Fenomena 40an

Benarkah ‘life starts at 40″? Bagi Nabi Muhammad, umur 40 adalah bermulanya saat kerasulan.

Bagi sesetengah lelaki, umur 40 menjadi titik tolak kepada perubahan dalam hidup. Kalau ia terus dengan kehidupan yang melalaikan dan memiliki tabiat tertentu yang tidak baik, maka lazimnya ia akan teruskan cara hidup yang demikian melainkan ia cepat sedar dan kembali ke pangkal jalan. Manakala bagi sesetengah lelaki pula, sekitar umur 40 ialah tempoh waktu ‘miang’ dan ‘darah muda’ kembali semula. Sejauhmanakah kebenarannya?

Bagi sesetengah orang perempuan, umur 40 adalah suatu yang menakutkan. Kata orang, perempuan kalau

umur 20 maknanya mengancam
umur 30 maknanya macam-macam
umur 40 maknanya diancam
umur 50 maknanya terancam
umur 60 maknanya dah tak boleh cam

Izinkan saya menulis dalam bahasa Inggeris pula

Well, some of us never expected “something” strange will happen…after 10-20 years of marriage….that may stir the relationship of a “loving” couple…a relationship that is based on love (once). We are not exposed to this phenomena. We didn’t know about it until we go through our marriage and through an age period of 35 – 45 years old

Some observations that we could see in the phenomena at 40 (35-45 yrs old) among men are:

1. sexual desire is increasing, “miang muda datang balik”
2. hormone is increasing too
3. looking for different “taste” if routine of life looks the same over the years and “nothing” new or “refreshing” in the relationship
4. “life starts at 40 again”
5. “man is like coconut milk; the older he goes, the thicker his macho is”
6. man thinks that his partner, who looks the “same” in terms of beauty, shape, attitude, care more of the children, house and career…which will take away some quality time that may contribute to “escapism” among men

Among women, we maty find that they:

1. care less about beauty
2. care less about shape
3. take for granted that her man is satisfied enough after years of romance
4. take for granted that her man is supposed to be a responsbile man, as a father, a hubby, …. by the age of 40
5. routine of life is thought to be stable and balance, nothing to worry….
6. his “loyalty” is there already
7. at about 40, man should think of how be more devoted to God

In many cases, these “hopes’ or “perceptions” or “expectations” are not true or may not necessarily be true.

Few things to do by the couple
• get in shape
• take care of you beauty
• change environment
• change setting for the house quarterly
• renew bedroom setting
• recreation once a month (stay outside)
• eating out with family once, candle light, dating again
• see album of pictures together, talk about the past once a while
• always celebrate important dates
• change setting for love making
• exchange presents
• visit memorable places where love started to spark in life between you and him
• put on different sexy dresses occasionally
• diversify ways to seduce him
• work together on a series of projects
• hugs and kisses everyday in the morning and evening
• always try to accompany him whenever is possible
• say “love u” at the end of every telephone conversation
• say “miss u” when don’t meet more than a day
• say the kid misses u when he is not home more than a day, make up stories…that the kid says papa…pointing finger at his picture

The Evolution of Perfume - Facts And History

The chronicle of perfume refers to its wide use in ancient Egypt, Rome and the Middle East. Perfume was extensively used by women as beautification ritual and status, besides religious rituals. It also played a significant role in courtship and romance acts.

Classic perfumes were made using aromatic natural raw materials acquired from botanical as well as animal sources. The finished perfumes turned to be highly expensive revealing the production costs and only the opulent class of people could afford it. However, owing to technological advancements and modern chemistry the classic perfume saw gradual transformation into its contemporary version.

The contemporary evolution process initiated in Grasse, South France and stretched to Paris. Grasse is recognized as the perfume and flower capital as it is steeped in the history of perfume. Grasse offers the finest perfumes to all discerning perfumers in the world. Mammoth changes have taken place in perfumery. The art of making perfume today involves creativity and technology. Today, the fruition of perfume has ascertained that they are not reserved only for the privileged class alone. Modern perfumes are available in affordable prices as they are manufactured using aroma chemicals and many man-made aromatic compounds.

Niche and natural perfumers make perfumes in classic style. Big perfume houses on occasions combine aroma chemicals with botanical oils and emerge with novel perfumes. Wearing perfumes is a way of pampering oneself. Men and women apply perfume as pleasure or to express intimacy. However, the fragrance of perfume is appreciated as it has a lingering effect.

Conversely, a perfume smelling good on one person may not smell good on another, and this is due to the interaction between the body and the fragrance that produces a unique scent perception based on the body chemistry. Hence, body chemistry is considered to be a significant factor in creating or even in buying a perfume. A perfume having a good smell on a smelling strip may not be good on you.

Perfume should be purchased only after trying it on your body. You can squirt some perfume on the inside of your wrist and try to smell it after sometime. If the perfume smell is retained, you can get going by buying the perfume or select another one that blends your body. Few things that should be done before purchasing a perfume is that smell the scent and apply it immediately. Its fragrance should be apparent in the surrounding and also should have the ability of lasting longer.

Speaking of perfumes, it is believed that women possess better sense of smell in comparison to men. Similarly, the smell sense is sharper in the afternoons and remembering the smell is very essential. Conversely, perfume fragrance is long lasting on oily skin than dry skins. In general, you can have lasting effect of perfume when the concentration and the aromatic oils in the perfume are higher and heavier.

Following certain guidelines for wearing perfumes helps in retaining it for a longer period. Perfumes have their best effect when applied on pulse points. Subsequently, applying perfumes on the wrist, inside the elbows and behind the ears is suggested. Spraying perfume in the bra cleavage keeps the scent released continuously.

There are plenty of cheap perfume available indicating great savings. Cheap perfume is not considered to be the best purchase as the ingredients used may not be of good standards. However, caution is expected as counterfeit products may smell like original perfume, but made of low grade quality ingredients causing harm to your skin. Hence, buying perfumes of big brands that tries to clear their discontinued products or some liquidated stock is worth purchasing as the price tag will also be appropriate.

SELMAT HARI RAYA ..MAAF ZAHIR BATIN

When the sun has set, and day is done-
I'll break this chain, but only one.
By the end of Ramadan, this whole chain will be all gone!
It's time for Eid and lots of fun!!!

A spanking way to be happy(Rotan Dapat "UBATI" Depresi & Ketagihan Arak)

[CORPUN.COM] Russian scientists claim a beating on the buttocks with a strong cane is the perfect way to cure everything from depression to alcoholism by releasing the body's natural "happy chemicals" known as endorphins.

Endorphins are produced in the brain in response to high levels of stress and pain that lead to feelings of euphoria, reduction of appetite, the release of sex hormones and enhancement of the immune response. They have a similar effect on pain to drugs such as morphine and codeine, but do not lead to dependence.

The scientists, headed by biologist Sergei Speransky, claim corporal punishment not only rids people of addictions but also helps overcome depression and suicidal tendencies, the daily Izvestia reported.

The scientists said that when caned, a person's body will release masses of endorphins, making them happier. The caning, they found, counteracts a lack of enthusiasm for life which they claim is the cause of addictions, suicidal tendencies and psychosomatic disorders.

The scientists, who said they have had positive results with people testing their cane therapy, recommend a standard treatment course of 30 sessions with 60 of the best, delivered on the buttocks by a person of average build.

They highlighted how, in the 19th century, German doctors had achieved positive results on everything from depression to pneumonia by caning their patients.

Marina Chuhrova, who took part in preparing the report, said of the 10 patients she caned regularly to test the results: "At first they didn't like it, but when they started to feel the benefits they kept asking for more."

The Russian team is now charging for the sessions, getting $A140 for a standard treatment.

Research by other scientists has suggested endorphins can be obtained by less painful means. Foods such as chocolate or chilli peppers can also lead to enhanced secretion of endorphins. Exercise, acupuncture, massage therapy and sex can also stimulate endorphin secretion, but the Russian team say none of those methods is as effective as a good caning.
"Kata sekumpulan saintis Rusia yang diketuai oleh ahli biologi Sergei Speransky, memukul dengan kuat di bahagian punggung adalah penawar terbaik untuk mengubati bermacam-macam masalah daripada depresi hinggalah masalah ketagihan arak dengan membebaskan "bahan kimia kegembiraan" tubuh yang dikenal sebagai "endorphins".


Yang menariknya, terapi rotan itu kini sudah menjadi suatu cara untuk mendapatkan pendapatan yang lumayan. Berdasarkan artikel di bawah, kini terapi rotan itu dikenakan bayaran sebanyak $A140 untuk satu sesi. Kalau saintis Barat berkata begitu, MENGAPA PUAK SEKULARISME & HAK ASASI MANUSIA DI NEGARA INI MENGATAKAN BAHAWA TINDAKAN ITU ZALIM & MELANGGAR HAK ASASI MANUSIA? Moralnya ialah, jangan melulu menuduh sesuatu sebelum membuat kajian dan penyelidikan. Jangan juga mengikut pendapat orang secara melulu, nanti orang kata kita bodoh sombong: sudahlah malas belajar apabila hendak diajar tetapi tidak mahu, akibatnya jadi bodoh kerana bersikap sombong. Yang pasti, Tuhan itu Maha Berkuasa & Maha Mengetahui, jadi janganlah membangkang hukum Tuhan!




Dr Speransky, head of biological sciences at the Novosibirsk Institute of Medicine, said you could eat chocolate, exercise then have a caning. "That way you can get a maximum dose of endorphins."

ARAK DAN STATISTIK KEBURUKANNYA

Menurut statistik rasmi di United Kingdom, Alcohol-related crime adalah seperti berikut :-



* Hampir 45 - 46 % kejadian jenayah, mangsa meyakini bahawa penyerangnya di bawah pengaruh alkohol (arak).

* Angka tadi naik kepada 58% dalam kes serangan oleh individu yang tidak dikenali.

* 39% keganasan dalam rumahtangga melibatkan alkohol (arak)

* Hampir sejuta serangan ganas yang berlaku dalam tahun 2007-2008, dipercayai dilakukan oleh mereka yang sedang mabuk atau separa mabuk.

