Purification of the Heart 01
By: Imam Hamza Yusuf
After praising and glorifying Allah, and sending salutations to the Prophet pbuh, amma ba'd.
Allah swt says:
"The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah a sound heart (qalb as-saleem)." (26:88-89)
Qalbu as-saleem - heart that is free from defects and spiritual blemishes.
Qalb = spiritual heart, not the physical heart
Chinese tradition, heart houses Shen (the spirit). In almost every culture in the world, people use metaphors using the heart eg: cold heart, warm heart, hard hearted, he affected me in my heart/core, he/she stole my heart.
* core - from latin word 'lubb' which means heart.
Indo European - heart that leaps (skipped a beat).
Antara perkara pertama yang Qur'an buat adalah define 3 jenis heart.
1. Hearts that are dead (Kafir)
2. Hearts that are alive (Mukmin)
3. Hearts that are in disease (Munafiq)
Physical heart, centered slightly to the left of human being.
Interestingly, the whole concept of writing (scriptures lama dari kanan ke kiri) is purposed to reach/towards the heart. Also, the concept of Tawaf, sebelah kiri, hearts patut yearn towards ka'bah/Allah.
The physical heart 100,000 times/day, 100 gallons/hour. Buat ini selama 24/7 seumur hidup! Sejauh 60,000 miles! Heart begins to beat sebelum mind was developed. Heart rupa rupanya bukan diinitiate oleh brain/nervous system, tetapi diinitiate sendiri. Heart is the center by itself!
Ramai yang sangka brain is the center of counciousness.
Tapi sebenarnya, lahum qulubun la yafqahuna biha. Ikut fahaman muslim, the center of the human beings is the heart. Ada 40,000 neurons in the heart. Ada 2 way communications between the brain and the heart, maksudnya heart hantar arahan kepada brain, brain hantar arahan kepada the heart.
Based on hadith, heart is the source of knowledge. Crime/bad deeds/sins irritates the heart. Kalau buat salah maka akan berlaku spiritual agitation. Maka manusia akan cari jalan untuk tutup (kufr) akan that agitation dengan alcohol, suicide, sexual acts etc. Mereka cuba masuk state of heedlessness untuk hilang kan that agitation. Kalau abaikan lama lama maka hati akan mati. Tetapi sebelum mati ia akan tunjukkan symptom symptom of illnesses and diseases.
Penyakit hati terbahagi kepada 2:
1. Syubuhaat - berkaitan dgn understanding.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Lipatan Sejarah Membuktikan Haya' Pakaian Lelaki
Salah satu endangered species dalam dunia hari ini bernama haya'. Orang melayu kenali haya' dengan nama PEMALU atau SIFAT MALU.
Ramai orang cakap yang dulu dulu sifat malu ni diassociatekan dengan perempuan, zaman sekarang ramai perempuan yang dah hilang sifat malu mereka. "Malu dah bukan lagi jadi pakaian anak anak perempuan kita", rungut pakcik pakcik and makcik makcik kita.
[Permisi, I beg to differ.]
Yang sebetulnya, sifat haya' ni dulu dulu bukan sahaja diassociatekan pada perempuan, lelaki juga famous dulu dengan pakaian haya' mereka. Haaa .. buktinya?
Teori ni baru je bermain di kepala, so kali ni nak cuba ketengahkan pada netters. Ini mungkin lebih make sense pada netters yang pernah pergi sekolah agama banding dengan yang tak pernah.
Kalau sesiapa yang ingat masa zaman muda muda, semasa fitrah insani masih lagi kuat tertunjang dalam diri, ketika sekolah agama asrama dulu, budak budak perempuan biasanya pakai kain almost 24/7. Jarang nak tgk mereka ni pakai seluar kecuali time pendidikan jasmani, itu pun masa tu lelaki dengan perempuan tak sekali biasanya. Kira kalau ada pelajar putera nampak pelajar puteri dekat kawasan sekolah pakai seluar itu dah kira minah set set 'auta'/gangster atau ganas la kiranya. Jika tak pun, kalau pelajar puteri ni pakai seluar, (here's a very interesting point to bear in mind) mereka akan pakai baju yang agak labuh sampai ke sekurang kurangnya paras lutut atau separuh peha. Kalau pakai baju yang atas dari tu memang akan dilabel oleh students sebagai budak yang tak tau malu atau yang sewaktu dengannya.
[Okeh, kesian pelajar puteri kena put on the spot dalam tulisan ni .. kita alihkan spotlight kepada pelajar putera balik.]
Amazingly, sebenarnya kalau kita imbas balik lintasan sejarah on the surface, pakaian lelaki zaman zaman tok kadok dulu memang tak jauh bezanya dengan pakaian perempuan sekarang. Jepun misalnya (satu culture yang betul betuul titik beratkan haya' dan kesopanan), pendekar samurai mereka pakai seluar yang baggy teramat sangat sampai sekali pandang memang nampak macam pakai kain.
Kita lihat kepada komik komik pendekar China pulak, walaupun pendekar pendekar memakai seluar .. teetapi baju mereka labuh sampai ke lutut! Ini satu frekuensi dengan pakaian haya' pelajar puteri asrama dulu!
Orang orang Pakistan and India jangan cerita lah, pakaian tradisional mereka either berkain pelikat atau kalaupun berseluar, baju mereka labuh sampai ke lutut. Fenemona ini melekat sehingga ke hari ini. Dari Timur tadi, kita pergi ke tengah tengah dunia sikit ke tempat negara negara Arab. Kalau kita perhatikan, orang orang Arab memang pakaian rasmi mereka pagi petang siang malam pakai 'kain yang besar' atau lebih dikenali dengan jubah/jubba, dari dulu sampai sekarang.
Habis meneroka dunia, kita kembali ke tanah tumpah darah kita. Realiti sepertimana yang kita tahu, orang melayu juga berkain pelikat. Tambah peliknya, kalau untuk urusan rasmi lelaki lelaki melayu terakhir ni akan pakai kain pendek menutupi seluar mereka :)
Jadi, persoalannya .. adakah ini hanya satu kebetulan, yang lelaki zaman dahulu memakai pakaian yang menyerupai haya' nya pakaian perempuan masa zaman fitrah di sekolah? Atau sememangnya lelaki zaman dulu dulu dipenuhi dengan sifat haya' sehingga tampak pada cara mereka berpakaian?
