Monday, June 02, 2008

Wajah-wajah 'Cool' Imam-imam Masjid al-Haram

Memandangkan tiada apa-apa yang menarik yang ingin penulis ingin tulis, penulis ingin berkongsi dengan anda gambar-gambar wajah-wajah cool beberapa orang Imam Masjid al-Haram. (Hehehe... suka-suka je sebenarnya).

Syeikh Dr. Abdul Rahman as-Sudais (ketika berkhutbah)

Syeikh Dr. Abdul Rahman as-Sudais (ketika mengimam solat tarawih)

Syeikh Dr. Saud as-Shuraim (ketika berkhutbah)

Syeikh Dr. Saud as-Shuraim (ketika mengimami solat tarawih)

Syeikh Salih Aal Talib (ketika berkhutbah)

Syeikh Salih Aal Talib (sebelum menunaikan solat Isyak)

Syeikh Mahir al-Muayqali (ketika mengimami Solat Subuh)

Syeikh Mahir al-Muayqali (ketika mengimami solat tarawih)

Syeikh Salih bin Humaid (ketika berkhutbah pada Hari Raya Aidilfitri)



Gambar-gambar ini diambil dari Haramain Salaat Recordings

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Makkah Friday Sermon Translation

Defend the Sunnah
Delivered by Sheikh Abdul Rahman as-Sudais
(Imam and Khatib of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah)
March 28, 2008 ~ Rabee al Awwal 20, 1429


FIRST SERMON
Indeed all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, ask for His forgiveness, and we thank Him abundantly. He has given us countless bounties and bountiful provision. Glory be to Him. All deserves all Glory and Praise, and it our duty to acknowledge His greatness. I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah alone who has no partner. This is a testimony by which we will enter Jannah. And I bear witness that Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the servant and messenger of Allah the Almighty. He is the best of human beings in terms of lineage and race, characteristics and morality and his was a biography that enlightened the entire universe. May Allah's abundant peace and blessings be upon him. This is part of the right of Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) granted to him by Allah the Almighty. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon his family and companions, and those who supported and protected him as well as his successors and those who follow him in righteous deeds out of love for him and his message.

Oh servants of Allah, the best of advice is to advise you to fear Allah. So fear Allah the Almighty so that He may have mercy on you. Know that Godly consciousness is a means to defend the sunnah of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and a means to attain the highest degree in Jannah. It is also a shield against innovation and misguidance. Moreover, it is a proof of one's true love for the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). It is the best of provisions for the hearts that are steadfast. "...And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!" [Surah Baqarah: Ayaah 197]

Oh Muslims, people before the mission of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) lived for a long time in an incoherent society, where there were people who were arrogant and self-righteous. Many people misbehaved and worshipped idols. They lived under oppression and transgression in a distorted and corrupted society. This was the case until the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) arrived. So through Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) the whole world was guided towards monotheism, morality, and how to live a humane life. He guided towards all that is right, good, and divinely just. Allah says: "O Prophet! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner, And as one who invites to Allâh by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light." [Surah Ahzaab: Ayaah 45-46] The light of his message spread to the whole world because his message is a guiding light. This is a light that Allah the Almighty enabled to spread everywhere. The Ummah expanded and as time passed it became stronger and stronger. He taught the world that had been deprived of the beauty of light, justice, and guidance. It also gave them the utmost dignity and honor. So all praise is due to Allah for this blessing and bounties. Glory be to Allah the Almighty who gave His Messenger the best of messages to the worlds. Indeed our praise of you Messenger of Allah is hardly anything after Allah the Almighty has mentioned you in His book and praised you.

Oh Muslims, it is from the wisdom of Allah the Almighty that He chose Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to be the Messenger to mankind. Who is the best and the most noble of all the prophets? Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam)! Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the man of dignity and honor. He is the one who received the revelation and was supported by the angel Jibraeel and whose name was mentioned in the Tawrah and Injeel. The characteristics that Allah the Almighty has given to His Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) are not restricted to the interpretations of those who write his biography. Indeed his biography is spread everywhere, on all platforms and podiums, and raised high.

