Hey,
I just downloaded WhatsApp Messenger on my BlackBerry.
It is a Smartphone Messenger which replaces SMS. This app even lets me send pictures, video and other multi-media!
WhatsApp Messenger is available for BlackBerry, iPhone, Android and Nokia and there is no PIN or username to remember - it works just like SMS and uses your internet data plan.
Get it now from http://www.whatsapp.com/download/ and say good-bye to SMS.
Sent via BlackBerry from Maxis
Friday, May 11, 2012
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Reality of Taqwa, its Scope and 10 of its Causes by Suhaib Webb al-Azhari
By Suhaib Webb
It's Definition
Taqwa means to abandon religious prohibitions and observe religious injunctions. It is defined by Shari'ah as, "A person's protection from what will harm him in the Hereafter."
Its Scope
Abandoning the prohibitions and observing the injunctions implies an inner and outer reality. Thus, its application falls under four types:
1. Abandoning the outer prohibitions (like leaving prayers or smoking weed)
2. Abandoning the inner Prohibitions (like envy or despairing His mercy)
3. Observing the outer injunctions (like prayer and being good to one's neighbors)
4. Observing the inner injunctions (like the love of God and fearing Him)
Gaining Balance
Based on the four parts of taqwa mentioned above, should strive to make sure they are all healthy. If not, the risk losing balance in their taqwa.
The great scholar, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawzi, gave an awesome example of this: "A person who wears his clothing above his ankles, looking at others with arrogance because they don't." He noted that they have blotted out the good deed with the evil ink of arrogance and spite. Thus, while the outer is together, the inner is not. Activists must be careful, and students of knowledge as well, that their outward religiousity is not spoiled by a sick soul.
It is also possible that a person's heart is fine towards others, but his outer worship is not. For example, he attends rally after rally, meeting after meeting and class after class, but fails to observe the dawn prayer regularly or learn what is obligatory upon him. This disease, and it is common, is a sign of an imbalance in a person's taqwa. Or a person may be active, but flirts with the opposite gender, leads them on and treats them badly. The same could also apply to a person who observes the ritual acts of worship, but fails to take part in his share of community work. Ponder this, because its possibilities are mind boggling.
The Causes of Taqwa are 10
1. Fear of worldly punishment
2. Fear of punishment in the Hereafter
3. Hope for rewards in this life
4. Hope for rewards in the Hereafter
5. Fear of being audited in the Hereafter
6. Realization that God sees you
7. Being thankful for His blessings with obedience
8. Knowledge
9. Extolling His magnificence
10. Sincerely loving Him
We ask Allah to make us from the people of taqwa,
Suhaib Webb al-Azhari
It's Definition
Taqwa means to abandon religious prohibitions and observe religious injunctions. It is defined by Shari'ah as, "A person's protection from what will harm him in the Hereafter."
Its Scope
Abandoning the prohibitions and observing the injunctions implies an inner and outer reality. Thus, its application falls under four types:
1. Abandoning the outer prohibitions (like leaving prayers or smoking weed)
2. Abandoning the inner Prohibitions (like envy or despairing His mercy)
3. Observing the outer injunctions (like prayer and being good to one's neighbors)
4. Observing the inner injunctions (like the love of God and fearing Him)
Gaining Balance
Based on the four parts of taqwa mentioned above, should strive to make sure they are all healthy. If not, the risk losing balance in their taqwa.
The great scholar, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawzi, gave an awesome example of this: "A person who wears his clothing above his ankles, looking at others with arrogance because they don't." He noted that they have blotted out the good deed with the evil ink of arrogance and spite. Thus, while the outer is together, the inner is not. Activists must be careful, and students of knowledge as well, that their outward religiousity is not spoiled by a sick soul.
It is also possible that a person's heart is fine towards others, but his outer worship is not. For example, he attends rally after rally, meeting after meeting and class after class, but fails to observe the dawn prayer regularly or learn what is obligatory upon him. This disease, and it is common, is a sign of an imbalance in a person's taqwa. Or a person may be active, but flirts with the opposite gender, leads them on and treats them badly. The same could also apply to a person who observes the ritual acts of worship, but fails to take part in his share of community work. Ponder this, because its possibilities are mind boggling.
