Sunday, October 27, 2019

Promoting Love On Earth

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

If you want love to be promoted, the beginning of it is to ask yourself
Who am I?
Who are the rest of the people around me?
What is the rest of the creation? What is my connection with it?

Who am I?

وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. [Quran, Adh-Dhariyat 51:55]

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُون

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. [Quran, Adh-Dhariyat 51:56]

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ ﴿٤﴾ ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَـٰهُ أَسْفَلَ سَـٰفِلِينَ ﴿٥﴾ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍ ﴿٦

We have certainly created man in the best of stature; (4) Then We return him to the lowest of the low, (5) Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted. (6) [Quran, At-Tin 95:4-6]

Who are the rest of the people around me?

The word ummah comes from the root umm (Arabic for mother). The ideal Ummah cares about all its members, just as an ideal mother cares about all her children, knowing that all are not equal and that each has different needs.

They were created by Allah (just as we were) so that our human potential could be actualized. People have rights upon us--right to life, right to respect, right to justice, etc. Not only do these rights provide us with an opportunity to develop all our inner resources but also they hold before us a vision of what Allah would like us to be — what Allah wants us to strive for and live for and die for.

وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى جَاعِلٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."

Human beings have the ability to think, discern right from wrong, and do good and avoid evil. Thus, on account of the promise contained in being human (namely, the potential to be Allah’s vicegerents on earth), all human beings are to be respected and their humanness is to be considered an end in itself.

What is the rest of the creation? What is my connection with it?

The rest of the creation includes the animals and the plants. Our connection with them is Allah. He is the Lord of the Worlds. He is the Giver of their lives as He is the Giver of our lives. We do not do whatever we like to them as to harm them or their environment.

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَ‌ٰجِعُونَ
Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. [Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:156]

The Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam, taught us the surest way to attract the blessings of Allah. It is by being kind, compassionate and merciful to Allah's creatures.

The Most Compassionate is kind on those who are kind to others. If you would show kindness to those who live on the earth, He who lives in the Heaven, shall shower His blessings on you. (Abu Dawood)

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Acquiring the Best Character -- Being Patient

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

There is no doubt that following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Allah’s beloved Messenger sallallhu alayhi wassallam will help us acquire the best character.

In the Qur’an, Allah (I) praises Prophet Muhammad’s high standard of moral excellence:

وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم

And indeed, you are of a great moral character. [Quran, Al-Qalam 68:4]

When asked about the character of Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ) his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) replied,

“His character was the Quran.”

Graciously patient, enduring trying circumstances without complaint

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَ‌ٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَ‌ٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ﴿١٥٥﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَ‌ٰجِعُونَ ﴿١٥٦

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, (155) Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." (156) [Quran, Al Baqarah 2:155-156]

فَٱصْبِرْ صَبْرًا جَمِيلًا ﴿٥

So be patient with gracious patience. [Quran, Al-Ma’arij 70:5]

May Allah make us among the patient and the most beloved to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam on the Day of Resurrection. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Acquiring The Best Character -- Being Good To Your Parents, Spouses, Relatives, Neighbors, and Other People Around You

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

In the Quran, Allah praises Prophet Muhammad’s sallallahu alayhi wasallam high standard of moral excellence:

وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم

And indeed, you are of a great moral character. [Quran, Al-Qalam 68:4]

When asked about the character of Prophet Muhammad, his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) replied,

“His character was the Quran.”

Affectionate and merciful with spouses

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَ‌ٰجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَ‌ٰلِكَ لَءَايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿٢١

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. [Quran, Ar-Rum 30:21]

Kind and humble with his relatives, neighbors, companions and the weakest members of community

وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَ‌ٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا ﴿٣٦

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful. [Quran, An-Nisa’ 4:36]

May Allah grant us noble character. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

7 Adab Menuntut Ilmu

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Imam Abu Amr al Basri, adalah salah satu imam Qiraat Asharah. Beliau terkenal sebagai ulama' al amilin (ulama' yg mempraktikan ilmunya). Beliau khatam Quran tiap 3 hari. Beliau mempunyai guru yang paling ramai. Bila di tanya bilakah waktu yang sebaiknya seorang belajar? beliau menjawab:“Sebaiknya ia belajar selama masih hidup."

Jadi selagi nyawa di kandung badan kita harus menuntut ilmu dan sebaik2 ilmu adalah ilmu Quran.

7 Adab Menuntut Ilmu

1. Niat yang ikhlas

Semata2 belajar untuk Allah
Untuk mendekati diri kepadaNya
Apa2 juga cita2 kita atau niat kita dengan ilmu yang akan kita pelajari dan dapati adalah semata2 untuk mendapat kasih sayangNya. Bila Allah sayang kita, Dia akan jaga kita.

