'They lived happily ever after...', apakah ini wujud?

************************* Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. *********************** Renungan ************************ "Maafkanlah dan suruhlah (mengerjakan) yang makruf dan berpalinglah daripada orang-orang yang jahil." - Q.S. Al-A'raf: 199) *********************** SEBAGAI murid sekolah rendah aliran Inggeris pada tahun-tahun 1960-an dan 70-an dulu, kerap benar saya terdedah dengan 'fairy tales' (kisah pari-pari atau kayangan) dari Barat seperti 'Snow White and the Seven Dwafs' dan 'Sleeping Beauty' yang pengakhirannya ditulis, 'and they lived happily ever after' (mereka - pasangan putera dan puteri - berkahwin dan hidup berbahagia selama-lamanya). *************************** Benarkah kehidupan di dunia ini ada bahagia selama-lamanya? Semakin tuanya diri ini, semakin sedarlah saya bahawa kehidupan ini sebenarnya' dilalui secara pergiliran' - ada bahagia ada derita, ada senang ada susah, ada masa gembira dan ada masa berduka - semuanya berlangsung silih berganti ibarat siang dan malam; gelap dan terang. *************************** Berdasarkan ini, pada pandangan hamba yang daif ini, ungkapan 'they lived happpily ever after' dalam realiti kehidupan sebenarnya tidak wujud; pemikir Melayu-Islam yang tersohor di Nusantara, Allahyarham Buya Hamka dalam salah sebuah buku yang pernah saya baca (tak ingat lagi tajuknya) ada mengungkapkan bahawa jika kita melihat istana yang tersergam indah; janganlah ingat di dalamnya penghuninya sentiasa hidup berbahagia dan bersukaria - di sana juga ada derita dan air mata! Jadi janganlah kita tertipu dengan apa yang kita lihat. ********************************* Hidup adalah satu perjalanan menuju noktahnya, kematian. Masalahnya kita tidak tahu bila dan bagaimanakah noktah itu. Apa saja boleh berlaku dalam perjalanannya;ada ulama mengkategorikan kehidupan seperti berikut: kita bermula dengan baik tetapi bertukar buruk dan akhirnya mati dalam kejelekan (su'ul khatimah); kita bermula dengan buruk tetapi hujung hayat menjadi baik dan mati dalam kebaikan (husnul khatimah); kita bermula dengan baik dan mati dalam baik (inilah yang terbaik) dan kita bermula dengan buruk dan mati pun dalam keadaan buruk (ini paling teruk). ******************************* Kemudian ada sebuah hadis menyebut: Daripada Abu Abdurrahman Abdullah bin Mas’ud r.a. berkata: beliau diberitahukan Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda: "...Sesungguhnya salah seorang antara kamu beramal amalan ahli syurga sampai antara dia dengan syurga tinggal sejengkal, kemudian didahului ketentuan sehingga dia beramal dengan amalan ahli neraka dan masuklah ia ke dalam neraka; dan salah seorang kamu melakukan amalan ahli neraka sampai antara dia dan neraka tinggal sejengkal, kemudian didahului ketetapan, sehingga dia melakukan amalan ahli syurga sehingga dia masuk ke dalam syurga.“ - Imam Bukhari ****************************** Ya, wahai pembaca, kita tidak tahu nasib kita pada masa depan; jadi pada kesempatan ini inginlah saya yang daif ini mengingatkan diri sendiri dan pembaca usahlah kita berlagak sombong mengecop seseorang itu banyak dosalah; dia, hatta bekas mayat dia pun tidak layak dibawa pulang dan sebagainya kerana sebagai insan serba lemah kita tidak tahu hakikat seseorang termasuk dia sudah beriman atau tidak; yang tahu hanya dia dan Allah SWT saja. ******************************* Bukankah kita sudah biasa mendengar taubat seorang penjahat yang telah membunuh 99 orang; kemudian melengkapkannya menjadi 100 orang; tetapi taubatnya diterima Allah SWT dan dia dimasukkan ke dalam syurga; jadi apakah kelayakan kita untuk berkata itu dan ini mengenai seseorang itu sedangkan dosa kita sendiri bertimbun; sekarang ini Allah SWT 'sembunyikannya' jika Dia 'mendedahkannya' habislah kita! Kemudian kita juga tahu ada 'ahli syahid' yang dihumbankan ke neraka! ********************************* Seperti diceloteh pada awal ruangan ini bahawa dunia dan segala isinya termasuk pasangan suami isteri sentiasa berubah (tidak benarnya ungkapan 'they lived happily ever after'). Ada pasangan yang bahagia pada awal perkahwinan saja, kemudian kerap berlaku 'perang Teluk' yang membawa kepada perceraian. Pasangan yang kekal ke akhir hayat pun bukan sentiasa 'happy' saja; ada masa bahagia ada masa derita - bukanlah peribahasa Melayu ada menyebut "sedangkan lidah lagi tergigit ini pula suami isteri..." ************************** Ya, dunia sentiasa berubah dan sejarah (dunia) biasanya dirakamkan oleh pihak yang menang (berkuasa). Ada sebuah peribahasa Afrika berbunyi: “Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters” (sehinggalah sang singa mempunyai penulis sejarah, kisah perburuan akan hanya menggambarkan kehebatan si pemburu). *************************** Kini kita digembar-gemburkan segala yang muluk-muluk mengenai si pemburu; singa di hutan siapa peduli? Pemburu berlagak 'hero' sedangkan di hutan tadi, dia lari lintang pukang menyematkan diri hanya selepas mendengar bunyi 'deheman' raja rimba. Tetapi di kampung, dia berlagak, bercerita dia telah menikam sang singa! ******************************* Hari ini seseorang itu dituduh pengkhianat; mungkin esok lusa dia diangkat pahlawan bangsa. Tak percaya; 'TANYALAH' kepada Tok Janggut, Datuk Bahaman, Datuk Maharajalela, Mat Kilau dan sebagainya...ya dunia dan isinya termasuk manusia sentiasa berubah, 'nobody lives happily ever after! (tiada orang hidup bergembira sepanjang masa).

Falling in love with 'Bahru Al-Madzi'

