Infak Sahabat Nabi

Begitu Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam tiba di kota Madinah, unta beliau menderum di kebun milik dua orang anak dari kalangan sahabat beliau. Maka, tempat itulah yang dijadikan sebagai areal masjid. Kedua anak tersebut lebih memilih menghibahkan tanah itu kepada Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

Di dalam hadis tentang peristiwa hijrah yang panjang disebutkan, “Lalu, beliau mengendarai binatang tunggangannya dengan diiringi orang-orang. Sampai akhirnya, binatang tersebut menderum di lokasi (calon) masjid Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam di Madinah. Di tempat itu, hari itu juga beliau mendirikan shalat bersama kaum muslimin. Lokasi tersebut adalah kebun kurma milik Suhail dan Sahl, dua orang anak yatim yang berada di bawah asuhan As’ad bin Zurarah. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda ketika binatang tunggangannya menderum di tempat tersebut, ‘Tempat ini, insya Allah, akan menjadi tempat tinggal (saya).’ Kemudian, beliau memanggil dua orang anak pemilik tanah tersebut dan menawar tanah mereka untuk dijadikan masjid. Keduanya berkata, ‘Tidak, bahkan kami menghibahkannya untukmu, wahai Rasulullah.’ Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam enggan untuk menerimanya sebagai hibah, hingga beliau membelinya dari keduanya ….” (H.r. Bukhari, no. 3906)

Lihatlah, salah seorang dari kaum muda sahabat. Ketika ia menerima warisan dari ibunya berupa sejumlah harta yang menyenangkan jiwa, ia bertanya kepada Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam tentang sedekah yang mesti ia keluarkan. Diriwayatkan dari Uqbah bin Amir, ia berkata, “Seorang anak datang kepada Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam –menurut riwayat lain, “Seorang bertanya kepada Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam–, ‘Wahai Rasulullah, ibuku telah meninggal dan meninggalkan perhiasan. Apakah aku boleh menyedekahkannya atas nama ibuku?’ Beliau bertanya, ‘Ibumu menyuruhmu untuk melakukannya?’ Ia berkata, ‘Tidak.’ Beliau bersabda, ‘Tahanlah kalung ibumu itu.’”

Ubaidillah bin Abbas terkenal sebagai seorang dermawan. Ibnu Sa’ad berkata, “Abdullah dan Ubaidillah, dua orang putra Abbas. Jika keduanya datang ke kota Mekah maka Abdullah menyebarkan ilmu ke segenap penduduknya, sedang Ubaidillah membagi-bagikan makanan untuk mereka. Ubaidillah adalah seorang pedagang.”

Pada perisitiwa perang Khandaq, di saat penderitaan kaum muslimin menjadi-jadi, Jabir merasa sedih melihat kondisi yang menimpa Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Ia memiliki kisah kepahlawanan tersendiri yang ia tuturkan sendiri, “Pada hari-hari pertempuran Khandaq, kami menggali parit. Ada sebongkah batu keras yang menghalang. Orang-orang datang menemui Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam seraya berkata, ‘Ada batu keras yang melintang di parit.’ Beliau bersabda, ‘Aku yang akan turun (tangan).’ Lalu, beliau berdiri, sedangkan ketika itu ada batu yang terikat di perut beliau. Kami melewati tiga hari tanpa menyantap makanan. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam mengambil godam dan memukulkannya (ke batu), hingga batu itu hancur menjadi pasir berhamburan. Aku berkata, ‘Wahai Rasulullah, izinkan aku kembali pulang ke rumah.’ Aku berkata kepada istriku, ‘Aku melihat pada diri Rasulullah sebuah kesabaran. Apakah kamu ada sedikit makanan?’ Istriku menjawab, ‘Aku punya gandum dan seekor anak kambing.’ Aku pun menyembelih kambing dan menumbuk gandum. Lalu, aku masukkan daging ke dalam periuk.

Aku datang menemui Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam ketika adonan telah melunak dan daging dalam wadah di atas tungku hampir matang. Aku berkata, ‘Aku mempunyai sedikit makanan, silakan Anda datang bersama satu atau dua orang ke rumahku.’ Beliau bertanya, ‘Seberapa banyak makanan itu?’ Aku beritahukan jumlahnya. Beliau bersabda, ‘Makanan yang banyak dan baik.’ Beliau melanjutkan, ‘Katakan kepada istrimu untuk tidak mengangkat pembakaran dan adonan roti dari perapian hingga aku datang.’ Beliau berkata kepada para sahabatnya, ‘Bangkitlah kalian!’ Maka, segenap kaum Muhajirin dan Anshar bangkit berdiri.” Ketika Jabir masuk menemui istrinya, ia berkata, “Rasulullah akan datang bersama kaum Muhajirin dan Anshar serta orang-orang yang ada bersama mereka.” Istrinya bertanya, “Apakah beliau menanyakan sesuatu kepadamu?” Jabir menjawab, “Ya.” Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda, “Masuklah kalian dan jangan berdesak-desakan.”

Beliau mulai memotong-motong roti dan menaruh daging di atasnya, lalu menutup periuk dan perapian bila mengambil (daging atau roti) darinya. Lalu, beliau mendekatkannya kepada para sahabatnya dan mengambilkannya. Beliau terus memotong-motong roti hingga semua orang kekenyangan, dan ternyata makanan itu masih tersisa.” Jabir berkata kepada istrinya, “Makanlah ini dan hadiahkanlah, sungguh orang-orang sedang ditimpa kelaparan.” (H.r. Bukhari, no. 4101; Muslim, no. 2039)

Barangkali, generasi muda saat ini tidak memahami nilai harta bagi keluarga mereka sebab mereka masih hidup di bawah tanggungan biaya keluarga. Adapun mereka, generasi muda sahabat, sangat dermawan menginfakkan harta meskipun hanya sedikit yang mereka miiki. Bahkan, sebagian di antara mereka ada yang rela melewati malam dalam kondisi lapar. Bahan, makanan untuk diri dan keluarganya ia infakkan di jalan Allah.

Alangkah bagusnya bila generasi muda melatih dirinya berinfak dan berderma. Yang menjadi tolak ukur bukan besaran harta yang diinfakkan, melainkan niat tulus yang dengannya mereka mendermakan sedikit harta yang dimiliki. Jumlah yang sedikit ini teramat besar di sisi Allah. Dia tidak akan menyia-nyiakan pahala orang-orang yang berbuat baik.

Begitulah perilaku yang diajarkan Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam kepada para sahabatnya, yakni ketika beliau bersabda,

مَامِنْكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍإِ لاَّوَسَيُكَلِّمُهُ الله يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ لَيْسَ بَيْنَ الله ِوَبَيْنَهُ تُرْ جُمَا نٍّ,ثُمَّ يَنْظُرُ فَلاَ يَرَ ى شَيْأَ قُدَّا مَهُ,ثُمَّ يَنْظُرُ بَيْن يَدَ يْهِ فَتَسْتَقْيِلُهُ النَّا رُ,فَمَنْ اسْتَطَا عَ مِنْكُمْ أَنْ يَتَّقِيَ النَّارَ وَلَوْ يِشِقِّ تَمْرَةٍ

“Tidak seorang pun di antara kalian kecuali dia akan diajak bicara oleh Allah pada hari kiamat. Tidak ada penerjemah antara dirinya dengan Allah. Kemudian ia melihat ternyata tidak ada sesuatu pun yang ia persembahkan. Selanjutnya, ia menatap ke depan ternyata neraka telah menghadangnya. Oleh karena itu, barang siapa di antara kalian yang bisa menjaga diri dari neraka, meski hanya dengan (memberikan) sebelah kurma (maka lakukanlah).”

Menurut riwayat yang lain, “Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam menyebutkan perihal neraka. Lalu beliau memohon perlindungan darinya dan memalingkan wajah beliau. Beliau kembali menyebutkan perihal neraka, lalu memohon perlindungan darinya dan memalingkan wajah. Syu’bah berkata, ‘Untuk dua kali tindakan yang beliau lakukan, aku tidak meragukannya.’ Kemudian beliau bersabda, Jagalah diri kalian dari neraka meski hanya dengan (menginfakkan) sebelah kurma. Biarpun yang tidak mendapatkannya, maka hendaknya ia mengucapkan kata-kata yang baik’.”

Sumber: Biografi Generasi Muda Sahabat Nabi shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, Muhammad bin Abdullah ad-Duwaisy, Zam-Zam, Cetakan 1, 2009.

Disertai penyuntingan oleh redaksi www.KisahMuslim.com

Koleksi Wallpaper dan Kartu Ucapan Bulan Ramadhan

http://ebsoft.web.id/2011/08/23/koleksi-wallpaper-dan-kartu-ucapan-bulan-ramadhan/

Sebelumnya saya (http://ebsoft.web.id) pernah menampilkan koleksi wallpaper alam serta indahnya benih tumbuhan. Kini untuk melengkapi koleksi wallpaper kita, terutama untuk umat muslim di bulan Ramadhan ini, berikut koleksi berbagai wallpaper Ramadhan (Ramadhan Mubarak) dan juga Kartu ucapan Ramadhan yang banyak beredar di Internet.

