Happy Idul Fitri

Assalamualaikum Wr. Wb.

Our holy friend and visitor Ramadhan is packing his bags up now and doing farewell aforetime. Insya Allah it is being a wonderful and successful Ramadhan for all.

On this Special Eve I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Whays Corners Visitors:

Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum kullu ‘amin wa antum bi khoir
Minal ‘aidin wal faidzin

Forgive me for the indiscretions of the body and spirit

Happy Ied ul-Fitr 1429 H

May Allah accept deeds from us,
together with the victory and peace

Wassalamualaikum Wr. Wb

“I thank God for His abundant mercy, guidance, and endless favors upon humanity”

A Beautiful Hadith 1

Rasulullah (Sallalloho alaihe Wa-aalay wasallam) said:
'When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased.

After the burial, people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer (names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith.

But the handsome man says, 'He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise'.

Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, 'I am the Qura'an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief. When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from Al-Mala'ul A'laa (the angels in Heaven) a silk bedding filled with musk.

Rasulullah (Sallalloho alaihe Wa-aalay wasallam) said:

'On the Day of Judgement, before Allah, no other intercessor will have a greater status than the Qura'an, neither a Prophet nor an angel Please keep forwarding this 'Hadith' to all ...because Rasulullah (Sallalloho alaihe Wa-aalay wasallam) said:
'Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse'.

May Allah bestow this favour on all of us.(AMEEN AMEEN)

Menikah Adalah Keajaiban, Saudaraku

Saya selalu mengatakan bahwa menikah adalah hal yang sangat kodrati. Dalam bahasa saya, menikah tidak dapat dimatematiskan. Jika suatu saat ada orang yang mengatakan, "secara materi saya belum siap," saya akan selalu mengejar dengan pertanyaan yang lain, "berapa standar kelayakan materi seseorang untuk menikah?"

Tak ada. Sebenarnya tak ada. Jika kesiapan menikah diukur dengan materi, maka betapa ruginya orang-orang yang papa. Begitu juga dengan kesiapan-kesiapan lain yang bisa diteorikan seperti kesiapan emosi, intelektual, wawasan dan sebagainya. Selalu tak bisa dimatematiskan. Itulah sebabnya saya mengatakan bahwa menikah adalah sesuatu yang sangat kodrati.

Bukan dalam arti saya menyalahkan teori-teori kesiapan menikah yang telah dibahas dan dirumuskan oleh para ustadz. Tentu saja semua itu perlu sebagai wacana memasuki sebuah dunia ajaib bernama keluarga itu.

Sebagai contoh saja, banyak pemuda berpenghasilan tinggi, namun belum juga merasa siap untuk menikah. Belum cukup, lah... itu alasan yang paling mudah dijumpai. Dengan gaji sekarang saja saya hanya bisa hidup pas-pasan. Bagaimana kalau ada anak dan istri? Oya, saya juga belum punya rumah....

O-o... Saudaraku, kalau kau menunggu gajimu cukup, maka kau tak akan pernah menikah. Bisa jadi besok Allah menghendaki gajimu naik tiga kali lipat. Tapi percayalah, pada saat yang bersamaan, tingkat kebutuhanmu juga akan naik... bahkan lebih tiga kali lipat. Saat seseorang tak memiliki banyak uang, ia tak berpikir pakaian berharga tertentu, televisi, laptop... atau mungkin hp merk mutakhir. Saat tak memiliki banyak uang, makan mungkin cukup dengan menu sederhana yang mudah ditemui di warung-warung pinggir jalan. Tapi bisakah demikian saat Anda memiliki uang? Tidak akan. Selalu saja ada keinginan yang bertambah, lajunya lebih kencang dari pertambahan kemampuan materi. Artinya, manusia tidak akan ada yang tercukupi materinya.

Menikah adalah sebuah elemen kodrati sebagaimana rezeki dan juga ajal. Tak akan salah dan terlambat sampai kepada setiap orang. Tak akan bisa dimajukan ataupun ditahan. Selalu tepat sesuai dengan apa yang telah tersurat pada awal penciptaan anak Adam.

Menikah adalah salah satu cara membuka pintu rezeki, itu yang pernah saya baca di sebuah buku. Ada pula sabda Rasulullah, "Menikahlah maka kau akan menjadi kaya." Mungkin secara logika akan sangat sulit dibuktikan statemen-statemen tersebut. Taruhlah, pertanyaan paling rewel dari makhluk bernama manusia, "Bagaimana mungkin saya akan menjadi kaya sedangkan saya harus menanggung biaya hidup istri dan anak? Dalam beberapa hal yang berkaitan dengan interaksi sosial juga tidak bisa lagi saya sikapi dengan simpel. Contoh saja, kalau ada tetangga atau teman yang hajatan, menikah dan sebagainya, saya tentu saja tidak bisa lagi menutup mata dan menyikapinya dengan konsep-konsep idealis. Saya harus kompromi dengan tradisi; hadir, nyumbang... yang ini berarti menambah besar pos pengeluaran. Semua itu tak perlu menjadi beban saya pada saat saya belum berkeluarga."

Saat saya dihadapkan pertanyaan 'menikah' pertama kali dalam hidup saya, saya sempat maju mundur dan gamang dengan wacana-wacana semacam ini. Lama sekali saya menemukan keyakinan -–belum jawaban, apalagi bukti–- bahwa seorang saya hanyalah menjadi perantara Allah memberi rezeki kepada makhluk-Nya yang ditakdirkan menjadi istri atau anak-anak saya.

Harusnya memang demikian. Itulah keajaiban yang kesekian dari sebuah pernikahan. Saya sendiri menikah pada tahun 1999, saat umur saya dua puluh tahun. Saat itu saya bekerja sebagai buruh di sebuah perusahaan bakery tradisional. Tentu saja, saya sudah menulis saat itu kendati interval pemuatan di majalah sangat longgar. Kadang-kadang sebulan muncul satu tulisan, itu pun kadang dua bulan baru honornya dikirim.

Dengarkan...! Dengarkan baik-baik bagian cerita saya ini.

Sebulan setelah saya menikah, tiga cerpen saya sekaligus dimuat di tiga media yang berbeda. Beberapa bulan berikutnya hampir selalu demikian, cerpen-cerpen saya semakin sering menghiasi media massa. Interval pemuatan cerpen tersebut semakin merapat. Saat anak saya lahir, pada pekan yang sama, ada pemberitahuan dari sebuah majalah remaja bahwa mulai bulan tersebut, naskah fiksi saya dimuat secara berseri. Padahal, media tersebut terbit dua kali dalam sebulan. Ini berarti, dalam sebulan sudah jelas ada dua cerpen yang terbit dan itu berarti dua kali saya menerima honor. Ini baru serialnya. Belum dengan cerpen-cerpen yang juga secara rutin saya kirim di luar serial.

Tunggu... semua itu belum berhenti. Saat anak saya semakin besar dan semakin banyak pernak-pernik yang harus saya penuhi untuknya, lagi-lagi ada keajaiban itu. Satu per satu buku saya diterbitkan. Royalti pun mulai saya terima dalam jumlah yang... hoh-hah...! Subhanallah...!

Entah, keajaiban apa lagi yang akan saya temui kemudian. Yang jelas, saat ini saya harus tetap berusaha meyakinkan diri saya sendiri bahwa saya hanyalah perantara rezeki bagi anak dan istri saya... juga –mungkin –orang lain. Dengan begitu, mudah-mudahan saya bisa melepaskan hak-hak tersebut yang melekat pada uang gaji ataupun royalti yang saya terima.

Alasan Kedokteran tentang Darah

Bob: Tolong beritahu saya, mengapa seorang Muslim sangat mementingkan mengenai kata-kata "Halal" dan "Haram"; apa arti dari kata-kata tersebut?

Yunus: Apa-apa yang diperbolehkan diistilahkan sebagai Halal, dan apa-apa yang tak diperbolehkan diistilahkan sebagai Haram, dan Al-Qur'an lah yang menggambarkan perbedaan antara keduanya.!

Bob: Dapatkah anda memberikan contoh?

Yunus: Ya, Islam telah melarang segala macam darah. Anda akan sependapat bahwa analisis kimia dari darah menunjukkan adanya kandungan yang tinggi dari uric acid (asam urat), suatu senyawa kimia yang bisa berbahaya bagi kesehatan manusia.

Bob: Anda benar mengenai sifat beracun dari uric acid, dalam tubuh manusia, senyawa ini dikeluarkan sebagai kotoran, dan dalam kenyataannya kita diberitahu bahwa 98% dari uric acid dalam tubuh, dikeluarkan dari dalam darah oleh Ginjal, dan dibuang keluar tubuh melalui air seni.

