Bachelor of Taqwa from University of Ramadhan

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On the tenth of Eidul Fitr, two old friends decided to meet each other. They wanted their special meeting to be at a special place, which is at their previous high school. It’s kind of killing two birds with one stone, missing a buddy and missing a school. With the combination of both, it brings back old unforgettable memories.

So they meet up at the musolla of the school.

“Assalamualaikum broer!” says Ameer to his old friend. “Long time no see. How have you been?”

The two of them hugged each other.

“Waalaikumussalam!” answered Ali “Yeah, it has been some time. I’ve been good.”

The both of them had a chit-chat over some old stories. Then Ameer asked Ali a question “You just graduated right from IIUM? What was your bachelor? Bachelor of English was it?”

“Me? Bachelor of English? No. That was a long time ago. Now I have a bachelor of Taqwa” said Ali confidently.

“Bachelor of Taqwa? From what university?” Ameer confused.

“From University of Ramadan” says Ali.

.........................................................................................................................................

Introduction: Not only fasting but so much more

The semester from the University of Ramadan is the shortest short semester in the world. Only four weeks of studying. But what Allah expects us to achieve is very high, we may or may not be able to stand up to that expectation. During this short term period, Allah has prepared for us an intensive training. Towards the end of the semester, we will hold the scroll of Bachelor of Taqwa!

This university is not only about fasting but so much more:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Al-Baqarah: 183)

Allah has revealed to us saying that the sole purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa whether it is in or out of the month of Ramadan, it doesn’t matter. But the fact that fasting has been prescribe to us within a specific number of days, we should attain a taqwa that is double, triple and quadruple during the month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is not the month of fasting. Many malay says “Bulan Puasa”, that is wrong. The month of Ramadan is the month of Taqwa (Bulan Taqwa). Fasting is only a ticket for us to enter in a new world full of wonders!

Loose ourselves in Taqwa

We may be familiar with the word Taqwa, but we may not know what it means. For those who still are unaware of the meaning taqwa, this is what it means:

Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Ubbay ibn Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him)”What is the meaning of Taqwa?”

Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “O Amir ul Mu’minin, have you walked on a field that had a lot of thorny plants?”

Umar said,”Yes” Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “So what did you do?” Umar replied, ”I lifted up my clothes and I was very careful,” Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “That is Taqwa!”

We are walking on a field that is full of thorny plants. Shaytan and his followers will try to seduce you and invite you to Evil. So having Taqwa in Dunya is lifting up your clothes and being careful, so that you would not touch this evil. From this hadith, we can extract that the meaning of taqwa is being careful as we go along life’s road. And that is the definition of Taqwa and we ask Allah to make us of those of al- Muttaqeen.

Taqwa is the source of energy in a person. With taqwa, a person will go to the masjid, make good friends, go to talks, keeping the environment clean and do good deeds.

Taqwa is also the shield to social problems, vandalism and sins. With this shield firm at heart, a person will never steal even though they are no CCTV or to vandalize public property or do anything that will increase your account balance of sins.

Taqwa is the strongest piling in one’s heart to withstand the world’s ‘deadliest’ trials and tribulations in life. With taqwa, a person will be able to stand and prevent himself from the most seducing sin in life.

Keep on Searching for Taqwa

Although we are still 2 months away from Ramadan, our journey of searching for Taqwa should start now. We need to start now. If we want to win a 100 meter sprint, we need to train as hard as we can to beat that 100 meter world record! We can’t expect to win on that day by not training. If we have trained hard, the 9.58 seconds world record by Usain Bolt can be beaten for sure!

The same goes to Ramadan. For all our sins to be forgiven by Allah is one bonus in our life. The prophet once said, narrated Abu Huraira:

“Allah’s Apostle said: “Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.”

Ramadan is only an intensive training course for us to charge up our batteries of taqwa. The real threat is staying firm for eleven months.

The Process of Taqwa

What are the subjects that we need to take in order to attain this bachelor? Let’s review one by one.

First: Mu’ahadah (Keep promises)

Allah says in Surah An-nahl: 91:

“And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, [O believers], and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah , over you, a witness. Indeed, Allah knows what you do.”

For us to fulfill our promises with Allah, between us and Allah, we need a quality time special for the two of us. We can have a talk with Allah and share our problems with Him, at least through our prayer because “It is You we worship and You we ask for help” Al-Fatihah: 5.

Second: Muraqabah (Feel close to Allah)

Allah has revealed in Surah as-syu’ara: 218-219:

“Who sees you when you arise; and your movement among those who prostrate.”

