Salam to all my friends here.

Alhamdulillah after few months struggling in my work, I did make my intention to go out Khuruj 5 months ago, and now is the time for me to fulfill my intention, that is to go out in the path of Allah to learn more about the Deen of Allah and to rectify myself. Years and years I have been delaying this intention and insyaallah, this time I pray to Allah to make it easy for me to fulfill this intention. Previously when I was in States studying, I did when out for 40 days twice between 1984 to 1988 and now is the first time for me to do it in Malaysia (approximately 22 years lapse, Ya Allah! please forgive me).

I have been out constantly for 3 days for the past one year and now is the time for me to go our for 40 days insyaallah. Why Khuruj?

Because in Khuruj I must say it is one of the most uplifting experiences for a person’s imaan. Yes, some Tabligh members may have gone astray from the core beliefs, but which organization, group, religion, etc, can say any different. Many anti-Tabligh sentiments stem from this minority group of people.

The core beliefs of Tabligh in brief, the six points, they are: a) Imaan, b) Salaat, c) Ilm (knowledge) and Dhikr, d) Ikraam (honoring a fellow Muslim), e) Ikhlaas (sincerity) of intention, f) Dakwah. All of these are practiced by pious muslims all over the world and have been asked of us by Allah and his Messenger(saw). These six points are not a new teaching of Islam but if we could follow these guidelines, we shall have the strength to follow the Deen of Islam to the fullest, insyaallah.

Let me enlighten you more about Tabligh. What is Tabligh?

Tabligh literally means ‘to convey’. Contextually, it refers to conveying the message of Islam. This is the sunnah of all the prophets. The most important rule of tabligh is hikmah. Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:
“Invite (people) to the way of your lord with wisdom and good counsel.” (Verse: 16:125)

Whosoever does tabligh must adopt hikmah. It is only then, that people will understand and accept.

The system conducted by the Tabligh Jama’at was initiated by Maulana Ilyas Saheb (Rahimahullah). He observed that people were too engrossed in their worldly activities and had forgotten the objective for which they had been sent to this world. He realised that they had to free some time from their worldly engagements, to sit and ponder about Allah Ta’ala and their purpose for being sent to this world. Therefore, he started calling people to the masjid, and reminded them about Allah Ta’ala and His greatness. Initially people rebuked him, they discouraged him and used to say that they had no time for all of this; but as time went by, they realised the truth behind it and the need for it, and started joining him in calling others towards Allah Ta’ala. Thereafter, when more people started joining this work, a few guidelines had to be set, to make sure that the work was done in a proper manner. Different time periods of 3 days, 40 days, etc. were set, so that people knew for how long they had to be away, and could make the necessary arrangements for that period.

Their beliefs and objectives

Those that are engaged in the work of tabligh are from the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah. They do not have any beliefs that are exclusive to them. Each one is allowed to follow his own mazhab, as long as he does not move away from the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah.

Their objective is that each and every Muslim adopts the Islamic way in all aspects of life. They do not advice anyone to leave all their daily activities and join this work, but they encourage people to take out some time from their daily engagements so that the rest of the time could be spent in accordance to the teachings of Islam. Spending time in the path of Allah is not the objective of the work, but rather the objective is to adopt the Islamic lifestyle whilst engaged in daily activities, whether one is at home with family or at his work place; spending time in the path of Allah Ta’ala only acts as a means to fulfil this objective.

Proof from Quran and Hadith

There are numerous verses of the Quran and the Ahadith of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that support the practice of tabligh.

Hereunder are a few of them:

From the Holy Quran:
1. “Invite (people) to the way of your lord with wisdom and good counsel.” (Verse: 16:125)
2. “And there has to be a group of people from among you who call towards good and prevent from evil.” (Verse: 3:104)
3. “And who is better in utterance than the one who called people towards Allah, and acts righteously and says, “I am one of those who submit themselves (to Allah Ta’ala).”(Verse: 41:33)

From the Ahadith of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam):
4. Hazrat Abu Sa’eed (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that he heard Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying, “Whosoever witnesses a forbidden act being committed, he should prevent it by the use of his hands; if he is unable to do so, then he should prevent it with his tongue; if he is unable to do so, he should at least consider it a vice in his heart; and this is a very low level of Iman”.
Sahih Muslim Vol.2 Pg.211/2 (Darul Ma’rifah)
5. It has been reported by Nu’man bin Bashir (Radhiyallahu Anhu) that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There are people who do not transgress the limits (laws) of Allah Ta’ala, and there are others who do so. They are like two groups who boarded a ship; one of them settled on the upper deck, and the other on the lower deck of the ship. When the people of the lower deck needed water, they said, “Why should we cause trouble to the people of the upper deck when we can have plenty of water by making a hole in our deck”. Now, if the people of the upper deck do not prevent this group from such foolishness, all of them will perish; but if they stop them, they will be saved”. Sahih Al Bukhari Vol.3 Pg.152 (Darul fikr)

One may question that the above mentioned Ayaat and Ahadith only prove the practice of tabligh. They do not prove the manner in which it is coordinated by the Tabligh Jama’at (e.g. specifying the time period of 40 days, stipulating time for ta’lim and gusht, etc.)

