The month of Ramadhan is coming and for Muslims, Ramadhan is a special month where the chances for reward from Allah are aplenty. It’s all up to the individual to seize it and do their best in making the month a fulfilling one.
The general idea behind it is to fast, pray as much as you can, read and ponder upon the Qur’an as much as you can and do lots of other good deeds. Here are some of the special characteristics of Ramadhan as compared to other months.
---> It is the month where observing fasting is prescribed to Muslims
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an
‘O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious) [surah al-Baqarah: 183]
In a hadeeth by Rasulullah (peace be upon him)
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) : Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said,”As-Saum(fasting) is Junnah (protection or shield or a screen or a shelter from the Hell-fire*). So, the person observing Saum (fasting) should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if anybody fights with him or abuses him he should say to him twice, ‘I am fasting.’” The Prophet (peace be upon him) added,” By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah (ta'ala) than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Saum (fast) is for Me**. So I reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.’ “ [Sahih al-Bukhari, 3/1894 (O.P. 188)]
* See Fath Al-Bari, Vol. 5, Page 5
** Although all practices of worshipping are for Allah, here Allah (ta'ala) singles out Saum (fasting), because fasting cannot be practiced for the sake of showing off, as nobody except Allah can know whether one is fasting or not. Therefore, fasting is a pure performance that cannot be blemished with hypocrisy. (Fath Al-Bari)
---> It is the month when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah says in the Qur’an,
‘The month of Ramadhan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the Criterion (between right and wrong). [Surah al-Baqarah: 185]
---> It is the month where the Gates of Heaven are opened to provide endless rewards to those who are consistent in their worship and deeds for the sake of Allah. Prophet Muhammad said in one of his hadeeth:
”When the month of Ramadhan arrives, the gates of heaven will be opened.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
---> And in this month lies the Night of Al-Qadr(Decree) where a night is better than a thousand months.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree^). And what will you know about the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrail (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn."^^ (Surah Al-Qadr: 1-5)
^ Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments i.e. the matters of deaths, births, provisions, calamities, etc. for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah.
^^ Narrated A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) Allah Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Search for the Night of Al-Qadr in th odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan,” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 3/2017 (O.P.234)]
So with this little knowledge at hand, let us strive for the best! May Allah give us strength and motivation to do our best in the coming Ramadhan, and to maintain it after that.. May Allah protect us from the evil of our nafs, from Syaitan, his Army, those that are similar to it and other distractions that may lead us astray.. May Allah guide us to be sincere in our worship and deeds and perform our worship and deeds only for Allah.. May Allah accept our worship and deeds. Ameen.
Wallahu'alam.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Importance of Sunnah in Islam
Just to share about a video ceramah from DR MAZA about the importance of Sunnah and to stay away from what’s not sunnah. For the link to the video Click Here!
The ceramah begins with Dr Asri citing about two persons back in history that we can learn from. One is the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Thalib and the other, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay the head of Munafiqeen(Hypocrites).
Abu Thalib loved the prophet dearly, probably much more than most of us and would do anything to protect him from the Quraysh tribe. As a result, he was even deserted by the tribe. But in the end, he himself didn’t follow the Prophet’s teachings and call to Islam. On the other hand, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay ibn Salul, on the outside, followed the Prophets’ teachings and did everything the Prophet taught about Islam but in his heart lies a deep sense of hatred for the Prophet and Islam.
Both cannot be considered as Muslims, as merely the deep sense of love for the Prophet but not following his teachings(Sunnah) and also following the Sunnah of the Prophet without loving the Prophet is not enough. Therefore, it is imperative to love our Prophet and also to follow the teachings of the Prophet and to abide by it.
Dr Asri goes on to explain, that no Muslim will be safe even if he is termed as a Mufti, Imam, a King or Governer. It doesn’t constitute anything in Allah’s view. The only ones who would be safe would be those who follow the Sunnah.
The second point is about those who are inclined to religion and the wish to end up in heaven. It doesn’t just cater to Muslims only. All those of the other religions wish the same, be it they practice different forms of prayers and rituals. All of them are sincere in religious practices, hoping to go to Heaven. No sane person would go to extremes in their worship intending to go to Hell.
But in the Islamic context, sincerity is not enough. If a person is sincere but doesn’t follow the basis of Islam, the Qur’an and the Sunnah, then the person will not be safe from Hellfire. What’s the difference between Islam and other religions? Other religions innovate their form of worship and creed but Muslims practice Islam according to the words of Allah ‘Azza Wajalla,i.e. the Qur’an, through Allah’s messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Thirdly, he speaks about the basis of understanding Akidah or Creed in religion. It is natural for everybody to have an inclination for the belief that there is a Supreme Being out there, that there is a God. An simple example he brought forward was that even a tribe in a jungle that is secluded away from the civilised world , barring any influences would have a God that they belief in, according to how they justify God.
Even for a person who is only Muslim by name, and had never practiced Islam in his life, when he comes to a critical point in his life such as facing death, with the doctors saying that there were no possible causes for cure, he will search for Allah, hoping for his safety and possibly a cure through prayers.
Explaining the search for or belief of God is a natural thing, similar to a guy liking a girl or a mother caring for her child, Dr Asri described the situation during the days before Prophet Muhammad and Islam, where the people of Makkah had already believed in God and named God, Allah. Prophet Muhammad’s name is Muhammad ibn Abdullah. Abdullah, the name given by the Prophet’s grandfather to his father means ‘servant of Allah’.
He then related to an incident (citing from historian ibn Hisham) during a period of the Prophet’s grandfather, Abdul Muthalib’s where the Elephant Army under the command of Abrahah al-Ashram from Yemen intends to destroy the Ka’bah at Makkah. Abdul Muthalib’s camels had been seized by Abrahah’s army and he went to Abrahah to claim his camels. Abrahah was surprised at Abdul Muthalib’s request only for his camels and not for the safety of Ka’bah that he was about to destroy. Abdul Muthalib replied that he is the rightful owner of the camels and that Ka’bah belongs to Allah. Allah will take care of it Himself. And true enough the plan was foiled and Abrahah and his Army perished (ref to Surah al-Fil)
This proves that the Quraysh during the period before Islam already had a strong belief in Allah. They knew and believed that Ka'bah would be protected by Allah from the pending attack of Abrahah's Elephant Army. They named the Ka’bah ‘baitullah’ (House of Allah). But still, Allah sent Prophet Muhammad to them to enlighten them on the truth, as the basis of thier Creed is not right and they were not practicing their beliefs as Allah had wanted them to.
He then described how a secluded tribe in the jungle would probably get their ideas about how God would look like and how to pray to their God, without the guidance of Allah. And he sums up two important points at the end, which we shouldn’t practice in Islam. Firstly, not to try describe Allah without the guidance of Qur’an and Hadith(Prophets’ sayings). Secondly, not to think of any forms of worship other than what have been directed in the Qur’an and Hadith. Without the basis of this two, it would be similar as to how the secluded tribe would derive thier ideas about worshipping God.
He then brings up an athar sahih [athar - History about the actions and deeds of the Prophets' companions (may Allah be pleased with them)] riwayat Ad-Darimi about ibn Mas’ud stumbling upon an innovated practice, already happening just shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). [Read the full version in one of my previous posts] Link Here!
Dr Asri then described how people would react upon discovering that what they had previously practiced was termed as bid’ah(innovation). The person would probably think,” Hm, it can’t be that our leaders and ‘ulamas of the past had been wrong? How can they not know? Aren’t we supposed to follow ‘ijma ‘ulama?
And he explained what ‘ijma ulama means, differing from what most would have understood its meaning, assuming or understanding it as the views of ‘ulama. ‘Ijma ulama actually means the consensus and total agreement of all ‘ulamas in the world. If even one ‘ulama disagrees, it cannot be termed as ‘ijma ulama.
Then, he threw out a question. Is it true that each and every views of ‘ulamas are all correct? While respecting the past ‘ulamas in view of their tireless, extraordinary efforts and sincerity, still, they are unlike Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who are free from mistakes. If we find a view from an ‘ulama that is different from Qur’an and Hadith, are we suppose to accept the view on top of what is clearly from the Qur’an or Hadith?
And he explains that normally, it is hard to find any differences in ‘ulamas views on the Qur’an as it is quite clear. The difference in views is normally on the Hadith due to the existence of a large volume of collection of Hadith. And he explains that if an ‘ulama’s view is different from the Qur’an or Hadith, it doesn’t mean that he intended to go against them. He had probably made a mistake, forgot or he didn’t know about the existence of the Hadith that had been found many years later, after he had decided on his views.
This is because the total collection of Hadith had not been completed, unlike the Qur’an, perfect, all in one compilation. The Hadiths from the Prophet had been passed down to his companions and after the Prophets’ death, many companions migrated and dispersed to many different countries and continents along with the Hadiths that they had memorised or recorded. So it is not impossible that ‘ulamas have different views about a certain ruling in Islam, different from what is stated in a hadith. He may have yet to discover about the hadith during that time.
That is probably why Imam asy-Syafie adviced his student.. (translated)"Every word that I say and if it is found from what is sahih(agreed upon most or all scholars) that is said to have come from RasullulLah which is against my opinion, then that(Prophet's s.a.w Hadeeth) is to be placed first and foremost, don't you follow mine"- Al-Zahabi, Siyar 'Alam al-Nubala', 10/33 [i.e. dont follow him in his opinions which is not in accordance to RasululLah s.a.w. sunnah]
So, if we ever find a hadith that is different from the views of ‘ulama, we should put the view from hadith first and foremost. If we were to regard all the views and sayings of ‘ulama as perfect, in the end as a result, the Qur’an and Sunnah will be neglected.
Then, he discussed about the reality of the general forms of understanding and practicing Islam among all Muslims. If we were to ask Shi’ites or 'Sisters in Islam', or any Muslim political groups in Malaysia or Mu’tazilah or Jabariyyah or even different states in Malaysia, what’s the basis of their practice in Islam? Everyone would say, the Qur’an and Sunnah. But why are they different in some or many areas? That’s because, many of them interprete Qur’an and Sunnah according to how they think.
So, is there a way that we can possibly be safe from the wrong interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah? Yes, there is a way and that is described by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the following hadith,
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My Ummah (nation) will split into seventy three sects, all of which will go to Hellfire, except for one.” The companions asked: “Which one is that O Messenger of Allah?” He replied:”The one that will be upon the way of me and my companions.” (at-Tirmidhi and Ahmad)
So, to cease the disparity as to which group is correct according to each different version of interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah, we can take the way that is advised to be safe by our Prophet (peace be upon him), that we practice Islam according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, according to how it was practiced and understood during the time of the Prophet, the companions, at-tabi’in and atba’u tabi’in ('ulamas who lived shortly after). The companions and 'ulamas who lived shortly after had the best knowledge and understanding of Islam as they lived during or closest to our Prophets' time and they are mentioned by the Prophet himself.
Lastly, he reminded and explained the importance and responsibilities of ‘ulamas, Muftis, Imams in being truthful and careful in imparting the correct Islamic knowledge to the Muslims under them.
That’s about it, just a brief summary of the ceramah, for myself and to share with others. Click on the link above for the whole ceramah in Malay. Please correct me if I have erred in the post.
May Allah guide us all to the right path and to practice Islam according to the way that He would like us to. Ameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
The ceramah begins with Dr Asri citing about two persons back in history that we can learn from. One is the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Thalib and the other, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay the head of Munafiqeen(Hypocrites).
Abu Thalib loved the prophet dearly, probably much more than most of us and would do anything to protect him from the Quraysh tribe. As a result, he was even deserted by the tribe. But in the end, he himself didn’t follow the Prophet’s teachings and call to Islam. On the other hand, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay ibn Salul, on the outside, followed the Prophets’ teachings and did everything the Prophet taught about Islam but in his heart lies a deep sense of hatred for the Prophet and Islam.
Both cannot be considered as Muslims, as merely the deep sense of love for the Prophet but not following his teachings(Sunnah) and also following the Sunnah of the Prophet without loving the Prophet is not enough. Therefore, it is imperative to love our Prophet and also to follow the teachings of the Prophet and to abide by it.
Dr Asri goes on to explain, that no Muslim will be safe even if he is termed as a Mufti, Imam, a King or Governer. It doesn’t constitute anything in Allah’s view. The only ones who would be safe would be those who follow the Sunnah.
The second point is about those who are inclined to religion and the wish to end up in heaven. It doesn’t just cater to Muslims only. All those of the other religions wish the same, be it they practice different forms of prayers and rituals. All of them are sincere in religious practices, hoping to go to Heaven. No sane person would go to extremes in their worship intending to go to Hell.
But in the Islamic context, sincerity is not enough. If a person is sincere but doesn’t follow the basis of Islam, the Qur’an and the Sunnah, then the person will not be safe from Hellfire. What’s the difference between Islam and other religions? Other religions innovate their form of worship and creed but Muslims practice Islam according to the words of Allah ‘Azza Wajalla,i.e. the Qur’an, through Allah’s messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Thirdly, he speaks about the basis of understanding Akidah or Creed in religion. It is natural for everybody to have an inclination for the belief that there is a Supreme Being out there, that there is a God. An simple example he brought forward was that even a tribe in a jungle that is secluded away from the civilised world , barring any influences would have a God that they belief in, according to how they justify God.
Even for a person who is only Muslim by name, and had never practiced Islam in his life, when he comes to a critical point in his life such as facing death, with the doctors saying that there were no possible causes for cure, he will search for Allah, hoping for his safety and possibly a cure through prayers.
Explaining the search for or belief of God is a natural thing, similar to a guy liking a girl or a mother caring for her child, Dr Asri described the situation during the days before Prophet Muhammad and Islam, where the people of Makkah had already believed in God and named God, Allah. Prophet Muhammad’s name is Muhammad ibn Abdullah. Abdullah, the name given by the Prophet’s grandfather to his father means ‘servant of Allah’.
He then related to an incident (citing from historian ibn Hisham) during a period of the Prophet’s grandfather, Abdul Muthalib’s where the Elephant Army under the command of Abrahah al-Ashram from Yemen intends to destroy the Ka’bah at Makkah. Abdul Muthalib’s camels had been seized by Abrahah’s army and he went to Abrahah to claim his camels. Abrahah was surprised at Abdul Muthalib’s request only for his camels and not for the safety of Ka’bah that he was about to destroy. Abdul Muthalib replied that he is the rightful owner of the camels and that Ka’bah belongs to Allah. Allah will take care of it Himself. And true enough the plan was foiled and Abrahah and his Army perished (ref to Surah al-Fil)
This proves that the Quraysh during the period before Islam already had a strong belief in Allah. They knew and believed that Ka'bah would be protected by Allah from the pending attack of Abrahah's Elephant Army. They named the Ka’bah ‘baitullah’ (House of Allah). But still, Allah sent Prophet Muhammad to them to enlighten them on the truth, as the basis of thier Creed is not right and they were not practicing their beliefs as Allah had wanted them to.
He then described how a secluded tribe in the jungle would probably get their ideas about how God would look like and how to pray to their God, without the guidance of Allah. And he sums up two important points at the end, which we shouldn’t practice in Islam. Firstly, not to try describe Allah without the guidance of Qur’an and Hadith(Prophets’ sayings). Secondly, not to think of any forms of worship other than what have been directed in the Qur’an and Hadith. Without the basis of this two, it would be similar as to how the secluded tribe would derive thier ideas about worshipping God.
He then brings up an athar sahih [athar - History about the actions and deeds of the Prophets' companions (may Allah be pleased with them)] riwayat Ad-Darimi about ibn Mas’ud stumbling upon an innovated practice, already happening just shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). [Read the full version in one of my previous posts] Link Here!
Dr Asri then described how people would react upon discovering that what they had previously practiced was termed as bid’ah(innovation). The person would probably think,” Hm, it can’t be that our leaders and ‘ulamas of the past had been wrong? How can they not know? Aren’t we supposed to follow ‘ijma ‘ulama?
And he explained what ‘ijma ulama means, differing from what most would have understood its meaning, assuming or understanding it as the views of ‘ulama. ‘Ijma ulama actually means the consensus and total agreement of all ‘ulamas in the world. If even one ‘ulama disagrees, it cannot be termed as ‘ijma ulama.
Then, he threw out a question. Is it true that each and every views of ‘ulamas are all correct? While respecting the past ‘ulamas in view of their tireless, extraordinary efforts and sincerity, still, they are unlike Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who are free from mistakes. If we find a view from an ‘ulama that is different from Qur’an and Hadith, are we suppose to accept the view on top of what is clearly from the Qur’an or Hadith?
And he explains that normally, it is hard to find any differences in ‘ulamas views on the Qur’an as it is quite clear. The difference in views is normally on the Hadith due to the existence of a large volume of collection of Hadith. And he explains that if an ‘ulama’s view is different from the Qur’an or Hadith, it doesn’t mean that he intended to go against them. He had probably made a mistake, forgot or he didn’t know about the existence of the Hadith that had been found many years later, after he had decided on his views.
This is because the total collection of Hadith had not been completed, unlike the Qur’an, perfect, all in one compilation. The Hadiths from the Prophet had been passed down to his companions and after the Prophets’ death, many companions migrated and dispersed to many different countries and continents along with the Hadiths that they had memorised or recorded. So it is not impossible that ‘ulamas have different views about a certain ruling in Islam, different from what is stated in a hadith. He may have yet to discover about the hadith during that time.
That is probably why Imam asy-Syafie adviced his student.. (translated)"Every word that I say and if it is found from what is sahih(agreed upon most or all scholars) that is said to have come from RasullulLah which is against my opinion, then that(Prophet's s.a.w Hadeeth) is to be placed first and foremost, don't you follow mine"- Al-Zahabi, Siyar 'Alam al-Nubala', 10/33 [i.e. dont follow him in his opinions which is not in accordance to RasululLah s.a.w. sunnah]
So, if we ever find a hadith that is different from the views of ‘ulama, we should put the view from hadith first and foremost. If we were to regard all the views and sayings of ‘ulama as perfect, in the end as a result, the Qur’an and Sunnah will be neglected.
Then, he discussed about the reality of the general forms of understanding and practicing Islam among all Muslims. If we were to ask Shi’ites or 'Sisters in Islam', or any Muslim political groups in Malaysia or Mu’tazilah or Jabariyyah or even different states in Malaysia, what’s the basis of their practice in Islam? Everyone would say, the Qur’an and Sunnah. But why are they different in some or many areas? That’s because, many of them interprete Qur’an and Sunnah according to how they think.
So, is there a way that we can possibly be safe from the wrong interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah? Yes, there is a way and that is described by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the following hadith,
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “My Ummah (nation) will split into seventy three sects, all of which will go to Hellfire, except for one.” The companions asked: “Which one is that O Messenger of Allah?” He replied:”The one that will be upon the way of me and my companions.” (at-Tirmidhi and Ahmad)
So, to cease the disparity as to which group is correct according to each different version of interpretation of the Qur’an and Sunnah, we can take the way that is advised to be safe by our Prophet (peace be upon him), that we practice Islam according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, according to how it was practiced and understood during the time of the Prophet, the companions, at-tabi’in and atba’u tabi’in ('ulamas who lived shortly after). The companions and 'ulamas who lived shortly after had the best knowledge and understanding of Islam as they lived during or closest to our Prophets' time and they are mentioned by the Prophet himself.
Lastly, he reminded and explained the importance and responsibilities of ‘ulamas, Muftis, Imams in being truthful and careful in imparting the correct Islamic knowledge to the Muslims under them.
That’s about it, just a brief summary of the ceramah, for myself and to share with others. Click on the link above for the whole ceramah in Malay. Please correct me if I have erred in the post.
May Allah guide us all to the right path and to practice Islam according to the way that He would like us to. Ameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Layan Jangan, Lawan pun Jangan
Article from Saifulislam.com..Link Here!
“Ustaz, bagaimanakah caranya untuk saya mengelakkan diri daripada bercinta semasa belajar? Apakah kaedah yang boleh digunakan?”, tanya seorang peserta kepada saya di dalam ceramah Aku Terima Nikahnya, anjuran Nisa’ WP tempoh hari.
“Oleh kerana kita sudah berbicara tentang kuasa cinta, maka saya berpandangan, cinta tidak boleh dilawan dan tidak boleh dilayan. Untuk menjadi mangsa kuasa cinta, tidak perlu melayan cinta, sebaliknya melawan cinta juga sama kesannya”, saya memberikan jawapan.
Saya bukan Profesor Serba Tahu yang ada jawapan untuk semua soalan. Maka jawapan-jawapan saya lebih kepada perkongsian. Mana yang baik, jadikan teladan. Mana yang buruk, jadikan sempadan.
Soal melayan cinta, memang tidak sukar melihat akibatnya. Sudah banyak kali saya perkatakan sebelum ini berkenaan kesan melayan cinta tanpa kebarangkalian cinta itu mencapai perkahwinan.
Tetapi soalnya kali ini ialah perbuatan melawan cinta.
Peserta tersebut bertanyakan kepada saya, apakah dengan mengelakkan diri daripada mendengar lagu cinta termasuk nasyid cinta, maka dirinya boleh terelak daripada terjebak ke dalam cinta.
Hakikatnya, cinta tidak perlu dilayan atau dilawan. Hanya dengan mengingatinya dengan cara apa sekali pun, seseorang itu sudah pun duduk di bawah pengaruh cinta. Mengingati cinta lalu melayannya, ada akibat yang kita sedia maklum. Mengingati cinta lalu melawannya, juga ada kesan yang tidak baik.
“Macam mana cara orang melawan cinta?”, saya bertanya.
Peserta tersenyum-senyum. Begitu juga dengan penyoal.
“Bercakap kasar dengan lelaki atau bercakap pedas dengan perempuan?”, saya mengemukakan cadangan tentang cara biasa melawan cinta.
MELAWAN CINTA
Biasa benar saya bertemu dengan muslimat yang mahu melawan cinta, bercakap dengan lelaki seperti seorang askar bertitah kepada anak buahnya. Kalau sekali pun al-Quran menganjurkan perempuan supaya jangan melunakkan suara ketika bercakap dengan lelaki ajnabi, tidak pula sekali-kali al-Quran mengajar alternatifnya begitu.
Cakap biasa sudahlah.
Jika sudah biasa bercakap kasar dengan lelaki kerana kononnya sedang memerangi cinta, lama-lama sudah bercinta dengan suami pun masih terbiasa bercakap kasar. Itu penangan melawan cinta.
Sama juga dengan yang lelaki.
Kalau melawan cinta itu caranya ialah dengan me’laser’ perempuan, bercakap yang pedas-pedas hingga teresak-esak setiap perempuan yang berurusan dengannya, hati-hati! Jangan pula selepas berkahwin nanti pun, bermulut pedas kerana pengalaman bujang menentang cinta, lebih lama dari pengalaman kahwin menyuburkan cinta.
MENGELAK CINTA
Habis, apa caranya untuk mengelakkan diri dari bercinta?
Oleh kerana lawan pun kena, layan pun sama… maka cara terbaik mengelakkan diri dari cinta di luar masa, ialah dengan MELUPAKANNYA.
Cara untuk melupakan cinta bukanlah dengan memikirkan cara melupakannya. Itu bukan lupa, tapi mengingati cinta secara melupakannya!
Sesungguhnya kaedah terbaik untuk melupakan cinta, ialah dengan menyibukkan diri dengan hal-hal lain yang lebih sesuai dengan masanya.
Sibukkan diri dengan pelajaran dan pengajian seoptima mungkin.
Sibukkan diri dengan kerja-kerja persatuan, aktiviti kemasyarakatan dan lain-lain kegiatan yang bersifat “memberi”.
Sibukkan diri dengan kerja dakwah, kerana dakwah bukan boleh berhasil terus dengan kesediaan. Ia memerlukan latihan, pendedahan, proses buat betul dan buat salah… dan zaman pelajarlah masa terbaik untuknya.
Apabila tiba masa untuk berumahtangga, barulah masukkan cinta dalam agenda ketika diri sudah pun biasa dengan kesibukan, iaitu realiti sebenar kehidupan yang jauh dari angan-angan.
ABU SAIF @ www.saifulislam.com
56000 Kuala Lumpur
“Ustaz, bagaimanakah caranya untuk saya mengelakkan diri daripada bercinta semasa belajar? Apakah kaedah yang boleh digunakan?”, tanya seorang peserta kepada saya di dalam ceramah Aku Terima Nikahnya, anjuran Nisa’ WP tempoh hari.
“Oleh kerana kita sudah berbicara tentang kuasa cinta, maka saya berpandangan, cinta tidak boleh dilawan dan tidak boleh dilayan. Untuk menjadi mangsa kuasa cinta, tidak perlu melayan cinta, sebaliknya melawan cinta juga sama kesannya”, saya memberikan jawapan.
Saya bukan Profesor Serba Tahu yang ada jawapan untuk semua soalan. Maka jawapan-jawapan saya lebih kepada perkongsian. Mana yang baik, jadikan teladan. Mana yang buruk, jadikan sempadan.
Soal melayan cinta, memang tidak sukar melihat akibatnya. Sudah banyak kali saya perkatakan sebelum ini berkenaan kesan melayan cinta tanpa kebarangkalian cinta itu mencapai perkahwinan.
Tetapi soalnya kali ini ialah perbuatan melawan cinta.
Peserta tersebut bertanyakan kepada saya, apakah dengan mengelakkan diri daripada mendengar lagu cinta termasuk nasyid cinta, maka dirinya boleh terelak daripada terjebak ke dalam cinta.
Hakikatnya, cinta tidak perlu dilayan atau dilawan. Hanya dengan mengingatinya dengan cara apa sekali pun, seseorang itu sudah pun duduk di bawah pengaruh cinta. Mengingati cinta lalu melayannya, ada akibat yang kita sedia maklum. Mengingati cinta lalu melawannya, juga ada kesan yang tidak baik.
“Macam mana cara orang melawan cinta?”, saya bertanya.
Peserta tersenyum-senyum. Begitu juga dengan penyoal.
“Bercakap kasar dengan lelaki atau bercakap pedas dengan perempuan?”, saya mengemukakan cadangan tentang cara biasa melawan cinta.
MELAWAN CINTA
Biasa benar saya bertemu dengan muslimat yang mahu melawan cinta, bercakap dengan lelaki seperti seorang askar bertitah kepada anak buahnya. Kalau sekali pun al-Quran menganjurkan perempuan supaya jangan melunakkan suara ketika bercakap dengan lelaki ajnabi, tidak pula sekali-kali al-Quran mengajar alternatifnya begitu.
Cakap biasa sudahlah.
Jika sudah biasa bercakap kasar dengan lelaki kerana kononnya sedang memerangi cinta, lama-lama sudah bercinta dengan suami pun masih terbiasa bercakap kasar. Itu penangan melawan cinta.
Sama juga dengan yang lelaki.
Kalau melawan cinta itu caranya ialah dengan me’laser’ perempuan, bercakap yang pedas-pedas hingga teresak-esak setiap perempuan yang berurusan dengannya, hati-hati! Jangan pula selepas berkahwin nanti pun, bermulut pedas kerana pengalaman bujang menentang cinta, lebih lama dari pengalaman kahwin menyuburkan cinta.
MENGELAK CINTA
Habis, apa caranya untuk mengelakkan diri dari bercinta?
Oleh kerana lawan pun kena, layan pun sama… maka cara terbaik mengelakkan diri dari cinta di luar masa, ialah dengan MELUPAKANNYA.
Cara untuk melupakan cinta bukanlah dengan memikirkan cara melupakannya. Itu bukan lupa, tapi mengingati cinta secara melupakannya!
Sesungguhnya kaedah terbaik untuk melupakan cinta, ialah dengan menyibukkan diri dengan hal-hal lain yang lebih sesuai dengan masanya.
Sibukkan diri dengan pelajaran dan pengajian seoptima mungkin.
Sibukkan diri dengan kerja-kerja persatuan, aktiviti kemasyarakatan dan lain-lain kegiatan yang bersifat “memberi”.
Sibukkan diri dengan kerja dakwah, kerana dakwah bukan boleh berhasil terus dengan kesediaan. Ia memerlukan latihan, pendedahan, proses buat betul dan buat salah… dan zaman pelajarlah masa terbaik untuknya.
Apabila tiba masa untuk berumahtangga, barulah masukkan cinta dalam agenda ketika diri sudah pun biasa dengan kesibukan, iaitu realiti sebenar kehidupan yang jauh dari angan-angan.
ABU SAIF @ www.saifulislam.com
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Friday, August 08, 2008
Ummah Films Video Removed - Copyrighted? JOKE!
Article from ummahfilms.blogspot.com
About an hour ago, I get an email from YouTube notifying me that my video "How I converted to Islam" has been removed due to Copyright violations. I emailed YouTube today about the error and asked them to review the video and verify if any copyrighted rules were violated.
So I'm thinking to myself, "wow...I guess the videos are really making an impact". First, they tried to flood the comment section with negative comments by making up lies about Islam but that didn't really work. Then, they tried making counter videos challenging me to respond but I refused to fall into their trap of useless arguing (I much rather discuss with sincere people rather than argue with ignorant people). So now, they're trying to claim copyright over my material which is hilarious because I don't use even use any audio or video from outside sources. If you watch my videos, its just me sitting in my chair behind a blank wall. What did they copyright? my chair? my wall? haha..
The fact that such losers put so much effort trying to stop the videos tells us that the videos are making an impact Alhamdulillah. I'm not upset but rather find it humorous that people have so much free time to worry about my videos. My videos have been uploaded by Yusuf to over 20 websites and they are broadcast on TV in the middle east and in the UK on a weekly basis (good luck on stopping that). Plus, as long as people don't edit the videos, I've allowed FREE distribution of them, which means that people can upload and videos to websites, blogs, and even show it on TV. In results, the videos have spread to millions and millions of people. So for those who are working hard trying to stop the spread of these videos, we'll... you got your work cut out for you.
By the way, I hope to do another series of videos after Eid InshAllah so I guess I'm going to continue making work for them hahahaha....
About an hour ago, I get an email from YouTube notifying me that my video "How I converted to Islam" has been removed due to Copyright violations. I emailed YouTube today about the error and asked them to review the video and verify if any copyrighted rules were violated.
So I'm thinking to myself, "wow...I guess the videos are really making an impact". First, they tried to flood the comment section with negative comments by making up lies about Islam but that didn't really work. Then, they tried making counter videos challenging me to respond but I refused to fall into their trap of useless arguing (I much rather discuss with sincere people rather than argue with ignorant people). So now, they're trying to claim copyright over my material which is hilarious because I don't use even use any audio or video from outside sources. If you watch my videos, its just me sitting in my chair behind a blank wall. What did they copyright? my chair? my wall? haha..
The fact that such losers put so much effort trying to stop the videos tells us that the videos are making an impact Alhamdulillah. I'm not upset but rather find it humorous that people have so much free time to worry about my videos. My videos have been uploaded by Yusuf to over 20 websites and they are broadcast on TV in the middle east and in the UK on a weekly basis (good luck on stopping that). Plus, as long as people don't edit the videos, I've allowed FREE distribution of them, which means that people can upload and videos to websites, blogs, and even show it on TV. In results, the videos have spread to millions and millions of people. So for those who are working hard trying to stop the spread of these videos, we'll... you got your work cut out for you.
By the way, I hope to do another series of videos after Eid InshAllah so I guess I'm going to continue making work for them hahahaha....
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Keeping 'emoness' in check..
I came across a topic while surfing the net "Teens:Are We More Emo These Days?"..
Thinking back, the most emo I’ve been was during my secondary school days. That was also the period when I was at my most rebellious and carefree state. Not to the point of causing nuisance though. Moderately rebellious. Thankfully, most in my click of friends know where to draw a line between what’s ok and what’s too much. That was also the period where I've seen people who seemed decent and quiet in one semester, make a 180 degree turn and become the total opposite the next. That’s a little outtake about my secondary school life. It was the period of confusion, overly emo, teenage angst and raging hormones.
Now the question, are teens more emo these days? The term ‘more emo’ is used probably because we all generally can be emo. Yea, you too Mr. I’M-NEVER-EMO?!...never konnon..It’s just a matter of how much.
I feel that the answer to that is not so important. What’s more important is to highlight what will be the impact if it is really true that youths are more emo these days and the importance of youths keeping their emoness in check.
We know that the strength of an ummah or a nation lies in its youths. The stronger the youths are, the better it is for the nation and its future. The number one cause for being in an emo state is obviously the four letter word called LOVE. When a teen who naturally falls in love explores it, love blossoms into a relationship, then for many, the relationship falters, then blossoms again with another partner, then falters again. For others, who fall short on the smooth and suave personality, love tragedies take place and those who can’t manage their emotions well, become excessively emo.
When this happens, the malay comedic saying goes,”Makan tak kenyang, tidur tak lena, mandi tak basah” Feeling high and drunk in love, the teen sees his/her significant other everywhere, in his food, in his book, on the face of the bus driver and so on. Being out of love or in a one-sided obsessive love (shiok sendiri) the same goes and the spirit of the youth falters making him waste precious time and lose focus on things that matters more in his life. And this goes for all, regardless whether the person is a law-breaking youth or a promising top scholar.
Many would not agree with me but I’m a staunch believer in the importance of controlling feelings of love and to act upon it only after marriage. Why not? Does Islam permit intimate, loving relationships before marriage? But that would be another story altogether. However it would be the best way in keeping emoness in check. It keeps us in the reality mode. Most pre-marital relationships don’t last and contributes to the society in a more negative rather than a positive way.
I recall reading about an event which happened back in history about the effects that the strengths of youths could yield upon a country. A non-muslim ruler was planning to conquer a Muslim country. Before that, he sent a spy to gather information on the personality of youths in the country. So the spy went and came across a youth, sitting at the sidewalk crying. He asked the youth what had happened. And the youth replied that he had just lost to his friend in an archery practice. Soon the spy went back and reported his findings to the ruler. The ruler decided that the time was not ripe to try conquering the country. Many years later, on similar regular missions the spy came back and reported a different find. He found another youth crying on the sidewalk. This time, the youth had cried because he had just broken up with his lover and was broken-hearted. The ruler gleefully declares that the youths in the country had weakened and it was finally time to gather their forces and begin their assault. The ruler fought hard and became victorious. The long standing Muslim-ruled country fell in a short time along with the declination in the strength and spirit of their youths.
Being in an overly emo state will never allow youths to come even close to striving for the cause of not only Islam but for other aspects of his life as well.
Today, the youth community faces bigger challenges to escape from the emo saga as they are constantly fed with influences from everywhere that contributes to the possibility of being in an emo state with non-stop music to movies to tv series. It would still be ok if they indulge in it once in a while, for leisure. But when entertainment and the same goes for love, becomes the number one priority and as a result, causes them to be influenced by the non-Islamic culture, blinds them about the differences between what's ok and not ok as Muslims and turning them into Emo teens, that will be the beginning of the end of the healthy, motivated and progressive youth we all hope for.
Thinking back, the most emo I’ve been was during my secondary school days. That was also the period when I was at my most rebellious and carefree state. Not to the point of causing nuisance though. Moderately rebellious. Thankfully, most in my click of friends know where to draw a line between what’s ok and what’s too much. That was also the period where I've seen people who seemed decent and quiet in one semester, make a 180 degree turn and become the total opposite the next. That’s a little outtake about my secondary school life. It was the period of confusion, overly emo, teenage angst and raging hormones.
Now the question, are teens more emo these days? The term ‘more emo’ is used probably because we all generally can be emo. Yea, you too Mr. I’M-NEVER-EMO?!...never konnon..It’s just a matter of how much.
I feel that the answer to that is not so important. What’s more important is to highlight what will be the impact if it is really true that youths are more emo these days and the importance of youths keeping their emoness in check.
We know that the strength of an ummah or a nation lies in its youths. The stronger the youths are, the better it is for the nation and its future. The number one cause for being in an emo state is obviously the four letter word called LOVE. When a teen who naturally falls in love explores it, love blossoms into a relationship, then for many, the relationship falters, then blossoms again with another partner, then falters again. For others, who fall short on the smooth and suave personality, love tragedies take place and those who can’t manage their emotions well, become excessively emo.
When this happens, the malay comedic saying goes,”Makan tak kenyang, tidur tak lena, mandi tak basah” Feeling high and drunk in love, the teen sees his/her significant other everywhere, in his food, in his book, on the face of the bus driver and so on. Being out of love or in a one-sided obsessive love (shiok sendiri) the same goes and the spirit of the youth falters making him waste precious time and lose focus on things that matters more in his life. And this goes for all, regardless whether the person is a law-breaking youth or a promising top scholar.
Many would not agree with me but I’m a staunch believer in the importance of controlling feelings of love and to act upon it only after marriage. Why not? Does Islam permit intimate, loving relationships before marriage? But that would be another story altogether. However it would be the best way in keeping emoness in check. It keeps us in the reality mode. Most pre-marital relationships don’t last and contributes to the society in a more negative rather than a positive way.
I recall reading about an event which happened back in history about the effects that the strengths of youths could yield upon a country. A non-muslim ruler was planning to conquer a Muslim country. Before that, he sent a spy to gather information on the personality of youths in the country. So the spy went and came across a youth, sitting at the sidewalk crying. He asked the youth what had happened. And the youth replied that he had just lost to his friend in an archery practice. Soon the spy went back and reported his findings to the ruler. The ruler decided that the time was not ripe to try conquering the country. Many years later, on similar regular missions the spy came back and reported a different find. He found another youth crying on the sidewalk. This time, the youth had cried because he had just broken up with his lover and was broken-hearted. The ruler gleefully declares that the youths in the country had weakened and it was finally time to gather their forces and begin their assault. The ruler fought hard and became victorious. The long standing Muslim-ruled country fell in a short time along with the declination in the strength and spirit of their youths.
