Like to share this meaningful article with everyone:
The Power of Dua By Khalid Baig
Once Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam passed by a people who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't they make dua (pray ) to Allah for protection," he said. With all the suffering and disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the question can be directed to all of us today.
It is not that we have forgotten dua completely; we refer to it regularly. But, our ideas and practice regarding dua have become distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of a ritual. Generally it is considered when all our efforts have failed --- an act of last resort. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even with words. Is it any wonder that today mostly a mention of dua is meant to indicate the hopelessness of a situation.
What a tragedy, for dua is the most potent weapon of a believer. It can change fate, while no action of ours ever can. It is the essence of ibadah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can never succeed. In the proper scheme of things, dua should be the first and the last resort of the believer, with all his plans and actions coming in between.
Dua is conversation with Allah, our Creator, our Lord and Master, the All Knowing, the All Powerful. This act in itself is of extraordinary significance. It is the most uplifting, liberating, empowering, and transforming conversation a person can ever have. We turn to Him because we know that He alone can lift our sufferings and solve our problems. We feel relieved after describing our difficulties to our Creator. We feel empowered after having communicated with the All Mighty. We sense His mercy all around us after talking to the Most Merciful. We get a new commitment to follow His path for that is the only path for success. We feel blessed with each such commitment.
In every difficulty our first action is dua, as is our last. We ask Allah to show us the way to handle that difficulty; we seek His help in following the path He shows to us; we seek His aid in making our efforts successful. When we fall sick, we know that we cannot find the right doctor without His Will; that the best doctor may not be able to diagnose our condition without His Command; that the best treatment plan will not succeed without His Permission. We make dua for all of these. We make dua before we seek medical help, while we are receiving it and after it has been delivered. The same is true of all other difficulties we may encounter.
Dua is the essence of ibadah. A person engaged in dua affirms his belief in Tawheed (monotheism) and shuns belief in all false gods. With each dua his belief in Allah grows. He beseeches Him, affirming his own powerlessness. A person seriously and sincerely engaged in dua understands exactly the relationship between himself and the Creator and affirms it through his actions. That is the essence of worship! Additionally, such a person can never become arrogant or proud, a logical result of true worship. Dua is conversation with Allah … It is the most uplifting, liberating, empowering, and transforming conversation a person can ever have. Dua is our most potent weapon in all struggles of life as well as in jihad in the battlefield. During the battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in the battle between unequal armies that would follow the next day. In the decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salatuddin Ayyubi was busy day and night. His days were devoted to Jihad. His nights were spent making dua, crying, seeking Allah's help. This has been the practice of all true mujahideen.
We should make it a point to make dua for all things big and small. It is the beginning of wisdom to realize that big and small are arbitrary labels that are totally irrelevant in this context. Nothing is too big for Whom we are asking from; nothing is too small for the one who is asking. That is why we have been taught to ask Allah when we need something as small as shoelaces. We should ask as a beggar, as a destitute person, for that is what we in reality are in relationship to Allah. At the same time we should ask with great hope and conviction that we shall be granted our prayers. We should remember the Hadith: "There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making dua to Him." On the other hand, a prayer lacking concentration and conviction is no prayer at all.
We should make dua at all times, not only during times of distress. The Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: "Whosoever desires that Allah answers his duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua in days of ease and comfort." Also he said: "The person who does not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry with him."
We should ask for all of our needs: those related to this world as well as those related to the Hereafter. Those who only concentrate on the former are, in effect, announcing that they don't care for their life in the permanent abode. They should blame no body but themselves for the total ruin in that world that Qur'an assures us awaits them. Those who only concentrate on the later are also showing lack of balance, for we need Allah's help to lead a good life here as well.
