Challenges of Being Muslim

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““ - Towards becom ing Mus lim s - Towards becom ing Mus lim s .and its challenge s ” .and its challenge s ”

- pre lim inary re fle c tions- pre lim inary re fle c tions

Friday night lecture by: Friday night lecture by: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailUstaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

@ Darul Arqam (Muslim Converts’ @ Darul Arqam (Muslim Converts’ Association) SingaporeAssociation) Singapore

2020thth Safar 1430AH Safar 1430AH2020thth Feb 2009 Feb 2009

©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

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?Why this topic ?Why this topic

ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ تقاته حق ٱل ۦٱتقوا تقاته حق ٱل ۦٱتقواوأنتم إل تموتن وأنتم ول إل تموتن ول

مسلمون مسلمون “O you who have attained to faith! Be conscious of

Allah (TAQWA) with a true consciousness, and do not allow death to overtake you unless you are (in

state of submission to Allah) in Islam.” (Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102)


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AT-TAQWA AT-TAQWA ((التقوىالتقوى(( :: the meas ure for Mus lims nobility the meas ure for Mus lims nobility

ن إ م‌ أتقك ٱل عند أرمكم ‌إن ‌ ڪخبير عليم ٱل

“Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most TAQWA

(consciousness of Allah leading to righteousness) amongst you. And Allah has full knowledge and is

well acquainted (with all things).”(Qur’an: al-Hujurat: 49: 13)


My reflections: , Mes s age

s pec ifically addres s ed to

.believers What is “TaqwaTaqwa ? ”

, So there areTaqwaTaqwa that is Real(Haqqa-tuqaatihi)

as there are thos e …not s o real

– Is lam or being a – Mus lim is a s tate

(haalhaal ; condition of our s piritual

, cons c ious nes s although generally perce ived through

ones outward act of)s ubmis s ion

What is “haalhaal ” what is“maqommaqom ?”

4©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

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ALLAH & ROSULLULLAH ALLAH & ROSULLULLAH s.a.w. : the final, ultimate s.a.w. : the final, ultimate reference reference

ٱل أطيعوا ءامنوا ٱلذين ہيأيا ٱل أطيعوا ءامنوا ٱلذين ہيأيا ىٱلأمرمنكم‌ وأول ٱلرسول ‌وأطيعوا ‌ ىٱلأمرمنكم‌ وأول ٱلرسول ‌وأطيعوا ‌

ٱل إلى فردوه شىء فى فإنتنزعتم ٱل إلى فردوه شىء فى فإنتنزعتم بٱل تؤمنون كنتم إن وٱلرسول بٱل تؤمنون كنتم إن وٱلرسول خير ‌ذلك ٱلأخر ‌وٱليوم ٲ ‌ خير ‌ذلك ٱلأخر ‌وٱليوم ٲ ‌ تأويل وأحسن تأويل وأحسن

““O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. If ye and those charged with authority among you. If ye

differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if ye do believe in Allah and the and His Messenger if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final

determination.”determination.”((Qur’an: an-Nisa’: 4: 59)Qur’an: an-Nisa’: 4: 59)


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BE UNITED IN HOLDING TO “ROPE BE UNITED IN HOLDING TO “ROPE FROM ALLAH” & TO REMEMBER FROM ALLAH” & TO REMEMBER WITH WITH GRATITUDEGRATITUDE ALLAH’S ALLAH’S FAVOURS FAVOURS

ALLAH’S ٱل بحبل وٱعتصموا ٱل بحبل وٱعتصموا تفرقوا‌ ول ‌‌جميعا تفرقوا‌ ول ‌‌جميعا

ٱل نعمت وٱذكروا ٱل نعمت وٱذكروا عليكم عليكم

“ “And hold fast, all together by the rope And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and which Allah (stretches out for you), and

be not divided among yourselves; and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you you ...”...”

((Qur’an: Aali ’Imran: 3: 103)Qur’an: Aali ’Imran: 3: 103)


:My reflec tions Mus lims are warned

. agains t be ing dis united

BEWAREBEWARE: Beginning of dis unity when key

Is lamic terms are , purpos e ly s lanted

, dis torted alien , s tandards impos ed innovated into Is lamic …dis cours e

IMPERATIVE QUESTION IMPERATIVE QUESTION There is a s ingle

- common bond the . rope from Allah

?“What is this rope ” Imperative for

- : Mus lims to re vis it... “ how do we learn

?our Is lam” “ Whom do we s eek to

?learn Is lam from ”


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….Be warned ….Be warned

إن ءامنوا ٱلذين يها يأكفروا ٱلذين تطيعواعقبكم أ على يردوم ہہ ڪ

خسرين فتنقلبوا “ “O ye who believe! if ye obey those who O ye who believe! if ye obey those who

disbelieve, they will make you turn back on disbelieve, they will make you turn back on your heels (from this religion), and ye turn your heels (from this religion), and ye turn back (to Allah) as losers.”back (to Allah) as losers.”

