Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
Salam sejahtera ke atas kamu dan semoga Allah merahmati dan memberkati mu.
❝ Di akhir zaman ini, jangan kalian tinggalkan istighfar dan bersholawat kepada Rasulullah ﷺ. Tidak ada perkara yang lebih besar daripada dua perkara ini di akhir zaman.❞
"Pada hari itu sahabat-sahabat karib: setengahnya akan menjadi musuh kepada setengahnya yang lain, kecuali orang-orang yang persahabatannya berdasarkan taqwa (iman dan amal soleh)" [Surah az-Zukhruf 67]
#Mencari seorang sahabat baik bukanlah mudah. Seorang sahabat baik, bukan sahaja bersama kita di kala gembira, namun dia sentiasa ada di sisi sama ada ketika suka, duka, susah mahupun senang. Sahabat yang berhati mulia akan membawa kita ke jalan Allah swt.
#Seorang lelaki berkata kepada al-Junaid (ahli sufi terkenal hidup dalam kurun ke 3 hijrah di Baghdad):
"Sesungguhnya sukar sekali mencari ikhwan (saudara sejati) di zaman ini. Di manakah akan ku temui saudaraku fillah?". Al-Junaid enggan menjawab sehinggalah lelaki itu mengulangi soalan yang sama sebanyak tiga kali. Setelah lelaki itu mengulang-ulangi soalan yang sama, barulah al-Junaid menjawab:
"Sekiranya engkau mencari saudara untuk mencukupkan keperluan hidupmu dan turut menanggung kesulitan yang kamu hadapi, maka demi umurku, saudara seperti itu amat sedikit. Jika engkau mencari saudara fillah yang engkau akan tanggung perbelanjaannya dan sabar menghadapi kerenahnya, maka seperti itu ramai. Aku akan perkenalkan mereka kepadamu".
Mendengar jawapan itu, lelaki itu diam membisu. Lantas al-Junaid menyambung: "Ketahuilah bahawa manusia terdiri dari tiga golongan:
1. Orang yang engkau dapat manfaat dengan bersahabat dengannya.
2. Orang yang engkau memberi manfaat kepadanya tetapi dia tidak memudaratkanmu, cuma engkau tidak mendapat manfaat daripadanya.
3. Orang yang engkau tidak dapat memberi manfaat kepadanya, sebaliknya dia memudaratkanmu. Ini adalah manusia yang bodoh atau berperangai buruk. Engkau hendaklah menjauhkan diri darinya.
Adapun golongan kedua, jangan engkau jauhkan diri darinya kerana engkau akan mendapat manfaat daripadanya di akhirat kelak dengan syafaatnya, doanya dan pahala engkau menolongnya selama ini.
Ada orang berkata: "Aku berkawan dengan sebahagian manusia selama 50 tahun. Tidak pernah berlaku sebarang pertelingkahan antara aku dengan mereka. Ketika aku bersama mereka, aku menanggung keperluan mereka". Jadi, sesiapa yang begitu sifatnya, ramailah saudara-saudaranya" (Lihat: Al-Mustakhlas fi Tazkiatin-Nafs, Sa’eid Hawwa)
♡Mencari sahabat janganlah berdasarkan kepentingan sementara seperti maslahat di dunia, tetapi carilah demi kemaslahatan bersama yang abadi iaitu maslahat dan manfaat di akhirat♡
"Dan tidak ada yang lebih baik perkataannya daripada orang yang menyeru kepada (mengesakan dan mematuhi perintah) Allah, serta ia sendiri mengerjakan amal yang soleh, sambil berkata: "Sesungguhnya aku adalah dari orang-orang Islam (yang berserah bulat-bulat kepada Allah)!" [Surah Fussilat 33]
#Para pendakwah mestilah merasakan pentingnya tugas dakwah dan tingginya nilai dakwah itu dengan menjadikan orang ramai sasaran untuk diselamatkan.
#Pendakwah mesti melihat logam-logam berharga di kalangan mereka yang belum Islam. Tidak jemu berusaha mengajak dan memberi penerangan sehingga akhirnya Allah membuka pintu hidayahnya dan mereka menjadi sebahagian daripada pejuang Islam yang unggul.
#Jom kita hayati kisah dibawah ini sebagai contoh untuk dijadikan teladan kepada semua pendakwah:
Selepas perjanjian Hudaibiyah, Sayidina al-Walid bin al-Walid, saudara kepada Sayidina Khalid bin al-Walid memeluk Islam.
