بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Allah Most High says in the Quran:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الجِنَّ وَالاِنْسَ اِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوْنِ
And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. [Quran, Adh-Dhariyyat 51:56]
This worship (‘ibadah) of Allah is closely tied to the idea of loving (mahabbah) Allah. To worship Him means to love Him, it means to know Him. The acts of obedience that we do in order to worship Him are an expression of our love for Allah.
The purpose of our existence is to worship Allah, and this worship is adoration, and so the purpose of our existence is to love Allah. The slave who worships Allah out of love not only fears the Hellfire, hopes for Paradise and surrenders to His Lord, but he goes beyond all of these because He sees everything in the universe as a manifestation of Allah's kindness, generosity, and love. Everything that happens in the universe, to him, is sweet. He goes beyond what His Lord commands to search out everything that He loves, even if it is not obligatory.
Knowing Allah means to experientially realize that He is the Master of every single atom in the universe, that He created the universe from nothing, and that He needs nothing, and that everything else needs Him. This is not just a conceptual realization in the mind, but a realization in one’s heart that pervades one’s soul. So when one knows Allah as He really is, there’s a beauty to the being of Allah that the heart perceives and falls in love with.
The Sufis have a famous saying:
مَنْ عَرَفَ نَفْسَهُ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ
Whoever knows himself knows His Lord.
This means that whoever knows that he is a needy, indigent slave, will realize thereby that he has a Lord who doesn’t need anything, is Powerful, and everything that he has comes from His Lord.
May Allah grant us the knowledge and love of Him. 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, January 19, 2020
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Quran Reflection -- Don't Abandon The Quran -- Learn, Teach and Practice The Quran, A Healing and Mercy From Allah
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Al Quran is healing and mercy from Allah for the believers. Alhamdulillah. Be grateful by learning it, teaching it and practice it. Don't abandon the Quran.
[Al Quran adalah penawar dan rahmah dari Allah untuk orang-orang yang beriman. Alhamdulillah. Bersyukur lah dengan mempelajarinya, mengajarnya dan mengamal ajarannya. Jangan meninggalkan al Quran.]
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا ﴿٨٢﴾ وَإِذَآ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى ٱلْإِنسَـٰنِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَـَٔا بِجَانِبِهِۦ ۖ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ كَانَ يَـُٔوسًا ﴿٨٣﴾ قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا ﴿٨٤﴾
And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss. (82) And when We bestow favor upon the disbeliever, he turns away and distances himself; and when evil touches him, he is ever despairing. (83) Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way." (84) [Quran, Al Isra' 17:82-84]
[Dan Kami turunkan dengan beransur-ansur dari Al-Quran Aya-ayat Suci yang menjadi ubat penawar dan rahmat bagi orang-orang yang beriman kepadanya; dan (sebaliknya) Al-Quran tidak menambahkan orang-orang yang zalim (disebabkan keingkaran mereka) melainkan kerugian jua. (82) Dan apabila Kami kurniakan nikmat kepada manusia, berpalinglah ia serta menjauhkan diri (dari bersyukur); dan apabila ia merasai kesusahan, jadilah ia berputus asa. (83) Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): "Tiap-tiap seorang beramal menurut pembawaan jiwanya sendiri; maka Tuhan kamu lebih mengetahui siapakah (di antara kamu) yang lebih betul jalannya". (84)]
Don't be people who the Messenger sallallhu alayhi wasallam complained about to Allah that they have abandoned the Quran and turned away from it.
[Janganlah jadi orang-orang yang Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam mengeluh kepada Allah bahawa mereka telah meninggalkan Quran dan berpaling darinya.]
وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠
And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." (30) [Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:30]
A person abandons and turns away from the Quran in six ways [Qurtubi]:
1) He is not reading the Qur'an
2) He reads it but he is not understanding it, as if he has abandoned it
3) He reads it, understands it but not accepting it from his heart
4) He reads it, understands it, accepts it but he is not implementing it
5) He reads it, understands it, accepts it, implements it but it is limited to himself. He is not conveying to others
6) He is doing any these five things but sometimes, not all the time.
[Seseorang itu meninggalkan dan berpaling dari al Quran dengan enam cara (Qurtubi):
1) Dia tidak membaca al Quran
2) Dia membacanya tetapi dia tidak memhamainya, saperti dia telah meninggalkannya
3) Dia membacanya, memahaminya tetapi tidak menerimany dari hatinya
4) Dia membacanya, memahaminya, menerimanya tetapi tidak mengamalkannya
5) Dia membacanya, memahaminya, menerimanya, mengamalkannya tetappi terhad pada diri senditi. Dia tidak menyebarkan pada orang lain
6) Dia lakukan yang di atas tapi cuma kadang kadang, bukan sentiasa.]
May Allah make the Quran the healing for us and make the Quran our close and comforting companion in this life and in our graves. Aameen.
