Badan Siswa Islam Malaysia, Malang (BASISMA)

Hijab literally means to cover, to veil or to shelter. In Islam, women have been ordered to cover themselves and be modest. The term hijab has different meanings and connotations in various cultures, peoples and places around the world. The hijab is understood differently and the way it is worn differs from one person to the next. Some Muslim women are of the belief that it is not imperative to don the hijab, while others believe that if a woman neglects to wear hijab, she will be liable to punishment.
The Qur`an states:

(They (the believing women) should draw their head coverings over their bosoms.) (An-Nur 24:31)

(O Prophet [PBUH] Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should put on their outer garments; that is most convenient in order that they may be recognized (as Muslims) and not be molested.) (Al-Ahzab 33:59)

Thoughts of Young Muslims

There are many Muslim women who proudly wear the hijab. For some it has been a way of life from the time of their youth, while others are only beginning to wear it. The decision to start wearing the hijab can be complex for some, and it takes many months or years for them to finally put it into action. There are many Muslim women who intend to wear the hijab, but delay the decision for several reasons. iloveAllaah.com spoke to a number of women, some who wear hijab, and some who do not, asking them the reasons why they believe some women delay this decision. We also posed the question to them regarding the benefits of wearing hijab.

Sarah, 25 years, Canada (originally from Afghanistan)

I have been wearing hijab since childhood. Although I agree that inspiration plays a role in everything we do, I am wearing it because my religion requires me to do so. I think one of the major reasons for delaying wearing the hijab is that it is part of human nature to want to look good, and be admired. Women are more conscious of that, and hijab covers a lot of a women's beauty, although to some wearing hijab itself is beautiful. Some of the advantages of wearing hijab are that it covers a Muslim woman’s adornment, so she is safer in the society. It differentiates a Muslim woman from a non-Muslim woman. It protects both men and women from immoral behavior. There are also a lot of times when non-Muslims ask the Muslim woman who wears hijab why she is wearing it, and this gives a great opportunity for da`wah.

Leena, 15 years old, U.S.

I do not wear hijab because no one has ever forced me to wear it. For me hijab means dressing decently, and not necessarily covering the head. To those that do wear hijab, I believe they should not wear heavy make-up and adorn themselves extravagantly, as this defeats its purpose. In reality, they are trying to make up for their hair being covered.

Amani, 16 years old, U.K.

I chose to wear the hijab after understanding Islam. As a teenager I was very interested in whether God really existed. After questioning and finally understanding my faith, I accepted Islam. Even though all my family is Muslim, I decided to make my own decision, instead of blindly following my parents. I have been wearing hijab since the age of twelve or thirteen.

"I think the reasons behind delaying the decision of wearing the hijab include the person’s appearance. Some of my friends feel that if they wear hijab they may look ’ugly’ or people may not accept them. Others feel that wearing hijab is not as important or is unnecessary.

"My response to these people would be that if people do not accept you when you wear your hijab, then there is no point in hanging around with those who truly do not love you, but only care about your appearance.

"Also, what can be more important than being loyal to Almighty Allah and following your heart? And, why should you dress in a way that exploits you for the sake of men, and allow them to treat you like a sex object? You should have more confidence in yourself and who you are. The hijab is a form of modesty, and a way of following the guidelines Almighty Allah has set, and this is surely of great importance.

Israa', 14 years old, Kuwait

I have been wearing hijab for the past two months. My friends started to wear it, and my mother encouraged me, so I decided to wear it. The reason why I wear hijab is that I want Allah the Almighty to love me.

Fatima, 23 years old, South Africa

I do not wear hijab, because I feel that I am not yet ready for it. When you wear hijab your whole lifestyle has to change. I believe that you should start off changing the small things in life for the better. However, by the time you wear hijab, you should not be involved in wrong things, and then people will not accuse you of being hypocritical.

"The importance of wearing hijab is that a woman should only beautify herself for her husband. By wearing hijab, she is protecting herself from the gaze of other men.

Top Ten Excuses for not Wearing Hijab

• I am not yet convinced (of the necessity) of hijab.


• I am convinced about the Islamic dress code, but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her, I will go to Hell.


• My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for Islamic dress.


• It is very hot in my country, and I can not stand it. How could I bear the heat if I wore the hijab?


• I am afraid that if I wear the hijab, I will take it off at some future time because I have seen so many others do this!


• If I wear the hijab then nobody will marry me, so I am going to leave it off until then.


