pluck the Ramadhan's fruits

Assalamualaikum brothers & sisters! It had been too long since I last updated my blog right? Thousands of sincere apologize from me. Well, I'm back again :)

Peeps! I need your help! Could you please help me to define the word Ramadhan in three simple words? Sahur, bazaar & terawih? Sabar, tadarus & al-Quran? Lailatul Qadar? Raya?

27th of Ramadhan, which means that we only have two more days to go before Eid Fitr comes. Eid songs can be heard everywhere while everyone is preparing the best for the incoming Eid Fitr, the most awaited day every year.

While a part of us are busy with Eid's preparation, do believe me that another part of us are grieving because Ramadhan will disappear soon, those pious brothers and sisters.

I'm calling you now, inviting you together with me to evaluate ourselves and determine how much did we benefit from Ramadhan, the month of Barakah? Recalling Allah's words in Surah al-Baqarah,

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (183)

[Sahih International]

"Wahai orang-orang yang beriman! Kamu diwajibkan berpuasa sebagaimana diwajibkan atas orang-orang yang dahulu daripada kamu, supaya kamu bertaqwa." (183)

[Malay:Basmeih]

I did! Pondering on this verse again and again. Frankly speaking, I never thought about this verse deeply just like today. Yesterday and the days backward, I listened to people reciting verse 183 from Surah al-Baqarah to let every Muslim knows that we have to fast during the month of Ramadhan with very few unavoidable excuses.

"That you may become righteous." & "Supaya kamu bertaqwa." Let me help you to define the word TAQWA to you.

Dr. Aidh Abdullah al-Qarni, in his book, 'Jagalah Allah, Allah Menjagamu' define taqwa as below:

Taqwa dapat diertikan, iaitu kamu takut kepada Allah kerana cahaya daripada Allah, di samping itu, kamu juga sangat mengharapkannya rahmatNya. Dan kamu melakukan kebaikan sesuai dengan aturan Allah, dengan harapan kamu akan memperoleh pahala daripadaNya, dan kamu juga menghindari keburukan, berkat cahaya daripada Allah, kerana kamu takut kepada seksaNya.

Dr. Aidh through the same book also stated the meaning of taqwa defined by Saidina Ali bin Abi Thalib RA as:

Bahawa taqwa adalah takut kepada Dzat Yang Maha Agung, mengamalkan Kitab (al-Quran) yang diturunkan, redha dengan yang sedikit dan mempersiapkan diri untuk hari kematian (qiamat).

While Abdullah bin Mas'ud RA give the meaning of taqwa as:

Taqwa adalah kamu sentiasa tetap mengingati Allah SWT dan tidak melupakanNya, dipatuhi dan tidak diderhakai, disyukuri dan tidak diingkari.

And here is a short story between Saidina Umar al-Khattab and Ubay bin Ka'ab as an anology to define taqwa:

Umar al-Khattab : Sebutkanlah ciri-ciri taqwa kepadaku.

Ubay bin Ka'ab : Apakah tuan pernah melintasi sebidang tanah yang penuh dengan duri?

Umar al-Khattab : Ya!

Ubay bin Ka'ab : Apakah yang tuan lakukan di sana?

Umar al-Khattab : Saya sangat berhati-hati untuk menghindarinya dan menyinsingkan lengan baju untuk menjauhinya.

Ubay bin Ka'ab : Begitulah ketaqwaan itu!

Ramadhan is not the month of competition. Some Muslims competed with each other to recite the al-Quran. "Hey dude! How many juzuk of al-Quran had you recite so far?" Is it? And when Ramadhan comes to an end, everything back to normal. 

Mushaf al-Quran again takes it's place on the shelf while waiting for next year incoming Ramadhan? No more congregational prayer at the mosque? A break from Qiamullail? No infaq to unlucky Muslims? Then, we can do anything just like before Ramadhan came? This is the true meaning of Ramadhan? And every year, we will repeat the same thing again and again.

By referring to the end of that verse, Allah state that fasting can lead us to achieve the level of taqwa. But how many of us ever noticed about that and acted to grab the title? 

Are we ready to pluck the fruits of Ramadhan and become one of those righteous people?

I love the soul of Ramadhan and I wish that the soul will forever remain in me even Ramadhan will leave me soon. Ramadhan is the turning point. Keep the very deep sense of an abdullah within our heart.

