Roslan Hamid's Blog, page 81

Zulhijah 28: Kalau mahu makan durian sebakul... (U)

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

Renungan

Daripada Aisyah r.a., berkata: "Saya mendengar Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: 'Semua manusia dikumpulkan tanpa memakai alas kaki, telanjang dan belum dikhatan.' Aisyah bertanya; 'Apakah antara lelaki dan perempuan akan saling melihat antara satu dengan yang lain?' Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: 'Urusan pada hari itu lebih dahsyat daripada mementingkan hal-hal seperti itu.'" (HR. Bukhari dan Muslim)

ADIK saya yang berusia awal 40-an menghidap penyakit gaut (gout). Kasihan saya tengok dia tak boleh makan daging apatah lagi makanan laut yang sedap-sedap seperti udang, sotong dan ketam.

Saya yang berusia lebih 58 tahun, alhamdulillah tiada gaut tetapi diserang penyakit kencing manis dan darah tinggi sejak berusia 40 tahun. Maka tidak bolehlah saya makan makanan serta minuman manis berlebihan termasuklah durian, ooh ini buah 'favorit' (kesukaaan) saya.

Apabila membeli durian atau ada anggota keluarga membawanya pulang, saya hanya makan seulas dua - ya kata orang nak merasanya saja. Ada kalanya saya tidak dapat tahan nafsu, maka saya 'bedal' tiga, empat, lima ulas dan seterusnya...akibatnya kepala menjadi pening semacam manakala kekerapan kencing bertambah.

Kadang-kadang rasa macam mahu pengsan dan rebah ke bumi. Demikianlah nasib saya dan sebahagian besar insan lain yang sudah sampai ke usia senja (tua), apabila duit mulai lebat dalam poket malah boleh membeli sebakul atau selori durian, makan pula dah tidak berapa boleh lagi. Dulu masa muda ketika berselera makan durian sebanyak mungkin, duit pula tak banyak dalam poket, jadi terpaksalah terkebil-kebil biji mata.

Orang sufi berasa hairan mengapa manusia terlalu gila mahu menjadi kaya raya harta – bertimbun-timbun duit dalam bank. Duit itu bukan boleh digunakannya untuk makan sesuka hati, apabila semakin tua semakin kuranglah selera untuk makan apatah lagi selepas diserang penyakit biasa bagi kebanyakan orang veteran seperti diabetes (kencing manis), gaut, darah tinggi dan lemah jantung.

Orang tua makannya sedikit saja, jadi apa perlu duit bertimbun dalam bank. Ini kerana jika makan durian, dia boleh makan seulas dua saja; jika makan daging, juga secebis dua; dan jika minum, minum air kosong saja (tanpa gula). Ada pula yang lebih malang lagi, tak boleh makan makanan lazat-lazat termasuk nasi, yang boleh dimakannya roti kering saja. Malah ada tak boleh makan dan minum secara normal, terpaksa guna tiub, jadi untuk apa duit banyak-banyak di bank itu?

Ada orang lagi tua lagi ligat mengumpul harta, kononnya senanglah mereka berbuat itu dan ini termasuklah berkahwin muda. Mereka tetap mahu berkuasa di puncak, terlalu leka menikmati keindahan dunia yang bagaikan syurgawi itu. Orang tua kahwin wanita muda memang bagus, kata seorang pemikir kerana dakwanya, “kalau kelapa tua (santannya) dipadankan dengan sayur muda barulah sedap lauk masakan” tetapi ingat-ingatlah kerana seorang pemikir lain menyatakan betapa menyusahkan seorang tua 'berbinikan' wanita muda tang, tang, tang.

Pada usia tua ini, alhamdulillah sempat saya ke kelas pengajian di masjid terutama di antara maghrib dan isyak. Mengenai bab tua, kata sesetengah guru, perubahan yang berlaku kepada diri kita adalah perkhabaran dari langit, daripada Allah SWT yang mengingatkan kita akan kematian.

Seorang tok guru berkata dalam kebanyakan kes, kematian tidak berlaku secara mengejut seperti dakwaan sesetengah orang. Allah SWT telah menghantar utusannya, tetapi kebanyakan manusia tidak menyedarinya. Salah satu daripadanya adalah penyakit, apabila umur meningkat 40 tahun ke atas, pelbagai penyakit mula menyerang.

Kata tok guru, cerminlah diri sendiri. Rambut mulai putih, ada yang sudah botak; misai dan janggut juga sudah lebih banyak putih daripada hitam. Ini semua adalah utusan daripada Allah SWT, awak sebenarnya semakin hampir dengan kubur, tetapi mengapa tidak sedar-sedar diri?

Kemudian badan pula terasa lenguh-lenguh; sana sini sendi sakit; kemampuan dan kekuatan pun tidak seperti dulu. Berjalan sikit sudah letih; apatah lagi berlari atau mendaki tangga, tercunggap-cunggap dan mengah, bagai mahu putus nafas.

Suatu hari selepas tamat seorang tok guru memberi tazkirah, saya memberanikan diri bertanya beliau: "Tuan, bagaimana saya dapat reda dengan situasi ini - dulu masa muda saya boleh makan durian sebanyak-banyaknya tetapi masalahnya saya tiada duit, sekarang ini dengan duit yang ada saya boleh beli sebakul durian, tetapi tak boleh makan pula?"

Jawapan tok guru mudah sekali, membuatkan saya tercengang-cengang: "Dengan duit yang ada, awak belilah sebakul atau selori durian sekalipun. Ambillah sebiji dan rasalah seulas. Yang lain tu hantarlah ke sekolah budak tahfiz. Atau sedekahkan kepada orang muda yang boleh makan...di dunia ini awak tak boleh makan sebakul durian, insya-Allah kalau awak masuk syurga nanti awak boleh makan seberapa banyak durian yang awak suka kerana di sana tiada penghuninya yang berpenyakit kencing manis, 'go out' (gout) arah tinggi dan sebagainya...!"

Zulhijah 27: Ketelusan pemimpin perlu dilihat rakyat...(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

KULIAH subuh baru-baru ini, antara lain ustaz di sebuah masjid berdekatan rumah saya, membicarakan kepentingan untuk pemimpin bukan saja telus tetapi dilihat ketelusannya.

Ustaz membawakan kisah Sayidina Umar Al-Khattab ketika membahagian harta rampasan perang, memberikan bahagian rakyat sama seperti dirinya iaitu sepotong kain yang tidak cukup untuk dibuat sehelai pakaian lengkap. Namun pada suatu hari ketika hadir di satu majlis di masjid, beliau dilihat memakai pakaian yang lengkap daripada kain yang dibahagikan tempoh hari.

