Tempat Ziarah di Mekkah

Monday, December 18, 2006

Tempat Ziarah di Mekkah

Sumbangan dari Ibu Naih Soepangat - Arlington, Texas

Mekkah adalah kota kelahiran Rasulullah Saw. Istri Nabi Ibrahim, Siti Hajar dan puteranya yang masih balita, Ismail, merupakan penghuni pertama lembah gersang dengan bukit-bukit batu di sekelilingnya. Menyusul kemudian orang-orang dari Bani Jurhum.

Rasulullah memulai dakwahnya di Mekkah sebelum akhirnya hijrah ke Madinah pada 622 Masehi.

1. Ka’bah

Tempat ini juga disebut “Rumah Allah” merupakan symbol penyembahan pada Sang Maha Pencipta. Ka’bah dibangun oleh Nabi Ibrahim.

Ketika Muhammad masih muda, Ka’bah nyaris hancur karena terkena banjir. Masyarakat Quraisy membongkar dan membangunnya kembali. Saat itulah Muhammad dipuji semua kalangan karena berhasil menghindarkan perselisihan antar kabilah yang berebut untuk meletakkan kembali Hajar Aswad pada tempatnya.

2. Shafa - Marwa

Dua puncak bukit batu berjarak sekitar 700 meter berada disamping Ka’bah. Antara kedua bukit itulah Siti hajar, istri Nabi Ibrahim, diyakini berlari bolak balik untuk mencari air bagi Ismail yang sedang kehausan. Kini bukit shafa dan Marwa telah menjadi bagian dari Masjidil Haram. Berjalan antara kedua tersebut (sa’i) merupakan salah satu kewajiban yang harus ditunaikan jamaah haji atau umrah.

3. Sumur Zam-zam

Mata air yang ditemukan Siti Hajar saat Ismail kehausan. Zam-zam sempat kering bahkan dilupakan keberadaannya. Adalah Abdul Muthalib, kakek Rasulullah yang berhasil menemukannya kembali. Sekarang sumber air itu dibangun dibawah lantai tempat thawaf. Pemerintah Saudi menyalurkannya dalam keran-keran dengan es pendingin. Jamaah tak perlu repot mengambil air zam-zam untuk dibawa pulang, karena penyelenggara telah menyiapkan dalam jerigen sebagai oleh-oleh.


4. Maqam Ibrahim

Ini bukan maqam Nabi Ibrahim, karena Nabi Ibrahin itu dikuburkan di Hebron Palestina. Ini adalah tempat Nabi Ibrahim berada saat membangun Ka’bah dibantu oleh Nabi Ismail. Ditempat ini, jamaah disunnahkan untuk shalat dua rakaat dan berdo’a selesai melakukan thawaf.

5. Gua Hira (Jabbal Nur)

Sekitar enam kilometer diluar kota Mekkah terdapat bukit batu terjal. Didekat puncaknya, dilereng yang menghadap lembah Mekkah, terdapat sebuah gua. Tempat yang tersembunyi dan sepi inilah yang dipilih Muhammad untuk menyepi. Digua inilah Muhammad menerima wahyu pertamanya, surat Al’Alaq 1-5 saat ia berusia 40 tahun.

“Iqra,” ujar malaikat Jibril saat menjumpainya untuk menyampaikan wahyu Allah. “Iqra” artinya “bacalah”.


6. Gua Tsur (Jabbal Tsur)

Rasulullah dan Abubakar memilih gua diselatan Mekkah ini untuk bersembunyi selama tiga hari, sebelum kemudian berputar menuju Madinah yang berada diutara Mekkah. Kisah persembunyian ini merupakan satu bagian yang paling dramatis dalam peristiwa Hijrah.


7. Padang Arafah

Pada tanggal 9 Dzulhijjah, dengan berpakaian Ihram seluruh jamaah haji berkumpul dalam tenda-tenda dipadang sekitar 12 km diluar Mekkah. Peristiwa yang disebut “Wukuf” ini merupakan tiang ibadah haji.

DiArafah terdapat Jabal Rahmah sebuah bukit yang konon merupakan tempat pertemuan Nabi Adam dan Siti Hawa. diArafah pula Rasulullah menyampaikan pesan terakhirnya sebelum wafat dalam khutbah ringkas yang sangat menggugah.


8. Masjid Namirah

Ini bagian dari Arafah. Pada saat hari haji tiba 9 Dzulhijjah, Rasulullah dari Mina berhenti ditempat ini. Sekitar waktu Dhuha tersebut beliau beristirahat ditenda merahnya ditempat ini, sampai zuhur tiba. Setelah itu Rasulullah baru bergerak ketengah padang Arafah dekat Jabbal Rahmah. Ditempat tenda Rasul tersebut, kini dibangun mesjag Namirah.


9. Muzdalifah

Tempat ini berada diantra Arafah dan Mina. Ketika sore berganti malam, Rasul bergerak dari Arafah ke Mina. Namun kemudian Rasul bermalam di Muzdalifah. Disitu pula Rasul memungut kerikil yang dipakai untuk melempar “Jumrah” di Mina.


10. Mina

Ditengah ini terdapat tiga lokasi yang menjadi symbol agar setiap muslim terus memerangi setan. Nabi Ibrahim tiga kali dicegat oleh Iblis yang membujuk agar dirinya urung mengorbankan Ismail. Ibrahim lalu melempar iblis dengan kerikil.

