Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh,

Hello, dear readers. How are you today? Hope you are all doing well. AlhamduliLLAH. If not, I pray to ALLAH to give you strength and patience to overcome all your troubles. I pray to ALLAH to guide you to the right way, the best way possible, and solve what ever problems burden your shoulders. Aamiin..

My health had been a little disturbed the past two months. Even before Ramadhan, I already suffered it. But, alhamduliLLAH, praise to ALLAH, I have no trouble doing all the shaum, completely from the day 1 to today (Ramadhan 23rd), inshALLAH. That’s the “magic” of this special month of Ramadhan. I am lucky enough to be born and live in the country where around 90% of the total populations (of 300-something millions) are Muslims. The atmosphere of Ramadhan is always so thick, at least in the areas of my house and the office. AlhamduliLLAH.. I can hear people recite the noble Qur’an on almost every masjid (mosque) I passed by.

Anyways, what is it that I suffered?

It calls Hypotension. The abnormally low blood pressure. (Feel free to read the details on these websites here: http://patient.info/doctor/hypotension and here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/definition/con-20032298)

My Blood Pressure (BP) reached 70/50 (from the normal 120/80) which is very low. The doctor has given me the medicine to reduce my headache, which is common suffered by hypotension patients. She also gave me some vitamins (B complex) and some supplements to stimulate my body produces more blood.There are also traditional medicine suggested by some friends, such as red meats (but, careful, it might boost up your bad cholesterol level), papaya leaves and cassava leaves. In the next few weeks my BP was slightly increased. Became 90/70. But it’s still pretty low. The doc said not enough, but it’s safe for me to do my Ramadhan shaum (fasting), which I did and do. But several days ago, the headache came back. My body felt as if I was boneless. So I came back to the doctor, and my BP returned to 70/50.

Generally I feel alright. I am a strong woman, I know it. But still, I’m a mortal. *duh, of course* I mean, when the BP went low, I found it hard to concentrate nor focus. So that I couldn’t write as much as I wanted for this “Ramadhan Talks” topic.

By the way, talking about strong people, history has noted there was once, live in this old earth, the strongest nation of the world. They called The Nation of ‘Aad. How strong they were? Oh, they were EXTREMELY strong: body (it was said, their figure were somewhat gigantic), power, wealth.. No nation, until today, has been created as nearly strong as the people of ‘Aad.

But, classic mankind’s character, given such power by ALLAH, they tend to corrupt. They were so sure nobody, and nothing can beat their amazing power. So they “challenged” ALLAH by resurrected this religion/cult of worshiping idols that was actually destroyed before in the era of Ibraheem (Abraham).

So, instead of worshiping ALLAH, they just deliberately chose to worship *dead* idols which can do nothing for them whatsoever. In my personal opinion, the people of ‘Aad were like the bunch of brainless muscles with money, which all were useless for them when ALLAH’s wrath came upon them.

The Qur’an mentioned this strong nation several times in 2 surah:

In Q.S. 7 Al-A’raf: 65-72

Shahih International:
65. And to the ‘Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, “O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?”
66. Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, “Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars.”
67. [Hud] said, “O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.”
68. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy adviser.
69. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you? And remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allah that you might succeed.
70. They said, “Have you come to us that we should worship Allah alone and leave what our fathers have worshipped? Then bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the truthful.”
71. [Hud] said, “Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them, you and your fathers, for which Allah has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait.”
72. So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.

