Parable of-the-race

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAHIN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013))
Presentation by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
for ”NTUMS – Nanyang Technological University
Muslim Society”
Tuesday , 25 June 2013 – @ 1.30 pm
venue: Masjid Muhajirin
Braddell Road, Singapore
Extracted fromExtracted from

A bunch of runners were steadily jogging as a team. The pace was steady and it
was led by their team captain-cum-coach, who provided them direction as well
as to monitor every one else’s timing. This was done for some distance in the
race when suddenly they were overtaken by several others from different
teams, sprinting past them. One member in team then shouted at the captain:
Question: Why are we going so slow unlike others who kept whizzing pass us
all. Shouldn’t we be like them and try to be ahead of them?
Answer : The others you saw sprinting
are those who believe that we are
running a 100 meter race.
Actually, we are in a 12 kilometer
marathon!

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““Do not be deceived by theDo not be deceived by the TAQAL-LUBUTAQAL-LUBU (seeming inhibited,(seeming inhibited,
free disposal and affluence) of the disbelievers throughoutfree disposal and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout
the land. (It is but) a small enjoyment; then their [final]the land. (It is but) a small enjoyment; then their [final]
refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place.”refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place.”
((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 197Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 197))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““Now if thou payNow if thou pay heed (follow) unto the majority of thoseheed (follow) unto the majority of those
[who live] on earth[who live] on earth, they will but lead thee astray from, they will but lead thee astray from
the path of Allah: they follow but [other people's]the path of Allah: they follow but [other people's]
conjecturesconjectures, and they themselves do nothing but, and they themselves do nothing but guessguess **..
Verily, thy Sustainer knows best as to who strays fromVerily, thy Sustainer knows best as to who strays from
His path, and best knows He as to who are the right-His path, and best knows He as to who are the right-
guided.”guided.”
((Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 116-117Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 116-117))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
"Yet behold, never can ("Yet behold, never can (DZONNDZONN) surmise (conjecture)) surmise (conjecture)
take the place of (take the place of (HAQQHAQQ) Truth") Truth"
((Qur’an: Najm : 53 :28Qur’an: Najm : 53 :28))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
"And"And do not follow (pursue) anything of which thou hast nodo not follow (pursue) anything of which thou hast no
knowledgeknowledge: verily (thy) hearing and sight and heart - all of: verily (thy) hearing and sight and heart - all of
them - will be called to account for it (on Judgement Day)."them - will be called to account for it (on Judgement Day)."
((Qur’an: Bani Israil : 17 :36Qur’an: Bani Israil : 17 :36))

Once a rather ‘tricky’ (loaded) question was posed to me, which, if hastily
(wrongly) responded would result in either :
[1] Islam being misrepresented in a very bad light to non-Muslims, or
[2] the true message and teaching of Al-Islam compromised for the sake of
trying to conform to non-Muslim’s value regarding what is good.
It was regarding a well-known (non-Muslim) Noble Prize winner, Mother Teresa
of Calcutta , acknowledged for her exceptionally good humanitarian work
amongst the poor.
The question was :
Based on the Islamic perspective (tenets, dogma, teaching), will
she (as a non-Muslim) still end up in Hell in the Hereafter,
despite her having done (acknowledged by all), nay in fact
dedicated her whole life, in such good works?

THE RESPONSE:
No! She will not “go to hell in the Hereafter, despite her having done good
works” … it depends on other fundamental factors (criteria) other than deeds.
 Islam too recognize and admire the good exemplary works that she had done.
And we Muslims believe that Allah is Just and has already determined that she
be rewarded for her good works … after all, she had already received the Noble
prize and won worldwide accolades for that – albeit in this life.
The question as to “whether she will end up in Paradise or Hell in the Afterlife”,
is dependent upon whether in this life she had believed, acknowledged and
served (worship) the True God till the end . After all, it is Allah, Who Alone can
judge and decide that matter, because it is to Him belongs both Paradise and Hell.
And those who associate partners to God will forever be forbidden Paradise;
while unrepentant sinful believer may still be in Hell for a term.

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

Say, (O Muhammad): "Shall We tell you who will be the greatestSay, (O Muhammad): "Shall We tell you who will be the greatest
losers in respect of their works? It will be those whose effort wentlosers in respect of their works? It will be those whose effort went
astray in the life of the world and who believe nevertheless thatastray in the life of the world and who believe nevertheless that
they are doing good. Those are the ones who refused to believethey are doing good. Those are the ones who refused to believe
in the revelations of their Lord and that they are bound to meetin the revelations of their Lord and that they are bound to meet
Him. Hence, all their deeds have come to naught, and We shallHim. Hence, all their deeds have come to naught, and We shall
assign no weight to them on the Day of Resurrection. Hell is theirassign no weight to them on the Day of Resurrection. Hell is their
recompense for disbelieving and their taking My revelations andrecompense for disbelieving and their taking My revelations and
My Messengers as objects of jest.”My Messengers as objects of jest.”
((Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 103-106Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 103-106))
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““As for those who believe and do good works, the Gardens ofAs for those who believe and do good works, the Gardens of
Paradise shall be there to welcome them; there they will abideParadise shall be there to welcome them; there they will abide
for ever, with no desire to be removed from there."for ever, with no desire to be removed from there."

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““Say (O Muhammad): "I am no more than a human being like you; one toSay (O Muhammad): "I am no more than a human being like you; one to
whom revelation is made: 'Your Lord is the One and Only God.' Hence,whom revelation is made: 'Your Lord is the One and Only God.' Hence,
whoever looks forward to meet his Lord, let him do righteous works, and letwhoever looks forward to meet his Lord, let him do righteous works, and let
him associate none with the worship of his Lord."him associate none with the worship of his Lord."

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
““Verily, (deeds) action is by intention; and verily the worth (merit) ofVerily, (deeds) action is by intention; and verily the worth (merit) of
that (deeds) action is (to be measured) in accordancethat (deeds) action is (to be measured) in accordance
with what is intended ... ”with what is intended ... ”
((Hadith reported by Bukhary & MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary & Muslim))

MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
““ ...... Thus he who migrates for the sake of Allah and His Messenger,
then his migration is for Allah and His Messenger. And he who
migrates seeking to gain worldly benefits or for the sake of
marrying a woman, then his migration is for that which
he has intended.”
((Hadith reported by Bukhary & MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary & Muslim))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““But those who (remained conscious and) feared their LordBut those who (remained conscious and) feared their Lord
((TAQWATAQWA) will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding) will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding
eternally therein, as accommodation from Allah. And thateternally therein, as accommodation from Allah. And that
which is with Allah is best for the righteous (which is with Allah is best for the righteous (AL-ABRARAL-ABRAR).”).”
((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 198Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 198))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“O ye who believe! if you have TAQWA (consciousness with the fear)
of Allah, He will grant you (FURQAANA) a criterion (to judge between
right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and
forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.”
(Qur’an: Anfaal : 8: 29)

THEREFORE UNDERSTAND
THE CONTEXT OF THE COMMAND …
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
COMPETE YOU IN THE DOING OF GOOD

