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Sunday 23 February 2014

In the Grapevine


Remember that game we used to play when we were young? The little game where we will sit in a circle, spaced about arm’s length apart, the game begin as soon as a message whispered once from the originator to the person sitting next to him or her until it reaches the last person in the circle (who would sit next to the originator). Finally, he or she will then say the message outloud. Seldom does the message arrive in its original form. Messages often altered by someone in the circle, or out of anxiety (one of the possible causes). The game is often known as the Telephone game, the Secret Message game, Gossip or the Grapevine game. 

We have this little experiment on this game with the International School's kids during a break from our drama practice. The students were told to keep in mind on these three things; Who's fault was it that the message came out wrong? Was the message too long or too short? What is the problem in this method of communication (whispering, that is), and can we trust the messenger?. [3] 



WHO'S FAULT WAS IT?

Nobody knows. How do we know if one of the players alters the message? Can we really point a finger to a specific individual just to close the case? Even after listening to the messenger and the originator, we can’t really decide as whatever that had happened, it happen in the grapevine. Similarly when we watch that gossip show on television on the local scene; Melodi, Galaksi, HipTV, just to name a few, that often begin their interview with,”You know, we heard from someone,..not sure if its true, can you please verify?…” or in Malay language, “Ada orang kata.. adalah orang yang katakan,..kita tak tau la betul ke tidak, bole jelaskan?..”  
It was narrated that Abu Qalaabah radi’Allahu anhu said: Abu Mas’ood said to Abu ‘Abd-Allaah, or Abu ‘Abd-Allaah said to Abu Mas’ood: What did you hear the Messenger of Allaah sallallahu alaihi wasallam say about saying “they say…”? He said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah sallallahu alaihi wasallam say: “How bad it is for a man to keep saying, ‘They say…’. ” al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 866.

Hence our righteous forebears were keen to establish proof and were wary of rumours.

And the students had answered after looking at each other, “We don’t know”. 


WERE THE MESSAGE TOO LONG/ TOO SHORT?

It was narrated that al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has forbidden you to disobey your mothers, to bury your daughters alive, to not pay the rights of others and to beg from others. And He dislikes gossip for you, asking too many questions, and wasting money.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2231.

There are three points of view as to the meaning of this hadeeth [1]:

1 – That it indicates that it is makrooh (disliked) to speak too much, because it leads to mistakes.

2 – That it refers to wanting to pass on what people say and looking for that in order to tell others of it, so that one can say, “So and so said such and such, and Such and such was said…” The prohibition on this is either a rebuke for doing too much of it or it refers to a particular type of talk, which the person spoken of dislikes to have mentioned.

3 – That it refers to narrating differences of opinion concerning religious matters, such as saying, “This one said such and such and that one said such and such.” The reason why this is disliked is that speaking of such matters may lead to mistakes. This applies especially to those who transmit such views without verifying them, merely imitating those whom they hear without exercising any caution. I say: this is supported by the saheeh hadeeth, “It is enough sin for a man to speak of everything that he hears.” (narrated by Muslim).

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IN THIS METHOD OF COMMUNICATION?

Whispering is the devil’s weapon. Let’s not blame on the game entirely. Whispering often can cause sadness or hurt the person who are not in the ‘game’.

It is improper for two people to talk secretively in the presence of a third person. This behavior might cause the third person to feel bad or excluded. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, “If you were three, then do not whisper between the two of you ignoring the third till the number increases. This is because whispering will sadden him.” [5]

The kids’ responses were, “They shouldn’t be whispering”, “Some can’t even pronounce the word right, not fair”, “The person sitting next to me have a bad breath”, “I can’t hear her voice, its too soft”, “His saliva is all over my ear”



CAN WE TRUST THE MESSENGER? OR THE WITNESS(ES)?

