Avoid deriding others..............

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَسۡخَرۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ مِّن قَوۡمٍ

عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّنۡہُمۡ

وَلَا نِسَآءٌ۬ مِّن نِّسَآءٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيۡرً۬ا

مِّنۡہُنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا تَلۡمِزُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ

وَلَا تَنَابَزُواْ بِٱلۡأَلۡقَـٰبِ‌ۖ بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ

بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ

فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ

"O ye who believe! let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist (and repent), are (indeed) doing wrong (evil &' unjust)."

(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 11)

REFLECTION

In our social relationship, some of us find it amusing to ridicule, mock, jeer, scoff at, laugh, make fun or taunt at others. It is especially so, when we are in a kind of cliques or grouping. Why do we do this? It is due to our self-conceit and arrogance. Never for a moment do we consider that such behaviour is wrong. In such association or gathering, each one tries to deflect attention of their own defects by projecting the weakness of others, especially of those people we consider to be outside our circle, outside our group. We feel secure with our buddies, joking and laughing like the old witches of "Macbeth" who fail to see their own evil and ugliness. Some of us even considers it a norm to do this, and any attempt at changing this behaviour amongst our peers is met with accusations of having "no sense of humour", "too serious", "no fun to be with" etc. But the "joke" is actually on us if we indulge in such practice, as Allah s.w.t. says: "it may well be that the one derided is better" than ourselves.

Deriding others has many forms. Verbal derision, sarcasm, by gesturing, mimicking or even giving nicknames - which aims at ridiculing the person. If we are to analyze what motivates our actions, it is that unashamed pride and conceit we think of ourselves. And because we are usd to directing these derision towards others, we do not feel how it can possibly hurt. What if others were to do it to us?

SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND

Although in this verse, by using the male gender it generally is quite sufficient and usually applies to both, male and female, yet Allah repeated the command by specifically addressing the women, lest some people may try to excuse themselves from this command just because they are not men. This, indeed, demonstrates the seriousness of the command, that it is to be observed by every Muslim, as it removes any ambiguity, lest some may try to seek excuse by legalistic arguments. There is no doubt that this commandment applies to every Musim - both male & female.

RESPECT DIGNITY & HONOUR OF PEOPLE

Also, one aspect of the teaching of Islam is that it emphasises respect towards the honour and dignity of others - everyone - Muslim as well as non-Muslim. All mankind are the childrem of Adam a.s. and deserves the appropriate respect because Allah s.w.t. says:

وَلَقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ

"And We have honoured the sons of Adam" (Qur'an: Isra': 17: 70)

So every mankind must be respected. Some perhaps may have tarnished this God-given honour upon themselves but, we are not to seek out nor assume this, but we are to give everyone the benefit of doubt, and unless there are clear evidence to the contrary, we are still to respect them. As towards those whom Allah s.w.t. has chosen, especially the Believers, by virtue of them being a believer, Allah s.w.t. in fact has conferred special honour upon him/her.Their honour are given with the support and assurance by Allah s.w.t. Himself, thus we are duly warned in this verse:

بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن

لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ

"Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (Indeed) doing wrong (evil & unjust)."

WHAT'S IN THE NAME?

Our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w/ teaches us the importance of names. Amongst the duty of a father is to choose a good name for his new-born child. Those early Companions of the Prophet s.a.w. with names that signify bad or something negative, were told to change them with good names - sometimes the Prophet himself chose it, or confer it for them.

Why the stress on this? Actually one's name is the personal point of reference, around which one builds one's identity (shakhsiyah).Self referencing through what we call ourselves has auto-suggestive effect and can be a (du'a) hope of what we would like to become.

