NABI YUSUF YANG CEKAL

Nabi Yusuf adalah contoh yang baik, bagi semua manusia.  Semasa masih kecil, saudara-saudara beliau berdengki dengan beliau.  Akhirnya, mereka bersepakat membuang beliau ke dalam sebuah telaga buruk.

Nabi Yusuf ditemui oleh sekumpulan ahli perniagaan.  Mereka memungutnya dan mejualnya kepada Raja Mesir yang bernama Qithfir dengan harga yang murah.  Tuhan menceritakan dalam surah Yusuf ayat 20 yang bermaksud, "Dan mereka menjual Yusuf dengan harga yang murah iaitu beberapa dirham sahaja dan mereka tidak tertarik hati kepadanya."    

Selepas beberapa lama hidup di istana raja, beliau difitnah dan dipenjarakan.  Tuhan memberitahu dalam surah Yusuf ayat 35 yang bermaksud, "Kemudian timbul dalam fikiran mereka, setelah melihat tanda-tanda (kebenaran Yusuf) bahawa mereka sepatutnya memenjarakannya hingga ke satu waktu tertentu.

Semasa mengharungi ujian yang datangnya bertubi-tubi ini, beliau bersabar tanpa keluh kesah.  Berkat kesabaran  dan kecekalan itu akhirnya beliau dibebaskan dan menjadi Raja Mesir.  Tuhan menyatakan dalam surah Yusuf ayat 56 yang bermaksud,  "Dan demikianlah Kami memberi kedudukan kepada Yusuf di negeri Mesir. (Dia  berkuasa penuh) untuk pergi ke mana yang dia kehendaki di bumi Mesir itu.  Kami limpahkan rahmat kepada sesiapa yang Kami kehendaki dan Kami tidak mensia-siakan pahala orang-orang yang melakukan kebaikan."  Memang benar.  Tuhan tidak mensia-siakan kesabaran dan kecekalan manusia.

ISLAM: AN OVERVIEW

Islam is the second most widespread of the world's religion, with more than one billion adherents.  Muslim countries extend from North Africa to Southeast Asia. Muslims constitute the majority in forty-eight countries and are a significant minority in many others.  Though the Arab world is  often regarded as the heartland of Islam, the majority of Muslims live in Asia and Africa.  The largest Muslim communities are in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Central Asia and Nigeria.  Islam has grown significantly in the West in recent years, where it is now the second largest religion in many parts of Europe and the third largest in the United States.

The term Islam, is derived from the Arabic root s-l-m, which means "submission" or "peace."  Muslims are those who surrender to God's will or law, rendering them at peace with themselves and with God.  To embrace Islam is to become a member of a worldwide faith community (ummah).  Thus believers have a religious identity that is both individual and corporate as well as a responsibilty or duty to obey and implement God's will in their personal and social lives.

Islam stands in a long line of Middle Eastern prophetic religious traditions that  share uncompromising monotheism, belief in God's revelation, prophets, ethical responsibility, accountability, and the notion of a Day of Judgement.  Jews, Christians, and Muslims are all considered children of Abraham (Ibrahim), although they belong to different branches of the same family.  Jews and Christians are spiritual descendants of Abraham and his wife, Sarah, through their son, Isaac (Ishaq);  Muslims trace their lineage back to Ishmael (Ismail),  Abraham's firstborn son by his Egyptian servant, Hagar.  Ishmael became the father of Arabs in northern Arabia.  Muslims believe that Islam was the original monotheistic faiths, with Judaism and Christianity as tolerated offshoots.   

Islamic scripture, the Quran, was revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the seventh century.  Muslims believe it was revealed verbatim.  The centre and foundation of Islam is God, whom Muslims call Allah, or "the God".  Allah is believed to be the transcendent, all-powerful, and all-knowing creator, sustainer, ordainer and judge of the universe.  The absolute monotheism of Islam is preserved in the doctrine of unity (tawhid) and sovereignty (rabb, "ruler" or "lord") of God that dominates Islamic belief and practice.  As God is one, His rule and will or law is comprehensive, extending to all creatures and in all aspects of life.  God is not only powerful and majestic but also merciful and just.  Reward and punishment follow from individual ethical responsibility and accountability before God.  Islamic ethics follow from human beings' special status and responsibility on earth.

Islam emphasises practice as well as belief.  Law rather than theology is the central religious discipline and locus for defining the path of Islam and preserving its way of life.  The essential duties of all Muslims, the Five  Pillars, are profession of faith (shahadah, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God"), worship or prayer five times daily with community prayers at the mosque on Fridays, charity (zakah), fasting during the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.  Jihad, or struggle in the way of God, is sometimes considered the sixth pillar.  Jihad includes both internal spiritual struggles and external war waged in defence of the Muslim community.

Contemporary revivalism is rooted in Islam's time-honoured tradition of renewal (tajdid) and reform (islah) embodied in Muhammad's leadership of the first Islamic movement, seventeenth - and eighteenth-century revivalism. and nineteen and twentieth-century Islamic modernist movement.  At the heart of the revivalist worldview is the belief that the Muslim world is in a state of decline owing to Muslims' departure from the straight path of Islam.  The proposed cure is to return to Islam in personal and public life so as to ensure restoration of Islamic identity, values, and power.  For Islamic political activists, Islam is a total or comprehensive way of life, stipulated in the Quran, mirrored in Muhammad's example and the nature of the first Muslim community state, and embodied in the comprehensive nature of  shariah, God's revealed law.  Islamic activists or Islamists believe that renewal and revitalization of Muslim governments and societies require restoration or reimplementation of Islamic law, which they believe is a blue-print for an Islamically guided and socially just state and society.  Revivalism continues to grow as a broad-based socio-religious movement, functioning today in virtually every Muslim  country and transnationally. Its goal is creation of a just society  through the Islamic transformation of individuals at the grassroots level.

SURAH 62 AL-JUMU'AH (FRIDAY)

THE SURAH OPENS WITH AN EXHORTATION to the believers to glorify and revere God Almighty.  It says:  "All that is in the heavens and on the earth gives glory to God, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Almighty, the Wise" (1).  Whenever the call to prayer is heard, Muslims make their way to the mosque to join their fellow-Muslims in worshipping their Lord as an expression of praise to God and as a reflection of the unity of their community.

Friday is the highlight of the week for Muslims the world over.  It is a day on which Muslims are urged to bathe and smell pleasant, and in which, according to Prophet Muhammad, there is a blessed hour during which a Muslim's prayers are certain to be answered.

The opening statement is also an indirect criticism of those Muslims who, on hearing of the arrival of trade caravans in Madinah hastily left the mosque  to engage in trading.  The surah censures their action, saying:

And when they see commerce or some other diversion, they rush to it and leave you (Muhammad) standing alone. Say, "That which God has in store far better than any diversion or commerce, and God is the Best Provider." (11)

The surah asserts that Muhammad, the final messenger of God, was chosen from among the illiterate Arabs to convey God's final and universal message to mankind.  That honour was withheld from the Israelites and the Christians because of the breaches they had committed and the distortions they had introduced into their respective religiions.  Their arrogance, stubbornness and ignorance disqualified them.  They proved unable to reform, their own state, let alone be able to reform others or present a good example.  The Arabs of the sixth century AC, on the other hand, were simple people with limited material ambition and were, therefore, more receptive and willing to devote all their energies to Islam.  The surah says:

It is He that sent forth among the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves to recite to them His revelations and purify them and teach them the Book and wisdom, though they had hitherto gone astray. (2)

The Arabs did convey the message of Islam to other peoples all over the world and were assimilated into them, thereby  forming a propitious link between humanity and God's revelation.

The Israelites had become too ethnocentric, parochial, and materialistic.  The surah asserts:

Those who were entrusted with the Torah and subsequently failed to fulfill their obligations are like a donkey laden with books.  Wretched are those people who reject God's revelations.  God does not guide the wrong-doers.  (5)

    

Those qualities continue to be evident today.  The Israelites do not appear to be capable of representing God's message or leading mankind towards His path.  The surah adds:

Say to the Jews. "If you claim that, of all men, you alone are the true friends of God, then you should wish for death, if you are truthful."  But they will never wish for death because of what their hands have done.  (6-7) 

Sadly, many Muslims have today gone down that errant road, neglecting their responsibilities towards God's revelations and giving voice to materialistic, nationalist, and ethnocentric tendencies that have very little, if anything, to do with God or His message.

Those Muslims who are sincere should persevere and continue to work hard to revive the Muslim Ummah and enable it to play its proper role in the world and restore the sovereignty and prevalence of God's order over human life and world affairs.

         

SURAH 62 AL-JUMU'AH (HARI JUM'AT)

MUQADDIMAH

Surah Al Jumu'ah ini menerangkan tentang pengutusan Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. dan menjelaskan bahawa umatnya akan menjadi mulia kerana ajarannya, disusul dengan perumpamaan orang-orang Yahudi dan kebohongan pengakuan mereka dan kemudian diakhiri dengan kewajiban solat Jumu'ah.

Dalam Surah Al Jumu'ah umat Islam disuruh meninggalkan perniagaan untuk pergi solat Jumu'ah.  

SURAH 22 * AL-HAJJ (THE PILGRIMAGE)

THIS SURAH OPENS with an emotional appeal, highlighting the terrifying aspects of the Day of Judgement, designed to shock humans and shake their consciousness.

