tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.comments2012-03-27T21:08:14.744-07:00Zhulkeflee Bin Haji Ismailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546529393463813852noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-72074351771885956932008-11-10T00:48:00.000-08:002008-11-10T00:48:00.000-08:00Assalamualaikum wr wb Ustaz,<BR/><BR/>Jazakullah ya khairan. Alhamdulillah, thank you Ustaz, for the beautiful and meaningful parable.<BR/><BR/>Whenever i read your articles over and over again, a different reflection will arise in my mind.<BR/><BR/>I always come across the 'Singapore Muslim identity' whenever i read the magazine, Nadi published by MUIS.One of the characteristics of a Singaporean Muslim is to be "Progressive, practises Islam beyond forms/rituals and rides the modernization wave".<BR/><BR/>I used to remember that in one of your lessons, you told us, we should be a Muslim Singaporean and not vice versa.<BR/>And what does it mean to 'practice Islam beyong forms/rituals'? If Muslims don't carry out the rituals that are required in Islam, then what can they do to perform 'beyond rituals'?<BR/><BR/>Ustaz, can you provide some light or your perspectives on this?<BR/><BR/>Wassalam. Shukran.bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-47534626909396966572008-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:002008-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:00Assalamualaikum wr wb,<BR/><BR/>At my workplace, I have a colleague who sometimes asks me about Islam, mainly about solat, and fasting. She is a polytheist (Taoist), but she told me that at her home, her family does not keep any idol in particular to worship. We have talked a little bit about the concept of God in Islam before, but very briefly and for once or twice only. I hope to tell her more about Allah and His Deen to her, because I feel that we have established a comfortable friendship with each other, and Allah has provided the opportunity for me to invite her towards Islam. Please du'a for me, Ustaz. And I hope to continue learning from you, insyaAllah.<BR/><BR/>Wassalam,<BR/>ILDASOLHAILDASOLHAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-64875295417983853212008-09-27T23:53:00.000-07:002008-09-27T23:53:00.000-07:00Wa ‘alaykum-salaam waraHmatulLaah<BR/><BR/>Sister,<BR/><BR/>In my advice to some of my students, I have reiterated my concern of the way Muslims learn and carry out their Fardhu ‘ain, which needs to be re-looked into again. (ref: virtual halaqah: http://miftahuljannah.friendhood.net/bustanul-arifin-f1/). <BR/>My concern was because I sensed that many may have learnt Islam merely as a subject, and not so much as a way of life to be striven upon. For many, Fardhu ‘ain are regarded merely as things to be done, and they overlooked that these are made obligatory upon us Muslims to benefit from them, because it contains hikmah and the Mercy of Allah – as transformative program for changing our entire worldview and paradigm. (ref: &quot;Parable of the good Word&quot;: http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/2008/05/good-word-like-good-tree.html). <BR/><BR/>Remember, by being Muslims we are not doing Allah any favour, whereas it is Allah Who has in fact favoured us. Actually when Muslims re-orientate themselves and regard the “arkaan al-Islam” as crucial ‘building blocks’ of their life and each fulfilment of these arkaan (singular – rukun) must be appraised upon how close (&#39;taqarrub&#39;) they have become towards Allah s.w.t., only then can they extract themselves of the malaise you have described (which I termed as “Dr. Jeckyll &amp; Mr. Hyde” syndrome – i.e. intermittently lapsing into forgetfulness or heedlessness (&#39;ghaflah&#39;), then remembrance, then forgetfulness of Allah again in the cycle in life). Allah warns us of this in the Qur’an, and wants to guide us to be different:<BR/><BR/>“And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget themselves souls! such are the rebellious transgressors! Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity.” <BR/><BR/>(Qur’an: Hashr: 59:19-20)<BR/> <BR/>If our Fardhu ‘ain is done in accordance with the intended (correct) approach, which I regard as the traditional way (to be differentiated from the ‘conventional’ IRK-style in learning Islam), the Muslims remembrance of Allah would be continuous and strong throughout their life, (inshaAllah, Allah will instill &#39;istiqomah&#39;) not just in their wakeful hours, even when they are in their sleep too, in spite of the so many life-engagement and worldly distractions he/she may be exposed too.<BR/><BR/>So your ‘firasat’ that perhaps “my Fardh &#39;ain is of poor quality” was spot-on. Muslims problem today may primarily be due to one single principle problem i.e. of knowledge and of their education – more precisely Islamic education (or the lack of it, or and the confusion regarding it). So do not despair and strive to carry out what Allah wish for us to aim to do, especially to wholeheartedly enter into Islam (as opposed to partiality) and be careful of distractions which are what our enemy Satan is trying to snare us into, so do not allow yourself to backslide – especially in seeking knowledge with practice (‘ilm wa ‘amal):<BR/><BR/>“O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. If ye backslide after the clear (signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” <BR/>(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 208-209)<BR/><BR/>WaAllaahu a’lamZhulkeflee