Slideshare [darul-ramadhan-2014]-#1-ramadhan-and-taqwa-(19-july-2014)

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
Presentation by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailPresentation by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
for ”for ” RAMADHAN REFLECTION 2014 --
Darul Arqam SingaporeDarul Arqam Singapore
Muslim Converts’ Association SingaporeMuslim Converts’ Association Singapore
Saturday , 19 July 2014 @5.30PMSaturday , 19 July 2014 @5.30PM
The Galaxy, Changi Road SingapuraThe Galaxy, Changi Road Singapura
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014))
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
MUQADDIMAH
(AN INTRODUCTION)
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
The topic I chose is indeed basic, as I am one who isThe topic I chose is indeed basic, as I am one who is
concerned with educating ourselves in the knowledge ofconcerned with educating ourselves in the knowledge of
the basicthe basic FARDH ‘AINFARDH ‘AIN in Islam. So, please bear with me ifin Islam. So, please bear with me if
what I say may seem obvious or repetitive to many ofwhat I say may seem obvious or repetitive to many of
youyou

“Allah suffices me and the best to Protect!
Glory be to You (O Allah), of knowledge we have
none except what You have taught us, verily, You
are perfect in Knowledge, the Most Wise.”
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
MUQADDIMAH
(AN INTRODUCTION)
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
I am myself still struggling to learn, so thisI am myself still struggling to learn, so this
session is not meant to be a class of sort butsession is not meant to be a class of sort but
merely a reflection – Only to share the littlemerely a reflection – Only to share the little
that I know as a perpetual Muslim studentthat I know as a perpetual Muslim student
involved in educating theinvolved in educating the UmmahUmmah,,
especially from the experience which Allahespecially from the experience which Allah
s.w.t. has favoured me thus far, in mys.w.t. has favoured me thus far, in my
learning journey as a servant, a seeker andlearning journey as a servant, a seeker and
a traveller upon the path of knowledge anda traveller upon the path of knowledge and
wisdomwisdom

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all

The Media pandering to the glitters of lighting and the anticipation of Hari Raya?
 Have we forgotten that this one whole month is called “RAMADHAN” ?

 Surely, the theme for this month is not Hari Raya (EID-UL-FITR) which
is in the next month called “SHAWWAL”
 To some of us, RAMADHAN is indeed memorable because of :
THE FOOD - glorious food.
THE BAZAAR – shopping.
THE FASTING – whether from positive or negative perspectives
BEING WITH THE JAMA’AH IN MOSQUE
THE NIGHT DEVOTION - TARAWIH AND TAHAJJUD
THE QUR’AN – TILAWAH AND TADABBUR
THE LAY-LA-TUL-QADR

 Surely, the theme for this month is not Hari Raya (EID-UL-FITR) which
is in the next month called “SHAWWAL”
 To some of us, RAMADHAN is indeed memorable because of :
THE GENEROSITY of the MUSLIMS -
THE OPPORTUNITIES – whether in business or in religiosity
 What I am concerned from the above is, many of us may tend to view
RAMADHAN, as a seasonal thing; and only reduced to our individual
personal bias, or from our specific interest, or based on our own life
motivations which we may have set in achieving what we deem as
‘SUCCESS’, ‘PROGRESS’, ‘TRENDY’, ‘MAINSTREAM’ etc.

““O you who have believed, (O you who have believed, (LAA – TUQADDIMUULAA – TUQADDIMUU) do not put) do not put
[yourselves] forward before [in the presence of what] Allah and[yourselves] forward before [in the presence of what] Allah and
His Messenger [may have ordained] but [remain conscious ofHis Messenger [may have ordained] but [remain conscious of
and] fear Allah (and] fear Allah (TAQWATAQWA). Indeed, Allah is Hearing and). Indeed, Allah is Hearing and
Knowing.”Knowing.”
((Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 1Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 1))

““When peopleWhen people TATRUKUTATRUKU - leave (- leave (set asideset aside) the affairs of their) the affairs of their DEENDEEN
– religion, because of their– religion, because of their concern in improving their worldlyconcern in improving their worldly
mattersmatters, then Allah will open upon them much danger (harm).”, then Allah will open upon them much danger (harm).”
((Hadith reported by AhmadHadith reported by Ahmad))

 Every RAMADHAN is unique and special, although it comes once a year.
 It is not to be regarded like some season to be engaging in some
seasonal religious observances... Ramadhan after Ramadhan, as though
engaging in a kind of rituals... Without significant effect to our life.
 Something is said to be a ’ritual’ only when it is done repeatedly without
any real understanding of its wisdom or benefits to be derived.
 Example : Do we regard eating our daily meals, or sleeping nightly as
‘rituals’ ? NO … right ?!
 Unfortunately, because there are those who do not seek to understand
the aims, the purpose and objective, the wisdom and significance of what
constitute our ‘IBAADAH, it may remain regarded as ‘rituals’.

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
““O MANKIND!O MANKIND! Worship (Worship (A‘-BUDUUA‘-BUDUU-serve) your Lord (Sustainer),-serve) your Lord (Sustainer),
who has created you and those who lived before you,who has created you and those who lived before you, so thatso that
you might remainyou might remain conscious of (and fear) Him (conscious of (and fear) Him (TAQWATAQWA).).
Who has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky aWho has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky a
canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and therebycanopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby
brought forth fruits for your sustenance: do not, then, claimbrought forth fruits for your sustenance: do not, then, claim
that there is any power that could rival Allah, when you knowthat there is any power that could rival Allah, when you know
[that He is One].”[that He is One].”
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 21-22Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 21-22))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““And (tell them that) I have not created the invisible beingsAnd (tell them that) I have not created the invisible beings
and mankind to any end other than (and mankind to any end other than (LIYA’-BU-DUUNLIYA’-BU-DUUN) that) that
they may (know and) worship (serve) Me.(But withal,) nothey may (know and) worship (serve) Me.(But withal,) no
sustenance do I ever demand of them, nor do I demand thatsustenance do I ever demand of them, nor do I demand that
they feed me: for verily, Allah Himself is the Provider of allthey feed me: for verily, Allah Himself is the Provider of all
sustenance, the Lord of all Might, the Eternal.”sustenance, the Lord of all Might, the Eternal.”
((Qur’an: Dzaariyat: 51: 56-58Qur’an: Dzaariyat: 51: 56-58))
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

 Our concept of worship, devotion or rather servitude – from the term:Our concept of worship, devotion or rather servitude – from the term:
‘IBAADAH‘IBAADAH, is firstly to know and acknowledge the Absolute Oneness of, is firstly to know and acknowledge the Absolute Oneness of
God, Allah -our Creator and Sustainer –God, Allah -our Creator and Sustainer – TAUTAUHHEEDEED..
 And Allah SWT has no need for anything from anyone, whereas all areAnd Allah SWT has no need for anything from anyone, whereas all are
in need of Allah. So the command to serve or to worship in Islam mustin need of Allah. So the command to serve or to worship in Islam must
be understood only as something that benefits ourselves, to fulfill ourbe understood only as something that benefits ourselves, to fulfill our
purpose and attain the success reserved for the obedient.purpose and attain the success reserved for the obedient.
 Our status for existing therefore is as His servant/slave, whoseOur status for existing therefore is as His servant/slave, whose
purpose in life therefore firstly is to submit and obey His Willpurpose in life therefore firstly is to submit and obey His Will
((MUSLIMMUSLIM).).
 Yet, there are many types of Muslims.Yet, there are many types of Muslims.

 Thus there are some Muslims who may be obeying Allah’s command
rather reluctantly, while others are doing it with a sense of gratitude.
 Muslims without the right and sufficient knowledge of the religion,
may simply be observing these commandments ‘ritualistically’ or
seasonally, or blindly imitating practices they regard as mere customs
(ADAT) of their society and perhaps as some ancestral practices.
 While generally most Muslims’ religiosity is such that they yearn to
carry out these obedience willingly and out of a sense of gratitude.
 The difference in Muslims’ perceptions of what RAMADHAN means
too, is due mostly to their having different level of (‘ILM) knowledge of
AD-DEEN of Islam and their IIMAN - faith (conviction) to its TRUTH.

 Actually, to be a MUSLIM is only the beginning – the most basic – level
of fulfilling the command to worship or servitude Allah SWT.
 Every Muslim therefore are required to exert themselves through a
life-long education to become truly a MUSLIM requiring them to
acquire the appropriate FARDHU ’AIN knowledge, according to their
states (and age, career, social status etc.) gradually, and strive to
practice sincerely what they are commanded accordingly.
 It has its priorities and importantly, with ADAB.

