Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 8

Jamadilawal 21, 1444: 'Yes man' boleh hancurkan negara

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)

MENYOKONG kepada sesuatu yang zalim adalah maksiat besar; Imam Al-Ghazali dalam kitabnya 'Bidayatul Hidayah' dalam bab 'Cara Meninggalkan Maksiat' yang menyentuh mengenai kepentingan menjaga dua kaki, mengingatkan bahawa hendaklah kita memelihara kaki daripada berjalan ke tempat diharamkan atau berjalan kepada sultan (pemerintah) yang zalim.

Ya, sekarang ini ada pihak mengadakan perhimpunan namun sebagai orang mengaku beriman kita perlu berilmu dan terpandu sama ada 'penggunaan kaki' kita itu (dalam perhimpunan dan protes orang berarak di jalan raya) digunakan pada jalan yang diredai atau dimurkai-Nya.

Kata Imam Ghazali berjalan menuju kepada sultan (pemerintah) yang zalim itu tanpa ada darurat dan paksaan adalah maksiat yang besar kerana yang demikian itu dianggap 'tawadhu' atau merendahkan diri bagi mereka dan menghormati atas kezaliman mereka, sedangkan Allah menyuruh kita supaya berpaling daripada orang yang zalim, seperti firman-Nya yang bermaksud: "Dan janganlah engkau cenderung hati kepada orang yang zalim, nanti kamu akan disentuh oleh api neraka." (Surah Hud, ayat 113)

Kecenderungan menyokong kepada penguasa zalim adalah salah satu petanda bahawa sesebuah pemerintah (dulunya dirujuk sebagai empayar misalnya dalam sejarah Islam, dinasti Umaiyah, Abasiyah, Fatimiah, Uthmaniyah (Ottomon), Moghul dan di rantau kita, Melaka) sudah berada di peringkat nazak atau sesetengah bijak pandai menggelarnya zaman gerhana.

Jika kita rujuk kejatuhan empayar-empayar ini, satu daripada faktornya adalah penguasa-penguasa terakhirnya (termasuklah orang besar seperti menteri) tersungkur di kaki perempuan, korupsi berleluasa dalam negara manakala rakyat dizalimi dengan pelbagai tekanan termasuk dikenakan cukai melampau. Ada yang membiarkan permaisuri 'menguasai keadaan' - mereka bagikan tunggul atau 'yes man' saja kepada segala kehendak bini.

Selain itu terlalu ramai pemimpin menjadi 'kaki bodek' (mengiyakan apa saja kelakuan pemerintah iaitu tidak berani menegur mereka manakala sebahagian lagi menjadi pengkhianat - mereka menjadi gunting dalam lipatan, memberi bantuan kepada musuh pada saat-saat genting).

Bagi membicarakan isu ini, penulis hanya merujuk kepada zaman gerhana Kesultanan Melaka untuk dijadikan teladan - yang baik dijadikan ikutan yang tidak baik dijadikan sempadan.

Zaman gerhana Melaka kerap dirujuk kepada pemerintahan Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511) iaitu pemerintah Melaka terakhir. Merujuk kepada sesetengah pengkaji, mereka mendakwa Sultan Mahmud tidak mementingkan kesejahteraan rakyatnya. Salah satu kelemahannya adalah berkenaan perempuan. Semua perempuan berdahi licin hendak dimilikinya.

Misalnya, Tun Fatimah, anak Bendahara Melaka yang cantik dicemburui sultan kerana telah berkahwin dengan Tun Ali. Akibat rasa cemburu dan tidak senang hati dengan tindakan Bendahara Tun Mutahir tidak mempersembahkan Tun Fatimah terlebih dahulu kepadanya, Sultan Mahmud murka. Terlebih dahulu Datuk Mandeliar dan Si Kitol telah menghasut Sultan Mahmud Shah – masuk jarum.. Alahai sultan, mudahnya terpengaruh. Akhirnya seluruh keluarga Tun Mutahir dibunuh, yang tinggal hanya Tun Fatimah untuk dijadikan isteri Sultan.

Kemaruk Sultan memuncak apabila 'tergilakan' Puteri Gunung Ledang. Puteri bijak menghelah dengan mengemukakan tujuh syarat peminangan termasuklah disediakan jambatan emas menghubungkan puncak gunung itu dengan Melaka dan semangkuk darah anakanda Sultan, Raja Ahmad. Disebutkan pada mula Sultan Melaka berhasrat memenuhi syarat itu - cukai ke atas rakyat ditingkatkan manakala ada menyebut harta mereka seperti emas dirampas. Namun faktor membabitkan kepentingan diri sendiri (semangkuk darah Raja Ahmad), Sultan membatalkan hasrat itu.

Kezaliman Sultan sudah keterlaluan, tetapi adakah orang berani menegur? Jawapan yang zahir adalah tidak kerana mereka tersangat takut kerana orang kanannya sendiri seperti Bendahara bukan saja disingkirkan tetapi seluruh keluarganya dibunuh. Menegur Sultan bermakna mati atau setidak-tidak dihumbankan ke dalam penjara atau 'dibuang ke luar daerah' (dihukum bunuh tetapi diselamatkan Bendahara Tun Perak) seperti dialami Laksamana Hang Tuah.

Menegur Sultan (mengkritik pemerintah) tidak berlaku pada zaman gerhana ini. Apa yang ada terdapat ramai pengampu dan tukang fitnah serta pengkhianat seperti Si Kitol dan Datuk Mendeliar. Sultan diberi 'gambaran indah-indah' - tidak mengetahui situasi sebenar dalam negara yang di ambang untuk jatuh. Ramai yang berarak menyatakan sokongan kepada Sultan, hakikatnya sokongan inilah yang membawa rebah. Ya pemerintah sudah nazak tetapi masih ramai rakyat berarak-arak di jalan raya...

Apabila Portugis menyerang Melaka pada 1511, dilaporkan angkatan perang Melaka terlalu gagah untuk dikalahkan. Tetapi angkara terlalu ramai pengkhianat yang memberi bantuan sama ada secara terang-terangan atau sembunyi-sembunyi, akhirnya tewaslah Melaka menyebabkan Sultan Mahmud terpaksa berpindah randah dan akhirnya mangkat di Sumatera pada 1528. 

Demikianlah berakhirnya sebuah empayar, peristiwa dalam sejarah kerap berulang-ulang...adakah kita mahu terus membutakan mata dan memekakkan telinga daripada pengajaran sejarah ini. Faktor seperti pemerintah 'dikuasai bini', bersikap boros, menindas rakyat dengan cukai tinggi, membunuh (menyingkir) pesaing termasuk pembantu kanan adalah fenomena biasa pada zaman gerhana...ya fikir-fikirkanlah sejenak sama ada kita kini di zaman gerhana atau tidak!

Jamadilawal 20, 1444: Benih ni dah penuh, mana mahu buang'...(U)

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

Renungan

"Maafkanlah dan suruhlah (mengerjakan) yang makruf dan berpalinglah daripada orang-orang yang jahil." - Q.S. Al-A'raf: 199)

BERITA sedih dua beradik rentung dalam rumah sedangkan ayah mereka berada di luar manakala si ibu jauh di negara asing bertugas sebagai jururawat menggembalikan ingatan kepada celoteh ayah, ibu dan saya tidak lama dulu mengenai nasib keluarga yang hidup 'terpisah-pisah' dek hambatan tertentu.

