Recap: Leadership course by Dr Tareq Suwaidan

Bismillah.

*smiling* I know I know it has been ages. But one thing for sure is that something has succesfully pulled me back in here. Long story cut short, last Saturday (18^th Oct 2014), my family and I went to a leadership course delivered by one of the Muslim Brotherhood leader, Dr Tareq Suwaidan from Kuwait. I was excited even the day before knowing that I would be listening to someone my dad known from his uni as they spent the same years pursuing degrees in the US. And also I have never met any Muslim Brotherhood leader. Having heard so many amazing profiles and had wanted to meet them personally and see them with my own eyes. Alhamdulillah, all praises to Allah for the opportunity to listen and to be in the event.

Below are few points from many that I managed to scribble on my Samsung gadget while listening:

“History will repeat itself. Not by event but by cycle.”

“You cannot have change without pain.”

“Huge problems facing the Muslims today are backwardness in behaviour (look at our behaviour to the parents, if caught in bad traffic), cleanliness, management, effectiveness and most importantly in ideology (Islamic understanding) and leadership. Someone asked me when do you think the Muslim will be ready and revive? I answered him, “When they can put their shoes properly on the rack in the mosque, then they are ready.”

“No behaviour will change until you change the ideology. We often see parents treat their children with punishment. “If you do like this, you will get this”. It should have been explaining to the kids and encouraging them. Make them understand.”

“The purpose of Islam and purpose of the prophet Muhammad sent to us was for us all to be happy here in this world and also happy in the hereafter. Not to rule the world or to prove that we are the best.”

“We must think with love not with prove. It is not our purpose to prove them wrong when they refuse to believe in what we believe. “

“Imam Shafie said that whenever there is a major opinion clashes among scholars, nobody should attack anyone or each other.”

“It is not enough to have a good goal, behaviour, knowledge and intention but not competency.”

“Do not confuse leadership with taqwa.”

“Age and seniority are not criteria for leadership. And do not confuse with gender.”

 “In leadership, men can decide right away. Women would normally hesitate. But women are better in three areas; creativity, consulting, and when they plan men have no hope.” J

“Freedom and free election must come first then only comes shariah law because shariah can only be effective under a free environment.”

“It is impossible to be united. So let’s be united on issues. Look for issue that can unite people.”

“To change the ideology, we must emphasize on the education and media.”

Of course there are many more and longer. MashaAllah. 

All I can say that the two-hour session went unnoticeable and it was mind boggling and thought provoking. At the end of the session Dr Tareq reminds us to reflect on our understanding of the deen (the religion) as it is the ultimate and ideal solution to many challenges today. May Allah reward Dr Tareq for his work and effort and make us all under His guidance and mercy. Ameen ya robbana.

Bits and pieces from past Ramadhan

Bismillah.

Wishing all Muslim readers "Ramadhan Kareem"! May we take maximum advantage in these 30 days by doing more good, improve what is lacking and make this holy month full of blessing as a turning point in doing so, InsyaAllah. Reminder to myself and all.

Being in this fasting month, at times childhood memories will come and knock our doors...

...vision blurring...

...It took hours for my parents to wake us kids up for sahur. The process was long. To shake us up from sleep was one thing, to get us to the bathroom to wash our sleepy face was another. And from bathroom to the dining table not to forget (since each of us would try our luck to slip away and get back to bed or sneaked out to sleep on the sofa). When everyone was there at the table, it was unusually quiet for a family with five small kids. Yes, we were all there sitting but our eyes still shut. Even if we were eating, we chewed our food in slow motion with eyes closed or half opened. And sometimes our parents would took our zombi face pictures cause they know we hated it and to make sure we are awake and finish the food.

May Allah bless our parents for their efforts in moulding us with constant patience. ;')

Rasulullah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Have your pre-dawn meal (sahur) because there is a blessing at the pre-dawn meal time.”

(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)  

The Prophet recommended taking the sahur (night-time meal). He said:"Do not miss the sahur for it is blessed; take even a mouthful of water. God and his angles greet those who take their sahur."