Tiga tempat itu lalu dikenal sebagai Jumrah Ula, Jumrah Wutsha dan Jumrah Aqaba. Rasulullah memberi contoh melemparkan masing-masing tujuh kerikil ditiga jumrah tersebut. Pelemparan dapat dilakukan dari lantai bawah maupun atas. Pada tanggal 10 Dzulhijah, tempat ini sangat padat.

Haji, Arti dan Persyaratannya

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Haji, Arti dan Persyaratannya

Sumbangan tulisan: Ibu Naih Soepangat - Arlington, Texas

1. Pengertian Haji

Haji ialah berkunjung ke Baitullah Al Haram di Mekkah Al Mukaramah untuk melakukan Thawaf, Sa’i, wukuf di Arafah dan melakukan amalan-amalan yang diajarkan oleh Rasulullah Saw.

2. Hukum Ibadah Haji

Ibadah Haji diwajibkan Allah kepada kaum muslimin yang telah mencukupi syarat-syaratnya. Menunaikan ibadah haji diwajibkan hanya sekali seumur hidup. Selanjutnya yang kedua kali dan seterusnya hukumnya sunnat. Barang siapa yang bernazar haji, wajib melaksanakannya.

“Mengerjakan Haji merupakan kewajiban hamba terhadap Allah, yaitu bagi yang mampu mengadakan perjalanan ke Baitullah. Barang siapa mengingkarinya, maka sesungguhnya Allah Maha Kaya (tidak memerlukan sesuatu) dari semesta Alam”.(QS. 3:97)
Firman Allah yang lain:

“Dan sempurnakanlah ibadah haji serta umrah karena Allah”. (QS” 2:196)

Sabda Rasulullah SAW:

“Wahai semua manusia diwajibkan atas kamu berhaji, maka berhajilah”. (HR: Muslim dan Nasa’i).

Haji adalah salah satu rukun Islam yang lima, sebagaimana yang tercantum dalam haditz Rasulullah Saw:

“Islam didirikan atas lima perkara: Kesaksian bahwa tidak ada Tuhan kecuali Allah, dan sesungguhnya Muhammad adalah utusan/Rasul Allah. Mendirikan Shalat. Mengeluarkan zakat. Puasa dibulan Ramadhan. Haji ke Baitullah (bagi siapa yang mampu melakukannya”. (HR: Muttafaqun ‘Alaih)

“Haji yang wajib itu hanya sekali. Barangsiapa melakukan lebih dari sekali, maka yang selanjutnya merupakan haji tathawwu’ (sunnat)”. (HR: Abu Dawud, ahmad dan Al-Hakim)

3. Hikmah Haji

Diantara hikmah haji adalah membersihkan jiwa dari berbagai pengaruh dosa. Hal ini sebagaimana disabdakan oleh Rasulullah Saw:

“Barangsiapa menunaikan haji kerumah ini (Ka’bah) dan ia tidak melakukan senggama serta tidak berbuat fasiq, maka akan keluar dari dosa-dosanya, seperti hari dilahirkan oleh ibunya”. (HR: Muttafaqun ‘Alaih)

4. Syarat-syarat Haji

a. Islam

b. Baligh (dewasa)

c. Aqil (berakal sehat)

d. Merdeka (bukan budak).

e. Istitha’ah (mampu)


5. Rukun Haji

a. Ihram (niat)

b. Wukuf di Arafah

c. Thawaf Ifadah

d. Sa’i

e. Tahallul (Cukur)

f. Tertib

Rukun Haji tidak dapat ditinggalkan. Apabila tidak dipenuhi, maka hajinya batal.


6. Wajib Haji

a. Ihram, yakni niat berhaji dari Miqat

b. Mabit di Muzdalifah

c. Mabit di Mina

d. Melontar Jamrah Ula, Wutsha dan Aqabah

e. Tawaf Wada bagi yang akan meninggalkan Makkah

Wajib haji ini adalah ketentuan yang apabila dilanggar maka hajinya tetap sah, tetapi wajib membayar dam.


7. Sunnat Haji

a. Mandi sunnat Ihram

b. Bertalbiyah

c. Melakukan tawaf Qudum bagi orang yang mengerjakan Haji Ifrad dan Haji Qiran

d. Bermalam di Mina pada malam Arafah

e. Berlari-lari kecil ketika melakukan tawaf Qudum


8. Jenis-Jenis Haji

a. Haji Tamattu’ ialah berihram untuk umrah pada bulan-bulan haji. Kemudian berihram untuk haji pada tahun yang sama dari Mekkah atau sekitarnya. Ketika bertalbiyah melafazdhkan: “Labbaika Allahumma ‘Umrattan” (Aku datang memenuhi panggilan-Mu Ya Allah untuk berumrah).

b. Haji Qiran ialah berihram untuk umrah dan haji sekaligus pada bulan-bulan haji, dan tetap dalam keadaan ihram (tanpa tahallul) sampai hari nahar (tanggal 10 dzulhijjah). Atau berihram untuk umrah pada bulan-bulan haji, kemudian sebelum melakukan tawaf umrah ia memasukkan niat untuk haji. Ketika bertalbiyah mengucapkan: “Laabbaika Allahumma Hajjan wa ‘Umratan” (Aku datang memenuhi panggilan-Mu Ya Allah untuk berhaji dan berumrah).

c. Haji Ifrad ialah berihram untuk haji pada bulan-bulan haji dari miqat, atau dari rumahnya bagi yang tinggal didaerah antara miqat dan Mekkah, atau dari Mekkah bagi yang tinggal disana. Kemudian tetap dalam keadaan ihram sampai hari Nahar, ini apabila ia membawa besertanya Hadyu (hewan sembelihan), kalau tidak maka dianjurkan baginya untuk merubah niat hajinya kepada umrah, sehingga menjadi haji tamattuh’. Ketika melafadzhkan talbiyah mengucapkan: “Labbaika Allahumma Hajjan” (Aku datang memenuhi panggilan-Mu Ya Allah untuk berhaji).

