Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 28 Apr 2010

"O ye who believe! Shall I show you a commerce (bargain) that will save you from a painful doom? You should believe in Allah and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if you did but know. He will forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the Supreme Triumph." [Surah as-Saff: 10-12]

The class started with the brief definition of Islam as ad-Deen, with "Deen" coming from the root word "Daana" which means indebtedness, subhan Allah. Befitting as Sheikh Abdul Halim covered Muamalat (Law of Transaction and Trade), Investment and the Muslim as the Economic agent.

There was a comparison between free traders (regard 'voluntariness' as the chief component of justice) vs. fair traders (regard the expression of human dignity as the chief component of justice). If we take the angle of social justice, the latter wins (as it is closer to Muamalat!) - fair traders think that opening free trade even further would entrench trends of rich nations becoming richer and poor nations becoming poorer and that global prosperity cannot forget to include the immediate needs of those in the least well off group.

Then Sheikh covered the 5 basic principles of Investment - invest in a company that is halal (permissible), no guarantee of profits based on capital, no element of Gharar (uncertainty), no elements of Riba' and there should be mutual consent between the involved parties. In my humble opinion, it is a challenge to comply to all 5 principles of investment especially since earning a passive income (wealth accumulation) is not permissible vs. wealth creation per se.

What was important was the principles Muslim Economic agent have to adhere to and this can be summed up by Surah at-Tawbah: 59 and 111:

"(How much more seemly) had they been content with that which Allah and His messenger had given them and had said: Allah sufficeth us. Allah will give us of His bounty, and (also) His messenger. Unto Allah we are suppliants."

"Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that you have made, for that is the supreme triumph."

Afternote: A note to me - Put your life in Allah's hands and ikhtiyar towards attaining His barakah, truly that is sufficient for you :)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Islamic Concept of Adab - 24 Apr 2010

In this lesson, Ustaz Zhulkeflee reminded the class about the Convenant and Tazkiyatul Nafs. He also outlined some blameworthy characteristics which a Muslim needs to purify oneself from - 'ujub (self-conceit), juhud (obstinancy or stubborness), kibr (arrogance), hasd (jealousy or envy), riya' (showoff), hub al-jah (love for status), hub ad-dunya (love of the world) and bukhl (miserliness).

Besides adab to oneself, one has to observe the adab of seeking ilm, truly there is a sequence based on priority. For example, learning Fardh Ayn should be at the top of one's list then Tawasuur Islam then Fardh Kifayah.

In Islam, there is also the adab of observing the instructional methodology in ensuring the knowledge is chunked into observable sections - Muqaddimat (Introduction) vs. Mukhtasar (Summary), Mufassal (Detail) vs. Mujmal (General), Khusussiya (Specilaised areas), Usool (Principles), Furu' (Branches), Manfa'at (Beneficial) vs. Ghayr Manfa'at (Not Beneficial), etc.

Last but not least, adab regarding seeking 'ilm to attain taqwah towards Allah SWT - sincere intention formulated in one's heart and mind, with clarity in purpose and action,  uttering in a language that one understands... all to eradicate ambiguity in our ibadah and servitude towards Allah Azza wa Jalla.
Women and Fiqh - 24 Apr 2010

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who reflect." [Surah ar-Ruum: 21]

Ustaz Ghazali covers chapter 4 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah on the etiquette between a married couple which starts from akad nikah until old age together - the need to have amanah (trust), amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, honesty and sincerity.

The class enjoyed it when Ustaz shared sirah of RasululLah SAW on how he was a romantic husband full of compassion and mercy. Coincidentally, you can view a series of talk by Imam Suhaib Webb on Youtube entitled "Mothers Of The Believers" - Khadijah RA, Sawda RA, Aisyah RAHafsa RA, Zaynab K. RA, Hind (Um Salamah) RA, Zaynab J. RARamlah RA (Um Habiba), Rayhana RA, Safiyya RA, Maria RA, Maimoonah RA, or read about them here.

