Reflectioins Qur’An(49)Hujurat[9 12]Slideshare

BY: USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL 13 SEPTEMBER 2009 23 RAMADHAN 1430 (HIJRIYAH) @ GALAXY, GEYLANG TADZKIRAH RAMADHAN IN-HOUSE TALK FOR THE “MABUHAY CLUB” DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 SURAH AL-HUJURAT: 49 : 9-12

"THE BEST AMONGST YOU IS ONE WHO LEARNS THE QUR'AN AND WHO TEACHES IT"- (HADITH FROM OUR PROPHET S.A.W .) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

رَبَّنَا أنْفَعْنَا بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنَا رَبِّ عَلِّمْنَا الَّذِي يَنْفَعُنَا Our Lord! Make us to benefit from what You have taught us. O Lord! Teach us whatever that is beneficial for us AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

“ If two parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them:...”

( Qur’an: Surah Hujurat: 49: 9 )

The unity and brotherhood in Islam is the social concern of every Muslim – to safeguard and preserve.

Any disagreement, dispute, enmity leading to quarrel and conflict between Muslims must be stopped – their relationship with each other reconciled into peace as brothers/sisters.

This task is upon every Believers who has the means, without being asked to do so. We have to intervene because the unity amongst Muslims is of paramount importance .

Islam emphasise that the bond of ukhuwwah is a gift conferred upon believers, a ni’mah (favour) that we ought to be grateful for:

“ And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His Grace, ye became brethren;” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 103 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

Allah commands that there must be groups amongst Believers who actively engage in “ amru-bil ma’ruf ” and “ nahyu- ‘anil-munkar .”

“ Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 104 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

Allah s.w.t warns of His punishment if ukhuwwah conferred upon believers, as ni’mah (favour), is compromised leading to division:

“ Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear signs; for them is a dreadful penalty.― “ ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 105 ) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

“ ... but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of Allah; ...”

There is no room for neutrality in resolving conflict when it comes to siding on the side of justice and truth. Those that violate or transgress this must be opposed by all, until they uphold justice.

Here, Allah s.w.t. even sanction “ fighting ” (as in word ‘ qital ’ - using life-threatening force which literally means ‘ kill ’ the transgressors) to stop them and compel them to peace.

So, we must take our role to be peace-keepers between any feuding Muslims very seriously.

“ ... but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for Allah loves those who are fair (and just).”

One of the hall-mark in upholding justice can be discern in this verse:

AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 “ O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest ye swerve and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. ( Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 135 )

“ The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers: And fear Allah that ye may receive Mercy.”

Allah s.w.t. has stress the need for TAQWA (to be conscious of Allah and safeguard ourselves) in matters of “ ukhuwwah ” (brotherhood) between Muslims to be a pre-requisite or a condition before we can receive Mercy ( Rahmah ) from Him.

Those who are engaged in feud and enmity, is actually endangering the whole ummah – depriving us of Allah’s Mercy.

So, we cannot remain aloof, or have a nonchalant ( couldn’t careless ) attitude when we see fellow Muslims quarrelling.

DANGEROUS SOCIAL ATTITUDES TO AVOID AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

“ O ye who believe! let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former):...”

“ ... nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (Indeed) doing wrong.”

In our social relationship, some of us find it amusing to ridicule, mock, jeer, scoff at, laugh, make fun or taunt at others. It is especially so, when we are in a kind of cliques or grouping.

Why do we do this? It is due to our self-conceit and arrogance. Never for a moment do we consider that such behaviour is wrong. In such association or gathering, each one tries to deflect attention of their own defects by projecting the weakness of others, especially of those people we consider to be outside our circle, outside our group.

We feel secure with our buddies, joking and laughing like the old witches of " Macbeth " who fail to see their own evil and ugliness.

Some of us even considers it a norm to do this, and any attempt at changing this behaviour amongst our peers is met with accusations of having " no sense of humour ", " too serious ", " no fun to be with " etc. But the "joke" is actually on us if we indulge in such practice, as Allah s.w.t. says: "it may well be that the one derided is better" than ourselves.

Deriding others has many forms. Verbal derision, sarcasm, by gesturing, mimicking or even giving nicknames - which aims at ridiculing the person.

If we are to analyze what motivates our actions, it is that unashamed pride and conceit we think of ourselves.

And because we are used to directing these derision towards others, we do not feel how it can possibly hurt. What if others were to do it to us?

SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND

Although in this verse, by using the male gender it generally is quite sufficient and usually applies to both, male and female, yet Allah repeated the command by specifically addressing the women, lest some people may try to excuse themselves from this command just because they are not men.

SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND

This, indeed, demonstrates the seriousness of the command, that it is to be observed by every Muslim, as it removes any ambiguity, lest some may try to seek excuse by legalistic arguments. There is no doubt that this commandment applies to every Muslim - both male & female.