2. Belajar dengan ihsaan (excellence)
Bersedia ke class. Jangan lambat ke class. Focus dalam class. Jangan tangguh2 tidur awal, bagun awal, buat homework dn amalan2 baik. Sifat menangguh adalah salah satu pintu syaitan yang ingin meragut imam kita. Imam adalah satu benda yang paling berharga dalam hidup kita.

3. Tawakkul .. rely on Allah

Perasangka baik dengan Allah. Allah itu Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim.

Always have a positive outlook in life. Jangan give up atau berhenti belajar sebab rasa susah atau tak mampu. Itu ujian saja. Bila kita sudah mulakan sesuatu yang baik, teruskan sampai selesai. Tunjuk tawakkal kita pada Allah yg Dia akan selamatkan kita dari kesusahan.
"I am as my slave expects Me to be"

4. Buang habit yang tak baik dan jauhkan diri dari dosa.
Tidak ada namanya dosa kecil atau besar dalam konteks ini. Dosa kecil akan jadi besar kalau di biarkan...macam api kalau tak di padamkn akan bersemarak.

Identify (kenali) habit tak baik dan ubah. Work hard to remove bad habits and replace them with good habits. Sebab ini adalah permulaan untuk mendapatkan akhlaq yang terbaik.

Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam ialah contoh kita yang terbaik. Allah memujinya dalam Al Quran,

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿٤

Dan bahawa sesungguhnya engkau mempunyai akhlak yang amat mulia. (4) [Quran, Al Qalam 68:4]

Akhlaq yang baik saja lah yang akan memberatkan Penimbang kita di akhirat nanti.

Quran adalah cahaya Allah. Allah tak bagi cahayaNya pada orang yang berperangai tak baik atau yang buat dosa.

Orang yang di hatinya ada cahaya Allah akan rasa tenteram, aman, dan happy walaupun dia miskin dan banyak kesusuhan.

Kita semua ingin masuk syurga Allah, dan syurgaNya yang tertinggi. Maka kita perlu berusaha bersungguh2 untuk dapatkan akhlaq yang terbaik.

5. Bersyukur pada Allah
Orang yang tak bersyukur (atau berterima kasih) pada manusia yang telah berbuat baik padanya, ia juga tak bersyukur pada Allah.
Orang2 yang terdahulu faham erti syukur. Ada seorang yang berkata, 'aku adalah hamba pada orang yang mengajar aku walaupun satu huruf.'

Betapa pentingnya syukur itu

Allah bersabda,
(وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَىِٕن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِیدَنَّكُمۡۖ وَلَىِٕن كَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِی لَشَدِیدࣱ)

Dan (ingatlah juga), tatkala Tuhanmu memaklumkan; "Sesungguhnya jika kamu bersyukur, pasti Kami akan menambah (nikmat) kepadamu, dan jika kamu mengingkari (nikmat-Ku), maka sesungguhnya azab-Ku sangat pedih". (7) [Quran, Ibrahim 7]

6. Banyak beristighfar dn berdhikir

Semua manusia buat dosa cuma sedar dengan tak sedar saja. Kalau kita anggap sesuatu perbuatan yang tak baik itu perkara kecil, walaupun satu kebiasaan umum, kita akan terjerumus ke dalam dosa besar satu hari nanti mungkin dengan tak disedari. Jangan benarkan putik tak baik membesar dengan beristighfar dan jauhi dari perkara yang mendatangkan dosa itu.

Kalau kita menghadapi kesusahan, cepat2 beristighfar. Ada ulama' yang beristighfar 1000x atau lebih bila beliau tak faham dengan sesuatu perkara.

Istighfar juga membuka pintu rizq...ilmu adalah rizq yg sangat besar.

Membaca al Quran adalah sebaik2 dhikr. Jangan malas practice membaca di rumah setiap hari.

Banyak berselawat atas Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Banyak blessings yang kita akan dapat dari amalan ini

7. Sentiasa berdu'a pd Allah...minta pertolongan dari Allah
untuk memudahkn kita belajar dengan ihsaan, bagi kita kejayaan di dunia dan akhirat, jauhkn kita dari fitnah dan malapetaka, bagi kita kesihatan, jauhkan kita dari sikap malas, bagi kita guru2 dan teman2 yang soleh dan solehah dan yang bertaqwa tinggi, dan sebagainya.

Tiada satu perkara itu mudah tanpa pertolongan Allah dan tiada satu perkara itu susah dengan pertolongan Allah.

