Stumbled upon this enlightening entry in a blog (mahfuzhafiz.blogspot.com) by bro Mahfuz an Al-Azhar University undergrad.. just to share
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Kisah Semut
izinkan saya berkongsi sebuah kisah perihal semut yang telah dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran di dalam surah An-Naml(17-19). Walaupun kisah ini hanya merangkumi 3 ayat di dalam Al-Quran tetapi banyak pengajaran yang dapat kita ambil demi kemaslahatan umat. Di antara keistimewaan Nabi Sulaiman a.s ialah beliau dikurniakan Allah dengan tentera yang terdiri dari pasukan-pasukan manusia,jin dan burung. Angkatan tentera yang besar dan cukup lengkap ini membantu Nabi Sulaiman a.s menjaga keselamatan negerinya dari ancaman musuh. Pada suatu hari Nabi Sulaiman a.s mengumpulkan kesemua bala tenteranya dan mengaturnya dengan rapi.
17. Dan dihimpunkan bagi Nabi Sulaiman bala tenteranya, dari jin dan manusia serta burung; lalu mereka dijaga serta diatur keadaan dan perjalanan masing-masing.
Maka maralah tentera Sulaiman sehingga mereka tiba di sebuah tempat yang bernama “Waadi An-Naml”(Lembah semut) dimana di situ terdapat sebuah kerajaan semut. Semut-semut pada masa itu sedang sibuk menjalankan aktiviti harian mengumpul rezeki. Seekor seemut sedar akan kehadiran tentera Sulaiman maka dia menyeru semut-semut yang lain agar memasuki sarang masing-masing supaya tidak diinjak dan dibinasakan tentera Sulaiman.
18. (Maralah angkatan itu) hingga apabila mereka sampai ke "Waadin-Naml", berkatalah seekor semut: "Wahai sekalian semut, masuklah ke sarang kamu masing-masing, jangan Sulaiman dan tenteranya memijak serta membinasakan kamu, sedang mereka tidak menyedari".
Nabi Sulaiman sedar akan kelakuan semut-semut itu lalu beliau berdoa.
19. Maka tersenyumlah Nabi Sulaiman mendengar kata-kata semut itu, dan berdoa Dengan berkata:" Wahai Tuhanku, ilhamkanlah daku supaya tetap bersyukur akan nikmatMu Yang Engkau kurniakan kepadaKu dan kepada ibu bapaku, dan supaya Aku tetap mengerjakan amal soleh Yang Engkau redai; dan masukkanlah daku - Dengan limpah rahmatMu - Dalam kumpulan hamba-hambaMu Yang soleh".
Demikian kisah yang dirakamkan di dalam Al-Quran mengenai kelakuan seekor semut menyelamatkan seluruh masyarakat semut yang ada di tempat itu.
Al-Quran `menggunakan kalimah “Namlatun” untuk menunjukkan identiti semut yang menjadi penyelamat itu. Namun tidak digunakan kalimah “Maalikun-naml” yang membawa erti raja semut ataupun “Amiirun-Naml” yang membawa erti ketua semut. Begitu juga tidak diidentitikan semut itu sebagai General, Polis ataupun seekor semut yang dikurniakan banyak ilmu pengetahuan tentang agama atau ‘Ustaz’ dikalangan semut. Ia mungkin adalah seekor rakyat biasa tetapi ia telah menjalakan tanggungjawabnya sebagai penyumbang untuk menyelamatkan masyarakatnya. Kisah ini dirakamkan di dalam al-Quran dan Al-Quran diturunkan kepada Umat Islam agar kita dapat mengambil I’tibar dari kisah-kisah seperti ini.
Mari kita lihat keadaan masyarakat Islam sekeliling kita. Adakah mereka menghadapi bahaya seperti mana semut-semut tadi yang berkemungkinan diinjak dan dibinasakan ataupun masyarakat kita berhadapan dengan ancaman bahaya yang lebih dasyat dari itu. Penganutan budaya dan pemikiran yang merosakkan akal dan menjauhkan kita dari Tuhan pencipta alam ini. Budaya Islam yang Agung sudah kabur di mata pandangan kita sendiri dan cara hidup lain yang diagung-agungkan dan dibanggakan.
Saya mengatakan senario sedemikian adalah lebih merbahaya dari injakan tentera Sulaiman kerana keadaan masyarakat Islam seperti itulah yang akan diwariskan kepada generasi anak cucu kita yang belum dan akan dilahirkan di dunia ini nanti. Siapakah yang akan menyelamatkan kita dari bencana sedemikian?
Sudah tentu kita akan menuding jari ke arah para Ustaz, ustazah, tok Imam, ulama’, guru dan sebagainya. Jika itu tanggapan kita maka itu adalah pemikiran yang salah dan perlu diperbetulkan.
SETIAP individu yang bergelar muslim deberi mandat dan status yang mulia dari Allah s.w.t iaitu sebagai khalifah dimuka bumi ini. Maka dengan itu setiap dari kamu bertanggungjawab untuk menyelamatkan masyarakat Islam. Usaha perlu depertingkatkan untuk mengubah status/darjat masing-masing dan dengan usaha yang gigih,ilmu yang bermanfaat,makanan rohani dan iman yang mantap dijadikan bekalan. Dengan itu juga kita dapat menyelamatkan masyarakat kita dari bahaya-bahaya sedemikian.
Kita ibarat seorang yang sedang menyelamatkan teman yang sedang tidur di dalam rumah yang sedang terbakar.Kita harus menyelamatkannya dengan apa cara sekalipun untuk membawanya keluar. Dengan kesedaran juga kita ibarat seorang yang membawa pelita memasuki lombong mengeluarkan manusia yang terkandas dan terperangkap didalamnya. Dengan tangan inilah yang akan memimpin mereka dan membawa mereka keluar ke alam yang penuh dengan cahaya.
Jika setiap individu muslim memainkan peranan maka Budaya Islam suatu hari nanti akan kembali gemilang seperti mana yang dibuktikan oleh generasi yang lampau. Sempat atau tidak kita menemuinya tidak menjadi persoalan kerana yang penting dan diambil kira disisi Allah s.w.t ialah kita turut serta dalam usaha murni itu.
Dengan usaha itu juga dapat dijadikan bekalan di akhirat kelak dan dengan itu juga Allah s.w.t menghapuskan dosa-dosa kita. Inilah impian setiap muslim yang takut akan tuhannya. Amin ya Rabb.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Dear Sister.. Reposted
This was posted back in October 17, 2006. I'm reposting it again with a few 'technical adjustments' just as a reminder.. i also welcome any Muslimah to write a similar post entitled 'Dear Brother..' (ha)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
This goes out to some Muslimah out there in context of today's generation. The writing was actually inspired after a personal encounter, having an open discussion about Boy-Girl Relationships with a friend..
I'm someone who frequently make mistakes too..please remind me in areas where I may be wrong or insufficient..
-start-
Dear Sister in Islam..
Your sincerity to practice Islam as a way of life is admirable. Still, it's not enough. You practice Islam to how you understand it, the way you perceive it is. But that's not the way it should be.
Is there such thing as a strict and less-strict Islam? There's only one type of Islam, one which is based on al-Quran and as-Sunnah.
Alhamdulillah, you uphold the pillars of Islam well. But you don't wear the hijab the way it should be worn. You say that type of coverage is too strict. The way you dress with 'tudungs', t-shirt and tight jeans/pants don't really cover your 'aurah'. Even 'baju kurungs' which don't meet the standard requirements.
You get involved in many relationships which only lead to hurt and despair. You've tried again and again to find "true love". Your boyfriends don't really practice Islam well as you do. But you keep advising hoping he'll change. You try your best to practice restraint by not accepting any sexual advances from your boyfriend reminding him its not allowed in Islam.
That's great, really.
But still, intimate pre-marital relationships itself is not allowed in Islam. When discussed, you say that's too strict. Would there be such sexual advances if you're not in those relationships? Which hadith or verse from al-Quran says that BGR is allowed before marraige?
Of course it's not easy to change. It's something you've been used to all your life, growing up in an environment where such practices are common.
When you look around, most of your friends are doing the same thing. You truly enjoy thier company and have known them for years. Why would you want to risk that happiness by being someone different exercising Islam "more strictly"?
It's not that you're not sincere in trying to practice Islam. You are. But do you know that you're going against His rules just to have that kind of temporary happiness?
Haven't we been assured of happiness greater than that?
-end-
Allah Almighty says:
{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur: 30-31)
No matter how sincere we may be, it is not enough for a Muslim if that sincerety doesn't follow with the correct form of understanding and practice.
The closest thing that I know of pre-marital relations being encouraged is during the engagement period, after both families have agreed and both are determined that it will lead to marriage within a short period of time. And even then, it must always be within the boundaries that Islam has set.
When we indulge in intimate pre-marital relations, sure we can be happy at times. But for many cases, it is often short lived which leads to confusion and despair. Some end up in a worse state. And the cycle continues for the worst, leading to many problems in the society.
We must remember that we are not alone. We are always accompanied by 'Shaytan' who have promised to always lead humans to the wrong path.
We always feel joy and excitement when doing things that are unIslamic. But most of the times, when we want to do something Islamic, an opposite feeling pops up. This is the time when 'Shaytan' will always try to make it difficult for us. That is the work of 'Shaytan' through our nafs.
Hwaa Irfan, cyber-counselor from Islamonline.net says,"You have been under the throes of the lower desire, An-nafs al-ammarah (Yusuf 12: 53) bi`su, the evil commanding self. An-nafs al-ammarah bi`su, is the desire for self gratification. Imam Baghawi tells us:
"The nafs al-ammarah bi`su' has Shaytân as its ally. He promises it great rewards and gains, but casts falsehood into it. He invites it and entices the soul to do evil. He leads it on with hope after hope and presents falsehood to the soul in a form that it will accept and admire.
Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr tells us this:
"Shaytan exploits the sexual attraction between the genders to inflame passions that lead to sexual transgression. Each person always has shaytan with him or her . The sexual attractiveness of the woman is generally more than that of the man. Thus in sexual relations it is the male who usually seeks out the female.
The extra beauty and attractiveness of the woman can be a temptation for both her and for men [Suurah Yuusuf 12:(23-24) & 12:(30-34)].
A woman conscious of her beauty may exploit it by being flirtatious and thus exposing herself to men. Men will be attracted by her beauty and may lose control and commit sexual transgression" - (excerpt from Islamonline.net article)
Focusing to think and reason about the problem on our own will only allow Shaytan to lead us astray again and again unless in addition to that, we also focus on seeking Allah's help and guidance through things such as prayers, supplication (du'a) and dhikrullaah (remembrance of Allah).
We must also work on staying away from repeating bad deeds of the past and keep ourselves busy in good deeds, doing things that will be beneficial to us, for here and the hereafter, regularly seeking knowledge and work on self-improvement through the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah, or books based on them and also through those knowledgable and examplary as Muslims.
Always remember that Only Allah SWT can help us and only we can overcome the barriers within ourselves to change
{..."Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in thier ownselves. And verily, Allaah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower"} [Suurah Al-Anfaal 8:53]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of hardship." (Reported by Ahmad)
{"And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his soul, then asks forgiveness of Allah, he shall find Allah forgiving, Merciful"} (An-Nisa 4:110)
Rasoolullaah (sallAllahu'alaihi wa sallam) said as well, "Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala) says,'I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a company, I remember him in a company better than his company. If he comes one handspan nearer to Me, I come one cubit nearer to him. If he comes on cubit nearer to Me, I come a distance of two arm-lengths nearer to him. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running." (al-Bukhari)
{Say: "O 'Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Its sad to see some muslims who defend their own opinion.."Iman is not what is outside..Its whats inside", as some might claim. If thats the case, then we can also put it this way e.g A bartender who works in a bar selling and handling liquor, dressing inappropriately says ".. don't look at whats outside..its what's on the inside." Clearly, this is not Islamic at all!
Oh Allah, forgive our sins, purify our hearts, protect us from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our own deeds.. guide us whenever we forget or fall into error, guide us all to the right path. Aameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
This goes out to some Muslimah out there in context of today's generation. The writing was actually inspired after a personal encounter, having an open discussion about Boy-Girl Relationships with a friend..
I'm someone who frequently make mistakes too..please remind me in areas where I may be wrong or insufficient..
-start-
Dear Sister in Islam..
Your sincerity to practice Islam as a way of life is admirable. Still, it's not enough. You practice Islam to how you understand it, the way you perceive it is. But that's not the way it should be.
Is there such thing as a strict and less-strict Islam? There's only one type of Islam, one which is based on al-Quran and as-Sunnah.
Alhamdulillah, you uphold the pillars of Islam well. But you don't wear the hijab the way it should be worn. You say that type of coverage is too strict. The way you dress with 'tudungs', t-shirt and tight jeans/pants don't really cover your 'aurah'. Even 'baju kurungs' which don't meet the standard requirements.
You get involved in many relationships which only lead to hurt and despair. You've tried again and again to find "true love". Your boyfriends don't really practice Islam well as you do. But you keep advising hoping he'll change. You try your best to practice restraint by not accepting any sexual advances from your boyfriend reminding him its not allowed in Islam.
That's great, really.
But still, intimate pre-marital relationships itself is not allowed in Islam. When discussed, you say that's too strict. Would there be such sexual advances if you're not in those relationships? Which hadith or verse from al-Quran says that BGR is allowed before marraige?
Of course it's not easy to change. It's something you've been used to all your life, growing up in an environment where such practices are common.
When you look around, most of your friends are doing the same thing. You truly enjoy thier company and have known them for years. Why would you want to risk that happiness by being someone different exercising Islam "more strictly"?
It's not that you're not sincere in trying to practice Islam. You are. But do you know that you're going against His rules just to have that kind of temporary happiness?