Ketika Rasulullah saw datang ke Mekah untuk menyelesaikan umrah qadha’ baginda bertanya al-Walid: "Di manakah Khalid?"
Al-Walid menjawab: "Dia akan dibawa datang oleh Allah..."
Lalu Nabi saw bersabda: "Tidak patut orang sepertinya jahil tentang Islam! Kalaulah dia meletakkan ketangkasannya menewaskan musuh bersama kaum muslimin dalam menewaskan kaum musyrikin, pastinya itu lebih baik untuknya. Dan kami akan meletakkannya di hadapan memimpin yang lain".
Mendengar kata-kata Nabi saw itu, al-Walid segera mencari saudaranya Khalid, namun tidak bertemu. Dia meninggalkan sepucuk surat yang dituliskan: "Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pengasih lagi Maha Penyayang. Sesungguhnya aku tidak bertemu dengan sesuatu yang lebih aneh daripada hilangnya fikiranmu dari Islam. Aku tidak menemui seseorang yang akalnya lebih aneh daripada akalmu. Aku tidak menemui sesuatu yang lebih aneh daripada orang yang jahil tentang Islam! Sesungguhnya Rasulullah saw telah menanyaiku tentangmu. Baginda berkata: "Di manakah Khalid?" Tidak patut orang sepertinya jahil tentang Islam! Kalaulah dia meletakkan ketangkasannya menewaskan musuh bersama kaum muslimin dalam menewaskan kaum musyrikin, pastinya itu lebih baik untuknya. Dan kami akan meletakkannya di hadapan memimpin yang lain". Maka segeralah saudaraku, menangkap apa yang selama ini telah terlepas daripadamu! Sesungguhnya berapa banyak tempat-tempat yang baik telah luput daripadamu".
Surat saudaranya itu dibaca dengan gembira tidak terkata. Kata-kata Nabi saw benar-benar berkesan di jiwanya. Keinginannya memeluk Islam membuak-buak. Dia segera berangkat ke Madinah untuk menemui Rasulullah saw dan memeluk Islam. Kedatangan Khalid untuk memeluk Islam pada tahun ke 8 hijrah, 6 bulan sebelum pembukaan Mekah dan 2 bulan sebelum Perang Mu’tah bersama 2 orang rakannya Uthman bin Talhah dan Amru bin al-‘As disifatkan oleh Nabi saw dengan kata-kata: "Mekah telah membalingkan kamu dengan buah hati mereka!".
#Dengan kesungguhan dakwah dan memanfaatkan peluang yang ada, Nabi saw berjaya mengIslamkan Sayidina Khalid bin Al-Walid yang digelar "Saifullah al-Maslul" yang membawa maksud pedang Allah yang terhunus.
♡Ajaklah manusia agar beriman kepada Allah swt dengan penuh kesungguhan serta berdoalah kepadaNya agar mencampakkan hidayahNya kepada mereka♡
🐊Ust naim
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Sunday, 28 July 2024
☆Tadabbur Kalamullah 23 Muharram 1446H☆
وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
Dan Tuhan kamu berfirman: "Berdoalah kamu kepadaKu, nescaya Aku perkenankan doa permohonan kamu" [Surah al-Ghafir 60]
#Doa yang dilakukan dengan penuh penghayatan pasti diterima Allah. Itulah jaminan daripada Allah swt kepada hambaNya.
#Doa adalah pemohonan kepada Allah. Allah ialah Tuhan Yang Maha Agung dan Maha Mencipta. Apabila seseorang berdoa kepadaNya, hendaklah ia dilakukan dengan penuh perasaan merendah diri, kekhusyukan jiwa, harapan dan pergantungan yang mutlak diserahkan kepadaNya. Ramai orang berdoa, tetapi tidak ramai pula yang jiwanya ketika berdoa itu jiwa merendah, penuh tunduk dan khusyuk kepada Allah. Berdoa dengan bersungguh-sungguh akan peroleh kemakbulannya.
#Berkata 'Ali bin Abi Fuzarah:
"Dahulu ibuku seorang yang lumpuh selama 20 tahun. Satu hari dia berkata kepadaku: "Pergilah kamu kepada Imam Ahmad bin Hambal, minta dia berdoa kepada Allah untukku".
