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SHA'IRALLAH or SYMBOLS OF ALLAH - Brief Thoughts!

786nasir — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:35:39 +0000

From Layman’s Desk -2: SHA’IRALLAH or SYMBOLS OF ALLAH – Brief thoughts!

In The Name Of Allah The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

When we talk of the symbols of Allah we don’t mean the kinds that people normally attach to a creed. In Islam, Allah is beyond any symbol for none is like Him. The symbols and anything within the Space, Time and Energy are in the realm of creations while Allah is the Creator. Creations can never be equated with the Creator. At the same time, when we speak of creation we don’t in the least mean animal procreation for Allah begets not, nor his begotten. We have to remember the Creator has no body but is self-subsistent, Eternal and One who is not governed by direction or location and only He is to be worshipped. The creations are not to be worshipped, not even when the creations are “Sha’ir Allah” or the Symbols of Allah. Prayers are accepted at the symbols of Allah, including those in Makkah during the Haj or Umrah, and in and around Madinah the Radiant. However, generally, these Symbols of Allah are to be respected and honoured and their sanctity is not to be violated. So what are the symbols of Allah? How does one honour them and why?

In Surah al-Baqara, verse 158, the hills of Safa and Marwa have been called as the symbols of Allah. The same verse recommends the encompassing between them:

Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of God. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good, – be sure that God is He Who recogniseth and knoweth. (2:158)

As every Muslim knows, it was between these two hills of Safa and Marwa that Hajrah (Hager) kept on walking and, at times, running in quest of water for her son, Isma’il (a.s.) (Ishmael). She climbed to the top of Mount Safa and prayed to Allah for help, and then she climbed Mount Marwa and again cried for help. Allah responded to her supplication and sent Jibreel (peace be upon him) to dig out the well of Zam-Zam. Allah has declared these hills among His symbols since one of his beloved servants, Sayyida Hajrah, walked between these two hills seeking His help.

Briefly, the Ka’ba is one such symbol which is also known as the Baitullah or the House of Allah. The history of Ka’ba is long and ancient. It was built by Ibrahim (a.s.) and Isma’il (a.s.) at the place indicated by Allah.

Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-’Alamin (i.e. the mankind and the Jinns). In it are manifest signs, the Maqam of Ibrahim; whosoever enters it, he attains security. (3:96)

Maqam-e-Ibrahim is the place where Ibrahim (a.s.) used to stand at the time he built the Ka’aba. That place is signified by the impression of his footprints which are enclosed in the vicinity of the Ka’ba. The Ka’ba later became the focal point or Qiblah for offering of the ritual prayers (salaat) wherever one might be in the world. One makes the Tawaaf (circumambulations) of the Ka’ba, this being an obligatory requirement of Haj (Greater Pilgrimage) and Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage). On other occasions, too, making of Tawaaf carries immense reward. After the Tawaaf of the Ka’ba, two rakah of voluntary prayers are offered at this place and supplications offered by every pilgrim. Standing at Hateem or near Multazam, drinking the water of the Zamzam spring and offering ‘Saee’ or encompassing the distance between the hills of Safa and Marwa and ascending them, proceeding to Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa, sacrificing animals at Mina, pelting stones at the Devil ( doing Rami), doing the farewell Tawaaf, and removing the Ihraam (which was donned in the beginning while making niyah for Haj or Umrah at designated spots “Mawaqit” are what the pilgrims do during the Haj or Umrah. All these are associated with the Symbols of Allah.

Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated in another Hadîth: “The best and the most beloved city on the face of this earth to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla is Makkah.” (Sahih A Bukharî) The city houses the Masjid al-Haraam inside which are: the Ka’ba, the Maqam-e-Ibrahim, the Zamzam Spring are located – and even the hills of Safa and Marwa which in modern times have been enclosed within the precincts of Masjid al-Haraam. Whosoever enters it has attained safety (from the fire.) (Âl -Imrân). Du’â is granted at fifteen places in Makkah. These places are well-known to Muslims and even if they are not known they try to locate them, find them, and pray at those designated places so that Allah may accept their prayers swiftly.

Similarly, the Hadiths and other Islamic literature are full of the virtues of Madinah the Radiant (Medina) and its sacred precincts. Narrated Anas (r.a.), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O Allah! Bestow on Madinah twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah.” (Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 109). The Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) declared Madinah and what lies between its two black tracts – twelve miles around Madinah as Haram. Cutting of trees including the thorny plant “adah” with the normal exception of fodder for animals and making tools and equipment of normal use, is prohibited. So also hunting of animals. Anas reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “Madinah is a sanctuary from such and such a place to such and such a place, and (within this area) its trees shall not be cut, nor any (unlawful) act committed, and whoso does so on him shall rest the curse of Allah, His angels and the entire mankind.” (Bukhari). Therefore, the majority of scholars hold Madinah as the place of sanctuary.

Very briefly, some of the symbols of Madinah the Radiant are: The sacred grave and the Masjid of the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam); the distance between his (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) house and ‘mimbar’ which is blessed as the gardens of Paradise, inviting the good fortune of meeting the Messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) at the pool of Kawthar. Inside the Masjid there used to be some 8 pillars where the Sahaba (r)used to offer many prayers. These pillars are known as the “Weeping” pillar, the pillar of Aisha (r), the pillar of Repentance (Towbah), pillar of sleeping place, pillar of Ali (r), pillar of delegations; pillar of Tahajjud and Taraveeh prayers which Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to offer; and pillar of Jibra’il a.s. from where Archangel Gabriel used to visit Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) . The virtue of offering prayers in the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) Masjid is 50,000 times which is half of that of the Masjid al-haraam in Makkah. However, the ulema tell us that though the Ka’ba is the holier place than Madinah the Radiant, the grave of Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) is higher in rank than the Ka’ba. There are many other places in and around the City of Radiance such as Uhud which is the burial place of Hazrat Hamza (r) and other Sahabas who were martyred there. Their sanctity cannot be rejected by attribution of falsehood.

In Surah al-Hajj of the Noble Qur’an it is mentioned:

“And whosoever honours the symbols of Allah (Sha’ir Allah) then it is truly from the piety of the heart.” (22:32).

And the prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest.

The symbols have been designated by Allah in the Holy Quran since these symbols and the persons, places, animals, or things associated with these symbols remind us of Him. These symbols are the signs of Allah since He is remembered when the pilgrim offers prayers while carrying out instructions and observances that are attached to these symbols all for the pleasure of Allah. Yusuf Ali says that impulse should be to do good, and if once we are sure of this, we must obey it without hestitation, whatever the people may say. The know-how and details regarding these instructions are also found in the ahadith (prophetic traditions). Makkah Mukarramah (Mecca) itself was declared as ‘Haram’ or the place of sanctuary by Ibrahim a.s.,who supplicated: O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) a place of peace and security. (2:126)

We find extensions of symbols that are linked to Allah, such as Rasool-Allah (Messenger of Allah) Baitullah (for Ka’ba), Shahrullah (Month of Allah, i.e. Ramadan), Nabi-Allah (prophets of Allah), Wali-Allah (Friends of Allah), and Naaqata Allah, the she-camel of Allah that came out of the rock as a miracle for the people of Thamood; the sacrificial camels “And the (sacrificial) camels! We have made for you among the signs of Allah” (22:36) who are honoured with garlands around their neck, and so on. Therefore, those things by which we are reminded of Allah are included by the Ulema among the signs or symbols of Allah. By extensions these include not only the inanimate objects as the hills, the Sacred House and the places within the Haram Shareef, but also the precincts of Makkah that have the house of Khadija (r), the house where Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) was born (i.e. Mowlidun Nabi), the house of Abu Bakr Siddique (r) from where the Hijrat to Madinah took place, the house where Hazrat Ali (r) was born; then the house where Hazrat Umar (r) accepted Islam near the hill of Safa, where some forty men entered Islam; the cave of Thowr where the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (r) hid themselves to escape from the pursuing polytheist Makkans and where the verse calling Hazrat Abu Bakr (r) “the second of the two” was revealed; the Ghare-e-Hira or the Cave on the mountain of light (Jabl an-Noor) where Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to spend in solitude until one day he received the first revelation of the Holy Quran (Surah al-Alaq) and thus officially became the Messenger of Allah; and some various Masjids known as Raya, Jinn, Shajarah, Ghanam, Ajyaad, Abu Qubays, Tuwaa, Aisha, Ju’raana, Kabsh, Masjidul Aqba which lies on the road going to Mina from Makkah, Masjid al-Khaif at Mina, and not far from there, the Mursalaat Cave where Surah Mursalaat was revealed; and the graveyard, Jannatul Ma’la, where Hazrat Khadija (r) lies buried.

There are other symbols too. According to Shah Waliyullah (reh.) the greatest symbols of Allah are four: the Holy Qur’an, the Ka’ba, the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and the ritual salaat. (HUJJAT ALLAHI’L BAALIGHA). In ALTAAF AL-QUDS, Shah Waliyullah states:

“To love the symbols of Allah the Exalted, means to love the Qur’an, the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) , and the Ka’ba, or to love anything that reminds us of Allah the Exalted. To love the Awliya of Allah is the same.”

A tradition quoted in Abi-Shaiba’s MUSNAD and in KUNOOZ AD-DAQAAIQ show that the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “When Awliya are seen, Allah the Exalted is remembered.” When asked about the characteristics of Awliya, Imam Nawawi too said the same thing. Ibn Majah also reports this hadith shareef. A tradition related by Imam Baghawi says: “My Awliya are remembered when My Name is mentioned, and I am remembered, when they are mentioned.”

Now, when we show honour (yu’azzim) to the signs and indications of Allah, it is termed as “piety of the heart” as we saw in Surah al-Hajj (22:32) When there is an impulse to do good, Allah recognizes it (Surah 2:158). When we honour and love the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and those associated with him or even the things associated with him and the friends of Allah, the impulse is to do good. When we visit the places of rest of the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and the blessed companions and the family of Holy Propht (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) as well as the shrines of Awliya-Allah, the impulse is to do good because the symbols of Allah necessarily remind us of Allah the Exalted and Majestic as He is. He is fully aware of it, and no evil imputations by the ignorant will change the piety of the heart. Therefore, showing honour is an impulse to do good within the bounds sanctioned by Allah.

In Bukhari Shareef, Hadrat Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu ta’ala Anhu) reports the following Hadith-e-Quddsi: The Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said that Allah said, “Whoever shows enmity to a friend of mine, I shall be at war with him.”

Allah loves his Awliya and we love the Awliya-Allah for the sake of Allah. Thus there is ample evidence to support that Awliya-Allah are among the symbols of Allah.

It is well to remember that the early Muslims used to go around the Ka’ba despite the fact that 360 idols had been placed inside by the polytheists Makkans, i.e. before Makkah (Mecca) was conquered by the Holy Prophet(Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) . But that did not make them polytheists because their intention was good of which Allah was aware and cognizant. Similarly, even today prayers are offered at the Maqam-i-Ibrahim where his footprints are stored in an enclosure near the Ka’ba. The graves of Isma’îl (a.s.) and his mother Hajrah sit in the Hajar under the Mizâb.” (Azraqi’s A khbâr ul Makkah). Additionally, the graves of Nûh, Hud, Shuaib and Salîh Alayhum Salâm lie between the Zamzam and the Maqâm.” (Azraqi’s Akhbâr ul Makkah) Around the Ka’bah lie the graves of three hundred prophets.” (Sahih Muslim, Bayhaqî) Between the Rukn ul Yamâni and the Rukn ul Aswad seventy prophets lie buried. Each of them died in poverty and lice infection owing to non availability of water. (Ibn Abû Zahira’s Jâmi ul Latîf) Despite all this, Tawaafs (circumambulations) of the Ka’ba are performed.

