Bismillahirohmanirohim
In this entry, comparison will be made on the prohibition of alcohol in Islam and the west.
Most muslims understand the word 'jahilliyah' as the period of ignorance
in Arabia before the coming of the Prophet salallahualaihiwassalam.
During this period, the arabs of Makkah are involved in a lot of
activities where we would say are backwards, disgusting and immoral.
In this period of ignorance (jahilliyah) also refers to individual
education. Most of them were illiterate, barely have any understanding
of science and basically no system in life. One thing for sure is that,
the arabs during jahilliyah heavily rely on alcohol as part of their
lives. They had about 250 names for alcohol which shows their obsession
for alcohol. Having 250 names for a type of drink is exceptional for any
culture.
The came of Islam brought changes to this jahilliyah or backward
culture. The changes are in the sequence manner. First they asked
Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam for guidance on liquor. "They
ask you about strong drinks and games of chance. Say :"in both is great
evil, even though there is some benefit for people, but their evil is
greater than their benefit." They ask: "What shall we spend in the Way
of Allah?" Say :"Whatever you can spare." In this way Allah clearly
expounds His injunctions to you that you may reflect upon them." (Surah
albaqarah verse 219) Then, as they were difficult to part with alcohol,
some offer their solah while intoxicated hence making errors in Qur'anic
recitation. Then the verse was revealed "O you who believe! Do not draw
near to the prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you
are saying; nor when you are defiled..." (Surah nisa verse 43) Liquor
still showed its harm as people fight with each other and etc hence the
following verse was revealed. "O you who believe! Strong drink and game
of chance and idols and divining arrows are only an infamy of Satan's
handiwork. Leave it aside in order that you may succeed." (Surah al
maidah verse 90)
After receiving this clear instruction from Allah, the arabs of
jahilliyah who were so attached to alcohol part their ways with alcohol.
Until today, muslims still stay away from alcohol. Of course there are
some of those black sheeps, but generally muslims avoid alcohol. The
punishment for a muslim to be caught drinking alcohol was 80 lashes.
Even without the practise of this punishment, muslims generally manage to keep a distance from
alcohol.
In the U.S around 1930's they tried to banned liquor. They spend about
600 million dollars for campaign and all the expenses to prohibit
alcohol. Even with most of its population who are literate and generally
have good knowledge of science, the prohibition of alcohol didn't last
long. In the end, the community caused the prohibition to be taken off.
The law of prohibition of alcohol in this context was created by human.
The rationale of the law comes from the will of the people. Therefore if
people do not will such prohibition, it will then be lifted or taken
off. This shows the weakness of the so called "democracy" - the voice of
majority. The voice of majority doesn't necessarily proves that it is
the correct guidance/path. Hence if the voice of majority is being
followed, the minority will then suffer. The rationale of the law also
comes from the feelings and influence of what the majority receive.
Creating a law following instinct or feelings can cause a great error in
our lives. Hence we actually need a law that does not originate from
human.
Islam managed to prohibit alcohol without even spending one penny/cent
for campaigns and etc. It is done through iman and fear of Allah. This
is the strength and benefits of Islam that victory can be obtained
through iman. Usually the west is being labelled more advance compared
to the muslim countries. Despite their "advance" they could not achieve
what the muslims did and it lasted for more than 1400 years. I'm of the
opinion that Islam is more advance because it takes into consideration
of the next life or the life in hereafter. The west only 'advances' in
this life in the world and do not have a clue or preparation for the
life of the hereafter.
Showing posts with label ignorance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ignorance. Show all posts
Monday, 24 October 2011
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Darkness
Bismillahirohmanirohim ( In the name of Allah the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
Nowadays, there are a lot of convenience store that operates 24 hours a day. This culture originated from the West but it is not impossible to find this culture in the East too. The idea is not only appealing to the capitalist entrepreneur but also to provide convenience to consumers to make any purchase at any time of the day. Therefore it looks like a win-win situation for both parties. Since Eastern countries (/Malaysia) do not have 4 seasons, having 24 hours shops/stores seem to be a trend. One of the reason people in Malaysia like to go out at night is because of its cool breeze and hence they avoid the blazing sun during the day.
We usually claim that we follow a religion as a source of guide to life but sometimes we are not men of our words. We find it difficult to practise what we preach even though we know it is the right way. As we understand, in Islam, the night is for us to rest and also to devote our time for prayer privately as it was practised by the Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam. Evidently when Khalid al-walid was leading the army, their night was devoted for worshipping. Qubuqlar, the Roman deputy commander sent a Christian arab to enter the Muslim camp to be a spy. So he spent a day and night in the Muslim camp as a spy and when he returned to Qubuqlar, he said "By night they are like monks, by day like warriors.."
As we know from the lifetime of the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam, after isha' prayers it is the time to go straight home. The Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam do get occasional visits after Isha' from Abu Bakr as Siddiq due to their friendship (even before Prophethood) and also because of being the father to Prophet's salallahualaihiwasalam wife (Aisha radiallahuanha). Other than these visits, after Isha was not a time to gather/meeting/discuss. Usually the gathering/meetings are held after Fajr prayers when sometimes the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam turns after leading the prayer and ask if anyone had any question or any dreams to be interpreted. So, according to the Prophet's lifetime, night time is for rest and worshipping.
Why is it important for the night to be quiet/spent indoor?
i) In Islam we don't just observe others' rights such as parents rights, neighbours rights and etc. Islam also observes the right of the body from the individual. We have to eat what is Halal (permitted), the right amount and etc. Similarly, our body have the right to rest.
ii)The community needs to rest. By doing this, pollution may be reduced because less people travel at night, and also less electricity/power usage.
iii) Crimes may be reduced. If the culture instill in our mind that night time is for resting, most people would stay home. Therefore, those few people left roaming at night must have certain agendas in their mind. Crimes are easier to be conducted in the dark and ideal to the criminals due to its low risk. It is easier then for the authority to monitor. Therefore staying out at night will create a higher percentage to be a victim.
iv) The night should be spent with family. Ensuring their safety of the family members from the intense of the darkness. Also the time to be intimate and appreciate each other as the day has been spent on business, learning and etc.
In Surah Al-Falaq verse 3 we are being advised :"And from the evil of night's darkness when it spreads around;" It is a clear advise and prayer for us to avoid evil in the night. The issue has been discussed from the perception of the general community or "the consumers". What about the benefits on operating business 24 hours? Some may argue that 24 hours generates more income but are we looking for more income or more barakah in the income? Sometimes it shows how materialistic we are because of wanting to generate more income without considering anything else. This is the attitude of the capitalist.
"And to (the people of) Midian We sent their brother Shu'ayb. He said: "My people! Serve Allah; you have no god but He. And do not diminish the measure and weight. Indeed I see that you are prospering now, but I fear for you the chastisement of an encompassing day in the future. (85) My people! Give full measure and weight with justice, do not diminish the goods of others, and do not go about creating corruption in the land. (86) The gains that Allah let's you retain are better for you, if you indeed believe." [Surah hud verse 84-86]
These verses show that we should always beware of our economic dealings. Even if one gains a lot of income from doing business at night, does it have barakah? Clearly I have shown that there are more cons than pros in doing business in the night. The people of Midian weren't fair in their economic dealings and mainly because of this and rejecting Prophet Shu'ayb "So a mighty earthquake overtook them, and by morning they lay overturned in their houses." [Surah al-ankabut verse 36]. Let us not be obsessed in generating income without considering anything and disobey the instructions of Allah, insha'allah.
Although this verse refers to people who rushed away without listening to the khutbah of the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam in order to do business with the caravan that was arriving, we should ponder on it. "But when they see a chance of trade or entertainment they scatter off to it and leave you standing there. Say: "What is with Allah is better than trade or entertainment. Allah is the best of providers." [surah jumu'ah verse 11]
The night in the current trend is usually being spent by operating business(trading) or entertainment (lepaq, karoake and etc) yet, Allah has mentioned that what is with Allah is better and Allah is the best of providers. So, we should limit the business operating hours as the night is better left for rest and worshipping and not be obsessed in generating income without considering anything and disobey the instructions of Allah, insha'allah.
Nowadays, there are a lot of convenience store that operates 24 hours a day. This culture originated from the West but it is not impossible to find this culture in the East too. The idea is not only appealing to the capitalist entrepreneur but also to provide convenience to consumers to make any purchase at any time of the day. Therefore it looks like a win-win situation for both parties. Since Eastern countries (/Malaysia) do not have 4 seasons, having 24 hours shops/stores seem to be a trend. One of the reason people in Malaysia like to go out at night is because of its cool breeze and hence they avoid the blazing sun during the day.
We usually claim that we follow a religion as a source of guide to life but sometimes we are not men of our words. We find it difficult to practise what we preach even though we know it is the right way. As we understand, in Islam, the night is for us to rest and also to devote our time for prayer privately as it was practised by the Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam. Evidently when Khalid al-walid was leading the army, their night was devoted for worshipping. Qubuqlar, the Roman deputy commander sent a Christian arab to enter the Muslim camp to be a spy. So he spent a day and night in the Muslim camp as a spy and when he returned to Qubuqlar, he said "By night they are like monks, by day like warriors.."
As we know from the lifetime of the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam, after isha' prayers it is the time to go straight home. The Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam do get occasional visits after Isha' from Abu Bakr as Siddiq due to their friendship (even before Prophethood) and also because of being the father to Prophet's salallahualaihiwasalam wife (Aisha radiallahuanha). Other than these visits, after Isha was not a time to gather/meeting/discuss. Usually the gathering/meetings are held after Fajr prayers when sometimes the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam turns after leading the prayer and ask if anyone had any question or any dreams to be interpreted. So, according to the Prophet's lifetime, night time is for rest and worshipping.
Why is it important for the night to be quiet/spent indoor?
i) In Islam we don't just observe others' rights such as parents rights, neighbours rights and etc. Islam also observes the right of the body from the individual. We have to eat what is Halal (permitted), the right amount and etc. Similarly, our body have the right to rest.
ii)The community needs to rest. By doing this, pollution may be reduced because less people travel at night, and also less electricity/power usage.
iii) Crimes may be reduced. If the culture instill in our mind that night time is for resting, most people would stay home. Therefore, those few people left roaming at night must have certain agendas in their mind. Crimes are easier to be conducted in the dark and ideal to the criminals due to its low risk. It is easier then for the authority to monitor. Therefore staying out at night will create a higher percentage to be a victim.
iv) The night should be spent with family. Ensuring their safety of the family members from the intense of the darkness. Also the time to be intimate and appreciate each other as the day has been spent on business, learning and etc.
In Surah Al-Falaq verse 3 we are being advised :"And from the evil of night's darkness when it spreads around;" It is a clear advise and prayer for us to avoid evil in the night. The issue has been discussed from the perception of the general community or "the consumers". What about the benefits on operating business 24 hours? Some may argue that 24 hours generates more income but are we looking for more income or more barakah in the income? Sometimes it shows how materialistic we are because of wanting to generate more income without considering anything else. This is the attitude of the capitalist.
