Nama saya Iing adalah seorang kader HMI berasal dari Kuningan yang telah ikut LK I di Plumbon Kab.Cirebon tahun 2007 yang di selenggarakan oleh HMI Komisariat Tarbiyah STAIN Cirebon, merasa berbangga hati karena telah mengikuti jejak langkah para kader-kader HMI yang telah sukses di dunia pendidikan dan perpolitikan. dan saat ini saya telah menjadi penghuni sekre hijau hitam yang beralamat di komplek PDK blok B.26 kelurahan sunyaragi kota cirebon. disana saya mendapatkan banyak ilmu dan pengalaman serta pertemanan yang sangat erat.
teman-teman saya selalu mendukung saya dalam kondisi tertekan atau terjepit.hehehe...
Sabtu, 29 November 2008
Funny Story
The Lost TurbanNasrudin had lost a very beautiful and expensive turban.... Updated On: 10/22/2008
Nasrudin had lost a very beautiful and expensive turban. But he did not seem to be very upset about it."Don't miss your turban, Nasrudin?" Someone asked him."Oh, I am sure someone will find it," said the Mulla cheerfully. "I am promising a reward of one silver piece.""Do you think anyone will return a turban that cost almost a hundred silver pieces for a reward of one piece of silver?" asked the man."Do you think I did not think of that already? I have announced that I have lost an old, cheap turban. That is very different from what the real turban is like."
A thief in the houseNasrudin watched as the thief loaded almost all his possessions onto a donkey and set off... Updated On: 10/20/2008
One night Nasrudin was sitting on the street outside his house. He suddenly saw a burglar entering his house from a side window. The burglar did not see Nasrudin in the dark. The Mulla was scared to go and fight the thief. He watched as the thief loaded almost all his possessions onto a donkey and set off. Nasrudin ran into his house and began unload the donkey. Nasrudin went into the man’s house quietly and pretended to go to sleep under his blanket.Soon the thief came in and asked, "What do you think you are doing in my house?""Your house?" asked Nasrudin. "I thought you were shifting houses for me!"
Sweet and saltyOne day Nasrudin and his friend stopped at a little restaurant... Updated On: 10/20/2008
One day Nasrudin and his friend stopped at a little restaurant. They were both very thirsty and decided to share a glass of milk. When the milk came, the friend suggested that Nasrudin drink half first."I have got a little sugar with me," said the friend, "but it is just enough for me. So after you have drunk your half I will add the sugar to my half.""Why don't you add it now?" Nasrudin said. "I will only drink my half.""No, no. This little bit of sugar cannot sweeten a full glass of milk," said the man.So Nasrudin went and got some salt from the kitchen."Well then," he said. "You can sweeten your half later. But I will have my half after adding this salt to it."
The 3 Children's Adventure at the BeachThe children tried to make their way around the rock, but big waves came in and dashed against on the rock... Updated On: 4/2/2007
It was the summer holidays. The 3 children, Tom, Ram and Sanjay, were playing carroms at Sanjay's house. The three friends were all 12 years old."Let us go to Sandy beach," said Tom. "We can wade into the water and stay cool - the climate is really hot here in the town."Ram and Sanjay agreed, and got their parents' permission."Please, be careful, and obey the lifeguard at the beach when wading," instructed Sanjay's mother.Ram had a pair of goggles to put on his eyes, while swimming - he took that with him. Sanjay took a volley-ball from his house to play on the beach.The friends took the 1.30 pm bus from the town center. It reached Sandy beach at 3 pm.The children got off the bus, and walked along the beach. At first, there were shops for tourists, and hotels and restaurants, on the side of the beach, but as they walked on, these got fewer."We will play and wade farther on - away from the restaurants and crowds," said Sanjay.The other children agreed. They passed a lighthouse, and found themselves on a better, but smaller beach, with no crowds."We can play here," said Tom.For some time, the children played volley-ball on the beach. Then they started wadding into the sea."There was a man hiring out surfboards on the first beach," said Ram. "Let us try surfing."Tom and Sanjay agreed, and Ram ran back to the other beach to hire a surfboard. He came back soon, carrying a snorkel and goggles to put on his face underwater, in addition to a surfboard.Surfing was not as easy as the experts make it out to be. The 2 children repeatedly fell off the board, as big waves came in several times. Ram put on snorkel and goggles to look and breathe underwater.It was a small beach, and no one else was there, and so the children enjoyed themselves.After some time, Tom asked what the time was."It is 5.45 pm," said Ram, looking at his waterproof watch."Let us get back," said Sanjay. "We have played and enjoyed ourselves enough.""Right!" said the others.They made their way back along the beach. The sea had been coming in (due to the tide), and there was very little beach left. The children were walking on a narrow stretch of beach, with cliff on one side, and the sea on the other. Presently, the beach vanished, with a rock in front of them, and only the sea and the steep cliff left towards the lighthouse."The sea has come in and covered the way we came here," said Ram in alarm. The children tried to make their way around the rock, but big waves came in and dashed against on the rock, and Ram, who was in front, almost fell."Let us go back to the place where we were playing," said Sanjay.But when they went back, the sea was coming in rapidly, and there was only around one foot or so of width of beach remaining. Even that was getting covered gradually, as bigger waves came in.As the tide came in, soon the children were clutching at the cliff's face, with waves pounding at their feet."Help! Help!" yelled the children, but there was apparently no one to hear them.Then, suddenly, a boat started from the lighthouse towards the beach. Carefully, the man who was rowing the boat, took it upto the small strip of beach that the children were standing on."Get in!" he shouted, over the roar of the waves.The children got into the boat, which the man rowed towards the lighthouse."We - the lighthouse staff - saw you were in trouble," explained the lighthouse man."As we had a boat, we could come and rescue you. But learn a lesson from this - always check the tide timings before you play near the sea again."The man showed the children the lamp room and other rooms of the lighthouse. Then, at last, the children boarded a bus to go home."It was scary, being trapped on the beach," said Sanjay later."It was an exciting adventure, too," said Ram.
A Fly's MischiefHearing the noise, the hostel warden, a bald man, came there... By Aziz Moradabadi Updated On: 4/4/2007
One morning Saurabh was eating pudding for his breakfast in the hostel mess. At that time, there were about 20-25 boys present.Saurabh was reading a magazine along with relishing his pudding. All of a sudden, a fly came and squatted on his pudding plate. Seeing this, Saurabh was enraged. Without losing a single minute, he attacked it with his magazine. But the fly flew away, and the magazine fell directly on the glass of milk, which Deepak had put on the table. The glass fell, and the milk splattered over Deepak’s clothes. Deepak also lost his temper.Angrily, he picked up a plate with omelette in it and threw it at Saurabh. But Saurabh ducked and the plate dashed against Gautam.Gautam did not lose a second. He picked up a plate with a pudding in it and flung it towards Deepak who was running out of the hall. But Gautam missed his target and the plate hit Montu.After caressing his forehead for a while, Montu picked up a glass and aimed it. This glass hit Ramu, the servant in the mess.Shrieking angrily, Ramu lifted a cold drink bottle from the crate and aimed it at Montu. But the cold drink bottle was caught mid-way by the tall Amit. He began to drink it.Just then, an empty plate came flying like a disc from nowhere and touching Amit’s head, hit Satbir.Satbir screamed with pain. Then he also picked up a bottle and hurled it up against the ceiling.The bottle clashed against the fan and was smashed into pieces.There was utter chaos in the hall. Suddenly, the naughty Manoj went into the kitchen and brought out a tray of eggs.Putting the tray down on a table in the hall, he began to throw the eggs like balls.Hearing the noise, the hostel warden, a bald man, came there. An egg thrown by Manoj fell on his bald head. The warden was mad with rage.But when the children saw the warden with an egg on his bald head, they began to laugh. By this time, the Mess Manager also came there.The warden asked the boys sharply, “Tell me who played this mischief? Who started all this?”After a little thought, Saurabh, who was standing out, peeped in and said fearfully, “Sir, actually what happened was…” And then he narrated the entire incident.Wiping off his head with a handkerchief, the warden said smiling, “So it means the real culprit is a fly and all of you are innocent. But there is no rule in the hostel for punishing a fly. Moreover, how can we find out which one was the fly that squatted on Saurabh’s plate?”Anyone, nobody will play any such tricks again, or else he will be severely punished,” he warned and left the place.All the children had a hearty laugh at this.