Now that I am no longer that kid, I started to appreciate sahur as it helps me to go through the day better. For me having sahur before fasting would automatically tell my mind that I am prepared and ready to go down the battlefield, to face the day of hunger and abstinence. Even when in boarding school or in campus, being away from my parents, I still wake up for sahur. And Alhamdulillah, I am glad that I was placed with roommates who appreciate the same. Sometimes we went out to mamak stall at around 4am in the morning just to have sahur since there was no food at home. Sadly, some youngsters don't even bother to wake up for sahur. May Allah guide them.

I had experienced sahur in my mother's hometown in Pulau Sebatik in Tawau, Sabah. It is a small village and the local community would assign people to go around the village about an hour before sahur time by pickup truck and let the Qur'an recitation or selawat from the cassette blared from the speaker to wake the whole village up for sahur. Cool huh? Not that we can find that here in the city area. hehe. 

So, Muslimin and Muslimat, try to make your sahur even if it's just a gulp of water. 

Have a productive day and smile always! (:

Perfecting My Solah 2013

Bismillah.


Last Saturday, two of my sisters and I with some friends from work attended subjected seminar in Politeknik Shah Alam. It was held by Al-Khaadem Foundation with Sheikh Hussain Yee, a Malaysian chinese Muslim as the speaker.

Looking at the title, I'm sure that you knew what the event was about. 'Perfecting Your Solah (prayer)'. But let me remind you of the word 'perfect' here. It means the slots are focusing on fine-tuning your solah and perform solah the way the prophet did. Insyaallah :)

There are many things that I learnt that day. So many that I wow-ed to myself and said, " I didn't know that.." and sometimes I even said, " That's so easy!" Those are my expressions.

Below are couples of points that I managed to jot down:

• Sutrah. It is an object that a person places in front of himself to prevent his solah from being cut off by anyone (or anything) passing in front of him. This is done by praying towards a wall, a pillar in a mosque, or an object placed on the ground in front of oneself. 

"He (the prophet P.B.U.H) used to stand near the sutrah, so that there was (a distance of) three cubits between him and the wall, (there was) enough space for a sheep to pass." (Al Bukhari and Muslim). 

       
We see this happening especially in public prayer room like musolla (surau) in malls or rest area. Ladies usually will put their belongings like handbags, shopping bags or their shawls in front the prayer mat. Those objects acting as sutrah. Just knew that it is a responsibility. Moreover if we are praying in public prayer room. Be careful though.

• There are few things that somehow, Muslims in Malaysia do but there is no dalil (proofs or evidence from Qur'an) or hadith (the Prophet's sayings or acts) to be based on. Those things are:

           - Du'aa after Iqamah.
           - Tapping a praying man as a signal to join and follow as jamaah prayer.
           - Reciting du'aa together  after congregational(jamaah) solah.
           - Voluntary(sunat) solah 2 rak'ah before Asar.

         I have heard the above even earlier from another ustaz not just from Ustaz Yee.  These are
         culturally taught in Malaysia. If the prophet did not do, better to leave it, right? :)

• There is no concept of replacement (qada') for solah. Qada' is for fasting. Like Muslim women they will only have to re-do the fasting based on how many days they have missed to fast in the month of Ramadhan due to menstrual period. But no concept of re-do or replacement of solah. It is always 'cash', no 'credit'. If we missed solah,  repent and seek for forgiveness (taubat).

• Voluntary solah can be done in sitting position.

• Saf (prayers row).  "Keep your rows straight (during solah in congregational), for keeping the row straight is part of the perfection of Solah." (Al Bukhari and Muslim)"

          Look below how we should stand shoulder to shoulder leaving no gaps. This goes to the both 

          feets.

The people in the upper image do look like a strong army in defense position. 

• Solah while travelling. If one is going for musafir (travelling) and has completed ablution(wuduk) before leaving the house, he/she does not have to renew the ablution but only make a few wipe with water onto the shoes/socks and scarfs or shawls provided those socks and scarfs are not being taken off. Subhanallah!  How easy and practical Islam is. :') (Please seek for further clarification on how to do this correctly)

          In a climate like Malaysia, this rukhsah (bending rule) will last for a day and three days for  
          traveller.