[Semoga Allah menjadikan Al-Quran shifa' bagi kita dan menjadikan Al-Quran teman yang rapat kita dalam hidup ini dan di dalam kubur kita. 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
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Al Quran is healing and mercy from Allah for the believers. Alhamdulillah. Be grateful by learning it, teaching it and practice it. Don't abandon the Quran.
[Al Quran adalah penawar dan rahmah dari Allah untuk orang-orang yang beriman. Alhamdulillah. Bersyukur lah dengan mempelajarinya, mengajarnya dan mengamal ajarannya. Jangan meninggalkan al Quran.]
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۙ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ إِلَّا خَسَارًا ﴿٨٢﴾ وَإِذَآ أَنْعَمْنَا عَلَى ٱلْإِنسَـٰنِ أَعْرَضَ وَنَـَٔا بِجَانِبِهِۦ ۖ وَإِذَا مَسَّهُ ٱلشَّرُّ كَانَ يَـُٔوسًا ﴿٨٣﴾ قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا ﴿٨٤﴾
And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss. (82) And when We bestow favor upon the disbeliever, he turns away and distances himself; and when evil touches him, he is ever despairing. (83) Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way." (84) [Quran, Al Isra' 17:82-84]
[Dan Kami turunkan dengan beransur-ansur dari Al-Quran Aya-ayat Suci yang menjadi ubat penawar dan rahmat bagi orang-orang yang beriman kepadanya; dan (sebaliknya) Al-Quran tidak menambahkan orang-orang yang zalim (disebabkan keingkaran mereka) melainkan kerugian jua. (82) Dan apabila Kami kurniakan nikmat kepada manusia, berpalinglah ia serta menjauhkan diri (dari bersyukur); dan apabila ia merasai kesusahan, jadilah ia berputus asa. (83) Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): "Tiap-tiap seorang beramal menurut pembawaan jiwanya sendiri; maka Tuhan kamu lebih mengetahui siapakah (di antara kamu) yang lebih betul jalannya". (84)]
Don't be people who the Messenger sallallhu alayhi wasallam complained about to Allah that they have abandoned the Quran and turned away from it.
[Janganlah jadi orang-orang yang Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam mengeluh kepada Allah bahawa mereka telah meninggalkan Quran dan berpaling darinya.]
وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠
And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Quran as [a thing] abandoned." (30) [Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:30]
A person abandons and turns away from the Quran in six ways [Qurtubi]:
1) He is not reading the Qur'an
2) He reads it but he is not understanding it, as if he has abandoned it
3) He reads it, understands it but not accepting it from his heart
4) He reads it, understands it, accepts it but he is not implementing it
5) He reads it, understands it, accepts it, implements it but it is limited to himself. He is not conveying to others
6) He is doing any these five things but sometimes, not all the time.
[Seseorang itu meninggalkan dan berpaling dari al Quran dengan enam cara (Qurtubi):
1) Dia tidak membaca al Quran
2) Dia membacanya tetapi dia tidak memhamainya, saperti dia telah meninggalkannya
3) Dia membacanya, memahaminya tetapi tidak menerimany dari hatinya
4) Dia membacanya, memahaminya, menerimanya tetapi tidak mengamalkannya
5) Dia membacanya, memahaminya, menerimanya, mengamalkannya tetappi terhad pada diri senditi. Dia tidak menyebarkan pada orang lain
6) Dia lakukan yang di atas tapi cuma kadang kadang, bukan sentiasa.]
May Allah make the Quran the healing for us and make the Quran our close and comforting companion in this life and in our graves. Aameen.
[Semoga Allah menjadikan Al-Quran shifa' bagi kita dan menjadikan Al-Quran teman yang rapat kita dalam hidup ini dan di dalam kubur kita. 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
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Quran Reflection -- Knowing Four Attributes of Allah In Times of Difficulty
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Surah Yusuf of the Quran teaches us four attributes of Allah that should run in our minds in times of difficulty.
Allah is Ghaalib. He is in complete control. Every single uncontrolled situations, Allah is in complete control of them.
وَٱللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْرِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٢١ ...
And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:21]
Allah is 'Aleem. Allah is Hakeem. He knows what He is doing and He knows what you are going through. There is not a single component in the affairs that is happening that He is not aware of. Not only He knows about it, whatever He is allowing to happen and whatever He is controlling, all of it is part of a plan that is full of wisdom.
At three critical junctures of the story of Yusuf alayhissalaam, عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ were mentioned as if they are like the chain that holds the Surah together. The first time was when Ya'qub talked to his son, Yusuf, and his aspiration for the son's great future. Ya'qub alayhissalaam described Allah 'Alimun Hakeem. At that moment those words are words of hope.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰٓ ءَالِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَآ أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٦
And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac. Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:6]
When the worse was over for Yusuf, again Ya'qub mentioned ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ. These are words of acknowledgment of his trust in Allah
قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِى بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿٨٣
[Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:83]
Towards the conclusion of the Surah when the family reunion happened, Yusuf mentioned ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ . Those were statements of gratitude.
وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا۟ لَهُۥ سُجَّدًا ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَـٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠
And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, "O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. [Quran, Yusuf 12:100]
Allah is Lateef. He is subtle in whatever He does. In this ayah Allah's dominance is implied.
إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠
Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. [Quran, Yusuf 12:100]
The four attributes (Ghaalib, 'Aleem, Hakeem, Lateef) come together make the real relationship with Allah. These are the attributes of Allah that should run in our minds in times of trouble. On one hand of this relationship is Allah and on the other hand of this relationship is your own qualities-- the qualities that a beleiver should have that are going to help him navigate himself in times of struggles.
Allah compliments Yaqub that he is a possessor of knowledge.
وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَهُمْ أَبُوهُم مَّا كَانَ يُغْنِى عَنْهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا حَاجَةً فِى نَفْسِ يَعْقُوبَ قَضَىٰهَا ۚ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَذُو عِلْمٍ لِّمَا عَلَّمْنَـٰهُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٦٨
And when they entered from where their father had ordered them, it did not avail them against Allah at all except [it was] a need within the soul of Jacob, which he satisfied. And indeed, he was a possessor of knowledge because of what We had taught him, but most of the people do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:68]
He used to keep telling his sons "I know from Allah that which you do not know."
قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشْكُوا۟ بَثِّى وَحُزْنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٨٦
He said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:86]
What does he know? Knowing those four attributes of Allah. His ilm was being highlighted. No matter how impossible the situation he felt, he was not going to let go hope. However, knowledge by itself is not enough. It is the quality that runs parallel with knowledge--tawakkul (trust, reliance).
If in times of trouble a person can really know who Allah is, and also have trust in Allah, he has the two elements that a person need to reach greatness. This is ihsan. Yusuf was described with the words ihsan over and over again.
وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٢٢
And when Joseph reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good. [Quran, Yusuf 12:22]
وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ ٱلسِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِ ۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَآ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَعْصِرُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلْءَاخَرُ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْسِى خُبْزًا تَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّيْرُ مِنْهُ ۖ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِۦٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٣٦
And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, "Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing wine." The other said, "Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:36]
وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَآءُ ۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَآءُ ۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٥٦
And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good. [Quran, Yusuf 12:56]
قَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْعَزِيزُ إِنَّ لَهُۥٓ أَبًا شَيْخًا كَبِيرًا فَخُذْ أَحَدَنَا مَكَانَهُۥٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٧٨
They said, "O 'Azeez, indeed he has a father [who is] an old man, so take one of us in place of him. Indeed, we see you as a doer of good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:78]
Practically when someone has knowledge and trust in Allah, the two qualities that highlight in the Surah is taqwa and sabr.
إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٩٠
Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:90]
This one ayah summarizes the life of Yusuf.
In the character of Ya'qub alayhissalaam we learn another balance. Human being still has to act. We have to take our own precautions. Human planning and human effort is part of what Allah blessed the human being with. Allah complimented Ya'qub's knowledge. We still have to find the balance between our own efforts and Divine help. And if our plan fails and the Divine Will is not parallel to our effort, that's the time to go to the attributes of Allah.
Sometimes we plan and Allah lets us execute our plan. Sometimes our plans and Allah's plan is in conjunction. That's the time to be grateful. When our plans and Allah's plans are not in conjunction, Allah's plan is going to come to the top. That's the time to remember who is predominant and who is not. No matter how good we think our plan is, Allah's plan is definitely better whether we get it or not.
May Allah grant us knowledge of Him. May Allah grant us wisdom and good in this life and the next. 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
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Surah Yusuf of the Quran teaches us four attributes of Allah that should run in our minds in times of difficulty.
Allah is Ghaalib. He is in complete control. Every single uncontrolled situations, Allah is in complete control of them.
وَٱللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَمْرِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٢١ ...
And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:21]
Allah is 'Aleem. Allah is Hakeem. He knows what He is doing and He knows what you are going through. There is not a single component in the affairs that is happening that He is not aware of. Not only He knows about it, whatever He is allowing to happen and whatever He is controlling, all of it is part of a plan that is full of wisdom.
At three critical junctures of the story of Yusuf alayhissalaam, عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ were mentioned as if they are like the chain that holds the Surah together. The first time was when Ya'qub talked to his son, Yusuf, and his aspiration for the son's great future. Ya'qub alayhissalaam described Allah 'Alimun Hakeem. At that moment those words are words of hope.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ ٱلْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰٓ ءَالِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَآ أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰٓ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٦
And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac. Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:6]
When the worse was over for Yusuf, again Ya'qub mentioned ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ. These are words of acknowledgment of his trust in Allah
قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِى بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿٨٣
[Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:83]
Towards the conclusion of the Surah when the family reunion happened, Yusuf mentioned ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ . Those were statements of gratitude.
وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا۟ لَهُۥ سُجَّدًا ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَـٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠
And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, "O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. [Quran, Yusuf 12:100]
Allah is Lateef. He is subtle in whatever He does. In this ayah Allah's dominance is implied.
إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠
Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. [Quran, Yusuf 12:100]
The four attributes (Ghaalib, 'Aleem, Hakeem, Lateef) come together make the real relationship with Allah. These are the attributes of Allah that should run in our minds in times of trouble. On one hand of this relationship is Allah and on the other hand of this relationship is your own qualities-- the qualities that a beleiver should have that are going to help him navigate himself in times of struggles.
Allah compliments Yaqub that he is a possessor of knowledge.
وَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ مِنْ حَيْثُ أَمَرَهُمْ أَبُوهُم مَّا كَانَ يُغْنِى عَنْهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا حَاجَةً فِى نَفْسِ يَعْقُوبَ قَضَىٰهَا ۚ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَذُو عِلْمٍ لِّمَا عَلَّمْنَـٰهُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٦٨
And when they entered from where their father had ordered them, it did not avail them against Allah at all except [it was] a need within the soul of Jacob, which he satisfied. And indeed, he was a possessor of knowledge because of what We had taught him, but most of the people do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:68]
He used to keep telling his sons "I know from Allah that which you do not know."
قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشْكُوا۟ بَثِّى وَحُزْنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٨٦
He said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know. [Quran, Yusuf 12:86]
What does he know? Knowing those four attributes of Allah. His ilm was being highlighted. No matter how impossible the situation he felt, he was not going to let go hope. However, knowledge by itself is not enough. It is the quality that runs parallel with knowledge--tawakkul (trust, reliance).
If in times of trouble a person can really know who Allah is, and also have trust in Allah, he has the two elements that a person need to reach greatness. This is ihsan. Yusuf was described with the words ihsan over and over again.
وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥٓ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٢٢
And when Joseph reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good. [Quran, Yusuf 12:22]
وَدَخَلَ مَعَهُ ٱلسِّجْنَ فَتَيَانِ ۖ قَالَ أَحَدُهُمَآ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَعْصِرُ خَمْرًا ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلْءَاخَرُ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰنِىٓ أَحْمِلُ فَوْقَ رَأْسِى خُبْزًا تَأْكُلُ ٱلطَّيْرُ مِنْهُ ۖ نَبِّئْنَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِۦٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٣٦
And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, "Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing wine." The other said, "Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:36]
وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَآءُ ۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَآءُ ۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٥٦
And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good. [Quran, Yusuf 12:56]
قَالُوا۟ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْعَزِيزُ إِنَّ لَهُۥٓ أَبًا شَيْخًا كَبِيرًا فَخُذْ أَحَدَنَا مَكَانَهُۥٓ ۖ إِنَّا نَرَىٰكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٧٨
They said, "O 'Azeez, indeed he has a father [who is] an old man, so take one of us in place of him. Indeed, we see you as a doer of good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:78]
Practically when someone has knowledge and trust in Allah, the two qualities that highlight in the Surah is taqwa and sabr.
إِنَّهُۥ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿٩٠
Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good." [Quran, Yusuf 12:90]
This one ayah summarizes the life of Yusuf.
In the character of Ya'qub alayhissalaam we learn another balance. Human being still has to act. We have to take our own precautions. Human planning and human effort is part of what Allah blessed the human being with. Allah complimented Ya'qub's knowledge. We still have to find the balance between our own efforts and Divine help. And if our plan fails and the Divine Will is not parallel to our effort, that's the time to go to the attributes of Allah.
Sometimes we plan and Allah lets us execute our plan. Sometimes our plans and Allah's plan is in conjunction. That's the time to be grateful. When our plans and Allah's plans are not in conjunction, Allah's plan is going to come to the top. That's the time to remember who is predominant and who is not. No matter how good we think our plan is, Allah's plan is definitely better whether we get it or not.
May Allah grant us knowledge of Him. May Allah grant us wisdom and good in this life and the next. 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, January 7, 2020
Quran Reflection -- Trial of Children
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Don't stress out when your children don't turn out the way you had planned. Even the best of parents will be tested with their children. Allah told us in the Quran that our wealth and our children are but a trial.
إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿١٥
Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward. [Quran, At-Taghabun 64:15]
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٢٨
And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward. {Quran, Al Anfal 8:28]
Ya'qub and Nuh alayhimussalaam had bad children despite being prophets. We can't say they didn't raise them right. So we look to them how they deal with the situation.
Ya'qub responded with beautiful patience.
وَجَآءُو عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِۦ بِدَمٍ كَذِبٍ ۚ قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ ﴿١٨
And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe." [Quran, Yusuf 12:18]
قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِى بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿٨٣
[Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:83]
Nuh responded with humility and asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
قَالَ يَـٰنُوحُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَـٰلِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّىٓ أَعِظُكَ أَن تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّىٓ أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْـَٔلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَغْفِرْ لِى وَتَرْحَمْنِىٓ أَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
[Noah] said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers." [Quran, Hud 11:47]
When our children were small we have absolute control over them. They listened. We begin losing control over them as they get older. But remember, our children are slaves of Allah, not ours. We are only appointed to be their shepherds. We have to be very concerned about our children and we can't give up on them until Allah commands us. We raise and teach them Islam the best we can. If they take a wrong path, we can't do anything about it. If Prophets can't do anything about their children, we can't do anything about our children either.
