In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Heya.
"Korang kena tukar usrah tau." When Kak Syikkin dropped that, I was rendered speechless.
"Kenapa?"
"Ye lah korang kan dah nak membesar lepas ni."
Growing up. Oh yeah that rings a bell.
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I remember the first time I watched Peter Pan movie back when I was in primary school. I can totally relate to him straight away because I, too, was terrified at the idea of growing up.
You can't really blame me if my 11-year-old self saw adults as screwups. They fight, they lash out at each other, they bribe, they spread lies, they let their emotions get the best of them, just to name a few. Seeing how messed up the world is at the hands of adults, with wars waged here and there, corrupted authorities, crony capitalism -- you name it -- I didn't really have much option but to create my Neverland, did I?
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Despite enjoying the yearly birthday presents and parties, I dreaded each year that passed me by. Years come and go and without me realizing it I am turning 21 this December. I was so vexed over growing up that had people asked how old I was, I would reduce the number by one. Well, talk about being born at the end of the year. Heh.
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And then Kak Syikkin mentioned about growing up this morning. Despite being a little taken aback, I no longer feel that tinge of terror at the words 'growing up'. Because I know now I have a new perspective of growing up, under the shade of dakwah and tarbiyah.
Growing up is not about number. Ageing is. Ageing and growing up don't necessarily go on the same page. A 37-year-old junkie might think it's okay to rob his neighbour to get his supply, while a 7-year-old wouldn't even take a buck at the expense of covering up his teenage brother's mischief from their parents. Age is but a number. Wisdom is what makes one people different from another.
And on this DnT path, growing up is knowing your purpose of life, and actually practicing it. Growing up is acknowledging your relationship with your God, and cherishing it. Growing up is to actually contribute something to your deen, rather than taking everything it has to offer and giving nothing back. Growing up is to spread your deen to people around you, to share with them the same kind of tranquility and happiness you feel to be blessed with it. At least that's what I understand about growing up in this deen. As of now.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: "There are seven whom Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, will shade with His shade on the Day of Resurrection, the Day when there will be no shade but His: A just ruler, a young man who GROWS UP worshiping Allah, the Mighty and Sublime; a man who remembers Allah when he is alone and his eyes flow (with tears); a man whose heart is attached to the Masjid; two men who love each other for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime; a man who is called (to commit sin) by a woman of high status and beauty, but he says: 'I fear Allah'; and a man who gives charity and conceals it, so that his left hand does not know what his right hand is doing."
Worshiping Allah, in its very own essence. Being His true 'abid and caliph is what I believe growing up is. I still have a long way to go, and I'm taking it one step at a time. Usrah-mates, let's, together!
Oh while we're at it, all the best for my usrah-mates for our JC2 exam next week. Let's strive our best to study with ihsan :)
End of hopefully-not-a-mere-blah-dee-blahs. Peace be upon you.
