My Laila, My Queen

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. Rejab is here, Ramadhan is near.

2. Sya'aban comes in the middle, making the two perfect couple.

3. If we observe the 5 pillars of Islam, there are shahadah, prayers, fasting, charity and pilgrimage.

4. Out of this, fasting (in the month of Ramadhan) is quite unique and special.

5. How so?

6. When all other 4 are about doing, fasting is about 'not doing'.

7. One who fasts, will NOT eat, will NOT drink, and more importantly, will get rid of as many sins as possible- although sins are to avoid even when one is not fasting- but fasting helps facilitate this form of mujahadah or fight against sins.

8. That's how I view my Laila.

9. She is a master in her fasting.

10. She may not be a queen in other thing, but she is definitely a queen in fasting, as she does not do many things.

11. Her uniqueness is found in her 'not doing'.

12. She doesn't show off.

13. She doesn't seek attention.

14. She knows her limits.

15. To Allah she submits.

16. And that- is my lovely Laila.

17. I have never asked any woman including my own mother, but I think to a certain extent, fasting is in its own way a bit more challenging than prayers itself.

18. If a woman is impure (due to menstruation) for a week, then it is not obligatory upon her to substitute her prayers.

19. Fasting however, is the opposite. One has to substitute the number of days she did not fast when she was impure during Ramadhan. That's how 'heavy' the responsibility of fasting could be, as a form of submission towards Allah SWT.

20. In my imagination, this is parallel to the challenge of not doing i.e what one should not do during fasting.

21. Given the different environment we live in nowadays, women are especially spiritually challenged not to be a source of fitnah in this world, and for that, she will have to RESTRAIN from doing a lot of things, that are beyond necessity or obligation.

Allahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

If Allah wills you are my Laila

And He wills I am your Majnun

Then don't ask me 'Bila?'

When He wills kun fayakun..

Read more "My Laila, My Queen"

Gangnam Style: A Question of Originality

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. Much has been said about Oppa Gangnam Style. Some people opine that it is fun and likable, while some others prefer to think otherwise.

2. What is my response when people ask me mine?

3. Simple. I don't have problem with Oppa Gangnam Style. 

However....

4. Oppa Gangnam Style has a problem with me. Why?

5. Despite reaching millions of people and indulging a huge acceptance plus YouTube viewership across the globe, it is neither attractive nor enjoyable to me. It has failed to amuse me. Poor Oppa Gangnam Style. 

6. Hence, one point of demerit there for Oppa Gangnam Style. I assume it won't affect its rating though. After all, that doesn't really matter to me.

7. Let us now discuss Oppa Gangnam Style through my personal lens (please return my lens back after you finish. Thank you).

PART 1: Being Genuine 

8. I believe, we are actually dealing with a question of originality here. 

9. Beautifully enough, originality (according to English dictionary) has two meanings and both of them perfectly match the two different qualities I plan to elaborate in the first part of this article.

10. In general, originality can be defined as follows:

                         a) the quality or state of being original

                         b) the ability to think independently and creatively

11. Let's address each given definition above one by one.

First definition

12. With regard to being original, I would argue that we are most pure and original when we were born. Why? Because we were in the state of fitrah when we were still a baby. Fitrah means the innate nature of ourselves.

13. It is the environment and the process of our upbringing that shape us to be what we are today. So how do we maintain that fitrah we were born with?

14. Like all electronic devices that come with their own user manual, we were also created with our very own 'user manual', which in Islam we believe are the Quran and sunnah of Nabi SAW.

15. These two sources provide us the only ways to remain original as human being by living a way of life called Islam.

16. And why is it that Islam is the only way of life again? Because we are a creation. And definitely, Allah SWT as our Creator, He knows best and full well about what is best for His creation. And because He has made Islam as our way of life, we shall then submit to His perfect will.

17. Let's study the verse below from Surah Ar-Rum ayah number 30:

18. The above passage of the Quran clearly mentions that Islam is the way of life that suits our fitrah. It says, "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. (Adhere to) the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created (all) people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know."

19. So how do we assess Gangnam Style from here? Isn't Islam too narrow-minded if it prohibits Gangnam Style?

20. Firstly, I don't see any threat or disposal of originality if we don't want to do Gangnam Style. Meaning, without Gangnam Style, we are still original aren't we?

21. Secondly, if Gangnam Style is taken as a form of entertainment or a form of exercise, all of you would agree with me that even if Gangnam Style has never existed on earth, we have plenty other examples as alternatives (for entertainment and exercise).

22. The point I want to highlight here is that, those who can not live without Gangnam Style, they are actually narrow-minded, not Islam. Because they only keep one option in mind- Gangnam Style ;-)

23. Next, no one can live alone without searching for an example. 

24. I would strongly argue that even all inventions we have on earth until today, through the imagination of the great scientists and inventors, are inspired from what they see around them. These are examples that help them come up with new ideas and innovation.

25. Let's take a simple example. The aircrafts. The fact that they have wings, isn't that similar to a bird? Ask ourselves; Which one existed first, a bird (creation of Allah) or an aeroplane (creation of men)?

26. The point here is that we need to follow an example given by the original Creator, and in the case of BEING A TRUE MAN (woman included of course), we already have one.

27. It is the great Mercy of Allah SWT that He has chosen the best of creation, Muhammad SAW as the best good example (uswatun hasanah) for all of us mankind.

Second definition

28. So now we have come to the second meaning of the word originality above i.e to think independently and creatively.

29. To be independent and creative doesn't mean that we have to come up with something completely new, out of nowhere.

30. That is virtually impossible.

31. Of course, we are susceptible to the condition of our society, and peer pressure.

32. However, there's one way to be independent, creative and be the one who shapes the society instead.

33. That one way is through knowledge.

34. When it comes to Gangnam Style lyrics for instance, do we understand the lyrics?

35. If we don't, then we ignore this aspect of KNOWledge i.e do we even know what we are singing about?

36. Some may argue that they understand every single word in the lyrics, but the next question is, do we have any idea on what is behind the meaning?

37. Let me cut it short here.

38. I skimmed through the English version of the lyrics and would like to comment that it has this essence of making women as an object of sex (and the video clip undoubtedly testifies to this).

39. This is to me a complete disregard towards women, which I shall elaborate more about it in the second part below.

40. Just to end this part again, we as Muslims should learn and practice the sunnah of Nabi SAW because that is the knowledge we are looking for.

41. Being independent here means that whatever we do in life, we do it because we base it on a strong and pure knowledge of Islam and we are in no way affected or influenced by external forces, especially when they contain matters which are against our deen (Islam).

42. Before I begin the second part, please ponder on the profound saying of Nabi SAW below.

43. The prophet (S.A.W.) said, "You will surely follow the ways, steps, or traditions of those who came before you, span by span and yard by yard (very closely) even if they entered a lizard's hole you will enter it." The companions asked, "Oh prophet, you mean the Jews and Christians?" so he answered, "Who else!" 

(Reported by Imam Bukhari)

PART 2: Women as sex object

44. I think this is the most interesting part of the sharing I want to make in this article.

45. Once I posted on my Facebook wall, that I believe, Oppa Gangnam Style, like many other form of entertainment are not free from making women as an object of sex.

46. What this means is that, women are reduced, from a status of being a complete human, into a sub-human, or less a human, or an object- which in this case refers to an object of sex.

47. This is rampant almost everywhere.

48. On the billboards along the roads. On posters. On walls of shopping malls. Newspapers. Magazines. You name it, you get it.

49. Free show. Big show.

50. So what is the value of our women in our society nowadays?

51. Are they created only for the purpose of sex?

52. Excuse me if that sounds harsh, but the truth is even more harsh.

53. And I don't like this kind of harshness.

54. I believe women and their femininity are the greatest gift from God.

55. As a Muslim, I value women highly because Islam places the status of mother for instance, above all others.

56. And I tell you what. My mother, like yours, is a woman. We should never let them or even our sisters or even ourselves (if you are women) to be regarded only as an object.

57. In the video clip of Gangnam Style, the fact that the dance resembles riding a horse, symbolically makes women as the horses.

58. Seriously, do you not get it?

59. This is the biggest reason why I am completely switched off the moment I come across Gangnam Style. Really, I am not interested. May Allah protect us all ameen.

60. To end this part, let me share with you a study done in the West.

61. This is regarding women as an object.

62. Let say a chair, which is an object, if we just show a part of it, say, only the leg of the chair, we can still recognize it as a chair. This is because it is an object.

63. Even when we show a picture of a chair upside down, we can recognise that it is a chair.

64. However, it is quite different when it comes to human being, except that men and women are different in the way they are perceived.

65. In the research, when the picture of a man in underwear are shown upside down, it is difficult to recognise him as a man.

66. On the contrary, women in almost naked condition (seriously guys, I was not the participant of this research hehe) when shown in an upside down image, is still recognized easily as women.

67. Why?

68. Because certain body parts of women are easy to recognize in what ever position they are displayed!

69. And because of that, women are seen not as a complete human, but are focused at only on certain part of her sexy body and do you know what this means? It means that a woman is seen merely as an object!

70. Let me sum this up quickly for you.

Dear women,

71. You do have a dignity, honor and pride. Take good care of them.

72. You can choose to be sexy and display any part of your body to other people, but you know what? People may be interested in you (especially men), but not because they perceive you as a human (with rights, emotions, feelings etc), but only as an object (for sex etc) na'uzubillah!

73. So think again. Are you a human? Or just an object?

Conclusion

74. When I speak of issue that reminds women of what they should do, I always want to emphasize that the more serious attention should be made by people called men.

75. Why? Because men are created to be responsible towards women, and men have to protect and take care of women.

76. This means that all of us men, we have a mother. Also, we have sisters and aunties and many others who we love- and they are all women!

77. Therefore, the maintenance of women is the job of not only women, but also men.

78. The second conclusion is, I write this not to influence us to hate others (from different religions e.g the Jews and Christians), but the ultimate aim is to dilute the obsession, or even addiction (if any) in plethora of things that do not have any origin from Islamic teaching and traditions.

79. Lastly, let me say this.

80. We are entitled to ask the right question in life. When it comes to Oppa Gangnam Style, again, I would propose that rather than asking, is there any problem with Gangnam Style, the better question I think we should ask is that, is there any problem if we live without Gangnam Style? My personal answer is NO.

81. At the end of the day, with regard to the question of originality, we have to make a choice:

82. To either be an original or a print-robbed (read: cetak rompak). 

83. Thanks for your time and feedback is highly appreciated. Allahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

The End..

Read more "Gangnam Style: A Question of Originality"

Ibnu Hanaffi Wears Hijab

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. This entry has nothing to do with Devil Wears Prada. Except that I am an angel (It's a joke ok) =p

2. But we are talking about hijab here.

3. How come a guy like me wears hijab then?

4. No I do not.

5. But this entry is about hijab. Basically hijab is the scarf, or piece of cloth Muslim women put over and around their heads to cover their hair and neck (not face).