It is also known that till the time the cloth and the walls of the Ka’ba were destroyed by Yazeed’s forces who attacked Makkah in 64 Hegira, and poured fire, there used to be inside the Ka’ba, the horns of the sheep that Ibrahim (a.s.) had sacrificed in place of his son Isma’il a.s., and these too were destroyed by the fire and irretrievably lost to the world. Presence of the horns inside the Ka’ba did not affect the validity of the Tawaaf then.

Similarly, looking at the Ka’ba is better than a person’s performing “Ibaada” by way of fasting, remaining awake at night, and making Jihad in the way of Allah according to Ahmed ibn Taaoos (or al Taus) a famous Tabi’ian. According to a tradition related by Ibn Abbas (r), twenty mercies are for merely looking at the Ka’ba out of the one hundred and twenty that descend upon it every day and night. Looking at the Ka’ba with faith is a form of ‘Ibaadah’ and results in purgation of sins. Similar were the views of the early Muslims such as ‘Ata’ (d.114/732), Ibrahim al-Nakhai (d.95/713) and well-known Tabi’in, Saeed ibn al Mussayib (b.15 Hegira) and others.

Such is also the case of Hajar al-Aswad, from where the Tawaaf initiates and ends. The black stone, according to traditions, was whiter than milk and one of the stones of paradise but that the sinful hands of the descendents of Adam transformed the whiteness into blackness and took away its efficacy of curing any disease by merely touching the stone. Touching this stone, and also Rukn al-Yamani, also earns expatiation from sins (Tirmidhi and al-Haakim). The Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to kiss it and so also the Sahabas and those who followed them and by all Muslims during the Haj or ‘Umra. According to a tradition related by Ibn Abbas (r), the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said that on the Day of Judgment, the Black Stone shall see and speak, bearing witness to everyone who kissed it with truth and faith.

Regarding the Zamzam water, it is a remedy for many things and a tradition narrated by Jabir (r) says that he heard the Messenger of Allah say: “Zamzam is a cure for any purpose for which it is being drunk.” Zam-Zam is the name of the famous well inside al-Masjid al-Haraam. It is Allah’s special blessing and miracle that the well of Zam-Zam gushes fresh and strong in a desert land like Makkah; a place where even today’s advanced scientific technologies can create no wells!

Again, it is reported that the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to go to Jannatul-Baqi in order to greet those who were buried there saying: “Peace be upon you, O abode of the faithful! God willing, we should soon join you. O Allah! Forgive the fellows of al-Baqi”. Thus visiting the graves is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) . Permission for visiting the graves of Muslims was given by the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and the hadiths are too well-known.

It is significant to note that the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to visit the grave of his beloved mother, Bibi Amana about whose spiritual rank a separate article is required. The Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “My mother saw, when she gave birth to me, a light that illuminated the palaces of Bosra.” (Ibn Sa’d, Ahmad, Bazzar, Tabarani, Abu Nu’aym, and ibn Asakir) On visiting her grave at Abwa, the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to weep much so that those who had accompanied him (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) there also wept (Sahih Muslim). In this Book of Hadiths, it is also reported that the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) taught Aisha ® the manners of visiting graves and the way of greeting the dead.

According to Ibn Abi Shayba, the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to visit Uhud every year as a mark of respect and honour to the graves of the maryrs. He used to send Salaams and supplicate for them. According to the scholars, this Sunnah was continued by the four Rightly-Guided Caliphs (Allah be pleased with them all) also during their caliphate as they continued to visit the graves of the Uhud martyrs. It was here that once the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) came out and offered the funeral prayer for the martyrs of Uhud. Proceeding to the pulpit he (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “I shall be your predecessor and a witness for you, and I am really looking at my sacred Fount [al-Kauthar] now, and no doubt, I have been given the keys of the treasures of the world. By Allah, I am not afraid that you will worship others along with Allah, but I am afraid that you will envy and fight one another for worldly fortunes.” (Bukhari, Vol.2, 428) In Shu’ab al-Imaan, Bayhaqi has narrated that the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to visit the graveyard of the martyrs of Uhud annually.

In the same book Bayhaqi has also recorded a hadith that says: The Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said: “Whoever visits the graves of his parents or the grave of one of them on every Friday, he will be forgiven and his name will be written among the pious ones.” The Holy Quran only prohibits the visiting of the graves of the Munafiqeen (Hypocrites): “And do not even pray for any one of them who dies, nor stand at his grave; (for) verily they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger and they died in state of perverse wickedness” (Quran: 9:84). From this, the Ulema of the four madhabs have unanimously deduced the contrary position that standing at the graves of muslims is permissible.

According to the noted Arabian scholar from Makkah, Muhammad ibn Alawi al-Maliki-Makki (May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus):

“So, besides merely visiting the graves, in some cases the Prophet Muhammad, sall-Allahu `alayhi wa sallam, would also make a habit of visiting them at specific times every year. Thus the practice of annual commemoration for visiting certain graves, as is the custom of many Muslims all over the world today, is actually derived from the Sunnah.”

The Islamic literature is full of details that irrefutably proves that these are the places of “Baraka” or blessings. However, not all graves or graveyards are of the same rank according to the Shariah. Those burial places with the holy people rank higher. The virtues of Jannatul Ma’la where Hazrat Khadija (r) is buried and of the Jannatul Baqi where lie the family of the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and his many companions, spouses, the Muhajareen and Ansars, and of other places are also well-known. As Muhammad ibn Alawi points out: Al-Bazzar narrates that the Prophet Muhammad, sall-Allahu `alayhi wa sallam, visited the Jannat al-Ma’la graveyard in Makkah, where his dear wife, our Sayyidah Khadijah, radi Allahu ‘anha’, is buried and said this about the place : “This is a blessed graveyard” (Ni’mah al-maqbarah hadhih). Thus, people all over the world visit the Jannatul Baqi in Madinah and Jannatul Ma’la in Makkah. According to the four Imams: Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafii, Imam Maalik, and Imam Ahmad (reh.) it is permissible (“Jaiz”) to attain Baraka through the graves of the pious such as the Awliya Allah. It must also be remembered that when Hazrat Umar ® finally got the permission to be buried next to the grave of Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) , he said that there was nothing more important to him than that! Of course, the chapter on Baraka is very large and is outside the scope of this small article.

Respecting and loving the signs or symbols of Allah is definitely loving Allah. Respecting and loving those whom Allah loves definitely means loving Allah. Respecting and loving Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) and his relatives or near and dear ones is, again, loving Allah and his Messenger (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam): . Say: “No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin.” According to many commentators of the Holy Qur’an, Ibn Abbas narrated: When the above verse (42:23) was revealed, the companions asked: “O’ the Messenger of Allah! Who are those near kin whose love Allah has made obligatory for us?” Upon that the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Ali, Fatimah, and their two sons, repeating this sentence thrice. Sayyid Muhyuddin Ibn Al-Arabi too is of the same view, and adds the children of Hasnain to the interpetation. Maulana Maudoodi differs saying that when the verse was revealed in Makkah, Hazrat Ali ® and Fatimah ® were not married and no children were born to them then. According to some interpretation the same meaning is extended to the entire tribe of Quraish: Narrated Tawus: Ibn ‘Abbas recited the Quranic Verse:–’Except to be kind to me for my kin-ship to you–” (42.23) Said bin Jubair said, “(The Verse implies) the kinship of Muhammad.” Ibn ‘Abbas said, “There was not a single house (i.e. sub-tribe) of Quraish but had a kinship to the Prophet and so the above Verse was revealed in this connection, and its interpretation is: ‘O Quraish! You should keep good relation between me (i.e. Muhammad) and you.” Ibn Kathir point out in his Tafseer the conversation between Imam Zayn al Abidin (who had been captured after Karbala) and a man in Syria that this Ayat referred to them who were the Ahle Bayt. This is held by other scholars too, including al-Tabarani and many others. In short, loving the Ahle-Bayt who are the descendents of the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam), too, is obligatory for the Muslims according to the Ulema.

But then do we really care for the symbols of Allah? The house where the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) received the word of God is gone and nobody cares. Islamic history and civilization has been sought to be buried by those who were supposed to protect them. According to past reports over 300 historic sites of Islamic importance have been lost forever in the Province of Hejaz. By 2006 alone, more than 90 per cent of historic masjids, tombs and mausoleums and other artefacts were razed, so that some voices from the Hejaz, have begun to question the wisdom of the eradication of the country’s historic wealth. Included in the destruction are: the al-Ma’la graveyard where there were the graves of Khadija ®, Abdul Muttalib and Abu Talib, the wife, the grandfather and the uncle of Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) respectively; razing of the graveyard of Jannatul Baqi and the graveyard of Uhud martyrs, including the grave of Hamza ibn ‘Abd al Mutallib )®, Prophet Muhammad’s (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam)uncle; Badar is a heap of rubbles; the grave of the son of Imam Ja’far Saadiq ®; the grave of Hazrat Abdallah ® the father of Holy Prophet ((Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) was also dug up in January 1978 at Madinah but the body was found fresh and perfumed and so the Muslims buried it at at Jannatul Baqi (Daily Nawa-e-Waqt of 21st January 1978); desecration of the grave of Hazrat Aamina ®, the mother of Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam); the site of Ghazwa-e-Khandaq has been reduced to a road; demolition of the famous seven Masjids of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Ali, Salman Farsi, Fatimah the daughter of Mohammed (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam), al Qiblatayn, al Fath, and other Masjids including that of Saad ibne Maaz ® ; the dar al-arqam the first school where Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) taught; the historical house where the Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) Hazrat Khadijra ® lived for 28 years including the 13 years of revelations, and historical house of Umme Haanee whence the Miraj began, both of which were destroyed to make way for toilets and washrooms; house of Abu Dharr Ghiffari ® across the Masjidun Nabvi is no more; the well in the courtyard of Masjid al-Quba as well as the date-palm garden are no longer there; near the Haram Shareef, the place of the miracle of splitting of the moon and the historical al-Hilal Masjid were demolished and a royal palace constructed; historical Masjid Muhammadar Rasool (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) at Taif was set on fire in which the furniture and many copies of Holy Quran were burnt; the pulpits of the four Madhabs in the Haram Shareef were destroyed and the righteous banned from teaching while those who shouted right in Masjidun Nabvi that father and mother of the Prophet (s) are in hellfire, and charged the Muslims with Shirk, apostasy, calling them deviants and innovators, were promoted. Destructions have been exported elsewhere too as far as Bosnia, Chechanya, Pakistan, India and other places. For example, in 2006 c.e., there was desecration of the grave of Hashim ibn ‘Abd Manaf, Prophet Muhammad’s grandfather, in the Palestinian city of Gaza.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “But none rejects Our Signs, except only the perfidious, ungrateful (wretch).” (31:32)

Strange, isn’t it? That Allah should teach us a lesson in drawing our attention to His symbols and making us observe certain rites for preserving the significance of those symbols in honour of his beloved servants for posterity while some of his creature should destroy the Islamic symbols, heritage, architecture, to humiliate our noble ancestors who are the pride of Islam , under the semblance of “Shirk” thus giving rise to a sense of rootlessnes, alienation and humiliation to the majority Muslim Ummah. Now, everywhere we turn there we find what not to do. The list of ‘bidah’ and ‘shirk’ keeps on growing longers and what we should do keeps on growing lesser. But there is no check on the rampant commercialization of the areas of Islamic sites where large hotels, giant skyscrapers, huge parking lots, banking facilies and needless concrete jungles are invading the sanctity of the two holiest cities of Islam. Please spare us the humiliation of destruction of Islamic places.