"And to (the people of) Midian We sent their brother Shu'ayb. He said: "My people! Serve Allah; you have no god but He. And do not diminish the measure and weight. Indeed I see that you are prospering now, but I fear for you the chastisement of an encompassing day in the future. (85) My people! Give full measure and weight with justice, do not diminish the goods of others, and do not go about creating corruption in the land. (86) The gains that Allah let's you retain are better for you, if you indeed believe." [Surah hud verse 84-86]
These verses show that we should always beware of our economic dealings. Even if one gains a lot of income from doing business at night, does it have barakah? Clearly I have shown that there are more cons than pros in doing business in the night. The people of Midian weren't fair in their economic dealings and mainly because of this and rejecting Prophet Shu'ayb "So a mighty earthquake overtook them, and by morning they lay overturned in their houses." [Surah al-ankabut verse 36]. Let us not be obsessed in generating income without considering anything and disobey the instructions of Allah, insha'allah.
Although this verse refers to people who rushed away without listening to the khutbah of the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam in order to do business with the caravan that was arriving, we should ponder on it. "But when they see a chance of trade or entertainment they scatter off to it and leave you standing there. Say: "What is with Allah is better than trade or entertainment. Allah is the best of providers." [surah jumu'ah verse 11]
The night in the current trend is usually being spent by operating business(trading) or entertainment (lepaq, karoake and etc) yet, Allah has mentioned that what is with Allah is better and Allah is the best of providers. So, we should limit the business operating hours as the night is better left for rest and worshipping and not be obsessed in generating income without considering anything and disobey the instructions of Allah, insha'allah.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Criticism on sunnah and hadith
Bismillahirohmanirohim
Lately, I have come across a few people who don't believe in the Hadith or Sunnah. Some argue that Hadith is just a "word of mouth" and how can one be sure it is the Prophet's saying as it is all "hearsays". So, question is, is it impossible for a person to memorise the Hadith?
Firstly, Hadith is preserved in the same way of the Holy Quran which is through memorisation (although the Qur'an were written down by the scribes, it is memorised before recorded). Memorisation was the way of the uneducated/ poor arabs learn things. Most Arabs were not literate during the period of Jahiliyah (ignorance), and those who were not literate had no choice but to memorise what they have learnt. The literate Arabs were then the scribes which documented what have been said and done.
Qur'an was revealed by the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam about 1400 years ago. It was revealed to him in fragments and not all at once. It was compiled as a Qur'an during the reign of the first caliph (Abu Bakr) by the initiation of Umar al Khattab. The duty was given to Zaid bin Thabit. So it was compiled after the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam passed away. What happened during this gap of time? If one were to accept Qur'an as the word of the truth, why can't one accept the sunna and hadith?
Umar al Khattab initiated it because the hafidh (protector) of Qur'an were the frontliners in the Jihad fisabilillah helping to expand the Islam empire. They were hafidh (protector) of the Qur'an not only from the memorisation part but they were also hafidh of the moral values in the Qur'an. This is the reason that they are the frontliners, because they understand and do not want to contradict themselves with the teachings of the Qur'an.
Anyway, Umar al Khattab was worried that all the hafidh being killed therefore suggested to Abu Bakr to compile the Qur'an in writing. Clearly, they relied heavily on people who had memorised the word of Allah subahanawata'ala (it is also undeniable that they needed the written verses as well to compile the Qur'an). Since all Muslims have no doubts in the Quran, why are there people who wouldn't accept the Sunnah and Hadith when in actual fact it is being preserved through memorisation until the time of Imam Malik, Bukhari and etc.
Arabs at the beginning of Islam were of the ignorance. Their level of ignorance were drastic which they do not learn how to read or write. Due to the ignorance of the people, those who are poor and no authority were oppressed. The oppression also caused them not being able to educate themselves on how to read/write. Therefore they relied heavily on memorising. In the early years of spreading Islam, the oppressed people were more keen towards embracing Islam. Hence, they were keen to learn more about Islam without knowing how to read and write which left them with no choice but to memorise. This is another point that make the Sunnah and Hadith reliable as it is relied heavily on memorisation.
Abu Hurayrah (Abdurrahman) radiallahuanhu is an example of a person who travelled to Madinah and wanted to study the ways of Islam with Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam himself. He dedicated himself to studying by living in the Prophet's mosque in Madinah. Even though he was so dedicated, he did not know how to read or write. Therefore relied heavily on memorisation. Perhaps when one do not know how to read/write they will master the art of memorising.
Does the Sunnah and Hadith rely only on sanad (chain of narrators)? No, it does not! Most of the Hadith do refer to the revelation of the verses. Hadith are mostly explanation of the verses. Without the Sunnah and Hadith it is difficult for muslim to pray, make hajj and etc. The bible states how the Prophets prayed, even so it is not being practised by Christians. Therefore, without the Sunna and Hadith, muslims would not even know how to pray and will end up with empty mosques! Most importantly, these Sunna and Hadith are in spirit with the Qur'an. For example, the verses on the prohibition of riba from the Qur'an (baqarah verse 275), then there came hadith on explaining riba and the way to prevent it. There are no contradictions between the verse of the Quran and the Hadith. The Hadith are there just to explain the grey areas. So, what is the purpose/excuse of rejecting these Hadith? Why would then people go to an extent of saying the Hadith as being fabricated?? Some have criticised that Bukhari is not reliable because verification on the reliability of the hadith is only/solely by checking the isnad (chain of narrators). This is not true! Bukhari mastered a few techniques other than verifying the isnad. He mastered the art of ascertaining the veracity of the Hadith's texts through its chain of narration (isnad), the background of the hadith narrator (al-asma al-rijal), as well as a sound knowledge and understanding of the Qur'an in order to determine whether the Hadith was in compliance with the Divine revelation. This is what made his work famous in the first place! Yet, there are common people in the ummah who dares to criticise his work!
Then, there are those verse on obey Allah and His Messenger. How do we obey the Messenger if it's not from the Hadith? It's almost impossible to follow the Qur'an without the sunna and hadiths. I don't really mind if there are people out there who doesn't want to practise the sunna & hadith, but to go all the way to abolish it and abolish shari'ah law without any justification is just out of hand. Its ironic that these type of people would like to talk about the "Islamisation of education".
Another thing to ponder before ending this entry is the azan (calling to prayer). It has been practised for centuries and there are no difference in its text, be it in the past or present, or even on the geographical location. From Japan to the U.S the wordings for the azan are exactly the same and it relied on memorisation and not in writings. Do not rule out something just because it is being memorised. These are the few points that I have and I'm sure there are many other facts to support the authenticity of the sunna and hadith. Allah knows best!
Lately, I have come across a few people who don't believe in the Hadith or Sunnah. Some argue that Hadith is just a "word of mouth" and how can one be sure it is the Prophet's saying as it is all "hearsays". So, question is, is it impossible for a person to memorise the Hadith?
Firstly, Hadith is preserved in the same way of the Holy Quran which is through memorisation (although the Qur'an were written down by the scribes, it is memorised before recorded). Memorisation was the way of the uneducated/ poor arabs learn things. Most Arabs were not literate during the period of Jahiliyah (ignorance), and those who were not literate had no choice but to memorise what they have learnt. The literate Arabs were then the scribes which documented what have been said and done.
Qur'an was revealed by the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam about 1400 years ago. It was revealed to him in fragments and not all at once. It was compiled as a Qur'an during the reign of the first caliph (Abu Bakr) by the initiation of Umar al Khattab. The duty was given to Zaid bin Thabit. So it was compiled after the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam passed away. What happened during this gap of time? If one were to accept Qur'an as the word of the truth, why can't one accept the sunna and hadith?
Umar al Khattab initiated it because the hafidh (protector) of Qur'an were the frontliners in the Jihad fisabilillah helping to expand the Islam empire. They were hafidh (protector) of the Qur'an not only from the memorisation part but they were also hafidh of the moral values in the Qur'an. This is the reason that they are the frontliners, because they understand and do not want to contradict themselves with the teachings of the Qur'an.
Anyway, Umar al Khattab was worried that all the hafidh being killed therefore suggested to Abu Bakr to compile the Qur'an in writing. Clearly, they relied heavily on people who had memorised the word of Allah subahanawata'ala (it is also undeniable that they needed the written verses as well to compile the Qur'an). Since all Muslims have no doubts in the Quran, why are there people who wouldn't accept the Sunnah and Hadith when in actual fact it is being preserved through memorisation until the time of Imam Malik, Bukhari and etc.
Arabs at the beginning of Islam were of the ignorance. Their level of ignorance were drastic which they do not learn how to read or write. Due to the ignorance of the people, those who are poor and no authority were oppressed. The oppression also caused them not being able to educate themselves on how to read/write. Therefore they relied heavily on memorising. In the early years of spreading Islam, the oppressed people were more keen towards embracing Islam. Hence, they were keen to learn more about Islam without knowing how to read and write which left them with no choice but to memorise. This is another point that make the Sunnah and Hadith reliable as it is relied heavily on memorisation.
Abu Hurayrah (Abdurrahman) radiallahuanhu is an example of a person who travelled to Madinah and wanted to study the ways of Islam with Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam himself. He dedicated himself to studying by living in the Prophet's mosque in Madinah. Even though he was so dedicated, he did not know how to read or write. Therefore relied heavily on memorisation. Perhaps when one do not know how to read/write they will master the art of memorising.
Does the Sunnah and Hadith rely only on sanad (chain of narrators)? No, it does not! Most of the Hadith do refer to the revelation of the verses. Hadith are mostly explanation of the verses. Without the Sunnah and Hadith it is difficult for muslim to pray, make hajj and etc. The bible states how the Prophets prayed, even so it is not being practised by Christians. Therefore, without the Sunna and Hadith, muslims would not even know how to pray and will end up with empty mosques! Most importantly, these Sunna and Hadith are in spirit with the Qur'an. For example, the verses on the prohibition of riba from the Qur'an (baqarah verse 275), then there came hadith on explaining riba and the way to prevent it. There are no contradictions between the verse of the Quran and the Hadith. The Hadith are there just to explain the grey areas. So, what is the purpose/excuse of rejecting these Hadith? Why would then people go to an extent of saying the Hadith as being fabricated?? Some have criticised that Bukhari is not reliable because verification on the reliability of the hadith is only/solely by checking the isnad (chain of narrators). This is not true! Bukhari mastered a few techniques other than verifying the isnad. He mastered the art of ascertaining the veracity of the Hadith's texts through its chain of narration (isnad), the background of the hadith narrator (al-asma al-rijal), as well as a sound knowledge and understanding of the Qur'an in order to determine whether the Hadith was in compliance with the Divine revelation. This is what made his work famous in the first place! Yet, there are common people in the ummah who dares to criticise his work!
Then, there are those verse on obey Allah and His Messenger. How do we obey the Messenger if it's not from the Hadith? It's almost impossible to follow the Qur'an without the sunna and hadiths. I don't really mind if there are people out there who doesn't want to practise the sunna & hadith, but to go all the way to abolish it and abolish shari'ah law without any justification is just out of hand. Its ironic that these type of people would like to talk about the "Islamisation of education".