RESPECT DIGNITY & HONOUR OF PEOPLE

Also, one aspect of the teaching of Islam is that it emphasises respect towards the honour and dignity of others - everyone - Muslim as well as non-Muslim. All mankind are the children of Adam a.s . and deserves the appropriate respect because Allah s.w.t . says:

وَلَقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ

" And We have honoured the sons of Adam"

( Qur'an: Isra': 17: 70 )

So every mankind must be respected. Some perhaps may have tarnished this God-given honour upon themselves but, we are not to seek out nor assume this, but we are to give everyone the benefit of doubt, and unless there are clear evidence to the contrary, we are still to respect them.

As towards those whom Allah s.w.t. has chosen, especially the Believers, by virtue of them being a believer, Allah s.w.t. in fact has conferred special honour upon him/her.

Their honour are given with the support and assurance by Allah s.w.t. Himself, thus we are duly warned in this verse:

" Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (Indeed) doing wrong (evil & unjust)."

Exemplary Muslims as role-models promoting Islamic ways are indeed rare, or if there exist would be ignored by mainstream media. The media in fact are promoters of today's role-models.

Consider the current programs on radio, TV, magazines, internet, even in schools and institution of learning's; the cultural trends on bill-boards and other advertising gimmicks.

Those Muslims who are the trend setters, or those who wield influence in media and entertainment industry, leaders in society and organizations, must be very careful not start something or suggest it in their works, be it trend or fashion or practices, that may lead to loss of Islamic values and identity amongst younger Muslims- especially amongst those who love to imitate ( Hub-but-taq-lid ).

Remember, after being a believer, to then choose to become less than this is demeaning and an act of injustice ( zulm ).

Unfortunately, artistes and public figure (idols) today would seek out the most controversial approaches & practices to gain publicity, rather than be the paragon of virtue showing what is most beneficial to the uplifting of the spirits ( Ruh-hiyah ).

To loose the dignity and honour already conferred by Allah s.w.t. upon Muslims, would indeed be most regretful and unjust.

Others may try to influence Muslims to shed their adherence to Islam and Islamic teachings, tempting them with their role-models.

This agenda may even be adopted by Muslim promoters in media & entertainment industry, now!

What would be the consequence, if this blind aping by Muslims continue unchecked?

We seek the protection of Allah from every evil & harm of this! May He always keep us and every Muslims, firmly under His Guidance.

“ O ye who believe! avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: ...”

“ .. but be conscious of Allah (fear Him): for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.“

Personal inner purity demands that our thoughts and opinion of others are never allowed to be clouded, such that it may become corrupted by insinuations, conjectures or unsubstantiated reports from other sources. But our Nafs (self) tends to develop certain inclinations towards wanting to judge others especially when we are infected by self-conceit and arrogance.

Thus, the commandment to avoid suspicion aims at preventing defilement of that innocence towards others already present in us. Observe the child, and we would marvel at how pure are their regard towards others.

Yet, as we grow, we become more self-aware and our personality develops complexity. We adopt traits which sullied that child-like innocence and we regard this neutrality (not harbouring any suspicion of others) not as innocence, but being a ‘naïveté.’

This is further compounded by other social influences that may encourage distrust in us (of various degrees) towards others, as well as our inner shortcomings of selfishness, conceit and arrogance which relish at looking down upon others.

These propensity, if not managed would propel us towards inquisitiveness that tantamount to sinning against others.

To be cautious is not justification to prejudge others negatively. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w . advises: “Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah.”

[ Hadith reported by Muslim ]

“ .. and spy not on each other,.. “

Unfettered inquisitiveness leads to further sins.

When such inquisitiveness is not checked and tampered with justice for others – in that their honour must also be safeguarded – we may be tempted to encroach into their privacy.

Our Prophet s.a.w. warns us against infringing the personal rights of others:

"All of a Muslim is prohibited to another Muslim: his blood, his honour and his property."

[ Hadith reported by Muslim ]

"O assembly of those who have believed with their tongues, but into whose hearts faith has not yet reached! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor seek out their secrets! For, whoever seeks out the faults of his brother, Allah will seek out his secrets. And, whoever has his secrets sought out by Allah, Allah will disgrace him, even [if he hides] in the depths of his house."

[ Hadith reported by Abu Dawud ]

“ ... nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it.. “

Another dangerous malady, the outcome of inquisitiveness of others combined with our conceit which tends to rouse us into divulging the faults in others, is the sin of ‘ ghibbah ’ (backbiting).

The Prophet s.a.w. even considers this sin to be worst than the sin of adultery or of imbibing intoxicant – (both already a very serious and major sins):

"Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery. A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and Allah will forgive him. But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by Allah until his companion [i.e. the one being backbitten] forgives him."

[ Suyuti reports in “Al-Jami` as-Saghir”, hadith from Ibn Abid-Dunya, and Abush-Shaykh, Al-Tawbikh .]