Haven't we been assured of happiness greater than that?
-end-
Allah Almighty says:
{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur: 30-31)
No matter how sincere we may be, it is not enough for a Muslim if that sincerety doesn't follow with the correct form of understanding and practice.
The closest thing that I know of pre-marital relations being encouraged is during the engagement period, after both families have agreed and both are determined that it will lead to marriage within a short period of time. And even then, it must always be within the boundaries that Islam has set.
When we indulge in intimate pre-marital relations, sure we can be happy at times. But for many cases, it is often short lived which leads to confusion and despair. Some end up in a worse state. And the cycle continues for the worst, leading to many problems in the society.
We must remember that we are not alone. We are always accompanied by 'Shaytan' who have promised to always lead humans to the wrong path.
We always feel joy and excitement when doing things that are unIslamic. But most of the times, when we want to do something Islamic, an opposite feeling pops up. This is the time when 'Shaytan' will always try to make it difficult for us. That is the work of 'Shaytan' through our nafs.
Hwaa Irfan, cyber-counselor from Islamonline.net says,"You have been under the throes of the lower desire, An-nafs al-ammarah (Yusuf 12: 53) bi`su, the evil commanding self. An-nafs al-ammarah bi`su, is the desire for self gratification. Imam Baghawi tells us:
"The nafs al-ammarah bi`su' has Shaytân as its ally. He promises it great rewards and gains, but casts falsehood into it. He invites it and entices the soul to do evil. He leads it on with hope after hope and presents falsehood to the soul in a form that it will accept and admire.
Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule Sr tells us this:
"Shaytan exploits the sexual attraction between the genders to inflame passions that lead to sexual transgression. Each person always has shaytan with him or her . The sexual attractiveness of the woman is generally more than that of the man. Thus in sexual relations it is the male who usually seeks out the female.
The extra beauty and attractiveness of the woman can be a temptation for both her and for men [Suurah Yuusuf 12:(23-24) & 12:(30-34)].
A woman conscious of her beauty may exploit it by being flirtatious and thus exposing herself to men. Men will be attracted by her beauty and may lose control and commit sexual transgression" - (excerpt from Islamonline.net article)
Focusing to think and reason about the problem on our own will only allow Shaytan to lead us astray again and again unless in addition to that, we also focus on seeking Allah's help and guidance through things such as prayers, supplication (du'a) and dhikrullaah (remembrance of Allah).
We must also work on staying away from repeating bad deeds of the past and keep ourselves busy in good deeds, doing things that will be beneficial to us, for here and the hereafter, regularly seeking knowledge and work on self-improvement through the guidance of the Qur'an and Sunnah, or books based on them and also through those knowledgable and examplary as Muslims.
Always remember that Only Allah SWT can help us and only we can overcome the barriers within ourselves to change
{..."Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in thier ownselves. And verily, Allaah is the All-Hearer, All-Knower"} [Suurah Al-Anfaal 8:53]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of hardship." (Reported by Ahmad)
{"And whoever does evil or acts unjustly to his soul, then asks forgiveness of Allah, he shall find Allah forgiving, Merciful"} (An-Nisa 4:110)
Rasoolullaah (sallAllahu'alaihi wa sallam) said as well, "Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala) says,'I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he remembers Me in a company, I remember him in a company better than his company. If he comes one handspan nearer to Me, I come one cubit nearer to him. If he comes on cubit nearer to Me, I come a distance of two arm-lengths nearer to him. If he comes to Me walking, I come to him running." (al-Bukhari)
{Say: "O 'Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
Its sad to see some muslims who defend their own opinion.."Iman is not what is outside..Its whats inside", as some might claim. If thats the case, then we can also put it this way e.g A bartender who works in a bar selling and handling liquor, dressing inappropriately says ".. don't look at whats outside..its what's on the inside." Clearly, this is not Islamic at all!
Oh Allah, forgive our sins, purify our hearts, protect us from the evil of ourselves and the wickedness of our own deeds.. guide us whenever we forget or fall into error, guide us all to the right path. Aameen.
And Allah Almighty knows best.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Might as well go and live in the mountains..
Just something interesting I got off the web..
The statement of Shaykh al-Albaanee to avoid practicing hajr (abandonment) of people of innovation, or those who fall into innovations, is not just on one tape, but several. The following is the context in which Shaykh Al Albaanee clearly spoke against the practice of hajr in our times.
“If we find in some of the statements of the scholars of the salaf rulings stating that one who falls into an innovation is in fact an innovator, it should be taken from the point of view that it is a statement of warning and not a statement of belief.
Perhaps it is also suitable to mention on this occasion the well-known statement of Imaam Maalik: “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” This famous narration took place in an occasion when a man came to Imaam Maalik and asked him about the rising above the throne, as regards to Allaah. Imaam Maalik responded, “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” He did not become an innovator for merely asking about it; the man wanted to understand something. But Imaam Maalik feared that while questioning, he may make some statements which are against the belief of the salaf. So he told them to remove the man from the sitting. “Remove the man, for he is an innovator.” Look now how the means have differed.
What do you think: if I or any other person of knowledge were asked the same thing by either the generality of Muslims or by specific groups amongst them who have more knowledge, do you think we should give the answer which Imaam Maalik gave? Would we tell the people to get him out of our gathering because he is an innovator?
NO. WHY? BECAUSE THE TIMES ARE DIFFERENT. SO THE METHODS WHICH WERE USED IN THOSE TIMES WERE ACCEPTABLE THEN, BUT ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TODAY BECAUSE THEY WILL HARM MORE THAN THEY WILL BENEFIT. AND WE CAN ADD TO THIS THE PRINCIPLE OF HAJR (BOYCOTTING), WHICH IS KNOWN IN ISLAAM.
We are often asked, “So-and-so- a friend- doesn’t pray, he smokes, and he does this and that. Should we boycott him?” I say, “No, you should not boycott him because boycotting him is what he would like for you to do. Your boycotting him would not benefit him. In fact, it is the opposite, it would make him happy. And it would allow him to continue in his misguidance.”
Not to mention, on this occasion, a Shaamee saying relative to a man who is corrupt and has abandoned prayer. This man repented and went to pray his first prayer in the masjid only to find the door of the masjid locked. His response to this was, “You’re closed, so I’ll drop the prayer.” That corrupt individual who has abandoned prayer, does he want the practicing Muslim to boycott him? This is just like the example- “You’re closed so I won’t bother to pray.” The [boycotted] man would similarly say, “I do not need his companionship; I do not want to be with him anyway.” This is because the companionship of the righteous with the corrupt prevents the latter from being free to do whatever he wants to do. The corrupt individual does not really want that. Thus, the boycotting of the un-righteous by the righteous is what the un-righteous prefers.
Consequently, the Islaamically legal boycott is intended to fulfill a legal benefit, which is to teach that individual. So if the boycott in no way teaches him a lesson, but in fact, it increases him in misguidance on top of his already misguided state, in such a circumstance, boycotting is not applicable or appropriate. CONSEQUENTLY, TODAY IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO IMITATE THE METHODS USED BY THE EARLY SCHOLARS BECAUSE THEY DID SO FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE ABILITY TO PREVENT.
Today look at the how the situation of Muslims is. They are weak in everything. Not only in the governments, but the individuals as well. The situation is as the Prophet (pbuh) described it when he said: “Islaam began as something strange and it will return again to become something strange, so give glad tidings to the Strangers.” He was asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He responded, “They are people who believed, a few righteous individuals amongst many people; those who disobey them are many more than those who obey them.”
SO IF WE OPEN THE DOOR OF BOYCOTTING AND DECLARING PEOPLE INNOVATORS, WE MAY AS WELL GO AND LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHAT IS OBLIGATORY ON US TODAY IS TO CALL TO THE WAY OF OUR LORD WITH WISE PREACHING AND A GOOD EXPRESSION AND DISCUSS WITH THEM WITH THAT WHICH IS BETTER.”
The statement of Shaykh al-Albaanee to avoid practicing hajr (abandonment) of people of innovation, or those who fall into innovations, is not just on one tape, but several. The following is the context in which Shaykh Al Albaanee clearly spoke against the practice of hajr in our times.
“If we find in some of the statements of the scholars of the salaf rulings stating that one who falls into an innovation is in fact an innovator, it should be taken from the point of view that it is a statement of warning and not a statement of belief.
Perhaps it is also suitable to mention on this occasion the well-known statement of Imaam Maalik: “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” This famous narration took place in an occasion when a man came to Imaam Maalik and asked him about the rising above the throne, as regards to Allaah. Imaam Maalik responded, “The setting above is known, and how it is so is unknown, and asking about it is a form of innovation. So expel this man, for he is an innovator.” He did not become an innovator for merely asking about it; the man wanted to understand something. But Imaam Maalik feared that while questioning, he may make some statements which are against the belief of the salaf. So he told them to remove the man from the sitting. “Remove the man, for he is an innovator.” Look now how the means have differed.
What do you think: if I or any other person of knowledge were asked the same thing by either the generality of Muslims or by specific groups amongst them who have more knowledge, do you think we should give the answer which Imaam Maalik gave? Would we tell the people to get him out of our gathering because he is an innovator?
NO. WHY? BECAUSE THE TIMES ARE DIFFERENT. SO THE METHODS WHICH WERE USED IN THOSE TIMES WERE ACCEPTABLE THEN, BUT ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TODAY BECAUSE THEY WILL HARM MORE THAN THEY WILL BENEFIT. AND WE CAN ADD TO THIS THE PRINCIPLE OF HAJR (BOYCOTTING), WHICH IS KNOWN IN ISLAAM.
We are often asked, “So-and-so- a friend- doesn’t pray, he smokes, and he does this and that. Should we boycott him?” I say, “No, you should not boycott him because boycotting him is what he would like for you to do. Your boycotting him would not benefit him. In fact, it is the opposite, it would make him happy. And it would allow him to continue in his misguidance.”
Not to mention, on this occasion, a Shaamee saying relative to a man who is corrupt and has abandoned prayer. This man repented and went to pray his first prayer in the masjid only to find the door of the masjid locked. His response to this was, “You’re closed, so I’ll drop the prayer.” That corrupt individual who has abandoned prayer, does he want the practicing Muslim to boycott him? This is just like the example- “You’re closed so I won’t bother to pray.” The [boycotted] man would similarly say, “I do not need his companionship; I do not want to be with him anyway.” This is because the companionship of the righteous with the corrupt prevents the latter from being free to do whatever he wants to do. The corrupt individual does not really want that. Thus, the boycotting of the un-righteous by the righteous is what the un-righteous prefers.
Consequently, the Islaamically legal boycott is intended to fulfill a legal benefit, which is to teach that individual. So if the boycott in no way teaches him a lesson, but in fact, it increases him in misguidance on top of his already misguided state, in such a circumstance, boycotting is not applicable or appropriate. CONSEQUENTLY, TODAY IT IS NOT SUITABLE TO IMITATE THE METHODS USED BY THE EARLY SCHOLARS BECAUSE THEY DID SO FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE ABILITY TO PREVENT.
Today look at the how the situation of Muslims is. They are weak in everything. Not only in the governments, but the individuals as well. The situation is as the Prophet (pbuh) described it when he said: “Islaam began as something strange and it will return again to become something strange, so give glad tidings to the Strangers.” He was asked, “Who are they, O Messenger of Allaah?” He responded, “They are people who believed, a few righteous individuals amongst many people; those who disobey them are many more than those who obey them.”
SO IF WE OPEN THE DOOR OF BOYCOTTING AND DECLARING PEOPLE INNOVATORS, WE MAY AS WELL GO AND LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS. WHAT IS OBLIGATORY ON US TODAY IS TO CALL TO THE WAY OF OUR LORD WITH WISE PREACHING AND A GOOD EXPRESSION AND DISCUSS WITH THEM WITH THAT WHICH IS BETTER.”
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque
Excerpt from Saifulislam.com entitled "Agar Kaumku Beringat-ingat"..Link Here!
"Anta tidak ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa?" tanya teman di sisi.
Tepu dada saya mendengar soalan itu.
Membendung perasaan untuk menjenguk ziarah ke Kiblat pertamaku, untuk menyusul jejak-jejak Isra' dan Mi'raj yang agung itu, untuk menjamah barakah Tanah Haram ketiga itu. Masakan diri ini tidak kepingin untuk ke sana.
"Jangan ditanya keinginan hati. Jawapannya pasti. Tetapi ana menghormati fatwa masyaikh kita", saya membalas lesu.
"Fatwa yang mana?" sahabat saya kurang pasti.
"Haram melawat al-Masjid al-Aqsa kecuali dengan maksud jihad membebaskannya", saya menjawab.
"Oh ya. Ana pun ada mendengarnya. Apa alasan fatwa itu?" tanyanya lagi.
"Lawatan sebagai pelancong ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa yang terjajah, mustahil berlaku kecuali kita meminta visa dan izin dari kerajaan regim Haram Zionis itu. Setiap application untuk ke Palestin adalah pengiktirafan kita kepada ketuanan Yahudi yang sedang menjajahnya. Malah setiap permohonan yang dicas USD100 itu menjadi sumber pendapatan kerajaan Zionis", saya berkongsi apa yang saya tahu.
"Benar...!" teman saya menyapa perlahan.
Di era 90'an itu, ramai Ulama' di bumi Syam yang memfatwakan haram ke atas aktiviti ziarah dan pelancongan ke al-Quds. Biar pun segelintir rakyat Malaysia masih aktif transit di Amman sekembalinya mereka dari Umrah, lalu menyambung perjalanan ke al-Quds melalui agensi-agensi pelancongan, kami yang bertamu sebagai penuntut ilmu di Dataran Syam ini, tidak berdaya untuk menyanggah fatwa ini. Al-Quds hanya beberapa puluh kilometer dari penempatan kami, namun untuk ke sana.... tidak mungkin.
