THE SIMILITUDES - ٱلۡأَمۡثَـٰلُ

[powerpoint] "Parable : Masjid Dhiraara and the Munaafiquun"

2011-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

[Slideshare]parable masjiddhirara

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"Parable of the Water"

2011-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱصۡبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ

وَرَابِطُواْ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

"O ye who believe! persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may
prosper".
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 200)

[Slideshare]parable water(sobr')
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"Parable of the Jig-saw puzzle" - from the class "Ta'lim muta'allim tariqat ta'lum"

2009-12-06T04:17:00.000-08:00

Al-Hamdulillaah!

This was delivered in yesterday's class.

I am attaching this for my students who may wish to refer to it again, as well as to share with others who may benefit from it.

May Allah SWT be pleased and increase us in Wisdom and Taqwa.

was-salaam

----------------------------------------------------

Ta’Aruf & Short Group Discussion(3)

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW COURSE

2009-04-14T23:46:00.001-07:00

Fardh Ain(Poster)

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"Parable of the Computer : Brief overview of Islamic perspective on knowledge, learning & education.

2009-04-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Parable Of The Computer[Slideshare]2

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PARABLE: "Verily the likeness (similitude) of a believer is like that of the bee" - Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

2008-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

[To magnify and read, click on the expansion icon, situated at top-right of the Scribd box-screen - here below, and use (+) to enlarge page]

Refuting Misconception About Islam[1a]

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Introduction to 'ilm al-akhlaq

2008-10-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

"Story of Animal in te Farm" - (a satire)

Parables of two men: the slave with the freedman; the useless and dumb with one who is guided and command justice....

2008-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ ثُمَّ يَتَوَفَّٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰٓ أَرۡذَلِ ٱلۡعُمُرِ
لِكَىۡ لَا يَعۡلَمَ بَعۡدَ عِلۡمٍ۬ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬
وَٱللَّهُ فَضَّلَ بَعۡضَكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ فِى ٱلرِّزۡقِ‌ۚ
فَمَا ٱلَّذِينَ فُضِّلُواْ بِرَآدِّى رِزۡقِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَا مَلَڪَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُہُمۡ
فَهُمۡ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ‌ۚ أَفَبِنِعۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَجۡحَدُونَ
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ
أَزۡوَٲجِڪُم بَنِينَ وَحَفَدَةً۬ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ‌ۚ
أَفَبِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ يُؤۡمِنُونَ وَبِنِعۡمَتِ ٱللَّهِ هُمۡ يَكۡفُرُونَ
وَيَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمۡلِكُ لَهُمۡ رِزۡقً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ
وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ
فَلَا تَضۡرِبُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ‌ۚ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ
ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً عَبۡدً۬ا مَّمۡلُوكً۬ا لَّا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬
وَمَن رَّزَقۡنَـٰهُ مِنَّا رِزۡقًا حَسَنً۬ا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنۡهُ سِرًّ۬ا وَجَهۡرًا‌ۖ
هَلۡ يَسۡتَوُ ۥنَ‌ۚ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ رَّجُلَيۡنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبۡڪَمُ لَا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬
وَهُوَ ڪَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوۡلَٮٰهُ أَيۡنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ‌ۖ
هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى هُوَ وَمَن يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ‌ۙ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬
وَلِلَّهِ غَيۡبُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ وَمَآ أَمۡرُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ إِلَّا
كَلَمۡحِ ٱلۡبَصَرِ أَوۡ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬
It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful.
Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others; those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favours of Allah?
And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature. And made for you out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?―
And worship others than Allah such as have no power of providing them, for sustenance, with anything in heavens or earth, and cannot possibly have such power?
Invent not similitudes for Allah: for Allah knoweth, and ye know not.
Allah sets forth the Parable (of two men: one) a slave under the dominion of another; he has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favours from ourselves, and he spends thereof, (freely), privately and publicly: are the two equal? (By no means); praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not.
Allah sets forth (another) Parable of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way he directs him, he brings no good: is such a man equal with one who commands justice, and is on a straight way?
To Allah belongeth the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the matter of the Hour (of Judgment) is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah hath power over all things.
(Qur'an: An-Nahl: 16:70-77)
REFLECTION
SubHaanAllaah! In this reflection, the first verse strikes to the core of the issue regarding our life, our very existence which we take for granted thinking presumptuously that it is exclusively ours and that we are not dependent on any one for it.

We easily forget that ‘life’ is conferred upon us and we become heedless of this reality. It is ‘life’ that is sustaining us, not that we are sustaining this life. But because Allah s.w.t. confers it without our asking for it, we take it for granted. We allow ourselves to ignore this generosity, drifting into a state of being ungrateful – whereas Allah s.w.t. our Creator and Sustainer has been most kind and merciful for keeping us alive; ensuring all our bodily functions, atmosphere and surrounding, sustenance and many other things needed for our survival - for to Him belongs all power. We forget the obvious that we are alive not because we deserve it, but rather only because of Allah’s generosity. And because Allah is the bestower of our life, our soul, and it is He Who can cause us to die in accordance to His own determination (decree):
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ ثُمَّ يَتَوَفَّٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰٓ أَرۡذَلِ ٱلۡعُمُرِ لِكَىۡ لَا يَعۡلَمَ بَعۡدَ عِلۡمٍ۬ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

"It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful."

MaasyaAllah! Those amongst us who has been favoured with long life should be forewarned that in extending our life, it is also a sign from Allah to teach us of our utter weakness and helplessness. As we aged, we are drained of our strength which we used to possess, becoming feeble and loosing much of what we use to know – all this is to inculcate in us that all power (strength) and all knowledge only belongs to Allah s.w.t. So, shed all those egotistical pride, all those boasting and arrogance; and submit in humility before Allah s.w.t., the One to Whom belongs all the Glory and worthy of all Praises.

IMPERATIVE TO BE GRATEFUL!

It is most obvious that some people in this life have been given more in sustenance than others. Often this has been used by some people to question the ‘justice’ of God, whereas we are forgetful of His Wisdom. The ‘justice’ we demand from Allah, is in fact emanates from our arrogance (and ignorance), trying to impose our ‘standards’ upon Allah just because we do not understand. Rather, we should humbly reflect that, because there is disparity in His gift of Sustenance to people, that we can learn and appreciate the value of things. When gifts are given equally to all, like the air we breathe, inadvertently we tend to take them for granted, and our appreciation for it’s value tend to diminish. Whereas, when the gifts are rare, it enhances in our perception of its value. Regarding things perceived as valuable, instinctively man is prone to being selfish inclining to possessiveness:

وَٱللَّهُ فَضَّلَ بَعۡضَكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ فِى ٱلرِّزۡقِ‌ۚ فَمَا ٱلَّذِينَ فُضِّلُواْ بِرَآدِّى رِزۡقِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَا مَلَڪَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُہُمۡ فَهُمۡ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ‌ۚ أَفَبِنِعۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَجۡحَدُونَ

"Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others; those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favours of Allah?"
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِڪُم بَنِينَ وَحَفَدَةً۬ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ‌ۚ أَفَبِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ يُؤۡمِنُونَ وَبِنِعۡمَتِ ٱللَّهِ هُمۡ يَكۡفُرُونَ

"And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature. And made for you out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?―"

Yet, our noble human disposition acknowledges that to reciprocate for the things which we have received through acts of charity and assistance towards other with these bestowals is appropriate and good, despite our inclination to being possessive. To do this, as enjoined by the bestower i.e. Allah s.w.t., can be regarded as acts of gratefulness. This tension, between selfish concern and altruism, will determine ones standing in this test of life.

Consider these gifts and bestowals.

Reflect upon the value of what you have been given, then. It is when we know value of things given that we can display appreciation and gratefulness (shakur). Only by being appreciative and grateful that one can be cajoled into reciprocating ones state of good-fortune with acts of kindness towards others, as this is expected of us from Allah s.w.t. Who has favoured us, so as to test who amongst us are true and who are false in being faithful to Him. Alas, act of kindness towards others may be motivated by other primary factor other than as reciprocation towards the true Bestower (i.e. Allah s.w.t.). Therefore, acknowledging Allah s.w.t. Who Alone is God – “there is no other god except Allah” – is absolutely vital. Allah sarcastically rebukes the mushrikeen (polytheist & unbelievers):

وَيَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمۡلِكُ لَهُمۡ رِزۡقً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ

And worship others than Allah such as have no power of providing them, for sustenance, with anything in heavens or earth, and cannot possibly have such power?

‘SHIRK’ : IS THE GREATEST SIN & EXTREME FORM OF UNGRATEFULNESS

Thus it is that Tauhiid –acknowledging and attesting to the Oneness of God i.e. that there is no other god deserving of worship except Allah, the Absolute One God, admitting no partner nor associate to His Lordship (Rubuubiyyah), Divinity (Uluuhiyyah) and to Him alone we direct our worship and servitude (‘Ubudiyyah). Our knowledge of Allah’s names (Asma) and attributes (wa-Sifat) must be based upon revelations from Allah Himself; glorifying Him in accordance with His exaltedness which we do not admit to be capable of encompassing, whereas it is Allah alone Who encompasses all:
فَلَا تَضۡرِبُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ
"Invent not similitude for Allah: for Allah knoweth, and ye know not."

PARABLES

When men regard others to have similar attributes or likeness to Allah s.w.t., imagining things in creation as sharing in Allah’s Lordship and Divinity, then they would be guilty of the gravest sin of Shirk (association). Such a notion is preposterous that Allah sets forth a parable:
ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً عَبۡدً۬ا مَّمۡلُوكً۬ا لَّا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَمَن رَّزَقۡنَـٰهُ مِنَّا رِزۡقًا حَسَنً۬ا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنۡهُ سِرًّ۬ا وَجَهۡرًا‌ۖ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوُ ۥنَ‌ۚ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

"Allah sets forth the Parable (of two men: one) a slave under the dominion of another; he has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favours from ourselves, and he spends thereof, (freely), privately and publicly: are the two equal? (By no means); praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not."

In human terms, can a slave who is subjugated under the power of other and powerless, be compared to another man, who is independent, wealthy and generous? Can they be equal? Surely, not! If this is still not clear, then Allah gives another example:

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ رَّجُلَيۡنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبۡڪَمُ لَا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُوَ ڪَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوۡلَٮٰهُ أَيۡنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ‌ۖ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى هُوَ وَمَن يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ‌ۙ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

"Allah sets forth (another) Parable of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way he directs him, he brings no good: is such a man equal with one who commands justice, and is on a straight way?"

Such is the similitude when people take others in this creation to be regarded as the Creator or sharing in the exclusive attributes of God, things that have no power of its own but is itself dependent upon the Lord and Sustainer, Allah s.w.t. How can it guides, when it itself stand in need of the guidance? Only your Lord, Allah Who commands justice, and is on a straight way, that can be relied upon for Justice and Guidance. So, remove all forms of association (shirk) and hold firm to Tauhid and put your trust in Allah (Tawakkul) – the best to rely upon:
وَلِلَّهِ غَيۡبُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ وَمَآ أَمۡرُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ إِلَّا كَلَمۡحِ ٱلۡبَصَرِ أَوۡ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

"To Allah belongeth the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the matter of the Hour (of Judgment) is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah hath power over all things."

