Eid Special: Facebook Sheikhs

His creation-Surah Ali-'Imran (3:190)

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim..

Assalamualaikum wbt..

Volume 6, Book 61, Number 546:

Narrated Uthman bin Affan:

The Prophet SAW said,"The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it."

https://www.facebook.com/IH.DE.NA

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

1. This topic, 'Facebook Sheikhs' is an interesting one to me not only because of what it may suggest in meaning, but because I believe I have personal association with it plus some personal opinion about the way this phrase is used and understood.

2. For those whom feels that this phrase sounds very familiar, yes it is from a popular You Tube Video by Brother Nouman Ali Khan which you can watch below (or later-after you read the whole article):

3. Like many brothers and sisters out there whom continuously do their part to spread the message of Islam, I too always aspire to learn more about Islam and then teach it (or share). The latest development on my part is a series of ongoing regular presentation on select topics through my Facebook page, Ibnu Hanaffi's Dakwah Effort and Archive (IH.DE.NA) which are available on YouTube and Vimeo as listed below;

You Tube

Episode one: The Unseen (English)

Episode two: Warrior and Worrier (English)

Episode three: Presenting Islam (Malay Language)- Coming soon insya Allah

Vimeo

Extra: The Inimitable Quran (English)- Presented live in IMU

This blog you are reading now is complementary to this small effort.

4. Now let me get straight to the point. I shall begin by extending my sincerest apologies should my efforts in dakwah here may have disturbed some of us.

5. I intend to take the bright side and believe that these people are concern about me and more importantly about Islam that we should be careful when spreading the message of Islam especially when it comes to Quranic reference or hadith quotation.

6. Therefore, as I mentioned earlier, I am writing this article primarily with a sincere intention to invite us to investigate the issue of 'Facebook Sheikhs' in a more rational and JUST perspective. For that, I will present my opinions.

7. First of, most of (if not the entire) video above speaks of how we shouldn't act like a person who knows all and use our knowledge to debate against others or argue against scholars. Rather it speaks of the need to avoid egoism while having intellectual humility. 

8. The phrase 'Facebook Sheikhs' is not mentioned by the speaker (Bro. Nouman) too, but mere a title used by the guy who uploaded the above video on You Tube.

9. My point is simple. Please do not mistakenly or unintentionally use this video to discourage our brothers and sisters out there from doing their part to speak about Islam that we all love.

10. I mean, please get the fact right i.e he doesn't remind us merely on what we do, but on the attitude we have when doing it. In other words, it is not just about doing dakwah, but it's about having the right attitude to be sincere and humble when doing it, plus to be ready to be corrected by anyone with an honest and open heart (should we make mistake) instead of to emotionally engage in debate.

11. To make it fair to you, I provide another video from the same speaker below in which he explains that there is a difference between scholars and dai'e (a person who does dakwah i.e invite people to the way of Allah). Taking this from his point of view, it is suffice to conclude (from my perspective), that every Muslim should be a da'ie provided that we adhere strictly to a number of conditions or etiquette. 

12. Again, I'd kindly recommend that you read the entire article first before you watch the video. By the way, let me quote one part from him, word by word before I continue composing this article. 

"A dai'e's job is to take from what the scholars say, and then reiterate that and communicate that to the masses of people (and here's the important thing) while UNDERSTANDING THE LIMITS!" (time: 3.49-4.01)

13. Now, everyone of us, the moment we consider ourselves a Muslim, then we have to know that our responsibility in many variable ways is always to share Islam with people around us. In fact, it is this job that makes us the best of nation!

"You are the best nation which has ever been raised for guidance of mankind. You enjoin good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah."

Surah Ali-Imran (3:110)

14. Here is the final part of this article. Honestly speaking, I do not try to justify my action (doing dakwah as a student) here. On the contrary, I believe I am speaking on behalf of many other brothers and sisters out there, whom do the same job through their usrah, blog, videos, Facebook, Twitter, posters, and many other media we have in this modern world.

