[slideshare]tazdzkirah ramadhan-2012- #part 3 - seeking goodending in all affairs -...

TADZKIRAH RAMADHAN - 2012TADZKIRAH RAMADHAN - 2012

BY: BY: USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAILUSTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL SINGAPURASINGAPURA

12 AUGUST 2012 (SUNDAY)12 AUGUST 2012 (SUNDAY)23 RAMADHAN 1433 H23 RAMADHAN 1433 H5 PM @ THE GALAXY5 PM @ THE GALAXYDARUL ARQAM SINGAPOREDARUL ARQAM SINGAPOREMuslim Converts Assn. SporeMuslim Converts Assn. SporeGEYLANG, CHANGI ROADGEYLANG, CHANGI ROAD

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

SERIES OF TALKSERIES OF TALKFor “MABUHAY CLUB”For “MABUHAY CLUB”““Lessons to learn from Lessons to learn from the Divine program in the Divine program in

Ramadhan”Ramadhan”

PART # 3PART # 3

““O YOU who O YOU who have attained to faith have attained to faith ((IIMANIIMAN)! Fasting is ordained for )! Fasting is ordained for

you as it was ordained for those before you, you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might learn so that you might learn

self-restraintself-restraint (being conscious and fear Allah - (being conscious and fear Allah - TAQWATAQWA):”):”

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185))

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

““Allah wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer Allah wills that you shall have ease, and does not will you to suffer

hardship; hardship; but [He desires] that you complete the number [of days requiredbut [He desires] that you complete the number [of days required], ],

and and that you extol Allah for His having guided you arightthat you extol Allah for His having guided you aright, and that , and that you you

render your thanksrender your thanks [unto Him] – [unto Him] – TASH-KURUN – (SHAKUR)TASH-KURUN – (SHAKUR).”.”

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 185))


““O YOU who have attained to faith! O YOU who have attained to faith! Shall I point out to you Shall I point out to you

a bargain that will save you from grievous suffering [in this a bargain that will save you from grievous suffering [in this

world and in the life to come]? You are to believe in Allah world and in the life to come]? You are to believe in Allah

and His Messenger, and to strive hard in Allah's cause with and His Messenger, and to strive hard in Allah's cause with

your possessions and your lives: this is for your own good - your possessions and your lives: this is for your own good -

if you but knew it! [If you do so,] He will forgive you your if you but knew it! [If you do so,] He will forgive you your

sins, and [in the life to come] will admit you into gardens sins, and [in the life to come] will admit you into gardens

through which running waters flow, and into goodly through which running waters flow, and into goodly

mansions in [those] gardens of perpetual bliss: that [will mansions in [those] gardens of perpetual bliss: that [will

be] the triumph supreme!”be] the triumph supreme!”

((Qur’an: Saff: 61: 10-12Qur’an: Saff: 61: 10-12))


““But as for those who strive hard (But as for those who strive hard (JAAHADUJAAHADU) in Our ) in Our

cause -cause -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths We shall most certainly guide them onto paths

that lead unto Usthat lead unto Us: for, behold, Allah is indeed with the : for, behold, Allah is indeed with the

doers of good.“doers of good.“

((Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69))


““O Allah! Make the best of my life to be in O Allah! Make the best of my life to be in the ending stage the ending stage of of

living; and make the best of my deeds to be living; and make the best of my deeds to be in the closing of my in the closing of my

deedsdeeds; and ; and make the best of my Days make the best of my Days to be the Day (in Hereafter to be the Day (in Hereafter

when) I (return to) when) I (return to) meet You meet You (with a clean heart)” (with a clean heart)”

ALLAA-HUM-MAJ –’AL - ALLAA-HUM-MAJ –’AL - KHKHAI-RA – ‘UM-RI – AA-AI-RA – ‘UM-RI – AA-KHKHI-RA-HU, I-RA-HU,

WA - WA - KHKHAI-RA – ‘AMALI - AI-RA – ‘AMALI - KHKHA-WAA – TI – MA -HU, A-WAA – TI – MA -HU,

WAJ - ’AL- WAJ - ’AL- KHKHAI - RA – AY-YAA - MI – YAU-MA – LI-QAA- IK AI - RA – AY-YAA - MI – YAU-MA – LI-QAA- IK


““O Allah! Whatever You have decreed for us (in all our affairs in our O Allah! Whatever You have decreed for us (in all our affairs in our

life), life), make its endingmake its ending to be good to be good (guided aright by Your Guidance). (guided aright by Your Guidance).

