Ways to strengthen one’s memory and combat forgetfulness

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Ways to strengthen one’s memory and combat forgetfulness
Question No 3328

Question:
I tend to forget things that interfere with my daily activities. Can you advice me any practice according to Quran and Sunnah that might help me?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

It is human nature to be forgetful, as the Arab poet said:

“He is only called man (insaan) because of his forgetfulness (nasiyaan), and it is only called the heart (al-qalb) because it changes so rapidly (yataqallib).”

In the past they said that the first one to forget (awwal naasin) was the first man (awwal al-naas), meaning Adam, peace be upon him. Forgetfulness is something that varies from person to person according to each individual’s nature; some may be more forgetful than others. Some of the things that may help to combat forgetfulness are the following:

1. Keeping away from sin, because the bad effects of sin result in a bad memory and the inability to retain knowledge. The darkness of sin cannot co-exist with the light of knowledge. The following words were attributed to al-Shaafa'i, may Allaah have mercy on him:

“I complained to [my shaykh] Wakee’ about my bad memory, and he taught me that I should keep away from sin.

He said that knowledge of Allaah is light, and the light of Allaah is not given to the sinner.”

Al-Khateeb reported in al-Jaami’ (2/387) that Yahya ibn Yahya said: “A man asked Maalik ibn Anas, ‘O Abu ‘Abd-Allaah! Is there anything that will improve my memory?’ He said, ‘If anything will improve it, it is giving up sin.’”

When a person commits a sin, it overwhelms him and this leads to anxiety and sorrow which keeps him busy thinking about what he has done. This dulls his senses and distracts him from many beneficial things, including seeking knowledge.


2. Frequently remembering Allaah, may He be glorified, by reciting dhikr, tasbeeh (saying ‘Subhan Allaah’), tahmeed (‘Al-hamdu Lillaah’), tahleel (‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah’) and takbeer (‘Allaahu akbar’), etc. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…And remember your Lord when you forget…” [al-Kahf 18:24]


3. Not eating too much, because eating too much makes one sleep too much and become lazy, and it dulls the senses, besides exposing one to the risk of physical diseases. Most of the diseases which we see result from food and drink.


4. Some of the scholars have mentioned certain foods which increase the memory, such as drinking honey and eating raisins and chewing certain kinds of gum resin.

Imaam al-Zuhri said: “You should eat honey because it is good for the memory.”

He also said: “Whoever wants to memorize hadeeth should eat raisins.” (From al-Jaami’ by al-Khateeb, 2/394).

Ibraaheem ibn [sth. omitted] said, “You should chew resin gum, because it gives energy to the heart and gets rid of forgetfulness.” (From al-Jaami’ by al-Khateeb, 2/397).

As they mentioned, too much acidic food is one of the causes of laziness and weak memory.


5. Another thing that can help the memory and reduce forgetfulness is cupping (hijaamah) of the head, as is well known from experience. (For more information see Al-Tibb al-Nabawi by Ibn al-Qayyim). And Allaah knows best.

Reading

Without a shadow of a doubt, reading is very important and beneficial to us. One of the great leader, great thinkers, great scholars and many other great people have in common is they love to read and they read a lot.

I used to enjoy reading a lot of books and magazines. But as I grow up, I find myself becoming lazier to read. Therefore, less book read. I do understand the importance of reading but still cannot find any strength to force myself to read more. I hope one day I can change this. Amin.

PROMO: Menelusuri Sejarah Baitul Maqdis

Assalamualaikum

May we all be in our sweetest iman, best of health, and under the blessing of ALLAH S.W.T. amin...

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Wassalam

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Tajuk : Menelusuri Sejarah Baitul Maqdis

Tarikh : 26 Januari 2007 (Sabtu)

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Waktu : 12.00 ptg – 5.00 ptg

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1. Memahami sejarah Baitul Maqdis daripada perspektif al-Quran dan al-Sunnah

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4. BIODATA PENCERAMAH

Ustaz Ahmad Irfan Ikmal Hisyam merupakan pensyarah Pengajian Islam di University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) dan juga merupakan bekas pensyarah di Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Mempunyai BA (Hons) Syariah Islamiyah dari University Al-Azhar, beliau sekarang meneruskan M.Litt di University of Aberdeen dalam bidang Islamic Jerusalem Studies. Merupakan Pengerusi Himpunan Ilmuan Muda Ummah, sebuah NGO dalam membincangkan isu-isu Islam, beliau juga pernah menjadi penterjemah bahasa arab bagi stesen televisyen Al-Jazeera. Ustaz Ahmad Irfan mempunyai pengalaman luas dalam sejarah Baitul Maqdis dan sering diundang dalam perbincangan isu-isu Palestin di Malaysia.

New Year. What does it means to you?

Every new year eve, millions of people will go out from their home regardless how cold and dark the night was to gather and witness the new year celebration. Many events held to entertain the crowd. Millions spent by the government to buy fireworks and burned to show their excitements that a new year has come.


Strangely though, I didn't feel excited at all. I dont even bother to go out nor to see the new year count down on TV. This makes me wonder what is the meaning of new year to other? So I asked my friends this question through YM. Some had kindly replied my question, thanks. Some of the replies that I could remember:

To begin a new life!

One year closer to death.

Just another year

I don't know. Tell me.

I don't really see the point why must we choose particular time to start a new life. You can do it today, tomorrow or whenever you want! New year, is just another year anyway. If you use another calendar you would have it at different time, aint it.

For me, I'm not quite sure what is the meaning of the year 2008. Perhaps I will find it through my journey of life during this year. At least achieve first class, inshallah.

I think why people love New Year is, hope. The hope to make a change. Make a better life. Overcoming problems in the past etc. Hope keeps human spirit to be alive.

So, if you want to share your view on this topic, please dont hesitate to write some comments.

Nothing to write

"It is better to be quiet than talking rubbish". I think the same principle applies to writing. I am not really sure what to write right now. Even though my head is full with ideas but I am not sure how put it in this blog.

Probably it is good to share with you about the gathering I attended last week which is known as ILuvIslam Goes to Glasgow (IGTG). Alhamdulillah it was a great event. I met many friends and learned new stuff from Dr Kamal Helbawy, Ustaz Amin and Ustaz Irfan. Congratulations to the organiser. Job well done.



My country... What is going on in my country? So much problems. After one comes another. Not even single problem solved comes another. Hoi leaders, what are you doing aa?

Study. This term I will only have two full weeks of lecture. The rest is free. I need to make sure get myself organised. May Allah make it easy for me.

Sorry for the poor quality of writing. I'm not really in the mood. Felling a bit empty, somber. No fiery desire to write really.

Amazing website

Driven by boredom, I clicked all bookmarks in my web browser. While reading my lecturer's blog, guess what I found? An amazing website, called ted.com which contains many great videos of talks given by great people in many themes across fields. I found that some of them are mind blowing. Therefore I would like to share some of the videos which I think that are cool. Enjoy!

Theo Jansen: Creatures on the beach
I was intrigued while watching this video. Firstly how he can create a sculptor that it's movement imitates live animal. Secondly how could possibly a machine like that can move without a control device? Anyway, this is the principle behind his machine I found in youtube:


Robert Full: Secrets of movement, from geckos and roaches



Ron Eglash: African fractals, in buildings and braids

Eid Mubarak

Eid Mubarak! Eid has come. It is recommended for us to increase our deed, remembering Allah, make takbir during Eid and Tasyrik day. Let us take this opportunity to gain as much reward as we can.

Let us ponder upon the story of Nabi Ibrahim a.s and his son, Nabi Ismail a.s. When Nabi Ismail was told by his father about his dream that he was ordered to sacrifice him, he swiftly says "O my father, do as Allah has ordered you. Insha-Allah, you will find that I am patient and truthful to Allah." This is a great example of total submission to Allah! Let us pray to Allah to put us in the group of people who are willing to sacrifice anything for His sake.

wallahua'lam.

The christmas holiday

I know my English is quite poor and I write slower in English compared to Malay. Besides that, I still could remember Bro Saif's comment about writing in language other than your mother tongue. He said, people express their feeling and thoughts better in their mother tongue compared to their second or third or tenth language. Well I think he is quite right. However, I cannot let all those issues stop me from writing in English. I think the time for me writing in English has come. I need to improve my English. I need to bring my English standard up to another level. Through practice, inshallah in the next few years I will be a good writer. Practice make perfect.

So, the first thing I would like to say for this entry is about the holiday. After reading one of my junior's blog, I could see their excitement to feel the adventure of traveling during the holiday. I could see their joy of meeting friends and spending time together. As finishes reading his blog, I tried to reflect upon myself. The first word came out in my mind about this holiday is 'indifferent'. How many times I found this word, but never understand its meaning. Strangely, that was the word pop up in my mind.

After looking at the dictionary, I found that yeah, that is the word that can be used to describe my feeling at the moment. I seems to me, this holiday ist just like the last summer holiday or other weekend holiday. I had lost the enthusiasm to celebrate the holiday, travel around the world. Probably it is the sign of ....

Belajar

Belajar ni memang seronok. Macam-macam benda dapat tahu dan faham. Tapi usaha nak dapat kefahaman tu yang payah. Selalu rasa malas ajer nak bukak buku. Kadang-kadang nak pi kelas pun malas. Apa nak jadi?

THE GREAT 10 DAYS

Aku baru tahu bahawa 10 hari pertama dalam bulan Zulhijjah merupakan hari yang sangat hebat. Orang yang beribadah kepada Allah pada hari-hari tersebut akan diberi ganjaran yang berlipat ganda. Ayuh marilah bersama-sama kita tingkatkan amalan. Tinggal beberapa hari sahaja lagi..!

Bacalah petikan dari Bicara Agama, Utusan Online:

Kelebihan 10 hari pertama bulan Zulhijjah

Oleh: NAZMI AIDARUS

Imam al Bukhari Rahimahullah meriwayatkan daripada Ibnu ‘Abbas r.a bahawa Nabi s.a.w bersabda, Tiada suatu hari pun, amalan kebaikan padanya mempunyai kelebihan melainkan pada hari-hari ini – iaitu 10 hari Zulhijjah.

Para sahabat baginda bertanya, Apakah juga (pengecualian itu) termasuk jihad pada jalan Allah? Ujar Baginda, Tidak juga (termasuk) berjihad pada jalan Allah kecuali bagi seorang yang keluar dengan jiwa raga dan hartanya dan tidak membawa pulang apa-apa pun.

Imam Ahmad r.a. dari Ibnu Umar r.a. bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, “Tiada suatu haripun, amalan kebaikan padanya mempunyai kelebihan melainkan pada hari-hari 10 Zulhijjah ini, oleh kerana itu perbanyakkanlah padanya tahlil (La Ilaha Illa Allah), takbir (Allah Akbar) dan tahmid (Alhamdu Lillah).

Ibnu Hibban di dam kitab Sahihnya meriwayatkan dari Jabir r.a. bahawa baginda s.a.w bersabda, “Seutama-utama hari adalah hari Arafah”.

Amalan yang dianjurkan padanya

1. Menunaikan ibadah haji dan umrah yang merupakan sebaik-baik amalan. Banyak hadis menyatakan kelebihan ibadah ini di antaranya : Sabda Nabi s.a.w.: “Satu umrah ke umrah yang lain menghapuskan (dosa) yang dilakukan di antara keduanya dan haji yang baik (diterima) tiada baginya balasan melainkan syurga”.

2. Berpuasa pada hari-hari tersebut atau sekadar kemampuannya – terutamanya pada hari Arafah. Tidak dinafikan bahawa puasa adalah di antara amalan yang terbaik dan ia adalah pilihan Allah seperti yang dinyatakan di dalam sebuah hadis qudsi, “Puasa itu adalah bagiKu dan Akulah yang membalasinya, dia meninggalkan keinginan nafsunya, makanan dan minumannya semata-mata keranaKu”.

Imam Muslim meriwayatkan dari Abi Qatadah r.a. bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, Puasa pada hari Arafah, saya mengharap Allah akan menghapuskan (dosa) setahun yang lalu dan setahun yang mendatang.

3. Takbir (Allahu Akbar) dan berzikir padanya, firman Allah s.w.t yang bermaksud, (Dan supaya mereka menyebut nama Allah pada beberapa hari yang termaklum), hari-hari tersebut dijelaskan sebagai 10 hari di bulan Zulhijjah. Sebab itulah para ulama menyarankan supaya diperbanyakkan berzikir pada hari-hari tersebut sebagaimana mafhum hadis Ibnu Umar r.a. yang diriwayatkan oleh Imam Ahmad, di antaranya, “Oleh kerana itu perbanyakkanlah padanya tahlil (La Ilaha Illa Allah), takbir (Allah Akbar) dan tahmid (Alhamdulillah)”.

4. Bertaubat dan meninggalkan segala maksiat dan dosa, semoga dengan amalan baik dapat mencapai keampunan dan rahmat Allah. Ini kerana maksiat adalah punca kepada jauh dan terhindarnya seorang hamba dari rahmat Allah manakala ketaatan pula adalah punca dekat dan kasihnya Allah kepadanya.

5. Memperbanyakkan amalan soleh terutama amalan sunat tambahan seperti solat sunat, berjihad, membaca al-Quran, menyeru kepada kebaikan, mencegah kemungkaran dan seumpamanya kerana semuanya akan digandakan pada hari-hari tersebut.

Amalan yang dikerjakan ketika itu walaupun kecil tetapi ia lebih disukai oleh Allah dibandingkan pada hari-hari lain. Begitu juga amalan yang besar seperti berjihad di jalan Allah yang dikategorikan di antara amalan yang terbaik, tidaklah mendapat kehebatan pahala pada hari-hari itu melainkan apabila kuda (kenderaan) yang ditungganginya terbunuh (binasa) dan darahnya keluar (dia cedera atau mati syahid).

6. Disyariatkan bertakbir pada beberapa hari yang mulia itu pada waktu siang atau malam terutama selepas menunaikan fardu solat lima waktu yang dikerjakan secara berjemaah.

Bagi mereka yang tidak menunaikan ibadah haji, takbir bermula dari waktu subuh hari Arafah (9 Zulhijjah) dan bagi yang menunaikannya takbir bermula pada waktu Zuhur hari raya haji (10 Zulhijjah), semuanya berakhir sehingga waktu Asar pada hari ke-13 Zulhijjah.

7. Disyariatkan amalan korban (menyembelih haiwan ternakan) pada hari raya haji dan hari-hari Tasyriq (11, 12 dan 13 Zulhijjah). Ia merupakan sunah Nabi Ibrahim a.s. setelah Allah s.w.t mengujinya dengan perintah menyembelih anaknya Ismail tetapi ditebus ujian itu dengan digantikan seekor haiwan untuk disembelih.

8. Imam Muslim meriwayatkan dari Ummu Salamah r.a bahawa Nabi s.a.w bersabda, Apabila kamu telah melihat anak bulan Zulhijjah dan ada di kalangan kamu yang ingin berkorban (sembelih haiwan ternakan), hendaklah dia menahan dirinya dari (memotong) rambut dan kukunya, dan di dalam riwayat lain : “Maka janganlah dia memotong rambut dan kukunya sehinggalah dia berkorban.

Perintah (sunat) ini berkemungkinan ada persamaan dengan hukum bagi mereka yang membawa haiwan ternakan (ketika mengerjakan haji) dari kampung mereka yang telah dijelaskan oleh Allah, maksudnya, (Dan janganlah kamu mencukur rambut kamu sehinggalah haiwan ternakan (yang dibawa untuk dihadiahkan dagingnya kepada penduduk Mekah) itu sampai ke tempatnya).

Larangan (memotong rambut dan kuku) ini pada zahirnya adalah khusus kepada pemunya haiwan korban tersebut sahaja dan tidak termasuk isteri dan anak-anaknya melainkan mereka juga mempunyai haiwan seumpamanya, dan tidak mengapa jika yang berkenaan membasuh dan menggosok kepalanya kemudian terjatuh beberapa helai rambutnya.

9. Setiap muslim hendaklah berusaha menunaikan solat hari raya secara berjemaah, mendengar khutbah oleh imam selepas solat tersebut supaya mendapat pengajaran daripadanya.

Sepatutnyalah kita mengetahui hikmat di sebalik perayaan ini. Ia merupakan hari menyatakan kesyukuran dengan melakukan kebaikan. Janganlah pula dilakukan padanya perkara yang mendatangkan kemurkaan Allah dengan mengerjakan maksiat, kesombongan, pertengkaran dan sebagainya yang boleh menjadi sebab kepada terhapusnya amalan kebaikan yang dikerjakannya sebelum itu.

10. Penuhilah hari-hari berkenaan dengan ketaatan kepada Allah, berzikir, bersyukur, menunaikan perintah-Nya, menjauhi larangan-Nya, mendekatkan diri kepada-Nya semoga mendapat rahmat dan keampunan-Nya.

Mencari kawan

Bagi mengukuhkan simpulan tali silaturrahim ku dengan sahabat-sahabat di UK terutamanya di Nottingham, dengan semangatnya aku bertolak ke Notts dengan menaiki keretapi pada pukul 3.55 petang semalam. Ketibaan ku disambut oleh Fikri dan Abe. Penginapan di Notts di tanggung oleh Abe.

Alhamdulilah, tercapai juga niat nak berjumpa kawan-kawan di Notts Games. Walaupun tak ramai, tapi tak perla. Aku faham bila dah tua (senior) ni, benda-benda macam Notts Games tak menarik perhatian lagi. Tambahan pula ada yang tengah amik exam. Semoga berjaya di doakan kepada sahabat2 yang tengah menghadapi exam.

Bersama Saudara Im dan Firdaus(Kalau tak silap)


Inilah Encik Fikri,bakal bos Stesen Janakuasa TNB

Di sebelahku ini, orang panggil dia Abe.

Di rumah Abdul Latif yang sudah mendirikan rumahtangga. Terima kasih kepada sahabat2 di Notts kerana sudi melayan aku.

Dari meja Abe,

ABN