Friday, May 28, 2010

Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 28 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Rahmat completed Chapter 37 - Spending favourite things for Allah's sake. Ustaz demonstrated examples via sirah of our beloved Prophet SAW and his generosity... how he (pbuh), together with his family and companions led a simple life full of barakah, subhan Allah. I'm reminded of the advice to always give what you like best to others and not vice versa. That is a sign of a truly sincere and generous heart.

Afternote: Ustaz invited the Ummah to contemplate on how fortunate our lives currently are and if we are truly grateful by way of elevating our ibadah to the Creator, Allah Azza wa Jalla and by way of our contribution to our Ummah.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Women and Fiqh - 22 May 2010

"Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." [Surah ale-Imran: 31]

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Ghazali covered Chapter 6 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah, Ustaz touched on special and privileged place the following have in the eyes of Allah SWT and our beloved Prophet SAW - those who love Allah SWT and love others for the sake of Allah Azza wa Jalla, mothers exhibiting unconditional love, those who experienced death of a beloved child, widows and the poor.

What I took away from this session is the need for wives to make managing the household a priority in life versus seeking ilmu (if the husband can provide the Islamic guidance needed), going to work, doing their own business, etc. Truly, the status of a wife and mother is placed high in an esteemed position in the eyes of Islam, subhan Allah.

Afternote: I'm instinctively reminded of mum's advice - to forgive and forget for the sake of Allah SWT. Yes it is not easy to do but if you have good opinion of people and put your trust in Allah (tawaqal ilalLah) and believe in the Day of Judgment, you'll be at peace with things that come your way... ridha, subhan Allah.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Ecnonomics - 19 May 2010


[Source courtesy from 1Islam.net]

AlhamdulilLah, tonight Sheikh Abdul Halim covers the history of moneyhistory of bankingfractional-reserve banking and the importance of understanding the true Islamic banking and economics.

One will soon realise that without 'ilm (knowledge) in this era of fitan, some 'islamic banks' are actually "wolves in sheeps' clothing", as rightly pointed by Sheikh Imran Hosain in the video above.
Tafseer Al Quran - 19 May 2010


[Source courtesy of Muslim Research and Development Foundation, UK] 

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Rahmat Jumaat explained the significance of Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem. When the two names are recited in succession in the Quran, their usage clearly declares the ultimate Authority and Power of Allah, glory to Him, for example in Surah al-Baqarah: 163, Surah Fussilat: 2, Surah al-Hashr: 21.
 
Ar-Rahmaan describes the One endowed with Mercy that extends to all of the creations in this world and to the believers in the Hereafter, demonstrating the need for the Ummah to believe in Allah's ihsan while Ar-Raheem describes the One endowed with Mercy that extends to only the believers on the Day of Judgement - this being the understanding of the jumhur Ulama' (majority of the scholars i.e. Mujtahid).

In short, when one consistently recites isti'-aatha, basmalah (including Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem), one consciously declares full submission to Allah SWT, whose attributes are exclusively His as The Almighty! ... A truly a humbling experience when recited with full conviction.

I'm looking forward to the next lesson where Ustaz will go into the details of the 7 ayat of Surah al-Fateha. Meanwhile, read more about the Tafseer of Surah al-Fateha here and view the video above on the first of seven parts of Tafseer surah Al-Fateha.

Afternote: In conversations with peers at work or with friends, sometimes one will hear as to why the rich and wealthy are disbelievers. To me, I believe in the phrase "Amma yaf'al, amma yaf'alu" - truly Allah SWT Knows best. Our purpose on earth is temporal while the final destination is the Hereafter. Tauqid asma wa as-sifat requires one to believe and submit to all of Allah's traits without question. Thus, to be truly monotheistic, one must not only worship God alone in one's prayer (outward tawhid al-ibada) but one must have the correct knowledge (tawhid ar-rububiyya), the correct understanding (tawhid al-asma wa as-sifat), and the correct motivation (inner tawhid al-ibada). Wallahualam bissawab.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Islamic Concept of Adab - 15 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Zhulkeflee felt the need to cover the topic of Taqlid tonight, which I agree is essential in preserving the unity of the Ummah. View his slides here.

What I took away is that one cannot taqlid without the conviction that the amal ibadah one does supports the true Aqeedah. In Islam, there is consensus when it comes to Aqeedah while there are differing opinions on matters relating to Fiqh. It is obligatory to seek 'ilm and have yaqin when doing an ibadah coz truly one will be accounted for all his/her deeds in the Hereafter.