9. Kewajiban selama Ihram

a. Menjalankan semua perintah Allah, seperti shalat wajib pada waktunya

b. Menjauhi segala larangan Allah, seperti melanggar larangan-Nya, bertengkar atau mengucapkan kata-kata kotor.

c. Menjaga diri dari perbuatan menyakiti orang lain, baik dengan perbuatan ataupun dengan perkataan.

d. Menjauhi segala larangan selama ihram, yaitu:

Jangan memotong kuku atau rambut, tetapi tidak ada hukumnya kalau rambut rontok sendiri. Jangan memakai wangi-wangian, kecuali wangi-wangian sebelum mengenakan ihram. Jangan membunuh, menakut-nakuti atau membantu dalam berburu binatang. Dalam kawasan al-Haram, tidak seorangpun diperbolehkan untuk memotong pohon, mencabut tanaman, atau mengumpulkan barang yang bukan miliknya kecuali untuk mengenali dan dikembalikan kepemiliknya. Jangan melamar atau melakukan pernikahan baik untuk dirinya sendiri atau mewakili orang lain. Hubungan badani juga dilarang.

Kewajiban ini untuk laki-laki dan perempuan.


10. Hal-hal yang harus diperhatikan

a. Untuk laki-laki, dilarang menutupi kepalanya, tetapi menggunakan payung diperbolehkan.

b. Untuk laki-laki, dilarang menggunakan pakaian yang berjahit dan dilarang memakai sepatu yang menutup tumit.

c. Untuk wanita, dilarang memakai sarung tangan dan niqab (penutup muka)

d. Diperbolehkan untuk memakai sandal, cincin, kaca mata, alat bantu pendengaran, jam tangan, dan ikat pinggang yang digunakan untuk menyimpan uang dan dokumen perjalanan.

e. Diijinkan untuk mandi dan mengganti pakaian dan mencucinya.


11. Hukum bagi yang melanggar Ihram

Hukuman terhadap pelanggaran larangan ihram adalah memotong seekor domba atau memberi makan 6 orang miskin atau puasa selama 3 hari. Pelanggaran ini tidak membatalkan haji atau umrah.

Hubungan badani membatalkan Haji dan Umrah. Hukuman pelanggaran melakukan hubungan badani selama ihram adalah menyembelih seekor unta dan melaksanakan haji ditahun berikutnya.

12. Talbiyah

“Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaik la syarika laka labbaik, innal hamda wanni ‘mata wal mulk, la syarika lak”

Artinya:

“Aku datang Ya Allah memenuhi panggilan-Mu, aku datang Ya Allah, Aku datang. Tidak ada sekutu bagi-Mu, aku datang. Sesungguhnya segala puji dan kesenangan hanyalah untuk-Mu dan kekuasaan-Mu. Tiada sekutu bagi-Mu”.


13. Macam-macam Tawaf

a. Tawaf Rukun (tawaf Ifadah dan tawaf umrah)

b. Tawaf Qudum (tawaf kedatangan)

c. Tawaf Sunnat (tawaf yang dikerjakan pada setiap kesempatan, tidak diikuti dengan sa’i)

d. Tawaf Wada’ (tawaf perpisahan)



14. Syarat-syarat Tawaf

a. Suci dari hadats

b. Menutup aurat

c. Dimulai dari Hajar Aswad

d. Menjadikan Baitullah (Ka’bah) disebelah kiri

e. Dilaksanakan 7 kali putaran

f. Berada didalam Masjidil Haram.

g. Tidak ada tujuan lain selain tawaf

h. Niat tawaf, yaitu dikala mengerjakan tawaf sunnah. Adapun tawaf rukun dan tawaf qudum tidak diperlukan niat.



15. Sa’i

a. Didahului dengan tawaf

b. Tertib

c. Menyempurnakan 7 kali perjalanan diantara Safa dan Marwah

d. Harus dilaksanakan ditempat sa’i, antara bukit Safa dan Marwah

e. Tidak disyaratkan suci pada waktu mengerjakan sa’i.

f. Diperintahkan untuk berjalan antara safa dan Marwah, dan berlari-lari kecil diantara 2 tanda hijau. Ini berlaku bagi laki-laki saja, wanita cukup berjalan seperti biasa.

g. Waktu mengerjakan sa’i setelah melaksanakan tawaf ifadah/umrah.


16. Tahallul

Mencukur/menggunting rambut paling sedikit 3 helai rambut adalah salah satu amalan ibadah dalam manasik haji dan umrah. Pelaksanaannya pada hari nahar sesudah melontar jamrah Aqabah. Bagi yang menduhulukan tawaf ifadah daripada melontar jamrah Aqabah, maka boleh setelah tawaf ifadah dan sa’i atau boleh diundur sampai hari-hari tasyrik. Dalam Ibadah umrah mencukur/memotong rambut dilaksanakan pada waktu selesai sa’i

Artikel Pengajian Dec 06 (English)

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Artikel Pengajian Dec 06 (English)

The Importance of Gratitude

What Is The Main Goal of Satan?
In general, when we read about Prophet Adam, Eve and Iblees, we tend to forget to pay attention to what was said by Iblees before he left Paradise. “Iblees said: Because you have thrown me out of the Way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on Your Straight Way. Then I will assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left, nor will You find gratitude in most of them (for Your mercies).” 7: 16-17

Therefore according to the above ayats, the goal of Iblees is to make mankind infidels or ungrateful to Allah SWT. This enemy of Allah knows the basis of gratitude, so he will always work hard to turn as many human beings to be ingrates of the blessings of Allah SWT

Is the mission of Iblees successful? The answer is “Yes”, as we observe the ingratitude of the majority of mankind in this world on the blessings bestowed upon them, in fact they became rejecters of the blessings of Allah SWT.