Allahu 'alam

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Manners With The Teacher

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

It is incumbent on the student of the Quran to respect and honor their teacher. In a hadith related by At-Tirmidhi, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said,

"He is not of us who does not respect our elderly, is not merciful to our youth, and does not know the rights of our those who teach us."

Our righteous predecessors used to greatly emphasize respect and kindness to their teachers. A famous saying from many of the righteous predecessors is: "I am a slave to he who taught me a letter." The student of knowledge should have awe for his/her teacher and should respect him. Rabee' bin Sulayman was the companion and student of the famous scholar, Ash-Shaafee'i and he [Sulayman] said, "By Allah, I was not so bold as to drink water when Ash-Shaafee'i was looking at me, out of awe of him." Ash-Shaafee'i himself showed great awe of scholars and he said of himself, "I would turn the pages very gently in front of Imaam Maalik, out of awe of him, so that he would not hear it."

The student of knowledge should not address his teacher by their first name, calling them, ya sheikh, or teacher, instead they should call them by saying, my sheikh, my teacher, or our sheikh, our teacher. The teachers shouldn't be called from a distance except in a compelled situation. The teachers should not be addressed with the ta' al-khataab (you singular). Allah, the Exalted in the Quran, pointed out the manners with those teaching us khair when He said in surah An-Noor aayah 63: ((Do not make the calling of the messenger among you as your calling one of another.)) It would not be proper to call your parents by their first names, and in the same respect teachers of good should not be addressed by their first names.

The following is advice that Amir Al-Mu'mineen Ali bin Abee Taalib, may Allah be pleased with him, gave: "From the rights of the learned over you is that you do not ask too many questions, you do not divulge his secrets, you do not backbite about him to anyone, you do not look for error in him, if he made a mistake you accept his excuse. It is incumbent upon you to respect and magnify him as long as he keeps Allah's orders; you should not sit in front of him; if he has a need the people should race to serve him." Related by Ibn Abdulbarr, with the addition that "You should not point to him [teacher] with your hands; you should not say, 'So and so said something different than what you said' ..."

May Allah make us the best of students and the best of teachers. May Allah purify our intentions and make all we do for Him alone. May Allah grant that we will be "ahlu-l-Quran" or the family of the Quran (those that read it, study and apply it) those who are Allah's people and special ones. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Manners With The Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Manners with the Quran

1. Seeking Refuge: Seeking refuge with Allah from the rejected Shaitan before reading the Quran, following Allah's saying:

And when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the rejected Shaitan [An-Nahl 98].

The way to seek refuge is by saying: A'oothu billahi minash shaytaanir rajeem.

2. The Basmalah: Saying the basmalah at the beginning of every surah, except surah At-Tawbah, also known as Baraa'ah. The basmalah is not allowed before this surah.

3. Tahaarah: It is preferred that the Muslim be in the state of tahaarah or purity, especially when touching the Quran with his hands directly, as shown in the generality of the aayah:

"None touch it except the purified." [Al-Waqiah 79]

4. Pondering meaning: The Quran should be read with devoutness and reverence while pondering the meaning. Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Do they not ponder [reflect upon] the Quran?" [An-Nisaa' 82, Muhammad 24]

5. Repeating the verses: An assistance in pondering is repeating some aayaat and stopping on them to pay close attention to its meaning, just as the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, when he stood repeating one aayah until morning: "You punish them for they are Your servants, and if You forgive them, for You are the All in Might, the All Wise. [Al-Ma'dah 118]

6. Reacting with Quran: If an aayah praising Allah is read, one should stop and praise Him, Glorified be He, by saying Subhaanalllah, or Tabaarak Allah, or other phrases of praise.

The evidence for this is a hadith related by Muslim, that Huthayfah bin Al-Yamaan, may Allah be pleased with him said, "I prayed with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that night and he started with Al-Baqarah and I said [to myself], 'He will make rukoo' [bow] at 100 aayah', but then he continued. I said [to myself], 'He will pray with it [Al-Baqarah] for one rak'ah', but he continued. He then started An-Nisaa' and read it [all], and I said, 'He will make rukoo' with it [when he finishes]. Then he started AleImran and he read it slowly; and when he passed an aayah that has glorification in it, he glorified, and if he passed [one having] a question, he asked, and if he passed [one] seeking refuge, he sought.

7. Recite with Tarteel: It is incumbent upon us that we recite the Quran with tarteel, meaning reciting slowly with tajweed, proper articulation points, and proper stops and starts. Allah says,

"And recite the Quran with measured recitation [tarteel]. [Al-Muzzammil 4].

The scholars state that tarteel is preferred for pondering because it has the strongest affect on the heart. Ibn 'Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, 'That I read a surah with tarteel is more loved to me than reading the complete Quran.'

The reciter of the Quran should take caution against reading too quickly or making his goal completing a khatm [reading the complete Quran from the beginning to the end] quickly, or finishing a surah quickly without pondering the meaning and without being affected by its lessons.

8. Respect Quran: It is of the utmost importance that there is respect of the Quran by all readers of the Quran. Talk should be avoided while reciting the Quran, as well as laughter and playing around. Allah, the Exalted, says,

"So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy. [Al-'Araf 204].

Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, would not talk until he finished what he intended to read from the Quran.

In conclusion: All Muslim males and females should want Allah's reward in reciting the Quran. We should feel the meaning of purity of intention, and take care to get the great reward when we recite every glorious aayah. With every letter we recite we get a good deed [recorded], and each good deed is as ten times of it likeness, up to 700 times.

The effect of the Quran should show itself on us in our speech, our actions, and our manners, exemplified in what bin Mas'ood, may Allah be pleased with him, said, 'It is desired that the reciter of the Quran know his nights [getting up for recitation at night] when people are sleeping; and his days when people are awake, and by his crying when people laugh; and by his silence when people are in vain discourse.'

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Learn and Teach the Qur'an

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

The best of knowledge is the knowledge of the Quran. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said,

"The best of you are the students of the Quran and the teachers of it." [Bukhari]

The recitation of the Quran should have an affect on the student as they recite the words of their Creator. The student of the Quran is affected by knowing their Creator, increasing their taqwa, increasing their memory function, and in saying the best of words in the most fluent way. This is, of course for those that perfect the articulation points and know the proper stops and starts.

Imam Ash-Shafi'i, may Allah be merciful to him, said, "Who learned the Quran was magnified in value; who wrote al-hadeeth, his argument was strengthened; who studied fiqh, his position was honored; who studied the language improved his speech; and who studied [shari'ah] accounting will have a judicious opinion.

May Allah make learning, understanding, and teaching the Quran easy for us and bless us in it. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Acquiring The Best Character -- Look In The Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Our life on this earth is temporary and short; the real and permanent life is what Allah has prepared for the believers in Paradise. To enter Paradise, we have to pass the test of life and score high on the Day of Judgment. How can we achieve high scores and how can we be close to Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam on the Day of Judgment? By achieving his character.

Amr ibn Shu'aib reported from his grandfather said that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said,

“Shall I tell you about the most beloved to me and the closest to my assembly on the Day of Resurrection?” They were silent, so the Prophet repeated himself two or three times. They said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said, “Those with the best character.”

There is no doubt that following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Allah’s beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam will help us acquire the best character.

In the Quran, Allah praises the Prophet's high standard of moral excellence:

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿٤

And indeed, you are of a great moral character. [Quran, Al-Qalam 68:4]

When asked about the character of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, his wife Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) replied,

“His character was the Quran.”

So what are the characteristics or qualities that formed the Prophet’s distinctive character that he acquired from the Quran? And what does Aisha’s statement mean in terms of the way the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam dealt with people? The Quran gives us plenty of guidance for knowing what the best of character. So make sure we read and read the Quran over and over again and understand it.

May Allah help us to follow the footsteps of the His beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wasallam and grant us noble character. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Be a Companion of the Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassion

It is said that Allah will not reject the intercession of the Quran in the Day of Judgment. The Quran can prevent a slave from going to hell. While the other intercession only take the slave out of hell.

One who has in his heart the light of God will feel the beauty and peace as he recites the Quran.

Allah grants the life of a servant who is a friend of the Quran. A person who is a companion of the Quran does not have to fear when he is in his grave because the Quran will be his company and comfort him.

Be a companion of the Quran during your lifetime. Don't be lazy to read it every day until you die. It is recommended to read one juz (20 pages) a day and complete reading the entire Quran every month.

May Allah make us His people of the Quran and grant us istiqamah to read the Quran everday. Aameen.

Di katakan Allah tak akan menolak shafa'at al Quran di akhirat nanti. Al Quran dapat mencegah seseorang hamba itu dari masuk neraka. Manakala shafa'at yang lain hanya bolih mengeluarkan seseorang hamba itu dari neraka.

Seseorang yang telah terdapat di dalam hatinya cahaya dari Allah akan merasakan keindahan dan keamanan ketika mengulang2 membaca al Quran.

Allah meredhai hidup seseorang hamba yang bertemankan al Quran. Seseorang yang bertemankan al Quran tak perlu takut ketika dalam kuburnya sebab al Quran akan menemaninya dan memanjakannya. Di anjurkan membaca satu juz (20 muka surat) tiap hari dan khatam al Quran tiap bulan.

