Culture vs Islam

The Essence of Fasting in Ramadan

Masya Allah, these are great reminders about the essence of fasting in Ramadan by Professor Tariq Ramadan. May Allaah Almighty bless and reward all those who were involved in the production of this video. Three parts in all.

Criticize Less and Learn More

This is a reminder to myself.. The problem with having a blog with no one commenting or criticizing is that one could get carried away, 'shiok sendiri' in a sense with our own views. If the view is accurate, alhamdulillah, but what if the view is inaccurate or constricted? Alhamdulillaah, thank you Allah for blessing me to have a self-critical attitude, to keep learning and keep an open mind.

For this reason, I think that my views in the recent entry 'No Place For Boys', while it is a reality, however, it is really a constricted view of what's happening in the mosques around Singapore. The documentary below is about the differences between the culture and practice of managing mosques in the Arab Countries and Singapore and also Malaysia. It is one of the causes for the change in my views. Hence, I think it's better if the post is removed. It's really much better to learn rather than criticize.

"O Allah! Verily, we seek refuge with You against going astray or that we lead others astray, or that we slip or are caused to slip, or that we oppress or that we are oppressed by others, or that we be ignorant or that ignorance is perpetrated against us." (Al-Tirmidhi no. 3427. It is an authentic Hadith. See Saheeh Sunan Al-Tirmidhi no. 2725)

Ameen Ya Rabb!

Stop Living in a Dream and Be Realistic!

This video is hilarious! Well at least for me it is.

Bro Baba Ali now has a new project called halfourdeen.com, a matchmaking website which he set up recently to help ease the process of those single brothers and sisters out there searching for their other half, their soulmate. He also claims that it is different from all the other matchmaking websites out there.. something I can vouch for actually..

Masya Allah the da'wah and tarbiyah efforts of this bro who, for those who don't already know, is a revert! May Allah continue to shower His Blessings upon him.

Why and How to Learn Arabic for Comprehension of the Qur'an

A must watch I feel.. do watch if you have the time.

Apabila Artis Mula Berbicara Tentang Agama

Sila rujuk kepada artikel ini sebelum membaca komen di bawah.. 'Ilmu penawar keracunan ideologi'

My Personal Comment

Sebuah artikel yang berat sebelah dan sempit di dalam penilaiannya yang hanya memfokuskan kepada keburukan yang timbul akibat kumpulan-kumpulan atau individu tertentu yang mencemarkan nama Islam akibat tindakan mereka yang tidak amanah dan melampau yang dukacitanya, menisbahkan diri mereka sendiri sebagai pendukung sunnah yang tulen ataupun 'Salafi' padahal jauh sekali daripada ajaran dan akhlak Rasoolullah sallallaahu'alaihi wasallam.

Lebih lagi apabila beliau membuat kesimpulan umum bahawa semua yang belajar di Arab Saudi atau cenderung kepada pendapat dan pemikiran ulama-ulama tersebut, sebakul dengan mereka yang tidak berakhlak, berfikiran extrimis dan radikal yang jelas membelakangi sunnah.

Padahal hanya segelintir yang terlibat dan sebahagian besar dari mereka yang memperjuangkan Sunnah, mengambil jalan tengah, bersikap sederhana dan ikhlas memperjuangkan mempraktikkan Sunnah Rasoolullaah sallallaahu'alaihi wasallam dari nas-nas yang sahih dan boleh dipercayai, serta menghormati kepelbagaian pendapat dan mencuba sebaik mungkin mengelakkan kekecohan dan perpecahan di dalam masyarakat.

Tidak tahukah beliau bahawa diantara para sukarelawan Religious Rehabilitative Group (RRG) atau kakitangan dan juga sesetengah mereka yang memegang jawatan penting di dalam badan-badan Islam besar di Singapura contohnya, juga terdiri daripada graduan dari Universiti Islam Madinah ataupun universiti Arab Saudi yang lain, dan mereka diiktiraf atas kesarjanaan dan ilmu mereka?

Dan selama ini TIADA SEORANG PUN diantara pelajar-pelajar atau para graduan Singapura dari universiti-universiti Saudi yang terlibat dengan aktiviti keganasan atau telah mencapai suatu tahap hingga mengkafirkan antara sesama Muslim..

Back to basics I think, we cannot judge the teachings of any scholar, ustaz or any Islamic institution by the actions of certain individuals or groups who portray a radical and take an extreme stance which is different from what they have learnt or been taught most probably due to their own misinterpretation and naivety being influenced by radical groups or individuals who have their own personal agenda, deviating from what Islam itself actually promotes and represents.

We must judge by examining fairly the teachings in the books themselves, understanding the context of what is being taught as a whole.

The reality is that, (from my own personal experience studying at one of the universities there and also attending some study circles at Masjidil Haram, Makkah Al-Mukarramah), these institutions and their scholars always promotes peace, understanding, respecting the different opinions and we can observe through the own words of such scholars in their books or articles and the asatizahs themselves always maintaining a sense of humility, displaying excellent moral conduct and character in any situation, always respecting one and all and would always remind their students or Muslims in general to do the same, to always be conscious of Allah in all that they do, to be aware that their every word or actions will be taken into account by Allah Almighty one day..

Additional comments from a friend..

Quote: Artist turned socio-political commentator?

Some facts are referred to certain statistic, fair enough but for the following statements takde bukti yg jelas... contoh:

'apabila diselediki' = macam mana kau selidik? bawa team forensic ke?

'Kami memang... sudah cam pemuda fahaman... radikal itu kerana imej mereka yang terserlah' = Ade statistics ke, org radikal mesti imej camtu? atau stereotype?

'Kemudian, kami diberitahu bahawa' = sape yg beritahu? org yg boleh dipercayai ke?

Maaf cakap, dah macam baca karangan budak secondary school pula.

and (this just in) comments from a respectable and well-known local ustaz..

'Sesiapa sahaja boleh membuat komen tentang agama. Samada dia itu artis ke, tukang masak ke, pekebun ke atau sebagainya. Namun satu ciri yang tak boleh lepas ialah dia mesti memiliki peribadi agama yang baik. Dia mesti mempunyai sifat 'adlah yang tidak boleh dipertikaikan.


Bagi si artis yang kononnya nak komen tentang ulama salaf terutama ulama unggul seperti Ibn Taimiyah, kita tengok sahaja peribadinya. Rambutnya menyerupai perempuan dan pernah hidup di kota London dan menyanyi di pub-pub yang menggalakkan peminuman arak. Bila balik Singapura, tiba-tiba alim pula dan dah nak komen tentang ajaran-ajaran tertentu. Macam mana nak terima kata-kata dia?

Kalau dah nak jadi alim, biar alim betul-betul. Tukar cara hidup tu dulu kemudian baru mula bercakap. Kalau boleh pun belajar Bahasa Arab dan baca karangan-karangan ulama-ulama yang nak dikomen. Barulah betul. Ini petik kata sana, petik kata sini dan kemudian buat penelitian yang tidak tepat. Tak malu ke?'

On The Other Hand

Sila rujuk artikel ini..Al-Qaeda ancam guling kerajaan Arab Saudi

Aik., pelik..si Radikal nak gulingkan "penyokongnya" di dalam keradikalan?

Funny world and times we live in

Allah Almighty knows best.

Soal Jawab Puasa

A Much Needed Advice For All

{And they divided not till after knowledge had come to them, through (selfish) transgression between themselves. And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord for an appointed term, the matter would have been settled between them. And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture after them, are in grave doubt concerning it.} [Ash-Shura 42:14]



A much needed advice for all.. religious people are too busy arguing over petty disagreements, neglecting more important issues, keep dissing each other and be disunited, the less religious, ignorant and youth more importantly, become confused and just decide to forget about it.. the next generation suffers for the worse.

Question On Tawakkal

Once upon a time, I was bloghopping when I came across an entry which questioned on the limits of tawakkal, literally meaning putting one's trust in Allah. Here's part of the entry..

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The question is this: Where do you draw the line between giving up and leaving it to Him? Yes, its a question on tawakkal. Something I’ve grappled with for quite a while.

Once, I had wanted something so badly. I prayed, I put in effort, I tried whatever I could (with the limited resources and capabilities that I had at that time) and I gave my all. And then, I decided that I should just leave it to Him. Things that I was doing did not seem to get me any closer to what I wanted.