SubHaanAllah! No one knows nor can claim ownership of every mystery of the heavens and the earth except Allah. Remember all things will be made to return to Allah, for mankind we are to be prepared for judgement day. It may be a folly, a terrible foolishness to think Day of judgement is still far away. It is sooner than we may think – remember it is Allah Who decides when the time for us to ‘cross over’. Thus we must repent, adhere to sincere faith in the Absolute Oneness of Allah, submit and seek His Mercy and Acceptance!
LAA-HAWLA-WA-LAA QUW-WATA IL-LA BIL-LA-HIL ‘ALIY-YIL ‘AZEEM!
WaAllaahu a'lam

Similitude of a Hypocrite: that of a man who kindled a fire

2008-06-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَبِٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ

يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ

أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ ءَامِنُواْ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلنَّاسُ قَالُوٓاْ أَنُؤۡمِنُ كَمَآ ءَامَنَ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ‌ۗ

أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلسُّفَهَآءُ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَعۡلَمُونَ

وَإِذَا لَقُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ شَيَـٰطِينِهِمۡ

قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا مَعَكُمۡ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

ٱللَّهُ يَسۡتَہۡزِئُ بِہِمۡ وَيَمُدُّهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ

أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱشۡتَرَوُاْ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةَ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَـٰرَتُهُمۡ

وَمَا كَانُواْ مُهۡتَدِينَ

مَثَلُهُمۡ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسۡتَوۡقَدَ نَارً۬ا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتۡ مَا حَوۡلَهُ ۥ

ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمۡ وَتَرَكَهُمۡ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍ۬ لَّا يُبۡصِرُونَ

صُمُّۢ بُكۡمٌ عُمۡىٌ۬ فَهُمۡ لَا يَرۡجِعُونَ

أَوۡ كَصَيِّبٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَـٰتٌ۬ وَرَعۡدٌ۬ وَبَرۡقٌ۬

يَجۡعَلُونَ أَصَـٰبِعَهُمۡ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِہِم مِّنَ ٱلصَّوَٲعِقِ حَذَرَ ٱلۡمَوۡتِ‌ۚ

وَٱللَّهُ مُحِيطُۢ بِٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

يَكَادُ ٱلۡبَرۡقُ يَخۡطَفُ أَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ‌ۖ كُلَّمَآ أَضَآءَ لَهُم مَّشَوۡاْ فِيهِ

وَإِذَآ أَظۡلَمَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ قَامُواْ‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَذَهَبَ بِسَمۡعِهِمۡ

وَأَبۡصَـٰرِهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe.

Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only
deceive themselves, and realize (it) not!
In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).
When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth", they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"
Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not.
When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, buy they do not know.
When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe" but when they are alone with their evil ones they say: "We are really with you; we (were) only jesting.
Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).
These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.
Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness so they could not see.
Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).
Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith! The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 8-20)

REFLECTION

Meaning of 'Nifaaq' (hypocrisy)

'Nifaaq' means to show conformity - or agreement - and to conceal evil.
Nifaaq has several types:
Nifaq in the creed that causes its people to reside in Hell for eternity, and
Nifaq in deed, which is one of the major sins.
Ibn Jurayj said of the hypocrite that, "His actual deeds are different from what he publicizes, what he conceals is different from what he utters, his entrance and presence are not the same as his exit and absence.''
Allah s.w.t. singled out this ‘Nifaaq’ as a type of ‘unbelief’ (Allah likens it as a disease) which may afflict Muslims. Outwardly, for all intents and purpose, a person is identified and regards himself as a Muslim, yet he is afflicted by a dangerous spiritual malady termed as ‘nifaaq’ (hypocrisy) – an attitude of unbelief; harbouring hatefulness of Islam and towards everything which it teaches, even mocking the true believers. They would undermine the teaching of Islam by instigating or planting doubts in Muslims, favouring un-Islamic ways rather than obeying the teachings of Islam – the Islam established and perfected by Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
This group has been causing much confusion today, especially when some of them clamour for ‘change’ in the manner of how Islam should be – where they unashamedly suggests that Muslim embrace liberalism, secularism, nationalism and various other “ism” which they fancy through their modern education. They seemed overawed by the ways of the unbelievers and in-fact preferred these over that of Islam (perhaps, being ignorant or unaware of what Islam has to offer). Being influenced by non-Muslim academician (orientalists) they echo the call towards ‘reformation’ (aping that, which had happened to Christianity) and offer various types of Islam ‘manufactured’ in the Universities and in the so-called Islamic Research Centres that proliferate in the West. One tell-tale sign is their ‘pathological’ hatred towards Muslim adhering to any Islamic tradition, labelling them all as outdated and archaic. Granted there may be Muslims who abuse the religion for their own ends, but we need to be careful not to spew hatred upon the religion rather than these abuses which is unIslamic. Failure of a Muslim to distinguish the difference between abuse and genuine teaching of Islam may breed hypocrisy in his heart. And because we still regard them as fellow Muslims, we have to tolerate them and yet their ilks continue to cause much irritation or even become the obstacles to many genuine Islamic programs being implemented. This group i.e. the hypocrites are condemned by Allah s.w.t. when He warns:

إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرۡكِ ٱلۡأَسۡفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيرًا

The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Hell-Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them.― (Qur’an: an-Nisa: 4: 145)
Note from Tafsir Ibn Katsir: Allah begins to describe the hypocrites who show belief and hide disbelief. Since the matter of the hypocrites is vague and many people do not realize their true reality, Allah mentioned their description in detail. Each of the characteristics that Allah used to described them with is a type of hypocrisy itself. Allah revealed Surat Bara'ah (chapter 9) and Surat Al-Munafiqun (chapter 63) about the hypocrites. He also mentioned the hypocrites in Surat An-Nur (24) and other Surahs, so that their description would be known and their ways and errors could be avoided.
They entertain a delusion
Allah s.w.t. describes some of their attitudes, or more accurately, their delusion.

يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ

“Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not! In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).”

These hypocrites, they are usually arrogant in holding to their opinion about Islam. They may even consider themselves to be ‘smart’ in hiding their hypocrisy, trying to deceive Allah s.w.t. and the rest of the Muslims. Yet, they are in fact deceiving themselves.

Hypocrisy – a spiritual malady, a disease.
It is interesting when Allah s.w.t. regards hypocrisy as a disease, a disease that can be increased in terms of it affliction, which inevitably be spiritually fatal. For this teaches us that:

[a] Muslim must constantly strive to become Mu’meen (believers). This progression must be pursued through correct learning of Islam; removing every doubt, ambiguity and uncertainty with correct knowledge and proper learning (with Adab) from Islamic teachers including inculcation of noble disposition (akhlaq al-kareema).

[b] Those who neglect to progress in this, would harbour doubts and ambiguity about Islam, which may fester into cynicism. Compounded with their lack of Adab (entertaining conceit and arrogance) they would not admit that they do not as yet know; but yet they would rely on their ignorance of Islam as basis to judge Islam. Thus, the beginning of their hate is only because they do not know, but instead of humbly learning, they are too quick to judge.

[c] Their cure is through proper learning of Islam (traditional Islamic education – ta’dibiyyah) and to work upon building of Faith (iiman) rather than aggravating their self-conceit through feeding their ego merely in intellectual discourses. Their method of learning, using the Western paradigm – had produced people who may be well-informed about Islam but who still harbour doubts and are inimical towards Islam. Surely, we must review how we are learning Islam. It is no coincidence today that many Muslims who show streaks of hypocrisy happens to be from those ‘well educated,’ seemingly well-read but without proper learning from Islamic teachers. How could they benefit learning from traditional teachers, when they usually have negative opinions of these Islamic scholars? They would rather prefer the professors and lecturers with Phd.’s even though many of these people are non-Muslims. Can the unbeliever inculcate belief in their hearts? Remember:

يَـأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لاَ تَتَّخِذُواْ الْكَـفِرِينَ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجْعَلُواْ للَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ سُلْطَاناً مُّبِيناً

“O you who believe! Do not take disbelievers as Awliya' (protectors or helpers or intimate friends) instead of believers. Do you wish to offer Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?”
(Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 144).
Arrogance and creating mischief
Usually, such people when given the opportunity would take the administrative leadership, they would not hesitate to innovate or offer their own interpretations on Islam without recourse to accepted Islamic principles and methodology. Some even would experiment with the most controversial approaches, imitating non-Muslims or echoing the Orientalists’ suggestion to reinterpret Islam. When cautioned that their ways may create mischief e.g. opening floodgate of dissent, they will insist that they only meant well:
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

“When it is said to them: ‘Make not mischief on the earth’, they say: ‘Why, we only want to make peace!’ Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not.”

Indeed, their recklessness in introducing ‘novel’ approaches without conforming to Islamic principles and norms, totally disregarding the caution from ulama’, may have caused further confusion and incite rebelliousness in the general Muslims. In fact they are being presumptuous in assuming they are qualified to assume the authority to meddle in Islam’s affair. Are they, really? They just could not differentiate between administrative leadership and religious leadership. They may not even be aware of the Prophet’s warning s.a.w:

‏ ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏عائشة ‏ ‏قالت
‏قال رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏من ‏ ‏أحدث ‏ ‏في
أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو ‏ ‏رد

'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: “He who innovates things in these affairs of ours for which there is no valid (reason), his innovations are to be rejected.”
[Hadith reported by Muslim]
They regard believing Muslims who are not like them, as fools
When the malady takes hold in them, their arrogance and condescending attitude towards other Muslims would become apparent, especially when they and those with the same thinking form into group. They would become bold and further deluded to claim exclusivity for themselves and their group. When advised to follow or believe as the other believers, their lack of humility would cause them to regard those unlike them to be conservative, traditionalist, uneducated, or ignorant or even fools. Sometimes, they even go to the extent to condemn or criticise traditional Islamic scholars who were beyond their league – parroting their Orientalists ‘professors’ from whom they picked their so-called methodology, calling it ‘objective higher criticism’ or hermeneutics re-interpretation of works by classical Islamic scholars etc.
Some unashamedly consider themselves competent to introduce labels for what they purport as types of Islam e.g. like calling it as 'liberal Islam’, ‘progressive Islam’, ‘reformist’, ‘moderate’, ‘inclusivist’, ‘modern’ etc. which imply difference or opposed to those other whom they labelled as 'traditionalists’, ‘old-fashioned’, ‘absolutist’, ‘conservative’ etc. whom they hold to be less learned than them – nay, they regard as fools. But Allah s.w.t. knows that they are the fools, but their arrogance make them deluded. Just one consideration for them to ponder: Can true learning of Islam, especially inculcation of “iiman, ‘amal and ihsan”, be possible by learning or be tutored by non-Muslims? Who are the heirs of the Prophet s.a.w.?
Dazzling speech: led by arrogance
Whenever they are reminded to fear Allah s.w.t., and to comply with Islamic teachings, their reaction to it may be revealing. Thus, although a person may display eloquence and has produced outstanding research papers and other intellectual discourses, Allah s.w.t. warns us to be careful of such person when he reveals:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ
سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ
بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

“There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle thee and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief. When it is said to him "Fear Allah", he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell;―an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 204-206)

Their behaviour and seeming compliance with similar belief as with the general Muslims may just be for show, whereas within their own circle – where their exclusive and elitist group culture prevails, they would display their true colour. They seem to nurture resentment towards Islam and the general Muslims, so whenever they meet in private they would assure each other that they were simply jesting or play acting in public. And Allah s.w.t. responds towards them with this:

ٱللَّهُ يَسۡتَہۡزِئُ بِہِمۡ وَيَمُدُّهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱشۡتَرَوُاْ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةَ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ فَمَا رَبِحَت تِّجَـٰرَتُهُمۡ وَمَا
كَانُواْ مُهۡتَدِينَ

“Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro). These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction. “
O How foolish for them to reject the guidance of Islam, replacing it with error stemming from their ignorance compounded by arrogance. They indeed, have lost their way.

Similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire

مَثَلُهُمۡ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسۡتَوۡقَدَ نَارً۬ا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتۡ مَا حَوۡلَهُ ۥ ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمۡ وَتَرَكَهُمۡ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍ۬ لَّا يُبۡصِرُونَ صُمُّۢ
بُكۡمٌ عُمۡىٌ۬ فَهُمۡ لَا يَرۡجِعُونَ

“Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness so they could not see. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).”

SubHaanAllaah! O How true this is of the plight of these hypocrites. Being accepted by other Muslims and living in their midst may occasionally assist them to get glimpses of light and illumination, yet because of their hypocrisy, that light is then taken away from them and they would be left in total darkness. To be unable to hear, to speak and blind surely is a dreadful condition – most apt description of hopelessness in being astray, with no possibility from ever returning to the path.

Another similitude: a frightened man in the rain; in zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning

أَوۡ كَصَيِّبٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَـٰتٌ۬ وَرَعۡدٌ۬ وَبَرۡقٌ۬ يَجۡعَلُونَ أَصَـٰبِعَهُمۡ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِہِم مِّنَ ٱلصَّوَٲعِقِ حَذَرَ ٱلۡمَوۡتِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ
مُحِيطُۢ بِٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ يَكَادُ ٱلۡبَرۡقُ يَخۡطَفُ أَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ‌ۖ كُلَّمَآ أَضَآءَ لَهُم مَّشَوۡاْ فِيهِ وَإِذَآ أَظۡلَمَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ قَامُواْ‌ۚ

“Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning they press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!”

