Busy busy busy - Not Good

The past few weeks of being “busy” at work have really taught me how damaging and dangerous a “busy” dunya life can be to our spirituality and our connection with Allah, and how Shaytan plays with your subconscious to drag you under.

You come back late and tired, and all you want to do is relax and crash, to gear yourself up for the next day. You make no provisional time for additional prayers, reciting Qur’an, seeking knowledge, doing da’wah, you compromise on a thing or two, you focus on the few “priority” tasks (family, prayers) to convince yourself that ‘at least you fulfil that’; and the ‘additional stuff’ just have to take a backseat, since “you’re too busy”.

You subconsciously get carried away, with Shaytan beautifying your deeds, and making you complacent as you justify to yourself that work is “ibadah” and hence you shake off the thoughts of guilt, fooling yourself that things will be OK “tomorrow”.

And before you know it, you’re descending a slippery slope that gets gradually harder to come back up.

SubhanAllah! May Allah save us from these pitfalls and may He grant us the iman to resist completency and ignorance, we seek refuge in Him against laziness and forging excuses, and not to be distracted from the “big picture” of our purpose in Life – to prepare the moment we will meet Him.

And may He protect us from making our investment of this dunya overlook or neglect our investment of the Hereafter, and in a meaningful existence of seeking His Pleasure.

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا ۖ وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِنَ اللَّـهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ ۚ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ 

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion, and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children –
like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the farmers; then it (eventually) dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris (and worthless in your eye).
And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His Good Pleasure (for the believers).
And this world is nothing, except a deceiving enjoyment.

سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ أُعِدَّتْ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّـهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّـهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ 

(So) Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah),
and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth,
prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers.
That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He Pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:20-21)

Sometimes, One Deed Makes All the Difference

It’s a brutal reality that in annual performance appraisals, sometimes because of ONE DEED – one small mistake, one misstep, one failure to communicate, and immediately an entire year of hardwork goes down the drain and you failed to meet expectations.

And at the same time – albeit more seldom – there are cases where a single work achievement is so significantly impactful, adds so much value: that people acknowledge it so much to the point that a person will be given super performance ratings, and will virtually overlook all the previous deeds of mediocre performance.

Likewise, in our life, sometimes we may be do deeds – which we don’t realize its significance – but will have a huge impact in the ending in the Hereafter.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

‏ "‏ إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ لَيَتَكَلَّمُ بِالْكَلِمَةِ مِنْ رِضْوَانِ اللَّهِ لاَ يُلْقِي لَهَا بَالاً، يَرْفَعُ اللَّهُ بِهَا دَرَجَاتٍ، وَإِنَّ الْعَبْدَ لَيَتَكَلَّمُ بِالْكَلِمَةِ مِنْ سَخَطِ اللَّهِ لاَ يُلْقِي لَهَا بَالاً يَهْوِي بِهَا فِي جَهَنَّمَ ‏"

“A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah, without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (in Paradise):

(yet also,) a slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah, without thinking of its seriousness, and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-Fire." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Unlike annual performance appraisals, however, when it comes to the ‘spoiler deeds’, there is a major difference:

For annual appraisals, that’s it: what’s done is done - That black spot has left a mark in the eyes of the bosses, the bad result is cast in stone, and redemption is beyond hope.

But for the sinner in the sight of Allah, no matter how evil a state a person is in, the doors of repentance are always open – if only we take the step to sincerely turn to Him. And if we do, all bad records are wiped away clean.

And just like the case of annual performance appraisals, there are some good deeds that can propel us in the highest ranks in Paradise. Perhaps we may do ONE good deed which we consider insignificant – a small deed which may even seem trivial to some. But because of the sincerity we have, the determination, the faith – perhaps that one *small* deed may be the one that tilts the scales of deeds completely and earns us in the highest ranks in Paradise.

After all, the Prophet narrated to us a story of a man who earned the forgiveness of Allah, simply out of the sincere deed and effort of helping a dog in thirst. What matters is the quality of our deeds – not the quantity.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

"‏ بَيْنَا رَجُلٌ بِطَرِيقٍ، اشْتَدَّ عَلَيْهِ الْعَطَشُ فَوَجَدَ بِئْرًا فَنَزَلَ فِيهَا فَشَرِبَ، ثُمَّ خَرَجَ، فَإِذَا كَلْبٌ يَلْهَثُ يَأْكُلُ الثَّرَى مِنَ الْعَطَشِ، فَقَالَ الرَّجُلُ لَقَدْ بَلَغَ هَذَا الْكَلْبَ مِنَ الْعَطَشِ مِثْلُ الَّذِي كَانَ بَلَغَ مِنِّي، فَنَزَلَ الْبِئْرَ، فَمَلأَ خُفَّهُ مَاءً، فَسَقَى الْكَلْبَ، فَشَكَرَ اللَّهُ لَهُ، فَغَفَرَ لَهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّ لَنَا فِي الْبَهَائِمِ لأَجْرًا فَقَالَ ‏"‏ فِي كُلِّ ذَاتِ كَبِدٍ رَطْبَةٍ أَجْرٌ ‏"‏‏

"‏A man felt very thirsty while he was travelling, when he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out.

Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, "This dog is suffering from thirst as I did."

So, he went down the well again and filled his shoe with water and watered it.

Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him (of his sins).

The people said, "O Allah's Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?"

He replied: "Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being)."

(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

The Best Kind of Employees, the Best kind of Character

After years of going through performance appraisals, it becomes more and more apparent that the most valuble human resource assets, the best of people: aren’t necessarily the smartest, most intelligent or even the most experienced.