Bin Haji Ismailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546529393463813852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-20324460024748406772008-09-21T07:08:00.000-07:002008-09-21T07:08:00.000-07:00Salam Ustaz Zhulkeflee,<BR/><BR/>I truly share the sentiments of Blue. The nature of my work is such that it requires a lot of thinking and concentration, that I feel that I do not remember Allah as often as I should. I am afraid that I will be of those who regret in the afterlife- those who regret being too occupied with the worldly things, and forgot about the more important things (akhirah). Na'uzubillah. I feel that even my Fardh 'ain is of poor quality, probably as a result of being too distracted by the worldly things. Ustaz, how do I not get ourselves too distracted by the things in this world (for instance, problems at work) so that the quality of my solat and other ibadah can be improved? Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Wassalam,<BR/>ILDASOLHAILDASOLHAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-7598506795853809932008-09-15T06:53:00.000-07:002008-09-15T06:53:00.000-07:00Salam, Ustaz<BR/><BR/>MasyaAllah. Thank you Ustaz for this insightful site. I couldn't agree more to the contents of this particular post (Beware of Masjid Dhiraraa), and this issue is worrying me as we see more and more of such "masjid" in today's world. Even the time of the Prophet s.a.w. was not spared from it, what more the present "westernised, globalised" world. I feel that the problem at present is, many of the builders of such "masjid" today are not aware of the disaster which it can bring and is bringing to the Muslim community. I personally admit I was one of those ignorant "builders". However, now that I realise the subtle yet widespread disaster such an activity had done to the community, I find it difficult to warn/alert the other ignorant "builders" of the disaster. <BR/><BR/>I'm saddened by the fact that people in general put aside traditional methods (sunnah of Rasulullah, his companions, tabeen, tabiit tabiin, and scholars in the past who walked the same path as the previously mentioned individuals), thinking that they are not effective in today's world, yet they do not know that the methods which they use at present are but destruction. What is worse is when some people start clubs/societies to create something hip and new, and totally eliminate the traditional methods, and then claim that these new methods are Islamic (while they are not, as they are just borrowed from the Western, Orientalist way). Astaghfirullah!<BR/><BR/>I really pray that the traditional way will be revived, and I hope to be able to contribute towards reviving it, no matter how little, insyaAllah. May Allah protect us from the influence of the kaafiruun and Dajjaal, and may He keep alive the spirit of Al-Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w. in our hearts, ameen!ILDASOLHAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-24372711461678016472008-08-26T00:02:00.000-07:002008-08-26T00:02:00.000-07:00SubHaanAllahi maa-shaa-Allaah.<BR/>Wabillaahi taufiq wal-Hamdulillaah!<BR/><BR/>Syukran<BR/>Your feedback is appreciated. In fact after posting several of my reflections, the absence of feedback can be quite discouraging for myself who are used to conduct classes live (direct-face-to-face). Without any form of (communicative audience)response, it is like teaching in an empty class. So, your comment was timely, and much appreciated. BarakaAllaahu feek (Bro./Sis.??Can we have a name - even if not your actual name, because with several others posting as anonymous, I may not know one from the other, But I respect your wanting to hold to privacy).<BR/><BR/>Jazaa-kumullaah al-khayr al-jaza'<BR/><BR/>was-salaamZhulkeflee Bin Haji Ismailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546529393463813852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-9388526043373816882008-08-25T20:42:00.000-07:002008-08-25T20:42:00.000-07:00Salam Ustadz,<BR/>Alhamdulillah now i have found an avenue to understand more on the parables given by Allah in the Quran. I read the translations of the Quran a few times but when come to the parables, due to my shortcomings, i'm unable to grasp the full deep meanings behind them. Alhamdulillah Ustad's works have enlightened me alot and insya Allah strenghen me. I hope Ustad can share with us more on other parables. <BR/>JazakaAllahu KhairAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-52751098369561383562008-08-24T04:17:00.000-07:002008-08-24T04:17:00.000-07:00Alhamdulillah Ustadz, now i have a better understanding of my role as a Muslim and mother. <BR/>JazakAllahu KhairAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-6834935898421522342008-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:002008-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:00Wa’alaykum salaam wr. wb.