The answer to this is simple. There are some commandments in Shariah in which the method is not stipulated. For example, it is a commandment of Shariah to acquire knowledge, but the manner in which the Madrasas are established today, is not proven through Quran and Hadith. Up until the recent past, the scholars used to teach in the masjids of their respective towns and villages. The students had to go to different scholars to learn the different sciences. No arrangements of food or boarding were made. However, the zeal for knowledge had decreased as time went by, and the scholars felt it necessary to establish the system of Darul Ulooms as is established today. Nobody regards such a system to be bid’ah.

Similarly, Shariah has commanded us to do the work of tabligh. This work used to be done on an individual basis. The learned people used to preach the others and prevent them from all vices. As time went on, vice started prevailing, and people had stopped doing the work on an individual basis; therefore, a collective effort had to take place, and rules had to be set up for the work to carry on in order.

The outcome of Tabligh

Anyone with a sound mind and fair thinking will have no option but to accept that the work of Tabligh has been responsible, to a great extent, in the reformation that has taken place in the Muslim Ummah, in the last few decades. Tabligh Jama’at has played a big role in the establishment of madrasas in the last few years. Similarly, it has influenced many Muslim men and women in adapting their attire and appearance in accordance to sunnah. It acts as a deterrent for the Muslim youth from going to cinemas, night clubs, discothèques, raves and all other places of sin. Cricket players like Sa’eed Anver and pop singers like Junaid Jamshed, even local artiste Dr. SAM (Saya Anak Malaysia) who were drowned in sin, have now become the means for spreading Islam. Tabligh Jama’at plays an important role in preaching Islam to those who have even forgotten the kalimah, like those staying in the Kazakhistan, Uzbekistan, etc. and the descendants of Arabs staying in South America. Many non Muslims have also accepted Islam through this effort.

Fazail-e-A’mal

A brief introduction:

This kitab was compiled by Hazrath Sheikh Zakariya (Rahimahullah). It consists of Ayaats of the Quran, Ahadith, stories of the Sahabah and stories of the pious predecessors that explain the virtues of good deeds. The object of the book is to encourage the Muslims on doing good deeds, and not to explain any ruling of Shariah. Sheikh Zakariya (Rahimahullah) was not the first to write a kitab of this manner, but the likes of this kitab have been written by the authors of the past, like Kitab-u-Zuhd by Abdullah bin Mubarak (Rahimahullah), Fadhaiulul Quran by Imam Shafi’ (Rahimahullah), Al Adabul Mufrad by Imam Bukhari (Rahimahullah), Al Targheeb Wal Tarheeb by Ibnul Qayyim Munziri (Rahimahullah), etc.

The role of Fazail-e-A’mal in Tabligh Jama’at

It is a total misconception that Fazail-e-A’mal is the guide book of Tabligh Jama’at. This book only consists of the virtues of good deeds. The concept of Tabligh Jama’at was not derived from this book, nor is the jama’at dependant on this book to do the work of tabligh. They thought it necessary to stipulate such a book that would encourage people towards good deeds, and this book served the purpose; therefore, the people who join this work are advised to stipulate a specific time for the reading of this book. However, it is not compulsory upon each an every person who joins this effort to read this book. Many of the Arabs who are doing this effort chose to read Riyadu-s-Saliheen instead, and they are allowed to carry on with this work. Similarly, Riyadu-s-Saliheen is also read in many of the masjids in the world on certain days of the week. Therefore, it is totally incorrect to regard this book as the guide book of Tabligh Jama’at.

Some objections made against Fazail-e-A’mal:
1. A common comment made against Fazail-e-A’mal is that some of the narrations mentioned in it are weak and fabricated. This comment is not totally correct, as there are no fabricated narrations in this book. There are dhaif (weak) narrations in Fazail-e-A’mal. However, it is important to point out that the word dhaif, literally translated as ‘weak’, is a terminology and should not be understood in its general sense. Its application is based on the rules explained in the sciences of hadith. Moreover, weak narrations are not acceptable only in regards to aqidah and the rulings of Islamic jurisprudence. Majority of the scholars have accepted weak narrations as far as virtues of good deeds are concerned. Even Imam Bukhari (Rahimahullah) has brought weak narrations in his book, Al Adabul Mufrad, which shows that he also accepts weak narrations in regards to virtues of good deeds.

2. Some scholars claim that there are such narrations in Fazail-e-A’mal, especially in Fazail-e-Durood, that prove that the author had beliefs of shirk and believed in the Omnipresence of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). These are false allegations made against the author, who was one of the most prominent scholars of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah. Firstly, such allegations are made mostly by Arab scholars, who are unaware of the difference between the Deobandis and the Barelwis. They regard both these groups to be one, as both of them are from Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah, and attribute the beliefs of Barelwis to the Deobandis. It is some of the Barelwis who believe in grave-worshipping and the Omnipresence of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and these beliefs have been attributed to the Deobandis. Some of these Arab scholars, like Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen (Rahimahullah), retracted from what they said after the actual situation was explained to them. Secondly, the author has mentioned references for each and every narration or incident he has mentioned. Therefore, any comments regarding these narrations or incidents should be attributed to the author of the reference provided, as Shaikh Zakariya (Rahimahullah) has absolved himself by giving the reference. Thirdly, most of the incidents mentioned in Fazail-e-Durood are of pious predecessors. It is incorrect to say that these are fabricated Ahadith, as the word Hadith is used for the sayings of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is also incorrect to confirm the beliefs of the author through these incidents, as the object of the author was only to emphasise on the virtues of durood mentioned in them. Moreover, most of the incidents mentioned are dreams, and no rulings of Shariah can be derived from dreams. It is farfetched to confirm someone’s faith from a dream, of another person, mentioned in his kitab. Lastly, most of the copies of Fazail-e-A’mal do not have Fazail-e-Durood attached to them, and it is not considered as part of the kitab-reading stipulated by the Tabligh Jama’at.