Through the stories shared, the ladies are encouraged to emulate the roles played by these best of examples. May Allah SWT be pleased with us :)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 21 Apr 2010


[Surah at-Taghabun]

As I reflected especially on ayat 13 to 18 of Surah at-Taghabun, I took away from tonight's lesson the need to remain consciously zuhd - Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, defines zuhd as: "Zuhd is abandoning what does not bring about benefit in the Hereafter. Wara' is abandoning what you fear will have consequences in the Hereafter. This statement is one of the best and most comprehensive definitions of Az-Zuhd and Al-Wara'."

Surrounded by material wealth thick in the midst of a society that embraces consumerism blindly, it seems like a challenging task. Nonetheless, with what little knowledge I gained from Tawasuur Islam (alhamdulilLah), I reflect on the sayings of Sayidinna Ali RA and it is coming full circle for me - that if you worship Allah SWT out of your love for Him, this is indeed the worship of free and noble men, subhan Allah.

It makes perfect sense to be close to Allah SWT as outlined by Surah ar-Rad: 26 - "Allah enlargeth livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will); and they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of the world is but brief comfort as compared with the Hereafter."

There may be critics who say that life of luxury is not wrong. Yes, it is not Haraam and one has a choice to be in this world or of this world (detachment vs. indifference)... truly Allah SWT dislike those who live in excess, blind to the needful. And one's self-worth is not based on one's possessions but tawakal alalLah (true conviction that all in the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah Azza wa Jalla). I end with this nice post by Abdal-Hakim Murah which Sheikh shared with us on a warning we should heed.

Afterthought: I'm constantly reminded to be more conscious when buying what I need vs. what I want, how I dispose off my hard-earned income to the rightful as I continue to seek Allah's barakah in all that I do, insya Allah. Truly all that I have in my hand is but a 'loan' from Allah SWT and it is my amanah to spend it in the way which pleases Him. May Allah SWT protect me, my family, future generation and Ummah from the Hellfire, ameen ya Rabbal A'lamiin.
Tafseer Al Quran - 21 Apr 2010

Ustaz Rahmat continues Muqaddimah by cautioning the ummah that harfiah (translating the quran word for word) is haram in Islam as there are linguistic conditions to be adhered to by scholars of tafseer and hadith al-Quran. In essence, tafseer (translation) is different from Qiraat (literal reading) of the al-Quran so it does not mean that one who knows the arabic language can do tafseer. Truly there is Manhaj Tafseer (Methodology in Tafseer)  i.e. Usool al-Tafseer.

Usool al-Tafseer refers to the branches of knowledge necessary for providing an accurate interpretation of the Quranic texts, such as Arabic grammar and syntax, Arabic literature and Quranic sciences (Uloom al-Quran). Familiarity with modern fields of learning, like the pure sciences and social sciences is also necessary for a commentator in this era to make the Quraanic explanations relevant to human society...hmm suddenly I feel so insignificant for not knowing so much, subhan Allah!

Ustaz also covers the 4 faces of tafseer which I've posted in my blog under Fiqh al-Quran and Hadith on 20 Apr 2010 :)

Afternote: He reinforces that all 'ilm belong to Allah Azza wa Jalla (Haq mutlaq) [Surah al-Baqarah: 255 i.e. Ayat-ul-Kursî].