Humankind, have fear of your Lord.  The suddering on the Day of Judgement shall be tremendous.  When that Day comes, every nursing mother shall forsake her infant, every pregnant female shall deliver her burden, and you shall see people reeling like drunkards although they are not drunk..(1-2)

This life is a term for testing, trials, and tribulation, during which man is free to choose and decide the direction he wishes to take in life.  He meets with good as well as bad fortune, and his ability to cope with both is put to the test.  To simply shrug off one's responsibilities and explain away these trials and ordeals as "predetermined" and therefore "pointless" would be foolish and disgraceful.  The essence of Islam is submission to God and total acceptance of His will, whether good or bad.  Success lies in the recognition of God's will: otherwise, man is welcome to challenge that will and see how far he can go.

Within the context of justifiable war and self-defense, comes a passage introducing the topic which gives the surah its title:  Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah.  When one looks closely at the rituals of Hajj, performed once a year, it becomes immediately clear that it is a magnificent and inspiring demonstration of man's devotion to God.  It is a mess celebrationof tawhid, held at a time and in a place designated by God Almighty Himself, bringing people together from all corners of the globe.  This excellent and worthy tradition was established many centuries ago by Abraham.  The surah says:  "We guided Abraham to the site of the mosque (the Ka'bah) and said to him, "Never take other gods besides Me...."' (26).  There is nothing in the Hajj rituals that is without a purpose or religious signifance.

Let us take the tawaf, or circumbulation of the Ka'abah.  It is a form of prayer and an occasion for praising and glorifying God Almighty.  Tradition and convention in religious practise, like in anything else, have their own intrinsic value and significance.  Rationality and logic are not the only factors that determine such value and significance.  The Ka'abah is venerated for its universal symbolism as the first house built on earth exclusively for the worship and praise of the One God.  It is the citadel of tawhid.    

The Hajj, as a fundamental obligatory religious duty, is a good case in point.  When the Muslims were first directed to perform it, the Prophet instructed them on how to do so, saying:  "Take your (Hajj) rituals from me."  He showed them what they were required to do and how they were to do it, and he also explained the significance of the rituals, thus establishing the Hajj as an ordered and precisely timed and coordinated event composed of a set of actions and undertakings that translate the principle of tawhid into practise. 

An important ritual during the Hajj is the slaughter of animals on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, to which th surah refers:  "Their meat and blood are of no benefit to God;  it is your piety that will carry weight with Him" (37).  The Hajj is a perfect manifestation of Islamic values based on equality and lack of discrimination between people.

The surah closes with a statement expressing the essence of the overall task of the world's Muslim community.  This task was handed down from God to the Prophet, who faithfully passed it on to the Muslims, who then assumed the responsibility of passing it on to the rest of mankind.

FISIOLOGI QURAN

Tuhan menjelaskan dalam surah al-Israk ayat 82 yang bermaksud, "(Quran) merupakan penawar (syifa) dan rahmat bagi mereka yang beriman." Syifa (penawar) yang dapat menghilangkan syak, nifak, penyelewengan, kelemahan dan penyakit dalam hati.  Quran juga adalah rahmat yang dapat menghasilkan iman, hikmat dan kebahagiaan."

Abdullah bin Masud berkata, "Sesiapa yang menghendaki ilmu pengetahuan maka hendaklah dia membaca Quran.  Di dalamnya terdapat ilmu orang-orang terdahulu dan yang kemudian."

Sahabat Abu Hurairah pula berkata, "Sesungguhnya akan lapanglah penghuni rumah yang dibaca di dalamnya Quran, dan akan banyaklah kebajikan di dalam rumah itu dan akan datanglah para malaikat ke rumah itu dan akan keluarlah syaitan daripadanya.  Sebaliknya, rumah yang tidak dibaca di dalamnya Quran akan mendatangkan kesempitan kepada penghuni penghuninya.  Di samping itu kebajikan akan berkurangan, para malaikat akan keluar dan syaitan akan memasuki rumah itu."

Satu kajian dilakukan oleh Dr. Ahmed el-Kadi dari Klinik Akbar di Panama City, Florida, "Berhubung kesan mendengar bacaan Quran ke atas denyutan jantung, tekanan darah, tekanan saraf dan otot...... Beliau mendapati, mereka yang mendengar bacaan Quran, termasuk daripada kalangan bukan Muslim dan bukan Arab, mengalami perubahan fisiologi positif di dalam diri mereka."  Kajian ini dimuatkan dalam Islamic Perspectives in Medicine oleh Dr. Shahid Athar.

Benarlah sahabat Ali bin Abi Talib apabila beliau berkata, "Tiga perkara menambahkan kesejahteraan badan dan menghilangkan kahak iaitu bersugi, berpuasa dan membaca Quran."

Quran tidak hanya dikagumi oleh orang Islam.  Ia juga dikagumi oleh orang bukan Islam.  Sebahagian daripada mereka yang bukan Islam ini sudah memeluk agama Islam selepas meneliti dan memahami maksud ayat-ayat Quran.  Dr. Gary Miller adalah pakar matematik di samping seorang tokoh dalam, bidang ilmu teologi Kristian. Demikian juga dengan Dr.Maurice Bucaille.  Beliau adalah seorang pakar bedah terkenal di Perancis.

ILMU/KNOWLEDGE

Dear Readers,

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Warmest regards

AISHAH SAID

DENGAN NAMA ALLAH YANG MAHA PENGASIH LAGI MAHA PENYAYANG

ALL PRAISE IS FOR ALLAH, THE EXALTED.  MAY ALLAH'S PEACE AND BLESSINGS BE ON MUHAMMAD, ON HIS FAMILY, AND ON HIS COMPANIONS

Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Dear Readers,

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This blog is for customers who bought the Quran Stylus Sensor to give them the 'FEEL'  OF AL-QURAN CLOSEST TO THEIR HEARTS.

Please read writer's column on the right.  I appreciate  would-be followers please post at: www.banyuemas21c.blogspot.com, however comments are welcome.


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Yours sincerely

AISHAH SAID

SELDOM EVER WAS ANY KNOWLEDGE GIVEN TO KEEP, BUT TO IMPART; THE GRACE OF THIS RICH JEWEL IS LOST IN CONCEALMENT - JOSEPH HALL 

KNOWLEDGE IS A COMFORTABLE AND NECESSSARY RETREAT AND SHELTER FOR US IN ADVANCE AGE, AND IF DO NOT PLANT IT  WHILE YOUNG, IT WILL GIVE US NO SHADE WHEN WE GROW OLD - CHESTERFIELD 

SURAH 31 * LUQMAN

The surah derives its title from a sage mentioned by name in verse 12.  We learn that when Prophet Muhammad was asked about Luqman he gave the Arabs of Makkah an account of a set of succinct but powerful instructions Luqman had given his son, which are rich in wisdom and sensible advice.  

The surah says:  "We gave wisdom to Luqman that he should be thankful to God.  He that is thankful shall reap the fruit thereof, but whoever denies God's favours (should know that) He is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy" (12).  God has no need for man's praise or glorification, those who acknowledge God's grace and give thanks do so for their own benefit, otherwise they would lose out.

Luqman's advice to his son begins thus:  '"My son, serve no other deity besides God, for polytheism.  (Arabic: shirk) is a grave transgression'" (13)..  This is followed by a bidding to be kind to one's parents who are, apart from God, immediately responsible for one's existence.  It is interesting to note that modern society does not care very much for the welfare of parents.  The majority of them in their old age find themselves leading lonely lives in old people's homes.  But this is expected in a society which has all but forgotten God althogether.

The advice continues: '"My son, observe the prayer, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.  Endure with fortitude whatever befalls you.  That is a duty incumbent on all.  And turn not your cheek away from people in (false) pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold, God does not love anyone who, out self-conceit, acts in a boastful manner'" (17-18).

It closes with the statement: '"Be modest in your bearing and lower your voice:  the harshest of voices is the braying of the ass"' (19).  The testament  is a wonderful collection of profound wisdom and high religious and moral principles, which people of all generations ought to learn and observe. 

       

IBU BAPA PROFESSIONAL

Ibu bapa professional boleh diertikan sebagai "ibu bapa yang mempunyai kemampuan serta kemahiran melaksanakan tanggungjawab keibubapaan kepada anak-anak secara yang cekap lagi teratur."  Secara dasarnya, bagi melaksanakan tugas ini, ibu bapa memerlukan ilmu yang mantap, sikap yang betul serta kemahiran yang jitu.

Dalam surah Luqman, diutarakan beberapa kaedah penting berhubung dengan pendidikan anak-anak.  Antara kaedah ini adalah:

1.  Mendidik berbekalkan hikmat.  Dalam surah Luqman ayat 12, Tuhan menjelaskan bahawa Luqman dikurniakan hikmat.  Iman Ibn Kathir mentafsirkan hikmat sebagai "kefahaman, ilmu dan tadbir (iaitu  pengurusan yang baik)."   Justeru, ibu bapa perlu menguasai dan memahami ilmu, terutamanya ilmu agama berlandaskan Quran dan sunah.  Penguasaan ini perlu disusuli dengan pengurusan hidup yang baik.  Tanpa ilmu dan kefahaman, ibu bapa menjadi seperti musafir yang berjalan tanpa peta.