Test of TasteGattu was very much fond of tasty food... By Savita Shetty Updated On: 4/5/2007
Gattu was very much fond of tasty food. So his mother always prepared some new things for him. Everyone praised her cooking. But Gattu did not like what his mother cooked and moreover, he never hesitated in criticizing it.”Oh, no Mummy, not that again! Your food is so bland and tasteless. Why don’t you give me money to eat out?””Gattu, it is not good to eat out at hotels frequently.” His mother would tell him.”Then why don’t you prepare pakoras and samosas at home?””But I do make these things once in a while,” Mummy would say. “Every day one should not eat these things or….””Or it will be bad for my health,” Gattu would mimick, “oh, I know what you will say. Health, health and health! I am fed up with it…”During school vacations, his cousin Tina came to stay with them. She was Gattu’s age, but was very frail and delicate-looking girl. They played the whole day and had fun. Daily while eating, Tina told Gattu about the variety of things she ate at home.”You know, Gattu, every evening a chaatwala comes to our building. So when I go down to play, I daily eat something or the other… dahi-bhalle or golgappe or ragada…” Or she would say, “Gattu, we have so many hotels in our area, we always go there for dinner and when some guests come, we eat out to posh restaurants…”All this talk made Gattu’s mouth water. When Tina left after the vacations, he immediately started complaining, “See, how uncle and aunty always eat out and they allow Tina to eat what she likes. How lucky she is!””But Gattu, didn’t you notice?” Mother pointed out, “Tina looks so weak, I am sure she is not keeping well and that too because of these eating habits…””Huh, you find all the fault only with outside food,” Gattu grumbled.”Really?” Mummy smiled, “Okay then, she has invited you over for the next vacation, right? So go there and enjoy yourself…”Gattu was eagerly waiting for the vacation and his visit to Tina’s house. And when he went there, he found everything just as Tina had described. His aunty, that is, Tina’s mother, went to office.So if she got late in the morning, she would just tell the kids, “Oh dear, there is not enough time to cook a breakfast. See that cornflakes box is over there, you children have that. And even then if you are hungry, there is a box of mithai in the fridge, okay?”Mithai was Gattu’s favourite thing. The lunch would be whatever the maid rustled up for them. Then Gattu would eagerly wait for the evening and the chaatwala. His mouth watered just by the smell of the different dishes.Sometimes his uncle brought samosas or other such tasty things while returning from the office. Many a time they went out for dinner.For the first week, Gattu felt as if he were in some dream-world. Then slowly he started finding the taste of food almost same everywhere, even if they ate at different hotels or dhabas. Twice or thrice Tina felt sick in the night. She got severe stomach pain and then she vomited. Gattu was very much afraid. Just looking at Tina clutching her stomach and crying, he started feeling that he too was going to become sick and get a stomach-ache.His Aunty said, “Don’t worry Gattu, it happens many a time with her. I will give her this medicine and she will be all right.”Slowly Gattu started relishing the oily, spicy food less and less. He noticed the open food-containers and dirty vessels of the chaatwalas and other hawkers. The lots of oil in the daily hotel food began troubling his throat. Even eating his favourite mithai everyday caused stomach disturbances.Instead of grabbing and hogging everything, as he had dreamt of, Gattu started eating everything cautiously and in moderate amounts. Now he longed to go back home.When he returned home after his vacation, his mother was sure that Gattu would be eloquent talkings of what all great things he ate there. But Gattu kept quiet.At last Mummy herself said, “You know Gattu, while you were away, a new fast food joint opened just around the corner here. Come, let us go there today and try out what nice things it has…””Can’t we go there some other time, Mummy?” Gattu said, “If it is not too much of a trouble, why don’t you prepare a little upma for me?”Upma?” Mummy was surprised, “but Gattu, it is so bland and tasteless, not at all like the chaats available outside…””No, Mummy,” Gattu said sheepishly, “those things are all right once in a while, but I feel nauseated eating those everyday. I won’t pester you again for that food. Now will you cook something for me, please?”Mummy smiled and went inside to prepare snacks for her son.
The Last StonemasonThe old man looked at the orphan boy who had come to work for him five years ago... By Sigrun Srivastav, Illustrations by Mickey Patel Updated On: 4/5/2007
The young man flung the hammer and chisel to the ground and cried, “I’m leaving, Father. I’m leaving you and this work. Look what it’s brought us.” He spread out his arms and glanced disdainfully at the small, congested workroom, the slabs of stone and marble stacked in one corner and the old cot covered with a pile of used clothes in the other. The paint of the whitewashed walls was stained by many monsoons. The window, bare of curtains, opened into a tiny backyard. “After all years of work, this is all we have, nothing, nothing. This kind of work just doesn’t pay.”The old man stared at his son, in astonishment. Although his voice trembled, it didn’t lose its usual gentleness. “It’s not only the money that matters, son. It’s the service, our service to God.””Father,” the young man grunted impatiently, “times have changed. The stonemason’s work has changed, too. You can’t live on sculptures for temples only. You have to mass produce, mass produce like all the others in Agra. Come on, Father!The lines around the old man’s mouth tightened. “No, my son. This is the work I learnt from my father. And he learned from his father. We have kept up this tradition for hundreds of years … and I hoped you would continue our work.””No, Father,” the young man replied with determination. “There is much more money in ashtrays and plates for tourist shops. I’m tired of working for a pittance for the Committee of the Krishna Temple in Srinagar. I’m leaving, Father.”The young man stormed out of the room, leaving his old father crouching in front of a half-finished marble statue of Radha and Krishna whose shape already suggested its future magnificence. He dropped his hands into his lap, and closed his eyes. He began to pray and didn’t even hear the hesitant ‘goodbye’ his son called out from the door. He sat motionless, unaware of time and place.”Masterjee!” called Salim, the servant boy, entering the workshop barefooted. He held out a glass of steaming tea in his hand. “Masterjee?” he asked once more, his voice filled with concern. The old man looked up. His face was ashen. He looked old and very tired. He beckoned the boy to come closer and motioned him to sit down. “Salim,” he said gently, “soon I will be the last stonemason here. All the others will have gone to Agra. There, they are turning out by the dozen cheap candle-stands, paperweights and ashtrays. They are making money, but they betray our skill, our age-old tradition. Now Gopal has also gone. I’ll have to finish this sculpture alone. And with the help of God, I’ll do it, Salim.””I know you will, Masterjee,” the boy answered. “You’ll make many more. Larger and more beautiful temple sculptures.”The old man looked at the orphan boy who had come to work for him five years ago. Drenched to the skin, dressed in tatters, he had begged for shelter during a furious monsoon storm. And had stayed on to work for the old master craftsman. He had grown tall and strong, taller than other boys of thirteen. The old man knew that Salim too would leave him one day. He sighed and looked into the serious eyes of the boy, clouded with sadness, a sadness the old man could not understand. He shook his head. “My strength is waning. I can’t work with the chisel like I used to. Carving takes too long, much too long.” Then the straightened up and said with fresh determination, “I’ll have to finish this work. And surely I will.””Yes, you will,” the boy repeated offering his master the glass of tea. “Drink, please. It will do you good.” Then he added, “I’ve to go to the market for an hour or two. But I’ll be back in time to prepare dinner.”The old man nodded and thought, “He has been going to the market too often lately. I hope he hasn’t fallen into bad company.’ He shot a questioning glance at the boy, who turned and left the room.The old man sighed and picked up the chisel and hammer. The cool metal of the tools filled him with happiness and confidence. He loved his work, and didn’t want to change it for any other in the world.Days and weeks went by. It was a month since Gopal left. The old man worked tirelessly. From morning till late at night he worked on the sculpture. It was all there, in the stone. The strong, straight shoulders of Krishna, his soft curved hips. He could see the pointed fingers holding the flute delicately to his lips, his serene face eternally beautiful. The old man could see it in the stone. He could feel it. He only had to set it free with his chisel. He did not feel hunger, he didn’t feel thirst. He was driven by the desire to finish the sculpture in time. It was his biggest piece, his best. It would be his last.On and on he worked, his chisel striking the stone again and again. But then came the day when the old man felt his strength ebb, and his hands tremble under the impact of the hammer. His shoulders began to ache, his arms felt heavy and his eyes grew tired. Then his vision blurred and he could not see the shape of Krishna embedded in the stone. Overcome with fear, he sank to his knees and prayed. The old man prayed a lot these days.”Masterjee,” Salim said, “you haven’t touched your food again. Please have some rice and vegetable. You only had a glass of milk for breakfast. And have the curd. You like curd, I know you do.”The old man looked up. He whispered, “I don’t think I’ll be able to finish it. If Gopal was here, it would be different.” He nodded absent-mindedly to himself and continued, “He wasn’t the best of craftsman, but he was good and strong. He chipped off the stone, layer by layer, as if it were clay. He hadn’t yet learnt to carve the finer details but in a year or two he would have learnt surely.” He fell silent. “It was the features and hands that gave him trouble. There was something missing in his figures. That something which can’t be taught.””Because it comes from somewhere deep inside you,” Salim whispered. “From deep inside here!” and he pointed to his heart.The old man looked at the boy, surprised. He saw him blush and turn his face away.”You are right, Salim, you are right.” And then he added with sudden bitterness, “And if you don’t have it here,” he thumped his chest, “then you’d better go to Agra and mass produce ashtrays for the tourists from abroad. Then…” The old man coughed painfully and reached for his glass of water.”Eat Masterjee, eat. Everything will be all right.”After he had eaten, the old man once again took up his hammer and chisel. He worked till late in the night, talking to his son and to God. And then only to God. He prayed for help and strength, and he prayed for his son. In the early hours of the morning the chisel fell from his hand, and the hammer dropped to the ground. His old body sagged falling forward limply. His forehead struck Krishna’s flute, and slid down over the statue to rest on the pedestal. “Hai Ram,” he muttered, and sank into a comfortable darkness.When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a cot in his bedroom, covered by a light cotton blanket.From the workshop the chipping sound of the chisel reached his ears. He listened. Had his ears deceived him? No, he could hear it again—the strong blow of the hammer on top of the chisel. Gopal! He was back! Gopal had returned. He would help him. They would finish the statue! He stumbled to his feet, crossed the small room and reached the door.”Gopal!” He was about to shout when the words froze on his lips.”No!” he wanted to cry out. “Stop! Stop the work.” But he couldn’t move. Shock had immobilized him. He stood staring at the back of the young stone carver working on the face of the statue, on the eyebrows, arching over a pair of fine eyes.It wasn’t his son sitting cross-legged before the biggest statue he had ever carved. It was Salim, his servant.The old man watched stunned. The first wave of shock, fear and anger passed. “Hai Ram,” the old man whispered, “Hai Ram!” and tottered over to the boy. Dropping his hand on his shoulder he said softly, “Salim.”The boy startled, turned and looked up at his master. His cheeks were glowing and all the sadness had left his eyes. Salim rose to his feet clumsily, the hammer and chisel still in his hand.”Salim,” the old man searched helplessly for words.”I … I … I … only want to help,” whispered the boy. “I … I’ll learn, if you teach me, Masterjee! I have practiced, secretly. For almost two years, in the quarry. I am a Muslim. I know I should not carve the image of God. But isn’t this different, Masterjee? I am carving a sculpture, aren’t I? A beautiful sculpture, that has a different meaning for different people. Isn’t it so, Masterjee? Please tell me! For many years, I wanted to become a sculptor yet I fought the feeling. But it proved too strong. I know there is nothing in this world I would like to do more, there is nothing in life I could do better. Will you please teach me, Masterjee?”The old man pulled the boy’s head against his shoulder and whispered, “There’s nothing I can teach you, my son. Go ahead. You have it in your hands and in your heart. I know you will be one of the country’s finest stonemasons.”
