The Wonders Of Aayatul Kursi

I have had my daughter in early 20s.

During my confinement period, I used to dream of an extremely thin vampire,  pontianak, craving for my blood.
All the time whenever I suddenly woke up from having such dream, my mouth would still muttering Aayatul Kursi.

I had blogged earlier that the house that I rented during the 80s, its Javanese owner is said to possess a bad spirit right up until her death.

She refused to look at me even on her death bed.

But my then neighbour, who was with me visiting my landlord in hospital, when she held the old lady's hand, it was as if a very strong surge of current flowing into her body.
From then on, it was a long three-year battle of treatment from seeing her very own mirror reflection just skeletal frame without flesh and skin.

******

After I get to know and understand sickly S closer, beside the prescribed  medication and the varieties health supplement she consumes daily, I encouraged her to find alternative treatment too.
That was more than ten years ago.

Her cave-in shoulders, acute asthma and other ailments is a great concern for me.

******

S is learning Qur'an reading from my friend.

Although her husband is a well known figure in the local community, S is a  reserved individual, not opening herself to others, shy of others knowing and discussing her state of health.

It affects her head too.
She is extremely slow, that is fine.
But she is shy to let others know.
So she would go to my friend's house after others left.

My friend has great concern for her too.
She too encouraged her to find alternative treatment that GOD Willing, will improve her health, and her Qur'an reading.
She is still at the first few pages of the Qur'an when others had completed the whole Book and had started all over again.

After weeks of persuasion, at long last, S agreed on the alternative treatment.
But on condition, no one is to know of her undergoing such treatment.

During the first treatment when Aayatul Kursi was read to her, she put out both hands, and another voice in her suddenly shouted and demanded: "STOP!!!"
S said she felt extreme heat in her body...

This morning, when I called my friend asking about S, she is delighted.
GOD willing, S will very soon catch up others with her reading...                         

The Choicest Rotten Meat

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ 

"GLORY be to GOD Who made HIS Servant to go by night from the Sacred mosque (Mecca) 

to the Farthest Mosque (Jerusalem) 
Of which 

We have Blessed the Precincts, 

so that We may show to Him some of Our Signs; 

surely HE is the Hearing, the Seeing." 

Al-Qur'an - Surah Al-Isra': 1 

******

Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam was ascending the sky with Gabriel 'alaihis salam during Isra' Mi'raj (yesterday was Rejab 27).

He s.a.w. saw those, although in front of them were excellent meats in pots, they chose the putrid and foul ones.
They would eat from the foul and rotten meat, and would not touch the good meat.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. asked Gabriel a.s., 

"What is this, O Jibril?"

to which he replied, 

"These are the men from Your community. 
They have excellent, lawful wife at home, but chose unlawful women to spend their nights with.

And the women would leave their excellent, lawful husband, to go and spend their nights with foul men."

******

Marriage and family life are protected by very strong rules, because every goodness comes through marriage.

"And among HIS Signs is this, 

that HE created you (Adam) from dust,

and then (Hawa' [Eve] from Adam's rib, 

and then his offspring from the semen, and), 

- behold you are human beings scattered!

And among HIS Signs is this, 

that HE created for you wives from among yourselves, 

that you may find repose in them, 

and HE has put between you affection and mercy. 

Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. 

And among HIS Signs 

is the creation of the heavens and the earth, 

and the difference of your languages and colours. 

Verily, 

in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." 

Al-Qur'an Surah Ar-Ruum 20 - 22 

******

Family is the foundation of society.

The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members.

Children are priceless treasures.

Living in a harmonious family, they rarely want to leave home before marriage.
Some chose to remain staying with their parents after marriage.

A Muslim girl can never be forced to marry against her will, but her parents can suggest suitable men.
Female, weather single or married, is an individual in her own right.
A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use.

She keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's.

Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam had said, 

"The most perfect in faith amongst believers 

is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."

A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but just a simple, legal agreement but which is often made complicated by tradition.

Divorce, although not forbidden, is only taken as the last resort as, 

"Enter upon matrimony. but do not divorce your wives, since divorce shakes the very Throne Of GOD."

Yes, divorce between husband and wife shakes the 'Arasy'.
'Arasy is ALLAH S.W.T.'s 'Throne'.

Surely!!!
Divorce really, really anger the Creator.
If not, why thus the 'Arasy' is shaken?

******

The satan Daasim stations itself at doorways.
Whose house upon entry is without salam, Daasim's duty is to cause conflict between household members - men, wives and families.

Those who were and are caught offguard, Daasim triumph when it leads to violence and it won trophy when it results divorces between couples.

Then there is 'Awar, who encourages adultery.

******

A close friend do not see any wrong in his adulterous way.

He admitted frankly, he has to lead that kind of life, to complete his living.

The wife had encouraged another marriage for him.

But, relationship outside marriage is a thrill beyond expression.

Just like food, he craves varieties!

Why is that so?

The wife had often dream of their home being barged into.

Often she would sense a woman loitering around the lift-landing, or nearer home, at the gate.

Other time, her daughter just tell the mother there's someone near the shoe rack.

The wife did mention what she saw and sense to the husband, but he just refuse any changes made to his life.

When asked to go for counselling, he said, he knows more than the wife knew not. 

“Do as You please in this world, Oh Muhammad, 

But remember, 

You will be accountable for all that You do. 

And live as You please in this world, Oh Muhammad, 

But remember, 
One day, You will taste death. 

And love whom You please in Your life, Oh Muhammad, 

But remember, 

One day, You will part with Your loved one in death.” 

Jibrail a.s. said to the Prophet s.a.w.

Pusara Abadi, The Forever Cemetery

A day after "Not Just 'Imam Muda' But Eternal Leader" was published here, my eldest sister called to say my mother wanted to visit Ustaz Taha's graveyard.

Ustaz appeared in my mother's sleep and showed her, his very big white house he is currently in.

Did Ustaz know I mentioned him?
GOD Knows Best.

So on Tuesday, we were at Pusara Abadi, the forever cemetery, at Jalan Bahar in Choa Chu Kang.

On the way there, I was told that the wife of Ustaz Osman Jantan, Ustazah Chik Syed Othman, had just passed away the day before.
Her husband, the late Ustaz Osman Jantan passed away just 2 weeks ago, June 7, at age 74.

I had never used his family's travel service, Hahnemann Travel and Tour, but my father, after his retirement, had several times travel to Mecca with ustaz.
Even my younger brother used Hahnemann's service for His musafir Haj.

I take this opportunity to mention my heartfelt thanks to the late Ustaz Osman Jantan.

His knowledge is blessed and passed on, as I had been using his history book, 'Kisah Khalifah-Khalifah Rasyidin' almost twenty years for my Sunday class. 

I had tried changes to other books, followed the IRK (Islamic Religious Knowledge) syllabus, but found the book by Ustaz Osman Jantan was easily understood by students. 

Not forgetting Ustaz Ahmad Sonhaji Mohamad, who passed away last year, August 12. 
His book, 'Mari Sembahyang', I had been using since small, and used it for the Sunday class too. 

Both men's writings are indeed valuable to the young generation. 

The Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam taught that 

three things continue to benefit a (believing) person even after death: 

*charity - which he had given (which continues to benefit others), 

*beneficial knowledge - which he had left behind (authored or taught), and 

*supplication (du'a) - on his behalf by a righteous child. 

- Narrated by Sahih Muslim  

****** 

Before we went to Ustaz Taha's place, we visited my father's.

My eldest sister asked Putra, the man who cleaned around my father's area, to plant a basil tree on the grave.

We then proceeded to visit Ustaz Taha.

True enough, his resting place is white all around, with basil tree on it.
I was told even on his wife's grave site, Ustazah Enon, who is at the same block as my father, there is also a basil tree.

We had a hard time locating my younger sister, who passed away on November 2003, 16th Ramadhan.
Her grave is somewhere beside the last year's relocation of those from nearby Pusara Aman.

Since she has more neighbours now, we asked Putra's assistance to help locating her place as we will be there again, GOD willing, tomorrow.

Although at the same block with my sister, we had to miss out Ustaz Syed Abdillah Ahmad AlJufri, who passed away January 4, 2003, as it was almost noon, and we have had more sites to go.

It is Ustaz Syed Abdillah's reminder that I hold on strongly until today, to recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, whenever we are unable to finish the Qur'an.  

The Messenger Muhammad (sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam)

believes in what has been sent down to Him from His LORD, 

and (so do) the believers. 

Each one believes in ALLAH, 
HIS Angels, HIS Books, and HIS Messengers. 

They say, 
"We make no distinction between one another 
of HIS Messengers" 

- and they say, "We hear, and we obey. 

(We seek) 
YOUR Forgiveness, our LORD, and to YOU is the return (of all)." 

ALLAH burdens not a person beyond his scope. 

He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, 

and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. 

"Our LORD! 

Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, 

our LORD! 

Lay not on us a burden like that which YOU did lay on those before us; 

our LORD! 

Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. 

Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. 

Have Mercy on us. 

YOU are our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving people." 

- Al-Qur'an Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 285 - 286

******

Ustaz Syed Abdillah was once asked his daily surah, to which he replied was Surah Al-Faatihah, Aayatul Qursi and Surah Al-Ikhlas all recited seven times every dawn and dusk.

******

Around two years after Ustaz Abdillah's passing away, I was talking to a man who is still working part-time, supervising grave diggers, to share with Me, of his most memorable episode while working at the cemetery plot.

Seeing fleeing corpses just after burial with burnt and tattered clothes is a normal sight to him. 

Some fled with raging red fire burning ferociously behind them.

But there was once, even after several alterations made, the grave was always very much bigger than the normal size.

After more exhausted but failed trials, nothing they can do about what GOD wanted it to be.

They finally left the ample site as it was, as the spacious grave belonged to none other than Ustaz Syed Abdillah Ahmad AlJufri.

Even during the jenazah prayer, 5,000 attendees were at the Sultan Mosque.

Though the great teacher had left us eight years ago, but his teaching "here, about the importance of daily prayer" lives on...

******

While Putra was cleaning my grandmother's site, I asked him to share with me of a site which turned him on.

Yes, it is a site in Block 16, where he usually hear from far, a woman reciting versus from Al-Qur'an.
But he is not too sure in which grave site she really is, although there is luminous light glowing from faraway.

It reminded me of my eldest sister, who was shown a site where a woman, Raja Zubaidah, was buried.

Ayer Gemuruh Cemetery was near Changi, where fishermen in the early 60s and I think the 70s, passed by, on their way to the sea.
It was a usual before dawn hearing of Al-Qur'an recitation from where Raja Zubaidah was buried.
Her body was said to be sleep-like when exhumed.

My eldest brother was at Ayer Gemuruh Cemetery too, when these 'people' were to be relocated around the late 70s or early 80s.
One of the corpses, said to be a rich a woman, had her hair and fingernails entwined her 'body'...

My mother, when she was around 6 or 7 years old, (pre-Japanese occupation, I guess) used to see 'a man sleeping, not dead, in his not covered grave' at Bukit Larangan, Fort Canning Hill.

The 'sleeping man', she claimed, is Sultan Raja Iskandar Shah.
Parameswara? before became a Muslim?.

I had several times went up Fort Canning when I went to the National Library during my schooling days in the 70s, but never did I see 'a sleeping man'.

Even now, several times when weddings took place at Fort Canning Hill, I never missed going to the site.
Maybe one of these days, I'll see 'the sleeping man'?
GOD willing.

******

My eldest sister wanted basil tree to be planted at my grandmother's site.

Why basil? I asked My Mother.
It is because, she said, basil or selasih is not called selasih to Javanese, its selawat.

But basil is also used in funeral rites and planted on graves in many different cultures.
I'll do my own search till then.

******

In the mean time, I am still thinking of Siput binti Dolah.

Despite always being portrayed as a cruel woman, Siput binti Dolah, or Siput Sarawak, mother of the famous Anita Sarawak, must be a very good woman at heart during her living days.

Her grave site is just 3 plots away from Ustaz Taha.
Being a very close neighbour to Ustaz Taha, Allahyarhamah Siput binti Dolah is sure guaranteed Ustaz's syafa'ah, his intercession...

My day will come too, for sure.
But can I choose my closest neighbour?

Al-Faatihah         

Rajab, The Leader Of Many Blessed Months Ahead

Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calender, is undeniably the key to the opening of many months ahead of goodness and blessings.

When Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam sighted the first crescent of a new moon of Rajab, he used to pray to ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'alaa in the following words: 

   اللّهمّ بارك لنا في رجب و شعبان وبلّعنا رمضان

Allaahumma baarik lanaa fee Rajaba wa Sya'baana wa ballighnaa Romadhaana.

"O ALLAH, make the months of Rajab and Sya'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Romadhan (prolonging our lives up to Romadhan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

It is preferable to supplicate to HIM for longevity to enable performance of good deeds.
Leaving goodness before we stepped into the next world is bound to be legacy that we will leave for our next generation.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,
"Rajab is the month of ALLAH, Sya'ban is My month, and Romadhan is the month of My ummah (community)."   

Rajab is the month of cultivation, Sya'ban the month of irrigating fields, and Romadhan is the month of reaping and harvesting.

Rajab, the month of ALLAH S.W.T., is the first of the many sacred months that follow, with all nobilities and virtues.
Let us refrain ourselves from negativity of living, specially in this month of ALLAH S.W.T.

The month is also a prelude to the month of Romadhan, which follows after the intervening month of Sya'ban.
Rajab is "to be respect".
One of the four sacred months in Islam in which battles are prohibited.
The pre-Islamic Arabs also considered warfare strictly forbidden during the four holy months, Muharram, Rejab, Dzul Qa'idah and Dzul Hijjah.
The view that has been confirmed in Islam.

******

Some believe that Prophet Ibrahim 'alaihis salaam returned to HIM on the 18th of Rajab.
Saidina 'Ali bin Abi Talib was born on the 13th.
And, 28 Rajab 1342 A.H. (3 March 1924), Mustafa Kemal Ataturk abolished the Ottoman Caliphate.

But come 27 Rajab, Isra' Mi'raj is remembered all over the world for

 سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلاً مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ 

لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ

"Glory be to GOD Who made HIS Servant to go by night from the Sacred mosque (Mecca) to the Farthest Mosque (Jerusalem) of which We have Blessed the Precincts, so that We may show to Him some of Our Signs; surely HE is the Hearing, the Seeing."

Al-Qur'an - Surah Al-Isra': 1

Such a journey is beyond the scope of imagination.

Hence the opening of the Surah, ALLAH S.W.T. glorifies HIMSELF "Glory" to HIM who is beyond laws and systems as HE is the Creator of all systems.

HE is not restricted by the laws of this universe.

******

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was lying in the hijr (of the Inviolable [no sin is permitted within its precincts] Mosque of Makkah) when Angel Jibril 'alaihis salam came to cut open His chest.
His heart was removed and cleansed with Zamzam water, filled with faith and wisdom, before the organ was put back in its place.

The Prophet s.a.w. was then led outside where a white creature, Buraq was waiting.

(There is a pillar in Masjidil Haram with different art motif from the rest - it was said that it's an indication that, that 's the pillar where the Buraq was tied. Hoping the pillar is still around).
The creature then brought Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to Masjidil Aqsa in Baitul Maqdis from which most of the Prophets hail.
There he found all of the Prophets gathered there, and they prayed in congregation behind Him.

Narrated Abu Huraira:
On the night when ALLAH's Apostle was taken on the Mi'raj, 

two cups, one containing wine and the other milk, were presented to Him at Jerusalem. 

He looked at it and took the cup of milk. 

Angel Jibrail a.s. said, 

"Praise be to ALLAH Who guided You to Al-Fitrah, the correct  path

if You had taken (the cup of) wine, 

Your nation would have gone astray."

No other Prophets was ever carried by the winged creature Buraq, except Muhammad s.a.w.