********************* In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Reflection ************************* The Declining Day (Al-'Asr) 1. By the declining day, 2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss, 3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. **************************** A few days ago, when I was in Kuala Lumpur, I took the opportunity to pay a visit to a PAS run bookstore, Nurfair Street on Jalan Pahang Barat. At the bookshop I searched for a series of 'kitabs' (books) named 'Bahru Al-Madzi' written and compiled by our very own international renowned ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Idris Abdul Rauf Al-Marbawi. ********************** At the moment, one of Sheikh Idris's book, 'Bahru Al-Madzi - Syarah Mukhtashar Shahih At-Tirmidzi Juzuk 13') is being used as a text book during a 'tazkirah' (Islamic lesson) at a 'masjid' near my house. ************************ Who is this Sheikh? Perhaps many of us do not know this figure who was famous among students and intelectuals in Egypt and Makkah. So let us find out more about this Sheikh... ********************** There are 22 'juzuk' (volumes) of 'Bahru Al-Madzi' (Lecture on 'Shahih' At-Tirmidzi) by the great Malay scholar; the one I was looking for was 'Juzuk 13' (the 13th Volume) which discusses topics on food, good deeds and relationship. ************************** Since during his class (kuliah Subuh) on every Sunday morning after 'subuh' (dawn) prayers, the 'ustaz' would just start reading from the book after finishing 'Juzuk 12' (Volume 12), I started looking for the book. **************************** Well dear readers, hadiths mentioned in the book are very detailed indeed - readings from its early pages proved it - in Chapter 1 the hadith is about eating dates with cucumber. ************************** Sheikh Idris quotes Abdullah ibn Jaafar 'radiyallahu anhu' (may he be pleased) says, “Rasulullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam (s.a.w.) ate Qith’thaa (Arab cucumbers) with dates.” ****************************** Cucumber has a cold effect and dates have a hot one. By combining the two it becomes mild. From this hadith we gather that it is recommended that the effect (hot or cold) of things eaten should be taken into consideration. Cucumber is insipid and tasteless, and dates are sweet which results in the cucumber also tasting sweet. ************************* Sheikh Idris usually begins his lectures with these soothing words: "Ketahuilah kiranya, ya saudaraku..." (Please, be informed my dear brothers..." This 'catchy phrase' by the Sheikh is his trademark; he makes readers feel very close to him; he is like a 'fatherly or a brotherly figure' advising his children or brothers and sisters. *********************** So, Sheikh Idris is close to his readers and those who follow his writtings and teachings. And some readers, I included, have fallen in love with his 'Bahru Al-Madzi'. ************************* The ustaz during our 'kuliah Subuh' also mentioned another hadith in which Aisha radiyallah anha reports that, “Rasulullah s.a.w. ate watermelon with fresh dates.” ************************* In Tirmidhi and other narrations, in explaining this, Sayidina Rasulullah s.a.w. also said, “The cold effect of one removes the heat of the other, and the heat of one removes the cold effect of the other.” ************************ Anas radiyallahu anhu says, “I saw Rasulullah s.a.w. eat together musk-melon and dates.” ********************** Some ulamas have translated this also as watermelon instead of musk-melon, the reason being, as in the first narration, here also the cold effect is intended. But it is clear that musk-melon is meant here. The reason for eating dates is also that it gives the melon a sweeter taste. It is not necessary that one’s benefit be gauged everywhere. It is possible that this is due to some other benefits. **************************** According to this humble servant the eating of watermelon with dates has its own benefit and that is to create evenness in the effect of both, so that it becomes mild. The eating of musk-melon with dates has its own benefit and that is that if the melon is insipid and tasteless, many a time, due to it being insipid sugar is mixed before it is eaten. Therefore it is not necessary to give the same reasons for both watermelon and musk-melon. **************************** The ustaz during our 'kuliah Subuh' showed us the way to eat Arab cucumber with dates and also water melon with dates. He said in 'one hand hold the cucumber or a piece of watermelon and in another hold the date'. 'Bite the cucumber and then the date and when both are in the mouth, start chewing them'; the 'show put on' by the ustaz made the audiences burst into laughter! ************************** Our ustaz have high respect for Sheikh Idris; each time he begins his lesson by mentioning contributions of the Sheikh to the Muslim ummah especially those living in the Malay archipelago. He said the Sheikh's 'kitab' was the only one from the Malay world that was being lectured at the Haram Masjid. *************************** "It is common for 'kitabs' by ulamas from India and Pakistan being taught at the Holy Land but I have not come across any from this part of the world except for Sheikh Idris's," he said. ********************************* So, who is Sheikh Muhammad Idris Abdul Rauf Al-Marbawi? In a book 'Tokoh Ulama Nusantara' (Great Ulema of the Malay Archipelago) by Tajuddin Saman who is my former work mate in NSTP and translated by thefreelibrary.com; he wrote that Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi (he was from Lubuk Merbau, Kuala Kangsar Perak thus he used the name Al-Marbawi) was born on 28 Zulkaedah 1313 Hijrah equivalent to 1893 AD in Makkah al-Mukarramah. *************************** At the age of 10 years, he was able to memorize a total of 10 constituents while several other books. When he was a teenager, he returned home to be with his family. *************************** Returning home, he was educated first at Sekolah Melayu Lubuk Merbau. Next, he pursued graduate studies at several pondok schools such as Sekolah Pondok Syeikh Wan Muhammad in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar; Pondok Tuan Hussain al-Masnudi in Kedah; Pondok Sheikh Ahmad Fatani in Bukit Mertajam and Pondok Tok Kenali in Kelantan. Upon graduation, he worked as a religious teacher in Perak. **************************** Sheikh Idris fame is not only in the Archipelago but also in Egypt and Makkah especially in the field of Arabic language, hadith, tafsir and fiqh. In 1924, he studied at Al-Azhar University in Egypt and got High Degree. ***************************** Then, he began to compile the Arabic/Malay dictionary or more recognizable as 'Kamus Idris al-Marbawi', published in 1937. Until now, the dictionary has been printed repeatedly, not less than 24 times. Then starting from here, he continued to explore the challenging in writing. The book, entitled 'Bahrul Al-Madzi' discussed about 8,200 religious issues and the relationship between the life of the Hereafter. He also produced several books of tafsir al-Quran in Malay Language. Among these are Tafsir Qu'ran Marbawi, Tafsir Qur'an Nurul-Yaqin and Tafsir Surah Yassin. **************************** Besides that, there a few publication which are entitled Bulughul Maram, MuNjam al-KaNnat, JamiNul Ulum, Usul al-Islam and Nizamul Hayah. ************************* All the books written by Sheikh Idris enrich the precious Islamic heritage in the Archipelago and expose the intellectuality of Muslim community. *********************** Due to the contributions and prospects in the field of religion and literature, on 5 July 1980, Sheikh Idris was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by National University of Malaysia (UKM). Award bestowed by the Chancellor of UKM, Tunku Ja'far Ibni al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman during convocation. At that time, he was 86 years old and was recorded as a scholar who has produced 21 works in various aspects of Islam. ************************** In 1987, he was enthroned as the first Maal Hijrah National Figure based on contributions and high knowledge of Islam in the archipelago, especially in Malaysia. Sheikh Idris also received a cash prize of RM 40,000, a medal and certificate. The prize was presented by the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a ceremony Maal Hijrah celebration, in front of approximately 3,000 people were present, including ambassadors from Islamic countries, in the Islamic Centre Kuala Lumpur. When receiving the award, the Maal Hijrah figure was 95 years old. ***************************** He died shortly after receiving the award. Sheikh Idris leave a child, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was buried in the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Lubuk Merbau that is next to the grave of his first wife, Hajah Khadijah Mohd Edham. ************************** Sheikh Idris departure is still remembered and his name is commemorated by the Muslim society either young or elderly. The great and significant contribution by him was the Kamus Al-Marbawi. This dictionary continues to be remembered and used by students in any kind of study either high or low levels and can be seen up to now. **************************** As for me, I have fallen in love with 'Bahru Al-Madzi'. 'Jazak Allah Khayr' Sheikh Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawi; "May Allah reward you (with) goodness."

Haji medan terbaik muhasabah diri

********************DENGAN Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ********************* Renungan ******************* "Siapakah yang lebih baik perkataannya daripada orang yang menyeru kepada Allah, mengerjakan amal yang saleh dan berkata: "Sesungguhnya aku termasuk orang-orang yang berserah diri?" (QS. Fushilat: 33) ************************* Bersyukur ke hadrat Allah SWT, seramai kira-kira 22,000 jemaah haji kita kini berbondong-bondong ke Tanah Suci bagi menyempurnakan Rukun Islam kelima, menyertai lebih dua juta jemaah lain dari seluruh pelosok dunia. ************************** Kita ucapkan tahniah kepada mereka yang menjadi insan terpilih sebagai tetamu Allah dan didoakan kepada mereka mendapat haji mabrur yang balasannya tiada lain hanya syurga. Insya-Allah. ********************** Dalam kesempatan ini, kita ingin mengingatkan diri kita dan sekian umat Islam terutama jemaah haji supaya istiqamah dalam perjuangan untuk hidup sebagai seorang Muslim dan mati juga sebagai seorang Muslim. Sehubungan itu semua tata hidup kita termasuk berpolitik perlulah berpandukan apa yang diajarkan dan ditunjuki oleh Allah SWT dan Rasul-Nya, Muhammad s.a.w. **************************** Antara nikmat Allah yang agung adalah Dia telah menjadikan kita sebagai bahagian daripada umat manusia terbaik, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. iaitu dengan menjadikan Islam sebagai agama kita; "Barang siapa mencari agama selain agama Islam, maka sekali-kali tidaklah akan diterima (agama itu) daripadanya, dan dia di akhirat termasuk orang-orang yang rugi." (QS. Ali Imran: 85) ************************** Junjunglah al-Quran sebagai undang-undang kita, "Sesungguhnya al-Quran ini memberikan petunjuk kepada (jalan) yang lebih lurus." (QS. Al-Isra': 9) ************************ Muhammad s.a.w. sebagai nabi kita, "Dan sesungguhnya kamu benar-benar berbudi pekerti yang agung." (QS. Al-Qalam: 4) ************************* Dan Kaabah sebagai kiblat kita, "Dan di mana saja kamu berada, palingkanlah mukamu ke arahnya." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 144) *********************** Hal ini mengharuskan kita bersyukur kepada Allah, Zat yang Maha Tinggi. Insya-Allah jemaah yang ke Tanah Suci akan kembali; ini beberapa nasihat kepada haji dan hajah, semoga hal ini bermanfaat bagi kita semua: ************************ 1. Syukur kepada Allah Taala kerana kita telah berhasil menyelesaikan kewajiban yang agung dan penuh barakah ini. "Sesungguhnya jika kamu bersyukur, pasti Aku (Allah) akan menambah (nikmat) kepadamu." (QS. Ibrahim: 7) ************************ 2. Hendaknya haji menjadi titik tolak perubahan dalam hidup kita. "Sesungguhnya Allah tidak mengubah keadaan sesuatu kaum sehingga mereka mengubah keadaan yang ada pada diri mereka sendiri." (QS. Ar-Ra'du: 11) ************************** 3. Banyak orang pulang haji dengan membawa hidayah, yang paling pokok adalah kita pulang haji dengan membawa hidayah. "Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus." (QS. Al-Fatihah: 7) *************************** 4. Kita baru saja meninggalkan pendidikan dan pelatihan iman dan amal, kewajipan kita melanjutkan apa yang sudah kita pelajari. "Demi masa. Sesungguhnya manusia itu benar-benar berada dalam kerugian, kecuali orang-orang yang beriman dan mengerjakan amal saleh dan nasihat menasihati supaya menaati kebenaran dan nasihat menasihati supaya menetapi kesabaran." (QS. Al-'Ashr: 1-3) *********************** 5. Jangan lupakan, "Sesungguhnya orang-orang mukmin adalah bersaudara." (QS. Al-Hujurat: 10) *********************** 6. Betapa seringnya engkau angkat tanganmu berdoa kepada Allah pada hari-hari yang baik itu, maka jangan engkau hentikan, "doa adalah ibadah." (HR. Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibnu Maja dan dishahihkan oleh at-Tirmidzi) ************************* 7. Jadikan seluruh hidupmu sesuai dengan sunnah Nabi s.a.w. dan bersungguh-sungguhlah untuk mengamalkannya. "...Tidaklah hambaku senantiasa mendekatkan dirinya kepada-Ku dengan amal-amal sunnah hingga Aku mencintainya..." (HR. Bukhari) *********************** 8. Engkau telah kembali dengan membawa prasangka baik kepada Allah. Dosa-dosamu juga telah terlebur. Keadaanmu laksana bayi yang baru dilahirkan oleh seorang ibu. Maka janganlah engkau padamkan cahaya di hatimu dengan lumpur dosa. ************************ 9. Boleh jadi engkau juga telah berjanji kepada Allah untuk bertaubat (meninggalkan dosa), maka jangan engkau ulangi lagi. "Ya Tuhan kami, janganlah Engkau jadikan hati kami condong kepada kesesatan sesudah Engkau beri petunjuk kepada kami..." (QS. Ali Imran: 8) ************************** 10. Saranan yang utama untuk meneguhkan keistiqamahanmu adalah dengan melaksanakan dakwah (mengajak manusia) kepada Allah. "Siapakah yang lebih baik perkataannya daripada orang yang menyeru kepada Allah, mengerjakan amal yang saleh dan berkata: "Sesungguhnya aku termasuk orang-orang yang berserah diri?" (QS. Fushilat: 33) *************************** Saudaraku, para hujjaj, setelah pulang haji tanyakan pada dirimu, apakah engkau masih merasakan letih dan lelah? Pasti kamu akan menjawab, "tidak." Begitulah hidup di dunia, kita merasa lelah kerana Allah, kemudian kita akan bersantai dan bersenang-senang untuk selama-lamanya di syurga yang tinggi, yang tak akan pernah terdengar perkataan sia-sia di dalamnya. ******************** Kepada Allah-lah kita memohon kebaikan dan kurnia-Nya; semoga dengan bergelarnya kita sebagai haji dan hajah dapatlah kita berperanan sebagai seorang Muslim yang beriman dan beramal dalam semua bidang kehidupan termasuk dalam berpolitik. ************************* Berpolitiklah mengikut Islam; berdasarkan apa yang ditunjuki oleh Allah dan Rasul-Nya Muhammad s.a.w. Insya-Allah, kita akan selamat dunia dan akhirat sebagaimana doa yang selalu dititipkan oleh jemaah haji ketika bertawaf di sisi Kaabah - Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar - yang bererti: Ya Tuhan kami, berilah kami kebaikan di dunia dan kebaikan di akhirat dan peliharalah kami daripada azab neraka.... Amin