6. And it is an obligation in Islam, not an option, nor a choice.

7. The question of hijab is one of the most asked questions especially by non-Muslim women. One of them is an American whom I met during Ramadhan. (Please refer Dakwah and Me)

8. While many would question Islam as truth, it is still the fastest growing religion in the West.

9. And while people may argue about hijab, out of all those who reverted to Islam, most of them are women- which proves that hijab, in and of itself is never a problem.

10. So what really is the problem?

11. Our belief in God.

12. Hijab (like many other compulsory things in Islam) has everything to do with the belief in God.

13. We can argue on plethora of reasons and logical explanation for hijab, from being a tool for women protection, to worldly thing such as fashion demand.

14. But all those can be rebutted. In many ways.

15. But who are we to deny the greatness of our Creator the Most High?

16. We were created from tiny sperm and ovum, yet now we deny the Creator and His instruction, whose words can shatter the mountains?

17. That is far too much.

18. The climax of this article is this.

19. I am not addressing this article to those not wearing hijab. I am addressing this to one who does instead.

20. Ask this question to yourself: Why do I wear hijab?

21. Is it because that's the piece of cloth you used to live with since you were young?

22. The true piety of somebody is not judged by the length of her hijab, but by the strength of her eeman (faith).

23. I have met people, who refuses to wear hijab, because she herself couldn't find a good example from women with hijab. Some are even worse (in words and actions) than those without hijab.

24. I believe many sisters out there have been encountering the same excuses from their 'non-hijabi' friends.

25. But I am not here to blame the 'hijabis'. I am here to invite you re-investigate the concept of hijab.

26. In my opinion, the word hijab must be understood beyond the need to 'hide' the appearance of certain parts of the body.

27. Because it has much to do with modesty, decency and as mentioned earlier, a sign of piety towards Allah the Creator.

28. And these things (modesty, decency and piety) are themselves not something that we can see or touch, but they should appear to be obvious, 'worn' by every men and women.

29. And I mention men too, because men are not allowed to appear naked in the public. There is 'hijab' for men too of course.

30. In short, when we are talking about hijab, I prefer to put it this way.

31. The wearing of hijab is not only about hiding. It's about showing.

32. What is hidden (covered) is the body parts, but what is shown is modesty, decency and piety.

33. The implication is obvious. Wearing hijab without being modest is a strong indication that one has not fully grasped the real concept of hijab.

34. In short, if you wear hijab, make sure you are not doing so as though you are still naked.

35. Wallahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

Read more "Ibnu Hanaffi Wears Hijab"

Men's Biggest Responsibility

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. Recently I posted on my Facebook wall about an interview by Canadian media with a Malaysian Muslim student studying there. She was interviewed regarding her niqab (veil on face with eyes still visible).

2. You can watch the video here.

3. But I want to talk about one of the things she mentioned, not specifically about hijab or niqab, but about choosing her husband.

4. She said that of course she has the freedom (in Islam) to choose her own husband, suggesting how important that freedom is, because it could be a difference between Paradise or Hell fire.

5. The BIG point to note is on the last few words above.

6. What a wonderful insight she has there, and in my opinion is definitely true.

7. Woman should be married to a man she is convinced can help her be closer to God and granted Paradise in the Hereafter.

8. I also believe that it works the other way around i.e woman should be a wife who helps her husband to fulfill his responsibility as a leader, a father, a husband and a Muslim who aims for Paradise as well.

9. Here's the biggest implication.

10. Imagine if a woman looks for a guy with wealth alone. There's no guarantee that the wealth that he has will make him loyal to his wife.

11. Theoretically, it could be a source of trials, or fitnah, that he can use the money to 'buy' other women too, if you understand what I mean.

12. Conversely, a man fully aware of his responsibility to lead his wife (and himself, for that matter) for Paradise will observe the teaching of Islam more firmly and strictly- which could mean a better loyalty and hopefully a more sincere love to the spouse, for the sake of Him Almighty.

13. This is mentioned not to deny the importance of material needs like money. But then again, it's about what we put our most reliance upon and what best reason we take in life's decision-making, marriage being one of those ;-)

Wallahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt ;-)

Read more "Men's Biggest Responsibility"

Merakyatkan Industri Pornografi

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. Saya teringat pada satu ceramah oleh Allahu yarham Sheikh Ahmad Deedat, seorang tokoh dakwah Islam yang tak asing lagi. Beliau meninggal pada tahun 2005. Moga Allah merahmati rohnya dan ditempatkan bersama-sama orang yang beriman insya Allah. Ameen.

2. Beliau menceritakan tentang sebuah poster atau iklan mempromosikan kereta Mercedes (dalam surat khabar yang beliau baca kalau tak silap saya).

3. Dalam iklan itu, terdapat gambar seorang perempuan seksi (mungkin tukang promosi) bersama-sama kereta Mercedes yang ingin diiklankan. Yang menariknya, tulisan pada iklan itu berbunyi "Test drive her now!"

4. Her? Ya, nama Mercedes diambil sempena dengan nama anak perempuan tokoh automotif terkenal Karl Benz- sebab itu nama kereta itu ialah Mercedez-Benz.

5. Namun, her dalam iklan itu seolah-olah turut 'mempromosikan' wanita seksi yang berada di dalamnya. Pandu uji dia (wanita) itu sekarang? Apakah maksudnya?