Indonesian:
65. Dan (Kami telah mengutus) kepada kaum ‘Aad saudara mereka, Hud. Ia berkata: “Hai kaumku, sembahlah Allah, sekali-kali tidak ada Tuhan bagimu selain dari-Nya. Maka mengapa kamu tidak bertakwa kepada-Nya?”
66. Pemuka-pemuka yang kafir dari kaumnya berkata: “Sesungguhnya kami benar benar memandang kamu dalam keadaan kurang akal dan sesungguhnya kami menganggap kamu termasuk orang orang yang berdusta”.
67. Hud herkata “Hai kaumku, tidak ada padaku kekurangan akal sedikitpun, tetapi aku ini adalah utusan dari Tuhan semesta alam.
68. Aku menyampaikan amanat-amanat Tuhanku kepadamu dan aku hanyalah pemberi nasehat yang terpercaya bagimu”.
69. Apakah kamu (tidak percaya) dan heran bahwa datang kepadamu peringatan dari Tuhanmu yang dibawa oleh seorang laki-laki di antaramu untuk memberi peringatan kepadamu? Dan ingatlah oleh kamu sekalian di waktu Allah menjadikan kamu sebagai pengganti-pengganti (yang berkuasa) sesudah lenyapnya kaum Nuh, dan Tuhan telah melebihkan kekuatan tubuh dan perawakanmu (daripada kaum Nuh itu). Maka ingatlah nikmat-nikmat Allah supaya kamu mendapat keberuntungan.
70. Mereka berkata: “Apakah kamu datang kepada kami, agar kami hanya menyembah Allah saja dan meninggalkan apa yang biasa disembah oleh bapak-bapak kami? maka datangkanlah azab yang kamu ancamkan kepada kami jika kamu termasuk orang-orang yang benar”.
71. Ia berkata: “Sungguh sudah pasti kamu akan ditimpa azab dan kemarahan dari Tuhanmu”. Apakah kamu sekalian hendak berbantah dengan aku tentang nama-nama (berhala) yang kamu beserta nenek moyangmu menamakannya, padahal Allah sekali-kali tidak menurunkan hujjah untuk itu? Maka tunggulah (azab itu), sesungguhnya aku juga termasuk orang yamg menunggu bersama kamu”.
72. Maka kami selamatkan Hud beserta orang-orang yang bersamanya dengan rahmat yang besar dari Kami, dan Kami tumpas orang-orang yang mendustakan ayat-ayat Kami, dan tiadalah mereka orang-orang yang beriman.

And, in Q.S.11 Hud: 50-60

Sahih International:
50. And to ‘Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, “O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. You are not but inventors [of falsehood].

Indonesian:
50. Dan kepada kaum ‘Ad (Kami utus) saudara mereka, Huud. Ia berkata: “Hai kaumku, sembahlah Allah, sekali-kali tidak ada bagimu Tuhan selain Dia. Kamu hanyalah mengada-adakan saja.

Sahih International:
51. O my people, I do not ask you for it any reward. My reward is only from the one who created me. Then will you not reason?

Indonesian
51. Hai kaumku, aku tidak meminta upah kepadamu bagi seruanku ini. Upahku tidak lain hanyalah dari Allah yang telah menciptakanku. Maka tidakkah kamu memikirkan(nya)?”

Sahih International
52. And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals.”

Indonesian
52. Dan (dia berkata): “Hai kaumku, mohonlah ampun kepada Tuhanmu lalu bertobatlah kepada-Nya, niscaya Dia menurunkan hujan yang sangat deras atasmu, dan Dia akan menambahkan kekuatan kepada kekuatanmu, dan janganlah kamu berpaling dengan berbuat dosa”.

Sahih International
53. They said, “O Hud, you have not brought us clear evidence, and we are not ones to leave our gods on your say-so. Nor are we believers in you.

Indonesian
53. Kaum ‘Ad berkata: “Hai Huud, kamu tidak mendatangkan kepada kami suatu bukti yang nyata, dan kami sekali-kali tidak akan meninggalkan sembahan-sembahan kami karena perkataanmu, dan kami sekali-kali tidak akan mempercayai kamu.

Sahih International
54. We only say that some of our gods have possessed you with evil.” He said, “Indeed, I call Allah to witness, and witness [yourselves] that I am free from whatever you associate with Allah

Indonesian
54. Kami tidak mengatakan melainkan bahwa sebagian sembahan kami telah menimpakan penyakit gila atas dirimu”. Huud menjawab: “Sesungguhnya aku bersaksi kepada Allah dan saksikanlah olehmu sekalian bahwa sesungguhnya aku berlepas diri dari apa yang kamu persekutukan,

Sahih International
55. Other than Him. So plot against me all together; then do not give me respite.

Indonesian
55. dari selain-Nya, sebab itu jalankanlah tipu dayamu semuanya terhadapku dan janganlah kamu memberi tangguh kepadaku.

Sahih International
56. Indeed, I have relied upon Allah , my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a path [that is] straight.”

Indonesian
56. Sesungguhnya aku bertawakkal kepada Allah Tuhanku dan Tuhanmu. Tidak ada suatu binatang melatapun melainkan Dialah yang memegang ubun-ubunnya. Sesungguhnya Tuhanku di atas jalan yang lurus”.

Sahih International
57. But if they turn away, [say], “I have already conveyed that with which I was sent to you. My Lord will give succession to a people other than you, and you will not harm Him at all. Indeed my Lord is, over all things, Guardian.”