We should make dua not only for ourselves but also for our parents, brothers and sisters, spouses and children, relatives and friends, teachers and other benefactors, and destitute and struggling Muslims everywhere. We should pray for them for the good in this world as well as in the Hereafter. The Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: "The dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother the appointed angel says, 'Aameen. And may you also be blessed with the same.'" [Sahih Muslim]
In the dark ages that we are living in today, everyday brings fresh news about atrocities committed against our brothers in Palestine, Kashmir, India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, and the list goes on. And what do we do? We can continue to just feel frustrated and depressed. We can petition the determined perpetrators or a fictional "International Community". We can just forget all this and move on to some other subject. Or we can stand up before Allah and pray for His help, who alone can help. The dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is the most potent weapon. But it works only for those who try sincerely and seriously to use it.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Muslim is....
A Muslim is one who is committed to live a life of constant striving in submission to the will of his Creator.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
if only....
Sometimes in our lives, we would find ourselves lamenting, "IF only we had done this, it wouldn't have happened! "
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Seek out that which benefits you, seek help only from Allah and never say you can't do it. If any adversity comes to you do not say: 'If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;' but instead, say: 'Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done,' for verily, (the word) ‘if’ opens the way for the work of Satan." [Sahih Muslim]
Through this hadith Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) tells us to:
1. Seek the beneficial.
2. Ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for help.
3. Be optimistic. Nothing is impossible if Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wills it for you.
4. Don’t cry over spilt milk.
5. Trust Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in what He has willed for you.
Time is like a river . . . You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow has passed and will never pass again. If there is something that will benefit you, make every effort and go after it! Seek it out! There is no failure, only lessons.
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Seek out that which benefits you, seek help only from Allah and never say you can't do it. If any adversity comes to you do not say: 'If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;' but instead, say: 'Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done,' for verily, (the word) ‘if’ opens the way for the work of Satan." [Sahih Muslim]
Through this hadith Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) tells us to:
1. Seek the beneficial.
2. Ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for help.
3. Be optimistic. Nothing is impossible if Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wills it for you.
4. Don’t cry over spilt milk.
5. Trust Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in what He has willed for you.
Time is like a river . . . You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow has passed and will never pass again. If there is something that will benefit you, make every effort and go after it! Seek it out! There is no failure, only lessons.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Words of Wisdom (Part 5)
Never leave an atoms weight of your regular devotional practice
Never be lenient with yourself in either in lax times or times of high resolve; indeed should you miss some of your practice in a given time, redress in another time.
If you are not able to do your usual practice, at least occupy yourself with something similar.
Never obey your ego, even for a moment or believe any of its claims; no matter what it tells you. Be vigilant about your resolve in all your affairs to your utmost. In fact, should you resolve to do something then do it immediately, before the resolve wanes.
Examine your soul constantly in matters that you are obliged to do, or are needed to be done, anything you are in no need of doing, leave it; even if it’s something recommended. That means not involving your self in anything other than absolutely necessary things and real discernable needs.
Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated and fulfil to them what is due to them.
As the poet says;“If you desire to live such that your religion is safe and your portion is full and your honour is sound; guard your tongue and never mention another’s fault, remembering you yourself have faults and others have tongues.
Watch your eyes, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others say to it; “oh my eye other people have eyes too.”
Live treating others well and avoid aggression; should others aggress against you leave them but in the best way.
As the Prophet (saw) said;
“Be vigilant of Allah wherever you are, and follow a misdeed with a good deed and it will remove it. And treat others with the most excellent of characters.”
Also he (saw) said;
“Every child of Adam makes mistakes and the best of those who make mistakes is the one who seeks to redress them.” (I asks for forgiveness for them (Tawba).
Again he (saw) says;
“The holy spirit inspired my hearts core; that no soul will die until it fulfils its decreed portion of this world and its appointed time here. So, be conscious of Allah and make your request with dignity.”
In summation:
The truth is clear and its details are weighty and significant.
The affairs belong to Allah; success is in his hands
Never be lenient with yourself in either in lax times or times of high resolve; indeed should you miss some of your practice in a given time, redress in another time.
If you are not able to do your usual practice, at least occupy yourself with something similar.
Never obey your ego, even for a moment or believe any of its claims; no matter what it tells you. Be vigilant about your resolve in all your affairs to your utmost. In fact, should you resolve to do something then do it immediately, before the resolve wanes.
