Semua orang suka bergaduh

Di Malaysia, drama pergaduhan berlaku sepanjang masa. Malah drama-drama Melayu yang penuh dengan aksi pergaduhan keluarga pun tidak mampu menandingi kehebatan drama politik Malaysia. Mengapa? Ramai yang tidak menggunakan akal. Yang ada akal, hanya bergaduh menggunakan akal tanpa mengira sensitiviti orang lain.

Bergaduh di Malaysia ada dalam bermacam-macam bentuk- debat, perbezaan idea dan menunjuk-nunjuk siapa yang lebih betul walhal semua mahukan kebaikan untuk semua orang. Jika berbeza idea, didiklah pihak lawan untuk memahaminya-bukan menghukumnya. 

Di satu pihak mengatakan satu pihak ini selalu memfitnah dirinya. Di pihak ini pula selalu mengatakan tidak. Namun kita sebagai seorang yang langsung tidak mengetahui secara langsung, janganlah teruja-uja sangat menyokong mana-mana idea yang kita rasakan betul. Cuba bayangkan macam situasi ini- kalau pihak 'baru dibebaskan' mengatakan semuanya fitnah belaka dan mengatakan pihak 'saya lama dah memerintah' yang memfitnahnya. Namun , kita tidak benar-benar tahu betulkah pihak ini yang memfitnah? Kalau kita percaya tanpa menyiasat, kita berburuk sangka. Dan lebih teruk, pihak 'saya dibebaskan' yang mengatakan orang memfitnahnya, jika fihak lawannya tidak memfitnahnya, dia pula yang menfitnah orang yang dikatakan memfitnahnya. Begitu juga sebaliknya.

Ada satu pendapat seorang ustaz yang saya langgan (subscribe) di Facebook yang berbunyi- perbezaan pendapat itu adalah jihad. Namun, apabila saya melihat dia seakan-akan membantah seorang ustaz lain memasuki pihak lawannya, saya tidak pasti apa yang diperjuangkannya. Bagaimana dengan idea ustaz mengenai perbezaan pendapat itu? Mengapa seorang ustaz lain memasuki parti bukan sokongannya seakan-akan dihina kerana masuk ke dalam kancah rasuah, politik kotor dan sebagainya. Adakah mungkin ustaz itu mempunyai niat untuk mengubah perkara-perkara buruk parti itu dari dalam yang mungkin jauh lebih baik berbanding pendekatan ustaz? Bahkan ini lebih baik berbanding ustaz yang terus mencaci pihak bukan sokongan ustaz namun tidak berusaha untuk melakukan dakwah dengan cara efektif terhadap mereka. Api jika dilawan api makin besar apinya. 

Kadang-kadang saya melihat orang yang mengatakan dirinya memperjuangkan Islam sentiasa bercakap sahaja. Yang lebih ekstrem, membawanya ke jalanan tanpa sebarang penyelesaian konstruktif. Allahuakbar dilaungkan tidak berguna jika dalam hati tidak mendalaminya. Saya tidak menyokong mana-mana pihak (buat masa ini) namun janganlah senantiasa berprasangka buruk terhadap orang lain. Saya menasihati diri terlebih dahulu dan ingin mengajak anda semua. Mungkin cara mereka kurang betul namun niat mereka tetap baik. Jika salah, tegurlah dengan cara betul. Anda pun buat salah juga dan anda juga tidak suka ditegur dengan cara anda menegur pihak lawan. 

Janganlah berburuk sangka. Setiap manusia boleh berubah. Jangan ingat anda sahaja yang betul dalam dunia.-The Chukai Insider

Malaysian Muslims always in fear?

There is a controversial issue running in the tabloids and even in mainstream media of Malaysia- the smart student who scored 17As in high school who has been different since the day she left Malaysia. Or is that the case? Is Amalina, the medical student in Edinburgh could be the example of the changing Malaysian society?

Physically, she does look different- blond hair and the starkest difference is that she takes her hair cover off which is a big no-no in conservative Muslim societies. However, it is not the issue of this young girl that should be the main concern. It is that the whole Muslim in Malaysia who are always in constant fear of themselves unable to follow their religion closely.

