Thursday, July 30, 2009

Statistical Miracles


Assalamu'alaikum !

Let's take a look at some of the statistical miracles in the Quran, of which these are only a very small fraction of what this holy book presents to the whole of mankind. These statistical study was conducted by Dr. Tariq Al-Suwaidan, a well known scholar from the Muslim Brotherhood, Ikhwan Al-Muslimoon. Islamic Gateway ummah.net brings you a glimpse of this study.

Word / Meaning
Al-Dunya
This world

Mentioned In The Quran
115
Al-Akhira The hereafter
115



Al-Mala'ikah Angles
88
Al-Shayateen Satan
88



Al-Hayat Life
145
Al-Maout Death
145



Al-Rajul Man
24
Al-Mar'ha Women
24



Al-Shahr Month
12



Al-Yahom Day
365



Al-bahar Sea
32
Al-bar Land
13

If we add up the total words of both "sea" and "land" we get 45. Now if we do a simple calculation:

32/45 X 100% = 71.11111111%
13/45 X 100% = 28.88888888%

Above is what we know today, the percentages of Water (Sea) and Land in the world. Yet another miracle in the Quran.




The Miracles of the Quran will never end. There will never be a time where mankind can fully take in the knowledge that is in this holy book. It is a miracle to all mankind, the word of God (Allah S.W.T.). There is no value that one can set to the words of the creator. It is a treasure of which guides those that want to succeed in this life and the hereafter. Salaam.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Sya'ban: A Prelude To Ramadan


Assalamu'alaikum !

We welcome Sya'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is also one of the meritorious months; the month prior to the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Being the month immediately preceding Ramadan, some preparatory measures are needed and deemed necessary to honour Ramadan. One of the first things we should adhere to, following the arrival of this auspicious month, is to welcome it on a happy note and to correct and improve our niat for this month. It is much expected of us to be even more productive in terms of doing good deeds than the month of Rajab. All this is to be done in enthusiasm and eager anticipation to welcome the much awaited month of Ramadan.

The Prophet (s.a.w) himself was keen on fasting in the month of Sya'ban, more than he was in other months. This was a kind of self preparation for the coming of Ramadan i.e. to act as some sort of girding oneself for Ramadan. However, there are no textual evidence that there are specific days in Sya'ban in which fasting is commendable.

On being asked why the fasting in Sya'ban, the Prophet (s.a.w) explained that Sya'ban, due to its position between Rajab and Ramadan, is often neglected by many people. It is a month in which an account of the deeds of human beings is presented before Allah, and the Prophet wished that his deeds are presented at a time when he's in a state of fasting.

Indeed, it is another great opportunity and time presented for us by Allah to improve ourselves from misdeeds and wrongdoings in the past months. In this way, we shall enter Ramadan with renewed feelings and spirits and our souls cleansed from the sins of Jahiliyyah. Salaam.

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On Crash Course


Assalamu'alaikum !

Today the world witnessed what is termed as the most spectacular display nature has to offer; the longest total solar eclipse in the 21st. century. There will not be a longer eclipse than today's until 2132. It is by far, the most watched eclipse in history, due to it's path over earth's most densely inhabited areas.

For this, people were willing to go to great pains digging deep into their resources just to observe this rare exhibit of the moon aligning itself between the earth and the sun. I bet, one day, they would be willing to go much further to see a more spectacular event; the coming together of the sun and the moon!

وَجُمِعَ الشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ
And the sun and the moon are united (brought together)
Al
Qiamah:9
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Sunday, July 19, 2009

21st.Century's Longest







Assalamu'alaikum!

People all over the globe are gearing up for a rare spectacle on Wednesday, July 22. Yes! We will be witnessing the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st.century where the maximum duration of totality reaches 6 min 39 s. A large number of astrophysicists, solar scientists, astronomers and enthusiasts have begun to gather to witness the rare event, especially in eastern China, which according to experts is the best place to view the event. Malaysia is sending a team to Hangzhou.

The eclipse will begin in the western parts of India, passing through China and ending in the Pacific Ocean. Malaysia, however, will only experience a partial solar eclipse; taking place between 7:29:00 a.m. till 8:48:44 a.m. So, it's in the early morning where most of us will still be catching the school bus or on our way to the office. Hopefully, you don't miss this one, though.