<BR/><BR/>By ‘allurement’ here, it is the chosen translation to the Arabic word “zeena” ( زِينَةُ) which in some other translation, the chosen word is “ornaments” – howbeit, we can understand it to mean: ”something that excites and attracts our desires towards itself; something that can add beauty to our life or which may perhaps help to make it complete.” <BR/><BR/>Thus, it is undeniable that both wealth and children indeed are things that humankind naturally would be motivated to acquire or hope to be bestowed with. Thus, if we can summarize succinctly, most people would compete basically for these. Allah s.w.t. here is warning mankind not to lose sight that these things by themselves, wealth and children, are not enduring. Therefore do not be deceived by it as though they are the ultimate (which many ‘ahl ad-dunya’ - the materialist secularist - regards them so) , but we Muslims must turn our attention to that which really matter. <BR/><BR/>Things that really matter is when we consider: “How did we get that wealth? And how do we spend it on? Do we regard our children as a trust from Allah? And do we fulfil our obligations towards them with sense of gratitude towards Allah s.w.t.? Through these questions, we Muslims will know how to utilize these allurements and transform them into “wal-baaqiya tu as-solihaat” (righteous deeds which endure - وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ ).<BR/><BR/>Islam is not against people having these (wealth and children) per se – but Allah s.w.t. in this ayat is only warning us against failure to have the proper regard towards them, and against our not utilizing them in the service of Allah s.w.t.<BR/><BR/>In raising your concern when you state: “my time for devotion to Allah is much greatly affected in raising my child” – you may have been mistaken of an important point: If you consider your child as a trust from Allah s.w.t., and you are constantly grateful to Allah (shakur), and you regard every effort to raise them, to nurture them, to provide for them etc. as a duty you are fulfilling for the sake of Allah s.w.t. – then, these (efforts in raising your child) ARE also your Devotion to Allah s.w.t. Perhaps in looking after them, your other personal (individual) devotion as a Muslim may have been affected – but actually, you are still engaged in devotion to Allah s.w.t. As long as the 'fardh 'ain' are not neglected, the devotion to Allah s.w.t. in being a good mother to your child carries a MUCH higher value than any personal devotion (nawaafil) that you may have to forego. So, be cheerful my sister.May Allah be pleased with all our endeavor in life.<BR/><BR/>WaAllaahu a’lamZhulkeflee Bin Haji Ismailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546529393463813852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-48186989818247492512008-08-21T04:32:00.000-07:002008-08-21T04:32:00.000-07:00Salam Ustadz,<BR/>Can you give us examples of how children can be an allurement as mentioned by Allah in the verses quoted? As a mother, i do agree that my time for devotion to Allah is much greatly affected in raising my children. But neglecting their needs is also not acceptable. Hope Ustadz can help us draw a clearer line on this issue.<BR/>Shukran JazillanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-73255681392144870772008-08-21T04:10:00.000-07:002008-08-21T04:10:00.000-07:00To my understanding, da'wah must begin wif ourselves by increasing islamic knowledge and practise them to our best of abilities. whilst doing so, we then build up our close family members' iman esp. our children, spouses and siblings, even our parents. Next come our relatives, then the people whom we come in contact wif in our everyday lives eg. friends, colleagues, neighbours, acquaintances, giving priority over the muslims than the non-muslims. Then we can reach out to the people on the street, again priority given to muslims to bring them back to the path of Allah, then finally the general non-muslims.<BR/>Hope Ustad can correct me if my understanding is incorrect. Shukran.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-72993032154300430632008-08-15T20:35:00.000-07:002008-08-15T20:35:00.000-07:00Alhamdulillah Ustaz.<BR/><BR/>This has certainly served as a reminder for Muslims in our current situation a.k.a the Dajjal era.<BR/><BR/>Can i also relate to what i've observed in recent times, where 'Modern muslims' turn to speakers who speak of 'EQ', 'Achieving excellence and success in this world' talks/seminars etc etc instead of turning to the teachings and guidance of Islam.To them, they feel that Islam is outdated and backward. It's a sad situation.If Muslims ourselves do not propagate the goodness of Islam, how then can we tell everyone in the world that Islam is the true religion and brings peace and tranquility.<BR/><BR/>Just my 2 cents take on this topic.<BR/><BR/>May Allah swt forgives my errors.bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-40162547704736706092008-08-15T20:14:00.000-07:002008-08-15T20:14:00.000-07:00Assalamualaikum wr wb Ustaz,<BR/><BR/>I have a question. <BR/><BR/>Can you quote examples of hidden shirik? I understand that this form of hidden idolatry can be dangerous too and is formed in the heart.<BR/><BR/>How can we avoid falling into the trap of committing hidden shirik.<BR/><BR/>Thank you Ustaz.bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-90805645752838187852008-08-13T22:49:00.000-07:002008-08-13T22:49:00.000-07:00Salam bro faqir,<BR/><BR/>Indeed it is very unfortunate to hear that we have fellow Muslims bros and sis who have 'fallen out of the safety net' and we did not do our duty to help them out.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes i do drop a few hints to them;for eg. about praying or generally about Islam, but unfortunately, it has fallen on deaf ears.<BR/><BR/>But we must not give up. Insya allah.