4 years ago, I had my conversion at Darul Arqam. Time seemed to pass so fast without realizing that it has been 4 years already.
As I began writing this, all those memories keep coming back, little by little. From the time I knew about Islam, to the time I took the decision to convert, and all that difficulties, obstacles and trials as a new Muslim.
When I looked back, I never realized that I’ve gone through all that by myself.
During my initial 2 years, it was really tough being all alone. Though I had my mentor with me for about a year, I really wished that we could spend more time learning together. But nevertheless, I’m really thankful for all that time he has forked out to teach me patiently. Jazakallah khairan, Mentor M. He may not be reading this anymore, but I hope he knows how I feel.
After he left for good, the trials became tougher. Faith was tested. Love was tested. No one could understand what I was going through. I almost gave up. It was : God’s Love vs Man’s Love. Which one is stronger in fight?
Anyhow, I’m glad and most thankful to Allah swt that I have survived another year as a Muslim. Surprised? I do not want to take my religion or faith for granted because God has the power to take it all away from me. I’m always praying to Allah for guiding me on the straight path, strengthening my faith, increasing my God consciousness (taqwa), obedience, sincerity and humility towards Him. And I shall pray to none except Allah.
And I hope, with this new Islamic year, and my new year resolutions:
1. to be a better Muslim, in the eyes of Allah and only for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.
2. to love our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. not just in writing or saying motion but literally carrying out that action by studying about Rasullulah saw in details. Carry out his sunnah and his exemplary behaviour and character upon all creations of Allah.
3. to have respect and love for all creations as Prophet saw did it with no bias judgement on colour, race or religion. (filled with guilt whenever I think about my lapses on this part)
4. to be an excellent wife to my husband and insya allah, an excellent mother to my children.
5. to be able to receive Allah swt invitation to visit the Sacred House in this year.
Insya allah, may Allah swt gives me the strength, remembrance and resolute to execute them out with ease.
And yesterday, Ustaz Feisal shared with the Sirah class a terrible episode of how the Day of Ashura was marked on the pages of history.
In the year 680 A.D., an event happened that was a turning point for what was to become the Shi'a Muslim community. Ustaz reiterated that although we are mostly Sunni Muslims, we should never forget or be ignorant of this part of history. Saiyidinna Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph -- on the 10th day of Muharram ('Ashura). This took place in Karbala (modern-day Iraq), which is now an important pilgrimage site for Shi'a Muslims.
To cut the story short (because as how Ustaz elaborated the story for us, I was utterly sad and shocked at how the battle took on, I didn’t take much notes on this entire event. I can remember what happened but I'm not good with names so i can't share with all of you)
Shi'a Muslims observe the day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. Re-enactments and plays are performed, attempting to relive the tragedy and keep the lessons of this event alive. Some Shi'a Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades on this day, to express their grief and to re-enact the pain that Hussein suffered.
It is a wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidinna Hussain, R.A. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet, s.a.w, has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet, s.a.w, stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:
"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Sahih Bukhari)
All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidinna Hussain, R.A, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death." (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)
It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet, s.a.w and his beloved grand child Sayyidinna Hussain, r.a.
So, Ashura is a religious observance marked every year by Muslims. The word 'ashura literally means "10th," as it is on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. 'Ashura is an ancient observance that is now recognized for different reasons and in different ways among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, local Jews observed a day of fasting at this time -- their Day of Atonement. The Prophet Muhammad learned of this tradition, and stated that the Muslims should also fast. He himself fasted for 2 days, and recommended that others do so as well. This fast is not required, simply recommended.
May Allah accept my sunnah prayers and fasting on this Day.
And keep me as a Muslim till the day I meet You on Judgement Day, ya Rabb!
1 comment:
Anonymous says:
I dono if it's my personal iterpretation, but seems like u and ur mentor had some kind of 'special relation'?
A foreign fren of mine had this experience ages ago: She had a muslim bf, then he encouraged her to follow classes @ darul arqam, then he became her 'unofficial' mentor.
But the irony is, after my fren's interest in islam deepens, and she starts tryin to become "better muslim", including covering her aurat, her bf lost interest in her and dumped her.
Guess it ws his loss & her gain. But hey hope that DIDNT happen wth u. Then again u're blessd wth a happy marriage now (thats de impressn i get fr ur blog).
Anyway hv another good yr as a muslim:)
Post a Comment