TAQWA

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴿١٨٣﴾

  “Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, diwajibkan atas kamu berpuasa sebagaimana diwajibkan atas orang-orang sebelum kamu agar kamu bertakwa” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Umar bertanya kepada Ubay ibn Ka’ab “Apakah itu taqwa?”

Ubay ibn Ka’ab bertanya kembali kepada Umar, “Pernahkah kau berjalan atas satu jalan yang penuh dengan duri”; Umar menjawab “ya”.

Ubay bertanya kembali “Apakah yang kau lakukan?”

Umar menjawab, “aku akan jalan dengan berhati-hati”

Ubay berkata, “itulah Taqwa”.

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 bertaqwa” (Al-Imran 3:133)

فَاصْبِرْ ۖ إِنَّ الْعَاقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٤٩﴾

“Maka bersabarlah; sesungguhnya kesudahan yang baik adalah bagi orang-orang yang bertakwa.” (Surah Hud 11:49)

Puasa bukan setakat menahan diri daripada lapar dan dahaga; tetapi dengan sengaja menahan diri demi mencari keredhaan Allah.

Secara amnya, semua amalan membentuk taqwa. Antara hikmah mengapa Puasa (terutama pada bulan Ramadhan) meningkatkan tahap taqwa

• “Training” jihad - Menahan diri untuk Allah
• Kurang bergaul
• Lebih masa

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ۚ

“Wahai anak-anak Adam! Sesungguhnya Kami telah menurunkan kepada kamu (bahan-bahan untuk) pakaian menutup aurat kamu, dan pakaian perhiasan; dan pakaian yang berupa taqwa itulah yang sebaik-baiknya.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:26)

وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ ﴿١٩٧﴾

“Berbekallah, dan sesungguhnya sebaik-baik bekal adalah takwa dan bertakwalah kepada-Ku hai orang-orang yang berakal.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:197)

Prohibition of Alcohol – A Case Study

Interesting - in 1920, America constitutionally BANNED alcohol on a national scale - in a historical period called "The Prohibition".
As a result of a long fought campaign of some Organizations and Christian groups, who considered alcohol to be America's "National Curse" - the cause of crime, corruption, social problems, and health and hygiene issued across the country.

But this prohibition only lasted 13 years, with the country being in a state which many considered "worse than ever". What happened?

Prohibition resulted in a massive blow on national economy - thousands of jobs lost, entertainment sales and revenue lowered, tax revenue declined, and over $300 million++ expediture required to enforce prohibition.
Interestingly though, this 18th Constitutional Amendment, only banned the "manufacture, sale, distribution" of alcohol - but not the drinking.

So, desparate for alcohol, citizens started brewing their own alcohol at home - bootlegging. An unhealthy toxic process, this resulted in over 1,000 Americans dying every year because of tained liquor.
Due to the increasing 'desparate demand', crime rates greatly increased, paved the way for alcohol smuggling and black market, resulting in the rise of organized crime led by crime lords such as Al Capone.
The lucrative and profitable business eventually also led to rampant corruption amongst police force and government officials; court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking point.
Many drinkers eventually switched to opium, marijuana, cocaine, and other dangerous substances which were not as widespread prior to the Prohibition.

In 1932, Franklin Roosevelt ran for presidency with a promise to "End Prohibition" - naturally, he won. So in 1933, it was repealed, as the "National Curse" is once again released.

The "Prohibition" (1920 - 1933), dubbed the "noble experiment", was deemed as a massive failure in the books of history.

Now, contrast this to what happened during the prohibition of alcohol in Madinah.

Prior to the legislations, Arabs have always had a strong attachment to liquor. Since tribal pride was the most important trait of the period of Jahiyliyyah ("Ignorance" - the pre-islamic era), wine and liquor would be the primary 'showcase' of their generosity and tribal strength.

When the message of Islam first came, it didn't ban alcohol outright. In fact, it was done gradually, after the Hijrah to Madinah - 13 years after the First Revelation. And when it achieved ‘total prohibition’ in around 4th year hijrah, how did the Arabs react?
As dramatic as the Americans, perhaps?

Anas ibn Malik, the companion of the Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) narrated:
“I used to offer alcoholic drinks to the people at the residence of Abu Talha (i.e. my stepfather).
Then the order of prohibiting Alcoholic drinks was revealed:
“O you who believe! Khamr (intoxicants), gambling, and Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam are an abomination of Shaytan’s handiwork. So avoid them (strictly all) that in order that you may be successful”  (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90)

Then the Prophet ordered somebody to announce it.  Abu Talha said to me, "Go out and investigate what this voice (this announcement ) is."

I went out and (upon confirmation) said, "This is somebody announcing that alcoholic beverages have been prohibited."
Abu Talha said to me, "Go and spill it (i.e. the wine)," Then it (alcoholic drinks) was seen flowing through the streets of Medina.

Then they neither asked about it (alcoholic drinks) NOR RETURNED to it after the news from that man.”

(Narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith #141, #144)

The Prophet further clarified the ruling of Alcohol beverages as a whole – “Allah has cursed wine (and all alcoholic beverages and liquor) – the one who drinks it, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who purchases it, the one who produces it, the one for whom it is produced, the one who transports it, and the one to whom it is transported to.”
(Narrated in Sunan Abu Dawud, graded “sahih” by Al-Albani)

They never returned to it.
So let’s compare the two – what happened? What went wrong? What went right?

1. Acceptance.
When alcohol distribution/sale was banned in America, the people could not accept this new legislation – their hearts were too firmly attached to it and many were downright addicted to it, and none of them truly believed the harm or evil that they brought. Prohibition only pushed them to a corner to find illegal or desperate methods to fulfill their needs – crime, drugs, health issues rose on a national scale. 13 years and they couldn’t get it right.

In Madinah, when the legislation came from Allah to ban something which they love, they didn’t question anything – they knew that this was what the Creator deemed best for them. They weren’t biased to reject the ruling because of their desires, because of their ‘justifications’ or intellectual reasonings to bypass the ruling – “God knows best” was a life principle they truly lived by. Madinah never faced any issues of ‘black market’ gangsterisms or corrupt officials at all, nor did they face any health backlash from production of bootlegged alcohol – because the demand was completely severed altoghether. Society problem solved, in an instant.

Lessons learnt - it can’t be achieved if people haven’t attained the correct principles and faith, and recognizing the true value – the benefits and harms – of something. In fact, Aisyah, the wife of the Prophet narrated,
“If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,'
Instead, the first verses revealed were verses explaning matters of faith. When the people (truly) embraced Islam (and had faith firmly established in their hearts) – then the verses of legal and illegal matters were revealed”
(Narrated in Al-Bukhari)

When developing society, prioritize the issues of faith and principles - jumping straight into issues of legal and illegal might do more harm than good. A little education goes a long way. Address the cause, not the symptoms.


2. LoopholesIslamic legislation made it very clear that everything associated with the consumption and production of alcohol – even if it’s a matter of transporting or serving it – was completely prohibited. There was no room for loopholes or trickery.

When America legislated the prohibition, however, it only banned the "manufacture, sale, and distribution" of alcohol – but no worries, by law, you can still drink it.
So - what on Earth was the point of banning the manufacture, sale and distribution in the first place?!
Allahu Akbar - 13 centuries after Islamic legislation and the most ‘sophisticated nation in the world’ weren’t able to put their foot down on a comprehensive ruling?

How serious are we when it comes to protecting our people? If we recognize something is truly dangerous or harmful to individuals and society, we should be firm and not introduce potential room for manipulation and eventually defeat the purpose of the legislation in the first place.

The same unfortunately can be said about cigarettes in our country – despite 20 years of “haram” fatwa and constant reminder on health hazards to society – the only progress we had are pictures on the box (which are ignored), and higher taxes (which ironically benefits national tax revenue more than it acts as a deterrant for purchasing it. Seems we are not that serious…?

And Allah Knows Best.

People Can't Be Guided Overnight

Sometimes we might feel frustrated or demotivated when we see our advice and/or da’wah does not bear any fruit; or when people continue to be stubborn or refuse to listen despite our earnest efforts. Especially when it comes to family members.

Some words of advice from Shaykh Uthaymin (rahimahullah):
“Know for sure, that people will not become guided overnight, except for those whom Allah exempts from this general principle. It is the way of Allah that matters come to their completion gradually.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) remained in Makkah for 13 years, inviting the people to Islam, yet his da’wah still did not achieve complete success. The he went and lived in Al-Madinah, and in total, the Religion only became complete 23 years after the Prophet was sent.

Never delude yourself into thinking that people will change overnight. You must tread the path of da’wah with patience and imperturbable determination.

