[Slideshare] ahlan-wa-sahlan-(meaning in the design)

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013))

As reflected by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

(Manager PERGAS - 2000)

When PERGAS moved to WISMA INDAH

(1999), the interior was designed and certain

meanings have been reflected, so as to explain

through them, the ISLAMIC EDUCATION

for which this centre aims to achieve in serving

ISLAM and the UMMAH.

What are these … meaning?

*PERGAS – “Persatuan Ulama’ dan Guru-guru Agama Islam Singapura”Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers’ Association


When PERGAS decided to move its office to WISMA INDAH, the

renovation and design gave us an opportunity for expressing the ISLAMIC

PHILOSOPHY regarding EDUCATION.

Although some architectural feature were designed with pragmatic and

aesthetic considerations, yet I saw through many of these, symbols to express

philosophical meanings. After all, everything in creations are but signs

(AAYAT), from which meanings can be derived.

This reflection was first written in Malay published in the commemorative

book inaugurating the opening of PERGAS at WISMA INDAH.

Although some of its architectural features may have since been changed

(renovation), perhaps lessons from it can still be documented here to benefit.

May Allah s.w.t. illuminates our hearts and mind with knowledge (‘ILM),

Faith (IIMAN) and wisdom (HIKMAH).


LIFT LOBBY IMMEDIATE FLOOR DESIGN

The first a visitor to PERGAS would experience upon exiting the lift, is

having to step upon the lobby with a multi-colored, oddly shaped, arranged in

crazy-tile design, flooring (see above).

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH

COMMENTARYCOMMENTARY


This (design) is to symbolize the kind of environment our contemporary world

has become. It wish to remind visitor, of where they had come from.

It is to portray a very lively (vibrant), yet complex environment. With

multifarious assortment of individuals, each with their uniqueness, struggling

to seek attention and competing for space.

The tiles’ sharp edges, protruding into each other, the absence of harmony,

aptly describe our modern materialistic life- style which make ‘individualism’

(selfish motivation) as norm for success in many, with less regard towards

others.

Escape from this life-style may seem near impossible and one may be ‘forced’

to adopt and adapt with the trend. It is indeed a maddening ‘rat-race’ where

many can end up loosing their ‘humanity’.

LIFT LOBBY IMMEDIATE FLOOR DESIGN


FLOOR DESIGN ACROSS THE LOBBY

Further ahead, the design changes. The floor across on the other side of the

lobby is sandy-like comprising of fine granules, compacted to form a tranquil

landscape. What separates the two contrasting spaces is a blue streak, styled

like a river of sort, that flows out from inside the building.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



FLOOR DESIGN ACROSS THE LOBBY

The contrast between the two floor design, beckons the visitor to seek for The contrast between the two floor design, beckons the visitor to seek for

meaning. The message is that of hope, that from vibrant, noisy and meaning. The message is that of hope, that from vibrant, noisy and

competitive world, it is possible for transformation to occur. competitive world, it is possible for transformation to occur.

The meaning – in this design - is that ‘river’ that we need to traverse is not The meaning – in this design - is that ‘river’ that we need to traverse is not

by cutting across (taking the easy short-cut) but to seek out for the source by cutting across (taking the easy short-cut) but to seek out for the source

of this transformative and life changing river.of this transformative and life changing river.

One has to go back to the source in order to then traverse over to the One has to go back to the source in order to then traverse over to the

other side. It is the ‘river’ which had caused the change in the landscape.other side. It is the ‘river’ which had caused the change in the landscape.

One’s attention therefore is drawn to the door which invites entrance.One’s attention therefore is drawn to the door which invites entrance.

Interestingly, the root word for “Interestingly, the root word for “SHARI’AH SHARI’AH ” also means “” also means “the source of the source of

water; the pathway to the source; the revealed law, etc.water; the pathway to the source; the revealed law, etc.”.”.

And this (entrance on his left) is what a visitor will see ….And this (entrance on his left) is what a visitor will see ….


INVITATION TO ENTER AND SEEK THE SOURCE OF WATER

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



INVITATION TO ENTER AND SEEK THE SOURCE OF WATER

AHLAN WA SAHLAN AHLAN WA SAHLAN – “you are most welcome”– “you are most welcome”

At the top of entrance is calligraphy from a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad At the top of entrance is calligraphy from a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad

s.a.a.w. which means “s.a.a.w. which means “Whoever traverse upon a path to seek knowledge, Whoever traverse upon a path to seek knowledge,

Allah will make easy for him the path to ParadiseAllah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” .”

By tracing the source, the visitor is liken as aBy tracing the source, the visitor is liken as a ‘seeker’ of knowledge ‘seeker’ of knowledge upon upon

SHARI’AHSHARI’AH. It is the basis of what Islamic education is all about. A . It is the basis of what Islamic education is all about. A

transformative program to ‘revive’ man with that life-giving water.transformative program to ‘revive’ man with that life-giving water.

In seeking for its source, the student already had begun to be positively In seeking for its source, the student already had begun to be positively

inculcated with striving with discipline, effort with patient perseverance.inculcated with striving with discipline, effort with patient perseverance.

As the river meanders in, it turns to the left where the ‘seeker’ is made to As the river meanders in, it turns to the left where the ‘seeker’ is made to

walk through a corridor with several arches.walk through a corridor with several arches.


TRAVERSING THE ARCHWAY

In retracing to seek out ‘the source of water’, visitor is made to walk through

three archways (see above). Along this corridor are doors to many classrooms.

Although the corridor itself is rather narrow, but note the arches which are

symbolic representation of those corridor commonly seen in many medieval

learning centre buildings.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



TRAVERSING THE ARCHWAY

This is not just any corridor - but This is not just any corridor - but the corridor of learningthe corridor of learning..

Islamic concept of education is all concerned with Islamic concept of education is all concerned with ADABADAB – “to – “to exude exude

discipline in conformity to propriety - by putting things in their proper place, in discipline in conformity to propriety - by putting things in their proper place, in

their proper order and quantum, in accordance with the state of one’s selftheir proper order and quantum, in accordance with the state of one’s self.” .”

The arches symbolizes the various spiritual ‘states’ The arches symbolizes the various spiritual ‘states’ AHWALAHWAL - a seeker of - a seeker of

divine knowledge has to go through. As the student goes through these arches, divine knowledge has to go through. As the student goes through these arches,

it is as though he has to strip off his lower and impure traits, still attached to it is as though he has to strip off his lower and impure traits, still attached to

his base desire – layer by layer.his base desire – layer by layer.

Essentially, learning is a spiritual act involving our heart-soul. Divine Essentially, learning is a spiritual act involving our heart-soul. Divine

knowledge is “ knowledge is “ LIGHTLIGHT ” which the heart-soul can receive and reflect. ” which the heart-soul can receive and reflect.

Like a mirror therefore, keeping it clean and always ready, is essential and Like a mirror therefore, keeping it clean and always ready, is essential and

vital. Failure in this preparedness, may even be harmful for the student.vital. Failure in this preparedness, may even be harmful for the student.


FOUNTAIN THE SOURCE WATER

The seeker then arrive at the source of the water from which the ‘river’ has its

origin. It is like a FOUNTAIN, represented by tile-work (floor) designed into

a circular multi-pointed star motive. Also, the student now is in an open space,

after having travelled through the previous constricted corridor. Next to this

are also present – a “CLOISTER (room)” and a spacious “GARDEN ”.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



FOUNTAIN THE SOURCE WATER

Due to constraint the Due to constraint the FOUNTAINFOUNTAIN is symbolically represented by the star- is symbolically represented by the star-

design, from which the water begun to flow. The star signify that it’s origin is design, from which the water begun to flow. The star signify that it’s origin is

Revelation – Revelation – WAHYUWAHYU – from above. Thus, unlike the earthly water, it’s – from above. Thus, unlike the earthly water, it’s

mysterious abundance and perpetual flow, can be appreciatively understood.mysterious abundance and perpetual flow, can be appreciatively understood.

Here around the Here around the FOUNTAINFOUNTAIN, the seeker of knowledge now has to ceased , the seeker of knowledge now has to ceased

journeying horizontally and to remain stationed – as though he has arrived in journeying horizontally and to remain stationed – as though he has arrived in

the garden – the garden – RAUDHAHRAUDHAH – as stated by the Prophet s.a.a.w. “ – as stated by the Prophet s.a.a.w. “amongst the amongst the

gardens of Paradisegardens of Paradise ( (RIYAA-DHA-TIL-JANNAHRIYAA-DHA-TIL-JANNAH)” Thus, around this )” Thus, around this

symbolic fountain is decorated to resemble presence in a garden . symbolic fountain is decorated to resemble presence in a garden .

And next to this is to be found a room – with frosted glass paneling in Islamic And next to this is to be found a room – with frosted glass paneling in Islamic

motive. This is a small cloister (room) for learning, devotional practices and motive. This is a small cloister (room) for learning, devotional practices and

learning sessions with a teacher, face-to-face (learning sessions with a teacher, face-to-face (TALAQQITALAQQI).).