The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still.”

SubHaanAllaah! Allah reveals the inner state of the hypocrites; they are indeed frightened by the teaching of Islam. Just like a person walking in total darkness during a thunderstorm. Whenever the lightning lights up, they are able to see and proceed to walking, and yet they are fearful of being struck by that lightning; and so afraid are they of the ensuing thunderclap that they press their ears as though to keep it out. Although frightened, yet they are dependent upon the occasional lightning that flashes to show them a glimpse of the darken pathway. It is no wonder that hypocrites dread anyone quoting the Qur’an and Sunnah, and any reference to the Hereafter especially warnings of punishment for unbelievers. For they know that Allah s.w.t. is aware of their hypocrisy, for Allah’s knowledge and power encompasses all.
WaAllaahu a’lam

The parable: like the Spider's flimsiest house ........

2008-05-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ

ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتۡ بَيۡتً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ

لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ‌ۖ لَوۡ ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ

مِن شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَڪِيمُ

"The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the Spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses― is the Spider's house if they but knew.

Verily Allah doth know of (everything) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.
And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have Knowledge."

(Qur'an: Ankabut: 29: 41-42)

REFLECTION

"Tauhiid" - attestation to the Oneness of God, being the most important message of Islam primarily invites all to the Truth : "That there is no god (i.e. none to be regarded as divine to be worshipped) except Allah, Alone". Allah, the Unseen Creator & Sustainer of the worlds, Who sees all, Who alone is God, Unique, without partners or associate. Thus, a Muslim's assertion of God's Oneness (Tauhiid)requires him to deny and reject every notion of associations that people may ascribe to God - this is called Shirk (lit. 'associating' god with another, setting up partners or rival to Allah). Sometimes we use the term 'idolatory' (worshipping of idols) for shirk - even for those who claimed to be atheists (they deny God's existence), because these atheists, in fact, have taken their desires (as their idols) as object of worship, like God.

Many people in other Faith, do acknowledge instinctively in their innate pure nature (fitrah sa-lee-ma), that there is the One God - the Creator & Sustainer of the worlds. Yet, they still turn to things in creations and regard them as god or gods - following blindly the dictates of their religious leaders, or relying upon ancient practices of their fore-fathers before them, even though they know how absurd these teachings are. Yet they would place hope, reliance and dependence upon these idols to fulfill their needs.

Parable: Likening the gods of the idolators to the House of a Spider

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتۡ بَيۡتً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ‌ۖ لَوۡ
ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ
"The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the Spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses― is the Spider's house if they but knew."

This is how Allah s.w.t. described the idolators in their reverence of gods besides Him, hoping that these dieties would help them and provide for them, and turning to them in times of difficulties. In this regard, they were like the house of a spider, which is so weak and frail, because by clinging to these gods they were like a person who holds on to a spider's web, who does not gain any benefit from that. If they knew this, they would not take any protectors besides Allah.
Reflecting upon the similitude
Apart from the obvious flimsiness, fragility of a spiders house (web), it (the web) is self-produced, spunned from a spinnerate gland in the spider itself. During the process of making a web, the spider will use its own body for measurements, a very practical and ergonomic design feature of any web.
Similarly, the idolators (mushrikin), invents or concocts from their own imaginations - gods, dieties, idols, images, doctrines etc. One characteristic of this innovation in their theology can be described with the term 'anthropomorphism' - to conceive God in human form or puerly human perspective. Thus, they 'measure' God in accordance with their own measurement - e.g. having physical forms, begetting sons & families, wives & consorts, enemies & advisers, having feuds, having similar needs as humans, etc.
This is unlike the Muslim believer, whose concept of God is based upon revelation. That Islam rejects the nonsensical 'anthropomorphic' idea is summed up profoundly in:
قُلۡ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ لَمۡ يَلِدۡ وَلَمۡ يُولَدۡ وَلَمۡ يَكُن لَّهُ ۥ ڪُفُوًا أَحَدُۢ

"Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him."
(Qur'an: al-Ikhlas: 112: 1-4)
لَّا تُدۡرِڪُهُ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرُ وَهُوَ يُدۡرِكُ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرَ‌ۖ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلۡخَبِيرُ
"Vision comprehendeth Him not, but He (Allah) comprehendeth (all) vision. For He (Alone) is the Subtle (the Unfathomable), the Aware."
(Qur'an: An'am: 6: 103)
Note: The use of pronoun 'He' does not imply male gender for God, only that our human language has limitations, thus we cannot help but to apply this pronoun for second person when referring to God. To use 'she' or 'it' would be worse. Similarly, when Allah uses of 'We' is not plural of numbers but plural of respect - for Allah is the Absolute One God, without partners.
Trap of entanglement
Another aspect of a spiders house is that it was built to also trap & ensnare other insects, whereupon the spider then feed upon them. Religion that has deviated from Tauhiid (Belief in the Oneness of God, the essence of all revealed religion since Prophet Adam a.s.) into polytheism & idolatory will become a trap for unsuspecting people. Their leaders, idealogue, clergy or religious elites would occasionally strengthen and manage their dogmatic teachings by adding/innovating, like a spider repairing the web and ensuring those insects already trapped are kept secure with further entaglement. And usually they do this as matter of their survival (for material gains) to maintain a cult-following. The allegory of web also reflect how such organization gathers following through networks of families & acquaintances, spreading like cob-web in homes that has been left unmanaged. Muslim society that neglects Da'wah (amr' al-ma'-ruf, nahyu 'anil-munkar), is like that proverbial home left unmanaged and not kept free from cob-webs.
TAUHIID: THE FIRMEST HANDHOLD
The Muslim heart is devoted to Allah, yet he still does righteous deeds and follows the Laws of Allah, for he has grasped the most trustworthy handle that will never break because it is so strong and firm. Its theology is so clear, yet profound. It rejects myth, superstition, conjecture, surmise, etc, and insists that man uses every God-given faculty to check & confirm truth, never to accept anything blindly:
وَلَا تَقۡفُ مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡبَصَرَ وَٱلۡفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ كَانَ عَنۡهُ مَسۡـُٔولاً۬
"And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning)." (Qur'an: al-Isra': 17: 36)
Then Allah warns those who worship others besides Him and associate others with Him that He knows what they do and the rivals they associate with Him. He warns that He will punish them for their attribution, for He is All-Wise and All-Knowing. Then He says:

وَتِلْكَ الاٌّمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَآ إِلاَّ الْعَـلِمُونَ
"And these are the examples We give for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge."
Meaning, no one understands them or ponders them except those who are possessed of deep knowledge. It is most unfortunate that in spite of the tremendous achievement in science, the unbelievers & idolators just would not apply knowledge when in comes to religion & religious beliefs. We Muslims who are given this parable, must understand the profound message and convey & invite others to this correct path, with genuine concern for their salvation. This Deen of Al-Islam is meant to guide everyone. Allah s.w.t. says:
فَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ يُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَوۡلِيَآؤُهُمُ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتُ يُخۡرِجُونَهُم مِّنَ ٱلنُّورِ إِلَى
ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ‌ۗ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
"whoever rejects Evil (falsehood) and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness, He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever)."
(Qur'an: Baqarah : 2: 256-257)
OUR DO'A
سَمِعۡنَا وَأَطَعۡنَا‌ۖ غُفۡرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذۡنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوۡ أَخۡطَأۡنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡنَآ إِصۡرً۬ا
كَمَا حَمَلۡتَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلۡنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱعۡفُ عَنَّا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَٱرۡحَمۡنَآ‌ۚ أَنتَ
مَوۡلَٮٰنَا فَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
"We hear and we obey; (We seek) Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.
Our Lord! condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; help us against those who stand against faith.
O Allah! Shower Blessings & Peace upon our Leader, our beloved Prophet, Muhammad ibn 'Abdillah, and upon his Family and Companions, and those who follow them and assisted them in truth & benevolence, striving to uphold this Deen from time to time till the Hereafter - and make us to be gathered with him in Your Merciful Embrace in the Abode of Peace - Aamin!
WaAllaahu a'lam
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the similitude of the life of this world .....................

2008-05-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ
مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ
هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬
مُّقۡتَدِرًا ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ
وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا
وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬ وَيَوۡمَ نُسَيِّرُ ٱلۡجِبَالَ وَتَرَى ٱلۡأَرۡضَ
بَارِزَةً۬ وَحَشَرۡنَـٰهُمۡ فَلَمۡ نُغَادِرۡ مِنۡہُمۡ أَحَدً۬ا

وَعُرِضُواْ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ صَفًّ۬ا لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمُونَا كَمَا
خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةِۭ‌ۚ بَلۡ زَعَمۡتُمۡ أَلَّن نَّجۡعَلَ لَكُم
مَّوۡعِدً۬ا وَوُضِعَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ فَتَرَى ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ
مُشۡفِقِينَ مِمَّا فِيهِ وَيَقُولُونَ يَـٰوَيۡلَتَنَا مَالِ
هَـٰذَا ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ لَا يُغَادِرُ صَغِيرَةً۬ وَلَا كَبِيرَةً
إِلَّآ أَحۡصَٮٰهَا‌ۚ وَوَجَدُواْ مَا عَمِلُواْ حَاضِرً۬ا‌ۗ
وَلَا يَظۡلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدً۬ا

"Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: it is like the rain which We send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, But soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah Who prevails over all things.
Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.
One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them.
And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks (with the announcement), "Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!":
And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say "Ah! woe to us! what a book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: and not one will thy Lord treat with injustice."
(Qur'an: Kahfi: 18: 45-49)