Melihatkan keadaan itu, bangunlah seorang sahabat, Salman Al-Farisi menyoal khalifah (sekarang ini ibarat presiden atau perdana menteri) bagaimana beliau boleh membuat pakaian yang lengkap sedangkan kain diagihkan dulu tidak cukup untuk tujuan itu. Salman berkata dia dan orang Islam lain tidak akan taat dan menjunjung perintah khalifah jika benar khalifah melakukan penyelewengan.

Lantas bangunlah Abdullah anak Khalifah Umar bagi menjelaskan bahawa pakaian atas ayahnya dibuat daripada kain milik khalifah sendiri manakala pakaian bawah dibuat daripada kain miliknya. Salman dan sahabat serta rakyat bersyukur di atas kejujuran khalifah dan menyatakan kesetiaan yang tidak berbelah bagi kepadanya.

Demikianlah khalifah dituntut bukan hanya untuk telus tetapi dilihat telus manakala rakyat pula berhak mempersoalkan perkara yang mereka tidak puas hati. Khalifah Umar pula yang memiliki kuasa dari timur dan barat (wilayah Islam sudah menjangkau Afrika Utara dan Parsi) terbuka untuk menerima kritikan dan kecaman rakyat sendiri tetapi apa yang berlaku hari ini? 

Pemimpin besar hatta kecil pun langsung tidak mahu menerima pandangan sisi (pihak) lain (termasuk rakyat) tetapi sentiasa menganggap dia dan gerombolannya saja yang betul hatta mendabik dada mereka saja yang pandai memerintah negara sehingga disanjung seantero dunia!

Adalah bagus jika pemimpin terbuka menerima kritikan dan kecaman seperti dicontohkan Khalifah Umar yang tokoh Barat, Michael H Hart meletakkan 'ranking'nya yang ke-52 dalam bukunya 'The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History'.

Misalnya, pemimpin dengarlah keluahan rakyat pada harga barangan dan perkhidmatan naik mendadak.

Adalah lumrah kebanyakan kerajaan di dunia berusaha memberikan yang terbaik kepada rakyat masing-masing; persoalannya adakah peruntukan atau bantuan itu sampai kepada kumpulan sasaran. 

Tidak guna kita bercakap mengenai jumlah wang berbilion-bilion ringgit tetapi akibat sistem penyampaian yang tidak telus, kantung wang telah bocor dengan banyak wang tercicir sepanjang perjalanan dan akhirnya penerimanya hanya mendapat tulang, dagingnya telah dibaham oleh buaya di daratan (sungai) dan jerung di lautan. 

Kita tidak perlu pergi jauh untuk membuktikan perkara ini, dahulu di sekitar kita ada bangunan awam seperti sekolah, hospital, stesen bas dan stadium; sekalipun pembinaannya mendapat peruntukan berbilion-bilion ringgit daripada kementerian berkaitan; ketidak-telusan dengan jerung-jerung berkeliaran, menyebabkan bangunan berkenaan rosak atau runtuh dalam tempoh singkat selepas digunakan. Mungkinkah bangunan berkenaan tidak menepati spesifikasi dan piawai kerana dibina dengan kos dikurangkan bagi 'memberi makan' kepada jerung dan buaya terbabit. 

Demikian juga bantuan terus kepada rakyat; disebabkan terlalu ramai orang tengah yang menangguk di air keruh, ada kemungkinan penerima layak mendapat separuh daripadanya sedangkan separuh lagi sudah dimakan jerung. Orang yang menepati syarat juga ada yang tidak menerimanya kerana pelbagai faktor seperti sentimen politik tetapi yang tidak layak pula tersenarai; ini semua disebabkan sistem penyampai yang sarat dengan masalah.

Kegagalan pihak berkuasa tertentu di sesetengah negeri dalam sistem penyampaiannya sehingga ada golongan daif yang terpaksa meraih simpati kepada organisasi lain, sewajarnya mengingatkan kita bahawa wang berjuta atau berbilion ringgit yang ada jika tidak dapat diagihkan secara baik, tidak dapat memberi kesejahteraan kepada rakyat sebaliknya mengemukkan tembolok jerung dan buaya. 

Bagi kita jerung dan buaya inilah yang perlu dihapuskan dan yang lebih mustahak dihapuskan pihak yang membela mereka (penguasa korup). 

Kita lihat keperluan untuk kita membina insan bukan semata-mata membina bangunan hebat seperti yang berlaku hari ini. Jika kita dapat melahirkan golongan penyampai yang amanah, insya-Allah rakyat marhaen akan dapat sama-sama merasai nikmat kekayaan negara. Pengagihan akan dilakukan secara adil dan saksama menepati peribahasa 'hati kuman sama dicicip, hati gajah sama dilapah'. 

Berdasarkan porak perandanya masyarakat yang hidup nafsu nafsi hari ini, marilah kita kembali kepada hukum Allah termasuklah bagi membanteras pembela jerung dan buaya serta buaya dan jerung itu sendiri bagi membolehkan kekayaan negara berbilion dan berbilion ringgit itu dikembalikan kepada rakyat!

Zulhijah 26: From zero back to zero...(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.

ONE weekend my family and I visited my first son and his wife's house in Kertih, Terengganu. They were married two months ago and choose to begin a new life in the turtle state as they were both working there.

It was a terrace house in a quiet housing estate; they rented it for RM900 a month. Seeing a 'surau (small masjid) like situation' once inside the house (it was almost empty and there were barely a few necessities such a stove, a washing machine and a TV set while guests had to sleep on 'totos' (blankets) placed on floors), I remembered my own house in Wangsa Maju, KL when and my wife and I entered it for the first time as a married couple 26 years ago.

The house was a flat; we rented it from a friend for RM200 a month. I remembered that historic day when we drove to Kuala Lumpur from Melaka with my old faithful, an Opel Kadett with our belongings stored at the back seat and in the boot of the car! It was in February 1989.

For the few days our house was almost empty; we only had a TV set, a stove, a kettle, some cooking utensils and eating sets such as plates. We even slept on a 'toto' placed on the floor; there was no carpet at all. Only later on we had a fridge and other necessities.

Twenty-six years had passed...a few days ago, when I attended a 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson), I heard the 'ustaz' (religious teacher) asked his audience - almost all of them were 'veterans' in their 50-s, 60-s and 70-s (I included) - "are you still busy chasing worldly pleasures after all those years...just look around and inside your house...if it is a car you had wanted before, you have had it now...some not only own one but several cars including the expensive ones...inside your house it was fully furnished perhaps with the high class 'jati' or Western-type furniture.

"Some homes are fully air-conditioned...and about money some have piles and piles of them at home or stashed in your bank accounts...or shares, some have thousands and thousands of them. And some of us have lands, estates and run businesses.

"Almost all of us have a wife or wives, children and grandchildren, And regarding position, status, title...some of us have or have had them; yes we have them all, only 'one thing' we had never tasted...well what is it? Yes it is death and life in our own graves and in the Hereafter!"

