40 days and 40 nights (40 hari dan 40 malam)
Allah is The Most Kind, The Most BenevolentAllah had put us on earth for one purpose only and that is to serve Him. We, as His servants must do what we can to achieve Allah's shibghah (touch). Many of us sometimes forget how kind The All Mighty Creator really is. He gives us rains so that our plants will grow and so that there won't be forest fires. He gives us vast ground so that we can grow fruits, vegetables and tress & breed farm animals for us to make use of. Allah had given us the seven seas and rivers for us to appreciate and preserve. Allah dislikes those who does mischief on His earth.
The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them We have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief. [Al-Maidah: 64]
We have seen many instances in the past where humans were ruined because of what they had done and not because of what Allah had done to them. A perfect and a common example would be smoking as well as obesity. According to http://www.medicalnewstoday.com, "American government researchers said that obesity is quickly overtaking smoking as the country's number one killer. In fact, obesity is becoming such a problem that many experts now say it is compromising all the benefits of recent improvements in health care and medical breakthroughs." The irony for these two major cause of death is people continue to eat more than ever!
What they spend in the life of this (material) world may be likened to a wind Which brings a nipping frost: it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls; it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves. [Ali-'Imran: 117]
This conundrum has been sparking a wider electrical wave everywhere especially in Asian countries. More Asians are spending more on eating and on cigarettes. Not only that, it epidemic
has become somewhat a fashion. A typical situation would be, "hey! Let's eat at McDonalds because that's where 'cool people' hangout and not go to an mamak (old-fashioned) restaurant cause I definitely don't want to be labeled as "not in it". So, it all comes down to your eating 'rituals'. If you're used to eating 2 full plates in one meal, then, you will probably end up dying 'heavy' and that would be troublesome.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (phub) through his teachings had taught his followers to follow his footsteps in our daily life; the way he eat/pray/sleep/interact/bathe & so much more. In fact, everything that he did can be applied more so than ever! For instance, every now and again, we are sometimes unsure what to do when times get tough or which career path we ought to select. One way of dealing with this is by performing the Istikhoroh Prayer (this is a Two Rak'at offered when seeking blessing fro God Almighty). For those who aren't married yet can control your desire or lust by fasting voluntarily during Mondays and Thursday. One thing that you need know about voluntary fasting (sunnah) would be one needs to make sure that he or she needs to know everything there is to know about fasting; such as the things that will make your fast invalid like eating intentionally. InsyaAllah (God's willing), I will try to produce an article specifically regarding fasting.
As mentioned earlier, we must not take advantage of the things that Allah has created/given for/to us. Taking advantage of what you say? Well, have you ever run your tap while you brush your teeth or have you ever taken your wudhu (ablution) with excess water. I hear that you can actually take your wudhu (ablution) just with 2 kilo, let me know how much water is that in litre(s). Sadly, there are many more examples of this. Nonetheless, I pray that Allah will show you the right path.
Now, this is the most interesting part of this article. You see, what makes a habit a habit? And how many days does one needs to last before something becomes a habit? According to http://www.thehabitexperts.com, a habit is a re-current , often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. Basically, when you do something regularly, it will eventually become your habit no matter what it is. This is why in Islam, we are asked to pray 5 times a day and amongst other obligatory acts.This is to help us not to forget who created us in the beginning and to remind us that we will surely return to Him one day.
Who is it that will offer up unto God a goodly loan,* which He will amply repay, with manifold increase? For, God takes away, and He gives abundantly; and it is unto Him that you shall be brought back. [Al-Baqarah: 245]
*by sacrificing one's life/possession/belongings in, or devoting it to, His cause.
We appointed for Musa thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights. And Musa had charged his brother Harun (before he went up): "Act for me amongst my people: do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief,"[Al-A’raaf:142]
Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise."(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
Anas reported: A time limit has been prescribed for us for clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, that it should not be neglected far more than forty nights. [Sahih Muslim]
The Jews say: "Allah's hand is tied up." Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from Allah increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them We have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah doth extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loveth not those who do mischief. [Al-Maidah: 64]
We have seen many instances in the past where humans were ruined because of what they had done and not because of what Allah had done to them. A perfect and a common example would be smoking as well as obesity. According to http://www.medicalnewstoday.com, "American government researchers said that obesity is quickly overtaking smoking as the country's number one killer. In fact, obesity is becoming such a problem that many experts now say it is compromising all the benefits of recent improvements in health care and medical breakthroughs." The irony for these two major cause of death is people continue to eat more than ever!
