Hadith

Kategori : AKIDAH Akhlak Tajuk : Larangan Bercakap Semasa Mengerjakan Solat Hadith : Daripada Muawiyah bin al-Hakim Assalmi r.a. katanya, “Pada suatu masa, aku sembahyang bersama Rasulullah SAW. Tiba tiba seorang dari jamaah bersin, aku pun mengucapkan “Yarhamukallah!” Semua ahli jamaah menjeling kepadaku, lalu aku berkata”Aduhai kesalnya aku! (didalam hati), Satu bencana akan menimpaku, kenapa kamu memandangku?” Semua ahli jamaah memukul peha dengan tangan mereka. Setelah itu barulah aku mengerti bahawa mereka menghendaki aku diam, aku pun diam”. Apabila Rasulullah SAW. selesai mengerjakan sembahyang, baginda tidak berkata apa-apa kepadaku. Demi bapa dan ibuku, tidak pernah aku berjumpa orang yang paling baik cara mengajarnya selain daripada Rasulullah. Demi Allah, baginda tidak memarahi, memukul dan mencelaku. Baginda hanya bersabda, “ Sesungguhnya semasa mengerjakan sembahyang tidak dibenarkan sedikitpun bercakap kerana sembahyang itu merupakan tasbih, takbir serta bacaan ayat-ayat al-Quran.” Riwayat Muslim Huraian 1. Sembahyang adalah doa dan ia juga merupakan tasbih, takbir dan bacaan al-Quran. Ia tidak boleh ditambah dengan perkataan-perkataan (percakapan-percakapan) yang lain. 2. Seseorang yang bersin di dalam sembahyang, maka ahli jamaah tidak dituntut menjawab bersin tersebut. 3. Rasulullah adalah orang yang paling baik dakwahnya dan menjadi contoh kepada umat manusia. 4. Berdakwah hendaklah disampaikan dengan cara yang penuh berhikmah dan contoh yang baik.

Sumber : Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia

Merciful storekeeper changes robber's mind, religion

• STORY HIGHLIGHTS
• Long Island storekeeper Mohammad Sohail faces man wielding baseball bat
  
• Sohail grabs shotgun; stunned man begins to cry, says he has no food at home
  
• Man's story tugs at Sohail's heartstrings, and he offers man money, bread, milk
  
• After act of compassion, man says he wants to become a Muslim like Sohail

From Kiran Khalid
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A potential victim became a compassionate counselor during a recent robbery attempt, changing the would-be criminal's mind -- and apparently his religion.

Surveillance video shows storekeeper Mohammad Sohail holding a robber at bay with a shotgun.

1 of 2

Storekeeper Mohammad Sohail was closing up his Long Island convenience store just after midnight on May 21 when -- as shown on the store's surveillance video -- a man came in wielding a baseball bat and demanding money.

"He said, 'Hurry up and give me the money, give me the money!' and I said, 'Hold on'," Sohail recalled in a phone interview with CNN on Tuesday, after the store video and his story was carried on local TV.

Sohail said he reached under the counter, grabbed his gun and told the robber to drop the bat and get down on his knees.

"He's crying like a baby," Sohail said. "He says, 'Don't call police, don't shoot me, I have no money, I have no food in my house.' "

Amidst the man's apologies and pleas, Sohail said he felt a surge of compassion.

He made the man promise never to rob anyone again and when he agreed, Sohail gave him $40 and a loaf of bread.

"When he gets $40, he's very impressed, he says, 'I want to be a Muslim just like you,' " Sohail said, adding he had the would-be criminal recite an Islamic oath.

"I said 'Congratulations. You are now a Muslim and your name is Nawaz Sharif Zardari.'"

When asked why he chose the hybrid of two Pakistani presidents' names, the Pakistani immigrant laughed and said he had been watching a South Asian news channel moments before the confrontation.

Sohail said the man fled the store when he turned away to get the man some free milk.

He said police might still be looking for the suspect but he doesn't intend to press charges.