Satu lagi interesting point to add is, mungkin point di atas tu nampak pelik dan kelakar .. well here's a more serious proof sebenarnya. As we all know or as we ought to know, hijab or the head cover for sisters is a sign of modesty.
Sebenarnya kalau ikut sejarah Islam, kalau nak tahu seseorang lelaki ini wara' atau pun ahlul hadeeth, one of the signs of ahlul hadeeth (people who are masters in the knowledge of hadeeth) is that they always cover their heads out of modesty. It is a well known fact that the Prophet pbuh always if not all the time covers his head.
Teringat dulu masa tingkatan 2 and tingkatan 3, semua lelaki dalam kelas pakai kopiah. Kalau sesiapa punya kopiah kena cabut memang rasa malu yang teramat. Seolah-olah rasa macam terbuka aurat je.
Maka persoalannya di sini, kenapakah pakaian lelaki pada hari ini sudah tidak menampakkan haya' lagi? Ataupun persoalan yang lebih tepat lagi, mungkinkah hakikatnya status 'endangered species' haya' pada lelaki sudahpun mencapai status EXTINCT !?!
Salah satu endangered species dalam dunia hari ini bernama haya'. Orang melayu kenali haya' dengan nama PEMALU atau SIFAT MALU.
Ramai orang cakap yang dulu dulu sifat malu ni diassociatekan dengan perempuan, zaman sekarang ramai perempuan yang dah hilang sifat malu mereka. "Malu dah bukan lagi jadi pakaian anak anak perempuan kita", rungut pakcik pakcik and makcik makcik kita.
[Permisi, I beg to differ.]
Yang sebetulnya, sifat haya' ni dulu dulu bukan sahaja diassociatekan pada perempuan, lelaki juga famous dulu dengan pakaian haya' mereka. Haaa .. buktinya?
Teori ni baru je bermain di kepala, so kali ni nak cuba ketengahkan pada netters. Ini mungkin lebih make sense pada netters yang pernah pergi sekolah agama banding dengan yang tak pernah.
Kalau sesiapa yang ingat masa zaman muda muda, semasa fitrah insani masih lagi kuat tertunjang dalam diri, ketika sekolah agama asrama dulu, budak budak perempuan biasanya pakai kain almost 24/7. Jarang nak tgk mereka ni pakai seluar kecuali time pendidikan jasmani, itu pun masa tu lelaki dengan perempuan tak sekali biasanya. Kira kalau ada pelajar putera nampak pelajar puteri dekat kawasan sekolah pakai seluar itu dah kira minah set set 'auta'/gangster atau ganas la kiranya. Jika tak pun, kalau pelajar puteri ni pakai seluar, (here's a very interesting point to bear in mind) mereka akan pakai baju yang agak labuh sampai ke sekurang kurangnya paras lutut atau separuh peha. Kalau pakai baju yang atas dari tu memang akan dilabel oleh students sebagai budak yang tak tau malu atau yang sewaktu dengannya.
[Okeh, kesian pelajar puteri kena put on the spot dalam tulisan ni .. kita alihkan spotlight kepada pelajar putera balik.]
Amazingly, sebenarnya kalau kita imbas balik lintasan sejarah on the surface, pakaian lelaki zaman zaman tok kadok dulu memang tak jauh bezanya dengan pakaian perempuan sekarang. Jepun misalnya (satu culture yang betul betuul titik beratkan haya' dan kesopanan), pendekar samurai mereka pakai seluar yang baggy teramat sangat sampai sekali pandang memang nampak macam pakai kain.
Kita lihat kepada komik komik pendekar China pulak, walaupun pendekar pendekar memakai seluar .. teetapi baju mereka labuh sampai ke lutut! Ini satu frekuensi dengan pakaian haya' pelajar puteri asrama dulu!
Orang orang Pakistan and India jangan cerita lah, pakaian tradisional mereka either berkain pelikat atau kalaupun berseluar, baju mereka labuh sampai ke lutut. Fenemona ini melekat sehingga ke hari ini. Dari Timur tadi, kita pergi ke tengah tengah dunia sikit ke tempat negara negara Arab. Kalau kita perhatikan, orang orang Arab memang pakaian rasmi mereka pagi petang siang malam pakai 'kain yang besar' atau lebih dikenali dengan jubah/jubba, dari dulu sampai sekarang.
Habis meneroka dunia, kita kembali ke tanah tumpah darah kita. Realiti sepertimana yang kita tahu, orang melayu juga berkain pelikat. Tambah peliknya, kalau untuk urusan rasmi lelaki lelaki melayu terakhir ni akan pakai kain pendek menutupi seluar mereka :)
Jadi, persoalannya .. adakah ini hanya satu kebetulan, yang lelaki zaman dahulu memakai pakaian yang menyerupai haya' nya pakaian perempuan masa zaman fitrah di sekolah? Atau sememangnya lelaki zaman dulu dulu dipenuhi dengan sifat haya' sehingga tampak pada cara mereka berpakaian?
Satu lagi interesting point to add is, mungkin point di atas tu nampak pelik dan kelakar .. well here's a more serious proof sebenarnya. As we all know or as we ought to know, hijab or the head cover for sisters is a sign of modesty.
Sebenarnya kalau ikut sejarah Islam, kalau nak tahu seseorang lelaki ini wara' atau pun ahlul hadeeth, one of the signs of ahlul hadeeth (people who are masters in the knowledge of hadeeth) is that they always cover their heads out of modesty. It is a well known fact that the Prophet pbuh always if not all the time covers his head.
Teringat dulu masa tingkatan 2 and tingkatan 3, semua lelaki dalam kelas pakai kopiah. Kalau sesiapa punya kopiah kena cabut memang rasa malu yang teramat. Seolah-olah rasa macam terbuka aurat je.
Maka persoalannya di sini, kenapakah pakaian lelaki pada hari ini sudah tidak menampakkan haya' lagi? Ataupun persoalan yang lebih tepat lagi, mungkinkah hakikatnya status 'endangered species' haya' pada lelaki sudahpun mencapai status EXTINCT !?!
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Profile: Chen Shui-bian
Chen Shui-bian, a native-born Taiwanese and the island's first president from an opposition party, was re-elected in March 2004 by the narrowest of margins.
CHEN SHUI-BIAN
Strengths: Taiwanese-born, populist touch, stands up to China.
Weaknesses: Unpredictable, economy has been weak, DPP lacks depth.