The Causes of Taqwa are 10
1. Fear of worldly punishment
2. Fear of punishment in the Hereafter
3. Hope for rewards in this life
4. Hope for rewards in the Hereafter
5. Fear of being audited in the Hereafter
6. Realization that God sees you
7. Being thankful for His blessings with obedience
8. Knowledge
9. Extolling His magnificence
10. Sincerely loving Him
We ask Allah to make us from the people of taqwa,
Suhaib Webb al-Azhari
The Reality of Taqwa, its Scope and 10 of its Causes by Suhaib Webb al-Azhari
By Suhaib Webb
It's Definition
Taqwa means to abandon religious prohibitions and observe religious injunctions. It is defined by Shari'ah as, "A person's protection from what will harm him in the Hereafter."
Its Scope
Abandoning the prohibitions and observing the injunctions implies an inner and outer reality. Thus, its application falls under four types:
1. Abandoning the outer prohibitions (like leaving prayers or smoking weed)
2. Abandoning the inner Prohibitions (like envy or despairing His mercy)
3. Observing the outer injunctions (like prayer and being good to one's neighbors)
4. Observing the inner injunctions (like the love of God and fearing Him)
Gaining Balance
Based on the four parts of taqwa mentioned above, should strive to make sure they are all healthy. If not, the risk losing balance in their taqwa.
The great scholar, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawzi, gave an awesome example of this: "A person who wears his clothing above his ankles, looking at others with arrogance because they don't." He noted that they have blotted out the good deed with the evil ink of arrogance and spite. Thus, while the outer is together, the inner is not. Activists must be careful, and students of knowledge as well, that their outward religiousity is not spoiled by a sick soul.
It is also possible that a person's heart is fine towards others, but his outer worship is not. For example, he attends rally after rally, meeting after meeting and class after class, but fails to observe the dawn prayer regularly or learn what is obligatory upon him. This disease, and it is common, is a sign of an imbalance in a person's taqwa. Or a person may be active, but flirts with the opposite gender, leads them on and treats them badly. The same could also apply to a person who observes the ritual acts of worship, but fails to take part in his share of community work. Ponder this, because its possibilities are mind boggling.
The Causes of Taqwa are 10
1. Fear of worldly punishment
2. Fear of punishment in the Hereafter
3. Hope for rewards in this life
4. Hope for rewards in the Hereafter
5. Fear of being audited in the Hereafter
6. Realization that God sees you
7. Being thankful for His blessings with obedience
8. Knowledge
9. Extolling His magnificence
10. Sincerely loving Him
We ask Allah to make us from the people of taqwa,
Suhaib Webb al-Azhar
It's Definition
Taqwa means to abandon religious prohibitions and observe religious injunctions. It is defined by Shari'ah as, "A person's protection from what will harm him in the Hereafter."
Its Scope
Abandoning the prohibitions and observing the injunctions implies an inner and outer reality. Thus, its application falls under four types:
1. Abandoning the outer prohibitions (like leaving prayers or smoking weed)
2. Abandoning the inner Prohibitions (like envy or despairing His mercy)
3. Observing the outer injunctions (like prayer and being good to one's neighbors)
4. Observing the inner injunctions (like the love of God and fearing Him)
Gaining Balance
Based on the four parts of taqwa mentioned above, should strive to make sure they are all healthy. If not, the risk losing balance in their taqwa.
The great scholar, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawzi, gave an awesome example of this: "A person who wears his clothing above his ankles, looking at others with arrogance because they don't." He noted that they have blotted out the good deed with the evil ink of arrogance and spite. Thus, while the outer is together, the inner is not. Activists must be careful, and students of knowledge as well, that their outward religiousity is not spoiled by a sick soul.
It is also possible that a person's heart is fine towards others, but his outer worship is not. For example, he attends rally after rally, meeting after meeting and class after class, but fails to observe the dawn prayer regularly or learn what is obligatory upon him. This disease, and it is common, is a sign of an imbalance in a person's taqwa. Or a person may be active, but flirts with the opposite gender, leads them on and treats them badly. The same could also apply to a person who observes the ritual acts of worship, but fails to take part in his share of community work. Ponder this, because its possibilities are mind boggling.
The Causes of Taqwa are 10
1. Fear of worldly punishment
2. Fear of punishment in the Hereafter
3. Hope for rewards in this life
4. Hope for rewards in the Hereafter
5. Fear of being audited in the Hereafter
6. Realization that God sees you
7. Being thankful for His blessings with obedience
8. Knowledge
9. Extolling His magnificence
10. Sincerely loving Him
We ask Allah to make us from the people of taqwa,
Suhaib Webb al-Azhar
Don't be sad
Don’t be Sad
by Azim Kidwai
Life can be tough these days. It genuinely seems like we are stuck in a rat race – work is boring, family is difficult, you just can’t find the social network and warm feeling of brother/sisterhood, and of course, you’re still single. And then on top of all this, mum is not well and dad has passed away. This may resonate with a lot of you or parts of this may, and the consequences of all this are that many of us circumnavigate life through bouts of depression. We feel a sadness that sometimes we do not know quite how to overcome. We feel an anxiety that we have no idea what it stems from. Ultimately what we find is that despite all the pleasures of the world, we are still fighting a sadness, anxiety and a feeling of sorrow, which manifest in different ways.