Zaid b. Khalid al-Juhani reported Allah's Apostle () as saying: “Should I not tell you of the best witnesses? He is the one who produces his evidence before he is asked for it.” Sahih Muslim, 1719, Book 30, Hadith 25/ Book 18, Hadith 4268. [4]

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , ” .. that is to carry out justice for the sake of Allah’s pleasure alone, only then it will be true and just in the real sense, free from diversion,  changes, and lies. “even if it be against yourselves”..become a just witness even though it will harm yourself. If we are being asked for something, answer with the truth even if we know it will give us the bad outcome, because Allah Ta’ala will provide ways for things to be solved for those who obeys Him. “or parents and relatives. ”.. And even when we have to become a witness against our own blood, do not protect them, but be a witness for what is true, even when it will cause them harm, for the truth will be the ending for every soul. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. “..do not protect them due to their wealth, and do not pity them just because they are poor, for Allah will take care of them. He’s More Paramount for either both of you and He Knows better what’s good for both of them. ”- Surah An-Nisa (4:135). [4]

So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. ”.. do not follow our nafs, fanatic feeling,  or hatred in giving fair judgement as a witness in every matters. Keep a strong will on being just  in any situation.” And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”.. So, be fair and just, for it is near to Taqwa (righteousness) -Surah Al-Ma’idah(5:8). [4]

From Quran.com “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”- Surah Al-Ma’idah(5:8)[4] 

Unanimously,  the final response from the kids was, “We shouldn’t trust anyone, especially strangers!” RIGHT!

Allah knows best and I know nothing, Alhamdulillah!  

REFERENCE
  1. Beware of Rumours at times of Crisis, http://islamqa.info/en/14212 , Accessed on 28th Feb 2014.
  2. Commentaries (italicize) – Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsirul Quranil ‘Azimi Jilid 4, 1421 H/ 2000 M:309-310. 
  3. R.E.A.L International School, Class 5 and 6, Bukit Jelutong, Cahaya SPK, Selangor.
  4. Tafseer and Terjemah Al-Haramain,pp 100. 
  5. The Islamic Manners of Gatherings,http://islam1.org/khutub/Manners_of_Gathering.htm, Accessed on 28th February 2014.

Be a Sponge and Do the Right Thing

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153)


In despair and feeling dejected, your tears starts to fall and when your heart begin to channel your sadness in a trembling voice, your lips cried , “Oh Allaah!”. Quickly, the Adzan calls for prayer and indeed, Allaah call for us FIVE times a day and we don’t even realize it most of the time, and at that very moment of needing a shoulder to cry upon, we feel so much that Allaah is comforting us, “I’m here, confide in Me in your prayers”. We ignore His call mostly because either we’re busy with the Dunya, or we just ignore His calls for no reason.

CONFIDE IN ME IN YOUR PRAYERS (SALAT/ NAMAZ)

How many of us really understand that, through prayers, is when we are actually communicating with Allaah? How many of us would understand, acknowledge it or even know what we are actually asking for in our prayers? How many of us do actually cry incessantly in our prostration, the time when we are the most near to our Creator? And how many of us often rush in performing our prayers because our break time is almost over at work, or fear missing the final minutes of a game on the sports channel?

Seems like we have been taking prayers for granted; just as a ritual. Prayers are not only for the oppressed, the poor or the distressed. Prayers are meant for everyone including those who are blessed with everything. Alhamdulillah. It is sad to know and realize that we only remember Allaah when we’re afflicted by trials. And most of the time when we are fine and dandy, we are far away from Allaah.

رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ
“My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” (Surah Al-Qasas:28:24)

Remember that feeling when we received our first job salary? Probably, we have a list of things we wish to get with that ‘big’ amount of money. Out of joy and excitement, we spend it hastily and end up asking ourselves with all the shopping bags and gifts unwrapped, with things arranged at its place, “That’s it? What actually did I bought and use the money for?”



WITH HARDSHIP COME EASE

With prayers, we need to accompany it with being patient. According to Imam Ahmad Rehmatullah Alaih, “Allaah has mentioned patience in the Qur’an in ninety places.”

Don’t ever give up as Allaah has assured us in the Qur’an from Surah Ash-Sharĥ (94) TWICE, in ayat 5-8, that with hardship come ease. After we have tried our best and done what is needed, then the next thing to do is to leave it to Allah alone, in prayers. It’s easy to choose to dwell in vulnerability but, let’s look at the next ayat from Surah Ar-Rad (13:11), “…Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves….” . Just like any other verses of the Qur’an, often we mistakenly, and take it for granted by digesting the tafseer and terjemah in a worldly context, often quoting it in its literal meaning, in its obvious letters. We can truly accept that, changing the condition of oneself simply means the change solely comes from your heart, alone i.e., our intention. Be kind to those who are unkind towards us. Allaah does not need our prayers, He don’t look at how comfortable our life is after struggling to accumulate wealth, our worldly achievements. By our sincere and pure intention, He wishes to see how we benefit others with our gain. As indeed, Allaah’s favourite are those who are among the poor. Have a lot of patience by being around them. And with patience, we persevere.


