#bruneimosque

[Photo: Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque]

“And seek Allah’s forgiveness – indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

-Surah an-Nisa: Verse 106

In Islam, it has taught us to increase mindfulness, repentance and istighfar in order to purify our minds and souls from any sins. In Islam, istighfar means submitting one’s soul, heart and mind to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala and begging for forgiveness for all misdeeds. Indeed, the obligation to repent and seek forgiveness is not limited to those who commit immorality or crimes, however, we are all required to repent and seek forgiveness on a regular basis and never give up on Allah SWT kindness. As stated in Surah Al-Zumar, Verse 53-54:

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves (by sinning), do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’ And return (in repentance) to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.”

There are some benefits of Istighfar that Allah SWT has bestowed for an individual that practice istighfar:

·      Obtain forgivness from Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala

·      Pleasing the heart from anxiety and sadness or depression

·      Getting closer to Allah SWT

·      Obtaining protection of Allah SWT from the deception and incitement of the devil

·      Obtaining priority and blessings from Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in the form of space, pleasure, health and sufficient sustenance. This statement was supported by Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever increases his prayers for forgiveness, Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship and provide for him in ways he does not expect.” [Imam Abu Daud]

During the Friday preaches, it mentioned how istighfar is highly significant in life as there are various qualities or benefits that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala bestows on anybody who reads and performs istighfar. It also stated istighfar was made a daily discipline by Rasulullah SAW. Although Rasulullah SAW is free from any sin, Rasulullah still practicing it hundred times a day to be kept from doing things that can cause sin, therefore, we as the ordinary Muslim, we should take The Messenger of Allah as our example and applying it to our daily life too and hope that Allah SWT accept all of our repentance and istighfar.

“And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send (rain from) the sky upon you in (continuing) showers supply you with wealth and children, and provide for your gardens and provide for you rivers.”

-Surah Nuh: Verse 10-12

[Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Mosque]

“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly.” They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say “Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most of the people do not know.”

-Surah Al-A’raf: Verse 187

As a Muslim, we all know that the Day of Judgement is the sixth pillars of faith and no one knows when it will occur; only Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala knows when is the Day of Judgement will take place. Not only that, it is included in the five unseen actions that are kept hidden of the time and day by Allah SWT. During the Day of Judgement, we would not be able to run or hide to locate a place to seek shelter except for those who are protected by Allah SWT which are divided into seven groups or types of people according to Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except his. They are: (1) a just ruler; (2) a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, (i.e. worship Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood), (3) a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque); (4) two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only; (5) a man who refuses the call of a charming women of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah; (6) a person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity); (7) a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.” [Sahih Al- Bukhari]

As a Muslim, we are acknowledged that everything that we do in dunya wheather good or evil are recorded on our book and during the Day of Judgement, everyone including all religion will be assembled in Padang Mashyar to be counted and judged for all that we have done during our life. Furthermore, we will receive a retribution without the slightest addition or removal of the deeds that have been done. As for our book of deeds, if it is given and accepted with the right hand, an individual will be blessed as heaven will awaits him, however if it is given and accepted with the left hand, damnation or hell awaits him as stated in the Holy Quran of Surah Al-Insyiqaq, Verse 7-12:

“Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, He will be judged with an easy account and return to his people in happiness. But as for he who is given his record behind his back, he will cry out for destruction and will burn in the blazing Fire.”

All Muslims are taught regarding the goodness of the signs or small addresses of Day of Judgement and it has been and is happening in our lives, for instance, time feels short and goes by so fast where we feel like we don’t have enough time to handle our demands and everyday lives. However, we should be thankful as it considers as one the greatest wisdoms where we were provided with indications of the approach of the Day of Judgement. Thus, as human being and Allah SWT servants, we should prepare ourself by developing our faith and taqwa to Allah SWT in order to avoid being negligent and lazy.