And Allah s.w.t. likens ' ghibbah ' to eating the flesh of your dead brother/sister, to stress how detestable and abhorrent this sin is, Allah asks:

" Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it...“

Any one who has encountered dead flesh would definitely understand how detesting to even be near it, let alone consuming it!?

Meaning of ‘ ghibbah ’ (backbiting) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

Many people may not be aware that what may be doing is actually ' ghibbah '. Thus we need to remove any ambiguity and learn the actual meaning of ' ghibbah ' (backbiting). It has been defined precisely by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. As:

“ Your mentioning your brother with something about him that he dislikes [being spoken about]."

Someone then asked, "How about if my brother possesses that [characteristic which I am mentioning]?"

He replied, "If he possesses that which you mention, then you have [indeed] backbitten him. And, if he does not possess that which you say of him, then you have slandered him."

[ Hadith reported by Muslim and Ahmad ]

[a] Injustice.

One who has suffered injustice is entitled to mention the perpetrator of that injustice to someone who is capable of restoring his rights to him, such as a legitimate Muslim ruler or judge or police or the relevant authority - but not just anyone.

[b] Seeking help to change an evil , or to reform the wrongdoer, e.g. discussion with peers or those who can counsel and advise him to change.

If the intention in telling the ‘ ghibbah ’ is not to change the wrong but out of malice or vengeance, or merely for fun etc. then it is forbidden to relate it.

[c] Asking for a fatwa from qualified religious scholar.

A person may say, 'My father/brother/wife has done such-and-such to me. What can I do about it? This is similar to No.[b].

The basis for this is a Hadith :

[c] Asking for a fatwa from qualified religious scholar.

“ On the authority of `A’ishah: Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, said to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), "Abu Sufyan is a miserly man, and he is not giving me what would suffice me and my child, unless I take from him without his knowing." He said, "Take what suffices you and your child according to common usage."

[ Hadith reported by Bukhari and Muslim ]

NOTE:

However, it is more precautionary to avoid mention of names, for example by asking instead, " What is the verdict regarding a person who has done such-and-such ?”

[d] As Warning, such as warning a prospective buyer that the merchant is a swindler, or warning a student that his prospective teacher is an innovator or a deviant. Also, revealing the faults of weak narrators and forgers of hadith , and giving someone a candid appraisal of a person whom the former is thinking of marrying.

The basis for this is:

On the authority of Fatimah bint Qays : she said, "I came to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and told him, "Abu Jahm and Mu`awiyah have [both] proposed to me." He said, "As for Mu`awiyah, he is a poor man with no money, and as for Abu Jahm, his stick never leaves his shoulder."

[ Hadith reported by Bukhari, Muslim and Malik ]

[e] Appellation: If someone is commonly known by a nickname which he do not object to being called by it, although if there is some alternative way to refer to him, it is preferable rather than nickname. When the nickname signify evil or bad, avoid using it, even if he do not object to people using it.

This is to honour him and perhaps may serve as lesson to him to not continue to demean himself.

[f] Someone who sins openly, and has no qualms about his sins being known or mentioned i.e. blatant disregard. Basis is:

“ It cannot be regarded as backbiting of one who casts off the mantle of modesty."

[ Suyuti reports in “Al-Jami` As-Saghir” hadith from Bayhaqi ]

However, it is not permissible to mention any of his secret sins (i.e. those not committed openly).

Allah s.w.t. wish for us to be free of these sins, out of His Compassion for us. Thus He stresses upon us to strive always to being truly conscious Him ( Taqwa ) and fearful of His retribution - and therefore to hasten to repentance and seek forgiveness before the Day when regret is of no use i.e. in the Hereafter on Judgement Day.

" but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful."

"O Allah! Endear love in our hearts with the True Faith ( al- iiman )”

“ And make it (our Faith) to be beautiful (and as a precious ornament ) in our hearts”

“ And make us hateful of KUFR (every forms of unbelief), FU-SUUQ (every wickedness) and ISw-YAAN (rebelliousness against truth & goodness)”

“ And make us to amongst those who are RAA-SHI-DUUN (the Rightly Guided)”

"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous ”

‘ O Ever Living, O Self-Subsisting and Supporter of all, by Your mercy we seek assistance, rectify for us all of our affairs, and do not leave us to fend for ourselves, even for the blink of an eye.’

وَصَلّى اللَّهُ عَلَى سَيْدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلَى آلِهِ وصَحْبِهِ وَسَلّم وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْن And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon His household and Companions . And all the Praises is for Allah, Lord Sustainer of all the worlds. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 LET US MAKE DU’A

وَصَلّى اللَّهُ عَلَى سَيْدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلَى آلِهِ وصَحْبِهِ وَسَلّم وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْن And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon His household and Companions . And all the Praises is for Allah, Lord Sustainer of all the worlds. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 AA-MEEN! YA ROB-BAL ‘ AA-LA-MEEN

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