***
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
Daripada Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani bahawa Nabi s.a.w. bersabda, bermaksud: "Barangsiapa yang memberikan makanan untuk berbuka kepada orang berpuasa maka ia mendapat pahala sama dengan orang yang berpuasa sedangkan pahala orang yang berpuasa itu sendiri tidak berkurangan sedikit pun.” (Hadis riwayat Tirmidzi)
***
"MASA ayah kahwin dengan ibu dulu, ayah 'handsome' tak?" tanya seorang anak saya yang ketika itu berusia lapan tahun, membuatkan saya dan isteri tergelak besar.
Dulu lain, sekarang lain. Sebagai makhluk bersifat baru, banyaklah perkara berubah. Dulu badan kuat, sekarang selalu sengal-sengal (sakit).
Dulu rambut lebat, sekarang sudah kurang. Dulu gigi penuh, sekarang sudah ada yang rompong. Ringkasnya banyak perubahan berlaku - sama ada dari segi fizikal atau mental.
Dalam artikel ini, saya akan membawa pembaca meneliti beberapa kemudahan asas yang berubah dan tidak berubah. Skopnya adalah berkaitan pengangkutan awam sesuai dengan keghairahan balik kampung raya ini dan isu saman ekor.
Jalan raya
Antara kemudahan awam paling awal saya kenal ialah jalan raya. Pertama kali saya terbabit dalam perjalanan jauh adalah dari Melaka ke Kuala Lumpur kira-kira 30 tahun lalu. Jalan raya pada masa itu tidaklah sebaik hari ini. Ketika itu mana ada lebuh raya.
Perjalanan ke Kuala Lumpur mengambil masa lebih empat jam. Jalan rayanya bengkang-bengkok, mendaki bukit, melalui cerun, melalui kawasan ladang getah dan kampung-kampung. Tandas awam pun tak ada masa itu. Terpaksalah buang air dalam semak.
Hari ini sudah ada lebuh raya. Perjalanan dari Melaka ke Kuala Lumpur tidak sampai dua jam. Kini ada tandas awam yang serba bersih di hentian rehat. Selain itu ada surau yang cantik. Yang tak sedapnya, apabila tamat perjalanan, kita kena bayar tol yang tinggi. Wow dari Ayer Keroh di Melaka dan keluar di Sungai Besi, tolnya RM16.50: kopak juga duit kita. Namun nak selesa bayarlah. Bagi kemudahan ini, diucapkan syabas kepada pihak berkaitan, tapi lebih elok dikurangkan kadarnya; bagilah peluang orang kampung untuk merasai keselesaan perjalanan.
Pejabat Imigresen
Selepas bertahun-tahun bekerja, majikan pun 'rekomen' bertugas di luar negara. Untuk tujuan ini, pasport diperlukan. Kali pertama saya membuat pasport antarabangsa adalah pada tahun 1990 dulu. Permohonan dibuat di pejabat Imigresen, Pusat Bandar Damansara.
Pada hari pertama saya ke sana, saya diminta datang pada hari berikutnya kerana 'nombor sudah habis'. Keesokan harinya, jam 7.00 pagi saya sudah menunggu di pintu masuk. Pemohon terlalu ramai. Sebaik saja pintu dibuka, saya pun menyerbu masuk macam orang lain, berebut mendapatkan nombor giliran.
Baru-baru ini saya memperbaharui pasport itu. Pejabatnya cantik manakala pembahagian nombor giliran tersusun. Proses membuat dan memperbaharui passport amat cepat. Syabas. Yang tidak sedapnya kos pembaharuan pasport amat tinggi - RM300.00 Sedih juga saya perhatikan 90 peratus pemohon pasport adalah daripada satu kaum saja. Apakah ini bermakna kaum lain kebanyakannya miskin dan tidak mampu ke luar negara luar?
Lapangan terbang
Untuk ke luar negara, kita perlu ke lapangan terbang. Dulu, Subang dan kapal terbang tidak dapat dipisahkan. Sebut saja kapal terbang, orang akan terbayang Subang (Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah di Subang). Itu dulu sekarang lain. Sekarang kita ada Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di Sepang. Bangunan KLIA ini tersangatlah gah. Berbanding beberapa lapangan terbang antarabangsa lain yang pernah saya singgah, KLIA memang hebat.