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““And who is better in speech (And who is better in speech (AAHHSANU-QAW-LANSANU-QAW-LAN) than one) than one
who (who (DAA-’IYAN ILALLAAHDAA-’IYAN ILALLAAH) invites to Allah and does () invites to Allah and does (‘AMILAN‘AMILAN))
righteousness (‘righteousness (‘AMALAMAL SWSWO-LIHAATO-LIHAAT) and says, "Indeed, I am of) and says, "Indeed, I am of
the Muslims (the Muslims (IN-NA-NEE-MINAL-MUSLIMEENIN-NA-NEE-MINAL-MUSLIMEEN) ."”) ."”
((Qur’an: Fussilat: 41: 33Qur’an: Fussilat: 41: 33))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““And not equal are the good deed (And not equal are the good deed (HHASANATASANAT) and the bad () and the bad (SAYYI-’AATSAYYI-’AAT).).
Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better;Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whomand thereupon the one whom
between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devotedbetween you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted
friend.”friend.”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““But none is granted it except those who are patient (But none is granted it except those who are patient (SWSWOBARUUOBARUU),),
and none is granted it except oneand none is granted it except one having a great portion [ofhaving a great portion [of
goodgood].”].”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““For each [religious following] is a direction toward which itFor each [religious following] is a direction toward which it
faces. (faces. (FAS-TA-BI-KUL-KHAY-RAATFAS-TA-BI-KUL-KHAY-RAAT)) So race (vie, compete) toSo race (vie, compete) to
[all that is] good.[all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring youWherever you may be, Allah will bring you
forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over allforth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all
things competent..”things competent..”
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 148Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 148))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““And if Allah had so willed, He could surely have made you all one singleAnd if Allah had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single
community:community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test youbut [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means ofby means of
what He has vouchsafed unto you.”what He has vouchsafed unto you.”
((Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 48Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 48))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““ ((FAS-TA-BI-QUL-KHAY-RAATFAS-TA-BI-QUL-KHAY-RAAT)) Vie (race, compete), then, with oneVie (race, compete), then, with one
another in doing good works!another in doing good works! Unto Allah you all must return; and then HeUnto Allah you all must return; and then He
will make you truly understand all that on which you were wont towill make you truly understand all that on which you were wont to
differ.”differ.”
((Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 48Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 48))

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
FAS-TA-BI-QUFAS-TA-BI-QU
“From - SIBAA-Q meaning “race; contest” and the
word MUSAA-BA-QAH ”competition; emulation”
Thus it FASTABIQUU , evoke entering into a kind of race in some
endeavor, where everyone can and have the ability to participate
in, although some may outrace others.

KHAY-RAATKHAY-RAAT
“From - “good” and “choosing what is good or
better” thus signify “excellent in righteousness and Religion;
generous in race, exalted in rank or quality or reputation, goodly
in face, good in disposition, possessing much goodness.”
Thus can be applied to all the observable good deeds performed
by any person, which has benefits and can be beneficial to
others.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

Islam do recognize that all religion, in principle, teaches mankind
towards the doing of good (AL-KHAYR).
And we believe in primordial innocence inherent in humanity, termed as
FITwRAH , which potentially motivates him towards the
doing of good.
Yet, let us not forget that Islam came to restore and re-establish, the
way of life of all the previous religion in which the teachings have,
either:
[1] been tampered or compromised, i.e. corrupted by subsequent people
after their Prophets’ time; or
[2] the guidance has to be updated and perfected as mankind evolved into
a cosmopolitan society and a higher form of civilization not known
previously.
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO MUSLIMSIMPORTANT REMINDER TO MUSLIMS

Islam’s claim is that it is the Religion of Truth (AD-DEEN-AL-HAQQ),
meant to supersede other previous religions’ teachings , but through
peaceful invitation and dialogue, with reasoning and fair argumentation.
Islam respects the Right (freedom) for every person to choose their own
faith, which depends upon them also being accorded their Right to have
access to correct knowledge and truth – which Islamic DA’WAH is very
much concerned with.
And in the Qur’an, we are taught that all of mankind are to be invited to
seek out the truth for themselves, without coercion, nor by any forms of
deception. Islam, in fact seek to preserve human intellect.
We are to have healthy regard that as a rule, truth and the right way is
discernible to any sensible and sincere person – using their God-given
reason and natural primordial instinct.