What they spend in the life of this (material) world may be likened to a wind Which brings a nipping frost: it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls; it is not Allah that hath wronged them, but they wrong themselves. [Ali-'Imran: 117]
This conundrum has been sparking a wider electrical wave everywhere especially in Asian countries. More Asians are spending more on eating and on cigarettes. Not only that, it epidemic
has become somewhat a fashion. A typical situation would be, "hey! Let's eat at McDonalds because that's where 'cool people' hangout and not go to an mamak (old-fashioned) restaurant cause I definitely don't want to be labeled as "not in it". So, it all comes down to your eating 'rituals'. If you're used to eating 2 full plates in one meal, then, you will probably end up dying 'heavy' and that would be troublesome.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (phub) through his teachings had taught his followers to follow his footsteps in our daily life; the way he eat/pray/sleep/interact/bathe & so much more. In fact, everything that he did can be applied more so than ever! For instance, every now and again, we are sometimes unsure what to do when times get tough or which career path we ought to select. One way of dealing with this is by performing the Istikhoroh Prayer (this is a Two Rak'at offered when seeking blessing fro God Almighty). For those who aren't married yet can control your desire or lust by fasting voluntarily during Mondays and Thursday. One thing that you need know about voluntary fasting (sunnah) would be one needs to make sure that he or she needs to know everything there is to know about fasting; such as the things that will make your fast invalid like eating intentionally. InsyaAllah (God's willing), I will try to produce an article specifically regarding fasting.
As mentioned earlier, we must not take advantage of the things that Allah has created/given for/to us. Taking advantage of what you say? Well, have you ever run your tap while you brush your teeth or have you ever taken your wudhu (ablution) with excess water. I hear that you can actually take your wudhu (ablution) just with 2 kilo, let me know how much water is that in litre(s). Sadly, there are many more examples of this. Nonetheless, I pray that Allah will show you the right path.
Now, this is the most interesting part of this article. You see, what makes a habit a habit? And how many days does one needs to last before something becomes a habit? According to http://www.thehabitexperts.com, a habit is a re-current , often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. Basically, when you do something regularly, it will eventually become your habit no matter what it is. This is why in Islam, we are asked to pray 5 times a day and amongst other obligatory acts.This is to help us not to forget who created us in the beginning and to remind us that we will surely return to Him one day.
Who is it that will offer up unto God a goodly loan,* which He will amply repay, with manifold increase? For, God takes away, and He gives abundantly; and it is unto Him that you shall be brought back. [Al-Baqarah: 245]
*by sacrificing one's life/possession/belongings in, or devoting it to, His cause.
We appointed for Musa thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights. And Musa had charged his brother Harun (before he went up): "Act for me amongst my people: do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief,"[Al-A’raaf:142]
Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise."(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
Anas reported: A time limit has been prescribed for us for clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, that it should not be neglected far more than forty nights. [Sahih Muslim]
I have found a few facts about the importance of 40 days as shown above. From there we can see how important the development of 40 days is. For example, each and everyone of us is recommended to shave armpits and pubes roughly every 40 days time. Perhaps, this is to make sure that we are clean and fresh. Simple but often neglected.
So, time again plays an important role during the development for a baby as well as for grown ups. If one used to slack off during his school days, then, God's willing, he will do the same when he starts working. I've read an article about Behaving badly: Why harmful habits stick. It raises issues such as why do people still do it when they know its not good for them. From this article, it was concluded that its social acceptance that makes people do what they do. True, most of us are accorded to the doings of the majority; we see people started kite-flying, we follow; we see people started to wear sleeveless, we would not want to be out of fashion!; we see people giving tinted dark glass, we follow suit and so on. I see this as a social illness. Why? From what i have observed..
In some ways, the crowds are 'cheering' for the fate that awaits for the football team during Judgement Day but the crowds are all the same. We say we fear Allah but do we really? Unconsciously, we are supporting "men who wear short pants" and disregarding Allah's decree. #2 The worse thing is, this "dress code" is also happens in the Middle Eastern Countries such as UAE. But may I remind you that not ALL muslims wear shorts during football.
So, time again plays an important role during the development for a baby as well as for grown ups. If one used to slack off during his school days, then, God's willing, he will do the same when he starts working. I've read an article about Behaving badly: Why harmful habits stick. It raises issues such as why do people still do it when they know its not good for them. From this article, it was concluded that its social acceptance that makes people do what they do. True, most of us are accorded to the doings of the majority; we see people started kite-flying, we follow; we see people started to wear sleeveless, we would not want to be out of fashion!; we see people giving tinted dark glass, we follow suit and so on. I see this as a social illness. Why? From what i have observed..
