just another REMINDER for me to move on

Quoted from one of my favorites prominent figure of Malaysian's Oil & Gas giant during his recent townhall meeting.

The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching our goal. The Tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream.
Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Half efforts do not produce half results. It produces no result. Work, continuous work and hard work is the only way to accomplish results that last. It is not the strongest that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change that survive successfully.

Whatever it is, our prayer answered; we got 5 months....

Ta'lim : Part XXXIX

Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu anhu (ra) narrates that he heard the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) saying, “A person who performs wudhu or ablution scrupulously, and the goes to the masjid and finds that the congregation is over, receives a reward equal to that of congregation. This would not diminish anything from the reward of those who have actually performed their salat or prayer with the congregation.”
This is indeed Allah swt’s great favor and beneficence that the mere effort and a slight exertion is enough to entitle us to a reward of Jamaah or congregation, though actually we fail to join it. Who is the loser if we ourselves get left, and miss the bounties of the most Bountiful?The hadith also shows that we should not postpone going to the masjid in apprehension of the Jamaah is over, we will still get reward thereof. If, however, we are certain that the congregation or Jammah is already over, then there is of course no idea in going to the masjid for the Jamaah.

Ta'alim : Part XXXVIII

Photo above::Masjid Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Ta'lim : Part XXXVII

Sometimes it feels like it's just too much - these fluctuations in our iman, the repeated sinning, the feeling that "I just don't deserve Allah swt's mercy." The tests always feel like punishments. There is a constant worry about the future: my marriage, my money, my career, my Ummah... And some difficulties just feel like they are too great to overcome. We know we're not supposed to ask this, but the question at the back of our minds is, "Why me?"

We have all heard that we should never despair of Allah swt's Mercy. And on the surface, we try not to, but Shaytaan (the Devil) has a trick. We tend to despair of ourselves and our incapacity to change things, especially the inner turmoil that we feel. And the effect of this is basically the same as despairing of Allah swt's mercy. We do not always accept that Allah can take us out of the situation we are in and we don't need to 'deserve' the trouble; Allah swt isn't punishing us and we don't need to be perfect.

This doesn't mean, however, that we shouldn't strive, or take ourselves to account when we do mess up. The key is to develop our relationship with Allah swt during that trouble. If we know Allah swt, no situation is too hopeless. No sadness is ever permanent. We perceive trials as they are meant to be perceived - as tests of our trust in Allah swt, forcing us to put our knowledge into practice and bringing us closer to Him. These trials could potentially be a punishment too, that is if we let it affect us negatively by completely turning away from Him because of our sadness. But our awareness of our own state and our understanding of Allah swt's Mercy allows us to turn the punishment into something positive that is manifested through repentance to Allahswt, alongside increasing in hasanat (good deeds) in order to erase the bad deeds.

The first exercise is for us to consciously realize that Allah swt knows. Whatever grief we go through, whatever hardship we endure, we must understand that we are never alone. Even if we feel abandoned by the world and those closest to us, Allah swt is there. He reminds us in the Qur'an:
"Fear not. Indeed, I am with you [both]; I hear and I see." (20:46)
As long as we begin by recognizing that Allah swt is with us and He is close to us, there remains a solution to our inner worries. There are things we need to know in order to develop our relationship with Allah swt. Then there are things we need to do in order to maintain that closeness to Allah swt. And finally, there are things we need to aspire for to achieve the ideal relationship with our Lord. We pray that in the end, we will all have developed a stronger & everlasting relationship with Allah swt.

Afi's creativity

Keelaaasss! For a Second Year 1st Semester student with no basic in architecture, this piece is indeed superb...!! Keep it up Afi! We are always behind and pray for you. Bravo..!! Alhamdullillah - praise only for Allah swt, don't sit on your laurels...push harder to your limit...and do it for Allah swt.
A great product! But remember to design and build one for your life thereafter - our ultimate destiny and goal. It has all been told by Allah swt; shown by His Messenger - Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) and practiced by his Companions...thaught by thousands wise men.

Innovation Starts@HOME......

Panelists at the 2nd Merdeka Award Roundtable television talk show held recently in Kuala Lumpur, say that innovation must begin at home and it must start with the individual.

