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Tag: Mizi Wahid

  • Reflections By Ustaz Mizi Wahid: Inspect Our Heart, Suspend Judgement, Renew Intentions Everyday

    Reflections By Ustaz Mizi Wahid: Inspect Our Heart, Suspend Judgement, Renew Intentions Everyday

    Since the beginning of time, every person who has a mind of their own, has always had an opinion. The major difference now is that there are more platforms for people to express those opinions publicly. Today, as I reflect, I’d like to focus on one of those opinions which makes its rounds more regularly in the month of Ramadhan.
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    Over the last 5 years of so, I’ve been observing a lot of people commenting on the need to not “show off” the good practices and deeds that we are doing. And to a certain extent, I agree. But I also have this fear that as we continue to be righteous by telling others off not to check-in at a religious event, take a selfie after tarawih, or have an official photographer at a Ramadhan charity event – it makes me wonder what the long-term consequences will be.
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    Allah is well-aware of what is in our hearts. “Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended.” [Bukhari]
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    The reminder not to do those things are commendable, as I understand what the motive is. But perhaps it also comes from a person’s personal fear or inability to maintain the purity of their intentions in such circumstances. What happens next, is the general one-size-fits-all assumption that anybody who does the same, must certainly be carrying the same corrupt intentions, or is on the edge of falling into the abyss of insincerity.
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    • What if the person who does any of the examples above and those alike, are doing them with the unflagging hope of inspiring others to do the same?
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    • What if the person is someone who has just recently turned over a new leaf in life; happy to have found peace again, guidance, and love for the religion?
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    • What if the person just wants to share? No hidden agendas. No ulterior motives.
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    • And what if, your assumptions are completely flawed?
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    Here’s the thing. I’m not against the advice. Because at the root of it, it’s good. However, what I’m more concerned with is the way we choose to deliver the advice; through harshness, mocking, public humiliation, (and everyone’s favourite) sarcasm.
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    • What if instead of helping others improve their behaviour and character, we end up killing their spirit?
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    • What if instead of more people being inspired by the shared deeds, they end up seeing more and more negativity spread around in place of it?
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    • What if the problem is not with them? What if it’s our heart?
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    • And what if it’s not so much about how quickly they update their status online, but rather how hasty we are at judging their actions?
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    I guess for today’s reflection, there’s no right or wrong. If there’s one thing we MUST do however, it is to inspect our heart, suspend our judgement, and renew our intentions – everyday.
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    Ramadhan Reflections is a compilation of free online daily inspirational messages by Ustaz Mizi Wahid in 2015

     

    Source: Mizi Wahid

  • Mizi Wahid: Respect And Tolerance Is Important Whichever Mazhab You Follow

    Mizi Wahid: Respect And Tolerance Is Important Whichever Mazhab You Follow

    I majored in Islamic Law for my degree. And one of the things we learned about was on Mazhabs (which essentially refers to Schools of Thought). My biggest takeaway from it was not of obsession towards one particular school of thought, or even the rejection of all.

    Instead, the most profound lesson I gained, was from appreciating the beautiful character of the scholars who were the “founders” of their Mazhab.

    Their individual opinions differed. Their reasonings weren’t the same. And the criteria used for the process of deriving rulings and arriving to conclusions were varied.

    But some things stood out amidst the differences. Respect. Tolerance. Mercy. Objectiveness. And humility.

    Were there disagreements? Yes. But there were also compliments. Were there conflicting ideologies? Yes. But there were no expectations to appease.

    For those who know me well enough will tell you, that I’m not the kind of person who likes to keep lessons confined to one discipline (and you may be too). First, I’ll try to see where else in the world am I seeing something similar taking place. And secondly, how these lessons can be applied in other parts of my life.

    What I’ve discovered is that in every area of our work and relationships, there are Mazhabs.

    When young parents believe in raising their own children a certain way, while their parents or in-laws believe in doing it differently. After all, “You ended up OK today.”

    When nursing mothers who believe in doing things 100% natural, disagree with those who are a bit more flexible – things can get pretty nasty. My wife has shown me some of the “discussions” in some group pages. Imposing views – is an understatement.

    When you find it uncomfortable seeing others posting photos or updates about personal religious practices, but you are fine posting updates about your new bag, new car, new house, your voluntary work, or an unplanned good deed that you did today. Mazhabs.

    When certain entrepreneurs believe strongly in working long hours and over the weekends, while others believe in the chill-by-the-beach concept – again, just different Mazhabs. Those who hustle feel alive when they do. While the other group simply believes that their businesses should be giving them more life, instead of draining it all away.

    So, in politics you see Mazhabs. In leadership you see Mazhabs. In school you see Mazhabs. In healing and medication you see Mazhabs. The list goes on and on.

    I must add that scholars of Mazhabs respect and acknowledge their peers because they know that the opinions are based on sound research, a trusted process, and the integrity of the individuals. I just hope that respect, mercy, tolerance, and humility will prevail in the end.

    ps/ for those who don’t subscribe to a particular school of thought, Lo and Behold! That is also a Mazhab

    ‪#‎whatsyourmazhab‬

     

    Source: Mizi Wahid