BE A SPONGE!

The thing about us, the slaves of Allaah Ta’ala is that we wish to see instant results- the favorable outcomes and often in the process, we turn to others and complain to others, instead of Allaah. We express ungratefulness of Allaah’s Mercy by often overlooking the blessings in each and everything in life. We complain on how we do not own or get certain things we wished for. That’s when perseverance sets in. Let’s follow the examples of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam or Nabi Ayyub alaihi salam.

With Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam, “Despite being exiled from his home, losing his loved ones, being abused and suffering near starvation, he never wavered in his character. He was patient in doing good, patient in refraining from evil even when he was tempted with wealth and women, and he was patient when afflicted with calamity. All of his children died in his lifetime except Fatima (ra). He lost his wife and two of his uncles whom he loved dearly. Those who followed him were tortured. Yet he persisted in praying in the night, was described as always smiling and never hesitated to help people. His patience was in perseverance and never questioning the will of Allah.

As of Nabi Ayyub alaihi salam, who was not only patient with his affliction but he was content! He lost all 14 of his children, his wealth and the companionship of the people because of his disease. Yet when he was asked to supplicate for Allah to heal him, he said “Allah gave me 50 years of blessings, should I not be patient with the same number of years of hardship?” Subhan’Allah! He never complained of his illness. Of course, we should always ask Allaah to help us but what we should take from this, is he wasn’t angry with Allaah and never questioned His will.”

TELL IT TO ALLAAH,… only!

Say, "O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."- Surah Az-Zumar (39:10) 

Some people that we meet will remind us of Allaah in various perspectives. There are those who reminded us of Allaah in terms of their deeds, amal and ibadah, and some others would remind us by being a test for us themselves. It is actually up to us and how we perceive it that determines the outcome of our own good deeds In Shaa Allaah. May Allaah Ta’ala guide us on this temporary Dunya journey with patience, perseverance and in prayers always, In Shaa Allaah.

Allaah knows best and I know nothing, Alhamdulillah.

REFERENCE
  1. Huda, Patience, Perseverance and Prayer,http://islam.about.com/od/prayer/a/patience.htm. Accessed on 17th February 2014.
  2. Ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah,Allaah Has Mentioned It 90 Times!,http://istighfar.wordpress.com/Allaah-has-mentioned-it-90-times/. Accessed on 17th February 2014.
  3. Jinan Bastaki, Allah is with the Patience,http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/character/allah-is-with-the-patient/ . Accessed on 23rd February 2014.
  4. John (Yahya) Ederer, Patience, Perseverence, and Fortitude,http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/character/patience-perseverance-and-fortitude/, Accessed on 19th February 2014.
  5. The Virtues of Patience and Prayerhttp://www.qtafsir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=281&Itemid=36. Accessed on 20th February 2014.
  6. Yusra Owais (Amatullah), Six Benefits of Patience from the Qur’an,http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/character/six-benefits-of-patience-from-the-quran/comment-page-1/. Accessed on 19th February 2014.

Thursday 13 February 2014

The Jokes is On You



Joking around is encouraged in Islam, in a permissible way, in order to create sustainable bond and warmth in relation. This is encouraged especially among family members, relatives, friends, and among colleagues, classmates and so on (excluding the mixing of non-Mehrams, of course). Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam do jokes around whenever he’s being in the company of his wives and the Companions. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said: ‘No old woman will ever enter heaven.’ The woman turned away crying. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said to those nearby: ‘Tell her that no woman goes into heaven as an old woman.’ He then read the Qur’anic verses: “We have created (their Companions) of special creationAnd made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), “ – Surah Al- Waqiah (56: 35-36)Sadly that these days, the jokes revolves around making fun of people, belittling them, mocking at their physics, calling nicknames, more often than not involve backbiting, and most of the time, lies often involved to spice things up a little bit.