“Innovation must start with you. Let’s start with doing one innovative thing a day (and from there it will grow),” says Professor Dato’ Dr Zaini Ujang, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the 2009 Merdeka Award Recipient in the category of Outstanding Scholastic Achievement.

The 2nd Merdeka Award Roundtable featured the topic “Cultivating a Culture of Innovation in Challenging Times”. The lively discussion, aptly held at the historical Carcosa Seri Negara on 24 November, featured three outstanding personalities known for their spirit of innovation and entreprenuership – Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of Air Asia Berhad, Founder of the Tune Group and Chairman of football club QPR Holdings Ltd; Tan Sri Datuk Augustine Ong Soon Hock, President of the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS) and former Merdeka Award Nomination Committee Member; and Prof Dato’ Zaini.

Prof Dato’ Zaini says that when it comes to broadening the horizons of innovation in Malaysia students should be encouraged to be more adventurous and mobile. “If you want to change people, let them go outside their normal routine. We must allow them to experiment; innovation occurs when you allow people to deviate. And you must let them fail (we can learn from failure).”

“Education,” says Tan Sri Tony is the one idea that will help instill the culture of innovation among the post-Merdeka generation. “The language of innovation is English. We have to be brave because language is key. We also need to bring back art, culture and sport; it will change the way our kids think,” he says.

Tan Sri Ong concurred, saying: “We also need to think about where we have a niche we can own. One of the possible areas is (indigenous) flora and fauna – we have such diversity in this country but we haven’t even done a proper inventory (of it). We should identify an area like this where we can bring results. And we should focus on areas where we’re good at.”

“We need disruptive thinkers,” says Tan Sri Tony. “And that stems from two things – family and the education system. We must allow people to dream, we must allow people to have ideas, and we mustn’t be afraid to fail. We have to create the environment, and it starts with us. We must allow our kids to experiment, we must expose them to as many things as possible and then let them go where they want. If you have a successful education system, we will find the best for each child.”

He adds that Malaysia also needs to address what he calls the “brain exodus”. “It’s a globlised world, we have to fight to keep our thinkers. And it starts at home and it starts with education,” he says.

Cultivating a culture of innovation is to create eco-systems, Tan Sri Tony adds. “I think (innovation) is so critical for the development of the country. It is not something you can teach; it is not something you can programme.

“You have to create an environment for innovation, you have to create the family, the education system. I have lots of issues with the system now – it’s very focused on books. There’s not enough playing, interacting. Education for me is about bringing out the mind, creating the thought,” he adds.

Tan Sri Ong adds that just about anyone can be innovative. “At MINDS, we have chefs and salesmen coming up with ideas. When we started in 1989, we had 50 inventions brought to us; this year the number is 720. I believe that if you throw the challenge to people, they will respond.”

The discussion then moved on to the importance of implementation, with Tan Sri Tony saying, “There is no point in innovating if you’re not implementing.”

“What is important is the intrinsic value that you put into the system, and how you value ideas,” says Prof Dato Zaini.

The academician, who has written several books on innovation, argued that the global education system must evolve to remain relevant to the needs of a rapidly changing world. “The problem with the academic structure, not just in Malaysia but all over the world, is over-specialisation. The walls we’ve created in academia don’t help us innovate,” he says.

He espouses the concept of new academia – where learning environments are not just limited to academic environments, but at businesses and workplaces, and where education is not just taught by lecturers, but also by businessmen, inventors, policy makers, entrepreneurs and practitioners.

In citing personal experiences, Prof Dato’ Zaini says his approach to innovation stems from looking at the negative components of an issue, and seeing the positive from it. He says his work on waste water, which earned him the Merdeka Award in 2009, came from first looking at waste water as a resource, and then looking for the opportunities that resource presents.

While discoveries and breakthroughs are crucial, recognition is just as important in motivating the young. Tan Sri Tony says: “I fully sympathise with young kids in the country. It’s important we praise their ideas, their successes. We don’t hear enough about these great ideas. And we need to show that the commercialization of these ideas have come to fruition.”