Aku pergi ke rumah Imam Ahmad bin Hambal. Aku mengetuk pintu rumahnya. Beliau berkata: "Siapa?" Jawabku: "Seorang lelaki dari sekian tempat. Ibuku, seorang wanita tua lagi lumpuh, meminta aku datang kepadamu agar kamu sudi berdoa kepada Allah untuk kesembuhannya. Tiba-tiba aku mendengar perkataan beliau, perkataan seorang lelaki yang dimarahi, beliau berkata: "Kami lebih berhajat supaya kamu berdoa untuk kami."
Akupun berlalu pergi. Tiba-tiba keluar seorang perempuan tua dari rumah beliau seraya berkata: "Kamu yang tadi bercakap dengan Abu Abdillah (Imam Ahmad bin Hambal?)." Aku menjawab: "Ya". Kata perempuan itu: "Aku tinggalkan beliau tadi, beliau sedang berdoa kepada Allah untuk ibumu".
Kata 'Ali bin Abi Fazarah: "Aku segera pulang ke rumah. Aku mengetuk pintu rumah, aku dapati ibuku bangun dari tempat duduknya membuka pintu rumah berjalan dengan kedua kakinya.
Kata ibuku: "Sesungguhnya Allah telah kurniakan kepadaku keafiatan (kesembuhan)" (Lihat: Siyar A'lam an-Nubalaa' dan Sifah as-Sofwah)
♡Doa adalah lambang pengabdian diri seorang hamba Allah kepada Allah Yang Maha Agung. Sentiasalah berdoa, merayu dan bertawakkal kepada Allah dan jangan berputus asa berdoa kepadaNya dengan penuh kesungguhan dan keikhlasan♡
🐊Ust naim
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Saturday, 27 July 2024
Shaheed Meaning and Its Relevance Today
The depth of the Arabic language allows one word to connote multiple meanings. We explore the meaning of shaheed, and its enduring values of faith and sacrifice.
Recently, Meta, a major tech company which oversees social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, removed a ban on the common usage of the Arabic word ‘shaheed’ after receiving years of criticism on the company’s approach in assessing content involving the Middle East.1
The ban was described as being ‘overbroad’ and unnecessarily suppressing the speech of millions of users.
So, what does the term ‘shaheed’ mean? And why was it banned in the first place? As critics remained persistent over the years, what is the significance of ‘shaheed’?2
The Meaning of Shaheed in Islam
‘Shaheed’ or ‘shahid’ bears much significance in Islam. It is an Arabic term (شَهِيْد) which is derived from its root-word sh-h-d (شَهِد) meaning ‘to witness’, ‘to be present’ or ‘to testify’.
The depth of the Arabic language allows one word to connote multiple meanings (derived from the root-word), making each word unique, even against other synonyms. Thus, the term ‘Ash-Shaheed’, when Allah ascribed it to Himself, means ‘The One who is ever present and witnessing over everything of the known and the unknown’. We can see this description in many Quranic verses, such as:
“I never told them anything except what You ordered me to say: ‘Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord!’ And I was witness over them as long as I remained among them. But when You took me, You were the Witness over them—and You are a Witness over all things.”
In fact, in the same verse, Allah s.w.t. also ascribed the word ‘shaheed’ to Prophet Isa a.s; “And I was witness over them as long as I remained among them”, meaning ‘to oversee (mushahid) and guide them (raqib)’, as pointed out by the scholar Ibn ‘Asyur in his tafsir.
Another common usage of the word shaheed, which is also used in the Quran, refers to the meaning of martyr. Interestingly, the English word ‘martyr’ comes from the Greek word, also meaning ‘to bear witness’.3
Our scholars have different opinions on why the word shaheed is applied to martyrs in Islam. In what way does the act of ‘witnessing’ and ‘being present’ correspond to martyrdom?
We will list for you three views:4
Allah s.w.t. and Rasulullah s.a.w. will bear witness to the martyr to enter Paradise
The martyr witnesses Paradise during his death
The soul of the martyr witnesses Paradise before others
Whatever the reasons are, the Quran uses the term shaheed to refer to martyrs. As seen in the following verse:
“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be in the company of those blessed by Allah: the prophets, the people of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous—what honourable company!”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:69)
Shaheed, or martyrdom, is a significant concept in our religion. Unfortunately, for those who are not familiar with Islam or the Arabic language, shaheed may be misunderstood as a negative term to mobilise violent extremists in the past. The review by the oversight boardfunded by Meta but operates independently, found that Meta’s rules on shaheed failed to account for the word’s variety of meanings and resulted in the removal of content not aimed at praising violent actions.
As Muslims, it is our responsibility to learn about Islam and be good ambassadors of the faith. Let us discuss shaheed-martyrdom in Islam. How does a Muslim attain the status of shaheed? And what does being a shaheed entail for you? Are there different types of shaheed?
Martyrdom and Sacrifice
Shaheed or martyrdom in Islam refers to those who have died in God’s cause (fi sabilillah).5Often, ‘God’s cause’ is affiliated with those who defend their country during a military struggle. However, God’s cause could also be any honourable cause that sincerely seeks the pleasure of Allah s.w.t.
So, in Islam, martyrdom is not only limited to those who die in a justified battle but also encompasses individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in a sincere effort to bring good to the world or to save the lives of others. The sacrifices of a shaheed are seen as a testament to their dedication to Allah and their willingness to endure hardship for the sake of their faith.
Through Allah’s mercy, another classification of martyrdom in Islam includes innocent victims who died in tragic accidents or circumstances.
The above reasons for martyrdom in Islam can be seen in the hadith narrations of our Prophet s.a.w. Jabir Ibn ‘Atik r.a. reported that Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said,
“There are seven martyrs besides one who is killed in the way of Allah: the victim of plague is a martyr, the one who drowns is a martyr, the one who dies of chest pain is a martyr, the one who dies of stomach infection is a martyr, the one who burns to death is a martyr, the one who dies under rubble is a martyr, and the pregnant woman who dies in labour is a martyr.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud)
In another hadith, Abu Hurayrah r.a. reported a conversation between the Prophet s.a.w. and some of the companions r.a:
ما تَعُدُّونَ الشَّهِيدَ فِيكُمْ؟ قالوا: يا رَسولَ اللهِ، مَن قُتِلَ في سَبيلِ اللهِ فَهو شَهِيدٌ، قالَ: إنَّ شُهَداءَ أُمَّتي إذنْ لَقَلِيلٌ، قالوا: فمَن هُمْ يا رَسولَ اللهِ؟ قالَ: مَن قُتِلَ في سَبيلِ اللهِ فَهو شَهِيدٌ، ومَن ماتَ في سَبيلِ اللهِ فَهو شَهِيدٌ، ومَن ماتَ في الطَّاعُونِ فَهو شَهِيدٌ، ومَن ماتَ في البَطْنِ فَهو شَهِيدٌ
“(Rasulullah s.a.w. asked) ‘Who do you think is a martyr among you?’ They said, ‘The one who is killed in the way of Allah.’ He said: ‘Verily, if that is so, then the martyrs among my nation are few.’ They asked, ‘O Rasulullah, then who are the martyrs?”
He said: ‘He who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr, and he who dies a natural death in the way of Allah is a martyr, and he who dies of plague is a martyr, and he who dies of stomach disease is a martyr, and he who dies from drowning is a martyr.’”
(Sahih Muslim)
Even a person who died a natural death could become a martyr by the mercy of Allah s.w.t. May Allah s.w.t. grant us all a beautiful end in this world.
Rewards of Martyrdom
A shaheed is revered in Islam. Sumayyah r.a, the female companion (sahabiyyah) of Prophet Muhamamd s.a.w. is revered as the first shaheedah or martyr in Islam. Sumayyah r.a. did not go to battle. She was tortured because of her resilience in faith. It got so severe that she was martyred.
Allah s.w.t. raises the status of martyrs so high that they are promised the highest levels of Paradise.3 This would automatically mean immediate entry to Paradise, attaining Allah’s forgiveness, and salvation from the trials of the Hereafter and from the torments of the Hellfire.
“Never think of those martyred in the cause of Allah as dead. In fact, they are alive with their Lord, well provided for—rejoicing in Allah’s bounties and being delighted for those yet to join them. There will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”
(Surah Ali ‘Imran, 3:169-170)
Here, Allah s.w.t. described martyrs are being alive, clearly renouncing the affiliation of being dead.
This aspect of faith also serves as a source of comfort and solace for families and communities of those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of righteousness.
Such merits attributed to a shaheed can only be so appealing. However, it does not mean we should put ourselves in a situation that could put us to our death.
Embracing Death
Unfortunately, the misinterpretation of texts on shaheed and martyrdom has been exploited by violent extremists to mislead individuals by justifying and glorifying acts of violence. In distorting the true meaning of shaheed, they have sought to legitimise their radical ideologies, often targeting vulnerable individuals who may be susceptible to manipulation and indoctrination.
This is where we draw the line between a correct understanding of a shaheed and an extremist version.
