Once in a Blue Moon

"31 August 2012 was the night when the earth witnessed the blue moon, the second full moon in a month" Therefore within a month of the blue moon, there would be two occurences of full moon, more likely once in the beginning and another one at the end of the month.

Though the statement looks somewhat correct, the truth might be invalid. If we notice, the word moon and month are somewhat different, hence the rareness of the event. But, if we carefully look through deeply into this statement, we could infere that the counting of days in A MONTH (moon) was not actually defined by the moon's appearences, but rather by the counting of days to fit a year. That a year should be about 365-6 days , which then divided by twelve then distributed to each cluster, called month. Thus, a month consists of 28-31 days. But why 12? when it could be easily devided by any other number? We know that there was once in roman era, a year consisted only of  8 months. and then much later, the months were added.

Had we used Lunar Calendar, blue moon would highly be improbable, as a month is the completion of moon phases ; wanning and waxing. and crescent is the start and the end. and through counting, there's either only 29 or 30 days in a month. So, there would be only one occurence of full moon in a month.

Therefore, in solar calendar, a month does not immidiately define its meaning.
then the questions...

1. What was initially defined as 'a month' during the conception of solar calendar? What happened then?

2. As it also consist of 12 months, what is actually a year in lunar calendar?

3. What would matter to earth if a year is not about its revolution towards the sun? What actually repeats?

Asmaul Husna & Text

Hijjaz - Asmaul Husna

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نَسْـئَلُكَ يَامَنْ هُوَاللهُ الَّذِيْ لاَاِلَهَ اِلاَ هُوَ الرَّحْمنُ الرَّحِيْمُ اَلْمَلِكٌ اْلقُدُّسُ السَّلاَمُ الْـمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيْزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ الْخَالِقُ الْبَارِئُ الْمُصَوِّرُ اْلغَفَّارُ اْلقَهَّارُ اْلوَهَّابُ اْلرَزَّاقُ اْلفَتَّاحُ اْلعَلِيْمُ اْلقَابِضُ اْلبَاسِطُ اْلخَافِضُ اْلرَّافِعُ اْلـمُعِزُّ اْلـمُذِلُّ اْلسَّمِيْعُ اْلبَصِيْرُ اْلحَكَمُ اْلعَدْلُ اْللَّطِيْفُ اْلخَبِيْرُ اْلحَلِيْمُ اْلعَظِيْمُ اْلغَفُّوْرُ اْلشَّكُوْرُ اْلعَلِيُّ اْلكَبِيْرُ اْلحَفِيْظُ اْلـمُقِيْتُ الحَسِيْبُ الْجَلِيْلُ الْكَرِيْمُ الْرَّقِيْبُ الْـمُجِيْبُ الْوَاسِعُ الْحَكِيْمُ الْوَدُوْدُ الْـمَجِيْدُ الْبَاعِثُ الشَّهِيْدُ الحْـَقُّ الْوَكِيْلُ الْقَوِىُّ الْـمَتِيْنُ اْلوَلِيُّ اْلحَمِيْدُ اْلـمُحْصِى اْلـمُبْدِئُ اْلـمُعِيْدُ اْلـمُحْىِ اْلـمُمِيْتُ اْلحَىُّ اْلقَيُّوْمُ اْلوَاجِدُ اْلـمَاجِدُ اْلوَاحِدُ اْلصَّمَدُ اْلقَادِرُ اْلـمُقْتَدِرُ اْلـمُقَدِّمُ اْلـمُؤَخِّرُ اْلاَوَّلُ اْلاَخِرُ اْلظَّاهِرُ اْلبَاطِنُ اْلوَلِيُّ اْلـمُتَعَالِ اْلبَرُّ اْلتَوَّابٌ اْلـمُنْتَقِمٌ اْلعَفُوُّ اْلرَّءُوْفُ مَالِكُ اْلـمُلْكِ ذُوالْجَلاَلِ وَاْلاِكْرَامِ اْلمُقْسِطُ اْلجَامِعُ اْلغَنِيُّ اْلـمٌغْنِىُ اْلـمَانِعُ الضَّارُّ اْلنَافِعُ النُّوْرُ اْلـهَادِيْ اْلبَدِيْعُ اْلبَاقِيْ اْلوَارِثُ الرَّشِيْدُ الصَّبُوْرُ الَّذِيْ لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْئٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيْعُ اْلبَصِيْرَ
اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ اَفْضَلَ الصَّلاَةِ عَلَى اَسْعَدِ مَخْلُوْقَاتِكَ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى اَلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلِّمْ عَدَدَ مَعْلُوْمَاتِكَ وَمِدَادَ كَلِمَاتِكَ كُلَّمَا ذَكَرَكَ الذَّاكِرُوْنَ وَغَفَلَ عَنْ ذِكْرِهِ اْلغَافِلُوْنَ