The Prophet s.a.w. then made His second ascension reaching the sky of this world, Samaaud Dunya, and the wings of angels carried Him up to the seventh heaven.

Then the wings of Angel Jibril a.s. from the seventh heaven, to near the Lote-Tree or Sidratul Muntaha.

The ninth level is where he heard the sound of the Angels' pens writing people's actions and the tenth level was at HIS Throne, and ALLAH S.W.T. Knows Best.

Muhammad s.a.w. then went to meet ALLAH S.W.T. 

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. saw The LORD with his very own eyes, 
"ra'a rabbahu bi ‘ainii ra'sihi."

The Prophet s.a.w., with his physical body in defiance of the physical laws of the universe came all the way to the Unseen, The Divine Throne, The ‘Arasy, up to qab kawthaini, the distance of two bow lengths.

The Creator took Muhammad s.a.w. there and revealed HIMSELF to Muhammad, HIS creation, in the manner HE Wished, with no interference of the Angel Jibril a.s. who was seen by the Prophet s.a.w. many times. 

"ALLAH revealed to HIS Servant what HE revealed.

The Prophet's heart in no way falsified what it saw. 

Will you then dispute with Him about what He saw?

And He saw HIM again another time. 

At the Lote-tree of the utmost boundary.

At the Garden of Abode 

Behold the lote-tree was shrouded with what shrouds

His sight did not swerve or go wrong. 
Indeed He saw the Greatest Signs of His LORD
Have you seen Latta and ‘Uzza (two pagan idols)
And the third one Manat (another idol)

Surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:10-20 

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. stopped in ten different stations:
The last of seven heavens, Jannatul Ma'wa and the eighth at Sidratul Muntaha.

GOD grants miracles or Mu'jizat to all Prophets and the miracles often go beyond the laws of physics and beyond the constraints of human realities.
Some view it as something improbable, their GOD's made human minds unable to find rationality behind happenings beyond the common laws of nature.
Anything beyond the comprehension of these physical GOD's made minds is totally rejected.

Prophet Ibrahim 'alaihis salaam, the forefather of Prophets, was granted spiritual vision to see the miracle workings of HIS Creation, the universe.
GOD showed Ibrahim a.s. wonders of the universe from the earth with his spiritual vision.

His baseera, the 'eyes' of his heart went beyond the laws of the physical universe.
There is a spiritual dimension in the physical universe, beyond the laws of the physical universe.
Ibrahim a.s. knew the reality of the universe as GOD had shown it to him.

HE showed Prophet Ibrahim a.s. the truth, and he is conveying the heavenly message.
Now, the heavenly kingdom is opened to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. on His miraculous events happened on the Night of the Night Journey and Ascension.   

Isra' and Mi'raj took place both in body and spirit, beyond comprehension of ordinary minds.
GOD made Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to move in spiritual dimensions with his physical body in complete freedom from the physical laws.
He s.a.w. was brought to a point where there is no place and no time, no ‘where' and no ‘when' with Himself present in body and soul.

GOD gave this universe to all humanity, but HE showed the last Prophet s.a.w. related to HIMSELF. 

Does man not consider that We created him from a [mere] sperm-drop - then at once he is a clear adversary? 

And he presents for Us an example and forgets his [own] creation. He says, "Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?"

Say, "HE will give them life who produced them the first time; and HE is, of all creation, Knowing." 

[It is] HE who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. 

Is not HE who Created the heavens and the earth Able to Create the likes of them? Yes, [it is so]; and He is the Knowing Creator. 

His Command is only when HE intends a thing that HE Says to it, "Be," and it is. 

So exalted is HE in Whose Hand is the realm of All Things, and to HIM you will be returned. 

 Al-Qur'an Surah Yaasin: 77-83

'Susuk', Charm Needles, The Cause?

When My Children were small, I used to bring them around the neighbourhood before nightfall.

Most of the time, We end up the roundings at My immediate neighbour's house, a midwife, to exhaust the children, let them run around with others, before they retreat for the night.

Most of the time, an elderly woman, in her 80s I supposed, would join us.
She had a very rough and manly voice, always with 'telekung' or praying garment in hand.

I did not know her well, but she did remind Me...
"Not to be surprised, if after her death, she will turn into loitering and wondering around 'jerangkung' or skeleton."

I did not probe why she said that, she, being a total stranger to Me.
I was 'very blur' too at that time (even now), to all these unfamiliar happenings.

After a few appearances at the midwife's house, she was absent for a very long time.
It aroused My curiosity.

As was told by the midwife's daughter, who taught Me a lot about life, the elderly woman had a fall while in the bathroom.
She was sent to the hospital, where upon x-ray, 44 needles were detected.

Nurses at the hospital had talked to her adopted son, to find the person who inserted the needles into her, to remove the objects from her.

The son knew that his mother had tried in vain for years, to locate the whereabout of the said person.
The last time she heard about him, he had passed away.

She turned to others to remove the 44 'susuk' or charm needles, but all methods were fruitless.

She started to think about GOD.
She then turned to HIM instead.

Never mind her old age.
She was not ashamed to go around, asking people to teach her to pray.

So, the midwife's daughter taught her.
But... there is one thing that dampened the lively spirit.
She could not say ALLAH.

Her tongue stiffened, no matter how hard she had tried.
No wonder the 'telekung', the praying garment, she brought along.

She was never in the midwife's house, whenever I saw her.
She could not enter the house, too hot for her.
The midwife's daughter said so.
There are frames of verses from Al-Qur'an hanging around the house.

She could not even enter her son's house, although she stayed with his family.
So, he built her a small hut, nearby the external bathroom.

Bathing used to be her past-time activities.
She liked water so much, as her body was always feeling the heat...

******

In her younger days, in the 50s and 60s, she used to be a prostitute, serving Englishmen stationed in Sembawang.

Sometime, she brought the men home (or they volunteered to send her home?).

She slept in between the two men, on the queen-sized bed.

The midwife's children, all admitted, used to peep into her room.

They claimed, her husband was a cuckold.

He stayed home most of the time, never stopping his wife spending her nights in Sembawang.

The husband was rarely seen out of his house.

Those were the days when water consumption in Johor needed to be taken from the well.

The wife, the stronger being, used to carry two-pail loads, many times over, balancing them with a wood on her shoulder, for her husband's usage.

Yes, she performed her duties well.

She stocked water at home, washed and cooked for the husband before she went to 'work' in Singapore.

She dressed well, corseted herself under see through beautiful 'kebaya', a traditional blouse-dress from sheer cloth, and expensive 'batik lepas' or seemless batik cloth.

The midwife's children never missed to see her all made-up for 'work', although the husband, they said, never lifted her head, regardless she was around or not.

******

The elderly woman was sick for quite sometime.
I did not pay her a visit, not too sure, why?

When we were together at the midwife's verandah, she did not say much, except kept staring at Me.

Occasionally, I would throw in a word or two, seeing the difficulties she faced with her tongue, in saying out ALLAH.
But whenever I saw the regret on her face, I often backed out.
I admired her perseverance, though.

But, she said, she liked the fluency in Me just saying the word 'ALLAH'.
That stopped Me altogether.
Not too sure, why?

******

After a thorough search, the son found one traditional healer.

He just used 'pisang emas', not too sure the English word.
Is it golden banana?
Pisang is banana, and emas is gold.
So, golden banana is the closest translation.

One by one, the small 'pisang emas' was rolled over her body.
The 'susuk' or charm needles stuck to those bananas.

After all the needles were removed from the elderly woman's body, her health deteriorated.
Her condition became more critical.
She passed away few days later, in the small hut built by her son, nearby the external bathroom.

I did not pay a visit to the elderly woman when she was sick for quite sometime.
Not too sure, why?
And I did not see her for the last time, when she passed away.
Not too sure, why too?

But I am very sure that she did not become a loitering and wondering around 'jerangkung' or skeleton.

To her very accepted soul and all those who had passed away, Al-Faatihah... 

The Food - Honey And Its Miracle

"And thy LORD taught the bee to build its cells in hills,

on trees, 

and in (men's) habitations;

Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), 

and find with skill the spacious paths of its LORD:

there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, 

wherein is healing for men: 

verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought." 