(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 149)


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….Be warned ….Be warnedتطيعوا إن ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ تطيعوا إن ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ

ٱلكتب أوتوا ٱلذين من فريقا ٱلكتب أوتوا ٱلذين من فريقا كفرين إيمنكم بعد يردوكم كفرين إيمنكم بعد يردوكم

عليكم تتلى وأنتم تكفرون وكيف عليكم تتلى وأنتم تكفرون وكيف ‌ ه ۥ‌‌ءايتٱلوفيمرسول ڪ ‌ ه ۥ‌‌ءايتٱلوفيمرسول ڪ إلى هدى فقد بٱل يعتصم ومن إلى هدى فقد بٱل يعتصم ومن

مستقيم صرط مستقيم ٲ صرط ٲ “ “O ye who believe! If ye obey a party of those who

have received the Scripture they will make you disbelievers after your belief. How can ye disbelieve,

when Allah's revelations are recited unto you, and His messenger is in your midst? He who holdeth fast

to Allah, he indeed is guided unto a right path.(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 100-101)


EXAMPLE OF CONFUSION:PERPETRATED BY OTHERS OR BY SOME MUSLIMS WHO ARE INFLUENCED (KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY) BY OTHERS …

BEWARE OF THE OBSESSIONS IN TRYING TO CATEGORIZE “ISLAM” INTO MANY TYPES - example :

•“MODERATE” versus “EXTREME”•“PROGRESSIVE-LIBERAL ” versus “ORTHODOX-TRADITIONAL”•“CONSERVATIVE” versus “RADICAL”•“PACIFIST” versus “JIHAADIST-BELLIGERENT”•“APOLITICAL” versus “POLITICAL”•“FLEXIBLE” versus “FUNDAMENTALIST”•“INCLUSIVE” versus “EXCLUSIVIST”•“SECULARIST versus “ISLAMIST”


EXAMPLE OF CONFUSION:PERPETRATED BY OTHERS OR BY MUSLIMS WHO ARE INFLUENCED (KNOWINGLY OR UNKNOWINGLY) BY OTHERS …


•“MODERATE” versus “EXTREME”•“PROGRESSIVE-LIBERAL ” versus “ORTHODOX-TRADITIONAL”•“CONSERVATIVE” versus “RADICAL”•“PACIFIST” versus “JIHAADIST-BELLIGERENT”•“APOLITICAL” versus “POLITICAL”•“FLEXIBLE” versus “FUNDAMENTALIST”•“INCLUSIVE” versus “EXCLUSIVIST”•“SECULARIST versus “ISLAMIST”

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AND THEY, ESPECIALLY MEDIA,AND THEY, ESPECIALLY MEDIA, TRY TO SUGGEST AND IMPLY THAT TRY TO SUGGEST AND IMPLY THAT WHATEVER ACTS MUSLIMS DO, IT MUST WHATEVER ACTS MUSLIMS DO, IT MUST BE REGARDED ALSO TO BE REPRESENTING BE REGARDED ALSO TO BE REPRESENTING THE VALID TEACHINGS OF ISLAM ......... !THE VALID TEACHINGS OF ISLAM ......... !TO THEM, THEY TO THEM, THEY ERRONEOUSLYERRONEOUSLY CONCLUDE CONCLUDETHAT THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF ISLAM ASTHAT THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF ISLAM ASTHERE ARE VARIETIES OF MUSLIMSTHERE ARE VARIETIES OF MUSLIMS




•“MODERATE” versus “EXTREME”•“PROGRESSIVE-LIBERAL ” versus “ORTHODOX-TRADITIONAL”•“CONSERVATIVE” versus “RADICAL”•“PACIFIST” versus “JIHAADIST”•“APOLITICAL” versus “POLITICAL”

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IT IS INDEED ASTONISHING THAT NON-MUSLIMS ARE, IT IS INDEED ASTONISHING THAT NON-MUSLIMS ARE, NOW, SO EAGER TRYING TO TEACH MUSLIMS WHAT ISLAM NOW, SO EAGER TRYING TO TEACH MUSLIMS WHAT ISLAM

IS, OR HOW ISLAM IS SUPPOSED TO BE !!?IS, OR HOW ISLAM IS SUPPOSED TO BE !!?

---- BUT NOT SO TOWARDS OTHER RELIGION.---- BUT NOT SO TOWARDS OTHER RELIGION.