What Are The Characteristics of Rejecting Blessings?
These characteristics come in many fashions, such as:
a. Ingratitude
b. Disparaging the Giver, by feeling that all blessings that one experiences is the result of one’s hard work and one’s superiority, as practiced by Qarun when ordered to be grateful for his wealth and all the blessings bestowed upon him:

“قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُوتِيتُهُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ عِندِي أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِن قَبْلِهِ مِنَ القُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا وَلَا يُسْأَلُ عَن ذُنُوبِهِمُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ

Qarun said: “This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations, - which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins.” 28:78

c. using the blessings for immoral deeds or fulfilling sexual desires
d. feeling proud and arrogant

What Are The Remunerations On Those Who Reject Blessings?
Allah SWT had threatened the rejecters of blessings with harsh punishments. These harsh punishments come in several forms, such as:

a. the retractions of one’s blessings
b. the loss of feeling blessed. Many people own an abundance of wealth and high status, but are discontented
c. others are envious of him and make an effort to bring him down
d. his punishments will be delayed until a certain time. However, the punishment will surely take place. Allah SWT says:

وَضَرَبَ اللّهُ مَثَلاً قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ

“Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: yet was it ungrateful for the favors of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.”16:112

What is the meaning of Gratitude?
Shukur is derived from the term “shakara” among which meanings are “praises on goodness” as well as “fulfillment”. In the Al-Qur’an, “Shukur” is phrased alongside the term “kufur”, as decreed:

And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): “If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) to you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.” 14:7

This is due to the fact that “Shukur” is also used to show what is obvious, while “kufur” means to “cover it”. Showing blessings is evidenced by sharing a part of those blessings with others, whereas covering it is by being miserly.

The Mention of Shukur (Gratitude) In The Al-Qur’an
This word is mentioned ten times in the Al-Qur’an, three of which relate to the characteristics of Allah while the remainder relates to human characteristics. “Shukur” is a superlative of the term “Shakir”.

Allah says, “For He will pay them their wages, nay, He will give them (even) more out of His Bounty; for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service).” (35:30) “And they will say: Praise be to Allah, Who has removed from us (all) sorrow; for our Lord is indeed Oft-Forgiving ready to appreciate (service).” (35:34)

What Is Meant By Allah As-Shakur (The Most Grateful)?
Among the names of Allah (Asmaa-ul Husna) is Allah As-Shakur. Allah As-Shakur means: “He who proliferates however small the good deeds of His servant, and multiplies His rewards.”

“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn; it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases; and Allah cares for all and He knows all things. (2:261)

Therefore whoever responds in multifold to good deeds is deemed to be grateful of the good deeds and whoever praises those that do good deeds is also deemed as being grateful.

Imam Ghazali defined Allah Shakur as, “He who rewards in plenty a doer of a little goodness/obedience. He who bestows timeless infinite blessings for limited good deeds done on finite days.”

What Is The Importance Of Gratitude?

a. Gratitude Is A Characteristic Of Allah
As mentioned above, Gratitude is a characteristic of God. Allah says, “… For Allah is most ready to appreciate (service), Most Forbearing.” (64:17) Allah decrees to His servants to be grateful, and forbids us from covering the truth (being ungrateful). Besides, Allah praises those who rejoice in gratitude, and deems them as special human beings, as well as being a key phrase of the inhabitants of Paradise. “They will say: Praise be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage; we can dwell in the Garden as we will; how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!” (39:74)

b. Gratitude Is The Position Of The Prophets
Allah says, “…You work, sons of David, with thanks! But few of My servants are grateful!” (34:13) All the Prophets (AS) were decreed to be grateful for the bountiful blessings bestowed upon them, especially the blessing of Guidance. Allah says:

كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولاً مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ
A similar (favor you have already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, and instructing you in Scriptures and Wisdom, and in new Knowledge.” (2:151)

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ

“Then you remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject Faith.” (2:152)

c. Gratitude Indicates The Cleansing Of The Heart
A person with gratitude means his heart and being is still pure because a person with a clean heart rejoices in goodness, hence is grateful for it. Besides that, gratitude will also cleanse one’s heart and brings him closer to Allah As-Shakur, and will encourage him to do many good deeds. Therefore, the more the number of grateful human beings, the greater unity there is among the Muslims.

4. What Is The Result Or The Fruit Of Gratitude?
a. The Fruit Of Gratitude Will Be Enjoyed By The Grateful
Faidah or the fruit of gratitude will return to the grateful himself. The same is true with rejection/covering of truth, the loss with be experienced by the rejecter himself. Due to the fact that Allah has no need of anyone and one’s gratitude will not increase anything for Him, the same is true where one’s rejection will not reduce anything from Him. Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ

“We bestowed (in the past) wisdom on Luqman: Show (your) gratitude to Allah. And who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.” (31:12)

b. The Blessings Are Eternal
The Prophet (SAW) said, “And a blessing is intertwined with gratitude.”

c. The Blessings Will Increase
Allah says, “… If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) to you…” (14:7)

d. Humility
Gratitude will produce tawadu or humility, because being grateful means one acknowledges and ascertains that all of his blessings are from Allah SWT. That was why when the Prophet (SAW) received good tidings, he would prostrate in gratitude to Allah SWT.