REFLECTION

One of cornerstone of the tenets of Islam is the believe in 'Al-aakhirah' - life in the Hereafter. Yet, the inculcation of conviction to this Reality (Haqiqah) in our life, such that it truly sink in and serves as our touchstone in shaping our values, our perspective and our worldview - is sorely deficient (lacking) or even missing. There are significant difference between receiving mere information from attaining to knowledge; and having knowledge from that of attaining to conviction (yaqeen); and the various levels (degrees) of convictions ('ilm, 'ain & haqq : al-yaqeen). Not that we lack the opportunity to be educated or be guided towards attaining conviction, rather it is the gross lack of attentiveness on our part, not applying in our daily life what we have been taught, through dzikr (remembrance) and fikr (deep reflection). The real lesson is actually in the 'classroom of life'. The subject on the Hereafter is there. Apart from perhaps casually mentioning of it, or merely hearing passing remarks concerning it or perhaps life occurances (birth. sickness, death etc.) that serve to remind us of 'al-aakhirah' - yet these pass us by, without we gaining any increase in conviction of it. Why? Notwithstanding that the blame is upon us, but the distraction is without doubt also due to the allurement of ad-Dunya(life of this world), which cast its hypnotic spell on everyone.
WHAT IS LIFE OF THIS WORLD?
Allah s.w.t. set forth a parable:
وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ مُّقۡتَدِرًا
" Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: it is like the rain which We send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, But soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah Who prevails over all things. "
O! What a transitory existence, growing with bestowals from Allah, only to be reduced to stubble and decay. Yet, we place so much emphasis upon such things, which we know will disappear - forgetting that our hope is in seeking the countenance of Allah s.w.t. Who will prevail over all things. Look beyond this world, which is merely a sign, and remember and glorify the Creator. Do not be bedazzled by the creation for they are there only to remind us of Him, so that we may be grateful and glorify Him, not the world. Do not loose sight that you are the slave of Allah, do not let the world enslave you. Hereafter is better! Thus Allah lovingly guides and warns us :
وَذَكَرَ ٱسۡمَ رَبِّهِۦ فَصَلَّىٰ بَلۡ تُؤۡثِرُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ
"And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in Prayer. Nay (behold), ye prefer the life of this world; But the Hereafter is better and more enduring."
(Qur'an: al-A'la: 87: 15-17)
REMEMBER: Things that Endure (GOOD DEEDS) .... our best hope
What are we preoccupied in? Day in and day out, what really keeps us going? What is our motivation, our driver? What really matter in our life? The world (ad-dunya) beckons us with its glitters; abetted by the materialists who tempt our desires with their ever alluring products, bombarding us with advertisements that subtly impose values to replace our set of standards which must constantly be anchored upon our religious Faith (arkaan al-iiman) which favours more the concern for the eternal Hereafter. When this Faith is weak; its nurturing neglected and excerbated by life-style which emphasise more on worldly vanity; competing in amassing wealth and children, the outcome of this push-pull tension between ad-dunya (this world) and al-Aakhirah (Hereafter), will determine the kind of activity most favoured by the person. Nay, Allah s.w.t. knows and gives us this advice:
ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬
"Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes."
BE VERY CAREFUL: AL-AKHIRAH BECKONS US
The temporary nature of this world seems obvious to us, yet why are there no urgency for us to prepare for the Hereafter? The end of times is sure to come. Even today, signs of instability of our planet are most apparrent with many natural disasters occuring world-wide. Yet, still no urgency! Remember, we may not be able to meet that Last Day, but most certainly our day on this earth will last with our death. This too is most certain, and it may be sooner than we hope & imagine. Yet, still no urgency?! Some, are beginning to have doubt, being influenced by ahli-dunya (the secularists) who persistently mock at our religious belief. Leave them with their heedlessness. On that terrible day not a single mountain will ever remain. flatten and each and every mankind shall be raised to gather before Allah to be judged. And on this Day Allah, after resurrecting us naked and bare, He will mock at them who denied this Day of Judgement:
وَعُرِضُواْ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ صَفًّ۬ا لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمُونَا كَمَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةِۭ‌ۚ بَلۡ زَعَمۡتُمۡ أَلَّن نَّجۡعَلَ لَكُم مَّوۡعِدً۬ا
And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks (with the announcement),"Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!":
O! This will be the Day of much regret, especially for those who do not take seriously what has been taught in our Aqidah regarding the Hereafter. Those who did not heed the advice to hasten to doing good Deeds while we can in this world. all those wealth and children, and the allurement of the world are of no use - only record of Good Deeds accepted by Allah will stand as testimony that can assist us. What matters most here will be our own Book of record - laid bare to the minutest detail - big or small, we shall have to account for them. Allah's justice will be fully manifested. Fortunate would be those who are covered by Allah's Mercy:
وَوُضِعَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ فَتَرَى ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ مُشۡفِقِينَ مِمَّا فِيهِ وَيَقُولُونَ يَـٰوَيۡلَتَنَا مَالِ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ لَا يُغَادِرُ صَغِيرَةً۬ وَلَا كَبِيرَةً إِلَّآ أَحۡصَٮٰهَا‌ۚ وَوَجَدُواْ مَا عَمِلُواْ حَاضِرً۬ا‌ۗ وَلَا يَظۡلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدً۬ا
And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say "Ah! woe to us! what a book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: and not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.

OUR PRAYER
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوۡمٍ۬ لَّا رَيۡبَ فِيهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلۡتَ وَٱتَّبَعۡنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱڪۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ
"Our Lord! let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure. Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind together against a day about which there is no doubt: for Allah never fails in His promise.
Our Lord! we believe in what thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness."
O Allah! Your Salutations of Peace and blessings be upon our Leader, Your Beloved Messenger Muhammad, and his purified family, all his righteous companions and all those who follow them in righteousness and benevolence, aiding his cause from time to time till the Hereafter - Aa-min
Wa-allaahu a'lam
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the parable of two men ..................

2008-05-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلاً۬ رَّجُلَيۡنِ جَعَلۡنَا لِأَحَدِهِمَا جَنَّتَيۡنِ مِنۡ أَعۡنَـٰبٍ۬ وَحَفَفۡنَـٰهُمَا
بِنَخۡلٍ۬ وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمَا زَرۡعً۬ا كِلۡتَا ٱلۡجَنَّتَيۡنِ ءَاتَتۡ أُكُلَهَا وَلَمۡ تَظۡلِم مِّنۡهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ
وَفَجَّرۡنَا خِلَـٰلَهُمَا نَہَرً۬ا وَكَانَ لَهُ ۥ ثَمَرٌ۬ فَقَالَ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُ ۥۤ أَنَا۟ أَكۡثَرُ
مِنكَ مَالاً۬ وَأَعَزُّ نَفَرً۬ا وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُ ۥ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ۬ لِّنَفۡسِهِۦ قَالَ مَآ أَظُنُّ أَن تَبِيدَ
هَـٰذِهِۦۤ أَبَدً۬ا وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآٮِٕمَةً۬ وَلَٮِٕن رُّدِدتُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيۡرً۬ا
مِّنۡهَا مُنقَلَبً۬ا قَالَ لَهُ ۥ صَاحِبُهُ ۥ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُ ۥۤ أَكَفَرۡتَ بِٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ مِن
تُرَابٍ۬ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطۡفَةٍ۬ ثُمَّ سَوَّٮٰكَ رَجُلاً۬ لَّـٰكِنَّا۟ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ رَبِّى وَلَآ أُشۡرِكُ
بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدً۬ا وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ دَخَلۡتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلۡتَ مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ‌ۚ
إِن تَرَنِ أَنَا۟ أَقَلَّ مِنكَ مَالاً۬ وَوَلَدً۬ا فَعَسَىٰ رَبِّىٓ أَن يُؤۡتِيَنِ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّن
جَنَّتِكَ وَيُرۡسِلَ عَلَيۡہَا حُسۡبَانً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتُصۡبِحَ صَعِيدً۬ا
زَلَقًا أَوۡ يُصۡبِحَ مَآؤُهَا غَوۡرً۬ا فَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعَ لَهُ ۥ طَلَبً۬ا وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِۦ
فَأَصۡبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيۡهِ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنفَقَ فِيہَا وَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِہَا
وَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيۡتَنِى لَمۡ أُشۡرِكۡ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدً۬ا
وَلَمۡ تَكُن لَّهُ ۥ فِئَةٌ۬ يَنصُرُونَهُ ۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مُنتَصِرًا
هُنَالِكَ ٱلۡوَلَـٰيَةُ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ هُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ عُقۡبً۬ا

"Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grapevines and surrounded them with date-palms: in between the two We placed corn-fields. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow. (Abundant) was the produce this man had: he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: "More wealth have I than you, and more honour and power in (my following of) men."

He went into his garden in a state (of mind) unjust to his soul: He said "I deem not that this will ever perish. "Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come: even if I am brought back to my Lord I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange."

His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: "Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man? "But (I think) for my part that he is Allah, my Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord. "Why didst thou not, as thou wentest into thy garden, say: `Allah's Will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons "It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden, and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven, making it (but) slippery sand!― "Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it."

So his fruits (and enjoyment) were encompassed (with ruin), and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say "Woe is me! would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!" Nor had he numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself. There, the (only) protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward and the Best to give success."

(Qur'an: Kahfi: 18: 32-44)

REFLECTION

The believing Muslims and the unbelievers, although they both live in this world yet, their perspectives, attitudes and how they respond to trials and tribulations in life differ tremendously from each other.
Unbelievers do not believe in Allah, the Absolute One God Who is the Creator and Sustainer of all the worlds. The concept of God (for those unbelievers but with a religion) admit of the existence of a Divine being but that to them, this Supreme Being (which actually refers to Allah) is remote, or too pure and transcendent, such that mankind do not have a direct access and requires intermediaries. To them, the truly Supreme Being does not concern Himself with this world and thus seldom intervene but left it to various forces in creation, malevolent or benign, which may harm or benefit man. Thus they set up dieties, 'gods', 'demi-gods' etc. identified in creations and claimed them to share divinity with God - this is the fatal sin of Shirk (setting up partners or associates to God). Those who claimed to be atheists or agnostics, actually reject the existence of God to rely only upon their own selves; thus they actually diefied themselves - as the highest being in this creation.
Both types of unbelievers, tend to have a short-sighted vision of life. They actually believe more in their own selves rather than the 'gods' that they worship. Many in fact worship their god or dieties in a pragmatic way - i.e. for their diety to fulfill their earthly needs. Even when their religion speaks of after-life, yet many do not really believe in this. This world, here and now is what matters for them; this life here is in fact what they strongly believe in. For them even if there is after-life, they are under the delusion that their worldly achievements can save them there (they hope).
The believing Muslims, on the other hand believe in Allah, the one without partners, the Creator, Sustainer of the worlds Who has power over everything. Nothing can exists nor moves without His leave; and the good and the bad that occur can only occur in His Divine knowledge. Unlike the unbelievers, Muslims sees Allah's intervention in everything. The Good or Bad that occur are meant as a test, and Muslims are convinced of the Eternal Hereafter where those who patiently perservere without loosing Faith in the Qadha' & Qadr of Allah will receive their Reward unfailing. Thus, their attitude in facing the trials and tribulations in lfe, differ very much from the unbelievers. Allah s.w.t. alludes to this in this parable, which actually can be related to our present times:
Parable of the two men
The first man, represents the unbelievers, who in this life were given much bestowals, such that they began to apply these standards condescendingly to belittle the believers in this world who may have lesser than them:
جَعَلۡنَا لِأَحَدِهِمَا جَنَّتَيۡنِ مِنۡ أَعۡنَـٰبٍ۬ وَحَفَفۡنَـٰهُمَا بِنَخۡلٍ۬ وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمَا زَرۡعً۬ا كِلۡتَا ٱلۡجَنَّتَيۡنِ ءَاتَتۡ أُكُلَهَا وَلَمۡ تَظۡلِم مِّنۡهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ وَفَجَّرۡنَا خِلَـٰلَهُمَا نَہَرً۬ا وَكَانَ لَهُ ۥ ثَمَرٌ۬ فَقَالَ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُ ۥۤ أَنَا۟ أَكۡثَرُ مِنكَ مَالاً۬ وَأَعَزُّ نَفَرً۬ا
"for one of them We provided two gardens of grapevines and surrounded them with date-palms: in between the two We placed corn-fields. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow. (Abundant) was the produce this man had: he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: "More wealth have I than you, and more honour and power in (my following of) men."
O how very true! The unbelievers even today, behave haughtily towards Muslims, whom they view as backward. Or for that matter, there are some Muslims (influenced by materialistic standards), they measure the rest of Believers' achievement & attainment in the same language as these unbelievers, whereas they ought to know better that Islamic value of honour & power is not in these! Still some amongst them accuse Believers as people who are foolish, backward, conservative, etc. But Allah reminds the Believing Muslims:
وَلَا تَهِنُواْ وَلَا تَحۡزَنُواْ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَوۡنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ
"So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith." (Qur'an: Aal-'Imran: 3:139)
وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ وَلِرَسُولِهِۦ وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ
" But honour belongs to Allah and His Messenger, and to the Believers; but the Hypocrites know not." (Qur'an: Munafiqun: 63: 8)