Subhan Allah, I also have a deeper appreciation for the aleem ulama for their selfless and tireless dedication in striving to attain the deep knowledge and judiciously conveying it in a manner that greatly benefit the ummah in our times.

Allow me to also share the first of a series of 14 videos by Sheikh Abu Yusuf Riyadh Ul Haq. He explains at great length the importance of following one of the Mujtahid Imams (i.e. a Madhab), its basis, and dispels a lot of the contemporary misconceptions about Taqlid, subhan Allah!:


Afterthought: I'm constantly reminded by mum to have good opinion of people. The Prophet SAW said, "Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility agains...t one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah." [Hadith Muslim 6214]... Truly there is adab in giving Islah, doing it with hikmah (wisdom)
Women and Fiqh - 15 May 2010

"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." [Surah an-Nur: 31]

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Ghazali covered Chapter 5 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah. He continued with women's honour and nobility through the sirah of the wives of our beloved Prophet SAW and we will benefit from snippets of these noble ladies - Khadijah Ummul Mu'minin, Aisyah RA, Fatimah az-Zahra RA, Ummu Salamah RA, Zainab RA, women from Quraisy, etc.

Afternote: With the kids immersed in the pop culture of today, I do wonder will I make a good enough mum who will steer the kids to the right path and instil in them a love for Islamic living, the true tamaddun (civilisation) that the Ummah desperately needs. May Allah SWT protects us from the Hellfire, ameen ya Rabb.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Fardh Ayn - 14 May 2010

"...This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you,
and have chosen for you as religion AL-ISLAM. Whoso is forced by hunger,
not by will, to sin: (for him) Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [Surah al-Maeda: 3] 

[Source courtesy of Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail]

AlhamdulilLah, besides providing tips on how to counter critics about the Oneness of Allah SWT, Ustaz Zhulkeflee further elaborated on the shahadahtain, specifically where the Ummah bear testimony on the oneness of Allah SWT and that Prophet Muhammad SAW is the seal of prophethood.

"Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Say: Obey Allah and the messenger. But if they turn away, lo! Allah loveth not the disbelievers (in His guidance)." [Surah Ale Imran: 31-32]

Ustaz briefly outlined the Sirah of our beloved Prophet SAW from his birth till his last sermon. To know is to love so it cannot be mere lip service, so follow through one's conviction through practice and conduct, exemplified by our beloved Prophet SAW.

Allow me to share the first video of a series of 18 lectures by Sheikh Yasir Qadhi on the sirah of the Exemplar beyond compare (SAW). You can also download "Stories of the Prophets" from The Deen Show:


[Source courtesy of Peace TV]
Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 14 May 2010

"Say: If your fathers, and your sons, and your brethren, and your wives, and your tribe, and the wealth ye have acquired, and merchandise for which ye fear that there will be no sale, and dwellings ye desire are dearer to you than Allah and His messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk." [Surah at-Tawbah: 24]

AlhamdulilLah, tonight Ustaz Rahmat started muqaddimah on Chapter 37 on "Spending favourites things for Allah's sake".

A constant reminder to myself to be zuhud and to love another for the sake of Allah SWT. Reflecting on the sirah of our beloved Prophet SAW, his family and his companions, I'm encouraged to live a life void of wastage surrounded by a secular community that consciously or sub-consciously supports consumerism, a way of life (millah) synonymous with the Western Worldview.

Also, a test of one's true obedience towards, love for and submission to Allah Azza wa Jalla is to give away what one loves for oneself to others. May Allah SWT guide us to a life of barakah, ameen ya Rabb.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 12 May 2010

"Lord of the East and the West; there is no God save Him; so choose Him alone for thy defender" [Surah al-Muzzammil: 9]

Tonight's lesson was on Islam and Globalisation, whose definition of 'Globalisation' is separate from the Western Worldview. Subhan Allah, Islam is truly a universal religion that transcends all borders. I agree with Sheikh when he said that the common denominator for our Ummah is Islam and to be part of this privileged 'membership' is a great ni'mah (gift). Indeed, when the Ummah come together from a variety of nationality, race and culture to ta'kruf and learn from each, therein lies Allah's wisdom:

"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets; and giveth wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observeth proper worship and payeth the poor-due. And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing." [Surah al-Baqarah: 177]

Truly, Islam is for all mankind - inclusivism (a religion for all) and exclusivism (the final revelation). Then, Islamic Economics is a regulated system about just distribution of resources benefitting all i.e. not to be at the mercy of any corporations. In essence, Islam advocates fair trade. I'll end this post by sharing an article on fairtrade here.

