The Divine Secrets

Sacred Path Of Love :Gateway To Gratitude Conference 2011

2011-11-15T23:50:00.001-08:00

Bismillah

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah.

Following last year’s highly-acclaimed inaugural conference, we are pleased to announce details of the second Sacred Path of Love conference to be held on Saturday 10 December 2011 and Sunday 11 December 2011, inshaAllah.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Gateway to Gratitude“.

The conference seeks to address the role of spirituality in the life of a Muslim and how we can attain felicity here and in the Hereafter by embracing the virtue of gratitude [shukr].

In times of trials, tribulations and uncertainty, it is human nature to ignore and forget the many blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. Nevertheless, it is in the station of gratitude that we may find an oasis on the journey to Allah.

Scholars / Speakers:

Shaykh Ahmed Tijani Ben Omar

Shaykh Muhammad Yaqubi

Shaykh Ebrahim Schuitema

Professor Zachary Wright

Professor Osman Bakar

Dr Christoph

Ustaz Leyaket Ali

Ustaz Muhammad Zahid

Ustaz Noor Deros

There is a serious need to explore the wealth of knowledge in spiritual sciences, a heritage of wisdom written and taught by learned scholars of the past and present. From this treasure, we can bring about great spiritual affluence and refinement of character. We must also strive to develop the fabric of acceptance and understanding between human beings, regardless of their race, language or religion.

Amongst the most critical need for Muslims today is to understand the meaning of gratitude as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (s) and his pious followers. Through gratitude we can enhance human values, character, spirituality and our relationship with society, community and the world. We must learn to assimilate traditional and spiritual values in the modern world.

Join us in Singapore for what promises to be two unforgettable days in the company of leading scholars and masters of Islamic spirituality who will share their journey on the sacred path of love and entering the gateway to gratitude.

Tickets: $45.00 (Students) $65.00 (Adults)

(Fulltime students need to produce their pass when purchasing the tickets and also during the event upon arriving)

If you are keen to purchase the ticket online: http://sacredpath.eventbrite.com/ or visit Wardah Books, No 58 Bussorah Street, near Sultan Mosque. Do call them at 62971232

a new begining

2011-09-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today, we are having tahlil for my mother and my mother in law at my new house. Something about this new house, I am unable to describe to you but somehow my hert felt good about it. There is inner tranquility and also peace whenever I am here. Alhamdulilah, praise be only to Allah for making everything happen from HIS will. Please remember me and my family in your prayer. may Allah bless you

Eid mubarak

2011-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Its been a very long time since I updated this blog. I have this profound tendency not to update the blog from time to time. At the same time, I feel I am not in the right frame of mind. Somehow, I lost the willpower or the fight to write something on how and what I feel. It just not me, in the meantime I need to learn how to write better english. Reading does help but to what extend when I read and then I doze off..Read again then doze off..hehehe Not much things to write or share but I am sure needing your prayer for me and my family. Eid Mubarak everyone. Selamat Hari raya. This year Raya wont be the same like ever before since my mom had passed away. However, I realize the time will come sooner or later. The people you love had to leave you or you will eventually leave them, thats the rule or game in this world, nothing last forever except Allah. My beloved Shaykh Mahy taught me, whenever i think of my mom or any sadness said Alhamdulilah, Alhamdulilah and read selawat fatih. Somehow this work for my heart. Alhamdulilah. When you beginning to realize the journey in life have no return, you know you gotta focus only on Allah.

Latest Sout Ilaahi Productions catalogue

2011-06-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulilah, this is the latest Sout Ilaahi Productions catalogue 2011. There are more CDs which we havent display to the public yet. The range of the Qasidah CD is from Shaam (Syria, African, Bosnian and Nusantara renditions of Qasidah). I am sure you will be glad to get one of this Qasidah CD. You may purchase these CDs at Muzika Records, Toko Warisan and WardahBooks. Do check out the samples at www.soutilaahi.com

We are working on the online order soon, inshaAllah.

X men

2011-06-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today I went to watch the most anticipating movies me and my wife had been waiting for all this while. Wifey took leave to rest and decided to head the cinema while relaxing her mind. The movie was really good. The story line was excellent. I think this is one of the best X Men movie ever produced in cinema. One thing we should reflect after watching this movie was that even between good friends can be bitter enemies due to different opinions. This is life though we are thought to respect others views and opinions. Allah swt said different views from the ummah is a mercy.

100 days

2011-06-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulilah, had 100 days tahlil for my beloved mom..We had tahlil and mawlid aka Ustaz Taha Suhaimi style which we followed the book he compiled. mashaAllah, suddenly I remembered the days my late dad used to bring me to visit the late ustaz Taha at Ipoh lane. Back then the majlis was jam packed with huge crowds. Along the reading of kalimah tauhid la illa ha illAllah nearly shed my tears as I hold back my emotions. I didnt know my Mak Long had a good voice reading the mawlid Berzajni (Should have record her voice). She really sound like those hafizah reading the Quran. The Qiyam was also extra special with the soothing majority voice reading 'Marhaban Ahlan wa Sahlan'. From that moment my heart sank deeper, emotion running wild, as if i saw the visual of the past. may Allah accept our gifts of reading the tahlil, Quran and Mawlid for our mom, Hjh Maznah bte Semawi. And may Allah forgive her...We are sinners ya Rasulluah, help us the Noble one, the light of this earth that evade darkness..

Haul

2011-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today is the Haul of Habib Isa and his son Habib Ali al Haddad. Both of these eminence habaaib had contributed alot to the Singapore Muslims society be it economical or spiritual. Habib Isa compiled the writings (manuscript) of his grandfather Habib Abdullah bin Alwi al Haddad (Sohibul Ratib) and compile them and his son Habib Ali continued with the printing of the books. Today we gain benefit by reading the works of Habib Abdullah al Haddad. may Allah bless them both. I didnt have the chance to attend this year for the 1st time cause my wife wasnt well at all. So i stick with her for the time being. Hope everything goes smooth for her the next few days, inshaAllah. ameen.

Today we remember the saint and scholar

2011-06-07T02:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the Urs or haul of Khawajah Moinudin Chisty. A great Islamic Sufi sage and saint which had contributed alot to the spread of Islam in India. He was born in 1141 and died in 1230 CE at in a place called Chisti, somewhere between Iran and Afghanistan. He traveled from Afghanistan to the subcontinent of South Asia, India. He was also known Gharib Nawaz, meaning Benefactor of the Poor'. He was an ahlul bayt, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad s.a..w through Syaidina Jafaar Assadiq r.a .. He grew up in Persia. His parents died when he was only fifteen years old. He inherited a windmill and an orchard from his father. During his childhood, he was different from others and kept himself busy in prayers and meditation. I first attended the haul back 9 years ago, how time flies. During that time, I didnt know what to expect cause i was with my good friend who I also consider him as guide along my journey. Sidi Muhsin invited me to tag along with his grandfather Shaykh Ibrahim.

I still remembered it was the late Feisal Marican's dad whom was reciting the poetry about Khawjah Moinudin Chisti. One part it was something like Khawajah Moinudin salamualayi. Though today such Indian sufi gathering is rare, I still missing those moment of the yesteryear majlis. Today, we also received sad news on the death of our great local Ulama Ustaz Osman Jantan. I remembered attending his tauhid class. And he explained to us when i was young the different category of knowledge such as tassawuf, fiqh and tauhid. All these didnt exist during the time of Prophet s.a.w. but came a light cause the Ulama realize the important of compartmentalize different type of knowledge...may Allah bless him for his enormous contributions to the Muslim society. al fateha for Khawajah Moinudin Chisti and Ustaz Osman Jantan

Rainy sunday

2011-06-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

Its already 6.18pm, the end of weekend. I did nothing much except spend the time at the house with my wife. It was raining heavily, didnt expect it to be lenghty.We discuss lots of issues pertaining our plans on so many things. InshaAllah hope it will work out. We heard about the flood news..We had been hit again with flood after so many days without rain and we only had rain for 5 hours and here comes the flood again. I was wondering what is really happening behind the reason for the flood. What amazed me was that shopping centre like Tanglin mall effected badly. hmmm....why suddenly there were some other places also affected and due to...? It remain as a mystery for now...And we shall wait for the answer in tommorow paper, I guess..

Traditional Islam

2011-06-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Its the weekend now. Time have move too fast and now we are almost in the middle of the year, meaning half of the year is gone within split seconds. You just have the feeling, its moving too fast right now. And those whoever wasted their time, surely regret towards the end. Allah said in the Quran (Surah Asr') (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. So we have to plan our time for us not to waste anytime. When we looked back we tend to regret not to fufill our time accordingly to our need. So much time wasted that we know lots of positive things can be done.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said "Among the Signs of the Last Day as disclosed He s.a.w. said is that “time would move faster - so that a whole year would pass like a month, a month would pass like a week, a week like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like the amount of time it takes to kindle a fire.” Its happening right now with the ageing world facing major troubles in the frontier such as enviromental issues, economic issues, violence, and many more. Human being losing its spiritual domain due to the vast technology influence and power. Humanity is facing its worst crisis ever in history since the world war 2. So what are we suppose to do? There are Tariqah saying this is the sign of Imam Mehdi coming closer to our age. So be prepare for its arrival. On the other side, there is a call shouting loud for Dinar and dirham to be our monetary icons. The list goes on and on.

One would be sitting down and ponder to the reaction of many different sections and realize then the important subject which matter the most. The questions that we need to address ourselves which we often failed is Who are we? What are we? Rational thinking is needed but critical point of views will make things clearer.This trigger me into remembering a book which was highly recommended to me by my renowed guru on books Sidi Ibrahim from Wardah books. The book title is Islam in the Modern World by Seyyed Hossein Nasr. His review on the book was enough to capture my attention. When I was at his shop, i flip through the book and read certain part of it. I find it amazing on Seyyed Hossein Nasr explaining how Traditional Islam is very important in such a simple writing. I think this is an old book title Traditional Islam with revised version and some additional add. Its a thick hard cover book nevertheless the content will make you understand not only the important values of traditional islam but also on the critical aspect on the contribution of Traditional Islam on the development society over the years.

It also stated the history of Tariqah reformist movement that happened in the 18th century such as Shadhiliyah Darqawi and Tijaniyah. The author explain why the reformed happen from the prespective of history and also engage on his views to such issues which I really find it very interesting and intriguing. This is the book I believe most of us as Muslims should read and analyze it. From the wonder years of Islamic civilization, we realize and understand how Traditional Islam have always been playing a major role in development of society progession. Many of the Traditional Islamic Scholars in the past such as Imam Ghazali r.h.a, Ibn Arabi, r.h.a, Imam Jalaludin Suyuti r.a.h and many more are more than just being a scholars, they were philosphers, doctors, Jurists and mainly they hold some important position to serve the people during that period of time. It was the vast golden age of Islamic cilization from the holy cities of Mekkah and Medinah to Baghdad, Damascus, Istanbul, Andalusia. Islam was spreading like a light of hope and love across the ocean of humanity to serve the people with knoweldge, adab and wisdom. Spiritual antities was the the symbol of progression.

Today, many including some Muslims have this idea and narrow minded thinking on the connotation of the word Tradition means backwards, diluted with negative stance on it. Its a whole complete misunderstanding of the reality and values of the word Tradtional Islam and its purpose. Reflecting upon the achievement of the Sufis thinker and Traditional Scholars, one really need to take a hard look on how we can recapture the secret in developing the progression of our society till then we will always be in the mist of greater confusion. I might be wrong on giving such opinions but nevertheless history success speak for itself alone.

Jumaah mubarak

2011-06-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today is the first Jumaah in the blessed month of Rejab. Jumaah Mubarak everyone! Alhamdulilah, we are thankful to Allah swt for his love, mercy and guidance as we seek his forgiveness for our unlawful behaviour which we are unaware in each seconds of our life. Everything we do in this life being part of the temporary world is Ibadah. Our work is Ibadah, our friendship is Ibadah, seeking knoweldge is Ibadah, to help fellow human beings regardless of their race or religion is also an Ibadah and marriage is also an ibadah. The goal in life is Allah. Our hearts aim is Allah and nothing else matter. So everything we do in life is connected to Allah swt, merely to say everything is HIM and we are nothing. Our purely existence is just a shadow and Allah is the only REAL EXISTENCE. If Allah doesnt give us sight, can we see with our eyes, if Allah doesnt give us voice are we able to talk? If Allah doesnt allow us to walk even when we have legs, can we walk? The only time humans understand this is when he or she was hit by a stroke and he or she is not mobile then they realize its Allah who make me move and its Allah who make everything in this world possible for me. So who am I? Nothing not even the worth of a dust.

Allah created every single creations with HIS wisdom and absoulte power that each creations have its own beauty and Allah created in such a way for the creations to glorify Allah in its own way. Allah swt said in a hadith Qudsi I am a hidden creations therefore I create creations so they know me. The sole purpose of being in Tariqah is to realize and know only Allah and rely only to Allah and have certainty anything that happen in life, only Allah have the key to everything. may Allah forgive me and bless you.

Rejab mubarak everyone

2011-06-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not writing on this blog for the sake of against anyone or any group. I am just stating the facts of what I think. Whether its right or wrong, its up to you to decide. Everyone have their point of views and each one of us understand things differently and this is the reason why there are many ways to Allah. Tonight is the begining of the Blessed month Rejab. Rejab Mubarak everyone.

Just a thought

2011-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

I really dont know why all of a sudden, I have the means to write again on this blog. Its been very long since I abandon it. It seems like the spirit of doing it only last 2 months. Its not about being burn out or losing passion. I guess its more of disciplining ourselves in doing something. I was thinking of closing this blog but my wife often told me not do so. She had such fond memory of we getting to know each other back then when i was like so passionate about this blog. By the way, the whole saga of me leaving the Naqshbandi Haqqani is like as if i had apostate. Old friends left me, some tried to convince me to return. Well, there are those who mocked you, hurt you with their sms. I find it strange and weird when people decide to change their path, there are people who will go above higher than even to Allah and saying, you will be curse, you will be leading a downfall and the list of negative statements and remarks goes on and on. Tariqah is becoming more of a cult than a spiritual path.

This incident awake me from being slumber all this while. It make me keep thinking again and again, whats the purpose of being in a Tariqah. Is it because to have the sense of belonging to a group? is it to show people you are majority? is to inform people you are better though you try to conduct yourself with humility? Or is it to tell the whole world your shaykh is the best and highest among other Shaykh? Now, its a reality check. I cant blame those who dont understand what Tariqah is about having bad impression on Tariqah due to the people who claim to practice tariqah with no adab and let alone Akhlaq. I cant say much, people see what you are doing and its reflecting to them in many ways, its not right.

My views about Tariqah and tasawuf had completely change when I begin to discover about other Tariqah such as Tijaniyah, Shadhiliyah, Badawiyyah and many more but this doesnt mean the ones i know before are wrong or deviate. Its not about which Tariqah is the best, the last one, the pure one neither its about Imam Mehdi or whose shaykh is Sultanul awliyah. Tariqah is about completing our daily wirid and awrad without trying not to miss it and doing it consistently, if not whats the point of being in the Tariqah if you cant even complete the wirid and awrad consistently. It doesnt help you. A car cant move its engine if it doesnt have oil to refine it and making it into energy. Whats the point of being with a shaykh all the time and yet you failed to do your awrad and wirid daily too? Its like you are making yourself close with your boss and yet you dont work and expect salary, worst still a bonus from him or her. Its dillusion, we are not a cheerleader to cheer for the shaykh, what we want is to be a real seeker. And the real one seek the light...At the end of the path and our last breath, we want is the reality of Prophet s.a.w. and Allah swt and this is why we are in Tariqah. Other than this is all hidden shirk with other intentions beside Allah and his Beloved Prophet s.a.w. may Allah bless you and forgive me, a poor servant.

Change

2011-05-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, its true I am no longer Naqshbandi Haqqani murids. Although I received tons of threats and criticism on this, I am redha to Allah swt. I finally realize what is the reality of being in Tariqah. Its not about being a cheerleader cheering and clapping the shaykh or being a murid to the famous shaykh. Its about completing your wirid (awrad) everyday. Being real not poseur. Anyway, I have nothing against Shaykh Nazim and Shaykh Hisham, may Allah bless them both.

Shaam (Syria) Sacred Chanting & Poetry

2011-05-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulilah, this is the Shaam (Syria) finest Qasidah CDs which is available at WardahBooks, Toko Warisan and Muzika Records. IF you love to listen to al kindi ensemble and other Shaam Qasidah ensemble with finest music and soothing voices then this should be part of your collections. You can listen to the samples at www.soutilaahi.com

In the Presence of the Beloved s.a.w.

2009-09-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Limited Edition of Debu Palace Trabadour CD and Book

2009-09-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Salaam everyone, Ramadhan Mubarak, We would like to inform you, The Limited Edition of Debu Palace Trabadour CD and Book which is now at $25.00 is available at wardah books. For those who are keen to purchase you can visit Wardah Books at 58 Bussorah St, near masjid Sultan or call them at +65 62971232.

Its a reasonable price at $25 to get CD and Book which contain the poetry of Shaykh Fattah in 7 languages from English, chinese, Arabic, Sanskrit, Latin, Tamil and Bahasa. This CD also contain unique universal sound from singing to recital of poetries which at times really inspiring the hearts that seek God. There is a rare Chinese song on the 2nd last track. A must for you who are into world music or should i define it as divine music.

The Aspirant Unplugged Session: Music for Souls with Debu

2009-07-30T18:53:00.001-07:00

Majlis Riyadhul Muhibbin Singapore & Sout Ilaahi

Present

The Aspirant Unplugged Session: Music for Souls with Debu

One Night with DEBU! @ $27 and get their latest ALBUM and Book Free in Singapore. Limited tickets available..

Its an event night fill with aspirant and spiritual poetry session and sacred music which will tranquilized the hearts and souls longing for the Divine. Liberate your souls and overcome the heartache and stress through music and devotions.

Other Performers:
Madihul Mustafa

Poetry Session
Khairool Haque
Ameera Begum Aslam

Date: 8th August, Saturday
Venue:Al wehdah, No 11 Geylang Lorong 37,Singapore
(opposite wak tanjong madrasah)
Bus:51, 7, 2, 21 Mrt nearest: Paya lebar

Tickets are available at Wardahbooks and online purchase is at www.islamicevents.sg

For more details and enquiries go to www.soutilaahi or call 62971232

Video of Debu:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgywX_GXmLg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46gx7mniA-c&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4A78moafNk&feature=related

Band history:
In the spring of 2001, after living in Indonesia for almost two years in southern Sulawesi, the members of DEBU moved to Jakarta. They began practicing music and experimenting with different instruments, drum rhythms and vocals.

The impetus for this development was the members' experience while teaching at an Indonesian university in Makassar. They sang with the students as recreation and motivation, adding excitement and enthusiasm to the students' daily routine. The response and receptiveness by students, fellow teachers and the surrounding community was overwhelming.

The group began in earnest studying and writing music, and learning and practicing an eclectic ensemble of instruments. Mustafa, at 20 years old, became one of the composers, main arranger and lead vocalist for the group. Thus, the 18 member group DEBU was born.

In April 2001, DEBU began performing by invitation around the greater Jakarta area. Two years later, in April 2003, after countless performances in a variety of settings (from intimate gatherings to corporate galas), and many television appearances (including two award winning special TV series dedicated to DEBU�s music), the group's first album was released in Indonesia. Entitled Mabuk Cinta (Drunk with Love), it is a ten-song Indonesian and Arabic album.

Mabuk Cinta was subsequently released the US and Malaysia in November 2003. Television exposure of the video of DEBU's first single "Cinta Saja" (Just Love), and radio play of this hit, helped the group and the album gain national attention in Indonesia and Malaysia.

The second album, Makin Mabuk (Even More Drunk), was released in September 2004 and quickly followed the success of the first album.

In the summer 2006, DEBU finished recording two albums, Nyawa dan Cinta (The Soul and Love) and a yet to be release Turkish album. Nyawa dan Cinta follows Makin Mabuk two years after its release. In this two year period, DEBU worked on many recording projects but the groups main focus was designing and completing their own recording studio. The new studio gave Mustafa and the members of DEBU much more creative freedom to experiment and perfect the recording craft.

DEBU regularly performs in Indonesia. DEBU has songs in many languages and now seeks to broaden its audiences and spread its universal message. DEBU continues, in and out of the studio, to work on existing and new material for upcoming multilingual releases.

Memahami Ibadah Ibadah Islam

2009-07-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Memahami Ibadah Ibadah Islam

Adakah tawasul itu dibenarkan dalam Islam? Apakah ziyarah maqam itu shirik? Apakah rabitah itu shirik? Mana yang lebih penting Maqam Rasulluah saw atau Ka'abah? Apa hukum sesorang muslim memakai taweez? Apakah muzik itu haram? Bagaimana dengan hukum bagi muslim yang menurun? dan banyak lagi soalan berkenaan tentang akidah, tauhid, fiqh dan tassawuf.

Insha'Allah, di dalam sesi ini, Sheykh Rohimuddin, seorang guru agama dan ulama tassawuf, akan mengupas kitab tulisan oleh Shaykh Ali Jumaah, mufti Negara Mesir dan juga menjawab soalan soalan yang termuka di atas ini.

Tarikh: 10 & 11 Ogos (Isnin & Selasa)

Waktu: Isnin dari Jam 2ptg hingga 6ptg

(Selasa - 8mlm hingga 10mlm)

Yuran:$10 untuk 2 sesi di dalam 2 hari

Tempat: Madrasah Khairiyah (155 still road)

Sila daftarkan nama dan bayar yuran di Wardah Books 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474

Untuk informasi yang lanjut boleh menghubungi wardah books - 62971232, saudara Khalid - 90687106 dan Saudara Muhsin - 91380014

Penganjur: Majlis Riyadhul Muhibbin Singapore

Insha'Allah kitab Ibadah Ibadah tulisan Shaykh Ali Jumaah akan di jual di hari yang sama pengajian. Harga hanya$15.00. terima kasih

Biografi Shaykh Rohimuddin

Sheykh Rohimuddin Nawawi Al-Banten adalah seorang tokoh ulama’ kontemporari Indonesia di dalam mazhab Shafi’i, yang terkenal di Malaysia dan Indonesia. Beliau lahir pada tahun 1965 di Bekasi, Jawa Barat, Indonesia. Almarhum ayahnya ialah K.H. Nawawi Jahari, murshid kepada Tariqah Al Qadriyah. Beliau juga merupakan cucu saudara kepada Almarhum Sheykh Nawawi Al-Banten, seorang ulama’ Shafii terkemuka di Mekah yang pernah mengajar di Masjidil Haram antara tahun 1860 hingga 1870. Kini, beliau seorang khalifah (muqaddam) kepada Sheykh Sidi Yusuf Muhyiddien al-Hasani dalam Tariqah As-Shadhuliyah Ad-Darqawiyah Al-’Alawiyah.Di samping itu, beliau juga di antara tenaga pengajar utama di Mahad Az-Zain di Bogor, Indonesia pimpinan Sheykh Muhammad Nuruddin al-Banjari.

Sheykh Rohimuddin Nawawi Al-Banten mendapat pendidikan menara gading di Universiti Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Universiti Al-Azhar, Cairo, Universiti Cairo dan Ist. Liga Arab dalam Fakultas Adab, Bahasa & Sastera Arab. Kini, beliau serta keluarga bermastautin di Cairo, Mesir dan sering berulang-alik ke pesantren beliau iaitu, Pesantren Al-Jahariyah, Bekasi, Jawa Barat. Antara guru-guru beliau adalah Almarhum Sheykh Gad al-Haq Ali Gad Al Haq, Syeikh Al Azhar, Sheikh Umar Hasyim (mantan rektor Al-Azhar), Dr Sa’ad Sa’ad Jawis (Muhaddis), Almarhum Sheykh Abdullah Mohammad Al-Hasani (Mursyd Thariqah Qadiriyah) dan Sheykh Dr Ali Jumah.Beliau juga adalah antara tenaga pengajar merangkap pengetua/pengasuh di Dar al-Hasani di Cairo Mesir. Di samping itu, beliau juga giat memberi ta’lim kepada anak-anak Malaysia dan Indonesia yang menuntut di Mesir, di rumah-rumah dan di tempat-tempat organisasi mereka.

Beliau juga sering menjadi tenaga pengajar jemputan/kehormatan di pelbagai pesantren dan organisasi. Beliau banyak menulis kitab yang telah di terjemahkan di dalam bahasa seperti Memahi Tassawuf, Geloka Cinta, Di ambang perkahwinan

Bengkel 'Perjalanan Menuju Ihsan, Membina Umat Cemerlang'

2009-04-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Bengkel 'Perjalanan Menuju Ihsan, Membina Umat Cemerlang'
Mengenal Ihsan untuk ketenangan Hati dan jiwa

Tarikh: Ahad, 10hb Mei 2009

Waktu:2ptg - 6ptg

Yuran:$30 (termasuk buku 'Memahami Tassawuf yang Shahih' dikarang oleh Shaykh Rohimuddin, jamuan ringan dan alat tulis)

Sila daftarkan nama dan bayar yuran di Wardah Books 58 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199474 . Buka dari jam 9 pagi hingga 9 malam, hari Isnin hingga sabtu, tel no 6297 1232

Untuk informasi selanjutnya, sila hubungi Muhsin - 91380014 atau khalid 90687106

Tempat: Masjid Sultan, Bilik Darjah 1

Tempat Terhad: 70 orang sahaja

cara pembayaran :cash, nets, visa dan master

2ptg- Pengertian Ihsan

3ptg- Kedudukan dan sejarah Tassawuf di dalam islam

4ptg-4.45ptg- Solat Asr dan jamuan ringan

4.45ptg- 6ptg- penyakit penyakit hati & Masyarakat cermerlang

Di dalam bengkel ini, Sheykh Rohimuddin, seorang guru dan ulama tassawuf, akan menyentuh tentang pengertian ihsan dan kerohanian dengan lebih terperinci . Beliau juga akan menyentuh bagaimana ilmu ini dapat menyucikan jiwa dari penyakit-penyakit hati. Dari ilmu ini, kita dapat membina masyarakat islam yang cemerlang. Para perserta akan berpeluang menyertai sesi soal jawab bersama beliau di akhir bengekel ini.

Biography Shaykh Rohimuddin

Beliau juga adalah antara tenaga pengajar merangkap pengetua/pengasuh di Dar al-Hasani di Cairo Mesir. Di samping itu, beliau juga giat memberi ta’lim kepada anak-anak Malaysia dan Indonesia yang menuntut di Mesir, di rumah-rumah dan di tempat-tempat organisasi mereka. Beliau juga sering menjadi tenaga pengajar jemputan/kehormatan di pelbagai pesantren dan organisasi. Beliau banyak menulis kitab yang telah di terjemahkan di dalam bahasa seperti Memahi Tassawuf, Geloka Cinta, Di ambang perkahwinan dan banyak lagi.

The story of founding love

2009-02-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Imam al-Jazuli qs

2009-01-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

Imam al-Jazuli qs who wrote Dala’il al-Khayrat, died in Fez in Morocco. After 100 years they want to move him to Marrakech. They opened the grave and found him as if he had been buried today. They moved him and he was fresh, his cheeks like he was buried today.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani

pic: Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani making dua at Maqam Imam al-Jazuli qs

The Dalaiul Khayrat event in Singapore

2009-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Sout Ilaahi, we would like to invite you to our event "The Blessing Night of Dalaiul Khayrat" with Shaykh Jamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz from Aceh. The event will commence after the Solat Isya' on 6th Feb 09 at Masjid Hj Muhd Salleh, Maqam Habib Noh, Palmer Road,Singapore. All are welcome.

Insha'Allah Shaykh Zamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz who is himself a master of reading this wonderful Dalaiul Khairat will be leading this noble majlis. We hope you are able to attend this event. All are welcome, man and woman. Its an opportunity not to be miss. For further enquiries please email me at khalid@soutilaahi. com Check out our website www.soutilaahi.com

Biography:
Shaykh Jamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz born in Aceh. He graduated from one of the University in Jakarta, mastering in Quran. He then become "hafiz Quran". He had won several competition on Qari Quran. One of his major achievement is when he won the competition of Quranic reading in the whole of Indonesia. After the tragedy of Tsunami in 2004, he decided to return to Aceh after spending many years in Jakarta. He felt that he need to contribute to the Achenese Society. Upon his return, he become one of the Imam at Masjid Baitur Rahman (National Mosque, in Aceh) till today. He begin to teach Quran at various places especially to the orphans whose parents died during the tsunami. He also propogate Islam on the creed of Ahlus sunnah wan jemaah with peace and love. He is also a murid of Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani and Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani. He's currently leading the Zikir of Naqshbandi Haqqani in Aceh.

Love the Prophet s.a.w or the drums?

2009-01-22T01:09:00.001-08:00

Everyone claimed to love the Prophet s.a.w including myself. Its not easy by using our tongue and said we love the prophet s.a.w. Its through by actions that speak how much we love the Prophet s.a.w and how we endure the test we are going through each day in our life. Its not easy but we have to strive in order to achieve his love. It reminded me of an incident that a guy from the mawlid ensemble refused to attend an event which we honor the Prophet s.a.w just because they weren't allow to play drums for their Qasidah. Mind you, he thought hes above the Shaykh who is leading the event.Some of the group members followed his request via sms and didnt turn up for the event. It was such a notoriously shameful for such people who claimed to play drums for the love of Prophet s.a.w while their protest on the decision for not allowing to play drum is not attending the event.

It sadden me because every week the same group of guys practicing their drums and singing Qasidah are the one who walk out from the event.Then somehow, someone was making a remark by saying" Are their love for prophet s.a.w and Saints genuine or was it for the drums?" Its something that question my heart, are we honest and genuinely love the prophet s.a.w or fame is what we are looking for? I know everyone was eager to impress the people whom was attending the event but I honestly felt it not the right way of boycotting your Prophets event when you make such concrete claim that you love the prophet s.a.w. I dont want to be judgemental here, so let it be a lesson, drums or not, the Prophet s.a.w will always be there. If you love the Prophet s.a.w when there is no drum while singing the Qasidah let our hearts be the drum and we dont walk out from the event because we dont want our Prophet s.a.w to abandon us during the judgement day. Ya Rasulluah s.a.w, we need your love and shafaa. Please forgive us and help us, dont leave us alone. Ya Habibulah.

facebook

2009-01-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

Many friends were asking why I didn't update my blog frequently anymore . I am not too sure of a positive reply. Beats me, could be I have nothing to say lately or could be I spend most of the time on facebook. Yeah! Facebook ! A revolutionary tools that have brought the world together. I felt such emotion meeting old friends, enemies and long lost cousins through facebook. It empower the whole surrounding of your life, suddenly, you felt mature, thinking of old friends regardless whether they are close to you. Somehow, each one of them play major role in our life. Those days of misunderstanding and back biting vanish into thin air as we tend to appreciate their friendship in our life.

I am dumbfounded to realize those friends back then who even not close to me before, have a sense of emotion with me. You felt the spirit of togetherness. Let us ignore the politics of life and focus on the path of friendship in this world and hereafter. Easier said than done. However, after going through the patch of turbulence in life, the discovery of appreciation of others will ensure our soberity in thanking Allah that He have send us many wonderful strangers who we call them friends. I realize when we keep on pointing at others faults, relatively we are also the same. It reminds me of what Shah Naqshband said :If we look at the mistakes of our friends, we will be left friendless because no one is perfect. We keep on changing from time to time.

Burdah Night on 24 dec 08 at Malabar Mosque

2008-12-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

Salaam everyone,

To the lovers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. we hope and dua you are in the state of good health in this blessed month. In the Colleberation between Malabar Muslim Jama-ath Mosque, Simply Islam and Sout Ilaahi, we would like to invite you to Burdah Night "The Love for Prophet s.a.w. with Shaykh Fakhruddin Owaisi al Madani al Tijani from South Africa. The event will commence after the Solat Maghrib on 24 Dec 08 at Malabar Mosque 471 Victoria Street , Singapore

Insha'Allah shaykh Fakhrudin who is himself a master of reading burdah will be leading this noble majlis. We hope you are able to attend this Burdah event. All are welcome, man and woman. Its an opportunity not to be miss.

Biography
Shaykh Fakhruddin Owaisi al-Madani,is the descendant of Sayyidina Owais al-Qarni, is a muqaddam of the Tijaniyya in Cape Town, South Africa. He was born in the USA but grew up and studied in Medina al-Munawwara for 18 years. He has an MA in Islamic Studies from the University of Cape Town and is the Imam of the Hout Bay Mosque in Capetown. He is also the Head of the Sunni `Ulema Council of Cape Town. Shaykh Fakhruddin studied with Sayyid Muhammad `Alawi al-Maliki of Mecca and also has ijazah in Hadith from Sayyid Muhammad al-Yaqubi. He took the Tariqa from the great Sufi master Shaykh Hassan Cisse of Senegal.

What is Burdah?
"Historians look at the Burdah, we very soon realize that what we are dealing with is very probably the most influential and the most popular single poem in the history of any language. there simply is no other text from ancient or recent times that has been done in so many languages, not just for some rarefied literary elite but for the people..." -

Timothy J. Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad), Cambridge University, UK

Qasida Burdah as a poem has had a unique history. Even in the poet's lifetime it was already regarded as sacred. Over 90 commentaries have been written on this poem by many of the foremost scholars and imams of Islam, including Ibn Hajar, Mulla Ali al-Qari, Ibn Allan, Bajuri, and others. It has been translated into Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Berber, Punjabi, English, French, German, Sindhi, Dutch and other languages. It is recited across the world in sacred ceremonies, mosques, on blessed days even in social gatherings such as marriage etc. The poem is memorized and recited in congregations, and its verses decorate the walls of public buildings and mosques.

From coasts of Senegal to the Philippines, from Russia to South Africa, everywhere Qasida Burdah is recited as a token of love for the Prophet and to ask for blessings. In some circles it is a major and regular practice to recite the Burdah. In Indonesia for example, its a normal routine for the students of religious training to read Burdah on the Friday morning after sunrise or Saturday afternoon. Some having it thrice a week while others may have it the whole week in the early morning. In Java, Burdah is one of their Spiritual Culture.

Melodies of Medina by Shaykh Fakhrudin

2008-12-17T00:06:00.001-08:00

This CD produced by Sout Ilaahi is available at Wardah Bookstore and Toko Warisan
You can listen to the samples at www.soutilaahi.com

Track titles of the CD:

1) Tala al badru alayna
2) Allahu Adkhulul Madinah
3) As Salatu Alal Muzallal
4) Bushra Lana
5) Hubb un nabiyyi wal ali
6) Ya Imama Rusli
7) Allahu Ataynaka Bil Faqri
8) Allahu Ma Madda
9) Khayr Al Bariyyah
10) Sal Allahu ala Taha
11) Sal Allahu Alayk Ya nur
12) Al Burdah

photo: CD cover, below: Shaykh Fakhrudin Owaisi

Sout Ilaahi Website

2008-12-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

Salaam and Hellooo everyone, We are thankful to Allah swt and his beloved Prophet Muhammd s.a.w for the reality of Sout Ilaahi new website at www.soutilaahi.com Thanks for your support since the beginning. We hope to continue our effort in producing Qasidah, mawlid, Nasheeds and many more other projects which will bring benefit to our society. may Allah bless you and your families and friends.

Qurban (Thanks for your participation)

2008-12-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

786m

Salaam bro and sis,

I hope and dua you are in the state of good health in this blessed month. I would like to thanks those who have been participating the Qurban project which me and few friends have been organizing for the past few years till today.This year the number of people participating the Qurban increase tremendously despite the economic turmoil. Alhamdulilah. We are glad that we are able to help the poor people in Solo, Jogjarkarta and Aceh. We hope you are able to support our future projects. May Allah bless you.

In Solo, there were 350 poor families and many orphans which hadbenefit from this Qurban project. The Qurban meat was distributed to them. The Qurban was handled by Kiyai Sholeh Masrur and supervised by Habib Noh al Haddad who is the direct descendant of Habib Abdullah al haddad and a prince of Solo.The Qurban was done at the villa of Habib Nuh al Haddad. There was a video taken during the Qurban there. Those who participated will be able to get the vcd soon. Habib Noh and Kiyai Sholeh express their sincerest love and thanks to you whom had participated in this Qurban

While in Aceh, the Qurban was handled by Shaykh Jamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz. There was photo and video taken during the Qurban, those who participated Qurban in Aceh can get the Vcd and photos from me soon. There were many poor people, orphans and broken families from the tsunami tragedy benefited from this Qurban as meat of the Qurban were distributed among them.They came from many parts of Aceh estimated more than 300 people. They were overwhelmed and happy to receive such gifts from our brothers and sisters in Singapore. Shaykh Jamhuri and the Governor of Banda Aceh would like to thanks those who participate in this Qurban and hope to continue this noble effort.

In Jogjakarta, the Qurban is handled by bro Joko together with the Keraton, Royal family and workers. Alhamdulilah, the king and his family including his secretary was very happy with the contributions of Qurban from Singaporeans.They were also looking forward to continue this noble project in the coming future, inshaAllah.

The success of this noble Qurban project is due to the baraqah of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and Awliyah Allah including our beloved Murshid Mawlana Shaykh Nazim and his deputies Mawlana Shaykh Hisham and Mawlana Shaykh Adnan. may Allah bless them and lengthen their life in this world to guide us and the rest of humanities.

may Allah bless you and forgive me.

Available of our products

2008-12-06T23:34:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulilah, some of our CDs such as Recitation Of The Beloved "Mawlid Daibai" by Shaykh Zakaria Bahgarib, Qasidah Burdah by Habib Hassan al kaff, Celebration of the beloved, Melodies of Medina by Shaykh Fakhrudin Owaisi, Mawlid berzanji is available at Toko Warisan.

address of Toko Warisan
1 Joo Chiat Road, #02-1017 JOO CHIAT COMPLEX,
Blk 201E Tampines St 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Also available at al Khidmah
http://www.alkhidmah.com/
only certain CDs such as Habib Syech vol 01, Mawlid Daibai by Shaykh Zakaria, Melodies of Medinah by Shaykh Fakhrudin Owaisi

All our CD products are available at Wardah Books (www.wardahbooks.com)

Poverty and meat

2008-11-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

I cant forget those days I spent in Java especially in Solo. It was something which I will never forget for the rest of my life. The images of poverty remain in my mind which I always try to force myself to be thankful to live in Singapore. One cant imagine how tough their life could be. Living at home with no tiles and proper renovation, rats running around, mosquitoes attacking them in the middle of the night. Yet they are contend with life and remain faithful to God. Its something precious and valuable that I learn. Some have sheep, goats and cows but cant consume meat because of their poverty. Usually, they had meat meal once in a year or during the Haul of some habaaib. Otherwise their routine meal would be beans, rice and some vegetable. No doubt its the healthy lifestyle but if we can help them to have the experience of eating meat would make them happy. Even the poor people in Singapore does get this sort of luxury meal. Therefore, I have decided to have this Qurban Project in Solo and Aceh, sorely the purpose is to help these poor families having the experience of eating meat. may Allah forgive me by being with them.

The significant and wisdom of Qurban

2008-10-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

O people! Islam is haqq, it is the true religion; if it was batil/vain no one would be here. Fifteen hundred years ago this command was given: go to hajj. And if you cannot go, the ones that don't go: go and celebrate the eid prayers and celebrations, and look, many people are running to do it. There are many people saying 'Islam is backwards, it is from the dark ages.' But no! Islam is like a sun, shining like a sun from day one until the Last Day.

Keep your iman/faith and make it stronger. And how do you make it stronger? With your prayers and good deeds. And Allah will ask:

'Didn't you have two minutes to make two rakaats/cycles of prayer For Me? I have given you many different things and you haven't thought of Me even once in 24 hours, to pray two rakaats to Me -something which takes only two minutes?' In the morning, wash your hands and face, wash your feet as well, and pray two rakaats.

They come to me saying 'Sheykh Efendi, our job is going bad!' How is your relationship with Allah Almighty? 'It is not good.' If you are betraying yourself and Allah Almighty, it is bad, it is not good. That means that everything is going bad. 'Sheykh Efendi, pray Allah to give us!' And Allah says 'Why should I give him, is he remembering me? No. Then, why should I give him? If I give him more, he will loose His head more.'

So, you pray! Don't let a day pass without sajdah/prostration. When we are praying before going out in the morning, it is more barakah/blessing coming into that day. The one whose rizq/provision is finished, will die.

But if you're alive, your rizq will come, and there is an angel especially bringing barakah. And the angel is looking if someone is praying or not. If he is praying, the angel will give the blessings, if not, he will take it away.. the angel will take the barakah away. If you don't want your business to go bad, you must have good relations with Allah Almighty subhanahu wa ta'ala.

May Allah give us the right tawbah/repentance to ask in a right way for forgiveness. Today is the day that you put your sacrifices in the direction of the qiblah and say 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar', and then you slaughter your sacrificial animal. And after that you pray two rakaat thanksgiving /shukr for it. As soon as you cut the animal's air pipe and blood vessels, you must leave the animal. Don't cut deeper. And you must leave the animal for two or three minutes, it is its right to move, and all the blood to come out. If you cut the wrong place and the animal doesn't move much, then all the blood remains in the body which is not good for people. You have the right to keep one third, and then give one third to poor people. And for that Allah will protect you and your kids and your household, because of that. And Allah will put trouble away from you. If you don't sacrifice on Eid day, trouble will come and then you pay ten times more than the money you should have paid that day to slaughter one animal. Allah will make you pay ten times more! Maybe someone touches your car, an accident happens, you pay too much money. Don't think because of this sacrifice your money will decrease, or if you give sadaqa/alms your money will decrease. Give, and don't allow your hand to shake when you give! Many troubles Allah is keeping away from you. So give generously! And today we all gather here to pray the Eid prayer. And we make intention how to do the prayer. Whatever we say in khutbah/preach, I say it here so we don't have to keep the people, I make it short in khutbah.

May Allah increase the rank of the holy Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam peace be upon him. The ones that are trying to bring the Prophet's name down, don't allow them, O our Lord! Make them away and protect us from enemies, and enemies of Islam and protect, O our Lord, our families also and don't allow us to be with evildoers, let us be with good ones.

Be careful with your kids, with the young ones, because this young age is important. Don't allow them in these days with these bad doings. There are many bad things people are doing today: drugs, alcohol and other things, all the worst dirt the west brought here. When you come to them with your customs, they look 'what did you bring here?' What did they bring? Only bad things, to make people lose their good ways and learn these evil and bad things. We must pray Allah not to put us with bad ones but to write our names with good ones. Live clean, and when you leave this world, leave clean. Allahumma salli ala sayyidina

Muhammadin Nabeyyil ummi wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wa sallim.

Ibadah Korban 2008 at Aceh and Solo

2008-10-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

InshaAllah, this year, I will be helping Yayasan Nurul Ummah and Zawiyah Haqqani Aceh for Ibadah Korban. Per sheep for Solo is $190 while Aceh is $200.

Kiyai Sholeh Mashruh is the principal of Yayasan Nurul ummah. Hes the famous teacher who teach and guide students who are going to study in Egypt, Yemen (Darul Mustafa) and many more while Shaykh Jamhuri is handling the Zawiyah Haqqani Aceh. He is one of the Imam of Baitur Rahman Mosque in Aceh. Alhamdulilah,we have been working together for many years.

For those who are keen, you may send the money to me. The money currency is in Singapore dollars. For more information and enquiries please email me. Thanks. wasalam. may Allah bless you

Khalid Ajmain

Downpour

2008-10-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

The economic turmoil has return. The number of depression are rapidly increasing day by day. People are losing their savings, business , jobs and family. You can imagine few years back when we were hit with the same situation, Indonesia were in the state of chaos. People are hinging on to their thin hopes. Today, Thailand is facing bloodshed on their political front while Malaysia is heading towards another political twist. We are lucky to be living in Singapore despite the slump of our economy, we are still living in peace and harmony. We don't know what is going to happen in the near future but we hope for the best for our beloved country and the people.

Everything begins with speculation and thus created so much fuss that people were becoming insane and banks are completely haywire. Shares and stock all of a sudden plunge, like a mission of suicide. There goes the million of dollars. I remembered back then when we were having the same situation, everyone was stress. Here it comes again. My former boss used to joke, he said" What goes up must come down in life". Whatever hes trying to refer or saying, I am sure in life there is up and down.

layla oh layla

2008-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Its weird to know many people have been asking me about laylatur Qadr. Was it on 25th night? I was wondering why so many people came to me and shared their experience on that particular night. I received sms from Abdul Rauf Jakarta saying tonight is the Laylatur Qadr. Then I asked him where he got the news. He replied from Ahmad Nazim (KL) and he got the message from Cyprus. Wallahu Walam. There are people who doubt about it but I couldn't care less because to me, whether it is or not, its not my problem . All I need to do is to search for it almost every night. I have to work it out from home. But our beloved Shaykh said when your guide said on certain date, we have to be certainty. No doubt about it, I have my certainty. And I know on 27th is laylatur Qadr because Shaykh Hisham said so. Shaykh Zakaria told me on the 25th was the laylatur Qadr for Awliyah.

I have to admit this year Ramadhan have been very bad for me. Somehow, I cant pray at the mosque because I have to take my medication and also I feel very tired and lethargic. Anyway, I was really shocked to hear a friend of mine always tasting the sea water on the odd night and until today he didn't taste any sweetness in the water but somehow he told me he witness something extraordinary on the 25 night. I don't know what to say to him because I am not in the authority to say if on that particular day is laylatur qadr. We doa each one of us got the Power of night, laylatur Qadr. may Allah bless you and forgive me.

Those who come begging from you are God's Gift

2008-09-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani

09-21-2008

Michigan Zawiya

Audhu billah min ash-shaytan ir-rajeem

Bismillahi 'r-Rahmani 'r-Raheem

Nawaytu'l-arba`een, nawaytu'l-`itikaaf, nawaytu'l-khalwah, nawaytu'l-riyaada, nawaytu's-salook, nawaytu'l-`uzlah lillahi ta`ala fee hadha'l-masjid

Ati` Allah wa ati` ar-rasula wa uli 'l-amri minkum

As we said in the previous session that we need a ticket to paradise. And that ticket means you need a validated passport when you are traveling. You cannot have a passport which has no validation. They will not let you to come into any country. No, go, fix it and come. So our passport to paradise is very simple: it is to obey Allah swt. So that passport is la ilaha illa-Allah muhammadun Rasulullah. But la ilaha illa-Allah muhammadun Rasulullah will get you the passport but if you don’t … they don’t give you the passport unit they make clearance for you that you have no crimes, no problems, no mistakes. Then they give you 5 years or ten years or whatever and then you can travel. O kid! You need a passport you can have it, but you need to validate it.

Like you go to park a car in a parking lot and you go to the parking of that mall, and they say if you buy something in any store then you can have a validated ticket that you can go free, you don’t pay anything.

You have the car to go in but in order to go out you need a validated ticket.

la ilaha illa-Allah muhammadun Rasulullah. is your ticket to paradise but you have to validate it with the good `amal. If you are not doing what Allah wants from you to do, then as we said in previous session you will enter paradise but you will not be in the highest level of paradise sitting with the Prophet (s) –

فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِندَمَلِيكٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ

fee maq`adi sidqin `inda maleekin muqtadir - In an Assembly of Truth, in the Presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent [54:55].

If you want to be there then you have to prove yourself.

He said, "don’t claim that you said la ilaha illa-Allah muhammadun Rasulullah. That you achieved higher levels, no. Like when you say ashhadu an la ilaha illa-Allah wa ashhadu anna muhammadun Rasulullah. You are saying it by tongue, but you are not acting on it. When you reach higher levels then you are seeing. You are bearing witness that Allah is your Lord, that means you have to see something.”

If there is no action there is no movie. The director is saying “action” and everyone is moving. If they don’t say “action” no one moves. So you have to have an action and that is the good `amal. To submit to the order, imtithaal al-amr. In the army you have to submit to the order. What do you say? “Yessir!” if you want to object, object later, with shaytan. You are ordered to make sajda, do it. You want to object, go over there, shaytan is there, there object as much as you like.

You have to pray, you have to pray, say, “Yessir! I am praying.” But might be your prayer is a habit, an exercise, a custom, an exercise. That you learned from childhood, you don’t know if it is accepted. You have to make sure it is accepted.

That is why the Prophet (s) said, " the one who is bankrupted is the one who has no `amal.” Said, "Even if he prayed and fasted?” He said, "Even if he prayed and fasted.”

So that is the one who prays for exercise or …on the other side he is cheating and deceiving. That one has no `amal. So you need `amal. You admit that Allah Is creator. If you admit how can you disobey. But we are weak servants. You disobey, you repent.

He said, "that, O my son, Ya ghulam.” Changing now. “You have to be patient on afflictions. You have to submit to Allah swt. Don’t create a monster to yourself. Submit, you overcome any problem. If you don’t submit, your problems will increase. You see anything coming to you is by Allah’s swt Will.

وَلاَ رَطْبٍ وَلاَ يَابِسٍ إِلاَّ فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ

Wa la ratbin wa la yabisin illa fee kitabin mubeen – nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read). [6:59]

Living and non-living. Ratbin is wet, has water in it, it is living and yabis is dry, non-living. Everything is in the Book. Which book? The Holy Qur'an. Allah is saying everything is in the Holy Qur'an. And the Holy Qur'an is what? It is Allah swt’s ancient words. His words to His Prophet. He sent it to the Prophet (s).

You think that someone who doesn’t know Arabic cannot read the Qur’an? How? [Allah makes him. They learn] How he read its? They are translating now. Only if you have the Qur’an in front of you the light of the secret of the letters of the Qur’an will be jumping on your heart, guiding you even if you don’t know the language. Every language is in the Holy Qur'an. There is not even a parasite that moves without it having been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. Not an electron can move it if it’s not mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. That secret you think the light… the Light you cannot cover it. Can you cover the light of the sun? No way. How you can cover the light of the Qur’an? It is always shining. That is why you have a Qur’an in your house baraka comes in your house. Now Allah made everyone to have a Qur’an in their house, Muslims and non-Muslims. Because some people want to see what is in it, and it is coming baraka in it [to them].

So when you submit to Allah swt, you submit to everything. Don’t be nagging. Nagger. New word? Don’t be a nagger. Don’t nag too much.

You cannot see except people nagging, nagging, nagging, day and night, wife to husband, husband to wife. Parents, children, people everyone.

He said, "O my son be patient. When you say la ilaha illa-Allah muhammadun Rasulullah, you are saying He is the Creator.”

Creator of what? When you say that it is not just by tongue but you have to accept what is coming and what is going. You have to accept every movement from you and from others.

From where, where? These are wooden beads [holds up tasbih], no? Imagine these beads coming from which tree in a forest, in a jungle, coming and it is in your hands. How you can imagine this is possible? Your name is written on that tree from the day of Alastu bi-rabbbikum that you are going to get that tree in the jungle in the picture of beads. Whose decision is that? It is Allah’s. Allah wrote for that tree to make dhikr on your behalf. You think this wood is dry and dead. No, when you count on them they are continuously making dhikr. How it comes.

Everything. This, the paper of the book. Form what? Which tree? In Canada, in Africa, in Far East that these papers are coming from which tree. It was living and Allah said “all that is living and non-living is in the Holy Qur'an.” So that paper is mentioned in Holy Qur'an, that is going to be page 37 in that book. And how many books there are, millions, trillions? “Trillions” now we are remembering that name too much now, this economic crisis.

So it is written that it is going to be page 37. Who made that to happen. Allah swt. So why to nag? Surrender. What comes, comes. If we submit Allah swt will give us a peaceful life.

So what you need to do? To act. When you say “action!” what happens. Everything moves. But if the battery is not charged, if you say action, action, action, nothing moves. What you need ot make the `amal to make it to move. `amal is an action. But to make the car to move you need what you need a battery. That battery is Ikhlaas - sincerity. That energy is to keep sincerity towards Allah swt in every action you do. You blend it with sincerity. If you do it without sincerity, because you have to do it, then that is not accepted. That is why the Prophet (s) said, "you pray and you fast but it is not accepted.” It is done out of laziness. Or they pray out of fear. In some countries they make adhan and if you don’t close your shop there are people who say “go!”, and they beat you. Sincerity is to do by yourself. Not by force.

So that is like Rabi`a, said, "I am worshipping you Ya Rabbee, for Your love. I am not interested in your heaven and I am not afraid of your hell. You put me where You want.”

To show sincerity it means you have to give from what Allah is giving you.

That is why he said, "wa as al-fuqara bi shayin min amwalikum” make poor people happy with some of your wealth. That is sincerity. You can pray hundreds of times but to come to someone and say pay $100 it is very difficult. Which is more important to you, your prayer or your money.

“I can pray 100 rakaats, no problem but don’t ask me donation at the end.” donation that is out of question. You can give one dollar, 2 dollars. They pass the box on Friday, they put 1, 2 dollars. We never saw 1,000 dollars. Why not 1,000 dollar to the one who can put it?

Because there is no sincerity. May Allah give us sincerity. When someone comes to you asking, give them. Allah is sending those who are asking as a gift ot you. They are being made by Allah to move to fid out if you are sincere to Allah or not. Don’t reject anyone who is asking. If you are able to give, give, don’t reject him.

Give as much as you can. Allah, be … look at how much Allah is giving. So sincerity means you have to follow the way of sincere people. Allah made Sayyidina Muhammad sincere. That is why he said, " if you want to love Allah follow the sincerity of the Prophet (s).” that is the guest of Allah coming, don’t reject him. That is why I tell story of Grandshaykh that he used to always keep money in his pocket. Whoever asks he gives. Keep a little in your pocket. You see the homeless in the street, if he asks, give. Muslim or non-Muslim. He might be a wali in dress of homeless. At least he might say, “thank you, god bless you.” That might be enough on Judgment Day, you think Allah will not be happy with you for that one praying for you.

Woe. That one is the gift of Allah to you, coming and asking you. If that one went to someone else and asked that one he would have that letter on Judgment Day. Prefer that guest and you don’t know by what you can reach Allah’s mercy, buy what you reach Allah’s love.

Small `amal might make you reach Allah’s love. Don’t try to minimize a good `amal. La tuhaqiru ma`ruf even if it is small you do it. “You are in my presence,” he is telling his students, “listening to me and you are crying.”

That means his words have reflected in their hearts and they have made them to feel that sincerity in their hearts and they begin to cry in the presence of their teachers. Many students in presence of their teachers they cry. They know they are helpless. “Don’t cry in front of me and then when you leave you become hard-hearted.”

“In my presence you listen and you cry and when the poor one, the guest of Allah is coming to you, your heart becomes hard and you cannot open your hand. It becomes like a frozen hand. Crippled hand and mind. Finished, you cannot give. Sincerity is gone.”

This shows that your sincerity was not really for Allah swt. You don’t know, "O my student, O ghulam, that I can read your secrets. I can read your hearts. You cannot hide yourself from me. That is why I am addressing to you, to tell you that I know what is going on thru your hearts and I know this is a sickness going thru the hearts of my students and I am trying to bring it up in order to correct you.”

“When you come to me come, come with no dress. Remove the dress of arrogance. Come to me naked, not naked from clothes, but naked of your own ego’s pride. Leave it behind and come submitting to Allah swt. Then I can fill you with knowledge. Then I can give you. Then I can validate your passport until you can begin your journey to the Divine Presence. Your passport has no dates on it, you need to renew it. Send your application. When you send your application you send what with it? A fee. A check. You cannot send it and say, “work on it.”

There are angels that work on your `amal, and you have to pay. Don’t think you can get something free. That is for some people, that is a grant from Allah swt. Not everyone gets a grant. Everyone has to work for something. Those who get grants are very few. There are people who get grants in dunya for nonsense. For garbage. But the real grant is to get it from Allah swt.

How much money has been wasted on grants? What do they do ? they do a conference. And bring 10-15 speakers from overseas and spending $5-10 thousand on every speaker. And the tickets are 5-10 thousand. They bring them to say what? Of no benefit.

What is of benefit is when you make a conference with your ego. Teleconference, speaking to your ego. If you want to know how to speak with your ego, take your turban and put it [in front of you].

This is my ego. “You were not good today. What have you done today?” So you have some one to speak to.

This is what awliyaullah do, this [turban] is a sign of iman. How much iman you have you carry it. How much these women Allah is giving them more and more, especially those women that are covered. How much they get heat from the communities? Men, they already have no mind. Because when you cover you keep your mind inside. When no cover, your mind evaporates. Women they cover. How much Allah is rewarding them every moment for their cover. That is why the Sunnah of the Prophet (s) is for men to cover. But they don’t cover.

Men have to cover first. Then women will look and say, “O my husband is covered” and they will cover. Can you see someone with a turban and his wife is not covered. He feels shy to walk with her, “I am wearing a turban and my wife has no ‘turban’.”

So you have to be role model for sincerity. So He knows the hearts. You cannot hide yourself. He knows what you are doing and he gives you the ticket to validate your passport. You can move forward now, from one obstacle to another. Then He takes you from one place to the next until you reach the shore of safety.

“You have to come to me naked,” that means you must have no interest in dunya. You have to take all dunya love out of your heart. “Then I will dress you with heavenly dresses and with that you can go to the presence of the Prophet (s) and from the presence of the Prophet (s) to the presence of Allah. If you want that, come to me; if not don’t waste my time. I am not going to give you candies if you come to me, but I am going to give you hardship. Hardship teaches discipline.”

The Prophet (s) said, akhshawshanoo fa inn an-ni`m lam tadoom. Try to train to live hard life. Train yourself to sleep on the earth, flat. Don’t say, “I want a mattress.” What kind of mattresses. I am surprised to see now mattresses for $5000. hah? [they make massage for you]

You sleep on the floor. Try to teach yourself the hard ways.

Now they are giving you everything the easy way so when the hard way comes you cannot take it. Be a village man, as we said previously, don’t be a city man. A village man can sleep anywhere he can accommodate himself anywhere. He goes to city it is good for him. He goes to village it is good for him. But city man can go to village, live without electricity. Can he live without TV? No. village man can live without TV, because he is not interested in politics. He has soft heart and he wants to live for presence of Prophet. What is happening outside is not my business. If you come to me like village man I give you light in my heart. So that is why the Prophet (s) said, “ittaqoo firasat ilmumin fa innahu yandhuru bi nurillah - fear the vision of the believer for verily he can see your hearts as Allah gave him light in his heart from Divine Light.” At that time you will be able to get that status.

May Allah guide us. And give us sincerity in our hearts for sake and baraka of his Prophet Muhammad. And His awliya, bi-hurmatil habib bi hurmatil Fatiha.

So whenever you make a tasbih on your beads remember from where that beads are coming. if you have plastic ones, sometimes they have plastic ones, from which oil file are they coming? From where? South America, North America, Siberia and now Alaska. Or from the Gulf countries, Middle Eastern countries. Coming from underground. Or on rocks, from which mountain they are coming, these pebbles you are doing Tasbih. Remember that Allah has sent them for you to bear witness on you on Judgment Day. The will bear witness that servant was making tasbih on these wood. Everything is praising Allah, and everything will witness for you if you are doing something good.

And if you have Holy Qur'an in the house it will bear witness, “I was in that house,” and all those lights of Allah’s Ancient Word are coming in that house; even the house of a non-Muslim, “because that person raised me on his shelf.” That is why he said, “la tahjar al-Qur'an - don’t abandon the Holy Qur'an.” For example if you have ten mashafs, when you read in one, don’t read form the same one because everyone has to have its share. Every page and every letter will bear witness. Even if they are the same, and of course they are same, they will come and bear witness, the ten copies. Each will bear witness. Try to read the Arabic even if you don’t know Arabic. The light will come to your eyes.

The Dance Of God

2008-09-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

"Love is the cure,
for your pain will keep
giving birth to more pain
until your eyes constantly exhale
love as effortlessly as your body
yields its scent.”

Mawlana Rumi
taken from Love of Poems

Ramadhan Mubarak

2008-09-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sout Ilaahi wishes you Ramadhan Mubarak. May Allah bless you and your family. Thanks for supporting us all this while. We hope to rejuvenate the spirit of love and compassion within our society through music, poetry and arts. Please doa for us. thanks

Narrow society

2008-09-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

I find it weird to know our Muslim society is very emotional and narrow minded on various issues and tend to jump to conclusion which I seriously find it disturbing . I am not here to judge but base on my daily experience, I discovered we have the 'Holier than thou' mentality. For example, some malay family saw a whirling video, quickly they label it as deviation or different sect of Islam. What is happening to our society? Just because we don't have the knowledge to understand, doesn't mean it should be consider as heretic. This show how much we are left behind and we lack of exposure as we became a society of dry wood. It reminds me back 10 years ago, I have an American friend who came to Singapore. Hes a Maliki mazhab therefore whenever he pray he used to put his hand on the side. I don't know if i were to consider it humor or disgust when some of my friends said he might not be on the same Islam as us. And I was like dumbfounded about it. I was like 'What?' There you go, people tend to judge something which they don't even know about.

I am not belittling anyone neither am I saying I know everything but at least put on our thinking caps and be rational before we judge anyone. Most of the people I know didn't have any clue on whirling and therefore most of the fatwa you get from them make you feel more afraid to say, how narrow we could be. The best thing is, non Muslims probably understand our knowledge and appreciate it sincerely.

Ramadhan

2008-09-08T00:51:00.000-07:00

The month of Ramadhan is not only about abstaining from food and drink during the daytime, it's more than what we think of when we were young. It's a month of mercy where we begin our contemplation and reflection of our deeds and actions. Although its a month where most of us are obsessed with each ritual nevertheless our piety towards the poor, homeless and the needed ones are not completely forgotten. I remembered Mawlana Shaykh Nazim always emphasis on us to be generous and give many sadaqa and Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani always said give food to the poor. There are groups of people who always think that people who are confined to their rituals ignore the humanitarian actions. Well, let us not be judgmental when there are those who choose to contribute but they hide their identities.

Friends and birthday

2008-09-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it will be my birthday on this sunday until Nash brought it up to me last thursday during zikir and asked the congregation to recite fatiha for me. Alhamdulilah, it was such a unique feeling on this occasion as I celebrate my 32th birthday. I received many birthday wishes from new brothers and also many old friends. From sms, email and facebook. It touches me alot as I about to shed some tears reading their messages. A birthday wish through sms from london, Australia, Germany, Glasgow, Cyprus, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jawa, KL, Kedah and my lovely wife makes my day happy.

It feels good to be remember but I didn't expect such overflow messages. However, I should be thankful when others remember me. This made me realize each friends that i met along my journey play a role in my life. Be it good or bad, the wisdom of the reality remain unseen only time will allow me to understand the whole issue. Facebook brought me to old memories as I met most of my old friends. When you meet them again, its sort of different feeling, you are more keen to be together, appreciating one another. Perhaps we have grown older in trying to understand life better or you have been looking at yourself more often and finding your own faults. By the way, thanks for the lovely messages and friendship. Love you all. may Allah bless you and your family.

A New Life: The journey of my heart and soul

2008-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Life have been so different for me lately. I am not too sure how to describe it to you. Its a soothing feeling that paint my colorful life and at the same time it taste bitter. Whatever it could be, I accept it with an open heart. I am sure its good for my heart, soul and ego. Learning the hardest way, i hope will make me sober in realizing whatever i do in my daily life although I am forgetful with so many things on my mind. But I try to learn from my mistakes and swallow every bits and pieces of my arrogance, ignorance and recklessness, hoping to be a better person. I am positively sure with the person I love so much by my side, any obstacles we will be able to overcome it.

I am fortunate to have such person in my life. Well life is not always about happiness, its about contentment. It depend on how you see things in life. Though Its easier said than done. All we need is to be patience and learning our mistakes from time to time. Whenever we did our best, whatever is going to happen Allah will make it the best for us. There is no such perfect solution to many issues we are facing today. When we solve one problem, another will appear. What we can do is to understand life and the role of mankind in this world. Nothing is perfect, everything is illusion. When we see the mistakes of others, we realize the sign of God perfection. God is love, Love is God. There will be a time when God send someone to you, don't reject them, it could be the greatest gift you ever have in your life. If you are choosy, don't blame God, question yourself.

may Allah bless you and forgive me.

Our Mission.

2008-07-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

By Hazrat Khwaja Moinudeen Hassan Chishti Ajmeri(ra)

Love all and hate none.
Mere talk of peace will avail you naught.
Mere talk of God and religion will not take you far.
Bring out all of the latent powers of your being
And reveal the full magnificence of your immortal self.
Be surcharged with peace and joy,
And scatter them wherever you are and wherever you go.
Be a blazing fire of truth,
Be a beauteous blossom of love and a soothing balm of peace.
With your spiritual light dispel the darkness of ignorance;
Dissolve the clouds of discord and war.
Spread the message of goodwill,
peace and harmony among the people.
Never seek any help,
charity or favours from anybody except God.
Never go to the courts of Kings,
But never refuse to bless and help the needy and the poor,
the widow and the orphan when they come to your door.
This is your mission, to serve the people

pic of Maqam Hazrat Khawaja Moinudin Chisti

Losing tooth

2008-07-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I lost a tooth after battling for so long against the bleed in my mouth which I have been having for many months. I realize there is nothing I can do about it. It hurts but I don't have a choice. Doctor said its becoming worst and its link with cancer and other sort of sickness. I was very sad about it. I was in daze thinking how it can happen to me. But I hope and search for a miracle. It remind me of my late dad. He had dialysis since I was 12 years old. My dad survived for 14 years. He knew when he was on such condition, he's going to died and he said in tears with me, to look after my mom. I didn't know how the pain feel like. Each time he had dialysis he will be weak and in the state of semi concisenesses. Its true, you never know how it feels like going through some pain until you experience it yourself. But one thing my dad taught me, not to give up and continue to strive. He used to say for anything to happen, there is a blessing in disguise.

I felt his hope and strength whenever I feel the pain in my mouth or in abdomen. He used to say be happy even in pain because, there is Allah who knows what you are going through. Therefore, Allah is teaching us to be patience, humble and contented. Nobody knows what you are going through until they face the same situation as you. Its easier said than done. Another strength I gain is to remember what my mom went through. She had a coma for 3 months. Doctor claimed, all hope is gone but in the end she revive and survive until today. Alhamdulilah. Anything can happen to us in life but we should face any problems and challenges with an open heart. I felt difficult to explain to people whats on my mind and heart, its takes a very long time. I am sure it hurts many people. Its my weakness to open my mouth and say whats in my heart. I dont know whats going to happen tomorrow but like my dad said, there are people who wont understand you, cause it takes long time for people who have no experience of going through something, the same for you, having difficulties in understanding others. Time heals the pain and surrow.

Friends

2008-07-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Friends are very important in our life. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w is our greatest example. He's always with his beloved Sahaba r.a. Usually they will gathered around him or to be with him by his side. He shared his love with them and treated them special in every ways. At times, he will also listen to their advices or views in many aspect to show not only his pure humbleness but to inform us the importance of having friends whose hearts are together binding for the sake of Allah. If we are unite, we will be stronger to progress in life. We are weak servant therefore Allah send friends to us each moment whenever we seek one. Every friends have its role in our life, somehow they make an impact in the development of our journey to Allah. There are many reason and wisdom why they came into our life, its a matter of time, if we contemplate on ourselves, we begin to find the answer.

They said if you have many friends then you would probably be getting many enemies. I dont know if it is so much true. I have many friends along the journey of my life which I appreciate them so much. From the school days to soccer, music, voluntarism and now embarking spiritual path also widen my network of friends. Of course there will be criticism being said but then again I often ignore it because I know whatever goes around comes around. I am fortunate to be with many friends who embrace Islam and deep inside me I said " Ya Allah I am thankful to you for opening the door of my heart to know you better through these people who outwardly we may think they are new to you but spiritually they are in your divine presence". Learning from the trade of being a new Muslim is something special to me. The challenges they face each day would probably lift up their spirit to love Allah and his beloved Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. I remembered once I met a young Chinese Muslim bro name Abdullah. He often confide with me whatever problems he is facing. He ever said to me " I dont know if there is any God but if i found sincerity, I would probably met God". I remain silence for that moment.

When we were at Maqam Habib Noh, there was a mawlid. When the door of the Maqam was open. He was so happy and excited. He said to me" Bro is this heaven"? pointing to the direction of the Maqam. I was dumb and speechless not too sure what to say but i felt the experience of having the enlightenment with him by my side. During the reading of Mawlid, he cried and I still holding on to myself. He shed tears so much that, one habib came and hugged me and him. It was amazing, he didn't understand the arabic words and yet he was in tears meaning he would probably understood what was read in the mawlid. Then I realized, its about love and sincerity. When you obtain that such noble feelings within yourself, definitely, you will understand everything. A moment of divine reality grasp you, in a way you begin to overcome your imagination and seeks the ocean of reality.

I also learnt another vital lesson from a Chinese Muslim bro name Firdaus Poon. His generosity in always treating me and others on lunch and dinners always amaze me. It makes me wonder how noble he is in treating others in a way hes not culculative and stingy. I should be like him, insha'Allah. Shaykh Zakaria said The reward of treating others for meals after friday prayer is abundance in nobility. He also said if you are generous, Allah will reward you and also ensure your rezeki will be more. As a born Muslims, I discover how arrogance and ignorance I am all this while. We as born Muslims often took things for granted, thinking we know everything and look down on others who we think no nothing about our religion. If not for my friendship with these people, I would probably trapped in the arrogance for very long time. Praise Be To Allah for his mercy and guidance.

Our friends are unique in their own ways. However, we've to realize, we are not the people of coincidence. Allah has written who we meet in our daily life's. Perhaps the wisdom of being a friend, we would comprehend one day along our journey in this world. may Allah bless all our friends and families.

Selamat Pengantin Baru

2008-07-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

Shaykh Jamhuri Finally nikah his beloved wife Rifki Amalia. May Allah bless them and protect them. Amiin.

A Friend indeed is a friend who is there for you

2008-07-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

The past 2 days i spent with Ashaari made me realize how much I miss him as a friend. He didnt change even though he started a new life with his own family. He was the same guy when i've known for the past 14 years. I grew up wif him in the music scene. Back then, we were always jamming, playing gigs, moshing, finger pointing, stage diving and hanging out. Music and soccer was our religion. Somehow along the way, I needed a change for my life and Allah sent me Ashaari as he embraced Islam. I was his witness. I was there to listen to his shahadah at that particular moment, the atmosphere was dead silent but in my heart, i was in tears. I didn't know I was going to be part of someone's journey to Allah.

There are times when he and I went through troubled periods after he became a Muslim. Although it's tough, Ashaari kept on striving forward and often smiled even when he was in difficulties. I learnt a lot from him. He is the sort of friend who doesn't pick and choose who he wants to be with in his life. He embraces everyone. And I know because whenever i need him, he's there for me. I never heard him backbiting or get against any of his friends.He was not the kind of friend who goes against another friend behind the back. Even in disagreement with anyone of us, he will discuss in an adab way. It's rare to find such a friend. However, we acknowledge each one of us have strengths and weaknesses. This is what i realize when I contemplate the moment I spent with Ashaari. He often looks at your positive than negative side cause he knows he himself is not perfect. Khawajah Shah Naqshband said "If you look at the faults of your friends, you will be friendless." True friends are the ones who will be there for you in the times you need them.

I also remembered the time he introduced me to Shaykh Zakaria. He said to me, there is a tauhid class at darul, the ustaz is good and i decided to join him. I was attracted to Shaykh Zakaria's humbleness and sincerity in teaching. There was a huge crowd attending the class and everyone enjoyed the session. There was once when Shaykh Zakaria came late for the class, everyone was eagerly waiting for him when he came into the class, he smiled and laughed and everyone started to laugh wif him. It was such a miraculous moment for me.

Ashaari also invited me when Mawalana Shaykh Nazim visited Singapore.I never had such spiritual experience before. Although I was searching for a path for almost 2 years, never did I know I will meet mawlana. It's amazing to discover spirituality after being in such a void state for so long. The zikir at Maqam Habib noh was indeed an unforgettable episode in my life. I realize mawlana sent both of us to be together, in a way if we find a way to appreciate our friends, it will benefit us, that is the main purpose of servanthood. There is a hadith, if i remember clearly based on a friend who brings you to heaven and hell. Therefore, friendship is vital in many ways, it makes you strong to seek the path to Allah.

Until today I would seek his opinions or advice because after seeing what he went through in his life and marriage. I have no doubt learning from someone experience will make you a better person. No doubt our friendship being tested from time to time, perhaps a little of patience and understanding one another, make us realize we need each other. We doa and hope with the blessing of Awliyah, Prophet s.a.w and Allah, we remain as friends till our last breath and we together will be under the dome of our beloved Mashaykh and Prophet s.a.w

Sout Ilaahi Productions

2008-06-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mawlid: The joy and love for Prophet s.a.w

2008-06-16T06:11:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday's mawlid for "Cukur Rambut" was indeed a significant moment for most of us. I wanted to cancel it because I wanted to send Mamu and Firdaus jr to the airport but someone told me - someone had a dream, we should continue the mawlid as it is a good practice to have a mawlid for those who are going for umrah too. After all, we are seeking the guidance and love from our Beloved Prophet s.a.w as he is the door to Allah. Then I decided to continue, amazingly the attendance was more than what I expected, alhamdulilah. Most Sufi Shaykhs said "Invitation to the Mawlid is sent by the Prophet s.a.w. If you miss it, it means you are not invited". Somehow most of us are fortunate to be able to attend mawlids from time to time. Praise be only to Allah.

I told Shaykh Zakaria about the mawlid as it's an adab as a student to inform him of the majlis. He replied saying he felt like going, so I arranged with Uncle Husin to fetch him. On the day itself, a few people were looking for him to invite him to their place but they can't get him. In the end he still managed to attend the Mawlid .Perhaps Allah had arranged it this way. It was the first time Shaykh Zakaria was leading the mawlid after a few sessions without his presence. We missed his reading and passion while reading the Qasidah. I felt Shaykh Zakaria was very happy throughout the Majlis. We also discovered Uncle Husin can play the drums, with a bit of adjusting and practicing, he will probably be able to play well. He combined excellently with bro Adnan. The best part is the Qasidah with the "Rongeng" rhythm even Shaykh Zakaria was shaking his body enjoying the session.

The mother of the host enjoyed our mawlid and Qasidah session which made her invite us to her son house in the coming months for mawlid. Alhamdulilah, Praise be only to Allah. We are happy and enjoying ourselves in this Majlis together with Allah, Prophet s.a.w and the awliyah. Its the biggest nikmah we ever had and dream of in our daily life. may Allah bless you and forgive me.

Visiting my dad

2008-06-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ziyarah the grave of my late father. As usual with Firdaus Jr. Our routine would be visiting Mami Ruqiyah first followed by his bro then to my dad and last is the Maqam Of Shaykh Umar al Khatib on friday morning. However yesterday was special, we managed to visit the maqam of Shaykh Umar bin Abdullah Bagharib, the father of our beloved Shaykh Zakaria Bagharib. It was like 3 months ago I visited the grave of my dad. I was feeling very down when i visited him. Memories of being with him is still in my mind even though he had left us for nearly 7 years. Somehow, whenever I visited him, I always going through the difficult period. It was the same yesterday, my heart was heavy with many anxiety and sadness. I felt relief after reading fateha and few more surahs for him. Perhaps it was the baraqah of the Quranic verses.

When we arrived, we really thought it was raining because of the few drops of water from the sky. We continue our routine despite worrying about the downfall. Alhamdulilah its stop. When we are on the way to my father's grave, the sun begin to rise and shine. I quickly remembered it was the same condition on weather when the last time I visited the grave with Firdaus jr. And I remembered after our last Maqam which is Shaykh Umar al Khatib, the downfall began, it was the same yesterday. While walking to Shaykh Umar maqam, it began to drizzling. But we said to each other no matter what happened, we will still go to the Maqam of Shaykh Umar. And Alhamdulilah, we did. After finished the routine, the rain started to pour. We walked to the shelter. After half an hour the rain stop, so we walked out of the cemetery area, along the way, someone driving a van picked up and send us to the boon lay mrt station. may Allah bless him. I have always wanting to visit my dad each week but due to transport and time, I wasnt able to do so. But thanks to firdaus jr for his companionship in accompany me to do this ziyarah routine. may Allah bless his kindness and effort.

White Flag

2008-06-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

by Dido

I know you think that I shouldn't still love you,
Or tell you that.
But if I didn't say it, well I'd still have felt it
where's the sense in that?

I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

I know I left too much mess and
destruction to come back again
And I caused nothing but trouble
I understand if you can't talk to me again
And if you live by the rules of "it's over"
then I'm sure that that makes sense

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

And when we meet
Which I'm sure we will
All that was there
Will be there still
I'll let it pass
And hold my tongue
And you will think
That I've moved on....

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

I will go down with this ship
And I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door
I'm in love and always will be

Everybody Hurts

2008-06-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When youre sure youve had enough of this life, well hang on.
Dont let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes.

Sometimes everything is wrong. now its time to sing along.
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think youve had too much of this life, well hang on.

Everybody hurts. take comfort in your friends.
Everybody hurts. dont throw your hand. oh, no. dont throw your hand.
If you feel like youre alone, no, no, no, you are not alone

If youre on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think youve had too much of this life to hang on.

Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. and everybody hurts sometimes.
And everybody hurts sometimes. so, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. hold on, hold on. hold on, hold on. (repeat & fade)
(everybody hurts. you are not alone.)

Lyrics REM

Selawat Nariyah

2008-06-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

For those who wants to read Selawat Nariyah (above)

Tahajud: The moment of Self Realization

2008-06-08T01:26:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulilah, we had tahajud this morning. There are few of us but you can feel the presence of tranquility, its nikmah . Its been a very long time since we had tahajud together. The last was with Shaykh Hisham last year. We used to have it few years back once in a few months. This tahajud came at the right time when most of us need to rejuvenate our souls. It reminds me the ramadhan days where I spend the night with few friends, visiting Maqam of Awliyah and then performing the Sunnah Prayers. Its simply amazing for most of us who need such activities and we agreed to have this occasion once a month. It should be great as we inject our spiritual strength to our hearts and souls, Insha'Allah. One of the moment that triggered my heart during the tahajud was the time we did the istigfar together. Astagfirullah Azeem Wa tu bu illay (hope correct transliteration spelling). Somehow, my heart feel the pain of the sins I committed lately and the feeling of regret filled my heart.

After Subuh prayer and the Wirid, Bro Razib gave us few counsel of advice which I was thinking about it. Perhaps its the work of our beloved Murshid, spiritual guide Mawlana Shaykh Nazim. Bro Razib told us the secrets and important of tahajud. Another important note he mentioned was the test given to us by Mawlana. At that point, my heart was in the state of realization to understand the problems and difficulties I am facing lately. It should be the vital sins and mistakes I committed lately. I found the solution today through the congregration of those who wants to attain closeness with Allah swt, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and Mawlana. I was finding it difficult to explain to someone what i was going through and today every enquiries found it crucial solution. And Bro Razib continue, mentioning by today, we should write down in a book about our bad characteristic and sinful acts. This is to make us know what are our weaknesses and the Awliyah will support us knowing we are trying our best to eliminate our weaknesses. There are 17 bad characteristic traits, perhaps more for me.

If the Shaykh wrote more than what we can imagine on their bad Characteristic and our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w always said to Allah, don't leave me in a blink of an eye. How about us who are so weak and arrogance? We always claimed to be perfect, alim and better than everyone. The most dangerous is the bad characteristic hidden within ourselves. I have learn this through Shaykh Zakaria during his tassawuf class based on the kitab Tanwir ul Qulub. He mentioned each of the bad characters. There are so many hidden arrogance. This is what we are afraid of cause we don't realize about it. Even anger is part of it.

The act of anger make you Shirik because you are always saying you are right and the rest are wrong. If we are able to continue for 40 days writing, insha'Allah every bad characteristic in us will be eliminate through the spiritual support of our spiritual guide. It's not easy but this is the biggest jihad we should perform for ourselves as we try to benefit our family, children, friends, and enemy. I have to learn to be patience and endure the difficulties part of life. I know Allah is teaching us to be humble and to discover we are nothing without him. To love someone who is your staunch enemy and those who giving you hard time is not easy but if you can do it then it shows you are following the footstep of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. The Beloved Prophet s.a.w showed us many example of his humanity towards everyone including those who always hurt him. He forgave them.

I remembered one of the Mawlana Shaykh Nazim lectures, he said during the time of Prophet s.a.w, there is this man who our Beloved Prophet s.a.w said he is a man of Paradise. So out of curiosity, the sahaba r.a went to check on this man. They want to know what is the secret he have been doing since the Prophet s.a.w said hes the man of paradize. So they went early morning hours to see what hes doing. The first day they found him not doing tahajud except for subuh. The same goes on 2nd day. By the 3rd day, the sahaba r.a became too anxious and they confronted him asking him why did the Beloved Prophet s.a.w said hes the man of paradise. He then asnwered, before I go to sleep, I will forgive all those people who have hurt me or causing trouble for me. May Allah bless you and forgive me.

(The Mawlana suhbah was summarized by me, forgive me if there are any mistakes)

To lose your love one

2008-06-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, I lost an old friend after so long he battled against the odds with his cancer, in the end, he left this world with meaningful meaning of friendship for me. This year, I lost 2 friends. At our age, we didn't expect the tragedy. However, my growing up days is about knowing death itself. I had lost almost 10 friends either through accident or illness. Its a painful memories but this is life, the wisdom behind it, we shall know after we experiencing the pain and sorrow. I know there are people around me whom also received the same fate in experiencing the lost of their love ones.

Most of the time, I pray to God to make those who love and care for me to be happy when the day I have to leave them. I don't know when it will be but I pray so hard the people I love wont leave till I close my eyes. I am not perfect to everyone but they are perfect to me. My uncle used to tell me You wont know how to appreciate someone till he or she is no longer around that reminded me of my dad. I was lucky to spend 14 days with him before his last breath. I get to know him better and it repair our damage relationship. The last day of his life when I was with him was the moment I will never forget in my entire life.

Its painful to lose someone in your life. You wont feel until the time the person is no longer with you. The yearn to be together will make you suffer. You will only know love when the moment of broken hearts hurt you so much, it makes you helpless. I experience it many times and yet I am not immune to it. No one wants to be hurt and no one wants to lose their love ones but Allah know what is the best for us. We plan but Allah is the best planner of all. At times, I close my eyes and cried. I am so weak and hopeless. And I hope my love ones will be with me till my last breath. May Allah bless those who had left us in this world and may Allah forgive me.

Perfume of Attraction

2008-06-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone should strive to become a friend of God, for the Lord never rebuffs the seeker of His intimacy. The main reason for attending a center such as this is to prepare yourself to attain that intimacy. No one can become a friend of God without also becoming a friend of His servants. The attainment of that familiarity and sympathy with the souls of His servants is proof of one's approach to sainthood, for it is easy to claim that one is a friend of God, but not so easy to be in harmony with people.

Perhaps now, during your time here at this center, you may feel closeness with your fellow seekers of truth, but when you return to your countries you will certainly find this harder to realize. When you truly attain the station of friend of God, everyone will be your friend. To succeed in attaining this closeness with people is a sign of one's admittance to the Divine Presence. I don't mean that you become physically attractive or attracted to them, this is not a physical attraction we are talking about but an attraction through the hearts.

Our Grandsheikh once told me a tale about a flower of India that grows only in the most inaccessible places and is, furthermore, always surrounded by snakes. That flower has such an overpoweringly beautiful fragrance that whoever wears it will be loved by one and all. I said to my Grandsheikh: "Oh my Master let me go in search of that flower". He replied, "Oh Nazim Efendi, there is no need for you to go there, for as long as you are vigilant with your Lord after midnight even for a short time Allah Almighty will adorn you with an attraction seventy times more powerful than the attraction of that perfume. Even if you just arise during the last watch of the night when every one is asleep, and even if you don't pray, this miracle will occur and you will become as attractive as that perfume.

Whoever arises at that hour will certainly gain the good graces of his Lord, for that is the time when the Lord looks for the repentance of His servants. Therefore, I advise you all to awaken sometime during the last third of the night: even for five minutes. You must, however, be in a state of ritual purity. Then you must address your Lord: "Oh my lord, come to me, as I cannot come to You". That prayer is enough to give you full protection for that day and makes you a friend of God.

People pass their days coming and going, but in the evening everyone returns to his or her darling. The Lord asks you to be with Him Alone, even for just five minutes in an intimate time of the late night. Who turns to his Lord in the night will find Him near, and will be able to rely upon him even in the midst of great and terrible events.

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

Remembrance of Allah

2008-05-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

"They are the most wise who remember Allah, standing sitting and lying down"
Quran (Surah 4: Verse 190)

"Their skins and their hearts soften to the remembrance of Allah"
Quran (Surah 39: Verse 23)

"Those men and women who engage much in Allah's praise. for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a Great Reward"
Quran (Surah 33: Verse 35)

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet said: "When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them." The Companions asked: "What are the gardens of Paradise, O Messenger of Allah?" He replied: "The circles of dhikr. There are roaming angels of Allah who go about looking for the circles of dhikr, and when they find them they surround them closely." Tirmidhi narrated it (hasan gharib) and Ahmad.

Pic: Mawlana Shaykh Nazim performing Hadrah (zikir standing) in Lefke, Cyprus

Follow a guide

2008-05-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tariqats orders and the four madhabs schools are based on adab and that is why shaitan is against them because they are against his school. His school is the fifth madhab, the school of batil = falsehood. So many people follow it.. May Allah not leave us in the hands of our bad ego; whoever is not asking that will be caught by shaitan. Your ego is telling you that you are number one, that nobody is like you; it is telling you that you don’t have to listen to anyone.. that you are strong and know everything, that you are your own Sheikh. And the ego is lying to us. What we are saying here is what they have put in our hearts, and we are ashamed in front of Allah and fearing Him because we are such ignorant ones, making so many mistakes and bad-mannered actions. Who is the Sheikh? He is that one who teaches you about Allah and His Prophet. How you can know by yourself? But they don’t want to accept a teacher, these wahabi people. And whoever doesn’t accept a Sheikh, a hodja, an imam, a guide, dalil/proof, his teacher is shaitan; he is telling them: 'Why do you need a Sheikh?'

Follow a pure guide that he may take you to purity because only pure ones will enter Paradise.. Allah knows best who the hypocrites are.. We are trying, working on it, asking to be clean. But: thumma amanu, thumma kafaru.. sometimes we believe and sometimes not, listening to our ego and shaitan. On the way of faith, Iman, you can be saved..

And the Angels of the grave will ask you if your face is turned to dunya/world or towards Maula, Allah. They will ask you what is your qibla, to where is your heart directed? If they find your face turned towards Allah, everything is good. But if they find your face turned away from Him, then Allah will also turn away from you. If in prayer you turn your eyes away from the place of sajda/prostration, looking left and right three times, then Allah is saying: 'My servant has turned away from Me. Leave him..' This is an important point in adab.. Don’t behave badly in the Presence of the Sultan.. May Allah forgive us and not throw us out of the Ummati Muhammadi/nation of muhmmad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam peace be upon him, Fatiha.

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani
taken from On the bridge to Eternity

Knowledge and adab

2008-05-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

It is not easy to teach adab; someone may read hundreds or thousands of books but he may not be able to control his ego. He may have knowledge but he can’t practice it. shaitan had so much knowledge and it didn’t benefit him. And everybody in our time wants to study, and they all fail the test. And someone may go on hajj/pilgrimage, he may stay 40 days, make hajj, umrah, ziyaret/holy visits and become clean.

Everything seems perfect, but then he gets on the plane home and he looks to a stewardess with desire, and everything is lost, finished..! Six months, one year he stayed there, so many prayers he did, tawafs, umrahs.. everything is good, but then, for one moment he doesn’t control his ego, forgetting that Allah is looking to him, forgetting and being without Allah, and shaitan makes him from his staff.. Don’t give a chance to shaitan because he is always looking for an opportunity to catch people.

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani
from On the bridge to Eternity

The Demise of Habib Ahmad al Habsyi

2008-05-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Innalillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji`uun. Today we recieved another sad news on the death of Habib Ahmad bin Alwee bin Ali al Habsyi who is the elder brother of the late Habib Anis. He died in Jakarta, insha'Allah his jenazah will be send to Solo for burial. May Allah bless him and his family.

Love of the Prophet

2008-05-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

Love of the Prophet breathes life into our practice of religion. Without it our religion reduces to an empty adherence to a set of dead rules and rituals.

Dr Ahmad Shafaat

Burdah: Rekindle of Love for the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

2008-05-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

by Khalid Ajmain

Most of us are well versed with some Mawlid readings such as Mawlid Dibai, Berzanji, Simtur Duror and Dhiyaull Lam'. Alhamdulilah, this is due to the exposure we often receive from the gathering of the Majlis mawlid during the month of Rabiul Awwal or any important functions. We celebrate our love for our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w through these ceremony, reading his biography. There are more than 500 different types of Mawlid around the world today. However, beside Mawlid, we have the Qasidah Burdah, although its very popular among the Muslims around the world today but in Singapore we lack exposure of Burdah. Not many know what is Burdah or the significant of it. Perhaps, its time we discover the beauty of Burdah and organize such Majlis at our home.

In Indonesia, its a normal routine for the students in the Pesantren to read Burdah on the Friday morning after subuh or Saturday afternoon. Some having it thrice a week while others may have it the whole week in the early morning. In Java, Burdah is one of their Spiritual Culture. Some even make the sound of Burdah localized by having Gamelan as the background music or Seruling during the Chorus. This attract the locals, thousand and thousand singing the tunes of the Beloved ones. Even during the time of Wali Songo, such propagation music with Burdah had been done. I attended before during my days in Solo. It was an amazing experience in such blessed gathering where you feel the presence of Love because they were reciting and singing the love for our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. If the hearts are sincere, no doubt they sure find the real essence of Love. This is the Spiritual Culture we need to revive here. I am positively sure if we have such gathering our youth will enjoy it and at the same time benefit all of us.

The blessings of Burdah we can learn from the history of Burdah which was compose by Imam Busairi. Imam Busairi was a paralyzed man. Many of the doctors and physicians had lost hope for his recovery. One day he decided to write in praise of the Prophet, whom we Muslims consider the dearest of all to God. On a Thursday night, determined and focussed, he retreated into isolation and began his composition. After its completion, he supplicated God for better health. Upon falling asleep, he dreamt of a visit from the Prophet, who commanded him to recite the poem he had written. Imam Busairi then complained that his paralysis had impedimented his speech, to which the Prophet s.a.w. responded by passing his hand over the affected areas. Miraculously, the shaykh was freed from his disease. He began his recitation, during which the Prophet rocked from side to side in appreciation. At the recital's cessation, the Prophet gifted Imam Būsairi his scarf (burda). When the poet awoke, he found himself enshrouded in the same and he was cured miraculously.

I remembered Mawlana Shaykh Hisham told us another story about Imam Busairi. He said "One day there is a group of students walking with their Shaykh along the river, they discovered the water of the river is hot boiling, out of curiosity the Shaykh instructed one of the student to check why is the water of the river in such condition. So the student followed where the water flows then he met Imam Busairi, his leg was in the water while he was reciting Burdah. It was because of his Love for the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was so intense and deep, the water started to boil. Shaykh Zakaria Bagharib told me before his experience in Khalwat (Seclusion) when he was send by Shaykh Hisham. He said without failed we completed the reading of Burdah in Khalwat everyday in 1 hour. He continued, we can feel the baraqah after reading it for 45 days. According to many Islamic Sufi Scholars, if you read Burdah for 10 days, you will meet the prophet s.a.w in your dreams or in the presence.

Many had share their experience of miracles after reading the Burdah or attending the majlis itself. We know there are many virtues and miracles of reading Burdah but our ultimate aim is to ensure our hearts will find the real love with our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. May our love be in the state of sincerity by reading Burdah and attending such Majlis.

Qasidah Burdah by Habib Hassan al Kaff

2008-04-29T23:45:00.001-07:00

Sout Ilaahi present Qasidah Burdah CD album by Habib Hassan al Kaff. This recitation of the Burdah is unique, as it infuses into your heart the atmospheric ambience of the Nusantara, without forgetting its Middle-eastern essence. This particular Burdah is a must add to your Burdah collection.

Biography:

Habib Hassan alKaff was born in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, where many famous Ulama bore roots since early history.He grew up studying Religious knowledge while receiving tremendous support from his family. After graduating from a local Pesantren, he ventured onwards to Darul Mustafa in Yemen, to further his studies.After the completion of his studies, he promptly returned to Indonesia. Now, he is residing in Solo and teaching at Al Hidayah. At times, he lead the Majlis Burdah together with Ahabbul Mukhtar.

For sales and ordering, please contact Khalid Ajmain at khalid_ajmain@yahoo.com.sg or call +65 90687106. or check out http://soutilaahi.blogspot.com/

The cost of this Burdah CD is $13.00.Singapore dollars. Insha'Allah the Burdah CD will be on sale this saturday 03 may at the life of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.Seminar at Masjid Al Kaff. And we are hoping Wardah Books will be able to sell the CD too.

The new age of music for the youth

2008-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been hearing criticism from the majority of our local Muslims on Whirling and hadrah. It seems like our Muslim society lack of exposure and understanding the spiritual concept of knowledge and culture. It saddened me to see the state we are in. We are cursing and labeling others who we don't understand their actions with words which our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. wont even want to utter it. Its time, we discover our lost spiritual culture and heritage, this include music, poetry and arts. We are in the need of reviving the spirit of love, tolerance and humanity. We are becoming ruthless and arrogance. We have the mentality of "Holier than thou" attitude. We measure progress by materialism while the number of social issues and stress are increasing day by day. But in actual fact, we are backdated.

The youth of today are more into spiritual arts and culture. It fascinate them, awaking their hearts to understand God by exploring the subject of spirituality. They felt the sense of belonging to the Tariqa groups because of music, love, remembrance of God and many spiritual activities. This will lead them to righteous path, to contribute their efforts and sincerity to the development and progression of our society. And We are able to have social cohesion. As in spiritual teachings, we learn to love one another and respect Allah's creation, whoever they could be. Ever since bands such as Dewa, Padi, Ungu, Opick, Haddad Alwi, Habib Syech and Ahabul Mustafa, Rabbani band, Debu and many more in Indonesia are making impact in the society life, it shows how important the spiritual culture is to us today.

While the days of Nasheed are completely gone, Rabbani band and another sufi bands or ensemble concerts attract thousand crowds from youth to adults. Most of the youth are no longer inclining towards nasheed. The likes of Nowsweetheart and other nasheed groups found it difficult to have youngsters as their followers. Raihan was the last nasheed group to achieve success on various platform. The last time, we have such nasheed group was Al jawher back in the early 70s. We don't know when nasheed will be popular again in this region. However, the rising number of fusion groups like Rabbani band, Opick, Debu will make an immediate impact to the youth. Therefore, we have to open our mind and hearts so that we are able to feel the inner spirit of the music. When the music is play with the hearts of sincerity, it brings harmony to ourselves and our society.

1 Pic Rabbani Band concert
2 pic Taking baiyah Session after concert

Smoking cigarette

2008-04-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

One cigarette already supports Satan kingdom. Did you know that? It is a very simple example which will wake you up. People are burning trillions of dollars for that every day. All for the honour of satan, or did you think they are doing it for Allah? Then they cry about an economical crisis. If they would just stop smoking for one day, it would finish every economical crisis in the world. What can we say?

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

taken from Wake Up The World is Burning

The Jakarta trip

2008-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

The Jakarta trip was awesomely spiritualy amazing experience for me. I didnt have any proper plan, just felt like visiting the Awliyah, somehow i managed to go despite several news about the city was still recovering from flood and having problem with pollution .Being alone traveling is nothing new for me, in fact its something which I always look out for. When you are alone reaching to your destine places, you tend to contemplate on yourself, examine your negative traits, mazmumah although there is a form of anxiety and worry in your heart cause you may not know what to expect in a foreign country especially when you are alone, I always have this certainty when you travel for the sake of Allah, HE will take care of you though, my tawakkal is not to the level of certainty yet.

This is not the first time I'm alone in Jakarta, I have been traveling alone for the past few years. As usual, have to be wary with the pickpockets and daylight robbers. I often pray with the baraqah of the Awliyah, I am protected. I felt comfortable over there perhaps because I look like the locals and able to speak bahasa Indonesia well and they really thought I am their fellow country man. Thank god! Bro Verdino would deny I look like typical Javanese, he said I am more of Sumatran mix with other races. Well, in every places you go be it the holy land, west or even Singapore i am sure there are good and evil trying to conquer each one of us. It just that we have the tendency of looking down on the 3rd world countries society. People said Indonesia is the land of Supernatural league, how about Singapore then? We label them with various name and making ourselves proud of being the most progressive nations yet we are far behind from their good characteristic.

The biggest problem in Jakarta is the traffic congestion. It begins in the morning and till the wee hours. I have to admit, I cant take the long hours being stuck on the road. I tend to lose my patience. Luckily, during the visit of maqam Shaykh Abdul Rauf ride me. I believe it solve our problem in traveling from one place to another. Thanks to him and other Naqshbandi Haqqani brothers from jakarta for their help and hospitality in serving me, masha'Allah they are indeed like what Mawlana Shaykh Nazim describe them: "The people with jewel hearts". We managed to Ziyarah the maqam of Habib Ahmad al Haddad, Kuchong together after the khatm khawajagan. We had mawlid and tahlil in the late night, nevertheless, still feel the amazing spiritual vibes. SubahanAllah. I would like to thanks Abdul Rauf, Rizal (chairman), Hidayat, Pak Toni, Pak Aweng, Bro Bahaudin, Verdino and those who keep me company while i was there, I am sorry if I forgot your name. I wont be able to travel smoothly if not for you guys. may Allah bless you and forgive me.

pic: Abdul Rauf at the office of YaYasan Haqqani Indonesia

by Khalid Ajmain

Habib Hassan al Khatib (caretaker of Maqam Habib Noh al Habshi)

2008-04-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

Innalillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji`uun. The sad news about the demise of Habib Hassan al Khatib is still on our minds today. In life, we should always expect the unexpected. We miss his voice, salam, love and humility whenever we met him while visiting the Maqam of Habib Noh al Habshi. A simple man, yet kind-hearted, devoting his whole life to being a caretaker of the Maqam of Habib Noh al Habsyi. He often treated his guests well whether they are Scholars, forgeiners or any commoners. He would welcome them with an open heart. May Allah bless his soul.

The Love of Qasidah

2008-03-26T04:01:00.001-07:00

The month of Rabbiul Awwal have always been the month which our hearts yearn to sing Qasidah for the Love of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. From children, teachers, daughters, grandparents, friends, relatives, familties and whoever attend the majlis, we felt the immense joy in our hearts while reading the mawlid and singing the Qasidah, our voices, hearts and souls are bind together with the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and Allah s.w.t And we hope, by attending such Majlis Mawlid each day of our life, would increase our sincerity in loving the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. The Prophet s,a,w, said, you will be with the one you love when you are in the judgement day. So we hope we will be with the Beloved at all times.

We had a good Mawlid at the Hj Yusof Mosque (Maqam Habib Noh). Shaykh Zakaria lead the mawlid while Shaykh Abdul Maqsud and Ust Abu Zaki was also attending the blessing event. It was full of intense love. A day we wont forget for the rest of our lifes.

Pic: Shaykh Zakaria Bahgarib at Masjid Hj Yusuf, (Maqam Habib Noh)

The Special day on 12 Rabbiul Awwal

2008-03-18T12:21:00.001-07:00

Today is a special day, after maghrib, it will be 12 Rabbiul Awwal which is the day our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was born and on the same day is the birthday of our Beloved Shaykh Zakaria Bahgarib. It will be an amazing day with such experience in life. To be with Shaykh Zakaria, learning and traveling with him had mold me into someone new. A simple man with vast experience in life and having beneficial knowledge which he teaches us, always make us realize how humble he is. Knowledge is one main part of our seeking on the path to Allah but when it comes to the lesson of spirituality, experience play an important role. Everyone can have knowledge but at certain time in our life, we need wisdom as an advice to guide us.

Yesterday, he mentioned about the important of marriage and yakin (certainty) with Allah. Despite an enormous anxiety hanging over me, I know the blessing of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and also Shaykh Zakaria, will ease everything in my heart. Each time I see him, the smile on his face and his joy of laughter brings tranquility to my heart.

p/s: May Allah bless Shaykh Zakaria and may we benefit by being with him.

In Defense of Reality

2008-03-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Security. Well, how secure are we?
Making our plans in a castle of sand as our dreams get dragged to sea.
You say you're independent;
well is that a fact?
It's by creation's donation that you are maintained
but you'd rather turn your back. I
n defense of reality!

Today's modern science is your modern religion.
Guess worktaught as fact--
"Don't talk back"--blind faith in their decision.
You say explosion started creation,
and we're just chemical combinations,
but would you take the same stand if there wasa gun in my hand?
Or wouls you beg for your salvation?

In defense of reality?
Actually, these conclusions provetheir insanity!
A creation without a creator...
Can it be?
Just like a painting without a painter...absurdity!
No,I don't wanna run away,
I want to embrace reality.

Song and lyrics by Shelter

The Sign of Love

2008-03-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

The sign of loving Allah swt is loving the Holy Qur’an” and the sign of loving the Qur’an is loving the Prophet saw and the sign of loving the Prophet saw is love of his Sunnah and the sign of loving the Sunnah is to love akhira and the sign of loving akhira is to hate dunya and the sign of hating dunya is to take the least you can - not to run after it, getting all the pleasures of dunya.

Mawlana Shaykh Hisyam Kabbani qs

The Coming of Rabbiul Awwal (The love season begins)

2008-03-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

This coming saturday, the mawlid season begins. As usual, we are going to start the Majlis at Shaykh Zakaria's home. Its the moment, most of us have been waiting for each year. The rejoice of reciting and singing the story and history of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. It rekindle the spiritual soul of love to our hearts that each day in our life we yearn for it. The so called self pro claimed modernists, intellectuals and narrow minded Muslims may find no logical sense to our longiness for the Beloved Muhammad s.a.w especially in regards to the Majlis Mawlid itself. However, the pleasure and blessing of love can only be in the state of taste. For those who know love, their understanding and taste is beyond the rational thinking. Love is beyond the boundary.

This is the poerty written by Imam Abdul Rahmand Ad Di' bai who wrote it in the mawlid Di' bai. (Some parts of it). It reflects upon the love that every creations posses for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.aw. If a camel is able to feel its love for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., how about us, the mankind?

Swaying in hearing the person who sang the name of the Beloved;

Touching the emotions of those on the trail

Did you not see how it (the camel in excitment) took wider steps and tears flowed down from its eyes in happiness?

It looked around for shade to hide its happiness; and longed for the place of history and play.

Do not hold the ropes nor lead it; for its (the camel) longing for him (s.a.w.) will lead it to the intended village (Medina)

But you must also be engulfed in happiness like that of the camel; if not, you are not sincere in your love.

pic: Shaykh Zakaria Bahgarib at Cik Supaat house for mawlid Session last season.

The Challenge

2008-03-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Part of our challenge is to love the Creator that we cannot directly see. That is the easy part. But the great difficulty is to love each other. To extend our hands to help each other, to visit each other, to throw away hate from our hearts to throw away anger and negative energy from our hearts. When we look inward, not outward, we begin to realize that we are seeing our own faults in those around us. In fact, that is how we are able to recognize them in the first place.

Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani

taken from Universe Rising

This book is available at WardahBooks (www.wardahbooks.com)

Pic: Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani at Abdul Aleem Siddique, Mosque

Lovers

2008-02-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

Lovers O lovers, lovers it is time to set out from the world. I hear a drum in my soul's ear coming from the depths of the stars.

Our camel driver is at work; the caravan is being readied. He asks that we forgive him for the disturbance he has caused us, He asks why we travelers are asleep.

Everywhere the murmur of departure; the stars, like candles thrust at us from behind blue veils, and as if to make the invisible plain, a wondrous people have come forth.

Mawlana Rumi Q.s
The Divani Shamsi Tabriz, XXXVI

Thank you Spurs, Thank you Senior Ramos

2008-02-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

Finally, spurs had won a silverware after such a long period of time since 1999. The frustration and heartache felt by the spurs fans from all over the world was completely forgotten by yesterday victory against the Northern London rivalries, Chelsea. What was supposed to be the sweetest victory for the Giant Favorite of the London Club Chelsea when they took the lead 1-0, the underdog Spurs stole the limelight, with such tremendous passion and hunger to win this vital game.

Spurs didnt gave up and have faith in themselves to win the game in extra time. Ironically, Spurs have not won against their nothern rivalries for a decade. In life, anything is possible. You live your dream to the fullest, work hard for it and luck will always be with you. If you had failed in the first attempt or along the way in your life, try again until you succeed. Don't listen to criticism which doesnt serve a benefit but learn the art of wisdom in failure. Failure is the mother of success. But then again luck wont just be lurking around with you if it doesnt coincide with the strategy of God. However, to strive and work for something you want to achieve in this world or hereafter is a requirement for a servant of God. Enjoy success, be happy and always be in the state of humility.

Safar

2008-02-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

For the past few years when the month of Safar begins, things would probably be different. I found it difficult to explain to certain friends about it. I realized for many years when the month of Safar arrive, the weather, atmosphere and somehow the spiritual feeling is also very low. It was in this month, the darkest tragedy history of my life happened few years ago. Perhaps, its the month of endurance, building our patience and believing in our certainty with Allah s.w.t. Well, Shaykh Adnan Kabbani always advice us not to travel long distance in this month.

Anyway, we are looking forward to the month of Rabbiul Awwal, insha'Allah. May Allah s.w.t ease our burden, support our journey and forgive our sins through our sickness and hardships in this month. May Allah s.w.t. make us reach the month of Rabbiul Awwal through the baraqa of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Awliyah Allah and the Solihin. Amin

What is Love ?

2008-02-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

Love is eternal, and the transitory nature of all things pertaining to this world is a sign of truth, a sign that shows us by means of contrast. Real spiritual love, love of God and love of mankind for the sake of God is the only truth, the only thing in this world that is permanently and constantly sweet. Physical separation from someone you love, in accordance with the rule that pertains to the physical, may create a longing that will cause love to increase, may augment the bliss of reunion. But on the spiritual level that love is constant, is never interrupted by distance nor by time. Your beloved may be on the moon and you may be in bliss at the thought of reunion, but if love is unrequited, that is not sweet separation but a bitter pill. The extinction of love is pitch darkness. You may regard the sunset as beautiful, but how would you feel if it were setting forever?

Love is the water of life. God created Adam from clay and water. If it were not for water the clay would hold no shape. Divine Love is what binds our souls together. That is why people become so miserable when they feel unloved. It is a feeling that something essential is missing from one's life, that life itself is incomplete, and in the face of this ache people set out in search of love with the desperation of a man dying of thirst.

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

Taken from Love Is The Water Of Life

The love of Habib Umar

2008-02-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the last lecture of Habib Umar bin Hafiz at al Wehdah. It end with an emotional doa by Habib himself as he bid farewell to us before he travel to Malaysia after the lecture. During the series of lectures, Habib had given us many spiritual advices and also cultivating our love for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad sa.w. Indeed, it was vital for us to realize the important of Habib Umar advice especially on refining our character, on how we should be a good example as a muslim to other society like how the sufis in the past had done by spreading the religion of Islam with love and peace. It has nothing to do with violence and hatred. It is through the love, compassion and humanity that we build bridges between the people of different culture and race. The beloved Prophet's teaching was purely base on love. And those who sincerely love the Prophet s.a.w knows Love.

We doa that we are able to meet him again in our Beloved country. May Allah bless him and may we benefit from his series of lectures.

Update on Habib Umar bin Hafiz talk

2008-01-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

Bismillah wassolatu wassalaamu 'ala Rasulillah wa 'ala aalihi wassohbihi waman waalah.Amma ba'du,

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

Assalamu'alaikum wr wb,

It's time again for a renowned 'aleem from the land of abundance scholars and pious people to return to Singapore Darus Samad. He is, non other than al-Habib as-Sayyid 'Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafidz.

Come and appreciate the recitation of adh-Dhiyaaul Laami' .
The poetic eulogy in remembrance of Rasulullah SAW arranged by al-Habib himself.

Listen and learn from the learned

The Lecture entitled "Kecemerlangan Masyarakat Islam. Bagaimana? Dengan apa?"

This email is my personal invitation to you and your family, on behalf of Masjid Al-Istighfar (New Venue! Previously at Masjid Al-Amin) , to grace the majlis.

8th February 2008. Majlis will start after solat Maghrib.

Insya-Allah, dinner will be served. (For those who wishes to sponsor the dinner for 500+ jemaah, please do not hesistate to contact Ust Suhaimi Fauzi at imam@alistighfar.mosque.org.sg or at 6 584 3722. May Allah multiplied our rizq!)

Check the event poster! Wassalamu'alaikum wr wb."May Allah illuminate my heart and your heart with the Lights of Certainty

MUHAMMAD MAZDIUKY BIN MD ISHAK

Imam Executive Masjid Al-Amin& Naib Qadhi

Habib Umar bin Hafiz is back in Singapore

2008-01-30T18:24:00.001-08:00

Alhamdulilah, Habib Umar bin Hafiz a scholar from Hadramawt, Yemen will be coming to our beloved country, Singapore again. He is the principal of Darul Mustafa. Here are the information of the events. All are welcome!

All the lectures will be delivered by Habib Umar Bin Hafiz in Arabic with intermittent translations to the Malay language by his student.

Date: 6 Feb 2008

Day:Wednesday

Hikmah Di Sebalik Musibah

Venue: Masjid Hj Muhd Salleh (Maqam Habib Noh)

Time: 12.45 hrs

(The lecture will be before and after solat Zuhur)

Umati!Umati!Menjawab Seruan Rasulluah s.aw.
Venue: Masjid Abdul Aleem Siddique
Time:7pm
(The event will begin after the solat mahgrib with Mawlid)

Date: 7 Feb 2008
Day: Thursday
Renungan dan Meingati Allah swt
Venue: Masjid al Mukminin
Time: 4pm

Penyakit Penyakit Hati
Venue: Masjid Ba'alawi
Time: 7pm
(The event begins after solat maghrib with recitation of Ratib al Attas)

Date: 8 Feb 2008
Day: Friday
Solat Jumaat Bersama Habib Umar
Venue: Masjid al Abdul Razak
Time:12.45
(Habib Umar will be giving short lectures before his Friday sermon)

Date: 9 Feb 2008
Day: Saturday
Patience- Attribute of a Believer
Venue: al Wehdah, The Arab Association (no 11 lorong 37, Geylang)
Time: 7pm

*Habib Umar will be performing solat Subuh and having short talks at Masjid al Abdul Razak from 6 Feb to 10 Feb 2008.

For more information and enquiries, you can call bro Nassir 63460153

The ‘Dancing’ of the Sufis

2008-01-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

By Shaykh Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Ajibah al-Hasani

Released by www.marifah.net 1428 H

Dancing is divided into three categories:

1. The forbidden.

2. The permissible.

3. The recommended.

1. The forbidden category is the dancing of the common with ladies and youths present. This can lead to spoiling and uncontrolled lower natures, and satanic selves and so on. Its purpose is to show off and to exhibit a state which is not real. This is also forbidden. This is why certain people have said that dancing is forbidden.

2. The permissible category of dancing is the dancing done by the right-acting ones and the fuqara without ecstasy or finding. They do it as a relaxation to the self and energy for their hearts, fulfilling the conditions of time and place and the brothers. No women participate in it, nor youths. This is permissible, and it does not call for prohibition, because the causes of forbidding dancing are what was mentioned before. The latter case is free of these conditions. If this dancing is compared to what the Samiris did when they worshipped the cow, it is seen that their dancing was forbidden because theirs was spoiled. Their purpose was to glorify the calf, and to be happy with it.

This is kufr. If their dancing had been free of that it would not have been forbidden for them. It is confirmed that Ja’far ibn Abu Talib r.a. danced in the presence of the Prophet s.a.w. when he said to him,

“You resemble me in my creation and my behaviour.”

1Excerpted from al-futuhat al-ilahiyya sharh al-mabahith al-asliyya by Sidi Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Ajibah al-Hasani(died 1224 Hijrah)

2 Imam Nawawi said: “Dancing is not unlawful, unless it is languid, like the movements of the effeminate. And it is permissible to speak and to sing poetry, unless it satirizes someone, is obscene, or alludes to a particular woman” (minhaj al-talibin wa `umdat al-muttaqin.

Cairo 1338/1920. Reprint. Cairo: Mustafa al-Babi al-Halabi, n.d., 152)

3 `Ali . said: I visited the Prophet with Ja`far (ibn Abi Talib) and Zayd (ibn Haritha). The Prophet said to Zayd: “You are my freedman” (anta mawlay), where upon Zayd began to hop on one leg around the Prophet (hajala). The Prophet then said to Ja`far: “You resemble me in my creation and my manners”,

This was mentioned by Shaykh Sanusi in his musrat al -faqir.

Ibn Layun at-Tujibi said,

“As for dancing in the mosque, it is in the sahih muslim collection from A`isha . who said, ‘An army came from Ethiopia beating drums on the day of the feast in the mosque. The Prophet s.a.w. invited me and I put my palms on his shoulders and watched them play.’”

Ibn ‘Aynia said that ‘zafaf’ was to dance. So it is confirmed that dancing is permissible. If it was forbidden in its essence, it would not have been done in the presence of the Messenger of Allah s.a.w.

3. The category of dancing which is recommended is the dancing of the Sufis, the people of taste and state, whether they are in ecstasy or seeking ecstasy, whether that is in the presence of the dhikr, or in sama’
.
There is no doubt that the cure of the heart of forgetfulness and gathering with Allah swt is sought by whatever means there are, as long as they are not forbidden with a clear and definite declaration of them as forbidden. We have seen the speech of al-Junayd when he was asked about sama’

Al-Fasi said in his sharh al-hissn from [Shaykh al-Islam] al-Suyuti Q.s that he [al-Suyuti] said:

“How can one condemn making dhikr while standing, or standing while making dhikr, when Allah . says, “. . .those who invoke Allah standing, sitting, and upon their sides” 4. And A`isha r.a.h. said, ‘The Prophet . used to invoke Allah at all of his times.’ 5 And if dancing is added to this standing, it may not be condemned, as it is of the joy of spiritual vision and ecstasy, and the Hadith exists 6 that Ja`far ibn Abi Talib r.a. danced in front of the Prophet . when the Prophet . told him, ‘You resemble me in looks and in character,’ Dancing from the happiness he felt from being thus addressed, and the Prophet did not condemn him for doing so, this being a basis for the legal acceptability of the Sufis dancing from the joys of the ecstasies they experience.”

7 whereupon Ja`far began to hop behind Zayd. The Prophet then said to me: “You are part of me and I am part of you whereupon I began to hop behind Ja`far.”’ Imam Ahmad related it in his musnad (1:108) and Ahmad Muhammad Shakir declared it sound (sahih) in his Riyadh, 1949 edition; it is related also by `Uqayli, Abu Nu`aym from Jabir, and Ibn Sa`d in his tabaqat with a sound chain to Muhammad al-Baqir. [Shaikh GF Haddad in his recently released Sunna Notes says it is a ‘fair narration from ‘Ali by Imam Ahmad’]

4 Qur’an 3:191

5 Sahih Muslim, 1.282: 373

6 In many sources, such as musnad al-imam ahmad, 1.108, with a hasan chain of transmission.

7 Al-hawi lil fatawi. 2 vols. Cairo 1352/1933–34. Reprint. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al `Ilmiyya, 1403/1983,

Among these people are great Imams, and one of them was the Shaykh of Islam, ‘Izzuddin ibn `Abdul Salam, as is mentioned in the ihya 8.

This is also confirmed by the hadith reported from A`isha r.a.h, and the people from Ethiopia who were dancing. The Prophet s.a.w , said to her, “Would you like to look at the dance of the Ethiopians?” Ibn Zakri mentioned it in the commentary of the nasihaj.

It is reported from previous times, from both the east and the west that the Sufis used to gather to remember Allah and that they used to dance. It is not reported that any of the worthy scholars denied them. I have seen in Fez, in the Zawiyya of as-Siqilli, a group who used to do dhikr and dance from the `asr on the day of jumu`a until the isha, with a lot of scholars around. No one denied what they were doing. It has reached me that our Shaykh, the Shaykh of the group Sidi at-Tawdi ibn Suda used to be present with them sometimes. He did not deny anything to the fuqara, except someone who was a cold imitator or an argumentative competitor.

8 It is authentically reported that al-`Izz ibn `Abdul Salam “attended the sama’ and danced in states of ecstasy”. Stated by Ibn al-`Imad, shadharat al-dhahab 5:302; Ibn Shakir al-Kutabi, fawat al-wafayat 1:595; al-Yafi`i, mir`at al-jinan 4:154; al-Nabhani, jami` karamat al-awliya 2:71; Abu al-Sa`adat, taj al-ma`arif p. 250.Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami also mentions “it is permissible to stand and dance during gatherings of remembrance [of Allah] and audition according to a group of great scholars, among them being Shaykh al-Islam Ibn `Abdul Salam.” (fatawa hadithiyya, p. 298)

Photo: Whirling Dervishes

Lovers

2008-01-21T03:08:00.000-08:00

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.

Lovers don't finally meet somewhere,
they're in each other all along.

Mawlana Rumi
Translator: Coleman Barks

The day of Ashura is here soon.....insha'Allah

2008-01-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

I did not realise that it soon will be Ashura this Saturday, till a friend of mine called me and enquired as to what I will be doing on this day. I was dumbfounded as I did not realise that time has passed so fast and it is already Ashura. I feel that I have been left behind whilst time moves swiftly. Usually I would spend my time by myself on this special day. Beats me why I spend it all alone and I am still trying to understand. Yes! Its a Ashura day and I spend time alone. My mother loves the Ashura porridge that some friends would cook and some mosques offer.

may Allah bless you and forgive me

Khalid Ajmain

Friends along the journey...

2008-01-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Recently I made a new friend who is an inspiration to me. I always need someone who will make me a better person than before and perhaps she did make me a better person without realising it. ALLAH sends us all friends along our journey in life in order to improve ourselves through lessons learnt from them. There may be complications along the way but nevertheless, I have never met a friend like her before as she simply inspires me everyday in whatever I do. Praise be to ALLAH for his mercy and love in allowing us to meet and know each other and for our unique identities to communicate issues that help us improve our journey in this world.

May Allah bless her and forgive me

Khalid Ajmain

What is music in Islam?

2007-12-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

What is music in Islam? It is haram, forbidden to listen to music that is arousing to the ego. How can you tell? If the heart goes to haram ,it is haram!

Some people, on the other had, when they listen to music are changing, looking at their incompleteness. This is a funny happening, and with it comes a strong desire to complete one's self, to save one's self from incompleteness. This is divine music, special music. We may say it is 'sunnah'.

There is also another class of people, those who must listen to music. The music of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi q.s. , for instance, was the opening Divine knowledge. From it one could take a power to protect the nation of Muhammad s.a.w. This is 'wajib' music.

Originally, no action was prohibited. Prohibition came only after that action started leading away from Allah Almighty, and towards our nafs, our egos. This is a general law. As our Grandshaykh says, "I'm giving you a balance and a base. You may now go anywhere, east or west, and not lose your way. In every action, you may find 'wajib', 'sunnah' and 'haram'. One man goes to saloon to drink; it is haram. Another goes to take knowledge; it is sunnah.

Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani
taken from The teachings of Grandshaykh Abdullah Faiz Daghestani

Quranic Recitations by Shaykh Jamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz

2007-12-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulilah, We have released a Quranic Recitations by Shaykh Jamhuri bin Ramli al Hafiz. Originally, it was on cassette but due to advance technology in other parts of the world today, I have decided to make it into CD at reasonable price $10.00

Biography:
Shaykh Jamhuri is one of the imam of Baitur Rahman Mosque, Aceh. He is a Hafiz Quran. He is also a university graduate in Jakarta. He is the murid of Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani and Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani. Today, he is spreading the beautiful teachings of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. from city to another with peace, love and tolerance. He is also leading the Khatm Khawajan (zikir) of Naqshbandi Haqqani in Aceh.

The contents of this CD:
Surah As Sajdah
Surah Yasin
Surah Al Waqi'ah
Surah Al Mulk
Surah An Naba
Surah An Nazi'at

*If you are keen to purchase this amazing Quranic cd, please email me for your order. Thanks

Music is defined by Rumi in the following couplet:

2007-12-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

“Music is the nutrition of the souls of the Servants of the Lord, since in music, there is the hope of reaching God.” Therefore, music, when combined with mediation and contemplation, is seen as being a faster way to reach God.

The fountain magazine

pic: Shaykh Abd Wahid whirling at Cinere Zawiyah, Jakarta, Indonesia

Seeking Provisions

2007-12-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

It is crucial for us to understand that trusting in God's provision for us should never prevent us from working to earn a living. The Prophet himself implied this when he said, “So stay warily conscious of God and beautify the way you beseech and request.” He implied that it is acceptable to request material support and to seek to earn a living in the world. If relying on God negated the need to request, search and earn, then the Prophet would never have declared it acceptable and admonished us to beautify the way we go about it. The Prophet never said, “Don't request,” but rather said, “Beautify the way you beseech and request.” It is as if he were telling us, “When you seek provision and request it, beautify the way that you seek it. Be polite, courteous and humble in presenting your needs, always turning over final say in every matter to God alone.” With this advice, the Prophet has allowed us to request provision through intermediate means (al-talab min al-ashab). Intermediate means could be supplicating God or working in the world. The Prophet had previously pronounced, “It is allowable for people to live off their rightful earning (kasb al-yamin).” This is just one instance among many when the Prophet showed that working and earning money is allowable as an intermediate means by which we receive our provision. Indeed the Prophet encouraged us to work and struggle to earn and improve our lot.

There are many benefits to engaging the world through hard work. The true One knows the weakness of human hearts, acknowledges our inability to clearly see what is apportioned for us, and compensates for our frailty by guaranteeing that we will receive our provision. In divine wisdom, God has allowed us to option of working and relying on intermediate means for earning, as a way of receiving this provision. Through divine benevolence, God has granted this to us as a support for our feeble hearts and repose for our forgetful souls.

Working for your living protects you from lowering your dignity by having to beg for support from others. It preserves the luster of faith from the tarnish of having to ask from other people. Whatever God gives to you by means of your work does not come as a gift from others, necessitating some subsequent obligations upon you. If someone hires you for a job or pays you for some service rendered, your boss cannot count it as a gift or charity, for your work helps to further the boss' own goals. You take your livelihood as earnings from the boss, not as charity. You take it as a right and not as a request.

As you work to earn a living, you are distracted from sinful pursuits. You are saved from the curse of idle time, which gives you the opportunity to act against God's commands. Just observe how negligent people, when they have vacation from work or periods of unemployment, dispose of their time in sinful pursuits! For such people, working for a living is a form of compassion from God; it keeps them from temptation, trouble and inevitable negative consequences. Further, earning a living allows you to be compassionate with those who do not work. The profits you earn are a means of providing the gift of livelihood to those who dedicate themselves to worship or keep their time unencumbered for meditation. If not for those who work and give their earnings, how could anyone spend time in isolated prayer or dedicated service to God? Indeed God had made earnings a from of service for others who dedicate their lives entirely to God.

From another perspective, God desires believers to grow close to each other in relationship of mutual interdependence. This is reflected in Divine Speech, Surely the believers are siblings (ihwa). Earning a living through work causes people of different backgrounds to come together, to get acquainted, to cooperate, and to learn to love each other. For this reason, only a stubbornly ignorant or foolishly heedless person would deny the efficacy of working to earn a livelihood. We have no report of the Prophet Muhammad commanding people to stop working an earning as he called them to live in accord with God. Rather, in calling his followers to divine guidance, he urged them to engage in the kinds of work that are pleasing in the sight of God. The Qur'an and the Prophet's teachings are full of exhortations to work. The poet excelled who exclaimed:

God commanded May, in her starvation
“Shake the palm tree in your desparation
And gather the dates that fall as it leans!”
The dates could have fallen, if God had willed,
And without a shake her needs could be filled
But nothing occurs without intermediate means.

How clearly the poet points out the meaning of Divine Speech [as it tells the story of Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus and living in isolation]: Shake the trunk of the date palm so that the dates fall into your gathering arms. Once the Prophet stopped at someone's house and was offered a meal of cucumbers and fresh dates. He pronounced, “This offsets the damage of that,” meaning that the cucumber require hard labor to cultivate while dates come almost freely. However, this is an exaggeration [since cultivating dates, too, takes labor].

When the Prophet said to be like and “wake up hungry in the morning and take rest well-fed in the evening,” he was teaching that working for a livelihood was the established norm in this religious community. The birds, as they wake then rest, are analogous to us in our work. We wake in the morning to earn and acquire; in the evening we return home to rest and enjoy what we earn. There is a maxim that explains this point: working with intermediate means is necessary for rectifying your material being, just as withdrawing from intermediate means is necessary for clarifying your spiritual seeing. God established intermediate means through divine wisdom's subtlety, but do not rely on them fully to acknowledge God's absolute singularity.

Ibn 'Ata'Allah al-Iskandari

The Book of Illumination (Kitab al-Tanwir fi Isqat al-Tadbir)

Love is the key

2007-12-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Love must not be by tongue. It must be by heart, by body, every cell of your body must say, “I love Muhammad (s)!” That is not shirk, that is love. There are people when “Muhammad (s)” is mentioned tears come to their eyes.

Do you think love is only by means of the tongue? If you are in love with a woman and she doesn’t respond to letters or to calls, you are crying ,you don’t sleep.

There are awliya who cannot enjoy themselves except through tears of love to Muhammad (s). Their joy is in their tears. That is why the greatness of Sayyidina Muhammad (s) cannot be understood.

Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani
taken from Love is the key suhbah

Audio titles of Sufi Masters

2007-12-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Salaam bro and sis,

I hope and pray you are in the state of good health in this blessed month. I have some of the audio and vcd of our beloved Mawlana Shaykh Nazim, Shaykh Hisham Kabbani and the late Shaykha Hajjah Aminah Adil, may Allah bless them all. Each of the cd or vcd cost S$10.00. Below are the titles. If you are keen to purchase any of the titles, you may email or sms me. thanks

Vcd

The Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and his Sahaba

by Shaykha Hajjah Amina Adil q.s.

Cd (Audio)

Khatm Khawjan & Suhbah :The Purpose of Creations

by Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

Zikir & Hadrah

by Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani

*These are suhbah by Mawlana Shaykh Hisham after his seclusion in 2005.

Ibn Arabi (Edited version)