Alas, in today's world, Muslims may be influenced by trends, peers and the media world with their ways which may not be appropriate for Muslims. Nicknames, pseudonym, ID's, aliases are being adopted without care as to whether it contain positive or negative connotations. In fact there is a trend towards choosing the most abhorrent & repulsive names, as these are even regarded as trendy and cool, as its use becomes common-place. Muslims must be warned that there are names/nicknames if used by a Muslim, or even if the Muslim relented and approved of its used by others towards him - where its meanings indicates evil or anti-Islam or blasphemous - may even make him an apostate (murtad). NA -'UDzU BIL-LAA-HI MIN-DzAA-LIK!

Examplary Muslims as role-models promoting Islamic ways are indeed rare, or if there exist would be ignored by mainstream media. The media infact are promoters of todays role-models.Those Muslims who are the trend setters, or those who weild influence in media and entertainment industry, leaders in society and organizations, must be very careful not start something or suggest it in their works, be it trend or fashion or practices, that may lead to loss of Islamic values and identity amongst younger Muslims- especially amongst those who love to imitate (Hub-but-taq-lid). Remember, after being a believer, to then choose to become less than this is demeaning and an act of injustice (zulm). Unfortunately, artistes and public figure (idols) today would seek out the most controversial approaches & practices to gain publicity, rather than be the paragon of virtue showing what is most beneficial to the upliftment of the spirits (Ruh-hiyah).To loose the dignity and honour already conferred by Allah s.w.t. upon Muslims, would indeed be most regretful and unjust. Others may try to influence Muslims to shed their adherence to Islam and Islamic teachings, tempting them with their role-models. This agenda may even be adopted by Muslim promoters in media & entertainment industry, now! What would be the consequence, if this blind aping by Muslims continue unchecked? We seek the protection of Allah fro every evil & harm of this! May He always keep us and every Muslims, firmly under His Guidance.

OUR DO'A

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا

مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ

رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسۡرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمۡرِنَا

وَثَبِّتۡ أَقۡدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ

ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

"Our Lord!" (they say), "let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.

Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty; establish our feet firmly and help us against those that resist Faith.

O Allah, send peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and his family and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Reckoning" Ameen.

WaAllaahu a'lam

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Be careful of malicious tales ......

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن جَآءَكُمۡ فَاسِقُۢ بِنَبَإٍ۬

فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْأَن تُصِيبُواْ قَوۡمَۢا بِجَهَـٰلَةٍ۬ فَتُصۡبِحُواْ

عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلۡتُمۡ نَـٰدِمِينَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ فِيكُمۡ

رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ لَوۡ يُطِيعُكُمۡ فِى كَثِيرٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ

لَعَنِتُّمۡ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَزَيَّنَهُ ۥ

فِى قُلُوبِكُمۡ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ وَٱلۡفُسُوقَ

وَٱلۡعِصۡيَانَ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلرَّٲشِدُونَ

فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَنِعۡمَةً۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! if a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.

And know that among you is Allah's Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly suffer: but Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness― A grace and favour from Allah; and Allah is full of Knowledge, and Wisdom."

(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 5-7)

REFLECTION

As Muslims, we are to hold all our brothers and sisters with equal respect, without harbouring any ill-thoughts concerning them. Their honour and dignity has to be safeguarded, as Islam guarantees it. But how often, our attitude towards our brother or sister would easily be affected because of news that is maliciously disseminated to disparage him/her. Whether, in the first place, is it right or wrong to spread such news, or whether story true or lies, seemed unimportant - because we would have allowed the poison to affect our opinion of the person concerned. How easily we give credence to it. We are quick to accuse, even though we may not be uttering it? The honour we held for our brother/sister quickly dissipate, and every actions done by him/her is scrutinised as though to implicate or rather with a view to confirm what we had already concluded in our minds. In fact we have already judged him/her unjustly.

Seldom, if ever, do we seek to verify from the person concerned, but we feel satisfied just with this news, although one-sided, unverified, and we shameless feel no qualms about acting prejudicely. Sometimes, we began to behave pretentiously in front of the poor brother/sister as though we are not aware of the news. Why pretend? it is because we felt ashamed for ourselves for not defending his/her honour.