INDEED, IT BECOMES EVEN SHAMEFUL WHEN SOME INDEED, IT BECOMES EVEN SHAMEFUL WHEN SOME MUSLIMS FOLLOW THEM… WHILE TURNING THEIR BACKS MUSLIMS FOLLOW THEM… WHILE TURNING THEIR BACKS AWAY OR SOME EVEN, USE THESE, TO THEN USURP OR GO AWAY OR SOME EVEN, USE THESE, TO THEN USURP OR GO

AGAINST THE TRUE HEIRS OF THE PROPHETS!AGAINST THE TRUE HEIRS OF THE PROPHETS!

النبياء ورثت النبياء العلماء ورثت العلماء




•“MODERATE” versus “EXTREME”•“PROGRESSIVE-LIBERAL ” versus “ORTHODOX-TRADITIONAL”•“CONSERVATIVE” versus “RADICAL”•“PACIFIST” versus “JIHAADIST”•“APOLITICAL” versus “POLITICAL”

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REFLECT & PONDER SERIOUSLY :REFLECT & PONDER SERIOUSLY :

““WHY SHOULD WE ALLOW OTHERS , WHY SHOULD WE ALLOW OTHERS , UNBELIEVERS, TO DICTATE TO US AS TO UNBELIEVERS, TO DICTATE TO US AS TO WHAT ISLAM IS, OR WHAT IT IS NOT? “WHAT ISLAM IS, OR WHAT IT IS NOT? “

oror ““WHO ARE THE TRUE MUSLIMS AND WHO WHO ARE THE TRUE MUSLIMS AND WHO

ISN’T ? WHO ARE THE ‘ULAMA?”ISN’T ? WHO ARE THE ‘ULAMA?”andand

““DOES ISLAM NOT HAVE ITS OWN DOES ISLAM NOT HAVE ITS OWN GUIDELINES, CRITERA ETC. REGARDING GUIDELINES, CRITERA ETC. REGARDING

THESE MATTERS?”THESE MATTERS?”


:My reflections

تأ عمن فانظروا دين هذالعلم إندينكم خذون

Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirin r.a. said:

”Verily this is knowledge (contains the rules) of the DEEN (Religion), so look thoroughly into the person from whom you acquire (the knowledge of) your DEEN Religion.”

NOTENOTE: The difference between ma’lumat (معلومة ) and ‘ilm (علم )


لم ثم حملواٱلتورة ٱلذين مثل ہہ لم ثم حملواٱلتورة ٱلذين مثل ہہ ٱلحمار كمثل يحملوها ٱلحمار كمثل يحملوها

مثل ئس ‌ب أسفارا ‌يحمل ‌ مثل ئس ‌ب أسفارا ‌يحمل ‌ ايت كذبواب ٱلذين ہہٱلقوم ايت � كذبواب ٱلذين ہہٱلقوم ىٱلقوم يد ل ٱل و ‌ٱل‌ ہ ىٱلقوم ‌ يد ل ٱل و ‌ٱل‌ ہ ‌ٱلظلمين ٱلظلمين

” ” The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books. Wretched is the likeness of folk who deny carrying books. Wretched is the likeness of folk who deny the revelations of Allah. And Allah guides not wrongdoing the revelations of Allah. And Allah guides not wrongdoing folk.” folk.” (Qur’an: Surah Jum’ah: 62: 5)(Qur’an: Surah Jum’ah: 62: 5)

NOTENOTE: The difference between ma’lumat (معلومة ) and ‘ilm (علم )


REMEMBER: REMEMBER: Ultimately, our Ultimately, our Islamic education strives Islamic education strives ....

TO CHANGING THE STATE OF OUR TO CHANGING THE STATE OF OUR SOUL, RATHER THAN MERE STUFFING SOUL, RATHER THAN MERE STUFFING OF INFORMATION INTO OUR HEADS.OF INFORMATION INTO OUR HEADS.

TO BRINGING US CLOSER TO ALLAH, TO BRINGING US CLOSER TO ALLAH, RATHER THAN ENDEARING US TO RATHER THAN ENDEARING US TO PEOPLE, POWER OR POSITION.PEOPLE, POWER OR POSITION.

ENSURING FOR OUR ETERNAL ENSURING FOR OUR ETERNAL EVERLASTING SUCCESS, NOT MERELY EVERLASTING SUCCESS, NOT MERELY TEMPORARY. TEMPORARY.