The prophet when asked about Ihsan, he said “it is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” (Narrated by Bukhari, No. 50 dan Muslim, No.9)

In the fierce battle between ikhlas and riya’ taking place in our heart, feeling close to Allah will make ikhlas prevail. This feeling will make us consistent and persistent in doing good deeds and never backing from moving forward.

Third: Muhasabah (Introspection)

Allah has revealed to us in Surah al-Hasyr: 18:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”

(1)    Fear Allah (2) Every soul should look up the plan for tomorrow  (3) Fear Allah

This is introspection, by doing this it can make our intentions clear, urges use to repent and makes us remember Allah more often.

Fourth: Mu’aqabah (Scholding oneself)

Allah has revealed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah: 179:

“In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you, o ye men of understanding; that ye may restrain yourselves.”

For example, a guy loves to eat KFC. KFC is like drug to him, if he goes a day without KFC, a part of him on any particular day will be gone. But in the same time that guy wants to get rid of his habit of sleeping after subuh prayer. How he wants to get rid of it, he will not eat any KFC if he goes to sleep after subuh. This is a form of Mu’aqabah.

Fifth: Mujahadah (Spiritual Struggle)

Allah has mentioned about Mujahadah in Surah al-Ankabut: 69:

“And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”

We have to be strict with us when it comes to worldly pleasure. We need to keep on fighting the urges in ourselves that wants us to accept temptation. Keep on fighting! If we keep on fighting these urges and we manage to overcome it, that is the best feeling we will treasure.

Conclusion: Keep on searching

Mu’ahadah makes us adhere to syariah.

Muraqabah makes us feel peace and tranquility when we are close to Allah. “Verily in the remembrance of Allah that heart do find rests!”

Muhasabah helps us reflect who we are and what we have done. It makes us have a better plan before time.

Mu’aqabah in a way inflicts pain to the heart in order to gain something more important. It suppresses our desires from going wild.

Mujahadah helps leave our love behind!

After we have finished all these subjects and graduate with flying colors, we will feel confident to say “I own a Bachelor of Taqwa from University of Ramadan!”

Via Langitilahi.com

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Hamparan Karpet Merah, Selamanya Tidak.

Klik Untuk Besarkan.

Teringat suatu lirik nasyid yang menjadi lagu tema rakan-rakan seperjuangan sewaktu berada di sekolah dahulu. Nasyid ini sering dialunkan kerana entah kenapa ia mampu menerbit suatu semangat yang sukar untuk di ungkapkan.

"Berjuang memang Pahit, kerana Syurga itu Manis."

Ya, hakikat perjuangan itu memang pahit, kadang-kadang terasa ia amat memenatkan, letih. Terasa lelah satu badan, tidak bermaya saat keperitan itu menjengah. Namun ingatlah, Saidina Ali Bin Abi Talib pernah berpesan:-

"Jika kau merasa letih kerana berbuat kebaikan, maka sesungguhnya keletihan itu akan hilang dan kebaikan yang dilakukan itu akan terus kekal. Dan sekiranya kamu berseronok dengan dosa, maka sesungguhnya keseronokan itu akan hilang dan dosa yang dilakukan akan terus kekal."

Suatu peringatan yang amat menusuk jiwa, mampu membangkitkan kembali hati yang lesu andai ia dihayati dengan penuh kesabaran, ditafsir dengan kebesaran jiwa seorang hamba kepada penciptaNya. 

Mengerti bahawa sulit, sukar, perit itu sunnah dalam perjuangan. Sedangkan Nabi kita Muhammad S.A.W yang mana dirinya telah pun dijanjikan Syurga oleh Allah, juga pernah diuji, pernah merasai kesulitan serta halangan dalam usaha menegakkan Kalimah Suci ini. 

Apakah kita mengharapkan saat melibatkan diri dengan jalan ini, kita akan melalui kesenangan? 

Kemenangan Islam itu suatu yang amat tidak ternilai, jadi apakah layak kemenangan itu diperolehi jika halangan, dugaan yang perlu di lalui oleh umatnya tidak seberapa? Jauh panggang dari api.

Justeru, ayuh persiapkan diri dengan segala kelengkapan luaran mahupun dalaman bagi menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan yang bakal sudah pasti akan dihadapi.

p/s: Andai nanti diri ini terjatuh lemah, peringatkanlah kembali diri ini dengan apa yang ditulis, moga-moga hati itu kembali disentak untuk bangkit. Kerana, selain halangan yang bakal dihadapi,  kebenaran di atas apa yang pernah diperkatakan juga akan turut diuji.

Sauh Dilabuhkan, 

Wassalam.

Pelayar Bahtera.

17 Sya'ban 1433H

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Pemuda, Bukan Hanya Berbangga Dengan Sejarah.

Fajar Islam Kian Menyinsing

Jika kita luangkan masa seketika, kembali meneliti detik-detik sejarah kegemilangan Islam, di saat Ad Deen Al-Islam ini bertapak kukuh diatas muka bumi, tumbuh subur di dalam segenap jiwa insan yang mengaku beriman kepada Allah dan Rasulnya.

Rata-rata kisah perjuangan dalam mendaulatkan Agama Islam ini di pelopori oleh golongan anak muda, bahkan jika dilihat kepada pengikut-pengikut Baginda generasi pertama juga, kebanyakanya terdiri dari kalangan pemuda.

Di antara mereka ialah Saidina Ali Bin Abi Talib yang mana keberanian anak muda ini terlihat sewaktu ia ksanggupan beliau menggantikan tempat tidur Rasulullah semasa penghijrahan Baginda dari Kota Mekkah Menuju Kota Madinah.

Selain itu, siapa tidak kenal dengan anak muda yang bernama Al-Arqam Bin Abi Al-Arqam, ia tidak sesekali gentar untuk menjadikan rumahnya sebagai markaz penyebaran Islam di Kota Mekkah. Sedangkan ketika itu, penganut-penganut Agama Islam di kencam oleh puak kafir kuraisy.

Manakala Mus'ab Bin Umair pula ialah seorang remaja yang telah menjual kehidupan Dunianya yang Sementara kepada kehidupan Hakiki di Akhirat sana. Remaja ini jugalah yang digelar Duta Islam Pertama, menerima amanah sebagai Dai'e ataupun Naqib dalam menyampaikan kebenaran Agama Islam kepada penduduk di Kota Madinah.

Golongan-golongan anak muda ini tidak ragu dalam usaha menegakkan Agama Islam, malah golongan-golongan anak muda inilah yang menjadi pembawa-pembawa Panji Islam dalam setiap peperangan, serta mereka jugalah yang siap berdiri di barisan hadapan, menjadi benteng pertahanan kepada tentera-tentera Islam.

Bertapa besarnya peranan anak muda dalam menyumbang kepada kebangkitan Ad-Deen Al-Islam. Begitu  kata-kata keramat Sukarno dalam pidatonya yang menggambarkan kekuatan anak muda :-

"Jika beliau di berikan 100 orang tua, akan ia goncangkan sebuah gunung yang terdapat di Indonesia, manakala jika ia diberi 10 orang pemuda, akan ia goncangkan dunia."

Pepatah arab juga ada menyebut :-

"Himmah (cita-cita/harapan) seorang pemuda boleh menggongcangkan bukit bukau"

Tapi kini Sedih,

Seribu kali sedih..

Kenyataan yang diharap tidak seindah apa yang di impi. Hakikatnya, kebanyakan anak muda sekarang terutamanya golongan pemuda-pemuda Islam, lebih cenderung untuk menikmati kesenangan dunia melebihi kesenangan akhirat. Mereka alpa, lalai dengan khayalan-khayalan mainan dunia.

Ada di antara mereka yang lansung tidak mengenal siapa diri mereka, dalam konteks mengenal siapa yang mencipta diri mereka dan untuk apa mereka diciptakan.Yang mereka tahu hanya, zaman remaja hanya sekali, so let us have fun with it. Bertapa singkat dan dangkalnya pemikiran sebegitu lebih-lebih lagi jika ianya terbit dari kata-kata seorang remaja bergelar Mahasiswa.

Jika pun ada dari kalangan mereka yang sedar akan kepentingan mendaulatkan Agama Islam ini, tetapi kebanyakan mereka telah tertipu dengan hasil-hasil usaha dan juga kejayaan generasi sebelum ini yang mana sedang mereka kecapi.

Mereka berbangga dengan apa yang mereka miliki, sedangkan itu bukannya lahir dari keringat perit jerih usaha mereka. Mereka sekadar menikmati, dan terus menikmati tanpa ada usaha untuk menambah baikkan apa yang ada. Bagi mereka, itu sudah memadai.

Saidina Ali Bin Abi Talib pernah menyebut :-

"Seorang pemuda bukanlah yang berkata, inilah Ayahku! Tapi seorang pemuda akan berkata, inilah Aku!"

Secara kesimpulanya, tulisan kali ini ingin mengajak semua pembaca terutamanya golongan-golongan anak muda harapan Agama untuk terus berada di atas landasan perjuangan yang betul. Bukan khayal dengan kejayaan yang telah dirasai, tapi sedar akan kemenangan yang masih belum di kecapi.

Ingat, sesuatu impian itu hanya akan digelar realiti setelah ia berjaya dilaksanakan.

Sauh Dilabuhkan,
Wassalam.
Pelayar Bahtera.
14 Sha'ban 1433H

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