 Thus every Muslims are reminded:
“O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly
(fully); and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One;
for he is to you an avowed enemy.”
(Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208)

 The way or manner for this development throughout the life of a
Muslim to traverse level of spirituality (from lower to higher spiritual
stations) requires them to strive be always with a consciousness
termed as – TAQWA – permeating his every life, place and situation.
 Thus every Muslims needs to be aware of what striving with TAQWA,
and its levels or degrees (or qualitative difference), entails:

THERE ARE VARIOUS LEVELS OF TAQWA

MUSLIMMUSLIM
FIRST LEVEL TOWARDS HIGHER STATE OFFIRST LEVEL TOWARDS HIGHER STATE OF
TAQWATAQWA
BEGINS WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OFBEGINS WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OF
AL-ISLAMAL-ISLAM
Submission
TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAM
MAQOM AL-ISLAM

BeingBeing MUSLIMMUSLIM is the minimum level or state, the entrance whichis the minimum level or state, the entrance which
requires building a total way of life with striving in Allah’s way. And werequires building a total way of life with striving in Allah’s way. And we
are warned against ever exiting this basic state till death.are warned against ever exiting this basic state till death.
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014)All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014)
““O you who have believed, be conscious of and fear AllahO you who have believed, be conscious of and fear Allah
((TAQWATAQWA) as He should be feared () as He should be feared (HAQQA-TU QAATIHHAQQA-TU QAATIH))
and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].”and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].”
((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102))

BeingBeing MUSLIMMUSLIM requires firstly the acknowledgement and acceptance ofrequires firstly the acknowledgement and acceptance of
the message ofthe message of AT-TAUHEEDAT-TAUHEED andand AR-RISAALAHAR-RISAALAH. Thus its entrance is the. Thus its entrance is the
SHAHAADAHTAINSHAHAADAHTAIN – as a serious personal declaration of commitment to– as a serious personal declaration of commitment to
become truebecome true WitnessesWitnesses towards upholdingtowards upholding DEEN Al-IslamDEEN Al-Islam throughthrough
submission and obedience.submission and obedience.
This is the first basic level open to all mankind. As long as the MuslimThis is the first basic level open to all mankind. As long as the Muslim
remain true – without (remain true – without (SHIRKSHIRK andand IRTIDADIRTIDAD), i.e. opposing or rejecting its), i.e. opposing or rejecting its
fundamental principles, ultimately Paradise is assured to him / her.fundamental principles, ultimately Paradise is assured to him / her.
Yet, it does not guarantee that a Muslim will be averted from sinningYet, it does not guarantee that a Muslim will be averted from sinning
and punishment, forand punishment, for there is still the danger of the Hell-fire which wethere is still the danger of the Hell-fire which we
must strive to avoidmust strive to avoid through conforming to the Guidance of Allah andthrough conforming to the Guidance of Allah and
His Last Messenger Muhammad s.a.a.w. in seeking Allah’s Mercy.His Last Messenger Muhammad s.a.a.w. in seeking Allah’s Mercy.

Muslims must be told not to be complacent, but must take seriously theirMuslims must be told not to be complacent, but must take seriously their
Islamic education in what is termed -Islamic education in what is termed - FARDH’AINFARDH’AIN (personal obligation)(personal obligation)
knowledge.knowledge.
The higher part of their development indeed is crucial, not merely theThe higher part of their development indeed is crucial, not merely the
outward conformity to Al-Islam, but more so the development of theiroutward conformity to Al-Islam, but more so the development of their
inner certainty with affirmation of theinner certainty with affirmation of the TRUTHTRUTH with authentic creed /with authentic creed /
belief (belief (AQEEDAH SAAQEEDAH SAHHEEHAHEEHAH).).
Without such pursuit, his conforming to Islamic teaching and practicesWithout such pursuit, his conforming to Islamic teaching and practices
may be mere outward rituals, devoid of understanding which may lead tomay be mere outward rituals, devoid of understanding which may lead to
doubts (doubts (SHAKKSHAKK) and even hypocrisy () and even hypocrisy (NIFAQNIFAQ).).
Being at the level of Muslim is still not sufficient because if he/she whoBeing at the level of Muslim is still not sufficient because if he/she who
does not strive towards higher state ofdoes not strive towards higher state of TAQWA,TAQWA, he/she may be in dangerhe/she may be in danger
of sinning and of rebelliousness.of sinning and of rebelliousness.