O (Allah) You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”O (Allah) You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy!”

ALLAA-HUM-MA- WA-MAA – QO -ALLAA-HUM-MA- WA-MAA – QO - DwAI-TA DwAI-TA – LANAA – MIN –’AM-REE– LANAA – MIN –’AM-REE

FAJ - ’AL – ‘AA - QI - BA –TA-HU – RA – SHA - DAAFAJ - ’AL – ‘AA - QI - BA –TA-HU – RA – SHA - DAA

YAA – AR – HAMAR – RAA- HI- MEENYAA – AR – HAMAR – RAA- HI- MEEN



ROB-BA-NAA – LAA-TU-ZIGH –QU - LUU-BA-NAA – ROB-BA-NAA – LAA-TU-ZIGH –QU - LUU-BA-NAA –

BA’-DA – IDZ- HA- DAI – TA -NAA – WA – HAB –LA-NAA – BA’-DA – IDZ- HA- DAI – TA -NAA – WA – HAB –LA-NAA –

MIN -LA-DUN-KA -ROH-MA-TA – IN-NA-KA - AN-TAL – WAH- HAA-BMIN -LA-DUN-KA -ROH-MA-TA – IN-NA-KA - AN-TAL – WAH- HAA-B

"Our Lord! let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, "Our Lord! let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us,

but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bountiesbut grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties

without measure.” (without measure.” (Qur’an: Aali ‘imran: 3: 8Qur’an: Aali ‘imran: 3: 8) )

This made up mostly of children and perhaps adults too who lack This made up mostly of children and perhaps adults too who lack

knowledge (knowledge (‘ILM‘ILM) and they may practice Islam not so much out of ) and they may practice Islam not so much out of

true conviction, but only because all others around him are doing true conviction, but only because all others around him are doing

so. More out of the accepted ‘Malay’ custom. so. More out of the accepted ‘Malay’ custom.

Although they know that they are fasting, yet the real lessons,the Although they know that they are fasting, yet the real lessons,the

opportunity to gain great merit and reward throughout opportunity to gain great merit and reward throughout

Ramadhan escapes them. Not that Allah wants to deprive them of Ramadhan escapes them. Not that Allah wants to deprive them of

many of His Blessings, but it is they, due to their own neglect and many of His Blessings, but it is they, due to their own neglect and

heedlessness, who caused their own loss.heedlessness, who caused their own loss.

‘‘CUSTOMARY’ DEVOTEESCUSTOMARY’ DEVOTEES


““This, because This, because Allah would never change the blessings with Allah would never change the blessings with

which He has graced a people unless they change their inner which He has graced a people unless they change their inner

selvesselves: and [know] that Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.”: and [know] that Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.”

((Qur’an: Al- Anfal : 8:53Qur’an: Al- Anfal : 8:53))


If they persist without being guided, or advised, or shown through If they persist without being guided, or advised, or shown through

the better example by their family and peers whom they are with, the better example by their family and peers whom they are with,

then they may be subjected to further negative traits.then they may be subjected to further negative traits.

This may affect their ‘This may affect their ‘moodmood’ and ‘’ and ‘attitudeattitude’ which colour their ’ which colour their

perception (or rather misperception) of what Ramadhan is all about.perception (or rather misperception) of what Ramadhan is all about.

The media, the trend-setter, the sales pitch, the commercialisation The media, the trend-setter, the sales pitch, the commercialisation

of Ramadhan etc. may replaced what should be (of Ramadhan etc. may replaced what should be (IIMANIIMAN) Faith as ) Faith as

their their motivationmotivation and ( and (IHTISAABANIHTISAABAN) expecting Allah’s acceptance, as ) expecting Allah’s acceptance, as

their their attitudeattitude..



Rather than to regard ‘Ramadhan’ as something seasonal, we must Rather than to regard ‘Ramadhan’ as something seasonal, we must

correct this wrong attitude. Ramadhan in fact can be liken to a correct this wrong attitude. Ramadhan in fact can be liken to a

“Madrasah (school)”. Surely every year we should progress to “Madrasah (school)”. Surely every year we should progress to

higher levels of attainment. Unfortunately many seem contented to higher levels of attainment. Unfortunately many seem contented to

remain stagnated at ‘kindergarten’ level each time, without any real remain stagnated at ‘kindergarten’ level each time, without any real

assessment of achievement, but merely based upon attendance. assessment of achievement, but merely based upon attendance.

Thus, year in year out, no progress nor incremental level is attained. Thus, year in year out, no progress nor incremental level is attained.