2. Komunikasi berkesan.  Luqman menasihati anaknya secara terus tanpa rasa kekok.  Ini menunjukkan, bapa memainkan peranan yang penting dalam pendidikan anak-anak.  Semasa memberikan nasihat, Luqman menggunakan perumpamaan bagi memudahkan kefahaman.  Ini dapat dilihat dalam surah Luqman ayat 16 dan 19.  Di samping itu, beliau menentukan keutamaan seperti yang dinyatakan dalam surah Luqman ayat 17.  Ini menunjukkan Luqman mempunyai kemahiran berkomunikasi.  Antara aspek penting yang perlu ada semasa berkomunikasi adalah kelembutan.  Mengikut Imam Ahmad dan Baihaqi, nabi berkata, "Jika Allah menghendaki kebaikan bagi sesebuah keluarga di berikan sifat lemah lembut dalam keluarga itu."

3.  Menekankan akidah.  Berhubung dengan ini, Luqman menjelaskan, apabila ada suatu benda yang kecil seperti biji sawi, disembunyikan di langit, di dalam bumi, di dalam batu yang besar ataupun di tempat tempat lain, Tuhan tetap mengetahui tentangnya.  Hal ini disebutkan dalam surah Luqman ayat 16.  Pendidikan Luqman ini bertujuan melahirkan perasaan muraqabah, iaitu merasai Tuhan sentiasa melihat gelagat hambanya  di mana sahaja hamba itu berada.  Apabila perasaan ini menguasai hati individu, ia menjadi penasihat dan penyelamat bagi individu itu.

4. Sembahyang dipentingkan.  Dalam surah Luqman ayat 17, Luqman menyuruh anaknya menegakkan sembahyang secara berterusan dengan memelihara waktu-waktu dan tatacaranya, di samping mementingkan khusyuk semasa sembahyang.  Sembahyang ada pengaruhnya ke atas anak-anak.  Dalam surah al-Ankabut ayat 45.  Tuhan menyatakan, "Sesungguhnya sembahyang dapat mencegah seseorang dari perbuatan keji dan mungkar."

5.  Berdakwah dan berperanan.  Anak-anak perlu dididik supaya berperanan dengan mengaja rakan-rakan mereka kepada makruf dan mencegah mereka daripada kemungkaran.  Hal ini disebutkan dalam surah Luqman ayat 17. Dengan nilai dan sikap yang betul ini, anak-anak tidak akan menjadi golongan yang terpengaruh.  Sebaliknya menjadi golongan yang mempengaruhi.

6. Sabar dalam ujian.  Dalam surah Luqman ayat 17, Luqman mengingatkan anaknya berkenaan kepentingan sabar dalam hidup.  Sabar berkait rapat dengan sikap positif. Dengan penekanan ini, anak-anak cekal mengharungi pancaroba dan liku-liku dalam hidup.  Anak-anak juga perlu diingatkan bahawa sabar adalah  proses ke arah kejayaan.  Nabi berkata, "Sesungguhnya kejayaan bersama-sama dengan kesabaran, kelapangan bersama-sama dengan kesusahan dan sesungguhnya berserta dengan kepayahan adalah kesenangan."  Hadis ini dinyatakan oleh Imam Tirmizi.

7.  Mementingkan akhlak.  Dalam surah Luqman ayat 18 dan 19, Luqman menasihati anaknya supaya bersikap tawaduk dan tidak sombong semasa bergaul dengan manusia.  Beliau juga mengingatkan anaknya supaya bersederhana dalam hidup dan tidak meninggikan suara semasa  bercakap.  Sesungguhnya seburuk-buruk suara adalah suara keldai.  Akhlak mulia berkait rapat dengan iman individu.  Sehubungan dengan ini, nabi pernah ditanya, "Ya Rasulullah, mukmin manakah yang lebih utama imannya?"  Baginda menjawab, "Yang terbaik akhlaknya."

Apabila kita menganalisis formula pendidikan Luqman ini, kita dapat simpulkan bahawa formula ini mengandungi enam ciri penting iaitu penekanan terhadap ilmu, akidah, ibadah, fikiran positif, akhlak mulia dan dakwah.

SURAH 28 AL-QASAS (THE STORY) - PHARAOH

PHARAOH RULED WITH TYRANNY IN THE LAND AND DIVIDED ITS PEOPLE INTO CASTES, ONE GROUP OF WHICH HE PERSECUTED, KILLING THEIR SONS AND SPARING ONLY THEIR DAUGHTERS.  TRULY, HE WAS AN EVIL  MAN. (Verse 4)  

The surah relates an episode from the story of Moses and his people as an illustration that the laws of history retain their validity despite the passage of time.  It says:  "These are the verses of the perspicuous Book.  We truthfully recount to you tales of Moses and Pharaoh for the benefit of those who believe" (2-3).  The Pharaoh referred to here is most likely to be Ramses II who ruled Egypt around the thirteenth century BC and whose kingdom extended to the Danube river in south-east Europe.   

The surah also related confrontation between Moses and the Pharaoh.  The latter ordered his chief right-hand man, Haman to help him find the God to whom Moses had referred:

And Pharaoh said, "Nobles, you have no other god that I know of except myself.  Haman, build me a tower from bricks of clay that I may climb and see the god of Moses.  I suspect that he is definitely lying ." (38)

The foolish Pharaoh believed that God resided in the sky or somehow sat above the clouds.  Although this notion may sound comical or silly, it is a belief still held surprisingly by some people today.

The Pharaoh and his like, who deny the existence of God shall: "Lead others to the fire, and on Resurrection Day shall have none to help them.  In this world We laid Our curse on them, and on Resurrection Day they shall be held in dishonour" (41-42).

The Pharaohs could have ruled with justice and glory.  On the other hand, their subjects could have resisted and refused to submit to their tyranny. 

TELADAN DARIPADA KISAH FIRAUN

"Firaun akan mengetuai kaumnya pada hari kiamat, kemudian tetaplah ia akan membawa mereka masuk ke neraka.  Dan seburuk buruk tempat yang dimasuki ialah neraka."
Surah Hud ayat 98

Melalui ayat ini, Allah SWT memberitahu kita bahawa Firaun akan diikuti oleh kaum atau bangsanya di akhirat kelak.  Maknanya, apabila Firaun dibangkitkan di akirat kelak, dia akan duduk di depan dan rakyatnya akan turut sama di belakangnya.  Mereka ketika itu hendak menuju ke mana?  Jawabnya, semuanya pergi ke neraka.

Sebagai pemimpin, sepatutnya Firaun beriktiar supaya rakyatnya selamat, ekonomi serta politik stabil.  Ini tugas  pemimpin sesebuah negeri dan negara.  Apalah gunanya seorang pemimpin yang membawa rakyatnya menuju kemusnahan di akhirat kelak.  Walaupun di dunia Firaun begitu hebat, tetapi Allah SWT sendiri telah menyatakan bahawa   dia akan memimpin rakyatnya menuju ke neraka.

Dalam ayat ini, Allah SWT tidak menggunakan ayat "Firaun memimpin rakyatnya menuju ke neraka", tetapi Allah SWT menggunakan ayat, "Firaun menjadi seorang gembala."  Ini bermakna Firaun akan memimpin rakyatnya sepertimana gembala mengembala kambing menuju ke neraka.

Gembala kambing biasanya akan membawa kambing kambingnya yang beribu-ribu ekor pergi ke sumber air untuk minum atau ke kandang untuk berehat.  Kenapa Allah SWT menggunakan perkataan yang digunakan untuk gembala kambing kepada Firaun?

Ini kerana apabila orang ikut orang dia akan menjadi seperti kambing.  Kalau hendak menjadi manusia, dia kena ikut Allah SWT bukan ikut orang. Kalau nampak orang itu hendak bawa kita ke neraka, kita kena guling orang itu, dan cari orang lain sebagai pemimpin.
Sebaliknya kalau kamu sebagai orang atau manusia tetap ikut dia juga, bermakna kamu ini seperti kambing.  Maka, amat sesuai kalau seperti Firaun seperti gembala, sedang  rakyatnya seperti kambing.  Melalui sepatah perkataan ini kita boleh nampak dengan mudah hala ke mana Allah SWT hendak tuju dalam mengkiaskan kisah Firaun dan rakyatnya.
Jika difikirkan, apakah punca rakyat Mesir menjadi seperti kambing?  Jawabnya kerana mereka tidak ikut Nabi Musa, tetapi ikut Firaun.  Padahal  Nabi Musa inilah orang yang patut diikuti, tetapi disebabkan Firaun banyak duit, kuasa, harta, ramai askar dan sebagainya, maka dia menjadi pilihan mereka.  Orang tidak pilih Nabi Musa walaupun Allah SWT sendiri melantiknya dengan mukjizat yang cukup, hujah yang cukup serta dalil yang kuat.  Orang tidak ikut Nabi Musa kerana memang sudah menjadi perangai manusia suka turut orang yang boleh memberinya makan (kemewahan) sekarang.


        

 

SURAH 97 - AL-QADR (POWER)

REVELATION BEGAN ON a night known as laylat al-qadr - the night of glory and splendour.  There is no agreement on the exact date of this night, but it is taken to fall in the last ten nights of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Muslim, calendar.  Since this is a lunar calendar, the birth of the new moon, marking the beginning of each month, varies throughout the year, making it difficult to determine exactly on which night laylat al-qadr actually falls. Muslims wishing to offer additional voluntary prayers on that night are urged to do so every night during the last half or third of the month of Ramadan.

The beginning of the revelation of the Qur'an to mankind was undoubtedly a most auspicious event that should be commemorated with prayer and devotion.  The Qur'an is God's own word and final revelation to mankind.  It is a gift and a blessing to the world, as attested by the words:

Would that you knew what the Night of Power is!  It is better than a thousand months.  Hosts of angels and the Spirit (the Archangel Gabriel) are dispatched on that night by their Lord's leave wit decrees for all manner of purpose. (2-4)

Elsewhere in the Qur'an, laylat al-qadr is described as the night on which "the fate and destiny of all creature are carefully determined by Our commandments.  We send messengers as a blessing from your Lord" (al-Dukhan: 4-6).