Al-Quds bukan untuk diziarahi dalam mood pelancongan.
Ia menanti pembebasan! >>>
For full version of article, Link Here!
"Anta tidak ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa?" tanya teman di sisi.
Tepu dada saya mendengar soalan itu.
Membendung perasaan untuk menjenguk ziarah ke Kiblat pertamaku, untuk menyusul jejak-jejak Isra' dan Mi'raj yang agung itu, untuk menjamah barakah Tanah Haram ketiga itu. Masakan diri ini tidak kepingin untuk ke sana.
"Jangan ditanya keinginan hati. Jawapannya pasti. Tetapi ana menghormati fatwa masyaikh kita", saya membalas lesu.
"Fatwa yang mana?" sahabat saya kurang pasti.
"Haram melawat al-Masjid al-Aqsa kecuali dengan maksud jihad membebaskannya", saya menjawab.
"Oh ya. Ana pun ada mendengarnya. Apa alasan fatwa itu?" tanyanya lagi.
"Lawatan sebagai pelancong ke al-Masjid al-Aqsa yang terjajah, mustahil berlaku kecuali kita meminta visa dan izin dari kerajaan regim Haram Zionis itu. Setiap application untuk ke Palestin adalah pengiktirafan kita kepada ketuanan Yahudi yang sedang menjajahnya. Malah setiap permohonan yang dicas USD100 itu menjadi sumber pendapatan kerajaan Zionis", saya berkongsi apa yang saya tahu.
"Benar...!" teman saya menyapa perlahan.
Di era 90'an itu, ramai Ulama' di bumi Syam yang memfatwakan haram ke atas aktiviti ziarah dan pelancongan ke al-Quds. Biar pun segelintir rakyat Malaysia masih aktif transit di Amman sekembalinya mereka dari Umrah, lalu menyambung perjalanan ke al-Quds melalui agensi-agensi pelancongan, kami yang bertamu sebagai penuntut ilmu di Dataran Syam ini, tidak berdaya untuk menyanggah fatwa ini. Al-Quds hanya beberapa puluh kilometer dari penempatan kami, namun untuk ke sana.... tidak mungkin.
Al-Quds bukan untuk diziarahi dalam mood pelancongan.
Ia menanti pembebasan! >>>
For full version of article, Link Here!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Do You Have a Reason to Be Thankful?
Article from islamonline.net by Hassan Sultan
As young children we were always told to read the Qur’an as much as possible and then when Ramadan came along we were expected to read all of it. We should ask ourselves how many times do we read the Qur’an, and ponder upon its meanings. Lately, when I read the Qur’an there was one verse in particular that really made me think and it humbled me. It reminded me that thanking Almighty Allah is an obligation upon all of us. In order to thank Almighty Allah, we must first remember the blessings we have been given, and we should also keep in mind what can happen if we are not thankful, and how we should show our gratitude.
* Do you remember the first day you lived away from your family?
* Do you remember all the times you took your mother’s cooking for granted?
* Do you recall the free time you had, and compare it to the times when you were busy?
Try to remember the times when you had energy and the times when you were too sick to walk.
Remembering Allah's Blessings
It is important for us to appreciate the blessings we have. Everyday, at least seventeen times, we recite ‘al-hamdu lillahrabbil alamin’ (thanks be to Allah the Lord of all that exists).. This verse in Surat Al-Fatiha is short yet powerful. The word ‘rabb’ here means Lord, the only one Who has the right to be worshipped, legislates, and tells us what to do.
Think about this amazing fact; research has disclosed that if a person slept eight hours at night the body moves at least 400 times. If the body was to stay in one position it would become paralyzed, but Almighty Allah through His mercy allows our bodies to move. Also, if we did not have a strong immune system, after a couple of breaths we would get very sick, due to the amount of toxins that enters the body. How many breaths did you just take? These are just two of the blessings that Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us. Many people in the world today are blessed with so much like nice homes, cars, food, and much more; however, such things are often taken for granted.
The Fateful Test
It was narrated that there were three men; one blind, one deaf and one with a skin disease. Their only wish was to be cured and live a normal life, so Allah the Almighty, through the angel Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him), cured them. Later on, they all became wealthy. Then a blind man approached the one who had been blind and asked for help but the man refused to do so and turned him away. The man reminded him of his previous situation, but it had no affect. The same thing happened with the man who was deaf. Shortly afterwards both lost all their wealth, as this was a test from Almighty Allah. The man who asked for help was Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him). They failed the test because they simply forgot to be grateful to Almighty Allah.
Unlike the man who was deaf, and the man who was blind, the one who had suffering from a skin disease offered all that he had. As a result, his wealth increased. Almighty Allah reminds us in the Qur'an that if we thank Him, He will increase what we have. We should take a moment now to reflect and think of all the bounties that have been bestowed upon us.
Throughout history those who refused to thank Almighty Allah were ultimately the losers. On the Day of Judgment all those who rejected Allah the Almighty will wish that they did not exist, and every Muslim will wish for one more second of life.
Those who are studying are aware when the exams will take place, but no one knows when death will face us. Therefore, we should take heed before it is too late. Being a Muslim is the greatest blessing a person can have. Almighty Allah reminds us that He has taken us from darkness to light, but if we fail to acknowledge His bounties and commands, we will only gain His anger.
It is explained in the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), that a person has shelter as well as the other basic necessities of life, he is considered a rich person. We are also taught to never look at those who have more than us when it comes to matters of this worldly life. Instead, we should think about those who are less fortunate than us.
In order to read this article you must have a computer and internet access. Now think about how many people there are around the world who do not have these two things. There are many who do not have the blessings that you have! Thank Almighty Allah because truly we are blessed.
Think about the people who do not understand the message of Islam, and thank Almighty Allah that we are Muslims. After receiving such a blessing, we should do good so as to thank Almighty Allah. On the Day of Judgment our book of good deeds will be presented alongside the blessings we received
I pray that we will all take Islam seriously and learn and educate ourselves so we can put it into practice.
The verse mentioned above in Surat Al-Fatiha inspired me so much when I sat down and pondered on its meanings. Almighty Allah loves us and gives us so much mercy. Undoubtedly, if we read and study the Qur’an it will make our life much easier. If we do so, when we see what is happening in Gaza, Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world, we will know how to react, and more importantly our hearts will be at ease. Let’s remember to thank Almighty Allah for all His many blessings.
- Hassan Sultan is a freelance writer from Washington. He can be reached through youth_campaign@iolteam.com
As young children we were always told to read the Qur’an as much as possible and then when Ramadan came along we were expected to read all of it. We should ask ourselves how many times do we read the Qur’an, and ponder upon its meanings. Lately, when I read the Qur’an there was one verse in particular that really made me think and it humbled me. It reminded me that thanking Almighty Allah is an obligation upon all of us. In order to thank Almighty Allah, we must first remember the blessings we have been given, and we should also keep in mind what can happen if we are not thankful, and how we should show our gratitude.
* Do you remember the first day you lived away from your family?
* Do you remember all the times you took your mother’s cooking for granted?
* Do you recall the free time you had, and compare it to the times when you were busy?
Try to remember the times when you had energy and the times when you were too sick to walk.
Remembering Allah's Blessings
It is important for us to appreciate the blessings we have. Everyday, at least seventeen times, we recite ‘al-hamdu lillahrabbil alamin’ (thanks be to Allah the Lord of all that exists).. This verse in Surat Al-Fatiha is short yet powerful. The word ‘rabb’ here means Lord, the only one Who has the right to be worshipped, legislates, and tells us what to do.
Think about this amazing fact; research has disclosed that if a person slept eight hours at night the body moves at least 400 times. If the body was to stay in one position it would become paralyzed, but Almighty Allah through His mercy allows our bodies to move. Also, if we did not have a strong immune system, after a couple of breaths we would get very sick, due to the amount of toxins that enters the body. How many breaths did you just take? These are just two of the blessings that Almighty Allah has bestowed upon us. Many people in the world today are blessed with so much like nice homes, cars, food, and much more; however, such things are often taken for granted.
The Fateful Test
It was narrated that there were three men; one blind, one deaf and one with a skin disease. Their only wish was to be cured and live a normal life, so Allah the Almighty, through the angel Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him), cured them. Later on, they all became wealthy. Then a blind man approached the one who had been blind and asked for help but the man refused to do so and turned him away. The man reminded him of his previous situation, but it had no affect. The same thing happened with the man who was deaf. Shortly afterwards both lost all their wealth, as this was a test from Almighty Allah. The man who asked for help was Jibril (may Allah be pleased with him). They failed the test because they simply forgot to be grateful to Almighty Allah.
Unlike the man who was deaf, and the man who was blind, the one who had suffering from a skin disease offered all that he had. As a result, his wealth increased. Almighty Allah reminds us in the Qur'an that if we thank Him, He will increase what we have. We should take a moment now to reflect and think of all the bounties that have been bestowed upon us.
Throughout history those who refused to thank Almighty Allah were ultimately the losers. On the Day of Judgment all those who rejected Allah the Almighty will wish that they did not exist, and every Muslim will wish for one more second of life.
Those who are studying are aware when the exams will take place, but no one knows when death will face us. Therefore, we should take heed before it is too late. Being a Muslim is the greatest blessing a person can have. Almighty Allah reminds us that He has taken us from darkness to light, but if we fail to acknowledge His bounties and commands, we will only gain His anger.
It is explained in the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), that a person has shelter as well as the other basic necessities of life, he is considered a rich person. We are also taught to never look at those who have more than us when it comes to matters of this worldly life. Instead, we should think about those who are less fortunate than us.
In order to read this article you must have a computer and internet access. Now think about how many people there are around the world who do not have these two things. There are many who do not have the blessings that you have! Thank Almighty Allah because truly we are blessed.
Think about the people who do not understand the message of Islam, and thank Almighty Allah that we are Muslims. After receiving such a blessing, we should do good so as to thank Almighty Allah. On the Day of Judgment our book of good deeds will be presented alongside the blessings we received
I pray that we will all take Islam seriously and learn and educate ourselves so we can put it into practice.
The verse mentioned above in Surat Al-Fatiha inspired me so much when I sat down and pondered on its meanings. Almighty Allah loves us and gives us so much mercy. Undoubtedly, if we read and study the Qur’an it will make our life much easier. If we do so, when we see what is happening in Gaza, Iraq and the rest of the Muslim world, we will know how to react, and more importantly our hearts will be at ease. Let’s remember to thank Almighty Allah for all His many blessings.
- Hassan Sultan is a freelance writer from Washington. He can be reached through youth_campaign@iolteam.com
Monday, March 09, 2009
The Prophet and Women
Just to share a booklet on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Women prepared by 'Educational Department in Madar al-Watan'.
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah praise Muhammad and render him safe from all evil.
One of the common misconceptions in the West about Muhammad (sollallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Islam, is that he was oppressive and dominative towards women, and that he prohibited them their rights. They say that he used women for his own pleasure and treated them as if they were his servants. They say the Prophet would not listen to them and would forbid them from participating in any general matter concerning the public. They say that he would not converse with them nor seek their opinion, and that he would merely order them, they would have no option but to follow his orders.
This is how the West portrays Muhammad regarding the treatment of women. Religious figures, intellectuals, the media, and even politicians have painted this picture in the minds of average Westerner in order to drive them away from Islam and its Prophet. There are, however, some highly regarded intellectuals, media figures and politicians who did not succumb to their forgery; rather, continued to portray him in the proper light. Unfortunately, the strength and control of the first group over various media outlets has drowned their voices, to the extent that they are totally disregarded.
If we truly seek to know how the Prophet treated women, we must read his biography and study his sayings in this regard. Then only will we be able to fairly judge the way he viewed women.
But first we must ask… did women actually have any rights before Islam which the Prophet is said to have abolished in his call to Islam?
The answer is quite the opposite. Women had no rights before Islam. Rather, the Arabs before Islam, in accordance with their nature, hated daughters. They considered them such a shame that some of them even buried their daughters alive. Allah says:
{And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark and he is filled with inward grief!} [Surah an-Nahl(16):58-59]
Before the dawn of Islam, if a woman lost her husband, she would be inherited by her husband’s sons or other male relatives. If they wished, they would wed her to one of them, or if they wished they would prevent her from marrying again, imprisoning her with them until she died. Islam came and abolished all of this, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) affirmed their rights, as we will see in this discourse.
Other societies at that time were not any better than the Arabs in regards to their treatment of women. In the Greek Empire, women were regarded as scrap property; they were even bought and sold in the markets! Women had no civil or financial rights. Their husbands and fathers, had unrestricted authority over them, even over their money! They were unable to do anything without their permission.
In India, if a women lost her husband, she would lose all the incentives to carry on living, and her life would end with the death of her husband.
If we look at the condition of women in Europe in the Middle (Medieval) Ages when authority was in the hands of the Christian Church, we see that her state of affairs was even worse. Religious figures actually debated whether women were humans or devils!
This was the condition in which women were living before the advent of Islam. Now we must ask, what status and treatment did Islam grant women? What did the Prophet do for women? The Prophet never said that he hated women, nor did he belittle them. Rather, he said the opposite. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
“Beloved to me of the things of this world are women and fragrances, and I seek comfort in prayer.” (An-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet informed of the equality of women to men in their humanity in his saying:
“Women are only the twin halves of men.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
All men are children of women and other men, and all women are children to men and women. No one is superior to the other. The only valid criterion in superiority is faith and righteousness.
In the sixth century, a meeting was adjourned, called the Macon Assembly, in order to discuss whether women actually had souls. They came to the conclusion that women had no soul and therefore were excused from the punishment of Hellfire. The only exception was Mary, the mother of Jesus (‘alaihi salaam).