This room represents learning with the

guidance and be under tutelage – “face

to face” with the MU’ALLIM (teacher).

The mode is also termed as DZIKR –

“the remembrance ” or reading text –

AAYAT QAWLIYYAH

This represent the important aspect of

contemplation and reflections – FIKR.

When not with the teacher or reciting

the Divine text, they read and reflect

upon the CREATION of the universe –

AAYAT KAUNIYYAH

TALAQQI ROOM (CLOISTER) TRANQUIL GARDEN

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



TALAQQI ROOM (CLOISTER) TRANQUIL GARDEN

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH


The learning here is for some duration, with knowledge ‘ILM and practice

‘AMAL ; with being in the company of the learned ‘ULAMA , imbibing

from them the noble disposition AKHLAQ AL-KAREEMA , seeking

spiritual bestowals from Allah BAROKAH, and wisdom AL-HIKMAH.

Not merely seeking knowledge but to also emulate, through serving them

KHIDMAH, in serving Allah, His Messenger s.a.w. and AL-ISLAM


Along the wall will be posted the life and achievements of our past and

contemporary Islamic scholars ‘ULAMA ; contributions of the Islamic

civilization TAMADDUN ISLAM ; and other relevant motivational

information to inspire the student of Islam.

The hallmark of traditional Islamic learning requires student, after adequate

preparation, to go into the world to apply their knowledge through service –

KHIDMAH – for the UMMAH and to be beneficial to the world.

Just as in entering PERGAS learning centre, to go out to serve the

UMMAH and the world, it is our hope that students are sufficiently

equipped capable of conveying and sharing Islam – this message, symbolical

implied by the various design along the corridor towards the exit.

Along this corridor, watch out for the tiling design on the floor and other

features and signs AAYAT , to be reflected and meaning to be learnt.


(FLOOR DESIGN) SPREADING ISLAMIC IMPRINT

As and when directed, the student has to then proceed with learning through

gaining practical experience. With the education and training received by now

they would, INSHA-ALLAH, be able to impact others with AL-ISLAM,

wherever they go. Thus – leaving IMPRINT – as seen along the corridor,

which by the way, is now without arches (as in previous corridor) for them to

walk through. A sign of some accomplishment in being educated.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Along this corridor too (on the right), notice the glass panel framed like an

arch, but over-looking into the atrium space (outside). This symbolizes that

among the student’s accomplishment is that his worldview has now

changed to always be from an Islamic worldview – TASAWWUR

ISLAM

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



When walking along this corridor towards the exit, look ahead beyond the

glass door at the pillars in the lobby. Attached on top of them are Arabic

calligraphy, positioned in a way which can be read by those walking out –

(slanted away from view of those stepping out from the lift).

These are actually important virtues which student of Islam are reminded

that they must strive to inculcate and uphold. It is a kind of code of conduct,

nay the Islamic command to be adhered to for the Islamic students.

The most important desired outcome in ISLAMIC EDUCATION is that

of character and noble disposition – AKHLAQ-UL-KAREEMA

Students of PERGAS must remember the Arabic proverb “Knowledge is

what is in the breast (heart of the person), not in lines (on paper and

certificates)” and “Knowledge is that which benefits”


AT-TAQWA AL-IKHLAS AS-SWIDQ

REMINDER TO UPHOLD ISLAMIC VIRTUES

TAQWA : God-fearing ; piety ; sense of reverential fear of Allah, by doing

what is commanded and refrain the forbidden, etc.

IKHLAS : Sincerity; having purity of intention to seek only the approval of

Allah; negating other motives except in Allah and for Allah, etc.

SWIDQ – to be true; truthful; acknowledging, upholding every truth, etc.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



ASH-SHAJA’AH AL- ‘IFFAH AL-HILM


THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH


SHAJA’AH : Courageous; bravery in championing truth and justice, tc.

‘IFFAH : Modesty; chaste; purity; channeling desire towards what is right

and pure, etc.

HILM – gentle, mild, forbearance; intelligent; patient perseverance, etc.


AL- ‘ADALAH AL-QUWWAH AZ-ZUHD


THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH


‘ADALAH : Justice; fairness; integrity; honesty; etc.

QUWWAH : Strength; vigour; vitality; power; capable; firm, etc.

ZUHD – ascetic; detachment from other than Allah; abstention, etc.


STEPPING OUT TO BE GRAINS OF SAND

As we proceed, the floor tiling design along this

corridor tapers off into a sandy textured surface.