Indonesian
57. Jika kamu berpaling, maka sesungguhnya aku telah menyampaikan kepadamu apa (amanat) yang aku diutus (untuk menyampaikan)nya kepadamu. Dan Tuhanku akan mengganti (kamu) dengan kaum yang lain (dari) kamu; dan kamu tidak dapat membuat mudharat kepada-Nya sedikitpun. Sesungguhnya Tuhanku adalah Maha Pemelihara segala sesuatu.

Sahih International
58. And when Our command came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us; and We saved them from a harsh punishment.

Indonesian
58. Dan tatkala datang azab Kami, Kami selamatkan Huud dan orang-orang yang beriman bersama dia dengan rahmat dari Kami; dan Kami selamatkan (pula) mereka (di akhirat) dari azab yang berat.

Sahih International
59. And that was ‘Aad, who rejected the signs of their Lord and disobeyed His messengers and followed the order of every obstinate tyrant.

Indonesian
59. Dan itulah (kisah) kaum ‘Ad yang mengingkari tanda-tanda kekuasaan Tuhan mereka, dan mendurhakai rasul-rasul Allah dan mereka menuruti perintah semua penguasa yang sewenang-wenang lagi menentang (kebenaran).

Sahih International
60. And they were [therefore] followed in this world with a curse and [as well] on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, ‘Aad denied their Lord; then away with ‘Aad, the people of Hud.

Indonesian
60. Dan mereka selalu diikuti dengan kutukan di dunia ini dan (begitu pula) di hari kiamat. Ingatlah, sesungguhnya kaum ‘Ad itu kafir kepada Tuhan mereka. Ingatlah kebinasaanlah bagi kaum ‘Ad (yaitu) kaum Huud itu.

Their sins of disobeying ALLAH The Almighty and became shirk (worship other Gods than ALLAH alone) had caused ALLAH’s wrath. And ALLAH, The Most Merciful, will not get upset unless ALLAH sent His messenger(s) to warn the jahiliyah (corrupted) people. Prophet Hud, one of the ‘Aad citizen, has been sent to tell them about the warning. He asked them to return to the path of ALLAH and avoid His wrath. But, still, The ‘Aad did not listen. They even mocked Hud. Scolded him and called him a crazy man (typical accusal made by past non believers toward the prophets of ALLAH).

So, on that fateful day, Allah wiped out The ‘Aad, with mighty cold wind, for 8 days 7 nights. As mentioned in the Qur’an Q.S. 69 Al-Haqqah: 6-7.

Sahih International:
And as for ‘Aad, they were destroyed by a screaming, violent wind. | Which Allah imposed upon them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so you would see the people therein fallen as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees.

Indonesian:
Adapun kaum ‘Aad maka mereka telah dibinasakan dengan angin yang sangat dingin lagi amat kencang), yang Allah menimpakan angin itu kepada mereka selama tujuh malam dan delapan hari terus menerus; maka kamu lihat kaum ‘Aad pada waktu itu mati bergelimpangan seakan-akan mereka tunggul pohon kurma yang telah kosong (lapuk).

And, just like that, they’re gone. All of them, along with the vast buildings and monuments they’ve made. But ALLAH did save some debris left of the great monuments of The ‘Aad. For what? As a warning to today’s mankind.

You can read about the finding of the debris in full reviews here:

1. http://www.quran-m.com/firas/en1/index.php/historical/115-discovering-the-habitations-of-aad.html
2. http://www.islamicity.com/science/QuranAndScience/destruction/GeneratedFilesnoframe/ThePeopleof145AdandUbartheAtlantisoftheSands.htm
3. http://amirawidyatama.blogspot.com/2011/01/penemuan-kaum-ad.html (bahasa Indonesia)

Destroying a nation is always EASY for ALLAH. And the reason to destroy a nation was always clear: the people turned zulm (destructive, anarchy, harmful to each other) and shirk (worship other Gods than ALLAH).

But what about the prophet Hud, and the good people of ‘Aad whom followed Hud and obey ALLAH? It is clearly said in the Qur’an that ALLAH saved them all. (Read the ayah above, Q.S.7 Al-A’raf:72 and Q.S.11 Hud:58)

Anyways, there is a channel in youtube, which I came to fond to watch on, called TheMercifulServant (feel free to subscribe them). And no. I am not paid to promote them. 😀 I like this channel. They have so many informations (via dakwah = preach), stories of the messengers and prophets, and all the histories of Islam througout times. And about this prophet Hud and the people of ‘Aad, you can watch this following video:

Alright. That’s it for today, my dear readers. My friends, brothers and sisters. I will write again as soon as I have the time. 🙂 Take care and be good.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.