Islam is perfect Masha’Allaah that it gives us guidance, a perfect, fine and transparent blueprint for EVERY SINGLE thing for us to apply in our daily life. And that guidance described completely in Qur’anul Kareem. Subhan’Allaah. Even topics or guidelines for any single act, as trivial (perhaps to some) as making jokes. Now, imagine, all of our lives, how many foul jokes we’ve made on people, and have we ever consider (if we do have some conscience) how the other person actually feels? And all that we care about is being a famous comedian in the crowd.


Anas ibn Malik reports: “A man asked the Prophet to give him a mount. The Prophet said to him: ‘I will give you a she-camel’s baby.’ The man said: ‘What use do I have for a she-camel’s baby?’ The Prophet said: ‘What camel is not born to a she-camel?’” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad). Here we see the Prophet making a joke, as he tells the man who requests a mount that he would give him a she-camel’s son. The man takes it literally and thinks that the Prophet is giving him only a young camel that is not fit to travel any distance carrying a man on his back. But the Prophet explains that every camel is the baby of a she-camel [2]

Joking, Laughing and Having Fun the Shariah Way

So, what are the permissible ways in making jokes in Islam? As long as it DOES NOT…

i)    make fun of any aspect of Islam. This involves making jokes of the Qur’anic verses, The Blessed Prophets, Malaikats, the commandments of Allaah (making fun of covering aurats, following Sunnah). The most feared of all as this may nullify one’s belief and can make a person becomes a Kafir (Sheikh Al-‘Uthaymeen). Allaah Ta’ala says,” And if you ask them, they will surely say, "We were only conversing and playing." Say, "Is it Allaah and His verses and His Messenger that you were mocking?” Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your belief. If We pardon one faction of you - We will punish another faction because they were criminals.”- Surah At-Tawbah (9:65-66)

ii)  jokes pertaining Haram matters

iii) make us invent lies after lies. We often do this whenever we wish for our children to listen to us. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam): “Do you joke with us?” Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam replied: “I do, but I only say that which is true” (Al-Bukhari, Tirmidhi) and in another hadith, Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said, “Woe to the one who speaks and tells a lie in order to make the people laugh at it. Woe to him. Then again, woe to him.”(Al-Tirmidhi)

iv)    ridicule people. And Allaah Ta’ala says,” “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”-Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11). So, how many times have we did make fun of people with physical disabilities, with speech impairment, and so on?

v)     make us feel glad/ happy to see others being afflicted with misfortune. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said, “Do not express malicious joy towards your brother’s misfortune, for Allaah may have mercy on him and you may be stricken by the thing you made fun of.” (Al-Tirmidhi). Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said,” ‘It is not permissible for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim.’” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).   
“Some people make fun of a person’s appearance, manner of walking or vehicle. But there is the fear that Allaah may requite the one who makes fun of others because of that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Do not express malicious joy towards your brother’s misfortune, for Allaah may have mercy on him and you may be stricken by the thing you made fun of.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).”[2]

vi)    involve backbiting. “(Backbiting is) your mentioning about your brother something that he dislikes.” (Muslim). According to Ibn Kathir “What is meant here is looking down on them, belittling them or making fun of them. This is haraam and is counted as one of the characteristics of the hypocrites.”  

vii)   lead us to having excessive laughter while joking around. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said: “Do not laugh too much, for laughing too much deadens the heart.” (Sahih al-Jaami). ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab radi’Allaahu anhu said: “Whoever laughs too much or jokes too much loses respect, and whoever persists in doing something will be known for it.”

viii) the time is right. Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah radi’Allaahu anhu said, “ It (joking) is Sunnah, but only for those who know how to do it and do it at the appropriate time.”. Some of us jokes around, uttering foul words while having food.. imagine the du'a we're making while having food and once we have the food, it will be part of us. Sometimes we jokes around in serious matters too. May Allaah Ta'ala forgive us Aameen.

ix)  no foul language is being used. Rasulullah sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam said: “The Muslim does not slander, curse, speak obscenely or speak rudely.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

x)     we do not discriminate them based on status. We make fun of politicians, ‘ulama, teachers, our relatives (who are older than us), or even those who are younger than us. ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez said: “Fear joking, for it is folly and generates grudges.”


It’s a constant challenge every day to be around people who are not Deen-inclined and walking away is often the best thing to do rather than sit around, swallow the nonsense and getting sins for free. We are encouraged to choose righteous companions, those who keeps reminding us of Allaah Ta’ala, who will keep and help us in being steadfast in our ibadah, and whose examples we can follow.