"Kalau bukan hari ini dan Ramadhan ini, bila lagi?"

salam aidilfitri

mohon maaf atas segala kesilapan yang pastinya ada

SALAM AIDILFITRI :)

1-300-88-2525

Brothers and sisters! Before I proceed to the practical part to fight against infection, I feel that it is necessary for me to stress on our second duty on Allah's earth.

Have you ever pick up your phone and dial 1300882525? You talked to the so-called operator, am I right? Ordered anything that you wish to eat at that time. Pepperoni? Super Supreme? Supreme Island? What else? Yummy and delicious!

Or maybe once, you did imagined that you are the delivery boy! Have you? Okay, now please imagine that you are the pizza delivery boy or girl maybe.

When someone gives the operator a call, your supervisor will command you to deliver the pizza to this and this address right? Peeps, please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm just trying to conceptualize my life as a delivery girl.

What will happened when suddenly you lost in your way to reach that place? Your Pizza Hut's customer won't get his food right? As a customer, he has the right to complain on your incompetency and your big boss have the right to dismiss you!

What about when you purposely don't want to deliver the pizza to your customer? I believe, in just a few seconds only, your lady big boss will say to you, "You can go home and don't come again tomorrow!" Am I right?

Brothers and sisters, I hope you can grasp the message that I placed within this delivery boy story. Do you still remember what Allah said in Surah al-Baqarah;

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 

"Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." 

They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein 

and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" 

Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." (30)

[Sahih International]

In my previous post, I mentioned about our duty as an abdullah right? InsyaAllah, in this post, I'll explain about our duty as khalifatullah. By referring to Surah al-Ahzab;

Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth

and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it;

but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant. (72)

[Sahih International]

I would like to quote Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali's comment on this verse of al-Quran, "God has entrusted His message to man because man is capable of bearing the responsibility and fulfilling the task required of him, towards both God Almighty and his fellow human beings. Equally, he has the capacity and the potential to betray both."

In reality, everyone is doing the duty as khalifatullah. The difference is just that whether we are doing it properly or betraying it! Let me quote one of my lecturer's opinion, "Islam is not an object. We can't find Islam on the table right? So, where can we find Islam?"

I still remember the atmosphere when he spoke out his statement, everyone kept silent and wondered where is Islam actually. Then, my lecturer answered his own question by giving out a statement that, we only can find Islam in the Muslim. Hey, who is the Muslim?

Well, believe me, non-Muslim judges Islam based on our impolite behaviours, our un-Islamic dressings, our arrogant words, our unfriendly eyes, our bad mouths, our low thinking level and of course, our way of life!

To an extent that, we had falsely represented Islam to the world. We created misconception towards Islam. We created misunderstanding about Islam. We showed the world that Islam is a fake religion which teaches it's ummah to become like us today! It is just like when the customer asks for Super Supreme but then suddenly you give him Supreme Island pizza!

So, it is whether we are walking on the right path to show the world the beauty of Islam or we are inventing the fake Islam in the mind of other Muslim and non-Muslim community. Everything depends on us and our way of life. To take Islam as a whole or to practice Islam only in worship! On the authority of Abu Said al-Khudri RA, who said, I heard the Messenger of Allah SAW said;

He who amongst you sees something abominable

should modify it with the help of his hand,

and if he has no stength to do it, then he should do it with his tongue,

and if he has no strength to do it, even then

 he should abhor it from his heart and that is the least of faith.

[Muslim]

The Prophet SAW eased our job as khalifatullah. He told us to use whether our hand, tongue or heart to fight against munkar depends on our ability. Let say, if we are only able to use our heart, then just use it! Peeps, you can't dislike something bad others do if you did it too right? Allah mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah;

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves

while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason? (44)

[Sahih International]

Even if we are going to use our heart only, we must watch our behaviour. It is our duty to represents the true Islam to the world. Action speaks louder than words!

Again, a very nice words from Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali, "Man has been distinguished with free will and a sense of responsibility that discerns good from evil. Man is neither an animal controlled by his instincts and desires nor an angel living in an ideal world. Man is a unique creature, capable of the most sublime as well as the most debased behaviour; he can choose to take one direction towards Paradise and eternal bliss, or take another one leading to hell and damnition."

identity built

I just receive a call from my beloved dad. He asked me about my exam's schedule and of course for leaving CFSIIUM PJ purpose. Dudes, I'm gonna have my final UNGS exam on tomorrow till wednesday. Wish me luck!

Well, my two years journey in CFSIIUM PJ is almost done. For sure, it is a long journey for a foundation student. When others can step out of their foundation centre after a year being there, it is different for us, CFSIIUM students.