Wallpaper dan gambar berasal dari berbagai sumber di internet (tertera dari namanya atau identitas di dalam gambarnya langsung), serta tersedia beberapa ukuran, baik untuk layar widescreen atau square screen, seperti 1280×1024, 1280×800, 1600×1200, 1024×768 dan lainnya. Berikut beberapa contoh wallpaper tersedia dengan berbagai ukuran (sumber Hongkiat )








Download dalam satu paket : Ramadhan_mubarak.zip (9.5 MB)
Berikut adalah koleksi wallpaper dan kartu ucapan atau e-card ramadhan (Ramadhan Mubarak Wallpaper Pack ). Tersedia berbagai ukuran (1024×768, 1280×1024, 1440×900, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200) :

Alternatif Download satu paket : Ramadan_Wallpaper_Pack_by_rizviGrafiks.rar ( 9.2 MB)
Wallpaper Ramadhan untuk layar monitor square, CRT:







Download satu paket wallpaper : ramadhan_wallpaper_square.zip ( 3.5 MB)
Wallpaper Ramadhan untuk layar widescreen :








Download satu paket : ramadhan_wallpaper_widescreen.zip ( 2 MB)

Nasehat Terindah Untuk Saudaraku

Umar bin Abdul Aziz رحمه الله berkata kepada salah seorang pendampingnya, “Wahai Fulan, Aku tadi malam tidak bisa tidur karena merenungkan sesuatu.” Dia berkata, “Apa yang sedang Engkau renungkan, wahai Amirul Mukmmin?” Beliau menjawab, “Aku sedang merenungkan kuburan dan penghuninya. Jika kamu menyaksikan mayat pada hari ketiganya di dalam kubur, niscaya kamu akan mendapatkan suatu bentuk sangat mengerikan walaupun sebelum mati dia sangat menawan hati. Kamu menyaksikan suatu hunian penuh dengan binatang binatang yang menyeramkan, badan yang mulai mengembung dan bernanah yang dibuat santapan cacing tanah, sedang tubuh mulai membusuk, kain kafan mulai hancur, sementara dahulu di dunia penampilannya sangat menawan, aroma tubuhnya sangat semerbak wangi dengan parfum dan pakaiannya sangat bersih dan indah.” Setelah itu beliau tersungkur pingsan.” (Lihat Kitab Majmu Rasail Ibnu Rajab, Risalah Ahwalul Qubur, hal. 290)

“Bermegah-megahan telah melalaikan kamu,sampai kamu masuk ke dalam kubur.Janganlah begitu, kelak kamu akan mengetahui (akibat perbuatanmu itu),…” (QS. At-Takaatsur 1-3)

Belajar sepanjang hayat

http://uniramliberislam.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/belajar-sepanjang-hayat/

 

Setiap pagi saya mengikuti pengajian shorogan di masjid Payung Asri. Kegiatan ini mengingatkan saya pada kegiatan shorogan yang pernah saya lakukan di Nagoya. Kelompok shorogan kami berlangsung dari rumah ke rumah.Setelah beberapa bulan berjalan, saya terpaksa harus menghentikannya karena tanah air memanggil.

Shorogan adalah mengartikan ayat Al-Quran per kata. Metode ini dipakai di pesantren di Indonesia. Semasa menjadi santri dulu, setiap subuh kami diharuskan melakukannya hingga lama-lama hafallah kami dengan makna kata per katanya. Berbekal ilmu di pesantren inilah, saya pernah diminta mengajari shorogan ibu-ibu berusia lanjut di Bogor, ibu-ibu muda, dan juga para mahasiswa. Alhamdulillah Allah mengekalkan ingatan terhadap makna ayat-ayat Al-Quran sehingga dapat menyebarkan kebagusan dan keindahan artinya.

Sejak kembali dari Jepang, saya belum pernah bertemu dengan majlis shorogan hingga saya dapati ibu-ibu berumur lanjut berkumpul setiap shubuh di masjid kami. Dari pembicaraan seorang Ibu, saya ketahui majlis shorogan sudah dimulai sejak setahun yang lalu. Ayat-ayat yang dibaca pun sama. Tetapi semakin banyak belajar, semakin banyak pula yang lupa.

Allah mengangkat kemampuan mengingat manusia pelan-pelan sejalan dengan bertambahnya usia. Seumuran saya, semestinya semakin melemah daya hafalan, tetapi alhamdulillah berkat pembelajaran dan didikan di pesantren dulu, saya masih ingat beberapa kata dalam Al-Quran.

Ibu-ibu yang saya temui pagi ini mengeluh karena mereka tidak hafal-hafal dan banyak lupa. Berulang kali ustadz mengingatkan bahwa ini sudah pernah kita bahas, ini sudah muncul di awal ayat, dll. Namun, ibu-ibu tetap kesulitan mengingat.

Saya usulkan agar ibu-ibu diberi kesempatan membacanya satu per satu. Dengan membaca sendiri, saya kira akan cukup ampuh untuk membantu mereka mengingatnya pelan-pelan daripada metode membaca bersama-sama.

Manusia bersiklus sebagaimana makhluk lainnya. Dari bayi yang tidak bisa apa-apa berkembang menjadi anak-anak dengan kemampuan mengingat sangat baik, lalu tumbuh menjadi remaja yang daya ingatnya lebih baik, dan setelah menjadi dewasa, daya ingatnya berkurang. Lalu ketika dia menjadi tua, ingatannya kembali seperti bayi.

Namun Allah tidak menciptakan manusia seperti itu semuanya. Ada beberapa hambaNya yang dianugerahi ingatan yang baik sekalipun telah memasuki masa uzur. Beberapa orang responden penelitian saya berusia di atas 75 tahun, tetapi subahanallah, mereka masih diberi daya ingat yang baik. Sekalipun Allah mulai mengaburkan penglihatannya dan sedikit mengurangi pendengarannya. Mereka juga adalah orang-orang yang menjadikan membaca sebagai kegiatan rutinnya.

Namun, alangkah mirisnya karena majlis shorogan kami hanya dihadiri orang-orang tua. Anak-anak muda tak tertarik dengannya kecuali jika dia memang tinggal di pesantren. Padahal sekali orang mempelajari Al-Quran dan bisa memahami sedikit artinya, maka Allah akan mengikatkan hatinya dengan Al-Quran.

Lalu ke mana perginya orang-orang muda di kala pagi?

Mereka harus berburu dengan waktu untuk memulai aktivitas dunia di pagi hari.

Renungan hari kelimabelas…

BEBERAPA KEKELIRUAN KAUM MUSLIMIN SEPUTAR LAILATUL QADAR

Oleh
Syaikh Masyhur Hasan Alu Salman

kekeliruan...

Berikut ini, kami ketengahkan sebuah karya tulis perihal beberapa kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh sebagian kaum muslimin berkaitan dengan Lailatul Qadar. Makalah yang ditulis oleh Syaikh Masyhur bin Hasan, kami terjemahkan dari Al-Ashalah, Edisi 3/15 Sya’ban 1413 H halaman 76-78. Semoga bermanfaat dan sebagai peringatan bagi kami serta segenap kaum muslimin. (Redaksi).

Kesalahan-kesalahan dan pelanggaranpelanggaran yang dilakukan oleh beberapa kaum muslimin dalam masalah puasa dan shalat tarawih sangat banyak; baik dalam masalah keyakinan, hukum atau perbuatan. Sebagian mengira, bahkan meyakini beberapa masalah yang bukan dari Islam, sebagai rukun Islam. Mereka mengambil sesuatu yang rendah (dalam urusan puasa dan lainnya), sebagai pengganti yang lebih baik, karena mengikuti orang-orang Yahudi. Padahal Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam telah melarang menyerupai mereka. Bahkan beliau menekankan serta menegaskan, agar (kaum Muslimin) menyelisihi mereka.

Diantara kesalahan ini, ada yang khusus berkaitan dengan lailatul qadar. Kesalahan ini kami bagi menjadi dua bagian.

Pertama : Salah Dalam Berpandangan Dan Berkeyakinan.
Diantaranya:
1. Keyakinan sebagian orang, bahwa lailatul qadar itu memiliki beberapa tanda yang dapat diraih oleh sebagian orang. Lalu orang-orang ini merangkai cerita-cerita khurafat dan khayal. Mereka mengaku melihat cahaya dari langit, atau mereka dibukakan pintu langit dan lain sebagainya.

Semoga Allah merahmati Ibnu Hajar, ketika beliau rahimahullah menyebutkan dalam Fathul Bari 4/266, bahwa hikmah disembunyikannya lailatul qadar, ialah agar timbul kesungguh-sungguhan dalam mencarinya. Berbeda jika malam qadar tersebut ditentukan, maka kesungguhansungguhan hanya sebatas pada malam tertentu itu.

Kemudian Ibnu Hajar menukil riwayat dari Ath-Thabari rahimahullah, bahwa beliau rahimahullah memilih pendapat (yang menyatakan, pent.), semua tanda itu tidaklah harus terjadi. Dan diraihnya lailatul qadar itu tidak disyaratkan harus dengan melihat atau mendengar sesuatu.

Ath Thabari lalu mengatakan,”Dalam hal dirahasiakannya lailatul qadar, terdapat bukti kebohongan orang yang beranggapan, bahwa pada malam itu akan ada hal-hal yang dapat terlihat mata, apa yang tidak dapat terlihat pada seluruh malam yang lain. Jika pernyataan itu benar, tentu lailatul qadar itu akan tampak bagi setiap orang yang menghidupkan malam-malam selama setahun, utamanya malam-malam Ramadhan.”

2. Perkataan sebagian orang, bahwa lailatul qadar itu sudah diangkat (sudah tidak ada lagi, pent). Al Mutawalli, seorang tokoh madzhab Syafi’i dalam kitab At Tatimmah telah menceritakan, bahwa pernyataan itu berasal dari kaum Rafidhah (Syi’ah). Sementara Al Fakihani dalam Syarhul Umdah telah menceritakan, bahwasanya berasal dari madzhab Hanafiyah.