The Qur'an contains all the principles, rules, teachings, and guidelines necessary for the organisation of human life and behaviour in this world.  It is the only source of inspiration and true guidance.  A cursory comparison between the Qur'an and other allegedly  divinely-revealed books available today would bear this out.

The night the Qur'an was sent down was also a night of peace, one of Islam's main objectives in this world.   But peace can only be attained when justice is established on earth.

   

SURAH 41 FUSSILAT (REVELATION - WELL-EXPOUNDED)

THE SURAH OPENS with the words:

A revelation from the Compassionate, the Merciful.  A Book whose verses are well expounded; a Qur'an in Arabic for men of understanding.  It proclaims good news and gives warnings ...(2-4)

One major feature of the Quranic revelation, is that it was received in the Arabic language.  Translations in other languages do not have the same status as the Arabic original, because God, in His infinite wisdom, chose the Arabic language to be the medium for Qur'anic revelation and honoured the Arab people with the task of conveying it to the rest of the world; also, because the translations only convey the meaning of the Qur'an, they will not have the same impact as the Arabic version.

Today's Arabs have inherited two of the most vile characteristics: the traditions of their forefathers during the decline of Islamic civilization, and the habits and illusions of today's materialistic and pleasure-seeking Western culture.

There is nothing worse than an agnostic Arab.  They are most irrational, bigoted and unjust.  The surah could not be more accurate when it quotes their ancestors, saying:

"Our hearts are sealed against that to which you (Muhammad) are calling us.  Our ears are blocked, and there is a huge divide between us and you.  Do as you see fit, and so will we." (5)

The Qur'an warns the Arabs, then as now, that the more they persist in their rejection of God's universal truth and His Messenger, Muhammad, the more certain it is that they would meet the end of their ancestors, 'Ad and Thamud.  The surah says:  "If they turn away say to them, "I warn you of a thunderbolt, like that which struck 'Ad and Thamud'" (13).  

Why were the people of 'Ad destroyed?  "They were unjustifiably arrogant in the land, and would say, 'Who is mightiest than us?'" (15).  Why were the people of Thamud destroyed?  "As for Thamud, We offered them guidance but they preferred to remain blind rather than be guided" (17).

'Ad's ingratitude towards God and their contempt for their fellow human beings, and Thamud's deviation from the true path and their preference for falsehood were the causes for their downfall.  Other nations that follow in their footsteps shall face a similar fate, because God never allows corrupt works to bear fruit, and look at the attitude of today's Arab nations towards Islam can, alas, inspire only pessimism!

The punishment that God's enemies may receive in this life would not suffice: "As God's enemies are brought forth altogether and let into the fire, their ears, eyes and their skins shall testify against them..." (19-20).  Sight and hearing have been bestowed upon human beings to enable them to recognise and appreciate God's marvels of creation and use their intellect to seek God's greatness in this vast universe.  If man suspends these faculties and does not use them as a means to seek God, they shall be the first to testify to that before God on the Day of Judgement, and he shall face a despicable end.    

Man was created out of clay and lives off the earth's goodness and resources.  God has appointed him a representative and a custodian on earth to serve God who had blown life into him.  Nevertheless, man tends to disregard his responsibilities and exceed his limits.

Science tells us that the solar system was created first, while the Qur'an says:  "God created the heavens and the earth and then made darkness and light" (al-An'am: 1).  Mankind came much later, once the earth was prepared and made habitable and adequately provided with all the necessary means that would sustain life on it.  Man is often reminded in the Qur'an to consider this earth upon which he is living and make his choice whether to believe in God or not.  The contemplation of material and physical phenomena that exist on this earth is conducive to bringing man closer to belief in God.

Muslims appreciate matter as well as an existence beyond the material world leading them to knowledge, in addition to the human world, the worlds of jinn and angels.  Among the jinn, we believe, there are righteous individuals as well as ones we know as satanic that seek to mislead humans and influence them to disobey God and neglect their obligations towards Him.

The most well-known of the jinn is Satan (Iblis) who took advantage of Adam's weakness and deceived him by persuading Adam to eat of the forbidden tree and be expelled from the Gardens of Eden.  Adam's first failing was his forgetfulness and the weakness of his will-power, which were both quickly exploited by Satan

Satan and his supporters adopted a similar approach in their fight against Islam when it first emerged.  God says:

We have assigned to them (the enemies of Islam) companions to encourage and abet them.  They well deserve the fate of earlier generations of jinn and humans, and they would certainly be losers.  The unbelievers say, "Do not listern to the Qur'an, and talk aloud when it is being recited, so that you may gain the upper hand."  (25-26)

The unbelievers rejected the Qur'an and refused to listen to it, following Satan's insinuations to heckle and interrupt every time it was recited so as to prevent others from being influenced by it.  The unbelievers say, "Our Lord, show us the jinn and the men who let us astray and we shall crush them beneath our feet so that they become the vilest (of all)." (29)

On the other hand, the people who had opened their hearts and minds to God's universal truth and rallied around it, shall be welcomed and well looked after by the angels:

Those who say, "God is our Lord," and behave righteously, the angels shall descend upon them, saying, "Fear nothing, do not grieve, and rejoice in the Paradise you have been promised...." (30)

Most commentators are of the view that the dying are reminded of this verse as they prepare to depart to the next world, in order to reassure them about those they are leaving behind, as well as the happiness that is awaiting them.

Devils encourage evil, the angels, however, assist with good and righteous acts, but in the final analysis, men are judged by their attitudes and actual behaviour. 

Satan is undoubtedly shrewd and resourceful in his main task of misleading humans and turning them away from God's truth path, which makes the need to remind people of God and educate them to seek Him all the more urgent.  This consciousness of God and His message is liable to uphold the truth, promote it and counteract the efforts of Satan and his cronies.  The surah says:  "Who speaks better than he who calls others to God, acts righteously and says, 'I am a Muslim'?" (33).    

God's messengers have provided the universal role-model in this regard, whose struggle has been the cornerstone for righteous belief in this world.  Their most effective approach was to acquaint people with their God and endear Him to them.  The surah contains a host of verses that urge people to draw closer to God. 

And among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon.  But do not prostrate yourselves before the sun or the moon: rather prostrate yourselves before God who created them both... (37)

And among His signs is that you see the earth dry and barren, but no sooner do We send down the rain upon it than it is revived and flourishes... (39)

With Him rests knowledge of the Hour.  No fruit is borne, no female conceives or delivers except with His knowledge. (47)

Regrettably, our efforts to propagate Islam are lacking, and in parts of the world are sometimes non-existent.  The Arabs' neglect of their special obligation in this respect is completely indefensible. They have become preoccupied with their selfish pursuits and petty squabbles, thereby losing their power and undermining the message of Islam.  The following verses might very well have been meant for them:

Those who deny Our signs are well-known to Us...(40)

Those who deny Our message when it comes to them (shall meet a stern punishment).  It is an exalted scripture that could not, nor shall ever, be corrupted....(41-42)

The universal message of Muhammad embraces all other revealed messages, and Muslims thereby are the custodians of God's revelation for all time to come.  This is implied in the statement:  "Nothing is being said to you that has not been said to the messengers before you... (43).  The surah tells us that the Israelites neglected their religious responsibilities:

We have given Moses the Book, but his people were divided over it.  Had you, Lord, not deferred their judgement, He would have settled their fate there and then (45)

Nevertheless, the Jews today remain far more active in the service of their heritage and culture than the Muslims, allocating vast facilities and resources for that purpose.  The surah closes with statements specifically addressed to the Arabs, past and present:

Say, "Have you considered how heedless you would be if this Qur'an is indeed from God and you reject it?  None is more hdless than he who is deeply in the wrong." (52)

And:

We shall manifest Our signs for them all over the cosmos and in their own souls until they see clearly that this is God's universal truth.  Does it not suffice that your Lord is witness unto all things? (53)

With every day that passes more aspects of the Qur'an's veracity and power are revealed and further proof emerges for the integrity and authority of Muhammad's message of pure tawhid.  Mankind has yet to come up with a god other than the One God who has sent the Prophet we know and laid down laws and rules for the  organisation of individual and social life that have yet to be challenged and fully implemented.

No!  They remain in doubt that they will meet their Lord, but He encompasses all things. (54)

                 

 

BERFIKIR

Allah s.w.t. berfirman,  "Kami akan memperlihatkan kepada mereka tanda-tanda (kekuasaan) Kami di segala wilayah bumi."  SURAH  41 - FUSSILAT:  Ayat 53

"Dan (juga) pada dirimu sendiri.  Maka apakah engkau tidak memerhatikan?" az-Zariyat:21

Jadi, yang menjadi objek perenungan atau pemikiran ialah diri sendiri dan semua makhluk Allah s.w.t.

  

Disebutkan dalam suatu riwayat, bahawa merenung sesaat itu lebih baik daripada ibadahmu setahun.  Anjuran untuk berfikir, merenung, menganalisa dan mengambil pelajaran dapat diketahui dari ayat-ayat dan hadis-hadis.  Kerana, ia adalah kunci pembuka cahaya-cahaya dan awal datangnya pertolongan serta penjaring ilmu.

