The Manifestation of Love by the Creator

"You taught me everything

And everything you've given me

I'll always keep it inside

You're the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn't anything

Or anyone that I could be

And it just wouldn't feel right

If I didn't have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me

When skies were gray

Whenever I was down

You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be

What you have been to me, you will always be

You will always be the girl

In my life for all times

Mama, mama, you know I love you"

-Boy II Men-

Even to this day, this old song fragment is still pleasing to the ears and enjoyed by the public. Each line of its lyrics carries profound meaning, capable of bringing tears to its listeners.

When humans were first created in this world, the first entity they came to know was their Creator. He entrusted them to the womb of their mother so that they could become the means of every love and sustenance. Then, humans are born filled with love and affection from the inhabitants of the earth, as well as their Creator.

Through their mother, they are provided with the sustenance of clothing, food, and various needs. They also receive their first language education, which is affection, love, and care, even before learning vocabulary. Through this, they come to know the Creator who deserves to be worshipped. The mother becomes the first teacher for humanity.

Furthermore, the mother's love is akin to a sign of the Creator's love, characterized by her qualities of sincerity, compassion, and the gentleness of her speech. All of these qualities originally belong to the Creator and are entrusted to her heart.

The mother also serves as a reminder of a person's origins. Even if one travels to different parts of the world, they will eventually return to their birthplace, reminiscing about the comfort they once experienced.

This is the natural disposition bestowed upon her by Allah, through which humans are able to grow and develop. Her love keeps their souls safe from evil, her sincerity fulfills their needs, and her gentle words have the power to transform individuals in the future.

The mother's role in successfully educating generations is immense. Therefore, Islam honors her as a noble figure. Through her righteousness, she is capable of creating a peaceful and harmonious society in the land she inhabits. It is from her womb that blessed generations are born, whose blessings spread throughout the world.

As the Arabic saying goes:

إذا صلحت المرأة صلح المجتمع وإذا فسدت فسد المجتمع كله

"If a woman is righteous, the society will be righteous. And if a woman is corrupted, the society will be corrupted entirely."

This saying is in line with other similar hadiths, emphasizing that the righteousness of a woman makes her a good wife, mother, and guardian of society. Therefore, it is the righteous women who have the potential to change the civilization of this world, as they always uphold the rights of their Lord, obey the rules of Sharia, and ensure the well-being of humanity in this world and the Hereafter.

While we acknowledge that the love and affection of a mother can be found in all human beings, the blessing of generations can only be bestowed from the womb of a mother who fears her Lord.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged his followers to marry women for their faith and their potential to bear many offspring.

According to Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said.

"A woman is married for four reasons: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her faith. But the most important consideration among these is her faith. Therefore, choose the one with faith, and you will succeed." (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

"Marry women who are loving and can bear many children, for I will take pride in your numbers before the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection." [Authenticated by Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and Sa'id bin Manshur, from the narration of Anas bin Malik]

Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described how women have the potential to cause distress to mankind in this world.

"There are three things that bring happiness and misery to a person. What brings happiness is a righteous wife, a good home, and a pleasant means of transportation. What brings misery is an unrighteous wife, a bad home, and an unpleasant means of transportation." (Narrated by Ahmad)

Many women are unaware of their potential; they only focus on their own happiness. This gives an opportunity to the enemies of Islam, who have been studying its teachings for centuries, to exploit this potential and render it sterile. Under the guise of state legitimacy, women are presented with ideologies foreign to their nature, such as gender equality, freedom, childlessness, and technology that distracts them from their true essence.

In addition, the media actively promotes worldly perfection, making women proud of their careers, creativity, appearance, wealth, and other materialistic aspects. Meanwhile, women who are devoted to their religion and their Lord are hidden away and even marginalized, in an effort to undermine their mental strength, so they continue on their path, destroying generations and preventing the resurgence of Islam.