Oh brothers and sisters in Islam, because of this great position that the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has, he is the guided mercy and blessing from Allah. Yet we see people slandering him out of jealousy. Their hearts are filled with hatred towards. It is now time that we should know where we really stand and what our attitudes are towards the beloved Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in terms of following his guidance and sunnah and studying his biography. We must support him especially at this time, when materialism has controlled everything, when people no longer feel inspired, when people are misbehaving and being immoral, when many societies have been distorted and insult divine guidance, the Messengers, and dare to speak arrogantly about the best of mankind. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him day and night. There are some people who want to distort teachings of the sunnah and the biography of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) while they understand it. Such people are like sharpened swords that seek to sever the Ummah. However, there are many people who are of sound minds and they defend the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) regardless of where they live. They defend humanity and this is their duty because Allah says "And We have sent you not but as a mercy for the 'Alamîn." [Surah Anbiya: Ayah 107]

Oh nation of victory, those who love the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), in order to defend the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his sunnah, we should realize that defending him is a religious duty and a methodology. It is part of our belief and we should be steadfast in our adherence to his way. If we follow his Sunnah without any misinterpretations we will find fruitful results if we are not reactionary when he is insulted. We must put our thoughts into actions in a positive way. This methodology has been explained by the Salafus Saalih (Rahimahumullah). There has certainly been in them an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah the Almighty and the Last Day. By doing so we are following Allah's commands and following His Prophet as he had said "Stick to my Sunnah, and the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar Rashideen (the Rightly Guided Khalifs) after me." So stick to it with perseverance and beware of innovations because every innovation is misguidance.

Al Qadi Iyaad (Rahimahullah) said "Part of our love for our Messenger (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is to defend and support his shari'ah and sunnah." Zuhri (Rahimahullah) said "Adherence to the sunnah is a way of salvation and this cannot be achieved except by following it with devotion and being far from innovation with faithfulness and in practical ways." And Al Izz ibn 'Abdus Salaam stated "There is great happiness for the one who followed his sunnah and his way and his heart is filled with love for the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in every single matter, minor and major, even if it is much or little." Our adherence to the Prophet's (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) sunnah is not conditioned by certain occasions and specified by days. It is not done by giving speeches nor by empty praise, but it is by following in his footsteps, following his authentic sunnah. Defending the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is all about loving him and following him in all our actions.

Oh Muslim Ummah, our attitude will not be reformed until we adhere to the Book of Allah and the sunnah of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) according to the methodology of the righteous predecessors of the Ummah as well as the everlasting heritage of the Prophet in all walks of life whether it be political, economic, social, ideological, and so on. Doing this will be a shield that protects us from our enemies and it will also be a shield against innovations and falsehood. If you follow in his footsteps, you will be guided.

The following are some of the ways we should defend him (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in order to fulfill the conditions in believing in his message. We should teach the upcoming generation and the whole world position and characteristics of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his favor over all people. Showing his sunnah and teachings to people and adhering to it by putting it into practical action, studying it and teaching to others. We should also learn and practice his life example, memorizing it in schools, universities, institutions, and organizations. We should do this so that we may become advanced scientifically and religiously. This is because it is the methodology that emerged from the best of human beings. Doing this is a way of truly defending the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Allah the Almighty says: "So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him it is those who will be the successful." [7:157]

We should call on people to adhere to this and urge them in every gathering, summits, conferences, and even in political circles with honor and self-respect. Is it acceptable that in order to defend the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to keep his sunnah in our hearts and books without any feelings of practical manifestation? Is it just some written words and we fail to apply the traditions in our daily lives? Or is it acceptable to practice his sunnah for just a few days and then ignore it for the rest of the year? Or should we just talk about his sunnah and mention his name but fail to put it all into practice? No, never, ever! Don't you think that defending the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), following his sunnah, mentioning his name and following his footsteps is a way for salvation and prosperity and attaining success?