Another thing to ponder before ending this entry is the azan (calling to prayer). It has been practised for centuries and there are no difference in its text, be it in the past or present, or even on the geographical location. From Japan to the U.S the wordings for the azan are exactly the same and it relied on memorisation and not in writings. Do not rule out something just because it is being memorised. These are the few points that I have and I'm sure there are many other facts to support the authenticity of the sunna and hadith. Allah knows best!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Riots!
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
This entry is based on the various hadith that you could find in this website The right way of dealing with rulers
What are the cause of riots? Firstly, it is because that people are not steadfast to the religion. They do not have any rope to hold on to give a good principle and concious towards themselves.
These riot are supposed to be a revolt towards the injustice behaviour of those who are in authority. The teachings of Islam has always been parallel with peace. Do riots symbolise peace? From my point of view riot is definitely nothing close to peace. How about the unjust ruler? Should they go unpunished? This has been explained in the hadith. "Prophet’s saying reported on the authority of Hudhayfa Ibn Al-Yamân رضي الله عنه: “There will be rulers who will not be led by my guidance and will not adopt my tradition. There will be among them men who will have the hearts of devils in the bodies ofhuman beings”. I said: “What should I do O Messenger of Allah, if such timeovertook me? He said: “You will listen to the commander and carry out his orders, and even if your back is lashed and your wealth is seized (by force),you should listen and obey”"
What are the role of the community? The community should always be helping, and advising the unjust ruler. Then, there is the question, why should opposition exists? This is usually because the 'oppositions' think that they are more capable in ruling the country. It is also normal that the 'oppositions' way of opposing is by pointing the injustices done by the ruler. They do this not necessarily to help, assist and advise the government, but they do this to gain the support of the community to oppose the ruler. After establishing this they will continue with movements with the support of the community by doing protests and riots.
Food for thought, if the opposition managed to over throw the government what will happen next? If the opposition becomes the ruling authority, they cannot afford to do any mistakes. If there are mistakes and injustice, the community will spark a new protest and new opposition will be established. This will then be a consistent cycle. It will go on continuously and will affect the community and its education as the government is always changing and there is no long term vision. When it affects the education, there will be a less brighter future. The perception of the community will now be too obsessed to monitor those who are in authority. Most of their time will be occupied eyeing every single action by the authority, hence peace will be a distant thing in our hearts.
If everyone can have their own say, who will be the one to listen? In my opinion these are the cause and effect of secularism. Secularism has caused the mass to be confused. It has created a barrier between the religion and the administration of the country. "Give Caesar what belongs to him, and give Jesus what belongs to him." This has been the method adopted today and have separated the morale teachings that a religion can contribute to the development and administration of the country. With this separation, it portrays that governments are greater than religion which will create a perception towards the community that religion means backwards. Therefore people will adopt this method/perception and may do what ever one wishes (I.e criminal acts). Anyway according to the teachings of Islam, everything belongs to Allah (not Caesar, not Jesus, not Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam) therefore religion should always be observed in every aspect of our lives. We should firstly rely on religion and then rely on our intellect (this is part of the method that is adopted by the shari'ah). We should not just rely on our intellect (secular method) alone because this will cause the destruction of the community. "Nay but humanity transgresses all bounds when it looks upon itself as self-sufficient". (Surah al-Alaq verse 7). When we think we are self-sufficient and not use Allah's laws and words, Allah says "Those who turn from remembering Me shall live lives of misery; We shall raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection,". (Surah Ta Ha verse 124)These riot are supposed to be a revolt towards the injustice behaviour of those who are in authority. The teachings of Islam has always been parallel with peace. Do riots symbolise peace? From my point of view riot is definitely nothing close to peace. How about the unjust ruler? Should they go unpunished? This has been explained in the hadith. "Prophet’s saying reported on the authority of Hudhayfa Ibn Al-Yamân رضي الله عنه: “There will be rulers who will not be led by my guidance and will not adopt my tradition. There will be among them men who will have the hearts of devils in the bodies ofhuman beings”. I said: “What should I do O Messenger of Allah, if such timeovertook me? He said: “You will listen to the commander and carry out his orders, and even if your back is lashed and your wealth is seized (by force),you should listen and obey”"
Food for thought, if the opposition managed to over throw the government what will happen next? If the opposition becomes the ruling authority, they cannot afford to do any mistakes. If there are mistakes and injustice, the community will spark a new protest and new opposition will be established. This will then be a consistent cycle. It will go on continuously and will affect the community and its education as the government is always changing and there is no long term vision. When it affects the education, there will be a less brighter future. The perception of the community will now be too obsessed to monitor those who are in authority. Most of their time will be occupied eyeing every single action by the authority, hence peace will be a distant thing in our hearts.
This link shows how one should react towards an unjust muslim ruler. Why are these hadith being neglected? Are the scholars not well versed enough? Scholars are actually well versed in this issue. This hadith is probably being neglected because of the weakness in the human hearts. We as the community could not be patient anymore and would like to see changes being made. We would rather follow our hearts than following the hadith so that we could see the unjust authority getting punished. Why are we too obsessed on seeing the unjust ruler getting punished now and putting matters in our own hands? Do we not believe in the punishment of the hereafter? Isn't patience considered as good deeds which will be beneficial in our hereafter? Why are we throwing away the opportunity in doing good deeds and good rewards? Sometimes, some of us muslims (including myself) would prefer to "follow" a hadith only when there are scientific proof! This should not be the method and we should change the attitude to have faith in Qur'an and hadith. We also need to educate ourselves on the authenticity and fabricated hadith. I will touch on this issue "attacks on the authenticity of hadith" in the near future, insha'allah.
Personally I have never liked the ways of the current government (Malaysia) but sometimes we have to try and put aside our feelings and hold fast onto the rope (Islam, refer to Surah al Imran verse 103). Opposing (by protest and riots) in my opinion is not a productive solution. I may not have the slightest idea for the solution, but from what I understand the teachings of Islam, things should be done or implemented in the roots. "Verily Allah does not change a people's condition unless they change their inner selves." (Surah ar-ra'd verse 11)
Friday, 29 July 2011
Are we trying to achieve the ideal Muslim community (ummah)?
Bismillahirohmaneerohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
"Whosoever acquires unlawful wealth and then gives it away as sadaqah will have no reward, and he will bear the burden (of his wrongdoing)." From Abu Hurayrah (As cited in Kanz al-ummal)"- from a book I read.
Who would have thought that a good intention (sadaqah) could easily be nullified when one receives their wealth in an illegal way. Even though the intention is good, one should make sure that it is good as a whole and not only bits and pieces of it. Therefore it is vital to know where our wealth is coming from and to make sure that the sources are legal so that not only what we give is Halal but in fact what we eat, drink, wear and etc is Halal too.
When we try to understand the Divine injunctions and the further explanations given by the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam, it becomes clear that the Divine law strikes at its very root. This ayat further shows that any law/changes should happen at its root rather than patching its root: "Verily Allah does not change a people's condition unless they change their inner selves." (surah ar-ra'd verse 11)
The ayat above could be looked at the 'Islamic banking' industry point of view. which then comes to a question on whether they (islamic banks) are helping to change the roots of human development or just making an alternative banking for Halal transactions?
Today we could see some 'Islamic banks' taking steps to safe guard themselves from unwanted risks. Example, if a person gets into a transaction with a bank requiring him to pay monthly instalments, they would be expected to pay the monthly instalments as per their contract. However, if they don't pay, these banks are giving them another chance to pay but including late payment fees on top of the instalments. No doubt it (the late payment fees) is permissible, but is it really helping to change the root itself? Is the 'Islamic bank' playing any role to help these individual to become better Muslims who will always fulfil their contract truthfully and honestly?
The reason of the late payment fees is to safeguard the banks so that they are not being taken advantage by the people who might end up not paying for their instalments. Late payment fees does make sense but is the bank helping to develop a better Muslim community as this in my opinion is more important. Do they put any effort to invest in human development? Therefore, should these banks be named 'Islamic banks'? Naming and branding some banks as 'Islamic banks' is an issue on its own which I will Insha'Allah write more in the near future.
Getting back to the topic, with this kind of mentality, 'Islamic banks' are actually design to suit the current Muslim way of life which may bring advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, it is hindering from achieving the bigger goal, which is to improve and get the ideal muslim community/ummah. In a way, this is not changing the root/inner selves. Instead, the 'Islamic banks' are just patching up any likely holes. This has been the trend for some 'Islamic banks'. They are trying to find ways to patch new holes such as trying to make 'derivatives' permissible and etc. Again, no doubt they are able to justify the permissibility of their transaction, but their effort has never been aimed to change the roots. We should find ways to get/become the ideal Muslim community/ummah who do not lie, cheat, and fulfil their contracts and so on, rather than patching up all these holes to justify its permissibility.
Going slightly off track, I am mentioning this because I've heard this idea from a friend which does not make any sense to myself. Anyway, the idea is that a group of 'gangsters' were created to protect the Muslim community. 'Gangsters' in itself is wrong but they try to make it sound OK by saying they are protecting the Muslims community. Referring back to the Hadith above, this is just like acquiring unlawful wealth and giving it away for charity. This is not striking or changing the root/inner selves. With this mentality, again there can only be less hope in achieving the ideal Muslim community. The muslims do not need such protection from a group of gangsters because "Allah is the Best Protector and is the Most Merciful." (Surah Yusuf verse 64) No doubt we should work hard to get some protection and not just 'tawakkal' but this should be done in a more harmonious way rather than using brutality.
So with the current mentality, are we actually pushing further or getting closer in achieving the ideal ummah? May Allah guide us to change and achieving the ideal Ummah!
"Whosoever acquires unlawful wealth and then gives it away as sadaqah will have no reward, and he will bear the burden (of his wrongdoing)." From Abu Hurayrah (As cited in Kanz al-ummal)"- from a book I read.
Who would have thought that a good intention (sadaqah) could easily be nullified when one receives their wealth in an illegal way. Even though the intention is good, one should make sure that it is good as a whole and not only bits and pieces of it. Therefore it is vital to know where our wealth is coming from and to make sure that the sources are legal so that not only what we give is Halal but in fact what we eat, drink, wear and etc is Halal too.
When we try to understand the Divine injunctions and the further explanations given by the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam, it becomes clear that the Divine law strikes at its very root. This ayat further shows that any law/changes should happen at its root rather than patching its root: "Verily Allah does not change a people's condition unless they change their inner selves." (surah ar-ra'd verse 11)
The ayat above could be looked at the 'Islamic banking' industry point of view. which then comes to a question on whether they (islamic banks) are helping to change the roots of human development or just making an alternative banking for Halal transactions?
Today we could see some 'Islamic banks' taking steps to safe guard themselves from unwanted risks. Example, if a person gets into a transaction with a bank requiring him to pay monthly instalments, they would be expected to pay the monthly instalments as per their contract. However, if they don't pay, these banks are giving them another chance to pay but including late payment fees on top of the instalments. No doubt it (the late payment fees) is permissible, but is it really helping to change the root itself? Is the 'Islamic bank' playing any role to help these individual to become better Muslims who will always fulfil their contract truthfully and honestly?