They always fear that people of other religion have agendas to destroy their faiths. In societies, particularly of those in conservative areas, there is always a constant belief that many of other religions are trying convert them especially to the young ones to other religion. It is not just religion. It goes beyond the lifestyle adopted by the youths as well.

The case of the medical student brought attention of many. She was idolised by many of the students with her hard work and all-rounder qualities. The issue is whether things written about her are true or not? Malaysians, in general like to jump on conclusion once they read or see something without knowing what goes on behind the story.

The front page of a news tabloid featuring Amalina in her controversial picture. This front-paged story shows you how much Malaysians love controversies.

This is not the first time such a story makes its headlines in mainstream media. Few years ago, a mathematics genius who studied in Oxford under government company's scholarship, Safiah shocked Malaysians with her prostitution. 

Muslims in Malaysia are always not confident with their beliefs but never tried to strengthen theirs the right way. Most Malaysians blame many ridiculous aspects that deteriorate the moral and beliefs of the young. The case of baby dumping, pre-marital sex, free sex, homosexuals, bisexuals, drugs and mat rempit are embedded in the society but it is obvious that the blaming game is part of the so-called solutions to the social problems. 

The most ridiculous reason given always go back to the so-called agenda of the 'Jews' or people of other religion. Last year, a group which calls themselves Obedient Wives Club made international headlines with its book that aims to show sex guides to bring the glory of Islam from the Jews. Stupid and very narrow-minded, isn't it?

Most Malaysian Muslims are always in constant fear but never tried to make their believers to have stronger relationship with the religion. Why do they always have to blame others? The root of the problem lies within the society which are made up of families and schools. It goes back to parenting and teaching at schools. There are no Jews in Malaysia and no systematic agenda by the non-believers in TV or Astro to deviate your child. 

The funniest thing I read today is about another best Malaysian student, Madihah who is currently studying in Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar which is described by her as 'Westernised'. Another case of someone not being confident of her selves that led to the belief that others can influence you easily. Isn't that will show to the rest that how easy it is to change your belief? I studied in KTJ before and there was no people calling my friends 'budak pakai khemah' and I am definitely sure that the students still do not call you that. The word I am suggesting is paranoid.

It is true that in some ways that the Western style is not in coherent with Islamic teaching. However, in KTJ what is practised as 'westernised' is sometimes more Islamic than what the 'budak pakai khemah' in Kelantan practised. In fact, even tarawih prayers are placed to be 'wajib' by my English housemaster eventhough he is not a Muslim (although this is wrong, but he made it compulsory). He was the one going from one room to another room calling for Muslims to go to the surau to pray. Interestingly, the Muslim students were running away from him. Whose fault was that? The Jews?  The freedom to express beliefs, respecting others, rights to speak up and differences of culture are the things that you cannot get anywhere else but KTJ.

 If you feel threatened with your belief all the time, how are you going to make difference and show the rest that you are able to do something in the cause of Islam? If you think that you are easily influenced by others, that is what you are.-The Chukai Insider

Who is God?

This article was originally published here. The author said it is okay to share the article  and personally, I think it is one of the author's best works.-The Chukai Insider

One of the hardest things about faith is often mistaken as being the simplest aspect.

Belief in the Oneness, Greatness and Uniqueness of God, and His right to be worshipped unconditionally and undividedly. Otherwise known as tawheed. 

As a person who was born into a Muslim family I was able to grasp this seemingly simple concept quite naturally, alhamdulillah. To a certain degree there are advantages to this but when something is handed to you on a silver platter you tend to take it for granted. I don’t know what it’s like to not believe in God but I do know what it’s like not to know who He is. I know what it’s like not to understand His importance in our lives.

I have asked myself, “The human mind sees what it wants to see. Does God really exist or do I believe in Him because that’s what I want to believe?” 

The 21st century is a time when agnosticism and atheism are becoming increasingly rampant. Some people say religion is no longer relevant in our lives because they don't address the issues that the human civilisation is facing in this era. Some say religion is the cause of problems and bloodshed in this world. I think once you look past what some of the followers of these religions do you'll realise that all religions encourage mankind to do good deeds in this world. What differs from one religion to another is the concept of God.