Oh our Lord, who has nothing similar unto Him, we ask you to grant us victory soon, to grant victory to your religion. May Allah's peace and blessing be upon the Prophet, the best of mankind. I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytaan. May Allah bless His book and the sunnah of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) for all of us as his seerah and may He grant us the best provision. Allah says "Say (O Mohammad to the people): 'If you really love Allah, then follow me. And He (Allah) in return will love you, and will forgive you for you sins, and indeed Allah is oft-forgiving and most merciful.' Say: 'Obey Allah and the Messenger', and if they turn away, then verily Allah does not love the disbelievers." [Surah Ale Imraan: Ayah 31-32]


SECOND SERMON
All praise is due to Allah. His blessings encompass all creation. The whole universe witnesses His Oneness. I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah, who has no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is the servant and messenger of Allah. He was granted the praiseworthy position in the hereafter and the fountain. Oh Allah, send your blessings on him, his family and companions, and all those who strive to defend him and protect his sunnah, and on those who follow him in righteousness seeking to enter Jannah the everlasting abode.

Oh Muslims, fear Allah the Almighty in the way He should be feared. He is Ever Watchful of you at all times and places. Be sure that amongst the best of good deeds that brings you closer to Allah the Almighty is to defend the honor of the best of mankind. And so that Allah may make evident those who support Him and His messengers. Indeed Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

Oh people of victory, it is sure that in times of hardship there are glad tidings and blessings. The catastrophe that we face in our Ummah in terms of the slander against the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has only made his name and seerah mentioned more and more. We find his message everywhere. It makes people long to be with the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). The slander against the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is a hardship on the Ummah, but all praise is due to Allah because the Muslims understand the crisis and are teaching people about the truth. The negative effects have made the Ummah gather around the sunnah of the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his seerah. And they also started to study the stories of all the prophets (Alayhimus Salaam). They started to establish a plan to defend the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Allah the Almighty says "...Do not think that it was bad for you; instead, it was good for you..." [Surah Nuur: Ayah 11] The person who loves the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and seeks to protect him in the best way loves his way of defending him. Such a person is with those who are striving to do the same and they all seek redress the problems of the Muslims worldwide by all available means. They do this in a scientific, well-planned way that is in accordance with the public interests and international laws. They seek beneficial results and they love the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and say I would sacrifice the thing I love most for him. They do this by following him properly, by means of media channels, using technology, and trying to formulate their thoughts to defend him. They strive to spread the correct image of Islam, its beauty, its light, and its mercy. They refute all falsehood against the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and Islam. Such people also spread his seerah in different languages. This is done by both individual efforts and the efforts of organizations around the world. We ask Allah the Almighty to accept of our dua.

Oh Muslims, the initiative that began in the land of the Haram'ain ash Sharif'ain calls all civilizations to peacefully co-exist and to respect all the messages and sacred books of Allah the Almighty. It also calls for civil dialogue that brings about peace and security to all people, therefore cooperation and kindness towards each another. This is necessary in order to protect humanity from any form of destruction at a time when people's rights are being constantly violated. We must face the challenges in order to achieve the goals of the Muslim Ummah and this is just one of the best ways to defend the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). It declares to the whole universe that this is our religion, our Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), our civilization, and our message. May Allah the Almighty protect our Muslim leaders and support them in all good works. May people make dua for them. Allah says: And say (O Muhammad SAW) "Do deeds! Allâh will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger and the believers..." [Surah Tawbah: Ayah 105] And Allah says: "But honour, power and glory belong to Allâh, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not." [Surah Munafiquun: Ayah 8] Send your peace and blessings upon the Messenger (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) who raised the highest levels by his morality and enlightened the earth with his beauty. Send your peace and blessings on upon him and his family as Allah the Almight commanded you to do so. Allah says: "Allâh and His angels send Salât on the Prophet. O you who believe! Send your Salât on him, and greet him with the Islâmic way of greeting." [Surah Ahzaab: Ayah 56]

Oh Allah, send your peace and blessings upon your chosen Prophet forever.