Bertemanlah dengan al Quran semasa hidup ini. Jangan malas membacanya tiap hari selagi nyawa di kandung badan.

Semoga Allah jadikan ahli Quran dan beri kita istiqamah membaca al Quran tiap hari. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Who Are The People of Intellect (Ulul Albab)?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

The Quran is to guide us, counsel us, advice us, and a powerful reminder for those who have sound minds, i.e. those people who are wise enough to understand and benefit from that reminder.

The Quran mentions several special groups of people. If you’re among a special group, you’re worthy of a special award, a special mercy bestowed by Allah, Exalted is He. One of these groups of people is what the Quran terms as Ulul Albab (أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ) or the People of Intellect.

Who are the Ulul Albab?

Allah has given each one of us a brain, and let us use it in any way we want. Ulul Albab are the people who not only have a brain, but are gifted in knowing how to put it to its correct use. They don’t need to have the signs of Qur'an drilled into them by constant repetition. All they need is to look at the sky– and they can read in its vastness, its seamless beauty, the presence of One God who is Merciful, the Best Creator, the one who is Beautiful and loves beauty, the Subtle.

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ‌ٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْ‌ضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ‌ لَءَايَـٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿١٩٠

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for Ulul Albab. [Qur'an, AleImarn 3:190]

The qualities of Ulul Albab

1- The ayat (signs) of Allah, whether natural (the sky, trees, mountains, flowers) or revealed (the Taurat, the Injeel, and the Qur'an) penetrate into their hearts very easily:

كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَ‌كٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُ‌وٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ‌ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٢٩

[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. [Qur'an, Sad 38:29]

And as a result, they automatically develop the love for natural beauty, and for the beauty of Revelation.

2- They remember Allah at all times, and are aware of His constant presence in their lives.

ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُ‌ونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُ‌ونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ‌ٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْ‌ضِ

... Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides ... [Qur'an, AleImran 3:191]

3- They pray to Allah. The Qur'an specifically mentions the following du'as:

رَ‌بَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ‌

...Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire. (191)

رَ‌بَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ‌ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَهُۥ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ‌ۢ

Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire - You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. (192)

رَّ‌بَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِى لِلْإِيمَـٰنِ أَنْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِرَ‌بِّكُمْ فَـَٔامَنَّا ۚ رَ‌بَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ‌ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ‌ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَ‌ارِ‌

Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, [saying], 'Believe in your Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die with the righteous. (193)

رَ‌بَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُ‌سُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ

Our Lord, and grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not fail in [Your] promise." (194)[Qur'an, AleImran 3:191-194]

رَ‌بَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَ‌حْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ ﴿٨﴾ رَ‌بَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَّا رَ‌يْبَ فِيهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ ٱلْمِيعَادَ ﴿٩

Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower. Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise.[Quran, AleImran 3:8-9]

4- They are wise.

يُؤْتِى ٱلْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤْتَ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِىَ خَيْرً‌ۭا كَثِيرً‌ۭا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ‌ إِلَّآ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٢٦٩

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.[Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:269]

5- They fulfill their obligations to Allah in an excellent manner

أَفَمَن يَعْلَمُ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّ‌بِّكَ ٱلْحَقُّ كَمَنْ هُوَ أَعْمَىٰٓ ۚ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ‌ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿١٩﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ يُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَنقُضُونَ ٱلْمِيثَـٰقَ ﴿٢٠﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ مَآ أَمَرَ‌ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦٓ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيَخْشَوْنَ رَ‌بَّهُمْ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوٓءَ ٱلْحِسَابِ ﴿٢١﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُ‌وا۟ ٱبْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَ‌بِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَو‌ٰةَ وَأَنفَقُوا۟ مِمَّا رَ‌زَقْنَـٰهُمْ سِرًّ‌ۭا وَعَلَانِيَةً وَيَدْرَ‌ءُونَ بِٱلْحَسَنَةِ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عُقْبَى ٱلدَّارِ‌ ﴿٢٢

Then is he who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like one who is blind? They will only be reminded who are people of understanding - (19) Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract, (20) And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account, (21) And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home - (22)
[Quran, Ar-Ra'd 13:20-22]

6- They are extremely afraid of the Hellfire

7- They remain patient in difficult situations in order to make Allah pleased with them.

And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord... [Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd 13:22]

8- They don’t nurture the attitude of retaliation. Rather they forgive others and reciprocate evil with good.