The unbelievers, insisting upon using this delusional worldly standards to demean the Believers, they even became convinced of it themselves! They were so amazed at their worldly achievements, thinking that these is real success, these things will endure. They mock at any who reminds them that this world is transitory and will not last. When the message concerning the hereafter sink into them, yet they try to ignore its implication for them by another delusion They console themselves that surely their worldly achievements can still be use to barter & perhap save them in the Hereafter.:
وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُ ۥ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ۬ لِّنَفۡسِهِۦ قَالَ مَآ أَظُنُّ أَن تَبِيدَ هَـٰذِهِۦۤ أَبَدً۬ا وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآٮِٕمَةً۬ وَلَٮِٕن رُّدِدتُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّنۡهَا مُنقَلَبً۬ا
He went into his garden in a state (of mind) unjust to his soul: He said "I deem not that this will ever perish. "Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come: even if I am brought back to my Lord I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange."
Duty of Believers: to remind and invite to Allah's way
The second man : a believer, engages his neighbour to remind him to the believe in Allah, Who alone is the Divine - having no partner nor associates, unto Whom we ought to be grateful to. He, Allah Who has created us from a lowly fluid and made us into adulthood and has blessed us with much bestowal, ought to be worshipped out of our gratefulness for Him bestowals.
Sensing an attitude of self-conceit, boastfulness and heedless towards God, the Believer reminded his neighbour with the proper attitude, which true Believers do: to always remember with gratitude, Allah s.w.t., the One Who Bestows every favours upon whomsoever He wills. And whenever one has been given more than others, do not forget this lest one become boastful:
وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ دَخَلۡتَ جَنَّتَكَ قُلۡتَ مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ
"Why didst thou not, as thou wentest into thy garden, say: `Allah's Will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!' If thou dost see me less than thee in wealth and sons"
And he forwarned his neighbour, that because life is a test, the present state that one may be in may not last. Alas, the Believer's advise was prophetic - in came true and his haughty nighbour lost everything and lamented with regret his boastfulness and delusion. His heedlessness towards Allah s.w.t. caused him to suffer ruin, especially the act of Shirk - thinking that the immense wealth he had, proved that he was on the right path - whereas it was his neighbour, the Believers who was all along on the Right Path.:
فَعَسَىٰ رَبِّىٓ أَن يُؤۡتِيَنِ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّن جَنَّتِكَ وَيُرۡسِلَ عَلَيۡہَا حُسۡبَانً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَتُصۡبِحَ صَعِيدً۬ا زَلَقًا أَوۡ يُصۡبِحَ مَآؤُهَا غَوۡرً۬ا فَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعَ لَهُ ۥ طَلَبً۬ا وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِۦ فَأَصۡبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيۡهِ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنفَقَ فِيہَا وَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِہَا وَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيۡتَنِى لَمۡ أُشۡرِكۡ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدً۬ا
"It may be that my Lord will give me something better than thy garden, and that He will send on thy garden thunderbolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven, making it (but) slippery sand!― "Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it."
So his fruits (and enjoyment) were encompassed (with ruin), and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say "Woe is me! would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!"
TURN AWAY FROM NIFAQ & SHIRK TOWARDS TAUHID -TRUE FAITH IN ALLAH S.W.T. & STRIVE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
In this parable, the regret expressed by the unbeliever represents his plight when meeting Allah s.w.t., presumably he had passed on without having repented.
The message of Islam though, promises the message of hope for those who is still alive, that they need not be like this unfortunate person. Allah s.w.t.conveyed this very important message to our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., the Prophet of Mercy:
قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ
Say: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
"Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped.
"And follow the Best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the Penalty comes on you of a sudden, while ye perceive not!-- "
(Qur'an: az-Zumar: 39:55)
OUR DO'A
مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ‌ۚ
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً۬ وَهَيِّئۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَمۡرِنَا رَشَدً۬ا
"Allah's Will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!"
"Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!
O ALLAH! Shower Your Saluttions, Blessings & Peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his family & Companions, and upon all those who follow him in benevolence, striving in Your Way, assisting Your Deen, till the Hereafter. Aa-min!
WaAllaahu a'lam
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Parable : Beware of "Masjid Dhi-raara" (mosque of mischief & infidelity) ....

2008-05-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مَسۡجِدً۬ا ضِرَارً۬ا وَڪُفۡرً۬ا
وَتَفۡرِيقَۢا بَيۡنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَإِرۡصَادً۬ا لِّمَنۡ
حَارَبَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ وَلَيَحۡلِفُنَّ
إِنۡ أَرَدۡنَآ إِلَّا ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَشۡہَدُ إِنَّہُمۡ
لَكَـٰذِبُونَ لَا تَقُمۡ فِيهِ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ
عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ
فِيهِ‌ۚ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ۬ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُواْ‌ۚ
وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُطَّهِّرِينَ أَفَمَنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ
عَلَىٰ تَقۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٍ خَيۡرٌ أَم مَّنۡ
أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٍ۬
فَٱنۡہَارَ بِهِۦ فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ
ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَا يَزَالُ بُنۡيَـٰنُهُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَنَوۡاْ رِيبَةً۬ فِى
قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِلَّآ أَن تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

"And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity― to disunite the Believers and in preparation for one who warred against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; but Allah doth declare that they are certainly liars. Never stand thou forth therein.

There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety (Taqwa); it is more worthy of thy standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.

Which then is best?― he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah (Taqwa) and His Good pleasure?― or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? And it doth crumble to pieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts until their hearts, are cut to pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing Wise."

(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 107-110)

REFLECTION

SUB-HAA-NALLAAH! To understand this parable, which actually was based upon a real incident that happened in our Prophet Muhammad's life time s.a.w., we need to know the reasons or causes for the revelation of these verses (asbaa-b al-nuzul):

When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. arrived (during the Hijrah) in Quba (outskirt of Madina) he stayed there and built the first mosque - which he referred to as the "Masjid of Taqwa" upon which was associated the building of strength of Islam through his frequent visits and Da'wah . Some of the hidden enemies of Islam, known as Munaafiqeen (Hypocrites) from Bani Ghanam, knew the importance of mosque as the sacred institution of Islam, also built a mosque there, pretending to be similarly advancing the cause of Islam. In reality, they were in league with one Abu 'Ameer, a notorious enemy who fought against the Prophet s.a.w. in Uhud and Hunain, and was then based in Syria. They built this mosque, as a base for him and their followers (the hypocrites), to promote their agenda and activity to undermine Islam and the Prophet's mission, s.a.w. Thus Allah s.w.t. revealed their dangerous plot and warned the Muslims of their evil scheme. This mosque, which Allah s.w.t. referred to as "Masjid Dhiraara wa Kufra" (a mosque built for mischief & infidelity) was then destroyed.

Are there present today such 'Masjid Dhiraara'?

To imagine that Islam does not have enemies today, who are mounting strategies against it and organizing activities to undermine it, is to be naive and foolish. Our Prophet's s.a.w. life is to be an example of what we may also encounter. As there are undeniably, many Muslims who are hypocrites today (especially those whom we can see as displaying hatred for Islam, although yet they claimed to be Muslims), presence of Masjid Dhiraara (or institutions akin to Masjid Dhiraara) too can never be denied nor discounted. In fact, as there are more munaafiqeen today if compared to the time of the Prophet s.a.w.,, so too will be the presence of such insidious (subtle, sinister & dangerous) institutions, that may have deceived many unwary Muslims and are being built and which seems innocouos.

Amongst many Muslims, their apathetic attitude; failure to distinguish the true from the false by using the criteria and principles in Revelation and Prophetic Wisdom (Al-Qur'an was-Sunnah); compounded by their obsession in borrowing un-Islamic standards from known enemies of Islam; their naivette lack of hadzar (holding to precautions); easy astonishment to things foreign and disliking own traditions; attraction to forms & systems which they favour more than principles and truth of Islam (such that they even dare to compromise these, just to be accepted as being 'progressive & modern'); loss of adab and inability to know the true from the bogus amongst leaders and scholars; inherent ignorance of the general masses amongst Muslims, which compounded the disunity and in-fighting amongst the various Muslim groups; some of which seemingly seen as promoting Islam but in reality preferring worldly gains and self-promotion in the world-stage (using: political, economical, social or other jargons as their concern and consideration rather than continuing the mission of the Prophet in spreading Islam to all); love of this world and fear of others rather than being sincere upon the Deen, as Allah s.w.t. clarified " مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَوۡ كَرِهَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ " to be sincere upon this Deen (to the extent) even though unbelievers do not like it" - etc. These factors, couple with other external factors - of forces inimical towards Islam with their own strategies to weaken and undermine Muslims; their lending support and assistance to these munaafiqeen, instigating intra-conflict amongst Muslims - makes the situation to be even worse. In this state of affairs of the Muslims, institutions like 'masjid dhiraara' could easily be started, planted, or even through infiltration by infusing their personnels into existing Islamic institutions.

CRITERIA: Check the Foundation

Allah s.w.t. gave us a prototype, a model of what a true mosque (or any Islamic institution), requiring three important criteria. They should possess the following:
لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ
"a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety (Taqwa);"

(A) TAQWA (Piety - Consciousness of Allah with awe & reverential fear)
This should be the foundation for any Islamic institution. Every Friday sermon without fail, Muslims are enjoined towards this. Such is its importance, yet Muslims do not make this as basis and the foundation to many of their so-called "Islamic" institutions. There are even some mosques which pay only lip service to this message of Taqwa, if we seriously analyse their stated objective, their staff and managements' orientation, their goal setting and activities. Borrowing heavily from corporate culture, Taqwa is relegated to mere labels, or even completely omitted from their mission statement; and they resemble more like community centres or social clubs, with the exception perhaps that there is As-Swolah (prayers). Unfortunately in some, although As-Swolah is performed, even this may seem to be of less important activity, relegated as secondary or regarded as incidental or even ritual when compared to what they had planned as programs.
How can Taqwa become its foundation? when Islamic programs leading to inculcation of Taqwa - true Islamic education, Islah and Da'wah - is not seriously pursued. A check on the understanding of what Taqwa is amongst members of the congregation/association and those who frequent the mosque/institution, would be a simple test to determine whether Taqwa is truly upheld as its foundation or not. If it is not then, we need to correct and reorientate it to its true focus. Make Taqwa the basis for every activity - and Swolah is the pillar and program for its continuous inculcation when performed with true knowledge. If this is opposed, then it is one of the sure indication that that instituition is becoming (if not has become) a masjid dhiraara.
لَا تَقُمۡ فِيهِ أَبَدً۬ا‌ۚ
"Never stand thou forth therein"

Allah s.w.t. uses the word "abada" which stresses the injunction "never" to become "never ever." Such is a strong commandment. We must realise that, when foundation of a mosque, or so-called 'Islamic' institution, is not Taqwa, and it shows intent to cause mischief and even leading people away from Islam, obviously towards infidelity. For Muslim to be associated with it is forbidden. This "masjid dhiraara" actually aims at using unwary Muslims to support their agenda, to give credence to what they are doing, as though it is Islamic or claim to be advancing the cause of Islam. So do not be easily deceived by labels and slogans. Beware!
(B) As-SWOLAH (Devotional prayer)
لَّمَسۡجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ مِنۡ أَوَّلِ يَوۡمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ‌ۚ
"There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of thy standing forth
(for prayer - As-Swolah) therein."
The main activity of a mosque is for As-Swolah. Thus its name "masjid" is derived from "sajada" (meaning prostration). Our Prophet s.a.w. places Swolah as "imad-du al-Deen" (the pillar of the religion). In every Muslim's activity revolves around this important practice - these must be upheld not just by mosques but any institution claiming to be Islamic (even a Muslim home). Yet, in the above verse, choosing the appropriate mosque is conditional, and Allah s.w.t. forbade praying in "masjid dhiraara". This would include so-called 'Islamic' institutions that have similar traits. Apart from not becoming an accomplice to the un-Islamic scheme of such institution, it underlines the relationship of As-swolah with the overall developmental program of instilling Taqwa, which is its very foundation.
As our model is "Masjid Quba" or also referred to as "Masjid Taqwa", we should re-discover and implement the system and method of our Prophet s.a.w. The mosque is the nerve-centre to inject and revitalise Muslims with Taqwa. The main program being As-Swolah, which if performed with correct knowledge and realization, lead by educators who would also inculcate in them with appropriate Islamic guidance (irshaada), strengthening and deepening their conviction (iiman), moulding of their noble character (makarim al-akhlaq), and many other educative approaches following the Sunnah of our Prophet s.a.w. of ta'dib, ta'lim and tarbiyyah - these approaches that has proven to possess transformative power to produce the best of people - the 'Khayra Ummah.' People who are capable of fulfilling the Amanah (Trust) of the Prophet of Mercy s.a.w. in elevating the Kalimah of Allah as the highest, inviting to all that is good, enjoin the doing of what is right and forbidding wrong; exuding nobility of character and with their lives to become true witnesses for all other people:
وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا لِّتَڪُونُواْ شُہَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ شَهِيدً۬ا‌ۗ
" Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced That ye might be witnesses over the nations and the Messenger a witness over yourselves"
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 143)
(C) AL-MU-TOH-HIREEN (Those who make themselves pure)
فِيهِ رِجَالٌ۬ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُواْ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُطَّهِّرِينَ
"In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure. "
What really makes an institution or organization, are its constituent or members. A 'masjid', or mosque, is technically a place for people to gather for prostration and worship. Structure, building or architecture does not really constitute a mosque if there are no congregational prayer or worship performed there. It requires the people, the main constituent. So if we truly want to assess quality of a mosque, it does not depend on the building proper, nor the organizational structure, but its people - those who frequent it and who actively engages in its activity there. When the foundation of a mosque is Taqwa, the appropriate people would be people of Taqwa. We ought to be reminded that Taqwa is the criteria which Allah s.w.t. Himself uses in determining who is the most honoured amongst man. Alas, in some mosques or Islamic institutions, Taqwa has not been regarded as an important criteria (or even some do not regard it as a criteria). Worldly attainments and academic excellence, it seems has precedence over Taqwa.
Some may argue, that it is not easy to assess Taqwa. Well Allah s.w.t. makes it easy by informing of this quality: the quality of those "men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure." These, obviously are pious or God-fearing people, for the meaning of pure here are "those who constantly seek forgiveness of sins through reparation and repentance, striving with their utmost in Allah's way, patiently perservering to gain nearness to Allah." And when Allah s.w.t. says that He loves such people, their presence indeed are source of Allah's blessings and bestowals upon everyone who are there with them. It is sad, such quality may now be regarded by some people as archaic, traditional and therefore obsolete! LAA-HAW-LA WA-LAA QUW-WATA IL-LA BIL-LAAH.
أَفَمَنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ تَقۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٍ خَيۡرٌ أَم مَّنۡ أَسَّسَ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٍ۬
"Which then is best?― he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allah and His Good pleasure?― or he that layeth his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces?"
This question would be easy to answer. But the gravity of its message for Muslims to heed, is indeed serious and frightening. How many can vouchsafe that Taqwa is the foundation to their mosque/institution they frequent to. When the foundation is resting upon "sand-cliff ready to crumble", yet those in it are oblivious and unconcerned? ? This crumbling is not like those buildings destroyed in earthquake (although this itself is already terrible). It is :
فَٱنۡہَارَ بِهِۦ فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
لَا يَزَالُ بُنۡيَـٰنُهُمُ ٱلَّذِى بَنَوۡاْ رِيبَةً۬ فِى قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِلَّآ أَن تَقَطَّعَ قُلُوبُهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
"And it doth crumble to pieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not people that do wrong. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts until their hearts, are cut to pieces. And Allah is All-Knowing Wise"
OUR PRAYER
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ مَن تُدۡخِلِ ٱلنَّارَ فَقَدۡ أَخۡزَيۡتَهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنۡ أَنصَارٍ۬ رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَا سَمِعۡنَا مُنَادِيً۬ا يُنَادِى لِلۡإِيمَـٰنِ أَنۡ ءَامِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمۡ فَـَٔامَنَّا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا فَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَڪَفِّرۡ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلۡأَبۡرَارِ رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخۡزِنَا يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ
"Our Lord! any whom thou dost admit to the Fire Truly thou coverest them with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers! "Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith, `Believe ye in the Lord', and we have believed. Our Lord! forgive us our sins blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous. "Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thy Messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: for thou never breakest Thy promise."
O Allah! Convey Salutation and Peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad and his family, his righteous Companions and loyal followers of the Companions, and all those who follow them in truth and benevolence, and assist him with utmost striving in upholding his Deen, till the Hereafter. Aa-min.
Wa-Allaahu a'lam
Wa-billaa-hi Taufiq Wal-Hidaa-yah
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Parables: between a hard, barren rock -or- a garden high and fertile.....