Lapangan terbang Soekarno-Hatta di Jakarta misalnya, begitu 'simple' sekali. Pendeknya dari segi kehebatan, sukarlah lapangan terbang lain untuk tanding. Di KLIA kita ada 'aero-train', ada KLIA Express dan sebagainya. Syabas KLIA! Tetapi yang tak sedapnya, kos semua hal adalah tersangat mahal. Pendeknya serba serbi termasuk kemudahan parkir adalah mahal, jadi susah jugalah rakyat berpendapatan sederhana macam saya ini.
LanH14: PENULIS 'DILEMA SEORANG WARTAWAN ISLAM'
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kibar bendera tetapi ‘hati diselubungi tahi’
***
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Maka tatkala mereka melupakan (tidak menghiraukan) apa yang telah diperingatkan kepada mereka, Kami selamatkan orang-orang yang melarang daripada perbuatan jahat itu, dan Kami timpakan orang-orang yang zalim dengan azab seksa yang amat berat, disebabkan mereka berlaku fasik (derhaka)." (Al-A'raaf: Ayat 165)
***
OGOS adalah bulan kemerdekaan sejumlah negara di rantau sebelah sini. Selain Malaysia yang menyambutnya pada 31 Ogos, Singapura pada 9 Ogos, India pada 15 Ogos manakala Indonesia meraikannya pada 17 Ogos.
Berdasarkan pengalaman lalu, pemimpin Malaysia kerap melaungkan agar rakyat mengibarkan bendera termasuk di kenderaan masing-masing (bendera kecil) bagi menunjukkan semangat cintakan kepada negara.
Rakyat yang mengibarkan bendera dianggap patriotik, mereka yang tidak mengibarkan bendera dianggap kurang patriotik. Suatu ketika dulu, ramai pemilik kenderaan mengibarkan bendera tetapi sejak kebelakangan ini tidak lagi menyebabkan sesetengah pemimpin berkata rakyat semakin kurang semangat patriotik mereka.
Demikianlah betapa mudahnya sesetengah pemimpin melaungkan semangat patriotik dan meminta rakyat berbuat demikian, tetapi benarkah pemimpin bersifat patriotik berdasarkan ‘kehebatan’ mereka mengibarkan bendera di tangan di atas pentas orang kenamaan ketika sambutan hari kebangsaan? Apakah benar mengibar bendera patriotik, tidak mengibarnya tidak patriotik?
Bagi penulis, rakyat patriotik adalah mereka yang menjunjung hukum-hakam agama dan negara. Jika mereka termasuk dalam golongan ini, negara akan selamat, demikian juga sekalian rakyat yang menghuni dalamnya. Mereka yang melawan dan melanggar hukum-hakam agama dan negara serta pengacau ketenteraman awam adalah golongan pengkhianat, mereka tidak patriotik sama sekali.
Sehubungan itu, mereka yang seronok mengibar bendera termasuk di kalangan pemimpin (menteri) yang beriya-iya melakukannya di atas pentas atau ketika perarakan, tidak semestinya orang patriotik. Segelintir mereka mengibar bendera, tetapi ‘hati’ (kalau ayam, ekor) diselubungi tahi.
Kes terbaru membabitkan pendakwaan seorang bekas menteri kanan terhadap salah laku membabitkan Zon Bebas Pelabuhan Klang (PKFZ) bernilai berbilion-bilion ringgit membuktikan perkara ini. Bayangkan bagaimana tokoh ini tergamak menipu mesyuarat Kabinet yang dia salah seorang anggotanya. Tidakkah itu namanya pengkhianat paling besar kepada agama, bangsa dan negara?
Ya, pada sambutan hari kebangsaan, pemimpin-pemimpin seperti inilah yang paling hebat mengibar-ngibar bendera. Mereka kelihatan begitu patriotik, begitu beriya-iya menyanjung Jalur Gemilang, sebaliknya merekalah musang berbulu ayam. Bukan saja ayam dicekupnya, baka (anak-anak) ayam pun disapunya sampai licin.