• I do not wear hijab based on what Almighty Allah says, (And proclaim the grace of your Lord) (Ad-Duha 93:11), so how can I cover what Allah the Almighty has blessed me with?


• I know that hijab is obligatory (wajib), but I will wear it when Almighty Allah guides me to do so.


• It is not time for that yet. I am still too young to wear hijab. I will do it when I get older, and after I go on Hajj!


• I am afraid that if I wear Islamic clothing, I will be labeled as belonging to some group or another.

The Benefits of Wearing Hijab

Although there are incidents in which women have been taunted for wearing hijab, a woman wearing it is often looked upon with great respect. One young woman mentioned that she saw a clear distinction in the way the boys at her college treated women who wear hijab compared to those who do not wear it. When wearing the hijab, you can easily be identified as a Muslim. Contrary to what some may think, many women who wear hijab mentioned that they feel more confident. It covers the adornment of women and generally protects her from being looked upon with lust.

Someone posted the question of the advantages of wearing hijab on Yahoo answers, and a non-Muslim male replied saying: I am not a Muslim, but I can tell you that people will respect you more. There are too many half-naked women walking the streets these days. Wearing hijab shows that you have dignity and respect for yourself and God. Wearing hijab also makes one feel closer to Allah the Almighty, since you are obeying His commandments in the hope that you will attain His pleasure.

Hijab and Social Responsibility

When hijab is discussed, we usually relate it only to women. However, in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah the Almighty (SWT) first mentions ‘hijab’ for men before ‘hijab’ for women. (Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.) (An-Nur 24:30)

When a man looks at a woman, and he has an evil thought, he should lower his gaze.

Hijab for Women

(And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...) (An-Nur 24:31)

In fact, we should remember that hijab has a much deeper meaning than the literal concept of covering ones self. With hijab comes modesty and good e hijab trepresents. It is much more than merely covering our heads. We should not demean those who do not wear the hijab and consider ourselves to be any better than them. Almighty Allah is the best of judges and it is He alone who knows what is in the heart of each person.

May Allah the Almighty grant us all the guidance to live our lives in compliance with His commands.

"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]

Source: www.iloveAllaah.com

Seorang penuntut ilmu tidak boleh futur dalam usahanya untuk memperoleh dan mengamalkan ilmu. Futur yaitu rasa malas, enggan, dan lamban dimana sebelumnya ia rajin, bersungguh-sungguh, dan penuh semangat.

Futur adalah satu penyakit yang sering menyerang sebagian ahli ibadah, para da’i, dan penuntut ilmu. Sehingga seseorang menjadi lemah dan malas, bahkan terkadang berhenti sama sekali dari melakukan aktivitas kebaikan.

Orang yang terkena penyakit futur ini berada pada tiga golongan, yaitu:

1). Golongan yang berhenti sama sekali dari aktivitasnya dengan sebab futur, dan golongan ini banyak sekali.

2). Golongan yang terus dalam kemalasan dan patah semangat, namun tidak sampai berhenti sama sekali dari aktivitasnya, dan golongan ini lebih banyak lagi.

3). Golongan yang kembali pada keadaan semula, dan golongan ini sangat sedikit. [1]

Futur memiliki banyak dan bermacam-macam sebab. Apabila seorang muslim selamat dari sebagiannya, maka sedikit sekali kemungkinan selamat dari yang lainnya. Sebab-sebab ini sebagiannya ada yang bersifat umum dan ada yang bersifat khusus.

Di antara sebab-sebab itu adalah.

1). Hilangnya keikhlasan.
2). Lemahnya ilmu syar’i.
3). Ketergantungan hati kepada dunia dan melupakan akhirat.
4). Fitnah (cobaan) berupa isteri dan anak.
5). Hidup di tengah masyarakat yang rusak.
6). Berteman dengan orang-orang yang memiliki keinginan yang lemah dan cita-cita duniawi.
7). Melakukan dosa dan maksiyat serta memakan yang haram.
8). Tidak mempunyai tujuan yang jelas (baik dalam menuntut ilmu maupun berdakwah).
9). Lemahnya iman.
10). Menyendiri (tidak mau berjama’ah).
11). Lemahnya pendidikan. [2]

Futur adalah penyakit yang sangat ganas, namun tidaklah Allah menurunkan penyakit melainkan Dia pun menurunkan obatnya. Akan mengetahuinya orang-orang yang mau mengetahuinya, dan tidak akan mengetahuinya orang-orang yang enggan mengetahuinya.

Di antara obat penyakit futur adalah.