In general, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth so that the sun is wholly or partially obscured. This can only happen during a new moon when the sun and the moon are in conjunction as seen from the earth.

We mention this phenomenon because of its link to ibadah, our conviction, obedience to Allah and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). It is to bear witness and an acknowledgement of the Greatness of Allah for it is He the Almighty that has brought about these miraculous things to ensue. It does not happen by chance or accident nor does it take place due to natural causes.

"Behold! In the creations of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting and lying down on their sides, and contemplate (the wonders) of creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! Not for naught have You created all this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the punishment of the Fire." Surah Ali Imran verses 190-191.

While others may shout, cheer or simply feel awed by the event, Muslims are urged to act differently. What should we do and how should we feel and behave? Below are some of the guidelines for us to follow during this unique experience.

Refer Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 18 Eclipses Hadith 167, 165, 168 and 156.

Narrated Abu Musa:
The sun eclipsed and the Prophet got up, being afraid that it might be the hour (i.e Day of Judgement). He went to the mosque and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I have ever seen him doing. Then he said,"These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of someone, but Allah makes his worshipers afraid by them. So, when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His Forgiveness."

Narrated Abu Mas'ud:
Allah's Apostle said,"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of some one's death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. So, pray whenever you see them."

Narrated Al Mughirah bin Syu'bah:
"On the day of Ibrahim's death, the sun eclipsed and the people said that the eclipse was due to the death of Ibrahim (son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of some one's death or life. So, when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear."

Narrated Aisyah:
"In the lifetime of Allah's Apostle, the sun eclipsed, so he led the people in prayer and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed a long Qiyam but this time the period of standing was shorter than the first. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one. Then, he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rakaat as he did in the first and then finished the prayer; by the the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah he said,"The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone. So, when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give sadaqah." The prophet then said,"O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery. O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know, you would laugh little and weep much." Salaam.


Friday, July 17, 2009

Lessons To Be Learned

Assalamu'alaikum !

Come this Monday,20 July corresponding to 27 Rajab everybody will be talking about Isra' Mi'raj, the journey of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) from Al Haram Mosque in Mecca to Al Aqsa Mosque in Baitul Maqdis, Palestine. From there he (s.a.w) ascended to the heavens to seek audience with Allah swt.

This event, which took place in the eleventh year of his prophethood and two years before his flight to Medina Al Munawwarah, is an extraordinary event in Islamic history which is one evidence of the greatness, power and intensity of Allah swt. Let's ponder the words of Allah swt in verse 1 surah Al Isra' which means:

"Glory be to Allah who did take His servant on a journey by night from the Al Haram Mosque to the Al Aqsa Mosque, of which we have blessed the precincts, so that we may show to him some of Our signs; for He is the one who Hears and Sees (all things)."

It's quite a lengthy account to relate here and I'm sure we must have heard it many a times before. It is not my intention to repeat the story but what is most critical is what lessons can be learned and put to practice from the whole episode. I hereby briefly lay down a few for our attention and immediate action.

1. We must always try to make relationship with Allah at all times; whether in prosperity or in adversity. ONLY Allah can help and guide us. ONLY He can free and rid us of our sorrow and sufferings.

2. Forbid ourselves and avoid what is wrong because in the course of the journey the Prophet was shown various forms of flagrant torture endured by people who commit sinful offenses.

3. Pay attention and take great care of solat because of all obligations, solat is directly received by the prophet from Allah without the involvement of Jibril (a.s). This shows the importance of solat above other obligations. Moreover, solat will be the first to be questioned in the Hereafter. Through solat, we have the opportunity to dialogue with Allah.

4. Spread the salam. The Prophet never forgets to offer salam to the prophets he met during Mi'raj. It is our way of conferring respect and promoting brotherhood among Muslims.

5. Always remind ourselves that the world is old and the end is near. All the wealth, luxuries and enjoyment are temporary. Only fearing Allah and righteous deeds are our provisions to the Hereafter.

6. Beware of the persuasions and sneakiness of the devil. The devil will never give up to mislead and delude us from the straight path through various ways and means. Salaam.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Verify The Direction Of The Qiblah


Assalamualaikum!

