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Seluruh khalayak mengetahui dan menyedari bahawa manusia adalah makhluk terhebat yang diciptakan oleh Allah. Kehebatan manusia dari sudut jasad dan rohani serta keupayaan akal untuk berfikir menjadikan keistimewaan yang tiada tandingan di atas mukabumi Allah swt.

Kemajuan dunia dan perkembangan tamadunnya tidak boleh dipisahkan daripada peranan makhluk manusia sebagai agen yang membawa perubahan demi perubahan. Saban hari perkembangan ini terus rancak dan memperlihatan ragam manusia semakin berbagai dalam semua sudut merangkumi politik,ekonomi,kemasyarakatan dan sebagainya.

Melihat keistimewaan manusia dari sudut ciptaan semata mata tanpa ditunjangkan siapakah pencipta manusia adalah satu kegagalan memaknakan keistimewaan manusia. Sebagai makhluk yang penuh keistimewaan diciptakan Allah swt, manusia tidak boleh lari dari pertanggungjawapan sebagai hamba kepada Tuhannya. Darjat yang paling mulia di sisi Allah bagi seseorang manusia ialah apabila diakui oleh Allah seseorang itu sebagai hamba sebagaimana Allah mengakui Rasullullah saw sebagai hambaNya menerusi firmannya :

Maksudnya:

Maha Suci Allah, yang Telah memperjalankan hamba-Nya pada suatu malam dari Al Masjidil Haram ke Al Masjidil Aqsha yang Telah kami berkahi sekelilingnya agar kami perlihatkan kepadanya sebagian dari tanda-tanda (kebesaran) kami. Sesungguhnya dia adalah Maha mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui.

(Al Isra’ : 1)

Manusia sebagai pemegang tugas khalifah dibebankan oleh Allah dengan taklifat (pertanggungjawapan). Taklifat yang ditugaskan oleh Allah kepada hambanya adalah sebagai medan untuk menguji samaada seseorang manusia itu akan berpihak kepada kebenaran atau kebatilan.Allah mengingatkan perkara ini menerusi firmannya yang bermaksud :

“Apakah manusia itu mengira bahwa mereka dibiarkan (saja) mengatakan: "Kami Telah beriman", sedang mereka tidak diuji lagi? Dan Sesungguhnya kami Telah menguji orang-orang yang sebelum mereka, Maka Sesungguhnya Allah mengetahui orang-orang yang benar dan Sesungguhnya dia mengetahui orang-orang yang dusta.

( Al Ankabut : 2-3)

Justeru manusia perlu mengetahui dan memahami  bahawa

Kita merupakan makhluk yang mempunyai tugas tugas yang difardhukanKita juga merupakan makhluk yang mempunyai keinginan dan keinginan kita telah ditetapkan.Manusia Dan Tugas Yang difahdhukan

Allah memilih makhluk bernama manusia untuk memikul amanah sebagai  khalifah. Melunaskan tanggungjawab khalifah ialah dengan mempastikan diri manusia itu berpegang dengan agama yang disyariatkan oleh Allah. Kerangka agama yang terdiri daripada Iman, Islam dan Ihsan adalah teras teras utama yang wajib dimiliki oleh setiap manusia tanpa mengira ras,bangsa, keturunan ,warna kulit dan sempadan geografi.

Satu hakikat yang perlu difahamkan kepada seluruh manusia bahawa berada dalam Iman yang soheh adalah wajib, menganuti Islam yang syumul adalah wajib dan menghayati ketaatan dengan balutan Ihsan adalah wajib. Islam bukan satu agama yang boleh dipilih pilih. Ambil jika suka ditinggal jika membencinya.Islam mesti dianuti dan disampaikan kepada seluruh manusia seperti seruan Allah swt menerusi firmanNya yang bermaksud :

“  Hai orang-orang yang beriman, masuklah kamu ke dalam Islam keseluruhan, dan janganlah kamu turut langkah-langkah syaitan. Sesungguhnya syaitan itu musuh yang nyata bagimu”

(Al baqarah : 208)

Tugas dan taklifat yang telah diperintahkan oleh Allah kepada manusia adalah tugas berbentuk fahdu.Ianya diturunkan menerusi wahyu dan menuntut manusia menunaikannya dengan syarat syarat yang telah ditentukan. Tugas seperti tuntutan Solat, puasa ,haji, zakat dan termasuk perkara berkaitan pengurusan kehidupan di dunia ini adalah perkara yang terangkum dalam tugas yang difardhukan oleh Allah kepada manusia.Bahkan tiada satupun urusan manusia di dunia ini yang boleh dipisahkan dengan arahan dan tugasan yang ditentukan Allah.

Manusia dan Keinginan

Sebagai manusia yang dibekalkan Allah dengan akal dan nafsu,manusia mempunyai naluri keinginan dan kehendak. Allah mengatur manusia supaya menyelaraskan kehendak menurut panduan yang ditetapkan Allah swt. Perumpamaan mudah yang boleh kita perhatikan ialah keinginan manusia untuk makan, Allah membenarkan manusia untuk makan tetapi mestilah makan dengan meraikan ketetapan Alllah swt misalnya makanan yang hendak dimakan mesti halal, bukan dicuri, bukan dari sumber yang ditegah dan bukan yang membawa mudharat kepada akal dan jasad.

Sememangnya keinginan dan kehendak manusia itu luas dan sukar dikawal namun Allah swt mengetahui kemampuan hambanya. Mematuhi ketetapan Allah adalah satu perjuangan dan amat dituntut, balasan pahala akan diganjari yang yang memetuhi ketetapan dan balasan dosa yang yang melanggar sempadan ketetapan Allah swt. Allah tidak akan memberati hambaNya dengan sesuatu yang tidak mampu dilakukan oleh hambaNya.

Firman Allah swt yang bermaksud :

“Allah tidak membebani seseorang melainkan sesuai dengan kesanggupannya. ia mendapat pahala (dari kebajikan) yang diusahakannya dan ia mendapat siksa (dari kejahatan) yang dikerjakannya”

(Al baqarah : 286 )

Sebagai manusia yang dikurniakan kepintaran dan kecerdikan seharusnya kita berfikir agar tidak mensia siakan keistimewaan yang dikurniakan oleh Allah swt. Ingatlah Allah memberi kita pilihan sama ada ingin melalui jalan bahagia atau menempah jalan kehancuran. Usah kita cemari keistimewaan manusia dengan memilih jalan maksiat dan pendustaan. Allah mengingatkan menerusi firmanNya :

Maksudnya :

”Dan jiwa serta penyempurnaannya (ciptaannya),Maka Allah mengilhamkan kepada jiwa itu (jalan) kefasikan dan ketakwaannya.Sesungguhnya beruntunglah orang yang mensucikan jiwa itu,Dan Sesungguhnya merugilah orang yang mengotorinya.”