ISLAM ALREADY TEACHES US THAT OUR REAL CHALLENGE, INDIVIDUALLY, IS:FIRSTLYFIRSTLY: FOR US TO STRIVE TO REMAIN AS : FOR US TO STRIVE TO REMAIN AS

MUSLIM (IN A STATE OF SUBMISSION TO MUSLIM (IN A STATE OF SUBMISSION TO ALLAH’S WILL) THROUGHOUT OUR LIFE, TILL ALLAH’S WILL) THROUGHOUT OUR LIFE, TILL

DEATH. DEATH.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLYBUT MORE IMPORTANTLY- WHAT KIND OF A - WHAT KIND OF A MUSLIM WILL WE BECOME? – THE PATH MUSLIM WILL WE BECOME? – THE PATH

UPWARD ARE SHOWN & WE ARE REQUIRED TO UPWARD ARE SHOWN & WE ARE REQUIRED TO STRIVE UPON IT, STRIVE UPON IT, USING THE SHAR’IE USING THE SHAR’IE

GUIDELINESGUIDELINES , AS WELL AS TO BE GUIDED & , AS WELL AS TO BE GUIDED & EDUCATED BY EDUCATED BY ISLAMIC TEACHERSISLAMIC TEACHERS (ULAMA) ….. (ULAMA) …..

BECAUSE WE ARE ALL TESTEDBECAUSE WE ARE ALL TESTED, WE ARE , WE ARE WARNED TO SAVE OURSELVES AND OUR WARNED TO SAVE OURSELVES AND OUR

FAMILY FROM FALLING INTO WAYS WHICH CAN FAMILY FROM FALLING INTO WAYS WHICH CAN BRING UPON US THE TORMENTS OF HELL-FIRE BRING UPON US THE TORMENTS OF HELL-FIRE

.(.( نعو ذبال من ذلك نعو ذبال من ذلك))17


THINK !THINK ! SERIOUSLY AND IN ALL HONESTY ...

Do we study Islam as Do we study Islam as a subject? Or do we a subject? Or do we subject ourselves to subject ourselves to Islam?Islam?

Do we simply teach Do we simply teach Islamic subjects? Or Islamic subjects? Or do we strive to nurture do we strive to nurture Islamic values to our Islamic values to our students? What value?students? What value?

AS MUSLIMS ...

AS FOR THOSE WHO ASSUME ROLE AS ‘TEACHERS’ ON ISLAM ..... 18


ISLAM ALREADY TEACHES US THAT OUR REAL CHALLENGE IS:

\ قوا ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ < قوا ءامنوا ٱلذين يا ہہہيأ وقودها نارا وأهليكم أنفسكم وقودها نارا وأهليكم أنفسكم عليا وٱلحجارة ہٱلناس عليا وٱلحجارة ہٱلناس يعصون ل شداد غلظ كة مل ہہ يعصون ل شداد غلظ كة مل ہہ

ما ويفعلون مرهم أ ما ٱل ما ہہ ويفعلون مرهم أ ما ٱل ہہيؤمرون يؤمرون

((Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6))



““O you who have attained to faith! O you who have attained to faith! Ward off from yourselves and those who are Ward off from yourselves and those who are

close to you that fire (of the Hereafter) whose close to you that fire (of the Hereafter) whose fuel is human beings and stones, [lording] over it fuel is human beings and stones, [lording] over it are angelic powers awesome [and] severe, who are angelic powers awesome [and] severe, who

do not disobey Allah in whatever He has do not disobey Allah in whatever He has commanded them, but [always] do what they are commanded them, but [always] do what they are

bidden to do.”bidden to do.”

((Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6))



ءامنوا ٱلذين ءامنوا يأيها ٱلذين يأيهاٱلسلم فى ٱدخلوا ٱلسلم فى ٱدخلوا

خطوت تتبعوا ول ٲافة خطوت ڪ تتبعوا ول ٲافة ڪنه إ ‌‌ٱلشيطن‌ نه إ ‌‌ٱلشيطن‌

مبين عدو م ل ڪ مبين ۥ عدو م ل ڪ ۥ(Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208(Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208))



““O ye who believe! enter into O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and Islam whole-heartedly; and

follow not the footsteps of the follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an Evil One; for he is to you an

avowed enemy.”avowed enemy.”(Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208(Qur’an: Surah al-Baqorah: 2: 208))


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is the only one – Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is the only one –

perfected in the life of our Prophet perfected in the life of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and Muhammad s.a.w. and the only DEEN the only DEEN acceptable by Allahacceptable by Allah..

ٱلإسلم غير يبتغ ومن ٱلإسلم غير يبتغ ومن فى وهو منه يقبل فلن دينا فى وهو منه يقبل فلن دينا

ٱلخسرين من ٱلأخرة ٱلخسرين من ٱلأخرة ((Qur’an: Aali- ‘Imran : 3:85)


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is the only one – Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is the only one –

perfected in the life of our Prophet perfected in the life of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w/ and Muhammad s.a.w/ and the only DEEN the only DEEN acceptable by Allahacceptable by Allah..

““For, if one goes in search of a religion For, if one goes in search of a religion other than “other than “al-Islamal-Islam” (self-surrender to ” (self-surrender to Allah), it will never be accepted from him, Allah), it will never be accepted from him, and in the life to come he shall be among and in the life to come he shall be among the lost.”the lost.”