- Al-Quran Surah An-Naml 16: 68-69

******

It was narrated by Al Bukhari r.a. and Moslem r.a. on the authority of Abu Saeed Al Khudari r.a. that 

A man came to the Prophet Mohammad s.a.w. and said, 

"My brother has some abdominal trouble." 

The Prophet said to him

"Let him drink honey."

The man returned to the Prophet s.a.w. and said:

“O Messenger of ALLAH! 

I let him drink honey, 

but it caused him more pain.” 

The Prophet s.a.w. said to him; 

“Go and let him drink honey”. 

The man went and let his brother drink honey,

then returned back and said; 

“O Messenger of ALLAH,

it did not cause him except more pains.” 

The Prophet then said,

"ALLAH has said the truth,

but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. 

Let him drink honey." 

So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

******      ******      ******

Healing Honey 

Honey is packed with countless health benefits. A natural sweetener, it contains 22 amino acids and a variety of minerals which are essential for well-being.

Drinking lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey first thing in the morning is an effective anti-cellulite treatment. It revs up the body’s metabolism and aids weight loss.

Immunity booster

Amongst the many health benefits of honey is its powerful immune boosting properties. Honey’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties help improve digestion and help fight diseases.

Cuts and burns

Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and function as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring.

For thousands of years, honey has been recognised as a natural home remedy to treat multifarious ailments including yeast infection, athlete’s foot and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and help keep external wounds clean and infection-free.

Hangovers

Honey combats the effects of excess alcohol as it contains a mix of natural sugars such as fructose which speeds up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver. Follow this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth and then drink up.

Sore throat

Due to its anti-microbial properties, honey not only soothes the throat but also kills certain bacteria that trigger the infection.

Professional singers commonly use honey to soothe their throats before a performance.

Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt

Sleeplessness

Tossing and turning at night? Don’t worry — just quaff a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm yourself. Or, add one or two teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip slowly. You’ll sleep like a baby!

Source: The Star - Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Excellence Of Selawat And Salam (2)

"ALLAH and HIS Angels send Blessings on the Prophet: 

O you that believe! 

Send your blessings on Him, 

and salute Him with all respect." 

- Al Qur'an: Surah Al-Ahzab 56

* The Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam said: “ALLAH has angels who go around on earth, conveying to Me the salam of my ummah.” - (Sunan Nasaa'i, Saheeh Al-Albani radhiallaahu 'anhuma)
 
* The Prophet s.a.w. said: “When any one of you prays, let him begin by Praising ALLAH, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet s.a.w., then let him ask for whatever he wants.” - At-Tarmidzhi radhiallaahu 'anh.

* Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-’As r.a. reported: I heard the Messenger of ALLAH s.a.w. saying: “Whoever Supplicates ALLAH to exalt My mention (selawat), ALLAH will Exalt HIS Mention (Selawat) ten times and remove from him ten sins and Raise him ten degrees." - Muslim r.a.

* The Messenger s.a.w. said: “Do not take your houses as graves and do not take My grave as a place of festivity (which you visit repeatedly).
Send blessings upon Me, for your greeting will reach Me no matter where you are.” - Abu Hurairah r.a.

* Rasulullah s.a.w. said, “There is not one of you who sends his greetings upon Me except that ALLAH returns the soul to My body (in the grave) and I return his greeting.” - Abu Daud r.a.

* Saidina ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab r.a. said: “Du’a is suspended between heaven and earth and none of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet." - At-Tarmidzhi r.a.

* Saidina 'Ali r.a. reported: Rasulullah s.a.w. said, "The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned but he does not supplicate for Me.” - At-Tarmidzhi r.a.

* Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf r.a. said, "I came to the Prophet s.a.w. while He was in prostration and He elongated His prostration and then said, “Jibrail 'alaihis salam came to Me and he said, ‘Whoever sends blessings (selawat) upon You, I will send blessings on him, and whoever sends greetings (salam) upon You, I will send greetings upon him,’ so I prostrated out of Thankfulness to ALLAH." - Al Haakim r.a.

* Ibn Mas’ood r.a. reported: The Messenger s.a.w. said: "The people who will be nearest to Me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who Supplicate ALLAH more often for Me.” - At-Tarmidzhi r.a.

*‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood said: If any one of you wants to ask (of ALLAH), let him begin by Praising ALLAH as HE Deserves to be Praised, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet s.a.w., then let him ask after that, for that is more likely to be answered. - Narrated by Al-Tabaraani.

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): 

“If you (really) love ALLAH, 

then follow Me , 

ALLAH will Love you and Forgive you your sins. 

And ALLAH is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

- Al Qur'an: Surah Al-Imran 31

The Excellence Of Selawat And Salam

"Undoubtedly, 

ALLAH and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet 

(the Communicator of Unseen News), 

O you who believe ! 

Send upon Him blessings, 

and salute him fully well in abundance." 

- Al-Quran Surah Al-Ahzab : 56

In a hadith qudsi ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'aala commanded Jibrail 'alaihis salam to love one HE Loves and Jibrail a.s. then would call ahlus sama' (the inhabitants of heavens), ordering them to love the person that THE CREATOR Loves.

******

On the night of Isra' and Mi'raj, when Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam was ascending the sky, He saw an Angel who had a thousand hands, on each of his hands were a thousand fingers, and he was counting on them.

The Prophet s.a.w. asked Jibrail a.s. who the Angel was, and what was he counting?
Jibreel a.s. replied that the Angel had been appointed by ALLAH SWT to count the drops of rain to have fallen down the earth.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. turned to the Angel and asked if He knew the total amount of raindrops that had fallen from the day ALLAH SWT created this world.

The Angel replied, “O Prophet of ALLAH! I swear by my LORD who has chosen You (as a blessing) for mankind, verily I know the total amount of raindrops fallen on the earth till now.

Even to the extent that how many drops have fallen in the wilds, on prosperous lands, in the gardens, and in the cemetery too.”

When The Prophet s.a.w. said His surprise of the Angel's powerful mind, his intellectuality and the ability to remember, he replied, “O Prophet of ALLAH! Verily this ability to count proves futile when I try to count only one thing.”

When He s.a.w. asked,
The Angel replied, “When people of Your ummah gather at one place and send salawat and salam upon You, it is beyond my ability and capacity to count the rewards for it.”

******

We are encouraged by the Holy Prophet s.a.w. to increase our selawat and salam  on Fridays.
Angels present themselves to Him: So-and-so's son, so-and-so of Muhammad s.a.w.'s ummah sent salam to Him.
There is no one who recites selawat and salam upon Him, except that their voices reach Him wherever they are.

******

GOD's first Creation was the Nur of the Holy Prophet s.a.w.
Then HE Blessed Him with Prophethood, and the process of selawat and salam continued with Angels reciting them.
From the very beginning of creation, remembrance of the Holy Prophet s.a.w. has continuously occurred.
ALLAH S.W.T. shows infinite Love for those whom HE Loves.

When Muhammad was born, the whole atmosphere was filled with the voices of Angels reciting selawat and salam, congratulating each other: Whatever Angels did, was at ALLAH's Command.

The Holy Prophet s.a.w. fast every Monday, as a mark of gratitude for this day, as He was born on a Monday, 12 Rabi'ul Awwal, April 23rd, 571 years after the ascension of Prophet Isa (Jesus) a.s.

** Prophet Adam a.s.'s dowry to Hawa (Eve) radhiallaahu anhu is selawat and salam.

** Prophet Musa (Moses) a.s. had fainted due to thirst and hunger after walking in a desert under the afternoon sun.
GOD told him that the thirst on the Day of Judgement will be a million times more than what He a.s.felt then.

He was told by Jibrail a.s. to recite selawat and salam in abundance if He wished to get rid of thirst on the hottest Judgment Day.

******

* Regular recitation of selawat and salam on Rasulullah s.a.w. has tremendous effect on our head.
To some, it purifies thoughts.
To others, it provides new found peace and tranquility.
It is leeway for individual gains.