Demikian juga segelintir pemimpin yang lain. Cakap mereka kepada rakyat berdegar-degar, sayangi negaralah, bersedia untuk mati untuk negaralah, tetapi amat-amatilah bahawa sesetengahnya rakus kuasa dam menimbun harta seolah-olah kekayaan itu boleh dibawa masuk dalam lubang kubur.
Mereka berkata berkorbanlah untuk negara tetapi apabila jerebu melanda, mereka dan keluarga masing-masing yang pertama berangkat meninggalkan tanah air, bercuti di Los Angeles atau ke Australia dengan duit berguni-guni.
Tak tahulah apa tindakan mereka jika meletus huru-hara dan perang. Agaknya mereka yang pertama hantar keluarga masing-masing ke 'overseas', biarlah rakyat hadapi kemelut itu. Berjuanglah rakyat ke titisan darah terakhir, kata mereka.
Pada ketika kehidupan rakyat meruncing dan terpaksa mengikat perut disebabkan kenaikan harga petrol, gas dan gula baru-baru ini, ramai daripada anggota keluarga terhormat ini masih ber'shopping' di London, Paris dan Dubai. Di tanah air, mereka sibuk mengelabui mata rakyat dengan ungkapan temberang mereka seperti ‘ubahlah gaya hidup’. Bayangkan, mereka tidak ubah gaya hidup masing-masing, tetapi meminta rakyat mengubahnya.
Masih ramai pemimpin dan orang berkuasa yang menunjukkan kemewahan dengan kenduri kahwin macam 'pesta puteri kayangan' atau macam anak Raja Donan - 40 hari 40 malam dan wang hantaran RM20,000 - RM30,000. Tak percaya, selaklah halaman majalah malah rancangan televisyen sekalipun, mereka memaparkan perkahwinan ala Inggerislah, ala Arablah alah Baratlah yang membabitkan kos ratusan ribu ringgit.
Mereka terus boros berbelanja sedangkan rakyat disuruh 'jimat, jimat, jimat' dan pada masa yang sama surat khabar dan media massa lain diperkuda, dibuli, dipaksa menggantikan perkataan ‘kenaikan harga barangan’ dengan ‘penyelarasan subsidi’ dan penjimatan wang kerajaanlah.
Adakah perbelanjaan boros pemimpin ini boleh dicontohi rakyat biasa yang saban hari bersarapan cekodok, lempeng, ubi rebus, nasi sejuk dan lauk lebihan semalam dengan kopi O panas atau pun air suam saja disebabkan gula sudah naik harga? Jika tak percaya kemiskinan rakyat, tengoklah rancangan TV3, Bersamamu, masih ada rakyat yang terpaksa membongkar tong sampah dan makan kangkung longkang dan ikan lombong untuk meneruskan hidup.
Pada saat negara akan menyambut ulang tahun kemerdekaan, sibuklah sesetengah daripada pemimpin melaungkan kata-kata keramat: "Kita lupakan perbezaan dan sengketa politik, marilah kita sama-sama sambut hari kemerdekaan."
Sedapnya mulut mereka bercakap, 'bersama-sama merayakan kemerdekaan' - kemerdekaan apa yang mereka maksudkan itu? Selepas mereka puas 'menjarah sana, menjarah sini' (senarai ini panjang, antaranya dalam isu bahasa, pemberhentian permit akhbar alternatif, ISA, AP, hak asasi, penyelewengan tender, kenaikan harga minyak serta barang dan pencabulan demokrasi), rakyat diminta untuk bersama-sama berada di pentas mereka, mengibarkan bendera dan melaungkan kata-kata keramat: "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!"
Kalau hanya untuk mengibar bendera dan melaungkan kata-kata itu, penyamun, perompak, lanun pun boleh melakukannya. Perompak bank yang memandu Perdana atau Wira (menggunakan kereta ini kerana bersikap patriotik) pun boleh memasang bendera kecil di sisi cermin kereta mereka. Perogol bersiri pun boleh memasang bendera di depan motosikal masing-masing. Artis penjual diri pun boleh membalutkan Jalur Gemilang pada tubuh mereka.