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧﴾ وَإِنَّا لَجَـٰعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا ﴿٨
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (7) [Quran, Al Kahf 18:7]
May Allah grant us righteous children and offspring and make them comfort to our eyes. May Allah save us and our families from the trials and tribulations of this life and the next. 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
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Don't stress out when your children don't turn out the way you had planned. Even the best of parents will be tested with their children. Allah told us in the Quran that our wealth and our children are but a trial.
إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿١٥
Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward. [Quran, At-Taghabun 64:15]
وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٢٨
And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward. {Quran, Al Anfal 8:28]
Ya'qub and Nuh alayhimussalaam had bad children despite being prophets. We can't say they didn't raise them right. So we look to them how they deal with the situation.
Ya'qub responded with beautiful patience.
وَجَآءُو عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِۦ بِدَمٍ كَذِبٍ ۚ قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ ﴿١٨
And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe." [Quran, Yusuf 12:18]
قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِى بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿٨٣
[Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise." [Quran, Yusuf 12:83]
Nuh responded with humility and asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
قَالَ يَـٰنُوحُ إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَـٰلِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْـَٔلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّىٓ أَعِظُكَ أَن تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّىٓ أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْـَٔلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِى بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَغْفِرْ لِى وَتَرْحَمْنِىٓ أَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾
[Noah] said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers." [Quran, Hud 11:47]
When our children were small we have absolute control over them. They listened. We begin losing control over them as they get older. But remember, our children are slaves of Allah, not ours. We are only appointed to be their shepherds. We have to be very concerned about our children and we can't give up on them until Allah commands us. We raise and teach them Islam the best we can. If they take a wrong path, we can't do anything about it. If Prophets can't do anything about their children, we can't do anything about our children either.
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧﴾ وَإِنَّا لَجَـٰعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا ﴿٨
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (7) [Quran, Al Kahf 18:7]
May Allah grant us righteous children and offspring and make them comfort to our eyes. May Allah save us and our families from the trials and tribulations of this life and the next. 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, January 5, 2020
Quran Reflection -- Don't Be Impatient
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
When something negative happens in your life, don't think that that is the end. Perhaps it's the beginning of a Master plan and Allah wants you to excel in life in a way that you become so big in His eyes. Maybe someone blocked and stopped you from doing something good or someone caused harm to you or someone affected you in your business in terms of losses or your boss fired you from your job. If there is no Iman (Faith) you can become depressed. But don't. Go to Surah Yusuf and read it.
Allah relates the best of stories and in Surah Yusuf, Allah tells us the story of Yusuf. There are many lessons that we can learn from this Surah and help us deal with our problems.
إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِى سَـٰجِدِينَ ﴿٤
قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا۟ لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٥
[Of these stories mention] when Joseph said to his father, "O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me." (4) He said, "O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy. (5) [Quran, Yusuf 12:4-5]
This is Allah's plan and how it started with Yusuf, Ya'qub and his brothers. And the ending was joy and hapiness as Allah tells us in the Surah,
فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مِصْرَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ ﴿٩٩﴾ وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا۟ لَهُۥ سُجَّدًا ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَـٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠﴾
And when they entered upon Joseph (Yusuf), he took his parents to himself and said, "Enter Egypt, Allah willing, safe [and secure]." (99) And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, "O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. (100) My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous." (101) [Quran, Yusuf 12:88-101]
So when you are stricken with problems say, Alhamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajin. Stand up and start again with patience. One day Allah gives you tawfiq. On that day are you going to become arrogant or are you going to become Yusuf? Yusuf was patient for 40 years (according to some narrations from the time he was thrown in a well by his 10 brothers and taken to Egypt as a slave and later thrown in jail). He was patient for 40 years but we cannot be patient even for 4 minutes! This is where most of our problems lie.
Allah created us to test us. Don't get caught in cheating ourselves because of our lack of understang about this life. Don't be impatient. The result is downfall. May Allah protect us and help us with future tests.
Sometimes Allah took something away because He wants to fill it with something better. Thank Allah when something bad happens and exercise patience. Remember, Yusuf alayhissallaam was denied his father's upbringing and companionship. Ya'qub alayhissalaam became blind from his sadness of losing his beloved son, Yusuf, whose older brothers were jealous of him. Shaytan overtook the brothers of Yusuf and talked them into killing Yusuf because they felt their father love him a bit more.
Allah has placed good health and sickness in our lives, good and bad children, wealth and loss of wealth, success and failures, loss of loved ones and companionship, to help us find Him and come close to Him. Alhamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajin.
May Allah grant us goodnees and enable us to reach out to Him in a beautful way.