October 6th, 2006, in Opinion, by Patung
Poverty is the cause of terrorism, says a former Muhammadiyah chairman, not Islam.
Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif, former Muhammadiyah chairman, speaking at an interfaith gathering, the “Simposium Antarbudaya dan Antaragama”, held under the auspices of APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group, or Organisasi Kerjasama Ekonomi Asia Pasifik, in Yogyakarta on the 5th said that terrorism, in all its forms, is an enemy of all countries in the world, not just America, and that the roots of it could be found in poverty. Therefore to combat it he advised poverty reduction programs, and also corruption reduction because corruption contributed to the woes of the poor.
Since the 9/11 attacks on America many people in the world associated terrorism with Islam. These people were mentally defective, he said, because a reading of Islam’s holy book, the Quran, would reveal that Islam was a benevolent force:
Only those who have an abnormal outlook could come to a conclusion like that. In a verse of the holy Koran it is said that one who kills a single human being kills all of mankind.
It is not reported whether he then quoted any other, less pleasing sounding, verses from the Quran.
He went on to say that these days there was a perception that terrorist or extremist ideology was spreading rapidly and easily among Indonesians. Among the poor, he said, the simplistic ideas of the radicals found fertile ground.
It is also uncertain whether he produced any research or proof for the claim that terrorism is linked to poverty. More and better jobs, better education, the owning of more television sets and luxuries seems to be Maarif’s solution to the problem. (Antara & Media Indonesia.) There is substantial evidence to say he is quite wrong however.
Maarif likely suffers from the platitude-without-thought syndrome that frequently affects Indonesian intellectuals. Most terrorists in fact come from middle class, educated backgrounds (science and engineering usually) and they are people who see their world, their traditions, their power over women and other men, crumbling around them under the force of western cultural imperialism and globalisation, people who also view the west’s power and arrogance as an insult to God. Islamic terrorism is more a sign that Islam, in its traditional forms, is dying, it is a fight against this death, a fight against those who are seen as bringing it about. Poverty is a minor causative factor, the poor have enough worries with their daily struggles, religious fanaticism does not affect them nearly as much as it does the middle classes.
If poverty is not to blame, and we see that there are other cultures in the world which are also being destroyed by globalisation, but whose people do not have the same tendency to violent resistance as Muslims do then we are left to return to Islam itself. Islam is what Islam does, and there is no “true Islam“, which is impossible by itself but is compounded by the fact that Islam has no central authority, any man may be the “one who stands in front”, or imam. Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif, who no doubt is kind to small animals and children, is a true Muslim. But so is Osama Bin Laden, so are the head-choppers in Iraq. Those who quote “there is no compulsion in religion” and those who quote “smite at their necks” are both true Muslims. Islam is so problematic in the world because it allows for such widely variant interpretations, and there is no way of establishing one over the other, except perhaps by massive force and repression.
In particular Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif is averting his eyes from the concept of jihad and its connection to terrorism. If challenged he will likely say that jihad is only permissible for defensive purposes and those who believe otherwise have corrupted Islam’s teachings (but of course which Islam?). This is ahistorical but is as legitimate an interpretation as many others. But it is psychologically shallow. Most great religions in the world require some sort of sacrifice on the part of believers in order for them to gain the final reward. Often it is a simple quid pro quo equation - sacrifice your life in this world in order to gain it in the next. For Christians this sacrifice is done viscerally, by association with Christ crucified. For Muslims the sacrifice is done literally, through jihad. Islam is indeed connected to terrorism. It is Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif who is mentally lacking, or perhaps just not courageous enough to look at things in ways that would lead to discomfort and angst for his good self.
The Importance of Education in Islam
To seek knowledge is a sacred duty, it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. The first word revealed of the Qur’an was "Iqra" READ! Seek knowledge! Educate yourselves! Be educated.
Surah Al-Zumr, ayah 9 reveals: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?" Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 269 reveals: "Allah grants wisdom to whom He pleases and to whom wisdom is granted indeed he receives an overflowing benefit."
Centuries old monarchy, colonialism and the oppressive rule of their own people have brought about moral and spiritual degeneration of Muslims throughout the world. To retrieve them from this degeneration, it’s about time that the Muslim Ummah restructures its educational priorities along Islamic lines, fulfilling the existing needs as well. By virtue of such an educational program, the future generations will become the torch-bearers of Islamic values and play an effective role in the present world. The challenges of modern times call for rebuilding the structure of our educational program on such a foundation as to fulfil our spiritual as well as temporary obligations. Today we need an education system which can produce, what the late Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdudi said, "Muslim philosopher, Muslim scientist, Muslim economist, Muslim jurist, Muslim statesman, in brief, Muslim experts in all fields of knowledge who would reconstruct the social order in accordance with the tenets of Islam."
The Muslims today are the most humiliated community in the world. And should they persist in following the same educational program as given by their colonial masters, they will not be able to recover themselves from moral and spiritual decadence.
Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: The position of only two persons is enviable; the person whom Allah bestowed wealth empowering him to spend it in the way of righteousness, and the person whom Allah gave wisdom with which he adjudges and which he teaches to others.
According to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: A single scholar of religion is more formidable against shaytaan than a thousand devout persons.
Islam is our greatest gift. We have to be thankful for this gift. We have to render to Allah His due. Allah has given us so much by making us a part of the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (S) so we must totally commit ourselves as followers of the Prophet (S). We must become true Muslims.
Now how can we become Muslims in the true sense of the word? First let’s define what a Muslim is. A Muslim is not a Muslim simply because he’s born one. A Muslim is a Muslim because he is a follower of Islam, a submitter to the Will of Allah. We’re Muslim if we consciously and deliberately accept what has been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (S) and act accordingly. Otherwise we’re not true Muslims.
The first and most crucial obligation on us is to acquire knowledge and secondly to practice and preach this knowledge. No man becomes truly a Muslim without knowing the meaning of Islam, because he becomes a Muslim not through birth but through knowledge. Unless we come to know the basic and necessary teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (S) how can we believe in him, have faith in him, act according to what he taught? It is impossible for us to be a Muslim, and at the same time live in a state of ignorance.
It is essential to understand that the greatest gift of Allah – for which we are so over whelmed with gratitude – depends primarily on knowledge. Without knowledge one can’t truly receive Allah’s gift of Islam. If our knowledge is little, then we will constantly run the risk of losing that magnificent gift, which we have received unless we remain vigilant in our fight against ignorance.
A person without knowledge is like someone walking along a track in complete darkness. Most likely his steps will wander aside and he easily can be deceived by shaytaan. This shows that our greatest danger lies in our ignorance of Islamic teachings and in our unawareness of what the Qur’an teaches and what guidance has been given by the Prophet (S). But if we are blessed with the light of knowledge we will be able to see plainly the clear path of Islam at every step of our lives. We shall also be able to identify and avoid the dangerous paths of Kufr, Shirk and immorality, which may cross it. And, whenever a false guide meets us on the way, a few words with him will quickly establish that he is not a guide who should be followed.
On this knowledge depends whether our children and we are true Muslims and remain true Muslims. It is therefore not a trivial to be neglected. We do not neglect doing whatever is essential to improve our trades and professions. Because we know that if we do neglect, we will starve to death and so lose the precious gift of life. Why then should we be negligent in acquiring that knowledge on which depends whether we become Muslims and remain Muslims? Does such negligence not entail the danger of losing an even more precious gift – our Iman? Is not Iman more precious than life itself? Most of our time and labor is spent on things, which sustain our physical existence in this life. Why can we not spend even a tenth part of our time and energy on things, which are necessary to protect our Iman, which only can sustain us in the present life and in the life to come? It is not necessary to study extensively to become a Muslim. We should at least spend about one hour out of twenty-four hours of the day and night in acquiring the knowledge of this Deen, the way of life, the Islam.