[Lambak Kanan Housing Mosque]

“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw (yourselves) with your (own) hands into destruction (by refraining). And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”

-Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 195

The distribution and consumption of drugs is one of the factors that contributes to such devastation and damage. It is also causes of societal problems and have become increasingly infectious, causing damage to individuals, communities as well as countries. In Islam, it was stated that as a Muslim, we need to secure ourself, our intellect, life, possessions and our faith by avoiding from things that can harm or destroy it such as drug abuse. An individual that are addicted to drugs may struggle to control themselves and will engage in behaviors that are against ethics, religious law in order to obtain a supply of drugs such as stealing, injuring other people, lying or even killing.

During the Friday preaches, it was mentioned that there are few reasons that cause the abuse of drugs which are the lack of knowledge and appreciation of religion, lack of awareness of the hazards of drug abuse, peer influence as well as curiosity and desire to try something new. According to above information stated during the Friday preaches, it did cause a negative impact on the family, causing the household becomes broken, neglected of children and affect the child’s education. Furthermore, if the use of drugs expands, it also has a negative influence on society such as increased in crime rates which would eventually affect society and the country’s peace.

In order to prevent drug distribution activities, Biro Kawalan Narkotik were built to enforce the drug related laws in Brunei Darussalam. However, it is also everyone responsibility to avoid any drug distribution activities and know that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala does not like individuals who ignore their obligation to prevent any wrongdoings while they are in power or able to do so. It is also stated in Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman reported, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “By the one in whose hand is my soul, you must enjoin good and forbid evil or else Allah will soon send punishment upon you. Then, you will call upon Allah and it will not be answered for you.” [Imam Termizi]

Thus, lets do our job as an individual to prevent the misuse of drug by constantly unified and attentive to what is going on around us, in our family members especially the young generation as well as the society. Nevertheless, as a Muslim, we also need to practice Islam’s genuine teachings and obeying all of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala commands and avoiding all His prohibitions and hope that Allah SWT protect us as well as our country from any unwanted things.

“And let there be (arising) from you a nation inviting to (all that is) good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.”

-Surah Ali Imran: Verse 104

[Prince Abdul Malek Mosque]

“O you who have believed, avoid much (negative) assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.”

-Surah Al-Hujurat: Verse 12

It is unquestionable that different types of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc, have benefited society enormously as the channel of information as well as communication. However, it may also be used to spread harmful information such as:

1.     Become a field where people use the freedom to talk or shame others

2.     It became a hotspot for discussion and tense veins

3.     It also become a site for the spread of social issues, not only among teenagers but also among children and adults

As a human being, we must preserve the harmony of family as well as the community by upholding manners, ethics and behavior in our interactions with one another as it considered as one of the branches of the summit of morality and personal greatness. It is also supported in Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behaviour.” [Imam Termizi]

In general, the purpose of social media platform is to simplify things and as a result, if it is utilized with proper aim, it will benefit an individual, however, if the social media is misused, it will lead to useless and destructive things. Not only that, whenever we connect and communicate in social media, we need to be aware that we have exposed ourselves to the world. Thus, as a Muslim, it is important for us to constantly preserve morality, etiquette and ethics whenever we communicating and interacting on social media.

During 18th June 2021, the Friday preaches did stated ways of communicating in social media suggested according to Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

1.     It is important for an individual constantly ensuring that every word that are used not offending other people as it is against Islam principles as mentioned in Hadith Rasulullah SAW: “A true believer does not taunt or curse or abuse or talk indecently.” [Imam Termizi]

2.      In Islam, we need to avoid from prejudice, slander and defamation. This is because it is considered as illegal and immoral acts that are classified as major sins. Thus, always be cautious and protect ourselves against activities mentioned as not only it leads us to commit sins but it also prohibits us from entering the paradise of Allah SWT.

3.     Always check the foundation of something before sharing or spread the information across social media in order to avoid from any unwanted situation happened as it is also against the principle of Islam.

In conclusion, as users, we should always be aware and constantly self-reflective and be careful with all of our actions and words especially while interacting and communicating on social media. As stated in the Holy Quran, Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 25:

“And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively and know that Allah is severe in penalty.”

[Photo: Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque]

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘if you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”

-Surah Ibrahim: Verse 7

As Brunei Darussalam is currently facing the second wave of Covid-19 and with all the difficulties that we’re facing at the moment, we need to be grateful to Allah SWT; blessed us with a peaceful, wealthy and harmonious country. As such, it is also our responsibility as citizens and residents to take care of the well-being and prosperity that we enjoy in the best possible way. From my perspective, it is not a simple task to bring wealth and peace to a nation or region; in reality, it necessitates the cooperation and understanding of all parties, as well as the presence of a powerful security force.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces are the security forces charged with defending the king’s, nation’s and country’s domination. Indeed, the military’s duty of guarding and defending the country is honorable, however, it comes with numerous dangers and obligations. As a result, every member of the military who performs their responsibilities with complete commitment is acknowledged and respected especially during this pandemic and we owe them gratitude. As stated in Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Messenger SAW saying: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” [Imam Mulsim]

It also stated during the Friday preaches, 4th June 2021, the spirit of fight and defense should not only be present in the military but also should be present in every member of the society and as a muslim, we need to prioritize a wise leadership based on faith and piety to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. We can take example from Surah Ali Imran: Verse 123 where although the number of Muslim soldiers is fewer than the number of hostile forces but with faith, piety and a strong fighting spirit as well as with the permission of Allah SWT, the enemy army defeated.

“And already has Allah given you victory at (the battle of) Badr while you were weak (i.e., few in. number). Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful.”

-Surah Ali ‘Imran: Verse 123

Remember that, it is everyone's responsibility to protect our country and everyone needs to play their role in order to protect us from any harm especially during the current situation of Covid-19. As Muslims, let us pray that our country will always be calm and free from hostile threats as well as free of diseases, natural catastrophes and other hazards and may Allah SWT protect our frontliners and only Allah SWT has the power to reward their sacrifices.

[Photo: Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque]

“Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.”

-Surah At-Takasur: Verse 8

Property is a trust that Allah SWT has given for us to use it in the best way and not to waste or abuse it such as corruption and fraud. As stated in the Holy Quran above, our possessions whether it is halal or not and every money that were spent will be asked in terms of where and how it is spent. It also stated in Hadith Rasulullah SAW:

“The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement, until he is asked about five things: About his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it and spent it upon and what he did with what he knew.” [Imam Termizi]

Moreover, the preaches that was held on 28th May 2021 also mentioned that how Islam forbids all types of deception including muamalat (civil acts under Islamic law) and human affairs. However, although it was stated in the law of Islam, there are few people in the society that commits fraud with various tricks through financial fraud schemes in order to make a profit. In today’s world, committing financial fraud has become one of the prevalent fraudulent and an individuals will always be looking for an easy way to convince others. Therefore, as a muslim, we always need to be careful and aware of financial fraud as it considers as sins.

The preaches also stated that there are five ways to identify the characteristics of financial fraud:

1. Over-promising and under-delivering on investment or company returns

2.To acquire credibility and confidence, the investment or business will employ well-known names

3.The investment or business makes advantage of the notion of a chain where members seek for other members

4.No legitimate and strong transaction document is in place for the investment or the business

5.These investment schemes and businesses don’t have a permanent address, making it difficult to get in touch with the key organizers

Surah An-Nur, Verse 21:

“O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan – indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”

Based on the Surah An-Nur, Verse 21, it shows how Allah SWT forbids us to do things that are against His will. As mentioned on the 21st May 2021 preaches, always be cautious of your source of income and this statement can be related to today’s topic. As a muslim, it is a must for us to always be aware of our property or source of income as it will be asked during the Day of Judgement and know that Allah SWT is All-Knowing all things.

[Photo: Zainab Mosque]

“And out of His mercy He made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein and (the day) seek from His bounty and (that) perhaps you will be grateful.”

-Surah Al-Qasas: Verse 73

In Islam, working and striving to meet life’s requirements is considered as a form of religion and there are several conditions that need to be followed:

1.     Every work taken must not be in violation of Islamic law.

2.     Every work needs to be ‘halal’ and must be done with sincere intention of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.

From Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam said: “Whoever seeks halal sustenance to keep himself from begging and in order to provide for the family, as well as help his neighbors, he will surely be resurrected by Allah SWT on the Day of Judgement.” [Imam Ahmad]

3.     Every work must be carried out with full commitment, diligence and to the best of one’s ability.

4.     Respect the moral standards by not committing any fraud, tyranny or treachery, including the misuse of property, authority, within Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala prohibitions.

5.     A person’s responsibilities to Allah SWT are not affected by the work he/she undertakes.

As a muslim, we have to strive and work hard in order for us to live, not just waiting or refusing to work with the sole reason of trusting in Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. It is wrong in the terms of Islamic law. Although Allah SWT has guaranteed and determined the sustenance, we as humans need to work to get what we want as it will not come on its own without any effort, any earnestness and it also needs to be accompanied by praying to Allah SWT. Furthermore, Islam also forbids its people to beg from others while they are still alive and have the ability to work. In Islam, begging is considered as a despicable and reprehensible act.

The preaches happens in 21st May 2021 also stated that Allah SWT forgives the flaws who are exhausted and sick of working to make a livelihood in order to meet the needs of himself, his family or those who are under his care. Nevertheless, we also need to adopt a cautious approach when carrying out responsibilities as negligence and carelessness can create an accident, not only to ourselves but also to others.

At the end of the day, we all have to work in order to earn money for a living and there is no easy way to achieve what we need as a human. However, it does not allow us to do things that are against Islam and we need to make sure that what we earn or received is halal. People always overlook where their resources are coming from. Hence, always be careful with your source of income and hope that it is not against the violation of Islamic law as stated in Surah An-Nahl: Verse 114:

“Then eat of what Allah has provided for you (which is) lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is (indeed) Him that you worship.”

[Photo: Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque]

“And Allah wants to lighten for you (your difficulties); and mankind was created weak”

-Surah An-Nisaa’: verse 28

As a human being, it is normal for us to make mistakes in life no matter what, where, when or who is the person. As mentioned above in Surah An-Nisaa’, all mankind was created weak and easily subject to lust. There are some people who may misunderstand between passion and lust. Passion is held to be something that Allah SWT given or moral, regardless of its strength because the purpose, acts as well as goals behind it are beneficent and ordered toward creation while still being guided by the individual’s mind and volition. Whereas lust is immoral as the object or action of affection is improperly ordered according to the person’s intellect and will are governed by the appetite for the particular object rather than the appetite for that object governing the intellect and will.

There are a variety of lust we as a human can commit, for example; money, power or even sexuality. However, doesn’t mean that it is okay for us to commit crime as it is considered a sin and this is because it is against the commands of Allah SWT. For this particular preaches, it focuses more on stealing. In general, stealing or robbing are considered a crime as he/she removes and carries away someone else’s property without permission and also with the goal of permanently depriving the owner of it. Allah SWT did mention in Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 188 regarding stealing someone else’s belongings.

“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that (they might aid) you (to) consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know (it is unlawful)”

-Surah Al-Baqarah: Verse 188

During the preaches, it also mentioned that stealing is an act caused by a person’s weakness and lack of faith as mentioned in Hadith Rasulullah SAW (Peace be upon him): “The thief is not a believer while he is stealing” [Al-Bukhari]

However, although the act of stealing is known as a crime, the number of people committing crime is increasing. Not only that, it also causes a lot of injuries as well as deaths. As a muslim, we should know that Allah SWT knows the unseen of the heavens and earth and Allah SWT is All-Seeing of what we do. Thus, do not commit crime although you are forced to because at the end of the day, you only feel the ease only for short period of time and in Islam, for those who commit a sin, there will be a punishment. Nonetheless, we all make mistakes in life because we are all human and we are far away from perfect but it doesn’t mean that it is okay to commit a violation. Always ask forgiveness from Allah SWT as Allah who is the Forgiving and the Merciful and pray that we are prevented from committing wrongdoing.

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell (rendered) contemptible.”

-Surah Ghafir: Verse 60