Demikian ini merupakan gambaran rusak dan kesalahan buruk, yang dilandasi oleh pemahaman keliru terhadap sabda Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam ketika ada dua orang yang saling mengutuk pada lailatul qadar,

أِنَّّها رُفِعتْ

“Sesungguhnya lailatul qadar itu sudah terangkat”

Pendalilan (kesimpulan) ini terbantah dari dua segi.

a. Para ulama mengatakan, yang dimaksud dengan kata “terangkat”, yaitu terangkat dari hatiku, sehingga aku lupa waktu pastinya; karena sibuk dengan dua orang yang bertengkar ini.

Dikatakan juga (maksud kata terangkat, pent.), yaitu terangkat barakahnya pada tahun itu. Dan maksudnya, bukanlah lailatul qadar itu diangkat sama sekali. Hal itu ditunjukkan oleh hadits yang dikeluarkan Imam Abdur Razaq rahimahullah dalam Mushannaf-nya 4/252, dari Abdullah bin Yahnus, dia berkata,”Aku berkata kepada Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu ‘anhu,‘Mereka menyangka, bahwa lailatul qadar itu sudah diangkat’,” Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu ‘anhu berkata, “Orang yang mengatakan hal itu telah berbuat bohong.”

b. Keumuman hadits yang mengandung dorongan untuk menghidupkan malam qadar dan penjelasan tentang keutamaannya.

Seperti hadits yang dikeluarkan oleh Imam Bukhari rahimahullah dan lainnya, Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam bersabda,

مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَة القَدرِ أِعيمَا نًا واحتسَابًا غُفِرَلَهُ مَا تَقَدَّّّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبهِ

“Barangsiapa yang shalat pada lailatul qadar karena iman dan karena mengharapkan pahala, maka dia diampuni dosanya yang telah lewat”.

Imam Nawawi rahimahullah mengatakan,”Ketahuilah,bahwa lailatul qadar itu ada. Dan lailalatul qadar itu terlihat. Dapat dibuktikan oleh siapapun yang dikehendaki dari keturunan Adam, (pada) setiap tahun di bulan Ramadhan, sebagaimana telah jelas melalui hadits-hadits ini, dan melalui beritaberita dari orang shalih tentang lailatul qadar. Penglihatan orang-orang shalih tersebut tentang lailatul qadar tidak bisa dihitung.”

Saya (Syaikh Masyhur) mengatakan: Ya, kemungkinan diketahuinya lailatul qadar itu ada. Banyak tanda-tanda yang telah diberitahukan oleh Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, bahwa lailatul qadar itu, adalah satu malam diantara malam-malam Ramadhan. Dan mungkin, demikian ini maksud perkataan Aisyah radhiyallahu a’nha pada hadits yang diriwayatkan oleh Imam Tirmidzi, dan beliau menshahihkannya,

قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّّهِ أَرَأَيْت أِنْ عَلِمْتُ أَيَّّ لَيْلةُ الْقَدْر مَا أَقُو لُ فِيهَا

“Aku Katakan,”Wahai Rasulullah, jika aku mengetahui (adanya) malam itu (sebagai) lailatul qadar, apa yang kuucapkan pada malam itu?”

Dalam hadits ini -sebagaimana dikatakan Imam Syaukani rahimahullah dalam Nailul Authar 3/303 terdapat bukti, kemungkinan lailatul qadar dapat diketahui dan (juga bukti, pent.) tentang tetap adanya malam itu.”

Az Zurqani rahimahullah mengatakan dalam syarah Muwaththa’ 2/491, “Barangsiapa yang menyangka, bahwa makna –yang terdapat pada hadits di atas, (yaitu) lailatul qadar sudah diangkat- yakni sudah tidak ada lagi, maka dia keliru. Kalau seandainya benar seperti itu, tentulah kaum muslimin tidak diperintahkan untuk mencarinya. Hal ini dikuatkan oleh kelanjutan hadits,

عَسَى أَنْ يَكُوْنَ خَيْرًا لَكمْ

“Semoga (dirahasiakannya waktu lailatul qadar itu, pent.) [1] menjadi lebih baik bagi kalian”.

Karena dirahasiakannya waktu lailatul qadar itu, menyebabkan orang tertuntut untuk melaksanakan qiyamul lail selama satu bulan penuh. Hal ini berbeda jika pengetahuan tentang waktunya dapat diketahui secara jelas”.

Kesimpulannya, lailatul qadar tetap ada sampai hari kiamat. Sekalipun penentuan tepatnya kejadian tersebut dirahasiakan, dalam arti, tetap tidak dapat menghilangkan kesamaran dan ketidakjelasan tentang waktunya.

Meskipun pendapat yang rajih (terkuat), bahwa lailatul qadar ada pada sepuluh malam terakhir bulan Ramadhan dan dalil-dalil menguatkan, bahwasanya dia adalah malam duapuluh tujuh, akan tetapi memastikannya dengan cara yang yakin merupakan perkara sulit. Allahu a’lam.

Kedua : Kesalahan-Kesalahan Dalam Amal Perbuatan Dan Tingkah Laku.
Kesalahan-kesalahan yang dilakukan manusia pada lailatul qadar itu banyak sekali. Hampir tidak ada yang bisa selamat, kecuali yang dipelihara Allah.
Diantaranya,

1. Mencari dan menyelidiki keberadaannya dan tersibukkan dengan mengintai tanda-tanda lailatul qadar, sehingga lalai beribadah ataupun berbuat taat pada malam itu.

Betapa banyak orang-orang yang shalat, kita lihat diantara mereka lupa membaca Al Qur’an, dzikr dan lupa mencari ilmu karena urusan ini. Engkau dapati salah seorang diantara mereka –menjelang terbitnya matahari memperhatikan matahari untuk mengetahui, apakah sinar matahari ini terik ataukah tidak? Mestinya, orang-orang ini memperhatikan pesan yang terdapat pada sabda Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

عَسَى أَنْ يَكُوْنَ خَيْرًا لَكمْ

“Semoga (dirahasiakannya waktu lailatul qadar itu, pent.) menjadi lebih baik bagi kalian”.

Dalam hadits ini terdapat isyarat, bahwa malam itu tidak ditentukan. Para ahli ilmu menarik kesimpulan dari sabda Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, bahwa dirahasiakannya waktu lailatul qadar itu lebih baik. Mereka mengatakan, “Hikmah dalam hal itu, agar seorang hamba bersungguh-sungguh dan memperbanyak amal pada tiap-tiap malam dengan harapan agar bertepatan dengan lailatul qadar. Berbeda jika lailatul qadar itu (telah) ditentukan. Maka, sungguh amal itu hanya akan diperbanyak (pada) satu malam saja, sehingga ia luput dari beribadah pada malam lainnya, atau berkurang. Bahkan sebagian ahli ilmu mengambil satu faidah dari sabda Nabi Shallallalhu ‘alaihi wa sallam tersebut, bahwa sebaiknya orang yang mengetahui lailatul qadar itu menyembunyikannya -berdasarkan dalil- bahwa Allah Azza wa Jalla telah mentaqdirkan kepada NabiNya Shallallahu ‘alaihi was allam untuk tidak memberitakan ketepatan waktunya. Sedangkan semua kebaikan ada pada apa yang telah ditaqdirkan bagi Nabi Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Maka, merupakan sunnah untuk mengikuti beliau dalam hal ini.

Dari uraian di atas, dapat diketahui kekeliruan orang-orang dalam giatnya mereka shalat secara khusus, atau beribadah secara umum pada malam ke duapuluh tujuh, dengan memastikan atau seakan memastikan, bahwa malam itu adalah lailatul qadar, kemudian meninggalkan shalat dan tidak bersungguhsungguh berbuat taat pada malam-malam lainnya.

Persangkaannya, bahwa mereka hanya akan mendapatkan ganjaran ibadah lebih dari seribu bulan ketika menghidupkan malam ini (malam duapuluh tujuh, pent.) saja.

Kekeliruan ini membuat banyak orang melampaui batas dalam berbuat taat pada malam ini. Anda bisa lihat, diantara mereka ada yang tidak tidur, bahkan tidak henti-hentinya shalat dengan memaksakan diri tanpa tidur. Bahkan mungkin ada sebagian yang shalat, lalu memperlama shalatnya, sementara dia berjuang keras melawan kantuknya. Dan sungguh, kami pernah melihat diantara mereka ada yang tidur dalam sujud.

Dalam hal ini, satu sisi merupakan pelanggaran terhadap petunjuk Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi wasalam yang melarang kita melakukan hal itu. Pada sisi lainnya, itu merupakan beban dan belenggu yang telah dihilangkan dari kita -berkat karunia dan nikmatNya Azza wa Jalla .

2. Diantara kesalahan sebagian kaum muslimin pada malam ini, yaitu sibuk mengatur acara, menyampaikan ceramah. Sebagian lagi sibuk dengan nasyid-nasyid dan nyanyian puji-pujian, sehingga lalai berbuatan taat. Anda bisa saksikan, ada orang yang begitu bersemangat, berkeliling ke masjid-masjid dengan menyampaikan berita terkini, serta bagaimana upaya pemecahannya. Itu dilakukan hingga menyebabkan pemanfaatan malam itu keluar dari apa yang dimaksudkan syari’at.

3. Diantara kekeliaruan mereka juga, yaitu mengkhususkan sebagian ibadah pada malam itu seperti shalat khusus lailatul qadar.
Sebagian lagi senantiasa mengerjakan shalat Tasbih secara berjama’ah tanpa hujjah. Sebagian lagi -pada malam ini- melaksanakan shalat hifzhul Qur’an, padahal tidak ada dasarnya.

Pelanggaran-pelanggaran dan kekeliruan yang berkaitan dengan lailatul qadar –yang dilakukan banyak kaum muslimin- sangat beragam dan banyak sekali. Kalau kita kumpulkan dan kita selidiki, maka tentu pembicaraan ini menjadi panjang. Apa yang kami sampaikan disini, baru sebagian kecil saja. (Insya Allah) bermanfaat bagi penuntut ilmu, pendamba kebenaran dan pencari al haq.