When in our school-system, would we allow our children to be like When in our school-system, would we allow our children to be like

that? would not this be a very wrong thing to do?that? would not this be a very wrong thing to do?



This can lead some Muslims to be resentful of the ‘fasting’ and other This can lead some Muslims to be resentful of the ‘fasting’ and other

devotions (devotions (‘IBADAH ‘IBADAH ) in Ramadhan itself, being obsessed only to ) in Ramadhan itself, being obsessed only to

chase after the ‘festivities’ and ‘light-up’ and ‘bazaar’ and the chase after the ‘festivities’ and ‘light-up’ and ‘bazaar’ and the

gatherings with celebrities and other ‘worldly’ attraction, etc. gatherings with celebrities and other ‘worldly’ attraction, etc.

Hypocrisy (Hypocrisy (NIFAQNIFAQ) may afflict this group whose criteria for liking ) may afflict this group whose criteria for liking

RAMADHANRAMADHAN is the connection to the festival ( is the connection to the festival (Hari RayaHari Raya). Their ). Their

observance of fasting may be like as ‘prisoners’ undergoing observance of fasting may be like as ‘prisoners’ undergoing

temporary incarceration; or one fasting with ‘vengeance’ bottling up temporary incarceration; or one fasting with ‘vengeance’ bottling up

desires to be ‘desires to be ‘unleashedunleashed’ rather than to be effectively ‘’ rather than to be effectively ‘tamedtamed’.’.



Some of us may start our Ramadhan well since we may possess Some of us may start our Ramadhan well since we may possess

knowledge. Yet, our theoretical Islamic knowledge may be knowledge. Yet, our theoretical Islamic knowledge may be

inadequate to prepare us to know that there are ‘practices’ inadequate to prepare us to know that there are ‘practices’

commonly done in our society (trends, customs etc.) which in fact are commonly done in our society (trends, customs etc.) which in fact are

contrary to the spirit of Ramadhan itself.contrary to the spirit of Ramadhan itself.

Do not assume that what is done by Muslims, even by the majority, Do not assume that what is done by Muslims, even by the majority,

are automatically what Islam teaches. Such careless assumption may are automatically what Islam teaches. Such careless assumption may

cause us to be distracted from achieving the true purpose of cause us to be distracted from achieving the true purpose of

Ramadhan, into following agendas set by others in Ramadhan. Ramadhan, into following agendas set by others in Ramadhan.

THE ‘DISTRACTED’THE ‘DISTRACTED’




““And do not pursue that of which you have no And do not pursue that of which you have no

knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the

heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.”heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.”

((Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36))



““And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who

call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening,

seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass

beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life,

and and do not obey one whose heart We have made do not obey one whose heart We have made

heedless of Our remembrance heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his and who follows his

desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”

((Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 28Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 28))

As Ramadhan is a As Ramadhan is a “month of being put to test”, “month of being put to test”, within it there are within it there are

countless challenges, temptations, distractions, diversion, deviations countless challenges, temptations, distractions, diversion, deviations

etc. Therefore, we need to always be on guard, vigilant and remain etc. Therefore, we need to always be on guard, vigilant and remain

focus on what we are suppose to attain to in this month.focus on what we are suppose to attain to in this month.

So be in the company of the learned and righteous Muslims. So be in the company of the learned and righteous Muslims.

In this last week of Ramadhan, we can still amend ourselves or be In this last week of Ramadhan, we can still amend ourselves or be

corrected again to re-focus and guided back upon the right path. corrected again to re-focus and guided back upon the right path.

Allah’s intends for His mercy and forgiveness to reach all Muslims to Allah’s intends for His mercy and forgiveness to reach all Muslims to

be freed from the Hell-fire. be freed from the Hell-fire. Just come back to Him!Just come back to Him!




Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against

themselves [by sinning], themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy do not despair of the mercy

of Allahof Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is

He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.“He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.“

((Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 53Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 53))


“And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit

to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then

you will not be helped.”

(Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 54)


““And follow the best of what was revealed to you And follow the best of what was revealed to you

from your Lord from your Lord before the punishment comes upon before the punishment comes upon

you suddenly while you do not perceive,”you suddenly while you do not perceive,”

((Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 55Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 55))

Many of us perhaps belong to this category. It is in the last lap that Many of us perhaps belong to this category. It is in the last lap that

many may “many may “drop our guarddrop our guard”, or give in complacency and are ”, or give in complacency and are

impatient thinking only of the impatient thinking only of the EidEid (Hari Raya celebration). (Hari Raya celebration).