A charismatic public speaker from a poor rural background, he is seen as a steely fighter with a populist touch.
Mr Chen insists he is a "peacemaker, not a troublemaker", and says he has no plans to declare independence except in the event of a Chinese invasion.
But his often prickly approach towards Beijing, and his Democratic Progressive Party's traditional pro-independence stance, have caused some to worry about Taiwan's long-term stability and prosperity now he has won a second term.
China remains deeply suspicious of him, accusing him of planning constitutional changes that would destroy its hopes of eventual reunification.
Chen Shui-bian's life is an astonishing tale of tenacity in the face of adversity.
He was born to illiterate tenant farmers in a village in southern Taiwan in 1951.
Education became his ticket out of poverty. He was the best student in his county and earned himself a place at the prestigious Taiwan National University where he gained a law degree.
As an ambitious young lawyer, he joined a maritime legal firm and married Wu Shu-jen, the daughter of a wealthy doctor.
Mr Chen fell into politics in the early 1980s when he defended a group of pro-independence leaders following a protest in the port of Kaohsiung.
He lost the case, but he was won over by his clients' ideals. The defendants and their lawyers subsequently became the core of the democratic opposition
Tragedy struck in 1985, when his wife was paralysed from the waist down after a truck ran over her in what many believe was an assassination attempt on Mr Chen himself.
Imprisonment
The following year, Mr Chen was jailed for eight months after losing a libel case involving the ruling party, the Kuomintang (KMT).
But if his enemies hoped to keep him out of politics they achieved the very opposite.
He became a member of the Taipei municipal council, and after the birth of multi-party politics and the formation of the DPP became the capital city's first popularly elected Mayor in 1994.
Mr Chen fought corruption, shut down brothels, improved traffic and levelled a large slum to create a park. But his abrasive and sometimes autocratic style also made him enemies.
When Taipei's voters threw him out four years later, he turned his defeat into an opportunity to run for the presidency in 2000.
His personal success in that campaign was followed by his party's victory in parliamentary elections the following year - the first democratic transfer of power from one party to another in the Chinese world.
Much of Mr Chen's appeal to voters lies in his personal dynamism and his down-to-earth background - many refer to him by his nickname, A-bian.
Theatrical showman
"At his public rallies," says one observer, "he is quite brilliant at working the crowd. He gets them laughing and uses elaborately choreographed music, fireworks and balloons to build up the atmosphere. He's a real showman."
He is also seen as something of a maverick.
In February, in the first-ever televised presidential debate in Taiwan's history, Lien Chan focused on the president's character, calling him "capricious," "irresponsible" and "unreliable."
Mr Chen indignantly dismissed his allegations. "My hairstyle has never changed over the years," he said, "nor my love for my wife."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2172980.stm
Chen Shui-bian, a native-born Taiwanese and the island's first president from an opposition party, was re-elected in March 2004 by the narrowest of margins.
CHEN SHUI-BIAN
Strengths: Taiwanese-born, populist touch, stands up to China.
Weaknesses: Unpredictable, economy has been weak, DPP lacks depth.
A charismatic public speaker from a poor rural background, he is seen as a steely fighter with a populist touch.
Mr Chen insists he is a "peacemaker, not a troublemaker", and says he has no plans to declare independence except in the event of a Chinese invasion.
But his often prickly approach towards Beijing, and his Democratic Progressive Party's traditional pro-independence stance, have caused some to worry about Taiwan's long-term stability and prosperity now he has won a second term.
China remains deeply suspicious of him, accusing him of planning constitutional changes that would destroy its hopes of eventual reunification.
Chen Shui-bian's life is an astonishing tale of tenacity in the face of adversity.
He was born to illiterate tenant farmers in a village in southern Taiwan in 1951.
Education became his ticket out of poverty. He was the best student in his county and earned himself a place at the prestigious Taiwan National University where he gained a law degree.
As an ambitious young lawyer, he joined a maritime legal firm and married Wu Shu-jen, the daughter of a wealthy doctor.
Mr Chen fell into politics in the early 1980s when he defended a group of pro-independence leaders following a protest in the port of Kaohsiung.
He lost the case, but he was won over by his clients' ideals. The defendants and their lawyers subsequently became the core of the democratic opposition
Tragedy struck in 1985, when his wife was paralysed from the waist down after a truck ran over her in what many believe was an assassination attempt on Mr Chen himself.
Imprisonment
The following year, Mr Chen was jailed for eight months after losing a libel case involving the ruling party, the Kuomintang (KMT).
But if his enemies hoped to keep him out of politics they achieved the very opposite.
He became a member of the Taipei municipal council, and after the birth of multi-party politics and the formation of the DPP became the capital city's first popularly elected Mayor in 1994.
Mr Chen fought corruption, shut down brothels, improved traffic and levelled a large slum to create a park. But his abrasive and sometimes autocratic style also made him enemies.
When Taipei's voters threw him out four years later, he turned his defeat into an opportunity to run for the presidency in 2000.
His personal success in that campaign was followed by his party's victory in parliamentary elections the following year - the first democratic transfer of power from one party to another in the Chinese world.
Much of Mr Chen's appeal to voters lies in his personal dynamism and his down-to-earth background - many refer to him by his nickname, A-bian.
Theatrical showman
"At his public rallies," says one observer, "he is quite brilliant at working the crowd. He gets them laughing and uses elaborately choreographed music, fireworks and balloons to build up the atmosphere. He's a real showman."
He is also seen as something of a maverick.
In February, in the first-ever televised presidential debate in Taiwan's history, Lien Chan focused on the president's character, calling him "capricious," "irresponsible" and "unreliable."
Mr Chen indignantly dismissed his allegations. "My hairstyle has never changed over the years," he said, "nor my love for my wife."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2172980.stm
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Islamic Civilization
By: Dr. Mustafa Sibai
Product information:
'For a thousand years the Islamic civilization was the central light whose rays illumined the world. It was the mother of European culture, for men reared in this civilization were the masters in the Middle Ages at whose feet the Spaniards, the French, the English, the Italians and the Germans sat to learn philosophy, science of mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, physics, medicine and industrial techniques.'
This book covers the glorious Islamic past when Islam reached its peak in terms of Justice, Peace and Prosperity. It covers the following areas:
Racial Equality
Religious Tolerance
Morality in War
Compassion and Kindness to Animals
Welfare Institutions
Schools and Educational Instituions
Hospitals and Medical Institutions
Private and Public Libraries
Capitals and Large Cities.