Tentang keutamaannya, Allah s.w.t. berfirman dalam bentuk pujian, "Dan mereka memikirkan tentang penciptaan langit dan bumi." (Ali-Imran: 191)

Ibnu Abbas berkata, "Sesungguhnya ada suatu kaum yang sentiasa memikirkan tentang Allah Yang Maha Perkasa lagi Maha Agung."  Sebagaimana anjuran dari Nabi s.a.w., "Fikirkanlah tentang makhluk ciptaan Allah dan janganlah kamu memikirkan tentang Allah, kerana kamu tidak akan sanggup memikirkan-Nya."

Diriwayatkan dari Nabi s.a.w., sesungguhnya pada suatu hari baginda keluar menuju suatu kaum yang sedang asyik berfikir.  Baginda bertanya, "Kenapa kamu tidak berbicara?"  Mereka menjawab, "Kami sedang berfikir tentang makhluk ciptaan Allah s.w.t."  Baginda berkata, "Kalau begitu, lakukanlah.  Berfikirlah tentang makhluk ciptaan Allah, tetapi jangan berfikir tentang Zat Allah. 

 

MEMBACA AL QUR'AN

Al Qur'an adalah Kitab Suci yang merupakan sumber utama dan pertama ajaran Islam menjadi petunjuk kehidupan umat manusia diturunkan Allah kepada Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. sebagai salah satu rahmat yang tak ada taranya bagi alam semesta. Di dalamnya terkumpul wahyu Ilahi yang menjadi petunjuk, pedoman dan pelajaran bagi siapa yang mempercayai serta mengamalkannya.  Al-Qur'an adalah Kitab Suci yang terakhir diturunkan Allah, yang isinya mencakup segala pokok-pokok syari'at yang terdapat dalam Kitab-kitab Suci yang diturunkan sebelumnya.  Kerana itu, setiap orang yang mempercayai Al Qur'an, akan bertambah cinta kepadanya, cinta untuk membacanya, untuk mempelajari dan memahaminya serta pula untuk mengamalkan dan mengajarkan sampai merata rahmatnya dirasai dan dikecap oleh penghuni alam semasa.

Membaca Al Qur'an  termasuk amal yang sangat mulia dan akan mendapat pahala yang berlipat-ganda, sebab yang dibacanya itu, adalah Kitab Suchi.  Al Qur'an adalah sebaik-baik bacaan bagi orang Mu'min, baik di kala senang maupun di kala susah, di kala gembira atau pun di kala sedih.  Malahan membaca Al Qur'an itu bukan sahaja menjadi amalan ibadah, tetapi juga menjadi obat dan penawar bagi orang yang gelisah jiwanya.

Membaca Al Qur'an, baik mengetahui artinya ataupun tidak, adalah termasuk ibadah, amal soleh dan memberi rahmat serta manfaat bagi yang melakukannya, memberi cahaya ke dalam hati yang membacanya sehingga terang benderang, juga memberi cahaya kepada keluarga rumah tangga tempat Al Qur'an itu di baca.  Rasulullah bersabda, "Hendaklah kamu beri nur (cahaya) rumah tanggamu dengan solat dan dengan membaca Al Qur'an."  

Di dalam ajaran Islam, bukan membaca Al Qur'an sahaja menjadi ibadah dan amal yang mendapat pahala dan rahmat, tetapi mendengarkan bacaan Al Qur'an pun begitu pula. Tentang pahala orang mendengarkan bacaan Al Qur'an dengan jelas dalam surat (7) Al A'raaf ayat 204 disebut sebagai berikut:  "Dan apabila di bacakan Al Qur'an, maka dengarkanlah baik-baik dan perhatikan dengan tenang, agar kamu mendapat rahmat."

Rasulullah memerintahkan, "Perbanyaklah  membaca Al Qur'an di rumahmu, sesungguhnya di dalam rumah yang tak ada orang membaca Al Qur'an, akan sedikit sekali dijumpai kebaikan di rumah itu, dan akan banyak sekali kejahatan, serta penghuninya selalu merasa sempit dan susah."

Dalam hadits lain Rasulullah mengatakan:  "Sesungguhnya seseorang yang berpagi-pagi pergi mempelajari ayat-ayat dalam Kitabullah lebih baik yang seperti itu daripada mengerjakan sembahyang sunat seratus rakaat."  Dari hadits yang dirawayatkan oleh Ibnu Abbas, Rasulullah juga mengatakan:  "Siapa-siapa yang mempelajari Kitabullah, kemudian diamalkannya isi yang terkandung di dalamnya, Allah akan menunjukinya dari kesesatan dan akan dipeliharanya pada hari kiamat dari siksa yang berat." 

TAJWID

Sebahagian besar ulama mengatakan bahwa tajwid itu adalah suatu cabang ilmu yang sangat penting untuk dipelajari, sebelum mempelajari ilmu Qiraat Al Qur'an.  Ilmu tajwid adalah pelajaran untuk memperbaiki bacaan Al Qur'an.  Dalam Ilmu Tajwid itu diajarkan bagaimana cara melafazkan huruf yang terdiri sendiri, huruf yang dirangkaikan dengan huruf yang lain, melatih lidah mengeluarkan huruf dari makhrajnya, belajar mengucapakan huruf yang panjang dan yang pendek, cara menghilangkan bunyi huruf dengan menggabungkannya kepada huruf yang sesudahnya (idgham), berat atau ringan, berdesis atau tidak, mempelajari tanda-tanda berhenti dalam bacaan dan lain-lain sebagainya.  Ilmu Tajwid itu diajarkan sesudah pandai membaca huruf Arab dan telah dapat membaca Al Qur'an sekadarnya.  

 

QURAN

MEANING OF QURAN

Revelation of the Quran to Muhammad began in 610 with the first five verses of surah 96. No further revelations followed for a period of up to two years, at which point Muhammad received reassurance that the relevation was from God, not the devil. Thereafter, revelation continued without interruption until his death in 632 at which time the Quran was considered complete. Partial collections of the Quran were made during Muhammad’s lifetime by his wives, companions, and scribes. The final, authoritative version was completed and fixed under the direction of the third caliph, Uthman within twenty years after Muhammad’s death. The Quran consists of 114 surahs (chapters), varying in length from 3 to 286 ayat (verses). Surahs are arranged by length, with the latest and longest surahs at the beginning and the earliest and shortest surahs at the end. Very early commentators classified these

chapters into Meccan surahs (received while Muhammad lived in Mecca) and Medinan surahs (received after the *hijrah, when Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina).

The fundamental message of the Quran may be summarized in the term *tawhid, the oneness of God. Both men and women are held to be rational and ethically responsible creatures whose duty is to submit to the divine truth expressed in revelation. This act separates *islam, surrender and submission to the one God, from *kufr, disbelief. Men and women who trust in God and live moral lives in thought, word, and deed become God’s stewards, responsible for caring for the rest of God’s creatures on earth. The society composed of such witnesses to the truth appears in history as the community created by Muhammad and his Companions in Medina in 622-32.

The revelation of the Quran as a book to be read emphasized the importance of literacy and the recording of scriptural text, leading to the development of the Islamic sciences. *Hadith reports recording the words of Muhammad not contained in the Quran came to be regarded as authoritative for explicatiion of the Quran. The sciences of the Arabic language, from lexicography to grammar and rhetoric, were developed in order to gain a precise and accurate understanding of the Quranic text.

The need to understand the legislative content of the Quran gave rise to Islamic law and legal theory. Historiography originated with the aim of elaborating the Quranic view of religious history, according to which Adam was the first bearer of the divine message and Muhammad the last.

The Quran is considered to be the ultimate authority in all matters pertaining to religion. It furnishes the basic tenets of the faith, the principles of ethical behavior, and guidance for social, political, and economic activities. It is used in the five obligatory daily prayers and for special prayers during Ramadan, when it is recited in its entirety. It is a basic vehicle of education, since most Muslim children learn the Arabic alphabet in order to be able to read the Quran. The Quran is used to invoke God’s blessing, and verses from it are often recited at the death of a loved one, at the beginning of public political and social meetings, at conferences, and sometimes at government or official functions. The Quran is the focus of rhythmic chanting and the art of calligraphy – the most highly developed artistic skills in Islamic culture.

Modern Quranic exegesis emphasizes the use of classical analytical tools such as * ijtihad to reform both religious practice and society as a whole and to achieve social and intellectual development. Modern exegetes use the Quran to interpret and explain itself, rather than relying on external sources. Although the Quran is considered authentic only in Arabic, scholars in the twentieth century have

produced translations of the Quran into local and regional vernaculars in order to make the text available to non-Arabic speaking audiences.

*hadith: Report of the words and deeds of Muhammad and other early Muslims, considered an authoritative source of revelation.

*hijrah: Migration or withdrawal. Typically refers to the migration of Muhammad and his Companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E. the first year in the Islamic calendar.

*ijtihad: Islamic term meaning “independent reasoning”

*islam: Islam is the second most widespread of the world’s religions

*kufr: Disbelief. Also means “ingratitude”, the willful refusal to appreciate the benefits that God has bestowed.

*tawhid: Tawhid is the defining doctrine of Islam. It declares absolute monotheism – the unity and uniqueness of God as creator and sustainer of the universe.

(Above text extracted from: The Oxford Dictionary of ISLAM – by JOHN L. ESPOSITO)

SURAH 56 * AL-WAQI'AH (THE INEVITABLE EVENT)

COMMENTARY OF SURAH AL-WAQI'AH  (Quran Stylus Sensor - page 534)

The surah's main features are quite distinct :  it opens with a brief reference to the end of  life on earth and the advent of the Day of Reckoning.  It goes on to describe the three categories into which humankind will be divided in the hereafter:  those who accepted the faith without question shall be the nearest to God, followed by the righteous who shall be to the right of God, and then the unbelievers who shall be to the left of God.  