* Regular recitation of selawat and salam lifts up the hearts, therapeutic for the mind.
Our selawat and salam is immediately accepted by ALLAH SWT.
No one can doubt its acceptance.
Before we realise, it provides avenue for easy problem solving and peace of heart.
Tragedies, troubles, ill-feelings and frustrations evaporates into thin air, as whoever recites his selawat and salam, HIS Gracefulness immediately Showers ten times HIS Blessings.

* Regular selawat and salam injects tranquility into our lives, our souls.
It reshapes those infested with turmoil.
Its benefits are countless and matchless, for 'the best of both worlds'.
Continuous recitation implants faith, depression unable to thrive and miseries unable to flourish.

We are very fortunate to be the chosen one.
We are chosen to accept the religion of peace.
In it, the selawat and salam drives away darkness from our inner soul. 
Selawat and salam works miracle.

* Regular selawat and salam develops positive forces in us.
The highest regard we reserve for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., the love and esteem, there is the natural outcome of invisible motivational force that dissolves complication.
This is DIVINE's furnishing to mankind through Rasulullah s.a.w.

When that force is in us, "Indeed ALLAH bestowed a favour upon the believers when HE raised up a Prophet in their midst".
People from near and far, all with the same intention of honouring the one HE Loves, "Rasulullah s.a.w. has such nearness with His ummah."
The Prophet s.a.w. is nearer to the believers than their own lives.

The wisdom of the Prophet s.a.w. and all other Prophets, is stated as in The Pillar Of Believe.
He s.a.w. is closer to us than our own souls.

There are always people performing solah worldwide, in the entire twenty-four hour cycle, and sending selawat and salam on Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is part of solah.
The continuity of solah revolving five times of prayer around the world, are constantly and permanently invoking blessings and greetings on the Prophet s.a.w ceaselessly day and night.

And indeed, He is alive in permanence.
ALLAH S.W.T. entitled Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. to return every single salam that is made to Him.

****** 

"Verily, 

there has come unto you 

a Messenger (Muhammad s.a.w.) 

from amongst yourselves 

(i.e. whom you know well). 

It grieves Him that 

you should receive any injury or difficulty. 

He (Muhammad s.a.w.) is anxious over you 

(to be rightly guided, 

to repent to ALLAH S.W.T, 

and beg HIM to pardon and forgive your sins,

in order that you may enter Paradise 

and be saved 

from the punishment of the hell-fire),

for the believers 

(He s.a.w. is) full of pity, kind, and merciful.

But if they turn away, 

say (O Muhammad s.a.w.): 

"ALLAH S.W.T. is sufficient for me. 

Laa Ilaaha Illa Huwa

(none has the right to be worshipped but HE), 

in HIM I put My trust 

and HE is the LORD of the Mighty Throne." 

 - Surah AtTaubah: 128 - 129

My Sisters, The Departed, And Rabi'ul Awwal

When everybody had left for their journey home across The Causeway, 'My Younger Sister' wanted to stay behind.

She was then invited to a house by an 'ustaz' who was teaching Qur'an recitation to a group of youngsters.

The house belong to one noble lady who, during her lifetime, had taught Qur'an recitation too.

I had blogged about her earlier.

She accepted the death sentence passed to her, 'on behalf' of her husband.

Her husband was the real culprit.

Anyway, she passed away due to illness.

******

Curious to know, I searched for a head scarf and managed to get one which My Elder Sister gave me when she returned from Palestine in the 90s.

She went to Palestine with My Younger Sister's family.

I did not go as My Family members, except Me, are Malaysians.
But I am determined that GOD willing, Palestine is in my list.

******

When I woke up, I heard myself reciting the last word of one of the Qur'an verse  which means 'The Great News'.
Quickly I called My Elder Sister that tomorrow, 'Maulid' is to be recited at my house as Rabi'ul Awwal has begun.

My Younger Sister never fail to celebrate Rabi'ul Awwal.
She would present herself at Madrasah AlMa'arif every night.
Even when She was home all by Herself, She would open the Berzanji book and recite the 'Maulid' while remain in standing position.

My Younger Sister knew everybody will be at My place tomorrow. 
Although She has left us eight years now, She is still part of The Family.

******

My Elder Sister was speechless.
Just an hour earlier, She had just called up Masjid Rahimabi at Kebun Limau Singapore, for 'waqaf' in My Younger Sister's name.

And at the same time, My Younger Sister appeared in My dream.
So that is 'The Great News'?

Never mind, My YoungYounger Sister had left Us since 2003.
But she knows what is going around.

And, this is not the first time 'such a dream' appeared whenever a deed, no matter how small it is, like just the above S$100 'waqaf' is done in Her name.
She would often appear, as and when, to inform of 'Her latest development'.

******

During Her stay in Singapore General Hospital, We would recite The Qur'an for Her to go to sleep.
She asked to be discharged from the hospital because chemotherapy to Her, is more painful then the cancer She had.

A day before She passed away, She asked My Eldest Sister to bath Her with Zamzam water before Her body went through the final cleansing with ordinary tap water.
Did She knew She was to die the next day?
But She is a person who is 'deaf' of any negative surrounding and 'mute' to talk about others.

Did She already see The Angel Of Death around?
I can only guess as I was at Her house when a man I knew not, went to see Her, and told us not to block the doorway as Malaikat Maut was already around.

The decision to have payer for Her body at nearby Masjid Alkaff was aborted as Her house was packed with family members, well wishers and her Pre-U students who were all eager to join the praying session.

When the prayer had just been ended, a man whom Her Husband knew not, appeared at the door, asking the body to be brought down to Masjid Alkaff the soonest possible, as many of 'his people' were waiting at the mosque to pray for Her...        

The Other World - Hysterical Moments

For three days in a row, a group of students and a teacher of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tasek Utara 2, Johor Bahru had bouts of hysteria.
Last year, from Wednesday April 28 and 30, 15 Form Four female students and a female teacher, who were from separate classrooms went hysterical.

On Wednesday, the mysterious hysteria attacked three students from separate classrooms.
They were seen crying and having shouting fits.
But on Friday, another six students and a female teacher suffered the same fate.

Those who witness the incident on Friday saw a chain reaction as students were being possessed one after another.
One of them had to be held to the floor, with face bloated of anger.
The situation was at its worse on Friday when a female Form Four student, who seemed to be possessed by a spirit, threatened to jump from the third floor of a classroom block.
A group of male teachers had to hold the student down as she tried to jump off the building.

So intense was the hysteria that the school administration had to call healers from the Skudai Darussyifa' Islamic healing group to help calm the students.
The healer spoke with the spirit through one of the girls.
It said that its home had been disturbed.
They were calmed down within 90 minutes.
Fortunately none of the students or the teacher suffered any injury, as they were all pacified with the help of the Darussyifa' healers.

The hysteria was said to occur again on May 3.

******

In July 2009, a group of 20 students at SMK Taman Daya 2, Johor Bahru, became hysterical that created panic among those at the school.
They claimed to see apparitions which looked like pontianak (vampire) and pochong (floating ghost in white burial shroud).
They screamed in fear after seeing 'something' in the classroom.
Their screams created a domino effect and soon, other classmates also screamed in panic.

Those apparitions had been seen by some of them since April, after a group of students returned from a dance competition at a shopping mall in Kulaijaya.
The sightings usually occurred at the fourth floor of the school which housed the classrooms of Form Four students.
Staff members were quick to act to calm them down.

That was not the first incident and it makes the other students uneasy.

****** 

What causes hysteria that these students and teacher lose self-control?
What causes the mind to be unmanageable?

For the above incidents, hysteria at schools were due to the school being home to spirits, be it apparitions or other forms.
Or the reason students or teachers were susceptible nature of to be 'disturbed' or possessed by these unseen beings.
Those lacking spiritual strength make them susceptible to such intrusions.

For female Muslims who are unable to pray during their menstruation period, they are likely to be spiritually weakened during these time, thus this makes them an easy target for possession.

Sign of headcover worn by girls does not reflect spiritual strength.
To be spiritually strong, internal strength needs to be work on.

There are other causes too.
Hysteria maybe caused by humans who trespass on the spirit's or spirits' turf.
Occasionally youngsters, who liked to play outdoor late into the evening, collide with spirits or accidentally trespass into their 'home' during the few minutes before sunset.
Their homes could be disturbed.
Or these youngsters could accidentally be hitting and hurting these unseen being family members without them knowing it.

At best, try to avoid spending time outdoor, during the fifteen minutes before Magrib prayer call because that's when spirits roam around.
But the best solution is always to strengthen oneself spiritually with prayers and practising good values.

For those who believe, Al-Qur'an is the best remedy.
Aayatul Kursi, the last two verses of Surah Al Baqarah and the first ten verses of Surah Al Kahfi need to be explored.

Dzulhijjah In Memory And The Drawn 1431 Curtain

Dzulhijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar, marking the end of the year.

The CREATOR wants us all to end each of our living years with brotherhood forged and relationships rekindled, that is part of the reason why Haj to Mecca,

being at the centre of the earth, was set during the holy Dzulhijjah month.

Yes, it's one of the four holy months beside the holy Muharram, the first month of each year.
Both are holy months, and GOD strictly forbids fighting but building understanding and relationship for the betterment of all living creatures.

But, when one human's ego is bigger than his head, it is enough to stir anger in some of wicker and wicked hearts beings.
Then dissatisfaction and resentment went spiral, is going, and continues to...

Sacred or not the month of Dzulhijjah is, each heart's desire wins, despite GOD's blessing and warning that human's good (or evil?) deeds, are multiplied many times over.

Dzulhijjah is one of the month when one's heart will most likely be touched by HIS blessing or ...

"4- HE created mankind.

5- HE taught him the speech.

6- The sun and the moon are with calculations.

7- And the stars and the trees they both prostrate.

8- And the sky, HE Raised it and HE set up the Balance.

9- That do not exceed in the Balance.

10- And Establish the Weight with the Justice and do not reduce the Balance.

11- And the earth HE laid it down for the creatures.

12- In it and are date palms having fruit sheaths.

13- And the grains of fragrant having herbs flowers husk.

14-Then with which favours of RABB of you two, you two will?" - (Al-Qur'an 55: 4-14).

******

As Dzulhijjah 1431 drew its curtain on Sunday, clouds enveloped the sky the whole day.

"It is He Who created everything on the earth for you and then directed His attention up to heaven and arranged it into seven regular heavens. He has knowledge of all things." - (Qur'an, 2:29).

I had experienced of clouds like Sunday, with my phone roaming went dead the whole day.
Agitating to some, but ...
Those were days when our hearts and our whispers were heard...
To some who wants to believe ...

"The thunder glorifies HIS praise, as do the angels, out of fear of HIM.

HE discharges the thunderbolts, striking with them anyone HE wills. Yet still they argue about ALLAH when HE is inexorable in HIS Power!" - (Qur’an, 13:13) 

To some who wants to believe ...

****** 

It was the last days of Dzulhijjah 23 AH, or November 1st, 644 AD, that Saidina Umar r.a. while heading the morning prayer in Masjidin Nabawi, he was daggered with six blows over levy that he imposed on a foreign worker.
Thirteen others in the congregation were wounded, before the killer committed suicide by stabbing himself.

When he regained his conciousness, he reminded those surrounding him to stop praising his virtues and qualities.

He asked his son, Abdullah, to ask Aisyah r.a. for permission to be buried beside her Husband, The Prophet s.a.w., and her father, Saidina Abu Bakar r.a.
Umar was permitted to be buried, upon his death, close to to the two people that she was closed to, but with her weeping, she said,

"I had reserved the place for my own burial but I give Umar precedence over myself. Let him be buried there." 

Umar was indeed happy that having his greatest wish fulfilled, saying,

"GOD bless Aisyah. She has fulfilled my greatest wish. Now I can die in peace."

Nothing makes Umar happier than to be close with The Prophet s.a.w. and Saidina Abu Bakar r.a.

"... But I think Aisyah has given me permission out of respect for me. When I die, take me to her house and ask again for her permission..." 
"If she refused, bury me at Baqi'"

His son, Abdullah did as was instructed by his father when he passed away, and again, 'Aisyah gave her permission.

******

Before his death, Umar asked his son to estimate his unpaid debt - eighty six thousand dirhams*** inclusive of caliph salary that had been drawn from Baitul Mal.
His debt was to be paid from the money which his property will be put on sale.

About his funeral. he reminded his son to be moderate as should GOD Sees anything good in him, and should he is in GOD's favour, then GOD will change him a better shroud.
If otherwise, then he will be strip of all he has.

"... And be moderate in the grave that you dig for me, for verily if there be anything of good with GOD in my favour, HE will widen it for me, and if I have otherwise, HE will make it narrow for me to squeeze my body. "All Praise is to ALLAH. If all the treasures of this world were to be at my disposal, I would offer them as a ransom to be saved from the trial at the Day of Judgement." Umar continued.

These are words who succeeded Saidina Abu Bakar r.a., who, The Prophet s.a.w. had once remarked, "Abu Bakar's name shall be called out from all the gates of Paradise.

But the humble Saidina Abu Bakar r.a. used to say,
"I wish I were a tree that would be cut and done away with." 

"I wish I were a blade of grass, whose life ended with the razing by some beast." 

"I wish I were a hair on the body of a believer."

There was once when he was in a garden, seeing a singing bird, sighing deeply, he said,
"Oh bird, how lucky you are! You eat, you drink and fly under the shade of the trees, and you fear no reckoning of the Day of Judgement. I wish I were just like you."

Saidina Abu Bakar r.a. missed The Prophet s.a.w. so much that when he was ill, he was counting the days to eagerly waiting to 'see' The Prophet s.a.w.

He was always asking his companion,
"What day is it?" They said Saturday.

The next day he asked again
"What day is it?" They said Sunday.

Then he said, "I might die either today or tomorrow.
I wish to die on the same day as The Prophet."
But he did not.

He passed away (of food poisoning) on Tuesday Jumadil Akhir 21, 13 AH (August 23, 634 AD), befitting his ranking as the first caliph after the demise of The Prophet s.a.w., which was on Monday.

****** 

"The Messenger Believes in what has been Revealed to him from His LORD, as do the people of Faith. 
Each one believes in GOD, HIS angels, HIS books, and HIS apostles. 
"We make no distinction they say between one and another of HIS Messengers" 
And they say, 
"We hear, and we obey. 
We seek THY forgiveness, our LORD, and to YOU is all journey's end."

On no soul does GOD place a burden greater than it is able to bear. 
It receives every good that it has earned, and it will suffer every ill that it has earned. 
Pray: 
"Our LORD! Do not condemn us if we forget or fall into error! 
Do not lay on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear. 
Blot out our sins, and grant us YOUR Forgiveness. 
Have Mercy on us. YOU are our Protector. 
Help us against those who stand against Faith." - (Qur'an, 2:285, 86).

*** In Pre-Islamic Persia, a dirham retained a stable gold value of about 4 gram. 

In the Islamic period, Saidina Umar r.a. himself introduced silver coins which was small unit weight of about 3 gram.

The Haj - Dzulhijjah, The Month Of Many Virtues

Dzulhijjah is here again.
Today is the third of Dzulhijjah - after Maghrib now, so is the 4th, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar year month, the month of Haj, which gives Dzulhijjah a very special significance.

Dzulhijjah days are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.
Dzulhijjah has many virtues, based on many things, particularly in its first ten days.
The first ten days of Dzulhijjah are the days of virtue and righteous deeds. Quranic verses and Hadith indicate that the first ten days of Dzulhijjah are better than all the other days of the year.

The first ten days of Dzulhijjah have been preferred by ALLAH s.w.t. over all the other days of the whole year, except that the last ten days of Ramadhan, which are considered better than them for they include Lailatul Qadr - the Night of Power - which is better than a thousand months.

"And remember ALLAH during the appointed Days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey ALLAH (fear HIM), and know that you will surely be gathered unto HIM." - (Al-Baqarah: 203).

Celebrate the Praises of ALLAH s.w.t. during the appointed days - Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tasbih (Subhaanallah), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), and Talbiyah (Labbaikallah Humma Labbaik).
It is our duty to appreciate the blessed month of Dzulhijjah, having more concentration in our prayers, always on our very best.
Dzulhijjah is a wonderful moment immersing ourselves as much iba'dah, acts of worship, as possible.
Devotion and sincerity do have its reward.

Abdullah ibn Umar r.a., the son of Saidina Umar r.a., reported that The Prophet s.a.w. said: 
"There are no days greater in the sight of ALLAH and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to HIM than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahlil (La ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbir and Tahmid." - (Reported by Ahmad: 7/224).

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. commanded the believers to recite a lot of Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir during these days.

Ibn Abbas r.a. reported that The Prophet s.a.w. said:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to ALLAH than these ten days." 

The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of ALLAH?" 

He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of ALLAH, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." - (Bukhari).

These ten days are a great blessing from ALLAH s.w.t. to all of us.

Even for us, who are not undertaking the Haj, the first ten days of Dzulhijjah are a special time to remember ALLAH s.w.t., the opportunity to sincerely correct oneself, bettering our deeds and seek HIM for forgiveness and guidance.

The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. encouraged people to do righteous deeds due to the virtue of these days and the Haj season during which the Haj season is situated.
The Prophet s.a.w. said that the first ten days of Dzulhijjah are a special time for devotion, for during these ten days that most of the Haj rites occur.

i) - 9th Dzulhijjah is the 'Arafah Day (Yaumul 'Arafah), the date when all pilgrims assemble on the plain of 'Arafah, six miles away from Makkatul Mukarramah, where the pilgrims perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of Haj - Wuquf  - the stay in 'Arafah. Yaumul Arafah is the day when the Mercy of ALLAH s.w.t. descends in Abundance.

Yaumul 'Arafah is the day when sins are Forgiven, and do'a Accepted, all through HIS Compassion and Mercy. Yaumul 'Arafah is the day which ALLAH sw.t. perfected one's Religion.

The Prophet s.a.w. was asked about fasting on Yaumul 'Arafah.
He s.a.w. said, "It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year." - (Ibu Majah)

Fasting on this day will be forgiven the sins of two years - before and after the Arafah Day.
The 'Arafah fast has been emphasized by the Prophet s.a.w. as a desirable act. Fasting on these ten blessed days, or at least a day, on the 9th Dzulhijjah, will bring us closer to HIM.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. has said, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".
 For us not performing the Haj, it is desirable to fast on this day.

ii) - Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Dzulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is encouraged on us to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after each daily prayer. 

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,

Allahu Akbar wa Lillahilhamd.

(There is no other God but ALLAH and ALLAH is the Greatest, 

Allah is the Greatest and to ALLAH belongs all Praise).

iii) - 10th Dzulhijjah is Eidul Adha. Unlike 'Eidul Fitr, the sunnah is not to eat before the 'Eid prayer.

iv) - The Qurban. An act of total submission to ALLAH s.w.t. and a complete obedience to HIM, without hesitation.
It is encouraged for all to make sacrifices for themselves and their dependents. The sacrifice of animals - goat, sheep, cow or camel - during the 10th, 1lth and 12th of Dzulhijjah.

Looking beyond its mundane benefits, its to understand the spirit of most superior qualities so necessary to keep humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.
Qurban is but a powerful symbol of the required human conduct vis-a-vis the DIVINE commands.
The spirit of total submission to HIM, irrespective of difference in our economy or society.

Pine not, whine not if we are unable to slaughter a sacrifice - for general qurban included all acts of charity too, all year round.
The purpose of charity is nothing but to seek ALLAH s.w.t.'s pleasure. And, sacrifices are in many forms too. Sincerity is always priorotised. Verily, good deeds remove small sins. A gentle reminder for the mindful, for those who accept advice.

Perform sincere prayers.
"And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: for those things that are good remove those that are evil: be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their LORD) - (Hud: 114).

Pray that HE Bless us with HIS Virtues. Pray that HE Bless us with spiritual gains
Pray that we are all Blessed in these magical moments of Dzulhijjah.

Reflecting of our past doings will have great benefits for us, and people around us, family, neighbours, relatives and friends.
Pray for the very best, for His Bounty of what's already in our possession, His Reward, not a burden:

"On no soul do ALLAH place a burden greater than it (the soul) can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. 
(Pray): "Our GOD, condemn us not if we forget or fall into error. 
Our GOD, lay not on us a burden like that which YOU did lay on those before us. 
Our GOD, lay on us not a burden greater than we have strength to bear. 
Blot out our sins, and grant us Forgiveness. Have Mercy on us. 
YOU are our PROTECTOR, Help us against those who stand against Faith." - (Al-Baqarah : 286)    

The Haj - InsyaALLAH, Mabrur

Haj -  the annual Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia - the world's largest annual Pilgrimage.

Fulfilling one of the five "Pillars" of Islam, it's the central religious' duties of the believer - The Duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so - as long as the pilgrim possesses the means.
The Pilgrimage begins from the 8th to 12th day of Dzulhijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar, the lunar calendar - Eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world.
The Gregorian date of the Haj changes yearly.

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The Haj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the worldwide Muslims, and their submission to GOD.
Pilgrims join processions of millions of people, who simultaneously converge to Mecca for the week of the Haj, and perform a series of rituals: Each person walks counter-clockwise seven times about the Ka'abah, the cube-shaped building which is the Kiblah, Muslim's direction of prayers.
Walks or runs back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, drinks from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount 'Arafah, and throws stones in a ritual Stoning of the Devil.
The pilgrims then cut some of their hair, or for some males, their heads shaved, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate 'Iidil Adha - Performing animal sacrifices, symbolising GOD's Mercy on Ibrahim a.s. and replacing His Son with a ram.

Centralised butcher houses sacrifice for each pilgrim, a single sheep, the meat then packaged and given to charity and shipped to the poor, around the world.
At the same time as the sacrifices occur in Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a four day global festival 'Iidul Adha.

Haj - A journey of a lifetime in the life of a Muslim - Pilgrimage to Mecca is an ultimate journey to GOD.
The Holy Qur'an lay the emphasis on the importance of Haj - once in a lifetime, irrespective of ethnic group, colour, social status or culture - A Ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic fraternity by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of ALLAH Subhaanahu Wa Ta'aala.
The Pilgrimage makes a Muslim realise the importance of life on earth, and therefore, do away with all social status, wealth and pride.

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According to the Holy Qur'an, it was Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) 'alaihis salam who, together with Isma'il  (Ishmael) 'alaihis salam, built the Ka'abah, "The House of GOD," the focal point toward which Muslims turn to, in the five times a day and night, worshipping HIM.
It was Ibrahim a.s., too, around 2000 BC, - known as Khalilullah, "The Friend of GOD" - who established the rituals of the Haj.

It recall events or practices in His life and that of  Siti Hajar (Hagar) radhiallaahu 'anha and Their Son Isma'il.
It is believed that the Prophet Ibrahim a.s. was ordered by ALLAH s.w.t. to leave His Wife Siti Hajar r.a. and His infant Son Ismail alone in the desert.
While He was away, the Child crying of thirst, and Siti Hajar r.a. frantically ran back and forth seven times searching for water for Her Son.
The Baby cried and hit the ground with His foot - Or the Angel scraped His foot or the tip of His wing along the ground (whichever is believed) - And source of Zamzam water miraculously sprang forth.

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In the Holy Qur'an, the chapter "The Pilgrimage" speaks of the DIVINE command to perform the Haj and prophesies the permanence of this institution:

And when We assigned for Abraham the place of the House, saying "Do not associate anything with ME, 
and purify MY House for those who go around It and for those who stand and bow and prostrate themselves in worship. 
And proclaim the Pilgrimage among humankind: They will come to you on foot and on every camel made lean. 
By traveling deep, distant ravines.