Extract: Private and Public Libraries
One of the Caliphs sent for a certain scholar to talk to him. When the servant found the scholar, he found him sitting and engrossed in reading whilst around him were many books. He said to him: "You have been called by the Amir al-Mu'mineen." He replied: "Tell him that I am presently in the company of great learned men and philosophers and engaged in conversation with them. When I have finished with them, I will come and see him." The servant returned and informed the Caliph. He asked the servant: "Who are those learned men and philo-sophers engaged in conversation with him." The servant replied: "By Allah, O Amir al-Mu'mineen! I did not see anyone there." The Caliph said: "Bring him here at once." When he came, the Caliph asked him: "Who were those learned men who were keeping you company." He replied: 'O Amir al-Mu'mineen'
They are companions whose talk does not bore you;
Present or absent they are constant and trustworthy.
When we in seclusion their talk is very beneficial
And helpful in taking away anxieties and worries.
They benefit us with their knowledge; knowledge of what has passes
With wisdom, affability, prudence and sound opinion.
You will neither have any apprehension nor fear of discourtesy
Nor dread of any injury from their hand or their tongue.
If I said that they are dead, I would not be a liar
And if I say they are living, I would not be lying.
The Caliph on learning that what he meant by 'learned people gathered with him' was the books of the scholars and learned people, did not reprimand him for not responding to his call immediately.
Dr. Mustafa Siba'i
Dr. Mustafa As-Siba'i was born in 1915 in the city of Hams, Damascus. He memorized the Qur'an at a very young age. His primary and secondary studies were completed in the Masudiyyah School.
He always excelled in studies and was known for his intelligence and academic brilliance. He studied the Islamic Sciences with his father Shaykh Hasani Sibai and in circles with great scholars and jurists of Hams. His teachers included Shaykh Tahir Al-Atasi (Mufti of Hams at the time), Shaykh Zahid Al-Atasi, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yasin, Shaykh Anis Kalalib and others.
From the young age of eighteen he used to deliver the Friday khutbahs in the absence of his father. In 1933, he went to Egypt and enrolled at the Univesity of Al-Azhar to study fiqh.
Upon completing his studies of fiqh, he enrolled at the Usul al-Deen Faculty of Al-Azhar and excelled in his studies. In 1949, he completed his Ph.D. on the theme of 'The Position of Sunnah in Legislation'.
In 1950 he was appointed Professor of Law at the University of Damascus and in 1955, he established the Faculty of Shariah at the same university. He established the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria in 1945. Dr Sibai was elected to the Syrian Parliament from 1949-1954. He passed away in 1964.
http://www.awakeningusa.com/isapi/isapi.dll?product_detail&product_id=26&search_type=browse&cat_id.0
http://store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b7249.html
By: Dr. Mustafa Sibai
Product information:
'For a thousand years the Islamic civilization was the central light whose rays illumined the world. It was the mother of European culture, for men reared in this civilization were the masters in the Middle Ages at whose feet the Spaniards, the French, the English, the Italians and the Germans sat to learn philosophy, science of mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, physics, medicine and industrial techniques.'
This book covers the glorious Islamic past when Islam reached its peak in terms of Justice, Peace and Prosperity. It covers the following areas:
Racial Equality
Religious Tolerance
Morality in War
Compassion and Kindness to Animals
Welfare Institutions
Schools and Educational Instituions
Hospitals and Medical Institutions
Private and Public Libraries
Capitals and Large Cities.
Extract: Private and Public Libraries
One of the Caliphs sent for a certain scholar to talk to him. When the servant found the scholar, he found him sitting and engrossed in reading whilst around him were many books. He said to him: "You have been called by the Amir al-Mu'mineen." He replied: "Tell him that I am presently in the company of great learned men and philosophers and engaged in conversation with them. When I have finished with them, I will come and see him." The servant returned and informed the Caliph. He asked the servant: "Who are those learned men and philo-sophers engaged in conversation with him." The servant replied: "By Allah, O Amir al-Mu'mineen! I did not see anyone there." The Caliph said: "Bring him here at once." When he came, the Caliph asked him: "Who were those learned men who were keeping you company." He replied: 'O Amir al-Mu'mineen'
They are companions whose talk does not bore you;
Present or absent they are constant and trustworthy.
When we in seclusion their talk is very beneficial
And helpful in taking away anxieties and worries.
They benefit us with their knowledge; knowledge of what has passes
With wisdom, affability, prudence and sound opinion.
You will neither have any apprehension nor fear of discourtesy
Nor dread of any injury from their hand or their tongue.
If I said that they are dead, I would not be a liar
And if I say they are living, I would not be lying.
The Caliph on learning that what he meant by 'learned people gathered with him' was the books of the scholars and learned people, did not reprimand him for not responding to his call immediately.
Dr. Mustafa Siba'i
Dr. Mustafa As-Siba'i was born in 1915 in the city of Hams, Damascus. He memorized the Qur'an at a very young age. His primary and secondary studies were completed in the Masudiyyah School.
He always excelled in studies and was known for his intelligence and academic brilliance. He studied the Islamic Sciences with his father Shaykh Hasani Sibai and in circles with great scholars and jurists of Hams. His teachers included Shaykh Tahir Al-Atasi (Mufti of Hams at the time), Shaykh Zahid Al-Atasi, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yasin, Shaykh Anis Kalalib and others.
From the young age of eighteen he used to deliver the Friday khutbahs in the absence of his father. In 1933, he went to Egypt and enrolled at the Univesity of Al-Azhar to study fiqh.
Upon completing his studies of fiqh, he enrolled at the Usul al-Deen Faculty of Al-Azhar and excelled in his studies. In 1949, he completed his Ph.D. on the theme of 'The Position of Sunnah in Legislation'.
In 1950 he was appointed Professor of Law at the University of Damascus and in 1955, he established the Faculty of Shariah at the same university. He established the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria in 1945. Dr Sibai was elected to the Syrian Parliament from 1949-1954. He passed away in 1964.
http://www.awakeningusa.com/isapi/isapi.dll?product_detail&product_id=26&search_type=browse&cat_id.0
http://store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b7249.html
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Al-Qasas (28:6-13)
6. To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman, and their hosts, at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions.
7. So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child), but when thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our apostles."
8. Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): (It was intended) that (Moses) should be to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Haman and (all) their hosts were men of sin.