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
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
When something negative happens in your life, don't think that that is the end. Perhaps it's the beginning of a Master plan and Allah wants you to excel in life in a way that you become so big in His eyes. Maybe someone blocked and stopped you from doing something good or someone caused harm to you or someone affected you in your business in terms of losses or your boss fired you from your job. If there is no Iman (Faith) you can become depressed. But don't. Go to Surah Yusuf and read it.
Allah relates the best of stories and in Surah Yusuf, Allah tells us the story of Yusuf. There are many lessons that we can learn from this Surah and help us deal with our problems.
إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِى سَـٰجِدِينَ ﴿٤
قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُءْيَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا۟ لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٥
[Of these stories mention] when Joseph said to his father, "O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me." (4) He said, "O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy. (5) [Quran, Yusuf 12:4-5]
This is Allah's plan and how it started with Yusuf, Ya'qub and his brothers. And the ending was joy and hapiness as Allah tells us in the Surah,
فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا۟ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ ءَاوَىٰٓ إِلَيْهِ أَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ مِصْرَ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ءَامِنِينَ ﴿٩٩﴾ وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى ٱلْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا۟ لَهُۥ سُجَّدًا ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُءْيَـٰىَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّى حَقًّا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِىٓ إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِى مِنَ ٱلسِّجْنِ وَجَآءَ بِكُم مِّنَ ٱلْبَدْوِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ بَيْنِى وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِىٓ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٠٠﴾
And when they entered upon Joseph (Yusuf), he took his parents to himself and said, "Enter Egypt, Allah willing, safe [and secure]." (99) And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, "O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. (100) My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous." (101) [Quran, Yusuf 12:88-101]
So when you are stricken with problems say, Alhamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajin. Stand up and start again with patience. One day Allah gives you tawfiq. On that day are you going to become arrogant or are you going to become Yusuf? Yusuf was patient for 40 years (according to some narrations from the time he was thrown in a well by his 10 brothers and taken to Egypt as a slave and later thrown in jail). He was patient for 40 years but we cannot be patient even for 4 minutes! This is where most of our problems lie.
Allah created us to test us. Don't get caught in cheating ourselves because of our lack of understang about this life. Don't be impatient. The result is downfall. May Allah protect us and help us with future tests.
Sometimes Allah took something away because He wants to fill it with something better. Thank Allah when something bad happens and exercise patience. Remember, Yusuf alayhissallaam was denied his father's upbringing and companionship. Ya'qub alayhissalaam became blind from his sadness of losing his beloved son, Yusuf, whose older brothers were jealous of him. Shaytan overtook the brothers of Yusuf and talked them into killing Yusuf because they felt their father love him a bit more.
Allah has placed good health and sickness in our lives, good and bad children, wealth and loss of wealth, success and failures, loss of loved ones and companionship, to help us find Him and come close to Him. Alhamdulillah, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajin.
May Allah grant us goodnees and enable us to reach out to Him in a beautful way.
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, January 4, 2020
Quran Reflection -- Shield Your Iman From Shaytan (Lindungi Iman Anda Dari Shaytan)
Iman (Faith in the Oneness of Allah) is the most precious for everyone. Shaytan is lying in wait to steal your Iman.
وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٢٢ ...
And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?" [Quran, Al A'raf 7:22]
Shield your Imam with as many layers of good works daily...the obligatory and the sunnah, including reading at least a juz of Quran daily. And choose good company, stay away from bad company and don't waste time. Learn how to perform your worship properly.
Iman adalah yang paling berharga untuk semua orang. Shaytan sedang menunggu untuk mencuri iman anda.
وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٢٢ ...
Serta Tuhan mereka menyeru mereka: "Bukankah Aku telah melarang kamu berdua dari pokok itu, dan Aku katakan kepada kamu, bahawa Syaitan itu adalah musuh kamu yang nyata?" [Quran, Al A'raf 7:22]
Benteng dan lindungi Imam anda dengan banyak lapisan kerja yang baik setiap hari ... yang wajib dan sunnah, termasuk membaca sekurang-kurangnya satu juz al-Quran setiap hari. Dan pilih teman yang baik, tinggalkan teman yang tidak baik dan jangan buang masa. Belajar cara melaksanakan ibadah anda dengan betul.
قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ ﴿١٢﴾ قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰغِرِينَ ﴿١٣﴾ قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ ﴿١٤﴾ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ ﴿١٥﴾ قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿١٦﴾ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ ﴿١٧﴾ قَالَ ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا ۖ لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ ﴿١٨﴾
[Allah] said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay." (12) [Allah] said, "Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased. (13) [Satan] said, "Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected." (14) [Allah] said, "Indeed, you are of those reprieved." (15) [Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. (16) Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]." (17) [Allah] said, "Get out of Paradise, reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together." (18)
Allah berfirman: "Apakah penghalangnya yang menyekatmu daripada sujud ketika Aku perintahmu?" Iblis menjawab: "Aku lebih baik daripada Adam, Engkau (wahai Tuhan) jadikan daku dari api sedang dia Engkau jadikan dari tanah." (12) Allah berfirman: "Turunlah engkau dari Syurga ini, kerana tidak patut engkau berlaku sombong di dalamnya; oleh sebab itu keluarlah, sesungguhnya engkau dari golongan yang hina". (13) Iblis berkata: Berilah tempoh kepadaku hingga hari mereka dibangkitkan (hari kiamat)". (14) Allah berfirman: "Sesungguhnya engkau dari golongan yang diberi tempoh (ke suatu masa yang tertentu)". (15) Iblis berkata: "Oleh kerana Engkau (wahai Tuhan) menyebabkan daku tersesat (maka) demi sesungguhnya aku akan mengambil tempat menghalangi mereka (dari menjalani) jalanMu yang lurus; (16) "Kemudian aku datangi mereka, dari hadapan mereka serta dari belakang mereka, dan dari kanan mereka serta dari kiri mereka; dan Engkau tidak akan dapati kebanyakan mereka bersyukur". (17) Allah berfirman: "Keluarlah engkau dari Syurga sebagai makhluk yang terhina serta terusir. Sesungguhnya sesiapa di antara mereka yang menurutmu, tetaplah aku akan memenuhi neraka jahanam dengan (golongan) kamu (yang derhaka) semuanya; (18)
[Quran, al A'raf 7:12-18]
May Allah protect our Iman, increase our Iman, grant us an excellent ending at the highest of Iman and resurrect us with His beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasalaam and enter us into the highest Jannah with him without hisab (accounting). Aameen.
Semoga Allah lindungi Iman kita, tingkatkan Iman kita, berikan kita husnul khaatimah dalam iman yang tertinggi dan bangkitkan kita dengan kekasihNya Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasalaam dan masukkan kita ke syurga yang tertinggi dengannya tanpa hisab. 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
وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٢٢ ...
And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?" [Quran, Al A'raf 7:22]
Shield your Imam with as many layers of good works daily...the obligatory and the sunnah, including reading at least a juz of Quran daily. And choose good company, stay away from bad company and don't waste time. Learn how to perform your worship properly.
Iman adalah yang paling berharga untuk semua orang. Shaytan sedang menunggu untuk mencuri iman anda.
وَنَادَىٰهُمَا رَبُّهُمَآ أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ ﴿٢٢ ...
Serta Tuhan mereka menyeru mereka: "Bukankah Aku telah melarang kamu berdua dari pokok itu, dan Aku katakan kepada kamu, bahawa Syaitan itu adalah musuh kamu yang nyata?" [Quran, Al A'raf 7:22]
Benteng dan lindungi Imam anda dengan banyak lapisan kerja yang baik setiap hari ... yang wajib dan sunnah, termasuk membaca sekurang-kurangnya satu juz al-Quran setiap hari. Dan pilih teman yang baik, tinggalkan teman yang tidak baik dan jangan buang masa. Belajar cara melaksanakan ibadah anda dengan betul.
قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا۠ خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِى مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُۥ مِن طِينٍ ﴿١٢﴾ قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰغِرِينَ ﴿١٣﴾ قَالَ أَنظِرْنِىٓ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ ﴿١٤﴾ قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنظَرِينَ ﴿١٥﴾ قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿١٦﴾ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ ﴿١٧﴾ قَالَ ٱخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا ۖ لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ ﴿١٨﴾
[Allah] said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay." (12) [Allah] said, "Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased. (13) [Satan] said, "Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected." (14) [Allah] said, "Indeed, you are of those reprieved." (15) [Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. (16) Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]." (17) [Allah] said, "Get out of Paradise, reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together." (18)
Allah berfirman: "Apakah penghalangnya yang menyekatmu daripada sujud ketika Aku perintahmu?" Iblis menjawab: "Aku lebih baik daripada Adam, Engkau (wahai Tuhan) jadikan daku dari api sedang dia Engkau jadikan dari tanah." (12) Allah berfirman: "Turunlah engkau dari Syurga ini, kerana tidak patut engkau berlaku sombong di dalamnya; oleh sebab itu keluarlah, sesungguhnya engkau dari golongan yang hina". (13) Iblis berkata: Berilah tempoh kepadaku hingga hari mereka dibangkitkan (hari kiamat)". (14) Allah berfirman: "Sesungguhnya engkau dari golongan yang diberi tempoh (ke suatu masa yang tertentu)". (15) Iblis berkata: "Oleh kerana Engkau (wahai Tuhan) menyebabkan daku tersesat (maka) demi sesungguhnya aku akan mengambil tempat menghalangi mereka (dari menjalani) jalanMu yang lurus; (16) "Kemudian aku datangi mereka, dari hadapan mereka serta dari belakang mereka, dan dari kanan mereka serta dari kiri mereka; dan Engkau tidak akan dapati kebanyakan mereka bersyukur". (17) Allah berfirman: "Keluarlah engkau dari Syurga sebagai makhluk yang terhina serta terusir. Sesungguhnya sesiapa di antara mereka yang menurutmu, tetaplah aku akan memenuhi neraka jahanam dengan (golongan) kamu (yang derhaka) semuanya; (18)
[Quran, al A'raf 7:12-18]
May Allah protect our Iman, increase our Iman, grant us an excellent ending at the highest of Iman and resurrect us with His beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasalaam and enter us into the highest Jannah with him without hisab (accounting). Aameen.