Spreading news negatively about somebody to others is a cowardly act! To condone it, would be to implicate oneself with this same guilt as the one who started it. Rumour-mongering (spreading untruth about others) is indeed, not only a very dangerous and despicable social ill, it is amongst the list of forbidden acts called "kaba-ir" (major sins). Alas for us who may inadvertently been exposed to these, we must guard ourselves from believing in it, and we must not allow such unverified assertion to draw us into sinning against our brother/sister concerned.

Yet why do our nafs (desire or self) likes or is inclined to listen to such news concerning others? News of scandals and 'juicy' gossips of an acquaintance is welcomed or even sought. Perhaps we are merely pampering to our self-conceit which wants assurance of its superiority' over others; that feeling of "holier than thou!" attitude which gives us 'satisfaction'. Thus our pre-occupation with the alleged "faults" of others, makes us forget that we are the ones that is at fault, nay, clearly the ones who are guilty of sin.

In this day and age, with information technology advancing and dissemination of news becoming easy, the moral question of - "is spreading negativity (even, if it is true) of a person to the general public, a sin or not?" is never asked by Muslims! Those who are without religion may use press-freedom or 'public interest', as justification - but can Muslims use this excuse? What does Islam has to say regarding this? And those Muslims who are in journalism should ask: "Are all the codes of modern journalism compatible with Islamic ethics?" What kind of news about people can be disseminated, and how should it be presented as public knowledge, as education, without us falling foul to the strict Islamic rule for safeguarding personal honour & dignity of individuals?

Sinning against a person is indeed serious and may not be easliy forgiven by Allah, unless the person concerned is willing to forgive. And Allah's forgiveness depends upon our repentance (taubah) - And it does not constitute (taubah) repentance, unless there is the feeling of remorse (nadaam) in us and accompanied with the earnest efforts towards seeking forgiveness and making correction or reparation (kifaarat).

Iniquity (sin) and tale bearing

Tale-bearing is often a characteristic of those inclined to iniquity (faasiq) precisely because the very act of spreading unsubstantiated rumours affecting the reputations of other persons itself, is a spiritual offence - albeit a grave & serious one. Such person do not have any qualms to harm others, yet they do not dare to confront directly those whom they harbour ill-will. They cowardly 'oppresses' using this diabolical 'tale-bearing' that can 'whisper into the hearts' of other people, as described by Allah:

مِن شَرِّ ٱلۡوَسۡوَاسِ ٱلۡخَنَّاسِ ٱلَّذِى يُوَسۡوِسُ

فِى صُدُورِ ٱلنَّاسِ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ

"From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper)― (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind― Among Jinns and among Men."

(Qur'an: An-Nas: 114: 3-6)

If we encounter such tale-bearers, we should hold to doubting them unless with unequivocal & sustantiated proof; and thus must not allow any of what they convey concerning other people to be disseminate. This should stop with us. Yet, many of us even became the very channel for many unverified news about others to spread! Especially today in the virtual internet world where such 'forwardings' seems so easy on a mere click. Some have no qualms to even post on their websites such malicious tales, casting aspersion upon people who may be unaware of it or are unable to response or defend themselves

Those guilty of such despicable act should stop and seek reparation, if not they are actually indulging, constantly and repeatedly in this sin of 'defamation' from the time they put it up for others to access. They are infact slandering continously without having to even speak. They are in fact chalking up sins, at a tremendous pace daily - nay, each time whenever there are people reading their postings and harbouring negative thoughts on the person being maligned. And they think Allah s.w.t. will not judge them - that their book of record is not constantly being kept updated? Ever wonder how would such wrong done could ever be undone?! Yet, it persists!

LAA-HAW-LA WALAA QUW-WATA IL-LA BIL-LAAH!