The reason of the late payment fees is to safeguard the banks so that they are not being taken advantage by the people who might end up not paying for their instalments. Late payment fees does make sense but is the bank helping to develop a better Muslim community as this in my opinion is more important. Do they put any effort to invest in human development? Therefore, should these banks be named 'Islamic banks'? Naming and branding some banks as 'Islamic banks' is an issue on its own which I will Insha'Allah write more in the near future.
Getting back to the topic, with this kind of mentality, 'Islamic banks' are actually design to suit the current Muslim way of life which may bring advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, it is hindering from achieving the bigger goal, which is to improve and get the ideal muslim community/ummah. In a way, this is not changing the root/inner selves. Instead, the 'Islamic banks' are just patching up any likely holes. This has been the trend for some 'Islamic banks'. They are trying to find ways to patch new holes such as trying to make 'derivatives' permissible and etc. Again, no doubt they are able to justify the permissibility of their transaction, but their effort has never been aimed to change the roots. We should find ways to get/become the ideal Muslim community/ummah who do not lie, cheat, and fulfil their contracts and so on, rather than patching up all these holes to justify its permissibility.
Going slightly off track, I am mentioning this because I've heard this idea from a friend which does not make any sense to myself. Anyway, the idea is that a group of 'gangsters' were created to protect the Muslim community. 'Gangsters' in itself is wrong but they try to make it sound OK by saying they are protecting the Muslims community. Referring back to the Hadith above, this is just like acquiring unlawful wealth and giving it away for charity. This is not striking or changing the root/inner selves. With this mentality, again there can only be less hope in achieving the ideal Muslim community. The muslims do not need such protection from a group of gangsters because "Allah is the Best Protector and is the Most Merciful." (Surah Yusuf verse 64) No doubt we should work hard to get some protection and not just 'tawakkal' but this should be done in a more harmonious way rather than using brutality.
So with the current mentality, are we actually pushing further or getting closer in achieving the ideal ummah? May Allah guide us to change and achieving the ideal Ummah!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
The difficulty on giving advices?
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
It is not a surprise that we are concerned about the problem that are faced by other Muslims. Sometimes these concern turns into hatred. One of the common concern is intoxication. Due to this concern, one will try to advise the other to stay away from intoxication. Usually these advices will turn to a form of hatred due to frustration of the message not getting across to the one who is involved in intoxication. Usually the concerned Muslim will be gentle for the first few advices. After sometime this concerned Muslim is frustrated and may start cursing or hating the other muslim brother. This is an example of a frustrated adviser, "You said you are a muslim but you are doing things that are prohibited! Use your brain!", "I hate hypocrites, claiming to be a muslim!" Is this the right way to advise?There is another situation where, a Muslim who is not well versed in the knowledge of Islam, but are trying their best to be in the path of Islam. Sometimes the Muslim who are not well versed may misinterpret somethings. I've seen some knowledgeable Muslim who mocks other Muslims (which apparently are "less knowledgeable"). For example, "Only muslim idiots think that it is right to wear silk" or "stupid muslims may think that interest(riba) is good for the economy" Is it right for them to be called idiots or stupid?
No matter which is the case whether being a concerned Muslim or a more knowledgeable Muslim, cursing or name calling should be avoided. Doing these (cursing or name calling) will have its consequences.
If we examine closely, its not right to associate with this kind of practises with Islam. Islam, is derived from the root word salam which means Peace. One is not creating any peace with cursing and name calling.
Next, have a look at the hadith quoted below.
Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam said, "A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other." The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced.
Narrated Abu Dhar that he heard the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam saying, "If somebody accuses another of Fusuq(by calling him 'Fasiq' i.e., wicked person) or accuses him of Kufr(disbelief), such an accusation will revert to him (i.e., the accuser) if his companion (the accused) is innocent."
Narrated Ma'rur: I saw Abu Dhar wearing a Burda (garment) and his slave too was wearing a Burda, so I said (to Abu Dhar), "If you take this (Burda of your slave) and wear it (along with yours), you will have a nice suit (costume) and you may give him another garment." Abu Dhar said, "There was a quarrel between me and another man whose mother was a non-arab and I called her bad names. The man mentioned (complained about) me to the Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam. The Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam said, "Did you abuse so-and-so?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Did you call his mother bad names?" I said, "Yes." He said, "You still have the traits of (the Pre-Islamic Period of) Ignorance." I said, "(Do I still have ignorance) even now in my old age?" He said, "Yes they (slaves or servants) are your brothers, and Allah has put them under your command. So the one under whose hand Allah has put his brother, should feed him of what he eats, and dress him of what he himself dresses, and should not ask him to do a thing beyond his capacity. And if at all he asks him to do a hard task, he should help therin."
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet salallahualaihiwasalam said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm(with glad tidings) and do not repel(them) (i.e. to make them hate good deeds and to run away from Islam)
[Sahih Bukhari]
The one who has knowledge of Islam should never call another muslim an idiot because there are hadiths that saying we shouldn't push people away from Islam. If a knowledgeable muslim does so, it means that the person is quite selective in the choosing of Qur'anic verses and hadith which I have demonstrated in my other entry that this is the practise of "the people of the book". This shouldn't be in the practises of Islam.
From another perspective, there are muslims who are always concerned with other muslims behaviour (I.e gambling, drinking and etc). They are too concerned with other muslims that they neglect their own self development. Despite of having knowledge in Islam, they think that it is sufficient because there are worse muslims out there. Self development in the knowledge of Islam is well important (I.e arabic, fiqh, usul ul fiqh, maqasid sha'riah and etc). But often we see that they stop learning when they think it is sufficient and there are muslims who are less knowledgeable.
In conclusion, even when our intention is pure and would like to strive for Islam, we should always beware of the way on advising. Not an easy task, but one can only try. This area "adab" is always being overlooked and not bothered because we usually think that it is not complicated and easy to give an advise. Those who give advice should not be too obsessed with the outcome (whether the other party change for the good/not). This is where patience is important and relying on Allah by asking Him to guide whom He wills. Knowing how to advise in my opinion is well important in the human development and especially in Islam where it is centred onto human development so that the path is easy for us to worship Him. Therefore, before we start to learn any knowledge, this should be the first step before it.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
The guidance of God (continued)
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
Surah al Yunus verse 94: "If you are in DOUBT concerning what We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Book before you. It is the TRUTH that has come to you from your Lord, so never become one of those who DOUBT.
The "TRUTH/haq" refers to the current book/Qur'an. Hence, the focus of the verse, do not be in DOUBT in the Qur'an.
We are told to ask "those who have been reading the Book before you" and not specifically refer to the scriptures/book ourselves. Why? Because i) Arabs were commonly illeterate and ii) not conversant with scriptures.
The pamphlet goes on quoting Genesis 22:18 about "The seed" which according to them is Prophet Jesus(Isa). To our understanding Prophet Muhammad is also "the seed" of Prophet Abraham(Ibrahim) under his son Prophet Ishmael(Ismail). Prophet Jesus did prophecies the coming of a Messenger/prophet in John 16:12-13. Refer to Ahmad Deddat clip (Muhammad in the Bible).
It quotes about "original sin" from Romans 5:12 which contradicts with Ezekiel 18:4 and 18:20. Reference can be made to Ahmad Deedat clip at the side. It goes on saying Prophet Noah was a righteous man (Genesis 6:9). But they did not reveal that the Bible mentioned that he was an alcoholic. Refer Yushua Evans clip. The Qur'an have responded surah al furqan verse 36 "... People who have given the lie to our sign" (37) "They gave the lie to the Messengers." One of the lie might be about Noah being an alcoholic. Allah knows best!
Muslim takes the Prophets as a role models hence Allah will choose the best of people and not someone who is an alcoholic or commits adultery/incest.
It then says Abraham was a righteous servant of god (Isaiah 41:8). Prophet Abraham created the Ka'abah to remind us that God has no image by human intellectual and only serve One God the Almighty.
In the pamphlet "As for prayer, Christ taught :"When you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do... God your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8) But they forgot to mention about this verse in the bible : "And he (Jesus) went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." - New Testament (Matthew 26:39) (Refer Yusha Evans min 1:30)
Muslims are taught by Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam on how to pray. Prostrating to the ground is one of the actions of our prayer. I'm not an expert in the bible but according to this pamphlet, this sect of Christianity are quite selective in choosing the verses to follow.
Surah al kahf verse 57 : "Who is more wicked than the man who, when he is reminded by the revelations of his Lord, turns away from them and forgets (the consequence of) the deeds wrought by his own hands? We have laid veils over their hearts lest they understand the message of the Qur'an and We have caused heaviness in their ears. Call them as you may to the Right Path, they will not be ever right guided aright."
"(1)"Say : "O unbelievers!" (2) I do not worship those that you worship (3) neither do you worship Him Whom I worship; (4) nor will I worship those whom you have worshipped; (5) not are you going to worship Him who I worship. (6) To you is your religion, and to me, my religion." (Surah al kafirun verse 1-6)
The main conclusion of this entry is that "O you who believe! Believe WHOLLY IN ALL THAT HAS REVEALED TO YOU, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, surely he is to you an avowed enemy" (surah al baqarah verse 208) Therefore we should not be selective in following the teachings of the Qur'an.
Surah al Yunus verse 94: "If you are in DOUBT concerning what We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Book before you. It is the TRUTH that has come to you from your Lord, so never become one of those who DOUBT.
The "TRUTH/haq" refers to the current book/Qur'an. Hence, the focus of the verse, do not be in DOUBT in the Qur'an.
We are told to ask "those who have been reading the Book before you" and not specifically refer to the scriptures/book ourselves. Why? Because i) Arabs were commonly illeterate and ii) not conversant with scriptures.
The pamphlet goes on quoting Genesis 22:18 about "The seed" which according to them is Prophet Jesus(Isa). To our understanding Prophet Muhammad is also "the seed" of Prophet Abraham(Ibrahim) under his son Prophet Ishmael(Ismail). Prophet Jesus did prophecies the coming of a Messenger/prophet in John 16:12-13. Refer to Ahmad Deddat clip (Muhammad in the Bible).
It quotes about "original sin" from Romans 5:12 which contradicts with Ezekiel 18:4 and 18:20. Reference can be made to Ahmad Deedat clip at the side. It goes on saying Prophet Noah was a righteous man (Genesis 6:9). But they did not reveal that the Bible mentioned that he was an alcoholic. Refer Yushua Evans clip. The Qur'an have responded surah al furqan verse 36 "... People who have given the lie to our sign" (37) "They gave the lie to the Messengers." One of the lie might be about Noah being an alcoholic. Allah knows best!
Muslim takes the Prophets as a role models hence Allah will choose the best of people and not someone who is an alcoholic or commits adultery/incest.
It then says Abraham was a righteous servant of god (Isaiah 41:8). Prophet Abraham created the Ka'abah to remind us that God has no image by human intellectual and only serve One God the Almighty.
In the pamphlet "As for prayer, Christ taught :"When you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do... God your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8) But they forgot to mention about this verse in the bible : "And he (Jesus) went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." - New Testament (Matthew 26:39) (Refer Yusha Evans min 1:30)
"And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped." - Old Testament (Exodus 34:8)
And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground. - Old Testament (Nehemiah 8:6)
Muslims are taught by Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam on how to pray. Prostrating to the ground is one of the actions of our prayer. I'm not an expert in the bible but according to this pamphlet, this sect of Christianity are quite selective in choosing the verses to follow.
Surah al kahf verse 57 : "Who is more wicked than the man who, when he is reminded by the revelations of his Lord, turns away from them and forgets (the consequence of) the deeds wrought by his own hands? We have laid veils over their hearts lest they understand the message of the Qur'an and We have caused heaviness in their ears. Call them as you may to the Right Path, they will not be ever right guided aright."
"(1)"Say : "O unbelievers!" (2) I do not worship those that you worship (3) neither do you worship Him Whom I worship; (4) nor will I worship those whom you have worshipped; (5) not are you going to worship Him who I worship. (6) To you is your religion, and to me, my religion." (Surah al kafirun verse 1-6)
The main conclusion of this entry is that "O you who believe! Believe WHOLLY IN ALL THAT HAS REVEALED TO YOU, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, surely he is to you an avowed enemy" (surah al baqarah verse 208) Therefore we should not be selective in following the teachings of the Qur'an.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
The guidance of God
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
Firstly, I would like to be clear that I'm not a scholar. I might be wrong about certain things and if I am, please correct me.
This time, my entry will be slightly different than usual. Recently, there were people who came to my house to preach their religion. They handed me a pamphlet and mentioned that they were followers of the bible but did not like to associate themselves with Christendom. Knowing that I am a muslim, they handed me a special pamphlet to identify the similarities between our religion. This pamphlet was however designed for a Muslim to read because there were a lot of quotes from the Qur'an to make Muslims understand.
In summary of the pamphlet there are some verses mentioned which was out of context with what the Qur'an says about the Holy scriptures. Examples:-
It is somehow weird that some do not understand that, the book Prophet Musa (Moses) possess was confirmed (to be the truth) by Prophet Isa (Jesus), hence the book Jesus (Isa) possess should also definitely be confirmed by Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam.
The pamphlet goes on to mention that no corruption could possibly have occured before the writing of the Qur'an because many Qur'anic verses call for faith in the Torah & the Injil. Examples of the verses:-
(Surah al Nahl verse 43) "(O Muhammad), whenever We raised any Messengers before you, they were no other human beings; (except that) to them We sent revelation. So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know"
I do not wish to reveal which sect of Christianity they belong because my intention is not to criticise them. The purpose of this entry is for my Muslim brothers and sisters that we should read and understand the Qur'an wholly. If we were to read certain verses without understanding the story/teachings wholly, then it might be misinterpreted. This is when Satan may take his advantage on a person.
To Be Continued...
Firstly, I would like to be clear that I'm not a scholar. I might be wrong about certain things and if I am, please correct me.
 |
| The pamphlet to identify similarities between our religion |
In summary of the pamphlet there are some verses mentioned which was out of context with what the Qur'an says about the Holy scriptures. Examples:-
"(Like that book) this too is a Book which We have revealed before, one full of blessing, confirming what was revealed before it so that you might warn the people of the Mother of Cities (Makkah) and those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and are ever-mindful of their Prayers." (surah al-an'am verse 92)
This verse is "suppose" to make us think that the current torah & injil are the truth. It is taken out of context because verse 91 says "... Ask them: "The Book which Moses brought as light and guidance for people which you keep in bits and scraps - some of which you disclose while the rest you conceal, even though through it you were taught that which neither you nor your forefathers knew - who was it who revealed it?" Say: "Allah!" and then leave them to sport their argumentation."It is somehow weird that some do not understand that, the book Prophet Musa (Moses) possess was confirmed (to be the truth) by Prophet Isa (Jesus), hence the book Jesus (Isa) possess should also definitely be confirmed by Prophet Muhammad salallahualaihiwasalam.
The pamphlet goes on to mention that no corruption could possibly have occured before the writing of the Qur'an because many Qur'anic verses call for faith in the Torah & the Injil. Examples of the verses:-
(surah al Baqarah verse 136) " We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the descendants and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and in what the other Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are those who submit to Allah".
Refer (surah al baqarah verse 120) "Never will the Jews be pleased with you nor the Christians until you follow their way. Say: " Surely Allah's guidance, is the true guidance." Should you follow their desires disregarding the knowledge which has come to you, you shall have no protector or helper against Allah."
(Surah al baqarah verse 135) "They say : "Be Jews," or "Be Christians". "Then you will be rightly guarded." Say to them: "No, follow exclusively the way of Abraham who was not one of those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity."
This means that something is not right with the current Judaism and Christianity from the Qur'anic viewpoint. Even though the Torah & Injil used to be the Book of the Truth, Muslims are not supposed to trust the current Torah and Injil because Muslims shouldn't follow their way.(Surah al Nahl verse 43) "(O Muhammad), whenever We raised any Messengers before you, they were no other human beings; (except that) to them We sent revelation. So ask those who possess knowledge if you do not know"
Refer (surah al Nahl verse 44) "We raised the Messengers earlier with Clear Signs and Divine Books, and We have now sent down this Reminder upon you that you may elucidate(/explain) to people the teaching that has been sent down for them, and that the people may themselves reflect."
I do not wish to reveal which sect of Christianity they belong because my intention is not to criticise them. The purpose of this entry is for my Muslim brothers and sisters that we should read and understand the Qur'an wholly. If we were to read certain verses without understanding the story/teachings wholly, then it might be misinterpreted. This is when Satan may take his advantage on a person.
To Be Continued...
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Did I really have a happy new year?
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
It is already 2011 and I can see from my joint account that there are many who celebrate the new year and a lot of new resolutions for the new year. As of course, I was also one who celebrates new year and making new 'resolutions', but as time passes by I do not really understand what is the celebration about.
From my personal observation, it is to celebrate the completion cycle of time, and the coming cycle of new time. Time is the circulation of the earth, moon and sun. I include the moon because in my opinion it is part of earth. Anyway as I've said earlier, time is the circulation of the earth, moon and sun, so do we celebrate the completion of the cycle? What is so special of the completed cycle? How are we so sure that the next cycle will be complete to make the next resolution?
In the perspective of a muslim, it feels as if we're like pagans celebrating upon the sun and moon. From my personal opinion, the reason Allah created the sun and moon so that time can be easily assigned. Why is it important for time to be assigned? So that it could be filled with actions/assignments/things to do. Time is a measuring tool, it is used to measure the time of prayers, the time to break our fast, time to go for appointments/meetings and etc.
I think it is clear that time is a measuring tool, I am going to give an example, which is unconventional somehow relates to measuring tool. For example, a measuring cup is used to be filled with things(i.e flour) to bake a cake. After baking the cake, one celebrate(enjoy/taking pleasure) by eating the cake. One do not celebrate on the measuring cup itself. We don't really celebrate on the things we have done during the cycle. It is common to see a person says "thanks 2010 for the good and bad experience". We're giving credit(thanks) wrongly. Should we give thanks to time or giving thanks to the giver/creator of time?
In my opinion, the completion cycle of the earth, moon and sun is not necessarily important. The important cycle is the cycle of ones life. Referring to the example of baking the cake, let us celebrate eating a sweet delicious cake at the end. So let us celebrate our actions in the hereafter after our life cycle ends.
"By the Time(1), Indeed all of mankind is in a state of loss (2), except those have iman, Conduct righteous actions, call each other to the Truth, And call each other to having patience.(3)" (Surah al-asr verse 1-3)
"Our Lord! We have now seen and heard , so send us back; we will do good - we do indeed (now) have firm faith!" (Surah as sajada verse 12)
But their pleas will be answered with only: "Did We not grant you a life long enough for him who would reflect to reflect (and so take heed)? And there came to you the warner (too); therefore taste now (the punishment), for the unjust have no helper" (Surah al Faatir verse 37)
"Nay, but you give preference to the life of this world (16), while the Hereafter is better and more lasting(17)" (Surah al A'laa verse 16-17)
"O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is true, so let not this present life deceive you, nor let the great fraudster deceive you about Allah!" (Surah al Faatir verse 5)
"And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He caused them to forget their souls. It is these that are the evil-does" (Surah al Hashr verse 19)
It is already 2011 and I can see from my joint account that there are many who celebrate the new year and a lot of new resolutions for the new year. As of course, I was also one who celebrates new year and making new 'resolutions', but as time passes by I do not really understand what is the celebration about.
From my personal observation, it is to celebrate the completion cycle of time, and the coming cycle of new time. Time is the circulation of the earth, moon and sun. I include the moon because in my opinion it is part of earth. Anyway as I've said earlier, time is the circulation of the earth, moon and sun, so do we celebrate the completion of the cycle? What is so special of the completed cycle? How are we so sure that the next cycle will be complete to make the next resolution?
In the perspective of a muslim, it feels as if we're like pagans celebrating upon the sun and moon. From my personal opinion, the reason Allah created the sun and moon so that time can be easily assigned. Why is it important for time to be assigned? So that it could be filled with actions/assignments/things to do. Time is a measuring tool, it is used to measure the time of prayers, the time to break our fast, time to go for appointments/meetings and etc.
I think it is clear that time is a measuring tool, I am going to give an example, which is unconventional somehow relates to measuring tool. For example, a measuring cup is used to be filled with things(i.e flour) to bake a cake. After baking the cake, one celebrate(enjoy/taking pleasure) by eating the cake. One do not celebrate on the measuring cup itself. We don't really celebrate on the things we have done during the cycle. It is common to see a person says "thanks 2010 for the good and bad experience". We're giving credit(thanks) wrongly. Should we give thanks to time or giving thanks to the giver/creator of time?
In my opinion, the completion cycle of the earth, moon and sun is not necessarily important. The important cycle is the cycle of ones life. Referring to the example of baking the cake, let us celebrate eating a sweet delicious cake at the end. So let us celebrate our actions in the hereafter after our life cycle ends.
"By the Time(1), Indeed all of mankind is in a state of loss (2), except those have iman, Conduct righteous actions, call each other to the Truth, And call each other to having patience.(3)" (Surah al-asr verse 1-3)
"Our Lord! We have now seen and heard , so send us back; we will do good - we do indeed (now) have firm faith!" (Surah as sajada verse 12)
But their pleas will be answered with only: "Did We not grant you a life long enough for him who would reflect to reflect (and so take heed)? And there came to you the warner (too); therefore taste now (the punishment), for the unjust have no helper" (Surah al Faatir verse 37)
"Nay, but you give preference to the life of this world (16), while the Hereafter is better and more lasting(17)" (Surah al A'laa verse 16-17)
"O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is true, so let not this present life deceive you, nor let the great fraudster deceive you about Allah!" (Surah al Faatir verse 5)
"And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He caused them to forget their souls. It is these that are the evil-does" (Surah al Hashr verse 19)
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Filling up the psychological gap
Bismillahirohmanirohim (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate)
The revelation began with the words, "Read in the name of your Lord Who created" (surah al-Alaq verse1) and ended with the verse "... Today I have completed your religion for you and have bestowed upon you My Bounty in full measure, and have been pleased to assign for you Islam as your religion ..."(Surah al-mai'dah verse 3) Hence it shows how important knowledge is in the religion, in life in this world and the hereafter.
