Influence of the internal and external

I feel like a hypocrite who's putting up a good front by sharing these Du'as.

I shall still do it.

- - -

فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنْتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ

"Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous." [Surah Yusuf - 12:101]

اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَ الْحَزَنِ  وَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ  وَ الْبُخْلِ وَ الْجُبْنِ  وَ ضَلَعِ الدِّيْنِ وَ غَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

"O Allah! I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and from being overpowered by men (other people)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7:158)

ربَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسْرَافَنَا فِي أَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَِ

"Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith." [Surah Al-Imran - 3:147]

Grow up

I am uncertain if anyone finds worth in my words, because I came to realize that I don't. This feeble heart has forgotten its own weight and has been distracted with the hope of external replenishment. The love and self-respect I used to have for myself have been tainted by the very same person who believes in the value of sincerity to oneself. This unsettled longing for support, for empathy, for respect, for genuine admiration, for understanding, is it a sign of weakness? The beacon of contentment crumbles in the hands of others. We can depend on others but we must be brave to take responsibility for our own soul. We must have the courage to look within and have maturity in dealing with our hidden world. This corrupt heart yearns to be better but it elevates itself emptily under an apparent veil, instead of lowering its roots into a foundation. How noble. How misguided.

They say it is a blessing, and a curse to be a sensitive being. Little things, they are big to a dwarfed soul which has grown to appreciate the minute grandeur of a mindful heart. Being moulded to live in the realm of subtlety, silent sacrifice and hidden sincerity is not easy. It used to be better when the occupant acted upon his values, regardless of the pain, humiliation and extrinsic influence. Yes, the strength of silence and patience leaves in the inner presence of ignorant comfort, pride and unmindfulness. I believe these traits come into existence within us at the instant when a positive quality gets instilled as they are a pair, and we ought to take effort in realizing the things we subconsciously feed. I feel like some of us are losing sight of not only our destination, but our paths. Everything seems unfair to us yet we still take things for granted. How genuine. How deluded.

"One day when you're older, people will do it to you".

My mother used to say it when she gets hurt by me many years ago. It seems like a mother's prayer for her child often gets answered. And an accepted prayer will always bring benefit. InsyaaAllah. Be mature and have contentment.

(:

(smiley face here cause I just finished staring at my kinda new whatsapp wallpaper)

Kenapa tak amek mee goreng?

Kuliah Subuh by Ustaz Zainal Arifin (Former Principal of Madrasah Aljunied)

(Right click + save link as...) ^

It may be nothing much to some of you (haha talking as though got a lot of people read my blog), and it's not particularly filled with details of practical knowledge, but please have a listen if you have the time.

Part of today's sermon

Blessed Friday Jemaah,

Let us fill our hearts with taqwa to Allah s.w.t. with the highest level of taqwa. Hold true to the rope of Allah s.w.t. and love one another. May we be placed among the believers and those who have hikmah (wisdom).

When we open the Quran, we will find one word that is often mentioned by Allah, The Most Wise. This word appears almost 20 times in the Quran. Sometimes it is paired with the word alkitab, and at times it is on its own. The word that I am referring to is al-Hikmah. Allah s.w.t says: 

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” [Surah alNahl, verse125]

The verse that was recited earlier is a divine reminder for our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. as well as for his ummah to be conscious of two important matters when spreading the message of Islam. Firstly, the objective that we want to achieve. The verse firmly states that our objective should be for Allah, and we do good deeds to please Him and to gain His mercy. Hence, the intention and aim of a true believer (mukmin) when spreading dakwah is to lead and guide a person to God. Not for other purposes such as leading the person to other paths or specific agendas.

The second matter that a mukmin should bear in mind when making dakwah and calling others to Islam is to do it with wisdom and contemplating on the most effective approach. However, when is one considered successful in ensuring that one’s speech and actions are full of wisdom (hikmah)? According to scholars, one is successful in achieving hikmah when one is able to place something in its place accordingly. Thus, it is clear that a person who is wise in his conduct when interacting with others will never be at a loss. A mukmin will always ensure he is wise in his interactions, and will strive to ensure that what he does or says is easily understood and accepted by others. Let us study how Allah s.w.t. emphasised that His words can be easily understood and grasped by the human mind. Allah says (يعقلون لقوم (and (يتفكرون لقوم :(meaning: “For a rational person” and “for the people that can think.” Hence, let us study and apply the approach of the Quran in our actions, interactions and speech accordingly. Often we deliver or say something to others because we feel it is a pertinent
matter and that we are obligated to do so. However sometimes in doing so, we may forget to think of the long-term consequences, the feelings of others and their perspectives.

For example, imagine when you are praying and the jemaah praying beside you has forgotten to switch off his phone, or at least switch it to silent mode, and his phone rings while praying in congregation. How would you react towards him? Would you scold him immediately after solat? Or would you just keep quiet?