e. Love Allah
With gratitude for Allah’s blessings, one will love the Giver of the blessings. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Love Allah, because He has blessed you.”

f. Prevention From Punishment
Allah SWT says:

“مَّا يَفْعَلُ اللّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَآمَنتُمْ وَكَانَ اللّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا

“What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and you believe? Nay, it is Allah that recognizes (all good), and knows all things.” (4:147)

g. Gaining Allah’s Acceptance
Allah says:
وَإِن تَشْكُرُوا يَرْضَهُ لَكُمْ

“… and if you are grateful, He is pleased with you…” (39:7)


A Variety Of Expressions Of Gratitude
Gratitude could be expressed i.e.:
a. By feeling conscious of the bounty of blessings from Allah SWT.
b. Feeling lacking of gratitude to Him.
c. Acknowledging the immensity of Allah’s patience.
d. Understanding that all blessings originate from Allah SWT, and by right he does not deserve to receive it.
e. Being grateful to a person who does good. “Whoever is not grateful to others is not grateful to Allah.” Hadeeth
f. Not refusing blessings although small and receiving it open heartedly.
g. By being grateful because one is able to feel gratitude for the blessings.

Three Types Of Gratitude

First: Gratitude Through Utterance
That is to praise Allah by saying: “Alhamdulillah” (Praise Be To Allah), and showing the blessing.

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ
“Therefore the Bounty of your Lord – rehearse and proclaim!” (93:11)

Second: Gratitude Through The Heart
By acknowledging that a blessing comes from Allah SWT, and not attributing it to others, by accepting it in whatever form with high spirits, by considering how bountiful the blessing is no matter how little, and by acknowledging that the blessing is bestowed on him due to His benevolence and not because one deserves to receive it.

Third: Gratitude Through Action
To show gratitude through action is to experience the essence of shukur, or by appropriately utilizing God’s gift as intended by Him. This means that we should use all of Allah’s gifts in this world for the purpose intended by Him.

This also means that we should study why Allah created the sea, the wind, the earth, etc. What are His intentions? As caliphs, we should be able to move all creations towards the purpose set by the Creator.

Is it permitted to pick a flower before it is in full bloom? No! The reason being that it is not created for that purpose. Is it good to eat in bed? No, because a bed is not created as a place to eat, and so forth.

The closer our outlook and action are to those descriptions, the more grateful we are.

Two Levels of Gratitude
There are two levels of gratitude:

First: Gratitude for the blessings that are pleasing.

Second: Gratitude for the blessings that are pleasing and any unpleasant experience (being afflicted with disaster or calamity.)

A Muslim mystic asked someone, “How do you deem gratitude?” “When we receive a blessing that is pleasing, we praise God, and when not, we are patient,” answered the person. The Muslim mystic remarked, “It is not so for us; if we receive a blessing, we would let another experience it first before we do to the point that we would give it to him, and when we do not receive a blessing, we are still grateful, because we feel that even in disaster, we are not void of His blessings.”

رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَى وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“… Oh my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in respect of any offspring. Truly have I turned to You and truly I do bow (to You) in Islam. (46:15)

Artikel Pengajian Nov 06 (English)

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Artikel Pengajian Nov 06 (English)

Adhomir (Inner Heart)

Dhomir or the Inner Heart (conscience) is the most important element in our body. The core of a human’s value is dependent on his dhomir. When observing a cruel or impolite person, an Arab would often say, “huwa mainduh dhomir” (he has no dhomir). It means the voice of his heart is dead.

Question
In order to further understand dhomir or the inner heart, try answering the following questions:
1. You are eating on the roadside, suddenly a young five year old girl stands right in front of you, watching the food in your hand with anticipation. Which voice would appear in your heart at that instant?
2. Imagine, the moment you are walking alone in a beautiful garden. You see a family: a father, a mother with two young and cute children are having a good time. Which voice would appear in your heart at that instant?
3. Try to imagine this situation: One of your co-workers was sent off for management training by your company for two weeks. Meanwhile you were not chosen to go. How would you feel?
4. Two weeks later, he returns to work with excitement, showing off his certificate to you. What voice appears in your heart?
5. You are standing on a clean floor, with the tiles looking all shiny. Suddenly you spotted a dirty piece of paper by your feet. What voice do you feel in your inner heart?
6. Later someone carelessly throws a cigarette butt there. What inner voice do you hear?
7. On the road, you witness a young man attempting to snatch an elderly woman’s purse. What type of emotion would you experience at that moment?
8. Then you realize that the purse snatcher carries a gun. What do you feel?
9. You are in the middle of a green garden. Suddenly you see a flower of red, orange and purple colors. What do you feel?
10. Suddenly a young man brusquely plucks the flower. What do you feel?
Positive Answers
If your answers to the above questions were positive, it means that you still possess pure dhomir. Further, the answers should ‘match’ Allah’s characteristics as found in the ‘Asmaul Husna’. For example, Allah is The Protector, The Most Compassionate and the Lovingly Beneficent, etc.


Allah says in the Qur’an:
Whatever beings there are in heavens and on the earth do prostate themselves to Allah (acknowledging subjection), - with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do their shadows in the mornings and evenings. (13:15)

When your Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam – from their loins – their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): “Am I not your Lord (Who cherishes and sustains you)?” they said: “Yes! We do testify!” (This), lest you should say on the Day of Judgment: “Of this we were never mindful”.