As a result, the sincerity of love has become limited to material possessions. The meaning of love has lost its significance if it is not accompanied by physical pleasure. They are preoccupied with seeking a small portion of sustenance, claiming it is for the sake of their children's future. Eventually, education is handed over to educational institutions operating under the state curriculum, devoid of any Islamic education.

Social issues are now glaringly evident. Cases involving teenagers are frequently encountered, such as premarital sex, drug abuse, bullying, same-sex attractions, and various forms of corruption, all stemming from the neglect of an essential role within the family.

The souls of the current generation are fragile, unable to bear the consequences of their choices. They prefer a life that is instant and low in risk, and their aspirations are not far from what they witness on social media, such as celebrities, YouTubers, and influencers.

Such is the portrayal of the current generation, dear mother. The world needs your role; in your hands, a noble civilization can be realized. History has recorded you as someone who gives birth to leaders, scholars, and extraordinary warriors, bringing honor to your role and your religion.

Indeed, what Allah has said is true, and we should always be grateful to Him, for He has given the gift of a mother's love for her child and for the blessings of the universe.

"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination." [Quran 31:14]

Wa Allahu 'alamu bi shawab

By: Umm_Chaera

Qadha Qadar in Islam

 "Whoever is not content with My decree and destiny, and is not patient in the face of the calamities I afflict them with, then let them seek another god besides Me."

(HR. Thabrani)

Introduction

This discussion is about Qadha and Qadar, a topic that may sound ordinary and simple, but among us, there are many differences of opinion, often leading to debates and even misplacement, due to a lack of understanding. However, it is one of the Pillars of Faith that we must believe in without any doubt or difference.

I do not wish to discuss theological knowledge, which leads to disputes among Muslims influenced by philosophical ideas that cannot separate the domain of Allah from the domain of humans, as happened with the Mu'tazilah and Jabariyyah. Because such a discussion would be convoluted and would ultimately fail to achieve the desired unity.

I want to try to clarify the mixed issues that have led to blurred ideas, such as:

1. Human actions, whether good or bad, are they predetermined or not? Does humanity have free will or not?
2. Allah's knowledge encompassing everything.
3. Allah's will regarding human actions.
4. The Preserved Tablet (Lauhul Mahfudz) that records one's lifespan, sustenance, and spouse.
5. The relationship of the above points to reward and punishment.

Before we understand the connection between these five points, we must first understand our position as weak creatures of this Creator.

The Area Beyond Human Control

The area in which humans live is the area where they can determine their actions and their worth in order to achieve a quality human life.

First, our existence is in an area that we cannot control. Our existence in this world, without any prior consent from us as to whether we want to live it or not, being born into a specific family, with a predetermined physical form without prior ordering, and so on.

This is called "Andhimatul Wujud" or the Divine Decree, where humans are forced to accept and act according to His will. Humans are not given any choice regarding the creation of the Creator. So, anyone who alters His creation incurs the curse of Allah upon them. In one hadith, it is mentioned:

"Allah has cursed those who make tattoos and those who ask for tattoos to be made, those who pluck out their eyebrows and those who ask for their eyebrows to be plucked, and those who change the creation of Allah by stretching their teeth for beauty." (HR Muslim)

Doesn't the curse of Allah show His anger towards anyone who considers His creation to be bad, unfair, or even thinks that Allah does not understand the desires of His creatures? Although the reason may be for beautification, the essence is alteration. So, they are entitled to seek another god besides Allah, as mentioned in the hadith.

Second, human beings are not in the realm of "Andhimatul Wujud" or the Divine Decree, but they are in an area where they can control and choose certain actions for themselves. However, there are other activities that befall them, which they cannot avoid, and thus they are forced to accept them.

For example, someone who intends to hunt game but accidentally shoots a passerby while aiming at the prey. In Islamic law, qisas (equal retaliation) is not imposed on them, but instead, they are required to pay diyat (blood money) or obtain the consent of the victim's family.