Actually we forget that the test is not over yet.Actually we forget that the test is not over yet.

This last lap (week) in fact is very crucial – it can “This last lap (week) in fact is very crucial – it can “make or breakmake or break”.”.

Thus our Prophet , his Household and companion exemplified this in Thus our Prophet , his Household and companion exemplified this in

the Sunnah of the Sunnah of I’TIKAFI’TIKAF (“ (“retreatretreat”) and intensifying the personal ”) and intensifying the personal

devotions.devotions.

THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’


When we analyse all acts of devotions taught in Islam, its general When we analyse all acts of devotions taught in Islam, its general

teachings about life - it is in the ending part of many forms of ‘ibadah - teachings about life - it is in the ending part of many forms of ‘ibadah -

that it teaches us to increase the intensity of our devotion to Allah.that it teaches us to increase the intensity of our devotion to Allah.

It does not really matter much that we may have made many mistakes, It does not really matter much that we may have made many mistakes,

being careless, lazy and weak at the beginning – for it is in the ending being careless, lazy and weak at the beginning – for it is in the ending

part that really counts.part that really counts.

After all, it is not through our effort that ultimately saves us, but After all, it is not through our effort that ultimately saves us, but

through our sincere intention and true resolve seeking Allah’s Mercy through our sincere intention and true resolve seeking Allah’s Mercy

and Acceptance towards us; our belief and trust of Allah’s Beneficence. and Acceptance towards us; our belief and trust of Allah’s Beneficence.

THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’THE ‘IMPATIENT’ – OR THE ‘LACKING IN STAMINA’


THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE


THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE THOSE WHO SEEK AND GRANTED GUIDANCE


““Whoever fast in Ramadhan, with Whoever fast in Ramadhan, with IIMANIIMAN (Faith, conviction) (Faith, conviction)

and with and with IIHHTISAABANTISAABAN (full accountability; reflection; content (full accountability; reflection; content

with expecting recompense from Allah in Hereafter) – then all with expecting recompense from Allah in Hereafter) – then all

his previous sins are Forgiven”his previous sins are Forgiven”

((Hadith reported by BukharyHadith reported by Bukhary))

“My Sustainer (Lord)! ! Inspire me so that I may forever be

grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced

me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner]

that will please Thee; and include me, by Thy grace, among Thy

righteous servants (SwOLIHEEN)!” (Qur’an: Naml: 27: 19)



“ “O my Sustainer (Lord)! O my Sustainer (Lord)! Inspire me so that I may forever Inspire me so that I may forever

be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which

Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may

do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy

goodly acceptancegoodly acceptance; and grant me righteousness in ; and grant me righteousness in my my

offspringoffspring [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in

repentance: for, verily, I am of those (repentance: for, verily, I am of those (MUSLIMEENMUSLIMEEN) )

who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!” who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!”

((Qur’an: Ahqaf: 46: 15Qur’an: Ahqaf: 46: 15))


IMPORTANT TO BE ENGAGED IN NOWIMPORTANT TO BE ENGAGED IN NOW

REMEMBER, ONE OF THE CRITERIA OF BEING GRATEFUL IS REMEMBER, ONE OF THE CRITERIA OF BEING GRATEFUL IS

IN KNOWING THE VALUE OF BESTOWALS ALREADY GIVEN.IN KNOWING THE VALUE OF BESTOWALS ALREADY GIVEN.


This list is not exhaustive, but only my personal reflection This list is not exhaustive, but only my personal reflection as to what Ramadhan teaches me as a Muslimas to what Ramadhan teaches me as a Muslim

TA-’AHTA-’AH (Obedience) and (Obedience) and ADABADAB (Decorum) (Decorum)


Reminder of our covenant (Reminder of our covenant (SHAHADAHTAINSHAHADAHTAIN); and that we have to ); and that we have to

“walk the talk.”“walk the talk.”

A Muslim is one who obeys Allah and His Messenger – not privately A Muslim is one who obeys Allah and His Messenger – not privately

but if need be openly, to dare to show who we are without being but if need be openly, to dare to show who we are without being

apologetic.apologetic.

A Muslim is one who has A Muslim is one who has ADABADAB, most importantly to place Allah and , most importantly to place Allah and

the Prophet’s command above all else. In Ramadhan, many aspects the Prophet’s command above all else. In Ramadhan, many aspects

of our life has to be re-orientated and put in its proper order.of our life has to be re-orientated and put in its proper order.

