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

Dealing with Debtors and Debt..

I am in dilemma when dealing with people who owe me a debt, have passed their commitment deadline, yet fail to pay up or communicate.
On one hand, I would love to seize the opportunity of good deeds, to extend their deadline, or even just let go and forgive the debt with the intention of charity, for Allah said
 
وَإِنْ كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ ۚ وَأَنْ تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ۖ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
“And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay,
but if you forgive the debt it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:280)

If Allah said it’s better for us – then we should dive for it!

.. But on the other hand, I also don’t want debtors to take this lightly and just assume “everything is OK”, only to land in another debt sooner or later. The matter of debt is SERIOUS stuff – even the martyr cannot enter Paradise if he is in debt! The Prophet said,

“وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلاً قُتِلَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ أُحْيِيَ ثُمَّ قُتِلَ ثُمَّ أُحْيِيَ ثُمَّ قُتِلَ وَعَلَيْهِ دَيْنٌ مَا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى يُقْضَى عَنْهُ دَيْنُهُ”
“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if a man were to be killed in the cause of Allah (and died as a martyr) then brought back to life, then killed (martyred),
but he owed a debt, he would not enter paradise until his debt was paid off” (Narrated in Sunan an-Nasa’I, graded sahih)

SubhanAllah.. Even two martyrdoms would not save one from being barred from Paradise, because of his debt. This is why it is better to exert one’s utmost effort to strive to resolve his/her own financial difficulties; and the shari’ah discourages people from asking of others, as the Prophet said,

“لأَنْ يَحْتَطِبَ أَحَدُكُمْ حُزْمَةً عَلَى ظَهْرِهِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ أَحَدًا، فَيُعْطِيَهُ أَوْ يَمْنَعَهُ ‏”
"No doubt, it is better for any one of you to cut a bundle of wood and carry it over his back  (to sell as firewood),
rather than to ask someone who may or may not give him." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Furthermore, neither do we want to encourage people in debt to take creditors for granted… “oh, I borrowed from a Muslim, so he should forgive me to give good deeds”.

This is a disrespectful attitude and shows our lack of concern for those who have acted upon kindness towards us by lending us, showing how we do not care of the possibility of them needing the money. The Prophet said:
‏ "‏ مَطْلُ الْغَنِيِّ ظُلْمٌ ‏"
“For a wealthy person to delay repaying debts, is a form of dzulm (oppression / injustice)” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)


Furthermore, as we have witnessed many times, the state of debt is also a time when a person is most prone to tell compulsive lies and argumentation just to get him out of a tight spot. This is exactly as the Prophet had said,

“إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ إِذَا غَرِمَ حَدَّثَ فَكَذَبَ وَوَعَدَ فَأَخْلَفَ”
“When a person is in debt, when he speaks, he lies, and when he makes a promise, he breaks it.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)


Rather we should have the integrity and professionalism to be paying off our debt in the most timely manner; and have the honesty and transparency to communicate with the creditor, if one is in dire financial circumstance. This is the true etiquette of a Muslim in debt for the Prophet said:
‏ "‏ إِنَّ خَيْرَكُمْ - أَوْ مِنْ خَيْرِكُمْ - أَحَاسِنُكُمْ قَضَاءً ‏"‏
“The best of you - or among the best of you - are those who pay off their debts in the best manner.” (Narrated by ibn Majah, graded sahih)

So to reconcile this, we want the reward of charity and helping our brother/sister in debt to us – without the expense of the debtor taking for granted, or for deliberately ignoring their debts, or to develop negative characteristics (i.e. lying) as a result of their debt. If they are honest and transparent, and are sincerely in difficulty, then that is our opportunity to alleviate their burden by extension or sadaqah.

The verdict
Let us give the benefit of doubt - perhaps the debtor(s) forgot. (WAllahi if they understood the severity of dying with debts, they shouldn’t forget, but what to do, we are human beings.. )

So, we remind them, and may Allah open up paths of goodness for us – as a debtor to pay off in the best of ways, or a creditor with the reward of sadaqah.

I Do Not Celebrate Birthdays

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"The BEST of people are those whose life is long, and deeds are good;
and the WORST of people are those whose life is long, and his deeds are bad"
(Narrated in At-Tirmidzi, graded hasan)

So I thank all of the well-wishers for your sincere intentions, but if you mean well for me, I request that instead, pray to Allah that, now that I am one year closer to meeting my Lord, supplicate to Him that I become amongst those who are amongst the first category mentioned by the Prophet.


Why not celebrate birthdays?

Alhamdulillah, as you can easily Google up, the celebration of birthdays originated from a Egyptian and Greek paganistic (i.e. polytheistic, idol-worshipping, mushrik) practices.

