.:The Humble Wayfarer:.

Twins of Faith

2011-10-24T11:32:00.002+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum and Greetings to all !
Another Big huge event of the year. I'm sure you don't wanna miss this !

For more details, Check out this website>Twins of Faith

See you there !

Lounging with Peter Gould

2011-10-13T10:20:00.001+08:00

Lau Kana Baynana-لو كان بيننا

2011-08-18T11:06:00.001+08:00

Subhanallah. Alhamdulillah. Allahu Akbar =)

I believe. Do you believe ? =)

2011-08-13T09:14:00.000+08:00

When you’re searching for the light
And you see no hope in sight
Be sure and have no doubt
He’s always close to you
He’s the one who knows you best
He knows what’s in your heart
You’ll find your peace at last
If you just have faith in Him
You’re always in my heart and mind
Your name is mentioned every day
I’ll follow you no matter what
My biggest wish is to see you one day

I believe
I believe
Do you believe, oh do you believe?

Coz I believe
In a man who used to be
So full of love and harmony
He fought for peace and liberty
And never would he hurt anything
He was a mercy for mankind
A teacher till the end of time
No creature could be compared to him
So full of light and blessings
You’re always in our hearts and minds
Your name is mentioned every day
I’ll follow you no matter what
If God wills we’ll meet one day

If you lose your way
Believe in a better day
Trials will come
But surely they will fade away
If you just believe
What is plain to see
Just open your heart
And let His love flow through
I believe I believe, I believe I believe
And now I feel my heart is at peace

I believe I believe, I believe I believe

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing !

2011-08-09T11:41:00.002+08:00

“Why do you have to eat dates during your break fasting ya?” Su Ann asked me.To be honest , I was happy for the fact that Su Ann was curious about why we Muslims eat dates during Ramadhan. I started to explain the significance behind the eating of dates in the month of Ramadhan and then blurted out the word ‘Sunnah’ which I was quite surprised that Su Ann had no idea about this word. Alhamdulillah. I managed to answer quite a number of questions from this lady which is a close colleague of mine at the office. In fact, started to realize that I had the opportunity to explain so many things related to that particular question; given the fact the fact I can elaborate more and more and shared something about our beloved prophet. Subhanallah. Yes, even to that extent !

For me, Su Ann is a very devout christian who practices her religion. However, her interest in asking questions about Islam sometimes went beyond my expectations. Sometimes, in the midst of our conversation, she would ask me questions pertaining to Islam and also Muslims. It’s good and I really benefited a lot from this friendship. She used to ask me about marriage in Islam, Muslim name and several other things. In fact, I’ve also learnt more about Christianity from her. Alhamdullliah, working here is truly a blessings where I believe I can SHARE so many things about my faith.

Yes, the word of the day is SHARING. A very typical saying goes on to say that “Sharing is caring” or maybe some would rather say “Sharing is loving”. Yes, those sayings are very much typical but the reality behind it is much more significant and in fact very untypical ! As we all know, we live in this world with the spirit of sharing. We share the same air to breath, we look at the same sky and see the same bright sunny sunlight, we share the same bonding in the name of humanity and so on. All these and many more show how much pivotal sharing is in our lives. In fact, for Muslims all over the world, in this month of Ramadhan, we often hear them saying Ramadhan is the month where they share the feeling of those who had always in the state of inadequate ,insufficient, and had less than enough in their daily lives. That’s why they fast so that a shared feeling of inadequacy may be felt at least for one month.

For me, the month of Ramadhan is much more than that. It is not only the time we try to create a shared sense of feeling with the rest of our brothers and sisters in humanity, rather it is also a time where we share the message of Islam itself. Imagine the so many things that we can share during this blessed month. What is fasting? What is Ramadhan itself ? What is Sahur? Tarawih? Why dates and not strawberry =) and the list goes on !

Look at the list and we know that there are abundant of things we can share in this month of Ramadhan. Not only food for the physical body, but also food for the thoughts and souls !

In fact, I really urge all of you (me especially) to invite our non Muslim colleagues or friends to have Iftar with us. Forget about how special or not special the food is, the most important thing is the underlying significant and intention behind it. Definitely not about converting, rather it’s all about sharing. Alhamdulliah, I’ve started last year with Mr. Yee (I hope you still remember my post entitled “A simple Iftar, Tarawikh prayer, and a person called Mr. Yee )and this year I’m planning to have a couple of two Iftar with my non Muslim colleagues InsyaAllah. In fact, I even planned to have one with my students . May Allah make it easy InsyaAllah. Anyway, Happy Sharing !

Allahu A’lam.

Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

- Norman MacEwan

P/S: Any idea where should I bring my students =)

Ramadhan around the Globe =)

2011-08-06T00:15:00.011+08:00

I's really nice to be part of the members of such a
big huge family !

-Chinese Hui Muslim girls reading
the Qur'an at Niujie Mosque China-

For more pictures, click here

Enjoy !

Hoşgeldiniz Ramadhan !

2011-08-02T13:19:00.001+08:00

Dear brothers and sisters. My deep apology for not updating this blog for quite some time. It’s sad ,but it’s truly beyond my control. InsyaAllah, I'll try to update as frequent as possible during this fasting month . InsyaAllah, driven by the spirit of Ramadhan=)

I would like to wish Ramadhan Kareem for all of you no matter where you are. Whether you are on the highest of mountains, to the widest of valleys or any single place in this God given world ;I really hope this Ramadhan will be such a meaningful Ramadhan for all of you. Make sure you have all the Ramadhan checklist and reap the blessings of this month !

I dedicate this special nasyeed to all of you =)

P/S :If you have time, watch Jejak Rasul 2011-The shooting was made in Russia and focusing on the Muslims community there (Ukraine included).Interesting indeed !

Al Fatihah to Dr. Lo'Lo' Mohd Ghazali..

2011-07-18T11:06:00.002+08:00

A truly an exemplary leader who fought for justice and what is due for the people. May her soul rest in peace and May Allah put her amongst those who are dear and very close to Him. Ameen ya Rabbal Alameen..

انا لله وانا اليه راجعون

Democracy Malaysian Style ?

2011-07-10T11:37:00.001+08:00

“If you see something wrong, change it with your hands. If you’re not able to, then speak out against it. If you’re not able to do that, then feel bad about it in your heart. But that is the weakest form of faith."

What do you say?

Islam is not "Malay Jiao"

2011-06-09T12:10:00.003+08:00

Who says Islam is Malay Jiao ?

"Islam is not Malay Jiao” (religion)

Yesterday, when I said that statement in front of my students, they were extremely shock. It was so obvious that you can see from their faces. I’m sure they never expected that statement to come from my mouth. Anyway, it did and I’m happy that it did. In fact, I just smiled looking at their response and reactions as I’m sure they never thought I would blurt out that statement. Thanks to the subject syllabus, I have the opportunity to explain Islam to my students whereby all of them are actually non Muslims. The presentation was something like an introduction to Islam. In fact, prior to that, I’ve also explained Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. So, can you imagine that, a Muslim talking about other religions to those people who are actually embracing the religions?.

I felt sad of course looking at my students. Innocent and clueless when it comes to their religions. I’m not saying that they have zero knowledge, but their knowledge is very shallow and in fact superficial. When I asked their opinions on their religions, or maybe what do they believe, most of the answers would be or “I don’t know” or maybe “I’m not a religious person”. In fact, I made it a point that it’s not necessary to be a religious person in order for you to know your own religion.

Back to the above statement. Yes, for most of the Chinese(other races included) in Malaysia, they always perceive Islam as being the Malay religion. That’s why for Chinese, they call it as “Malay Jiao”. When I presented Islam to my students, I’ve learned that even though they are living in a majority Muslim country, it is as if they have never met any Muslim throughout their entire life. Sad? Surprised? Disappointed ?-Yes-you just name it.

In fact, one student admitted to me not having any Muslim friend which I find it really surprising. Put aside Jackie’s (my Chinese student) answer when I asked him what does he know about Islam. His answer was Friday prayer. When I asked him the reason, happily he said ‘traffic jam’. That one might be laughable, but for other answers from other students, it only shows that they are not really interested not only about other religions, but also the religion that they themselves profess.

Alhamdullilah, I managed to explain quite a number of things to my students- among them:

Pillars of faith, the articles of faith, status of women in Islam, Jesus as viewed by Muslim and a bit on practices of a Muslim. It was really a worthwhile session as I tried to tell them the beauties of Islam, the concept of God and what does it mean to be a Muslim. I took around an hour to explain everything and the remaining period I showed them a video called “Muhammad a legacy of a prophet”. The video was supposed to be a 2 hour video but I only managed to show it halfway. Anyway, nothing to lose showing the video as I know that video would be worth watching.

Surprisingly, after I finished the class and went back to my office, a female student came to me ask something regarding the assignment that I gave them a couple of weeks before. I explained here and there until she satisfied and before she left, she told me that she likes my lecture. In fact, she told me that she likes the video that I had shown them earlier. I was quite surprised when she said that. I really thought my students would look at the video as somehow boring. It was even more surprising when she told me that, she felt like wanting to embrace Islam after watching the video even though the video was not even showed until the end. Taken by surprise, I just smiled and deep inside, Alhamdulillah.. May Allah open her heart so that she would able to know more about this religion in the future.

Allahu A’lam.

p/s: InsyaAllah, please check on the youtube for the rest of the videos of “Muhammad: a legacy of a prophet”

Just got an email from my student, asking what topics would be covered in the coming mid semester exam. The email says :

“ Sir,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, IslamiCity -all will come out in the exam? ”.

Oh God, Please Help me !

That's Life-Part 2

2011-04-29T09:43:00.001+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum,
Jum’ah Mubarakah !

Such a gloomy, windy morning isn’t it?. I really think it is a reflection of my feeling right now. Firstly, I am deeply sorry. Only Allah knows how sad it is for not being able to update this blog for quite some time. Past few weeks and months have been a really tough time for me. So many things came up and so many unexpected things turned up. InsyaAllah, I believe this is somehow a process for me. A process to learn and understand the meaning of life , how I live and most importantly how I should live my life.

Alhamdulillah..I just got a new job and I’ve started for the past two weeks. Compared to my previous job, I believe I will enjoy this job more. InsyaAllah!. New colleagues, new environment, new challenges-That’s what life is all about.

Sometimes, we are so afraid and deterred when we encounter a problem or challenges, whereas we forget one thing. Isn't it because of such and such problem or challenges that we grow and rise ? So, no matter how far we run, no matter how deep or high we hide, life compels us to face different circumstances and also undertakings in life. Life won’t be monotonous because with that, you won’t learn anything. When you see the different colours and patterns in life, only then you would be able to know what the reality of life is.

Talking about life, don’t you know that life is also full of threats? Not only there are threats, but it also comes along with the defense mechanism. For instance, in our daily life; when we drive a car, we are required to wear the seat belt as to avoid any future and unexpected incidents; we wear shoes to protect our feet and also for hygienic purposes; we built houses and homes to provide us with security and for the well being of our families. In fact, even on our body; our skin, eyelid and so on are all the defense mechanism to encounter threats in the form of infections, etc. Given this fact, we know that life always comes with threat and challenges. However, does it mean that should feel dejected? Definitely not! We shouldn’t be despair as alongside with the threats and challenges, there comes the defense mechanism. Fair isn’t it?.

What about the threats from within? For this one, the answer lies in the belief of God, following what He pleases and avoid things Which He abhors.

Smile and the world will smile with you-says Nisa

This is truly a reminder for me myself and those who might have forgotten about it.
Allahu A’lam.

Note: Is Satan to be blamed for the wrong actions that we have committed ? As We all know, Satan just whisper and lure us, yet it is us who decide to do or not to do the actions. Ironically, some people say it takes two to tango while the Malays would say it takes both hands to clap.

Hebah Ahmed Debates Mona Eltahawy over French Niqab Ban

2011-04-17T09:51:00.000+08:00

Agree To Disagree !

2011-04-10T11:34:00.000+08:00

For those Who Hate Islam..You should watch this video.
For those who argue for the sake of argument..you should watch this video.

Bringing up Muslims Intelligentsia

2011-04-04T20:40:00.002+08:00

It’s good to meet people that can make you think. People that are very critical about lives and also very responsive over what is happening around them. All you have to do is just mingle with them, discuss about something and your mind would be triggered to embark on a journey that can make you see things differently and from a different angle. Honestly, I don’t like people who just accept what society put before them. They don’t know whether what they are doing is right or wrong and worse , they just follow what society says without even trying to think what implications that it may have towards their life. Quite complicated, but in a simple words they just follow blindly what society does, they just accept what society says and in fact, they are no different than a robot preprogrammed to accept things as how they are ought to be.

The day before yesterday, I had a big chat with one of my dearest friends. A friend who always amazed me with his critical thinking ability and also a unique individual who always look at things from a different angle.I believe, age does play a role here. Not to forget, maybe due to the upbringing itself. The moment he speaks and utters a word, you just started to think and think. Actually, on that day it was supposed to be a visit to his house where I was thinking to see his baby aged several months . Yet, the baby and the mother went back to the grandparent’s house all away in Johor. As a result, we decided to meet up somewhere and hence took the chance to chat about everything under the sun. A bit disappointed because ever since the baby came into this world, this uncle of him never had any chance to meet him personally=) InsyaAllah, next time I believe. Hopefully it would be so soon InsyaAllah =)

Back to the points that I’ve raised earlier, what’s so important about thinking and being critical anyway? Does it make any changes if I do that ? Does it make any difference if I do that ? Is it really necessary to be critical ? For all of these questions- My answer would be a BIG HUGE Y-E-S !

By being critical, it does not mean that you have to go against your faith, rather to be critical is to affirm you faith at the first place. I still remember back then in Uni whereby me and a couple of friends planned to have a small talk or discussion with a Christian friend of mine. Some people just don’t get it and started to condemn that it was so wrong to have that kind of discussion. Their arguments was - “do we have that right to talk about Islam ?”

I was totally pissed off when I heard that kind of argument. I don’t blame them, because I’m sure the thought is ingrained into their heads by the society. However, I feel so sorry for these types of people. I personally believe there is no wrong in doing that kind od discussion. Anyway, I am talking about my religion. I am talking about my faith. And In fact, I am talking about my life, as Islam is 24/7 inside me. So, is there any wrong side of it?

Definitely I believe it is wrong, if let’s say you come up with your own fatwa or any of those kinds. For that one, absolutely they are WRONG. However, when it comes to talking about your own faith, it is your inherent right (with knowledge of course ! ). For me, Islam is not meant for the Ulama’ or the learned ones only. It is for everyone.

Though it is like that, there is one thing that we should take note and give serious thought.

Islam is only for intelligent people, definitely not for the ‘silly’ one.

It might sound harsh, but that’s the reality. Isn’t it so abundance in the Qur’an that Allah asked us to think , think and think?. Not only to think, but also to reflect , ponder , deliberate and in fact contemplate. That’s basically our main argument when it comes to the issue of being critical as I see it.

InsyaAllah, try to be critical and try to be responsive over what is happening around us. Avoid blind following so that we know we are do things not because it is ingrained in our society but rather because we know the underlying meaning behind them.

I believe this words of of Erich Fromm is indeed real to be pondered upon;

"The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that man may become robots "

Allahu A'lam..Allah knows best.

Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!

Holy Qura'n , Ar Ruum 30 :8

2 Great Events You Don’t Wanna Miss !

2011-03-26T11:25:00.002+08:00

1- Effective Da’wah Workshop by Brother Idris Tawfiq

Details of the event:

The Centre for Human Development and Applied Social Sciences (CERDAS), International Islamic University Malaysia, together with Khalifah Institute are organizing a workshop on Da’wah Skills. The details of the workshop are as follows:-

Date : 28th March 2011 (Monday)
Time : 9 a.m – 4 p.m
Speaker : Br. Idris Tawfiq
Fees : RM 200 (Others)/ RM 50 (Students)
Venue : Mini Auditorium, International Islamic University Malaysia

*For more info, check out this website >
http://www.iium.edu.my/cerdas/news/cerdas-workshop-effective-dawah

____________________________________________

2- “How Do I Raise my Parents” by Sheikh Riad Ouarzazi, from Toronto, Canada.

Details of the Event:

"How do I raise my parents?" is certainly not a question you ask everyday. However, what are the rights that children have upon their parents? How do we improve our relationship with our parents?

Join YMP in a special talk with a very special and charismatic speaker, Sheikh Riad Ouarzazi, from Toronto, Canada.

Sheikh Riad Ouarzazi was born in Casablanca, Morocco and moved to the United States in 1988 where he pursued a BA in International Management and a Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems with a 3.9 GPA at San Francisco State University. Sheikh Riad is an Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) Certified Life Coach practitioner and have delivered several seminars across the globe on several Islamic and Personal Development topics such as Time Management, Anger/Stress Management, Motivational techniques, leadership skills and other public speaking seminars. More about Sheikh Riad.

Sheikh Riad is in Malaysia to conduct a two weekend course with AlMaghrib Institute entitled "A Heart Serene — The Purification of the Soul"

When? Thursday, 31 March 2011, 8 PM
Where? Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awan (KGPA), Bukit Kiara, Damansara (Map)
How Much? Entry by Donation*

Entry by donation. For more information, please call Din at 012 297 9855.

Some thoughts on Life by Nouman Ali Khan

2011-03-22T20:48:00.000+08:00

Challenges & Struggles: Is Life Fair?

How to achieve contentment, peace and purpose in life?

To the Unfortunates, Look at the More Unfortunates

2011-03-07T22:11:00.000+08:00

Have you ever experienced, feeling that your life is difficult enough and the environment that you lived in seems to be complicated more than you can ever imagined. However, when you heard someone narrating a story that their lives are much even worse, you started to be grateful instead as you know the ones that you are experiencing are not that burdensome or troubling enough. This is basically what had happened to me as I met my friends yesterday. We haven’t met for quite some time and as a result, our conversation started to touch everything under the sun. It was such a lovely meeting as we chose UIA as our meeting place. Not to forget, the appetizing Nasi lemak that we had that morning .Truly helped brighten up the day!.

As me and my friends have started working several months ago, definitely the central part of our conversation lies on our job experiences . My friend told me how hard he had to cope with environment there. Most of his colleagues there are Muslims, yet they are acting like they are not ones. At first I thought, maybe it is quite common to see that these days. However, the moment he talked more on the subject, the word Astaghfirullah quickly blurted from my mouth. MasyaAllah, only Allah knows how difficult for him to cope with the environment there !.