Examine your soul constantly in matters that you are obliged to do, or are needed to be done, anything you are in no need of doing, leave it; even if it’s something recommended. That means not involving your self in anything other than absolutely necessary things and real discernable needs.
Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated and fulfil to them what is due to them.
As the poet says;“If you desire to live such that your religion is safe and your portion is full and your honour is sound; guard your tongue and never mention another’s fault, remembering you yourself have faults and others have tongues.
Watch your eyes, should it ever reveal to you the faults of others say to it; “oh my eye other people have eyes too.”
Live treating others well and avoid aggression; should others aggress against you leave them but in the best way.
As the Prophet (saw) said;
“Be vigilant of Allah wherever you are, and follow a misdeed with a good deed and it will remove it. And treat others with the most excellent of characters.”
Also he (saw) said;
“Every child of Adam makes mistakes and the best of those who make mistakes is the one who seeks to redress them.” (I asks for forgiveness for them (Tawba).
Again he (saw) says;
“The holy spirit inspired my hearts core; that no soul will die until it fulfils its decreed portion of this world and its appointed time here. So, be conscious of Allah and make your request with dignity.”
In summation:
The truth is clear and its details are weighty and significant.
The affairs belong to Allah; success is in his hands
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Words of Wisdom (Part 4)
Never be fanatical about anything, whether it is the truth or whether it is falsehood for your heart will then remain in a state of soundness towards others.
Never claim anything that you are entitled to, not to mention what you are not entitled to and you will be safe from tricks and treachery. This is so because anyone who claims some rank above their own will fall in humiliation. Whereas those who claim a rank they warrant will have it stripped from them. While those who claim a station less than their true rank will be elevated to even higher levels then what they deserve.
Never give your companion anything of your state other than what his own state warrants this is so because if you go down to his state, he will show you contempt, whereas if you attempt to raise him up to your level he will abandon you.
Never demand a right from anyone, whether an intimate or a stranger. The reason for this is: in reality, a stranger owes you nothing; and someone close to you is too precious to direct your blame to him.
Never assume that anyone in this world can really understand your circumstances other than from the perspective of his own circumstances; this is so because in reality everyone sees in accordance to their frame of reference and their personal path. However where aims, purposes and aspirations are similar, people tend to work together towards a common goal.
Never belittle any talk that involves absent people; even though there is no harm in it due to the possibility of harm entering into it.
Guard your secrets even if you feel safe with someone because the one you divulge your secret to, is not a safer place than from your own heart form once it emanated.
Never claim anything that you are entitled to, not to mention what you are not entitled to and you will be safe from tricks and treachery. This is so because anyone who claims some rank above their own will fall in humiliation. Whereas those who claim a rank they warrant will have it stripped from them. While those who claim a station less than their true rank will be elevated to even higher levels then what they deserve.
Never give your companion anything of your state other than what his own state warrants this is so because if you go down to his state, he will show you contempt, whereas if you attempt to raise him up to your level he will abandon you.
Never demand a right from anyone, whether an intimate or a stranger. The reason for this is: in reality, a stranger owes you nothing; and someone close to you is too precious to direct your blame to him.
Never assume that anyone in this world can really understand your circumstances other than from the perspective of his own circumstances; this is so because in reality everyone sees in accordance to their frame of reference and their personal path. However where aims, purposes and aspirations are similar, people tend to work together towards a common goal.
Never belittle any talk that involves absent people; even though there is no harm in it due to the possibility of harm entering into it.
Guard your secrets even if you feel safe with someone because the one you divulge your secret to, is not a safer place than from your own heart form once it emanated.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Words of Wisdom (Part 3)
Be extremely vigilant of the dominant qualities of a given people in any given land, and don’t be heedless of the divine wisdom in the creation and notice gentleness and separation.
Organise your time, in a matter appropriate to the times specific needs using gentleness and toleration and be very wary of either harshness or laxity. This is so because too much laxity concerning permissible maters pulls the heart backwards in its journey; until even a man of resolve ends up like a foolish boy.