[Disalin dari majalah As-Sunnah Edisi 05/Tahun V/1422/2001M. Penerbit Yayasan Lajnah Istiqomah Surakarta, Jl. Solo-Purwodadi Km.8 Selokaton Gondangrejo Solo 57183 Telp. 0271-7574821]
________
Footnote
[1]. Syarah shahih Muslim. Bab Fadlu Lailatul Qadar
sumber: www.almanhaj.or.id

"Key" to Paradise

http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=724

What Every Muslim Needs to Know - The 9 Conditions of "Shahadah"

Based on an Article entitled (The Conditions of "La illah illa-allah") taken from
AL-BASHEER magazine

The complete statement of the creed of the Muslim is: "Ash-shadu anna Laa elaha illa lah. Ash-shadu anna Muhammadar Rasoolulah." (I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger).

Every Muslim has been taught that the key to "Jennah" (Paradise) is the statement in Arabic: "Laa illaha illa allah." (There is none worthy of worship except Allah.) Yet too many Muslims simply rely upon this statement and believe that as long as they have made this statement, nothing will harm them. They think they will be granted Paradise because of this mere verbal statement of the Shahadah.

There is no question that the mere saying of the shahadah: "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger" is not sufficient for salvation. In fact, the munafiqeen (hypocrites) used to make this statement quite often yet Allah describes them as liars and says that they shall abide in the lowest abyss of the Hell-fire.

True scholars of Islam are quick to tell us that this testimony of faith is our "Muftah ul Jennah" (Key to Paradise). The famous follower Wahb ibn Munabbih was once asked;

"Isn't the statement of "La ilaha illa-allah" the key to Paradise?"

He answered;

"Yes! But every key has ridges. If you come with the key that has the right ridges, the door will open for you. Yet if you do not have the right ridges the door will not open for you."

Think about it. If you try to drive your car with the key to your house will it work?, Of course not. So, we see that the statement like a key, must meet certain conditions in order to work. In fact these conditions are what will determine who will benefit from the statement and who will not benefit from saying it, no matter how many times per day they say it. We must work hard to learn, understand and practice these conditions before we run out time and then it would be too late for our shahadah to help us at all. This article has value only if we use it to look at ourselves and make sure we are really meeting these conditions.

Then by Allah's Mercy, the doors to Jennah will open for us with our "muftah of Laa elaha illa allah".

"Nine Conditions of the Shahadah":

The Qur'an and the "Hadeeth" (teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him) are the ultimate sources for knowledge in Islam. We find contained in them the reality of the conditions necessary for the "shahadah" to work as a "muftah" to the "Jennah" for us. The number might be understood as seven, eight or even nine depending on how you would categorize them or combine them together. Regardless of how we would list them or divide them up, it still remains that we must understand and most important, apply these conditions of our shahadah if we are to enter the Jennah. We listed them here as "nine" in order to give more attention and detail to each and every aspect. However, the scholars who have listed them as seven or eight have not left anything out. They have merely combined several for easier comprehension and memorization.

The nine conditions of the shahadah are known as:

1- Knowledge

2- Certainty

3- Adherence

4 - Submission

5- Truth

6- Sincerity

7 - Love

8 - Denial

9 - Acceptance

1 - KNOWLEDGE: ('ilm)

That is, one must have the basic and general knowledge of what is meant by the shahadah. One must understand what the shahadah is affirming and what the shahadah is denying. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"So know that there is no God save Allah, and ask forgiveness for your sin." [Surah [Muhammad: 19, {فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ}, Transliteration: Faa'lam 'Annahu Lā 'Ilaaha 'Illaa Allaahu Wa Astaghfir Lidhanbika

Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

«Whoever dies knowing that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah shall enter Paradise» [Recorded in Sahih Muslim].

In fact, the shahadah itself is a testimony. When one testifies to something, one must know what it is that he is testifying concerns. Obviously, a testimony about something that one does not have any knowledge about is absolutely unacceptable. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"Except him who bears witness unto the truth knowingly" [Surah Al-Zukhruf: 86], Transliteration: 'Illaa Man Shahida Bil-Ĥaqqi Wa Hum Ya`lamūna, {إلَّا مَن شَهِدَ بِالْحَقِّ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ}.

Now this condition probably sounds obvious; if someone said to you, "There is no God except Allah," and then said that what he meant by Allah was Jesus, you would immediately tell him that this shahadah is nonsense. Yet can you imagine that there is a Muslim country in the world that until recently used to have a yearly weeklong celebration to "the Gods of the Sea"! All along they call themselves Muslims and they make the shahadah numerous times a day.

This clearly shows that they have no idea what the meaning of their shahadah is. Do you think that this kind of shahadah will open the doors to Paradise for them? Today, there are many Muslims who wonder why we should not accept secularism. They think that there is nothing wrong with secularism! Many of these Muslims pray five times a day and utter the shahadah repeatedly. Yet they see nothing wrong with accepting a Lawgiver other than Allah? What kind of shahadah are these people making?

All of us do our best to learn at least the basics of Islamic beliefs, the basics of what shahadah means. In this way, Allah willing, we will be making the correct shahadah. We will be witnessing to the truth as we are supposed to be witnesses to it.

2 - CERTAINTY (yaqeen):

This is the opposite of doubt and uncertainty. In Islam, in fact, any kind of doubt is equivalent to Kufr or disbelief. We must, in our hearts, be absolutely certain of the truth of the shahadah. Our hearts must not be wavering in any way when we testify to the truth of, "There is none worthy of worship except Allah." Allah describes the believers in the Qur'an as those who have belief in Allah and then their hearts waver not. Allah says,

"the (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere." [al-Hujjarat : 15], {إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَرْتَابُوا وَجَاهَدُوا بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الصَّادِقُونَ}, Transliteration: 'Innamā Al-Mu'uminūna Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Billāhi Wa Rasūlihi Thumma Lam Yartābū Wa Jāhadū Bi'amwālihim Wa 'Anfusihim Fī Sabīli Allāhi 'Ūlā'ika Humu Aş-Şādiqūna.

Similarly, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, «No one meets Allah with the testimony that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I am the Messenger of Allah, and he has no doubt about hat statement, except that he will enter Paradise» [Recorded by Muslim].

Indeed, Allah describes the hypocrites as those people whose hearts are wavering. For example, Allah says,

"They alone seek leave of thee (not to participate in jihad) who believe not in Allah and the Last Day and whose hearts feel doubt, so in their doubt they waver." [al-Tauba: 45], {إِنَّمَا يَسْتَأْذِنُكَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَارْتَابَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ فَهُمْ فِي رَيْبِهِمْ يَتَرَدَّدُونَ}, Transliteration: 'Innamā Yasta'dhinuka Al-Ladhīna Lā Yu'uminūna Billāhi Wa Al-Yawmi Al-'Ākhiri Wa Artābat Qulūbuhum Fahum Fī Raybihim Yataraddadūna.

Many scholars have stated that the diseases of the heart, or the doubt and suspicions that one allows into one's heart, are more dangerous for a person's faith than lusts and desires. This is because lusts and desires may be satisfied at some time yet the person still knows them to be wrong and he may control himself and repent and give up that evil deed. On the other hand, the doubts and suspicions may linger in the heart, with no cure, until the person finally leaves Islam entirely or continues to practice Islam while, in fact, in his heart he does not have the true faith. The greatest cure for these doubts is seeking knowledge. It is through sound knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunnah that most of these doubts will be removed.

3 - ACCEPTANCE (qabool):

If a person has knowledge of and certainty in the shahadah, this must be followed by acceptance, with the tongue and heart, of whatever that shahadah implies. Whoever refuses to accept the shahadah and its implications, even if he knows that it is true and certain about its truth, then he is a disbeliever. This refusal to accept is sometimes due to pride, envy or other reasons.

In any case, the shahadah is not a true shahadah without its unconditional acceptance. The scholars all talk about this condition as a general condition in the way that I have just stated. However, there is also a more detailed aspect that we must all be aware of. The believer accepts whatever the implications of the shahadah are. This also means that he believes in whatever is stated in the Qur'an or stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him), without any right to choose what he wants to believe and what he wants to reject. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"Do you believe in part of the book and reject part of it? And what is the reward of those who do so, except humiliation in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent to the most dreadful doom." [al-Baqarah: 85], {أفَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِبَعْضِ الْكِتَابِ وَتَكْفُرُونَ بِبَعْضٍ ۚ فَمَا جَزَاءُ مَن يَفْعَلُ ذَٰلِكَ مِنكُمْ إِلَّا خِزْيٌ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ أَشَدِّ الْعَذَابِ}, Transliteration: 'A Fatu'uminūna Biba`đi Al-Kitābi Wa Takfurūna Biba`đin Famā Jazā'u Man Yaf`alu Dhālika Minkum 'Illā Khizyun Fī Al-Ĥayāati Ad-Dunyā Wa Yawma Al-Qiyāmati Yuraddūna 'Ilá 'Ashaddi Al-`Adhābi.

This is one aspect that the Muslims must be aware of. Although it is not the same as the complete refusal to accept the truth, by rejecting part of the truth that has come from Allah, one also negates his testimony of faith. Unfortunately, many Muslims are doing this nowadays in various ways. Although not all of these forms may necessarily be considered apostasy, they are still very dangerous. For example, if they do not like what is stated in a verse in the Qur'an, they simply reinterpret the verse according to their liking. If they do not like what is stated in a hadeeth, they simply state that the hadeeth must not be authentic although they are not scholars in that area. This kind of behavior is the antithesis of the behavior of the true Muslims. Whatever comes from Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), the true Muslim believes in as the truth. This goes hand in hand with their testimony of faith.

