Quran Tafsir Class 2 - Reflection

I had my first Quran Tafsir class last night, together with a friend of mine. I've always wanted to go for it but I was just too shy to go alone. I was so happy when this friend of mine told me about this class and yes, it was definitely an eye-opener for me. And to a certain extent, it was a reaffirmation of my belief and faith. Help and guidance do come in unexpected ways and most often, at the right timing. Especially so for me, at this point of time.

What I learnt was, it is imperative to say Bismillah (in the name of God) at the beginning of an undertaking. It brings Allah to mind before one does the action, and thus prevents one from doing any evil actions. Omitting it would deprive the action or task of good and/or barakah (blessings). 

This quote further supports the importance of the remembrance of Allah: 

"Everything that is loved - if it is not loved for His sake then this love is nothing but distress and punishment. Every action that is not performed for His sake then it is wasted and severed. Every heart that does not reach Him is wretched, veiled from achieving its success and happiness."

In a way, I do realise (finally) why it was always so hard for me to make decisions. This self-proclaimed Queen of Second Thoughts forgot that ultimately, Allah is the one who decides what happens in your life. And saying Bismillah prior to starting any tasks is the only way to remind us that we're doing it for Allah's sake and nothing or no one else. So if I ever feel uneasy saying Bismillah before doing a certain task and/or action, it would mean that my intentions are wrong. Hence, the guilt; which brings me to the next point.

One of the converts (angmoh) asked the ustad, "If we ponteng (cute that he said this, especially with an angmoh slang) our iman, we commit sins and then ask for forgiveness, how do we know whether God will accept it? Will we be judged for it on the day of reckoning?"

The ustad used these verses from Surah Al-Fatihah to answer to his question:

الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيمِ  

 Most gracious, Most merciful (with regards to Allah)

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

Master of the day of judgement (with regards to Allah)

The ustad said that Allah is merciful and he forgives; while at the same time, he is the judge and he is just. Allah's mercy is such that He may conceal His servants' faults, sins and/or life from others. His mercy is much more than just forgiveness. Ergo, if one makes the effort that repentance requires and do so sincerely (for the sake of Allah) and in the right manner, InsyaAllah it'll be accepted. Also, the laymen's definition of repentance (to change the mind and turn away from the wrong) suggests the notion of reforming oneself. Hence, repentance in this sense requires us to completely move away or let go of the wrong things, bad habits, etc.

My two cents worth to sum up: It would be easier to reform ourselves when we have an end in mind, as well as the right source of motivation. If you know what you want, it would be easier to work towards it, InsyaAllah. And, saying Bismillah at the beginning of an undertaking is definitely a good start (: