Maqsud

As I watch this video, I'm reminded of the words of the wise, "whomsoever loves RasululLah SAW, loves his language", subhaana-Allah! This video reminds of the mysteries (beauty) of the Qur'anic Arabic. Indeed the letters have meaning (maqsud) for those who contemplate and recently Ustaz Zhulkeflee mentioned the different degree between tadabbur and zikr, subhaana-Allah! My love for the language continues, insya-Allah! :)

Qolbun Salim

Last night, I was reminded of gram's constant advice - "Illahi Anta Maqsudi wa ridhoka mathlubi, 'Athi'ni muhabbatika wa ma'rifatika" (O My God! You are my aim, seeking to please You is my purpose. Grant me the love and inner knowledge of You) - a timely reminder to complete reading the book "Purification of the Heart"... soldier (strive) on, insya-Allah!

Virtue of Love

Al-Hassan ibn Ali RA

AlhamdulilLah bini'matilLah! I just learnt that the descendants from Al-Hassan have the title Shariff (Noble) while the descendants from Al-Hussein have the title Syed (Lord/Sir). This is a lecture by Dr Muhammad Musa Al-Shareef in the life of Al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib Radhi-Allahu Anhu.

Yaa Hanaanaa

Today, I'm reminded of the concept of kufur ni'mah. The nature of mankind, which has the tendency to forget, overlooking the countless bounties bestowed by Allah SWT especially the bestowal of Ad-Deenul Haq as the prescribed way of life as well as the best exemplar to teach it to mankind, RasululLah SAW. O Allah! Assist us in remembering You, in thanking You, and in worshipping You in the best of manners, aamiin Allahumma aamiin!

Qad Kafani 'Ilmu Rabbi

AlhamdulilLah bini'matilLah! Ustaz Zhulkeflee's last tadzkirah was a timely reminder to make regular supplications (ibadah) for the act of doing so strengthens one's relationship with Allah SWT, in that He wants us to keep Him close. The lesson reminded me of Imam al-Haddad's poem Qad Kafani 'Ilmu Rabbi (My Lord's Knowledge has sufficed me):

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
For my prayer and agonising supplication is a witness to my poverty.
For this secret I make supplication in times of ease and times of difficulty
I am a slave whose pride is in his poverty and obligation
O my Lord and my King, You know my state
And what has settled in my heart, of agonies and preoccupations
Save me with a gentleness from You, O Lord of Lords
Oh save me, Most Generous before I run out of patience

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
O One who is swift in sending aid, I ask for aid that will arrive to me swiftly
It will defeat all difficulty and it will bring all that I hope for
O Near One Who answers and All-Knowing and All-Hearing
I have attained realisation through my incapacity, my submission and my brokenness

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
I am still standing by the door, so please my Lord have mercy on my standing
And in the valley of generosity, I am in itikaf (solitary retreat)
So, Allah, make my retreat here permanent
And I'm abiding by good opinion (of You), for it is my friend and ally
And it is the one that sits by me and keeps me company all day and night

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
There is a need in my soul, O Allah so please fulfill it, O Best of Fulfillers
And comfort my secret and my heart from its burning and its shrapnel
In pleasure and in happiness and as long as You are pleased with me
For joy and expansion is my state and my motto and my cover
My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing

Surah al-Fateha

AlhamdulilLah! Mufti Ismail ibn Musa Menk outlined the significance of Surah al-Fateha, which is also known as As-Swolah. QS al-Mu’minoon 23: 1-2 states, “Successful indeed are the Believers, who are humble (khashi’un) in their prayers”.

Khashi’un comes from the root words Kha-Shiin-Ayn = Lowly, humble, submissive, still and low, to lower the eyes or voice, become lean, feign lowliness or humility in demeanour or voice or eyes, bow or bend down the head and body, be fearful.

There are many levels of khushu’, the bare minimum is to establish the 4 rukun in swolah. I’m reminded of what Ummi said about the manner in which a lover speaks to the Beloved i.e. not to rush the process of the direct communion subhan-Allah!

How can we rush it when Hadith Qudsi highlights Allah’s response to our supplication? – “Allah SWT have divided the prayer (Al-Fatehah) into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.

If the servant says, ‘All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence’, Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.'

If the servant says, ‘The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful’, Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.'

If the servant says, ‘The Owner of the Day of Recompense’, Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me,' or `My servant has related all matters to Me.'

If the servant says, ‘You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help’, Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.'