Afternote: This quote sticks in my head - "A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilisation", subhan Allah.
Tafseer Al Quran - 12 May 2010

Subhan Allah. Ustaz Rahmat started the lesson by highlighting that if one reflects on Surah al-Fateha and Surah An-Nas, it indeed come full circle - the importance of being consistent in one's tauhid to avoid shirk.

Ustaz continued from the previous lesson on "Basmalah", all the ulama agreed that it is part of the Quran. Read this for opinions if "Basmalah" is part of surah al-Fatihah. [Source: Tafseer ibn Kathir]

Nonetheless, in the case of solat, Ustaz Rahmat reinforced that it is wajib (obligatory) to recite the "Basmalah" in one's solat whether individually or in a jemaah (congregation) - jahar (loud and clear) or sir (for one's hearing only). Read this for the detailed explanation. [Source: Tafseer ibn Kathir]

Also, allow me to share the first part of a series of 5 lectures on Tafseer Bismillah:


[Source courtesy of SacredLearning.org]

From the perspective of Aqidah, a muslim is constantly in need of Allah's barakah (blessings) and when one does ibadah, with the sincere intent that it is for the love of Allah Azza wa Jalla, he will be rewarded (so constantly have the right intent in all that one does and begin with "Basmalah"). As part of adab, it is incomplete to say "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). Instead, recite "Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful).

With the recital of the "Basmalah", one is to leave arrogance and cultivate humility, which is rightly so, as he is preparing to 'face' and submit to Allah SWT, his Creator. Ustaz pointed out that "Allah" is used because it is the exclusive name for Islam's rabb, in it entails the many beautiful and magnificent attributes of the Creator, subhan Allah.

I benefited tremendously from this article on "Bismillah & Its Blessings" and urge you to have a read. It may be 30-page long but its clarity in explanation will strengthen your conviction and create a mindfulness in your mind's eyes to always start your amal ibadah with "Basmalah", insya Allah.

Afternote: Indeed Islam is a simple and straightforward religion. Truly seeking Allah's barakah (blessings), forgiveness, safeguarding one from angels of Jahannam, etc, is so easy, if only we knew, subhan Allah! :)

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Islamic Concept of Adab - 8 May 2010

"And lower unto them (parents) the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. [Surah al-Isra': 23]


[Source courtesy of Islamic Media]

As I share this video by Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman on "Respecting the parents", I'm constantly reminded to recite the above dua in my daily prayer. Truly, The Prophet SAW mentioned that 3 things continue to benefit a Muslim even after death - charity which he had given (which continues to benefit others), beneficial knowledge which he had left behind (authored or taught), and supplication on his behalf by a righteous child (narrated by Saheeh Muslim). May Allah SWT accepts my dua for my beloved parents, ameen.

"Show gratitude to Me and thy parents: to Me is thy final goal." [Surah Luqman: 14]. Truly, Allah is pleased with one when he has pleased his parents - "And serve Allah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents... Lo! Allah loves not such as are proud and boastful." [Surah an-Nisa: 36].

Ustaz Zhulkeflee elaborated on one's adab towards his/her parents and it starts by being shukur (showing gratitude to Allah SWT and one's parents) and he outlines the 3 criteria of being grateful. In my humble opinion, this is an important point. Being grateful to one's parents makes him grateful to Allah SWT and ungratefulness to them is ungratefulness to Allah SWT. One who does not prove to be thankful to his parents, he is lacking thankfulness to Allah SWT, nauzubillahi min zaliq!

Among the emphasis on pleasing one's parents, Ustaz outlined one's adab to parents vs. the acts of disobedience. Truly, among the major sins is disobedience to parents. Narrated by Abu Bakar RA - Our beloved Prophet SAW said, "Shall I inform you of the greatest sins?". We the companions said, "Certainly, O messenger of Allah!" He (SAW) said: "Associating anyone with Allah, disobedience to parents". [Source: Bukhari & Muslim].

View this video for impact. I personally feel that when one's parents are pleased with him, they will freely make beautiful dua, as highlighted by the video, coz truly the dua and zikr of believing parents are mustajab (accepted), ameen. Similarly, the danger when one's parents (mother-in-law included) are displeased, what is uttered in their hearts and speech out of that displeasure will be accepted, nauzu billahi min zaliq.

Ustaz also covered how one can ta'dib (teach and nurture) their young kids. This is essential especially since we are relating to the relationship schema and both sides of the same 'coin' are provided guidance. View Ustaz's slides here.
Other good references which I benefitted from include:
 Afternote: Subhan Allah. Islam is indeed a beautiful and straightforward religion. It is not hard to gain barakah from Allah SWT if only one knows the blessing of taking care of one's parents. What I took away from the lesson was also the need to be mindful that the way Muslims engage their parents shall be different from the millah of the Westerners especially since we are a minority living in a secular community. May Allah SWT grant us all the knowledge to understand Islam and its principals and the taufeeq to be well mannered towards our parents and all parents, insya Allah. Ameen.
Women and Fiqh - 8 May 2010

"O ye who believe! .... consort with them (your spouse) in kindness, for if ye hate them it may happen that ye hate a thing wherein Allah hath placed much good." [Surah an-Nisa: 19]

Ustaz Ghazali concluded Chapter 4 of the previous lesson with these 2 ayat -

"... Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy." [Surah al-Hujuraat: 10]

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect." [Surah ar-Rum: 21]

What I took away from Chapter 4 is that in essence, Islam is rightfully conveying this reality (haq) that insan, by design, have imperfections and have tendency to forget. It is the magnificent wisdom and mercy of Allah SWT the Creator, the Perfect, such that the Ummah learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses (which demonstrates Allah's greatness in His diverse Creations). And for those who contemplate, be grateful to Allah Azza wa Jalla for tests on this earth (Allah has already caution us that our family, wealth, work, etc are but tests). So to my married sisters, thank your husband and kids for the 'tests' as they will bring you closer to Allah SWT; To hate attributes of Allah's creation indicates the lack of gratitude to the Creator, nauzu billahi min zaliq!

This emphasises the beauty of Islam, wherein there is no love before marriage, as advocated by the paradigm of the West (dating, inter-mingling between the non mahram could lead to fitnah and open gates to other greater sins). If one really ponder on this, the beauty in marriage is the process of getting to know one another after one is halal to his/her spouse. Shouldn't that be the real excitement which is more long-term vs. knowing A to Z about a person before marriage, then where is the fun post akad nikah?

Ustaz then continued with Chapter 5, "Honour and Dignity of Muslimah" from the kitab Da'wah Mahabbah Vol. 2.

"... Bedizen not yourselves with the bedizenment of the Time of Ignorance. Be regular in prayer, and pay the poor-due, and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah's wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O Folk of the Household, and cleanse you with a thorough cleansing." [Surah al-Ahzab: 33]

He emphasised that sufur (not covering one's aurat) and tasyabbuh (mirroring the millah of the Jahiliyah or 'ignorant' e.g. tabarruj) meant that a muslimah's role model shall not be from the West, rather look to our beloved's prophet's family who are rightfully our best exemplars. There are etiquettes Allah SWT taught the wives of the Prophet SAW and Muslimah are required to follow their example, these commandments are applicable to all Muslim women. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol 3, p.83].

Some critics may say that the context in which they lived and in which we live is different. Saying this is dangerous as one is implying the lack of wisdom and greatness of Allah SWT. Truly, it is one's lack of 'ilm (knowledge)... so seek knowledge with the 'Aleem so that one reduces one's ignorance.

When asked if there is a good book I can refer to, he recommends, "Jati diri wanita Muslimah" by Dr Muhammad Ali Al-Hasyimi. The book (in Malay) covers the relationship schema between a Muslimah with her Rabb, herself, her parents, her husband, her kids, her family/relatives, her neighbours, her friends, and her community. AlhamdulilLah, coincidentally I found podcasts (in Malay) on lectures based on the book here.

Afternote: I'm constantly reminded of mum's advice to truly acknowledge that Islam is syumul (complete with all the hukum or law clearly outlined for those who reflect). There is no need to look else where if only one realise that the Islamic paradigm and worldview is disticnt from the Western worldview and knowing this gives one the peace of mind to operationalise one's life accordingly. May Allah SWT be pleased with us, ameen!

