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ISLAM DAN POSITIVE THINKING

2009-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Oleh: Abdullah Hakam Shah, LcÃ‚Â

Islam memfasilitasi umat manusia agar dapat menikmati hidup ini dengan tenang, damai dan tanpa beban. Menikmati hidup dengan selalu tersenyum, ringan dalam melangkah, serta memandang dunia dengan berseri-seri. Inilah implementasi dari ajaran Islam yang memang dirancang untuk selalu memudahkan dan menjadi rahmat bagi sekalian alam.

Untuk mewujudkan hidup yang sealu tersenyum, ringan dan tanpa beban tersebut; Islam memberikan beberapa tuntunan. Yaitu di antaranya: menjaga keseimbangan, selalu berbaik sangka (Khusnudzdzan), jugadengan berpikir positif. Namun karena keterbatasan ruang dan waktu, saya akan membatasi pembahasan kali ini hanya tentang husnudzdzan dan berpikir positif.

Pertanyaan yang sangat mendasar adalah: mengapa Islam sampai menekankan pentingnya khusnudzdzan dan berpikir positif? Paling tidak, ada empat alasan yang bisa dikemukakan di sini.

Pertama, kita harus khusnudzdzan dan berpikir positif karena ternyata orang lain seringkali tidak seburuk yang kita kira. Contoh terbaik mengenai hal ini ialah kisah Nabi Khidhir dan Nabi Musa Alaihima As-Salam. Suatu kali, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala
memerintahkan Nabi Musa untuk menambah ilmu dari seseorang yang sedang berdiri di tepi pantai yang mempertemukan dua arus laut. Setelah mencari tempat yang dimaksud, di situ beliau menemukan Nabi Khidhir, dan kemudian mengutarakan maksudnya. Nabi Khidhir mau menerima dengan satu syarat; Nabi Musa tidak boleh grasa-grusu bertanya sampai Nabi Khidhir menjelaskan.

“Tapi aku yakin, kamu tidak akan bisa bersabar”, tambah Nabi Khidhir lagi. Namun karena Nabi Musa bersikeras, akhirnya dimulailah perjalanan beliau berdua berdasarkan syarat tadi. Ternyata benar!! Ketika dalam perjalanan itu Nabi Khidhir melakonkan hikmah demi
hikmah yang telah diperintahkan oleh Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, tak sekalipun Nabi Musa mampu bersabar untuk tidak grasa-grusu menafsirkan yang bukan-bukan. (Qs. Al-Kahfi: 60-82).

Dalam kisah Qur’ani ini, poin penting yang dapat dipetik: kita harus selalu berbaik sangka dan berpikir positif terhadap orang lain. Karena, bisa jadi, orang lain tidaklah seburuk yang kita kira. Sebab kita hanya bisa melihat apa yang tampak, namun tidak tahu niat baik apa yang ada di hatinyaÃ¢â‚¬Â¦dan seterusnya.

Kedua, berbaik sangka dan berpikir positif dapat mengubah suatu keburukan menjadi kebaikan. Kita dapat menemukan pembuktiannya dalamteladan Rasulullah Shallallahu `Alaihi wa Sallam, ketika seluruh kafilah-kafilah Arab berkumpul di Makkah pada tahun-tahun pertama turunnya wahyu. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala memerintahkan Rasulullah
untuk menyampaikan risalah Islam kepada semua kafilah itu. Namun yang terjadi, mereka justru mencaci dan menyakiti Rasulullah, serta melumuri wajah beliau dengan pasir.

Saat itu, datanglah malaikat ke hadapan Rasulullah, “Wahai Muhammad, (dengan perlakuan mereka ini) sudah sepantasnya jika kamu berdoa kepada Allah agar membinasakan mereka seperti doa Nuh Ã¢â‚¬â€œ`Alaihi As- SalamÃ¢â‚¬â€atas kaumnya.” Rasulullah segera mengangkat tangan beliau. Tetapi yang terucap dalam doa beliau bukanlah doa kutukan, melainkan untaian maaf dan harapan bagi orang-orang yang telah menyakitinya, “Ya Allah, berilah petunjuk kepada kaumku. Sesungguhnya (mereka melakukan semua ini terhadapku) hanya karena mereka tidak tahu. Ya Allah, tolonglah aku agar mereka bisa
menyambut ajakan untuk taat kepada-Mu.” (”Al-Ahadits Al-Mukhtarah, karya Abu `Abdillah Al-Maqdasi, 10/14).

Pilihan beliau ternyata tidak salah. Tak lama setelah peristiwa tersebut, mereka yang pernah menyakiti beliau berangsur-angsur memeluk Islam dan menjadi Sahabat yang paling setia. Ini sesuai dengan ajaran Al-Qur’an, “Tanggapilah (kejahatan itu) dengan cara
yang lebih baik, maka tiba-tiba orang yang antaramu dengan dia ada permusuhan seolah-olah telah menjadi teman yang sangat akrab.” (Qs. Al-Fushilat: 34)

Ketiga, berbaik sangka dan berpikir positif dapat menyelamatkan hati dan hidup kita. Sebab hati yang bersih adalah hati yang tidak menyimpan kebencian. Hati yang tenteram adalah hati yang tidak memendam syakwasangka dan apriori terhadap orang lain. Dan hati yang berseri-seri hanyalah hati yang selalu berpikir positif bagi dirinya
maupun orang lain.

Kebencian, berburuk sangka dan berpikir negatif hanya akan meracuni hati kita. Sebab itulah, ketika Orang-orang Yahudi mengumpat Rasulullah Shallallahu `Alaihi wa Sallam yang sedang duduk santai bersama Aisyah Radhiyallahu `Anha, dan Aisyah terpancing dengan balas menyumpahi mereka; Rasulullah segera mengingatkan Aisyah, “Kamu tidak perlu begitu, karena sesungguhnya Allah menyukai kesantunan dan kelemah-lembutan dalam segala hal.” (Riwayat Al-Bukhari dan Muslim, dari Aisyah Ra.). Subhanallah!! Beliau yang seorang utusan Allah dan pemimpin masyarakat muslim, yang sebenarnya bisa dengan mudah membalas perlakuan Orang-orang Yahudi itu, ternyata memilih untuk tetap santun dan berpikir positif Ã¢â‚¬â€œagar menjadi teladan bagi seluruh umat manusia.

Senada dengan hadits di atas, ada ungkapan yang sangat menggugah dari seorang sufi: “Yang paling penting adalah bagaimana kita selalu baik kepada semua orang. Kalau kemudian ada orang yang tidak baik kepada kita, itu bukan urusan kita, tapi urusan orang itu dengan Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.”

Keempat, berpikir positif bisa membuat hidup kita lebih legowo, karena toh Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala seringkali menyiapkan rencana-rencana yang mengejutkan bagi hambaNya. Suatu saat, Umar bin Khaththab Radhiyallahu `Anhu dirundung kegalauan yang menyesakkan. Salah seorang puteri beliau, Hafshah Radhiyallahu `Anha, baru saja
menjanda. Maka Umar datang menemui Abu Bakar Radhiyallahu `Anhu menawarinya agar mau menikahi Hafshah. Ternyata Abu Bakar menolak. Kemudian Umar menawari Utsman bin Affan Radhiyallahu `Anhu untuk menikahi Hafshah, namun Utsman pun menolaknya. (Shahih Al-Bukhari, 4/1471. Versi penjelasnya juga dapat dibaca dalam Tafsir Al-Qurthubi, 13/271).

Dalam kegalauan itu, Umar mengadu kepada Rasulullah Shallallahu `Alaihi wa Sallam tentang sikap kedua Sahabat tersebut. Maka Rasulullah menuntun Umar agar selalu berpikir positif sehingga bisa menjalani hidup dengan legowo. Rasulullah bahkan
berdoa, “Semoga Allah akan menentukan pasangan bagi Hafshah, yang jauh lebih dari Utsman; serta menentukan pasangan bagi Utsman, yang jauh lebih baik dari Hafshah.”

Ternyata, tak lama setelah itu, Rasulllah menikahkan Utsman dengan puteri beliau sendiri. Dan setelah itu, beliau pun menikahi Hafshah. Allahumma InnÃƒÂ® qad ballaghtu, fasyhadÃ¢â‚¬Â¦! (Hernoe)
sumber:http://www.gp-ansor.org

Pemerintah Tindak Tegas Produsen Dendeng dan Abon Mengandung Babi

2009-04-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Pemerintah akan berkoordinasi lintas departemen untuk menindak tegas produsen yang telah sengaja melakukan penipuan menjual produk abon dan dendeng mengandung babi. Demikian dikatakan oleh Dirjen Bimas Islam Nasaruddin Umar usai melaksanakan rapat koordinasi dengan Departemen Pertanian dan Badan Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan Depkes, terkaitnya adanya produk abon dan dendeng yang beredar di pasaran dicampur daging babi, di Departemen Agama, Rabu.

Untuk menghentikan peredaran dendeng haram tersebut, menurutnya, langkah yang akan diambil adalah pendekatan hukum dan menarik produk tersebut dari pasaran. “Kita telah menurunkan tim lintas instansi untuk menyelidiki kasus tersebut,” ucapnya.

Nasaruddin Umar mengakui, memang telah terbukti sejumlah produk dendeng dan abon yang mencantumkan label halal, ternyata mengandung babi.

Sementara itu, Direktur Inspeksi dan Sertifikasi Pangan Badan Pengawasan Obat dan Makanan (BP POM) Tien Gartini Budhianto mengatakan, pihaknya akan melakukan uji produk seluruh produk dendeng dan abon yang beredar di Indonesia. ''Kami akan uji semua produk dendeng dan abon dan hasil ujinya nanti akan kami umumkan ke publik secara bertahap. Jadi tidak hanya produk temuan. Pengujian ini dilakukan tidak saja di Jakarta, tapi juga di 26 Badan POM yang ada di 26 provinsi,'' tandas Tien.

Untuk membuktikan apakah produk olahan itu mengandung babi atau tidak, lanjutnya, diperlukan uji laboratorium, namun pihak akan kesulitan mengujinya apabila sudah berupa olahan. Akan tetapi, bekerjasama dengan Depag, Depkes dan MUI pihaknya akan menjamin produk olahan itu aman dikonsumsi, sedangkan yang berhak menentukan halal dan haram merupakan wewenang dari LPPOM MUI

"Kalau masih berupa daging, masih mudah untuk dibedakan. Tapi kalau sudah berupa produk makanan, sangat sulit, harus uji DNA melalui tes laboratorium," jelasnya.

Sertifikasi Juru Potong

Dalam kesempatan yang sama, Vterinary Public Health Departemen Pertanian Turni Rusli mengatakan bahwa sejak tahun lalu, pihaknya sudah bekerjasama dengan LPPOM MUI untuk memberikan sertifikat juru sembelih halal.

Sehingga, menurutnya, seluruh Rumah Potong Hewan (RPH) di Indonesia yang memotong sapi atau hewan lainnya, harus dipotong secara halal, apabila akan diedarkan untuk umum. "Itu ada di UU dan di Peraturan menteri. Persoalannya, apakah sudah ada sertifikat atau belum," jelasnya.

Melihat prkembangan ini, pihaknya berencana membuat program sertifikasi juru sembelih halal, bekerjasama dengan LPPOM MUI. Dan program yang telah dimulai tahun lalu ini, akan dioptimalkan lagi pada tahun ini.

"Fungsi kita menjamin produk pangan asal hewan harus aman, sehat, utuh dan halal (ASUH). Kita harus jamin itu, dari manapun asalnya, termasuk dari luar negeri, baik produksi rumah tangga maupun produksi skala besar," tambahnya.(nov)
http://eramuslim.com

Someone don't believe that ALLAH exists

2009-04-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about so many things and various subjects.

Suddenly, they touched the subject of ALLAH. The barber said : "Look man, I don't believe that ALLAH exists as you say so." "Why do you say that?" Asked the client. Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that ALLAH does not exist. Oh, tell me, if ALLAH existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If ALLAH existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can't think of a ALLAH who permits all of these things." The client stopped for a moment thinking but he didn't want to respond so as to prevent an argument.

The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy). Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber : " know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How come they don't exist?"-asked the barber. "Well I am here and I am a barber." "No!" - the client exclaimed. "They don't exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street."

"Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me." "Exactly!"- affirmed the client. "That's the point. ALLAH does exist, what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him that's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."
[Sumber : unknown]

JURU DAKWAH YANG TIDAK GENTAR

2009-04-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Kekalahan umat Islam dalam perang Uhud menyebabkan bangkitnya kemarahan orang-orang badwi di sekitar Madinah untuk mencemuh dan mengungkit-ngungkit dendam lama yang sebelumnya sudah terpendam. Namun tanpa curiga sedikit pun Rasulullah memberikan sambutan baik atas kedatangan sekelompok pedagang Arab yang menyatakan keinginan sukunya hendak mendengar dan memeluk Islam. Untuk itu mereka meminta para jurudakwah dikirimkan ke kampung suku itu. Rasulullah s.a.w meluluskan. Enam orang sahabat yang alim diutus untuk melaksanakan tugas tersebut. Mereka berangkat bersama para pedagang Arab itu.

Di kampung Ar-Raji, dalam wilayah kekuasaan suku Huzail, para pedagang itu tiba-tiba melakukan pengurangan atas keenam sahabat Rasulullah s.a.w, sambil berseru meminta bantuan kaum Huzail. Keenam pendakwah itu dengan pantas menghunus senjata masing-masing dan siap mengadakan perlawanan, setelah insaf bahwa mereka tengah dijebak.
Para pedagang yang licik tadi berteriak, "Sabar saudara-saudara. Kami tidak bermaksud membunuh atau menganiayai kalian. Kami cuma mahu menangkap kalian untuk kami jual ke Makkah sebagai budak belian. Keenam sahabat Rasulullah s.a.w itu tahu nasib mereka bahkan lebih buruk daripada terbunuh dalam pertarungan tidak berimbang itu. Kerana mereka segera bertakbir seraya menyerang dengan tangkas.

Terjadilah pertempuran seru antara enam pendakwah berhati tulus dengan orang-orang yang beringas yang jumlanya jauh lebih besar. Pedang mereka ternyata cukup tajam. Beberapa orang lawan telah menjadi korban. Akhirnya tiga sahabat tertusuk musuh dan langsung gugur. Seorang lagi dibaling batu beramai-ramai hingga tewas. Bakinya tinggal dua orang; Zaid bin Addutsunah dan Khusaib bin Adi.
Apalah daya dua orang pejuang, betapa pun lincahnya perlawanan merek, menghadapi begitu banyak musuh yang tangguh ? Selang beberapa saat sesudah jatuhnya empat sahabat tadi, kedua orang itu dapat dilumpuhkan dan belenggu. Lalu mereka diangkut menuju pasar budak di Makkah. Zaid dibeli oleh Shafwan bin Umayyah. Ayah Shafwan, Umayyah bin Khalaf, adalah majikan Bilal dan Amir bin Fuhairah. Umayyah terkenal sangat kejam kepada budak-budaknya. Bilal pernah disalib di atas pasir dan dijemur di tengah teik matahari dengan badan ditindihi batu. Untung Bilal ditebus oleh Saiyidina Abu Bakar Assidiq dan dimerdekakan. Orang Habsyi ini kemudian terkenal sebagai sahabat dekat Rasulullah s.a.w. dan diangkat sebagai Muazin, tukang azan.

Dalam perang Badar, Umayyah bin Khalaf berhadap-hadapan dengan bekas budaknya itu. Dan Bilal berhasil membunuhnya dalam pertempuran yang sengit satu lawan satu. Adapun Khubaib bin Adi diambil oleh Uqbah bin Al-Harits dengan tujuan yang sama seperti maksud Shafwan membeli Zaid bin Abdutsunah. Iaitu untuk membalas dendam kebencian mereka kepada umat Islam.
Maka oleh orang-orang Quraisy, Zaid diseret menuju Tan'im, salah satu tempat untuk miqat umrah. DI sanalah Zaid akan dijalani hukuman pancung, buatkan sesuatu yang ia tidak pernah melakukannya, iaitu terbunuhnya Umayyah bin Khalaf, ayahanda Shafwan. Menjelang algojo menetak parangnya, pemimpin kaum Musyrikin Abu Sufyan bertanya garang, "Zaid bedebah, apakah engkau senang seandainya di tempatmu ini Muhammad, sedangkan engkau hidup tenteram bersama keluargamu di rumah ?"

"Janganlah begitu," bantah Zaid dengan keras. "Dalam keadaan begini pun aku tidak rela Rasulullah tertusuk duri kecil di rumahnya."
Abu Sufyan menjadi marah. "Bereskan," teriaknya kepada algojo. Dalam sekelip mata, sebilah parang berkilat di tengah terik matahari dan darah segar menyembur keluar. Zaid bin Abdutsunah gugur setelah kepalanya dipotong, menambah jumlah penghuni syurga dengan seorang syuhada' lagi. Di hati Abu Sufyan dan orang-orang Quraisy lainnya timbul keheranan akan kesetiaan para sahabat kepada Muhammad. Sampai tergamam di bibir Abu Sufyan ucapan kagum, "Aku tidak perna menemukan seorang yang begitu dicintai para sahabat seperti Muhammad."

Sesudah selesai pemancungan Zaid, datang pula rombongan lain yang menyeret Khubaib bin Adi. Sesuai dengan hukum yang berlaku di seluruh Tanah Arab, kepada pesalah yang dijatuhi qisas mati diberikan hak untuk menyampaikan permintaan terakhir. Demikian juga Khubaib. Juru dakwah yang bestari ini meminta izin untuk solat sunnah dua rakaat. Permohonan tersebut dikabulkan. Dengan khusyuk dan tenang, seolah-olah dalam suasana aman tenteram tanpa ancaman kematian, Khubaib melaksanakan ibadahnya sampai selesai. Setelah salam dan mengangkat dua tangan, ia berkata, "Demi Allah. Andaikata bukan kerana takut disangka aku gentar menghadapi maut, maka solatku akan kulakukan lebih panjang."

Khubaib disalib dahulu lalu dihabisi sepertimana dilaksanakan ke atas Zaid bin Abdutsunah. Jasadnya telah lebur sebagaimana jenazah lima sahabatnya yang lain. Namun semangat dakwah mereka yang dilandasi keikhlasan untuk menyebarkan ajaran kebenaran takkan pernah padam dari permukaan bumi. Semangat itu terus bergema sehingga makin banyak jumlah pendakwah yang dengan kekuatan sendiri, atas biaya peribadi, menyelusup keluar-masuk pedalaman berbatu-batu karang atau berhutan-hutan belantara buat menyampaikan firman Tuhan menuju keselamatan

Az-Zaitun Aliran Sesat?

2009-04-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Tadi buka-buka internet eh nemuin ini. Walaupun mungkin dah nggak banyak berita di TV, tapi ini penting lho! Kayak waktu mau ke jogja, aku dah diingetin soal ini.

Selamat membaca

Ass. Wr. Wb.

Beberapa bulan yang lalu saya pernah "dijebak" oleh teman untuk dibawa ke sebuah "pengajian." Saya sempat datang 4 kali ke pengajian tersebut. Saya sempat curiga dengan metode pengajian yang mana saya harus merahasiakan baik tempat maupun materi dari pengajian tersebut. Untunglah saya belum sempat dibaiat sehingga bisa keluar dari pengajian tersebut.

Belakangan, setelah saya desak, barulah teman saya tersebut mengakui bahwa pengajian tersebut adalah Az-Zaitun, yang berinduk ke Negara Islam Indonesia (NII KW9). Isi dari pengajian tersebut banyak sekali yang saya rasakan "aneh", dan dipaksa-paksakan agar nyambung dengan misi mereka, antara lain:

1. QS;7:98 di situ ada kata-kata dalam bahasa Arab Ba'tsuna (maaf saya tulis pakai huruf latin), mereka mengatakan bahwa tsuna tersebut artinya adalah tsunami, yang mana ini menunjukkan bahwa Allah menghukum Negara Indonesia yang banyak dosa. Saya protes pada saat itu karena meskipun saya tidak bisa bahasa arab, tapi saya tahu bahwa tsunami berasal dari bahasa Jepang, dan sama sekali ngga ada kaitan dengan bahasa Arab.

2. Kata Bismillah, mereka katakan bahwa artinya adalah berasal dari kata Isme-Allah, artinya isme=paham, sama seperti Isme pada kata Animisme, Dinamisme, dll. Jadi Bismillah artinya adalah paham Allah. Sekali lagi saya berdebat karena saya tahu kata "Isme" berasal dari bahasa latin dan tidak ada kaitannya dengan Bismillah.

3. Surat Al-Fatihah, ditafsirkan (dicomot dengan kata-kata paksaan sedemikian rupa), sehingga akhirnya "tersimpulkan" bahwa ibadah yang diterima Allah hanyalah ibadah yang dilaksanakan di Bumi Allah (NII/Az-Zaitun), dengan aturan Allah, dan oleh orang Islam (orang yang sudah dibaiat). Jadi Ibadah yang dilaksanakan di Indonesia adalah tidak sah.

Terus terang saya bukan ahli agama, baca Quran pun terbata-bata, tapi saya melihat ajaran di atas adalah sesat.

Bagaimana menurut ustadz? Apakah MUI pernah memantau organisasi ini?

Terima kasih, maaf jika saya salah dan maaf jika pertanyaan saya terlalu menjurus.

Wass. wr. wb.

Suse
suse at eramuslim.com

Jawaban

Assalamu 'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Barangkali kami tidak akan membahas apa itu Az-Zaitun dan apa hakikatnya, tapi kami hanya akan menjawab hal-hal yang terkait dengan esensi penyimpangan pemahaman sesuai dengan apa anda sampaikan.

Pembahasan ini kami anggap lebih bermanfaat, sebab tetap berlaku, siapa pun yang mengatakannya, Az-Zaitun atau yang lainnya.

Maksudnya, kami dalam hal ini bukan semata-mata menuduh pihak Az-Zaitun, sebab kami tidak mendapatkan akses untuk melakukan penyelidikan silang kepada mereka. Bisa jadi memang benar, tapi bisa saja salah, kalau pemahaman seperti ini dinisbatkan kepada pihak Az-Ziatun. Hanya Allah SWT yang tahu hal itu.

Apa yang 'orang-orang itu' sampaikan kepada anda, kalau dikatakan sebagai terjemahan Al-Quran, tentu saja tidak tepat. Dan anda benar, bahwa arti lafadz 'ba'suna' memang bukan tsunami. Tetapi hal yang lebih umum lagi, yaitu siksa, azab atau cobaan.

Kalau contoh ba'suna salah satunya adalah tsunami, mungkin ada benarnya. Tapi salah besar kalau kata ba'suna artinya adalah tsunami. Tentu orang yang sedikit saja mengerti bahasa arab, akan terpingkal-pingkal mendengar penerjamaahn 'aneh' model begini.

Kalau kita kaitkan dengan ayat lain, ada kaum kafir yang justru punya 'ba'sa' yang sangat dahsyat, tetapi jelas-jelas artinya bukan tsunami.

Mereka menjawab, "Kita adalah orang-orang yang memiliki kekuatan dan memiliki keberanian yang sangat, dan keputusan berada ditanganmu: maka pertimbangkanlah apa yang akan kamu perintahkan."(QS. An-Naml: 33)

Ayat ini juga menggunakan kata 'ba'sa', tapi artinya bukan tsunami, melainkan kekuatan. Dan yang berbicara juga bukan Allah melainkan orang kafir, yaitu para ahli musyawarah ratu Balqis saat merundingkan ajakan Nabi Sulaiman untuk masuk Islam. Kalau kata 'ba'sa' diartikan tsunami, tentu sangat tidak nyambung. Masak sih tsunami dikuasai oleh manusia? Apalagi manusianya hanya bangsa Saba' yang terkenal penyembah matahari? Sangat aneh kalau diterjemahkan sebagai tsunami, bukan?

Ibadah yang Sah Hanya yang di Bumi Allah?

Pemahaman seperti ini jelas sekali tidak sesuai dengan begitu banyak ayat Al-Quran dan juga hadits nabi SAW. Bahkan tidak sesuai dengan sejarah Islam.

Dan kepunyaan Allah-lah timur dan barat, maka kemanapun kamu menghadap di situlah wajah Allah. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Luas lagi Maha Mengetahui. (QS. Al-Bqarah: 115)

Salah besar kalau 'orang-orang itu' mengatakan tidak sah beribadah kecuali hanya di tanah tertentu. Bahkan tidak juga harus di tanah haram Makkah dan Madinah saja. Di mana pun di atas bumi, bahkan keluar bumi sekalipun, kita tetap sah dan wajib menyembah Allah. Pemahaman aneh seperti yang anda sebutkan itu memang mencirikan sebuah paham sesat yang tidak punya dalil yang benar.

Sejarah Islam menyebutkan bahwa nabi Muhammad SAW seringkali bepergian ke luar negeri Islam. Dan beliau aktif mengutus para shahabatnya untuk berdakwah ke luar negeri. Mereka pasti melakukan shalat di mana saja, meski di daerah negara kafir sekali pun. Siapa bilang shalat hanya sah di Makkah atau Madinah saja?

Bahkan di semua jengkal tanah di bumi ini, kita boleh dan sah bahkan wajib untuk shalat. Sebagaimana hadits berikut ini:

وعن أبي أمامة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: جعلت الأرض كلها لي ولأمتي مسجدا وطهورا ، فأينما أدركت رجلا من أمتي الصلاة فعنده مسجده وعنده طهوره رواهما أحمد

Dari Abi Umamah ra bahwa Rasulullah SAW bersabda,"Telah dijadikan tanah seluruhnya untukkku dan ummatku sebagai masjid dan pensuci. Di manapun shalat menemukan seseorang dari umatku, maka dia punya masjid dan media untuk bersci. (HR. Ahmad 5: 248)

Maka tidak ada kebenaran dari pemahaman seperti ini. Apalagi ibadah harus di tempat tertentu, sedangkan Madinah dan Makkah yang betul-betul aslinya, tidak ada keharusan. Apalagi hanya di tanah tertentu di muka bumi ini.

Juga merupakan pemahamansesat bilamengatakan bahwa ibadah seorang tidak diterima kalau belum berbaiat. Ini sebuah kebodohan besar yang tidak berdasar. Sebab dari ratusan ribu shahabat nabi SAW itu, tidak semuanya ikut berbai'at kepada beliau. Hanya beberapa gelintir shahabat saja yang pernah ikut bai'at Aqabah I, II serta Bai'at Ridhwan. Apakah semua shahabat yang tidak ikut bai'at itu kafir semua?

Tentu saja tidak. Sebab syarat keIslaman itu bukan bai'at tetapi syahadat. Hanya orang kurang ilmu saja yang menyamakan antara bai'at dengan syahadat. Karena itu haram hukumnya belajar agama kepada orang atau kelompok yang tidak punya ilmu, yang tidak bisa membedakanantara syahadat dan bai'at.Bahkan tidak mengerti bahasa arab dan tidak bisa menerjemahkan Al-Quran.

Lepas dari siapa dan apa nama kelompok yang mereka namakan.

Wallahu a'lam bishshawab wassalamu 'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Ahmad Sarwat, Lc.

Sumber: http://walausetitik.blogspot.com/

Learning to become Entrepreneur of The Thamud (3)

2009-01-16T01:04:00.001-08:00

By M. Suyanto

Kebenaran yang diajarkan Nabi Saleh bukan diterima dengan sepenuh hati, tetapi dibalas dengan keangkuhan dan kemarahan mereka dengan merencanakan untuk membunuh unta tersebut. Dalam surat Al Qamar ayat 29 : ”Maka mereka memanggil kawannya, lalu kawannya menangkap (untuk itu) dan membunuhnya”.

Kemudian dalam surat Huud 65 : ”Mereka membunuh unta itu, maka berkata Saleh: ”Bersukarialah kamu sekalian di rumahmu selama tigahari itu adalah janji yang tidak dapat didustakan”. Kemudian kaum Tsamud juga berencana untuk membunuh Nabi Saleh a.s. dan keluarganya disebutkan dalam surat An Naml ayat 48 – 50 : Dan adalah di kota itu, sembilan orang laki-laki yang membuat kerusakan di bumi dan mereka tidak berbuat kabaikan. Mereka berkata :”Bersumpahlah kamu dengan nama Allah, bahwa kita sungguh-sungguh akan menyerang dengan tiba-tiba beserta keluarganya di malam hari, kemudian kita katakan kepada warisnya (bahwa) kita tidak menyaksikan kematian keluarganya itu dan sungguh kita orang-orang yang benar”. Dan merekapun melakukan makar dengan sungguh-sungguh dan Kami merencanakan makar (pula), sedangkan mereka tidakmenyadari.

Setelah itu Nabi Saleh meninggalkan kaumnya. Kemudian datanglah janji Allah untuk menghancurkan mereka setelah tiga hari. Pada hari keempat, datanglah azab Allah yang disebutkan dalam surat Huud ayat 66-68 : Maka tatkala datang azab Kami, Kami selamatkan Saleh beserta orang-orang beriman bersama dia dengan rahmat dari Kami dan (Kami selamatkan) dari kehinaan hari itu. Sesungguhnya Tuhanmu Dia-lah Yang Maha Kuat lagi Maha Perkasa. Dan satu suara keras yang mengguntur menimpa orang-orang yang zalim itu, lalu mereka mati bergelimpangan di rumahnya. Seolah-olah mereka belum pernah berdiam di tempat itu. Ingatlah, sesungguhnya kaum Tsamud mengingkari Tuhan mereka. Ingatlah kebinasaan bagi kaum Tsamud. Demikian pula dalam surat Al Qamar ayat 30-32 : Alangkah dahsyatnya azab-Ku dan ancaman-ancaman-Ku. Sesungguhnya Kami menimpakan atas mereka suara keras yang mengguntur, maka jadilah mereka seperti rumput-rumput kering (yang dikumpulkan oleh) yang punya kandang binatang. Dan sesungguhnya telah kami mudahkan Al Qur’an untuk pelajaran, maka adakah orang yang mengambilpelajaran?

Diriwayatkan oleh Ibnu Umar r.a. berkata: Ketika Rasulullah s.a.w. membawa sahabat ke Tabuk sempat berhenti sebentar di Hijr daerah kaum Tsamud, tiba-tiba sahabat \mengambil air dari sumur tempat minum orang Tsamud itu dan mereka gunakan membuat makanan dan ketika telah ditanak di dalam kuali, tiba-tiba Nabi s.a.w. memerintahkan kepada mereka supaya menuangkan semua yang ada dalam kuali (panci-panci) itu dan diberikan makanan untuk unta. Kemudian beliau pergi dengannya sampai mereka berhenti di sumur tempat unta (Nabi Shalih) dahulu minum, lalu Nabi s.a.w. melarang mereka masuk di tempat orang-orang yang telah disiksa sambil bersabda : ” Sungguh aku kawatir kalian ditimpa apa yang telah meinimpa mereka, karena itu sekali-kali jangan masuk di tempat mereka” (Ahmad). Riwayat lain menyebutkan bahwa Ibnu Umar r.a. berkata, ”Ketika Rasulullah s.a.w. di Hijr, beliau bersabda : Jangan masuk ke tempat orang-orang yang tersiksa itu kecuali jika kalian sambil menangis, jika tidak dapat menangis maka jangan masuk ke sana, jangan sampai kalian tertimpa apa yang telah menimpa mereka”. (Ahmad).

Sebaliknya Nabi Saleh a.s. dan kaum yang beriman diselamtakan oleh Allah dalam surat An Naml ayat 53 : Dan telah Kami selamatkan orang-orang yang beriman dan mereka itu selalu bertakwa.

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Learning to become Entrepreneur of The Thamud (3)

2009-01-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

By M. Suyanto

Sebaliknya Nabi Saleh a.s. dan kaum yang beriman diselamtakan oleh Allah dalam surat An Naml ayat 53 : Dan telah Kami selamatkan orang-orang yang beriman dan mereka itu selalu bertakwa.

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Learning to become Entrepreneur of The Thamud (2)

2009-01-16T01:01:00.000-08:00

By M. Suyanto

The Thamud mentioned in this Al-Qur'an, are some of the favors given by God the form of the most knowledgeable, able to establish so-palace palace beautiful, both in the plains and in the mountain slopes.

The Thamud of the nation 'aad. Al-Qur'an Al A'raaf letter paragraph 74: And remember how He made you a replacement-replacement (in power) after the 'aad and provide a place for you in the earth. You dirikan castle-palace in the land and you are even carved the mountains to be home, remember the favor of God and do not favor you in the face of the earth to create mischief.

Nabi Saleh by the Thamud known as a good and honest. Menghormatinya his people very mengutusnya before God and the revelation given to berdakwah to them. Huud letter of the Koran verses 62-63:

The Thamud said: "O Salih, before you this is one of us that we expect, whether you forbid us to worship that which is worshiped by our fathers? And we sincerely doubt that the discomfort of the religion that you serukan to us. "Saleh said:" O my people, how pikirannya if I have any real evidence that Lord's mercy and I diberinya (prophethood) from him, then who I'll help from the (punishment) Allah if I disobeyed him. Therefore you do not add anything to me other than loss.

Thamud people who follow the call of the Prophet Saleh, and only a few people including the weak as mentioned in the letter Al A'raaf verse 75-76:

The leaders are proud of his people said to people that have been considered weak believers among them: "Did you that Saleh sent (a messenger) by his Lord?". They said: "We believe in the revelation, which Saleh sent to disclose." Those who were themselves said: "We are people who do not believe what you are pious."

Nabi Saleh invite them with love and affection, and shows a female camel as a miracle from God, and as a trial for them, mentioned in the letter Al Qamar verse 27: We are sending a female camel as a trial for them, then wait (action) and their be patient.

And in a letter Huud verse 64: O my people, this is a female camel from God, as a miracle (which shows the truth) for you, because it let him eat in the earth, God, and do not mengganggunya with any interference that will cause you torment touches close. Camel after some long and live birth abortion free drink from the source alternately with the Thamud, and for their day to day camel, camel diwaktu they can drink camel milk sepuasnya so that they can meet their vessel, as indicated in paragraph letter Al Qamar 28: And beritakanlah to them that the water is divided between them (with a female camel that), every turn was drinking (by a shift).
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Learning to become Entrepreneur of The Thamud (1)

2009-01-16T00:55:00.000-08:00

By M. Suyanto
The Thamud the ancient Arab people, either as an ethnic group or the living from 2300 BC to 200 BC. Although the Thamud likely came from South Arabia, a group of large-form seems to move toward the north at the beginning of the year, traditionally occupy slopes of Mount Athlab. The findings of the archeologists, a number of coral reefs from the culture of the Thamud not only found in the Mount Athlab, but also throughout the Arab East.

Based on the source of Al-Qur'an, and Assyiria Note the inscription on the Greek temple of Hijaz on the West Sea 169 BC.
Sources said that the history of the person who called Thamud truly exists. Community al-Hijr published in Al-Qur'an is considered the same as the people Thamud. Name another person Thamud is Ashab al-Hijr. So, the word "Thamud" is the name of the person or people, while the city of al-Hijr is one of the city that was founded by this person. Explanation of Greek geography expert, Pliny agree with this opinion. Pliny wrote that Domatha and Hegra (Hijr) is located in the place and then make Thamud city Hijr is now. Hijr is the main trade routes, because in the 1900 BC to 200 BC trade deal with the Nabasia. Main product is the Thamud glassware (pottery) a unique, high quality and have a high art and have the ability to produce in large amounts. Products sold include the Thamud incense, myrrh and spices from South Arabia. From the results of the trade is to provide wealth, enabling them to build the palace, which houses the tomb be chiselled and coral reefs. The city is located 347 km north of Medinah. At around 200 BC, the Nabasia replace the city of Dedan Thamud the (Al Ula) to Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh). Important archaeological sites found in the city of Al-Ula was inhabited until 1970, is a pilot city of Islam that are recognized on the back to the 11th century BC. Khuraibah is a site Lihyanite Kingdom, that there are a large number of graves. Also found, which is a Ikmah river (Wadi) batunya load on the inscription Lihyanite and Minea. Al Mabiyat, which is building an Islamic city that has a wide and dug the correct Al Hijr is a city of death. Also found Jalam defection Hijaz Railway used to carry Jamaah pilgrimage from Damascus to Medinah. Al-Hijr is the valley where the mountains Thamud water Madain Saleh, so the city is also known as Madain Saleh (of Prophet Salih). The high plains unfold valley Al-Qura with the flow of water through al'Ula which is 25 km from the north. Source of the most famous ancient meberi reference to the Thamud is history kemanangan King Babilonia, sargon II (8th century BC), who subjected the people Thamud the Arab North. Greece also provide that the reference as "Tamudaei" Thamud or in any posts Aristpteles, Ptolomeus and Pliny.
Thamud people living at the time of the Prophet Saleh and the Thamud as pagan and earth with a pemakmur trade. Allah SWT and His Prophet Saleh to worship God with them. In a letter of the Holy Qur'an Al A'raaf paragraph 73: And (We sent), to the Thamud their brother, Saleh. He said, "My nation, worship Allah, for you have no God for selainNya. Indeed, evidence has come clear to you from your Lord. Female camel of Allah is a sign for you, then let him eat in the earth, God and do not mengganggunya, with the interference of any kind, (which therefore) you will be overwritten grievous punishment. In a letter Huud verses 61-62: And to the Thamud (We sent) their brother, Saleh. He said, "My nation, worship Allah, for you have no other God but He. He created you from the earth (ground) and make you pemakmurnya, therefore, seek His forgiveness, and repentance to Him. Lord is near (His mercy) again approve (do'a His servants).
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The Halal And The Haram In The Private Life of Muslim

2009-01-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

by Yusuf al-Qaradawi

Food and Drink

Since ancient times, peoples have differed in their eating and drinking habits and in relation to what is to be allowed and avoided, especially with regard to food of animal origin.

Concerning food and drink of vegetable origin, the peoples of the earth have been close to a consensus. Islam does not prohibit vegetable foods, with the exception of what is fermented, whether it be grapes, dates, barley, or any other substance, as long as it remains in the unfermented state; similarly, Islam prohibits anything which intoxicates, affects the functioning of the brain, or harms the body, as we shall see later. However, with regard to foods derived from animal sources peoples and nations have held widely varying attitudes.

The Attitude of the Brahmins Toward Slaughtering Animals and Eating Meat

The Brahmins and a group of philosophers, subsisting on vegetarian food, only prohibit to themselves the killing and eating of animals. They claim that the slaughtering of animals is a cruelty inflicted by men on these creatures, who are living beings like themselves and that they must not deprive the animals of their right to live.

However, when we ponder the creation, we realize that these animals have not been created for their own sake, because they have not been endowed with intellect or freedom of choice; we also see that their natural position is such that they have been subjected to the service of man. It is therefore not to be doubted that man should benefit from their flesh after slaughter just as he benefits from their service while they are alive.

Again, we realize that it is the law of Allah in His creation that the lower order of species be sacrificed for the benefit of the higher. Thus green plants are cut and fed to an animal, the animal is slaughtered to be food for man, and a man must also fight and risk his life for the sake of the group. Moreover, even if a man refrains from slaughtering an animal, it will not thereby be saved from death and destruction; it will either become prey to some other animal or will die in some other way, possibly in a much more painful manner than by a quick stroke of a sharp knife.

Animals Prohibited to the Jews and Christians

Among the people possessing a religion based on a divinely revealed scripture, Allah prohibited to the Jews the eating of many land and marine animals; for a description of these one may refer to the Old Testment book of Leviticus, chapter eleven. The Qur'an mentions some of the things which Allah prohibited to them, as we mentioned previously, to punish them for their transgressions and sins: And to the Jews We forbade every animal with claws, and of oxen and sheep We have forbidden them their fat, except what is carried on their backs or entrails or what is connected to the bone; thus did We recompense them for their rebelliousness, and indeed We speak the truth. (6:146)

These prohibitions applied to the Jews, and it may be assumed that the Christians were also supposed to observe them since the Injeel declares that Jesus (peace be on him) did not come to abolish the Law of Moses but to fulfill it. However, the Christians made permissible things which had been prohibited in the Torah, although not abrogated in the Injeel, or scripture revealed to Jesus (peace be on him). The Christians followed the teachings of Paul, who declared all foods and drinks permissible with the sole exception of the flesh of animals sacrificed to idols, (1 Cor. 8:4-10,10:19-29; Col. 2:13-14,16,1 Tim. 4:4-5. (Trans)) since "to the pure everything is pure." (Rom. 14:14-17; Tit. 1:15. (Trans.)) Accordingly, Christians permitted to themselves the eating of pork, despite the fact that the text of the Torah prohibits it to this day.

The Attitude of the Pre-Islamic Arabs

The pre-Islamic Arabs prohibited certain animals as being unclean, together with some other animals which were considered sacred and dedicated to their gods; we have already mentioned bahirah, saibah, wasilah, and ham, which fall into the latter category. In contrast to this, they permitted many kinds of impure foods, such as the flesh of dead animals and flowing blood.

Islam Permits What Is Wholesome

This was the state of the world in relation to the eating of food at the advent of Islam. At one extreme every kind of meat was permitted and at the other all meat was prohibited. Then Allah addressed all human beings saying, O mankind! Eat of what is permissible and good on earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan; truly he is an open adversary to you. (2:168)

Thus He speaks to all the people on this globe, calling on them to eat of the good things which He has provided for them on this vast, outspread table, the Earth, and not to follow the ways of Satan, who has made it alluring to some people to prohibit for themselves various wholesome things which Allah has made halal, thus leading them toward the pitfalls of self-destruction. Then Allah addressed the Believers in particular saying, O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be thankful to Allah if it is He alone whom you worship. Indeed, what He has forbidden to you is the flesh of dead animals and blood and the flesh of swine, and that which has been sacrificed to anyone other than Allah. But if one is compelled by necessity, neither craving (it) nor transgressing, there is no sin on him; indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:172-173)

In this particular message to the Believers, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala tells them to eat of the good things of His providing and to give thanks to Him for His favors. He then explains that no food is haram to them except the four kinds mentioned in the ayah. The same four kinds, with some further details, are mentioned at other places in the Qur'an: Say: I do not find in what is revealed to me anything prohibited to an eater in his food unless it be (the flesh of) that which is dead, or flowing blood, or the flesh of swine, for that is indeed foul, or the abomination which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah. But if one is compelled by necessity, neither craving (it) nor transgressing, then, indeed, thy Lord is Forgiving, Merciful. (6:145)

And in even greater detail: Forbidden to you are the flesh of dead animals and blood and the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to any other than Allah, and that which has been killed by strangling or by beating or by falling or by being gored, and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild beast except that which you make lawful by slaughtering (before its death), and that which has been sacrificed to idols.... (5:4 (5:3))

There is no contradiction between this verse, which lists ten prohibited categories, and the previous verse which lists four, since animals which are killed by strangulation, by a blow, by a fall, by being gored, or which are partly eaten by wild animals all belong in the category of dead animals. Similarly, what is sacrificed to idols falls into the category of that which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah. Accordingly, the foods which are prohibited fall into four broad categories which may be reclassified into ten detailed categories, as follows:

The Prohibition of Eating What Is Dead and Its Wisdom

The first thing mentioned in these verses concerning prohibited foods is the flesh of "dead animals," that is, the beast or fowl which dies of natural causes, without being slaughtered or hunted by men. There are obvious reasons for this prohibition:

Eating the flesh of a dead animal is repugnant to civilized taste and is considered by thinking people in all societies to be contrary to human dignity. We also observe that all peoples possessing a revealed scripture have prohibited it and that they do not eat the flesh of an aunless it is slaughtered. However, the methods of slaughter may vary.
In whatever he does, the Muslim acts with a set purpose and; intention; he does not use a thing nor reap its benefit without directing his intention, aim, and effort toward it. The significance of slaughtering, which is a purposeful act, the intention of which is to take the life of the animal in order to use it as food, is to remove the slaughtered animal from the category of "dead animals." Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala does not desire that man should eat of what he did not intend or think of eating, as is the case with the dead animal; conversely, slaughtering an animal or hunting it as game both require an intention followed by effort and subsequent action.
If the animal died a natural death, it is quite likely that it died of some acute or chronic disease, through eating a poisonous plant, or other similar causes; hence eating its flesh would probably be harmful. The same is the case when the cause of death is old age or starvation.
By prohibiting the flesh of a dead animal to human beings, Allah in His Mercy provides source of food to animals and birds, who, in the words of the Qur'an, constitute an ummah (nation) like themselves. The truth of this is demonstrated by the fact that the carcasses of animals lying out in the open are devoured by birds and animals.
This prohibition encourages the owner of an animal to guard it from disease and malnutrition lest it die and be wasted. Accordingly, in the case of disease, he will be quick to seek a cure for it or will hasten to slaughter the animal.

The Prohibition of Flowing Blood

The second prohibition relates to flowing or liquid blood. (It is not prohibited to eat the blood which remains in the flesh of the slaughtered animal after one has done his best to remove it. (Trans.)) Ibn Abbas was asked about the spleen and he replied, "You can eat it." The questioners said, "But it is blood." (In early times the spleen was believed to be congealed blood. (Trans.)) He answered, "Only flowing blood is prohibited to you." The reason for this prohibition is both that the drinking of blood is repugnant to human decency and that it may likewise be injurious to health.

During the period of jahiliyyah, a person who felt hungry might jab a bone or sharp object into the flesh of his animal, and collect and drink the flowing blood. It was concerning this that the poet al'Ashi said: Never approach animals that are dead, Nor take a sharp bone to pierce the live one.

Thus, since piercing the flesh of a living animal injures and weakens it, Allah Ta'ala prohibited such a practice.

Pork

The third prohibited food is pork, that is, the flesh of swine. Since the pig relishes filth and offal, its meat is repugnant to persons of decent taste; moreover, recent medical research has shown that eating swine-flesh is injurious to health in all climates, especially hot ones. Scientific research has also shown that pork carries a deadly parasite (trichina), among others, and no one can say what science may discover in the future which will shed more light on the wisdom of this prohibition. Allah the Almighty spoke the truth in describing His Messenger, Muhammad (peace be on him), as the one who "makes unlawful what is foul." (7:157)

In addition to this, there are also some scholars who say that eating pork frequently diminishes the human being's sense of shame in relation to what is indecent.

That Which Is Dedicated to Anyone Other Than Allah

The fourth prohibited category refers to an animal which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah, that is to say, one which is slaughtered with the invocation of a name other than the name of Allah—for example, the name of an idol. When slaughtering an animal, the Arab polytheists would invoke the names of their idols, such as al-Lat or al-Uzza. Such a practice is a devotional act addressed to someone other than Allah and is a form of worship in which His glorious name is not mentioned. In this case the reason for the prohibition is entirely related to faith: to safeguard the belief in the Oneness of Allah, to purify worship, and to fight shirk and polytheism in whatever form they may be expressed.

Indeed, it is Allah who created man and gave him control over everything on the earth, subjecting the animal to his power and permitting him to take its life for food on the condition that His name be pronounced at the time of slaughter. Pronouncing the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal is a declaration that one is taking the life of this creature by the permission of its Creator, while if one invokes any other name, he has forfeited this permission and must be denied the use of its flesh.

Types of Dead Animals

The preceding are the four principal categories of prohibited animal foods. As revealed in the verse of Surh al-Maidah (5:4 (3)), to these four are added five more categories which pertain to further classifications of the "dead animal," as follows:

The strangled: an animal which has been strangled, for example, by a rope around its neck, or suffocated, as for instance by putting its head into something which produces suffocation.

The beaten: an animal which has been beaten to death by a club or similar object.

The fallen: an animal which dies as a result of a fall from a high place, or by falling into a gully or ravine.

The gored: an animal which dies as a result of being gored by the horns of another animal.

That which has been (partly) eaten by wild beasts: an animal which has been partially devoured by wild animals and dies as a result.

