IN REMEMBRANCE OF YOU

As a continuation of a series of lectures conducted by Human Enrichment Secretariat of the Muslim Society, Ustadz Zhulkiflee gave a lecture entitled 'In Remembrance of You'. The purpose was to highlight the importance of Solat for a Muslim in strengthening his relationship with Allah and the benefits that arise from it.

Ustadz Zhulkiflee began by stressing the kalimah syahadah as the basis upon which a Muslim should attest his faith. It is to make us realise who we are when we acknowledge Allah.

	 "And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except
	  they should worship Me(Alone)." 
				
					Surah Az-Zariyat (51-56)	

Man is created for a purpose best known by his Creator which is to serve the Creator. The word 'abd means servant or slave and its opposite is rabb which is god.

Islam is the submission and obedience to the will of Allah. The acceptance of the kalimah syahadah is a way to develop the iman. He likened it to a healthy tree with good roots penetrating deep into the ground. The kalimah syahadah is a basic foundation upon which the iman will develop.

Islam enjoins the development of iman and the manifestation of that iman through Arkaanul Islam i.e. the 5 articles of Faith. The second article of faith after the acceptance of the kalimah syahadah is solat. Solat is to be established so as to remember Allah. What is the true meaning of remembrance of Allah? It is to always feel the presence of Allah.

In Arabic, humans are referred to as insaan which originates from the root word forgetful. Thus, it is the very nature of Man to forget matters especially those pertaining to his Creator. Solat is a way for Man to remember his Creator twenty-four hours per day even though it generally takes about twenty-five minutes to complete the five obligatory prayers. Solat is a direct and personal relationship between Man and his Lord without any intermediaries. Through solat, man is able to ascend towards his Lordjust as the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) underwent Mi'raj to receive thecommandment of Solat.

Ustadz Zhulkiflee quoted an ayat to reflect upon the people who did not remember Allah.

	 "And be ye not like
	  Those who forgot Allah;
	  And He made them forget 	
	  Their own souls! Such
	  Are the rebellious transgressors!"
 				
					Surah Al-Hashr(59:19)	

A person who performs his solat regularly, has direct contact with Allah. He will be refrained from committing transgression.

	 "...and establish regular prayer:
	  For prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds..."
 					
					 Surah Al-Ankabut(29:45)	

He also highlighted out the point that Solat is the manifestation of one's iman and it is an ibadah which leads to the attesting of the Oneness of Allah. The timing of the 5 obligatory prayers is strategically placed throughout the day, e.g. the very first thing that we do upon waking up is performing our Subuh prayers. Solat is an important element in Islam's development programme in getting close to Allah. Even the azan which functions to draw Muslims to pray plays a significant role in that it reminds Muslims of their witnessing to the greatness of Allah and the proclamation of the kalimah syahadah.

Solat should be done in accordance to what is preached by Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), " pray as how you see me pray". It has elements of tauhid and akhlaq embedded in it. It teaches Muslims the aspect of purity whereby a Muslim performing Solat has to be free of hadas. His state of purity will always be considered. Furthermore, his schedule will be regulated to accommodate his prayer times.

An important aspect of Solat which was highlighted was the social development of Muslims through praying in congregation (jema'ah). Prayers in congregation will forge closer ties and strengthen the ukhuwah among the Muslims. Furthermore, the concept of leadership(imam) and organisation is also embedded.

Last but not least, Ustadz Zhulkiflee reminded us that the first thing that will be accounted for in the hereafter is our solat. If our solat is good, the benefits will be reflected in our daily life. The key to success is to be the true servant of Allah. This, he stressed, should be attained by performing our solat with humility and be in constant remembrance of Him.

	 "The Believers must(eventually) win through-
	  Those who humble themselves In their prayers;
	  And who (strictly) guard Their prayers-
	  These will be the heirs,	
	  Who will inherit Paradise:
	  They will dwell therein (Forever)."

				  Surah Al-Mu'minun(23: 1,2,9-11)