Because you do have brilliant, intelligent and experienced individuals who are arrogant, uncooperative, condescending, self-centered, refuse to teach and/or do not add value. At the same time, you have bright and young individuals who, while relatively less competent, obtain much greater achievements than others more senior or more experienced, demonstrating significant mileage to those years. Sometimes, those who excel at their jobs are the ones who got relatively lower scores in uni. And the ones with great attitude – the more their experience, the better they get.

Clearly the most important characteristic in human beings in all jobs everywhere: is attitude – those who are proactive, willing to learn, constantly challenging themselves to succeed, love teaching and coaching others, persistent and disciplined in achieving their goals, those who admit mistakes for continuous progression, etc. – they produce quality work and add value to their surroundings.

Ironically, these traits of great attitude are not taught in university or in default school syllabuses, these are not things which most parents don’t tell their children to develop, and in fact, most of the time, not the main things which are sought after during HR Recruitment either – the emphasis is on scores, exams and certificates.

Our focus in developing people – especially the youth – should be attitude, sincerity and good character.

The same holds true for adherents of religion – the best of people who create the best quality deeds, aren’t necessarily the ones with the most knowledge, or the most experienced ones. Sometimes those with knowledge and experience are guilty of arrogance and poor character.

The ones with the best of good deeds are the ones who are driven with sincerity, with the best attitude and best character: which pretty much sums the meaning of good “akhlaq”. And that is why the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

‏"‏ إِنَّ مِنْ أَحَبِّكُمْ إِلَىَّ وَأَقْرَبِكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَحَاسِنَكُمْ أَخْلاَقًا وَإِنَّ أَبْغَضَكُمْ إِلَىَّ وَأَبْعَدَكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ الثَّرْثَارُونَ وَالْمُتَشَدِّقُونَ وَالْمُتَفَيْهِقُونَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَدْ عَلِمْنَا الثَّرْثَارُونَ وَالْمُتَشَدِّقُونَ فَمَا الْمُتَفَيْهِقُونَ قَالَ ‏"‏ الْمُتَكَبِّرُونَ ‏"‏

"The most beloved to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those of you who have the best akhlaq (character/attitude).

And the most hateful to me and the furthest from me on the Day of Resurrection will be the prattlers (those who talk foolishly), boasters and the arrogant ones”

(Narrated by at-Tirmidzi, graded hasan)

And just like “work experience”, it is only those with good character who will produce quality good deeds, and it is only these kind of people of whom long life (i.e. “experience”) will be a continuous blessing for them. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“The best of people is he whose life is long, and his deeds are good;

While the worst of people is he whose life is long and his deeds are evil” (Narrated by At-Tirmidzi, graded hasan)

It’s easy to see how the matter of good akhlaq isn’t just a matter of achieving success in this world – at our office, in our studies, etc – it is also the means of success Hereafter. Let us not forget the holistic objective that God sent Messengers to humankind; the Prophet said:

“Verily, I have only been sent to perfect good akhlaq” (Narrated in Muwata imam Malik)

So let’s put in the serious effort to improve our akhlaq, and work towards planting the seeds of good akhlaq in the future leaders – our youth.

May Allah make us amongst those with the best of Akhlaq, and those who live a long life of righteousness. Amin

Hati-hati – Skim Penipuan “Bertuah”

Baru-baru ini, saya bersama isteri dihampiri dengan skim penipuan yang agak handal, di Giant@Permyjaya (Miri). Ingin saya berkongsi agar dapat memberi amaran dan nasihat untuk para sahabat agar tidak tertipu dengan skim yang dirancang dengan sangat teliti ini, kerana skim ini susah untuk ‘ditangkap’.

Sebaik sahaja kami habis membeli belah di Giant, selepas keluar juruwang, kami didatangi oleh dua orang berbangsa Cina, memberi satu kupon kepada saya dan mengkhabarkan tahniah atas mendapat “Free Gift”, dan menyuruh kami untuk menuntut “Free Gift” tersebut di gerai mereka di perkarangan luar Giant. Berulangkali mereka mengesyorkan saya “tidak perlu beli apa-apa”.

Pemerhatian #1 - kupon “Free Gift” ini dalam keadaan renyuk, seolah-olah sudah banyak kali digunakan. Hairan – kalau free gift ni untuk saya, apahal recycle kupon-kupon free gift yang lepas?

OK, takpe, sik hal, jom kita layan cerita dia – apa dia nak kasi. Barang free, aku ok saja. Setelah sampai di gerai mereka, berulang kali mereka menerangkan “tak perlu beli apa-apa” mereka berkata mereka adalah satu syarikat yang baru ‘akan buka kedai di mall ini pada Bulan satu akan datang’, jadi mereka membuat promosi di perkarangan luar Giant buat sementara waktu.

Pemerhatian #2 – ternyata, mereka ini adalah jurujual, tetapi mereka tidak pernah menyebut nama syarikat.

Mereka terus mengeluarkan katalog jualan dan menerangkan produk-produk mereka – sistem penapis air, pencuci vakum, perkakas dapur – kesemuanya harga RM 3,000 ke atas. Sebelum mereka panjang bercerita, saya terus mencelah, “Eh, kejap. Tadi kata nak bagi free gift – mana?”

Pemerhatian #3 – semua barang mahal-mahal. Tapi sebab kita nak cepat, nak free gift, nak balik, kita pun tak sedar untuk persoalkan harga dahsyat barangan ini.


