Al-Muhaymin (The Protector )
Al-Muhaymin, meaning "The Protector" or "The Guardian," is associated with one of the names of Allah in Islam.
Quran 3:173
Those who were warned, "Your enemies have mobilized their forces against you, so fear them," the warning only made them grow stronger in faith and they replied, "Allah alone is sufficient as an aid for us and He is the best Protector."
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If you ask in prayer, ask Allah alone; and if you seek help, seek it from Allah alone. And remember that if the whole nation were to gather together to benefit you, they would not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had already written for you. And if the whole nation were to gather together to harm you, they would not be able to harm you except that which Allah had already written against you." (Sahih Muslim)
Trusting in Allah's sovereignty can provide believers with strength, resilience, and a sense of peace in the face of challenges and uncertainties. In a rapidly changing world, relying on Allah as Al-Muhaymin can bring solace and guidance.
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)
Rukia stood in front of the graves of their childhood friends, contemplating what she suggested to Renji: that they should become Shinigami.
Looking at the reddish-yellow sky resembling a blazing fire, and in the far north, there lies a walled-off district called Seiritie, where all Shinigamis lived. It was also the wealthiest and most privileged place in Soul Society.
Those Shinigamis claimed to be protecting the worlds as servants of God, but as far as she knew, they seemed to be doing the work of the devils instead. They treated street rats and common people like them as trash.
Rukia bit her lip to banish the prejudice she had of the Shinigamis, since she had yet to meet all of them. And that Shinigami from a year ago... he doesn't seem like that, she thought to herself.
Not long after they passed the examinations in Soul Academy and became students training to become the next generation of Shinigamis that would protect the worlds.
Rukia watched as Renji enthusiastically participated in the class, making her proud of his dedication to learn, even though some nobles discriminated against him for being a commoner.
Renji ran up to Rukia after their class ended, as they were seated away from each other. Because Rukia easily adapted and integrated among the ranks, she wasn't bullied for being uncouth like him, lacking elegance.
"You can do it, Renji!" Rukia suddenly cheered him, making him blush at her unwavering belief in him. Rukia has always been like that, so positive and strong. She doesn't let setbacks hold her down and pushes through, no matter what.
Not long after, Renji surpassed Rukia and advanced into the elite class, leaving Rukia alone, although he didn't know that was happening. He just thought that Rukia could easily have friends than him. What he didn't know is Rukia is afraid of abandonment because she didn't know it as well.
And so Rukia became isolated and alone, contemplating again why she chose this path.
It's because of Renji... she doesn't want to lose him too, knowing that they were still weak to fight and survive in Hanging Dog. There was really no other purpose for her to become a Shinigami.
Not long after, Rukia's skills remained stagnant, and she didn't progress. Even failing her Zanjutsu classes miserably, causing her to feel disappointed in herself even more.
Looking at Renji now, he seemed to be very happy and has a lot of friends.
Rukia looked over the window and solemnly watched the clouds float by.
A day later, Rukia was called by the dean of Soul Academy. Her chest beat so rapidly in her chest, wondering if she was getting kicked out for underperforming. But when she arrived at the meeting room, she noticed a group of Shinigamis, an old man, and a noble man.
"Rukia-sama," the old man greeted her and gestured for her to come closer.
Rukia snapped out of her sudden paralysis when she recognized the captain as the Shinigami she met before.
"Assalamu Alaykom," Rukia greeted as politely as she could after recognizing that they were from the Kuchiki clan, one of the four greatest noble clans in Soul Society.
"Wassalamu Alaykom warahmatallahi wa barakatu," they greeted back, with a very strict and commanding tone yet elegant at the same time.
Rukia discreetly observed her visitors as the old man introduced themselves, especially the enigmatic captain.
"This is Byakuya Kuchiki-sama, the 28th head of the Kuchiki clan and captain of squad 6," the old man said.
Rukia tried to look at his eyes, wondering if he recognized her and what they wanted to talk about to her.
"Kuchiki-sama wished to adopt you as his sister," the old man finally revealed their intention and laid out the benefits of being a Kuchiki.
Rukia was so shocked and dumbfounded, she was rendered speechless. Wondering why on earth would someone adopt a fully grown woman like her, as though she was a child. And it didn't occur to her that such a noble-looking man would be lecherous like those patrons in brothels who take girls into their homes for perverted purposes.
Suddenly, Renji barged into the room with the biggest smile she had ever seen, proclaiming that he was going to be graduating sooner than her.
Rukia shook her head upon remembering those past memories. Realizing that she had fallen asleep while reading a mystery horror novel inside Ichigo's closet, her temporary shelter.
But instead of continuing to read, Rukia began to recall how she regretted accepting the adoption offer. Because the family she foolishly thought she had with Byakuya at some point is just a mirage. For he never treated her like a sibling would. He always looked displeased at her and never even met her eyes, as though she's lesser than trash and not worthy of looking at, making her wonder for a millionth time why he adopted her in the first place if he dislike her. Looking like his deceased wife is not an acceptable excuse nor is it appropriate reason. But just because his that powerful, no one dares to question him, even her.
Byakuya is a very prideful noble, arrogant in his ways, and with such high expectations and standards that everyone feared him and avoided him as much as possible. Even the servants and other nobles quivered in fear of his presence.