Let us reflect upon the wise approach of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., when a companion, Mu’awiyah ibn al-Hakam al-Sulami r.a., recited a supplication for a man who sneezed, while Mu’awiyah was standing in prayer by saying: “Yarhamukallah”. Pay attention to the manners of Rasulullah s.a.w. in reprimanding Mua’wiyah after praying. Mua’wiyah said: After Rasulullah s.a.w. completed his prayers, I have never seen a better teacher or better teachings before or since; he did not rebuke me, hit me or revile me – he said: “This prayer is not the right place for any of the people’s speech, rather it is tasbeeh, takbeer and recitation of Qur’aan.” (Hadith reported by Muslim) According to Imam Nawawi rahimahullah, this hadith shows that the approach taken by Rasulullah s.a.w. in educating a person who is not aware is not by scolding or criticising the person.

Instead, one should use a gentle approach that is full of wisdom.

Realise that those who commit mistakes because of ignorance do not fall within the same category as those who commit a mistake when they already know that it is wrong. Sometimes the situation calls for a person to be firm, and at times, a gentle approach is more effective. At times, keeping quiet is better especially if by voicing our opinion or by trying to guide someone, it can lead to a bigger problem when compared to the benefit that we hope to achieve. A Muslim must be smart in choosing the right approach in guiding others to God. Hence, efforts to guide a person to Allah must be done appropriately, taking into consideration the situation, the level of the person’s understanding, and how he would accept the advice, and also his level of obedience towards Allah.

Another aspect that a person who incorporates wisdom in interacting and mixing with others is when he debates and discusses with others. In this matter, he will ensure that he chooses the most appropriate approach possible. Especially when dealing with someone of a different perspective and orientation. If he feels there is a need to discuss and debate certain matters, then Islam allows for this but there are conditions to be observed. One must choose his words wisely, be conscious of his actions, body language, and managing his emotions when presenting his arguments and evidences. 

The final objective is not to determine the winner and loser. The objective that we are all striving for is to find the truth and to guide others to the path of God. This is the pinnacle of adab practised by the scholars when they faced issues of ikhtilaf. Imam Al-Syafie reported: “I have never debated intellectually with someone, except that I have the least concern of whether I win the the debate or otherwise”. MashaAllah. This is an approach full of wisdom that we seek to aspire. It is a far cry from the situation we are witnessing today. Sometimes people end up fighting, insulting, and belittling others on social media, just to defend an invalid point. Nauzubillah min zalik. InsyaAllah, our following khutbahs will address other aspects of wisdom.

Tell me, human, what do you see?

Amy does this all the time. He doesn't really come to me when I'm doing other things in my room. I've tried being all sneaky and quiet while laying down the prayer mat, etc, but somehow he still knows. Apart from his fur dirtying the mat, and his infrequent nonsense of pulling and biting my hair while I'm in sujud (which I kind of like, at times, and I've actually stayed a little longer in sujud because I was hoping for him to bite my hair. Astaghfirullah.), he's quite a gem. Honestly.

I used to be annoyed by this and I would chase him out and close the door before doing the necessary. A couple of days back in the morning, my mom saw him bending his head down and silently pushing his nose into the gap beneath my room door. Well, it just melts my heart to see his persistence. Maybe he knows some special things that I don't.

I shall learn to be more grateful.

I shall keep my door ajar.

~

And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers

Today, while cleaning the house with my mom I talked to her as though I was talking to my close friends. Not in a manner which disrespected her, but one which elevated my trust and yearning for her wisdom. As we continued talking about significant matters, she gave me some advice that had me, blinking. It's the same set of familiar advice I've been earnestly drilling into my head, and heart - but now it's from my mom. It's different, and more effective.

There needs to be sincerity in giving and receiving reminders.

At-Taghabun (Verse 13 – 16)

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ

God, there is no deity but He: so in God let the believers put their trust.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجِكُمْ وَأَوْلَادِكُمْ عَدُوًّا لَّكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُمْ ۚ وَإِن تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

O who you believe! Among your spouses and children there may be enemies for you, so beware of them. Yet, if you pardon, forbear, and forgive (their faults towards you and in worldly matters), then (know that) God is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate¹

إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

Your worldly possessions and your children are but a source of temptation and trial (for you); and God is He with Whom is a tremendous reward.

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَأَنفِقُوا خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Keep, then, from disobedience to God in reverence for Him and piety as far as you can,² and listen attentively and submit (to His commands), and obey Him, and spend (in His cause and for the needy) as it is to the betterment of your souls. Whoever is guarded against the avarice of his soul, those are they who are truly prosperous.³


1 - Spouses are dutiful towards each other, and parents have intrinsic love for and duties towards their children. However, the love of spouses for each other and the love of parents for their children should be regulated according to the commandments of the Religion. Love of family may sometimes bar a person from his or her religious duties or cause him or her to indulge the family excessively or to work for their children and their future without considering the children’s duties towards God and their afterlife, whereas true love necessitates that parents should first consider the afterlife and the religious duties of their children. They should consider their worldly welfare within the framework of the Religion.