One who is harsh due to the zeal he has for the Religion might end up doing more harm than good. One must have wisdom, placing each matter in its due place, and giving importance to each matter according to its due weight.”
(“The Islamic Awakening”  - Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin)

As the Arabic proverb goes,” if you continue knocking, eventually the door will be opened”
... But if you stop knocking, you’ve knocked off your chances altogether!

Remember: your change didn’t happen overnight either.
“Every righteous person has a past, every sinner has a future”

Because once we give up, we go return into a continuous state of loss..

وَالْعَصْرِ ﴿١﴾ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ
“(I Swear) By the Time - 
Indeed, man is in a constant state of LOSS;
Except those who have iman, work righteous deeds,
And eagerly advise each other towards the TRUTH,
And eagerly advise each other towards patience.” (Qur’an surah Al-Asr)


فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ الْعَاقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
“.. So BE PATIENT. Surely, the (good) end is for the People of Taqwa (Muttaqun) – the ones with true righteousness and consciousness of Allah” (Qur’an surah Hud 11:49)

A Mothers' Day Message

Today is Mothers' Day. 

But in fact, yesterday was also Mothers' Day. In fact, so is tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow. And the day after the day after tomorrow. And next week. And next month. And next 4 months, etc. etc.

If we want to choose a special day to be extraordinarily nice and treat our mothers with the best of love and care, Alhamdulillah - all Praise and Thanks to Allah - we have 365 days in the solar calendar to choose from!

In fact, kindness, respect and love to parents is such a mandatory aspect of Islamic Shari'ah and such a beloved deed to Allah, to the extent that Allah Commanded it immediately after commanding that we worship Him Alone - and the Prophet Muhamad (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) described it as the most righteous and beloved deed to Allah, second only to prayer early on time.

So in reality, we need to utilize all 365 days.

Ayuhal Muslimun!

What to implement "Shari'ah"? Start here, by striving to be the best son/daughter – in the same way that our parents strove to be the best mother/father to us.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radhiAllahu anh) asked the Prophet Muhammad :

“Which Deed is most beloved to Allah?”

The Prophet said, “The Prayer (early) at its times”

“And then?”

“To be good and dutiful to your parents”

(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad said:

‏"‏ رغم أنف، ثم رغم أنف، ثم رغم أنف من أدرك أبويه عند الكبر، أحدهما أو كليهما، فلم يدخل الجنة‏"‏

"May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced!

May he be disgraced, whose parents, one or both, attain old age during his life time, and he does not enter Jannah (by being dutiful to them)".

(Narrated by Muslim)

A person came to the Prophet and asked, "Who among people is most deserving of my best treatment?"

He said, "Your mother".

He again asked, ''Who next?"

"Your mother", the Prophet replied again.

He asked, "Who next?"

He (the Prophet) said again, "Your mother."

He again asked, "Then who?" Thereupon he said, "Then your father."

(Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا ﴿٢٣﴾ وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُلْ رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.

And that you treat your parents with the best (of treatment).

If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them; but address them in terms of honour.

And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and (pray to Allah, and) say : "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small."

(Surah Isra’ 17:23-24)

We Create Our Own Barriers for Progress

Yesterday during our Street Dakwah we had a lovely conversation with 50-year old uncle Peter (not real name) from Cheras.

After quite a lengthy but very pleasant discussion, he eventually came to the point where he agreed that Islam is a beautiful religion and way of life, and he agrees to its teachings.

So we bit the bullet, took a leap and asked, “Uncle, we are so happy that you have such a positive view and agreement with islam. So what’s stopping you now from becoming Muslim? We really want you to join our family!”

He was surprised at the question, but maintained a calm and friendly face. Then he replied, “you see, Islam is a beautiful religion - if you want to follow, you must follow it properly. I don’t like it when people don’t do things seriously. But you see, I’m already 50 years old, no more a young man, I cannot learn so much stuff anymore, I don’t have enough knowledge or energy to do all those things as Muslim. And I cannot be a good Muslim if I don’t do it properly.”

It’s an honest answer, and we were glad to clarify to him - that God will not punish a person beyond what he can bear. As long as we try our honest and sincere best effort, even if it means only implementing a small fraction of what we know, then God is all-Merciful and all-Understanding, and He will Forgive us.

God tells us in the Qur’an never to despair at His Mercy!