I was truly flabbergasted knowing what he’s been experiencing there for the couple of months back. He told me how his colleagues indulged in gambling, having mistresses despite legally married, buying lottery tickets and so on. I’m sure even when you read this, you would be shocked over what he has to go though. I feel so sorry for my friend. All these while, I really thought the environment that I have to experience at my office is not good enough. Nonetheless, when I listened to him, I really have to thank Allah for giving me a much better environment compared to those who are experiencing worse than me. Of course I gave him a word of advice so that he won’t get influenced by all of those things. Well, as human , we never know what will happen in the future and we can’t expect anything ahead. Indeed, Allah is All Knowing.

As human being, we know that somewhere in our lives, we would be experiencing a difficult and tough times. It might be in a form of unhealthy environment, bad attitude that people have towards you, the prevalent of moral and ethical deterioration around you and the list goes on.

Somewhere and sometimes in our lives, some of these things would be knocking on our doors. For some people, they might get it bad. While for some, they might get it worse. It all depends on how we perceive things that happening around us and how we tackle them. For people of faith, I believe what they have to do is to go back to the basic i.e. religion.

For me, I belief, if we look at ourselves as the unfortunate, we still have to look at the ones who are more unfortunate. If you feel bad going to work by bus, look at those people who have to go to work by walking or even have to go through a huge rivers riding a sampan. If you feel bad knowing that you don’t get to buy the latest gadgets in the markets so much so that you curse people, look at those people who live such a hard life 24/7 providing his or her loved ones at home. If you feel bad thinking that your house is not big enough or even your car is not that elegant enough, look at those people who don't even have a place that they can call home and what more to own a transport of their owns.

I really thought praying in the store room is bad enough and of course a sad thing for me as we don’t have a specific praying room at the office. Yet, I missed the point that there are people out there who cannot even pray in the store room. Not because they have a big musolla to pray at, but due to the fact they don’t have any place to pray.

Subhallah. At least, I have something that they don’t. I might look at myself as the unfortunate to pray in a tiny store room surrounded by piles of boxes. Yet, have I ever thought about my brothers and sisters out there who can’t even pray at the office...Not even in the store room.. May Allah forgive me

Invitation to Interfaith Dialogue 3 :COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS IN MY RELIGION

2011-03-02T21:41:00.000+08:00

The Intellectual Youth Club of the International Islamic University M'sia (UIA) will be organizing its 3rd interfaith dialogue on 4th March 2011. As such, you are most welcome to join this great event and learn how we can create a better society through a civilized dialogue like this one =)

The details of the program are as follows:

Interfaith Dialogue 3 :Common Misconceptions in My Religion

Date : 4th March 2011 (Friday Night)

Time :8.00pm-11.30pm

Venue :Main Auditorium International Islamic University Malaysia
(Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia Gombak).

Organizer : Intellectual Youth Club (IYC)

Speakers :

1-Mr Chew Phye Keat (Christian Speaker)

2-Dr. Phang Cheng Kar ( Buddhist Speaker)

3-Mr. Ragunathan Parasubramanian (Hindu Speaker)

4-Mr. Shah Kirit Kalkulal Govindji (Muslim Speaker)

* Please do not hesitate to bring your friends irrespective of their beliefs or faith.
All are most welcome to join =)

p/s: this time I would come as a participant and no longer part of the organizing committees. Those days are really gone. Of course I feel sad, but deep inside ,I feel grateful that those juniors of mine are really struggling hard to organize this event ever since its first conception last time. Alhamdulillah =)

I remember your smile =)

2011-02-23T21:00:00.001+08:00

Where there’s a right, there is no wrong
I always thought we were so strong
But our time just flew right by
There wasn’t a chance to say goodbye
I’m so confused, I feel so alone
Deep in my heart I know Allah has called you home…home

But yet, your smile, still lingers in my mind
And yet, it’s so hard, I just break down and cry
I remember your eyes found a way to melt my heart
Most of all I remember, I remember your smile
Most of all, I remember, I remember your smile

Sometimes I lie awake at night
The pain in my heart I just can’t fight
Why did you have to go away?
Yet I know none of us can stay
You’ll always be, so special to me
In this world you’ll always live as a memory

The Evil Emperor with Sheikh Bilal Phillips

2011-02-19T11:50:00.001+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum,

Young Muslims Project (YMP) is proud to bring yet another exciting event for you!

Join us as YMP in collaboration with Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM) Bukit Damansara Branch as we bring you an afternoon with Sheikh Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips.

When? Saturday, 19 February 2011, 2 PM
Where? Dewan Serbaguna, Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab,
Jalan Setia Budi,Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur (GoogleMap)
Info: Din 012 297 9855

Donation: Any ikhlas amount*
No Bookings Required. Donation at the Door

*YMP is a not-for-profit organization. Donations collected will aid us in organizing future programs.

To RSVP to the event through Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163488667033464

Who is Sheikh Bilal Phillips?
http://www.bilalphilips.com/

Thank you PERKIM for collaborating with us for this event!
http://www.perkim.net.my/

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2379644902

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/YMPtweet

*Credit to YMP for emailing me this info.

p/s:
InsyaAllah, toninght Sheikh Bilal Philips will also be giving a talk in UIA.
TOPIC :From Darkness to Light: Gaining KNOWLEDGE and making a DIFFERENCE
VENUE :Main Auditorium, IIUM (UIAM) Gombak.

INSYAALLAH, SEE YOU THERE ! =)

If you see and If I see

2011-02-10T21:39:00.004+08:00

-precious smile by my cute little niece-Amira Maisarah-

If you see someone without smile,
feel free to share one of you beautiful and radiant smiles,

If you see someone without love,
never ever feel hesitate to show him your sincere love.

If you see someone without mercy,
show him through your mien, the power of mercy.

If you see someone without care,
try as much as possible to provide him with the needed care.

If you see someone without empathy,
ask him to look around and see how society would perish with the lack of empathy.

If you see someone without hope,
assure him that in life, no matter how difficult it is, there is definitely a glimmer of hope.

You know what...
If I see someone like you, I would be the happiest man on earth !

Your brother..
-TheHumblewayfarer =)

The Glorified Names

2011-02-04T09:03:00.002+08:00

Jum'ah Mubarakah !

To akh Ayub,K.Fid,Nufas,Zainab, Sis Hajar, The Tea Drinker,Iman Thani,Sis Munadhia, Sis Amira, Musafir Melayu and all brothers and sisters who always give your support to my blog all these while,
may Allah reward you with the best of reward. Whether you bumped into my blog by accident or not, your presence here means a lot to me!
Barakallahu fikum.
Ana Uhibbukum Fillah =)

Specially for you..Glorified names. Names that sustained us up to this point. InsyaAllah ^_^

A Reminder for Myself..

2011-02-02T21:01:00.001+08:00

"Truly in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah.

And in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him.

And in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except
with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him

And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it
would not fill this emptiness."

Do not try to run away from trials and tribulations, but endure them with
patience. They cannot be avoided, and there is nothing for it but to endure them with patience, How can you expect the whole of this world, and all that has been created therein, to undergo change and transformation just to suit your convenience? The Prophets are the best of all creatures, yet they have always had to suffer affliction and so it is for their followers, those who tread in their footsteps as they walk along their highway, emulating their example.

O Allah, please make me strong ya Allah..

Invitation to a Special Talk by Lauren Booth -UIA Gombak

2011-01-17T18:18:00.000+08:00

There will be a special talk by Lauren Booth.The details of the program are as follows;

Speaker: Lauren Booth (Tony Blair's Sister in Law who embraces Islam)
Date: 26th January 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Banquet Hall,Rectory Building,IIUM Gombak Campus.

Those who are interested to attend, please register your name at International Student Division (ISD) main office.

p/s:Copied this from my friend's blog =)

Make an Effort to Know

2011-01-16T15:45:00.000+08:00

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Assalamu’alaikum,

As cliché as it might sound, the citizens of Malaysia are very lucky to live in such a pluralistic society. I just noticed that from this week onwards and several weeks to come, there would be myriad of festivities that we would be having in this country.

Yesterday, while waiting for the bus to go back to my hometown in Pahang, I was sitting next to an Indian lady. The fact that I’ve waited for some time made me ask that lady whether she’s also waiting for the same bus. She said no, but she was wating for her friend to come and fetch her. After some time, I managed to know that she is also from Pahang and to my surprise; she is in fact staying right in the same neighbourhood where my sister is staying at. Subhanallah . What a coincidence!.

For the sake of asking, I asked her that I saw some ladies(Indians) wearing such a beautiful dresses today. They wore something like Punjabi suits. She then told me that they are having a festival called Ponggal today. Looking at her, I was curious as she just wore a plain cloth and a slack. It didn’t show that she’s celebrating anything. I asked her, “what about you sis? Don’t you celebrate it?”. Only then she told me that she won’t, as she got something to do and only her mum would celebrate it. That day, I’ve learn something beneficial when she started to tell me something on the why of the celebration. The celebration has got something to do with harvest, offering thankful to the cows for giving the milk and the special dish itself which is made by boiling the rice with cow’s milk and some other ingredients. She also told me that the celebration is a new year for them though she didn’t know exactly how many months they have when I asked her. To be honest, I’ve learnt so many new things from her though we met just for a while.

Around 15 minutes or so, we had to call it a day for the conversation as I had to depart looking that my bus was about to set off in the midst of our beautiful chat. Later that day, as I think back, I realized it is really important to have the attitude of “I care to know” . Not a mere knowing, rather to know the story from the people itself. What I mean is, to avoid being judgmental or indifferent towards the practices of the believer of any particular faith, it’s really wise to ask from the primary source itself. In this case, the believer of that particular religion. Simply to say, if we want to know about Buddhism, ask a Buddhist, If we want to know about Sikhism and their Gurdwaras, ask a Sikh. Same goes to Islam. If we want to know about Islam and what the Muslims believe, ask the people themselves. Fair isn’t it? =)

Given this fact, somewhere in our lives we should make an effort to know the beautiful people that live side by side with us in this country. Put aside their skin colour or anything, but what is the most important is we make an effort to know.

I’m not sure whether you realized it or not, but for several weeks to come, we would have so many festivities taking place. Among them, Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and Maulid Rasul. Beautiful isn’t it?.

As Muslims, I believe we should make an effort at least to know a bit from those people who celebrate it. Yes, we get extra holidays, but I’m sure the reason behind the celebrations also would be worth knowing. Isn’t it? =)

InsyaAllah, if Ted Williams has a golden voice that made him from no one to someone, I believe all of us have more than that. We have a golden heart which makes us care to know each other and not being indifferent towards our fellow being.

Till then.

Allahu A’lam =)

p/s: a reminder for you and me ^_^

>>image, credit to>here

Being an Ambassador Of Islam

2011-01-08T11:50:00.000+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum,

Subhanallah, I’m quite busy for this week and the next weeks to come. InsyaAllah, I’ll try my level best to share some thoughts here whenever I’ve the chance. I would write anything.. as long as it concerns you and me =)

Alhamdulillah, I thank Allah for everything that He has given me. After some time of leading a jobless life( to prettify the word- Self Unemployed. ^_^ ) , I am now employed in a company based in KL. Alhamdulillah.. Indeed, I want reiterate what I wrote in the shout box. After every ‘rainfall’ must come a ‘rainbow’. Subhanallah !

Right now I’m having a training for that company and accommodation was prepared for us at a hotel . At the end of the day, I found that I’ll be sharing the room with three Chinese brothers who are non Muslim. If you ask me, I would definitely say it’s a new experience for me. Even at my workplace, I would say we have around 70% non Muslim staff. Though at first I had a culture shock when it comes to dressings (the ladies of course) and so on, I know that I can’t run from the reality. By hook or by crook, I’ll definitely have to encounter this somewhere in my life .Luckily, I don’ find any difficulty so far to perform my obligation as a Muslim.

I’m so fortunate to know those three brothers . They are such a good and friendly people. I won’t be talking about language differences or anything as we don’t have any problem at all in terms of communication. However. What I would like to share here is about me as Muslim and being the ambassador of Islam.

Living alone as a Muslim in that room, I know that I have to portray good characters and manners. As they know that I’m a Muslim, doing a particular act that shows the not so Muslim manners would be unwise at the first place. Of course, I can’t be hypocrite when it comes to faith, but I pray to Allah that He would guide me so that I would never ever give bad impression on Islam to them. I’m so glad that after some time, one of the brothers seems to be interested to know something about me. He asked me: Oh, you pray five times a day ya?.You are so diligent”. In fact, He asked me about solat twice in which, to a certain extent surprised me =)

Alhamdulliah, I tried to tell him in brief with the best of my ability. There were times when they all asked me to have dinner with them and I told them that I was so sorry that I couldn’t make it. They asked me ; “why? You want to pray ?” I was quite shocked when they asked that. Only then I explained to them that, “no..I have to meet someone at the mall nearby”. Subhanallah, to a certain extent it shows that they know at least a bit =)

Referring back to the title of this post, I would then assert that as Muslims we are the ambassadors of Islam. At workplace, in your room, in our neighbourhood - we should bare in mind that we are the ambassadors of Islam. The way we talk, the way we behave, the way we conduct ourselves etc-all of these relate to us being the ambassadors of Islam. It’s totally not a matter of preaching, but it’s matter of knowing the significance of carrying the title. Islam is to be and to do and not otherwise. InsyaaAllah, I’ll take this opportunity whenever chance arises to explain what Islam is and what Islam isn’t. Hope you take up this challenge too =)

Till then..
Allahu A’lam

p/s: I’m also planning to give him a translation of the Qur’an. Luckily my brother managed to bring it form my hometown last night. Alhamdulillah ^_^

image credit to>here

God is The Light

2011-01-01T11:20:00.002+08:00

“God is the Light, Everlasting”

How great the wonders of the heavens
And the timeless beauty of the night
How great - then how great the Creator?
And its stars like priceless jewels
Far beyond the reach of kings
Bow down for the shepherd guiding him home.
But how many eyes are closed to the wonder of this night?
Like pearls, hidden, deep beneath a dark stream of desires.
But like dreams vanish with the call to prayer
And the dawn extinguishes night - here too are signs
God is the Light
God is the Light
How great the beauty of the earth and the creatures
Who dwell on her
How great -- then how great the Creator?
As it's mountains pierce the clouds
High about the lives of men
Weeping rivers for thousands of years
But how many hearts are closed
To the wonders of this sight?
Like birds in a cage, asleep with closed wings
But as work stops with the call to prayer
And the birds recite - here too are signs
God is the Light
God is the Light
How great the works of man and the things he makes
How great -- then how great the Creator?
Though he strives to reach the heavens
He can barely survive
The wars of the world he lives in
Yet how many times he's tried, himself to immortalise?
Like his parents before him in the Garden of Eden
But like the sun sets with the call to prayer
And surrenders to the night here too are signs
God is the Light Everlasting
God is the Light Everlasting
God is the Light Everlasting
God is the Light Everlasting

by Yusuf Islam:
When my brother came back to UK in 1976 there was a Festival of Islam taking place in London, everywhere were books about Islam. He saw the Qur’an in the bookshop and he said ‘That’s the Bible of the Muslims’. So, he decided to buy it and give it to me as a gift.

When I started to read the Qur’an, the first thing that I did was to try and keep an open mind because there were so many preconceived images already built up within me. Many are the times I’d visited my favourite spiritual bookshop in LA, called the Bhodi Tree, but never had I even bothered to look at the Islam bookshelf before. Perhaps that was because my father belonged to a Greek-Cypriot culture and, therefore, anything connected to Muslims was hostile to me.

But the more I read the Qur’an, the more it struck me, deep down. This was not quite that foreign religion which I had come to expect. First and foremost it was talking about belief in God, the Master of the universe; talking about humanity as one family. It mentioned many prophets, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad included, being brothers equally teaching the same message of unity to mankind, and all of us being the offspring of Adam and Eve.

"The innocent are here"

In the daytime time for celebration
No use looking down if it's over here
It's a world a new creation
And the golden light of the morning
Makes it easy to comb your hair
And the love of a child
It's the time of the year
In the daytime you can move a mountain
With a blink of your eye
Now it's over here now it's over there
It's a world with no complications
And the curtains on the window
Start blowing like your hair
And the love that I feel
Cause it's the time of the year
Mysterious moon found me crying in the dark
Heard my footsteps on the stairs
Mysterious moon found me crying
But the sun dried my tears
Showed he cares
In the daytime time for celebration
No use looking down children open your eyes
It's a world a whole nation
Now the white boats have landed
And the innocent are here
So dream for the child
Cause it's the time of the year

After a while I read the chapter called ‘Joseph’ (Yusuf). My life seemed to melt into a mirror of this story. Up to then I too, like Joseph, had passed through many stages and been sold in the market. The section of the story that really shook me was when his brothers, who had thrown him down the well, were face to face with him. Unaware that Joseph was in front of them, they were talking badly about him, slandering him. But he kept it within himself. God! Something resonated inside me, perhaps it was those words I wrote in Father and Son: “All the times that I’ve cried, keeping all the things I knew inside”. At that point, I wept. That chapter opened my heart.
On a winter Friday in 1977, I took that dramatic step and walked to the Mosque in London’s Regent’s Park to declare my faith. Out of the greenery of the trees, there shone this golden dome which was never there before. That was in a way the epitome of everything that I was now discovering: suddenly it was there – where it wasn't there before.

“Yesterday Has Past”

Don't you feel a change a coming
from another side of time
breaking down the walls of silence
lifting shadows from your mind
Placing back the missing mirrors
that before you couldn't find
filling mysteries of emptiness
that yesterday left behind
And we all know it's better
Yesterday has past
now let's all start the living
for the one that's going to last
And we all know it's better
Yesterday has past
now let's all start the living
for the one that's going to last
Don't you feel the day is coming
that will stay and remain
when your children see the answers
that you saw the same
when the clouds have all gone
there will be no more rain
and the beauty of all things
is uncovered again
Don't you feel the day is coming
and it won't be too soon
when the people of the world
can all live in one room
when we shake off the ancient
shake off the ancient chains of our tomb
we will all be born again
of the eternal womb

Bolivia Recognizes Palestine

2010-12-30T15:17:00.000+08:00

Bolivian President Evo Morales

Bolivian President Evo Morales has sent a formal letter to acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas recognizing Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

Morales said in his letter on Wednesday that his government “could not continue waiting with its arms crossed given the problems of human rights, territory and sovereignty.”