Indeed, The First House (of worship) established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds. - (Quran - 3:96)  

Ka'abah, Baitullah, or the House of GOD, is one of GOD's sign on earth. 

In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham.
And whoever enters it shall be safe. And (due) to ALLAH from the people is a Pilgrimage to the House - for whoever can make their way there.

The ritual of Pilgrimage that stretched back thousands of years to the Prophet Ibrahim a.s., brings together Muslims of all races and languages for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences.

The haj, based on a pilgrimage, was ancient practise, even in the time of 7th century Prophet Muhammad sollallaahu 'alaihi wasallam.

Then, each year, tribes from all around the Arabian peninsula would converge on Mecca, as part of the pilgrimage.
The exact faith and religion of each tribe was never a great importance, then.

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The Haj is associated with the life of Islamic Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. began when He s.a.w., received the DIVINE call, ordained by GOD, continued the original observances of Abrahamic Haj after restoring the Rituals to their original purity which was muddied with pagan practices.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Himself instructed the believers in the rituals of the Haj - by His own practice, or by approving the practices of His Companions. 

Although This added some complexity to the Rituals, but It also provided increased flexibility in carrying Them out, much to the benefit of pilgrims ever since.
It is lawful, for instance, to have some variation in the order in which the several Rites are carried out, because the Prophet s.a.w. Himself is recorded as having approved such actions.
Thus, the rites of the Haj are elaborate, numerous and varied.

'GOD, from such a distant land I have come to YOU... 
Grant me shelter under YOUR Throne.'

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For 14 centuries, millions of Muslims, men and women, have made the Pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of Islam.
A pilgrim undertaking the journey, they follow in the footsteps of millions before them.
For souls that have strayed, seek HIM for comfort once again.
Hearts, that have hardened, melt them before HIM.
And eyes which had lost its vision, sparkle them with HIS radiance. 
Redress all wrongs, pay all debts, prepare for good conduct throughout the Haj.
Be kind, be considerate, render help in the way we can, is the key to Haj being accepted.

People asked, "What makes Haj mabrur, Messenger of ALLAH?"

He s.a.w. said "Providing food to people and spreading the greeting of salaam." 

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Haj is a comprehensive act of worship, involving finance and physical exertion - Both for HIS sake.
Come prepared, never be ignorant, confused, frustrated or angry during the holy Journey.
Prepare - physically and spiritually - for this sacred Journey!
Lest It's only a vacation that leaves no lasting impression.        

Haj is not a vacation - “Going to the Haj” is submitting to GOD's command.
All the excitement about the luxurious hotels and sophisticated lifestyle will narrow down to just two pieces of cloth, responding to ALLAH s.w.t.’s invitation, chanting:  

“Labbaik, Allaahhumma Labbaik”
crying to the CREATOR, needing and hoping for HIS Mercy.

One should utilise his time to the maximum in 'ibadah and praising ALLAH s.w.t. during the Journey and in all the Holy Places.

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During the Haj, ihram, a white seamless garment made up of two pieces of cloth or towel worn by men, with the top thrown over the shoulder or draped over the body, the bottom covers the body from waist to ankle. The pilgrim wears a pair of sandals, with exposed toes.
Male pilgrim does not cover the head - at all times.

A symbol of purity and of the renunciation of evil and mundane matters, it also indicates the equality of all human beings in GOD's 'eyes'.

This garb was worn by both Ibrahim a.s. and Muhammad s.a.w., too

Women are simply required to maintain their normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face. Women generally wear a simple white dress and with their heads covered but not veiled.

In Ihram is also the name given to the special state in which pilgrim lives whilst on the Pilgrimage.
Ihram is also symbolic for holy virtue and pardon from all past sins.
The ihram, meant to show equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of GOD, - no difference between black and white, blue blooded or the normal red blooded human beings.

Once wearing the white apparel ihram, the pilgrim enters into a state of purity that prohibits shaving, clipping of nails, wearing perfume, wearing of any jewellery, marrying or performing any ugly acts of swearing and quarrelling.
Pilgrim needs to have a love for ALLAH's creations - Prohibited from committing violence to all living creatures, no uprooting or damaging plants, and no killing of animals: Insects too.

The donning of the ihram is accompanied by the primary invocation of the Haj, the Talbiyah:

Here I am, O GOD, at YOUR Command! 
Here I am at YOUR Command! YOU are without associate; 
Here I am at YOUR Command! 
YOU are Praise and Grace and Dominion! YOU are without associate.  

The thunderous, melodious chants of the Talbiyah ring out not only in Mecca, but at other nearby sacred Locations connected with the Haj too.

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As the pilgrims throng spread through Mina, an uninhabited place east of the city, on the eight day, the pilgrims generally spend their time meditating and praying, as the Prophet s.a.w. did on His Pilgrimage.

On the ninth day, pilgrims leave Mina for Mount 'Arafah, the central rite of the Haj - Haj is invalid if pilgrims do not spend the afternoon on 'Arafah.
There, pilgrims spend the afternoon within a defined area of 'Arafah until after sunset.

No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at 'Arafah, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives.
As pilgrims congregate at 'Arafah, the gathering bring to the mind of the Judgment Day. Some pilgrims in contemplative vigil and pray and recite the Holy Qur'an, near the hill of Jabar Rahmah (The Hill of Forgiveness, Mount Arafah) from where the Prophet s.a.w. delivered his unforgettable Farewell Sermon, enunciating far-reaching religious, economic, social and political reforms.
On the sacred spot of 'Arafah, pilgrims feel the presence and closeness of the Merciful GOD. 

These are emotionally charged hours, which the pilgrims spend in worship and supplication.
Many shed tears, poignant in its intensity, of that great concourse of humanity as GOD's forgiveness is seek. Many tears streaming down, others raised their faces to the night sky that had witnessed this repeating episodes since the past centuries - the shining eyes, the passionate appeals, the pitiful hands outstretched in prayer, a strong wave of spiritual exaltation, an act of complete surrender to HIS Supremacy.
The ultimate closeness one can achieve while living in this world. Haj holds a prominent position among all Muslim acts of worship - It is the supreme act of Worship.  

The hopeful pilgrims prepare to leave 'Arafah with feeling of reborn, pure and with new leaf turned.
The spirit of the religion is, submission to GOD's will, will always lead.

'GOD, from such a distant land I have come to YOU... 
Grant me shelter under YOUR Throne.' 

As pilgrims of diverse races worldwide, return to their countries and lands, they carry with them cherished memories of Ibrahim a.s., Isma'il a.s., Siti Hajar r.a. and Muhammad s.a.w., memories of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'ie, Wukuf and Ziarah, and memories of Mecca, Zamzam, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina and Madinah.

They will always remember that universal concourse, where poor and rich, black and white, young and old, met on equal ground.
They return with a better understanding of the conditions of their brothers in Islam - Thus is born a spirit of caring for others and human understanding that will last throughout a lifetime.

The pilgrims return with a sense of serenity - Serenity for having shed sins on that 'Arafah plain, and being thus relieved of such a heavy burden.
The experience at 'Arafah, where GOD is felt the closest, at the place where the Prophet s.a.w. delivered His sermon during His first and last Pilgrimage.
They have fulfilled GOD's ancient injunction to humankind to undertake the Pilgrimage.

The pilgrims, radiance with hope and joy, for above all, they return with prayer set deep in the heart.
Haj is not just the importance of the rites of Pilgrimage, it is the spirit in which the Haj is performed.

Complete the Haj and 'Umrah for ALLAH!!! 
Whoever submitted oneself wholeheartedly, body and soul, for this act of 'Ibadah, then as The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,

"... there is no reward for Haj mabrur, except Paradise."

May it please GOD, the Haj acceptable, and may what the Prophet s.a.w. said - be true of one's own individual Journey.
It is not merely going to and returning from Mecca, but returning from Mecca with faith in GOD strengthened and rekindled. 

For the disbelievers, indeed, ALLAH s.w.t. is free from all worldly needs...