Sout Ilaahi Website

Salaam and Hellooo everyone, We are thankful to Allah swt and his beloved Prophet Muhammd s.a.w for the reality of Sout Ilaahi new website at www.soutilaahi.com Thanks for your support since the beginning. We hope to continue our effort in producing Qasidah, mawlid, Nasheeds and many more other projects which will bring benefit to our society. may Allah bless you and your families and friends.

Korban at Aceh and Solo 2008

InshaAllah, this year, I will be helping Yayasan Nurul Ummah and Zawiyah Haqqani Aceh for Ibadah Korban. Per sheep for Solo is $190 while Aceh is $200.

Kiyai Sholeh Mashruh is the principal of Yayasan Nurul ummah. Hes the famous teacher who teach and guide students who are going to study in Egypt, Yemen (Darul Mustafa) and many more while Shaykh Jamhuri is handling the Zawiyah Haqqani Aceh. He is one of the Imam of Baitur Rahman Mosque in Aceh. Alhamdulilah,we have been working together for many years. For those who are keen, you may send the money to me.

The money currency is in Singapore dollars. For more information and enquiries please email me. Thanks. wasalam. may Allah bless you Khalid Ajmain

Ramadhan Mubarak

Sout Ilaahi wishes you Ramadhan Mubarak. May Allah bless you and your family. Thanks for supporting us all this while. We hope to rejuvenate the spirit of love and compassion within our society through music, poetry and arts. Please doa for us. thanks

Jogjakarta with Love

When the beloved brothers of our naqshbandi haqqani from jogjakarta invited me to attend this event with Mawlana Shaykh Hisham, I can sense it will be a very special one because every event which I had ever attend in Java seems to be very unique and full of spiritual ambiance. The actual venue for the event was supposed to be at Keraton, Royal Palace but somehow have to change its place to another venue. I did what I could to help our brothers in Jogjakarta for this event. When I reached jogjakarta, I was very happy to see many old friends. Alhamdulilah, it was a significant moment because these are the brothers who i spend time with whenever I am in Java.

When we arrive at the venue, there were huge crowd gathering on the big field. They had already started to sing qasidah. Then Habib Syech Assegaf arrived with his delegations. After a while Mawlana Shaykh Hisham came and we followed him to be on the stage. I experience such gathering before during the days I had at Solo with Habib Sholeh al Jufri and Kiyai Sholeh Masrur. Indeed, this event is full of spiritual feelings. Along the Qasidah being recited, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham stood up. We followed his actions and continue reading the Qasidah. When He began to cry, almost the whole audience and gathering shed some tears too including us. Later. during the suhbah, mawlana explained why he stood during the Qasidah. It was because the presence of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. that make him stand during the Qasidah. And he continued how he is able to give suhbah when Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was in our presence.

The Java event had always been a memorable one. I hope and doa that I will be able to return to Jogjakarta and some other parts of Java again in the future. Insha'Allah

Pics by Rifaat Ali
Please do not use this photos without our permission

Masjid Baitur Ihsan with Mawlana Shaykh Hisham

Alhamdulilah, I managed to attend some of Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani event in Jakarta, Indonesia. On saturday, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham had an event at the Baitul Ihsan Mosque or also known as Masjid Bank. Its an interesting talk because last year Mawlana Shaykh Hisham mentioned the need to build a maqam in the mosque. There's a special spiritual force within the mosque. Then during the suhbah this time, Mawlana Shaykh Hisham revealed the secret of the mosque. He said underneath the mosque, there are awliyah been buried. And these awliyah gave inspiration those people to build this mosque. These awliyah also gave the name Baitul Ihsan. It was unique cause the name of the road was simillar meaning to the mosque. Everyone was overwhelmed with the suhbah and was in the state of joy. Mawlana Shaykh Hisham continued saying whoever pray in this mosque, the awliyah will be praying behind them. Masha'Allah.

pics by Rifaat Ali
p.s When you look at the first pic, from the side view Mawlana Shaykh Hisham resemble alike with Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil Haqqani, may Allah bless them

Aceh Tour "Revisiting The Islamic Heritage", Nusantara

Masjid Ikhlas is one of the few mosque that survive the Tsunami. Many Politicians, Celebrities of Sports and Movies visited this mosque after the tragedy such as Bill Clinton, David Beckham , Jackie Chan and many more.

Alhamdulilah we as a group of friends are arranging for spiritual tour to Aceh from 11 July to 15 July 08. We will be visiting to Pasai, the land where Islam reached first in this region. We will discover the history of how Islam came into this region with peace, love and tolerance. We are also visiting some Great Sufis Maqam and school of Nusantara such as Shaykh Hamza Fansuri, Shaykh Abdur Rauf as Singkili and many more. Not forgetting visiting the Royal Palace Aceh Museum and the maqam of Sultan Iskandar Muda. Insha'Allah we will be visiting the Tsunami site, this include the place where the huge ship is on the land. Not forgetting witnessing the wedding culture and food. There will be Zikir Akhbar on 11 July 08.

For the whole package, it will be $750.00 sin dollars. This include air fare from S'pore to Medan then Medan to Aceh the same goes when return, from Aceh to Medan then S'pore, Accomodation 4 days 5 nights at Hotel Medinah, Bus transportation on daily schedules for ziyarah, sight seeing and shopping, airport tax and meals.