If the servant says, ‘Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray’, Allah says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.' '' 

Wa-Allahu a’lam :) 

QS al-Bayyinah: 98

The sura opens by condemning the polytheists of Arabia, as well as those amongst the People of the Book who had fallen into disbelief. However, they may be restored only by a "clear sign" from God who speaks holy and untainted words - the Prophet Muhammad SAW bringing the Qur'an, which lays down proper laws and morality. The fifth ayat explains that all God asks of mankind is - "To praise God by offering Him devotion being true, to pray the salat, and to give charity. And that is the Religion of Truth."... The mercy/rahmah of Allah SWT, subhaana-Allah! Those who cling to these simple truths will be offered the Gardens of Paradise, "underneath which rivers flow" as their prize; for God is pleased with them for being the best of possible creations. Those who turn away, however, shall meet the fires of Hell. Wallahu'alam bissawab.

Al-Kafirun, The Unbelievers

As I read this article, I was reminded of Brother Nouman Ali Khan's in-depth analysis of QS al-Kafirun. The video may be an hour long, but its worth your time :)

[Source courtesy of Brother aliassad1]

Subhan Allah, am also reminded of Ummi's constant reminder to not be like those who are kufur ni'mat. Indeed, Ibn Taymiyah outlined the traits of an 'Abd (Servant of Allah) - obedience, love, trust, sincerity, comply to terms of worship and slavery (contract of Ubudiyyah). Wallahua'lam bissawab. I'll end this post with some doa Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail has taught me in class...

"Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful." (QS al-Baqarah: 2: 128)

"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!" (QS al-Baqarah: 2 : 201)

"Our Lord! pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm; Help us against those that reject faith." (QS al-Baqarah: 2: 250)

"Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grant us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector : Help us against the unbelievers." (QS al-Baqarah: 2: 286)

"Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace (Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals)." (QS Aali ‘Imran: 3 : 8)

"Our Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to our eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who are conscious of Thee! (as ‘mut-taqqin’)." (QS al-Furqan: 25: 74)

Science and The Meaning of Life from Islamic Perspective

[Source courtesy of Society for Bhagavata Culture]

AlhamdulilLahx3, was privileged to be invited to this 7 May 2011 talk and given the opportunity to observe, first-hand, how inter-faith dialogue was to be conducted by Sheikh Abdul Halim - with diplomacy, honesty, sensitivity and an open mind.

What I took away from this expreience include the need to spread the message by starting with clarity of concepts (the What from Islam's perspective), providing the opportunity for the audience to reflect on the 'So What?' to make an informed action or choice (Why Islam is 'Adeenul Haq by illustrating comparisons from Islam's Worldview and Wordlview of others... to do this, one needs in-depth inter-faith knowledge) and invite others to Islam with wisdom (the How... depending on the demographics and dynamics of the audience, the choice of words seems essential).

Upon further reflection, due to the time limitation of the talk... it seems incomplete to not mention that the key source of Authentic Knowledge and True Report is the Quran, a source Muslims rely upon given that RasululLah SAW was the Seal of Prophethood and after 124,000 prophets, Muslims still could turn to the Quran for divine guidance and the Sunnah for the way of life prescribed by RasululLah SAW. Also, a list of useful references would enable the audience to do further research about 'Adeenul Haq from the time of Prophet Adam AS to Prophet Muhammad SAW. Wallahu a'lam bissawab... Let me end this post: 

"There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower." [QS al-Baqarah: 2: 256]

"I exist therefore I am"... sounds familiar? Due to fitrah saleema, a true 'Abd (Servant of Allah) will feel humbled when reflecting or seeking essential answers to pertinent questions - The origin of life, The source of Creations, The Sustainer, subhan Allah!

May Allah SWT protect us from attributes of Iblis (arrogance)... insya Allah amiin Allahuma amiin. May Allah SWT also protect the Ummah, who is spreading the Truth, from harm's way and bestow His hidayah upon mankind..."O Allah, show us the truth as the truth and bless us with obedience (to it) and show us falsehood as falsehood and bless us to refrain (from it) with Your Mercy, O Most Merciful" ... insya Allah aamiin ya Rabb! :)

Afterthought: Recall the concept of Aynul Qalb when reflecting on the question of consciousness :)

Islam and Modernity

[Source courtesy of Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim]

AlhamdulilLahx3, following up from an earlier talk in 2009, this topic is essential, given the 21st Century discourse where some within the Ummah unwittingly question if Islam is even relevant today, nauzubilLah!

