Si bungsu sering bertanya,"Mama, ikan jerung boleh dimakan tak? Saya akan tanya dia balik, boleh habis kah makan sorang-sorang?". Si kakak pantas menjawab,"Mana boleh...tak sedap pun". Si bungsu berseloroh,"Jadi gemuk...macam giant kan Mama...hehehe..."
Dalam dunia jenayah, saya lebih suka membahasakan penjenayah kecil dengan sebutan ikan bilis, sementalah penjenayah besar dengan sebutan ikan jerung. Sekedar analogi untuk memudahkan kita memahami betapa hitam dan licinnya dunia itu.
Tanyalah pada sesiapa sahaja, tentu tak ada yang sukakan jenayah, baik sebagai pelaku mahupun objeknya. Kerana itu setiap jenayah tak kira ringan atau berat sudah semestinya diadili dengan seadil-adilnya.
Dulu perbuatan jenayah sangat "ringan", setakat mencuri ayam atau kambing untuk dibakar sambil melepak di depan unggun api ketika hujung minggu. Orang kata...biasalah anak muda, baru nak kenal dunia.
Tapi kini jenayah yang ringan berkembang menjadi sesuatu yang menakutkan, bukan setakat di dunia kasat mata tapi juga melalui dunia magis ala perbomohan dan dunia maya seperti penipuan via internet.
Sistem perundangan dan peradilan di negara ini boleh dikatakan lengkap meski ada kalanya masih ada juga penjenayah yang boleh "cuci tangan" dengan taktik kotornya. Kerana itu sistem hukum sedia ada sudah sepatutnya digubal dengan lebih terperinci sehingga bukan hanya ikan-ikan bilis yang akan terima padah tetapi juga "the untouchable/the invisible" alias ikan-ikan jerung juga boleh masuk dalam perangkap hukum dan keadilan.
Ikan bilis patut menerima hukuman agar tidak timbul kecemburuan antara sesama ikan bilis kerana ada ikan bilis yang bebas lepas, ada pula yang terjerat oleh perundang-undangan. Selain itu menghukum ikan-ikan bilis akan menjadi satu faktor pengajaran bagi para ikan bilis lainnya agar serik dan tidak mempunyai peluang untuk menjadi ikan jerung. (Meski dalam dunia sains, memanglah belum dijumpai lagi ikan bilis yang bersaiz ikan jerung atau ikan bilis yang bertransformasi menjadi ikan jerung...hehehehe.....)
Menghukum ikan jerung pula sangat bererti kerana dengan demikian tidak timbul kecelaruan mengapa hanya ikan bilis terima padah sedangkan ikan jerung tidak sehingga akan menyebabkan ketidakpercayaan masyarakat dengan sistem perundangan dan peradilan sedia ada. Selain itu menghukum ikan jerung akan menutup peluang untuk para ikan jerung memobilisasi ikan bilis ala mafia dan berkolaborasi antara sesama ikan jerung yang tentunya akan lebih membahayakan stabiliti negara. Ambil contoh, Mexico dan Brazil...tak habis-habis dengan perang antara geng pengedar dadah, sehingga pihak polis mereka pun rasa nak "give up".
Apapun, saya yakin dengan kerjasama berbagai pihak,kita akan mampu mewujudkan dunia yang bersih dari jenayah. Mari sama-sama kita perangi jenayah.Wallahu'alam.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cermin
Sebelum tahun 2010 melabuhkan tirainya, macam-macam cerita. Mulai dari "susah payah" nak dapatkan bantuan bencana banjir hingga persiapan untuk persekolahan anak-anak di tahun 2011.
Cakap bab banjir, seumur hidup saya, baru kali itulah saya rasakan "seksanya" bersesak sesak dengan ribuan orang di dewan sivik Arau untuk menerima bantuan banjir dari kerajaan sebanyak RM 500 yang diserahkan melalui ADUN Tambun Tulang yang juga bekas MB PERLIS. Alahai, nama pun wang, siapa pun sukakannya.Di tengah panas cuaca membahang, penduduk yang beratur sejak pukul 2 petang seakan tak mampu lagi menahan luahan emosi dek kerana birokrasi yang serba kacau dan tak teratur. Sehinggakan ada yang pengsan, ada pula budak-budak kecil menangis kerana lama terhimpit kanan kiri depan belakang bahkan ramai pula yang menjerit-jerit penuh emosi hendak gunakan kekerasan kononnya.