2008-05-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُبۡطِلُواْ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم
بِٱلۡمَنِّ وَٱلۡأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ ۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا
يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ
عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا
يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ
ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَهُمُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ
مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَتَثۡبِيتً۬ا مِّنۡ أَنفُسِهِمۡ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةِۭ بِرَبۡوَةٍ
أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَـَٔاتَتۡ أُڪُلَهَا ضِعۡفَيۡنِ فَإِن لَّمۡ يُصِبۡہَا
وَابِلٌ۬ فَطَلٌّ۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ أَيَوَدُّ
أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ ۥ جَنَّةٌ۬ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ۬ وَأَعۡنَابٍ۬ تَجۡرِى
مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ لَهُ ۥ فِيهَا مِن ڪُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ
وَأَصَابَهُ ٱلۡكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ۥ ذُرِّيَّةٌ۬ ضُعَفَآءُ فَأَصَابَهَآ
إِعۡصَارٌ۬ فِيهِ نَارٌ۬ فَٱحۡتَرَقَتۡ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَڪُمُ
ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ

"O ye who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury― like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in Parable (similitude) like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil; on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith.

And the likeness (similitude) of those who spend their substance seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is as a garden high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not heavy rain, light moisture sufficeth it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do. Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)― that it should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His) signs; that ye may consider."

(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 264-266)

REFLECTION

Our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. has said in a famous hadith:

‏عن ‏ ‏عمر بن الخطاب ‏ ‏قال ‏قال رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله
عليه وسلم ‏ ‏إنما الأعمال ‏ ‏بالنية ‏ ‏وإنما لامرئ ما نوى فمن كانت هجرته إلى
الله ورسوله فهجرته إلى الله ورسوله ومن كانت هجرته لدنيا يصيبها أو امرأة يتزوجها
فهجرته إلى ما هاجر إليه

'Umar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:
“(The value of) an action depends on the intention behind it. A man will be rewarded only for what he intended. The emigration of one who emigrates for the sake of Allah and His Messenger (may peace be upon him) is for the sake of Allah and His Messenger (may peace be upon him); and the emigration of one who emigrates for gaining a worldly advantage or for marrying a woman is for what he has emigrated.”
[Hadith reported by Muslim]

Parable: barren rock, on which is a little soil; on it falls heavy rain
Thus actions may look exactly alike, yet its merits lie in one’s intention. When a rightful deed is being done for the sake of Allah s.w.t., sincerely not for other motives such as worldly consideration or out of personal vanity or conceit, then it deserves Allah’s acceptance. Yet, we have to be careful that this is not then nullified by our subsequent attitude and action regarding it. Act of goodness, although initially was done sincerely for Allah, but which we later refer to it again, but with the purpose of humiliating or cause some personal hurt to those who benefitted from it – this would completely wipe all trace of its goodness in the sight of Allah and therefore does not deserve any reward. Allah brings forth this parable vividly:

كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ

“..... like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil; on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned.”

O! What a waste of efforts, all those potential goodness that awaits us in the eternal hereafter, suddenly removed from us. And why? Only because we follow our conceit and egoistic temperament, to feel superior and wishing to lord over others whom we may have helped? And that too for just a short moment!
This teaches us a principle that any good act done for the sake of Allah s.w.t. should best be left to Allah, even when our good act is reciprocated with ingratitude by those who benefitted from it. If our purpose of doing it is sincerely for the sake of Allah, than it would already be regarded as good by Him. Yet, at times our sincerity towards Allah may be tested. And Satan would incite our Nafs ‘amarah (commanding self) to become reckless, succumbing to our ego, conceit and arrogance. We forget that the ability for us to doing any good act is from Allah s.w.t. We on our own can do nothing. Thus we are taught to utter ‘Haw-qalah’ or ( مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ - `Allah's Will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!') whenever those things we may have done are mentioned, rather than gloat and try to take credit for them.
Parable (similitude) of those who spend seeking to please Allah
On the other hand, Allah s.w.t. provide another vivid parable for those whose deeds of charity were done for the sake of seeking Allah’s pleasure, as means of strengthening their soul (i.e. to affirm their faith in Allah s.w.t.). It is interesting that Allah uses this term (which literally signify “making firm and stable”), that acts of charity must be linked to our faith – as means of making it firmer. Thus the common word for charitable deeds is “sadaqah”, from the root “SDQ” – meaning “to be true, affirming the truth.” And the likeness of those who spend their substance seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is:

كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةِۭ بِرَبۡوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَـَٔاتَتۡ أُڪُلَهَا ضِعۡفَيۡنِ فَإِن لَّمۡ يُصِبۡہَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَطَلٌّ۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

“(likeness) as a garden high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. Allah seeth well whatever ye do.”

SubHaanaAllah! This reflects the generosity of Allah s.w.t. He likens such deed “as garden high and fertile” – a potential for recipient of continuous growth and harvest of unfailing produce, subject to subsequent existence of moisture, if not heavy rain even a light moisture would be sufficient. This totally removes the common misperception that reward is a “one-off” or “tit-for-tat” which people usually envisage it between us human perhaps, but not for Allah Who is Most Gracious and Generous. Thus, we need to guard that ‘capital’ (liken as the high and fertile garden) and not to lose it, as would happen in the previous parable. We should ‘protect our investment’ and seek to increase the yield. This is possible with Allah’s promise to believers who conscientiously persevere and patiently strive with sincerity seeking nearness to Allah with every act of righteous, even though it is little or small. In fact, Allah sees and knows full well what we are doing. Thus it is that, to be grateful to Allah for Him granting us the ability to do those past good deeds, would in fact bring further bestowals, as Allah s.w.t. promises:
وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَٮِٕن شَڪَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَٮِٕن ڪَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ۬

"And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye aregrateful,I will add more (favours) unto you; but if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed."
(Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 7)

REMEMBER THE FUTURE AND HASTEN TO MAKE PROVISION

Allah s.w.t. then reminds us of the utter foolishness for one to lose provisions meant for the hereafter already in hand. He likens the state of man there in the hereafter, as having no more possibility for working to gather provision or progeny. In such a state to have lost the provision already acquired would indeed be most tragic, and we cannot begin to imagine the regret that it would cause us:

أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُ ۥ جَنَّةٌ۬ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ۬ وَأَعۡنَابٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ لَهُ ۥ فِيهَا مِن ڪُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ وَأَصَابَهُ ٱلۡكِبَرُ وَلَهُ ۥ ذُرِّيَّةٌ۬ ضُعَفَآءُ
فَأَصَابَهَآ إِعۡصَارٌ۬ فِيهِ نَارٌ۬ فَٱحۡتَرَقَتۡ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَڪُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date-palms and vines and streams flowing underneath and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age, and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)― that it should be caught in a whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus doth Allah make clear to you (His) signs; that ye may consider."

SubHaanAllah! O how much we may have wasted unknowingly. O how little is our provision for the hereafter! We can only turn to Allah alone and beg for His Mercy and Generosity, and by striving to sincerely follow His beloved Messenger Muhammad s.a.w., we hope to gain Allah’s love and forgiveness, as He promises:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Say: "If ye do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
(Qur’an: Aali’imran: 3: 31)

OUR DO’A

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوۡمٍ۬ لَّا رَيۡبَ فِيهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ
رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسۡرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمۡرِنَا وَثَبِّتۡ أَقۡدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.
Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind together against a day about which there is no doubt: for Allah never fails in His promise.
Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty; establish our feet firmly and help us against those that resist Faith.
O Allah! Shower Your salutations of Peace and Blessings upon Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad, and upon his companions and followers of this Deen, grant us help and be pleased with us and every believer who strive in upholding this Deen in this world and the Hereafter.

Aa-min!-

The parable of a grain of corn .............

2008-05-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَهُمۡ فِى
سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ
سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍ۬ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٍ۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ
يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٲسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَهُمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
ثُمَّ لَا يُتۡبِعُونَ مَآ أَنفَقُواْ مَنًّ۬ا وَلَآ أَذً۬ى‌ۙ
لَّهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ
وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ قَوۡلٌ۬ مَّعۡرُوفٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ
خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ۬ يَتۡبَعُهَآ أَذً۬ى‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ
غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬

" The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth seven ears, and each ear hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth; and Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things. Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury,― for them their reward is with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most Forbearing."