Brothers and sisters, believe me! Allah didn't create something for nothing. It is not a regret for me anymore to be here in CFSIIUM PJ for two years. Frankly speak, this is the place where I build my true identity as a Muslim, as an abdullah, as a khalifatullah and of course as a knowledge seeker.

I would like to dedicate this post to my future IIUM juniors. I'm gonna list out a few things that you should appreciate when you step into CFSIIUM PJ.

First, please appreciate the dress code system especially for the sisters. In reality, the dress code system is not exclusively created for CFSIIUM students only, it is for the whole ummah. However, I found no other universities which observe the dress code system. The Islamic dress code system. Where could we find Islam, if it is not in Muslim's identity itself right? 

To understand deep and deeper, just have a moment and think! Why should the policemen wear their uniform? So that, the community can recognize him as a policeman right? The same thing happens here. Why Muslim must adhere to Islamic dress code? Peeps, free your mind from thinking that Islamic dress code is outdated! Why should we adhere to those non-Muslim's way of dressing when we know that they are wrong and we are right? Allah said in Surah al-A'raf; 

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing 

to conceal your private parts and as adornment. 

But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. 

That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember. (26)

[Sahih International]

Second, please appreciate the guards! Just bear in mind that the guards are doing their duty, that is an amanah from IIUM to do so and so. Why the guard must stick to the curfew hour so much? Well, my dad likes CFSIIUM's guards so much. At least, they cared for us. That is the inner thought of my dad. I believe, it is not only my dad who wish to see his child is safe! Of course, your parents wish to see that you are safe too right? Allah said in Surah at-Tahrim; 

O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families 

from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, 

harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what 

He commands them but do what they are commanded. (6)

[Sahih International]

Third, please appreciate the society. For those who love travel and get involve with the community, you can join PERKIM. My advice is don't be afraid of having no time to involve with the society and community. Allah lent us 24 hours time everyday and it is enough for us to fulfill our duty as an abdullah, khalifatullah and knowledge seeker. Just get involve in society to an extent not to neglect your study. Wise time-management! Allah said in Surah al-Asr;

By time, (1) Indeed, mankind is in loss, (2)  

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds 

and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (3)

[Sahih International] 

Fourth, please appreciate Understanding Islam, Religion in Malaysia and Basic Themes of al-Quran's classes. Develop your sense of an abdullah and khalifatullah here. Develop your curiosity to learn al-Quran deeply here. And one more, the Arabic classes! Arabic is the language of al-Quran as well as the language of Paradise's dwellers. For Tilawah classes, take this chance to enhance your ability to read al-Quran in a right and proper manner. Allah said in Surah Yusuf; 

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand. (2)

[Sahih International]

Fifth, please appreciate any religious preach held by CFSIIUM itself. If possible, please join every religious preach. Knowledge is everywhere. Muslim's community needs knowledgeable people to stand up again. Every week, on Thursday, there will be a Talaqqi Class with Ustaz Muhadir. If possible, please join this one and don't miss anything of it. This is where you will build your love towards Allah SWT and Rasulullah SAW, and learn many fiqh's issues. Allah said in Surah az-Zumar; 

Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, 

prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter 

and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? 

Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" 

Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding. (9)

[Sahih International] 

Sixth, please appreciate the core subjects' classes and islamize your knowledge. Your UNGS classes would be the best and greatest part for the islamization of knowledge purpose. So, please give your full attention.

Seventh, please appreciate CFSIIUM's rule which separates brothers and sisters. For example, in the library, you will see the signboard for brothers' seat and sisters' seat in different places. I'm not saying that IIUM prohibits it's students to have different gender's study group! Absolutely it is untrue. 

I just wanna stress here that, when you have the same gender's friend who can teach you and have study group with you, why you should run for the different gender's study group? Brothers and sisters, I learned many things from this rule especially about the gap that Islam has set up between brothers and sisters. I learned to lower my gaze. I learned not to mix with the brothers. Allah said in Surah an-Nur; 

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision 

and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. 

Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. (30)  

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision 

and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment 

except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and 

to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and 

not expose their adornment except to...(31)

[Sahih International]  

Eight, please appreciate the Darul Quran's (DQ) students around you. DQ students are the students who spent a year to memorize the whole al-Quran. If possible, be friend with them and learn from them. There are many people who memorize the Quran all around the world, so, why don't we become one of them right? Instead of spending your time to watch korean's dramas, it is better for you to stick yourselves with the Quran and memorize the Quran. Before you step into CFSIIUM, bring along with you any al-Quran with translation. Again! Be friend with the DQ students and learn from them. Of course, they will share many things with you. The Prophet SAW said;

The similitude of a good company and that of a bad company 

is that is the owner of a misk (perfume) and 

of the one blowing bellows (iron-smith). 

