Flawed and imperfection....a 'completion'...

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim...



ramadhan is finally coming to an end. let us all make use of the remaining days in ramadhan to increase our ibadah and prayers. with ramadhan coming to an end, the spirit of worshiping ALlah should not cessate. instead, it should be a boost to our souls so that we are more prepared and geared up. for what?

"Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

Who say, when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return"

(2:155, 156)

In this post, i wanted to be more personal. Well after reading other ikhwahs' and akhowats' blogs, i could see the personal side of them. especially in their relationship with Allah Taala. I assume that is what most people would like to read about. it gives you the aura of connectedness, doesn't it? the connection of faith and worship.

when i started writing this blog, there are two things that constantly intrude my mind :

1. the feeling of ujub (proud)
2. if i don't practice what i preach...(or write)

the feeling of ujub is a negative feeling which i think exist (could be very2x minimal or none at all) in everyone. this feeling comes from no other than the Syaitan. there are two ways which the syaitan will approach its targets (according to al-Muntalaq) . it's either persuading humans to do what Allah forbids (this is not unusual) or encourage humans to do good, but with the wrong intentions (not putting Allah as main intention). ujub is an instance of the latter part. this, i find really intricate. it is 'amazing' how syaitan is determined to stray us from the rightful path. the issue of the heart and intentions (niat) is very sensitive in Islam. it is imperative that we purify ourselves by reminding ourselves of our main purpose: none other than to please Allah Taala.

"And if (at any time) an incitement to discord is made to thee by the Evil One, seek refuge in Allah. He is the One Who hears and knows all things." (41:36)

"Dan jika syaitan mengganggumu dengan suatu godaan, maka mohonlah perlindungan kepada Allah. Sunggguh dia Maha Mendengar, Maha Mengetahui" (41:36)

the 'consequences' of writing matters pertaining religion is that you will be scrutinized, which is good because you can prevent yourself from doing things that Allah forbids. (this kind of attention is good, as long as your intention is to bring yourself closer to Allah) Even if the real situation is, you are not being under scrutiny, you yourself will feel like you are. at first, you are only being cautious of the perceptions of your fellow brothers and sisters in Islam, but later on, you will realise that the scrutinizing eyes of Allah Taala is the utmost importance above all. and besides that is the fact that if your actions speak differently from your speech, it could bring slanders unto the religion, plus the wrath of Allah Taala.

"Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand? "(2:44)

"Mengapa kamu menyuruh orang lain (mengerjakan kebajikan) sedangkan kamu melupakan dirimu sendiri, padahal kamu membaca al-Kitab? Tidakkah kamu mengerti?" (2:44)

Imam Hassan al-Banna:

"The art of preaching is different from the art of practising"

" Medan cakap tidak sama dengan medan amal"

i also wanted to say here that Allah created humans as imperfect. there are certain things that we overlooked, mistakes being done, things forgotten... as Muslims we should think good of others and not be quick to judge. What we can do is advise and remind each other in the most proper ways. I would really appreciate if someone pointed out what i did wrong (it may be hurtful) but it's a learning process. we learn from each other, that's for sure =)

Ma kana min khair famin ind Allah

wama kana min sharrin famin ind nafsi

(What is good is from Allah, and what is not is my own weakness)

Wallahu A'lam....