Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Several mass media published my appeal to the four prominent figures in the country for them to sit together and discuss with each other the future of the Muslims in this country specifically and the future of the nation generally in the name of ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic Brotherhood). They are Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

I do not appeal for them to dismiss their political ideas or dissolve their political parties but instead, for them to talk to each other as commanded by Allah in the al-Quran (translated as): “In most of their secret talks there is no good: but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between men, (secrecy is permissible): to him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah, we shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).” (Surah al-Nisa’: verse 114)

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Ibn Taimiyyah (661-728H), or as he famously known Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah was a resplendent light that graced the history of the glorious Ulama of the past. He was an unsurpassed and unmatchable scholar, a fierce warrior who fought off the invasion of the Tatar army into the Muslim territories. He performed jihad using his pens, speech and sword.

One time, Ibn Taimiyyah along with a number of Ulama in Damsyik went to see the King of Tatar named Qazan. The King of Tatar claimed that he had embraced Islam but he still performed wickedness and oppression towards the Muslims. Ibn Taimiyyah went in to meet with him and to give him good advices. With a firm tone and a clear message, Syeikhul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah advised King Qazan.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

It is interesting to read the story of al-Imam al-Nawawi (631-676H) when he was asked by the King during his time whose name was al-Malik al-Zahir to issue a fatwa (a ruling on a point of Islamic law ) that allowed the King to acquire the nation’s wealth to embattle the kingdom’s enemy namely the army of Tartar. On the surface, the objective seemed commendable that is to defend the kingdom from the enemy’s menacing threat. After all, the wealth was intended for fulfilling the requirement of jihad (holy struggle).

However, many scholars at that time were executed for refusing to issue the fatwa. Al-Nawawi also refused to write a letter supporting the deed of King Zahir despite knowing that the acquisition of the nation’s wealth was for the benefit of the kingdom.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Many fail to distinguish between excitement and happiness or peace of mind. Some may have not experienced the taste of happiness despite being surrounded with excitement most of the time.

So many five star rated performers are able to make thousands of their fans scream with excitement when they watch their show but the performers themselves are not happy.

Therefore, it is not surprising that so many celebrities are involved in drug abuse and lead a stressful life. Indeed, excitement does not necessarily equal to happiness or peace of mind.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Holding on to Islam means to have complete faith or full confidence in all the contents of the teaching of the glorious religion. The stronghold on the teaching of Islam has to be founded on the faith that Allah s.w.t has commanded us to submit ourselves to him by obeying His Commands stated in al-Quran and al-Sunnah.

We should not be showing off our grip on Islam only because we wish to satisfy the people, or convince the voters, or prevent people from speaking negatively of us or to fish for and reap the benefits of certain rewards or business ventures. We should not be campaigning for Islam to strengthen our political position, nor to increase our sale nor to legalize our fault.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

Of late, the cry of slogans that advocate the superiority of a certain race is being intensely heard. Issues of cultural heritage, time-honored spirit and treasured folklores are being raised yet again. Some may wish to, once again, kiss the keris (traditional Malay dagger) that has long been kept hidden or chew on betel and areca or dance the zapin and joget (traditional Malay dances).

It is their choice but one thing to keep in mind is that ethnic based struggle is far more constricted that the struggle to advocate the principles of Islam that is universal in nature and more just to all. It is not wrong to struggle for the well-being of one’s own race but it will be wrong if it turns into racism that can lead to oppression to others.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

When we read the al-Quran and al-Sunnah, we will discover how just Allah is and none is comparable to His Justness. On the other hand, this world seems to be full with injustice because of the handwork of humankind that has destroyed the beautiful and wonderful system Allah put in place for all living things in this world.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

I am not sure what will happen to our generation in the next decades. The world is becoming more and more polluted. Probably, they will not be able to set their eyes on the various species of beautiful animal and plants exist today. Clouds bearing acidic compounds, seas contaminated with toxic, forest devastation and polluted air. That is the kind of life looming over them.

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

I have been urged by many quarters to give my opinion on the usage of the name of Allah by other religions in Malaysia specifically Christianity. In the beginning, I kept evading the questions and only gave a short remark by saying: “This issue is not about the authoritative texts of Islam. It is more of an administration issue and locally restricted.”

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Written by Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
Translation by Umm Hajar (ummhajar@gmail.com)

I had just met YAB the Prime Minister personally in his office last Thursday. I voiced out my opinions concerning a few matters. Among the issues I raised was about the requirement for someone converting to Islam to inform his family about his decision. I asked him to clarify his intention since I truly disagree with him if that is made a pre-requisite.

He told me that it is not intended to be a pre-requisite to validate their registrations and that he will make an explanation to clarify this later. I thanked him and felt relieved. If not, our new Muslim brothers will be victimized by the pressure coming from their family and the law. Because of that, in a country where Islam is the official religion, its followers will be inappropriately downtrodden. Where is then the Islamic identity of this country?

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