trust and fear Allah. (Qur’an 5:90) 

14. Accumulate the rewards of the Hereafter: like the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the pious. They enjoy this life by doing good deeds and Allah’s paradise awaits them May all of us be among them. (Qur’an 7:8) 

15. Jihad (strive); with speech, wealth and life to spread the truth and Islamic monotheism. (Qur’an 9:88) 

16. Be generous for Allah’s sake, especially when in need of Allah’s Help. 

17. Invite to righteousness, enjoin good and forbid evil. Good deeds invite Allah’s Blessings. (Qur’an 3:104) 

18. Always be on Allah’s side. Unwavering dedication to Allah’s cause, wherever and whenever. (Quran 58:220)

19. Patience and steadfastness: Firm in upholding the truth and Islamic monotheism till the end of our life. (Qur’an 3:200) 

20. Repent from all sins and do righteous deeds: Only Allah is perfect and free from mistakes. (Qur’an 28:67)

21. Always be mindful of the enemy. For this reason we continuously seek and need Allah’s Help. (Qur’an 3:200) 

22. Honour, assist and follow scholars (ulama) who truly practice Islam. (7:157) 

23. Be charitable to oneself. A strong believer is dearer and more beloved to Almighty Allah. (Qur’an 64:16) 

24. Avoid usury and illegal income. Usury and illegally gained income lead to hell. (Qur’an 3:130)

25. Seeking means and ways to approach Allah. May we meet Allah at the best moment! Ameen. (Qur’an 5:35) 

26. Purifying our souls. Allah has given everyone a soul. A good soul will benefit oneself and others. (Qur’an 87:14 and 91:9)

27. Give kindred (especially parents), the poor and wayfarer their dues for Allah’s sake. (Qur’an 30:38)

28. Lower our gaze, protect our private parts and wear appropriate Islamic attire. Self respect is important in Islam. Insincerity and ignorance cause man to live in disunity, disarray and void of guidance. (Qur’an 24:31) 

29. Love each other and have no jealousy, for Allah’s sake: Like the Ansar and Muhajirin. (Qur’an 59:9)

30. Choose friends who believe in the Last Day. Close friend influence our life. (Qur’an 58:22)

31. Say the truth from Allah and His Messenger even if it is unpopular. Truth will prevail. (Qur’an 5:100) 

32. Ask the right people: Scholars, parents, experts, specialist, sincere friends and the like. (Qur’an 2: 189) 

'Insya-Allah' if we live according to Allah SWT prescriptions i.e. be in His straight path such as obeying to His orders and refraining from doing things He forbids (haram) then we would lead a tranquil life. 'Insya-Allah' we would be safe in this world in the Hereafter; therefore we would not be 'corot' in this world and Hefeafter. So, start 'working hard' for your success in both world this coming Ramadan

Syaaban 11, 1443: '...and into the hole of the lizard we enter!'

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)

YEARS ago, after the terrorist attacks in Paris, the world including its media was quick to put the blame on Muslims and surprisingly many Muslims felt offended and quickly work out PR efforts to tell the world that Islam is against terrorism.

The word ‘Muslim terrorists’ made us sad. It was used in the wrong place. Why must ‘they’ highlight and associate ‘Muslims’ with terrorism? 

What were some Western leaders and their media up to for exploiting the news to give negative and distorting image about Islam around the globe? 

The irony of it, some of our own media too followed suit - they were just like parrots! As a guideline to those who would still read and follow the main stream media, remember this word of Allah SWT: "O ye, who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done." (Al-Qur'an 49:6)

Recently during a 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson) at a 'masjid' near my house, I heard the 'ustaz' (religious teacher) telling his audience that nowadays Muslims are living at the mercy of Westerners because 'they have won the war' - they are now in power to dictate the world 'on what is right and wrong'.

 

Perhaps what the 'ustaz' was trying 'to explain' to his audience had the truth because nowadays it seemed that the minds of many Muslims had been corrupted into believing and following the footsteps of non believers. Perhaps they even believed to the Western accusation that Islam promotes terrorism.