Source::Merdeka Award Secretariat

Ta'alim : Part XXXVI

Hazrat Aa'isha Radhiyallah hu anhu (ra) says: 'I very much wanted to enter the Ka'ba to perform salaat inside it. Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) then took me by the hand and said: 'Perform the salaat you desire in this hateem for verily your people, the Quraish left this section of the Ka'ba outside it when they rebuilt the Ka'ba.'
It is Mustahab to enter the Ka'ba. This is one of the places where duaa is accepted and answered. However, it is never permissible for anyone to enter through the giving of bribes. When the Quraish rebuilt the Ka'ba they lifted the roof quite high and raised the door so high that one cannot enter the Ka'ba without a staircase. Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) wanted to rebuild the Ka'ba according to the same plan as it had been before. Hence he said to Hazrat Aa'isha ra.: 'These Arabs have only recently entered Islam; It is possible that their feelings may become roused and sentiments excited, as a result of the demolition of the Ka'ba; if it was not for this I would rebuilt the Ka'ba, and I would have included the hateem in the Ka'ba: and I would have made two doors. One from which people could enter and leave from the other; and I would have lowered the door of the Ka'ba to the ground: 'Your people raised the door of the Ka'ba so that they admit only these whom they prefer.' According to another hadith Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) said to Saidatina Aa'isha ra.: 'Your people did not do the roper thing when erecting the Ka'ba, if we were not so near to the times of disbelief, I would again include this section into the Ka'ba; the section they have left outside; rebuilt, this should be included. Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) then measured off a further seven feet'. This was the cause of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair ra. increasing the size of the Ka'ba when he rebuilt it. So actually Ibn Hazrat Zubair ra accomplished what Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) himself had desired. Later under Abdul Malik bin Marwaan , Hjjaaj had the Ka'ba restored to its pre-Islamic structure. No matter what niyyat prompted Hajjaj, one can to day still feel thankful that it is made so easy for anyone who wishes to be inside the Ka'ba. No bribe to be given to enter into the hateem. Here one may enter at any time to his heart delight, pray there and make his special supplication to Allah. Being in the hateem, means being inside the Ka'ba. For this reason Rasulullah saw (peace be upon him) told Saidatina Aa'isha ra to say her prayers here. Further, it becomes exceedingly difficult for females to enter the Ka'ba. This hateem simplifies matters for them. Be very careful of your conduct inside the Ka'ba. The ulama have stated that on entering the Ka'ba, one's conduct should be one of utmost respect, upholding the great dignity of the place. It is best to go bare feet without socks, and to bath before entry. It is best to enter with great humility and to enter crying, with tears streaming down

CONGRATS to our only princess on her achievement

She had consistently achieved 1st placing in her 4 Dahlia class Term Examination. Well done gals! CONGRATULATIONS from all of us and keep it up! What matter is not the ranking but the efforts that you had exerted to achieve it. Remember, the results is Allah swt’s jurisdiction…our roles is to put our best for Him.Learn because you want to know the greatness of Allah swt whom had created the mankind and the universe and all its contents.

PartI::slaughtering SACRIFICE d Masjid Darul Hidayah way

Alhamdullillah, this year Masjid Darul Hidayah (MDH) managed to handle 11 sacrifices and that was not their first time. Kudos to the management of MDH!! But what I wanted to share here or something that I was really impressed was the way they have managed and processed the sacrifices. I would say, their way in managing the whole process is the best that I’d ever experience.

First, the cows were kept in the temporary pen made from scaffolding materials sponsored by one of the contractors in Bintulu. The sacrifices, I mean the cows, were definitely well fed and cared. Kids love their beautiful physiques but some sympathized when they see its sparkling eyes. No matter what, Allah swt promised that, the animal – the sacrifice will become means of transport for those who slaughter sacrifices. Amiin

Next step, they lured the cows (by its favorite foods – the grass) to the ‘slaughtering house’ similarly made by scaffolding materials. There are two rows of the house with 4 chambers or compartments each, which means at one time they could slaughter 8 cows at one single time. After been slaughtered in compliance or accordance with the Islamic rights, the sacrifices were transferred by pick-up truck to a clean area for skinning process, etc.