(Source: British Crime Survey 2007/08)



Manakala di Russia pula, sekitar 72 % kes pembunuhan adalah berkait dengan akibat minuman arak. 42 % pula kes mati bunuh diri hasil dari arak. Menurut Prof Nemtsov, Russia kehilangan (mati) rakyatnya seramai 500,000 ke 750,000 akibat arak. ( sumber )



Tanpa had dan kawalan berkesan, lebih menggerunkan di UK statistik menunjukkan 30% kanak-kanak berumur 11 hingga 15 tahun turut minum arak sekurang-kurangnya sekali seminggu.



Selain penyebab jenayah, arak juga turut memberi impak amat buruk kepada kesihatan.



Seorang doktor di London memaklumkan purata umur pesakit dari kesan arak adalah berumur 20 ke 30 tahun, sebelum ini biasanya mereka yang berumur 50 tahun ke atas sahaja yang kerap ke hospital akibat arak. (rujuk)


Dilaporkan oleh organisasi kesihatan, di United Kingdom jumlah penduduk yang dirawat akibat penyakit dari kesan minuman arak bertambah dua kali ganda sejak sepuluh tahun lepas.



Secara purata rakyat Britain 'menelan' arak sebanyak 9.6 liters arak keras dan tulen secara tahunan, ia lebih dahsyat dari Russia yang mencatatkan 8.7 liter sahaja. Sedangkan Russia diwartakan sebagai negara yang terbanyak ‘peminum arak' sebelum ini.



Hasil dari petikan statistik ringkas ini, adakah masih terdapat pemimpin yang begitu ‘TIDAK BERTANGUNGJAWAB' sehingga sanggup mempertahankan penjualan arak dengan MELUAS tanpa kawalan dan hanya beriman dengan ‘kawalan diri'?, disamping membawakan hujjah hak kebebasan individu, bangsa, agama tertentu dan hak syarikat?.



Sebenarnya, membenarkan penjualan arak adalah satu pencabulan hak bagi majoriti masyarakat Malaysia yang lain, kerana ia mendedahkan individu lain dalam keadaan bahaya sebagaimana yang berlaku di UK, Russia dan lain-lain negara aktif arak.



HUKUMAN MINUM ARAK DALAM ISLAM



Dalam Islam, arak itu sendiri adalah haram atau dilarang. Sama ada minum sedikit atau banyak adalah sama sahaja larangannya. Demikian juga dadah. Sabda Nabi s.a.w

ما أسكر كثيره فقليله حرام
Ertinya : Apa-apa yang banyaknya memabukkan, maka sedikitnya juga haram ( walaupun belum memabukkan) ( Riwayat Ahmad, Tirmizi, Abu Daud : Ibn HIbban : Sohih )



Ayat al-Quran dan hadis berkenaannya terlalu banyak dan amat biasa kita baca. Islam mengakui wujudnya manfaat kecil dari arak tetapi manfaatnya adalah berdiri di atas kehancuran pihak yang lain. Sama seperti judi, yang menang sememangnya gembira namun ia menang di atas kekalahan pihak yang lain.



Firman Allah swt :

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَآ أَكْبَرُ مِن نَّفْعِهِمَا



"Mereka bertanyakan kepada kamu tentang arak dan judi, katakanlah (kepada mereka) pada kedua-duanya terdapat dosa yang besar dan kebaikan kepada manusia, dan dosa pada kedua-duanya lebih banyak dari kebaikan" (Al-Baqarah : 219)



Lagi Allah menegaskan :-

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالأَنصَابُ وَالأَزْلاَمُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ



Ertinya : Hai orang-orang yang beriman, sesungguhnya (meminum) khamar, berjudi, (berkorban untuk) berhala, mengundi nasib dengan panah, adalah perbuatan keji termasuk perbuatan setan. Maka jauhilah ( DIHARAMKAN) perbuatan-perbuatan itu agar kamu mendapat keberuntungan ( Al-Maidah : 90)

Terbukti secara teori dalam ilmu Islam dan realiti dari statistik yang diberikan, arak adalah salah satu punca utama jenayah, selagi ruang dan peluang dibuka seluasnya selagi itulah manusia akan melakukan kesalahan mabuk.



Kerana itu nabi menyebut :-

الخمر أم الخبائث


Ertinya : Arak itu adalah ibu kepada kejahatan ( Hadis Hasan : Albani ; Silsilah Ahadith As-Sohihah, 1854)


Gunakan kuasa dengan tepat dan adil, selaras dengan perjuangan kamu. Adil dalam konteks arak adalah mengharamkannya dalam penjualan bebas.



HUKUMAN SEBAT BAGI PEMINUM ARAK



Bagi sesiapa sahaja yang bertanya dari kitab mana, dan buku mana, sumber mana diambil hukuman sebat bagi peminum arak, jawapannya adalah seperti berikut, tindakan mengenakan sebatan bagi peminum arak adalah diambil dari kumpulan hadis-hadis Nabi yang cukup banyak, antaranya :-



1) Hadis Nabi :

إذا شربوا الخمر فاجلدوهم , ثم إن شربوا فاجلدوهم , ثم إن شربوا فاجلدوهم


Ertinya : Apabila mereka minum arak, sebatlah mereka, dan kemudian jika mereka minum lagi, sebatlah mereka dan kemudian jika mereka minum lagi, sebatlah mereka ( Riwayat Abu Daud)



2. Hadis Nabi :

أن النبي أتي برجل قد شرب الخمر , فجلده بجريدتين نحو أربعين


Ertinya : Nabi telah didatangi oleh seorang lelaki yang telah meminum arak, lalu telah disebatnya dengan dua pelepah tamar sebanyak 40 kali (Riwayat Muslim) [1]



3. Hadis Nabi

كان يضرب في الخمر بالنعال والجريد أربعين


Ertinya : Sesungguhnya dipukul (sebat) bagi arak (peminum) dengan kasut-kasut dan pelapah tamar sebanyak 40 kali (Riwayat Muslim) [2]



4. Hadis Nabi :-

أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : جلد في الخمربالجريد والنعال , ثم جلد أبو بكر أربعين فلما كان عمر ودنا الناس من الريف والقرى , قال : ما ترون في جلد الخمر؟ فقال عبدالرحمن بن عوف : أرى أن نجعلها كأخف الحدود , فجلد عمر ثمانين


Ertinya : Sesungguhnya Nabi s.a.w merotan (sebat) dalam kes arak dengan pelepah tamar dan sepatu, kemudian Abu Bakar ( di zaman pemerintahannya) juga menyebat dengan 40 kali sebatan, di ketika pemerintahan Umar, beliau meminta pandangan orang ramai dari kampong dan desa lalu berkata : Apa pandangan kamu berkenaan sebatan bagi peminum arak?, lalu Abd Rahman Auf berkata : Aku berpandangan kita menjadikannya hudud yang paling ringan (merujuk kepada sebatan qazf) [3], maka Umar membuat keputusan untuk menyebat dengan 80 kali sebatan ( Riwayat Muslim dan Abu Daud)[4]



5. Athar sahabat

قال علي : جلد رسول الله في الخمر أربعين , وأبو بكر أربعين , وعمر ثمانين , وكل سنة وهذا أحب إليّ


Ertinya : Berkata Ali r.a : Rasulullah menyebat peminum arak 40 sebatan, Abu Bakar juga 40 sebatan, Umar menyebat 80 sebatan, semuanya adalah sunnah, dan ini ( merujuk kepada 40 sebatan) adalah lebih aku sukai. ( Riwayat Muslim ) [5]



6. Hadis Nabi

أن رجلا رفع إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قد سكر ، فأمر قريبا من عشرين رجلا ، فجلدوه بالجريد ، والنعال


Ertinya : Seorang lelaki dibawa ke penghakiman Nabi s.a.w kerana telah mabuk (minum arak), lalu Nabi s.a.w mengarahkan sekitar 20 orang lelaki untuk menyebatnya dengan pelepah tamar dan sepatu ( Al-Bayhaqi)[6]



Jika dikatakan, itu semuadari hadis, maka apakah pula dalil al-Quran yang menyuruh? jawabnya adalah

وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ



Ertinya : Kami turunkan kepadamu Al Qur'an, agar kamu menerangkan kepada umat manusia apa yang telah diturunkan kepada mereka dan supaya mereka memikirkan ( An-Nahl : 44)



Maka itulah tugas hadis nabi yang bersumber dari kata-kata, perbuatan dan perakuan baginda Nabi s.a.w yang menjadi penjelas kepada Al-Quran.



PERBEZAAN TASFIRAN ULAMA



Ulama telah bersepakat bahawa mesti dijatuhkan hukuman bagi peminum arak, sama ada ia minum banyak atau sedikit. Namun ulama berbeza pandangan dalam sekurang-kurang dua perkara iaitu :-



1) Adakah hukuman sebatan ke atas peminum arak adalah dalam kategori hukuman hudud atau hanya ta'zir.



Kebanyakan mazhab seperti Hanafi, Maliki, Syafie meletakkan hukuman sebat ke atas peminum arak sebagai hukuman hudud.



Namun demikian, sebahagian ulama lain seperti At-Tabari, Ibn Munzir, As-Syawkani, Ibn Qayyim, Al-Qaradhawi, Al-Uthaymin menganggapnya sebagai ta'zir semata-mata, yang mana ia terserah kepada hakim untuk menentukan jumlah sebatan dan keperluan untuk menyebat atau tidak.



Menurut Al-Qaradhawi, ia terbukti sebagai ta'zir kerana wujud pelbagai dalil yang menunjukkan :-



a- Jumlah pukulan berbeza mengikut keadaan peminum. Ada yang dikenakan 40 kali dan ada yang dikenakan 80 kali. Sifat hukuman hudud adalah tetap, namun ini berbeza-beza menunjukkan ia hanyalah dari hukuman ta'zir, yang terserah kepada kebijaksanaan hakim menentukan jumlahnya.

b- Dalam salah satu hadis yang tesebut di atas, Abd Rahman Auf r.a mencadangkan kepada Umar agar diletakkan hukuman yang paling rendah berbanding hudud, ini menunjukkan hukuman ini adalah ta'zir kerana menurut majoriti ulama, hukuman ta'zir tidak boleh melebihi hudud.

c- Cara penjatuhan hukuman juga berbeza, ada yang disebat menggunakan sepatu, ada yang menggunakan tangan, baju dan sebahagian lain menggunakan pelepah tamar[7]. Tidak mungkin hukuman ini dari jenis hudud jika sedemikian kerana hukuman hudud semestinya fixed atau tetap jumlahnya.