So why is this?
Unquestionably the reality of this situation is the gulf between our lifestyle and the prophetic example. When we find ourselves facing any problems, we see those to be the biggest issues in the world. Our whole outlook can change, our whole commitment levels can change and fundamentally we find our faith can shake. And here is the proof that we are so devoid of prophetic guidance that the affairs of our own life become the center of the universe. He (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said what means, “O people! If any believer is afflicted by a disaster, let him remember the disaster of my death, so that this may give him ease, as nobody will be afflicted with a disaster which is greater than that of my death.” (Ibn Maajah).
The most amazing thing about this also is, that when you just take a moment to consider his death (Peace and blessings be upon him), the most bizarre sadness will overcome you. Your heart will sink, your soul will quiver and you will be able to see the reality of whatever you are dealing with at the time. Lets take that journey now, and prepare to truly comprehend the words of our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) died, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) was not around. ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) stood up and addressed the people saying: ‘I swear by Allaah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has not died and that Allaah will send him back to cut off the hands and legs of those who claim that he has died.’ Then, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) arrived to where the Prophet was lying, uncovered his face, kissed him and said: ‘I would sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. You are just as fragrant after your death as you were during your life. I swear by the one in whose hand my soul is, Allaah will never let you die twice.’
Then he went out face the people and said ‘O you who is swearing (by Allaah) (meaning ‘Umar) calm down!’ When ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) heard Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, talking, he kept silent and sat down, so Abu Bakr, praised and thanked Allaah and then said: ‘Whoever was worshipping Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), then Muhammad (peace be upon him) is dead, but whoever was worshipping Allaah, then Allaah is alive and will never die.’ Then he recited (that which translates as): ”Indeed, you [i.e, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) are to die, and indeed, they are to die].” (Az-Zumar: 30) And that “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allaah at all; but Allaah will reward the grateful.” (3: 144) (Related by Bukhari)
Allah Al Musta’an, how sad is this scene. How does it make you feel? How does it feel when you visualize that scene? Does it not just leave you speechless? Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “When the Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, the Muslims were in a state of shock and confusion; some of them were bewildered, others were shocked and started to get things mixed up, others dropped to their knees and were unable to stand, others could not talk and others still refused completely to believe the news of his death.”
Brothers and sisters, the purpose of mentioning this advice of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is so we can contextualize the sadness we may feel we have in our lives. Without question, as human beings we are moved by our personal circumstances, which may cause us pain and distress, however the key is how we deal with these challenges. If we ponder on them with the context of the advice of the Messenger (peace be upon him)and his departure from this world, it makes every pain easier to bear.
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) said what means: ”Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear]…” (7:42)
Let us not be held back by sad thoughts but rather move forward and become more Productive Muslims inshaAllah.
A short up-lifting lecture on this topic if you’re facing hardship can be listened to here
About the Author:
Azim Kidwai is the General Manager of Mercy Mission UK
--
Strive to learn your Islam from the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet.
Do not say, So-and-so said, for you cannot learn the truth only from men. Learn the truth and then measure people against it.
This should be enough for the one who controls his whims and submits himself to his Lord.
Rizly.
by Azim Kidwai
Life can be tough these days. It genuinely seems like we are stuck in a rat race – work is boring, family is difficult, you just can’t find the social network and warm feeling of brother/sisterhood, and of course, you’re still single. And then on top of all this, mum is not well and dad has passed away. This may resonate with a lot of you or parts of this may, and the consequences of all this are that many of us circumnavigate life through bouts of depression. We feel a sadness that sometimes we do not know quite how to overcome. We feel an anxiety that we have no idea what it stems from. Ultimately what we find is that despite all the pleasures of the world, we are still fighting a sadness, anxiety and a feeling of sorrow, which manifest in different ways.
So why is this?
Unquestionably the reality of this situation is the gulf between our lifestyle and the prophetic example. When we find ourselves facing any problems, we see those to be the biggest issues in the world. Our whole outlook can change, our whole commitment levels can change and fundamentally we find our faith can shake. And here is the proof that we are so devoid of prophetic guidance that the affairs of our own life become the center of the universe. He (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said what means, “O people! If any believer is afflicted by a disaster, let him remember the disaster of my death, so that this may give him ease, as nobody will be afflicted with a disaster which is greater than that of my death.” (Ibn Maajah).