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Fiqh in Quran and Hadith

AlhamdulilLah, I benefited from yet another great lecture by Sheikh Riyadh ul Haq. This is part 1 of a series of 10 lectures:


[Source courtesy of Halal Da'wah Records]

Abdullah ibn Abbas, the scholar and sage of the entire Ummah and the interpreter of the Holy Quran, said that the Quran has 4 categories of tafseer (understanding):
1. a part of it can be understood by all even if they do not know hukum
2. a part of it can be understood by those fluent in Arabic language
    (note that Modern Standard Arabic differs alot from the Classical Arabic of the Quran)
3. a part of it can be understood by only the Aleem 'Ulama
4. a part of it can be understood by only Allah SWT

Truly, one cannot detach the Quran from the Hadith and is encouraged to seek the authoritative Aleem 'Ulama to help in correctly interpreting the revelation.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Islamic Concept of Adab - 17 Apr 2010

"Hath there come upon man (ever) any period of time in which he was a thing unremembered? Lo! We create man from a drop of thickened fluid to test him; so We make him hearing, knowing. Lo! We have shown him the way, whether he be grateful or disbelieving." [Surah al-Insan: 1-3]

Islam encourages mankind to seek 'ilm in order to know what good deeds are and what bad deeds to avoid in order to elevate one's iiman through the right ibadah and nurture one to become ummatan wasotan (justly balanced). Truly, Islam nurtures its ummah to be good citizens of the earth. Hence, the first ayat revealed to our beloved Prophet SAW was "Iqra'" or "read" [Surah al-Alaq: 1-5], which shows that seeking 'ilm holds high regard in Allah's eyes - not just take the info as is but contemplate or reflect on why it is such or what is the deeper underlying message.

As we seek 'ilm, be mindful that it comes from the Creator and constantly be grateful for the 'ilm bestowed upon us. This is the concept of Mahmudah vs. Mazmumah (Syukur with ni'mat vs. Kufur with ni'mat bestowed upon one).

Actually in this lesson, Ustaz outlines how a student learns (input - process - output) and the preparedness of a student before one seeks 'ilm as well as the difference between data, information and 'ilm.

But what is essential is the inner preparedness of the student to unlearn, learn and relearn i.e. to have the right aptitude in one's pursuit of 'ilm - have an ingenious acumen, fervent desire, patient perserverance, sufficient sustenance, guidance of an authoritative teacher and set aside right length of duration in seeking 'ilm (do not be impatient, truly impatience and arrogance are traits of Syaitan).

Many surah in the Al Quran urge one to suppress the nafs and avoid corruption or maksiat as 'ilm from Allah SWT is nur (light) and it will not be given to those who are disobedient or kufur.

Afternote: Sometime we hear teachers lament why some rebellious students are so 'dumb'... I wish that instead of uttering negativity or putting the students down by calling them 'gone case', it is better for us to doa for them. May Allah SWT bestow them with hidayah coz that is our obligation, to take care of the ummah. WalLahualam bissawab.
Women and Fiqh - 17 Apr 2010

"And of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates from yourselves that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! herein indeed are portents for folks who reflect." [Surah al-Room: 21]

Ustaz Ghazali covers chapter 3 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah on the husband's responsibilities over his wife. Besides the basic provision of food and clothes, a husband is also required to teach his wife about Fardhu Ain, Aqidah and Tauhid and ensure that his wife and kids observe adab in social engagement and cover their aurat. I benefited from the open and frank exchange.

He concluded the session by sharing the story of how RasululLah SAW chose Ali Ibn Abu Talib to marry Fatimah Zahra. From this story, it is clear that - “Men choose women for four reasons: for their money, for their rank, for their beauty and for their religion, but marry one who is religious and you will succeed” (Bukhari, Muslim).

I'd recommend my dear sisters in Islam to download "Winning the heart of a wife" and share it with our brothers in Islam :)

Friday, April 16, 2010

Compassion

Subhan Allah, this is the first part of a series of 9 videos where Sheikh Riyadh ul Haq explains the causes of disunity of the Ummah and what we can do and the attitude we should have:


[Source courtesy of Halal Da'wah Records]

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 14 Apr 2010


Reflecting on the words of The Last Sermon (above) really brought home a lot of pointers, among which, we are all one family and as a family, we have the amanah to take care of each other. More importantly, we are to collectively fight whispers of Syaitan and refrain from doing small mischief which could lead to bigger mischief (truly all 'ilm belongs to Allah SWT and Allah Azza wa Jalla Knows what is best for us so sami'nah wa ato'nah and refrain from being like the Jews who think that they can circumvent the rules ordained by Allah SWT... oh how wrong were they). And that there is truly no new faith after Islam (the religion is complete) so hold firmly to the Quran and Sunnah (as these will save you from the Hellfire), subhan Allah.