Seronoknya menjadi penghantar tetamu Allah...

*************************** DENGAN nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. **************************** Renungan *************************** "Sesungguhnya kami memberi makanan kepadamu hanyalah untuk mengharapkan keredaan Allah, kami tidak menghendaki balasan daripada kamu dan tidak pula (ucapan) terima kasih." (Surah Al-Insaan, ayat 9) ************************* SEJAK menghantar ibu bapa saya ke Kompleks Tabung Haji Kelana Jaya dalam perjalanan mereka menunaikan haji buat pertama kali pada tahun 1991, mungkin sudah belasan kali saya ke pusat pengumpulan jemaah haji bagi kawasan tengah Semenanjung itu. *************************** Namun sehingga kini setiap kali memandu kenderaan ke kompleks itu dari Melaka saya masih tidak yakin dapat menuju ke sana dengan tepat tanpa bertanya arah jalan kepada orang ramai termasuklah jurutol. Keadaan semakin tertekan jika kita terperangkap dalam kesesakan kenderaan ketika waktu kemuncak seperti sebelum dan selepas waktu pejabat. *************************** Pengalaman mutakhir ketika menghantar seorang adik perempuan dan suaminya yang akan ke Tanah Suci baru-baru ini juga menyaksikan saya terpaksa 'berpusing dan berpatah balik ke sana sini' sebelum akhirnya menghampiri kompleks yang terletak di kawasan perumahan itu. ***************************** Adalah biasa untuk orang luar kehilangan masa sejam dua terkial-kial mencari arah ke kompleks berkenaan. Sebaik sampai dan menurunkan jemaah haji dan bagasi mereka, cabaran seterusnya adalah untuk mempakir kenderaan. Jalan sepanjang kompleks itu dipenuhi kenderaan, maka terpaksalah mencari ruang kosong termasuk di hadapan rumah orang dan di padang. **************************** Diharapkan kepayahan orang luar mencari jalan ke Kompleks Tabung Haji di Kelana Jaya dapat diselesaikan dalam waktu terdekat. Mengikut laporan beberapa tahun lalu, Tabung Haji sudah membina sebuah kompleks haji bernilai RM150 juta berdekatan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA). Namun apa sudah jadi; apa perkembangan terbaru mengenai kompleks ini? **************************** Dalam masa menunggu ini, jemaah haji dan orang ramai terpaksa berpuas hati dengan kompleks lama di Kelana Jaya. Pada setiap musim haji, kompleks ini dibanjiri terlalu ramai orang. Bagi setiap kumpulan (KT) penerbangan mungkin ada 400 jemaah; jika satu pasangan jemaah haji (biasanya suami isteri) ada 20 penghantar (termasuk kanak-kanak), jumlah mereka yang berhimpun mungkin melebih 4,000 orang pada satu-satu masa. Itulah sebabnya untuk 'menenggekkan punggung' di penjuru platform dalam khemah pun payah; jadi ramailah yang terpaksa berdiri. ****************************** Kehadiran saudara-mara dan sahabat handai penghantar jemaah itulah yang menceriakan suasana. Keadaan hiruk pikuk dengan anak-anak berlari ke sana sini manakala penjual barangan permainan seperti belon dan watak kartun termasuk Spongebob Squarepants menambah gamat suasana. ***************************** Suasana meriah di Kompleks Tabung Haji Kelana Jaya menunjukkan betapa seronoknya saudara-mara dan sahabat-handai menghantar orang kesayangan ke Tanah Suci. Insya-Allah dengan semangat itu, suatu hari mereka juga akan ke Tanah Suci, menunaikan haji. ****************************** Namun dalam kemeriahan orang ramai di Kompleks Haji, ada pengunjung 'terlepas pandang', mungkin mereka terlupa bahawa usaha mereka menghantar jemaah itu sebenarnya adalah 'suatu ibadat' - mereka membantu dan meraikan ibu bapa, saudara-mara atau sahabat-handai melengkapkan Rukun Islam masing-masing. ************************** Ada wanita penghantar jemaah tidak bertudung, ada yang berpakaian sendat dan ketat; jadi amat janggal kelihatan ketika mereka bersalam-salaman dan berpeluk-pelukan dengan jemaah yang akan berlepas. Jika begini keadaannya masakan kunjungan mereka ini dikira ibadat; sebenarnya bukan hanya orang yang pergi menunaikan haji saja perlu mempertingkatkan ibadat mereka tetapi juga orang yang ditinggalkan di tanah air. ************************* Jemaah haji Malaysia mungkin 22,000 orang saja; tetapi yang tinggal di sini jutaan orang; jadi apa amalan yang boleh dilakukan mereka pada musim haji ini? Banyak perkara boleh dilaksanakan seperti mengambil peranan ibu bapa kepada anak-anak yang ditinggalkan jemaah dan ada amalan khusus yang amat digalakkan kepada kita di tanah air seperti berpuasa pada 1-9 Zulhijah (terutamanya pada 9 Zulhijah iaitu Hari Wukuf), memperbanyakkan doa, berzikir dan bersedekah. ********************* Kemudian pada 10 Zulhijah (Hari Raya Haji) ada amalannya; demikian juga pada Hari Tasyrik (11,12 dan 13 Zulhijjah). Antara amalan yang sangat digalakkan adalah melakukan korban binatang. Demikian betapa banyak amalan yang boleh dilakukan oleh orang yang tidak mengerjakan haji; jadi Hari Raya Haji bukanlah khusus untuk orang menunaikan haji semata-mata!

'Please, don't mention it!'

