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THE QUR'AN AS GUIDANCE

The Qur'an is the ultimate primary guideline that transcends the timeframe of all human civilizations. It conveys holistic (Shumuliyyah) and comprehensive messages addressed from God to mankind that encompass all stages of human life, including the journey of hunting knowledge (most relevant to us). To illustrate, the Qur'an places a heavy emphasis on the importance of seeking knowledge as a means to progress the advancements of society and the sciences, earn flowing rewards after death, and pave the road to Jannah.

Allah S.W.T. says in Sūrah Al-'Alaq; 96:1:

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ( ١)

Meaning: Read in the Name of your Lord who created [everything].

ADAB IN KNOWLEDGE

"Adab" (Behavior) is tantamount in attaining knowledge. It is imperative that we conduct ourselves in accordance to the Islamic principles of ethics such as respecting teachers. As teachers are frequently aphorized as the torchbearers who light our way to the garden of knowledge, we, the students, owe them every ounce of our respect in order to garner their blessings, which, in turn, lead to ease and smoothness in the process of studying as well as becoming learned individuals.

However, oftentimes, it is the parents that trespass the ethical boundary between students and teachers due to negative presumptions as well as misunderstandings. To exemplify, a parent who sued a teacher because he assumed his son was being abused by his teacher at first glance when the truth was that the teacher was only lightly reprimanding the boy for being a free-rider in the group assignment. As a result, this causes a strain in the student-teacher relationship, which ultimately leads to Allah S.W.T. closing the student's heart to knowledge as a punishment to his father (parent).

Another analogy that perfectly encapsulates this lesson is the story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir (a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.)and his student. One day, he was eating with his pupil after a lesson. A mischievous man who was spying on the pair witnessed the Sheikh feeding the boy with a piece of chicken bone. He informed the boy's father and he immediately rushed to admonish the Sheikh. In turned out that it was all a misunderstanding, but the Sheikh declared that the boy could no longer learn anything as Allah S.W.T. had blinded his heart to knowledge as a retribution for his father's actions. This also serves a reminder to all parents to be mindful with their tongue and treatment of their children's teachers, for they might affect their future academic prospects negatively.

1) Belief in Allah S.W.T.

Muslims believe that all humans were created with the sole purpose of dedicating their lives to worship Allah S.W.T. alone. Ascribing Him with partners is a grave sin as it is considered Shirk.

2) Belief in the Angels

Muslims must accept the existence of Angels who are created from light, have no free will and have existed before man.

3) Belief in the Scriptures

There are four holy books sent to man which contain the messages from God.

The four books are Zabur which was sent to Prophet Daud A.S., Taurah which was sent to Prophet Musa A.S., Injeel which was sent to Prophet Isa A.S., and the Qur'an which was sent to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W., which is the final and most comprehensive form of the message.

4) Belief in the Prophets and Messengers

The Messengers of God were appointed among human beings as an acknowledgement of the quality of man. They spread the word of God and are vested with the responsibility to guide their respective communities. There are 25 Messengers in whom Muslims must remember.

5) Belief in the Day of Judgement

No one knows the date except Allah S.W.T. and nobody can escape retribution by Him.

On that Day, each individual will be accounted for each deed even if it's an atom's weight. Obedience will be rewarded with Heaven, and disobedience Hell.

6) Qada' & Qadar

Muslims ought to believe that everything has been predetermined by Allah S.W.T., so, we have no dominance in all things which is why we must acknowledge His dominance over us.

Definition: Ihsan means the act of doing something with excellence.

In Islam, Muslims have obligations bestowed upon them by Allah S.W.T. and responsibilities which must be carried out accordingly as the vicegerents that administer the Earth.

Of course, these entrusted commitments must be upheld to the highest degree of our abilities. For example, the second pillar of Islam which is establishing Salah, needs to be performed with utmost khusyu', focus and concentration. The way we can aim for full focus with no distractions is by feeling as if Allah S.W.T. Himself is right in front of us. Such feelings will evoke a sense of fear into our hearts. Hence, we can instill in ourselves the extreme desire to be exemplary in our duty out of fear and awe of Allah S.W.T..