15. But I promise myself to learn more on the etiquette of being a student of Quran and Islam, the same way much I hope that all of you here will do the same. 

16. We have to shift our paradigm. First, there is difference between a message and a messenger. The same way, there is difference between a speech and a speaker.

17. An unbiased individual would not look at the messenger or the speaker alone, but the message and the speech also. For example, if today, a young kid says something scientific such as that sun rises from the East, does the fact that he is just a kid and not a scientist makes the message incorrect or irrelevant in any way?

18. No, of course not. No matter whom are the speaker, if a speech is correct, then it is. Sun rises from East for certain. Looking it from another way, if today an expert in Science says something scientifically illogical such as men can live without oxygen, then as far as the most recent fact is concern, this statement is wrong (and the fact that he is a Science expert does not make any difference at all)!

19. However, the examples above are hypothetical of course. Still though, when a friend gives us a piece of advice and it is true, don't ignore it just because he is merely a friend. Look at the message too of course. This should apply to me, and all of you as well.

Etiquette of a student of knowledge and Quran

20. I am learning to practice a few of the etiquettes which are important when gaining knowledge. I hope I can share with all of you.

21. First, the intention must always be rightly set i.e it's not to show off, to argue with other people etc. but merely for the sake of pleasing Allah SWT. Sincerity must be there too.

22. Second, we must know our limit. I am a medical student. I am not qualified to do many things that a scholar in Islam does. As aforementioned, we however should always remind each other as a Muslim, because every Muslim is automatically a da'ie, so long as we don't go beyond our limit (in knowledge).

23. Third, always and all the time, we have to make do'a (prayers) because nothing eases our task except with the permission of Allah. I really love the prayers by Prophet Moses (Musa) AS when he asked from Allah in Surah Taha (20:25-28);

"(Moses) said, my Lord, expand me my breast. And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech."


24. With sincere intention, recitation of do'a, and then knowing our place and limit as a student of knowledge (not a scholar), we should afterwards guard ourselves against this severely evil disease called arrogance. It is so despicable and in my opinion, it is this that leads someone to unproductive emotional argument, defending himself not knowing that he may be defending something which is wrong.

25. I have authored an exclusive article about Egotism some time ago (you can read it here) and now would like to share a very profound hadith that speaks of arrogance or pride- which we should avoid regardless of our level of knowledge.

'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,"No one has an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter the Garden." A man said,"And if the man likes his clothes to be good and sandals to be good?' He said, "Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means to renounce the truth and abase people." (Muslim)


26. The last thing I want to share with all of you here is that, when it comes to hidayah, we have to remember that our job is to bring the message across, and that's all. As to the outcome, whether or not a person is convinced or benefiting from our efforts, we are free from guaranteeing that. Hidayah belongs to Allah alone.

Indeed, (O Muhammad), you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the (rightly) guided."


Surah Al-Qasas (28:56)

27. Practically this is the way it works. If today, we manage to convince a person into Islam, we should go back to the fact that it's not us, but Allah. So from here, we avoid the sense of arrogance or unnecessary pride. We will praise Him and thank Him instead.

28. Similarly, if one does not listen to us, we won't feel bad or discouraged. Why? Because we know our job is only to give the message, while putting our trust only in Allah. This however in any way does not deny the fact that we have to always try our best in anything we do insya Allah. It is a combination of efforts and tawakkul towards Allah SWT.

"And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: "Do ye (also) submit yourselves?" If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, Thy duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah's sight are (all) His servants."


Surah Ali-'Imran (3:20)

29. Before I forget, above all, we must have the attitude of referring to the more knowledgeable scholars. They are our resources because they dedicate their life to study Islam. With due respect, we put trust in them and ask Allah to reward them for their effort in spreading knowledge. Never ever be fanatical to any of them anyway, because fanaticism only leads to hatred and disunity. You sure know what I mean.

"......so ASK the people of message if you do not know."