The 'ustaz' warned that if we were blessed with almost everything we had dreamed of when we were young but until now when we were at old age we keep on chasing those worldly pleasures, remember that life in this world is nothing compared to the Hereafter. 

He reminded that our 'worldly treasures' including houses, cars, money and businesses would of no use in the Hereafter. The much sought items there are ‘iman’ (faith) and good deeds; unfortunately the Hereafter is not a place to do good deeds but a place to reaped ‘our best crop’ grown on earth! 

The world 'is only a stepping stone' for one to gather as much as 'benefits' as possible to be taken to the Hereafter. It is only a place to sow seeds but the fruits shall be reaped in the Hereafter. The duration of our life in the world (say 60-70 years) is only about two and a half hours compared with the next world which is for eternity. 

Our temporary life here is only a life of probation, for perpetual life in the Hereafter. All life ends in death. Therefore, let us remember that a certain time is fixed for us when we will be abandoned to the darkness of our graves. We should be therefore, consider the passing life of this world as a means towards our ultimate goal. Yes, this material world is not the main object of our life but a means towards a higher goal, said the 'ustaz'.

So it is really a very big mistake we put so much effort for our worldly gains and benefits in this world but forget our share in the Hereafter. Everything we heaped in this world would be left behind. The correct way is to follow the path shown by Allah SWT. From the Quran (Surah al-Baqarah 2:201), we recited this popular 'du'a': 'Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar" with the meaning: "Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire."

Two of the best companions of the Prophets traded their worldly pleasures for the Hereafter. During a war campaign when the Prophets asked Muslims to help to finance it, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq gave all his properties while Umar Al-Khattab donated half of his belongings. To Abu Bakr, the Prophet s.a.w. asked: "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr answered: "God and His Prophet."

In the Qu'ran (Surah an-Nisa' 4.74), Allah SWT says: "So let those who trade the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in God's cause. Whoever fights in God's cause, whether he is killed or victorious, We will grant him a tremendous reward."

But there are people who seemed not to bother at all about their fate in the Hereafter. Many people even 'veterans' are madly in the 'rat race chase' - their lives are only to fulfill their worldly desires such as having a big house, a fleet of cars and lots of money stashed in banks.

Some seemed like animals; Allah SWT says in the Qur'an: They are like cattle, who only think about what it eats, and does not think about the future and prepare for another life. They are not only like cattle but even worse, because cattle obey Allah in reasons of its creation. This is reflected in Surah al-Furqan where it says: "They are only like cattle - nay, they are even further astray from the Path - even worse than cattle." (Al-Qur'an 25: 44)

Allah informs man about the insignificance and deceptive allure of the world in the Qur'an: "Know you (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: how rain and the growth which it brings forth delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a penalty severe (for the devotees of wrong). And forgiveness from Allah and (His) good pleasure (for the devotees of Allah). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception? (Surat al-Hadid: 20)

Regarding our existence in the world, I admired A Samad Said's poetry entitled 'Tetamu Senja' (Evening Guests). The first verse read: 'Kita datang ini hanya sebagai tetamu senja' (We are guests of the evening); 'Bila cukup detik kembalilah kita kepada-Nya' (When the time is up we returned to Him); 'Kita datang ini kosong tangan kosong dada' (We came with an empty hand, empty chest or heart); 'Bila pulang nanti bawa dosa bawa pahala' (When we returned we brought along our sins and rewards).

Subhanallah, in life we begun with nothing...we brought nothing along with us but as the days turn into weeks, months, years and decades our 'properties' increased; for example for shelter at first we stayed with our parents then we moved into a bachelor room.

After getting married we managed to rent a house, then we bought one, then had two or three houses or enlarge the former until the day when we die...we would be send to our 'deep and narrow graves' with nothing (worldly properties) attached to us...yes we were from zero and would be back to zero but this time around we would be answerable to all our actions in the world in the form of 'dosa' (sins) and 'pahala' (rewards)!

Zulhijah 25: You are what you eat...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. 

IN Islam, 'you are what you eat' (the food you take) do not end up with only our physical appearence and health but most importantly it effects our inner self or spiritual aspect of life (our soul). 

The effects of taking 'haram' (forbidden) food make it hard for us to be associated with the positive way life such difficult to perform one's 'solat' (prayers) or gaining 'khusyuk' (total concentration) when doing it. 

The flesh that 'grows' from taking 'haram' food need to be fed with 'haram' food. This viscous circle would burden a person and it is difficult to be freed from it. It would definately block a person from having His (Allah SWT) straight path or light. 

A miniature portion of 'haram' food badly effects our heart. It is liken to a drop of ink on a white sheet of paper, if more drops fall on the paper, the sheet would be blackened and of no use anymore. 

If the heart is blacken, it would be difficult for us to differentiate what is good and bad. 'Haram' food that 'grows' and gives strength to our body, blood and flesh would end up as fuel in Hellfire. 

Every scoop of 'haram' food that is fed into our mouth would have the say in our attitudes and actions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) says: "That flesh which has grown out of haram food will not enter 'jannah' (paradise). Hell has more right to it." (Ahmad: Tirmidhi) 

He, s.a.w. also said, "There will come a time upon my ummah when people will not be concerned over what they take. It will not matter for them whether it is haram (forbidden) or halal (permissable)." (Bukhari: Nasai) 

It is further reported that, "When this time comes, then none of their 'duas' (supplication) will be accepted" (Razeen). It is narrated in another hadith, "It is better for you to consume sand rather than eating anything 'haram'." (Ahmad)

'Haram' food has a detrimental effect on one's spiritual development. It has a direct effect on one's actions. One who consumes haram will not feel any enthusiasm to perform good deeds and it will lead him/her towards sinful deeds. Haram also acts as a barrier such that 'duaas' are not accepted. 

The Almighty Allah (SWT) says, "O people of Imaan! Eat of the pure things (halal) that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah." (Surah Baqarah 2:172) 

On the authority of Abu Huraira (r.a.) who said, The Messenger of Allah SWT said, "Allah, the Almighty is pure and accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said, 'O Messengers! Eat of the pure things, and do righteous actions'. And Allah the Almighty has said: "O` you who believe! Eat of the pure things wherewith we have provided you." Then he mentioned (the case of) a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky (saying): O' Lord! -- While his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can his supplication be answered!" (Muslim) 

In another narration, it is narrated that an angel at Bayt al-Maqdis proclaims every day and night: “Whosoever consumes unlawful (haram) food, Allah SWT will not accept his obligatory (fard) and voluntary worship.” (al-Kaba’ir of Imam Dhahabi) 

Other than 'haram' food that should be avoided, Muslims are told to be moderate in his eating and drinking. One who does not follow this rule would have the effect of spoiling his body and health. 