Berdasarkan penelitian terhadap dalil dan perbincangan para ulama yang panjang lebar dan mendalam, secara peribadi saya cenderung kepada hukuman ini adalah ta'zir dan bukan hudud. Wallahu'alam.



2) Jumlah sebatan yang perlu dikenakan.



Dalam hal ini, para ulama terbahagi kepada dua kumpulan :-

Pertama : Mazhab Hanafi, Maliki, At-Thawry dan Hanbali : Sebatan sebanyak 80 kali sebatan sama ada lelaki atau perempuan.

Kedua : Mazhab Syafie : 40 kali sebatan sahaja. Namun jika hakim mendapati kesalahannya berat, hakim boleh menambah sehingga 80 kali sebatan, dan lebih dari 40 sebatan itu dikira sebagai ta'zir , manakala 40 sebatan yang awal adalah hudud.



BOLEHKAH PESALAH TIDAK DISEBAT?



Ia bergantung kepada mazhab mana yang dterima pakai oleh Mahkamah Syariah Malaysia, hakim dan negara Malaysia.



Jika Hudud



Jika kesalahan meminum arak diterima sebagai kesalahan hudud sebagaimana pandangan mazhab Syafie. Pesalah tidak boleh dielak dari hukuman sebat tadi kerana hukuman sebat dikira sebagai hak Allah swt. Hak Allah perlu didahulukan dari sekalian hak makhluk dan sesuatu itu termasuk dalam hak Allah apabila kemudaratannya meluas dan umum, seperti zina, riba, murtad dan sebagainya. Namun pelaksanaan hukuman hudud ke atas seseorang pesalah, boleh ditangguh berdasarkan keperluan tertentu.



Dalam kategori ini, semua pesalah walau kali pertama[8] melakukan kesalahan, akan dihukum kerana mudarat ke atas masyarakat umum.



Jika Ta'zir



Jika kesalahan ini dianggap dari jenis Ta'zir, maka hakim mempunyai kuasa untuk mengampun sama ada atas alasan ia kesalahan kali pertama, ia seorang yang lemah, ia seorang tidak sihat dan sebagainya. Demikian menurut mazhab Syafie.



Justeru, sebelum dikritik keputusan hakim, bincangkan terlebih dahulu mazhab mana yang ingin diikuti di Malaysia, khususnya dalam konteks hukum minum arak ini.



SEJAUH MANA SEBATAN INI ADIL?



Pertama



Jika ia benar-benar hudud dan termasuk dalam hak Allah swt, tidak layak manusia yang hina untuk mempersoalkan tentang keadilan, kerana Allah swt sentiasa adil walau menghumban sesorang manusia ke nerakaNya. Allah tetap adil walau Dialah yang menyesatkan sekumpulan manusia dan memberi hidayat kepada sebahagian yang lain. Kerana apa adil? Kerana piawan adil Allah tidak sama dengan manusia yang dicipta. Keadilan Allah adalah kerana dia yang mencipta kita, dan Dia berhak untuk menentukan apa sahaja yang diinginiNya. Jika kita merasakan Allah tidak adil menyesatkan sekumpulan manusia, maka individu tersebut perlu memulangkan nyawa yang Allah berikan kepada mereka dan beredar dari galaksi ciptaan Allah swt ini ke sebuah alam ciptaan sendiri.



Kedua



Sebatan ini, tidak zalim sama sekali kerana ia bukan bertujuan menyakitkan seperti sebatan ekor pari yang menghakis kulit, daging dan sampai ke tulang. Sebatan ini hanyalah untuk pengajaran, seperti denda cikgu kepada muridnya, ibu kepada anaknya atas tujuan mengajar, atas asas belas kasihan dan bukan dendam kesumat dan ‘geram' memukul.



Hasilnya, pelbagai displin sebatan telah ditentukan dalam hukum Islam iaitu [9] :-

•Tidak boleh dipukul wajah dan kemaluan.[10]
•Alat yang digunakan mestilah tidak besar, bukan tongkat yang besar, ia adalah seperti dahan dan ranting sederhana sahaja.
•Tidak diharuskan si pemukul mengangkat tanganya melebihi paras ketiaknya, atau tidak boleh terlihat bawah lengannya semasa mengangkat pemukul, dan pukulan tidak terlalu menyakitkan, tidak pula terlalu perlahan.
•Yang diangkat adalah sikunya sahaja dan bukan lengan.
•Lelaki disebat secara berdiri, wanita secara duduk.


Adakah jenis pukulan yang sebegini pun dianggap zalim? Jika demikian guru-guru sekolah, ibu bapa, suami memukul, adalah lebih zalim kerana hukumannya tidak dibicarakan di mahkamah.



Bagi saya, jika hukuman sebegini pun masih zalim, tentunya yang menuduh ia zalim itu akan jadi lebih zalim kerana bercakap dan mengkritik tanpa ilmu.



Ketiga



Sejauh mana pula adilnya orang luar seperti Tun Dr Mahathir dan yang lainnya, mempertikaikan hak seorang hakim dalam membuat keputusan?.

Bukankah sang hakim lebih berhak menentukan hukuman yang paling adil disebabkan beliau berada sepanjang sesi perbicaraan dari kedua-dua belah pihak, mendengar pandangan kesemua pembela dan pendakwa. Justeru, adalah TIDAK ADIL bagi orang di luar mahkamah untuk mengkiritk sewenangnya keputusan hakim, sedangkan mereka tidak mempunyai gambaran sebenar di sebalik sesebuah kes. Mungkin sahaja, si pesalah sendiri redha dan ingin hukuman dilaksanakan. Justeru itulah keadilannya.



Keempat



Bukankah keputusan hakim patut dihormati sebagai menunjukkan autoriti badan kehakiman dari sebarang gangguan luar?. Kita kerap mendengar di mahkamah civil bahawa sebarang keputusan mahkamah tidak boleh dikritik terbuka sama ada di dalam mahkamah atau diluarnya, kerana akan termasuk di dalam kesalahan ‘menghina mahkamah' (contempt of court), lalu mengapa pula pihak yang kurang maklumat di luar ini dengan senang dan mudah mengkritik keputusan mahkamah Syariah?.



Kelima



Di dalam Islam, adil atau tidak bukan terletak pada logik aqal manusia semata-mata, namun adil yang sebenarnya adalah melaksanakan apa yang diperintahkan oleh Allah swt dan baginda Nabi s.a.w. Kalau dalam konteks kes ini, pesalah juga telah bersedia menjalani hukuman tersebut sebagai satu proses kesedaran dirinya. Adilkah kita mempersoalkan hak pesalah untuk mendapat hukuman.?

WHY HIJAB IS NECESSARY? (Hijab in islam)

Until the Imperialists invaded Muslim Countries and the Muslims started mixing with non-believers, all our Muslim women walked in this world with great respect and dignity. The non-believers were finding it very difficult to come anywhere near the border of our Muslim sisters purity. The Hijab (Islamic dress for women) did not only protect them from those evil eyes of non-believers but also gave them freedom and independence from being misused by them.

The non-believers planned to destroy their barrier through removal of Hijab (Hejab, Hijaab) and unfortunately, many of our sisters, without realizing what shame and destruction they were bringing to themselves, removed the Hijab (Muslim Veil) and exposed themselves.



When imperialists invaded China, they were not faced with Hijab but were confronted with other obstacles and the Chinese refused to co-operate with them. In order to crush this resistance, the imperialists flooded China with opium and made it available to the Chinese free of charge. Once the Chinese were addicted, free distribution of opium ceased and it was given only to those who fulfilled their demands.

Removal of the Hijab had exactly the same effect. At one time, you were independent and lived with dignity, but now you are nothing but a slave of your evil desire and behave worse than a Kafir (infidel). By removing your Hijab (An Act of Faith), you have destroyed your faith. Islam means submission to Allah (SWT) in all our action. Those who refused submission cannot be called Muslims. Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings over their bosoms, and not display their ornaments except to their husbands or their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or their sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or those whom their right hands possess, or the male servants not having need (of women), or the children who have not attained knowledge of what is hidden of women; and let them not strike their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may be known; and turn to Allah all of you, O believers! So that you may be successful." Holy Qur'an (24:31)

Also, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says: Modesty is the symbol of faith and whoever has no modesty (Hijab), has no religion.

There are many sisters who have failed to understand the actual meaning of Hijab.

To observe proper Hijab is to dress up oneself modestly and appropriately covering all parts of body except face and forearms, without showing one's figure or curves and without using any sort of make-up.

Allah (SWT) has given equal rights to both men and women; He forbids either sex claiming supremacy over the other.

Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Holy Qur'an (49:13)

Hijab is one of the righteous deeds and it is a sign of honor and equality with men and stands as a shield of protection against evil man.

The woman in Islam is bestowed with respect and honour and a Muslim gives great importance to his wife. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad's (saw) Hadith says the best of you are those who are best in resting their wives.

The status of wife is so respectable that she is not bound to do any house-hold work unless she does it willingly and with affection; but if her husband forces her to do any work; he will have to answer to Allah (SWT) for his conduct. Also, she is not bound to earn and maintain the house of her husband. Her work shall always conform to the laws of Islam (Shariat). Unlike the Western world, the Muslim wife is a queen in her husband's house. The first thing a husband does for his wife is to provide a servant and a cook according to his ability and when she becomes a mother, she receives greatest respect from her husband. Contrary to this, is considered a sin by Allah (SWT).

One of the most common phrases in Islam is the 'Paradise lies at the feet of the mother'. And Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word." Holy Qur'an (17:23)

Allah (SWT) has given great impedance to women and for that reason He orders their children to address them in terms of honor.

What kind of dignity a non-believer has by the way; they conduct their life and expose themselves. They have removed the shield of protection, that modesty of Hijab and left themselves unprotected and that is the cause for the assault, which takes place once every ten seconds in rape and murder around the world. But those true Muslims who observe proper Hijab are protected from such assaults and not one ease or this type is ever heard of.

