[Slideshare]tazdzkirah ramadhan-2012- #part 3 - seeking goodending in all affairs - (12-august-2012)

TADZKIRAH RAMADHAN - 2012

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

SERIES OF TALK
For “MABUHAY CLUB”
“Lessons to learn from
the Divine program in
Ramadhan”
PART # 3

12 AUGUST 2012 (SUNDAY)
23 RAMADHAN 1433 H
BY: 5 PM @ THE GALAXY
USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE
SINGAPURA Muslim Converts Assn. Spore
GEYLANG, CHANGI ROAD
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

“O YOU who have attained to faith (IIMAN)! Fasting is ordained for
you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might learn
self-restraint (being conscious and fear Allah - TAQWA):”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185)

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

“Allah wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer
hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required ],
and that you extol Allah for His having guided you aright , and that you
render your thanks [unto Him] – TASH-KURUN – (SHAKUR).”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185)


“O YOU who have attained to faith! Shall I point out to you
a bargain that will save you from grievous suffering [in this
world and in the life to come]? You are to believe in Allah
and His Messenger, and to strive hard in Allah's cause with
your possessions and your lives: this is for your own good -
if you but knew it! [If you do so,] He will forgive you your
sins, and [in the life to come] will admit you into gardens
through which running waters flow, and into goodly
mansions in [those] gardens of perpetual bliss: that [will
be] the triumph supreme!”
(Qur’an: Saff: 61: 10-12)


“But as for those who strive hard (JAAHADU) in Our
cause -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths
that lead unto Us: for, behold, Allah is indeed with the
doers of good.“
(Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69)


ALLAA-HUM-MAJ –’AL - KHAI-RA – ‘UM-RI – AA-KHI-RA-HU,
WA - KHAI-RA – ‘AMALI - KHA-WAA – TI – MA -HU,
WAJ - ’AL- KHAI - RA – AY-YAA - MI – YAU-MA – LI-QAA- IK

“O Allah! Make the best of my life to be in the ending stage of
living; and make the best of my deeds to be in the closing of my
deeds; and make the best of my Days to be the Day (in Hereafter
when) I (return to) meet You (with a clean heart)”

ALLAA-HUM-MA- WA-MAA – QO - DwAI-TA – LANAA – MIN –’AM-REE
FAJ - ’AL – ‘AA - QI - BA –TA-HU – RA – SHA - DAA
YAA – AR – HAMAR – RAA- HI- MEEN

“O Allah! Whatever You have decreed for us (in all our affairs in our
life), make its ending to be good (guided aright by Your Guidance).
O (Allah) You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”


ROB-BA-NAA – LAA-TU-ZIGH –QU - LUU-BA-NAA –

BA’-DA – IDZ- HA- DAI – TA -NAA – WA – HAB –LA-NAA –

MIN -LA-DUN-KA -ROH-MA-TA – IN-NA-KA - AN-TAL – WAH- HAA-B

"Our Lord! let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us,
but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties
without measure.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘imran: 3: 8)


‘CUSTOMARY’ DEVOTEES

This made up mostly of children and perhaps adults too who lack
knowledge (‘ILM) and they may practice Islam not so much out of
true conviction, but only because all others around him are doing
so. More out of the accepted ‘Malay’ custom.
Although they know that they are fasting, yet the real lessons,the
opportunity to gain great merit and reward throughout
Ramadhan escapes them. Not that Allah wants to deprive them of
many of His Blessings, but it is they, due to their own neglect and
heedlessness, who caused their own loss.

“This, because Allah would never change the blessings with
which He has graced a people unless they change their inner
selves: and [know] that Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.”

(Qur’an: Al- Anfal : 8:53)



If they persist without being guided, or advised, or shown through
the better example by their family and peers whom they are with,
then they may be subjected to further negative traits.
This may affect their ‘mood’ and ‘attitude’ which colour their
perception (or rather misperception) of what Ramadhan is all about.
The media, the trend-setter, the sales pitch, the commercialisation
of Ramadhan etc. may replaced what should be ( IIMAN) Faith as
their motivation and (IHTISAABAN) expecting Allah’s acceptance, as
their attitude.


Rather than to regard ‘Ramadhan’ as something seasonal, we must
correct this wrong attitude. Ramadhan in fact can be liken to a
“Madrasah (school)”. Surely every year we should progress to
higher levels of attainment. Unfortunately many seem contented to
remain stagnated at ‘kindergarten’ level each time, without any real
assessment of achievement, but merely based upon attendance.
Thus, year in year out, no progress nor incremental level is attained.
When in our school-system, would we allow our children to be like
that? would not this be a very wrong thing to do?


This can lead some Muslims to be resentful of the ‘fasting’ and other
devotions (‘IBADAH ) in Ramadhan itself, being obsessed only to
chase after the ‘festivities’ and ‘light-up’ and ‘bazaar’ and the
gatherings with celebrities and other ‘worldly’ attraction, etc.
Hypocrisy (NIFAQ) may afflict this group whose criteria for liking
RAMADHAN is the connection to the festival (Hari Raya). Their
observance of fasting may be like as ‘prisoners’ undergoing
temporary incarceration; or one fasting with ‘vengeance’ bottling up
desires to be ‘unleashed’ rather than to be effectively ‘tamed’.


THE ‘DISTRACTED’

Some of us may start our Ramadhan well since we may possess
knowledge. Yet, our theoretical Islamic knowledge may be
inadequate to prepare us to know that there are ‘practices’
commonly done in our society (trends, customs etc.) which in fact are
contrary to the spirit of Ramadhan itself.
Do not assume that what is done by Muslims, even by the majority,
are automatically what Islam teaches. Such careless assumption may
cause us to be distracted from achieving the true purpose of
Ramadhan, into following agendas set by others in Ramadhan.



“And do not pursue that of which you have no
knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the
heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.”
(Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36)



“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who
call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening,
seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass
beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life,
and do not obey one whose heart We have made
heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his
desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”
(Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 28)



As Ramadhan is a “month of being put to test”, within it there are
countless challenges, temptations, distractions, diversion, deviations
etc. Therefore, we need to always be on guard, vigilant and remain
focus on what we are suppose to attain to in this month.
So be in the company of the learned and righteous Muslims.
In this last week of Ramadhan, we can still amend ourselves or be
corrected again to re-focus and guided back upon the right path.
Allah’s intends for His mercy and forgiveness to reach all Muslims to
be freed from the Hell-fire. Just come back to Him!


Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against
themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy
of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is
He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.“
(Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 53)

“And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit
to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then
you will not be helped.”


“And follow the best of what was revealed to you
from your Lord before the punishment comes upon
you suddenly while you do not perceive,”


THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’

Many of us perhaps belong to this category. It is in the last lap that
many may “drop our guard”, or give in complacency and are
impatient thinking only of the Eid (Hari Raya celebration).
Actually we forget that the test is not over yet.
This last lap (week) in fact is very crucial – it can “ make or break”.
Thus our Prophet , his Household and companion exemplified this in
the Sunnah of I’TIKAF (“retreat”) and intensifying the personal
devotions.


THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’

When we analyse all acts of devotions taught in Islam, its general
teachings about life - it is in the ending part of many forms of ‘ibadah -
that it teaches us to increase the intensity of our devotion to Allah.
It does not really matter much that we may have made many mistakes,
being careless, lazy and weak at the beginning – for it is in the ending
part that really counts.
After all, it is not through our effort that ultimately saves us, but
through our sincere intention and true resolve seeking Allah’s Mercy
and Acceptance towards us; our belief and trust of Allah’s Beneficence.


THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE


THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE

“Whoever fast in Ramadhan, with IIMAN (Faith, conviction)
and with IHTISAABAN (full accountability; reflection; content
with expecting recompense from Allah in Hereafter) – then all
his previous sins are Forgiven”

(Hadith reported by Bukhary)


“My Sustainer (Lord)! ! Inspire me so that I may forever be
grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced
me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner]
that will please Thee; and include me, by Thy grace, among Thy
righteous servants (SwOLIHEEN)!” (Qur’an: Naml: 27: 19)


“O my Sustainer (Lord)! Inspire me so that I may forever
be grateful
for those
blessings of
Thine with
which Thou
hast graced
me and my
parents, and
that I may do
All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012) what is right

IMPORTANT TO BE ENGAGED IN NOW

REMEMBER, ONE OF THE CRITERIA OF BEING GRATEFUL IS
IN KNOWING THE VALUE OF BESTOWALS ALREADY GIVEN.


This list is not exhaustive, but only my personal reflection
as to what Ramadhan teaches me as a Muslim


 TA-’AH (Obedience) and ADAB (Decorum)

Reminder of our covenant (SHAHADAHTAIN); and that we have to
“walk the talk.”
A Muslim is one who obeys Allah and His Messenger – not privately
but if need be openly, to dare to show who we are without being
apologetic.
A Muslim is one who has ADAB, most importantly to place Allah and
the Prophet’s command above all else. In Ramadhan, many aspects
of our life has to be re-orientated and put in its proper order.


 NIYYAT WAL IKHLASW (Intention and Sincerity)
Ramadhan teaches us that any act (‘AMAL), to be regarded as acts of
merit acceptable to Allah, it must be with a resolve and sincere
intention for Allah’s sake.
Verbalizing to oneself, with knowledge and clear purpose of what
we are about to do, is indeed important towards forming strong
resolve and determination towards success of any endeavor.
Despite the obvious uncertainty, yet by relying upon our faith
(IIMAN) in Allah, Whom we seek to please and Who alone can grant
us the TAUFIQ (success) we strive and face the ordeal of fasting. It is
after all, done as a test of our Faith and faithfulness.


 SAHUR (Preparation – physical & spiritual)

This teaches us the necessity for preparation before embarking upon
whatever cause. Preparations are both physical and spiritual. The
time for such is best made especially during occasions whence other
people may be resting. Especially we are taught of the blessed time
for spiritual preparation seeking Divine help is through making DU’A
(supplication) and MUNAJAT (intimate whispering) just before
Dawn.
Knowledge of this is not merely taught theoretically, but in
Ramadhan we are made to learn and experience it practically.
And the sheer ease which many of us have experienced, boost our
confidence that we can indeed do it even after Ramadhan.

 IMSAK (Abstention)
Essentially, fasting is “IMSAK ” – abstaining from everything which
Allah has forbidden us to do. Therefore in requires us to take charge
and be in control over our desires.
Thus, to be truly MUSLIM, we have to have the power to rein in and
discipline our base desires – submitting our will to the will of Allah.
Many people do not know how to say “No!” to evil and wrongdoing.
Fasting in Ramadhan, effectively teaches us that in fact WE CAN DO
IT! Even to curtail our basic needs which, normally outside fasting,
are ‘Halal’. Ramadhan is the proof.
And the fact is, for us Muslims what Allah has forbidden ( HARAM)
are very few as compared to what He made lawful ( HALAL).

 SWOLAH WA QIYYAM (Worship – personal night devotion)
This being the Pillar ofour religion (IMAD-DU ADDEEN), is very much
enhanced during Ramadhan, more than any other month.
Congregational prayer in mosques, should become the norm in the
community and ought to be reasserted.
Night worship and spiritual retreat are revived and be inculcated
throughout the month such that it can become ingrained as a
community activity, that Muslims are to be the most worshipful
people on earth – “they bow and prostrate and their faces glow with
traces of (wudhu’ and) prostration”


 TILAWAH - TADABBUR (Companionship with Al-Qur’an)
In Ramadhan without fail, the Qur’an take centre stage. Muslims
would inevitably be made to listen and experience the recitations of
it in SWOLAH TARAWIH, TILAWAH and TADBBUR, from
accomplished Qur’an reciters (MUQRI’ / QARI) and even by HUFFAZ
(Those who memorize the Qur’an in its entirety). With satellite
technology, the prayer in Masjidil Haram (Makkah) is beamed
worldwide.
This inspires many to focus upon embarking upon reciting and
reading of portions of the Qur’an as a daily routine.
Lectures, tadzkirah, commentaries by scholars would instill
realization that the Qur’an is indeed the book of Guidance.

 MUJAAHADAH (Striving with utmost - exertion)
Contrary to what some may think as though life ought to become
relaxed, Ramadhan is the month in which Muslims learn the meaning
of JIHAAD (striving with utmost in the way of Allah) which focus upon
intense exertion (exhaustion)towards conquering our ego and desires.
Its day spent in Fasting does not excuse the Muslims from their daily
occupation, while their nights’ rest are shortened to increase their
devotions and prayers.
Indeed, this was the kind of life which the companions of the Prophet
lived daily – a diligent “worker-warrior (MUJAHID)” by day and an
“ascetic-devotee (ZAHID- ‘AABID)” by night.


 TAQWA (Reverential fear of transgression)

The reason given by Allah as to why we fast is to teach us TAQWA –
the highest virtue which every Muslim must strive for.
The essential meaning of TAQWA is to safeguard ourselves from the
wrath of Allah through our being ever consciousness of Allah’s Who
sees and ever aware of our state; with sense of awe, reverential fear
of Allah’s presence in our life and being ashame of our shortcomings.
Indeed, TAQWA is the unmatched motivation for a truly ethical and
good person.
Although, to really become a MUTTAQEEN as our accomplished
disposition (MAQOM –station) is not easy, yet in Ramadhan, we get
to taste and experience this spiritual state.