A good Muslim is moderate in everything he does including when taking his food and drinks. He do not eat or drink what is harmful, especially if it is forbidden. He also avoid greed and consume only what he needs to maintain his well-being and energy. The Qur'an says with the meaning: "Eat and drink; but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." (Qur'an 7: 31) 

Regarding this matter; the Prophet s.a.w. said: "Man has not filled a container worse than his stomach; he should be satisfied with a few bites to survive. However, if his appetite beats him, let it be a third (of his stomach space) for his food and a third for his drink and a third for his breath." (Ahmad) 

Umar al-Khattab said: "Beware of filling your stomach with food and drink, for it is harmful to the body and causes sickness and laziness in performing prayers.

"Be moderate in both food and drink, for that is healthier for your bodies and furthest removed from extravagance. Allah will hate the fat man (one who revels in a life of luxury), and a man will not be condemned until he favours his desires over his religion." 

Fatness appears when the human body takes more calories than it needs, that is the food entering the body is much greater that what is need or excreted. 

Therefore, in order to achive the right balance, food must be choosen correctly to give the body what it needs from proteins, vitamins and so on. 

Good prices should be considered because it is included in the order of Allah SWT not to waste. The food should be well-grown and well-cooked to reduce the harm that could occur. - Rules for the Muslim Home (Sa'eed Muhammad Al-Deeb, IIPH)

In Islam, one does not eat to meet a physical need or for pleasure but to support the body the body to worship Allah SWT, The Most Sufficient 'Who feeds and is never fed'. (Bukhari) 

Eating becomes an 'ibadah' (act of worship) when undertaken with the right intention, in conformity to Islamic law, by following the Prophet's (s.a.w.) example and with a deep understanding of the act itself. 

In Islam, food is a blessing, a gift and sustenance from Allah SWT The Most Exalted. When we eat with the consciousness that it is an act of worship, we are more likely to be less wasteful in our eating, eat less and think of others who are in need of food. 

When consumed with consciousness of Allah SWT, food becomes a source of divine grace and blessing (barakah). - Eating in Islam (Perkim) 

You are what you eat...a good Muslim eat 'moderately' thus he would lead a 'moderate' life style. 

The Prophet s.a.w. described moderation in eating as a characteristic of the Believer: "The Believer eats in one stomach whist the disbeliever eats in seven." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Zulhijah 24: Pleasing Allah, not ourselves or others...(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.

ONE 'ustaz' (religious teacher) during his weekly 'tazkirah' (lesson) at a masjid near my house was fond of repeating this phrase: "we must live according to the likes of Allah SWT that is to please Him and not to please ourselves or others." 

In short we must be always be gracious and thankful (bersyukur) to him to whatever befalls on us whether they seem good to us such as scoring excellent results in our examinations or what seem bad to us such as we had lost our wallets. 

Good news are always being welcomed but what about the bad ones? 'Subhanallah' we must also learned 'to welcome it too' for...perhaps they are only bad in our eyes but not 'in the eyes' of Allah SWT.

Remember the words of the Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, s.a.w.): “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2999)

It was the habit of the 'ustaz' to open to the floor for questions and answers section at the end of his lesson. As I was 'a very shy person' during one session, I wrote this question on a piece of paper and put it on his desk. 

It read: "Assalamualaikum wbt; sindrom suka pada apa yang kita suka bukan Allah suka juga ada pemimpin negara. Pemimpin negara suka hebohkan hal-hal yang baik seperti negara kita kaya dan makmur tetapi sembunyi hal tak baik seperti nilai Ringgit yang jatuh teruk sekarang berbanding dolar Amerika dan Singapura; ertinya ekonomi kita tak berapa baik. Apa solusinya?" (Assalamualaikum wbt; the 'syndrome' of liking what we like not what Allah likes also infected the leaders of our country. They would be very noisy and boastful on good things such as our country is rich and prosperous but hide bad news such as the declining value of Ringgit compared with American and Singapore dollars which means our economy is not so good. What is the solution?"

The question looked hard; but to my surprise the 'ustaz' gave a very simple but firm answer. He said: "The Prophet s.a.w. had left us with a 'hadith' which means: 'I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.' So let us first have a glimpse about 'economy' mentioned in the Qur'an."

The 'ustaz' reminded congregators to have a look at some of the issues of economics involving the many prophets such as Nabi Yusuf (Joseph) and Nabi Syu'aib a.s. (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them). "If we follow the example shown by these prophets, 'insya-Allah' (God willing) we will be in His straight path."

Regarding 'the economy way of Prophet Yusuf s.a.w., the the Holy Qur'an says: "The king dreamed that seven lean cows were eating seven fat ones and that there were seven green ears of corn and seven dry ones. He asked the nobles to tell him the meaning of his dream if they were able to. They replied, "It is a confused dream and we do not know the meaning of such dreams." (Surah Yusuf,12:43,44)

Prophet Yusuf a.s. interpreted the dream by the power given to him by Allah. He said, "For seven years the crops will yield abundant food-grain for the people of Egypt. After that there will be a famine for seven years during which all the food-grain lying in the storehouses will be finished and people will starve. Therefore, the people should try to grow as much extra grain as possible so that it would stand them in good stead during the time of famine."

On Prophet Syu'aib, the Holy Qur'an says in Surah Al-A'raf ayah 85: "And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)]." Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers.

Ayah 86: "And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him. and seeking to make it crooked. And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. And see what was the end of the Mufsidun (mischief-makers, corrupts, liars).

Ayah 87: "And if there is a party of you who believes in that with which I have been sent and a party who do not believe, so be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of judges."

Ayah 88: The chiefs of those who were arrogant among his people said: "We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu'aib, and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you (all) shall return to our religion." He said: "Even though we hate it!

Ayah 89: "We should have invented a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion, after Allah has rescued us from it. And it is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, should will. Our Lord comprehends all things in His Knowledge. In Allah (Alone) we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those who give judgment."

Ayah 90: "The chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said (to their people): "If you follow Shu'aib, be sure then you will be the losers!"

Ayah 91: "So the earthquake seized them and they lay (dead), prostrate in their homes."

To the congregators the 'ustaz' said, "life is simple, follow the way of the prophets including in politics and economy and in our times the way of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. then we would be safe in this world and Hereafter but if we are ignorant to be in His way, then we would went astray and see the doom."

He said leaders who are just (fair) would be rewarded handsomely in the Hereafter, they are among the seven groups of people who would be sheltered by Allah SWT at a place and time where there is no protection except His protection.

The 'ustaz' said Muslims and Muslims nations nowadays are depending too much on the Western way of managing economy; for example the bench mark for or currency (Ringgit) depended on the American dollars where else in Islam it is dinar and dirham. "For example during the Prophet s.a.w. time, a shepherd was paid 2 (two) dinar (gold) which nowadays is equivalent to about RM1,400.