Surah Al-Anbiya' (21:7)

30. I end this article by thanking all of you again for your time reading. I hope it is beneficial and you may share it if you wish. Eid Mubarak to all of you and a blessed Independence Day from me to all Malaysians.

Take care. Wallahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

P/S: I sang a song for you. It's nothing just a song. Remember, the important thing is the message (lyrics) it contains ;-)

Below is the original song (Ikhlas Dariku) by the original singer (Akhil Hayy Rawa) by the way.

P/P/S: One more thing, Blogger presents a new feature. I think it's awesome, very convenient and highly user-friendly i.e if you want to quickly browse through all articles of a blog, you can quickly do so with this feature. See an example for my blog here. (Note: If you are a Blogger user, you can use this feature too!)

Reference:

1. Al-Quran and ahadith

2. Pdf document: The Manners of Those Seeking Knowledge and Students of Quran in Islam (English)

3. Dr MAZA's blog: Flexibility in Receiving Opinion, a Necessity of Modern Muslims (Malay Language)

Read more "Eid Special: Facebook Sheikhs"

Betulkah Allah Wujud?

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

Artikel ini adalah yang ke-100 untuk blog ini (alhamdulillah) dan saya kongsikan untuk manfaat bersama insya Allah. Berikut ialah jawapan kepada pertanyaan daripada seorang Brother tentang Allah dan kewujudan-Nya. Anggaplah tulisan yang kerdil ini sebagai angpau Hari Raya daripada saya. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri dan selamat membaca!

  

Soalan Brother:

"Saya seorang Muslim. Saya dah dengar banyak bukti bahawa Allah itu redha pada agama Islam.Tapi masalahnya, saya selalu berfikir adakah Allah itu sendiri wujud. Mohon bimbingan."

Jawapan saya:

1. Tentang redha Allah pada agama Islam, saudara memang betul. Hal ini disebut dgn jelas dalam Al-Quran. 

"Sesungguhnya agama di sisi Allah ialah Islam."

Surah Ali Imran (3:19)

"Pada hari ini Aku sempurnakan agama mu untukmu, dan telah aku cukupkan nikmat-Ku bagimu, dan Aku redha Islam sebagai agamamu." 

 Surah Al-Maidah (5:3)

2. Persoalan tentang kewujudan Allah adalah sesuatu yg perlu dilihat dari sudut yg betul. Pada pandangan saya, kita mesti terlebih dulu akur bahawa kita sangat lemah dan kita tidak mampu melihat Allah kerana kita memang tidak layak dan tidak mampu. Pun begitu, soalnya ialah, adakah semua benda yg wujud itu mesti dapat dilihat?

3. Setiap orang pernah merasakan cinta dan sayang atau sakit. Tapi kita tak dapat lihat perasaan sebegini seperti satu objek yang mempunyai bentuk, saiz atau ruang. Kita hanya merasainya dan tunjukkan tanda ia WUJUD melalui ekspresi muka dan sebagainya. Itu yang pertama.

4. Kedua. Sebelum bercakap tentang kewujudan Allah, kita cuba tengok dari sudut yang lebih umum, iaitu tentang kewujudan Tuhan. Tuhan itu Pencipta dan adakah Pencipta ini wujud?

5. Soalan ini sebenarnya tidak logik. Ia seperti bila kita melihat satu lukisan, kita bertanya betul ke lukisan ini ada pelukisnya? Kerana soalan yang sepatutnya di tanya ialah logikkah ada lukisan tetapi tiada pelukisnya?

6. Begitu jugalah tentang ciptaan di dunia ini seperti alam semesta, langit dan bumi. Adakah logik semua ini wujud dengan begitu sahaja? Jika tiba-tiba ia wujud, bila pula ia bermula? Kalau tidak ada permulaan, tak tercapai logik akal kita. Jadi mesti ada permulaan sebenarnya. Maka siapakah yang memulakannya?

7. Daripada sinilah sepatutnya kita sedar akan wujudnya Pencipta dan Dia bukanlah sembarangan Pencipta, tetapi yang betul-betul berkuasa dan Dialah Tuhan.