He said at a press conference that he recognized Palestine as "an independent and sovereign state... as have other countries like Brazil."

A Foreign Ministry official later confirmed that Bolivia declared its full support for Palestine in the letter.

La Paz cut off diplomatic ties with Israel in January 2009 over Israel's three-week war on Gaza Strip, which killed over 1,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Over 130 countries have officially recognized Palestine as a state based on the 1967 borders, the boundaries that existed before Israel captured East al-Quds (Jerusalem), the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

Bolivia now joins the list of South American countries that have recognized a fully sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

In early December, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela declared recognition of Palestine as a "free and independent state.”

Uruguay has announced plans to do so next year.

The United States has so far refused to recognize an independent Palestinian state.

In mid-December, the House of Representatives passed a resolution, with 435-0 votes, opposing a unilateral declaration of an independent Palestinian state and condemning international recognition of such a state.

It also called on its delegation to the UN Security Council (UNSC) to "veto any resolution by the UNSC to establish or recognize a Palestinian state outside of an agreement negotiated by the two parties."

The House resolution is in stark contrast with the Obama administration's promise from day one to push for the creation of an independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Source>here

This is The Qur'an

2010-12-26T13:21:00.000+08:00

check out the website>>GainPeace.com

Are we Losing our Conscience ?

2010-12-22T16:37:00.004+08:00

It is so scary lately. Just grab the newspaper or watch the news, you would fine piles of harrowing news pertaining to all sorts of crimes and despicable acts which are prevailing in our society today. People throwing acid at people in the name of jealousy, people were brutally murdered and cut into pieces, incest, killings, abortion and so many acts of terror which are hard for us to conceive that human are willing to do these days. It’s not my intention to disgust you, but these are in fact real cases that are prevalent in our society( at least in this part of the world). We might wonder why these things are happening in our society?. People with sound mind and reason would never resort to such despicable acts no matter how much they are compelled to do. In fact, people of faith would never resort to such acts. Nonetheless, in this age where people are very proud with modernity, they have somewhat forgotten about sanity. Yes, modernity should come with sanity and rationality and not lunacy and immorality !

Given this fact, I believe we should do something about this. I’m not sure how, but there must be something that we can do. Perhaps the very least that we can do is to share a word of advice to our loved ones and colleagues. It’s totally not a blaming game as we are all part of it, no matter how far we want to run. It might be happening in our town, it might be happening in our neighborhood and Naudhubillahi Min Zalik, it might be even happening in our lovely home !. The possibilities are everywhere and the responsibilities fall upon all of us. Isn’t it that we are all protectors of one another? Allah says:

“The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.”

(Holy Qur'an 9:71 )

Allah also says:

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.”

(Holy Qur'an3:104 )

I am not sure myself about the solution, but I believe the best one would be the spiritual solution which is for Muslims, we should go back to the basic (me especially!). Meaning, we should go back to the Qur’an and live our life as a true Muslim. If we hold on to the Qur’an wholeheartedly, InsyaAllah we wouldn’t resort to such immoral acts. Last night as I watched Halaqah on tv, the Ustaz had remind something that I normally take for granted. He said

’The Qur’an is not to be read only, Rather it also need to be studied.

He really made his point last night. As a non Arabic speaker, it’s already hard enough for me to understand it. That’s why I must do something to enhance my understanding. If I read without trying to understand it, that’s where problem arises. I read with no understanding of what I’m reading and as a result, it cannot give any impact on me. InsyaAllah, to help this, it would be best to take up a tafsir or even read on Hadith to elevate my understanding of the Qur’an. Only then I would understand this book better. Isn’t it?
I believe It’s ok if it takes times, but with all our efforts, InsyaAllah it will be fruitful for us.

I’m sure many of us know that Al Qur’an deals with those real cases more than we can ever imagine.
For instance, on the sanctity of life. Allah says:

We ordained ….. that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. ..

(Holy Qur'an,Al maidah 5:32)

He also commands us to do justice and good acts:

Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.

(Holy Qur'an 16:90)

The maladies of the souls are something that is very much discussed in the Qur’an, That’s why it’s vital to go back to the basic i.e. the Qur’an. As Allah says in the Qur’an;

“We have indeed created man in the best of moulds,
Then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,-
Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing.”

(Holy Qur'an,At Tin 95:4-6 )

“By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;
And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;-
Truly he succeeds that purifies it,
And he fails that corrupts it!”

(Holy Qur'an,As Shams 91:7-10 )

No matter how advanced our educational system is and no matter how many scientists or engineers we have produced, it means nothing if it cannot even produce a sound mind of people. Producing human which are humane and producing souls which are soulful.

I remember once a dear of lecturer of mine, Dr Yamin used to tell us:

Education is about being a human being

Don’t you agree?. He’s right isn’t he? It’s all about being a human being who has conscience and sense of what is right and what is wrong. Knowledge should lead us closer to God and not otherwise. That’s why I very much agree with the beautiful words of the late Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. A beautiful words which I would never forget throughout my entire life. He said:

Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is a maxim of fools

I’m sure you have heard that some people say that they seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Personally, I also used to say that. Nonetheless, the words of Dr. Iqbal had opened my eyes that it is really the opposite case. The knowledge that we acquired should have an impact on us. It should mould us into what we are ought to be. To be a human which is humane and to be person who knows His creator. That’s why knowledge for the sake of knowledge is a maxim of fools. It is as if to say knowledge has no impact whatsoever in your life.Agree?

Knowledge, education, Qur’an and Sunnah - I guess that’s the vital elements that we must not disregard in our society. InsyaAllah, if we stick to these, we would be able to avoid such immoralities and diseases of our times so that we would not lose our conscience and fall preys to our self baser . In other words, “turning ourselves to the lowest of the low”.
Naudhubillahi Mindhalik !

As Baba Ali said, a reminder just in case you forgot. In fact, a reminder just in case I forgot =)

Allahau A’alam…

image: credit to here

It's The Climb

2010-12-19T12:16:00.004+08:00

Bismillah ar Rahman Ar Raheem,
Assalamu’alaikum,
Today I received an email from a dear sister of mine that was truly an eye opener. I was touched over the content of the email as I believe it is very close to all of us. An email talking about a person’s struggle, his patience, sacrifice and hope. His name is Dr. Mas Afzal. As I was told by the sister, he just passed away from blood cancer and was laid to rest yesterday morning..
For the sake of sharing, I’m putting his blog link and also his words as what he had written some time ago. InsyaAllah, maybe we can learn something from his beautiful words and also from his life experience..

In the words of Dr Mas Afzal:

“Allah certainly has unique ways to show His love'’

It’s The Climb by Almarhum Dr Mas Afzal(taken from his blog):

Whenever I was warded in the hospital for the treatment of my condition, I encountered a lot of patients who were in the same boat as mine. Whenever I had the chance, I will never miss the opportunity to talk to them, to hear what they have to say about their predicaments. We all have cancer, but of different types, and with different stories. But we all have one thing in common. We all believed in the power of Hope.

Hope. A powerful healer that sometimes even our mind could not comprehend with. It is the physician of each misery. With hope, seemingly impossible things can turn into reality.

As one famously said,
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying even when there seemed to be no hope at all."
I always tell myself to never give up, even when I hit bumps over and over again. Even if I have to lose this battle, I believe what matters more is the struggle. It is the things I've learnt throughout my struggle that has shaped me into who I am, not the disease, neither is the outcome of this battle.

I can't help but appreciate one very strong sayings in the lyric of the song entitled, "The Climb";
Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side,

It's THE CLIMB.

So everyone, stop asking, "Why?" anymore but start to say "What have I learned from my experience?". And things, no matter how bleak they might look, will soon start to brighten up. Insha Allah.

_________________________________

His blog link>http://masafzal.blogspot.com/

May Allah Bless his soul.. Ameen ya Rabbal ‘Alameen..

Innalilahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un,

Truly, To Allah we belong and truly, to Allah we shall return.

Allahu A'lam..

Watch Your Tongue by Nouman Ali Khan

2010-12-18T21:43:00.000+08:00

Nouman Ali Khan explains that the ability to speak is a blessing from Allah. In Surah Al-Hujuraat, Allah gives us the guidelines by which we should use our tongues. It is a command from our Lord that we do not violate the rights of others when it comes to speech.

Obsession with 1 ?

2010-12-17T12:25:00.003+08:00

I'm really sick of it ! It's getting too much !Why making people confuse ?
I abhor Politicking in the name of religion !

Tell me, what do you understand if you read this?
"Islamic Solutions to Current Issues in the World based on 1 Malaysia Concept"

Which one is which ?

I'm not siding with anyone, But I can't tolerate this.I really can't

Ya Allah !

An Invitation to a Public Forum on Religion and The Common Good

2010-12-16T11:15:00.001+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum and greetings to all !

I am so happy to inform you that there would be a public forum on Religion and The Common Good organized by IAIS Malaysia. The Muslim representative would be Dr Kamar Oniah Kamaruzzaman, an Associate Professor of Comparative Religion, International Islamic University of Malaysia and also the President of an NGO called IMAN (Islamic Perspective). She is a former lecturer of mine, an erudite intellectual who is so active in Parliament of world religions. The details are as follows :

Forum Title: Religion and The Common Good

A Public Forum jointly organised by
•International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia
•Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI)

Date & time: Monday 20th December 2010 2:30pm - 5:30pm

Venue :International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia

Speakers:

1.Associate Professor A. Balraman, Lecturer, Nottingham University, Malaysian Campus; Secretary, Religious Section of Malaysia Hindu Sangam (Hindu Perspective)
2.Mr. Looi Onee Choong, Deputy Youth Chief and Assistant Editor, Malaysian Soka Gakkai Association (Buddhist Perspective)
3.Rev. Sivin Kit, Pastor, Bangsar Lutheran Church (Christian Perspective)
4.Dr Kamar Oniah Kamaruzzaman, Associate Professor of Comparative Religion, International Islamic University of Malaysia; President, IMAN (Islamic Perspective)

Moderator:
•Professor Datin Dr Azizan Baharuddin (Director, Centre of Civilizational Dialogue, University of Malaya)

Program:

2:30pm >Welcome address by Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali, Founding Chairman/CEO, IAIS Malaysia
2:40pm >Welcome address by Yg. Bhg. Dato' Fuad Dato' Hassan, Chairman, MSRI
2:50pm >FORUM
5:30 pm >Refreshment

For Registration: click here

Make sure you get yourself registered. As a former student of Dr. Kamar Oniah, I can assure you that this person would really impress you a lot !

1001 Inventions and The Library of Secrets

2010-12-13T15:58:00.000+08:00

Harakah Barakah

2010-12-09T13:48:00.003+08:00

Sometimes we never know that an encounter with some strangers might give us a beautiful outlook of the reality of life. Seeing a person with an unkempt look and a dishevelled appearance, your thought has probably preoccupied with some improper and to a certain extent negative prejudgments. After all, that’s human.
When I first saw this white uncle walking alone slowly on the road in my hometown , he really caught my attention . Wearing a brown coloured hat and a grey coloured short pant, the simplicity of this lone ranger really amazed me. My later sightings of this uncle gave me the same impression of the same person. Wearing almost the same coloured garment and walking alone in a slow paced movement, still the same simplicity amazed me !

My first encounter with this uncle happened when I met my friends who came to my hometown for a visit. It’s around 10 of them and they chose to stay at a garden like villa which they rent for several days. Knowing that my friends came for a visit was truly a delight. What more, to be able to meet friends whom you have not seen for months. Subhanallah !

Back to the uncle, I was totally surprised to meet him at the same villa which my friends are staying at. I really did not expect to meet him there. Anyway, I did. I was told that this uncle knows the owner of the villa and that generous person welcomes him to stay there in the beautiful garden like villa. I was also told that this uncle is coming from the land of the Maoris and the Old Blacks-New Zealand.

Right after performing our prayers at the mosque, me and my friends went to the villa as we have so many things to talk about. We chat about this and that and shared many stories that made us smiled all the way. Then, while preparing for the food, that uncle came and stood before us, smiling and then left to the beautiful garden nearby. I asked my friend Halil whether he knows that person. It turned out to be that he knows him as they have talked earlier. I told Halil, when I saw that uncle, I wanted to say hi and talk to him, but I was a bit hesitant. I really didn’t know why, but I guessed it was due to his appearance( though I am not that type of person who likes to judge people based on their appearance only). Halil affirmed me that it is ok and I don’t have to worry anything.

Later, after we have done with our business of preparing the meal, Halil and me went to that uncle to say hi and finding out what is he doing at the garden. You would be so shocked if I tell you that this uncle does not even wear slippers at that time. He’s walking barefoot while observing the beautiful garden. He said, he’s waiting for the golden fish to appear from the pond. At first, I didn’t really believe it, but when I saw this yellowed creature moving on the surface, I knew I was wrong. Astaghfirullah!

Halil started the conversation with that uncle and then came my turn. I was taken aback to know that this uncle is very friendly and knowledgeable too. He told me, he looks at himself as a traveler and not as a tourist. A traveler of mind in his life journey as what I understood from so many things he told me. He’s been travelling to so many places because he wants to lead his life that way. I was mesmerized listening to him, knowing that he appreciates the value of brotherhood, and differences of cultures and also not to forget he is very much into nature and arts. I guess, that explains why he didn’t wear slippers in the garden =P

I like people like him,. Very low profile and quiet yet knowledgeable and very responsive to surrounding. I can sense that he has some sort of Sufistic understanding and thought. Yes, he is not a Muslim and based on my observation, he has less knowledge on Islam too. He started to tell me that he makes paintings and also calligraphy. I was really curious about something and to confirm what’s been clouding in my head, I asked him.

“So, is it you that made those khats on the vases out there?”

He said. “Yes, I made them and I made them based on books only". Subhanallah. I couldn’t believe it. Those khats are really beautiful and I told him I also used to learn the calligraphy back then in Uni, but I was not really artistic. I didn’t have that aptitude I believe. After that, we continued our lovely chat and discussed about so many things about arts, nature and life itself. Then, meal time !

Yasiin, a friend form Madinah and a couple of other friends also came to join the visit with Halil. We made a circle and then had our lunch –a Turkish food made by Mohammed Abi from Turkey. Nice experience though honestly, I could hardly eat the food =)

That uncle also joined us and later our discussion centred on that uncle. It seemed like everyone was so eager to know about this uncle. Again, he shared about his travels though he didn’t say exactly what triggered him to travel that much. Nonetheless, he just told us that he wants to lead his life that way. Until when? I really don’t know. Then Yasiin blurted out the words ‘Harakah Barakah’ which means ‘moving is blessing’. Then he shared something about Hijrah of the prophet, the underlying significant behind it and so on. It was truly a beautiful chat. So interesting until at one point, I noticed that the uncle has started to use the phrase- ‘Travelling is blessing’. I just smiled when he said that as I remembered Yasiin had used the phrase earlier though in Arabic =)

Listening to this uncle, he made me think that this life is indeed a journey. Not necessarily a physical one, rather it includes our spiritual journey. I’m sure that uncle is having an extensive journey of his soul. When I look at him, I can see that he’s looking for something in his life. He kept telling us that we are in the ‘University of Life’ where he can be the ‘professor’ of what he believes in’. We all smiled when he said that.

It’s a bit ludicrous but I am yet to know the real name of this uncle. Since everybody called him uncle, I also did the same thing. Later, that uncle shared something beautiful. He said:

“The most beautiful language in the world is the language without word”

Excited to hear such words, Yasiin quickly asked Defrim for a piece of paper and pen so that he may jot it down. Noticing Yasiin doing that, the uncle swiftly said:
“Oh no!. I just told you that the most beautiful language in the world is the language without word and right there you are asking for a piece of paper to write it?.Oh Common!” We all then looked at Yasiin and his his mudlled face. We all burst into laughter !
Subhanallah, with the spirit of Harakah Barakah, we all met that day and shared something about life . Alhamdullilah !

Allahu A’lam.

>images credit to: pixdaus and
life___by_ekbs-d23ityf of deviant art

Pilgrims with a Purpose: Turtles Make Hajj Too

2010-12-03T10:23:00.002+08:00

By Hamza Yusuf

There is no animal on earth, nor yet a bird on the wing, but forms communities like you. We have not neglected anything in the Book; and they will ultimately be gathered to their Lord. Those who repudiate Our signs are deaf and dumb, in the dark. God confuses whomever God wills, and places whomever God wills on a straight path.

Qur’an, Sura 6, Cattle, (38-39)
Pilgrimage is one of the profound manifestations of humanity, a materialization of our spiritual nature. The word pilgrim is from a Latin term, peregrinatio, which means “to journey about.” An early English word peregrine meant “a falcon.” Like our feathered friends, human beings also tend to flock, driven by an inner force towards a specific destination. Historically, people have always flocked to places of devotion for spiritual rebirth.

The word Hajj means “to intend a journey,” which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions. In his Mufradat, Raghib says that Hajj became associated in the sacred text with visiting the House of God. From the same root, we get the derivative hujjah, which means “a proof,” and also a mahajjah, which is “a clear path that is straight.” Related to this word through the greater derivation is the word hajab, which means “to be prevented from arriving at one’s destination.” This is important in relation to those who are spiritually veiled (mahjub) by a material hijab from arriving at their true destination.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents the return to God. Each of us is a pilgrim in this world, wayfarers all. Some of us know the way and are focused on our ultimate destination, while others get easily distracted and flounder. Death is our material destination, and the body returns to the soil from whence it came. But what of the soul that is not of soil?

The spirit that animates us is set free upon death and must journey on to the next stage. Hajj represents a congregation of souls preparing for a meeting with their Lord. Arafah, which is related to ma’rifah (knowledge of God), is the culmination of Hajj. The pilgrim is stripped of all outward decorum, unkempt and disheveled, and abased before his Lord, pleading for acceptance. The inner sense of purpose that took him or her to Mecca is among the mysteries of faith.

But what can we learn from the Qur’anic verse above regarding all of God’s creations and their collective journeys to God’s House?