((Qur’an: Aali- ‘Imran : 3:85Qur’an: Aali- ‘Imran : 3:85))


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas the Muslims Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas the Muslims

are not – unless they strive with their utmost to are not – unless they strive with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.establish Islam perfectly in themselves.

كفروا ٱلذين س ي م ٱليو كفروا ٱلذين س ي م ٱليو فلتخشوهم دينكم من فلتخشوهم دينكم من

أكملت ‌ٱليوم ‌وٱخشون ‌ أكملت ‌ٱليوم ‌وٱخشون ‌ عليكم وأتممت دينكم لكم عليكم وأتممت دينكم لكم ٱلإسلم لكم ورضيت نعمتى ٱلإسلم لكم ورضيت نعمتى

دينادينا(Qur’an: Al- Ma-idah : 5 : 3)


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas the Muslims Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas the Muslims

are not – unless they strive with their utmost to are not – unless they strive with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.establish Islam perfectly in themselves.

““Today, those who are bent on denying the truth have Today, those who are bent on denying the truth have lost all hope of [your ever forsaking] your religion: do lost all hope of [your ever forsaking] your religion: do not, then, hold them in awe, but stand in awe of Me!not, then, hold them in awe, but stand in awe of Me!Today have I perfected your religious law for you, Today have I perfected your religious law for you, and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My and have bestowed upon you the full measure of My blessings, and willed that blessings, and willed that Al-IslamAl-Islam (self-surrender (self-surrender unto Me) shall be your religion.”unto Me) shall be your religion.”

((Qur’an: Al- Ma-idah : 5 : 3Qur’an: Al- Ma-idah : 5 : 3))


WHILE THERE IS WHILE THERE IS ONLY ONE ONLY ONE ““AD-AD-DEEN AL-ISLAMDEEN AL-ISLAM””

…..BUT THERE CAN BE MANY …..BUT THERE CAN BE MANY TYPES OF “MUSLIMS”TYPES OF “MUSLIMS”

SOME ARE TRUE, WHILE SOME SOME ARE TRUE, WHILE SOME OTHERS MAY BE FALSE TO ITS OTHERS MAY BE FALSE TO ITS

TRUE TEACHINGS.TRUE TEACHINGS.


BUT... HOW DOES ISLAM BUT... HOW DOES ISLAM CATEGORIZES MUSLIMS?CATEGORIZES MUSLIMS?

WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE CRITERIA? CRITERIA?

WHAT ARE THE WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES?CATEGORIES?


IN ISLAM, THERE ARE ALREADY CATEGORIZATION , TO BE APPLIED FOR MUSLIM: VERIFIABLE FROM THE QUR’AN, AS-SUNNAH AND KNOWLEDGE OF (العلماء ) ISLAMIC SCHOLARS OF OUR PIOUS PREDECESSORS …

(if) POSITIVE

‘Aa-li-meen عالمين(the learned ones)

(if) NEGATIVE

Juha-laa’ or Ja-hi-leen جاهلين (The ignorant)

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EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIM – “EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIM – “al-Fitrohal-Fitroh”:”:

--كل مولود يو لد على الفطرة كل مولود يو لد على الفطرة الحديث النبوىالحديث النبوى

Which we are then expected to strive and develop Which we are then expected to strive and develop (These are actually the possible desired outcome (These are actually the possible desired outcome from a Muslim’s education or the lack of it):from a Muslim’s education or the lack of it):


(if) POSITIVE

Mu’mi-neen مؤمنين(the believers)

(if) NEGATIVE Mu-naa-fiqeen منافقين

(The Hypocrites) Kaa-fi-reen كافرين

(Rejecters or deniers) Mush-ri-keen مشركين

(Those who associate partners to Allah)

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EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIM:EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIM:

Which then they are expected to develop –Which then they are expected to develop –(These are actually the possible desired outcome (These are actually the possible desired outcome from a Muslim’s eductation or the lack of it):from a Muslim’s eductation or the lack of it):


(if) POSITIVE

Muwaa-Hi-deen the attestor) مواحدينto the Oneness of Allah)

Swid-di-qeen صدقين(The Truthful Ones)

(if) NEGATIVE

Mush-ri-keen Those who) مشركينassociate partners to Allah)

Mukadz-dzi-been (The Liars) مكذبين

Zo-li-meen ظالمين(The Unjust)

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(if) POSITIVE

Tau-waa-been توابين(those who Repent)

‘Udul عدول (Just)

(if) NEGATIVE

Faa-si-qeen فاسقين(The Transgressors)

Zo-li-meen ظالمين (The Unjust)