          I have blogged earlier on my experience wiping my socks/ winter boots. Click here.



In a nutshell, I'm really glad coming to the seminar. Yes, we learned how to solat since primary school and continued to secondary school. But that is just basic. Learning process never stops once you graduated. You will be in various situation throughout your life and experiencing conditions you never thought you would be in.

This is where continuous learning would help. Always find room for improvement. And you will be surprised to know that the more you learn and understand, the easier it gets. Requoting Sheikh Yee's words, "We feel it is hard to do, because we don't have the right knowledge"

SPEAKER PROFILE:

SHEIKH HUSSAIN YEE

President of Pertubuhan Al-Khaadem

He is the founder and the President of Al-Khaadem 

organization, born into a Buddhist family and later 

embraced Islam at the age of 18 in 1968. He received 

his formal Islamic Education in Madinah & Syria and also 

attended lectures by renowned Scholars such as Bin Baz 

and Nasiruddin Al-Albani (May the mercy of Allaah be 

upon them).

He is a well known personality in the international circuit 

of Da’wah giving regular lectures across the globe and 

appearances in Islamic Channel UK, IERA, Peace TV and 

many more.

p/s: He is an excellent speaker and he jokes too. The seminar was very lively. :)

Hope this sharing will be beneficial and clear any doubts. Wallahu'alam. Allah knows best.

Jumuah mubarakah, everyone!

TY

Sweet November

Bismillah. 

Finally, I have got the chance to sit down properly in front of the computer and do some writing.

Okay. Quit blabbering. Since this is one of my medium to record things that happen in my ordinary life. Today, here's the new entry.

Alhamdulillah, all praises goes to the only one, Allah Al Mighty. There are a few good things that has occurred and another will occur in my life. 

My career seems to give me way for the past few weeks. Honestly, after a really long 'climbing' and 'holding' on, I would have to admit, to stop right there and leave would be the easiest way out. Then again, that is what most people do. To search for a comfortable and safer zone. I won't lie that I did think of giving up like many times. Only God knows. But I did not want to be just another person who giving up. Life is not easy and we all know that. I just thought that if I could not make it here, then how am I gonna survive other place? So, I tried and worked hard for it. Prayed hard too. Self motivating was what I did excessively. Until just then, it fall right in front of me. All my work, hardship, pray and patience has been answered. Alhamdulillah, this month has witnessed a step up in my career. And million of thanks goes to the people around me. You guys had no idea how each and everyone of you had inspired and made me think and ponder on life. :)

Another thing is I am gonna do what I always love to do. Travelling! InsyaAllah, in 3 days time, I will be on a jet plane. And the place I am gonna conquer is actually has been in the family list of places to go for quite some times. Dad has expressed his interest to visit this country since I was like 19 years old. And now, insyaAllah, we are close to that. Preparation and packing has been running loosely for the past two months. Hopefully, Allah let us explore the part of the world that he created. Hoping for a safe and smooth journey too. And mostly importantly, to add value to oneself after returning from the trip.

Sahih International

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. - Surah Al Hujurat, verse 13

Indeed.

May we all be in His guidance and circle of iman and taqwa. Ameen.

Stay positive and have faith in Him

Have a sweet november, dearies! :)

One of many Thursdays.

Bismillah.

Last Thursday, my office department threw a humble eid party although it is kind of late to do it after a month of Syawal. Well, it does not matter. One of the reason is to share the joy and festive food with our non Muslim friends. So that morning, I prepared something to add to the table as cold dessert. I made a fruit cocktail in custard sauce which is my family all time favourite dessert. Learned the recipe from mom. She used to do it in when she was in US.

 

Since my car is no good to transport me to train station for the past few days, I had to leave house earlier to get a ride from my dad to the station. Got up early morning to iron my mom's baju kurung and ran to the kitchen to heat up the evaporated milk. Dashed to shower at half past seven after dad reminded me that he was going to shower and have to attend a meeting first thing in the morning. Luckily my sister were there helping me stirring the milk constantly while I was getting dressed. It was a rushy morning I can say.