When I told a friend that I was leaving it to Him, she said to me, “You’re being too tawakkal.” What is too tawakkal?? How do you know if you’ve done enough?

Anyway, that was then. I did not get what I had wanted but I’ve made peace with it and I actually kind of see that Allah had other plans for me and I’m happy where I am with regards to that issue.

Fairly recently, I made up my mind about where my priorities should be and since then, decisions that I had made would have those as a guideline.

Again, someone commented, “You give up too easily.”

Now I’m really confused. When I’m doing so much, someone says I don’t do enough, another says I should leave it to Him. When I really DO leave it to Him, another says I give up too easily.

How do you define giving up and how do you know if you’re giving up or you’re really sincerely, honestly just leaving it to Him?

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The entry made me do my own research on the matter and after reading a number of articles, I came upon these articles which helped me understand better on the matters of tawakkal.

The first article was originally in Malay and I have done a simple translation of it to English here entitled 'Searching For Success With Reference to Allah'..

I will re-post the second article here. The original article have been removed from the website itself but alhamdulillaah, I have posted it before in this blog.

 And also this article entitled 'The Concept Of Trust In Allah'.

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Article originally from islamonline.net

There Is Good In Every Event

By Harun Yahya, Muslim Thinker.

Every event that happens to the Muslim has one sort or another of goodness in it. Allah states that even events that seem to be unfavorable may have a lot of good in them:

[It may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good.] (An-Nisaa' 4:19)

[It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.] (Al-Baqarah 2:216)

Aware of this secret, believers seek goodness and beauty in every event. No seemingly adverse incident, hardship, or mischief ails or worries them. They maintain their composure, whether the experience is insignificant or a serious ordeal. Sincere Muslims even see goodness and divine purpose in the loss of all their hard earned possessions. They express gratitude to Allah for the gift of life. They have faith that Allah may have protected them from committing an evil act or against too much attachment for possessions.

Accordingly, believers give their most inner thanks to Him because no loss in this world equals the loss in the hereafter. Loss in the hereafter means eternal and intolerable punishment (unless Allah wills otherwise). Those who keep themselves occupied with the remembrance of the hereafter view every event as goodness and beauty leading to the hereafter.

Those who overcome such ordeals will recognize their weaknesses before Allah and will reconsider how much they are in need of Him. They will turn to Allah with much humility through prayers and remembrance that will bring them closer to Him. This is surely an enormous benefit to their hereafter. These aside, by putting absolute trust in Allah and showing steadfastness, they will earn His pleasure and will be rewarded with eternal bliss.

People should seek goodness and beauty not only in ordeals, but also in daily routines. For example, burning the food one has painstakingly prepared may lead one to take numerous measures that would, by the will of Allah, prevent a more serious accident in the future. A young person might fail the college admission test on which all hopes for the future had been pinned.

People should, however, know that there is goodness in their failure, too; they should be able to think that Allah might have willed them to avoid some adverse circumstances or people and thereby feel pleased with the result. Alternatively, by thinking that Allah has placed in every event many other blessings that are either obvious or beyond the imagination, believers see the beauty of full submission to the guidance of Allah.

People may not always see the goodness and divine purpose behind every incident. Even if this is the case, they know for certain that there is goodness in all events. They offer prayers for Allah to discover the goodness and divine purpose hidden behind everything that happens.

Those who are aware that everything has a purpose in Allah's creation never use phrases such as "I wish I had not done this" or "I wish I had not said that" and so on. Mistakes, defects, or seemingly unfortunate events essentially include blessings, and each one of them is the trial of destiny. Allah gives important lessons and reminders to humans in the destiny He creates individually for each person.

For those who can evaluate with insight, there are no mistakes or adversities, but rather lessons, warnings, and wisdom from Allah. For example, a Muslim whose shop burns down will search his or her soul, and will become even more sincere and true in his or her faith, deeming it as a warning by Allah against overindulgence in worldly goods and attachments.

Consequently, no matter what one encounters in this life, the ordeals will all eventually end. A person who recalls a hardship will be amazed that it is nothing more than a reminiscence in the mind. This is also how people recall the scenes from a film. Accordingly, one day will come and the most painful experience will become only a memory, more like the image of a scene from a movie. Only one thing will remain — the attitude a person assumed during the time of hardship and whether Allah is pleased with him or her.

