LOVE?

Love is a powerful word. The effect of Love is even greater. Love, like numerous other things in life should be applied at the right place.

Advancement in science and technology  has led us, human, to think that we can do everything we like, everything we love - with little to no regard to the limitation imposed to us by our creator; the One and Only ALLAH azzawajalla. One of them is the movement to legalize same-sex marriage. Read here.

1. Tâ­Sîn.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Qur'ân, and (it is) a Book (that makes things) clear;

2. A guide (to the Right Path); and glad tidings for the believers [who believe in the Oneness of Allâh (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism)].

3. Those who perform As­Salât (Iqâmat­as­Salât) and give Zakât and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter (resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell, etc.).

4. Verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds fair-seeming to them, so they wander about blindly.

5. They are those for whom there will be an evil torment (in this world). And in the Hereafter they will be the greatest losers.

6. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are receiving the Qur'ân from the One, All-Wise, All-Knowing.

(Al-Quran: An-Naml: 1-6)

And (remember) Lout (Lot)! When he said to his people. Do you commit Al­Fâhishah (evil, great sin, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy, etc.) while you see (one another doing evil without any screen, etc.)?"

"Do you approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly."

There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lout (Lot) from your city. Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!"

So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind. And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned.

(Al-Quran: An-Naml: 54-58)

The prople of Lout (Lot) (those dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers. When their brother Lout (Lot) said to them:

"Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him? "Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

"Go you in unto the males of the 'Alamîn (mankind), "And leave those whom Allâh has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!" They said: "If you cease not. O Lout (Lot)! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!"

He said: "I am, indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy)."My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do." So We saved him and his family, all, Except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind.

Then afterward We destroyed the others. And We rained on them a rain (of torment). And how evil was the rain of those who had been warned. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers. And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

(Al-Quran: As-Shu’ara’: 160-175)

59. Say (O Muhammad ): "Praise and thanks be to Allâh, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is Allâh better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?" (Of course, Allâh is Better).

60. Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)!

61. Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water).Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but most of them know not.

62. Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember!

63. Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? High Exalted be Allâh above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

64. Is not He (better than your so-called gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Say, "Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful."

65. Say: "None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allâh, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected."

66. Nay, they have no knowledge of the Hereafter. Nay, they are in doubt about it. Nay, they are blind about it.

67. And those who disbelieve say: "When we have become dust, we and our fathers, shall we really be brought forth (again)?

68. "Indeed we were promised this, we and our forefathers before, Verily, these are nothing but tales of ancients."

69. Say to them (O Muhammad ) "Travel in the land and see how has been the end of the criminals (those who denied Allâh's Messengers and disobeyed Allâh)."

70. And grieve you not for them, nor be straitened (in distress) because of what they plot.

71. And they (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) say: "When (will) this promise (be fulfilled), if you are truthful?"

72. Say: "Perhaps that which you wish to hasten on, may be close behind you.

73. "Verily, your Lord is full of Grace for mankind, yet most of them do not give thanks."

74. And verily, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they reveal.

75. And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth, but is in a Clear Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz).

76. Verily, this Qur'ân narrates to the Children of Israel most of that about which they differ.

77. And truly, it (this Qur'ân) is a guide and a mercy to the believers.

78. Verily, your Lord will decide between them (various sects) by His Judgement. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

79. So put your trust in Allâh; surely, you (O Muhammad ) are on manifest truth.

80. Verily, you cannot make the dead to hear (i.e. benefit them and similarly the disbelievers), nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they flee, turning their backs.

81. Nor can you lead the blind out of their error, you can only make to hear those who believe in Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and who have submitted (themselves to Allâh in Islâm as Muslims).

82. And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayât (Verses of the Qur'ân and Prophet Muhammad ).

83. And (remember) the Day when We shall gather out of every nation a troop of those who denied Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and (then) they (all) shall be gathered (and driven to the place of reckoning),

84. Till, when they come (before their Lord at the place of reckoning), He will say: "Did you deny My Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) when you comprehended them not in knowledge, or what (else) was it that you used to do?"

85. And the Word (of torment) will be fulfilled against them, because they have done wrong, and they will be unable to speak (in order to defend themselves).

86. See they not that We have made the night for them to rest therein, and the day sight-giving? Verily, in this are Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for the people who believe.

87. And (remember) the Day on which the Trumpet will be blown and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except him whom Allâh will (exempt). And all shall come to Him humbled.

88. And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allâh, Who perfected all things, verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

89. Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allâh along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day.

90. And whoever brings an evil (deed) (i.e. Shirk polytheism, disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh and every evil sinful deed), they will be cast down (prone) on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them) "Are you being recompensed anything except what you used to do?"

91. I (Muhammad ) have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city (Makkah), Him Who has sanctified it and His is everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm).

92. And to recite the Qur'ân, so whosoever receives guidance, receives it for the good of his ownself, and whosoever goes astray, say (to him): "I am only one of the warners."

93. And say [(O Muhammad ) to these polytheists and pagans etc.]: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh. He will show you His Ayât (signs, in yourselves, and in the universe or punishments, etc.), and you shall recognise them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."