1) Pagans used to believe that a soul would be vunerable to 'evil spells' on birthdays, with 'guardian spirits', both good and evil, hover around to give predictions of the future. Thus the paganistic belief was that one should spread 'good wishes' to avoid enemies giving bad wishes thus causing evil omens.

2) The giving of birthday gifts is a custom associated with the offering of sacrifices to pagan gods on their birthdays.
Exchanging presents is conducted with the intent of the influence of “good and evil fairies” .

3) Beleiving that the fire of candles had magical properties, they offered prayers and made wishes to be carried to the gods on the flames of the candles. The Greeks celebrated the birthday of their moon goddess, Artemis, with cakes adorned with lighted candles.
Hence, the custom of making a wish and blowing out the candles.

Clearly, this isn't a cultural practice, it is of clear pagan beliefs contrary to the belief of monotheism. The Prophet said,
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ, فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
"Whoever imitates a people, is one of them." (Narrated by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, 4/314)

The recurring annual practice of birthday celebrations is in fact what is terminologically is classified as “Eid” (celebration which keeps ‘returning’/repeating) – and the Prophet has mentioned that all forms of “eid” have been cancelled except for two : Eid ul-Fitri and Eid al-Adha.

The Prophet came to Madinah and the people of Madinah had, in Jahiliyyah two days for play and amusment. So the Prophet said:
“I came to you and you had, in Jaahiliyyah two days for play and amusement.
Indeed Allaah has replaced them for you by that which is better than them: Eid ul Adha (The Dav of Slaughteung) and Eid ul Ftir (the day of fitrah/breaking of the fast).”
(Saheeh. Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i)

Now a person might claim “this is just a fun practice, and we don’t have any irreligious or paganistic intent”. To that, my stance is:

1) The very origin itself is of paganistic origin, regardless of the intent.
2) Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and the Prophet has granted us a superior identity by replacing these annually recurring celebrations. Who should we really imitate?
3) Really, rationally speaking, what ARE we actually celebrating? Being older? If we just want an excuse to get your family and friends together, just make one up adhoc. Why choose a pagan-originated celebration? 

May Allah make us amongst those who live long lives of righteousness and benefit to mankind.

May Allah Hasten the Recompense of the Oppressors and Those Who Are Oppressed

By their actions of providing support and ammunition to international terrorists, and deliberate media manipulation, America has revealed a typo in their claims of upholding "Truth, Justice and the American Way".

It is actually "Truth, Justice OR the American Way": Because there is no truth or justice here.

May Allah the All-Just hasten the recompense of the oppressors, and those who are oppressed. Let us spend 1 minute to make sincere supplications for the 1400+ innocent brothers and sisters who were unjustly murdered. This is the BARE MINIMUM we can contribute…

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُم وَارْحَمْهمُ وَاعْفُ عَنْهُم وَعَافِهِم
O Allah! forgive their sins, have mercy upon them. Pardon them and grant them safety.

وَأَكْرِمْ نُزُلَهُم وَوَسِّعْ مُدْخَلَهُم وَاغْسِلْهُم بِمَاءٍ وَثَلْجٍ وَبَرَدٍ وَنَقِّهِم مِنَ الْخَطَايَا كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ
Receive them with honour and make their graves spacious.
Cleanse their (souls) with water, snow and hail, and cleanse them from faults, as is a cleaned white garment is freed from impurity

 وَأَبْدِلْهُم دَارًا خَيْرًا مِنْ دَارِهِم وَأَهْلاً خَيْرًا مِنْ أَهْلِهمِ وَزَوْجًا خَيْرًا مِنْ زَوْجِهِم
Replace them with a home more excellent than their home (in this world), with a family better than their family, and with companionship better than their companionship (they received in this world).

وَأَدْخِلْهُم اَلْجَنَّةَ وَقِهمِ فِتْنَةَ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابَ النَّارِ
and grant them entrance to Paradise, and protect them from the trial of the grave and the torment of Hell.

Amin..
#FreePalestine #SupportGaza #GazaUnderAttack

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
"The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered.
Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: 'A meen! May it be for you, too'."
(Sahih Muslim)





Let us remind ourselves on the Verses of Surah Al-Burooj, about those in the past who were brutally murdered because of their faith

وَمَا نَقَمُوا مِنْهُمْ إِلَّا أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّـهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ ﴿٨
“And they (the disbelievers) did not have anything against them (who were unjustly killed), except that it is because they believed in Allah , the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy,

 الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ ﴿٩
Who, to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth!
And Allah is Witness over EVERYTHING.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَتَنُوا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَتُوبُوا فَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ الْحَرِيقِ ﴿١٠
Indeed, those who have tortured the believing men and believing women and then have not repented will have the punishment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the Burning Fire.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْكَبِيرُ ﴿١١
Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.

 إِنَّ بَطْشَ رَبِّكَ لَشَدِيدٌ ﴿١٢
Indeed, the vengeance of your Lord is severe.