Oh Allah, be pleased with his righteous companions Abu Bakr who was his companion in the Cave, and 'Umar who was the one who could distinguish between good and evil and the conqueror of countries, and Uthmaan who had the best of characteristics, and 'Ali who was intelligent, and the ten companions who were promised Jannah.

And may Your peace and blessings be upon us out of your Generosity and Mercy. Oh the Most Forgiving, the Most Majestic, make our Prophet Muhammad our intercessor on the day of Judgment and fill our hearts with love for him.

Make us amongst those who defend and protect him continuously, oh Lord of Majesty and Generosity.

Oh Allah, honor Islam and the Muslims...


Kemunduran Umat Islam: Di Mana Silapnya...?

Setiap kali saya merenung nasib malang yang dialami oleh umat Islam sekarang, hati saya akan berkata, "Mengapakah umat Islam tidak seperti umat yang lain? Ilmu bukan main banyak yang sudah dituntut, tetapi mengapa masih mundur?"
Persoalan inilah yang bermain di benak fikiran saya sejak tahun lalu, dan persoalan ini akhirnya terjawab apabila penulis membaca novel Detektif Indigo karya Faisal Tehrani. Novel ini telah memenangi tempat kedua Pertandingan Novel Remaja Hadiah Sastera Kumpulan Utusan Ke-20. Petikan di dalam novel tersebut yang telah menjawab persoalan saya ialah:
Ketika Faruq berusia sebelas tahun, bapanya telah membawa dia mendengar syarahan akademik tentang masalah umat Islam di Universiti New Delhi. Bapanya telah mengesan kecenderungannya meminati hal-hal politik. Malah Faruq sendiri yang mendesak bapanya membawa dia ke majlis intelektual tersebut.
Ahli akademik yang menyampaikan ucapan ialah Profesor Dr. Recep Gul. Profesor Dr. Recep menekankan bahawa masalah umat Islam ialah mereka ketinggalan dalam bidang ilmu, berbanding dunia Barat. Selesai ucapan tersebut, dalam sesi soal jawab, Faruq Sahrandi dengan selamba bangun dan mencabar inti syarahan Profesor Dr. Recep. Kata Faruq, masalah umat Islam yang sebenar bukanlah ketinggalan dalam bidang ilmu, tetapi masalah adab dan akhlak sehingga membibitkan banyak masalah masyarakat, termasuklah tidak menghormati ilmu itu sendiri.
(Petikan daripada novel Detektif Indigo, ms 55, terbitan Utusan Publications & Distributions Sdn Bhd).
Sebaik sahaja saya membaca petikan tersebut, saya kemudiannya terpanggil untuk meneliti kebenaran tersebut. Dan hakikatnya memang itulah yang berlaku. Saya telah membuat perbandingan antara adab dan akhlak pelajar Islam di sekolah saya dengan adab dan akhlak pelajar Kristian di sekolah yang sama (sebelum saya berpindah ke tempat baharu). Apa yang saya perhatikan ialah kebanyakan pelajar Islam memang tiada adab dalam menuntut ilmu walaupun mazhab akidah mereka ialah Mazhab Ahli Sunnah wal-Jamaah (manakala mazhab fiqah mereka ialah Mazhab Syafi'i). Manakala kebanyakan pelajar Kristian tetap beradab walaupun dalam menuntut ilmu, walaupun di sekolah saya terdapat berbagai-bagai mazhab dalam agama Kristian seperti Methodist, Katolik dan sebagainya. Sebab itulah saya jarang perhatikan nama-nama pelajar Islam di situ sebagai pelajar cemerlang (sebaliknya banyak pelajar Islam yang disenaraikan sebagai pelajar yang kurang berdisiplin), sebaliknya yang menonjol sebagai pelajar cemerlang ialah yang bukan Muslim.