3. It is incorrect to compare the Shias, Qadiani, etc. with Tabligh Jama’at as we have clarified above that Tabligh Jama’at is not based on the narrations of Fazail-e-A’mal; and none of the narrations of Fazail-e-A’mal are fabricated.

To end thereof, one should not be misguided with all the false accusations on this jama’at, but rather look at how the Ummah has benefited through this jama’at. We should always supplicate to Allah Ta’ala to show us the right path and save us from the misguidance of Syaitan. Moreover, we should always bear in mind that the pious and the learned amongst the Ummah cannot be unanimous upon something that is false or not part of Islam, as Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has mentioned:
“Allah Ta’ala will not unite the Ummah of Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) upon misguidance. Allah’s help is with majority. Whoever deviates from them will be thrown into the fire of Jahannam.” Sunan Al Tirmizi Vol.2 Pg.39 (H.M. Sa’eed Company)

A thought provoking act

How will one account for the many thousands of people all around the world, Arabs and non-Arabs, and of all works of life, be they great Ulama, Muftis, intellectuals or professionals, to be associated with this noble work. They all cannot be wrong. They must have encountered something positive in this work for them to be part of it. The solution is, come within and see for yourself.

And Allah knows best and pray to Allah to make us steadfast in the Deen.

Wassalam.

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Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

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Popularity: 1% [?]

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From those around I hear a Cry,
Oh God Oh God My eyes are dry

From those around I hear a Cry,
A muffled sob, a Hopeless sigh,
I hear their footsteps leaving slow,
And then I know my soul must Fly!
A chilly wind begins to blow,
Within my soul, from Head to Toe,
And then, Last Breath escapes my lips,
It’s Time to leave. And I must Go!
So, it is True (But it’s too Late)
They said: Each soul has its Given Date,
When it must leave its body’s core,
And meet with its Eternal Fate.
Oh mark the words that I do say,
Who knows? Tomorrow could be your Day,
At last, it comes to Heaven or Hell
Decide which now, Do not delay!
Come on my brothers let us pray
Decide which now, Do not delay!

Oh God! Oh God! I cannot see!
My eyes are Blind! Am I still Me
Or has my soul been led astray,
And forced to pay a Priceless Fee
Alas to Dust we all return,
Some shall rejoice, while others burn,
If only I knew that before
The line grew short, and came my Turn!
And now, as beneath the sod
They lay me (with my record flawed),
They cry, not knowing I cry worse,
For, they go home, I face my God!
Oh mark the words that I do say,
Who knows, Tomorrow could be your Day,
At last, it comes to Heaven or Hell
Decide which now, Do NOT delay !
Come on my brothers let us pray
Decide which now, do not delay
Come on my brothers let us pray
Decide which now, do not delay

I. PURPOSE FOR CREATION

Have you ever wondered about the reason of our existence? Have you ever wondered why we die, and where we go after death? What will happen to us in the end? Have you ever asked yourself why God made the earth and all that is in it under man’s dominion? Why were the night and the day, and the sun and the moon created? What are we supposed to do during our lifetime? Were we created just to eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves before we die?

As one poet put it: “I do not know where I have come. I saw my feet walking on the road. As they please I go and stop. What am I doing here? How did the road find me? I do not know! I do not know! I do not know! ”

God has emphasized in many verses of the Qur’an that He did not create us without purpose. He said: “What! Do you think that I created you simply in jest ? And that you would not be returned to Me?” (23:115) He also said: “What! Does man think that he will be left to roam at his will?” (75:36) In addition, He said: “Do people think that they will be left to say: “We believe,” and they will not be held accountable?” (29:2)

Indeed, God Has created human beings for a purpose and with a purpose: TO WORSHIP HIM ALONE (Monotheism). He said: “I have not created the Jinn and humankind except only to worship Me. I don’t require provision or feeding from them. Surely Allah 4 is the All-provider, the Possessor of all strength, the Firm.” (51:56-58) In fact, all prophets told their people to worship God alone (Monotheism) and shun worshipping His creation (Paganism).

God said: “I assuredly sent among every people a messenger with the command: Worship Allah and avoid worshipping false gods.” (16:36)

Prophet Abraham, for example, believed in One God, who had no partner. Anyone who holds a different understanding of God than this has contradicted the religion of Abraham and follows falsehood. God says in the Qur’an: “Those who reject the religion of Abraham make fools of themselves.” (2:130)

II. THE BASIC MESSAGE OF ISLAM

The basic message of Islam is the same message of all the previous prophets: worship God alone and avoid worshipping anything besides Him, whether it is a person, place or thing, directly or indirectly. This basic principle of Monotheism is contained in the opening chapter of the Qur’an, known as Surah al-Fatihah, verse 4: “You alone we worship and from you alone we do seek help.” In (4:37), God also said: “Worship Allah and do not associate partners with Him.” Muhammad, the last Prophet (mercy and peace of God be upon him) is reported to have said: “Anyone who says: There is no god worthy of worship but Allah, and dies holding that belief will be granted paradise.”