To undertake reading in science for example without reference to religion will neither benefit humanity nor lead it to the comprehensive knowledge necessary for building and maintaining civilised society. I didn't read a lot in the past and when I read, the material usually doesn't have to do anything with religion. This kind of knowledge will lead to those who know only the outer aspects of worldly life, but who, in regard to the afterlife are very negligent in reference to this ayat in the Qur'an "Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them in Truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny that they will meet their Lord." (Surah al-Rum verse 8)
"Then, We revealed the Book to you, (O Muhammad) with Truth, confirming what ever of the Book was revealed before, and protecting and guarding over it. Judge, then, in the affairs of men in accordance with the Law that Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires in disregard of the Truth which has come to you. To each of you have We prescribed a law and a way. And had Allah so willed , He would surely have made you one single community; instead, (He gave each of you a Law and a way of life) in order to test you by what He gave you. Vie then, with one another in good works. Unto Allah is the return of all of you; and He will then make you understand the truth concerning the matters on which you disagreed" (Surah al-Mai'dah verse 48). "The All-Merciful taught the Qur'an, created humanity, and taught its expression..." (Surah ar-Rahman verse 1-4)
In this entry I would like to associate knowledge with psychology. It is very common to see that we always try to fill a psychological gap when facing difficulties or after accomplish something by saying something like "I am the only thing that is obstructing my achievement" or "the reason why this thing is a success is because I made it so!" In response to this Allah has revealed in His Glorious Holy Qur'an "Nay but humanity transgresses all bounds when it looks upon itself as self-sufficient". (Surah al-Alaq verse 7)
We normally think that we have total control in our accomplishments within the environment when it is actually Allah's doing. When we try to fill our mind with this kind of psychological gap of being self-sufficient, "Those who turn from remembering Me shall live lives of misery; We shall raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection,". (Surah Ta Ha verse 124)
We usually try our utmost to succeed sometimes at the expense of defying the laws of the world/universe. This will then cause imbalance and will abuse environment and physical of ones body which in a way will live lives in misery. If one were to remember Him (Allah) , one were to be cautious of boundaries created by Him and will go beyond one's limitation on certain actions.
Going slightly off topic, my friend always mentions that some muslims do not eat pork because of the prohibition in the Qur'an but ignores the prohibition of intoxication/alcohol. Pork may be substitute with other halal meat, but there is no substitute in getting 'high'. This in my opinion is a problem with the mind of needing to satisfy it psychologically. Needing a substance to be 'happy' when actually there is already much joy created in this world and these are the people who cannot live by the Law of this world. It is so easy to find happiness and be happy without these substances which are also used at times to enhance performance/capabilities to achieve success/happiness.
An example in the Qur'an mentions the prohibitions on intoxication "Believers! Intoxicants, games of chance, idolaltrous sacrifices at altars, and divining arrows are all abominations, the handiwork of Satan. So turn wholly away from it that you may attain to true success." (Surah al-Mai'dah verse 90).
Just to add on a little, " Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) observed, Whoever fornicates is not a believer so long as he commits it and no thief who steals is a believer as long as he commits theft, and no drunkard who drinks wine is a believer as long as he drinks it" (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Hence the abuse of ones body will be avoided and it will be easier to attain success through the help of Allah.
This is just an opinion of mine that if one could not live the laws and boundaries of this world, one would not be able to live the laws and boundaries of the jannah(paradise) where people who are obedient and those who is a believer will be in jannah. A wise man once said to me "A muslim should be a prisoner in this world so that he may attain the leisure of the hereafter. If you choose to have leisure in this world, do not expect to achieve the leisure of the hereafter. Choose one and I hope you will choose the right one."
The revelation began with the words, "Read in the name of your Lord Who created" (surah al-Alaq verse1) and ended with the verse "... Today I have completed your religion for you and have bestowed upon you My Bounty in full measure, and have been pleased to assign for you Islam as your religion ..."(Surah al-mai'dah verse 3) Hence it shows how important knowledge is in the religion, in life in this world and the hereafter.
To undertake reading in science for example without reference to religion will neither benefit humanity nor lead it to the comprehensive knowledge necessary for building and maintaining civilised society. I didn't read a lot in the past and when I read, the material usually doesn't have to do anything with religion. This kind of knowledge will lead to those who know only the outer aspects of worldly life, but who, in regard to the afterlife are very negligent in reference to this ayat in the Qur'an "Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them in Truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny that they will meet their Lord." (Surah al-Rum verse 8)
"Then, We revealed the Book to you, (O Muhammad) with Truth, confirming what ever of the Book was revealed before, and protecting and guarding over it. Judge, then, in the affairs of men in accordance with the Law that Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires in disregard of the Truth which has come to you. To each of you have We prescribed a law and a way. And had Allah so willed , He would surely have made you one single community; instead, (He gave each of you a Law and a way of life) in order to test you by what He gave you. Vie then, with one another in good works. Unto Allah is the return of all of you; and He will then make you understand the truth concerning the matters on which you disagreed" (Surah al-Mai'dah verse 48). "The All-Merciful taught the Qur'an, created humanity, and taught its expression..." (Surah ar-Rahman verse 1-4)
In this entry I would like to associate knowledge with psychology. It is very common to see that we always try to fill a psychological gap when facing difficulties or after accomplish something by saying something like "I am the only thing that is obstructing my achievement" or "the reason why this thing is a success is because I made it so!" In response to this Allah has revealed in His Glorious Holy Qur'an "Nay but humanity transgresses all bounds when it looks upon itself as self-sufficient". (Surah al-Alaq verse 7)
We normally think that we have total control in our accomplishments within the environment when it is actually Allah's doing. When we try to fill our mind with this kind of psychological gap of being self-sufficient, "Those who turn from remembering Me shall live lives of misery; We shall raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection,". (Surah Ta Ha verse 124)
We usually try our utmost to succeed sometimes at the expense of defying the laws of the world/universe. This will then cause imbalance and will abuse environment and physical of ones body which in a way will live lives in misery. If one were to remember Him (Allah) , one were to be cautious of boundaries created by Him and will go beyond one's limitation on certain actions.
Going slightly off topic, my friend always mentions that some muslims do not eat pork because of the prohibition in the Qur'an but ignores the prohibition of intoxication/alcohol. Pork may be substitute with other halal meat, but there is no substitute in getting 'high'. This in my opinion is a problem with the mind of needing to satisfy it psychologically. Needing a substance to be 'happy' when actually there is already much joy created in this world and these are the people who cannot live by the Law of this world. It is so easy to find happiness and be happy without these substances which are also used at times to enhance performance/capabilities to achieve success/happiness.
An example in the Qur'an mentions the prohibitions on intoxication "Believers! Intoxicants, games of chance, idolaltrous sacrifices at altars, and divining arrows are all abominations, the handiwork of Satan. So turn wholly away from it that you may attain to true success." (Surah al-Mai'dah verse 90).
Just to add on a little, " Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) observed, Whoever fornicates is not a believer so long as he commits it and no thief who steals is a believer as long as he commits theft, and no drunkard who drinks wine is a believer as long as he drinks it" (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Hence the abuse of ones body will be avoided and it will be easier to attain success through the help of Allah.
This is just an opinion of mine that if one could not live the laws and boundaries of this world, one would not be able to live the laws and boundaries of the jannah(paradise) where people who are obedient and those who is a believer will be in jannah. A wise man once said to me "A muslim should be a prisoner in this world so that he may attain the leisure of the hereafter. If you choose to have leisure in this world, do not expect to achieve the leisure of the hereafter. Choose one and I hope you will choose the right one."
Friday, 24 December 2010
Is it really christmas?
Bismillahirohmaneerohim (In the name of Allah the Most compassionate, the Most Merciful)
We have reach this time of the year where christians generally celebrate christmas which is the birth of christ. Is it being mentioned anywhere that Jesus(Isa) was born on the 25th of December? I have read about this somewhere and I've tried to look it up in the bible about the birth of christ but had no much luck about the specific date. Why does it interest me as a muslim? It is because we muslims consider Jesus/Isa alaihisalam as a prophet of Allah so I was really curious about the birth of prophet Isa alaihisalam and to understand the religion which celebrates the birth of the great man prophet Isa alaihisalam. Let me first clarify that I am not a scholar of the bible nor am I a sheikh/Imam.
Even though I have read this somewhere, I had to look it up myself. It was this particular verse that was mentioned which was Luke chapter 2 verse 8-12 which says: "(8)And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (9)An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (10)But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." (11)Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (12)This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Reading these verses in a glance, you would not see anything much. But in verse 8 which says "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night" caused curiousity of the conditions during the birth. I googled the weather conditions of Bethlehem which is the place of birth according to the bible. The weather conditions of Bethlehem would be freezing cold at night and it is not a custom for the shepherds to watch over their flocks at night particularly during from November till March.
Hence, after reading and a bit of researching in the bible, I have yet to understand why is it celebrated on the 25th of December. Though I might be wrong for I am not really knowledgeable of the bible, this is just a personal research I did. If I am wrong, please forgive me and my humble opinions as I am not trying to cause any disruption on anyone or any religion.
These are some verses on the birth of Jesus/Isa alaihisalam in the Qur'an.
"(O Muhammad) recite in the Book of the account of Mary, when she withdrew from her people to a place towards the east; (17) and drew a curtain , screening herself from people where upon we sent to her Our spirit and he appeared to her as a well-shaped man, (18) Mary exclaimed: "I surely take refuge from you with the Most Compassionate Lord, if you are at all God-fearing." (19) He said: "I am just a message-bearer of your Lord, I have come to grant you a most pure boy." (20) Mary said : "How can a boy be born to me when no man has even touched me, nor have I been unchaste?" (21) The angel said: "Thus shall it be. Your Lord says: 'It is easy for Me; and We shall do so in order to make him a Sign for mankind and a mercy from Us. This has been decreed.'" " (surah Maryam verse 16-21)
In my humble opinion, it is not right to assign something(in this case the birthday) to the great man and prophet which does not actually belong to him.
We have reach this time of the year where christians generally celebrate christmas which is the birth of christ. Is it being mentioned anywhere that Jesus(Isa) was born on the 25th of December? I have read about this somewhere and I've tried to look it up in the bible about the birth of christ but had no much luck about the specific date. Why does it interest me as a muslim? It is because we muslims consider Jesus/Isa alaihisalam as a prophet of Allah so I was really curious about the birth of prophet Isa alaihisalam and to understand the religion which celebrates the birth of the great man prophet Isa alaihisalam. Let me first clarify that I am not a scholar of the bible nor am I a sheikh/Imam.
Even though I have read this somewhere, I had to look it up myself. It was this particular verse that was mentioned which was Luke chapter 2 verse 8-12 which says: "(8)And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (9)An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. (10)But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." (11)Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (12)This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Reading these verses in a glance, you would not see anything much. But in verse 8 which says "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night" caused curiousity of the conditions during the birth. I googled the weather conditions of Bethlehem which is the place of birth according to the bible. The weather conditions of Bethlehem would be freezing cold at night and it is not a custom for the shepherds to watch over their flocks at night particularly during from November till March.
