As-Shifa' Magazine (May 2011)

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The Miraculous Quran

Assalamualaikum wbt.

"Say: If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support."

Surah Al-Isra', (17:88)

The following is a presentation I delivered in the International Medical University (IMU) during the Senior Appreciation Night on the last April 18th, 2011. The subject is the Inimitable Quran. Share it around I hope it benefits all of us.

The Inimitable Quran from ibnuhanaffi on Vimeo.

Ibnu Hanaffi's Channel

May Allah bless all of us insya Allah.

Wallahua'lam. Wassalamualaikum wbt

P/S: Credits to Bro Zulhafifi Zulkifli for recording this video. May Allah reward him for every benefit that we get from it insya Allah ameen..

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Malaysia a Christian Nation?

Assalamualaikum brothers and sisters, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, I pray to Allah, may peace be upon all of you.

The above Arabic verse means: In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.

1. Let me begin by praising Allah, He is my God and your God, He is One and Only, He is Absolute and Eternal, He has no begotten son, neither has He any parents that beget Him and He is of no equals. (Refer to Holy Quran, Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1-4)

2. In less than 24 hours from now, I have an important medical academic exam to attend so I should not be blogging. In addition, I have just authored an article (on politics) merely 2 days ago. However, I feel compelled to throw this commentary about the subject above because unless I do it, I feel uncomfortable like having butterfly in my stomach (a giant one), so simply put, I must do this!

3. Malaysia a Christian Nation? What do I think? What do you think I think? I am a Muslim. So again, what do you think I think? A yes? No?

4. Stop there. Yes, right there. If I were to say no, is it because I am a Muslim? So will I say yes if I am a Christian?

5. Let me get this straight, what do you mean by Malaysia as a Christian Nation? Is this a battle of identity? As in, if it's a Christian Nation, so the Christians can be proud. If it's a Muslim Nation, then the Muslims can be proud. Either way, whether Muslims become second class citizen in the former case or Christians become the second class citizen in the latter case (Muslim Nation). Seriously is this what it's all about? A battle for identity and pride? Is this what worth fighting for? If you say yes, a big BOO for you..

6. Let me talk to you first my Muslim friends. What do you understand about Islam? If you were to back the idea of having an Islamic state (empire) of Malaysia, is it merely because you were born Muslim? Or because you are a Malay? Even funnier to me, is it because the Constitution (perlembagaan) says so (that a Malay is a Muslim)?

7. Yes I said funny. You know why? Because it is funny. Ok, no. It's because of this.

First:  Our constitution is man-made. I repeat, man-made. In terms of priority, Al-Quran is our divine guidance, coming from God, so it is the FIRST source of reference. If anything in constitution contradicts the Quran, bye-bye to that part of constitution. If anything in the Quran contradicts the constitution, the same thing, bye-bye to that part of constitution again (which the Quran contradicts).

Second: But is there any contradiction bro? Okay. Thank you for asking. A pat on your back, it's a good one. This is my answer. I don't study law, so I may not comment much. However, it is the effect of misleadingly relying on the constitution that contradicts the Quran and this is what I am fighting against.

8. Let me clarify. A Muslim is Muslim. Obviously. The question is, can a Muslim quit Islam? The answer is no. But those who fanatically digest the constitution, you know what they say? They say, you can quit Islam, but you will not deserve the special rights of Malays anymore (because only Muslims are considered Malays)! 

9. I know, it's a threat and a means to make a Malay Muslim stay a Muslim. But have you ever thought of how flawed that could be? How?

10. Number one. How could you compare the Malay special rights with the blazing Fire of Allah? You think people mind losing the special rights? No, they don't. Especially when they get more money after they quit Islam (you know what I mean). Simply put, losing that special rights is more than just bearable. Proof: How many non-Malays die because of no special rights can you tell? Common sense bro. More over, how do you know that a Malay is no longer a Muslim. I mean, is it obviously obvious?

11. Don't get me wrong. I am a Malay too. I thank Allah for the blessings I enjoy from the special rights. But my point is, when we entice people with materials, we won't go far. Whether you are a Malay or not a Malay, we are not talking about special rights now, we are talking about faith (imaan), and for that we are talking about the threat of the eternal Blazing Hellfire (if you quit Islam). Bro, google the meaning of the word eternal.

12. Number two. Common sense again. If today a non-Malay enters Islam, can he or she enjoys the special rights? Then we answer: No. Why? Because he is not Malay. But according to you, a Malay is a Muslim, and a Muslim is a Malay? So now, this non-Malay is a Muslim, so he too is a Malay isn't it? Huh? You: Err....

13. Do you understand now how flawed is this man-made concept?

14. To conclude, let me say to you this. Yes, the constitution says that a Malay is always a Muslim (by constitution's definition). I just don't agree when you put it the other way round i.e a Muslim is always a Malay. Dude, Rasulullah is an Arab. It is unfair if I can not become a Muslim just because I am not an Arab. Just like you, don't you think?

15. Therefore, by saying funny, I don't mean funny actually, I mean ridiculous instead!

16. Now, both of you, my Muslim and non-Muslim friends. Let me tell you, what ever these people are bickering about Christian Nation etc, they are politicking. I am afraid, they are not sincere, and they care only about their own interest. If they work to serve the people, they could have handled this in a better manner.

17. Let put religion aside just for a moment. I said, just for a moment! Now, as an individual who is aware of your rights and your value in this country, let me ask you one question. What do you want from this country? Sincerely, honestly, frankly, what all of us want is simply this- JUSTICE.

18. Justice is color-blind you know? It can't distinguish a Malay from a Chinese or an Indian or Kadazandusun or Iban bla bla bla. Justice is for everyone and it is this that we look for. The question now is, when it comes to justice, let me ask you sincerely, what religion in this world that has a complete set of guidance that leads us to peace and justice? Let me ask you again, what kind of scripture and a single book, that not only teaches us how to pray or go to mosque or church or temple, or only about good moral values, but also teaches us the way we treat other people, the way we do business, the way we practice fair judgement and every other single thing?

19. You will only be able to find the answer to this, if you are sincere looking for the truth and if you desire justice for everyone, whether you are a Muslim or not. Get away from here now if all you seek all this while is your personal interest. Yes, go away.

20. Having that said, my non-Muslim and Muslim friends, I want to stay a Muslim because I know Islam teaches me the best guidance for the whole mankind. And because of that, whether or not you are a Muslim, let me tell you that I am convinced as much as I hope you are, only the true teaching of Islam that can comprehensively spread justice around the world.

21. Islam does not say enter Islam when it gives you money. Islam does not say enter Islam because you are a Malay. Islam says, hey, here's a guidance for you, no matter who you are, and do justice to all people. Islam says, live in this world with a belief that God is watching you, and He has promised you something eternally wonderful there. Ask yourselves, what are you looking for in this life after all?

22. Dear my non-Muslim friends, Islam teaches me this, that we should come to a common term, that your God and my God is the same God, and He is One and Only, no one is equal to Him.

23. If today I want to disagree with Malaysia as a Christian Nation, it is not because of my identity (as a Muslim) alone. That's unfair because we have different identity (by name, race etc). However I only want to invite you to agree with me that the only right path to truth and justice is there taught in Islam, so why should we look for other than this?

24. My reminder to Malaysian leaders and followers. If you are backing Islam just because you are a Muslim, the non-Muslims only see injustice in you. It is unfair to them. Tell them instead, that Islam is what we should share, not because of it's name, but because of what it teaches.

25. To end this (now I feel slightly better), I want to invite you to do just this. Don't let people blind you and cause disunity in you with something you do not know. I have no problem with you so long as you don't chase me out from my house or ban me from practising my religion. I will also give you due respect even if you are not a Muslim, if you are sincere for justice, because to me, a just non-Muslim is more Muslim than an unjust Muslim. Trust me, if you understand Islam, you'll understand (and practice) justice.

It ain't about what identity you belong to!

"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just."

Holy Quran, Surah Al-Mumtahinah, (60:8)

Wallahua'lam. I ask forgiveness from Allah, my God and your God, He knows best, really ;-)

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My political affiliation

Assalamualaikum wbt

"When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory (1), And you do see the people enter Allah's Religion in crowds (2), Celebrate the Praises of your Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: for He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy) (3)." Surah An-Nasr, (110:1-3)

1. Political affiliation refers to any official connection with politics in general, or political party to be specific. Me? No, I don't have any political affiliation. But the correct word is 'not yet' instead of just 'not.' ;-)

2. Anyhow, I am a medical student. Hence, I am pursuing a profession in a medical field. And I want to become a good doctor. Yes, a doctor. But not just a doctor. Ooo.. a politician too then? Like Tun Mahathir? 

My answer: Nope

3. =_=' *sweating* Then? My answer: Like Rasulullah SAW. ;-) Ah, wait. Before you let those voltage or ohm or whatever travel through your brain wires, I have to clarify.

4. When we answer Rasulullah SAW to many questions i.e who is your role model etc, it sounds so cliche to us. I feel the same way too, frankly. Or, if we ask about one's hobby, and then he answers to read Al-Quran, owh, we will feel like vomitting. "Alamak, this is so nauseating and things like that."

Me: Up to you lah, I am not here to give a long comment on that

5. That's why today, I am not going to tell you why we should not feel that way, because obviously, you will only get the answer once you really study about this man, Muhammad bin Abdullah, may peace and blessings be upon him. While I myself won't answer 'to recite Al-Quran' as a hobby (because to me it's more than just a hobby), I am not asking you to have doubt in those saying so, unless you yourself study Al-Quran too ;-)

6. Instead, I am here to speak on this subject from a larger perspective i.e what is my opinion when it comes to politics from Islamic point of view. This is how I am affiliated to politics, hence my political affiliation.

So from here, I will address a number of statements.

a) Politics is dirty. We must get rid of it

b) In Malaysia, government and opposition are equally bad, or equally good, if they have any good at all

c) You students go study only lah, don't talk about politics

d) I am only interested in Islam, not politics

7. Let's get started yo!

a) Politics is dirty. We must get rid of it

8. If today you play rugby and your jersey gets dirty, do you wash it or do you burn it in fire? You know what I mean. I have 2 points here. First, we have to distinguish between politics and politicians. Do you know there are bad doctors out there? It's them, not medicine that is 'dirty.' Second, many people change when they enter politics. That means, don't tell me you can guarantee that you are as good and honest as you are before and after you become a politician- mind you I use the word 'guarantee.'

I say: Politics is not dirty but a significant part of life. If we want to totally get away from it, we allow great threat upon Islam. Politics is like a glass that has to be filled. You either put good juice into it, or other people will put sewage instead. Yummy huh? So, I remind myself and you to be a responsible voter and don't run away. We should make a difference.

Also, politics is about power. So it is a test. A great one. Only a true believer can endure this test. Don't hate politics because of the politicians. Instead, vote for a just leader, or be a good leader if you enter politics- don't just complain and falsely believe that this test is easy.

b) In Malaysia, government and opposition are equally bad, or equally good, if they have any good at all

9. Have heard of Timbaktu? Ok, pack your clothes and go there now, don't ever return here ok? Are you a Malaysian in the first place? (Ok, if you are not, then you are forgiven). But still, equally bad/good? *somebody's holding my hand now, otherwise it will come off your screen and land on your blushing cheek* No, I'm kidding. (Oit, don't show me that huh-not-funnylah-bored face)

I say: It is unfair to make such a statement. Unfair, unless you really know what is happening. Unfair if you keep living in a world of one-sided media. Unfair unless you really make honest judgement through proper research and investigation into the world of politics.

I don't believe that it is that difficult to distinguish between which is which. It is so only if we take an easy way out. And that is what we call laziness- a road to failure. Again, we are all voters, because we are people with dignity living in a sovereign country. So we have to make a decision. A good and just decision, of course. Do we?

c) You students go study only lah, don't talk about politics

10. Ok I go study.... politics.

I say: You see, you are precisely right. It is because we are students that we are more educated. It is because we are students that we are not easily fooled. It is because of that that we want to exercise our freedom of rights and voice out our opinion and stand by our choice.

If you try to blind us with money and academic-only life, I want to let you know that I wear glasses. Huh? I know, I don't understand what I am saying too. =p No, What I mean is that we are now more aware and concerned about our rights and we will fight for it. Here I give you a take home message.

"You can fool some of us all the time, and you can fool all of us some of the time, but you can never fool all of us all the time!"

d) I am only interested in Islam, not politics  

11. In a restaurant: "Mamak, nasi goreng satu, tak nak sayur ok?" In English it means, "Sir, I'd like (to order) one (plate of) fried rice, no vegetables please!" 

12. If suppose you are there and hear the above, though it sounds unhealthy to you (the food ordered), it does still make sense to you, doesn't it? Now, what if you hear this: "Mamak, bagi air Milo segelas, tak nak letak air ok?" English: "Sir, give me a glass of Milo ice, without water please?" 

13. Yes, that guy will be a target of stare and possibly everyone will become like David Beckham now, so he'd better run. You know what I mean. It is ridiculous isn't it? No Milo ice is Milo ice (as a drink) unless it has water in it.

I say: Islam is perfect and Allah has perfected it for us (5:3). It comprises all aspects of life and it will not be able to be altered or matched, no matter how hard you try, even if you have to combine with the whole mankind and jinn (17:88). So, not to be interested in politics means not to be interested in Islam, because Islam also provides guidance and examples in politics.


That's why, the best example of Islamic politics is the one under the leadership of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, and if there's one word to aptly describe the situation under his rule, I would personally pick 'justice.'


Having said that, Islam is a deen of justice. It is for the whole mankind, not only the Arabs. The same way, it is not only for Malays, but for all races in Malaysia. 


I had a casual conversation with my friend and we agreed on one thing, that yes, politics should not be what we aim for. We should aim for Allah's blessings instead. But that still doesn't mean that we have to abandon politics. We should seek political power of course. But with a slightly different perspective. That politics and power is not our aim, but our means of achieving the aim. Let me repeat, MEANS to achive the aim!


We should not let politics to be in the hands of the unjust. We should fight for justice and yes, we therefore have to restore the rule with an ultimate justice that is guided by Him, Allah the Most Exalted. It's either we do it, or we fail all along, in life now and in that to come.

14. Allah has reminded us in Surah Ar-Ra'd, (13:11), "...Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls)..."

15. I shall end this by briefly commenting on politics in Malaysia today, specifically about the sodomy scandal of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the de facto leader of the opposition (because it features as headlines in newspapers today).


16. I personally feel that somehow we have gone too far. The power of politics, if it's misused, could only be overcome with the power of people. Needless to elaborate further, just look at what had happened in Egypt. May Allah bless them all.


17. We the public have the responsibility not to trust any bad things the first time we hear about it unless until we are presented with solid evidence. Otherwise, we are just like an accomplice in favor of injustice and nauzubillah, may Allah protect us from that or otherwise great disaster will be inflicted upon us and the whole community.


18. Islam really stresses on individual's dignity and pride, that it never allows such thing that we have now ('publicity' of crime). Not only the sodomy case, even the sex video brings tears to those afraid of Allah. As though adultery is only haram (forbidden) to a well-known public figure. What about prostitution masya Allah. Even in television program like 999 they blur the image of the accused and the crime-doers.

19.  I hope we at least reflect upon this. To me, everyone is innocent unless proven otherwise. Datuk Seri Anwar is innocent unless he is proven guilty (through just and impartial judgement of course). Similarly, Datuk Najib is free of Atlantuya's case unless proven otherwise.


20. It should not be a battle that requires us to prove who is worse, but a battle to prove who is better, in terms of justice and serving the people.


21. Therefore, I hope we can be more vigilant and careful instead of to blindly believe and follow what we assume to be true.We should seek refuge from Allah, that He may protect us from this great age of trials, whether we are the ones accused, or the ones that have to decide whether to believe in any accusation. Big NO NO to fanatism!

"And say:Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." Surah Al-Isra', (17:81)

Wallahua'lam. Truly Allah knows best. May he save us in this age of fitan (great trials, tribulations and calamities).

P/S: I love you Rasulullah.... (may peace and blessings be upon him)

 

P/P/S: I am currently promoting a t-shirt for IMU Muslim Society (MSOC). Below is the front design. Do visit us for more details here.

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Egotism: Lessons to Ponder

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. It is reported in an authentic hadith by Imam Muslim and At-Tirmidzi that our beloved Prophet SAW once said, “One will not enter Paradise, if one has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his/her heart.”

 

2. May 3^rd, 2011: Within limited space I have for this column, I will try to address this subject in a broad manner yet very specific in examples before I close it with a number of important lessons we should grasp and put into daily practice.

3. Needless to explain further, the word egotism is understandably equivalent to the word arrogance, and trust me, there are many instances whereby the severity of this heart disease is strongly emphasized in Islam. Therefore I will now elaborate on that through the following stories namely the Libyan War, story of Prophet Adam AS, the arrogance of the Jews and not to forget, Abu Jahal’s genuine attraction towards Al-Quran.

4. The whole world is still waiting now. It is not easy to expect where the Libyan War will lead to. But one thing for sure, Gaddafi has taken over the country of Libya since 1969 and after 41 years, he should know better that the people don’t want him anymore. Thousands of innocent people were reported to be dead as victims of war now and still counting. Yet Gaddafi won’t let go and entertain his arrogance for too long at the expense of his own people’s lives. 

5. Isn’t it disturbing to know that though Libya has the largest oil reserves in Africa, two-thirds of its 6.5 million populations live on less than $2 a day? Truly Gaddafi may have gone too far to deny his leadership failure. And perhaps it is this self-inflicting arrogance of him (which perpetrates mass murders) that justifies a profound fatwa issued by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi when he said, “I rule that whoever can fire a bullet, and relieve us, as well as Libya and its great people, of this man’s evil and danger, should do so.”
 

In Surah Al-Ghafir, (40:76) Allah declares, “Enter you the gates of Hell, to dwell therein: and evil is (this) abode of the arrogant!”

6. Next, the story of our father of mankind, Adam AS is not at all less unique. It is another quintessential instance of how arrogance and sense of ego would lead one astray from the truth.  But it was not Adam AS who was arrogant; it was Iblees (the devil) instead.

 

7. When Allah ordered Iblees to prostrate to Adam, he rejected in arrogance and in envy towards Adam AS, claiming that he was better. Allah recorded this story in the Quran in Surah Al-A’raf, (7:12) whereby Iblees said, “I am better than he: You did create me from fire, and him from clay.”
 

In addition to that, before Adam was created, Iblees was one of the most knowledgeable and active worshippers of Allah SWT, and this was another reason why he felt so arrogant that he refused to follow Allah’s order.

 

8. The consequence is clear. Iblees, satans and all of their followers from mankind will be punished in the Hellfire forever (May Allah have Mercy on us and protect us from Jahannam).

9. The following is one of my favorites- the story of the Jew’s arrogance. But this story needs a longer introduction. Do you remember the story of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim AS)? He had a wife, Sarah but no son. Hence, Sarah allowed Abraham to marry her servant, Hajar and by Allah’s Mercy, Abraham AS was granted his first son, Prophet Ishmael (Ismail) AS through Hajar. When Abraham and Sarah were old however, Allah granted them with a miracle for their good deeds and strong faith in Allah, although they almost lost hope for any son at that age. Sarah eventually gave birth to another prophet, Isaac (Ishaaq) AS.

10. So now Abraham had 2 sons, the first being Prophet Ishmael AS and the second, Prophet Isaac AS. The descendants of Isaac were Prophet Jacob (Yaa’qub) AS, Prophet Joseph (Yusuf) AS, Prophet Moses (Musa) AS and also Prophet Jesus (Isa) AS. Take note that Prophet Jacob had another name, Israel, and therefore the descendants of Abraham through Isaac are called the Jews (Bani Israel).

11. Meanwhile, the descendant of Abraham through Ishmael AS was no other but our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, the seal of all prophets. And this is how the story began. Abraham AS had received the divine order to leave his wife, Hajar and son, Ishmael in the middle of desert, which is now known as Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

12. To cut this short, the divine order from Allah to do so was actually His great plan to test the Jews. Had Allah not ordered such, our last prophet SAW would have been born among the Jews in Palestine as well. But he was not, because he was the descendant of Ishmael and Ishmael lived in Mecca instead.

13. So when the Jews heard about the news that a prophet will be sent to them, they eagerly waited for it. However, when it was told that Jesus AS was the promised prophet, they rejected him. After Jesus AS was ascended by Allah to heaven, they still waited for the promised prophet until finally a revelation came that a final prophet was sent and he was not from the Jewish nation, but he was Muhammad SAW, the last Messenger of Allah and he was from the Arabs instead.

14.The Jews refused to accept him as a prophet just because Muhammad SAW was not a Jew. This, is the arrogance that I am talking about- they arrogantly believed that only Jewish people deserve to be a prophet. All of this leads to the most interesting story ever- about Dajjal the Anti-Christ. Allah created Dajjal to impersonate Jesus AS, because the Jews are still waiting for the promised prophet, although we Muslims believe, that the promised prophet to the Jews was Jesus AS, and he was already sent by Allah about 2000 year ago.

15. Again, the consequence is that, when one day Dajjal is released and he declares that he is the Messiah (the promised prophet), those whom are deceived by this claim (including the arrogant Jews) will follow him and end up with severe punishment from Allah SWT- na’uzubillahiminzalik.

16. This is the last part of the article. Do you know that Abu Jahal, the most evil enemy of beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, was enchanted by the beauty of Quran? In fact, he admitted that Quran spoke the truth. However, he argued that if he submitted to what Muhammad SAW brought, he will lose his pride because he was not from the same tribe with Muhammad SAW, Bani Hashim. This means that even the most stiff-necked person in history was awed by the miraculous Al-Quran. However, he rejected faith only because of his arrogance, and for that, he never became a Muslim and will never taste Paradise!

17. In Surah An-Naml, (27:14) Allah speaks of those who were convinced by the truth but rejected it in arrogance. “And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!”
 

18. If none of the above has any impact to our hearts, then let us ask ourselves whether we too are arrogant, towards Allah SWT and people around us. We must remember, that everything that we have in this world does not belong to us, and for that, we have no reason to feel proud about it and look down upon people around us.

19. As for what to do, we have to always nurture a sense of humility and gratitude in our heart, to oppose the ugly nature of arrogance that may haunt us. As a start, let us thank all people around us who have been helpful to us all this while, and apologize for our wrong deeds, because that, is a sign of being free from arrogance insya Allah. Mind you, this is what our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, our best teacher, teaches us. May Allah bless us all and may He place us in the same place with people He grants Jannatul Firdaus, the Paradise. Ameen. Wallahua’lam and Happy Teacher's Day.

“And swell not your cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster.” Surah Luqman, (31:18)
 

P/S: This article is prepared for As-Shifa' Magazine, May 2011. Do visit this page again for the electronic copy of the magazine very soon. Jazakallahukhair ;-)

With love,

Ibnu Hanaffi

amirulasyrafhanaffi.blogspot.com

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A Special Day: May 8th 2011

Assalamualaikum wbt

  
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor."

Surah Al-Isra', (17:23)

Download link at Freebies section

 

1. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

2. I initially intended to post a very short and simple entry but it seems that there are certain things that need to be carefully addressed so I'll do it insya Allah. Firstly, I am going to quote verses from the miraculous Quran and Prophetic Traditions (hadiths) about parents, especially about mother, our beloved companion and care-taker since even we were not born.

3. There are many verses that explain the high status of a mother (and therefore a woman) in Islam especially with regard to their sacrifice towards all of us, and difficulties they have to go through just for us, because we were all born by a mother (even a mother is born by a mother ^_^):

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), "Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: to Me is (your final) Goal." Surah Luqman, (31:14)

"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says, "O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to You and truly do I bow (to You) in Islam." Surah Al-Ahqaf, (46:15)

4. The pain the mothers have to go through has been described in the Quran itself e.g in the story of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) AS.

"And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree: she cried (in her anguish): "Ah! Would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!" Surah Maryam, (19:23)

My argument on 'Should We Celebrate Mother's Day?'

5. As far as I am concern, there is no narration about this kind of celebration during the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Neither is there any narration that prohibits us from doing it per se. Hence, by right, the original status of celebrating the Mother's Day is harus (mubah), that means it is permissible.

6. All Muslims and non-Muslims alike, however should know that there are two significant festivals that we have in Islam (recorded in Saheeh Hadiths- meaning authentic hadiths) namely the Eidul Fitri and Eidul Adha which in Malaysia are more commonly known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha respectively.

7. So, going back to the question above, I am humbly proposing my opinion that I agree with the fact that celebrating the Mother's Day is OK. This implies that one should not be skeptical (about the legitimacy) towards people who celebrate it because if you are, I beg to disagree with you. However, I have to make the following 2 clarifications.

Which one is permissible (halal) and which one is forbidden (haram)?

8. Let us take this from a bigger view by putting together other celebrations such as birthdays, carnivals, or even casual outings and meetings with friends into one group (category) with Mother's Day. By right, all these celebrations come with purposes, such as to appreciate our mother, meet up with friends and many more.

9. In all these social activities, there are things that we do whereby they are not only permissible, but also compulsory (wajib) to do! HUH? Let me explain.

10. If buying a present, or paying a visit, or bringing parents to a nice place on Mother's Day make our parents happy, then that means we are doing good to them. Doing good to parents is not only encouraged, but it is compulsory! However, of course it has to be in accordance with Islamic teachings.

11. Secondly, if we plan for an outing and part of the outing plan is to perform jumaah (congregational) prayer together in the afternoon (Zuhr Prayer), then the praying part is not only permissible (of course) but it is indeed compulsory!

12. On the other hand, if we bought liqour or a bottle of alcoholic drink for our mother during Mother's Day, or treat a friend to a wine during an outing, both of these are absolutely wrong and forbidden, so they are sinful.

13. Now, this is the most important part. Based on the above, the following is the judgement that we have to make. Mother's Day and an outing for instance, are permissible. But it is what we do during the course of the celebration or outing that can lead it to be either halal or haram. However (please read this very carefully), in the example I gave in point 10 and 11, it is doing good to parents and perform solah (prayer) that is wajib, not the celebration or the outing.

14. Similarly, in the later point number 12, it is not the festival, but the act of drinking alcohol that is haram. Having that said, we have to put things at correct perspective i.e just because it is compulsory to do good to parents and we do good to parents during Mother's Day, that doesn't make Mother's Day a compulsory celebration. The same way, just because some people do prohibited things during Mother's Day, that doesn't make it haram because what is haram is drinking alcohol (for example) instead.

15. I can't find any better way to explain the above any simpler, but I hope now, we are at least clear on which is halal and which is haram, so that we can make a just judgement (and this should apply to other social occasions as well e.g birthday party etc.).

The problem with ingratitude and misbehavior amongst children

16. There is another argument though. People say that we should not love our mothers only during Mother's Day, but to love them everyday (or always). I totally agree with this. No doubt (full stop).

17. But to celebrate Mother's Day never means that we only love her for one day. To cut this short though, let me just emphasize on this statement that I want to make i.e "In my personal opinion, Mother's Day is neither the absolute cause nor the absolute solution to the problem of ingratitude and misbehavior of children."

18. It is agreeable to accept the fact that in general, youngsters todays are less respectful to the elderly, due to many factors that will necessitate a whole new article to talk about it- which is why I won't do it now. From people who take for granted the presence of their mother until they are dead, to the ones whom misbehave badly and in certain cases, beat or even murder his own mother, nauzubillahi minzalik (we seek Allah's refuge from that).