1). Memperbaharui keimanan.
Yaitu dengan mentauhidkan Allah dan memohon kepada-Nya agar ditambah keimanan, serta memperbanyak ibadah, menjaga shalat wajib yang lima waktu dengan berjama’ah, mengerjakan shalat-shalat sunnah rawatib, melakukan shalat Tahajjud dan Witir. Begitu juga dengan bersedekah, silaturahmi, birrul walidain, dan selainnya dari amal-amal ketaatan.
2). Merasa selalu diawasi Allah Ta’ala dan banyak berdzikir kepada-Nya.
3). Ikhlas dan takwa.
4). Mensucikan hati (dari kotoran syirik, bid’ah dan maksiyat).
5). Menuntut ilmu, tekun menghadiri pelajaran, majelis taklim, muhadharah ilmiyyah, dan daurah-daurah syar’iyyah.
6). Mengatur waktu dan mengintrospeksi diri.
7). Mencari teman yang baik (shalih).
8). Memperbanyak mengingat kematian dan takut terhadap suul khatimah (akhir kehidupan yang jelek).
9). Sabar dan belajar untuk sabar.
10). Berdo’a dan memohon pertologan Allah. [3]

PENUNTUT ILMU TIDAK BOLEH PUTUS ASA DALAM MENUNTUT ILMU DAN WASPADA TERHADAP BOSAN

Sebab, bosan adalah penyakit yang mematikan, membunuh cita-cita seseorang sebesar sifat bosan yang ada pada dirinya. Setiap kali orang itu menyerah terhadap kebosanan, maka ilmunya akan semakin berkurang. Terkadang sebagian kita berkata dengan tingkah lakunya, bahkan dengan lisannya, “Saya telah pergi ke banyak majlis ilmu, namun saya tidak bisa mengambil manfaat kecuali sedikit.”

Ingatlah wahai saudaraku, kehadiran Anda dalam majlis ilmu cukup membuat Anda mendapatkan pahala. Bagaimana jika Anda mengumpulkan antara pahala dan manfaat? Oleh karena itu, janganlah putus asa. Ketahuilah, ada beberapa orang yang jika saya ceritakan kisah mereka, maka Anda akan terheran-heran. Di antaranya, pengarang kitab Dzail Thabaqaat al-Hanabilah. Ketika menulis biografi, ia menyebutkan banyak cerita unik beberapa orang ketika mereka menuntut ilmu.

‘Abdurrahman bin an-Nafis -salah seorang ulama madzhab Hanbali- dulunya adalah seorang penyanyi. Ia mempunyai suara yang bagus, lalu ia bertaubat dari kemunkaran ini. Ia pun menuntut ilmu dan ia menghafal kitab al-Haraqi, salah satu kitab madzhab Hanbali yang terkenal. Lihatlah bagaimana keadaannya semula. Ketika ia jujur dalam taubatnya, apa yang ia dapatkan?

Demikian pula dengan ‘Abdullah bin Abil Hasan al-Jubba’i. Dahulunya ia seorang Nashrani. Keluarganya juga Nashrani bahkan ayahnya pendeta orang-orang Nashrani sangat mengagungkan mereka. Akhirnya ia masuk Islam, menghafal Al-Qur-an dan menuntut ilmu. Sebagian orang yang sempat melihatnya berkata, “Ia mempunyai pengaruh dan kemuliaan di kota Baghdad.”

Demikian juga dengan Nashiruddin Ahmad bin ‘Abdis Salam. Dahulu ia adalah seorang penyamun (perampok). Ia menceritakan tentang kisah taubatnya dirinya: Suatu hari ketika tengah menghadang orang yang lewat, ia duduk di bawah pohon kurma atau di bawah pagar kurma. Lalu melihat burung berpindah dari pohon kurma dengan teratur. Ia merasa heran lalu memanjat ke salah satu pohon kurma itu. Ia melihat ular yang sudah buta dan burung tersebut melemparkan makanan untuknya. Ia merasa heran dengan apa yang dilihat, lalu ia pun taubat dari dosanya. Kemudian ia menuntut ilmu dan banyak mendengar dari para ulama. Banyak juga dari mereka yang mendengar pelajarannya.

Inilah sosok-sosok yang dahulunya adalah seorang penyamun, penyanyi dan ada pula yang Nashrani. Walau demikian, mereka menjadi pemuka ulama, sosok mereka diacungi jempol dan amal mereka disebut-sebut setelah mereka meninggal.