We had organize the spiritual tour to Wali Songo last year and it was success and we hope, you are able to join us for this spiritual tour. Reviving the spirit of Spirituality. The deadline to submit your confirmation in joining us for this trip will be on 25th June08. For any information, please email me or call me.

Visiting The Maqam of Habib Ali Kwitang, Jakarta

I am sorry to post this late due to unforseen circumstances. My last ziayarah was at Maqam Habib Ali Kwitang. His real name is Habib Ali al Habsyi. There was a narration comfirmed that somehow he is related to Habib noh al Habsyi, Singapore. In fact, he attended the early days of Haul Habib Noh in Singapore. Another story was said, he attended the grand opening of Masjid Ba'alawi in Singapore.

When we arrived after maghrib, there was Mawlid leading by Habib Abdul Rahman al Habsyi and Habib Najib al Haddad including few other habaaibs. Thousand of Crowds was there. After the mawlid, they performed ziyarah. When I entered the mosque, the ambiance of the atmosphere surrounding reminded me of Solo and Hadramawt, Yemen. Even the decoratiion of Maqam of Habib Ali looks similar to the Hadramawt. It was abit more unique as the crowd gathered to sing Qasidah with drums. One of the Amazement I discovered, when I saw few people holding a Javanese umbrella while Habib Abdul Rahman was walking.

As I was walking towards the Maqam, a habib came to me with a warm welcome. I didn't know who he was perhaps a humble habib that wants me to feel comfortable attending the ziyarah . I saw many performing tawaf and at the same time doa around the maqam, this is their spiritual culture there. From a distance, the glimpse of the maqam, make me excited. Alhamdulilah, I managed to be near the maqam as we tawwasul upon those who are closer to Allah swt.

pic 01- Habib Najib al Haddad leaving the place
pic 02 - Maqam of Habib Ali Kwitang.
Pic 03- Tawaf and also tawwasul
pic 04 - Crowd trying to salam Habib Abdul Rahman al Habsyi while he is leaving the place

Please take note do not take the photos without permission.

Qasidah Burdah by Habib Hassan al Kaff

Sout Ilaahi present Qasidah Burdah CD album by Habib Hassan al Kaff. This recitation of the Burdah is unique, as it infuses into your heart the atmospheric ambience of the Nusantara, without forgetting its Middle-eastern essence. This particular Burdah is a must add to your Burdah collection.

Biography:

Habib Hassan alKaff was born in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, where many famous Ulama bore roots since early history.He grew up studying Religious knowledge while receiving tremendous support from his family. After graduating from a local Pesantren, he ventured onwards to Darul Mustafa in Yemen, to further his studies.After the completion of his studies, he promptly returned to Indonesia. Now, he is residing in Solo and teaching at Al Hidayah. At times, he lead the Majlis Burdah together with Ahabbul Mukhtar.

For sales and ordering, please contact Khalid Ajmain at khalid_ajmain@yahoo.com.sg or call +65 90687106. or check out http://soutilaahi.blogspot.com/

The cost of this Burdah CD is $13.00.Singapore dollars. Insha'Allah the Burdah CD will be on sale this saturday 03 may at the life of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.Seminar at Masjid Al Kaff. And we are hoping Wardah Books will be able to sell the CD too.

The Maqam of Sultan Arifin Shaykh Ismail at Pulau Besar

The Maqam of Sultan Arifin Shaykh Ismail at Pulau Besar is the descendant of Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Jelani who is from the Qadriyah Tariqa. According to some narration stated, Shaykh Ismail was instructed by Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Jelani to travel to South East Asia region in order to spread Islam through the teaching of Sufism. Another version claimed when he was lost when he traveled to Malacca, he returned to Baghdad. Then he was instructed to travel again to the same destination but when he arrived Malacca, it was under the colonization of Portuguese therefore he went to Pulau Besar. It was also said his 'Suluk' place was at Bukit Timah hill, Singapore. It was also narrated that Shaykh Ismail dreamt of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. instructed him to travel South East Asia for the same purposes. He came with few of his Murids such as Shaykh Yusuf as Siddique. Shaykh Ismail not only propogating his peaceful loving dakwah at Pulau Besar, there are records showing he went to Aceh including Pasai.

There are various 'miracle' stories about the history of Pulau Besar and Shaykh Ismail which fascinate many Awliyah lovers to visit them from time to time. One of the famous miracle story about Shaykh Ismail, he was able to walk on water. Each time when he went to other places to teach or conduct dakwah, he returned to Pulau Besar by walking on the water. Thousand of visitors came to Pulau Besar every week to Ziyarah in order to gain baraqah from Awliyah Allah. There are many other Maqams of Awliyah at this Pulau Besar. May Allah bless him

Pic by Khalid Ajmain
Please do not re-use the photos without permission

A seminar on the life of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Praises be to Allah, The Glorious One! Blessings and Salutations of Allah upon our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alaihi wasallam), and on his family, companions and his truthful followers.

Understanding the life and struggle of Prophet Muhammad (s) is imperative upon every Muslim so as to develop our love for Allah’s Beloved Messenger (s). The perfection of our faith rests on our depth and sincerity of love for Prophet Muhammad (s). SimplyIslam is proud to organise the seminar Our Beloved Mustafa - A Seminar on the Life of Prophet Muhammad. It will be held on Saturday 3 May 2008, 2 p.m. at Masjid Alkaff Kg Melayu (Bedok Reservoir).

