Assalamualaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem Alhamdullillahi Rabbil ‘Alamien Wabihi Nasta ‘Inu ‘Ala Umuriddunia Waddien Wassalatu Wassalamu ‘Ala Asyrafil Mursalin Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa’ala ‘Alihi Wasahbihi Ajma’in. Waba’du
I give thanks to Allah for having enabled me to be present at this blessed ceremony. In this era full of challenges, where acts of compassion are diluted, the teachings contained in the Israk Mikraj should be projected and internalized.
It is not surprising that the Muslim “ummah” or community have also suffered the shock of values depreciation.
The values of culture, habit and morals are threatened following the wave of uncertain progress.
The world and mankind are acknowledged as advanced. Progress is measured through inventions; the more sophisticated the inventions, the more advanced one is perceived to be.
But it is observed that the more advanced man becomes, the more his moral value deteriorates. Life and properties are normally protected and valued.
But now they seem to be worthless.
Take credence from wars in the new era.
The powerful do as they please, dropping bombs and missiles according to their whims at targets which are not supposed to be targeted. These include houses, public buildings, markets, airports, offices, highways and even farms which are the sources of food for people.
These are made possible with advancement in armaments.
This kind of progress, it seems, victimises civilisation and mankind. We the Muslim “ummah”, need to see this situation with conscious eyes and hearts.
We should not see this situation as followers of others’ perspectives.
We need to reflect on this through our authentic religion because it provides us with comprehensive guidelines.
The Israk Mikraj event has taught us to be more faithful and patient, even to the extent of facing bitterness.
This lesson can be derived from the amazing story of Mashitah.
We are asked to offer sympathy to fellow Muslims and even non-Muslims who are persecuted or ill-treated.
Those who are not suffering must sympathise with those in pain.
Those who are free from harassment should sympathise and even help those who are persecuted.
This is why I have helped convince the Organisation of Islamic Conference that our country, with the will of Allah, is ready to extend our assistance to stop the war in Lebanon.
And as a gesture of our sympathy to those facing calamities wherever they may be, I recently requested to hold a special “hajat” prayer earlier and “qunut nazilah” recitation today.
When we perform the prayer and recitation, we are also deriving benefits because by doing so means the angels will also pray that we too are bestowed with the same blessings. Praying for other Muslims is a praiseworthy act of devotion, perhaps an act that many may have forgotten.
The lessons derived from Israk Mikraj can sufficiently enrich us with spiritual directions that we need.
The essence of religious spirit and soul that are thinning away need to be enhanced through lessons derived from Israk Mikraj if we are to embrace and internalise its principles.
God willing, the development of the Muslim “ummah” and its civilisation can hopefully become a reality.
Therefore, we should not merely read and review the story of Israk Mikraj annually but more importantly take it as a guideline that can be applied in areas like prayers and giving of alms.
If we adhere to these teachings, we will bring about safety and strength to the Muslim “ummah”.
Wabbillahit Taufeq Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Unofficial Translation of His Majesty’s Titah on Israk Mikraj 2006 |