Every one of us, young or old, man or woman, should at least acquire sufficient knowledge to enable ourselves to understand the essence of the teachings of the Qur’an and the purpose for which it has been sent down. We should also be able to understand clearly the mission, which our beloved Prophet (S) came into this world to fulfil. We should also recognize the corrupt order and system, which he came to destroy. We should acquaint ourselves, too, with the way of life which Allah has ordained for us.
No great amount of time is required to acquire this simple knowledge. If we truly value Iman, it cannot be too difficult to find one hour every day to devote for our Iman.
Knowledge is identified in Islam as worship. The acquiring of knowledge is worship, reading the Qur’an and pondering upon it is worship, travelling to gain knowledge is worship. The practice of knowledge is connected with ethics and morality – with promoting virtue and combating vice, enjoining right and forbidding wrong. This is called in the Qur’an: amr bil-l ma’ruuf wa nah-y ‘ani-l munkar.
Not only should we seek knowledge, but when we learn it, it becomes obligatory on us to practice it. Though we must remember that correct knowledge should come before correct action. Knowledge without action is useless because a learned person without action will be the worst of creatures on the Day of Resurrection. Also, action should not be based on blind imitation for this is not the quality of a thinking, sensible human being.
Knowledge is pursued and practiced with modesty and humility and leads to beauty and dignity, freedom and justice.
The main purpose of acquiring knowledge is to bring us closer to God. It is not simply for the gratification of the mind or the senses. It is not knowledge for the sake of knowledge or science for the value of sake. Knowledge accordingly must be linked with values and goals.
One of the purposes of acquiring knowledge is to gain the good of this world, not to destroy it through wastage, arrogance and in the reckless pursuit of higher standards of material comfort.
Another purpose of knowledge is to spread freedom and dignity, truth and justice. It is not to gain power and dominance for its own sake.
Obviously, what we may call the reservoir of knowledge is deep and profound. It is a vast and open field that is not limited.
It is impossible for anyone to gain anything more than a fraction of what there is to know in the short span of one’s life. We must therefore decide what is most important for us to know and how to go about acquiring this knowledge.
The following ahadith shows how important and how rewarding knowledge is.
"He who acquires knowledge acquires a vast portion." AND "If anyone going on his way in search of knowledge, God will, thereby make easy for him the way to Paradise."
We, the children, are the future. The future lies in our hands, but only through knowledge because whoever neglects learning in youth, loses the past and is dead for the future.
May Allah (SWT) give us strength to behave and act just as He likes us to do and be pleased with us, and that should be the purpose of our lives. Rabbi zidnee ilma (O Lord, increase us in knowledge). Aameen.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Topic: THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN ISLAM
THE CREATION OF NABI ADAM (A.S)
When Hazrat Adam (A.S.) was created, Allah S.W.T. said to the angels to bow down. Everybody bowed down except Iblis. The reason Iblis refused to bow down was because he said that Nabi Adam (A.S.) was made of clay and he was made from fire. How can fire bow down to clay? The angels looked at it in a different way. They looked at the inside of Nabi Adam (A.S.) because Allah S.W.T. gave knowledge to Nabi Adam (A.S.)
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah S.W.T. says in Sura 2, verses 31-34:
"And he taught Adam all the names, then presented them to the angels; then He said: Tell me the names of those if you are right. They said: Glory be to thee! We have no knowledge but that which Thou hast taught us; surely Thou art the knowing, the wise. He said: O Adam! Inform them of their names. Then when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not say to you that I surely know what is ghaib in the heavens and the earth and (that) I know what you manifest and what you hide? And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam they did obeisance but Iblis (did it not). He refused and he was proud and he was one of the unbelievers."
THE DUTY AND COMPULSION OF ATTAINING OF KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is the most important thing in one’s life. There are two kinds of knowledge: Religious knowledge and Secular knowledge..
These two kinds of knowledge’s are very important for a human being. Secular for this day to day dwelling and religious for his smooth life on earth and hereafter.
The Holy Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) has said: "Atta libul ilm faridhatol kuli muslim." This Hadith means: "Attainment of knowledge is a must for every Muslim."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said: "Acquire knowledge of religious jurisprudence. Any one among you who does not become efficient in religious jurisprudence is a rustic."
Allah S.W.T. says in the Qur’an in Sura 9, Verse 121:
"..........let them devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish their comrades when they return to them so that they may guard themselves against evil."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said in this same subject: "I would rather like my companions to be flogged on their heads so that they may (be compelled to) acquire religious knowledge."
Allah S.W.T. says in the Holy Qur’an in Sura 107, Verse 1-7:
"Didn’t you see the one who denies religion (din)? Such is the one who repulses the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful to their prayers; those who (want but) to be seen (of men) but refuse (to supply even) the neighborly needs."
THE ACADEMY FOUNDED BY IMAM JAFFER AS-SADIQ (A.S.)
If we talk about knowledge, we can not forget Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.). Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) was born on 17 Rabul-ul-awwal 83 A.H. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has the same birth date as that of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Imam became the Imam of the time when he was 31 years old. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has three titles; they are As-Sadiq, Al-Fadil and At-Tahir.
It was during the time of our sixth Imam (A.S.) that the Khalifah transferred from the Ummayids to the Abbasids. It was because of this transfer and the fights that took place, that Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) had plenty of time to spread Islam. Many foreigners, other than Arabs, came to visit Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) and Islam spread further.
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.)’s knowledge of all branches attracted many students from far places until his students numbered four thousand. Apart from fiqh, hadith, tafsir, etc. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) also taught science, and other arts e.g. mathematics, and chemistry. One of the famous students of Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) was Jabir Ibn Hayyan who was a mathematician and a chemist. Jabir benefited so much from the Imam’s knowledge and guidance that he was able to write 400 books on different subjects. Wasil Ibn’Ata - founder of the Mutazlites, Abu Hanifah, the founder of the Hanafi sect and Malik Ibn Anas, the founder of the Maliki sect were all students of Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.).
KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMAMS
We believe that the Imam, like the Prophet, must be the best among mankind and that he must excel in all human qualities, such as bravery, generosity, chasteness, truthfulness, justice, prudence, reason, wisdom, and morality. The reason for this is the same as that of which we gave for the Prophet’s superiority. He derives his education, the Divine commandments and all his knowledge from the Prophet or from the previous Imam. When a new question arises, he knows the answer from the divine inspiration through the pure mind that Allah has given him. If he gives attention to some matter in order to know it, he will obtain a perfect understanding with no error, for the Imams do not derive their knowledge from the methodological reasoning or from the teachings of men of knowledge although it is possible for their knowledge to be increased and strengthened. For the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) has said:
"O Lord, increase my knowledge!"
It has been narrated that Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S) was passing along with his companions and saw a group of people waiting for a Christian priest who was to come out from a cave after his meditation of one whole year. Imam Baqir (A.S.) also waited with other people; as soon as the priest came out he addressed everybody present there and addressed the Imam ‘you are not among these people’; the priest then asked ‘Are you among the educated or illiterate?’ The Imam replied ‘I am not amongst the illiterate.’ The Imam was the treasure of knowledge (Bakir al-Uloom). The Imam was carrying the same torch from Imam Ali (A.S.) of (Salooni) ASK ME? I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SKIES MORE THAN KNOWLEDGE OF EARTH. We as the followers of the Ahlul-Bait should acquire knowledge and part with knowledge whatever we can.
LEARNED MEN ARE OF MANY KINDS
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is quoted to have said:
"He who learns for the sake of haughtiness, dies ignorant. He who learns only to talk, rather than to act, dies a hyprocite. He who learns for the mere sake of debating, dies irreligious. He who learns only to accumulate wealth, dies an atheist. And he who learns for the sake of action, dies a mystic."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said about acting with knowledge:
"Accept not deed without knowledge, and there is not knowledge except with action. So, whoever knows, his knowledge leads him to action, and whoever acts not has no knowledge."
DEATH OF A RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR
Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) has said: "When a believer dies, the angels weep over him and so do the portions of the earth on which he used to worship Allah and also the doors of heaven through which his good deeds ascended. His death causes such a void in Islam that nothing can fill up because the learned believers are fortresses of Islam like the protecting wall built around the city."
The above hadith is trying to tell us that if we have knowledge we will succeed in the hereafter and if you have knowledge, don’t be proud of it. All the Imams and the Prophets were never proud of their knowledge and we should follow our Imams and the Prophets.
To end this essay, I will caught the Prophet: "O Lord, increase my knowledge!"
This above saying is trying to tell us that knowledge can never end, you can increase knowledge everyday.
Written by: Shahid Juma
REFERENCES
The Concept of Knowledge in Islam and it’s Implications for Education in a Developing Country. by Wan Moh’d Nor Wan Daud
The Faith of Shia Islam by Muhammad Rida al-Muzaffar
Ahlul-Bait, The Prophet’s Household by Al-Baligh Foundation
Status of Imam Sadiq (A.S.) Man and Faith by Morteza Mutahhari
Islamic Religious Education, Book Five
Al-Kaafi, Selections Vol.1
Nahjul Balagha
Holy Qur’an
ISLAMIC EDUCATION AND HUMOR STORI
Submitted To Fulfiil English Talk
Subject : English
Lecturer : Prof. DR. H. Dedi Djubaedi, MA.