"The guy, you know, everybody has a hard time right now, it's too bad for everybody right now in this economy," said the storekeeper.

original articel on CNN website.

Ten Things We Waste

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Lessons from Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Editor : almusafirq8

Ten things we waste :-

1. Our Knowledge: Wasted by not taking action with it.

2. Our Actions: Wasted by committing them without sincerity.

3. Our Wealth: Wasted by using on things that will not bring us ajr (reward from Allah). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things which have no benefit in this life or in akhirah (hereafter).

4. Our Hearts: Wasted because they are empty from the love of Allah, and the feeling of longing to go to Him, and a feeling of peace and contentment. In it's place, our hearts are filled with something or someone else.

5. Our Bodies: Wasted because we don't use them in ibadah (worship) and service of Allah.

6. Our Love: Our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something/someone else.

7. Our Time: Wasted, not used properly, to compensate for that which has passed, by doing what is righteous to make up for past deeds.

8. Our Intellect: Wasted on things that are not beneficial, that are detrimental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.

9. Our Service: Wasted in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah, or benefit in dunyaa(this world).

10. Our Dhikr (Remembrence of Allah): Wasted, because it does not effect us or our hearts.

Muslims and Prayer

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oleh : everjihad

Interestingly, for the millions of people enrolled in yoga classes, the Islamic form of prayer has provided Muslims for fourteen centuries with some of yoga’s same (and even superior) benefits. This simple form of “yoga” offers physical, mental, and spiritual benefits five times a day as Muslims assume certain positions while reciting Qur’an and athkar (remembrances).

If you’re interested, read further…

The Muslim prayer has five positions, and they all have a corresponding relationship with our spiritual and mental well being, according to modern scientific research.

The Takbir and Al Qiyyam (mountain pose in Yoga) - found to improve posture, balance, and self-awareness. Normalizes blood pressure, breathing, thus providing many benefits to asthma heart patients.

Placement of hands on the chest during the Qiyyam position - activates the nerve pathway, which directs our awareness of self in the world and controls the health of the muscular system, skin, intestines, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and eyes.

When the hands are held open for du’a, they activate the heart ; center of the feelings of love, harmony, and peace, and to control love and compassion. It also governs the health of the heart, lungs, thymus, immune system, and circulatory system.

When Muslims recite the Qur’an, old thoughts, feelings, fears and guilt are released or healed, and blood pressure and stress levels are reduced. Some specific sounds, in fact, correspond to major organs in the body. Vibrations made when pronouncing the long vowels, 'A', 'E' and 'U,' stimulated the heart, lungs, and the thyroid, pineal, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

The position of Ruku (forward bend) stretches the muscles of the lower back, thighs, legs and calves, and allows blood to be pumped down into the upper torso. It tones the muscles of the stomach, abdomen, and kidneys. Forming a right angle allows the stomach muscles to develop, and prevents flabbiness in the mid-section.

It also promotes a greater flow of blood into the upper regions of body – particularly to the head, eyes, ears, nose, brain, and lungs – allowing mental toxins to be released.

The Sujud - activates the person’s spiritual connection with the universe around them and their enthusiasm for spiritual pursuits. This nerve pathway is also correlated to the health of the brain, nervous system, and pineal gland. Controls basic human survival instincts and provides essential grounding. This helps to develop levelheaded and positive thinking along with a highly motivated view of life, and maintains the health of the lymph and skeletal systems, the prostate, bladder, and the adrenal glands.

The position of Al Qaadah) -(Thunderbolt Pose in yoga), which firms the toes, knees, thighs, and legs. good for those prone to excessive sleep, and those who like to keep long hours. Furthermore, this position assists in speedy digestion, aids the detoxification of the liver, and stimulates peristaltic action in the large intestine.

Last, but not least, the by turning the head towards first the right and then the left shoulder in the closing of the prayer - This nerve path is linked to the throat, neck, arms, hands, bronchials, and hearing – effecting individual creativity and communication.

