Friday Khutbah text: Peace in Islam

My dear brothers,

Let us strive to increase our taqwa to Allah, truly and sincerely. Do all that He commands, and refrain from all that He has forbidden. Let us also strengthen the value of love and mercy in our lives. Our topic of khutbah today is the Value of Peace and harmony in the Holy Quran.

Ya Ikhwanul Muslimun,

One of the values in the Holy Quran is peace and calm for mankind. Everyone who reflects upon what the Quran says about these values and upholds them in their lives, will certainly enjoy peace and calm and is able to share it with others. In this world today, we face challenging and uncertain times. Many of us may live in worry and uncertainty, and this does not only affect us as individuals, but also our families and others around us.

But a worried and disturbed mind needs to be calmed. A confused soul needs to be at peace. The Holy Quran teaches us how to attain peace and calm. Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Ar-Ra’d verse 28:

Which means: “Those Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!”

This verse teaches us to remember Allah s.w.t. and seek His help always. The remembrance of Allah (through zikir) will bring about calmness and peace in our hearts. After we have faced difficulties, and we find ways to solve them, we must remember Allah s.w.t. by being grateful to Him. We must remind ourselves that our souls will be calm and peaceful when we remember Allah s.w.t. who presides over everything.

Ya Ikhwanul Muslimun,

This value of peace and calm does not stop with individuals, but also applies to family life. Allah s.w.t. reminds us on the importance of the value of peace and calmness in our relationship with our spouses, and the value of love and mercy in our families. Allah s.w.t. says in surah Ar-Rum verse 21:

Which means: “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.”

My dear brothers

Al-Quran also offers a constructive way to secure a peaceful and calm world inhabited by peoples of different backgrounds and cultures. To this end, the Holy Quran calls upon mankind to uphold the value of justice and fairness, because this value will secure peace and prosperity. Allah s.w.t. says in surah An-Nahl verse 90 :

Which means: “Surely Allah enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good (to others) and the giving to the kindred, and He forbids indecency and evil and rebellion; He admonishes you that you may be mindful.”

Indeed, Allah s.w.t. states as one of the key objectives of His Syariah on this earth is the prevention of all kinds of violence, bloodshed and killing. This is because peace and calm is sacred in Islam, as well as human life is sacred too. Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 84:

Which means: “And when We made a covenant with you: You shall not shed your blood and you shall not turn your people out of your cities; then you gave a promise while you witnessed.”

Infact, Allah s.w.t. puts the highest value to human life, and equates this life with that of all mankind. As Allah s.w.t. states in Surah Al-Maidah verse 32:

Which means: “For this reason did We prescribe to Bani Isra’il that whoever slays a soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all men; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men;”

These verse also apply to this ummah and our world that we live in today, although they were revealed in reference to the previous ummahs.

My dear brothers,

However, because of our inherent characteristics as human beings, sometimes we are not able to hold strongly to this value. For example, when we dislike someone, or we ourselves, or our families and relations have done wrong, normally we will evade justice in order to protect ourselves. But the moment justice is abandoned, there will be no peace and calm in our lives. For this, the Holy Quran emphasises the need to be just, even in the most difficult of times and situations, even against ourselves and our loved ones! For example, Allah s.w.t says in Surah An-Nisa’ verse 135:

Which means: “O you who believe! be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness of Allah's sake, though it may be against your own selves or (your) parents or near relatives; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them both in compassion; therefore do not follow (your) low desires, lest you deviate; and if you swerve or turn aside (from justice), then surely Allah is aware of what you do.”

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. also reminds us to always uphold justice in his hadith:

Which means: Indeed, those who are just will stand by Allah on raised platforms of light. They are those who act fairly and are just in their dealings and decisions, and with their families and all those under their charge. [Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim]

My dear brothers,

Let us continue to read, understand and practice the teachings and values of the Holy Quran. If we do this sincerely, we will be able to attain peace and calm in our lives. Know that Allah s.w.t. loves those who uphold the values of justice and service to others, at all times. May we be among those whom Allah s.w.t. loves. Amin.