 

At the station, I realized that I left my phone in the kitchen. Cool. I was thinking to go back home but I told myself that  maybe I could survive the day without it. So, I stepped into the train without fourth or fifth thought. Went to work as usual and continued with feast in the evening.

Alhamdulillah, everyone was happy and full and I can see the whole bottom of my fruit cocktail container. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ... 

 

 

An hour before I left office, I called my mom to inform her to pick me up at the station later.

 

When I reached my station, I did not see any familiar car. I was getting worried if my mom forgot or fall asleep. So I looked for telephone booth. There are three telephones there. I was delighted and excited actually. I had not been using public phone for more than ten years. Thank god they are there when I truly need them. I went to the first phone and picked up the receiver only to know the telephone was dead. So, I went to the second one. It was dead too. I tried the third and last telephone and fortunately, it is working. I put the coin in and started dialling. I waited but heard nothing except the phone screen keeps on showing 'insert coin'. I inserted more coin but still getting the same direction from the phone. Darn. The phone is broken too. Ya Allah. Why has not anyone go and fix these phones? No one ever reports or complains? Maybe we are depending less on public phone that we could not care less to get it fixed.

 

I wandered around the station looking for someone to borrow a minute of their mobile phone. Hmm, it was not so easy to pick anyone there. Most had tired look on their faces and some got the 'stay-away-from-me' look. I asked from a woman who sells wafer at the booth however she claimed that she got no balance credit on her phone. I kept on looking and saw a young girl standing at a corner of the pavement facing the parking area. She was playing with a cat with her feet. She was smiling to herself. I was too when I saw her and the cat. I knew she would be my saviour. Bismillah. I walked up to her and asked for help. She immediately handed over her phone to me in less than ten seconds. I made that one important call quickly and returned the phone. I offered to pay for the expense, but she refused. I thought that I had to do some explanation before I get to use her phone. But I was surprised. She understood my situation and responded without a delay. She helped me without hesitation. Not a single question. She exceeded my expectation. I was so grateful and thanked her many times. How lovely the girl is. Then, we introduced ourselves. Not long that her family came in a car to pick her. I can see her small brother and sisters. I waved her good bye and secretly made a doa (prayer) for her. May Allah bless her and her family and that she would get the same help she did to me when she needs it. Ameen.

 

“Whoever relieves a believer from a distress of this life, Allah will relieve from him a distress on the Day of Judgment. Whosoever brings ease to a believer who is in difficulty, Allah will bring ease to him in both this life and the next. Whosoever conceals the shortcomings of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his shortcomings in this world and the next. Allah will always help a servant as long as that servant helps his brother.” - Prophet Muhammed s.a.w. (pbuh)

 

P/s: Today, how about being someone else’s silver lining? Relieve someone’s distress, bring ease to someone’s heart, and help someone, as the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) taught us.

 

Happy weekend everyone! (:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the name of Allah...

Bismillah.

Bismillah. What does this word means? Bismillah? It is an Arabic word which brings the meaning, "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Compassionate."

I feel moved to share a scene in my life that has to do with this common word, which is being cited countlessly everyday by a Muslim.

This happened when I was in Bosnia. In my office cubicle, there were four of us. All man except me. And the one who had always have the time to 'entertain' my long listed queries is Haris. He was sitting next to my desk plus he is more fluent in English than the rest in the cube so that explains why he had to answer me. Hehe. 

One day, he offered me a snack , Štapići, a salty stick biscuits. 

I took it right away and after the first bite, Haris said to me in puzzled face; 


Haris  : " Hey, you were saying something". 


I stopped chewing and asked him back.


Me      :  " What did I say?".
Haris  :  "You were saying something right before you eat."


Then only I understood what he meant.


Me     : " I was saying Bismillah."
Haris  :"I know but we say that only when we are having a feast like when iftaar and during eid etc."
Me     :"Oh. I suppose we say that everytime before we eat or drink. No matter how big is the   
            meal." 