9. The wife of Pharaoh said: "(Here is) joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be use to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (what they were doing)!
10. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses: She was going almost to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she might remain a (firm) believer.
11. And she said to the sister of (Moses), "Follow him" so she (the sister) watched him in the character of a stranger. And they knew not.
12. And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until (His sister came up and) said: "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"...
13. Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.
6. To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman, and their hosts, at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions.
7. So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child), but when thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our apostles."
8. Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): (It was intended) that (Moses) should be to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Haman and (all) their hosts were men of sin.
9. The wife of Pharaoh said: "(Here is) joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be use to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (what they were doing)!
10. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses: She was going almost to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she might remain a (firm) believer.
11. And she said to the sister of (Moses), "Follow him" so she (the sister) watched him in the character of a stranger. And they knew not.
12. And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until (His sister came up and) said: "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"...
13. Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.
Jeans dan Cap
Teringat zaman muda muda dulu, masa di bangku sekolah rendah mengaji kitab akhlak and tasawwuf, satu color kuning lagi satu color hijau. Kalau tak silap semua pelajar sekolah agama di Selangor kena baca kitab tu.
Yang kelakarnya, studi masa sekolah rendah pun bukannya betul sangat pun, tengok tengok tup tup lepas habis SPM kerja jadi ustaz sekejap, mengajar kitab yang sama dekat budak budak. Kerja dekat situ sebulan je ganti seorang ustazah ni yang cuti bersalin tapi budak budak dah start panggil ustaz.
Ehe .. yang lagi kelakarnya, lepas dah berenti jadi ustaz so satu hari tu macam biasa .. jalan jalan dekat Kompleks PKNS .. pakai seluar jeans, pakai cap (biasala jiwa muda remaja masa tu :)). Sambil jalan jalan tu nampak satu keluarga ni dari jauh, anak dia lebih kurang darjah 4 masa tu nampak tersengih sengih je. Rasa macam kenaaal je budak tu. Bila berselisih dengan famili tu tiba tiba budak tu sapa, "Assalamu 'alaykum ustaz!" .. erk .. so ustaz yang ranggi berseluar jean and bercap baseball ni pun jawab la dengan merah padam "Wa'alaykumussalam warahmatullah".
Haha .. kesian tengok muka mak ayah budak tu sebab konfius macam mana la ustaz boleh end up dengan seluar jean and pakai cap ni. Cabut!
* Astaghfirullah - pendidik jenis apakah aku ini?
[Moral of the story : Jagalah akhlak kendiri]
Teringat zaman muda muda dulu, masa di bangku sekolah rendah mengaji kitab akhlak and tasawwuf, satu color kuning lagi satu color hijau. Kalau tak silap semua pelajar sekolah agama di Selangor kena baca kitab tu.
Yang kelakarnya, studi masa sekolah rendah pun bukannya betul sangat pun, tengok tengok tup tup lepas habis SPM kerja jadi ustaz sekejap, mengajar kitab yang sama dekat budak budak. Kerja dekat situ sebulan je ganti seorang ustazah ni yang cuti bersalin tapi budak budak dah start panggil ustaz.
Ehe .. yang lagi kelakarnya, lepas dah berenti jadi ustaz so satu hari tu macam biasa .. jalan jalan dekat Kompleks PKNS .. pakai seluar jeans, pakai cap (biasala jiwa muda remaja masa tu :)). Sambil jalan jalan tu nampak satu keluarga ni dari jauh, anak dia lebih kurang darjah 4 masa tu nampak tersengih sengih je. Rasa macam kenaaal je budak tu. Bila berselisih dengan famili tu tiba tiba budak tu sapa, "Assalamu 'alaykum ustaz!" .. erk .. so ustaz yang ranggi berseluar jean and bercap baseball ni pun jawab la dengan merah padam "Wa'alaykumussalam warahmatullah".
Haha .. kesian tengok muka mak ayah budak tu sebab konfius macam mana la ustaz boleh end up dengan seluar jean and pakai cap ni. Cabut!
* Astaghfirullah - pendidik jenis apakah aku ini?
[Moral of the story : Jagalah akhlak kendiri]
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Ingatan dari Fajr Bayan
Masjid An-Nur, Chicago, IL
Sunday, May 16th 2004
After praising Allah swt and sending salutations to the Prophet pbuh, amma ba'd.
Know dear beloved people, that Allah swt has created each and every thing in this world for the human beings. Allah swt says:
"It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge. " (2:29)
An amazing point to note, the balance of the world is dependant on the human being's actions. If mankind act in justice then the whole world would be in a state of balance, on the other hand, if mankind creates corruption and fasad on this earth, consequently imbalance and destruction would take place.
Allahu jalla wa 'ala says:
"Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((Allah)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)." (30:41)
Interestingly, just as the state of the world is dependant on the state of the human beings, likewise the state of the human being is also dependant on a central factor. If that central factor is sound then the condition of the person would be sound, if it is in turmoil and chaos then the state of that person would be in turmoil and chaos.
What is this central factor?
Without doubt, it is the qalb. And this was attested by the famous hadeeth of our teacher pbuh.
[To grasp this huge reality, imagine that as a student, you're enrolled in a subject which has 3 midterms, one final exam, 12 homeworks and 5 quizzes (just like a typical normal class). Now here's the catch, in spite of all the tests that your have to plunge through, the professor makes sure that you fully understand that your grade would be 100% determined by you 3rd quiz only. If you fully understood what that statement meant, what would you do? Definitely, you'll go head on concentrating like crazy on that 3rd quiz.]
[Such is the importance and weight of the role which the qalb plays in our life. So then, why are we neglecting the health of our qalb? Why are we contaminating it with sins and mutating it in ugliness with disobedience to the Creator? Where has the adornments of ta'ah and mahabbah dissapeared from the sight? In reality there's too much veils and too dim of a light that's diminishing our aching senses.]
Illuminate your heart with the nur of eemaan. As had Abu Bakr made radiant his qalb with it, tipped the scale of the emaan of the ummah with his beautiful light. For surely, he did not reach that stage without the numerous bleeding sacrifices and never ending struggles. Remind yourself of the torture of the sahrah (magicians) of Pharoah which they had to face. Their feets and hands were chopped off, their body crucified and the torture lead to their death.
Indeed, this life is a life of test and eemaan is attained only through torturous sacrifices and never ending struggle.
(Ayat ending biasa orang tabligh: "So who's ready for this insha Allah?" :))
Masjid An-Nur, Chicago, IL
Sunday, May 16th 2004
After praising Allah swt and sending salutations to the Prophet pbuh, amma ba'd.
Know dear beloved people, that Allah swt has created each and every thing in this world for the human beings. Allah swt says:
"It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge. " (2:29)
An amazing point to note, the balance of the world is dependant on the human being's actions. If mankind act in justice then the whole world would be in a state of balance, on the other hand, if mankind creates corruption and fasad on this earth, consequently imbalance and destruction would take place.
Allahu jalla wa 'ala says:
"Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((Allah)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)." (30:41)
Interestingly, just as the state of the world is dependant on the state of the human beings, likewise the state of the human being is also dependant on a central factor. If that central factor is sound then the condition of the person would be sound, if it is in turmoil and chaos then the state of that person would be in turmoil and chaos.
What is this central factor?
Without doubt, it is the qalb. And this was attested by the famous hadeeth of our teacher pbuh.
[To grasp this huge reality, imagine that as a student, you're enrolled in a subject which has 3 midterms, one final exam, 12 homeworks and 5 quizzes (just like a typical normal class). Now here's the catch, in spite of all the tests that your have to plunge through, the professor makes sure that you fully understand that your grade would be 100% determined by you 3rd quiz only. If you fully understood what that statement meant, what would you do? Definitely, you'll go head on concentrating like crazy on that 3rd quiz.]
[Such is the importance and weight of the role which the qalb plays in our life. So then, why are we neglecting the health of our qalb? Why are we contaminating it with sins and mutating it in ugliness with disobedience to the Creator? Where has the adornments of ta'ah and mahabbah dissapeared from the sight? In reality there's too much veils and too dim of a light that's diminishing our aching senses.]
Illuminate your heart with the nur of eemaan. As had Abu Bakr made radiant his qalb with it, tipped the scale of the emaan of the ummah with his beautiful light. For surely, he did not reach that stage without the numerous bleeding sacrifices and never ending struggles. Remind yourself of the torture of the sahrah (magicians) of Pharoah which they had to face. Their feets and hands were chopped off, their body crucified and the torture lead to their death.
Indeed, this life is a life of test and eemaan is attained only through torturous sacrifices and never ending struggle.
(Ayat ending biasa orang tabligh: "So who's ready for this insha Allah?" :))
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Precious Gems
Shaykhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyyah was famous for stating profound statements, below is selection of some of them.
"Every punishment from Him is pure justice and every blessing from him is pure grace."
"Whoever desires everlasting bliss, let him adhere firmly to the threshold of servitude."
"The Lord loves to be loved."
"Guidance is not attained except with knowledge and correct direction is not attained except with patience."
"In this world there is a paradise, whoever does not enter it will not enter the paradise of the Hereafter."
"The one who is (truely) imprisoned is the one whose heart is imprisoned from Allah and the captivated one is the one whose desire have enslaved him."
"This whole religion revolves around knowing the truth and acting by it, and action must be accompanied by patience."
"Worship is founded upon the Legal Law and following it, not upon ones base desires and innovations."
"If you do not taste the sweetness of an action in your heart, suspect it, for the Lord, Exalted is He, is the Appreciative."
"The more the servant loves his Master the less will he love other objects and they will decrease in number. The less the servant loves his Master, the more he will love other obejcts and they will increase in in number."
"Perpetually is the servant either the recipient of blessing from Allah, in which case he is need of gratitude; or he is perpetrator of a sin, in which case he is in need of repentance, he is always moving from one blessing to another and is always in need of repentance."
"Sins cause harm and repentance removes the cause."
"Bearing witness to tawhid opens the oor of goo and repentance from sins closes the door to evil."
"The Jihad against the soul is the foundation for the Jihad against disbelievers and hyprocrites."
"A man will never fear something besides Allah unless it be due to a disease in his heart."
"Trials and tribulation are like feeling the heat and cold, when one knows that they cannot be avoided, he will not feel anger at their onset, nor will he be distressed or disheartened."
"The perfection of tawheed is found when there remains nothing in the heart except Allah, the servant is left loving those He loves and what He loves, hating those He hates and what He hates, showing allegiance to those He has allegiance to, showing enmity to those He shows nemity towards, ordering what he orders and prohibiting what he prohibits."
"In this world, man finds in the remembrance of Allah, praising Him and worshipping Him, a delight that is incomparable to anything else."
"The objective of asceticism is to leave that harms the servants Hereafter and the objective of worship is to do all that will be benefit his Hereafter."
"Sins are like chains and locks preventing their perpetrator from roaming the vast garden of tawhid and reaping the fruits of actions."
"What can my enemis do to me? I have in my breast both my heaven and my garden. If I travel they are with me, never leaving me. Imprisonment for me is a chance to be alone with my Lord. To be killed is martyrdom and to be exiled from my land is a spiritual journey."
Source: Diseases of the Hearts and Their Cures
Shaykhul Islam Ibnu Taimiyyah was famous for stating profound statements, below is selection of some of them.
"Every punishment from Him is pure justice and every blessing from him is pure grace."
"Whoever desires everlasting bliss, let him adhere firmly to the threshold of servitude."
"The Lord loves to be loved."
"Guidance is not attained except with knowledge and correct direction is not attained except with patience."
"In this world there is a paradise, whoever does not enter it will not enter the paradise of the Hereafter."
"The one who is (truely) imprisoned is the one whose heart is imprisoned from Allah and the captivated one is the one whose desire have enslaved him."
"This whole religion revolves around knowing the truth and acting by it, and action must be accompanied by patience."
"Worship is founded upon the Legal Law and following it, not upon ones base desires and innovations."
"If you do not taste the sweetness of an action in your heart, suspect it, for the Lord, Exalted is He, is the Appreciative."
"The more the servant loves his Master the less will he love other objects and they will decrease in number. The less the servant loves his Master, the more he will love other obejcts and they will increase in in number."
"Perpetually is the servant either the recipient of blessing from Allah, in which case he is need of gratitude; or he is perpetrator of a sin, in which case he is in need of repentance, he is always moving from one blessing to another and is always in need of repentance."
"Sins cause harm and repentance removes the cause."
"Bearing witness to tawhid opens the oor of goo and repentance from sins closes the door to evil."
"The Jihad against the soul is the foundation for the Jihad against disbelievers and hyprocrites."