III. PROOFS FOR GOD’S RIGHT OF WORSHIP

Only God should be worshipped because He is the Creator and sustainer of all that exists. This Great Universe and everything that is in it cannot be the product of chance, and could not have created itself. Signs testifying that God is the only Creator can be seen throughout the earth and in the very soul of each person. God said in the Qur’an: “It is Allah who created the sky and the earth, and sent down from the sky water by which He brought forth fruits for your sustenance. He subjected for you the ships to sail upon the sea at His command, and He subjected for you the rivers. And He subjected for you the sun and moon in continuous cycles, and He subjected for you the night and day. And He gave you all you asked Him for .” (14:32-34) In the Qur’an, God mentions Prophet Abraham’s search for truth as an example of how those who follow God’s signs will be rightly guided to the worship of Him alone; God said: “In this way I showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he would have faith with understanding and certainty. When the night covered him with darkness, he saw a star and said: ‘This is my Lord’, but when it set, he said: ‘I don’t like those that set.’ When he saw the moon rising up, he said: ‘This is my Lord’, but when it set, he said: ‘Unless my Lord guides me, I will certainly be among the people who went astray.’ When he saw the sun rising up he said: ‘This is my Lord, this is the greatest of all.’ But when it set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from what you join as partners with Allah. Verily, I have turned my face towards Allah who created the heavens and the earth and I reject those who associate partners with Allah (in worship).”(6:75-79)

Actually, in the Qur’an God calls people to continuously look at the Universe, as this will affirm the divine truth of His existence, His greatness and that He alone should be worshipped. God alone deserves our worship because only He can answer our prayers. God says in the Qur’an: “And your Lord says: Call on Me and I will answer your prayer.” (40:60) Hence, if a human being prays to an idol and his prayers are answered, it is not the idol which actually answered his prayers but God. Similarly, prayers to Jesus Christ, Buddha, Krishna, Saint Christopher, Saint Jude or to Prophet Muhammad, are not answered by them, but are answered by God. Consequently, prayer is an act of worship which should be directed to God alone. Indeed, prophets who are worshipped besides Him did not tell people to worship them. Instead, the prophets warned their people against doing just that. For example, Islam teaches that Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was a human being who was created by God in a miraculous way. He was born of a mother, Mary, without a father and he worshipped God. He was not God, nor was he the son of God. He was neither one of three manifestations of God as Christians say, nor was he the son of a prostitute as the Jews say. He told his people (the tribes of Israel) to worship God alone. He did not tell people to worship either himself or his mother. Furthermore, Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) did not worship himself when he worshipped, rather he worshipped God. However, those who claim to be the followers of Jesus Christ today worship Jesus himself, claiming that he is God, and others also worship his mother calling her ‘the mother of God.’!

God says in the Qur’an that He will ask Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) on the Day of Judgment: “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you tell people: Take me and my mother as gods besides Allah? Then he will say: Glory to you, I could never say what I had no right to say. If I had said it, You would have known it, You know what is within myself, but I do not know what is within Yourself. Verily, You alone are the Knower of the unseen. I did not say to them except what You commanded me; to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord, and I was a witness over them as long as I was among them, but when You raised me up, You were the observer over them, and You are the witness over all things.” (5:116 - 117)

God emphasizes in the Qur’an that Prophet Jesus (mercy and peace of God be upon him) was neither killed nor crucified, but God raised him up into the heavens in body and spirit and he will be returned to the earth before the end of the world. Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) stated that Prohet Jesus would rule the earth according to the Islamic law, then he will die on earth like other human beings and will be buried and resurrected like them on the Day of Judgment. Hence, Prophet Jesus who was given life, was born from a woman’s womb and circumcised, ate, slept, went to the toilet, grew up, prayed, and will die, should never be taken as God as all these characteristics are not the attributes of God, but of His creatures.

The New Testament states that Jesus Christ taught his followers to pray to God saying: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Luke 11:2 / Matthew 6:9-10) Also, he taught that only those who submit to God would inherit paradise: “None of those who call me ‘Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of God, except one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Prophet Jesus also pointed out that he himself submitted to the will of God: “I cannot do anything of myself. I judge as I hear and my judgment is honest because I am not seeking my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” (John 5:23) In fact, there are many reports in the Gospels that show that Prophet Jesus made it clear to his followers that he was not God. For example, when speaking about the final hour, he said: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

Buddha, was a reformer who introduced a number of humanistic principles in the Hindu religion practiced in India. He did not claim to be God, nor did he suggest to his followers that he be worshipped. Yet, today most Buddhists have made him their God and they prostrate themselves before idols representing his likeness. In brief, from the perspective of the object worshipped, all religions today [except Islam] invite people to the worship of creation!

