Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts

Thursday, August 4, 2016

My Goodreads Review Teh Tarik Nasi Arab

Teh Tarik Nasi ArabTeh Tarik Nasi Arab by Imam Muda Hassan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Pada mulanya ingatkan ia adalah satu olahan penulisan yang lebih menceritakan pengalaman penulis ketika berkelana ke negara-negara Arab dan pelajaran yang didapati daripadanya. Apapun ia tetap menarik untuk dibaca. Penulisan yang membincangkan isu akidah yang sentiasa relevan dalam kehidupan masa kini.

View all my reviews

Monday, April 18, 2016

Fitnah Terhadap Sahabat Rasulullah seperti yang dijelaskan oleh Dr. MAZA

Fitnah terhadap Sahabat Rasulullah : Merungkai Kontroversi Menyingkap RealitiFitnah terhadap Sahabat Rasulullah : Merungkai Kontroversi Menyingkap Realiti by Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sebenarnya aku selalu tertanya-tanya, kenapa orang Islam ada yang berfahaman Sunni dan ada yang berfahaman Syiah ... Kenapa Khalifah Uthman dibunuh? Kenapa Sayidina Ali dan Sayidatina Aisyah berperang antara satu sama lain? Kenapa kepimpinan Khalifah Uthman dikatakan lemah? Hati ini tidak mahu mempercayainya kerana logik akal mengatakan mana mungkin sahabat Rasulullah SAW yang dijanjikan syurga dikata sebegini... Nah, seperti judulnya, isi kandungan buku ini sememangnya merungkai kontroversi dan menyingkap realiti ... betapa dahsyatnya fitnah yang dilemparkan sehingga umat Islam sekarang yang kebanyakannya lemah minda (seperti aku) tidak mengetahui atau malas nak mengkaji sejarah yang sebenarnya. Buku yang tidaklah terlalu tebal mudah dibaca dan dihadam dan dijadikan pencetus semangat untuk membaca kupasan lain yang dengan lebih mendalam in shaa Allah...

View all my reviews

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Secangkir Teh Pengubat Letih ... life in Turkey

The first book I read in 2013 is the utterly interesting travelogue by Hasrizal Abdul Jamil or also known as Abu Saif entitled Secangkir Teh Pengubat Letih. Although this is the second book I read that comes from the same author, it is actually written earlier than Di Hamparan Shamrock Ku Seru Nama-Mu (2012), which I have read and reviewed in this blog.

Title : Secangkir Teh Pengubat Letih
Author : Hasrizal Abdul Jamil
Publisher/Year : Galeri Ilmu Sdn. Bhd. (2010), 267 pg
Language : Malay (with a bit of English and Turkish here and there)
ISBN : 97898309723811

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I am amazed by this author's travelling notes compilation that resulted in an amazing piece of writing. In this book, the author relates about his frequent travels to Turkey during the 90s, while he was still a university student in Jordan. From this, I gained an insight on this unique country of Turkey, from the historical, Islamic and academic perspectives. I learned and became aware of the Othmaniyyah era, Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, Mustafa Ibn 'abd Allah, Badiuzzaman Said An-Nursi, Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih, Sultan Abdul Hamid II and other important figures and significant events of the past.

I am well fed with my own imagination, guided by the author's descriptions of seeing Bosphorus Strait and the nearby Blue Mosque, Canakkale and other beautiful and peaceful places where Islam is still deeply embedded in the hearts and souls of the dwellers, and from the author's observation and close relationship with his Turkish friends, enlightens me of what it means to be a Muslim in this country (and the best qualities they portray because of that fact) and being true to who they are and the challenges they have to face in the midst of secularism attacks. Perhaps now it's a different story in Turkey, or still the same? I guess this motivates me to read further and open my eyes, my mind and my heart to other parts of the world. A very good read. Delve in the author's views and analysis, and learn from his experiences and observations. 

It's like seeing a new horizon. I guess I'm craving for Turkish tea now.

One of my favourite quotes extracted from this book:
"Siapa kamu menentukan cara kamu melihat." 
"Cara kamu melihat menentukan apa yang kamu dapat."

Loosely translated; 
Who you are as a person determines how you see. The way you see things determines what you get in return.

Monday, November 26, 2012

33 Pesan Nabi: Jaga Mata, Jaga Telinga, Jaga Mulut

Comics are always connected to kids, teenagers and younger adults although there are actually many types of comics and the contents varies from those suitable for the younger'uns to those of mature age. However, the younger viewers are more attracted to comics because of the graphics and the stories that are usually funny and comedic.
 
When I was younger I enjoyed reading Gila-Gila and Ujang and I have a few favourite comic and caricature artists from those magazines. I also enjoyed Datuk Lat's work a lot. I have some manga favourites and sometimes I read them on the internet. However this post is actually not about discussing my favourite comics and mangas, instead I am going to introduce an interesting comic book that I have just discovered.
 
The title is "33 Pesan Nabi" (33 Messages from the Prophet), authored by an Indonesian comic artist Vbi Djengotten or his real name, Veby Surya Wibawa. He is, as I quote from an article in Jakarta Post, a prolific artist that can find humour from subjects ranging from the hadith (the words and deeds of Prophet Muhammad) to Facebook. His book that I am reviewing here is Malay Language translated version, distributed in Malaysia by Humaira Bookstore Enterprise. The price is only MYR14.90 and what's inside is the graphic interpretation of 33 Prophet Muhammad's hadiths related mainly from Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim. The way the hadiths were interpreted is so nice and attractive, easy to understand, reflects the hadiths well and the graphics are beautiful and clean. This comic book is sure to connect to readers of all age range and suitable for leisure reading while learning more about hadiths that are also the important source of life guidance to Muslims besides the Quran.
 
A good book to read and to share with others.
 
 
This artist is accessible through Facebook and his website http://www.haltebikumiku.com/

Friday, August 10, 2012

Di Hamparan Shamrock Kuseru Nama-Mu

saifulislam.com
Title: Di Hamparan Shamrock Kuseru Nama-Mu
Author: Hasrizal Abdul Jamil
Publisher: Galeri Ilmu, 2012
Language: Malay
Pages: 342
Price: RM30.00 (WM)/ RM32.00 (EM)

Among the books that I have read, Di Hamparan Shamrock Kuseru Nama-Mu joins the collection of life journals turned into books such as Travelog Dakwah books by Prof. Muhd Kamil. This book is a compilation of journals of Ustaz Hasrizal's journey and various life experiences during his years as a student in Syariah and Islamic Studies in Mu'tah University in Jordan, and later on as a Minister of Religion in Belfast Islamic Center, Northern Ireland and all his travels around London, Belfast, Galway and other parts of United Kingdom. This book tells the readers about the highs and lows of this Muslim's journey in his academic, professional and social life as he got involved in the bureaucracy madness, extreme perceptions, international security issues and day-to-day social interactions. As imam and head of an Islamic institute in a country far from his own, he faces a lot of issues regarding religion that are different from the ones we always face or know of in our country. Thus, reading all this stories really opens up our minds and widens our knowledge, makes us aware of how's the situation going on in other parts of the world.

There are a lot of new things that I know from reading this book. About the Muslim community in Belfast especially, and how is the relationship between the government and the minority groups of this Muslim and immigrant communities in Belfast. The experiences recorded in this journal are priceless. This is a very enjoyable book to read, a good medium for us to ponder and reflect about ourselves, with simple but interesting writing techniques. I love it.    

Thursday, June 14, 2012

A Chinese Life of Islam by Yamin Cheng

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I haven't been writing posts for quite some time, however, I've managed to read several books in my free time. The latest book that I've just finished reading is a non-fiction that I came across a publication website, IBT Books. I'm not sure if it is available widely in all bookstores, but you surely can find it and buy it from the website.

Title: A Chinese Life of Islam, The Search for Identity
Author: Yamin Cheng
ISBN: 978-983-9541-79-3
Price: RM21.00
Pages: 90
Publisher: The Other Press, 2012

Some information about the author, taken from the book: Dr. Yamin Cheng has been teaching in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in the Department of Usuluddin and Comparative Religion. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from IIUM, Master's degree in Religion from Gerge Washington University, Washington DC, and PhD in Religion from Temple University, Philadelphia USA. He has been an adjunct instructor at the Department of Religion, Temple University and also headed the Islamic Studies Dept. of an Islamic College in Melbourne, Australia.

In this book, Dr. Cheng describes about the Malaysian Muslim Chinese and discusses about the reality and the tasks that these people have to face in identifying themselves in the country. We know that in China itself, there are several Muslim groups and communities that is identifiable by their ethnicity and have a long run of history and legacy from hundreds of years ago. But the Chinese people in Malaysia's lineage of ancestors came from a different part of China, and from different ethnics, who are not originally Muslims, thus making them unlinkable to the Muslims in China in terms of legacy and identity. And then, by living in Malaysia, where the majority of Muslims are Malays, there are clashes of thoughts as to how or what is deemed as Islamic characteristics. Does one really can differentiate between religion and culture when both have been intertwined with each other in practice for many years?

Dr. Cheng presents this discussion in simple and readable 8 chapters about perceptions, the importance of ancestors, secularism, market-place society, the meaning of religion, Confucius and Buddhism, all to help prepare or shall I say, giving food for thoughts to the Malaysian Muslim Chinese in marking their own identity as a Muslim, and also a Chinese and a Malaysian. As a non-Chinese, but a Muslim and a Malaysian, I am interested to know that such 'dilemma' exists. It kind of open up the mind and made one to be more knowledgeable about other people.


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Solat, Kebaikan Dari Perspektif Sains

Title : Solat Kebaikan Dari Perspektif Sains
Author(s) : Fatimah Ibrahim, Wan Abu Bakar Wan Abas & Ng Siew Cheok
Pages : 110 pages
Publisher : Universiti Malaya, 2009 (2nd Ed)
Price : RM29.90 (WM), RM31.90 (EM)
Language : Malay
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Every Muslim knows that performing the solat 5 times per day is an obligatory practice for those who has fulfilled certain criterias. In fact solat is the second Pillars of Islam. There are already many books explaining and discussing about solat, its principle, methods, and benefits to ones belief and faith in Allah The Almighty. Performing solat is a way of ones submissions to Allah and proof of obedience. For those who really perform it with full understanding and concentration would feel his/her closeness to The Creator and thus solat provides spiritual salvation and mental calmness. But are there some kind  of physical effects to the body? This is where the book comes in. This book explains the benefits of solat in scientifical aspects in as simple as it can to the general readers. The study, a brainchild of former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was conducted by 3 expert scientists and researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Malaya University in Kuala Lumpur.

The book discusses the results of the study in 7 chapters. While the introductory chapter explains about the required movements in solat, the other 6 chapters presented how does solat affects the practitioner's body composition (Chapter 2), heartbeat (Chapter 3), waist pain (Chapter 4), brain (Chapter 5), muscle (Chapter 6), and erectile dysfunction, or ED (Chapter 7). Each result is accompanied by graphs and photos. At the end of the final chapter, there's a list of glossary to help translates certain terms.

As a summary, through this study, it is proven that the movements in solat really provide a lot of benefits to a human body. As the recitations in each movements provides spiritual and mental peacefulness, the movements itself is beneficial to a person's health in general, a light exercise for the muscles and keep the blood circulation going. Make sure to check out the conclusion of the study, you'll find out that performing the solat 5 times per day with correct movement, tamakninah (stay in position for a short amount of time), jemaah (performing solat in congregation), and understand the recitations would give you a better body composition especially in Ramadhan, the fasting month when you fast and perform solat tarawih. You'll also find out that certain positions and movements would put your body at rest, activates your pelvic muscles and improve the condition of a ED patient.

Allah swt has engineered such good things, it's up for us to think about it. After reading about this study, a Muslim should be more attentive to how good he/she performs the solat in all aspects, not just the physical ones. Kudos for the professors and researchers behind this study, keep on expanding the research.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

nota senin

Nota-nota dibawah dicatat daripada ceramah ringkas bertajuk "Di Ambang Aidilfitri" yang telah disampaikan oleh Ustazah Zuraini Mohd Shokori, Penolong Pengarah (Unit Pengurusan Kariah), JAWI Caw. Putrajaya pada 22 Ogos 2011 di Putrajaya.

Just for sharing :)

  • Bulan Ramadhan, permulaannya adalah rahmat, pertengahannya adalah maghfirah (pengampunan) dan pengakhirannya diselamatkan daripada azab neraka. (Nota saya: Ini adalah sebahagian daripada hadith yang diriwayatkan oleh Ibnu Khuzaimah. Menerusi pembacaan, didapati hadith ini dinilai dhaif (lemah). Hakikatnya, keseluruhan Ramadhan adalah bulan rahmat, pengampunan dan dijauhkan daripada api neraka).


  • Orang yang berpuasa diberikan pahala khusus oleh Allah swt. Maksudnya, pahala Allah berikan secara terus kepada orang tersebut. Orang yang berpuasa boleh memasuki Syurga Rayyan dari mana-mana pintu yang dikehendakinya dan selepas dia masuk, pintu itu terus tertutup dan tiada sesiapa lagi boleh memasukinya.


  • Amalan-amalan sepanjang Ramadhan, terutamanya di penghujung bulan;
  • Tadarus Al-Qur'an
  • Solat sunat
  • Iktikaf di masjid
Beriktikaf di surau boleh ke? Ada pendapat mengatakan iktikaf di surau jumaat boleh. Surau Jumaat ialah surau yang diberikan taraf di mana solat Jumaat boleh diadakan. (Pengkelasan surau-surau ini adalah bagi tujuan pentadbiran.)
Solat sunat tahiyatul masjid boleh ke dilakukan di surau? Ada pelbagai pendapat. Surau dan masjid kedua-duanya tempat solat untuk semua. Bezanya surau tidak diadakan Solat Jumaat. Ada pendapat mengatakan boleh dilakukan. Tetapi majoriti ulama-ulama besar berpendapat solat tahiyatul masjid hendaklah dilakukan di masjid sahaja.
  • Taqwa itu ibarat berjalan di atas bara api...hendaklah berhati-hati...
  • Istiqamah dalam melakukan ibadah.
  • Dikatakan syaitan dan iblis diikat ketika bulan Ramadhan, tetapi syaitan dan iblis sentiasa berusaha untuk menyesatkan manusia dalam apa cara sekalipun, sepertimana difirmankan Allah swt dalam Surah Al-Hijr : 39 yang bermaksud;
"Iblis berkata: Wahai Tuhanku! Kerana Engkau telah menjadikan daku sesat, (maka) demi sesungguhnya aku akan memperelokkan segala jenis maksiat kepada Adam dan zuriatnya di dunia ini, dan aku akan menyesatkan mereka semuanya."
  •  Syaitan berusaha menyesatkan manusia dengan 3 cara;
  • Menyesatkan secara jelas ~ tidak mahu solat dan tidak solat.
  • Mengelirukan kita ~ amalan menziarahi sanak saudara di hari raya yang sememangnya elok tetapi cara melakukannya kurang elok seperti berziarah dengan couple (majlis ada unsur maksiat dsb.)
  • Menghiaskan perkara yang kurang elok agar nampak cantik ~ contoh: jualan murah (mengundang pembaziran), rasuah (kelihatan seperti hadiah) dll.


  • Waktu doa yang mustajab;
  • Malam Hari Raya Aidilfitri
  • Malam Hari Raya Aidiladha
  • Malam pertama bulan Rejab
  • ?
  • ? (ada dua lagi waktu tetapi saya terlepas dengar...huhu ) 
  • Amat digalakkan untuk menitiskan air mata ketika berdoa.
  • Cara Allah swt memakbulkan doa;
  • Terus dimakbulkan sepertimana apa yang dipohon dalam doa.
  • Dimakbulkan tetapi tidak semestinya mengikut apa yang dipohon (dimakbulkan dalam cara yang berlainan).
  • Tidak dimakbulkan di dunia, tetapi Allah swt simpan di akhirat. 
Maka, jangan serik berdoa. Allah Maha Mendengar.
  • Takbir raya Aidilfitri dari malam raya hingga sebelum solat sunat Aidilfitri sahaja.
  • Takbir raya Aidiladha dari malam raya hingga 13 Zulhijjah (Hari-hari Tasyriq)
  • Sunat untuk berwangi-wangian dan berpakaian bersih (pakaian baru kalau mampu) bersembahyang raya pada 1 Syawal. (Jangan 'over' tentunya...)
  • Sunat bersarapan sebelum pergi sembahyang raya.
  • Sunat berjalan kaki dari rumah ke masjid dan melalui jalan yang berbeza apabila pergi dan pulang. (Tengok keadaan kalau masjid jauh takyah le jalan kaki..)
  • Menyegerakan membayar zakat fitrah.
  • Bermaaf-maafan. (Ikutlah syariat muhrim dan bukan muhrim).

Itulah sebahagian catatan yang sempat ditulis daripada ceramah yang didengari. Selainnya sama ada tak sempat tulis, terlepas dengar ataupun tak dapat baca balik tulisan tangan sendiri (duh!). Jika ada maklumat yang kurang tepat diharap dapat memaklumkan kepada saya. Sama-sama kita belajar. 

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Ensiklopedia Solat


Title : Ensiklopedia Solat
Author : Please refer content
Publisher : Telaga Biru, 2011
Pages : 467 (Hardcover)
Genre : Encyclopedia, Religion
Bought at : MPH MidValley
Price : RM100.00

Encyclopedia is a word originated from Latin which means "in a circle of teaching". An encyclopedia is a compilation and collection of information on a specific topic of knowledge, arranged in alphabetical manner. As written in the publisher's note, this encyclopedia is specifically about solat and it took them about 4 years to produce it. The team of writers consists of Rohidzir Rais, Fuad Ismail and Hj. Mohamad Wahid Abd. Hanif,  graduated from the prestigious Al-Azhar University, Egypt, in Syariah Islamiah; Al-Bayt University, Jordan in Syariah and Al-Azhar University, Egypt in Usuluddin (Aqidah and Philosophy), respectively. All of them are highly experienced in religious teaching and active in writing books.

The book's 4 syariah consultants are of highly acclaimed and widely experienced people in Islamic education, namely Prof. Dato' Paduka Dr. Mahmood Zuhdi Bin Abdul Majid, currently a lecturer in International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) in the Fiqh and Usul Fiqh department; Datuk Hj. Md. Hashim Yahaya, a former Mufti of the Federal Territory and a member of syariah committee in various institutions; Ustaz Abdul Ghani Samsudin, currently the chairman of the Secretariat for Southeast Asia Ulama' Assembly (SHURA); and finally Dato' Ismail Kamus, now retired and formerly served with the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department, the Islamic Center and was the resource person for the Islamic Affairs Division (BAHEIS) in the Prime Minister's Office.

That's it about the authors and editors. The content itself contains a wide range of solat-related topics from Air (water), Haidh (menses), Qada Solat, and sunnahs until Zikr. For every topic, the history, principles, dalils, literary and syarak definitions, methods and scientific aspects are explained with proper and accurate references. Mind maps, graphics and illustrations are included to help explain better.

Personal view. This book is a really good book for further references about various topic related to solat. However, I hope there will be a much better second edition as I think there should be more information about certain topics. For example, I have read about a certain tasbih to be recited in solat dhuha in other reference books but it isn't mentioned in this book. Perhaps, as a better encyclopedia, it can present more information pertaining sunnah obligation with proper explanations. In the cosmetic aspects, maybe for the purpose of reasonable price, the graphics and illustrations are not colourful, but the cover is very nice indeed. I think the publisher can improve on the type of paper used for printing and make the accompanying graphics looks better and interesting. However, this is just my two cents. In general, I do agree that :

1. The more you read, the more you know.
2. Learn, then practice what you learn.
3. Learning with books should be accompanied by learning with teachers.

...a book that should be in every home.. 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Law Ka Na Bainana?

TV AlHijrah adalah saluran tv percuma ke udara (free-to-air) yang terbaru di Malaysia. Ia mula ke udara sejak akhir tahun 2010 baru-baru ini. Setakat ni, kawasan siarannya tidaklah meluas lagi rasanya, tapi sesiapa yang ada ASTRO boleh tengok siaran ni di Saluran 114. Tak perlu subscribe pakej tambahan. Tapi, aku bukannya nak cerita pasal AlHijrah ni sebenarnya. Aku ni sebenarnya taklah selalu sangat tengok TV, melainkan bila aku sorang-sorang kat rumah. Masa tu bolehlah nak conquer tv dan tengok rancangan-rancangan pilihan sendiri.

Alkisahnya, suatu pagi Ramadhan, masa bersahur, aku tengah surfing channel tv, sampailah ke tv AlHijrah. Memandangkan setakat ni aku belum berpeluang nak explore channel ni so aku pun tengoklah. Masa tu ada satu rancangan yang dikendalikan oleh Ustaz Don Daniyal Don Biyajid, seorang pensyarah muda di KUIS. Masa sahur ni semuanya rancangan ulangan lah kan. Nama rancangan terlupa pula tapi ketika tu Ustaz Don sedang menerangkan tentang solat tarawih. Menarik sungguh penerangannya, menarik minat aku untuk terus menonton. Selamba, bersahaja, kelakar pun ada, tapi sampai maksudnya Alhamdulillah. Tapi, terlewat tengok, dah nak habis....huhu...

Selepas tu, ada satu rancangan dari negara Arab, tak pasti negara mana, mungkin Mesir. Rancangan tersebut bernama (kalau tak silap eja) Law Ka Na Bainana. Rancangannya pendek, ringkas dan terbahagi kepada 3 segmen. Dalam segmen pertama, lebih kurang macam rancangan Cubaan kendalian Akhil Hayy di ASTRO Oasis (pun baru je tengok), diorang cuba memerhatikan bagaimana sifat keprihatinan masyarakat zaman sekarang, apakah masih mengikut ajaran agama dan sunnah Rasulullah SAW ataupun tidak. Ada wanita yang buat-buat terjatuh dompet tapi tak sedar, pastu diorang melihat apa reaksi orang lain yang terjumpa dompet tu, nak pulangkan ke kat. Pastu diorang interview lah mereka tu.

Dalam segmen kedua, lebih kurang sama, mereka cuba nak menerapkan amalan memberi salam kepada orang lain. Caranya diletakkan satu arahan di dalam lif, katanya kalau bagi salam bila masuk lif, bolehlah gunakan lif tu, kalau tak bagi salam, kena naik tangga. Dalam lif tu telah diletakkan seorang penjaga lif. Pastu diorang tengoklah siapa yang bagi salam ataupun tak dan diorang interview.

Dalam segmen yang terakhir, disampaikan kisah-kisah zaman Rasulullah SAW. Dalam episod yang aku tengok ni, kisah yang disampaikan adalah seperti berikut (kisah disampaikan dalam ayat sendiri, hasil cuba mengingat kembali kisah yang ditonton, jika ada salah, harap dapat komen dan betulkan);
Rasulullah SAW mempunyai seorang sahabat bernama Hassan bin Thabit (RA) yang merupakan seorang penyair. Hassan ini tidak boleh berperang. Dalam satu peperangan, kaum wanita dikumpulkan di dalam sebuah kubu. Rasulullah SAW menyuruh Hassan turut berada di dalam kubu tersebut. Sehingga pada suatu ketika, tentera-tentera Yahudi mengelilingi kubu tersebut. Ibu saudara Rasulullah SAW, Sofiyyah (RA) menyuruh Hassan supaya keluar dari kubu dan membunuh tentera Yahudi itu. Hassan menyatakan kalau dia mampu berperang, dah lama dia menyertai Rasulullah dalam peperangan. Sofiyyah pun keluar dan membunuh seorang tentera. Kemudian Sofiyyah menyuruh Hassan membuang mayat tentera itu ke kawasan orang Yahudi. Pun Hassan tidak sanggup melakukannya. Maka Sofiyyah jugalah yang membuatnya. Namun Rasulullah SAW tidak pernah memarahi Hassan.
Seterusnya diceritakan tentang seorang lagi sahabat Rasulullah SAW, iaitu Khalid bin Al-Walid (RA). Khalid Al-Walid baru saja memeluk agama Islam, tetapi dalam satu peperangan, Rasulullah SAW telah melantik Khalid sebagai panglima tertinggi angkatan tentera, sedangkan pada ketika itu ada ramai lagi tentera yang telah memeluk Islam lebih awal dari Khalid. Dikatakan ketika itu Khalid belum lagi lancar bacaannya dalam surah yang pendek. Khalid dikatakan berkata, jihad membuatkan dia kurang tumpuan untuk mempelajari Al-Quran/agama.
Di sini pengajaran yang disampaikan adalah, Rasulullah SAW mengenalpasti bakat-bakat yang ada di kalangan para sahabat baginda dan memupuknya lagi untuk kepentingan Islam, seperti Hassan bin Thabit dengan syairnya, Khalid Al-Walid dengan kemahiran peperangannya, Abdul Rahman bin Auf dalam bidang perniagaan dan lain-lain. Dengan kekuatan inilah Islam dapat berkembang secara keseluruhannya. Daripada kisah ini, kita ambillah pengajaran. Antaranya, janganlah kita zalimi seseorang, seperti anak-anak kita, dengan menyekat bakat yang mereka ada.
Setiap bakat dan kebolehan yang ada jika dipupuk dengan cara yang betul, boleh memberikan kejayaan bukan sahaja kepada diri sendiri tetapi kepada ummah. Apapun, rancangan ni menarik. Bila ada kesempatan, bolehlah mengikutinya.

Nota kaki : Law Ka Na Bainana bermaksud lebih kurang 'sekiranya dia masih berada bersama kita' atau 'sekiranya dia masih di sini', objektif rancangan ini ialah menyampaikan teladan Rasulullah SAW dalam masyarakat zaman sekarang melalui persoalan: Jika Rasulullah SAW ada bersama kita dalam kurun ke-21 ini, apakah yang mungkin Baginda lakukan?...

Travelog Haji Mengubah Sempadan Iman by Muhd Kamil Ibrahim

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Title : Travelog Haji Mengubah Sempadan Iman (Edisi Jimat)
Author : Muhd Kamil Ibrahim
Publisher : PTS Publications & Distributor, 2009
Pages : 172
Genre : Travelogue, Motivation, Religion
Bought at : Popular, Amcorp Mall
Price : RM18.00

Another travelogue by Prof. Dr. Muhd Kamil Ibrahim, a special and different kind of travelogue that every Muslim should not miss. As I had written in my older post, this book has been in my reading list for some time now and finally I could read it. I have written about his other book, Travelog Dakwah Meniti Hari Esok which was actually published after this one, about 3 months ago.

This is the travel of a lifetime for the author as he made his first pilgrimage to Mecca for the Haj. His simple yet very effective writing revealed his journey from his first calling to visit Masjidil Haram until a certain range of time after coming back from the journey, in 49 short and concise chapters, including 4 attachments (or shall I say 'Appendices'...) to help the readers in following his Haj routine. This is a very touching journey for a man who has been called by his Creator to visit His house in the sense that it changed his perception in life, his personality, in fact everything in his life and really experienced how Allah swt is really The Almighty, The Most Merciful and The Most Forgiving. The author explains important events that happened to him and his entourage, the lessons behind it and how it changed him. It is quite difficult for me to write about my experience of reading this book because it is really his personal experience, yet it touched my heart that I wish I am the person who received the 'invitation' by Allah.

This is a different kind of read, a mind opener, that can make us think deeper about the meaning of things that we usually take for granted. It is a hope from the author, and also myself after reading it, that when we finally become the guest of Allah, we really give it all out, learn the lessons and pray that it really shifts the border of our iman, to the better side. In fact, we don't have to wait for the call, we have to start from now on. InsyaAllah. 

p/s: K. Ida J., memang boleh nangis bila membacanya....

Friday, August 5, 2011

Indahnya Hidup Bersyariat by Dato' Ismail Kamus et al


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Title : Indahnya Hidup Bersyariat: Modul Fardu Ain Diri, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Sepanjang Hayat 
Author : Dato' Ismail Kamus and Mohd. Azrul Azlen Ab. Hamid
Publisher : Telaga Biru, 2009
Pages : 308
Genre : Religion
Bought at : Pustaka Mukmin, Jalan TAR
Price : RM55.00

A priceless book, I'd say. A laudable effort in making a guidance book full of references to fardhu 'ain, the 'manual' or 'guidance' of everyday life as a good Muslim. There are 7 main chapters in this book, namely...

Ch. 1: Syariat Kelahiran (guidance after birth)
Ch. 2: Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak (child's early learning)
Ch. 3: Syariat Berkaitan Remaja (guidance in teenage years)
Ch. 4: Fardu Ain Asas (the basics of fardu ain)
Ch. 5: Munakahat (Hukum Perkahwinan) (guidance in marriage)
Ch. 6: Syariat Dalam Bermasyarakat (guidance in community/social skills)
Ch. 7: Syariat Sunat Harian Sepanjang Masa (guidance in daily sunnah)

Each guidance are presented in a concise and comprehensive way, complete with helpful images and pictures. The presentation of the facts is neat and welcoming, not at all boring. This is a book that no home should miss having it and it is a great gift for individuals and family. It is easy to just flip through to any part that need to be referred in our daily life and this book is sold extensively in many bookstores.

Don't miss it!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

What Everyone Needs To Know About Islam by John L. Esposito

The first post in the month of Ramadhan, and it's not even a post about fasting. Instead, it's a book review, since for the past 2 weeks I have finished reading 2 books. 

Title : What Everyone Needs To Know About Islam
Author : John L. Esposito
Publisher : Oxford University Press, 2002
Pages : 204
Genre : Non-fiction, Religion
Bought at : Kinokuniya, Suria KLCC
Price : Around RM70.00

About the author...

John L. Esposito is a University Professor of Religion and International Affairs and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University. A past president of the Middle East Studies Association, he is Editor-in-Chief of the four-volume Oxford Encyclopedia of The Modern Islamic World, Editor of The Oxford History of Islam, and the author of numerous books, including Islam: The Straight Path and The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?. This author has studied extensively about Islam, Hindu and Buddha and is an expert in religion comparative studies. You can read his extensive resume here.
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About the book...

In his preface, the author stated that the book came to the shelves as a product of the 9/11 tragedy. After that tragedy on 2001, there has been many questions about Islam and its connection to violence and terrorism. Being an expert in the study of religions, especially in Islamic studies, the author writes about the basics of Islam and the Muslim community in the what-you-need-to-know basis. The contents are written in question and answer style, ranging from the general 'What do Muslims believe?' to more specific issues like 'What is Islam's attitude towards alcohol and pork?'. The questions are divided into several chapters as in General Information; Faith and Practice; Islam and Other Religions; Customs and Culture; Violence and Terrorism; Society, Politics and Economy; and Muslims in The West. The questions are what the author regards as most frequently asked, and each questions are written in independent manner that readers can start reading the book by choosing any chapter from anywhere in the book. The answers are written in a non-judgmental way, means it is what it is, and not showing any personal preference whatsoever. The book has an extensive references, the words are simple and easy to digest. It is NOT a complete guidance towards Islam, but merely and sufficiently a starting point for those who wish to be introduced to the religion.

For me, who is currently looking for acceptable reading materials about introductory Islam in English (with a specific personal intentions), this book is an interesting discovery.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Travelog Dakwah Meniti Hari Esok by Muhd Kamil Ibrahim

While I was waiting for my flight in the boarding room, I browsed the book corner set up in the area. My purpose was to look for a simple but interesting book to accompany my journey back to KL. That's when I came across this book. Of course, I was a little bit undecided because of the numerous other interesting topics promoted on the shelves. However, this one is of acceptable thickness, of a different kind of travelogue, very interesting synopsis and seems suitable for my trip.
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It was a really good choice. Travelog Dakwah Meniti Hari Esok is written by an accounts professor from one of the most prestigious university in Malaysia, UiTM, by the name of Prof. Dr. Muhd Kamil Ibrahim. In it, he tells his story of the journey he had, the road he tread, in becoming a new, better person, in knowing and falling in love with his faith, his religion and Allah swt. Reading his story is a journey itself, chapter after chapter, following his transformation from someone who didn't know how to read the Quran when he was already in his 40s until he finished reading it, including the translations, while performing the haj in Mecca and Medina. And yet he maintains modestness in every sentence he wrote.

There are 32 chapters that are short and simple yet very captivating the interest to keep on reading. There's a lot of lessons that can be learned from this man's journey. It's not just about his post-Haj experiences and his success in 'khatam' Al-Quran, but the appreciation of every word he read and the enjoyment and satisfaction he felt from his journey of transformation. With easy and simple language, his words and messages are easy to  churn and digest. And touching too. One of the messages that he keeps repeating is the power of doa. Read it to know about it. Believe me, there's a lot more good things in this book than all that I can write about it here.

This book is preceded by another travelogue of his; Travelog Haji: Mengubah Sempadan Iman, which I haven't read yet. Definitely, that one's a future read.

Seeing something with your eyes..which eyes? Your pair of eyes, or your heart..or both?

Sunday, May 1, 2011

101 Rekreasi Hati by Dr. Zahazan & Cartoonist Nik

My bro bought this book during the 30th KLIBF (huhu...if not because of this chicken pox, I would've went there too...). It's a very interesting book, the title is 101 Rekreasi Hati...buat diriku yang mudah lupa, it is meant to be a light recreation for your heart, mind and soul, by reading selected hadiths which are presented in a very simple way.

..the said book..

Arranged by Dr. Zahazan Mohamed, the 101 hadiths in this book are selected from another book of hadiths collection by Dr. Zahazan himself and Ustaz Ahmad Hasan Mohd Nazam, titled 300 Hadis Bimbingan. However, this book is presented in a comical way with comic drawings by cartoonist Nik Wafdi Nik Jaafar (Nik). You'll have one page with the hadith followed by the lesson we can learn from the hadith and the next page is the comic representing the lesson. At the end of the book, there's glossary and indices for easy reference.

the hadith and the lesson part..

Another fun, interesting yet very knowledge-based publication of Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd. A good choice to read in between time without sacrificing the learning values. An interesting way to learn about hadiths, indeed. And it's only RM17.00.

the cartoon..

I like it. Recommended.