The seminar aims to inspire a sense of love for Prophet Muhammad (s) through a greater understanding of his life, struggle and sacrifice. Insha’Allah, the seminar will be graced by the presence of the eminent As-Sayyid As-Shaykh Afeefuddin al-Gaylani, the 19th direct descendant of the famous scholar and saint of Islam, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Gaylani (1077-1166 AD/472-561 Hijrah). The eminent Shaykh Afeefuddin will deliver the keynote address for the seminar.

Other speakers for the seminar include Shaykh Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Kassim, Prof Syed Farid Alatas, Ustaz Mohammed Iqbal Abdullah, Ustaz Firdaus Yahya and Ustaz Saifur Rahman. And, to enliven the love of Sayyidina Muhammad (s) in our hearts, there will also be a couple of performances of Salawat and Qasidah during the seminar.

Join us on this educational journey in expressing and enhancing our love for our Beloved Mustafa (salallahu alaihi wasallam). For enquiries, please call Sis Saira at Tel 65474407 or email saira@simplyislam.sg.

Tariqa Seminar in Johor

There will be a seminar on Tariqa will be held in the Complex Islam on 24th April Thursday. On this seminar, there will be discussion on 4 Tariqa, Naqshbandi, Alawiyah, Qadriyah and Ahmadiyah Idrisyah which have been approved by the Majlis Jabatan Agama Islam, Johor. During the night, there will be zikir of each tariqa.

The venue of the event, Complex is beside the Masjid Abu Abakar.

Ijazah of Dalaiul Khairat

Assalamualaikum wr wb, you are invited to the Majlis of Selawat and the Ijazah of Dalaiul khairat by al Shaykh al Sayyid Abbas al Maliki ( The brother of the late al Shaykh al Sayyid Muhammad al Maliki) on 22 April after maghrib at bukit 9 rembau. Please inform your love ones and those who you know. thanks

The Haul of Shaykh Umar bin Abdullah al Khatib

The Haul of Shaykh Umar bin Abdullah al Khatib will be on 4th may 08, Sunday 9am at masjid Khalid, Onan road, Singapore. Due to the reconstruction of the Masjid Al Abd Razak, the family of Shaykh Umar decided to shift the Haul to another mosque nearby.

The Haul of Habib Mohd bin Salim al Attas at Masjid Balawi

The Haul of Habib Mohd bin Salim al Attas at Masjid Balawi, Singapore will be on 01 may 08. The event will commence after Asar. Many Habaaib and mashaikhs from different part of the world will be joining this event. All are weclome.

Habib Mohd bin Salim al Attas was born in Hadramawt. He began to travel to various countries until he settled in Singapore. One of his noble dakwah effort became a reality when he managed to build Masjid Ba'alawi in Singapore. He was very close with many Habaaib and Maskhaikh, one of them was Shaykh Umar bin Abdullah or well known as Mualim Baghraib. (Our beloved Shaykh Zakaria father, whom was the imam of Masjid Khadijah for more than 2 decade).

Grand Haul of Habib Ali al Habshi, Solo

On the same date as Habib No al Habshi, 26 April 08, there will be Grand Haul of Sohibul Mawlid, al Habib Ali bin Husin al Habshi at masjid Riyadh, Solo. Habib Ali was the composer of the Mawlid Simtur Duror or famously known as Mawlid al Habshi. There will be around 1 million attending this haul. It will be 3 days and 2 night. I attended before, its simply amazing. The crowd sang Qasidah and mawlid together. Some felt as if its Hajj. You will probably meet many habaaib from Hadramawt, Jeddah and some maskhaikh too in this event.

The haul of Habb Noh al Habshi, Singapore

The haul of Habib Noh al Habshi will be on 26th April at Maqam Habib Noh, Palmer road, Singapore. The event will commence after maghrib, Mawlid Dibai and then tahlil. People who are going to attend this event will start to attend after Asar. Usually, there will be around 5000 people from all over the world. The event is unique as practioners from various tariqa in Singapore and around the world will be attending this gathering. Insha'Allah Shaykh Afeefudin al Jelani will be the guest. This year will be different, perhaps with the atmosphere of somber cause it will be the first time the haul will be without the caretaker, Habib Hassan al Khatib. May Allah bless him. All are welcome.

The 3 Habaib from Lodan

We reached Lodan around 6pm. I really thought we were far behind time - perhaps jakarta time is 1 hour later, therefore at times, i got entangled in confusion. Shaykh Abdul Rauf brought me to Lodan where 3 habaib maqam are located. Mawlana Shaykh Hisham Kabbani ever visited the maqam before. The place reminded me of hadramawt and some middle eastern architecture. The vision of the maqam is still vividly etched on my mind. The 3 habaaibs are Habib Muhammad al Qudsi, Habib Abdul Rahman Ba'alawi and Habib Ali as Shatiri. May Allah bless them all.