Hence, after reading and a bit of researching in the bible, I have yet to understand why is it celebrated on the 25th of December. Though I might be wrong for I am not really knowledgeable of the bible, this is just a personal research I did. If I am wrong, please forgive me and my humble opinions as I am not trying to cause any disruption on anyone or any religion.
These are some verses on the birth of Jesus/Isa alaihisalam in the Qur'an.
"(O Muhammad) recite in the Book of the account of Mary, when she withdrew from her people to a place towards the east; (17) and drew a curtain , screening herself from people where upon we sent to her Our spirit and he appeared to her as a well-shaped man, (18) Mary exclaimed: "I surely take refuge from you with the Most Compassionate Lord, if you are at all God-fearing." (19) He said: "I am just a message-bearer of your Lord, I have come to grant you a most pure boy." (20) Mary said : "How can a boy be born to me when no man has even touched me, nor have I been unchaste?" (21) The angel said: "Thus shall it be. Your Lord says: 'It is easy for Me; and We shall do so in order to make him a Sign for mankind and a mercy from Us. This has been decreed.'" " (surah Maryam verse 16-21)
In my humble opinion, it is not right to assign something(in this case the birthday) to the great man and prophet which does not actually belong to him.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Understanding Allah is One
Bismillahirohmaneerohim (in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate)
Allah is generally known as God for muslims. Ilah is god in arabic language and Allah is "the God" in arabic. Therefore, I would like to clarify that Allah is not a Malay word. The Malay word for god is tuhan. Anyway, my main topic is to discuss the concept of Allah. Since the word is going to be widely used, it is important to know the concept of Allah in Islam.
Firstly, Allah is one.
"Say: He, Allah, is One." (Surah al-ikhlas verse 1)
"And your God is One God, there is no God but He; the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate!" (Surah al-baqarah verse 163)
"Had there been in them any gods in the heavens and the earth apart from Allah, the order of both the heavens and the earth would have gone to ruins. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of the Throne, Who is far above their descriptions of Him." (Surah al-anbiya verse 22)
The verses above states that Allah is one. Surah al-anbiya states the consequence if there are many gods. I would also like to think in a different perspective that if there were many gods, wouldn't there be a conflict of interest? For example god A gives instructions to do things which contradicts with god B. Which god would the person serves to? If a person were to choose one instruction, why is that god superior over another? It is simple to grasp that god is one, and in my opinion it exposes the superiority of the oness of god to create everything. If there were many gods (god of wind, god of rain), it shows the limitness of the power where "god" can only handle certain function. Therefore, oness shows the unlimited power that Allah has.
"(He is) The Creator of the Heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things)." (surah as-shura verse 11)
Why is it important to understand that there is nothing like unto Him? I have read some criticism about "Muhammad's god represents the concept of existing blankness, an empty intellect". I will attempt to show that this is not the case.
If god is something similar to a thing that we know, we may know/assume/estimate gods capabilities because of the similarities. It is always in the nature of human beings to assume and this would be insulting (to god) to assume limitation to gods capabilities. When a person have knowledge of the capabilities, a person may know its advantages and disadvantages therefore the element of superiority is gone. Allah is beyond imagination, our knowledge are too little to put an image to Allah. Secondly, if god is similar to something, a person may get confuse onto what he/she should worship/give thanks/pray to. Therefore it is important to know that Allah is unique and cannot be imaged with the limited power of our brain.
However, I have encountered a muslim brother who says "man should be a reflection image of god". From my understanding the brother is being heavily influenced by the books that he has read. This is clearly is not from the Islamic doctrine where "a man should be a reflection image of god". The rationale of "man should be a reflection image of god" is because apparently god is so "proud" of himself that god would like to see his best creation/masterpiece in his own image. Why does this have to be the case? Is it necessary for we humans to create a masterpiece in our own image? Do we build houses in an image of humans? Do we build cars (Ferrari, Bugatti) in the image of humans? Why are houses and cars shaped in such manner? Houses should serve its purpose to give a shelter and cars should serve its purpose for transportation. So human are designed in such a manner to serve its purpose, which is to worship Allah, to help each other and etc. Would a person wants his/her image to be something that has limited function? For example does a person wants his/her image to be a ceiling fan? A ceiling fan that can only serve its function just to circulate air/wind? That would be insulting for a person to be/to use its image a ceiling fan (which is not intellectual and not necessarily productive as human). So why should Allah look like a human (which has limited functions compared to Allah)?
Why do creatures or animals look different? Firstly so that we could differentiate and easily identified. Secondly, so that one could know their functions. For example, a cow are easily identified and a person would know that a cow can provide milk and etc. So, if "god" looks like a human or human looks like a "god", it is hard for us to notice "god" in a crowd of people and god would not get the respect. Nothing would be special if we humans and god look alike.
Some would like to know "when" did god exist. In accordance to "when" there is the element of time. We base our time on the circulation of earth, sun, moon and etc. If these things were not created, how do we calculate time? Another thing is, why is time so important? It is because we humans are mortals which life will come to an end. If we humans do not die, is time really that important? In my personal opinion, time would not be important to me if I am immortal because I can do anything at anytime (no restrictions) and I do not feel I have wasted anything (time) because time is infinite. But the reality is, we are mortals and therefore are bound in "time". It is because we know our life will come to an end which makes the element of time more important or precious. My point here is that, Allah has created everything in the universe including the circulation of earth, sun, moon and etc, so why should "time" be applicable to Him? Allah the Creator of every single thing has to be superior and if god were to be a mortal, who would succeed to run the universe after god's death? In my opinion it doesn't make sense if Allah the Almighty is to be binded in his own creation (time). Even though it is obvious we know there's a limited lifetime (time), most of us do not consider the usage of that "time". So, within this limited time, do we think/worship Him enough?
"And call not, besides Allah, on another god. There is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His own Face. To Him belongs the Command, and to Him will ye (all) be brought back." (surah al-Qasas verse 88)
"He cannot be questioned concerning what He does while they shall be questioned." (Surah al-anbiyaa verse 23)
All things are destined in the end (our time) to the One Who has facilitated their being what they are, the One Who cannot be explained; therefore, the attempt to analyse Him, His Attributes, and His actions, is simply impossible. We should always remind ourselves that we are "limited" and be humble to the One and Only Allah.
Allah is generally known as God for muslims. Ilah is god in arabic language and Allah is "the God" in arabic. Therefore, I would like to clarify that Allah is not a Malay word. The Malay word for god is tuhan. Anyway, my main topic is to discuss the concept of Allah. Since the word is going to be widely used, it is important to know the concept of Allah in Islam.
Firstly, Allah is one.
"Say: He, Allah, is One." (Surah al-ikhlas verse 1)
"And your God is One God, there is no God but He; the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate!" (Surah al-baqarah verse 163)
"Had there been in them any gods in the heavens and the earth apart from Allah, the order of both the heavens and the earth would have gone to ruins. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of the Throne, Who is far above their descriptions of Him." (Surah al-anbiya verse 22)
The verses above states that Allah is one. Surah al-anbiya states the consequence if there are many gods. I would also like to think in a different perspective that if there were many gods, wouldn't there be a conflict of interest? For example god A gives instructions to do things which contradicts with god B. Which god would the person serves to? If a person were to choose one instruction, why is that god superior over another? It is simple to grasp that god is one, and in my opinion it exposes the superiority of the oness of god to create everything. If there were many gods (god of wind, god of rain), it shows the limitness of the power where "god" can only handle certain function. Therefore, oness shows the unlimited power that Allah has.
"(He is) The Creator of the Heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things)." (surah as-shura verse 11)
Why is it important to understand that there is nothing like unto Him? I have read some criticism about "Muhammad's god represents the concept of existing blankness, an empty intellect". I will attempt to show that this is not the case.
If god is something similar to a thing that we know, we may know/assume/estimate gods capabilities because of the similarities. It is always in the nature of human beings to assume and this would be insulting (to god) to assume limitation to gods capabilities. When a person have knowledge of the capabilities, a person may know its advantages and disadvantages therefore the element of superiority is gone. Allah is beyond imagination, our knowledge are too little to put an image to Allah. Secondly, if god is similar to something, a person may get confuse onto what he/she should worship/give thanks/pray to. Therefore it is important to know that Allah is unique and cannot be imaged with the limited power of our brain.
However, I have encountered a muslim brother who says "man should be a reflection image of god". From my understanding the brother is being heavily influenced by the books that he has read. This is clearly is not from the Islamic doctrine where "a man should be a reflection image of god". The rationale of "man should be a reflection image of god" is because apparently god is so "proud" of himself that god would like to see his best creation/masterpiece in his own image. Why does this have to be the case? Is it necessary for we humans to create a masterpiece in our own image? Do we build houses in an image of humans? Do we build cars (Ferrari, Bugatti) in the image of humans? Why are houses and cars shaped in such manner? Houses should serve its purpose to give a shelter and cars should serve its purpose for transportation. So human are designed in such a manner to serve its purpose, which is to worship Allah, to help each other and etc. Would a person wants his/her image to be something that has limited function? For example does a person wants his/her image to be a ceiling fan? A ceiling fan that can only serve its function just to circulate air/wind? That would be insulting for a person to be/to use its image a ceiling fan (which is not intellectual and not necessarily productive as human). So why should Allah look like a human (which has limited functions compared to Allah)?
Why do creatures or animals look different? Firstly so that we could differentiate and easily identified. Secondly, so that one could know their functions. For example, a cow are easily identified and a person would know that a cow can provide milk and etc. So, if "god" looks like a human or human looks like a "god", it is hard for us to notice "god" in a crowd of people and god would not get the respect. Nothing would be special if we humans and god look alike.
Some would like to know "when" did god exist. In accordance to "when" there is the element of time. We base our time on the circulation of earth, sun, moon and etc. If these things were not created, how do we calculate time? Another thing is, why is time so important? It is because we humans are mortals which life will come to an end. If we humans do not die, is time really that important? In my personal opinion, time would not be important to me if I am immortal because I can do anything at anytime (no restrictions) and I do not feel I have wasted anything (time) because time is infinite. But the reality is, we are mortals and therefore are bound in "time". It is because we know our life will come to an end which makes the element of time more important or precious. My point here is that, Allah has created everything in the universe including the circulation of earth, sun, moon and etc, so why should "time" be applicable to Him? Allah the Creator of every single thing has to be superior and if god were to be a mortal, who would succeed to run the universe after god's death? In my opinion it doesn't make sense if Allah the Almighty is to be binded in his own creation (time). Even though it is obvious we know there's a limited lifetime (time), most of us do not consider the usage of that "time". So, within this limited time, do we think/worship Him enough?