Ta'alim : Part XXXV

Once Umar radhiyallahu anhu (ra) was standing between Mount Safaa and Marwah. A group of people came along, alighted from their camels and proceeded to perform tawaaf around Ka'bah. They then came for the sa'ee between Safaa and Marwah. Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired from them as to who they were. They replied that they were from Iraq. When Umar radhiyallahu anhu inquired as to whether they perhaps had any other intention, e.g. to claim an inheritance, to reclaim a debt to them, or for any other business purpose; they replied: "No". Then Umar ra said: "In that case restart your deeds (like people who have done no evil deeds)".

What Umar ra implied was that having come to the Holy House solely for Allah's sake, their previous evil deeds were forgiven. They can now start anew. The second point that becomes clear from the Hadeeth under discussion is that no evil word shall be spoken. The Ulamaa have explained that the word "rafath" (evil speech) includes every single form of words which are unseemly, nonsensical and unnecessary to such an extent that even the mention of sexual relations with one's wife is also included. To indicate or insinuate such actions with hand signs or the eyes, should be refrained from. All such actions and others which stir passions and lust are condemned.

The third point towards which attention is drawn is "fusooq", which here signifies every single form of disobedience to Allah's will. One should especially avoid any form of argument and dispute. In one Hadeeth our Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: "The beauty of Hajj is attained by speaking amicably with others and to feed them." To argue with fellow Hujjaaj and to fight with them is the opposite of amicable speech. Hence it is the duty of a Haajji not to criticise his fellow Hujjaaj, to meet everyone with love, humility and humbleness, and to deal with them in a most friendly manner. Some Ulamaa have explained that to meet others in a friendly manner does not only mean that one should not hurt or trouble one's fellow men. It means that one should (without retaliation) bear and pardon the hurt that comes from their side to you.
The word safar (a journey) means in actual fact "to expose", "to make clear". The Ulamaa informs us that a journey is called safar in Arabic because on a journey one's character is exposed and becomes clear.

...after 30 years I'd never even touch the ball..!!

I never like this game – tennis. The last time I ever hold the racket was in 1981, I think! However, during one fine boring evening at Damai Beach Resort Kuching after strolling along the over explored beach, we went around the premise exploring the old but managed facilities, my avid tennis colleagues Hassan and Haniff were practicing their swing and invited us – Frankie, Anuar and me to join them. Playing tennis!?..I must be kidding myself ……….and that would be my last thing to do!! After about 5 minutes of intensive coaching on how to hold the racket I was already on the court?!!..believe me, it was horrible of me. It was a good sweating out though.

Ta'lim : PartXXXIV

Abu Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said "Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him."

When a child is ushered into this world, it enters this life without any blemish and is free from any form of sin. Now, when the Hajj has been performed with utmost sincerity for Allah's sake, the pilgrim returns to that sinless state.

When we speak of forgiveness of sins as in the Hadeeth mentioned above, we actually refer to minor sins. However, the contents of this Hadeeth have been noted in such numerous Ahaadeeth that some learned Ulaamaa are of the opinion that minor as well as major sins are included in this pardon from Allah.

In this Hadeeth under discussion, three things are mentioned. In the first place we read that Hajj should be for Allah's sake, and that there should be no worldly object and no ulterior motive prompting this holy deed, neither should it be for the show of things, nor for personal fame. Many people proceed to Makkah for the sake of personal honour and show. Such people have indeed wasted whatever they have spent by way of wealth, health and energy. For them there shall be no reward. We admit that when a person has performed his Hajj even for the sake of showing others, his obligation has been carried out. But how foolish it is indeed that a person should deny himself such great virtue and reward (in the form of Allah's great pardon) merely because of his desire to be noted among some people.

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam once said, "Near the time of Qiyaamah the rich ones from amongst my Ummah will perform Hajj for the sake of travel and holiday; (like having a holiday in Hijaaz instead of one in London or Paris). The middle class will perform Hajj for commercial purposes, thereby transporting goods from here to there while bringing commercial goods from there to here. The Ulamaa will perform Hajj for the sake of show and fame; (to outdo and surpass Maulana so and so, or any rival shaykh who had performed Hajj a certain number of times). The poor will perform Hajj for the purpose of begging." (Kanzul Ummaal)

Ta'lim : Part XXXIII

Hazrat Abu Huraira R.A. reports that Rasulullah Salallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannat".According to some ulama a "Mabroor Hajj" (a righteous Hajj) is such a pilgrimage during which no evil deed is committed. For this reason they speak of Hajj-e-Mabroor as a Maqbool Hajj (an accepted Hajj). By this they mean such a Hajj wherein the Hajee took note of each and every one of the Aadaab and Shuroot of Hajj while at the same time avoiding all faults.By way of further elucidation we quote a Hadith by Hazrat Jaabir R.A. in which Rasulullah Sal'am said: " the beauty (righteousness) of Hajj lies in feeding others and speaking to them in an amicable fashion". Another Hadith states: "The virtue of Hajj lies in feeding others and in greeting others a lot". (Targheeb)It is also reported that when Rasulullah (Salallaho Alaihi Wassallam) announced that Paradise alone shall be the reward for a righteous Hajj, some companions inquired as to what a righteous Hajj actually was. To this Rasulullah (Salallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied: "To feed others and to greet much". (Kanzul Ammaal)Hadith Number Three:Hazrat Aayesha R.A. reports that Rasulullah Sal'am said: "There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His pride remarks to the Angels: "What is the desire of these servants of mine."Note: As for the fact that 'Allah draws near' or 'descends' to the lowest heaven and similar phrases in Hadith literature, it should be borne in mind that Allah alone knows best the correct meaning. Allah is at all times near. He is not at all in need of the literal ascending or descending. When they come across such statements, the ulama explains it as referring to Allah's special mercies that draw near.Whatever has been read in this above Hadith has been said in many others. In one Hadith for example we read: "When the day of Arafaat dawns, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and boastingly remark to the Angels: " Look at My servants, they have come towards Me with their hair disheveled and scattered while their bodies and clothes are covered with the dust of long journeys. The cry from them is 'Labbaik, Allahumma Labbaik (We are at Your service, 'O Lord, we are at Your service) 'O My Angels, I take you to witness that I have forgiven their sins". The Angels will say: "O Allah among them there is that person who is inclined towards sin, and there are among them that evil man. And that so woman": Allah will reply: " I have forgiven them all".Rasulullah (Salallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On no other day are so many souls set free from hell as on that day". (Mishkaat) We see the same theme in the following tradition: Allah says (on that day) "these servants of mine have come to Me with disheveled hair, begging for My mercy". Then addressing the pilgrims Allah says: "Even though your sins shall be as numerous as the grains of sand on the earth and though they may be as many as the raindrops that descend from heaven, and though your sins be as many as the trees that grow on the earth, I forgive them all. Proceed from here to your homes while your sins are forgiven".Looking at another Hadith we read: (on the day of Arafaat) Allah boastingly addressing the Angels say: "Look at them, I have sent my Messenger to them. They believed in him. I revealed My book to them and they believed in it. You be My witness that I have forgiven them all. (Kanzul Ummaal)

Ta'lim : PartXXXII

Abu Hurairah radiyallah hu anhu (ra) narrated; "Allah's Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) said; 'When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of Jannah (Heaven) are opened and the gates of Jahannam (Hell) are closed, and the shaytan (devils) are chained up."

The gates of Jannah (Heaven) are opened in this month because a great deal of righteous deeds are performed, and as an encouragement for those who seek Allah's reward. While the gates of Jahannam (Hell) are closed because only a few sins are committed by the believers. The shaytan (devils) will be chained that they may not have the influence on the believers by whispering to them and misguiding them, that they might ordinarily have during the other months of the year.

Allah has prescribed fasting and made it obligatory on all nations. He has said;
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous"
[Surah al Imran 2:183]

If fasting were not a great act of worship, and the reward thereof were not so great Allah would not have prescribed it on all nations.
Of the virtues of fasting is that it is a means for atonement of sins. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah ra that;

"The Prophet Muhamad saw (peace be upon him) said; "Allah swt has said; 'All the deeds of Adam's children (all mankind) they do for themselves, except fasting which belongs to Me and I will reward for it. Fasting is a shield (against the Hell and against the committing of sins). If one of you happens to be fasting he should avoid sexual relations with his wife and should avoid quarrelling. Should someone fight or quarrel with him, let him say, 'I am fasting'. By Him in Whose Hand is my soul (Allah), the smell of the mouth of the one who is fasting is better in the sight of Allah than musk."
[from the collection of sayings of the Prophet by Imam Bukhari]

It is a shield because it safeguards the believer from vain talk and wrong doing and thereby protects him from the Jahannam (Hell).
Of all the good deeds, Allah has favored fasting to be greatly rewarded by Him and distinguished it with prestige, if it is observed with the pure intention of pleasing Him alone.

From other sayings of the Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) we know that:
Fasting is so highly regarded for a believer that he would have two occasions of joy, one at the time of breaking his fast, [to enjoy the bounties of Allah, because he has been favored with Allah's mercy to observe fasting while many others have been deprived of this great blessing], and the second would be when he meets his Lord [and enjoys the abundant reward for having observed fasting].

Also, that fasting intercedes with Allah on behalf other believer on the Day of Judgment.

Ta'lim : Part XXXI

On the most blessed night, the Grand night: Laylatul Qadr; "Verily, we revealed the Qur'an on the night of Qadr."

Ibn Jareer narrates, on the authority of Mujahid that there was a man from Bani Israel who used to spend the night in prayer. Then in the morning he would fight the enemy in the Way of Allah during the day, until the evening and he did this for a thousand months.

And so Allah swt revealed the Surah: "Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr" until the verse "The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months" That is, standing in prayer on that night is better than the actions of that man.

Sufyan ath-Thawri reports, on the authority of Mujahid (also), that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months good deeds, prayers and fasting. [Narrated by Ibn Jareer]

It is reported from Abu Hurairah radiyallah hu anhu (ra) that he said:

"When the month of Ramadan came, the Messenger of Allah Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him) said: 'The month of Ramadan has come, a blessed month in which Allah swt has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the shaytan (devils) are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable.'" [Narrated by Imam Ahmad and An-Nasa'i].

It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah ra, that Allah's Messenger Prophet Muhammad saw (Peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sins and phases of neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan. During it he hopes to be forgiven by Allah for past sins, knowing that the Prophet Muhammad saw (Peace be upon him) promised that all who bear down during the last ten days shall have all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, the believer remembers the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) advice in different sayings wherein he used words like "seek", "pursue", "search" and "look hard" for Laylatul Qadr.

Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. The Mu'min should search for it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, passing the nights in worship and obedience.

For those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.

Ta'lim : Part XXX

Hadhrat ‘Uqbah ibn Aamir Radhiyallaho anhu (ra) has said:”Rasullullah sallallahu alaihi wassallam (saw) came to us while we were sitting on the suffah and asked if any one of us would like to go to the market of But-haan and Aqeeq and fetch from there two she-
camels of the finest breed without committing any sin or severing a tie of kinship. We replied that everyone of us would love to do so. Rasullullah saw (pbuh) then said that going to the masjid and reciting or teaching two ayaat of the Qur’an is more precious than three she-camels, and that similarly reciting or teaching of four ayaat is better than four she-camels and n equal number of camels.”
‘suffah’ is the name of a particular raised platform in the Masjid of the Prophet Muhammd saw (pbuh) in Madinah. It used to be occupied by the poor Muslim Muhajirin (emigrants-plural of muhajir-emigrant from Makkah to Madinah) who is known as “Ashab-us-Suffah” (men of Suffah). The number of these men varied from time to time: ‘Alllamah Suyuti Rahmatullah alaih has listed one hundres and one names and also written an independent booklet about their names.
But-haan and Aqeeq were the two market-places for camels near Madinah. The camel, more particularly a she-camel having a fat hump, was a favorite of the Arabs.
The expression ‘without sin’ is significant. A thing can be acquired without labor either by extortion, through illegal inheritance (by forcefully taking over the property of some relative) or by theft. Rasullullah saw (pbuh) thus ruled out all such acquisitions. Acquiring a thing without any sin is certainly preferred by all, but much more valuable is the learning of a few ayaat.
It is clear fact that let alone one or two camels, even if one acquires the kingdom of all the seven continents one will be forced to leave it, if not today surely tomorrow (at the time of death), but the reward of one ayat will be everlasting. We see even in this life that a man feels happier when he is given only one RM (without the condition of returning it), rather than if he is given one thousand RM for keeping in his safe custody for a while only. In the letter case, he is merely burdened with a trust without getting any benefit out of it. In fact, this hadith implies and admonition not to compare something temporary with something eternal. Whether in action or a rest, a man should consider if his efforts are being wasted on acquiring the temporary gains of this world, or, are directed towards achieving the everlasting ones. Woe be to the waste of effort for which we earn eternal misery. The last phrase of the hadith “superior to an equal number of camels” contains three meanings. First, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. Beyond this, it is briefly mentioned that the more ayaat a person acquires, the greater will be their superiority over the number of camels. In this case, the word “camels” at the end refers to the species - either he-camels or she-camels - and the number implied is more than four because, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. The second meaning is that numbers mentioned are the same as referred to earlier, the significance being that inclinations are always different; some are fond of she-camels, others preferred he-camel. Therefore, Rasullullah saw (pbuh) has used this expression to signify that every ayat is superior to a she-camel, and if one prefers a he-camel, an ayat is also superior to a he-camel. The third meaning is that the numbers mentioned are the same as referred to before and not more than four. According to the second meaning, the explanation that an ayat is superior to a she-camel or he-camel does not hold good, but it implies a collection, i.e. one ayat is superior to a he-camel and a she-camel considered together, and likewise every ayat is superior to the combination of an equal number of he-camels or she-camels. Thus a single ayat has been compared to a pair or couple (of camels). My late father (May Allah bless his grave with Divine light) has preferred the later interpretation because it points to a superior virtue. This however, does not mean that the reward of an ayat can be equaled to a camel or two camels. All this is for inducement and illustration. It has been clearly written before that an ayat whose reward is permanent and enduring is superior and preferable even to a kingdom over the seven continents, which is bound to disintegrate.
Mulla ‘Ali Qari has written an account of a pious Sheikh who went to Makkah for Hajj on the 9th day of Dhulhijjah – the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. When he landed at Jeddah, some of his friends in business requested him to prolong his stay in Jeddah, so that they could earn more profit for their merchandise y virtue of his blessed presence. In fact they wanted that some of the servants of the Sheikh be benfited by the profits of their business. At first the Sheikh expressed his inability to prolong his stay, but when they insisted, the Sheikh asked them as to maximum profit they would earn for their goods. They explained that the profit was not the same in all cases; but the maximum that they could expect was hundred per cent. The Sheikh said, “you have taken all this trouble for such a petty gain; for such an insignificant gain. I cannot miss the solat in the respected Haram (the most Sacred Masjid), where the reward of solat gets multiplied one hundred thousand times.” In fact, we Muslims should consider how, for petty worldly gains, we sometimes sacrifice great spiritual benefits.

Ta'lim : Part XXIX

“Hadhrat Huzaifah Radhiyallahu anhu (ra) says that, whenever the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wasallam (saw) – peace be upon him (pbuh) happened to face any difficulty, he would at once resort to solat.”
Solat is a great blessings of Allah swt. To resort to solat at the time of worry is to hasten towards His Mercy, and when Allah swt’s Mercy comes to rescue, there can remain no trace of any worry. There are many traditions concerning this practice of the Prophet Muhammad saw (pbuh). Similar was the practrice of his companions, who followed him in the minutest detail. Abu Darda ra says:”Whenever a strong wind blew, the Prophet Muhammad saw (pbuh) would immediately enter the Masjid and would not leave untul the wind had subsided. Similarly, at the time of a solar or lunar eclipse, Prophet Muhammad saw (pbuh) would at once start offering solat. Suhaib ra was informed by the Prophet saw (pbuh) that all the precious Apostles of Allah swt also used to resort to solat in all adversities.
Ibn Abbas ra was once on journey. On his way he got the news of the death of his son. He got down from his camel and offered two rakaat of solat, praying in Tashahhud for a long time. He then recited ‘Inna lillaahi wa innaallaihi roaji oon’ and said, “I have done what Allah swt has ordered us to do in His Holy Book – al Quran ul Kareem.

Ta'lim : Part XXVIII

It has been reported by Ibn Mas’ood Raghiyallaho anhu (ra) that the Holy Prophet Sallallaho alaihi wassalam (saw) peace be upon him (PBUH) said: “The decline and fall of Bani Israil started thus: when the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same; but when the sinners did not repent, the pious because of their relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah swt caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner.” (i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors). Then is support of this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) recited a verse of the Holy Qu’ran, which says: ‘The disobedient and the transgressors among the Bani Israil were accursed by Allah swt.’ On this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) emphatically instructed his Companions:”(To avoid such decline) you people must enjoin upon others to do good deeds and prevent them from doing forbidden things: you should restrain every tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and justice.”Another hadith says that the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (PBUH) was reclining comfortably when suddenly overcome with emotion, he sat up and said: “I swear by Allah swt that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you prevent the tyrants from tyranny.”

Ta'lim : Part XXVII

Hadrat Anas Radhiyallahu anhu (ra) narrates that he heard the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (pbuh) saying, “When a person offers his solat at its fixed hours with proper ablution, with humility and submission and with qiyam, ruku’ and sujud done satisfactorily, then such a solat rises up in a bright and beautiful form and blesses the person in words: ‘May Allah swt guard you as you have guarded me.’ On the other hand, if a person is not punctual with his solat nor does he perform wudhu, qiyam, ruku and sujud properly, then solat rises up in an ugly and dark shape and curses the person by saying, “May Allah swt ruin you as you have ruined me!” Then it is flung back like a dirty rag at the face of the person.”
Lucky are those whose solat is so perfect in all respects that this most important worship of Allah would pray for them. But what to say about the solat which most of the people are wont? They go into sujud direct from ruku, and they hardly lift their head from first sujud when they go for the second like a crow pecking at something. The curse that such a person deserves is mentioned in this hadith. When the solat is cursing us then what else can check our downfall? This is why the condition of the Muslims is deteriorating day by day in every nook and corner of the world.
The same description is given in another hadith, with the addition that a solat offered by a person with sincerity and devotion rises up highly illuminated, the gates of Heaven are let open for its reception, and then it intercedes (before Allah) for His devotee.
The Prophet Muhammad saw (pbuh) has said, “The likeness of a person not bowing fully in ruku is that of a pregnant woman aborting just before delivery.”In a hadith, it is stated. “There are many fasting persons who get nothing out of their fast except hunger and thirst, and there are many worshippers who keep a vigil but get nothing from their vigil except sleeplessness.

Ta'lim : Part XXVI

Kumail Radhiyallahhu Anhu (ra) says:
“I was with Ali ra once on a journey, when he reached an uninhabited place; he approached a grave and said: “O you dwellers of the graves! O you who live amongst ruins! O you live in the wilderness and solitude! How fare you in the other world? How has it gone with you there?” He continued: ‘The news from our side is that all you did leave of the wealth and riches here, has long been distributed; your children are orphans; your widows have long since remarried. Now let us hear about you.” He then turned to me: ‘O Kumail! If they could speak, they would have informed us that the best provision for the Hereafter is Taqwa.’ Tears welled out of his eyes, as he added: ‘O Kumail! The grave is a container of the deeds; but one realizes it only after death.”
Our good or bad actions are stored up in our graves. It is said in a hadith that every person meets his good deeds in the grave in the person of an agreeable companion who befriends and consoles him there. But his wicked deeds assume hideous shapes emitting bad smells, which add to his misery. In another hadith it is said:
“Three things accompany a person to his grave viz: His wealth (as was the prevalent custom among the Arabs of the time), his relatives, and his deeds. His wealth and his relatives turn back after his burial, but his actions go in and stay with him in the grave.”