JALAL ALERTS

The day before the storm in the Philippines, the quake and tsuanmi in Samoa and American Samoa, I knew a calamities would happen. I just could not point out where or when. Then this earthquake in Indonesia. I get these alerts from some nosy birds that visits my place with rough sounds when bad things come. For these, I was not able to post something here because usually, even if I do not bother myself so much with the birds alerts, as often I just simply forget about it, I just do not feel energetic to do something. I guess I am learning something new. Alhumdulillah! I also do get a lot of chances now to do tahajjud prayers!

JALAL TIME

Allah subhana wata Allah is everything. Allah is time. Every believer should not say that he or she does not have time. Every believer is encourage to perform the obligation to Allah accordingly in order to be blessed. Primarily, no one should leave prayer unperformed during the specified time unless a believer is mobile or on the road. But, in cases when the road travel can be halted, then perform the obligatory prayer. The sick, the injured, or those who can not stand up to pray, may pray while lying down on the right side, or sitting facing the quibla or Mecca.

A STEP TO AVOID UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

It is true that life begins at forty. Accounting for our deeds begins at forty. But, this does not mean that at a younger age one can be complacent . For it is the responsibility and obligation of the elders to see that the younger generations comply with the given guidance.

At this age in time, I have seen countless, diverse, unfortunate events in this earthly life. Besides what I have read as to the many suppositions on how to live successfully, I too have numberless experiences. For example, in the past, I would ask where did I go wrong? why did this happen? Then I would pray and pray. And it seems that life is meant to be like riding a roller-coaster. But, it is not the case. After studying the Qur'an and reading the hadith, the route is simple and sure for those who believe. Live a life in the middle stream as a Muslim whose religion is Islam. And strive to perform the five pillars of Islam.

INSPIRATION

Indeed Allah is true to His promises. More than two years ago, I was ask if I like the idea of transfer to a branch some 30 kilometers away from the City. I prayed for Allah's guidance. Two days later I accepted the offer. Without second thoughts, I pack my things for a better location for work and residence. I never imagined something will take place. The deluge that took place two days ago in the City where I vacated was unbelievable. After all, with so much progress, development, and learning, it is difficult to think, how could people be so presumptous at releasing some water from a reservoir in the midst of heavy rain without ensuring 100% security among the residents?

Had I not moved out, I could have been one of the casualties. Thousands and thousands of people had nowhere to flee after the sudden surge of water. It was like Noah's time have recurred. I could only thank Allah so much for the guidance. Besides, I have more days to prepare for the next life to come, Insha Allah!

MUSLIM PRACTICES AND CULTURE

Muslims whose religion is Islam practices and culture are grounded on the 5 pillars of Islam. Living this life on earth is in accord with the 5 pillars in preparation for the next life with Allah in paradise.

Muslim means a person who worship only Allah, the one true God. Islam is the religion of Muslims. Islam means one true Allah.

1.) The first pillar of Islam is known as shahada. This is the pledge or oath that the Muslim only worships Allah, believes in Allah's books, believes in Allah's prophets, believes in Allah's angels and jinns, and believes in all of Allah's creation.

2.) The second pillar of Islam is prayer or salah. The Muslim believer prays 5 times a day according to the teachings of Allah.

3.) The third pillar of Islam is fasting or saum. Fasting for one full month during Ramadhan. And fasting for 3 days during full-moons.

4.) The fourth pillar of Islam is charity or sakat. A Muslim shares the substance given by Allah to those in need as sakat. This could be in the form of food, clothing or money etc. And from the whole year earning, at least 2.5 percent is given out to the needy as a zadaka.

5.) The fifth pillar of Islam is pilgrimage or Hadj. Those Muslims who were given the means by Allah is encourage to go on hadj to Mecca at least ones in this lifetime.

These is the clear, plain and simple Muslim practices and culture to live a succeful life on earth in preparation for the next life to come, Allah willing.

JALAL DAY AFTER EID UL FITR

My first day after eid ul fitr started when I was awaken a little after 2:00 a.m. There is still the tinge of sadness that ramadhan is over. But, with the knowledge that Allah subhana wata Allah is always here, I sat for few minutes and thought about seeking refuge in Allah, as well as seeking continued guidance for another day in this life. Then, I stood up and went to the window and just look up the sky.