Sheikh Abdul Halim explained at length the concepts of Modernity and Secularism from Western Worldview and comparing them with Islamic Worldview, who the "Modernist" scholars are/were, and reinforced that 'Adeenul Haq is a progressive religion (progress defined from Islam's perspective of course!) that is complete and comprehensive (transcends time). It is incumbent upon us to correct our malformed Islamic Worldview or seek knowledge to adopt Islamic Worldview.

Indeed, the world is going through change upon change and if the Ummah hold on to the teachings of Islam (seek the right knowledge), it can guide us through these without us losing our identity while keeping our Islamic Worldview intact.

Upon reflection, this session enabled me to realise my shortcomings (naivety) in identifying who the "Modernist" Scholars are/were. Why you may ask? It is a grave concern for me as I'm worried that I may be unwittingly adopting the views of these Modernist! And I can't say enough about clarity in concepts as these build a strong foundation before we can pursue other tough questions. Wallahu a'lam bissawab.

Quranic Arabic Essentials

"And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance" [QS al-Qamar 54:17]

AlhamdulilLah, the Ustazah outlined the essential points during the 25 Mar 2011 talk, which include blessings and benefit of Quranic Arabic knowledge as it is a constant reminder of Allah's miracles around us so that we put ourselves in the right place in the scheme of things as 'Abd (Servants of Allah SWT) and stay true to the true purpose of our existance in this world.

Having studied at Tarim, she shared the beauty of palindrome, syntax, rootwords and semantic network as well as tafsir and ta'wil of Quranic Arabic (with anecdotes from her personal life, which made for a personable session).

Allow me to end this post with other good resources such as Bayyinah Institute, Masud, Project Root List :)

Islamic Education Talk

[Source courtesy of Muhammadiyah Sg]



AlhamdulilLah, had the opportunity to sit in and listen to yet another inspiring talk by Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim. The key notes covered, among many essential points, include the importance of clarity in definitions as this aspect is the foundation on which we operationalise our deeds.

In Islam, Muslims are to speak a common language, which is rightly the case, as we have our own Worldview, identity, mindset, etc. Hence to get the concepts right on the onset is wajib (compulsory) and should not be taken lightly so as to avoid confusion and misunderstanding within the Ummah.

More importantly, not to unwittingly adopt concepts and worldview of the West and apply them in Islamic education, which is the current situation we are observing in our Ummah...may Allah SWT open all doors of hidayah for educators in Islam to take the time to analyse, evaluate, discern (recall the significance of 'iqra') between what is haq (true) and what is bathil (false), insya Allah amin Allahuma amin!

Truly all 'ilm belongs to Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. As seekers of knowledge, we are to have the right adab (recall Ta'lim Muta'alim) and a solid Tauhidic paradigm, which includes Tasawwur Islam (Worldview of Islam) i.e. the ability to filter and reject teachings that do not comply with our faith before studying it in great detail the philosophy of all fields or subject matter in order of priority - Fardh Ayn then Fardh Kifayah.

Let me end the post with a hadith by RasululLah SAW, "Addabaniy Rabbi, Fa-ahsani Ta'dibiy" (My Lord educated me and make it excellent)... May Allah SWT guide us to the right and true knowledge that will benefit us in this world and in the Hereafter, insya Allah aamiin ya Rabb! :) 

Afternote: Who is our khalifah who is supposed to identify the required 'ilm in Fardh Kifayah (and if this beloved khalifah of our Ummah) is doing so? Truly, (Unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed. [QS az-Zumar: 39: 9]

Fiqh Muslimah

[Source courtesy of Ibnu Sina Institute, Sg]

AlhamdulilLah, we have completed Module 3 and will commence Module 4 soon, insya Allah. All Muslimah are welcomed to enrol... the course is conducted in the Malay Language :)

True Love - Reviving the Sunnah

[Source courtesy of Islamic Media, AU]

Subhan Allah. A truly beautiful sermon by Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman that will tug at your heartstring and set your mind thinking, rather introspecting where you are in the scheme of things... Are we deserving to be called his Ummati Ummati? For the love of RasululLah SAW, may the Ummah remain united in reviving his Sunnah on a daily basis, ameen Allahuma ameen!

Ulum al Quran

Subhan Allah, following up from Ulum al Quran and Ulum al Hadith, I'm keen to share another great resource by Ahmed Von Denffer, recommended by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. May we benefit from this sharing, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen :)

Afternote: AlhamdulilLah, felt so blessed to be given the opportunity to spend quality time with Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail and his family. May Allah SWT perpetually open all doors of baraqah and rahmah to them, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen.