Takziah diucapkan kepada keluarga ini, kita berdoa semoga Allah SWT merahmati kita semua termasuk keluarga ini; dan pada kesempatan ini izinkan 'hamba' mencelotehkan pandangan yang 'tak seberapa ini'. Bukanlah niat 'hamba' untuk menghiris perasaan sesiapa, tetapi mengharapkan pembaca dapat membuat sedikit renungan, ya lakukan muhasabah diri.

Sekarang ini jika jutaan pendatang asing sama ada yang secara halal atau haram memasuki negara kita untuk bekerja, sejumlah warga kita termasuklah golongan wanita, khasnya di kalangan isteri dan ibu yang meninggalkan suami dan anak-anak 'menyahut seruan' untuk bertugas di luar negara.

Ramai pendatang asing bertarung hidup, mereka ke sini mencari sesuap dua nasi kerana kesukaran hidup di negara masing-masing tetapi 'orang kita' ke luar negara sebahagiannya kerana mahu merebut peluang memperolehi pendapatan berganda-ganda daripada pekerjaan asal mereka di sini.

Golongan ini termasuklah jururawat, sebahagiannya sudah mempunyai pekerjaan di sini tetapi memilih untuk 'berhijrah' - bekerja di negara asing termasuklah Arab Saudi. 

Salah seorang daripadanya adalah saudara penulis, jadi hal inilah yang mencetuskan 'polemik' (bahan celoteh) penulis, ayah serta ibu penulis ketika minum pagi tidak lama dulu.

Selepas lama 'berbahas', ayah penulis mengungkapkan "orang lelaki ni (suami) jika benih sudah penuh, mana mereka mahu buang?" Kata-kata ini menyebabkan kami terdiam sebentar kerana maksudnya sungguh mendalam. Ia kelihatan 'satu lawak kasar' tetapi adalah hakikat. 

Ya, jika seorang isteri sudah memilih untuk meninggalkan keluarga buat masa yang sangat lama (ada yang balik enam bulan atau setahun sekali) apa yang akan jadi kepada suami dan anak masing-masing?

Kita ambil 'hal ehwal suami' dulu. Kebanyakan orang lelaki (saya sebut kebanyakan kerana tidak semua lelaki begini) yang sudah berkahwin 'tidak betah' hidup tanpa sang isteri di sisi. Mereka begitu manja dan berlagak macam raja. Semuanya hendak disediakan oleh isteri. Soal makan minum, pakaian dan maaf cakap 'soal seks' adalah 'keutamaan mereka'.

Bercakap 'soal seks', marilah kita akui bahawa naluri kebanyakan manusia (terutama lelaki) adalah ke arah itu. Cuma yang membezakannya adalah hubungan (perlakukan) halal dan haram. Yang halal...'fadhal' (silakan)...ya ada lelaki yang pening kepala jika lama tak dapat 'benda tu'...seperti yang bapa saya katakan," kalau benih (kantung) sudah penuh..mana mahu buang" kerana si isteri tidak berada di sisi. Apakah si suami 'boleh tahan' menunggu sampai enam bulan atau setahun?  Itu pun sekejap cuma...mungkin si isteri bercuti seminggu dua atau sebulan pada hujung tahun.

Mungkin ada orang berkata, lelaki ini mementingkan dirinya sendiri; kenapa tak tanya apa nasib isteri yang 'berkorban' untuk bekerja di luar negara? Mereka berkata isteri pun kesepian, menanggung derita berpisah dengan suami dan anak-anak tetapi 'ada orang ambil kisah pengorbanan mereka'?

Seperti yang diutarakan pada awal celoteh ini, orang kita kebanyakannya ke luar negara untuk bekerja adalah untuk mendapatkan pendapatan yang berganda banyaknya. Di sini mereka sudah ada kerja, bukan menganggur. Soal material menjadi keutamaan mereka; ya apa sebenarnya mereka mahu daripada perolehan yang berganda itu...rumah besar, kereta besar, peralatan rumah yang hebat-hebat; ya apa lagi...bukankah semuanya mahu besar-besar belaka?

Hakikatnya wang bertimbun tidak semestinya mendatangkan bahagia. Amat malang jika si isteri bertungkus-lumus bekerja di rantau orang tanpa menyedari si suami yang kesepian 'sudah terbang' ke pangkuan wanita lain sama ada secara halal (dia berkahwin lain) atau yang kurang iman 'membuang benihnya di tempat-tempat haram'.

Ohh, kalau 'suami menderita', si anak apatah lagi. Mereka hilang kasih sayang ibu...si bapa pula bukan boleh diharapkan sangat...kejap-kejap tinggalkan rumah...ke kedai kopilah dan yang lebih teruk ke disko dan 'nightclub', subhanallah amat malang nasib anak-anak. Ada yang ditinggal bersendiran, menumpang kasih kepada nenek dan datuk dan tak kurang juga kepada pengasuh (orang gaji).

Bercakap pasal orang gaji teringat saya 'ngomelan' seorang teman mengenai kawannya: "Gaji banyak, buat rumah besar dan hebat...tetapi yang 'sedap' duduk dalam rumah mewah itu orang gaji...dia mana ada masa nak berehat kerana siang malam kerja, kerja, kerja...Ya kerja, kerja dan kerja sampai masuk 'rumah paling sempit' (kuburlah tu)!

Jamadilawal 19, 1444: If I were in my twenties....(U)

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) 

I am now in my sixties. But I wished, I was still in my twenties. If only I could use the time machine, and go back to those youthful years - the abundance of energy and spirit. Who knows, it would then change my outlook and the inside of me.

Alas, it was only a dream because time flies quickly and never will be back.Scholars had divided time into three categories - yesterday(the past), now(present) and tomorrow( the future).To the thinking group of people, we have only the present because yesterday has gone and tomorrow nobody knows what would happen.

Yesterday was too far because it was history. But I would like to recollect some of the things that I did and what I should have done during my youthful years as a guideline to youths after I received this e-mail from a young man, using the nickname Alakazam.

(Alakazam's letter is produced in its original form to enable us to gauge the standard of our youth's English)

" Assalamualaikum Mr LanH,

I was hoping that you can write impressive article about youth in Malaysia. A bit motivational and guidence article for youth who's seeking guidence to achieve success in thier lives. Many youth nowdays were not entirely knew what to do with their life as education gets more complex and life struggle being more demanding in this hectic world of globaliztion the western views.

Reading and knowing doesnt make enough, guidence for better life improvements are extreamly needed for this purpose.

Wish that u can write something that thoughtful for these class.

Thank you."

Prior to this e-mail, Alakazam had written to me in Malay, asking me if I could lend a hand to improve his English. Here is the extract of that e-mail (also unedited).

"Assaalamualaikum warahmatullah...

Wahai Saudara LanH

Saya seorang budak remaja Melayu amat meminati artikel nukilan saudara yang diterbitkan.

Di sini saya ingin meminta nasihat serta tunjuk ajar daripada saudara tentang bagaimana caranya menghasilkan penulisan berbahasa Inggeris yang senang difahami dan padat dengan isi sepertimana yang telah dinukilkan dalam setiap artikel saudara.

Sesungguhnya saya seorang yang amat lemah dalam menguasai penulisan dalam bahasa Inggeris dan sememannya penggunaan bahasa Inggeris amat penting didalam bidang kerjaya saya. Harap dapat beri nasihat yang bermanafaat.

Sekian, terima kasih."

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Alakazam for writing in English. Although his notes were punctured with glaring grammatical mistakes, his courage won my heart. And for this, I am in the spirit to share the experiences of my youthful years with readers and 'insya-Allah', if my views are right, they could be of benefit but if they are 'nonsense' readers have the right to thrash it.