Most people often follow that is sinful wrond especially from an Islamic viewpoint and only a small number follow what is good
"The male should cover that part of his body which is between the navel and the knee." (Related by Al-Mabsut)
And...tell me I'm wrong...PLEASE
Examples are countless! Let's take just one of the many. Football (soccer in the US)! ah yes...everybody loves football, cheers and claps all around. Let's make that wave and chant, "ole... ole... ole..." Its really nice to see that people are cheering for their favorite team but really, do they do what ole ole ole means? That's 1. Men in shorts. Now, thats a term you don't hear often. In Islam there are guidelines as to how man and woman should dress in public and the last time I checked, it is obligatory (wajib) for men to cover themselves up accordingly/decently:
"The male should cover that part of his body which is between the navel and the knee." (Related by Al-Mabsut)
And...tell me I'm wrong...PLEASE
The `awrah (private parts to be necessarily covered) for men includes what is between the navel and the knees as stated by the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam), so covering it is obligatory according to Islamic law. Wearing shorts that disclose the thighs or show the shape of the buttocks, does not cover the `awrah. Neither does a dress that is transparent and displays skin complexion, nor a tight dress that shows the size, shape or bends of the `awrah. All of this is prohibited (haraam) in front of people whether the women are ashamed of looking at it or not. If the trousers (or pants) are wide enough and not tight, then one may tuck his shirt in it as long as it does not display his `awrah. Covering the `awrah is obligatory during the prayer and outside it. What many people do is cover their `awrah while going to prayer but are negligent of it outside the prayer. This is a clear mistake and a wrong act which happens due to lack of understanding or as a result of a misunderstanding of the matter.[link]
In some ways, the crowds are 'cheering' for the fate that awaits for the football team during Judgement Day but the crowds are all the same. We say we fear Allah but do we really? Unconsciously, we are supporting "men who wear short pants" and disregarding Allah's decree. #2 The worse thing is, this "dress code" is also happens in the Middle Eastern Countries such as UAE. But may I remind you that not ALL muslims wear shorts during football.
So, thats habit! Something that your're used to fond of seeing, hearing and most importantly adapting. Perhaps, this misconception had been overlooked by many (parents & teachers) ever since we were still toddlers. This is mostly because our upbringing were not directed towards an Islamic living perspective but more towards a non-islamic westernize behavior; remember as a child wearing shorts/tights/skirts/dresses/costumes/swimsuits and so on. These things we used to wear indirectly reflects what we have become now as we are "used to it" and we see it as nothing as it is me, I like it this way so please get away...
Fortunately, in Islam, there is always solutions in every situation/problem/dilemma/issues/sickness except death.
One of the way to change the negative habits is through knowledge. If we have the facts right, we can then analyze and decide. Self-discipline is another factor which I think is very crucial in scrapping of that bad habit of ours. Istiqomah or regularity & consistency is also important as many of us are often forgetful and neglectful with our surrounding. Sincerity is perhaps the root of all goodness because if one is sincere, Allah will guide him/her through, insyaAllah. "Allah will help those who help themselves." Patience is the key to success. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad saw had shown many examples where his patience in daawah had prevailed worldwide. They say, Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, actually, they were wrong! The biggest weapon a muslim could ever have is invinsible, untouchable & everlasting and that is the power of Doa (prayer). Doa is a weapon for a believer. Have faith in our doa, and seek help from Allah SWT.
"Doa can protect againtst the test that had been sent down and also those which had not been sent down. When the test was being sent down, the test and doa will clash against each other until the Day of Judgement". [Narrated by Hakim]
You need to be aware that doa alone cannot work without effort as well as fulfilling your duty as a muslim; pray daily and not according to the season you are in. Ever wonder why we Muslims were asked to fast in Ramadhan for 30 days? All knowledge is only known by the Creator. Not only its 1 of the 5 pillars of Islam but I think, its to teach us to be a better muslim devotee but then again you need to ascertain that you are actually fasting and not 'just fasting'.
Actually fasting - avoid all things which make the fast invalid and lesser 'points'
Just fasting - acting like normal days or pretending to fast: still go to the fridge/still watch haram things/still bad mouthing/smoke still and normal list goes on.
May Allah SWT saves us from hellfire and pour His Blessings unto us.
Fortunately, in Islam, there is always solutions in every situation/problem/dilemma/issues/sickness except death.
Allah SWT never send down a disease to mankind without sending down a cure for it. [Narrated by Imam Bukhari]
One of the way to change the negative habits is through knowledge. If we have the facts right, we can then analyze and decide. Self-discipline is another factor which I think is very crucial in scrapping of that bad habit of ours. Istiqomah or regularity & consistency is also important as many of us are often forgetful and neglectful with our surrounding. Sincerity is perhaps the root of all goodness because if one is sincere, Allah will guide him/her through, insyaAllah. "Allah will help those who help themselves." Patience is the key to success. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad saw had shown many examples where his patience in daawah had prevailed worldwide. They say, Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, actually, they were wrong! The biggest weapon a muslim could ever have is invinsible, untouchable & everlasting and that is the power of Doa (prayer). Doa is a weapon for a believer. Have faith in our doa, and seek help from Allah SWT.
"Doa can protect againtst the test that had been sent down and also those which had not been sent down. When the test was being sent down, the test and doa will clash against each other until the Day of Judgement". [Narrated by Hakim]
You need to be aware that doa alone cannot work without effort as well as fulfilling your duty as a muslim; pray daily and not according to the season you are in. Ever wonder why we Muslims were asked to fast in Ramadhan for 30 days? All knowledge is only known by the Creator. Not only its 1 of the 5 pillars of Islam but I think, its to teach us to be a better muslim devotee but then again you need to ascertain that you are actually fasting and not 'just fasting'.
Actually fasting - avoid all things which make the fast invalid and lesser 'points'
Just fasting - acting like normal days or pretending to fast: still go to the fridge/still watch haram things/still bad mouthing/smoke still and normal list goes on.
May Allah SWT saves us from hellfire and pour His Blessings unto us.
No comments:
Post a Comment