Semoga Allah lindungi Iman kita, tingkatkan Iman kita, berikan kita husnul khaatimah dalam iman yang tertinggi dan bangkitkan kita dengan kekasihNya Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasalaam dan masukkan kita ke syurga yang tertinggi dengannya tanpa hisab. 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, January 1, 2020
New Year's Resolution -- Don't Make Wealth An End In Of Itself
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Abu Wail narrated:
"Mu'awiyah came to Abu Hashim bin 'Uthbah to visit him when he was ill (and dying). He said: 'O Uncle! Why do you cry? Is it from the pangs of death or desire for this world?' He said: 'Neither of these. But the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) had commissioned me with an obligation that I did not abide by. He sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "It suffices you to gather the wealth of a servant or a rider in the cause of Allah." And (it is only) today I find that I have gathered it.'"
عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، قَالَ جَاءَ مُعَاوِيَةُ إِلَى أَبِي هَاشِمِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ وَهُوَ مَرِيضٌ يَعُودُهُ فَقَالَ يَا خَالُ مَا يُبْكِيكَ أَوَجَعٌ يُشْئِزُكَ أَمْ حِرْصٌ عَلَى الدُّنْيَا قَالَ كُلٌّ لاَ وَلَكِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَهِدَ إِلَىَّ عَهْدًا لَمْ آخُذْ بِهِ قَالَ " إِنَّمَا يَكْفِيكَ مِنْ جَمْعِ الْمَالِ خَادِمٌ وَمَرْكَبٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ " . وَأَجِدُنِي الْيَوْمَ قَدْ جَمَعْتُ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَقَدْ رَوَى زَائِدَةُ وَعَبِيدَةُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ سَهْمٍ قَالَ دَخَلَ مُعَاوِيَةُ عَلَى أَبِي هَاشِمٍ فَذَكَرَ نَحْوَهُ . وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ بُرَيْدَةَ الأَسْلَمِيِّ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم .
In gathering your wealth don't make wealth an end in of itself. Look at what is sufficient for you and what is of actual benefit, not of perceived benefit. Then direct your concern which ultimately of benefit. So seek of worldly matters with beautiful balance and restraint. Don't dedicate yourself so much to gathering of wealth such that it is of detriment to your relationship with Allah, your parents, your spouse, your children, and your capacity to do good in this life. Harm is in the excess.
We ask Allah that He grants us this balance and protect us from being excessive.
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
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Abu Wail narrated:
"Mu'awiyah came to Abu Hashim bin 'Uthbah to visit him when he was ill (and dying). He said: 'O Uncle! Why do you cry? Is it from the pangs of death or desire for this world?' He said: 'Neither of these. But the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) had commissioned me with an obligation that I did not abide by. He sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "It suffices you to gather the wealth of a servant or a rider in the cause of Allah." And (it is only) today I find that I have gathered it.'"
عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، قَالَ جَاءَ مُعَاوِيَةُ إِلَى أَبِي هَاشِمِ بْنِ عُتْبَةَ وَهُوَ مَرِيضٌ يَعُودُهُ فَقَالَ يَا خَالُ مَا يُبْكِيكَ أَوَجَعٌ يُشْئِزُكَ أَمْ حِرْصٌ عَلَى الدُّنْيَا قَالَ كُلٌّ لاَ وَلَكِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَهِدَ إِلَىَّ عَهْدًا لَمْ آخُذْ بِهِ قَالَ " إِنَّمَا يَكْفِيكَ مِنْ جَمْعِ الْمَالِ خَادِمٌ وَمَرْكَبٌ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ " . وَأَجِدُنِي الْيَوْمَ قَدْ جَمَعْتُ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَقَدْ رَوَى زَائِدَةُ وَعَبِيدَةُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ عَنْ سَمُرَةَ بْنِ سَهْمٍ قَالَ دَخَلَ مُعَاوِيَةُ عَلَى أَبِي هَاشِمٍ فَذَكَرَ نَحْوَهُ . وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ بُرَيْدَةَ الأَسْلَمِيِّ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم .
In gathering your wealth don't make wealth an end in of itself. Look at what is sufficient for you and what is of actual benefit, not of perceived benefit. Then direct your concern which ultimately of benefit. So seek of worldly matters with beautiful balance and restraint. Don't dedicate yourself so much to gathering of wealth such that it is of detriment to your relationship with Allah, your parents, your spouse, your children, and your capacity to do good in this life. Harm is in the excess.
We ask Allah that He grants us this balance and protect us from being excessive.
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
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