Allahu Akbar

[Source courtesy of Khalifah Klothing]

This is a beautiful lecture by Sheikh Navaid Aziz. Indeed innalilLahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun so tawassul with the magnificent names of Allah SWT :)

Ma'al Hijrah - 1432

Here's wishing the ummah a blessed Ma'al Hijrah 1432 which falls on 7 Dec 2010. May we continue to uphold and preserve the Islam prescribed by Allah SWT and the true and complete teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen :)

Islamic Economics & The Idea of "Unlimited Wealth"

[Source courtesy of Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim]

AlhamdulilLah, I attended a talk by Sheikh Abdul Halim on 28 Nov and what I took away from this talk is the need to operationalise the Tawhidic paradigm fully in one's life.

To be committed to submit and subject oneself to pattern one's life in accordance to the will of Allah SWT seems like a daunting task for many especially if there is confusion at the level of knowledge, confusing terminologies prescribed by the Western and/or Secular worldview with that of Adeenul Haq. What Sheikh did was to highlight the comparison in the effort to create an awareness of the need to seek clarity especially at the level of definitions.

Truly the evil in duniya lies in its quality to distract us, nauzubillah! One have to be mindful in differentiating between illusion and illusory - there is neither real scarcity nor abundance; only problem with availability and distribution... as a result of man's greed.

Indeed, mankind needs to be more al-Ghaniy (devoid of needs) but of course in another sense, we are all in need of Allah's mercy and redha, making us Faqir, subhan Allah. Truly everything shall return to Allah Azza wa Jalla. Zuhud is not a term one knows but to embrace it as part of one's life, so do not despair and remain hopeful by perpetually seeking Allah's help for us to get there, insya Allah ameen ya Rabb.

Let me end this post with some beautiful verses and hadith shared by Sheikh Abdul Halim as a point of introspection:

Preoccupation with this world - "The Day of Judgment has come close, and mankind will only increase their desire for this Duniya (world), and they will only go farther and farther away from Allah." [Reported by al-Hakim, who declared this is hadith saheeh]

Hadith on wealth - "The plentiful i.e. the rich will be the lowest on the Day of Judgment, except he who distributed his money left and right i.e. at all times, while he earned from pure means." [Reported Ibn Majah, et. al. Al-Busayri: This is hadith saheeh]

Life of Duniya is temporary - "And coin for them the similitude of the life of the world as water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingleth with it and then becometh dry twigs that the winds scatter. Allah is Able to do all things." [QS al-Kahf: 45]

Hereafter is better, more enduring - "He is successful who groweth. And remembereth the name of his Lord, so prayeth, but ye prefer the life of the world although the Hereafter is better and more lasting." [QS Al-Ala: 14 -17] 

Adab in Islah and Da'wah - Start with Understanding Concepts

Subhan Allah, it is true what Sheikh Abdul Halim says about truly understanding definitions and concepts in Islam in order to operationalise one's life with yaqin (conviction). And it is always a great pleasure to sit with my beloved uncle to discuss about Islam (had the opportunity yesterday over Idul Adha's gathering).

He shares the video above (it is in Malay and this is the Part 1 of 8), including the reference book used in the video, as I shared my concern about researching about the concept of Bid'ah. He also urges me to read al-Adab al-Mufrad al-Bukhari, alhamdulilLah.

In all fairness (always have good opinion of people is mum's advice to me), his advice is to view all 8 parts of the video before making an informed decision about the hujah. Similarly, if one views the debate Part 1 of 7, view all 7 parts to be fair to both speakers.

Truly, Islam is Syumul - although your niat and amal ibadah is between you and Allah SWT (hablu minalLah), we live in a community whereby our actions and deeds are visible and sometimes followed by others unknowingly (while our niat is not visible to them).

It is a great responsibility for us to align our niat with our amal and extend ihsan to the Ummah (hablu minanNas) for when we die, 3 things will continue to benefit the dead- doa of his or her child who is soleh, benefit of charity in one's lifetime and beneficial 'ilm (have we conveyed beneficial i'lm throughout our lifetime? Point of introspection). Wallahualam bissawab.

Afternote: It is true what Ustaz Zhulkeflee says that Islam seems foreign when it was revealed and till the end of time, it will still be seen as foreign but that does not mean one should feel pressured to not reveal the Truth, subhan Allah. It is better to be seen as weird but upholding the Truth (Haq) then be accepted by the majority but lives in bathil (am reminded of sirah RasululLah's Isra' and Mikraj). Hence, seeking 'ilm is essential to lead one to the Straight Path and convey the message with hikmah (wisdom). Truly Islam is beautiful and high in adab :)