A reminder for myself, first and foremost, Allaah knows best and I know nothing, Alhamdulillah.

REFERENCE 

[1] Conditions of permissible joking- Fatwa No.22170, Abd al-Malik al-Qaasim.http://islamqa.info/en/22170Accessed on 13th February 2014.

[2] Frightening a Muslim, Backbiting, Truth and Lies, Safeguarding the TongueBahishti Zewar (Heavenly Ornaments), Maulana Muhammad Ashraf Ali Thanvi (2009). pp 491,492,457. Darul Ishaat Urdu Bazaar, Karachi.

[3] 11 Rules in Islam On Joking, Muslimah, Sept 14th,http://amuslimsistermaria200327.wordpress.com/2009/09/14/15-rules-in-islam-on-joking/. Accessed on 13th February 2014.

Sunday 9 February 2014

Shifa from Qur'anic Verses: Al-Fatihah

The Opening Surah… opens the gates between Allah, the Almighty, and His servant.

Unlike the other surahs which were revealed only once, it is reported that Surah Al-Fatihah was revealed twice; once in Makkah (as stated by Ibn Abbas, Qatadah and Abu’l-Aliyah) and once in Madinah (as stated by Abu Hurairah radi’Allahu anhu, Mujahid, ‘Ata ibn Yasar and Az-Zuhri) [3] even when most resources mentioned that the Surah was revealed to Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam in Makkah [1][5]. Millions of Muslims all over the world recite Al-Fatihah at least 17 times a day and more, Alhamdulillah. It is said that prayer will be invalid if al Fatihah is not recited in prayers [5], as narrated by ‘Ubâdah bin As-Sâmit,  Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said,“Whoever does not recite Surah Al-Fatihah in his prayer, his prayer is invalid. (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.1, Hadîth No. 723). 


And We have bestowed upon thee the Seven Oft-repeated (verses) and the Grand Qur'an.”- Surah Al-Hijr (15:87)




Known by many names; Umm Al-Kitab (Mother of the Book), al-Hamd (the Praise), as-Sab’al-Mathani (the Seven Oft-Repeated Verses- composed of seven verses frequently recited before every unit of raka’at), ash-Shifa’ (the Healing), al-Kafiyah (the Sufficient One), and al-Asas (the Foundation), al-Kanz (the Treasure), ar-Ruqya (the Spiritual Cure), Surah Al-Fatihah is a man’s prayer while the rest of the Qur’an is Allah’s response, guiding us towards the Siratul-Mustaqeem (success in both this life and the Hereafter)[3].


Umm Al-Kitab is divided into 2 parts; the first half of Surat Al Fatihah is a declaration of monotheism and the second half of the Surah is the most important dua(supplication) a person could ever make[5]. Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:"Allah ,the Exalted, said,'I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant. A half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.''If  he says.'All praise and thanks be to AllahThe Lord of existence .'Allah says,'My servant has praised me.'.When the servant says, The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.' Allah says.'My servant has glorified Me.' When he says, Master of the Day of Judgment.' Allah says,'My servant has glorified Me.' When he says,'You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.' Allah says,'This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.' When he says,'Guide us to the straight path. The way of those whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, or of those who went astray', Allah says,'This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he has asked for.'[6]


Among the many virtues of Surah Al-Fatihah, being the Ruqya is one of them. As narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri radi’Allahu anhu, some of the companions of the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam came across a tribe amongst the tribes of the Arabs, and that tribe did not entertain them. While they were in that state, the chief of that tribe was bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion). They said, (to the companions of the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam), "Have you got any medicine with you or anybody who can treat with Ruqya?" Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam's companions said, "You refuse to entertain us, so we will not treat (your chief) unless you pay us for it." So they agreed to pay them a flock of sheep. One of them (the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam's companions) started reciting Surat-al-Fatihah and gathering his saliva and spitting it (at the snake-bite). The patient got cured and his people presented the sheep to them, but they said, "We will not take it unless we ask the Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam (whether it is lawful)." When they asked him, he smiled and said, "How do you know that Surat-al-Fatihah is a Ruqya? Take it (flock of sheep) and assign a share for me." - Sahih Bukhari, Book #71, Hadith #632. 