Written By :
Aep Saepudin
505820002
SEKOLAH TINGGI AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI CIREBON
PROGRAM PASCASARJANA
2008/2009
Nasrudin had lost a very beautiful and expensive turban. But he did not seem to be very upset about it."Don't miss your turban, Nasrudin?" Someone asked him."Oh, I am sure someone will find it," said the Mulla cheerfully. "I am promising a reward of one silver piece.""Do you think anyone will return a turban that cost almost a hundred silver pieces for a reward of one piece of silver?" asked the man."Do you think I did not think of that already? I have announced that I have lost an old, cheap turban. That is very different from what the real turban is like."
A thief in the houseNasrudin watched as the thief loaded almost all his possessions onto a donkey and set off... Updated On: 10/20/2008
One night Nasrudin was sitting on the street outside his house. He suddenly saw a burglar entering his house from a side window. The burglar did not see Nasrudin in the dark. The Mulla was scared to go and fight the thief. He watched as the thief loaded almost all his possessions onto a donkey and set off. Nasrudin ran into his house and began unload the donkey. Nasrudin went into the man’s house quietly and pretended to go to sleep under his blanket.Soon the thief came in and asked, "What do you think you are doing in my house?""Your house?" asked Nasrudin. "I thought you were shifting houses for me!"
Sweet and saltyOne day Nasrudin and his friend stopped at a little restaurant... Updated On: 10/20/2008
One day Nasrudin and his friend stopped at a little restaurant. They were both very thirsty and decided to share a glass of milk. When the milk came, the friend suggested that Nasrudin drink half first."I have got a little sugar with me," said the friend, "but it is just enough for me. So after you have drunk your half I will add the sugar to my half.""Why don't you add it now?" Nasrudin said. "I will only drink my half.""No, no. This little bit of sugar cannot sweeten a full glass of milk," said the man.So Nasrudin went and got some salt from the kitchen."Well then," he said. "You can sweeten your half later. But I will have my half after adding this salt to it."
The 3 Children's Adventure at the BeachThe children tried to make their way around the rock, but big waves came in and dashed against on the rock... Updated On: 4/2/2007
It was the summer holidays. The 3 children, Tom, Ram and Sanjay, were playing carroms at Sanjay's house. The three friends were all 12 years old."Let us go to Sandy beach," said Tom. "We can wade into the water and stay cool - the climate is really hot here in the town."Ram and Sanjay agreed, and got their parents' permission."Please, be careful, and obey the lifeguard at the beach when wading," instructed Sanjay's mother.Ram had a pair of goggles to put on his eyes, while swimming - he took that with him. Sanjay took a volley-ball from his house to play on the beach.The friends took the 1.30 pm bus from the town center. It reached Sandy beach at 3 pm.The children got off the bus, and walked along the beach. At first, there were shops for tourists, and hotels and restaurants, on the side of the beach, but as they walked on, these got fewer."We will play and wade farther on - away from the restaurants and crowds," said Sanjay.The other children agreed. They passed a lighthouse, and found themselves on a better, but smaller beach, with no crowds."We can play here," said Tom.For some time, the children played volley-ball on the beach. Then they started wadding into the sea."There was a man hiring out surfboards on the first beach," said Ram. "Let us try surfing."Tom and Sanjay agreed, and Ram ran back to the other beach to hire a surfboard. He came back soon, carrying a snorkel and goggles to put on his face underwater, in addition to a surfboard.Surfing was not as easy as the experts make it out to be. The 2 children repeatedly fell off the board, as big waves came in several times. Ram put on snorkel and goggles to look and breathe underwater.It was a small beach, and no one else was there, and so the children enjoyed themselves.After some time, Tom asked what the time was."It is 5.45 pm," said Ram, looking at his waterproof watch."Let us get back," said Sanjay. "We have played and enjoyed ourselves enough.""Right!" said the others.They made their way back along the beach. The sea had been coming in (due to the tide), and there was very little beach left. The children were walking on a narrow stretch of beach, with cliff on one side, and the sea on the other. Presently, the beach vanished, with a rock in front of them, and only the sea and the steep cliff left towards the lighthouse."The sea has come in and covered the way we came here," said Ram in alarm. The children tried to make their way around the rock, but big waves came in and dashed against on the rock, and Ram, who was in front, almost fell."Let us go back to the place where we were playing," said Sanjay.But when they went back, the sea was coming in rapidly, and there was only around one foot or so of width of beach remaining. Even that was getting covered gradually, as bigger waves came in.As the tide came in, soon the children were clutching at the cliff's face, with waves pounding at their feet."Help! Help!" yelled the children, but there was apparently no one to hear them.Then, suddenly, a boat started from the lighthouse towards the beach. Carefully, the man who was rowing the boat, took it upto the small strip of beach that the children were standing on."Get in!" he shouted, over the roar of the waves.The children got into the boat, which the man rowed towards the lighthouse."We - the lighthouse staff - saw you were in trouble," explained the lighthouse man."As we had a boat, we could come and rescue you. But learn a lesson from this - always check the tide timings before you play near the sea again."The man showed the children the lamp room and other rooms of the lighthouse. Then, at last, the children boarded a bus to go home."It was scary, being trapped on the beach," said Sanjay later."It was an exciting adventure, too," said Ram.
A Fly's MischiefHearing the noise, the hostel warden, a bald man, came there... By Aziz Moradabadi Updated On: 4/4/2007
One morning Saurabh was eating pudding for his breakfast in the hostel mess. At that time, there were about 20-25 boys present.Saurabh was reading a magazine along with relishing his pudding. All of a sudden, a fly came and squatted on his pudding plate. Seeing this, Saurabh was enraged. Without losing a single minute, he attacked it with his magazine. But the fly flew away, and the magazine fell directly on the glass of milk, which Deepak had put on the table. The glass fell, and the milk splattered over Deepak’s clothes. Deepak also lost his temper.Angrily, he picked up a plate with omelette in it and threw it at Saurabh. But Saurabh ducked and the plate dashed against Gautam.Gautam did not lose a second. He picked up a plate with a pudding in it and flung it towards Deepak who was running out of the hall. But Gautam missed his target and the plate hit Montu.After caressing his forehead for a while, Montu picked up a glass and aimed it. This glass hit Ramu, the servant in the mess.Shrieking angrily, Ramu lifted a cold drink bottle from the crate and aimed it at Montu. But the cold drink bottle was caught mid-way by the tall Amit. He began to drink it.Just then, an empty plate came flying like a disc from nowhere and touching Amit’s head, hit Satbir.Satbir screamed with pain. Then he also picked up a bottle and hurled it up against the ceiling.The bottle clashed against the fan and was smashed into pieces.There was utter chaos in the hall. Suddenly, the naughty Manoj went into the kitchen and brought out a tray of eggs.Putting the tray down on a table in the hall, he began to throw the eggs like balls.Hearing the noise, the hostel warden, a bald man, came there. An egg thrown by Manoj fell on his bald head. The warden was mad with rage.But when the children saw the warden with an egg on his bald head, they began to laugh. By this time, the Mess Manager also came there.The warden asked the boys sharply, “Tell me who played this mischief? Who started all this?”After a little thought, Saurabh, who was standing out, peeped in and said fearfully, “Sir, actually what happened was…” And then he narrated the entire incident.Wiping off his head with a handkerchief, the warden said smiling, “So it means the real culprit is a fly and all of you are innocent. But there is no rule in the hostel for punishing a fly. Moreover, how can we find out which one was the fly that squatted on Saurabh’s plate?”Anyone, nobody will play any such tricks again, or else he will be severely punished,” he warned and left the place.All the children had a hearty laugh at this.