MUSLIMMUSLIM
Submission
MUNAFEEQINMUNAFEEQIN
FASIQEENFASIQEEN
MUJRIMEENMUJRIMEEN
ZOLIMEENZOLIMEEN GHOFILEENGHOFILEEN
MUSRIFEENMUSRIFEEN
MUFSIDEENMUFSIDEEN
IF NO EFFORT DONE TOWARDS STRIVING FOR HIGHER STATIONS,
A MUSLIM MAY END-UP BECOMING ....
MUTTAQEENMUTTAQEEN
ETC.
God-consciousness or Piety
LEVELS OF ATTAINMENTLEVELS OF ATTAINMENT
TOWARDS HGHEST STATE OFTOWARDS HGHEST STATE OF
TAQWATAQWA

MUSLIMMUSLIM
Submission
TAQWATAQWA
MAQOM AL-ISLAM

MUSLIMMUSLIM
MU’MEENMU’MEEN
Believer
Submission
TAQWATAQWA
MAQOM AT-TAUBAHMAQOM AT-TAUBAH
TO BE AT THE LEVEL ONLY AS MUSLIM IS NOT SUFFICIENT

The state ofThe state of IIMANIIMAN is not static, but can become strong or even becomeis not static, but can become strong or even become
weak, as it commensurate withweak, as it commensurate with ‘ILM‘ILM (Knowledge) and(Knowledge) and ‘‘AMALAMAL (Deeds).(Deeds).
IIMANIIMAN is a state which motivates a Muslim to draw closer and return tois a state which motivates a Muslim to draw closer and return to
Allah’s Mercy with –Allah’s Mercy with – TAUBAHTAUBAH (return; repentance)(return; repentance)
The essence of which is the knowledge with practical deeds: knowledge ofThe essence of which is the knowledge with practical deeds: knowledge of
what is right and wrong; knowledge of one’s self (what is right and wrong; knowledge of one’s self (NAFSNAFS) and the) and the
consequence of one’s action; knowledge of the reality (consequence of one’s action; knowledge of the reality (HAQEEQAHHAQEEQAH) of Life in) of Life in
this world and the Hereafter; knowledge of rights (this world and the Hereafter; knowledge of rights (HUQQUQHUQQUQ) of Allah and of) of Allah and of
others etc.others etc.
The priority therefore is to seeking or to gain nearness (The priority therefore is to seeking or to gain nearness (QURBQURB) to Allah SWT,) to Allah SWT,
withwith ‘ILM‘ILM andand AMALAMAL . And one must not forget that. And one must not forget that ‘ILM‘ILM takes precedencetakes precedence
overover ‘AMAL‘AMAL – and that with knowledge alone but without believing and– and that with knowledge alone but without believing and
manifesting this with righteous deeds, is also incomplete and incorrect .manifesting this with righteous deeds, is also incomplete and incorrect .

““The parable of those who were charged with the Torah and thenThe parable of those who were charged with the Torah and then
they failed to live up to it is that of a donkey laden with books. Eventhey failed to live up to it is that of a donkey laden with books. Even
more evil is the parable of the people who gave the lie to the Signsmore evil is the parable of the people who gave the lie to the Signs
of Allah. Allah does not direct such wrong-doers to the Right Way.”of Allah. Allah does not direct such wrong-doers to the Right Way.”
((Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 5Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 5))

““O you who have believed, why do you say what youO you who have believed, why do you say what you
do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah thatdo not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that
you say what you do not do.”you say what you do not do.”
((Qur’an: Saff: 61: 2-3Qur’an: Saff: 61: 2-3))

““Do you order (Do you order (AL-BIRRAL-BIRR) righteousness of the people) righteousness of the people
and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture?and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture?
Then will you not reason?Then will you not reason?
And seek help through patience perseveranceAnd seek help through patience perseverance
((SWOBRSWOBR) and prayer () and prayer (SWOLAHSWOLAH), and indeed, it is), and indeed, it is
difficult except for thedifficult except for the KHKHO-SHI-’EENO-SHI-’EEN – the humbly– the humbly
submissive [to Allah].submissive [to Allah].
Who are certain that they will meet their Lord andWho are certain that they will meet their Lord and
that they will return to Him.”that they will return to Him.”
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 44-46Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 44-46))