NIYYATNIYYAT WAL IKHLASW WAL IKHLASW (Intention and Sincerity)(Intention and Sincerity)


Ramadhan teaches us that any act (Ramadhan teaches us that any act (‘AMAL‘AMAL), to be regarded as acts of ), to be regarded as acts of

merit acceptable to Allah, it must be with a resolve and sincere merit acceptable to Allah, it must be with a resolve and sincere

intention for Allah’s sake.intention for Allah’s sake.

Verbalizing to oneself, with knowledge and clear purpose of what Verbalizing to oneself, with knowledge and clear purpose of what

we are about to do, is indeed important towards forming strong we are about to do, is indeed important towards forming strong

resolve and determination towards success of any endeavor.resolve and determination towards success of any endeavor.

Despite the obvious uncertainty, yet by relying upon our faith Despite the obvious uncertainty, yet by relying upon our faith

((IIMANIIMAN) in Allah, Whom we seek to please and Who alone can grant ) in Allah, Whom we seek to please and Who alone can grant

us the us the TAUFIQTAUFIQ (success) we strive and face the ordeal of fasting. It is (success) we strive and face the ordeal of fasting. It is

after all, done as a test of our Faith and faithfulness.after all, done as a test of our Faith and faithfulness.

SAHURSAHUR (Preparation – physical & spiritual)(Preparation – physical & spiritual)


This teaches us the necessity for preparation before embarking upon This teaches us the necessity for preparation before embarking upon

whatever cause. Preparations are both physical and spiritual. The whatever cause. Preparations are both physical and spiritual. The

time for such is best made especially during occasions whence other time for such is best made especially during occasions whence other

people may be resting. Especially we are taught of the blessed time people may be resting. Especially we are taught of the blessed time

for spiritual preparation seeking Divine help is through making for spiritual preparation seeking Divine help is through making DU’A DU’A

(supplication) and (supplication) and MUNAJATMUNAJAT (intimate whispering) just before (intimate whispering) just before

Dawn.Dawn.

Knowledge of this is not merely taught theoretically, but in Knowledge of this is not merely taught theoretically, but in

Ramadhan we are made to learn and experience it practically.Ramadhan we are made to learn and experience it practically.

And the sheer ease which many of us have experienced, boost our And the sheer ease which many of us have experienced, boost our

confidence that we can indeed do it even after Ramadhan.confidence that we can indeed do it even after Ramadhan.

IMSAKIMSAK (Abstention)(Abstention)


Essentially, fasting is “Essentially, fasting is “IMSAKIMSAK ” – abstaining from everything which ” – abstaining from everything which

Allah has forbidden us to do. Therefore in requires us to take charge Allah has forbidden us to do. Therefore in requires us to take charge

and be in control over our desires.and be in control over our desires.

Thus, to be truly Thus, to be truly MUSLIMMUSLIM, we have to have the power to rein in and , we have to have the power to rein in and

discipline our base desires – submitting our will to the will of Allah.discipline our base desires – submitting our will to the will of Allah.

Many people do not know how to say “No!” to evil and wrongdoing. Many people do not know how to say “No!” to evil and wrongdoing.

Fasting in Ramadhan, effectively teaches us that in fact Fasting in Ramadhan, effectively teaches us that in fact WE CAN DO WE CAN DO

IT!IT! Even to curtail our basic needs which, normally outside fasting, Even to curtail our basic needs which, normally outside fasting,

are ‘Halal’. Ramadhan is the proof.are ‘Halal’. Ramadhan is the proof.

And the fact is, for us Muslims what Allah has forbidden (And the fact is, for us Muslims what Allah has forbidden (HARAMHARAM) )

are very few as compared to what He made lawful (are very few as compared to what He made lawful (HALALHALAL).).

SWOLAH WA QIYYAM SWOLAH WA QIYYAM (Worship – personal night devotion)(Worship – personal night devotion)


This being the Pillar ofour religion (This being the Pillar ofour religion (IMAD-DU ADDEENIMAD-DU ADDEEN), is very much ), is very much

enhanced during Ramadhan, more than any other month.enhanced during Ramadhan, more than any other month.

Congregational prayer in mosques, should become the norm in the Congregational prayer in mosques, should become the norm in the

community and ought to be reasserted. community and ought to be reasserted.