Another example is a fisherman sailing in search of fish, and then, when he casts his net, he unexpectedly discovers a clam containing valuable pearls worth billions of rupiah.

In both of these situations, humans have no right to judge whether the events that occur are good or bad because both are within the authority of the Ruler of the Universe, and there is absolutely no human intervention.

These two conditions are what is known as Qadha, as it is Allah who determines or decides, even though human judgment or interpretation may perceive it as beneficial or harmful, good or bad. Ultimately, only Allah knows all of this, and human intellect is incapable of comprehending the divine will. Therefore, it is obligatory for a faithful Muslim to believe in Allah's Qadha, whether it is good or bad.

As for Qadar, it falls within the realm that cannot be controlled by humans, occurring in the universe, life, and humanity. In other words, Allah bestows the potential that exists within these three realms (the universe, life, and humanity).

For example, in the universe, it includes the birth of human beings, the rising and setting of the sun, day and night, and other phenomena related to the natural order.

In the realm of life, it typically involves objects used for human activities, such as iron with the potential for making household tools or buildings, and stones used for the foundations of houses and so on.

Qadar in relation to humans refers to the potential inherent in human beings that has been predetermined by Allah, commonly known as fitrah. This fitrah has been bestowed since the creation of Prophet Adam, and regardless of the geographical location where humans reside, they all possess this innate disposition. This fitrah can come from bodily activities or stimuli from the environment.

The first aspect of fitrah arises from bodily activities such as the basic human needs for survival, namely eating, drinking, and resting. These needs must be consistently met, even if one is not engaged in any particular activity, as the body's organs never cease functioning.

If these needs are not fulfilled, the consequence is death. Hence, Islamic law provides concessions for those facing difficulties in finding halal food, allowing them to consume haram (forbidden) food to preserve their lives.

The second aspect of fitrah pertains to human instincts, such as the instinct to love and be affectionate, the instinct of self-preservation, and the instinct of religiosity. These three instincts are triggered by external stimuli or the environment, and humans cannot eliminate these instincts but can only redirect them from one instinct to another.

The potential present in the universe, life, and humans is not considered actions (amal), but rather, it influences human behavior. The good or bad outcomes resulting from these potentials depend on human choices. Therefore, humans will be held accountable for their actions and choices in utilizing these potentials.

Hence, Allah has bestowed intellect upon humans as a tool for considering and distinguishing between every action they intend to choose, whether it is good or bad, and whether it aligns with His commandments and prohibitions or deviates from them.

Thus, the position of faith in Qadha and Qadar lies here. Humans have no share whatsoever in what they do or what they acquire, and humans have no right to judge good or bad due to the limitations of their intellect and human weaknesses. It is entirely within the prerogative of the Creator to exercise His authority over His creatures without any intervention or influence. Therefore, there is no reward or sin, heaven or hell that becomes the responsibility of humans in the afterlife.

Area Under Human Control

After discussing Qadha and Qadar, which are the realms of the Creator related to His creations, let us now talk about the area controlled by humans.

In this domain, humans have the ability to control their desires, make choices of actions they prefer and desire, and are free to decide when to perform them and when to refrain, whether these actions are in accordance with religious law or contradict it.

For example, when hungry and thirsty, humans are free to choose the food and drinks they want to consume, such as rice, bread, water, juice, and so on.

In this condition, humans will be questioned about the choices they made and held accountable for all their deeds.

"Every soul is held hostage by what it has earned." [Quran, Surah Al-Muddathir: 38]

Every human action and every problem that occurs in human life is not detached from the potentials surrounding humans, such as economic, social, and political activities, among others. The problems that arise are also linked to the potentials that Allah has bestowed, such as hunger, free mixing of sexes, theft, and so on.

Thus, it is true that Islam comes from the Lord, the Creator of His creatures. Because He knows His servants best and knows that His laws can create prosperous lives, He chooses and organizes humans in utilizing the potentials bestowed upon them.

As an example of human potential, the instinct to love and care for others cannot be judged as inherently good or bad. However, when humans express their love towards their parents, children, or spouse, it is considered good and rewarding. Conversely, when love is directed towards strangers in an unlawful manner according to religious law, it becomes bad and sinful.

To prevent misdirected love, Islamic teachings guide humans to redirect their instincts towards religious activities such as fasting and engaging in other positive actions that bring them closer to Allah, which help to calm their hearts and minds.

Another example is a knife, which has the potential to cut. It does not inherently possess a moral value of good or bad, or reward and sin. Its purpose depends on human choice. It is considered good and rewarding when used for acts of obedience, but bad and sinful when used for wrongdoing.

Therefore, the choices made based on conscious intellect will be accounted for in the hereafter, as humans, with their intellect, should be able to discern between good and bad based on their knowledge.

In this advanced technological era, is there anyone who is still unaware of what is considered good and bad according to the Creator of the Universe? Except for those who are far removed from civilization, such knowledge should be known.

The Domain of the Creator of the Universe

This last area is an area that humans cannot reach in the slightest, as it belongs to the domain of God, of which humans only possess limited knowledge. It is related to the Knowledge of Allah, the Preserved Tablet, and the Will of Allah.

First: The Knowledge of Allah (علم الله), His knowledge does not force human actions, as Allah knows the choices that humans will make. This knowledge of Allah is eternal or preexistent, as He already knows in advance the choices that humans will make.

Second: The Preserved Tablet (لوح الحفوظ), it is a form of Allah's knowledge that encompasses His knowledge of everything without any hindrance.

Third: The Will of Allah (ارادة الله) also does not force human actions, but all events in this world are not separate from the will of Allah. In other words, if someone chooses or decides something, and there is no one to prevent or force that person to act or make that choice, then it is part of the will of Allah.

For example, someone involved in prostitution chooses that profession without anyone stopping or preventing them. This is not predestination, as Allah knows their choice and it is part of His will and will be taken into account based on their choice.

From the discussion of Qadha and Qadar, humans should be able to choose their actions, with the understanding that Allah knows, observes, and will hold accountable the chosen deeds of humans. Whether they perform them or refrain from them, because if they make the wrong choices in their deeds, they will face punishment and torment in the hereafter.

A true believer with strong faith will understand the concept of Qadha and Qadar, comprehend the essence of the gifts bestowed by Allah, such as intellect and choice. They will feel that they are being watched, fear His punishment and torment, and hope for His Paradise. Therefore, they will do what is commanded and refrain from all that is forbidden, as the sole purpose of their deeds is to seek the pleasure of the Creator.

And Allah knows best (Wa Allahu A'lamu bi Shawab)

Childfree: A Terrifying Trend

"The Prophet said, 'Marry women who are loving and can have many children, for I will be proud of your abundance before the other Prophets on the Day of Resurrection.'"

[Authentic Hadith reported by Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and Sa'id bin Manshur on the authority of Anas bin Malik]

Once again, the virtual world is abuzz with the actions of a local celebrity. Their comments on television screens and social media have garnered extraordinary attention, attracting followers from both highly educated individuals and inexperienced teenagers.

Yes, the issue of being childfree or the unwillingness to have children from one's own womb is once again in the spotlight, emerging towards the end of the 20th century.

Based on their comments on social media, some of the reasons they provide are as follows:

1. Not wanting to contribute to the overpopulation of the Earth, which they believe is already excessive.
2. Preferring to adopt other children who are in need of care.
3. Fear of being an inadequate mother and potentially causing negative effects on the child.
4. Rejecting the idea of aging or fearing the loss of beauty that they have worked hard to maintain, as they perceive childbirth and having children as having negative implications.
5. Fear of poverty and hindrance to their career due to the presence of children.

There are many more justifications they use, based on shallow and misguided reasoning. Their attempts to portray themselves as educated and intelligent individuals may astonish the public, and some of them may even find their logic understandable.

