[Slideshare] ramadhan-divine-spectacle(tadzkirah-8 july 2012)

UNDERSTANDING QUR’ANIC MESSAGE

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

SURAH AL-
BAQARAH
VERSES
LESSONS TO LEARN AND TO BE EXPERIENCED 183-185
SURAH AL-A’RAF
IN-HOUSE TALK FOR THE “MABUHAY CLUB” Verse 179
DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE

BY: 8 JULY 2012 (SUNDAY)
3 PM @ THE GALAXY
USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL Muslim Converts Assn. Spore
SINGAPURA GEYLANG, CHANGI ROAD

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

"THE BEST AMONGST YOU IS ONE
WHO LEARNS THE QUR'AN AND
WHO TEACHES IT"-

(HADITH REPORTED BY BUKHARY)


"Because Allah will never change the NI’MAH
(Divine Grace) which He hath bestowed on a
people until they change what is in their (own)
souls: and verily Allah is He Who hears and
knows (all things)."

(Qur’an: Anfal: 8: 53)

• Muslim who understands and has correct worldview would already
see and acknowledge everything in this vast existence (creation) to
be “Signs of the Divine” to benefit mankind.

• Yet, by ‘sign’ in requires our use of intellection and thinking; seeking
into meanings thereby witnessing and being mesmerised by the
spectacles which these signs point to.

• Humans are created with the ability to know and to discern; to learn
an to appreciate, anf ultimately to be connected to the Divine.
Thinking (TAFAKKUR) in Islamic teaching is a higher form of devotion.


In fact Allah rebukes such attitude of failing to recognize all His favours,
signs and the guidance, by challenging man to realise the tremendous
generosity of Allah’s favour upon that that they would not even be able
simply to counting them (which would already be impossible) :


“IS, THEN, HE who creates comparable to any [being] that cannot
create? Will you not, then, bethink yourselves? For, should you try
to count Allah's blessings, you could never compute them! Behold,
Allah is indeed much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace;”
(Qur’an: An-Nahlu: 16: 17-18)


With the coming of Ramadhan, let us ponder upon the possible
‘meanings’ to be learnt thereby prepare us towards this ‘higher form’
of devotions.

Many Muslims may regard Ramadhan only as time to observe period
of fasting and other rituals, but totally neglectful that there are
many lessons to be learnt. Sadly, they would not have gotten
anything when Ramadhan leaves them.

Instead we should rather regard Ramadhan as the “means; the
opportunity; [Arabic – wasilah]” for, not just Muslims but all mankind
to receive countless Divine gifts within it.


The Holy Qur'an calls upon people to think and to draw conclusions
through thought process. Only through use of thinking (thought
process) that truth can be discern – such that we realise the Divine
gifts are overwhelming abundant and continuously bestowed.

And those gifts which Allah s.w.t. bestowed or intends to bestow,
firstly must be identified and clarified for them to appreciate.

Even some Muslim may be ignorant or neglectful of what these are or
what lessons to be learnt.

Allah warns:


“And We have certainly created for Hell many
of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts
with which they do not understand, they have
eyes with which they do not see, and they
have ears with which they do not hear. Those
are like livestock; rather, they are more
astray. It is they who are the heedless.”
(Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 179)


• Those who may not be aware should be guided to see, and the
meanings highlighted and explained to them, so that they may ponder
and to consider – as to the origin of these spectacular signs, which point
towards the Divine.
• There are many such spectacles, or manifestations or Symbols (Shi’ar –
“min sha’aa-iril-laah”) – which are amongst signs of the Divine nature
or origin of this Religion of Islam (Ad-Deenul-Islam).
• And amongst these one can find in abundance, is in this noble and
blessed month of “Ramadhan”.


“... one sign of Truth in a Divine teaching
is in its remaining ever unchanging
and has universal appeal... “


• Amongst the sign of a religion with Divine guidance is when its
teachings are able to remain unchanging as it was originally
instituted and are still being adhered to, in spite of changing
times and circumstance.
• For Islam, Ramadhan highlights one of these – i.e. FASTING, in
fact it was meant to re-affirm and re-establish the practices of
earlier Prophets too.


“O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is
ordained for you as it was ordained for those
before you, so that you might remain conscious of
Allah (TAQWA):”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 183)


• This phenomena of whole community (not mere individuals),
observing (what to modern men) a ‘harsh’ life-style of ‘starving’
amidst abundance of food – is rather a perplexing spectacle. “It’s
amazing! But why do they do it?” is a common remark and
query.
• Muslims do it not for dieting, nor for health nor for any man-
made reason. The unanimous reply when asked would be that it
is but “a Divine command.”