( As syams : 7-10)

Ingatlah lorong hidayah itu kurniaan yang cukup berharga, dambakanlah ianya tanpa uzur pohonlah kepada Allah selalu agar kita sentiasa istiqomah di jalannya dan rayulah selalu agar kita tidak diberati oleh beban yang tak mampu kita lunaskan.

Firman Allah swt yang bermaksud :

"Ya Tuhan kami, janganlah Engkau hukum kami jika kami lupa atau kami tersalah. Ya Tuhan kami, janganlah Engkau bebankan kepada kami beban yang berat sebagaimana Engkau bebankan kepada orang-orang sebelum kami. Ya Tuhan kami, janganlah Engkau pikulkan kepada kami apa yang tak sanggup kami memikulnya. beri ma'aflah Kami; ampunilah Kami; dan rahmatilah kami. Engkaulah penolong kami, Maka tolonglah kami terhadap kaum yang kafir."

Al Baqarah :286

Mohon Ampunan Allah

ABD WAHID ZAINOL ABIDIN

Penciptaan Manusia sebagai khalifah di atas mukabumi adalah rencanaAllah yang tidak didorongi nasihat dan tunjuk ajar dari sesiapa dan dari manamana pihak. Allah sebagai penguasa tunggal dan pencipta alam sejagat memilihmanusia untuk mengimarah muka bumi ini dengan kretiria kreatiria yangdisediakan pada diri manusia itu. Allah merakamkan kesangsian Malaikat terhadappenciptaan makhluk bergelar manusia ini menerusi FirmanNya:

Yang bermaksud

Ingatlah ketika Tuhanmuberfirman kepada para malaikat: "Sesungguhnya Aku hendak menjadikanseorang khalifah di muka bumi." mereka berkata: "Mengapa Engkauhendak menjadikan (khalifah) di bumi itu orang yang akan membuat kerusakanpadanya dan menumpahkan darah, padahal kami senantiasa bertasbih dengan memujiEngkau dan mensucikan Engkau?" Tuhan berfirman: "Sesungguhnya Akumengetahui apa yang tidak kamu ketahui." ( Al Baqarah : 30)

Allah menegaskan perkiraanmakhluk terhadap apa yang akan diciptakan oleh Allah dan apa yang telahdiciptakan tidak dapat melepasai perkiraan Ilmu Allah yang maha luas dan mahatinggi. Kesangsian Malaikat dalam penciptaan Adam dan manusia seluruhnyadisangkal oleh Allah dengan penegasan “ sesungguhnya Aku mengetahui apa yangkamu tidak ketahui”

Allah mengatur kehidupanmanusia dengan menganugerahkan kepada manusia nikmat yang besar iaitu panduanberupa undang undang dan ketetapan , landasan untuk manusia mengemudi kehidupansebagai khalifah.Peristiwa Adam a.s (Abal Basyar) dan Hawa (Ummulbasyar) yang diturunkan dari syurga ke bumi kerana memakan buah terlarangangkara hasutan Iblis adalah perencanaan Allah mengajar manusia tentangperaturan dan undang undang.

Sebagai makhluk kepatuhankepada undang undang Allah adalah tuntutan. Pengabaian,penentangan, cuai dan ingkarterhadap undang undang mengakibatkan kemurkaan Allah swt. Peristiwa inimenyaksikan satu kronologi, implikasi berpaling dari undang undang danperaturan Allah akan merubah satu suasana kepada suasana yang lain.Kenikmatandi syurga beralih kepada kehidupan dunia yang penuh pancaroba.

Allah menyebut puncapengusiran Adam dan Hawa menerusi FirmanNya yang bermaksud :

“Maka syaitan membujuk keduanya (untuk memakan buah itu) dengantipu daya. tatkala keduanya Telah merasai buah kayu itu, nampaklah bagikeduanya aurat-auratnya, dan mulailah keduanya menutupinya dengan daun-daunsurga. Kemudian Tuhan mereka menyeru mereka: "Bukankah Aku Telah melarangkamu berdua dari pohon kayu itu dan Aku katakan kepadamu: "Sesungguhnyasyaitan itu adalah musuh yang nyata bagi kamu berdua? (" Al A’araf :22)

Menerusi kisah ini sebagai manusia yang dipilih menjadi khalifahperlu berwaspada bahawa pelanggaran dan kecuaian manusia terhadap undang undangdan peraturan mengakibatkan manusia terusir dari Syurga. Sebab musabab danperistiwa yang berlaku adalah rencana Allah memuliakan manusia sebagai makhkukterpilih mengimarah mukabumi. Jika berpunca dari undang undang dan ketetapanAllah manusia keluar dari syurga perlu diingatkan dengan undang undang danperaturan Allah juga manusia akan kembali menghuni Syurga.

UNDANG UNDANG &PERATURAN ADALAH NIKMAT

Manusia sebagai makhluktidak dapat mengurus dirinya sendiri. Makhluk bersifat lemah dan serbakekurangan. Kejahilan makhluk mengurus dirinya sendiri tanpa tunjuk ajar akanmengakibatkan kepincangan dan kerosakan. Justeru Allah yang bersifat mahapengasih dan penyayang kepada hambaNya tidak membiarkan hambaNYa bersendirianmencari Arah dan menjalani kehidupan. Allah mengutuskan rasul yang membawasyariat untuk membimbing manusia. Syariat yang dibawa oleh Rasul itu adalahundang undang dan peraturan.

Pengutusan Rasul danmembilbing manusia dengan syariat adalah nikmat yang tiada tolok bandingnya.Firman Allah swt :

Yang bermaksud:

Sebagaimana (Kami Telah menyempurnakan nikmat kami kepadamu) kamiTelah mengutus kepadamu Rasul di antara kamu yang membacakan ayat-ayat kamikepada kamu dan mensucikan kamu dan mengajarkan kepadamu Al Kitab danAl-Hikmah, serta mengajarkan kepada kamu apa yang belum kamu ketahui. ( Al Baqarah : 151)

Realiti menyaksikan dalam kehidupan manusia tidak semua manusiamengecapi nikmat yang amat berharga ini. Walaupun manusia saban hari melaluikronologi perkembangan tamadun yang manakjubkan namun kegagalan mengecapinikmat berharga ini adalah satu kerugian yang amat besar.

Allah memerintahkan kita menerusi syariatnya untuk menunaikan solatlima waktu sehari semalam. Ketika menunaikan solat antara bacaan yangdiwajibkan ialah surah Al Fatihah. Menerusi surah ini ungkapan dan doa yangsaban hari kita panjatkan ialah:

Maksudnya :

Tunjukilah kami jalan yang lurus, ( Al Fatihah :6)

Jalan yang lurus ialah jalan yang berpandukan undang undang dansyariatnya. Mereka yang berada pada landasan yang lurus adalah mereka yangsecara sedar menerima pakai undang undang Allah dan peraturannya.Mereka inilahyang sedang mengecapi nikmat kurnia yang hebat ini.

Allah menjelaskan golongan yang mendapat nikmat ini dan sepatutnyamenjadi idola ikutan seluruh khalayak manusia menerusi firmanNya :

Yang Bermaksud :

Dan barangsiapa yang mentaati Allah danRasul(Nya), mereka itu akan bersama-sama dengan orang-orang yang dianugerahinikmat oleh Allah, yaitu: Nabi-nabi, para shiddiiqiin(ialah: orang-orangyang amat teguh kepercayaannya kepada kebenaran rasu)l, orang-orang yang mati syahid, danorang-orang saleh. dan mereka Itulah teman yang sebaik-baiknya. ( An Nisa’ :69)

MEMATUHI UNDANG UNDANG & PERATURANADALAH PEJUANGAN

Berada dalam kepatuhan undang undang danperaturan adalah perkara yang tidak digemari oleh manusia penentang. Merekayang salah tilikan kepada ketuhanan Allah merasakan dunia milik mutlak merekasepenuhnya.

Justeru itu Rasullullah (saw) diutusuntuk membimbing manusia dari menjadi penentang kepada mencintai undang undangdan peraturan Allah. Dunia sebelum nabi diutuskan menyaksikan segala sudutberada dalam kepincangan. Kepincangan yang berlaku bukan sahaja di sekitar“Jazirah Arabiah”(semenanjung tanah Arab) dan Mekah sahaja tetapi melata disegenap penjuru dunia. Kebejatan dalam empayar Rom dan Parsi, kebobrokan dibenua India, China dan lainnya berhajat kepada panduan dan bimbingansehinggalah pengutusan Rasullulah saw memancar sirna menerang dunia darikegelapan kepada cahaya.

Soalannya: Apakah proses membentukmanusia untuk patuh dan taat terhasil sekelip mata sahaja? Sejarah menyaksikangetir, susah dan payah serta penderitaan yang dilalui adalah bayaran untukmenyaksikan sebuah ketaatan dan kepatuhan terjelma.

Muslim yang sedar dan benar perlumeletakkan diri dalam reality perjuangan mengalas tugas dan amanah tinggalanRasul bagi menjamin agenda kepatuhan dan ketaatan ini bersambung sehingga Allahmewarisi dunia ini. Bukan mudah membimbing manusia untuk mematuhi setiap inciperaturan dan ketetapan Allah. Kita bakal berhadapan dengan penentangan danresiko. Namun muslim yang bulat “iktikadnya” tidak akan memperdulikan segalamacam andaian dan akan terus mara meletakkan agenda seruan kepada kepatuhan danketaatan sebagai keutamaan dalam hidupnya. Agenda perjuangan ini sudah memahamitentang resiko dan kepayahan yang dijelaskan oleh Allah swt menerusi firmanNya:

Yang Bermaksud :

Kalau yang kamu serukan kepada mereka itukeuntungan yang mudah diperoleh dan perjalanan yang tidak seberapa jauh,Pastilah mereka mengikutimu, tetapi tempat yang dituju itu amat jauh terasaoleh mereka.

(At Taubah : 42)

Generasi Awal Al Quran yang dibentuk olehRasullullah adalah generasi patuh dan taat yang tiada tandingan. Lihat sahajabagaimana kronologi pengharaman arak yang lansung tidak dibantah oleh generasisahabat menyaksikan bumi madinah dibanjiri takungan dan aliran arak yangdisimbah oleh sahabat sahabat lantaran mentaati undang undang dan peraturanlangit telah menerobos dalam benak keyakinan dan iktikad mereka. Jadilah merekagenerasi “Kami dengar dan kami patuh”.

Sebuah hadith yang diriwayatkan olehSafiyyah Binti Syaibah berkata : Maksudnya:

“ Tatkala kami berada di sisi Aisyah(r.a) kami menyebut nyebut tentang kemuliaan wanita Quraisy, lantaran Aisyah(r.a) berkata :”Memang wanita Quraisy itu mulia. Demi Allah sesungguhnya akutidak pernah melihat yang lebih mulia selain dari wanita Ansar. Merekalah yangmembenarkan (menerima tanpa soal) kitab Allahdan mereka lebih beriman kepadaapa yang diturunkan kepada mereka. Semasa turunnya surah An Nur: “ Danhendaklah mereka menutup kain tudung ke dada mereka” An Nur :31). “Kaum lelakimereka kembali dan membacakan kepada isteri isterinya, saudara perempuannya danseluruh kaum kerabatnya,tidak seorang pun dari mereka membantah lantas terusbangun mengambil pakaian mereka yang sedang disulamlalu berselubung dengannya.Ini menunjukkan betapa mereka membenarkan dan beriman dengan apa yang telahditurunkan oleh Allah dari kitan-Nya. Maka jadilah mereka di belakangRasullulah (saw) berselubung kelihatan seperti ada burung burung gagak hinggapdi atas kepala mereka”

(Riwayat Abu Daud)

Jadilah manusia yang patuh dengan ketetapan undang undang danperaturan Allah walaupan ianya berlawanan dengan kehendak dan keinginan naluri.Payah yang kita tempuh dan ,kenikmatan yang terpaksa ditangguh di dunia bakalAllah ganti dengan kenikmatan yang tiada tara di negeri akhirat yang kekalabadi. Ingatlah sesungguhnya dunia itu syurga bagi orang orang kafir dan nerakabagi orang mukmin.

MEMOHON AMPUN TUHANNYA

ABDWAHID ZAINOL ABIDIN

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Firman Allah swt yang bermaksud:

Hai orang-orang yang beriman, diwajibkan atas kamu berpuasa sebagaimana diwajibkan atas orang-orang sebelum kamu agar kamu bertakwa, (Al Baqarah : 183)

Puasa dari sudur bahasa membawa maksud menahan daripada sesuatu manakala dari sudut syarak puasa bermaksud ;Menahan diri daripada perkara perkara yang membatalkan puasa bermula dari terbit fajar hingga terbenam matahari disertai dengan niat.

Puasa Ramadhan disyariatkan pada bulan Syaaban tahun ke dua Hijrah. Sebelum itu tidak pernah disyariatkan puasa ramadhan.Bagi umat sebelum itu dan ahli kitab di zaman Nabi mereka mengetahui pensyariatan puasa seperti disebit oleh Allah dalam ayat di atas. Persamaan di antara umat ini dengan umat terdahulu ialah puasa disyariatkan.

Hukum Meninggalkan Puasa

Puasa Ramadhan adalah salah satu daripada rukun Islam dan termasuk kefardhuan yang diketahui agama secara dharuri (mudah ;tanpa melalui pembuktian dan dalil),maka orang yang mengingkari kefardhuannya adalah kafir dan dia hendaklah diperlakukan sepertimana diperlakukan terhadap orang murtad. Dia hendaklah diminta bertaubat;sekiranya dia bertaubat ,taubatnya diterima. Seandainya dia enggan bertaubat dia hendaklah dibunuh sebagai melaksanakan hukum hudud bagi kesalahan murtad.

Bagi mereka yang meninggalkan puasa tanpa keuzuran dan dia tidak mengingkari syariat puasa seperti dia mengungkapkan “ saya tahu puasa wajib tetapi saya tak mahu berpuasa” mereka ini hukumnya fasik dan tidak kafir. Pemerintah wajib menahan mereka (mengurung) dan menghalangnya daripada makan dan minum pada waktu siang supaya puasa terlaksana padanya.

Puasa adalah iman dan Ketaatan

Mematuhi syariat puasa adalah sebagai pelaksanaan tuntutan keimanan kepada Allah swt. Puasa yang mengakibatkan keletihan, kepanasan, lapar dahaga dan segala jenis kekangan nafsu dilaksanakan penuh sabar hanya oleh hamba hamba Allah yang mengerti kaitannya dengan Iman dan ketaatan.

Allah swt mengaitkan tuntutan puasa kepada setiap mukmin dalam firmannya ;surah Al Baqarah ayat 183 dengan ikatan “laallakum tattaqun” (mudah mudahan kamu bertakwa) menunjukan puasa mukmin yang tulus dan berobjektifkan keredhaan Allah akan melahirkan hamba yang bertakwa. Puasa bukan sekadar adat yang diwarisi zaman berzaman sebaliknya puasa diwajibkan kepada mereka yang meletakkan Allah sebagai “Ilah” (tuhan) yang wajib disembah dan mereka yang mengakui diri adalah hamba. Nilai kehambaan ini akan luput seandainya puasa di anggap sebagai amalan tradisi untuk memenuhi jadual harian atau tahunan. Kesediaan mukmin mematuhi syariat ini dengan penuh keinsafan adalah menifestasi iman yang sebenar berbanding sesetengah daripada mereka berpuasa bagaikan terpaksa atau sekadar mencari cari keistimewaan tertentu sahaja tanpa memahami tuntutan keimanan dan kepatuhan kepada syariat sebagai objektif utama.

Puasa adalah Perjuangan

Menahan diri dari segala perkara yang membatalkan puasa adalah adalah rukun puasa yang difahami oleh semua mukmin yang berpuasa. Mukmin yang sedar tidak akan menahan larangan larangan Allah hanya diwaktu berpuasa sahaja, mereka akan melaksanakan tuntutan mengekang nafsu jahat ini sepanjang masa selama mereka ingin menjadi hamba Allah. Perjuangan menahan serakah nafsu semasa berpuasa mengimplikasikan jiwa mukmin yang ampuh untuk membasmi segala macam pencabulan hak hak Allah sebagai tuhan dan hak hak sesame manusia.

Semasa berpuasa mukmin dilarang makan dan minum di siang hari tetapi dibenarkan makan dan minum di malam hari. Mukmin yang sedar sentiasa memikirkan perjuangan mereka menahan makan dan minum di siang hari mengambil masa belasan jan mestilah dilaksana secara istiqomah sehinggalah di waktu malam mereka makan dan minum semula kerana tiada halangan lagi.Implikasi perjuangan ini sepatutnya diaplikasikan dalam kehidupan;ada masa dan keadaan makan dan minum ditegah dan ada masa dan keadaan ianya tidak ditegah. Islam menegah makan dan minum pada barang yang bukan milik kita, barang yang dicuri, barang rasuah, peras ugut dan apa sahaja sumber yang tidak halal tetapi Islam tidak menegah seandainya apa yang kita makan dan minum adalah diperolehi secara halal.

Mukmin yang sedar juga akar sentiasa memperkukuhkan jatidiri agar membentengi nafsu serakahnya. Semasa berpuasa nafsu syahwat ditegah dengan larangan bersetubuh di siang hari walaupun bersama isteri. Hal ini sepatutnya menginsafkan mukmin yang sedar di atas syariat ini. Kepatuhan kepada syariat ini adalah perjuangan. Persoalannya kenapa ramai manusia boleh berpuasa dan menahan syahwatnya tetapi ramai individu yang mengaku mukmin sewenang wenangnya menuruti nafsu menentang ketetapan dan syariat Allah.Isu penutupan pusat hiburan sepanjang bulan puasa misalnya adalah medan untuk mengajar umat islam agar tidak terus terpesona dengan unsur melalaikan ini namun isu ini seolah olah ditentang pula oleh mereka yang mengaku beragama Islam.

Perjuangan melaksanakan Islam secara menyeluruh dalam diri mukmin dapat dididik dan ditarbiah melalui puasa.Perjuangan memertabatkan Islam bukan cakap cakap kosong tetapi perlakuan secara praktikal. Mereka yang berbicara erti telus semestinya berkelakuan telus. Kumpulan yang ingin berbicara soal kebajikan dan berkebajikan seharusnya mempraktikkan kebajikan dan berkebajikan.Begitulah juga apabila berbicara soal demokrasi mestilah hak demokrasi itu dipraktikkan bukan dicengkam dan di tambat dengan segala macam ancaman.

Sebagai contoh mudah untuk kita perhatikan ialah menginstitusikan masjid dan surau.Walaupun rata rata kita sedar akan tuntutan mengimarahkan masjid dan surau dan ramai cerdik pandai hinggalah kerakyat bawahan berbicara soal ini dengan begitu lantang namun persoalan yang perlu dijawab bagaimana praktiknya.Alhamdulillah kita di Selangor setahun dua ini dapat menyaksikan bagaimana institusi masjid dan surau disemarakkan. Ini menampakkan kefahaman masyarakat kepada tuntutan ini terutama pada bulan Ramadhan.Budaya ilmu sudah dapat dijelmakan dan telah membuka minda masyarakat untuk menerobos kegelapan agar sirna cahaya dan menyuluh jalan kelam menjadi terang. Semoga seluruh khalayak dapat mengambil kesempatan dengan hadirnya Ramadhan untuk bermuhasabah dan menilai diri untuk menjadi hamba Allah yang taat berbekalkan panduan dan petunjuknya.

Firmah Allah swt yang bermaksud ;

185. (beberapa hari yang ditentukan itu ialah) bulan Ramadhan, bulan yang di dalamnya diturunkan (permulaan) Al Quran sebagai petunjuk bagi manusia dan penjelasan-penjelasan mengenai petunjuk itu dan pembeda (antara yang hak dan yang bathil). (Al baqarah : 185)

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Ummi, where’s my mujaahid’s beret?” Affif finally asked his mother after searching everywhere for Ashraff’s beret. He called it a mujaahid’s beret after watching a mujaahid wearing it in a documentary program about the tragedy of the Bosnians. It was big for him but he liked to wear his father’s beret whenever they wanted to eat together. He told his mother that it made him “a big man” like one of those mujaahideen. “Didn’t you leave it on the bookshelf last night, honey?” Shafikah saw her son entering his room to look for it at the place she had just mentioned.

Shafikah waited but her son still did not show up in the kitchen. “Affif, have you found it? Dinner’s getting cold now.”

“In a minute, Ummi.”

“What’s keeping him now?” Shafikah murmured to herself. She decided to find out what was going on.

There he was on his bed holding Ashraff’s photo. Their eyes met when she reached his bed.

“Today’s the day, right, Ummi?”

Shafikah looked sadly into her son’s eyes. She nodded and whispered, “Yes.” The day was April 10th 2001.

“You were in my room today, Ummi?” His voice was soft.

Shafikah was there earlier and she was looking at the photo herself, but she forgot to put it back on the night table near Affif’s bed. Instead, she had misplaced it on the bookshelf, next to his father’s beret.

“Do you miss Daddy, Ummi?” Affif inquired when Shafikah did not answer his previous question.

Sitting on his bed, she looked at her son lovingly. “I have you, honey.” Her eyes glistened with tears.

“But do you, Ummi? Do you miss Daddy?” Affif’s face was sad.

“I do and you know that, sweetie.” Affif placed the photo back on the table and hugged his mother. Shafikah wiped away a silent tear.

Pulling himself apart from the warmth of her embrace, Affif sat cross-legged on the bed facing his mother.

“Today’s Daddy’s birthday…” He paused. His voice was soft. “…and his death day.” He remembered this date very well. As young as he was, he was very attentive to people’s feelings and what happened around him, especially anything having to do with the two of them.

They looked into each other’s eyes trying to soothe the sad feeling that suddenly engulfed them. Noticing the calmness in his mother’s face, Affif said, “We must not be unhappy, right, Ummi? Daddy was a good man and he was lucky because Allah Ta’ala loved him. He chose to meet Daddy before meeting us.”

With a heavy sigh, Shafikah spoke, “Oh…Affif! Allah Ta’ala gave Ummi and Daddy a special gift when He gave us you. Alhamdulillah!” Small beads of tears rolled down her cheeks.

Affif wiped away the tears and smiled to cheer her up. Shafikah took his small hands, kissed them and gently placed them on his lap. She held his face in her hands, kissed his forehead and the tip of his nose.

“I love you, Ummi! Dinner’s getting cold now!” Affif told her with a smile and got off the bed.

Affif headed for the door.

“I love you too Muhammad Affif bin Muhammad Ashraff.”

Affif turned around and smiled widely. It was Ashraff’s smile on his small face.

Ashraff had wanted to name their son Muhammad Qutb after the name of a great Muslim thinker, Sayyid Qutb, whom he admired so much. However, Shafikah thought it was too classical for a boy in the nineties. They finally agreed to name him Muhammad Affif. It was the name of a brother whom Ashraff had adored and respected just like his real brother. He was an Imam who died a few months before Affif was born.

~

They had been reading the story of Caliph Umar and Affif drifted off to sleep when the story ended. He was now fast asleep on the couch with his head on his mother’s lap. Shafikah smiled at her sleeping son. How small and young he was, yet how alike the two of them were. Masha Allah! Seeing him in her life was like having him back all over again. Subhan Allah! He was right in saying that she would never feel alone in her life without him. Because she never had been alone ever since he left her and their son. A three-year-old Affif was sleeping next to Ashraff when he finally left them forever. Today would be exactly six years that he was no longer in her life.

Shafikah was gently pulling Affif into her arms to settle him in his bed when the phone rang. She looked at the clock. It was ten o’clock. Only one person would be calling her this late on this special day. She picked up the phone and greeted the caller.

“Assalamualaikum, Abang Yusuff.”

“Waalaikumussalam. How did you know it was me, Sis?” He was a little surprised.

Not wanting to tell him that she had guessed why her brother had called, Shafikah replied, “I just knew.”

Shafikah’s older brother, Yusuff, had been her sole protector since she came to Bloomingdale about twelve years ago to pursue her degree in Journalism. They had been very close since they were small. She was the only daughter in the family. Their eldest and youngest brothers nicknamed them “the twins”. Yusuff resided in the city after completing his business studies at Southern Illinois University. He now owned a wellknown food store in Bloomingdale, the only kind that supplied a variety of Asian and other halal food products. Yusuff’s wife, Fatima, was a graduate in Education. She had been a teacher at Bloomingdale Islamic School since its establishment the previous year – Fall 2000. Before that she had homeschooled her two children after quitting her teaching job at the Islamic Center in Bloomingdale.

Yusuff sensed a little sadness in his sister’s voice. He had called for the reason that Shafikah might have guessed. He wanted to see if she was all right. He felt bad for not calling sooner, but he was out of town for the last two days. Nevertheless, he did not forget what the day was.

“My little mujaahid is fast asleep?” Yusuff made an effort to sound cheery.

“Miles away in a sweet dream, insha Allah.” Shafikah laughed a little. However, there was a crack in her voice when she continued,”He remembered today too…as young as he is.”

“And you, my dear one?” Yusuff’s voice was gentle. “How are you?” He realized he did not have to bring up the subject. His sister had just brought it up. He knew his sister was a strong person emotionally, but even he himself was missing his late brother-in-law, especially on this day.

“Alhamdulillah, I think I’m fine…I have to keep it all together for Afiff,

insha Allah. Kak Fatima called and we talked.”

“I know. She told me.”

“Papa and Mama called too this morning. They sent their salams to you, Abang Yusuff.”

“Waalaikumsalam.”

Shafikah knew her brother wanted to know if she was feeling fine. He had been the one accompanying her to the cemetery for the last five years.

“You went to visit him today?”

“Tomorrow, insha Allah. Kak Fatima will take care of my morning class.”

“Want me to come?”

“It’s okay. I need to see him alone. You are not hurt that I turned down your offer, are you?” A flicker of a smile appeared on Shafikah’s face.

“I understand. Just give me a call tomorrow if you changed your mind.”

“Okay, insha Allah. Sorry I didn’t ask about your trip. How was it?”

“The trip was slow. Still snowing up north, but all went great, alhamdulillah.”

~

So much had happened during the last six years of Shafikah’s life with her son. After ‘losing’ Ashraff, she kept herself occupied with working and raising Affif, as well as learning more about Islam. She wanted to make sure she had deep Islamic knowledge to fulfill Ashraff’s wish for their son to be a well-brought up Muslim. She also never stopped writing and was an active freelance writer. It was something she loved and would always do in her life. Journalism was the catalyst that had brought her and Ashraff together. Then, more than a year ago, she completed her second degree in Islamic studies through a distance learning education program. It took her about three years to complete it. She had to do it - for herself, Ashraff, Affif and the Muslims in Bloomingdale.

Shafikah felt blessed to have this family by her side through the years. They had been a great support in her life, especially after Ashraff was gone.

He may not be in her life anymore, physically, but a big part of who she was now, was in fact Ashraff. Although the time they spent together was short, her life with him had taught her much about this life and eventually the journey to the next life. She knew that it was something that all Muslims would have to endure to prepare them for the precious and invaluable reward – a meeting with Allah (s.w.t.) in Jannah!

“Assalamualaikum dwellers of the graves.” Shafikah whispered as she neared the graveyard and continued. “Assalaamu ‘alaikum ahl al-diyaar min al-mu’mineen wa’l-muslimeen, Insha Allah bikum laahiqoon, as’al Allaaha lana wa lakum al-‘aafiyah (peace be upon you O people of the dwellings, believers and Muslims, Insha Allah we will join you, I ask Allah (s.w.t.) to keep us and you safe and sound).”

The morning was beautiful. It was not cold though a thin layer of snow covered the ground. Spring had just begun. The trees were still bare though, but soon green leaves would be crowning the trees all over Bloomingdale and other parts of southwest Indiana. The surrounding was quiet. The peaceful air seemed to envelop her to pacify what she was feeling inside.

Her heart was filled with love, sadness and longing for the person she was visiting. About seven steps before the intended spot, she stopped. She looked around. It was peaceful and quiet. She saw an old woman kneeling by a tombstone of her loved one reading verses from the Qu’ran in her hands. A question popped in her mind. “Would I still be here to visit you at that age?” She turned towards her direction and started walking.

“Assalamualaikum, Ashraff.” Shafikah whispered and her eyes were fixed on the clean spot in front of her. She was calm. No tears, just, peace inside her. She was amazed at how neat and clean the place was even though she and the family rarely came to visit. She wanted to come more often but her obligations as a mother, a teacher and a writer took much of her time. Anyway he was with her anywhere she was. She just knew this always. Ashraff even prayed for that during his last days…

~

Ashraff and Shafikah had just finished Isha’ prayer together. She was amazed at his sudden strength at every prayer time. He reminded her that Rasulullah (s.a.w.), during his last days before his death, still led prayers even though he was sick.

Still sitting on his praying mat, Ashraff turned around. As always, Shafikah approached him to kiss his hands. When she looked up to him, he held her hands in his. Looking deep into her eyes, he smiled and spoke to her.

"I love you and that little guy in the next room. Don’t ever forget that.”

Shafikah looked into his eyes and smiled. “I won’t, insha Allah.”

Still holding her hands in his, he gently placed them on their touching knees. He seemed calm and peaceful.

“Insha Allah, you are not going to be alone, Shafikah.” Ashraff paused and smiled lovingly at his wife. “Insha Allah, one day, you’ll meet a good man…perhaps a much better Muslim man than I am…and insha Allah, Affif too will have a brother or a sister…or more.”

“Ashraff, no… don’t say…” Her eyes were full with tears. Ashraff put his finger to her mouth to interrupt her. She did not expect him to talk about this. Not that soon anyway.

Ashraff continued. “You will love them and tell them about how much we helped each other grow as Muslims…and how much we loved each other in Allah Ta’ala.” He paused. His eyes were glistening with tears as he continued in a whisper, “…and how I hurt you…but Allah the Almighty has kept us together even after all these…alhamdulillah.”

Shafikah was looking into his eyes trying to capture the way he looked at her and never wanting to lose it. “I pray that every time you miss me or think of me, Allah Ta’ala will make you feel my presence. After all, as long as you both love Him, He won’t let you both feel alone. Be close to Allah Ta’ala always… that way you will have peace…’real’ happiness in Him. Remember always… HasbunAllah wa ni’mal wakil (Allah (s.w.t.) (Alone) is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us))."

Shafikah fell into his arms sobbing. Ashraff held back the tears as much as he could and a painful smile appeared on his face. It was not the pain from his sickness. It was the pain from thinking about Shafikah and their son living without him.

~

She gently ran her fingers over the stone engraved with Ashraff’s name, dates of birth and death while kneeling close to it. She took a small book from her bag. Settling herself comfortably beside him, she began reading the small book in her hand. The late morning breeze touched her cheeks while she was softly reciting the beautiful Qur’anic verses.

Later, as she was placing the little book back into her bag, she saw the old woman leaving the cemetery. They glanced at each another and exchanged smile. Then, Shafikah was alone with him.

“Our little guy is bigger now, alhamdulillah. I didn’t tell him I was coming here. Or else, he would make me bring him here too.” She weakly smiled and paused. She could picture Ashraff smiling at her words. Taking a deep breath, Shafikah continued.

“He’s a very bright and smart kid. SubhanAllah! You would be proud of him… I know you do see him some how, sometimes.”

Shafikah looked intently at his name on the white stone of his grave.

“I’m not sure why I came. Last year, I thought I would skip it this year since Affif needs me but…here I am...again.” Shafikah let go a small sigh.

“I know that I can be strong and live without you, Ashraff. Insha Allah, I can. Abang Yusuff and Kak Fatima have been so great to me…and Affif…he’s just so wonderful, subhanAllah…” She paused and, with a longing expression on her face, continued in a whisper, “…but I’ll miss you forever.”

Shafikah felt a sudden surge of emotion. She quickly took another deep breath. She tried her best to stay composed as she had promised herself. She did not want to drop a tear there.

“It seems like only days ago you were entrusted to me by Allah Ta’ala. Then, the ‘amanah’ was lifted from me when you returned to Him…but, there will always be a part of me that just won’t leave you. A part of who I am now… is you Ashraff.”

Shafikah didn’t say much after that, but looked at the grave intently. Sitting next to his grave, she felt their closeness at that moment. But, she could not trespass the barrier set between his and her worlds. Only the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) knew when they would be together again in one world. Until that time came, she could only pray that he was “treated” well in the other world. She remembered the lecture given at the mosque:

“One’s good or bad deeds are his/her companion in the grave…your salat, your fast, your dhikr…”

She just wanted to be near him for a while before facing another day without him. Her past when she first came to the town and their past together flooded her mind as she recalled her life for the past twelve years. It was all coming back to her…her life before him, the life they shared, and her life without him.

WITH PERMISION FROM WRITER ZAIPAH IBRAHIM

1990 was Shafikah’s final year at IUPU - Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis. Shafikah had been contemplating working in Bloomingdale, the town where her brother and his family resided. Her plan was to get some additional experience in journalism before leaving the town for good. However, Allah (s.w.t.) gave her more than what she had bargained for.

~

Indianapolis Airport in August 1988 was busy, just like the one in L.A thought Shafikah. This one was smaller but still packed with people who were caught up with their own travel arrangements. Shafikah was looking at her watch when a light tap landed on her right shoulder. She quickly turned around and smiled.

“As salaam alaikum, Fikah.” Her brother, Yusuff, greeted her with a big grin.

“Wa alaikum salaam, Abang Yusuff!” She excitedly returned his salaam. She took her brother’s hands to kiss and they hugged. They talked about her long trip and she conveyed salaams from their family and relatives.

“It’s really been a while since we last met. You look…” Yusuff quickly took two steps backward and studied his little sister. “…different!” He smiled at her.

“No, I don’t! Not that much different!” Shafikah immediately gave Yusuff a light punch on his left arm. She rearranged her light blue flowery satin scarf. It was fully covering her hair and flowing onto her chest. She wore it differently the last time he saw her – not exactly covering the whole hair, letting the bang showing on her forehead and tying the scarf at the back of her neck, thus leaving the front of her neck and chest uncovered by it. That was a year and a half ago, not long after his marriage to Fatima. Yusuff had come home to introduce his wife to his family, and to meet his wife’s families and relatives for the first time.

“Well, I’m not going to comment on that yet…but one thing remains the same…still as perky as ever! Now, let’s go get your stuff and leave this place! Umar Hafzi is waiting for you.”

Shafikah was all excited at the mention of her six-month-old nephew whom she had never met. “I can’t wait to see him and Kak Fatima. Let’s go….lead the way, bro!”

~

“Fikah?” Fatima called Shafikah when she noticed that her sister-in-law was lost in thought. They were cleaning the table after iftar. Yusuff was looking after the two-and-a-half-year-old Umar Hafzi in the living room.

“Earth to Shafikah…” She joked and finally caught Shafikah’s attention.

“Uh-huh…oh, I’m sorry, I was just thinking….this might be my last Ramadhan here with you, Abang Yusuff and little Umar. How fast time has gone by …it’s been two years…well, almost!” There was a little sadness in her voice.

“I know…it is, especially when you’re not looking at the clock… counting the minutes and the seconds…” Fatima made a small laugh, trying to cheer her up. She glanced at Shafikah and caught her half smiling. Fatima detected a little sadness in her sister-in-law’s voice and wondered. “You’re not happy to go home...for good? Are you sad?”

“I’m not sad…well maybe a little…I’ve grown attached to this place. It’s just that…this place…all that has happened to me here, living with you and Abang Yusuff has changed my life. I guess I grew up more here in two years than I did twenty years living at home…masha Allah! I wonder how Mama and Papa will react when they see me.” Shafikah ended with a wondering look.

Living with her brother and sister-in-law in a non-Muslim land had made Shafikah see how beautiful Islam was. The Muslims tried hard to hold on to their faith and really put the teachings of Islam into practice in their daily lives. It was a gift that she doubted she would have experienced and felt, living in her own home in a Muslim country. In fact, the experience had made her feel she had taken for granted being born a Muslim.

“They’ll be just as happy and grateful as I am right now to have you as my sister!” Fatima made another effort to cheer her up.

“And you’re partly responsible for that positive change. Alhamdulillah!”

“Alhamdulillah. I’ve also learned some things from you…and Yusuff. Allah Ta’ala has made us learn something from each other I believe…here.”

“I still remember the first time Abang Yusuff came home during the summer break after a year studying here. I was still in high school…in form four, I think. The family and I thought he had changed a lot! We were all so surprised. I even teased him by calling him Brother “Ustaz”…he tried to talk some sense into me about being a better Muslim girl…but I was too stubborn back then…kind of a rebellious daughter and sister… too much affection got to my head…I was like a spoiled princess in the family, you know!” They both laughed at what Shafikah had just said.

Living with Fatima had taught Shafikah one thing in general about being a Muslim. “I guess I took the fact that I was born Muslim for granted…never really realized how many converts…or should I say reverts….there are. How much these reverts struggle to find “the true path”. Living in a non-Muslim country and trying to stand up for my religion has opened my eyes about the true meaning of life. I really need this wake up call. Alhamdulillah, I’m grateful to Allah Ta’ala and thanks to you too Kak Fatima. You’ve made me see how much of a struggle becoming a Muslim is. In the end, at least you know, insha Allah, you will get to heaven and all the struggle of finding the right religion will pay off…insha Allah.” Shafikah smiled at her sister-in-law.

They sat around the table for a glass of water. Both were reminiscing the past, as if trying to capture and to share every unforgettable moment of their past lives. They had never talked about this side of each other before.

“When I first met your brother, the only thing we shared was our nationality – Malaysians! He was sitting at the da’wah table in the student center…and this Chinese girl…that was me…and her friend stopped by his table. He smilingly and politely gave us a couple of pamphlets about Islam. We didn’t stay for long and left. It took me a year later to accept Islam as my religion. But I believed that what I saw and learned that day marked the beginning of my soul searching. Alhamdulillah for the hidayah and taufiq from Allah Ta’ala.”

Shafikah remembered the first time she had learned about her sister-in-law’s pain and difficulties after her conversion to Islam. Her family had disowned her. Her marriage to Yusuff had made it worse. However, the birth of Umar Hafzi was the beginning of her reunion with her family. Even though the strain in their relationship was still there, at least now, Fatima and her family were communicating.

They were still engrossed in their conversation when Yusuff popped his head through the door to the kitchen.

“Excuse me my ladies, I hate to bug, but let’s get going.”

The women laughed at him and left the kitchen. It was 10th April 1990, the fourteenth day of fasting for the Muslims all over the world. The night was the 15th Ramadhan night. And like the previous nights, they were leaving for tarawih prayer at the Islamic Center.

~

After the tarawih prayer, the Imam’s wife reminded Shafikah and Fatima about the second family gathering for iftar that weekend. They agreed to come and promised to invite more families to attend. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door to the women’s praying section. It was Yusuff, signaling them to leave.

Yusuff was talking to a man by their car as Shafikah and Fatima were approaching. They could not tell who it was, but Shafikah thought the man looked familiar. He seemed to have just finished the tarawih prayer there too. Yusuff excused himself and walked towards the women. He handed Umar to his wife. “I offered this brother a ride, but I will drop you ladies home first. Umar is asleep anyway.”

The women took the backseat. As the car was pulling out of the driveway of the Islamic Center, Yusuff introduced the man to his sister and wife. His name was Muhammad Ashraff Matthew. He nodded slightly to his left as a sign of courtesy. Shafikah, who was sitting behind the driver’s seat, was surprised to see his face and so was he. He quickly glanced back for confirmation.

“Oh! Sister, so that was you this afternoon?”

Concealing her surprise on meeting him again, Shafikah answered. “Yes, that was me.”

“You’ve met my sister, Brother Ashraff?”

“We met at the library of the Islamic Center this afternoon. I was looking for some books and asking her about the latest lecture tapes…”

“…which, unfortunately, I couldn’t get for you. Someone had already checked them out…” Shafikah felt sorry for Ashraff as she recalled him looking so hopeful of getting those tapes from the library.

“Perhaps I have some at home that you might be interested in,” Yusuff suggested. The men continued talking about the tapes. Yusuff invited Ashraff for iftar at their house for the next day.

~

After putting Umar to bed, the women sat on the couch, folding some laundry while waiting for Yusuff. Shafikah told Fatima about her meeting with Ashraff at the library. She had planned to tell her brother and Fatima about Ashraff.

“It must have slipped my mind.”

Both smiled at her forgetfulness.

“I was going to ask if Abang Yusuff could lend him some tapes. I did ask for his contact info so that Abang Yusuff could get in touch with him about the tapes. Now I think it’s all taken care of, alhamdulillah!

“He seems like a good brother…reminds me of myself when I was a new Muslim a few years ago. I also went to the library of the Islamic Center to find materials on Islam.”

Shafikah said she and Ashraff talked a little about the Muslim families in Bloomingdale. He had told her about his short trip to this town. “He came here this morning…a journalist on assignment…”

Fatima interrupted with a surprised look. “Did you just say a journalist, Fikah?” She stopped folding a shirt and waited for Shafikah's answer.

“Yes, a journalist.” Shafikah replied short, but the thrill in her voice was too obvious to Fatima's ears.

Fatima smiled, noting Shafikah's excitement at the word “journalist”. With a teasing smile, she said, “Perhaps there’s something special Allah Ta’ala has in store for you, Sis. This is, after all, a blessed month, Ramadhan. Have you made the decision yet? Or, perhaps you can get some advice from the pro, insha Allah!”

Shafikah smiled sheepishly at Fatima. “Perhaps, Kak Fatima...insha Allah.” Then, with a thoughtful look she added,“I wonder if he’s been a Muslim for a some time already. He seems to know much about Islam, but still in quest of knowledge.”

“Well, aren’t we all supposed to, my dear...as Muslims?”

Shafikah smiled, nodding in agreement, but her smiling face slowly turned pensive.

Fatima chuckled, slightly shaking her head at the curious look on her young sister-in-law’s face. “Insha Allah, we’ll know more about our new Brother Ashraff tomorrow, my dear Sister Shafikah!”

WITH PERMISION FROM WRITER ZAIPAH IBRAHIM

Timeless Gift (chapter 5)Ever since the meeting in April during Ramadhan, Ashraff had kept in touch with Yusuff every now and then. Their meeting at the mosque was “a blessed meeting” according to Ashraff. He had grown to care for Yusuff and his family. Yusuff felt the same connection with him. They had invited him to spend Eid in Bloomingdale. Ashraff had to turn down the invitation. He had already made plans to celebrate it in London – the place where he reverted to Islam the previous Ramadhan. He wanted to be with his family on his second Eid.~In early summer, June ’90, after a recommendation letter from Ashraff, Shafikah was hired to work part time at the Bloomingdale Chronicle. However, two weeks later she received a call from her friend, Jameelah, a Muslim African American who lived in the neighboring town. They were course mates at IUPU. Jameelah’s family owned a small publishing company and was starting a new Muslim magazine. They wanted her to be one of the editors. Shafikah did not want to let Ashraff down by leaving the job at Bloomingdale chronicle, but at the same time she felt a strong obligation to work at the Muslim magazine. After doing istikharah prayer, seeking Allah’s (s.w.t.) guidance in making the right decision, and discussing with her brother and sister-in-law, she made up her mind to quit the job at the local papers. Ashraff called Bloomingdale Chronicle to speak to Shafikah and ask how she was doing, but was informed that she had quit. So, he called her at home in the evening to speak to her. Unfortunately, she was having a meeting about the premier edition of the magazine.“Brother Ashraff, my sister’s still worried that she has let you down.” “Tell her to stop worrying. I’m happy for her, alhamdulillah! I think she made a wise decision, brother Yusuff.”“I think she looks up to you as a mentor in some ways.” Ashraff laughed. “I’m flattered to be a mentor to a cub magazine editor…a Muslim editor. Insha Allah, I will help her in anyway I could. But from the look at things right now, I think your sister is going to do well, insha Allah.”“I hope so too, insha Allah. I know she loves writing. It’s been her strong interest…her passion I‘d say, since she was in school.” Yusuff explained to Ashraff about Shafikah’s involvement in writing at school, and later at the college, that led her to study Journalism. Ashraff was pleased to hear it. “How’s the family anyway?” Ashraff changed the subject. He noticed he had asked too much about Yusuff’s sister.“Umar is active as usual. Insha Allah, we’re going to have an addition to the family…say in about seven months or so…a brother or a sister for Umar.”“Masha Allah! Congratulations, brother Yusuff. Two good news in one day. Alhamdulillah!”“Well, there’s the third one.” Yusuff added eagerly.“More?”“Yes. The committee members of the Islamic Center have agreed to open another Islamic class for the children to add to the present one. Fatima and Shafikah might be involved in it too.”“Masha Allah! You’ve all really been blessed by Allah Ta’ala. Alhamdulillah. Thank you for sharing the good news with me.”Yusuff and Ashraff realized their growing friendship had become stronger by the day. It was the bond of Muslim brotherhood that pulled them together.“Who else to share the good news of Muslim achievements, if not with one’s own brothers and sisters in Islam!”“Alhamdulillah.” Ashraff felt touched by Yusuff’s comment.“Alhamdulillah.”“I hope with this Islamic class, your sister won’t have too much on her plate. After all, she’s a newly appointed editor.”“I’ll make sure to pass that advice to your student…I mean the cub Muslim editor...” They both laughed.“Do so! Please send my regards and salams to her and sister Fatima too.”“Insha Allah, I will, brother Ashraff.”

WITH PERMISION FROM WRITER ZAIPAH IBRAHIM