"Sungguh, pada penciptaan langit dan bumi, serta pergantian malam dan siang, ada tanda-tanda (kewujudan Pencipta), bagi orang yang berfikir."
Surah Ali-Imran (3:190)

8. Jika kita betul-betul memerhatikan tentang kejadian alam, bahkan tentang kejadian dan keunikan penciptaan diri kita sendiri, maka kita pasti akan merasai kewujudan satu kuasa yang luar biasa yang ada di luar sana, dan itulah yang dirasakan ciptaan terhadap Tuhan yang menciptanya.

9. Sebab itulah sejak permulaan sejarah manusia, mereka sibuk mencari siapakah Tuhan atau kuasa luar biasa ini, sehinggakan ada yang menyembah bulan, bintang, pokok, matahari, api dan sebagainya. Hal ini kerana objek-objek ini mempunyai kelebihan dan memberikan manfaat kepada manusia. Namun apabila masa berlalu manusia mula keliru sebab objek-objek begini hilang dan pergi (contohnya matahari hanya ada pada waktu siang), ada juga yang mati dan terkulai seperti pokok yang layu. Maka, jawapan yang logik mestilah bahawa objek-objek di atas pun, contohnya bulan dan bintang adalah seperti ciptaan yang lain juga, yang ada Penciptanya.

10. Jika dilihat dari sudut saintifik pula, seorang pengkaji berpengalaman dari Pusat Antropologi dan Minda di Universiti Oxford, Dr Justin Barret mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa seorang bayi yang lahir secara fitrahnya akan merasai kehadiran dan kewujudan Tuhan. Jika seseorang dicampak ke sebuah pulau yang terbiar atau padang pasir pun, beliau (Dr Justin) yakin yang dia akan percaya terhadap kewujudan Tuhan. Malah, kanak-kanak yang membesar lebih cenderung untuk mempercayai akan adanya Pencipta berbanding dengan teori Evolusi (semua benda terjadi sendiri dan berubah) kerana inilah fitrah manusia.

11. Semua ini sekali lagi membuktikan keagungan Tuhan yang mencipta, kerana pada ciptaan-Nya, Dia mencipta tanda-tanda adanya Pencipta. Berikut ialah pautan untuk membaca tentang kenyataan Dr Justin itu:

Klik di sini

12. Maka, apabila sudah datang keyakinan tentang wujudnya Tuhan sebagai Pencipta, barulah boleh kita bertanya, jika Tuhan ini wujud bagaimana pula ciri-ciri Tuhan ini?

13. Secara logiknya, jika kita fikir, Tuhan mestilah SATU entiti yang tiada persamaan dengan yang lainnya serta tiada tolok bandingan. Maka secara tidak langsung, jika Tuhan tiada persamaan atau tolok bandingnya, logikkah jika Tuhan lebih daripada satu?

14. Contohnya jika ada dua Tuhan, maka siapakah yang lebih kuat? Jika salah satu lebih kuat, maka yang kurang kuat itu tidak lagi boleh dianggap Tuhan kerana ada yang lebih kuat daripadanya! Tiada pula konsep saling melengkapi (complementary) dalam konsep ketuhanan kerana jika Tuhan itu Maha Kuat, kenapakah perlu ada pelengkapnya? Bukankah itu satu kelemahan? Adakah layak Tuhan memiliki sifat lemah?

15. Begitu juga jika kita kata ada dua Tuhan, tapi dua-dua sama hebat. Jadi sekarang, Tuhan ini ada yang sama dengannya? Maka bolehkah ia digelar Tuhan? Akal yang logik dan rasional akan menolak penyataan ini. Tuhan tidak boleh sama dengan sesiapa atau apapun, maka untuk itu, akal yang sihat hanya akan menerima BAHAWA TUHAN ITU MESTILAH SATU DAN TIADA YANG LAIN SEPERTINYA!