6. Astaghfirullah, beginilah besarnya fitnah yang melanda umat manusia sekarang.

7. Wanita dijadikan objek seks dan sesetengah yang berakal pendek dan cetek menganggap itu sebagai satu tanda penghargaan buat wanita. Memalukan!

8. Apabila Allah menceritakan kisah Nabi Adam AS diperdaya syaitan di syurga, bukanlah buah khuldi atau pokoknya yang menjadi isu. 

9. Isunya ialah syaitan mahu Adam AS dan Hawa dicabut pakaiannya serta melanggar perintah Allah SWT. Buah khuldi yang dimakan itu adalah sekadar sebab sahaja.

10. Cuba kita kaitkan dengan zaman moden sekarang.

11. Industri pornografi telah dirakyatkan.

12. Kalau kisah dongeng orang kita merakamkan bagaimana si Tanggang disumpah menjadi batu, wanita-wanita zaman sekarang yang 'tak cukup kain' pula telah disumpah menjadi kulit muka depan majalah, poster, tayangan media elektronik, papan-papan tanda dan billboards serta tak lupa menjadi wallpaper yang menghiasi banyak pusat membeli belah.

13. Ini pun hanyalah asbab (sebab). Bukanlah tujuan sebenar kejahatan syaitan.

14. Tujuan sebenar syaitan ialah mengajak kita ingkar kepada Allah SWT dengan melazimi dan membiasakan amalan zina.

15. Dan saya bercakap tentang industri pornografi yang telah dirakyatkan. Maksudnya apa? Maksudnya rakyat, dari apa jua latar belakang sosial dan ekonomi, kini terlibat dalam industri ini. 

16. Mana taknya, siapa yang boleh lari daripada majalah dan surat khabar? Siapa boleh lari daripada media elektronik? Dan lebih menyedihkan, di kampung-kampung yang tiada komputer dan internet pun, masih ada pameran percuma mencuci mata, kerana anak dara sekarang sudah ramai yang ambil mudah soal menjaga aurat. Sumbangan besar buat industri pornografi.

17. Penyudahnya, industri pornografi kini dirakyatkan. Lebih banyak jalan baru yang diturap menuju destinasi yang dinamakan zina- begitu liciknya syaitan.

18. Keadaan diburukkan lagi dengan sikap tak matang dan tak bertanggungjawab pihak yang dirosakkan oleh kehendak politik, apabila berita-berita pornografi dijadikan bahan bacaan utama rakyat tempatan.

19. Industri pornografi dirakyatkan lagi.

20. Tidak lupa pula penyebaran video-video lucah serta topik-topik berkaitan yang mewarnai isu politik tanah air. Ada juga bentuk senaman yang ada lenggok memalukan. Saya malu. Malu sebagai orang Melayu.

21. Industri pornografi dirakyatkan lagi.

22. Dalam pencarian ringkas yang saya lakukan, sebenarnya pornografi sebagai satu industri pernah menjadi satu industri komersial yang besar yang mendatangkan pulangan tahunan berjumlah sehingga berbillion dollar  USA sejak awal kelahiran era millennium.

23. Namun sejak akhir-akhir ini, keuntungan tahunan itu berkurangan.

24. Adakah ini berita baik?

25. Tidak buat golongan kapitalis pornografi. Dan tidak juga buat kita umat Islam yang percayakan Tuhan.

26. Salah satu faktor kekurangan untung itu adalah kerana wujudnya sesetengah golongan yang mempelopori industri yang sama tetapi mereka merupakan lanun cetak rompak.

27. Maka walaupun mungkin syarikat pengeluar video pornografi serta pengendali laman web berkaitan mengalami kekurangan pengunjung, hakikatnya, penyertaan masyarakat dalam industri ini semakin bertambah kerana versi cetak rompak jauh lebih murah dan mudah didapati.

28. Untung sebenar ialah pada syaitan dan iblis laknatullah yang mahukan kacau bilau dalam kalangan masyarakat.

29. Bukankah Allah SWT melarang kita mendekati zina? Industri pornografi yang kini dirakyatkan, semakin mendekatkan kita pada zina- na'uzubillahi minzalik.

30. Wahai wanita yang tidak mahu menjaga aurat kalian, anda mempunyai saham dalam usaha merakyatkan industri pornografi.

31. Anda memudahkan orang awam melempiaskan nafsu jahatnya dengan melihat kepada anda. Anda player yang amat penting dalam industri ini. Mungkinkah rakyat perlu 'bersyukur' atas sumbangan anda dalam industri ini?

32. Wahai orang lelaki, jangan jadi orang bebal. Kita pun sama juga.

33. Betapa ramai yang kini amat suka menunjuk-nunjuk susuk badan yang perkasa dan menayangkan gambar diri tanpa berbaju.

34. Lebih memalukan, ada juga nak tunjuk kelelakian, tetapi memakai rantai seperti perempuan. Kemudian ditayang-tayang. 

35. Di mana agamamu? Islam jelas dan tegas melarang orang lelaki menyerupai kaum wanita dengan memakai perhiasan sebegitu, apatah lagi jika orang lelaki mahu memakai pakaian sutera asli dan perhiasan emas.

36. Wahai wanita, itulah antara kelebihanmu. Dihalalkan untukmu pakaian daripada sutera serta perhiasan daripada emas, malah kedua-duanya adalah kesukaanmu. Tetapi orang lelaki pula diharamkan daripada kedua-duanya.

37. Adakah masih mahu merungut seolah-olah Islam sifatnya sexist dan lebih mengutamakan lelaki? Sudahlah perempuan, berlagak pula kamu mahu melawan Tuhan Maha Kuasa dengan perjuangan revolusi wanitamu!