********************* In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Reflection ************************* The Declining Day (Al-'Asr) 1. By the declining day, 2. Lo! Man is in a state of loss, 3. Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. **************************** LIFE is like a wheel; sometimes you are up, sometimes you are down. Sometimes you are on top of the world; sometimes you are at the bottom of the sea. *********************** Sometimes you find yourself flying up in the sky, sometimes you find yourself crying on the ground or buried deep inside the earth. *********************** Normally when we are at the bottom (of the wheel) we pray and cry (usually within) for help. And 'insya-Allah' (God willing) there would always be help to those who themselves had helped others before. Please believe me! *************************** Many, many years ago when I was a student at a local university (1982-85), my 'trustworthy friend' - a Yamaha Cup which I had bought as a second hand item for RM1,200 - broke down and had to be sent to a workshop. ********************** When the repair was done, I was unable to make payment as I did not have enough money. I was at a loss but suddenly a gentleman who was also at the workshop walked up to me and offered to top up the bill. ************************** Yes, help had come; I thanked the good Samaritan who later told me he was a lecturer at a university but to my surprise he said: "Please, don't mention it!" *************************** Truly generous persons feed the hungry (and help the needy) saying, "We feed you for the shake of Allah alone, we seek from you neither reward nor thanks." (Qur'an: 76:9) *************************** Dear readers; I reflect this touching experience after hearing a 'tazkirah' (religious reminder) by an 'ustaz' (Muslim teacher) recently that we should not be telling others about the good things that we had done what more boast about it. **************************** But it today's 'material world' where almost all of us are for praise, we tend to tell the world of our good deeds; the social network such as Facebook is a good example. We tend to display the fair side of us but hide all bad things about ourselves. ************************** And our mass media especially during election time runs too many programmes, advertisements and talk shows telling the people all the good things that the Umno-BN government had done and given to the people such as their 'luar bandar' (rural) development projects, financial assistance such as 'Bantuan Rakyat 1-Malaysia' (BR1M) and book vouchers to students. *************************** Remember what Allah SWT says in Ayah 2:264 (Al-Baqarah or Cow) with the meaning: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth (only) to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a (large) smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable (to keep) anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." ****************************** The 'ustaz' said to be in the correct path is that we should forget all our good deeds but always remember others' help rendered to us. In terms of bad deeds we should always remember our part on others but forget what other people had done to us. *************************** "Revealing one's good deeds falls into two category; one by telling fellow human beings which is not allowed and make that person feel a loser this world and Hereafter and the other by mentioning them to Allah SWT in ones supplications which is allowed. ***************************** The 'ustaz' then mentioned this story about three persons blocked in a cave to illustrate that Allah SWT allows us to mention our good deeds to Him, in what he termed it as 'tawassul' (seeking Allah's help by mentioning about ones good deeds). ************************** The Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.) said: “Three persons of a people before you, were on a journey when they were overtaken by a storm and therefore they took shelter in a cave. A rock slipped down from the mountain and blocked the exit of the cave. ***************************** One of them said: “The only way for deliverance left is to beseech Allah in the name of some virtuous deed.” Thereupon one of them supplicated, “O Lord, my parents were very old, I used to offer them their nightly drink of milk before my children and the other members of the family. One day I went astray far away in search of green trees and could return only after my parent had gone to sleep. ************************ When I had milked the animals and brought their nightly drink to them, they were fast asleep, but I did not like to disturb them, nor would give any part of the milk to my children and other members of the family till after my parents had their drink. Thus, with the vessel in hand, I awaited their awakening till the flush of dawn, while the children cried out of hunger at my feet. When they woke up, they had their drink. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do relieve us of the distress wrought upon us by this rock.” Thereupon, The rock moved a little but that not enough to let them pass out. ************************** Then the second man supplicated: “O Lord, I had a cousin whom I loved her more passionately than any loves a woman. I tried to seduce her but she would have none of me, till in a season of great hardship due to famine, she approached me (for help) and I gave her 120 dinars on condition that she would have sexual intercourse with me. She agreed, and when we got together and I was just going to have intercourse with her, she pleaded: ‘Fear Allah, and do not break the seal unlawfully’; whereupon I moved away from her, despite the fact that I desired her most passionately; and I let her keep the money I had given her. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do move the distress in which we find ourselves.” Again the rock moved a little but not enough to let them pass out. ***************************** Then the third supplicated: “O Lord, I hired some laborers and paid them their dues, but one of them left leaving behind what was due to him. I invested it in business and the business prospered greatly.” After a time the laborer came back and said: ‘O servant of Allah, hand over to me my wages.’ I said to him: ‘All that you see is yours – camels, cattle, goats and slaves.’ He said: ‘Don’t play joke with me, O servant of Allah.’ I assured him: ‘I am not joking.’ So he took all of it sparing nothing. O Lord, If I did this seeking only for your pleasure, do relieve us of our distress.” ***************************** The rock then moved away, and all the three came out of the cave safe and sound! (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) ************************** Based on this hadith, the 'ustaz' said it is okay to mention our good deeds to Allah SWT but he reminded us that there is no point in us revealing our good deeds to our relatives, friends and office mates because human beings as Allah' s creatures are all too weak and poor thus are not in any position to 'upgrade' our position or provide the help and material things that we intend to have. *************************** For example if we tend to 'show off' how generous we are by giving away a mock cheque say RM10,000 to a charity organization in front of cameramen but postphone the event if the pressmen are absent, then we are only making a mockery of ourselves; not only in this world we would be a loser but the punishment that awaits us in the Hereafter is unbearable and everlasting. *************************** The 'ustaz' said all praises should be addressed to The Creator Allah SWT. "So if a person mentions about our good deeds to him or her, 'return' it to Allah SWT by saying 'Alhamdulillah' (All praises be to Allah SWT)." **************************** He said only knowledge could guide a person to be safe in this world and in the Hereafter. He who knows Allah SWT knows himself/herself which is too weak and poor to be 'showered with praises'. We too know 'we are not good enough to recieve all those praises! We too know all of our bad side, and if Allah exposes them, we would be finished! Allah loves us so He hides all of them from others! *********************** A Muslim who knows himself would become a Believer (Mu'min) when the knowledge he or she witnessed 'finds its way to the heart'. The Mu'min are "those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then never doubt, and struggle with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah. They are the ones who are truthful in their claim to be the Believers." (Qur'an 49:15) *********************** Thus it would be a shame if we keep on telling people that we have 'done this and that' (good things to fellow human beings and performing our 'ibadah' to Allah SWT such as doing the late night (tahajud) prayers; instead we should be quiet about it and keep it to our ownself until our final moment on earth (death). ********************** By gaining knowledge we should know that doing good deeds is to please only Allah SWT and none else. Deeds done for other than Allah or along with Allah is not acceptable to Him. ******************************* Allah The Most Beautiful loves beauty. "So give to the kinsman his due, and to the needy, and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah's countenance. And such are they who are successful." (Qur'an: 30:38)

Kisah Pak Samad dan 'rojaknya sekolah' pasca PPSMI...

