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 Ismailfor ”for ” RAMADHAN REFLECTION 2014 - -

Darul Arqam SingaporeDarul Arqam SingaporeMuslim Converts’ Association SingaporeMuslim Converts’ Association Singapore

Saturday , 19 July 2014 @5.30PMSaturday , 19 July 2014 @5.30PMThe 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




MUQADDIMAH(AN INTRODUCTION)

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

The topic I chose is indeed basic, as I am one who is The topic I chose is indeed basic, as I am one who is

concerned with educating ourselves in the knowledge of concerned with educating ourselves in the knowledge of

the basic the basic FARDH ‘AIN FARDH ‘AIN in Islam. So, please bear with me if in Islam. So, please bear with me if

what I say may seem obvious or repetitive to many of what 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.”


MUQADDIMAH(AN INTRODUCTION)

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

I am myself still struggling to learn, so this I am myself still struggling to learn, so this

session is not meant to be a class of sort but session is not meant to be a class of sort but

merely a reflection – Only to share the little merely a reflection – Only to share the little

that I know as a perpetual Muslim student that I know as a perpetual Muslim student

involved in educating the involved in educating the UmmahUmmah, ,

especially from the experience which Allah especially from the experience which Allah

s.w.t. has favoured me thus far, in my s.w.t. has favoured me thus far, in my

learning journey as a servant, a seeker and learning journey as a servant, a seeker and

a traveller upon the path of knowledge and a 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” ?All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014))

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-QADRAll Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2014))

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 of His 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 people When 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 worldly concern 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



TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH



““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 that so 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 a Who has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky a

canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby

brought forth fruits for your sustenance: do not, then, claim brought forth fruits for your sustenance: do not, then, claim

that there is any power that could rival Allah, when you know that 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



TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH


““And (tell them that) I have not created the invisible beings And (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,) no they may (know and) worship (serve) Me.(But withal,) no

sustenance do I ever demand of them, nor do I demand that sustenance do I ever demand of them, nor do I demand that

they feed me: for verily, Allah Himself is the Provider of all they 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))



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 are And 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 must in need of Allah. So the command to serve or to worship in Islam must

be understood only as something that benefits ourselves, to fulfill our be 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, whose Our status for existing therefore is as His servant/slave, whose

purpose in life therefore firstly is to submit and obey His Will purpose 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 OF FIRST LEVEL TOWARDS HIGHER STATE OF

TAQWATAQWABEGINS WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OF BEGINS WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OF

AL-ISLAMAL-ISLAM

Submission

TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAM

MAQOM AL-ISLAM


Being Being MUSLIMMUSLIM is the minimum level or state, the entrance which is the minimum level or state, the entrance which

requires building a total way of life with striving in Allah’s way. And we requires 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 Allah O 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))

Being Being MUSLIMMUSLIM requires firstly the acknowledgement and acceptance of requires firstly the acknowledgement and acceptance of

the message of the message of AT-TAUHEEDAT-TAUHEED and and 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 true become true Witnesses Witnesses towards upholding towards upholding DEEN Al-Islam DEEN Al-Islam through through

submission and obedience.submission and obedience.

This is the first basic level open to all mankind. As long as the Muslim This is the first basic level open to all mankind. As long as the Muslim

remain true – without (remain true – without (SHIRK SHIRK and and 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 sinning Yet, it does not guarantee that a Muslim will be averted from sinning

and punishment, for and punishment, for there is still the danger of the Hell-fire which we there is still the danger of the Hell-fire which we

must strive to avoid must strive to avoid through conforming to the Guidance of Allah and through 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 their Muslims 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’AIN FARDH’AIN (personal obligation) (personal obligation)

knowledge.knowledge.

The higher part of their development indeed is crucial, not merely the The higher part of their development indeed is crucial, not merely the

outward conformity to Al-Islam, but more so the development of their outward conformity to Al-Islam, but more so the development of their

inner certainty with affirmation of the inner certainty with affirmation of the TRUTHTRUTH with authentic creed / belief with authentic creed / belief

((AQEEDAH SAAQEEDAH SAHHEEHAHEEHAH).).

Without such pursuit, his conforming to Islamic teaching and practices Without such pursuit, his conforming to Islamic teaching and practices

may be mere outward rituals, devoid of understanding which may lead to may 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 who Being at the level of Muslim is still not sufficient because if he/she who

does not strive towards higher state of does not strive towards higher state of TAQWA, TAQWA, he/she may be in danger he/she may be in danger

of sinning and of rebelliousness.of sinning and of rebelliousness.