People will not be called to account for their experiences, but rather for their attitudes, thoughts, and sincerity they displayed at the time of these experiences. Therefore, endeavoring to see the goodness and the divine purpose Allah creates in the situations encountered and taking a positive attitude will bring bliss to believers both in this world and in the hereafter. No sorrow or fear awaits these believers who are aware of this secret. Similarly, no one, no event can create fear, harm, or distress in this world or in the hereafter. Allah reveals this secret in the Qur'an:

[Those who follow My guidance will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.] (Al-Baqarah 2:38)

[Yes, the closer servants of Allah will feel no fear nor shall they grieve: those who believe and have done their duty, there is good news for them in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the great victory.] (Yunus 10:62-64)

- Harun Yahya was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied fine arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, he has published many books on political, faith-related, and scientific issues.

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Just To Add..

From what I understand, in whatever that we're striving for to achieve, it definitely needs effort and not only that, but the RIGHT form of planning and effort as well as placing complete trust in Allah in everything that we do. Only then, we may have a higher chance of success and at the same time will be rewarded and blessed for trusting Him.

If it doesn’t turn out the way we hope for, only Allah knows best as what has been stated the second article..

“Every event that happens to the Muslim has one sort or another of goodness in it. Allah states that even events that seem to be unfavorable may have a lot of good in them:

[It may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed a lot of good.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:19)

[It may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.] (Al-Baqarah 2:216)

“Mistakes, defects, or seemingly unfortunate events essentially include blessings, and each one of them is the trial of destiny. Allah gives important lessons and reminders to humans in the destiny He creates individually for each person.

For those who can evaluate with insight, there are no mistakes or adversities, but rather lessons, warnings, and wisdom from Allah.”

Allah Almighty knows best.

A Mother's Love

"Alamak, habis la.. dah basah nih..Dah la, apa bleh buat." I exclaimed.

"O'oh.. hm, nanti balik boleh cuba seterika kasi dia kering..," My mother assured.

I thought she wasn't serious. Now it's all ironed up.

I just came back from a short weekend getaway and unfortunately, my mini copy of a translation of the Noble Qur'an got wet. The soft and thin pages will never retain the same shape again. Still, my mum tried to do something about it by ironing out the remaining damp pages. I was wondering what was she doing cooped up in the room for past half hour or so.. Masya Allah.

Of course, the book has now expanded a little larger than its original state and is in shambles. I'm probably going to buy a new one and the old one will be disposed of (burnt), but I just had to take a picture of this for memory's sake as a reminder of one of the many numerous little things that my mother does out of love for the sake of her children..

My Lord! Bestow on my parents Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.

O Allah, forgive me and my parents, and reward them with the finest reward. O Allah, elevate their position in the hereafter and this Dunya; make that which befalls them an expiation for their sins. O Allah, grant them residence in Firdaus, the highest level of Jannah, with the Prophets, the Siddeeqeen, and the Martyrs. Ameen.

Love you Mum, I really appreciate this and all the many other things big or small that you do for us each and every day. (",)

And no it's not Mother's Day.. never wait till Mother's Day..

Striving For Success by The Way of Allah

This is the second article from saifulislam.com that I've translated for the benefit of all, insya Allah. (Original article entitled 'Mencari Kemenangan Dengan Acuan Allah' here!) Do note that the accuracy of the translation may not be 100%, but the general idea should be there. It is one of the articles in my personal collection of Islamic articles that I refer to often as a reminder from time to time.

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"Hm.. Allah had saved the grossly ignorant dwellers of Mecca who had not only tarnished Masjidil Haram with more than 300 idols but also performed circumumbulation around it naked! But Allah had saved them from the attacks of Abrahah's Elephant Army," I tried to reflect the situation at Mecca just before the birth of Rasoolullaah SAW.

"If such grossly ignorant Meccan dwellers were saved from destruction, why didn't Allah save us? Why are we Muslims continuously at the losing end? Aren't we already worshiping Him? Aren't we the ones who are striving in His Name? Why didn't Allah help us then?" The questions that were disturbing my thoughts became more and more critical.

Moreover, if we were to view it in today's context, whatever that's bad and of ignorance continues to win and flourish, but whatever of Islam and the truth continues to be weakened and oppressed as if it is not being aided.