********************** Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ************************* Renungan ************************** "Maafkanlah dan suruhlah (mengerjakan) yang makruf dan berpalinglah daripada orang-orang yang jahil." - Q.S. Al-A'raf: 199) ****************************** DATO' A Samad Said atau lebih mesra dengan panggilan Pak Samad 'bukanlah asing' bagi diri saya. Saya pernah bekerja sebumbung dengannya ketika di NSTP pada tahun-tahun 1980-an dulu. ********************************** Kini pada ketika Pak Samad difitnah dan dilempar pelbagai tuduhan jelek termasuk pengkhianat negara, saya mengimbau catatan saya mengenai beliau di samping menelusuri usahanya dalam mengepali bantahan terhadap Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) yang sehingga kini isunya bagaikan 'duri dalam daging' yang bila-bila masa boleh meletup. Tetapi ia senyap saja sekarang ini kerana pembantah PPSMI mungkin sudah terlena dengan janji manis pemimpin kerajaan. ******************************* Dalam buku saya 'Dilema Seorang Wartawan Islam' saya mencatat: "Beberapa hari selepas memasuki Berita Harian, Yunus Said (ketika itu Penolong Pengarang Berita dan menjadi terkenal selepas meletakkan jawatan sebagai Pengarah Operasi TV3), memanggil saya ke meja kerjanya. ********************************** "Beliau memberi nasihat yang mungkin tidak akan saya lupakan sepanjang hayat. Katanya: "Kamu ingat kamu nak jadi Samad Said ke?" merujuk kepada Sasterawan Negara, A Samad Said. Beliau berkata demikian bagi menyindir cara saya bekerja yang dakwanya macam tokoh besar dunia kesusasteraan itu. ******************************** "Saya mula mengenali nama A Samad Said sewaktu bersekolah lagi. Novelnya 'Salina' menarik perhatian saya. Kata Yunus: "Kalau awak buat kerja, temenung sana, temenung sini, bila kerja kamu nak siap? Kerja ni (buat berita) bukan macam buat buat novel, buat cerpen. Buat kerja sikit, kemudian berhenti - minum kopi, temenung dan kemudian temenung lagi. Besok pun termenung lagi." ************************************* Ya, ketika zaman awal saya di NSTP kerap benar saya melihat Pak Samad duduk-duduk di kafeteria NSTP; biasanya santai sekali dia bersama isteri keduanya, Kak Rashidah Md Dahan. Sesekali timbul juga rasa 'jeolous' di hati 'orang bujang macam saya' (ketika itulah)! Ehh, intim sekali 'orang tua berjanggut' ini dengan 'pasangannya', desir hati saya... *********************************** Sebagai anak seni yang halus jiwanya mengerti rentak suara hati rakyat kerana kerap benar beliau menelusuri lorong dengan berjalan kaki hanya bersandal atau berselipar serta menaiki bas awam, 'respek' (perkataan 'baru' yang saya perasan digunakan ketika sambutan Hari Wanita...respek wanita, apa tak boleh dipakai hormati wanita?) saya kepada Pak Samad bertambah jitu akhir-akhir ini apabila mengenang 'orang tua' ini sanggup mengharung derita bersama rakyat marhaen termasuklah dalam isu PPSMI. ****************************** Atas kepimpinan tokoh-tokoh seperti Pak Samad dan bekas Ketua Pengarah DBP, Dato' Dr Hassan Ahmad (kini Allahyarham); PPSMI dimansuhkan (atau lebih tepat lagi 'digantung tak bertali') selepas diadakan satu bantahan besar-besaran di KL pada 7 Mac 2009 yang dianggarkan dihadiri 100,000 orang. **************************** Namun orang politik bijak bersandiwara; PPSMI sebenarnya tidak dimansuhkan serta merta tetapi disediakan landasan 'soft landing', demikian umum Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Pelajaran, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin bagi membolehkan Umno-BN terus mendapat sokongan kedua-dua pihak yang membantah dan menyokong PPSMI. ****************************** Kata Muhyiddin PPSMI akan hanya dimansuhkan sepenuhnya di sekolah rendah pada 2016 manakala di sekolah menengah pada 2021. 'Soft landing' yang dikatakan oleh Muhyiddin yang memberi sekolah kebebasan penuh untuk menentukan sama ada untuk terus menggunakan bahasa Melayu atau bahasa Inggeris dalam pelaksanaan program PPSMI sehingga kohort terakhir tamat pada 2015 (sekolah rendah) dan 2020 (sekolah menengah). ********************************** Muhyiddin dilihat sebagai tunduk kepada kedua-dua pihak yang menentang dan menyokong PPSMI, mungkin bagi kepentingan politik diri dan partinya; seolah-olah memberikan situasi menang-menang (win-win situation) yang diharapkan dapat memuaskan Gerakan Menentang PPSMI (GMP) dan juga kumpulan pro-PPSMI yang digerakkan oleh Persatuan Ibu Bapa Untuk Pendidikan (Page) yang diterajui oleh Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim. ************************************ Berdasarkan perkembangan semasa; Page dilhat semakin lantang dan ke depan sedangkan GMP kelihatan 'agak senyap'. Ingatlah kata pemutus belum ada lagi mengenai PPSMI...ya perjuangan kita belum selesai! Kini pada ketika Pak Samad dituduh pengkhianat, saya cuba-cuba meninjau-ninjau pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik di sekolah pada 'pasca' PPSMI. Terperanjat saya, ada sekolah mengajar dalam bahasa Inggeris saja, ada sekolah dalam bahasa Melayu saja dan ada sekolah dalam 'bahasa rojak' (Inggeris dan Melayu). Di sekolah Cina dan Tamil, tidaklah saya tahu keadaannnya. ************************************* Bagi tujuan peperiksaan, kertas Sains dan Matematik disediakan dalam dwi-bahasa dan apabila menyemak salah satu kertas itu pada panduannya ada ditulis: "Kamu dibenarkan menjawab keseluruhan atau sebahagian soalan sama ada dalam bahasa Inggeris atau Melayu." ************************************ Bercelaru dan 'rojak' sungguh sistem pendidikan kita sekarang ini; yang cukup saya bimbang nasib pelajar-pelajar kita. Sebagai contoh jika di sekolah rendah terutama di luar bandar, murid belajar dalam bahasa Melayu sepenuhnya tetapi apabila ke sekolah menengah (terutama sekolah berasrama penuh) yang memilih bahasa Inggeris sepenuhnya, tidaklah mudah untuk pelajar 'catch up'. Sengaja saya guna ungkapan bahasa Inggeris ini bagi menunjukkan betapa 'rojak'nya diri termasuk sistem pendidikan kita. ************************************* Ya, 'kerojakan' (kecelaruan dan kepincangan) yang berlaku sekarang ini perlu ditentang kita semua; tidak wajar kita bebankannya lagi di bahu Pak Samad sekalipun semangat 'merakyatnya' tetap berkorbar-kobar dan sentiasa menyala. Mana pejuang-pejuang muda kita; ayuh kita kibarkan bendera di atas puing-puing runtuhan kota Melaka!

'Merdeka' (free one's self) from practicing favoritism (Final part)

************** In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ***************** Reflection ***************** 'Aisha narrated this hadith: "Usama approached the Prophet on behalf of a woman (who had committed theft). The Prophet said, 'The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet ) did that (i.e. stole), I would cut off her hand'." (Sahih Bukhari) * ************************** AT the height of the conquest of Persia, the Muslim general, Sa'ad ibn Waqqass carried out Caliph Umar Al-Khattab's will and sent Rustum (or Rustam), the Persian great general, a number of his companions lead by Asim ibn Amir to call him to follow Islam and Allah's path. ****************************** The conversation between them and the Persian leader lasted long. Finally they ended their talk by telling him, "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness. Whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allah's promise." *************************** During our country's one month 'Merdeka' celebration (until 16th September), I heard several 'ustaz' (religious teacher) discussing the points elaborated by Asim to Rustum to define the meaning of 'merdeka' (freedom). It was regarding 'transforming' people from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to freedom and from ruler's injustice to Islam fairness. ******************************* In Islam, each of us is equal in the eyes of Allah SWT. There is no difference between a rich and a poor man. Yes, only 'takwa' (fear of Allah) differenciate people for He had said in the Qur'an: "O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." - (Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13) ******************************* Since in few weeks time we would be celebrating Eid Adha and beginning Friday (6th September) some 22,000 Malaysian pilgrims (6,000 less from previous hajj because of the reduced quota by the Saudis) including two of my siblings and their spouses will begin their jouney to the Holy Land which would be attended by more than two million pilgrims, I prefer to discuss the topic on fairness ('merdeka' from practicing favoritism) based on the hajj 'manasik' (rites and ceremonies performed at hajj). **************************** In the meeting with Rustum, Asim was quoted as saying: "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism..." then hajj is about 'returning to your source - the hajj is not a journey of going (to Makkah); it is a journey of returning. The pilgrim is not going to Makkah, he is returning to his source, Allah The source of Everything. (Hajj of the Heart, Orina) ***************************** It noted that "we are from Adam (peace be upon him - a.s.), he was from 'Jannah' (heaven), and it is where we are heading, 'insya-Allah' (God willing). The hajj is a reminder of 'heading home'; it is recognizing our true origin." ***************************** The road to His paradise should be open and available to all (perhaps that's why Asim insisted that Rustum give way because he was the stumbling block of his people from accepting Islam) by saying "whoever accepts our offer, we will leave him alone and will refrain from hurting him. Whoever fights us, we will fight him until we fulfil Allah's promise." ******************************** So in my opinion 'merdeka' means that we are free to practice all our religions obligations and as Muslims we have the rights to implement all of Allah SWT commands including hudud law (because it is mention in the Qur'an) and preventing ‘mungkar’ (sins). Having reservation on any of Allah SWT’s commands is a clear violation of our oath, the ‘syahadah’, that we will submit and obey all of Allah SWT’s commands. ************************** Some scholars even say having such an attitude will nullify our ‘syahadah’ and is sufficient to make a person ‘kafir’ (a non-believer). And Allah SWT has given us warning on this matter in Ayah 85 Surah al-Baqarah (...Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelive ye in part thereof?...)where Allah SWT warns us not to become like the Children of Israel who disobey some of Allah SWT’s commandments in the Taurah. ********************** Muslims should be reminded that they would lead a meaningless and ruined life unless they are guided by the Qur’an, the world of God. But are our lives truly guided by the Qur’an; from the moment we wake up from bed in the early morning till we are in bed again at night are all our actions in acordance to the Qur’an? **************************** Or are we good in taking what we think are good to us and ignoring what we feel bad? In that Ayah 85 of the Surah al-Baqarah Allah warns us, that to accept some part of the Qur’an and to reject some is to reject all of it. There is no room for partial acceptance in your relationship with the Qur’an; there cannot logical be. *************************** The 'big' question is why are we practicing 'favoritisme' in implementing the words of Allah SWT. Ooo Allah, please forgive us for this; we had being cruel to ourselves. We are the 'great liars' - we are actually the great 'favoritisme practitioner', instead we are pointing our fingers at others! ********************************* Have a good look at Ayah (Ayat) 178 and 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah (Cow); why we fully accepted God’s commandments regarding fasting but we were reluctant to his laws of ‘qisas’. Ayah 183 reads; “O ye who believe! Fasing is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you that ye may ward off (evil),” while Ayah 178 reads; “O ye who believe! Retalation is prescribed for you in the matter of the murdered; the freeman for the freeman, and the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. And for him who is forgiven somewhat by his (injured) brother, prosecution according to usage and payment unto him in kindness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. He who transgresseth after this will have a painfull doom.” (The Meaning of the Glorious Qu’an, translation by Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall) ******************************* Unfortunately we are now leading a secular life; our country, our societies and our families were not governed by His laws. We were placing man’s made laws (whats more they were enemies of Allah SWT) in number one position; thus pushing Allah SWT’s laws aside. ********************************* All Muslims should keep in line with the teaching of the Prophet (pbuh) at all times for Allah SWT says: “Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. to be consistent in performing your duties to Allah SWT, and giving (help) to kin, and forbidden Al-Fahsha (i.e. all evil deeds) and Al-Munkar (i.e. all kinds of oppression). ************************** “He admonishes you that you may take heed. And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (SWT) when you covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them – and indeed you have appointed Allah SWT your surety. Verily, Allah knows what you do.” (An-Nahl: 90-91) ************************** ‘Hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ are ambassadors of good faith; they are highly respected and are look upon as examples in society. In the Holy Land, almost all pilgrims put in practice all the basic principles of Islam such as fairness and equaliy and avoid favoritisme. **************************** For example when pilgrims are in the state of 'ihram' - it is a powerful reminder that wealth, power and status have no meaning in their movement in the direction of Allah The Merciful. All stand as equals in the hajj. ************************** In the Holy Land, almost all ‘hajjis’ and ‘hajjas’ follow strictly the word of Allah The Greatest (SWT) and the Prophet (s.a.w.) in order to be rewarded ‘hajji mabrur’ (hajj that would be accepted by Allah SWT and the reward which is none other than ‘jannah’, but sadly upon returning home, some come go back to their old ways. ************************ If during ‘hajj’, they follow word by word whatever penned down and instructed in hajj guidebooks, but in life they fail to adhere to the greatest manual given by Allah SWT to human beings, that is the Qur’an. We tend to adhere to some orders of Allah SWT but fail to practice in life His law such as ‘hudud’. We should know that our lives will remain meaningless and ruined unless they are guided by the Qur’an, the word of God. *************************** So, what's the way out or the solution to all of our problems including the rampant practice of selectiveness where nowadays Muslims are not only being prosecuted in foreign lands by non-Muslims but also in Muslims dominated countries such as Egypt and Syria by leaders who claimed to be Muslims? **************************** The answer is return to the words of Allah SWT and His final Prophet, Muhammad s.a.w. Surrender only to Him; only He could provide us the way out as mention in the 'talbiyah' chanted by hajj pilgrims: Labbayk, Allahumma, Labbayk, Labbayk, La Shareeka laka, Labbayk Innal-hamda wan n’mata laka wal-mulk, La shareekala – (Here I am at Your service, O Lord here I am, No partner do You have, Here I am, Truly the praise and the favour is Yours and the dominion. No partner do You have). ***************************** Remember what Asim ibn Amir had told Rustum: "Allah has chosen us to turn whom He chooses of His creatures from paganism to monotheism, from the narrowness of life to its freedom, from ruler's injustice to Islam's fairness." Well this simplifies the meaning of 'Merdeka'!