19. So with regard to my statement above, obviously it's not a rocketscience to understand that Mother's Day could not be the absolute cause of this problem, because it is very absurdly unreachable to think that way. The later part requires more explanation though i.e Mother's Day is not the absolute solution.

20. My point is that, rather than not having any day designated as a day to remember a mother, it is always a good idea to at least mark this day as a means of reminding us that we have a mother! In case we are too busy living in a rat race sort of life.

21. In the case of multireligious Malaysia for instance, as Mother's Day is also celebrated by non-Muslims, it is a good idea I believe, to use this right time, with the right mood, and also insya Allah right efforts to spread the beauty of Islam i.e how high Islam values the status of parents especially a mother, which is incomparable in any other religions and their scriptures.

22. More importantly to me, as I have been very interested in this subject (with few previous articles about it), this is the chance to spread the message to the whole world, that women, through the status of motherhood, are highly championed as a person we should honor the most in our life.

A man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So he replied: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then your father." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

23. The above hadith alone is clear enough to prove to us how Islam significantly elevates women through the status of motherhood, thus negates the fact that Islam, in whatever way, oppresses women. Below is an awesome website I found about women (and also mother) in Islam. Please have a look and share it too.

Masya Allah; Please visit this terrific resource about women in Islam here

24. In short, it is my conviction that Mother's Day, though it helps, can not become the sole independent factor towards nurturing pious and respectful children towards their parents but it is through understanding the true teachings of Islam which are primarily based on the Quranul Kareem and Hadiths instead. Having said that, I would like to wish my beloved mother, Puan Noorma binti Mamat, my aunties in Ampang, Terengganu and all other places, not to forget all my sisters and all women whom are either a mother now, or a future mother or even the whole mankind (as we all again, were born by a mother), a warm wish of Happy Mother's Day, may Allah bless us all.

25. I shall end this article with a few more eye-opening hadiths related to this subject and also (after that) a doa (prayer) we can recite to our beloved parents, especially our mothers insya Allah. Happy Mother's Day and take care. Wallahua'lam.

It is related from Talhah ibn Mu'awiyah as-Salami who said: I came to the Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I want to perform Jihad in the way of Allah. He asked, "Is your mother alive?" I replied, "Yes." The Prophet then said: "Cling to her feet, because paradise is there." (At-Tabarani).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stressed the importance of serving one's parents in the following narration reported by Abdullah Ibn Mas'ud: 

I asked the Prophet, "O Messenger of Allah, what is the best deed?" He replied "Prayer offered on time." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be dutiful and kind to one's parents." I further asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "Jihad in the Allah's cause." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

26. Not only Prophet Muhammad SAW said that kindness to one's parents was of the best deeds, he also said that disobedience to them was amongst the major sins:

"The greatest sins are to associate partners in worship with Allah, to be undutiful or unkind to one's parents, to kill a soul forbidden by Allah and to bear false witness." (Sahih Bukhari)

27. One of prayers for our beloved parents below (please also refer Surah Al-Isra' (17:24)):

 

"O our Lord! Cover (us) with Your Forgiveness- me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established!" Surah Ibrahim, (14:41)

P/S: I authored 2 articles previously which in essence may be similar to this one you just read, because they expound on my opinion about issues regarding halal and haram in Islam. Hence, it is HIGHLY appreciated if you could understand that I am not speaking as an ulama' i.e knowledgeable Islamic Scholar here but rather I am speaking through the windows of my eyes (perspective) as an ordinary learning Muslim (whom makes humble research and reference), and whom respects the Islamic rulings and edicts that the ulama' made. The same way, I hope we too take it that way insya Allah ;-)

Read more "A Special Day: May 8th 2011"

Poco-Poco: A Knee-jerk Reaction (Updated)

Assalamualaikum wbt

1. After I wrote extensively about my personal opinion regarding the prohibition of poco-poco dance in the state of Perak, I have received quite a number of positive responses (alhamdulillah), be it in the form of support or even suggestion of clarification. If you haven't read the article, you can do so here.

2. This post is therefore only an additional clarification with regard to the phrase 'The end does not justify the means (Matlamat tidak menghalalkan cara)' that I used in the article. In the following section, I will comment on the use of this phrase, in reference to an article written by Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman in his blog here.

3. Have you read the article? In case you haven't let me briefly summarize it for you (but for a substantiated explanation, please read the article yourself first). Quite basically, he stresses the importance of not making generalization to the phrase we mentioned above. That means, the end does not justify the means in certain circumstances, but there are other circumstances whereby it could be the opposite- the end justifies the means instead.