Muj-ri-meen مجرمين(Evil ones; criminals)

Mus-rifeen مسرفين(immoderate; extremist)

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(if) POSITIVE

Mutah-ha-reen Those who) مطهرينkeep themselves pure)

(if) NEGATIVE

Aa-thi-meen آثمين (The Sinful ones)

Mudz-ni-been مذنبين(The Sinners)

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EVERYONE BEGINS AS AS A MUSLIM:EVERYONE BEGINS AS AS A MUSLIM:



(if) POSITIVE

Muh-ta-deen مهتدين(Those who are upon guidance)

Raa-shi-deen The Rightly) راشدينGuided)

(if) NEGATIVE

Dwal-leen ضآلين (Those who swerve / astray)

‘Aa-swiy عاصي (Disobedient /rebellious)

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(if) POSITIVE

Dzaa-ki-reen ذاكرين(Those who engage in much remembrance)

(if) NEGATIVE

Gho-fi-leen غا فلين (The Heedless ones)

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(if) POSITIVE

Mus-liHeen مصلحين (Those who reconcile & promote Righteousness)

Swa-li-Heen صالحين (The Righteous ones)

(if) NEGATIVE

Muf-si-deen The) مفسدينMischief makers; corruptors)

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(if) POSITIVE

MuH-si-neen The Doer of) محسنينGood Deeds)

(if) NEGATIVE

Faa-si-qeen فاسقين (The Transgressors)

Zo-li-meen ظالمين (The Unjust)

Muj-ri-meen مجرمين (The Evil ones; or criminals)

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EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIMS:EVERYONE BEGINS AS A MUSLIMS:



(if) POSITIVE

Mukh-li-sween The Sincere) مخلصينones)

Shu-ha-daa’ شهداء (The True Witnesses)

(if) NEGATIVE

Mush-ri-keen Those who) مشركينassociate partners to Allah)

Mukadz-dzi-been (The Liars) مكذبين

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(if) POSITIVE

Al-Muqar-ro-buun Those Nearest) المقربونto Allah)

As-haa-bul-mai-manah اصحا ب الميمنة or As-haa-bul-ya-meen اصحاباليمين(People of the Right hand)

(if) NEGATIVE

As-haa-bul-mash-amah اصحابالمشأمة or As-haa-bush-shimaal اصحاب الشمال (People of the Left hand)

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(if) POSITIVE

Hiz-ballah حزبال (The Party of Allah)

Al-Mufli-Huun Those who) المفلحونattain Success)

(if) NEGATIVE

Hizbush-shaytan- The) حزبالشيطان Party of Satan)

Al-Haa-si-ruun The) الحاسرونLosers)

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(if) POSITIVE

Al-Mut-ta-qeen The Most) المتقينConscious of Allah)

(if) NEGATIVE

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NOTENOTE::ALTHOUGH THIS LISTING MAY SUFFICIENTLY ALTHOUGH THIS LISTING MAY SUFFICIENTLY EXPLAIN THE GENERAL CATEGORIZATION, EXPLAIN THE GENERAL CATEGORIZATION, YET, I DO NOT CLAIM IT TO BE EXHAUSTIVE.YET, I DO NOT CLAIM IT TO BE EXHAUSTIVE.

ONE OF THE KEY ATTITUDE TO ONE OF THE KEY ATTITUDE TO STRIVE FOR IN BEING MUSLIM, STRIVE FOR IN BEING MUSLIM, SUCH THAT IT WILL BRING SUCH THAT IT WILL BRING GREATER OR INCREASE IN THE GREATER OR INCREASE IN THE BESTOWALS FROM ALLAH ......BESTOWALS FROM ALLAH ......

STRIVE TO ALWAYS BE A STRIVE TO ALWAYS BE A GRATEFUL SERVANGRATEFUL SERVANT OF ALLAHT OF ALLAH

شكورا شكورا عبدا عبدا42


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Commandment for Mus lims to Commandment for Mus lims to – ’ be grate ful Allah s promis e as well as – ’ be grate ful Allah s promis e as well as

:grave warning :grave warning

نشرتم مل ربك تأذن وإذ ڪہہ نشرتم مل ربك تأذن وإذ ڪہہ نفرتم ل و ‌لزيدنكم‌ ڪ نفرتم ‌ ل و ‌لزيدنكم‌ ڪ ‌

لشديد عذابى لشديد إن عذابى إن““And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared

(publicly): ‘If you are grateful, I will add more (publicly): ‘If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, (favours) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.” truly My punishment is terrible indeed.”