4 - SUBMISSION and COMPLIANCE (Inqiyad):

This implies the actual physical enactment with our deeds of our shahadah. In fact, this is one of the main meanings of the word Islam itself, "the submission to the will and commands of Allah." This is what Allah commands in the Qur'an,

"Turn unto Him repentant, and surrender unto Him" [al-Zumar: 54], .

Allah has praised those who submit to His command by their actions. Allah says,

"Who is better in religion than he who surrenders his purpose to Allah while doing good" [[al-Nisa: 125, {وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ}, Transliteration: Wa Man 'Aĥsanu Dīnāan Mimman 'Aslama Wajhahu Lillāhi Wa Huwa Muĥsinun .

Actually, Allah has clearly made it a condition of faith that one submits to the command of Allah and His messenger. Allah says,

"But nay, by your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you [the Messenger of Allah] judge of what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike of which you decide, and submit with full submission" [al-Nisa: 65], {فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا}, Transliteration: Falā Wa Rabbika Lā Yu'uminūna Ĥattá Yuĥakkimūka Fīmā Shajara Baynahum Thumma Lā Yajidū Fī 'Anfusihim Ĥarajāan Mimmā Qađayta Wa Yusallimū Taslīmāan

Unfortunately, there are many that claim that there is no relationship between faith and deeds. You can even hear one Muslim saying about another, "That is the best Muslim I have ever met," yet the other person performs scarcely any of the deeds of Islam whatsoever. This incorrect understanding of faith has spread throughout the Muslim world. Indeed, our shahadah or testimony of faith must be implemented or realized in our hearts, tongues and actions. In our hearts, we must have love for Allah, fear Allah and hope in Him. With our tongues we must testify to the shahadah. And with our actions, we must implement what the testimony of faith requires from us.

Anyone who claims to be a Muslim and yet does no deeds, either does not understand Islam whatsoever or is bearing testimony against himself that his testimony of faith is not a true and correct testimony of faith. This does not mean that the true believer never commits a sin. Indeed, true believers do commit sins, but as long as they recognize that what they did is not correct and it is inconsistent with their obligation of submitting to Allah, then they have not violated the soundness of their testimony or shahadah. But do not forget they are still sinners. And what is the minimum of submission that is required from a person beyond whom there can be no claim to faith? For those scholars who say that the abandonment of prayers is infidelity, it is the five daily prayers. Whoever does not perform, at least, the five daily prayers have gone beyond the limit that is acceptable for lack of deeds. Allah knows best.

5 - TRUTHFULNESS (as-sidq),

as opposed to hypocrisy and dishonesty

This means that when we say the shahadah, we are saying it honestly. We actually mean it. We are not lying when it comes to our testimony of faith. The Prophet (peace be upon his) said, «No one bears testimony to there being no one worth of worship save Allah, sincerely from his heart, except that Allah makes the Hell-fire forbidden for him» [Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

We are all familiar with those who say the testimony of faith yet they are not saying it honestly. They do not believe in it but they are simply saying it in order to protect themselves or to get some gain from doing so; these are the hypocrites. Allah has described them in the opening of the Qur'an with the following words,

"And of mankind are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' when they believe not. They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves, but they perceive not. In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increases their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie" [al-Baqarah: 8-10], {يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَمَا يَخْدَعُونَ إِلَّا أَنفُسَهُمْ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ ﴿9﴾ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ}, Transliteration: Wa Mina An-Nāsi Man Yaqūlu 'Āmannā Billāhi Wa Bil-Yawmi Al-'Ākhiri Wa Mā Hum Bimu'uminīna, Yukhādi`ūna Allāha Wa Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Wa Mā Yakhda`ūna 'Illā 'Anfusahum Wa Mā Yash`urūna, Fī Qulūbihim Marađun Fazādahumu Allāhu Marađāan Wa Lahum `Adhābun 'Alīmun Bimā Kānū Yakdhibūna.

Obviously, the shahadah of those who become Muslims simply to benefit from being Muslim and not because they believe in Islam will be rejected by Allah in the Hereafter. They will face a painful punishment due to their lying.

6 - SINCERITY (or al-ikhlass):

That is, when we make the shahadah, we must do so solely for the sake of Allah. We must not do it for any other reason. And we must not do it for anyone else's sake. In this manner, the meaning of sincerity is opposite of Shirk or ascribing partners with Allah. We became and remain Muslims solely for Allah's sake. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"Worship Allah, making religion pure for him" [al-Zumar: 2], {فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ}, Transliteration: Fā`budi Allāha Mukhlişāan Lahu Ad-Dīna.

And Allah also says,

"And they are ordained not else than to serve Allah, keeping religion pure for Him, as men by nature upright and to establish worship and to pay the poor-due. That is true religion" [al-Bayinah: 5], {وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ}, Transliteration: Wa Mā 'Umirū 'Illā Liya`budū Allāha Mukhlişīna Lahu Ad-Dīna Ĥunafā'a Wa Yuqīmū Aş-Şalāata Wa Yu'utū Az-Zakāata Wa Dhalika Dīnu Al-Qayyimahi.

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) added, «Allah has forbidden for the Hell-fire anyone who says, 'There is no one worthy of worship except Allah,' and say so desiring the face [and pleasure] of Allah» [Recorded by Muslim].

This is something that we should all think about, especially those of us who grew up in Muslim families and were born Muslim. We should make it very clear to ourselves that we are Muslims only for the sake of Allah. We are not Muslims for the sake of our parents, friends, family or community. It must be clear in our minds that we are Muslims for the sake of Allah first, last and only. One of the signs that we are Muslims for the sake of Allah is that we do whatever Allah asks of us, regardless of what anybody else desires or wants from us. That is, in the same way that we are Muslims solely for the sake of Allah, all of our actions are done for the sake of Allah.

However, sometimes one begins to wonder whether some people meet this condition. Some people from the Muslim world practice Islam to the extent that it is pleasing to their families. If there is anything in Islam that their families do not like- although their families are Muslim and therefore they actually should like all of Islam- then they do not practice that aspect of Islam. One common example of that nature is mixing between men and women. Sometimes a brother, here in the U.S., will not mix with women and his wife will remain separate from the men. Yet, when they return to their homes, because this is not pleasing to their families who want to mix between men and women, they easily, simply and happily compromise their religion for the sake of their parents. These people must sincerely ask themselves why they are Muslims. Are they Muslims for the sake of their parents and therefore whatever their parents like they will do and whatever their parents do not like they won't do? Or are they Muslims for the sake of Allah and therefore whatever Allah dislikes they will not do and whatever Allah is pleased with they do?

7 - LOVE (mahabbah):

That is, the believer loves this shahadah, he loves in accordance with the shahadah, he loves the implications and requirements of the shahadah and he loves those who act and strive for the sake of this shahadah. This is a necessary condition of the shahadah. If a person makes the shahadah but does not love the shahadah and what it stands for, then, in fact, his faith is not complete. It is not the faith of a true believer. And if he loves something more that this shahadah or if he loves something more than Allah, then he has negated his shahadah. The true believer, the one meeting the conditions of the shahadah puts no one whatsoever as an equal to Allah in his love. Allah says in the Qur'an,

"Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is due to) Allah only. However, those who believe are stauncher in their love of Allah" [al-Baqarah: 165], {وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَندَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللَّهِ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّهِ}, Transliteration: Wa Mina An-Nāsi Man Yattakhidhu Min Dūni Allāhi 'Andādāan Yuĥibbūnahum Kaĥubbi Allāhi Wa Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū 'Ashaddu Ĥubbāan Lillāhi.

And elsewhere Allah says:

"Say: If your fathers, or your sons, or your brethren, or your wives, or your tribe, or the wealth you have acquired, or merchandise for which you fear that there will be no sale, or dwellings you desire are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah brings His command to pass. Allah guides not wrongdoing folk" [al-Tauba: 24], {قُلْ إِن كَانَ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَانُكُمْ وَأَزْوَاجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَالٌ اقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَارَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَجِهَادٍ فِي سَبِيلِهِ فَتَرَبَّصُوا حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ اللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ}, Transliteration: Qul 'In Kāna 'Ābā'uukum Wa 'Abnā'uukum Wa 'Ikhwānukum Wa 'Azwājukum Wa `Ashīratukum Wa 'Amwālun Aqtaraftumūhā Wa Tijāratun Takhshawna Kasādahā Wa Masākinu Tarđawnahā 'Aĥabba 'Ilaykum Mina Allāhi Wa Rasūlihi Wa Jihādin Fī Sabīlihi Fatarabbaşū Ĥattá Ya'tiya Allāhu Bi'amrihi Wa Allāhu Lā Yahdī Al-Qawma Al-Fāsiqīna.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever has three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith. [The first of these] is that he loves Allah and His Messenger more than he loves anyone else..."(Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.).

This is one of the most important aspects of Islam yet, for some reason, it is missing from the lives of many Muslims. They act in Islam as if Islam were a chore instead of doing things out of the love of Allah. When Allah orders us to do something, like bear witness to the faith, we should realize that that thing is pleasing to Allah and, therefore, out of our love for Allah, we should be very pleased to do the acts that are pleasing to Allah. But, as I said, this feeling is missing from many, many Muslims today.

8 - DENIAL OF FALSE WORSHIP

Although that is clear in the words of the testimony of faith, it does not seem clear to everyone who makes that testimony. Therefore, I am mentioning it explicitly here. In Surah al-Baqarah, Allah clearly reminds us of this important aspect of the shahadah, the shahadah is not merely an affirmation but it is both an affirmation and a negation. Allah states,

"And he who rejects false deities and believes in Allah has grasped a firm handhold which will never break" (al-Baqarah: 256).