The Amazing Phenomenon of Azaan

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oleh : everjihad

Azaan: The Amazing Phenomenon Amazing as it sounds, but fortunately for the Muslims of the world, it is an established fact. Have a look at a map of the world and you will find Indonesia on the eastern side of the earth. The major cities of Indonesia are Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Saibil.

As soon as dawn breaks on the eastern side of Saibil, at approximately 5:30 am local time, Fajar (Subuh) Azaan begins.

Thousands of Muazzins in Indonesia begin reciting the Azaan. The process advances towards West Indonesia. One and a half hours after the Azaan has been completed in Saibil, it echoes in Jakarta. Sumatra then follows suit and before this auspicious process of calling Azaan ends in Indonesia, it has already begun in Malaysia.

Burma is next in line, and within an hour of its beginning in Jakarta, it reaches Dakka, the capital city of Bangladesh. After Bangladesh, it has already prevailed in western India, from Calcutta to Srinagar. It then advances towards Bombay and the environment of entire India resounds with this proclamation. Srinagar and Sialkot (a city in north Pakistan) have the same timing for Azaan.

The time difference between Sialkot, Quetta, and Karachi is forty minutes, and within this time, Fajar Azaan is heard through out Pakistan. Before it ends there, it has already begun in Afghanistan and Muscat. The time difference between Muscat and Baghdad is one hour. Azaan resounds during this one hour in the environments of Hijaaz-e-Muqaddas (Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah), Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.!

The time difference between Baghdad and Alexandria in Egypt is again one hour. Azaan continues to resound in Syria, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan during this hour. The time difference between eastern and western Turkey is one and a half hours, and during this time it is echoed with the call to prayer. Alexandria and Tripoli (capital of Libya) are located at one hour's difference. The process of calling Azaan thus continues throughout the whole of Africa.

Therefore, the proclamation of the Tawheed and Risaalat that had begun in Indonesia reaches the Eastern Shore of the Atlantic Ocean after nine and half hours. Prior to the Azaan reaching the shores of the Atlantic, the process of Zohor Azaan has already started in east Indonesia, and before it reaches Dakka, Asar Azaan has started.

This has hardly reached Jakarta one and half hours later, the time of Maghrib becomes due, and no sooner has Maghrib time reached Sumatra, the time for calling Ishak Azaan has commenced in Saibil! When the Muazzins of Indonesia are calling out Fajar Azaan, the African Muazzins are calling the Azaan for Isha.

If we were to ponder over this phenomenon thoughtfully, we would conclude the amazing fact that there is not even a single moment when hundreds of thousands of Muazzins around the world are not reciting the Azaan on the surface of this earth. The Azaan is keep goin on and on. Non-stop! Even as you read this material right now, you can be sure there are at least thousands of people who are hearing and reciting the Azaan!!!

Allah said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you."

"Yes, I love Allah. Allah is my fountain of Life and My Savior. Allah keeps me going day and night. Without Allah, I am no one. But with Allah, I can do! everything. Allah is my strength."

Why we must read Al-Quran?

www.iLuvislam.com
happy eyes_aina
editor : everjihad

Why do we read Quran, even if we can't understand a single Arabic word? This is beautiful story, please read till end and forward to all you knows...

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked,
"Grandpa! I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house.

The grandfather laughed and said,
"You'll have to move a little faster next time,"

He sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said,
"I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,"

He went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would Leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said,
"See Grandpa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?"

The old man said,
"Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and outside. That is the work of Allah in our lives."

Moral of the story : Read Al-Quran frequently as it will purify our heart. When we have pure heart, it is easy to do righteous and leave jahiliyah and badness in ourselves.