((Qur’an: Ibrahim : 14: 7Qur’an: Ibrahim : 14: 7))©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

:My reflec tions

BEING ( الشكور ):GRATEFUL

The key to achieving increas e bes towal

.from Allah yet how does one

? become grateful What are the

?important criteria

1. Acknowledge the true giver, Allah Who is the Bestower of those favours.

2. Learn the value of what is given, do not take any of these favours for granted.

3. Utilize what is given in accordance to what may please the Giver (i.e. do not abuse the gift), so as not to cause His wrath to befall us.


ONE OF THE GREATEST FAVOUR BESTOWED FOR US IS “AL-ISLAM”- our being guided to become Muslim

ل ق نأسلموا‌ أ عليك ‌يمنون ‌ ل ق نأسلموا‌ أ عليك ‌يمنون ‌ ٱل ل ب إسلمكم‌ على تمنوا ‌ل ‌ ٱل ل ب إسلمكم‌ على تمنوا ‌ل ‌ للإيمن م هدك أن عليكم يمن ہہ للإيمن م هدك أن عليكم يمن ہہ

صدقين كنتم إن صدقين كنتم إن ((Qur’an: al-Hujurat: 49:17Qur’an: al-Hujurat: 49:17) )


ONE OF THE GREATEST FAVOUR BESTOWED FOR US IS “AL-ISLAM”- our being guided to become Muslim

““They impress on thee as favour that they They impress on thee as favour that they have embraced Islam. have embraced Islam.

Say "Count not your Islam as a favour upon Say "Count not your Islam as a favour upon me: nay, Allah has conferred a favour upon me: nay, Allah has conferred a favour upon you that He has guided you to the Faith, if you that He has guided you to the Faith, if ye be true and sincere.” ye be true and sincere.”

((Qur’an: al-Hujurat: 49:17Qur’an: al-Hujurat: 49:17) )


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Commandment for Mus lims to Commandment for Mus lims to be grate ful for the coming of our Prophet be grate ful for the coming of our Prophet

. . . – :Muhammad s a w reflec t on thes e . . . – :Muhammad s a w reflec t on thes e

إذ ٱلمؤمنين على ٱل من لقد إذ ٱلمؤمنين على ٱل من لقد أنفسهم من رسول فيم بعث أنفسهم ہ من رسول فيم بعث ہ

يزيم و ءايته عليم يتلوا ہ ڪ ۦ ہ يزيم و ءايته عليم يتلوا ہ ڪ ۦ ہ وإن وٱلحمة ٱلكتب ڪويعلمهم وإن وٱلحمة ٱلكتب ڪويعلمهم

مبين ضلل لفى قبل من كانوا مبين ضلل لفى قبل من كانوا ““Allah did confer a great favour on the Believers when He sent Allah did confer a great favour on the Believers when He sent

among them a Messenger from among themselves; among them a Messenger from among themselves; rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them

and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while before and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while before that, they had been in manifest error.”that, they had been in manifest error.”

((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 164Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 164))


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas

the Muslims are not – unless, they strive the Muslims are not – unless, they strive with their utmost to establish Islam with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.perfectly in themselves.

وأنتم تحزنوا ول تهنوا وأنتم ول تحزنوا ول تهنوا ولكنتم إن ٱلأعلون كنتم إن ٱلأعلون

مؤمنينمؤمنين (Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:139)


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…………….Remember …………….Remember ““Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas Ad-Deen al-Islam” : is perfect, whereas

the Muslims are not – unless, they strive the Muslims are not – unless, they strive with their utmost to establish Islam with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.perfectly in themselves.

““Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: for you are bound to rise high if you are for you are bound to rise high if you are [truly] believers.”[truly] believers.”

((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:139Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:139))


, S o f a r o u r d is c u s s io n :w a s r e g a r d in g

PERSONAL/INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE IN TRAVERSING PATH FROM BEING A MUSLIMMUSLIM

TOWARDS BEING مسلممسلمULTIMATELY A MUT-TAQEEMUT-TAQEE –

متقى متقى


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…………….Remember …………….Remember The promise of Allah s.w.t. for any The promise of Allah s.w.t. for any

Muslim who strive with their utmost Muslim who strive with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.themselves.

ءامنوا وٱلذين رسلنا لننصر ءامنوا إنا وٱلذين رسلنا لننصر إناويوم ٱلدنيا ٱلحيوة فى ويوم ٱلدنيا ٱلحيوة فى

ٱلأشهد يقوم ٱلأشهد يقوم ((Qur’an: Al- Mu’min (Ghaafir) : 40:51Qur’an: Al- Mu’min (Ghaafir) : 40:51))©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

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…………….Remember …………….Remember The promise of Allah s.w.t. for any The promise of Allah s.w.t. for any

Muslim who strive with their utmost Muslim who strive with their utmost to establish Islam perfectly in to establish Islam perfectly in themselves.themselves.

