Al- Mumin (The guardian of faith )
"Al-Mumin" is one of the names of Allah, meaning "The Guardian of Faith" or "The Bestower of Security." This attribute is found in the Quran and is associated with Allah's role as the one who grants peace and security to the believers.
Quranic Reference:
In Surah Al-Hashr (59:23), Allah is described with the name Al-Mumin:
"He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him."
Hadith Reference:
In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Believers can find strength and assurance in their faith, knowing that Allah is the Guardian of Faith and the Bestower of Security. This trust in Allah's protection can guide individuals in navigating the complexities of the modern era with a sense of peace and resilience.
Islamic term meaning:
auzubillah minashaitan ni rajeem (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the accursed Satan)
astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness in God)
auzubillah (I seek refuge in Allah)
In sha Allah (God willing)
Subhanallah (Glory be to God)
La hawla wala kuwata illa billah (there is no power and no strength except with Allah)
bismillah (in the name of Allah)
alhamdulillah (praise be to God)
Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)
Assalamu Alaykom wa rahmatallahi wa barakatu (Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings)
wassalamu Alaykom wa rahmatallahi wa barakatu (and Peace be upon you too and God's mercy and blessings)
Ma sha Allah (God has willed it)
Byakuya's father died when he was just a couple of months in his mother's womb, and just a few hours after his birth, his mother died as well. Baby Byakuya was left an orphan, hence never even knowing what having a father and a mother felt like.
As he grew up as the little prince of a well-to-do clan, he was showered with all the luxury and comfort of life. Strangely enough, he didn't feel satisfied with it, like there was a hole inside of him that bled every time he saw other children who had parents.
But as the heir to the Kuchiki clan, he was taught by his grandfather never to show weakness, as he would soon lead the clan, and a leader must be strong to be respected and acknowledged as worthy of the Kuchiki name.
So, Byakuya strived to make his grandfather proud. He was soon acknowledged as a protege along with a kid who graduated from the Soul Academy, the same age as him, Gin Ichimaru.
Under Shihoin Yoruichi's guidance, he trained to become the best in shunpo, a top educational privilege only enjoyed by upper-classmen, as he didn't attend the Soul Academy and was homeschooled by the best teachers in Soul Society.
One of his caretakers was Ukitake Jushiro and Shunsui Kyoraku. His grandfather spared no expense to ensure that Byakuya received the best education, training, and security for the Kuchiki clan to climb to the very top of the hierarchy and remain there. Only by being at the top could he ensure Byakuya and the Kuchiki clan's safety.
Ginrei walked in on Byakuya training diligently with a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes, feeling proud of his grandson. But he would never express his feelings, not wanting Byakuya to feel complacent. Being on the top is not only the safest spot but also the most challenging. He has to be rock solid to bear the burden of responsibility.
"Oji-sama," Byakuya respectfully called out to his grandfather with a smile on his innocent face. Not having any idea that the world outside the bubble of youth and luxury created by his grandfather was a dark forest filled with various creatures, each having their own agendas and hidden motivations.
Soon, he would come face to face with them as he tried to stand at the top. The innocent smile would be replaced by a cold facade to protect the heart inside that believed that Allah created people with innate goodness, a principle of the Kuchiki clan that he had learned to embrace but not fully understand. Believing that Islam is good for the people and the world, he should become firm to bear its name.
Byakuya suddenly shook himself, noticing how his mind drifted again to his younger days. Looking back, he realized how much time he dedicated to the clan that people might say that he missed out on life.
Because of his duties as heir to the Kuchiki clan and his relentless pursuit to protect it, he didn't have time to hang out with his friends (although he doesn't have one due to his lack of trust in people around him). He got married later than his peers, but soon he lost the love of his life a couple of months later. Although many marriage proposals had been pouring in, even after he got married to Hisana and until the present, he rejected all of them. Not keen on entrusting his heart again to another.
Suddenly, he remembered Rukia, who had gone on a solo mission in the normal world. It had been just two days since she was gone, but the manor had become silent without her walking in the corridor and training in the gardens.
Byakuya uncharacteristically let out a sigh.
"Alhamdulillah..." he muttered to himself. "It is better this way."
Byakuya then recalled his conversation with his grandfather about the reason they let Rukia live with him. Though he knew that all along, he was intent on protecting Rukia and letting her choose for herself.
He then looked at the direction of the office which belongs to his new lieutenant, knowing that Renji Abarai wanted to win Rukia over and become worthy of her by climbing the ranks. This made Byakuya respect him a little.