(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 261-263)

REFLECTION

One aspect of the teaching of Islam pertains to the commandments (whether as 'wajibat' - obligatory, or 'mandubat' - recommended) which directs Muslims to give or spend portions of their wealth "in the Way of Allah." To carry out this act, should not be difficult because obviously whatever we possess or acquire, actually belongs to Allah, and not ours. We are merely temporary custodians of them. Yet, we hesitate when directed by Allah, we make excuses, we even deny by imagining that this commandment is not really directed at us - all because our greed, our possessive tendencies, our selfish inclinations, miserliness, our love for worldly things, etc. - interprete these spendings as though it will diminish our wealth, that it will lead to poverty. We become stingy, calculative and perhaps even harbour resentment towards the One Who, in the first place, has bestowed upon us these bounties and provisions. We may be guilty of being ungrateful, having negative thoughts of Allah s.w.t. We forgot that Allah is the One Who is also named "al-Ghaniyy - ٱلۡغَنِىُّ " (meaning: 'the one who is rich', or literally 'the one without any needs, free of all wants.'). We have gravely erred and foolishly mistaken. The commandment is actually meant to give us increase, to enrich us in the truest sense of the word, yet we are blinded by selfish greed and the foolishness of placing importance to this temporary world, rather than the eternal and everlasting Hereafter. Allah chastises with:

هَـٰٓأَنتُمۡ
هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ تُدۡعَوۡنَ لِتُنفِقُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ
ٱللَّهِ فَمِنڪُم مَّن
يَبۡخَلُ‌ۖ وَمَن يَبۡخَلۡ فَإِنَّمَا يَبۡخَلُ عَن
نَّفۡسِهِۦ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ
ٱلۡغَنِىُّ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡفُقَرَآءُ‌ۚ وَإِن
تَتَوَلَّوۡاْ يَسۡتَبۡدِلۡ قَوۡمًا
غَيۡرَكُمۡ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوٓاْ
أَمۡثَـٰلَكُم

"Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the way of Allah: but among you are some that are niggardly (miserly). But any who are niggardly (miserly)are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you! "

(Qur'an: Muhammad: 47: 38)

The promised reward

SUB-HAA-NALLAAH! If we still harbour doubts that these spendings 'in Allah's way' would indeed generate a handsome and most appealing return for us, Allah s.w.t. assures us with this promise, using our language and our imagery in this parable. And Allah s.w.t. never breaks His promises. Consider the offer.....

One seed will be repaid with seven hundred seeds in return! And this is the minimum return, because Allah s.w.t. added a clause, " Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth." Of course, this allegorical use of seed and corn would not mean that the reward in the Hereafter would consist of similar worldly things, but these would be in the form of everlasting happiness and pleasing things which our Prophet s.a.w. aptly put: "heavenly reward of pleasure ....... which no eyes has yet seen, nor has it ever crossed man's heart (imagined)."

The Qur'anic use of number seven, according to scholars, represents 'many or its numerousness'. Yet, the 'seven' here is even multiplied by a hundred, Sub-Haa-nAllaah! And to reject the offer of the exchange from something temporary with another that is permanent, surely is foolish. Indeed, Allah s.w.t. is the Most Generous and Gracious, and we would be most unjust not to heed and obey Him.

Important Ettiquette in giving

Even in acts of goodness, there are attitudes or subsequent acts which may nullify it. Spending in Allah's way as in charity, if one is not mindful, may afflict us with arrogance and self-conceit that may lead to actions that negate all its goodness. Allah s.w.t. warns that :"Allah cares for all and He knows all things." Be careful, especially in our intentions, though hidden from people, is best known to Allah.

He warns again: That He will accept and reward only those who "follow not up their gift with reminders of their generosity or with injury." How often, we may have been guilty of bringing up deeds of charity, motivated by our conceit which thrive on praises and acknowledgement from people or from those whom we gave. Are we not sincere in our acts? If it really was done for Allah, then it should suffice us that Allah s.w.t. knows this, and there should not be any need for us to bring this up to people again. It would indeed be worst if the motive for us bringing it up is condescending, meant to hurt - especially when those who benefit from our acts of kindness, return those favours with display of ungratefulness and even arrogance. We may think it to be justified for us to retaliate by bringing up the past. But no! Do not negate our 'amal, but we must perservere patiently (Sabr), and say kind words, and overlook their behavior towards us. Allah s.w.t. knows this and thus advises us - "kind words and the covering of faults is better that charity followed by injury!"

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرِينَ

رَبَّنَآ أَفۡرِغۡ عَلَيۡنَا صَبۡرً۬ا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسۡلِمِينَ

"Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: if Thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy we shall certainly be lost.
Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and Take our souls unto Thee as Muslims (who bow to Thy will)"! "

May Salutations and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad and his family, Companions and all those who follow and assist this Deen till the Hereafter. Aa-min!
Wa Allaahu a'lam
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"For the scum disappears like froth cast out........"

2008-05-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

قُلۡ مَن رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ

قُلۡ أَفَٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ لَا يَمۡلِكُونَ

لِأَنفُسِهِمۡ نَفۡعً۬ا وَلَا ضَرًّ۬ا‌ۚ قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى

ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ وَٱلۡبَصِيرُ أَمۡ هَلۡ تَسۡتَوِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتُ

وَٱلنُّورُ‌ۗ أَمۡ جَعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ خَلَقُواْ كَخَلۡقِهِۦ

فَتَشَـٰبَهَ ٱلۡخَلۡقُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ خَـٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬

وَهُوَ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّـٰرُأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬

فَسَالَتۡ أَوۡدِيَةُۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحۡتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيۡلُ زَبَدً۬ا رَّابِيً۬ا‌ۚ

وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيۡهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ حِلۡيَةٍ أَوۡ مَتَـٰعٍ۬

زَبَدٌ۬ مِّثۡلُهُ ۥ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحَقَّ وَٱلۡبَـٰطِلَ‌ۚ

فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذۡهَبُ جُفَآءً۬‌ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ

فَيَمۡكُثُ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ

"Say: "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allah." Say: "Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?"

Say: "Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with Light?" Or do they assign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar?

Say: "Allah is the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible." He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: but the torrent bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity: For the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables (similitudes). "

(Qur'an: ar-Ra'ad: 13:16-17)

REFLECTION

The message of Islam invites all to the Truth of the Existence of One God, Allah. Mankind already has that innate pure instinct (Fit-rah sa-lee-ma) to admit this. Ponder then over the creation of the heaven and earth, how it is being created and sustained and not left chaotic and to an uncertain fate - but manifesting order; we would be inclined to concede and attribute this to existence of the Sublime Essence called "Allah" (God's name in Arabic proper noun), although we may not be able to encompass Him with our vision or imagination. This is sensible, rather than denying the presence of a Will, to then insist that these creations are merely the outcome of random chance!

To those who can acknowledge this (existence of a Being called God), they should then consider: "who do you then worship or serve? Whom then do you turn to, seeking solace and protection?" It is in this that some among mankind become unreasonable and irrational, taking things in nature (mere creation, therefore cannot be the Creator let alone the Sustainer) and regard them as though it is God! Things that have no real power to either harm nor benefit them. Look how ridiculous it is that although mankind has made tremendous progress in the mastering rational sciences, yet many are still enslaved by myths, superstitions and absurdities. No wonder that many scientist became atheist, not that they reject the existence of God but rather. they detest the absurd notions or teachings by some religion concerning God. Deep in themselves, they know that there is a Force and a Will, which has created and is Sustaining the Universe. There are also those who are arrogant amongst them, who may claim themselves as the 'god' to mock religion, priding in their ability to 'create' or manipulate and tinker with creations with their sciences!

Discernment is a God-given faculty, and presence of knowledge is also a God-given opportunity. Failure to be sincere and true to oneself; not being humble before truth, and not utilising both these evidences because of pride and self-coceit, is to be unjust to oneself.

Allah, is the One Who reveals this very message. To ascribe laws (as in physics & sciences) to nature, is to attribute Will and Wisdom to things which do not even have any sense or cognition of its own existence. Allah is He Who alone is God, the One, the Supreme, and Irresistable, for all things submit to His decree. Even all the laws in nature are His, which points us to His handiwork and bestowals, His Wisdom and Glory.

Parable of the foam

There are lessons in creation, which teaches us what real value is from those which is worthless. Today, economics may dictate, or fashion and vanity may be the yardstick used by people in determining worth of a person. Allah s.w.t. firstly draws our attention to foam or bubble, present perhaps in the waves in the sea, or in the process of smelting metal ore, layers of foam-like scum also could be observed.

It (foam & scum) is a by-product, an outcome from some activity in the sea or processing of molten metal ore; residual and worthless that pushes to the surface, gaining much attention. The more agitation and turmoil, more will scum and foam become present. Yet, most of it is empty air or wastes that tries to resemble form - albeit for a brief moment, it basks in the limelight trying to represent what it is not. The foam upon the waves is not the actual sea, and the scum in the smelting process is not the metal sought. Still, both catches the attention of any who observes. Oh! how true is its likeness to vanity and ostentations in certain people. Opportunists seeking recognition through the turmoil and confusion. Thriving in doubts and scepticism, rather than true knowledge; they perpetuate more confusion rather than illumination. Grabbing attention wherever they are, yet not really contributing towards anything of worth. Preferring to be mere ornaments devoid of any substance. Alas, their moments are only a fleeting thing that is sure to pass into oblivion. An interesting Arabic saying reads: 'Those who possesses nothing, would be incapable of bringing/giving anything.' (Faa-qidu shay'-laa- yu'-ti).

Now, what is the worth of foam and scum?

فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذۡهَبُ جُفَآءً۬‌ۖ

"For the scum disappears like froth cast out;"

وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمۡكُثُ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ

"while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth."

SUBHAA-NALLAH!

There are two important considerations as criteria that could be understood from the above:

(1) that of permanency over temporary (spiritual over temporal); and

(2) it's benefit for the good of mankind over self-vanity.

The consideration and motive should be placed upon permanency, the eternal. Aim and intention focussed towards pleasing the One Who is Eternal (Allah az-za-wa-jal), and not confined to this temporary world. To serve Him is to serve others. This reminds me of a verse in the Qur'an, laying down in succinct but profound way, those which matters most in our life of serving Allah s.w.t. :

وَٱبۡتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَٮٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَ‌ۖ
.
وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ
.
وَأَحۡسِن ڪَمَآ أَحۡسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ
.
وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ
.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

"But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief."

(Qur'an: Qasas: 28: 77)

ILAA-HI, ANTA MAQ-SUU-DI WA RIDHAA-KA MAT-LUBI

WaAllaahu a'lam

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"An Evil Word like an Evil Tree!"

2008-05-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجۡتُثَّتۡ مِن فَوۡقِ
ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ۬ يُثَبِّتُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ
بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ ٱلثَّابِتِ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۖ
وَيُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ‌ۚ وَيَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يَشَآءُ
"And the parable (similitude) of an evil Word is that of an evil tree. It is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has no stability. Allah will establish in strength those who believe, with the Word that stands firm, in this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave to stray those who do wrong: Allah doeth what He willeth."
(Qur'an: Ibrahim: 14: 26-27)
REFLECTION
This verse now turns to the similitude of an "evil Word" - which should therefore be understood as the opposite of a "good Word" previously explained (mafhum mukhaa-lafah). If kalimah Tawheed is a good Word, as the foundational basis of al-Deen al-Islam, therefore any other kalimah - statement (assertion) contrary to Tawheed, if used to replace that foundational ideology - then this would be regarded as taking an "evil Word".
What could these be? During the Prophet's s.a.w.time it was the ways of the mushrikeen (those who associate or set up partners to Allah viz. idolatory; pantheism; trinitarianism; worldly-materialistic ways; denying the afterlife; atheistic in the sense of worshipping only their desire; hedonistic; paganism etc.).
Another group condemned in the Qur'an were Muslims who inwardly hated Islam, although outwardly showed affiliation to Islam. These were the munaafiqeen (the hypocrites), mostly out of personal jealousy to the Prophet s.a.w and because they harbour worldly ambitions to lead or weild influence. Acceptance of "a good Word" from Allah s.w.t. must include acceptance of His Messenger, whose task also is to complete the nurturing of people with that "Word". He was the appointed Teacher, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. - the educator par excellence. After 23 years, he succeeded and Allah s.w.t. approved the Way of Life (al-Deen) which he established as the perfected "al-Deen al-Islam". There is only one Islam, and this is the Islam:
ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينً۬ا‌ۚ
"This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you al-Islam as your religion"
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 4)
Rejection of our Prophet s.a.w. is arrogance, and they would never benefit from that "good Word" - or even the whole Qur'an for that matter, because they lack the know-how to nurture, to imbibe and infuse a Way of Life (al-Deen) which only Muhammad was sent to do, not them. Thus Allah s.w.t/ says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمۡ لِمَا يُحۡيِيڪُمۡ‌ۖ
"O ye who believe! Give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 24)
Allah s.w.t. warns us that, whatever is being established on the basis of an evil Word will be like an evil tree with: "It is torn up by the roots from the surface of the earth; it has no stability." How very true! The world in general, having rejected traditional religion, is going through tremendous changes, with one system replaced by another, always in constant state of flux. Man's experimentation with all kinds of system, its various "ism" has now even come to what they termed "post modernism" where all past ideas are to be questioned and challenged. They have realized themselves, that their past, nay recent, ideas are not very dependable. They have carried their idea of evolution to the extreme, rejecting absolutism and are in fact 'worshipping' change itself. Thus, today there is no real or true human development offered by any of their ideology, except sceptism and confusion, chaos and destruction.
It is interesting that Allah did not accord the "evil tree" any credit of having any stage of growth - only of its roots being uprooted. That is because an "evil Word" is based on falsehood, and even when it sounds resonable, this would be based on fraudulent borrowing of certain ideas or truth from traditional religion, from which they manufacture newer ideologies. But the nature of fraud is falsehood, described by Allah s.w.t. as that which is incapable of contributing towards anything:
قُلۡ جَآءَ ٱلۡحَقُّ وَمَا يُبۡدِئُ ٱلۡبَـٰطِلُ وَمَا يُعِيدُ
“Say: ‘Truth has arrived, and falsehood neither creates anything new, nor restores anything”