 USRAH WAL JAMA’AH (Importance of Family and Congregation)
Ramadhan brings back family living, where many activities like
partaking of meals and praying in Jama’ah at home is revived.
Many may have disregarded this important family way of life that
gives real value and quality to our life. When we realize and
experience how truly priceless it is, hopefully we will wish to sustain
this life-style which many, in todays fast-pace and almost maddening
existence, have lost.
Indeed, “we may be in a ‘rat race’, but we must never become rats .”
Human dignity through family and community living, must be
cherished and upheld.


 RAHMAH WAL IHSAN (Mercy and Compassion)
One of the important lessons of Ramadhan is its teaching us mercy
and compassion. We who experience what it is like to be thirsty and
hungry, should become more caring for those lacking in means to
sustain themselves and their family.
Thus it is in this month, the increase in deeds of charity, the sharing
of meal and the giving of ZAKATUL-FITRA, are meant to acclimatize
us into becoming a community who cares for others, mobilized to
spread mercy and compassion towards all.
This is also accompanied with realization of our own need for Allah’s
forgiveness for our sins, which in Islam we are taught, is also by
being merciful and forgiving towards others, ourselves.

 TASHAKKUR (Gratefulness)

To become grateful, one must be taught to appreciate the favours
NI’MAT , given.
Unfortunate we have dulled our senses through excesses and habits,
making us oblivious to even the great pleasure which we are given
so abundantly. Thus amongst the lesson of Ramadhan, through
temporary deprivation, we can restore and enhanced our senses and
sensibility thereby to re-experience those favours.
Through this month too, it ought to make us realize how excessive
our previous life-style has been. To be grateful is not to over-indulge
but to share those bounties and favours from Allah, with others in
our life. For being prudent must also not lead us to miserly.

 TAUBAH WA ISTIGHFAR (Repentance and seeking forgiveness)
The most important message of Islam is the Message of Mercy and
Forgiveness of Allah. This is through mankind’s returning in
repentance (TAUBAH) and seeking forgiveness of Allah (ISTIGHFAR)
The door is never close for anyone, until the end of the world
(QIYYAMAH) or till when he experience the moment of death
(SAKARAT-AL-MAUT).
In Ramadhan especially, this message is greatly enhanced and
opportunity to do so permeates throughout its period and occasion.
And in this month, one can even get to taste the indescribable
feeling of Allah’s forgiveness and acceptance of our repentance
(TAUBAH).

 ‘AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR (Enjoining good and forbid evil)

Al-ISLAM is not meant to be a ‘personal-individual’ religion to be
only practiced privately. It is more a community living (welfare type
society) which places duty and responsibility collectively upon every
of its member. They enjoy personal privileges by virtue of
discharging their social obligation too, which are meant to safeguard
the survival of the whole community.
Thus ‘enjoining good and forbidding evil’ is an essential pillar which
Muslims uphold and practice – through practical prevention, advise,
exhortations, encouragement, etc. to one another, which keep
every members in check from deviation and waywardness.


 ‘AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR (Enjoining good and forbid evil)
In Ramadhan, the vibrancy of this spirit of collective preservation is
even more pronounced. The most effective way to correcting others
is by showing by our own example. And this would only be effective
if demonstrated by the collective majority.
One of the most effective approach to reform society is :
“It is when good people are actively seen and conspicuously
projected, in their goodness and their doing good as a norm
that bad people will shy away.” – ( zhulkeflee )
And this is possible because to every Muslim, what is permissible
(HALAL) is already clear, and what is forbidden (HARAM) is also
clear.

“And they will say: "All praise is due to Allah, who has
guided us unto this; for we would certainly not have
found the right path unless Allah had guided us! Indeed,
our Sustainer's messengers have told us the truth!"
(Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 43)


“And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way
(UMMATAN WASOTAN) [i.e. justly balanced], so that [with your
lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind
(SHUHADAA-A - ‘ALAN-NAAS) , and the Messenger as a witness over
you.“
(Qur’an: al- Baqarah: 2:143)
EXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSE

“Among the believers are men who have [always] been true
to what they have vowed before Allah: Of them some have
fulfilled their obligations (with their lives), and some of them
are still waiting (for its fulfillment) without having changed
[their resolve] in the least.”
(Qur’an: al-Ahzab: 33: 23)

EXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSE

“O my Sustainer (Lord)! Inspire me so that I may forever
be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which
Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may
do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy
goodly acceptance; and grant me righteousness in my
offspring [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in
repentance: for, verily, I am of those (MUSLIMEEN)
who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!”
(Qur’an: Ahqaf: 46: 15)


“(May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations
of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance
with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”


All welcome to visit my web-blog:

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/
http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/
http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/
http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

54

[Slideshare]tazdzkirah ramadhan-2012- #part 3 - seeking goodending in all affairs - (12-august-2012)

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