It was during the Night Journey to Jerusalem that Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) offered two rakah prayers at various places such as Madinah Taiyyaba (where he was to migrate within two years); then at Mount Sinai (Toor) where Moses used to speak with Allah; then at Bethlehem where Jesus was born; before finally reaching the Masjid al-Aqsa where Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) led all the prophets in prayer before proceeding on the heaveny journey in body and spirit. So why did he offer those prayers? It was Hazrat Umar ® who took part in the work of restoring Masjid Al-Aqsa, which had been in ruins, and he carried dirt in his own robe. When the site was cleansed and sprinkleld with scent, he and the followers prayed near the rock from which the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) had ascended to heaven during the night of Miraj. And no! He had not cut down the tree under which the Holy Prophet (Salla Allahu Ta’ala Alayhi Wa Sallam) had received the pledge of allegiance from his companions and which has been mentioned in the Qur’an (48:18) but the tree which was wrongly assumed to be that tree.

Lest we forget, the symbols of Allah uplift the spirit, bear witness to the glory of Islam, and remind us of Allah and His beloved servants, and give us a sense of belonging.

Allah and His Rasool knows best.

NASIR

Eugene Ionesco al meu

Maria Postu — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:37:34 +0000
Poate vi se pare o dovada de egoism, de rapacitate, nu-i asa?E ca si cum as vrea sa confisc un mare

Exclusivitatea unei apartenenţe

Alin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:58:38 +0000

Exclusivitatea unei apartenenţe – ce miraj ! În trecerea eonilor totul a fost al tuturor şi nimic nu a avut decât un început relativ, oazele n-au fost astfel decât temporar şi graniţele au fluctuat mereu … dezamăgitor ? Nu chiar, cu condiţia să vezi dincolo de aparenţe şi mai ales să vezi dincolo de ceea ce-ţi dictează simţul proprietăţii – nimeni n-are nimic – toţi se străduie doar să demonstreze contrariul .

Seven questions for the Tailor

tailorofthegoodgarment — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:13:24 +0000
Seven questions make for a mini-Mi'raj.1) Do you believe in a concept of heaven & hell? Yes, you

Un miraj

Alin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:35:29 +0000

Un miraj se poate transforma în realitate fără să-ţi dai seama şi pe măsură ce trece timpul această realitate va deveni tot mai pregnantă până într-atât încât vei uita ca la început n-a fost decât o iluzie şi încă aşa a rămas – întreaga ta lume de fapt este contruită în acest mod şi singura cale înapoi către origine, către tarâmul ce-ţi aparţine şi de care aparţii in mod genuin este luciditatea extremă şi intenţia fermă de a nu mai investi mental, emoţional sau volitiv în vreun aspect de-al mirajului .

Fuck Columbus Day, fuck Nobel Peace Prize, fuck social work school, fuck it all, esp. Columbus Day

kwonstein — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:09:59 +0000

It’s that time of the year again – Columbus Day, and just like the previous years, I’m feeling a bit pissy today. I’m glad I had internship today from 900 to 1700 so I ended up not celebrating this so-called “holiday” (whew) but still, it’s fucking Columbus Day. The fact that this is still a national holiday where students don’t have to go to school and some businesses close for the day is just maddening.

Worse still is the fact that like so many other holidays, it’s about the birth of a person. Why is western culture so obsessed with birthdays? President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Christmas, and of course Columbus Day, they’re all days celebrating the birth of someone. There’s stuff like Easter and Thanksgiving of course but even Independence Day is a celebration of July 4th, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, signaling of course the birth of a new nation. Yes, even that national holiday is about a birth and not really about a specific memorable/historical event.

Muslims have it the other way around. There are some Muslims out there who will celebrate Maudid, which celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, but this “holiday” is a controversial one in the Muslim world. It’s not supported by the Qu’ran and it’s beyond Sunna (exemplary sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad). Official Islamic holidays are instead stuff like Eid al Fitr (the end of Ramadan), eid al-Adia (celebrates the historical moment of Abraham sacrificing his son to God), Ashura (celebrated by Shiite Muslims in honor of victory in the battle of Babylon), Lailat al-Miraj (celebrating the day Muhammad received the holy revelation), and Lailat al-Qadr (celebrating Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca). People critical of Islam may argue that these days aren’t worth celebrating but the point I want to make here is that what Muslims celebrate on their holidays aren’t birthdays but actual historical events that symbolize not only their faith but their culture. There is meaning (at least to them) behind these celebrations.

In comparison, American holidays are truly meaningless. Getting past the fact that Christmas was politicized to be dated on the same day of a pagan holiday (Jesus was actually probably born in spring time, assuming he actually existed), the way Americans celebrates Easter -the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – is by eating chocolate bunnies and painting eggs. Seriously, what the fuck? Thanksgiving isn’t as ridiculous but if the original intent was to be reminded of how Plymouth pilgrims survived the cold winter because of the grateful natives teaching them how to plant corn and fish effectively, then where does the idea of turkey and mashed potatoes come from? And ugh, I don’t even want to get started on the fucking Columbus Day.

(EDIT: I don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote this but I am wrong about Columbus Day in that it’s not celebrating the birthday of Christopher Columbus but is supposed to commemorate the day he “discovered” America. But it is still my least favorite holiday and one I don’t celebrate.)

Anywho, enough about meaningless holidays.

Instead, let me briefly touch up on something that’s received a good amount of talk on the interwebs – Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I want to move away from the talk of whether he deserved it or not, but I just want to say that out of all the Nobel Prizes, the Peace prize is just fucking weird. How do you define whether a person has influenced global peace by looking at the person’s past achievements?

Well, you kind of can’t. A person who creates a vaccine for AIDS, a person who builds and maintains a free school for kids suffering from abuse in a volatile nation, they are truly amazing individuals but their accomplishments relative to the concept of global peace doesn’t make sense. It would be right to award such people with something like a prize for medical science or for humanitarianism but peace? That’s a bit harder to swallow.

But it’s even harder to swallow when the person who was awarded the prize might have the political position to strive for this global peace but hasn’t demonstrated his efforts at achieving this and not only that, is now responsible for what some people would consider as either declarations or acts of war.

The committee still tries hard to be justified in awarding this but with an award of this nature, it’s inevitable that the award at certain times becomes a political tool more than anything, such as was the case when Woodrow Wilson and Henry Kissinger were awarded it. It’s just a weird award and I kind of want to leave it at that, but with this much negative talk about the whole deal (which I don’t necessarily disagree with), I do have to conclude along the same lines of NY Times when it said that Nobel Peace Prize is really one of the worst thing to happen to Obama. The timing was just terrible, the nation being engulfed in the healthcare debate (which I’m feeling very pessimistic about), and then wham, this happens. At least, Obama’s still got the charisma to say that he doesn’t deserve it and pass the money to charity.

Last on my things to rant about on Columbus Day (which is now technically over, since it’s like 0008 right now) is on the NYU School of Social Work. It’s just so disappointing that I’m paying so much tuition fees for this school, yet I’m not getting much out of it, other than the internships.

My classmate and I talked about this in Asian (yes, that’s what the bar is named) and alcohol being the truth syrum that it is, we ended up ranting quite a bit about how majority of the Social Work professors don’t really teach but just hold “therapy sessions,” how they’re afraid to give low grades, how there’s no structure and no fostering of thought-provoking discussion when it happens. It’s stupid because the classes in other departments (College of Arts and Sciences for example) aren’t like this at all. I really appreciated it my sophomore year because it meant I could coast through college while being a full-time security guard, but now that I think about it, this is really one of the major reasons why I’ve been so lazy and unproductive in regards to college.

Anyway, I think that’s enough negativity for one day, but I do have to end on one angry note: Fuck Columbus Day.

Kopeshwar (Khidrapur)

Ruhi — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:52:04 +0000

Some places appeal so much to your heart that you get an intense desire to visit them, Khidrapur is one of such places. I came to know about this place some half an year ago and was keen to visit. Each hectic visit to Kolhapur somehow didn’t allow me to do so and this fact made the desire stronger and deep. Finally my latest trip to Kolhapur was fruitful. My sis took out time from her busy schedule and made it so.

We headed for Khidrapur in the morning. We took up road to ‘Narsobachi wadi’. It was pleasant drive through lush green fields of sugar-cane. It rained very heavily which added to the atmosphere. I found some birds like Shrikes, Brahminy Kites and Black-shouldered Kite on the way.

To reach Khidrapur (from Kolhapur):

Take Kolhapur-Miraj Highway.

Cross small villages like Dharma-nagar, Chipri, Shahu Nagar, and Shirol to reach Narsobachi wadi.

From Narsobachi wadi, take road of Kurundwad and then via Sainik Takli reach Khidrapur village.

Ask for ‘Kopeshwar Temple’.

Approx distance is 60-65 Kms.

We reached Khidrapur. It is very small village with farming as primary occupation.

As I parked my car, I got few early glimpses from road. This magnificent temple belongs to Lord Shiva, and named as ‘Kopeshwar’. I crossed the old stone entrance which brought us to temple vicinity. Kopeshwar reminded me of wonderful architectural carvings temples of Halebidu and Bellur. It is believed that Kopeshwar temple was built by three generations of kings, the Shilahar kings Gandaraditya, Vijayaditya and Bhoj-2 between 1109 and 1178 AD. There are Devanagri writings in the temple to support this. It’s also one of the few temples where both the Shaivas and Vaishnavas, who are arch rivals, come together in worship.

The mythological story behind the name ‘Kopeshwar’ is – Devi Sati (daughter of King Daksha) was married to lord Shiva. Daksha didn’t like in son-in-law at all. He was about to perform some yagna (hindu ritual performed along with holy fire) and he didn’t invite Sati & Shiva. Devi Sati felt sad and went to meet her father asking the reason behind not inviting her husband. In turn, King Daksha insulted Shiva and it was unbearable for Sati to tolerate her husband’s insult. She jumped in the yajna. Hearing this news, Shiva was furious and he punished Daksha by cutting his head. Later on, due to request of other deities, Shiva took back the curse and granted him life with goat’s head. It is believed that angry Shiva was brought to this place (temple) to cool his anger. Hence the temple got its name i.e. ‘Kop’ means anger and ‘Eshwar’ means lord Shiva.

Temple stand firm with all its glory of stone carvings of 95 elephants and 108 pillars and hundreds of sculptures depicting scenes about from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Shiva, the twelve astrological signs and flowers, trees, birds, human figures. As you step into the beautiful Swarga Mandap, you can actually feel the coolness. There are 12 superbly carved pillars which support the stone ceiling that is open to the skies. There is a beautiful round black stone slab at the centre which is called the ‘rangshila’. It is an amazing experience to sit on the centre of the stone round open ‘akaash gavaksh’ on the ceiling and look towards the dark inner sanctum of the grabha griha with its beautiful Shiva linga. It is said that all ‘adhyaaya‘ (parts) of ‘Shivlilamrut‘ are carved on the walls of the temple.

Next comes Sabhamandap, Antaral-kaksha and Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha is more cold and dark. The shiva linga, burning lamps make the atmosphere peaceful and divine.

I was surprised to know that there was no nandi in the temple in spite of the fact that it is Shiva mandir. This is probably one of the unique things about this place. Another unsual thing here is sanctum has lord Vishnu first and then the Shiva linga to protect it. Each visitor first sees lord Vishnu and then Shiva.

It is sad that most of the sculptures are badly damaged by Islamic invaders in the later centuries. There is a story that one of Aurangzeb’s descendants strayed when wandering around on her own and came across this temple. She loved the place so much that she refused to leave the temple complex and go with her attendants. The Mughal Emperor came personally to fetch her. She agreed to leave on the only condition that he will not harm the temple and damage its beauty and so the temple remained untouched from the otherwise merciless Aurangzeb.

Khyder Khan, a later invader supposedly mutilated the carvings on the temple and cut almost all the elephants’ trunks. There are no exact historical evidences of ‘who destroyed what’ but it is very painful to see such beauty ruined. Unfortunately, the village of Wadi-Kopeshwar later came to be known as Khidrapur after this cruel invader.