Hadith

Kategori : AKIDAH Akhlak

Tajuk :

Pemimpin Adalah Perisai

Hadith :

Dari Abu Hurairah r.a, dari nabi s.a.w sabdanya:”Sesungguhnya Imam (pemimpin, pembesar atau penguasa) itu adalah bagaikan perisai, di mana orang berperang memakai perisai dan menjaga diri dengannya. Jika Imam memerintahkan supaya bertaqwa kepada Allah ‘Azza wa Jalla dan berlaku adil, dia mendapat pahala kerananya dan jika dia memerintahkan selain itu maka dia mendapat siksa.” (Muslim)

Prayer Helps Us Chip Away Our Egotism

I always had difficulty with prayer. If God knows everything and is, as the Qur'an says, closer to me than my jugular vein, why did he need to hear my requests?

I disliked the idea of a God who demands endless praise - he reminded me of a tyrant who demands constant, obsequious abasement from his subjects. Surely God did not need to be reminded that he had created the world and that we are all miserable sinners, as we say so frequently in our liturgy.

And I had great problems with petition. Why should God answer my prayers, when he so clearly fails to heed the prayers of many hopeless people throughout the world? I also did not really believe in a God who would intervene in history and change the natural order: Why should he avert a storm from the location where I am planning a picnic and send the storm onto some other unfortunate folk?

But then I came to understand that prayer is really for us. It is selfishness and egotism that hold us back from God and our best selves. We use language to build a protective carapace around ourselves, to ward off attack and to bolster our self-esteem. How rare it is to really apologize; and how frequently the person who does apologize points out that you too are somewhat to blame for what has occurred. 

How rare it is really to praise. There is a nasty little part of us that feels impaired by somebody else's success or good fortune. I recall a friend once saying to me: "Oh Karen! Congratulations on your marvelous reviews!" And then, almost immediately: "Have you put on weight recently?" People are often reluctant truly to thank somebody from the bottom of their heart or to express need: It is a tough world and you have to seem in control.

But prayer teaches us to use language in a different way: To thank, praise, and beg pardon wholeheartedly, without holding anything back. And as we do that, we chip away at our egotism. And that, in turn, will make us a force for good to the people around us and make the world a better place-without asking God to perform a miracle.

Karen Armstrong has written many books on religion inlcluding Muhammad: A Prophet of our Time

Prayer Helps Us Chip Away Our Egotism 
5/3/2009 - Religious Education Interfaith - Article Ref: WP0807-3614
Number of comments: 3
Opinion Summary: Agree:3  Disagree:0  Neutral:0 
By: Karen Armstrong 
Washington Post* - 

The pleasures of seeking knowledge

The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad  which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 611 AD reads:

"Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5)

"And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire." (Quran, 67:10)

"Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9)

The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:.

"And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33)

Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:

"My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114)

The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on all believers.

The following traditions of the Prophet  supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:

• Seek knowledge "even though it be in China." 

• "The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female." 

• "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." 

• "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." 

• "God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.' 

• "The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge." 

• "Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears." 

• Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge." 

• "Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser." 

• "Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship." 

• "To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises." 

• "Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies." 

The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine.

By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity.

For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans."

Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened.

The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height both in boys and girls.

On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the ages of 70, 80 or 90.

There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new information each day.

The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and traveling.

When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge of a specified field.

Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman.

Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases.

Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.

A saying of Prophet Muhammad  is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.

It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night. He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession, the coconut shell.

The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes." Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.

There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have learned cannot be taken away by others.

 

Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D.  is President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.

The pleasures of seeking knowledge 
4/25/2009 - Education Social - Article Ref: IC0601-2883
Number of comments: 22 
By: Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D. 
IslamiCity* - 

Peace and Justice in Islam

We are living in a world where there could obviously be more peace. As Muslims, we realize this fact more than most people, as the peace of many of our brothers and sisters in various parts of the globe has been tragically disrupted: Palestine, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Kashmir, and other locales. Similarly, we are living in a world where there could be more justice. We read almost daily of assassinations in various parts of the world where terrorist groups, military forces, or intelligence services, oftentimes in summary fashion, declare victims guilty and then proceed to execute them. Unfortunately, such unprincipled political behavior has become increasingly common in both the foreign and domestic policies of this country, causing untold damage to her image and credibility abroad.