Therefore, in DA’WAH, the approach by Islam is to appeal to reason and
to the uncorrupted sensibilities still present in people (i.e. their
FITwRAH), as the means of inviting them to the Truth. Islam also
acknowledges, and highlight whatever truth and goodness in their
religious belief to remind them of it, and then proceed to clarify the other
inconsistencies which Islamic teaching have come to correct and restore.
And the most eloquent means to convey the message and teachings to
them is, without doubt, through setting the example in one’s life.
““The tongue (speech) of one’s state (action, example) isThe tongue (speech) of one’s state (action, example) is
more eloquent than the (speech from one’s ) tongue.”more eloquent than the (speech from one’s ) tongue.”

This clarification is important to current Muslim activists, because some
have been confused by erroneous view of “religious pluralism” which
advocate as though “all religion are the same.”
Yes, we do acknowledge that there are in fact many similarities amongst the
various religion, yet let us not naively overlook that there are also in truth,
many differences which are fundamental. Thus the need for us to engage in
the work of DA’WAH – the Prophetic legacy of Muhammad s.a.a.w.
Also, do remember that when sharing such apparent commonalities, a
Muslim must always seek and uphold the Islamic perspective regarding
them, and not blindly imitate others’ ways nor gloss over our differences.
In our eagerness to conform in society, many Muslim may forget that they
are here in the midst of other nations, to make a difference as witnesses to
the truth; to confront falsehood, and set an example in ourselves.

KHAY-RAATKHAY-RAAT
“From - “good, better, outstanding” and “choosing what is
good or better or superior,” thus signify “excellent in righteousness and
Religion; generous in race, exalted in rank or quality or reputation, goodly
in face, good in disposition, possessing much goodness.”
Thus can be applied to all the observable good deeds performed by any
person, which has benefits and can be beneficial to others. Yet, its value
and merit may be relative and limited to this world – many of such good
works may in reality be worthless in the Hereafter.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

BIRRBIRR
“Being pious, kind, good, gentle, affectionate, beneficent, just,
righteous, virtuous, honest, true, veracious, sweet of speech,
merciful, sinless in performing something , pious”
Thus, it is “goodness attached to the doer inner state; belief ” It is the
category of goodness acknowledged by Islam as “righteousness
borne out of sincere or altruistic intention or inner volition upon
correct belief of Reality (HAQIQAT) ”. This is the definitive goodness
accepted by Allah which thus deserve eternal reward from Him.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
““((AL-BIRRAL-BIRR) Righteousness is) Righteousness is notnot that you turn your facesthat you turn your faces
toward the (toward the (MASHRIQMASHRIQ) east or the () east or the (MAGHRIBMAGHRIB) west,”) west,”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“…“… but [true] righteousness (but [true] righteousness (AL-BIRRAL-BIRR) is [in] one who believes in) is [in] one who believes in
Allah, the Last Day (Allah, the Last Day (AL-AAKHIRAHAL-AAKHIRAH) , the angels () , the angels (MALAA-IKAHMALAA-IKAH),),
the Book (the Book (AL-KITAABAL-KITAAB), and the prophets (), and the prophets (NABIYYINNABIYYIN) ,”) ,”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“… and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives (DZIL-
QURBA), orphans (AYTAAM), the needy (MASAAKEEN), the
traveller (IBNUS-SABEEL), those (SAA-ILEEN)who ask [for
help], and for freeing slaves (RIQAAB);”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 177)

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“…“… [and who] establishes prayer ([and who] establishes prayer (AS-SWOLAHAS-SWOLAH) and gives) and gives
ZAKAHZAKAH (disburse from their excess wealth as Welfare tax(disburse from their excess wealth as Welfare tax
upon eight categories in the community –upon eight categories in the community – ASAAANIFASAAANIF)”)”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“…“… and [those who] fulfill (and [those who] fulfill (MUU-FUUMUU-FUU) their) their
promise (promise (‘AHD‘AHD) when they promise () when they promise (‘AA-HA-DUU‘AA-HA-DUU); ”); ”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“…“… and show fortitude (and show fortitude (AS-AS-SWSWOBIREENOBIREEN) in hardships and) in hardships and
adversity and in the (adversity and in the (AL-BA’ -SAL-BA’ -S) struggle between the Truth) struggle between the Truth
and falsehood;”and falsehood;”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“…“… Those are the ones who have been true (Those are the ones who have been true (SWSWODAQUUODAQUU),),
and it is those who are the righteous (and it is those who are the righteous (AL-MUTTAQUUNAL-MUTTAQUUN ––
those who are conscious of and truly fear Allah).”those who are conscious of and truly fear Allah).”

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
“And cooperate in (AL-BIRR) righteousness and piety (AL-TAQWA), but do
not cooperate in sin (ITHMI) and aggression (‘UDWAAN). And (be conscious
of and) fear Allah (TAQWA); indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
(Qur’an: Maa-idah: 5: 2)

TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
‘‘AMILAAMILA SWSWO-LIHAO-LIHA
From the word “ ( SWO-LA-HA) “– we get the word “
(SWO-LAAH , SWO-LIH) having meanings of “to be good, right, proper,
pious, righteous,” and another word (ISW-LAAH)
meaning “restoration, improve, reform, reconcile, make peace etc.”
also the word (MAS-LAHAT) meaning “that which is
beneficial, helpful, promoting welfare, goodness, etc.” – inter alia

AAHH-SANU - ‘AMALA-SANU - ‘AMALA
From the word “ ( HASUNA; HUSN ; HASAN ) “ with various
meanings of “good, beautiful, proper, treat with kindness, doing right,
etc. “ also we get the word (IHSAAN) meaning “excellence,
best or most righteous conduct, meritorious, beneficence, etc.”
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

““Thus, as for him whoThus, as for him who (A’-(A’-TWTWA) gives [to others]A) gives [to others] and isand is
(TAQAA) conscious of Allah,(TAQAA) conscious of Allah, andand ((SWSWOD-DAQA BIL-OD-DAQA BIL-HHUSNA)USNA)
believes in the truth of the ultimate goodbelieves in the truth of the ultimate good for him shall Wefor him shall We
make easy the path towards [ultimate] easemake easy the path towards [ultimate] ease. But as for him. But as for him
who is niggardly, and thinks that he is self-sufficient, andwho is niggardly, and thinks that he is self-sufficient, and
(KADZ-DZABA BIL-(KADZ-DZABA BIL-HHUSNA) calls the ultimate good a lieUSNA) calls the ultimate good a lie – for– for
him shall We make easy the path towards hardship:”him shall We make easy the path towards hardship:”
((Qur’an: Layl : 93: 5-11Qur’an: Layl : 93: 5-11))
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

AFFIRMING IT AS TRUTH
DENYING OR REJECTING IT
“Doing good for
Allah’s sake
will be rewarded
with eternal
Goodness by Him”
THE BELIEF
BIL-BIL-HHUSNAAUSNAA
BIL-BIL-HHUSNAAUSNAA
SWOD-DAQA
KADZ-DZABA
HUSNA TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE
OR
Thus the usual English translation for SWODAQAH as “charity” is not
accurate as it also include all forms of goodness whether it be obligatory or
non-obligatory; and extensively covers all forms of kindness not merely of
material help but that even sharing a ‘smile to others’ can be SWODAQAH.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH

IMPORTANT DU’AIMPORTANT DU’A
ALLAA-HUM-MA – ARI-NAL-HAQ-QA - HAQ-QAN
WAR- ZUQ-NAT - TI-BAA- ’A
WA-ARI-NAL – BAA-TWILA – BAA-TWI-LAAN
WAR-ZUQ-NAJ – TI –NAA - BAH
““O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be trueO Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true
and grant us ability to follow it.and grant us ability to follow it.
And make us see Falsehood to be false andAnd make us see Falsehood to be false and
grant us the ability to reject it.”grant us the ability to reject it.”

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