Kopeshwar temple gave me much more than I expected. It gave me peace, joy and an opportunity to appreciate my homeland. Once again I felt proud to be an Indian and lucky that I can see all this. I clicked some snaps. It is really sad that such wonders are still unknown to the tourists. Saddest part is there are no milestones or sign boards about Khidrapur. We had to wait and inquire at several places. Also there is no much information available on internet.

This ancient architectural splendor should be made popular so that more and more people of similar interests can come and visit here. Such place needs to be maintained and conserved.

I decided to take another way while returning just for sake of finding new route and took road to ‘Ichalkaranji’. A fox gave us generous visit on the way and disappeared in sugarcane fields. It rained very heavily and many huge trees were uprooted on the way. I took a bypass through small village. It was messed up too. I could see a huge line of cars in jam for about 2 Kms at least. Paul, our lab doesn’t like it, if the car stops and in few minutes his barking attracted all the kids of the village. Kids gathered around our car and tried to get his glimpses through sun control filmed windows. Whole situation seemed funny and equally irritating as Paul was getting impatient. Finally, when I was about to start my car, I opened the car windows and all kids were very happily to see our handsome black Labrador.

After testing all my patience by worst traffic jam, lengthy waiting hours at railway crossing and narrow roads, I reached Kolhapur at 8:00pm.

Kopeshwar, (yes I prefer to call it just ‘Kopeshwar’ instead of ‘Khidrapur – Kopeshwar’) is strictly no miss-miss place if you are planning a visit to Sangli, Miraj, Kolhapur and alike.

Few more snaps here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/ruhiclicks/tags/khidrapur/

Al-Israa and Al-Mi`raj

xeniagreekmuslimah — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:36:06 +0000

By Magda Azzam

(Glorified be He Who carried His servant by night from the Inviolable Place of Worship to the Far Distant Place of Worship the neighborhood whereof We have blessed, that We might show him of Our tokens! Lo! He, only He, is the Nearer, the Seer.) (Al-Israa’ 17:1)

The wall to which the Prophet

Muhammad tied Al-Buraq in Jerusalem

The miracle was the first serious trial for the Companions’ faith

On 27 Rajab, Muslims remember Israa’ and Mi`raj, the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The exact date of the event is uncertain, but the majority of scholars place it at 12 to 16 months before the Hijrah, the Prophet’s migration to Madinah.

One night Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sleeping near the Ka`bah in Makkah, when the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) came to him, woke him up and, taking him by the arm, led him to Al-Buraq, a beast resembling a horse with two huge wings springing from its back. From Makkah, Al-Buraq took off toward Jerusalem . There, the Prophet was met by all the other prophets. He (peace and blessings be upon him) dismounted, tethered Al-Buraq to a ring in the gate of Jerusalem , and led them in Prayers.

Two vessels were then brought to him, one containing milk, the other wine. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) drank the milk. Jibreel said, “O Muhammad, you enjoy what is pure. Surely you will guide your people to the right path.” This journey demonstrates God’s might and ability to make possible the impossible. The concepts of time and space as we understand them do not apply, and what applies cannot be perceived by our limited faculties.

Led by the Angel Jibreel, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) began his ascent through the seven heavens, where he saw the other prophets till he reached Sadrat Al-Muntaha, the remotest lote tree, symbolizing the end of worldly knowledge. He was then taken before the Divine Presence. Allah enjoined the Muslims to perform salah (ritual Prayers) 50 times a day.

After his audience with Allah and on his way down, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) met Musa (Moses—peace and blessings be upon him), who asked him how many Prayers were laid upon his followers. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied 50, Musa (peace and blessings be upon him) told him that the congregational Prayer is heavy and your people are weak.

He advised him to go back and ask Allah to reduce them. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) made several trips back and forth, and each time God reduced the number, till finally He reduced it to 5 Prayers a day and if they are performed properly the worshipper will be given credit for 50.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) continued his descent till he arrived back in Makkah. When he told the people what had happened to him, Muslims who were weak in faith doubted the Prophet’s report. Yet when his friend and long supporter Abu Bakr was asked to take a stand on the issue, he replied, “If Muhammad said it happened, then it must have happened. I believed him when he first talked about his divine revelation, why should I doubt him now?” Thus on this occasion he earned the title of As-Siddiq (the Veracious).

( …and We appointed the vision which We showed thee as an ordeal for mankind…)(Israa’ 17:60)

This miracle was the first serious trial for the Companions’ faith when they were confronted with an issue that cannot be measured empirically. For the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), after seeing Allah’s signs, his faith was established on certainty.

The trip from Makkah to Jerusalem was not chosen haphazardly. This area is known as the cradle of all religions and Muhammad’s message encompasses all the preceding ones.

All of Jerusalem, and not just the mosque, is considered sacred

This miraculous journey establishes several facts. First, the status of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as he was chosen to lead all the prophets in prayer, and to go where no one else, not even Jibreel, was allowed.

The journey also establishes the sanctity of Jerusalem , because it is the point where the earth and sky meet and from there the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ascended to heaven. Therefore, the whole of Jerusalem and not only the mosque is considered in the eyes of Muslims a sacred place to behold and cherish after Makkah and Madinah.

Source: Reading Islam

Maharashtra drubs free speech

Rahul — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:39:46 +0000

The Maharashtra government asked the centre to ban the youtube clippings of the violence that ocurred in Miraj during the Ganesh Puja Utsav.

The picture of slaying of Afzal Khan, a staunch enemy of Shivaji and a notorious temple destroyer was objected to by muslims. They gathered around the proceedings of the festival and then started the violence. The banners for the festival were torn apart. The gathering unfurled their flag on the police vehicle while the police stood watching. The miscreants insulted and terrorised the people and stopped the peaceful Ganesh Visarjan. While the police stood watching the muslims wave their flag atop a police jeep, some time later when the ladies tried to protest the incident they were charged with lathis.

This exposure of the misplaced priorities of the Maharashtra Police which rewards the criminal and beats up peaceful protesters is certainly something that people should know. The government should be thankful for the youtube footage [1] [2] so that they can take necessary action. Far from that, the government wants to ban all evidence of their incompetence. It is left to be seen what the centre would decide on the matter. Just in case they do ban it, my blog is quite vitriolic and bound to be more as time goes, do feel free to ban it. I will gag myself to make sure you have acheived your ends. Wonder what you would do about the millions who are at large though.

Vanzatoare de trup...

anna — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:50:21 +0000

PROSTITUTIA – dupa cum se spune e cea mai veche meserie… acum poate fi o “meserie” aleasa sau impusa… In cazul in care este o “meserie” impusa, fie de conditia sociala (din pacate in Romania – 2009 sunt inca femei care se vand pentru a avea ca sa le dea copiilor sa manance)… fie de cine stie ce alte imprejurari, le plang de mila fetelor respective, si cred ca soarta mai dura si mai nedreapta de atat nu exista… nu cred ca exista pedeapsa mai mare pentru o femeie decat sa fie nevoita sa isi vanda trupul pentru a hrani rodul unei iubiri (fie ea si foarte scurta). De curand am vazut o fata (care in afara faptului ca arata groaznic…) parea obligata sa se prostitueze… doi tipi au scos-o “la produs”… iar clientul era un asiatic batran si libidinos… am vazut atata ura in ochii femeii aleia si niste lacrimi atat de amare ii brazdau obrajii… (m-a infuriat groaznic faptul ca sunt incapabila sa fac ceva…) nu cred ca cineva merita sa fie injosit in halul asta…

Oare mai au suflet… sau au ales sa il “ucida” inainte ca durerea de suflet sa le ucida?

Acum sunt multi care pot spune… bine daca nu vor sa se vanda sa puna mana sa munceasca… eu am ajuns la concluzia ca o data cazute prada acestei “meserii” meschine nu mai au cale de iesire… sunt pierdute si aceasta degradare se datoreaza in mare parte lipsei unei familii si a unei educatii solide (cred eu).

Oare barbatii care frecventeaza astfel de femei (si chiar daca putini recunosc… sunt destui care o fac) se gandesc la povestea din spatele femeii respective? Se gandesc ca mai omoara ceva din omul ala care… contra unei sume de bani ii ofera”iubire”… ceva ce in mod normal ar trebui sa se intample cu ceva atractie, sa nu mai zic de sentimente…

Nu vreau sa le victimizez pe aceste femei… dar o mare parte din ele sunt intr-adevar victime… victimile vietii… sortii…destinului.

Sunt si femei care “se vand” ca asa vor, de placere sau atrase de mirajul banilor… acelea nu sunt subiectul acestui post, acelea ar trebui sa incerce sa fie macar jumatate din ce erau curtezanele venetiene sau gheisele japoneze… sa faca bine ceea ce si-au ales, sa fie o incantare pentru cei ce le “consuma”.

Four wives

tailorofthegoodgarment — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:11:53 +0000
Four wives And if your love is only sufficient to maintain one wife alone, then may your knowledge b

Damn! mi s-a terminat bateria!

Pasivitate ridicată — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:34:59 +0000

(fake lovers)

Florile înmuguresc, înfloresc şi se ofilesc, la fel cum cuvintele tale se ofilesc în mintea mea.

Stelele se aprind, strălucesc şi cad, la fel cum noi doi am căzut în lumi separate şi intersectia drumurilor noastre e imaginar vitală dar nu şi posibilă.

La dracu’! Ieşi odată din mintea mea! Ai fost cazat doar temporar.. la dracu mă copilule.. de ce ma chinuieşti? Eu te iubesc din toata inima când defapt sunt cârpa ta de şters pe jos. Măcar nu te mai uita la mine când eşti lânga ea şi salută-mă privind înainte.

Miroase a pămând ud toamna iar sufletul mi s-a îmbibat de amintirea primăverii aceleia târzii când valuri de iubire au reuşit să spargă stâncile sufletului meu.

La dracu’! Ieşi odata din mintea mea şi ia-ţi cu tine şi amintirile şi sfântul Valentin şi săruturile din ploaie şi ascunde-ţi buzele de privirea mea că uneori am impresia că sunt nişte acadele şi îmi vine să le muşc.

Poate mă vei chema într-o zi.. să-ţi mângâi chipul răvăşit! Şi poate îmi vei cere şi să rămân. Te voi face…

Bip! Bip! Battery low…

Viaţa-i de căc_t iar tu eşti plin de viaţă

Pasivitate ridicată — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:59:47 +0000

Sunt bolnavă de prima dată de când mi-ai rupt reflexele şi sunt bolnavă de speranţe şi suciri de situaţii. Sunt bolnavă pentru că am vazut la tine ce nu am vazut la alţii şi inima mea începe să bată pe ritm de screamo poi ce plm sunt o schizofrenică labilă. Sunt bolnavă pentru că a mia oară se repetă scena şi nişte vietăţi îmi beau minţile în fiecare zi neschimbat monoton agreabil influenţabil. Sunt şapte mii de gânduri şi şapte mii de speranţe, sunt şapte mii de vise şi şapte mii de vorbe şterse între noi.

Sunt bolnavă pentru că nu poţi să ştergi nimic din ce se poate şterge, iar clişeul „te iubesc” deja mă lasă rece.

Pe strada mea în fiecare zi e sâmbătă şi mi-am pierdut sufletul printre brelocurile de chei. Viitorul mă sperie, mai rău decât te sperii tu de mine, ce crezi păpuşă, că mie îmi e bine fără tine? Cuvintele sunt surde,acel vechi eu nu te mai aude dar ce tot spun? Nici măcar nu-mi mai vorbeşti te-ai ajuns acum fraiere, înconjurat de sânii ei şi de piţiponcismul zilelor de azi.