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Nas Aluka Yaa Man Huwallahulladzii Laa Ilaaha Illaahuw Arrohmaanur Rohim Almalikul Qudduusus Salaamul Mu’minul Muhaiminul ‘Aziizul Jabbaar –  Almutakabbirul Khooliqulbaariul Mushowirul Ghoffar Walqohharul Wahaabur Rozzaaqul Fattaahul ‘Aliim –  Alqoobidhul Baasithul Khoofidhur Alroofi’ul Mu’izzul Mudhillus Samii’ul Bashiirul  Hakamul’adl –  Allathiiful Khobiir –  Alhaliimul ‘Adhim –  Alghofurus Syakuur –  Al’aliyul Kabiirul Hafiidhul Muqiit –  Alhasiibul Jaliil Al Kariimur Roqiibul Mujiibul Waa Si’ul Hakiimul Waduudul  Majiidul Baa’itsus Syahid –  Alhaqqulwakiil –  Alqowiyul Matiin –  Alwaliyul Hamiid –  Almuhshil Mubdiul Mu’iid –  Almuhyil Mumiitul Hayyul Qoyyum –  Alwaajidul Maajidul Waahidus Shomadul Qoodirul Muqtadirul Muqoddimul Muakh Khirul Awwalul Akhiir –  Addhoohirul Baatinul Waalil Muta’al Bar Ruttawwaaabul Muntaqimul ‘Afuwwur  Roufum Maalikul Mulki Dzul Jalaali Qal Ikroom –  Almuqsitul Al Jaami’ul Ghoniyul Mughnil Maani’ud Dhoor Runnaafi’un Nuurul  Haadii Badii’ul Baaqii –  Alwaaritsur rosyiidus Shobuurulladzi ladza kamits lihi Syaiun Wawas Samii’ul  Bashiir –  Alloohumma Solli Afdhollas Sholati’alaa As’adi MAkhluuqoo Tika Sayyidinaa Muhammadiwa’alaa alihii Washohbihii wasallim ‘Adada Ma’luu Maatika Wamidaa Dakalimaa Tika Kullamaa Dzakaro Kad Dzaakiruuna Waghofala ‘An Dzikrihil Ghoofiluun