Berlainan daripada orang yang telah jelas ‘jahat’ ini, apa yang dibimbangi orang yang penampilannya baik-baik, yang berlagak pemimpin warak, kononnya merekalah pejuang bangsa, pejuang negara yang bermati-matian bekerja keras untuk negara, sebenarnya pengkhianat paling dahsyat.
Mereka nampaknya begitu baik dan sopan, mengibar bendera di pentas kenamaan pada majlis-majlis tetapi sebenarnya adalah musang berbulu ayam. Pemimpin ini mengkhianati amanah negara, mereka merompak harta negara, menipu Kabinet, mencabul kehormatan orang dan aneka kejahatan lain semata-mata untuk melempiaskan nafsu dunia dulu, kini dan buat selamanya!
Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang; selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Renungan
"Maka tatkala mereka melupakan (tidak menghiraukan) apa yang telah diperingatkan kepada mereka, Kami selamatkan orang-orang yang melarang daripada perbuatan jahat itu, dan Kami timpakan orang-orang yang zalim dengan azab seksa yang amat berat, disebabkan mereka berlaku fasik (derhaka)." (Al-A'raaf: Ayat 165)
***
OGOS adalah bulan kemerdekaan sejumlah negara di rantau sebelah sini. Selain Malaysia yang menyambutnya pada 31 Ogos, Singapura pada 9 Ogos, India pada 15 Ogos manakala Indonesia meraikannya pada 17 Ogos.
Berdasarkan pengalaman lalu, pemimpin Malaysia kerap melaungkan agar rakyat mengibarkan bendera termasuk di kenderaan masing-masing (bendera kecil) bagi menunjukkan semangat cintakan kepada negara.
Rakyat yang mengibarkan bendera dianggap patriotik, mereka yang tidak mengibarkan bendera dianggap kurang patriotik. Suatu ketika dulu, ramai pemilik kenderaan mengibarkan bendera tetapi sejak kebelakangan ini tidak lagi menyebabkan sesetengah pemimpin berkata rakyat semakin kurang semangat patriotik mereka.
Demikianlah betapa mudahnya sesetengah pemimpin melaungkan semangat patriotik dan meminta rakyat berbuat demikian, tetapi benarkah pemimpin bersifat patriotik berdasarkan ‘kehebatan’ mereka mengibarkan bendera di tangan di atas pentas orang kenamaan ketika sambutan hari kebangsaan? Apakah benar mengibar bendera patriotik, tidak mengibarnya tidak patriotik?
Bagi penulis, rakyat patriotik adalah mereka yang menjunjung hukum-hakam agama dan negara. Jika mereka termasuk dalam golongan ini, negara akan selamat, demikian juga sekalian rakyat yang menghuni dalamnya. Mereka yang melawan dan melanggar hukum-hakam agama dan negara serta pengacau ketenteraman awam adalah golongan pengkhianat, mereka tidak patriotik sama sekali.
Sehubungan itu, mereka yang seronok mengibar bendera termasuk di kalangan pemimpin (menteri) yang beriya-iya melakukannya di atas pentas atau ketika perarakan, tidak semestinya orang patriotik. Segelintir mereka mengibar bendera, tetapi ‘hati’ (kalau ayam, ekor) diselubungi tahi.
Kes terbaru membabitkan pendakwaan seorang bekas menteri kanan terhadap salah laku membabitkan Zon Bebas Pelabuhan Klang (PKFZ) bernilai berbilion-bilion ringgit membuktikan perkara ini. Bayangkan bagaimana tokoh ini tergamak menipu mesyuarat Kabinet yang dia salah seorang anggotanya. Tidakkah itu namanya pengkhianat paling besar kepada agama, bangsa dan negara?
Ya, pada sambutan hari kebangsaan, pemimpin-pemimpin seperti inilah yang paling hebat mengibar-ngibar bendera. Mereka kelihatan begitu patriotik, begitu beriya-iya menyanjung Jalur Gemilang, sebaliknya merekalah musang berbulu ayam. Bukan saja ayam dicekupnya, baka (anak-anak) ayam pun disapunya sampai licin.