There are some who uses absurd qualifying phrase to somewhat justify their behaviour, like "I know this is not confirm, but do you know that so-and-so...."; or "actually I am not suppose to tell anyone but,...." etc. If others were to do the same to us, cast a slur upon our reputations, we would not have liked it, yet, why aren't we careful when our own indulgence affect the reputations of our other brothers/sisters? Remember the ruling (hukm) against those who slander against the honour of another brother/sister is indeed considered a grave oppression - a "defamation" - against them. And they would have a strong claim against those who wronged them by turning to Allah.

وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوهُ قُلۡتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَڪَلَّمَ

بِہَـٰذَا سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ هَـٰذَا بُہۡتَـٰنٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن

تَعُودُواْ لِمِثۡلِهِۦۤ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ وَيُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ

لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ

أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلۡفَـٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ

أَلِيمٌ۬ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

"And why did ye not when ye heard it say? "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Thee (our Lord)! this is a most serious slander!" Allah doth admonish you, that ye may never repeat such (conduct) if ye are (true) Believers. And Allah makes the Signs plain to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. Those who love (to see) scandal published broadcast among the Believers, will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows and ye know not."

(Qur'an: An-Nur: 24: 16-19)

Remember also:

فقال ‏ ‏حذيفة ‏ ‏سمعت رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يقول ‏ ‏لا يدخل الجنة ‏ ‏نمام

Hudhaifah r.a., said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: "The tale-bearer will not enter Paradise." (REPORTED BY MUSLIM)

Be concern of our own faults

Many of us, shamelessly entertain the thought that we are perfect. Some even seek out Western motivational books & courses that promote enhancement of their 'super-ego'. Thus their attitude towards others will be affected by this delusion, accentuated by seeing the faults in others, not in themselves. Many of us may still be struggling with but still controlled by our 'nafs al-amaarah' (our commanding self), which makes us become pre-occupied with others to distract us from looking at what is in us. Our hands are quick to point at others, yet we forget that, fingers in that same hand is in fact pointing back at us. We should reflect and ask ourselves: "Is this the behaviour and attitude of a Muslim?" are we not ashame! Remember what our Prophet s.a.w. said in one report:

"O You Muslim (who claim yourself as one) with your mouth! But Faith (iiman) has not entered your hearts; do not cause annoyance towards other Muslims by making fun of them and searching for their faults. This is because whosoever likes to search for the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah in turn will seach out his faults. When Allah searches out someone's faults, He will expose whatever secrets that the person has, even if it were (hidden) in his baggage." (Hadeeth)

Strive from being Muslim, to become a Mu'min

We ought to know better that as Muslims, we have the perfect example of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He would never act based on unverified assertions, nor would he be inclined to people's opinion but he would always seek the inspirations and guidance of Allah s.w.t. :

وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ فِيكُمۡ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ لَوۡ يُطِيعُكُمۡ فِى كَثِيرٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ لَعَنِتُّمۡ

"And know that among you is Allah's Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly suffer"

Such was the nature of Muhammad s.a.w. and were the nature of his close companions r.a. whose life he moulded. These pure souls were instilled by the Grace of Allah with that characteristics mentioned here as:

وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَزَيَّنَهُ ۥ فِى قُلُوبِكُمۡ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ وَٱلۡفُسُوقَ وَٱلۡعِصۡيَانَ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلرَّٲشِدُونَ

"but Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness―"

[1] They see Faith (iiman) as something most dear and valuable; a bestowal from Allah to them. They were very careful in striving to preserve this. They indulge constantly in seeking forgiveness of Allah s.w.t. seeking to remove any stain or blemishes upon their Faith (iiman).Thus, any act or deeds which compromises this would be rejected out right.

[2] Not only that, Faith (iiman) is adorned in their hearts. If the ''Qalb"(mind/heart) is the centre from which radiates all our actions, then from such people will manifest everything which such Faith (iiman) represents. They exude every goodness.

[3] When their hearts is filled with Faith (iiman), then it definitely will react against any other values contrary to Faith (iiman). It resent and is hateful towards "Kufr" (denial of Truth); "Fusuq" (iniquities or sinful things) and "Isw-yaan" (rebellion against goodness).

Such were the people whom Allah s.w.t, reffered to as the Rightly Guided (RAA-SYIDUUN) - May Allah make us to be like them too - AAMIN

WaAllahu a'lam

OUR DO'A

رَّبَّنَا عَلَيۡكَ تَوَكَّلۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ أَنَبۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

رَبَّنَا لَا تَجۡعَلۡنَا فِتۡنَةً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا رَبَّنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ

أَنتَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ

فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلاًّ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ

"Our Lord! in Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) final Goal.

"Our Lord! Make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord! For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith and leave not in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."

Aa-meen!

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Put not yourselves forward ........

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُقَدِّمُواْ بَيۡنَ يَدَىِ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۖ

وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَرۡفَعُوٓاْ أَصۡوَٲتَكُمۡ فَوۡقَ صَوۡتِ

ٱلنَّبِىِّ وَلَا تَجۡهَرُواْ لَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ كَجَهۡرِ بَعۡضِڪُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ

أَن تَحۡبَطَ أَعۡمَـٰلُكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصۡوَٲتَهُمۡ عِندَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ

ٱلَّذِينَ ٱمۡتَحَنَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَہُمۡ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۚ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬

وَأَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٌ

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنَادُونَكَ مِن وَرَآءِ ٱلۡحُجُرَٲتِ أَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ

لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ وَلَوۡ أَنَّہُمۡ صَبَرُواْ حَتَّىٰ تَخۡرُجَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لَكَانَ

خَيۡرً۬ا لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger: but fear Allah: for Allah is He who hears and knows all things.

O ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not.

Those that lower their voice in the presence of Allah's Messenger― their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.

Those who shout out to thee from without the Inner Apartments― most of them lack understanding.

If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them: but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 1-5)

REFLECTION

Islamic education stress much upon 'Adab' (knowledge of the order of things and putting everything, or dealing with things according to its proper place in their hierarchy of existence). Thus when we approach the Qur'an, remember it is not an ordinary Book - but direct revelations from Allah s.w.t, His Words perfected and expounded, containing profound Wisdom: more so when He addresses us specifically by "O You who Believe!" - we must respond : "LabbaykAllah!" (Here I am O Allah! - am ready to heed & obey)

Allah and His Messenger have priority in all circumstances

Allah warns us:

لَا تُقَدِّمُواْ بَيۡنَ يَدَىِ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۖ

"do not put yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger"

The state of consciousness that we are in, ascertains our attitude and behaviour.Do we think that this warning, a commandment, does not concern us today? Are we not the ones directly reading this message? How often we have forgotten that as Muslims, a higher law rules over us for every occassion? Think of the many occassion when our considerations for our behavior and actions in life, excluded that which Allah and His messenger had already stipulated. Perhaps we may be ignorant of rules (hukm), so we must strive to learn, but ignorant or not, would this not reflect our disrespectful behavior, lack of Adab towards Allah and His Messenger? Thus the important teaching towards attainment of Taqwa:

وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬

"but fear Allah (taqwa): for Allah is He who hears and knows all things."

Taqwa - (piety; consciousness of Allah, with awe and reverential fear) is a key state (maqam) which we have to inculcate in ourselves. Our minds are usually directed to other than Allah; distracted towards this world or too obsessed with our self-centred desires. All the teachings of Islam: Iiman, 'amal & ihsan - is towards consistent awareness of Allah. To develop this, one must engage much in true remembrance of Allah. Bear in mind the (6) six qualities necessary for Taqwa (consciousness of Allah) through having:

Awareness; understanding; reverence; awe; hope & shame

Why do you think that Allah reminds us with : "Allah Who hears and knows all things" ? And do we think no one knows what we are doing?! In fact everything that we do are being witnessed, recorded - even in the secret depth of our being - are we not afraid? Are we not ashamed?

Lower your voice in the Prophet's presence

Inspite of the fact that our Prophet may not be physically present, yet Allah s.w.t. deems it necessary still, to record this to posterity. He was appointed by Allah to bear witness over his ummah, and we as Muslims must ask ourselves, how would our prophet s.a.w. rate our behaviour:

لَا تَرۡفَعُوٓاْ أَصۡوَٲتَكُمۡ فَوۡقَ صَوۡتِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ وَلَا تَجۡهَرُواْ لَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ كَجَهۡرِ بَعۡضِڪُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ أَن تَحۡبَطَ أَعۡمَـٰلُكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ

"Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not."

Muslims are ever mindful that our life is to bear witness to two realities : Allah and His Messenger. Our conduct is always measured with this reality in mind, how should we behave in Allah's presence and in the presence of His messenger, when we claim to be Muslims? Our speech and voice, speaking loudly and carelessly, reveals our inner state, our inclination towards relying upon our ego & desire (nafs al-'ammaara). This brashness, often may be the way we speak to one another, but this is not good and does not assist us in gaining higher consciousness.

Raising our voices may even spoil our deeds, for it is usually being incited by self-conceit, arrogance which surfaces outward in our voice to 'drown' the other party with our loudness, thereby we loose every opportunity to learn - if we are learning from a teacher; or we level down our superior (e.g. our parents, elders etc.) which tantamount to disobedience or even rebelliousness. The sins of levelling, when it emanates as an outcome of self-conceit, arrogance & rebelliousness, was the cause of the downfall of Iblis, his fatal disobedience to Allah to bow down to Adam a.s. Many may not be aware that speech is the most conspicuous means of our expression, yet it also can betray much of who we really are.

Through being with the Prophet s.a.w., the Companions r.a. were inculcated with proper Adab, thereby it moulded permanent disposition in them. We must emulate them in our interaction with our teachers, elders, those unto whom Allah enjoins us to respect and obey - beginning with the manner of our speech with them. Do not under-estimate this emphasis on voice. Allah s.w.t. informs us:

وَٱقۡصِدۡ فِى مَشۡيِكَ وَٱغۡضُضۡ مِن صَوۡتِكَ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلۡأَصۡوَٲتِ لَصَوۡتُ ٱلۡحَمِيرِ

"And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass."

(Qur'an: Luqman: 31: 19)

Signs or test of those whose hearts recieved Consciousness

Our ulama' (heirs of the prophet s.a.w.) uses Adab as a yardstick to measure whether students have been educated or not. Allah s.w.t. alludes to this aspect for the Prophet s.a.w.:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصۡوَٲتَهُمۡ عِندَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱمۡتَحَنَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَہُمۡ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۚ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬ وَأَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٌ

"Those that lower their voice in the presence of Allah's Messenger― their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward."

Signs of those who has not

Like-wise, it is to be expected that those whose hearts has not yet pass the standard would display uncouth manners, due to their ignorance and lack of Sabr (patience):

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنَادُونَكَ مِن وَرَآءِ ٱلۡحُجُرَٲتِ أَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ وَلَوۡ أَنَّہُمۡ صَبَرُواْ حَتَّىٰ تَخۡرُجَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لَكَانَ خَيۡرً۬ا لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ

"Those who shout out to thee from without the Inner Apartments― most of them lack understanding. If only they had patience until thou couldst come out to them, it would be best for them"

The Prophet s.a.w., as also Islamic scholars, would patiently overlook this in their students, out of concern for their reform (islaH) - most of the time having to endure such ill-mannered behavior. But all is still not lost, for Allah s.w.t. continues with this assurance:

وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

"but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

OUR PRAYER

رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا
بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلاًّ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ

"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith and leave not in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."

O Allah! Your choicest Salutations and Peace be upon Rasuullullah, Muhammad ibnu 'Abdillah, and to his household & progeny,Companions and those following them in benevolence, supporting and assisting in upholding this Deen, till the Hereafter. Aa-min.

Wa-allaahu a'lam

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