                                                                                ...

What I would like to highlight from the story above is that, I would not have realized that I recited Bismillah if Haris did not mention it to me. It is good that he asked. That made me think that, one could actually done something naturally, if it is done repeatedly. That when it becomes a habit or natural, one might not notice it anymore.

I read it somewhere from religious storybook when I was little. There is a story of a woman who always say Bismillah everytime she is about to do anything. Before cooking, before eating, before working. Her husband just could not get his wife's behaviour. So one day he put her on trial. He emptied a wheat jar his wife usually use in cooking before his wife comes into the kitchen that day. When the wife came to the kitchen to cook, she took the wheat jar and before opened it, as usual she said "Bismillah". MashaAllah, as God has willed, she scooped out the wheat and start cooking. The husband who was hiding behind was very surprised to see that there the jar is filled! He was very sure that no one get into the kitchen after he emptied the jar and went into hiding and was waiting all the way for his wife to come in. Unbelievable but true. Allahu akbar!

Such a wonderful story we can learn from. Now, I try to make it a habit too. To say Bismillah before getting into vehicles, before making telephone calls, or when I am about to step out from the elevator. ;) 

Because I believe in the word. Because you know that you are asking Allah for his blessings on whatever you do. I don't think a person would say Bismillah before committing a crime or stealing. That would be twisted. ;) 

"Sayyidina Ali (ra) was reported to have said that saying Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim is a duaa that helps simplify a hard task and removes grief and brings happiness to the heart."

Bismillah. It may be just a word. But it has made and will make a difference! 

And I shed a tear to a goodbye

Bismillah.

Today is the day where they will leave Malaysia. Again. After spending a week here. They are going home tonight. Midnight flight as scheduled. Time flies and that I feel a lot when best things happen.

I wish I could send them off to the airport. To bid and wave final goodbye. Unfortunately I'm working today. But I told myself that I would give them a call before midnight. Before they go on board.

After I reached home at about 9pm, and was doing some cleaning, I was thinking of them. Really. How yesterday's outing was greatly good yet too short. Imagining that they are not going home for good tonight. Hoping to rewind it some other times again.

When I walked into my room, I checked my phone. And saw a text message and one missed call.

*Oh my oh my* 

I touched on the envelope icon on screen and the message says;

"Selam, we are heading towards airport, we all feel that time spent with you was too short, all the best to you and your families, Seida, Serif, Davud n Delila..."

:')

Quickly, I checked out call log on the phone, and it was from Serif. 

With an overwhelming heart, I returned the call and we were exchanging words and best wishes. And both were wishing, hoping and praying that we could meet again in future. Whether in Malaysia or Bosnia. As Seida said earlier, she always prayed to come back to Malaysia and when all of us were least expecting it, thought that it was almost impossible, Allah has granted and allowed them to walk again in the land of Malaysia. Allahu akbar! Never lose hope in Allah. Never. :') And I can then meet them in my country this time. 

And I can't put words on how I felt after we hung up the phone. All I know I was shedding tears. Oh how I love them in the name of Allah. Never that I regretted my decision taking the path to Bosnia and to have met them. And everyone there. 

"O Allah, bless them. And their land.

And let me walk in Bosnia again. Ameen Ya Robb."

ćao ćao i vidimo se, inshallah!

Why do you go to work?

Bismillah.

 

They always ask why do I want to work where I work now when I first started. And my answer would be, "I want to learn and gain experience". Whereas most of people at my place would answer, "It is all about the money" and "The unlimited earnings", "Ability to gain seniorship based on performance" bla bla bla..etc

Someone even told me that my initial reason won't stay long and I would have the same reason as majority. Now that it has been almost six months, I doubtlessly admit that I still hold my old same reason which is "To learn". :) Yeah. I learnt and I am still learning and I will not stop learning until I achieve my goals or targets. Kudos to me!