38. Sebagai penutup, saya ingin menyebut sekali lagi bahawa perjuangan kita bukanlah antara golongan Hawa menentang golongan Adam ataupun sebaliknya.

39. Namun perjuangan kita adalah perjuangan antara Muslim beriman dan Muslimah beriman menentang lelaki jahat dan wanita yang ingkar!

40. Bersatulah atas nama haq dan keadilan, bukan atas nama gender dan seks. Orang yang beriman, baik lelaki mahupun perempuan, akan sentiasa saling membantu.

"Dan orang-orang yang beriman, laki-laki dan perempuan, sebahagian mereka menjadi penolong bagi sebahagian yang lain. Mereka menyuruh (berbuat) yang makruf (baik), dan mencegah dari yang mungkar...."

(Surah At-Taubah, ayat 71)

41. Saya lontarkan persoalan di atas bukanlah untuk mengkusutkan keadaan, tetapi mahu kita sama-sama mengambil pengajaran dan membentuk kesedaran.

42. Kadang-kadang persoalan yang timbul tak semestinya dilayan dengan mencari jawapan, kerana pada banyak persoalan, cara penyelesaian yang terbaik adalah dengan mencari Tuhan!

43. Wallahuaklam. Moga Allah SWT melindungi kita semua dan menguatkan iman di dada ameen ameen ameen..

Read more "Merakyatkan Industri Pornografi"

Battle of Gender

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

1. When there is a conflict of interest that puts both men and women on the front line to battle for what people describe as human rights such as gender empowerment, we firstly have to know which group are against which other group.

2. Could it be a battle between all men and all women?

3. My conviction says BIG NO NO to the question stated above- which many of us may have overlooked.

4. To me, it is a battle between the guided men and guided women on one side, against the misguided men and misguided women  on the other side.

5. When a general comment or Islamic advice is made on the media about women, many women could wrongly take it as a symbol of oppression and discrimination towards them- then end up going against something they should have supported .

6. It is the same case for men. When men are condemned, we would stand up with all masculinity and aggressiveness to reject such condemnation. What a blame game.

7. Partly, the mistake may be attributed to the one who makes the statement, for making a random generalization- too bad, it hurts either all Adam species or all species of Eve.

8. My intention is to invite us to be on the right side and see things from a better perspective.

9. The battle of gender is never between the genders! It is between again, the group of believers and disbelievers!

10. Things that are regarded sinful in Islam has nothing to do with one's gender, instead, if consuming alcohol is forbidden or haraam, then it is so for both men and women- regardless of whether it's men or women that have a higher percentage in committing such sin!

11. Allah SWT already explicitly explains that the beautiful relationship of men and women in the Quran actually goes beyond only love and sexual relationship. The believing men and women join hands against evil too!

"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong...."

(Surah At-Taubah, verse 71)

12. As I will move on the next part of this article, let me end this first section by mentioning here that I have composed a hopefully interesting article related to the above part on my personal blog entitled Superwomen.

Ikhtilat (free mixing between genders)

13. No doubt.

14. Free mixing between men and women is an issue that is either controversial and popular among especially young Muslims in educational institutions, or a non-issue to some others who think it is their right to socialize in ways they like.

15. Islam is clear on its stance about this. Free mixing isn't really free. We have to pay- for the consequences- should we not be careful.

16. Of course Islam is not here to trouble us, and as it always suits people at all time and place, the question now is quite not whether free mixing is allowed, because it seems quite impossible to avoid it all the time in this modern world nowadays.

17. The bigger issue now is therefore, first- do we avoid it whenever possible and second- when it isn't possible and we are in an unavoidable free mixing, do we really observe the conditions and limitations we are entitled to follow?

18. I leave the question there for you my respected readers to answer.

19. Let me also present to you how serious Islam sees this issue- knowing how weak men can be when it comes to temptation- the following hadith perfectly describes that even when we are performing ibadah to Allah SWT, the limitation and guideline are still intact!

"Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best of the men’s rows is the first and the worst is the last, and the best of the women’s rows is the last and the worst in the first."

Narrated by Muslim under No. 664.

20. This simply suggests how even during our prayers (solah) we could be tempted to the opposite gender, so we are not only separated by saf (line) but also it is mentioned that the further away men from women and vice versa, the better it is.

21. Before I continue on this subject of ikhtilat, let us also go to one extreme of this subject- about a type of men-women relationship which is commonly termed as 'couple' that refers to one who has a boyfriend or girlfriend but without any legal relationship contract, otherwise known as nikah or marriage.

22. I am sure some of you here are in this circumstance- you are 'coupling'. But fear not, my dear. I'll be humble and gentle to you. Please keep on reading.

23. First- those who are not 'coupling' yet, the rule is simple- coupling is forbidden and haram for you. Yes, you.

24. Those who already are, I am not here to ask you to break up. 

25. But I'm here to speak up.

26. Think of Allah SWT. Pray a lot to Him. Ask Him for Guidance. Help. Assistance.

27. I believe, with sincerity and continuity in prayers, you'll hopefully come across one of these two whether sooner or later.

a) Your boyfriend/girlfriend leave you because they find someone else thinking that the newly-met is better than you, or because they read this article and decided to break up. I'm sorry I didn't teach them how to read, their teachers did.

OR

b) You are closer to marriage, and your family and you yourself are ready for it. Don't forget to send me a card too. I love nasi minyak- especially when it's free.