Imam Ahmad recorded from Ubay bin Ka'b that the idolaters said to the Prophet, "O Muhammad! Tell us the lineage of your Lord." In response, Allah swt revealed Surah Al-Ikhlas:

"Say: He is Allah, One. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He begets not nor was he begotten. And there is none comparable to Him." 

{Tafseer of Surah Al-Ikhlas}

Atheists claim that God doesn’t exist (Na’uzubillah min zalik - May Allah swt protect us from this harm) and that human beings invented the idea of God in their minds to comfort themselves and help them deal with bad experiences. At the same time, they can’t explain the creation of the Universe except in theoretical terms. Logically, it makes no sense to say that a Higher Power didn't create the Universe. It makes no sense that intelligent beings exist on Earth without a true purpose. A lot of people drive themselves crazy trying to figure these things out but the truth is simple.

God has taught us through Islam that He is Al-Hayy (The Eternally Living One), Al-Malik (The One with Complete Dominion), Al-Quddus (The Most Sacred), Al-Qahhar (The All-Prevailing One). He is also Al-Wakeel (The Trustee of all His creations) and unlike any of His creations, He doesn't have a beginning nor an end - Al-Qayyum. So not only is he the God of the 21st Century, he is the God of all Time - the past, present and future. 

I know it’s not easy to love and have faith in something that has no physical representation in this world. When we love a person it is usually for a myriad of reasons. For example, you may love them for their cheerful personality or for their unconditional love. You may love someone simply because they make you feel happy. Your love for these people is a result of an awareness of their physical presence and how they are a source of positivity in your life. Now, try to think of Allah swt as the source of all the blessings in your life. A loving family, a special talent, supportive friends, a kind and patient spouse. We have been blessed because He is Ar-Razzaq (The Provider), Ar-Rauf (The Compassionate), Al-Wadud (The Most Loving) and Al-Wahhab (The Generous). Often times we focus on what we don't have and that's how ingratitude creeps into our hearts. But if we focus too much on what we do have, we become arrogant towards Him and the people around us. The key to avoiding arrogance is to acknowledge God's presence in your life and that He is the Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher and Protector of the Universe and all the worlds (Rab-ul alameen).

The question is: How does one know God? I believe there are many ways to know our Creator but this is how I've personally felt Allah swt in my life.

Step #1. Have an open heart by being humble and sincere. It's no coincidence that purifying one's heart and intentions is a major part of Islam. Allah swt constantly reminds us in the Qur'an that He knows our deepest thoughts and intentions.

"And conceal your word or manifest it; surely He is Cognizant of what is in the hearts. Should He not know,  (as the one) Who created? And He is the Knower of the subtleties, the Aware." 

{Surah Al-Mulk : Ayah 13-14}

"He knows what is in the heavens and the earth, and He knows what you hide and what you manifest; and Allah is Cognizant of what is in the hearts." 

 {Surah At-Taghabun : Ayah 4}

There's nothing wrong with saying, “I have questions… I have doubts…," but you also need to say, "I need and want to find the answers to my questions.”  If you want to understand Him, reflect on His attributes. Yes God is One but He has 99 attributes and the fact that He has revealed them to us is a blessing. To be Muslim is to seek knowledge and put knowledge into practice. It doesn’t stop at praying five times a day. It doesn’t stop at saying the shahadah. It’s the journey of a lifetime and during this journey you will have to think for yourself but He will guide you along the way, inshaAllah. 