Thus do not neglect the externals of your worldly needs, in the meantime don’t be heedless of your end and final resting place. Be extremely vigilant about avoiding positions of leadership but if you are tried with such matters at least know your limitations. Be absolutely sincere to Allah with a sincerity of one who knows full well who is placing demands on him.
Surrender completely to His decree with a submission of one who knows he can never overcome him.
Have a firm foundation for all your affairs and you will be safe from their pitfalls. Organise your devotional practices and you will find your time is extended due to the Baraka (blessings) in it.
Organise your time, in a matter appropriate to the times specific needs using gentleness and toleration and be very wary of either harshness or laxity. This is so because too much laxity concerning permissible maters pulls the heart backwards in its journey; until even a man of resolve ends up like a foolish boy.
Thus do not neglect the externals of your worldly needs, in the meantime don’t be heedless of your end and final resting place. Be extremely vigilant about avoiding positions of leadership but if you are tried with such matters at least know your limitations. Be absolutely sincere to Allah with a sincerity of one who knows full well who is placing demands on him.
Surrender completely to His decree with a submission of one who knows he can never overcome him.
Have a firm foundation for all your affairs and you will be safe from their pitfalls. Organise your devotional practices and you will find your time is extended due to the Baraka (blessings) in it.
Monday, December 28, 2009
My 5th Islamic Birthday
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Alhamdulillah! Today is Day of Ashura, (Ten Muharram).
5 years ago, on this faithful day, i pronounced my testimony of faith and entered into the fold of Islam.Well, not many friends would know that i actually converted on this day except for my mentor. He and his other friend were my witnesses to my conversion.
It's only 5 years.... but somehow i felt like as though it has been over a decade.
So I got a fresh 'book of record' the moment i became a Muslim on ten muharram 1426H. Yes, I did strive very hard to keep my records clean but I know it pretty well in my heart, how 'badly managed' is my book of record now...
Deeply etched in my heart is the constant reminder i gave myself: to seek forgiveness from Allah swt in every little sin that I commit with the faculties that He bestows upon me.
In one hadith qudsi, Allah has reassured us:
Son of Adam, so long as you keep calling upon Me and hoping for good from Me, I shall forgive you whatever you have done, and I do not mind. Son of Adam, were your sins to rise as high as the sky, and were you to ask Me for forgiveness, I would forgive you. Son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins as large as would fill the earth, and meet Me having ascribed no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness as great as your sins. (Tirmidhi)
When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the Prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me. Let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in me so that they may walk in the right way. (Surah al-Baqara 186)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Words of Wisdom (Part 2)
Act in accordance with principal and appropriate legal rulings and not in accordance with stories and fantasies; don’t even consider stories of how things went with others except as a tonic to strengthen your resolve; certainly not as a reference based on the outward forms or of what they seem to be telling us.
In all of this depend upon a clear path you can refer to and a foundation that you can depend upon in all of your states.
Do not take from others, words unless it is in accordance with your own path; but submit to their implications if you desire a realisation.
Avoid all forms of vain and foul speech to your absolute utmost; put aside anything that you cannot discern its benefit immediately.
Beware of being extremely hard on yourself before you have obtained a mastery over it; also beware of being to lax with it in anything that concerns sacred rulings. This is because it is constantly fleeing from moderation in everything and it inches towards extremism in both maters of deviance and guidance (the nature of the self is extremism in both obedience and disobedience).
Seek out a companion to help you out in your affairs and take his counsel concerning matters that occur both in your inward states and your outward affairs. If you do indeed take his companionship; then treat him in a manner that honours his state, and give him of your counsel based upon his inabilities and abilities because the perfected friend is no longer to be found.
Indeed in these times even a suitable companion, who is agreeable, rarely lasts. Beware of the majority of peoples in matters concerning your religious and worldly states, unless you have ascertained he has some sound relationship with his lord based upon a knowledge that is free of his caprice or love of leadership and a sound intellect free of the pitfalls of hidden agendas.
Do not be heedless of the scheming of others or their hidden states. Consider these two from both their origin and their actions. A person of character and family distinction rarely affects you with other than good; yet a person with low origins; roots cause him to disregard you when times get tough.