The most amazing thing about this also is, that when you just take a moment to consider his death (Peace and blessings be upon him), the most bizarre sadness will overcome you. Your heart will sink, your soul will quiver and you will be able to see the reality of whatever you are dealing with at the time. Lets take that journey now, and prepare to truly comprehend the words of our Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) died, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) was not around. ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) stood up and addressed the people saying: ‘I swear by Allaah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has not died and that Allaah will send him back to cut off the hands and legs of those who claim that he has died.’ Then, Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) arrived to where the Prophet was lying, uncovered his face, kissed him and said: ‘I would sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. You are just as fragrant after your death as you were during your life. I swear by the one in whose hand my soul is, Allaah will never let you die twice.’
Then he went out face the people and said ‘O you who is swearing (by Allaah) (meaning ‘Umar) calm down!’ When ‘Umar, (may Allaah be pleased with him) heard Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, talking, he kept silent and sat down, so Abu Bakr, praised and thanked Allaah and then said: ‘Whoever was worshipping Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), then Muhammad (peace be upon him) is dead, but whoever was worshipping Allaah, then Allaah is alive and will never die.’ Then he recited (that which translates as): ”Indeed, you [i.e, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) are to die, and indeed, they are to die].” (Az-Zumar: 30) And that “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allaah at all; but Allaah will reward the grateful.” (3: 144) (Related by Bukhari)
Allah Al Musta’an, how sad is this scene. How does it make you feel? How does it feel when you visualize that scene? Does it not just leave you speechless? Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “When the Prophet (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, the Muslims were in a state of shock and confusion; some of them were bewildered, others were shocked and started to get things mixed up, others dropped to their knees and were unable to stand, others could not talk and others still refused completely to believe the news of his death.”
Brothers and sisters, the purpose of mentioning this advice of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is so we can contextualize the sadness we may feel we have in our lives. Without question, as human beings we are moved by our personal circumstances, which may cause us pain and distress, however the key is how we deal with these challenges. If we ponder on them with the context of the advice of the Messenger (peace be upon him)and his departure from this world, it makes every pain easier to bear.
Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) said what means: ”Allah does not burden a soul more than it can bear]…” (7:42)
Let us not be held back by sad thoughts but rather move forward and become more Productive Muslims inshaAllah.
A short up-lifting lecture on this topic if you’re facing hardship can be listened to here
About the Author:
Azim Kidwai is the General Manager of Mercy Mission UK
--
Strive to learn your Islam from the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of your Prophet.
Do not say, So-and-so said, for you cannot learn the truth only from men. Learn the truth and then measure people against it.
This should be enough for the one who controls his whims and submits himself to his Lord.
Rizly.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Youth: On Culture, Religion, and Generation Gap
By Khalid Baig
Posted: 27 Safar 1424, 17 April 2004
If the life of this world is an illusion, the period of greatest illusion occurs during youth. It is a period of high energy and great enthusiasm, coupled with an air of invincibility and perpetuity. Like the driver of a fast car, one may also develop a disdain for the slower cars on the highway of life. It is difficult to imagine that the car will run out of fuel and that one day the engine will wear out.
For the moment though the car is fast and it can go places!
For this reason there are special warnings for the youth and glad tidings for the person who uses this energy wisely. A famous hadith tells us that on the Day of Judgment no man will be able to move from his place until he answers five questions. "How did he spend his life? How did he utilize his youth? How did he earn his wealth? How did he spend it? And, how did he practice what he learnt?" [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]. While the first question asks generally about one's life pattern, the second especially focuses on the period of youth.
On the other hand, the person who devoted his youth to the worship of Allah will be among the selected seven kinds of people: "There are seven people for whom Allah Ta’aala will provide His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His shade: 1. A just ruler. 2. A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah. 3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque. 4. Two men who love each other for Allah's sake; they meet for the sake of Allah and part company for His sake. 5. A man who is invited by a woman of beauty and position , but he refuses saying: 'I fear Allah.' 6. A man who gives in charity secretly such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives. 7. A man whose eyes shed tears as he remembers Allah in private." [Bukhari, Muslim].
Hence the profound advice in another famous hadith to value five things: "Youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before preoccupation, and life before death."
A fast car is dangerous if it does not have strong controls. And that is where Shaitan targets the vulnerable --- by loosening the controls. It has been his time-tested trick to work through temptations and make desires look irresistible. The path of deviation looks good. It is cool. It is fun. It is endlessly entertaining. The only problem is, it leads to assured disaster. This is the path of MTV and pop culture; of music and hip-hop; of rebellion and generation gap.