Moreover Hijab also gives the women an air of authority, dignity and respect, which a non-believer can never claim to possess. Only those who are well behaved can expect admiration and high esteem from others and definitely, those who try to attract men can never be called a well-behaved person.

Those who reject Hijab and wish to attract men are suffering from inferiority complex. They believe men are superior and in order to overcome this feeling, they use their feminine charms. But why should a Muslim woman have such a feeling when she is fully aware of her equality with men?

Hijab, therefore, has such benefits as a guard against any assault, equality with men, air of respect and honor and most important of all, obedience to Allah (SWT) which is equivalent to blood of martyr. Hijab requires women to avoid any sort of attraction to men.

We have many Muslims sisters who are more concerned to please themselves and their non-believer friends than Allah (SWT). Let us not forget the purpose of our existence, which is to cultivate love and affection for Allah in our heart and not for anything else. How can we create that love when we disobey Him? Adoration and affection come from the heart and those who truly love Allah (SWT) will not do anything contrary to this.

Some of our sisters come up with the excuse that the non-believers laugh at them if they observe Hijab and they feel degraded. They may laugh for a little while but after some time, they will have no choice but to respect the Muslim women observing Hijab for their discipline and principles which could not be shaken by their little laugh.

Let us not forget the famous phrase: He who laughs last laughs the longest.

A Muslim sister lives for the future and not for the day; we can all look forward to be in Heaven for believing and obeying Allah (SWT).

Hijab is one of the commandments of Allah (SWT). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that those women who do not observe proper Hijab are blatantly defying the commandment of Allah (SWT). Ahlul Bayt (as) suffered hardships and offered unparalleled sacrifices to bring original Islam to us. Discarding Hijab puts their sacrifices in vain. And the pleasure of Allah (SWT) is the greatest bliss. But for those who disobeyed, what punishment is awaiting them but Hell-Fire!

What successful women have to say about Hijab (Islamic dress for women)?
It is amazing the way things changed overnight when I started on with Hijab. I can feel the extra respect coming my way. People take me more seriously; friends at college think it looks very neat and smart, and I feel protected and confident when I step out. Dr. Mrs. N.Z.Vakil (Medical Student)

The most important thing about Hijab is that it gives you an identity of a Muslim. Moreover, it is another way of obedience to Allah's (SWT) command. People often gives me due respect which I would have not got without a Hijab. Traveling among men has become easy for me as it makes me feel safe and protected. It also gives me a lot of confidence and last but not the least this has brought me one step closer to Allah (SWT). Therefore, I consider Hijab as a blessing from Allah (SWT) and I thank him for His blessing. Reshma Qazi (Arts Student)

The Angel of Death, Azrael (Ezra'il) said: "Obedience to Allah's (SWT) Commandments is better than compassion to the earth". Initially I felt I would be looked down upon in society, but after wearing Hijab, I realized that people do not give you as much importance as you feel they should. The nearness, which I felt to Allah (SWT) by obeying His commandment, is beyond expression. Moreover wearing Hijab has created an aura of respectability in my environment and has enabled me to remember Allah (SWT) more often. Mrs. S.A. Vakil (House Wife)

I feel that at present when demoralization is increasing in the society, every woman should wear Hijab, It is the only thing which protects a woman and makes her feel secured. Shenaz. F. Raj (College Student)

In the modern society of today, a woman has always been looked upon as just another sexual object for the men. Why should one display one's beauty for unwanted eyes to feast upon? The Hijab protects a woman's honor and doesn't arouse unwanted passion from the opposite sex. I feel if the women were to universally adopt the Islamic code of dressing (Islamic dress for women); the rate of incidences of eves teasing, molestation, rape, etc. would be negligible. Wearing the Hijab gives me more confidence in myself as a woman and it doesn't obstruct me in any way in my profession. Mrs. Salva I. Rasool (Graphic Designer)


The stylish coat can be worn in many different patterns; it loosely falls from the shoulders and reaches the knees. A loose long coat falling from the shoulders and reaching the ankles can also be worn with a scarf covering all the hair. The scarf can also have a veil attached to cover the total face (Niqab). A scarf covering the hair fully, can be worn along with a loose shirt falling till the knees as trousers. (Hair should not be seen from below the scarf). This Hijab commonly known as the "Chadar" is a single piece of material which falls from head and is draped on the shoulder. A scarf too can be worn inside it, to cover all the hair.



Hijab (Hejab, Hijaab): Hijab (Islamic dress for women) supplement
Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between! If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)." Holy Qur'an (21:16-17)

The above verse amply emphasizes the seriousness with which Allah (SWT) created this world and everything that exists therein, including the human beings. Allah (SWT) created us for a specific and important purpose and it is the duty of every Muslim to lead a disciplined life, realizing the seriousness of this purpose.

Human beings must distinguish themselves from animals by decent and disciplined behavior. But how many of us take this life with the seriousness it deserves? All of us originated from one father and one mother and belong to one big family, but it is unfortunate that many of us live without any sense of collective responsibility. We are one community and the action of one-person will not only reflect on other individuals but also the whole community.

In no other religion in the world is human life to be considered to be so sacred that one man's murder is considered to be the murder of the entire human race, and whoever saves a life it is as if he had saved the lives of all mankind.

Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "For this reason did We prescribe to the children of Israel 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." Holy Qur'an (5:32)

When Allah (SWT) commanded our sisters to observe Hijab, it was because of the universal damages that would be caused by refusing to observe it. It is not a matter of individual behavior, as many people may think. A woman going out exposing her charms attracts men, which sets off a chain of undesirable events, causing lot of harm to several people. Thus, the indecent behavior of one person affects the community as a whole. Although the person, who originally caused the damage, is to be blamed for all the consequences, other members of the community are also responsible to some extent for allowing such a thing to happen. Therefore, it becomes a collective responsibility of all of us to ensure that such damages are not caused.

For example, some people were sailing in a boat, which they jointly owned when one of them stated making a hole in the place which was allocated to him in the boat. When others tried to stop him, he argued that it was his part of the boat and he was free to do whatever he wished. But if he was allowed to continue, the boat would sink and all of them would be drowned.

Discarding Hijab will harm not only one's own self but also millions of others. Exposure of physical charm of our women may destroy many homes and cause innumerable rapes and murders for which we all are responsible.

It is pertinent to relate one of the several heart-breaking stories caused by discarding Hijab: A young innocent man, who saw the photograph of an attractive woman, was immediately infatuated by her physical charm. Unfortunately, he had neither wealth nor position to get closer to her. To fulfill his desire, he though of getting money quickly by any means and resorted to stealing.

Finally, he ended up in prison for robbing a few people and killing one.

Who is to be blamed for all the consequences but the person who caused them? Had that woman observed Hijab and refrained from displaying her attractions, these crimes would not have taken place.

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said that on the Day of Judgment, such people would be brought forward for trail on charges of quasi-crimes in which they had a share of responsibility. They would plead that they did not commit those crimes, but then they would be told that they removed their Hijab and attracted this person, which made him indulge in those crimes.

Allah (SWT) states in Holy Qur'an: "Except those who believe and do good and remember Allah much, and defend themselves after they are oppressed; and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back." Holy Qur'an (26:227)

Liberation or Sexploitation
Look at the glossy cover of any magazine or advertisements on TV and newspaper, you will find that most of these advertisements have scantily dressed women in alluring poses to attract the attention of men. This proves that the Western society considers woman only as a sex symbol.

The liberation of women in Islam is far superior to Western liberation as it allows women to live with respect, dignity and equality in society.

Equality does not mean aping and behaving like men or dancing to their carnal tunes; that would be an act of inferiority in the face of one's own femininity.

A truly liberated woman always dresses decently and modestly. A true woman will never degrade her body and sell her dignity to the highest bidder. No woman is truly liberated if she is still the slave of her wayward conscience, bodily lust or infidelity.

However, in Islam, women, whatever their role as mothers, wives, sisters or daughters, command respect and have a constructive role to play in society. The Hijab itself gives an aura of freedom to the womankind, facilitating their movement and protecting them from provocation and wanton greed of the human wolves. Removal of the Hijab makes you vulnerable to the lust of men.

By removing your Hijab, you have destroyed your faith. Islam means submission to Allah (SWT) in all our actions. Those who refuse submission cannot be called Muslims.

What is Hijab? (Hijaab (Muslim Veil), Hejab (An Act of Faith), Islamic dress for women)
There are many sisters who have failed to understand the actual meaning of Hijab. Hijab technically means covering. Islam desires the preservation of social tranquility and familial peace. Hence, it asks women to cover themselves in their inter-actions with men, whom they are not related to.

Why is Hijab necessary? (Hijabs, Hijab Pictures, Hijab Girls, Hijabi Fashion)
The dangerous consequences of the Western culture of nakedness and permissiveness are before us. We should think twice before blindly trying to imitate Western life-styles.

How should women observe Hijab correctly?
Basically, the dress of ladies should cover the whole body except the face and hands (i.e. palms and fingers). Hair should not be exposed because Islam considers it as half of the total beauty of women. The Hijab could be of any form and color, a one-piece chader or a three-piece ensemble, as long as it is not tight fitting and does not attract people's attention.

Baseless objections against Hijab

Hijab seeks to imprison women: Those who feel that Hijab imprisons women should refrain from living in houses because it is nearer to a prison than Hijab.
Hijab subordinates women: In fact, culture, which promotes nakedness, takes people nearer to the culture of animals. Wearing the Hijab, on the contrary, liberates women from the trap of Western fashion and maladies. It gives them greater, rather than less freedom and mobility.
Why only women? Science has confirmed that visual stimulation plays a predominant role in the physiology of men compared to women. The fact that the sex-industry in the West is targeted towards the male-market confirms it.
Victims of Ridicule: Some of our sisters come up with the excuse that the non-believers laugh at them if they observe Hijab and they feel degraded. They may laugh for a little while but after some time they will have no choice but to respect the Muslim women observing Hijab for their discipline, which could not be shaken, by their little laughs.
Let us not forget the famous phrase: The one who laughs last laughs the longest.
Beauty is meant to be appreciated: True! But only by the husband. Hence women who truly love their husbands would never wish to be seen in public without Hijab.

What are the disadvantages of discarding Hijab?