Pics by Khalid Ajmain

Habib Husin al Idrus at Luar Batang

We managed to visit Habib Husin bin Abu Bakar al Idrusat Luar Batang. This is one of the famous Habaib maqam in Jakarta.It seems like the place had just recovered from flood a few months back. The surrounding area reminded me of Aceh, where the tsunami tragedy happened. The sea looked calm to me bringing the zest of tranquility into my heart.

pic1- The area of Luar Batang

pic2- Interior of the Mosque near the maqam

pic3- The maqam of Habib Husin bin Abu Bakar al Idrus

Please do not re-use the photos without permission

Habib Abu Bakar Jamalulai Mangga Dua

We continued our ziyarah journey to the Maqam of Habib Abu Bakar Jamalulai at Mangga Dua, Jakarta. Its looks like a very old building filled with many hidden history. I felt as if i was at damascus or Jordan visiting a saint's Maqam. I don't know much about the history of Habib Abu Bakar but we know he is an ahlul bayt. There was one strange incident - while we were reading the Adab of ziyarah, a cat appeared out of nowhere, running towards us and lean on me.

pic 1- mosque

pic 2- Interior of the mosque

Pic 3- Maqam of Habib Abu Bakar Jamalulai

pic4- The cat with me

Pic by Khalid Ajmain

Please do not re-use the photos without permission

The City name after a Saint: Pangeran Jayakarta

My first ziyarah is to the Maqam of Pangeran Jayakarta. The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, was named after him. According to historical sources, he was from the Qadriyah Tariqah.His contributions were vital to the development of the society in Betwai. He was said to be the leader against the Dutch colonization.

Pic of Maqam Pangeran Jayakarta (together with his family members)

Please do not re-use the photos without permission

Passing of Tok Guru Haji Abdullah b. `Abd al-Rahman of Kelantan

We belong to Allah and unto Him is our return:

The venerable Tok Guru or headmaster of the school of Pondok Lubok Tapahin Kelantan State, Malaysia, Tok Guru Haji Abdullah ibn `Abd al-Rahman,passed away last week on the morning of 11 Rabi` al-Awwal 1429 / 19 March 2008. He was nearing eighty years of age, may Allah Most High have mercy on him and grant him the highest Paradise.

Haji `Abd Allah received a handwritten ijaza in Muharram 1377 / August1957 from his teacher Musnid al-`Asr Shaykh Ya Sin al-Fadani which thelatter wrote for him inside a copy of his edition of al-Amir al-Kabir'sThabat entitled Sadd al-Arab min `Ulum al-Isnadi wal-Adab. He showed methis ijaza when I visited him in his house a few years ago.

Shaykh Muhammad `Afifi kindly provided me with a list of Shaykh Abdullah's teachers which the latter saw and corrected and which Idocumented. Shaykh Abdullah and Sayyid Muhammad ibn `Alawi al-Maliki share the same Arab teachers, particularly the latter's father Sayyid`Alawi, from whom Shaykh Abdullah told me he narrated the Kutubal-Sitta.

Following is a synopsis of the list of Haji Abdullah's non-Arab teachers:

- Pa'-Daa-`Eel (= acronym of "our father and paternal uncle Isma`il")Isma`il ibn `Abd al-Qadir ibn Mustafa al-Fatani (1300-1385), one of themajor Javanese Shuyukh of Makka in the 20th century.-

Shaykh Dawud ibn Sulayman al-Kalantani (d. 1399) who also taught inMakka.-

Shaykh `Abd al-Qadir ibn `Abd al-Muttaklib al-Mandili al-Makki (d.1383).-

Shaykh Sulayman al-Ambuni who hailed from the island of Ambon,Indonesia.

- Shaykh Tengku (= "Emir") `Abd al-Jalil al-Indonisi.-

The muhaddith and Mufassir Shaykh Zakariyya ibn `Abd Allah al-Bila (d.1413) of Indonesia.-

Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Fatani.-

Shaykh `Abd al-Rahman ibn Dawud al-Fandur al-Fatani.-

Shaykh Mukhtar ibn `Abd al-Malik Amfanani al-Sufi al-Falakial-Mantiqi.

May Allah have mercy on them all and grant them the greatest thanks andrewards on behalf of the Umma of the Messenger of Allah, upon him and his House, Companions, and Excellent Followers blessings and peace!

Tok Guru Haji Abdullah ibn `Abd al-Rahman informed me that his teacherthe grammarian and poet Sayyid Muhammad Amin ibn Muhammad al-Kutubial-Husayni al-Makki al-Hanafi (d. 1404) declaimed:

The Birth is manifest to us as a Light Embodied,the name Ta Ha rises to fill the earth and sky,His light flows in all creatures so they beam,It shines in the face of darkness and smiles.It honors a land in which his birth took place- suffice you the sanctity of the House of Allah! -Ennobling it since he was first sent there,then dawned upon all ends - the magnificent Religion.. . .

The Chosen One's name was never paired with anotheramong creatures but the loftier and nobler emerged.It is enough Allah Most High gathered his name toHis Own Mighty Name in mention, so it came before all.And he possessed a pure mother and also a pure fatherand pure ancestors among all clans - behold to what son!

I wonder, when will I ever spend the night againin Tayba, the grove of the Beloved and the Sanctuary?When will I stand before the noble face as I invoke blessingsupon him with continuous greetings of peace?When can I submit my need, declaim my praiseof glory to him, formed of fine verses and orphaned pearl?There to obtain my goal - his good pleasure - and drinkthe cup of connection from his hand to quench my thirst,Hoping, supplicating Allah for victory and guidanceas I enter with those who sought al-Mustafa's sanctuary?I place in him immense aspirations, for he isa Prophet who came forth from all-illumining lightAnd there is not a day but he is present in mindand in the heart as Love itself - such pleasure and delight!

Truly I fear no harm today for Ihave made my praise of him my ladder to triumph.I have dedicated my heart and mind and thought to himand my reflection too. My work is to chisel and craft.I probe for him the sea of his attributes. It is all for him and from him - the lavish favor he himself is.Or how could a weak slave arriveto the highest firmament? How could this ever be?But truly I hope from him - as my means -his intercession for provision on the Day of Resurrection.Whoever has the Best of Any Two as his intercessoralights atop the constellations, there to camp.

Was-Salam,

GF Haddad

Mawlid at Pekalongan

There will be Mawlid event with Kiyai Taufiqqurahman at Pesantren AtTaufiqy, Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia on 2 April 2008, 26 Rabbiul Awwal, after Maghrib. All are welcome.

Pic:Students at the pondok
Please do not re-use the photos without permission

The Mawlid Schedule in Jakarta

20-Mar-2008 18.00 WIB MAJELIS ANWARIL HIDAYAH ( HABIB MUHZIN BIN ZED ALATHAS ) JL.MT HARYONO SAMPING GEDUNG BNN ( LAPANGAN )MAGHRIB BERJAMAAH )

30-Mar-2008 15.30 WIB HABIB AHMAD BIN ALWI AL HADDAD ( HABIB KUNCUNG )KALIBATA JAKARTA SELATAN ( ASHAR BERJAMAAH )

31-Mar-2008 09.00 WIB PONPES ALKHOIRAT HABIB NAGIEB BIN SYEKH ABUBAKAR JL.PENGASINAN BEKASI TIMUR

31-Mar-2008 15.30 WIB JL.BULU CONDET JAKARTA TIMUR, KEDIAMAN HABIB MUHSIN BIN ALI ALATHAS 9 ASHAR BERJAMAAH )

1-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB HAUL AL HABIB ALI BIN HUSIN ALATHAS JL.BULU CONDET JAKARTA TIMUR

1-Apr-2008 17.30 WIB KRAMAT EMPANG BOGOR ( MAGHRIB BERJAMAAH )

2-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB HAUL AL HABIB IMAM ABDULLAH BIN MUHSIN ALATHAS ( KRAMAT EMPANG BOGOR )

2-Apr-2008 17.30 WIB ZIARAH MAKAM AL HABIB ALI AL HABSYI ( KWITANG ) MAGHRIB BERJAMAAH

3-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB PONPES AL HAROMAIN AL HABIB BIN HAMID ABDULLAH AL KAFF JL. GANCENG PONDOK RANGON CIPAYUNG JAKARTA TIMUR

3-Apr-2008 15.30 WIB MAJELIS TA'LIM AL HABIB ALI AL HABSYI KWITANG ( ASHAR BERJAMAAH )

4-Apr-2008 04.30 WIB MAJELIS TA'LIM AL AFAF AL HABIB ALI BIN ABDURRAHMAN ASSEGAF JL. TEBET UTARA II B JAKARTA SELATAN ( SHUBUH BERJAMAAH )

4-Apr-2008 08.30 WIB DARUL AITAM K.M MANSUR TANAH ABANG JAKARTA PUSAT

5-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB MASJID AL HAWI CILILITAN JAKARTA TIMUR

5-Apr-2008 12.00 WIB ASSYALAFIAH AL HABIB HUD BAGIR ALATHAS KEBON NANAS

6-Apr-2008 10.00 WIB MESJID LUAR BATANG DAN ZIARAH MAKAM AL HABIB HUSIN BIN ABUBAKAR ALAYDRUS

7-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB MESJID KRAMAT KAMPUNG BANDAN JAKARTA UTARA7-Apr-2008 15.30 WIB HAUL HABIB SALIM BIN JINDAN JL. OTISTA RAYA ( SEBELAH GOR JAKARTA TIMUR ) ASHAR BERJAMAAH

8-Apr-2008 09.30 WIB MESJID FUTUHAT AT-THOSIAH ALM HABIB ALWI BIN ABDULLAH ALATHAS BULAK KAPAL BEKASI TIMUR

11-Apr-2008 17.30 WIB MAJELIS BURDAH HABIB HASYIM BIN SYEHABUBAKAR JL. CIKOKO JAKARTA TIMUR ( MAGHRIB BERJAMAH )

12-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB MAJELIS TA'LIM ANNUR JL.OTISTA TANGERANG KOTA ALM. HABIB HUSIN BIN ABDULLAH BIN MUHSIN ALATHAS

12-Apr-2008 16.30 WIB MAJELIS DZIKIR SYAMSI SYUMUS AL AHABIB MUSTHOFA ABDULLAH ALAYDRUS JL. TEBET TIMUR DALAM RAYA NO. 16 JAKARTA SELATAN

13-Apr-2008 10.00 WIB MAULID CIPAYUNG, CIAWI BOGOR HABBIB SALIM UMAR HUD ALATHAS

20-Apr-2008 09.00 WIB YAYASAN AL FACRIYAH, HABIB JINDAN BIN NOVEL BIN SALIM BIN JINDAN LARANGAN CILEDUG

Shaykh Muhammad Rohimuddin Nawawi Banten

Alhamdulilah, Shaykh Muhammad Rohimuddin Nawawi Banten was in malaysia last week. Most of the time he was at Darul Hasani, Bangi, Selangor. He is the great grandson of the famous Nusantara Islamic Sufi Scholar name Shaykh Nawawi Banten which means he is also related to Sultan Hasanudin of Banten that is connect to one of the Wali Songo Sharif Hidayatullah or known as Sunan Gunung Jati. Shaykh Rohimuddin is the Khalifa of Shaykh Yusuf al Hasani, Tariqa Shahdliyah. Currently, he's teaching in Al Azhar, Egypt. He has been teaching there for the past 10 years.

He was send by Shaykh Yusuf to this region to spread the teaching of Sufism and the school of Shahdliyah. A man of humbleness with a heart of humanity. His methodology of dakwah is sorely base on Love and Humatarinian values. One of his famous qoutes while teaching which will not make me forget for the rest of my life is the one he said " When you look at someone making Maksiat and other negative actions, if you feel sad for the person, you are truly the servant of Allah but if you look at the person with anger and hatred that means you're god". Such words remind me of what most sufi scholars often reminded us not to look down on anyone despite their weaknesses and mistakes.

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani always advice us, dont look at others but look at ourselves. Dont change others but change ourselves. may Allah bless Shaykh Muhammad Rohimuddin for his noble contributions in spreading tariqa and love within the society in this region and the whole world.

Pic: Taken from Shaykh Muhammad Rohimuddin blog. On the right pictures are his lineage of forefathers and on the left are his Grandshaykhs of the Shahdliyah sufi order.

Some of Shafi’i madhhab books read in Malay archipelago

These are some of the Books written by the South East Asia Islamic Sufi Scholars and read by the Muslims in the Malay / Nusantara archipelago ( Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand especially the southern part, Indonesia, Kampuchea and the Philippines-Sulu, Minanao and southern islands )

1. Muniyyah al-Musalli by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Daud bin Abdullah al Fatani

2. Fath al Muin by al ‘Allamah Zain al Din al Malibari ( in Arabic )

3. Sabil al Muhtadin by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Muhammad Arshad al Banjari

4. Faridah al Fara’id by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Daud bin Abdullah al Fatani

5. Hidayah al Salikin by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Abd al Samad al Falimbani

6. ‘Aqidah al Najin by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Wan Zainal Abidin al Fatani, better known as Tuan Minal

7. Sirr al Salikin by al ‘Allamah Shaykh Abd al Samad al Falimbani

Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Shaykh Afifudin al Jelani

A beautiful Photo of Habib Umar bin Hafiz and Shaykh Afifudin al Jelani (The descendant of Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Jelani) currently residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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The Gathering of the Habaaibs

After the Jumaah Prayer, which Habib Umar had delievered a fine sermon. It was a beatutiful advice for us.We had a Majlis and tabaruk at the house of our Beloved Habib Abdul Kader bin Ali bin Isa al Haddad.

pic by Nash

from left: Abdul Kader al Haddad, Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Mufti of Singapore, Habib Isa bin Semait, Habib Ahmad Attas and Habib Salim al Idrus frm Jeddah

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Mawlid Dhiyaull Lam' (The Glittering Illumination) cd

Finally, the CD of Mawlid Dhiyaull Lam (The Glittering Illumination) composed by Habib Umar bin Hafiz is out now released by Sout Ilaahi Productions. For more enquiries or information, please email Bro Khalid Ajmain at khalid_ajmain@ yahoo.com. sg. If you purchase 5 cds or more, we deliver to your home. Do check out our http://soutilaahi. blogspot. com/

This is the "Promotional week" (4 Feb - 10 Feb 08) for this new CD, usual price is $12.00 but at the moment it is $10.00 until the promotional end. So grab your chance in getting this CD as you enhance your love for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

If you purchase the book together with the CD, it will be only $20.00

There will be sales of the Mawlid book and Audio cd at the events.

Insha'Allah, this cd will be available soon in some stores, email us for any enquiries.

pic:CD cover

Seminar Fiqh Nusantara, Mawlid & Pondok Darus Salam

Poster taken from Kakiblog.com. It is organised by ITMAM, a newly-established organisation, which provides a dedicated site for the event.

People might have heard of Pusat Pembangunan Pondok Berhad, and Persatuan Ulama Malaysia, but Madrasah Darul Salam, which will be holding a public mawlid event on 29th March 2008, needs a little introduction.

Tuan Guru Wan Zukir bin Wan Ismail, one of the guest speakers at the event, was a graduate of Pondok (Madrasah) Pasir Tumboh. He is the mudir (principal) of Madrasah Darul Salam, which is only a few years old of age.

To get to the madrasah one needs to travel along the major Kuantan-Gambang road and locate the residential area called Taman Tas. At the major junction one has to ask around for the turning to Kampung Seri Damai. It is easier if one comes from Kuantan towards Gambang, otherwise one would need to make a U-turn. Kuantan, for those who have not been there, is full of U-turns and traffic lights that make you wait for ages.

Once the turning into Kampung Seri Damai is found, it is another 5 km or more drive on a small village road. One will pass two village grocery stores along the way. After this second grocery store, slow down the car as the small path to the madrasah, on the left side of the road, is not well-signposted and easy to miss. Therefore one is advised to ask for direction at the second grocery store, or at the third one. There are a few electrical substations (Malay: pencawang – is this the correct translation? ) on the other side of the road opposite the turn to the small path.

For those who have never been here it is advisable to find your way before the day turns dark. The small pathway is only about a car wide, is not lighted at night and is lined by shrubs and bushes. On one occasion we were greeted by the rare sight of wild boar piglets; four cute ones. Another time, a graceful night fowl was nearly knocked over as it was standing very still in the darkness, holding its slender neck straight up to resemble a lone tall grass.

The madrasah is in need of large financial contribution to construct a well, good electrical and water systems, toilets, and student houses. Even the main prayer hall is still without a proper wall and when it is raining (mind you, in the East Coast the rain is always torrential), the whole building especially the ladies quarter got flooded.