Second Khutbah

Dear Muslim brothers rahimakumullah,

Let us strengthen our taqwa to Allah s.w.t. by doing good, and refraining from all which is prohibited. Let us continue to pray to Allah s.w.t. that may He return peace and calm to Gaza and the whole Palestine land. As we are all aware, the situation in Gaza has worsened. According to Gaza Ministry of Health, over 1400 was killed since December 2008. Many residents of Gaza have lost shelter, and food supplies are running low.

As a Muslim that appreciates peace and values harmony, we urge all parties involved in this crisis to work seriously towards ending this cycle of violence. At all times, human rights must be protected, and the value of human lives must be upheld and respected, especially the lives of innocent civilians. International human rights and the teachings of all religions will not condone any form of act that harms innocent civilians.Palestinian issue is our concern. I would like to call upon all brothers as follows:

1. Let us pray to Allah to seek strength from our weaknesses and negligence towards our duty to our ummah.

2.Let us pray together in the hope that the current situation in Gaza will improve, and may every of its resident receive proper shelter and protection, and may the humanitarian aid reach those who are in need of such aid.

3Let us support our brothers with our money towards the betterment of the Palestinian people.

4Stop buying and supporting Israeli goods such as McDonald, Coca Cola. Intel, Starbucks,Nestle and many more.

5Educate ourself to understand the conflicts. We can gain information from www.palestine-info.co.uk for example

.

O Allah, we pray that peace and harmony return to the lives of citizens in Palestine. Help them in facing this ordeal, and please do not leave them on their own, devoid of Your protection. O Allah, we seek from You to strengthen their belief, may peace be achieved, and may the parties involved find a resolution to discuss their matters peacefully. O Allah, please give them Your guidance and assistance.

O Allah, please unite this ummah with ihsan, compassion and sympathy towards what has happened to our brothers. Unite their hearts with love. Strengthen their resolve and determination in performing good deeds. O Allah, please forgive us for our sins, please forgive us for our flaws in dealing with our affairs. Please help us all in facing these hard times.

O Allah, please make this country peaceful and prosperous. O Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. Amin Ya Rabbal A’lamin.

*My first ever khutbah delivered in Adelaide University Musolla on 13.03.09.

Free Gaza Now!

Wafiyah pun berprotes: Selamatkan Gaza!

Ribuan pendokong keadilan di Parliament House, Adelaide
anjuran Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA).


Free Gaza Now!

Ummi bersama Aussie yg prihatin

Stop killin' children!

Our very clear message to Mr Ehud Olmert!

Hamas tetap menang atau syahid semuanya

1. Saat ini jumlah korban rakyat Palestin hampir mencecah 500 jiwa.
2. Hamas, Briged al-Qassam dan seluruh pejuang Palestin yang ikhlas kini menghadapi ujian getir berdepan dengan rejim Zionis dan sekutunya untuk merampas wilayah umat Islam dan Al-Quds yang dimuliakan. Semoga Allah menguatkan kedudukan mereka sebagai barisan pertama memelihara MAsjid al-Aqsa.
3. Menurut Dr. Yusuf Al-Qardawi, umat Islam seluruhnya tiada terkecuali untuk membantu umat Islam di Palestin menghadapi rejim Zionis Laknatullah dengan segala kekuatan dan persiapan yang ada.
4. Antara kaedah yang disyorkan adalah memperkukuhkan kedudukan Islam dalam hati dan negara masing2, menghulurkan bantuan kemanusiaan spt makanan, wang, senjata dll, menyebarkan maklumat agar rakyat peduli dan bertindak membebaskan Palestin, mendoakan kejayaan pejuang Palestin dan Allah menghancurkan musuh2 Islam dan melobi dan menekan negara2, gerakan2, pertubuhan2 termasuk EU dan UN dsb untuk menghentikan serangan ke atas Gaza dan wilayah Islam sekitarnya.