"If nowadays we pay a worker with 2 dinar (gold), the value is still the same, that is about RM1,400. So, 'insya-Allah' if we follow the Islamic way of life including in economy then we would be safe from the disastrous effects of the said modern economy."

But again are we 'too proud' to go back to the Islamic way of life including in economy...why is it so? Are we in the thinking that "what the American would be thinking about us or what the world would be thinking about us?"

As mentioned in the early part of this article, "we must live according to the likes of Allah SWT that is to please Him and not to please ourselves or others" thus what the American or even the world think about us 'are not very important', the most important thing in life is 'what Allah SWT thinks about us'. 

So make sure that all our actions including in economy are in line with His desires or to please Him, not ours or others. By doing so, 'insya-Allah' we would be safe in this world and most importantly in the Hereafter!

Zulhijah 22: Submit to Allah including in politics (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. 

(An old article)

Last Sunday I visited my sister in law and and her husband who was back home after performing hajj that is one of the Pillars of Islam. 

Perhaps all the 28,000 strong Malaysian pilgrims in the Holy Land are now back home; we wish them all the best in their undertakings as new ‘hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’.

‘Hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ are ambassadors of good faith; they are highly respected and are look upon as examples in society. 

In the Holy Land, almost all ‘hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ follow strictly the word of Allah The Greatest (SWT) and the Prophet (peace be upon him – s.a.w.) in order to be rewarded ‘hajji mabrur’ (hajj that would be accepted by Allah SWT and the reward which is none other than ‘janna’ (paradise), but sadly upon returning home, some come go back to their old ways. 

If during ‘hajj’, they follow word by word whatever penned down and instructed in hajj guidebooks, but in life they fail to adhere to the greatest manual given by Allah SWT to human beings, that is the Qur’an. We tend to adhere to some orders of Allah SWT but fail to practice in life His law such as ‘hudud’. We should know that our lives will remain meaningless and ruined unless they are guided by the Qur’an, the word of God. 

In Makkah and Madina, some ‘hajjis’ managed to dump smoking but they fail to maintain that good habit as soon as they step on the soil of their homeland. In the Holy Land, ‘hajjas’ follow strictly the dressing code, particularly regarding their ‘aurat’ (parts of the bodies that should not be exposed), but once they reach their homelands, they are practically back to ‘square one’. 

Some prefer not to cover their heads; others bare not only their bodies but their sensitive areas as shown by a female popular singer not long ago. The question is, does Allah SWT only ‘exists’ in the Holy Land or His’s laws is only applicable there? 

After his return, the pilgrim should adopt the mental frame of a wayfarer, more conscious in his daily routines of the permitted and prohibited in Islam and in constant preparation for the more important journey to the Hereafter. 

But wait; are our ‘hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ ready for that heavy responsibility; for example as ambassadors of good faith they should adhere to the Islamic way of life including in politics. In a book ‘Hajj of the Heart’ published by Orina Consultancy, the writer questioned “where are the good ones?” 

He wrote: “The tragedy is not the brutality of the Evil but the silence of the Good, which allows the Evil to flourish. Every year millions of pilgrims declare at Hajj that they will serve Allah The Almighty. Where are they? Hope they’ve not forgotten their Islamic duty to fight injustice and ignorance with their tongues, hands, hearts and resources?” 

Violations of Islam including in politics is rampant in society; the question is where are our 'hajjis' and 'hajjas’ to fight the injustice? Or worse, are they with ‘the forces of evil?’ 

What are violations of Islam? A small book entitled ‘A Guide To Hajj, Umra and Visiting The Prophet’s Mosque’ published by Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which was given to every 'hajji' and 'hajja' in the Holy Land is useful and could be guidelines to us.

“Brothers and sisters Muslim, you must aware that there are matters which nullify your Islam. We will mention here the ten most common violations. Please be mindful of them. 

The First Associating partners with Allah (shirk). Allah, the Most High, says, “Truly, if anyone associate partners with Allah, Allah will forbid him the Garden and his abode will be the Fire, the wrongdoers will have no helpers.”

Calling upon the dead, asking their help, or offering them gifts or sacrifices are all forms of shirk. 

The Second Setting up intermediaries between oneself and Allah, making supplication to them, asking their intercession with Allah, and placing one’s trust in them is unbelief (kufr). 

The Third Anyone who does not consider polytheists (mushrikeen) to be unbelievers, or who has doubts concerning their unbelief, or considers their way to be correct, is himself an unbeliever (kafir). 

The Fourth Anyone who believes any guidance other than the Prophet’s guidance to be more perfect, or a decision other than the Prophet’s decision to be better, is an unbeliever. This applies to those who prefer the rule of Evil (Taghout) to the Prophet’s rule. Some examples of this are: 

a) To believe that systems and laws made by human beings are better than the Shari’ah of Islam; for example, that the Islamic system is not suitable for the twentieth century; that Islam is the cause of backwardness of Muslims; or that Islam is a relationship between Allah and the Muslim, it should not interfere in other aspects of life. 

b) To say that enforcing the punishment prescribed by Allah, such as cutting off the hand of a thief or stoning an adulterer, is not suitable in this day and age. 

c) To believe that it is permissible to give a rule from that which Allah did not reveal in the Islamic transactions or matters of law, punishment or other affairs. Although one may not believe such rulings to be superior to the Shari’ah he is in fact affirms such a stand by declaring a thing which Allah has totally prohibited, such as adultery, drinking alcohol and usury, to be permissible. According to the consensus of Muslims, one who declares such thing to be permissible is an unbeliever (kafir). 

The fifth, anyone who hates any part of what the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has declared to be lawful has nullified his Islam, even though he may act in accordance with it. Allah the Most High says: “Because they disliked what Allah has revealed, their deeds are brought to nothing.” 

The sixth, anyone who ridicules any aspect of the religion of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), or any of its rewards or punishments, becomes an unbeliever. Allah, the Most High says: "Say; Do you ridicule Allah, His revelations and His Messenger? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your (profession of) faith." 

The seventh, the practice of magic included in this is causing a rift betwee a husband and a wife by turning his love for her into hatred, or tempting a person to do things he dislikes by using black arts. One who engages in such a thing or is pleased with it is outside the pale of Islam. Allah the Most High, says, "The two (angels, Harut and Marut) did not teach anyone (magic) without warning them, 'Indeed, we are a trial; then do not disbelieve).'" 

The eighth, supporting and aiding polytheists against the Muslims. Allah, the Most High says: "The one from among you who supports them belongs to them. truly, Allah does not guide the people who do wrong." 

The ninth, anyone who believes that some people are permitted to deviate from Shari'ah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is unbeliever by the word of Allah, the Most High: "If anyone seeks a religion other than al-Islam it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." 

