Pengajian As Syifa :6 Things that Break Ukhuwah

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Pengajian As Syifa :6 Things that Break Ukhuwah

Location: Islamic Center of Bothell, WA

Foto2 menyusul 😊

Pengajian AsSyifa |Parenting: Knowing Character of Children + Aqiqah

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Pengajian AsSyifa |Parenting: Knowing Character of Children + Aqiqah

Aqiqah Mia Sara Wardhana, first daughter of Adi Wardhana and Ngon. She's also the first granddaughter of Pak Tony and Bu Wartini Soeharto.
Location: IPTN INA Tukwila, WA 98118

Foto2 menyusul 😊

Pengajian AsSyifa | Refleksi Surat Al Fathihah +Aqiqah

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Pengajian AsSyifa | Refleksi Surat Al Fathihah +Aqiqah

Pengajian AsSyifa | Wabil Walidaini Ihsana

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Pengajian AsSyifa | Wabil Walidaini Ihsana

The Test and Surah Al-Waqi'ah

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Test and Surah Al-Waqi'ah

Sudah beberapa lama ini banyak musibah menimpa dimana-mana; warga pengajian Assyifa tak luput diuji kesabarannya oleh yang Maha Kuasa.
Beberapa ujian berupa datangnya tamu tak diundang, meninggalnya orangtua tercinta dan dampak inflasi ekonomi.
Dampak inflasi terlihat dalam beberapa bulan yang lalu seperti kenaikan BBM yang cukup tinggi hingga mempengaruhi harga sandang pangan dan sektor pelayanan. Belum lagi berakhir, stock penyediaan beras di Seattle sudah menipis, harga beras hampir 1.5 kali lipat. Di beberapa toko, tiap keluarga dibatasi hanya untuk membeli 3-4 karung beras. May Allah give us strength and patience in this situation.

Memang kita tengah diuji dengan bermacam cara, maka untuk pengajian kali ini Pak Ustadz mempunyai agenda acara pembacaan ta'ziah untuk wafatnya ayahanda Inasz, Said Mohammad Salleh dan ibunda Mba Ika, Ibu Sumini. Materi pengajian mengenai Tafseer Surah Al-Waqiah (the description of Jannah).

Teringat disalah satu postingan pak Ustad di milis mengenai surah Al-Waqiah:
Diriwayatkan oleh Al-Hafizd Ibn Asakir dari Abi Dzibyah yang berkata: “Ketika Abdullah bin Masud (RA) dalam keadaan sakit dan saat-saat menjelang kematiannya, Uthman bin Affan (RA) berkunjung kepadanya dan berkata: “Apa yang kemu keluhkan? “Dosa-dosaku” jawab Ibn Masu’d. Apa yang kamu dambakan? Kata Sayidina Uthman. Ibn Masu’d menjawab: “Rahmat Tuhanku.” “Tidakkah engkau mau aku memberikan sesuatu untukmu? Ibn Masu’d menjawab: “Aku tidak perlu apa-apa dari hartamu.” Uthman berkata: “Biarkan untuk anak-anak perempuanmu setelah kamu (meninggal). “Apakah kamu takut anak-anak perempuanku menjadi miskin? (Jangan takut) aku sudah memerintahkan kepada mereka agar supaya membaca surat Al-Waqi’ah setiap malam. Aku pernah mendengar Rasulullah SAW bersabda: “Barangsiapa membaca surat Al-Waqi’ah setiap malam tidak akan terkena kefakiran atau kemiskinan sama sekali.” Jawab Ibn Masu’d. “
Maka sejak itu Abu Dzibyah (yang meriwatkan Hadith diatas) tidak pernah meniggalkannya setiap malam.
Mari mulai hari ini kita ajarkan anak-anak kita untuk menghafal surat al-Baqarah

Berikut ada tambahan du'a dari Ustadz:
Allahumma ini astau diuka fi ahli, wamali
(O Allah, I leave my family and property under your protection)



Pengajian bulan ini cukup padat acaranya; setelah ceramah Ustadz ada dua guest speakers yang berbicara dengan topik yang hampir sama yaitu penuh kesabaran dan terus berusaha mendekatkan diri kepada Allah SWT dalam menghadapi cobaan.
Para guest speaker yaitu Bpk. Rudi Himawan (Dallas, TX), director PKS Canada & North America (Partai Keadilan Sejahtera) dan Lecture oleh Sh Sa’ad Hassanin dari Dallas, TX “The Journey of the Souls”

Artikel dari Pak Irfan:
One day, a neighbor came running to one companion of the Prophet, Abu-Darda, when he was at his shop. The neighbor said that the neighborhood where they lived was on fire and that Abu-Darda's house was also burning. Abu-Darda calmly said, `No, it has not burned.'

Another person came in and gave the same report, and Abu-Darda gave the same reply. A third person showed up with the same news and got the same answer. Then another man came in and said, `Abu-Darda! The fire was blazing high, but when the flames came to your house, they went out!'

Abu-Darda replied, `I knew that God, The Exalted, would not allow my house to burn because I heard from the Prophet that the person who repeats certain words in the morning will be safe from all misfortunes until evening, and I recited them this morning:

Allahumma anta rabbi, la ilaha illa anta,`alaika tawakkaltu wa anta rabbul `arshil karim.
Masha Allahu kana wa malam yasha' lam yakun wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil-`aliyyil `azim.
A'lamu annallaha `alaa kulli shay-in qadir wa annallaha qad ahata bikulli shay-in `ilma.
Allahumma inni a'dzu bika min sharri nafsi wa min sharri kulli dabbatin, anta akhidzum bi nasiyatiha.
Inna rabbi `ala siratim-mustaqim.

Oh God, You are my Lord. There is nothing worthy of worship except You,
I place all of my trust and reliance in You and You are the Lord of the Noble Throne.
Whatever God wishes, takes place, and whatever He does not desire, does not occur,
and there is no power and no strength except in God, The Exalted, The Mighty.
I know that God is Powerful over all things, and that God has knowledge of all things.
Oh God, I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of every creeping crawling creature. You are master over them.
Verily, You are Lord of the Straight Path.
(Ref: Fiqh Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq)

May Allah give them something better and may He protect us all in this life and the hereafter.

Untuk foto-foto lengkap silakan klik disini.
Website untuk lokasi dan update harga bensin, tinggal isi zip code. Thanks Ana Radzi for the link.

Aqiqah: Fadil, Aaliyah and Katherine

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Aqiqah: Fadil, Aaliyah and Katherine

Pengajian bulan April kali ini temanya babies, karena ada 3 babies yang aqiqah.
Pengertian lengkap aqiqah dapat dilihat disini.
Meskipun lahirnya tidak bersamaan, mereka lahir di bulan Februari dan Maret 2008.
Para babies yang go public itu:
Fadil Al-Ghiffary Gucci first son of Br. Revawandi Mastur & Sr. Lisa Ardana
Aaliyah Elaina Kartini Hanna first daughter of Br. Allen Hanna & Sr. Irma Bebasari
Katherine Anise Jones first daughther of Br. Eric Jones & Sr. Muna

Seperti biasa kalau mau aqiqah, ibu-ibu disini gotong royong untuk masak kambingnya. Bisa juga sih pesan ke restaurant, tinggal bayar dan tau beres; tapi kurang berkesan. Untuk itu aqiqah kali ini sepenuhnya dari Br. Reva dengan 2 kambingnya yang besar. Ibu Lies, Bu Wawung dan Bu Joban membantu masak gulai kambing dan BBQ kambing. Sisa makanan potluck pengajian supaya tidak terlalu memberatkan.
Babies lainnya sudah aqiqah di tanah air; karena di negara kita pun masih banyak sekali yang kekurangan. Alhamdulillah jadi semuanya kebagian merata.

Ibu para bayi


Acara dimulai dengan doa kemudian pemotongan rambut oleh Ustad Joban dan anggota pengajian. Hari itu tampak ramai dan suka cita dengan kedatangan anggota baru.
Sebagai penutup baby Fadil dan baby Aaliyah dipotong habis rambutnya oleh Br. Faisal. Br. Faisal nampak handal memegang kepala babies yang mungil dengan mesin pencukurnya. Aaahh...maasih tetep lucu dan menggemaskan kok....

Akhir kata semoga para babies tumbuh menjadi anak yang soleh/hah, berbakti pada kedua orang tua dan mempunyai iman Islam yang tangguh. Amien...

Untuk foto selengkapnya silakan klik disini.
Silakan tengok halaman 'comment' untuk ucapan selamat kepada para orangtua dari anggota Assyifa.

Ar-Rahman menuju Tanah Suci 2007

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Ar-Rahman menuju Tanah Suci 2007

Photos taken during Assyifa gathering on November 2007 at MAPS.

As-salamuaikum,

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam

On behalf of Ar-Rahman 2007 Hajj Group consisting of 80 hajji’s, we would like to ask all of you to make do’a for us that Allah swt will bless us with Hajj Mabrur, our sins to be forgiven, to gain Jannah, and be able to return safely to our families insha Allah.

At the same time, we seek forgiveness for any shortcomings on our part, or if we have hurt or offended you in any way.

Also, if there are any outstanding debts, promises or obligations that we have not fulfilled, please remind us so that we may take care of them before we depart insha Allah.

The Ar-Rahman group will depart on Dec 3rd and will return insha Allah on Dec 27.

Wassalamualaikum Wr.Wb
Mohammad Joban

Pengajian September: Ifthar 1428 H

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Pengajian September: Ifthar 1428 H

Pengantar:
Pengajian sekaligus berbuka puasa bersama diawali dengan kedatangan Ustad Amir Faisol dari Indonesia dalam rangka undangan ICMI USA. Beliau diundang dalam rangka Safari Ramadhan USA 2007.

2nd Annual Safari Ramadan
ICMI North America 1428 H / 2007
12 September - 14 Oktober 2007

ICMI Orwil Amerika Utara sebagai wadah bagi Masyarakat Muslim Indonesia untuk beramal dan berprestasi, berusaha untuk meningkatkan kualitas sumber daya manusia Indonesia yang cerdas, peduli terhadap lingkungannya, dan terus menerus meningkatkan kualitas Iman dan Taqwa. Berusaha menggali, memahami dan mengamalkan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi yang pada suatu saat dapat disumbang bagi kesejahteraan bangsa Indonesia.

Safari Ramadan ICMI Amerika Utara sebagai salah satu pembinaan ahlakul karimah, adalah program tahunan ICMI Amerika Utara. Diselenggarakan di beberapa kota besar di Amerika Utara dalam rangka membantu Masyarakat Muslim Indonesia untuk meningkatkan pemahaman dan kecintaan mereka kepada Islam. Sehingga Islam tidak berfungsi hanya sebatas ritual, tetapi merupakan dasar dari suara hati terdalam.



Memahami nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam kitab suci Al-Qu'ran adalah fokus utama Safari Ramadan tahun ini. Untuk pencapaian tujuan diatas, maka ICMI Amerika Utara telah mengundang Ustadz Dr. Amir Faisol Fath dari Indonesia sebagai Instruktur Safari Ramadan ICMI Amerika Utara 1428 H.

Tema:

"Menggali, memahami, dan menerapkan Al-Qur'an dalam kehidupan sehari-hari."

Tujuan:

- Berusaha membantu masyarakat Muslim Indonesia yg berdomisili di Amerika Utara untuk meningkatkan pemahaman dan kecintaan mereka kepada Islam.
- Agar Islam dapat menjadi dasar dari suara hati terdalam, yang tidak hanya berfungsi sebatas ritual, tetapi merupakan panduan jalan hidup.

Untuk foto lengkap silakan klik disini.

Foto-foto koleksi: editor dan Br. Faisal Aminy.

July 07 Family Fun Day

Saturday, July 21, 2007

July 07 Family Fun Day

Setelah lama absent dari pengajian, akhirnya saya turut berpartisipasi meliput langsung dan menyaksikan sendiri para keluarga menikmati piknik , permainan outdoor di New Castle Beach Park.

Ramalan cuaca hari itu akan turun hujan, namun dengan doa dan semangat yang tinggi, mengulang fun day bulan lalu akhirnya pengajian tetap diadakan di taman. Acara berjalan lancar hingga pukul 6.00 sore dengan sedikit selingan hujan yang juga barokah dari Allah SWT.



Acara diawali dengan makan siang, silaturahmi dan shollat Dhuhur bersama. Setelah itu panitia permainan anak-anak yaitu Kiki, Bima, Gaya dan Rama bekerja sama mengatur suksesnya acara permainan. Permainan yang diadakan yaitu lomba balap kelereng, lomba lompat karung (berhubung tidak ada karung jadi pakai kantong plastik besar aja, dan tidak mematahkan semangat), lomba makan kerupuk dan tarik tambang. Untuk yang dewasa tidak ketinggalan berpartisipasi main volley ball dan tarik tambang.






Permainan semakin seru sampai-sampai sewaktu masih tarik tambang sudah mulai turun hujan. Alhasil semua berlindung di bawah tenda, sembari Pak Ustadz memberikan siraman rohani singkat, Sr. Anna Razi dan Br. Jeremy mengadakan fundraiser untuk Seerah Conference.

Apa lagi ya..... lebih baik langsung aja klik disini untuk koleksi 100 foto-foto yang ekspresif, spontan dan candid...... and truly family fun day. Hampir setiap foto ada sedikit comment. (Click highlighted icon "disini" for complete photo collection)
Foto-foto koleksi jepretan editor

Pengajian June 2007

Monday, June 25, 2007

Pengajian June 2007

Pengajian summer bernuansa outdoor dan fun....dikemas lain daripada biasanya.
Mumpung summer, Pak Ustadz melontarkan ide untuk bermain dan berolahraga di alam terbuka selepas ceramah singkat. Mengambil lokasi di New Castle Beach Park yang asri, anggota pengajian menyambut antusias ide Pak Joban.
Di hari yang cerah dan tak terlalu panas, tenda-tenda untuk berteduh sudah dipersiapkan, begitu pula lokasi untuk tarik tambang dan main volley ball. Permainan ini diutamakan untuk bapak-bapak dan ibu-ibu... maklum kan mereka sibuk dengan kegiatan rutinitas sehari-hari. Dengan adanya outdoor fun ini, jasmani dan rohani anggota pengajian menjadi lebih baik dan kekeluargaan.



Pengajian ini juga sekaligus dengan acara aqiqah untuk anak ke 3 dari Br. Mustofa dan Sr. Lusi (Tukwila). Mabruk...selamat ya semoga putrinya tumbuh menjadi anak solehah dan penyejuk hati kedua orangtuanya. Sate kambing aqiqah ala Arab karena besar dan menggugah selera menjadi salah satu favorit menu saat itu.

Acara diawali dengan makan siang, ceramah singkat dan akhirnya permainan yang ditunggu-tunggu. Supaya lebih seru, akhirnya dibagi group Bellevue vs group Everett untuk tarik tambang dan permainan volley ball.
Keliatannya seru banget...silakan klik disini untuk foto-foto lengkapnya.. (Click the highlited icon "disini" for complete photos)

Sumbangan foto-foto Sr. Faridah Hanim, Sr. Irma Bebasari, Sr. Ratih Ningrum.

Pengajian Mei 2007

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Pengajian Mei 2007

Pengajian bulan ini diadakan di kediaman Bapak Tonny dan Ibu Wawung yang baru di daerah Bellevue. Sekalian juga dalam pengajian ini adalah acara Aqiqah untuk Joe Nafire Trisandjaja, putra pertama dari Br. Eric Trisandjaja (keponakan dari Ibu Wawung) dan Sr. Ratih Ningrum.
Mabruk...selamat ya.. semoga Joe tumbuh menjadi anak yang soleh dan penyejuk hati kedua orangtuanya.. Amien.



Menurut nara sumber authentic (berhubung editor Serambinya berhalangan hadir), acara berlangsung meriah dan khidmat, terutama pada saat pemotongan rambut Joe dipangkuan ayahanda. Joe mendapat banyak hadiah dan doa dari kalangan tamu... begitu pula tuan rumah yang mendapat ucapan selamat atas rumah barunya.
Semoga rumahnya membawa barokah ya....

Makanan juga berlimpah seperti gulai kambing, BBQ kambing, sate, dan tak ketinggalan potluck dari ibu-ibu pengajian.

Foto-foto lengkap silakan klik disini. (Click the highlited icon "disini" for complete photos)
Foto-foto sumbangan dari keluarga besar Bpk Tonny Soeharto

Pengajian February 2007

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Pengajian February 2007

Pengajian bulanan pada tanggal February 24, 2007 bertempat di Masjid Ar-Rahmah (MAPS) Redmond, WA. Untuk jadwal lengkap Pak Ustadz, jadwal shollat beserta beragam kegiatan, silakan menuju website-nya.
Pengajian ini juga sebagai acara aqiqah atas kelahiran anak ke 4 dari Sr. Afifah dan Br. Malik. Mabruk...semoga tumbuh menjadi anak yang soleh. Amin.
Foto-foto selengkapnya dapat dilihat disini. (Click the highlited icon "disini" for complete photos)

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.