As for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he affirmed the equality of men and women in regards to faith, righteousness and reward in the Hereafter. Allah, the Most High, says:
{Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient to Allah, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give Sadaqah (Zakat and alms), the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [Surah Al-Ahzab (33):35]
Allah also says:
{Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter the Heavenly Gardens, where they will be provided therein without limit!} [Surah Ghafir(40):35]
Allah eradicated the hatred Arabs had for female children in the Qur’an:
{To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He created what He wills. He bestows female(offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.} [Surah Ash-Shoora (42):49-50]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) abolished this abominable belief and encouraged people to give a proper upbringing to their daughters and treat them well. The Prophet said:
“Whoever supports two daughters until they reach the age of Puberty, he wil come on the Day of Resurrection with me [like this], and he joined his fingers.” (Muslim)
In this statement, the Prophet mentioned the high status of that person on the Day of Requital and his closeness to him. He would attain this rank because he took care of his daughters till they reached the age of puberty.
He also said:
“Whoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters or sisters, and treats them well, and keeps to Allah’s orders in their regard will enter Jannah (Heavenly Gardens).” (At-Tirmidhi, graded as Saheeh by Al-Albani)
With this, the Prophet put an end to the deep-rooted dislike which Arabs had before the dawn of Islam for female children.
The Prophet also encouraged the education of women. He said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (ibn Majah)
This includes both males and females. Once a woman approached the Prophet and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, the men are benefiting from your knowledge, so specify a day in which we can come and learn what Allah has taught you. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘Gather on such and such day,’ so they gathered. The Prophet came and taught them what Allah taught him.” (Muslim)
Moreover, when the Prophet gave a sermon or admonition, he would address both men and women. He would then approach the womenfolk and address them specifically. So in fact, it was women who benefited more from his sermons.
The Prophet did not imprision women in their homes, as some erroneously presume; rather, he allowed them to leave their homes, tend to their affairs, visit relative and friends, visit the sick, and for various other reasons. The Prophet allowed them to pray in the Mosques. The Prophet said:
“Do not prevent your womenfolk from (praying) in the Mosques.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would take his wife along if he was invited and he would refuse the offer if the host did not accommodate her. Anas (radiallaahu ‘anhu) narrated:
“A particular Persian neighbor of the Prophet cooked tasty food. Once he cooked some food for the Prophet and invited him. The Messenger of Allah said, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘No,’ and invited him again. The Messenger of Allah repeated. ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘ No’ and insisted in his invitation. The Messenger of Allah again asked, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he finally responded on the third request, ‘Yes,’ so they both went to his house.” (Muslim)
Notice how the Prophet refused the invitation because he did not want to eat without his wife. Indeed in this is an example of model marital relations, respecting the rights of wives, and paying importance to their feelings.
The Prophet was also well-aware of the nature of women and their emotional and physical makeup. For this reason, the Prophet advised men to be compassionate and patient with them. He said:
“I advise you to be good to your womenfolk, for indeed they were created from a rib, and the most bent part of a rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break. If you are affable, you will be able to live with her,” (ibn Hibbaan)
This narration presents the best method to reform women and improve them; through kindness, compassion, persuasion and affability. Reformation with harshness and strictness would only produce negative results.
The Prophet encouraged men to provide for their wives as much as they are able. Islam has made it an obligation upon the husbands to provide for his wife, but despite this the Prophet informed us that husbands are rewarded each time they spend on their wives. The Prophet said: to Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas:
“You do not spend any amount of money for the sake of Allah except that you will be rewarded for it, even that which you put in the mouth of your wife (i.e. food and drink).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
He also said:
“The best money spent is that on one’s family.” (Muslim)
He also said:
“If a man gives his wife something to drink, he will be rewarded for it.” (Ahmad, Al-Albani graded it as Hasan)
When Irbad ibn Saariyah, a companion of the Prophet, heard this narration, he went to his wife and gave her something to drink, and then he related what he heard from the Prophet.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed us that a man will be held responsible for his wife and children’s actions on the Day of Resurrection. He said:
“Surely Allah will ask every responsible person about those under his responsibility. [He will be asked] whether he took care of them or neglected them, until a man will be asked about his household.” (ibn Hibbaan)
The Prophet forbade hitting women. He said:
“Do not hit the female slaves of Allah.” (Abu Dawood)
He ordered that men have patience with their wives and not dislike them. He said:
“A believing male should not dislike a believing woman. If he dislikes something of her character, he might be pleased with another.” (Muslim)
Hence, the Prophet encouraged men to look for praiseworthy characteristics of women, so that they do not always look at their inferior qualities, for that will create hatred and enmity between a man and his wife.
The Prophet allowed women to complain to court if she is not treated well by her husband. Some women went to the Prophet and complained about the bad manners of their husbands. The Prophet said (addressing the Muslims):
“Many women complained to the family of the Prophet and about their husbands, [those men] are not the best of you.” (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet also knew the physical weakness of women in relation to men, and that most of the time she is not able to defend herself. For this reason, he warned those who oppress the weak, among them women, in his saying:
“O Allah put in a strait those who wrong the two weak; orphans and women.” (an-Nasaa’i)
This prophetic tradition implies that oppression of these two types of people will not be overlooked; rather, it may be a cause for punishment in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet ordered men to conceal the private affairs of women. He said:
“Indeed the worse of people on the Day of Resurrection is a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife and then tells others of their private affairs.” (Muslim)
In this Prophetic tradition, the Prophet prohibits men to discuss sexual acts which take place between them and their wives, in addition to other private affairs wives entrust to their husbands.
Islam, out of deference to women, encourages husbands to fulfill the sexual rights of their wives so that they will not desire to look elsewhere. The Prophet said:
“You will [even] be rewarded for having sexual intercourse.”
The Companions exclaimed, “O Messenger of Allah! Are we rewarded for fulfilling our desires?”
He replied:
“Wouldn’t he be punished if he fulfills (this desire) in an impermissible way? Similarly, if he fulfills it in a permissible way, he will be rewarded.” (Muslim)
Another example which shows how the Prophet honored women and how he forbade men from harboring evil thoughts about their wives and from seeking their faults. Jabir (radhiallaahu ‘anhu) said:
“The Prophet forbade men from approaching their wives at night, seeking to find them treacherous or seeking some other faults in them.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
What act can honor women more than the fact that men who have been away (on a journey) have been forbidden to enter their houses at night without informing their wives, if they intended to spy on them or doubted their honor? Indeed it is Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallaam) who truly freed women.
As for the manners of the Prophet with his family, he was most affectionate and kind. He would help his wives in household chores. Aswad said:
“I asked Aa’ishah how the Prophet was with his wives. She replied, ‘He would help his wives with household chores, and when the time for prayer came, he would stand and leave.’ (Bukhari)
Let us look at another example of an exchange of beautiful words between a husband, Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and his wife, Aa’ishah which will show the extent of love and affection the wives of the Prophet would receive from him. He said to Aa’ishah:
“Indeed I know when you are angry and when you are pleased.”
She responded, “How do you know that O Messenger of Allah?”
He said, “When you are pleased, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Muhammad,’ and when you are angry, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Ibraheem.’”
She said: “Yes, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah! I only leave the mention of your name.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
… meaning that the love in her heart for Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not decrease.
Let’s take a look at another example of fun and amusement enjoyed by a married couple. Aa’ishah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) said:
I accompanied the Prophet in some of his journeys while I was young and lean. He said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did so. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and I won, and he did not say anything. But when I became older and put on weight, I accompanied him in some of his journeys, he said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and he won, and he said, “This one for that!” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet’s loyalty to Khadeejah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) (his first wife) continued even after her death. Anas (radhiallaahu anhu) said:
“If the Prophet was presented with a gift, he would say, ‘Take it to so and so, for indeed she was a friend of Khadeejah.’” (Tabaraani)
He was once asked about the most beloved of people to him, to which he responded, “Aa’ishah,” while she was his wife.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also did not forget the rights of the mother, who many legislations of the international women’s rights movement pretend to ignore, for they do not respect motherhood nor pay any importance to raising children. As for the Prophet, when he was asked by a man,
“Who is the most deserving of my good company?”
He responded, “Your mother.”
He said, “and then who?” to which he responded, “Your mother.”
The man repeated, “And then who?”
He said, “Your mother.”
The man said, “And then who?”
He said, “Your father.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This was the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) attitude towards women.
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
All praise is due to Allah, and may Allah praise Muhammad and render him safe from all evil.
One of the common misconceptions in the West about Muhammad (sollallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the Prophet of Islam, is that he was oppressive and dominative towards women, and that he prohibited them their rights. They say that he used women for his own pleasure and treated them as if they were his servants. They say the Prophet would not listen to them and would forbid them from participating in any general matter concerning the public. They say that he would not converse with them nor seek their opinion, and that he would merely order them, they would have no option but to follow his orders.
This is how the West portrays Muhammad regarding the treatment of women. Religious figures, intellectuals, the media, and even politicians have painted this picture in the minds of average Westerner in order to drive them away from Islam and its Prophet. There are, however, some highly regarded intellectuals, media figures and politicians who did not succumb to their forgery; rather, continued to portray him in the proper light. Unfortunately, the strength and control of the first group over various media outlets has drowned their voices, to the extent that they are totally disregarded.
If we truly seek to know how the Prophet treated women, we must read his biography and study his sayings in this regard. Then only will we be able to fairly judge the way he viewed women.
But first we must ask… did women actually have any rights before Islam which the Prophet is said to have abolished in his call to Islam?
The answer is quite the opposite. Women had no rights before Islam. Rather, the Arabs before Islam, in accordance with their nature, hated daughters. They considered them such a shame that some of them even buried their daughters alive. Allah says:
{And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark and he is filled with inward grief!} [Surah an-Nahl(16):58-59]
Before the dawn of Islam, if a woman lost her husband, she would be inherited by her husband’s sons or other male relatives. If they wished, they would wed her to one of them, or if they wished they would prevent her from marrying again, imprisoning her with them until she died. Islam came and abolished all of this, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) affirmed their rights, as we will see in this discourse.
Other societies at that time were not any better than the Arabs in regards to their treatment of women. In the Greek Empire, women were regarded as scrap property; they were even bought and sold in the markets! Women had no civil or financial rights. Their husbands and fathers, had unrestricted authority over them, even over their money! They were unable to do anything without their permission.
In India, if a women lost her husband, she would lose all the incentives to carry on living, and her life would end with the death of her husband.
If we look at the condition of women in Europe in the Middle (Medieval) Ages when authority was in the hands of the Christian Church, we see that her state of affairs was even worse. Religious figures actually debated whether women were humans or devils!
This was the condition in which women were living before the advent of Islam. Now we must ask, what status and treatment did Islam grant women? What did the Prophet do for women? The Prophet never said that he hated women, nor did he belittle them. Rather, he said the opposite. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:
“Beloved to me of the things of this world are women and fragrances, and I seek comfort in prayer.” (An-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet informed of the equality of women to men in their humanity in his saying:
“Women are only the twin halves of men.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
All men are children of women and other men, and all women are children to men and women. No one is superior to the other. The only valid criterion in superiority is faith and righteousness.
In the sixth century, a meeting was adjourned, called the Macon Assembly, in order to discuss whether women actually had souls. They came to the conclusion that women had no soul and therefore were excused from the punishment of Hellfire. The only exception was Mary, the mother of Jesus (‘alaihi salaam).
As for the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he affirmed the equality of men and women in regards to faith, righteousness and reward in the Hereafter. Allah, the Most High, says:
{Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient to Allah, the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give Sadaqah (Zakat and alms), the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.} [Surah Al-Ahzab (33):35]
Allah also says:
{Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof; and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer, such will enter the Heavenly Gardens, where they will be provided therein without limit!} [Surah Ghafir(40):35]
Allah eradicated the hatred Arabs had for female children in the Qur’an:
{To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He created what He wills. He bestows female(offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.} [Surah Ash-Shoora (42):49-50]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) abolished this abominable belief and encouraged people to give a proper upbringing to their daughters and treat them well. The Prophet said:
“Whoever supports two daughters until they reach the age of Puberty, he wil come on the Day of Resurrection with me [like this], and he joined his fingers.” (Muslim)
In this statement, the Prophet mentioned the high status of that person on the Day of Requital and his closeness to him. He would attain this rank because he took care of his daughters till they reached the age of puberty.
He also said:
“Whoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters or sisters, and treats them well, and keeps to Allah’s orders in their regard will enter Jannah (Heavenly Gardens).” (At-Tirmidhi, graded as Saheeh by Al-Albani)
With this, the Prophet put an end to the deep-rooted dislike which Arabs had before the dawn of Islam for female children.
The Prophet also encouraged the education of women. He said:
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (ibn Majah)
This includes both males and females. Once a woman approached the Prophet and said,
“O Messenger of Allah, the men are benefiting from your knowledge, so specify a day in which we can come and learn what Allah has taught you. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘Gather on such and such day,’ so they gathered. The Prophet came and taught them what Allah taught him.” (Muslim)
Moreover, when the Prophet gave a sermon or admonition, he would address both men and women. He would then approach the womenfolk and address them specifically. So in fact, it was women who benefited more from his sermons.