I then washed with the desire in my heart to do the tahajjud plus two rakat sunnah prayer. Afterwards, I though of the whole day ahead of me and the series of things that I must do. In as much as today is a holiday, after the fajr prayer, I decided to do several things. First, I will do the house cleaning for an hour or two. Second, I will prepare for breakfast. And then third, I will simply do the routinary work for a day in the life of a believer, Insha Allah.

JALAL TRAVEL AND TOUR

In the Qur'an, Allah suhana wata Allah encourage every believer to travel through the land and see what was the end of those who persisted in disbelief. But, Allah did not specify emigration or migration. In fact, Moses was tasked to lead back his countrymen to Palestine from Egypt. Perhaps, this is the reason why Saudi Arabia for one, does not accept foreign nationals who intend to stay as permanent residents in the country.

In many occassions and in many sources, I have learned and understood the fate of those who apparently did not get the instruction, as clear as it was. Others were simply insolent. As a result, some of them found themselves in desolation. But, those who remained steadfast, who returned after seeing places, they all have gained a satisfactory portion of the blessing in this transitory life, especially when iman became stronger after the short trip.

JALAL ONSET AND CLOSING OF RAMADHAN

Hours before the first day of fasting started in August 22, 2009, that was before 12:00 am, there was a series of very loud thunders and very strong lightning’s. Clearly, it manifested the opening of the gates of heaven for the monthlong fasting and prayer of the believers. Allah was listening at the lowest heaven. It was also indicative of the closing of all the gates of hell during the fasting months.

This afternoon, right after asr prayer time there was again that very loud thunder and strong lightning coming from my Western side. This is a clear indication that all the gates of heaven are again closed while the gates of hell are again open. Realizing these makes me a little sad.

JALAL SMOKE JALAL FIRE

In the Qur’an, Allah, subhana wata Allah revealed that the angels were created from out of fire with white smoke. But, the avowed enemy of mankind, shaitan was created from out of fire with dark smoke. So, any kindling that gives out white smoke is jalal. But, when you burn something and it gives off black smoke, then that is of the enemy, shaitan and his comrades. Quite scary!

I remembered now what I saw on my early morning flight last March of 2009. The airplane passed by a very cloudy area. But the clouds were exceptionally glistening in white. Just few meters below however, quite a very thick layer of very dark clouds hovered. Just before the plane landed, there was already that drizzle for the subsequent strong downpour.

Moses, at one point in his life saw a burning bush. He thought it was an opportunity to kindle something for his family. He approached the burning bush. But, he heard the voice of Allah from out of the fire. There were no smokes in his account.

JALAL GARBAGE DISPOSAL

In the early days of my life, I could remember how I and my brothers and sisters enjoyed swimming in clean river waters and in alternate sea waters. We could stay hours in the waters that when we come home we have sunburn all over. No one told us then, that it was not good. We only stopped during the later years when the waters were already dirty with so much waste coming from human activities.


It was only when I read the hadith in 1999, where the prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, was practicing what was taught by Allah, suhana wata Allah, through the angel Gabriel that I learned proper waste disposal. Allah ordered Gabriel to teach Muhammad to properly discard his waste. When he wants to pee or wee, he must look for a softer spot where he can dig out a little soil and use the pit as storage. Cover the dirt afterwards with the soil.


In another instance, Muhammed was taught how to take a bath using water from the river or sea or lake. The angel Gabriel taught him to fetch some water in a bucket and bring it to a dry land where the soil or sand can easy seep and filter the water back into nature, while leaving the dirst in the soil.


This system must have evolved for ease and comfort in waste disposal. However, there must have been some misunderstanding. In the 21st century, the bodies of water have simply turned out to become scary sources of food. Every kind of dirt or effluents is just seen floating, drifting, mixed, or sunken in the water system. Many houses are constructed on the surface of bodies of water. And usually, these areas which became very unsanitary places to dwell have become haven of the poor. Nonetheless, dwellings that are nearby bodies of water that are well kept in terms of sanitation and proper garbage disposal have turned out to be productive and healthy places to live.

