Traps Of Satan, And Protection From It!!

Traps Of Satan, And Protection From It

مكائد الشيطان والوقاية منها

Summary

1) Callers to Jannah (Paradise), and callers to Hell.

2) Iblees (Satan) is the leader of those who call people to Hell.

3) Iblees beatifies unchaste behavior.

4) Mentioning some of Iblees' ability to misguide people.

5) Iblees has no power against true believers.

6) How to protect ourselves from Iblees.

7) The gradual method of Iblees to misguide and delude people.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessing be upon His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), his family and his companions.

Dear Muslims! Fear Allah in public and private, seek for the pleasure of the Last Day and do not follow the path of the mischief-makers. Know that every thing has its beginning and end. Be also aware that you are now in the abode of trails and that your final destination is either Paradise of Hell.

The Almighty Allah, has made Islam the only way that leads to Paradise and He says, "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." (Aal-'Imraan: 85).

Allah ordains under the shade of Islam, good deeds than can save man from destruction and protect him from evils. He, the Almighty, created inhabitants for Paradise who will do righteous deeds, and those who call unto it such as the Prophets (peace and blessing of Allah be upon them) and their followers. They are those that Allah has favoured, given the highest ranks and made them successful in the race towards good deeds. Allah says, "And whosoever obey Allah and His Messenger, then they will being in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqoon (those followers of the Prophets, who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Aboo Bakr As-Siddeeq) the martyrs and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are! Such is the Bounty from Allah and Allah is Sufficient as All-Knower." (An-Nisaa: 69-70).

Their conduct is excellent, their private is clean and their deeds are pure. Their reward then was happiness in this world and the next, crowned with everlasting dwelling in Paradise.

Equally, Allah Created inhabitants for the Hell-Fire and destined that they shall not do but deeds that will lead them there. Allah explains the way that leads to Hell and warns against treading that path. He says, "And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, for him is the Hell-Fire, he shall dwell therein forever." (Al-Jinn: 23).

Further, this abode in which Allah created different kinds of everlasting torment has those who call unto it. Allah says, "And we made them leader inviting to the Fire; and to the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped. And We make a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among those who are prevented from receiving Allah's Mercy or any good; despised or destroyed." (Al-Qasas: 41-42).

Brothers in Eemaan! Callers to Hell encourage man to disobey Allah and call him to commit destructive sins. The most wicked and vicious one in this respect evil is Satan, the accursed. Allah has put people to test by him that He might know the obedient and disobedient ones among His slaves and give the reward or punishment accordingly. He says, "And indeed Satan did prove his thought about them; and they followed him all except a group of true believers. And he (Satan) had no authority over them, except that We might test him who believes in the hereafter from him who is in doubt about it and your Lord is Watchful over everything." (Saba': 20-21).

This extremely malicious creature who calls to every abominable act has been given only a limited power which he can never exceed. Also, Allah has given the true believer a weapon by which he can drive away his evil. He gave Satan an ability to cause devilish insinuations in human mind, so that man may think of committing sin, then have the intention to commit it and finally commit of that sin. Allah also gave him an ability to present a sin to man in a favourable light. Allah says, "And Satan made fair-seeming to them, that which they used to do." (Al-An'aam: 43).

However, Allah did not give Satan an ability to create the love of something in man's mind, for that exclusively belongs to Allah. He says: "And know that there is the Messenger of Allah among you. If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble. But Allah has endeared the faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger) hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided." (Al-Hujuraat: 7).

Also, Allah gave this vicious Satan an ability to instigate the disbelievers to commit sins as He gave him ability to drive man into rage and cause him to have devilish thoughts. Allah says, "See you not that We have sent the devils against the disbelievers to push them to do evil." (Mariam: 83).

All these devilish tricks of Satan that Allah informed us about are but weak tricks that get weakened and eliminated by Eemaan and seeking the protection of Allah. He says, "Ever feeble indeed is the plan of Satan." (An-Nisaa': 76).

Allah also says of him, "Verily! He has no power over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord (Allah). His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan) and those who join partner with Him (Allah)" (An-Nahl: 99-100).

He indeed has no power over the believers who put their trust in Allah. This enemy, whom we believe in his existence, whose impacts we feel and the result of whose evil deeds we know has laid in wait for men in ways that lead to good deeds in order to prevent them from doing it. Allah says, "(Satan) said: Because you have sent me astray, surely. I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from their front and rear, their right and left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones." (Al-A'raaf: 16-17).

Brothers in faith! We cannot prevent the evils of Satan, or render his plans ineffective or escape from his traps except by seeking Allah's protection. Allah says, "And whoever holds firm to Allah (i.e. follows Allah's religion and obeys all that Allah has ordered practically), then He is indeed guided to the right path." (Aal-'Imraan: 101).

Brothers in Islam! Allah has explained to us that this avowed enemy leads man to sin and destructive acts and then abandon him. He has made Shirk (associating partners to Allah in acts of worship) fair seeming to the peoples of Noah, 'Aad, Thamood; made sodomy fair seeming to the people of Prophet Loot and made different kinds of sins fair-seeming to many others, but when the repercussions of their evil deeds came upon them, he disowned and abandoned them.

Allah says, "(Their allies deceived them) like Satan, when he says to man: 'Disbelieve in Allah!' But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Satan says: 'I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of all the worlds'. So the end of both will be that, they will be in the Fire abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the wrong-doers" (Al-Hashr: 16-17).

As for the Day of the Resurrection, Satan will stand on a mountain of fire and deliver a speech to his followers as Allah informs: "Verily, Allah promised you a truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you and you responded to me. So blame me not but blame yourselves. I cannot help you nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me as a partner with Allah( by obeying me in the life of the world).' Verily, there is a painful torment to the wrong-doers." (Ibraheem: 22).