Ichigo and Rukia arrived in the park.
"You..." Ichigo started to say, becoming irritated as the seconds passed.
"In Sha Allah... just wait," Rukia stoically said. "It won't be long."
"What won't be long?!" the boy asked the girl beside him, annoyed. "Auzubillah... it's been 20 minutes already!"
"Do ghosts come here?" Rukia asked instead.
"Um... Actually, a five-year-old boy comes here to play," Ichigo contemplated, suddenly forgetting that he was supposed to be irritated and not entertaining how she changed the subject all of a sudden.
"A friend?" Rukia asked nonchalantly.
"I saw him a couple of times... That's all," Ichigo answered as he lazily squatted on the ground. "I've never even talked to him. Why do you ask?"
"A hollow will appear at this children's park," Rukia answered mysteriously after confirming her orders from her soul phone. "It will probably attack that child."
Ichigo became alarmed and worried.
Suddenly, they heard a child scream. And so they turned towards the hollow running after the young boy.
Ichigo instantly jumped into action.
"WAIT!" Rukia yelled at him. "But he's a complete stranger? Are you going to help him?"
"Astagfirallah! Are you crazy?!" Ichigo yelled at Rukia. "I can't stand here and watch that thing eat him!"
"Before your eyes, or out of sight..." Rukia yelled back. "They're going to be attacked either way!"
Ichigo became paralyzed at the realization.
Suddenly, the kid fell on the ground, getting Ichigo's attention.
"Don't help him!" Rukia yelled louder this time. "Even if you save him now... He'll just get eaten later unless you do my job!"
Ichigo remained silent.
"You'd save him just because you happen to be nearby?!" Rukia yelled as she held herself from acting on impulse. For she badly wanted to help the boy, but she's powerless. And until Ichigo agrees to do her job, more and more people will die.
"A Shinigami must be fair to all!" Rukia yelled, although she knew that not every Shinigami was like that. But as a Shinigami, accountability starts with oneself. And being fair is the core principle of a Muslim.
"Only saving them when it's convenient won't do!" she yelled. "So don't help the child unless you can commit!"
Ichigo became silent, although his entire being was screaming for him to move and save the kid.
"If you are going to save him," Rukia said as her fist trembled, she just couldn't bear hearing the kid scream in terror, in front of them. "you must try to save them all!"
"Be willing to go anywhere!" Rukia yelled again. Being as truthful and firm as she could. "Even be willing to sacrifice yourself!"
'Sacrifice myself...' Ichigo shuddered at the thought. He might have been in several fights and was labeled as a delinquent, but he never once thought about the fear of dying. Because up until last night, he had never come face to face with death before.
Then he remembered how Rukia sacrificed herself to save him from the hollow.
"Bismillah," he prayed as he unsheathed his sword.
Rukia was surprised as Ichigo fought the hollow, believing that the teenage boy was about to flee like a coward.
"Ichigo..." Rukia began to say with hope. "You made your decision?"
"Will you shut up?!" Ichigo yelled as he stabbed his sword into the ground in annoyance. "I don't buy all this self-sacrifice and commitment crap!"
Rukia was stunned to silence.
"I helped him because I was here!" Ichigo yelled, pointing at Rukia. "So what are you gonna do about it?!"
"What?" Rukia suddenly snapped out but got cut off by Ichigo.
"What about you?!" Ichigo asked the powerless Shinigami. "You sacrificed yourself that night to save me! Was that just your duty as a Shinigami?"
Rukia became silent because it was the truth. She didn't do it because she was a Shinigami. In fact, as a Shinigami, she should have done her job and not go overboard and give him her Shinigami powers, knowing that she would be severely punished for disobeying the principal law of Gotie 13.
"Duty is no reason to sacrifice yourself!" Ichigo yelled. "At least... Not for me!"
Rukia watched as Ichigo fought the hollow valiantly.
"I am not ready to commit to this. I might just run next time stuff gets hectic," he suddenly said, not looking at Rukia. "I can't promise I'll always be willing to risk my life for a stranger..."
Rukia felt worried.
"But..." Ichigo suddenly added. "I know I owe you a large debt! And I am not a total scumbag! In Sha Allah... I'll help you out... With this Shinigami job of yours!! But I won't enjoy it," he added begrudgingly.
Rukia smiled.
"All right," she said. "Good luck then."
to be continued...