Wirid

AlhamdulilLah bi ni'matilLah! Wonderful reminder by Sheikh Hamzah Yusuf on the merits of awrad (plural for wirid). Indeed, istiqomah in dzikrulLah is a sign of an 'abid who is tawadhu', who knows his place in the scheme of things, who recognises and acknowledges Allah SWT as the One True God, the Oft-Powerful Creator and Sustainer whose mercy and pleasure should be the ultimate maqsud, insya-Allah!

Guidance

AlhamdulilLah bi ni’matilLah! Allah SWT really works in miraculous ways - I was struggling in my reflection of QS At-Tariq 86:3, and truth be told, Allah SWT sends a beautiful soul to share this video with me, to aid in my husul and wusul, (so timely) subhaan-Allah! An-najmuth-thaqib! (the piercing star!). Hamzah Yusuf beautifully expounds on the haqiqah (reality) of the mercy of Allah SWT. May we be guided by the stars, aamiin Allahumma aamiin!

Afterthought: It reminded of the time when I was in Australia, gazing at the stars at night - how big and bright they were that you could almost touch them with your hands! (something you can't experience in cosmopolitan Sg) and it dawned on me that my knowledge of the stars (astronomy) is very limited! I recall how our Muslim forefathers in the past would make great sacrifices to travel by land and sea to invite others to Islam (and how they are great navigators of the sea due to their knowledge of astronomy). May we be amongst them who support the Da'wah movement, directly or indirectly, aamiin Allahumma aamiin!

Raja'

On Raja’ (hope), the adab is to reject shirk in the hope that RasululLah SAAW will intercede for Muwahideen in Mahsyar. Also, to avoid the Iblisic trait of Ablasa (despair); instead we are to constantly seek forgiveness and repentance, renewal of our Tauheed since we are not maksum for Allah’s mercy prevails over His wrath (Hadith Qudsi).

Subhaan-Allah! Allah SWT is the object of our love (maqsud), yet we fear His ability to punish us and distance us from Him (our fear predominates in order to repel the inclinations towards sin). Yet we cannot fear him to such an extent that we turn to despair, forgetting His mercy; rather we must balance it with sufficient hope! May we be amongst the shakur who feel blessed for the bestowal of these quwwah in us and may we strive to put them in their proper place, aamiin ya Rabb!

Time

AlhamdulilLah bi ni'matilLah! Beautiful reminder on who is not a failure in the eyes of Allah SWT. Time - may Allah SWT bestow the barakah of time to all of us such that we be amongst those who bring much benefit to the Deen, our family and the Ummah and may we be amongst those who are successful, aamiin Allahumma aamiin!

DzikrulLah

Dzikrullah (remembrance of Allah SWT) is about manifesting the adab of the tongue-mind-heart. Subhaan-Allah! The whole teaching of Islam enables dzikrulLah! For example, our gratitude for Allah’s prescription of swolah for us - His remedy for us to avoid forgetfulness and heedlessness (QS Taha 20:14) and avoid having an evil one (Qoreen) appointed for us (QS Zukhruf 43:36-37). Other acts of dzikrulLah include tasbih, tahmid, tahlil, takbir, hasbiyallah, hauqalah, du’a, solawat, swolat nafilah, reciting Qur’an, Ta-‘ah (deeds of obedience), partaking in majlis ‘ilm/wird/aurad (Khil-Qudz-Dzikr), etc. The key to dzikr is istiqomah (consistency) even if it is little. 

Verily in dzikrulLah do hearts find their rest (QS Ar-Rad 13:27-28). Hadith reported by Tabrany came to mind – Iiman is preserved by one constantly in dzikrulLah (a remedy for those whose Iiman wavers. I’m reminded of the wise words of the elders – those who are in constant state of worry, confusion, who have unmet needs or unfulfilled dreams are usually those who lack dzikrulLah as the spiritual self is distracted with other than Allah SWT. May we strive to be amongst those consistent in dzikrulLah, aamiin ya Rabb!

Al-Andalus Part 2

AlhamdulilLah! This is the Islamic perspective of Al-Andalus. Indeed, the importance of Tasawwur Islam (Islamic Worldview) cannot be underestimated or underscored for Muslims must see the true reality as is, wa-Allahu a'lam :)

Al-Andalus

AlhamdulilLah! Ustazah, in her earnestness to encourage me to visit Spain with mum, shared a few good videos (this is just one of them). I'm now delving into authentic Islamic History especially the spread of Islam to Nusantara (South East Asia). These few years, I've been given small doses of information by the wise, subhaana-Allah!

And almost always, when I compare the stories against those produced by the West, much is being covered up in the West's representations of the truth about Islam and the civilisation it brings to the Dark Ages, wa-Allahu a'lam. Allahumma arinal haqqa haqqan war-zuqnat-tibaa wa arinal bathila bathilan war-zuqnaj-tinaba, aamiin Allahumma aamiin! 

Rabi' al-Awwal Mubarak

AlhamdulilLah! From the Islamic perspective, the most significant day in the history of mankind is the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal - the answer to Prophet Ibrahim's supplication - the mercy to mankind. May the Ummah, stand in ranks, united in observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi, insya-Allah, aamiin ya Rabb! 

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 :)