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Asmaa'u Allah Al-Hosna

أسماء الله الحسنى

#	Arabic	English translation of 99 names of Allah	Asmaa'u Allah Al-Hosna
1	الله	The Greatest Name	Allah
2	الرحمن	The All-Compassionate	Ar-Rahman
3	الرحيم	The All-Merciful	Ar-Rahim
4	الملك	The Absolute Ruler	Al-Malik
5	القدوس	The Pure One	Al-Quddus
6	السلام	The Source of Peace	As-Salam
7	المؤمن	The Inspirer of Faith	Al-Mu'min
8	المهيمن	The Guardian	Al-Muhaymin
9	العزيز	The Victorious	Al-Aziz
10	الجبار	The Compeller	Al-Jabbar
11	المتكبر	The Greatest	Al-Mutakabbir
12	الخالق	The Creator	Al-Khaliq
13	البارئ	The Maker of Order	Al-Bari'
14	المصور	The Shaper of Beauty	Al-Musawwir
15	الغفار	The Forgiving	Al-Ghaffar
16	القهار	The Subduer	Al-Qahhar
17	الوهاب	The Giver of All	Al-Wahhab
18	الرزاق	The Sustainer	Ar-Razzaq
19	الفتاح	The Opener	Al-Fattah
20	العليم	The Knower of All	Al-`Alim
21	القابض	The Constrictor	Al-Qabid
22	الباسط	The Reliever	Al-Basit
23	الخافض	The Abaser	Al-Khafid
24	الرافع	The Exalter	Ar-Rafi
25	المعز	The Bestower of Honors	Al-Mu'izz
26	المذل	The Humiliator	Al-Mudhill
27	السميع	The Hearer of All	As-Sami
28	البصير	The Seer of All	Al-Basir
29	الحكم	The Judge	Al-Hakam
30	العدل	The Just	Al-`Adl
31	اللطيف	The Subtle One	Al-Latif
32	الخبير	The All-Aware	Al-Khabir
33	الحليم	The Forbearing	Al-Halim
34	العظيم	The Magnificent	Al-Azim
35	الغفور	The Forgiver and Hider of Faults	Al-Ghafur
36	الشكور	The Rewarder of Thankfulness	Ash-Shakur
37	العلي	The Highest	Al-Ali
38	الكبير	The Greatest	Al-Kabir
39	الحفيظ	The Preserver	Al-Hafiz
40	المقيت	The Nourisher	Al-Muqit
41	الحسيب	The Accounter	Al-Hasib
42	الجليل	The Mighty	Al-Jalil
43	الكريم	The Generous	Al-Karim
44	الرقيب	The Watchful One	Ar-Raqib
45	المجيب	The Responder to Prayer	Al-Mujib
46	الواسع	The All-Comprehending	Al-Wasi
47	الحكيم	The Perfectly Wise	Al-Hakim
48	الودود	The Loving One	Al-Wadud
49	المجيد	The Majestic One	Al-Majid
50	الباعث	The Resurrector	Al-Ba'ith
51	الشهيد	The Witness	Ash-Shahid
52	الحق	The Truth	Al-Haqq
53	الوكيل	The Trustee	Al-Wakil
54	القوى	The Possessor of All Strength	Al-Qawiyy
55	المتين	The Forceful One	Al-Matin
56	الولي	The Governor	Al-Waliyy
57	الحميد	The Praised One	Al-Hamid
58	المحصى	The Appraiser	Al-Muhsi
59	المبدئ	The Originator	Al-Mubdi'
60	المعيد	The Restorer	Al-Mu'id
61	المحيي	The Giver of Life	Al-Muhyi
62	المميت	The Taker of Life	Al-Mumit
63	الحي	The Ever Living One	Al-Hayy
64	القيوم	The Self-Existing One	Al-Qayyum
65	الواجد	The Finder	Al-Wajid
66	الماجد	The Glorious	Al-Majid
67	الواحد	The One, the All Inclusive, The Indivisible	Al-Wahid
68	الصمد	The Satisfier of All Needs	As-Samad
69	القادر	The All Powerful	Al-Qadir
70	المقتدر	The Creator of All Power	Al-Muqtadir
71	المقدم	The Expediter	Al-Muqaddim
72	المؤخر	The Delayer	Al-Mu'akhkhir
73	الأول	The First	Al-Awwal
74	الآخر	The Last	Al-Akhir
75	الظاهر	The Manifest One	Az-Zahir
76	الباطن	The Hidden One	Al-Batin
77	الوالي	The Protecting Friend	Al-Wali
78	المتعال	The Supreme One	Al-Muta'ali
79	البر	The Doer of Good	Al-Barr
80	التواب	The Guide to Repentance	At-Tawwab
81	المنتقم	The Avenger	Al-Muntaqim
82	العفو	The Forgiver	Al-'Afuww
83	الرؤوف	The Clement	Ar-Ra'uf
84	مالك الملك	The Owner of All	Malik-al-Mulk
85	ذو الجلال و الإكرام	The Lord of Majesty and Bounty	Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram
86	المقسط	The Equitable One	Al-Muqsit
87	الجامع	The Gatherer	Al-Jami'
88	الغني	The Rich One	Al-Ghani
89	المغني	The Enricher	Al-Mughni
90	المانع	The Preventer of Harm	Al-Mani'
91	الضار	The Creator of The Harmful	Ad-Darr
92	النافع	The Creator of Good	An-Nafi'
93	النور	The Light	An-Nur
94	الهادي	The Guide	Al-Hadi
95	البديع	The Originator	Al-Badi
96	الباقي	The Everlasting One	Al-Baqi
97	الوارث	The Inheritor of All	Al-Warith
98	الرشيد	The Righteous Teacher	Ar-Rashid
99	الصبور	The Patient One	As-Sabur

copied from here

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Prophet Muhammad SAW Last Sermon (9th-Zulhijjah-10H) in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca)

I got very curios to look up for the translation after coming across today's episode of the series 'OMAR', especially on the last part where he was speaking to Asma' about Prophet's last sermon during the Hajj. The following is a direct copy from here



 After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".



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Here is a copy in BAHASA INDONESIA, taken from here


“HAI MANUSIA, DENGARLAH BAIK-BAIK APA YANG HENDAK KUKATAKAN. AKU TIDAK MENGETAHUI APAKAH AKU DAPAT BERTEMU LAGI DENGAN KAMU SEMUA SELEPAS TAHUN INI. KARENA ITU DENGARLAH DENGAN TELITI KATA-KATAKU INI DAN SAMPAIKANLAH KEPADA ORANG-ORANG YANG TIDAK DAPAT HADIR DISINI PADA HARI INI.

WAHAI MANUSIA, SEBAGAIMANA KAMU MENGANGGAP BULAN INI DAN KOTA INI SUCI, MAKA ANGGAPLAH JIWA DAN HARTA SETIAP ORANG MUSLIM SEBAGAI AMANAH YANG SUCI. KEMBALIKANLAH HARTA YANG DIAMANAHKAN KEPADA KAMU PADA PEMILIKNYA YANG BERHAK. JANGANLAH KAMU SAKITI SIAPAPUN AGAR ORANG LAIN TIDAK MENYAKITI KAMU PULA. INGATLAH BAHWA SESUNGGUHNYA KAMU AKAN MENEMUI TUHAN KAMU, DAN DIA PASTI MEMBUAT PERHITUNGAN DI ATAS SEGALA AMALAN KAMU. ALLAH TELAH MENGHARAMKAN RIBA’. OLEH ITU SEGALA URUSAN YANG MELIBATKAN RIBA’ DIBATALKAN MULAI SEKARANG.

WASPADALAH TERHADAP SYEITAN DEMI KESELAMATAN AGAMA KAMU. DIA TELAH BERPUTUS ASA UNTUK MENYESATKAN KAMU DALAM PERKARA-PERKARA BESAR, MAKA BERJAGA-JAGALAH SUPAYA KAMU TIDAK MENGIKUTINYA DALAM PERKARA-PERKARA KECIL.

WAHAI MANUSIA SEBAGAIMANA KAMU MEMPUNYAI HAK ATAS PARA ISTERI KAMU, MEREKA JUGA MEMPUNYAI HAK ATAS KAMU. SEKIRANYA MEREKA MENYEMPURNAKAN HAK MEREKA ATAS KAMU, MEREKA JUGA BERHAK UNTUK DIBERI MAKAN DAN PAKAIAN, DALAM SUASANA KASIH SAYANG. LAYANILAH WANITA-WANITA KAMU DENGAN BAIK DAN BERLEMAH-LEMBUTLAH TERHADAP MEREKA KARENA SESUNGGUHNYA MEREKA ADALAH TEMAN DAN PEMBANTU KAMU YANG SETIA. DAN HAK KAMU ATAS MEREKA IALAH SAMA SEKALI TIDAK BOLEH MEMASUKKAN ORANG YANG KAMU TIDAK SUKAI KE DALAM RUMAH KAMU DAN DILARANG MELAKUKAN ZINA.

WAHAI MANUSIA, DENGARLAH SUNGGUH-SUNGGUH KATAKU INI. SEMBAHLAH ALLAH, DIRIKANLAH SHOLAT LIMA KALI SEHARI, BERPUASALAH DI BULAN RAMADHAN DAN TUNAIKANLAH ZAKAT DARI HARTA KEKAYAAN KAMU. KERJAKANLAH IBADAH HAJI SEKIRANYA KAMU MAMPU KETAHUILAH BAHWA SETIAP MUSLIM ADALAH BERSAUDARA KEPADA MUSLIM YANG LAIN. KAMU SEMUA ADALAH SAMA, TIDAK SEORANGPUN YANG LEBIH MULIA DARI YANG LAINNYA KECUALI DALAM TAQWA DAN BERAMAL SOLEH.
INGATLAH BAHWA KAMU AKAN MENGHADAP ALLAH PADA SUATU HARI NANTI UNTUK DIPERTANGGUNG-JAWABKAN ATAS SEGALA APA YANG TELAH KAMU KERJAKAN. KARENA ITU BERHATI-HATILAH AGAR JANGAN SEKALI-KALI KAMU KELUAR DARI LANDASAN KEBENARAN SELEPAS KETIADAANKU.

WAHAI MANUSIA, TIDAK ADA LAGI NABI DAN RASUL YANG AKAN DATANG SELEPASKU DAN TIDAK AKAN LAHIR AGAMA BARU. KARENA ITU WAHAI MANUSIA, NILAILAH DENGAN BETUL DAN FAHAMILAH KATA-KATA YANG TELAH AKU SAMPAIKAN KEPADA KAMU. SESUNGGUHNYA AKU TINGGALKAN KEPADA KAMU DUA PERKARA, YANG SEKIRANYA KAMU BERPEGANG TEGUH DAN MENGIKUTI KEDUA-DUANYA NISCAYA KAMU TIDAK AKAN TERSESAT SELAMA LAMANYA.
ITULAH AL-QURAN DAN SUNNAHKU.

HENDAKLAH ORANG-ORANG YANG MENDENGAR UCAPANKU MENYAMPAIKANNYA PULA KEPADA ORANG LAIN DAN HENDAKLAH ORANG LAIN ITU MENYAMPAIKANNYA PULA KEPADA YANG LAIN. SEMOGA YANG TERAKHIR LEBIH MEMAHAMI KATA KATAKU DARI MEREKA YANG MENDENGAR TERUS (LANGSUNG) DARIKU.
SAKSIKAN YA ALLAH BAHWASANYA AKU TELAH SAMPAIKAN RISALAHMU KEPADA HAMBA-HAMBAMU.



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Here is a copy in Bahasa Melayu, taken from here

"Wahai manusia, dengarlah baik-baik apa yang hendak kukatakan, Aku tidak mengetahui apakah aku dapat bertemu lagi dengan kamu semua selepas tahun ini. Oleh itu dengarlah dengan telti kata-kataku ini dan sampaikanlah ia kepada orang-orang yang tidak dapat hadir disini pada hari ini.

Wahai manusia, sepertimana kamu menganggap bulan ini dan Kota ini sebagai suci, maka anggaplah jiwa dan harta setiap orang Muslim sebagai amanah suci.Kembalikan harta yang diamanahkan kepada kamu kepada pemiliknya yang berhak.Janganlah kamu sakiti sesiapapun agar orang lain tidak menyakiti kami lagi. Ingatlah bahawa sesungguhnya, kamu akan menemui Tuhan kamu dan Dia pasti membuat perhitungan diatas segala amalan kamu. Allah telah mengharamkan riba, oleh itu segala urusan yang melibatkan riba dibatalkan sekarang.

Berwaspadalah terhadap syaitan demi keselamatan agama kamu. Dia telah berputus asa untuk menyesatkan kamu dalam perkara-perkara besar, maka berjaga-jagalah supaya kamu tidak mengikuti dalam perkara-perkara kecil.

Wahai Manusia Sebagaimana kamu mempunyai hak atas isteri kamu mereka juga mempunyai hak di atas kamu. Sekiranya mereka menyempurnakan hak mereka keatas kamu, maka mereka, juga berhak untuk diberi makan dan pakaian dalam Susana kasih sayang. Layanilah wanita-wanita kamu dengan baik dan berlemah-lembutlah terhadap mereka kerana sesungguhnya mereka adalah teman dan pembantu kamu yang setia. Dan hak kamu atas mereka ialah mereka sama sekali tidak boleh memasukkan orang yang kamu tidak sukai kedalam rumah kamu dan dilarang melakukan zina.

Wahai Manusia, dengarlah bersungguh-sungguh kata-kataku ini, sembahlah Allah, dirikanlah sembahyang lima kali sehari, berpuasalah di bulan Ramadhan, dan tunaikankanlah zakat dari harta kekayaan kamu. Kerjakanlah Ibadah Haji sekiranya kamu mampu. Ketahui bahawa setiap Muslim adalah saudara kepada Muslim yang lain. Kamu semua adalah sama; tidak seorang pun yang lebih mulia dari yang lainnya kecuali dalam Taqwa dan beramal saleh.

Ingatlah, bahawa, kamu akan menghadap Allah pada suatu hari untuk dipertanggung jawabkan diatas segala apa yang telah kamu kerjakan. Oleh itu Awasilah agar jangan sekali-kali kamu terkeluar dari landasan kebenaran selepas ketiadaaku.

Wahai Manusia, tidak ada lagi Nabi atau Rasul yang akan datang selepasku dan tidak akan ada lain agama baru. Oleh itu wahai manusia, nilailah dengan betul dan fahamilah kata-kataku yang telah aku sampaikan kepada kamu. Sesungguhnya aku tinggalkan kepada kamu dua perkara yang sekiranya kamu berpegang teguh dan mengikuti kedua-duanya, necaya kamu tidak akan tersesat selama-lamanya. Itulah ALQURAN dan SUNNAHKU.

Hendaklah orang-orang yang mendengar ucapanku, menyampaikan pula kepada orang lain. Semoga yang terakhir lebih memahami kata-kataku dari mereka yang terus mendengar dariku. Saksikanlah Ya Allah, bahawasanya telah aku sampaikan risalahMu kepada hamba-hambaMU."


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Here's the Arabic copy, taken from here

 أيها الناس اسمعوا مني أبين لكم فإني لا أدري لعلى لا ألقاكم بعد عامي هذا في موقفي هذا.
أيها الناس إن دماءكم وأعراضكم حرام عليكم إلى أن تلقوا ربكم كحرمة يومكم هذا في شهركم هذا في بلدكم هذا – ألا هل بلغت اللهم فاشهد، فمن كانت عنده أمانة فليؤدها إلى من ائتمنه عليها.
وإن ربا الجاهلية موضوع ولكن لكم رؤوس أموالكم لا تظلمون ولا تظلمون وقضى الله أنه لا ربا. وإن أول ربا أبدأ به عمي العباس بن عبد المطلب.
وإن دماء الجاهلية موضوعة، وإن أول دم نبدأ به دم عامر بن ربيعة بن الحارث بن عبد المطلب وإن مآثر الجاهلية موضوعة غير السدانة والسقاية والعمد قود وشبه العمد ما قتل بالعصا والحجر وفيه مائة بعير، فمن زاد فهو من أهل الجاهلية – ألا هل بلغت اللهم فاشهد.
أما بعد أيها الناس إن الشيطان قد يئس أن يعبد في أرضكم هذه، ولكنه قد رضي أن يطاع فيما سوى ذلك مما تحرقون من أعمالكم فاحذروه على دينكم، أيها الناس إنما النسئ زيادة في الكفر يضل به الذين كفروا يحلونه عاماً ويحرمونه عاماً ليوطئوا عدة ما حرم الله فيحلوا ما حرم الله ويحرموا ما أحل الله. وإن الزمان قد استدار كهيئته يوم خلق الله السماوات والأرض، وإن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهراً في كتاب الله يوم خلق الله السماوات والأرض، منها أربعة حرم ثلاثة متواليات وواحد فرد: ذو القعدة وذو الحجة والمحرم ورجب مضر الذي بين جمادى وشعبان – ألا هل بلغت اللهم فاشهد.
أما بعد أيها الناس إن لنسائكم عليكم حقاً ولكم عليهن حق. لكم أن لا يواطئن فرشهم غيركم، ولا يدخلن أحداً تكرهونه بيوتكم إلا بإذنكم ولا يأتين بفاحشة، فإن فعلن فإن الله قد أذن لكم أن تعضلوهن وتهجروهن في المضاجع وتضربوهن ضرباً غير مبرح، فإن انتهين وأطعنكم فعليكم رزقهن وكسوتهن بالمعروف، واستوصوا بالنساء خيراً، فإنهن عندكم عوان لا يملكن لأنفسهن شيئاً، وإنكم إنما أخذتموهن بأمانة الله واستحللتم فروجهن بكلمة الله فاتقوا الله في النساء واستوصوا بهن خيراً – ألا هل بلغت....اللهم فاشهد.
أيها الناس إنما المؤمنون إخوة ولا يحل لامرئ مال لأخيه إلا عن طيب نفس منه – ألا هل بلغت اللهم فاشهد.
فلا ترجعن بعدى كافراً يضرب بعضكم رقاب بعض، فإني قد تركت فيكم ما إن أخذتم به لن تضلوا بعده: كتاب الله وسنة نبيه، ألا هل بلغت ... اللهم فاشهد.
أيها الناس إن ربكم واحد وإن أباكم واحد كلكم لآدم وآدم من تراب أكرمكم عند الله اتقاكم، وليس لعربي على عجمي فضل إلا بالتقوى – ألا هل بلغت....اللهم فاشهد قالوا نعم – قال فليبلغ الشاهد الغائب. 
أيها الناس إن الله قد قسم لكل وارث نصيبه من الميراث ولا يجوز لوارث وصية، ولا يجوز وصية في أكثر من ثلث، والولد للفراش وللعاهر الحجر. من ادعى إلى غير أبيه أو تولى غير مواليه فعليه لعنة الله والملائكة والناس أجمعين لا يقبل منه صرف ولا عدل. والسلام عليكم. 

Learned this (secretly) from a friend

To start with, this post has no other intention but only to share what might be good for its reader :)

Happy Ramadhan. Praises Be To God for once again allowing us to be in this most blessful month of the year. We surely won't waste this month doing nothing, and hopefully all of our deeds will be rewarded with the best rewards here and the hereafter.

Hmm. How should I start this... I guess some of us had undergone different childhood and upbringings. As for me, things were not as easily available as where I'm now. (Alhamdulilah) but there are things that I felt that needed to be changed. coz as people prosper, we become more eligible to be responsible for others, in this case, the needy. But, let's just don't go there yet.

This is probably part of skill. yes, not just simply somehing that is Ordered. but probably innate within you that you probably didnt realize that you're capable of. or should i say, you are not that incapable. meaning, there is Rizq Promised, Written, before your existence, and therefore, you're probably would want to try to break your mindset that you're left with nothing. As the saying goes, the more you give the more you recieve, and that thing that you give (sincerely) will Clean yourself off things that do not belong to you. But yet, somehow the past, the upbringings, somewhat sipped through and carried over to your adulthood, that is somewhat uneasy to let go.

So, let's get into this. . . As kids some of us probably had experienced this : Given some coins (or a note) of small change, then we put it into the donation box distributed prior/after the congregation prayers. and the same thing for the next friday, or other times during lebaran(s). Some of us probably still experience this up to today, that is to give exclusively only small change for donation. I still did about few years ago though. Until one day during my stay in M'sia I saw a friend who gave an amount that was abit startling to me, knowing his economic situation at that time. I noticed that he put a big note (of RM10 or about Rp30.000) into the box, whilst he himself was in a rather uneasy end-of-the-month situation. This happened few times, in several occarions before Friday prayers.

For me, it wasn't that easy to let go such amount at first, considering I may not be able to buy other things if I regularly donate my own money that much -or that I'm just not used to it-  But, somewhat I'm poised to try. Starting off with whatever coins, be it 5, 10 or 50 cents. I later got used to simply grabbed whatever coins in my pocket without counting.  Then, the weeks after, I gradually increased it with whatever coins and small notes in my pocket. Meaning, if there's RM 1 note, I'll give it together with the coins. RM 1 was considered valuable amount at that time, especially at the end of the month, as you could still buy decent food by adding only 20 cents (Roti Canai kosong = RM 1.20).  Some months after, things started to feel different, it became very easy to give 'just like that'. I got less hesitant to put in any amount, even the bigger notes.

It wasn't just about getting myself used to it though. There was another thing that i learned from the experience . Back then, I would usually went out on the weekends, having dinner outside, going to the malls, hang out with friends or just simply go to the nearest mall (Sunway Pyramid) to do grocery shopping. During this 'self-training' session, I felt that, the urge to go out had never been that high if I donated on Friday, regardless the amount. In other events there usually wont be any spendings on unnecesary things whenever I go out. Somewhat it prevented me from purchasing other stuffs (other than what originally planned to) which I normally took during grocery shopping before.

On the days when I didnt give out though - either I forgot or managed to came up with "excuses" to not to give- I started noticing that there would be something on the weekend that would make me awfully regretful, such as buying extra pack of potato chips that would then got me sore throat, carbonated drinks which then got me gastric, new CDs that I listened only once (I copied it to my laptop afyerwards), magazines which I looked instead of read, stupid self motivational books, or other goods that appealed to the eye, but were not really necessary or not doing any good for your mind and health, if you know what i mean. It's either that or someone would ask me to go out  to places that I eventually felt not taking any benefit from, other than, making me broke (including paying double charge for a midnight cab ride to return home). But then usually, it would be gone if i made it up the next day.

Later on, these experiences somehow made me think, or should I say, it came to my realization, that probably both events had somewhat cause-and-effect relationship as it kept repeating several times. Not sure how to comprehend this, but probably you want to try it yourself and see. and then tell me. I would say, this has something to do with the promised Rizq bestowed upon us as we were born. that regardless how much we give, it'll return in better ways,  unexpected ways, or it'll purify ours from things that are not beneficial for us. But I dont know. God Knows. God is Great.

Rabbi zidni 'ilma(n) war zuqni fahma(n).

Again, this has no other means intended, but only to share what I thought would be good for whoever reads it.

Found this on WikiHOW.

I hope whoever wrote it won't mind if I copied n pasted it here. Hope this post will benefit whoever read it.

 

HOW TO CONCENTRATE ON SALAT
Click the link above to view this article on its original page.

Before the Prayer

1. 1
   Identify the factors that distracts you in prayers, then try to eliminate them. For example, if you are always distracted by the noise outside of your house, go to the nearest mosque instead of praying in your own home.
2. 2
   Learn the meaning of prayer. Try to find out what the exact meaning of the words that you are reciting. Think the meaning as you recite the verses. This will definitely keep your mind on your prayer. What you are saying won't just be a bunch of Arabic words anymore; it'll have meaning to it.
3. 3
   Try your best to pray together with other Muslims. In Islam, this is known as jama'ah.You will ultimately feel a sense of togetherness. You might also want to have your prayer done at your local mosque. There would normally be some brothers of Muslims in the mosque. Offer to shake your hands to them or even start a new conversation with them.
4. 4
   Learn to perform your prayer according to the sunnah of our blessed prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
5. 5
   Give your mind a break for a few minutes. Take a time out from this world and relax. Capture calmness in your mind. Prepare the mind by thinking about your salat.
6. 6
   Relieve yourself from your mental stresses.
7. 7
   Put on good clothing.
8. 8
   Plan what Surahs and Du'ahs you are going to recite.
9. 9
   Intend that you are praying to Allah Almighty and only for His sake. Focus on the nature of the prayer you are making. The clearer you are in your intention, the better your attention and concentration will be.

During the Prayer

1. 1
   Instill discipline in yourself. Stand upright with a softened heart. Think of your prayer as your last prayer, as how one hadeeth says. Believe that Allah is by your side. Be as quiet and still as possible and try not to fidget. Keep your eyes open and look down straight to where your head will be when you prostrate (sudjood)
2. 2
   Don't pray hastily. Perform every part of your prayer with care and in a relaxed manner, as what one hadeeth would say, "Hastiness is from satan."
3. 3
   Remember that you are meeting with nobody but Allah!
4. 4
   Pay attention to the recitation.
5. 5
   Adopt your own way of reciting softly without disturbing others.
6. 6
   Bring the mind back when ever you feel that it's lost. Recite Ata'uz (Refuge to Allah from Satan):
   
   A'udhubillahiminash shaitaan nirrajim.

After The Prayer

1. 1
   Do not rush away after the prayer. Sit for a while for evaluation, Dhikr and Du'ah. Evaluate whether the prayer has softened your heart.
2. 2
   Implore Allah earnestly to accept your prayers. Recite:
   
   Allahumma a 'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husn 'ibadatika
   "O Allah, help me in remembering You, in thanking You and in worshipping You in the best way."
   
   
3. 3
   Recite Dhikr as prescribed by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
   • Allahumma antas salamu wa minkas salamu wa ilaika yarji'us salam. Haiyina Rabbana bis salami tabarakta ya dhal dhalaali wal ikram
   • Subhanallah "Exalted is Allah" (33 times), Alhamdullilah "Praise to God" (33 times),Allahu Akbar "God is the Greatest" (33 times)
4. 4
   Seek refuge from hell fire, especially after Fajr and Maghrib,
5. 5
   Say your peace to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him),
6. 6
   Du'ah as you need.

Outside the Prayer

1. 1
   Don’t treat prayer as an isolated act of worship, but part of your lifestyle. Keep in mind that your life in general has an effect on prayer (and vice versa).
2. 2
   Keep your lifestyle pure and clean. Eating non-halal food, earning unlawful income, and committing sins take away the joy and concentration in prayer.
3. 3
   Begin to schedule your work according to prayers. Let your employers or boss know that you need a few minutes break for prayers and a longer break on Friday noon (for Muslim brothers). Avoid night shift duty, if possible.
4. 4
   Try to go to bed early so that you do not miss your morning prayer.
5. 5
   Too much engagement in worldly affairs hinders the mind to be attentive inside the prayers.
   • ...surely by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest. (Quran 18: 28)
   • Avoid activities that divert your attention (e.g. too much gossip, TV, music etc), as mentioned in Surah Al-Mu’minun.

I claim no rights to the above writings. The original article can be found here
I just hoped re-posting this would benefit to whoever read it, just as it did to me. :)

The Stream

Some may not realize the stream. that a smooth sailing life may not be the life worth living, we may be drifting within the stream along with other drifters, which then made us look like, relatively, we're not moving. and that we're just like everyoneelse. We might feel the breeze of the journey, that feels refreshing, but as the stream goes to shallow waters, you would gradually sense the mud dragging your feet, and suddenly bumped into gravels and rocks underneath. Things around you changed as you tumbled over and tossed aside. Somehow then, you know you're in a stream, but somehow you choose to endure. Unlike them, you might have been taught to swim ashore, but you choose not, and teased those you passed by as cowards for not taking the journey further as you go along.

But, honestly, you may not know exactly where you're going, and that the jokes have not been on them. They were given the choice to tell you, but some of you shut your ears. "Be it!" you said. Though they were wet and might seem like a stand still as you flow over, they walk each and every steps across the stream for a land much promising ahead of them. Then, as you slowly flow over a deep calm water, and unable to feel the breeze, you're caught up banging your head up and down, right and left, denying the reality that you're now trapped with no base to stand. As you're adrift in a boundless ocean.

It's a Cycle of (dot) (dot) (dot) ?

Today, is the day when Venus crosses the sun. Some astro scientists said that it's the second coming of its twin-like cycle of appearance after June 2004 transit, the next one sould be 105 years from now.

The importance of the event varies amongst the observer. But Surely, it helps us to understand of how big is big, and how small is small through this once (or probably twice) in a life time chance to directly compare the size of a planet next to us to the sun. Venus is said to be about the same size as earth by radius. And yet how lucky we are to be 'placed' here on earth. And it gives a sense of gratitude to be here at the right distance, as compared to being in unimaginably hot Venus. And that we could imagine how small the earth could be, seen from Mars and other planets further from the sun. and how 'insignificant' we (the human) are.

It's interesting when scientist could predict the cycle of planetary objects to appear and to where its course is heading. Yet, still, no one knows what cycle 'a week' represents. As we know, a month is a cycle of moon re-appearing in its original phase. A year is said to be the time when the earth completes its course around the sun. and a day is a cycle of sun rising and setting. If a month is not entirely made of similar amount of days. and thus a year does not always consists of an exact 365 cycles of sunrise and sunsets, and that a year is when the moon has changed its phase 12 times. and yet a year is not always made of 52 weeks as 365 (366 on leap year) could not be evenly devided by 52. Should they then be considered as separate measures? Still, what is a week? What inspires the 7-day count? Who started it? If some religious activities carried out in 7 day interval within a week, does 'A Week' originate from a religious trait then? Still, of what?

This may sound differently to different readers, but i just want to make sure the emphasis is that there are probably a lot more things around us that we have no idea what it is, and it's not about something unusual, it's about something as casual as 'a week'.

This is only a ponder. no other means intended.