16. Akhirnya, dapatlah kita buktikan bahawa Tuhan memang wujud dan Tuhan yang wujud ini hanyalah satu iaitulah Allah SWT, Tuhan yang Maha Agung, Maha Mengetahui.

Lawati halaman dakwah saya di sini

17. Jika dapat disentuh sedikit tentang kepercayaan saudara Kristian kita, berdasarkan hujah di atas, maka tidak logiklah Jesus atau Nabi Isa itu anak Tuhan, kerana Tuhan tidak mungkin ada anak. Kenapa?

18. Pertama, kita sudah buktikan bahawa TIDAK MUNGKIN ada lebih daripada satu Tuhan. Kedua, jom fikir secara logik, antara anak dan ayah, siapa dulu yang wujud di dunia? Seperti kita, mestilah ayah kita dulu yang lahir baru kita bukan?

19. Maka, jika Nabi Isa itu anak Tuhan dan dia juga adalah Tuhan, maka dia adalah Tuhan yang ada PERMULAAN kerana dia hanya wujud selepas bapanya! Soalnya, logikkah Tuhan ada permulaan? Jika ada permulaan, maka akan ada satu tempoh sebelum Tuhan ini bermula, dia ada dalam satu kerangka masa yang dia masih belum wujud. Adakah logik Tuhan pernah tidak wujud?

20. Maka jawapannya ialah tidak logik. Tuhan mestilah sentiasa wujud, dan dengan itu Tuhan tidak boleh ada permulaan. Kita umat Islam sayangkan Nabi Isa AS, dan kita menganggapnya sebagai salah seorang rasul yang mulia, tetapi tidak lebih daripada itu, apatah lagi ingin menjadikannya Tuhan.

"Katakanlah, Dialah Allah, Satu dan hanya Satu. Allah itu satu-satunya tempat bergantung dan kekal tanpa mula dan akhir. Dia tidak beranak dan tiada yang memperanakkan-Nya. Tidak ada satupun yang serupa dengan-Nya."

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4)

21. Sebagai penutup, izinkan saya simpulkan. Pertama, kita harus sedar bahawa kita tidak layak dan tidak mampu melihat Allah kerana kekerdilan kita. Tetapi tidak melihat Allah tidak bererti Allah tidak wujud. Kedua, tidak logik jika tidak ada Tuhan. Kerana jika ada ciptaan, PASTI ada Penciptanya. Ketiga, jika Tuhan itu wujud, Tuhan itu MESTI satu, maka Tuhan yang satu itu hanyalah Allah SWT. Maka saya harap, perkara ini dapat membantu menambah keyakinan saudara, bahawa Allah itu satu dan Dia PASTI wujud!

22. Saya akhiri bingkisan kerdil saya ini dengan memohon 3 perkara. Pertama, keraguan tentang kewujudan Tuhan itu mungkin datangnya daripada penyakit was-was dan bisikan syaitan, maka berhati-hatilah dengannya. Kedua, menyedari bahawa puncanya ialah was-was dan syaitan, maka adalah satu KEMESTIAN untuk saudara sentiasa berdoa kepada Allah agar dilindungi daripada penyakit was-was dan bisikan syaitan serta supaya mendapat hidayah daripada-Nya. Ingat, syaitan itu MUSUH, dan doa itu SENJATA! Ketiga dan terakhir, sebar-sebarkanlah tulisan yang kerdil ini, tanpa perlu meletakkan nama penulisnya. Kerana pemilik segala ilmu dan kebaikan, hanyalah Allah SWT.

Wallahuaklam dan maafkan saya jika terdapat sebarang kekurangan. Jika bermanfaat, panjangkankah kesyukuran hanya kepada Allah dan bukannya penulis, kerana bahkan penulis inipun adalah ciptaan yang dicipta oleh Dia Sang Pencipta yang Agung!

"Kebaikan yang kamu peroleh hanyalah daripada Allah, tetapi keburukan yang menimpamu adalah dek kelemahan dirimu sendiri...."
Surah An-Nisa' (4:79)

Read more "Betulkah Allah Wujud?"