In Islam, while there is an emphasis on the contemplation of death as a means of spiritual reflection and preparation for the afterlife, the deliberate seeking of one's own death or the killing of others, such as in the case of suicide bombings, is unequivocally condemned. Islam places great value on the sanctity of life and prohibits any form of self-harm or harm to others. Suicide bombings and similar acts of violence are considered not only unacceptable but also contrary to the fundamental principles of Islam, which emphasise compassion, justice and the preservation of life.
“Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him. Whoever hates to meet Allah, Allah hates to meet him.’ Aisyah asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, So far as the feelings of aversion against death is concerned, we all have this feeling.’ The Prophet replied: ‘I do not mean that. Rather, when a believer is given the glad tidings of the mercy of Allah, His pleasure, and Paradise, then he loves to meet Allah, and Allah loves to meet him. When a disbeliever is given news of the punishment at the Hand of Allah and hardship to be imposed by Him, he hates to meet Allah, and Allah hates to meet him.’”
(Sahih Muslim)
This hadith aptly encapsulates a Muslim’s approach to death. Death is not to be sought but prepared for when the time comes. And each of us, individually, has a different fate. When death comes, we pray that Allah shows us His mercy, accepts us and forgives our shortcomings.
Thus, we must take precautions to prevent some of those unfortunate events from occurring, such as taking approved vaccinations during a plague, wearing a life vest during cases of emergency at sea to prevent drowning, and quickly seeking medical attention if feeling unwell.
We must also possess disciplined piety. In other words, we must be fully aware that Allah s.w.t. is Ash-Shaheed, The One who is Omnipresent and All-Observing. Only He decrees our time and judges our actions and intentions in this world. Beyond the manner in which an individual dies, Allah alone determines our faith and ultimate fate.
The True Struggle For Martyrdom
Our focus is on living a life that pleases Allah and striving to maintain sincerity and consistency. It was warned to us in a hadith about a person who went out of his way to achieve martyrdom:
“The first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who had died as a martyr. He will be brought forward. Allah will remind him of the favours He had bestowed upon him, and the man will acknowledge them. Then He will ask him: 'What did you do to express gratitude for it?' The man will reply: 'I fought for Your Cause till I was martyred.' Allah will say: 'You have lied. You fought so that people might call you courageous, and they have done so.' Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Many stories in the Islamic tradition emphasise inner consciousness and piety over ego on the battlefield. For example, Ali Ibn Abi Talib r.a. was once in a battle where he wrestled his enemy to the ground. As he lifted his sword to kill him, the man spat in Ali r.a.’s face. Ali r.a. immediately paused, dropped his sword, and let the man go. Ali r.a. was terrified that his heart might become impure with anger and revenge rather than justice.
This sense of struggle contrasts deeply with individuals who would rather rush to choose violence as a means to achieve their ideals.
Fate is not random. Through His mercy and compassion, Allah s.w.t. grants martyrdom to whomever He wills. Unfortunately, there will be people who continue to abuse the idea of shaheed and embark on agendas that are against Islamic teachings, such as purposely taking away a life, be it their own or others.
The concept of shaheed is particularly meaningful in regions where individuals or communities face persecution due to their religious beliefs. The status of shaheed serves as a beacon of strength and resilience to those grappling with adversity, offering a sense of purpose and meaning in the face of unimaginable hardship.6
Shaheed encompasses cultural, religious and historical significance that represents the enduring values of faith, sacrifice and resistance against injustice. While the meaning of shaheed provides insight into the rich tapestry of Islam, it also serves as a reminder of the legacy of those who held on to their faith in the everlasting belief in Allah s.w.t.
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Notes
1 R. (2024, March 27). Meta oversight board urges company to end ban on Arabic word 'shaheed'. Reuters
2 https://www.almaany.com/ar/dict/ar-ar/الشهيد/
3 Brown, J. (2017, September 12). Meta oversight board urges company to end ban on Arabic word 'shaheed'.Yaqeen Institute
4 Hasan Ibn Ahmad Al-Kaff, Taqrirat As-Sadidah Fil-Masa-il Al-Mufidah (A Sound Declaration On Issues of Benefit), Dar Mirath An-Nabawiyyah (The Prophet Heritage Publication), pg. 367 (footnote no.3)
5 https://www.almaany.com/ar/dict/ar-ar/الشهيد/
6 Nashed, M., & Humaid, M. (2024, February 8). ‘We’re waiting to be martyred’: Palestinians await Israeli attack on Rafah. Al Jazeera.