Jangan putus asa, berusahalah dengan sungguh-sungguh, mohonlah pertolongan kepada Allah dan jangan lemah. Walaupun Anda pada hari ini belum mendapatkan ilmu, maka curahkanlah terus usahamu di hari kedua, ketiga, keempat,.... setahun, dua tahun, dan seterusnya...[4]

Seorang penuntut ilmu tidak boleh terburu-buru dalam meraih ilmu syar’i. Menuntut ilmu syar’i tidak bisa kilat atau dikursuskan dalam waktu singkat. Harus diingat, bahwa perjalanan dalam menuntut ilmu adalah panjang dan lama, oleh karena itu wajib sabar dan selalu memohon pertolongan kepada Allah agar tetap istiqamah dalam kebenaran.

[Disalin dari buku Menuntut Ilmu Jalan Menuju Surga “Panduan Menuntut Ilmu”, Penulis Yazid bin Abdul Qadir Jawas, Penerbit Pustaka At-Taqwa, PO BOX 264 – Bogor 16001 Jawa Barat – Indonesia, Cetakan Pertama Rabi’uts Tsani 1428H/April 2007M]
__________
Foote Notes
[1]. Lihat al-Futur Mazhaahiruhu wa Asbaabuhu wal ‘Ilaaj (hal. 22).
[2]. Lihat al-Futur Mazhaahiruhu wa Asbaabuhu wal ‘Ilaaj (hal. 43-71).
[3]. Ibid (hal. 88-119) dengan diringkas.
[4]. Ma’aalim fii Thariiq Thalabil ‘Ilmi (hal. 278-279)

Oleh: Al-Ustadz Yazid bin Abdul Qadir Jawas

Kecut perut? Hilang selera makan? Tidur tidak lena? Hilang fokus? Ini merupakan simptom-simptom serangan examinitis yang selalunya menyerang kawasan kota dan bandar-bandar besar di seluruh dunia. Penyakit ini tidaklah begitu kronik jika mahu diukur dengan skala kemanusian seperti mana yang dihadapi oleh sebahagian manusia di Palestin, Darfur, Iraq, Filipina, Selatan Thailand dan banyak lagi. Apatah lagi jika mahu dinilai dengan neraca Ilahi yang mana sesiapa yang mengidapnya akan dirawat di bahagian pesakit luar. Namun setiap yang kecil jika tidak disikapi dan dihadapi dengan cara yang sepatutnya boleh mendatangkan kesan yang amat memudaratkan. Begitu juga dengan penyakit examinitis ini. Malahan keaadaan pesakit akan bertambah buruk sekiranya tidak menyedari akan terdapatnya penyakit ini pada dirinya sepertimana keadaan manusia pada hari ini yang kebanyakkannya tidak menyedari akan kesakitan yang mereka hadapi yang menyebabkan mereka terus menerus berada di dalam kesengsaraan. Maka di sini disertakan maklumat lanjut tentang examinitis dan cara menghadapinya.

Nama saintifik: Examinitis

Golongan sasar yang mudah dijangkiti:

Semua golongan yang berada di institusi-institusi pendidikan terutamanya golongan muda yang berumur 17-26 tahun

Most vulnerable:

· Pelajar tajaan yang mempunyai perjanjian dengan penaja

· Ciri-ciri lain yang tidak dapat disenaraikan

Tanda-tanda awal:

· Sudah tidak PD (baca PeDe atau mudahnya percaya diri)

o Tidak mendapat keputusan yang diharapkan

o Mencuba tetapi masih merasa hampa

o Gagal mengesani punca yang membawa kepada hilang percaya diri

o Tertekan dengan expectation masyarakat (baca bisikan halus dari dalam diri yang mendatangkan gambaran-gambaran negatif )

· Dan lain-lain lagi yang sukar untuk diperkatakan namun mudah untuk digambarkan

Bagi sesiapa yang mengidapnya, di sini disertakan beberapa kaedah tradisional yang tidak luput ditelan zaman semenjak ratusan tahun yang lampau.

· Ambil wudhu dan mulakan analisa diri secara telus dan tulus

o Berikut disertakan sebahagian checklist analisa;

§ Keikhlasan niat dan perbuatan

§ Usaha yang tersusun dan berterusan

§ Kefahaman akan konsep usaha dan tawakal

§ kefahaman terhadap keperluan dan pergantungan kepada Allah

· Memahami bacaan dalam solat dan zikir al-mathurat

o sebagai contohnya:

286. Allah tidak memberati seseorang melainkan apa Yang terdaya olehnya. ia mendapat pahala kebaikan Yang diusahakannya, dan ia juga menanggung dosa kejahatan Yang diusahakannya. (Mereka berdoa Dengan berkata): “Wahai Tuhan kami! janganlah Engkau mengirakan Kami salah jika Kami lupa atau Kami tersalah. Wahai Tuhan Kami ! janganlah Engkau bebankan kepada Kami bebanan Yang berat sebagaimana Yang telah Engkau bebankan kepada orang-orang Yang terdahulu daripada kami. Wahai Tuhan kami! janganlah Engkau pikulkan kepada Kami apa Yang Kami tidak terdaya memikulnya. dan maafkanlah kesalahan kami, serta ampunkanlah dosa kami, dan berilah rahmat kepada kami. Engkaulah Penolong kami; oleh itu, tolonglah Kami untuk mencapai kemenangan terhadap kaum-kaum Yang kafir”.

• Janganlah kamu bersikap lemah, dan janganlah kamu bersedih hati
  • Telaahlah buku La Tahzan Jangan Bersedih (Don’t Be Sad). Author: Aidh Abdullah Al-Qarni. Sedikit keratan buat menggugah jiwa:
  • Orang-orang yang berwawasan sempit senantiasa melihat seluruh alam
    ini seperti apa yang mereka alami. Mereka tidak pernah memikirkan apa
    yang terjadi pada orang lain, tidak pernah hidup untuk orang lain, dan
    tidak pernah memperhatikan sekitarnya. Memang ada kalanya kita harus
    memikirkan diri kita sendiri dan menjaga jarak dari sesama, yaitu tatkala
    kita sedang melupakan kepedihan, kegundahan, dan kesedihan kita. Dan,
    itu artinya kita dapat mendapatkan dua hal secara bersamaan:
    membahagiakan diri kita dan tidak merepotkan orang lain.
    Satu hal mendasar dalam seni mendapatkan kegembiraan adalah
    bagaimana mengendalikan dan menjaga pikiran agar tidak terpecah. Apalagi
    bila Anda tidak mengendalikan pikiran Anda dalam setiap melakukan
    sesuatu, niscaya ia tak akan terkendali. la akan mudah membawa Anda
    pada berkas-berkas kesedihan masa lalu. Dan pikiran liar yang tak terkedali
    itu tak hanya akan menghidupkan kembali luka lama, tetapi juga
    membisikkan masa depan yang mencekam. Ia juga dapat membuat tubuh
    gemetar, kepribadian goyah, dan perasaan terbakar. Karena itu, kendalikan
    pikiran Anda ke arah yang baik dan mengarah pada perbuatan yang
    bermanfaat.
    {Dan, bertawakallah kepada Dzat Yang Maha Hidup dan tidak pernah mati.}
    (QS. Al-Furqan: 5

• Life is a test so look forward and start working briliantly

sumber: http://bahantarbiyyah.info/v4/content/view/54/48/

“I’m so tired.”
“Tired of what?”
“Of all these people judging me.”
“Who judged you?”
“Like that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab.”
“Oh, hijab and music! The mother of all topics!”
“Yeah! I listen to music without hijab…haha!”
“Maybe she was just giving you advice.”
“I don’t need her advice. I know my religion. Can`t she mind her own business?”
“Maybe you misunderstood. She was just being nice.”
“Keeping out of my business, that would be nice…”
“But it’s her duty to encourage you do to good.”
“Trust me. That was no encouragement. And what do you mean `good` ?”
“Well, wearing hijab, that would be a good thing to do.”
“Says who?”
“It’s in the Qur’an, isn’t it?”
“Yes. She did quote me something.”
“She said Surah Nur, and other places of the Qur’an.”
“Yes, but it’s not a big sin anyway. Helping people and praying is more important.”
“True. But big things start with small things.”
“That’s a good point, but what you wear is not important. What’s important is to have a good healthy heart.”
“What you wear is not important?”
“That’s what I said.”
“Then why do you spend an hour every morning fixing up?”
“What do you mean?”
“You spend money on cosmetics, not to mention all the time you spend on fixing your hair and low-carb dieting.”
“So?”
“So, your appearance IS important.”
“No. I said wearing hijab is not an important thing in religion.”
“If it’s not an important thing in religion, why is it mentioned in the Holy Qur’an?”
“You know I can’t follow all that’s in Qur’an.”
“You mean God tells you something to do, you disobey and then it’s OK?”
“Yes. God is forgiving.”
“God is forgiving to those who repent and do not repeat their mistakes.”
“Says who?”
“Says the same book that tells you to cover.”
“But I don’t like hijab, it limits my freedom.”
“But the lotions, lipsticks, mascara and other cosmetics set you free?!
What`s your definition of freedom anyway?”
“Freedom is in doing whatever you like to do.”
“No. Freedom is in doing the right thing, not in doing whatever we wish to do.”

“And he(/she) is indeed a failure who corrupts it [the soul]!”
[Holy Quran,Surah As-Syams 91:10]

“Nay! You prefer the life of this world; While the hereafter is better and
more lasting.”[Holy Quran, Surah Al-A’la: 87:16-17]

“You are the best community (Ummah) raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.”[Holy Quran, Surah Ali Imran: 3:110]

originated from (http://aliimranzone.blogspot.com)

A person's mind and thoughts can travel the world until there is
nothing left to explore. There are no boundaries to where the mind
can go, which is why that there are so many fields of knowledge and
experiences that people can achieve.

The knowledge of human beings spans the highest mountains to the
deepest oceans. Mankind has explored everything: deserts, wastelands,
the heart of the planet, all rivers large and small, even the
intricacies of the human brain.

On its journey of discovery, the human mind has wandered all four
corners of the globe. The mind has roamed and explored the deepest
jungles, learning about the creatures that inhabit it and other
natural treasures. All the resources of the world have been explored
by their minds.

The world seems to have shrunk under the scrutiny of those who study
every aspect of it. There is nothing that people have not seen and
analysed. All the secrets of the world are out in the open.

That is how great the human mind is in exploring every corner of the
world. And this has yet to consider the additional exploring that can
be done when the physical body can travel along with the mind,
enabling closer study and the reveal of more secrets of God's world.

It is with the power of the human intellect that the planet's secrets
are revealed, as though the human brain is a bird, soaring over the
world freely. The world is akin to an open book, with its contents
visible to anyone to read.

If that is the state of the human brain, it is free to roam the world
at will. This is the extraordinary ability of the human mind as
created by God Al Mighty, the Most Powerful.

Still, although the ability of the human mind seems to be without
boundaries, at the same time the human soul is becoming narrower and
more restricted because the faith is weak when the person is not with
God. Their lives are difficult and tormented without God, as though
they are in living in a darkened cell. At these times even the brain
with all its abilities cannot help them. It, too, will be trapped in
the darkness. All thoughts and knowledge will be powerless.

Where is the proof? There is a great deal of evidence, we need only
to look around at the world we live in today. For example, whenever
times are difficult, such as being hit, being criticised by the
spouse, bankruptcy, losing a job, falling ill, having broken bones,
being caught and put in jail, and so on so forth, the soul feels
trapped and screaming for help, because the iman is weak or lacking
altogether. The soul suffers. The wide world feels small and
confined, and the body feels like it has been buried alive. The mind
that was previously free and independent, rich in knowledge and
flying all over the world cannot help. Thoughts run wild. Feelings go
haywire, principles are abandoned, confidence is lost.

It is only then that we understand, if only the mind has strength but
the soul is weak, then in the end the mind will also be affected and
lose its usefulness, affecting everything else in the person. Their
characteristics, habits, morals and behaviour will change. In fact,
the only things that won't change are their name and the colour of
their skin. But all that is within them will change completely. Those
around them would be shocked speechless to see the changes that come
through.

That is what happens when the soul is weak and lacking in faith. The
person will feel trapped whenever hardships occur. They are akin to a
bird trapped in a cage, rattling and pecking and wrestling the bars
in a futile attempt to free themselves, driven by madness and
desperation.

This is why in Islam, everyone is commanded not only are they to
strength their minds, it is more important to strengthen their souls.
The soul is to be strengthened with faith and the traits of God
fearing [taqwa], so that when they are tested, the soul will not
suffer in agony. All their confidence and principles in their
religion would not sway. Their mind will continue to function
properly because the soul is stable and unaffected.

Thus, let us not say that our soul is trapped by worldly problems.
Let us not confine out soul in the torment of the lust [nafs] that
naturally do no want our souls to be free and independent. Let us not
let our soul suffer from the hardships that come our way. We should
let our souls free to explore not only the four corners of this
world, but also the after death world (malakut world), spiritual
world and the hereafter, so that it is as free as it can possible be
from all restrictions.

In addition, what is more important is that people constantly keep
their spirits close to God. They should bring God with them wherever
they go, and so they are never alone. Let us make God our spiritual
friend. We should not turn our back on our opportunity to be close to
God.