However, I won't deny that the major reason for everyone is becoming my secondary. Darn! haha. I need it too. Atleast, it is worth and would great for my savings though I'm living with my parents. Savings that I hope would help take up half of wedding expenses and could fund my unlimited travelling wants. Ameen to this and that.

But tonight, I realized another reason that I think should be one of my priority of working. One that I never think of. I'm writing this down in a resort room, somewhere in the outskirt of town as I'm following my dad's office family day. The company staffs is on a meeting now. The staffs' family are on their own. Free to do whatever they prefer to do tonight.

I have been following my dad's office family day since I was little as he had been with couples of private and multicultural companies. But this time, yes, I realized how different it has be from the previous ones. This time, I witness something new in the family day itinerary;

7.30 pm : Maghrib prayer in jama'ah....bla bla bla..and then,

6.00am : Subuh prayer (jama'ah)

...and the same goes on and on..

The company where my father works is a multicultural  British-acquired company So, to see something like that in itinerary is like impossible. But now that it's happening. MashaAllah.

I realized and get to understand something tonight.

That every Muslimin and Muslimah should have another goal in the career which is to hold higher position in the hierarchy or organization tree. By having this position, you will have the ability to do some necessary changes. Probably for majority, this means nothing. But it means world for me. Yes, probably for Islamic company they have this already. For government body or Government-link company they might have or might not have. But for a totally MNC, I don't think so. At least not on papers.

So, witnessing this in an MNC, with the knowledge that this changes happen because the highest position in the organization is being held by a Muslim, there nothing more that I could say rather than, Alhamdulillah! (All praises to Allah). When you are at the top of management, you will have the power and the ability to lead people under you. The power to lead and influence people to become better. Not just to promote a productive employee, but also to lead and inspire them in becoming a better Muslim.

I hope that this will continue and more good practices will be adapted, sooner or later.

I really hope that my workplace would have this too. Well, that is my part and other Muslim colleagues at my company to do.

May we all have the same mission in achieving career growth or climbing the corporate ladder. To earn good money but never to forget our duty as one of the khalifah in this world, even at your workplace. Spread the word, peace and love of Islam. Work because of Allah. Lillahi ta'ala. Ameen to the very this.

10 Minutes of Awakening

Bismillah.

Just when me and my family finishing the last bites of our dinner last night, we did a ten minutes small talk. As usual, my dad led the communication.

This time he touched about the first usul or point of the well known Usul 20 (Usul 'Isyrin) by brilliant Al Iman Al Syahid Hassan Al Banna.

"Islam is a comprehensive system which deals with all spheres of life. It is a country and homeland or a government and a nation. It is conduct and power or mercy and justice. It is a culture and a law or knowledge and jurisprudence. It is material and wealth or gain and prosperity. It is Jihad and a call or army and a cause. And finally, it is true belief and correct worship"

My dad said that Islam is all around us. Islam is knowledge. Islam is power and army. Islam is government and politics. Islam is everything.

Islam is ilmu (knowledge).

My dad told us about him joining halaqah (Islamic lecture) during completion of his degree in United States of America, about 20 years ago. He always saw these brothers (a term referring to another Muslim man) who came in for the lecture at the Islamic center, looking so professional in well-tailored suit and tie, and able to recite Quran in such a beautiful and heart trembling way. He was amazed by these man who look like they are having the best position in their career yet they still hold their faith very closely. Masha'Allah. Look at how fantastic it is to be an all-rounded Muslim. They seek for knowledge of learning maths and sciences, go to law school etc just for the sake of becoming useful man in the world and for the reward in hereafter. For me, it is just amazing at how they could balance both demand and getting the best out of both world. Masha'Allah.

Yes, Islam is knowledge.

Islam is power and army.

Look at Iran. They are the first Muslim country that is developing on their nuclear power energy. They are getting constructive views from Islamic world and also destructive comments from the other world. For some, they see this as a threat. The ability of having this power energy could lead to several benefits. First, it is the source of generating heat and electricity to be consumed especially for the massive production of their abundance underground treasure of oil and gas. Well, the other reason that is shaking the ground of unsupported party is that  Iran army forces is now standing tall next to theirs. Yes, from nuclear energy, nuclear bomb can be produced. However, Iran has full right to have it as long as they don't endanger and harm others. To the Muslim world, we see this as a symbol of power and strength. It is an image that we want to portray to the world that Islam and its people are strong. Islam is not something you can belittle like what is happening in Palestine.