After this speech, nothing more will be heard except sighing in a high and low tone, regret, crying and wailing. Then Allah will say: "Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me." (Al-Mu'minoon: 108).

Dear brothers! Evil of Satan can also be averted by seeking refuge with Allah from him. Allah says, "And if an evil whisper from Satan tries to turn you away (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Fussilat: 36).

In the Hadeeth, it is reported that two men abused each other in the presence of the Messenger of Allah and the face of one of them turned red (out of severe rage). The Messenger of Allah said: 'I know a word that if this man says it, his anger will go away. It is, 'A'oodhu Billaahi Minash-Shaytaanir-Rajeem." (I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed".

One can also prevent the evil plan of Satan by observing the prayers in congregation. Allah says, "Verily, As-Salaah (prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha (i.e. great sins and every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed)" (Al-Ankaboot: 45).

The Prophet also said: "whoever observes Fajr prayer in congregation shall remain under Allah's protection until evening, so, do not let Allah found you wanting in fulfilling His rights upon you".

Evils of Satan can also be prevented by reading Aayatul-Kursiy (Qur'an 2:255), Sooratul-Ikhlaas (Chapter 112) Al-Mu'awwidhatayn (Chapters 113 and 114) and Sooratul-Ghaafir (Chapter 40) at the end of each prayer. One should also be reciting the Qur'aan frequently, for, the more he recites; the more he protects himself from Satan.

Likewise is paying Zakaat, making voluntary charity and spending in the good cause. The Prophet said: "Charity erases sins as water blows out fire." When a Muslim is cleansed of all his sins, he is then saves from a great evil.

One can also drive away evil plans of Satan by constantly remembering Allah by saying "SubhaanAllah" (glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillaah" (praise be to Allah) "Allahu Akbar" ( Allah is the Greatest) "Laa Ilaaha Illa Allah" (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah) etc. The Prophet e said: "Whoever says, "La Ilaaha Illa Allah Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahoo, Lahul-Mulk, Walahul-Hamdu Wa Huwa Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer," ( meaning: There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is One without any partner. To Him belongs sovereignty and praise and He has power over all things) hundred times a day, that will be enough for him as a protection from Satan for the whole day. it is also as if he has freed a slave and one hundred good deeds will be recorded for him."

Making Jihaad in the way of Allah, attending gatherings of knowledge and where good deeds are done, keeping away from gatherings of play which Satan attends and in which he causes enmity, hatred and misery also protect from the evil plans of Satan.

Further, foremost of the things that protect one from the devilish plans of Satan is Tawheed (belief in Islamic monotheism), putting one's trust in Allah and being sincere in worshipping Him. Allah says, "Certainly, you (Satan) shall have no authority over My slaves except those who follow you and those who go astray (the criminals, polytheisms and evil-doers)." (Al-Hijr: 42).

Therefore, dear Muslims, beware of Satan's footsteps and evil plans. Allah says, "O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam and follow not the footsteps of Satan. Verily, he is to you a plain enemy. Then if you slide back after the clear signs have come to you, then know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Al-Baqarah: 208-209).

Brothers in faith! Fear Allah as He should be feared and know that Satan calls man to all evil things and prevents him from doing any good deed. The first thing that Satan calls to is disbelief in Allah. If one responds to him, he has surrendered his affairs to him; Satan will then lead him to all evil and destructive things in this world and the Hereafter. But if man does not respond to him when he invites him to disbelief, he calls him to Bid'ah (innovations in matters of religion), for a person who indulges in Bid'ah does not generally repent from it, because he regards that as part of his religion, and this gladdens Satan. If Satan is unable to make him indulge in Bid'ah, he invites him to committing major sins, then to minor ones. If he does not succeed in doing that, he distracts him from doing recommendable deeds with indulgence in lawful things and engages him with matters that are of no concern to him.

Satan by his nature, searches man's mind and looks for his preferences in order to approach him through that and make him commit sins through what he has inclinations to. Allah says, "O mankind! Verily! The promise of Allah is true. So let not this present life deceive you and let not the chief deceiver [Satan] deceive you about Allah. Surely, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his followers that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire." (Faatir: 6-7).

Furthermore, Satan is pleased by sins that man regards as insignificant, therefore beware of him. The Prophet said: "Satan has lost hope that people would worship him in the Arabian Peninsula, but he is pleased to sow discard among you."

PR12 - Pesanan kpd pejuang-pejuang Islam!

Soalan : Tentang Hukum Merokok

Oleh Dr Danial Zainal Abidin

SOALAN:

Apakah hukum merokok? Ramai ustaz mengatakan hukumnya adalah makruh. Betulkah pendapat ini?

AMEER

JAWAPAN:

Merokok tidak membantu seseorang mencapai kecemerlangan diri kerana ianya amat memudaratkan bagi kesihatan manusia. Berhubung dengan ini Nabi telah bersabda, “Tidak diizinkan melakukan sesuatu yang memudaratkan dan tidak boleh membalas dengan kemudaratan.” (Malik, Al-Hakim, Baihaqi dan Ibnu Majah)

Di dalam riwayat yang lain, Ummu Salamah telah berkata, “Rasulullah melarang dari mengambil setiap bahan yang memabukkan (muskir) dan yang melemahkan badan (muftir).” (Ahmad dan Abu Daud)

Rokok mengandungi 4,000 bahan-bahan kimia yang toksik dan 37 daripadanya telah dikenal pasti sebagai bahan penyebab kanser, antaranya ialah, aseton (bahan untuk menanggalkan pengilat kuku), asid asetik (cuka), ammonia (bahan pencuci tandas), arsenik (racun), butana (cecair alat pemetik api), kadmium (bateri), karbon monoksida (asap dari ekzos kereta), DDT / dieldrin (alat pembunuh pepijat), etanol (arak), formaldehid (bahan pengawet katak mati), hexamine (alat pemetik api untuk majlis jamuan), hidrogen sianida (racun), naftalena (ubat gegat), nikotin (bahan pembunuh serangga), asid stearik (lilin) dan toluena (bahan pelarut di industri).