Friday, May 07, 2010

Fardh Ayn - 7 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, I've to agree with Ustaz Zhulkeflee when he said that although I've had the privilege being a born Muslim and was taught the basics of Fardh Ayn, I need to get re-acquainted with this essential knowledge at a deeper level to deepen my conviction towards total servitude to Allah's will.

Ad-Deen

Ustaz started the class by highlighting that Islam's definition of Ad-Deen is different from conventional perspective, it comes from the root word "Daana" (owe allegiance, be indebted) as in "Dainuunaa" (last judgment) and "Maddanna" from "Tamaddun" (civilisation).

It is clear that as vicegerent of this earth, just like our forefathers from the time of Prophet Adam AS, we are endowed with hukum taklifi (accountability) so we have to have syukur (feeling of indebtedness) for every second that Allah SWT breathe roh (life) into us, something we take for granted, among other things like the functioning of our 5 senses, the roof over our head, etc.

Al-Islam

"The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His will): nor did the people of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account." [Surah ale Imran: 10]

I've learnt that al-Islam is a proper noun, revealed from Allah SWT to Adam AS, established by previous Prophets which culminated to Prophet Muhammad SAW, the seal of prophethood.

Muslims

"And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline): He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector― the― Best to protect and the Best to help!" [Surah al-Hajj: 78]

Muslims are the ones who submit or willingly surrender to Allah's will. We are neither Muhammadans nor Mussalaman, unlike Judaism whose name originated from Juda/Jacob or Christianity whose name originated from Christ (Christos, Hebrew for Messiah).

Allah
"They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (to salvation)." Say thou: "No! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham is True, and he joined not gods with Allah." [Surah al-Baqarah: 135]

Allah is also a proper noun in the Arabic language, a name which denotes the One and Only God, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, with countless attributes beyond compare as outlined by the 99 attributes (image) above.

Origin of Kaabah


[Source courtesy of Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail]

What interests me most was when Ustaz shared the sirah on the origin of the Kaabah, the sirah of Prophet Ibrahim AS, how his firstborn, Prophet Ismail AS is the lineage where Prophet Muhammad SAW originated from (the genealogy can be traced eighteen generations back) while his second born, Prophet Ishak AS is the lineage where the Bani Israel originated from such as Prophet Ya'qub AS, and Prophet Yusuf AS, Prophet Musa AS and Prophet Isa AS. And in their prophecies, they mentioned the "awaited prophet", e.g.:

"The LORD said to me (Musa): What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." [Deuteronomy 18: 17 - 20]

Ustaz also touched on the sirah of Prophet Noh AS (the flood of Noah has wiped out the original Kaabah and it was rediscovered during the time of Prophet Ibrahim AS, subhan Allah!). I was touched by the dua by Prophet Ibrahim after he built the Kaabah - "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Truly! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and ‘Umrah), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Allah, accept all our deeds from us and multiply our rewards. Truly, You and Only You are the Al-Samee’, Al-’Aleem."

Qiblah

Ustaz ended the lesson by touching on the changing point on earth i.e. the Qiblah, from Jerusalem (Israel) to Kaabah (Mecca). Can't wait for the next lesson where Ustaz will talk about the history of purifying Mecca with the birth of our beloved Prophet SAW :)
Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 7 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Rahmat has just completed Chapter 36 on Sustentation of the members of the family.

Truly, there is greater reward (baraqah) for a Muslim spending his wealth for things that are classified as fardh (obligatory), such as providing for the need of his wife and children including their food and clothes first before others. Doing so with the intention that it is an act of servitude for the love of Allah SWT, he will be rewarded accordingly; The negligence of which is such a great sin that if a person is free from all other sins, this one alone will be enough to make him accountable before Allah, subhan Allah.
Islam's glory in Spain


Learn the truth. This video is about 1 hour 42 minute long but it is worthwhile as it describes the glorious Muslim Moors in what is now Spain (formerly known as al-Andalus). Such forgotten history must be remembered. May this video instil a strong sense of Islamic identity in us and reinstate our conviction in glorious Islam, ameen!