Perhaps the Prophet (peace be upon him) made this point even clearer when he said, «Whoever says there is no one worthy of worship except Allah and denies whatever is worshipped besides Allah, then his wealth and blood are protected and his accounting will be with Allah» [Recorded by Muslim].

Although this condition should be obvious to everyone who says the words of shahadah, you can still find Muslims who say the shahadah and then make acts of worship for beings or things other than Allah. You will find them going to the graveyards and worshipping those in the graves. They will perform acts of worship, not for the sake of Allah, but for the sake of the dead "saints" in the grave. What kind of shahadah have these people made? Do you really think that their shahadah will mean anything on the Day of Judgment as long as they believe that acts of worship may be done for other than Allah?

9 - ADHERENCE (astaqeem) until death:

This is must if the shahadah is to mean anything for you in the Hereafter. You cannot rest on your laurels of what you may have done in the past. No, indeed, the shahadah must be your banner until your death. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, «A man spends a long time doing the deeds of the people of Paradise and then he ends his deeds with the deeds of the people of the Hell-fire. And a man spends a long time doing the deeds of the people of the Hell-fire and then he ends his deeds with the deeds of the people of Paradise» [Recorded by Muslim].

In another hadeeth, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

«By the One beside whom there is no other God, one of you does the actions of Paradise until there is just a hand span between him and Paradise and then the book [preordainment] overtakes him and he does the actions of the people of Hell and he enters into it» [Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

And Allah says in the Qur'an,

"O believers, observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not except as Muslims "O believers, observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not except as Muslims [in complete state of surrender, submission, obedience to Allah]" [in complete state of surrender, submission, obedience to Allah]" [al-Imran: 102], {يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ}, Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Attaqū Allāha Ĥaqqa Tuqātihi Wa Lā Tamūtunna 'Illā Wa 'Antum Muslimūna.

Dear brothers and sisters, these are the conditions of the shahadah. These are the aspects of the shahadah that each and every one of us should look deep down into our own hearts and ask ourselves:

"Is my shahadah meeting those requirements?"

"Am I saying it sincerely, honestly and out of love for Allah?"

"Am I saying it based on what it really means?"

"Am I denying all other false objects of worship?"

"Is there any part of my shahadah that is weak or missing?"

It is not enough to simply memorize these conditions and the answers to the questions as though we were on our way to class to take a "pop quiz." We might meet Muslims or even the teachers themselves, who have totally memorized these conditions and their meanings so much so that they can recite every detail. But if we look to the way they act and the way they treat others, we know that the conditions are not having the right effect on them. This is proof that no matter how much a person knows, it only matters how much they live up to it. In the Next Life their knowledge of these conditions of shahadah will not benefit them in the least if they have not put them into practice. Actually, their knowledge will be proof against them because they clearly knew the conditions, yet they were not willing to live up to them in this life.

As Muslims we need to ask ourselves right now, before we die and go in front of Allah for His Judgment. We need to consider our answers carefully to these questions. If we are weak in certain areas of these important questions, then we should work hard to remove that weakness. So that in the Next Life our shahadah will be our "Key to Paradise" and the gates of the Paradise will open wide for us and we will be able to live forever in Allah's Jennah with Him being please with us.

"O Allah, make us of those who learn, understand and apply the true meanings of the shahadah, ameen. Forgive us were we fall short or make mistakes, ameen. Bring us closer to You by Your Mercy and enter us into Your Jennah, ameen."

Al Hamdulilah Rabbil Alameen was salat was salam ala Rasool al kareem.

Original article taken from AL-BASHEER magazine
(Vol. 7, No.5 January-February, 1994).
islamtomorrow website

Shaikh al-’Uthaimeen advises new Muslims

AbdurRahman.org 

 

Someone asked Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saleh al-’Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah):

What is your advice for an individual who has just begun to practice Islam?

Answer by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saleh al-’Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah):
My advice to this new practicing individual is:

1- He should constantly ask Allaah to make him firm.

2 – He should increase in recitation of The Qur`an with contemplation. This is because recitation has a major (positive) effect on the heart, especially when coupled with contemplation and reflection.

3 – He should be diligent in being obedient to Allaah, and he should not become bored or lazy. This is because The Messenger (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sought refuge from inability and laziness.

4 – He should be diligent in befriending good companions, and distance himself from evil companions.

5 – He should also advise himself when he finds himself thinking: Time is extremely lengthy and the path is too long! At this point, he should advise himself and remain firm. This is because Jannah (paradise) is surrounded with trials and difficulties, while the The Hell-fire is surrounded with desires.

6 – He should distance himself from bad companions even if they (those companions) are individuals he knew in the past. This is due to the fact that evil/bad companions influence an individual. Because of this, the Messenger (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: The example of a bad companion is the example of a black smith; either he burns your clothing, or you experience from him a disgusting odor. (Bukhari: 5534, Muslim: 2628)

Source: Liqaa al Bab al Meftu 3/530, via http://salafee.multiply.com/

Food for Thought, not for Stomachs

It is reported that Abû Al-Dardâ` – Allâh be pleased with him – used to say, “Learn knowledge before it is taken way, and it is taken away by its people (scholars) being taken away. The scholar and the student are partners in good and there is no good in any other people. The richest of men is the knowledgeable man whose knowledge is needed: he benefits those who need him and if done without, he benefits himself with the knowledge Allâh ‘azza wa jalla has placed with him. So how is it I see your scholars dying yet the ignorant amongst you not learning? I fear that the predecessor will depart and the successor will not learn. If the scholar studies, he only increases in knowledge, and he does not take anything away from knowledge. And if the ignorant studies, he will find knowledge firm and established. So how is it that I see you full up with food, yet starved of knowledge?”
Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr, Jâmi’ Bayân Al-‘Ilm wa Fadlihi Vol. 2 p233.

Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/food-for-thought-not-for-stomachs/#ixzz1VW9COsqM

Semakin Banyak Anak Somalia Tewas di Kamp Pengungsi Ethiopia

 

PBB mengatakan rata-rata dari sepuluh anak Somalia di bawah usia lima tahun meninggal di kamp pengungsi Ethiopia Kobe setiap hari.
Badan pengungsi PBB (UNHCR) mengatakan Selasa kemarin (16/8) bahwa jumlah rata-rata kematian membentang kembali ke bulan Juni, yang berarti setidaknya 500 anak telah meninggal di kamp pengungsi dalam waktu kurang dari dua bulan, Reuters melaporkan.
Adrian Edwards, juru bicara kantor UNHCR, mengatakan bahwa kekurangan gizi merupakan penyebab utama kematian, menambahkan bahwa wabah campak juga meningkat tinggi.
Lebih dari 29.000 anak di bawah usia lima tahun mati kelaparan selama tiga bulan terakhir di Somalia selatan, laporan mengatakan.
Ron Redmond, juru bicara UNHCR di ibukota Nairobi Kenya, mengatakan orang tua dari keluarga yang tiba di Ethiopia tidak memiliki informasi tentang bagaimana merawat anak-anak mereka yang kekurangan gizi, sehingga hal ini menjadi alasan lain meningkatnya angka kematian.
"Para orang tua telah diberitahu bahwa mereka perlu untuk mempertahankan pemberian makanan tambahan kepada anak-anak mereka tetapi mereka tidak selalu melakukannya," kata Redmond
Kamp Kobe Ethiopia dibuka pada Juni lalu untuk para pengungsi yang kelaparan dan melarikan diri dari konflik Somalia, jumlahnya telah mencapai kapasitas 25.000 dalam satu bulan.(fq/prtv)

Ramadan bagi Non-Muslim di Arab Saudi

Sejumlah non-Muslim yang tinggal di Arab Saudi menyatakan, mereka ikut merasakan keindahan dan kebahagiaan bulan suci Ramadan, seperti yang dirasakan kaum Muslimin. Diantara mereka juga mengatakan, Ramadan menjadi kesempatan yang mereka untuk mempelajari agama Islam secara langsung dari negeri dimana Islam berasal.
Raju Phillips, ekspatriat nonmuslim yang bekerja di sebuah perusahaan konstruksi di Saudi mengatakan bahwa ia sekarang sedang rajin membaca terjemahan Al-Quran. "Ini (bulan Ramadan) kesempatan yang baik untuk belajar tentang Islam. Khususnya, karena saya mendapat waktu istirahat saat bekerja karena ada perubahan jam kerja selama bulan Ramadan," ujarnya.
Ekspatriat nonmuslim lainnya, Jedish Nair mengungkapkan bahwa ia sangat terpesona melihat suasana di bulan Ramadan dan berusaha belajar lebih banyak tentang Islam.
"Di tempat saya tinggal di India, tidak ada warga Muslimnya, jadi saya bahkan tidak pernah tahu tentang bulan Ramadan, sampai akhirnya saya datang ke Arab Saudi dan melihat kaum Muslimin berpuasa pada bulan Ramadan," ujar Nair.
"Mereka berpuasa dengan sempurna! Saya sendiri mencoba tidak makan dan minum saat waktu makan siang, hanya untuk ingin tahu bagaimana rasanya puasa. Teman-teman Muslim mengundang saya ke acara buka puasa bersama, acara meriah sekali," sambung Nair.
K.R. Jayachandran, ekpatriat nonmuslim yang bekerja sebagai konsultan pendidikan khusus mengatakan, pada bulan Ramadan ia mendengarkan ceramah agama dari para da'i di acara televisi. "Buat saya dan keluarga saya, Ramadan selalau menjadi pengalaman yang sangat bermanfaat. Saya melihatnay sebagai sebuah kesempatan yang baik untuk mengetahui lebih jauh tentang Islam. Banyak da'i yang muncul di televisi pada bulan Ramadan. Saya selalu mendengarkan ceramah mereka setelah salat magrib," ujarnya.
Sementara itu, ekspatriat muslim Mubeen Pervas selalu mengundang teman-temannya yang non-Muslim untuk ikut acara berbuka puasa bersama. Pervas ingin berbagi kebahagiaan dengan semua teman-temannya yang non-Muslim, serta membantu mereka menerima informasi yang benar tentang Islam.
"Saat berbuka puasa bersama, saya bisa sambil menjelaskan pada teman-teman non-Muslim tentang mengapa umat Islam harus berpuasa di bulan Ramadan dan bagaimana puasa bisa membantu kita untuk meningkatkan rasa empati pada kaum duafa," tandas Pervas. (kw/arabnews)

Are You Prepared for Death?

http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=article&id=454


Many people ask about life after death - this one came from S.W. He asks the question about "Preparing for Death":

"Dear Bridge to Faith:
I am trying to make a list of things to do before I die and would like some suggestions?
Could you please comment as to what Islam says about death?"
Thank You, S. W."