MUSLIMMUSLIM
MU’MEENMU’MEEN
MUMUHHSEENSEEN
Believer
Submission
Best or righteous conduct
TAQWATAQWA
MAQOM AL-WARA’MAQOM AL-WARA’
TO BE A MUSLIM WHO IS A MU’MEEN
STILL IS NOT SUFFICIENT

Basic in attesting toBasic in attesting to TAUTAUHHEEDEED are the three aspects ofare the three aspects of ISLAM-IIMAN-IISLAM-IIMAN-IHHSAN.SAN.
AfterAfter ISLAMISLAM andand IIMAN,IIMAN, IIHHSANSAN being the perfection of what constitute “being the perfection of what constitute “GoodGood
or Righteousness of Best in Deedsor Righteousness of Best in Deeds”, after the other 2 aspects are attained.”, after the other 2 aspects are attained.
What is interesting to note is that, even with correct Action (What is interesting to note is that, even with correct Action (‘AMAL‘AMAL) motivated) motivated
by correct Belief (by correct Belief (IIMANIIMAN), it is still not regarded or accepted as truly good or), it is still not regarded or accepted as truly good or
Righteous by Allah SWT and the Allah’s Messenger s.a.a.w.Righteous by Allah SWT and the Allah’s Messenger s.a.a.w.
The criteria is in our inner attitude (raison detre); the motive or intention for ourThe criteria is in our inner attitude (raison detre); the motive or intention for our
serving or worshipping Allah, which the Prophet succinctly emphasized:serving or worshipping Allah, which the Prophet succinctly emphasized:

Basic in attesting toBasic in attesting to TAUTAUHHEEDEED are the three aspects ofare the three aspects of ISLAM-IIMAN-IISLAM-IIMAN-IHHSAN.SAN.
AfterAfter ISLAM and IMAN, IISLAM and IMAN, IHHSANSAN being the perfection of what constitute “being the perfection of what constitute “Good orGood or
Righteousness of Best in DeedsRighteousness of Best in Deeds”, after the other 2 aspects are attained.”, after the other 2 aspects are attained.
What is interesting to note is that, even with correct Action (What is interesting to note is that, even with correct Action (‘AMAL‘AMAL) motivated) motivated
by correct Belief (by correct Belief (IIMANIIMAN), it is still not regarded or accepted as truly good or), it is still not regarded or accepted as truly good or
Righteous by Allah SWT and the Allah’s Messenger s.a.a.w.Righteous by Allah SWT and the Allah’s Messenger s.a.a.w.
The criteria is in our inner attitude (raison detre); the motive or intention for ourThe criteria is in our inner attitude (raison detre); the motive or intention for our
serving or worshipping Allah, which the Prophet succinctly emphasized:serving or worshipping Allah, which the Prophet succinctly emphasized:
““Al- IAl- Ihhsansan (righteousness or best conduct) is that you(righteousness or best conduct) is that you
worship (serve) Allah as though you are seeing Him;worship (serve) Allah as though you are seeing Him;
while you see Him not, yet truly He sees you”while you see Him not, yet truly He sees you”
((Hadith reported by MuslimHadith reported by Muslim))

When we realize that it is not the mere deeds that we are able to do, norWhen we realize that it is not the mere deeds that we are able to do, nor
the conviction that we are upon the right path (in our belief), but rather, itthe conviction that we are upon the right path (in our belief), but rather, it
is the scrutiny in our hearts by Allah, Who Knows in the innermost core ofis the scrutiny in our hearts by Allah, Who Knows in the innermost core of
our Souls – in our intentions, concerning whether it is acceptable to Him orour Souls – in our intentions, concerning whether it is acceptable to Him or
rejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by therejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by the
Islamic concept termed asIslamic concept termed as WARA’ - cautiousness; piety; pious; godliness;WARA’ - cautiousness; piety; pious; godliness;
Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:
“Part of someone’s being good Muslim, is his leaving alone
matters that does not concern him.”
(Hadith reported by Tirmidzi)