In the evening of 16 July 2009 (tomorrow), a phenomenon where the sun places itself directly above the Kaabah (Istiwa Matahari di atas Kaabah) will take place at exactly 5:28 pm.

We were informed that this occurrence gives us the opportunity to re-examine the direction of the Qiblah as we may have strayed slightly from the actual direction. The sun will be right above the Kaabah on two dates this year; May 28 at 5:16 pm and July 16 at 5:28 pm Malaysian time.

What happens during this period? When it is in the afternoon in Mecca, the sun will be exactly vertical above the Kaabah. This will happen at 12:28 pm, July 16 Mecca time which corresponds to 5:28 pm (the same day) Malaysian time. How to determine the direction of the Kaabah is briefly illustrated in the above diagram. Salaam.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Eyes Of The King


Assalamu'alaikum!

Recently, I made a trip down south to the capital city to see my mother off to be warded at HKL. She apparently has some complications with her womb and needs to undergo an operation tomorrow, 14 June. Whilst at the hospital, I noticed something interesting of note which I would like to share with you guys; especially those with diminishing eyesight and in need of a change of vision. This one ought to be of great news and hope for you.

Right now, at the hospital they have this eye bank. But, this is no ordinary one. It goes way beyond your wildest imagination. Believe it or not, it's a LIONS EYE BANK. Yes! Now the hospital people even provide you the opportunity of swapping your failing eyes with those of a lion's. Please don't ask me why they prefer lions over other species. I believe it has to do with cats having excellent vision and the lion is considered king among the cats. Yeah, no joking. See the photo for yourselves. So, whenever you see one of your fellow beings spotting lions' eyes, don't be surprise. You should know where they got them from.
Salaam.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Giant Jellyfish


Assalamu'alaikum !

Recently, news have it that giant jellyfish were infesting the waters of China not far away from Japan. These reports were confirmed by a team of Japanese researchers and scientists who were monitoring the activities of these giant creatures. They fear that the jellyfish will cause a catastrophic disaster to the Japanese fishing industry if they were to enter Japanese waters.

Termed the 'Nomura' jellyfish, these animals could grow to as large as 2 meters in diameter and weighing 220 kilograms. If the 'invasion' happens, it will be a repeated occurrence of the incident by the same species back in 2005 where they caused much damage to the fisheries industry because the jellyfish released poison to kill the arrested fish.


Just look how Allah created strange creatures; some known to men while others still have yet to be encountered by men. What more of their affects towards humans and other creatures. One thing's for sure; Allah did not create these creatures without a reason. Only Allah knows what they are and why they are created. Men can only ponder, study and figure out what they are based on the limited knowledge that Allah has bestowed upon them. We praise Almighty Allah on every occasion for His Magnificent creations and may He save us all from the punishment of Hell.

Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! Not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the Chastisement of the Fire." (Ali Imran: 191)



Monday, July 6, 2009

The Countdown Begins


Assalamualaikum!

The Year 6 boys and girls of SRAZ were seen highly spirited, excited and eager as the SPPM (Sijil Pentaksiran Pelajar Musleh) Examination kicks off today. The pupils who have been preparing for the much anticipated exam since the beginning of the year, were off to school early today as the first paper, Bahasa Arab Penulisan (Arabic Language Essay) starts off at 8.10 a.m. in the school hall. The exam which ended at 11.30 a.m. with the conclusion of the Aqidah paper saw the children sighing a heave of relief as the pressure slowly builds up prior to the exams.

Three teachers invigilating the exams were Usth.Salma from SRI Islah, Sg.Petani, as chief invigilator, assisted by Ust.Mohamed Noor and Usth.Syafina from SRI Al Azhar. The mood was excellent and everybody, including the pupils gave their full cooperation and everything went on smoothly. It was a nervous and tense experience for some though, but they finally managed to get hold of themselves throughout the papers.

Tomorrow, the exam continues with two more papers, Sirah (Islamic History) and Al Quran and it is hoped that the pupils will give their best shot to score in every paper. The exam will last till Thursday and the students will have a break of about two months before they sit for their second major exam this year, the UPSR. To the boys and girls of SRAZ, we wish them all the best in their exams and may Allah's guidance and blessings continuously be with them. Salaam.