Night worship and spiritual retreat are revived and be inculcated Night worship and spiritual retreat are revived and be inculcated

throughout the month such that it can become ingrained as a throughout the month such that it can become ingrained as a

community activity, that Muslims are to be the most worshipful community activity, that Muslims are to be the most worshipful

people on earth – “people on earth – “they bow and prostrate and their faces glow with they bow and prostrate and their faces glow with

traces of (wudhu’ and) prostration”traces of (wudhu’ and) prostration”

TILAWAH - TADABBUR TILAWAH - TADABBUR (Companionship with Al-Qur’an(Companionship with Al-Qur’an))


In Ramadhan without fail, the Qur’an take centre stage. Muslims In Ramadhan without fail, the Qur’an take centre stage. Muslims

would inevitably be made to listen and experience the recitations of would inevitably be made to listen and experience the recitations of

it in it in SWOLAH TARAWIH, TILAWAH SWOLAH TARAWIH, TILAWAH and and TADBBURTADBBUR, from , from

accomplished Qur’an reciters (accomplished Qur’an reciters (MUQRI’ MUQRI’ / / QARIQARI) and even by ) and even by HUFFAZHUFFAZ

(Those who memorize the Qur’an in its entirety). With satellite (Those who memorize the Qur’an in its entirety). With satellite

technology, the prayer in technology, the prayer in Masjidil Haram Masjidil Haram (Makkah) is beamed (Makkah) is beamed

worldwide.worldwide.

This inspires many to focus upon embarking upon reciting and This inspires many to focus upon embarking upon reciting and

reading of portions of the Qur’an as a daily routine.reading of portions of the Qur’an as a daily routine.

Lectures, tadzkirah, commentaries by scholars would instill Lectures, tadzkirah, commentaries by scholars would instill

realization that the Qur’an is indeed the book of Guidance.realization that the Qur’an is indeed the book of Guidance.

MUJAAHADAHMUJAAHADAH (Striving with utmost - exertion)(Striving with utmost - exertion)


Contrary to what some may think as though life ought to become Contrary to what some may think as though life ought to become

relaxed, Ramadhan is the month in which Muslims learn the meaning relaxed, Ramadhan is the month in which Muslims learn the meaning

of of JIHAADJIHAAD (striving with utmost in the way of Allah) which focus upon (striving with utmost in the way of Allah) which focus upon

intense exertion (exhaustion)towards conquering our ego and desires.intense exertion (exhaustion)towards conquering our ego and desires.

Its day spent in Fasting does not excuse the Muslims from their daily Its day spent in Fasting does not excuse the Muslims from their daily

occupation, while their nights’ rest are shortened to increase their occupation, while their nights’ rest are shortened to increase their

devotions and prayers. devotions and prayers.

Indeed, this was the kind of life which the companions of the Prophet Indeed, this was the kind of life which the companions of the Prophet

lived daily – a diligent “lived daily – a diligent “worker-warriorworker-warrior ( (MUJAHIDMUJAHID)” by day and an )” by day and an

““ascetic-devoteeascetic-devotee ( (ZAHID- ‘AABIDZAHID- ‘AABID)” by night.)” by night.

TAQWATAQWA (Reverential fear of transgression)(Reverential fear of transgression)


The reason given by Allah as to why we fast is to teach us The reason given by Allah as to why we fast is to teach us TAQWATAQWA – –

the highest virtue which every Muslim must strive for.the highest virtue which every Muslim must strive for.

The essential meaning of The essential meaning of TAQWATAQWA is to safeguard ourselves from the is to safeguard ourselves from the

wrath of Allah through our being ever consciousness of Allah’s Who wrath of Allah through our being ever consciousness of Allah’s Who

sees and ever aware of our state; with sense of awe, reverential fear sees and ever aware of our state; with sense of awe, reverential fear

of Allah’s presence in our life and being ashame of our shortcomings.of Allah’s presence in our life and being ashame of our shortcomings.

Indeed, Indeed, TAQWATAQWA is the unmatched motivation for a truly ethical and is the unmatched motivation for a truly ethical and

good person.good person.

Although, to really become a Although, to really become a MUTTAQEENMUTTAQEEN as our accomplished as our accomplished

disposition (disposition (MAQOMMAQOM –station) is not easy, yet in Ramadhan, we get –station) is not easy, yet in Ramadhan, we get

to taste and experience this spiritual state.to taste and experience this spiritual state.

USRAH WAL JAMA’AH USRAH WAL JAMA’AH (Importance of Family and Congregation)(Importance of Family and Congregation)


Ramadhan brings back family living, where many activities like Ramadhan brings back family living, where many activities like

partaking of meals and praying in partaking of meals and praying in Jama’ahJama’ah at home is revived. at home is revived.