This symbolizes the final result of the journey of

learning, a kind of desired transformation of the

student who started as a self-centered, perhaps

with attention-seeking personality (like that of

the crazy-tile), to then become more disciplined

and orderly, until as though through the intense

washing and polishing, what remains is its true

essence – that of only a tiny grain of SAND.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH




SAND, though humble and almost unnoticed,

they belong to that vital component, essential

for any building. Minutely each granule may be

different, yet sand granule means nothing if

only seen and scrutinized individually.

Every granule seek to join with other, as sand,

harmoniously bonding, as though loosing its

individuality to now be identified with the

whole, concern with contribution in building

and being a small part of something worthwhile.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH




Likewise, the learned are those who regard

themselves as little and insignificant, just like

that grain of sand in the vast Sahara desert.

Through the process of natural cleansing which

produce these minute granule, there may even

be diamonds and gems. In essence they are

valuable and in reality brilliant, yet they remain

hidden (unknown) KHUMUL, in the service of

the UMMAH. To them, unity and service is

devoid of arrogance and ostentation.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH




Thus it is that TAWADHU’ – ( humility ) with

KHASHI-’AH (reverential fear) of Allah, has

become synonymous with the AKHLAQ of

those who are truly the learned – ‘ULAMA.

They would strive to become ‘selfless’ ,

purifying and restraining their ego and

commanding self (NAFS); always cautious and

dreading the entrapments of their own desires

(HAWA’) and avoiding those who follow their

desires.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH




For them, they see even their small faults as great

and are ever worried, thus constantly seeking

forgiveness. Whereas, even great deeds they may

have done are regarded as little and insignificant.

When they immerse themselves into society, they

become like SAND – ready to join with others to

build not destroy, ready to help in doing

goodness; strengthening unity and closing ranks

amongst Muslims with genuine love

MAHABBAH and Islamic brotherhood

UKHUWWAH ISLAMIYYAH .

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



LIBRARY – LEGACY OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP

A door to be opened Concealed behind this door

On the way out, the student must notice a closed door, with a Qur’anic calligraphy.

Behind this door is a symbolic LIBRARY which has a staircase leading upward.

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



This is to remind current Islamic students that reading, researching, revising

and writing are among the legacy of our ‘ULAMA, to be emulated.

We must cherish, preserve and continue to peruse and study the books,

especially those books transmitted by them as legacy - TURATH.

Also, this underscore as symbol, the sheer genius and productivity of our

‘ULAMA who were never idle but dedicated their lives entirely to the

transmission of knowledge. Whenever they were free from teaching and

preaching, they would read and write, do research, and had produced copious

texts, in volumes even, that still continue to benefit humankind.

Incidentally, the staircase in the library symbolizes the elevation in ranks,

which knowledge – through reading and writing – can bring.

Indeed, love for books, cherishing and preserving them, by having their own

personal library, is one of hallmarks of Islamic scholarship to emulate.


In The Name of Allah, Most In The Name of Allah, Most

Compassionate, Most Merciful.Compassionate, Most Merciful.

READREAD in the name of your Lord in the name of your Lord

Who created. Who created.

He created man from a clot. He created man from a clot.

READREAD and your Lord is Most and your Lord is Most

Bounteous (Honourable), Bounteous (Honourable),

Who taught (to write) with the Who taught (to write) with the

pen. Taught man what he knew not. pen. Taught man what he knew not.

QUR’AN : SURAH AL - ‘ALAQ : 96: 1-5

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



FINAL OUTCOME OF TRANSFORMATION

THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH


Seekers of knowledge – TOLIB-AL-’ILM is also called a traveler - SAALIK.

After completing his SAFAR RUHANI (journey of spiritual nature) is expected

to be drastically transformed. Contrast between the beginner and those who

accomplished the journey successfully, is as the contrast in the above floor design.


THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH



From this


THE WALK-THROUGH

THE WALK-THROUGH


To become this


AND ALLAH KNOWS ALLAND ALLAH KNOWS ALL


””All praise is due to Allah, who has All praise is due to Allah, who has

guided us unto this; for we would guided us unto this; for we would

certainly not have found the right path certainly not have found the right path

unless Allah had guided us!”unless Allah had guided us!”


And salutations of Allah and

Peace be upon the Messenger of

Allah, Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah

and upon His household

and Companions .


”Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of

Honour and Power! (He is free)

from what they ascribe (to Him)!

And Peace on the Messengers!

And praise to Allah, the Lord and

Cherisher of the Worlds.”

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/

http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/

http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/

http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/

http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/

http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/

http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/

http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/


All welcome to visit my web-All welcome to visit my web-

blogblog::

Spiritual

[Slideshare] ahlan-wa-sahlan-(meaning in the design)