Mari kita sama2 mendoakan mereka melalui Qunut Nazilah:

"Allaahumma inna nasta'eenuka wa nu'minu bika, wa natawakkalu `alayka wa nuthni `alayka al-khayr, wa laa nakfuruka. Allaahumma iyyaaka na'budu wa laka nusalli wa nasjudu, wa ilayka nas'aa wa nahfid. Narju rahmataka wa nakhsha `aุฒaabaka, inna `azaabaka al-jadd bil kuffaari mulhaq. Allaahumma `azzibil-kafarata ahlil-kitaab allazina yasudduna `an sabilika

(O Allaah, verily we seek Your help, we believe in You, we put our trust in You and we praise You and we are not ungrateful to You. O Allaah, You alone we worship and to You we pray and prostrate, for Your sake we strive. We hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment, for Your punishment will certainly reach the disbelievers. O Allaah, punish the infidels of the People of the Book who are preventing others from following Your way)."

"Ya Allah, Sesungguhnya kami meletakkan-Mu di batang-batang leher musuh-musuh kami.
Dan kami berlindung dengan-Mu daripada kejahatan-kejahatan mereka.
Ya Allah, Leburkanlah kumpulan-kumpulan mereka.
Pecah belahkan dan kacau bilaukan persatuan mereka.
Goncangkan pendirian mereka.
Dan hantarkanlah anjing-anjing kamu kepada mereka.

Wahai tuhan yang gagah perkasa Wahai tuhan yang penuh raksasa. Wahai tuhan yang bersifat murka.
Ya Allah Ya Allah Ya Allah Ya Allah,
Wahai tuhan yang menurunkan kitab,
Wahai tuhan yang mengarakkan awan.
Wahai tuhan yang menewaskan bala tentera al-ahzab.
Kalahkan mereka. Kalahkan mereka. Kalahkan mereka.
Dan menangkan kami ke atas mereka."

Dan jauhkanlah kami dari kelalaian duniawi dan lemahnya kami untuk mujahadah membantu saudara-saudara kami yang diuji. Ameen, Ya Rabbul Alamin.

Bebaskan Kiblat Pertama

TANGGAL 2 Oktober mungkin tidak membawa erti yang besar bagi ramai orang. Berlainan pula dengan para pejuang isu Palestin dan juga para pengkaji sejarah Islam. Tarikh 2 Oktober merujuk kepada peristiwa besar yang berlaku pada tahun 1187 Masihi bersamaan dengan 27 Rejab tahun 583 Hijrah.

21 Ogos Memperingati Masjid Al-Aqsa dibakar

Masjid Al-Aqsa, kiblat pertama umat Islam dibakar pada 21 Ogos 1969.

TANGGAL 21 Ogos merupakan tarikh yang amat penting dalam lipatan sejarah umat Islam. Apa tidaknya, Pertubuhan Persidangan Islam atau lebih dikenali dengan OIC lahir kerana insiden 21 Ogos. Apakah yang berlaku sehingga persidangan ini tercetus?

Pada 21 Ogos 1969, seorang lelaki berbangsa Australia bernama Dennis Michael Rohan telah membakar Masjid Al-Aqsa. Api menyala besar dan membakar tembok serta mimbarnya yang besar (mimbar Solahuddin).

Api marak dengan dahsyat sekali seolah-olah seluruh Masjid Al-Aqsa akan musnah ketika itu. Sehinggakan pihak bomba juga tidak hadir menghulur bantuan. Tetapi Allah s.w.t telah menyelamatkan Masjid Al-Aqsa dan melindunginya. Akhirnya api dapat dipadamkan.

Setelah itu orang-orang Yahudi membuat pengadilan pura-pura terhadap Rohan. Lucunya, Rohan mendakwa bahawa dia diutuskan oleh Allah untuk melakukan pembakaran itu, bersesuaian dengan berita dari Kitab Zakaria.

Apa yang menyedihkan kemudiannya ialah Yahudi membebaskannya dengan mengatakan Rohan 'gila', dengan kata lain, tidak waras.

Maka, atas sebab itu, Rohan tidak da- pat dipertanggungjawabkan atas kejadian tersebut. Bertitik-tolak insiden menghinakan itu, negara-negara Islam di seluruh dunia bangkit mempertahankan tempat suci mereka dan mengecam perbuatan keji terhadap Al-Aqsa.