Where did it go wrong?

I searched deep in thought, while at the same time, my hands searched.. each and every page of Allah's word was turned and contemplated upon until I came to a particular promise by Allah:

“And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad sallallaahu'alayhi wasallam) are amongst them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allah's) forgiveness.” (Al-Anfaal 8 : 33)

That's His promise.

That there will be no tribe that will be left in suffering, if in their midst lies Muhammad SAW (peace and blessings be upon him).

It doesn't matter that the dwellers of Mecca were grossly ignorant, the reason being was that the imminent birth of Muhammad SAW will be from them, hence, it becomes a reason for Allah to save them, just as how Allah had saved those who strive during of the war of Badar, Uhud and even Khandaq which was highly critical due to its situation of potentially endangering the lives of all Muslims back then.

Today, our Prophet SAW (peace and blessings be upon him) is not physically present and will never be.. because his body have returned to its origin. But how about the way we practice our religion? Is our Islam the same as Rasoolullaah's Islam? Is the way we search for success and victory, similar as compared to the way Rasoolullah SAW searched for it? Or in simpler terms, does Rasoolullah SAW, figuratively speaking, 'exist' in our daily lives? Do we try to follow the way he lived, drink, eat or go about performing his responsibilities in the challenges of everyday life?

Maybe Rasoolullaah SAW is not present.. as many of those who are named Muhammad today and strive due to love for Prophet Muhammad..  neglects and do not follow the reference that was used by him SAW (peace and blessings be upon him).:

“[Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (religion) of Allah (Islam) and which Sibgah (religion) can be better that Allah's? And we are His worshipers." (Al-Baqarah 2 : 138)

THE WAY OUT

Death lurks from the back, as well as the front.

Moses and the pious Children of Israel were surrounded and trapped. At their backs were Pharaoh and his army, while at the front was the vast sea. Logically, there's no way out.

"Let's just prepare ourselves for death!"

However, giving up the hope of Allah's blessings is not a characteristic of those who deserve to be helped. Because all the narrow mindedness of this worldly life can never be compared to the Allah's vast powers and ability to provide help.

“And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine.” (Al-Thalaq: 2-3)

The sea was parted, providing help through a safe avenue which was totally unexpected and unthinkable for Moses and the Children of Israel. Even as humans of a low standing, they were saved and able to continue their journey while the mighty Pharaoh and his army who has managed to be in power and dictate their people for a long time, easily fell defeated, drowned in the sea.. because they are too lowly as compared to Allah All Mighty and All Powerful.

The condition for success is TAQWA (Taqwa = God consciousness - the love and fear that a Muslim feels for Allah. [A person with taqwa desires to be in the good pleasures of Allah and to stay away from those things that would displease Allah. He is careful not to go beyond the bounds and limits set by Allah. www.islamicemirate.com/index.php]).

CONDITION OF TAQWA

Taqwa is not a merely a slogan. It is also not a mode for the Friday prayers Imam to put his congregation to sleep.

Taqwa is the yardstick that Allah will use to measure the qualities of humans. The best of you are those who have the highest form and value of taqwa.

"What is Taqwa?", asked Umar al-Khattab towards Ubai ibn Ka'ab (radhiyallaahu'anhuma).

"Have you ever walked through a path full of thorns?" replied Ubai with a probing question.

"Yes I have," Umar replied.

"What did you do as you walked?" continued Ubai.

"I would slightly lift my thobe and walk slowly and carefully," replied Umar.

"And so, that is TAQWA!" concluded Ubai ibn Ka'ab towards Umar al-Khattab's question regarding TAQWA.

TAQWA is the measure of the quality of humans who have to continuously face a path of various challenges. There will be benefits as well as losses. There will be things that are permissable and non-permissable... a person of Taqwa will consider every single matter in his life as a whole. He will proceed with caution, be smart to control the steps that he will take, and be concerned and not heedless towards any challenges that will come in his way throughout his life. That is TAQWA.

A person of Taqwa is not someone who would live life as he likes.

A striver of Taqwa is not someone who strives as he likes.

They would carefully consider every single law of Allah, things that will lead to success and things that would lead to failure and doom.

THE LAWS OF ALLAH

The question is, how does the law of Allah work?