These are the clear facts that lie before us. Do we realize the reasons behind their statements? The perfect image they project in the media conceals hidden flaws. The reasons they put forward are merely a camouflage for their inability to become a mother, their immaturity in their personal development, and, most importantly, their lack of knowledge regarding the true essence of truth.

Their smart image and seemingly wise arguments only expose their human weaknesses. In reality, their logic can be refuted with both reason and religion. They may try to halt the aging process, but they cannot evade death. Therefore, as a smart individual, they should be prepared with ample provisions for their eventual demise.

Their belief that the Earth is overpopulated is a notion held by some religious sects who believe that the ideal population of the Earth should only be five hundred thousand. If we delve deeper, who does the Earth belong to? Are the inhabitants of this planet struggling for oxygen or dying of hunger due to depleted natural resources?

Do they not consider that birth and death are part of the balance known by their Creator, who is more aware of the limitations of His creatures? And do they not realize that cases of hunger on this Earth are a consequence of Western ideologies that oppose Islamic teachings and impose their own logic to justify their understanding?

Furthermore, taking care of those in need should be the responsibility of the state, as it represents the divine creation and is entrusted with the resources of this world. We should be asking, where is the state? What about the implementation of its laws? Is it effective or not? Instead, they are creating new and foolish ideas based on their limited contributions.

The next reason, the fear of not being a good mother, is evidence of their underdeveloped thinking and lack of vision in life. The smart and intelligent character crumbles once again because women inherently possess unique qualities bestowed upon them by their Creator, the potential to accomplish many things. This potential serves as the foundation of their self-confidence to engage in activities in accordance with their nature.

Meanwhile, the negative aspects experienced by children, whether at home or outside, are choices made by parents regarding what they want to expose their child to and what kind of environment they wish to introduce them to. Therefore, the goodness or badness of a child is a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of the parents. Isn't that so?

"Every child is born in a state of fitrah (natural inclination). It is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian." (Sahih Muslim)

Oh, women who desire to appear beautiful with physical attributes and knowledge, do you not realize that those are merely entrusted to you? Yes, you may take care of them, but not to alter them, for you should simply accept the portion of sustenance bestowed upon you by your Creator.

You claim that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding will diminish your beauty. Yes, because you know it from your knowledge of health. But do you not realize that these three conditions are actually the glory of a woman?

When you reject one of these natural conditions, the potential to engage in activities outside of your nature increases. Such activities include immoral gatherings, plastic surgery, lesbianism, masturbation, and others. Aren't these actions leading to further corruption?

The physical body is merely entrusted to us, and we are assured to return to our Creator. The beauty we boast about in this world does not guarantee that it will return as we envision, and it may even become fuel for the fires of hell. We seek refuge in Allah from that.

The last reason is a baseless one. How can one believe that the presence of children hinders their career and diminishes their wealth? It is merely an odd excuse to conceal their inherent irresponsibility.

Were you born into this world with worldly possessions? Except for your Lord, who provided for your every need through your parents.

"And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin." (Quran, 17:31)

The word "killing" here does not only refer to taking their lives but also refers to the corrupt ideas that you disseminate, which are killing the generations of this Ummah. For humans naturally act according to their understanding. So, be cautious of the perpetual sins.

The Islamic Shariah came to bring honor to its followers, but only a small fraction truly understands it. Allah has honored women through various texts, such as women being noble due to their faith, paradise lying beneath their feet, and the Prophet taking pride in the abundance of his Ummah born to noble mothers.

Noble generations will only be born from the wombs of strong and righteous mothers, not from mothers who neglect or reject the birth of children into this world.

Human actions are indeed given choices by the Creator, but every choice has consequences, both in the worldly life and the hereafter. Have you considered the consequences of your choice to be childfree? Have you pondered the consequences in this world and the hereafter?

Wa allahu a'lamu bi shawab.

By: Umm_Chaera