The Prophet did not imprision women in their homes, as some erroneously presume; rather, he allowed them to leave their homes, tend to their affairs, visit relative and friends, visit the sick, and for various other reasons. The Prophet allowed them to pray in the Mosques. The Prophet said:
“Do not prevent your womenfolk from (praying) in the Mosques.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would take his wife along if he was invited and he would refuse the offer if the host did not accommodate her. Anas (radiallaahu ‘anhu) narrated:
“A particular Persian neighbor of the Prophet cooked tasty food. Once he cooked some food for the Prophet and invited him. The Messenger of Allah said, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘No,’ and invited him again. The Messenger of Allah repeated. ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he responded, ‘ No’ and insisted in his invitation. The Messenger of Allah again asked, ‘And [are you inviting] this one (his wife Aa’ishah)?’ to which he finally responded on the third request, ‘Yes,’ so they both went to his house.” (Muslim)
Notice how the Prophet refused the invitation because he did not want to eat without his wife. Indeed in this is an example of model marital relations, respecting the rights of wives, and paying importance to their feelings.
The Prophet was also well-aware of the nature of women and their emotional and physical makeup. For this reason, the Prophet advised men to be compassionate and patient with them. He said:
“I advise you to be good to your womenfolk, for indeed they were created from a rib, and the most bent part of a rib is its upper part; if you try to straighten it, it will break. If you are affable, you will be able to live with her,” (ibn Hibbaan)
This narration presents the best method to reform women and improve them; through kindness, compassion, persuasion and affability. Reformation with harshness and strictness would only produce negative results.
The Prophet encouraged men to provide for their wives as much as they are able. Islam has made it an obligation upon the husbands to provide for his wife, but despite this the Prophet informed us that husbands are rewarded each time they spend on their wives. The Prophet said: to Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas:
“You do not spend any amount of money for the sake of Allah except that you will be rewarded for it, even that which you put in the mouth of your wife (i.e. food and drink).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
He also said:
“The best money spent is that on one’s family.” (Muslim)
He also said:
“If a man gives his wife something to drink, he will be rewarded for it.” (Ahmad, Al-Albani graded it as Hasan)
When Irbad ibn Saariyah, a companion of the Prophet, heard this narration, he went to his wife and gave her something to drink, and then he related what he heard from the Prophet.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed us that a man will be held responsible for his wife and children’s actions on the Day of Resurrection. He said:
“Surely Allah will ask every responsible person about those under his responsibility. [He will be asked] whether he took care of them or neglected them, until a man will be asked about his household.” (ibn Hibbaan)
The Prophet forbade hitting women. He said:
“Do not hit the female slaves of Allah.” (Abu Dawood)
He ordered that men have patience with their wives and not dislike them. He said:
“A believing male should not dislike a believing woman. If he dislikes something of her character, he might be pleased with another.” (Muslim)
Hence, the Prophet encouraged men to look for praiseworthy characteristics of women, so that they do not always look at their inferior qualities, for that will create hatred and enmity between a man and his wife.
The Prophet allowed women to complain to court if she is not treated well by her husband. Some women went to the Prophet and complained about the bad manners of their husbands. The Prophet said (addressing the Muslims):
“Many women complained to the family of the Prophet and about their husbands, [those men] are not the best of you.” (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa’i)
The Prophet also knew the physical weakness of women in relation to men, and that most of the time she is not able to defend herself. For this reason, he warned those who oppress the weak, among them women, in his saying:
“O Allah put in a strait those who wrong the two weak; orphans and women.” (an-Nasaa’i)
This prophetic tradition implies that oppression of these two types of people will not be overlooked; rather, it may be a cause for punishment in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet ordered men to conceal the private affairs of women. He said:
“Indeed the worse of people on the Day of Resurrection is a man who has sexual intercourse with his wife and then tells others of their private affairs.” (Muslim)
In this Prophetic tradition, the Prophet prohibits men to discuss sexual acts which take place between them and their wives, in addition to other private affairs wives entrust to their husbands.
Islam, out of deference to women, encourages husbands to fulfill the sexual rights of their wives so that they will not desire to look elsewhere. The Prophet said:
“You will [even] be rewarded for having sexual intercourse.”
The Companions exclaimed, “O Messenger of Allah! Are we rewarded for fulfilling our desires?”
He replied:
“Wouldn’t he be punished if he fulfills (this desire) in an impermissible way? Similarly, if he fulfills it in a permissible way, he will be rewarded.” (Muslim)
Another example which shows how the Prophet honored women and how he forbade men from harboring evil thoughts about their wives and from seeking their faults. Jabir (radhiallaahu ‘anhu) said:
“The Prophet forbade men from approaching their wives at night, seeking to find them treacherous or seeking some other faults in them.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
What act can honor women more than the fact that men who have been away (on a journey) have been forbidden to enter their houses at night without informing their wives, if they intended to spy on them or doubted their honor? Indeed it is Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallaam) who truly freed women.
As for the manners of the Prophet with his family, he was most affectionate and kind. He would help his wives in household chores. Aswad said:
“I asked Aa’ishah how the Prophet was with his wives. She replied, ‘He would help his wives with household chores, and when the time for prayer came, he would stand and leave.’ (Bukhari)
Let us look at another example of an exchange of beautiful words between a husband, Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and his wife, Aa’ishah which will show the extent of love and affection the wives of the Prophet would receive from him. He said to Aa’ishah:
“Indeed I know when you are angry and when you are pleased.”
She responded, “How do you know that O Messenger of Allah?”
He said, “When you are pleased, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Muhammad,’ and when you are angry, you say, ‘… by the Lord of Ibraheem.’”
She said: “Yes, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah! I only leave the mention of your name.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
… meaning that the love in her heart for Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not decrease.
Let’s take a look at another example of fun and amusement enjoyed by a married couple. Aa’ishah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) said:
I accompanied the Prophet in some of his journeys while I was young and lean. He said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did so. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and I won, and he did not say anything. But when I became older and put on weight, I accompanied him in some of his journeys, he said to those around him, “Proceed forth ahead of us,” to which they did. He then said to me, “Come here so I can race with you,” so he raced me and he won, and he said, “This one for that!” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood)
The Prophet’s loyalty to Khadeejah (radhiallaahu ‘anha) (his first wife) continued even after her death. Anas (radhiallaahu anhu) said:
“If the Prophet was presented with a gift, he would say, ‘Take it to so and so, for indeed she was a friend of Khadeejah.’” (Tabaraani)
He was once asked about the most beloved of people to him, to which he responded, “Aa’ishah,” while she was his wife.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also did not forget the rights of the mother, who many legislations of the international women’s rights movement pretend to ignore, for they do not respect motherhood nor pay any importance to raising children. As for the Prophet, when he was asked by a man,
“Who is the most deserving of my good company?”
He responded, “Your mother.”
He said, “and then who?” to which he responded, “Your mother.”
The man repeated, “And then who?”
He said, “Your mother.”
The man said, “And then who?”
He said, “Your father.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This was the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) attitude towards women.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Apabila berbeza pendapat
Stumbled upon this entry from AbuRaiyan's blog.. just to share
Aadaabul Ikhtilaf
oleh Abu Anas Fathurrahman bin Dawoed
BA Syariah, Universiti Islam Madinah
Pendahuluan
Isu perbezaan pendapat merupakan sunnatullah yang tidak dapat dielakkan, ianya adalah suatu realiti yang berpunca dari kepelbagaian tahap minda atau keupayaan mental, perbezaan bahasa dan latar belakang, begitu juga dengan persepsi seseorang yang berbeza terhadap sesebuah dalil atau nas. Kesemuanya ini secara tidak langsung menimbulkan kepelbagaian serta percambahan pandangan dan pendapat.
Salah satu tanda kebesaran Allah ialah mencipta makhluk dengan keunikannya tersendiri. Setiap makhluk yang diciptakan dengan keunikannya menunjukkan tanda kebesaran Allah. Oleh yang demikian, tidak hairanlah mengapa perbezaan ini boleh berlaku sejak dari zaman sahabat sehinggalah ke hari ini. Al-Imam ash-Shaatibi di dalam kitabnya al-I'tisom menyebut:
"Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat yang terjadi pada zaman sahabat hingga ke hari ini berlaku pada masalah-masalah ijtihadiyyah. Pertama kali ianya berlaku pada zaman khulafa' ar-Raasyidin dan sahabat-sahabat yang lain, lalu berterusan sehingga zaman para taabiin dan mereka tidak saling mencela di antara satu sama lain" (al-I'tisom 2/191)
Hal ini juga menunjukkan betapa luasnya rahmat Allah kepada umat manusia.
Al-Qaasim bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakar as-Siddiq dalam hal ini ada menyatakan: "Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat dikalangan sahabat adalah satu rahmat bagi manusia" (Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm 2/901)
Berkata Umar bin Abdul Aziz: "Tidak aku sukai jika para sahabat tidak berbeda pendapat, kerana jika mereka semuanya mempunyai pandangan yang sama maka manusia akan berada dalam kesempitan" (Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm 2/902)
Telah berkata Imam Malik: "Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat di kalangan ulama' adalah rahmat dari Allah ke atas umat ini, setiap seseorang di kalangan mereka mengikut apa yang benar pada pandangannya, setiap dari mereka berada dalam petunjuk dan setiap dari mereka inginkan keredhaan Allah" (Kasyful Khafa' 1/68)
Adab-Adab Dalam Berbeza Pendapat
Perbezaaan pendapat yang berlaku di kalangan umat Islam terdahulu dalam sejarah awal Islam dan masih berlaku hingga kini adalah sebahagian daripada manifestasi kepelbagaian ini. Fenomena ini bermanfaat dan positif sekiranya perbezaan itu tidak melampaui batas dan tetap menjaga adab-adab dan etika yang betul sepertimana yang digariskan oleh syara'. Perlu diketahui bahawa adanya perkara-perkara yang boleh kita menerima perbezaan pendapat dan inilah yang dinamakan sebagai perkara-perkara juz'i (cabang) atau zanni (tidak muktamad), manakala dalam perkara-perkara kulli (dasar) atau qat'i (muktamad) maka kita tidak sekali-kali boleh mempertikaikannya.
Ulama' telah menetapkan beberapa garis pandu mengenai adab-adab dan etika dalam berbeza pendapat, di antaranya:
1. Ikhlas dan jauhkan diri dari mengikut hawa nafsu.
Ikhlas adalah syarat agar amalan kita dapat diterima oleh Allah. Maka adalah satu kewajipan bagi seseorang yang ingin menegakkan atau mencari kebenaran supaya menghindarkan dirinya dari hawa nafsu.
Sifat kemegahan pada diri sendiri dalam mencari kebenaran juga adalah suatu sifat yang harus dihindarkan agar kita tidak digolongkan dalam sabda Rasulullah : "Barangsiapa yang menuntu ilmu untuk bertikam lidah dengan para ulama', atau ingin memalingkan wajah-wajah manusia kepadanya maka Allah akan memasukkannya ke dalam api neraka" (at-Tirmizi 414)
Salah satu dari tanda-tanda ikhlas ialah apabila seseorang itu sanggup menerima kebenaran walaupun datangnya seseorang yang lebih rendah martabatnya, sepertimana yang berlaku kepada Amirul mu'minin Umar di mana beliau telah menerima kebenaran walaupun datangnya dari seorang perempuan yang lebih rendah martabatnya.
2. Mengembalikan segalanya pada al-Quran dan Sunnah dan jauhkan dari sifat ingin memenangkan diri.
Firman Allah yang berbunyi:
"Jika kamu semua berselisih dalam sesuatu perkara maka kembalikanlah ianya kepada Allah dan Rasul" (an-Nisa' 59)
Menjadi satu kewajipan bagi setiap insan untuk menjadikan al-Quran dan Sunnah Rasulullah sebagai tempat rujukan yang paling utama dan menjadikannya alat neraca yang menimbang setiap pendapat yang dikeluarkan.
Allah merahmati para ulama' yang sentiasa memberi peringatan kepada kita agar tidak mengambil kata-kata mereka seratus peratus melainkan setelah kita nilai ianya dengan al-Quran dan Sunnah. Bukan satu di antara mereka yang mengatakan "apa yang kamu dapat dariku mengenai suatu pendapat yang bercanggah dengan al-Quran dan Sunnah maka campakkanlah ianya ke tembok"
Orang yang ikhlas tidak hanya memikirkan untuk mengalahkan lawannya sebaliknya dia lebih mementingkan kebenaran walaupun kebenaran itu datang dari lawannya.
3. Tidak mencela pandangan atau ijtihad ulama' lain dalam masalah-masalah ijtihaadiyyah.
Satu perkara yang harus kita terapkan dalam mana kita berbeda pendapat ialah jangan sesekali kita menghina atau merendahkan pandangan orang lain selagimana ianya berada dalam lingkungan permasalahan yang boleh diperselisihkan oleh syara' iaitu perkara- perkara juz'i (cabang) atau zanni (tidak muktamad).
Imam al-Auzaa'i telah ditanya mengenai seorang lelaki yang mencium isterinya, samada ianya membatalkan wuduk atau tidak. Beliau menjawab: "jika aku ditanya maka aku akan menjawab, wajib ke atasnya berwuduk, tetapi jika dia tidak berwuduk maka aku tidak akan mencela atau menghinanya". (Fathul Barr Fi Tartib at-Tamhid 3-245)
4. Menghormati pandangan ulama' yang berbeza pandangan dengannya dalam masalah juz'i dan mengambil pandangannya jika perlu.
Contoh tauladan lain yang boleh diambil ialah dari kisah imam besar kita al-Syafi‘e rahimahullah yang mengimami solat subuh di masjid berhampiran kubur Abu Hanifah. Beliau solat tanpa membaca doa qunut dan apabila ditanya oleh seseorang sehabis solat, beliau menjawab: "Adakah aku ingin melakukan sesuatu yang berlainan dari apa yang diajar oleh Abu Hanifah padahal aku berada berhampirannya". (Hujjatullah al-Balighah 335)
5. Meninggalkan beberapa perkara sunnah kerana tidak mahu menyanggahi orang ramai.
Seringkali para ulama' memberi peringatan di dalam kitab-kitab mereka tentang perkara ini. Agar kita meninggalkan beberapa perkara yang kita anggap sunnah demi perpaduan dan demi menghormati pandangan ulama' yang lain apabila kita berada di tempat atau di majlisnya.