All over this planet, there are epic migrations of wildlife taking place each year. The animals have their own Hajj, and we must learn from their journeys, as God has told us to reflect on the signs in the self and on the horizon until the truth is embedded in our soul.

Even as you read these words, multitudes of birds are in flight for their annual peregrinations. In traversing their journey, they overcome immense odds and perform navigational feats that neither evolutionary theories nor modern science can yet explain. This is true of ocean life as well. For instance, scientists don’t know why loggerhead sea turtles travel nine thousand miles to return to the small beach where they were born only to lay their own eggs for the cycle to continue. Moreover, they possess navigation skills that rival the most advanced radar systems.

The mysteries of the natural order surround us. We don’t know why monarch butterflies migrate south in the winter to one particular location to gather together in a symphony of color, in what can only be termed displays of vertiginous spiritual ecstasy by a human observer. Even the large buffalo make a pilgrimage across the plains of the Northern states; rattlesnakes set out from varied points of departure but are inner directed en masse to a single spot where they mate. There is, of course, scientific research taking place in an attempt to unlock the myriad mysteries of these migratory creatures with their navigational secrets. But there is another phenomenon that is now coming to light: the absolute singularity of purpose with which these creatures go about their journeys.

An article in this month’s National Geographic magazine quotes a scientist referring to the “undistractibility” of these animals on their journeys. “An arctic tern on its way from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska, for instance, will ignore a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher’s boat in Monterey Bay. Local gulls will dive voraciously for such handouts, while the tern flies on. Why?” The article’s author, David Quammen, attempts an answer, saying “the arctic tern resists distraction because it is driven at that moment by an instinctive sense of something we humans find admirable: larger purpose.”

In the same article, biologist Hugh Dingle notes that these migratory patterns reveal five shared characteristics: the journeys take the animals outside their natural habitat; they follow a straight path and do not zigzag; they involve advance preparation, such as overfeeding; they require careful allocations of energy; and finally, “migrating animals maintain a fervid attentiveness to the greater mission, which keeps them undistracted by temptations and undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals aside.” In other words, they are pilgrims with a purpose.

In the case of the artic tern, whose journey is 28,000 miles, “it senses it can eat later.” It can rest later. It can mate later. Its implacable focus is the journey; its singular intent is arrival. Elephants, snakes, sea snakes, sea turtles, myriad species of birds, butterflies, whales, dolphins, bison, bees, insects, antelopes, wildebeests, eels, great white sharks, tree frogs, dragon flies, crabs, Pacific blue tuna, bats, and even microorganisms – all of them have distinct migratory patterns, and all of them congregate in a special place, even if, as individuals, they have never been there before.

In all of this, there are signs for us to reflect upon. Their single-minded sense of mission is one. The care they take in preparing for their journey is another; as the Qur’an says about Hajj, “Take provision, and the best provision is piety” (2:197). In other words, fatten up your souls with spiritual calories for this sacred journey back to your Lord.

The Qur’an reminds us,

“Have they not seen the birds above them, as they draw in their wings, having spread them – the Merciful alone holds them up, observing everything”

(67:19).
Almost immediately after that, we are told,

“Then is the one who walks bent on his own design better guided, or the one who walks for a common cause on a straight path?”

(67:22).
These animals have a common cause, as they move on their linear journeys of rebirth.

The Hajj is our sacred journey, and it allows us to gather in spiritual community, in common cause, so we may plead for our wellbeing and spiritual survival. In those same verses we are told nothing is neglected in the Qur’an, according to God, and we are reminded that God will gather us, by analogy, as these animals, like us, are gathered for rebirth. Those who repudiate these signs are spiritually blind, deaf, and dumb – in other words, veiled, and unlike these divinely guided animals, are unable to find their way back home. For their repudiation, they are led astray, but God places whom God wills on a straight path – a path of linearity, undistracted by the temptations of the world, well provided with spiritual energy for their journeys back to their Lord. It is a journey we must all take.

The poet W.S. Merwin, upon reflecting on the miraculous migration of the birds, wrote that they are “tracing a memory they did not have until they set out to remember it.” God tells us in the Qur’an, “And if you forget, remember.” The journey of Hajj is remembering what we have forgotten. Allahu akbar!

Images credit to:here and here

I was reminded with such beautiful words..

2010-12-01T09:45:00.002+08:00

I was reminded with such beautiful words;

1. He who has no one, has Allah,
And he who has Allah, has everything.

2. It’s not about how you live your life in this world,
but Its all about how you will be raised in front of Allah S.W.T.

3. Life maybe difficult at times, but if we put things in perspective,
There are basically blessings in trials that we face..

Allahu A'alam.

>>image:
LONELY_by_zoharb of deviantart

Reflect, Think and Ponder On Nature

2010-11-26T15:03:00.002+08:00

“Every village must have its headman; every needle must have its manufacturer and craftsmen. And, as you know, every letter must be written by someone. How then, can it be that so extremely well-ordered a kingdom should have no ruler?”

Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but their hearts which are in their breasts.

-Holy Qur’an, Al Hajj 22:46

And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (through the earth), are Signs for those who assured Faith.
And in the alternation of Night and Day, and the fact that God sends down Sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds- are Signs for those that are wise.
Such are the Signs of God , which We rehearse to thee in Truth: then in what exposition will they believe after(rejecting) God and His Signs?

-Holy Qur’an, Al Jathiyah 45:3-6

It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.

-Holy Qur’an, An Nahl 16:14

Say: "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.

-Holy Qur’an, Al ‘ankabut 29:20

Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah Sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they Trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;- (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise.

-Holy Qur’an, Al Baqarah 2:164

And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider!

-Holy Qur’an, Ar Ra’d 13:3

Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases, the vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight.

-Holy Qur’an, An Nur 24:43

Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?

-Holy Qur’an, Al Anbiya’21:30

And the earth- We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs)

-Holy Qur’an, Qaf 50:7

Or, Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, most of them know not.

-An Naml 27:61

PDF Qur'an and Modern Science:Compatible or Incompatible> here

Allahu A'lam.

Yusuf Islam at UIA mosque today !

2010-11-26T09:21:00.002+08:00

Assalamua'alaikum,

Jum'ah Mubarak !!

Dear brothers and sisters, I just got a news that Yusf Islam will be coming to UIA mosque today. A friend told me that he will be coming and give khutbah InsyaAllah. For those of you who are staying nearby, make sure you make an effort to come ya !

Barakallhu Fikum =)

True Calling

2010-11-23T16:38:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I was really in a state of crestfallen inside out. Something came up and that saddened me a lot. Astaghfirullah..Only Allah knows. I felt so difficult to breath and I felt really suffocated . I was totally dismayed over what had happened yesterday.

I didn’t expect that thing to happen, but it did anyway. That’s life.. Full of so many unexpected things waiting ahead. We never know what would happen in the future. Not tomorrow, not today, not even five minutes waiting ahead. That is why we are called God’s creation. Weak and fragile and thus need someone Who is Strong i.e. God.

Later that day, I was sitting on a bus. I browsed through the hundreds of names and numbers in my phone. I wished I could look up any name that I can call to make myself more comfortable. Sadly, I couldn’t find any. Friends? no . Family? Equally no. Of course I can trace several names in my phone especially among the closest ones to my heart, but deep inside, I know, I won’t even get any better by calling them. Logically it does, but emotionally and spiritually I know I won’t. For me, that wouldn’t change anything. It is then I realized that there is only one true calling. A 'calling' which I must make not only at the moment of difficulties but also at the moment of ease. A calling in which I can share whatever I want . No secret, no under wraps and everything can be so personal with me and my Loved one. That true calling is between me and Allah...

O Allah, I only have you right now. I know that this thing is not easy for me. As such, please make me strong ya Allah. Please empower me o Allah. Please make a wise end and give hikmah over what had happened to me ya Allah. Please make me Istiqamah in this Deen o Allah. I would cling to your assurance o Allah..

So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.

(Holy Qur’an 94:05-06)

InsyaAllah...

Hajj 2010 in Pictures...

2010-11-19T16:12:00.002+08:00

Hajj 2010 in Pictures...
Hope you like them ! =)

For more pictures, click here >boston.com/bigpicture

'eid Mubarak 1431H

2010-11-16T15:54:00.004+08:00

كل عام و أنتم بخير

Assalamu’alaikum.

To all my blogger friends and visitors of this blog, I would like to wish all of you, ‘eid Mubarak.
May Allah bless you and your family . May Allah give you the best both in this world and the Next world to come. May Allah make us easy in striving to attain the eternal Jannah.

Ameen Ya Rabbal ‘alameen =)

Image credit to:wardwayasmeen of deviant art

An Unknown Abdullah and Engin Koç

2010-11-15T16:19:00.000+08:00

It’s really nice when you have friends coming from different parts of the world. For me, I thank Allah for giving the opportunity to study in UIA. Truly it was one of the greatest gifts that Allah has given me. Alhamdulillah ! It was in UIA that I had the opportunities to befriend with people coming from all over the world. You just name it, China, Turkey, USA, UK, Nigeria, Djibouti, Somalia, Cambodia, Thailand... the list goes on. We might be differed in terms of skin colours, cultures and even the way we spoke English. Nevertheless, we managed to get along very well. Subhanallah...

My friend even used to tell me that he felt weird looking at me befriending with international students. I smiled when he said that. To a certain extent, I didn’t mindat all. I felt really happy to be able to know those people. In fact, I agreed when he said I have more international friends compared to the local ones. For me, I don’t think it is wrong anyway =)

When you are all apart, it is technology that unites us. It’s really nice when you get calls or even SMS coming from your friend who’s staying abroad. Sometimes, you might be surprised that unexpected things might also be happening, as what had happened to me. A couple of days ago, I received an SMS from Abdullah saying asking for my well being plus informing me that we both can keep in touch through the number that he’s using to sent me that SMS. I was so delighted to get that SMS especially knowing that someone still remembers you somewhere in different parts of the world. However,once I’ve read the whole SMS, I was truly puzzled . Which Abdullah it is? To be honest, I know so many Abdullahs both international and local. As I replied the message, I told him the same thing while saying sorry that I didn’t mean to make it that away. Up to this day, I am still waiting for his reply. I really don’t know which Abdullah is that. Maybe an Abdullah that I know or maybe an unknown Abdullah. To Abdullah, thank you for your SMS. Hope to get your reply soon akh ! =)
________________________________________________
A chat with Engin Koç is another different story. Engin Koç is a dear friend of mine from Turkey. Back then in UIA, we were very close until he had to leave UIA for some reasons. I felt really dejected the moment he told me that he’s leaving UIA. We both shared so many things and helped each other the moments we had our ups and downs in life. Yet, knowing that he would be leaving UIA was truly something that shocked me. Alhamdulillah, up until now, we are able to contact each other despite the fact that we are both separated miles away across borders and oceans. Recently, he told me that he is now in Pakistan to help those Pakistanis who were recently struck by the massive flood. I know that he must be doing his volunteering works there. That’s truly him. Very helpful, friendly and having such a pleasant personality. Im so happy that he’s doing very well. In fact, he’ll be going to the military service at any time soon. To engin, Thank you so much for being such a good friend of mine . A friend who’s very close to me. Ana Uhibbuk Fillah Akh !

Engin Koç with Pakistani Children =)

P/s: I don’t know why I’m writing this. Just for the sake of sharing I guess. I miss Engin very much especially knowing that he’s going to the military service soon. Anyway, ‘Engin ‘ is not to be pronounced as ‘engine’ ok .It is to be pronounced as in ‘gin’ =)

Allahu A’alam..

Hajj: A Celebration of Peace

2010-11-12T15:41:00.002+08:00

Where am I?

More than 2 million people surround me. We all have one common goal, one purpose for being here together. I do not stand out from anyone else. There are no signs of wealth or greatness upon me. No Rolex watch or Nike shoes to mark me as a rich person. I am one person alone, in a sea of humanity. I am black or white, yellow or brown, the colour of my skin is not important. I am from Europe or Asia or South America, my homeland is any corner of this wide earth. The people around me are young and old, male and female, rich and poor. We represent humankind in our diversity, yet we are united. We are unity in diversity.

I am at Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims declare that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is His messenger; they pray, they fast, they pay obligatory charity, and they go to Hajj. Hajj is a pilgrimage to the city of Makah in Saudi Arabia. At the mosque and in the surrounding area, Muslims perform prayers and rituals. Hajj is an obligatory act performed once in a lifetime by all mentally, physically, and financially able Muslims.

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makah) to the House (Kaba) is a duty that mankind owes to God, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence) ; and whoever disbelieves then God stands not in need of any of mankind, jinn and all that exists”(Quran 3:97)

This year, 2010, Hajj is in the middle of November. Muslims from all over the world will gather to worship God. They arrive in Saudi Arabia, by plane, bus, car, etc. Some endure great hardship, others merely buy a first class ticket, but they come as equals. People make this journey prepared to stand at the House of God (or Kaba) and affirm their love for God and His religion of Islam.

“And proclaim to humankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)” (Quran 22:27)

Hajj commemorates Prophet Abraham, his wife Hajar and their son Ishmael, and the sacrifices and hardships they endured to establish the city of Makah and the house of God. Because of this Hajj is often described as following in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham. The Hajj is several days of total devotion to the One God. Muslims come together to celebrate His praises, ask for His forgiveness and demonstrate unity for His sake alone.

Through out the Muslim world, Hajj has come to symbolise unity. Although Muslims may be disunited due to many outside influences, such as money, politics, border disputes or other worldly concerns. Hajj is the great leveller. At Hajj, all Muslims are equal; nothing about the rituals they perform makes one person better than another. More than 2 million Muslims stand in one place, wearing the same simple clothing, following the same rituals and saying the same words. They are united in their devotion to God. The black man stands next to the white man and they call on God with one voice. The king stands beside the pauper and they declare their submission to the will of God using the same words.

Muslims from every corner of the globe are united in their submission to the will of God. They cry out as if with one voice, “Here I am O God, here I am at your service, and You have no partner. Here I am. All praise, grace, and dominion belong to you. You have no partner”. This supplication is said repeatedly by the pilgrims. It is their answer to God’s call for the Muslims to perform Hajj.

These words are repeated with joy and reverence by all, regardless of status or class. Some people are so overcome with emotion that they weep, others feel elated and happier then they have ever felt before. Every person there feels that he is one person, alone among millions answering God’s call and God hears his supplication and sees his arrival. The pilgrims feel amazed that they are the guest of the most Merciful God. He or she attends this gathering by the invitation of God, not at the invitation of a government or an organisation, nor at the request of a family member or friend.
Hajj is performed because God has invited the believers to congregate together. Regardless of place of birth, nationality, ethnicity, gender, or status, all are welcome, and all are equal in the sight of God. The Muslims gather to meet one another and demonstrate to each other, and the world that they are united. Unity in diversity. They are united by their worship of One God.

“O humankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with God is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (piety, God consciousness). Verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 39:13)

Islam is the religion of unity. Repeatedly throughout the Quran God reminds the believers that they must remain united and seek strength through unity. Hajj epitomises this unity. People from every race and colour come together in submission to the will of God. Muslims are one brotherhood and they come together with a sense of purpose and a desire for peace.

“The believers are nothing else but brothers (in Islam). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear God, that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 39:10)

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of God (this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember God’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islam), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus God makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may be guided.” (Quran 3:103)

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims; it is the largest gathering of people united by the peacefulness and serenity that is Islam. Hajj is a celebration of peace. Peace with God, peace with one’s own self and peace with one another. Anything that disturbs the peacefulness of Hajj is prohibited. No matter what is happening in the material world at Hajj, peace prevails.

Muslims gather together and their diversity is a wonder to behold. The old stand with the young, the rich stand with the poor, people of all colours and nationalities stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer, and perform rituals side by side. Prophet Muhammad said, “In their love, kindness, and compassion for each other, the believers are like a human body.[1] Muslims at hajj are one people, they are a soothing sea of humanity, gathered together to worship One God. Muslims turn their faces in one direction and submit to the will of God. They are united by their love of God, and united in their diversity.

________________________________________
Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari

Image credit to :Google

Islam and Buddhism In The Modern World

2010-11-08T16:23:00.001+08:00

Islam and Buddhism In The Modern World, a book written by a prominent scholar called Sheikh Imran Nazar Hosein. Reading this book, you are about to encounter the question of how Islam and Buddhism stand side by side in the modern world. Despite the title of the book itself, the book is not meant to be read by Muslims or Buddhist only. Rather, the author gives an extensive view on various issues particularly relating to the Christians and even the Hindus. As such, I believe Christian and Hindu readers might want to get a copy of this book. In fact, based on my reading, even the Atheist can benefit something from this book.

Sheikh Imran Hosein states clearly that:

The spirit with which this book was written was one of profound respect for Gautama Buddha. Buddhist of South East Asia, where this edition is being published, should find in this book much that will provoke thought. Most importantly, they will find nothing in it which viewed objectively, should cause offense.

For those who have no knowledge of Buddhism at all, get ready. You are about to encounter various terms which you might not be familiar with. Nevertheless, they are extremely important if you want to understand this particular faith and also various thoughts in it. For instance, Nirvana( a term which cannot be defined ), Sarvan Dukham(All Is Suffering), Sarvan Kashnikam(All is fleeting), Anicca(theory of universal flux), Dukkha(sounds familiar right?) ,Tri-pitaka(three baskets of law), Anatta(the not self) and lots of other terms. In fact, the discussion on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eight Fold Paths (ariya atthangika mangga) and Nirvana are of prominent importance as they constitute the essence of Buddhism.

For me, this book is really unique as it comes from a very unique author. Meaning, you would find so many things that you definitely have to agree with, and at the same time things that would really stimulate your mind. As a student of comparative religion, I found that the approach taken by Sheikh Imran Hosein is a bit different from what I’ve been exposed to. I won’t say ‘harsh’, rather it would be appropriate to say- straightforward. I believe different people have different approach in dealing with any particular subject matter isn’t it?.