Soliloquy

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. It's 12.13 am in the morning and the final ten precious nights are awake and running. So is my life. Except that it runs like a wheel, so you always have to be ready when you are at the bottom.

".... And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance- there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:38)

2. Sometimes you are confused when things went wrong, whether to put the blame on yourself or others but I usually prefer the former.

3. However maybe it's true that sometimes life offers you many unexpected things that require you to investigate. I am left with two options now. To stay or to leave. For the benefit of those staying and those coming in the future, I will have to go deep into what really is happening from the inside and won't let injustice prevail just because I am a Malay or because I am a Muslim.

4. I may either lose as a warrior or win another battle. 

5. Allah knows what lies ahead of me. I leave everything to Him. Maybe it is a sign to move on and start anew. After all new housemates are settling in. Perhaps another sign that someone has to leave.

6. Time will decide everything.

Good night everyone. I swear to myself that I dare to lose everything so long as He spares me my faith (eeman) and my deen (Islam).

Wallahuaklam, take care and assalamualaikum wbt ;-)

P/S: 3 goodie bags today! So happy alhamdulillah =)

Unless you understand what I am saying, this piece will remain just a soliloquy ;-)

Read more "Soliloquy"

Dialogue at Bukit Bintang

Assalamualaikum wbt

1. Last Saturday on August 13th, 2011 (13th day of ramadhan 1432H), I took part in a dakwah activity around Bukit Bintang organised by The Islamic Information and Services (IIS).

2. This was the first time and the first of its kind in Malaysia, or at least one that was organised by IIS. It took us about 1 month for some training and each of us that participated were those who have joined a workshop by IIS on Friendly Comparative Religion (FCR).

3. So, we were equipped with some basics to approach non-Muslims in the best manner plus to present Islam in a structured and effective way.

"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided)."

Surah An-Nahl (16:125) 
 

4. The experience gained was very valuable and it warmed our spirit, inspiring and encouraging enough to push us further forward to learn more about Islam before actively sharing it with others be it Muslims or non-Muslims.
 

5. I have prepared a report or rather a personal feedback about the program and have shared it with the teammates and people in the IIS through our Yahoo Group. So, I also intend to share it with all of you here, in case you are interested to read and know more about what was happening that day.

6. Before I end though, let me put it here that we were distributing goodie bags around, randomly engaging in sincere conversation to present Islam and clear their misconception and also we gave them free copies of Al-Quran translation.

7. I hope you can all make prayers for our humble efforts here and also to make prayers so that more people will be blessed with the Guidance by Him Allah SWT, the Lord of the worlds, the Master of all, the Owner of everything.

You can download the stories of my experience in this program by clicking on the link below ;-)

Download here

Wallahuaklam, wassalamualaikum wbt. May Allah guide and bless us all ameen ;-)

From left: Bro Zulhafifi, me, others.. =)

Read more "Dialogue at Bukit Bintang"

Ramadhan Treat (1432 Hijriah)

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

As another piece for Ramadhan this year, here's a set of posters (5 altogether) I just made last night alhamdulillah. Share it around as you wish. 

Those whom are willing to get the psd copies of the posters for your own use and editing, feel free to email me at jako_imp@yahoo.com, I will send you the copies as immediately as possible insya Allah.

Note: Some of the original background photos are taken from www.boston.com

You can download the whole set by clicking here:

Optionally, you can choose to have only any of the below by clicking the link to download in the caption.

Download here

Download here

Download here

Download here

Download here

I hope Allah forgive my sins and bless me and my family for my humble efforts to spread Islam and promote it as our way of life, ameen.

May Allah also always bless all of you and your family and may He reward all of you with Paradise, ameen

Wallahuaklam, wassalamualaikum wbt ;-)

P/S: Just in case one day you want to find these posters again but can't find this post, I actually always put downloadable stuff as an archive on my freebie page. You can see the link on the right upper corner of this page.

