the parable of two men ..................

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

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

Parable : Beware of "Masjid Dhi-raara" (mosque of mischief & infidelity) ....

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

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