MEMOIRS OF ASYRAF

The world is experiencing globalization. An era where pluralism creeps it way into the hearts of the new generations. What does being a Muslim means to you? How do you value it's teaching? Ever believed that faith were able to changed one's life?

Have you ever heard the story of Umar Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). How different he were before and after accepting Islam. He was a man of fearless courage and determination, feared and respected in Makkah, and until then a bitter opponent of the new religion. It was revealed that the Prophet once raised his hands in prayer and said : "O Allah! Give strength to Islam especially through either of two men you love more : 'Umar bin Al-Khattab or Abu Jahl bin Hasyim" Umar merited that privilage. From there, various contradictory emotions were conflicting with one another in his soul. His heart hangs in the balance between good and evil. On one hand, he persisted in his violence against the believers, and on the other, greatly admired the stamina of the Muslim and their dedication to faith. However, the deep-seated dark tradition and blind pride left by his forefathers overshadowed the truth he felt inside him. He was constantly denying it.

It was not long after which he embraced Islam. Though once a arch-enemy of The Prophet Muhammad SAW and his strife in the way of the call, he made himself real triumph for the cause. Crowned to become the second "Amirul Mukminin" after the Muhammad SAW passed away. And if it wasn't for his great respect for Abu bakar As-Siddiq (May Alllah be pleased with him) who had accepted the faith before him, he was to be crowned the first to lead the muslims. Notice how Islam honoured him. Notice how Islam affected him. Between the two names that the Prophet mentioned in his prayers, Allah answered by his Guidance upon him.

Have you ever heard the story of Zahir bin Haram. A bedouin with extreme poverty having neither whealth nor good-lookings. Once the Prophet SAW saw Zahir in the marketplace selling his merchandise and hugged him from behind. Zahir became scared and began shouting "let me go! Who is this?". But upon seeing the Prophet behind him, he became calm. So the prophet began to joke with him by saying to the public "Who would buy this servant!? Who will buy him!?" Thereupon Zahir pictured himself and felt sad. He then said "You will find be unmarketable, O Messenger of Allah." In reply, the Prophet SAW said sweetly "But you are not so with Allah. You are very precious to Him"

Try to imagine, a bedouin without whealth and good-lookings. The Prophet loved him for who he were as a believer. He faith granted him rank in the sight of Allah. In our case, how much blessings had Allah granted us. Someone with a home to live, with delicious meals waiting on the dining table every night. With nice clothing to wear. With educations ever since we were little. Yet somehow we will unappreciative of ourselve. Cursing our short-comings and moaning to be someone else. Someone we're not. We wish to have greater properties, bigger incomes, and better incomes. When the only thing we need to be precious to Allah is to believe and turn it to an act of Workship. Live the way Allah have told us to. Enjoy your life for it is brief and there is no time in it to be anguish.

As Muslims, do believe that we are always special. We all are. Of course life had never been sugars and rainbows. We had our setbacks. Unorganized, failure to commit, tight career schedule, too busy studying, unsupportive surroundings, negative assumptions, uncertainties, families even womens. Tested upon our weakest attribute in the weakest possible conditions. Somehow still able to be steadfast in this path. When smiles are turned to frowns. cheerfullness to depression, and perseverence to anger, whether to endure, or ease away, one would forever be in a state of choices.