“Leave that which makes you doubt
for that which does not make you doubt.”
(Hadith reported by Tirmidzi and Nasa-i)
When we realize that it is not the mere deeds that we are able to do, norWhen we realize that it is not the mere deeds that we are able to do, nor
the conviction that we are upon the right path (in our belief), but rather, itthe conviction that we are upon the right path (in our belief), but rather, it
is the scrutiny in our hearts by Allah, Who Knows in the innermost core ofis the scrutiny in our hearts by Allah, Who Knows in the innermost core of
our Souls – in our intentions, concerning whether it is acceptable to Him orour Souls – in our intentions, concerning whether it is acceptable to Him or
rejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by therejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by the
Islamic concept termed asIslamic concept termed as WARA’ - cautiousness; piety; pious; godliness;WARA’ - cautiousness; piety; pious; godliness;
Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

““That which isThat which is HALALHALAL - lawful - is clear (plain) and that which is- lawful - is clear (plain) and that which is
HARAMHARAM – unlawful - is clear (plain), and between these two are– unlawful - is clear (plain), and between these two are
MUTASHABIHATMUTASHABIHAT - doubtful matters-, about which many people- doubtful matters-, about which many people
do not know…..”do not know…..”
((Hadith reported by Bukhary and MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary and Muslim))

“…“… Whoever (withWhoever (with TAQWATAQWA) avoids doubtful matters safeguards) avoids doubtful matters safeguards
himself in regard to his religion and his honour, whereas he whohimself in regard to his religion and his honour, whereas he who
falls into doubtful matters is falling into that which is unlawful, likefalls into doubtful matters is falling into that which is unlawful, like
the shepherd who pastures his herd around a sanctuary for themthe shepherd who pastures his herd around a sanctuary for them
to graze …”to graze …”

“…“… Verily every king has a sanctuary, and verily the sanctuary of Allah is HisVerily every king has a sanctuary, and verily the sanctuary of Allah is His
prohibitions (prohibitions (MUHARAMATMUHARAMAT) . Verily, in the body is a morsel of flesh, if it is) . Verily, in the body is a morsel of flesh, if it is
good (wholesome) then the whole body is well (whole), but if it is spoiltgood (wholesome) then the whole body is well (whole), but if it is spoilt
(diseased) then the whole body will be spoilt . Verily this is the heart ((diseased) then the whole body will be spoilt . Verily this is the heart (QOLBUQOLBU)”)”

Yet, this conscious or awareness that Allah sees us (Yet, this conscious or awareness that Allah sees us (IIHHSANSAN) must be extended) must be extended
and permeates our entire life and activities towards doing good for othersand permeates our entire life and activities towards doing good for others
amongst Allah’s creation – not merely in formal worship in mosques or home.amongst Allah’s creation – not merely in formal worship in mosques or home.
To serve withTo serve with IIHHSANSAN is to spread acts ofis to spread acts of IIHHSANSAN (compassion and goodness)(compassion and goodness)
unto others too, as showing our gratitude (unto others too, as showing our gratitude (SHAKUR)SHAKUR) to Allah as commandedto Allah as commanded
thus:thus:
““And do good (And do good (WA-AWA-AHHSINSIN) as Allah has done good to you. And desire not) as Allah has done good to you. And desire not
corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.“corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.“
((Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77))

MUSLIMMUSLIM
MU’MEENMU’MEEN
MUMUHHSEENSEEN
MUKHLISWEEN
Believer
Submission
Sincerity
TAQWATAQWA
MAQOM AZ-ZUHUDMAQOM AZ-ZUHUD
WHO HAS IHSAN IS STILL NOT THE HIGHEST

““The religion (The religion (DEENDEEN) is Sincerity.” We said: To whom? He) is Sincerity.” We said: To whom? He
then said: “To Allah, to His Books, to His Messengers, and tothen said: “To Allah, to His Books, to His Messengers, and to
the leaders of Muslims and their general folks.”the leaders of Muslims and their general folks.”
((Hadith related by MuslimHadith related by Muslim))

““Verily, what I fear the most for my community (ummah)Verily, what I fear the most for my community (ummah)
isis SHIRKSHIRK (ascribing partners) to Allah.(ascribing partners) to Allah.
I am not saying that they will worship the sun or theI am not saying that they will worship the sun or the
moon or idols, butmoon or idols, but it is in their being insincere in doingit is in their being insincere in doing
good deeds, not intending it for Allah’s sake but only togood deeds, not intending it for Allah’s sake but only to
please their hidden desiresplease their hidden desires.”.”
((Hadith reported by Ibnu Majah in “Kitab Az-ZuhduHadith reported by Ibnu Majah in “Kitab Az-Zuhdu”)”)