These two issues, peace and justice, are joined in the slogans we hear from many activists, especially here in the United States, "No Justice, No Peace!"¹ This linkage is logical, as justice must be considered one of the indispensable prerequisites of any lasting peace. This article intends to briefly look at the ideas of peace and justice in Islam and explore their deeper significance in the life of a Muslim,

Peace

In the Arabic language, the word peace is derived from the radicals S-L-M. The scholars of language mention four closely related terms that can be derived from this origin: Salam,Salamah, Silm, and Salm. Raghib al-Isfahani says in his lexicon of Qur'anic terms, "As-Salm and as-Salamah mean freedom from any external or internal ruination."² Based on that, he mentions that true peace will only exist in Paradise, for only there will there be perpetuity with no end, complete satisfaction with no need, perfect honor with no humiliation, and perfect health with no disease. In this regard, God is known as As-Salam, because He alone is described as being totally free from any defects or flaws.³ This understanding of true peace being a reality associated with a transformed world is also understood in both Jewish and Christian theology.⁴

At the level of interstate relations, if we ponder the above definition, we can consider peaceful relations between nations as a condition where violence, a state inevitably involving both internal and external ruination, is absent. In this sense, war can be viewed as an aberrational state. The aberrational nature of war is made clearer if we consider that murder, the ultimate consequence of war, is considered an innovation that destroyed the peace formerly existing among the human family. It is stated in a prophetic tradition, "No soul is killed unjustly, except that the elder son of Adam (Cain) shares in the stain of the crime. That is because he was the first to innovate murder [in the human family]."⁵

At the individual level, peace can be viewed as an absence of the ruinations of the heart. One free from such ruinations will succeed, God-willing, when he/she meets his/her Lord. Therefore, he/ she will enter safely into the Abode of Peace (Dar as-Salam). God says in that regard, [On] the day no amount of wealth or children will be of any benefit. [The only one benefited] will be one who comes before God with a sound (salim) heart. [Quran 26:89]

If one reflects on these meanings, it should be clear that the wars that Muslims have been involved in throughout our long history do not nullify the validity of the statement, "Islam is the religion of peace." what is meant by that expression, and God knows best, is that Islam provides a path for the human being to enter Paradise (Dar as-Salam), and there he/she will know true peace.

Peace has meanings wider than those mentioned above. One of the loftier objectives of our religion is to introduce into the world an ethos that facilitates the spreading of peace at every level. Our personal relations with our fellow Muslims should begin with the implementation of the Prophetic order "Spread peace between you all."⁶ This order is so pressing that the Beloved Prophet - advised its indiscriminate implementation. He said at the end of a tradition in which he described one of the best forms of Islam, "Extend the greeting of peace, to those you know and those you know not."⁷ This is a very weighty matter that calls for our deeper reflection. Its weightiness is illustrated by the fact that it is mentioned as being one of the things that completes our faith. The Prophet  said in that regard, "You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I indicate to you something that will surely lead to your mutual love? Spread the greeting and spirit of peace between yourselves."⁸

Our relations with our spouses should also be characterized by peace. God admonishes us concerning those relations, And peace is best. [Quran 4:128] Similarly, in our relations with other nations, God commands us, If they (the enemy) incline towards peace, then you should similarly incline, and place your trust in God. [Quran 8:61] As mentioned above, peace is the original state that prevailed in relations between individuals and societies. This opinion is based, among other narrations, on the saying of the Prophet that Jesus "will return the world to a state of peace" (Yurji' as-Salim) after his appearance at the end of time.⁹

Justice

Our lexicographers define justice, variously, as "to rule based on that contained in the Book of God and the tradition (Sunna) of His Messenger  and refraining from ruling based on empty opinion." It is also defined as "extending inherent rights [to their possessors] equitably."¹⁰This latter definition emphasizes the importance of equity as an essential aspect of distributive justice.

The concept of justice is one of the essential pillars in the maintenance of both the natural and social orders. God, be He Exalted, has said, He has established the scale, therefore, do not transgress in the scale [of justice]. Undertake the measuring with justice and do not cheat concerning the scale. [55:7-8] Justice, as many of our scholars point out, is one of the underpinnings of the order that has been established by God. This reality is also a foundation of a healthy social order. God says in that regard, O, You who believe! Be upright for God, witnesses to justice; and do not let your hatred of a people move you to a position where you are unjust. Be just, that is closer to piety. Be mindful of God! Verily God is well informed concerning all that you do. [Quran 4:135]

This social aspect of justice has been beautifully summarized by Imam al-Qurtubi. He says, discussing the relationship between two words that are usually translated as justice (al-'Adl), and distributive justice (al-Qist), "Justice is the basis of all human relations and a foundation of Islamic rule."¹¹ This saying is illustrative of the meaning conveyed by the saying of God,Verily, we have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and we have revealed unto them the Scripture and the Balance in order that they lead people with justice... [Quran 57:25]

Imam al-Mawardi has summarized the social implications of distributive justice in the following way:

One of the things that reforms worldly affairs is the principle of distributive justice. It facilitates amicable relations between people, engenders obedience to the Divine Law, and brings about the prosperity of countries. It is the basis of a thriving economy, strong families, and stable government. Nothing devastates the land nor corrupts the mind as quickly as tyranny. That is because there are no acceptable limits [to regulate tyranny].¹²

For this reason, Ibn Taymiyya sees the responsibilities of Islamic government emanating from a single verse in the Qur'an, God enjoins that you deliver the Trusts to their rightful possessors. And when you rule over [or judge between] people, that you do so with justice... [Quran 4:58]¹³ The Noble Prophet has said in this context, "Surely the most beloved of people with God and the closest to Him on the Day of Resurrection will be a just leader. And the most hated of people and the furthest removed from Him will be a tyrannical leader."¹⁴

Clearing himself from even an inadvertent association with oppressive, unjust acts, our beloved Prophet is reported to have said:

You bring your disputes to me for adjudication; perhaps one of you is less eloquent than another, and I rule against the wronged party on the basis of what I have heard. Therefore, if I inadvertently grant one of you something owed to his brother do not take it, for I am granting him something that constitutes a piece of Hellfire.¹⁵

Our impeccably just Khalifa 'Umar b. al-Khattab uttered the following penetrating words:

Verily, God sets forth parables for you, and He directs admonition towards you in order that hearts will be quickened. Surely, the hearts are dead until God quickens them. Justice has signs and portents. As for its signs, they are shyness, generosity, humility, and gentleness. As for its portents, they are embodied in mercy. He has [likewise] made for every affair a gate, and He has made that gate accessible by providing a key. The gate of justice is a deep consideration of consequences, and its key is otherworldliness. Consideration of consequences ultimately involves remembering death and preparing for it by freely parting from one's wealth. Otherworldliness involves dealing justly with everyone and being satisfied with what suffices. If one is not satisfied with what suffices him, no abundance will every enrich him.¹⁶

Much of this discussion has focused on distributive justice. However, the Qur'an also places great emphasis on commutative justice. God commands us, Do not be moved by partiality to discriminate in meting out divinely legislated punishments. [Quran 24:2] The Prophet Muhammad mentioned that one of the reasons behind the ruination of a nation is a lack of commutative justice.¹⁷ In this context, he mentioned that if his very daughter were to steal, he would not hesitate to punish her to the full extent of the law.¹⁸

In summary, this brief discussion should make it clear to any Muslim that peace and justice are comprehensive concepts with deep implications and we have to be people committed to peace and justice. We must clearly illustrate to the world that our religion is indeed the religion of peace. However, our striving for peace must never allow us to be unjust, nor should it allow us to passively accept injustices. We must take a stand for justice, as we are ordered in the Qur'an, Be you upright supporters of justice... [4:135] However, that stand must go far beyond slogans, such as the one mentioned at the beginning of this article, and move into the realm of positive action; action inspired by the Qur'an and the words and deeds of our illustrious Prophet 

 

Excerpted from the book "Scattered Pictures", by Imam Zaid Shakir

Peace and Justice in Islam 
5/13/2009 - Religious - Article Ref: IC0602-2924
Number of comments: 10 
By: Imam Zaid Shakir
IslamiCity* - 

Maksiat mengongkong ibadat?