"A man will never fear something besides Allah unless it be due to a disease in his heart."
"Trials and tribulation are like feeling the heat and cold, when one knows that they cannot be avoided, he will not feel anger at their onset, nor will he be distressed or disheartened."
"The perfection of tawheed is found when there remains nothing in the heart except Allah, the servant is left loving those He loves and what He loves, hating those He hates and what He hates, showing allegiance to those He has allegiance to, showing enmity to those He shows nemity towards, ordering what he orders and prohibiting what he prohibits."
"In this world, man finds in the remembrance of Allah, praising Him and worshipping Him, a delight that is incomparable to anything else."
"The objective of asceticism is to leave that harms the servants Hereafter and the objective of worship is to do all that will be benefit his Hereafter."
"Sins are like chains and locks preventing their perpetrator from roaming the vast garden of tawhid and reaping the fruits of actions."
"What can my enemis do to me? I have in my breast both my heaven and my garden. If I travel they are with me, never leaving me. Imprisonment for me is a chance to be alone with my Lord. To be killed is martyrdom and to be exiled from my land is a spiritual journey."
Source: Diseases of the Hearts and Their Cures
From: Suria Kencana
Date: Tue May 11, 2004 8:20 am
Subject: Baby Girl
Assalamualaikum,
Just nak inform kepada sesiapa yang tak tau...
Hana Syakirah telah selamat melahirkan anak sulungnya
(baby girl) pada 3ptg 10/05/2004.
Dapat lagi sorang anak buah lah 3rd batch! :) sapa nak
incharge collect duit ...beli hadiah utk baby?
p/s : Congratulation!!! selamat sambut ari ibu.
-ska-
"keep in touch"
Date: Tue May 11, 2004 8:20 am
Subject: Baby Girl
Assalamualaikum,
Just nak inform kepada sesiapa yang tak tau...
Hana Syakirah telah selamat melahirkan anak sulungnya
(baby girl) pada 3ptg 10/05/2004.
Dapat lagi sorang anak buah lah 3rd batch! :) sapa nak
incharge collect duit ...beli hadiah utk baby?
p/s : Congratulation!!! selamat sambut ari ibu.
-ska-
"keep in touch"
Friday, May 14, 2004
Declaration of Independance
Saat ini adalah detik deklarasi independensi. Bak simboliknya Ummi 'Aisyah r.a. memalingkan dirinya - dari ibu bapanya (r.a.) yang tidak termampu memberikan kata kata penenteram jiwa, dari habibnya (s.a.w.) yang terikat tangannya dengan takdir ilahi, dari teman teman yang sudah tidak terupaya memberikan dokongan, dari dirinya yang sudah tidak banyak pilihan - berpusing menghadapkan wajahnya kepada Empunya Segala Kuasa.
Masa pergantungan kepada manusia sudah tamat. Telah tersingkap rahsia bahawa ultimate reliance kepada hanya Yang Satu.
I believe that I've always neglected in acknowledging my friends in this blog, so I'll try and make aware of their existance from here on. Terima kasih pada teman teman sehati yang menolong selama ini, BUT starting from this point this war is mine to battle alone. Reliance belongs to Him alone.
Kam min fi-atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi-atin katheeratin biizinillah.
Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabra, wa thabbit aqdaamana wansurna 'ala al-qaumi al-kafireen.
Layangkan salam perpisahan to your comrade with a du'a please.
Saat ini adalah detik deklarasi independensi. Bak simboliknya Ummi 'Aisyah r.a. memalingkan dirinya - dari ibu bapanya (r.a.) yang tidak termampu memberikan kata kata penenteram jiwa, dari habibnya (s.a.w.) yang terikat tangannya dengan takdir ilahi, dari teman teman yang sudah tidak terupaya memberikan dokongan, dari dirinya yang sudah tidak banyak pilihan - berpusing menghadapkan wajahnya kepada Empunya Segala Kuasa.
Masa pergantungan kepada manusia sudah tamat. Telah tersingkap rahsia bahawa ultimate reliance kepada hanya Yang Satu.
I believe that I've always neglected in acknowledging my friends in this blog, so I'll try and make aware of their existance from here on. Terima kasih pada teman teman sehati yang menolong selama ini, BUT starting from this point this war is mine to battle alone. Reliance belongs to Him alone.
Kam min fi-atin qaleelatin ghalabat fi-atin katheeratin biizinillah.
Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabra, wa thabbit aqdaamana wansurna 'ala al-qaumi al-kafireen.
Layangkan salam perpisahan to your comrade with a du'a please.
Putera kepada Putera & Puteri KISAS
Assalamualaykum buat uncle2 & auntie2 KISAS!!
Nama saya Afifi Musleh B Abdul Halim. Dilahirkan di Kaherah pada jam 3.30 subuh Isnin 23 februari 2004 bersamaan 3 Muharam 1425. Papa saya Abdul Halim (hayat) 5/11. Mama saya Nurul Balqis Othman 5/8.
Congratulation and Alfu Mabrukk buat uncle2 dan auntie2 yang baru mendirikan mahligai masjid. Semoga bahagia membawa ke syurga... Uncle Faiz & Uncle Farhey biler lagi????
Agak2 muka saya ni macam muka saper?
Saper2 yang nak berkenalan @ pinang saya bolehlah contact saya...... hihihihi
(sorry ler memberatkan mail storage korang semua- papa)
- Hayat
Assalamualaykum buat uncle2 & auntie2 KISAS!!
Nama saya Afifi Musleh B Abdul Halim. Dilahirkan di Kaherah pada jam 3.30 subuh Isnin 23 februari 2004 bersamaan 3 Muharam 1425. Papa saya Abdul Halim (hayat) 5/11. Mama saya Nurul Balqis Othman 5/8.
Congratulation and Alfu Mabrukk buat uncle2 dan auntie2 yang baru mendirikan mahligai masjid. Semoga bahagia membawa ke syurga... Uncle Faiz & Uncle Farhey biler lagi????
Agak2 muka saya ni macam muka saper?
Saper2 yang nak berkenalan @ pinang saya bolehlah contact saya...... hihihihi
(sorry ler memberatkan mail storage korang semua- papa)
- Hayat
28. Al-Qasas (1-5)
1. Ta. Sin. Mim.
2. These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
3. We rehearse to thee some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Truth, for people who believe.
4. Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections, depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief.