Throughout the book, the author discusses various issues and topics. Among them are;the sources of Buddhism, the life of Buddha himself, the basic teachings of Gautama Buddha, Buddhist philosophy, schools in Buddhism (both philosophical and religious ), the influence of Buddhism on Christianity, comparative analysis on Islam and Buddhism and finally on Buddhism and the encounter with world religions particularly Hinduism, Islam and Christianity)

On Buddha himself, the author had given respect to what is due to him. Of course such respect cannot be disregarded because it would be fair to say that without Buddha, there would be no Buddhism in the first place. In fact, to know his life prior to his enlightenment is very much compelling to the extent that he is the only person, perhaps in the whole history of mankind, who was deliberately, kept away from the fact of suffering until he was 29. However, things changed tremendously on the day Gautama saw four things i.e. an old man, a sick man, a diseased man and a dead man. From then onwards, Buddha‘s life had never been the same anymore. Simply to say, the event had basically led him to his quest for truth-a quest which was born when he came face to face with the fact of suffering.

From what I can see, the author addresses those issues in a very absorbing and engrossing manner. For instance, he put forward various questions which are definitely thought provoking especially to the Buddhist. Among them are:

On the theory of Karma, he asks , of what use is another life if we can unknowingly repeat all the mistakes of the previous life? (given the fact that we have no way of remembering the pitfalls of our previous life because of which we have landed ourselves into this life)

On attaining Nirvana by the monk, he asks, even when he has attained nirvana, has he not attained it for himself alone? (given the fact that one of the pre requisites to attain nirvana is that the saint should have conquered and obliterated his personal self or ‘I’. Isn’t that the monk who devotes himself exclusively to the task of working out his own salvation, is being terribly selfish, for he is showing no concern for the salvation of mankind?)

On the goal in life, he asks; In this life Nirvana may be salvation from suffering. But what of the life beyond death?

These and many more questions had been discussed by Imran Hosein in a very extensive way without neglecting the questions of How Islam deals with the issues. In addition to that, his comparative analysis between Islam and Buddhism are very much prevalent in this book. As such, you would find him addressing the concept of law of causality in Islam(as differed with Buddhism’s), on the fact of change, on the concept of suffering as to oppose to the Buddhist’s perspective of suffering and many more. In fact, I was really amused when he put forward the ‘Nirvana of Islam’ and the ‘monasticism of Islam’. Yes, Nirvana but ‘Islamic version’ of it =)

Christian readers might be surprised to know how Buddhism had influenced Christianity. To be honest, I’m sure many would not even agree with this statement in the first place. Nonetheless, the arguments brought forward by Imran Hosein with references from various scholars like Dr. Conze, T.W. Doane and also Prof Yusuf Salem Christi might be startling and thought provoking for them.
Apart from those influences of Buddhism on Christian beliefs, Buddhism also left its indelible imprint on the institutions and rituals of the Christian religion. That’s why ,as I said in the beginning of this post, Christian readers might want to get a copy of this book.

Of course there are things that I’d rather put some reservations. For instance, when the author uses the term ‘founder’ when he’s referring to Prophet Muhammad like when said ‘the founder of the religious community’ and so on and do forth. I assume what he meant is the founder of the Ummah. Of course, I don’t even have any right to question a great scholar like him. Nevertheless, I am not in agreement with such usage. For me, it can be manipulated and of course misunderstood. Definitely we know that there is no such thing as founder in Islam, yet for people who have no knowledge of Islam, such term might be misleading. InsyaAllah, I believe Sheikh Imran Hosein has his own reasons when using the term.

Overall, this book is surely worth reading. Great book, great author .

Allahu A'lam.

The Second Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture

2010-11-08T16:13:00.016+08:00

The Second Abdullah Yusuf Ali Memorial Lecture>>

Sunday, 9th January 2011
Speaker : Dr Muzaffar Iqbal
Venue : Conference Hall, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS)
Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya
(please click here for map)
Registration Fee: RM 25.00 (Limited Seats)
Organizer : Islamic Book Trust
For more details + Registration, click here

Alhamdulillah, I’ve got my name registered =)

Healing

2010-11-03T15:01:00.000+08:00

a simple act of kindness brings such meaning...

It’s so hard to explain
قد يصعب عليّ أن أعبر
What I’m feeling
عمّا يختلج في قلبي
But I guess it’s ok
لكن اعتقادي
Cause I’ll keep believing
ينبع من إيماني
There’s something deep inside
هناك شيء في الأعماق
Something that’s calling
ينادي
It’s calling you and I
يناديني ويناديك
It’s taking us up high
يرتقي بنا إلى الأعلى

CHORUS:
Healing, a simple act of kindness brings such meaning
الشفاء … قد يتجسّد في عمل بسيط لطيف
A smile can change a life let’s start believing
بسمة قد تغير حياة الإنسان
And feeling, let’s start healing
فلنبدأ بعمل يكون فيه شفاء

Heal and you will be healed
شفاء بشفاء .. ومع كل شفاء شفاء
Break every border
اكسر القيود والحدود
Give and you will receive
اعط تُعطى .. فالعطاء يوجب عطاء
It’s Nature’s order
نظام كوني رباني
There is a hidden force
هناك قوى خفية
Pulling us closer
تجذب بعضنا لبعض
It’s pulling you and I
تجذبني أنا وأنت
It’s pulling us up high
تجذبنا للأعلى

CHORUS:
Healing, a simple act of kindness brings such meaning
الشفاء … قد يتجسّد في عمل بسيط لطيف
A Smile can change a life let’s start believing
بسمة قد تغير حياة الإنسان
And feeling, let’s start healing
فلنبدأ بعمل يكون فيه شفاء

MIDDLE 8:
Hearts in the hand of another heart and in God’s hand are all hearts
قلب بين يدي قلب و بيد الله كل قلب
An eye takes care of another eye and from God’s eye nothing hides
عين ترعى عينا .. وعين الله ترعى، و لا شيء عنه يخفى
Seek only to give and you’ll receive
إسع نحوالعطاء… و ستلقى و تعطى
So, heal and you will be healed
إشف.. و سوف تشفى

OUTRO (x2):
قلب بين يدي قلب و بيد الله كل قلب
عين ترعى عينا، وعين الله ترعى
كلمة طيبة صدقة
تبسمك لأخيك صدقه
كل معروف صدقة
اللهم اشف شفاءً لا يغادر سقماً

Are You Inspired ?

2010-10-28T15:23:00.003+08:00

People Inspired By Muhammad :

Inspired By Muhammad – On Animal Welfare - by Sarah Joseph

Inspired By Muhammad -On Human Rights - by Ahmad Thomson

Inspired By Muhammad – On Social Justice -by Myriam Francois Cerrah

Inspired By Muhammad – On Women's Rights – by Shaista Aziz

Inspired By Muhammad – On Coexistence – by Imam Suhaib William Webb

Inspired By Muhammad – On Environment - by Timothy J Winters

Inspired By Muhammad – On Education –by Akram Khan-Cheema

Inspired By Muhammad – On Healthcare – by Amina Coxon

Inspired By Muhammad -On Charity – by Dr Hany El-Banna

>A site dedicated to exploring the inspirational teachings of the Prophet Muhammad: inspiredbymuhammad.com

Are You Not Inspired ?
=)

Tony Blair's sister-in-law embraces Islam

2010-10-26T16:37:00.001+08:00

Tony Blair's sister-in-law has converted to Islam after having what she describes as a "holy experience" during a visit to Iran.
Journalist and broadcaster Lauren Booth, 43 – Cherie Blair's sister – now wears a hijab whenever she leaves her home, prays five times a day and visits her local mosque whenever she can.
She decided to become a Muslim six weeks ago after visiting the shrine of Fatima al-Masumeh in the city of Qom.

"It was a Tuesday evening and I sat down and felt this shot of spiritual morphine, just absolute bliss and joy," she said in an interview today.

When she returned to Britain, she decided to convert immediately.
Booth – who works for Press TV, the English-language Iranian news channel – has stopped eating pork and reads the Qur'an every day. She is currently on page 60.
Booth has stopped drinking alcohol and says she has not wanted to drink since converting.
Before her spiritual awakening in Iran, she had been "sympathetic" to Islam and has spent considerable time working in Palestine, she said, adding that she hoped her conversion would help Blair change his presumptions about Islam.

Source :guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2010

Conversion Journeys : On Becoming Muslim In The West

2010-10-26T11:11:00.001+08:00

There is no religion that is so maligned by the ignorant and the biased as is Islam. Yet, if people only knew, it is the religion of the strong for the weak, the rich for the poor.

These words of Abdullah Archibald Hamilton is very much true when it comes to those who really ponder the real sense of the word Islam. The religion which truly conforms to the very innate nature of human being. Yet, it is also known to be the most misunderstood religion on earth. A religion which has always been accused of being oppressive,backward ,barbaric,and troublesome.

However at the same time, we wonder why more and more people chose to embrace this ‘barbaric’ religion. What drove them to embrace Islam as their way of life? What triggered them to make ‘hijrah’ or an inner space journey towards this religion called Islam?

Conversion Journeys : On Becoming Muslim In The West is a book that seeks to answer these. A book written by Dr. Sulaiman Dufford who is now teaching in IIUM. This book is worth reading for it contains stories that involved people particularly in the West and their life changing experiences after embracing Islam.

I agree when someone says that the sincere stories in this book tell more of reversion than conversion. Reversion to the original faith of the Prophet Adam , father of us all. Not to forget, Jesus, Moses and all other prophets.
I would recommend this book for both Muslims and Non Muslims as the stories in this book are very much thought provoking and also appealing. Among those of my interests would be the article by Joanne McEven on the Sense and Sensitivity: How To Accomodate New Converts and also the article by Sulaiman Dufford himself entitled The Alcoholic Convert. If you have the opportunity, take time and read those stories in this book. I can guarantee that you will feel like you are also part of the great journeys !

Allahu A’lam (Allah Knows Best)

p/s: Other books on reverts that you might want to take a look are:
-Daughters of Another Path(by Carol L Anway), The Sun is Rising From The West and Islam Our Choice =)

Muslim Superheroes On The Rise !

2010-10-21T11:38:00.003+08:00

Superman, Spiderman, X Men- You just name it, all these characters and many more are very much familiar in our lives especially the young ones. Even for me, I still remember when I was still in primary school, I loved to watch X Men very much and I was so into it that I chose Gambit as my favourite character. It’s funny though if I think about it again =) Alhamdulillaah, now I am 'enlighetened' ^_^

Anyway, Have you heard anything about THE 99 ? I believe not, because so far I haven’t seen anyone writing on this. I was surprised to know it through a friend of mine who told me about about this the other day. For your info, THE 99 is the first group of comic superheroes born of an Islamic archetype which was created by one clinical psychologist from Kuwait called Dr. Naif A. Al-Mutawa . Yes, Islam and Comics. It might sound peculiar, but Dr. Naif A. Al-Mutawa had proven that it is in fact not.
The comics was brought into existence by Naif came in part from the Sept 11 tragedy in the United States.

In one online article by NST; Naif was quoted as saying that :

The 99 is based on Allah’s virtues of wisdom, healing and love.” Although the characters in the comic are based on Allah’s virtues, the storyline doesn’t delve into religion at all. Instead, it focuses on showing the cultural differences of Islam as the characters come from different countries.“They come from 99 countries and practise any religion. The idea is to have a multi-cultural and pluralistic understanding that not everything is only about Islam. I want to show that irrespective of your religion, you can work with everybody,”.

Brief on The 99 :

THE 99 is about a group of boys and girls who find 99 mystical Noor Stones (Stones of Light) which give them superpowers. They are brought together by Dr Ramzi Razem to fight injustice and evil to create a world of peace, enlightenment and diversity. In their quest, they encounter the sinister Rughal, who wants the stones. Of the 99 characters, Mujiba is from Malaysia. She has the power to answer any question. Initially, she used her power to make money by going on game shows. Under the guidance of Dr Ramzi, she learns to use her power to fight evil.

Other characters are ; Jabbar(The Powerful); Noora(The Light); Darr(The Afflicter); Jami(The Assembler); Widad(The Loving); Fattah(The Opener); Mumita(The Destroyer); Raqib(The Watcher); Bari(The Healer); Sami(The Listener); Musawwira(The Organiser); Hadya(The Guide); Rafie(The Lifter); Baqi(The Everlasting); Baeth (The Sender). ; Jaleel(The Majestic)and also a burqa-wearing character known as Batina(The Hidden) has also been mentioned in interviews as an example of the variety of depictions of female characters in the comic

Created by Naif Al-Muatawa, the first comic book in the series was released in 2006. It is now available in English, Chinese, Indonesian, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu. Unfortunately, the comic is not available here, though there are plans to bring the animation to local television by end of the year.

The 99 Animation Preview:

Presentation By Dr. Naif on The 99:

Preview copy of The 99:here

P/s: Luckily the character from Malaysia wears Hijab =) Alhamdulillah !
To be honest, it’s too soon to say anything. Overall, the initiative sounds good of course. For those who have read the comics, you might want to share something here =)

Allahu A'lam (Allah Knows Best)

Cheng Ho Expo 2010(Kelantan-China International Trade Fair

2010-10-17T11:05:00.003+08:00

Da Jia Hao! 大家好! How’s your Iman today? Alhamdulillah, I’m sure everything must be great right =)

While browsing some websites the other day, I found this interesting info about a program that will be organized by the state government of Kelantan. I have the urge to share this info because I find it really interesting and on top of that ,it is such a good program to be participated by all of us. It’s called Cheng Ho Expo 2010(Kelantan-China International Trade Fair). Take a look at the welcoming remark here.

For those who do not know anything about Cheng Ho or known as Zheng He in some parts of the world , you might want to ask Mr. Google. Hopefully he would be telling the truth ^_^
As stated in the official website for this event, it is the first ever international trade exhibition involving more than 300 companies consisting 15 nations and countries. The event is inspired by the great journeys of Cheng Ho (or Zheng He) the Chinese Muslim admiral in bringing social, economic and cultural values to the world.

Among the Highlighted events are :

-Cheng Ho’s exploration showcase

-Business forum

-Halal food festival

-Multicultural performances and many more

For those who are looking for business opportunities, this event is truly something that you don’t want to miss. Same goes to those who have no knowledge or anything about Cheng Ho or Zheng He. You are highly encouraged to visit so that you can expand your horizon and learn from this great figure. I still remember back then in University when we organized a program on zheng He where we had a seminar and also a small exhibition. I was the program manager at that time. I felt really disappointed to know that not so many people know about this great figure especially in that university. Such a shame and sad thing of course. InsyaAllah, for those who are staying in Kelantan or nearby this beautiful state, do come and participate in this event ya !

For more info about this event, you may contact the organizer:
Secretariat,
RF 49, 1st Floor, Medan Usahawan Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV,
Jalan Mahmood,
15000 Kota Bharu,
Kelantan Malaysia.
Phone : 609-7488442
Fax : 609-7488443
Email : info@chenghoexpo.com.my

Brief on Zheng He:

Allahu ‘Alam

p/s: Maybe Nufas can go there on behalf of me ^_^

I'tirof

2010-10-09T10:55:00.000+08:00

Bits and Pieces on My Convocation =)

2010-10-04T17:03:00.001+08:00

Bismillahir Rahman ar Raheem,

Early In the Morning :

Alhamdulillah, everything went so fine with my convocation yesterday. My parents were invited to witness the great moment and not to forget my sister, brother and also my nieces who came along to accompany me yesterday (though they were not allowed to enter the hall as only two persons are allowed for one student).

Overall, I felt really happy with the whole procession and so on. Just to share something. Actually, me and my family arrived a bit late yesterday. When we arrived, we can see lots of people there. As I would say, it was like sardine in a can. The fact that we were late, had made us somehow difficult to find the parking spaces.

When I looked at my watch, I was already worried because it’s almost the time to enter the hall. So, my brother decided to stop the car in the middle of the road so that we may go out and rush to the hall. He then went outside of the campus to go back to his house which is quite near to the campus. You know what happened? I accidentally left my smartcard in the car which is basically required for all graduands. With no smartcard, my name would not appear on the screen during the ceremony and if that happen, I would be really sad. Yes, my parents are coming, that’s why that thing is really important for me. Not only that, I also left the invitation card which had stated my seat number there !. Subhanallah, I felt like crying at that time. I don’t know which way I should go, no. No seat number, no smartcard. This is supposed to be a happy moment, but now I felt like I have ruined it by only a small mistake i.e. CARELESS. I then immediately called my brother who is actually halfway to his house. Of course he was angry with what had happened. He then said he’ll be rushing and give the things to the committee member. At the same time, my sister in law immediately texted me the seat number as she is also in the car. At least, now I know my seat number.

Alhamdullilah..While waiting, I had a very mixed feeling. Everybody looked so happy, but then I had to face this. I prayed to God He’ll make it easy for me. About 5 to 7 minutes later, I heard somebody calling my name. Sounded like mine actually. The reason is, the person didn’t pronounce my name correctly. That’s why it sounded like my name. When I went to him and checked with him, yes, he was calling my name and he’s holding the smartcard. I felt really happy at that time. Alhamdulillah. Indeed, He loves me so much !!

During the procession :

It was really a great and happy moment. To see all those happy faces sitting calmly listening to the speeches while waiting for the best part i.e. taking the scroll on stage. I was sitting next to Marjani, A Filipino brother whom I never talked to but during the convocation, we had something to talk about. From one department to one department, from one student to another student, Then came our turn. Albeit a bit nervous, Alhamdulillah, it ended very well and I’m not sure how did I looked like on stage taking the scroll. I cannot imagine myself with that nervous face ^_^

After The Convocation:

Once everything was settled, everybody rushed to see family and friends to share their feelings and the joy that that they had. It was really wonderful. I can see that the place was really filled with love, happiness and joy. Alhamdulillah, I then took pictures with my family and we all posed here and there ^_^ It was really sunny and I was sweating all over with that robe and the lounge suit. Don’t ask me how did I look? ^_^ Then came the turn with my friends. I really felt like VVIP yesterday =) I told my friends, I fell like I’m in the oven now !

After The Convocation(A bit latter):

Something that surprised me happened when we were outside the hall. While looking for my friends, a brother who is actually my junior stood right in front of me. His name is Zhafry. He looked at me, and I also looked at him. I was really shocked at that time. I didn’t know what to do. Actually, I’m not even sure whether I should say this. It is something which is really embarrassing to share. What more, to say something which is against what Islam had taught us. Astaghfirullah..May Allah forgive me. I am indeed a normal human being.