Rokok juga mengandungi sejenis dadah berbahaya. Ia bernama nikotin. BBC News bertarikh 8 Februari, 2000 melaporkan, pakar-pakar perubatan dari Royal College of Physicians UK (RCP) meminta agar pengawasan dan tindakan yang lebih tegas diambil untuk mengawal ketagihan merokok. Mereka mengatakan, nikotin yang terdapat di dalam rokok sebenarnya adalah sejenis dadah berbahaya yang setanding dengan dadah heroin dan kokain. Apabila seseorang menghisap rokok, dadah nikotin menyerap masuk ke dalam darahnya dan mempengaruhi otak di dalam masa hanya 7 saat dan apabila amalan ini berterusan, ketagihan menguasai dirinya.

Kini terdapat lebih daripada 1.2 bilion orang perokok di seluruh dunia. Separuh daripada mereka dijangka akan meninggal dunia sebelum waktu yang sepatutnya akibat menghidap pelbagai penyakit yang berpunca daripada rokok. Mengikut laporan Berita Harian Online bertarikh 3 Jun 1997, pada pertengahan abad ke-20, rokok membunuh lebih 60 juta manusia di negara maju saja. Satu kajian oleh pakar ekonomi Bank Dunia menganggarkan bahawa penggunaan tembakau menyebabkan kerugian global sebanyak AS $200 bilion (RM 500 bilion) setahun.

Sehubungan dengan ini, Surgeon General Amerika yang merupakan autoriti tertinggi berhubung dengan polisi-polisi kesihatan di Amerika, telah mengeluarkan sebuah laporan berhubung dengan bahaya merokok pada tahun 1964. Di dalamnya dimuatkan rumusan berhubung rokok dan bahayanya berdasarkan lebih kurang 7000 kajian yang telah dilakukan sebelum itu. Antara perkara yang dijelaskan ialah, penyakit-penyakit yang disebabkan oleh rokok seperti sakit jantung dan barah paru-paru, telah menjadi punca 400,000 kematian di kalangan golongan dewasa di Amerika setiap tahun. Sejak laporan Surgeon General Amerika itu dikeluarkan, dianggarkan 10 juta orang telah meninggal dunia disebabkan penyakit yang berpunca dari amalan merokok. Antara penyakit itu (di samping barah paru-paru dan penyakit jantung) ialah, radang saluran pernafasan (chronic bronchitis), kanser secara umum (kanser mulut, kerongkong, esofagus dan peti suara), di samping kesan ke atas kandungan serta bayi dalam kandungan, seperti kelahiran tidak cukup bulan, risiko keguguran dan bayi mati sebelum atau selepas dilahirkan.

Pada tahun 2004 Surgeon General Amerika mengeluarkan satu lagi laporan berkaitan dengan rokok, iaitu 2004 Surgeon General's Report—The Health Consequences of Smoking. Ia menunjukkan hampir kesemua organ dalam badan manusia menerima padah kesan daripada merokok. Penyakit-penyakit yang dikenal pasti berpunca daripada tabiat merokok telah bertambah berbanding yang sebelumnya. Antara penyakit yang baru itu ialah aneurisme aorta bahagian abdomen (aneurisme ialah bengkak atau gelembung pada pembuluh darah arteri), penyakit selaput mata atau katarak, barah serviks, barah buah pinggang, barah pankreas, barah perut, radang paru-paru (pneumonia) dan radang tisu serta struktur yang mengelilingi gigi (periodontitis).

Pada tahun 2006 pula, satu lagi laporan dikeluarkan oleh Surgeon General Amerika, iaitu The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. Ia memfokuskan kesan negatif asap rokok (sama ada yang dihembus keluar oleh perokok atau asap daripada puntung rokok) ke atas mereka yang tidak merokok. Asap ini dikenali juga sebagai secondhand smoke. Laporan ini menunjukkan asap rokok ini mengandungi lebih daripada 250 bahan kimia toksik yang boleh menyebabkan kanser seperti formaldehid, benzena, vinil klorida, arsenik, ammonia, dan hidrogen sianida. Ia menjadi punca kematian kepada ramai bayi dan golongan dewasa yang terdedah kepada asap rokok ini.

Malaysia dan Rokok

Laporan Buletin Umum Pusat Racun Negara, USM (PenawaRacun, bilangan 52, Mac 2004), menunjukkan bahawa 14 peratus daripada remaja di seluruh dunia adalah perokok. Di Malaysia pula lebih kurang 8 peratus daripada 4.6 juta perokok adalah terdiri daripada kalangan remaja. Statistik ini juga menunjukkan bahawa lebih kurang 50-60 remaja mula merokok setiap hari. Kajian juga menunjukkan kadar merokok di kalangan Melayu Islam adalah tertinggi iaitu 27.2 peratus berbanding Cina 16.7 peratus dan India 15.6 peratus. Hal ini dilaporkan oleh bernama.com bertarikh 22 September 2005.

Kajian oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia pula mendapati kadar merokok menyebabkan 10,000 kematian setiap tahun. Secara puratanya setiap batang rokok yang dihisap akan memendekkan hayat seseorang itu selama 5 minit. Di Malaysia, merokok menyumbang kepada lebih 10,000 kematian setahun; 30 peratus daripadanya disebabkan 10 jenis kanser, iaitu paru-paru, mulut, esofagus, tekak, pankreas, pundi kencing, buah pinggang, serviks, kolon dan perut, 25 peratus kematian berpunca daripada sakit jantung dan 25 peratus berpunca daripada strok. Negara mengalami kerugian kira-kira RM 20 bilion setahun bagi menanggung kos rawatan dan kehilangan produktiviti kesan daripada merokok.

Tambahan daripada itu pembaziran yang berlaku kerana tabiat merokok amat mengejutkan. Utusan Online bertarikh 25 September 2006 melaporkan, rakyat Malaysia membelanjakan kira-kira RM 3 juta sehari atau RM 90 juta sebulan untuk membeli rokok.

Apakah Hukum Merokok?

Melihat kepada kemudaratan dan pembaziran yang disebabkan oleh rokok, seperti yang dipaparkan sebelum ini, maka tidak ada hukum yang lebih sesuai baginya melainkan HARAM. Antara ulama yang mengharamkannya ialah, Syeikh Ahmad As-Sanhuri Al-Bahuti dan Syeikh Ibrahim Al-Liqani dari Mesir, Syeikh Abdul Ghaith Al-Maliki dari Moroko, Syeikh Najmuddin bin Badruddin dari Syria, Syeikh Ibrahim bin Jam’an dari Yaman, Syeikh Abdul Malik Al-‘Isyami dan Muhammad bin ‘Alamah dari Mekah dan Madinah, dan ramai lagi. Dr. Yusuf Qardawi di dalam Fatawa Mu’asirat telah berkata, “Dari penjelasan yang telah diberikan, saya berpendapat, pandangan yang menghalalkan merokok tidak dapat diterima sama sekali malah pendapat sebegitu boleh dianggap sebagai salah. Justeru, kita hanya mempunyai dua pilihan hukum: makruh ataupun haram.. (Berdasarkan kajian terkini), penetapan hukum haram adalah lebih tepat di sudut alasan dan hujahnya”.

Penetapan hukum haram ini sudah pasti ada dalil dan hujahnya. Antara dalil dan hujah itu ialah:

Rokok Adalah Khabaith

Allah berfirman: “Dan dia (Rasul ) menghalalkan bagi mereka segala yang baik dan mengharamkan bagi mereka segala yang buruk (khabaith).” (Al-A’raf ayat 157) Ayat ini menunjukkan sesuatu yang khabaith (keji) diharamkan oleh Islam. Imam Syafie mentafsirkan khabaith sebagai ‘sesuatu yang diharamkan berdasarkan hujah syariat termasuk sesuatu yang kotor dan keji’. Rokok yang mengandungi 4000 bahan kimia toksik dan beracun sudah pasti termasuk dalam kategori ini.

Rokok Melemahkan Dan Memudaratkan Diri

Merokok melemahkan umat Islam dan membawa kepada maut. Umat yang lemah tidak akan mampu memperjuangkan maruah agama. Tambahan daripada itu mereka yang merokok seolah-olahnya telah membunuh diri mereka sendiri. Allah berfirman: “Jangan kamu membunuh dirimu sendiri. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Pengasih kepadamu.” (an-Nisa ayat 29) Dalam sebuah hadis, Ummu Salamah telah berkata, “Rasulullah melarang dari mengambil setiap bahan yang memabukkan (muskir) dan yang melemahkan badan (muftir).” (Ahmad dan Abu Daud)

Rokok Memudaratkan Orang Lain

Asap rokok mendatangkan kemudaratan kepada orang lain dan Islam melarang sebarang perbuatan yang boleh memudaratkan orang lain. Nabi bersabda: “Dilaknat seseorang yang mendatangkan kemudaratan kepada seseorang mukmin dan menipunya.” (Riwayat Tirmizi)

Rokok Membawa Kepada Pembaziran.

Rakyat Malaysia membelanjakan kira-kira RM 3 juta sehari atau RM 90 juta sebulan untuk membeli rokok dan ini adalah satu pembaziran. Pembaziran ditegah oleh agama. Allah berfirman: “Janganlah kamu membazir kerana sesungguhnya mereka yang membazir adalah saudara-saudara syaitan.” (Al-Isra ayat 27)

Merokok Menguntungkan Musuh

Merokok melemahkan badan sekali gus melemahkan umat Islam dari usaha-usaha dakwah dan jihad di jalan Allah. Di samping itu pembelian rokok membantu untuk menjadikan musuh Islam kaya raya. Mereka boleh menggunakan wang itu untuk menindas umat Islam. Allah telah berfirman: “Dan janganlah kamu bertolong-tolongan di dalam perkara dosa dan permusuhan.” (Al-Maidah ayat 2)

Rokok Mengandungi Dadah Berbahaya

Rokok mengandungi nikotin dan nikotin sebenarnya adalah sejenis dadah berbahaya yang setanding dengan dadah heroin dan kokain. Segala yang memabukkan, termasuk dadah berbahaya, diharamkan oleh agama. Dalam sebuah hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Ummu Salamah., beliau berkata: “Rasulullah melarang dari mengambil setiap bahan yang memabukkan (muskir) dan melemahkan badan (muftir).” (Ahmad dan Abu Daud)

Justeru, pada 23 Mac 1995, Muzakarah Jawatankuasa Fatwa, Majlis Kebangsaan Hal Ehwal Islam Malaysia Kali Ke-37 telah memutuskan bahawa tabiat merokok itu adalah haram menurut pandangan Islam.

Oleh Dr. Danial b. Zainal Abidin M.B.Ch.B., Universiti Iskandariah

ETIQUETTES OF FRIDAY (Jumah)

In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"

Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Narrated by Umar Abu Hurairah(Radhiallah o anho):

Allah's Messenger (sallAllaahu 'alaihi wasallam) said:

When the prayer commences then there is no prayer (valid), but the obligatory prayer.

This hadith has been narrated by Warqa with the same chain of transmitters.

Sahih Muslim Number 1531

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

--- ETIQUETTES OF FRIDAY ---

Friday is an important day of the Believers. Many important events which become the turning points in the history of Islam had taken place on this auspicious day. Prophet Adam (peace be on him) was created on Friday, the verse declaring perfection of Islam was revealed on this day; and the Day of Resurrection shall occur on Friday. Hence this auspicious day should be observed with sanctity and solemnity, with maximum Divine service.

Allah, the Almighty affirms

" O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday ( the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business ( and traffic): that is best for you if ye but knew!" (al-jumu'a 2-)

Friday, is primarily the Day of assembly, the weekly meeting of the Congregation, when we show our unity by sharing in common public worship, preceded by a 'khutba' in the which the Imam ( or Leader) reviews the week's life of the community and offers advice and exhortation on good living. Notice the gradations of social contact for Muslims if they followed the wise ordinances of their Faith.

1. Each individual remembers Allah for himself or herself five or more times everyday in the home or place of business, or local mosque, or open air, as the case may be.

2. On Friday in every week there is a local meeting in the central mosque of each local centre, it may be a village, a town, or ward of a big city,

3. At the two 'Ids every year, there is a large local area meeting in on center.

4. Once at least in a lifetime. where possible, a Muslim shares in the vast international assemblage of the world, in the center of Islam, at the Makkan Pilgrimage. A happy combination of decentralisation and centralisation, of individual liberty and collective meeting, and contact at various stages or grades. The mechanical part of this ordinance is easy to carry out. Are we carrying out more difficult part?--- the spirit of unity, brotherhood, mutual consultation, and collective understanding and action?

The idea behind the Muslim weekly "Day of Assembly" is different from that behind the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) or the Christian Sunday. The Jewish Sabbath is primarily a commemoration of Allah's ending His work and resting on the seventh day: we are taught that Allah needs no rest, nor does He feel fatigue.

The Jewish command forbids work on that day but says nothing about worship or prayer; our ordinance lays chief stress on the remembrance of Allah.

But the Christian Church, although it has changed the day from Saturday to Sunday has inherited the Jewish spirit. Our teaching says: When the time for Jumu'a prayer comes, close your business and answer the summons loyally and earnestly, pray, consult and learn by social contact; when the meeting is over, scatter and go about your business!

In Islam, prosperity is not to be measured by wealth or worldly gains. There is a higher prosperity,-- the health of the mind and the spirit. Hence one should not be distracted by craze for amusement or gain. If you lead a righteous or sober life, Allah will provide for you in all senses, better than any provision you can possibly think of.

Abu Hurairah ( Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The most important day that ever dawned is Friday. It was on this day that Adam (peace be upon him) was created and on this day he was admitted to paradise and it was on Friday when he was expelled from there (and was appointed vicegerent of Allah ) and it is on this day that the Doom shall occur." (Muslim)

Abu Sa'eed Khudri ( Allah be pleased with him) reports that reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed:

"The are five acts which, if performed on a single day, shall mark a man for the paradise. These are:

1. To enquire after the health of the sick.

2. To join a funeral.

3. To observe a fast.

4. To offer Friday prayer.

5. To set a slave free. (Ibn Hibban)

That "Single day" can be only a "Friday" when all the righteous acts. including that of 'Friday prayer" may be performed.

Abu Sa'eed Khudri ( Allah be pleased with him) reports that reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed:

"One who recites Surah Kahf ( The Cave) on Friday, will have radiant light glowing for him between the two Fridays."

Abu Hurairah ( Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed:

"Seventy thousand angles ask for the forgiveness of the person who recites Surah Dukhan ( Smoke) on Friday night and he gets all his sins pardoned." (Tirmidhi)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:

"There is an auspicious moment on Friday during which and supplication addressed to Allah is graced with Divine acceptance." (Bukhari)

There is, however, difference of opinion among the Islamic scholars regarding that 'auspicious moment.' A section of scholars are of the opinion that the 'moment' falls between the duration the 'Khutbah' (address) till the end of the prayer; whereas some others believe that the 'auspicious moment' lies at the end of Friday when the sun is about to set. It is, there fore, advisable to keep most of the time in prayer, supplication, reciting the Holy Qur'an and remembering Allah, the Almighty. It is better to include the following supplication among the supplications offered on Friday:

"O 'Allah! You are my Lord. There is no god except you. I ma your servant and I hold firm to my promise and allegiance to you as far as lies in my command. I acknowledge all the bounties and favours that You have conferred on me. I confess my sin; forgive me, for there is non one else except You Who has the power to grand pardon for sins and I beseech protection against the evil effects of my own sins." (Bukhari, Nasi'i)

The Friday Prayers are obligatory upon every male adult having normal health and sensinility and not in journey. Wherever there be three persons, Friday prayer must be offered. In such a case, one of them will lead the Friday prayer followed by other two.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:

"People should not neglect Friday Prayers under any circumstances, otherwise their hearts will be sealed, (the will be deprived of Divine Guidance); they will become one with those who are forgetful (of Religion)." (Muslims)

ON CLEANING AND PURIFYING ON FRIDAYS

One should take extra care to clean and purify oneself for saying Friday prayers. Islam lays too much emphasis on bathing and adoring oneself for the day which is full of blessing and auspiciousness.

Abu Sa'eed ( Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed:

" It is binding upon every one who has attained maturity that he should take a bath on Friday. He should use tooth-stick (Mas'swak) and perfume if it is available." (Bukhari)

Abdullah bin 'Umar (Allah be please with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The person who comes to offer prayers in the Friday congregation should bathe himself first." (Bukhari, Muslims)

Salman (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

" An individual who bathes on Fridays, performs ablution, oils, and scents himself, then goes to the mosque in the noon, without disturbing two persons already sitting in the line, offer the prescribed prayer, and listens to the 'Khutbah' (sermons of the Khatib) attentively, shall have all the sins pardoned, he my have committed during this Friday and the pervious me." (Bukhri)

ON REACHING THE MOSQUE EARLY AS POSSIBLE

On should hasten towards the mosque as soon as her hears the call for Friday Prayer. On should close one's business and stop other worldly activities and other engagements then and there.

Allah, the Almighty enjoins:

" O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday ( the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business ( and traffic): that is best for you if ye but knew!" (al-jumu'a 2-)

Thus a Believer should know beyond about that he is not for amassing wealth and material comforts by doing more and more business even at the cost of remembering Allah. Hence he must not be engrossed in worldly business headlong even after hearing call for Friday prayers. He should bear in mind that the essence of life is the remembrance of Allah.

In short, one should reach the mosque for offering the Friday Prayer as soon as possible for him and try to get a seat in the front line.

Abu Hurairah ( Allah be pleased with him) reports the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"One who has bathed on Friday and cleansed himself of all impurities by washing his whole body thoroughly with water, and reached the mosque at the earliest time, is like one who has sacrificed a camel. He, who reaches next, is like one who has sacrificed a cow, and the one who reaches in the third place is like a person who offers the sacrifice of a horned ram. Coming nest to him like a person who gives away as it were, one egg in the way of Allah. Later when the Imam gets up to deliver the sermon, the angels leave the gate of the mosque and come over to sit in the mosque to hear the sermon and say the prayers." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Arbad bin Saria (Allah be pleased with him) reports:

" The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to invoke Mercy of Allah three times upon those who formed the first line and only once upon those who were in the second line. ( Ibn Majah, Nasa,i)

Abu Hurairah ( Allah be pleased with him) observes:

" The people do not know the high degree of reward and blessings reserved for the people who from the first line of prayer. If they know it, they would start drawing lost for the priviledge of joining the first lone." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Abdullah bin Abbas ( Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed:

"The person who retreats from the first line of prayer and stands in the second line with the intention that his Muslim brother my suffer no inconvenience, Allah will grant such a man reward and blessing as much as to people in the first line." (Tabrani)

It is undesirable to go to the mosque at the nick of time when the prayer is going to be performed. You have been prohibited from overstepping the necks of men and sitting with legs joined to the belly. You should go to the mosque and sit in a reverential posture without making separation between any two, 'In other words you should not make room for you forcibly.

ON DELIVERING KHUTBAH (SERMON)

The 'Khutbah' should be heard attentively with concentration of mind and in a receptive attitude. The person delivering the sermon lays emphasis on worshipping Allah, the Almighty, alone and refrain from evil acts. But, to make the sermon effective and receptive, the 'khutbah' should be brief and to the point raised therein. Hence 'khutbah' must not be longer than the prayer (salat).

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has observed:

" Long prayer and a short 'khutbah' bear witness to the wisdom of the khatib ( the person delivering khutbah). Thus you should offer long prayer and deliver a short khutbah." (Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has ovserved:

" The men who bathes and comes to offer Friday prayer and say the prayer which Allah has destined for him and then sits quietly and listens to the sermon in rapt attention and with perfect devotion till the preacher has finished the sermon and afterward says obligatory prayer with the Imam, Allah shall pardon all his sins which he committed during the period between that Friday and the preceding one and his sins even committed during three days before it." (Muslim)

(source-http://anwary-islam.com/life/friday.htm)

Scientific Explanation of Halal Vs Haram

Available In KLIA

Yes, it's a lil slow I admit. But finally a few weeks back, Batik Inspirations is now available in Malaysia's main airport - yes, it's in the bookstore there! "Now, everyone can fly"... and purchase the book as a Malaysian souvenir before leaving the country.


And good news - the book available there is the newer edition - Malaysia's Living Heritage: Batik Inspirations! The cover is a good representation of Malaysia's batik and it has some forwards by the current ministers - so, really an awesome gift from the country :)

This 'join ranks' with the other airport that the book is available - Singapore Changi's Airport.

Another win, albeit a relatively 'small one'.

With those who have a chance, do check it out! :)

Blogged with Flock

Short Story : Sesuai Dengan Keadaan Kita

Arman masih lagi tekun di hadapan monitor komputernya komputernya,
mengetuk-ngetuk papan kekunci. Sesekali dia menyentuh tetikus yang terletak
di sebelah kanan monitornya. Sibuk. Sibuk sekali. Semenjak
dipertanggungjawabkan dengan projek baru ini oleh majikannya, Arman begitu
sibuk sekali. Sehingga kesemua kerjanya yang tidak sempat disiapkan di
pejabat dibawa pulang bersamanya ke rumah.

Jam menunjukkan sudah pukul 9.00 malam. Normah, isteri Arman baru sahaja
keluar dari bilik setelah selesai menunaikan solat fardhu Isya'. Dia
menggeleng-gelengkan kepalanya melihat Arman masih tidak berganjak dari
meja komputernya. "Bang, tak berhenti untuk solat dulu ke? Kerja tu kan
nanti boleh disambung?" tegur Normah dengan lembut. "Hm..." dengus Arman
sebagai membalas peringatan oleh isterinya.

Normah berlalu. Dia tidak berani untuk menegur dengan lebih lagi. Normah
cukup kenal benar dengan perangai Arman yang panas baran. Lalu Normah
mengambil bakul yang dipenuhi dengan pakaian yang telah kering yang diambil
dari ampaian petang tadi. Sewaktu melintasi sisi Arman, tangan Normah telah
disambar oleh suaminya. Arman mengenggam tangan Normah sambil merenungnya
seketika.

"Awak tahu tidak projek ini penting untuk saya? Ini bagaikan nyawa kerjaya
saya. Tak perlu awak nak susah-susah ingatkan saya waktu solat seperti saya
anak-anak awak. Tugas ini amanah majikan kepada saya. Saya pasti Allah
faham apa yang saya buat. Tahu?" bentak Arman. Normah hanya tunduk
memandang lantai. Memanglah, jika diikut dari segi pendidikan, Arman jauh
lebih tinggi darinya. Sama ada akademik mahupun agama.

Arman melepaskan gengaman tangannya terhadap Norman dan kemudian meneruskan
kerjanya. Begitu asyiknya dia menaip sehingga terlupa waktu terus berlalu.
Sedar-sedar, jam sudahpun pukul 12 tengah malam. "Allah... Dah larut
rupanya. Patutlah aku rasa mengantuk sangat." bisik Arman kepada dirinya
sambil menyandarkan badannya ke kerusi. Dalam tidak sedar Arman terlelap di
tempat duduknya.

*******

Arman hanya tersedar apabila terasa bahunya bagaikan digerak oleh
seseorang. Dengan mata yang kelat, Arman melihat sekujur tubuh yang besar
dan tinggi berada disebelahnya. Arman cuba mengangkat kepalanya tetapi
rasanya, mungkin 'makhluk' itu telah menahan kepalanya dari mendongak.

"Hai manusia. Hari ini aku akan pisahkan engkau dari dunia yang engkau
cintai ini!" suara milik tubuh yang besar itu bagaikan halilintar membelah
bumi. "Tapi... Siapa engkau...?" Tanya Arman dengan nada yang
tersekat-sekat. Seraya kemudian makhluk itu mula ketawa membuatkan Arman
terasa bagaikan rumahnya sedang dilanda gempa bumi.

"Kau tak perlu tahu siapa aku. Mari. Ikut aku. aku akan segera membawamu
bertemu dengan Tuhanmu yang sering kau abaikan!" kaki Arman menggeletar
mendengar kata-kata makhluk tersebut. Bertemu Tuhan? Allah? Serta-merta
Arman teringat bahawa dia masih belum menunaikan solat. "Wahai makhluk,
tolonglah aku. Jika benar kau ingin membawa aku bertemu denganNya,
izinkanlah aku tunaikan solat dahulu..."

Sekali lagi makhluk itu ketawa. "Apa? Kau masih ada keinginan untuk
bersolat? Bagus... Tetapi mengapa baru sekarang? Sekarang sudah jam berapa
wahai manusia?" Arman terdiam ketika diajukan soalan begitu. Serta-merta di
pandangannya kelihatan wajah Normah yang telah mengingatkannya agar segera
menunaikan kewajipannya tadi. Bukan itu sekali sahaja tetapi
berbilang-bilang kali.

"Aku hairan dengan kamu manusia. Tatkala terdengar berita tentang lombong
emas di suatu tempat, kamu akan bersegera ke sana. Padahal ianya hanyalah
sementara. Dan apabila terdengar tentang sesuatu nikmat, kamu juga akan
segera ke sana. Sedangkan ianya sia-sia. Tetapi Allah mengkhabarkan kamu
tentang harta di syurga yang kekal dan nikmatnya yang tidak terhingga di
sana, mengapa kamu tidak berkejaran untuk mendapatkannya?"

Arman terkedu. Terasa benar apa yang dituturkan oleh makhluk itu tepat
mengena batang hidungnya. Airmatanya mula menitis. Arman mulai kesal dengan
apa yang telah dilakukan olehnya selama ini. Dia selalu alpa. Dia selalu
lupa. Terkadang memang sengaja dia buat-buat lupa untuk mendirikan solat
pada awal waktu. Bukan itu sahaja. Malah sesiapa yang cuba mengingatkan
pasti akan 'disekolahkan' olehnya.

Hidupnya terlalu mengutamakan dunia. Jika cuba diingatkan, dengan bersahaja
Arman akan katakan bahawa Nabi saw menyuruh kita makan terlebih dahulu jika
makan sudah dihidangkan. Ataupun dia akan sibuk mengulang tentang amanah.
Katanya tugasnya adalah amanah dan sebagai muslim dia diwajibkan menunaikan
amanah. Memang rakan-rakannya tidak mampu melawan hujahnya. Itulah yang
memang Arman mahukan.

Cuma sekali, Arman memang cukup sakit hati dengan Majid. Kerana Majid
pernah mematikan hujahnya. Kata Majid, benarlah Nabi saw kata makan dahulu
jika makanan telah terhidang. Tetapi Nabi saw makan tidak seperti kita.
Baginda hanya memakan roti dan sup atau beberapa butir kurma. Dan berhenti
pula sebelum kenyang. Jadi masih sempat bersolat di awal waktu di masjid
secara berjamaah. Geram Arman kerana tidak mampu menjawabnya.

"Wahai manusia! Bersedialah untuk dihisab. Bersedialah untuk ditanya
tentang perintah yang telah diamanahkan buatmu. Bersedia dengan alasan
mengapa kau meninggikan amanah hamba lebih dari Pencipta mereka." Arman
kali ini betul-betul menggeletar. Dia bagaikan sudah terasa bahang api
neraka yang bakal menyambarnya. Dia bagaikan sudah terlihat ular-ular gemuk
yang sedang menantinya di lembah yang terpencil.

"Siapapun engkau wahai makhluk, tolonglah lepaskan aku. Tolonglah.
Tolong..."

*******

"Bang! Abang! Ya Allah... Tidur duduk macam ni pun masih boleh mengigau?"
Normah menggoncang bahu Arman. Kuatnya bunyi Arman mengigau sehinggakan
Normah yang telah tertidur di bilik pun boleh terjaga jadinya.

Arman bingkas bangun. Dia meraba-raba seluruh tubuhnya. "Alhamdulillah...
Aku masih hidup!" Arman segera berlari ke bilik air. "Abang dah taubat Mah.
Abang tak nak tangguh solat lagi!" jeritnya kepada Normah ketika hampir
sampai ke pintu bilik air. Normah mengucapkan kesyukuran mendengar
pertuturan Arman tadi. Tetapi dia jadi tertanya mimpi apakah agaknya yang
mampu menyadarkan suaminya itu tadi. Tidak mengapalah. Yang penting Arman
kini telah sedar.

Bagi Arman, mimpi itu cukup memberi makna. Benar, amanah wajib dijaga
tetapi amanah Allah adalah sebesar-besar amanah yang lebih utama. Dan benar
Allah memerintahkan mencari rezeki tetapi bukan sehingga mengenepikan
perintahNya. Sesungguhnya rezeki itu Allah yang beri. Bukan majikan. Bukan
projek yang sedang dibuatnya. Sesungguhnya Arman merasa sungguh beruntung
kerana diperingatan sebelum tibanya hari di mana tiada lagi peringatan yang
berguna...

Live Journal Diary : Diari Seorang Guru FELDA

**Ayahku dan Si"dia"**

seorang guru wanita di salah sebuah felda di selatan tanah air...

Seorang murid dari kelas 3 Mawar telah bertemu denganku. Semalam dia
meminta untuk bertemu dengan aku karana hendak menceritakan tentang
ayahnya. Liliana, merupakan seorang pelajar yang aktif dan riang sebelum
ini. Hanya kebelakangan ini sahaja dia kelihatan murung dan sedih.
Kadang-kadang sesi "Bahasa Inggeris" yang aku ajarkan bagaikan tidak
mengundang keminatannya. Dia sering termenung dan kelihatan sugul. Kini
dia di hadapanku, harapanku, jika ada masalah yang dia hadapi akan cuba
kubantu sedaya mungkin.

Cikgu, ini mengenai ayah saya. Air matanya terus berlinangan. Aku hanya
mampu memegangnya dan mengurut-urut lengannya, dan menantikan dia
meneruskan kalimat-kalimat dari bibirnya yang kecil itu. Dia meneruskan
kata-katanya:

"Ayah saya telah berubah sejak tiga bulan yang lalu. Semuanya kerana
kehadiran "dia". Kehadiran "dia" ke rumah kami telah mengubah suasana di
dalam rumah . Memang pada asalnya, "dia" memang dinanti-nantikan untuk
bersama kami. Malah, ibu sayalah yang telah mencadangkan kepada ayah untuk
"dia" tinggal bersama kami. Pada awalnya kami amat gembira bila "dia" ada
bersama kami. Mungkin kerana "dia" masih baru dan kami masih terlalu
teruja mendapatkan "dia" di dalam rumah kami.

Keadaan telah berubah apabila ayah sudah mula rapat dengan si "dia".
Walaupun pada asalnya ibulah yang banyak bersama dengan "dia", namun
akhirnya ayah pula yang berjaya dikuasai oleh si "dia". Semenjak itu ayah
tidak memperdulikan ibu lagi. Kami juga sudah tidak ayah pedulikan juga.
Hubungan ayah dengan "dia" semakin intim. Pulang sahaja dari kerja, ayah
terus mendapatkan si "dia". Kadang kala ayah sanggup untuk mengambil cuti
semata-mata untuk bersama dengan si "dia". Kami geram sungguh!

Pada bulan Jun yang lalu, krisis kami dengan ayah mencapai kemuncaknya.
Ayah sudah tidak pedulikan ibu lagi. Ayah sudah tidak tidur dengan ibu
lagi semata-mata untuk bersama dengan si "dia". Ayah sudah melampau. Ayah
sanggup mengorbankan waktu tidurnya dan juga waktu bersama ibu hanya untuk
bersama si "dia". Lebih menghangatkan darah kami lagi, di pagi hari kami
lihat ayah terdampar bersama si "dia". Satu contoh yang amat tidak sihat
buat kami anak-anak. Ibu tetap boleh bersabar. Banyak kali juga kami
mendengar ibu menasihati ayah, tetapi ayah tetap tidak berubah. Ibu tidak
mahu derhaka, hanya nasihat sahajalah yang boleh ibu berikan. Malangnya
tidak nampak pun riak-riak ayah akan berubah. Bahkan kini ayah semakin
teruk.

Siang, malam, pagi, petang....ayah lebih meluangkan masa untuk bersama
dengan "dia". Saya tidak mahu digelar anak derhaka, tetapi keadaan ayah
semakin melampau. Akhirnya cikgu..."

Dia terus menangis teresak-esak. Aku terus memujuknya, "sabar, setiap
orang ada masalah masing-masing...". Aku terus memeluk Liliana.

"Cikgu Ros, saya tidak mahu menjadi anak derhaka, tetapi demi ayah, saya
terpaksa lakukannya..."

"Apa yang kamu telah lakukan?", tanyaku dengan nada yang lembut.

"Saya terpaksa menelefon tempat asal si "dia". Saya telah mendail
1300-82-3838, dan meminta mereka memutuskan hubungan ayah dengan "dia""

"Siapa dia tu?", aku binggung...

"Astro!"

Aku: ???????

Moral: Astro macam-macam ada, tapi jangan sampai waktu untuk isteri dan
anak-anak tiada kerananya!