MUSLIMMUSLIM

Submission


MUNAFEEQINMUNAFEEQINFASIQEENFASIQEEN

MUJRIMEENMUJRIMEEN

ZOLIMEENZOLIMEEN GHOFILEENGHOFILEENMUSRIFEENMUSRIFEEN

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 ATTAINMENTTOWARDS HGHEST STATE OF TOWARDS HGHEST STATE OF

TAQWATAQWA


MUSLIMMUSLIM

Submission



TAQWATAQWA

MAQOM AL-ISLAM


MUSLIMMUSLIM

MU’MEENMU’MEEN

Believer

Submission



TAQWATAQWA

MAQOM AT-TAUBAH MAQOM AT-TAUBAH


TO BE AT THE LEVEL ONLY AS MUSLIM IS NOT SUFFICIENT

The state of The state of IIMAN IIMAN is not static, but can become strong or even become is not static, but can become strong or even become

weak, as it commensurate with weak, 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 to is 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 of The 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 and and AMALAMAL . And one must not forget that . And one must not forget that ‘ILM ‘ILM takes precedence takes 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 then The 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. Even they 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 Signs more 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 you O you who have believed, why do you say what you

do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that do 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 perseverance And seek help through patience perseverance

((SWOBRSWOBR) and prayer () and prayer (SWOLAHSWOLAH), and indeed, it is ), and indeed, it is

difficult except for the difficult 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 and Who 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 to Basic in attesting to TAUTAUHHEEDEED are the three aspects of are the three aspects of ISLAM-IIMAN-IISLAM-IIMAN-IHHSAN.SAN.

After After ISLAMISLAM and and IIMAN, IIMAN, I IHHSANSAN being the perfection of what constitute “ being the perfection of what constitute “Good or Good 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 our The 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 to Basic in attesting to TAUTAUHHEEDEED are the three aspects of are the three aspects of ISLAM-IIMAN-IISLAM-IIMAN-IHHSAN.SAN.

AfterAfter ISLAM and IMAN, I ISLAM and IMAN, IHHSANSAN being the perfection of what constitute “ being the perfection of what constitute “Good or Good 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 our The 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- Ihhsan san (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, nor When 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, it the 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 of is 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 or our 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 the rejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by the

Islamic concept termed as Islamic 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, nor When 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, it the 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 of is 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 or our 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 the rejected by Him - this will make us people to be extra-cautious by the

Islamic concept termed as Islamic 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 is That 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 (with Whoever (with TAQWATAQWA) avoids doubtful matters safeguards ) avoids doubtful matters safeguards

himself in regard to his religion and his honour, whereas he who himself in regard to his religion and his honour, whereas he who

falls into doubtful matters is falling into that which is unlawful, like falls into doubtful matters is falling into that which is unlawful, like

the shepherd who pastures his herd around a sanctuary for them the 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 His Verily 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 spoilt good (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 others and 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 with To serve with IIHHSANSAN is to spread acts of is to spread acts of IIHHSAN SAN (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 commanded to 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



TAQWATAQWAMAQOM AZ-ZUHUD MAQOM AZ-ZUHUD


TO BE A MUSLIM WHO IS A MU’MEEN 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 to then 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)

is is SHIRKSHIRK (ascribing partners) to Allah. (ascribing partners) to Allah.

I am not saying that they will worship the sun or the I am not saying that they will worship the sun or the

moon or idols, but moon or idols, but it is in their being insincere in doing it is in their being insincere in doing

good deeds, not intending it for Allah’s sake but only to good 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 who am 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

MUTTAQEENMUTTAQEENLEVELS OF ATTAINMENTLEVELS OF ATTAINMENTTOWARDS HGHEST STATE OF TOWARDS HGHEST STATE OF

TAQWATAQWA

Believer

Submission


Sincerity

God-consciousness or Piety

TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAMMAQOM AL-’ARIFEENMAQOM AL-’ARIFEEN


TO BE A MUSLIM WHO IS A MU’MEEN WHO HAS IHSAN AND IKHLASW

IS STILL IS NOT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

The highest aspect of The 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 – the Allah, 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 TAUFEEQ TAUFEEQ (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 greatest The greatest KAROMAHKAROMAH (Nobility or saintly miracle) being (Nobility or saintly miracle) being ISTIQOMAH ISTIQOMAH ( 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 to been fixed by Allah (upon Muslims), and this will make you to

become a person of become 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 was O 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 ( having restraint ( 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 the an 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 Allah to have regard or being conscious of Allah

such that we are especially cautious (by safeguarding ourselves such that we are especially cautious (by safeguarding ourselves

and our deeds from all sins), so as not to incur His wrath and and our deeds from all sins), so as not to incur His wrath and

punishmentpunishment..””

TAQWATAQWA


The usual translation into English is The usual translation into English is ‘reverential fear of Allah’‘reverential fear of Allah’, ,

which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of

this term still evades many. I prefer to use term this term still evades many. I prefer to use term “the “the

‘‘consciousness of Allah’consciousness of Allah’, , which entails factors which lead to true which 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 what obedience 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 sincerity Inculcating 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’an Increase 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 and Reasserting and strengthening Islamic unity and

brotherhood brotherhood ((ittihaad wa ukhuwwahittihaad wa ukhuwwah););


TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH


” ” Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you Allah 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 should number (of days in fasting) and that you should exalt the exalt the

greatness of Allahgreatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may for His having guided you and that you may

give thanks (and give thanks (and be gratefulbe grateful)”)”



TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

““And thus have We willed you to be a community of the And 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 truth that [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 has to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has

chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in chosen 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, both Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both

before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger before 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)


TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

May Allah grant us and all our beloved teachers, family and May 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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