We even narrated the story based on the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, that a person who murdered 99 men, who sought sincere repentance and was instructed to go to another town. But on the way to the town – without arriving there, without even performing the actual repentance – he died. Yet God forgave his sins, on account of his sincerity and effort.

We told him that, as soon as He testified that only God (Allah) Alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His messenger, immediately all his past sins were erased, and that he would be better than us in the sight of God.

He liked the message and he took it positively, but eventually he said he still could not do it, because he is worried for his family. He never speaks about religion to his wife or child, and he is worried that they would get upset, too difficult, etc.

He mentioned other things and politely turned down, but did not negate the possibility that he would join us in the future, and in fact is quite keen to meet us again.

We pray that may Allah grant Blessings to all our efforts and open his heart to the Light of Guidance.. ameen.

One profound lesson we learnt from this, which really applies to myself too, is this: We create our own barriers for progress.

Many a times, it’s not a matter of whether or not we recognize the truth : it’s just that we create excuses, reason our ways out, procrastinate, deliberately divert our attention away, or make up mental barriers to prevent ourselves from progress forward – especially when it comes to repentance and turning to God.

Yes, Muslim brother and sister, that includes me and you that always claim we are ‘not ready’ for (insert change here).

We need to have the mental strength to put aside our desires, bury our pride, and realize that our time in this world is short, and we only have one shot to make it to Paradise. Let’s not waste it.

In the same way we want Uncle to remove his barriers, let’s also play our part to remove ours : before our time runs out.

May Allah Guide us and keep us firm on the Straight Path. Ameen.

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ ۗ

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they (first) change what is in themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ فَمَنْ زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ ۗ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ ﴿١٨٥﴾

"Every soul will taste death,

and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.

So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained true success.

And the life of this world is nothing except the delusion of enjoyment."

(Surah Al-Imran 3:185)

Admitting Mistakes

Today, a boss made a serious mistake by accidentally tearing up our signed approval document during his "spring cleaning operation".
But what was remarkable was the way he approached the situation after the incident.

Any other typical boss, could have easily covered up this mistake behind the scenes.. One could "make up" some comments, instruct us to "make the amendments, resubmit, re-obtain approval", then bring it to him.

Not this guy.
This man, he looked me in the face, and said "Ok macam ni lah.. actually, I tore it up by mistake. I didn't realise this during my spring cleaning - I thought it was expired stuff. I'm so sorry la brother - need you to do a favor to get it signed again".

As if that wasn't enough, he called my boss on loudspeaker in front of me, openly admitted and apologised. "I admit it's my fault".

Amazing response!

Sometimes our pride and ego tells us that admitting our mistakes would make others lose respect of us, or that we will "lose credibility" , but in reality, it is much more respectable to have the guts and transparency to admit our faults, move on and improve.

To justify our errors, that's nothing - even Satan does that. But to swallow our ego, openly admit our faults, and take the firm resolve to improve - now that requires true strength of character.
The first step to fixing our faults is to first acknowledge that we have them in the first place - and this is the true essence of repentance (tawbah).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:
كُلُّ بَنِي آدَمَ خَطَّاءٌ وَخَيْرُ الْخَطَّائِينَ التَّوَّابُونَ
“Every son of Adam commits sins,
and the best of those who commit sins, are those who are repentant.’”
(Narrated by at-Tirmidhi and ibn Majah, authentic)

May Allah make us amongst those who have the strength to swallow our pride, admit our mistakes, and have the firm resolve to rectify and make amends, especially in our duties to Him.

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ ﴿٢٢٢﴾

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)

Responding to Invitations

I can't help but notice that, whenever invitations are sent to group mailing lists /WhatsApp group lists, usually, the only people who respond are those who cannot attend due to a "valid" excuse/strong justification.

In some rare cases, we receive positive response from those who are really determined to come. These are the awesome people... Props to them.

But most of the time, the vast majority who CAN come, will just remain silent and won't respond because
1) they are actually coming, but they take for granted the importance of communicating with the host / organiser - "no worries, I'll just come, doesn't matter if he knows or not, no big deal".
2) they are unsure, "need to check schedule first" - but "forget" to update organiser.
3) they actually don't want to come / not interested.
But they don't want to offend/ make organiser feel bad.
Or, they don't want to bother listening the organizers trying to convince them to come.

Lack of communication on our presence/absence will cause major inconveniences and difficulties to the organizers/hosts. 
Consequently, we have shortage/wastage in resources (especially extra wasted food), ineffective/unfulfilling sessions, or negative morale effect/disappointment to the group, especially to the hosts.