Yunus: Sekarang saya rasa anda akan menghargai metode prosedur khusus dalam penyembelihan hewan dalam Islam.

Bob: Apa maksud anda?

Yunus: Begini... seorang penyembelih, selagi menyebut nama dari Yang Maha Kuasa, membuat irisan memotong urat nadi leher hewan, sembari membiarkan urat-urat dan organ-organ lainnya utuh.

Bob: Oh begitu... Dan hal ini menyebabkan kematian hewan karena kehabisan darah dari tubuh, bukannya karena cedera pada organ vitalnya.

Yunus: Ya, sebab jika organ-organ, misalnya jantung, hati, atau otak dirusak, hewan tersebut dapat meninggal seketika dan darahnya akan menggumpal dalam urat-uratnya dan akhirnya mencemari daging. Hal tersebut mengakibatkan daging hewan akan tercemar oleh uric acid, sehingga menjadikannya beracun; hanya pada masa kini lah, para ahli
makanan baru menyadari akan hal ini.

Bob: Selanjutnya, selagi masih dalam topik makanan; Mengapa para Muslim melarang pengkonsumsian daging babi, atau ham, atau makanan lainnya yang terkait dengan babi?

Lebih lanjut lagi, apakah anda tahu kalau babi tidak dapat disembelih di leher karena mereka tidak memiliki leher; sesuai dengan anatomi alamiahnya? Muslim beranggapan kalau babi memang harus disembelih dan layak bagi konsumsi manusia, tentu Sang Pencipta akan merancang hewan ini dengan memiliki leher.

Namun diluar itu semua, saya yakin anda tahu betul mengenai efek-efek berbahaya dari komsumsi babi, dalam bentuk apapun, baik itu pork chops, ham, atau bacon.

Bob: Ilmu kedokteran mengetahui bahwa ada resiko besar atas banyak macam penyakit. Babi diketahui sebagai inang dari banyak macam parasit dan penyakit berbahaya.

Yunus: Ya, dan diluar itu semua, sebagaimana kita membicarakan mengenai kandungan uric acid dalam darah, sangat penting untuk diperhatikan bahwa sistem biochemistry babi mengeluarkan hanya 2% dari seluruh kandungan uric acidnya, sedangkan 98% sisanya tersimpan dalam tubuhnya.

Sumber: Ibrahim Ali Ahmad

Happy Idul Fitri 1427H

As the holy month of Ramadhan ends, it is the time for devout Moslems to celebrate the completion of contemplating God’s will for a month, a time when there was an opportunity to develop our compassion for the less fortunate ones and to build the self discipline in becoming better persons.

On behalf of my self, I would like to take this opportunity to pass on special wishes to my family and Moslems friends, a blessed Idul Fitri and may peace and happiness be with all of you, always.

Wishing you a joyous, blessed, and safe Idul Fitri 1427H.

Minal Aidin Wal Faidzin.

Ramadhan Thoughts

The most important consideration in undertaking a fast, as in any act of devotion, is to seek nearness to God, and seek His pleasure and Forgiveness. This itself generates a spirit of piety in man.

Creating the conditions of hunger and thirst for oneself, simply in obedience to the Divine order, measures the faith of man in God and helps strengthen it by putting it to a severe test.

Fasting enhances through creation of artificial non-availability, the value of the bounties of God which man often takes for granted. This inculcates in man a spirit of gratitude and consequent devotion to God. Nothing else can bring home to a man the worth of God's bounties than a glass of water and a square meal after a day long fast. This also reminds man that the real joy in enjoying God's bounties lies in moderation and restraint and not in over indulging.

Fasting makes us deeply conscious of the pangs of hunger and discomfort suffered by the less fortunate among our brethren. They have to put up with difficult conditions all through their lives. It thus kindles in man a spirit of sacrifice leading to change towards his suffering brethren.

Fasting gives man an unfailing training in endurance, a spirit of acceptance. This could well prepare him to put up with the unchangeable situations in life in the same spirit of resignation as cultivated during the fasts.

Fasting develops courage, fortitude, and a fighting spirit in man to surmount the heavy odds in life with a cool and tranquil mind. It sharpens his power of concentration to overcome obstacles through a vigorous exercise all throughout the month, leading to a steeling of his will power and resolve, that could help him in challenging situations in life. It is seen than many an undesirable habit which is difficult to give up, is more easily given up during the days of fasting.