The tenth, to turn completely away from the religion of Allah, neither learning its precepts nor acting upon it. Allah, the Most High says: "Who does greater wrong than the one who is reminded of the revelations of his Lord und turns away from them. Truly, We shall recompense the guilty," and He also says: "But those who disbelieve turn away from that about which they are warned." 

 It makes no difference whether such violations are committed as a joke, in seriousness or out of fear, except when they are done under compulsion. We seek refuge in Allah from such deeds as entail His wrath and severe punishment. 

The new 'hajjis' and 'hajjas' should be very keen to avoid evil and shameful deeds especially after Allah SWT has obliterated them and forgave all their sins, as a reward for performing hajj. 

Therefore, it behoves every hajji to offer due gratitute to Allah SWT for being chosen to perform those acts of worship and at the same time beseech Him for acceptance. Such persons upon returning home, should be conscious of Allah SWT when performing all that He has obligated him to do of the other worship such as ‘salah’ (prayers), ‘zakah’, fasting, dutifulness to parents and work hard or at least gave support towards the establishment of a government that would push for the implementation of Allah’s law such as 'hudud’. 

Well, Islam covers everything in life including politics – it is the only way of life to succeed in this world and Hereafter.

Zulhijah 21: Guru 'tak ingin' bawa murid saksi sidang Parlimen...

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

Renungan

Hadis sahih, Nu'man bin Basyir meriwayatkan Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: "Ketahuilah bahawa di dalam tubuh ada segumpal daging yang apabila ia baik, maka baiklah seluruh tubuh dan apabila ia rosak, maka rosaklah seluruh tubuh. Ingatlah bahawa perkara itu adalah hati." - Bukhari dan Muslim

SIDANG Parlimen baharu-baharu ini sangatlah kecoh.'Satu Malaysia' sudah tahu.Yalah, sekarang bukankah zaman ICT - daripada 'budak kecik' sampailah orang tua bangka - dapat saksikan gelagat ahli Parlimen yang bergelar 'Yang Berhormat'.

Sesetengahnya menjadikan sidang Parlimen kali ini macam sarkas. Mereka menjerit-jerit, melolong dan melakukan pelbagai aksi memalukan. Sungguh 'geli-geleman' untuk memanggil mereka 'Yang Berhormat'.

Berceloteh pasal 'budak kecik' ini, teringat saya kata-kata pedas seoprang guru yang sebelum ini biasa membawa anak-anak muridnya melawat Parlimen termasuk memasuki dewan perbahasan. 

Selepas menyaksikan sidang Parlimen yang macam 'sarkas' itu, guru itu berkata dia 'tak ingin' lagi bawa anak-anak muridnya ke situ. 

Antara lain beliau memberi komen:"Kita di sekolah bertungkus-lumus mendidik anak murid pasal disiplin termasuk berpegang kepada salah satu prinsip Rukun Negara - Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan - tetapi ahli Parlimen kita menunjukkan contoh terburuk...bagaimana ya, kita mahu bawa anak-anak murid kita ke sana?"

Perlakuan buruk sesetengah pemimpin kita (sudah mestinya termasuk ahli Parlimen) ada hubungan dengan melakukan pemisahan politik daripada agama. Atau mereka tak sedar atau terlupa akan hal itu? 

Apabila politik tidak terikat dengan agama atau pemimpinnya terlupa atau buat-buat terlupa terikatan mereka dengan agama seperti soal akhlak (moral serta disiplin), penyelewengan termasuk ketika berbahas di Parlimen begitu berleluasa kerana matlamat menghalalkan cara. 

Matlamat utama adalah untuk terus berkuasa (termasuk menunjukkan dia saja betul), jadi akan diusahakan perkara itu sekalipun tindak tanduk adalah berlawanan dengan ajaran agama. Berdasarkan slogan untuk berkuasa dulu, kini dan selamanya, tindakan halal dan batil bercampur-aduk, sedangkan kehidupan seseorang Muslim itu hendaklah berdasarkan hukum-hakam halal haram yang termaktub dalam ajaran agama.

Sekarang ini, pada bulan kemerdekaan (Ogos) dan Zulhijah yang penuh kebarakahan ini, sesetengah pihak menyemarakkan politik perkauman dan membela maksiat seperti rasuah dalam usaha mengekalkan kuasa. 

Perkembangan ini begitu membimbangkan kerana yang akan menjadi mangsa adalah rakyat termasuk diri kita sendiri. Amat bahaya jika setiap pemimpin bangsa mengapi-apikan kepentingan dan sentimen kaum masing-masing sedangkan perkara ini ditentang keras oleh Islam dan Rasulullah s.a.w. yang kedatangannya adalah untuk membawa rahmat kepada sekian alam, sekali gus mematikan semangat asabiyah jahiliah.

Kita bimbang jika pemimpin jahil menyemarakkan amalan jahilah ketika sambutan hari kemerdekaan. Adakah patut hari kemerdekaan yang begitu bermakna itu disemarakkan dengan majlis hiburan termasuk konsert yang membabitkan percampuran bebas lelaki-wanita. 

Sewajarnya kesyukuran dipamerkan kerana bebas daripada cengkaman penjajah, bukan terikut-ikut dengan cara hidup Barat yang bukan bertunjangkan agama dan budaya kita.

Amat-amatilah apabila pemimpin hidup bermaksiat termasuk berleluasanya amalan rasuah dan penindasan (jauh daripada landasan agama), maka Allah Taala menurunkan bala yang turut menimpa rakyat. 

Ini akan menyebabkan kehidupan rakyat tidak aman; jenayah seperti pembunuhan, perompakan, perzinaan dan buang bayi menjadi-jadi, menggambarkan institusi keluarga dan masyarakat serta negara sedang menuju kehancuran. Inilah neraka dunia, petanda kehidupan buruk akhirat nanti.

Syukurlah ulang tahun kemerdekaan sejak akhir-akhir ini kurangnya majlis-majlis liar yang menyebabkan anak muda kita tersasar termasuk dalam upacara dianjurkan pemimpin. Mungkin ada cahaya keinsafan, memberi kesempatan semua pihak terutama pemimpin membuang jauh-jauh majlis batil, sebaliknya menggantikannya dengan amalan mulia sejajar dengan kehendak agama.

Apa kata sempena sambutan ulang tahun kemerdekaan kali ini, pemimpin disertai anak muda mengimarahkan masjid atau bersolat berjemaah dan berselawat beramai-ramai serta mengadakan majlis ilmu di dataran, merendahkan diri merayu kurnia-Nya termasuklah pembebasan (kemerdekaan) daripada api neraka. Ya lupakan majlis lara seperti membuat 'countdown' 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1,,,Merdeka!.