Being totally preoccupied with their day-to-day lives and worldly affairs, the majority of people cannot think beyond their material or physical existence.   Many of them are, to say the least, skeptical about the resurrection and are quite adamant in their belief that death is the end of their existence.

By his very nature, man is argumentative, contentious and subborn.  However, once this great cataclysmic event is suddenly set in motion, the curtain will fall and no human power will be able to stop it.  The surah says: "When the inevitable event takes place, no one shall be able to deny it" (1-2 ).  With the arrival of the Hour then, a huge earthquake will strike, bringing everything toppling to the ground.  Solid rocks shall crumble into fine dust.

Those who, in this life, enjoyed reading and studying the Qur'an, shall derive even more enjoyment from doing so in the hereafter.  Believers shall be fully and generously rewarded for their deeds and efforts in this life.  They will be guests of their Lord in the auspicious company of angels and prophets.  They will enjoy more than kings and emperors here on earth could ever dream of.

The wonders, blessings, and comforts of Paradise are beyond description or imagination.  What we are told about it is very little indeed:  no more than a taste of what it is really like. It is a place of total and complete devotion to God Almighty; devotion accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of happiness and contentment.  It has reclining couches, studded with precious metal.  "They recline on them face to face" (16).  They socialise in an atmosphere of tranquility, facing one another.  "They are waited upon by immortal youths (17 ), who serve them with milk, honey, water and wine that are pure and healthy and which cause them to suffer "no giddiness or intoxication(19).

Among the most famous features of Paradise are the virgin houris.  These are said to be human beings, both men and women, of beguiling beauty, in the prime of eternal youth and freshness.  In Paradise, humans undergo extensive biological and physiological changes for the better.  Believers will be able to live together in bliss and happiness, as the Qur'an says:

They (the believers) are admitted into gardens of Eden, together with their righteous parents, spouses, and offspring.  The angels come to them from every door and say, "Peace be upon you for your patience.  Blessed is your final abode!"

The Qur'an, as a whole, gives glimpses of the rich rewards reserved for the believers in the hereafter.  These are enough to inspire, reassure, and encourage people to long for those rewards and work hard to earn them.

This surah describes the rewards awaiting "those who are to the fore", and "those of the right," who are of greater number.  There will be sidr (lotus) trees, which normally grow on water-rich land and have prickly thorns, that will be thorn-free.  There will be clusters of banana trees, and expansive carpets of constant shade that never diminish with the heat of the sun, and continuously running water in the form of streams, springs, and fountains.  Paradise has an abundance of fruit of all kinds available all the year round:  "Neither governed by the seasons, nor forbidden." (33).

For those on the right, who are the mass of the Muslims after the first generation, there will be attractive and loving women, all of similar age.

The surah then turns to describe what awaits those "of the left," a reference to the mass of those who rejected God, opposed His messengers, denounced His message, and perpetrated corruption and injustice in the world.  The surah talks of "scorching winds and seething water" (42), and of "shade of pitch-black smoke, neither cool nor refreshing" (43-44). Elsewhere in the Qur'an, God orders the unbelievers on the Day of  Judgement to: "Go into the shadow that rises high in three columns, providing neither shade nor shelter from the flames.  The people "of the left" earned all this misery for their negligence and their lack of faith in God and their relentless hankering after their carnal and worldly desires.

The skeptics and the unbelievers completely discard any belief in the hereafter, and this is a prevalent feature of modern civilization and the root of all the evil and destruction witnessed in the world today. This is what the surah refers to when it says:

For they had been self-indulgent and persisted in committing the supreme evil, saying, "When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, shall we raised to life again? And our forefathers, too?"  Say, "Yes, those of old and those of the present age, shall be brought together for an appointed day." (45-50).

The surah goes on to elaborate on the punishment the unbelievers will face, saying: '"And then you, those who have gone astray and those who have rejected the truth, shall eat the fruit of zaqqum'" (51-52).  It is a bitter and foul fruit which dehydrates the body, causing the victim to crave for water.  Alas!  The only water the sinners shall have will be boiling water.  Th Qur'an asserts:  "They are given scalding water to drink which will tear their bowels" (Muhammad: 15).  The surah says:  "Such will be their state on the Day of Judgement" (56).

These scenes and descriptions of punishment and reward in the hereafter are given as incentives and as a means of enlightenment and education.  They are very effective for a proper appreciation of the dire consequences of man's actions in this life. They prove as effective today in a world where science, arts and the media all seem to enhance man's ignorance of God and accountability and encourage him to desert all religious and moral teachings.  However, such an incentive alone might not be sufficient and would have to be augmented by a concerted effort to motivate the human mind to think and reflect more rationally about, and to believe in, God and His sovereignty and power over the whole world.  

DAY OF RESURRECTION

The frequent references to the Day of Resurrection in the Qur'an are not meant, as understood by some ignorant people, as a threat to human civilization or to thwart human progress.  Rather, they are aimed at breaking man's false pride and egotistic ambitions. 

The need to remind humans of the Day of Judgement never ceases to exist.  Such admonition helps control man's desires  and moderate his arrogance.  The normal human being, with enough common sense, and with a certain belief in the Resurrection, would never forfeit a life of eternal bliss or opt for short-term enjoyment in exchange for the rich rewards of the hereafter!

The surah is brought to a close with a chilling challenge:  Is man able to stem the force of God's will?  Do humans have the power to prevent death?  The surah says:

When a man's soul reaches his throat and is about to leave him, and you are looking on, and We are closer to him than you, although you cannot see Us, why then, if you are not accountable, can you  not bring the soul back, if you claim to be truthful? (83-87)    

Death is inescapable and unpreventable; an inevitable event in every man's life that comes at a predestined moment, totally beyond human control.  On the Day of Judgement, mankind will be sorted into groups according to their performance in this life.

"If he is of those favoured by God, he will enjoy tranquility and plenty and a garden of delight" (88-89).  "If he is of the right, then he will be greeted with the words, "Peace be upon you" from those of the right" (90-91).  It is a greeting from the angels to those of the right for their triumph over life's temptations, and a precursor to their  happy encounter with God Almighty.

"But if he is of the erring disbeliever, his welcome will be scalding water, and he will burn in hell" (92-94).  This is a reference to those who are doomed and condemnd to hell.

Thus the closing words of the surah reinforce its opening statements to give a complete, but concise, picture of  what awaits mankind in the hereafter.  Regardless of the outcome, the truth remains intact:  "This is the indubitable truth. Praise, then, the name of your supreme Lord." (95-96).


You can find the following verses in the following pages:

Verses: 1-2, 16 - page 534
17, 19, 33, 42, 43-44, 45-50 - page  535
51-52, 56 - page 536
83-87, 88-89, 90-91, 92-94, 95-96 - page 537

SURAH 56 * AL-WAQI’AH

SURAH AL-WAQI’AH (Muka Surat 534 – Quran Stylus Sensor)

Sabda Rasulullah s.a.w. yang bermaksud: “Sesiapa menjadikan surah al-Waqi’ah sebagai wirid setiap malam dia tidak akan jatuh miskin.”

Di antara sekian banyak khasiat dan kegunaan surah al-Waqi’ah:

1. Meringankan seksa kubur

2. Mengurangi atau menyembuhkan orang yang sedang sakit

3. Selamat bersalin

4. Membuka pintu rezeki yang halal

MAKSUD SURAH AL-WAQI’AH

“Dengan nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Mengasihani.”

“Apabila berlaku hari kiamat itu. Tiada sesiapa pun yang dapat mendustakan kejadiannya. Kejadian hari kiamat itu merendahkan (golongan yang ingkar), dan meninggikan (golongan yang taat). (Ia berlaku) semasa bumi bergoncang dengan sebebar-benar goncangan. Dan gunung-ganang menjadilah ia debu yang bertebaran.

Dan kamu pula menjadi tiga puak (yang berlainan keadaannya). Iaitu puak pihak kanan; alangkah bahagianya keadaan puak pihak kanan itu? Dan puak pihak kiri - alangkah seksanya keadaan puak pihak kiri itu?

“Dan (puak yang ketiga pula ialah) orang-orang yang telah mendahului (dalam mengerjakan kebaikan di dunia) – yang akan mendahului (mencapai balasan yangsebaik-baiknya di akhirat kelak). Mereka itulah orang-orang yang didampingkan(di sisi Allah), (tinggal menetap) di dalam Syurga-syurga yang penuh nikmat.

(Di antaranya) sekumpulan besar dari umat-umat manusia yang terdahulu. Dan sebilangan kecil dari orang-orang yang datang kemudian. (Mereka duduk di dalam Syurga itu) di atas takhta-takhta kebesaran yang bertatahkan permata. Sambil berbaring di atasnya dengan berhadap-hadapan.

Mereka dilayani oleh anak-anak muda lelaki yng tetap kekal (dalam keadaan mudanya), yang sentiasa beredar di sekitar mereka – dengan membawa piala-piala minuman dan tekoh-tekoh serta piala atau gelas yang berisi arak (yang diambil) dari sungainya yang mengalir.