Berkata Abdur Rahman bin Yazid: Kami bersama Abdullah bin Mas'ud. Ketika kami masuk ke masjid Mina dan amirul mu'minin sedang menjadi imam pada ketika itu, lalu Ibnu Mas'ud pun bertanya: "Berapa rakaatkah amirul mu'minin solat?" mereka menjawab: Empat rakaat. Lalu Ibnu Mas'ud melakukan solat empat rakaat. Setelah selesai solat kami bertanya kepada Ibnu Mas'ud: "Tidakkah kamu telah memberitahu kami bahawa Rasulullah dan Abu Bakar telah melakukan solat dua rakaat?" Beliau menjawab: "Ya, bahkan sekarang juga aku mengatakan demikian, akan tetapi Uthman menjadi imam dan aku tidak mahu menyanggahinya". (as-Sunan al-Kubra 3/144).
Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah dalam majmu' fataawa berkata: "Jika seorang ma'mum mengikuti solat imam yang membaca qunut di waktu solat fajar atau solat witir maka hendaklah dia qunut bersama imam, samada imam berqunut sebelum atau selepas ruku'. Jika imam tidak melakukan qunut maka hendaklah ma'mum tidak melakukannya bersama imam, walaupun jika imam memandang bahawa qunut itu adalah sunnah dan ma'mun berpendapat sebaliknya lalu dia meninggalkan pandangannya demi perpaduan" (majmu' fataawa 22/268)
6. Menjauhi sifat ta'assub (fanatik) dan berkelompok.
Salah satu sifat yang harus kita hindarkan untuk memperolehi jalan kebenaran dan tidak menegakkan benang yang basah ialah sifat fanatik terhadap pegangan mazhab, kumpulan, negara atau guru-gurunya. Sifat fanatik dan berkelompok hanya akan menjadikan orang yang berbeza pendapat tidak mahu berganjak dari pandangannya. Apa yang mereka lakukan bukanlah semata-mata kerana Allah Taala tetapi disebabkan faktor-faktor lain.
Hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Abu Hurairah mengatakan: "Cintailah seseorang dengan berpatutan kerana mungkin dia kelak akan menjadi orang yang kamu benci. Bencilah seseorang secara berpatutan kerana mungkin kelak dia akan menjadi orang yang kamu cintai." (Timizi 1920)
Tanamkan dalam diri dengan pegangan bahawa setiap manusia boleh diterima dan boleh ditinggalkan kata-katanya melainkan Nabi Muhammad , kerana hanya baginda sahajalah yang ma'som dan terhindar dari kesilapan.
7. Utamakan sikap persaudaraan (ukhuwwah)
Firman Allah yang bermaksud: "Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang beriman itu adalah bersaudara, maka damaikanlah di antara dua saudara kamu." (al-Hujurat 10)
Adakalanya di dalam perbincangan untuk mendapatkan kebenaran akan terjadi perselisihan dan pertelagahan, maka di waktu itu hendaklah kedua belah pihak menyedari bahawa perpaduan dan persaudaraan itu lebih diutamakan dari perpecahan.
Banyak lagi perkara-perkara penting yang harus diterapkan dalam perbincangan serta perdebatan untuk meraih kebenaran. Apa yang disebutkan hanyalah beberapa perkara penting yang harus ditekankan. Perhatikanlah kata-kata Dr Yusuf al-Qardhawi mengenai perkara ini:
"Para pendakwah dan pengamal Islam mestilah menjadikan matlamat mereka kepada kesatuan, keserasian, mengumpulkan hati-hati mereka dan merapatkan barisan mereka. Mereka mesti menjauhkan diri dari perbezaan dan perpecahan serta semua perkara yang memecah-belahkan jamaah dan merosakkan kesatuan yang terdiri dari permusuhan yang zahir mahupun kebencian yang batin. Juga semua perkara yang membawa kepada kerosakan hubungan sesama sendiri yang hanya akan melemahkan umat. Tiada yang setanding dengan agama Islam dalam mengajak kepada persaudaraan. Persaudaraan ini nampak jelas dengan kesatuan, keserasian dan saling tolong-menolong. Agama Islam juga unggul dalam melarang daripada perpecahan, perselisihan dan permusuhan. Semuanya termaktub dalam al-Quran dan as-Sunnah" (as-Sahwah al-Islamiyyah 27)
Perbahasan di kalangan bijak pandai agama haruslah diteruskan dan disuburkan agar ianya dapat menjana generasi yang lebih peka dan lebih terbuka mindanya. Akan tetapi jika perbahasan yang berlaku tidak didasari oleh rasa ikhlas dan menjauhkan dari sifat ta'assub, maka dari perbahasan tersebut akan lahirlah perbalahan. Adab-adab dalam berbeza pendapat harus diterapkan di dalam diri kita agar perbahasan dan perbezaan yang berlaku dikalangan umat Islam menjadi satu rahmat bagi kita dan bukannya satu bencana yang melanda.
Wallahu A'lam
Rujukan
- Raf'ul Malam an Aimmatil A'lam Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah, al-Maktabul Islami.
- Al-Khilaf bainal Ulama' Asbaabuhu wa Mauqifuna Minhu, Syeikh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaimeen, http://www.ibnothaimeen.com
- Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm, Abu Naim al-Asbahani Matbaah as-Saadah.
- Sunan ad-Daarimi, Abdullah bin Abdur Rahman, Dar ibn Hazm.
- Majmu' al-Fataawa Islam Ibn Taimiyyah Maktabah al-Obaikan
- Fathul Barr fi at-Tartib al-Fiqhi li Tamhid Ibn Abdil Barr, Muhammad al-Maqrawi, Majmu' at-Tuhaf an-Nafais ad-Dauliah
- As-Sunan al-Kubra, al-Baihaqi, Dar al-Kutubul al-Ilmiah
- Fikhul Khilaf Dr Awadh bin Mohd Al-Qarni, Dar al-Andalus al-Khadra'
- Adabul Ikhtilaf, Said bin Abd al-Qadir,
- al-I'tisom, Ibrahim bin Musa, Maktabah at-Tauhid
- As-Sahwah al-Islamiyyah bayna al-ikhtilaf al-Masyru' wa al-Tafarruq al- Mazmum, Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Dar al-Sahwah
Dipetik dari laman www.pergas.org.sg
Aadaabul Ikhtilaf
oleh Abu Anas Fathurrahman bin Dawoed
BA Syariah, Universiti Islam Madinah
Pendahuluan
Isu perbezaan pendapat merupakan sunnatullah yang tidak dapat dielakkan, ianya adalah suatu realiti yang berpunca dari kepelbagaian tahap minda atau keupayaan mental, perbezaan bahasa dan latar belakang, begitu juga dengan persepsi seseorang yang berbeza terhadap sesebuah dalil atau nas. Kesemuanya ini secara tidak langsung menimbulkan kepelbagaian serta percambahan pandangan dan pendapat.
Salah satu tanda kebesaran Allah ialah mencipta makhluk dengan keunikannya tersendiri. Setiap makhluk yang diciptakan dengan keunikannya menunjukkan tanda kebesaran Allah. Oleh yang demikian, tidak hairanlah mengapa perbezaan ini boleh berlaku sejak dari zaman sahabat sehinggalah ke hari ini. Al-Imam ash-Shaatibi di dalam kitabnya al-I'tisom menyebut:
"Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat yang terjadi pada zaman sahabat hingga ke hari ini berlaku pada masalah-masalah ijtihadiyyah. Pertama kali ianya berlaku pada zaman khulafa' ar-Raasyidin dan sahabat-sahabat yang lain, lalu berterusan sehingga zaman para taabiin dan mereka tidak saling mencela di antara satu sama lain" (al-I'tisom 2/191)
Hal ini juga menunjukkan betapa luasnya rahmat Allah kepada umat manusia.
Al-Qaasim bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakar as-Siddiq dalam hal ini ada menyatakan: "Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat dikalangan sahabat adalah satu rahmat bagi manusia" (Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm 2/901)
Berkata Umar bin Abdul Aziz: "Tidak aku sukai jika para sahabat tidak berbeda pendapat, kerana jika mereka semuanya mempunyai pandangan yang sama maka manusia akan berada dalam kesempitan" (Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm 2/902)
Telah berkata Imam Malik: "Sesungguhnya perbezaan pendapat di kalangan ulama' adalah rahmat dari Allah ke atas umat ini, setiap seseorang di kalangan mereka mengikut apa yang benar pada pandangannya, setiap dari mereka berada dalam petunjuk dan setiap dari mereka inginkan keredhaan Allah" (Kasyful Khafa' 1/68)
Adab-Adab Dalam Berbeza Pendapat
Perbezaaan pendapat yang berlaku di kalangan umat Islam terdahulu dalam sejarah awal Islam dan masih berlaku hingga kini adalah sebahagian daripada manifestasi kepelbagaian ini. Fenomena ini bermanfaat dan positif sekiranya perbezaan itu tidak melampaui batas dan tetap menjaga adab-adab dan etika yang betul sepertimana yang digariskan oleh syara'. Perlu diketahui bahawa adanya perkara-perkara yang boleh kita menerima perbezaan pendapat dan inilah yang dinamakan sebagai perkara-perkara juz'i (cabang) atau zanni (tidak muktamad), manakala dalam perkara-perkara kulli (dasar) atau qat'i (muktamad) maka kita tidak sekali-kali boleh mempertikaikannya.
Ulama' telah menetapkan beberapa garis pandu mengenai adab-adab dan etika dalam berbeza pendapat, di antaranya:
1. Ikhlas dan jauhkan diri dari mengikut hawa nafsu.
Ikhlas adalah syarat agar amalan kita dapat diterima oleh Allah. Maka adalah satu kewajipan bagi seseorang yang ingin menegakkan atau mencari kebenaran supaya menghindarkan dirinya dari hawa nafsu.
Sifat kemegahan pada diri sendiri dalam mencari kebenaran juga adalah suatu sifat yang harus dihindarkan agar kita tidak digolongkan dalam sabda Rasulullah : "Barangsiapa yang menuntu ilmu untuk bertikam lidah dengan para ulama', atau ingin memalingkan wajah-wajah manusia kepadanya maka Allah akan memasukkannya ke dalam api neraka" (at-Tirmizi 414)
Salah satu dari tanda-tanda ikhlas ialah apabila seseorang itu sanggup menerima kebenaran walaupun datangnya seseorang yang lebih rendah martabatnya, sepertimana yang berlaku kepada Amirul mu'minin Umar di mana beliau telah menerima kebenaran walaupun datangnya dari seorang perempuan yang lebih rendah martabatnya.
2. Mengembalikan segalanya pada al-Quran dan Sunnah dan jauhkan dari sifat ingin memenangkan diri.
Firman Allah yang berbunyi:
"Jika kamu semua berselisih dalam sesuatu perkara maka kembalikanlah ianya kepada Allah dan Rasul" (an-Nisa' 59)
Menjadi satu kewajipan bagi setiap insan untuk menjadikan al-Quran dan Sunnah Rasulullah sebagai tempat rujukan yang paling utama dan menjadikannya alat neraca yang menimbang setiap pendapat yang dikeluarkan.
Allah merahmati para ulama' yang sentiasa memberi peringatan kepada kita agar tidak mengambil kata-kata mereka seratus peratus melainkan setelah kita nilai ianya dengan al-Quran dan Sunnah. Bukan satu di antara mereka yang mengatakan "apa yang kamu dapat dariku mengenai suatu pendapat yang bercanggah dengan al-Quran dan Sunnah maka campakkanlah ianya ke tembok"
Orang yang ikhlas tidak hanya memikirkan untuk mengalahkan lawannya sebaliknya dia lebih mementingkan kebenaran walaupun kebenaran itu datang dari lawannya.
3. Tidak mencela pandangan atau ijtihad ulama' lain dalam masalah-masalah ijtihaadiyyah.
Satu perkara yang harus kita terapkan dalam mana kita berbeda pendapat ialah jangan sesekali kita menghina atau merendahkan pandangan orang lain selagimana ianya berada dalam lingkungan permasalahan yang boleh diperselisihkan oleh syara' iaitu perkara- perkara juz'i (cabang) atau zanni (tidak muktamad).
Imam al-Auzaa'i telah ditanya mengenai seorang lelaki yang mencium isterinya, samada ianya membatalkan wuduk atau tidak. Beliau menjawab: "jika aku ditanya maka aku akan menjawab, wajib ke atasnya berwuduk, tetapi jika dia tidak berwuduk maka aku tidak akan mencela atau menghinanya". (Fathul Barr Fi Tartib at-Tamhid 3-245)
4. Menghormati pandangan ulama' yang berbeza pandangan dengannya dalam masalah juz'i dan mengambil pandangannya jika perlu.
Contoh tauladan lain yang boleh diambil ialah dari kisah imam besar kita al-Syafi‘e rahimahullah yang mengimami solat subuh di masjid berhampiran kubur Abu Hanifah. Beliau solat tanpa membaca doa qunut dan apabila ditanya oleh seseorang sehabis solat, beliau menjawab: "Adakah aku ingin melakukan sesuatu yang berlainan dari apa yang diajar oleh Abu Hanifah padahal aku berada berhampirannya". (Hujjatullah al-Balighah 335)
5. Meninggalkan beberapa perkara sunnah kerana tidak mahu menyanggahi orang ramai.
Seringkali para ulama' memberi peringatan di dalam kitab-kitab mereka tentang perkara ini. Agar kita meninggalkan beberapa perkara yang kita anggap sunnah demi perpaduan dan demi menghormati pandangan ulama' yang lain apabila kita berada di tempat atau di majlisnya.
Berkata Abdur Rahman bin Yazid: Kami bersama Abdullah bin Mas'ud. Ketika kami masuk ke masjid Mina dan amirul mu'minin sedang menjadi imam pada ketika itu, lalu Ibnu Mas'ud pun bertanya: "Berapa rakaatkah amirul mu'minin solat?" mereka menjawab: Empat rakaat. Lalu Ibnu Mas'ud melakukan solat empat rakaat. Setelah selesai solat kami bertanya kepada Ibnu Mas'ud: "Tidakkah kamu telah memberitahu kami bahawa Rasulullah dan Abu Bakar telah melakukan solat dua rakaat?" Beliau menjawab: "Ya, bahkan sekarang juga aku mengatakan demikian, akan tetapi Uthman menjadi imam dan aku tidak mahu menyanggahinya". (as-Sunan al-Kubra 3/144).
Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah dalam majmu' fataawa berkata: "Jika seorang ma'mum mengikuti solat imam yang membaca qunut di waktu solat fajar atau solat witir maka hendaklah dia qunut bersama imam, samada imam berqunut sebelum atau selepas ruku'. Jika imam tidak melakukan qunut maka hendaklah ma'mum tidak melakukannya bersama imam, walaupun jika imam memandang bahawa qunut itu adalah sunnah dan ma'mun berpendapat sebaliknya lalu dia meninggalkan pandangannya demi perpaduan" (majmu' fataawa 22/268)
6. Menjauhi sifat ta'assub (fanatik) dan berkelompok.
Salah satu sifat yang harus kita hindarkan untuk memperolehi jalan kebenaran dan tidak menegakkan benang yang basah ialah sifat fanatik terhadap pegangan mazhab, kumpulan, negara atau guru-gurunya. Sifat fanatik dan berkelompok hanya akan menjadikan orang yang berbeza pendapat tidak mahu berganjak dari pandangannya. Apa yang mereka lakukan bukanlah semata-mata kerana Allah Taala tetapi disebabkan faktor-faktor lain.
Hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Abu Hurairah mengatakan: "Cintailah seseorang dengan berpatutan kerana mungkin dia kelak akan menjadi orang yang kamu benci. Bencilah seseorang secara berpatutan kerana mungkin kelak dia akan menjadi orang yang kamu cintai." (Timizi 1920)
Tanamkan dalam diri dengan pegangan bahawa setiap manusia boleh diterima dan boleh ditinggalkan kata-katanya melainkan Nabi Muhammad , kerana hanya baginda sahajalah yang ma'som dan terhindar dari kesilapan.
7. Utamakan sikap persaudaraan (ukhuwwah)
Firman Allah yang bermaksud: "Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang beriman itu adalah bersaudara, maka damaikanlah di antara dua saudara kamu." (al-Hujurat 10)
Adakalanya di dalam perbincangan untuk mendapatkan kebenaran akan terjadi perselisihan dan pertelagahan, maka di waktu itu hendaklah kedua belah pihak menyedari bahawa perpaduan dan persaudaraan itu lebih diutamakan dari perpecahan.
Banyak lagi perkara-perkara penting yang harus diterapkan dalam perbincangan serta perdebatan untuk meraih kebenaran. Apa yang disebutkan hanyalah beberapa perkara penting yang harus ditekankan. Perhatikanlah kata-kata Dr Yusuf al-Qardhawi mengenai perkara ini:
"Para pendakwah dan pengamal Islam mestilah menjadikan matlamat mereka kepada kesatuan, keserasian, mengumpulkan hati-hati mereka dan merapatkan barisan mereka. Mereka mesti menjauhkan diri dari perbezaan dan perpecahan serta semua perkara yang memecah-belahkan jamaah dan merosakkan kesatuan yang terdiri dari permusuhan yang zahir mahupun kebencian yang batin. Juga semua perkara yang membawa kepada kerosakan hubungan sesama sendiri yang hanya akan melemahkan umat. Tiada yang setanding dengan agama Islam dalam mengajak kepada persaudaraan. Persaudaraan ini nampak jelas dengan kesatuan, keserasian dan saling tolong-menolong. Agama Islam juga unggul dalam melarang daripada perpecahan, perselisihan dan permusuhan. Semuanya termaktub dalam al-Quran dan as-Sunnah" (as-Sahwah al-Islamiyyah 27)
Perbahasan di kalangan bijak pandai agama haruslah diteruskan dan disuburkan agar ianya dapat menjana generasi yang lebih peka dan lebih terbuka mindanya. Akan tetapi jika perbahasan yang berlaku tidak didasari oleh rasa ikhlas dan menjauhkan dari sifat ta'assub, maka dari perbahasan tersebut akan lahirlah perbalahan. Adab-adab dalam berbeza pendapat harus diterapkan di dalam diri kita agar perbahasan dan perbezaan yang berlaku dikalangan umat Islam menjadi satu rahmat bagi kita dan bukannya satu bencana yang melanda.
Wallahu A'lam
Rujukan
- Raf'ul Malam an Aimmatil A'lam Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah, al-Maktabul Islami.
- Al-Khilaf bainal Ulama' Asbaabuhu wa Mauqifuna Minhu, Syeikh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaimeen, http://www.ibnothaimeen.com
- Jaami' Bayaanil Ilm, Abu Naim al-Asbahani Matbaah as-Saadah.
- Sunan ad-Daarimi, Abdullah bin Abdur Rahman, Dar ibn Hazm.
- Majmu' al-Fataawa Islam Ibn Taimiyyah Maktabah al-Obaikan
- Fathul Barr fi at-Tartib al-Fiqhi li Tamhid Ibn Abdil Barr, Muhammad al-Maqrawi, Majmu' at-Tuhaf an-Nafais ad-Dauliah
- As-Sunan al-Kubra, al-Baihaqi, Dar al-Kutubul al-Ilmiah
- Fikhul Khilaf Dr Awadh bin Mohd Al-Qarni, Dar al-Andalus al-Khadra'
- Adabul Ikhtilaf, Said bin Abd al-Qadir,
- al-I'tisom, Ibrahim bin Musa, Maktabah at-Tauhid
- As-Sahwah al-Islamiyyah bayna al-ikhtilaf al-Masyru' wa al-Tafarruq al- Mazmum, Yusuf al-Qardhawi, Dar al-Sahwah
Dipetik dari laman www.pergas.org.sg
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Rihlah Al-Madeenah wa Yanbu' wa Umluj
‘O Allah, what blessing I or any of Your creation have risen upon, is from You alone, without partner, so for You is all praise and unto You all thanks.
All the opportunities and the experiences that I’ve had for the past week or so have been good and memorable. Alhamdulillah, I returned to Makkah Al-Mukarramah yesterday at about 12am after 11 days of backpacking to Al-Madeenah Al-Munawwarah and also Yanbu’ and Umluj.
For this term break, only two of five guys stayed behind while two others left for home and one for Egypt. I had initially planned to go to Egypt as well but there were a lot of factors that I had to consider and the cons of going there outweighed the pros, so I had to scrap the plan. Apologies to bro Hidayat who decided to go there alone in the end, but I’m sure he’s coping well, having many friends there from his former madrasah who study at Al-Azhar University.
With that, the two of us decided to go to Al-Madeenah Al-Munawwarah to visit the Prophet’s mosque and also the Singapore students studying at the Islamic University of Madeenah. We brought extra clothes as well as the students had planned a 3 days 2 nights trip to Yanbu’. And what adventures, lessons and experiences we had!
To be honest, I felt that the trip was not well planned. Yes, there was an action plan for the whole trip but there were many factors that were not confirmed before we headed for Yanbu’. Imagine a plan, to camp along the beach for 3 days in a totally alien environment, with no idea whether there would be a toilet and washing area, and to live by on packed canned foods that most were not used to previously and having no idea how the living conditions would be like. I was a little worried for myself and more for others who have been too used to the comfort of a bed, toilet and food. However, I felt that the organizers were planning a survivor/leadership type of camp to build on the spirit of togetherness and confidence among the students.
After an emergency meeting a day before the trip to clear any final doubts, the majority(me being the few minority) voted for the Yanbu’ trip and we made a pact that no matter what happens, we’d be in it together for better or worse to make the trip successful. I guess we can also reflect on this surah,
[..And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him..] (At-Talaq:3)
'Tawakkal' here doesn't mean just leaving it to Allah. Tawakkal and effort goes hand in hand. Preparations have been made for the trip and if we put our trust in Allah in addition to all the efforts made, are sure that whatever happens is all from Allah whether it will be made easier or vice versa, insya Allah, we will be ok.
And so, 18 of us set off for Yanbu' in 3 rented vehicles, 2 Mitsubishi Lancers and a Toyota Innova. It was my first time too driving for a long road trip and I could now understand the fatigue of drivers and reflected on the sacrifice for the many road trips that my father had driven for us around Malaysia. SubhanAllah.
From the moment we arrived at Yanbu’ the plan veered off course, however, for the better I feel, Alhamdulillaah. We were surprised by the hospitality of Bro Nasir, one of the few Singaporean expats living in Yanbu’.
We had initially planned for a short visit before starting our programme at the beach but in the end, we were welcomed with a deliciously prepared fish curry from his wife served with ‘rotiprata’(roticanai) and just had to stay a while longer. In addition to that, we had a valuable informal ‘tazkirah’(short reminder sharing session) from Bro Nasir about the experiences he had about the sincerity in helping others without expecting any returns and about his life lessons back from when he was struggling as a student and normal worker to make ends meet till now, living a more comfortable lifestyle. After that, we carried on with our programme and bro Nasir lead us to the camping site, together with a few of his compatriots, bro Sabri, a Malaysian and bro Muhammad, an Egyptian who were equally welcoming, helpful and friendly. Upon reaching the site, I was relieved to find a public toilet. Alhamdulillaah. That’s the only thing that mattered for me. I was already imagining having to live 3 days with ‘powder bath’, ‘army style’ like what bro Rizhan had suggested and maybe even hiding in bushes or hidden areas and digging trenches when there’s a need to relief myself, tsk tsk.
After that, the programme went on smoothly; first aid emergency briefing, bbq, tazkirah session and some games, then sleeping time.. until about 1 am in the morning that is, when we were awaken by a group of rowdy Arab youths who were showing off their car drifting skills just beside our camping site. Things got out of hand when they repeatedly drifted near our tents that some of those in it could feel the wind from the drifts. They were also playing Arab music loudly and dancing to it, just wasting time and making a nuisance out of themselves, but to them, it was probably fun and entertainment. None of us could understand their insensible actions. (The interesting thing is that, we noticed some of them waking up for morning prayers after that.) This was still going on at about 2 am and we realized that we were actually in the middle of their entertainment spot and it was better to shift. So together, we shifted our tents to a quieter area, carrying it together. We just couldn’t be bothered if it looked funny or weird, having a group of 4-5 people each carrying 3 large tents as we were just too tired.
The next day, the programme carried on and our lunch was sponsored by bro Sabri, who invited us to his home. Upon reaching his house, while parking, one of our rented cars had met with an accident. The driver misjudged and rammed the side of the car into a strong wooden post. The post stood firm with some scratches but the side of the car was damaged badly by the impact. The rest of us didn’t bother much about it initially, as we thought it was just a slight dent and decided to look into the matter later asking all to go into the house and have lunch first.
After the delicious lunch and thanking bro Sabri, we headed back to our camping site. Upon reaching the site, we pondered upon the damaged car. Not knowing exactly what procedure to follow in such circumstances, even after asking the opinion of some brothers living there, we decided to put the troubles aside and went ahead with the programmes.
Then at night after Isya’, we headed for bro Rohaizat’s home, another Malaysian expat who invited us for dinner. There, we met with two other Malaysians, bro Ghazali and bro Zuraili and also bro Sadimin, another Singaporean. We had a 'ta’arruf' session and they requested for us to provide them assistance in educating their kids or providing programmes based on Islamic knowledge. I feel this is actually a good opportunity for us students. It’s a win-win situation. As what bro Ghazali said, we could use this as a platform for practicing our teaching skills before facing the community back home and at the same time, it will be beneficial as well for the expats and their children. And bro Sadimin also shared with us some valuable assets that we could build on for the benefit of students of Mamlakah.
Then another surprise awaited us. We were invited by bro Rohaizat, Ghazali and Zuraili to tag along with a group of Malaysian expats, who had planned to have a picnic at Umluj, about 2 hours drive north of Yanbu’. They explained that there’s a beautiful spot there with crystal clear seawater and there are even corals and fishes near to the seaside. The idea to go there was great but there were some factors that were a worry such as the extra cost for car rental, in addition to that, the accident cost that’s still pending its valuation and the fact that the trip was not part of our plans. However, the Malaysian bros ensured us that they would assist in any way they can if we needed help. And with that, it gave us more confidence to take the risk if we decided to go.
Before anything, we had to sit down and discuss about the issue. After weighing the pros and cons, most felt that there were more pros to go there and after a vote of confidence, the majority voted for Umluj. Again, we stood together despite some indifference among some of us and kudos to those who differed but still patiently cooperated to make the trip a success.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel a breakfast trip to Bro Nasir’s home the next morning for the Umluj trip. Some of us went to his home in the morning and apologized and explained to Bro Nasir. We hope he’d understand the situation. We also hope for his wife’s understanding and forgiveness if we had unnecessarily caused any trouble or discomfort as she may have planned and prepared for the breakfast meeting the night before. Bro Sadimin had also brought us breakfast that morning, made up of curry chicken and rotiprata.
And so off we went for Umluj and what an experience it was! We formed part of a convoy of 17-18 cars(if I’m not wrong), enjoyed the beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, and we savored the wide variety of locally prepared dishes brought by the Malaysian families. In addition to that, our programme was able to continue in more beautiful setting. Masya Allah!