Bertindak proaktif hadapi kenaikan harga minyak

******************** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Renungan ********************** "Dan mereka sekalian tetap akan berhimpun menghadap Allah (untuk dihisab pada hari kiamat); kemudian orang-orang yang lemah (yang menjadi pengikut) kepada orang-orang yang sombong takbur itu akan berkata kepada mereka (yang menjadi pemimpinnya): "Sesungguhnya kami telah menjadi pengikut kamu; maka adakah kamu dapat menolak daripada kami sedikit dari azab Allah?" Mereka menjawab: "Kalaulah Allah menunjukkan jalan selamat kepada kami, tentulah kami tunjukkan jalan itu kepada kamu. (Sekarang) sama sahaja kepada kita, sama ada kita menggelisah dan mengeluh atau kita bersabar, tiadalah sebarang jalan bagi kita untuk melepaskan diri (daripada azab itu)". (Ibrahim:21) ************************** KENAIKAN harga petrol RON95 dan diesel (yang terbaru 20 sen seliter) memberi kesan terhadap pelbagai perspektif kehidupan rakyat terutama kepada golongan kelas pertengahan dan bawahan. Hanya orang 'tidak waras' menyatakan kenaikan itu 'tidak mendatangkan apa-apa' kepada kehidupan mereka. ********************************** Kenaikan 20 sen jika dilihat sepintas lalu tanpa 'menggunakan otak' memanglah kecil. Allah, 20 sen saja, kata sesetengah orang dan pihak. Tetapi 20 sen daripada apa? Pertambahan 20 sen adalah bagi setiap liter minyak - sebelum kenaikan RM1.90 kini menjadi RM2.10. Mana ada pemilik kenderaan; hatta 'kapcai' sekalipun mengisi minyak seliter setiap kali ke stesen minyak? ************************************ Kenaikan itu adalah lebih 10 peratus; setiap kali mengisi minyak kereta sebanyak RM10 kita perlu tambah RM1 manakala RM30 lebih kurang RM3. Kalau dalam sebulan keperluan minyak kita adalah RM200; dengan kenaikan itu perlu menyediakan tambahan RM20. Itu baru kenaikan harga minyak, bagaimana kenaikan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan? *************************************** Kebanyakan 'orang biasa' merungut-rungut dengan kenaikan itu. Namun tindakan itu tidak membantu 'orang biasa seperti kita' ke mana-mana pun. Bijak pandai mencadangkan kepada kita dua pilihan bagi menghadapinya; pertama bertindak segera bagi menambahkan pendapatan bagi menampung kos kenaikan itu manakala satu lagi jalan mengurangkan kos kehidupan. ************************************ Bagi menambahkan pendapatan, mereka mencadangkan kita meningkatkan prestasi kerja dan pengeluaran. Misalnya jika kita seorang peniaga kecil, jika dulu kita menjual 50 roti canai, apa kata kita tingkatkan kepada 70 butir. Atau kita kekalkan 50 butir dengan harga sama tetapi kita kecil atau nipiskan sikit roti canai kita seperti dibuat sesetengah peniaga (ini berdosa; harap anda tidak lakukannya). Jika kita seorang buruh kasar pada siang hari, apa kata pada malam hari kita menjadi atenden di pam minyak. *************************************** Kaedah mengurangkan kos pula; berjimat cermatlah. Misalnya, jika dulu kita memandu 'berseorangan' ke tempat kerja, apa kata kita kongsi kereta atau tinggalkan kereta di rumah dan kita menggunakan pengangkutan awam. Kalau ke masjid yang berdekatan rumah, tungganglah basikal atau berjalan. Ini baik untuk kesihatan anda! Kalau dulu anda melanggan akhbar harian, tak payah beli langsung terutama 'yang meloya tu' sebaliknya berkunjunglah ke perpustakaan atau baca di pejabat saja! *************************** Ya, demikianlah dua pendekatan proaktif utama untuk menghadapi peningkatan kos sara hidup - meningkatkan pendapatan dan mengurangkan kos hidup. Persoalannya, bagaimana kita mahu melakukan pendekatan ini? Ketika kenaikan harga minyak 2006, Timbalan Perdana Menteri ketika itu (kini sudah jadi PM) Najib Razak memberikan penyelesaian 'terbaik' - UBAH GAYA HIDUP. ****************************** Betul, kita perlu ubah gaya hidup untuk 'survival' di dunia penuh cabaran. Tetapi kita perlukan contoh, 'kepimpinan melalui teladan'. Bagi orang Islam, idola kita adalah junjungan Rasul s.a.w. Dalam menghadapi ujian, Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. adalah pendahulu apa diajarkan. Rumah baginda pernah 'tidak berasap' (tiada makanan) selama berbulan-bulan. Baginda tidur di atas tikar kasar sedangkan harta benda melimpah ruah memasuki 'empayar Islam'. ******************************* Sehubungan itu, wahai pemimpin tanah air; UBAH GAYA HIDUP anda. Bikinlah seperti apa yang anda cakap. Apa kata selepas ini anda tinggalkan 'istana' yang hebat dengan bil utiliti mencapai jutaan ringgit; kenderaan mewah dan pelbagai elaun untuk belajar sedikit sebanyak derita rakyat. Didiklah isteri dan anak supaya tidak bermewah dan boros atau menghabiskan harta negara, ajar mereka mencontohi Sayidatina Khadijah dan Fatimah yang tetap bersyukur sekalipun tiada apa untuk dimakan di rumah. UBAHLAH GAYA HIDUP ANDA wahai semua termasuk diri ini dan pemimpin!

Semasa kecil ditimang ibu, besar ditimang gelombang...