Mereka mengeluarkan dua kupon untuk saya, dan menyuruh saya koyakkan baucer tersebut untuk mengetahui ‘hadiah misteri’ dalam baucer; semua pelanggan akan dapat hadiah secara ‘rawak’. Dia menunjukkan Free Gift yang ditawarkan – jumlah 6 jenis hadiah : baucer diskaun RM50, RM100, ‘free gift’ kuali dan diskaun RM100, etc.
“Ah, koyak lah”.
Sebaik sahaja saya koyakkan baucer kedua, keluar satu baucer yang –jeng jeng jeng – TIADA dalam katalog tersebut – ada gambar pencuci vakum, set pinggan mangkuk, dan “RM100 off”: WOW - free gift yang hebat!
Jurujual berbangsa Cina ini tiba-tiba muka keliru. Dia kata, “wah, ini baucer saya tidak pernah Nampak wo”. Dia bertanya kepada rakan-rakan jurujual dia yang lain, “eh, kalau baucer ini macam, macam mana?” Kesemua jurujual muka terpinga-pinga. Hairan. Wow, bertuahnya.
Jurujual itu kata, selalunya free gift dapat setakat kuali, mangkuk, etc – tapi dapat dua free gift vakum dan set pinggan mangkuk – tak pernah dia lihat, macam ada lain macam. Dia suruh saya tunggu sekejap, dia nak telefon “boss” dia untuk sahkan adakah tawaran ni betul ke tak? Macam “too good to be true” bah.
Dia terus tanya saya “eh, you pernah dapat offer ni kah? You ada kenal saya kah?” Saya pun kata “tidak”
 
Pemerhatian #4 – Mereka buat you rasa sangat bertuah kerana dapat sesuatu yang ‘ajaib’ dan ‘tidak pernah di dengari’.

Jurujual tadi menelefon boss dia dan menerangkan “situasi ajaib” ini. Brader ni kata kepada boss dia “saya tidak tahu wo, saya tidak kenal ini orang – first time jumpa”, dia terus kata kepada saya “You takde kenal sama saya kan?”. Masih dengan muka keliru, dia menyerahkan telefon bimbit dia kepada saya, dan berkata “boss saya mau cakap dengan you”.
Saya pun ambil telefon dia, tengok nama di telefon dia adalah “Mira” – oh okay, Melayu. Cik Mira ni tanya saya macam-macam soalan untuk mengesahkan yang saya ni bukan ‘orang dalam’, dan saya tidak kenal staff dia.
Pemerhatian #5 – Kenapa skeptikal sangat? Nak buat saya rasa bersalah? Jurujual Cina berumur 40-an bekerja dengan boss Perempuan Melayu? Hmm.

Dia menyuruh saya membaca nombor siri dalam baucer “free gift” tadi. Selepas membacanya, dia terdiam sebentar, seolah-olah menyemak rekod. Kemudian dia berkata “ok, cik – cik sebenarnya dapat cabutan yang sangat bertuah – sempena ulang tahun syarikat kami, kami menawarkan lima belas (15) keping baucer di seluruh Malaysia, macam yang encik dapat tadi – dan encik adalah orang kelapan untuk mendapat baucer ini. Jadi cik berhak mendapat dua free gift – satu set pinggan mangkuk dan pencuci vakum air jenama EWAY GERMANY dan FUJISON. Boleh tolong pass telefon kepada staff saya?”

Pemerhatian #6 – kakitangan tidak diberitahu tentang promosi besar ulang tahun syarikat? Boss pula suara suara seakan-akan hairan? Kenapa hairan kalau ada lima belas?
Pemerhatian #7 – teruskan lagi buat you rasa best, masih tidak menyebut nama syarikat. Dalam baucer, dalam kupon, dalam katalog – kesemuanya tidak nyatakan nama syarikat.
Staff tersebut bercakap-cakap atas telefon bimbitnya, masih dalam nada terkejut, dia berkata kepada boss dia, “wah betul ah? Saya bagi dia ah, nanti jangan potong gaji saya ah”.

Kemudian dia berkata kepada saya, “OK boss, ini macam, jadi maksud baucer ini, encik dapat dua free gift ni – vakum cleaner air bernilai RM 3,000, dan set cookware ini bernilai RM3,000, serta potongan RM100 untuk salah satu produk barangan kami”.
Pendek cerita, rupa-rupanya, kena beli barangan dia, dapat “diskaun RM100” baru dapat barangan-barangan percuma ini.
Ternyata, barang-barang dalam katalog mereka kesemuanya berharga RM 3,000 ke atas. Dia cuba meyakinkan saya, dengan membeli barangan ini dengan harta RM 3,000++, saya akan dapat dua barangan percuma bernilai lebih daripada RM 6,000.
Pemerhatian #8 – lihat mainan psikologi di sini : barangkali kita terlalu dibutakan dengan free gift tadi, sehingga kita tidak perasan harga mahal – RM3,000 untuk microwave, RM 3,000 untuk penapis air? RM3,000 untuk vakum cleaner?
Sebelum dapat berfikir panjang, mereka terus mengeluarkan ‘free gift’ yang dijanjikan tadi – depan mata kita. Sedia untuk diangkut ke dalam kereta.

Pemerhatian #9 – itulah satu-satunya stok yang ada di gerai tersebut – jenama E-WAY GERMANY dan FUJISON seperti yang dinyatakan. Mungkin boleh terlintas di fikiran - “bertuah saya”. Tapi ternyata, kotak yang mengandungi barang tersebut kelihatan agak lama, bukan seperti produk baru. 

Mereka kata tawaran free gift hanya sah kalau urusniaga diselesaikan sekarang juga; tak boleh datang kemudian… ‘memaksa’ kita untuk membuat keputusan pada waktu tersebut.
Pemerhatian #10 – tak bagi kita masa berfikir. “Take the free gift offer or leave it”, mungkin di fikiran kita.
Dia menyuruh saya memberikan butiran peribadi, termasuk alamat rumah, agar mereka dapat “menghantar technician untuk datang kalau-kalau perlu baiki peralatan jika rosak – ada warranty 3 tahun”.
Pemerhatian #10 – wah, sungguh-sungguh nak repair barang rosak. “Terasa Best”. 