In all of this depend upon a clear path you can refer to and a foundation that you can depend upon in all of your states.
Do not take from others, words unless it is in accordance with your own path; but submit to their implications if you desire a realisation.
Avoid all forms of vain and foul speech to your absolute utmost; put aside anything that you cannot discern its benefit immediately.
Beware of being extremely hard on yourself before you have obtained a mastery over it; also beware of being to lax with it in anything that concerns sacred rulings. This is because it is constantly fleeing from moderation in everything and it inches towards extremism in both maters of deviance and guidance (the nature of the self is extremism in both obedience and disobedience).
Seek out a companion to help you out in your affairs and take his counsel concerning matters that occur both in your inward states and your outward affairs. If you do indeed take his companionship; then treat him in a manner that honours his state, and give him of your counsel based upon his inabilities and abilities because the perfected friend is no longer to be found.
Indeed in these times even a suitable companion, who is agreeable, rarely lasts. Beware of the majority of peoples in matters concerning your religious and worldly states, unless you have ascertained he has some sound relationship with his lord based upon a knowledge that is free of his caprice or love of leadership and a sound intellect free of the pitfalls of hidden agendas.
Do not be heedless of the scheming of others or their hidden states. Consider these two from both their origin and their actions. A person of character and family distinction rarely affects you with other than good; yet a person with low origins; roots cause him to disregard you when times get tough.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Words of Wisdom (Part 1)
Some words of wisdom from Sheikh Ahmed Zarruq (d. in Libya in 1492, a scholar from Morocco):
Know; may Allah give you and me success and rectify our worldly and other worldly lives and grant us adherence to the ways of the truth in our journeys and sojourns; that repentance is a key and Taq’wa is vast and uprightness is the source of rectification.
Furthermore a servant is never free of either blunders or shortcomings therefore never be neglectful of Tawbah (repentance) and never turn away from the act of returning to Allah (swt) and never neglect acts that bring you closer to Him.
Indeed every time one of these three occur, repent and return, every time you make a mistake, listen and obey. Anytime you display shortcomings or show lack of enthusiasm don’t desist in your efforts. Let your main concern be to remove from your outer states anything that is displeasing and then maintain its outward state through continual counsel. Continue doing this until you find yourself fleeing from anything outwardly displeasing is second nature and that your avoidance of the boundaries of prohibited things is as if it acts like a protective net that is placed before you.
At this point it is time to turn inwards towards your hearts presence and to its reality with both reflection and remembrance. Don’t hasten the end result before you have completed the beginning; likewise don’t begin without looking towards the end result because the one who seeks the outset at the end looses beneficial guidance, and the one who seeks the end at the outset loses beneficial care.
Know; may Allah give you and me success and rectify our worldly and other worldly lives and grant us adherence to the ways of the truth in our journeys and sojourns; that repentance is a key and Taq’wa is vast and uprightness is the source of rectification.
Furthermore a servant is never free of either blunders or shortcomings therefore never be neglectful of Tawbah (repentance) and never turn away from the act of returning to Allah (swt) and never neglect acts that bring you closer to Him.
Indeed every time one of these three occur, repent and return, every time you make a mistake, listen and obey. Anytime you display shortcomings or show lack of enthusiasm don’t desist in your efforts. Let your main concern be to remove from your outer states anything that is displeasing and then maintain its outward state through continual counsel. Continue doing this until you find yourself fleeing from anything outwardly displeasing is second nature and that your avoidance of the boundaries of prohibited things is as if it acts like a protective net that is placed before you.
At this point it is time to turn inwards towards your hearts presence and to its reality with both reflection and remembrance. Don’t hasten the end result before you have completed the beginning; likewise don’t begin without looking towards the end result because the one who seeks the outset at the end looses beneficial guidance, and the one who seeks the end at the outset loses beneficial care.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Muharram 1431H
I end this year 1430H with a heavy heart.
A heart full of guilt and grief.
A heart full of remorse and repentance.