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Quality of Ummah


[Source courtesy of Al Maghrib Institute]

Sheikh Navaid Aziz, as he unfolds the sirah of the last few days of our beloved Prophet's life, he outlined the legacy of Prophet SAW, so that we keep them in mind as we go about our daily lives:
- do not worship the Prophet SAW the way the Christians worship Jesus AS i.e. grave worship (tawhid)
- fear the day every individual willl return to Allah SWT i.e. reinstate honour, purify self on earth
- honour convenant (agreement) by holding on to al-Quran and Sunnah (straight path in era of fitan)
- hold on to your solat and that which your right hand posses i.e. zakah (consistency to purify oneself)
- die in the hope to meet Allah SWT (have hope in the mercy of Allah SWT)

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 5 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Sheikh discusssed Riba (Usury), Gharar (Doubtful or uncertain risk) and Maisir (Gambling) with the class. He started with Al-Amr bi al-Ma’ruf wa al-Nahy ‘An al-Munkar (inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong) and this particular duty is profusely mentioned in the al-Quran and al-Sunnah. Among the verses is when Allah says (translated as):

“And the believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: They enjoin what is good, and forbid what is evil; they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted In power and Most Wise.” (Surah al-Taubah: 71)

In terms of Halal and Haram in Economics, he demonstrated by way of Surah An-Nisa: 29 - "O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful."

In terms of Riba' in the Quran, Surah Ar-Rum: 39 - "That which you lay out for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah (will increase): it is these who will get a recompense multiplied."

Many other evidences in the Quran rejects Riba' (usury) such as Surah Ale Imran: 130, Surah Al-Baqarah: 275 - 281. Reflecting on these and a hadith narrated by Ibn Majah - "RasululLah SAW cursed the one who receives, pays, witnesses and the one who documents Riba'" (Narrated by al-Darimi), I could not fathom how the Ummah can cooperate or participate in a system that propagates this and incur the curse of our beloved Prophet SAW? Anyway, read this article for details on Riba (I just learned that there is 70 segments of Riba', subhan Allah).

Gharar (doubtful or uncertain risk), in essence, happens when a party has no control over whether he can deliver what he is selling, when there is inadequate or inaccurate information, when there is undue complexity of the contract, and/or when the terms of contract is unclear. This article covers the permissible gharar and this article covers Business Financing in Islam.

Maisir (gambling) is a zero sum game as reflected by Surah al Maeda: 90-91 - "O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination― of Satan's handiwork: eschew such (abomination), that you may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will you not then abstain?". Critics may claim that Maisir (gambling) is different from speculation. Read this article to find out the truth.

Afternote: Islam is truly a religion that advocates Social Justice, encouraging its Ummah to transact real value vs. perceived value so as to avoid creating liability for any party. I'm constantly reminded that the Ummah's aim on earth is to create wealth, not to accumulate wealth, subhan Allah. Indeed, what is the point of circumventing the law when Allah SWT is All-Knowing of what is planted in one's heart?
Tafseer Al Quran - 5 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, after the Muqaddimah, Ustaz Rahmat started the lesson by highlighting that in the past, Al Quran came after iiman as the people of jahiliah slowly embraced Islam. Now, Al Quran came before iiman so Ustaz urged the Ummah to constantly ask for hidayah so that we can practice what Al Quran preaches, go about our ibadah for the love of Allah SWT.

Before reciting the pure verses of the Al Quran, the adab is to recite Ta'awwuz or Isti'aatha - A'uzu billahi minashaitanir rajim (I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Satan). It is Mustahabb (loved) to recite the Isti’aatha before reciting the Qur’an: "And when you read the Qur’an make isti’aatha from the Satan." (coz Syaitan is ever present to distract the Ummah from constant ibadah to Allah SWT).

It is waajib (obligatory or compulsory) to say BasmalLah - BismilLahi Rahmani Rahim (In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent/Gracious, Most Merciful) - at the beginning of the Surah, except when reciting Sura at-Tawbah (also called Sura al-Bara’ah). As for Bismillah in the middle of the surah, it is up to the reciter to say it or not. [Source]

Afternote: It is maksum that the biggest enemy of the Ummah is Syaitan, since the time of Adam AS, Syaitan's refusal to obey Allah SWT to bow to Adam AS. Hence we need to recite Ta'awwuz then BasmalLah prior to reciting the Quran. Insan, as the name depicts, can be forgetful and easily swayed by the deceptive Syaitan but Allah SWT, with all the incomparable attributes, wants the Ummah to return to the Heavens hence the adab to recite these before reciting the Al Quran, subhan Allah.