28. Ouch! Is there a third choice?

29. Yes there is. Please break up. Period.

30. But I promised not to mention breaking up? Yes I did, but sorry, you just asked for the third option. Thanks for asking.

31. Let me leave you there on this subject. I shall continue on ikhtilat now. 

32. It is explained in a paperwork (link below) that through several verses in Surah An-Nur (verses 30-31) and Surah Al-Ahzab (verse 52), the following are among a few general guidelines provided when it comes to ikhtilat.

33. First of, one must lower or protect their gaze. In other words, do not attempt or let the eyes induce temptation when speaking to a Muslim or Muslimah.

34. Secondly, the clothing must be proper and decent. I would like to quote a very good statement which says that the best clothing to wear is the clothing of taqwa i.e having fear towards Allah as a means of protection for ourselves.

35. The last that I will mention here is the adab, the way or behaviour we have when speaking to others. Never use words or voice intonation that can trigger any dirty intention from the hearts of the listener, no matter how much we may like it (because we usually like attention)- due to the whispers of the shaytan.

36. In a wonderful writing by Ustaz Maszlee Malik entitled Cinta Anta dan Anti, he reminds us of the trick and attempt that some of us make to justify the Islamic love that they live with.

37. Nowadays, it may be easier because such 'Islamic' relationship can be made through online media such as email, Yahoo Messenger and many more. 

38. It is also mentioned in the article that some of us use the opportunity during a meeting of say, Islamic society, to entertain the feeling of missing 'somebody' we are interested with, na'uzubillah.

39. This is a huge tragedy for people who call themselves a dai'e because it's like playing with the rules of Allah and what is more scary about that is that we fear any chance of getting closer to hypocrisy i.e nifaq.

40. Remember, nifaq (hypocrisy) is one of the sins with the most severe punishment in the Hereafter, may Allah safeguard us from it ameen ameen ameen.

41. Do not ever disguise the ill intention we may have with phrases such as ukhwah fillah, I love you because of Allah and many more, because Allah SWT knows what is really in our heart and within our chest. Watch out!

42. The rule of thumb is quite simple and straight forward. 

43. Sometimes it's a noble intention that we have to help our own friends to become a better Muslim.

44. But (for a guy) if that friend of ours is a girl or muslimah, why don't we ask someone from the same gender to do the job for us? The same goes for the opposite case- muslimah having a guy friend. 

45. If we keep saying that that friend of ours will only trust us- that might as well be just another hidden trap that we are blinded from.

46. And what an irony! If he/she really has trust in us, why then that he/she does not have trust in our decision to let someone of the same gender to guide him/her? 

47. Remember again, Allah SWT knows well what's in our heart.

48. And seriously, a Muslim guy becoming an alarm clock for his girlfriend? So that she can wake up and perform the Fajr (Subuh) prayer? Seriously?

49. There's no reward in doing goods through ways that are sinful. This again, also applies the other way around- a Muslimah becoming an alarm clock for his boyfriend.

50. Please please please do not try to 'islamify' sins. We can not make pork halal just because we wash it with seven buckets of water- you know what I mean.

51. Similarly, pork is not halal if we recite Bismillah and slaughter a pig in an Islamic way, or even if we ask the pig to say shahadah before we slaughter it! 

52. In another article I read about fornication of the heart, it is suffice to mention here that what the author basically suggests is to understand it in an acceptable way- not to make our life too difficult about it, but at the same time, do not take it very lightly too.

53. It is a well-known approach in Islam that we shall resort to the middle path (wasatiyyah).

54. Love is not haraam or forbidden. In fact it is encouraged and allowed because our fitrah (innate nature) as a human being- we love to love.

55. However, there's a proper channel. That's about it.

56. I particularly love the part when the author says that it's normal to miss other people or love them or have feelings towards them, but what we have to be careful about is the action we may take from such a feeling, and also the kind of imagination that we may have in our weak mind- please avoid any intention of fornication- it's a recipe to disaster and thinking about it is  considered a form of fornication of the heart.

57. Let us pray that we can play our best roles whether as a Muslim or a Muslimah, so that one day (or the day) when we get married, we will build an awesome Baitul Muslim that will be responsible for the production of an Ulul Albab generation which has high quality in their Islamic knowledge and practice ameen.

58. Let's help spread the love and show the beauty of Islam to the world. I shall end this with a beautiful and rather hilarious quote that reads:

"Gravitation is not responsible for people FALLING in love."

59. Wallahuaklam. Wassalamualaikum wbt.

References:

1. Free Mixing Between Genders
2. Ikhtilat: Antara Tertutup Jumud, Terbuka Hanyut
3. Garis Panduan Interaksi Muslimin dan Muslim (pdf)
4. Fitnah Cinta Ukhti Barbie dan Akhi Ken
5. Mereka Yang Gagal Memahami Erti Zina Hati
6. Cinta Anta dan Anti, Majalah I, February 2006 by Ustaz Maszlee Malik

Read more "Battle of Gender"

Program Fiqh Perubatan di IMU

Anda boleh muat turun buku ini (pdf) di sini. Sumber: Ustaz Ismat Nazirin

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum wbt.

Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa (Kiri)

1. Semalam, mengakhiri bulan Mac 2012, saya ditugaskan sebagai bidan terjun untuk mengacarakan sebuah majlis ilmu atau program yang bertajuk Fiqh Medik (Perubatan) di International Medical University, IMU (Bukit Jalil).