'Generation gap' is a clever term that aims at giving scientific respectability to rudeness and rebellion. The idea is to create a wedge between generations and make it look acceptable for a young person to be indifferent to any wise counsel from one's close and well-wishing elders. Which reminds us of the special challenge faced by the youth today. While temptations have always been strong in young age, today the problem is magnified by mega efforts targeting the youth, especially the Muslim youth in the Western world, at all levels including intellectual and philosophical.
A favorite theme of these campaigns is to separate Islam from its culture. When in France, follow the French culture not the Muslim Algerian one, so the argument goes. This argument needs to be carefully deconstructed. Like all clever arguments this one also begins with a bit of truth. It is true that Islam is a universal religion and not restricted to a particular region. It is also true that many Muslim lands, during their period of decline, developed or adopted some cultural practices that were not based in Islam and need to be pruned. Certainly, not everything that has become accepted social practice in every Muslim country is Islamic. But it is a very long jump from there to conclude that everything being done in the Muslim world is un-Islamic and must be jettisoned. And it is even more bizarre to suggest that the replacement of all that with the pop-culture is just fine.
When Islam reached the lands that today form the Muslim world, it influenced the life style and cultural practices there without forcing a monoculture. For example the wedding practices vary as you move from region to region in the Muslim world. (The picture is complicated by the introduction of many non-Islamic practices there as well.) Yet they also retain common features traceable to Islamic teachings. These include: 1. Marriage is a sacred act and an important religious obligation and not just a means of fulfilling physical needs. 2. While the ultimate decision to marry each other remains with the bride and groom, parental help, guidance, and support in arranging it is a blessing for them.
The propaganda machine presents this common core of Islamic culture as a great burden, but one only needs to look at the unfortunate millions who are left on their own in the name of freedom, to ascertain the truth. Is it not true that if one were to draw a family-and-home-life-disaster map of the world, it will coincide with a map of the Western world? The distinctly safe area will be the Muslim world, with a gray area within it coinciding with the areas of Westernization. The safeguards and the disaster are built into the underlying cultural values and one cannot do a wholesale exchange of cultural practices without buying into the underlying values and facing the consequences.
Does it mean that all Muslims can aim at is to make mini Pakistans in England or mini Algerias in France? Not at all. Islam allows for growth and adaptation and early Muslims have left great examples of it. Theirs was an example of a natural adjustment that was fully informed by Islamic teachings; it did not damage the underlying values. And it tremendously enriched the new societies. The same healthy adaptation can happen today, with benefits for everyone.
The great task of Muslim youth will be to bring the life-giving message of Islam to wherever they live. With love, dedication, wisdom, and insight. But if you give up all you have, how can you give anything to anyone?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION AND ARTICLES ON ISLAAM THROUGH YOUR E-MAIL, SEND A BLANK E-MAIL TO subscribe@islaaminfo.co.za
website : www.islaaminfo.co.za
Posted: 27 Safar 1424, 17 April 2004
If the life of this world is an illusion, the period of greatest illusion occurs during youth. It is a period of high energy and great enthusiasm, coupled with an air of invincibility and perpetuity. Like the driver of a fast car, one may also develop a disdain for the slower cars on the highway of life. It is difficult to imagine that the car will run out of fuel and that one day the engine will wear out.
For the moment though the car is fast and it can go places!
For this reason there are special warnings for the youth and glad tidings for the person who uses this energy wisely. A famous hadith tells us that on the Day of Judgment no man will be able to move from his place until he answers five questions. "How did he spend his life? How did he utilize his youth? How did he earn his wealth? How did he spend it? And, how did he practice what he learnt?" [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]. While the first question asks generally about one's life pattern, the second especially focuses on the period of youth.
On the other hand, the person who devoted his youth to the worship of Allah will be among the selected seven kinds of people: "There are seven people for whom Allah Ta’aala will provide His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His shade: 1. A just ruler. 2. A youth who grew up in the worship of Allah. 3. A man whose heart is attached to the mosque. 4. Two men who love each other for Allah's sake; they meet for the sake of Allah and part company for His sake. 5. A man who is invited by a woman of beauty and position , but he refuses saying: 'I fear Allah.' 6. A man who gives in charity secretly such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives. 7. A man whose eyes shed tears as he remembers Allah in private." [Bukhari, Muslim].
Hence the profound advice in another famous hadith to value five things: "Youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before preoccupation, and life before death."