To be honest, we both did not talk to each other for quite a long time for some reasons. We used to be very close before, but something happened back then in University. As a result, that changed our relationship. It was truly a misunderstanding. Of course I feel very sad that this thing happened. As Muslim, such and act is really abhorred. It’s like you are cutting ties with your brothers in Islam. It’s hard for me to explain, but such thing happened. Nevertheless, I always pray that one day we would be close back like before. To be honest, he is like a brother to me. He’s a good Muslim also, but I don’t know how we both had fallen prey to our childish attitude.

Back to the moment when he stood right in front of me, I was truly speechless. I didn’t know what to do..Subhanallah, I felt like crying at that time. I’m not sure whether I did. You know what happened. We both hugged each other and he holds me very tightly. Subhanallah. I cannot describe my feelings at that time. We both say our words of forgiveness and I told him to forget the past.

Later on, he told me how he came to make a surprise for me on that day by coming to my convocation. Of course he was not in the hall, but he told me he did watch me on the stage via online. I was indeed very happy when he said that. I've never thought that He would come at the first place. He said, he had continuously made Dua' during the Ramadhan so that we will get along together. Subhanallah...Later on, I also told him that I did the same thing . In fact, not only in Ramadhan, but ever since we haven't talked to each other. I said ; let's forget the past and look forward. It's both our faults and we don't have to blame each other.

Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah. We both had forgiven each other.
Indeed, Allah loves both of us so much that he united us on that particular day.I felt like I had double happiness yesterday- my convocation and the ties that was rebuilt for the sake of Allah !

AllahuA’lam...

26th IIUM Convocation

2010-10-02T11:43:00.000+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum,

Subhanaallah, I feel really excited for tomorrow’s convocation. Yes, tomorrow would be my convocation. 26th IIUM Convocation. Please make a dua’ for me ya!

Till my next post ! =)

p/s: Congrats for Al Hamra and Abi too ^_^

WHY I WILL BE ON THE NEXT FLOTILLA TO GAZA ~~ A LETTER TO MY MUM

2010-09-29T12:21:00.002+08:00

Special Message from Sinead MacLochlainn, Chair of Derry Friends of Palestine, Irish Ship to Gaza National Committee and member of the ECESG’s Women 4 Gaza committee:

There will be many Irish people on the next Flotilla to break the siege on Gaza. And as many of you already know, I will be travelling and representing Derry on the next Freedom Flotilla to break the siege on Gaza’s seaport. I hope the people of Derry and beyond will support us and follow us, as we make our journey at the end of October. Although I have been to Gaza I have never been on a flotilla to Gaza and after what happened on the last flotilla I had been worried about telling my Mum that I will be part of the next flotilla. When I told her, she of course was very worried, given the aggression and lack of respect for human rights by Israel in the last flotilla. The fact that they boarded ships in international water like pirates and murdered 9 people. She said to me “But why do YOU have to go?” After much thought, and with the time nearing, I thought I should give her my 10 reasons for going on the Freedom Flotilla and I will share those reasons with all of our supporters in Derry and beyond.

Dear Mum,

Do you remember when I was very young and I asked you why black people in America were not allowed to ride on a bus, or go to school with white people, or to eat alongside white people in a restaurant? You told me this was racism and it was wrong, that we are all created equal in God’s eyes no matter where we come from. You taught me to accept all people and to be blind to colour and race.
This is why I am going

Do you remember when I saw a disabled man in a wheelchair struggling to get into a shop on his own. There were many people in front of the shop who ignored him as he struggled to get in, but you said we should help him. You told me that I should always offer my help to those who were struggling.
This is why I am going

And do you remember the first time I saw someone who had been burned in a fire, their face twisted, distorted and frightening. I wanted to run away and hide my eyes. But you told me to look past what I see on the outside, you said it was like wearing a mask, you said a beautiful person was behind that mask and if I looked hard enough I would see this. You taught me to see that being different can be beautiful.
This is why I am going.

Do you remember when I was only small and it was Christmas time and there was a campaign for poor families who had no gifts for their children. You asked me if I wanted to give them one of my own gifts that you had bought for me. At first I didn’t want to, I was selfish, but you told me that if I did I would get a better gift in return, the gift of compassion. And you were right.You taught me compassion
This is why I am going

Do you remember when I was learning to ride my bike. I kept falling off, over and over again and all the kids were laughing at me. I said I would never be able to do it and wanted to give up. You told me I could do anything if I put my mind to it, you said I should always try until I succeed. You taught me to be persistent.
This is why I am going.

Do you remember when we were walking down the street and I saw a man drop his wallet. I picked it up and you looked at me and said I should return it. I ran up and returned it to the man, he gave me a reward for being honest. You taught me there are rewards for doing the right thing.
This is why I am going.

Do you remember when I was little and I was afraid of the dark? You said “what is it you fear?” I said I feared what I could not see. You told me there was nothing in the dark that was not there in the light. You taught me to overcome my fears.
This is why I am going

Do you remember when I found our wee cat outside after it was hit by a car? The neighbours said I should just leave it alone that it was going to die anyway. But you said we should try and help her. You told me to have hope, and that miracles can happen . She survived. You taught me to have hope and to believe in miracles.
This is why I am going

Do you remember when I asked why Irish people were treated so badly in the North, why were they being shot, jailed and beaten. You told me there were soldiers who had stolen our land and were occupying our country and oppressing our people. You said this was wrong. You taught me to always resist injustice.
This is why I am going.

And lastly, do you remember when I read the “Diary of Anne Frank” and I asked you why people would do such a thing to innocent people. You told me that brave people risked their own lives to shelter Anne Frank from the Nazi’s who blamed the Jews for all their woes, you said good people must always do what they can against evil. You said this type of hatred should never happen again, to anyone.
This is why I am going

So Mum, to answer your question, I am going to help Free Palestine. I am going because of everything you taught me growing up, because you made me the person I am today.

Why am I going? I am going because of you….

So, I am asking mothers and women everywhere to support your fellow women who are going on the Freedom Flotilla 2 as we sail to deliver our message of solidarity and support for the women of Gaza. Please support the Freedom Flotilla 2, Women4Gaza and Irish Ship to Gaza. Find Women4Gaza on Facebook HERE and join our group. Or visit the Women4Gaza page as part of the ECESG Freedom Flotilla 2 HERE For information on the Irish Ship to Gaza you can go HERE Keep checking this website for news on how you can read our updates directly from the Flotilla.

For news and updates for Viva Palestina 5, you may refer here >> Viva Palestina 5

In Remembrance of Sabra and Shatila Masscare

2010-09-18T15:30:00.000+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum,

Sabra and Shatila. Two names that might not be familiar for some while for others the names are something that cannot be eliminated from their minds. In fact, they are not only names, rather they are memories that marked one of the grave events that had happened in the lives of a group of people called Palestinians. What has that to do with me? In fact, what has that to do with all of us? To answer that, we need to go back to the past, to look at the history that took place 28 years ago.A history that you and me do not pay heed to.

The history of Palestine would not be complete if we do not take into consideration of what had happened in Sabra and Shatila. Two Palestinian refugees camps in Lebanon which had been raided brutally and people were butchered mercilessly in 1982. This year, it's been 28 years after the brutal attack had been carried out towards the Palestinians most of whom were civilians-women and children unarmed. The tragedy is truly one of the bloodiest tragedies in the history of Palestine and definitely in the history of mankind. The killings committed involved the killing of innocent people and therefore abhorrent and criminal. To call them war criminals would be the right term I believe. Not only that It breached the sanctity of life, it also against the very fundamental values of human rights i.e. to protect the civilian. As such, who are to be called the ‘terrorist’? The women and the children or the ones who killed the unarmed civilian??Ask ourselves.

Those who died are no longer with us today, but their spirit would always be with us. The spirit to stand up against injustices, the spirit to stand up for basic human values to live and the spirit to live like a normal human being which were basically denied for them. May Allah bless them and make them among those who are very close to Him. Ameen !

In the words of Benjamin Franklin:

I hope... that mankind will at length , as they call themselves responsible creatures, have the reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats..

Testimonies by witnesses:

Ramadhan Muslim ?

2010-09-17T18:07:00.000+08:00

Watering The Seeds of Love

2010-09-07T17:01:00.001+08:00

Love as portrayed by the Chosen one =)

‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib said; “The prophet was the most open hearted of all people, the most truthful of speech, the tenderest in disposition and the most generous in relations.”

Abu Sa’id Al Khudri relates that “the prophet was more shy and modest than a maiden in seclusion, and if anything was displeasing to him we would see it on his face. His was a kind and gentle face, so tender in appearance that he would not say of anyone what that person did not want to hear out of the shyness and generosity of his heart”.

Jarir Ibn ‘Abdullah said; “since I became a Muslim, the prophet was never out of my sight and whenever he saw me he was smiling. He would make jokes with his companions, mix and chat with them, play with their children and sit them on his lap. He would respond to the invitation of the free and the enslaved, the captive and the needy. He would visit the sick in the farthest part of the city and accept an apology from him who apologized.”

According to Anas; “He would never be the first to release a proffered hand and he would never stretch out his legs in the presence of a seated guest. He would be the first to extend the greeting of peace to whoever he met. While sitting, he would be the first to make room for his companions. He was generous to whoever visited him, sometimes spreading out his garment for him and out of deference, offering his own cushion to his guest and prevailing upon him to sit on it if he refused. He would call his companions by the names they liked best as a mark of honour and dignity to them and he would not interrupt the speech of anyone.”

Al Qadi Abu’l Fadl related : “The prophet united the hearts of his companions and did not alienate them one from another. He would treat honourably and generously any noble person of a tribe and confer the responsibilities of leadership on such a person. He was on his alert with some people but without denying them his cheerfulness and good disposition. He took care of his companions giving each his due so that no one felt that he favoured another more. Whoever sat with him or approached him with a request, he treated him patiently until he left. Whoever asked of him any need was never sent away without some reassuring word. He was expansive in his cheerfulness to people. He was like a father to them and with him they enjoyed the same rights. He was always smiling, comforting and sociable.”

The Prophet is also reported to have related: “A man once visited his brother in faith for the sake of God. So God designated an angel for him. The angel then asked him: ‘Where do you wish to go?’ ‘I want to visit my friend.’ ‘Is there anything you need at his place?’ asked the angel. ‘No.’ ‘Is he a relation of yours?’ ‘No.’ ‘Why then (are you visiting him)?’ ‘I love him for the sake of God.’ Thereupon the angel said: ‘God has sent me to inform you that He loves you on account of your love, and He has undertaken to grant you Paradise.’

Reference: Watering The Seeds of Love by Said Ramadan

p/s: To all my brothers and sisters out there, I would like to tell you , Ana uhibbukum Fillah!! ^_^

A Simple Iftar , Tarawikh Prayer and A person called Mr. Yee =)

2010-08-29T12:07:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum, peace and blessings be upon you, =)

Wow..reading the headlines of most of the online news today makes me feel hesitant to write this.You have to figure it out why I said that .As I sit back and think , I don’t think it would put any harm to anyone. It’s about a friend of mine called Mr. Yee.

I’ve known Mr Yee for almost a year if I’m not mistaken. We have been keeping in touch quite often and we even held some discussions on so many issues mostly religion and even miscellaneous matters. Though we don’t have the same faith, I believe he is such a good ‘Christian’. He calls himself as a Bible Follower and prefer not to be called as Christian as it is not stated in the Bible. Morever, he does not even comitted to any church as he said.

Yesterday late in the evening, I called him to invite him to have ‘buka puasa’ together. Really, it was a last minute planning as I’m coming to UIA to settle somthing regarding the payments etc prior to my convocation next month. . I called Tirmidzi and later we decided to have our Iftar at the Food court near the mosque in UIA. I knew Mr. Yee would be coming because he has always wanted to meet me and my friends for further discussions on issues that we had left before. Alhamdulillah, though we had such a simple Iftar, this eventually leads to one of the most happiest moment in my life and also Mr. Yee’s I believe. It was five of us- Me, Mr. Yee, My friend Tirmidzi from Thailand, Ahmad Sabree from the States and lastly Arvin from Sabah. We had such a wonderful chatting until it is already the time for Iftar. We stOpped and enjoyed the meal. To be honest, Mr Yee is very much approachable person. When I say approachable, I’m not saying that we are trying to convert him or the way around, it is because he is used to mix up and mingle with Muslims.

Once we heard the Adzaan,we had a light meal i.e. sweets before we prayed Maghrib. I was so happy looking at Mr Yee joining us at that particular moment. After Maghrib, we had quite a heavy meal and we went on and on chatting and laughing . Ahmad really did the talking. I know Ahmad very well and he talks a lot =) I mean that in the nicest possible way of course!.

Then came the Adzan for Isya’ prayer. Tirmidzi was looking at me while I did the same thing to him. Subhanallah, prior to this Iftar, I did tell Tirmidzi that I really wanted to bring Mr. Yee to our mosque here. He conceded to my planning. I’m so afraid that Mr. Yee would refuse to accept the invitation. That’s why I was a bit hesitant to ask him. Then Tirmidzi just blurted it out!.

Tirmidzi : Mr. Yee, actually we are going for Tarawikh prayer after this,. If you do not mind, maybe you can join us and visit our beautiful mosque here.

Mr. Yee : Thank you so much. I’m so happy to get this invitation, Really, I never thought you would ask that.

Me : Actually, I’ve always wanted to bring you to our mosque, but it just that I’m afraid you might not accept my invitation.

Alhamdullilah, he did. Of course I can see that he was a bit restless, and worried. I convinced him by saying “ Mr Yee, do you know what makes UIA mosque different from other mosques? I said, it doesn’t matter whether you are a chinese, Indian, African or even European, nobody would ask you whether you are Muslim or not.!
He then said. “ But I cannot just sit there without doing anything”. Tirmidzi responded by saying : “it’s up to you Mr Yee. You can even join us. You know what Mr Yee, you are not even commiting syirik as you dont believe in Trinity”. That’s why it is not wrong.” We all smiled when he said that. We all walked to the mosque and went to the ablution area. I felt like crying looking at Tirmidzi teaching Mr Yee how to make ablution step by step. I can se that Mr. Yee is trying very hard to folow Tirmidzi. Without Tirmidzi, I myself am not sure wheter I can do this alone. Alhamdulillah, Mr Yee did his first step. We then went to the praying area upstairs and there goes the most cherishing moment InsyaAllah.. Mr. Yee stayed next to Tirmidzi and followed whatever Tirmidzi does. From the bowing, prostrating and so on. Subhanallah, I myself felt restless because I never thought this thing would happen that night. He was praying with all of us that night. In fact, My Yee, did both Isya’ and Tarawikh prayer. It was really-really a wonderful moment that night. After Tarawikh, we sat at one of the corners of the mosque and we started to talk about a couple of things regarding the mosque itself, the Imams there ,and of course about Islam. I can see that he was so happy with that experience. He kept thanking me for that invitation and said he really enjoyed the experience of praying there. To be able to listen the recitaion of the Qur’an and so on. We wrapped up the meeting around 12pm. Deep inside, I prayed to God, may He opens up the heart of Mr Yee. For me, he is already a Muslim, it just that he doesn’t know it =).
Allahu A’lam, Allah Knows best.

p/s: At first I’m not so sure whether I should share this or not because I believe there would be mixed responses defintely. You may say whatever you want- criticize me or condemn me. For me, I believe what I did was right and and whatever it is, it is between me and my God ...

image credit: here

The Big Debates: Islam or Atheism ?

2010-08-23T12:48:00.002+08:00

“Islam or Atheism? You Decide”

With Dr. Ed Buckner and international lecturer and writer Hamza Andreas Tzortzis.

Speakers:
1-Hamza Andreas Tzortzis

Hamza Andreas Tzortzis is an international public speaker on Islam, a writer, lecturer and intellectual activist. He is particularly interested in Islam, politics, western and Islamic philosophy. Hamza has debated prominent academics and intellectuals and delivers presentations across the world on various topics; ranging from ‘Does God Exist’ to ‘Can we live better lives without Religion’.

Hamza is a regular speaker at University campuses, and has also travelled the world extensively to deliver lectures, most notably in the USA, Malaysia and Lebanon.

Hamza has authored a number of Islamic publications, including the popular website The Inimitable Quran as well as serialising number of articles on his popular blog. He has also led a major piece of research on non-Muslims perceptions of Islam through iERA.

Hamza is one of the main initiators of the contemporary emergence of Muslim public debaters and speakers using western and Islamic philosophy to defend and explain Islam.

Hamza is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer for iERA.

2-Dr. Ed Buckner

Ed Buckner has been President of American Atheists since September 2008.

He has been a professor, a technical school administrator, and Executive Director of the Council for Secular Humanism (2001-2003). He and his wife have edited several books and published Oliver Halle's Taking the Harder Right (2006).

Ed wrote the concluding chapter of Kimberly Blaker's Fundamentals of Extremism (2003). He co-edited, with son, Quotations that Support the Separation of State and Church (second edition, 1995). The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief (Tom Flynn, ed., 2007) contained several of his entries. Also, he is the author or co-author of "Secular Schooling" in Parenting Beyond Belief, 2007, ed. by Dale McGowan, and, "This is a Free Country, Not A Christian Nation" (with Michael E. Buckner) in Everything You Know About God is Wrong, 2007, ed. by Russ Kick.

Buckner has debated and spoken across the US, often about the Treaty of Tripoli and "This Is a Free Country, Not a Christian Nation." His “No More Lies!" talk was featured at the Godless Americans March on Washington in 2002. He serves on several national advisory boards and committees.

Why...Why the Masjid??

2010-08-19T12:33:00.000+08:00

A person regular to the masjid(mosque) wrote a letter to the editor of as newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to the mosque.

“I’ve been going for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000lectures. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving lectures at all.”

This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to the mosque for nourishment, I would have been spiritually dead today!”

When you are DOWN to nothing...Allah is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank Allah for our physical and spiritual nourishment. When Shaitan is knocking at your door, simply say, “Allah,could you please get that for me? “Say: ‘O my Lord, Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour, Grant me from Thy presence an authority to aid (me). And say,

‘Truth has (now) arrived, and falsehood perished: For falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.-(Holy Qur’an:17:80-81).

Allahu A'lam, Allah Knows best.