Di mana silap kita? Peluang sudah diberi, tetapi mengapa umat Islam masih mundur? Melihat kepada isi yang cuba diluahkan oleh Faisal Tehrani dalam novel Detektif Indigo, sebab kita masih mundur ialah masalah adab dan akhlak kita. Memang saya akui, masalah gejala sosial yang disebabkan oleh berbagai-bagai faktor (termasuk faktor ibu bapa), merupakan sebahagian daripada masalah adab dan akhlak. Namun, ramai yang terlepas pandang akan sesuatu.

Sikap kita yang suka melabel seseorang apabila pendirian dia bertentangan dengan kebiasaan kita juga termasuk dalam masalah adab dan akhlak. Pantang sahaja dia melakukan sesuatu yang berbeza dengan kita (contohnya tidak membaca doa qunut ketika solat Subuh), dengan pantas kita melabelkannya dengan bermacam-macam gelaran seperti Wahhabi, Syiah dan sebagainya, tanpa meneliti sebab atau hujah dia melakukan sedemikian, sedangkan adakah mereka mengetahui apa yang mereka katakan. Nah, sudah nampakkah anda di mana masalahnya?

Ya, sikap ketakbsuban kita terhadap sesuatu mazhab atau parti itulah yang menyebabkan kita masih mundur, juga tergolong dalam masalah adab dan akhlak umat Islam yang harus ditangani dengan segera. Sungguh terkejut saya dibuatnya. Saya sangkakan kesan fanatik mazhab hanya sekadar menjejaskan mentaliti seseorang, rupa-rupanya lebih daripada itu. Kerana itulah, saya lebih suka jika saya tidak berpegang dengan mazhab fiqah Imam Syafi'i RA. Bukan bermakna saya menolak beliau. Malah saya amat menghormati beliau kerana adabnya dan keilmuannya. Andainya saya diberi peluang untuk hidup pada zaman Imam Syafi'i, pastinya saya akan mengambil peluang itu untuk menimba ilmu daripadanya. Begitu juga sanjungan saya dengan para tokoh-tokoh Islam yang lain, termasuk Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini dan Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Sebaliknya saya suka jika tidak terikat dengan satu-satu mazhab fiqah.

Namun begitu, bagi yang tidak mempunyai keupayaan ijtihad yang tinggi yang hanya berpegang pada satu-satu mazhab, bukanlah bermakna mereka tidak boleh sembahyang bersama dengan mazhab Hanbali atau Maliki. Jikalau itulah yang diamalkan, nescaya di Masjid al-Haram wujud tempat yang dikhaskan untuk setiap mazhab. Alangkah eloknya seandainya setiap mazhab membuang sikap fanatik mereka, duduk semeja dan membincangkan apa yang patut dilakukan agar umat Islam bersatu dan maju. Alangkah eloknya seandainya seluruh umat Islam melakukan anjakan paradigma atau dalam erti kata lain, melakukan Islah, terhadap diri sendiri. Pastinya mereka akan sedar di mana silap mereka.

Marilah kita renungkan firman ALLAH dalam Surah al-Maidah ayat 8, maksudnya: "Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, hendaklah kamu sentiasa menjadi orang-orang yang menegakkan keadilan kerana ALLAH lagi menerangkan kebenaran dan jangan sekali-kali kebencian kamu terhadap sesuatu kaum itu mendorong kamu kepada tidak melakukan keadilan. Hendaklah kamu berlaku adil (kepada sesiapa jua) kerana sikap adil itu lebih hampir kepada takwa. Dan bertakwalah kepada ALLAH, sesungguhnya ALLAH Maha Mengetahui dengan mendalam akan apa yang kamu lakukan."

Sesungguhnya kepada ALLAH aku kembali, dan kepada-NYAlah jua aku bergantung harapan.


http://ahls1412.blogspot.com/


PEMBERITAHUAN: Mulai minggu ini, penulis akan menyiarkan sebuah artikel setiap hari Ahad, insya-ALLAH, yang akan mengupas dan memberi pendapat mengenai isu-isu semasa, terutamanya berkenaan dengan masalah umat Islam.