Pada ketika ini, ternyata ada dua kemungkinan –

1) saya SANGAT bertuah

2) ini adalah satu skim penipuan yang dilakonkan dengan hebat : mereka sebenarnya menjual barang-barang murah, tetapi menipu nilai barangan mereka – skim yang sangat-sangat teliti dirancang, dan dilaksanakan dengan sangat pintar, siap dengan baucer-baucer palsu yang lengkap dengan nombor siri, siap dengan kakitangan siap sedia atas talian.


Saya menolak tawaran mereka dan pulang untuk selidik dengan lebih teliti tentang isu ini.


Ternyata, selepas selidik online, apabila search di google “eway Germany fujison”, eureka! Pelbagai blog peribadi yang menceritakan kes penipuan yang sama!
Memang ramai orang sudah tertipu dengan skim ini, menggunakan modus operandi yang sama: skrip yang sama (e.g. “wah, saya tidak pernah tahu ada baucer sebegini”, “ada tawaran istimewa”), lakonan yang sama hebat, promosi yang hebat: semua pelanggan bertuah belaka.

Mangsa-mangsa yang ditipu dan membeli produk mereka kesemuanya memberi aduan tentang produk kualiti rendah dan cepat rosak, dan langsung tidak seperti yang dikhabarkan.

Con artist ini, mereka sentiasa menukar-nukar nama syarikat dan beroperasi di tempat lain-lain bawah nama syarikat lain. Sebab itu tidak dipromosikan nama syarikat : mereka akan guna kupon/skim sama, berubah-ubah nama di tempat lain-lain.


The Art of Elaborate Deception

Apa yang membuat skim ini lebih bahaya daripada skim penipuan yang lain :

1. Dari segi undang-undang, mereka berani untuk berniaga secara terang-terangan di kompleks membeli belah, kerana mereka tidak melakukan ‘jenayah’ di sisi undang-undang – mereka hanya membuat sedikit lakonan dan meletakkan harga mahal pada barangan murah, dan membuat kita terasa seolah—olah membayar dengan sedikit untuk dapatkan barangan-barangan mahal.
Kalau kita terbeli, maka itu adalah persetujuan harga antara penjual dan pembeli – urusniaga yang sah di sisi undang-undang. Kalau dilaporkan kepada Polis, tidak ada bukti yang boleh menunjukkan mereka menipu. (Atau ada…? Mohon komen/cadangan bagaimana dapat kita basmikan masalah ini!)

2. Hebat teknik-teknik psikologi mereka untuk menjerat pelanggan – konsisten memberikan gambaran pelanggan sangat bertuah dan membuat mereka rasa bertuah; sedangkan sebenarnya ia adalah lakonan semata-mata dari saat pertama.

3. Mereka meminta alamat rumah untuk servis barangan mereka – sebenarnya mereka ingin rekod di mana tempat tinggal kita – kalau tak bayar, mcm mana? Along?

4. Bila ditawarkan dengan barangan percuma (e.g. pencuci vakum “Eway Germany”, set Cookware “Fujison”), kita selalu cuai dan tidak peduli untuk memeriksa sppesifikasi produk tersebut percuma kan, ambik saja lah? Sedangkan barangan tersebut mungkin nilai sangat murah /tidak berkualiti, dan harga RM3,000++ yang akan kita bayar tu jauh lebih mahal daripada harga pasaran sebenar.

Mohon disebarkan kepada sahabat-sahabat dan keluarga, agar kita dilindungi daripada segala bentuk penipuan sebegini.

Kalau ada bertemu dengan orang Islam yang terlibat dalam skim ini yang tergamak menipu orang yang lain, walaupun anda seorang non-Muslim, silalah sound dan nasihat mereka – bertaqwa lah kepada Allah. Jangan guna 'loophole' undang-undang untuk menzalimi harta orang lain, janganlah sia-siakan pahala sendiri, rosak keputusan di Akhirat.

Tiada barakah dalam rezeki yang diambil daripada penipuan. Semoga Allah membalas dengan setimpal, dan membantu mereka yang terjerat dalam skim ini, dan melindungi kita daripada segala bentul penipuan.
Amin.

Causes which most people enter Paradise, and causes which most people enter Hellfire

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)  was asked, what are the deeds are the greatest cause for people to enter Paradise. He said,
“تَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَحُسْنُ الْخُلُقِ”
“Taqwa (consciousness/fear/love) of Allah and good character”

He was then asked, which deeds are the greatest cause for people to enter into Hellfire. He answered,
“الْفَمُ وَالْفَرْجُ”
“The mouth and the private parts”
(Narrated by At-Tirmidzi, graded sahih)

A beautiful narration to emphasize the importance of good character. Sometimes we get so caught up in the rituals that we forget “the big picture” - that the whole objective of the ritual deeds are in fact to perfect good character.
The true product of Taqwa (righteousness, from consciousness/fear/love of Allah) is made visible through good character.

And if you contrast this to the greatest cause of people to enter Hell – their mouths – through their foul speech, backbiting, gossiping, swearing, making fun of, insulting and scorning upon others – it’s easy to just have a ‘slip of the tongue’ and absorb ourselves in these conversations - in our water cooler talks, in our political discussions, in our whatsapp conversations... la hawla wala quwata illa billah.

The Messenger mentioned “private parts”; this doesn’t just cover the act of zina (adultery/fornication) itself, it covers all the deeds people do as a result of their desires. People do the ugliest and the worst of things when they act upon their desires – what they see, what they download, what they search, what they say to others of the opposite gender, what elaborate schemes they have : sometimes destroying families and consuming their morality.
Allah created all human beings with desire, and it is from our taqwa and the strength of character that we suppress it and only channel to the ways in which is Halal and Pleasing to Allah.

May Allah make us amongst those with taqwa and of good character, and may He protect us from the evil we commit from our tongue, and from our desires. Amin.

DzulHijjah 2014

Alhamdulillah, for us in Malaysia*, tomorrow (26th September 2014) is the 1st of DzulHijjah, the beginning of the “Ten best days of the year”.    

The Prophet, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)  said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days (i.e. first ten days of DzulHijjah).” They asked: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?”
He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him, (sacrifices everything) and does not come back with anything.”
(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

* For us @ Malaysia, 1st Dzulhijjah falls tomorrow (26th September) whereas for Saudi, their 1st of Dzulhijjah was today (25th September) - our calendar dating are not the same as the Saudi dates, due to the difference in local sightings/declarations at different locations across the planet.

I will share what I believe the more correct fiqh in accordance to the Qur’an and Sunnah - we take the local declaration; based on the following

1) Locality
The principle behind commencement of new months – including that of DzulHijjah, can be taken from the hadith regarding decision of commencing and ending Ramadhan.

The Prophet said, “(Begin) Fast upon sighting it (the new moon); and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon, i.e. upon shawwal) – but if the sky is cloudy for you, then estimate/calculate it” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Daud)
The hadith is also consistent with the meaning of surah al-Baqarah, verse 185 – “So whoever of you sights, he must observe the fasts that month..”

These evidences make it clear that our calender timings depend on the local observation(s) and does not bind the ummah to a specific governing location, regardless of the event(s) that take place (e.g. Day of Arafah).

2) Authority
We have governing religious authorities entrusted with this task of making a uniform decision for the nation – so this becomes binding for us, as Allah commands us to “Obey Allah, and Obey the Messenger – and those in authority over you..” (Surah An-Nisa 4:59)

3) Consistency
We trust and take their opinion when it comes to declaring Ramadhan and Shawwal, so we shouldn’t have a double standard when it comes to the decision on dzul-Hijjah / day of Arafah.

Furthermore, if we insist on fasting on the day of Arafah (the 9th Dzulhijjah) in accordance to the Saudi timing (which is still the 8th here) – then what do we do the next day (which is supposed to be Eid in Makkah)? We don’t fast because it’s Eidul Adha, but we don’t perform Eid prayers? Or do we pray Eid by ourselves – cause confusion and difference among the people, indirectly splitting ourselves apart?

Or do we wait, and pray with the rest of the Malaysians on the local 10th? If yes, then doesn’t this expose an inconsistency/double standard – that we only follow local timing when we want to?

Again, this is my understanding and fiqh; I am no scholar or authority, and I am not binding anyone with this sharing, only to clarify to make our intentions clear for the sake of Allah. We respect the views of others and we return to the standards (Qur’an and the Sunnah) when we differ.

May Allah grant us the understanding, and a blessed Dzulhijjah =)

Science, and Sciences of Hadith

Sciences and Science of Hadith

It's interesting that in Science and Engineering, when you read scientific journals - they report and document everything : including failures or non-discoveries. The expectation is that other researchers/acedemicians will pick up their work and refine it further, building upon established findings, advancements in knowledge (at time of new discovery).

Some branches of knowledge eventually reach maturity and yield conclusive results, and have a general consensus of its correctness, but there are many areas that continue remain as 'unknowns' or characterized by inaccurate 'correlations' until today, despite hundreds of years of research.

The beauty of this is one can draw parallels with the development of the Sciences of Hadith (narrations related to the statements and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam),

This explains why some books of past scholars will include Inauthentic, Weak (Dha'eef) and Fabricated (Maudhu) hadith - including books we have today such as Tafsir ibn Kathir, Sunan Abu Dawud, Musnad Ahmad, etc.

Just like scientific journals won't be understood by common laymen outside of the field, likewise the same for some books of the hadith.

Some books are written by scholars, for other scholars - retaining them in hopes that other future scholars will then research on individual narrations to 'filter' out which ones are authentic and which ones are not, in a process called "tahqeeq" (Verification).

It is not because they want people to act upon inauthentic ahadith, but more updated knowledge in the future (e.g. more detailed biography of narrators, other chains of narration with similar content to strengthen) might shed further insight to the potential authentic nature in the future.

While we have a wealth of knowledge on what is definitely authentic (Sahih), and what is definitely fabricated/false, those which hadith scholars generally agree upon, there are still also a huge number of narrations which have yet to be fully checked, in the same way that many scientific discoveries have yet to discover the answers.

It is a job of a Hadith Scholar to refine this 'raw information' and filter it out to be beneficial for use by the common layman; in the same way that a Scientist would interpret all the raw data and discovery to be eventually utilized into something that can be produced for practical use and benefit to society or industries.

So as laymen we should be careful about sharing hadith narrations and not just "copy paste" unless we are sure they are authentic (e.g. scholars generally agree that all hadith by Al-Bukhari and Muslim are authentic), or we ensure that an established Hadith scholar authority has verified it to be authentic (e.g. Al-Albani, ibn Hajr, At-Tirmidzi)

Its interesting to note that while the practice of Scientific journals predates back to the 17th century in England and France, the Sciences of Hadith and its publications of narrations and biographies predates back all the way to the 8th century, since the time of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The oldest published narrations that are still in existence today are those written from Hammam ibn Munabbih (written in the 8th century).

The foundations of science established 9 centuries before the first scientific journal.. Allahu Akbar.

May Allah make us amongst those who benefit from this wealth of established knowledge of the hadith of the Prophet, and may He make us amongst those steadfast in living our lives in accordance to how He is Pleased with. Amin.

قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّـهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّـهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ 






Say (O Muhammad, to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Imran 3:31)

A Lesson from Sardines - The Importance of Unity

Allahu Akbar… in observing the marine biology of sardine fish, Allah teaches us a valuable lesson on the importance of unity as a Jemaah (group/congregation).
Sardines by themselves are rather helpless fish, with no real defence mechanisms against their predators – no claws, thorns, sharp tooth, poison secretion, skin change ability, or even swift evasive swim skills. In fact, they are so delicate they cannot live in waters exceeding 20 degrees C.

Their only defense is sticking together in huge, million-sized shoals/schools, and to cleverly take advantage of their shiny scales to reflect off the sunlight. When predators come in,sardine shoals move swiftly in formation with such coordinated and organized evasive manoeuvres, that the massive movement and random lights simply confuse the sharks, as they swim around their prey, ironically unable to get a single bite to eat despite being surrounded in the massive buffet.

The equally interesting lesson in teamwork is how these shoals of sardines eventually get caught and victimized. Where Sharks are more aggressive and stronger, they are also more individualistic and lack in teamwork.
Dolphins, on the other hand, are equipped with radar-like sonar emission abilities, and have the brilliant skills team up among themselves to round up their Sardine prey, isolating the shoals of sardines to small, “hunt-able” sizes, so their confusing defensive manoeuvres become less effective, going for the kill.

When dolphins start the hunt, other predators, including sharks, whales, and the sea-diving gannets, jump the bandwagon to benefit from their great organizational skills to join the frenzy. And when the predators get together, they ignore each other – all focusing on the great sardine feast, gobbling them up by the thousands, as millions get eaten up within a span of minutes.

And amazingly, at the end of the day, despite the great feeding frenzy, more than half of the sardines survive, mostly the ones who are able to stick to the large group.

And subhanAllah what an amazing lesson to reflect on here. In this ocean of life, filled with constant trials and tribulations, of things that distract us from our destination and purpose in life – of God and the Hereafter – it’s easy to get ‘picked out’ by the “predators” and fall prey to temptation and the fleeting delights of this worldly Life, the beautification of this dunya.

But if we stick to our congregation, and help each other – towards righteousness and piety - to stay focused and survive these trials, our chances are survival are much, much increased – even if, like the sardines, we are weak and virtually defenceless (i.e. even if we lack in knowledge).
And just like the dolphins, there are disbelieving folk out there who are better equipped, and very intelligent in strategically disuniting our ummah; and other predators who will jump the bandwagon when they have the chance to attack.

But if we stick close to the main group and play our role help each other out, the predators don’t stand a chance, no matter how well equipped or large their numbers may be.
May Allah unite us as a Jemaah and amongst those who help each other to al-Birr and at-Taqwa.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:
فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالْجَمَاعَةِ فَإِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُ الذِّئْبُ الْقَاصِيَةَ
“So upon you is (to stick to the) Jemaah* (congregation) – for the wolf eats up a lone sheep that stays far from the flock”
(Narrated by Abu Daud, An-Nasa’i, graded sahih)

*one of the subnarrators of the hadith said, “the congregation here means the congregational prayer (solah in jamaah)”
وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّـهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ
“And hold on fast, all of you, to the Rope of Allah, and do not be divided amongst yourselves!” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 103)

Rights of Muslims upon other Muslims

We hear this hadith all the time and take it for granted, but is such an important guideline on the community way of life, on the social interaction between Muslims - the Rights of a Muslim upon another Muslim - many of which we fail to implement today. And because of our failure to comply, it comes to no surprise why we lack the unity and love in the ummah today.

Fulfilling these rights really does have a touching positive impact on our brothers and sisters, and if we truly lived by them, for sure we would see a positive change in the ummah for the better, insha Allah.

It is amazing that the second one testifies and pronounces "لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله" (There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah), he immediately has rights upon others who testifies the same.

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:
"Six are the rights of a Muslim upon another fellow Muslim.
1) When you meet him, offer him greetings (of salam, and that you respond in return)
2) When he invites you, you respond to him (i.e. obligatory to attend if you are able to, but at least inform him if you are not)
3) When he seeks your advice, you advise and counsel him
4) When he sneezes and says "Alhamdulillah" (all Praises to Allah), you pray for Allah to grant Mercy upon him ("يرحمك الله" - may Allah have mercy upon you)
5) When he falls sick, you visit him
6) When he dies, you follow (participate) his funeral procession"
(Narrated in Sahih Muslim)

In another narration, it is mentioned "..and he should love for him what he loves for himself" (Sunan ibn Majah, sahih)

But how can we talk about rights if we don't fulfill our responsibilities?

Let us all play our part, for Allah will not change the state of the People until we change what is first in ourselves (Surah ar-Ra’d 13:11)...

May Allah strengthen our hearts to implement these simple acts of kindness, and may He strengthen the Unity and Jamaah of our ummah.
Amin.

Bersegera dan Berlumba-Lumba Menuju Kebaikan

سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ أُعِدَّتْ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّـهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّـهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ ﴿٢١﴾

“Berlumba-lumbalah kamu (mengerjakan amal-amal yang baik) untuk mendapat keampunan dari Tuhan kamu, dan mendapat Syurga yang bidangnya seluas segala langit dan bumi,

yang disediakan bagi orang-orang yang beriman kepada Allah dan Rasul-rasulNya; yang demikian ialah limpah kurnia Allah, diberikanNya kepada sesiapa yang dikehendakiNya; dan Allah sememangnya mempunyai limpah kurnia yang besar.”

(Surah Al-Hadid : ayat 21)

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿١٣٣﴾

“Dan bersegeralah kamu kepada ampunan dari Tuhanmu dan kepada surga yang luasnya seluas langit dan bumi

yang disediakan untuk orang-orang yang bertakwa,” (Surah Al-Imran : Ayat 133)

Apa BEZA antara kedua-dua ayat ini?

·         …

·         …

·         …

·         …

Siapakah orang-orang bertaqwa?

الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٣٤﴾ وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا اللَّـهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا اللَّـهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُوا وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ ﴿١٣٥﴾ أُولَٰئِكَ جَزَاؤُهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَجَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ وَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ ﴿١٣٦﴾

Iaitu :

(1) mereka yang berbelanja (demi Jalan Allah) pada waktu senang dan susah, dan

(2) orang-orang yang menahan kemarahannya, dan

(3) orang-orang yang memaafkan kesalahan orang. Dan (ingatlah), Allah mengasihi orang-orang yang berbuat perkara-perkara yang baik;

(4) Dan juga orang-orang yang apabila melakukan perbuatan keji, atau menganiaya diri sendiri, mereka segera ingat kepada Allah lalu memohon ampun akan dosa mereka - dan sememangnya tidak ada yang mengampunkan dosa-dosa melainkan Allah – dan mereka juga tidak meneruskan perbuatan keji yang mereka telah lakukan itu, sedang mereka mengetahui (akan salahnya dan akibatnya).

Orang-orang yang demikian sifatnya, balasannya ialah keampunan dari Tuhan mereka, dan Syurga-syurga yang mengalir di bawahnya beberapa sungai, mereka kekal di dalamnya; dan yang demikian itulah sebaik-baik balasan (bagi) orang-orang yang beramal.

(Surah Al-Imran : 134 – 136)

Siapakah orang bertaqwa / orang beriman? à Allah tidak mengkhabarkan definasi, Allah mengkhabarkan ……

Siapakah Orang-orang yang bertaqwa

1) Mereka yang Berbelanja (di Jalan Allah) pada waktu senang dan susah

"Ada tujuh golongan yang Allah melindungi mereka dalam lindungan-NYA (naungan-Nya) pada hari kiamat, di hari ketika tiada perlindungan selain perlindungan-NYA;

… serta seseorang yang bersedekah secara sembunyi-sembunyi, sehingga tangan kirinya tidak tahu menahu terhadap amalan tangan kanannya." (Riwayat Al-Bukhari)

Belanja apa?

Aspek “TAQWA” dalam berbelanja  - ……

2) Mereka yang Menahan Marah

 “Kazim” bukan bermaksud tahan

Rasulullah () bersabda:

"‏ لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ ‏"

“Orang yang kuat itu bukanlah seseorang yang bergusti/tinju; orang yang kuat itu adalah seseorang yang menahan dirinya ketika ia sedang marah” (Riwayat Al-Bukhari)

Seseorang lelaki telah datang kepada Rasulullah dan memintanya, “أَوْصِنِي” (nasihatilah aku!)

Jawab Rasulullah, “ لاَ تَغْضَبْ” (janganlah marah) – lelaki itu bertanya lagi, dan Nabi menjawab sama, dan mengulanginya sekali lagi (Riwayat Al-Bukhari)

Soalan – adakah Shari’ah melarang orang untuk berasa marah?

Aspek “TAQWA” Dalam menahan marah?

إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا ﴿٣٦﴾

“.. Sesungguhnya pendengaran dan penglihatan serta hati (…..), semua anggota-anggota itu tetap akan disoal tentang apa yang dilakukannya.” (Surah al-Isra’ : Ayat 36)

Allah lebih berhak untuk marah!

“‏ "‏ لَيْسَ أَحَدٌ ـ أَوْ لَيْسَ شَىْءٌ ـ أَصْبَرَ عَلَى أَذًى سَمِعَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ، إِنَّهُمْ لَيَدْعُونَ لَهُ وَلَدًا، وَإِنَّهُ لَيُعَافِيهِمْ وَيَرْزُقُهُمْ ‏""

“Tidak ada siapa pun - atau tidak ada sesuatu pun - yang lebih bersabar atas gangguan yang ia dengar melebihi Allah, Sesungguhnya mereka menganggap Dia punya anak namun Dia memberi mereka kesihatan (tubuh badan) dan (tetap pula) memberi mereka rezeki."” (Riwayat Al-Bukhari)

3) Yang Memaafkan Kesalahan Orang.

...وَإِنْ كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ ﴿٩١﴾ قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ ۖ يَغْفِرُ اللَّـهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ ﴿٩٢﴾

“.. dan sesungguhnya kami adalah orang-orang yang bersalah!”

Kemudian, ………. berkata “Kamu tidak akan disalahkan (tentang perbuatan kamu yang telah terlanjur itu) pada hari ini, semoga Allah mengampunkan dosa kamu, dan Dia lah jua Yang Maha Mengasihani daripada segala yang lain yang mengasihani.” (Surah …….., ayat 92)

Siapakah yang mengatakan ayat di atas?

Siapa lagi yang menyebut ayat yang sama dalam memaafkan kaumnya?

وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُولُو الْفَضْلِ مِنكُمْ وَالسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُوا أُولِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“Dan janganlah orang-orang yang berharta serta lapang hidupnya dari kalangan kamu, bersumpah tidak mahu lagi memberi bantuan kepada kaum kerabat dan orang-orang miskin serta orang-orang yang berhijrah pada jalan Allah; dan (sebaliknya) hendaklah mereka memaafkan serta melupakan kesalahan orang-orang itu; tidakkah kamu suka supaya Allah mengampunkan dosa kamu? Dan (ingatlah) Allah Maha Pengampun lagi Maha Mengasihani.” (Surah An-Nur 24:22)

Abu Bakr berkata, “وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لأُحِبُّ أَنْ يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لِي”

“ya, aku mahukan Allah untuk mengampunkan dosaku”

Kita inginkan Allah untuk mengampunkan semua dosa yang kita lakukan – tetapi kita tidak bersedia untuk memaafkan orang lain?