Anyone who is interested to join the circle, here is a timetable and the list of texts currently being taught:

Wednesday, after Maghrib: Minhaj al-’Abidin,

Friday, after Maghrib: Kifayat al-Mubtadi,

Saturday, 6pm: Matla’ul Badrayn,

Sunday, 10am-12pm: Jawhar al-Mauhub, Majmu’ Thalathu Rasail and Kifayat al-Muhtaj.

The teacher also teaches Hidayat as-Salikin once a fortnight at Batu 8 Mosque.

The teacher warmly welcomes all to the Mawlid event. Its programme starts after Zuhur time for a discussion session with the mudir and other scholar-invitees. I particularly enjoy the teacher's company as he is one of the rare traditional teachers who are able to entertain science and philosophy-related questions. Insya-Allah like previous gatherings, the Mawlid of choice is Mawlid ad-Diba'i, which will be held after Maghrib. The majlis provides lunch and dinner for attendees and there would be ample parking space available.

The current condition of the madrasah however should not be a deterrent to seekers of knowledge. Things are progressing positively and the way I see it, it could only get better as people learn more administrative skills and more financial aids come in. Even those who cannot dedicate their time to religious learning could chip in some help.

Building an independent religious educational institution these days is never easy. Years ago it takes the whole village to educate a child. Nowadays, it takes the whole nation to do the same.

See you all at both event insya-Allah! !Great is that bewildered youth // Whose Lord has extinguished his name, and raised him up, Time passes and he knows not its reckoning // as he is made to quaff the wine.

Taken form Anak Alam Blog

Habib Umar bin Hafiz is back in Singapore

Alhamdulilah, Habib Umar bin Hafiz scholar from Hadramawt, Yemen will be coming to our beloved country, Singapore again. He is the principal of Darul Mustafa. Here are the information of the events. All are welcome!

All the lectures will be delivered by Habib Umar Bin Hafiz in Arabic with intermittent translations to the Malay language by his student.

Date: 6 Feb 2008
Day:Wednesday
Hikmah Di Sebalik Musibah
Venue: Masjid Hj Muhd Salleh (Maqam Habib Noh)
Time: 12.45 hrs
(The lecture will be before and after solat Zuhur)

Umati!Umati!Menjawab Seruan Rasulluah s.aw.
Venue: Masjid Abdul Aleem Siddique
Time:7pm
(The event will begin after the solat mahgrib with Mawlid)

Date: 7 Feb 2008
Day: Thursday
Renungan dan Meingati Allah swt
Venue: Masjid al Mukminin
Time: 4pm

Penyakit Penyakit Hati
Venue: Masjid Ba'alawi
Time: 7pm
(The event begins after solat maghrib with recitation of Ratib al Attas)

Date: 8 Feb 2008
Day: Friday
Solat Jumaat Bersama Habib Umar
Venue: Masjid al Abdul Razak
Time:12.45
(Habib Umar will be giving short lectures before his Friday sermon)

Date: 9 Feb 2008
Day: Saturday
Patience- Attribute of a Believer
Venue: al Wehdah, The Arab Association (no 11 lorong 37, Geylang)
Time: 7pm

*Habib Umar will be performing solat Subuh and having short talks at Masjid al Abdul Razak from 6 Feb to 10 Feb 2008.

For more information and enquiries, you can call bro Nassir 63460153

The dynamic duo

Eat your hearts Batman and Robin. These are our new dynamic duo, Bro Nash Faqirullah (left) and Bro Firdaus jr (right). We had a good time in the Wali Songo tour last june 07. Both of them contributed many good quality photos. At the young tender age, they begin their spiritual journey, in their quest of the youth certainty. It is something unique for the youth to be in this path at such young age. Nevertheless, its a positive sign cause tariqa teaches us not only to Love God but also loving his creations, whoever they are and whatever religion they might be . The lovers of Saints, thats what they are and also the lovers of peace and harmony.May Allah bless both of them.

pic: Nash Faqirullah

Habib Syech Assegaf, Solo

I fell in love with Habib Syech voice when the first time i heard him singing some Qasidah at Masjid Riyadh during the Mawlid with the Late Habib Anis. It was my first day in Solo. His voice captivated me and divinely open the gate of my heart. I was mesmerised by his singing. He told me his experience in learning Qasidah since young. His late dad would always forced him to sing therefore, he believe due to the baraqa of his dad, he is able to sing Qasidah very well today.He was one of the Muazzin of Masjid Assegaf, Solo together with Haddad Alwi when he was a teenager.

I did manage to meet him at his home, after several attempts as we know he have very busy schedule. Masha'Allah it was a very blessing and unforgettable experience. We had some coffee. I realized the Habaaib love coffee, its the wine of Islam. He began to sing infront of me, the tears in my heart began to flow. He did ask me to sing along with him. He said if you love Qasidah and music, you should sing.

He lead the majlis Ratib al Attas beside, the Qasidah sessions. Usually, there will be huge crowd gathering for his majlis. On thursday night, he will be at Masjid Riyadh attending the Mawlid Simtur Duror. Recently, early last year 2006, they had Qasidah Festival at the mosque. It was a unique event, propogating love for the Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. through the singing of the Qasidah. He would sing the famous Diwan Imam Abdullah al Haddad, Diwan of Habib Ali al Habsyi, this include some other Qasidahs from other Awliyah.