Paling menyedihkan, setelah berasak-asak sedemikian rupa untuk mendapatkan kupon dan memberikan cap ibu jari, hanya sekitar 1300 orang yang namanya tersenarai untuk mendapatkan bantuan hari itu. Sementara lebih 400 orang lagi, entah dimana silapnya, tiada nama dalam senarai. Apalagi, ramai yang merungut.Nasib baik, janji ADUN Tambun Tulang untuk menyelesaikan perkara itu sebelum tahun baru 2011, dipercayai ramai, kalau tidak tentu lebih kecoh suasana dalam dewan itu jadinya.
Bab persekolahan pula, macam-macam kerenah dan keperluan budak yang baru nak memulakan sesi persekolahan. Maka tak hairanlah, kedai-kedai baju dan buku penuh sesak dengan pembeli. Alhamdulillah, ananda sulung kami memulakan sesi persekolahannya dengan baik meski kalaulah boleh sedikit complain, rasanya tak patut betul budak-budak sekolah sekarang bawa buku terlalu banyak, tebal pula tu. Risau patah pinggang mereka atau terjatuh dari tangga kerana membawa beg yang terlalu berat. Na'udzubillah.
Cabaran dunia pendidikan kini semakin berat. Ibu bapa kena beri lebih tumpuan pada anak-anak. Komunikasi yang baik dengan guru-guru di sekolah dan ibu bapa murid lain perlu juga dijalin.
Apapun perkara yang berlaku pada tahun-tahun sebelum ini, mungkin boleh menjadi cermin untuk menilai segala silap salah dan kekurangan sebelum ini...... dan menjadikannya sebagai acuan yang "jujur" untuk melangkah lebih baik di tahun-tahun mendatang. Wallahu'alam.
Cakap bab banjir, seumur hidup saya, baru kali itulah saya rasakan "seksanya" bersesak sesak dengan ribuan orang di dewan sivik Arau untuk menerima bantuan banjir dari kerajaan sebanyak RM 500 yang diserahkan melalui ADUN Tambun Tulang yang juga bekas MB PERLIS. Alahai, nama pun wang, siapa pun sukakannya.Di tengah panas cuaca membahang, penduduk yang beratur sejak pukul 2 petang seakan tak mampu lagi menahan luahan emosi dek kerana birokrasi yang serba kacau dan tak teratur. Sehinggakan ada yang pengsan, ada pula budak-budak kecil menangis kerana lama terhimpit kanan kiri depan belakang bahkan ramai pula yang menjerit-jerit penuh emosi hendak gunakan kekerasan kononnya.
Paling menyedihkan, setelah berasak-asak sedemikian rupa untuk mendapatkan kupon dan memberikan cap ibu jari, hanya sekitar 1300 orang yang namanya tersenarai untuk mendapatkan bantuan hari itu. Sementara lebih 400 orang lagi, entah dimana silapnya, tiada nama dalam senarai. Apalagi, ramai yang merungut.Nasib baik, janji ADUN Tambun Tulang untuk menyelesaikan perkara itu sebelum tahun baru 2011, dipercayai ramai, kalau tidak tentu lebih kecoh suasana dalam dewan itu jadinya.
Bab persekolahan pula, macam-macam kerenah dan keperluan budak yang baru nak memulakan sesi persekolahan. Maka tak hairanlah, kedai-kedai baju dan buku penuh sesak dengan pembeli. Alhamdulillah, ananda sulung kami memulakan sesi persekolahannya dengan baik meski kalaulah boleh sedikit complain, rasanya tak patut betul budak-budak sekolah sekarang bawa buku terlalu banyak, tebal pula tu. Risau patah pinggang mereka atau terjatuh dari tangga kerana membawa beg yang terlalu berat. Na'udzubillah.
Cabaran dunia pendidikan kini semakin berat. Ibu bapa kena beri lebih tumpuan pada anak-anak. Komunikasi yang baik dengan guru-guru di sekolah dan ibu bapa murid lain perlu juga dijalin.
Apapun perkara yang berlaku pada tahun-tahun sebelum ini, mungkin boleh menjadi cermin untuk menilai segala silap salah dan kekurangan sebelum ini...... dan menjadikannya sebagai acuan yang "jujur" untuk melangkah lebih baik di tahun-tahun mendatang. Wallahu'alam.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Islamic Story 20: Trouble Tree
I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job, a flat tire made him lose an hour of work and his electric drill quit, his ancient one ton truck refused to start. As I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.