The owner of perfume would either offer you for free of charge 

or you would but it from him 

or you would smell its pleasant odour. 

The one who blows bellows he would 

either burn your clothes or 

you should have to smell its bad smell. 

My last word is appreciate everything that you have in your life and be contentment. Future CFSIIUM students, say Alhamdulillah for your acceptance into this university. Welcome to the garden of knowledge and virtue.

theoretically

Back to our main discussion. I'll divide the prevention and solution steps into two fundamental aspects. In this post, I'll try to clarify the very first part. To simplify it, I won't make any analogy. Yet, we knew already the causes right? It'll be much more easier for us to digest the antidote part. I hope so!

First is knowledge instillation. We must have knowledge about Allah the Creator. Just bear in mind that He is The Most and The Absolute One. The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful, The Most Generous, The All-Knowing and the other 95 attributes. Thus, all deeds must be directed to Him only. Except Allah, nothing to be afraid of, right? Believe me, once you know your creator, you'll know your life better.

Next is knowledge about oneself or in simpler word, knowledge about ourselves. There are a few elementary things about ourselves that we should know. We should understand that ourselves consist of two different compartments. The first compartment is our body with earthly, change, perishable and the vehicle characteristics. The next compartment is the soul with heavenly, permanent, continuing its journey and the driver characteristics.

I'm going to highlight and dig into two contrast complexion only. The first one, body is perishable and soul is continuing its journey. Back to the definition of death. Death is the separation of the soul from the body right? After death, the undertaker will bury our beloved and beautiful body in the grave. This is the place where nobody cares for us. Our family and friends let the worms eat us right? Rasulullah SAW said;

When carried to his grave, a dead person is followed 

by three, two of which return (after his burial) and 

one remains with him; his relatives and his property 

(viz horses and camels etc. on which the relatives travel)

return while his deeds remain with him.

[Bukhari & Muslim]

Absolutely true! It is our soul which will continue our journey in the grave. The unimaginable journey. So, which one is our priority? The body or the soul?

Then, we will focus on the fact that, the body is a vehicle and the soul is the driver. Imam al-Ghazali in his Kitab Kimyatuusy Sya'adah stated that;

The body is just like an animal mounts for the soul. 

The body will be destroyed but the soul remains alive. 

Soul should nourish the body. 

Like the people who wants to work on Hajj to Mecca, 

he needs to maintain his camel, but if he spends too much time 

with his camel to feed and decorate it, then the caravan 

will leave him behind and he will perish in the desert.

[Imam al-Ghazali]

In facile words, the 'I' refers to the soul and not the body. Thus, the 'I' is our centerpiece. We have to focus more on our soul without neglecting the rights of our body which consists of food, drinks, shelter and etc. Therefore, when suddenly, an inner fleeting thought emerges in our heart, we can accurately determine whether that thought is good for the 'I' or not.

Third is the knowledge about this world and the next world. Bear in heart that, this world is temporary, difficult, has an ending and mesmerizing. Allah SWT said in Surah al-Ankabut;

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. 

And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life,

if only they knew. (64)

[Sahih International]

Fourth is the knowledge about hereafter. Again, bear in heart that, the coming hereafter is permanent, just, ultimate enjoyment for true believers and terrible punishment for unbelievers.

Thus, which one is our aim? This temporary world or the coming soon permanent hereafter?

InsyaAllah, by having a little knowledge about Allah the Creator, ourselves, this world and the next coming world, we can modify our worldview. Peeps, what is worldview? A worldview is the way the people within a specified culture live, act, think, work and relate. It is a 'map' or culture's social, religious, economic and political views and relationships. It sounds complicated right? 

In brief words, worldview is the way we see the world. With our current status, we may see the world as a teen who runs for fun and enjoyment, we may see the world as a child who has to listen to his or her parent's command or we may see the world as a student who struggles for victory. No matter how we choose to see the world, believe me, to see the world in Muslim's perspective is the best because Islam is comprehensive. You can hold the world with your hand and at the same time you can perch the hereafter in your heart!
 

May 15, 1948 : the forgotten date

Brothers and sisters! Sorry to say, but this post has nothing to do with my previous post. Oh ya! Before I proceed, let me first dedicate my wish to all teachers around the world. Only Allah can pay your determination and hard works. Thank you teachers.