Becoming an easy target of anti-social elements.
Causing great stresses, insecurity and suspicion in the minds of husbands, ultimately disturbing the familial harmony.
Instigating young people to deviate towards the path of lust and immorality.
Giving rise to cases of divorce, adultery, rape and illegitimate children.

What are the advantages of observing Hijab?

Confidence in social participation as human being and not as sexual commodity.
Guarding one self from the lustful looks of men.
Not diverting people's attention from constructive social work.
Improving the moral character of the society.
In conclusion, women can achieve true dignity and experience true emancipation by observing Hijab and not by discarding it.

Hijab (Modesty) is also for Muslim Men
"Say to the believing men that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts; that is purer for them; surely Allah is Aware of what they do." Holy Qur'an (24:30)

To cast down one's glance, means not to look in a fixed way, not to stare. The sentence means, "Tell the believers not to stare at or flirt with women."

Allah (SWT) has given equal rights to both men and women; He forbids either sex claiming supremacy over the other. Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Qur'an: "The most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you." Holy Qur'an (49:13)

1,900 raped every day in America
Washington: Nearly 1,900 women are raped every day in America, according to a study released on Thursday that paints a much grimmer picture than US Justice Department figures announced earlier this week.

The National Victim Center, which promotes the rights of victims of violent crime, said 1.3 adult women are raped every minute and 683,000 US women are raped each year, based on a survey of more that 4,000 women, including 579 rape victims.

One in eight adult American women has been raped, bringing the total of rape victims to at least 12.1 million, it said.

The survey indicated that 61 per cent of all rape cases involve women under 18 and that 29 percent of all rapes occurred when the victim was less than 11 years old. Reuters (Source: MID-DAY Bombay 25-4-92)

Berkawanlah dengan 'penjual minyak wangi'

KAWAN mempunyai pengaruh cukup besar dalam pembentukan nilai dan perwatakan diri. Malah, kesannya boleh jadi berpanjangan, dari zaman remaja hingga ke alam dewasa.

Sekiranya pengaruh itu berunsur positif, tiada siapa menentang, tetapi bagaimana dengan pengaruh negatif? Tiada sesiapa menidakkan kesan dan pengaruh kawan sepergaulan serta sahabat seperjalanan.


Akhir-akhir ini, pengaruh dan kesan buruk cukup menonjol, misalnya merokok, melepak dan merempit.

Di sekolah, bahkan di mana-mana institusi, perbuatan seperti itu tidak diajar, tetapi bagaimana seseorang boleh tahu merokok dan mahir merempit? Bukankah ia lahir daripada kawan?

Berkawan tidaklah salah, malah dalam Islam amat digalakkan kerana menghubungkan ikatan persaudaraan. Tetapi apakah jenis kawan yang harus didekati?

Kawan yang dianjurkan ialah kawan yang baik serta ikhlas kerana Allah. Sikap Islam terhadap faktor dan peranan ini dapat dilihat dengan jelas daripada beberapa al-Quran serta hadis.

Terdapat ayat yang mengisyaratkan mengenai peranan dan pengaruh kawan, antaranya firman yang bermaksud: "Wahai orang yang beriman! Bertakwalah dan hendaklah kamu bersama-sama orang yang bersifat benar." (Surah at-Taubah: 119)

Orang yang bersifat benar ialah orang yang baik, berbudi bahasa, berakhlak dan mengamalkan budaya hidup terpuji, bukan orang jahat serta suka berdusta.

Ayat lain menceritakan, kawan yang bertakwa sebenarnya kekal dan bermanfaat, sementara kawan tidak bertakwa akan bermusuhan sesama sendiri.

Ini memang benar kerana kawan yang bertakwa mengenal Tuhan dan menjadikan Tuhan sebagai rujukan dalam semua perkara, manakala kawan tidak bertakwa lupa Tuhan serta demi kepentingan masing-masing bercakaran, walaupun sesama sendiri.

"Teman-teman pada masa itu setengah dengan setengah yang lain adalah musuh melainkan yang bertakwa." (Surah al-Zukhruf: 67)

Dalam satu ayat lagi, Allah menceritakan mengenai penyesalan orang yang bertemankan si jahat.

"Aduhai, kiranya aku tidak menjadikan si pulan itu sebagai teman, sesungguhnya dia telah menyesatkan aku dari al-Quran, selepas aku didatangi olehnya. Dan sesungguhnya syaitan mendustai manusia." (Surah al-Furqan: 28)

Kita sama-sama memohon perlindungan dan berharap supaya tidak termasuk golongan yang rugi bertemankan yang jahat sehingga mengakibatkan diri tersesat daripada landasan kebenaran.

Hadis al-Bukhari dari Abu Musa al-Asy'ari, bermaksud: "Diumpamakan rakan yang soleh dan rakan yang jahat ialah seperti (berkawan) dengan penjual minyak wangi dan tukang besi. Penjual minyak wangi tidak akan mensia-siakan anda, sama ada anda membelinya atau hanya mendapat bau harumannya. Tukang besi pula boleh menyebabkan rumah anda atau baju anda terbakar, atau mendapat bau busuk."

Memang benar perumpamaan diceritakan itu. Apabila berkawan dengan orang baik, kita juga akan menjadi baik, tetapi jika berkawan dengan yang jahat, kita juga mungkin lambat laun serupa saja.

Walaupun kita tidak mengikut gelagat jahatnya, kadangkala tempiasnya terkena pada kita. Bukan sedikit orang yang berkawan dengan pencuri, juga dituduh mencuri, sedangkan dia tidak melakukannya.

Dalam sesetengah keadaan juga, kawan selalu diberikan keutamaan dan kepercayaan yang lebih berbanding ahli keluarga.

Malah, ada juga kawan yang dibela, manakala keluarga dicerca, sebagaimana penagih yang mahu menghilangkan ketagihannya. Kajian psikologi remaja amat jelas menunjukkan kebenaran ini.

Apa pun, tujuan berkawan sebenarnya untuk mendapatkan manfaat seperti bantuan dan perkongsian pengetahuan, bukan mencari keburukan. Perompak dan pencuri juga mencari kawan yang dapat memberikan faedah kepada dirinya.

Hi5, Xanga, Tagged, Blogger Comments @ 123glitter.com


How true my feelings were I found out to be The best thing in my life Was when you married me
Thank you my loving wife , For the years we share I know one thing for sure We make a wonderful pair.

Surat Tok Guru kepada PM

Yang Amat Berhormat
Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak
Perdana Menteri Malaysia
Jabatan Perdana Menteri
Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 PUTRAJAYA

Assalamualaikum WM WB.

Semoga YAB. Dato’ Seri sentiasa berada di dalam kesejahteraan dan beroleh petunjuk yang berpanjangan dari Allah SWT dalam memimpin Negara.

YAB Dato Seri,

Cadangan Mengadakan Debat Ilmiah Isu UMNO Parti Menolak Islam

Dengan segala hormatnya, di maklumkan bahawa saya ada menerima khabar tentang laporan polis yang dibuat oleh anak buah di Kelantan Dato’ Seri berhubung dengan perkara di atas. Pada dasarnya, saya lebih banyak berlapang dada.

Mengikut laporan, kononnya saya telah menghasut dengan mengatakan bahawa UMNO sebuah parti yang sesat. Di sini, izinkan saya tegaskan sekali lagi bahawa “mana-mana faham yang menolak Islam (termasuk UMNO) – sememangnya kita panggil ajaran sesat”. (lihat Utusan Malaysia muka surat 6, 27 Jun 2009).

Sebagai penjelasan, mari kita mulakan begini. Pertama, dunia ini bukan dibuat oleh manusia atau terjadi sendiri. Ia ada penciptanya dan tuannya yakni Allah. Oleh sebab itulah kita tidak boleh buat pandai-pandai, melebihi dari apa yang menjadi kehendak “Tuan Punya” yang menjadi tuan rumah kepada seluruh alam ini.

Kedua, al-Quran menetapkan bahawa manusia, tanpa mengira bangsa , bahasa dan keturunan adalah menjadi khalifah-Nya. Kepada manusia pertama iaitu Adam ‘alaihissalam, Allah SWT telah menetapkan bahawa sebarang perbalahan yang berlaku di antara anak buah kamu (lihat sebahagian surah al-Baqarah Ayat 36) akan menjadi reda dan tenang (lihat pula sebahagian Surah al-Baqarah Ayat 38)sekiranya kamu menuruti hidayah-Ku. Atau, maksud kedua-dua perkara ini ada dirangkumkan dengan penuh didalam surah Thoha yang bermaksud, “Allah berfirman:turunlah kamu berdua dari syurga bersama-sama , sebahagian kamu menjadi musuh bagi sebahagian yang lain. Maka, jika datang kepada kamu petunjuk dari-Ku, lalu barangsiapa yang mengikuti petunjuk dari-Ku, ia tidak akan sesat dan celaka.”(Lihat surah Thoha Ayat 123). Ini adalah benda yang menjadi tugas utama yang amat penting para Nabi sejak daripada zaman berzaman termasuk Nabi Muhammad SAW.


Nabi SAW mewajibkan kita membaca Fatihah dalam sembahyang. Di dalam Fatihah, telah ditetapkan tiga perkara pokok. Satu laluan yang betul dan dua yang salah. Ayat “si ro thollazi na an ‘am ta ‘alai him” yang menuntut jalan yang lurus adalah betul manakala ayat “ghoiril maghdhu bi ‘alaihim waladdhol liin” adalah yang salah seperti yang di maksudkan. Aneh, bahkan silapnya Umno ialah Umno tolak yang betul iaitu “siro thollazi na an ‘am ta ” yang menjadi jalan Nabi-Nabi iaitu menolak Islam dan mengambil sistem sekular barat yang tidak pasal-pasal menimbulkan pecah-belah teruk di kalangan seluruh orang Melayu dan orang Islam bukan Melayu di Malaysia. Ini termasuk jugalah perpecahan antara orang Islam dan Non –Islam di negara kita.

Lebih buruk apabila semuanya ini menjadikan orang-orang yang belum Islam terkapai-kapai; yang mana yang sebenar samaada Islam atau sekular. Hasil daripada inilah saya rasa sudah sampai masanya untuk mengajak Presiden Umno yang menjadi Perdana Menteri sekarang ini bersemuka dengan saya di atas dasar “waja dil hum billati hiya ahsan” yang bermaksud, “serulah manusia pada jalan Tuhan-mu dengan hikmah dan nasihat yang baik “(Sebahagian dari maksud surah an-Nahl Ayat 125).

Persoalan yang ada di hadapan kita sekarang ialah kenapa Umno tolak Islam sedangkan Islam adalah jalan yang bersifat “siro thol mustaqiim”? Bahkan, sikap Umno melawan PAS sedangkan PAS yang ditubuhkan sejak 1951 meletakkan Islam sebagai dasar adalah sebuah kekeliruan yang cukup dahsyat. Pegangan Umno yang menolak jalan yang lurus inilah yang saya ertikan sebagai boleh membawa kepada perpecahan dan kesesatan.

Menyamakan atau membandingkan ajaran Ayah Pin atau komunis dengan UMNO yang menolak Islam adalah sekadar mematuhi kaedah al-balaaghah. Ini penggunaan perumpamaan atau kiasan semata-mata. Jauh dari segi maudhu’, ia bertujuan untuk menjelaskan bagaimana aliran asal sekularisme yang menolak agama khususnya Islam dari pemerintahan. Ini punca sebenar atau ibu kepada segala kesesatan. Apabila sekularisme itu adalah faham yang sesat, maka tidakkah faham kebangsaan yang merupakan cabang dari ajaran sekular bawaan Parti Kebangsaaan Melayu Bersatu (UMNO) itu juga turut sesat?

Seperti yang kita sedia maklum, perdebatan diterima oleh Islam dan diterima oleh demokrasi. Ia perkara fitrah dan perkara sedunia. Contoh terdekat ialah perdebatan antara Obama dengan saingan beliau dari parti Republikan. Begitu juga dengan debat antara calun-calun Presiden Indonesia terkini yang sedang berlangsung di Jakarta yakni antara regu Susilo Bambang Yudhono/Boediono, Megawati Soekarnoputri/Prabowo Subianto dan Jusuf Kalla/Wiranto.

Jika di Eropah dan negara negara demokrasi yang lain, debat lebih ditumpukan kepada perkara-perkara cabang yang bersifat keduniaan semata-mata maka apa salahnya jika kali ini kita perbahaskan perkara pokok yang menyentuh aqidah? Masalah yang saya bawa ini adalah perkara aqidah yakni persoalan tunjang yang menyentuh kedua-dua kepentingan secara bersekali, dunia dan akhirat.Jika tidak betul aqidah, sembahyangpun tidak diterima. Dunia demokrasi yang sekular; mana ada pedulikan masalah aqidah dan


persoalan “sesat tak sesat”? Soal sesat atau tidak, ini istilah ugama. Ini bukan isu perlembagaan dan undang-undang.

Sesat seperti yang terdapat di hujung surah al-Fatihah (adho- Lliin) bererti dholalah yakni tidak bertemu atau berjumpa jalan.Kita perlu sama-sama sedar bahawa jalan yang boleh diharap hanyalah jalan yang dibawa oleh Nabi Muhammad SAW. Ini persoalan “huda llil muttaqiin” yakni jalan yang menjadi petunjuk bagi mereka yang bertaqwa (lihat sebahagian maksud al-Baqarah Ayat 2). Tak turut jalan inilah apa yang dipanggil sesat.
Tidak timbul sama sekali soal menghasut atau mencetuskan keresahan. Ini isu ugama sepenuhnya. Ini persoalan teguran dan dakwah.

Demi mencari kejernihan dan menghentikan polemik, saya mohon mencadangkan sebuah debat ilmiyyah dianjurkan dalam tempoh terdekat kearah menjelas dan merungkai segala kemusykilan dari kedua-dua perspektif parti bertajuk “kerana apa Umno tolak Islam dan kerana apa Umno lawan PAS”; tidak lebih daripada itu. Insya Allah, saya bersedia untuk bersama Dato’ Seri Perdana Menteri dalam majlis berkenaan tanpa meletakkan sebarang syarat. Lantiklah mana-mana mufti atau salah seorang sarjana yang faqih lagi amanah, baik dari dalam mahupun luar Negara untuk menjadi pemudah cara yang adil bagi tujuan ini. Tempat yang sesuai boleh ditetapkan oleh pihak Dato’ Seri, baik di Kuala Lumpur atau di mana-mana. Hari dan masa juga adalah mengikut kelapangan dan keselesaan YAB. Saya boleh mematuhi kepada apa jua ketetapan asalkan Dato’ Seri bersedia untuk bersama dalam sebuah rapat ilmiyyah untuk dibuat siaran langsung demi manfaat Negara.

Seluruh rakyat akan menjadi hakim di atas pelbagai sandaran yang saya maksudkan ketika mengatakan apa yang telah saya sebut mengenai fenomena UMNO dengan persoalan kesesatan ini.

Jadi, sekali lagi saya dengan ikhlas mengangkat cadangan ini agar sudilah apa kiranya YAB. Dato Seri menerima pelawaan ini mengikut kesesuaian tarikh Dato” Seri demi kebaikan bersama. Semoga diizinkan Allah. Terima kasih, Wasalam.


Nik Abdul Aziz bin Nik Mat

SISTER IN ISLAM......satu analisis

Many of the esteemed members of the cabinet including all the Prime Ministers are moslem in name and by their own volition -true moslems. One of the PM even went so far as to declare that he was running the country on a hadari or clearly in 'hatari' mode. Hatari was a movie in the 60's about an adventure in the african wonderland by hunters using 4wd's with lots o beauties [ if i am not mistaken including Ursula Undress ]

In the past cabinets we have had stories about ministers having affairs-some leading to tragic consequences and some leading to not so nice name calling . Imagine having your father's name redefined by a well known blogger as 'groping' . That is not doing justice to the of name of one's father.

The point of the story that I want to press is this- As moslems men are allowed to marry four nice women. If during the course of one's marriage the wife has turned into a beer barrel, surely it behoves on the man to create an addition to his family. And if his libido is still good he should continue to add until the figure 4. And if he has more residual desires left , he should think of divorcing one and marry another one. After all a minister has adequate income. Just the other day a blog claimed that an mb can get as much as rm 60 000 a month! So what is keeping a few women as wives - a small drop in the ocean unless of course the wife has expensive tastes.

Allah in his divine wisdom has permitted man to marry 4. Why in are our moslem politicians fornicating with young women when there is a proviso for them to marry 4 in our countr'ys laws. The reason maybe found if we analysed the leadership of past pm' , we will find them wanting. The previous pms probably [ my conjecture] listened too much too the wives
and let them disctate policies to the underlings.

Analysing the leadership of pm Tun M . He was probably well versed in his job but as leader of a cabinet comprising moslem ministers - his ministers were rumoured [ though not reported as heavilty due to non availablity
of internet then] through press reports on collateral crimes were having affairs on the side. For a fact one cannot see any minister keeping more than one wife during the last few regimes. Why?

Do you think the ministers are not " able" ? Surely not . The reason probaly is because the big boss does not condone such a practice. Or to go more deeper- probably the wife of the boss do not encourage such a policy!

In many ways 'modern' [ actually misguided] moslem ministers think it is fashionable to keep one wife and have a few women on the side. Actually this practice denigrates women . My conversation with club personnel tells of lurid and sad stories that that takes place in these clubs. Young girls
in so called karaoke lounge ' in effect everything boleh place' are picked and dumped by politicians at will . Go visit the clubs - you need a few hundred ringgit though - to see what is happening in the clubs. Just today I encounter a couple of young malay girls together with their 'transporter' at a coffee shop. A peek into their conversation revealed what a sad situation it had been for them. In fact one them [ barely in their twenties] sighed - what a life -'kita sundal'

Do you prefer our rich brothers marry one and keep a few on the side? And the few on the side is subject to change - just like the channels on astro. This is tragic especially poverty is rampant among the population. Remember gdp is only a number- a few percent of the population owned
90 percent of the income. Our disparity gap among the haves and have nots is vvvv large. Just look at the salary of the MB and the salary of the cashier at the club- she gets about a 1200 ringgit with tips ...

When Allah makes law for man - it must be accepted by all who submit themselves as moslems. This is not like taking a course at the college where one can pick and choose what part of the law one wants and reject what is not 'fair ' to one self. And the rationale as to why laws are made
for mankind is for the good of the mankind. Just look at the example : Why Allah prohibits alcohol? In Anisah it is explained that alcohol is prohibited because the beneficail effects outweighs its bad effect. Sound familiar? Yes you will know that judges in england and here too will reject evidence if its probative value outweighs its prejudicial value.

Who are these women [ sisters -- } to make light of laws of Allah Almighty.Looking at their profiles one a daughter of a past diplomat and two among others are daughters o f past prime ministers. It is a good thing to champion a cause. Tun M in critising the US actions always used 'might is right' accustaion at the US. In this scenario I would plead that the ' sisters --' to submit to the laws of Allah unconditionally and make learning Islam a lifetime quest. Relying on your connexions is akin to practising 'might is right policy' and would lead you astray and to a ' point of no return -murtad. ' It is on good authority -Muhamad Qutub [ title forgotten] wrote that one falls outside islam if one rejects His laws Allah. Yes , you can, by your connexions make the Jakim declare that you not murtad or even keep a 'strategic silence' That does not change the stark reality- recant or be murtad. It is time for you ladies - to be or not to ...
be . That is the question.....

suggested reading Yusuf Ali 'translation of the Quran"

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What Makes a Building Green?

A green building, also known as a sustainable building, is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner. Green buildings are designed to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

What Are the Economic Benefits of Green Buildings?
A green building may cost more up front, but saves through lower operating costs over the life of the building. The green building approach applies a project life cycle cost analysis for determining the appropriate up-front expenditure. This analytical method calculates costs over the useful life of the asset.

These and other cost savings can only be fully realized when they are incorporated at the project's conceptual design phase with the assistance of an integrated team of professionals. The integrated systems approach ensures that the building is designed as one system rather than a collection of stand-alone systems.