<BR/><BR/>May Allah swt guide us all on the Straight Path.aminbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-71352746601958078112008-07-01T20:23:00.000-07:002008-07-01T20:23:00.000-07:00Masha-Allah. This post teaches me how to apply that verse into the situation today. Masha-Allah.al-faqir ilallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00168124835811007628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-88788614526626400242008-06-18T00:38:00.000-07:002008-06-18T00:38:00.000-07:00Indeed, the non-Muslims are now in the depths of darkness. We, as Muslims, must have concern for them and reach out to them with the da'wah. However, sadly, da'wah has been hugely neglected. It is a sad situation indeed. When our non-Muslim friends fall sick, we show our concern for them but when they are now in the depths of kufr and shirk, we lack that concern. May Allah forgives us for our shortcomings. Amin.al-faqir ilallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00168124835811007628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-19670592420909952842008-06-16T02:38:00.000-07:002008-06-16T02:38:00.000-07:00Masha-Allah ya ustadh. Masha-Allah. It reminds me of a line from the ratib of Imam al-Haddad. Bismillah walhamdulillah walkhairu washarru bi masyiatillah. Thanks ustadh. May Allah reward you and elevate your rank.al-faqir ilallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00168124835811007628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-80113136784802233222008-06-03T20:48:00.000-07:002008-06-03T20:48:00.000-07:00Thank you Ustaz, for the advice, reminders and teachings that you have brought forth in this blog.<BR/><BR/>Allahu akbar!bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-3339294294799289172008-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:002008-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00Assalamu 'alaikum,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this post ustadh. Few people nowadays remind others on the value of this temporal world as compared to that of the eternal akhira. Thanks once again.al-faqir ilallahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00168124835811007628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-68127349264282393422008-06-03T03:44:00.000-07:002008-06-03T03:44:00.000-07:00Wa 'alaykum salaam war. wab.<BR/><BR/>When we are steadfast in following the Sunnah of our Prophet s.a.w., we will insyaAllah attain Paradise.<BR/>The Way of life (ad-Deen al-Islam) which he teaches is not burdensome nor difficult, and he does not teach us to go to extremes, nor does he forbid us from enjoying life.<BR/><BR/>In fact enjoying goodness of life is a command so that we can attain to being a grateful servant of Allah. What we must avoid however, is to be heedless, forgetful of Allah, rebellious & ungtateful.<BR/><BR/>What we need to inculcate is to remain steadfast (istqomah)upon this Deen, holding fast to all the truth regarding Allah, the angels, the books, prophets, alAakhirah & accepting Allah's Qada' & Qadr. Doing what He commands & refrain from the forbidden.<BR/><BR/>The essential state that we need to inculcate is Taqwa (always mindful & conscious of Allah); always being sincere & grateful to all His favours; have good opinion of Allah at all times;remember to hasten to good deeds - mindful the rights of Allah & the rights of His creatures in creation;seek always His Guidance & Forgiveness'; cleanse or free ourselves from bad traits & emulate all the noble traits of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. with real feeling of love.<BR/><BR/>Thus to be mindful & engage in much remembrance of Allah in our daily life (which includes remembering all the above), means that we are not "ahl-al-dunya" (people of this world)rather we become "ahlullaah" - we belong to Allah or "Allah's people". Thus the reminder for us regarding this is succinctly expressed in our Swolah repeatedly - "verily the Swolah that I'am offering, every sacrifice that I make, my (entire) life and my death is only for Allah Lord Sustainer of the worlds. There is no partner to You (O Allah), and this is what I have been commanded to do, and I am of those who submit as Muslims."<BR/><BR/>As to your question: what other activities? Well, many many activities within the above paradigm.Satisfying your desires & needs for enjoyment as an expression of thanksgiving (gratefulness to Allah) - can be regarded as 'ibaadah.<BR/><BR/>Wa-Allaahu a'lam<BR/><BR/>Whosoever Obey Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest Achievement. (Q:Ahzab: 33:71)<BR/><BR/> was-salaamZhulkeflee Bin Haji Ismailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09546529393463813852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251348948114807923.post-49773636299916971982008-06-02T08:27:00.000-07:002008-06-02T08:27:00.000-07:00Salam Ustaz,<BR/><BR/>We are now living in this dunya that is 'decorated' with lots of nafs,attractions of desires and beautiful things. But yet,Allah swt has created this world for us, not for 'total enjoyment' but a testing and tribulation grounds for us,mankind.The winner or 'survivor' won't be one who gets the US$1million but one who gets to taste the sweetness of Paradise.<BR/><BR/>We have all the information of how much goodness the Paradise contains but yet,day in day out, I wonder how do we get through our lives fruitfully,spending our times wisely, besides being fully conscious of Allah swt in every moment of our lives?<BR/><BR/>What other 'activities' could we do?I worry about being questioned by Allah swt how did I spend my time here...<BR/><BR/>Please help.bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09351392201744668270noreply@blogger.com