Imam (pemimpin termasuk PM, menteri dan ahli Parlimen) adalah contoh ikutan, jadi bersempena sambutan kemerdekaan bertepatan dengan bulan mulia dan di ambang tahhun baharu Hijrah 1442, marilah kita mengorak langkah permulaan bagi menyelamatkan diri, keluarga, masyarakat dan negara kita daripada neraka dunia, juga api neraka Allah SWT dengan tidak membiarkan diri kita terus bergelumang dalam kemaksiatan termasuk 'bersarkas' di Parlimen!

Zulhijah 19: Parti Islam perlu kembalikan maruah ummah (U)

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) 

Bersyukur ke hadrat Illahi kerana kita dipanjangkan usia bagi memuzakarahkan isu-isu membabitkan umat Islam, kali ini kita ingin mengucapkan tahniah di samping mengemukakan beberapa syor kepada parti-parti Islam yang telah memenangi seterusnya membentuk kerajaan di beberapa negara di dunia.

Di samping bersyukur ke hadrat Illahi di atas nikmat kemenangan ini, kita berharap dan mendoakan parti-parti Islam yang membentuk kerajaan akan dapat menyemarakkan seterusnya mengembalikan maruah umat Islam yang telah dihina sejak sekian lama. 

Sejak zaman penjajahan dan jatuhnya kedaulatan kerajaan Islam terutama hancurnya pemerintahan Uthmaniyah pada tahun 1924, nasib umat Islam sebahagian besarnya bergantung kepada kuasa-kuasa besar yang mencatur dunia mengikut nafsu mereka.

Hari ini legasi cengkaman Barat terus kukuh di dunia Islam; mereka bukan saja ‘membaham’ negara ummah seperti Palestin, Iraq dan Afghanistan tetapi meneruskan penjajahan pemikiran dan teknologi yang melumpuhkan umat Islam seluruhnya. 

Bukan saja umat Islam yang tunduk kepada apa didakwa kemajuan oleh dunia Barat tetapi pemerintah Islam juga tunduk akur kepada kehendak Washington, London dan Moscow. 

Agak mengusarkan apabila penguasa di Washington kononnya lebih tahu tentang Islam seterusnya mengarahkan bonekanya yang menerajui negara umat Islam mengamalkan Islam mengikut kehendak mereka. Mereka nampaknya begitu berpengaruh sehingga mampu menentukan bentuk pengajian Islam (seperti membuang silibus jihad) di universiti-universiti terkemuka termasuklah Al-Azhar. 

Kini dengan kesedaran tinggi umat Islam yang memberikan kemenangan kepada parti-parti Islam menerajui negara, adalah diharapkan pihak ini dapat kembali mengembalikan maruah ummah. 

Tidak guna pucuk kepimpinan bertukar tangan tetapi permasalahan umat Islam tetap sama. Kita menaruh harapan besar agar pemimpin baru ini dapat mengukuhkan ikatan perpaduan ummah sejagat yang sudah pun terasas melalui pembentukan Pertubuhan Persidangan (kini Kerjasama) Islam (OIC) untuk ke tahap lebih tinggi. 

Jika dulu OIC tiada kemampuan untuk menangani secara berkesan permasalahan umat Islam global seperti isu Palestin, Iraq, Afghanistan dan kezaliman dilakukan ke atas umat Islam minoriti seperti di Kashmir (India), Xinjiang (China), Pattani (Thailand), Mindanao (Filipina) dan Arakan (Myanmar-Burma), kini pemimpin-pemimpin parti Islam yang sudah menerajui negara dapat melakukan tindakan berkesan. 

Jika dulu OIC , negara serta umat Islam hanya mendiamkan diri ketika Amerika menghancurkan bumi Iraq dan Afghanistan, kini kita menaruh harapan pemimpin parti Islam yang sudah menerajui negara ini menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka sebagai khalifah di bumi Allah ini. 

Jangan sesekali membiarkan umat ini dihina, lakukanlah sebagaimana Khalifah Al-Mutassim yang menghantar bala tenteranya hanya kerana seorang muslimah dijatuhkan maruahnya! 

Sekalipun kita menaruh harapan yang tinggi kepada pemerintah baru ini, kita berdoa agar apa yang berlaku di Afghanistan selepas kumpulan Mujahidin mendapat kuasa di Kabul selepas menewaskan tentera Soviet Union pada 1989 dulu tidak berulang. 

Kumpulan Mujahidin berpeluang memakmurkan Afghanistan namun terus bertelagah, negara menjadi huru-hara, kemudianTaliban mendapat kuasa dan diakhiri oleh serangan dahsyat oleh penjarah Amerika Syarikat yang diketuai si laknatullah Geoge W Bush. 

Afghanistan kembali dikuasai oleh rejim pro-Barat, ternyata pemimpin Islam telah mensia-siakan peluang; kita berdoa hal ini tidak berulang di negara lain terutama negara kita yang dicintai.

Zulhijah 18: Haji medan terbaik muhasabah diri (U)

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

Renungan

Hadis sahih, Nu'man bin Basyir meriwayatkan Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: "Ketahuilah bahawa di dalam tubuh ada segumpal daging yang apabila ia baik, maka baiklah seluruh tubuh dan apabila ia rosak, maka rosaklah seluruh tubuh. Ingatlah bahawa perkara itu adalah hati." - Bukhari dan Muslim

Wasiat kepada haji dan hajah 

ALHAMDULILLAH, segala puji bagi Allah. Selawat dan salam untuk penutup para nabi dan rasul, Muhammad bin Abdullah, beserta keluarga dan para sahabatnya.

Antara nikmat Allah yang agung adalah Dia telah menjadikan kita sebagai bahagian daripada umat manusia terbaik, Nabi Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Yaitu dengan menjadikan Islam sebagai agama kita; "Barang siapa mencari agama selain agama Islam, maka sekali-kali tidaklah akan diterima (agama itu) daripadanya, dan dia di akhirat termasuk orang-orang yang rugi." (QS. Ali Imran: 85)

Al-Quran sebagai undang-undang kita, "Sesungguhnya al-Quran ini memberikan petunjuk kepada (jalan) yang lebih lurus." (QS. Al-Isra': 9)

Muhammad shallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sebagai nabi kita, "Dan sesungguhnya kamu benar-benar berbudi pekerti yang agung." (QS. Al-Qalam: 4)

Dan Kaabah sebagai kiblat kita, "Dan di mana saja kamu berada, palingkanlah mukamu ke arahnya." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 144)

Hal ini mengharuskan kita bersyukur kepada Allah, Zat yang Maha Tinggi.