Test of TasteGattu was very much fond of tasty food... By Savita Shetty Updated On: 4/5/2007
Gattu was very much fond of tasty food. So his mother always prepared some new things for him. Everyone praised her cooking. But Gattu did not like what his mother cooked and moreover, he never hesitated in criticizing it.”Oh, no Mummy, not that again! Your food is so bland and tasteless. Why don’t you give me money to eat out?””Gattu, it is not good to eat out at hotels frequently.” His mother would tell him.”Then why don’t you prepare pakoras and samosas at home?””But I do make these things once in a while,” Mummy would say. “Every day one should not eat these things or….””Or it will be bad for my health,” Gattu would mimick, “oh, I know what you will say. Health, health and health! I am fed up with it…”During school vacations, his cousin Tina came to stay with them. She was Gattu’s age, but was very frail and delicate-looking girl. They played the whole day and had fun. Daily while eating, Tina told Gattu about the variety of things she ate at home.”You know, Gattu, every evening a chaatwala comes to our building. So when I go down to play, I daily eat something or the other… dahi-bhalle or golgappe or ragada…” Or she would say, “Gattu, we have so many hotels in our area, we always go there for dinner and when some guests come, we eat out to posh restaurants…”All this talk made Gattu’s mouth water. When Tina left after the vacations, he immediately started complaining, “See, how uncle and aunty always eat out and they allow Tina to eat what she likes. How lucky she is!””But Gattu, didn’t you notice?” Mother pointed out, “Tina looks so weak, I am sure she is not keeping well and that too because of these eating habits…””Huh, you find all the fault only with outside food,” Gattu grumbled.”Really?” Mummy smiled, “Okay then, she has invited you over for the next vacation, right? So go there and enjoy yourself…”Gattu was eagerly waiting for the vacation and his visit to Tina’s house. And when he went there, he found everything just as Tina had described. His aunty, that is, Tina’s mother, went to office.So if she got late in the morning, she would just tell the kids, “Oh dear, there is not enough time to cook a breakfast. See that cornflakes box is over there, you children have that. And even then if you are hungry, there is a box of mithai in the fridge, okay?”Mithai was Gattu’s favourite thing. The lunch would be whatever the maid rustled up for them. Then Gattu would eagerly wait for the evening and the chaatwala. His mouth watered just by the smell of the different dishes.Sometimes his uncle brought samosas or other such tasty things while returning from the office. Many a time they went out for dinner.For the first week, Gattu felt as if he were in some dream-world. Then slowly he started finding the taste of food almost same everywhere, even if they ate at different hotels or dhabas. Twice or thrice Tina felt sick in the night. She got severe stomach pain and then she vomited. Gattu was very much afraid. Just looking at Tina clutching her stomach and crying, he started feeling that he too was going to become sick and get a stomach-ache.His Aunty said, “Don’t worry Gattu, it happens many a time with her. I will give her this medicine and she will be all right.”Slowly Gattu started relishing the oily, spicy food less and less. He noticed the open food-containers and dirty vessels of the chaatwalas and other hawkers. The lots of oil in the daily hotel food began troubling his throat. Even eating his favourite mithai everyday caused stomach disturbances.Instead of grabbing and hogging everything, as he had dreamt of, Gattu started eating everything cautiously and in moderate amounts. Now he longed to go back home.When he returned home after his vacation, his mother was sure that Gattu would be eloquent talkings of what all great things he ate there. But Gattu kept quiet.At last Mummy herself said, “You know Gattu, while you were away, a new fast food joint opened just around the corner here. Come, let us go there today and try out what nice things it has…””Can’t we go there some other time, Mummy?” Gattu said, “If it is not too much of a trouble, why don’t you prepare a little upma for me?”Upma?” Mummy was surprised, “but Gattu, it is so bland and tasteless, not at all like the chaats available outside…””No, Mummy,” Gattu said sheepishly, “those things are all right once in a while, but I feel nauseated eating those everyday. I won’t pester you again for that food. Now will you cook something for me, please?”Mummy smiled and went inside to prepare snacks for her son.
The Last StonemasonThe old man looked at the orphan boy who had come to work for him five years ago... By Sigrun Srivastav, Illustrations by Mickey Patel Updated On: 4/5/2007
The young man flung the hammer and chisel to the ground and cried, “I’m leaving, Father. I’m leaving you and this work. Look what it’s brought us.” He spread out his arms and glanced disdainfully at the small, congested workroom, the slabs of stone and marble stacked in one corner and the old cot covered with a pile of used clothes in the other. The paint of the whitewashed walls was stained by many monsoons. The window, bare of curtains, opened into a tiny backyard. “After all years of work, this is all we have, nothing, nothing. This kind of work just doesn’t pay.”The old man stared at his son, in astonishment. Although his voice trembled, it didn’t lose its usual gentleness. “It’s not only the money that matters, son. It’s the service, our service to God.””Father,” the young man grunted impatiently, “times have changed. The stonemason’s work has changed, too. You can’t live on sculptures for temples only. You have to mass produce, mass produce like all the others in Agra. Come on, Father!The lines around the old man’s mouth tightened. “No, my son. This is the work I learnt from my father. And he learned from his father. We have kept up this tradition for hundreds of years … and I hoped you would continue our work.””No, Father,” the young man replied with determination. “There is much more money in ashtrays and plates for tourist shops. I’m tired of working for a pittance for the Committee of the Krishna Temple in Srinagar. I’m leaving, Father.”The young man stormed out of the room, leaving his old father crouching in front of a half-finished marble statue of Radha and Krishna whose shape already suggested its future magnificence. He dropped his hands into his lap, and closed his eyes. He began to pray and didn’t even hear the hesitant ‘goodbye’ his son called out from the door. He sat motionless, unaware of time and place.”Masterjee!” called Salim, the servant boy, entering the workshop barefooted. He held out a glass of steaming tea in his hand. “Masterjee?” he asked once more, his voice filled with concern. The old man looked up. His face was ashen. He looked old and very tired. He beckoned the boy to come closer and motioned him to sit down. “Salim,” he said gently, “soon I will be the last stonemason here. All the others will have gone to Agra. There, they are turning out by the dozen cheap candle-stands, paperweights and ashtrays. They are making money, but they betray our skill, our age-old tradition. Now Gopal has also gone. I’ll have to finish this sculpture alone. And with the help of God, I’ll do it, Salim.””I know you will, Masterjee,” the boy answered. “You’ll make many more. Larger and more beautiful temple sculptures.”The old man looked at the orphan boy who had come to work for him five years ago. Drenched to the skin, dressed in tatters, he had begged for shelter during a furious monsoon storm. And had stayed on to work for the old master craftsman. He had grown tall and strong, taller than other boys of thirteen. The old man knew that Salim too would leave him one day. He sighed and looked into the serious eyes of the boy, clouded with sadness, a sadness the old man could not understand. He shook his head. “My strength is waning. I can’t work with the chisel like I used to. Carving takes too long, much too long.” Then the straightened up and said with fresh determination, “I’ll have to finish this work. And surely I will.””Yes, you will,” the boy repeated offering his master the glass of tea. “Drink, please. It will do you good.” Then he added, “I’ve to go to the market for an hour or two. But I’ll be back in time to prepare dinner.”The old man nodded and thought, “He has been going to the market too often lately. I hope he hasn’t fallen into bad company.’ He shot a questioning glance at the boy, who turned and left the room.The old man sighed and picked up the chisel and hammer. The cool metal of the tools filled him with happiness and confidence. He loved his work, and didn’t want to change it for any other in the world.Days and weeks went by. It was a month since Gopal left. The old man worked tirelessly. From morning till late at night he worked on the sculpture. It was all there, in the stone. The strong, straight shoulders of Krishna, his soft curved hips. He could see the pointed fingers holding the flute delicately to his lips, his serene face eternally beautiful. The old man could see it in the stone. He could feel it. He only had to set it free with his chisel. He did not feel hunger, he didn’t feel thirst. He was driven by the desire to finish the sculpture in time. It was his biggest piece, his best. It would be his last.On and on he worked, his chisel striking the stone again and again. But then came the day when the old man felt his strength ebb, and his hands tremble under the impact of the hammer. His shoulders began to ache, his arms felt heavy and his eyes grew tired. Then his vision blurred and he could not see the shape of Krishna embedded in the stone. Overcome with fear, he sank to his knees and prayed. The old man prayed a lot these days.”Masterjee,” Salim said, “you haven’t touched your food again. Please have some rice and vegetable. You only had a glass of milk for breakfast. And have the curd. You like curd, I know you do.”The old man looked up. He whispered, “I don’t think I’ll be able to finish it. If Gopal was here, it would be different.” He nodded absent-mindedly to himself and continued, “He wasn’t the best of craftsman, but he was good and strong. He chipped off the stone, layer by layer, as if it were clay. He hadn’t yet learnt to carve the finer details but in a year or two he would have learnt surely.” He fell silent. “It was the features and hands that gave him trouble. There was something missing in his figures. That something which can’t be taught.””Because it comes from somewhere deep inside you,” Salim whispered. “From deep inside here!” and he pointed to his heart.The old man looked at the boy, surprised. He saw him blush and turn his face away.”You are right, Salim, you are right.” And then he added with sudden bitterness, “And if you don’t have it here,” he thumped his chest, “then you’d better go to Agra and mass produce ashtrays for the tourists from abroad. Then…” The old man coughed painfully and reached for his glass of water.”Eat Masterjee, eat. Everything will be all right.”After he had eaten, the old man once again took up his hammer and chisel. He worked till late in the night, talking to his son and to God. And then only to God. He prayed for help and strength, and he prayed for his son. In the early hours of the morning the chisel fell from his hand, and the hammer dropped to the ground. His old body sagged falling forward limply. His forehead struck Krishna’s flute, and slid down over the statue to rest on the pedestal. “Hai Ram,” he muttered, and sank into a comfortable darkness.When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a cot in his bedroom, covered by a light cotton blanket.From the workshop the chipping sound of the chisel reached his ears. He listened. Had his ears deceived him? No, he could hear it again—the strong blow of the hammer on top of the chisel. Gopal! He was back! Gopal had returned. He would help him. They would finish the statue! He stumbled to his feet, crossed the small room and reached the door.”Gopal!” He was about to shout when the words froze on his lips.”No!” he wanted to cry out. “Stop! Stop the work.” But he couldn’t move. Shock had immobilized him. He stood staring at the back of the young stone carver working on the face of the statue, on the eyebrows, arching over a pair of fine eyes.It wasn’t his son sitting cross-legged before the biggest statue he had ever carved. It was Salim, his servant.The old man watched stunned. The first wave of shock, fear and anger passed. “Hai Ram,” the old man whispered, “Hai Ram!” and tottered over to the boy. Dropping his hand on his shoulder he said softly, “Salim.”The boy startled, turned and looked up at his master. His cheeks were glowing and all the sadness had left his eyes. Salim rose to his feet clumsily, the hammer and chisel still in his hand.”Salim,” the old man searched helplessly for words.”I … I … I … only want to help,” whispered the boy. “I … I’ll learn, if you teach me, Masterjee! I have practiced, secretly. For almost two years, in the quarry. I am a Muslim. I know I should not carve the image of God. But isn’t this different, Masterjee? I am carving a sculpture, aren’t I? A beautiful sculpture, that has a different meaning for different people. Isn’t it so, Masterjee? Please tell me! For many years, I wanted to become a sculptor yet I fought the feeling. But it proved too strong. I know there is nothing in this world I would like to do more, there is nothing in life I could do better. Will you please teach me, Masterjee?”The old man pulled the boy’s head against his shoulder and whispered, “There’s nothing I can teach you, my son. Go ahead. You have it in your hands and in your heart. I know you will be one of the country’s finest stonemasons.”