Many may have disregarded this important family way of life that Many may have disregarded this important family way of life that

gives real value and quality to our life. When we realize and gives real value and quality to our life. When we realize and

experience how truly priceless it is, hopefully we will wish to sustain experience how truly priceless it is, hopefully we will wish to sustain

this life-style which many, in todays fast-pace and almost maddening this life-style which many, in todays fast-pace and almost maddening

existence, have lost.existence, have lost.

Indeed, “Indeed, “we may be in a ‘rat race’, but we must never become ratswe may be in a ‘rat race’, but we must never become rats.” .”

Human dignity through family and community living, must be Human dignity through family and community living, must be

cherished and upheld. cherished and upheld.

RAHMAH WAL IHSAN RAHMAH WAL IHSAN (Mercy and Compassion)(Mercy and Compassion)


One of the important lessons of Ramadhan is its teaching us mercy One of the important lessons of Ramadhan is its teaching us mercy

and compassion. We who experience what it is like to be thirsty and and compassion. We who experience what it is like to be thirsty and

hungry, should become more caring for those lacking in means to hungry, should become more caring for those lacking in means to

sustain themselves and their family. sustain themselves and their family.

Thus it is in this month, the increase in deeds of charity, the sharing Thus it is in this month, the increase in deeds of charity, the sharing

of meal and the giving of of meal and the giving of ZAKATUL-FITRAZAKATUL-FITRA, are meant to acclimatize , are meant to acclimatize

us into becoming a community who cares for others, mobilized to us into becoming a community who cares for others, mobilized to

spread mercy and compassion towards all.spread mercy and compassion towards all.

This is also accompanied with realization of our own need for Allah’s This is also accompanied with realization of our own need for Allah’s

forgiveness for our sins, which in Islam we are taught, is also by forgiveness for our sins, which in Islam we are taught, is also by

being merciful and forgiving towards others, ourselves.being merciful and forgiving towards others, ourselves.

TASHAKKUR TASHAKKUR (Gratefulness)(Gratefulness)


To become grateful, one must be taught to appreciate the favours To become grateful, one must be taught to appreciate the favours

NI’MATNI’MAT , given. , given.

Unfortunate we have dulled our senses through excesses and habits, Unfortunate we have dulled our senses through excesses and habits,

making us oblivious to even the great pleasure which we are given making us oblivious to even the great pleasure which we are given

so abundantly. Thus amongst the lesson of Ramadhan, through so abundantly. Thus amongst the lesson of Ramadhan, through

temporary deprivation, we can restore and enhanced our senses and temporary deprivation, we can restore and enhanced our senses and

sensibility thereby to re-experience those favours. sensibility thereby to re-experience those favours.

Through this month too, it ought to make us realize how excessive Through this month too, it ought to make us realize how excessive

our previous life-style has been. To be grateful is not to over-indulge our previous life-style has been. To be grateful is not to over-indulge

but to share those bounties and favours from Allah, with others in but to share those bounties and favours from Allah, with others in

our life. For being prudent must also not lead us to miserly.our life. For being prudent must also not lead us to miserly.

TAUBAH WA ISTIGHFAR TAUBAH WA ISTIGHFAR (Repentance and seeking forgiveness)(Repentance and seeking forgiveness)


The most important message of Islam is the Message of Mercy and The most important message of Islam is the Message of Mercy and

Forgiveness of Allah. This is through mankind’s returning in Forgiveness of Allah. This is through mankind’s returning in

repentance (repentance (TAUBAHTAUBAH) and seeking forgiveness of Allah () and seeking forgiveness of Allah (ISTIGHFARISTIGHFAR))

The door is never close for anyone, until the end of the world The door is never close for anyone, until the end of the world

((QIYYAMAHQIYYAMAH) or till when he experience the moment of death ) or till when he experience the moment of death

((SAKARAT-AL-MAUTSAKARAT-AL-MAUT).).

In Ramadhan especially, this message is greatly enhanced and In Ramadhan especially, this message is greatly enhanced and

opportunity to do so permeates throughout its period and occasion.opportunity to do so permeates throughout its period and occasion.

And in this month, one can even get to taste the indescribable And in this month, one can even get to taste the indescribable

feeling of Allah’s forgiveness and acceptance of our repentance feeling of Allah’s forgiveness and acceptance of our repentance

((TAUBAHTAUBAH). ).