A fast car is dangerous if it does not have strong controls. And that is where Shaitan targets the vulnerable --- by loosening the controls. It has been his time-tested trick to work through temptations and make desires look irresistible. The path of deviation looks good. It is cool. It is fun. It is endlessly entertaining. The only problem is, it leads to assured disaster. This is the path of MTV and pop culture; of music and hip-hop; of rebellion and generation gap.
'Generation gap' is a clever term that aims at giving scientific respectability to rudeness and rebellion. The idea is to create a wedge between generations and make it look acceptable for a young person to be indifferent to any wise counsel from one's close and well-wishing elders. Which reminds us of the special challenge faced by the youth today. While temptations have always been strong in young age, today the problem is magnified by mega efforts targeting the youth, especially the Muslim youth in the Western world, at all levels including intellectual and philosophical.
A favorite theme of these campaigns is to separate Islam from its culture. When in France, follow the French culture not the Muslim Algerian one, so the argument goes. This argument needs to be carefully deconstructed. Like all clever arguments this one also begins with a bit of truth. It is true that Islam is a universal religion and not restricted to a particular region. It is also true that many Muslim lands, during their period of decline, developed or adopted some cultural practices that were not based in Islam and need to be pruned. Certainly, not everything that has become accepted social practice in every Muslim country is Islamic. But it is a very long jump from there to conclude that everything being done in the Muslim world is un-Islamic and must be jettisoned. And it is even more bizarre to suggest that the replacement of all that with the pop-culture is just fine.
When Islam reached the lands that today form the Muslim world, it influenced the life style and cultural practices there without forcing a monoculture. For example the wedding practices vary as you move from region to region in the Muslim world. (The picture is complicated by the introduction of many non-Islamic practices there as well.) Yet they also retain common features traceable to Islamic teachings. These include: 1. Marriage is a sacred act and an important religious obligation and not just a means of fulfilling physical needs. 2. While the ultimate decision to marry each other remains with the bride and groom, parental help, guidance, and support in arranging it is a blessing for them.
The propaganda machine presents this common core of Islamic culture as a great burden, but one only needs to look at the unfortunate millions who are left on their own in the name of freedom, to ascertain the truth. Is it not true that if one were to draw a family-and-home-life-disaster map of the world, it will coincide with a map of the Western world? The distinctly safe area will be the Muslim world, with a gray area within it coinciding with the areas of Westernization. The safeguards and the disaster are built into the underlying cultural values and one cannot do a wholesale exchange of cultural practices without buying into the underlying values and facing the consequences.
Does it mean that all Muslims can aim at is to make mini Pakistans in England or mini Algerias in France? Not at all. Islam allows for growth and adaptation and early Muslims have left great examples of it. Theirs was an example of a natural adjustment that was fully informed by Islamic teachings; it did not damage the underlying values. And it tremendously enriched the new societies. The same healthy adaptation can happen today, with benefits for everyone.
The great task of Muslim youth will be to bring the life-giving message of Islam to wherever they live. With love, dedication, wisdom, and insight. But if you give up all you have, how can you give anything to anyone?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION AND ARTICLES ON ISLAAM THROUGH YOUR E-MAIL, SEND A BLANK E-MAIL TO subscribe@islaaminfo.co.za
website : www.islaaminfo.co.za
Siswazah Perlu Selami, Fahami Hal Kemanusiaan
Salam,
Sewaktu mengemas inbox dalam FB, terjumpa saya dengan article yang dikirim rakan FB dari yayasan Salam, berikut adalah artikel yang amat berguna untuk menilai sumbangan dan aktiviti alumni UTeM..boleh juga dijadikan "guideline"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oleh : Tan Sri Razali bin Ismail
Graduan bertanggungjawab zahir masa depan lebih sejahtera
PADA 2000, kira-kira 10 tahun lalu, Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) mengeluarkan satu deklarasi yang dipersetujui 147 ketua negara untuk melaksanakan ‘Deklarasi Millennium’ bagi menzahirkan kerjasama global pada abad ke-21 melalui ‘Matlamat Pembangunan Alaf (MDG)’ yang berusaha untuk mengatasi masalah bersama.
Antaranya mengurangkan kemiskinan tegar dan kebuluran, menyediakan pendidikan asas kepada kanak-kanak di seluruh dunia, meningkatkan kesamaan gender dan pengukuhan golongan wanita dalam pelbagai bidang, memerangi penularan wabak HIV/Aids dan penyakit berbahaya, pembangunan lestari dan lain-lain. MDG disasarkan pencapaiannya pada 2015, iaitu kira-kira lima tahun daripada sekarang. Kenyataannya, ia masih jauh daripada jangkauan. Laporan terkini yang dikeluarkan PBB, menunjukkan kebimbangan yang amat sangat untuk MDG dicapai sepenuhnya dalam tempoh ditetapkan.