In class, Sheikh Abdul Halim outlines the true definition of ownership rights in Islam. The contemporary thinker of Islamic Economics, Dr Monzer Kahf has good articles on this topic. Indeed, Islam is so beautiful. It is not interested in wealth accumulation (deem as a selfish act), rather it is welfare-driven and advocates wealth creation (no such thing as passive income coz truly productivity is synonimous with barakah) so that there is no idleness, non-utilisation or wastage of resources provided by Allah SWT.

From the Western Worldview's discussion on human nature, behavioural economics (based on prospect theory which in my opinion is unethical as the speculation is centred on the self-interest of the seller i.e. to make a profit) claim that man is irrational in his buying pattern as such there are opportunities to manipulate such buying behaviour. In Islam, man is the most superior creation by Allah SWT - "Surely We created man of the best stature" [Surah at-Tin: 4] - who has the fitrah saleemah and the faculties to reason and ikhtiyar between a good and a better option in order to suppress one's nafs and purify one's soul in his ibadah to Allah Azza wa Jalla, subhan Allah!

The discussion on the price equilibrium was an interesting one as the question revolves around who sets the price and how is the price set. Indeed in Islam, we are not concerned with price equilibrium or profit maximisation, rather we advocate 'adl (justice) in ascribing economic value - "Give full measure, and be not of those who give less (than the due). And weigh with the true balance. Wrong not mankind in their goods, and do not evil, making mischief, in the earth. And keep your duty unto Him Who created you and the generations of the men of old." [Surah al-Shuara: 181-184]

In my humble opinion, in every deed that we do, the sincerity of our niat is key (purity of the soul for the love of Allah SWT). Truly, we do not exist for this world alone. Allow me to end this long post by sharing the following good reads:
- Economic justice: Islam versus capitalism by Dr Mohammad Malkawi
- Islamic economic system by Dr Muhammad Sharif Chaudhry
Tafseer Al Quran - 14 Apr 2010

Ustaz Rahmat Jumaat starts the class with recalling the previous lesson on how Islam spread to Persia, Rome,etc.

The Qur'an was revealed in seven ahruf, as is proved in many mutawaatir ahadith. This was because different tribes pronounced and spelled words differently. The forms matched the dialects of following seven tribes: Quraysh, Hudhayl, Thaqîf, Hawâzin, Kinânah, Tamîm and Yemen. The revelation of the Qur'an in seven different ahruuf made its recitation and memorization much easier for the various tribes.

1. To facilitate the memorization of the Qur'aan (as the arabs did not all speak arabic in the same way. The ahruuf eased the memorization and was significant in the preservation of the Qur'aan).

2. To prove the miraculous nature of the Qur'aan (for despite all the differences, the meaning of the Ahruuf did not contradict one another, but rather were complimentary).

3. To prove the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad , for despite the fact that he was illiterate, the revelation of the Qur'aan occured in different tribal dialects and different words, all of which consisted of the most fluent and eloquent speech of his time.

4. To honour the ummah of the Prophet Muhammad and show its superiority over all other nations.

Then Ustaz briefly discusses Rasm Uthmani, the technical form of writing to symbolise meaning and 7 Qiraat, the linguistic reading technique.

Read more about the preservation of the Quran here.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Islamic Concept of Adab - 10 Apr 2010

Ustaz Zhulkeflee starts the class with a 15-minute halaqah (study circle). I like this idea as I get acquainted with other sisters and learn from what they took away from the previous lesson.