A heart that is tainted with black spots.
A heart that is congested with laziness and gluttony.
As the year is nearing, I sincerely and seriously want to write down some ‘resolutions’ for myself.
Bad habits that needs to be changed, attitude that need to be reformed, adab that need to develop, behavior that conforms and adhere (insya allah) in the way of the Prophet s.a.w.
The list is endless man… masya allah.
And with a new year approaching, I’ve also changed the theme of this blog. Perhaps there would not be anymore personal experiences nor encounters for sharing especially if it causes displeasure amongst other muslims. Insya allah, I will share more meaningful articles with everyone.
O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness and mercy! Ya Allah, please give me another year to reform; to be a better servant of Allah swt and a better Muslim. I acknowledge my faults, sins and shortcomings ya Allah!
A heart full of guilt and grief.
A heart full of remorse and repentance.
A heart that is tainted with black spots.
A heart that is congested with laziness and gluttony.
As the year is nearing, I sincerely and seriously want to write down some ‘resolutions’ for myself.
Bad habits that needs to be changed, attitude that need to be reformed, adab that need to develop, behavior that conforms and adhere (insya allah) in the way of the Prophet s.a.w.
The list is endless man… masya allah.
And with a new year approaching, I’ve also changed the theme of this blog. Perhaps there would not be anymore personal experiences nor encounters for sharing especially if it causes displeasure amongst other muslims. Insya allah, I will share more meaningful articles with everyone.
O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness and mercy! Ya Allah, please give me another year to reform; to be a better servant of Allah swt and a better Muslim. I acknowledge my faults, sins and shortcomings ya Allah!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Knowledge
I attended a course on Communications and Relationship Management in CSC last week.And for the first time, i met a Malay speaker.
The experience that i had only reinforces my thoughts on the importance of possessing knowledge and not belittling anyone.
We were in this chapter on dealing with the different cultures and beliefs of the races in S'pore. So there were examples of things that the Chinese hate when it comes to gifts and they loved auspicious colours(red) and numbers(8,9), and they believed that if you don't tie a red string round your little finger when you attend a funeral and the spirits will follow you home. And then when it comes to the section on Malays, there is no doubt that generally most Malays are Muslims and they don't take pork and they think that pigs and dogs are unclean. So when the speaker finished with that sentence, a participant(non-malay) asked him why the dog is unclean.
Did you know what he answered? "How would i know?? I didn't write the Quran!" (Subhanallah!!!)
I don't know what he meant by that answer and i shouldn't be interpreting. So i gave him the benefit of the doubt that he may feel that this is not an environment to explain things like these issues.
And i want to highlight another thing about him which is worthy of mention. Because of the limitedness of this 'government' building, there was no designated space for Muslims to pray. Even though the mosque is nearby, it can be quite inconvenient when the lunch time doesn't coincide within the prayer times. This Malay speaker prayed his asar right in the room itself. Masya allah!(but of course, it was during the times we were doing our group work). Well, my husband too agreed that not many would do this.
The experience that i had only reinforces my thoughts on the importance of possessing knowledge and not belittling anyone.
We were in this chapter on dealing with the different cultures and beliefs of the races in S'pore. So there were examples of things that the Chinese hate when it comes to gifts and they loved auspicious colours(red) and numbers(8,9), and they believed that if you don't tie a red string round your little finger when you attend a funeral and the spirits will follow you home. And then when it comes to the section on Malays, there is no doubt that generally most Malays are Muslims and they don't take pork and they think that pigs and dogs are unclean. So when the speaker finished with that sentence, a participant(non-malay) asked him why the dog is unclean.
Did you know what he answered? "How would i know?? I didn't write the Quran!" (Subhanallah!!!)
I don't know what he meant by that answer and i shouldn't be interpreting. So i gave him the benefit of the doubt that he may feel that this is not an environment to explain things like these issues.
And i want to highlight another thing about him which is worthy of mention. Because of the limitedness of this 'government' building, there was no designated space for Muslims to pray. Even though the mosque is nearby, it can be quite inconvenient when the lunch time doesn't coincide within the prayer times. This Malay speaker prayed his asar right in the room itself. Masya allah!(but of course, it was during the times we were doing our group work). Well, my husband too agreed that not many would do this.