4. In my article, I give an example of the Robin Hood, who robbed the rich to help the poor. In this case, he committed crime to achieve a noble objective. However, to accept this is tantamount to allowing snatch thieves in our place to commit crimes just because they are poor. No, it is not permissible, so in this particular circumstance, the end does not justify the means.

5. In comparison, Ustaz quotes an example of how alcohol can be used as medicine in a situation called dharurat (necessity). Let me explain. By convention, Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol because it makes us drunk and therefore affects our brain. However, in a situation whereby a life needs to be saved and there is NO OTHER alternative but alcohol, it is no longer haram (prohibited). 

6. This is a beautiful methology that Islam uses, whereby it puts things in priority order i.e between life and brain, we should save life first, though the brain may be slightly affected (because brain can recover but life lost can not be reclaimed!). This basically explains the term dharurat (necessity)- because there is no other option. So, in this case, the end (to save life) justifies the means (use of alcohol) instead.

7. Secondly, it has to be clarified here that the use of the phrase the end does not justify the means in my article should not be taken out of context and therefore insya Allah, correct.

8. In my article, the phrase refers mostly (if not specifically) to poco-poco dance. Therefore, according to my personal observation in this issue, there is not such thing as dharurat i.e the absolute necessity for poco-poco dance.

9. For instance, poco-poco dance is a form of exercise and can help promote a healthy lifestyle. However, in a condition whereby it is proven to contain prohibited elements and declared haram in Islam, one can not say that the prohibition can be withdrawn because it is dharurat (again, it is recommendable to look up for precise definition and concept of dharurat as it will be too long for me to explain it in details here).

10. In achieving a healthy lifestyle, there are certainly many other alternatives such as gardening, brisk walking and taking stairs (instead of elevators) to name a few. Many of these are suitable and doable by people of all ages. So, in presence of this alternative aplenty, I think it is unwise to allow poco-poco dance by using dharurat as an argument (in the case where it is prohibited, such as in the state of Perak).  

Note: On April 24 this year, the National Fatwa Council Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Shukor Husin announced that they will not ban poco-poco dance in other states but will respect the decision of its banning by Perak Fatwa Council on the basis of the presence of elements of Christianity and soul worshipping (sigh, so many 'of's).

11. So, that's about it. All praise be to Allah. He knows best and what matters now is that a consensus has been made and we should respect the decision  agreed upon by the authorities. Let us pray that He grants us guidance and success in life now, also eternal success in life in the Hereafter insya Allah.

Allahua'lam. Happy Labour Day. ;-)

Wassalamualaikum wbt

"Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loves not those who trespass beyond bounds." Surah Al-A'raf, (7:55)

Read more "Poco-Poco: A Knee-jerk Reaction (Updated)"

A Reflection: End of What?

The following was composed for msocsite.blogspot.com

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Assalamualaikum wbt

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

You can download the full resolution here

Everyone now seems busy with their academic pursuits, and mind you, I am one of that 'everyone.'

However, when we are busy with our preparation towards our End of Semester exam, End of Course exam, or what ever kind of academic evaluation we are being tested on, we should never forget, that the real test and judgement will be that of Allah, and that day, the End of Time, The Judgement Day, the Al-Qiyamah, will certainly come.

In fact, even if it doesn't come that very soon, we can still never escape one more thing- death. Because every single one of us will taste it and it can be now, tomorrow or at any other time. What matters is that it certainly will greet us one day, and there's no doubt about that.

The purpose of this post is not to scare us. In fact, it us to motivate us so that by remembering death and the Judgement Day, hopefully insya Allah we get back on the right track and reevaluate our purpose of life. With this correct perspective now, then only hopefully we possess more spirit and feel more strength to study and make revision, because we do it now not only because of Him, but also with His help and blessings insya Allah. May He make it easy for us.

Having said that, I hope we can reflect on this- that we have the option of either staying away from Him or coming even closer to Him when we are busy preparing for our exams.

Let us therefore always remember Him and ask His help for a success in this world and also in the life to come. My prayers to all of us- May He always be with us insya Allah. If it has been a while we have not done this, please do it now, go grab our Al-Quran, recite and reflect.

May Allah bless us all ameen.

"O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam."

Surah Ali-Imran, (3:102)

P/S: You can download this slideshow presentation of The End Of The World used by brother Nicholas Sylvester (Muhammad Abdullah) when he presented it last time during an Interfaith Forum in IMU.

Jazakallah khairan kasira

Authored by:

Ibnu Hanaffi

Coming soon insya Allah (May 9, Senior Appreciation Night, IMU) Download full resolution here

An art souvenir for you. Full resolution here

Read more "A Reflection: End of What?"