"Abide by the Qur'an and Sunnah," as what we all would generally state.

Exactly and it's true.. however, maybe it's not yet clear, complete or even practical.

The guidance of Allah is there in the Qur'an and Sunnah, but that's not the only references where the guidance of Allah exists in this life. There is guidance from the two main texts, and there is guidance from the rules of the universe.

The rules of the texts is termed as Syariatullah.

The rules of the universe is termed as Sunnatullah.

OUR PROPHET, SYARIATULLAH AND SUNNATULLAH

As Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam taught us how to go about leading our daily lives, he often provided a demonstration that would enable a person to encompass the ways of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah.

i. Daily Living

Just observe how slaughtering is performed. We were taught to slaughter in the best manner. And the Sunnah of it can be explained through the practice of saying the Basmalah (Bismillaahirrahmaanirraheem) and the use of a sharp knife. What is the purpose of using a sharp knife?

"So that the chicken would feel less pain!" would be the standard answer for most of us.

"Syariat (Rules of Allah) is provided for the benefit of mankind, not the chicken," I would explain.

The use of a sharp knife will fasten the work of slaughtering. There would be lesser energy used which would contribute to a more productive outcome. Efficiency and effectiveness would increase.. to put it in today's context, our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was teaching us on matters regarding productivity.

Therefore, the quality of a good slaughter is not just through the saying of Basmalah, but also depends on the usage of sharp knife.

ii. Matters of Striving in life

"I am the Messenger of Allah, I am most loved by Allah, Allah have ordained for me to migrate and strive for His religion, Allah will definitely help me..!?"

Has there ever been a moment whereby the Prophet sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam thought that way? Did the Prophet ever perceived that as long as his mission was in Allah's name, for Islam and the truth, that the mission would definitely result in victory, hence he would belittle the importance of planning and strategy?

The answer is... Never once in his life!

For the migration, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would utilize every available wisdom and would maximize opportunities for success with the consideration of all forms of strategy that it would be the principle reference to what would be named later as THE SCIENCE OF STRATEGY.

The planning and strategy of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was so vast that his companions had to ask, which plan is a revelation from God and which plan is his own professional view?

The revelations from God would be something that is a must to follow and abide by in Syariatullah terms. While in Sunnatullah terms, there is a need for continuous discussions, analysis and work as a whole.

There is no higher or lower preference between meeting the demands of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah.. because both make up the rules of Allah for the welfare of human lives. The textual verses of rules that we are bound to follow and the sciences of the rules of the universe are both to be fully implemented as a whole.

CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE MEASURE OF GOD CONSCIOUSNESS

Such an approach towards the question of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah, was not only recorded during the times of Prophetship, whereas it continued to be a yardstick for the perfection of the works of the Ummah in future agendas that followed.

"Constantinople will definitely be freed. The best of leaders is its leader (the one who conquers it) and the best of armies is its army (which conquers it)" [Hakim, 4.422; Bukhari, Tarikh al-Saghir, 139; I. Hanbal, 4.335]

Year 44 of the Hijri calander, Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan (radhiyallaahu'anhu) sent the first delegation of Muslims with the sole purpose of subduing the city of Constantinople. Many of the Prophet's companions participated, including Abu Ayyub al-Ansari and Ibn Abbas himself. They had set out with a strong belief of the possibility of attaining success due to the promise of the Prophet sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam, that the great city of Constantinople along with its pride and arrogance will fall in the hands of Islam, not to be colonized but to be freed from the slavery between their own people.

How was the strength of Constantinople back then? How was the climate there? How was the sociopolitical condition of its residents?

The companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) didn't know. Even so, because they were so convinced with the promise of the Prophet, that there would be a future victory for Islam... they proceeded.

The mission wasn't successful. It didn't mean that it failed, it was just not the time for success. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (radhiallahu'anhu) died a martyr. Even though they were the generation of companions that were under the direct tutelage of Rasooolullaah sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam, still, Allah had not allowed success because there's a big lesson to be learnt that needs to be heeded by the Ummah.

Efforts were then made in the period of Sulaiman bin Abdul Malik, in the era of Harun al-Rashid and was continuously tried agan and again.. even till the era of Sultan Yildirim Beyazit (1389-1403) and Murat II (1421-1451) during the Ottoman era.. the promise of the Prophet was still not yet fulfilled.