An example of intense devotion towards Allah S.W.T. is embodied by Khalifah Uthman bin Affan RA who was so deep in worship that he was unfazed by the assassination attempts and stabbings of the rebels and passed away while reading the Qur'an.

Allah S.W.T. says in Surah Al-Isra' (17:23)

۞ وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا ٢٣

Meaning: For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.

An example of filial piety and respect towards parents is best characterized by the Prophet Ibrahim AS who was touchingly polite and soft-spoken towards his father, who was a polytheist. He was proper and gentle in his speech when advising his father to stop worshiping and idolising Satan. Furthermore, the Prophet Ibrahim AS was impressively well-mannered and dignified even when his own father rejected his advice harshly and even admonished him for criticizing his gods.

Nevertheless, the Prophet Ibrahim AS continued to advise his father to the point that he got irritated and disowned his own son. Not to mention, he banished the Prophet out of his home. Despite this, the Prophet Ibrahim AS continually prayed for his father to see the truth one day.

To summarize, it is paramount for children to respect and have Adab towards their parents, irrespective to who they are. Good or evil, pious or irreligious, we ought to modulate our manner when we are with our parents because their favours to us can never be repaid.

1. Ṣhahadah (Declaration of Faith): Accentuated in Surah Ali 'Imran (3:18), it is the central tenet of the Islamic faith, around which all else revolves. The second part serves as a reminder to Muslims about the significance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but it also warns us to never associate partners with Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

2. Ṣalāh (Prayer): Emphasized in Surah al-ʿAnkabut (29:45), it prohibits immorality and wrongdoing while fostering the remembrance of Allah.

3. Ṣawm (Fasting): Highlighted in Surah al-Baqarah (2:183), fasting is prescribed to instill righteousness and self-discipline.

4. Zakāh (Charity): Discussed in Surah al-Tawbah (9:103), charity purifies wealth, brings blessings, and offers reassurance to believers.

5. Ḥajj (Pilgrimage): As per Surah al-Baqarah (2:197), it requires fear of Allah and righteousness, forbidding disputes and immorality.

   
   

To conclude, each of the five pillars works in tandem with one another to bring the essence of Islam as a religion that embodies peace in submission to Allah SWT, into the lifestyle of every Muslim.

إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ (١٤)

Meaning: It is truly I. I am Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Me. So worship Me ˹alone˺, and establish prayer for My remembrance.

As the second pillar of Islam, the verse places emphasis on the importance of praying FIVE (5) times A DAY (Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isya') as the main nourishment for our souls. Mentioned in total of 83 times in the Quran, the prayers help us keep God in mind throughout the whole day.

As such, it is important to have Khusyu', which is the focus of mind in humility, tranquility and submission before Allah سبحانه وتعالى for meaningful worship.

Significance of Khusyu':

• The first deed questioned on Judgment Day is prayer. Good prayer leads to success, while negligence results in failure.

• Khusyu' is defined as calmness, humility, and full attention during prayer, both physically and spiritually.

• Steps for Khusyu':

  • Prepare through cleanliness (body, clothing, and prayer space) and proper mental focus.

  • Understand the meanings of recitations and perform actions thoughtfully.

  • Avoid distractions, like hunger or gadgets.

• How to Cultivate Khusyu':

  • Visualize standing before Allah.

  • Slow down to reflect on each action and recitation.

  • Make dua (supplication) for focus and sincerity.

• Benefits of Khusyu':

  • Enhances spiritual connection with Allah.

  • Promotes mindfulness, discipline, and inner peace.

  • Rewards include the acceptance of prayers and closeness to Allah.

• Barriers to Khusyu':

  • Distractions and attachments to worldly desires can hinder focus.

  • Techniques like reflecting on the significance of actions and avoiding rushing help counteract this.

• Takeaways:

  • Khusyu' enriches both prayer and daily life. Efforts to improve it are rewarded by Allah.