Back to our topic. Now, try to recall anything from your previous days. My question is, when is the last and exact time you cared for Palestine? Or maybe you mentioned the word Palestine?

May 14, 2011. Thanks to a friend of mine for inviting me to her college for a programme conducted by Aqsa Syarif. I admit that, it has been too long since I cared for Palestine. I forgot about their hardships and burden. It is my fault! Palestinians are our Muslim's brothers and sisters as well right? Rasulullah SAW said;

None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) 
brother what he likes for himself.

[Bukhari & Muslim]

With a very little knowledge that Allah placed within me, I may not be able to describe everything about Palestine from the very beginning of it's history till now. I'll highlight a few keywords with hope that, you'll ask Mr. Google.

1.Theodore Hertzl
2.Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1876-1909)
3.Perang Dunia I
4.Syeikh Khayri Effendi
5.Hussein-McMohan Correspondence
6.Sykes-Picot 1916
7.Jewish National Home
8.Perang Dunia II
9.HAMAS and FATAH
10.Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
11.Palestine National Authority (PNA)
12.Perjanjian OSLO
13.Pilihan Raya Legislatif 2006

I was given a duty by Aqsa Syarif to deliver this message. The Dome of the Rock is not Masjid al-Aqsa! Please have a clear picture about this matter.

Brothers and sisters! The Palestinians' crusade is not a seasonal stuff. Thus, the same thing goes to our support towards them. As long as they are determined to fight for their rights, so we have to always be at their side.

Sister Yasmine, a Palestinian, said that, "Just give a prayer for us." See? They never ask for our wealth and money. It is just that, they need our prayers!

For those who have excessive wealth and money, you may contact Aqsa Syarif to deliver your material support to Palestinians. Please have a visit at www.aqsasyarif.org.my for more info. Allah SWT said in Surah al-Baqarah; 

And the example of those who spend their wealth 

seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] 

themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour - 

so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, 

then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing. (265)

[Sahih International]

wake-up hearts!

Allah SWT said in Surah al-Ankabut; 

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book 

and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, 

and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. (45)

[Sahih International]  

I believe that, this ayah is one of the famous ayah among us! But, to what extent did we ponder and think about this ayah? We prayed sharp on time, but at the same time, we behaved immorally and go against Allah's command right? Well, I'm not going to talk about how to gain earnest in prayer. Yet, I'm not a future ustaz ustazah to talk about this. 

However, once, my friend asked our ustaz on how to gain earnest in remembrance of Allah. That ustaz said, "Freed yourself from canker." Brothers and sisters, maybe you are wondering, and let say if you sit in front of beside me right now, you might asked me, "HOW" right? In this post, I'll revealed the steps taken by Hawa and Nafs to conquer our behavior because I always believe that, in order to stop something, we must have at least an idea on how it works.

First, under the fiat of Syaitan, Hawa and Nafs will create an inner fleeting thoughts (khatir/khawatir) inside our hearts. For example, when you see someone dressed in a vogue, improper way, Hawa and Nafs will take this chance to incite your mind, maybe by crafting an idea which states that, "He or she looks sophisticated and up-to-date in that dress!" 

Second, Hawa and Nafs will develop a desire (rughbah) inside your heart! A desire to look cool and chic in front of others just like that someone you see just now. A desire is not enough to totally change your behavior. The next step is by instilling the willingness and determination ('azm) in your heart. At this moment, your heart may whisper, "I wanna be like him or her!" 

Fourth, you will said to yourself, "I must be like him or her!" This is what we called as intention (niyyat). Once you flourished your heart with this intention, Hawa and Nafs will then guide you on how to achieve your unbreakable intention. Then, you will begin with going to shopping complex and buy any fashionable clothes. maybe.

After that, you will try to dress in the same way as the one you see just now. In the so-called funky and happening style! This stage is known as action (fi'l). Finally, you will keep on dressing in that way until it become a part of your life or easily said your habit.

Sorry to say, but it seems too easy for Hawa and Nafs to conquer ourselves right? They are unseen but very cunning! Did you noticed that, they first conquered our heart? That's why Rasulullah SAW said; 

Indeed, and in the body there is a piece of flesh. If it is sound, 

the rest of the body will be sound. If it is corrupt, the rest of the body 

will be corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart!

[al-Bukhari, Muslim & Ibn Hibban]

InsyaAllah, in my next post, I'll share on how to fight against them. With hope, at that time, we are ready for a big battle in our life.