• Despite secular anthropologist’s contention that all religion are
man-made – Muslims would adamantly reject this preposterous
suggestion regarding Al-Islam – in the most effective and
practical way by becoming ever more religious.
• Observers are indeed baffled at this phenomena, in spite of
negative media reports and Islamaphobia raging globally, more
so after “911”.


• For Muslims, this in fact has everything to do with
Divine intervention. Allah s.w.t. asserts:



“They want to extinguish Allah's [guiding] light
with their utterances: but Allah will not allow
[this to pass], for He has willed to spread His
light in all its fullness, however hateful this may
be to all who deny the truth.”
(Qur’an: Taubah: 9: 32)



“He it is who has sent forth His Apostle with the
[task of spreading] guidance and the religion of
truth, to the end that He make it prevail over
every [false] religion; and none can bear witness
[to the truth] as God does..”
(Qur’an: Fath: 48: 28)


“... only a Divine force is capable of
mobilizing the faithful hearts ... “


• Mankind has never been able to promote a campaign of global
magnitude prior to the availability of communication
technology.
• Yet, Ramadhan for Muslims, everywhere even in remote places,
marks the time for a one-month long campaign of daily fasting,
of increase charity, of upgrading devotions, of self-restrain, etc.
And it would be ushered, in synchrony, without fail as it has
been observed since over 1400 years ago. And, without the
advantage of modern technology.


• What manner of organizing is capable of such feat? When
people marvel at the ability for organizing campaign, spending
vast sums of money and resource to promote, such as “to save
Gaia”, “World Aids day” etc. but with minimal success.
• Yet when Ramadhan comes, the observance and support; the
righteous acts which it promotes; never cease to fail - yet
without the need for fanfare and costly campaigning – only
relying upon the faithful Muslims’ attachment to the Divine.


• And when any campaign ultimately would highlight its
organizer, thus for Ramadhan it all points to the Divine, Allah –
there is no other divinity save Allah Who alone is god. And
those who believe in Him would manifest unity in purpose,
brotherhood and worship / servitude. And those who
acknowledge Him would strive towards being conscious of His
Presence, by restraining their desire and passion- except to
submit fully to His Divine Will (in Islam). This would be the
unwritten slogan for other nations to see in this month of
“Ramadhan”

And the Muslims are Divinely inspired and guided with:


And the Muslims are Divinely inspired and guided with:

“ .. and be not like those who are oblivious of Allah,
and whom He therefore causes to be oblivious of [what
is good for] their own selves: [for] it is they, they who
are truly depraved! Not equal are those who are
destined for the fire and those who are destined for
paradise: those who are destined for paradise - it is
they, they [alone] who shall triumph [on Judgment
Day]!”
(Qur’an: Hashr: 59: 19-20)

“ ... Muslims are still the most worshipful and
faithful community in our time whereas
doubts of the Divine infect hearts of most of
the people of the other faiths ...”


Muslim may not realize it, but one of the admiration shown by
non-Muslim towards the Islamic community is that they see
Muslims, generally (even amongst ordinary ‘lay’ people) to
manifest great religiosity and devotion in their everyday life, as
compared to those of other faith.

For others, to worship one day in a week would already be
regarded as religious – whereas for all Muslims, 5 times daily!!


And the manner of Muslim worship (Swolah), is simply
astonishing to non-Muslims – especially when they observe
Muslims engaging in congregational prayers.

In Ramadhan, this symbol (spectacle) of connecting to the Divine,
is replicated every night wherever there are Muslims, not just in
mosques but even void-decks, community halls and open spaces.
It is even telecasted via TV and satellite.


In a secular, materialist, irreligious age, the Muslims certainly
stand out – especially in Ramadhan - as the most conspicuous
group of people to express, collectively and in a most spectacular
way, the existence and their reliance and devotion to the Divine.

During the day they fasted, and its nights their devotional worship
would evoke imagery of ‘monastic life-style’, but yet Islam forbid
Muslims to become monks or nuns.


• And although there are religious people in other faiths too, yet
these would only consist of the exceptional minority – their
clerics, priests, monks, nuns or leaders, whereas for the Muslims
this (worshiping 5 times daily) and Ramadhan fasting, is the rule
to the general majority, not an exception. Those who are
discerning would have to admit to some Divine handiwork in all
these – for no other reason can reasonably explain.