““Behold, We shall indeed help Our Behold, We shall indeed help Our Messengers and those who have attained Messengers and those who have attained to faith, [both] in this world’s life and on to faith, [both] in this world’s life and on the Day when all witnesses shall stand the Day when all witnesses shall stand up”up”

((Qur’an: Al- Mu’min (Ghaafir) : 40:51Qur’an: Al- Mu’min (Ghaafir) : 40:51))


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Verily! Verily! Allah Spoke the Truth Allah Spoke the Truth

and and verily, Allah never fails verily, Allah never fails

to fulfill Histo fulfill His promise!promise!


, As Mus lims we mus t als o be , As Mus lims we mus t als o be concerned with s eeking the concerned with s eeking the

:correct res pons e to the ques tion :correct res pons e to the ques tion

WHAT IS THE WHAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM MAIN PROBLEM

OF THE UMMAH ?OF THE UMMAH ?54


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UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHALLENGE OF

THE UMMAHTHE UMMAH


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- - What es s entially is the main - - What es s entially is the main ?problem of the Ummah ?problem of the Ummah

Many theses can be offered as to the cause or Many theses can be offered as to the cause or causes for the problem and many would concur causes for the problem and many would concur that the main essential problem stems from the that the main essential problem stems from the lagging of Muslims in their current EDUCATION. lagging of Muslims in their current EDUCATION. And that the remedy is betterment in this And that the remedy is betterment in this aspect.aspect.

But what form of EDUCATION are we speaking But what form of EDUCATION are we speaking of? What is its philosophy and objective?of? What is its philosophy and objective?

Can a dual form of EDUCATION solve the Can a dual form of EDUCATION solve the Muslim problem?Muslim problem?

What about an “integrated” EDUCATION? But What about an “integrated” EDUCATION? But how and what do we mean by integration?how and what do we mean by integration?

The first International Islamic Conference on The first International Islamic Conference on Education (1977) in Makkah al- Mukarramah.Education (1977) in Makkah al- Mukarramah.


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UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHALLENGE OF

THE UMMAHTHE UMMAH


INSHA-ALLAAH ! IF INSHA-ALLAAH ! IF PERMITTED, THIS PERMITTED, THIS

CAN BE CONTINUED IN A CAN BE CONTINUED IN A FOLLOW-UP TALK IN THE FOLLOW-UP TALK IN THE

NEAR FUTURE.NEAR FUTURE.

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Our du’ aOur du’ a

هديتنا إذ بعد قلوبنا تزغ ل ربنا رحمة‌ لدنك من لنا ‌وهب ‌

ٱلوهاب أنت إنك

(Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8)©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

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Our du’ aOur du’ a“Our Lord ! Let not our hearts

swerve from the truth after You have guided us; and

bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace (Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of

Gifts (bestowals).” (Qur’an : Aali ‘Imran : 3 : 8)


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Our du’ aOur du’ a

أزوجنا من لنا هب ٲربنا أعين قرة وذريتنا

إماما للمتقين وٱجعلنا (Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74)


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Our du’ aOur du’ a“Our Lord ! Grant that our

spouses and our offspring be a joy to our eyes, and cause us to be foremost amongst those who are conscious of Thee! (as ‘al- mut-taqqin’).”

(Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74)©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

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Our du’ aOur du’ a< نسينا ن إ تؤاخذنا ل ربناربنا وأخطأنا‌ ‌أ ‌

عليناإصرا تحمل ول ہہ من ٱلذين على حملته ۥكما ل ما تحملنا ول بنا ر ‌قبلنا‌ ‌

عنا ٱعف و به‌ لنا ‌طاقة ۦ‌نت أ اوٱرحمنا‌ لن ‌وٱغفر ‌ ‌‌‌‌

على فٱنصرنا ا مولن ہہ ٱلفرين ٱلقوم ڪ

(Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286)


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Our du’ aOur du’ a“Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us : Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, And grant us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us. You are our protector : Help us against the unbelievers.”

(Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286)©2009ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

أعلم أعلم وال وال

أنت إنك ماعلمتنا إل لنا علم ل نك أنت سبحا إنك ماعلمتنا إل لنا علم ل نك سبحاالحكيم الحكيم العليم العليم

وعلى محمد سيدنا على والسلم ة وعلى والصل محمد سيدنا على والسلم ة والصلوسليم وأصحابه وسليم أله وأصحابه أله

العالمين رب ل والحمد دعونا العالمين وأخر رب ل والحمد دعونا وأخر 64

CONCLUSION CONCLUSION Q & AQ & A


http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/

http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-

quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

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السلم عليكم ورحمةال وبركاته السلم عليكم ورحمةال وبركاته All welcome to visit my web-blog:All welcome to visit my web-blog:


Challenges of Being Muslim

Spiritual

Transcript of Challenges of Being Muslim