After Umluj, we thanked and said our goodbyes to the Malaysian contingent for their kindness and hospitality, then headed back to Yanbu’ to try settle the damaged car. We decided to try settling it ourselves and realized later that it was a mistake. We became lost searching for the traffic police office and went in circles for a few hours. In the end we decided to call bro Sabri for help and he directed us to the traffic police. We finally found out later that there was no other choice but to go back to Al-Madeenah to settle the cost and damages at the rental agent. However, it was already late at night and the 3 drivers were tired. So we decided to go back the next morning instead. And off we went back to the camping site again for an additional night.
The next morning, we packed up, concluded the programme and took our final photos for memory’s sake. Through their tired eyes, sun burnt skins but smiley faces and laughter that morning before leaving for Al-Madeenah, I think that this trip was a successful one where all of us had enjoyed, ties and bonds strengthened between the students, new friends are made with the residents of Yanbu’ and one memorable trip that we would never forget.
For me, there are a number of things that I learnt from this..
Firstly, is that we could plan as much as we could but only Allah knows what lies ahead for better or worse. And we have to be thankful always in ease or hardship and face any challenges with patience and perseverance.
[..And Allah is the best of those who plan] (Al 'Imran:54)
'La haula wala quwwata illa bilLaah' (There is no power or strength except by Allah)
Secondly is the importance of cooperation and togetherness in a group, no matter how different our opinions may be, if we stand as one and put our differences aside to concentrate on the bigger picture, we’ll be strong and steadfast and everyone will benefit in the end.
[Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure] (As-Saff: 4)
Thirdly is the importance of enjoining ties and fostering friendships with others living around us. And I also feel we could learn much from the sincerity, kindness and hospitality shown by the families in Yanbu’.
[..And whoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful] (Al-Hashr: 9)
[And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the needy), the orphan and the captive, (Saying):"We feed you seeking Allah's Countenence only. We wish no reward nor thanks from you.] (Al-Insan: 8-9)
And Allah knows best..
Lastly, an informal token of appreciation by me...
Khalid, Rizhan, Hussien – Thanks for the leadership and initiative shown for this trip. Even though the programme didn’t go exactly as planned, but with versatility, patience and understanding, the three of you managed to adapt to sudden changes and act decisively considering the well being of others as well. I think the idea behind the programme was good and the tazkirah sessions by the different speakers was valuable in building self confidence for themselves in public speaking and also for others who heard it. We should do this tazkirah thingy more often if possible involving everyone.
All the Madeenah students – I was amazed by the maturity, effort and togetherness of the whole bunch. Well done. Thanks for making the programme a success by participating and having the initiative and assisting in any part of the programme be it in planning, food and others.
Ma’som, Muzammil, Asrory – Despite our failed efforts to postpone the Yanbu’ trip (ahaha), the three of you still carried on with the plan and became part of a strong asset to make the trip a successful one and with maturity and understanding, some of you even took the initiative to take control of the situation, assist and calm things down in some of the big setbacks that we faced.
All the residents of Yanbu’ we met – Once again, thanks for all the kindness and hospitality shown and making our trip a more delightful and memorable one. May the ties that have been fostered remain firm and become stronger, insya Allah.
JazaakumulLah khairan katheeran wa BaarakAllahu feek..
All the opportunities and the experiences that I’ve had for the past week or so have been good and memorable. Alhamdulillah, I returned to Makkah Al-Mukarramah yesterday at about 12am after 11 days of backpacking to Al-Madeenah Al-Munawwarah and also Yanbu’ and Umluj.For this term break, only two of five guys stayed behind while two others left for home and one for Egypt. I had initially planned to go to Egypt as well but there were a lot of factors that I had to consider and the cons of going there outweighed the pros, so I had to scrap the plan. Apologies to bro Hidayat who decided to go there alone in the end, but I’m sure he’s coping well, having many friends there from his former madrasah who study at Al-Azhar University.
With that, the two of us decided to go to Al-Madeenah Al-Munawwarah to visit the Prophet’s mosque and also the Singapore students studying at the Islamic University of Madeenah. We brought extra clothes as well as the students had planned a 3 days 2 nights trip to Yanbu’. And what adventures, lessons and experiences we had!
To be honest, I felt that the trip was not well planned. Yes, there was an action plan for the whole trip but there were many factors that were not confirmed before we headed for Yanbu’. Imagine a plan, to camp along the beach for 3 days in a totally alien environment, with no idea whether there would be a toilet and washing area, and to live by on packed canned foods that most were not used to previously and having no idea how the living conditions would be like. I was a little worried for myself and more for others who have been too used to the comfort of a bed, toilet and food. However, I felt that the organizers were planning a survivor/leadership type of camp to build on the spirit of togetherness and confidence among the students.After an emergency meeting a day before the trip to clear any final doubts, the majority(me being the few minority) voted for the Yanbu’ trip and we made a pact that no matter what happens, we’d be in it together for better or worse to make the trip successful. I guess we can also reflect on this surah,
[..And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him..] (At-Talaq:3)
'Tawakkal' here doesn't mean just leaving it to Allah. Tawakkal and effort goes hand in hand. Preparations have been made for the trip and if we put our trust in Allah in addition to all the efforts made, are sure that whatever happens is all from Allah whether it will be made easier or vice versa, insya Allah, we will be ok.
And so, 18 of us set off for Yanbu' in 3 rented vehicles, 2 Mitsubishi Lancers and a Toyota Innova. It was my first time too driving for a long road trip and I could now understand the fatigue of drivers and reflected on the sacrifice for the many road trips that my father had driven for us around Malaysia. SubhanAllah.
From the moment we arrived at Yanbu’ the plan veered off course, however, for the better I feel, Alhamdulillaah. We were surprised by the hospitality of Bro Nasir, one of the few Singaporean expats living in Yanbu’.
We had initially planned for a short visit before starting our programme at the beach but in the end, we were welcomed with a deliciously prepared fish curry from his wife served with ‘rotiprata’(roticanai) and just had to stay a while longer. In addition to that, we had a valuable informal ‘tazkirah’(short reminder sharing session) from Bro Nasir about the experiences he had about the sincerity in helping others without expecting any returns and about his life lessons back from when he was struggling as a student and normal worker to make ends meet till now, living a more comfortable lifestyle. After that, we carried on with our programme and bro Nasir lead us to the camping site, together with a few of his compatriots, bro Sabri, a Malaysian and bro Muhammad, an Egyptian who were equally welcoming, helpful and friendly. Upon reaching the site, I was relieved to find a public toilet. Alhamdulillaah. That’s the only thing that mattered for me. I was already imagining having to live 3 days with ‘powder bath’, ‘army style’ like what bro Rizhan had suggested and maybe even hiding in bushes or hidden areas and digging trenches when there’s a need to relief myself, tsk tsk.
After that, the programme went on smoothly; first aid emergency briefing, bbq, tazkirah session and some games, then sleeping time.. until about 1 am in the morning that is, when we were awaken by a group of rowdy Arab youths who were showing off their car drifting skills just beside our camping site. Things got out of hand when they repeatedly drifted near our tents that some of those in it could feel the wind from the drifts. They were also playing Arab music loudly and dancing to it, just wasting time and making a nuisance out of themselves, but to them, it was probably fun and entertainment. None of us could understand their insensible actions. (The interesting thing is that, we noticed some of them waking up for morning prayers after that.) This was still going on at about 2 am and we realized that we were actually in the middle of their entertainment spot and it was better to shift. So together, we shifted our tents to a quieter area, carrying it together. We just couldn’t be bothered if it looked funny or weird, having a group of 4-5 people each carrying 3 large tents as we were just too tired.
The next day, the programme carried on and our lunch was sponsored by bro Sabri, who invited us to his home. Upon reaching his house, while parking, one of our rented cars had met with an accident. The driver misjudged and rammed the side of the car into a strong wooden post. The post stood firm with some scratches but the side of the car was damaged badly by the impact. The rest of us didn’t bother much about it initially, as we thought it was just a slight dent and decided to look into the matter later asking all to go into the house and have lunch first.
After the delicious lunch and thanking bro Sabri, we headed back to our camping site. Upon reaching the site, we pondered upon the damaged car. Not knowing exactly what procedure to follow in such circumstances, even after asking the opinion of some brothers living there, we decided to put the troubles aside and went ahead with the programmes.
Then at night after Isya’, we headed for bro Rohaizat’s home, another Malaysian expat who invited us for dinner. There, we met with two other Malaysians, bro Ghazali and bro Zuraili and also bro Sadimin, another Singaporean. We had a 'ta’arruf' session and they requested for us to provide them assistance in educating their kids or providing programmes based on Islamic knowledge. I feel this is actually a good opportunity for us students. It’s a win-win situation. As what bro Ghazali said, we could use this as a platform for practicing our teaching skills before facing the community back home and at the same time, it will be beneficial as well for the expats and their children. And bro Sadimin also shared with us some valuable assets that we could build on for the benefit of students of Mamlakah.
Then another surprise awaited us. We were invited by bro Rohaizat, Ghazali and Zuraili to tag along with a group of Malaysian expats, who had planned to have a picnic at Umluj, about 2 hours drive north of Yanbu’. They explained that there’s a beautiful spot there with crystal clear seawater and there are even corals and fishes near to the seaside. The idea to go there was great but there were some factors that were a worry such as the extra cost for car rental, in addition to that, the accident cost that’s still pending its valuation and the fact that the trip was not part of our plans. However, the Malaysian bros ensured us that they would assist in any way they can if we needed help. And with that, it gave us more confidence to take the risk if we decided to go.
Before anything, we had to sit down and discuss about the issue. After weighing the pros and cons, most felt that there were more pros to go there and after a vote of confidence, the majority voted for Umluj. Again, we stood together despite some indifference among some of us and kudos to those who differed but still patiently cooperated to make the trip a success.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel a breakfast trip to Bro Nasir’s home the next morning for the Umluj trip. Some of us went to his home in the morning and apologized and explained to Bro Nasir. We hope he’d understand the situation. We also hope for his wife’s understanding and forgiveness if we had unnecessarily caused any trouble or discomfort as she may have planned and prepared for the breakfast meeting the night before. Bro Sadimin had also brought us breakfast that morning, made up of curry chicken and rotiprata.And so off we went for Umluj and what an experience it was! We formed part of a convoy of 17-18 cars(if I’m not wrong), enjoyed the beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, and we savored the wide variety of locally prepared dishes brought by the Malaysian families. In addition to that, our programme was able to continue in more beautiful setting. Masya Allah!
After Umluj, we thanked and said our goodbyes to the Malaysian contingent for their kindness and hospitality, then headed back to Yanbu’ to try settle the damaged car. We decided to try settling it ourselves and realized later that it was a mistake. We became lost searching for the traffic police office and went in circles for a few hours. In the end we decided to call bro Sabri for help and he directed us to the traffic police. We finally found out later that there was no other choice but to go back to Al-Madeenah to settle the cost and damages at the rental agent. However, it was already late at night and the 3 drivers were tired. So we decided to go back the next morning instead. And off we went back to the camping site again for an additional night.
The next morning, we packed up, concluded the programme and took our final photos for memory’s sake. Through their tired eyes, sun burnt skins but smiley faces and laughter that morning before leaving for Al-Madeenah, I think that this trip was a successful one where all of us had enjoyed, ties and bonds strengthened between the students, new friends are made with the residents of Yanbu’ and one memorable trip that we would never forget.
For me, there are a number of things that I learnt from this..
Firstly, is that we could plan as much as we could but only Allah knows what lies ahead for better or worse. And we have to be thankful always in ease or hardship and face any challenges with patience and perseverance.
[..And Allah is the best of those who plan] (Al 'Imran:54)
'La haula wala quwwata illa bilLaah' (There is no power or strength except by Allah)
Secondly is the importance of cooperation and togetherness in a group, no matter how different our opinions may be, if we stand as one and put our differences aside to concentrate on the bigger picture, we’ll be strong and steadfast and everyone will benefit in the end.
[Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure] (As-Saff: 4)
Thirdly is the importance of enjoining ties and fostering friendships with others living around us. And I also feel we could learn much from the sincerity, kindness and hospitality shown by the families in Yanbu’.
[..And whoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful] (Al-Hashr: 9)
[And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskeen (the needy), the orphan and the captive, (Saying):"We feed you seeking Allah's Countenence only. We wish no reward nor thanks from you.] (Al-Insan: 8-9)
And Allah knows best..
Lastly, an informal token of appreciation by me...
Khalid, Rizhan, Hussien – Thanks for the leadership and initiative shown for this trip. Even though the programme didn’t go exactly as planned, but with versatility, patience and understanding, the three of you managed to adapt to sudden changes and act decisively considering the well being of others as well. I think the idea behind the programme was good and the tazkirah sessions by the different speakers was valuable in building self confidence for themselves in public speaking and also for others who heard it. We should do this tazkirah thingy more often if possible involving everyone.
All the Madeenah students – I was amazed by the maturity, effort and togetherness of the whole bunch. Well done. Thanks for making the programme a success by participating and having the initiative and assisting in any part of the programme be it in planning, food and others.
Ma’som, Muzammil, Asrory – Despite our failed efforts to postpone the Yanbu’ trip (ahaha), the three of you still carried on with the plan and became part of a strong asset to make the trip a successful one and with maturity and understanding, some of you even took the initiative to take control of the situation, assist and calm things down in some of the big setbacks that we faced.
All the residents of Yanbu’ we met – Once again, thanks for all the kindness and hospitality shown and making our trip a more delightful and memorable one. May the ties that have been fostered remain firm and become stronger, insya Allah.
JazaakumulLah khairan katheeran wa BaarakAllahu feek..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)