Chiar dacă nu e râsul meu, şi nu mă pot abţine, râd pentru că e de râs, ma uit la tine! Crezi că a trecut mult timp? Poi uită-te la tine nici măcar nu ai schimbat hainele de astă vară. Curios , critici fără să traieşti, e scandalos , felu-n care ne priveşti ce crezi pisi că tu arăţi mai bine? Hm.. când zâmbeai o data îmi luminai universul. Acum daca îmi zâmbeşti o dată mă sperii de teama unui Chuky realoaded.

Uite câte lucruri amare spun, n-o să mai fiu ca altădată.

Ţie nu ţi se pare că e prea mult? Ba e!

Noapte bună Balş!

A Tailor’s methodology

tailorofthegoodgarment — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:54:46 +0000
Salaam Hala, > Salam. Let me first say that i really appreciate your kind reply and you not >

ISRA’ DAN MASA DEPAN UMAT

Deden — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:05:26 +0000

Oleh ZA Khudori
Pemerhati Masalah-masalah Sosial Keagamaan

Kemajuan suatu kaum sesungguhnya telah dinubuatkan (direncanakan) oleh Allah SWT. Termasuk umat Islam. Untuk melukiskan kemajuan umat Islam, Allah SWT telah memperlihatkan sebuah pengalaman rohani yang dikenal dengan istilah Israa’ (memperjalankan di malam hari). Al-Quran mengabadikan pengalaman tersebut dalam Surat 17 (Al-Israa’/Bani Israil): 1, “’Maha Suci Allah, yang telah memperjalankan hamba-Nya pada suatu malam dari Al-Masjidil Haram ke Al-Masjidil Aqsha yang telah Kami berkahi sekelilingnya agar Kami perlihatkan kepadanya sebagian dari tanda-tanda (kebesaran) Kami. Sesungguhnya Dia adalah Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui”. Dalam muqaddimah Surat ini, Yayasan Penyelenggara Penterjemah/ Pentafsir Al-Quran (SK MENAGRI No. 26 Tahun 1967; Edisi Baru, 1993) menyebutkan bahwa Surat ini dinamakan Al-Israa’ (yang berarti ‘memperjalankan di malam hari’) berhubungan dengan peristiwa Israa’ Nabi Muhammad SAW di Masjidil Haram (Mekkah) ke Mesjidil Aqsha (di Baitul Makdis) dicantumkan pada ayat pertama dalam Surat ini.

Sejarah mencatat bahwa Muhammad bin Abdullah diangkat sebagai Nabi dan diutus sebagai Rasul pada usia 40 tahun (610 M). Lima tahun pertama dalam menjalankan tugasnya telah beriman sebagian kecil kaum Kafir Quraisy. Para pengikut Nabi pada masa awal ini mendapat respon negatif berupa intimidasi dan tindakan kekerasan dari keluarga dan kawan sepermainan mereka. Atas izin Nabi akhirnya para sahabat itu hijrah ke negeri tetangga, Habasyah (Ethiopia) [615 M]. Sebuah negeri yang dipimpin oleh seorang raja yang adil dan bijaksana. Seorang raja yang memberikan kebebasan dan perlindungan kepada masyarakatnya dalam menjalankan agama dan kepercayaannya.

Meskipun banyak hambatan dan rintangan, perkembangan ajaran Islam terus maju. Istilahnya ‘padat-merayap’ dan ‘maju terus pantang mundur’. Menyikapi hal ini para pembesar Quraisy mengambil sikap tegas yaitu memboikot Bani Hasyim dan Bani Muththalib. Caranya ialah dengan memutuskan segala perhubungan: hubungan perkawinan, jual-beli, ziarah-menziarahi dan lain-lain (Muqaddimah Al-Qur’an dan Terjemahnya: 1993: 62). Dalam masa pemboikotan ini wafat dua orang tercinta Nabi SAW: Pamanda Abu Thalib (87) dan Istrinda Khadijah (65). Begitu berdukanya Nabi sehingga tahun tersebut (620 M) oleh ahli sejarah dinamakan ‘Aamul Huzni (Tahun Dukacita).

Untuk menenangkan hatinya maka Nabi tinggal bersama sepupunya, Ummu Hani. Seperti reportase ahli sejarah kenamaan Ibnu Ishaq, sejarawan ini melaporkan, “Telah sampai kepada saya dari Ummu Hani binti Abu Thalib (nama aslinya: Hindun) mengenai perjalanan malam (Israa’) Nabi SAW. Katanya, “Nabi SAW hanya mengadakan perjalanan ke Baitul Maqdis ketika berada di rumah saya. Malam itu Nabi SAW tidur di rumah saya dan kami semua sedang tidur” (Fuad Hasyem: 1898: 222).

Dalam keadaan tidur inilah beliau SAW melihat berbagai peritiwa yang Nabi sendiri tuturkan (diriwayatkan oleh Abu Said Al-Khudriy), “Sudah dikirimkan kepada saya seekor hewan dan ia menyerupai bighal (peranakan kuda dengan keledai), Buraq namanya, dan biasa dikendarai oleh para nabi. Buraq itu membawa saya dan ia bisa melangkahkan kaki depannya sejauh mata memandang” (Taufik Rahman: 1990: 62).

Mengenai perjalanan selanjutnya, kita dapat membaca Hadits yang diriwayatkan oleh Anas bin Malik (Ibnu Jarir Juz 15 hlm. 6). Mengingat panjangnya riwayat tersebut maka ringkasannya ialah sebagai berikut: Nabi dan Malaikat Jibril naik Buraq dari Masjid Al-Haran ke Masjid Al-Aqsha. Dalam perjalanan tersebut beliau-beliau bertemu dengan: seseorang yang memanggil-manggil Nabi, beberapa orang yang mengucapkan salam dan beberapa orang lagi melakukan hal yang sama. Dan tibalah beliau-beliau di Baitul Muqaddas. Lalu beliau memimpin shalat di mana makmumnya ialah para nabi. Setelah itu Malaikat Jibril menghadapkan 3 gelas kepada Rasulullah SAW. Gelas pertama berisi air, gelas kedua berisi arak dan gelas ketiga berisi susu. Rasulullah SAW mengambil gelas berisi susu, lalu beliau meminumnya. Setelah itu Malaikat Jibril menjelaskan apa saja makna yang tersirat dari apa yang telah beliau lihat itu (baca: QS 17:60). Peristiwa itu terjadi pada malam 27 Rajab 11 Nubuwwah (setelah beliau diangkkat menjadi Nabi) [Muqaddimah Al-Qur’an dan Terjemahnya: 1993: 63].

Riwayat di atas menimbulkan perdebatan theologies di kalangan Ahli Kalam (Theolog Muslim) bahkan para sahabat sekalipun: Apakah perjalanan itu secara fisik atau non-fisik (ru’yah [visi])? Selain umumnya umat Islam mempercayai kejadian itu secara fisik ada juga yang mempercayainya secara non-fisik, seperti ‘A’isyah RA misalnya, beliau mengatakan, “Tubuh Rasul berada di tempatnya ketika Allah memindahkan ruhnya pada malam itu.” Mu’awiyah juga katanya memberikan keterangan bahwa Israa’ itu betul-betul sebuah ru’yah dari Tuhan, demikian tulis Fuad Hashem.

Di luar kontroversi itu, ada pesan spiritual yang bijak dari Maulana Rahmat Ali, “Jauhilah perselisihan dalam soal (Israa’ dan) Mi’raj Rasulullah SAW. Serahkan saja hal itu kepada Allah SWT” (Miraj: 1949: 103).

Jauh lebih penting dari sekedar perdebatan theologis itu adalah bahwa di balik peristiwa Israa’ itu ada motivasi dari Nabi bahwa masa depan Islam itu cerah setelah mengalami kegelapan (lailan). Israa’ (perjalanan malam) itu simbol hijrahnya Rasul dan para sahabat ke negeri lain yaitu Medinah. Melalui hijrah inilah kemenangan Islam (Fatah Mekkah) akhirnya dapat dirasakan oleh umat Islam (QS 17:81 dan 9:33).

Kini kita hidup 15 abad setelah wafatnya beliau SAW. Kemenangan yang sejati adalah memenangkan perang terhadap keburukan moral dalam diri setiap Muslim (jihaadul akbar: jihaadun nafs). Sesuai ayat di atas (QS 17:1) kemajuan umat Islam sangat dipengaruhi oleh kegiatan umat dalam memakmurkan masjid. Karena dengan memakmurkan masjid maka akan terjadi 2 aktivitas yang strategis: hablum minallah (ibadah kepada Allah) dan hablum minan-naas (silaturahmi antar umat) sehingga terbuktilah bahwa umat Islam adalah rahmatal-lil-‘ aalamiin.

Isra’ dan Mi’raj

Abah Zacky as-Samarani — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:28:49 +0000

Isra’ artinya adalah berjalan di malam hari. Dan Mi’raj artinya adalah naik ke atas. Isra’ dan Mi’raj adalah sebuah peristiwa yang pernah dialami oleh Rasulullah saw., berjalan di malam hari dari masjid al-Haram hingga ke masjid al-Aqsha, lalu mi’raj hingga ke sidratil Muntaha. Peristiwa ini menjadi salah satu bukti keagungan Allah, sekaligus untuk menunjukkan kebenaran Nabi Muhammad saw. Dalil yang menunjukkan bahwa beliau pernah mengalami isra’ pun sangat jelas, di dalam surat al-Isra’

Maha Suci Allah, yang Telah memperjalankan hamba-Nya pada suatu malam dari Al Masjidil Haram ke Al Masjidil Aqsha yang Telah kami berkahi sekelilingnya agar kami perlihatkan kepadanya sebagian dari tanda-tanda (kebesaran) kami. Sesungguhnya dia adalah Maha mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui. (al-Isra’:1)

Adapun penjelasan bahwa beliau saw pernah mengalami mi’raj (naik) menembus langit hingga ke sidratil muntaha, disebutkan secara mutawatir di dalam hadis nabi saw. Di sana beliau menerima titah Allah, untuk melaksnakan shalat fardlu sebanyak lima waktu dalam sehari dan semalam.

Masyarakat pada umumnya beranggapan bahwa Isra’ dan mi’raj terjadi pada tanggal 27 rajab. Seiring dengan anggapan itu, di masyarakat kita terbiasa mengadakan berbagai upacara. Ada yang mengisinya dengan pengajian, ada pula yang mengisinya dengan kesenian islami, dan berbagai bentuk perayaan lainnya.

Namun jika kita kembali kepada riwayat, kapan tepatnya malam di mana Rasulullah mengalami peristiwa isra’ dan mi’raj ini tidak ada penjelasan di dalam riwayat yang shahih. Apakah di bulan rajab, atau bukan. Apakah di tanggal 27, 25 atau kapan? Semua penjelasan tentang penetapan waktu isra’ dan mi’raj tidak sahih dari Rasulullah saw.

Jika kita mencermati berbagai pendapat niscaya kita temukan beragam pendapat itu. Al-Hafidz Ibnu Hajar Al-Asqaalaniy rh berkata: “Para ulama berselisih tentang waktu Mi’raj. Ada yang mengatakan sebelum kenabian. Ini pendapat yang aneh, kecuali kalau dianggap terjadinya dalam mimpi. Kebanyakan para ulama berpendapat bahwa peristiwa itu terjadi setelah kenabian. Para ulama yang mengatakan peristiwa isra’ dan mi’raj terjadi setelah kenabian juga berselisih, diantara mereka ada yang mengatakan setahun sebelum hijrah. Ini pendapat Ibnu Saad dan yang lainnya dan dirajihkan (dikuatkan) oleh Imam An Nawawiy dan Ibnu Hazm, bahkan Ibnu Hazm berlebihan dengan mengatakan ijma’ (menjadi kesepakatan para ulama’) dan itu terjadi pada bulan Rabiul Awal. Klaim ijma’ ini tertolak, karena seputar hal itu ada perselisihan yang banyak lebih dari sepuluh pendapat.”