‘‘AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR (Enjoining good and forbid evil)(Enjoining good and forbid evil)


Al-ISLAMAl-ISLAM is not meant to be a ‘personal-individual’ religion to be is not meant to be a ‘personal-individual’ religion to be

only practiced privately. It is more a community living (welfare type only practiced privately. It is more a community living (welfare type

society) which places duty and responsibility collectively upon every society) which places duty and responsibility collectively upon every

of its member. They enjoy personal privileges by virtue of of its member. They enjoy personal privileges by virtue of

discharging their social obligation too, which are meant to safeguard discharging their social obligation too, which are meant to safeguard

the survival of the whole community.the survival of the whole community.

Thus ‘Thus ‘enjoining good and forbidding evilenjoining good and forbidding evil’ is an essential pillar which ’ is an essential pillar which

Muslims uphold and practice – through practical prevention, advise, Muslims uphold and practice – through practical prevention, advise,

exhortations, encouragement, etc. to one another, which keep exhortations, encouragement, etc. to one another, which keep

every members in check from deviation and waywardness.every members in check from deviation and waywardness.

‘‘AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR AMR AL-MA’RUF NAH-YUL MUNKAR (Enjoining good and forbid evil)(Enjoining good and forbid evil)


In In RamadhanRamadhan, the vibrancy of this spirit of collective preservation is , the vibrancy of this spirit of collective preservation is

even more pronounced. The most effective way to correcting others even more pronounced. The most effective way to correcting others

is by showing by our own example. And this would only be effective is by showing by our own example. And this would only be effective

if demonstrated by the collective majority. if demonstrated by the collective majority.

One of the most effective approach to reform society is :One of the most effective approach to reform society is :

“ “It is when good people are actively seen and conspicuously It is when good people are actively seen and conspicuously

projected, in their goodness and their doing good as a norm projected, in their goodness and their doing good as a norm

that bad people will shy away.” – ( zhulkeflee ) that bad people will shy away.” – ( zhulkeflee )

And this is possible because to every Muslim, what is permissible And this is possible because to every Muslim, what is permissible

((HALALHALAL) is already clear, and what is forbidden () is already clear, and what is forbidden (HARAMHARAM) is also ) is also

clear.clear.


““And they will say: "All praise is due to Allah, who has And they will say: "All praise is due to Allah, who has

guided us unto this; for we would certainly not have guided us unto this; for we would certainly not have

found the right path unless Allah had guided us! Indeed, found the right path unless Allah had guided us! Indeed,

our Sustainer's messengers have told us the truth!" our Sustainer's messengers have told us the truth!"

((Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 43Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 43))

EXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSEEXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSEAll Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

““And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way

((UMMATAN WASOTANUMMATAN WASOTAN) [i.e. justly balanced], so that [with your ) [i.e. justly balanced], so that [with your

lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind

((SHUHADAA-A - ‘ALAN-NAASSHUHADAA-A - ‘ALAN-NAAS) , and the Messenger as a witness over ) , and the Messenger as a witness over

you.“you.“

((Qur’an: al- Baqarah: 2:143Qur’an: al- Baqarah: 2:143))

““Among the believers Among the believers are men who have [always] been true are men who have [always] been true

to what they have vowed before Allahto what they have vowed before Allah: Of them some have : Of them some have

fulfilled their obligations (with their lives), and some of them fulfilled their obligations (with their lives), and some of them

are still waiting (for its fulfillment) without having changed are still waiting (for its fulfillment) without having changed

[their resolve] in the least.”[their resolve] in the least.”

((Qur’an: al-Ahzab: 33: 23Qur’an: al-Ahzab: 33: 23))

EXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSEEXCERPTS FROM FARDHU-’AIN COURSEAll Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)


“ “O my Sustainer (Lord)! O my Sustainer (Lord)! Inspire me so that I may forever Inspire me so that I may forever

be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which

Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may

do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy

goodly acceptancegoodly acceptance; and grant me righteousness in ; and grant me righteousness in my my

offspringoffspring [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in

repentance: for, verily, I am of those (repentance: for, verily, I am of those (MUSLIMEENMUSLIMEEN) )

who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!” who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!”

((Qur’an: Ahqaf: 46: 15Qur’an: Ahqaf: 46: 15))


“ “(May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations (May) Allah grant His Reward upon Muhammad, salutations

of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance of Allah and Peace be upon him and his family, in accordance

with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”with what he deserves (in Allah’s knowledge & estimation).”

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/

http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/

http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/

http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/

http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/

http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/

http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/

http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

All welcome to visit my web-blog:All welcome to visit my web-blog:

54All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2012)

[slideshare]tazdzkirah ramadhan-2012- #part 3 - seeking goodending in all affairs -...

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