Fasting teaches man reliance on God, and confidence in Him. Just as the vigorous state of fasting for a whole month is undertaken with His assistance, bitter situations in life could also be surmounted with His help.

Fasting develops a spirit of patience in man, with the realization that the days of fasting, though seemingly unending, do have a successful and happy end. Thus is life. All bitter situations pass, and come to an end.

Fasting is meant to conquer anger and develop self-control in man. The vigorous effort required to put up with hunger and thirst can well be extended to conquer other infirmities of human character that lead man into error and sin.

Fasting inculcates a spirit of tolerance in man to face unpleasant conditions and situations without making his fellow beings the victim of his wrath. Many people, when facing discomfort and deprivation, become irritable and annoyed. This anger is then vented on those around them. Fasting helps a man become more tolerant despite his own discomfort.

Fasting mellows a man and enhances his character, giving a jolt to the human instincts of pride, haughtiness, jealousy and ambition. Fasting softens his character, and clears his heart and mind of many negative emotions.

Fasting exposes the weakness of man in the event of his being deprived of two basic bounties of God; food and drink. It infuses into him a spirit of weakness and submission, generating humility and prayer in an otherwise arrogant being.

Fasting breathes the spirit of forgiveness in man towards others, as he seeks God's forgiveness through fasts and prayers.

Fasting gives lessons in punctuality. Man has to adhere to a strict schedule of time in the observance of the fast.

Fasting could affect the economy of the individual as he is less wasteful on food and meals.

Fasting demands a rigid sense of discipline, mental, spiritual and physical. This forms characteristics which are an essential ingredient to success in life.

Fasting creates spiritual reformation in man, infusing him with a spirit of enthusiasm and zest to change and become a better human being in the eyes of God.
This is an excellent opportunity, given to believers each year, to change themselves and consequently their destinies.

On the physical side, fasting cleanses the human system of the accumulated impurities of uninterrupted eating throughout the year. It prepares the body to face diseases or conditions of scarcity. The rigid abstinence of a fast regulates man's health, sharpens his intellect and enhances the qualities of his heart.

Adapted from an article by Marhum Ahmed Sheriff Dewji, published in the Light Magazine)

Ramadhan In Indonesia

To understand the significance of Lebaran, an understanding about the fasting month of Ramadhan is important. During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, marital relations or getting angry during the daylight hours. In addition, those fasting are supposed to refrain from bad habits - lying, getting angry, using bad language as well as to be more diligent in prayer and give to charities. It is believe that fasting heightens spirituality and develops self-control.

The fast begins in the morning just before sunrise, at Imsak, and is broken at maghrib which falls at sunset. Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for devout Muslims.

Those who are expected to fast include: adults (defined as those who have reached the age of puberty) and those who are sane. Those who are not expected to fast include: children, women having their period, travelers, the sick, those with long-term illnesses, pregnant or breastfeeding women and the mentally ill.

The faithful who fast awaken early in the morning to have a meal before subuh. In order to awaken the faithful, the call to prayer is sounded from neighborhood mosques. In addition, groups of young boys walk around neighborhoods beating on drums and other noise makers to awaken the faithful.

The breaking of the fast at sunset is a very social occasion for which special foods are prepared for gatherings with family or friends. Upon hearing the sound of the bedug drum on the television or the call to prayer from the neighborhood mosque at sunset, the faithful know it's time to break their fast, or buka puasa. This is usually done with a very sweet drink and sweet snacks. Maghrib prayers are made before a full meal is served. Taraweh prayers are held in neighborhood mosques and at gatherings every evening at about 7:30 p.m. These prayers are not compulsory, but they are enjoyed by many.

The schedule for Imsak and Maghrib is posted in major newspapers and on the television throughout Indonesia, as well as published in handouts by major religious organizations.

While it is expected that people will keep to their normal activities during the fast, needless to say the lack of liquid and food during the day and the unusual sleep and meal schedule soon take their toll. After the first week you may see that sleep and food deprivation cause those fasting to have reduced energy levels as well as finding it more difficult to concentrate on tasks.

Why does Islam oblige its followers to fast during Ramadhan each year?

- To develop compassion for the poor and needy who feel hungry every day.
- As a spiritually and physically cleansing experience. Just as in other world
religions, fasting is seen as an opportunity to separate yourself from the things
of this world and to concentrate on your relationship with God.
- To become closer to God by contemplating his will in your life.
- To build self-discipline and to become a better person.

Taken From Expat Info