(Qur’an: Saba’: 32: 49)
Allah's reassurance to every believer, that He will strengthen our position with the Word that stands firm, in this world and the Hereafter, with a condition - that we do not do any wrong, or any injustice. He "will leave astray those who do wrong (are unjust)". This is a very important reminder to all Muslims, who yearns Allah's divine intervention. Thus we cannot merely rely on mere slogans or labels of being Muslims, but must apply the criterion of the Qur'an and As-Sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w. to ourselves in all our life. Indeed Allah does whatever He wills. We pray:
رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذۡنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوۡ أَخۡطَأۡنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡنَآ إِصۡرً۬ا كَمَا حَمَلۡتَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلۡنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱعۡفُ عَنَّا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَٱرۡحَمۡنَآ‌ۚ أَنتَ مَوۡلَٮٰنَا فَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
"Our Lord! condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; help us against those who stand against faith."
O Allah! May every Salutations and Peace be upon our Leader, Your Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, Muhammad ibnu 'Abdillaah, his family and Companions, and those who continually follow and assist them in benevolence till the Hereafter.
Aa-min
WaAllu a'lam
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"A Good Word like a Good Tree!"

2008-05-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

أَلَمۡ تَرَ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ كَلِمَةً۬
طَيِّبَةً۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ۬ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصۡلُهَا ثَابِتٌ۬ وَفَرۡعُهَا فِى
ٱلسَّمَآءِ تُؤۡتِىٓ أُڪُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينِۭ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهَا‌ۗ وَيَضۡرِبُ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَڪَّرُونَ

"Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable (similitude)?― a goodly Word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens― It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables (similitudes) for men, in order that they may receive admonition. "
(Qur'an: Surah Ibrahim: 14: 24-25)
REFLECTION
"Sub-HaanAllaah" When I reflect that the main message of al-Islam is Tawheed ("Laa-ilaaha-il-lalLaah"), the kalimah given to every Prophets being "a good word" (kalimah toy-yibah) from Allah, from thence its teachings bloom and grow - this parable (similitude) is most apparrent and profoundly apt.
Consider the SHAHADATAIN. It is like the seed, containing every potential to a tree, be it the foundational creed (like the root), and the potential edifice of a way of life exuding goodness and righteous deeds (like the branches and the manner how a good tree is bound to grow). This requires nurturing. The declaration of this SHAHADATAIN contains both, conviction of its truth, as well as the first act of commitment - a promise to always strive to uphold it as a 'Witness' unto all & every nation - that I am a Muslim. With my life I bear witness to all, that there is none to be worshipped except Allah alone, Who has no associate nor partner, and Muhammad s.a.w. is a servant and the Messenger of Allah.
Just as a seed when first nurtured in the ground must begin to grow, SHAHADATAIN is that growth, the impetus, motivation, the self-actualization that must be kept alive with striving and continual struggling, come what may. Just as the seedling grow in two directions, the root (hidden underneath the soil) as well the outward manifestation of its sprouts. Similarly, in SHAHADATAIN, it represents the underlying creed (belief system i.e. aqidah - "arkaan al-iiman," of the unseen or al-ghayb) as well as the commitment, consciously declared, to fulfill the susequent practices in submission to the Will of our Creator ("arkaan al-Islam"-pillars of Islam). Just as a seed has the potential to split the hardest of rocks, so too the Shahadah of a true Muslim.

AQIDAH (the Islamic creed) enumerated by the Prophet s.a.w. as ("arkaan-al-iiman")is an important aspect of the 'growth' of a Muslim. its acquisition requires development of conviction to the Truth and the meanings of life and Existence that it seek to inculcate, unto which we are to bind ourselves to them, as anchor - making us to remain firm and stable throughout the trials & tribulations of life. Thus, our believe in it cannot remain static but must be nurtured to continously grow ever deeper - our understanding of them ever profound and penetrative. As nobody else could see this growth, do not disregard its importance to our own selves. A tree with static or shallow roots would be in constant danger of collapse.
AS-SwOLAH , the 5 daily devotional prayers of a Muslim, is likened by the Prophet s.a.w. as the pillar, the column or upright superstructure, of our religion ("imad-du-al-Deen"). The likeness of it is as in the growth of a good tree, after the sprout, its growth would entail development of a solid and strong trunk. A tree would have to be differentiated from creepers and weeds. A tree would easily stand out amongst shrubs and bushes, and be in a class of its own. And the tree-trunk is that which links the roots to the other parts of the tree - distributing all the beneficials nutrients. Similarly, faith without outward performance of deeds is empty, outward performance without faith is mere rituals. It is when both are dynamically combined that a person becomes true inward and outward, his deeds strengthening his faith and his faith strengthening his deeds. Thus the Prophet s.a.w. asserts that difference between a believer and non-believer can be discerned from the performance or non-performance of "As-Swolah."
The tree as it grow, it requires to produce its own food and nourishment. We learnt that the green leaves (chlorophyll) react in sunlight to produce its food, through a process called 'photo-synthesis'. In this process, it significantly contributes in cleansing the atmosphere by taking in the carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen back. Its leaves, stems, branches provides shades and helps to sustain the eco-system as it serves also food and nourishment for others.
This is amazingly similar with a Muslim. After As-Swolah, the next pillar to be fulfilled by Muslim is Az-Zakah. This is the compulsory tax upon wealth of a Muslim which is to be distributed to certain categories of poor and needy. In life we need to acquire wealth to sustain our life, yet in doing so we are expected to contribute towards others. Also the meaning of Zakah is both "to purify & make it grow." It purifies a Muslim from greed, miserliness which material wealth and possession can affect our hearts, as well as teaches us that there are always surplus given to us in our wealth, which are meant for others. Unless and until we give to whom it is due, our wealth may not be regarded as pure, and the concept of growth is not in the amount, but rather in how much it benefitted others too. Indeed, a tree's submission to the natural law can be a powerful lesson in that - for us to live, we must also contribute towards the welfare of those who need.
A good tree always protect itself from the extreme elements present in its environment. It grows layer of bark on its trunks and branches to sheild itself from the effect of harsh weather, parasites and other harmful elements. Stripped of its bark, it would be exposed to many parasites and be harmed. Thus without fail, each year a new layer would be formed, and thus a tree's age can be known by measurement of its rings of bark which it had. When we consider te next pillar of Islam for Muslim is the SAUM (Daily Fasting of Ramadhan). The purpose as commanded by Allah s.w.t. is for Muslim to learn self-restrain and attain to true consciousness of God (Taqwa), It is like a one month intense traing or exercise of self-restraint, that it strengthens a Muslims spiritual resolve to adhere only to Allah's command and totally refrain from whatever He has forbidden. By the end of Ramadhan. Muslims would have attained to greater height of self-discipline and restrain through being conscious of Allah s.w.t.(Taqwa). Hopefully, after gaining it, it does not wane, but we are to maintain or increase it until the next Ramadhan. To liken SAUM (fasting) as a sheild, is also very true. It is only with our inward spiritual strength, based on Taqwa, that one can assure oneself of immunity from outward harm, as it is our greatest sheild in our journey in life. It is our ability to say "No!" and capacity to resist every temptation that really matters, because in life we cannot avoid coming into contact with them. Every year this sheild is renewed, and the true age of a Muslim can be determined by the number of Ramadhan he had gone through.
Observe how a tree grows. Although slow, almost undetected by man yet it patiently perservere towards its destiny - cm. by cm. upwards towards heaven, or towards light. When obstructed, it tries to overcome by pushing, if unable then to seek other path without forgetting to persistently continue to grow. It seem as though it possesses an in-built compass, and a determination to journey towards a certain end, although it is seen by us as remaining static. Also, trees seldom grow in solitude, but would be clustered together for strength and mutual dependency in jungle or forests. Each even assisting one another to continue growing towards heaven and sunlight. Likewise, for a Muslim, the commandment to undertake the pilgrimage to Makkah or HAJJ, for those who are capable, contains a powerful and practical lesson on Jihaad (Striving with our utmost and sacrifice in Way of Allah). What Muslims can learn is that life is a sure journey towards our Maker, and thus we must always prepare ourselves to the Day of meeting with Him. It teaches us to patiently struggle, purify ourselves, perservere and to always be ready to make sacrifices, to emulate the prophet and compete in every righteousness, to battle evil and falsehood, to learn about steadfastness, compassion and unity of brotherhood amongst believers, and many other. Even those Muslim who are not able to, or yet to go, their faces are constantly made to turn towards the Ka'abah in Makkah daily. Just like a tree, our inner compass always guides us towards Heaven and the Light (Truth), for Muslims are certain that, "To God we belong and unto Him we shall be made to return." Although we are in this world, but we are not of this world.
Another element that a good tree possess is its quality of "goodness." A tree may be big, with thick foliage etc. but it may be rotten and diseased. It is when each and every elements (from roots, trunk, branches, leaves etc) grow well, that whole tree can be regarded as good. This reminds me of the question posed to the Prophet s.a.w. after he had explained both "Arkaan al-Islam" and "Arkaan al-iiman" : "Tell me what is 'al-IHSAN'?" -To which the Prophet s.a.w, said "al-IHSAN (The Best conduct or excellence) is that you worship (serve) Allah as though you see Him, if not then, certainly He sees you." Here, our Prophet s.a.w. is emphasizing "Sincerity" as the crucial criteria in determining quality or goodness in our deeds. To be sincere is, to be doing a good act purely because of Allah s.w.t., as an offering to Him, seeking His Pleasure. Afterall, it is Allah, Whose acceptance or rejection that really counts, not others. So any deeds, no matter how small, if done sincerely for Allah would then be considered good. Great things done not for Allah, but instead for some ulterior motives, trying to please others or out of self-conceit does not qualify as Good by Allah.
The final aspect of my reflection is, when Allah s.w.t. says: - "It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave (permission) of its Lord!"
- SUB-HAA-NALLAAH!
A good tree exists to produce and perpetuate other good trees through its fruits. If not, the fruit itself can be beneficial to everyone, as nourishment, or perhaps quenching thirst, or even as a cure etc. A good Muslim, growing like a good tree, would be granted by Allah s.w.t. the opportunity to touch others such that they too, receive the Guidance of Allah s.w.t. This is the promise of Allah; and those given are indeed most fortunate. Hopefully we can be like the Muslim, described and praised byAllah s.w.t.:
وَمَنۡ أَحۡسَنُ قَوۡلاً۬ مِّمَّن دَعَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِى مِنَ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ وَلَا تَسۡتَوِى ٱلۡحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّيِّئَةُ‌ۚ ٱدۡفَعۡ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى بَيۡنَكَ وَبَيۡنَهُ ۥ عَدَٲوَةٌ۬ كَأَنَّهُ ۥ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ۬ وَمَا يُلَقَّٮٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ وَمَا يُلَقَّٮٰهَآ إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ۬
"Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says "I am of those who bow in Islam - (Muslims)"? Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint none but persons of the greatest good fortune."
(Qur'an: Fussilat: 41: 33-35)

May Allah grant us the Taufiq (success) wal Hidaa-ya (Guidance)
WaAllaahu a'lam
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