““Say: "Verily, I am commanded to serve (worship)Say: "Verily, I am commanded to serve (worship)
Allah with sincere devotion (Allah with sincere devotion (MUMUKHKH-LI-LISwSwANAN); And I); And I
am commanded to be the foremost of those whoam commanded to be the foremost of those who
bow to Allah in Islam (bow to Allah in Islam (MUSLIMEENMUSLIMEEN).")."
((Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 11-12Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 11-12))

MUSLIMMUSLIM
MU’MEENMU’MEEN
MUMUHHSEENSEEN
MUKHLISWEEN
MUTTAQEENMUTTAQEEN
TAQWATAQWA
Believer
Submission
Sincerity
God-consciousness or Piety
MAQOM AL-’ARIFEENMAQOM AL-’ARIFEEN
WHO HAS IHSAN AND IKHLASW
IS STILL IS NOT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

The highest aspect ofThe highest aspect of TAQWATAQWA – Is that conferred upon the truly knowledgeable of– Is that conferred upon the truly knowledgeable of
Allah, who truly manifest these vitues with constancy – theAllah, who truly manifest these vitues with constancy – the ’ARIFEEN BIL-LAH’ARIFEEN BIL-LAH..
It is through Allah granting them the “opening” -It is through Allah granting them the “opening” - FAT-FAT-HH - of Knowledge of Allah- of Knowledge of Allah
(gnosis-(gnosis- MA’RIFAHMA’RIFAH), or sometimes referred to as the “), or sometimes referred to as the “unveilingunveiling” , “” , “illuminationsilluminations”,”,
““beatific witnessingbeatific witnessing” etc. and with” etc. and with TAUFEEQTAUFEEQ (success). whence the person(success). whence the person
attained to the highest form of conviction (attained to the highest form of conviction (HAQQ-AL-YAQEENHAQQ-AL-YAQEEN).).
The greatestThe greatest KAROMAHKAROMAH (Nobility or saintly miracle) being(Nobility or saintly miracle) being ISTIQOMAHISTIQOMAH ( i.e. that( i.e. that
Allah grant them to remain in constancy upon ever goodness they have gained ).Allah grant them to remain in constancy upon ever goodness they have gained ).
THIS IS THE PATH WHICH ISLAMIC EDUCATION
SEEKS TO INCULCATE IN EVERY MUSLIMS
TO STRIVE IN WITH TAQWA -

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““Fulfil the personal religious obligations (Fulfil the personal religious obligations (FARDHFARDH’) that has’) that has
been fixed by Allah (upon Muslims), and this will make you tobeen fixed by Allah (upon Muslims), and this will make you to
become a person ofbecome a person of TAQWATAQWA (righteous and God-fearing).”(righteous and God-fearing).”
((Hadith reported by TabaraniHadith reported by Tabarani))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
THUS THE COMMAND OF ALLAH IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD:
””O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it wasO ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn ) self-prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn ) self-
restraint ( havingrestraint ( having TAQWATAQWA – i.e. state of consciousness of– i.e. state of consciousness of
Allah).―”Allah).―”
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:183Qur’an: Baqarah: 2:183))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days.
So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] -
then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And
upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a
ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].
And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to
fast is best for you, if you only knew.”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 184)

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““RamaRamadhdhan is the (month) in which was sent down thean is the (month) in which was sent down the
Qur'anQur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for
guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).”guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).”
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““ So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let
him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an
equal number of other days. ””
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185))

From the word root “From the word root “WAU-QAF-YAWAU-QAF-YA” - we have:” - we have:
““WI-QAA-YAWI-QAA-YA” meaning – “” meaning – “to safeguard; shelter; shield;to safeguard; shelter; shield;
take care from; precaution; avert; etc.take care from; precaution; avert; etc.””
Thus the implication is “Thus the implication is “to have regard or being conscious of Allahto have regard or being conscious of Allah
such that we are especially cautious (by safeguarding ourselvessuch that we are especially cautious (by safeguarding ourselves
and our deeds from all sins), so as not to incur His wrath andand our deeds from all sins), so as not to incur His wrath and
punishmentpunishment..””
TAQWATAQWA