2. Sebagai bidan terjun, saya tak menyambut kelahiran mana-mana bayi di muka bumi, apatah lagi terjun dari tingkat empat bangunan IMU yang sebenarnya tak tinggi pun. Namun, saya masih juga bidan terjun.

3. Mengenang kembali artikel yang lepas bertajuk Doctoring The Black Sheep, sedikit sebanyak keberadaan saya di tempat yang bernama Bukit Jalil ini menyentuh hati dan perasaan.

4. Sebagai insan yang lemah dan banyak kekurangan, kadang-kadang saya sensitif dan sentimental. Kadang-kadang mungkin jugak emosional. Tapi buat masa ini, saya masih mampu pendam dan simpan di dalam hati, di balik senyuman yang cuba dilemparkan, kerana mengharap ia terbalas dengan senyuman insan lain yang melihat.

5. Banyak orang tak faham pengorbanan yang kita lakukan. Banyak perkara yang cukup mudah terlepas pandang. Jarang-jarang kita bersyukur atas kebaikan orang lain. Kadang-kadang mungkin saya pun begitu.

6. Bila diri rasa seolah-olah tak dihargai, rasa cinta dan sayang mula menebal terhadap segelintir yang masih mampu menunjukkan rasa prihatin dan bertanggungjawab terhadap pertolongan yang dihulurkan.

7. Orang-orang inilah, yang walaupun sedikit bilangannya, namun keikhlasan hati mereka dalam meminta tolong dan membalasnya dengan kebaikan dan kerendahan hati, mendapat doa saya dari jauh agar diredhai segala usaha dan pengorbanan mereka. Ameen.. Sekali lagi, mereka ini kecil bilangannya.

8. Manusia cukup kuat berdengki. Mungkin saya pun begitu. Namun, saya cuba bina kekuatan untuk menjauhinya, melalui kisah Al-Quran seperti kisah jahatnya Iblis.

9. Iblis laknatullahi 'alaih, bukannya kafir kerana tak percayakan kewujudan Allah SWT (Atheist dan pagan perlu muhasabah tentang 'kelebihan' iblis dalam bab ni), tapi kerana kedengkiannya kepada Nabi Adam AS dan juga rasa bongkaknya tak mahu taat dan patuh pada Allah SWT apabila disuruh sujud hormat pada Nabi Adam AS.

10. Konon-kononnya dia yang dicipta daripada api lebih mulia berbanding Adam AS yang dicipta daripada tanah. Adakah kita dengki dan bongkak seperti iblis?

11. Sebagai pengacara majlis, saya sempat berkongsi pendapat yang sebahagiannya adalah dicedok daripada isi kandungan ceramah yang dibicarakan oleh dua orang penceramah yang hadir semalam, yakni Dr Zainur Rashid Zainuddin dan Ustaz Ismat Nazirin bin Mat Isa.

12. Kedua-dua tokoh ini adalah antara individu yang saya hormati dan segani.

13. Pertama, tentang mudahnya Islam.

14. Fiqh atau fekah merujuk kepada kefahaman kita terhadap Islam, yakni dispesifikkan oleh para 'ulamak sebagai ilmu amali atau perbuatan yang berdasarkan dalil dan nas yang sahih lagi kukuh.

15. Ilmu fiqh ini menunjukkan bahawa Islam itu amat mudah. Islam kelihatan susah dan memang dirasai susah bila kita tak berilmu. Dalam erti kata lain, Islam itu tak susah, tapi kita yang menyusahkannya (kerana kurang ilmu).

16. Ayat 5 dan 6 Surah Al-Insyirah (surah yang ke 94 dalam Al-Quran) menjelaskan bagaimana Allah SWT  menyebut dalam setiap kesulitan adanya jalan keluar atau kemudahan. Kemudian diulang sekali lagi perkara yang sama.

17. Dahulunya, saya faham bahawa kalau kita sakit selama seminggu, maka lepas tu akan sembuh. Atau kalau kita kesempitan wang, kemudian kita akan meraih semula kestabilan ekonomi selepas tempoh tertentu. Mungkin ada benarnya perkara ini, yakni kita yakin Allah SWT sentiasa memberikan pertolongan kepada hamba-Nya yang perlukan-Nya.

18. Namun adakah hanya selepas tempoh tertentu?

19. Tidak juga. Bila seseorang didatangi kepayahan, sebenarnya secara automatik juga keringanan itu hadir. Dalam bahasa Arab, keringanan atau kemudahan diterjemah sebagai rukhsah.

20. Jadi, seorang musafir contohnya yang mengalami 'kesulitan' dari aspek masa, tak perlu tunggu lama, kerana dalam tempoh musafirnya itulah dia diberi keringanan atau rukhsah. Dia boleh menjamakkan solatnya dan memendekkannya juga (qasar).

21. Demikian juga bila orang sakit tak boleh berdiri. Dia tak perlu tunggu untuk pulih, namun dalam kesakitannya itu, Allah SWT mengasihinya dengan memberikan keringanan (yakni rukhsah) untuk tak solat berdiri tetapi duduk. 

22. Jika tak mampu, boleh mengiring. Jika tak mampu lagi, boleh berbaring. Jika tak mampu lagi, menggunakan mata. Atau jika tak mampu juga, pergi terjun lombong (baik, ayat terakhir itu sekadar gurauan ya).

Dalam setiap kesulitan, ada kemudahan. Yakinilah!

23. Terima kasih Ustaz Ismat. Banyak lagi kandungan praktikal beliau kongsikan sebenarnya. Moga Allah rahmati beliau dan ganjari dengan syurga milik-Nya, ameen ameen ameen. Rakan-rakan yang hadir, sila betulkan saya di mana yang tersilap. Terima kasih.