In a nutshell, by having focus on prayer and doing it in an unhurried manner, showing humility towards Allah سبحانه وتعالى so that the reward thereof will be obtained in full. But if prayer is done in a hasty manner, such as if he bows but does not take the time to do it properly, so he does it in a hasty manner and the movement does not reflect proper humility.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى attested in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:1-2):

قَدْ أَفْلَحَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ (١)

ٱلَّذِينَ هُمْ فِى صَلَاتِهِمْ خَـٰشِعُونَ (٢)

Meaning: Indeed, the successful believers are those who during prayer, are humbly submissive.

Prayer without Khushūʿ is valid. However, praying without Khushūʿ decreases the rewards of the prayer performed.

-Dato' Seri Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Irsyad Al-Fatwa Series 145 | The Ruling of Not Having Khushūʿ in Prayer

Naturally, there are several virtues associated with having Khushūʿ in Ṣalāh;

• Al-Ṭāʿah (Submission and Loyalty):

  • Bowing and prostration signify obedience to Allah.

  • Builds unwavering loyalty and reminds believers of their purpose.

• Al-Jihād (Struggle in the Path of Allah):

  • Requires overcoming distractions to maintain focus in prayer.

  • Strengthens resolve to face life's challenges with patience.

• Muḥāsabah (Reflection):

  • Encourages self-accountability and purification of the heart.

  • Provides a moment for self-reflection and seeking forgiveness.

• Tawaḍḍuʿ (Humility):

  • Bowing and prostration demonstrate servitude and remove arrogance.

  • Fosters gratitude and humility in interactions with others.

• Iffah (Modesty):

  • Encourages self-restraint and avoidance of sinful behavior.

  • Strengthens moral integrity and discipline.

In conclusion, Ṣalāh with Khushūʿ helps strengthens the bond with Allah سبحانه وتعالى and shapes the character of a Muslim. Furthermore, the virtues cultivated through Ṣalāh permeate every aspect of life, leading to spiritual growth and success.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (١٨٣)

Meaning: O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

Ordained to be the FOURTH (4) pillar of Islam, the above ayah highlights Allah سبحانه وتعالى's command to fast during the month of Ramadan.

Naturally, as is the nature of Allah سبحانه وتعالى as the All-Knowing and Possessor of All-Encompassing, Absolute Perfect Knowledge, there is inherent wisdom upholding this pillar, but, before delving into it, here are some digestible, bite-sized nuggets of background information on fasting or As-Sawm.

1. History of Fasting

• Fasting was practiced before Islam by Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.

• In Islam, fasting was made obligatory in the second year of Hijrah (Surah Al-Baqarah: 183).

• Prophets Musa, Isa, Zakariya, and Maryam (A.S.) also practiced fasting.

• Initially, Muslims fasted three days a month, later replaced by Ramadan fasting.

  
  

2. Wisdom of Fasting

• Increases Taqwa (God-consciousness): Helps control desires and strengthens faith in Allah.

• Develops Good Character: Teaches self-restraint, avoids sins like gossiping, lying, and foul speech.

• Purifies the Soul: Controls both physical and spiritual desires.

• Teaches Patience: Fasting is considered half of patience in Islamic teachings.

  
  

3. Exemptions from Fasting

• The sick and travelers are allowed to break their fast and make up for it later.

• Those physically unable to fast (chronic illness, old age) can pay fidyah (feeding the poor).

• Fasting is still better if one is capable.

  
  

  Now that's covered, we'll be exploring the hikmah of fasting in the following snippets.

  
  

4. The Virtues of Ramadan

• The month when the Quran was revealed, along with other divine scriptures.

• Gates of mercy and forgiveness are opened, devils are chained.

• Good deeds are multiplied, making it the best time for worship.

• Dua (prayers) of a fasting person is never rejected, especially before breaking the fast.

  
  

5. Key Values of Fasting

i. Sabr (Patience and Endurance)

• Fasting trains patience in obedience, avoiding sins, and enduring hardship.

• Surah Az-Zumar: 10 – Allah promises unlimited rewards for those who are patient.

ii. Takrim (Honor and Dignity)

• Strengthens the connection with Allah.

• Improves self-discipline and self-control.

• Encourages empathy and kindness towards the less fortunate.

• Promotes forgiveness and social harmony.

iii. Rahmah (Compassion and Mercy)

• Fasting is a means to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

• Teaches gratitude by reminding us of Allah’s blessings.