... and prevent evil with good... [Qur'an, AleImran 13:22]

The reward of the Ulul Albab

The special award of these people is nothing less than Jannah, where they will live eternally with the righteous ones from their family– their parents, spouses, and children. And when they will be entering into their eternal homes, the gatekeeper angels will say to them:
سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْ‌تُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى ٱلدَّارِ‌ ﴿٢٤

Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.
[Quran, Ar-Ra'd 13: 24]

May Allah grant us the qualities of the Ulul Albab and the highest Paradise. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Strengthening Our Faith Through The Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

The Quran is a guide to humanity. It should be our daily priority not only to read or recite the Quran, but also to understand and implement it in our lives.

How does the Quran guide us?

Allah asks us to ponder the simple yet powerful argument to believe in the Message of the Quran. He asks us to ponder on the signs in the universe, in us and around us. He presents us the track records of the good and the bad people in history; how they behaved and what was their end in this world. He describes their future too--the good people in heaven and the bad people in hell.

Most of the ayahs in the Quran appeal to our thinking. They build up and strengthen our faith and that is what we are missing these days. That strengthening of the faith is one of the most important part of guidance (hidayah).

Let's have a daily routine of reading and reciting a portion of the Quran (one juz or more) and complete reading the entire Quran bi-monthly or monthly, while understanding the meanings of what we read.

May Allah guide us on the Straight Path. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Saturday, October 12, 2019

How To Be Happy and Successful? Learn, Read, And Understand Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

The most successful person in the history of humanity is Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam, even according to those who don’t believe in him (Encyclopedia Brittanica, The 100, Time Magazine, etc.). What was his manual? The Quran. To be successful, there is no better guide than the Quran.

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ ﴿٢٤

Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? [Quran, Muhammad 47:24]

Who created us, why are we here, and where are we going? The correct and complete answers are given by the Book of Allah only.

Every person in this life undergoes cycles of happiness and sorrow, and of ease and tough situations. In easy situations, we tend to forget everything else. But when life goes through tough situations, no one can help you, not even money, position, status, relatives, power, etc. In those times, only Allah through His book can guide you to the best solutions. It alone can give you peace of mind and heart.

Each one of us is struggling in this life to find peace and happiness. We should then remember that we are made of up of two main parts: Body and soul. We are well aware of bodily needs and give our full attention to fulfill them. What about the soul? Food for the soul is the remembrance of Allah and the reading of His book. If we don’t satisfy our soul, we can never be happy and peaceful, let alone content.

If you want to have a meaningful, peaceful, happy, and successful life, then the Book of Allah is the only answer. Learn, Read and Understand it.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Friday, October 11, 2019

Enlightening Stories in the Quran -- Be Grateful in Times of Ease and Prosperity

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

We must be grateful and give thanks to Allah for the countless of blessings He has bestowed upon us, as He said:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ ﴿٧

If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe. [Quran, Ibrahim 14:7]

How do we show gratitude to Allah and give thanks to Allah? Use His blessings to obey Him and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

قُلْ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ ۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ ﴿٣٢

Say, "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers. [Quran, AleImran 3:32]

There was a place called Saba which Allah had blessed plentifully with water. The ancient kings of Saba built a big, strong dam to capture the water for irrigation, so that soon the place was thriving in all kinds of beautiful trees and fruits. But then in all this prosperity they forgot Allah, and even started worshipping the sun. So Allah punished them by taking away His blessings. Rats gnawed the dam and made holes in it. Soon the dam exploded and people and fertile land blown away.

لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِى مَسْكَنِهِمْ ءَايَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لَهُۥ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ ﴿١٥

There was for [the tribe of] Saba’ in their dwelling place a sign: two [fields of] gardens on the right and on the left. [They were told], “Eat from the provisions of your Lord and be grateful to Him. A good land [have you], and a forgiving Lord.” But they turned away [refusing], so We sent upon them the flood of the dam, and We replaced their two [fields of] gardens with gardens of bitter fruit, tamarisks and something of sparse lote trees. [By] that We repaid them because they disbelieved. [Quran, Saba 34:15-17]

This story is a lesson when we are in times of ease and prosperity, when it is very easy to forget that all these blessings are from Allah and He can take it away at any moment if He wills. May Allah make us of those who are grateful and patient. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Enlightening Stories In The Quran -- Marriage and Divorce

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala tells us in the Quran,

إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ قُرْءَ‌ٰنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٢﴾ نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْقَصَصِ بِمَآ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ وَإِن كُنتَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلْغَـٰفِلِينَ ﴿٣

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand. (2) We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur'an although you were, before it, among the unaware. (3) [Quran, Yusuf 12:2-3]

The Quranic stories are the best of stories. Allah chose and selected for us the best of stories to tell us. They contain details not even those who lived the events know the details of them. They skip details we don't need to know because they are not stories to entertain but they are stories to guide us and to guide us to excellence. Quran is pure from the point of view what benefit us. Each story has a lesson and every type of lesson you will find a story in the Quran. Everyone will find an example for him/her in the Quran--the weak, the oppressed, the tyrant, the poor, the rich, the father, the mother, the married person, the divorced person, and so on. So, make the Quran your intimate friend. Go to it everyday and when times are difficult, you know where the best of friends is and you won't feel lost or lonely. InshaAllah.

From among all the incidents that have occurred throughout human history, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala picked just a few to narrate in the Quran. Obviously, these stories are special and for us to learn from them.

Let us look at the story of Zayd ibn Harithah and what lessons we might take from this story.

Zayd ibn Harithah (ra), the freed slave and adopted son of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam, was married to Zaynab bint Jahsh (ra). Their marriage wasn’t very happy, and Zayd wanted separation. But the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam asked him not to do so. Allah revealed to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that he must allow them to be divorced. Then Allah married Zaynab to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

وَإِذْ تَقُولُ لِلَّذِىٓ أَنْعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَأَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْسِكْ عَلَيْكَ زَوْجَكَ وَٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ وَتُخْفِى فِى نَفْسِكَ مَا ٱللَّهُ مُبْدِيهِ وَتَخْشَى ٱلنَّاسَ وَٱللَّهُ أَحَقُّ أَن تَخْشَىٰهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ زَيْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنَـٰكَهَا لِكَىْ لَا يَكُونَ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ حَرَجٌ فِىٓ أَزْوَ‌ٰجِ أَدْعِيَآئِهِمْ إِذَا قَضَوْا۟ مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ مَفْعُولًا ﴿٣٧

And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, "Keep your wife and fear Allah," while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished. (37) [Quran, Al-Ahzab 33:37]

Both Zayd and Zaynab are among the high-ranking Companions. Zayd is the only Companion mentioned by name in the Quran. He was beloved to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and after him, his son Usamah. He was killed whilst commanding the Muslim forces at the battle of Mu’tah. Zaynab (ra) was one of the Mothers of the Believers. She excelled in goodness.

But despite their excellence, these two Companions couldn’t make a successful marriage. They had quarrels and bitterness to such an extent that they had to separate. What this teaches us is that when a couple gets as divorce, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one or the other (or both) of them are bad people or have some character problem. It simply means that they weren’t compatible with each other. We must not leap to the worst conclusion but give others the benefit of doubt, and leave judgment to Allah.

May Allah guide us to excellence. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Why Must We Read The Quran?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

The Quran is a guide to humanity which also includes us. Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite the Quran, but to understand and implement it in our lives as well.

الٓمٓ ﴿١﴾ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢

Alif, Lam, Meem. (1) This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - (2) [Quran, Al-Baqarah 1:1-2]

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ ﴿٢٤

Will they not then ponder over the Quran, or is it that they have locks on their hearts!? [Quran, Muhammad 47:24]

كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٢٩﴾

[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (29) [Quran, Sad 38:29]

May Allah grant us love of the Quran. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

A Beautiful Conversation With Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

When you recite Surah Al-Fatihah you are actually engaging in a beautiful conversation with Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Allah is giving us this opportunity many times a day. So, next time you recite Surah Al-Fatihah in prayers, don't rush through it, but pause and reflect on each ayah, and feel you are standing before Him.

It is narrated in a Hadith Qudsi that: Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says, “I have divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) between Myself and my slave equally and My slave shall be granted what he asked for.”

Therefore, when the slave says;

‘[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds. ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ

Allah says, ‘My slave has praised Me’

When he says, ‘The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful’. ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Allah says, ‘My slave has glorified Me’

When he says, ‘Sovereign of the Day of Recompense’. مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

Allah says, ‘he has related all matters to Me’

When he says, ‘it is You we worship and You we ask for help’. إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My slave and My slave shall have what he requested’

When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray’.

ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَ‌ٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿٦﴾ صِرَ‌ٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ ﴿٧

Allah says, ‘This is for My slave and My slave shall have what he asked for’. (Sahih Muslim)

3 Main Elements in Surah Al Fatihah

The first 3 verses teach us about the Aqeedah (Tawheed)
The next 2 verses teach us about Ibadah (Worship)
And the last 2 verses show us the Methodology of everyday life

What we learn from this Surah

Remember that all praises are due to Allah alone
Evoke Allah’s countless blessings, favors and bounties and show Him gratitude.
Choose good companions and be merciful to people around you.
Call Him with His beautiful Names and Attributes
Be sincere to Allah in His obedience
Stay firm on the true path and never forget the hereafter
Fear Allah’s anger as well as never lose hope of His mercy
Teach others this practice

May Allah shower us with His Mercy and grant us khushu' in our prayers. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Saturday, October 5, 2019

What Is Life? Apa Itu Hidup?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Allah tells us in Surah Al Hadid what is life,
Allah beritahu kita dalam Surah Al Hadid apa itu hidup,

ٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌۢ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَـٰدِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ ٱلْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُۥ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَىٰهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَـٰمًا ۖ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّـهِ وَرِضْوَٰنٌ ۚ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ ﴿٢٠﴾ سَابِقُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ أُعِدَّتْ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّـهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ ٱللَّـهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَٱللَّـهُ ذُو ٱلْفَضْلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ ﴿٢١﴾

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion. (20) Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. (21

Ketahuilah, bahwa sesungguhnya kehidupan dunia ini hanyalah permainan dan suatu yang melalaikan, perhiasan dan bermegah-megah antara kamu serta berbangga-banggaan tentang banyaknya harta dan anak, seperti hujan yang tanam-tanamannya mengagumkan para petani; kemudian tanaman itu menjadi kering dan kamu lihat warnanya kuning kemudian menjadi hancur. Dan di akhirat (nanti) ada azab yang keras dan ampunan dari Allah serta keridhaan-Nya. Dan kehidupan dunia ini tidak lain hanyalah kesenangan yang menipu. (20)

Berlomba-lombalah kamu kepada (mendapatkan) ampunan dari Tuhanmu dan surga yang luasnya seluas langit dan bumi, yang disediakan bagi orang-orang yang beriman kepada Allah dan Rasul-rasul-Nya. Itulah karunia Allah, diberikan-Nya kepada siapa yang dikehendaki-Nya. Dan Allah mempunyai karunia yang besar. (21)

May Allah grant us good in this life and good in the next life and save us from hellfire

رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
آمين

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Be Kind To Others After Your Prayers

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Surah Al Fatihah is the opening Surah of the Quran. It is so important that we are commanded to recite it in every salah at least 17 times a day.

In this Surah, Allah introduces Himself with two of His Attributes -- as Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim.

الرحمان
The Intensely Merciful

الرحيم
The Continually Merciful

In Arabic, the pattern رحمان shows intensity. For example غضبات (intensely angry). The pattern رحيم shows continuity. For example جميل (beautiful), كريم (the one who has good manners)

So Allah is intensely merciful continuously merciful.

Multiply the intensity with continuity. We are drenched with Allah's mercy. Imagine all the mercy and favors that you have.

When you begin your prayers, bring to mind the so many favors that Allah has given you and recite al Fatihah with full of gratitude. And as a showing of gratitude, be kind to others after your prayers esepcially to your parents and those who are kind to you.

May Allah help us be kind to others. Aameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Is Allah Angry With Us?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

With all the problems everywhere, is Allah angry with us?

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala repeats the same phrase 31 times in one Surah, Surah Ar-Rahman.

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? [Quran, Ar-Rahman 55]

Essentially Allah emphatically is asking us, "What favors, what wonders, what incredible things that your Master has done, and are you going to be in denial? And how long more are you going to ignore and pretend that it is not Allah who has been doing it?

Why is Allah asking these questions over and over again?

It is very natural, when a someone is angry with you, they repeat themselves. For example a teacher is yelling at the students because most of them failed their tests, "Didn't we go over this? Did I not teach you? Did I not do my job?" Why are you not doing your part? The more he repeats the questions, it is an expression of how angry he is and how upset he is with people who have taken advantage of a teacher who did everything he could, and they still failed their exams.

As angry as Allah is, He began Surah Ar_Rahman with one of His Names, Ar-Rahman. If it wasn't because of Ar-Rahman, anyone who has made Allah this angry, he won't exist anymore. He would be in Allah's punishment already. The point is that, humanity has made Allah extremely upset, and the only reason He is not executing what they deserve is because He is Ar-Rahman.

It is the Mercy of Allah by sending Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to this Ummah.

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ﴿١٠٧﴾

And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. (107) [Quran, Al-Anbiya' 21:107]

We should be the most grateful of all people for being the ummah of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam who brought the Quran to us. Start learning the Quran and follow His Sunnah and be merciful to our parents, our close ones and all His creation.

May Allah shower His mercy upon us and the ummah and save us from His wrath and punishment. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and is Most Wise, and He alone grants success, and to Him is the final return of all.

Wassalaam