APAKAH kita pernah mengalami perasaan malas beribadah? Terasa berat untuk tilawah atau ada kenikmatan ketika membaca al-Quran atau solat?

Atau mungkin berasa susah bangun malam untuk qiyamulail, padahal jam dikunci untuk mengejutkan kita atau telefon bimbit sudah dipasang tetapi ketika berdering, tetap terlelap dalam tidur.

Apa yang kedengaran hanya seperti dalam mimpi dan akhirnya jam dan telefon bimbit mati sendiri atau bangun dengan setengah sedar. Selepas itu, tarik selimut dan tidur lagi. Padahal, biasanya dengan mudah boleh bangun.

Jadi, apa yang sudah terjadi dengan diri kita? Atau mungkin kita pernah merasakan mulut ini terasa berat ketika melantunkan ayat-ayat al-Quran atau mengucapkan salam kepada saudara kita. Atau mungkin kita secara sengaja memlambatkan waktu menunaikan solat?

Terkadang hati rasa meluat dengan rakan di pejabat kerana hal yang kecil atau prasangka buruk. Terkadang kita melalui hari yang kita isytiharkan hari malang atau tidak ada ‘mood’. Makin malang, kita dengan sengaja melanggar perintah Allah.

Jika hal itu terjadi pada kita, segeralah muhasabah diri. Ada apa dengan diri kita? Keadaan seperti ini jangan dibiarkan begitu saja. Lama-kelamaan ia akan terbiasa.

Seperti halnya penyakit, jika ada gejala, segera berjumpa doktor dan makan ubat agar cepat sembuh.

Begitu pula dengan ruhiyah kita. Kalau sudah ada gejala penurunan anjakan ruhiyah, segeralah kita muhasabah diri. Bagaimana hubungan kita dengan Allah dan apa yang sudah kita lakukan?

Jangan-jangan kita banyak mengerjakan maksiat hingga menghalang amalan kita. Mungkin kita tidak boleh menjaga daripada melakukan perkara yang makruh, bahkan diharamkan Allah sehingga menghalangi organ tubuh kita untuk beribadah kepada-Nya. Misalnya, kita menggunakan mata untuk menonton drama atau filem yang melalaikan meskipun cuma satu atau dua jam.

Mungkin mata kita tidak dijaga daripada melihat perkara yang tidak berguna, bahkan mengandungi maksiat. Akhirnya Allah pun tidak menjaga mata kita untuk beribadah pada-Nya. Lalu, mata kita malas untuk bangunkan kita solat malam. Mata kita rasa berat untuk beribadah, rasa berat untuk membaca buku tazkirah hati, rasa berat untuk melihat e-mel yang memberi nasihat.

Selain mata, telinga juga perlu kita jaga. Boleh jadi kita susah bangun malam untuk bertaqarub kepada Allah S.W.T kerana kita tidak menjaga telinga kita. Telinga kita gunakan untuk mendengar gosip atau muzik melalaikan, bahkan terkadang boleh terngiang-ngiang dalam memori kita kerana seharian yang didengari adalah muzik.

Akhirnya, pada waktu malam, telinga kita tidak mampu mendengar deringan jam loceng bahkan suara azan. Telinga kita rasa berat untuk mendengar tazkirah dan telinga kita bosan mendengar nasihat.

Selain itu, mulut penting untuk dijaga kerana ia banyak menjerumuskan manusia terutama wanita ke neraka. Mulut boleh menjadi sarana ghibah, fitnah dan caci maki.

Mulut tidak dapat kita kawal. Macam air saja mengata perilaku kawan-kawan. Kita tidak kenal pun dengan si polan, tapi mulut kita seronok mengata mereka. Mulut kita juga berat nak berzikir. Kenapa ini terjadi?