(Al-Quran: An-Naml: 59-93)

TRANSLATION of AL-QURAN
 

KNOWLEDGE

What is the purpose of knowledge?

I think that the purpose of knowledge is closely related to the purpose of our life.

And I did not create jinns and mankind except that they may obey Me.

Az-Zariyat: 56

Knowledge is essential in order for us to obey Him. The source of knowledge which tell us all that (how to obey Him) are Al-Quran and As-Sunnah. The more knowledge we gather supposedly will make us heed even more and not make us arrogant whatsoever. If knowledge stray us away from remembering and heeding Him, than that is a strong sign and indication that the knowledge should be abandoned.

Another purpose of our life can be seen from these verses:

“And when your Nourisher-Sustainer said to the angels: “I am about to place Khalifa on earth.” They said: “Will you place therein one who makes disorder therein and sheds blood, while we are steadfast in Your glorification and propagate Your Highness?” (Allah) said: “Certainly I know more, what you do not know.”

Al-Baqarah: 30

Truly We, We did offer Al-Amanah (‘The trust’, or choice in choosing and adopting the Prescribed Way of Allah, inspite of being semi-independent in certain aspects) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined that they may bear it and became apprehensive of it; but the human personality (accepted this burden and) bore it. Verily, thus he became unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its responsibilities and obligations).

Al-Ahzab: 72

The amanah (Khalifah) is a huge burden and only with His blessing can we bear it. The question is; Are we created merely to be Khalifah among human, or are we appointed to be Khalifah to all being on earth?

Then, how are we going to fulfill the duty of Khalifa? Again, Al-Quran and As-Sunnah are the ultimate guidance. One of the blessings that Allah give to mankind is science. Science is a tool for us to understand nature. How nature that Allah created works, what criterion will upset the balance, what is possible and impossible within the rule of Allah’s creation and thus with His blessing we are able to manipulate nature to our own benefit.

Allah’s blessing can easily make us forget who we are. We must remember that without Him, nothing we can achieve. So, every blessing should make us remember Him even more. If not, then that could be a strong sign there are something wrong somewhere with our practices. So, we better be very sensitive with all the signs before it’s too late.

9. And if We made the man taste from Us Mercy, and then We withdrew it from him, verily, he is indeed despairing, ungrateful.

10. And certainly, if We made him taste bounties after helplessness (in poverty and/or illness that) has touched him, he is sure to say: “The ills have departed from me.” Surely, he is indeed jubilant (and) boastful;

11. except those who remained perseverant and did righteous deeds, those: for them is forgiveness and a great reward.

Surah Hud: 9-11

41. “Evil has set in on the land and the sea because of what the hands of human-beings have earned (through their beliefs and actions) — so that He makes them taste some of that which they did in order that they may return (to the Book of Allah)”

42. “Say: “Travel through the earth, then watch what became the end-result of those before (you). Most of them had been Mushrikun”

Ar-Rum: 41 and 42

So, what is the purpose of knowledge?

In my opinion, knowledge is a tool created by Allah for us to understand the unlimited Power He possesses. It’s a tool for us to understand who we are, why we are, how we are …, where we are …, what we should do. All of the knowledge should concentrate us to one ultimate goal; to obey HIM.

I end this entry with another verse related to knowledge.

1. Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),

2. Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).

3. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,

4. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.

5. Has taught man that which he knew not.

6. Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds (in disbelief and evil deed, etc.).

7. Because he considers himself self-sufficient.

8. Surely! Unto your Lord is the return.

Al-Alaq: 1-8

Wassalam.

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PersWis, Monday, 10th May 2004;

MIRACLE *for intensive read about miracle of Al-Quran, please refer www.harunyahya.com and www.miraclesofthequran.com

Assalamualaikum.

Al-Quran is indeed a miracle - in fact, timeless miracle. Al-Quran has been, is and will be casting it’s miracle over and over again until the end of time in this fana world. There are quite a number of ayahs in Al-Quran encourages people to ponder upon in order for us to truly confess, acknowledge and admit how Al-Mighty our creator is.

“Do you not see that Allah created the heavens and the earth according to need? If He thinks proper He will remove you and will come with a new creation (a new people becoming rightful owners of the land). And this is not difficult for Allah.”

Surah Ibrahim: 19 and 20

“Then We turned the Nutfah into a hanging mass, then We turned this hanging mass into a fleshy-lump, then We turned the fleshy-lump into bones, then We clothed the bones with muscle. Afterwards We brought it forth as a Creation quite different (in the form of a fully differentiated living human baby). So Allah became Blessed — More Excellent of the creators!” 

Surah Al-Mukminuun (The Believer): 14

“Blessed became That One in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is All-Capable over every thing,

That One Who created the death and the life, so that He may test you which one of you remained better in performance. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving,

That One Who created seven (or many) heavens (having) fields one beyond another. You do not see in the creation of Ar-Rahman any gap or break. So direct (your) vision (send this as beyond as possible). Do you see any cracks?
 

Afterwards, direct the vision twice, the watching-light would rebound towards you unsuccessful (to penetrate the universe) and it (is) returned and checked.”

Surah Al-Mulk (The Dominion): 1-4

Our scientific knowledge fuel by our insatiable curiosity has enabled us to understand the mechanism behind the mechanics of nature including our self. Open our heart, and start looking at our self before we ponder upon nature, InsyaAllah we’ll see a truly perfect work – just as Allah mention in Surah Al-Mulk above.

For whoever has Astro at home, tune to nature channel. Or try look for documentaries about nature, most notably from BBC, narrated by Sir David Attenborough – you will noticed they always said: “Intricate balance of nature”, “nature in harmony” and the like. All this is a proof of the miracle of Al-Quran.

Several questions remain to be answer however. Among them are:

1) “What will I do with the awareness of this (the miracle of Quran)?”

2) “Do I want to wait for another miracle to be uncovered before I abide Allah truly and fully?”

3) “Why I need a miracle?”

May miracle upon miracle that we know with every coming events and scientific founding will elevate our faith to the next (higher) level and not relegate to the lowest. Remember Allah said:

“Have you then seen who has adopted his vain desire as his ilah (god or deity); and Allah made him go astray based on knowledge (He had)? And He put a seal (of closure) over his hearing and his heart, and placed a covering on his eye-sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remind (yourself and remind others)?”

Surah Al-Jathiya  (The Kneeling): 23

In commemoration of the world’s earth day let us truly and fully abide Him and remember what He said when we follow our own desire:

“Evil has set in on the land and the sea because of what the hands of human-beings have earned (through their beliefs and actions) — so that He makes them taste some of that which they did in order that they may return (to the Book of Allah)”

“Say: “Travel through the earth, then watch what became the end-result of those before (you). Most of them had been Mushrikun”

Ar-Rum: 41 and 42

With that I end my entry for today.

Wassalam

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PersWis, Thursday, 22nd April 2004;

EMPATHY

I’m trying to practice empathy in my everyday life right now. I’ve been reading The Power of Empathy by Arthur P. Ciaramicoli Ed.D, Ph.D for quite sometime now. In order to get better view and better understanding I read it over and over.

“Empathy is the capacity to understand and respond to the unique experience of another. Empathy’s paradox is that this innate ability can be used for both helpful and hurtful purposes.”

When I was younger, I thought that any knowledge came from non-Muslim is considered secular and non-Islamic. That was then, when I was super naïve and almost never take action on what I said. I’m living in a dreamland, ’preaching’ about the uniqueness, beauty etc about Islam when in reality, I can hardly cast any light to people around me.

I love to indulge on knowledge and most of them were hardly practiced. I’m not so surprised right now when I felt so hard to contain my HATI from attracting spiritual diseases. From my experience, I can say that accumulating knowledge + not practicing the knowledge + talking to much on the knowledge we hardly practiced can led us to spiritual diseases. Practicing what we know more often than not will make us like PADI, ‘semakin berisi semakin tunduk’, InsyaAllah.

I can’t separate empathy from Islam as I think being emphatic can boost human to human relationship. Being emphatic show the way for us to work together to find the root of problems and find ways to overcome it.

Understanding empathy gives me new and fresh perspective on practicing Islamic value. In some way it shows me what lies beneath the values and what tools it needs to really give meaning on those values. One value that instantly triggered my memory (when reading about empathy) is about the Husnul Dzan (sangka baik) value.

Based on my understanding plus my own experience, most people are motivated by their emotion, consciously or unconsciously. To name a few; anger and fear. By practicing the value of husnul dzan, we stop our self from passing snap judgments about someone who act faulty. More often than not we knew very little about those people. It’s not very surprising we can only understand the situation when we our self in that particular position(s).

Husnul Dzan (HD) alone is noble. However, acting further than that would be divine. HD will InsyaAllah slows down our EMOTION and letting our MIND to catch up in order to assist our heart and finally make decision(s). I list seven essential steps that I think can expand our HD practice based on 7 Essential Steps for Expressing Empathy.

1) Ask Open Ended Question 2) Slow Down 3) Avoid Snap Judgments 4) Pay attention to your body 5) Learn from the Past 6) Let the Story Unfold 7) Set Limits.

HD alone is difficult enough. Plus 7 more components into the equation, it all seems very complicated. Fret not O self and my dear Muslims. Life is not meant to be breeze and easy. We, human are simply not design that way. After all, the reward for good deeds is Rahmah from our Creator. Now, who doesn’t want that?

1) “Alif Lam Mim.”

2) “Have the people assessed that they would not be subjected to accountability because they say: 'we have Believed', and they would not be put to test and trial? And surely, indeed We put to test and trial those before them.”

3) “And surely, Allah will make known those who remained true (to the requirements of the Faith) and surely He will make known (all) those who are liars.”

4) “Have those who commit evil deeds assessed that they will outstrip Us (i.e., escape Our Punishment)? Evil became that which they decide as a verdict.”

5) “Whoever used to hope for meeting Allah, then Allah’s appointed time is surely coming. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”

(Al-Ankabut; 1-5)

Wassalam.

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PersWis, Tuesday, 6th April 2004;