Allah s.w.t. alludes to this:



MUHAMMAD is Allah’s Apostle; and those who are [truly]
with him are firm and unyielding towards all deniers of the
truth, [yet] full of mercy towards one another. Thou canst
see them bowing down, pros-trating themselves [in prayer],
seeking favour with Allah and [His] goodly acceptance: their
marks are on their faces, traced by prostration … ”
(Qur’an: Fath : 48: 29)



“ … This is their parable in the Torah as well as their parable in the
Gospel: [they are] like a seed that brings forth its shoot, and then
He strengthens it, so that it grows stout, and [in the end] stands
firm upon its stem, delighting the sowers [Thus will Allah cause
the believers to grow in strength,] so that through them He might
confound the deniers of the truth. [But] unto such of them as may
[yet] attain to faith and do righteous deeds, Allah has promised
forgiveness and a reward supreme.”
(Qur’an: Fath : 48: 29)


“ ... Muslims’ attachment to the Divine makes
them able to be detached from the effect of
the materialistic world, yet not forsaking
the goodness in it ... “


• A true Muslim will always remember that “we are from Allah,
and unto Allah we shall be made to return to.” We all belong to
the Divine.
• Thus he may be “in this world” but he would certainly know that
“he is not of this world.”
• Others may not be significantly aware of this until they interact
with them in Ramadhan.


• A Muslim observing the fast would exude an extra-ordinary but
a conscious detachment to worldly needs and physical desire.
• Certainly he is undergoing a “great battle” within himself, for to
be “Muslim“ is to to “subdue our will and desire and submit it to
the Divine Will”. A common feat for Muslims.
• So, understand this O people who can reflect !


“ ... though some of the ways of Muslims seem
strange today, but it does resemble
practices of such past personalities under
Divine guidance (Prophets) ... Abraham,
Moses, Jesus ....”


Muslims are told that fasting is not something new, but
was ordained also in the past:


Muslims are told that fasting is not something new, but
was ordained also in the past:

“O YOU who have attained to faith! Fasting is
ordained for you as it was ordained for those
before you, so that you might remain
conscious of Allah (TAQWA):”


“Go, gather all the Jews to be found
in Susa, and hold a fast on my
behalf, and neither eat nor drink for
three days, night or day ...”
(O.T. Esther:4:16)

“And they said to him (Jesus): “The
disciples of John fast often and offer
prayers, and so do the disciples of
the Pharisees ...”
(N.T. Gospel of Luke: 5: 33)


• Although fasting is acknowledged in other scriptures, yet
it has been almost forgotten - relegated as a rare practice
only amongst very few of their religious elites – as an
exception rather than as a rule.
• Through the Muslims in Ramadhan, one cannot but notice
this practice – perhaps surprised as it seem strange, or
react with cynicism, or some may be react with awe.


• Muslims, in Ramadhan are re-asserting this practice of
past sages, Prophets and indeed demonstrate, that even
ordinary laity amongst the people even can emulate them
in this righteousness. More so in today’s Secular and
irreligious era, Muslims as a community, are reminding
those with similar traditions, to re-assume a worthy
practice in devotion to the Divine through self-restrain.


• This also re-iterate that the message brought by Last
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is not something new, but
only as culmination of what had already been brought by
previous Prophets from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses
and Jesus (may Peace & blessings be upon all of them). i.e.
The message of Pure Monotheism – TAUHIID –
“Attestation to the Absolute Oneness of the Divine”.


“ ... Do good to others, as Allah (the One True Divine)
has been good to you; and seek not to create
mischief on this earth, for Allah loves not the wrong-
doer.”

(Qur’an: Qasas: 77)


• Muslims are taught to express gratitude towards Allah s.w.t. by
fulfilling the needs of others, for the sake of love for Allah s.w.t.
• Prophet Muhammad said: “The best of mankind are those who
benefits others”
• Thus, amongst the lessons learnt by Muslim in fasting is to
experience the suffering of the poor and needy – to develop
empathy.


Appreciation of Allah’s favour must be reciprocated through
helping others. Thus, in Ramadhan, the spirit of sharing,
neighbourliness, of strengthening bonds of kinship, of giving to
those in need and charity of all kinds, etc, are much enhanced.

Especially in providing the simple basic needs which many have
taken for granted, like sharing a meal.


Islam emphasise that devotion to Allah, must also include being
good to His creations.

Muslims are taught to strive towards being people of
Righteousness.

But what is “Righteousness”?

In the Qur’an, Allah s.w.t. elaborates and teaches the Muslims:


“True piety does not consist in turning your faces towards
the east or the west - but truly pious is he who believes in
Allah, and the Last Day; and the angels, and revelation, and
the prophets; and spends his substance - however much he
himself may cherish - it - upon his near of kin, and the
orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and the beggars,
and for the freeing of human beings from bondage;.. .”


“… and is constant in prayer, and renders the purifying
dues; and [truly pious are] they who keep their
promises whenever they promise, and are patient in
misfortune and hardship and in time of peril: it is they
that have proved themselves true, and it is they, they
who are conscious of Allah.”