The usual translation into English isThe usual translation into English is ‘reverential fear of Allah’‘reverential fear of Allah’,,
which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding ofwhich may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of
this term still evades many. I prefer to use termthis term still evades many. I prefer to use term “the“the
‘‘consciousness of Allah’consciousness of Allah’,, which entails factors which lead to truewhich entails factors which lead to true
obedience to Allah s.w.t. and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. -obedience to Allah s.w.t. and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. -
obedience to what Allah has ordered and staying away from whatobedience to what Allah has ordered and staying away from what
Allah forbade.Allah forbade.
TAQWATAQWA

If you are wearing an
overflowing robe, how
would you walk through
upon a road full of
bushes of thorns ?
# ۱
PARABLE
OF WALKING IN
THORNY
PATHWAY

It would not be a problem to walk upon this road this wide isn’t it?
2 metres
# ۲
Supposed you
are shown this
lighted path ….
PARABLE
OF
‘ACROPHOBIA’

But now knowing the reality of where
you really are, how would you be walking upon it?
2 metres
# ۲
PARABLE
OF
‘ACROPHOBIA’

.... that ye may (learn) self-restraint ( having.... that ye may (learn) self-restraint ( having TAQWATAQWA
– i.e. state of consciousness of God).―”– i.e. state of consciousness of God).―”
All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014)

THE MOST IMPORTANT : –THE MOST IMPORTANT : –
 MEANING OF HOW TO BE A “MEANING OF HOW TO BE A “MUT-TAQEENMUT-TAQEEN ““
Begin with submission (Begin with submission (IslamIslam););
exuding meaning of being faithful (exuding meaning of being faithful (iimaniiman););
inculcating righteous conduct (inculcating righteous conduct (IhsanIhsan););
Inculcating sincerityInculcating sincerity ((ikhlaswikhlasw););

Learn the essentials of striving (Learn the essentials of striving (jihaadjihaad););
patient perseverance (patient perseverance (SwobrSwobr););
enhancing feeling of gratefulness (enhancing feeling of gratefulness (ShakurShakur););
Compassion for the poor & needy (Compassion for the poor & needy (RuhamahRuhamah););

Steadfastness and consistency (Steadfastness and consistency (istiqomahistiqomah););
Heightened remembrance of Allah (Heightened remembrance of Allah (Dzik-rullahDzik-rullah););
Purge and purify body and Soul (Purge and purify body and Soul (mutatohhireenmutatohhireen););
Learn the meaning of “to return & repentance”Learn the meaning of “to return & repentance”
((InaabahInaabah););

Increase interaction with and adherence to Al-Qur’anIncrease interaction with and adherence to Al-Qur’an
((tilaawah wa tadabburtilaawah wa tadabbur););
Increase in night devotions (Increase in night devotions (QiyaamQiyaam););
Reasserting and strengthening Islamic unity andReasserting and strengthening Islamic unity and
brotherhoodbrotherhood ((ittihaad wa ukhuwwahittihaad wa ukhuwwah););

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
”” Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for youAllah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you
difficultydifficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the, and (He desires) that you should complete the
number (of days in fasting) and that you shouldnumber (of days in fasting) and that you should exalt theexalt the
greatness of Allahgreatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you mayfor His having guided you and that you may
give thanks (andgive thanks (and be gratefulbe grateful)”)”

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

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““And strive (And strive (WA-JAA-HADUWA-JAA-HADU) in His cause as ye ought) in His cause as ye ought
to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He hasto strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has
chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you inchosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in
religion; it is the (religion; it is the (MILLATMILLAT) creed of your father) creed of your father
Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, bothAbraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both
before and in this (Revelation); that the Messengerbefore and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger
((SHAHEEDANSHAHEEDAN) may be a witness for you, and ye be) may be a witness for you, and ye be
witnesses for mankind! (witnesses for mankind! (SHUHADAA-A- ‘ALAN-SHUHADAA-A- ‘ALAN-
NAASNAAS)).“.“
((Qur’an: al- Hajj: 22:78Qur’an: al- Hajj: 22:78))

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014)
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
May Allah grant us and all our beloved teachers, family andMay Allah grant us and all our beloved teachers, family and
companions, the success (companions, the success (TAUFIQTAUFIQ) and the Guidance) and the Guidance
((HIDAAYAHIDAAYA) to attain to His Acceptance, Forgiveness and) to attain to His Acceptance, Forgiveness and
Mercy (Mercy (RAHMAHRAHMAH) and gain His Pleasure () and gain His Pleasure (MARDHA-TILLAHMARDHA-TILLAH).).

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73All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014))

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