A reminder to myself and to you, let's make an effort to communicate our attendance and availability - be honest and transparent in our dealings.
But more importantly, remember the rights of our brothers and sisters - to fulfill and respond to their invitations.
There are consequences to our actions, so let's have the empathy to understand them.

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said :
"You do not have (complete) faith until you love for others what you love for yourselves" (Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari)

"Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim:
(1) When you meet him, offer him greetings (of salam)
(2) when he invites you (e.g to a feast, gathering) ACCEPT it.
(3) when he seeks your advice, advise him,
(4) and when he sneezes and says:" All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you) ;
(5) and when he fails ill, (go to) visit him; and
(6) when he dies follow his bier (the funeral procession)"
(narrated in Sahih Muslim)

MH370 - the Muslim's Response

Since the disappearance of MH 370, we have witnessed a tidal wave emergence of relentless critics towards the government, unempathetic journalists, rapid fire rumours and false reports, numerous chain emails and WhatsApp messages, overnight pseudo-aviation experts, public humiliation on a national scale (that involves a certain pair of bamboo sticks and coconuts), and at the same time, some positive responses in the form of encouragement and prayers.

Whatever our response may be – we should be clear what our intentions are – are we genuinely adding value, or are we just riding the storm and jumping the bandwagon to gain some popularity or ‘likes’?

By a single plane, Allah decreed this one event to Expose some of our society’s characteristics in dealing with these situations.

Here are some concise principles from the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhiwasallam) on how best Muslims should deal with situations such as these.

1)

وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَاليَومِ الآخِرِ ، فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْراً أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ

“.. and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, must speak (only that which is) good, or just remain silent” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2)

"مِنْ حُسْنِ إسْلَامِ الْمَرْءِ تَرْكُهُ مَا لَا يَعْنِيهِ"

“Part of the perfection of one’s Islam is to abandon everything that does not benefit him” (Narrated by Tirdmizi, graded hasan)

3)

"‏كفى بالمرء كذبًا أن يحدث بكل ما سمع‏"‏‏

"It is enough for a man to prove himself (to be) a liar when he goes on narrating everything he hears." (Narrated by Muslim).

4) Beware backbiting and tale-carrying

لَا يَدْخُلُ اَلْجَنَّةَ قَتَّاتٌ

“The distributor of false tales and backbiters will not enter Paradise!” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

‏"‏ أَتَدْرُونَ مَا الْغِيبَةُ ‏. ذِكْرُكَ أَخَاكَ بِمَا يَكْرَهُ ‏"

“Do you know what is backbiting?‏ Backbiting implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like.”

It was asked to the Prophet, “(what if it’s actually true) I actually find (that fault) in my brother which I made a mention of?” The Prophet replied:

‏"‏ إِنْ كَانَ فِيهِ مَا تَقُولُ فَقَدِ اغْتَبْتَهُ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ فِيهِ فَقَدْ بَهَتَّهُ ‏"‏

“If (that fault) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you have in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander (which is worse)”

(Muslim)

5) Making du’aa and prayers for the safety and well-being of those in the flight and their respective families

"‏دعوة المرء المسلم لأخيه بظهر الغيب مستجابة، عند رأسه ملك موكل كلما دعا لأخيه بخير قال الملك الموكل به‏:‏ آمين، ولك بمثل‏"

“The du’aa/doa (supplication) of a Muslim for his (Muslim) 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:

'Ameen! May it be for you, too'." (Narrated by Muslim)

6) Helping others in need – if you know the families of those involved.

مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنْيَا نَفَّسَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ يَسَّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ يَسَّرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ

“He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection,

and he who finds relief for one who is in difficulty, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter,

and he who conceals (the faults) of a (fellow) Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter.

Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother”

(Narrated by Muslim)

7) Do not call towards religious acts which are outside the boundaries of our religion’s teachings.

‏ "‏ مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلاً لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَدٌّ ‏"‏

“He who performans an act which is not in accordance to our command (i.e. the Qur’an or the sunnah of the Prophet), then it is rejected.” (Sahih Muslim)

May Allah alleviate the difficulties of those involved, and may He grant consolation and comfort to those under this tribulation – including the people investing genuine hard work to resolve the situation, and may He grant us the steadfastness to deal with this sutation in the manner which He is Pleased with.

Amin!