Kemudian beliau menyebutkan pendapat para ulama tersebut satu persatu.

Pendapat pertama mengatakan: “Setahun sebelum hijrah, tepatnya bulan Rabi’ul Awal”. Ini pendapat Ibnu Saad dan yang lainnya dan dirajihkan An Nawawiy

Kedua mengatakan: “Delapan bulan sebelum hijrah, tepatnya bulan Rajab”. Ini isyarat perkataan Ibnu Hazm, ketika berkata: “Terjadi di bulan rajab tahun 12 kenabian”.

Ketiga mengatakan: “Enam bulan sebelum hijrah, tepatnya bulan Ramadhan”. Ini disampaikan oleh Abu Ar-Rabie’ bin Salim.

Keempat mengatakan: “Sebelas bulan sebelum hijrah tepatnya di bulan Rabiul Akhir”. Ini pendapat Ibrahim bin Ishaq Al-Harbiy, ketika berkata: “Terjadi pada bulan Rabiul Akhir, setahun sebelum hijrah”. Pendapat ini dirajihkan Ibnul Munayyir dalam Syarah As Siirah karya Ibnu Abdil Barr.

Kelima mengatakan: “Setahun dua bulan sebelum hijrah”. Pendapat ini disampaikan Ibnu Abdilbar.

Keenam mengatakan: “Setahun tiga bulan sebelum hijrah”. Pendapat ini disampaikan oleh Ibnu Faaris.

Ketujuh mengatakan: “Setahun lima bulan sebelum hijrah”. Ini pendapat As Suddiy.

Kedelapan mengatakan: “Delapan belas bulan sebelum hijrah, tepatnya dibulan Ramadhan”. Pendapat ini disampaikan Ibnu Saad, Ibnu Abi Subrah dan Ibnu Abdil Bar.

Kesembilan mengatakan: ” Bulan Rajab tiga tahun sebelum hijrah”. Pendapat ini disampaikan Ibnul Atsir

Kesepuluh mengatakan: “Lima tahun sebelum hijroh”. Ini pendapat imam Az Zuhriy dan dirajihkan Al Qadhi ‘Iyaadh.

Mengapa ulama’ berbeda pendapat dalam masalah ini. Mengapa dahulu
tidak dicatat, sehingga kaum muslimin lupa persisnya kapan hal ini terjadi? Tentu Allah mengetahui adanya hikmah tertentu dengan menjadikan manusia lupa akan kepastian tanggal kejadiannya.

Andaikata kepastian peristiwa itu diketahui, kaum muslimin tidak boleh mengkhususkannya dengan suatu ibadah dan tidak boleh merayakannya, jika nabi tidak melakukannya. Karena Nabi saw dan para sahabatnya tidak pernah merayakannya dan tidak pernah mengkhususkannya, maka tidak selayaknya umat islam mengagungkan hari itu dengan berbagai perayaan. Jika perayaannya disyari’atkan, tentu Rasulullah telah menerangkannya kepada umat ini, baik dengan perkataan maupun dengan perbuatan. Dan jika itu syari’atkan, tentu sudah diketahui dan dikenal serta dinukilkan dari para sahabat beliau kepada kita, karena mereka senantiasa menyampaikan segala sesuatu dari Nabi mereka yang dibutuhkan umat ini, bahkan merekalah orang-orang yang lebih dulu melaksanakan setiap kebaikan jika perayaan malam tersebut disyari’atkan, tentulah merekalah manusia pertama yang melakukannya.

Peringatan Isra’ dan Mi’raj adalah perkara baru yang tidak pernah dilakukan para sahabat dan tabiin maupun orang-orang alim setelah mereka dari para salaf umat ini. Padahal mereka adalah orang yang paling semangat mencari kebaikan dan paling semangat mengamalkan amal sholeh.

Untuk itu berkata Syaikhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyah ketika beliau ditanya tentang keutamaan malam Isra’ dan Mi’raj dan malam qadar, “… Dan tidak diketahui seorangpun dari kaum muslimin menjadikan malam Isra’ dan Mi’raj memiliki keutaman atas selainnya, apalagi diatas malam qadar. Demikian juga para sahabat dan orang yang mengikuti mereka dengan baik tidak sengaja mengkhususkan satu amalan di malam Isro’ dan Mi’roj dan mereka juga tidak memperingatinya, oleh karena itu tidak diketahui kapan malam tersebut. Peristiwa isra’ merupakan keutamaan beliau saw yang besar, namun demikian, tidak perintahkan mengkhususkan (mengistimewakan) malam tersebut dan tempat kejadian tersebut dengan melakukan satu ibadah syar’i. Bahkan gua Hiro’ yang merupakan tempat turun wahyu pertama kali dan merupakan tempat pilihan Beliau saw sebelum diutus menjadi nabi, tidak pernah sengaja di kunjungi oleh beliau saw ataupun salah seorang sahabatnya selama berada di Makkah. Tidak pula mengkhususkan (mengistimewakan) hari turunnya wahyu dengan satu ibadah tertentu atau yang lainnya. Tidak pula mengkhususkan tempat pertama kali turun wahyu dengan sesuatu. Maka barang siapa mengkhususkan (mengistimewakan) tempat-tempat dan waktu-waktu yang diinginkan dengan melakukan satu ibadah tertentu karena termotivasi oleh peristiwa diatas atau yang sejenisnya, maka dia sama dengan ahli kitab yang telah menjadikan hari kelahiran Isa musim dan ibadah seperti hari natal dan lain sebagainya”

Isra Mi'raj

samofa — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:03:43 +0000

Semesta bersenandung gembira, menyambut kedatangan kelahiran nabi tercinta, pada Senin, bulan Rabiul Awwal. Tanggal 12 menjelang fajar, 1436 tahun lalu, cahaya Ilahi menerangi setiap jengkal semesta raya, laksana bintang gemintang yang berkerlip indah di kepekatan malam.

Laksana purnama menenggelamkan gelap dalam ranum cahaya. Laksana mentari yang mengusir malam ke peraduannya. Menyambut kelahiran bayi agung, yang akan membawa peradaban baru yang kilau-kemilau.

Muhammad adalah manusia pertama yang diciptakan secara maknawi, tapi menjadi nabi terakhir yang diutus ke alam duniawi. Ucapannya adalah wahyu, langkahnya menjadi tarekat, perilakunya cermin keteladanan. Muhammad, sang Kekasih Allah, belaian tangannya menenteramkan gundah anak-anak yatim, kemurahan hatinya menyalakan obor kehidupan janda-janda miskin, dan mengajarkan kemuliaan dalam kebersahajaan.

Keagungan jiwa sang Nabi SAW diakui kawan maupun lawan. Keberaniannya menggetarkan singa padang pasir, kelembutannya laksana belaian kasih seorang ibu. Beliau begitu dicintai penghuni langit dan bumi, hingga potongan rambut dan air ludahnya yang harum pun tak pernah sampai menyentuh bumi, karena diperebutkan sahabat-sahabatnya. Begitulah Abu Sufyan menceritakan perihal Muhammad menjelang Fath Makkah, pembebasan kota Makkah.

Tubuhnya termasyhur memancarkan keharuman alami. Jika tangannya menyentuh kepala seorang anak, orang akan segera tahu bahwa ia baru saja disentuh Rasulullah. Semesta raya memanjatkan doa, mengucap salam dan memohonkan kasih Allah baginya. Bahkan Sang Pencipta sendiri ikut mengucapkan salam kepadanya. Sesungguhnya Allah dan para malaikat-Nya bershalawat untuk Nabi (Muhammad). Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, bershalawatlah kamu sekalian untuk Nabi, dan berikan salam penghormatan untuknya.(QS Al-Ahzab 56).

Kehadiran Muhammad di bumi adalah anugerah yang membuat butiran-butiran pasir dan debu gurun menjadi laksana mutiara. Jejak langkahnya menyejukkan padang tandus, menjadi laksana taman surga yang membangkitkan rindu untuk selalu mengunjungi. Pengetahuan yang diajarkannya terus-menerus mengalirkan hikmah dan kearifan, laksana zamzam, yang tak pernah kering sepanjang zaman.

Pemimpin manakah yang dalam keadaan sakit menjelang wafat berkata, Wahai manusia! Barang siapa punggungnya pernah kucambuk, ini punggungku, balaslah! Barang siapa kehormatannya pernah kucela, inilah kehormatanku, balaslah! Dan barang siapa hartanya pernah kuambil, inilah hartaku, ambillah! Jangan takut akan permusuhan (akibat penuntutan balas ini), karena hal itu bukan watakku.

Hari itu, 63 tahun setelah kelahirannya, semua sahabat tertunduk haru mendengar pemimpin besar yang mereka cintai membuka diri untuk menerima tuntutan balas dari pengikutnya. Sebuah sikap yang menunjukkan pencapaian spiritual dan emosional tertinggi seorang manusia.

Kini, setelah setelah 14 abad beliau lahir, beliau tetap dikenang sebagai nabi yang agung, pemimpin yang adil, panglima yang gagah berani, penguasa yang penuh kasih, pedagang yang jujur, suami yang santun, dan ayah yang bijak. Beliau memang manusia, tapi bukan seperti manusia yang lain. Beliau laksana mutiara di antara bebatuan semesta.

Rabiul Awwal, yang artinya musim bunga yang pertama, dikenal sebagai bulan Nabi. Karena pada bulan inilah beliau lahir, tepatnya hari Senin. Sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah SAW saat ditanya oleh seorang sahabat mengenai kebiasaan beliau berpuasa di hari Senin, hari itu adalah hari kelahiranku, hari aku diangkat sebagai rasul atau pertama kali aku menerima wahyu.” (HR Muslim).

Tanggal Kelahiran
Namun kemudian muncul pertanyaan, tanggal berapakah beliau lahir.
Jumhur ulama dari kalangan Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah mengatakan, Rasulullah SAW lahir pada tanggal 12, tapi banyak pula yang berpendapat bahwa Rasulullah SAW lahir pada tanggal 9, bahkan tanggal 17, seperti pendapat kalangan Syiah Imamiyyah.

Baru-baru ini beredar sebuah buku berjudul Ya Allah… Benarkah Sejarah Ini?, yang ditulis oleh Drs. Aep Syaifullah, berdasarkan pendapat para ulama hadits, diterbitkan oleh Penerbit Shuhuf. Salah satu babnya membahas ihwal lahir dan wafatnya Rasulullah SAW. Di situ dikatakan, pendapat bahwa Rasulullah SAW lahir pada tanggal 12 Rabiul Awwal perlu dikaji ulang, karena bertolak belakang dengan fakta sejarah, hadits, dan ilmu pengetahuan.

Pendapat yang menyatakan bahwa Nabi SAW lahir pada tanggal 12 Rabiul Awwal itu, walau sangat terkenal, disandarkan pada riwayat yang lemah, yaitu Ibnu Ishaq. Menurut ulama-ulama ahli hadits, Ibnu Ishaq dianggap seorang yang lemah dalam riwayat-riwayatnya.

Sementara pendapat yang shahih dan kuat mengenai tanggal kelahiran Nabi SAW ialah, beliau lahir pada Senin, 9 Rabiul Awwal, tahun Gajah. Di antara ulama yang berpendapat seperti ini adalah Ibnu Katsir, Ibnu Qayyim, dan Ibnu Taimiyah.

Pendapat ini jgua didukung oleh penelitian yang dilakukan oleh seorang ahli falak atau astronomi Mesir yang terkenal, yaitu Mahmud Pasya, yang mencoba menentukan tanggal gerhana matahari dan gerhana bulan yang terjadi pada zaman Nabi SAW sampai zamannya.