What Could Conceal The Inner Heart (Dhomir)
Nonetheless there are times when the inner heart is concealed or blind. Humankind often becomes lackadaisical about this fact, which in the end results in their plunging into evil doing, unethical behaviors, obstinacy, immorality, etc.

There are seven factors that “enslave” the inner heart, which sometimes make a person ‘blind’ without realizing it.

1. Presumption
2. Principles of life
3. Experience
4. Importance
5. Viewpoint
6. Comparison
7. Literature

Allah says in the Qur’an:
“When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, you fall down in obeisance to him. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together. Not so Iblis; he was haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith.” (38:72-74)

1. PRESUMPTION
“Our Lord! Make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, Our Lord! For You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (60:5)

One morning, during an interdepartmental meeting, the participants were discussing the results of a routine monthly evaluation. One participant started yawning in the middle of the serious meeting. The other participants immediately turned towards him, even his superior was shaking his head. The boss, who was leading the meeting, berated him, “I’m very disappointed with you; it appears that you don’t care about this important meeting!” The individual hung his head. With a pale face, he said, “I am sorry, I would like to convey that regretfully I am not able to be attentive in this meeting. However, considering its importance, I tried to attend.” His eyes started tearing up. “Last night, my child was in an accident. He is being treated in the ICU, and is in a comma. So, I wasn’t able to sleep at all last night.” All the participants of the meeting became stunned. They had fallen into a presumption, a preconceived notion and a prejudice which regarded that: “If someone yawns during an important meeting, it can be interpreted that that person is not enthusiastic.” And a negative presumption occurred.

Solutions
1. Avoid making frequent bad presumptions, make an effort to think well of others.

2. The Influence of the Thought Process
One’s actions depend heavily on his thought process. Every person is given the freedom to choose for oneself. Negative thoughts will multiply and become reinforced as the information system becomes more advanced, and the information media such as the television, magazines and newspapers keep bombarding our thought process with news of murder, fraud and other crimes. In the end, many of us are influenced by it; often harboring negative presumptions and feeling suspicion towards others. These negative presumptions continue to flow and transform one into becoming ‘defensive’ and withdrawn because he often harbors presumptions that others are dangerous.

As a result, one’s own self experiences loss, for example, he will be demoted at his job, he is not able to cooperate with others, he will miss precious opportunities; in fact he becomes a social outcast.

On the other hand, one who possesses a free inner heart will be more able to protect his thoughts. He is able to choose a positive response even in the most devastating situation. He will keep thinking positively and always think well of others. He encourages and enjoins his circle of influence to trust each other, help each other, to be open and cooperative. The outcome is a ‘smart alliance” which will create a peak performance. He is the king of his own thought.

So: Avoid having bad presumptions, and make an effort to think well of others.

“But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against Truth. Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.” (10:36)

2. THE PRINCIPLES OF LIFE
“The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the Spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the Spider’s house; - if they but knew.” (29:41)

In the most recent decades, we have frequently witnessed many principles of life which result in a variety of human actions. The principles of life that they adopt and have faith in have created many kinds of beliefs with their own agenda. Every person is shaped by the principle which he adopted. The outcome is usually deemed awesome, terrifying, even saddening.

“If Allah had found in them any good, He would indeed have made them listen: (as it is), if He had made them listen, they would but have turned back and declined (faith). (8:23)

Solution 2
Abide by Allah The Everlasting.


3. EXPERIENCE
“By no means! But on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do!” (83:14)

Life experiences and one’s sphere will heavily influence one’s way of thinking, which eventually leads to the emulation of one’s social circle. For instance, when a person exists in a bad social circle, he will become like that circle. For example, a child who is raised with love and affection (acceptance) and in a close-knit family will learn to live with feelings of love and camaraderie. So is the opposite true.

“Let there be out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104)
Allah's Apostle said, "The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is I like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof." (Bukhari-Muslim)
Solution 3
Liberate yourself from experiences that shackle your way of thinking; think freedom!

4. PRIORITIES
“By (the Token of) Time through the Ages, Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.” (103:1-3)

The placing of importance will establish the priorities of actions taken by an individual. For example, an individual leaning towards politics will think of what could be beneficial in the form of politics. Those who place importance on self worth will prioritize their decisions towards increasing their self worth, etc.

Often our inner heart (dhomir) will also contribute in providing important information in determining our priorities. However, that inner heart is often disregarded by distracting desires or such importance placed in achieving long-term benefits.

“Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.” (28:54)

“O you who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow. Yes, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that you do.” (59:18)

Solution 4
Listen to your inner heart, hold on to the principle of “for the sake of Allah”, think extensively before deciding on importance and priorities.


5. VIEWPOINT
“Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame); the (human) soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord bestows His Mercy; but surely my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (12:53)

One’s viewpoint will influence his thoughts and actions. Hence, before we decide on something or take an action, we should look at all angles wisely based on the inner heart that is derived from Asmaul Husna.

“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who received guidance.” (16:125)I

“O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day; that is best, and most suitable for final determination.” (4:59)

Solution 5
Look at all angles wisely based on the voice of the inner heart that is derived from Asmaul Husna (99 thinking hats).

6. COMPARISON
“And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.” (8:46)

Frequently in a meeting, a harsh and unpleasant argument occurs where one group says “A” while the other says “B”. In fact, after persisting for a while, no agreement was reached, yet they often debate with each other.

Among its causes is the fact that we frequently value something based on the comparison of past experiences as well as our own imagination that we create in our own thought. The framework of evaluation in our thought changes easily within a fraction of a second. We could imagine how our relations can quickly create and change our way of thinking by every second. In the end, we will be the victim of our association’s molding.

Don’t make an observation based on your bias; but look at it has in value.

“But they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.” (53:28)

“We have explained in detail in this Qur’an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude; but man is, in most things, contentious. (18:54)


Solution 6
Examine your thoughts first before making an evaluation on something. Don’t make an observation based on your bias; but look at what it has in value.

7. LITERATURE
“Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the Path, but they think that they are being guided aright! (43:37)

If we study and contemplate carefully, we will realize that in actuality Unconscious Thinking as cited by Napoleon Hills, or The Magic of Thinking Big as cited by David J. Schwartz, PhD, as well as Emotional Intelligence as cited by Robert K. Cooper, PhD, all have the same principle, yet goes by different terms. That is the shape of their research to look for true values which in the end will arrive at one source (consciously or otherwise) – to affirm the truth of Allah SWT, Al-Qur’an and the teaching of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

“Read! (or Proclaim!) in the name of your Lord and Cherisher, Who created-“ (96:1)

“Nay, do not obey him; but bow down in adoration, and bring yourself the closer (to Allah)! (96:19)

“And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation (thereof). (25:33)

Solution 7
Don’t be enslaved by literatures, think freely, become one with an ‘Ummi’ heart.

Comet dalam Al Qur'an

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Comet dalam Al Qur'an

Sumbangan tulisan Ustdaz Joban

Pada ayat 16/77 babwa kedatangan SA'AH itu lebih cepat daripada kejapan mata. Menurut hukum fisika, kecepatan pandangan mata sama besar dengan kecepatan gerak sinar atau gelombang radio. Surya ada sejauh delapan menit gerak sinar dari Bumi, jika misalnya Surya itu mendadak hilang dari angkasa maka keadaan itu baru dapat kita lihat delapan menit kemudiannya, karena sekianlah kecepatan kejapan atau pandangan mata.

Kini dikatakan SA'AH itu lebih cepat lagi maka kecepatan yang melebihi sinar ialah kecepatan gerak Mar'a atau Comet yang kelihatan melayang di antara bintang-bintang angkasa beberapa saat padahal diketahui orang bahwa jarak bintang terdekat adalah empat tahun gerak sinar. Jadi SA'AH itu berlaku cepat sekali seperti kecepatan gerak Comet, dan memang Comet itulah yang dijadikan Allah selaku penyebab terjadinya SA'AH nantinya.
Alquran menyebut kecepatan Comet itu melebihi kecepatan pandangan mata karena memang manusia umumnya menganggap bahwa kecepatan matalah yang terbesar dari benda konkrit yang pernah diketahui, tetapi kalau orang memperhatikan secara ilmiah akan ternyatalah bahwa kecepatan terbesar itu adalah kecepatan gerak Comet.

Ayat 7/187 menyatakan bahwa seorangpun tidak dapat meramalkan waktu kedatangan Comet itu selaku penyebab adanya SA'AH, karenanya pantaslah ramalan para sarjana mengenai rombongan Comet yang dapat dilihat dari Bumi selalu gagal begitupun rombongan Comet yang dinamakan dengan Kahotek pada bulan Desember 1973. Hal ini disebabkan oleh kesalahan prinsip mengenai wujud Comet sendiri. Semua sarjana Bumi pada abad 14 Hijriah menyatakan Comet itu terdiri dari pasir atau es melayang dalam orbit tertentu dalam tatasurya mengeliling Surya, padahal benda angkasa itu adalah kumpulan Mar'a nonpartikel tanpa orbit di angkasa luas dengan massa yang semakin besar, masing-masingnya kini jutaan kali besar Surya.

Untuk keterangan selanjutnya perhatikanlah maksud Ayat Sud di bawah ini:

25/22. Pada hari mereka melihat malaikat, tiadalah lagi kegembiraan ketika itu bagi orang-orang berdosa dan mereka mengatakan (Comet yang datang) batu-batu berkumpul.
25/25. Dan pada hari terpecah tatasurya ini dengan bencana besar, (kedatangan Comet) dan diturunkanlah malaikat dengan turunnya.
39/68. Dan ditiupkan Comet maka matilah siapa yang di planet-planet dan yang di Bumi kecuali siapa yang Allah kehendaki (pada tatasurya yang belum dibentur), kemudian ditiupkan yang lain (delapan rombongan Comet) maka ketika itu mereka berdiri menantikan.
51/1. Demi (Comet) yang terbang dalam keadaan bebas (tanpa orbit).
51/2. Demi (Comet) yang membawa beban berat (bintang-bintang terseret jadi ekornya).
51/3. Demi (Comet) yang bergerak dengan mudahnya (cepat sekali layangnya).
51/4. Demi (Comet) yang membagi-bagi urusan (setiap dengan tugas tertentu).
51/5. Bahwasanya (kedatangan Comet) yang dijanjikan itu adalah benar.
52/9. Pada hari angkasa (tatasurya) ini dibawa lari dalam keadaan terseret (oleh Comet).
52/10. Dan berjalanlah gunung-gunung dengan jalannya.
54/46. Malah SA'AH itu janjian untuk mereka, dan SA'AH itu lebih tegas dan lebih cepat.
55/37. Maka ketika terpecah tatasurya ini (oleh Comet) maka jadilah dia seperti gas berbanjaran (jadi ekor Comet).
56/75. Maka janganlah Aku bersumpah dengan (Comet) yang menimpa bintang-bintang, (yang semuanya nanti jadi ekor Comet).
56/76. Dan bahwa dia adalah sumpah sangat besar kalau kamu mengetahui.
69/13. Maka ketika ditiupkan Comet dengan sekali tiup.
69/14. Dan terbawalah Bumi ini dang gunung-gunung, lalu bergoncanglah dia dengan sekali goncang.
69/15. Maka ketika itu menimpalah (Comet) yang menimpa.
69/16. Dan terpecahlah tatasurya ini maka dia ketika itu jadi menurut.
73/4. Pada hari tergoncang Bumi dang gunung dan jadilah gunung-gunung itu seperti pasir yang hancur.
73/18. Dan tatasurya terseret padanya (Comet itu) dan adalah janjiNYA pasti terlaksana.
79/1. Demi(Comet) yang membentur dengan penenggelaman (seluruh makhluk hidup). 79/2. Demi (Comet) yang menerobos dengan tabrakan. (bersuara gemuruh).
79/3. Demi (Comet) yang melayang dengan cepatnya.
79/4. Demi (Comet) yang terdahulu dengan megahnya (dari ekornya).
79/5. Demi (Comet) yang memperikutkan urusan (membentur bintang satu persatu). 79/6. Adalah hari bergoncang yang bergoncang (tatasurya dibentur Comet).
79/7. Mengikutinya (bintang-bintang) yang mengiring.
81/1. Ketika Surya digulung (oleh Comet).
81/2. Dan ketika bintang-bintang berjatuhan (yang jadi ekor Comet).
81/3. Dan ketika gunung-gunung dijalankan (hancur melebur). 81/4. Dan ketika relasi (hubungan molekul pada benda) ditinggalkan.
81/5. Dan ketika unsur-unsur (benda itu) dipulangkan (jadi Hydrogen semuanya). 81/6. Dan ketika lautan dikeringkan (karena semuanya jadi api).
82/1. Ketika tatasurya itu terseret (oleh benturan Comet).
82/2. Dan ketika planet-planet terbawa (oleh gerak Comet).
82/3. Dan ketika lautan itu diuapkan (waktu benturan Comet).
100/1. Demi (Comet) yang datang berulang dengan megahnya, (sering kelihatan). 100/2. Demi (Comet) yang memperlihatkan pantulan sinar cemerlang (Comet memantulkan sinar bintang-bintang).
100/3. Demi (Comet waktu datangnya) yang mengubah waktu subuh.
100/4. Maka mengikut padanya (tatasurya dengan segala globenya) sebagai debu.
100 /5. (Semuanya yang terseret itu) berpusat padanya (Comet itu) sebagai kesatuan. Semua Ayat Suci di atas ini secara terang menggambarkan betapa nanti akan berlaku pada tatasurya kita di waktu SA'AH. Akan datang rombongan Comet yang telah ditentukan Allah untuk membentur tatasurya kita ini lalu menyeretnya menurut layangnya di semesta luas hingga habislah semua bintang di angkasa itu semuanya, terseret pada waktu tertentu berturut-turut. Waktu itu matilah semua makhluk dalam daerah tatasurya malah semua benda melebur kembali pada wujud asal, tidak satu pun yang dapat mengelakkan diri. Dengan keterangan itu nyatalah yang menjadi ekor Comet sebagai pernah dilihat melayang di angkasa bebas adalah bintang-bintang dengan semua planet dan Bulannya yang telah dibentur dan diseret oleh Comet itu lebih dulu. Demikian pula akan berlaku pada tatasurya kita bila nanti sudah datang SA'AH itu. Kenapa rombongan Comet itu kelihatan kecil saja? Karena dia dia berada sangat jauh di balik jutaan bintang atau mungkin di balik jutaan Galaxy. Suatu Comet tak dapat dikirakan besarnya mungkin ribuan kali besar Surya kita, dia bergerak tanpa orbit tertentu karena dia terbentuk oleh Mar'a yang mengapung ke angkasa bebas. Mar'a adalah wujud nonpartikel, lari dari partikel tetapi mempunyai sifat bergabung sesamanya seperti ionosfir yang melingkupi planet. Demikian pula Comet lari dari setiap bintang yang ditemuinya tetapi karena telah terlalu besar dan terlalu cepat layangnya maka dalam gerak demikian dia terpaksa membentur setiap tatasurya yang menghalangi arah geraknya, langsung membentur dan menyeret. Waktu itu juga seluruh ionosfir akan bergabung dengan Comet begitu pula seluruh Mar'a yang harus berangkat dari setiap Atom. Akibatnya setiap tatasurya yang dibentur Comet itu otomatis menurut kepada benda raksasa itu. Suatu Comet adalah kekosongan yang memantulkan sinar bintang-bintang seperti ionosfir Bumi yang juga kosong memantulkan sinar Surya. Semakin tebal ionosfir suatu planet akan semakin keraslah pantulan sinar ionosfirnya kelihatan di Bimi ini, begitu pula Comet kelihatan amat cemerlang ketika dia kebetulan nampak oleh mata. Ketika Comet membentur tatasurya, dia terpaksa merobah arah geraknya beberapa derajat karenanya Comet itu nantinya akan menempuh seluruh daerah semesta raya, ditimbulkan oleh sifatnya yang anti partikel. Maka amat janggal sekali jika orang mengatakan Comet itu terdiri dari pasir atau es yang mengorbit keliling Surya kita. Dengan sifat anti partikel itu, Comet tidak menjalanl garis orbit tertentu. karenanya orang pernah melihatnya bergerak dari selatan ke utara atau sebaliknya. Jika Comet itu termasuk keluarga tatasurya kita maka otomatis dia harus patuh pada hukum tatasurya dan bintang-bintang lain bahwa semuanya bergerak dari barat ke timur.