According to Ustaz Sharhan Shafie, while reciting the Surah for Shifa purposes, one needs to make a du’a in silent while reciting one of the verse of the Surah, emphasizing on ayat number 5. Even whenever we are lost, feeling wary, we may recite verse number 6 and In Shaa Allah, Allah will guide and show what is good for us.


What makes Al-Fatihah particularly distinctive as compared to any other Surahs? According to Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) who reported that when Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam asked Ubayy ibn Ka’ab (radiAllahu anhu), ”Do you want me to teach you a Surah the like of which has not been revealed in the Torah, the Injeel, the Zabur, nor the Qur’an?”, and also asked what he recited in his prayers. He replied Umm-ul Qur’an (Surah Fatihah) Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam proclaimed, ’By Him in whose dominion my soul is, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Qur’an and it is seven of the oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’an which I have been given’ [at-Tirmidhi, Al-Hakim says that this hadith is Sahih on the conditions established by Imam Muslim (Tafseer Mazhari 1:30)]

Allah knows best and I know nothing.


REFERENCE
  1. Learn Quranic Wisdom- Surah Al-Fatihah – The ‘Greatest Surah’ in the Quran .http://www.iqrasense.com/quran/the-greatest-surah-in-the-quran.html. Accessed on 9th February 2014. 
  2. The Seeking of Truth-The Pursuit of Spiritual Knowledge,http://seekingoftruth.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/benefits-of-surah-al-fatihah/. Accessed on 10th February 2014. 
  3. Ayat-ayat Ruqyah in Tanyalah Ustaz by Ustaz Sharhan Shafie, Aired in 2012. 
  4. The Qur’an in Plain English for Children and young people, Imam Torres Al Haneef. The Islamic Foundation.ISBN 0860372332.pp. 16-17. 
  5. The Virtues of Surat Al-Fatihah – General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. http://www.awqaf.ae/Jumaa.aspx?Lang=EN&SectionID=15&RefID=1170. Accessed on 10th February 2014. Published on: 12-05-2011.

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Lesson and Wisdom from Qur'an:Creation of the Flies

Amazing ingenuity possessed by some animals, such as wolves, flies and spiders. Wolves, when in hunger and not able to hunt for any food, would pretend to be dead. By inflating its abdomen, the birds would thought that it was dead and so went down to eat the carcasses. This will be the golden opportunity for the wolves to have its food. Lets not forget about the sophisticated and intrigued spider, who nets a trap, sits comfortably in the middle of the web waiting for its prey. Once a mosquitoe or flies are trapped, quickly the spider jumped and suck their blood. Spiders are built this way, to hunt with nets and traps.


Do not underestimate the lesson from something that looked and sounded trivial, like the mustard seed or even mosquitoes. The wisdom, the meaningful reasoning can be drawn from something that’s seems trivial. By underestimating the lesson, the wisdom behind every single creations is the legacy of those who refused to accept why Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala explained reasoning behind each creation by comparing the life of the flies, spiders, dogs, donkeys, until Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala revealed this in  Surah Al – Baqarah, verse number 26.

"Verily, Allah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allah intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)."

What an abundance of hikmah hidden behind the creations of these animals mentioned, of which we often takes as of no importance. How many dalils or texts that explains about the Creator Himself, about His Mercy and His Wisdom. And ask these to the non-believers, Who have given these animals such intelligence, such act to even catch a prey, let alone their survival with such little strength? None other than Allah, the Most Gracious, the Merciful and the One who Notifies. - Ibn Qayyim Al-Jauziyyah, Miftahu Daris Sa’adati, Juz 2, 1416H/1996 M: 153-154)

Narrated by Abu Hurairah radi'Allahu anhu Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, "When a fly perched on a drink of one of you, let it sink into the drink, because on one of its wings it carries a disease and on the other has its cure." – Hadith Riwayat Al-Bukhari.

This explanation is further supported by another authentic source of hadith. Narrated by Abu Sa'eed al - Khudri , the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, " On one of the fly’s wings lies the poison and the other has its cure. Therefore, when it fell on the food, then sink it into it, for when the fly perched on the food, it’ll let go of the poison first and follows by the antidote." – Hadith Ibn Majah. ( Abu Anas Majid, Sahih At-Tibbi An-Nawawi fi Dhaw’i’l Kitabi wa As-Sunnati wa Aqwali As-Salafi, t.t. 119)

REFERENCE

Al- Haramain, Tafseer and Terjemah, pp 5-6.