He then impresses upon us to ikhtiyar towards attaining Qist (equity or distributive justice, a higher order of adab) and to do this is to instil ihsan in one's heart and we have the ability to do this. As mentioned in Surah al-Araf: 172 about the convenant, Allah SWT has equipped mankind with fitrah saleemah, the ability to acknowledge and testify the oneness of Allah SWT.

And insan, by design, is forgetful so daily solat and constant zikr will remind one to fulfil the rights and responsibilities of a Muslim (hablu minalLah and hablu minanNas)... this is one's personal jihad, to submit fully to the will of Allah SWT - "When his Lord said unto him: Surrender! he said: I have surrendered to the Lord of the Worlds." [Surah al-Baqarah: 131]

In our daily solat and constant zikr, every surah and doa we recite provides an opportunity for us to be grateful to Allah Azza wa Jalla for the bountiful provisions, reaffirm our convenant and instill the will for us to suppress our nafs and mischief, subhan Allah. Truly, Allah SWT dislike mischief.

Ustaz also highlights that a good Muslim manages to successfully balance wisdom, justice, courage and purity and constantly ikhtiyar to seek 'ilm. On another level, it is also pressing for parents (ummatan wasotan) to nurture a child via tarbiyah and then ta'dib to ensure that he lives his life justly - "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded." [Surah at-Tahrim: 6]

View the lesson's slides here.
Women and Fiqh - 10 Apr 2010

"Men are in charge of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend of their property (for the support of women). So good women are the obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded. As for those from whom you fear rebellion, admonish them and banish them to beds apart, and scourge them. Then if they obey you, seek not a way against them. Lo! Allah is ever High, Exalted, Great." [Surah an-Nisa: 34]

Ustaz Mohd Ghazali covers chapter 2 of Dakwah Mahabbah on the responsibilities of a wife to her husband as well as chapter 35 of Riyadhus Soliheen on the husband's rights over his wife. Download and read the comprehensive work by Dr. Al-Hashimi entitled "The Ideal Muslimah". May it be beneficial and inspiring, insya Allah.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Surah al-'Asr


AlhamdulilLah, as Sheikh Abdul Halim and Ustaz Mohd Ghazali highlighted this surah in class, I also found a video of Brother Abu Hamza who lectures about the tafseer of Surah al-'Asr.

In my humble opinion, this Surah is essential to the well-being of the Ummah (and why this blog is named accordingly). Following up from Surah al-Fateha, this surah reinforces Tazkiyah (Purification of the soul), the need to have the belief in the power and wonder of Allah SWT, perform righteous works, encourage each other towards the Haq (Truth) and encourage one another to Sabr' (Patience). To do these, one needs to seek 'ilm. Truly, niat + amal = ibadah for the love Allah SWT.

Afternote: One can never tell when is his or her last breath. And if one can constantly introspect and ikhtiyar to improve on his or her own akhlaq and behaviour, he or she will naturally be a role model to others; Leave the judging rightfully to Allah SWT. Truly, this is the best way to approach da'wah.

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Tafseer Al Quran - 7 Apr 2010

In today's class, Ustaz Rahmat Jumaat talks about adab in reciting the Quran. In my humble opinion, this book outlines the Etiquette with the Quran.

Ustaz also touched on the history of recording and compiling the Quran during the time of Sayidinna Abu Bakar RA and Sayidinna Umar RA. This was done with the intent to preserve the wahyu (revelation) of Allah SWT. Read the story of the Quran.

Afternote: I did not realised that there was 7 dialects of Arab i.e. The 7 Huruf, intended to make it easy for reverts to recite and reflect on the meaning of the ayat. The Quran however was preserved in lughra Quraisy. I have to admit, I'm beginning to enjoy Islamic history :)
Philosophy of Islamic Economics - 7 Apr 2010

Following up from the first lesson, this video highlights the dire need to live a halal living:


In Islamic Economics, it is not just about "I, Me and Myself", it comprises Shariah, Adl (Justice), Falah (Progress), man's relationship with 'Alm (Creation), Hablu minalLah (man's relationship with Allah SWT), Hablu minaNas (man's relationship with the rest), Ubudiyyah (Servitude) and Ummah (Community), subhan Allah. Islam is truly beautiful if we understand that we are custodian's of Allah's wealth.