Being in an overly emo state will never allow youths to come even close to striving for the cause of not only Islam but for other aspects of his life as well.
Today, the youth community faces bigger challenges to escape from the emo saga as they are constantly fed with influences from everywhere that contributes to the possibility of being in an emo state with non-stop music to movies to tv series. It would still be ok if they indulge in it once in a while, for leisure. But when entertainment and the same goes for love, becomes the number one priority and as a result, causes them to be influenced by the non-Islamic culture, blinds them about the differences between what's ok and not ok as Muslims and turning them into Emo teens, that will be the beginning of the end of the healthy, motivated and progressive youth we all hope for.
Syabas Kepada Mufti Perlis
entry from msomelayu.blogspot.com
Bicara Pagi
Syabas Kepada Mufti Perlis
BARANGKALI saya adalah antara orang-orang yang merasa lega apabila membaca laporan Mufti Perlis, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin tidak bersedia untuk menjadi calon BN pada pilihan raya kecil Permatang Pauh yang akan diumumkan esok.
Lega bukan kerana bimbang beliau akan kalah ditangan Anwar Ibrahim ataupun beliau akan mengancam Anwar, tetapi lega dan senang kerana dunia dan umat Islam masih lagi boleh memiliki beliau. Ilmu yang beliau miliki amat diperlukan untuk membantu umat Islam negara ini.
Kalau beliau terjun ke dalam kancah politik kedudukannya tidak dipandang semulia seperti hari ini lagi. Bila menjejak kaki ke kancah politik beliau tidak dapat elakkan diri daripada condong kepada parti yang dianggotainya. Beliau juga tidak akan dilihat bebas untuk berkata-kata berdasarkan kebenaran lagi.
Kalau beliau menyertai Umno misalnya beliau tidak lagi boleh mengkritik silap dan salah pemimpin Umno. Beliau tidak lagi dapat membaca ayat-ayat Quran dan Hadith mengikuti sepatutnya sebaliknya kena baca ayat-ayat yang menyenangkan orang dan diambil sekerat-sekarat.
Minggu lalu beliau menegur sikap PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang meletakkan kalungan bungan di Tugu Negara.
Cuba kalau beliau menyertai Umno beliau tidak akan 'boleh' berbuat begitu lagi. Beliau hanya kena mendiamkan diri saja. Banyak ulama dan ustaz dalam Umno tahu hukum apa yang dilakukan Abdullah dan perdana menteri sebelum ini tetapi seorang pun tidak berani menegurnya. Mereka sanggup bergulamang dalam dosa secara bersama.
Begitu juga kalau beliau menyertai Pas. Teguran kepada Nik Aziz Nik Mat dan Abdul Hadi Awang tidak boleh dilakukan lagi. Semuanya akan diiyakan bahkan menjadi tukang tambah pula terhadap kata-kata mereka itu.
Sudah banyak ustaz dan ulama yang menceburi diri dalam politik akhirnya musnah. Mereka yang sebelumnya dilihat memiliki ilmu tinggi tiba-tiba runtuh sebaik saja berada dalam politik dan setelah mendapat kuasa duniawi itu.
Tidak dapat lari kalau menyertai politik mereka kena bercakap bohong, kena menggunakan kaedah matlamat menghalalkan cara, kena berdolak dalih dan kena bersifat hipokrit. Tasbeh dan Quran hanya lambang saja bukan untuk diamalkan.
Bagi orang politik kalau tidak memiliki sifat itu tidak lengkap.
Saya mendoakan semoga Asri akan kekal dengan pendirian dan siasah yang diambilnya kini. Hari ini beliau diterima dan menjadi rujukan semua orang. Semua pihak menggunakan ilmunya, baik BN, Pas dan lain-lain. Semua parti sukakan atas keberaniannya. Beliau seorang ulama gantang yang progresif dan dinamik.
Mudah-mudahan Allah s.w.t. memberi kekukuhan iman kepada Asri untuk teguh dengan pendiriannya, menjadi ilmuan dan cendekiawan Islam yang senantiasa dirujuk oleh umat Islam. Beliau didoakan juga terus berani menegur dan memberi jalan-jalan pemikiran dan pegangan hidup baru yang progresif sesuai dengan Islam sebagai way of life. Pendirian dan peranaan beliau juga mudah-mudahan menjadi ikutan generasi rabbani yang baru! [wm.kl 8:00 05/08/07]
Bicara Pagi
Syabas Kepada Mufti Perlis
BARANGKALI saya adalah antara orang-orang yang merasa lega apabila membaca laporan Mufti Perlis, Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin tidak bersedia untuk menjadi calon BN pada pilihan raya kecil Permatang Pauh yang akan diumumkan esok.
Lega bukan kerana bimbang beliau akan kalah ditangan Anwar Ibrahim ataupun beliau akan mengancam Anwar, tetapi lega dan senang kerana dunia dan umat Islam masih lagi boleh memiliki beliau. Ilmu yang beliau miliki amat diperlukan untuk membantu umat Islam negara ini.
Kalau beliau terjun ke dalam kancah politik kedudukannya tidak dipandang semulia seperti hari ini lagi. Bila menjejak kaki ke kancah politik beliau tidak dapat elakkan diri daripada condong kepada parti yang dianggotainya. Beliau juga tidak akan dilihat bebas untuk berkata-kata berdasarkan kebenaran lagi.
Kalau beliau menyertai Umno misalnya beliau tidak lagi boleh mengkritik silap dan salah pemimpin Umno. Beliau tidak lagi dapat membaca ayat-ayat Quran dan Hadith mengikuti sepatutnya sebaliknya kena baca ayat-ayat yang menyenangkan orang dan diambil sekerat-sekarat.
Minggu lalu beliau menegur sikap PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang meletakkan kalungan bungan di Tugu Negara.
Cuba kalau beliau menyertai Umno beliau tidak akan 'boleh' berbuat begitu lagi. Beliau hanya kena mendiamkan diri saja. Banyak ulama dan ustaz dalam Umno tahu hukum apa yang dilakukan Abdullah dan perdana menteri sebelum ini tetapi seorang pun tidak berani menegurnya. Mereka sanggup bergulamang dalam dosa secara bersama.