******************** Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ******************** Renungan ********************* "Dan janganlah kamu menghampiri zina, sesungguhnya zina itu adalah satu perbuatan yang keji dan satu jalan yang jahat yang membawa kerosakan." - Maksud Ayat al-Quran Surah al-Israa': 32 ************************* RUMAH kecil tiangnya seribu, rumah besar tiangnya sebatang; semasa kecil ditimang ibu, sudah besar ditimang gelombang...saya cukup suka mendengar seni kata puisi atau lagu ini; setiap kali mendengarnya terasa betapa ia meresap jauh ke dalam lubuk hati. **************************** Namun sehingga kini saya masih gagal memahami mengapa bijak pandai Melayu menggunakan pembayang 'rumah kecil tiangnya seribu, rumah besar tiangnya sebatang'. Bagaimana keadaan rumah kecil tiang seribu manakala rumah besar tiang sebatang? Apa rasionalnya, mungkin ada cendekiawan sedia berkongsikan jawapannya, sudi-sudilah menghantarnya melalui e-mel saya. *************************** Apa yang ingin celotehkan kali ini adalah berkenaan maksud seni kata "sudah besar ditimang gelombang" manakala maksud ungkapan "semasa kecil ditimang ibu" pada pendapat saya sudah dimaklumi kebanyakan orang - ibulah yang banyak berkorban dalam segala hal semasa kita kecil dulu. ******************************* Saya setuju kehidupan dewasa kita bagaikan ditimang gelombang - terumbang ambing ke sana ke mari, sekejap ke pantai dan sekejap lagi ke tengah lautan bergelora. Mungkin ia ada persamaan dengan peribahasa 'untung sabut timbul, untung batu tenggelam'. ********************************** Tentunya, sebahagian kita terutama generasi yang membesar pada tahun 1970 dan 1980-an terkedu mendengar lirik lagu 'Gelombang' nyanyian Salamiah Hasan: "Nasibku dirundung malang, sederas gelombang, menghempas di pantai..." ***************************** Namun apabila menginjak usia tua ini, ungkapan 'ditimang gelombang' mulai terasa tersasar daripada pengertian hakikat penghidupan - sebenarnya keyakinan, sikap dan perlakuan kitalah yang menentukan hala tuju kita sama ada menuju kebahagian dunia akhirat (syurga) atau penderitaan di dunia dan akhirat (neraka) tanpa mengetepikan faktor bahawa Allah SWT penentu segala-galanya. ******************************** Mulai terasa dalam diri ini "gelombang bukanlah penentu kehidupan ini" tetapi "kitalah sebenarnya yang menguasai gelombang." Kita menawan gelombang itu dengan iman dan bukan membiarkan diri kita dihanyutkan olehnya - terkapai-kapai tanpa ada perhentian atau pelabuhan. ********************************* Syawal lalu (apabila kelas pengajian maghrib-isyak ditangguhkan sebulan) memberi peluang kepada saya menatap sejumlah buku yang terdapat di masjid dan sebuah buku tebal bertajuk 'Fadhilat Sedekah' benar-benar memukau diri ini untuk bermuhasabah diri. *********************************** Ungkapan seperti 'usahlah gila mengumpul harta untuk ditinggal serta dihabiskan oleh orang lain di dunia ini', 'depositlah harta kamu agar kekal dan berganda-ganda di sisi Allah Taala (yang tidak dapat dimusnahkan oleh manusia seperti pencuri dan perompak dan bencana alam)' dan 'harta kamu yang sebenarnya adalah apa yang kamu telah makan, pakai dan belanjakan di sisi Allah' memberi ingatan kepada kita supaya sentiasa berada di jalan-Nya walaupun sentiasa dipukul gelombang. ************************** Sekalipun badainya tersangat kuat, tabungan kita untuk kebahagian dunia dan akhirat wajib diteruskan. Ada gelombang atau tiada gelombang (seperti kita jatuh sakit, miskin, dihina orang) pelaburan dan tabungan kita (seperti solat, zakat, sedekah, puasa, jihad dan kerja) perlu diteruskan dengan sebaik mungkin. Kita tidak ditimang gelombang sebenarnya, tetapi kitalah yang menguasai diri kita (terutama hati dan tindakan) dalam gelombang itu. *************************** Apa yang menariknya, cendekiawan mengingatkan kita supaya istiqamah (berkekalan) dalam amalan baik kita - biarlah sedikit tetapi berterusan. Misalnya kalau kita mahu bersedekah, tidak mengapa jika jumlahnya kecil tetapi lakukan sentiasa seperti setiap hari. *********************************** Misalnya dalam menderma kepada tabungan seumpama tabung masjid anggaplah ia sebagai salah seorang anak kita yang diberi belanja sekolah setiap hari. Jika kita ada tiga orang anak yang diberi RM2 seorang setiap pagi, anggaplah tabung masjid itu sebagai anak kita yang keempat - 'berilah' tabung itu RM2 setiap pagi (ada banyak fadilat bersedekah pada awal hari, salah satunya malaikat mendoakan kebaikan untuknya) termasuk hari tak sekolah. ******************************* Jika sehari kita derma RM2, dalam masa sebulan jumlahnya RM60; dalam setahun sudah ada RM720. Kalau kita istiqamah dalam masa 10 tahun, ia sudah menjadi RM7,200. Kalau kita mulakan amalan ini pada usia 40 tahun dan meninggal dunia pada usia 70 tahun (tempoh menderma 30 tahun), kita sudah 'melabur' di 'bank Allah SWT' sebanyak RM21,600! ******************************* Jika pelaburan kita dalam membesarkan anak membolehkan mereka menjadi anak salih yang mendoakan kita amat bermanfaat di dunia dan akhirat; begitulah pelaburan kita dalam tabung masjid tadi. Selain keuntungan di dunia seperti dimurahkan rezeki, ganjaran yang menunggu di akhirat nanti tersangatlah besar, hanya Allah SWT menentukannya. ******************************** Ingatlah 'simpanan' kita dalam tabung Allah SWT tidak akan rosak seperti simpanan di bank dunia dan dalam bentuk harta tetap yang akan binasa (seperti bank diisytikar muflis, berlaku bencana alam atau kamu sendiri mati) malah dilipat-gandakan. Namun semuanya perlu dilakukan mengikut landasan yang betul...semata-mata kerana Allah Taala. Di sini ikhlas amat penting. ******************************* Rumusannya, kita sendiri menentukan hala tuju hidup kita sama ada hendak berbahagia di dunia dan akhirat atau ke neraka sana. Nauzubillah. Jadi pada pendapat hamba yang daif ini tidak benarlah ungkapan "sudah besar kita ditimang gelombang!" Bagaimana pendapat pembaca?

'Merdeka' (free oneself) from practicing favoritism (II)

*************** In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ***************** Reflection ***************** "Anyone who obeys the Messenger has obeyed God..." (Nisaa 4:80) ****************** ************************* 'Aisha narrated this hadith: "Usama approached the Prophet on behalf of a woman (who had committed theft). The Prophet said, 'The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatima (the daughter of the Prophet ) did that (i.e. stole), I would cut off her hand'." (Sahih Bukhari) ************************ Yes, dear readers, favoritism is not only on 'small matters' (as some of us think) regarding our attitude when treating a beautiful or a 'pariah' cat (or any other animal) as I mentioned in my previou article but most important we must do justice to all; treat all of them including human beings equally whether they are whites or blacks, Malays or Chinese, rich or poor, kings or subjects. *************************** I brought up this subject after witnessing it myself and being told by some 'ustaz' (religious teacher) in their 'tazkirah' (lessons) about some forms of favoritisme or discrimination in life. ******************************* Once when attenting a 'kenduri' (wedding feast); I saw two sets of reception areas (tents) - one for the VIPs and the other for 'ordinary guests'. **************************** The tables for the VIPs were set on a platform whereas for the 'ordinary guests' they were placed on the ground. Of course the settings and types of food served were different - the VIP's tables were with rotating units while the 'ordinany guests' had to satisfy eating at the 'hard tables'. **************************** An 'ustaz' said there were some people who organized Hari Raya 'open houses'; inviting only selected people of their own class or status and forgot about their next door neighbours. Some totally ignored the poor even if they were residing in the same areas. ******************************** The 'ustaz' also complained that some people held 'kenduri kahwin' (feast during weddings) without inviting the poor. He said such 'kenduris' unfortunately would be without blessing from Allah SWT for Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) states: “The worst food is that of a wedding banquet (walima) to which only the rich are invited whilst the poor are not invited. And he who refuses an invitation (to a banquet) disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace).” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 4882) ******************************** It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya: “It is recommended to invite neighbours, relatives and friends.” Thus, one should invite family-members, relatives, friends, associates, scholars and pious people and others. It is wrong to invite only rich people or those who are regarded to be from the upper-class. ***************************** So why do we discrimate people or practise favoritism? Perhaps this experience by one of my sisters in law who is a housewife and does part time tailoring at home, could open our eyes in that there is no point in us giving priority to someone just because of his/her appearence, status and ranks. ******************************* A few months before Ramadan she was approached by a 'Datin' who asked her to design and sew curtains for her bangalow which would be used for Hari Raya. The cost of the project amounting to thousands of ringgits made my sister in law work hard to finish it fast and by doing so she ignored a few 'small projets' given to her earlier including by my wife. In short she gave priority to the 'Datin'. *************************** When she was readying the curtains, the 'Datin' came several times to her place and she was not happy with the work done. She grumbled a lot and when the curtains was ready, she refused to make full payment; saying that she was looking for a sponsorship and claimed that the practice was rampant among her ranks of 'Datuk' and 'Datin'. ***************************** My sister in law was speechless, she had learnt her lesson; do not give special treatment to a person just because of his/her status and rank. Do not practice favoritism - treat all people equally whether they were Datin, Dato', Tan Sri or Puan Sri. ************************** Moving on to a more serious note; what does Islam teach about justice? Neither love nor hatred can be allowed to compromise justice. *************************** An Islamic scholar, Khalid Baig says there is one word that captures the essence of all Islamic laws and all Islamic teachings; one word that describes the overriding value that permeates all Islamic values. Justice. ************************* The Qur'an says: "We sent aforetime our messengers with clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that men may stand forth in Justice." (Al-Hadeed 57:25) **************************** The sole purpose of sending the prophets was to establish justice in the world and end injustice. Broadly speaking, doing justice means giving everyone his due. But this simple statement camouflages all the complexities of life in their myriad and ever-changing relations; all the temptations; all the apprehensions and concerns; all the conflicts and dilemmas. To guide the people, Allah sent down the prophets with clear signs, the Book, and the Balance. ************************* The Book contains the revelations that spell out what's fair and unfair or right and wrong. The Balance refers to our ability to measure and calculate so we can follow the path shown by the Book and explained by the Prophets. ************************* Together these sources taught us what are the rights of Allah, of other people, and of our own persons on us and how to balance them. A life lived in obedience to Allah, then, is a continuous balancing act, both individually and collectively. **************************** Under normal circumstances many people can be just. But Islam commands its followers to be just even in the face of strong conflicting emotions. In dealing with other human beings, two major impediments to justice are love and hatred. ******************************* See how the Qur'an teaches us to overcome the first impediment when we are dealing with our closest relatives or even ourselves. "O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. (An-Nisa 4:35) ************************* Here is the resolution from the Qur'an of the perennial conflict between self-interest and justice. Be just, even if it is against your narrowly defined self-interest or of those very close to you. Ignorant people think they are protecting their self-interest by being unjust to others. ************************* Their decision to be just or unjust may be based on a cold calculation of self-interest. But real faith in Allah elevates one beyond that narrow-mindedness. These verses remind us that the real protector of interests of all people is also Allah and He will protect us when we follow His command to be just. The justice demanded by Islam permits no favoritism. **************************** Justice is much needed in todays world. "Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; and when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things." (An-Nisa 4:58) **************************** Some people show favouritism in the way they give gifts to some of their children but not others. According to the soundest opinion, doing this is haraam unless there is some legitimate reason, such as one child being in greater need than the others due to sickness. *************************** Does Islam show favoritism to any specific racial group or is it open to any ethnicity? Islam shows no favoritism towards any specific racial group. All are equals in the Eyes of Allah SWT. ***************************** We cannot show favoritism in Islam. We are all the creations of Allah, the children of Adam. The tribe of Ibrahim (Abraham), the followers of Muhammad. Allah sends food to all and protects us all. And tomorrow He will question us all, no matter who we are or what position we hold. ************************** On the Day of Questioning and the Day of judgment, each of us will be judged for whatever good and evil he has gathered. Before that time we cannot tell if someone is good or bad, or high or low in status. We are all Adam's children, all fruits from the same tree.