Today, Habib Syech have been touring within the domestic state from java, kalimantan, madura including Jakarta to spread the teaching of Islam through his Qasidah singing and preach about love, compassion and humanity to various societies. may Allah bless him.

The Maqam of Habib Alwi and Habib Anis, Solo

This is the Maqam of Habib Alwi bin Ali al Habsyi and the Maqam of Habib Anis bin Alwi al Habsyi at Solo. The maqam are situated in the entrance of the Mosque Riyadh.

Pic by Firdaus Jr

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Masjid Riyadh, Solo

This is the Riyadh Mosque which was built by the father of the late Habib Anis , Habib Alwi bin Ali al Habsyi. He built this mosque for the sole purpose of having religious class activities and having various spiritual gathering . Habib Anis continued the effort done by his dad by conducting many classes in this mosque such as Nahu, Hadith, Tasswuf and having Rohah session. On every thursday night, there will be Mawlid Simtur Duror and tahlil after maghrib. There will be majlis on certain special occasion in Islamic calender such as Nisfu Shaban, Isra Miraj, Mawlid etc

You can feel the ambience of Hadramawt once you entered this mosque. I somehow felt the spiritual ascent of the blessed place. The decoration itself resemble the architecture of the mosques in Hadramawt. The mosque is also a home for Habib Anis and his family.

In the month of Rejab, there will be Khatm of Imam Bukhari. Usually, the late Habib Anis will lead the majlis of reading the hadith of Imam Bukhari until the end of Rejab whereby they had completed reading the whole hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari.During the month of Ramadhan, many will come for terawih and Qiyamulai.

The Haul of Habib Ali bin Muhammad al Habsyi whom is also known as "Sohibul Mawlid", the one whom composed the Mawlid "Simtur Duror" is at this mosque . There is estimation of around 1 million people from various part of the world with the locals attending this haul each year. The reason for the this haul is to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and remembering the deeds and contribution of Habib Ali al Habsyi.

The maqam of Habib Anis al Habsyi is beside the maqam of his beloved father, Habib Alwi bin Ali al Habsyi. You are able to see the maqam when you enter the front enterance.

Pic by Firdaus jr : The back entrance of the mosque and the huruf on the wall is a "Taweez" of the al Habsyi family

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Bengawan Solo

Bengawan Solo, riwayat mu ini
Sedari dulu, jadi perhatian dewi Sari
Music kemarau, tak berapa airmu
Di musim hujan air meluap sampai jauh

Chorus:
Mata airmu dari Solo,
Terkurung gunung seribu
Air mengalir sampai jauh
Akhirnya kelaut

Itu perahu, riwayatnya dulu
Kaum pedagang selalu
Naik itu perahu

Translation:

Solo, the Mighty River
The mighty river Solo, your legend this,
From ages past, you captivated the goddess Sari,
In seasons dry, your water is low,
In rainy seasons, the water overflows into the horizon

Chorus:
The spring of Solo
Locked in thousands of mountains.
Its water flows intot he distance,
At last to the sea.

That boat, legend of the past,
of traders, always going
by that boat.

The Landslide tragedy in Solo

On 27th dec 07, after commemoration of the tsunami, the landslide tragedy happened in Solo. It was unexpected although it is a wet season but nobody anticipate such misfortune may happen. I was having dinner when my sister was watching the news. When I heard the tragedy happened in Tawangmangu and karanganyar, Solo, I quickly rushed to the tv screen. I was in the state of shock to hear the news. I sms one of my teachers Kiyai Ust Sholeh Masrur to check on him and his family condition. Alhamdulilah, they are safe and fine but they informed me, some of the students there had died, some lost their families members while many lost their homes.

A few days later, he sms me asking for some donations, to raise the funds in helping the victims of the landslide. I can imagine in such situation on how the people are feeling because I experienced earthquake in Solo while I was studying there. The collateral damage was severe. The recent news, 60,000 people had lost their homes. My heart sank while watching the visual of the district in Solo. It reminded me of Aceh. The city becoming like an ocean, with the high tide at bengawan solo, the water level is increasing from time to time. Many had to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere while some are still hoping for a miracle and recovery soon.

The sweet and bitter memories of Solo will always be in my heart forever. It is an important valuable experience for me inorder to be a better man. I still remembered when I informed Shaykh Zakaria, we are about to passby the Bengawan Solo, he was so happy that he looked out at the window of the bus and sang the song Bengawan Solo. Today he still remember the Bengawan Solo river and he would share with those around him and he will sing the song for you. Bengawan Solo, riwayat mu ini, Sedari dulu, jadi perhatian dewi Sari

The al Haddad Royal family in Solo

After we ziyarah Habib Noh al Haddad at his home, he advice us to Ziyarah his Great grandfather Habib Jarif Alwi al Haddad, Solo and also Habib Jarif Hasjim bin Ibrahim al Haddad, Solo. They are the direct descendant of al Imam al Habib Abdullah bin Alwi al Haddad. According to Habib Noh al Haddad, the date also stated they were earlier than the arrival of Wali Songo. This means they are the first Ahlul bayt or Hadramis to enter the land of Java. At the same time, they are also part of the Royal family in Solo. As it was stated before, the first al Haddad married to the princess of Solo. Wallahu Walam. may Allah bless the family of Imam Abdullah al Haddad.

Pic of maqam by Firdaus jr

Pic of Habib Noh al Haddad

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