For easy reading, may I break up the views into several sub-topics.

LOVE

I have many reasons to choose 'love' as the No. 1 topic of discussion. 'Love' has a very broad definition, for example the love for one's religion, the country, parents and between a boy and a girl.

Falling in love with the opposite sex is a gift from Allah SWT. But this gift should be controlled, treated with extreme care just like fire, which if under control, is useful but if it is uncontrollable, it threatens life.

This gift or in certain cases 'disease' started off early, may be at a tender age of 12, as I found out from a love letter sent by a girl to my son of the same age, a few years back. As the letter 'was shipped' off by a daughter of mine by a 'kakak'(girl) to my son, I 'hijacked' it and what a horror that I discovered.

When I drilled my boy, he said he knew nothing about it and kept his cool. From his reactions, I knew he was still green but it was the girl who made the first move. Girls grow fast, as the saying goes...

For the benefit of teenagers and youth out there, don't play with the fire of love. If you're entrusted to shine in your studies, just do it and don't mix it with 'a sub plot' named love, because as mentioned earlier, as a gift of Allah SWT, sooner or later, it will be a part of you.

I too played the fire of love as a teenager, and by the age of 20 'was out of love'.

At that tender age, I had experienced the bitterness of life and was hooked to sad songs like ' Di Hari Persandinganmu' by Yunizar Hossein or ' Ku tunggumu di Pintu Syurga' by Alleycats.

On that unforgetful day when my love was 'down in the drain',I took the express bus to Kuala Lumpur (merajuk konon), and during the 'long and winding' journey, I read 'my love letter'over and over again!

As I was writing this article, I had a big laugh because from my point of view now, I looked very silly indeed. Actually the puppy love was nothing if it was to be compared with the duty Allah SWT has entrusted upon us.

We are born in this world with heavy responsibilities. And each of us, are answerable to it. As youth,where our energies used to and for what purpose? So to youth out there, if you are entrusted to study, please do so.

My wife after hearing my mischievous and playful years in secondary school, said this to our children: "Your father should be a doctor or an engineer, not a writer". She should know better because for my tertiary education, I preferred the Arts (kacang goreng) stream and ignored the sciences.

SEEK KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is the key to success.I am not saying education because from the general point of view, education is limited to obtaining a certificate, diploma, degree, masters or a PhD. May be I'm wrong(please do correct me), but after 'becoming an adult' (they say it begins at 40),I discovered that I know nothing in the sea of knowledge.

Human beings' knowledge is only like a drop of water in the vast oceans of knowledge so could you imagine how little we know compared to what we don't.

After hundreds of lessons in mosques, 'suraus' and 'tazkirah'(religious talks), only then did I realize how I longed and craved for more and more knowledge.

If you know yourself) this only could be obtained by seeking knowledge), only then you will know Allah SWT and the heavy responsibilities you shoulder in this world.Our existence is not without purpose or to 'suka-suka saja' (for play only).Each and every one of us holds higher responsibilities to God, the human race and in fact everything.Everyone is accountable for his actions, even if it is as small as an atomic part of substance.

So to youth out there, don't waste your time,grazing aimlessly at the empty sky.Fulfill your days seeking knowledge,for with knowledge, you will understand that everything you do, is to seek God's forgiveness and acknowledge His Greatness.For example when you stare at the empty sky and acknowledge Allah SWT's greatness in creating without pillars and feel how small you are, then you are in the right direction to have His Blessing in this world and the Hereafter.

When you realize this,you will understand, there is no such things as unemployment in Islam. There is so much to do and we are short of time to make them materialize. If we were to look at the Prophet as an example, he successfully preached Islam in 23 years - 13 years in Mecca and 10 years in Medina, and died at the age of 63.If we were to look back at our past, we will realize that we had been wasting our time.If we are now in our forties and suppose we die at the same age as the prophet, we have about 20 years left to spend our lives.If we had done 'practically nothing' during our past 40 years, just imagine what could be done in our last 20 years.

LEARN THE QURAN, 

FOREIGN LANGUAGES 

How I wish I could communicate and write in Arabic, Mandarin and other languages. To study Islam in depth for example, one needs to master Arabic because its source, for example the Quran is written in that language.Other than Arabic, many books on Islam are written in English, so it is an advantage to those who master this language.

So how I wish I could turn the clock back, back into my younger days so that I could benefit the lot of spare time to learn Arabic a few other foreign languages.To know only one language is not good enough because the more languages one masters, the more opportunities one has,including in gaining knowledge.

CONCLUSION 

There were many more things I wish I had done in my youthful years like travelling ( around Malaysia and the globe), writing books and polishing up my reading of the Quran, but I didn't take them seriously.During those youthful years, money was the setback, but wise man used to say, if you have the will, you will have the way.

Time passed, and after getting married and blessed with children, I found out that I too am 'burdened' with family's matters that I don't have enough time and energy to fulfill some of my dreams.So to guys and girls out there, please don't waste your precious time, fill them with your treasured dreams, for when time passes, it was gone forever. That precious time will never return!

Jamadilawal 18, 1444: Perguna '5' sebelum datang '5' (U)

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

Renungan

Nabi s.a.w. bersabda, maksudnya: "Kalau seseorang kamu sedang sembahyang, maka janganlah membiarkan orang lalu di hadapannya. Jika ada yang lewat, hendaklah dicegah sedapat mungkin. Dan kalau ia enggan, pukullah ia kerana orang itu serupa syaitan." (Sahih Muslim)

SUATU Jumaat penulis hayati benar-benar khutbah Jumaat, antara lain membicarakan sebuah hadis yang bermaksud, perguna lima perkara sebelum datang lima perkara. Kata khatib pada hari kiamat kelak seseorang itu tidak akan dapat bergerak selagi pertanyaan terhadap lima perkara itu tidak beres.

Secara kebetulan, penulis ada membicarakan perkara ini dalam tulisan penulis sebelum ini dalam bahasa Inggeris yang bertajuk 'Take benefit of 'five' before another 'five'.

In a hadith narated by Ibn Abbas: Allah’s Apostle s.a.w., 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.”

Terjemahan Melayunya: Dalam sebuah hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Ibn Abbas; Nabi s.a.w. bersabda, bermaksud: "Perguna 'lima' sebelum datang 'lima' - masa mudamu sebelum tua, masa sihatmu sebelum sakit, masa kamu berada (kaya) sebelum jatuh papa (miskin), masa lapangmu sebelum sibuk dan masa hidupmu sebelum mati."

Khatib mengingatkan jemaah bahawa kehidupan manusia sebenarnya adalah satu perjalanan yang cukup singkat (masanya diibaratkan berteduhnya seorang pengembara di bawah sebatang pokok sebelum berangkat pergi) untuk menemui Allah SWT. 

Sehubungan itu dalam perjalanan itu perlulah diisi dengan segala keperluannya agar apabila berlaku pertemuan dengan Allah nanti tidaklah kita membawa tangan kosong, atau lebih malang lagi membawa onar dan keburukan diri.

Beliau mengambil kiasan seorang perantau yang mahu pulang ke kampung berhari raya. Tentunya kepulangan yang menggembirakan itu dihiasi dengan pelbagai persiapannya. Duit, pakaian, kenderaan, semuanya sudah dipastikan dalam keadaan 'tip top' agar keberadaan kita di kampung nanti menggembirakan semua.

Tetapi cuba bayangkan orang yang mahu balik kampung tetapi tidak membuat persediaan. Misalnya, mahu balik kampung tetapi tidak 'booking' tiket bas. Kemungkinan besar dia tidak sampai ke kampung, meranalah dia menyambut hari raya berseorangan di kota, tanpa kaum kerabat dan sahabat handai.