On the contrary, the Western Worldview advocates Consumerism. This next video clip highlights that post World War 2, Victor Leibow, an economist and retail analyst said of US economy, "Our enormously productive economy ... demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction in consumption... we need things consumed, burned up, replaced and discarded at an ever-accelerating rate." .

He claimed that ultimately producing consumer goods through planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence (designed for the dump) is the way to go... but findings later show that having more stuff does not equate to happiness even if we are constantly on the "work -> watch -> spend" treadmill... as we spend less time with what really matters. This article further reinforces that the Consumer culture is no accident.

Afternote: I recalled Sheikh Abdul Halim cautioning us during our Tasawwur Islam's class that although we live in a secular society, Muslims have a choice - to be part of the 'rat-race' or not to be the 'rat' at all, as our Islamic Worldview's paradigm is separate from Western Worldview, especially in defining sa'adah (happiness), subhan Allah.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Women and Fiqh - 3 April 2010

AlhamdulilLah. I've gained much insights from the introduction of this course by Ustaz Mohd Ghazali Mohd Said. He uses the kitab Dakwah Mahabbah: Penyampaian Cinta. He outlined the ethics in family living (adab and akhlak) as mankind has taklif (to be accountable for one's deeds in Hereafter)

He highlighted the importance to turn to the 2 sources of Islamic living - al Quran and Hadith which will be referred to regularly throughout this course i.e. Sami'na wa ato'nah (heed and obey). He also reinforced the need for the Ummah to follow the exemplar or husnatul hasanah selected by Allah SWT, our beloved Prophet SAW in action, deeds and speech:

"Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much." [Surah al-Ahzab: 21]

"And it becometh not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest." [Surah al-Ahzab: 36]

One needs to takruf and decide where one is in the scheme of things when it comes to one's aqidah and iman as family living comes with responsibilities:

"O ye who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded." [Surah at-Tahrim: 6]

"And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provided for thee. And the sequel is for righteousness."  [Surat Ta-Ha: 132]

"If ye do good, ye do good for your own souls, and if ye do evil, it is for them (in like manner)."  [Surah al-Isra: 7]

I feel that this course is important for those who want to get married and start a family or those with family (including taking care of your extended family):

"O Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you as he caused your (first) parents to go forth from the Garden and tore off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might manifest their shame to them. Lo! he seeth you, he and his tribe, from whence ye see him not. Lo! We have made the devils protecting friends for those who believe not." [Surah al-A'raf: 27]

Afternote: As one ikhtiyar (strive) to be consistent, merciful and patient in his/her da'wah in one's endeavour to nurture a muslim family, it is essential to have the end in mind which is to avoid injustice to self, family and most importantly to Allah SWT. I took with me the story of Nabi Noh AS and Nabi Lut AS who persevered in the da'wah eventhough their own spouse or family did not accept Islam. Truly, hidayah is Allah's right, subhan Allah.
Learn the language of al-Quran

AlhamdulilLah, from my discussion with aunt Sofie today, she shared a good site for those keen to learn reciting the al-Quran in a systematic manner (every 'ilm has its adab). May we benefit from this sharing, ameen ya Rabbal A'lamin.
Islamic Concept of Adab - 3 April 2010

AlhamdulilLah. This course, in my humble opinion, is a logical follow-up from the Tasawwur Islam (Islamic Worldview) course conducted by Sheikh Abdul Halim.

Subhan Allah. Although this is my first time attending Ustaz Zulkiflee's class, his reputation precedes him. He articulates with clarity his vision of what a muslim's way of living should be, which is holding firm to the Islamic Worldview to uphold justice, which is synonimous with adab (especially to one's family).