إِنَّهُ هُوَ يُبْدِئُ وَيُعِيدُ ﴿١٣
Verily, He it is Who begins (punishment) and repeats (punishment in the Hereafter) (or originates the creation of everything, and then repeats it on the Day of Resurrection).

وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الْوَدُودُ ﴿١٤
And He is Oft-Forgiving, full of love (towards the pious believers)”
(Surah Al-Buruj 85:8-14)

Evasion Techniques - How to Avoid Shaking Hands with Non-Mahrams in Gatherings

Alhamdulillah, Eid and "Raya" season is the time where families and friends gather, and experience continuous exchange of warm greetings and awesome food.
But it is in this joyous and celebratory mood that many of us are constantly presented with series of complex social challenges: how to avoid shaking hands with non-mahrams of the opposite gender, without offending anyone.

So here we'd like to share some practical tips on evasion techniques whilst preventing and/or minimising any form of negative or "awkward" discussions on "why".
And no, having a big beard, big hijab or a big kopiah doesn't grant you immunity from being offered the hand. 
Trust me, we need technique, my friend.



"What's the big deal? It's just a handshake"

Seems many people don’t know this, so let's establish the rule right out the bat : touching/shaking hands with the opposite gender who is a non-mahram (including cousins, and aunties/uncles who are married to your direct auntiess/uncles [i.e. Those married to your parents' siblings]) : is Haram (prohibited). Absolutely.

Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said: 
“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him, than touching a woman who is not permissible for him (i.e. a Non-Mahram from the opposite gender)”
(Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, 486. Shaykh al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5045, that this hadeeth is saheeh)

Note: for the full list of who are considered "mahram" (those family members you can, and should, shake hands with), Refer to surah Nur (24), Verse 23. Everyone else is “Non-Mahram”.

This one hadith is sufficient to illustrate the severity of the act.
In the spirit of loving for others what we love for ourselves, here’s some practical tips, especially during the “meet and greet” stage.

*For ease of illustration, “BRO” refers to a person of the same gender, or a Mahram family member; so for ladies, this term refers to sisters.

PREVENTION:
1) Form a Team
You cannot work alone: You need a mahram partner of the opposite gender – the best partner would be your spouse : wife/husband. The key here is to ensure that the ‘partner’ or ‘team member’ engages with any potential targets, so the targets are distracted long enough from offering to shake your hand.
Besides the spouse, children are also a great asset. When that ‘cousin’ wants to shake your hand, get your child to ‘salam aunty’ quickly, and do something distracting – something cute, something funny. Buy enough time for you to find another BRO for you to shake.
Siblings as team mates can work, but are significantly less effective, since you are usually seen as equals and will be approached anyway.


2) Stick together, and be alert of TEAM situation - provide timely intervention and support

Walk in formation, at close proximity. When a man approaches the wife, you intervene. When a lady offers the hand to the husband, the wife intervenes. Allahu Akbar.. Gotta love teamwork.
“And help you one another towards righteousness and piety!” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:2)

3) Be proactive
Assess the situation upfront, identify the group – immediately shake hands with the nearest BRO. Engage him/her long enough, so you can proactively identify and shake hands with the next BRO. Ask about family, food, studies, business, weather, etc.
If you run out of BRO’s, immediately walk behind your TEAM.
Backup plan in awkward absence of BROs, or if TEAM outnumbered - stealth mode, avoid detection : reach out for your mobile phone, look busy with a slight frown on the face. Make calls in case of emergency.

4) Quickly eat or drink something
Get your hands wet or slightly sticky/stained with food. “Dirty hands”/’tangan kotor’ is a universally accepted excuse for not shaking, whilst maintaining respect. Diplomatic and clean.

5) Don’t stop smiling – even when turning down an offer
Having a cheerful appearance makes it clear that it’s nothing personal.
The Prophet said,
“Do not belittle or consider any act of goodness as being insignificant, even if it is (as simple as) meeting your brother with a cheerful face” (Narrated by Muslim)


Sometimes, the hand will still be offered, and you have to negotiate your way out of awkwardness. When this occurs, directly acquire TEAM assistance to shake hand on your behalf.

Of course, when all else fails, turn down the offer and wave.

EXPLAIN THE TRUTH - LATER:
Of course, this is the “end goal” we should strive for - After the “meet and greet” phase, try to find an opportunity to apologize and explain.
There’s a strong chance that people genuinely don’t know.


RATIONALE…?
Just keep it simple: We believe in Allah, and His Messenger instructed us not to do it – so much so that, if we knew how serious it was, we would rather have an iron needle hammered into our heads. Ever stepped on a staple and got it stuck on your foot? Hurts, man. Don’t want us to get hurt this Raya.

Hope that helps, brothers and sisters.

Selamat ber-open house, taqabbalAllahu minna wa minkum=)