• Encourages charity and generosity, especially in Ramadan.

• Strengthens relationships through forgiveness and mutual respect.

  
  

To summarize, fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but about self-discipline, taqwa, kindness, and reflection. Furthermore, it helps shape individuals to become more disciplined, compassionate, and responsible in life. Thus, let us embrace Ramadan as a time for spiritual transformation—a chance to improve oneself and increase good deeds.

۞ إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌۭ (٦٠ )

Meaning: Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

In Volume 7, Book 64, Number 268:

Narrated by Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه;

"The Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best alms is that which is given when one is rich, and a giving hand is better than a taking one, and you should start first to support your dependents.' A wife says, 'You should either provide me with food or divorce me.' A slave says, 'Give me food and enjoy my service." A son says, "Give me food; to whom do you leave me?" The people said, "O Abu Huraira! Did you hear that from Allah's Apostle ?" He said, "No, it is from my own self."

An integral component of Islam, Zakāh — the giving of alms to the poor — is the THIRD (3) pillar of Islam that has been mentioned in the Quran 27 times, coupled with Salah, which signifies the prevalence of being charitable out of one's own wealth in order to be purified.

1. Introduction to Zakāh

• One of the Five Pillars of Islam and an obligatory act of worship.

• Helps Muslims grow closer to Allah SWT, alongside Salah, Sawm, and Hajj.

• Has both spiritual and social benefits.

  
  

2. What is Zakāh?

• Literal meaning: Growth, increase, purification, and improvement.

• Islamic meaning: A fixed portion of wealth designated by Allah to be distributed among the deserving categories.

• Difference from tax: Zakāh purifies wealth and promotes social responsibility.

  
  

3. Zakāh vs. Sadaqah

Zakāh - Compulsory act of worship, structured with set amounts, recipient, or time, includes Zakāh al-Fitr and Zakāh al-Māl.

Sadaqah - Recommended act of worship, flexible with no fixed amount, recipient, or time, includes all forms of charity (Zakāh, Infaq, Waqf).

4. The Significance of Zakāh

• Mentioned over 30 times in the Qur'an, often alongside Salah.

• Example (Surah Al-Tawbah, 9:103):
  “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”

  
  

5. The Virtues of Zakāh

i. Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)

• Trains Muslims to trust in Allah instead of material wealth.

• Assurance that Allah replaces what is given for His sake.

ii. Ukhuwwah (Brotherhood and Unity)

• Promotes love, empathy, and social harmony.

• Eliminates envy and hatred in society.

• Hadith (Al-Bukhari):
  "A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He should not oppress him nor hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfills his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfill his needs."

  
  

6. Zakāh: Strengthening Relationships

• Vertical Relationship: Strengthens connection with Allah SWT.

• Horizontal Relationship: Builds bonds among fellow Muslims.

• Merges spiritual and social dimensions of Islam.

  
  

In a nutshell, Zakāh is not just financial, but a spiritual and social act of worship. Therefore, it teaches trust in Allah (Tawakkul) and strengthens Muslim brotherhood (Ukhuwwah). Furthermore, this is essential for a harmonious, just, and righteous Muslim society.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

By definition, this saying means that every difficult outcome has a positive aspect that is not always apparent. In Malay, this is often translated as "setiap benda yang berlaku pasti ada hikmahnya", with the Malay equivalent of the original idiom being "hilang kabus turun hujan". Focus on the word "hikmah". This word is highly prevalent whenever one encounters something uneventful in his/her life. However, do we know what it actually is? While we are floating high in the clouds, let us soar higher to the Sun and Moon! Reflected in Surah Yunus (10:5):

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ ٱلشَّمْسَ ضِيَآءًۭ وَٱلْقَمَرَ نُورًۭا وَقَدَّرَهُۥ مَنَازِلَ لِتَعْلَمُوا۟ عَدَدَ ٱلسِّنِينَ وَٱلْحِسَابَ ۚ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٰلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ يُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لِقَوْمٍۢ يَعْلَمُونَ (٥)

Meaning: It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases – that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى elaborates the signs (the lights, systems, stages as well as the calculations of month and year in this ayah, specifically) for a people who understand. It means that Allah سبحانه وتعالى did not create all these things in vain. There is great wisdom behind it, and certainly numerous are the benefits they bring for human beings. These are elaborated signs. They are loud and clear. They are telling the truth to people who are blessed with reason and insight. This signifies the importance of pondering each moment.