Berdasarkan kajiannya, hari Senin tidak mungkin bertepatan dengan tanggal 12 Rabiul Awwal. Ia mengemukakan beberapa alasan untuk mendukung hasil kajiannya. Sebagian alasan yang dikemukakan oleh Mahmud Pasya adalah, pertama, dalam Shahih Bukhari disebutkan, ketika putra Rasulullah SAW, Ibrahim, wafat, telah terjadi gerhana matahari pada tahun ke-10 setelah hijrah. Dan Nabi Muhammad SAW ketika itu berusia 63 tahun.

Kedua, berdasarkan kaidah perkiraan falak, diketahui bahwa gerhana matahari yang terjadi pada tahun ke-10 setelah hijrah itu bertepatan dengan tanggal 7 Januari 632 Masehi, pukul 8.30 pagi.
Ketiga, berdasarkan pada perkiraan ini, seandainya diundurkan 63 tahun ke belakang, mengikut tahun qamariyah, kelahiran Nabi SAW jatuh pada tahun 571 Masehi. Berdasarkan perkiraan yang telah dibuatnya, tanggal 1 Rabiul Awwal bertepatan dengan tanggal 12 April 571 Masehi.

Keempat, meskipun terjadi perselisihan pendapat mengenai tanggal kelahiran Nabi SAW, semua pihak sepakat mengatakan bahwa hari kelahiran Nabi SAW adalah hari Senin, bulan Rabiul Awwal. Dan ternyata, hari Senin itu jatuh pada tanggal 9 Rabiul Awwal, bertepatan dengan tangal 20 April 571 Masehi. Bukan 12 Rabiul Awwal.

Bulan dan Tahun
Selain perbedaan mengenai tanggal kelahiran Rasulullah SAW, ada pula perbedaan mengenai bulan dan tahunnya. Bahkan juga peristiwa-peristiwa penting lainnya. Mengenai bulan kelahiran, ada yang mengatakan Muharam, Shafar, Rajab. Tapi ada pula yang mengatakan bulan Ramadhan.

Sementara tahunnya, ada yang mengatakan tahun Gajah, 15 tahun sebelum tahun Gajah, 30 tahun setelah tahun Gajah, atau 70 tahun setelah tahun Gajah. Namun kebanyakan pendapat menyatakan, Rasulullah SAW lahir pada hari Senin 12 Rabi’ul Awwal tahun Gajah.

Tahun Gajah adalah saat Raja Abrahah, penguasa negeri Habasyah (Etiopia sekarang),Â dan pasukan bergajahnya, berniat menghancurkan Kaâ™bah, tetapi gagal. Itu terjadi 53 tahun sebelum hijrah (secara matematis-astronomis dapat dinyatakan sebagai tahun 53 H). Sehingga saat kelahiran Nabi tersebut bertepatan dengan hari Senin 5 Mei 570 M.

Lalu, kapankah tepatnya pengangkatan beliau menjadi rasul? Tahun kejadiannya umumnya disepakati pada saat Nabi berumur 41 tahun, atau tahun Gajah ke-41 (tahun 13 H). Hanya tentang tanggal dan bulannya tidak ada kesepakatan.

Menurut Jabir dan Ibnu Abbas seperti tersebut di atas, itu terjadi pada hari Senin 12 Rabi’ul Awwal. Bertepatan dengan Senin 24 Februari 609 M.

Isyarat lainnya ada pada QS 2: 185 bahwa Al-Quran diturunkan pada bulan Ramadhan. Bila harinya mengacu pada hadits yang diriwayatkan Imam Muslim serta pendapat Jabir dan Ibnu Abbas, 17 Ramadhan 13 H tersebut bertepatan dengan hari Senin 25 Agustus 609 M.

Hasbi Ash Shiddieqy dalam pengantar Tafsir Al Bayaan menyatakan ayat nubuwah (pengangkatan sebagai nabi) pertama kali turun pada bulan Rabi’ul Awwal dengan lima ayat pertama surah Al-Alaq. Kemudian ayat risalah (pengangkatan sebagai rasul) turun pada 17 Ramadhan dengan beberapa ayat awal surah Al-Muddatstsir.

Peristiwa-peristiwa Lain
Peristiwa Isra Miâ™raj, saat mulai diwajibkannya shalat lima waktu, pun tidak ada kesepakatan kapan terjadinya. Sebagian besar mengikuti pendapat Ibnu Katsir dari riwayat yang tidak shahih isnadnya, yakni bahwa Isra Mi’raj terjadi pada 27 Rajab 1 H (satu tahun sebelum Hijrah). Itu berarti terjadi pada hari Rabu 15 Oktober 620.

Tetapi bila mengikuti pendapat Jabir dan Ibnu Abbas bahwa Isra Mi’raj terjadi pada hari Senin 12 Rabiul Awwal, berarti terjadi pada 12 Rabiul Awwal 3 H (tiga tahun sebelum Hijrah), yang bertepatan dengan Senin 6 November 618.

Peristiwa Hijrah Rasulullah SAW terjadi pada bulan Rabi’ul Awwal tahun 13 Bitsah (13 tahun setelah pengangkatan sebagai rasul). Berangkat pada 2 Rabiul Awwal dan tiba pada 12 Rabi’ul Awwal. Saat tiba di Madinah 12 Rabiul Awwal bertepatan dengan hari Senin, 5 Oktober 621. Ini sesuai dengan pendapat Jabir dan Ibnu Abbas bahwa harinya Senin.

Beberapa penulis riwayat Rasulullah SAW merancukan saat hijrah tersebut dengan tahun baru Hijriyyah pertama. Haekal dan Al-Hamid Al-Husaini menyebutkan, peristiwa Hijrah terjadi pada bulan Juli. Haekal menyatakan, Rasulullah tiba di Madinah hari Jumâ™at. Sesungguhnya bulan Juli adalah tahun baru 1 Muharram 1 H yang jatuh pada hari Jum’at, 16 Juli 622.

Puasa Ramadhan mulai diwajibkan pada hari Senin 2 Sya’ban 2 H atau 30 Januari 624 M. Itu berarti, puasa Ramadhan pertama terjadi pada bulan Februari-Maret, dengan suhu yang relatif sejuk dan panjang hari termasuk normal (panjang siang hari sekitar 12 jam).

Tanggal Wafat
Hari-hari terakhir kehidupan Rasulullah ditandai dengan turunnya QS 5: 3, yang menyatakan bahwa Allah telah menyempurnakan agama Islam dan meridhainya. Ayat itu turun saat wukuf di Arafah 9 Dzulhijjah 10 H, yang bertepatan dengan Jumat 6 Maret 632. Mungkin ini berkaitan dengan sebutan haji akbar bila wukufnya jatuh pada hari Jum’at.

Tiga bulan setelah turunnya ayat tersebut Rasulullah SAW wafat pada 12 Rabiul Awwal 11 H. Analisis astronomis menyatakan, 12 Rabi’ul Awwal mestinya jatuh pada hari Sabtu 6 Juni 632. Namun banyak yang berpendapat bahwa Rasulullah wafat pada hari Senin, itu berarti tanggal 8 Juni 632. Perbedaan dua hari tidak dapat dijelaskan akibat terjadinya istikmal (penggenapan menjadi 30 hari) bulan Shafar.

Membicarakan kapan tepatnya hari kelahiran Nabi Muhammad SAW, juga peristiwa-peritiwa penting dalam sejarah kehidupan beliau, bukanlah hal mudah. Karena ketika itu orang-orang Arab belum mempunyai tradisi mencatat.

Perhatian mengenai pentingnya mencatat baru muncul pada pemerintahan Khalifah Sayyidina Umar bin Khaththab, tepatnya pada tahun 638 Masehi. Ketika itu Umar ingin menjadikan penanggalan Hijriyyah sebagai sistem penanggalan resmi pemerintahan Islam. Tapi muncul masalah, ketika para sahabat ingin menjadikan hari kelahiran Nabi Muhammad SAW sebagai patokan awal sistem penanggalan Hijriyyah. Tidak ada satu pun di antara mereka yang ingat kapan persis Baginda Nabi dilahirkan. Yang mereka ingat, ketika beliau lahir, ada beberapa peristiwa yang mengiringinya, di antaranya penyerangan pasukan Gajah dari negeri Habasyiah terhadap Kaâ™bah, yang kemudian diabadikan sejarah Islam sebagai tahun Gajah.

Namun begitu, seiring dengan berkembangnya ilmu pengetahuan, terutama dalam bidang astronomi, serta patokan-patokan yang terdapat dalam hadits Rasulullah SAW, di antaranya hadits tentang puasa hari Senin, yang senantaisa beliau lakukan secara rutin, para ulama berhasil menentukan kapan Rasulullah SAW lahir, wafat, dan sebagainya.

Bukan Sembarang Ulama
Khusus mengenai kelahiran Rasulullah SAW, Habib Mundzir bin Fuad Almusawa, pemimpin Majelis Rasulullah, dalam website www.majelisrasulullah.org, mengatakan, perbedaan pendapat tentang kelahiran Nabi SAW sudah berlalu belasan abad yang silam, dan itu sudah dibahas oleh ribuan muahdditsin. Menurut jumhur ulama dan muhadditsin adalah 12 Rabi’ul Awwal. Walaupun ada pendapat sebagian kecil yang mengatakan 10 Muharram, dan ada pendapat lain lagi yang mengatakan di bulan lain. Namun semua pendapat itu dhaif. Yang mu’tamad, atau yang dijadikan sandaran oleh sebagian besar ulama, adalah 12 Rabiul Awwal.

Para ulama tersebut bukan sembarang ulama. Mereka mempunyai kedalaman ilmu dan keluasan wawasan yang sudah teruji. Bahkan banyak di antara mereka yang bergelar Al-Hafidh, penghafal jutaan hadits. SM

The Mi’raj, the Real and the Symbolic

tailorofthegoodgarment — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:32:51 +0000
Here is a talk given in London by a couple of academics. It coincides with our understanding of the

Poster Isra Mi'raj

bemftiunissula — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:43:59 +0000

desain: Mohammad MN materi: Dept. Komunikasi & Informasi BEM FTI Terinspirasi kegiatan sehari-hari namun penuh arti bagi warga Fakultas Teknologi Industri Unissula pada khususnya, dan umat Islam pada umumnya. Shalat berjamaah sangat dianjurkan dan sebaiknya dilakukan dalam masjid.

Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj : The Night Journey and The Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him)

Momina — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:23:55 +0000
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj are among the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad (P. B. B. U. H.). The miracle of

Menguatkan Kesabaran

Pengurus — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:20:21 +0000

Peristiwa Isra’ Mi’raj yang terjadi pada tahun ke-10 kenabian Muhammad saw mengandung banyak hikmah. Salah satunya, melatih dan menguatkan kesabaran. Ini karena peristiwa tersebut merupakan hiburan Allah SWT kepada Rasul-Nya yang tengah mengalami kesedihan luar biasa. Menjelang peristiwa besar itu, Rasulullah saw kehilangan orang-orang yang dicintainya, pembela risalah kenabian yaitu pamannya, Abu Thalib, dan kemudian disusul istrinya, Khadijah ra.

Belum lagi hilang kesedihan itu, Rasul dan para pengikutnya diboikot dan diisolir hingga mengalami penderitaan yang luar biasa. Kendati demikian, kesabaran dan keteguhan iman tetap jadi pegangan Rasul serta generasi awal Islam tersebut. Mereka seakan memahami benar akan janji Allah dalam Alquran: Hai orang-orang yang beriman, bersabarlah kamu dan kuatkanlah kesabaranmu dan tetaplah bersiap siaga dan bertakwalah kepada Allah agar kamu beruntung, (QS 3:200).