24. Dr Zain pula adalah sumber motivasi yang cukup besar terutamanya kepada pelajar perubatan (walaupun saya bukan lagi pelajar perubatan). 

25. Saya kagum pada sumbangan beliau terhadap masyarakat sebagai seorang doktor dan aktivis yang cukup aktif dalam isu Palestin dan Timur Tengah, namun yang paling saya kagumi adalah sumbangan dan kasih sayangnya terhadap Baitul Muslim (yakni keluarga) yang beliau bina dan ketuai.

26. Beliau dengan jelas menunjukkan contoh bagaimana keluarga memainkan peranan yang paling penting dalam membentuk generasi ulul albab yang kita impi-impikan selama ini. Masanya akan tiba untuk hari itu. Dan yang menentukannya adalah generasi muda kita pada hari ini.

27. Kita tak mungkin dapat lakukan tanpa peranan yang dimainkan oleh orang seperti Dr Zain.

Dr Zain: Dekan Melayu Muslim pertama di IMU Clinical School, Seremban

28. Saya juga sempat menyentuh tentang pergerakan Revolusi Feminisme yang cukup aktif dan berleluasa di negara Barat, dan juga saya yakini mempengaruhi rakyat negara kita sama ada melalui media, mahupun melalui orang-orang tertentu yang 'mengaji' di negara Barat kemudian membawa balik fahaman songsang ini.

29. Pejuang Revolusi Feminisme berjuang melenyapkan identiti gender, walaupun dalam masa yang sama menaikkan status wanita dan membenci kaum lelaki. Mereka ini percaya mereka tak perlukan lelaki dan lebih afdhal atau mulia menjadi seorang lesbian.

30. Lebih baik 'memberi khidmat seks' kepada lelaki dalam bentuk pelacuran kerana itu tandanya lelaki perlukan wanita untuk hidup (yakni lelaki yang gilakan seks) tetapi hubungan suami isteri melalui pernikahan adalah satu penghinaan kerana dalam hubungan pernikahan (marriage) lelaki dilihat sebagai raja dan pemanipulasi wanita. Mereka say no to marriage. Ternyata bobrok!

30. Lebih malang, pekerjaan suri rumah atau homemaker dianggap hina dina dan memalukan. Padahal wanita itu kemuliaan mereka letaknya pada peranan mereka sebagai ibu dan isteri. Lelaki yang bergelar suami pun lahir dari rahim seorang wanita bergelar ibu!

31. Kekuatan fizikal lelaki tak kan mampu melawan kekuatan emosi seorang ibu yang menanggung kesakitan melahirkan anak yang diibaratkan seperti 20 tulang diretakkan sekaligus dalam masa yang sama.

32. Bagaimana si wanita yang lemah fizikalnya boleh menahan dan menanggung kesakitan ini? 

33. Bila mereka menjerit bertarung nyawa mengeran dan berusaha keras menolak keluar kandungan rahim, perasaan itu berubah secara total, kepada senyuman dan kadang-kadang air mata kegembiraan, kerana tangisan seorang bayi yang baru lahir kedengaran di telinga mereka- satu anugerah yang paling agung ketika itu. Siapa mereka ini? Merekalah seorang ibu.

34. Dan tidak adalah seorang ibu melainkan dia itu seorang isteri.

35. Sebagai penutup, ingin juga saya sebut tentang peranan rumah sakit.

36. Menjadi tugas kita sebagai yang memberikan perkhidmatan rawatan kesihatan, mahupun sebagai pesakit, untuk menghayati akan mudah dan hikmahnya Islam.

37. Mereka yang sakit masuk hospital dan klinik bukan saja sakit fizikal tetapi juga emosi. Ustaz Ismat selalu tekankan akan peri pentingnya mengajak orang sakit untuk solat. Walaupun kadang-kadang orang ini sewaktu sihatnya pun dia tak solat!

38. Tapi adakah itu alasan untuk tak mengajaknya solat? Padahal itulah masa terbaik untuk 'merawat' hati dan rohnya yang sudah lama rindukan fitrah dan kasih sayang Allah SWT.

39. Semoga apabila pesakit ini sihat dan keluar daripada hospital, mereka juga sihat sebagai seorang yang mula menjaga solat.

40. Adakah peranan kita hanya melihat atau kita ada sesuatu yang perlu dibuat? Kepada doktor dan jururawat di luar sana, peranan 'kita' bukan hanya untuk memastikan bahawa bila mereka keluar, mereka sihat. Tetapi lebih baik lagi kita pastikan bila mereka keluar, mereka juga solat- itulah yang hebat dan membawa berkat. Ok dah habis, cut!! (Tuan Direktor yang jerit bukan saya)

Allahuaklam wassalamualaikum wbt.

-Terima kasih yang tak terhingga terutamanya kepada sahabat yang dimuliakan Sabiq dan Aqi serta rakan-rakan serumah yang lain yang menumpangkan patik di rumah kalian. Demikian juga yang sempat berjumpa dan gagah mengukirkan senyuman. Semua itu adalah hadiah yang berharga buat seorang pejuang yang pernah 'tumbang' di Wilayah Bukitul Jalil.

-Maaf kepada yang tak sempat saya temui. Perjalanan balik saya dari BJ ke Damansara panjangnya ibarat perjalanan musafir dari KL ke negeri utara. Sebab itu saya bergegas. Moga ketemu lagi!

Read more "Program Fiqh Perubatan di IMU"