Demikian juga bagi yang berkenderaan, tetapi keadaannya terabai. Nasib baik sampailah ke kampung halaman, jika tidak berhari rayalah di lebuh raya. Demikian juga dengan duit, ada duit adalah yang sayang, tak da duit abang melayang...

Jika untuk berhari raya sehari dua di kampung, kita memerlukan persediaan yang cukup hebat, jadi tentulah persediaan kita untuk ke alam kubur (barzakh) seterusnya akhirat yang menjadi destinasi TERAKHIR kita memerlukan pengorbanan paling besar.

Lengkapkan diri untuk menghadapi saat itu, kerana tidak mungkin kita boleh kembali semula ke dunia bagi menebus semula kesilapan kita selepas berlaku kematian. Jadi pergunakanlah sepenuhnya HIDUPMU sebelum MATIMU.

Bagaimana mahu memastikan kita tidak rugi semasa hidup? Khatib membacakan Surah Al-Asr yang bermaksud: "Demi masa, sesungguhnya manusia itu berada dalam kerugian, kecuali orang beriman, beramal salih, berpesan-pesan dengan kebenaran dan berpesan-pesan dengan kesabaran."

Jadi adakah kehidupan kita kini bertepatan dengan ayat ini? Sehubungan itu, marilah kita mengkoreksi dan menghitung diri sebelum diri kita dihitung oleh Allah SWT.

Jamadilawal 17, 1444: Di bawah pohon Krismas (Muslims under the Christmas tree?)

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)

A friend of mine popped into my office room and asked me to write about the generous attitude of those in power giving way to Christmas decorations in cities and even in small towns. They included big Christmas trees, colourful lightings and wordings and at times the presence of live Santa Claus (man acting as one) and Santarina.

My friend claimed that the decorations and activities held were too much; he pointed up that Christians make up of not more than 10 percent of the country population; thus it is not appropriate to have such grand scale publicity.

Business identities and those who are responsible for such decorations should have thought about the sensivities of people from other religions for example Muslims who also believe in Jesus Christ (Prophet Isa) but not as son of God but only one of His prophet just like Moses (Musa), David (Daud), Jacob (Yaakub) and Muhammad s.a.w. (peace be upon him).

In Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136, Allah SWT says: “Say ye: We believe in God, and the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all Prophets from their Lord, and we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to God in Islam.”

I did not have any comment on my friend’s echo, but would like to stress things that some Muslims take for granted when joining the merriness of the up-coming festive.

For example some Muslims boys and girls from certain departmental stores took up the challenge to become Santa Claus and Santarina, wishing customers and patrons ‘Merry Christmas’.

Some Muslim boys and girls were seen stationed under giant Christmas trees, distributing goodies to children. In my opinion, since Christmas is a religious festival, Muslim should not be involved in such activities that could contradict with their ‘syahadah’, that there is no god but Him (Allah SWT).

Regarding my previous article ‘Celebrations including Christmas heavily commercialized’, a friend in Holland, responded: “‘Salam’ (Greetings). Agreed with what you have written about commercialization of Eidul Fitri. Here in Holland and all over Europe Christmas is too commercialized it has lost the true value of religion. Even here in Holland the Santa Claus (Sinta Klaus) is escorted by two black helpers (rasicsm?).

“Actually I have proposed to my university to conduct a research on spending and wastage Muslims in Malaysia done during Ramadan for 'berbuka' puasa (breaking of fast) especially at Bazaar Ramadhan. (But was turned down by university because I have not a "Islamic" teaching background.....hehehe!!!)”

Here in Malaysia, I was puzzled as why must be Christmas celebration associated to several brand of liquor as seen from advertisements including in newspapers; what’s the connection between the two? I told myself, certainly a good Christian do not booze heavily but what really bother me why must certain Christian saint too associated with the said drinks as shown by the newspaper advertisement.

Regarding the question can Muslims celebrate Christmas as campaigned by certain quarters to fulfill the 1-Malaysia concept; I managed to gathered answer from two well known Muslims scholars after searching in the net.

Dr Muzammil H Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Every people have their `Eid…" Some celebrations are of a religious nature, and some others are social and cultural. Some celebrations are based on beliefs and practices that are contrary to Islamic teachings, and some celebrations are not of that nature. Some people claim that Christmas is now a secular holiday and it is very much an American national holiday rather than a religious holiday. But it is wrong to assume that because this holiday is national, it has ceased to be Christian. It is true that this holiday is very popular and it is extremely commercialized; nevertheless it is basically a religious holiday. Its very name and all its symbolism is Christian through and through.

Christians celebrate at Christmas what they believe to be the "day of the birth of God's Son" or what they call "God Incarnate". Thus it is not only a celebration of another religion; it is also a celebration that is based on a belief that is totally against the teachings of Islam. From the Islamic point of view, the belief in the "Son of God" or "God in the flesh" is a blasphemy and kufr (denial of God's Oneness). By participation in Christmas, it is possible that slowly one may lose his or her consciousness of this basic point of difference.

Muslims must be very careful in this matter. The greatest danger is for our next generation, who may slowly lose their Islamic faith in tawhid and may start believing in Jesus as "more than a prophet and servant of Allah".

The argument that “Christmas is, after all, Prophet Jesus' birthday and so there is no harm in celebrating Christmas” is neither logical nor Islamic. Why should Muslims celebrate Jesus' birthday? Why not the birthdays of the other 24 prophets and messengers who are mentioned in the Qur'an by name?

For us Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, not Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was the last one and they say that "after God spoke through many prophets … in these last days he spoke to us through his son whom he made to inherit every thing" (New Testament, Hebrews 1:1). Thus they celebrate his coming, but for us Muslims, Prophet Muhammad was the last Prophet and Allah appointed him for all people and for all times to come.

I do agree that our little children are deeply affected with the festivities and glitter of this holiday. We should try to take them to some Islamic camps and conferences at this time and give them some other alternate programs and activities. But Muslim families should not have Christmas trees in their homes, nor should they put up lights inside or outside their homes at this time.

We should tell our children that we are Muslims and this is not our holiday. This is the holiday of our Christian neighbours and friends.

It is good to decorate our homes and masjids during Ramadhan and for `Eids. It is mentioned in one of the Hadiths that even the heaven is especially decorated during the month of Ramadhan. Allah Almighty closes the gates of Hell and opens the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadan.

We Muslims should give special attention to our own Islamic holidays. In this way our children will be attracted to our own celebrations rather than looking at others.

Unfortunately, there are some Muslims who do not pay any attention to Ramadhan and `Eids. Some of them do not even come to `Eid prayers and even if they come, they do not take their day off from work. Thus their children have no idea about Islamic holidays or they think that Islam is a religion without any festivals and celebrations.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in explaining the reasons why Muslims don’t celebrate and believe in Christmas states: “Christmas was a pagan custom which was adopted into Christianity; it has nothing to do with reverence and love of Jesus, the mighty Messenger of Allah that we Muslims hold in the highest regard and respect. If Jesus were to come today, whether or not he would identify himself with those who celebrate Christmas is a question one should ask seriously.

“If we are celebrating the great teachings of Jesus or other prophets, we must do so everyday. To do so means to practice love, mercy, justice and compassion and to be actively engaged in doing the will of God.”