Some benefits, such as improving occupant health, comfort, productivity, reducing pollution and landfill waste are not easily quantified. Consequently, they are not adequately considered in cost analysis. For this reason, consider setting aside a small portion of the building budget to cover differential costs associated with less tangible green building benefits or to cover the cost of researching and analyzing green building options.

Even with a tight budget, many green building measures can be incorporated with minimal or zero increased up-front costs and they can yield enormous savings

What Are the Elements of Green Buildings?
Below is a sampling of green building practices.

Siting

Start by selecting a site well suited to take advantage of mass transit.
Protect and retain existing landscaping and natural features. Select plants that have low water and pesticide needs, and generate minimum plant trimmings. Use compost and mulches. This will save water and time.
Recycled content paving materials, furnishings, and mulches help close the recycling loop.
Energy Efficiency

Most buildings can reach energy efficiency levels far beyond California Title 24 standards, yet most only strive to meet the standard. It is reasonable to strive for 40 percent less energy than Title 24 standards. The following strategies contribute to this goal.

Passive design strategies can dramatically affect building energy performance. These measures include building shape and orientation, passive solar design, and the use of natural lighting.
Develop strategies to provide natural lighting. Studies have shown that it has a positive impact on productivity and well being.
Install high-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. Include motion sensors tied to dimmable lighting controls. Task lighting reduces general overhead light levels.
Use a properly sized and energy-efficient heat/cooling system in conjunction with a thermally efficient building shell. Maximize light colors for roofing and wall finish materials; install high R-value wall and ceiling insulation; and use minimal glass on east and west exposures.
Minimize the electric loads from lighting, equipment, and appliances.
Consider alternative energy sources such as photovoltaics and fuel cells that are now available in new products and applications. Renewable energy sources provide a great symbol of emerging technologies for the future.
Computer modeling is an extremely useful tool in optimizing design of electrical and mechanical systems and the building shell.
Materials Efficiency

Select sustainable construction materials and products by evaluating several characteristics such as reused and recycled content, zero or low off gassing of harmful air emissions, zero or low toxicity, sustainably harvested materials, high recyclability, durability, longevity, and local production. Such products promote resource conservation and efficiency. Using recycled-content products also helps develop markets for recycled materials that are being diverted from California's landfills, as mandated by the Integrated Waste Management Act.
Use dimensional planning and other material efficiency strategies. These strategies reduce the amount of building materials needed and cut construction costs. For example, design rooms on 4-foot multiples to conform to standard-sized wallboard and plywood sheets.
Reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials. For example, using inert demolition materials as a base course for a parking lot keeps materials out of landfills and costs less.
Require plans for managing materials through deconstruction, demolition, and construction.
Design with adequate space to facilitate recycling collection and to incorporate a solid waste management program that prevents waste generation.
Water Efficiency

Design for dual plumbing to use recycled water for toilet flushing or a gray water system that recovers rainwater or other nonpotable water for site irrigation.
Minimize wastewater by using ultra low-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and other water conserving fixtures.
Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution.
Install point-of-use hot water heating systems for more distant locations.
Use a water budget approach that schedules irrigation using the California Irrigation Management Information System data for landscaping.
Meter the landscape separately from buildings. Use micro-irrigation (which excludes sprinklers and high-pressure sprayers) to supply water in nonturf areas.
Use state-of-the-art irrigation controllers and self-closing nozzles on hoses.
Occupant Health and Safety
Recent studies reveal that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, sick building symptoms, and enhance worker performance. The potential financial benefits of improving indoor environments exceed costs by a factor of 8 and 14

Choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low emissions to improve indoor air quality. Many building materials and cleaning/maintenance products emit toxic gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde. These gases can have a detrimental impact on occupants' health and productivity.

Provide adequate ventilation and a high-efficiency, in-duct filtration system. Heating and cooling systems that ensure adequate ventilation and proper filtration can have a dramatic and positive impact on indoor air quality.

Prevent indoor microbial contamination through selection of materials resistant to microbial growth, provide effective drainage from the roof and surrounding landscape, install adequate ventilation in bathrooms, allow proper drainage of air-conditioning coils, and design other building systems to control humidity.

Building Operation and Maintenance
Green building measures cannot achieve their goals unless they work as intended. Building commissioning includes testing and adjusting the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure that all equipment meets design criteria. It also includes instructing the staff on the operation and maintenance of equipment.

Over time, building performance can be assured through measurement, adjustment, and upgrading. Proper maintenance ensures that a building continues to perform as designed and commissioned.

Steps to Ensure Success
Establish a vision that embraces sustainable principles and an integrated design approach.
Develop a clear statement of the project's vision, goals, design criteria, and priorities.
Develop a project budget that covers green building measures. Allocate contingencies for additional research and analysis of specific options. Seek sponsorship or grant opportunities.
Seek advice of a design professional with green building experience.
Select a design and construction team that is committed to the project vision. Modify the RFQ/RFP selection process to ensure the contractors have appropriate qualifications to identify, select, and implement an integrated system of green building measures.
Develop a project schedule that allows for systems testing and commissioning.
Develop contract plans and specifications to ensure that the building design is at a suitable level of building performance.
Create effective incentives and oversight.

What Makes A Strong Leader


What Makes A Strong Leader? The Power of the 99 Names



What makes a leader?

People say they want strong leaders. But what qualities make a strong leader who is truly good and beneficial for a community?

From a traditional Islamic and Arab perspective, being a good leader meant following true guidance and developing noble traits in the self through the emulation of divine qualities.

When the divine qualities, Asma’ Allah al-Husna (the 99 Beautiful Names of God) were invoked in the name of a person, that person was often called the servant of the quality: hence the name Abd ul-Rahman (Servant of the Compassionate) and not just Rahman. A person who excelled in the service of a divine quality was a true leader of the people.

How do we begin? Contemplation of divine qualities as expressed in the Asma’ Allah al-Husna provides a template and a model for reflection both for personal training and for the effort to actualize the highest values of the community. Where these are present, the essential prerequisites emerge to inspire the confidence, support, and cooperation of a community that rewards leadership with the dynamism and unity needed to envision and achieve a collective destiny.

Leadership is Empowerment

Being a leader involves being a representative both of leadership qualities and of people. A leader models leadership qualities by speaking and acting respectfully toward everyone. To be a true statesperson, one must also be an accomplished facilitator. The leader as facilitator is a compelling example of the quality of al-Malik, the Possessor of Power or Sovereignty. Politics and leadership always involve power, but power for what purpose? A leader, in the fullest spirit of generosity (emulating al-Wahhab, the Bestower, al-Razzaq, the Provider, and al-Muqit, the Maintainer), is one who owns power in order to empower others. This power manifests al-Qadir, the All-Powerful.

Yet, what actions are connected to such power? Moral leadership is the ability to inspire or awaken (al-Khabir, the One Who is Aware) people to their innate potential. A leader provokes people to act, and act toward proper ends, that are ultimately for the good of the whole community. With the responsibility of empowerment, he or she awakens and encourages people, both men and women, to fully participate in society at all levels (social, moral, economic, and political) and to form and develop their own accounts of social reality. In doing so, a leader then becomes a witness (al-Shahid, the One who bears witness) to the societal processes through diligent observation of his/her own actions and environment (al-Raqib, the Ever-Watchful, al- Hasib, the One who takes into Account, al-Muhsi, the Accountant).

Clearly, a greater leader needs to be an effective politician (a good strategist and tactician), but this needs to be in service of moral statesmanship, not personal and momentary advantage (al-Ghani, The Rich, for he or she has no desire, and al-Mughni, One who does not need). A variety of characteristics describe such a moral stature (al-Majid, Nobility, al-Jalil, Majesty, al-Azim, Dignity or Excellence).

When wisdom for the need of the community calls on tough and forceful action, the leader must be tough and forceful (al-Aziz, Mighty, al-Jabbar, the Repairer, al-Qawi, the Strong, al-Matin, the Firm in Resolve).

Leadership requires more than the elites merely adopting a mood of optimism or generating fear of the future. Leadership requires action and intention. In order to balance the siffat al-jalaliyyah, qualities of Majesty, a leader also needs to develop siffat aljamaliyyah, the qualities of beauty.

History shows us that the loyalty inspired by leaders who demonstrate mercy and compassion are profound. Other qualities linked to rahma are al-Latif (the Gentle), al-Halim (the Clement), al-Karim (the Generous), al-Wadud (the Loving), al-Ra’uf (the Kind). Empathetic consciousness enables a good leader to forgive and spread the habit of forgiveness to others (al-Ghaffar, the Forgiver, al-Ghafur, the All-Forgiving, al-‘Afu, the Pardoner).

Guardian of the Public Interest

A greater leader becomes a guardian of the public’s interests (al-Mumin, the Guardian of Faith). He or she protects (al-Muhaymin, the Protector, and al-Wakil, the Solver of Problems, and al-Hafez, the Preserver). As spokesperson, he or she embodies visionary leadership and seeks to represent all of the people. The subtle relationship between power and influence, between executive image and agenda setting is constant and dynamic. To effectively lead, it is a necessity that a leader inspires mutual trust, and this requires the ability to be a good communicator: the leader’s view must be all encompassing (al-Wasi, the All-Embracing, and al-Basit, the Expander). This means that leaders must be very good listeners (al-Sami’, the All-Hearing) and fine observers (al-Basir, the All-Seeing). To hold vision is to be a mapmaker: to see that all of the old maps are out of date, and that we do not yet have new, good and reliable maps. In order to invent our own maps, with all the skills that doing so accurately and compassionately require, leaders need both humility and dignity (which may be linked to al-Shakur, the Thankful, and al-Hamid, the Praiseworthy).

Leadership demands vision. Why vision? Vision avoids drift and selfcenteredness, it mobilizes the energy and imagination of the people, and it widens and deepens the sense of mutual responsibility while articulating what is possible and demanding discipline, sacrifice, and the capacity to dream.