Fatahillah - pembakar semangat kemerdekaan

******************** Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. ********************** Renungan ********************** "Dan mereka sekalian tetap akan berhimpun menghadap Allah (untuk dihisab pada hari kiamat); kemudian orang-orang yang lemah (yang menjadi pengikut) kepada orang-orang yang sombong takbur itu akan berkata kepada mereka (yang menjadi pemimpinnya): "Sesungguhnya kami telah menjadi pengikut kamu; maka adakah kamu dapat menolak daripada kami sedikit dari azab Allah?" Mereka menjawab: "Kalaulah Allah menunjukkan jalan selamat kepada kami, tentulah kami tunjukkan jalan itu kepada kamu. (Sekarang) sama sahaja kepada kita, sama ada kita menggelisah dan mengeluh atau kita bersabar, tiadalah sebarang jalan bagi kita untuk melepaskan diri (daripada azab itu)". (Ibrahim:21) ************************** Sempena ulang tahun kemerdekaan negara ke-56 tahun, disiarkan balik artikel dalam buku 'Dilema Seorang Wartawan Islam' mengenai pejuang bangsa dan agama di Nusantara supaya kita kenal siapa itu pejuang sebenar atau 'pejuang tiruan' atau 'pejuang jadi-jadian' yang diangkat oleh pihak-pihak tertentu demi kepentingan tertentu. ********************* Kalau roboh kota Melaka, Papan di Jawa saya dirikan, Kalau sungguh bagai dikata, Nyawa dan badan saya serahkan. ************************* Demikian saya teringat serangkap pantun lama apabila terlihat sebuah papan tanda menyatakan Melaka bersiap sedia menyambut penubuhannya yang ke-600 tahun tidak lama dulu. ************************* Ketika Melaka menyambut ulang tahunnya yang ke-600, kota raya Jakarta di Jawa pula merayakan ulang tahunnya yang ke-470 (pada tahun 1997). Jika kota Melaka roboh, dihancurkan oleh armada Portugis pada 1511, kota Jakarta pula didirikan selepas kejayaan rakyat tempatan mengusir Portugis pada 22 Jun 1527. **************************** Sekalipun tiada hebahan di negara kita mengenai ulang tahun ke-470 kota Jakarta, peristiwa penubuhannya amat penting diketahui bagi menyemarakkan semangat perjuangan anak bangsa menghadapi kerakusan penjajah. *********************************** Kota Jakarta asalnya sebuah pelabuhan kecil di kuala Sungai Ciliwung dengan nama Sunda Kelapa yang masih wujud sampai sekarang. ***************************** Selepas menawan Melaka, Portugis meluaskan pengaruhnya di Nusantara termasuk membina sebuah kota di Sunda Kelapa pada 1522. Bagaimanapun, mereka tidak disenangi oleh penduduk tempatan dan selepas berlaku pertempuran hebat pada 1527, angkatan Portugis yang gagah perkasa itu akhirnya ditewaskan oleh angkatan perang seorang pemerintah Islam bernama Fatahillah. ******************************** Sempena kejayaan itu, Fatahillah menamakan kota itu Jayakarta, yang kemudian terkenal dengan nama Jakarta sehingga hari ini. Kisah Fatahillah ini sudah difilem dan ditayangkan di Indonesia dan Malaysia. ********************************* Ketika berada di Jakarta tidak lama dulu, saya sempat melawat pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa yang terletak di utara ibu kota Indonesia itu. **************************** Pelabuhannya kecil tetapi sibuk. Ia dipenuhi tongkang dan kapal layar. Barangan utama yang diperdagangkan di sini ialah kayu-kayan yang diperolehi dari Sumatera dan Kalimantan. Kayu-kayan ini dieksport ke pelbagai negara seperti Jepun dan Korea Selatan. *************************** Air di muara Sungai Ciliwung di mana terletaknya Sunda Kelapa ini kotor dan hanyir. Bagaimanapun, air sungai yang mengalir perlahan ini sebenarnya menyaksikan jatuh bangun anak bangsa di tangan penjajah - Portugis dan Belanda. **************************** Kejayaan Fatahillah menewaskan Portugis adalah pembakar semangat kepada perjuangan anak watan. Ia membuktikan bahawa bangsa Asia adalah setaraf bangsa Eropah yang menjajah dan memporakperandakan kehidupan mereka. ****************************** Selepas beratus-ratus tahun dijajah, semua wilayah di rantau Asia sudah merdeka - ada melalui perang dan pertumpahan darah manakala sesetengahnya secara rundingan dan perjanjian. ****************************** Pada detik 12 tengah malam 30 Jun 1997, dunia menyaksikan satu peristiwa bersejarah, menandakan berakhirnya keangkuhan satu lagi bangsa Barat ke atas rantau Asia. Hong Kong akhirnya diserahkan kembali ke tangan China oleh penjajah British selepas menguasainya sejak 1842. British akhirnya terpaksa akur bahawa 'cahayanya di Timur sudah padam'. ******************************* Selain British yang terpaksa 'angkat kaki' dari rantau Timur, Portugis juga berbuat demikian apabila ia menyerahkan Macau kepada China pada 1999. Penyerahan Macau bermakna semua wilayah di rantau Asia bebas daripada cengkaman penjajah. *********************************** Sekalipun penjajahan Barat sudah lenyap dari bumi Asia, hakikatnya rantau ini masih terbelenggu dengan ideologi Barat. Negara Barat masih meneruskan penjajahan mereka di rantau ini - tetapi kini bukan dengan dasar pecah dan perintah tetapi dalam bentuk baru. ********************************** Penjajahan minda adalah antara contoh pendekatan baru dunia Barat. Sekalipun sudah bebas dari segi fizikal, masyarakat rantau ini terus disogokkan segala bentuk kehidupan Barat. ******************************* Jika dulu, China tewas kerana rakyatnya ketagihan candu yang dibawa oleh British, tidak memeranjatkan apabila negara di rantau Asia tewas sekali lagi jika penduduknya hanyut dibuai kelekaan yang didatangkan oleh Barat. **************************** Seperti kepahlawanan Fatahillah yang menewaskan penjajah Portugis lebih 570 tahun lalu, kita mengharapkan kelahiran lebih ramai tokoh berwibawa sepertinya yang dapat menghancurkan penjajahan bentuk baru ini, seterusnya menyelamatkan rantau Asia daripada menanggung malu buat sekian kalinya.