Begitu juga kalau beliau menyertai Pas. Teguran kepada Nik Aziz Nik Mat dan Abdul Hadi Awang tidak boleh dilakukan lagi. Semuanya akan diiyakan bahkan menjadi tukang tambah pula terhadap kata-kata mereka itu.
Sudah banyak ustaz dan ulama yang menceburi diri dalam politik akhirnya musnah. Mereka yang sebelumnya dilihat memiliki ilmu tinggi tiba-tiba runtuh sebaik saja berada dalam politik dan setelah mendapat kuasa duniawi itu.
Tidak dapat lari kalau menyertai politik mereka kena bercakap bohong, kena menggunakan kaedah matlamat menghalalkan cara, kena berdolak dalih dan kena bersifat hipokrit. Tasbeh dan Quran hanya lambang saja bukan untuk diamalkan.
Bagi orang politik kalau tidak memiliki sifat itu tidak lengkap.
Saya mendoakan semoga Asri akan kekal dengan pendirian dan siasah yang diambilnya kini. Hari ini beliau diterima dan menjadi rujukan semua orang. Semua pihak menggunakan ilmunya, baik BN, Pas dan lain-lain. Semua parti sukakan atas keberaniannya. Beliau seorang ulama gantang yang progresif dan dinamik.
Mudah-mudahan Allah s.w.t. memberi kekukuhan iman kepada Asri untuk teguh dengan pendiriannya, menjadi ilmuan dan cendekiawan Islam yang senantiasa dirujuk oleh umat Islam. Beliau didoakan juga terus berani menegur dan memberi jalan-jalan pemikiran dan pegangan hidup baru yang progresif sesuai dengan Islam sebagai way of life. Pendirian dan peranaan beliau juga mudah-mudahan menjadi ikutan generasi rabbani yang baru! [wm.kl 8:00 05/08/07]
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Imam who??
How much do we know the past Islamic scholars?
One of the many things that is largely missing in my life as a Muslim growing up in these modern times is the knowledge of past Islamic scholars. Till now I'm still guilty of being totally ignorant of many great Islamic scholars of the past though I have at least some knowledge of the profiles of popular figures in the world of politics, sports and entertainment industry.
I've also noticed this ignorance being prevalent among most Muslims in general. Once, I was watching a video on Hassan al-Banna and someone asked what was the video I was watching about. I replied its on Hassan al-Banna. The person said, puzzled "Hassan al-Banna? Who's THAT?!" And this, coming from a person with a religious background.
The most known Islamic scholar here is probably Imam asy-Syafi'i and an-Nawawi as the Muslim education in Singapore is based largely on the Syafi'e school of thought. And also the other three scholars of the four main schools of thought, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad. But when the names of other great Islamic scholars are mentioned such as Adz-Dhahabi, Imam Ibn Taimiyyah, Ibn Katheer, Ibn Qayyim, most are clueless.
In fact, what spurred me to discover about some of the other Muslims scholars was sadly due to negative reasons. I had discovered some articles about Muslims dissing some Islamic scholars past and present suggesting and accusing them being out of the Islamic creed. And it got me thinking, is this true? These are Islamic scholars who dedicate their entire lives striving for the cause of Islam. How could they have been so wrong about their basic believes?
And alhamdulillah, after doing some research, I came to my own conclusion that there are some people out there who really have nothing to do but spread lies and judge unfairly on these Islamic scholars for their own thwarted agenda and not sincerely for the truth or cause of Islam. Worse, some are Muslims themselves.
I feel that so much can be done in the Islamic education system or among Muslims generally to learn the history and great achievements of past Islamic scholars. From their history, we can learn much about their lives, what happened during those periods, and lessons to learn from the actions of Muslims, positive or negative, during those times. From their lives and achievements, we will be inspired and look up to them as one of the many role models in our lives in addition to Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and his most trusted companions.
It will not be easy to re-package the education of past Islamic scholars in a way that will generate widespread interest among the general mainstream Muslims though. The traditional way of educating history still, normally bores people. But it's something that is very important to have Muslims identify and realize the grace, beauty and greatness that Islam brings...when it is practiced properly as a way life.
p.s. --> check out Muslimheritage.com.
One of the many things that is largely missing in my life as a Muslim growing up in these modern times is the knowledge of past Islamic scholars. Till now I'm still guilty of being totally ignorant of many great Islamic scholars of the past though I have at least some knowledge of the profiles of popular figures in the world of politics, sports and entertainment industry.
I've also noticed this ignorance being prevalent among most Muslims in general. Once, I was watching a video on Hassan al-Banna and someone asked what was the video I was watching about. I replied its on Hassan al-Banna. The person said, puzzled "Hassan al-Banna? Who's THAT?!" And this, coming from a person with a religious background.
The most known Islamic scholar here is probably Imam asy-Syafi'i and an-Nawawi as the Muslim education in Singapore is based largely on the Syafi'e school of thought. And also the other three scholars of the four main schools of thought, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad. But when the names of other great Islamic scholars are mentioned such as Adz-Dhahabi, Imam Ibn Taimiyyah, Ibn Katheer, Ibn Qayyim, most are clueless.
In fact, what spurred me to discover about some of the other Muslims scholars was sadly due to negative reasons. I had discovered some articles about Muslims dissing some Islamic scholars past and present suggesting and accusing them being out of the Islamic creed. And it got me thinking, is this true? These are Islamic scholars who dedicate their entire lives striving for the cause of Islam. How could they have been so wrong about their basic believes?
And alhamdulillah, after doing some research, I came to my own conclusion that there are some people out there who really have nothing to do but spread lies and judge unfairly on these Islamic scholars for their own thwarted agenda and not sincerely for the truth or cause of Islam. Worse, some are Muslims themselves.
I feel that so much can be done in the Islamic education system or among Muslims generally to learn the history and great achievements of past Islamic scholars. From their history, we can learn much about their lives, what happened during those periods, and lessons to learn from the actions of Muslims, positive or negative, during those times. From their lives and achievements, we will be inspired and look up to them as one of the many role models in our lives in addition to Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and his most trusted companions.
It will not be easy to re-package the education of past Islamic scholars in a way that will generate widespread interest among the general mainstream Muslims though. The traditional way of educating history still, normally bores people. But it's something that is very important to have Muslims identify and realize the grace, beauty and greatness that Islam brings...when it is practiced properly as a way life.
p.s. --> check out Muslimheritage.com.
Friday, August 01, 2008
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