"And call not, besides Allah, on another god. There is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His own Face. To Him belongs the Command, and to Him will ye (all) be brought back." (surah al-Qasas verse 88)
"He cannot be questioned concerning what He does while they shall be questioned." (Surah al-anbiyaa verse 23)
All things are destined in the end (our time) to the One Who has facilitated their being what they are, the One Who cannot be explained; therefore, the attempt to analyse Him, His Attributes, and His actions, is simply impossible. We should always remind ourselves that we are "limited" and be humble to the One and Only Allah.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Lost in translation
Bismillahirahmaniraheem
A friend of mine tag me in this picture and it shocked me a bit. For muslims who doesn't fast, this may happen to you. A person, when observe fasting will learn to hold back such nasty words to anyone or anything and be a patient person. This guy in particular certainly doesn't observe fasting and does not know how to be patient and speak things which he knows so little of. Usually these sort of people enjoys being a minority. There is no wrong in being a minority but a minority which is astray from the meaning of life is a serious trouble.
Certainly they are attention seekers, as part and parcel of being a minority and they crave to be hated. So, should we fuel their craveness? They want to be minorities in hoping that they will be trend setters so let us not fuel them anymore.
In my opinion, it is important to note that these kind of group or community should just be ignored. If they want to hate others, let them be, as we ourselves should try not to be close with hatred because there is no place of hatred in our religion. That is one of the reason when we have captives in a war, we are not allowed to torture them because torture will lead to hatred. If one wants to give them advise, do it gently otherwise in my opinion just ignore them.
Let us ignore them not because we hate them, it is because we do not want to be associated with the sins that they've done and if one wants to advise them, it is because we see their lives are so valuable and wouldn't want it go to waste. We know the punishment from Allah awaits us in the hereafter if we go astray. They do not have any proof that the hereafter does not exist because certainly they have not came back from the dead.
Ears are created by Almighty Allah so that one could listen but they certainly use it in ignorance and to mock people with it. We muslims should justify that we use the gifts (our body parts, animals, nature) from Allah at our best for everyone.
Definitely, Allah have mentioned these sort of people in this world in the Holy Qur'an. We shall look at the verses.
surah al-baqarah verse 159 : "Those who conceal anything of the clear teachings and true guidance which We have sent down even though We have made them clear in Our Book, Allah curses such people and so do all the curses."
surah al imran verse 85 : "And whoever seeks a way other than this way of submission-Islam- will find that it will not be accepted from him and he will be among the losers in the life to come."
Surah al Imrah verse 90 : "Those who disbelieved after having believed and then hardened in their disbelief, their (pretence to) repentance shall not be accepted. Such have utterly gone astray."
Surah al- Sad : (1)Sad, and by the Qur'an full of exhortation. (2) Nay, but the unbelievers are steeped in arrogance and stubborn defiance.
There is also mentioned about these sort of people wanting to create a better 'kitab' than the Holy Qur'an.
Surah bani Israil verse 88: "Say: "Surely, if mankind and jinn were to get together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they will never be able to produce the like of it, howsoever they might help one another.""
Surah al Baqarah verse 23: " If you are in any doubt whether it is We Who have revealed this Book to our servant, then produce just a surah like it, and call your supporters and seek in it the support of all others save Allah. Accomplish this if you are truthful."
In my opinion as I mentioned earlier, I would just let Allah deal with them. They have had plenty of advise and are tired of listening to the same thing over and over again. I was once misguided as well, and I pray that I would not be misguided again for only Allah guides who He wishes. We should pray and be thankfull to Allah that we are not one of them. May Allah grant us all peace. Thanks to Jasri (Jas) for tagging me this picture and making me realise that such person or group exist at this moment of time.
A friend of mine tag me in this picture and it shocked me a bit. For muslims who doesn't fast, this may happen to you. A person, when observe fasting will learn to hold back such nasty words to anyone or anything and be a patient person. This guy in particular certainly doesn't observe fasting and does not know how to be patient and speak things which he knows so little of. Usually these sort of people enjoys being a minority. There is no wrong in being a minority but a minority which is astray from the meaning of life is a serious trouble.Certainly they are attention seekers, as part and parcel of being a minority and they crave to be hated. So, should we fuel their craveness? They want to be minorities in hoping that they will be trend setters so let us not fuel them anymore.
In my opinion, it is important to note that these kind of group or community should just be ignored. If they want to hate others, let them be, as we ourselves should try not to be close with hatred because there is no place of hatred in our religion. That is one of the reason when we have captives in a war, we are not allowed to torture them because torture will lead to hatred. If one wants to give them advise, do it gently otherwise in my opinion just ignore them.
Let us ignore them not because we hate them, it is because we do not want to be associated with the sins that they've done and if one wants to advise them, it is because we see their lives are so valuable and wouldn't want it go to waste. We know the punishment from Allah awaits us in the hereafter if we go astray. They do not have any proof that the hereafter does not exist because certainly they have not came back from the dead.
Ears are created by Almighty Allah so that one could listen but they certainly use it in ignorance and to mock people with it. We muslims should justify that we use the gifts (our body parts, animals, nature) from Allah at our best for everyone.
Definitely, Allah have mentioned these sort of people in this world in the Holy Qur'an. We shall look at the verses.
surah al-baqarah verse 159 : "Those who conceal anything of the clear teachings and true guidance which We have sent down even though We have made them clear in Our Book, Allah curses such people and so do all the curses."
surah al imran verse 85 : "And whoever seeks a way other than this way of submission-Islam- will find that it will not be accepted from him and he will be among the losers in the life to come."
Surah al Imrah verse 90 : "Those who disbelieved after having believed and then hardened in their disbelief, their (pretence to) repentance shall not be accepted. Such have utterly gone astray."
Surah al- Sad : (1)Sad, and by the Qur'an full of exhortation. (2) Nay, but the unbelievers are steeped in arrogance and stubborn defiance.
There is also mentioned about these sort of people wanting to create a better 'kitab' than the Holy Qur'an.
Surah bani Israil verse 88: "Say: "Surely, if mankind and jinn were to get together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they will never be able to produce the like of it, howsoever they might help one another.""
Surah al Baqarah verse 23: " If you are in any doubt whether it is We Who have revealed this Book to our servant, then produce just a surah like it, and call your supporters and seek in it the support of all others save Allah. Accomplish this if you are truthful."
In my opinion as I mentioned earlier, I would just let Allah deal with them. They have had plenty of advise and are tired of listening to the same thing over and over again. I was once misguided as well, and I pray that I would not be misguided again for only Allah guides who He wishes. We should pray and be thankfull to Allah that we are not one of them. May Allah grant us all peace. Thanks to Jasri (Jas) for tagging me this picture and making me realise that such person or group exist at this moment of time.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Assumptions..
Bismillahirahmaniraheem
Assumption is a sickness in the minds of human beings. People will get confused when there is too much assumption. It is not wrong to assume, but do not take it for granted and making final conclusions out of it. Assumptions will create a lot of chaos if it is not contained. Harsh words will be thrown to each other or even to the public and therefore creating a discussion or arguments that need not to be taken place. Certain assumptions cannot be avoided in creating formulas or equation, but this as well should not be taken as a final conclusion. The link here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8463657.stm) is about a
Spanish politician whose picture was used by the FBI to create an older version of Osama bin Laden. Firstly, the FBI assume they can use the picture without seeking permission, as the politician has expressed his dissatisfaction with the FBI. Secondly, they're assuming Osama bin Laden looks like so. Do the FBI take for granted that the picture will not reach back to the politician? This is an assumption, but I do not put it into final conclusion and are not concluding that the FBI is ridiculous.
Why do people assume? From my point of view, this might be because it is a personal satisfaction that follows with the mood of the person at that certain time. That is only one perception, there are many other personal views on why people assume, but I cannot answer this in definite as I have not conducted proper research and it is just assumption on why people assume. So by doing this, the discussion will not go far by giving out personal reasons on why people assume.
Assumption on Islam and Shari'ah is also something that is definitely not right. Usually when the word "Shari'ah" conjures horrors of hands cut off, adulterers stoned and women oppressed. This is the perception of many in the West. The laws of most European countries in the 18th century authorised torture as an official of the criminal-justice system. Till the 18th century, the Common law denied married women any property rights. Islamic law had always granted women the property and this is only one point that shows the equality of the sexes in Islam. Some might disagree me with this but in Islam, the wife doesn't take the name of her husband. In the West, once married, the wife undertakes the name of the husband. From my perception, it shows that the wife is owned by the husband. In Islam clearly there are rights for the husband and the rights for the wife.
In Islam before an adultery conviction can typically be obtained, for example, the accused must confess four times or four adult male witnesses of good or noble character must testify that they directly observed the sex act. In Islamic deriving rulings, judicial sentence, law, assumption is no good and it is not enough for a person to convict another with just an assumption without concrete proof. So let us be free from bad assumptions.
I end this entry with a hadith Narrated by 'Aisha (Radi-Allahu 'anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "The most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome person." [Bukhari Vol 3 No. 637].
Also a clip from Yusuf Estes.
Assumption is a sickness in the minds of human beings. People will get confused when there is too much assumption. It is not wrong to assume, but do not take it for granted and making final conclusions out of it. Assumptions will create a lot of chaos if it is not contained. Harsh words will be thrown to each other or even to the public and therefore creating a discussion or arguments that need not to be taken place. Certain assumptions cannot be avoided in creating formulas or equation, but this as well should not be taken as a final conclusion. The link here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8463657.stm) is about a
Spanish politician whose picture was used by the FBI to create an older version of Osama bin Laden. Firstly, the FBI assume they can use the picture without seeking permission, as the politician has expressed his dissatisfaction with the FBI. Secondly, they're assuming Osama bin Laden looks like so. Do the FBI take for granted that the picture will not reach back to the politician? This is an assumption, but I do not put it into final conclusion and are not concluding that the FBI is ridiculous.Why do people assume? From my point of view, this might be because it is a personal satisfaction that follows with the mood of the person at that certain time. That is only one perception, there are many other personal views on why people assume, but I cannot answer this in definite as I have not conducted proper research and it is just assumption on why people assume. So by doing this, the discussion will not go far by giving out personal reasons on why people assume.
Assumption on Islam and Shari'ah is also something that is definitely not right. Usually when the word "Shari'ah" conjures horrors of hands cut off, adulterers stoned and women oppressed. This is the perception of many in the West. The laws of most European countries in the 18th century authorised torture as an official of the criminal-justice system. Till the 18th century, the Common law denied married women any property rights. Islamic law had always granted women the property and this is only one point that shows the equality of the sexes in Islam. Some might disagree me with this but in Islam, the wife doesn't take the name of her husband. In the West, once married, the wife undertakes the name of the husband. From my perception, it shows that the wife is owned by the husband. In Islam clearly there are rights for the husband and the rights for the wife.
In Islam before an adultery conviction can typically be obtained, for example, the accused must confess four times or four adult male witnesses of good or noble character must testify that they directly observed the sex act. In Islamic deriving rulings, judicial sentence, law, assumption is no good and it is not enough for a person to convict another with just an assumption without concrete proof. So let us be free from bad assumptions.
I end this entry with a hadith Narrated by 'Aisha (Radi-Allahu 'anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "The most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome person." [Bukhari Vol 3 No. 637].
Also a clip from Yusuf Estes.
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