Answer from Sheik Yusuf Estes,
USA Chaplain (retired)

God Almighty is All Wise and Knower of All Things

It is quite interesting for me to receive a question about Islam's view on death from someone who is not of the Islamic faith. For those who are not familiar with the teachings of Islam, we should perhaps cover a few basics before attempting to answer this most honest and in depth question.

There is a small chapter at the end of the Holy Quran called "Al Asr" and it carries a very heavy meaning which can solve a lot of the problems with the dealings of life and death of the human being. Let us consider the plus or minus translation into the English language:
{By the passage of time*1, all of the humankind are in a state of great loss*2, except for those who come to the correct belief*3 and do the deeds of righteousness; and encourage and exhort one another to Truth*4 and encourage and exhort one another to steadfast patience}
{وَالْعَصْرِ (1) إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ (2) إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ}
Transliteration: Wa Al-`Aşri, 'Inna Al-'Insāna Lafī Khusrin, 'Illā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Wa `Amilū Aş-Şāliĥāti Wa Tawāşaw Bil-Ĥaqqi Wa Tawāşaw Biş-Şabri

1. Allah Almighty God, swears an oath of great consequence
2. Meaning "Hell" as a result of their dealings while on earth
3. Oneness of Allah (Tawheed or monotheism)
4. Here "Truth" means anything and everything pertaining to pure montheism (see: Islam)

From the above quoted portion of the Quran and verses related to it, the scholars of Islam have concluded the following:
A) All of us are born with a purpose to be fulfilled before death – Worship of the One True God, Alone and on His terms and conditions.
Note: Quran says: "I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me" [Adh-Dhairiat: 56].
{وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ} [الذاريات: 56].
Transliteration: Wa Mā Khalaqtu Al-Jinna Wa Al-'Insa 'Illā Liya`budūni

B) All of us will die and be in the grave.
Note: Quran says: "Every soul shall taste death" [Al-Ankabut].
{كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ} [العنكبوت: 57].
Transliteration: Kullu Nafsin Dhā'iqatu Al-Mawti

C) All of us (believers and non-believers) will be recreated (resurrected) on the Day of Judgment.
Note: Quran says: "Surely from Allah you came and to Him is your return."
And "Do they not think that they will be resurrected, on a Great Day? The Day when all mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?" [Al-Mutaffifin: 4-6].
{أَلَا يَظُنُّ أُولَئِكَ أَنَّهُم مَّبْعُوثُونَ (4) لِيَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ (5) يَوْمَ يَقُومُ النَّاسُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (6)} [المطففين: 4-6].
Transliteration: 'Alā Yažunnu 'Ūla'ika 'Annahum Mab`ūthūna, Liyawmin `Ažīmin, Yawma Yaqūmu An-Nāsu Lirabbi Al-`Ālamīna

D) Each person will receive his/her "Book of Record" (listing of all their deeds).
Note: Quran says: {يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ إِنَّكَ كَادِحٌ إِلَى رَبِّكَ كَدْحاً فَمُلَاقِيهِ (6) فَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ بِيَمِينِهِ (7) فَسَوْفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَاباً يَسِيراً (8) وَيَنقَلِبُ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ مَسْرُوراً (9) وَأَمَّا مَنْ أُوتِيَ كِتَابَهُ وَرَاء ظَهْرِهِ (10) فَسَوْفَ يَدْعُو ثُبُوراً (11) وَيَصْلَى سَعِيراً (12) إِنَّهُ كَانَ فِي أَهْلِهِ مَسْرُوراً (13) إِنَّهُ ظَنَّ أَن لَّن يَحُورَ}
Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-'Insānu 'Innaka Kādiĥun 'Ilá Rabbika Kadĥāan Famulāqīhi, Fa'ammā Man 'Ūtiya Kitābahu Biyamīnihi, Fasawfa Yuĥāsabu Ĥisābāan Yasīrāan, Wa Yanqalibu 'Ilá 'Ahlihi Masrūrāan, Wa 'Ammā Man 'Ūtiya Kitābahu Warā'a Žahrihi, Fasawfa Yad`ū Thubūrāa, Wa Yaşlá Sa`īrāan, 'Innahu Kāna Fī 'Ahlihi Masrūrāan, 'Innahu Žanna 'An Lan Yaĥūra

Translation: "O man! Verily, you are returning towards your Lord with your deeds and actions (good or bad), a sure returning, so you will meet (i.e. the results of your deeds which you did), Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, He surely will receive an easy reckoning, And will return to his family in joy!, But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, He will invoke (his) destruction, And shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste its burning. Verily, he was among his people in joy!, Verily, he thought that he would never come back (to Us)! [Al-Inshiqaq: 6-14].


E) Each person will be held accountable for what he/she has done.
Note: Quran says: {فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْراً يَرَهُ (7) وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرّاً يَرَهُ} [سورة الزلزلة: 7-8]
Transliteration: Faman Ya`mal Mithqāla Dharratin Khayrāan Yarahu, Wa Man Ya`mal Mithqāla Dharratin Sharrāan Yarahu
Translation: "Every person will see any good they have done, even an atom's weight. Every person will see any evil they have done, even an atom's weight" [Al-Zalzalah: 7-8].

F) None will take away the sins or punishment for another.
Note: Quran says: {لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللّهُ نَفْساً إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ}
Transliteration: Lā Yukallifu Allāhu Nafsāan 'Illā Wus`ahā
Translation: "Allah does not burden a person beyond his ability. He will be rewarded for that which he has earned, and punished for that which he has earned" [Al-Baqarah: 286].

G) None will make intercession with the Almighty except as He Wills.
Note: Quran says: {مَن ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ} [سورة البقرة: 255]
Transliteration: Man Dhā Al-Ladhī Yashfa`u `Indahu 'Illā Bi'idhnihi
Translation: "Who is there that could come between Allah and what He has created except that He give them permission?" [Al-Baqarah: 255].

H) The final destination of Heaven or Hell will be made known then.
Note: Quran says: {لَتَرَوُنَّ الْجَحِيمَ}
Transliteration: Latarawunna Al-Jaĥīma
Translation: "Verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)" [At-Takathur: 6].

I) None will enter the Paradise except by the Mercy of Allah.
Note: Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: «None shall enter the Jennah (Paradise) except with the Mercy of Allah» When asked by his companions: “Even you? O, prophet of Allah?” And He replied: «Even me»

J) None will enter the Fire except those who have earned it.
Note: Quran says: {فَأَنذَرْتُكُمْ نَاراً تَلَظَّى (14) لَا يَصْلَاهَا إِلَّا الْأَشْقَى}
Transliteration: Fa'andhartukum Nārāan Talažžá, Lā Yaşlāhā 'Illā Al-'Ashqá
Translation: "Therefore, I have warned you of a blazing Fire (Hell). None shall enter it except the most wrected." [Al-layl: 14-15].

Death is like a journey to a land from which there is no return. So before you die, be sure to pack three things to take along with you on the journey:
Proper identification (I.D.) [Book of Record of a Person's Life]
This covers two very important categories:
Faith (belief)
Actions (deeds)
They must both be correct to insure an easy transition into the Next Life and a proper place in the Paradise in the Hereafter.

Enough nourishment to last for Eternity

Sufficient garments or coverings

Let us begin with the Covenant of faith with the ONE TRUE GOD & Acts of worship to Him Alone without partners. This means anyone who comes to the understanding: "There is only One True God who is the only Creator, Sustainer and God of all that exists."
This can be understood as “Oneness of Monotheism”
It might be better understood by breaking it down into the following three categories:
1) “Oneness” of Lordship

2) “Oneness” of Worship

3) “Oneness” of Characteristics

Correct Beliefs
Three (3) Things Asked at Death:
Question
Only Acceptable Answer
1. Who is your Lord? [God Almighty]

2. What is your religion? [Submission to His Will]

3. Do you confirm His prophets? [Yes] From Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus & Mohamed

Immediately you will find those who will argue that this is not fair. After all, Muhammad, peace be upon him, was sent by Allah with the message of Islam only 1,400 years ago. So, what about all those who lived before him? And what of those who came afterwards and never heard of Allah, Islam and Muhammad, peace be upon him?

And the answer is quite simple. Islam is the only true religion brought by all of the prophets of Almighty God [Allah]. They all preached a message of total surrender to the One and Only True God of the Universe. If the person lived the life of "Surrender, Submission and Obedience to the Almighty, in Sincerity and Peace"; then they in fact, lived as a true Muslim without ever knowing the Arabic terms.
This means that all of the followers of all of the prophets of Almighty God from Adam to Moses to Jesus and Muhammad, peace be upon them all, will find that they will be supplied the correct answers to these questions when asked.