“Mereka tidak merasa pening kepala dan tidak pula mabuk dengan sebab menikmatinya. Dan juga (dibawakan kepada mereka) buah-buahan dari jenis-jenis yang mereka pilih, serta daging burung dari jenis-jenis yang mereka ingini. Dan (mereka dilayani) bidadari-bidadari yang cantik parasnya, seperti mutiara yang tersimpan dengan sebaik-baiknya. (Semuanya itu) sebagai balasan bagi (amal-amal baik) yang mereka telah kerjakan. Mereka tidak akan mendengar dalam Syurga itu perkataan yang

sia-sia dan tiada pula sesuatu yang menyebabkan dosa. Mereka hanya mendengar ucapan: “Selamat! Selamat! (dari satu kepada yang lain). “Dan puak kanan –

alangkah bahagianya keaadaan puak kanan itu? Mereka bersenang-lenang di antara pohon-pohon bidara yang tidak berduri. Dan pokok-pokok pisang yang tersusun rapi buahnya. Dan naungan yang tetap terbentang. Dan air yang sentiasa mengalir, serta buah-buahan yang banyak, yang tidak putus-putus dan tidak pula terlarang mendapatnya, dan tempat-tempat tidur yang tertinggi keadaannya. Sesungguhnya Kami telah menciptakan isteri-isteri mereka dengan ciptaan istimewa, serta Kami

jadikan mereka sentiasa dara (yang tidak pernah disentuh), yang tetap mencintai jodohnya, serta yang sebaya umurnya. (Semuanya itu disediakan) bagi puak kanan; iaitu sebilangan besar dari orang-orang yang terdahalu, dan sebilangan besar dari orang-orang yang datang kemudian.

“Dan puak kiri – alangkah seksanya keadaan puak kiri itu? Mereka diseksa dalam angin yang membakar dan air yang menggelegak serta naungan dari asap hitam, yang tidak sejuk, dan tidak pula memberi kesenangan. Sesungguhnya mereka sebelum itu dilalaikan oleh kemewahan (dunia, dari mengingati hukum Tuhan). Dan mereka pula sentiasa melakukan dosa yang besar. Dan juga mereka selalu berkata: “Adakah

sesudah kita mati serta menjadi tanah dan tulang, betulkah kita akan dibangkitkan hidup semula? Dan adakah juga datuk nenek kita yang telah lalu, (akan dibangkitkan hidup semula)?” Katakanlah (kepada mereka): “Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang telah lalu dan orang-orang yang terkemudian, tetap akan dihimpunkan pada masa yang ditentukan – pada hari kiamat yang termaklum. Kemudian, sesungguhnya kamu wahai orang-orang yang sesat yang mendustakan (kedatangan hari kiamat). Tetap akan memakan (pada hari itu) dari sebatang pokok, iaitu pokok zaqqum, maka kamu akan memenuhi perut kamu dari pokok (yang pahit buahnya) itu, selepas itu kamu akan meminum pula dari air panas yang menggelegak, iaitu kamu akan minum seperti unta yang berpenyakit sentiasa dahaga dan tidak puas-puas.”

“Inilah (jenis-jenis azab) yang disediakan untuk menyambut mereka pada hari Pembalasan itu. Kamilah yang telah menciptakan kamu (dari tiada kepada ada - wahai golongan yang ingkar), maka ada baiknya kalau kamu percaya (akan kebangkitan kamu hidup semula pada hari kiamat). (Mengapa kamu masih berdegil?) Tidakkah kamu memikirkan keadaan air mani yang kamu pancarkan (ke dalam rahim)? Adakah kamu yang menciptakannya atau Kami yang menciptakannya? Kamilah yang menentukan (dan menetapkan masa) kematian (tiap-tiap seorang) di antara kamu, dan Kami tidak sekali-kali dapat dikalahkan atau dilemahkan; (bahkan Kami berkuasa) menggantikan (kamu dengan) orang-orang yang serupa kamu (tetapi tidak seperti bawaan kamu), dan berkuasa menciptakan kamu dalam betuk kejadian yang kamu tidak mengetahuinya.

“Dan demi sesungguhnya, kamu telah sedia mengetahui tentang ciptaan diri kamu kali pertama, maka ada baiknya kalau kamu mengambil ingatan (bahawa Allah yang telah menciptakan kamu dari tiada kepada ada, berkuasa membangkitkan kamu hidup semula pada hari akhirat kelak). Maka (mengapa kamu masih berdegil?) Tidakkah kamumelihat apa yang kamu tanam? Kamukah yang menumbuhkannya atau Kami yang menumbuhkannya? Kalau Kami kehendaki, sudah tentu Kami akan jadikan tanaman itu kering hancur (sebelum ia berbuah), maka dengan itu tinggallah kamu dalam keaadaan hairan dan menyesal, (sambil berkata): “Sesungguhnya kami menanggung kerugian, bahkan kami hampa (dari mendapat sebarang hasil).”

“Selain dari itu, tidakkah kamu melihat air yang kamu minum? Kamukah yang menurunkannya dari awan (sebagai hujan), atau Kami yang menurunkannya? Kalau Kami kehendaki, Kami akan jadikan dia masin, maka ada baiknya kamu bersyukur. Akhirnya, tidakkah kamu melihat api yang kamu nyalakan (dengan cara digesek)? Kamukah yang menumbuhkan pokok kayunya, atau Kami yang menumbuhkannya? Kami jadikan api (yang tercetus dari kayu basah) itu sebagai peringatan (bagi orang-orang yang lalaikan kebenaran hari akhirat) dan sebagai benda yang memberi kesenangan kepada orang-orang musafir. Oleh yang demikian, (wahai orang yang lalai) bertasbihlah dengan memuji nama Tuhanmu Yang Maha Besar (sebagai bersyukur akan nikmat-nikmat-Nya itu).

“Maka Aku bersumpah: “Demi tempat-tempat dan masa-masa turunnya bahagian-bahagian al-Quran,” – dan sebenarnya sumpah itu adalah sumpah yang besar, kalaulah kamu mengetahuinya, bahawa sesungguhnya (yang dibacakan kepada kamu) itu ialah Al-Quran yang mulia, (yang sentiasa memberi ajaran dan pimpinan). Yang tersimpan dalam Kitab yang cukup terpelihara. Yang tidak disentuh melainkan oleh makhluk-makhluk yang diakui bersih suci; al-Quran itu diturunkan dari Allah Tuhan sekalian alam. Patutkah kamu (wahal golongan yang kufur ingkar) bersikap sambil lewa terhadap keterangan-keterangan al-Quran ini?

“Dan kamu jadikan sikap kamu mendustakannya (sebagai ganti) bahagian dan nasib kamu (menerima dan bersyukur akan ajarannya)? Maka alangkah eloknya kalau semasa (roh seseorang dari kamu hamper mati) sampai ke kerongkongnya, sedang Kamu pada masa itu(berada di sekelilingnya) menyaksikan keadaannya. Dan Kami lebih dekat kepadanya daripada kamu, tetapi kamu tidak melihat. Maka bukankah elok kalau kamu orang-orang yang tidak dikuasai (dan tidak tunduk kepada kekuasaan Kami). Kamu kembalikan roh itu (kepada keadaan sebelumnya) jika betul kamu orang-orang yang benar?

“Kesudahannya: jika ia (yang mati itu) dari orang orang “Muqarrabiin”, maka (ia akan beroleh)rehat kesenangan, dan rahmat kesegaran, serta Syurga kenikmatan. Dan jika ia dari puak kanan, maka (akan dikatakan kepadanya): “Selamat sejahtera kepadamu, (kerana engkau)dari puak kanan”. Dan jika ia dari (puak kiri) yang mendustakan (Rasulnya), lagi sesat, maka sambutan yang disediakan baginya adalah dari air panas yang menggelegak serta bakaran api neraka. Sesungguhnya (segala yang disebutkan) itu adalah kebenaran yang diyakini. (Oleh itu, bertasbihlah dengan memuji nama Tuhanmu Yang Maha Besar.”

(Surah al-Waqi’ah : 1 -96)

SURAH 67 * AL-MULK (DOMINION)

COMMENTARY OF SURAH AL-MULK (Quran Stylus Sensor page 562)

THIS LIFE DOES NOT END WITH DEATH, but is resumed in another life.  Dismissal of the idea of the hereafter, or refusal to understand it, betrays a degree of intellectual impotence  which does not become the believer.  This is what the present surah emphasises very strongly by saying:  "He who created death and life, so that He may put you to the test and see whose deeds are the best..." (2); "He created seven heavens, one above the other.  You shall find no discrepancies in the Merciful's creation..." (3); "We have adorned the lowest heavens with lantern..."(5).     

We see widespread preoccupation in Muslim societies with the material and trivial things in life, and an excessive tendency towards the pursuit of greed and pleasure.  Herein lie the causes of the material and spiritual malaise sweeping the Muslim world today.

A believer is more intelligent and more capable of understanding life and the world.  According to Islam, belief in God is firmly based on a rational group of the purpose of life and the signs God has establishd all around us.  It is sad that Muslims today are trailing behind, with no say or influence over world affairs.

Belief in God has its unique and mysterious way of influencing the human soul, motivating individuals to incredible levels of action and sacrifice.  It makes some give up all material pleasures, or sacrifice their lives, for the sake of compliance with God's revelations.  Thus the surah promises:  "Those who fear their Lord although they cannot see Him shall be forgiven and richly rewarded" (12) 

With belief in God and the hereafter comes the power to control, harness, and manage the material resources of the world for the good of humanity.  The surah says:  "It is He who has made the earth subservient to you, so go about its regions and eat of His provisions, for to Him all shall be resurrected" (15).  Man's real future happiness and success are not in this world but in the life to come.