God’s attributes point to the fact that God alone deserves worship. He is One, without relatives; He has neither father, son, mother nor wife. He is the Eternal Absolute. He neither gives birth, nor is He born, and there is nothing like Him. He is perfect in His knowledge, in His power, in His will, in His mercy and in all His other attributes. God is all-powerful and perfect, while human beings are weak and imperfect. That is how He defined Himself and how all prophets defined Him. Another proof that God alone deserves to be worshipped can be found within the human soul. Islam teaches that all human beings have imprinted on their souls an awareness of God and a natural inclination towards worshipping Him alone imprinted on their souls.

In the Qur’an, God explained that when He created Adam He caused all of Adam’s descendants to come into existence and then He took a pledge from all of them saying: “Am I not your Lord? To which they all replied: Yes, we testify to it.” God then explained why He had all of humankind bear witness that He is their Creator and only true God worthy of worship: “That is in case you, humankind, may say on the Day of Resurrection: Indeed we were unaware of this.” God further elaborated on this point saying: “It is also in case you may say: It was our ancestors who made partners with Allah, and we are only their descendants, will you then destroy us for what those liars did?” (7:173) Hence, people who associate partners with God in worship cannot claim on that day that they had no idea that Allah was the only god who deserved to be worshipped. Prophet Muhammad (mercy and peace of God be upon him) reported that God said: “I created my slaves upon the right religion, but devils made them go astray.” He also said: “Each child is born in a state of Islam. Then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian.”

Thus, Islam is the birthright of every human being, since every child is born with a natural belief in the existence of God and an inborn inclination towards worshipping Him alone. Just as the child submits to the physical laws which God has imposed on the physical world, in the same way its soul also submits naturally to the fact that God is the only Lord and Creator. But if their parents are following a different path, the child is usually not strong or aware enough to recognize the truth or resist the will of the parents. In such cases, the religion which the child follows is one of custom and upbringing. But God, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, will not hold him to account or punish him for following a false religion before he reaches the age of reason and is exposed to the pure message of Islam.

By Majed S. Al-Rassi

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Wow…time do really flies. Ramadhan is just another 5 days from today. Are you prepared?

Asaalamualaikum to everybody here.

This is about the lovely time of the year called RAMADHAN and this is a special time of year obviously because Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an. It is also a time where we all get the chance to redeem ourselves and do good in this month filled with great blessings, insyaallah, there will be many opportunities to do good in this ramadhan.

Fasting and Zakah (giving alms) are two of the five pillars of Islam and are both obligatory on every muslim individual. With Ramadhan so near, every Muslim must take spiritual and academic preparation for it. It is also common for Muslims to choose Ramadan as the ideal month to fulfill the Zakah (giving alms) obligation as their reward is multiplied by paying their Zakah in the holy month of Ramadhan. If you want to contribute, just click your cursor here (http://www.roslihanip.com/articles/Sumbangan_Al-Hikmah.pdf)

For me, If I get to live through Ramadhan, I am determined to make the most of it. Not a second to be wasted! I have made a timetable, planning my day out so I can do as much Ibadah as possible. I recommend everyone to do the same. This is useful.

To understand the significance of the fasting month of Ramadhan, one must prepare for it not only bodily but also spiritually. During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, marital relations or getting angry during the daylight hours. In addition, those fasting are supposed to refrain from bad habits - lying, getting angry, using bad language as well as to be more diligent in prayer and give to charities. It is believe that fasting heightens spirituality and develops self-control.

The fast begins in the morning just before sunrise, at Imsak, and is broken at maghrib which falls at sunset. Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for devout Muslims.

Those who are expected to fast include: adults (defined as those who have reached the age of puberty) and those who are sane. Those who are not expected to fast include: children, women having their period, travelers, the sick, those with long-term illnesses, pregnant or breastfeeding women and the mentally ill.

The faithful who fast awaken early in the morning to have a meal before subuh. In order to awaken the faithful, the call to prayer is sounded from neighborhood mosques. In addition, groups of young boys walk around neighborhoods beating on drums and other noise makers to awaken the faithful.

The breaking of the fast at sunset is a very social occasion for which special foods are prepared for gatherings with family or friends. Upon hearing the sound of the beduk drum on the television or the call to prayer from the neighborhood mosque at sunset, the faithful know it’s time to break their fast, or buka puasa. This is usually done with a very sweet drink and sweet snacks. Maghrib prayers are made before a full meal is served. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during the bleseed month of Ramadhan. We need to perform the recitation of the entire Qur’an by means of special prayers, called Taraweh, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur’an (juz, which is 1/30 of the Qur’an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur’an would be completed at the end of the month.

The schedule for Imsak and Maghrib is posted in major newspapers and on the television throughout Malaysia. You could not miss it.

While it is expected that people will keep to their normal activities during the fast, needless to say the lack of liquid and food during the day and the unusual sleep and meal schedule soon take their toll. After the first week you may see that sleep and food deprivation cause those fasting to have reduced energy levels as well as finding it more difficult to concentrate on tasks.

Why does Islam oblige its followers to fast during Ramadhan each year?

1. To develop compassion for the poor and needy who feel hungry every day.
2. As a spiritually and physically cleansing experience. Just as in other world religions, fasting is seen as an opportunity to separate yourself from the things of this world and to concentrate on your relationship with God.
3. To become closer to God by contemplating his will in your life.
4. To build self-discipline and to become a better person.

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).

Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).

Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).

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Our Prophet SAW was the one who expended the most from what Allah SWT gave to him. If anyone wanted anything from the Messenger SAW, he would certainly give, whether it was much or whether it was little; he always gave whatever he could. The pleasure he took from giving was more than the happiness of the person who received. Our Prophet SAW specified four types of possessions from which to give alms (zakat):

1) Agricultural products and fruits,

2) Animals (camel, cattle),

3) Gold and silver,

4) All sorts of commercial goods.

“You who believe! Give away some of what We have provided for you before a Day arrives on which there is no trading, no close friendship and no intercession…” (Surat Al-Baqarah : 254)

Cooperation had a great place in our Prophet’s SAW life. He informs us that the best of all aids given are the ones given in secret. Our Prophet SAW says:

“Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but that of Him (i. e. on the Day of Judgment, and they are): … a person who gives charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the right hand does not know what the left has given: and a person who remembered Allah in privacy and his eyes shed tears.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2248)

Satan inspires fear for future in people so as to hinder them from giving away from that which Allah SWT has blessed them with. This way, he drifts them into stinginess. Our Prophet SWT says that this is a great danger for believers.

 ”Spend and do not calculate, (for) Allah would calculate in your case; and do not hoard, otherwise Allah would be withholding from you.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2244)

 ”He who gives time to one who is financially hard up (in the payment of debt) or writes off his debt, Allah will provide him His shadow.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 042, Number 7149)

“If any owner of gold or silver does not pay what is due on him, when the Day of Resurrection would come, plates of fire would be beaten out for him; these would then be heated in the fire of Hell and his sides, his forehead and his back would be cauterized with them. Whenever these cool down, (the process is) repeated during a day the extent of which would be fifty thousand years, until judgment is pronounced among servants.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 005, Number 2161)

Giving to charity is one of the five “pillars” of Islam. Muslims who have wealth remaining over the year, after paying for their own basic needs, must pay a certain percentage to help others. This almsgiving is called Zakat, from an Arabic word which means both “to purify” and “to grow.” Muslim believe that giving to others purifies their own wealth, increases its value, and causes one to recognize that everything we have is a trust from God. Paying Zakat is required of every adult Muslim man or woman who possesses wealth of a certain minimum amount.

In addition to the required alms, Muslims are encouraged to give in charity at all times according to their means. Additional, voluntary charity is called sadaqah, from an Arabic word meaning “truth” and “honesty.” Sadaqah may be given at any time and in any amount. 

How Much to Pay in Zakat: Zakat is only required of those who have wealth beyond a certain amount to meet their basic needs (called nisab in Arabic). The amount of money paid in Zakat depends on the amount and type of wealth one possesses, but is usually considered to be a minimum of 2.5% of a person’s “extra” wealth. The specific calculations of Zakat are rather detailed and dependent on individual circumstances, so zakat calculators have been developed to assist with the process.

Who May Receive Zakat: The Qur’an specifies eight categories of people to whom Zakat may be donated (in verse 9:60):

• Poor people — who have few belongings
• Destitute people — who have absolutely nothing
• Zakat collectors — for their work in collecting and distributing the zakat
• Muslim converts — who may be estranged from their families and in need of help
• Slaves — to free them from slavery in times/places where slavery has existed
• Debtors — to help free them from insurmountable debts
• Those working in the path of Allah — soldiers fighting a just war to defend the Muslim community
• Wayfarers — who are stranded during their travels

When to Pay Zakat: While Zakat can be paid anytime during the Islamic lunar year, many people prefer to pay it during Ramadan or your could contribute now to Al-Hikmah Surau/Madrasah for student who studied Al-Quran and Alim.

The assessor of alms should try to give his Zakat to an eligible person, but if he makes a mistake and gives it to an ineligible person it is accepted. In a hadith related by Abu Hurairah, he said the Messenger SAW said:

“A man expressed his intention to give charity, so he came with his charity and placed it in the hand of an adulteress. In the morning the people were talking and saying charity was given to an adulteress last night. The donor said: O Allah, to thee be the Praise - charity to an adulteress! He then again expressed his intention to give charity, so he went out with it and placed it in the hand of a rich person. In the morning the people were talking and saying charity was given to a rich person. The donor said, O Allah to You be the praise - charity to a rich man! He then expressed his intention to give charity, so he went out with his charity and placed it in the hand of a thief. In the morning the people were talking and saying charity to the thief. So the man said, O Allah to You be the praise (what a misfortune that charity has been given) to the adulteress, the rich and the thief! Then someone came to him and told him your charity has been accepted. As for the adulteress the charity might become the means whereby she might restrain from fornication. The rich man might perhaps learn a lesson and spend from what Allah has given him, and the thief might thereby restrain from committing theft. (Muslim/ Bukhari).

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It is so wonderful to be at the World Ijtimak 2009 at KLIA Quarters recently. I met my long time friends which I have not met for more than 20 years at the Ijtimak. It is the blessing from Allah. To name a few here, like Razali Kamisan, Idris Karim, Fuad Nordin and few others. Also to mention here one of my friend at FB like Niezam Abdullah. All these are possible just because Allah wants it to happen. All are based on the kudrat of Allah swt.

This world is like a prison for the believer, meaning that the way a prisoner isn’t free and is bound by rules, the affair of a believer is the same, this world is not one of freedom for them but one of rules and obligations towards Allah swt. The believer at all times keeps these rules and obligations in front of him. The way a prisoner doesn’t make his home the prison the believer is the same, where by he never sees this world as his home, but as a temporary dwelling full of trials until he reaches his final home of Jannah.

For a disbeliever the matter is on the complete other end of the scale, he sees the life of this world as jannah and does whatever his heart desires. He sees this world as his final home and acts accordingly to it, he pays no heed to the warnings that are given to him and does not submit to the will and obligations of Allah. He sees this world as his for the taking and makes it his goal to acquire as much as he can and to derive pleasure from it, due to this he sees this world as a place of reward and becomes blind to the reality of its evil and hereafter.

Note:
When thinking about it, many non-believers do not understand how muslims can devote a life to a higher being, how we as muslims can easily put on hold our lives for the sake of Allah.

At times explaining to a non-believer seems futile, but patience is critical in these matters, remember that to this day; Religion to them has always been a side dish, where as islam is the full 7 course meal.

Islam governs our lives, and we are happy for it to do so. As, if our lives were left within our own hearts desires we would truly be lost.

We see this life as temporary and our belief enables us to give up desires for a higher cause, for we know we will be rewarded.

Many times it takes a lot of time and tonnes of patience in order to be able to make a non-believer see this. We need to continuously make dua to Allah to guide those whom we try to call to Islam and make dua that Allah instill in us the correct a’dab to be able to do dakwah of His deen.

May Allah guides us All, insyaAllah.

Amin.

Before you go view this video, when the PM and DPM visited the Ijtimak gathering.

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Guys, have you ever ask yourself who are you? Where do you come from? Sounds interesting huh! This is what I read recently “The miracle of human creation” by Harun Yahya. Here is the introduction of the topic.

The human body is the most complicated machine in the world. We see with it, hear with it, breathe with it, walk and run with it, and sense pleasure with it. Its bones, muscles, arteries, veins and internal organs are organized with marvellous design, and when we examine this design in detail we find even more amazing facts. Every part of the body, though each may seem to be so different from another, is made up of the same material: cells.

Cells, each of which is one thousandth of a millimetre, are the structural units that form our body and everything in it. Some of these cells unite to form bones, others to form nerves, the liver, the inner layer of the stomach, the skin or the cornea of the eyeball. Each has the size and shape that exactly meet the requirement of that part of the body.
How and when did cells, which have such varied functions, come into being?
The answer to this question will take us into a process whose every moment is filled with mystery. All the approximately 100 trillion cells that make up your body today came from the division of one single cell. That single cell which had the same structure as all the cells in your body now, came from the union of your mother’s egg cell and your father’s sperm cell.
In the Qur’an, God sometimes refers to the wonders of the earth and the sky, and sometimes to the mysteries of the creation of living things as various signs of His existence. One of the most important of these signs is His wondrous creation of human beings.
In many verses, as a lesson to human beings, God advises them to turn and look at their own creation. He explains in detail how human beings come to be and what stages they pass through. In Surah 56, He tells of human creation:

We created you, so why do you not confirm the truth? Have you thought about the sperm that you ejaculate? Is it you who create it or are We the Creator? (Qur’an, 56: 57-59)

The essence of a human being composed of 60-70 kilos of flesh and a mass of bones was originally contained in a drop of fluid. It is certainly a wonder that an intelligent, feeling human being with the faculties of speech and hearing and with a remarkably complex physical structure could come into existence from a drop of fluid. This development was certainly not the result of a random process or the operation of chance, but rather of a conscious process of Creation.
This book will explain in detail a wonder that is experienced continually, by every person on the face of the earth the wonder of human creation. It must be made clear that what is dealt with in this book is only a part of the intricacies of human creation; but even what is related in this book reveals once again the eternal power of the Creator, His limitless knowledge and intelligence that surround and embrace the whole universe. And it will remind human beings that Almighty God is “the Best of Creators”.

We created man from the purest kind of clay; then made him a drop in a secure receptacle; then formed the drop into a clot and formed the clot into a lump and formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be God, the Best of Creators! (Qur’an, 23: 12-14)

Why not sit back and view this video. This video is about your story. How you came to be from a single drop of liquid? How you were carefully designed, built, fed, and raised in your mother’s womb? When you see the marvelous design, plan and intricacy in each tiny step that leads to your existence, you will recall that this is not the work of the blind forces of nature, but the work of an all-Wise and all-Powerful Creator, Allah SWT.

Then download the book here, http://www.harunyahya.com/creation.php

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Guys, this coming July 9 to July 13 the World Istimak will be held in KLIA Quarters.

This gathering will be only the second world istimak in Malaysia after 23 years. It has been long since Malaysia become the host of this auspicious event. All muslim brothers will gather here and expecting also from the whole worlds. This is the way that Rasulullah s.a.w shown us to be a good muslim, with superb Iman and Amal. Let’s us convey this message to All muslim people, and pray to Allah may this gathering be a very successful gathering.

This is a photo taken during Istimak Tongi, Bangladesh early this year. Hopefully The Malaysia Istimak will be same capacity or even bigger than this insyaAllah.

Earlier this year in February 2009 at Tongi, Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi authorities deployed some 10,000 security officials to guard the World Congregation of Muslims at a 77-hectare (190-acre) site on the banks of River Turag in Tongi, just north of Dhaka, as hundreds of thousands of Muslims began arriving for the event, local government official Azmat Ullah Khan said. Khan said people were streaming into the ground on buses, trucks, ferries and trains. (International Herald Tribune)

It is reported that some 3 million Muslim devotees raised their hands in prayer for global peace, putting aside their country’s sometimes violent struggle with political corruption and Islamic extremists, at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings after Hajj in Mecca. The annual World Congregation of Muslims, or “Bishwa Ijtema,” has been held each year since 1966 on the banks of the River Turag in Tongi, just north of the capital, Dhaka. (The Ledger).

Read also the report on this gathering at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/

So hopefully Malaysia Istimak in KLIA Quarters this year will be the same strong gathering as in Tongi, Bangladesh, insyaAllah.

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Recently I read a book on our Nabi s.a.w. and today allow me to share about the miracles of Nabi s.a.w. Put aside business world and be with me just for few minutes to procrastinate about this heavenly topic.

It is clear that whoever has witnessed the condition of Rasulullah s.a.w.; whoever listens with attention to the Ahadith of Nabi s.a.w. character, habits, qualities, policies with people of different status and standings, his being accustomed to people of different temperements and how people became so captivated in following him; whoever is aware of those realities and truths which were uttered by his blessed tongue as an answer to the most difficult of questions, and whoever glances at his wonderful and amazing policies in human affairs and to the beautiful indications found in the explanation of apparent explanations, the basic knowledge of which the intelligent of the world have remained helpless - then without shadow of doubt, he will exclaim that these perfections cannot be attained by efforts and hardwork, nor by the management of any human power.

In fact, it is not possible for these things nor can it be conceived that they are found without any heavenly power and divine aid. This is apparent that divine aid and resultant perfections can never be attained by any liar or fraud. Nabi s.a.w. character and way of life are a clear proof of his truthfulness. A pure Bedouin (Badwi) on seeing Nabi s.a.w said, “This is not the face of a liar”. This village-dweller, on just seeing some qualities and virtues of Nabi s.a.w., gives testimony to his truthfulness. What will be the condition of that person who had witnessed Nabi’s s.a.w. character and who had experienced the different phases of Nabi’s s.a.w. purelife? At this juncture, many scholars have briefly written some qualities of Nabi s.a.w. so that one can know his model of perfect character and so that one can judge Nabi’s s.a.w. truthfulness, high status and magnificent glory of Allah swt that Allah swt has granted Nabi s.a.w. these perfections to the highest degree, whereas Nabi s.a.w. was Ummi (unlettered), he never learnt from anyone, nor did he study any books and neither did he travel anywhere in search of knowledge. He was raised and grew up in a group of an illiterate village-dwelling community. Together, with this, he was an orphan. The shadow of a compassionate father who normally makes effort in nurturing and teaching good manners had been lifted from before (his birth), Added to this, Nabi s.a.w. was reared in a poverty-stricken household in severe conditions. Then from where did Nabi s.a.w attain all these beautiful qualities, knowledge and recognition, knowledge of the angels and past Ambiya’ and the specialities of the Ambiya’? If there had not been clear revelation, then how could one with human abilities be successful in attaining these astounding perfections by his own efforts? If Nabi s.a.w. excellences were only these, and not even one miracle became apparent, then too, the truthfulness and honesty of Nabi s.a.w. is sufficient proof for Nabi s.a.w. being truthful. This is the special mercy and favour of Allah swt that he did not suffice only on these excellences, but made apparent on Nabi’s s.a.w. blessed hands such open mu’jizat (miracles), that just by seeing them there would not remain any doubt in the most foolish and ignorant person regarding the Nubuwwat and Risalat of Nabi s.a.w.

From amongst these mu’jizat (miracles), here I would like to share only those most famous and well-known and which are mentioned in the reliable and Sahih (authentic) books of Hadith. These are:

1. When Quraish demanded a sign of Nabi s.a.w. Nubuwwat from him, then Allah swt split the moon in two for him.
2. In Hadrat Jabir’s r.a.d. house, from a little food a whole group was satiated.
3. In the house of Hadrat Talha r.a.d. during battle of Khandaq (the trench), a small amount of food was sufficient for a big jama’at (group pf people) through the blessings of Nabi s.a.w.
4. Once a baby goat and flour less than 2 bowls sufficed for 80 men. In Dalailun-Nubuwwat of Baihaqi, according to narration of Hadrat Jabir r.a.d. 800 people being satiated has been mentioned and in Dalail-Abi Nu’aim 1000 have been mentioned.
5. Once a few dates which Binte-Bashir held in her hands, sufficient to satiate an entire army, and some remained thereafter.
6. Water flowed from between the fingers of Nabi s.a.w. from which a thirsty army drank to their fill and from which they all made wudu’ (ablution).

May Allah gives us strength to seek more knowledge regarding Sunnah of Rasulullah s.a.w. and live the way of Islam as the way of Life which has been shown by Nabi s.a.w. and sahabahs.

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