After naming these five categories, Allah makes an exception of "that which you make lawful by slaughtering," meaning that if one comes upon such an animal while it is still alive, slaughtering renders it halal as food. The correct understanding of "still alive" is that some sign of life remains in it. 'Ali ibn Abu Talib said, "If you can slaughter the beaten, the fallen or the gored animal while it (still) moves its hoof or leg, you may eat it." Commented al-Dahak, "The people of the time of jahiliyyah used to eat them (dead animals); then Allah prohibited them in Islam, excepting what is slaughtered. If it is slaughtered while it (still) moves a leg, its tail, or an eye, it is halal (Some jurists have said that there must be life in it, the signs of which are the flow of blood and reflex movements)

Reasons for the Prohibition of the Foregoing Categories

We need not repeat the reasons stated in the preceding discussion concerning dead animals, with the possible exception of the danger to health, which is not clear in such cases. However, we wish to emphasize again the significance of prohibitions 5 through 9 above. The All-Wise Law-Giver wants to teach people to be kind to the animal and to protect it from harm. One should not neglect it so that it can be strangled, fall from a high place, or be gored in a fight with other animals, nor torture it by severe beating, possibly resulting in its death, as vicious herdsmen, particularly hired ones, sometimes do, even goading animals such as two bulls or sheep to fight each other until one wounds or gores the other to death.

It is solely for this reason that Islamic jurists have prohibited the eating of the flesh of an animal which has been gored to death, even if it was wounded by the horns of the other and its blood has flowed; this prohibition holds even if the blood flowed from a wound in the usual site of slaughter, the throat. According to my understanding, the purpose behind this is to penalize the owner of such animals who has left them unattended to gore each other to death; he is not to be rewarded for this negligence by being permitted to make use of their flesh for food.
The reason for prohibiting the eating of animals partially devoured by wild beasts is to preserve human dignity; a Muslim is not to degrade himself by eating the leavings of animals. The people of the period of jahiliyyah were in the habit of eating what had been left by wild animals, wof sheep, camel or cow, but subsequently Allah prohibited this to the Believers.

Animal Sacrifices

The tenth caof prohibited animal food is that which has been sacrificed to idols. During the period of jahiliyyah, stone altars stood in front of the idols around the Ka'aba, and the polytheists would slaughter animals on or close to these altars in order to seek nearness to the deities to which the altars were assigned.

Such immolation is similar to "that which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah," as both involve the glorification of false deities. The difference is that in case of "that which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah," the slaughtering did not take place in the vicinity of the idol and only its name was mentioned over the object of sacrifice, while in the latter case the immolation was done in front of the idol or on the altar assigned to it, and it was therefore unnecessary to mention its name.

Since these altars were in the vicinity of the Ka'aba, it was possible to imagine that these sacrifices were meant to render homage to the Sacred House. The Qur'an, through an explicit declaration, removed this possibility from the minds of people, classifying this practice in the same category as that which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah.

The Exemption of Sea Food and Locusts

The Islamic Shari'ah has exempted fish, whales, and other sea creatures from the category of "dead animals." When the Prophet (peace be on him) was asked about the sea, he replied, Its water is pure and its dead are halal. (Reported by Ahmad and other compilers of the Sunnah.)

Says Allah Ta'ala: The game of the sea is permitted to you and so is its food.... (5:99 (96)) and 'Umar explained, "Its game is what is caught from it and its food is what is thrown out from it," while Ibn 'Abbas said, "Its food is its dead (animals)."

In the two Sahihs of al-Bukhari and Muslim, it is reported on the authority of Jabir that the Prophet (peace be on him) once sent some of his Companions on an expedition. They found a dead whale by the sea and subsisted on it for more than twenty days. On their return to Madinah, they told the Prophet (peace be on him) about this and he said, Eat the food which Allah has brought forth for you, and feed us from it if you have any left. They then brought him some whale meat and he ate it. (Reported by al-Bukhari.)

By the same token, locusts are exempted from the category of "dead animals." The Prophet (peace be on him) gave permission to eat dead locusts, as the question of slaughtering them does not arise. Said Ibn Abu Awfa, "We went with the Prophet (peace be on him) on seven expeditions, and we ate locusts with him." (Reported by all the authentic collections of ahadith excepting that of Ibn Majah.)

Making Use of the Skin, Bones, and Hair of the Animal

The prohibition concerning the dead animal is limited to the eating of its flesh. One can—in fact, one should—make use of its skin, horns, bones and hair, for throwing them away is a waste, and waste is not permitted. Concerning this, Ibn 'Abbas narrated: The freed maid-servant of the Prophet's wife, Maymunah, was given a sheep, and it died. The Prophet (peace be on him) passed by its carcass and said, 'Why did you not take its skin to be tanned and use it?' They replied, 'But it is deed.' The Prophet (peace be on him) said, 'What is prohibited is eating it.' (Reported in all the authentic collections of ahadith excepting that of Ibn Majah)

The Prophet (peace be on him) made it clear that the way to purify the skin of a dead animal is to tan it. He is reported to have said, "The tanning of the skin is its slaughtering," (Reported by Abu Daoud and al-Nisai) meaning that just as slaughtering makes the eating of the flesh of a sheep or cow halal, likewise tanning makes the use of the skin halal. He also said, "Tanning removes its impurity," (Reported by al-Hakim.)

And "If the skin is tanned, it is purified." (Reported by Muslim and others.)

The application of these latter ahadith is quite general, including the skin of the dog or the pig. This was the opinion of the jurists of the Zahiri school, of Abu Yusuf, the pupil of Abu Hanifah, and of al-Shawkani. Sawdah, the wife of the Prophet (peace be on him), said "One of our sheep died, so we tanned its skin and used it as a waterskin, putting dates in it to sweeten the water. We used it until it wore out." (Reported by al-Bukhari and others.)

Necessity Dictates Exceptions

All the above-mentioned prohibitions apply in situations in which one has a choice. However, in case of a necessity a different rule applies, as was discussed earlier. Allah Ta'ala says: ...He has explained to you what He has made haram for you, except that to which you are compelled... (6:119)
And after mentioning the prohibitions concerning the flesh of dead animals, blood, and so, He says: ...but if one is compelled by necessity, neither craving (it) nor transgressing, there is no sin on him; indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:172-173)
The consensus of the jurists is that necessity in this case signifies the need for food to alleviate hunger when no food other than the prohibited food is available, some jurists holding the opinion that at least one day and one night should pass without food. In such a situation a person may eat as much will satisfy his hunger and thus save himself from death. Said Imam Malik, "The amount of it is what will alleviate his hunger, and he should not eat more than what will keep him alive." This, perhaps, is the meaning of Allah's words, "neither craving (it) nor transgressing,"—that is, neither desiring it nor eating more than necessary. That hunger can be a compelling need is expressly mentioned in the Qur'anic ayah: ...but if one is compelled by hunger, without any inclination to sin, then indeed Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (5:4 (3))

Medical Necessity

Concerning the question of whether some of the prohibited food substances can be used as medicine, there is a difference of opinion among jurists. Some do not consider medicine to belong in the category of a compelling necessity like food, and in support of their position they cite the hadith: "Assuredly Allah did not provide a cure for you in what He has prohibited to you." (Reported by al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood.)

Others consider the need for medicine equal to that of food, as both are necessary for preserving life. In support of their position that prohibited food substances may be used as medicine, they argue that the Prophet (peace be on him) allowed 'Abd al-Rahman bin 'Awf and al-Zubair bin al-'Awwam to wear silk because they were suffering from scabies. (The text of this hadith is quoted in the subsection of this book entitled "Clothing and Ornaments.")

Perhaps this latter view is closer to the spirit of Islam which, in all its legislations and teachings, is concerned with the preservation of human life. However, taking medicine containing some of the haram substances is permissible only under the following conditions:
1. The patient's life is endangered if he does not take this medicine.
2. No alternative or substitute medication made from entirely halal sources is available.
3. The medication is prescribed by a Muslim physician who is knowledgeable as well as God-fearing.

We may, however, add that on the basis of our own observations and the opinions of expert physicians, we have arrived at the conclusion that there hardly exists any medical necessity which requires ingesting what is haram, as for example, taking medicine. Nevertheless, we have stated this principle in case a Muslim happens to be in a place where he cannot find medications other than those which contain haram substances.

Necessity Does Not Exist if the Society Possesses Excess Food

Consider a situation in which an individual does not have enough to eat but other people, Muslims or dhimmis, (Dhimmis: non-Muslims living under the protection of an Islamic government. (Trans.)) in his community have excess food. In such a case he does not fulfill the stipulation of being in a state of necessity and consequently haram foods do not becpermissible to him, for an Islamic community is like a single body supporting its members or like a fortified wall in which each brick strengthensthe other.

The concept of social solidarity is expressed very forcefully by the great jurist Imam Ibn Hazm, who said, The Muslim is not in a state of necessity such that it becomes permissible for him to eat the flesh of dead animals or swine as long as someone else, whether a Muslim or a dhimmi, has excess food. It is obligatory on the person having food to feed the one who is hungry, and that being the case, the hungry person is not compelled to resort to the flesh of dead animals or swine. If the person having excess food denies it to him, he has a right to fight for it. If he (the hungry person) is killed, the killer is guilty of murder and consequently subject to qisas (retaliation), while if he kills the denier of food he has dispatched him to the curse of Allah, as he denied him his right and was one of the rebellious. Allah Ta'ala says: 'And if one of them transgresses against the other, fight against the one who transgresses until he complies with the command of Allah.' (49:9)

One who denies the rights of his brother is a rebel against Allah. That is why Abu Bakr al-Siddiq fought against those who refused to pay zakat (while professing to be Muslims). (Al-Muhalla by Ibn Hazm, vol. 6, p. 159.)

All Marine Animals Are Halal

Depending on their habitats, animals are of two kinds: either marine or terrestrial. Marine animals, that is, those which live in water and cannot survive outside it, are all halal. It does not matter in what way they are obtained: whether they are taken out of the water dead or alive, whole or in pieces, whether they are fish or marine animals, whether they are called sea dogs or sea hogs, or whether they are caught by a Muslim or a non-Muslim. The Most Generous Lord has opened wide His bounty upon His servants by permitting them to eat all marine animals, without the requirement of bleeding; man has been left free to catch them in whatever manner he is able, avoiding any unnecessary cruelty as far as possible. Reminding us of His favors, Allah Ta'ala says, And it is He Who has subjected the sea (to you) in order that you may eat fresh meat from it.... (16:14)
The game of the sea is permitted to you and so is its food, a provision for you and for travelers by sea.... (5:99 (96))
Praise be to Him for not having excluded anything, for Thy Lord is not forgetful. (19:64)

Prohibited Terrestrial Animals

As far as terrestrial or land animals are concerned, Allah has prohibited only the eating of pork, the flesh of any animal which dies of itself or is sacrificed to anyone other than Allah, and the drinking of blood. These prohibitions are explicitly mentioned in the text of the Qur'an, comprising, as we have seen, four major and ten minor categories.

At the same time, the Qur'an says concerning the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him): He...makes lawful to them what is good and makes unlawful what is foul.... (7:157)
Foul things are those which, although some individuals may like them, people generally find detestable. As an instance of this, on the day of the confrontation of Khaibar, the Prophet (peace be on him) forbade the eating of the flesh of domesticated donkeys. (Reported by al-Bukhari. Concerning this hadith, it is said that the prohibition of eating donkeys was temporary and was due to an emergency, as donkeys were needed for riding. This is similar to a situation in which, due to a shortage of meat, a government may prohibit the slaughtering of young animals so they may grow bigger or the hunting of deer in a particular season, etc.)

Another example of the same thing is provided by a hadith narrated by both al-Bukhari and Muslim, which states that the Prophet (peace be on him) "forbade the eating of any wild animals with a canine tooth and of any bird with talons." "Wild animals" denotes those which prey on others and devour them by tearing them apart, e.g., the lion, leopard, wolf, and the like; birds with talons such as the hawk, eagle, falcon, etc., do the same.

According to Ibn 'Abbas, nothing is haram other than the four categories mentioned in the Qur'an, while what the Prophet (peace be on him) forbade, such as beasts of prey, are to be regarded as makruh (detestable) rather than reaching the degree of haram. Said Ibn 'Abbas: The people of the time of jahiliyyah ate certain foods and avoided others, according to their whim. Then Allah sent His Prophet (peace be on him) and revealed His Book, and He legislated what is permissible and what is prohibited. Accordingly, what He permitted is halal, what He prohibited is haram, and that concerning which He is silent is allowed. Ibn 'Abbas then recited, Say: I do not find in what is revealed to me anything prohibited to an eater in his food. Say: I do not find in what is revealed to me anything prohibited to an eater in his food. Say: I do not find in what is revealed to me anything prohibited to an eater in his food. (6:145) (Reported by Abu Daoud as the saying of Ibn 'Abbas.)

On the basis of this ayah, Ibn 'Abbas argued that the flesh of domesticated donkeys is permissible. Imam Malik agrees with him on this matter, considering beasts of prey makruh rather than haram.

The jurists agree that cutting the throat of a prohibited animal does not render it halal. However, it then becomes permissible to use its skin without tanning it.

The Requirement of Slaughtering in the Islamic Manner

Land animals which are permissible as food are of two kinds. The first consists of those animals which are tame or domesticated, such as camels, cows, goats, poultry, and other fowl which are raised on a farm or in the house, while untamed and wild animals are of the second type. In order to render their flesh halal, Islam requires that animals of the first category be slaughtered in the manner prescribed by Islam.

The Conditions of Islamic Slaughtering

According to the Shari'ah, the legal purification of the flesh of animals requires that the following conditions be met:

The animal should be slaughtered by a sharp object which is capable of making it bleed by severing blood vessels, even if the sharp object is a stone or a piece of wood. 'Adi bin Hatim narrated that he said to the Prophet (peace be on him), "O Messenger of Allah, we go hunting and sometimes we do not have a knife with us. We may find a sharp rock or a piece of wood or a reed." The Prophet (peace be on him) said: "The object is to make it bleed with whatever you have and mention the name of Allah over it.'' (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Daoud, Nisai, Ibn Majah, al-Hakim, and Ibn Hibban.)

The slaughtering is to be done by cutting the throat of the animal or by piercing the hollow of the throat, causing its death. The best way is to cut the windpipe, the gullet, and the two jugular veins. (Some jurists have cited further conditions, but we have omitted them as we did not find explicit texts mentioning them. The slaughtering of animals is known instinctively to all people, and to go into depth and detail concerning it does not accord with Islam, which keeps matters easy and simple. The more details these jurists have attempted to list, the more confusion they have caused; for example, is it necessary to cut all four parts - the windpipe, the gullet and the two jugular veins - or only some of them? Should the knife point downward or upward? Can the hand be raised before the slaughtering is completed or not? and so on, without end, with each alternative answer to these questions finding support among some jurists.)

However, if it becomes impossible to slaughter the animal in the specified manner, this second condition is cancelled; for example, the animal may have fallen headlong into a well so that its throat is inaccessible, or it may become wild and start kicking and running. Such cases are treated in the manner of game animals and it is sufficient to wound the animal at any place to make it bleed. On the authority of Raf'i ibn Khadij, both al-Bukhari and Muslim report the former as narrating: We were on a journey with the Prophet (peace be on him) when one of the camels bolted away. As the people did not have a horse, a man shot an arrow which struck the camel and wounded it. The Prop(peace be on him) said, 'Some of these animals are like wild beasts. If any of them behaves like this, treat it in this fashion.' (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

No name other than Allah's should be mentioned over the animal at the time of slaughter; concerning this condition there is a consensus among all the jurists. The people of the time of jahiliyyah sought to propitiate their deities and idols by sacrificing animals to them, either by invoking their names while slaughtering or by immolating them on altars specified for them. As mentioned previously, the Qur'an prohibited all this in the words, Forbidden to you are...that which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah...and that which has been sacrificed to idols. (5:4 (3))

The name of Allah should be mentioned while slaughtering the animal. (The correct manner of mentioning the name of Allah at slaughtering is, "Bismillah Allahu akbar" (in the name of God, God is the most great). On this occasion the words al-Rahman al-Raheem (the Compassionate, the Merciful) do not follow Bismillah as they ordinarily do, since slaughtering is not an act of mercy. (Trans.)) This is clear from Qur'anic texts and ahadith. Allah Ta'ala says: Then eat of that over which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you believe in His signs. (6:118)

And do not eat of that over which the name of Allah has not been mentioned, for truly that is impiety.... (6:121)

And the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: If the blood is drained (from the animal) and the name of Allah has been mentioned over it, you may eat of it. (Reported by al-Bukhari and others.)

This condition is further supported by other sound ahadith which state that Allah's name must be pronounced while hunting just before an arrow is shot or a hunting dog is sent for the chase. This point will be discussed later in the section on hunting.

Some scholars are of the opinion that although the name of Allah must be mentioned, it is not necessary to mention it at the time of slaughtering the animal; one can mention it at the time of eating, since in that case it cannot be held that it was eaten without mentioning the name of Allah over it. In the Sahih of al-Bukhari we find a hadith narrated by 'Aisha, who said, Some people who had recently become Muslims said to the Prophet (peace be on him), 'People bring us meat and we do not know whether they have mentioned the name of Allah over it or not. Shall we eat of it or not?' The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, 'Mention the name of Allah (over it) and eat." (The correct invocation when one begins to eat or drink is Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem, "In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful," coupled with a supplication such as, Allahumma, barik lana fi ma razaqtana wa qina adhab an-nar, "Our Lord, bless us in what You have provided for us and save us from the punishment of the Fire." (Trans.))

The Wisdom of the Islamic Manner of Slaughtering

The wisdom of the Islamic rules of slaughtering is to take the animal's life in the quickest and least painful way; the requirements of using a sharp instrument and of cutting the throat relate to this end. It is forbidden to rend the throat by using teeth or nails since this will cause pain to the animal and is likely to strangle it. The Prophet (peace be on him) recommended sharpening the knife and putting the animal at ease, saying, Allah has ordained kindness (or excellence) in everything. If killing is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter, do it in the best manner by first sharpening the knife and putting the animal at ease. (Reported by Muslim on the authority of Shaddad bin Aus.)

In another hadith narrated by Ibn'Umar, the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "When one of you slaughters, let him complete it," (Reported by Ibn Majah.) meaning that one should sharpen his knife well and feed, water, and soothe the animal before killing it.

Ibn 'Abbas reported that once the Prophet (peace be on him) saw a man who was sharpening his knife after laying down a sheep to be slaughtered. The Prophet (peace be on him) rebuked him saying, "Do you intend to make it die two deaths? Why did you not sharpen your knife before laying it down?" (Reported by al-Hakim, who classified it as "sound" according to the standard of al Bukhari.)

Once 'Umar saw a man dragging a sheep by its leg to be slaughtered. He said, "Woe to you! Lead it to its death in a decent manner." (Reported by 'Abd ur-Razzaq.)

Thus the main intent here is to be kind to the unfortunate animal and spare it unnecessary suffering insofar as this is possible. The people o f jahiliyyah were fond of cutting off the humps of live camels and the fat tails of live sheep in order to eat them. In order to put a stop to this barbaric practice, the Prophet (peace be on him) forbade the eating of any part obtained in this fashion, saying, "Any part cut off a living animal is dead flesh," (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Daoud, al-Tirmidhi, and al-Hakim.)

The Significance of Mentioning Allah's Name

Mentioning the name of Allah to purify the act of slaughtering has a subtle significance which we would do well to ponder.

First, this practice is in opposition to the practice of the idolaters and the people of jahiliyyah, who mentioned the names of their non-existent deities while slaughtering animals. Since the polytheist mentions the name of a false deity, how can the Believer fail to mention the name of the true God?

Second, these animals, like human beings, are creatures of Allah, and like them they have life. How then can a man take control of them and deprive them of life unless he first obtains permission from his, and their, common Creator, to Whom everything belongs? Mentioning the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal is a declaration of this divine permission, as if the one who is killing the animal were saying, "This act of mine is not an act of aggression against the universe nor of oppression of this creature, but in the name of Allah I slaughter, in the name of Allah I hunt, and in the name of Allah I eat."

Animals Slaughtered by the People of the Book

We have seen that Islam emphasizes that the animal must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner. The polytheists of Arabia and other nations had made animal sacrifice an act of worship, or rather an integral part of their belief system and a pillar of their religion, seeking to propitiate their deities by sacrificing animals either at their special altars or by mentioning their names over them. Islam abolished these pagan rites and ordained that no name except that of Allah be mentioned while slaughtering, and it prohibited what was sacrificed at an altar or dedicated to anyone other than Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

Now although the People of the Book—the Jews and Christians —are essentially believers in one God, some Muslims nevertheless supposed that in matters related to food the People of the Book were to be treated in the same manner as idolaters. Thereupon Allah Ta'ala granted special permission to Muslims in the matter of eating with the People of the Book and in the matter of marriage to their women. In Surah al-Maidah, the last surah of the Qur'an to be revealed, Allah says, Today whatever is good is made lawful to you. And the food of those who were given the Scripture (before you) is permitted to you and your food is permitted to them.... (5:6 (5))

The meaning of these verses is, in brief, that from this day forward all good, pure, and wholesome things are permitted to you Muslims; consequently, there can be no more bahirah, saibah, wasilah, or ham. Since Allah did not prohibit it, the food of the Jews and the Christians is permitted to you on the basis of the original permissibility of things, and likewise you can share your food with them. Accordingly, you can eat the flesh of the animals they have slaughtered or hunted, and they can eat what you have slaughtered or hunted.

While Islam takes an uncompromising attitude toward polytheists, it is lenient toward the People of the Book, for they are closer to Muslims in their belief in divine revelation, prophethood, and other fundamentals of . Islam permits us to eat with them, to marry their women, and, in general, to have social relations with them. It may be that, by interacting with Muslims in an Islamic environment and observithe beliefs, practices, and characters of Muslims, they may come to realize that Islam is in truth their own religion but with a higher level of spirituality, a more perfect Shari'ah, and books of greater authenticity, (That is, the Holy Qur'an, the books of Ahadith, and the Sirah (biography) of the Prophet. (Trans.)) while also free of the influence of paganism, man-made concepts, and falsehood.

The application of the phrase, "the food of those who were given the Scripture," is general and includes their meats, produce, and other foods. All of these are halal for us excepting what is haram in itself, e.g., the flesh of a dead animal, pork, and flowing blood, as these are haram regardless of whether they are obtained from a Christian, a Jew or a Muslim.

We now turn to various questions which are of sufficient importance to Muslims to require an answer here.

Animals Slaughtered for Churches and Christian Festivals

If one does not hear from a Christian or a Jew that a name other than Allah's such as that of Jesus or a saint, was mentioned at the time of slaughter, the meat he offers is halal. If, however, he says that a name other than Allah's has been mentioned, it is haram, according to the opinion of some jurists who argue that it falls under the heading of what has been dedicated to other than Allah. Some others hold the opinion that the food of the People of the Book has been permitted to us by Allah, Who is aware of what they say when slaughtering an animal.

Someone asked Abu al-Darda whether he could eat the flesh of a lamb, slaughtered for the Church of St. George, which had been given to him. Abu al-Darda answered, "O Allah, may You pardon us! Are they not the People of the Book, whose food is halal for us and ours for them? He then told the person to eat it. (Reported by al-Tabari.)

Imam Malik was once asked about eating the flesh of animals slaughtered for Christian festivals and churches. He replied, I classify it as makruh but not haram: makruh because I am afraid it may have been dedicated to someone other than Allah but not haram because perhaps, with respect to the People of the Book, the meaning of the phrase, 'that which has been dedicated to any other than Allah,' applies only to those animals which they slaughter for the purpose of seeking the pleasure of their deities (This may refer to Jesus, Mary, or to other saints. (Trans.)) and not to eat. As for what they slaughter to eat, it is their food, and Allah says, 'The food of those who were given the Scripture is permitted to you.' (This ruling by Imam Malik demonstrates his humility, piety, and caution in religion. He did not rush to the conclusion that it was haram, as some jurists do today but confined himself to stating that it was makruh. As we can see, faced with the problem of reconciling two conflicting general categories, that which is dedicated to anyone other than Allah and the permissibility of the food of the People of the Book, he exercised caution and deliberation.) (5:6 (7))

Animals Slaughtered By Electric Shock and Other Methods

The second question is this: Is it necessary that the method of slaughter of an animal employed by the People of the Book so that it is halal in their religion be the same as ours, which is to cut the throat? A majority of jurists stipulate this as a condition, while a number of Maliki jurists have ruled that it is not a condition.

Qadi Ibn al-Arab), in explaining the verse of Surah al-Maidah, "The food of those who were given the Scripture is permitted to you," (5:6 (7)) says: This is a decisive proof that the game and food of the People of the Book are among the good things which Allah has allowed for us. He, the Most High, has repeated it twice in order to allay doubts and to seal the mouths of those mischievous objectors, who would raise questions and prolong the discussion. I was asked: 'If a Christian kills a chicken by cutting off its head and then cooks it, is it permissible to eat with him or to partake of his food?' I said: 'Eat it, as this is his food and the food of his priests and monks. Although this is not our way of slaughtering the animal, yet Allah has permitted their food to us unconditionally, and also other things in their religion excepting those which Allah says they have falsified.' Our scholars have said: They give us their women in marriage and it is permissible to engage in sexual intercourse with them. In matters concerning halal and haram, sexual intercourse is of graver import than eating; how then does it make sense to say that their food is not halal?

This is the opinion of Ibn al-Arab). On another occasion he says: "What they eat without intending to make it lawful for eating, as for example by strangling the animal or smashing its head, is haram." There is no contradiction between these two statements of his. What is meant here is that what they consider as religiously lawful to eat is halal for us, even though the method of killing the animal in their religion may be different from ours, and what is not religiously lawful to them is haram for us. What is meant by killing the animal in their religion is killing it with the intention of making it lawful as food according to their religion. This is the opinion of a group of Maliki jurists.

In the light of this ruling, we know that imported meats, such as chicken and canned beef, originating with the People of the Book are halal for us, even though the animal may have been killed by means of electric shock or the like. As long as they consider it lawful in their religion, it is halal for us. This is the application of the above verse from Surah al-Maidah.

The Meat of Zoroastrians and Others Like Them

A difference of opinion exists among jurists concerning the meat of animals slaughtered by the Zoroastrians or Parsees (Majus). The majority forbids the eating of it because they are polytheists, while others say that it is halal because the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "Treat them as you treat the People of the Book." (Reported by Malik and al-Shafi'i. What comes at the end of this hadith, "Do not marry their women nor eat their meat," is not considered authentic by the compilers of Ahadith.)

The Prophet (peace be on him) accepted jizyah from the Zoroastrians of Hajar. (Reported by al-Bukhari and others.) In the chapter on slaughtering in Ibn Hazm's book, Al-Muhalla, (Vol. 7, p. 456.) the author says, "They are also a People of the Book; hence all the rules related to the People of the Book apply to them." (Ibn Hazm's opinion undoubtedly carries great weight. He was very meticulous in applying the texts of the Qur'an and Ahadith, as well as being knowledgeable concerning the history of nations and their customs. Al-Baghdadi, in his book Al-Farq Bayn al-Firaq, states: "The Magians (Zoroastrians) claim that Zoraster was a prophet" Some modern Islamic scholars who have conducted researches into ancient cultures, such as Abul Kalam Azad, support this view.) Likewise the Sabeans are classified by Abu Hanifah as belonging to the category of People of the Book. (Some researchers of our time have attempted to extend the circle of People of the Book to include idolatrous such as Hindus and Buddhists, but they are stretching the matter too far. See, for example, Tafsir al-Manar, vol. 6, in the interpretation of the ayah, "The food of those who were given the Scripture is permitted to you," in the chapter dealing with the food of idolatrous and marriage to their women.)

A Rule: What We Do Not See Should Not Be Probed Into

It is not required of the Muslim to inquire about what he has not witnessed, i.e., How was the animal killed? Did the manner of 6laughter meet the Islamic conditions? Was the name of Allah mentioned while slaughtering or not? If the animal was slaughtered by a Muslim, even if he is ignorant or sinful, or by someone from among the People of the Book, eating it is halal for us.

We have already narrated a hadith in which it wasaid to the Prophet (peace be on him): "People bring us meat and we do not know whether they have mentioned the name of Allah over it or not. Shall we eat it or not?" and the Prophet (peace be on him) replied, "Mentionthe name of Allah (over it) and eat."
Concerning the application of this hadith, scholars say: This is proof that the actions and practices of people are ordinarily considered to be correct and appropriate, while deviation or error must be proved.

Hunting

Many Arabs and peoples of other nations formerly lived by hunting; hence the Qur'an and Sunnah have addressed themselves to this matter. Muslim jurists have always treated the subject of hunting under a separate heading, explaining what is lawful and what is prohibited, what is obligatory and what is commendable in this regard, since many animals and birds whose flesh is wholesome are neither tamed nor under man's control.
In order to render eating them halal, Islam does not require that the throats of such creatures be cut or that the hollow of their throat be pierced, as is required for the slaughter of tame and domesticated animals. It is sufficient to do something of this sort but to a lesser degree, as the circumstances of the hunt permit. People have always followed their instincts while hunting, and Islam does not oppose what is natural and instinctive, but merely adds a few conditions in order to bring hunting, as it brings all the other affairs of Muslims, in accord with its general belief system. Some of these conditions apply to the hunter, others to the game, and still others to the instrument of hunting.
These conditions apply, naturally, only to land game. As for sea game, Allah has permitted all of it without restriction, as was mentioned earlier: The game of the sea is permitted to you and so is its food, a provision for you and for travellers by sea.... (5:99 (96))

Conditions Pertaining to the Hunter

The conditions pertaining to the hunter are the same as those which pertain to the butcher: that he should be either a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, a Zoroastrian, or a Sabean.

Islam teaches the hunter that he should not hunt merely for sport, taking the life of animals without intending to eat them or otherwise benefit from them. The Prophet (peace be on him) said: If someone kills a sparrow for sport, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgement, 'O Lord! That person killed me in vain! He did not kill me for any useful purpose.' (Reported by al-Nisai and by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih.)

Again, he said: Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgement. The listeners asked, O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause? He replied, That he kill it to eat, not to simply chop off its head and then throw it away. (Reported by al-Nisai and al-Hakim who said that its transmission is sound.)

Another condition is that the Muslim should not be in the state of ihram (Ihram refers to the state of consecration, physical and spiritual, of the Muslim who is performing hajj, the obligatory pilgrimage, or 'umrah, the lesser and voluntary pilgrimage. (Trans.)) for hajj or 'umrah, for at that time he is in a state of total peace and serenity, the sphere of which extends to the animals and birds around him. Even if some game should appear right in front of him so that he could catch or kill it with a spear, it is not permissible for him to do so. This is to test and train the Believer in order to make him strong and patient. As Allah Ta'ala says: O you who believe! Do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram.... ihram.... (5:98 (95))

...And hunting is haram for you while you are in the state of ihram.... (5:2(1))

Conditions Pertaining to the Game

One of the conditions pertaining to game is that it should be an animal which man is not able to bring under control in order to slaughter it properly, for, according to principle, if it is possible to slaughter it, this must be done, and no other choice remains.

Similarly, if one shoots an arrow at the animal or if his hunting dog has brought it down, as long as he reaches the animal while there is still abundant life remaining in it, its throat must be cut. However, although cutting the throat is preferable, if it is barely alive and the hunter leaves it to die without cutting the throat there is no harm in it. According to the two Sahih's of al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (peace be on him) said: When you set your dog (for the chase), mention the name of Allah. If he catches the game, and you reach it while it is still alive, cut its throat.

Conditions Pertaining to the Instrument

Instruments of hunting are two kinds:

Weapons, such as swords, arrows, and spears, as mentioned in the ayah: ...in the game which you take with your hands and your spears.... (5:97 (94))

Hunting animals which can be trained, such as the dog and the leopard among beasts, and the falcon and hawk among birds. Allah Ta'ala says: Say: Whatever is good is lawful for you. And eat of what is caught for you by those you have trained among hunting animals, teaching them as Allah has taught you.... (5:5 (4))

Hunting with Weapons

Two conditions must be met if the game is killed by a weapon.

First, the weapon should pierce the body of the animal, making a wound; death by mere impact does not render it halal. 'Adi bin Hatim narrated, "I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be him) about game killed with a weapon (m'irad). He said, "If you hurl the weapon and it pierces the game, eat it, but if it is killed by the blow of its side, do not eat it." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
This hadith is proof that what makes the game halal is that the body of the animal be pierced, even if the weapon is blunt. Accordingly, game killed by a rifle or pistol or the like is halal as the bullet will penetrate its body even more deeply than an arrow, spear, or sword.

With reference to the hadith reported by Ahmad, "Do not eat what is killed by a banduqah unless you slaughter it," and the one reported by al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn 'Umar, which states that the animal killed by a banduqah is like an animal killed by a blow, it should be noted that banduqah here refers to a ball of clay and not to the modern bullet. The Prophet (peace be on him) likewise forbade throwing stones at the hunted animal, saying, "Throwing stones will not hunt the game or kill an enemy, but it may break a tooth or gouge out an eye." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim. )

The second condition to be met when hunting with a weapon is that the name of Allah must be mentioned when hurling or striking with the weapon, as the Prophet (peace be on him) instructed 'Adi bin Hatim, whose reports of a hadith are the source material for this topic. (The above instructions likewise apply to hunting with a gun. (Trans.))

Hunting with Dogs and the Like

If hunting is done with a dog or falcon or the like, the following is required: first, it should be a trained animal; second, it should catch the game for its owner and not for itself, as the Qur'an specifies; and third, the name of Allah must be mentioned while sending it for the chase. The source of these conditions is the following ayah: They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is lawful to them (as food). Say: Whatever is good is lawful for you. And eat of what is caught for you by those you have trained among hunting animals, teaching them as Allah has taught you, and mention the name of Allah over it.... (5:5 (4))

The definition of "training" is well known. It means that the animal so trained is under the control of its owner so that when he calls it, it responds; when he sends it toward the game, it hunts it; and when he restrains it, it halts. The jurists have laid down various criteria for this; however, common sense is a better guide in deciding whether a hunting animal is trained or not.

The definition of "catching the game for its owner" is that it does not itself eat the game. The Prophet (peace be on him) said: "If you send your dog after the game, and it eats part of it, you should not eat of it, for the dog has hunted the game for itself andnot for you; but if you send the dog and it kills the game without eating it, you can eat it, as it has caught it for its master." (Narrated by Ahmad; also reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
Some jurists make a distinction between hunting animalssuch as dogs and hunting birds such as falcons. Their opinion is that eating game which has been partly eaten by a bird is permissible, while if a dog has eaten from it, it is not allowed.

The reason for laying down these two conditions is, first, to emphasize that the hunting dog should be well-trained, always being under the control of its master, and second, to preserve human dignity by not allowing man to eat the leavings of animals. Finally, we note that a well-trained dog which catches the game for its master is very similar to an inanimate weapon in his hands such as an arrow.

Mentioning the name of Allah while sending the dog for the chase is like mentioning His name while shooting the arrow, hurling the spear, or striking with the sword. The Qur'anic injunction, "mention the name of Allah over it," has also been emphasized in ahadith, such as that of 'Adi bin Hatim.

The mandatory nature of this condition has also been demonstrated by the fact that if a dog other than that of the hunter is found at the game, eating of it is not lawful. 'Adi said to the Prophet (peace be on him), "Suppose I send my dog but I find another dog at the game, and I do not know which dog caught it?" The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, "Do not eat it, for while you mentioned the name of Allah over your dog, you did not mention it over the other dog."

However, if one forgets to mention Allah's name while dispatching his weapon or the hunting animal, he can make up for it by mentioning it at the time of eating, for Allah has forgiven the Muslim ummah for the errors it commits due to forgetfulness or error. As was mentioned earlier, this also applies in the case of forgetting to pronounce the name of Allah at the time of slaughtering.

The significance of mentioning the name of Allah over the animal need not be repeated here, as it was explained earlier in connection with slaughtering.

When the Game is Found Dead

It may happen that although the game is struck by the arrow it may nevertheless escape; the hunter may find it some time —perhaps even days—later, dead. In such a case, the game is lawful l s food under the following conditions:

That it is not found in water. The Prophet (peace be on him) said: "If you shoot an arrow and it kills the animal, you can eat it. But if it is found in water, you do not know whether its death was caused by drowning or by your arrow." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim )

That it has no wounds other than the wound inflicted by the arrow. 'Adi bin Hatim asked the Prophet (peace be on him), "What if I shoot an arrow and find the game the next morning with my arrow in it?" The Prophet (peace be on him) replied: "If you know that your arrow killed it, and you do not find any wound inflicted by wild beasts, you may eat it." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who classifies it as sahih. )

That the game has not reached the stage of decay. People of sound taste are naturally revolted and nauseated by rotten meat, and eating it is also likely to be injurious. It is narrated in the Sahih of Muslim that the Prophet (peace be on him) told Abu Th'alabah al-Khashini, "You shoot an arrow but the game disappears for three days. If you then come upon it, you may eat what is not decayed of it."

INTOXICANTS

The Arabic word khamr signifies any alcoholic drink which causes intoxication. We would be stating the obvious if we were to discuss the harmful effects of drinking on the individual's mind, his health, his religion, and his work; or if we discussed the disasters which he brings upon his family by neglecting their needs and by not fulfilling his obligations, as the head of the family, toward his wife and children; or if we elaborated on the spiritual, material, and moral evils which proliferate in societies and nations due to the widespread consumption of alcohol.

A researcher in this area has rightly stated that: Mankind has not suffered any greater calamity than that brought about by the use of alcohol. If statistics were collected worldwide of all the patients in hospitals who, due to alcohol, are suffering from mental disorders, delirium tremens, nervous breakdowns, and ailments of the digestive tract, to which are added the statistics of suicides, homicides, bankruptcies, sales of properties, and broken homes related to the consumption of alcohol, the number of such cases would be so staggering that, in comparison to it, all exhortation and preaching against drinking would seem too little.

The Arabs during the period of jahiliyyah were very fond of wine and drinking parties. This love of wine is reflected in their language, which has nearly one hundred names for it, and in their poetry, which celebrates the praises of wine, goblets, drinking parties, and so on.

To eradicate this pervasive evil from society, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala adopted a wise course of education and training, prohibiting it in measured stages. First, He made it clear to them that the harm of drinking wine is greater than its benefit; next, He told them not to come to salat while intoxicated; and finally, He revealed the verse in Surah al-Maidah which prohibited it totally and decisively: O you who believe! Truly, intoxicants and gambling and divination by arrows are an abomination of Satan's doing: avoid it in order that you may be successful. Assuredly Satan desires to sow enmity and hatred among you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from salat. Will you not then desist? (5:93-94 (90-91))

In these two verses, Allah strictly prohibited wine and gambling, linking them to idols and seeking omens by means of divining arrows, and declared them to be rijs (abominable or filthy), a term which the Qur'an reserves for extremely indecent and evil things. He ascribes them to the work of Satan, which indeed consists only of obscenity and evil, and commands the Believers to abstain from them as the only way to attain success. Allah Ta'ala then mentions the harmful effects of wine and gambling on society, namely, the breaking of relationships and ensuing enmity and hatred, in addition to the harm they do to man's soul by causing him to neglect the religious obligations of remembering Allah and of performing salat. The verses end with a very stern admonition to abstain: "Will you not then desist?" And when the Prophet (peace be on him) had finished reciting these verses for the first time, the listeners answered with the fervent cry, "We have desisted, O Lord! We have desisted!"

The response of the Muslims to these verses was remarkable indeed. At the time some people were drinking, with partly-filled cups in their hands. As soon as they heard someone announcing, "Wine has indeed been prohibited," they poured the remaining drinks upon the ground and broke the big clay pots in which other drinks were being fermented.

Many present-day governments throughout the world are convinced of the harmful effects of alcohol on individuals, families, and society. Some governments, such as that of the United States, have even tried to abolish alcohol by passing, and attempting to enforce, laws prohibiting the drinking of alcohol. It is only Islam which has succeeded in combating and eradicating it.

The churchmen hold differing opinions concerning the position of alcohol in Christianity. Some argue that the Biblical text permits drinking in small quantities, since it is good for the digestion. (See, for example, I Tim. 5:23.) But if this should be true, even though a little wine may be beneficial to the digestion, this little must be prohibited, as a small amount leads to large amounts and one glass to other glasses, until one becomes' addicted to it. For this reason Islam's stand in prohibiting alcohol and in blocking all avenues which lead to drinking is very clear and unequivocal.

All That Intoxicates Is Haram

The first declaration made by the Prophet (peace be him) concerning this matter was that not only is wine prohibited but that the definition of khamr extends to any substance which intoxicates, in whatever form or under whatever name it may appear. Thus, example, beer and similar drinks are haram.

The Prophet (peace be on h) was once asked about certain drinks made from honey, corn, or barley by the process of fermenting them until they became alcoholic. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him), blessed as he was with the best of speech' replied succinctly, "Every intoxicant is khamr, and every khamr is haram." Reported by Muslim. )

And 'Umar declared from the pulpit of the Prophet, "Khamr is that which befogs the mind." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim. )

Whatever Intoxicates in Large Amounts is Haram in Any Amount

Islam takes an uncompromising stand in prohibiting intoxicants, regardless of whether the amount is little or much. If an individual is permitted to take but a single step along this road, other steps follow; he starts walking and then running, and does not stop at any stage. This is why the Prophet (peace be on him) said, "Of that which intoxicates in a large amount, a small amount is haram." (Reported by Ahmad Abu Daoud, and al-Tirmidhi. )

And again, "If a bucketful intoxicates, a sip of it is haram." (Reported by Ahmad Abu Daoud, and al-Tirmidhi.)

Trading in Alcohol

The Prophet (peace be on him) did not stop at prohibiting the drinking of alcohol, whether much or little, but he also forbade any trading in it, even with non-Muslims. It is not permissible for a Muslim to import or export alcoholic beverages, or to own or work in a place which sells them. In connection with alcohol, the Prophet (peace be on him) cursed ten categories of people saying: Truly, Allah has cursed khamr and has cursed the one who produces it, the one for whom it is produced, the one who drinks it, the one who serves it, the one who carries it, the one for whom it is carried, the one who sells it, the one who earns from the sale of it, the one who buys it, and the one for whom it is bought. (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, on reliable authority. )

When the above verse of Surah al-Maidah was revealed, the Prophet (peace be on him) announced: Truly, Allah has prohibited khamr. Therefore, whoever hears this verse and possesses some of this substance should neither drink it nor sell it. The narrator of this hadith says, "The people brought forth whatever they possessed of it and poured it out in the streets of Madinah." (Reported by Muslim.)

Since the Islamic method is to block all avenues which lead to the haram, it is also haram for a Muslim to sell grapes to a person whom he knows will make khamr from them. A hadith states: If someone stockpiles grapes during harvest time and holds them in order to sell them to a Jew or Christian or anyone else (even if he be a Muslim) who produces khamr, he will be leaping into the Fire with his eyes open. (Reported by al-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, and classified as sahih by al-Hafiz in Bulugh al-Maram.)

Alcohol Cannot Be Given as a Gift

Just as the sale of alcohol or receiving the price of it is haram for the Muslim, likewise giving it as a gift to anyone, such as a Christian or Jewish friend, is haram. Alcoholic beverages cannot be received or given by a Muslim as gifts because a Muslim is pure and neither gives nor receives anything except what is pure.

It is reported that a man brought a cask of wine to the Prophet (peace be on him) as a gift. The Prophet (peace be on him) informed him that Allah had prohibited it. 'Shall I not sell it?' asked the man. 'The One Who Prohibited drinking it has also prohibited selling it,' replied the Prophet (peace be on him). 'Shall I not give it to a Jew as a gift?' asked the man. 'The One Who has prohibited it has also prohibited that it be given as a gift to the Jew,' said the Prophet. 'Then what shall I do with it?' asked the man. 'Pour it on the ground,' the Prophet replied. (Reported by al-Hameedi in his Musnad. )

Avoiding Drinking Parties

In the same spirit, the Muslim is ordered to stay away from drinking parties or gatherings at which drinks are served. 'Umar narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) saying, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not sit at table at which khamr is consumed." (Reported by Ahmad; al-Tirmidhi also reports something similar to it.)
While it is the duty of a Muslim to eradicate the evil he sees, if he is unable to do so, he must stay away from it, leaving the place where people are engaged in such things.

It is reported that the rightly-guided Caliph 'Umar ibn 'Abdul'Aziz used to flog not only those who drank but those who sat with them as well, even if they were not themselves drinking. When once he was told of a group of people who were at a drinking party, he ordered that all of them be flogged. He was told that a person who was fasting was among them. "Begin with him," he said. "Have you not heard Allah's saying, 'And He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the revelation of Allah rejected and mocked, you are not to sit with them until they turn to some other theme; for if you do so, you will be like them....' " (4:140)

Alcohol, Itself a Disease, Cannot Be a Medicine

From all the explicit texts of the Qur'an and ahadith quoted above, we see that Islam is very firm in combating alcohol, as well as in keeping the Muslim away from it by erecting barriers between him and it so that no opening, either wide or narrow, is left for him either to consume alcohol or to touch it. The Muslim is not allowed to drink it in large or small amounts; he is not permitted to handle it through selling or buying, manufacturing, or giving it as a gift; he is not allowed to bring it to his home or shop; he is not allowed to serve it at gatherings, for a joyous occasion or otherwise, or to serve it to a non-Muslim guest; and he is not allowed to mix it with any food or beverage.

A question raised by some people which still remains to be answered concerns the use of alcohol as a medicine. This question was answered by the Prophet (peace be on him) when a man told him that he used wine as a medicine. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "It is not a medicine but a disease,'' (Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Daoud, and al-Tirmidhi.)

He also said, Allah has sent down the disease and the cure, and for every disease there is a cure. So take medicine but do not use anything haram as medicine. (Reported by Abu-Daoud.)

With regard to intoxicants Ibn Mas'ud said, "Allah has not made a cure for you in what He has prohibited to you." (Reported by al-Bukhari as a comment on the preceding hadith.) It is therefore not surprising that Islam forbids the use of alcohol and other prohibited substances as medicines. As explained by Ibn Qayyim, the prohibition of a thing implies avoiding and staying way from it by every means, while taking it as a medicine renders it desirable and reuires keeping it on hand, and this is against the Law-Giver's purpose. Ibn Qayyim, said, "If alcohol were permitted as medicine when people are already inclined toward it, it would provide them with an excuse to drink it for pleasure and enjoyment, especially since people have the impression that it is beneficial for their health, alleviates their complaints, and cures their diseases." (Zad al-Ma'ad, vol. 3, pp. 115-116.)

One may also mention that the attitude of the patient toward the medicine he takes has a considerable effect in hastening or delaying the cure. Ibn Qayyim, who had considerable insight into human psychology, elaborates on this point in the following manner: One condition for the efficacy of the medicine is that the patient believes in its efficacy and that Allah has placed the blessing of cure in it. Now the Muslim patient's belief that a particular substance, such as alcohol, is haram prevents him from believing that it can at the same time be beneficial or blessed. Thus he will not have any trust in it nor will he take it approvingly. On the contrary! The stronger the Muslim's faith, the greater will be his aversion to it and the greater his mistrust of it. If hethen grudgingly takes what he hates and loathes, it will not be a cure for him but a disease. (Adapted from his discussion in Zad al-Ma'ad, vol. 3.)

Having said this, we must again mention the exempted case of necessity; the Islamic Shari'ah has a different ruling for such a case. Supposing a ma's life were in danger and no substitute for a medication containing alcohol were available; a Muslim physician, who was at once an expert in his field and at the same time zealous in safeguarding the commands of religion, would then find no alternative except to prescribe a medication containing alcohol. As its aim is always the welfare of human beings, the Shari'ah permits the taking of such a medicine in such a case. However, one must be aware that this concession is strictly limited to that quality which is deemed essential: ...But if one is compelled by necessity, neither craving (it) nor transgressing, then, indeed, thy Lord is Forgiving, Merciful. (6:145)

DRUGS

"Khamr is what befogs the mind." These are the words spoken by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab from the pulpit of the Prophet (peace be on him), providing us with a decisive criterion for defining what falls under the prohibited category of khamr. There remains then no room for doubts and questions: any substance which has the effect of befogging or clouding the mind, impairing its faculties of thought, perception, and discernment is prohibited by Allah and His Messenger (peace be on him) until the Day of Resurrection.

Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opium, and the like are definitely included in the prohibited category of khamr. It is well known that the use of such drugs affects the sensory perceptions, making what is near seem distant and what is distant seem near; that their use produces illusions and hallucinations, so that the real seems to disappear and what is imaginary appears to be real; and that drug usage in general impairs the faculty of reasoning and decision-making. Such drugs are taken as a means of escape from the inner reality of one's feelings and the outer realities of life and religion into the realm of fantasy and imagination. Added to this psychological fact are the physical effects: bodily lassitude, dullness of the nerves, and decline in overall health. The moral consequences, moral insensitivity, weakening of the will-power, and neglect of responsibilities are also well known. Eventually, addiction to drugs renders a person a diseased member of society. Furthermore, drug addiction may result in the destruction of the family or even in a life of crime. Since obtaining drugs involves a great outlay of money, a drug addict may well deprive his family of necessities in order to buy drugs and may resort to illegal means to pay for them.

When we recall the principle that impure and harmful things have been made haram, there can be no doubt in our minds concerning the prohibition of such detestable substances such as drugs, which cause so much physical, psychological, moral, social and economic harm.

The Muslim jurists were unanimous in prohibiting those drugs which were found during their respective times and places. Foremost among them was Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, who said, This solid grass (hashish) is haram, whether or not it produces intoxication. Sinful people smoke it because they find it produces rapture and delight, an effect similar to drunkenness. While wine makes the one who drinks it active and quarrelsome, hashish produces dullness and lethargy; furthermore, smoking it disturbs the mind and temperament, excites sexual desire, and leads to shameless promiscuity, and these are greater evils than those caused by drinking. The use of it has spread among the people after the coming of the Tartars. The hadd punishment (The Qur'an specifies the punishments for certain crimes, such as lashing for drinking wine and equal retaliation or compensation in the case of murder or injuries. These punishments are called hadd (plural, hudud), meaning "the limit set by Allah." (Trans.)) for smoking hashish, whether a small or large amount of it, is the same as that for drinking wine, that is, eighty or forty lashes.

He explained the imposition of hadd for smoking hashish in the following manner: It is the rule of the Islamic Shari'ah that any prohibited thing which is desired by people, such as wine and illicit sexual relations, is to be punished by imposing hadd, while the violation of a prohibited thing which is not desired, such as (eating) the flesh of a dead animal, calls for ta'zir. (For crimes concerning which no specified punishment is mentioned in the Qur'an or Ahadith, the Muslim government may introduce its own punishments, such as fines or imprisonment. Such a punishment is called ta'zir. (Trans.)) Now hashish is something which is desired, and it is hard for the addict to renounce it Accordingly, the application of the texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah to hashish is similar to that of wine. (Fatawa Ibn Taymiyyah, vol. 4, p. 262 f. Also see his book, Al-Siyasah al-Shar'iyyah.)

The Consumption of Harmful Things is Haram

A general rule of the Islamic Shari'ah is that it is haram for the Muslim to eat or drink anything which may cause his death, either quickly or gradually, such as poisons, or substances which are injurious to health or harmful to his body. It is also haram to eat or drink large quantities of a substance if large quantities of it cause illness. For the Muslim is not entirely his own master; he is also an asset to his religion and his ummah (the Muslim nation), and his life, health, wealth, and all that Allah has bestowed upon him are a trust with him which he is not permitted to diminish. Says Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala: And do not kill yourselves; indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you. (4:29)

He also says: And do not be cast into ruin by your own hands.... (2:195)

And His Messenger (peace be on him) said: "Do not harm yourself or others.'' (Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Majah.)

As an application of this principle, we may say that if it is proved that the use of tobacco is injurious to health, it is haram, especially for a person whose physician has advised him to stop smoking. Even if it is not injurious to health, it is still a waste of money, spent neither for religious nor for secular benefit, and the Prophet (peace be on him) forbade wasting of property. (Reported by al-Bukhari.) This becomes the more serious when the money is otherwise needed for the sustenance of oneself or one's family.

THE ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES PERTAINING TO HALAL AND HARAM

2009-01-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

by Yusuf al-Qaradawi

The question of what ought to be halal (lawful) and haram (prohibited) was one of the matters concerning which, prior to the advent of Islam, the peoples of the world had gone very far astray and were utterly confused, permitting many impure and harmful things and prohibiting many things that were good and pure.

They erred grievously, going either far to the right or far to the left. On the extreme right was the ascetic Brahmanism of India and the self-denying monasticism of Christianity. In addition to these two, there were other religions which were based on the principles of the mortification of the flesh, abstention from good food, and avoidance of other enjoyments of life which Allah has provided for human beings. Christian monasticism attained its peak during the Middle Ages when the avoidance of good and pure things among the monks, thousands in number, reached the point at which washing one's feet was considered a sin and entering a bath was something to regret and repent. On the extreme left, the Mazdak philosophy emerged in Persia, advocating absolute freedom and allowing people to take whatever they wanted and do whatever they pleased, even exhorting them to violate what is naturally held inviolable by human beings.

The Arabs of the pre-Islamic era provide a noteworthy example of utter confusion regarding the criteria for making lawful or prohibiting things and actions. They permitted the drinking of alcohol, the taking of usury at exorbitant rates, the torturing and secluding of women, and many similar practices. Those who had diabolical minds made alluring to many of them the killing of their own children, until, suppressing their natural paternal feelings, they obeyed them. As Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says: Thus have their partners made alluring to many of the idolaters the killing of their children, in order to destroy them and to confuse for them their religion. (6:137)

These "partners" from among the guardians of the idols had devised many impressive arguments to persuade fathers to kill their children; among them were the fear of actual or anticipated poverty, the impending shame in case of a daughter, and the closeness to the gods to be attained by the sacrifice of a son.

It is strange that these same people who permitted the killing of their children by cutting their throats or burying them alive had prohibited to themselves the eating of certain agricultural produce and the flesh of cattle. Stranger still is that they considered such prohibitions as part of their religion, attributing them to Allah's command. (It should be noted that while worshipping and ascribing powers to numerous male and female deities the pagan Arabs of the pre-Islamic era possessed the concept of a supreme Deity, Allah, ascribing to Him many false attributes and laws. (Trans.)) But Allah rejected their false claim: And they say, 'These cattle and crops are sacred; none shall eat of them except those whom we wish', —so they assert—'and cattle whose backs are prohibited (to burden), as well as cattle on which (at slaughter) the name of Allah is not mentioned' a forgery against Him. He will assuredly recompense them for what they have forged. (6:138)

Moreover, the Qur'an exposed the error of those who made halal what should have been prohibited and made haram what should have been permitted: Lost are those who kill their children in folly, without knowledge and prohibited what Allah has provided them, forging (lies) against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and are without guidance. (6:140)

When Islam came, the errors, confusions, and deviations with respect to the question of halal and haram were very widespread. One of Islam's initial accomplishments was, therefore, to establish certain legal principles and measures for rectifying this important matter; these principles were then made the determining criteria on which the questions of what is halal and what is haram were to be based. Thus this vital aspect was determined according to the correct perspective, and rules related to matters of halal and haram were established on the basis of principles of justice. The ummah (nation) of Islam thus became an ummah occupying a position between the extremist deviations to the right and left, which Allah Ta'ala describes as a "middle ummah, the best ummah that has ever been brought forth for mankind." (3:110)

1. The Basic Asl Refers to the Permissibility of Things

The first asl (Asl, plural usual, denotes origin, source, foundation, basis, fundamental or principle. (Trans.)), or principle, established by Islam is that the things which Allah has created and the benefits derived from them are essentially for man's use, and hence are permissible. Nothing is haram except what is prohibited by a sound and explicit nas (Nas denotes either a verse of the Qur'an or a clear, authentic, and explicit sunnah (practice or saying) of Prophet Muhammad. These are the two main sources of Islamic law, i.e., its Shari'ah. (Trans.)) from the Law-Giver, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. If the nas is not sound, as for example in the case of a weak hadith, or if it is not explicit in stating the prohibition, the original principle of permissibility applies.

The scholars of Islam have derived this principle of the natural usability and permissibility of things from the clear verses of the Qur'an. For example, Allah says: It is He who created all that is in the earth for you.... (2:29) He has subjected to you, from Himself, all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth.... (45:13) Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and what is on earth, and has showered upon you His favors, both apparent and unseen? (31:20)

It cannot be that Allah, may He be glorified, would create all these things, give man control over them, count them as His favors upon him, and subsequently inform him that their use is prohibited; how could this be when He created all this for man's use and benefit? Indeed, He has prohibited only a few things for specific reasons, the wisdom of which will be discussed later.

In Islam the sphere of prohibited things is very small, while that of permissible things is extremely vast. There is only a small number of sound and explicit texts concerning prohibitions, while whatever is not mentioned in a nas as being lawful or prohibited falls under the general principle of the permissibility of things and within the domain of Allah's favor. In this regard the Prophet (peace be on him) said: What Allah has made lawful in His Book is halal and what He has forbidden is haram, and that concerning which He is silent is allowed as His favor. So accept from Allah His favor, for Allah is not forgetful of anything. He then recited, "And thy Lord is not forgetful." (19:64) (This hadith was reported by al-Hakim, cla88ified as sahih (sound), and quoted by al-Bazzar.)

Salman al-Farsi reported that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) was asked about animal fat, cheese, and fur, he replied, "The halal is that which Allah has made lawful in His Book and the haram is that which He has forbidden, and that concerning which He is silent He has permitted as a favor to you." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.)

Thus, rather than giving specific answers to what the questioner had asked, the Prophet (peace be on him) referred to the general criterion for determining the halal and the haram. Accordingly, it is sufficifor us to know what Allah has made haram, since what is not includedin it is pure and permissible. The Prophet (peace be on him) also said: Allah has prescribed certain obligations for you, so do not neglect them; He has defined certain limits, so do not transgress them; He has prohibited certain things, so do not do them; and He has kept silent concerning other things out of mercy for you and not because of forgetfulness, so do not ask questions concerning them. (Reported by aI-Darqutni and classified as hasan (good) by al-Nawawi.)

I would like to emphasize here that the principle of natural permissibility is not only limited to things and objects but also includes all human actions and behavior not related to acts of worship, which may be termed living habits or day-to-day affairs. Here again, the principle is that these are allowed without restriction, with the exception of a small number of things which are definitely prohibited by the Law-Giver, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Who says: ...He (Allah) has explained to you what He has made haram for you.... (6:119) including both objects and actions.

The case is different, however, in relation to acts of worship. These are purely religious acts which can be taken only from what Allah Himself reveals. Concerning this we have a sound hadith: "Any innovation in our matter (worship) which is not a part of it must be rejected.'' (This hadith is classified as muttafaq'alayh ("agreed upon" by the two great scholars al-Bukhari and Muslim).)

Anyone who invents or originates a form of worship on his own has gone astray and must be repudiated, for only the Law-Giver Himself has the right to originate acts of worship through which human beings may seek nearness to Him. Living habits and day-today matters, however, did not originate with the Law-Giver; they were originated and acted upon by human beings themselves. Thus the Law-Giver intervenes only to rectify, to moderate, or to refine them, and occasionally to identify some practices which are harmful or which may lead to strife.

The great Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah states, Peoples' sayings and actions are of two kinds: acts of worship by which their religion is established, and customary practices which are required for day-to-day living. From the principles of the Shari'ah, we know that acts of worship are those acts which have been prescribed by Allah or approved by Him; nothing is to be affirmed here except through the Shari'ah. However, as far as the wordly activities of people are concerned, they are necessary for everyday life. Here the principle is freedom of action; nothing may be restricted in this regard except what Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has restricted. This is the case because commanding and prohibiting are both in Allah's hands. As far as worship is concerned, there has to be a command from Him concerning it. Thus, when it requires a command (from Allah) to establish something, how can we say that something is restricted without His command?

This is why Ahmad (bin Hanbal) and other jurists, who base their judgements on ahadith, (Plural of hadith. (Trans.)) say: In relation to acts of worship, the principle is limitation (tawqeef); that is to say, nothing can be legislated in this regard except what Allah Himself has legislated. To do otherwise is to incur the risk of being included in the meaning of the ayah: 'Do they have partners (with Allah) who have prescribed for them in religion that concerning which Allah has given no permission?' (42:21) But as far as living habits are concerned, the principle is freedom because nothing can be restricted in this regard except what Allah Himself has prohibited. Here, to do otherwise, is to be included in the meaning of His saying: 'Say: Do you see what Allah has sent down to you for sustenance? Yet you have made some part of it halal and some part haram.' (10:59)

This is a great and beneficent principle, on the basis of which we can say that buying, selling, leasing, giving gifts, and other such matters are necessary activities for people, as are eating, drinking, and the wearing of clothes. If the Shari'ah says something concerning these mundane matters, it is in order to teach good behavior. Accordingly, it has prohibited whatever leads to strife, has made obligatory that which is essential, has disapproved that which is frivolous, and has approved that which is beneficial. All this has been done with due consideration for the kinds of activities involved, their magnitudes, and properties.

Since this is the stand of the Shari'ah, people are free to buy, sell, and lease as they wish, just as they are free to eat and to drink what they like as long as it is not haram. Although some of these things may be disapproved, they are free in this regard, since the Shari'ah does not go to the extent of prohibiting them, and thus the original principle (of permissibility) remains. (Al-Qawa'id al-Nuraniyah al-Fiqhiyah by Ibn Taymiyyah, pp. 112-113. In accordance with this principle, Ibn Taymiyyah, his pupil, Ibn al-Qayyim, and the Hanbali jurists in general hold that contracts and the conditions laid down in them are essentially permissible, as any contract not involving any matter which is textually established as haram is valid.)

This principle is also supported by what is reported in a sound hadith by the Prophet's Companion, Jabir bin 'Abdullah. He said, "We used to practice 'azl (coitus interrupts, or withdrawal before ejaculation during intercourse) during the period when the Qur'an was being revealed. If the practice were to have been prohibited, the Qur'an would have prohibited it." He therefore concluded that if the divine revelation was silent about something, it was permissible and people were free to practice it. Assuredly the Prophet's Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) had a perfect understanding of the Shari'ah. Accordingly, this great principle —that no worship can be legislated except by the command of Allah, and no practice can be prohibited except by His prohibition— is firmly established.

2. To Make Lawful and to Prohibit Is the Right of Allah Alone

The second principle is that Islam has restricted the authority to legislate the haram and the halal, taking it out of the hands of human beings, regardless of their religious or worldly position, and reserving it for the Lord of human beings alone. Neither rabbis nor priests, kings or sultans, have the right to prohibit something permanently to Allah's servants; if someone does this, he has certainly exceeded his limits, usurping the sovereignty which, with respect to legislating for the people, belongs to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala alone. Others who acquiesce with this transgression of such usurpers and act upon what they have legislated thereby elevate them to the rank of partners or associates with Allah: Do they have partners (with Allah) who have prescribed for them in religion that concerning which Allah has given no permission? (42:21)
They have taken their rabbis and priests as lords besides Allah, and the Messiah, son of Mary, although they were commanded to worship no one except the One Allah. There is no Deity but He, glory be to Him above what they associate with Him! (9:31)

The Qur'an took to task the People of the Book, that is, Christians and Jews, for putting the power to make lawful and to prohibit things and actions into the hands of their rabbis and priests.

'Adi bin Hatim, who had been a Christian before accepting Islam, once came to the Prophet (peace be on him). When he heard him reciting the above ayah he said, "O Messenger of Allah, but they do not worship them." The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, Yes, but they prohibit to the people what is halal and permit them what is haram, and the people obey them. This is indeed their worship of them. (Reported and classified as hasan by al-Tirmidhi and others.)

Christians still claim that Jesus (peace be on him), before ascending to heaven, vested in His apostles the authority to declare things permissible or prohibited as they saw fit, as reported in Matthew 18:18:
I tell you this: whatever you forbid on earth shallbe forbidden in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth shall be allowed in heaven.

The Qur'an also took the pto task for legislating and prohibiting things without any authority from Allah: Do you see what Allah has sent down to you for sustenance and yet you have made some part of it halal and some part haram? (10:59)
And do not say, concerning the falsehood which your tongues utter, 'This is halal and that is haram,' in order to fabricate a lie against Allah; assuredly those who fabricate a lie against Allah will not prosper. (16:116)

From these explicit verses of the Qur'an and from clear ahadith of the Prophet (peace be on him), the jurists of Islam grasped with certainty that it is Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala alone Who has the right to make lawful or to prohibit a matter, either through His Book or through the tongue of His Messenger (peace be on him). The jurists' task does not go beyond explaining what Allah has decreed to be halal or haram "when He has explained to you in detail what He has made haram for you." (6:119) It is definitely not their task to decide what is to be allowed and what is to be prohibited to human beings. Thus the great jurists, in spite of their scholarship and ability of ijtihad (deduction from analogy), shied away from pronouncing judgements concerning matters of halal and haram, passing the problem from one to the other out of fear of committing the error of declaring halal what is actually haram and vice-versa.

In his book Al-Umm, Imam Shafi'i narrated that Abu Yusuf, a companion of Abu Hanifah and a chief judge (qadi), said:
I know that our knowledgeable teachers avoided saying, 'This is halal and that is haram,' apart from what they found clearly stated without requiring an interpretation in the Book of Allah. We have been told by Ibn al-Saib that al-Rabi' bin Khaytham, one of the greatest of the second generation Muslims, said, 'Beware that none of you says, "Allah has made this lawful or approves of it," and that Allah may then say that He did not make it lawful nor approve it, or that you say, "Allah has prohibited this," and that Allah may then say, "You lie! I did not prohibit it nor disapprove of it." Some companions of Ibrahim alNakh'i, a great jurist of Kufah among the second generation Muslims, have told us of his mentioning his colleagues as saying, when they gave a judgement concerning something, 'It is disapproved' or 'There is no harm in it,' rather than, 'It is haram' or 'It is halal,' as haram and halal are terms of much greater import. (AI-Umm, vol. 7, p. 317.)

This is what Abu Yusuf has reported concerning our righteous forebearers and what al-Shafi'i has quoted from him, in agreement with his position. Similarly, Ibn Muflih reported the great scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, as saying that the jurists of the early days of Islam did not term anything haram unless it was definitely known to be so. (This is further supported by the fact that the companions did not give up the drinking of alcohol after the revelation of the Qur'anic verse, "They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and some benefit," (2:219) since this verse did not definitely prohibit drinking prior to the revelation of the verses in Surah al-Maida. (5:93-94 (90-91)) In the same spirit, the great imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, when asked about some matter, would say, "I disapprove of it" or "It does not appeal to me," or "I do not like it" or "I do not prefer it." Similar reports are narrated concerning Malik, Abu Hanifah, and all the other imams (may Allah be pleased with them). (This is a lesson to the followers of such imams who freely use the word "haram' without having a proof, or even a semblance of proof.)

3. Prohibiting the Halal and Permitting the Haram Is Similar to Committing Shirk

While Islam reprimands all those who, on their own authority, declare what is lawful and what is prohibited, it is more strict with respect to those who voice prohibitions; for the tendency to set up prohibitions results in hardship for human beings, unjustifiably narrowing what Allah has made spacious for His creatures. Moreover, this tendency is prevalent among some of those who go to extremes in matters of religion and must be checked. The Prophet (peace be on him) fought against this pseudo-pietism and zealotry by every means, warning those who indulged in it with the words, "The zealots will perish," repeated three times. (Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, and Abu Daoud.)

The Prophet (peace be on him) characterized his Message by saying, "I have been sent with what is straight and easy". (Reported by Ahmad)

The straightness of his Message consists of belief in tawheed (the unity of Allah) and its ease in practice and legislation, in contrast to shirk (Ascribing partners, or associating others, with Allah. (Trans.)) and to the prohibiting of good things of this life. The Prophet (peace be on him) has mentioned all this in a hadith qudsi (A hadith in which the Prophet (peace be on him) refers a saying to Allah, the Prophet himself being merely the narrator. Unlike the Qur'an, one cannot say of a hadith quasi that "Allah said it." In the case of a hadith quasi, the meaning is from Allah but the words are the Prophet's, transmitted to him either through a vision or revelation. (Trans.)), reporting the saying of Allah Ta'ala: They prohibited to people what I had made lawful for I created people upright (hunafah). Then the evil ones came to them and led them astray from their religion them and commanded them to associate with Me that for which I had not sent down any authority. (Reported by Muslim.)

Prohibiting something which is halal is similar to committing shirk, and this is why the Qur'an censures the idolaters of Arabia for their polytheism, their idols, and for prohibiting to themselves, without any authority from Allah, the eating and the use of certain kinds of produce and cattle. Among these prohibited animals were those which were called bahirah, saibah, wasilah, and ham during the pre-Islamic period of jahiliyyah. (The state of mind and conditions of life prior to the advent of Islam, characterized by deviation from the guidance of Allah and the adoption of ungodly systems and ways of life. (Trans.)) Bahirah (the slit-eared) denoted a female camel which had given birth to five calves, the last of which was a male. The ear of such a camel was slit and she was loosed to roam freely; she was not to be ridden, milked, or slaughtered, and was free to eat and drink from any place she liked without hindrance. Saibah referred to a male or female camel which was released to roam freely because of a vow, usually made following a safe return from a journey, the cure of an illness, or for some other reason. As for wasilah, if the firstborn of a female goat were a male, the polytheists would sacrifice him to their gods, while if it were a female they would keep her for themselves. In the case of twin offspring, one female and the other male, they would say, "He is her brother," and instead of sacrificing the male they would release him to roam free; he was known as wasilah. And if a male camel's second generation offspring was capable of carrying a rider, they would let the older camel go free, saying, "He saved his back," and calling him al-ham.

While there are other interpretations of these four terms, they are all of a similar nature. The Qur'an rejected these prohibitions and left no excuse for those who practiced them to follow the errors of their forefathers: Allah did not institute bahirah or saibah or wasilah or ham; but those who disbelieve forge a lie against Allah, and most of them do not use their reason. When it is said to them, 'Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,' they say, 'What we found our fathers doing is enough for us.' What! And even though their fathers did not know anything and were not rightly guided? (5:103-104)

In Surah al-An'am, there is a detailed discussion of what such people claimed to be haram of camels, oxen, sheep, and goats. In this context the Qur'an uses an ironic style of rhetorical questioning to convince them of their error: Eight pairs (of cattle), two of sheep and two of goats. Say: Has He forbidden the two males or the two females or that which the wombs of the two hold? Inform me with knowledge if you are truthful. And two (pairs) of camels and two of oxen. Say: Has He forbidden the two males or the two females? (6:143-144)

In another discussion contained in Surah al-A'raf, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala rejects the claims of all prohibitors, laying down the final criteria governing prohibitions: Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants, and the good things of His providing?...Say: What my Lord has indeed prohibited are shameful deeds, whether open or secret, and sin and rebellion without just cause, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and that you say concerning Allah that about which you do not know. (7:32-33)

A significant aspect of these discussions is that they were revealed in Makkah. The Makkan revelations invariably dealt with matters of faith, the oneness of Allah Ta'ala, and the Hereafter. We may therefore deduce that, in the sight of Allah, this matter of declaring things to be prohibited without any authority from Him was not a minor matter but one which pertained to the fundamentals and general principles of the faith.

In Madinah certain Muslims showed a tendency toward asceticism, denying themselves some permissible pleasures. Then, in order to keep them within the limits set by Himself and bring them back to the straight path of Islam, Allah revealed the following strongly-worded verses: You who believe! Do not make haram the good things which Allah has made halal for you, and do not transgress; indeed, Allah does not like the transgressors. And eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allah, in Whom you are believers. (5:87-88)

4. The Prohibition of Things Is Due to Their Impurity and Harmfulness

It is the right of Allah, the One Who created human beings and bestowed innumerable gifts on them, to legalize or prohibit as He deems proper, and to place obligations and responsibilities upon them as He sees fit. As His creatures, they have neither the right to question nor to disobey Him. But Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is not arbitrary in what He commands. Because He is merciful to His servants, He makes things halal and haram for a reason, with peoples' well-being in view. Accordingly, He has neither permitted anything except what is pure nor has He prohibited anything except what is impure.

It is true that Allah Ta'ala had prohibited certain good things to the Jews, but this was only as a punishment for their rebelliousness and transgression of the limits set by Allah. Thus He says: And to the Jews We forbade every animal with claws, and of cattle and sheep We have forbidden them their fat, except what is carried on their backs or entrails, or what is connected to the bone; thus did We recompense them for their rebelliousness, and indeed, We speak the truth. (6:146)

Elsewhere in the Qur'an Allah has described other manifestations of this rebellious attitude: Because of the wrongdoing of the Jews, We prohibited to them some of the good things which had been permitted to them, and because of their hindering many from the path of Allah, and their taking usury although they had been forbidden to do it, and their wrongfully devouring peoples wealth... (4:160-161)

When Allah sent His final Messenger (peace be on him) with the eternal complete religion to humanity after it had developed to a state of maturity, He demonstrated His mercy by removing these prohibitions, which had been a temporary penalty for a rebellious, stiff-necked people. (See, for example, Exodus 32:9. (Trans.)) And the coming of the Prophet (peace be on him) who would relieve them of this burden was foretold to the Jews and Christians, who, as the Qur'an states: ...they find described in their own scriptures, in the Taurat and the Injeel. He commands them what is right and forbids them what is evil; He makes lawful to them what is good and makes unlawful what is foul; He releases them from their burdens and from the yokes which were upon them... (7:157) (Taurat refers to the original scripture revealed to the Prophet Moses by God, and Injeel to what He revealed to the Prophet Jesus. These are not to be confused either with the existing Torah or Old Testament, or the four Gospels of the New Testament. (Trans.))

In Islam, ways other than prohibiting the good things were prescribed by Allah Ta'ala for the eradication of sins: sincere repentance' which cleanses sins as water cleanses dirt; good deeds, which compensate for evil ones; spending in charity, which extinguishes fire; and trials and sufferings, which disperse sins as the winter wind disperses dry leaves. Accordingly, we know that in Islam things are prohibited only because they are impure or harmful. If something is entirely harmful it is haram, and if it is entirely beneficial it is halal; if the harm of it outweighs its benefit it is haram, while if its benefit outweighs its harm it is halal. This principle is explained in the Qur'an in relation to wine and gambling: They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say (O Prophet): In them is great sin and some benefit for human beings, but the sin is greater than the benefit.... (2:219)

By the same logic, if it is asked, what is halal in Islam, the answer is, the good things. Good things are those which moderate people acknowledge to be wholesome and which are approved by human beings in general without relation to the habits of a particular group. Allah Ta'ala says: They ask thee what is lawful to them (as food). Say: Whatever is good is lawful to you.... (5:4)
He also says: Today whatever is good is made lawful to you....(5:5)

The Muslim is not required to know exactly what is unclean or harmful in what Allah has prohibited; it may be hidden from him but be apparent to someone else, or its harm may not have been discovered during his lifetime but may be understood at a later period. What is required of a Muslim is simply to say, "We have heard and we shall obey." Do we not observe that Allah prohibited the eating of pork without the Muslims being aware of the reason for its prohibition apart from the fact that the pig is a filthy animal? Centuries passed, and then scientific research discovered the presence of parasites and deadly bacteria in its flesh. Yet even if scientific research had discovered nothing in pork, or if it had discovered much more than this, the Muslim would still continue to believe it to be unclean.

Another example of this is in the Prophet's saying: "Avoid three abominable acts (that is, the one who does them is cursed by Allah and by the people): defecating in streams, defecating on roadways, and defecating in shaded places." (Reported by Abu Daoud, Ibn Majah and al-Hakim, and classified as sahih by Baihaqi.)

People of earlier times merely knew that these were filthy acts, abhorrent to civilized taste and public manners. With the advancement of science, we now know that these "three abominable acts" are hazards to public health, as they are the root cause of the spread of such dangerous diseases as hookworm (ankylostoma) and bilharzia (schistosomiasis).

Thus, as the light of knowledge penetrates more deeply and new discoveries are made, the beneficial aspects of the Islamic legislation relating to the lawful and the prohibited—in fact, the benefits of all its legal injunctions—become apparent to us. How could it be otherwise when they come from the Wise, All-Knowing, and Merciful God? ...and Allah knows the mischief-monger from the one who puts things aright. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you into difficulties; indeed, Allah is Mighty, Wise...and Allah knows the mischief-monger from the one who puts things aright. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you into difficulties; indeed, Allah is Mighty, Wise. (2:220)

5. What is Halal Is Sufficient, While What is Haram Is Superfluous

One of the beauties of Islam is that it has prohibited only such things as are unnecessary and dispersible, while providing alternatives which are better and which give greater ease and comfort to human beings. This point has been explained by Ibn al-Qayyim:

Allah has prohibited seeking omens by drawing lots but has provided the alternative of istikhara (Islam teaches that if the Muslim faces a problem he should consult with others and seek guidance fAllah. The meaning of istikhara is to ask guidance from Allah in making a choice between two conflicting decisions. For this there is a salat and a du'a (supplication).) which is a supplication for seeking Allah's guidance.

He has prohibited usury but has encouraged profitable trade. He has prohibited gambling but has permitted betting on forms of competition which are useful for their (the Muslims) religious striving, such as horse or camel racing and competing in marksmanship.
He has prohibited (to men) the wearing of silk but has given them the choice of other materials such as wool, linen, and cotton.

He has prohibited adultery, fornication, and homosexuality but has encouraged lawful marriage. He has prohibited intoxicating drinks in order that they may enjoy other delicious drinks which are wholesome for the body and mind. And He has prohibited unclean food but provides alternative wholesome food. (Rawdah al-Muhibbeen, p. 10, and A'alam al-Muwaqq'in, vol. 2, p.111.)

Thus, when we survey the Islamic injunctions in their totality, we find that if Allah limits the choice of His servants in relation to some things, He provides them with a still wider range of more wholesome alternatives in relation to other things of a similar kind. For assuredly Allah has no desire to make peoples' lives difficult, narrow, and circumscribed; on the contrary; He desires ease, goodness, guidance, and mercy for them, according to His saying: Allah desires to make clear to you and to guide you to the ways of the (righteous) people before you and to turn to you in mercy; and Allah is Knowing, Wise. And Allah desires to lighten your burden, for man was created weak. (4:26-28)

6. Whatever Is Conducive to the Haram Is Itself Haram

Another Islamic principle is that if something is prohibited, anything which leads to it is likewise prohibited. By this means Islam intends to block all avenues leading to what is haram. For example, as Islam has prohibited sex outside marriage, it has also prohibited anything which leads to it or makes it attractive, such as seductive clothing, private meetings and casual mixing between men and women, the depiction of nudity, pornographic literature, obscene songs, and so on.

Accordingly, Muslim jurists have established the criterion that whatever is conducive to or leads toward the haram is itself haram. A similar principle is that the sin of the haram is not limited only to the person who engages in it but extends to others who have supported him in this, materially or morally; each is held accountable according to his share. For example, in the case of intoxicating drinks, the Prophet (peace be on him) cursed not only the one who drinks them but also the one who produces them, the one who serves them, the one to whom they are served, the one to whom the price of them is paid, etc. This point will be discussed again later. Again, in the matter of usury, the Prophet (peace be on him) cursed the one who pays it, the one to whom it is paid, the one who writes the contract, and the one who acts as a witness thereto. Accordingly, we derive the rule that anything which assists in the doing of what is haram is itself haram, and anyone who helps another person to do it shares in the sin of it.

7. Falsely Representing the Haram as Halal Is Prohibited

Just as Islam has prohibited whatever leads toward the haram, it has also prohibited resorting to technical legalities in order to do what is haram by devious means and excuses inspired by Satan. It has reprimanded the Jews for resorting to such practices. The Prophet (peace be on him) said: "Do not do what the Jews did in order to (technically) legalize Allah's prohibitions by flimsy excuses.'' (This hadith is in Ighathat al-Lahfan by Ibn al-Qayyim, vol. 1, p. 308. The author says: "This was reported by 'Abdullah bin Battah on good authority, and al-Tirmidhi classifies a similar hadith as sahih.")

This is a reference to the fact that Allah had prohibited the Jews to hunt on the Sabbath (Saturday). To get around this prohibition, they would dig ditches on Friday so that the fish would fall into them on Saturday, to be caught on Sunday. Those who resort to rationalizations and excuses to justify their actions consider such practices to be permissible, but the jurists of Islam consider them haram, since Allah's purpose was to prevent them from hunting on the Sabbath, whether by direct or indirect means.

Calling a haram thing by a name other than its own or changing its form while retaining its essence is a devious tactic, since obviously a change of name or of form is of no consequence as long as the thing and its essence remain unchanged. Thus, when some people invent new terms in order to deal in usury or to consume alcohol, the sin of dealing in usury and drinking remains. As we read in the collections of ahadith,
A group of people will make peoples' intoxication halal by giving it other names. (Reported by Ahmad.)
A time will come when people will devour usury, calling it "trade." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim )

And among the strange phenomena of our time is that people term obscene dance "art," liquor "spirits," and usury "interest."

8. Good Intentions Do Not Make the Haram Acceptable

In all its legislations and moral injunctions, Islam lays great stress on nobility of feelings, loftiness of aims, and purity of intentions. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, "Actions will be judged by intentions, and everyone will be recompensed according to what he intended." (Reported by al-Bukhari.) Indeed, in Islam the routine matters of life and its mundane affairs are transformed into acts of worship and devotion to Allah by good intentions. Accordingly, if one eats food with the intention of sustaining life and strengthening his body in order that he may be able to carry out his obligations to his Creator and to other human beings, his eating and drinking are considered worship and devotion to Allah Ta'ala. Again, if one enjoys sexual intimacy with his wife, desiring a child and seeking to keep himself and his wife chaste, it is considered an act of worship on his part, deserving of reward in the Hereafter. Concerning this the Prophet (peace be on him) said: When you satisfy your desire with your wife, it is counted for you as an act deserving of reward. Those who were listening to him said: Messenger of Allah, how can it be that one of us satisfies his desire and will then be rewarded for it? The Prophet (peace be on him) replied: Would he not be sinful if he had satisfied it in a prohibited manner? Consequently, if he satisfies it in a permissible manner, there is a reward for him. (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim. )

He also said: Anyone who desires what is permissible from the world, keeping himself away from sins, working for the sake of his family, and taking care of his neighbor, will meet his Lord with a face shining like the full moon. (The text of the hadith was narrated by al-Tabarani. )

In this manner, whenever any permissible action of the believer is accompanied by a good intention, his action becomes an act of worship. But the case of the haram is entirely different; it remains haram no matter how good the intention, how honorable the purpose, or how lofty the aim may be. Islam can never consent to employing a haram means to achieve a praiseworthy end. Indeed, it insists that not only the aim be honorable but also that the means chosen to attain it be pure. "The end justifies the means" is not the maxim of the Shari'ah, nor is "Secure your right even through wrong-doing." This can never be, for the Shari'ah demands that the right should be secured through just means only.

If someone accumulates wealth through usury, forgery, gambling, prohibited games, or in any other haram manner in order to build a mosque, establish a charitable foundation, or to do any other good work, the guilt of having done what is haram will not be lifted from hbecause of the goodness of his objective; in Islam good aims and intentions have no effect in lessening the sinfulness of what is haram. This is what the Prophet (peace be on him) taught us when he said: Allah is good and does not accept anytbut good, and Allah has commanded the Believers, as He commanded His messengers, saying 'O you messengers! Eat of whatever is good and work righteousness. Indeed, I am aware of what you do.' (The Qur'an 35:31.) He also said, 'O you who believe! Eat of the good things which We provide for you. (2:172.) The Prophet (peace be on him) then said, A man travels far, unkempt and dust-stained (for hajj, umrah, or the like), raising his hands to the sky (and saying), 'O Lord! O Lord!' while eating what was haram, drinking what was haram, wearing what was haram, and nourishing himself through haram means. How then could his prayers be accepted? (Reported by Muslim and al-Tirmidhi on the authority of Abu Hurairah.)

He also said:
If anyone amasses wealth through haram means and then gives charity from it, there is no regard for him and the burden of sin remains. (Reported by Ibn Khazimah, Ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim on the authority of Abu Hurairah)

Again he said:
If a person earns property through haram means and then gives charity, it will not be accepted (by Allah); if he spends it there will be no blessing on it; and if he leaves it behind (at his death) it will be his provision in the Fire. Indeed, Allah Ta'ala does not obliterate one bad deed by another bad deed, but He cancels out a bad deed by a good deed. An unclean thing does not wipe away another unclean thing. (Reported by Ahmad and others on the authority of Ibn Mas'ood.)

9. Doubtful Things Are To Be Avoided

It is Allah's mercy to human beings that He did not leave them in ignorance concerning what is lawful and what is prohibited. Indeed, He has made explicit what is halal and explained what is haram, as He says: ...He has explained to you what He has made haram for you.... (6:119)

Accordingly, one may do what is lawful and must avoid what is prohibited insofar as he has the choice. However, there is a gray area between the clearly halal and the clearly haram. This is the area of what is doubtful. Some people may not be able to decide whether a particular matter is permissible or forbidden; such confusion may be due either to doubtful evidence or because of doubt concerning the applicability of the text to the particular circumstance or matter in question.

In relation to such matters, Islam considers it an act of piety for the Muslim to avoid doing what is doubtful in order to stay clear of doing something haram. This is similar to what was discussed earlier concerning the blocking of the avenues which lead to what is haram. Such a cautious approach, moreover, trains the Muslim to be farsighted in planning and increases his knowledge of affairs and people. The root of this principle is the saying of the Prophet (peace be on him): The halal is clear and the haram is clear. Between the two there are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know whether they are halal or haram. One who avoids them in order to safeguard his religion and his honor is safe, while if someone engages in a part of them he may be doing something haram, like one who grazes his animals near the hima (the grounds reserved for animals belonging to the King which are out of bounds for others' animals); it is thus quite likely that some of his animals will stray into it. Truly, every king has a hima, and the hima of Allah is what He has prohibited. (Reported by al-Bukhari' Muslim, and others; the narration is taken from al Tirmidhi.)

10. The Haram Is Prohibited to Everyone Alike

In the Shari'ah of Islam the haram has universal applicability; here there is no such thing as that which is prohibited to a non-Arab but permitted to an Arab, nor anything which is restricted to a Black but allowed to a White. For in Islam there are no privileged classes or individuals who, in the name of religion, can do whatever they please according to their whims. Muslims do not have any privilege of making something haram for others while it is lawful for themselves; this cannot be, for truly Allah is the Lord of all, and the Shari'ah of Islam is the guide for all. Whatever Allah has legislated through His Shari'ah is lawful for all human beings and whatever He has prohibited is prohibited to all human beings until the Day of Resurrection.

As an example, stealing is equally haram for the Muslim and the non-Muslim; the punishment for it is the same, regardless of the family or the origin of the thief. The Prophet (peace be on him) firmly enforced this rule, proclaiming, "By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut off." (Reported by al-Bukhari.)

A case of theft was brought before the Prophet (peace be on him) involving two suspects, the one a Jew and the other a Muslim. Some relatives of the Muslim advanced circumstantial evidence to cast doubt on the Jew in order to save their man while he was, in fact, guilty. The Prophet (peace be on him) was almost persuaded to believe that the Muslim was innocent. Then a revelation was sent down exposing the conspiracy, clearing the Jew of the crime and directing the Prophet (peace be on him) to establish justice without any bias: Indeed, We have sent down to thee the Book with the truth, so that thou mightest judge between the people as shown by Allah; then do not be an advocate for the treacherous, and seek forgiveness of Allah; indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And do not plead on behalf of those who deceive themselves; indeed, Allah does not like the one who is treacherous and sinful. They may hide from men, but they cannot hide from Allah, for He is with them even when they hold, by night, discourse not pleasing to Him, and Allah encompasses what they do. Ah! You are the ones who pleaded for them in the life of this world, but who will plead for them with Allah on the Day of Resurrection, or who will be their guardian? (4:105-109)

In the distorted scripture of the Jews, it is alleged that while usury or interest is prohibited to the Jew when lending money to a brother Jew, there is no harm in charging it to a gentile, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:19-20:

You must not lend on interest (usury) to your brother, whether the loan be of money or food or anything else that may earn interest. You may demand interest on a loan of a foreigner, but you must not demand interest from your brother, so that Yahweh your God may bless you in all your giving in the land you are to enter and make your own.

The Qur'an also speaks about another similar tendency among the Jews, that of cheating others who are not of their race or faith without feeling anything wrong in it. The Qur'an says: And among the People of the Book is he who, if entrusted with a single gold coin, would not return it to thee unless thou constantly stood over him. This is because they say: We have no duty toward the gentiles, but they utter a falsehood concerning Allah, and they know it. (3:75) (Gentiles" here refers to the Arabs, who before Islam possessed neither religion nor a divinely revealed scripture.)
They have unquestionably uttered falsehood in what they have ascribed to Allah, for the law of Allah does not discriminate between one people and another, and insofar as cheating is concerned, Allah has condemned it through the tongue of all His messengers and prophets.

With due apologies, we may say that this tendency to use a double standard, one for one's "brother" and another for a "foreigner" or outsider, is a characteristic of primitive ethics. It can never be ascribed to a divinely revealed religion, for high morality—that is, true morality — is distinguishable by its universality and comprehensiveness and by its lack of a double standard. The distinction between us and primitive peoples is not in the existence or absence of a moral code but in the enlargement of the area of its application. As an example, such people also consider honesty as a praiseworthy quality, but they restrict its practice to the people of their own tribe. When dealing with people from outside their tribe or clan, they see nothing wrong with cheating them, or in fact recommending or even requiring it.

The author of The Story of Civilization writes, Almost all groups agree in holding other groups to be infer to themselves. The Amerian Indians looked upon themselves as the chosen people, specially created by the Great Spirit as an uplifting example for mankind. One Indian tribe called itself 'The Only Men;' another called itself 'Men of Men;' the Caribs said, 'We alone are people.' The Eskimos believed that the Europeans had come to Greenland to learn manners and virtues. Consequently, it seldom occurred to primitive man to extend to other tribes the moral restraints which he acknowledged in dealing with his own; he frankly conceived it to be the function of morals to give strength and coherence to his group against other groups. Commandments and taboos applied only to the people of his tribe; with others, except when they were his guests, he might go as far as he dared (Will Durant, The Story of Civilization, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1935, vol. l, pp. 54-55.).

11. Necessity Dictates Exceptions

While Islam has narrowed the range of what is prohibited, it is, at the same time, very strict in seeing that its prohibitions are observed. Accordingly, it has blocked the ways, apparent or hidden, leading to what is prohibited. Thus, what is conducive to the haram is itself haram, what assists in committing the haram is haram, any rationalization for engaging in the haram is haram, and so on, to the last of the principles which we have elucidated. At the same time, Islam is not oblivious to the exigencies of life, to their magnitude, nor to human weakness and capacity to face them. It permits the Muslim, under the compulsion of necessity to eat a prohibited food in quantities sufficient to remove the necessity and save himself from death.

In this context, after listing the prohibited foods in the form of dead animals, blood, and pork, Allah Ta'ala says: ...But if one is compelled by necessity, neither craving (it) nor transgressing, there is no sin on him; indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (2:173)
And this is repeated at four places in the Qur'an after each mention of the prohibited foods.

On the basis of these and similar verse of the Qur'an, Islamic jurists formulated an important principle, namely, that "necessity removes restrictions." However, it is to be noted that the individual experiencing the necessity is permitted to eat the haram food with the stipulation that he is "neither craving it nor transgressing." This is interpreted to mean that he should not desire to relish it nor transgress by eating more than the bare amount needed to satisfy his hunger. From this stipulation, jurists have derived another principle, that "The quantity permitted is determined by the (magnitude) of the necessity." Here the underlying idea is that, even though compelled by necessity, a person need not surrender to it or embrace it with eagerness; rather he must live with what is essentially halal and seek a way to return to it so that he may not become accustomed to the haram or begin enjoying it under the pretext of necessity.

In permitting the use of the haram under necessity, Islam is true to its spirit and general principles. This spirit, which we find permeating its laws, is to make life easy and less oppressive for human beings, and to lift the burdens and yokes imposed by earlier systems and religions. True is the saying of Allah, the Almighty: ...Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire hardship for you.... (2:185)
...It is not Allah's desire to place a burden upon you, but He desires to purify you and to perfect His favor on you in order that you may be thankful. (5:6)
Allah desires to lighten your burden, for man was created weak. (4:28)

Prohibiting the Halal and Permitting the Haram Is Similar to Committing Shirk

2009-01-14T23:18:00.001-08:00

by Yusuf al-Qaradawi

The Prophet (peace be on him) characterized his Message by saying, "I have been sent with what is straight and easy". (Reported by Ahmad)

4. The Prohibition of Things Is Due to Their Impurity and Harmfulness

5. What is Halal Is Sufficient, While What is Haram Is Superfluous

6. Whatever Is Conducive to the Haram Is Itself Haram

7. Falsely Representing the Haram as Halal Is Prohibited

And among the strange phenomena of our time is that people term obscene dance "art," liquor "spirits," and usury "interest."

8. Good Intentions Do Not Make the Haram Acceptable

9. Doubtful Things Are To Be Avoided

10. The Haram Is Prohibited to Everyone Alike

11. Necessity Dictates Exceptions

Prohibiting the Halal and Permitting the Haram Is Similar to Committing Shirk

2009-01-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

Prohibiting the Halal and Permitting the Haram Is Similar to Committing Shirk

The Prophet (peace be on him) characterized his Message by saying, "I have been sent with what is straight and easy". (Reported by Ahmad)

4. The Prohibition of Things Is Due to Their Impurity and Harmfulness

5. What is Halal Is Sufficient, While What is Haram Is Superfluous

6. Whatever Is Conducive to the Haram Is Itself Haram

7. Falsely Representing the Haram as Halal Is Prohibited

And among the strange phenomena of our time is that people term obscene dance "art," liquor "spirits," and usury "interest."

8. Good Intentions Do Not Make the Haram Acceptable

9. Doubtful Things Are To Be Avoided

10. The Haram Is Prohibited to Everyone Alike

11. Necessity Dictates Exceptions

Manajemen Pembelian Barang

2008-11-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Posted by arrozidesign

October 18, 2008

Kirim ke Teman

Dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, kita membutuhkan berbagai sarana pendukung untuk menunjang hidup kita. Sarana penunjang ini biasanya berupa barang, apalagi di era digital ini, banyak kebutuhan elektronik yang kita butuhkan. Para produsenpun berlomba-lomba menawarkan produk mereka. Terlepas dari itu semua, kita sebagai konsumen yang memiliki kapasitas terbatas harus mampu memanajemen pengeluaran, kebutuhan dan pembelian barang yang kita lakukan.

Berdasarkan Pengalaman dan Ilmu yang didapat, maka dapat kami buat
tulisan ini…

1. Tentukan dahulu daftar kebutuhan yang akan kita beli.
2. Buat Prioritas berdasarkan kebutuhan jangka pendek dan jangka panjang.
3. Jika kita sudah menentukan prioritas barang yang kita beli, maka :

Buat daftar jenis barang yang sama dengan merk yang berbeda
Cari keunggulan dan kelemahan dari masing-masing merk.
Dari keunggulan dan kelemahan barang tersebut, bandingkan dengan kebutuhan yang kita perlukan.
Bandingkan harga barang-barang tersebut.

4. Beli barang yang kita perlukan. Jika kita mengalami keraguan terhadap pembelian barang tersebut, maka lakukan :
Cek ulang perbandingan harga barang dengan kebutuhan kita atas barang tersebut.
Jika memang barang yang kita butuhkan spesifikasinya sudah sesuai, tapi dana tidak ada, maka turunkan sedikit spesifikasinya dengan melihat harga barang yang dibawahnya, tapi ingat jangan sampai mengganggu kepentingan kita terhadap barang yang akan dibeli.

Jika memang hal itu sudah dilakukan, dan ternyata tidak ada pengganti barang yang kita inginkan, maka hitung nilai barang berdasarkan penyusutannya.

Cara menghitung penyusutan nilai barang :

Susutkan barang maksimal 2 tahun, paling aman adalah 1 tahun (hal ini
berdasarkan masa garansi).Anggap ketika masa garansi habis, nilai
barang adalah Rp. 0,-

Harga barang dibagi jumlah hari dalam satu tahun / 2 tahun, maka akan ketemu nilai barang dalam satu harinya. Bandingkan nilai barang dalam satu hari dengan pendapatan yang akan kita peroleh jika kita memiliki barang tersebut dalam satu harinya. Jika pendapatan dapat meningkat dan lebih besar daripada nilai barang dalam satu harinya, kenapa kita harus bingung lagi untuk membeli barang tersebut, toh dengan barang tersebut pendapatan kita dapat
meningkat……

Catatan, jika membeli barang melalui internet, pertimbangkan berbagai resikonya. Beli di forum lebih aman daripada asal beli yang penting harga murah.

Teori manajemen pembelian barang adalah spt itu, namun dalam kenyataan bisa lebih sederhana, tapi bisa juga lebih rumit…..

Ditulis oleh : Muhammad Arrozi

HUKUM MENYANYI DAN MUSIK

2008-11-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Oleh : Muhammad Shiddiq Al-Jawi

1. Pendahuluan
Keprihatinan yang dalam akan kita rasakan, kalau kita melihat ulah generasi muda Islam saat ini yang cenderung liar dalam bermain musik atau bernyanyi. Mungkin mereka berkiblat kepada penyanyi atau kelompok musik terkenal yang umumnya memang bermental bejat dan bobrok serta tidak berpegang dengan nilai-nilai Islam. Atau mungkin juga, mereka cukup sulit atau jarang mendapatkan teladan permainan musik dan nyanyian yang Islami di tengah suasana hedonistik yang mendominasi kehidupan saat ini. Walhasil, generasi muda Islam akhirnya cenderung membebek kepada para pemusik atau penyanyi sekuler yang sering mereka saksikan atau dengar di TV, radio, kaset, VCD, dan berbagai media lainnya.

Tak dapat diingkari, kondisi memprihatinkan tersebut tercipta karena sistem kehidupan kita telah menganut paham sekulerisme yang sangat bertentangan dengan Islam. Muhammad Quthb mengatakan sekulerisme adalah iqamatul hayati âala ghayri asasin minad diin, artinya, mengatur kehidupan dengan tidak berasaskan agama (Islam). Atau dalam bahasa yang lebih tajam, sekulerisme menurut Taqiyuddin An-Nabhani adalah memisahkan agama dari segala urusan kehidupan (fashl ad-din âan al-hayah) (An-Nabhani, 2001:25). Dengan demikian, sekulerisme sebenarnya tidak sekedar terwujud dalam pemisahan agama dari dunia politik, tetapi juga nampak dalam pemisahan agama dari urusan seni budaya, termasuk seni musik dan seni vokal (nyanyian).

Kondisi ini harus segera diakhiri dengan jalan mendobrak dan merobohkan sistem kehidupan sekuler yang ada, lalu di atas reruntuhannya kita bangun sistem kehidupan Islam, yaitu sebuah sistem kehidupan yang berasaskan semata pada Aqidah Islamiyah sebagaimana dicontohkan Rasulullah SAW dan para shahabatnya. Inilah solusi fundamental dan radikal terhadap kondisi kehidupan yang sangat rusak dan buruk sekarang ini, sebagai akibat penerapan paham sekulerisme yang kufur. Namun demikian, di tengah perjuangan kita mewujudkan kembali masyarakat Islami tersebut, bukan berarti kita saat ini tidak berbuat apa-apa dan hanya berpangku tangan menunggu perubahan. Tidak demikian. Kita tetap wajib melakukan Islamisasi pada hal-hal yang dapat kita jangkau dan dapat kita lakukan, seperti halnya bermain musik dan bernyanyi sesuai ketentuan Islam dalam ruang lingkup kampus kita atau lingkungan kita.

Tulisan ini bertujuan menjelaskan secara ringkas hukum musik dan menyanyi dalam pandangan fiqih Islam. Diharapkan, norma-norma Islami yang disampaikan dalam makalah ini tidak hanya menjadi bahan perdebatan akademis atau menjadi wacana semata, tetapi juga menjadi acuan dasar untuk merumuskan bagaimana bermusik dan bernyanyi dalam perspektif Islam. Selain itu, tentu saja perumusan tersebut diharapkan akan bermuara pada pengamalan konkret di lapangan, berupa perilaku Islami yang nyata dalam aktivitas bermain musik atau melantunkan lagu. Minimal di kampus atau lingkungan kita.

2. Definisi Seni
Karena bernyanyi dan bermain musik adalah bagian dari seni, maka kita akan meninjau lebih dahulu definisi seni, sebagai proses pendahuluan untuk memahami fakta (fahmul waqiâ) yang menjadi objek penerapan hukum. Dalam Ensiklopedi Indonesia disebutkan bahwa seni adalah penjelmaan rasa indah yang terkandung dalam jiwa manusia, yang dilahirkan dengan perantaraan alat komunikasi ke dalam bentuk yang dapat ditangkap oleh indera pendengar (seni suara), indera pendengar (seni lukis), atau dilahirkan dengan perantaraan gerak (seni tari, drama) (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 13).
Adapun seni musik (instrumental art) adalah seni yang berhubungan dengan alat-alat musik dan irama yang keluar dari alat-alat musik tersebut. Seni musik membahas antara lain cara memainkan instrumen musik, cara membuat not, dan studi bermacam-macam aliran musik. Seni musik ini bentuknya dapat berdiri sendiri sebagai seni instrumentalia (tanpa vokal) dan dapat juga disatukan dengan seni vokal. Seni instrumentalia, seperti telah dijelaskan di muka, adalah seni yang diperdengarkan melalui media alat-alat musik. Sedang seni vokal, adalah seni yang diungkapkan dengan cara melagukan syair melalui perantaraan oral (suara saja) tanpa iringan instrumen musik. Seni vokal tersebut dapat digabungkan dengan alat-alat musik tunggal (gitar, biola, piano, dll) atau dengan alat-alat musik majemuk seperti band, orkes simfoni, karawitan, dan sebagainya. (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 13-14). Inilah sekilas penjelasan fakta seni musik dan seni vokal yang menjadi topik pembahasan.
3.Tinjauan Fiqih Islam
Dalam pembahasan hukum musik dan menyanyi ini, penulis melakukan pemilahan hukum berdasarkan variasi dan kompleksitas fakta yang ada dalam aktivitas bermusik dan menyanyi. Menurut penulis, terlalu sederhana jika hukumnya hanya digolongkan menjadi dua, yaitu hukum memainkan musik dan hukum menyanyi. Sebab fakta yang ada, lebih beranekaragam dari dua aktivitas tersebut. Maka dari itu, paling tidak, ada 4 (empat) hukum fiqih yang berkaitan dengan aktivitas bermain musik dan menyanyi, yaitu :
Pertama, hukum melantunkan nyanyian (ghina`).
Kedua, hukum mendengarkan nyanyian (samaâ al-ghina`).
Ketiga, hukum memainkan alat musik.
Keempat, hukum mendengarkan musik.
Di samping pembahasan ini, akan disajikan juga tinjauan fiqih Islam berupa kaidah-kaidah atau patokan-patokan umum, agar aktivitas bermain musik dan bernyanyi tidak tercampur dengan kemaksiatan atau keharaman.
Ada baiknya penulis sampaikan, bahwa hukum menyanyi dan bermain musik bukan hukum yang disepakati oleh para fuqaha, melainkan hukum yang termasuk dalam masalah khilafiyah. Jadi para ulama mempunyai pendapat berbeda-beda dalam masalah ini (Al-Jaziri, 1999 : 41-42; Asy-Syuwaiki, t.t. : 96; Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 21-25; Omar, 1984 : 3). Karena itu, boleh jadi pendirian penulis dalam tulisan ini akan berbeda dengan pendapat sebagian fuqaha atau ulama lainnya. Pendapat-pendapat Islami seputar musik dan menyanyi yang berbeda dengan pendapat penulis, tetap penulis hormati.
3.1. Hukum Melantunkan Nyanyian (Al-Ghina`/At-Taghanni)
Para ulama berbeda pendapat mengenai hukum menyanyi (al-ghina`/at-taghanni). Sebagian mengharamkan nyanyian dan sebagian lainnya menghalalkan. Masing-masing mempunyai dalilnya sendiri-sendiri. Berikut sebagian dalil masing-masing, seperti diuraikan oleh Al-Ustadz Muhammad Al-Marzuq Bin Abdul Muâmin Al-Fallaty mengemukakan dalam kitabnya Saiful Qathiâi lin-Nizaâ bab âFi Bayani Tahrimi Al-Ghina` wa Tahrim Istimaâ Lahuâ (Musik. www.ashifnet.tripod.com), juga oleh Ustadz Abdurrahman Al-Baghdadi dalam bukunya Seni dalam Pandangan Islam (1991 : 27-38), dan Muhammad Asy-Syuwaiki dalam Al-Khalash wa Ikhtilaf An-Nas (t.t. : 97-101) :
A. Dalil-Dalil Yang Mengharamkan Nyanyian :
a. Berdasarkan firman Allah dalam QS. Luqman : 6, artinya âDan di antara manusia ada orang yang mempergunakan perkataan yang tidak berguna (lahwal hadits) untuk menyesatkan manusia dari jalan Allah tanpa pengetahuan dan menjadikan jalan Allah itu ejekan. Mereka itu akan memperoleh adzab yang menghinakan.â
Beberapa ulama menafsirkan maksud lahwal hadits ini sebagai nyanyian, musik atau lagu, di antaranya Al-Hasan, Al-Qurthubi, Ibnu Abbas dan Ibnu Masâud.
Ayat-ayat lain yang dijadikan dalil pengharaman nyanyian adalah QS An-Najm : 59-61, dan QS Al-Isra` : 64 (Al-Jazairi, 1992 : 20-22).
b. Hadits Abu Malik Al-Asyâari RA bahwa Rasulullah SAW bersabda : âSesungguhnya akan ada di kalangan umatku golongan yang menghalalkan zina, sutera, arak, dan alat-alat musik (al-ma`azif).â
c. Hadits Aisyah RA Rasulullah SAW bersabda: âSesungguhnya Allah mengharamkan nyanyian-nyanyian (qoynah) dan menjualbelikannya, mempelajarinya atau mendengar-kannya.â Kemudian beliau membacakan ayat di atas.
d. Hadits dari Ibnu Masâud RA, Rasulullah SAW bersabda: âNyanyian itu bisa menimbulkan nifaq, seperti air menumbuhkan kembang.â
e. Hadits dari Abu Umamah RA, Rasulullah SAW bersabda: âOrang yang bernyanyi, maka Allah SWT mengutus padanya dua syaitan yang menunggangi dua pundaknya dan memukul-mukul tumitnya pada dada si penyanyi sampai dia berhenti.â
f. Hadits yang diriwayatkan oleh Ibnu âAuf RA bahwa Rasulullah SAW bersabda; âSesungguhnya aku dilarang dari suara yang hina dan sesat, yaitu: 1. Alunan suara nyanyian yang melalaikan dengan iringan seruling syaitan (mazamirus syaithan). 2. Ratapan seorang ketika mendapat musibah sehingga menampar wajahnya sendiri dan merobek pakaiannya dengan ratapan syetan (rannatus syaithan).â
B. Dalil-Dalil Yang Menghalalkan Nyanyian :
a. Firman Allah SWT dalam QS. Al-Maidah: 87; artinya : âHai orang-orang yang beriman, janganlah kamu haramkan apa-apa yang baik yang telah Allah halalkan bagi kamu dan janganlah kamu melampaui batas, sesungguhnya Allah tidak menyukai orang yang melampaui batas.â

b. Hadits dari Nafiâ RA, katanya: âAku berjalan bersama Abdullah Bin Umar RA. Dalam perjalanan kami mendengar suara seruling, maka dia menutup telinganya dengan telunjuknya terus berjalan sambil berkata; âHai Nafi, masihkah kau dengar suara itu ?â sampai aku menjawab tidak. Kemudian dia lepaskan jarinya dan berkata; âDemikianlah yang dilakukan Rasulullah SAW.â
c. Rubaâi Binti Muâawwidz Bin Afra ber-kata; âNabi SAW mendatangi pesta perkawinanku, lalu beliau duduk di atas dipan seperti dudukmu denganku, lalu mulailah beberapa orang hamba perempuan kami memukul gendang dan mereka menyanyi dengan memuji orang yang mati syahid pada perang Badar. Tiba-tiba salah seorang di antara mereka berkata; âDi antara kita ada Nabi SAW yang mengetahui apa yang akan terjadi kemudian.â Maka Nabi SAW bersabda : âTinggalkan omongan itu. Teruskanlah apa yang kamu (nyanyikan) tadi.â
d. Dari Aisyah RA; dia pernah menikahkan seorang wanita kepada pemuda Anshar. Tiba-tiba Rasulullah SAW bersabda; âMengapa tidak kalian adakan permainan karena orang Anshar itu suka pada permainan.â
e. Dari Abu Hurairah RA, sesungguhnya Umar melewati shahabat Hasan sedangkan ia sedang melantunkan syiâir di masjid. Maka Umar memicingkan mata tidak setuju. Lalu Hasan berkata; âAku pernah bersyiâir di masjid dan di sana ada orang yang lebih mulia daripadamu (yaitu Rasulullah SAW)â
C. Pandangan Penulis
Dengan menelaah dalil-dalil tersebut di atas (dan dalil-dalil lainnya), akan nampak adanya kontradiksi (taâarudh) satu dalil dengan dalil lainnya. Karena itu kita perlu melihat kaidah-kaidah ushul fiqih yang sudah masyhur di kalangan ulama untuk menyikapi secara bijaksana berbagai dalil yang nampak bertentangan itu.
Imam Asy-Syafi mengatakan bahwa tidak dibenarkan dari Nabi SAW ada dua hadits shahih yang saling bertentangan, di mana salah satunya menafikan apa yang ditetapkan yang lainnya, kecuali dua hadits ini dapat dipahami salah satunya berupa hukum khusus sedang lainnya hukum umum, atau salah satunya global (ijmal) sedang lainnya adalah penjelasan (tafsir). Pertentangan hanya terjadi jika terjadi nasakh (penghapusan hukum), meskipun mujtahid belum menjumpai nasakh itu (Asy-Syaukani, t.t. : 275). Karena itu, jika ada dua kelompok dalil hadits yang nampak bertentangan, maka sikap yang lebih tepat adalah melakukan kompromi (jamaâ) di antara keduanya, bukan menolak salah satunya. Jadi kedua dalil yang nampak bertentangan itu semuanya diamalkan dan diberi pengertian yang memungkinkan sesuai proporsinya. Itu lebih baik daripada melakukan tarjih, yakni menguatkan salah satunya dengan menolak yang lainnya. Dalam hal ini Syaikh Muhammad Husain Abdullah menetapkan kaidah ushul fiqih :
Al-âamal bi ad-dalilaini --walaw min wajhin-- awlaa min ihmali ahadihima
âMengamalkan dua dalil âwalau pun hanya dari satu segi pengertianâ lebih utama daripada meninggalkan salah satunya.â (Abdullah, 1995 : 390)

Prinsip yang demikian itu dikarenakan pada dasarnya suatu dalil itu adalah untuk diamalkan, bukan untuk ditanggalkan (tak diamalkan). Syaikh Taqiyuddin An-Nabhani menyatakan :
Al-ashlu fi ad-dalil al-iâmal laa al-ihmal
âPada dasarnya dalil itu adalah untuk diamalkan, bukan untuk ditanggalkan.â (An-Nabhani, 1994 : 239)

Atas dasar itu, kedua dalil yang seolah bertentangan di atas dapat dipahami sebagai berikut : bahwa dalil yang mengharamkan menunjukkan hukum umum nyanyian. Sedang dalil yang membolehkan, menunjukkan hukum khusus, atau perkecualian (takhsis), yaitu bolehnya nyanyian pada tempat, kondisi, atau peristiwa tertentu yang dibolehkan syaraâ, seperti pada hari raya. Atau dapat pula dipahami bahwa dalil yang mengharamkan menunjukkan keharaman nyanyian secara mutlak. Sedang dalil yang menghalalkan, menunjukkan bolehnya nyanyian secara muqayyad (ada batasan atau kriterianya) (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 63-64; Asy-Syuwaiki, t.t. : 102-103).
Dari sini kita dapat memahami bahwa nyanyian ada yang diharamkan, dan ada yang dihalalkan. Nyanyian haram didasarkan pada dalil-dalil yang mengharamkan nyanyian, yaitu nyanyian yang disertai dengan kemaksiatan atau kemunkaran, baik berupa perkataan (qaul), perbuatan (fiâil), atau sarana (asy-yaa`), misalnya disertai khamr, zina, penampakan aurat, ikhtilath (campur baur priaâwanita), atau syairnya yang bertentangan dengan syaraâ, misalnya mengajak pacaran, mendukung pergaulan bebas, mempropagandakan sekulerisme, liberalisme, nasionalisme, dan sebagainya. Nyanyian halal didasarkan pada dalil-dalil yang menghalalkan, yaitu nyanyian yang kriterianya adalah bersih dari unsur kemaksiatan atau kemunkaran. Misalnya nyanyian yang syairnya memuji sifat-sifat Allah SWT, mendorong orang meneladani Rasul, mengajak taubat dari judi, mengajak menuntut ilmu, menceritakan keindahan alam semesta, dan semisalnya (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 64-65; Syuwaiki, t.t. : 103).

3.2. Hukum Mendengarkan Nyanyian

a. Hukum Mendengarkan Nyanyian (Samaâ Al-Ghina`)
Hukum menyanyi tidak dapat disamakan dengan hukum mendengarkan nyanyian. Sebab memang ada perbedaan antara melantunkan lagu (at-taghanni bi al-ghina`) dengan mendengar lagu (samaâ al-ghina`). Hukum melantunkan lagu termasuk dalam hukum af-`aal (perbuatan) yang hukum asalnya wajib terikat dengan hukum syaraâ (at-taqayyud bi al-hukm asy-syarâi). Sedangkan mendengarkan lagu, termasuk dalam hukum af-âaal jibiliyah, yang hukum asalnya mubah. Af-âaal jibiliyyah adalah perbuatan-perbuatan alamiah manusia, yang muncul dari penciptaan manusia, seperti berjalan, duduk, tidur, menggerakkan kaki, menggerakkan tangan, makan, minum, melihat, membaui, mendengar, dan sebagainya. Perbuatan-perbuatan yang tergolong kepada af-âaal jibiliyyah ini hukum asalnya adalah mubah, kecuali adfa dalil yang mengharamkan. Kaidah syariah menetapkan :
Al-ashlu fi al-afâaal al-jibiliyah al-ibahah
âHukum asal perbuatan-perbuatan jibiliyyah, adalah mubah.â (Asy Syuwaiki, t.t. : 96).
Maka dari itu, melihat âsebagai perbuatan jibiliyyahâhukum asalnya adalah boleh (ibahah). Jadi, melihat apa saja adalah boleh, apakah melihat gunung, pohon, batu, kerikil, mobil, dan seterusnya. Masing-masing ini tidak memerlukan dalil khusus untuk membolehkannya, sebab melihat itu sendiri adalah boleh menurut syaraâ. Hanya saja jika ada dalil khusus yang mengaramkan melihat sesuatu, misalnya melihat aurat wanita, maka pada saat itu melihat hukumnya haram.
Demikian pula mendengar. Perbuatan mendengar termasuk perbuatan jibiliyyah, sehingga hukum asalnya adalah boleh. Mendengar suara apa saja boleh, apakah suara gemericik air, suara halilintar, suara binatang, juga suara manusia termasuk di dalamnya nyanyian. Hanya saja di sini ada sedikit catatan. Jika suara yang terdengar berisi suatu aktivitas maksiat, maka meskipun mendengarnya mubah, ada kewajiban amar maâruf nahi munkar, dan tidak boleh mendiamkannya. Misalnya kita mendengar seseorang mengatakan,âSaya akan membunuh si Fulan !â Membunuh memang haram. Tapi perbuatan kita mendengar perkataan orang tadi, sebenarnya adalah mubah, tidak haram. Hanya saja kita berkewajiban melakukan amar maâruf nahi munkar terhadap orang tersebut dan kita diharamkan mendiamkannya.
Demikian pula hukum mendengar nyanyian. Sekedar mendengarkan nyanyian adalah mubah, bagaimanapun juga nyanyian itu. Sebab mendengar adalah perbuatan jibiliyyah yang hukum asalnya mubah. Tetapi jika isi atau syair nyanyian itu mengandung kemungkaran, kita tidak dibolehkan berdiam diri dan wajib melakukan amar maâruf nahi munkar. Nabi SAW bersabda :
âSiapa saja di antara kalian melihat kemungkaran, ubahlah kemungkaran itu dengan tangannya (kekuatan fisik). Jika tidak mampu, ubahlah dengan lisannya (ucapannya). Jika tidak mampu, ubahlah dengan hatinya (dengan tidak meridhai). Dan itu adalah selemah-lemah iman. â (HR. Imam Muslim, An-Nasa`i, Abu Dawud, dan Ibnu Majah ).
b. Hukum Mendengar Nyanyian Secara Interaktif (Istimaâ Al-Ghina`)
Penjelasan sebelumnya adalah hukum mendengar nyanyian (sama` al-ghina`). Ada hukum lain, yaitu mendengarkan nyanyian secara interaktif (istimaâ li al-ghina`). Dalam bahasa Arab, ada perbedaan antara mendengar (as-samaâ) dengan mendengar-interaktif (istimaâ). Mendengar nyanyian (samaâ al-ghina`) adalah sekedar mendengar, tanpa ada interaksi misalnya ikut hadir dalam proses menyanyinya seseorang. Sedangkan istimaâ li al-ghina`, adalah lebih dari sekedar mendengar, yaitu ada tambahannya berupa interaksi dengan penyanyi, yaitu duduk bersama sang penyanyi, berada dalam satu forum, berdiam di sana, dan kemudian mendengarkan nyanyian sang penyanyi (Asy-Syuwaiki, t.t. : 104). Jadi kalau mendengar nyanyian (samaâ al-ghina) adalah perbuatan jibiliyyah, sedang mendengar-menghadiri nyanyian (istimaâ al-ghina`) bukan perbuatan jibiliyyah.
Jika seseorang mendengarkan nyanyian secara interaktif, dan nyanyian serta kondisi yang melingkupinya sama sekali tidak mengandung unsur kemaksiatan atau kemungkaran, maka orang itu boleh mendengarkan nyanyian tersebut.
Adapun jika seseorang mendengar nyanyian secara interaktif (istimaâ al-ghina`) dan nyanyiannya adalah nyanyian haram, atau kondisi yang melingkupinya haram (misalnya ada ikhthilat) karena disertai dengan kemaksiatan atau kemunkaran, maka aktivitasnya itu adalah haram (Asy-Syuwaiki, t.t. : 104). Allah SWT berfirman (artinya) :
âMaka janganlah kamu duduk bersama mereka hingga mereka beralih pada pembicaraan yang lainnya.â (QS An-Nisaa` : 140)
ââ¦Maka janganlah kamu duduk bersama kaum yang zhalim setelah (mereka) diberi peringatan.â (QS Al-Anâaam : 68).

3.3. Hukum Memainkan Alat Musik
Bagaimanakah hukum memainkan alat musik, seperti gitar, piano, rebana, dan sebagainya ? Jawabannya adalah, secara tekstual (nash), ada satu jenis alat musik yang dengan jelas diterangkan kebolehannya dalam hadits, yaitu ad-duff atau al-ghirbal, atau rebana. Sabda Nabi SAW :
âUmumkanlah pernikahan dan tabuhkanlah untuknya rebana (ghirbal).â (HR. Ibnu Majah) (Al-Jazairi, 1992 : 52; Omar, 1983 : 24)
Adapun selain alat musik ad-duff/al-ghirbal, maka ulama berbeda pendapat. Ada yang mengharamkan dan ada pula yang menghalalkan. Dalam hal ini penulis cenderung kepada pendapat Syaikh Nashiruddin Al-Albani. Menurut Syaikh Nashiruddin Al-Albani hadits-hadits yang mengharamkan alat-alat musik seperti seruling, gendang, dan sejenisnya, seluruhnya dhaâif. Memang ada beberapa ahli hadits yang memandang shahih, seperti Ibnu Shalah dalam Muqaddimah âUlumul Hadits, Imam An-Nawawi dalam Al-Irsyad, Ibnu Katsir dalam Ikhtishar âUlumul Hadits, Ibnu Hajar dalam Taghliqul Taâliq, As-Sakhawy dalam Fathul Mugits, Ash-Shanâani dalam Tanqihul Afkar dan Taudlihul Afkar juga Ibnu Taimiyah dan Ibnul Qayim dan masih banyak lagi. Akan tetapi Al-Albani dalam kitabnya Dhaâif Al-Adab Al-Mufrad setuju dengan pendapat Ibnu Hazm dalam Al-Muhalla bahwa hadits yang mengharamkan alat-alat musik adalah Munqathiâ.
Imam Ibnu Hazm dalam kitabnya Al-Muhalla, Juz VI, hal. 59 mengatakan :
âJika belum ada perincian dari Allah SWT maupun Rasul-Nya tentang sesuatu yang kita perbincangkan di sini [dalam hal ini adalah nyanyian dan memainkan alat-alat musik], maka telah terbukti bahwa ia halal atau boleh secara mutlak.â (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 57)
Kesimpulannya, memainkan alat musik apa pun, adalah mubah. Inilah hukum dasarnya. Kecuali jika ada dalil tertentu yang mengharamkan, maka pada saat itu suatu alat musik tertentu adalah haram. Jika tidak ada dalil yang mengharamkan, kembali kepada hukum asalnya, yaitu mubah.

3.4. Hukum Mendengarkan Musik
a. Mendengarkan Musik Secara Langsung (Live)
Pada dasarnya mendengarkan musik (atau dapat juga digabung dengan vokal) secara langsung, seperti show di panggung pertunjukkan, di GOR, lapangan, dan semisalnya, hukumnya sama dengan mendengarkan nyanyian secara interaktif. Patokannya adalah tergantung ada tidaknya unsur kemaksiatan atau kemungkaran dalam pelaksanaannya.
Jika terdapat unsur kemaksiatan atau kemungkaran, misalnya syairnya tidak Islami, atau terjadi ikhthilat, atau terjadi penampakan aurat, maka hukumnya haram.
Jika tidak terdapat unsur kemaksiatan atau kemungkaran, maka hukumnya adalah mubah. (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 74).
b. Mendengarkan Musik di Radio, TV, dan Semisalnya
Menurut Al-Baghdadi (1991 : 74-76) dan Asy-Syuwaiki (t.t. : 107-108) hukum mendengarkan musik melalui media TV, radio, dan semisalnya, tidak sama dengan hukum mendengarkan musik secara langsung sepereti show di panggung pertunjukkan. Hukum asalnya adalah mubah (ibahah), bagaimana pun juga bentuk musik atau nyanyian yang ada dalam media tersebut.
Kemubahannya didasarkan pada hukum asal pemanfaatan benda (asy-yaa`) âdalam hal ini TV, kaset, VCD, dan semisalnya-- yaitu mubah. Kaidah syarâiyah mengenai hukum asal pemanfaatan benda menyebutkan :
Al-ashlu fi al-asy-yaa` al-ibahah ma lam yarid dalilu at-tahrim
âHukum asal benda-benda, adalah boleh, selama tidak terdapat dalil yang mengharamkannya.â (Al-Baghdadi, 1991 : 76)
Namun demikian, meskipun asalnya adalah mubah, hukumnya dapat menjadi haram, bila diduga kuat akan mengantarkan pada perbuatan haram, atau mengakibatkan dilalaikannya kewajiban. Kaidah syarâiyah menetapkan :
Al-wasilah ila al-haram haram
âSegala sesuatu perantaraan kepada yang haram, hukumnya haram juga.â (An-Nabhani, 1963 : 86)

4. Pedoman Umum Nyanyian dan Musik Islami
Setelah menerangkan berbagai hukum di atas, penulis ingin membuat suatu pedoman umum tentang nyanyian dan musik yang Islami, dalam bentuk yang lebih rinci dan operasional. Pedoman ini disusun atas di prinsip dasar, bahwa nyanyian dan musik Islami wajib bersih dari segala unsur kemaksiatan atau kemungkaran, seperti diuraikan di atas. Setidaknya ada 4 (empat) komponen pokok yang harus diislamisasikan, hingga tersuguh sebuah nyanyian atau alunan musik yang indah (Islami) :
1. Musisi/Penyanyi.
2. Instrumen (alat musik).
3. Syaâir dalam bait lagu.
4. Waktu dan Tempat.
Berikut sekilas uraiannya :
1). Musisi/Penyanyi
a) Bertujuan menghibur dan menggairahkan perbuatan baik (khayr/maâruf) dan menghapus kemaksiatan, kemungkaran, dan kezhaliman. Misalnya, mengajak jihad fi sabilillah, mengajak mendirikan masyarakat Islam. Atau menentang judi, menentang pergaulan bebas, menentang pacaran, menentang kezaliman penguasa sekuler.

b) Tidak ada unsur tasyabuh bil-kuffar (meniru orang kafir dalam masalah yang bersangkutpaut dengan sifat khas kekufurannya) baik dalam penampilan maupun dalam berpakaian. Misalnya, mengenakan kalung salib, berpakaian ala pastor atau bhiksu, dan sejenisnya.

c) Tidak menyalahi ketentuan syaraâ, seperti wanita tampil menampakkan aurat, berpakaian ketat dan transparan, bergoyang pinggul, dan sejenisnya. Atau yang laki-laki memakai pakaian dan/atau asesoris wanita, atau sebaliknya, yang wanita memakai pakaian dan/atau asesoris pria. Ini semua haram.
2). Instrumen/Alat Musik
Dengan memperhatikan instrumen atau alat musik yang digunakan para shahabat, maka di antara yang mendekati kesamaan bentuk dan sifat adalah :
a) Memberi kemaslahatan bagi pemain ataupun pendengarnya. Salah satu bentuknya seperti genderang untuk membangkitkan semangat.

b) Tidak ada unsur tasyabuh bil-kuffar dengan alat musik atau bunyi instrumen yang biasa dijadikan sarana upacara non muslim.
Dalam hal ini, instrumen yang digunakan sangat relatif tergantung maksud si pemakainya. Dan perlu diingat, hukum asal alat musik adalah mubah, kecuali ada dalil yang mengharamkannya.
3). Syaâir
Berisi :
a) Amar maâruf (menuntut keadilan, perdamaian, kebenaran dan sebagainya) dan nahi munkar (menghujat kedzaliman, memberantas kemaksiatan, dan sebagainya)
b) Memuji Allah, Rasul-Nya dan ciptaan-Nya.
c) Berisi âibrah dan menggugah kesadaran manusia.
d) Tidak menggunakan ungkapan yang dicela oleh agama.
e) Hal-hal mubah yang tidak bertentangan dengan aqidah dan syariah Islam.
Tidak berisi :
a) Amar munkar (mengajak pacaran, dsb) dan nahi maâruf (mencela jilbab,dsb).
c) Mencela Allah, Rasul-Nya, Al-Qur`an.
d) Berisi âbiusâ yang menghilangkan kesadaran manusia sebagai hamba Allah.
e) Ungkapan yang tercela menurut syaraâ (porno, tak tahu malu, dsb).
f) Segala hal yang bertentangan dengan aqidah dan syariah Islam.
4). Waktu dan Tempat
a) Waktu mendapatkan kebahagiaan (waqtu sururin) seperti pesta pernikahan, hari raya, kedatangan saudara, mendapatkan rizki, dan sebagainya.
b) Tidak melalaikan atau menyita waktu beribadah (yang wajib).
c) Tidak mengganggu orang lain (baik dari segi waktu maupun tempat).
d) Pria dan wanita wajib ditempatkan terpisah (infishal) tidak boleh ikhtilat (campur baur).
5. Penutup
Demikianlah kiranya apa yang dapat penulis sampaikan mengenai hukum menyanyi dan bermusik dalam pandangan Islam. Tentu saja tulisan ini terlalu sederhana jika dikatakan sempurna. Maka dari itu, dialog dan kritik konstruktif sangat diperlukan guna penyempurnaan dan koreksi.
Penulis sadari bahwa permasalahan yang dibahas ini adalah permasalahan khilafiyah. Mungkin sebagian pembaca ada yang berbeda pandangan dalam menentukan status hukum menyanyi dan musik ini, dan perbedaan itu sangat penulis hormati.
Semua ini mudah-mudahan dapat menjadi kontribusi âwalau pun cuma secuilâdalam upaya melepaskan diri dari masyarakat sekuler yang bobrok, yang menjadi pendahuluan untuk membangun peradaban dan masyarakat Islam yang kita idam-idamkan bersama, yaitu masyarakat Islam di bawah naungan Laa ilaaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullahi. Amin. [ ]
Wallahu Aâlam Bis-Shawab.
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âNorma Islam untuk Musisi, Instrumen, Syaâir, dan Waktuâ. Musik. www.ashifnet.tripod.com

Omar, Toha Yahya. 1983. Hukum Seni Musik, Seni Suara, dan Seni Tari Dalam Islam. Cetakan II. (Jakarta : Penerbit Widjaya).
Santoso, Iman. Hukum Nyanyian dan Musik. www.ummigroup.co.id
Wafaa, Muhammad. 2001. Metode Tarjih Atas Kontradiksi Dalil-Dalil Syaraâ (Taâarudh Al-Adillah min Al-Kitab wa As-Sunnah wa At-Tarjih Baynaha). Alih Bahasa oleh Muslich. Cetakan I. (Bangil : Al-Izzah

Teladan Da’wah Ibrahim ‘Alaihissalaam

2008-11-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Ditulis oleh Heri Setiawan di/pada Februari 1, 2008

Orang tua kita, ayah, ibu, paman, bibi, mungkin mertua merupakan obyek dakwah yang strategi. Kelompok inilah yang akan memberikan dukungan utuh bila aktivis muslim terhimpit cobaan dan ujian dakwah. Ini terjadi jika ortu sudah terkondisikan untuk dapat menerima dakwah. Sebaliknya, jika kelompok ini diabaikan maka boleh jadi akan menjadi bumerang bagi kita. Di sinilah perlunya kehati-hatian. Pendekatan yang salah dapat menimbulkan ekses yang tak sehat antara kita dengan orang tua. Bahkan tak jarang hubungan jadi terputus hanya karena kesalahan awal pada pendekatan.

Dua karakteristik mad’u

Secara global ada 2 macam tipe karakteristik mad’u..

Pertama, ada orang yang sudah tertutup hatinya. Tipe ini benar-benar sulit untuk didakwahi sekalipun sudah disampaikan dengan berbagai caradan pendekatan terbaik. Namum menarik kesimpulan seperti ini tidak dibolehkan kecuali jika jika dakwah telah diperjuangkan, sebagaimana yang telah dilakukan Nabi Nuh As[QS. Nuh:5-20]. Bukan hanya sekali atau dua kali mencoba lalu gagal dan memvonis mad’u tidak layak didakwahi.
Kedua, tipe yang terbuka hatinya. Kerja dakwah ibarat sales yang menjajakan barang dagangan. Ia harus disajikan dengan cara yang baik dan menarik, benar. Lewat kisah nabi Ibrahim as, Qur’an menyajikan uslub[cara] yang baik dan menarik.

8 Rambu dakwah Nabi Ibrahim As[ Maryam 41-50]

Berlaku lemah lembut dan hindarkan kesan menggurui. Secara manusiawi, orang yang lebih tua tidak mau digurui oleh yang lebih muda. Bahkan cara ini harus dilakukan dimulai sampai pada tingkat pemanggilan yang sudah harus terkesan lembut. Allah swt berfirman : “Ingatlah ketika ia [Nabi Ibrahim] berkata kepada bapaknya : ‘wahai bapakku’” [Maryam 42]. Pada kata ya abati dalam bahasa arab digunakan lilmulathafah yaitu panggilan yang mengesankan rasa sayang dan manja. Insya Allah, jika hati orang tua masih terbuka, panggilan yang tampaknya sederhana ini akan tergugah jiwanya.
Memiliki hujjah yang kuat dan mematikan. Ini seperti yang dilakukan oleh nabi Ibrahim As dalam QS Maryam:42. Suatu penjelasan yang sederhana, namun mampu menjadikan orang tuanya berpikir secara logis terhadap kesalahan yang dilakukan.
Selalu berupaya menambah ilmu pengetahuan dan mampu menampakkan keilmiahan dakwah yang dibawanya. Inilah yang tersirat dalam kata-kata Nabiyullah Ibrahim as. pada orang tuanya [Maryam : 43]. Oleh karena itu aktif membaca, mengikuti kajian ilmiah, akrab dengan Al-Qur’an dan hadist adalah kelaziman bagi semua aktivis.
Mampu menjelaskan jalan-jalan kesesatan yang ditebarkan setan dan tentaranya [maryam : 44]. Mampu menjelaskan tokoh setan manusia, cara penyebaran dan sarana penyesatannya. Mengetahui jalan kesesatan mempunyai urgensi besar dalam upaya menyebarkan da’wah sehingga jelaslah mana yang lawan dan mana yang kawan. Mana ajaran yang baik mana yang ghazwul fikr [Al An'am: 55].
Memiliki ruhiah yang tinggi, sehingga mampu mengingatkan orang tua dengan adzab Allah yang ditimpakan baik di dunia maupun di akhirat bagi orang yang terus-menerus jauh dari ajaran Allah. [Maryam : 45]
Memiliki kesiapan yang tinggi mengenai resiko dakwah. Misal, pengucilan, pengusiran, dan mungkin kekerasan. Mush’ab bin Umair dan Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqash adalah di antara sahabat yang merasakan beratnya tantangan ini. Namun hal ini berhasil mereka hadapi dengan sikap tsabat [teguh]. [19:46]
Menjaga hubungan baik dengan orang tua sekalipun menjadi penantang dakwah. Tetap senantiasa mendoakan agar mereka kembali ke jalan yang diridhai Allah. Itupun yang dilakukan Ibrahim as dalam QS Maryam : 47
Seorang da’i harus teguh dalam menghadapi ujian da’wah dari orang tua. [Maryam : 48]

“KEBERSIHAN SEBAGIAN DARI IMAN” BUKAN HADITS NABI SAW

2008-11-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

Ditulis oleh Farid Ma'ruf di/pada Nopember 27, 2007

Tanya :
Apakah benar istilah ”Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman” merupakan hadits atau hanya semboyan saja ? Mohon penjelasan penjelasan bapak. (Hamba Allah, Jakarta)

Jawab :
Ungkapan ”Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman” (Arab : an-nazhaafatu minal iimaan) sebenarnya bukanlah hadits Nabi SAW, namun hanya sekedar peribahasa atau kata mutiara yang baik atau Islami.

Ringkasnya, jika ditinjau apakah ungkapan itu hadits Nabi SAW atau bukan, jawabnya bukan hadits Nabi SAW. Sebab tidak terdapat hadits berbunyi demikian dalam berbagai kitab hadits yang ada, sejauh pengetahuan kami. Namun kalau ditinjau apakah ungkapan itu Islami atau tidak, jawabnya Islami. Sebab ungkapan itu didukung oleh sebuah hadits hasan seperti yang akan kami sebutkan.

Memang, ada hadits sahih dari Nabi SAW yang mirip dengan kalimat ”Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman”. Hadits itu adalah sabda Nabi SAW yang berbunyi,”Ath-thahuuru syatrul iimaan…” (HR. Ahmad, Muslim, dan Tirmidzi) (Lihat Imam As-Suyuthi, Al-Jami’ Ash-Shaghir, II/57; Imam Al-Qazwini, Bingkisan Seberkas 77 Cabang Iman (Terj. Mukhtashar Syu’abul Iman Li Al-Imam Baihaqi), hal. 66-67).

Namun arti hadits Nabi tersebut adalah,”Bersuci [thaharah] itu setengah daripada iman….” Kata ath-thahuuru dalam hadits itu artinya tiada lain adalah bersuci (ath-thaharah), bukan kebersihan (an-nazhafah), meskipun patut diketahui ath-thaharah secara makna bahasa artinya memang kebersihan [an-nazhaafah] (Taqiyuddin al-Husaini, Kifayatul Akhyar, I/6). Tetapi dalam ushul fiqih terdapat kaidah bahwa arti asal suatu kata dalam al-Qur`an dan Al-Hadits adalah arti terminologis (makna syar’i), bukan arti etimologis (makna bahasa). Imam Taqiyuddin An-Nabhani dalam kitab Asy-Syakhshiyyah Al-Islamiyah Juz III hal. 174 menyebutkan kaidah ushul fiqih yang berbunyi :

Al-Ashlu fi dalalah an-nushush asy-syar’iyah huwa al-ma’na asy-syar’iy

“Arti asal nash-nash syariah [Al-Qur`an dan As-Sunnah] adalah makna syar’i.”

Karenanya hadis Nabi SAW di atas hendaknya diartikan “Bersuci itu setengah daripada iman”, dan bukannya ”Kebersihan itu sebagian daripada iman.”

Suci dan bersih itu berbeda. Suci (thahir) adalah keadaan tanpa najis dan hadas, baik hadas besar maupun hadas kecil, pada badan, pakaian, tempat, air, dan sebagainya. Bersuci (thaharah) adalah aktivitas seseorang untuk mencapai kondisi suci itu, misalnya berwudhu, tayammum, atau mandi junub. (Taqiyuddin al-Husaini, Kifayatul Akhyar, I/6). Sedang bersih (nazhif) adalah lawan dari kotor yaitu keadaan sesuatu tanpa kotoran. Sesuatu yang kotor bisa saja suci, meski ini tentu kurang afdhol. Sajadah yang lama tidak dicuci adalah kotor. Tapi tetap disebut suci selama kotoran yang menempel hanya sekedar debu atau daki, bukan najis seperti kotoran binatang.

Demikian pula sesuatu yang bersih juga tidak otomatis suci. Seorang muslim yang berhadats besar (misal karena haid atau berhubungan seksual) bisa saja tubuhnya bersih sekali karena mandi dengan sabun anti kuman atau desinfektan. Tapi selama dia tidak meniatkan mandi junub, dia tetaplah tidak suci alias masih berhadas besar.

Walhasil, suci atau bersuci berkaitan dengan keyakinan seorang muslim, yang sifatnya tidak universal. Maksudnya hanya menjadi pandangan khas di kalangan umat Islam. Sedang bersih atau kebersihan berkaitan dengan fakta empiris yang universal, yaitu diakui baik oleh umat Islam maupun umat non Islam.

Kembali ke masalah hadits di atas. Kesimpulannya, yang ada adalah hadits Nabi SAW yang berarti ”Bersuci Adalah Sebagian Dari Iman”, dan bukan ” Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman.”

Namun demikian, kalimat ” Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman” merupakan ungkapan yang baik (Islami), karena didukung sebuah hadits yang menurut Imam Suyuthi berstatus hasan, yakni sabda Nabi SAW :

”Sesungguhnya Allah Ta’ala adalah baik dan mencintai kebaikan, bersih dan mencintai kebersihan, mulia dan mencintai kemuliaan, dermawan dan mencintai kedermawanan. Maka bersihkanlah halaman rumahmu dan janganlah kamu menyerupai orang Yahudi.” (HR. Tirmidzi) (Lihat Imam As-Suyuthi, Al-Jami’ Ash-Shaghir, I/70; Muhammad Faiz Almath, 1100 Hadits Terpilih, [Jakarta : GIP], cetakan keenam, 1993, hal. 311).

Hadits di atas menunjukkan bahwa kebersihan (an-nazhafah) merupakan sesuatu yang dicintai Allah SWT. Maka dari itu ungkapan ” Kebersihan Sebagian Dari Iman” kami katakan sebagai ungkapan yang baik atau Islami karena ada dasarnya dalam Islam yaitu hadits riwayat Tirmidzi di atas. Ungkapan itu dapat diberi arti, bahwa menjaga kebersihan segala sesuatu merupakan bukti atau buah keimanan seorang muslim, karena dia telah beriman bahwa Allah SWT adalah Dzat Yang Mahabersih (nazhiif). Wallahu a’lam. (www.konsultasi.wordpress.com)

Ikhas3

2008-11-06T02:29:00.002-08:00

Ikhlas party
WASPADA Online

By KH. Abdullah Gymnastiar
To be written Waspada Daily
May Allah grant our hearts are sincere, albeit because of fatigue, terkuras not mind if there is not sincere on the value of God. Quite a fortune for a large-hearted. Those who are sincere people that the quality of beramalnya in conditions there or not there are people who are considering the same.
In contrast with the less sincere, ibadahnya had better be done when there are other people who pay attention. Then, as signs of whether the person is sincere?
First, he did not seek popularity and does not obtrude. Because he was aware, sehebat any of fame on the human no means in the face If God does not have sincerity. A servant is not sincere experts busy obtrude, his charitable breathe, flaunt wealth, keilmuannya, position, and various other secular mask. Therefore, if God allows no menghinakannya
Second, no longing terkecoh compliment and not a compliment. But praise for him on suspicion of us, when we know ourselves that the situation was. For a sincere, praised, valued, not praised, even dicaci same. Because for him the praise of Allah is the most important. Allah is the goal of all charitable.
Third, not strong and love the department. He did not assess the rank and position someone, but that is considered the responsibility of the trustee from office. But the servant of God that is not sincere and proud because ujub office.
Fourth, no dipebudak benefits and considerate reply. A very sincere worshipers of experts to believe the promise and assurance of God, it is impossible for God's promises belie him. For a servant who tirelessly, sustenance when he is not when things do get something. Enough replies from God alone, that will not slip, and will not be one of his calculations.
Fifth, not easily disappointed. A true-hearted sure that what diniatkan well, or did not happen and that he niatkan that, everything would have been seen and assessed by Allah SWT.
Sixth, does not distinguish Big Charity and Charity Small. A servant who tirelessly do not care charity is small in view of the human or not, there is a witness or not. Because God is none of that paltry If the charity is done with sincere wholeheartedly because Allah.
Seventh, not fanatical groups. A Muslim who is very sincere aware that the goal of life is a struggle of good deeds, so that it will defend the interests of the diridhoi by God. No tegantung personal feelings. During what was to be the defense of Islam, then he will be on the defense.
Eighth, Light, and Why lahab party. Sincerity is the fruit of a deep conviction that a servant of God that any act that favored by God, can make them grow closer to God, will be the program kesehariannya. All done with light, lahab, and favors.
Ninth, not because of selfish interests always be together. Hearted people who do not have objections to the presence of other, more clever, more sholeh, more of the quality. Despite the views of people he will tesaingi with the presence of people who exceed himself, but who does not sincere search for popularity. Theirs is the most important forward together with the interest.
Tenth, make no distinction in the crowd. A sincere will not mark off a friend. Sapanya thought will not be limited to certain people, senyumnya will not be limited to which, and the door is always open to anyone.
A similar situation, so luhurnya signs of a servant who tirelessly. pakah signs were there in ourselves? As for the slaves in Saint himself has dilingkupi signs of sincerity. Wallahu a'lam bish showab

Terjemahkan

Ikhlas2

2008-11-06T02:29:00.001-08:00

By Noer Bahry Noor
(PD III Unhas FKM)

SINCERE is the basic cause of all the major religious charities we accepted by God Almighty. Therefore, fortunately not based on the sincere will be the only man left, the terms of thanks, but I do Makassar 'Gayana ji'.

The patient is not sincere discussion will be a human patient, but he said that ngedumel like, 'sabbara' mangittu 'said the elders first (Bugis people),

likewise sincere apology that will not impress insipidity in Coffee, said the Bugis people "Siamak-amakni mingka MAKEMMEH muapi" means baikan but persahabatannya have still not seakrab flat as before.

Repentance and not understanding that this is the sincerity with which people often turned to tobatnya term 'tomato' means a more difficult tobatnya seriously but more happy, happy,

many gifts are you doing, diseases' recurrence 'that refuse will be reluctant promise and do better, recurrent kikirnya, lazy prayer recurrence, recurrent penipunya, came isengnya act, so again, etc. corruptor.

There are three ways to implement sincere in our every activity (1) said in a heartfelt, the words and all related tongue yamg (2) in a sincere heart, and (3) tirelessly in the event, act, practice, and we all worship to God Almighty.

The fourth component (1) thanksgiving (2) the patient, (3) sorry (4) repentance when they made Illustration is like the wall-hand side of the cube, thank the front wall, back wall SA, pardon the left wall and turned to the right wall .

Hearted as the wall down (alas) cube, whereas the top of the wall is part of ourselves open to God Almighty that will be filled by the God Almighty according to the practice of the fifth wall.

You have the content there, but because there is one component of these 'weak' may be less than thankful, patient or not, or are reluctant to give pardon or lazy to repent,

the cube's walls, a weak 'open' so how can about the content, Allah 'overflow' through the wall was weak.

Can only spill to the front, back, side to the left or right. Alone again if the weakness is more than one. However, the most vulnerable if there is weakness in the basic cube we (Ikhlas).

If this is how weak the strong wall of the front, back, left or right, but spilled to the bottom and there is no remaining as the 'sincerity' we are not there.

Source: (p16)