Step # 2. Study and reflect on the Qur’an. Make time for this. This is your investment for the Akhirah. Don’t just read it without trying to understand the message of the ayah or surah. I couldn’t relate to the Qur’an when I was younger because I had a teacher who taught me how to recite it but he didn’t teach me how to contemplate on it. Often times I would read the Qur’an by myself and its content wouldn’t resonate with me. This is why Qur’an tafseer lessons exist – to make the Qur’an applicable in our lives. If you have never attended a tafseer class, you owe it to yourself to go at least once and see what it does to your understanding of the Qur’an. Otherwise, there are tafseer articles online and videos on YouTube and HalalTube by knowledgeable scholars of Islam. Personal suggestion: Start with the tafseer of Surah Al-Fatihah (article / audio)

The Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be up on him) said: “Allah (mighty and sublime be He), had said: ‘I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says: ‘Al-hamdu lillahi rabbi l-alamin’ (3), Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’ And when he says: ‘Ar-rahmani r-rahim’ (4), Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: ‘My servant has extolled Me,’ and when he says: ‘Maliki yawmi d-din’ (5), Allah says: ‘My servant has glorified Me’ - and on one occasion He said: ‘My servant has submitted to My power.’ And when he says: ‘Iyyaka na budu wa iyyaka nasta in’ (6), He says: ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.’ And when he says: ‘Ihdina s-sirata l- mustaqim, siratal ladhina an amta alayhim ghayril-maghdubi alayhim wa la d-dallin’ (7), He says: ‘This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.’” 

{Hadith Qudsi, Source: Sacred Hadith.com}

Step # 3. Deepen your knowledge of the concept of tawheed. Did you know the word 'tawheed' stems from the word 'wahad' which means One? Did you know that there are three categories of tawheed: Tawheed al-Ruboobiyah, Tawheed al-Ulooliyah and Tawheed Asma was Sifat? Don't be ashamed if you didn't know these things. I only learned about them today and I've been Muslim all my life (or I just don't recall learning about them in school).

Step # 4. Surround yourself with people who remind you of Him.  It is becoming increasingly challenging to be a Muslim these days. Our faith is constantly tested by our family, friends, classmates and colleagues. The society and culture we live in, basically. No matter how you see yourself - not-so-practicing Muslim, regular Muslim, etc. - if you want to know Allah you have to make sure that you make the conscious decision to be around Muslims who inspire you to become better human beings, better Muslims. Muslims who inspire the feeling of insaf (righteousness) in your heart.  They don't have to be scholars or Imams. They can be "ordinary" Muslims who strive to practice their deen to the best of their ability. Spend time with the righteous but not the self-righteous. Another personal tip: If you don't usually perform your prayers in congregation, break out of this routine one day and visit your local mosque or mussolah so you can can do so. Not only will Allah swt raise your darajah (rank) but He will also elevate your spirits, inshaAllah. A very beautiful feeling of unity, solidarity and serenity will arise in your heart because of the act of praying in congregation. This is the beauty of worshipping Al- Jami' (The Gatherer) with your fellow Muslims. 

Step # 5. Think positively of Allah swt and assume the best of Him.  Syed Qutb (may Allah have Mercy upon him) said: “The believing heart assumes the best of its Lord, and always expects the best from Him. It expects good from Him in times of ease and times of hardship, and it believes that Allah wants good for him in either situation. The secret of this is that his heart is connected to Allah, and the flow of good from Allah is never cut off. So, whenever the heart is connected to Him, it touches upon this fundamental reality and experiences it in a direct and sweet way.” [Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an] {Source: Hadithaday.org}

Now that I've shared about how I've struggled to acknowledge Allah swt in my life, I'm really interested to know how other people have come to know and understand their Creator. How have you experienced God's Presence in your life? What have you done to open up your heart to Him? Feel free to share your questions and thoughts.

Emergency Appeal

Emergency Appeal: East African Famine

AMATULLAH | AUGUST 13, 2011 12:26 AM

While watching the news with my mom the other day, a segment came on about the famine in East Africa. As we listened to the anchor share the stories of families coming to the refugee camps for aid, he highlighted one specific story of a father who walked for 30 days and 30 nights to save his three young sons. At one point in his journey, the children were too weak to walk so their father would carry them one by one – dropping one off at one point then going back for the other across the barren desert.

Then they shared another story of a mother. She was sitting quietly by the bedside of her child who just passed away. Her two other children passed away a few days before this baby. She sat there for hours, quietly, because she could not afford to bury her own child.

In the past 3 months, it is reported that nearly 30,000 children have died.

30,000.