>>Images:Pixdaus.com
>>Article:credit to anonymous =P

Mercy Like The Rain

2010-08-18T00:11:00.002+08:00

In the Name of Allah , The Most Gracious Most Merciful,
Hi Everyone. How’s your Imaan today? Must be great isn’t it =) Subhanallah, its already 7th Ramadhan today. Time really flies!. I’m sure everyone is struggling to have a better and more quality Ramadhan this year.

While writing this, it is raining outside. Do you agree if I say that rain is among the most beautiful things that God had created. Looking at the water pouring down from the sky is a moment that can truly ignite your senses. I don’t know why, for me, when it is raining, I feel like I am being carried away with emotions. I feel very calm, serene, and most of the times the rain makes me cry!. Oh Yeah, It does! =P. The moment you hear the water pouring down abundantly and when you see it touches the soil gracefully and in a very gentle way, you will have such a feeling which is very hard to describe. Sometimes, the soft breeze that touches your cheek gives a very pleasant feeling deep inside. Subhanallah, how beautiful God’s creations are. In fact, as Muslim, we believe that Supplication during the rain is among the best time to ask from Allah.

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa'ad (radiAllahu anhu): Rasululllah , may peace be upon him said: 'Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain'.
[Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

I personally don’t have any idea why is it that so.I mean,at the time of rain.However, I'm sure it must have something to do with the nature of the raining itself. The soft and gentle rain, the soothing sounds of nature, the peaceful and comfortable breeze that you may experience is something which very pleasant to the hearts and minds and not to forget a laid-back one.. I guess that’s the logic isn’t =)

Indeed, Shaam is right, Mercy like the rain ! ^_^

Do I Practice What I Preach?

2010-08-16T15:57:00.000+08:00

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful,

Saying and doing an action is definitely not the same thing. Blurting out the words from our mouth is surely much easier than to take a course of action. For instance, A father who’s asking his son to stop smoking while he himself smokes is something which is not right at the first place . Worse, if he smokes in front of his son. Same goes if a mother asking her child to pray while she herself watching the television while it is already time for praying. There goes the saying-Do we walk the talk?

Taking the same cause, I am so afraid to ask that; have I done the same thing??. Astaghfirullah..Do I walk the talk? In fact, the real question is; do I practice what I preach? If yes, Alhamdulillah. If no, Astaghfirullah,May Allah forgive me ...

This blog is truly something that I’ve a great attachment with. Yes, and I mean it in the nicest possible way!. Getting to know people virtually while having close relationships with them is definitely one of the reasons why I feel it that way.Alhamdulillah..However, sometimes, I am so afraid that I would not be doing justice to myself. Meaning, I write something which does not reflect me at all. Na’udhubillahi Min Dhalik, God forbids !. In Islam, it is sinful to ask people to do something that you otherwise don’t do. For instance, you advise people to give charity but you yourself never do that. You ask people to treat others kindly but you yourself never treat your neighbours in a good and kind manner. You encourage people to give a helping to those who are in need but you yourself never pay heed to those who are in need even though they are just right before you. That’s what I mean. Am I part of them??Only me myself and Allah know how to answer this.. Isn’t it Allah says in the Qur’an that:

Do you order people to devoutness and forget yourselves, when you recite the Book? Will you not use your intellect? (2:44)

The answer that Allah poses above can be answered by me and Allah only. I really hope that whatever I write in this blog would act as a reminder for me to be a better person and definitely a better Muslim. I don’t want to write something which I don’t practice in real life. That would be hypocrite of course. That’s why at the end of most of my posts, I would normally say “a reminder for me, you and we” .If I’ve done injustices while writing, I seek for Allah’s forgiveness so that He would guide me to the right path. InsyaAllah, hope all of you can make a dua’ so that I would be doing justice in my writing because writing is truly my passion..Hope the same thing goes for you=).Ameen!
Allahu A’lam,Allah Knows Best !

p/s: For me, choosing not to write also is part of injustices. Isn’t like refraining the words of God to be shared by others? =)

Two Thumbs Up For Tok Guru !!

2010-08-14T13:19:00.001+08:00

Islamic Gold Dinar is a mean towards a greater end as I see it. Compared to money which just a piece of paper, Gold dinar is much everlasting in terms of its value. According to Prof. Dr. Mohd Ma'sum Billah,

Gold and silver coins were preferred as they had value in themselves and were relatively stable. A person could be almost certain that he would be able to buy the same basket of goods with a gold coin even after a certain period of time, say two months.

He also holds to the idea that:

Paper money unfortunately can be created anytime based on the decision of the government. This is what makes it so unstable unreliable as a medium of exchange. With an ounce of gold could buy the same amount of goods over an extended period of time whereas with a twenty dollar note may not be able to enjoy the same privilege.

I still remember back then in University, a lecturer of mine used to tell us that if one night, all OIC Countries choose to use Gold Dinar instead of the paper currencies, countries like United States will collapse immediately.Hmm....what went wrong.. I am so sorry that you have to answer that on your own.
_________________________________________________________
An Extract from The Star Online dated 13th August 2010:

KOTA BARU: Kelantan has become the first state to introduce the gold dinar and silver dirham as official currency.

Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the state would strive to expand the use of gold dinar and silver dirham in its transactions, including the payment of civil servants’ remuneration.

“However, there are many technicalities that have to be addressed by the state government,” he said after launching the Islamic currency yesterday.

The gold dinar and silver dirham is managed by Kelantan Gold Trade (KGT), a subsidiary of Kelantan Mentri Besar Incorporated (PMBK). In a symbolic gesture, Nik Abdul Aziz handed over a dinar gold to PMBK chief executive officer Mustapha Salleh as payment of salaries to PMBK employees for the month.

Nik Abdul Aziz said 1,000 traders so far had agreed to use the currency in their transactions besides Tabung Haji and Bank Islam Malaysia.

“Syariah currency was widely used thousands of years before the fall of the Ottoman Empire,” he said.

Why Do Muslims Fast?

2010-08-12T13:40:00.003+08:00

*Beautiful Article Written By Dr. Bilal Philips =)

Most of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge have experimented with some form of fasting, like an all fruit fast, a water fast or an sugar-free fast, you name it. But what many may find rather strange and intriguing is a whole nation of people; be it man or woman, old or young, rich or poor; going completely without food and drink from dawn to dusk for a whole month - Ramadan. What is the significance of Ramadan beyond shortened work hours? Is it not a very harsh practice? Is it merely a time when Muslims sleep and fast and hardly work all day; and eat, drink, enjoy and stay awake all night? What really is the spirit of Ramadan?

Fasting Prescribed in All Religions

In English “fasting” means to abstain from food or from certain kinds of food voluntarily, as an observance of a holy day or as a token of grief, sorrow, or repentance.[1] This practice can be found in most of the major religions of the world. For example, in Hinduism, fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Devout Hindus observe fasting on special occasions as a mark of respect to their personal gods or as a part of their penance. Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.[2] For Jews, the day Yom Kippur (“Day of Atonement”) is the last of the Ten Days of Repentance observed on the 10th of Tishri. It is forbidden on that day to eat, drink, wash, wear leather, or have sexual relations. In addition, prohibitions on labor similar to those on the Sabbath are in force.[3] It should also be noted that Moses (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Torah to have fasted.

“And he was there with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights, he neither ate bread not drank water.” (Exodus 34:28)

For Catholics among Christians, Lent is the major season of fasting, imitative of the forty-day fast of Jesus (peace be upon him). In the fourth century it was observed as six weeks of fasting before Easter or before Holy Week. It was adjusted to forty days of actual fasting in most places in the seventh century.[4] Jesus (peace be upon him) is recorded in the Gospels to have fasted like Moses.

“And he fasted 40 days and 40 nights, and afterward he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2 & Luke 4:2)

It is in this context that God states in the Quran:

“O believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you become more conscious of God.” (Quran 2:183)

Among the Best Righteous Deeds

Although in most religions, fasting is for expiation of sin or atonement for sin, in Islam it is primarily to bring one closer to God, as stated in the above-mentioned verse. Since, God-consciousness is the prerequisite for righteousness, great stress is placed on fasting in Islam. Thus, it is not surprising to find that when Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked:

“Which is the best deed?” He replied, “Fasting, for there is nothing equal to it.” (Al-Nasa’i)

There are as many levels of fasting as there are facets to being human. Proper fasting should encompass all dimensions of human existence for it to have the divinely intended effect. The following are some of the major levels of fasting:

The Levels of Fasting

The Ritual Level

This level of fasting requires that the basic rules for fasting be fulfilled, which are avoiding food, drink and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset for 29 or 30 days each year. On this level, one is basically following the letter of the laws regarding fasting without particular consideration for the spirit of fasting. It is the entrance level which must be fulfilled for the fast to be Islamicly correct, but the other levels must be added for the fast to have any real impact on the fasting person. Fasting on this level alone will not benefit one spiritually, except from the perspective of submission to divine instructions, if one chooses to follow the ritual consciously and not merely according to tradition. Thus, by itself, the ritual level will not purify one of sin or atone for sin.

The Physical Level

Fasting on the “physical” level causes the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst when the prophetic (Sunnah) way of fasting is observed. Prophet Muhammad used to consume a very light meal before the dawn (suhoor) and moderate meal (iftaar) to break the fast at sunset, while scrupulously avoiding filling his stomach. He is reported to have said:

“The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach. A few morsels of food to keep a person’s back straight are sufficient. However, if his desire overcomes him, then let him eat a third, drink a third and leave a third for breathing.” (Ibn Majah)

The Prophet used to break his fast with a few fresh or dried dates and a glass of water just before beginning the sunset prayer.[5] This level allows the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst and thereby develops sympathy in him or her for those starving and dying of thirst in other parts of the world.

Medical Benefits

On the physical level, some chemicals in the brain that transmit messages and create feelings, called neurotransmitters, are affected by fasting. Fasting encourages the endorphin neurotransmitter system, related to the feeling of well being and euphoria, to produce more endorphins and, in fact, makes us “feel” better. This is similar to the effect of exercise (but without the physical work).It has also been noted by medical experts that fasting improves the physical health in numerous ways. For example, during the fast the body uses up stored cholesterol (fat) that is often deposited in the blood system, as well as in other fatty areas of the body. Thus, it helps to keep the body firm and minimizes the danger of heart attacks. The difference between the ritual level 1 and the physical level 2 is that a person dong only ritual fasting may eat large meals prior to beginning the fast and immediately upon ending the fast, and thus not feel any hunger or thirst throughout the whole month. However, like level one, if the fasting person does not incorporate the other levels of fasting, the fast will only be physically exhausting. The Prophet said:

“Perhaps a fasting person will gain nothing but hunger and thirst from fasting.”(Ibn Majah)

Footnotes:

[1] Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language, p. 665.

[2] Saranam.com/Hindu Encyclopedia.

[3] Dictionary of World Religions, p. 817.

[4] Dictionary of World Religions, p. 425.

[5] Abu Dawud

Hoşgeldiniz Ya Ramadhan !!

2010-08-09T16:01:00.000+08:00

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful. Alhamdulillah, Praises due to Allah for giving me the opportunity to breath yet for another day. Wow, it’s already 28th Sha’ban today. Our beloved month is just around the corner. The month of giving and sharing. The holy fasting month of Ramadhan. =)
Hoşgeldiniz ya Ramadhan. Truly I miss you !! Ahlan Wasahlan!!. InsyaAllah, together we pray that we would be able to perform our obligation to fast this year with comfort and ease. Ameen.

I want to tell myself that I should be grateful for having this opportunity to meet Ramadhan this year. It is because, I always take things for granted. How am I so sure that I would be able to meet Ramadhan next year? I cannot even sure that I would live tomorrow. There were people who had spent Ramadhan together with us last year, yet for this year they are no longer with us. In fact, they are no longer in this world anymore. Having the opportunity to meet Ramadhan is truly a blessed gift. InsyaAllah, together we pray that Ramadhan this year would be better than last year. Ameen ya Rabb!!

>>What is Ramadhan by Yusuf Islam :

Death Explains Life

2010-08-02T21:30:00.001+08:00

35. Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial. to Us must ye return.(Holy Qur'an,Al Anbiyaa’ :35)

Death explains that there is existence of hell and heaven,

Death also explains how to lead a correct life to reach hell or heaven,

Death is clearly definite and real for each and every living being,

Death doesn’t compromise time, space, place and even age!.

If there is no death, it implies that a lot of ‘excitements’ in this world mean nothing.

If there is no heaven and hell, it means all ups and downs of this life mean nothing.

P/S: A friend of mine just lost her beloved father yesterday., due to car accident. Allah loves her father more.InsyaAllah, hope we can make Dua' for the deceased one. Ameen..

Half Our Deen

2010-07-26T21:30:00.000+08:00

Because I care and because I love all of your -my dear brothers and sisters, I would like to share something about a website which I believe very useful and of course very interesting!! A website initiated by Baba Ali and his team. Want to fulfill half of your Deen?? you might want to consider visiting this website to achieve that. =)

A Favour For A friend

2010-07-26T21:07:00.000+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon you! How’s your Imaan today? I’m sure your Imaan is Yazid ! ^_^

InsyaAllah, I’m arranging something for Christopher (a friend of mine from UK). Actually he would be coming here for his summer holiday. For the last few weeks, I’ve been emailing him (though I always replied his mail a bit late due to time constraint) because he was asking for my favour to get some information for his research. Actually, Chris was asking about some information about prophet Ismail or Ishmael according to Islam. I assume he wants to know what both religions have to say on this particular prophet. Christopher is one of our speakers for the Interfaith dialogue that I’ve been involved with back then in University. It is such a great thing when he first mailed me asking about the third interfaith dialogue. I felt happy when he asked that because it really shows that he is such a committed person in bridging people of different faith. However, since I already graduated last month, I won’t be Able to help him with the third interfaith dialogue. Nevertheless, I did promise him that I’ll try to arrange one program where he can listen to what Muslims have to say about Prophet Ismail. Take aside whatever philosophy that you have behind the interfaith dialogue, if we are really sincere I’m sure we would accept the truth that lies before us.

InsyaAllah, I’ve contacted a senior in one of the Muslim NGOs and they are willing to help me with the program. I believe, this would be a great opportunity because he was asking about the Muslims perspective of Prophet Ismail. Great opportunity in a sense that later on, we may know both the Christians and the Muslims perspective with regard to prophet Ismail. Just checked his email a couple of minutes ago. I hope Allah would make it easy for meto help him!! Will update about this program on this blog InsyaAllah ^_^

Look on the sunny side of life

2010-07-16T22:08:00.001+08:00

Bismilah ar Rahman ar Raheem,
Dear brothers and sisters whom I love so much. How’s your Iman today? =)
I am so sorry. I think I was a bit emotional last night.. Honestly, I felt like quitting the job the day before yesterday. That’s why when I wanted to write something last night, everything turned to be blank. I don’t enjoy the job that I am doing right now and I feel a bit hard to adapt with the environment. However, that night before sleeping, I had determined to be strong to face whatever circumstances that might occur before me. Yes, I have to be strong!. I don’t care anymore how people would look at me after this with me doing this job. I know, the experience is much more important right now. In fact, last night while having myself relaxed at the resting room, I ‘accidentally’ watched this drama which I don’t think it’s necessary to tell what the title is. In one of the scenes, there’s something that really caught my attention and in a sense it truly gave me comfort. One of the casts said

“You have to be strong, Allah is testing you. Allah is testing you because you are strong”.

Subhanallah, so simple, but such words truly penetrated my heart. Yes, Allah is testing me because He loves me and I have to take it that way. It shows that He remembers me and He wants me to be strong through all those trial and tribulations. Like all child who fall down and get scratches here and there while taking their first step to walk to enable them to run happily in the future, Like students who have to face with so many tasks and assignments to make sure that they are equipped with all the knowledge and skills needed, I believe the same things goes to me. I must and I have to look on the sunny side of my life. InsyaAllah.

Anyway, the day before yesterday also, I managed to visit my beloved campus. Off for one day to settle everything regarding the payment + convocation.. Looking at the new faces in the university’s compound was truly a delighting moment. All of a sudden, the flashback emerged and all those memories are still clear in my mind. Truly unforgettable memories to be part of the community here and to be part of the big family here before. Meeting a dearest friend of mine, Al Amin from Eritrea was truly an exciting moment as we are both very close to each other. He was shocked to see me and told me, "I knew you will come today. I can feel it !" I was just smiling. Alhamdulillah, I got the chance to pray Zuhr and ‘Asr there. I went back around 6.45 with a same feeling when I left this place before. Yet, with a different outlook.-I have to look on the sunny side of my life.

Do you know that it’s already 4th Sha’ban today? Wow..Ramadhan is just around the corner. Indeed time flies so fast !

p/s: I Want to dedicate this nasyeed for all friends who Smsed me and called me today to wish for my birthday. Syukran for all your Dua'.may Allah bless you =)

Blank

2010-07-15T20:39:00.000+08:00

Bismillah ar Rahman ar Raheem,
I am so sorry..sorry for not able to keep myself updated on this blog..I treat this blog like an expression of my feelings. Yet, lately I hardly get enough time to even leave a single word here. What more to do things like what I used to do back then when I was in university. Sometimes, I feel I am getting far day by day. Getting far from what I am supposed to do and also getting far from what I am supposed to hold on to..Of course life is not easy, but sometimes I feel like it is beyond my reach.. I am a normal human being..Is it bad to think that way ya Allah.
Even now,deep inside, I want to write something, but I don't know why, I feel like it's really-really difficult to express what is inside me..Ever since working, I feel a bit unstable ansd most of the time unsure..Unsure of so many things..ya Allah,please make things easy for me.........

2 clips by Brother Nouman Ali Khan...insyaAllah, hope you can benefit from them..
On Spiritual Void:

On Controlling Anger:

In Person With Tariq Ramadan At International Islamic University Malaysia(IIUM)

2010-07-10T14:39:00.002+08:00

Bismillah arRahman arRahim,

InsyaAllah, Prof Tariq Ramadan will be visting IIUM for a lecture entitled, Islam & The West:Conversations With History. The details are:

Tuesday 13th July 2010

8.30am-1pm

Senate Hall International Islamic University Malaysia

For registration, click here>> IRFront

(I am not sure whether the seats are still availble.you may contact the person in chrage I guess.)