Malah inilah sepatutnya kebimbangan semua, yang sebenarnya boleh dilihat pada depan mata kita hari ini, di negara kita sendiri pun. Dunia juga berdepan pelbagai bencana alam dan konflik dengan laporan terkini menyatakan bahawa sejak 2000, dunia menyaksikan lebih 35 konflik dan lebih 2,500 bencana alam di seluruh dunia.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) misalnya, sudah memainkan peranannya dengan menggembleng kepakaran menerusi Unit Kajian Bencana, Pusat Kajian Kelestarian Global, Unit Penyelidikan Pendidikan untuk Perdamaian, Pusat Penyelidikan Pembangunan Wanita dan lain-lain lagi yang mampu secara langsung menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan yang kita harapkan.
Kejayaan membawa lebih 30 orang pemimpin universiti dari Mindanao baru-baru ini untuk membantu penyelesaian konflik di Selatan Filipina adalah antara contoh terkini. Namun apa pula peranan kita sebagai individu yang berilmu untuk menyokong usaha seperti ini.
Adakah sekadar berbangga dengan kejayaan dan pencapaian hebat membina bangunan tinggi, kereta dan rumah mewah yang kita diami sehingga kita lupa nasib orang lain di sekeliling. Kita bercakap mengenai kemiskinan dan kebuluran dan simpati mereka yang tiada makanan dan perlindungan.
Namun pada masa sama, meja makan kita mewah dengan pelbagai juadah yang sisanya dibuang ke tong sampah dan merungut hanya kerana makanan tidak sedap mengikut ukuran selera kita.
Kadang-kala kita bangga dengan pakaian berjenama mahal yang harga sehelai mampu menyara kehidupan sebuah keluarga di kampung pedalaman atau beg tangan dengan harga yang mampu menitiskan air mata seorang ayah yang berusaha menyara persekolahan anaknya.
Siswazah bukan hasil produk sebuah kilang seperti robot yang diprogramkan. Universiti harus mendidik dan mengajar cara berfikir dengan kekuatan akal dan hati budi untuk faedah manusia dan alam pada hari ini, malah pada masa depan dengan memanfaatkan ilmu pengetahuan dalam melakukan perubahan di mana saja di seluruh pelosok dunia.
Cuba bayangkan dengan hati nurani, redup mata anak malang yang berpakaian compang-camping tidur di kaki lima bangunan dan lorong penuh sampah. Bayangkan anak muda yang terjebak dalam dadah dan hidup di jalanan. Lihat wajah warga tua yang kesunyian. Lihatlah dengan mata hati, nasib bayi yang dibuang mati dikerumuni serangga di longkang atau hadapan rumah kita semata-mata kerana ibunya takut menghadapi musibah tekanan keluarga dan masyarakat.
Dengarkan laungan suara anak kecil yang disepak terajang, didera dan disakiti tanpa belas kasihan dan renungi nasib serta derita mangsa HIV/Aids yang menunggu masa pemergiannya di lorong gelap sambil merenung masa depan anak yang akan ditinggalkan.
Apakah perasaan kita, jika mereka yang kita bayangkan itu sebenarnya pernah hidup, makan, tidur dan bermain sebumbung dengan kita dulunya. Sayangi mereka yang ada bersama kita pada masa ini sebelum mereka pergi meninggalkan kita dan belajarlah berterima kasih kepada semua kerana itulah petanda orang yang bijaksana.
Siswazah hari ini perlu fikirkan peranan masing-masing untuk zahirkan dunia dan masa depan yang lebih sejahtera.
Tan Sri Razali Ismail adalah Pro Canselor USM yang juga bekas diplomat dan Presiden Persidangan PBB (Teks disesuaikan daripada ucapan pada majlis Konvokesyen Ke-41 USM Sabtu lalu)
Sewaktu mengemas inbox dalam FB, terjumpa saya dengan article yang dikirim rakan FB dari yayasan Salam, berikut adalah artikel yang amat berguna untuk menilai sumbangan dan aktiviti alumni UTeM..boleh juga dijadikan "guideline"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oleh : Tan Sri Razali bin Ismail
Graduan bertanggungjawab zahir masa depan lebih sejahtera
PADA 2000, kira-kira 10 tahun lalu, Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) mengeluarkan satu deklarasi yang dipersetujui 147 ketua negara untuk melaksanakan ‘Deklarasi Millennium’ bagi menzahirkan kerjasama global pada abad ke-21 melalui ‘Matlamat Pembangunan Alaf (MDG)’ yang berusaha untuk mengatasi masalah bersama.
