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South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)
 
 
EID UL ADHA - ARE YOU A WINNER OR A LOSER?
 
 
   
No.68
October 2012 : Thul Qa'dah 1433
 
     
 

We live in a society where winners are symbolised as successful and losers as unsuccessful. Winners are relatively few, admired, heaped with praise and rewarded for rising to the pinnacle of their game.

Losers on the other hand are overlooked and left to continue with their apathy or ironically to become the supporters of the winners. For them, winners represent a feel good tranquiliser playing out their own unachieved aspirations.

Winners understand the psychology of this and develop a winning mentality. Nothing succeeds like success and to revel in the fame and fortune that follows it, winners constantly hone their skills. They know that today’s triumph whether on the sports, business, religious or social arenas are no guarantee against failure tomorrow.

What is the secret that drives winners to achieve and want to retain their status as winners? There are many factors that psychologists, management consultants, motivational speakers and books can reveal. The common thread that runs through all of their findings comes down to desire, thorough knowledge, deep focus, strong aspiration, ambition, mentoring and practice.

Muslims are exhorted to reflect on Allah’s signs which exists all around us, from history to natural phenomena, from man’s creation to that of the celestial heavens and to draw lessons from these as a means of our  salvation, hence the analogous comparison with winners and losers. The ultimate winners are those who are granted entry into Jannah. Let us strive for it as Allah commands, “Let those who aspire, aspire amoungst each other for it.” Al-Mutaffifeen : 26”

Eid ul Adha is without argument one of the most important annual events in the life of a Muslim without which even the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj cannot be completed. It’s importance can be noted from the question asked in the Noble Quran, And who could be of better faith than he who surrenders his whole being unto Allâh and is a doer of good and follows the creed of Ibrahim who turned away from all that is false – And Allâh chose Ibrahim as His friend.” (4:125)

In preparation and celebration of this most important aspect of Islam and throughout our lives which is merely transitory to the Eternal one, we have to adopt a winning mentality. Just as the winner will do everything not to jeopardise victory, it would be the greatest individual tragedy if a Muslim due to factors such as neglect, lack of aspiration and knowledge, and incorrect practice becomes a loser.

Let us draw an analogy with the winners and the qualities that they develop to ensure victory.

1.      Desire to win 

It is said in the Noble Quran (5:3)  

“....This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion....”  

The criteria for salvation in the perfect religion lies in “winning” the pleasure of Allah Almighty. No Muslim denies this fundamental aspect of faith, and every Muslim is given the same opportunity.

 

2.      Thorough knowledge 

Winners meticulously learn every single aspect of their discipline and capitalize on this. Many a failed attempt can be attributed to a lack of knowledge of the opponents, the rules and their interpretation etc.  

Islamic knowledge is preserved in its pristine form in the Noble Quran, in the Tradition (Ahadith) of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the practices of his companians. 

“Say, are those of knowledge and those who do not know equal?.” 

 

3.      Mentorship

Every great champion will speak of the inspiration provided by a winner that he admires up to this day and further will give credit to his trainers and coaches who helped him to realize his full potential. 

Muslims have in the Prophet the perfect example for their inspiration and for mentorship, the guidance of the Ulama who are inheritors of the knowledge of the Prophets (peace be upon upon them). 

“Verily, in the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) there is a beautiful example for you”

 

4.      Practice! Practice! Practice! 

Having the desire, the knowledge, inspiration and the best of coaches will come to naught if it is not matched with focus, dedication and long hours of practice. Practice makes perfect and winners spend an inordinate amount of time in maintaining peak fitness, battle readiness and rehearsals to ensure that they execute their winning ways to come out tops. 

Imagine carrying out Qurbaani to the best of your ability for years but in some of them one might have inadvertently slaughtered an animal which does not qualify for Qurbaani, or perhaps neglected a fundamental animal right. Why get pipped at the post and slip up on a technicality no matter how noble the intention.  

SANHA in fulfilling its role as a representative Halaal service provider, in conjunction with the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa, have arranged (if you excuse the pun) three “Knife and Easy”, highly informative public programmes by Ulama on this topic with open Q & A session as follows; 

Marlboro Masjid

Masjid-e-Noor

Roshnee

Nūrul Islām Masjid,

Lenasia

Wed,10th October

Wed,17th October

Tue,23rd October

After ‘Ishā (8pm)

After Magrieb

After ‘Ishā (8pm)

 

Islam is a winner – Why shouldn’t you be one?

   

 
Your Duas, constructive comments, criticism and feedback is truly appreciated
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