Regarding the tendency of Muslims to follow the footsteps of non-believers, a hadith from Bukhari and Muslim, narrated Abu Sa'id, r.a. noted the Prophet peace be upon him (pbuh) said, "Surely, you will follow the ways of those nations who were before you, in everything as one arrow resembles another, (i.e. just like them), so much so that even if they entered a hole of a sand-lizard, you would enter it." 

They said, "O Allaah’s Messenger! Do you mean to say that we will follow the Jews and the Christians?" The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "Whom else?" (By meaning the Jew and Christians) 

The 'ustaz' said the Western world especially the Jews are now vigorously exporting their way of life and thinking to the people of the world. The Jews did not conquer the world as the British, Spaniards, Dutch and Portuguese but their succeeded in capturing the minds of the people. They are up to destroy the people of the world other than the Jews themselves.

He claimed that the Jews were up to destroy the Muslim world with their '5-F strategy' that are lifestyles regarding 'film, family, fashion, fun and food'. For example, films produced in Hollywood which were dominated by Jews were accepted around the globe - lifestyles portrayed in Hollywood's films were totally against the teaching of Islam but they had been idolized world wide including in the Muslim world.

The Jews or Western way of life regarding family, fashion, fun and food too had destroyed the life of the new generation of Muslims...but Muslims especially their leaders choose not to fight the evil but to be part of them. Perhaps it was in line with what former US President, George W Bush had declared: "you are with us or we will fight you."

The 'ustaz' said, at this moment when power is held by the Western world, they had their hands on almost all 'world matters' but Muslims could overturned it by once again by becoming the 'superpower of the world' as they had proved it during the era of Abbasid where one of its greatest caliphate Harun Al-Rashid (786-803 AD) was much respected by the king of Franks, Charlemagne (771-814 AD). The Frank king even sent his special delegation to Baghdad which was known as the world's center of knowledge.

By sending his envoy to Baghdad, Charlemagne had high respect to the Muslims way of living including to live in peace with all the people of the world. Islam is a religion of 'Rahmatan Lil 'Alamin" (blessing to all mankind); in Ayah 107 of Surah al-Anbiya, Allah SWT notes:  "We have not sent thee, O Muhammad, but as a mercy to all mankind."

Islam is a mercy to all mankind but many people including those living the West, distort this statement to understandings that are mistaken. So that raises a lot of mistakes in the practice of religion even in a very fundamental thing, that in the matter of belief.

The ustaz said, cruelty has no place in Islam. Even when dealing with animals, such as slaughtering them for food, the rule is to attend to it accordingly such as mentioning the name of Allah (Bismillah), make the animals die swiftly and easily by using sharp knives but not by sharpening the knives in front of the animals.

Islam is a beautiful religion revealed by God that covers all aspects of life; even there are even laws regarding rearing and slaughtering of animals, what more when dealing with human lives such as the attack on Paris!

Islam covers all aspects of living not only to be safe in this world but in the Hereafter; the irony of it many Muslims choose to follow the way of the Jews and Westerners...well  into the hole of the lizard we would enter! 

Syaaban 10, 1443: Aku lebih dahulu makan garam...

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

Renungan

"Dan Tuhan kamu berfirman, berdoalah kamu kepada-Ku nescaya Aku perkenankan doa permohonan kamu sesungguhnya orang-orang sombong takabur daripada berdoa serta beribadat kepada-Ku akan masuk neraka Jahannam dalam keadaan hina." (Surah Ghafir, ayat 60)

SEPANJANG hidup saya yang menjangkau usia 60 tahun ini, ada beberapa kali orang menegur cara solat saya. Puluhan tahun lalu, seorang jemaah memberitahu sebutan ‘la-dzii’ (swi-raa-twal la-dzii-na an-‘am-ta ‘a-lai-him) yang saya baca ketika mengalunkan al-fatiHah tidak tepat, bacaannya adalah nipis, saya telah membuat kesalahan di situ, katanya. 