After the angel of death removes the soul from the body, the angels will carry the soul of the one who has died up to the heavens and when they come to Allah the Most High, He will reject any who are not in possession of the correct answers [mentioned above]. After the questioning the person will be then reunited with his or her own dead body and spend the remainder of time waiting for the Day of Judgment.

2) Nourishment: [Proper Deeds]
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught his followers:
"He is not a believer who goes to sleep at night with a full stomach while his neighbor's remains empty."
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:

Charity is a necessity for every Muslim
He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?"
The Prophet replied: «He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity»
The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?"
The Prophet said: «He should help the poor and needy»
The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?"
The Prophet said: «He should urge others to do good»
The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?"
The Prophet said: «He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity»

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: «Your body has 360 joins and each of them requires an act of charity every day» And, «Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity».

Acts of charity and kindness only for the sake of the Almighty. These good deeds will accompany the person throughout his or her life in the grave until the Day of Judgment. On the Day of Judgment they will all see their deeds clearly.

There are two angels who record all the actions and deeds of the individual from birth until death. The angel on the right records all of the good deeds while the angel on the left records all of the bad ones.
As soon as the person intends to do a good thing, a good deed is recorded for him/her.
After doing the good deed, ten full good deeds are recorded for the person (or 70 or 700 or as much as Allah Wills).
If a person encourages others to do a good deed, then a matching reward is recorded for the one calling to the good deed.

Another angel on the left, records all of the bad and evil deeds of the person as follows:
If the person intends to do a bad deed, but stops himself from it because he/she knows it is wrong, then a full good deed is recorded for them.
If the person intends an evil or bad deed but does not have the chance to commit it, then nothing is recorded either way.

If the person commits a bad deed, the angel on the left begins to record a bad deed in his/her “Book of Records”, but the angel on the right stops him and asks him to wait to see if the person might repent. After a while the angel on the left again begins to record the bad deed but again the angel on the right stops him with the same pleading. This continues for a while and if the person refuses to seek the forgiveness of The Almighty, then one full bad deed is recorded to his/her account.

At anytime that a person should commit a bad deed, he/she should immediately seek forgiveness from the Almighty and follow up the bad deed with a good one.

Additionally, when a person performs the obligatory prayers on time in accordance with the teachings of Islam, all the sins from the most recent prayer are forgiven.

When a person attends the Friday prayers according to the teachings of Islam, he/she is forgiven for all of the sins for the previous week since the last Friday service.

When a person makes the obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Zul Hijah on the Islamic calendar, all the sins since birth are forgiven and the record is wiped clean for a fresh start. All previous good deeds remain in place.

In the case of the one who comes to Islam from some other faith group, all of his/her sins are forgiven and wiped clean and all of the previous ones are held in place.

The person is as pure and innocent as a new-born baby but with the exception that all of the deeds previously committed whether bad or good are all purified to become mountains of good deeds for the new comer to Islam.

3) Garments: [Morals and Behavior]
He is not a believer who goes to sleep at night with a full stomach while his neighbor's remains empty
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that Allah said: "I declare war against the one who is hostile to My worshipping servant. My worshipper does not come closer to Me with anything more beloved to me than by doing what I have ordered him to do. My servant keeps coming closer to Me by performing extra acts of worship until I love him. Then I become his hearing; his sight; his grip; his step and if he asks anything of me, I will grant it, and if he seeks My Protection, I will protect him. And I do not dislike anything more than taking his soul, for he dislikes to die and I dislike to disappoint him." [Narrated by Abu Huraira in Bukhari].
«إن الله قال: من عادى لي وليا فقد آذنته بالحرب، وما تقرب إلي عبدي بشيء أحب إلي مما افترضت عليه، وما يزال عبدي يتقرب إلي بالنوافل حتى أحبه، فإذا أحببته: كنت سمعه الذي يسمع به، وبصره الذي يبصر به، ويده التي يبطش بها، ورجله التي يمشي بها، وإن سألني لأعطينه، ولئن استعاذني لأعيذنه، وما ترددت عن شيء أنا فاعله ترددي عن نفس المؤمن، يكره الموت وأنا أكره مساءته»

Forgiveness, Honesty, Respect & Fairness in dealings with others is the best covering. Teachings of Islam regarding the best of morals and behavior are vast and numerous in number. We will list only a few:

Let the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day either say good things or remain silent.
The tongue is one of many endowments Allah bestowed upon His slaves. The person who uses the tongue to comply with the orders of Allah, the teachings of the Qur'an, and the teachings of the Prophet may earn blessings in this world and the in Hereafter. However, the one who uses his tongue in disobedience does not display thankfulness to Allah and leads to his own destruction.
Certainly, being thankful to Allah means not using the endowments bestowed by Allah in what is forbidden.

«Whoever is a liar - is not from among us» [Narrated By Al-Bukhari].
«من غشنا فليس منا»
It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdur-Rahman b. Abu Bakra that his father said: We were in the company of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) that he observed: «Should I not inform you about the most grievous of the grave sins?» (The Holy Prophet) repeated it three times, and then said: «Associating anyone with Allah, disobedience to parents, false testimony or false utterance». The Holy Prophet was reclining, then he sat up, and he repeated it so many times that we wished that he should become silent. [Narrated By Al-Bukhari].

Your body has rights on you, so give your body its rights.
Together with a group of friends, his mother had gone inside this ancient House of God to inspect it. On that particular day it was open because of a festive occasion. She was pregnant and labor pains suddenly gripped her. She was unable to leave the Kabah. A leather mat was brought to her and she gave birth on it. History has recorded that he is the only person who was born inside the Kabah itself, Hakim ibn Hazm.

"Whoever says: «There is none to worship but Allah (sincerely), he will enter Paradise» [Corrected By Al-Albani].
«من قال: لا إله إلا الله مخلصا دخل الجنة»
On the authority of Anas, who said: I heard the messenger of Allah say: «Allah the Almighty has said: "O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as its»
[Corrected By Al-Albani, who said that it was a good and sound Hadith].
«قال الله تعالى: يا ابن آدم، إنك ما دعوتني ورجوتني غفرت لك على ما كان منك ولا أبالي، يا ابن آدم، لو بلغت ذنوبك عنان السماء ثم استغفرتني غفرت لك ولا أبالي، يا ابن آدم، لو أنك أتيتني بقراب الأرض خطايا ثم لقيتني لا تشرك بي شيئا لأتيتك بقرابها مغفرة

"Allah will not even look at the one (on the Day of Judgment) who does not honor his parents."
{وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُواْ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَاناً إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلاَهُمَا فَلاَ تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلاَ تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلاً كَرِيماً (23) وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيراً} [سورة الإسراء]
Transliteration: Wa Qađá Rabbuka 'Allā Ta`budū 'Illā 'Īyāhu Wa Bil-Wālidayni 'Iĥsānāan 'Immā Yablughanna `Indaka Al- Kibara 'Aĥaduhumā 'Aw Kilāhumā Falā Taqul Lahumā 'Uffin Wa Lā Tanharhumā Wa Qul Lahumā Qawlāan Karīmāan, Wa Akhfiđ Lahumā Janāĥa Adh-Dhulli Mina Ar-Raĥmati Wa Qul Rrabbi Arĥamhumā Kamā Rabbayānī Şaghīrāan
Translation: "Your Sustainer has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your lifetime, do not say to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say: My Sustainer! Bestow on them Your mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." [Al-Isra' :23-24].

«The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it» [Narrated By Al-Bukhari].
«خيركم من تعلم القرآن وعلمه»

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «The example of him (a believer) who recites the Qur'an is like that of a citron which tastes good and smells good. And he (a believer) who does not recite the Qur'an is like a date which is good in taste but has no smell. And the example of a dissolute wicked person who recites the Qur'an is like the Raihana (sweet basil) which smells good but tastes bitter. And the example of a dissolute wicked person who does not recite the Qur'an is like the colocynth which tastes bitter and has no smell» [Sahih Muslim].
«مثل المؤمن الذي يقرأ القرآن مثل الأترجة. ريحها طيب وطعمها طيب. ومثل المؤمن الذي لا يقرأ القرآن مثل التمرة. لا ريح لها وطعمها حلو. ومثل المنافق الذي يقرأ القرآن مثل الريحانة. ريحها طيب وطعمها مر. ومثل المنافق الذي لا يقرأ القرآن كمثل الحنظلة. ليس لها ريح وطعمها مر»

«The life of this world is a prison to a believer, and a paradise for the disbelievers» [Narrated By Muslim].
«الدنيا سجن المؤمن وجنة الكافر»

Qiyam al-Layl
It is described as an act of worship that connects the heart to Allah, may He be exalted, and enables it to overcome the temptations of life and to strive against one’s own self, at the time when sleepers are tossing and turning in their beds. It is one of the measures of sincere determination. It was a habit of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and therefore a habit of his companions. It is the act of praying at night.

Oh yes! -
Don't leave behind a mess - leave behind a Will! One important note: Even if a person has no bad deeds at all and he or she has mountains of good deeds it will still not be enough to gain entrance into the Paradise of the Almighty. Why? Because of the saying of the prophet, peace be upon him:
«None shall enter the Jennah (Paradise) except with the Mercy of Allah», When asked by his companions: “Even you? O, prophet of Allah?” And He replied: «Even me» [Narrated By Al-Munthiri]
Don't Die Without IT
And finally and most important of all regarding the death of anyone, Allah says in the Holy Quran:
{وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ}
Transliteration: Wa Lā Tamūtunna 'Illā Wa 'Antum Muslimūna
"And do not die, except in complete submission to Almighty Allah (Islam)." [Holy Quran 3:102]


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