Until the rise of the era of the Ottoman Sultanate, when the 7th Sultan titled Sultan Muhammad bin Murad II was crowned. He was a normal human being who has special qualities.

Special in the passion towards the mission of Constantinople.

Special in the possession of a character with a high virtue and vastness in knowledge.

Special in mastering the proficiency of governing and the art of war.

Special towards the practice of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah which was highly valued in the name of TAQWA.

Sultan Muhamamad al-Fatih researched regarding the city of Constantinople from a strategic aspect, political aspect and social aspect. He knew enough about the strengths and weaknesses of the city he was about to subdue, therefore he proceeded in accordance to the information that he had gathered. And even his army was at a similar level of God consciousness and noble attributes that he possessed.

While he was with the thousands of his army, marching towards Constantinople, they had passed by a field of grapes. Sultan Muhammad pretended to fall ill.

"Only grapes would cure my illness," he proclaimed.

However, not even a soldier from his army had grapes with him. The field of grapes that wasn't theirs was not even touched and it was not even brought up as one of the proposed solutions to solve the problem.

"I am fine now!" exclaimed Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih.

It was proven that his army was the best of armies. Sultan Muhammad was 'cured' as he observed the high level of Syariatullah that his army possessed as seen with their TAQWA, as well as them abiding the laws of Sunnatullah.

After the offer for a peaceful resolution was rejected at the last minute, attacks were launched one after another... the battle went on for more than a month until finally, came the moment that was promised by Allah and His messenger.. Constantinople collapsed in the hands of a normal human being who possess certain special qualities... Sultan Muhammad bin Murad II a.k.a. Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih.

A normal human being who's special in some aspects, was able to forge success due to combining the practice of the laws of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah.

The Prophet's (sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam) saying regarding the victory of Islam in the city of Constantinople didn't occur in the hands of his companions. It was obtained in the hands of the best of leaders and army, more than 800 years after that promise was made by the Prophet.

That is the formula for the success of Islam.

Islam was not won only due to its mission being an Islamic mission.

Success happens when there is a completion of the right form of efforts to meet with every single factor that is required for success.

Come on strivers of Islam.. if the goal is to bring victory to Islam, don't give an excuse that the walls of Constantinople are too strong to fall or that the journey is too far. Don't give an excuse that it is too tricky to solve. Success is near, if those who strive completes the conditions of TAQWA. Which is the compliance of Syariatullah and Sunnatullah.

Integrity is important.

Commitment towards the Syari'ah laws while campaigning is important.

What's permissible and not permissible will always be important.

Record efficiency and management is important.

Usage of all forms of communication skills is important.

Technology is important.

Both Islamic Law and Science is important.

That is the formula for the success of Islam.

FINAL MOTIVATION

"The city of Constantinople will be in the hands of this nation!" reminded the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) towards his companions who were tiring in the battle of Khandaq.

Constantinople?

That sort of promise is too much.

Why so? The number of residents of Madeenah were small. Furthermore, the Prophet (sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam) and his companions were caught in between life and death, as they were being surrounded by the entire rank of Arab Nationalists who teamed up to form the Coalition army. And suddenly, the Prophet gave a promise that we, who were very small in number as well as in a state of in between life and death, will subdue Constantinople, the biggest city in the world!

Isn't this something impossible?

This is how the Prophet (sallallaahu'alayhi wassalam) motivated his companions.

Believing after seeing something, has no value of faith. It is only a form of attestation towards something that has been produced. This type of belief is a cheap form of belief that has no need for effort and sacrifice.

However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught his companions to believe before seeing something, and to work hard towards realizing what they believe in.

That is the greatness of the motivation of the mind of a professional Mu'min (pious and righteous believer).

They believe before they see and work hard to see what they believe.

We have never seen Paradise, however, we believe in it. Therefore, work hard to see what we believe.

We have also never seen the success of Islam, furthermore, we are clouded by one failure after another. However, we believe that the future belongs to Islam. Therefore, work hard to see what we believe.

Indeed, victory belongs to Islam.

If all the conditions that lead to it are met.

ABU SAIF @ www.saifulislam.com
56000 Kuala Lumpur