So sad that I won't be be able to attend. =(

A new Chapter of my life

2010-07-04T10:26:00.002+08:00

I had only two weeks holiday after graduation and tomorrow I’ll be entering a new phase of my life. Yes.InsyaAllah, starting tomorrow onwards, I’ll be working full time in one of the companies in Kuala Lumpur. To be honest, it has nothing to do with my degree. The company that I’ll be working with is mainly involved in retail business, the field which is totally alien to me. However,I don’t mind. As I keep telling my mum, I want to give it a try. Of course there are so many things to learn, but I believe it’s worth it. I don’t want to be like those graduates who are so choosy when it comes to having job while not realizing that they have spent hours and hours doing nothing . I have so many responsibilities towards my parents and I believe by doing this, it is surely something that can ease their burdens. My feelings. Only Allah knows ! Nervous, worried, happy, excited-you sum up all those feeling and you get mine. This would be my first time working (permanently of course) and honestly I cannot expect anything.

Compared to my other friends who graduated same with me, I believe they are still enjoying their holiday. For me, I cannot do that. To do that would mean I am doing injustice to my parents and my family and definitely being unjust to myself. InsyaAllah, I really hope all of your dua’. I hope I’ll be having a good working environment and colleagues and everything will run smoothly. I pray that Allah will make it easy for every action and decision that i’ll be taking after this. I’m sure sometimes things might get difficult, but InsyaAllah I pray that Allah will give me the strength to face it. Just want to share this quote while reading Reader’s Digest during the holiday:

Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for , in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.

What do you say? =P

The Way To Peace & Paradise

2010-07-01T20:52:00.000+08:00

How to know the true way of life from among those thousands claimed to be a real one?

What is the indicator of truth if you were to find it?

Dr. Bilal Philips explains why Islam (submission to the will of God) is the only right way in life if one wants to be successful in this life and the next.

About Dr. Bilal Philps:

“Articulate” and “outspoken” are some of the words that describe Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. His quest for the truth led him from his birthplace of Jamaica to Toronto, where he grew up and accepted Islam in 1972. He is renowned as an Islamic student of knowledge, lecturer, author, and critical thinker.

He obtained a B.A. from the College of Usul al-Din (Islamic principles) at the Islamic University of Medina in 1979. He later obtained an M.A. in theology from King Saud University in 1985. Finally, he obtained a PhD from the University of Wales in Islamic theology in 1994.

Bilal Philips has taught Islam and Arabic in private schools, lectured M.Ed. students in the Islamic studies departments of several universities, and founded Islamic information centres while travelling around the world to teach Islam to diverse audiences.

Free Ticket to Paradise?

2010-06-28T14:59:00.002+08:00

“Just because you are Muslim you won’t be getting a free ticket to paradise. You have to prove it ! .”

I don’t know why I started this post by that quote, but it’s truly provoking isn’t it? Maybe, it is something that I want to remind myself at this moment and also to remind myself over my life in the future. Thanks to my lecturer for reminding me with such a simple yet beautiful words =)

Anyway, let’s say that we want to get ‘A’ in our exams, we have to prove how serious are we to get that ‘A’ and pass with flying colours, if you want to buy a bungalow for your beloved mum as her birthday present despite that you have such a little monthly payment, you would try your level best to do extra savings or even extra works to fulfil that isn’t it? Let’s say that you want to go for your hajj the next year to come, you would surely put an effort to have your dream come true isn’t it ?. All of these and many more show that if we want to get something, we should at least do something in return. I won’t say that’s the rule but I would say that’s how it works =D

For Muslims, paradise is a place that we are truly longing for, since it is there that a true happiness exists and it is there that our final destination supposed to be. We believe that this world is just a transit to lead ourselves to the very much eternal world there in the Gardens of Delights i.e. the Heaven. Sometimes, all of us including ME keep saying that we want paradise; we want paradise, and so on. However, have we done enough to fulfil this dream?. Surely not!. At least for my part, I am sure and convinced I AM NOT.! Subhanallah.may Allah forgive me. As I browsed through the index of the Qur’an regarding paradise, I found abundant of verses where God enlightened us on how to achieve the paradise or the Gardens that He had promised us. As I have said earlier, if we want something, surely we have to do something in return. As the saying goes “Give, and ye shall receive”. However, it does not mean that we submit or serve God because He needs our submission. On the other hand, even if we don’t do that, it would not affect Him at all. As mentioned in the Qur’an:

And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.(Holy Qur’an 29:6)

That’s what I mean. Basically, to show our gratitude over the many blessings that He had bestowed upon us, that is the way how we should be showing our thanks to Him. Anyway, I was surprised to find that when I browsed through the index, I found quite a number of verses talking about the same things. What I mean is, the ways that God had elucidated in the Qur’an on how to attain paradise. You don’t believe me. Take a look at these ayat (verses) Of the Qur’an with the highlighted words:

Give the good news to those who believe and do right actions that they will have Gardens with rivers flowing under them. When they are given fruit there as provision, they will say, ‘This is what we were given before.’ But they were only given a simulation of it. They will have there spouses of perfect purity and will remain there timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an 2:25)

Race each other to forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the people who guard against evil. (Qur'an 3:133)

Or did you imagine that you were going to enter the Garden without Allah knowing those among you who had struggled and knowing the steadfast?(Qur'an 3:142)

Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, such a person will enter the Garden, provided for in it without any reckoning. (Qur'an 40:40)

As for those who believe and do right actions–We impose on no self any more than it can bear–they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an7:42)

As for those who believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an11:23)

Can you see the patterns? Almost all of the verses have the same gist i.e. believe and do right actions, guard against evil (still means right actions isn’t it?), acts rightly (again right actions), believe and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord, struggled and knowing the steadfast and so on. Ya Allah, that’s the terms and conditions to achieve the Paradise!!

However, what does it mean by ‘to do right actions?’. Subhanallah, I then found a verse that truly explains this question of mine right there in the same index. Guess what it says??

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

These are Allah’s limits. As for those who obey Allah and His Messenger, We will admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing under them, remaining in them timelessly, for ever. That is the Great Victory. (Qur'an4:13)

There goes the answer!!. Subhanallah.I believe the right actions that I have been highlighting above are- to obey Allah and His Messenger. It makes sense isn’t it? By obeying Allah and His Messenger, we are actually believe and do right actions, guard against evil, struggling and knowing the steadfast, being humble before our Lord and the list goes on. Simply to say, it explains the points that we have mentioned above. In fact, there is a hadith(sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) in which it says:

From Mu'adh bin Jabal, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: I said:

"O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a deed which will take me into Paradise and will keep me away from the Hell-fire." He said: "You have asked me about a great matter, yet it is, indeed, an easy matter for him to whom Allah Almighty makes it easy. (It is ) that you worship Allah without associating anything with Him, that you perform the prayers, that you pay the zakat, that you fast during Ramadan, and that you make the pilgrimage to the House."

[Related by Al-Tirmidhi, who said it was a fine and sound hadith]

After reading this hadith and those verses of the Qur’an, I found that the promise made by Allah is a truly a real promise. To be exact, they are not a lip service. Nonetheless, we should also take note that there is no such thing as free ‘ticket’ to paradise. Definitely the ‘ticket’ is there but it comes with terms and conditions-agree?

Now, it depends on all of us whether to grab the opportunity and get the ticket that we want so much or just sit back and rest on our laurels. I believe those ‘tickets’ are ‘reserved’ for all of us as long as we follow the ‘terms’ and ‘conditions’. A person once tell me,

What’s the point of avoiding hell and not going to paradise?

I totally agree with this person!.She made her point that day. Sometimes we are so much concern of don’t, don’t , don’t and forget about the do, do, do to achieve the paradise. InsyaAllah, I’m trying hard to book my ticket now. What about you my dear brothers and sisters. Have your booked your ‘tickets’? Don’t delay ya. Book your ‘ticket’ now !! ^_^

Allahu A’lam(Allah Knows Best)

Guidelines For Better Living According to Hassan al Banna

2010-06-26T09:55:00.003+08:00

Guidelines are very much needed in our life. Without guideline, it is as if we are driving with no purpose of destination, wandering in the dark without knowing which way to go and so on. Guidelines make it easy for us to have a clear picture of what to do and what ought not to do in our day to day living. It is so interesting to know how Hassan al Banna-a thinker, a leader, and the founder of Ikhwan al Muslimun(Muslim Brotherhood) highlighted his views on guidelines for a better living. There are nearly 40 guidelines that he had highlighted. However, I would choose some only based on my preferences and based on our contemporary circumstances. I believe all these guidelines are very helpful for our day to day living as a Muslim. InsyaAllah, in another post, I’ll be writing about Hassan al Banna himself because knowing his personalities and life is truly something that you would be fascinated with. =)

Hassan al Banna says ;Your acceptance of Islam obliges you to seek continuous improvement in your condition. As you strive to please your Lord and earn the eternal reward and pleasure of Paradise, keep the following advice close to your heart.

1-Devote a daily period for the recitation of the Qur’an. Aim to finish the whole of it within a month, but not before the end of three days.

2-Carefully recite the Qur’an, listen to it, and ponder over its meaning. Set aside a period to study of Sirah or life history of the prophet, and the history of the early Muslims. You should read many books. You should also read many books of hadith and memorize at least fort hadith. Last but not least, you should study the basics of the’Aqidah or Islamic faith, fiqh or Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic law.

3-Have a thorough medical check-up regularly, and get treated for any ailments diagnosed. Attach importance to physical fitness and self defence, and stand aloof from all bodily weaknesses.

4-Avoid excessive use of coffee, tea and other stimulating drinks, and strive to abstain completely from smoking.

5-Show interest in the cleanliness and tidiness of your home and place of work. Be concerned with personal hygiene, for Islam was founded on cleanliness.

6-Always be truthful and never tell lie.

7-Fulfill your promises and agreements. Do not resort to making lame excuses.

8-Be courageous and enduring. The highest degrees of courage are telling the truth in your own disfavour, keeping secrets, admitting mistakes and maintaining self control when angry.

9-Be serious and dignified. However, this should not stop you from enjoying jokes and laughing.

10-Be modest, careful and sensitive to both good and bad things by expressing your happiness when experiencing good and gratitude when encountering bad. If you demand less than what you deserve, you will receive what you deserve.

11-Be fair in judging according to sound evidence. Your anger should not make you ignore the good in others and your blessings should not make you forget the bad in others. Always speak the truth; no matter how painful it is, even if it is against yourself and against the people dearest to you.

12-Be active, energetic, and skilled in community services. You should feel happy when you offer a service to another person. You should feel compelled to visit the sick, assit the needy, support the weak, and give relief to the ill fated, even if it is only a kind word of sympathy. Always rush to do good deeds.

13- Be compassionate, graciously excusing and forgiving towards others. You should be kind to all human beings and animals, and have good relations with everyone. Observe Islamic social injunctions. Be merciful to the young and respectful to the old. Make room for others in meetings and gatherings. Do not spy and backbite. Do not be noisy. Respect others’ privacy, and neither condemn nor insult them.

14-Improve your reading and writing skills; increase your knowledge of the Islamic movement by reading about it. Read newspapers and magazines. Establish a personal library even if it is a small one. Delve deeply into your field if you are a specialist in science or the arts. Acquaint yourself with the general Islamic subjects to the degree which makes you capable of forming general judgements concerning day-to-day problems.

15-Underatke some economic enterprise, even if you are wealthy. Try to establish a private business, regardless of how small it may be or how busy or academically oriented you are.

16-Work, even though the pay is small, and do not quit unless the work is against Islam.

17-Perform your job in the best manner you can, and stand aloof from dishonesty and cheating. Observe your appointments, and never be late for work.

18-Be amicable in claiming your due, and hasten to give others their due in full, without procrastination.

19-Keep away from all forms of gambling, no matter what the incentive may be. Avoid unlawful means of livelihood, regardless of what quick profit lies therein.

20-Avoid the practice of charging interest(riba’) in all your transactions. Purify yourself from its putrid touch.

21-Contribute to the material gains encouraged by Islam by promoting private industry, especially Islamic enterprises.

22-Support da’wah work by contributing some of your wealth to the Islamic movement. You must pay the minimally established amount of Zakah on your assets because this is the inalienable right of the poor and deprived.

23-Set aside a portion of your income to defray unforeseen expenses, no matter how small your income is, and never indulge in extravagance.

24-Perfect your personal purity and cleanliness, and try to keep in a state of ablution(wudhu’)as often as possible.

25-When you perform the daily prayers, do so on time, and always fulfil the rules. Try to pray in congregation and at the Masajid as frequently as possible.

26-Obsereve the fast of Ramadhan and go on the Hajj as soon as you have the means. If you cannot afford to make Hajj, make it one of the goals of your life and strive hard to undertake it.

27-Regularly renew your repentance, seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Try to avoid pardonable offences as well as major sins. Devote a period of time every night before going to bed for self-criticism, reflecting upon the good or bad things you may have done throughout the day.

28-Avoid lustful thoughts,emotions, and occasions of sin, for example, by restraining your gaze from Haram things , urging your emotions to focus on good deeds, and keeping your heart and desires away from all that is forbidden.

29-Completely avoid intoxicating drinks and everything that causes impairment of the body or delays of the mind.

30-Do not take immoral people as friends. Keep away from places of immorality and sin.

31-Avoid all evil forms and places of entertainment, and in general, avoid the environment of arrogant and extravagant luxury.

32-Share the message of Islam everywhere you go.

Allahu'Alam(Allah Knows best)

Allah's Artistry In Color

2010-06-20T16:58:00.000+08:00

Have you ever thought what it would be like to live in a world without colour? Free yourself for a moment from your experience, forget all that you've learned and start using your imagination. Try to visualize your body, the people around you, the seas, the sky, trees, flowers, in short everything in black. Imagine that there is no colour around you. Try to think how you would feel if people, cats, dogs, birds, butterflies, and fruits had no colour at all. You would never want to live in such a world, would you?
Most people may never have thought about what a colourful world they are living in or wondered how such a diversity of colour has come to exist on earth. They may never have given a thought to how a world without colour would be. This is because everyone who sees was born into a world full of colour. However, a model of a black and white, colourless world is not impossible. On the contrary, the really amazing thing is our living in a bright, colourful world.

A colourless world would normally be thought of as having only black, white and shades of grey. However, black, white and shades of grey are also colours. In this respect, it is difficult to imagine colourlessness. To describe colourlessness, one always feels the need to mention a colour. With statements such as "it was colourless, completely dark", "there was no colour in her face; it was completely white" people try to describe colourlessness. In fact, these are not the descriptions of colourlessness, but of a world of black and white.

Try, just for a second, to imagine that all of a sudden, everything loses its colour. In such a situation, everything would mix with everything else and it would become impossible to distinguish one object from another. It would become impossible to see, for example, an orange, red strawberries or colourful flowers on a brown wooden table, for neither would the colour of the orange be orange, nor that of the table brown, nor that of the strawberries red. For a person, it would be quite annoying to live, even for a short time, in such a colourless world, which is even difficult to describe.

Colour has a crucial role in man's communication with the outside world, in the proper functioning of his memory, and in his brain's fulfilment of its learning functions. This is because humans can develop appropriate connections between events and places, people and objects only through their external appearances and colours. Neither hearing nor touch alone suffice to define objects. For humans, the external world only means something when it is seen as a whole with its colours.
Identifying objects and our surroundings are not the only benefits from the diversity of colours. The perfect harmony of colour in nature gives the human soul great pleasure. In order to see this harmony and derive pleasure from every detail of it, man has been equipped with a pair of eyes, which have a very special design. In the world of animate beings, human eyes are the most functional and can perceive colours in their smallest details, so much so that the human eye is sensitive to millions of colours. Evidently, the visual apparatus in humans that works so perfectly has been specially designed to see a world full of colour.

The only being on earth that can understand the existence of such an order in the universe is man because he has the power to reflect and reason. Hence, in the light of all the foregoing, we conclude the following:
Every detail, pattern and colour in the heavens and the earth have been created for humans to acknowledge and so to appreciate this order and reflect on it. The colours in nature have been arranged in such a manner as to appeal to the human soul. Perfect symmetry and harmony prevail within colour, both in the worlds of animate and inanimate beings. This situation will certainly evoke some questions in the mind of someone who reflects, such as:
What makes the earth colourful? How do the colours, which make our world so extraordinarily beautiful, come into being? To whom belong the design of the diverse colours and the harmony between them?
Is it possible to say that whatever exists might have come into existence by purposeless changes brought about by a chain of coincidence?

Certainly, no one would claim such an absurdity. Uncontrolled coincidences cannot create anything, let alone billions of colours. Just observe the wings of a butterfly or colourful flowers of any kind, each of which looks like a wonder of art. It is surely impossible for sound reason to attribute all these to unconscious processes.
We can have a better understanding of this fact if we take an example. When one sees a painting depicting trees and flowers in nature, one would not claim nor even think that the harmony of colour, the organised patterns and the conscious design in this painting could have come into existence by coincidence. If someone came along and said, "the paint boxes were overturned by the wind, mixed, and with the effect of rain etc., and after a long period of time this beautiful painting was formed", it is certain that nobody would take him seriously. There is a very interesting situation here. Although nobody would attempt to put forward such an unreasonable claim, some people can nevertheless claim that the perfect colouring and symmetry of nature came about by such an unconscious process. Nevertheless, evolutionists produce theses that it is the workings of coincidence to explain this subject and they produce various researches. They do not hesitate to put forward baseless claims on the issue.

This is obvious blindness, with which it is difficult to come to terms. Still, someone who escapes from this blindness through exercising his faculty of thought will understand that he actually lives in an extremely miraculous environment on the earth. He would also fully acknowledge that such an environment furnished with the most appropriate conditions for the survival of humankind could not have come into existence by chance. Just as a man who reflects, acknowledges the moment he looks at a painting that it has a painter, so will he understand that the multi-coloured, harmonious and extremely picturesque environment around him also has a Creator.

This Creator is Allah, Who has no partner in creation, Who creates everything in full harmony, and Who placed us in this world overflowing with numerous beautiful things embellished with millions of colours. All the things Allah creates are in perfect harmony with each other. Allah describes the uniqueness of His artistry in creation in the Qur'an as follows:

He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again-do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted! (Holy Qur'an ,al-Mulk: 3-4)

*This article is not mine actually. I am so sorry that I can't recall the source. Credit for the author =)