Vs. seseorang yang dizalimi – berhak mendapat pahala daripada orang yang menzaliminya. Adakah lebih baik maafkan? Atau “reserve” Peluang untuk dapat pahalanya?

4) Segera Ingat Allah Apabila Melakukan Dosa

“Ketahuilah! Dalam peringatan kepada Allah, hati menjadi tenang” (Surah ar-Ra’d 13:28)

·         Seorang Mukmin à apabila diingatkan kepada Allah

·         Seorang muttaq (yang bertaqwa) à

"‏ كُلُّ ابْنِ آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ ‏"‏

“Setiap (seorang daripada) Bani Adam melakukan dosa – tetapi sebaik-baik mereka yang melakukan dosa adalah mereka yang sentiasa bertaubat (tawabun)”

Beza antara Iblis dan Adam

Kesimpulan

Beza antara “sabiq” (berlumba-lumbah) dan “sari’” (bergegaslah); beza di antara “muttaq” dan “Mukmin” (seorang yang bertaqwa dan seorang yang beriman)  à ________________!!!

Abu Bakr dan Umar

tawakkal kepada ganjaran lumayan Allah

"Umar ibn Al-Khattab meriwayatkan – “"kami diarahkan daripada Rasulullah untuk bersedeqah, dan pada ketika itu aku mempunyai harta. Jadi aku terfikir,

" الْيَوْمَ أَسْبِقُ أَبَا بَكْرٍ إِنْ سَبَقْتُهُ يَوْمًا "

"Hari ini, aku akan mengalahkan Abu Bakr, kalau lah ada hari yang aku dapat mengalahkannya".

Jadi aku mengeluarkan separuh daripada hartaku untuk bersedeqah, dan Rasulullah bertanya kepadaku "Apakah yang telah kamu tinggal untuk keluargamu?", dan aku mejawab "Sebanyak itu juga".

Abu Bakr telah membawa hartanya, dan Rasulullah bertanya "wahai Abu Bakr! Apakah yang telah kau tinggal untuk keluargamu?"

Abu Bakr menjawab "Aku meninggalkan untuk mereka Allah dan Rasul-Nya (sahaja)". Lantas, aku berkata,

"وَاللَّهِ لاَ أَسْبِقُهُ إِلَى شَيْءٍ أَبَدًا "

"WAllahi, aku tidak akan berjaya mengalahkannya dalam sesuatu benda  pun"

(Riwayat At-Tirmidzi, "hasan")

Siapa yang berlumba?

Rasulullah bertanya – Siapakah di antara kamu yang berpuasa hari ini? Siapa antara kamu turut serta dalam pengurusan jenazah (pengebumian) hari ini? Siapa antara kamu yang telah menyediakan makanan kepada orang Miskin hari ini? Siapa antara kamu yang ada melawat orang yang sakit pada hari ini?

Rujuk Hadith² @ Kitab RS : Contoh-contoh mereka yang bergegas/berlumba ke kebaikan.

SOALAN : MENGAPA KITA TIDAK BERLUMBA-LUMBA / BERGEGAS KE ARAH KEBAIKAN?

·         Taqwa?

·         Iman

o    Tawakkal, yakin kepada janji Allah

o    Iman terhadap Allah yang Maha Kaya

o    Sabar dalam menanti ganjaran Allah

o    Lupakan tanggungjawab dan akauntabiliti pada Hari Kiamat

o    “Hanyut” dengan arus majoriti

o    Salah “standard”

Rebut peluang vs. WUJUDKAN peluang

“‏ مَنْ سَنَّ سُنَّةً حَسَنَةً فَعُمِلَ بِهَا كَانَ لَهُ أَجْرُهَا وَمِثْلُ أَجْرِ مَنْ عَمِلَ بِهَا لاَ يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أُجُورِهِمْ شَيْئًا”

“Barangsiapa yang memulakan satu Sunnah yang baik, maka baginya balasan pahala bagi setiap yang bertindak di atasnya tanpa mengurangkan sedikit pun daripada pahala yang memulakan” (ibn Majah, sahih)

Tanyakan SIKAP kita terhadap amalan kebajikan

• Mengajak ‘makan free’ vs. mengajak ke masjid/majlis ilmu, etc
• “Health-conscious” message vs. “Iman-conscious” message
• Punctual kerja vs. Punctual solat
• Takut “miss flight” vs. Takut “miss jemaah”
• Usaha kejar bonus vs. Usaha melipat kali gandakan pahala (solat berjemaah)
• Semangat “Grand Sale” / “PC Fair” vs Semangat “Solat berjemaah”
• Rush nak iPhone baru vs. Rush nak beribadah
• Awal pergi concert / awal untuk product launch vs awal pergi solat Jumaat
• Kesungguhan untuk membaikkan diri di kerja vs. membaikkan diri sebagai seorang Mukmin
• Rugi tak pergi kursus/blood check percuma vs. Rugi tak pergi majlis ilmu percuma
• Cuba jaga hati orang vs. Cuba jaga hati keluarga vs. Cuba jaga hubungan dengan Allah
• Bersiap sedia untuk interview kerja vs. Bersiap sedia untuk soal di Kubur / soal di Hari Kiamat
• Boikot produk yg “support Israel” vs. Boikot produk “haram”
• Belajar “degree” vs. Belajar “basic dalam Islam”
• Kesanggupan bayar “consultancy fee” vs Kesanggupan perbelanjaan infaq/ilmu

Symptoms only : address the Cause! I.T (iman / taqwa)

Semoga Allah menjadikan kita antara golongan yang bertaqwa, yang sentiasa bergegas dan mengajak lain untuk berlumba-lumba untuk kebaikan