Antaranya mengurangkan kemiskinan tegar dan kebuluran, menyediakan pendidikan asas kepada kanak-kanak di seluruh dunia, meningkatkan kesamaan gender dan pengukuhan golongan wanita dalam pelbagai bidang, memerangi penularan wabak HIV/Aids dan penyakit berbahaya, pembangunan lestari dan lain-lain. MDG disasarkan pencapaiannya pada 2015, iaitu kira-kira lima tahun daripada sekarang. Kenyataannya, ia masih jauh daripada jangkauan. Laporan terkini yang dikeluarkan PBB, menunjukkan kebimbangan yang amat sangat untuk MDG dicapai sepenuhnya dalam tempoh ditetapkan.
Malah inilah sepatutnya kebimbangan semua, yang sebenarnya boleh dilihat pada depan mata kita hari ini, di negara kita sendiri pun. Dunia juga berdepan pelbagai bencana alam dan konflik dengan laporan terkini menyatakan bahawa sejak 2000, dunia menyaksikan lebih 35 konflik dan lebih 2,500 bencana alam di seluruh dunia.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) misalnya, sudah memainkan peranannya dengan menggembleng kepakaran menerusi Unit Kajian Bencana, Pusat Kajian Kelestarian Global, Unit Penyelidikan Pendidikan untuk Perdamaian, Pusat Penyelidikan Pembangunan Wanita dan lain-lain lagi yang mampu secara langsung menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan yang kita harapkan.
Kejayaan membawa lebih 30 orang pemimpin universiti dari Mindanao baru-baru ini untuk membantu penyelesaian konflik di Selatan Filipina adalah antara contoh terkini. Namun apa pula peranan kita sebagai individu yang berilmu untuk menyokong usaha seperti ini.
Adakah sekadar berbangga dengan kejayaan dan pencapaian hebat membina bangunan tinggi, kereta dan rumah mewah yang kita diami sehingga kita lupa nasib orang lain di sekeliling. Kita bercakap mengenai kemiskinan dan kebuluran dan simpati mereka yang tiada makanan dan perlindungan.
Namun pada masa sama, meja makan kita mewah dengan pelbagai juadah yang sisanya dibuang ke tong sampah dan merungut hanya kerana makanan tidak sedap mengikut ukuran selera kita.
Kadang-kala kita bangga dengan pakaian berjenama mahal yang harga sehelai mampu menyara kehidupan sebuah keluarga di kampung pedalaman atau beg tangan dengan harga yang mampu menitiskan air mata seorang ayah yang berusaha menyara persekolahan anaknya.
Siswazah bukan hasil produk sebuah kilang seperti robot yang diprogramkan. Universiti harus mendidik dan mengajar cara berfikir dengan kekuatan akal dan hati budi untuk faedah manusia dan alam pada hari ini, malah pada masa depan dengan memanfaatkan ilmu pengetahuan dalam melakukan perubahan di mana saja di seluruh pelosok dunia.
Cuba bayangkan dengan hati nurani, redup mata anak malang yang berpakaian compang-camping tidur di kaki lima bangunan dan lorong penuh sampah. Bayangkan anak muda yang terjebak dalam dadah dan hidup di jalanan. Lihat wajah warga tua yang kesunyian. Lihatlah dengan mata hati, nasib bayi yang dibuang mati dikerumuni serangga di longkang atau hadapan rumah kita semata-mata kerana ibunya takut menghadapi musibah tekanan keluarga dan masyarakat.
Dengarkan laungan suara anak kecil yang disepak terajang, didera dan disakiti tanpa belas kasihan dan renungi nasib serta derita mangsa HIV/Aids yang menunggu masa pemergiannya di lorong gelap sambil merenung masa depan anak yang akan ditinggalkan.
Apakah perasaan kita, jika mereka yang kita bayangkan itu sebenarnya pernah hidup, makan, tidur dan bermain sebumbung dengan kita dulunya. Sayangi mereka yang ada bersama kita pada masa ini sebelum mereka pergi meninggalkan kita dan belajarlah berterima kasih kepada semua kerana itulah petanda orang yang bijaksana.
Siswazah hari ini perlu fikirkan peranan masing-masing untuk zahirkan dunia dan masa depan yang lebih sejahtera.
Tan Sri Razali Ismail adalah Pro Canselor USM yang juga bekas diplomat dan Presiden Persidangan PBB (Teks disesuaikan daripada ucapan pada majlis Konvokesyen Ke-41 USM Sabtu lalu)
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