October 6th, 2006, in Opinion, by Patung
Poverty is the cause of terrorism, says a former Muhammadiyah chairman, not Islam.
Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif, former Muhammadiyah chairman, speaking at an interfaith gathering, the “Simposium Antarbudaya dan Antaragama”, held under the auspices of APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group, or Organisasi Kerjasama Ekonomi Asia Pasifik, in Yogyakarta on the 5th said that terrorism, in all its forms, is an enemy of all countries in the world, not just America, and that the roots of it could be found in poverty. Therefore to combat it he advised poverty reduction programs, and also corruption reduction because corruption contributed to the woes of the poor.
Since the 9/11 attacks on America many people in the world associated terrorism with Islam. These people were mentally defective, he said, because a reading of Islam’s holy book, the Quran, would reveal that Islam was a benevolent force:
Only those who have an abnormal outlook could come to a conclusion like that. In a verse of the holy Koran it is said that one who kills a single human being kills all of mankind.
It is not reported whether he then quoted any other, less pleasing sounding, verses from the Quran.
He went on to say that these days there was a perception that terrorist or extremist ideology was spreading rapidly and easily among Indonesians. Among the poor, he said, the simplistic ideas of the radicals found fertile ground.
It is also uncertain whether he produced any research or proof for the claim that terrorism is linked to poverty. More and better jobs, better education, the owning of more television sets and luxuries seems to be Maarif’s solution to the problem. (Antara & Media Indonesia.) There is substantial evidence to say he is quite wrong however.
Maarif likely suffers from the platitude-without-thought syndrome that frequently affects Indonesian intellectuals. Most terrorists in fact come from middle class, educated backgrounds (science and engineering usually) and they are people who see their world, their traditions, their power over women and other men, crumbling around them under the force of western cultural imperialism and globalisation, people who also view the west’s power and arrogance as an insult to God. Islamic terrorism is more a sign that Islam, in its traditional forms, is dying, it is a fight against this death, a fight against those who are seen as bringing it about. Poverty is a minor causative factor, the poor have enough worries with their daily struggles, religious fanaticism does not affect them nearly as much as it does the middle classes.
If poverty is not to blame, and we see that there are other cultures in the world which are also being destroyed by globalisation, but whose people do not have the same tendency to violent resistance as Muslims do then we are left to return to Islam itself. Islam is what Islam does, and there is no “true Islam“, which is impossible by itself but is compounded by the fact that Islam has no central authority, any man may be the “one who stands in front”, or imam. Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif, who no doubt is kind to small animals and children, is a true Muslim. But so is Osama Bin Laden, so are the head-choppers in Iraq. Those who quote “there is no compulsion in religion” and those who quote “smite at their necks” are both true Muslims. Islam is so problematic in the world because it allows for such widely variant interpretations, and there is no way of establishing one over the other, except perhaps by massive force and repression.
In particular Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif is averting his eyes from the concept of jihad and its connection to terrorism. If challenged he will likely say that jihad is only permissible for defensive purposes and those who believe otherwise have corrupted Islam’s teachings (but of course which Islam?). This is ahistorical but is as legitimate an interpretation as many others. But it is psychologically shallow. Most great religions in the world require some sort of sacrifice on the part of believers in order for them to gain the final reward. Often it is a simple quid pro quo equation - sacrifice your life in this world in order to gain it in the next. For Christians this sacrifice is done viscerally, by association with Christ crucified. For Muslims the sacrifice is done literally, through jihad. Islam is indeed connected to terrorism. It is Professor Ahmad Syafii Maarif who is mentally lacking, or perhaps just not courageous enough to look at things in ways that would lead to discomfort and angst for his good self.
The Importance of Education in Islam
To seek knowledge is a sacred duty, it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. The first word revealed of the Qur’an was "Iqra" READ! Seek knowledge! Educate yourselves! Be educated.
Surah Al-Zumr, ayah 9 reveals: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?" Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 269 reveals: "Allah grants wisdom to whom He pleases and to whom wisdom is granted indeed he receives an overflowing benefit."
Centuries old monarchy, colonialism and the oppressive rule of their own people have brought about moral and spiritual degeneration of Muslims throughout the world. To retrieve them from this degeneration, it’s about time that the Muslim Ummah restructures its educational priorities along Islamic lines, fulfilling the existing needs as well. By virtue of such an educational program, the future generations will become the torch-bearers of Islamic values and play an effective role in the present world. The challenges of modern times call for rebuilding the structure of our educational program on such a foundation as to fulfil our spiritual as well as temporary obligations. Today we need an education system which can produce, what the late Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdudi said, "Muslim philosopher, Muslim scientist, Muslim economist, Muslim jurist, Muslim statesman, in brief, Muslim experts in all fields of knowledge who would reconstruct the social order in accordance with the tenets of Islam."
The Muslims today are the most humiliated community in the world. And should they persist in following the same educational program as given by their colonial masters, they will not be able to recover themselves from moral and spiritual decadence.
Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: The position of only two persons is enviable; the person whom Allah bestowed wealth empowering him to spend it in the way of righteousness, and the person whom Allah gave wisdom with which he adjudges and which he teaches to others.
According to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: A single scholar of religion is more formidable against shaytaan than a thousand devout persons.
Islam is our greatest gift. We have to be thankful for this gift. We have to render to Allah His due. Allah has given us so much by making us a part of the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (S) so we must totally commit ourselves as followers of the Prophet (S). We must become true Muslims.
Now how can we become Muslims in the true sense of the word? First let’s define what a Muslim is. A Muslim is not a Muslim simply because he’s born one. A Muslim is a Muslim because he is a follower of Islam, a submitter to the Will of Allah. We’re Muslim if we consciously and deliberately accept what has been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (S) and act accordingly. Otherwise we’re not true Muslims.
The first and most crucial obligation on us is to acquire knowledge and secondly to practice and preach this knowledge. No man becomes truly a Muslim without knowing the meaning of Islam, because he becomes a Muslim not through birth but through knowledge. Unless we come to know the basic and necessary teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (S) how can we believe in him, have faith in him, act according to what he taught? It is impossible for us to be a Muslim, and at the same time live in a state of ignorance.
It is essential to understand that the greatest gift of Allah – for which we are so over whelmed with gratitude – depends primarily on knowledge. Without knowledge one can’t truly receive Allah’s gift of Islam. If our knowledge is little, then we will constantly run the risk of losing that magnificent gift, which we have received unless we remain vigilant in our fight against ignorance.
A person without knowledge is like someone walking along a track in complete darkness. Most likely his steps will wander aside and he easily can be deceived by shaytaan. This shows that our greatest danger lies in our ignorance of Islamic teachings and in our unawareness of what the Qur’an teaches and what guidance has been given by the Prophet (S). But if we are blessed with the light of knowledge we will be able to see plainly the clear path of Islam at every step of our lives. We shall also be able to identify and avoid the dangerous paths of Kufr, Shirk and immorality, which may cross it. And, whenever a false guide meets us on the way, a few words with him will quickly establish that he is not a guide who should be followed.
On this knowledge depends whether our children and we are true Muslims and remain true Muslims. It is therefore not a trivial to be neglected. We do not neglect doing whatever is essential to improve our trades and professions. Because we know that if we do neglect, we will starve to death and so lose the precious gift of life. Why then should we be negligent in acquiring that knowledge on which depends whether we become Muslims and remain Muslims? Does such negligence not entail the danger of losing an even more precious gift – our Iman? Is not Iman more precious than life itself? Most of our time and labor is spent on things, which sustain our physical existence in this life. Why can we not spend even a tenth part of our time and energy on things, which are necessary to protect our Iman, which only can sustain us in the present life and in the life to come? It is not necessary to study extensively to become a Muslim. We should at least spend about one hour out of twenty-four hours of the day and night in acquiring the knowledge of this Deen, the way of life, the Islam.
Every one of us, young or old, man or woman, should at least acquire sufficient knowledge to enable ourselves to understand the essence of the teachings of the Qur’an and the purpose for which it has been sent down. We should also be able to understand clearly the mission, which our beloved Prophet (S) came into this world to fulfil. We should also recognize the corrupt order and system, which he came to destroy. We should acquaint ourselves, too, with the way of life which Allah has ordained for us.
No great amount of time is required to acquire this simple knowledge. If we truly value Iman, it cannot be too difficult to find one hour every day to devote for our Iman.
Knowledge is identified in Islam as worship. The acquiring of knowledge is worship, reading the Qur’an and pondering upon it is worship, travelling to gain knowledge is worship. The practice of knowledge is connected with ethics and morality – with promoting virtue and combating vice, enjoining right and forbidding wrong. This is called in the Qur’an: amr bil-l ma’ruuf wa nah-y ‘ani-l munkar.
Not only should we seek knowledge, but when we learn it, it becomes obligatory on us to practice it. Though we must remember that correct knowledge should come before correct action. Knowledge without action is useless because a learned person without action will be the worst of creatures on the Day of Resurrection. Also, action should not be based on blind imitation for this is not the quality of a thinking, sensible human being.
Knowledge is pursued and practiced with modesty and humility and leads to beauty and dignity, freedom and justice.
The main purpose of acquiring knowledge is to bring us closer to God. It is not simply for the gratification of the mind or the senses. It is not knowledge for the sake of knowledge or science for the value of sake. Knowledge accordingly must be linked with values and goals.
One of the purposes of acquiring knowledge is to gain the good of this world, not to destroy it through wastage, arrogance and in the reckless pursuit of higher standards of material comfort.
Another purpose of knowledge is to spread freedom and dignity, truth and justice. It is not to gain power and dominance for its own sake.
Obviously, what we may call the reservoir of knowledge is deep and profound. It is a vast and open field that is not limited.
It is impossible for anyone to gain anything more than a fraction of what there is to know in the short span of one’s life. We must therefore decide what is most important for us to know and how to go about acquiring this knowledge.
The following ahadith shows how important and how rewarding knowledge is.
"He who acquires knowledge acquires a vast portion." AND "If anyone going on his way in search of knowledge, God will, thereby make easy for him the way to Paradise."
We, the children, are the future. The future lies in our hands, but only through knowledge because whoever neglects learning in youth, loses the past and is dead for the future.
May Allah (SWT) give us strength to behave and act just as He likes us to do and be pleased with us, and that should be the purpose of our lives. Rabbi zidnee ilma (O Lord, increase us in knowledge). Aameen.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Topic: THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN ISLAM
THE CREATION OF NABI ADAM (A.S)
When Hazrat Adam (A.S.) was created, Allah S.W.T. said to the angels to bow down. Everybody bowed down except Iblis. The reason Iblis refused to bow down was because he said that Nabi Adam (A.S.) was made of clay and he was made from fire. How can fire bow down to clay? The angels looked at it in a different way. They looked at the inside of Nabi Adam (A.S.) because Allah S.W.T. gave knowledge to Nabi Adam (A.S.)
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah S.W.T. says in Sura 2, verses 31-34:
"And he taught Adam all the names, then presented them to the angels; then He said: Tell me the names of those if you are right. They said: Glory be to thee! We have no knowledge but that which Thou hast taught us; surely Thou art the knowing, the wise. He said: O Adam! Inform them of their names. Then when he had informed them of their names, He said: Did I not say to you that I surely know what is ghaib in the heavens and the earth and (that) I know what you manifest and what you hide? And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam they did obeisance but Iblis (did it not). He refused and he was proud and he was one of the unbelievers."
THE DUTY AND COMPULSION OF ATTAINING OF KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is the most important thing in one’s life. There are two kinds of knowledge: Religious knowledge and Secular knowledge..
These two kinds of knowledge’s are very important for a human being. Secular for this day to day dwelling and religious for his smooth life on earth and hereafter.
The Holy Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) has said: "Atta libul ilm faridhatol kuli muslim." This Hadith means: "Attainment of knowledge is a must for every Muslim."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said: "Acquire knowledge of religious jurisprudence. Any one among you who does not become efficient in religious jurisprudence is a rustic."
Allah S.W.T. says in the Qur’an in Sura 9, Verse 121:
"..........let them devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish their comrades when they return to them so that they may guard themselves against evil."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said in this same subject: "I would rather like my companions to be flogged on their heads so that they may (be compelled to) acquire religious knowledge."
Allah S.W.T. says in the Holy Qur’an in Sura 107, Verse 1-7:
"Didn’t you see the one who denies religion (din)? Such is the one who repulses the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful to their prayers; those who (want but) to be seen (of men) but refuse (to supply even) the neighborly needs."
THE ACADEMY FOUNDED BY IMAM JAFFER AS-SADIQ (A.S.)
If we talk about knowledge, we can not forget Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.). Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) was born on 17 Rabul-ul-awwal 83 A.H. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has the same birth date as that of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Imam became the Imam of the time when he was 31 years old. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has three titles; they are As-Sadiq, Al-Fadil and At-Tahir.
It was during the time of our sixth Imam (A.S.) that the Khalifah transferred from the Ummayids to the Abbasids. It was because of this transfer and the fights that took place, that Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) had plenty of time to spread Islam. Many foreigners, other than Arabs, came to visit Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) and Islam spread further.
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.)’s knowledge of all branches attracted many students from far places until his students numbered four thousand. Apart from fiqh, hadith, tafsir, etc. Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) also taught science, and other arts e.g. mathematics, and chemistry. One of the famous students of Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) was Jabir Ibn Hayyan who was a mathematician and a chemist. Jabir benefited so much from the Imam’s knowledge and guidance that he was able to write 400 books on different subjects. Wasil Ibn’Ata - founder of the Mutazlites, Abu Hanifah, the founder of the Hanafi sect and Malik Ibn Anas, the founder of the Maliki sect were all students of Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.).
KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMAMS
We believe that the Imam, like the Prophet, must be the best among mankind and that he must excel in all human qualities, such as bravery, generosity, chasteness, truthfulness, justice, prudence, reason, wisdom, and morality. The reason for this is the same as that of which we gave for the Prophet’s superiority. He derives his education, the Divine commandments and all his knowledge from the Prophet or from the previous Imam. When a new question arises, he knows the answer from the divine inspiration through the pure mind that Allah has given him. If he gives attention to some matter in order to know it, he will obtain a perfect understanding with no error, for the Imams do not derive their knowledge from the methodological reasoning or from the teachings of men of knowledge although it is possible for their knowledge to be increased and strengthened. For the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) has said:
"O Lord, increase my knowledge!"
It has been narrated that Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S) was passing along with his companions and saw a group of people waiting for a Christian priest who was to come out from a cave after his meditation of one whole year. Imam Baqir (A.S.) also waited with other people; as soon as the priest came out he addressed everybody present there and addressed the Imam ‘you are not among these people’; the priest then asked ‘Are you among the educated or illiterate?’ The Imam replied ‘I am not amongst the illiterate.’ The Imam was the treasure of knowledge (Bakir al-Uloom). The Imam was carrying the same torch from Imam Ali (A.S.) of (Salooni) ASK ME? I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SKIES MORE THAN KNOWLEDGE OF EARTH. We as the followers of the Ahlul-Bait should acquire knowledge and part with knowledge whatever we can.
LEARNED MEN ARE OF MANY KINDS
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is quoted to have said:
"He who learns for the sake of haughtiness, dies ignorant. He who learns only to talk, rather than to act, dies a hyprocite. He who learns for the mere sake of debating, dies irreligious. He who learns only to accumulate wealth, dies an atheist. And he who learns for the sake of action, dies a mystic."
Imam Jaffer as-Sadiq (A.S.) has said about acting with knowledge:
"Accept not deed without knowledge, and there is not knowledge except with action. So, whoever knows, his knowledge leads him to action, and whoever acts not has no knowledge."
DEATH OF A RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR
Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) has said: "When a believer dies, the angels weep over him and so do the portions of the earth on which he used to worship Allah and also the doors of heaven through which his good deeds ascended. His death causes such a void in Islam that nothing can fill up because the learned believers are fortresses of Islam like the protecting wall built around the city."
The above hadith is trying to tell us that if we have knowledge we will succeed in the hereafter and if you have knowledge, don’t be proud of it. All the Imams and the Prophets were never proud of their knowledge and we should follow our Imams and the Prophets.
To end this essay, I will caught the Prophet: "O Lord, increase my knowledge!"
This above saying is trying to tell us that knowledge can never end, you can increase knowledge everyday.
Written by: Shahid Juma
REFERENCES
The Concept of Knowledge in Islam and it’s Implications for Education in a Developing Country. by Wan Moh’d Nor Wan Daud
The Faith of Shia Islam by Muhammad Rida al-Muzaffar
Ahlul-Bait, The Prophet’s Household by Al-Baligh Foundation
Status of Imam Sadiq (A.S.) Man and Faith by Morteza Mutahhari
Islamic Religious Education, Book Five
Al-Kaafi, Selections Vol.1
Nahjul Balagha
Holy Qur’an
ISLAMIC EDUCATION AND HUMOR STORI
Submitted To Fulfiil English Talk
Subject : English
Lecturer : Prof. DR. H. Dedi Djubaedi, MA.
Written By :
Aep Saepudin
505820002
SEKOLAH TINGGI AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI CIREBON
PROGRAM PASCASARJANA
2008/2009
HMI Tarbiyah Cirebon menuju perubahan
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Hallo kawan-kawan seluruh Indonesia!!! Hari ini kita mendapatkan kawan baru, kader-kader penerus yang militan. by Ketum Tarbiyah Dimisioner
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