Leaders need vision that has faith (al-Mu’min, the Faithful) and wisdom (al-Alim, the All-Knowing). Like power, leaders do not need wisdom for themselves alone, for they possess the courage and strength to be able to share it. One cannot be an effective representative without finding and facilitating creative ways to prioritize and balance all the interests of the people and groups in a fair and inclusive way on the basis of wisdom (al-Hakim, the All-Wise), which is both principled and practical, far seeing and yet focused on meeting the issues of the moment in a fair (and just) and balanced (in al-Hakam, the Judge, wisdom is connected to the sense of having good judgment). A successful nation needs a broad public dialogue, with a great variety of suggestions and opinions, and not only consultation. “Justice” (al-‘Adl) itself is a dynamic and not merely static or purely legal concept. Justice is embodied in the “rolling consensus” of people for more democracy, more equality, more opportunity, and pride in one’s community and tradition, above all perhaps – for more of a sense of community.

From Leadership By Force To Leadership By Consensus and Cooperation

Building a system of good governance must begin with good leadership – from the outset this means that the character and education of leadership is crucial.

Through working such qualities as al-Hadi, the Guide, al-Rashid, the Guide to the Right Path, and al-Warith, the Inheritor, a greater leader seeks to fulfill the sacred trust to inspire and empower the whole community. This trust is essential for health, vibrancy and the long-term sustainability of an untied and prospering community.

True leaders are consensus builders (al-Muqaddim, the Expediter). They work to build mutual trust and agreement on principles of fairness among their people, as a basis for cooperative efforts in which all have some expectation of shared benefit (al-Barr, the Source of All Goodness). Since no one party can force any of the others to cooperate, and since each one has a selfish temptation not to cooperate, each must trust the others not to take advantage of both the opportunity and the temptation to cheat.

Cooperation requires, then, mutual expectation of a willingness to sacrifice short-term self-interests for the common good (al-Jame’, the Gatherer).

While having shared objectives that benefit all is a necessary precondition for

cooperation, it is not sufficient. There is a crucial role for leadership at each stage in the confidence-building and community-building process (al-Salaam, The Source of Peace): forming common goals, establishing mechanisms for cooperation, ensuring that efforts will be coordinated, determining the fair allocation of benefits and burdens, and identifying the roles and responsibilities of the various actors in the cooperative enterprise. Leadership is needed to promote solidarity without which the highest values of the community do not manifest and underlying norms of fairness and reciprocity cannot be effective. When cooperation is achieved, however, a greater leader

will be known as a good friend (al-Wali, the Protecting Friend).

A greater leader who embodies the qualities represented by the Asma’ Allah al- Husna is a democratic leader, in the true sense of democracy as a form of collaborative and participatory communal governance. Just as positive character cannot be imposed but must rather be consciously cultivated, so it is with democracy. Democracy cannot be successfully implanted from the outside. It is an indigenous and delicate flower that only flourishes when deeply rooted in the dreams and hopes of the great majority of a nation. Democratic behavior is a learned behavior, and democracy is only learned by practice.

Is Your Home an Islamic Home?


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"And Allah has made for you in your homes a place of rest..."
[An-Nahl:80]


This may seem like an unusual question and your automatic response may be "Why, of course my home is an Islamic Home!! My family is Muslim and that makes our home a Muslim one!!"

Go through this short checklist to determine if your response should really be in the affirmative.


I Have Chosen a Good Spouse

There are several ahadeeth that highlight the importance of choosing a righteous and pious spouse. The wisdom of this is obvious: a pious spouse is more likely to bring happiness and contentment to the other spouse and the couple together will be more able to build a righteous family and home life. This is the foundation of the home.


I Help Guide My Spouse

This begins with each spouse fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of their roles and treating each other with kindness and compassion. It then goes beyond this to include guidance in other spiritual matters such as striving to strengthen imaan; paying attention to worship and correcting it when needed; encouraging the reading of Qur'an, praying at night, giving charity, and reading books on Islam; helping to choose pious friends; enjoining goodness and forbidding evil. Iman is something that may increase or decrease so it is necessary to continually focus on increasing our own and that of our spouse.


Our Home is a Place for Remembrance of Allah

Remembrance can be in many forms: with the heart, with the tongue, through prayer, recitation of Qur'an, memorizing adhkaar and using them, discussing Islamic issues, or reading Islamic material. These are things that should occur on a consistent basis so that the angels will come to the home and bring Allah's blessings. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said: "The example of a home in which Allah is remembered and the example of a home in which Allah is not remembered, is like comparing the living and the dead."
[Muslim].


Our Home is a Place of Worship

This means that salah is established within the home at its required time and that members of the family pray in congregation when several are present. The family may also designate a specific area for prayer and maintain its uniqueness and cleanliness. For women, it is better to pray each prayer within the home. For men, it is recommended to pray voluntary prayers at home after having prayed obligatory prayers in the masjid. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said: "The voluntary prayer in the home is better than the voluntary prayer with the people. It is like the obligatory prayer of the man in congregation being better than praying the obligatory by himself."
[Sahih al-Jaami]. This is to ensure that homes are made places of worship just as the masajids.


We Regularly read Surat Al-Baqarah and Ayatul Kursi to Keep Satan Away

The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said: "Recite Surah Al-Baqarah in your houses, for the Satan does not enter a house in which Sura Al-Baqarah is recited."
[Sahih al-Jaami].

He also said: "When you go to your bed, recite Ayatul Kursi: 'Allah! There is no god but Him, the Ever-Living, the One Who Sustains and Protects all that exists', to the end, for then there will remain over you a guardian from Allah, and Satan will not come near you until morning."
[sahih al-Bukhari].


Teaching and Learning are Ongoing Activities in Our Home

This is primarily the responsibility of the head of die household who must ensure that he is guiding his family to the correct path, enjoining them to do good, and forbidding them from evil. Attaining knowledge is incumbent upon all members of the family and is the basis upon which Emaan will flourish, A study circle should be established in the home that covers the various areas in Islam and from which all family members will benefit.
Children should especially be encouraged to participate since this will establish a pattern for them that will be carried throughout their lifetimes.


We Have an Islamic Library in Our Home

This may include such things as books, cassette tapes, and CDs. It is important to choose accurate and reliable material that will benefit the members of the family. There should be a variety of materials to cover all age levels and language needs of those in the home. Arabic material is definitely a must since everyone in the family should either know or be learning to read the language of the Qur'an. Books should cover a variety of topics, be properly organized, and be easily accessible. Audiotapes and CDs may include Qur'an recitation, lectures, khutbahs, tapes for children containing supplications, reminders of Islamic manners, and nasheeds
(religious songs with no musical instruments). Family members should encourage one another to use these materials on a regular basis, and should be shared with other Muslim families who may be in need of them.

We Try to Have Morals and Manners Like Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said; "When Allah wills some good towards the people of a household. He introduces kindness among them."
[Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami].
He also said: "Allah loves kindness and rewards it in such a way the He docs not reward for harshness or for anything else."
[Muslim].

There are many examples of the Prophet's kindness and good treatment toward his family that we should try to emulate. He was affectionate and playful with his wives and children and would help with household chores to case the burden for his wives. Following his example will bring tranquility to the home and help to truly make it an abode of rest.


We Know the Islamic Rulings That Pertain to Houses

Such as guarding the secrets of the home, seeking permission to enter, not looking into other people's homes, not allowing children to enter the parent's bedroom during certain times of the day, and not staying alone
overnight. This last one is interesting to consider since some husbands travel for their business or work. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, actually discouraged this. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasalam) forbade being alone and said that a man should not stay overnight alone or travel alone
[Ahmad]. Not only will he be alone, but his wife and children are likely to be left alone in the home without any protection or companionship.


We Invite Righteous and Knowledgeable People to Our Home

"My Lord! Forgive me, and my parents, and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women."
[71:28].

Righteous people who enter your home will bring many benefits due to their presence and conversations with them. They are more likely to discuss useful topics and may be excellent sources of information and knowledge. We should always make du'a that Allah will bless us with righteous friends since they can have such positive effects on us. The Prophet, (sallallahu alayhe wasallam) said: "Keep company with a believer only, and let your food be eaten only by the righteous."
[abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi].

There are No Evils Within Our Home

Television (except possibly for educational programs) and unlawful music are not allowed in the house; pictures on the wall do not contain animate beings; there are no statues or anything that resembles statues; dogs are not present in the house; smoking is not allowed; decorations are kept simple to avoid excessiveness; the telephone is used for beneficial purposes and not harmful ones (such as gossiping or backbiting); when people come to visit, the men and women sit separately. The effects of these evils on the sanctity of the home should be obvious. For example, the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: "Angels do not enter a house which has either a dog or a picture in it."
[sahih al-Bukhari].


The Physical Aspects of the Home are Conducive to Fulfilling Religious Obligations

It is best for the home to be close to a mosque so that it will be easier for men to attend the prayers in congregation and for all family members to visit the mosque for lectures, study groups, and social gatherings. It is also advisable to find an area where other Muslims live to obtain the benefits of community. One should definitely be careful about close neighbors and avoid those who are obviously immoral. When choosing a house, consideration should be made regarding the availability of separate sitting areas for men and women. The house should be spacious and fulfil safety and health requirements.




Islamic Home Decoration
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The Islamic values of faith, love, compasssion, cleanliness and beauty all need to be nurtured in the home. Breifly, the ideal Muslim home would need to be:



Simple and not Ostentatious for the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Eat, drink, give sadaqah and wear good clothes as long as these things do not invlove excess and arrogance"



Spacious, to allow privacy for parents and separate beds for children from the age of ten, for the noble Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has advised:
"Separate (your children's) beds when they are ten years of age." This is obviously to prevent such disgusting crimes and sinful behaviour as incest.



Clean, for the noble Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has said that "Cleanliness is part of faith" and also "Purity is half of faith."



Beautiful and free from such things as statues or revolting pieces of art for the noble Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has said
"God is beautiful and loves beauty."




The ideal Muslim home is:


A place where there are the basic necessities of food and clothing (2: 233; 2:235-6), where meals are eaten together and where there is hospitality and generosity;


A place ehre the greeting of Peace (salam) is heard at dawn and at night and at times of going and coming.


A place where love, tenderness and mercy is the norm, for the Qur'an says
"And we have made between you love and tenderness"


A cheerful place, for "Smiling is charity", as the noble Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has said


A place where the recitation of the Qur'an is heard daily and where knowledge is imparted and pursued.


A place where salat is performed and everyone, young and old, has a sense of time and place - time, in particular, related to the times of salat, and place - determined by the direction of the Qiblah.


This is the basic minimum.