Atas penderitaan luar biasa tersebut, Rasulullah saw kemudian dihibur oleh Allah SWT dengan melakukan perjalanan yang hingga kini jadi salah satu mukjizat kerasulan Muhammad saw, Isra’ dan Mi’raj. Bila kita kaitkan dengan kondisi saat ini, barangkali, krisis multiwajah yang sedang menimpa bangsa kita saat ini masih belum seberapa dibanding penderitaan generasi awal Islam tersebut. Namun, bukan tak mungkin krisis ini akan merembet ke berbagai persoalan, termasuk ancaman disintegrasi bangsa. Kelelahan merasakan penderitaan akibat krisis bukan tak mustahil mendorong individu, kelompok, penguasa, atau bahkan aparat keamanan kepada tindakan gegabah dan emosional.

Ini penting karena cita-cita suci reformasi harus tetap dijaga agar berjalan lancar secara alamiah, sehingga reformasi bisa mengantarkan kepada masyarakat madani yang diidamkan. Dan, kunci sukses guna menjaga kesucian cita-cita reformasi ini adalah sabar.

Karena posisi kunci inilah, maka kesabaran menjadi amat penting untuk senantiasa dibina. Barangkali orang bisa berdalih bahwa sabar ada batasnya, artinya ishbirru (sabar) semata tidaklah cukup. Oleh karena itu Alquran dalam surat Ali Imran ayat 200 tersebut telah menasihatkan, ketika masalah itu datangnya bertubi-tubi, maka di situlah wajib bagi setiap orang untuk washoobiruu (menguatkan kesabaran).

Jadi, meski bagaimanapun kalutnya situasi, siapa pun tak dibenarkan bertindak di luar hukum, apalagi dengan dalih “kesabaran ada batasnya dan sekarang sudah habis”. Menurut tuntunan ayat Alquran di atas, ketika kesabaran akan habis (menurun), maka ia harus segera dikuatkan. Hal ini tak boleh diabaikan, dan untuk itulah setiap orang hendaknya senantiasa waraabituu (bersiap siaga). Sebab, sekali saja satu urusan kebablasan akibat terpancing emosi, bisa berakibat fatal terhadap kehidupan pribadi, kelompok, atau bahkan bangsa dan negara.

Kata ulama, jika seseorang ingin sukses dunia maka dia harus sabar, dan jika seseorang ingin sukses akhirat maka dia harus sabar, dan jika seseorang ingin sukses dunia dan akhirat maka dia harus sabar. Maha Besar Allah dengan firman-Nya, “…. Sesungguhnya Allah beserta orang-orang yang sabar, (QS 2:153). Wallahu A’lam. (By Husin M Al-Banjari)

Hikmah Isra Mi'raj

bemftiunissula — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:02:51 +0000

Hari besar Isra Mi’raj yang jatuh pada tanggal 2o Juli 2009 menjadi hari yang penuh dengan renungan bagi umat Islam khususnya bagi warga FTI Unissula. Mengingat Isra Mi’raj merupakan salah satu peristiwa penting bagi umat Islam, karena pada peristiwa ini Nabi Muhammad SAW mendapat perintah untuk menunaikan shalat lima waktu sehari semalam.

Hikmah luar biasa momentum Isra’ Mi’raj dirangkai dalam sembilan kata yaitu: (1) Islam, (2)Sholat, (3)Riadhus Sholihin, (4)Al Qur’an, (5)Masjid, (6)Ihsan, (7)Rahmah, (8) Amal, (9)Jannah.

[1] Islam merupakan ajaran yang hanya diakui oleh Allah SWT. Selainnya tidak diterima dan tidak pernah ada paksaan untuk mengikutinya.

“Sesungguhnya agama (yang diridhai) disisi Allah hanyalah Islam…” (QS. Ali Imran : 19)

“Barang siapa mencari agama selain Islam, maka sekali-kali tidaklah akan diterima (agama itu) daripadanya, dan dia di akhirat termasuk orang-orang yang rugi.” (QS. Ali Imran : 85)

“Tidak ada paksaan untuk (memasuki) agama (Islam); sesungguhnya telah jelas jalan yang benar daripada jalan yang sesat…” (QS. Al Baqarah : 256)

[2] “…Sesungguhnya shalat itu mencegah dari (perbuatan-perbuatan) keji dan munkar. Dan sesungguhnya mengingat Allah (shalat) adalah lebih besar (keutamaannya dari ibadah-badah yang lain). Dan Allah mengetahui apa yang kamu kerjakan.” (QS. Al Ankabut : 45)

Selain itu, kita diingatkan dengan azan sebelum sholat. Azan menguatkan kalimah syahadat sehingga disunnahkan kita mengulang apa yang disuarakan muazzin atau bilal saat azan, agar kita juga mendapatkan kebaikan yang sama dengan muazzin.

Semakin banyak kita melaksanakan sholat sunat lainnya, maka semakin banyak penguatan kalimah syahadat yang kita lakukan sehingga pondasi Islam kita akan semakin kokoh.

Selain itu, sebelum sholat maka dilakukan iqomat. Apa kandungan hikmah luar biasanya? Ingatlah bahwa saat kita dilahirkan, kita diazankan ditelinga kanan dan diiqomatkan ditelinga kiri. Kemudian, saat kita meninggal, kita akan disholatkan. Nah, rangkaian hidup kita sebenarnya hanyalah sepanjang waktu antara azan dan sholat. Yaitu iqomat.

[3] Riadhus sholihin adalah riwayat hidup orang-orang yang sholih yang telah mendahului kita dan telah membuktikan bagaimana kontribusi mereka pada Islam, dakwah dan kebaikan pada Ummat manusia di dunia ini.

[4] Al Qur’an merupakan sumber hukum terbaik yang ada di dunia. Selain itu, Allah juga sampaikan dengan jelas dalam Al Qur’an secara langsung. Dalam surat Al Baqarah: 2-20 sekaligus pembagian manusia.

[5] Kita mungkin sudah ratusan kali masuk keluar masjid. Namun, banyak yang menjadikan kunjungan ke masjid hanya rutinitas belaka. Tanpa makna dan arti apa-apa. Hanya sekedar menjalankan kewajiban. Ketahuilah, bahwa Masjid memiliki nilai luar biasa, diantaranya:

1.Rumah Allah, sehingga siapa yang masuk kedalamnya akan dijamu oleh-Nya.

2.Pusat kebaikan, sehingga orang-orang yang memasukinya akan merasa tentram dan tenang.

3.Pusat peradaban, buktinya bisa kita lihat hingga sekarang.

4.Pusat pertemuan, dalam waktu-waktu sholat, pernikahan, bahkan juga ibadah haji.

5.Pusat ukhuwah dan persatuan.

[6] Saat ini, kita sangat susah mendapatkan orang-orang yang bisa dipercaya. Apalagi kalau berkaitan dengan uang dan organisasi (kecil, menengah, maupun besar). Apalagi yang berada dilevel pimpinan. Tentu, minimal sekali menjadi pemimpin bagi dirinya sendiri.

Ihsan adalah seorang manusia yang merasa diawasi oleh Allah SWT dalam setiap niat dan aktivitas apapun yang dikerjakannya. Sehingga, tidak akan pernah ia berlaku curang, sombong, apalagi berlaku dzalim.

[7] Seorang da’i atau pun seorang Muslim perlu menumbuhkan sifat Rahmah atau kasih sayang karena sesama Muslim pada hakikatnya adalah bersaudara. Karena satu keturunan dari Nabi Adam dan Siti Hawa.

[8] Melakukan amal-amal kebaikan harus segera dilakukan, karena kita tidak tahu kapan kita akan kembali pada Allah SWT. Alangkah ruginya kita, bila saat dipanggil Allah SWT kita tidak memiliki amalan kebaikan yang bayak. Sehingga sengsara dan azab yang akan kita dapatkan.

[9] Raih Jannah tertinggi

Karena kita semua tentu ingin menjadi dan mendapatkan yang terbaik. Bukankah sah-sah saja kita berkeinginan untuk meraih Syurga tertinggi sehingga bertemu para Nabi dan Rasul serta orang-orang terbaik yang pernah hidup dahulu kala maupun dimasa yang akan datang.

Berjihad

Pengurus — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:49:29 +0000

Imam Bukhari dan Muslim merawikan bahwa Abu Darr berkata, ”Ya, Rasulullah, perbuatan apa yang paling utama?” Nabi Muhammad SAW menjawab, ”Beriman kepada Allah dan berjihad di jalan Allah.” Dalam beberapa hadis lainnya, kecuali berjihad, Rasulullah menjelaskan bahwa mendirikan salat pada waktunya, berbuat baik kepada orangtua, dan menunaikan rukun Islam kelima sehingga kita menjadi haji mabrur, juga termasuk perbuatan utama.

Muhyiddin Abi Zakaria Yahya bin Syarifunnawawi dalam Riyadh al-Shalihin mengutip Abu Said al-Khudri bertutur, ”Seorang laki-laki datang kepada Rasulullah, dan berkata, ‘Manusia seperti apa yang paling utama?’ Nabi menjawab, ‘Seorang mukmin yang berjihad dengan diri dan hartanya di jalan Allah.’ Ia berkata, ‘Lalu siapa?’ Beliau menjawab, ‘Kemudian seorang mukmin muda yang beribadah kepada Allah dan meninggalkan manusia dari keburukannya.”’ Hadis ini juga dirawikan oleh Bukhari dan Muslim.

Berjihad merupakan kewajiban Allah kepada makhluk-Nya, khususnya bagi kaum muslimin. Berjihad berarti beribadah kepada Allah. Dalam Islam, kita dinyatakan telah berjihad bila kita berusaha untuk mengerjakan perintah dan menjauhi larangan-Nya, baik untuk diri sendiri maupun demi kepentingan masyarakat. Karena itu, berjihad harus dilaksanakan tidak hanya terbatas pada pertempuran, peperangan, dan ekspedisi. Setiap hari, kita harus berjihad, baik dalam keadaan aman maupun kacau-balau. Bagi kita, berjihad tidak mengenal waktu, dan ini menjadi ciri-ciri seorang mukmin dan muslim.

Dalam Alquran, kita menemukan perintah berjihad sekitar 39 ayat. Misalnya dalam Q.S. 16: 110, 24:53, 25:52, atau 35:43. Nabi Muhammad dalam sirah perjuangannya telah mencontohkan jihad semacam ini sejak diangkat menjadi rasul selama di Mekah dan Madinah. Dan, dalam beberapa ayat, kata jihad selalu bergandengan dengan kata fi sabilillah. Kata ini dimaksudkan agar kita selalu berniat untuk Allah dan berharap ridha-Nya dalam berjihad.

Beberapa ulama menyimpulkan bahwa kita berjihad disebabkan karena kita hendak mempertahankan diri, kehormatan, harta, negara dari serangan musuh, kita hendak memberantas kezaliman, menghilangkan fitnah yang ditimpa umat Islam, membantu orang-orang mustad’afin, dan kita berusaha mewujudkan keadilan dan kebenaran. Dengan kata lain, kita berjihad, karena kita ingin menegakkan dan melaksanakan syariah Islam sehingga tercipta suasana damai dan tenteram.

Untuk itu, kita tidak dibenarkan menyerang musuh-musuh Islam, bila keadaan damai dan tenteram telah kita capai. ”Kecuali orang-orang yang meminta perlindungan kepada suatu kaum, yang antara lain kamu dan kaum itu telah ada perjanjian (damai) atau orang-orang yang datang kepada kamu sedang hati mereka merasa keberatan untuk memerangi kamu dan memerangi kaumnya….” (4:90). Walau demikian, kita tetap berjihad agar Allah meridhai apa yang kita lakukan.

Namun, kalau semangat berjihad telah memudar di hati kita, maka kita tidak akan bergairah beribadah, tak acuh melaksanakan perintah Allah, dan putus asa, pesimis, apatis, malas bekerja. Karena itu, sebelum api berjihad padam, seharusnya kita tetap ingat bahwa berjihad itu adalah salah satu upaya kita meraih masa depan yang baik. (Idris Thaha)