JALAL IMPORTANCE

Jalal is not only important, but, it is very important. In fact I can not do a thing for a day, perhaps until the end of my earthly living, when Allah permits, without jalal. This is because up to this moment, I always remember what Allah said. That the avowed enemy of mankind has been given respite till the end of time. With this, the foe has the ability to inflect anything on what Allah have given me in this trasitory life. Guidance is clear and sure therefore. That in my preparation for the next life to come, I must strive with all the wisdom and strenght given by Allah to emerge as a victor in all the meager trials that the enemy attempts to lay before me.


Albeit it to say, that I used the enemy to further strengthen my self-esteem, my faith in the one true Allah. For instance, when I feel very sleepy right before prayer time, then, I would prepare myself to extend reading the Qur'an. When someone derides at my work, I would just say, thank you, and ask Allah for guidance. This is to find out if there was really something wrong in it.


Sometimes, some people who are with the enemy's side tries to outsmart me. For instance, as a writer, I have many experiences of not being paid for the many papers that I wrote. The enemy usually lays before me infinite evasive strategies. But, the best strategy and plan I know is that of Allah. So, I simply commit unto Allah all my cares about the enemy and move on. This is because Allah said "The best among you, are those who can overlook the mistakes of others and avoid scandal, for He alone knows everything and have in store something for those who did wrong, and for those who falter and fail".

JALAL SIGNS

In the past years, when I am still asleep and the call to prayer must have been done, I always wondered why on earth are there mosquitoes biting me all over when my house is screened all around. If I do not care to stand up, then, a single bite of an ant in my loins will usually perk me up. I thought that was only in the past.


This noon, perhaps the call to prayer was already done and I was still on bed because I slept late. Believed it or not, a host of ants bit me and brought me up on my feet. Now I must stop writing with this line because the roosters are shouting louder and louder and seems to tell me I am almost late again.

JALAL BECAUSE OF A LOUD BIRD TWIT

At dawn on September 14, 2009, I did my tahajjud. After tahjjud, I prepared for the fajr prayer. I followed the time for fajr as charted in the calendar distributed at the mosque where I often attended. After the prayer, I noticed that it was still dark. So, I proceeded to read some more chapters of the Qur'an. Right after I stood up when I thought the sun is about to rise. In a sudden burst, I heared a single bird flew away from East to West with a very loud twit. I was just aghast, and was not able to move for a little while.


For over a day, I kept the event with me. All the while, I though somebody was evesdropping. But, I kept thingking what could that be. Yesterday, a quite similar occurence took place. This evening, when I read the chapter on Saba, verse 10, I knew Allah gave David the psalms and ordered the birds to sing it with him.

JALAL DAY

When I wake up in the morning, I would say, Bismillah, Alhumdulillah, shukran Allah. Meaning, in the name of Allah I wake up praising Allah and thanking Allah for the new day. I go next to the comfort room and I would say astagfirullaah or forgive me Allah. I wash, pee,wee, and change my clothes. And when I am done, I would say Alhumdulillah. Then, I would say Bismillah before I prepare food for my breakfast.

Sometimes, some bad thoughts cross my mind or sometimes, I forget and utter some not so good words. So I say, aodhzu Billahi minash shaitanir rajim. Meaning, I seek refuge in Allah from shaitan and all his pomps. Sometimes, I make mistakes, so I would say astagfirullah. With these, I begin my day in the name of Allah before Fajr or morning prayer.

JALAL

Jalal is a Semitic word, adopted into the Arabic language to mean done or prepared in the name of Allah. So, every Muslim whose religion is Islam are encourage to use, prepare, eat, and do anything in the name of Allah alone to be blessed. For example, if one will slaughter a cow, one would say Bismillah before cutting the major artery at the neck with a very sharp knife. The butcher should be sure that the cow does not show struggle. The meat will be drained of blood, washed before cooking. When one begins to cook, one would say Bismillah. When one is ready to eat, one would say Bismillah.


After eating, one would say Alhumdulillah! Shukran Allah! Or praise be to Allah and thank you! But, there are instances when one without duress have to eat food prepared in another way. In this instance, one may still eat without complain to show respect.