"Listen to me, Byakuya," Ginrie called out to his grandson seated beside him. "In sha Allah, you will become the leader of the Kuchiki clan after me."
Young Byakuya looked up at his grandfather with the innocence of youth in his eyes.
"The world is created by Allah with a noble purpose and made everything interconnected. This world is merely a testing ground, and you are accountable for everything you intend, say, and do," the old 27th head of the Kuchiki clan lectured the next generation of a world leader, Byakuya, his beloved and most precious grandson.
Byakuya listened intently, recognizing that his Oji-sama was being serious again.
"As a leader, however, you will not only be accountable for yourself, but you are also responsible for everyone under your leadership. Whatever they do will reflect on you." Ginrie warned as softly as he could. Although he knew a child like Byakuya wouldn't understand it yet, he felt that he had to impart this lesson ahead.
"You will carry the responsibility of having wealth and power by becoming a leader of the Kuchiki clan and a captain of Gotei 13," he added with wisdom. "It would be much more difficult for someone who possesses it to pass the test, but such is the burden of accepting responsibility."
Years later, Byakuya became his vice-captain and had grown into the most brilliant Kuchiki the clan has ever produced. He was not only powerful but also steadfast and intelligent, and so Ginrie decided to elect Byakuya as the new leader of the Kuchiki clan and captain of Squad 6.
"I accept," Byakuya said firmly, making Ginrie and the elders of the Kuchiki clan proud and overjoyed. Not long after, he brought the clan to a new height of success as they ruled over Soul Society as the head of the four greatest noble clans.
Ginrie had so much hope for Byakuya that he even went ahead and looked for the best noble lady to be his grandson's wife and partner, for someone like him needs an equally capable woman beside him that would ease his burden and enjoy life. In truth, Ginrie was becoming worried that Byakuya would end up alone because of his dedication to the clan, as he continued to reject all the noble ladies presented to him, saying that he doesn't want to settle down just yet because there were still many things to do.
But one day, Byakuya suddenly brought a woman into their home and even used his connection to ensure that she gets a permit to live in Seiritie even though she isn't a noble or a Shinigami at the very least. What's worse, the woman is rumored to be a common whore.
Ginrie felt like his world has tumbled down heel. How could his precious grandson, the most brilliant Kuchiki to ever live, bring such shame into the clan? He suddenly regretted why he didn't intervene when Byakuya suddenly started to frequently visit Rukongai district.
"I wish to marry Hisana," Byakuya suddenly said to his grandfather as they were walking in the garden that evening. Not far from them was Hisana sleeping inside Byakuya's room, being looked after by the Kuchiki doctors. Ginrie felt his heart tighten.
"Kuchiki Byakuya," he said in a grave tone. "Do you know what you are doing?"
Byakuya looked at his grandfather with determination, unwavering in his pursuit to protect Hisana.
And that was the first time Byakuya and his beloved grandfather clashed.
Not long after, even the elders' objection fell on deaf ears as he insisted on marrying her. And because of his power and influence, he got his way and married her against all odds.
Not long, Byakuya learned that Hisana's illness is incurable, and her womb has fallen out because of her experiences in Rukongai. It made him heartbroken and beside himself. And because of his duties as the head of the Kuchiki clan and captain of Squad 6, his time with Hisana was so few and far between.
He felt like the world is against him somehow.
Byakuya prayed to Allah for help and guidance. And then he scoured the entire Soul Society to find the best doctor to heal Hisana; he even asked Captain Unahana, but everything failed.
"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhe rajion (Surely to Allah, we belong and to Him we will all return)," he prayed as Hisana was being buried, leaving him with nothing but a wish to find the sister she abandoned 19 years ago, a secret she never told him.
Byakuya then realized he never really knew Hisana that much. But his love for her made him ignore her past and accept her for who she is.
But like a harsh joke, the sister Hisana has been looking for the past years was living so close to them. Studying in the Soul Academy to become a Shinigami. Making him think that if Hisana had told him earlier, they would have been reunited sooner.
He adopted Rukia against all objections and his own desire, causing yet another clash against his grandfather and the elders of the Kuchiki clan.
"Byakuya," Ginrie called his grandson to his office as the advisor to the clan leader. "I hope you know your limits. It is unbecoming of a Muslim to use one's power and influence for self-interest alone."
Byakuya didn't reply, for he himself had already vowed in front of his parents' grave never to break the laws. This is to ensure he doesn't fall into the habit of misusing his power to the detriment of society. For he clearly knew that his actions affect not only him but the community as well.
"In sha Allah," he said firmly. But his struggle would soon come in the form of Rukia, who looked and acted exactly like Hisana. It made him secretly angry at her and himself for thinking that way.
And so, he decided that the best way to deal with her is to avoid her entirely, especially since he suspected that the reason the elders and his grandfather didn't protest as much to Rukia is that they hoped he would marry her at some point. Which added to his frustration.
Especially since Hisana wished for him to be Rukia's brother, to protect and care for her as a family. But his heart had been wavering when it's been only a couple of months since she died.
It was utterly shameful. He couldn't accept that his love was too shallow that he could easily find another person to love again in such a short amount of time.
But who could blame him, when Rukia was like a gift to the clan. Everyone seemed to like her all of a sudden. Even his grandfather let Rukia call him Oji-sama.
to be continued...