On a last note, my teacher, Ust Zhul once told his students;" Muslims have a great product (Islam) but we are poor salesmen."
This post has no ill intentions of judging anyone nor belittling anyone. It just serves as an enlightenment and a reminder to myself.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
ALHAMDULILLAH!
I still remember the time when I was browsing through some books at the bookshop in Darul Arqam(Muslim Converts' Association of S'pore) and this Chinese sister came up to me and talked to me. She was the first Chinese Muslim friend i had at that time, even though i wasn't a full-fledged muslim yet.
She has been a volunteer with Darul for donkey years. And she had been my friend and closest pillar of support during those times when i had no one else. Though she's not so good with her remarks, but actually she has a heart of gold. She has to work and feed herself and her 20yr old son who is currently studying in the polytechnic. It must have been hard for her all these years after her husband passed away.
Despite all these, she did not stop showing concern for me. We do not meet as often ever since i got married so sometimes we would call one another. She would always be the one to text and inform me about the events that Darul is organising. She was also the one who told me to renew my membership with Darul and sign myself up as a volunteer so that i could render my services to the new converts. To date, I have not done so. I haven't gotten much support from my spouse and hence the delay.
It is with much regret that all forms of support had vanished together with my mentor when he left, and Darul could not fill in the gaps created from the time my parents distanced me the moment i chose a different religion as them. Those times were really really really challenging.
I ever threatened to him that i will renounce the faith. But at the back of my mind, i kept asking myself the question over and over again;' Will I? Should I?' I need to make the right decision for myself, and not for anyone else. For many nights, I couldn't sleep and I pondered over the question of 'to stay or to abandon'. Abandoning Islam would mean that i would still have a roof over my head but would not mean that i have a good end. But if i stay on, i could risk destroying everything that i have and i would have to start all over again.
Is it worth taking up this challenge?
And alhamdulillah, by the Grace and Mercy of Allah swt, I made the decision and continued my journey as a Muslim.
Although my journey continued without the presence of my mentor, Allah swt sent superb friends along the way. And she was one of them.
May Allah swt reward her in this world and the next for what she has done and continue to bestow upon her strength and assistance in her journey here. ameen ameen ya rabbal alamin.
She has been a volunteer with Darul for donkey years. And she had been my friend and closest pillar of support during those times when i had no one else. Though she's not so good with her remarks, but actually she has a heart of gold. She has to work and feed herself and her 20yr old son who is currently studying in the polytechnic. It must have been hard for her all these years after her husband passed away.
Despite all these, she did not stop showing concern for me. We do not meet as often ever since i got married so sometimes we would call one another. She would always be the one to text and inform me about the events that Darul is organising. She was also the one who told me to renew my membership with Darul and sign myself up as a volunteer so that i could render my services to the new converts. To date, I have not done so. I haven't gotten much support from my spouse and hence the delay.
It is with much regret that all forms of support had vanished together with my mentor when he left, and Darul could not fill in the gaps created from the time my parents distanced me the moment i chose a different religion as them. Those times were really really really challenging.
I ever threatened to him that i will renounce the faith. But at the back of my mind, i kept asking myself the question over and over again;' Will I? Should I?' I need to make the right decision for myself, and not for anyone else. For many nights, I couldn't sleep and I pondered over the question of 'to stay or to abandon'. Abandoning Islam would mean that i would still have a roof over my head but would not mean that i have a good end. But if i stay on, i could risk destroying everything that i have and i would have to start all over again.
Is it worth taking up this challenge?
And alhamdulillah, by the Grace and Mercy of Allah swt, I made the decision and continued my journey as a Muslim.
Although my journey continued without the presence of my mentor, Allah swt sent superb friends along the way. And she was one of them.
May Allah swt reward her in this world and the next for what she has done and continue to bestow upon her strength and assistance in her journey here. ameen ameen ya rabbal alamin.
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