Notes on Acquisition of Hikmah (Wisdom)

1. Definition of Hikmah

• Hikmah (wisdom) refers to the ability to apply knowledge appropriately in different situations.

• It involves deep understanding, insight, and sound judgment.

2. Importance of Hikmah

• Helps in making righteous decisions.

• Strengthens one's faith and character.

• Encourages patience and thoughtfulness in dealing with life's challenges.

3. Sources of Hikmah

• Revelation (Wahy): Wisdom derived from the Quran and Hadith.

• Experience: Gained through life experiences and reflection.

• Learning: Acquired from teachers, scholars, and books.

• Observations: Understanding through observing people and nature.

4. Qualities of a Wise Person

• Knowledgeable: Continuously seeks knowledge and applies it wisely.

• Patient: Does not act impulsively but considers consequences.

• Understanding: Aware of different perspectives and emotions.

• Just & Fair: Treats people with equity and kindness.

• God-conscious (Taqwa): Acts with awareness of Allah’s guidance.

5. Steps to Acquire Hikmah

1. Seek Knowledge: Study religious and worldly knowledge diligently.

2. Reflect & Contemplate: Think deeply about experiences and lessons.

3. Practice Patience & Humility: Avoid arrogance and hasty decisions.

4. Learn from Mistakes: Accept failures as lessons for growth.

5. Surround Yourself with Wise People: Gain wisdom from scholars and mentors.

6. Pray for Guidance: Ask Allah سبحانه وتعالى to grant wisdom and understanding.

6. Benefits of Hikmah

• Leads to a balanced and fulfilling life.

• Helps in resolving conflicts peacefully.

• Improves decision-making and leadership abilities.

• Brings inner peace and a stronger connection with Allah.

In summary, those with knowledge and faith are those who seek and understand the signs of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, constantly putting their mental faculty to work using the processes of Tafakkur (contemplating the creations) and Tadabbur (reflecting the verses of the Qur'an) in search of wisdom, as per Surah Yunus (10:5).

With that being said, oftentimes, people confuse Hajj with Umrah. How do they differ? That's why I'm writing this.

Hajj:

• Obligatory Act: Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory act of worship for every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim to perform at least once in their lifetime.

• Specific Timing: Hajj is performed annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th of this month.

• Comprehensive Rituals: The rituals of Hajj are extensive and include:

  • Entering a state of Ihram (a sacred state of purity).

  • Performing Tawaf: Circumambulating the Ka'aba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.

  • Performing Sa'i: Walking and running between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times.

  • Spending time in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

  • Participating in the Stoning of the Devil ritual.

  • Offering a sacrificial animal (Qurbani) during Eid al-Adha.

  • Shaving or clipping the hair.

  • Performing a farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida) before leaving Makkah.

Umrah:

• Non-Obligatory Act: Umrah is considered a Sunnah act, meaning it is highly recommended but not obligatory.

• Flexible Timing: Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time during the Islamic calendar year.

• Simpler Rituals: The rituals of Umrah are fewer and can be completed in a shorter time frame. They include:

  • Entering a state of Ihram.

  • Performing Tawaf around the Ka'aba.

  • Performing Sa'i between Safa and Marwa.

  • Shaving or clipping the hair to conclude the pilgrimage.

KEY DIFFERENCES:

• Obligation: Hajj is obligatory for those who meet the necessary conditions, while Umrah is recommended but not mandatory.

• Timing: Hajj has specific dates in the Islamic calendar, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time.

• Duration and Complexity: Hajj involves more rituals and spans several days, making it more demanding, whereas Umrah is shorter and involves fewer rites.

In conclusion, both pilgrimages hold significant spiritual value, offering Muslims the opportunity to seek closeness to Allah (SWT) and reflect on their faith.