It is the fitrah of man to be steadfast to his tauhidic faith and when he does a wrong deed, he will eventually return to the straight path as that is his fitrah.

As children of Adam AS and Eve AS (khalifah of the earth), we come from the same 'parent' and it is Allah's wisdom that created us in various colour, shapes and sizes with the same aqeedah intact but perhaps slightly different syariah, unlike Iblis whose arrogance, conceitedness and false pride resulted in the beginning of all things evil for the refusal to bow to Adam AS even though the Creator commands him to (his lack of adab should not be emulated by children of Adam AS, nauzu bilLahi min zaliq')

Truly all 'ilm comes from Allah SWT and it is not in the teacher, it is in the student - state of consciousness in terms of observing adab when seeking knowledge, knowing one's place in the scheme of things, playing the role of the student, not that of a teacher or judge, ensuring one's purity of the heart to enable the meaning to arrive to the soul. As students, we have to constantly ta'ruf and ikhtiyar in the hope that our teachers will impart more knowledge to the deserving, insya Allah.

Refer to the brief outline of the slides he used in class here and lesson's slides here but personally, you just have to be there to reap the full benefit of his teachings and insights i.e. knowledge that you need; not what you want :)

Friday, April 02, 2010

Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 2 April 2010

AlhamdulilLah. Ustaz Rahmat has just completed Chapter 35 on a husband's rights concerning his wife. If only, women knew how beautiful Islam is and how much women are placed in a position of 'privilege' as the lady of the house, there would not be the need for the feminism movement. Truly, it comes back to adab and knowing where one stands in the scheme of things.

Afternote: Although I personally prefer to refer to the hardcopy of Riyadhus Shalihin, I also refer to the online version here. May we benefit from this sharing, insya Allah :)
Da'wah with Wisdom - 2 Apr 2010

[Source courtesy of Al Huda TV]

AlhamdulilLah. I'd like to share this video (the first of 3 series) by Yusuf Estes, which I benefitted from as he provides clarity on da'wah - why we must do it, attitude of a sincere Muslim, priority of who we invite to da'wah and how to do it.

Coincidentally, following up on my intent to learn more about comparative study of religion, I listened in on Brother Shah Kirit's talk about da'wah to non-muslims:

That our niat (intent) in doing da'wah is essential in conveying that there is no compulsion in Islam:

"There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower." [Surah al-Baqarah: 256]

That remember in our heart that truth prevails over falsehood:

"And say: Truth hath come and falsehood hath vanished away. Lo! falsehood is ever bound to vanish." [Surah al-Isra: 81]

Pray to Allah SWT for the inspiration and blessing in our efforts to do da'wah, which needs ikhtiyar, planning and then tawaqal.

He also shared that there are 2 types of da'wah - progressively over a long-term period and short-term where you will only meet the person once in his or her lifetime.

The approach to take is that of a caring doctor - knowing what dose of medicine to prescribe for the type of person one is talking to. Build rapport through small talk until the person is comfortable with you.

Listen more than you talk (to understand the background of the person and where he or she is at that current moment of his or her life and if he or she is searching for the truth without any judgment).

Avoid negative words (use positive words):

"Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way." [Surah an-Nahl: 125]

And always remember that hidayah is Allah's right not ours.

Maybe next year, if Muhammadiyah conducts the same workshop again across 2 days, I will definitely enrol :)

Afternote: Immediately reminded of mum's constant advice to me - only Allah SWT has the right to judge one's ibadah; our duty is to just convey the message with patience and mercy and leave the rest to Allah SWT.
Hadith - Bukhari Podcast

Subhan Allah, I stumbled upon this knowledge repository by Al Kawthar Academy. I can now use this podcast as a supplementary material, to aid in my understanding of the hadeeth covered by Ustaz Rahmat Jumaat, alhamdulilLah. May this sharing benefit us all, Ameen :)