Selanjutnya diberikan beberapa nasihat bagi orang bergelar haji dan hajah terutama yang baharu saja pulang dari Tanah Suci, semoga hal ini bermanfaat bagi kita semua:

1. Syukur kepada Allah Taala kerana kita telah berhasil menyelesaikan kewajiban yang agung dan penuh barakah ini. "Sesungguhnya jika kamu bersyukur, pasti Aku (Allah) akan menambah (nikmat) kepadamu." (QS. Ibrahim: 7)

2. Hendaknya haji menjadi titik tolak perubahan dalam hidup kita. "Sesungguhnya Allah tidak mengubah keadaan sesuatu kaum sehingga mereka mengubah keadaan yang ada pada diri mereka sendiri." (QS. Ar-Ra'du: 11)

3. Banyak orang pulang haji dengan membawa hidayah, yang paling pokok adalah kita pulang haji dengan membawa hidayah. "Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus." (QS. Al-Fatihah: 7)

4. Kita baru saja meninggalkan pendidikan dan pelatihan iman dan amal, kewajiban kita melanjutkan apa yang sudah kita pelajari. "Demi masa. Sesungguhnya manusia itu benar-benar berada dalam kerugian, kecuali orang-orang yang beriman dan mengerjakan amal saleh dan nasihat menasihati supaya menaati kebenaran dan nasihat menasihati supaya menetapi kesabaran." (QS. Al-'Ashr: 1-3)

5. Jangan lupakan, "Sesungguhnya orang-orang mukmin adalah bersaudara." (QS. Al-Hujurat: 10)

6. Betapa seringnya engkau angkat tanganmu berdoa kepada Allah pada hari-hari yang baik itu, maka jangan engkau hentikan, "doa adalah ibadah." (HR. Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibnu Maja dan dishahihkan oleh at-Tirmidzi)

7. Jadikan seluruh hidupmu sesuai dengan sunnah Nabi shallallahu 'alaihi wasallam dan bersungguh-sungguhlah untuk mengamalkannya. "...Tidaklah hambaku senantiasa mendekatkan dirinya kepada-Ku dengan amal-amal sunnah hingga Aku mencintainya..." (HR. Bukhari)

8. Engkau telah kembali dengan membawa perasangka baik kepada Allah. Dosa-dosamu juga telah terlebur. Kondisimu laksana bayi yang baru dilahirkan oleh seorang ibu. Maka janganlah engkau padamkan cahaya di hatimu dengan lumpur dosa.

9. Boleh jadi engkau juga telah berjanji kepada Allah untuk bertaubat (meninggalkan dosa), maka jangan engkau ulangi lagi. "Ya Tuhan kami, janganlah Engkau jadikan hati kami condong kepada kesesatan sesudah Engkau beri petunjuk kepada kami..." (QS. Ali Imran: 8)

10. Saranan yang utama untuk meneguhkan keistiqamahanmu adalah dengan melaksanakan dakwah (mengajak manusia) kepada Allah. "Siapakah yang lebih baik perkataannya daripada orang yang menyeru kepada Allah, mengerjakan amal yang saleh dan berkata: "Sesungguhnya aku termasuk orang-orang yang berserah diri?" (QS. Fushilat: 33)

Saudaraku, para hujjaj, setelah pulang haji tanyakan pada dirimu, apakah engkau masih merasakan letih dan lelah? Pasti kamu akan menjawab, "tidak." Begitulah hidup di dunia, kita merasa lelah kerana Allah, kemudian kita akan bersantai dan bersenang-senang untuk selama-lamanya di syurga yang tinggi, yang tak akan pernah terdengar perkataan sia-sia di dalamnya.

Kepada Allah-lah kita memohon kebaikan dan kurnia-Nya. Semoga mendapat haji mabrur yang dikekalkan sehingga tiba keyakinan pada diri (mati).

Zulhijah 17: Sabun banyak tetapi mengapa masih ramai yang kotor? (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)

TIDAK lama dahulu, saya berpeluang 'menyambung' hobi saya - membaca. Sebuah buku bertajuk 'Let's 'Teh Tarik'! yang diusahakan oleh Goh Chee Beng (terbitan Publish The Word - Petaling Jaya) menarik perhatian saya.

Bahagian pertama buku itu berkenaan kehidupan (life). Pengenalannya memikat hati.

Penulisnya menukilkan: "Someone once asked a well-known religious leader, 'If religion is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?' To this, the leader replied, 'With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world?' Religion, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives."

(Seorang pemimpin agama terkenal ditanya: 'Jika agama benar-benar berkesan, mengapa berlaku banyak kejelekan di dunia ini?' Pemimpin berkenaan menjawab, 'Dengan banyaknya sabun, mengapa pula terdapat ramai orang busuk di dunia ini?' Agama, seumpama sabun, mestilah diaplikasi secara peribadi jika seseorang itu mahu penghidupannya lebih bermakna).

Benar, dunia dipenuhi 1,001 kejelekan. Lebih membimbangkan kejelekan dan kebaikan bercampur-aduk, sekali gus membingungkan orang awam seperti kita untuk memahami sesuatu isu ataupun membuat pilihan.

Semakin hari semakin sukar golongan awam seperti kita mencari kebenaran dalam sesuatu isu itu.

Sebagai contoh, isu penahanan seseorang itu di bawah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA). Ada ulama menulis ISA sesuai dengan ajaran agama manakala yang lain pula menyatakan ia sama sekali tidak dibolehkan.

Demikian juga dengan majlis sambutan Krismas tidak lama lagi. Bolehkah orang Islam sama-sama menyalakan api pokok Krismas, mendengar lagu-lagu kumpulan gereja dan kemudian bersama menyanyi membesarkan hari itu. Bukankah hal ini amat memeningkan?

Kekeliruan bukan saja berkaitan isu dalam negara tetapi juga di peringkat antarabangsa. Ketika ini di seluruh dunia dicanangkan dengan 'Islam sederhana' dan 'Islam sebenar' sedangkan istilahnya kabur dan tidak difahami. Apakah tafsiran 'Islam sederhana' dan 'Islam sebenar' itu propaganda Amerika, tidaklah diketahui.

Yang jelas propaganda Amerika semakin terserlah pembohongannya. Antaranya ialah dakwaan kononnya angkawasannya seperti Neil Armstrong daripada kapal angkasa lepas Apollo 11 sebenarnya tidak mendarat di bulan tetapi di padang pasir Nevada.

Jika dakwaan itu benar, sudah berdekad-dekat (sejak 1969) seluruh dunia termasuk orang Islam dibohongi dan tidak mustahil lebih banyak pembohongan akan dilakukan pihak berkenaan.

Tugas orang awam seperti kita adalah terus menuntut ilmu bagi mengelak daripada dibohongi.

Selain itu, perkukuhkan lagi semangat perjuangan bagi menghadapi cabaran lebih besar pada masa akan datang kerana di dunia sekarang ini semakin 'ramai orang berbau busuk sekalipun terdapat banyak sabun'.