Demikian juga segelintir pemimpin yang lain. Cakap mereka kepada rakyat berdegar-degar, sayangi negaralah, bersedia untuk mati untuk negaralah, tetapi amat-amatilah bahawa sesetengahnya rakus kuasa dam menimbun harta seolah-olah kekayaan itu boleh dibawa masuk dalam lubang kubur.
Mereka berkata berkorbanlah untuk negara tetapi apabila jerebu melanda, mereka dan keluarga masing-masing yang pertama berangkat meninggalkan tanah air, bercuti di Los Angeles atau ke Australia dengan duit berguni-guni.
Tak tahulah apa tindakan mereka jika meletus huru-hara dan perang. Agaknya mereka yang pertama hantar keluarga masing-masing ke 'overseas', biarlah rakyat hadapi kemelut itu. Berjuanglah rakyat ke titisan darah terakhir, kata mereka.
Pada ketika kehidupan rakyat meruncing dan terpaksa mengikat perut disebabkan kenaikan harga petrol, gas dan gula baru-baru ini, ramai daripada anggota keluarga terhormat ini masih ber'shopping' di London, Paris dan Dubai. Di tanah air, mereka sibuk mengelabui mata rakyat dengan ungkapan temberang mereka seperti ‘ubahlah gaya hidup’. Bayangkan, mereka tidak ubah gaya hidup masing-masing, tetapi meminta rakyat mengubahnya.
Masih ramai pemimpin dan orang berkuasa yang menunjukkan kemewahan dengan kenduri kahwin macam 'pesta puteri kayangan' atau macam anak Raja Donan - 40 hari 40 malam dan wang hantaran RM20,000 - RM30,000. Tak percaya, selaklah halaman majalah malah rancangan televisyen sekalipun, mereka memaparkan perkahwinan ala Inggerislah, ala Arablah alah Baratlah yang membabitkan kos ratusan ribu ringgit.
Mereka terus boros berbelanja sedangkan rakyat disuruh 'jimat, jimat, jimat' dan pada masa yang sama surat khabar dan media massa lain diperkuda, dibuli, dipaksa menggantikan perkataan ‘kenaikan harga barangan’ dengan ‘penyelarasan subsidi’ dan penjimatan wang kerajaanlah.
Adakah perbelanjaan boros pemimpin ini boleh dicontohi rakyat biasa yang saban hari bersarapan cekodok, lempeng, ubi rebus, nasi sejuk dan lauk lebihan semalam dengan kopi O panas atau pun air suam saja disebabkan gula sudah naik harga? Jika tak percaya kemiskinan rakyat, tengoklah rancangan TV3, Bersamamu, masih ada rakyat yang terpaksa membongkar tong sampah dan makan kangkung longkang dan ikan lombong untuk meneruskan hidup.
Pada saat negara akan menyambut ulang tahun kemerdekaan, sibuklah sesetengah daripada pemimpin melaungkan kata-kata keramat: "Kita lupakan perbezaan dan sengketa politik, marilah kita sama-sama sambut hari kemerdekaan."
Sedapnya mulut mereka bercakap, 'bersama-sama merayakan kemerdekaan' - kemerdekaan apa yang mereka maksudkan itu? Selepas mereka puas 'menjarah sana, menjarah sini' (senarai ini panjang, antaranya dalam isu bahasa, pemberhentian permit akhbar alternatif, ISA, AP, hak asasi, penyelewengan tender, kenaikan harga minyak serta barang dan pencabulan demokrasi), rakyat diminta untuk bersama-sama berada di pentas mereka, mengibarkan bendera dan melaungkan kata-kata keramat: "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!"
Kalau hanya untuk mengibar bendera dan melaungkan kata-kata itu, penyamun, perompak, lanun pun boleh melakukannya. Perompak bank yang memandu Perdana atau Wira (menggunakan kereta ini kerana bersikap patriotik) pun boleh memasang bendera kecil di sisi cermin kereta mereka. Perogol bersiri pun boleh memasang bendera di depan motosikal masing-masing. Artis penjual diri pun boleh membalutkan Jalur Gemilang pada tubuh mereka.