Begitu juga hati. Ini adalah bahagian terpenting yang perlu dijaga. Hati ibarat pemimpin manakala organ tubuh yang lain adalah komando. Hati boleh sakit, buta bahkan mati jika semakin banyak berbuat maksiat.

Hati ibarat cermin. Semakin banyak membuat maksiat, maka semakin banyak noda titik hitam di cermin itu. Atau mungkin tidak ada lagi titik hitam tapi sudah jelaga hitam yang susah dibersihkan.

Begitu pula dengan diri kita, semakin banyak kita berbuat maksiat dan tidak bertaubat, kita semakin terbiasa dengan kemaksiatan itu.

Salah satu yang menyebabkan kematian hati adalah banyak bercanda atau bergurau senda. Kita boleh bergurau senda untuk menceriakan suasana atau menciptakan suasana ukhuwah.

Tapi hendaklah memperhatikan adabnya. Perhatikan dengan siapa juga dan tidak berlebihan, apalagi adanya lelaki dan perempuan dalam satu majlis.

Tengoklah diri kita. Muhasabahlah diri kita. Jika selama ini kita belum menjaga mata, mulut, telinga, hati dan organ tubuh kita yang lain daripada kemaksiatan, segeralah kita bertaubat dan istighfar diri.

Tidak ada kata terlambat untuk kebaikan. Seharusnya kita sayang jika tidak boleh tadarus al-Quran meskipun hanya terlepas satu hari.

Kita berasa sayang jika tidak ada nikmat beribadah. Jika masih berasa sayang, jagalah diri kita dan Allah akan menjaga kita agar sentiasa dekat dengan-Nya.

sumber ehsan daripada : http://usrahwave.com/

MISSION AND VISION of SRC 08/09

VISION

Students’ Representative Council 2007/2008 aims at becoming a leading students’ body by striving for a more conducive environment for students to develop and hence enable students to realize the mission and ideals of the university as stated in its III CE (Triple ICE)

MISSION

· TO GUARD STUDENTS’ WELFARE AND RIGHTS

· TO HELP INCULCATE POSITIVE INTELECTUAL ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THE FUNDAMENTAL OF ISLAM

· TO INSTILL UMMATIC CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG STUDENTS

· TO HELP CREATE A VIGOROUS DESIRE IN THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

· TO BRING HARMONIOUS WORK RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS’ BODIES & ASSOCIATIO

WHATS AHEAD OF US

We should have known that the decision of being a Students' Rep will also comes with a huge responsibility with it. It is not a decision made with just a simple thought of wanting it. Anyhow, we are already here. Preparing ourselves to face the needs of the students and also to be the medium between the administration and the students. Just so that everyone knows, it is not easy and it never is.

It is when you are at the top that you see and know many things you have ever imagined before. There and then, there is a corner in you heart that you wish, you want to give your best, very best for the people whom watch you from below. And thats us. And its what we wanted to do.

Things like this that we would really appreciate each others commitment, cooperation and every good things that comes with it. There are certain things in this world that when you don't see it, it doesn't mean it didn't work. Its like you heart, you might not see it beating 70 beats per minute, but its always there, beating and continue as the living part of you.

May Allah bless all of us, and be with us in the future endeavor.


Note: Thank you Allah, for every heartbeat..

:: Birth of Spirituality&Islamisation Secretariat blogsphere :: The Mukaddimah

Assalamualikum to all brothers and sisters,

Welcome to Spirituality & Islamisation Secretariat Weblogsphere...

This blog was construct in order to provide the channel for IIUM students especially our sub-committees to voice out their notion and ideas toward the betterment of ummah.

We welcome any complaints,comments, suggestions from anyone. We work for you and to you. Help us to realize oour promises and together we work for the better. Enjoy browsing!

You may contact the Chairperson of S.I Secretariat directly at http://khazazin.blogspot.com/ or you may contact other SRC exco members at http://src-iium.blogspot.com/.

Wassalam.