Unfortunately, many spouses and parents neglect this cardinal principle and they misuse their love and compassion for each other and for their children. In addition to this, some spouses and children may put pressure upon each other and their parents to act without considering the religious commandments and cause each other or themselves to lose in the Hereafter. This is, in fact, enmity. So the Quran draws the attention of spouses to this fact and warns them.

However, despite such enmity, parents should be careful, patient, and tolerant in their mutual relations and in their approach to the conduct of their children. They can be forbearing and pardon their mutual faults towards each other and the faults of their children towards themselves. (This is what is expected from parents, but children must be extremely careful about observing the rights of their parents.) They should also overlook any faults concerning worldly matters and be able to act as educators concerning religious matters. They should always give precedence to religious matters over worldly ones.

The next verse concisely expresses this truth.

2 – This statement is not contradictory with Keep from disobedience to God in reverent piety with all the reverence that is due to Him (Surah 3:102), nor does the former abrogate the latter. God should be revered and obeyed as He should because His position as God requires this. In fact, every position requires respect and obedience to the extent of its greatness. However, each human being has a capacity for respect and obedience particular to him/herself; he/she cannot go beyond this but as we cannot know the limits of our own capacity, we must try to revere and obey God as His being God requires us to do to the utmost of our capacity.

3 – This verse explains how people can be saved from the enmity of their spouses or children and be successful in the trial of their worldly possessions and children.


Taken from the book: The Qur’an with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English by Ali Unal

I believe it wasn't a coincidence

Anakku Sazali dengarlah

Lagu yang ayahanda karangi

Sifatkan laguku hai anak

Sebagai sahabatmu nanti

Anakku Sazali juwita

Laguku jadikan pelita

Penyuluh di gelap gelita

Pemandu ke puncak bahagia

Dendang Perantau

Di tepian mandi
Danauku hijau yang damai selalu

The morning wind today was cooling. It was gentle - sufficiently gentle. Grey. Blue. Dull. Dim. I sat down on the kitchen floor, back against the cabinet. There is something special about being close to the ground.

It's the late afternoon now. I see two yellow mynas chasing each other. There's a butterfly with a pair of soft lime wings in front of my window. How lovely. The sun seems a little special today. But the leaves aren't moving. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

My heart is still today.

Ramadhan has been still thus far.

I hope to be understood.

I shall be grateful for these unique blessings.

Unconditional

Feast on the contentment found in the value of goodness.

The senses are not genuine seekers

وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ

"And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring." [20:131]

Let it touch the ground

The trust in this heavy rain is beautiful.

I haven't been good to the people around me

Alhamdulillah.

This morning I gained a little something. It is a lesson about unconditional love. I realized a little something about parenthood. It gave me a slightly tighter grasp on what it means to have endless hope and pray for our loved ones in silence, even if they don't understand what we do, even if they slip and bruise us in their own respective ways. What makes us think they're not doing the same for us too in silence? I'm not too pleased with myself. As the only child I feel a heavy sense of responsibility to support my parents in all aspects, be mindful of their silent efforts, and repay them not just in words, but in the sincere will of being a good son. Never hurt them. We can do better, and we will fight to do better. InsyaaAllah.

But what if our parents are the ones who slip and bruise us? Then I shall firstly remind myself, before sharing, that evil exists in all of us. Nevertheless, we don't respond to what we perceive as evil, with our own perceived evil. Afterall, evil is not our teacher.

Ya Allah, I make this rare, open and written dua here on this blessed Friday morning, and ask for Your gentle guidance. Soften our hearts and remove our egos. Instill in us useful wisdom, kindness and patience. Let us be strong yet gentle muslims, and weak and humble slaves whom you'll be pleased with. May those who have brought us closer to You, directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, be blessed with goodness in this life and the Hereafter. May this dua be granted by You, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind, for the people around me, for those living in this world, and for those who say Amin.

Amin.

Autumn

At times,

Muted by the winter's snow
Baked by the summer's spell
Choked by the colours of spring
The naive man screams -

Does the sun
Burn in distress
To provide warmth
For those embracing it!

We don't know!

Does the moon
Shiver in isolation
To provide faith
For the hopeful souls!

We don't know!

Does the wind
Blow in turbulence
To provide purpose
For the drifting sails!

We don't know!

Not the answers!
The questions!

Not the autumn!
The fall!

Time

Kindly bear with me.

Today, I got to experience my favourite phenomenon. It's ephemeral. It is. It's rare. Goosebumps. I first noticed it at an extremely young age and I've been passively seeking for it ever since. When I do see it, I just feel engulfed. With wonder. With mystery. With strange hues. With nostalgia. With understanding. With patience. Everything turns brownish pink. Everything. It gives me hope. Endless hope. It's there! See it. I believe in endless hope. I want the world to believe in endless hope.

Why is it so difficult to explain!

I meant what I said. I just want people to know and understand.

Kindly bear with me.

These are unedited.