The opening verse in this surah asserts that God has complete sovereignty over the world, while verses in other surahs in the Qur'an affirm that God also controls man's sustenance and well-being, that the destiny of the earth and the heavens is under  His power, and that in His supremacy.  He has no equal or rival.
   
Thus God asks the unbelievers:

Are you confident that He who is in heaven would not cause the earth to sink beneath you and shake violently?  Or are you confident that He who is in heaven would not shower you with stones?  You will soon know the truth of My warning....(16-17).

The Qur'anic expression:  "He who is in heaven" is one of several such expressions referring to God's Throne and in no way restricts God's presence to the 'heavens'.  His knowledge, hearing, sight, and control reaches every soul and every thing, anywhere in the universe.

God's omnipresence should never be in doubt and it would be impertinent to ask in what form that omnipresence is manifest.  this is one of the many facts in our existence that we shall never be able to encompass or comprehend.  God is closer to us than our own souls, but we cannot see Him and we shall not be able to conceive the reality of the divine essence or form.  All we need to appreciate is our total dependence on His grace, power, and generosity, and the complete insignificance of everything else besides Him.

As it comes to a close, the surah turns to address the unbelievers who wage war against the Prophet and his followers.  It asks them about the purpose and wisdom of their aggression if they could not understand God's  message and appreciate it.  How could they justify their folly?

It asks:

Say (Muhammad), "What would you say if God were to destroy me and those with me or be merciful towards us?  Who would protect the unbelievers from a grievous scourge?"  Say, "He is the Merciful.  We believe in Him and in Him we put our trust, and you shall soon know who is evidently in error." (28-29)

It ends by asking the materialists who deny the existence of God a pertinent question:  "Say, 'What if the water you have became inaccessible, who else would provide you with running water?'" (30)


You can cross reference by pointing the stylus sensor on the following verses:

Verses 2, 3, 5 and 12  - page 562
Verses 15, 16-17 - page 563
Verses 28-29, 30 - page 564    

PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.W. said:  "I VERY MUCH LIKE THAT EVERYONE OF MY UMMAH  CARRIES ALONG SURAH AL-MULK, EMBEDDED IN THEIR CHESTS.  A SURAH CONSISTING  OF 30 VERSES WHICH  SHIELDS AND PROTECTS THE INDIVIDUAL FROM SEVERE PUNISHMENT IN THEIR GRAVES.    

 

SURAH 67 * AL-MULK

SURAH AL-MULK - Muka Surat 562 Quran Stylus Sensor

Keutamaaan surah Al-Mulk

Daripada Ibnu Abbas r.a. katanya: Ada seorang lelaki dari sahabat-sahabat Rasulullah s.a.w. membangunkan khemahnya di atas sebuah kubur, sedang dia tiada mengetahui pada tempat itu ada sebuah kubur. Rupa-rupanya kubur itu ialah kubur seorang lelaki yang selalu membaca surat Al-Mulk (Tabarak), lalu dia pun mendatangi Rasulullah s.a.w. seraya berkata: Wahai Rasulullah! Aku telah membangunkan khemahku di atas sebuah kubur, aku tidak tahu di tempat itu ada kubur, tetapi rupa-rupanya kubur itu ialah kubur seorang yang selalu membaca surah Al-Mulk hingga selesai. Maka berkata Nabi s.a.w.:

“Dialah (surah Al-Mulk) suatu pendinding, dan dialah penyelamat yang menyelamatkan daripada siksa kubur.”

(Riwayat Termizi – Hasan gharib)

Bacalah Surah Al-Mulk kerana dia itu adalah penyelamat dan pembela yang akan membela pembacanya di hadapan Tuhannya di hari kiamat, sambil memohon Tuhannya untuk menyelamatkannya dari siksa api neraka jika surah itu ada di dalam dadanya, dan Allah akan menyelamatkannya juga dari siksa kubur. Berkata Rasulullah s.a.w.: Aku suka sekali jika surah itu berada di dada setiap manusia dari umatku.

Berkata Abu Umar bin Abdul Bar suatu bicara yang sah datangnya daripada Rasulullah s.a.w. bahawasanya baginda telah berkata: Sesungguhnya ada sebuah surah yang jumlah ayatnya tiga puluh ayat telah memberi syafaat kepada tuannya sehingga ia diampunkan, iaitu surat “Tabarak Al-Mulk”.

Go to the page and read with the help of the stylus sensor. You can even listen to the translation as you wish.

KELEBIHAN AYAT AL-KURSI/BRIEF COMMENTARY OF AYAT AL-KURSI

SURAH AL-BAQARAH AYAT 255  (Muka Surat 42 Quran Stylus Sensor)

Maksudnya: "Allah, tiada Tuhan (yang berhak disembah) melainkan Dia, Yang Tetap Hidup, Yang Kekal selama-selamanya mentadbirkan (sekalian makhluk-Nya).  Yang tidak mengantuk usahkan tidur:  Yang memiliki segala yang ada di langit dan yang ada di bumi.  Tiada sesiapa yang dapat memberi syafaat (pertolongan) di sisi-Nya melainkan dengan izin-Nya.  Yang mengetahui apa yang ada di hadapan mereka dan apa yang ada di belakang mereka, sedang mereka tidak mengetahui sesuatu pun dari (kandungan) ilmu Allah melainkan apa yang Allah kehendaki (memberitahu kepadanya).  Luasnya Kursi Allah (ilmu-Nya dan kekuasaan-Nya) meliputi langit dan bumi; dan tiadalah menjadi keberatan kepada Allah menjaga serta memelihara keduanya.  Dan Dialah Yang Maha Tinggi (darjat kemuliaan-Nya), lagi Maha Besar (kekuasaan-Nya)." 

Keterangan Ayat

Diriwayatkan dalam Sahih Muslim bahawa Nabi s.a.w. pernah memberitahu kepada Ubai bin Ka'ab bahawa ayat yang paling agung dalam al-Quran adalah ayat al-Kursi.

Khasiat dan Kaifiat Beramal

Ayat al-Kursi juga mempunyai kelebihan untuk menghadapi gangguan syaitan seperti yang disebutkan dalam hadis sahih.  Ayat ini patut menjadi amalan dengan membacanya pada setiap waktu terutama apabila berhadapan dengan kebarangkalian diganggu jin dan syaitan.   Selain itu, Nabi s.a.w. juga menganjurkan agar membaca ayat ini sebelum tidur supaya terpelihara daripada diganggu syaitan hingga ke waktu Subuh.

BRIEF COMMENTARY OF  AYAT AL-KURSI

SURAH 2 * AL-BAQARAH verse 255 (page 42 of Quran Stylus Sensor)

Believers who love their God more than anything else reflect the fruits of this love in their  actions and expressions.  God is deserving of this adoration, because He is the ultimate manisfestation of all glory, and greatness belongs to Him alone.  This is beautifully articulated in the most magnificent verseof the Qur'an, also known as the verse of the Throne, which begins with the words:  "God: there is no god but Him, the Living, the Eternal.  Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him.  His is what the heavens and the earth contain" (255).

SURAH 1 AL-FATIHAH (THE OPENING CHAPTER)

BRIEF COMMENTARY OF SURAH AL-FATIHAH

"IN THE NAME OF GOD the Merciful, the Compassionate." (1).  This surah, like all other surahs in the Qur'an with the exception of al-Tawbah, opens in the name of God, Allah SWT - (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala: May He be praised and may His transcendence be affirmed. Said when referring to Allah), the most exalted and holiest of names which, when invoked, provides protection from all harm and evil.  As an expression of praise and gratitude to God the surah represents the very heart and soul of the Qur'an and, although it is one of the shorter surahs, it is often considered to be the most illustrious of them all.  Al-Fatihah conveys the quintessential ideal of Islam giving expression and definition to the covenant made between human beings and God upon which the mission and task humankind in this world has been founded.  It is, moreover, an earnest prayer to God, a heartfelt plea to show humans the right way, give them guidance and make them deserving of His pleasure and benevolence.

People should strive to be clear and correct in their thinking and sincere in their vision and perception.  Once shown the truth, people should uphold it, show humility towards God, and kindness and benevolence towards other beings.

God prescribed the recitation of this surah as part of all Muslim prayers, including the obligatory five daily ones.  It is a refreshing, regenerative, and intimate communication between people and their Lord.  It is a manifesto of fundamental truths and ideals, and an overture of humility from a modest apologetic servant to the All-Powerful Lord and Master.  Prophet Muhammad is reported to have quoted God as saying:

(the fruits) of prayer are shared equally between Me and My servant, and My servant will be granted what he had asked for.  As he recites: "Praise be to God," God would say: "My servant has praised Me."  As he recites: "The Merciful, the Compassionate," God would say:  "My servant has thanked Me."  As he recites:  "Master of the Day of  Judgement," God would say: "My servant has glorified Me and surrendered to Me."  As he says: "You alone we worship, and You alone we turn to for help," God would say:  "This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he has asked for."  And as he says: "Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not those who have incurred Your wrath, nor those who have gone astray," God would say: "This is for My servant, and he will be granted his wish."**

We recite these blessed words of supplication and praise for the benefit of our own souls, just as washing regularly is necessary for the health of our bodies.  Likewise, human temperament and behaviour are never put right by a short prayer, casually repeated but soon forgetten.  One has to stand before God as frequently as possible, because human recklessness and imprudence, as well as Satan's insinuations, never cease nor know any boounds.  Prayer, supplication, and submission to God have to be observed and performed as a matter of habit.    

** Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih