Ustadz Zulkifli Marzuki - Kuliah Subuh 11 Ramadhan 1446 H (11032025)

Summary

In this thoughtful sermon, the speaker emphasizes the balance between worldly actions and spiritual duties, especially during Ramadan. He reflects on the significance of intentions behind actions, quoting scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali and sharing stories of devotion and misinterpretation of good deeds. The speaker urges the audience to maintain proper intentions in their worldly and religious endeavors, warning against being deceived by material pursuits. Ultimately, the message focuses on prioritizing the afterlife over worldly pleasures and ensuring that actions are aligned with sincere worship, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of maintaining a balance between worldly deeds and actions for the Hereafter. While the Hereafter should be prioritized, worldly matters must not be neglected.
• 😀 Everything in life, including seeking knowledge, requires resources like money. However, money should not be seen as the ultimate goal, as it serves as a tool for good deeds.
• 😀 Actions are judged by intention. Good intentions can turn even worldly activities into acts of worship, while bad intentions can turn acts of worship into mere worldly pursuits.
• 😀 Imam Al-Ghazali emphasizes that the world is a field for the Hereafter. What we do here can contribute to our ultimate destination.
• 😀 The concept of martyrdom is explained, where someone who dies as a martyr might not receive reward if their intention was to seek recognition rather than for the sake of Allah.
• 😀 Similarly, actions done for worldly recognition, like showing off, will not be rewarded in the Hereafter, as highlighted by the Prophet’s teachings.
• 😀 A person working with the intention of serving Allah, even in mundane tasks like going to work, can earn rewards in the Hereafter.
• 😀 The significance of intention in every action is reinforced by Imam Al-Ghazali’s teachings. Without the correct intention, even actions that seem pious may not be rewarded.
• 😀 The danger of being deceived by worldly pleasures and distractions, as people often focus too much on material wealth and status.
• 😀 The story of Harun al-Rashid illustrates how worldly pursuits, such as beautifying palaces, can blind a person to the reality of the Hereafter, urging reflection on life’s purpose and death.
• 😀 The need to maintain faith and commitment during the blessed month of Ramadan is emphasized, warning against neglecting fasting or disregarding its importance, as it can lead to severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the speaker's talk?

The main theme discussed is the balance between worldly actions and actions for the hereafter, emphasizing that while the afterlife should be prioritized, one should not neglect the duties and actions required in the worldly life.

How does the speaker describe the importance of money in life?

The speaker acknowledges that money is necessary in life for various needs, such as pursuing knowledge and providing for others. However, he stresses that money is not the most important thing in life, and should not be the primary focus.

What is the significance of intentions in one’s actions according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, intentions are crucial as every action is judged by its intention. A person might perform actions that seem worldly, but if their intention is for the sake of Allah, those actions can be rewarded in the hereafter.

How does the speaker explain the concept of actions being evaluated based on their intentions?

The speaker mentions that actions, even if they seem like worldly actions (such as working or eating), can be rewarded as acts of worship if they are done with the right intention, like serving Allah or strengthening one's ability to worship.

What example does the speaker give to highlight the importance of intention?

The speaker uses the example of a martyr in battle who may have fought for fame or recognition rather than the sake of Allah, thereby negating the reward for his actions. On the other hand, someone doing worldly work with the right intention can be rewarded in the afterlife.

What does the speaker say about being distracted by the pleasures of the world?

The speaker warns against being deceived by the pleasures of this world, stating that the true believer understands that this world is temporary and that the real focus should be on preparing for the afterlife.

How does the speaker interpret the concept of the world being a prison for the believer?

The speaker quotes a hadith where the world is likened to a prison for the believer, meaning that the believer is not truly comfortable in this world because they understand that it is a place of trials and not the ultimate destination.

What story does the speaker share about Harun al-Rashid?

The speaker shares a story where Harun al-Rashid, the caliph, encounters a Sufi who challenges his attachment to the material world. The Sufi points out that Harun, despite his wealth and power, will eventually end up in the grave, urging him to reflect on his priorities.

How does the speaker connect the concept of Ramadan to spiritual growth?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of Ramadan as a time for spiritual purification, urging the audience not to neglect the fasting and worship during this sacred month. He warns against engaging in actions that could invalidate one's fast, such as providing food for others who are fasting but have the wrong intentions.

What does the speaker conclude with in his talk?

The speaker concludes with a call to increase piety, prioritize the afterlife, and ensure that all actions, whether worldly or spiritual, are done with the right intention for the sake of Allah. He prays that everyone is granted a good end (Husnul Khatimah).