Monday 3 February 2014

Shifa from Qur'anic Verses: The Placebo Effect




There's a narrated story of a doctor who treated his patients who suffered from major diseases. The doctor advised his patients (together with the prescribed medicines to be taken on time) some verses of the Qur'an for their treatment.

The patients never did ask the doctor further when he handed them some black seeds (nigella sativa) to be taken in small amount after meal, but followed his advise diligently. Months passed and so one of the patient (who is a diabetic patient) came to the clinic for his scheduled appointment. With much awe, the patient expressing his gratitude to the doctor , thanking him for prescribing the medicine to lower his sugar levels. Masha'Allah, he skipped the major operation to amputate his feet.


Little did the patient know that the doctor never did give him any medicine,.. but just bunch of placebo, together with the black seeds. So, what did cures him? Lets ponder on this... In Shaa Allah.




Allah has never created a disease but created its treatment, that is known by some people and unknown to others, except death. (At-Tabarani).

"Allah has sent down both the disease and the cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically, but use nothing unlawful." (Abu Dawud)

"And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss." -Surah Al-Isra' (17:82).


Does that mean Allah do not encourage us to visit the physicians? 

Again, this was an outstanding progressive piece of advice 14 centuries ago that could only come from the divine guidance of Allah. The reaction of the surprised early Muslims is depicted by the following narrations:

At the time of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam , a man fell ill. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, "Summon the physician of the tribe so and so for him." (Ahmad)

Once Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam visited a sick person. He said, "Call a physician for him." One of the attendants said, "Even you say this, Prophet of Allah?" Prophet Muhammad replied, "Yes." (Al-Bukhari)

Yet, as a precaution to lessen the probability of infection, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam warned Muslims against associating with the sick:

"A sick person should not be taken to one who is healthy." (Al-Bukhari) [2]We shouldn't rely on the beliefs that it is the prescribed medicines that has healed us, rather the Shifa was given to us from Allah. A question to ask ourselves, are we committing shirk by doing this? Relying on others besides Allah? When we believe and have faith in Allah's Words in the Qur'an, In Shaa Allah, Allah will grant us Shifa. But, if we merely reciting Qur'an, not learning its meaning (tadabbur), not applying it in our daily life, then, what's the use of it?


Here are more supplications one can recite for seeking healing, as mentioned in the Sunnah:


1) Allahumma rabba an-nas, adh-hib il-ba'sa, ishfi anta ash-shafi, la shifa'a illa shifa'uk, shifa'an la yughadiru saqaman. (O Allah, O Lord of mankind, remove the affliction and send down cure and healing, for no one can cure but You; so cure in such a way that no trace of illness is left.) (Muslim)


2) As'alu Allaha Al-`Azhim, Rabba Al-`Arshi Al-Azhim, an yashfiyak. (I beseech Allah, the Great, Lord of the Mighty Throne, to heal you). (At-Tirmidhi)


3) A`udhu bi `izzati Allahi wa qudratihi mimma ajidu wa uhadhir. (I seek refuge and protection in the august might and power of Allah from the pain and illness I am suffering from and I am afraid of). (Ibn Majah)

Qur'anic Verses for Shifa


"Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people" - Surah At-Tawbah (9:14)


"O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Quran, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers." - Surah Yunus (10:57)

"Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think." - Surah An-Nahl (16:69)

"And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss."- Surah Al-Isra' (17:82)

"And when I am ill, it is He who cures me"- Surah Ash-Shuaraa (26:80) *Du'a Nabi Ibrahim alaihi salam.


"And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure." And those who do not believe - in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place."- Surah Fussilat (41:44). 

Verily, the Qur'an is sent to us as a healing and mercy, except for death.Allah knows best and I know nothing.

REFERENCES1) Ayat ash-Shifa (Six Quranic Verses of Healing), http://eshaykh.com/quran-tafsir/ayat-ash-shifa/. Accessed on 3rd February 2014.   
2) A cure of every illness. http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-about-islam/ethics-and-values/muslim-character/166988-a-cure-for-every-illness.html. Accessed on 3rd February 2014.Image Credit: http://www.drugsdb.com/blog/the-placebo-effect.html 

3) Islamic Duas and Supplications,http://islamicduasandsupplications.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/dua-for-getting-diabetes-treated/. Accessed on 3rd February 2014.