Jamadilawal 16, 1444: Tiada buku dalam bahasa Melayu (Malaysia) di Tanah Suci (U)

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

Renungan

"Dan orang-orang yang datang sesudah mereka (Muhajirin dan Ansar), mereka berdoa, 'Ya Rabb kami, beri ampunlah kami dan saudara-saudara kami yang telah beriman lebih dulu daripada kami, dan janganlah Engkau membiarkan kedengkian dalam hati kami terhadap orang-orang beriman...'" (Maksud Ayat 10 Surah Al-Hasyr)

DALAM kesibukan menunaikan ibadat haji, saya berkesempatan mengunjungi beberapa kedai buku di Madinah dan Makkah. Kebanyakan kitab-kitab adalah dalam bahasa Arab tetapi ada banyak juga buku dalam bahasa Inggeris.

Ketika melihat-lihat buku yang dipamerkan, alangkah rasa bangga di hati apabila terpandang beberapa buku dalam bahasa Melayu. Tetapi selepas dibelek-belek, ternyata buku-buku itu adalah dalam bahasa Indonesia.

Saya dan isteri berkesempatan membeli tiga buku bahasa Indonesia; semuanya dikarang oleh Dr Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Ghani. Buku-buku itu ialah 'Sejarah Mekah', 'Sejarah Masjid Nabawi' dan 'Sejarah Madinah Munawwarah'.

Buku yang asalnya dalam bahasa Arab itu diterjemahkan oleh seorang penuntut Indonesia dari Universiti Al-Azhar, Mesir, bernama Anang Rikza Masyhadi.

Menteri Agama Indonesia ketika buku-buku itu diterjemahkan (tahun 2002 dan 2003), Prof Dr H Said Agil Husin Al Munawwar turut menulis kata pengantar yang antara lain berbunyi: "Kami berharap agar upaya-upaya baik seperti ini yang tumbuh dalam masyarakat dapat dikembangkan dan ditingkatkan lagi pada masa-masa mendatang.

"Departmen Agama Republik Indonesia sentiasa membuka diri dan mendorong ke arah peningkatan kualitas kehidupan keagamaan melalui penerbitan dan penerjemahan buku-buku agama."

Penghasilan buku dalam bahasa Indonesia menunjukkan komitmen rakyat dan pemerintah Indonesia dalam memberi pemahaman kepada jemaah hajinya akan rukun Islam kelima dan juga tempat-tempat afdal beribadat dan sejarahnya secara terperinci.

Jemaah haji Malaysia boleh dikatakan banyak menumpang tuah daripada jemaah haji Indonesia, terutama dari segi bahasa.

Disebabkan jemaah haji Indonesia dominan di Tanah Suci (dianggarkan ada lebih 200,000 jemaah pada satu-satu musim berbanding kira-kira 22,000 dari Malaysia), penggunaan bahasa Melayu-Indonesia yang meluas, menguntungkan jemaah Malaysia.

Disebabkan persamaan bahasa hampir 100 peratus, tidak menjadi masalah untuk jemaah Malaysia berkomunikasi dengan jemaah Indonesia, dengan pekedai yang menggunakan bahasa Indonesia ataupun petugas masjid yang ramai juga boleh bertutur dalam bahasa berkenaan.

Hakikatnya, bahasa Melayu-Indonesia memang diiktiraf di Tanah Suci. Banyak papan tanda ditulis menggunakan bahasa itu, jadi tidak menjadi masalah untuk jemaah Malaysia 'tumpang semangkok'.

Terjemahan kitab suci al-Quran juga menggunakan bahasa Melayu-Indonesia. Biasanya ia disampaikan kepada jemaah apabila mereka berangkat pulang sebagai hadiah daripada Khadam Dua Tanah Suci, pemerintah Arab Saudi. Dalam kata pengantar terjemahan kitab suci itu terdapat ucap alu-aluan oleh Menteri Agama Republik Indonesia (RI).

Menteri Agama RI ketika penghasilan terjemahan al-Quran itu, H Munawir Sjadzali antara lain menulis: "Indonesia adalah sebuah negara yang mempunyai masyarakat Islam terbanyak di antara negara-negara di dunia. Dari sekitar 200 uta penduduk, hampir 90 peratus adalah pemeluk agama Islam yang taat. Karena itu perhatian pemerintah banyak diarahkan kepada upaya-upaya pembangunan masyarakat untuk mencapai kesejahteraan rohaniah keagamaan di samping kesejahteraan lahiriah.

"...Dengan terbitnya al-Quran dan terjemahannya ini makin banyaklah khalayak yang memilikinya dan insya-Allah akan meningkat pula pemahaman, penghayatan dan pengalaman ajaran al-Quran di dalam kehidupan masyarakat sehari-hari, sejalan dengan tujuan pembangunan nasional, yang mewujudkan masyarakat adil dan makmur yang merata material dan spiritual berdasarkan Pancasila..."

Usaha gigih pemerintah dan rakyat Indonesia dalam mempromosi bahasa Indonesia di Tanah Suci difahami kerana jumlah jemaah hajinya yang ramai, tetapi ia boleh dijadikan sandaran untuk pemimpin dan orang Melayu di Malaysia memastikan bahasa Melayu-Malaysia terus berada di persada antarabangsa, setidak-tidaknya sebagai bahasa ilmu di tanah air sendiri.

Jika diukur penghasilan buku agama dalam bahasa Melayu-Malaysia dengan bahasa Melayu-Indonesia, jurangnya tersangat jauh; jadi bagaimana cendekiawan atau ahli politik Melayu boleh berasa bangga dengan pencapaian mereka. Jika dalam hal ilmu agama saja, pengguna bahasa Melayu terpaksa merujuk kepada hasil karya Tanah Seberang (Indonesia) bagaimana mereka mahu bersaing dalam bidang lain?

Ditambah dengan kecenderungan sesetengah pemimpin Melayu Malaysia yang memandang hebat kepada bahasa Inggeris sehingga menjadikannya bahasa bagi membicarakan ilmu Sains dan Matematik di sekolah dan institusi pengajian tinggi, maka bahasa Melayu Malaysia akan hilang nilainya dan dikhuatiri akan tersisih suatu hari nanti.

Ya, walaupun pahit perlu dikatakan: "Sepanjang berada di Tanah Suci, tiada sebuah buku pun dalam bahasa Melayu-Malaysia yang ditemui penulis di kedai-kedai!"

Jamadilawal 15, 1444: Help ourselves first...(U)

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) 

Everyone should try their best to promote the Islamic way of life as suggested by the Prophet (peace be upon him, s.a.w.). Regarding this matter, he ordained all his companions and thus, every Muslim who possesses some knowledge – even as little as one verse – to disseminate it to others. The Prophet s.a.w. said, “Convey (what you learn from me) even if (it is) only one verse…”(Related by Bukhary)

‘Da’wah’ (calling mankind to Allah) is one of the most significant duties obliged upon Muslims. ‘Da’wah’ to Allah ensures ultimate success and religious benefit for individuals, as well as society at large.

We should not forget that whenever a Muslim start a good ‘Sunnah’, established by Islam, and spreads it between Muslims then she or she will gain a reward similar to that earned by all those who practice this ‘Sunnah’, without decreasing THEIR OWN rewards. 

Note that for almost all the things we suggest others to do, we must do it first. We must help ourselves first in doing good things that would please Allah SWT before recommending it to others.

Regarding helping ourselves first before helping others, a local well known scholar and preacher, Ustaz Pahrol Muhammad Joui likened it to the demonstration by the plane stewardess during flight take off to passengers that in case of emergency they need to help themselves first to oxygen masks and only then tender help to those under their care such as their children. 

So if we were to ask our children to perform ‘solat’ (prayers) then we should do it first so that they could emulate us. Or better still we perform the prayers together with our children. 

The same also applies in society, if we (especially leaders) call upon the ‘rakyat’ (people) to adhere to the principles of Islam we should practice what we mention. If not, we are only good at talking and the people would look upon us as liars, double faced persons and worst still as hypocrites. 

For example when a woman leader suggested to those under her leadership to follow the ‘Sunnah’ of the Prophet but she herself did not cover her head with a ‘tudung’, then she was only making a mockery of herself. There is a Malay proverb regarding this matter – ‘bagai ketam mengajar anaknya berjalan betul’ (like a crab showing her infant how to walk the correct way).

Other than performing our compulsory duties as a Muslim such as praying five times a day, paying ‘zakat’ (tithe), fasting during the month of Ramadan and going to hajj once in lifetime, there are many ways Muslims could do to please Allah SWT, thus paving way for him/her to get closer to Him. 

Of course a Muslim have to understand his/her duties and and take responsibilities to perform obligations to his/her Lord (Allah SWT), his/her own self, his/her parents, his/her partner (wife or husband), his/her children, his/her relatives, his/her neighbours, his/her Muslim brothers or sisters and friends and lastly his/her community (society). 

In cementing our ties with fellow human beings especially Muslims and at the same time enriching our life to be closer to Allah SWT, the Muslim Welfare Organization of Malaysia (PERKIM) suggested that among others we; · 

* Buy a translation of the Qur’an and present it to a non-Muslim friend. 

* Subscribe to an Islamic magazine and circulate the copies to others after you have read them. 

*Visit a Muslim welfare organization to find out how you can help in their activities.

*· Get permission from an orphanage to let an orphan spend a weekend with you.

*· Get to know someone who has converted to Islam and help to strengthen his/her faith. 

* ·If you know of a public lecture on Islam, tell others about it and try to attend it. · If you have a good idea that will help the ‘ummah’ (Muslims), mention it to those that you think will take it to the next level. 

*  Write a letter of appreciation and encouragement to a Muslim brother or sister who is doing a lot to help the ‘ummah’. 

*· Invite one Muslim family in your neighbourhood to your home for a meal as a way to streghtened your bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood. Use the opportunity to find out what aspects of Islam that they don’t understand. If you are unable to explain, find out from others and convey the explaination to them. 

*  Keep a donation box in your home and encourage your family members to put their donation ito it. At the end of the year, use the money to buy something useful for a poor family. 

In a book ‘Seeds of Righteousness – Tools for Muslim Women to Spread Islam’ (published by Darussalam, Riyadh), writers Abdul-Malik Al-Qasim and Ibn Abdar Rahman aAl-Qasim among others suggested readers to emulate ‘da’wah’ works done by a few ‘Muslimah’ (Muslim women). \

*· She writes articles in newspapers and magazines on women’s issues, dedicated her writing to the subjects that resurrect faith and modesty in her Muslim sisters. She also tries to refute the doubts that some people raise about Islam, in particular. Only her friend knows about her activities, for her friend takes her articles and asks her brother to mail them to relevant addresses. 

* She became ill and is admitted to hospital, but her stay there became a blessing for her and those around her. She gave away Islamic books and tapes in various languages to the doctors and nurses in the hospital. She also gave many more books and cassettes to the patients and left some books in the waiting room. She met an old woman in the hospital who does not have sufficient Islamic knowledge, so she gave her a radio and kept it tuned to the Qur’an station. 

* ·She visits women’s workshops selling Islamic books in Arabic and other languages and distributes them to the workers and visitors to these shops. Her efforts are modest, but several women have embraced Islam as a result. How many women do the same as this good Muslim woman? 

* ·She works hard for her Hereafter, attending Islamic lectures, giving sincere advise to her sisters and engaging in every act of righteous, as much as she can. At the end of every month, one of her fellow teachers came to know, she sends her entirely salary to a charity organization. She pays all her salary to the orphans, to support printing Islamic books and helping the cause of ‘Jihad’. 

Note that all the individuals had help themselves before helping others. For example how one is going to teach an aspect of Islam to a person if he/she does not have the knowledge on it, or how a person is going to help another person or persons financially if he/she is does not have wealth? So help ourselves first before helping others!

Jamadilawal 14, 1444: Pantang ditegur...(U)

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

DARIPADA sejumlah ceramah dan tazkirah sempena Maal Hijrah yang saya hadiri tidak lama dahulu, izinkan saya 'mempersembahkan' rumusan saya bagi difikir-fikirkan oleh pembaca 'barang sejenak jua'.

Saya begitu terkesan apabila seorang ustaz memberitahu bahawa orang paling jahat di dunia ini bukanlah penyamun, perompak, pembunuh, perogol dan 'penjahat sespesies' mereka tetapi manusia yang tidak dapat menerima kebenaran. Mereka yang menutup pintu hati (hati keras) inilah adalah sejahat-jahat manusia.

Kata sang ustaz, manusia keras hati ini bukanlah hanya daripada golongan yang 'kelihatan jahat' tetapi juga di kalangan mereka yang 'nampak baik-baik'. Ya, mereka solat (malah secara berjemaah di masjid), berpuasa dan berhaji tetapi kata sang ustaz, 'tak berkesan' 'tonggang tongek' mereka (menunaikan solat) jika mereka tidak berlapang dada untuk menerima sesuatu kebenaran itu.

"Apa buktinya?" tanya sang ustaz. Katanya, orang jenis ini pantang ditegur. Kalau ditegur dia akan melenting. Sepantas kilat dia menolak pandangan orang malah cuba pula 'menegakkan benang basah'. Ini bermakna orang ini secara automatis sudah menutup pintu hati; dia fikir dia atau pendapat dia sahaja betul jadi bagaimana dia dapat mengutip 'mutiara-mutiara' daripada kehidupan ini!

Fokuskan kepada sirah Nabi Muhammad SAW. Sebelum menjadi Nabi dan Rasul pada usia 40 tahun, Nabi Muhammad diakui kejujurannya dan diberi gelaran Al-Amin (Yang Amanah). Ketika mula berdakwah secara terbuka Nabi Muhammad SAW menghimpunkan penduduk Makkah dan bertanya kepada mereka "jika aku katakan ada unta di belakang bukit ini (Safa) percayakah kamu?" Orang Quraisy mengiyakannya tetapi selepas Nabi SAW menyampaikan dakwahnya, mereka yang diketuai oleh Abu Lahab lantas menuduh Nabi SAW berbohong sedangkan sebelumnya mereka mengakui 'keamanahan' Nabi.

Ya, orang yang menutup pintu hati daripada kebenaran adalah sama cirinya dengan Abu Lahab yang dikutuk oleh Allah SWT dalam al-Quran. Menjadikan sirah Rasul SAW ini sebagai pedoman kehidupan, insaflah kita bahawa masalah-masalah membabitkan diri, keluarga, masyarakat, negeri, negara kita dan dunia ini adalah berpunca daripada keras hatinya diri kita daripada menerima kebenaran. Namun percayalah, apabila kebenaran datang maka sirnalah kejahatan.

Sekarang marilah kita 'terjemahkan' peristiwa zaman Rasul SAW sebagai pengajaran kehidupan semasa kita. Kemelut demi kemelut yang melanda negara sebahagiannya adalah disebabkan oleh kita terutama pemimpinnya yang sudah keras hati, tidak dapat menerima kebenaran. Hati mereka sudah beku, Mereka pekakkan telinga kepada teguran, mereka fikir mereka saja betul dan apabila ini berlaku, dikhuatiri suasana dalam negara kita daripada 'sebawah-bawah dan setinggi-tingginya' dalam keadaan 'tunggang-telanggang'.

