Islam

By Imam Abdullah El-Amin, MMNS

Quite often I hear from young people in our religion who have many questions about the Qur’an, hadiths, and the application of both to our daily lives. Many are questioning presumed misogynist ideas of some Muslim men. Some are questioning whether the rote rituals are necessary, or if they’re even a part of the religion. Some are even questioning whether it is necessary to be a Muslim at all – or any organized religion for that matter. I’ve heard them say “I’m a good person. I don’t smoke, drink, treat people badly or any such things.” They say that they don’t feel it necessary to pray five times a day, or even perform salat in the traditional way of the Muslims.

They do bring up a point, especially when they point to people who pray five or more times a day, attend the masjid every Jumah prayer, and can quote Qur’an scriptures from memory better than some people can read them from the Book; and, at the same time, be some of the worst people around.

But there are things we need to look at before we try to lessen the importance of organized religion – especially the last and universal perfected religion – Al-Islam.

First of all, human beings have too much responsibility to do it alone. We are the Khalifa. We have the responsibility of overseeing the entire world. But the overseer is not the owner. He just carries out the overseer’s directives.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone did their own thing according to their own mindset? If everyone drove their cars without regard for traffic lights, it would be virtually impossible to get to your destination without being in numerous accidents.

Religious doctrines and directives do pretty much the same thing; just on a higher level. We humans are so complex and have such amazing abilities that nothing, short of reaching ALLAH, is impossible for us. We can fly higher than the birds. Go to the deepest depths of the oceans – and, overcome whatever is living there. So with each one of us possessing so much power, it is easy for us to start believing we are ‘gods,” and you know that’s a problem for there is only One ALLAH.

We need guidance. The opening chapter of the Qur’an, Al Fatiha, is only recognizing the Omnipotence and Omnipresence of ALLAH and asking Him for guidance. The next chapter starts off telling you it’s Al Qur’an that has the guidance and also tells you those that will receive that guidance. If you lived your life without Divine guidance, you would do things like commit adultery just because you “feel” like it. But we all know it is one of the major sins and causes untold heartache in the individual, the couple, their families, the community, and the entire society. Lower animals can indulge, but they do not have human sensibilities and human consciousness, or human responsibility.

Make no mistake about it; religion is necessary for human beings. The Law, guidance, and Wisdom help keep us on the sensible, straight path. Prophet David (as) says in scripture, “Oh how I love the Law as it keeps me pure and whole.”

The rituals of salat are important for us. Salat 5 times a day gives us discipline which is necessary for an orderly life. To submit yourself to ALLAH when you may not feel like it, lets ALLAH occupy the highest levels of your consciousness.

ALLAH is so merciful that just consciously following His directives gets you 10 times the reward for that good deed. Just refusing to do wrong gets you the benefit of consciously doing one good deed.

The trick in getting the benefits of following this organized religion is to first, believe. Then apply the plain, simple instructions to your life. You cannot fail. ALLAH says so.

With ALLAH’S name, the Merciful Benefactor, Merciful Redeemer

As Salaam alaikum
(Al Hajj) Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin

I'm Yours

Last Friday evening we were on our way to my parent's house. We stopped at Giant supermarket to buy some snacks and orange juice.

We were strolling passed the Mexican bun stall and an area with lots of exercise equipment in the supermarket when Azhar stopped me and whispered.
'Lagu Am!'
'What? Here?' I didn't believe him at first.

We turned back and voila, it was indeed Amri's familiar voice singing ,I'm yours in Malay.

They use it as a background music for their exercise machine.

It was indeed a nice surprise. Imagine getting acquainted with a would-be famous artist. We were giggling all the way home. Really made our day!

Phd

Her facebook status told me that she was facing problems with her experiments. That was about a fortnight ago. Later in the day, the phone rang. There were no cheerful salams or hellos, instead I heard cries of despair on the other side.
' I want to go home.' she told me in between sobs.
' Just tell me when , and I'll tell Ayah to book the tickets.' I assured her.
Those were the only conversations that we've had and she hung up 15 minutes later.

It's tough being in her position. Practically alone with no Malaysian community. Luckily, she makes a few friends who are kind enough to accompany her when they are not occupied with work.The landlord's children are nice and friendly and their cats are always at her doorstep. Every Sundays, if time permits, she teaches Quran to the Muslim children. She loves the stress of teaching the boisterous children.

I know she is not the only one. There are thousand others who are pursuing further studies and as mothers , we hope we can provide words of comfort to ease the difficult situation. I did the same thing to Aman when there was an unrest in Egypt a few months ago. Mind the telephone bills and the long hours. I am glad she reached out and called home.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; that's my advice. Treat people with respect and dignity and they will treat you the same. Be strong and confident. If the going gets tough, turn to Allah and if you wish someone to talk to, I will always be there.

Yesterday was a different story. I called and she was bubbling with excitement.
'Mak, can you call me only once a month.'

No, I can't and I wouldn't. I will miss you terribly!

Mother's Day

To someone, somewhere whom I respect and adore, for the things that he does sincerely from his heart.

As born Muslims, we always take things for granted, the presence of our beloved parents , for instance.


Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.2 Narrated by Abu Huraira

A man came to Prophet Muhammad and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is
next?" The Prophet said, "Your father."

We are taught that a Muslim should respect and appreciate his or her parents every day throughout the year. In the Qur'an, appreciation and treatment of parents is described beautifully in Surah Al-Isra in which Allah (swt) says, "Your Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.'" (Quran 17:23-24)

It was indeed a thoughtful gesture when someone would spend his entire holidays looking after his parents , being there when they need him and sharing light moments together.After all, the love is mutual and you will always be mummy's darling boy. It's not how much worldly goods you are giving them, but in the end it's your presence that counts.

I have seen a lot of people who find reasons to shun away from their parents. I guess we have to be constantly reminded on our duties towards our parents. If the nice guy mentioned above, can do it brilliantly, all by himself, juggling work and taking care of his beloved parents at the same time, then we should be really ashamed of ourselves.

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. I saw a steady stream of customers in the mall and restaurants. Everyone was trying their best to entertain their mothers on that day. Then, suddenly I think of you. Your mum must be the luckiest mother in the world because with you by her side, everyday is MOTHER'S day to her.

Appreciate

Mum is away in Bangi at my brother's house. My brother came home to Ipoh and accompanied her for the hospital check up. Next week, my third sister and en doktor would come home to visit mum.

As usual Azhar and I would spend the night at my parent's house. Every morning, before I leave for school, I use to cook rice porridge, fish and vegetable soup for mum. Tomorrow I hope I can cook much flavorful food for ayah.

When a member of your family whom you love and respect very much, is inflicted with illness,you feel helpless, demotivated and cheerless. Actually, there are so many good things happening and occasions to look forward to: Aman asking the permission to get married, en doktor might be expecting twins, new TV at home, Kerol coming home for the holidays and the joy of teaching well-behaved children in school.But my main concern now,is my mum's health. I would do anything to make her comfortable and happy. I just hope that Allah gives her the strength and patience to face the uncertainties of life..

Alhamdulillah, I have the support of my brother and sisters, even though they live in other states. En suami is adorable, always providing mum with the best honey he could find.I really appreciate it when en suami drives straight from Pilah to my parent's house and without fail spend the night there. My children would once in a while call their Opah and cheer her up. Only Allah knows, how happy mum is being surrounded by lovely people like YOU.