Warm regards,

Ibnu Hanaffi

www.facebook.com/IH.DE.NA

Read more "Ramadhan Treat (1432 Hijriah)"

Ramadhan: Thankfulness, Palestine and Zionist

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

Download full resolution here

1. I begin by saying Allah’s name, the Lord of the whole universe. In this month of Ramadhan, no one can ever deny the abundance in pleasure and comfort He has granted upon us. The question is, do we thank Him?

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' "

Surah Ibrahim (14:7)

2. We may think that we have done more than enough as a Muslim and for that we have repaid Him. Really?

“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.”

Surah Ibrahim (14:34)

3. How do we repay Him when we could not even count His infinite blessings upon us? By the way, Allah will not be affected at all if we were to disobey Him. He is in need of absolutely no one but is needed by everyone instead! He said in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:2) that He is the only One we should turn to.

4. In addition to that let’s cleanse our heart with this beautiful hadith by Abu Darr as recorded in Al-Adab Al Mufrad by Imam Bukhari RA when Rasulullah SAW told us that Allah speaks to us saying:

"My slaves! If all of you, the first of you and the last of you, the jinn among you and the men among you, were to be as godfearing as the most godfearing heart of any one of you, that would not add anything to My kingdom. If they were to be as corrupt as the most corrupt heart of any one of you, that would not decrease anything in My kingdom. If they were to join together in one place and then ask of Me, and I gave every man among them what he asked for that, that would not reduce My kingdom at all, except as the sea is decreased if a needle is dipped into it.”

5. Certainly then, we are nobody as compared to Allah SWT and it is therefore true enough that we have to submit ourselves to Him because the word Muslim itself means a person who submits, surrenders and obeys Allah SWT alone.

“So which of the favor of your Lord would you deny?”

6. And that beautiful ayat (verse) above is repeated 31 times in Surah Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55 of the Quran, repeatedly questioning us on which of His favors that we want to deny and not be thankful of.

7. Therefore, I shall conclude this short article by making the humblest request I could make for this Ramadhan, asking you and me to reflect upon the situations of our brothers and sisters in Palestine, as a sign of gratitude and thankfulness, knowing that our Ramadhan is not the same like theirs.

8. Hence, please put our hands together and make prayers for them. Insya Allah, this Ramadhan, our sincere prayers will be accepted by Him and Allah will surely grant upon true Muslims victory and unity, which we have always longed for, thus free Palestine and all Muslims from injustice and oppression.

9. Just so that I also meet the criteria in my Global column of the As-Shifa' magazine (which is to write on something international), let me briefly share something about the difference between Jews and Zionists, and this has all things to do with Palestine, because Zionists is the clear enemy we should fight against.

10. First, please understand this.

“Not all Zionists are Jews and not all Jews are Zionists. One is a political movement and the other refers to a nation orculture.”

11. It is like saying only Malays are Muslims, and this is inaccurate. Not all Malays are Muslims and not all Muslims are Malay. We unfortunately have Malays whom are not Muslims (despite the Constitutional definition) and Muslims can be anyone, not only the Malays.

12. I point that out for two reasons. First, to publicly declare my disagreement upon some opinions that call for Malay unity above any other nations under the name of Islam. I am against it because it is not Islamic to put any race or nation as superior to others, but the one which is superior is Islam itself, regardless of your race or cultural background.

13. Secondly, to fight our enemies, we have to know them well. We do no hate all Jews. Some of them and indeed very little of them are against Zionism and war in Palestine by Israel. On the other hand, Zionists can be anyone because it is a political movement, disguising itself as something that struggles for the human rights of the Jews. We may even have a Malay Zionist (nauzubillah) do you know that?

14. My point is simple. We have to get the fact right, then only we can take appropriate action. If the above is something weird and new to you, please then acknowledge how easily we can be misled in this modern world, and so that we have to be more careful with this threat in this last age.

May Allah protect us all and make us amongst His most pious and knowledgeable servants.

Wallahuaklam wassalamualaikum wbt.

Note: Article written for August (Ramadhan) publication in As-Shifa' Magazine, IMU

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