Saya terima tegurannya dengan besar hati, dia mengajar saya menyebut bacaan itu beberapa kali. Katanya, jika saya tersilap sebut, maknanya dikhuatiri sudah lari, akibatnya sangat berat sehingga solat boleh jadi tak sah. Namun, Allah itu Maha Pengampun, ada ruang untuk Dia memaafkan perbuatan tidak sengaja atau kerana kejahilan seseorang. 

Seorang jemaah pernah menegur bacaan saya agak kuat, boleh mengganggu jemaah di sebelah. Kemudian ada menegur, duduk tahiyat akhir saya agak terbuka, ada kemungkinan aurat terdedah.

Ya, dalam menjalani kehidupan pada mulanya, memang sukar untuk kita menerima teguran, tetapi secara beransur-ansur hati ini dijinakkan untuk mengakui bahawa diri ini sebenarnya begitu banyak kelemahan dan kesilapan, hanya kita sendiri perasan atau syok sendiri kita yang terbaik dan berada di jalan betul sedangkan banyak hal yang kita lakukan adalah tidak betul. 

Kita tidak nampak kesalahan sendiri, kita perlukan orang lain menegur kita. Yalah, kalau ada kudis di belakang kita mana kita tahu sehingga orang lain memberitahunya. Orang yang menegur itu sebenarnya sayang kepada kita, dia mahu kita selamat di akhirat sana (termasuklah kehidupan di dunia ini), malangnya tidak ramai yang bersedia menegur atau ditegur. 

Ramai tahu kesilapan kita tetapi tiada kesanggupan menegur. Ini kerana mereka bimbang bahananya kerana ramai orang melenting apabila ditegur. Sesetengah orang ditegur menempelak dengan berkata, 'kau siapa, aku dahulu makan garam daripada kaulah!"

Semua orang membuat kesilapan (peribahasa Melayu berbunyi ‘bumi mana yang tidak ditimpa hujan’) dan yang terbaik adalah orang yang mengaku kesalahannya dengan meminta ampun kepada Allah SWT dan meminta kemaafan sesama manusia. 

Setiap orang yang mengaku dirinya banyak melakukan kesalahan dan dosa berada di jalan benar sebab itu ada doa berbunyi: “Ya Allah, sesungguhnya Engkau Maha Mendengar kata-kataku, Melihat tempatku berada, Mengetahui perkara yang rahsia dan yang nyata daripadaku dan tiada sesuatu pun urusanku yang tersembunyi daripada pengetahuan-Mu.

Aku adalah hamba-Mu yang hina dan serba kekurangan, yang sentiasa mengharapkan pertolongan dan perlindungan, cemas dan takut serta mengakui segala dosaku di hadapan-Mu. Aku memohon kepada-Mu umpama si miskin yang meminta-minta, aku juga tunduk di hadapan-Mu sebagai orang berdosa dan hina. Aku memanjatkan doa kepada-Mu umpama orang yang dicengkam rasa takut dan bahaya sebagai hamba yang patuh dan tunduk di hadapan-Mu...” 

Kalau kita hayati doa yang dikaitkan dengan Rabiatul Adawiyah lagi mengharukan...ya Tuhanku, aku tidak layak dengan syurga-Mu tetapi aku tidak sanggup menahan azab neraka-Mu... 

Kebalikannya, jika kita terus mengaku diri kita sentiasa betul walaupun ada orang pernah menegur, dikhuatiri kita berada di jalan salah. Amat dibimbangi jika kita membawa bersama sikap itu sehingga tanah memasuki mulut kita (matilah). 