Tidak 'makan ditegur' atau menjauhi daripada kebenaran ini menyebabkan dunia rosak; sebagai contoh di negara kita kini diancam banjir kilat; sebahagiannya disebabkan oleh tangan-tangan manusia yang jahat; mereka mementingkan hawa nafsu masing-masing - katakanlah berlaku kebakaran hutan puncanya kerana apa...pemerintah mahu mengaut keuntungan semaksimum mungkin, demikian juga pemodal, peneroka dan sebagainya. Manusia (daripada pemimpin kepada rakyat) rakus 'membotakkan' hutan dan bukit malah gunung pun ditarah mereka! Ya, apakah mereka ini dapat menerima kebenaran apabila ditegur? Tidak, kita bimbang mereka sudah jadi 'Abu Lahab' yang tidak dapat menerima kebenaran.

Manusia keras hati tidak boleh menjadi 'pentaubat' sedangkan inilah ciri sebaik-baik insan yang disayangi oleh Allah SWT. Perompak dan pembunuh pun berpeluang mengaku bersalah dan bertaubat tetapi makhluk yang sombong daripada kebenaran ini (ketua mereka adalah iblis dan syaitan) tidak boleh dan akan berbuat begitu. Ya, manusia mana yang tidak membuat dosa...namun insan 'pentaubat' mengakui kesilapan diri dan berterusan merayu-rayu kepada Allah agar ditunjuki jalan yang lurus (kebenaran) yang dipohon sekurang-kurang 17 kali melalui solat. 

Sahlah kalau kita tidak membuka hati kepada kebenaran seterusnya bertaubat, kita adalah sejahat-jahat manusia kerana datuk kepada kita semua (manusia), Nabi Adam AS pun berdoa bersungguh-sungguh: "Ya Tuhan kami; kami telah menganiaya diri kami sendiri, dan jika Engkau tidak mengampuni kami dan memberi rahmat kepada kami, nescaya pastilah kami termasuk orang-orang yang rugi." (Quran, Surah Al-A'raaf, ayat 23)

13 Jamadilawal 1444: Tips before 'umra', holidaying...

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. 

It’s a long school holiday again at the end of the year. Well, before going for your dream journey including the spiritual journey of 'umra' why not do some simple research including studying tips from our daily reading materials.

An article by Reuters Life entitled ‘Take your manners with you on holiday’ published in the Sun recently captured my heart. The article noted on what we should do and avoid starting from our behaviour in the cramped conditions of airplanes.

When on the planes it noted these following tips: -

* Do not intrude on to your fellow passenger’s territory. Keep elbows firmly tucked in; ease your chair gently into a reclining position to avoid a sudden invasion of the limited legroom of the passenger behind. 

From the writer’s (LanH’s) experience, I have noticed some passengers; not only in planes but buses, lacking this. They just push their seats to the maximum without even looking at the passengers behind what more say sorry or make an apology to them. In buses some of them turn on the air conditioning system to full blast without acknowledging some passengers would be already 'shivering’! 

* Friendly conversation with your neighbours can be enjoyable, but know when to quieten down. (Well in planes, normally passengers adhere to this trait but in buses – I mean in Malaysia – I have witnessed some passengers speaking loudly and making noises throughout the whole journey, say from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka which is a two-hour journey. Then there are people who talk loudly over their phones; the whole bus would hear their voices). 

* Drink in moderation. Boisterous behaviour will alienate (and irritate) your fellow passengers. Help the elderly (or those of diminutive stature) to stow (or remove) luggage in the overhead compartments. 

During an Emirates flight from Manchester to Dubai a few years ago where the plane was only half full, the writer noticed a young ‘Mat Saleh’ who was sitting alone in an empty row of about five seats, who drank heavily and then collapsed and slept on all the seats. The plane crew members just left the young man alone.

* Be patient when it comes to disembarking and remember to thank the crew member for their service. 

It is normal to see some passengers who do not have the patience to walk out of the plane. When the red light went off, they would rush to remove their belongings from the plane’s overhead compartment and wait on the walkway and not in their seats.

 The articles also recommended other tips such as: - 

* Abiding by foreign customs while travelling is essential, so read that boring tip at the beginning of the guide book about customs and etiquette in your chosen destination. 

* Keep your eyes peeled for how those around you are behaving and follow their example. Avoid the arrogance of imaging that everyone in your travel speaks English – or should do. 

* Be aware of any major faux in advance, for example showing the soles of your feet in Thailand or eating with your left hand when among Muslims.. 

* Research the etiquette you’ll need on a daily basis, particularly in regard to money – for example haggling and tipping. 

* The beach is a public area where we strip down to the equivalent of our underwear…...(ooh, this is too much for me to continue writing from this Mat Saleh's point of views).

Well readers, I end up here writing about the tips from a Western view point and move on to check on Islamic writers’ views about holidaying. I searched for tips in magazines such as Anis (published by Galeri Ilmu Sdn Bhd) and books (such as Panduan Musafir, A Guide to Travellers) and come up with these few ideas. 

* Our intention for a holiday must be correct – we do it only to please Allah the Almighty (SWT). We must clear our minds from worldly pleasures such as showing off our wealth and abilities. 

* Making preparations mentally and physically; the same preparations we undertake before our 'umra' journey. A journey must be well prepared and with purpose – not just for the sake of holidaying and going out of our way aimlessly. 

* Always pray to Allah SWT that He would protect us from involving in sinful activities and save us from His wrath. 

* Begin our journey by saying our 'du'a and doing our ‘solat’ (prayers). Fulfill our daily obligations such as ‘solat’ five times (during our journey that satisfies special requirements we are allowed to combine and shorten some of our solat). 

* It is also advisable during our journey we carry on doing our recommended prayers and saying our ‘zikrullah’ (remembrace Allah SWT by reciting words in praise of Him). 

* Bring along our Qur’an and a few good books including our du’a (prayers) book so that we could fill our time reading them while travelling on long journeys such as in planes, trains and buses. 

Muslims should know that Allah SWT through the Qur’an encourages them to travel; the last ‘ibadah’ in ‘Rukun Islam’ that is performing one’s hajj signals that a Muslim must leave his home to make the journey to Makkah.

In the Qur’an, Allah mentions: “Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Travel in the land and see the nature of the sequel for the guilty!” (Al-Naml or the Ant 27: 69) 

Allah also mentions: “Say (unto the disbelievers): Travel in the land, and see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters.” (Al-An’am or Cattle verse 11) 

In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:20) He mentions: Say: "Go about the earth and see how He created for the first time, and then Allah will recreate life." Surely, Allah has power over everything. *

If we follow His true path, from our journeys we would be able to strengthen our ‘iman’ (faith), increase our knowledge and experience, we would be able to make friends and Allah SWT ‘insya-Allah’ (God willing) will provide for all our needs.

Even though Muslims can visit any locations except places where sins activities are held, places of worship of other religions and places that were cursed by Allah SWT (they are discouraged from doing so), the Prophet s.a.w. in a hadith said: “Do not prepare yourself for a journey except to three ‘masjids’, i.e. Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Masjid of Aqsa (Jerusalem) and my Masjid."

Well, from now on why not prepare ourselves that one day we would be able to pray in the Haram Masjid doing 'umra' (minor hajj) or better still hajj itself. We would also be able to pray in the Prophet’s Masjid and visit his grave along with two of his best companions – Abu Bakr and Umar al-Khattab in the masjid. 

And as for visiting the Al-Aqsa Masjid, let us Muslims throughout the world be united to free the lands of the Palestinians from the hands of Zionist regime. Let us make du’a (pray) that this third holiest masjid in Islam would be freed soon! 

12 Jamadilawal 1444: Conquering 'more' Constantinople.. (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.

***

CONSTANTINOPLE, the much sought capital city of East Roman Empire (Byzantium) was finally conquered in 1453 by the 'Uthmaniyah' (Ottoman) Turks led by their devout king, Sultan Muhammad II or Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror.

To conquer Constantinople  which was said to be founded by King Byzas and made a capital city by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 340 AD, it 'needed' hundred years of 'sabur' (patience) and sacrifice from the Muslims and on their sides they had great leaders like Abu Ayub Al-Ansari and Sultan Muhammad II.

Abu Ayub was a 'sahabah' (companion) of the Prophet s.a.w. (571-632 AD) who took part in one of the great mission of the Arab-Muslims to invade the city during the earlier era of the Muslims civilization.

The campaign failed and not long after that Abu Ayub died; before he passed away he told his companions he longed to be buried in the city. Only nearly a thousand years later, the 'dreams' of Abu Ayub was fulfilled - Constantinople finally felt into the hands of the Muslims and he was reburied in the city.

A few years ago while in 'Constantinople' I visited the mausoleum and 'masjid' of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari which in its public burial ground, the body of a young Malaysian student, Ahmad Ammar Azam, 20, was laid to rest there after he died in a road accident. The student was given a touching farewell by hundreds of local Turks.

Reflecting the lives of Abu Ayub Al-Ansari, Sultan Muhammad II and even Ammar, I felt so small in my live as a Muslim. Subhanallah what have I done for the benefits of the Muslims; perhaps for own self too I failed miserably what to talk about the trust put upon me as a husband, father or even a son.

I too did an excursion along 'Constantinople' famous straits, the Bosphorus not only to appreciate the unique city skyline and coast, but also the history of this city of 20 millions inhabitants.

About 500 years ago Constantinople was conquered and renamed Stimbol, Estanbul, Istambol and then the name 'Istanbul' is attested. Istanbul was the seat of the Ottoman Empire until 1923.

On the Bosphorus cruise, the well-preserved Walls of Constantinople come into view as does the the architecture of landmarks such as Masjid Ortakoy, a signature sight with the Bosphorus Bridge in the the background. And it's one way to be right in the bustle of the waters of the Golden Horn Inlet, the imposing Masjid Sulaiman rising in the distance.

Discussing the subject on 'Constantinople' during this era of 'fitna' (hardship) put upon to Muslims by certain quarters especially by Western 'big shots' - years ago Donald Trump who call to ban Muslims from entering the United States - I thought it was great to share the 'lovely things' done by the Conqueror of Constantinople, Sultan Muhammad II.

In the book 'All Istanbul - City of Civilizations' authored by Erdem Yucel, he noted: "Mehmet (Muhammad) II, the Conqueror is well known for his religious tolerance and the Orthodox Church was taken under the protection of the Ottomans. 

"Restoration and reconstruction works stated in Istanbul after the conquest of the city were  intensified at the surrounding of the Sultanahmet Square. Arrangements of the residential areas and structures were given priority. City walls were restored, mosques, 'kulliyes' (complex of buildings), inns, 'hammams' were constructed next to the places and the churches.

"The population of Istanbul, which was around 40,000 - 50,000 before the conquest was decreased during the siege. So in order to increase the population, people from Anatolia and Rumelia were brought to the city.

"Turks were settled in Eyup and Uskudar, Greeks were settled in between Balat abd Cibali and in Galata. Jews were settled between Haskoy and Balat and the Amenians were settled in Kumkapi and Samatya."

Sultan Muhammad II had done 'great things' to non-Muslims especially to the Orthodox Christians and Jews. Today the Jews are one of the successful people in Istanbul especially in the field of business...well, what have the Western world talk about 'the good Sultan'?

I had read books that dictated the life of Sultan Muhammad II. He was a very devout person - it was said he never missed his five times compulsory prayers (jemaah or in congregation) and the after mid-night 'tahajjud' (recommended) prayers. 

Perhaps Muhammad Al-Fatih suited the person mentioned in a 'hadith' - 

“Constantinople would fall into the hands of Islam. Leaders who conquer it, is the best of leaders and the troops under his command is the best of troops.” (Narrated by Ahmad bin Hanbal)

Who was this conqueror? Muhammad Al Fatih (1431 – 1481 AD), the son of Sultan Murad II was the sultan who ruled the Ottoman Empire since the year 1451 AD. 

As a boy he had very good teachers such as Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ismail al-Kurani and Sheikh Aag Syamsudin. From them, Muhammad Al Fatih studied religion, language, skills, physical geography, astronomy, and history. 

Muhammad Al Fatih grew into someone who was an expert at war and was smart at riding, an expert in the field of science and mathematics, and master of six languages ​​since the age of 21. Muhammad Al-Fatih was a intelligent young man who had the willpower to reach his goal, especially for conquering Constantinople as the words of the Prophet Muhammad which he knew since he was 12 years old.

A writer noted that the success of Muhammad Al Fatih in conquering Constantinople was not coincidence. Muhammad Al Fatih was strengthening Ottoman military power by choosing and selecting troops ever since they were small. A special team was ordered to spread throughout Turkey and the surrounding area to search for the children of the most intelligent, the most diligent of worship, and the most powerful physique. 

Then the parents are given the offer that their children can be guided in the early age. Once agreed, the chosen children were given coaching of religion, science, and military, as their daily needs borne by the state. So, it made sense why no single soldier had ever left prayers since 'baligh' (come to age), even half of them had never left the tahajjud prayer since 'baligh'.

Muhammad Al Fatih himself was mentioned never leaving tahajud and rawatib prayers since baligh until his death. Narrated in the first prayer that will be held after the conquest, Muhammad Al Fatih said: “Those who feel never 'masbuq' (late comers) in prayer please be our prayer leader.” After a long wait, there was no one going forward. Then steadily Muhammad Al Fatih led his men.

Maybe that’s the secret of success of Muhammad Al Fatih in realizing its goals and ideals of Islam, not physical strength, but the closeness to Allah SWT. The secret that he distributed to troops by keeping the obligatory prayers, tahajjud prayers and 'rawatib' prayers. At the age of 22, Muhammad Al Fatih conquered the city which the Prophet promised eight centuries earlier. Once captured, the city of Constantinople was replaced with the name Islambul (city of Islam).

Comrades even opponents admired the leadership of Muhammad Al Fatih and his strategies of wars. He played a major role in the expansion of Islamic territory, setting the lands, making improvements in the economic, educational, and very concerned about the welfare of its people. In his leadership, the center of government Islambul was being very beautiful, advanced, and economically successful. 

Muhammad Al Fatih, the person who had tremendous energy and became a noble. So what about us? What achievements that we are already obtained in our growing age, asked the writer.

As for me (this writer), if Muhammad Al-Fatih was given a full 100 marks for all his efforts, perhaps I could not even get 1...so to Muslims all over the world, to conquer ''more Constantinople' we all needed to produce perhaps a thousand or a million 'Muhammad Al-Fatih'...'insya-Allah' (God willing)...in this way we would be able to bring back the glory of Islam and of course to shut the big and foul mouth of the likes of Donald Trump would be like 'kacang putih' (means nothing to us)!