Yes, Islam is power and army.

Islam is government and politics.

Imam Al Banna, may Allah have mercy on him, also said, "Islam is an Aqidah (creed) as well as nationality. Unlike nationalities which are based on land, the nationality of Islam is based on brotherhood in faith and, therefore, is far stronger and more meaningful than the former"

Some believers say we should not be involved in politics. Politics is dirty that it involves bribery, insulting each other etc. Yes it is true. These are the real scenario in politics though those acts are not permissible in Islam.  But have you ever think of Muslim community living under non-Muslim governor? Do you think it is easy for them to practice the religion freely? To dress as a Muslimah and to be hired for jobs without discrimination? Or maybe you think they are getting written legal protection from the municipality that they are not to be treated unjustly, do you? Look, if you involved in politics, you will have the chances of being heard, as well as the power to protect and propose a conducive Islamic environment for the community. A better surroundings encourage better practicality and performance of Islam. Moreover, the prophet Muhammad, was also in politics when he set up Yathrib (now Medina Al Munawarrah).

Yes, Islam is nation and government and politics.

Hajji Alija Mosque at Počitelj, Herzegovina. What a breathtaking scenery.  Subhanallah. Taken on 30th of March last year.

                                                                                 ...

It was kind of awakening moments for me to realized that there are so so so much to know that I feel I have got tonnes of reading and comprehension to make after listening to dad. I need to run on this because time never waits.

Wallahu'alam.

The ending of his life. How is ours?

Bismillah.


Tonight, I logged into Facebook as usual only to find out news that startled me. A junior from my boarding school passed away this evening that is reported to be drowned. I have not got any more details from that. I could say that I barely know him apart from the fact that we were in the same house team (Tariq Ibnu Ziyad). The thing that really got into me is than he died so young at the age of 23. Comparing myself who is a year older that him, I feel incredibly grateful that I have lived one year extra than him. Alhamdulillah, for the chance and time to let me work on my credit to add to the ‘right’ shoulder while struggling to lessen the ‘left’ weight. Nonetheless, I think of his family. They probably had no idea that their son or their brother who looked so fine and healthy this morning actually is going to leave them forever later in the evening. May Allah ease their loss. 

I tried putting myself in his place. I realized that I felt intimidated as I was wondering about so many things: 

1. Have I told my parents that I love them with every beat of my heart that I owe them eternally? 
2. Have I told my siblings that they made me feel perfect though I am not?
3. Have I owed anyone and still have not repaid the debt? 
4. Have I asked for forgiveness from those I hurt?
5. Have I hurt anyone unintentionally and they still feel hurt?
6. Have I done everything I could to lie peacefully in Barzakh and after that going through Qiyamah?

And before I could ask myself more, I decided to search for the tranquility answer. 

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:156)

Al-Fudhayl ibn Iyyadh (May Allah have mercy on him) said to a man, “How many (years) have come upon you?”

He replied, “Sixty years.”

He said, “Therefore, for sixty years you have been going to your Lord and you are about to reach (Him).”

So the man said, “To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return!”

So Al-Fudhayl asked, “Do you know the meaning of that (statement)? You are saying, I belong to Allah as a servant and I am going to return to Him. So whoever knows that he belongs to Allah as a servant and that he will return to him, then he should know that he will be stopped. And whoever knows that he will be stopped, then he should know that he will be questioned. And whoever knows that he will be questioned, then let him prepare an answer for the question.”

[Jami al-Ulum wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab]

Like word of wisdom that we frequently hear, "we should work like we are gonna live forever, as well as we should live today like we are going to die tomorrow." 

To God we belong, to Him is our return. 
May Allah lead us all the way in our very life. Long or short. Ameen.