Maka sejak itu, 21 Ogos tanpa gagal diangkat sebagai Hari Al-Quds sedunia. Ia disambut sebagai tanda memperingati tragedi pembakaran masjid Al-Aqsa.

Tragedi tersebut merupakan catatan sejarah yang paling menyedihkan dalam sejarah umat Islam. Masjid Al-Aqsa yang begitu suci itu dihina sedemikian rupa.

Tidak menghairankan apabila semua umat Islam seluruh dunia 'terbakar' hati dan perasaan mereka kerana tindakan Rohan, 38 tahun lalu. Begitulah nasib Tanah suci umat Islam yang ketiga setelah dihuni oleh rejim Zionis.

Perlu diingatkan, isu Masjid Al-Aqsa ini ada hubung kait dengan hal-hal Palestin.

Maka selayaknya, isu Palestin ini merupakan isu yang dipertanggungjawabkan bagi sekalian umat Islam. Satunya kerana, kedudukan Masjid al-Aqsa sebagai Tanah Suci ketiga dalam Islam. Selebihnya ia merupakan kiblat pertama umat Islam selain menjadi bumi didiami para Nabi serta pusat pemerintahan dunia Islam seperti yang dirakamkan dalam hadis Rasulullah.

Bagi masyarakat bukan Islam, isu Palestin menggambarkan ketidakadilan dan kezaliman rejim terhadap bangsa Palestin yang perlu sama-sama dibela dan diperjuangkan.

Hari ini Palestin berada dalam tangan rejim Zionis yang telah merampasnya daripada tangan umat Islam.

PembelaanAkibatnya, umat Palestin telah dihalau keluar, dizalimi, ditindas, dikambinghitamkan, dipenjarakan dan dibunuh. Nasib yang melanda umat Islam Palestin memerlukan pembelaan dari seluruh umat Islam.

Sebagai usaha pembelaan dan kepedulian, maka Hari Memperingati Al-Quds atau Remembrance of Al-Quds (ROQ) merupakan sebuah gagasan yang menjadi simbol solidariti umat Islam di Malaysia terhadap umat Palestin.

Pelbagai kegiatan boleh dijalankan untuk menghebahkan tentang isu Palestin dan kedudukan Palestin dalam hati umat Islam serta soal penindasan di Masjid Al-Aqsa. Kita berharap program ini akan menggerakkan masyarakat su- paya sedar lalu terpanggil untuk menghulurkan sumbangan dan mempersiapkan diri mereka dengan segala pertahanan dan kecemerlangan sebagai umat yang terbaik.

Episod duka Palestin ini, ditambah dengan penindasan dan kezaliman yang tidak henti hingga ke saat ini hakikatnya menuntut sokongan dan bantuan semua, seluruh lapisan masyarakat dunia.

Malah, 21 Ogos hadir setiap tahun mengingatkan kita bahawa sekiranya kita tidak mempertahankan tanah suci Palestin dan Masjid Al-Aqsa, kelak, kita bukan sahaja tidak dapat mempertahankannya daripada sekadar dibakar, malah keseluruhannya cenderung untuk dirampas secara haram oleh rejim Zionis.

Justeru, bersempena Sambutan Memperingati Hari Al-Quds Sedunia tahun ini, adalah amat wajar untuk kita sama- sama mengajak masyarakat sekeliling memperingatinya, apatah lagi merencana langkah strategik, efektif dan praktikal lagi kreatif demi menyumbang ke arah pembebasan Palestin.

Sementara itu, antara aktiviti-aktiviti untuk menyemarakkan sambutan ini ialah ceramah umum, seminar, demonstrasi damai, penerbitan filem, buletin, cakera padat video (VCD), persembahan seni seperti teater, nasyid, dan festival seni dan pameran kesedaran di tempat awam yang strategik di masjid-masjid, sekolah-sekolah termasuk gedung beli-belah dan sebagainya.

Jika bukan anda yang mulakan, siapa lagi? Jika bukan sekarang, bila lagi?