Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala berfirman : “Katakanlah dengan fadhlullah (kurniaan Allah) dan rahmatNya hendaklah (dengan itu) mereka bergembira!” Surah Yunus, ayat 58.

Para ulama’ tafsir telah memberikan berbagai-bagai tafsiran untuk kalimah fadhlullah dan rahmat.

Sesungguhnya kelebihan dan rahmat Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala itu berbagai-bagai, tidak terbatas dengan satu perkara atau satu tafsiran sahaja.

Sebahagian ahli tafsir menyatakan bahawa erti fadhlullah itu adalah ilmu. Rahmat pula adalah Sayyidina Muhammadsollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam sebagaimana yang dinyatakan oleh al-Imam Suyuti dalam tafsirnya “ad-Durrul Mansur” bahawa Abu Shaykh telah menyatakannya sebagai salah satu tafsiran antara beberapa tafsiran yang dinisbahkan kepada Sayyidina Abdullah ibnu Abbas radiyallahu ‘anhuma.

Sungguh Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam adalah satu rahmat yang dianugerahkan Allah kepada sekalian alam. Bahkan baginda adalah rahmat Allah yang paling agung sebagaimana firman Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala : “Dan tidaklah Kami utuskan engkau (wahai Nabi) melainkan sebagai rahmat bagi semesta alam.” Surah al-Anbiya’, ayat 107.

Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam juga telah bersabda : “Wahai manusia, sesungguhnya aku adalah rahmat yang dikurniakan (dikurniakan Allah kepada kamu sekalian).” HR Imam al-Hakim, dihukumkan sahih oleh  al-Imam Suyuti di dalam kitab al-Jami’ as-Saghir.

Oleh itu sewajarnya kita bergembira dengan anugerah rahmat Allah ini.

Antara cara untuk menyatakan kegembiraan ini ialah dengan selalu bahkan senantiasa kita ingat dan memperingati Sayyidina Muhammad sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam dan tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa majlis pembacaan maulid baginda adalah salah satu majlis di mana Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam diperingati, disebut-sebut, dipuji, disanjung, dikenali, dicintai justeru diikuti sebagai contoh tauladan yang paling unggul.

Majlis di mana nama Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam adalah satu majlis yang besar, yang agung lagi harum semerbak baunya, sebagaimana penjelasan ulama’.

Sayyidul Ulama al-Hijaz Shaykh Nawawi al-Bantani rahimahullah dalam kitabnya “as-Simarul Yani`ah fir Riyadhil Badi`ah” menyatakan bahawa antara masa dan tempat yang diharapkan qabulnya doa permohonan kita ialah pada perhimpunan-perhimpunan kebajikan (majãmi-`ul khair) seperti majlis-majlis pembacaan maulid Nabi sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam.

Berkata al-Imam al-‘Allamah al-Hafidz ‘Abdur Rahman al-Baghdadi al-Hanbali, dilahirkan pada tahun 510H dan wafat pada 13 Ramadhan 597H di dalam kitabnya “Bustanul Wa`idzin wa Riyadhus Sami`in” mengenai keistimewaan majlis di mana selawat dan salam diucapkan ke atas Sayyidina Muhammad sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam : Telah diriwayatkan bahawa Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam bersabda, “Tidak duduk (yakni hadhir) sesuatu kaum dalam sebuah majlis kemudian mereka berpisah atau bersurai tanpa berselawat ke atasku melainkan perpisahan mereka itu atas bau busuk seperti bau bangkai himar.” HR Imam Ahmad, dihukumkan sahih oleh  al-Imam Suyuti di dalam kitab al-Jamĩ’ as-Saghĩr.

Kata al-Imam lagi : Apabila sesuatu majlis di mana para hadhirin yang menghadhirinya tidak berselawat ke atas Rasulullsh sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam di dalamnya, akan menyebabkan mereka berpisah atau bersurai atas bau busuk seperti bau bangkai himar (keldai), maka tidaklah menghairankan jika majlis yang di dalamnya diucapkan ucapan-ucapan selawat ke atas Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam akan menyebabkan para hadhirin yang menghadhirinya mendapat bau wangi yang paling harum dan paling baik. Dan yang sedemikian itu adalah kerana Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassallam adalah makhluk yang terbaik dan yang paling suci, yang mana apabila baginda bersabda dalam sesuatu majlis, nescaya penuhlah majlis tersebut dengan bau harum mewangi semerbak kasturi.

Oleh itu, marilah kita berusaha sedaya upaya untuk selalu menghadhirkan diri dalam majlis-majlis maulid dengan memperbanyakkan ucapan selawat dan salam serta mendoakan kebajikan diri dan ummat sekaliannya.

Adat dunia ada lawannya, jika ada yang tidak suka hadhir, maka biarkanlah mereka dengan pendapat dan pandangan mereka, mudah-mudahan mereka juga akan membiarkan kita beramal dengan tenang tanpa cemuhan dan sindiran, tanpa fitnah dan tohmah.

Yang sedihnya, ada diantara orang yang bila melihat ummat Islam memuji Rasulullah sollallahu ‘alaihi wassalam

mereka menuduh ummat Islam mendewa-dewakan Nabi, mereka kata ummat Islam menyamakan Nabi dengan Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Kita harus berwaspada agar jangan terpedaya dengan kata-kata segolongan yang suka membid`ahkan amalan orang lain.

Kita ada pegangan kita dan kita ada ulama’ yang menjadi sandaran kita, bukan satu, bukan dua tetapi sangat ramai. Bak kata al-Allamah al-Fadhil Shaykh Nuruddin al-Banjari, amalan ini telah diamalkan zaman berzaman oleh bukan sahaja orang awam tetapi para ulama ummat ini.

Orang yang mencerca amalan yang telah dipandang baik oleh ummat ini besar kemungkinan mereka belum faham kedudukan yang sebenar.

Janganlah dibahas atau berdebat dengan mereka, habis umur kita untuk tujuan tersebut dan sia-sialah masa kita.

Apa yang penting kita tetap menyatakan ialah pegangan kita, ulama’ kita, hujjah kita dan kita nasihatkan mereka agar berlapang dada dengan khilafiyyah ini serta hentikan fitnah dan tohmah terhadap amalan dan ulama’ kita.

Wallahu ta’ala a’lam wasollallahu ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad wa ‘ala Aalihi wa Sahbihi wassalam walhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalamin.

oleh Ustaz Muhammad Mazdiuky

Besides desiring mercy from our Allah swt, I would also wish to be forgiven by people I made mistakes to. Hence it is always good to have this as part of our daily reminders to forgive others.

In our Facebook Page..

We have actually set this prayer as a reminder on a daily basis at 10 pm each day.

Why Forgive?

We have to believe that for others to forgive you, we must first ask Allah swt for forgiveness and for us to forgive ourselves and others first. We shouldn’t be waiting for others to forgive us. Its must start from us.

As we live day by day, we can never know some of our mistakes to others because  there are mistakes that we don’t even realise. And because of that, it irritated someone, made someone jealous and more. Whatever it is that hurts that person’s heart, let’s learn to forgive them first.

In some studies it shows that the reason people don’t move on with their lives and stuck in situations is because they are not able to forgive.  Ending up in unnecessary stress and ending up in a mess. Let’s do our best not to get into those state.

Writing it here is easy but doing this could take a few minutes for us or for some or it may take years. Hence the reason we are always reminding ourselves about it daily…

Do join our Facebook Page to get status updates like above.

]]> http://www.islamicevents.sg/blog/articles/dua/lets-forgive-before-its-too-late/feed/ 0 http://www.islamicevents.sg/blog/articles/why-do-muslims-bow-down-prostrate-and-then-stand-as-though-they-are-exercising-while-offering-prayers/ http://www.islamicevents.sg/blog/articles/why-do-muslims-bow-down-prostrate-and-then-stand-as-though-they-are-exercising-while-offering-prayers/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:23:24 +0000 admin http://www.islamicevents.sg/blog/?p=2759 This article is taken from Ummah.com

Answer.

SALAAH IS LIKE AN EXERCISE

1. Mind is not directly under control.

Pschycologists say that the human-mind is not directly under our control and many a times it keeps wandering. The body is directly under our control. If I want to raise my hand I can raise it, if I want to take a step forward, I can do it. But human mind is not directly under our control. Therefore to humble the mind you have to humble the body and there is no better way of doing this than what we muslims do i.e. to bring the highest part of the body i.e. the forehead to the lowest level (i.e. the ground) and then say ‘Subhanarabbil aala’, i.e. glory be to Allah, the Most High.

2. Medical benefits of Salaah:

Besides the spiritual and social benefits, there are several physical and medical benefits of Salaah.

1. Ruku – Bowing:

During salaah when a person bows down in Ruku :-

Additional

a. Additional blood is pumped in the upper part of the body.

b. Spine is made supple.

c. Spinal nerves are nourished and this provides relief for back-ache and pain.

d. Effective posture against flatulence.

2. Ar–Rafu – standing after bowing:

When a person stands up from ruku, fresh blood which was sent to the upper half of the body returns back to its normal flow and the body is relaxed.

3. Sajdah – Prostration:

Sajdah i.e. prostration is the most important part of Salaah.

a. Electrostatic charges:

Daily people are subjected to electrostatic charges from the atmosphere. These charges are precipitated on the central nervous system which becomes super saturated. If these extra charges are not got rid of he may have head-ache, neck-ache, muscle spasms, etc.,

The best way to get rid of these electrostatic charges is by dissipating them and discharging them out of the body. As a heavy electric appliance requires a three pin plug, the third pin and wire for grounding and earthing, similarly a human being have to earth these charges on the ground. He has to put his forehead on the ground. There will be maximum dissipation of the extra electrostatic charges from the brain and the central nervous system into the ground. You will not get a shock, if you put your hand beneath the prayer mat, under your forehead. In sajdah the forehead is put on the ground, because the thinking capacity of the brain is in the fore lobe and not at the top of the head. Hence we receive peace of mind and soul by prostrating during our five daily prayers. One also gets peace and relaxation.

b. Increased blood supply to brain:

During Sajdah the blood supply to the brain is increased which is beneficial to the brain.

c. Increase blood supply to the face:

During Sajdah the blood supply to the face is increased which promotes facial circulation especially in the cold season. It may also help to avoid Fibrositis and chilblains by increase of blood flow to face and neck. For more details how Sajdah helps Read this Sajdah has plenty of medical advantages

d. Drainage of paranasal air sinuses face:

Five times regular sujud (prostration) helps in drainage of paranasal air sinuses. The maxillary air sinus has its estium at its upper and medial part and bending of the body will be like tilting a pot containing fluid. Normally due to the continuous erect posture throughout the day, the maxillary air sinus cannot be drained and a person suffering from maxillary sinusitus usually gets afternoon headache.

Similarly the frontal, sphenoidal , and ethmoidal sinuses drain better during the various postures of salaah.

e. Drainage of the bronchial tree:

Sajdah causes drainage of the bronchial tree and prevents the secretions from accumulating in it. It is a natural treatment for drainage of secretions in bronchiotesis and other pulmonary diseases leading to stasis of secretions, dust of various kinds and bacteria.

f. Exhaling of residual air:

Normally only 2/3 rd of the lung capacity receives fresh air. The remaining 1/3rd is residual air . During sajdah the abdominal visura presses against the diaphragm which presses against the lower lobes of the lungs which help in exhaling the residual air thus allowing more fresh air to be inhaled and thereby maintaining healthy lungs.

g. Increased venous return from the abdominal organ:

During Sajdah due to reduced gravitational force the venous return from the abdominal organs are increased.

h. Useful against femoral and esophageal hernia:

The Sajdah and Ruku postures are very useful against femoral and esophageal hernia by decreasing pressure at these openings.

i. Prophylaxis against hemorrhoids (piles) and prolapse of uterus:

Sajdah can help a lot in prophylaxis against hemorrhoids (piles) and prolapse of uterus.

j. Musles are called peripheral heart and increase and increases vinus return to lower half of the body.

During Sajdah when a person lays his body weight on legs flexed at knee the boleus muscle (muscle) which has extensivevenous network and is also called as the peripheral heart of the body is put ito action which increases venus return from the lower half of the body and also acts as a massage for these muscles

k. Beneficial in cervical and other spinal diseases

During Sajdah, a person has a support his body on knees, hands and forehead. This posture has it is effects on the inter vertebral joints especially in the cervical and other spinal diseases, due to the abuse of moderisation subsequent to mechaised life and lack of bodily movements. Effective cure in cardiac disease. The posture is sajdah is an effective cure in cardiac disease.

4. Jalsa – Squatting:

i. Fresh blood which was sent to the upper half of the body returns to normally and the body is relaxed.

ii. Stimulates circulation in the nerves and muscles of the thigh.

iii. Relaxing the muscles of the body including those related to the spine.

iv. Eleminates indigestion and lonstipation.

v. Beneficial in case of peptic ulcer and other stomach ailments.

m. Rising back to standing position (Qayam)

5. Rising from sitting to standing position on the toes puts the complete body weight on the toes and thus

i. Increases the strength of the muscle of the backbone thighs knees and legs.

ii. Free from backache.

iii. Free from degenerative disease of the knee.

6. Medical benefits only side dishes. Salaah is offered for pleasing and thanking Allaah (swt):

We muslims do not offer salaah for all these medical benefits. We offer Salaah to thank Allaah (swt), to please Him and to follow His commandments. These medical benefits are only side dishes or fringe benefits. Which may attract an unbeliever or a person of less faith. Thus our main course that is the chicken and the biryani is to seek Allaah’s pleasure.

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-‘Aalamiin.

Assolaatu wassalaam ‘ala asyrafil-anbiyaa’I wal-mursalin

Sayyidina wa Habiibina wa Syafii’ina wa Maulana Muhammad wa ‘ala aalihi wa sohbihi wa sallim

Mawlaya Solli wa Sallim da’imaan abadaan

‘Ala habibika khairil-khalqi kulli himi.

Love.

It makes fire feel like water.

It makes the foul smell like musk.

It makes alloy seem like gold.

It makes pain taste like sweet saccharine.

But it can also make the truth look like falsehood,

Lies like the truth,

Poison like honey.

Experiencing love is the fancy, the yearning of every youth. It is that turbulent period just before reaching adulthood where girls start looking like angels on earth and boys like knights in shining armour. Every youth has that one special person for whom their hearts pound erratically, be it the hot lead actor of whatever movie that she swoons over or the girl in that other school he sees everyday in the bus.

Yet there exists a love more sweet, more grand, more precious, more worth our time and energy sacrificing for.

Love for Allah ‘azza wa jal and love for his beloved Messenger, our Beloved, our Leader, our Intercessor, our Protector Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him.

It was this strong, intense love for Rasulullah s.a.w. that drove Imam Sharafuddin Muhammad Al-Busiri to compose a long poem (10 chapters long, to be exact) which resulted in a dream with Rasulullah s.a.w. helping him to continue where he was stuck at and his half-paralysed body cured completely after being thrown over it the cloak (Burdah) of Rasulullah s.a.w.¹

I believe it is also this same love that inspired the ‘Selawat Ke Atas Rasulullah s.a.w.” series, and Alhamdulillah, the response to this effort has been overwhelming.

The fourth installment to this was held recently on 26^th March at Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka, as was the first installment. This installment, however, was targeted more for the youths and the Qasidah Burdah was the focus this time round, aptly so in order to help the youths realize to whom their love should be directed.

The majlis started off with Al-Fadhil Al-Ustaz Hasbi Hassan drawing our attention to the recent onslaught of disasters that our Japanese brothers and sisters had faced and are still facing. Only with the power of water, Allah swt shows us His Might, how easily He can destroy everything.²

He then astonished us with a fascinating research made, ironically, by a Japanese scientist by the name of Masaru Emoto on the effects of human speech or thought on water. He proved that the nature of what we expose to water actually affects it in a drastic manner. Photos of water droplets before they are frozen which have been exposed to human speech or photos are then shown on the projector screens. Good speech actually forms beautiful water crystals while foul language throws the water droplets into disarray. SubhaanAllah.

What more then, Ustaz Hasbi says, if water is exposed to the Words of Allah s.w.t. and praises of Rasulullah s.a.w.? I’ve actually stumbled across this research several months ago, and found a video interview of Masaru Emoto and a group of Egyptian scentists whereby they expose water to recitations of the Qur’an and many more and captured a photo of the resulting water crystal. It is beautiful SubhanAllah, you may wish to watch it here:

It has no English subtitles unfortunately and was delivered in Egyptian Colloquial Arabic.

He then also asked, what more the effect of words on us? 75% of our bodies are made of water, hence the more beautiful words we hear, the more pleasant an effect it would have on ourselves. The more foul language we hear, the more we fall into disarray. Perhaps that explains the disenfranchised state of the youth nowadays since we have been overexposed to foul language and even more foul behaviour.

We were then serenaded by Syamil’s rendition of ‘Sifat 20’, other qasidahs and the first chapter of the Qasidah Burdah, which was called ‘Concerning the Love of Rasulullah s.a.w.’ by Ustaz Sofyan Yadi and the line up of youths in the mimbar area before Ustaz Zaki from Madeehul Mustafa gave his speech.

Young, good-looking and soon-to-be a father of two, Ustaz Zaki is more known as one of the duff players in Madeehul Mustafa and often projects a humble, soft-spoken image. It was hence a pleasant surprise to have him share about the history of the Qasidah Burdah in a captivating manner and express his love towards Rasulullah s.a.w. with such heartfelt emotion. I did not know that the Qasidah Burdah was more famous in the Arab countries such as Morocco and Egypt. SubhaanAllah.

One of the most impactful things he said was if we don’t start practicising asking for the syafa’at (intercession) of Rasulullah s.a.w. in this life, how do we expect to be able to ask for in while in our graves, during the Day of Judgement and many other instances in the Hereafter? SubhanAllah.

The majlis then continued with the second chapter of the Burdah, which was called ‘Concerning Restraining Lust and Carnal Desires’ and then a speech by Ustaz Sofyan addressing the parents, calling upon them to start exposing their children to gatherings of dzikr and selawat. He says that the dzikr of youths, even mosque youths now are the likes of Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber’s songs which have been proven to have Satanic and occult influences.³

The third chapter, ‘Concerning the praises of Rasulullah s.a.w.’ is then sung, followed by Ustaz Sofyan’s address to the parents once again, to help their children who are already married, and to adopt the parenting style of Rasulullah s.a.w. He then addressed the seniors in the crowd to follow Rasulullah s.a.w. in being a grandparent who had prayed for his grandsons to be the youth of Jannah. SubhaanAllah, I believe everyone present had benefitted immensely from all of the advice given.

We then reached the end of the majlis with the singing of another chapter of the Burdah and some qasidahs as well as a reminder from Ustaz Hasbi that in every gathering of 40 people, there is one person who is loved by Allah s.w.t. We do not know who that is, hence we should not think badly of anyone and should treat everyone equally.

The youth of Perkemas (the Association of Singaporean Muslim students in Egypt), former Madrasah Aljunied students and the youth under Ustaz Sofyan’s guidance were introduced to the audience as potential awliya’ Allah (plural of wali) and future leaders of the Muslims in Singapore. May Allah swt Make their affairs easy and ours as well, in being future Muslim leaders.

Such is the love and concern that our asatizah have for the Muslim youth here to the extent of dedicating an entire episode of the series solely to youth. We as Muslim youth ought to grab hold of and attend such events in order to learn who we truly are, who we ought not to be and to whom we should direct our love to. We should not sink to the low levels that so many youths have sunk to – we Muslim youths have our own identity and we won’t let anyone sway it.

Like Imam Al-Busiri, we should dedicate our hearts and lives in accordance with what Allah swt Commands and Prohibits, and with the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

If we want to love somebody, it should be Rasulullah s.a.w.. for he already loves us, long before we were born.

If we want to adore and look up to somebody, it should be Rasulullah s.a.w., for he is the Insaanul-Kaamil – the perfect human being.

If we want to obey and follow everything someone does, it should be what Rasulullah s.a.w. does, for obeying him means we obey Allah s.w.t.

That is what love means for us Muslims. Allah s.w.t. Alone Knows Best.

I seek forgiveness from Allah s.w.t. and from you in my shortcomings.

Wa SolAllahu ‘ala Sayyidinaa wa Maulanaa Muhammad wa ‘ala aalihi wa sohbihi wa sallim

Walhamdulillahi Rabbil-‘Aalamiin.

¹ According to Ustaz Zaki, there are several versions of how the Qasidah Burdah came about. The one related in this article is the most popular.

² This writer would like to apologise for not being able to relay the full programme as she had missed the first 20 minutes due to going to the mosque in the wrong direction.

³ Visit http://vigilantcitizen.com for more information.

Siti Mahirah Binte Malek

“International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of women’s contributions to the world, whether in the family or out in society.

There are many women in this world, both from the past and the present, who have led inspiring lives that we should be in awe of. The history of Islam is peppered with the stories of some amazing women who, in the face of great odds, showed patience, strength and unshakeable faith in Allah.

There was Asiyah, wife of the Pharaoh and adoptive mother of Nabi Musa, who embraced the teachings of her son and worshipped Allah, saying:

“…O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong.” (Quran, 66:11)

There was Maryam, mother of Nabi ‘Isa, revered in Islam for her righteousness and virtue, and for her steadfast faith in Allah despite the fitnah and distress she endured while pregnant.

There was also Khadijah, first wife of Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., and the first person (besides the Prophet) to convert to Islam. Besides having been known to be a compassionate and benevolent woman prior to her marriage, she wholeheartedly trusted Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. and supported him through the hardships he faced during da’wah in the early stages of Islam. I’ve also read that she used the wealth she had amassed as a trader to provide the necessary financial support for her husband’s da’wah.

Many of us, both men and women, have heard about these remarkable women since childhood, and aspire towards their level of devotion and virtue. But that aspiration may seem way out of reach, because, to quote the author Gabriel Garcìa Màrquez, “memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good”, and we only hear about their positive attributes, not their flaws.

This International Women’s Day, I’m inspired by a Muslimah as flawed as the rest of us, my aunt. She passed away on 10 Muharram 1432 (16 December 2010) after living with cancer for four years, and in the three months since her passing, I’ve been reflecting on her life and how she lived it.

She had always been a kind, compassionate and selfless person. I lived with her and my grandmother throughout the week because both my parents worked, which meant that I only stayed with them on the weekend. Even after I began living in my own home permanently, under the care of a domestic helper, she thought of me as her daughter. Once, when I was five years old, I telephoned her saying I was sick, and she rushed from her home in Bukit Batok to my house in Thompson to medicate me, feed me and sponge down my fever. This was way before public transport became as extensive and efficient as it is today.

After her passing, we were visited by her neighbours, many of them close friends of hers, who told us how my aunt, who was a maestro in the kitchen, would cook and deliver meals to them when they were unwell, babysit their children when they had to attend to emergencies, or help them buy ingredients on her trips to the market.

We remained close as we got older, and were so close these past few years that I entrusted her with secrets that, to this day, no one else knows about. I appreciate that it must have been difficult not to violate the amanah between us, given that within my super close-knit family, secrets very rarely remain secrets for long.

My aunt chose not to tell anyone except close family members about her diagnosis, and, upon hearing of her death, many relatives and friends were stunned. She never acted like a patient, never complained about being tired or in pain, or let her illness affect her daily routines and activities. After convincing her to let me accompany her to a check-up once, I remember after every piece of news, good or bad, the oncologist conveyed to her, she said Alhamdhulillah. What stuck in my head the most was when she said, “Doctor, I will continue your treatments, but I believe only God has the power to heal me.”

I miss her, but feel no negativity towards her departure from this world. I’m grateful because Allah granted her the opportunity to perform her Hajj, to khatm the Qur’an several times over, and to get all her ibadah in order before her passing.

My aunt had her flaws, and, after 24 years of being her niece, I knew them well. But I also saw and am inspired by how she strived hard to live her life as a good Muslim, and I aspire to emulate her behaviour.

Picture: Click for source

“Bismillahirrahmanirrahim…

After more than two years of being a young wife (now of course, not so young), I thought it was timely for me to do a reflection of the past two years. Then a young woman of twenty one and entering marriage while still in university, I had been searching for many role models. While I knew of older people who were married, it was tough to find one who was of similar age as myself and even tougher to find someone with similar experiences. Truth be told, I believe it was all Allah’s plans to make me mature, to force me to set my own rules and boundaries, and learn about marriage on my feet. Alhamdulillah…

I cannot say that the past two years have been smooth-sailing but as I sit here and reflect upon the beautiful journey my husband and I have undertaken, I cannot help but remember the most beautiful and beloved women of Islam: the beloved wife of our Prophet (PBUH), Khadijah binte Khuwailid. I believe she is the best role model for Muslim wives.

When I reflect on her life and how she took pains to support the Messenger SAW in his quest to spread the deen, I realise there are endless things I can learn from her. Although my husband is no messenger, just one of Allah’s servants who loves his deen and wants to work for the Ummah, I learnt through studying from Saiyidatina Khadijah ra that this ship of marriage is no ordinary gift from Allah SWT. Even more so for her: if not without her presence, perseverance and fate in Allah SWT, the Messenger SAW would not have had a strong support system to continue in his (PBUH) da’wah.

There is simply so much to learn from her! As I reflect on my journey as I started as a new wife, I cannot help but remember how deep her faith in her husband was. How she had foresight, an open mind and best of all, faith in the Almighty is really an admirable feat. As a new wife, I faltered most when I had to tread unto new grounds. Once a daughter of my father, who had all the protection a daughter could receive from the loving father, I was now on my own. When people think of marriage, many only remember the amanah of the husband; to provide nafqah, to provide a house, shelter and clothes. Many do not remember though, including women themselves, that a woman herself is as accountable of her husband and he is unto her. As such, I learned that as much as I depend on my husband for comfort and safety, he would depend as much on me to be his strength and partner in this rough journey in dunia.

Remember that ayah from the Qur’an about how husbands and wives are like garments unto each other? Not just physical garments but also garments of modesty, garments of reputation. How you are reflects your husband, and the same applies the other way around. When you reflect upon the beautiful matrimony of Khadijah ra and our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, you cannot help but feel how much they are deserving of each other. The beautiful character of our Rasulullah SAW is matched by the equally wondrous, generous and exquisite self of the lovely Saiyidatina Khadijah ra.

Another thing that I learnt from reflecting upon their marriage and relationship was how patient and trusting they were of one another. Many around me chide their husbands who they feel have so many shortcomings. I hear petty complains of how husbands and wives do not communicate enough, resulting in a gap between both. I feel that these are trivial matters which will be taken advantage of by our enemy syaitaan; when Rasulullah SAW left Saiyidatina Khadijah ra to Gua Hira’, she did not utter a single complain. In fact, her concern for Rasulullah SAW was so deep that she frequently imagined his figure, and sometimes even sent someone to look over him (SAW) without his knowing so as not to disturb him (SAW). Where has our compassion, understanding and tenderness that we once had towards our husbands before marriage gone? Why have we replaced it with suspicion, enmity, and doubts? Have we become ungrateful and have we forgotten how our husbands could be the key to our jannah?

Indeed, the duties bestowed upon our beloved Rasulullah SAW was so deep, heavy and intense, and indeed if Saiyidatina Khadijah had not been as understanding or as trusting as she in fact was, what would have become of our Messenger SAW? It really drives home the fact that our trust in our husbands represents the covenant we have made during the akad. In fact, our trust must surely be towards Allah first, as this trust is all-encompassing. The deepness of your trust towards Allah SWT will reverberate through your life and this was the case with Saiyidatina Khadijah ra.

If you believe that the husband that Allah has blessed you with is the best for you, and you are sincere and have embarked on the marriage to fulfill your role as a Muslim and to get Allah’s blessings, then surely you will support your husband, you will trust him, and you will be strong for him. For you are only accomplishing your role as Allah’s servant in the hope of being the best of servants.

The most memorable advice my dear husband has ever shared with me, among other advice towards a young wife who made frequent mistakes, was that my strength is his strength, and his strength is mine. That despite a hard day’s work and all other obstacles that try to wreck us, my peaceful self and my wordless patience, are the best gifts to him. I feel so grateful that Allah has blessed me with a husband who does not ask for much, but only piety to Allah SWT. Although I know it is difficult to attain the level of faith and piety as our beloved Saiyidatina Khadijah ra, or for all our Prophet SAW’s other wives for that matter, I believe strongly that a Muslim wife is one who is not weak. A Muslim wife is one who supports her husband, his family, brings happiness and peace to people around her, and is patient with her shortcomings as well as other people’s just like how the beloved Saiyidatina Khadijah ra, who was promised a palace made of pearls in the Heavens.

I believe this piece of reflection has many shortcomings and loopholes, just like how a marriage is an enjoyable and exhilarating roller coaster ride with many sudden drops and rises. And indeed, I seek to want to improve as well for I have so many shortcomings as a wife! I seek Allah’s forgiveness if I have transgressed or crossed any lines, or have misrepresented anyone, including our Prophet SAW, Saiyidatina Khadijah ra and of course my husband. May the memory of Khadijah ra live in our thoughts and actions as we embrace our duties to be wives towards our husbands. InsyaAllah!

Wassalam”

Written by:
Nabila Hanim

One day something tragic happened. The woman as usual, left the baby in the “hands” of this faithful dog and went out shopping. When she returned, she discovered rather a nasty scene. There was a total mess. The baby’s cot was dismantled and his nappies and clothes torn to shreds with bloodstains all over thebedroom where she had left the child and the dog.

Shocked, the woman wailed as she began lookingfor the baby. She then saw the faithful dog emerging fromthe under the bed. It was covered with blood and licking its mouth as ithad just finished a delicious meal. The woman went berserk and assumed that the dog had devoured her baby. Without much thought she clubbed the dog to death.

Picture: Click for source

But as she continued searching for the “remains” of her child, she beheld another scene. Close to the bed was the baby who, although lying on bare floor, was safe. And under the bed the carcass of a jackal torn to pieces in what must have been a fierce battle between it and the dog which was now dead.

Then the reality hit the woman who now began tounderstand what took place in her absence. The dog fought to protect the baby from the ravenous jackal. It was too late for her now to make amends because in her impatience and anger, she had killed the faithful dog. A dog that fought to save the life of her dear beloved child received death in return.

How often have we misjudged people and torn them to shreds with harsh words and even with physical assault before we have had time to evaluate the situation? Presuming things are one way without taking the trouble to find out exactly what the situation really is. A little patience can drastically reduce major lifelong errors.”

“And do not pursue that of which you have no strong reason to believe ; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of feeling in the heart will be enquired (on the Day of Judgment).” – Qur’an 17:36

“O believers ! Avoid suspicion (speculation) as much as possible: suspicion (speculation) in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor backbite on one another.” – Qur’an 49:12

Story shared by:
Brother  Anwar Pillay

“Gratitude cannot happen without the acknowledgement of ni’mah.” – Shaykh Ibrahim Osi Efa

And that line pretty much sums up the first part of the talk above given by Shaykh Ibrahim. He starts of by saying that the reality of salawaat is not just by saying “Allahumma solli ala Sayyidina Muhammad” but by the embodiment of the teachings of the Prophet SAW. He tells us that the Prophet SAW was a man who had great khauf (fear of Allah). Despite being someone who was involved in the everyday lives of his community, guiding, giving counsel and spending time with his family, he was always in remembrance and conscious of the Last Day.

Shaykh Ibrahim narrated a story where the Prophet SAW heard a loud explosion and he immediately asked Jibril AS, “Has Judgment Day arrived?”. As for people like us, the minute we hear an explosion, Judgment Day is the last thing on our minds. We would first think of car accidents, or a fallen tree, or whether our belongings are safe etc. Shaykh Ibrahim says that this attitude stems from the belief we have that we are immortal. Although we all know that we will taste death, the majority of us live our lives without thinking about our end, and death or Judgment Day is a distant reality.

He then went on to talk about gratitude and that was when he mentioned the quote above: “Gratitude cannot happen without the acknowledgement of ni’mah.” If we do not see our existence as ni’mah, we won’t show shukr for it. If we do not see our eyesight, hearing, taste, ability to move etc, as ni’mah, we will never say ‘Alhamdulillah’ for them. He then says,

“Know Allah in times of ease, and Allah will know you in times of difficulty.” – hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Shaykh Ibrahim says that the act of shukr is not done when we are rendered immobile, deaf, mute or blind. It is not when something has been taken away from us that we start to be grateful for it. Gratitude is a constant act of acknowledging the endless ni’mah and constantly praising and thanking Allah for them.

On that note, we should start a ‘Gratitude List’ of blessings that we are thankful for. Know that if we have difficulty compiling a list, it is not because we do not have anything to be thankful for, but that we are not perceiving things in the manner that is expected of us. The Qu’ran says in 14:34, “And He gives you of all you ask of Him, and if you would count the bounty of Allah, never will you be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.”

Let us inculcate the characteristic of one who is grateful, and also be grateful to not only Allah, but the means to which blessings come to us, and that includes our family members, friends and the random stranger who performed an act of kindness. Indeed, being grateful can be practiced and embodied over time. May Allah make us of those who are grateful.

Founded by an environmental journalist and activist Karin Kloosterman who hails from Canada, Green Prophet reports that it has a close following not just by green enthusiasts but also by “industry game changers, investors, international media, and heads of top environment NGOs.” This means top-notch credibility on environment news in the Middle East and North African regions, considering that it has also been mentioned in many renowned media such as the Al-Jazeera and New York Times.

The pull-factor for me would be the fact that it is one of the only sources of green efforts in the Middle East. Another great attraction would be the fact that it has writers and contributors from the world over, both Muslim and non-Muslim writers who are sincere in working to improve and save the environment.

Green Prophet also covers a wide range of topics, that makes it a really interesting point of reference of environmental news.



From technology, to travel, fashion and even religion, the dynamic, vibrant and constantly updated website is definitely worth a daily visit. It is a soulful reminder for us Muslims as well to remember our amanah to take care of this Earth, and we can do it in so many ways. Greenprophet.com offers real insights to how we can take care of our environment.

One of the articles that I was very attracted to was the one written by Arwa Aburawa (“Four Steps to a Greener Hajj series – look at Part Three here). In the third part of the series, writer Arwa (who also has her own blog) suggests a few ways that one can save the environment while on hajj: travel to hajj by alternative means such as cycling, wasting less water since Mecca and Medina are water-scarce areas, and to recycle your items as much as you can while you are there.

Another interesting feature of the website, apart from the hundreds of interesting, eye-catching and captivating articles, is the interview sections. I never knew there were so many inspiring individuals who were working so hard to make the earth a better place in their own ways. My favourites are the interviews with Kristiane Backer, the woman behind the famous “Inspired by Muhammad” campaign, and Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, a UAE royalty also known as the “Green Sheikh”.

Green Prophet is filled with so much warmth and encouragement to be green, that it amplifies and exemplifies Islam’s message to care for nature and abandon our inherent nature to destroy it.

Written by: Nabila Hanim

“

It all started when I was shouted at by my abah,’ YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD! YOU NEVER BRING ME WEALTH! YOU JUST BRING ME SHAME AND HUMILIATION! I ALWAYS ASKED GOD WHY OH WHY DID YOU GAVE A DAUGHTER AS MY FIRST BORN??!!’

It was the day after my ‘O’ Level results. Went home happily because I have something to show my abah and hoping that he will be happy.

I saw lots of shoes outside my 1room rented flat. Wonder who came today? I went to the front door, said my Salam and went in.

I saw 1 Caucasian man, a Malay woman and 8 young boys. That was when I saw the Caucasian man gave my abah a thick packet. Then my abah looked at me and said,” Lin, pack your bags and go with your uncle. Now!”

I was very shocked and perplexed. I looked at my mum. She was crying but she did not dare to look at me. I knew that this day would come and it suddenly dawned on me that whatever I do would never be enough for my abah. It will never be enough.

I remembered the days that I always used onions to stuff at my armpits just to make my temperature go sky high so that I did not have to go to the bible lessons that my abah forced me to go.

I remembered that whenever I came back from selling my entire mum’s kueh’s all over the neighborhood, he told me that was not enough and I have to go to school without my meals.

I was forced to wear boy’s clothes when actually I would yearn to just have piece of dress that I could wear.

I remembered the sarcasm, the painful mental torture that was ingrained since I knew how to answer him back…

I was so angry, so full of hatred and so full of loathing for this man whom I called abah.

I told the Caucasian man that I do not want to go to him and I wish to stay here. That was when my whole world really falls apart.

‘ YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD! YOU NEVER BRING ME WEALTH! YOU JUST BRING ME SHAME AND HUMILIATION! I ALWAYS ASKED GOD WHY OH WHY DID YOU GAVE A DAUGHTER AS MY FIRST BORN!’

The Malay woman quickly go to me and said that its ok if I do not want to go with them because it was my abah’s suggestion to offer them to adopt me since they tried for a daughter for so many years but to no avail. I kept quiet and said,” I’m sorry”

The family left. Abah told me that I have to earn my own keep. I have to pay him 200 dollars for the lodging and food. Then he left the house. How am I going to give him the money when I do not have a job?

Starting from that day, I began to work non-stop sometimes 2 jobs at one time while studying for my Diploma in Architecture. I was offered a internship where I could work during the day and attend evening classes 3 times a week.

Weekends, I spent my time working at KFC’s restaurants at a 12 hours shift and catching up on my tutorials and studying in between breaks. I stayed true to my word. I gave the ‘rent’ money to my abah and some to my mom to help her put food on the table.

Besides that I helped my friend do architecture drawings for a fee. It was hard and I was always wondering where is God when you need God the most? Where is God?

My friend, Kusumawati was with me every step of the way. Always reaching out to me and inviting me to join her for religious classes at Masjid Muhajirin. As always, I refused. I have no time. No time.

She was relentless in her pursuit of me going for classes with her. She never turned me away when I needed her most. When I needed a shoulder to cry on and even a person to just hold my hand and say everything is going to be all right…

I joined karate class when another friend of mine from another school urged me to go. I do not know how I managed the time but that is where I met my husband, Jasman. He was tall, sweet and very oh so innocent…. I told him right out that I like him… hahahahahaaaa!!! I knew it! He likes me too! From then on, it was history..

Years go by, I shifted to another company and started my traveling journey where I traveled to most parts of the world. Kusumawati and my boyfriend were always in my mind. We communicate by phone, emails and even letters.

Then one day, Kusumawati passed away. She had breast cancer. I was completely lost, as I have nobody to turn to. I cried for days and I felt empty inside. I went on the overseas assignment even more and more.

Every time I touch down in Singapore, I keep remembering her. I keep remembering her, how she always hugged me whenever we met, how she always have a sweet for me, how sweet her smile was whenever we talked, what clothes she love to wear and what foods she loved to eat. I missed her so much…

Jasman came to my workplace one month after Kusumawati passed away. He brought me out to lunch and gave me a letter. It was a letter written by Kusumawati for me.

“ Salam Lin sweetheart, do not cry ok. I am very happy that you have accomplished something that you wanted all this time. It’s time to for give and forget Lin. It’s time to move on and I believe that you are strong and I believe that you can do it.

Sweetheart, please do not cry. You have Jasman now. He loves more than anything in this world. I know him and I trust that he can take care of you.

Sweetheart, all I need from you right now is for you to pray for me. That’s all I need.

Sign off for now. Loving you always,

Kusumawati. “

I cried and I knew that she wanted me to move on. Jasman hold my hand and said everything is going to be all right. Just like Kusumawati!! I felt relieved that I was not being left alone.

From then on, we got more serious and Jasman came to the house and told my abah of his intentions. Abah just said,’ Can you provide for her? Because I want you to take her out of this house. I hate her!” Then he went inside his room and closed the door with a bang.

We got married 2 years later and I packed my bags and left the house straight after my ceremony. My husband told me to stay but I refused. I told him that abah hated me and does not want to have me in the house.

During our years of marriage, my husband was the strongest and the steadiest pillar that I have known. He always encouraged me to pray, wear the hijab and he showered me with understanding, love and patience.

I was not a romantic woman. I was hard and very perfectionist. I was always picking a fight with him. I was always the one who was hard and unbending. But he was always there to hug me and said that everything is going to be all right.

When my children are born, something inside me began to thaw. I felt that I began to miss my children whenever I was away. I realized that I have never talked to abah after that fateful day.

Mothers’ day come and gone. I always bought something for my mom. I did buy something for abah but he refuse to accept it. It was always bought after weeks of persuasion by my husband.

I came upon “Coffee Conversations with Harasha” posted by Fadzuli. Thought of giving it a try since I have been so busy with my work and my children.

Went to Fika’s café and bistro. Thought would have just intelligent talk like work and children but it ended up otherwise.

At the end of the session, I quickly paid my bill and said hasty goodbyes.

I was practically crying buckets when I stepped out of the restaurant. That is why I wanted to get out of there ASAP. I guess I do not want everybody to see me cry.

But I know that I need to do something.

My husband saw me with my ‘swollen’ and tearful face, he hugged me and said,”Sayang, are you ok?” I said,’ I want to see abah.”

You know what he said? He said, “Its about time….” and he smiled …

I went to my parent’s house at Tampines.  I knocked on the door. As usual, my mum opened the door. I kissed my mum’s hand and said that I want to meet abah.

She said he is inside the room as usual reading his Tafsir Al Qur’an, sitting on his favorite sofa seat.

I went to him and I knelt in front of him. I took his hand and said,” Thank you Abah for giving me the opportunity to learnt my self-worth.”’

After that, I just hugged him very2 close. He did not say anything for the first 10 minutes. I felt his arms all around me and I knew that I am forgiven.

The feeling is SUBBAHANALLAH!!… Now I realized that I really miss him …miss him so much to the point that I am blind to it.

When I let go, I heard him said, “ Sweetheart, please forgive me for the wrong doings that I have done to you. Please forgive me my daughter. Please forgive me.”  He hugged and I felt his tears soaking my hijab.

At that point of time, I feel that all the burden, hate, loathing and fear that I have of him and about him totally slowly seeped away.

I felt so peaceful and so happy. My mum was crying and my husband was silently crying too.

After that, abah and me talk and talk till it was time for me to go home at Teck Whye. My mum asked me who or why makes me wanted to do this.

I told her,” Ma, today, I met some new friends that made me realize that our life in this world is only for a while. They made me realize too that I have to fill it with love for Allah and forgiveness to the people we love.”

I told her about all of the people that I met today and she was so happy and she said,” My daughter has finally come home…”

I understand what she meant by that statement now. I understand because I feel I have finally come home…

Picture: Click for source