On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. Upon opening the door he had undergone an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do at the little tree.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask Allah (SWT) to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again."
"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
Moral of the Story: Always be firm in our belief/Iman, have full trust in Allah (SWT). Whatever He sends our way is always for our good, and that He will also show us a solution for He wants us to turn to Him for help.
On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. Upon opening the door he had undergone an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do at the little tree.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask Allah (SWT) to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again."
"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
Moral of the Story: Always be firm in our belief/Iman, have full trust in Allah (SWT). Whatever He sends our way is always for our good, and that He will also show us a solution for He wants us to turn to Him for help.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wikileaks dan kacau bilaunya dunia
Pendedahan maklumat rahsia oleh Wikileaks yang diasaskan oleh Julian Assagne benar-benar telah menarik perhatian dunia. Terlepas dari sama ada maklumat tersebut benar atau tidak dan terlepas pula dari sama ada kita berada pada pihak yang pro dan kontra dengan tindakan beliau, ada baiknya kita melihatnya dari 2 sudut positif dan negatif.
Dalam sudut pandang positif, Wikileaks mendedahkan banyak maklumat yang bukan sahaja telah pun menjadi jawaban atas tanda tanya besar bagi ramai pihak tapi juga mendedahkan bagaimana pandangan sesetengah pihak/negara terhadap pihak/negara lain. Dengan itu paling tidak negara berkenaan mengetahui pandangan pihak "luar" yang "lebih jujur" terhadapnya dan bagaimana ianya boleh menjadi platform yang baik untuk memperbaiki hubungan diplomatik dengan negara-negara berkenaan.
Akan tetapi dalam sudut pandang negatif, pendedahan maklumat rahsia sedemikian mungkin akan mempengaruhi proses peradilan terhadap jenayah tertentu, membantutkan proses penyiasatan perkara tertentu sehingga mungkin akan mempengaruhi hasil akhirnya.Akan banyak pihak yang mungkin mahukan campur tangan terhadap kes-kes tertentu dan boleh jadi pula akan menimbulkan pandangan negatif atau rasa "tidak percaya" ataupun membangkitkan rasa "permusuhan" antara sesetengah negara/pihak berkenaan.
Terlepas dari semua itu, satu perkara yang boleh difahami adalah..."Inilah Dunia"......ada banyak perkara yang perlu difikirkan, banyak agenda yang perlu dilaksanakan dan semua itu pada akhirnya akan terpulang pada tiap negara/pihak terbabit bagaimana untuk menyikapinya. Sama ada Wikileaks telah menumbuhkan kesedaran betapa lemahnya "sistem dalaman" sesebuah negara/pihak tertentu sehingga begitu mudah dicerobohi ataupun kesedaran bahwa percaturan politik dan diplomatik didunia ini begitu rumit,sila anda tentukan sendiri. Wallahu'alam.
Dalam sudut pandang positif, Wikileaks mendedahkan banyak maklumat yang bukan sahaja telah pun menjadi jawaban atas tanda tanya besar bagi ramai pihak tapi juga mendedahkan bagaimana pandangan sesetengah pihak/negara terhadap pihak/negara lain. Dengan itu paling tidak negara berkenaan mengetahui pandangan pihak "luar" yang "lebih jujur" terhadapnya dan bagaimana ianya boleh menjadi platform yang baik untuk memperbaiki hubungan diplomatik dengan negara-negara berkenaan.
Akan tetapi dalam sudut pandang negatif, pendedahan maklumat rahsia sedemikian mungkin akan mempengaruhi proses peradilan terhadap jenayah tertentu, membantutkan proses penyiasatan perkara tertentu sehingga mungkin akan mempengaruhi hasil akhirnya.Akan banyak pihak yang mungkin mahukan campur tangan terhadap kes-kes tertentu dan boleh jadi pula akan menimbulkan pandangan negatif atau rasa "tidak percaya" ataupun membangkitkan rasa "permusuhan" antara sesetengah negara/pihak berkenaan.
Terlepas dari semua itu, satu perkara yang boleh difahami adalah..."Inilah Dunia"......ada banyak perkara yang perlu difikirkan, banyak agenda yang perlu dilaksanakan dan semua itu pada akhirnya akan terpulang pada tiap negara/pihak terbabit bagaimana untuk menyikapinya. Sama ada Wikileaks telah menumbuhkan kesedaran betapa lemahnya "sistem dalaman" sesebuah negara/pihak tertentu sehingga begitu mudah dicerobohi ataupun kesedaran bahwa percaturan politik dan diplomatik didunia ini begitu rumit,sila anda tentukan sendiri. Wallahu'alam.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Narcolepsy :" Unseen" Disease
Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system which is typically characterized by the following symptoms with varying degrees of frequencies include:
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- cataplexy (loss of muscle tone)
- hypnagogic hallucinations (distorted perceptions)
- sleep paralysis (inability to move or talk)
- disturbed nocturnal sleep
- automatic behavior ((patients carry out certain actions without conscious awareness)
- other complaints such as blurred vision, double vision, or droopy eyelids
Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. The first symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness, which may remain unrecognized for a long time in that it develops gradually over time. The other symptoms can follow excessive daytime sleepiness by months or years.
Advances have been made in the last few years in determining the cause of narcolepsy. The newest discovery has been the finding of abnormalities in the structure and function of a particular group of nerve cells, called hypocretin neurons, in the brains of patients with narcolepsy. These cells are located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and they normally secrete neurotransmitter substances (chemicals released by nerve cells to transmit messages to other cells) called hypocretins. Abnormalities in the hypocretin system may be responsible for the daytime sleepiness and abnormal REM sleep found in narcolepsy.
The diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests.
The treatment of narcolepsy includes drug and behavioral therapies.
The types, number, and severity of the symptoms determine which drugs are used to treat the narcolepsy.
•Severe daytime sleepiness may require treatment with high doses of stimulant medication, and sometimes a combination of stimulants may be needed.
•Rare or infrequent cataplexy and other associated symptoms may not require any drug treatment, or treatment on an "as needed" regimen may be adequate.
•Insomnia and depression may also require treatment.
•Therapy should be catered to the individual needs of the patient. For example, improved alertness may be critical throughout the day for most students and working adults, but may be critical only at certain times of the day (for example, driving times) for other people.
Non-drug treatments include education of the patient and family members and modification of behavior patterns. Understanding the symptoms of narcolepsy may help relieve some of the frustrations, fears, anger, depression, and resentment of patients and family members. Emotional reactions are responses to both the unusual nature of the symptoms and society's ignorance of this disease.
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- cataplexy (loss of muscle tone)
- hypnagogic hallucinations (distorted perceptions)
- sleep paralysis (inability to move or talk)
- disturbed nocturnal sleep
- automatic behavior ((patients carry out certain actions without conscious awareness)
- other complaints such as blurred vision, double vision, or droopy eyelids
Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. The first symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness, which may remain unrecognized for a long time in that it develops gradually over time. The other symptoms can follow excessive daytime sleepiness by months or years.
Advances have been made in the last few years in determining the cause of narcolepsy. The newest discovery has been the finding of abnormalities in the structure and function of a particular group of nerve cells, called hypocretin neurons, in the brains of patients with narcolepsy. These cells are located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and they normally secrete neurotransmitter substances (chemicals released by nerve cells to transmit messages to other cells) called hypocretins. Abnormalities in the hypocretin system may be responsible for the daytime sleepiness and abnormal REM sleep found in narcolepsy.
The diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests.
The treatment of narcolepsy includes drug and behavioral therapies.
The types, number, and severity of the symptoms determine which drugs are used to treat the narcolepsy.
•Severe daytime sleepiness may require treatment with high doses of stimulant medication, and sometimes a combination of stimulants may be needed.
•Rare or infrequent cataplexy and other associated symptoms may not require any drug treatment, or treatment on an "as needed" regimen may be adequate.
•Insomnia and depression may also require treatment.
•Therapy should be catered to the individual needs of the patient. For example, improved alertness may be critical throughout the day for most students and working adults, but may be critical only at certain times of the day (for example, driving times) for other people.
Non-drug treatments include education of the patient and family members and modification of behavior patterns. Understanding the symptoms of narcolepsy may help relieve some of the frustrations, fears, anger, depression, and resentment of patients and family members. Emotional reactions are responses to both the unusual nature of the symptoms and society's ignorance of this disease.
Islamic Story 19:How we are all related to each other
A Rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a Rat-Trap.
Retreating to the farmyard the Rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"
The Chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The Rat turned to the Sheep and told him, "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"
"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the Sheep, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers."
The Rat turned to the Cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A Rat-Trap, I am in grave danger. Duh?" So the Rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's Rat-Trap alone.
That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a Rat-Trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.
In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous Snake whose Tail the trap had caught. The Snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever.
Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh Chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the Sheep. The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the Cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.
So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when there is a Rat-Trap in the house, the whole farmyard is at risk.
Retreating to the farmyard the Rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"
The Chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The Rat turned to the Sheep and told him, "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"
"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the Sheep, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers."
The Rat turned to the Cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A Rat-Trap, I am in grave danger. Duh?" So the Rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's Rat-Trap alone.
That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a Rat-Trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.
In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous Snake whose Tail the trap had caught. The Snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever.
Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh Chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the Sheep. The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the Cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.
So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when there is a Rat-Trap in the house, the whole farmyard is at risk.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Historical perspective of Eid-e-Mubahila 24th Zilhajj
The 24th of Zil-Hajj marks the anniversary of the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Mubahila. This is the day of victory of Muslims over Christians. The event of Mubahila occurred in the 10th of Hijrah.
Najran was a fertile land located in the Northern mountaneous region of Yemen about 20 Kms from Sanaa. About 40,000 Christians inhabited the land divided into 73 small towns. They were idol worshipers historically just like the Arabs but a priest named Femeon, a constructor by profession, preached Christianity in the area of Najran and soon all the population converted to Christianity and Najran became a powerful center of activities of Christians. They also constructed a church and named it \'Kaba-e-Najran\'. They prayed and offered various offerings there which resulted in an annual income of about two hundred thousand Dinars which was used for the priest who lived and studied there.
After the conquest of Makkah when Islam started spreading rapidly and the warring groups came under the flag of Islam, the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) starting sending emissaries to the tribes who had not yet accepted Islam. In 10 A.H. a similar message was sent to the Christians of Najran and they were offered either to accept the teachings of Islam or live in the protection of Muslims and give \'Jazia\' - a kind of fee for protection services. When the Bishop of Najran received this message, he invited all the scholars and influential people of Najran and asked them to think and find a solution to this situation. This news spread rapidly among the masses and some people got infuriated as well but the Bishop of Najran pacified them and advised them to be mindful of the military might of the Islamic regime and try to find a peaceful solution.
Christian mission heads to Madina
After deliberations, it was finally decided to send a mission to Madina and have a dialog with the Muslims. A 14 member deligation headed by Aqib Saidawar and Abu Harisa started off for Makkah. Abu Harisa was considered as the greatest Bishop and scholar of the Christian world at that time and Aqib Sadawar was the biggest strategist and negotiator of the time. When the delegation reached Madina, the people got impressed by their lavish dressing and pomp and show since it was the first time that a mission had arrived in such a manner.
When they entered the Masjid-e-Nabawi, the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) looked at the precious stones, gold and silk clothes that they were wearing and turned away his face and did not pay any attention to them. After a while when no one noticed their pomp and show, they got out of the Masjid-e-Nabawi and met Hazrat Usman and Ubaid-ur-Rehman outside and asked them as to why they were invited by the Muslims and then treated in this manner. Hazrat Usman mentioned that he did not have a clue about that but if they consult Imam Ali(a.s.), he would be able to tell them what was going on. They took the delegation with them and arrived at the house of Imam Ali(a.s.) and mentioned about the whole incidence to him. Imam Ali(a.s.) said to the delegation that they were wearing dresses of silk and ornaments of gold which depicted their superior mentality and that they should take them off and dress simply. Only then the Prophet(pbuh&hf) would allow them to visit him and entertain them. Wh!
en they followed the instructions of Imam Ali(a.s.), they were allowed to visit the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) after the Prayers of Asar and have discussions with him.
Proposal of Mubahila
After exchange of views on several issues, the delegation did not seem to be willing to accept the observations about the incorrect beliefs of Christianity and the logical explanations proving the incorrectness of their beliefs. At that time Allah(swt) send down the famous Ayat-e-Mubahila of the Quran:
Glorious Quran Chapter 3 Verse 61:
And unto him who disputeth with thee therein after the knowledge hath come unto thee, Say ! (O\' Our Apostle Muhammad !) (Unto them) come ye, let us summon our sons, and (ye summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (ye) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and then let us invoke the curse of God on the liars !
Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) recited this Ayat and invited them for Mubahila - praying to God(swt) to destroy and banish the liars.
Mubahila became necessary since the Christian delegation was adamant to accept the truth. After some hesitations the delegations asked to be given one day to reconsider their options and then accepted to have the Mubahila after two days. In their consultations among themselves, the grand Bishop Abu Harisa told his companions that if tomorrow, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) brings his companions and his tribesmen and military might with him for Mubahila then they should accept the challange without fear but if he brings only the members of his family, then never accept the challenge.
Whom did the Prophet (pbuh & hf) take with him
The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) selected a place close to Madina for the Mubahila which was then cleaned and prepared by Hazrat Salman Farsi (r.a.) and the next day the Christian delegation reached the designated place. A number of muhajirren and ansaar also gathered at the site. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) took with him Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Hussain (a.s.), Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) and headed towards the site in a manner that Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) was leading the group holding Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Bibi Fatima (s.a.) was behind him and Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind Bibi Fatima (s.a.).
Saad bin Abi Waqas relates that when the Ayat-e-Mubahila was sent down, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) called Imam Ali(a.s.), Bibi Fatima(s.a.), Imam Hasan(a.s.) and Imam Hussain(a.s.) and said \"O my Allah(swt), these are my Ahl-e-Bait\" . (Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, Page 287).
Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) sat down under a tree with these weighty personalities and said that when I pray to God, you all should say \'Ameen\'. When the Christian delegation saw a woman, two children and only one man with the Prophet(pbuh&hf), they got scared and worried and Abu Harisa said \"O my christian friends, I am seeing such bright faces that if they pray that God move this mountain from its place then the mountain will be moved. I warn you do not have Mubahila with them or you all will be destroyed and banished.\"
The Christian delegation was still amazed and frightened when the brother of Abu Harisa, Karz ibn-e-Alqama stated that \"O my fellows, it appears that Mohammad(pbuh&hf) is the same last apostle and prophet that has been mentioned in our sacred books. We should not have Mubahila with them because anyone who had Mubahila with the prophets in the past as well were destroyed. Look around you and observe that the signs of your destruction are appearing.\" When they looked around, they observed that the entire atmosphere had changed and it appeared that a furious storm is in offing.
Result of the Mubahila
Witnessing this, they backed off from the contest and requested that their friendship be accepted. Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) accepted their request and asked Imam Ali(a.s.) to write the agreement according to which they Najran tribes accepted to pay \'Jazia\' and live under the protection of the Muslims.
Mubahila confirmed
1. The Superiority of Islam over other Revealed Religions
2. The Prestige of Panjatan-e-Pak a.s. in the eyes of Allah swt
3. Who are the 'Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet (pbuh)'
4. The relationship of Al-Qur'an and the Ahlul Bayt a.s., and
5. Islam, Qur'an, Ahlul Bayt and Pleasure of Allah swt - are different names for one and the same thing
Najran was a fertile land located in the Northern mountaneous region of Yemen about 20 Kms from Sanaa. About 40,000 Christians inhabited the land divided into 73 small towns. They were idol worshipers historically just like the Arabs but a priest named Femeon, a constructor by profession, preached Christianity in the area of Najran and soon all the population converted to Christianity and Najran became a powerful center of activities of Christians. They also constructed a church and named it \'Kaba-e-Najran\'. They prayed and offered various offerings there which resulted in an annual income of about two hundred thousand Dinars which was used for the priest who lived and studied there.
After the conquest of Makkah when Islam started spreading rapidly and the warring groups came under the flag of Islam, the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) starting sending emissaries to the tribes who had not yet accepted Islam. In 10 A.H. a similar message was sent to the Christians of Najran and they were offered either to accept the teachings of Islam or live in the protection of Muslims and give \'Jazia\' - a kind of fee for protection services. When the Bishop of Najran received this message, he invited all the scholars and influential people of Najran and asked them to think and find a solution to this situation. This news spread rapidly among the masses and some people got infuriated as well but the Bishop of Najran pacified them and advised them to be mindful of the military might of the Islamic regime and try to find a peaceful solution.
Christian mission heads to Madina
After deliberations, it was finally decided to send a mission to Madina and have a dialog with the Muslims. A 14 member deligation headed by Aqib Saidawar and Abu Harisa started off for Makkah. Abu Harisa was considered as the greatest Bishop and scholar of the Christian world at that time and Aqib Sadawar was the biggest strategist and negotiator of the time. When the delegation reached Madina, the people got impressed by their lavish dressing and pomp and show since it was the first time that a mission had arrived in such a manner.
When they entered the Masjid-e-Nabawi, the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) looked at the precious stones, gold and silk clothes that they were wearing and turned away his face and did not pay any attention to them. After a while when no one noticed their pomp and show, they got out of the Masjid-e-Nabawi and met Hazrat Usman and Ubaid-ur-Rehman outside and asked them as to why they were invited by the Muslims and then treated in this manner. Hazrat Usman mentioned that he did not have a clue about that but if they consult Imam Ali(a.s.), he would be able to tell them what was going on. They took the delegation with them and arrived at the house of Imam Ali(a.s.) and mentioned about the whole incidence to him. Imam Ali(a.s.) said to the delegation that they were wearing dresses of silk and ornaments of gold which depicted their superior mentality and that they should take them off and dress simply. Only then the Prophet(pbuh&hf) would allow them to visit him and entertain them. Wh!
en they followed the instructions of Imam Ali(a.s.), they were allowed to visit the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) after the Prayers of Asar and have discussions with him.
Proposal of Mubahila
After exchange of views on several issues, the delegation did not seem to be willing to accept the observations about the incorrect beliefs of Christianity and the logical explanations proving the incorrectness of their beliefs. At that time Allah(swt) send down the famous Ayat-e-Mubahila of the Quran:
Glorious Quran Chapter 3 Verse 61:
And unto him who disputeth with thee therein after the knowledge hath come unto thee, Say ! (O\' Our Apostle Muhammad !) (Unto them) come ye, let us summon our sons, and (ye summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (ye) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and then let us invoke the curse of God on the liars !
Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) recited this Ayat and invited them for Mubahila - praying to God(swt) to destroy and banish the liars.
Mubahila became necessary since the Christian delegation was adamant to accept the truth. After some hesitations the delegations asked to be given one day to reconsider their options and then accepted to have the Mubahila after two days. In their consultations among themselves, the grand Bishop Abu Harisa told his companions that if tomorrow, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) brings his companions and his tribesmen and military might with him for Mubahila then they should accept the challange without fear but if he brings only the members of his family, then never accept the challenge.
Whom did the Prophet (pbuh & hf) take with him
The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) selected a place close to Madina for the Mubahila which was then cleaned and prepared by Hazrat Salman Farsi (r.a.) and the next day the Christian delegation reached the designated place. A number of muhajirren and ansaar also gathered at the site. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) took with him Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Hussain (a.s.), Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) and headed towards the site in a manner that Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) was leading the group holding Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Bibi Fatima (s.a.) was behind him and Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind Bibi Fatima (s.a.).
Saad bin Abi Waqas relates that when the Ayat-e-Mubahila was sent down, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) called Imam Ali(a.s.), Bibi Fatima(s.a.), Imam Hasan(a.s.) and Imam Hussain(a.s.) and said \"O my Allah(swt), these are my Ahl-e-Bait\" . (Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, Page 287).
Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) sat down under a tree with these weighty personalities and said that when I pray to God, you all should say \'Ameen\'. When the Christian delegation saw a woman, two children and only one man with the Prophet(pbuh&hf), they got scared and worried and Abu Harisa said \"O my christian friends, I am seeing such bright faces that if they pray that God move this mountain from its place then the mountain will be moved. I warn you do not have Mubahila with them or you all will be destroyed and banished.\"
The Christian delegation was still amazed and frightened when the brother of Abu Harisa, Karz ibn-e-Alqama stated that \"O my fellows, it appears that Mohammad(pbuh&hf) is the same last apostle and prophet that has been mentioned in our sacred books. We should not have Mubahila with them because anyone who had Mubahila with the prophets in the past as well were destroyed. Look around you and observe that the signs of your destruction are appearing.\" When they looked around, they observed that the entire atmosphere had changed and it appeared that a furious storm is in offing.
Result of the Mubahila
Witnessing this, they backed off from the contest and requested that their friendship be accepted. Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) accepted their request and asked Imam Ali(a.s.) to write the agreement according to which they Najran tribes accepted to pay \'Jazia\' and live under the protection of the Muslims.
Mubahila confirmed
1. The Superiority of Islam over other Revealed Religions
2. The Prestige of Panjatan-e-Pak a.s. in the eyes of Allah swt
3. Who are the 'Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet (pbuh)'
4. The relationship of Al-Qur'an and the Ahlul Bayt a.s., and
5. Islam, Qur'an, Ahlul Bayt and Pleasure of Allah swt - are different names for one and the same thing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)