5. And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders (in Faith) and make them heirs,
1. Ta. Sin. Mim.
2. These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
3. We rehearse to thee some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Truth, for people who believe.
4. Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections, depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief.
5. And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders (in Faith) and make them heirs,
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Sunday, May 02, 2004
Halliburton Truck Driver Hamill Escapes Captors in Iraq
May 2 (Bloomberg) -- Thomas Hamill, a Mississippi truck driver with Halliburton Co.'s Kellogg, Brown & Root unit, who was kidnapped April 9 in Iraq, escaped and was recovered by U.S. forces near the northern city of Tikrit, military officials said.
Hamill ``is in good health,'' Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt said at a brief press conference. Hamill, 43, was captured April 9 after an attack on his convoy west of Baghdad, in which at least four other Halliburton workers were killed.
``He had an opportunity to escape, saw some U.S. forces and made his dash,'' Air Force General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on ABC's ``This Week.'' ``That's all I know, at this point.''
At least 34 employees or contractors of Halliburton, the world's largest oilfield-services provider, have died in Iraq and Kuwait since the U.S.-led invasion last year. Houston-based Halliburton has more than 24,000 employees in the Middle East.
(here's what I want to point out regarding the reality in Iraq)
Halliburton, formerly headed by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, has received about $5.7 billion during the past 13 months for work in Iraq. Some members of Congress have said the company had an unfair advantage in getting contracts because of its connection with Cheney.
The company doesn't have details on two other workers who remain missing and ``we are working with the authorities and continue to do everything we can to assist the families, as well as our employees,'' according to a company statement on its Web site. The company said it was ``extremely grateful'' that Hamill was safe.
Hamill Praised
A videotape aired on an Arabic-language television station showed Hamill after his capture, surrounded by hooded gunmen and then being driven away.
``Tommy is a courageous hero and we are proud of his resolve, resilience and refusal to give up hope,'' according to a company statement on its Web site.
Hamill's wife, Kellie, told the Associated Press that she spoke with her husband by telephone early Sunday and said it was ``the best wake-up call I've ever had.''
``There has been a lot of praying and I am so grateful to everybody,'' she told AP. ``We're all so relieved, so excited.''
His hometown of Macon, Mississippi, held nightly vigils for Hamill and set up a fund to help the family.
``We're going to have a parade that never ends, and maybe a picnic,'' said Macon, Mississippi Mayor Dorothy Baker Hines.
Kellie Hamill, who supervises the Noxubee County 911 system, had open-heart surgery in February and has been home since then, Baker Hines said. Hamill also has a son and daughter who had just returned to school, she said.
Hamill Paying Debts
Thomas Hamill had sold the family dairy farm and joined Halliburton to pay off family debts, the mayor said.
``He could have been like a lot of people, file for bankruptcy, but he wanted to be a good man and pay his bills,'' Baker Hines said. ``He also knew he would be helping the Iraqi people.''
Still missing in Iraq is U.S. Army Private Keith Maupin, kidnapped at the same time as Hamill.
``At this point, I'm not aware of any word we have on him,'' Myers said. `But I can guarantee you that that's obviously something we follow very, very closely, trying to pick up any lead, so we can go get him.''
Source: Bloomberg.com
Other Revealing Concerns: The Torturing of Iraqi Prisoners
[A Daily Mirror photograph of one of the British troops caught in the act of kicking, stamping and urinating on a hooded Iraqi in Basra, southern Iraq.]
May 2 (Bloomberg) -- Thomas Hamill, a Mississippi truck driver with Halliburton Co.'s Kellogg, Brown & Root unit, who was kidnapped April 9 in Iraq, escaped and was recovered by U.S. forces near the northern city of Tikrit, military officials said.
Hamill ``is in good health,'' Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt said at a brief press conference. Hamill, 43, was captured April 9 after an attack on his convoy west of Baghdad, in which at least four other Halliburton workers were killed.
``He had an opportunity to escape, saw some U.S. forces and made his dash,'' Air Force General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on ABC's ``This Week.'' ``That's all I know, at this point.''
At least 34 employees or contractors of Halliburton, the world's largest oilfield-services provider, have died in Iraq and Kuwait since the U.S.-led invasion last year. Houston-based Halliburton has more than 24,000 employees in the Middle East.
(here's what I want to point out regarding the reality in Iraq)
Halliburton, formerly headed by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, has received about $5.7 billion during the past 13 months for work in Iraq. Some members of Congress have said the company had an unfair advantage in getting contracts because of its connection with Cheney.
The company doesn't have details on two other workers who remain missing and ``we are working with the authorities and continue to do everything we can to assist the families, as well as our employees,'' according to a company statement on its Web site. The company said it was ``extremely grateful'' that Hamill was safe.
Hamill Praised
A videotape aired on an Arabic-language television station showed Hamill after his capture, surrounded by hooded gunmen and then being driven away.
``Tommy is a courageous hero and we are proud of his resolve, resilience and refusal to give up hope,'' according to a company statement on its Web site.
Hamill's wife, Kellie, told the Associated Press that she spoke with her husband by telephone early Sunday and said it was ``the best wake-up call I've ever had.''
``There has been a lot of praying and I am so grateful to everybody,'' she told AP. ``We're all so relieved, so excited.''
His hometown of Macon, Mississippi, held nightly vigils for Hamill and set up a fund to help the family.
``We're going to have a parade that never ends, and maybe a picnic,'' said Macon, Mississippi Mayor Dorothy Baker Hines.
Kellie Hamill, who supervises the Noxubee County 911 system, had open-heart surgery in February and has been home since then, Baker Hines said. Hamill also has a son and daughter who had just returned to school, she said.
Hamill Paying Debts
Thomas Hamill had sold the family dairy farm and joined Halliburton to pay off family debts, the mayor said.
``He could have been like a lot of people, file for bankruptcy, but he wanted to be a good man and pay his bills,'' Baker Hines said. ``He also knew he would be helping the Iraqi people.''
Still missing in Iraq is U.S. Army Private Keith Maupin, kidnapped at the same time as Hamill.
``At this point, I'm not aware of any word we have on him,'' Myers said. `But I can guarantee you that that's obviously something we follow very, very closely, trying to pick up any lead, so we can go get him.''
Source: Bloomberg.com
Other Revealing Concerns: The Torturing of Iraqi Prisoners
[A Daily Mirror photograph of one of the British troops caught in the act of kicking, stamping and urinating on a hooded Iraqi in Basra, southern Iraq.]