Berlainan daripada orang yang telah jelas ‘jahat’ ini, apa yang dibimbangi orang yang penampilannya baik-baik, yang berlagak pemimpin warak, kononnya merekalah pejuang bangsa, pejuang negara yang bermati-matian bekerja keras untuk negara, sebenarnya pengkhianat paling dahsyat.
Mereka nampaknya begitu baik dan sopan, mengibar bendera di pentas kenamaan pada majlis-majlis tetapi sebenarnya adalah musang berbulu ayam. Pemimpin ini mengkhianati amanah negara, mereka merompak harta negara, menipu Kabinet, mencabul kehormatan orang dan aneka kejahatan lain semata-mata untuk melempiaskan nafsu dunia dulu, kini dan buat selamanya!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A TV free week
***
In the name of God. Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as such) so as not to be molested." (Qur'an 33:59)
***
MY family’s television set broke down recently. I purposely delayed sending it to the mechanic to be repaired, thus my family and I had a free TV week.
Except for the sound of games played from my son’s PC, the atmosphere in the house was more relaxed; mind you the blaring sounds from the idiot box was a nuisance to me and my wife when my five boys and girls took turns; watching their favourite programmes.
During weekends and public holidays, the set was switched on right from the time they opened their eyes till the wee hours of the night; at times they would doze off in front of the idiot box while it was still showing silly films from Bollywood, Hollywood or Hong Kong.
It was difficult to stop the children from being hooked on to the idiot box. You can lecture them and tell them about the bad effects of TV, but in the end, the TV would be still on; you switch it off, they would switch it on. Perhaps an imaginary equation, TV=teenagers would wake us up that our youngsters are being shaped by the idiot box instead of us parents bringing them up.
I only watch the news bulletin and informative newsmagazine and features, but sometimes would have glances on other things on the screen when I was resting on the family’s settee. At times my wife would also be there, and on one occasion when the whole family were there, watching a movie, they showed us a passionate kissing scene.
I became very embarrassed and angry at the TV’s station for showing such a scene. I quickly stood up and walked away, knowing that I could not look into the eyes of my children, what more if the younger ones were to ask what the couple in the film were doing.
The one week without TV passed away quickly. But it was one period I love most. The atmosphere was serene, no arguments among the siblings fighting over their favourite programmes and channels and the best part of it, I could have good naps in the afternoon or go to bed early at night.
But as other modern families, we encounter strange feelings when the TV was not there. Some studies conclude that the addictive influence of TV over its viewers is a serious malady which has reached alarming proportions. Viewers become so addicted to TV that it becomes most difficult for most viewers to live without TV.
Research in this field of the 'addictive influence of TV' has established that if those who are addicted to TV are deprived of television they become increasingly nervous, short-tempered and unhappy.
After much complaining from my children especially the youngest who wanted to watch her favourite cartoons programmes, I kowtowed to their request to have the TV repaired, thus our life without TV only lasted for a week.
Regarding the bad effects of TV, a friend had e-mailed to me a summary of an excellent and enlightening book entitled ‘Television and the Institution of Photography or Picture-Making’, published by the Majlis al-Ulama, of South Africa.
Citing a number of evil and un-Islamic factors that accompany the institution of television such allowing forbidden practises of life such as those concerning music, the female voice, nudity and immorality, the Majlis al-Ulama declared that television is as an agent of zina (fornication).
Allah, the Most High, says in the Qur'an: “Keep away from zina, for it is an indecent thing and an evil way." (Al-Qur'an 17:32)
The terms, keep away, mean: stay away from all such things and practice: which lead to zina - which are stepping-stones to fornication.
All practices, things and institutions which aid and foster fornication and immodesty are forbidden by Islam. There are different categories of this abominable crime of zina. The Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The zina of the eyes is the gaze (at that which is unlawful, e.g. nudity); the zina of the ears is to listen (to talks of nudity which excites the carnal desired); the zina of the tongue is to speak (what is evil); the zina of the hand is to touch (the female which is unlawful to you); the zina of the feet is to walk (towards immorality); the zina of the heart is to desire (what is unlawful), and it is the private parts which either commits or shuns the actual act of fornication." (Muslim)
In this statement, the Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, speaks of the zina committed by the various parts of the human body. Thus, to look at the nudity and evil portrayed on the television screen constitutes the zina of the eyes. To listen to the immodest and illicit sex elks of the television is zina of the ears. Lust which is loused by the display, discussion of nudity and passivity and perversion on the TV screen constitutes the zina of the heart.