RAMADHAN – MONTH OF purifying
“… and is constant in prayer, and renders the TEST
THESEand [truly pious are] they who keep their
dues; QUALITIES ARE BEING INCULCATED
THROUGHOUT THIS MONTHand are patient in
promises whenever they promise, OF RAMADHAN -
TO TEACH EVERY MUSLIMin time of-peril: it isALLAH’S
misfortune and hardship and
THAT WITH they
GUIDANCE, THIS CAN BE THEIR and it is they, they LIFE
that have proved themselves true,
STANDARD OF
THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR – UNTIL
who are conscious of Allah.”
ANOTHER RAMADHAN COMES.


“This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than
Allah. On the contrary it is a confirmation of revelations
that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book
wherein there is no doubt - from the (Divine) Lord of the
Universe”

(Surah Yunus : 10: 37)


“It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur'an was
[first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a
self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by
which to discern the true from the false.”


• The Qur’an – being that living proof of Prophet Muhammad’s
claim to be the Messenger of Allah – as the outstanding miracle
of the Divine authorship cannot be ignored. Miraculously, it is
still available untampered. Its original recitation, preserved
through unbroken chain of reciters (Muqri’ - Hufaz). In fact, the
Muslim regard the whole of it to be literally the “Words” of
Allah the one and only Divine Being, Creator and Sustainer of all
the worlds.


Though others may not as yet believe this claim, yet Muslims not
only assert this, but manifest their conviction concerning its
Divine source with a genuine display of attitude, adoration,
reliance and reverence towards it and its teachings.

It is up to others, who sincerely seek after the Truth to
investigate for themselves. To find out – why do more than 1.3
billion Muslims (currently) so dead-certain, nay are unanimously
in agreement, regarding this one Book ? If not, only to satisfy this
curiosity.


And it is in this month of Ramadhan that the Muslims’ pre-
occupation with the Qur’an becomes conspicuously evident,
unlike any other months.

Special honour, respect and reverential attention are given for its
recitation; to its reciters and memorizers, and to the assemblies
where its teachings are expounded. The amazing spectacle is
that there is only one Al-Qur’an – undisputed and unanimously
agreed- which add to its Divine claim.


• Its angelic recitations are even celebrated, when additional night
prayers in some mosques would entail commitment to complete
reciting the whole of the Qur’an in this month – whether it be
“TaraweeH” or “Taddarus.”
• With satellite technology, the special prayer from the Grand
mosque in Makkah, where the Imam recites from memory one
juzu’ of the Divine Qur’an each night, would be beamed
worldwide.


• The night in which the Qur’an was revealed (which some believe
may also be) the Night of power or Decree (Layla-tul-Qadr), is
much awaited in one of the nights of Ramadhan – indeed a
special additional value to this month diligently waited by
Muslims because Allah says:


“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night
of Power(Decree): And what will explain to thee
what the Night of Power(Decree) is? The Night of
Power(Decree) is better than a thousand Months.
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by
Allah's permission, on every errand: Peace!... This
until the rise of Morn!
(Qur’an: al-Qadr: 97: 1-5)


“Will they not, then, try to understand this Qur’an?
Had it issued from any but Allah, they would surely
have found in it many an inner contradiction!”
(Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 28)


” ...to complete the prescribed period (of Fasting),
and to glorify Him (the One and only true
Divine) in that He has guided you ....”

(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:185)


• Muslims regard their striving in every act of devotion in
Ramadhan merely as a test of their Faith to the Divine.

• They are taught to be sincere by eradicating any self-conceit
attached to their devotions. They are much aware of their
shortcomings and race to gain the Mercy and forgiveness from

Allah s.w.t. especially in this month.


Thus their accomplishment of Ramadhan fasting would be
measured by the degree of their being grateful to Allah s.w.t. –
to be expressed by the Glorification of Allah (as the One Divine
Being without any partner).

The chanting of this Glorification (Takbir) is the capping finale

followed by open-mass prayer in the morning of EID-UL-FITRI.


This brief elucidation is not exhaustive ......
hoping only to highlight some of the
meanings which can be discerned from
Ramadhan –
“as a spectacle of the Divine.”


And say: "Work (righteousness): soon will Allah observe your
work, and His Messenger and the Believers: soon will ye be
brought back to the knower of what is hidden and what is open:
then will He show you the truth of all that ye did."
(Qur’an: Taubah: 9: 105)


“(Say our life takes its) colour from Allah; and who could give a
better colour (to life) than Allah? and it is He (Alone) Whom we
worship. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He
is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings
and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?”
(Surah al-Baqarah: 2: 138-139)


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http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
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http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/
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http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

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[Slideshare] ramadhan-divine-spectacle(tadzkirah-8 july 2012)

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