Dalam tafsiran Surah Al-A’raf, 7: 8 ada dinyatakan: “Allah menerangkan dialog penghuni A’raf dengan penghuni neraka yang terdiri daripada orang-orang yang sombong dan takabur pada masa hidup di dunia. Orang-orang yang merasa mulia kerana kekayaan dan hartanya yang banyak, merasa bangga hidup di dunia, memandang hina orang-orang mukmin yang miskin dan lemah kekuatan dan lemah, iaitu lemah kekuatan dan lemah kedudukan, dan sedikit pengikutnya. Mereka selalu membanggakan bahawa siapa yang hidup kaya dan mulia, serta berkuasa di dunia, itulah orang-orang yang akan berbahagia di akhirat dan terhindar daripada azab Allah.” (Syaamil Al-Qur’an, The Miracle, Departmen Agama RI, ms 310) 

Berdasarkan keterangan ini, fahamlah kita mengapa ada tokoh pelbagai bidang termasuk politik sentiasa berfikir dan berkata dia betul dan enggan menerima teguran. Dia saja betul, orang lain salah, jadi jangan tegur kerana aku dahulu makan garam dah!

Marilah semua (termasuk penulis yang sudah 60+ ini) memerdekakan diri daripada ‘perasan’ atau ‘syok sendiri’ “aku sentiasa betul.” Marilah kita berubah termasuk berlapang dada menerima teguran, yalah, sebelum ‘tanah memenuhi mulut kita’ (matilah!). 

Syaaban 9, 1443: Jangan meniarap kepada manusia

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

Renungan

"Janganlah kamu cenderung kepada orang-orang yang aniaya, nanti kamu ditimpa api neraka.." (Q.S. Hud:113)

BAHARU-BAHARU ini seseorang (Muslimah ) bertanya (menyatakan kemusykilannya) kepada saya bahawa dia tidak faham mengapa sesetengah wanita (orang Islamlah) sukar benar hendak bertudung. "Kankah hampir semua wanita dah bertudung, kenapa dia pulak tak nak bertudung...apa sebabnya?"

Saya tak menjawab secara terus tetapi berkata: "Lebih 20 tahun lalu saya ada membaca sebuah buku (ditulis oleh seorang wanita, saya terlupa namanya) yang bertajuk lebih kurang begini 'MENGAPA SAYA BERTUDUNG?' Buku ini menghimpunkan kisah sejumlah wanita (kalau tak silap saya lebih 20 wanita pelbagai latar belakang) yang akhirnya bertudung. Ya masa itu tak seramai wanita yang bertudung seperti sekarang.

Saya mengesyorkan kepada si penanya: "Anda tulislah sebuah buku yang mungkin tajuknya berbunyi 'MENGAPA SAYA TAK BERTUDUNG' atau 'MENGAPA SAYA TAK NAK BERTUDUNG'. Wawancaralah lebih kurang 20 responden, tanyalah kisah mereka,  jadi awak tahulah jawapannya. 

Ini cerita lain pula. 

Pada waktu 'tak berapa muda' sekarang ini, saya perlu mengikuti panduan 'buku-buku baik' untuk bekalan ke alam sana. Alhamdulillah antara lain, saya dapat membaca buku 'Penenang Jiwa (Pengubatan & Rawatan) oleh Imam Al-Ghazali dan diterjemahan oleh Muhammad Qadirun Nur (Wholesale Mart)

Mengenai bab QANAAH ada diungkapkan:

Meniaraplah di hadapan Allah, jangan meniarap kepada manusia,

Menerimalah dengan memutuskan keinginan,

Sungguh kemuliaan itu dalam tiada keinginan,

Jangan berharap kepada sanak saudara,

Orang kaya yang tidak berhajat kepada manusia.

Juga dikatakan senada dengan syair itu:

Wahai si pengumpul dunia!

Waktu kian menentukan,

Terkunci rapat semua pintu,

Sambil kau fikir bagaimana mewujudkan keinginan,

Entah mudah atau sulit kau buru juga,

Kau kumpulkan harta,

Katakan padaku, sudahkah kau kumpulkan?

Hai pemburu harta,

Hari-hari kian meninggalkanmu,

Hartamu telah dilirik ahli waris,

Milikmu hanyalah yang kau infakkan,

Zat yang membahagi akan memberimu rezeki,

Pemberian daripada-Nya selalu terjaga,

Selalu baru takkan binasa,

Qanaah itu selalu menerima,

Tidak pernah tergesa atau berduka.