Television, therefore, is without any doubt a powerful agent and a stepping-stone for fornication.
We find today the whole family - father, mother, sons and daughters - sitting huddled together around the TV screen. Together, in a display of stark shamelessness, the whole family is committing zina of the eyes, zina of the ears and zina of the heart, and Allah alone knows how many multitudes of men and women indulged in the final act of fornication as a result of watching and being aroused by the evil on the TV screen.
Islam lays great emphasis on modesty, so much so, that our Prophet; may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Modesty is a part of iman (faith)." (At-Tirmidhi)
But TV with its emphasis on illicit, depraved and bestial immorality is the very negation of the Islamic concept of modesty and shame. Mother, father and children together viewing the zina -- the fornication and vice on the TV screen.
What is now left of humanity? May Allah, the Most High, protect us and our children from the filth and depravity of the Western world sunk in perversion and immorality.
Allah, the Most High, says: “This day We seal up their mouths, and their hands speak out; and their feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." (Al-Qur'an 36:65)
Television besides being a powerful agent of immorality; generally fosters various types of crime. Violence, aggression, robberies, murder, etc., are crimes which the young readily learn from TV shows. Much of the delinquency and youth crimes being perpetrated in the Western world could be traced to the TV.
Television is here and its biggest fans are children. Overnight they've become instant pundits, immediately recognizing personalities who are still just faces to the rest of us.
It's the kids who grab the TV guide and plot their viewing with military precision; the kids who know every cop and cowboy and exactly why it could not have been the butler who did it.
The ulamas says, television diverts man's attention from the remembrance of Allah - The Prophet, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Every sport or amusement that a Muslim occupies himself with is ‘batil’ (baseless, null and not permissible) - except three: (the three types beings his practicing with your bow (and arrow); his training horse and his playing with his family." (Ibn Majah)
A Muslim is not permitted to waste time but the addictive grip of television over its viewers is so powerful that the viewer becomes a helpless victim wasting sacred hours glued to the TV screen, thus neglecting his salat (prayer), his family duties and his social duties.
"By Time! Man is indeed in loss! Except those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth, and exhort one another to patience." (Al-Qur'an 103). – ES
In the name of God. Most Merciful, Most Compassionate; blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Reflection
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as such) so as not to be molested." (Qur'an 33:59)
***
MY family’s television set broke down recently. I purposely delayed sending it to the mechanic to be repaired, thus my family and I had a free TV week.
Except for the sound of games played from my son’s PC, the atmosphere in the house was more relaxed; mind you the blaring sounds from the idiot box was a nuisance to me and my wife when my five boys and girls took turns; watching their favourite programmes.
During weekends and public holidays, the set was switched on right from the time they opened their eyes till the wee hours of the night; at times they would doze off in front of the idiot box while it was still showing silly films from Bollywood, Hollywood or Hong Kong.
It was difficult to stop the children from being hooked on to the idiot box. You can lecture them and tell them about the bad effects of TV, but in the end, the TV would be still on; you switch it off, they would switch it on. Perhaps an imaginary equation, TV=teenagers would wake us up that our youngsters are being shaped by the idiot box instead of us parents bringing them up.
I only watch the news bulletin and informative newsmagazine and features, but sometimes would have glances on other things on the screen when I was resting on the family’s settee. At times my wife would also be there, and on one occasion when the whole family were there, watching a movie, they showed us a passionate kissing scene.
I became very embarrassed and angry at the TV’s station for showing such a scene. I quickly stood up and walked away, knowing that I could not look into the eyes of my children, what more if the younger ones were to ask what the couple in the film were doing.
The one week without TV passed away quickly. But it was one period I love most. The atmosphere was serene, no arguments among the siblings fighting over their favourite programmes and channels and the best part of it, I could have good naps in the afternoon or go to bed early at night.
But as other modern families, we encounter strange feelings when the TV was not there. Some studies conclude that the addictive influence of TV over its viewers is a serious malady which has reached alarming proportions. Viewers become so addicted to TV that it becomes most difficult for most viewers to live without TV.
Research in this field of the 'addictive influence of TV' has established that if those who are addicted to TV are deprived of television they become increasingly nervous, short-tempered and unhappy.
After much complaining from my children especially the youngest who wanted to watch her favourite cartoons programmes, I kowtowed to their request to have the TV repaired, thus our life without TV only lasted for a week.
Regarding the bad effects of TV, a friend had e-mailed to me a summary of an excellent and enlightening book entitled ‘Television and the Institution of Photography or Picture-Making’, published by the Majlis al-Ulama, of South Africa.
Citing a number of evil and un-Islamic factors that accompany the institution of television such allowing forbidden practises of life such as those concerning music, the female voice, nudity and immorality, the Majlis al-Ulama declared that television is as an agent of zina (fornication).
Allah, the Most High, says in the Qur'an: “Keep away from zina, for it is an indecent thing and an evil way." (Al-Qur'an 17:32)
The terms, keep away, mean: stay away from all such things and practice: which lead to zina - which are stepping-stones to fornication.
All practices, things and institutions which aid and foster fornication and immodesty are forbidden by Islam. There are different categories of this abominable crime of zina. The Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The zina of the eyes is the gaze (at that which is unlawful, e.g. nudity); the zina of the ears is to listen (to talks of nudity which excites the carnal desired); the zina of the tongue is to speak (what is evil); the zina of the hand is to touch (the female which is unlawful to you); the zina of the feet is to walk (towards immorality); the zina of the heart is to desire (what is unlawful), and it is the private parts which either commits or shuns the actual act of fornication." (Muslim)
In this statement, the Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, speaks of the zina committed by the various parts of the human body. Thus, to look at the nudity and evil portrayed on the television screen constitutes the zina of the eyes. To listen to the immodest and illicit sex elks of the television is zina of the ears. Lust which is loused by the display, discussion of nudity and passivity and perversion on the TV screen constitutes the zina of the heart.
Television, therefore, is without any doubt a powerful agent and a stepping-stone for fornication.
We find today the whole family - father, mother, sons and daughters - sitting huddled together around the TV screen. Together, in a display of stark shamelessness, the whole family is committing zina of the eyes, zina of the ears and zina of the heart, and Allah alone knows how many multitudes of men and women indulged in the final act of fornication as a result of watching and being aroused by the evil on the TV screen.
Islam lays great emphasis on modesty, so much so, that our Prophet; may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Modesty is a part of iman (faith)." (At-Tirmidhi)
But TV with its emphasis on illicit, depraved and bestial immorality is the very negation of the Islamic concept of modesty and shame. Mother, father and children together viewing the zina -- the fornication and vice on the TV screen.
What is now left of humanity? May Allah, the Most High, protect us and our children from the filth and depravity of the Western world sunk in perversion and immorality.
Allah, the Most High, says: “This day We seal up their mouths, and their hands speak out; and their feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." (Al-Qur'an 36:65)
Television besides being a powerful agent of immorality; generally fosters various types of crime. Violence, aggression, robberies, murder, etc., are crimes which the young readily learn from TV shows. Much of the delinquency and youth crimes being perpetrated in the Western world could be traced to the TV.
Television is here and its biggest fans are children. Overnight they've become instant pundits, immediately recognizing personalities who are still just faces to the rest of us.
It's the kids who grab the TV guide and plot their viewing with military precision; the kids who know every cop and cowboy and exactly why it could not have been the butler who did it.
The ulamas says, television diverts man's attention from the remembrance of Allah - The Prophet, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Every sport or amusement that a Muslim occupies himself with is ‘batil’ (baseless, null and not permissible) - except three: (the three types beings his practicing with your bow (and arrow); his training horse and his playing with his family." (Ibn Majah)
A Muslim is not permitted to waste time but the addictive grip of television over its viewers is so powerful that the viewer becomes a helpless victim wasting sacred hours glued to the TV screen, thus neglecting his salat (prayer), his family duties and his social duties.
"By Time! Man is indeed in loss! Except those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth, and exhort one another to patience." (Al-Qur'an 103). – ES
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