Islam and Modernity

[Source courtesy of Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim]

AlhamdulilLahx3, following up from an earlier talk in 2009, this topic is essential, given the 21st Century discourse where some within the Ummah unwittingly question if Islam is even relevant today, nauzubilLah!

Sheikh Abdul Halim explained at length the concepts of Modernity and Secularism from Western Worldview and comparing them with Islamic Worldview, who the "Modernist" scholars are/were, and reinforced that 'Adeenul Haq is a progressive religion (progress defined from Islam's perspective of course!) that is complete and comprehensive (transcends time). It is incumbent upon us to correct our malformed Islamic Worldview or seek knowledge to adopt Islamic Worldview.

Indeed, the world is going through change upon change and if the Ummah hold on to the teachings of Islam (seek the right knowledge), it can guide us through these without us losing our identity while keeping our Islamic Worldview intact.

Upon reflection, this session enabled me to realise my shortcomings (naivety) in identifying who the "Modernist" Scholars are/were. Why you may ask? It is a grave concern for me as I'm worried that I may be unwittingly adopting the views of these Modernist! And I can't say enough about clarity in concepts as these build a strong foundation before we can pursue other tough questions. Wallahu a'lam bissawab.

Islamic Education Talk

[Source courtesy of Muhammadiyah Sg]



AlhamdulilLah, had the opportunity to sit in and listen to yet another inspiring talk by Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim. The key notes covered, among many essential points, include the importance of clarity in definitions as this aspect is the foundation on which we operationalise our deeds.

In Islam, Muslims are to speak a common language, which is rightly the case, as we have our own Worldview, identity, mindset, etc. Hence to get the concepts right on the onset is wajib (compulsory) and should not be taken lightly so as to avoid confusion and misunderstanding within the Ummah.

More importantly, not to unwittingly adopt concepts and worldview of the West and apply them in Islamic education, which is the current situation we are observing in our Ummah...may Allah SWT open all doors of hidayah for educators in Islam to take the time to analyse, evaluate, discern (recall the significance of 'iqra') between what is haq (true) and what is bathil (false), insya Allah amin Allahuma amin!

Truly all 'ilm belongs to Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. As seekers of knowledge, we are to have the right adab (recall Ta'lim Muta'alim) and a solid Tauhidic paradigm, which includes Tasawwur Islam (Worldview of Islam) i.e. the ability to filter and reject teachings that do not comply with our faith before studying it in great detail the philosophy of all fields or subject matter in order of priority - Fardh Ayn then Fardh Kifayah.

Let me end the post with a hadith by RasululLah SAW, "Addabaniy Rabbi, Fa-ahsani Ta'dibiy" (My Lord educated me and make it excellent)... May Allah SWT guide us to the right and true knowledge that will benefit us in this world and in the Hereafter, insya Allah aamiin ya Rabb! :) 

Afternote: Who is our khalifah who is supposed to identify the required 'ilm in Fardh Kifayah (and if this beloved khalifah of our Ummah) is doing so? Truly, (Unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed. [QS az-Zumar: 39: 9]

True Love - Reviving the Sunnah

[Source courtesy of Islamic Media, AU]

Subhan Allah. A truly beautiful sermon by Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman that will tug at your heartstring and set your mind thinking, rather introspecting where you are in the scheme of things... Are we deserving to be called his Ummati Ummati? For the love of RasululLah SAW, may the Ummah remain united in reviving his Sunnah on a daily basis, ameen Allahuma ameen!

Ulum al Quran

Subhan Allah, following up from Ulum al Quran and Ulum al Hadith, I'm keen to share another great resource by Ahmed Von Denffer, recommended by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail. May we benefit from this sharing, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen :)

Afternote: AlhamdulilLah, felt so blessed to be given the opportunity to spend quality time with Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail and his family. May Allah SWT perpetually open all doors of baraqah and rahmah to them, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen.

Adab in Islah and Da'wah - Start with Understanding Concepts

Subhan Allah, it is true what Sheikh Abdul Halim says about truly understanding definitions and concepts in Islam in order to operationalise one's life with yaqin (conviction). And it is always a great pleasure to sit with my beloved uncle to discuss about Islam (had the opportunity yesterday over Idul Adha's gathering).

He shares the video above (it is in Malay and this is the Part 1 of 8), including the reference book used in the video, as I shared my concern about researching about the concept of Bid'ah. He also urges me to read al-Adab al-Mufrad al-Bukhari, alhamdulilLah.

In all fairness (always have good opinion of people is mum's advice to me), his advice is to view all 8 parts of the video before making an informed decision about the hujah. Similarly, if one views the debate Part 1 of 7, view all 7 parts to be fair to both speakers.

Truly, Islam is Syumul - although your niat and amal ibadah is between you and Allah SWT (hablu minalLah), we live in a community whereby our actions and deeds are visible and sometimes followed by others unknowingly (while our niat is not visible to them).

It is a great responsibility for us to align our niat with our amal and extend ihsan to the Ummah (hablu minanNas) for when we die, 3 things will continue to benefit the dead- doa of his or her child who is soleh, benefit of charity in one's lifetime and beneficial 'ilm (have we conveyed beneficial i'lm throughout our lifetime? Point of introspection). Wallahualam bissawab.

Afternote: It is true what Ustaz Zhulkeflee says that Islam seems foreign when it was revealed and till the end of time, it will still be seen as foreign but that does not mean one should feel pressured to not reveal the Truth, subhan Allah. It is better to be seen as weird but upholding the Truth (Haq) then be accepted by the majority but lives in bathil (am reminded of sirah RasululLah's Isra' and Mikraj). Hence, seeking 'ilm is essential to lead one to the Straight Path and convey the message with hikmah (wisdom). Truly Islam is beautiful and high in adab :)

Kitab at-Tawheed

A fellow Muslim asks me how do one know if the 'aleem ulama one is following is the authoritative imam. This question is not new; I've had similar experience earlier in life when I was searching for the truth (Haq)... sometimes what one 'aleem says contradicts another, which resulted in the seeker of knowledge confused especially if one is a convert or revert, nauzu billahi min zaliq.

Indeed, it boils down to one's intention (niat) when seeking 'ilm. Allah SWT will show the way to the truth as one continues to persevere and strive towards tawheed. Truly, all 'ilm comes from Allah Azza Wa Jalla.

The above video is the first part of a series of talks by Sheikh Yasir Qadhi on Kitab at-Tawheed. Listen to a series of audio lectures on the same here. Or grab an explanation of Kitab at-Tawheed here.

In short, it is about adab - putting the a'leem, the false leaders, the seeker of knowledge, the 'ilm from Allah SWT and most importantly, the Almighty, in their proper places.

A tip Mum and Ustaz taught me is to hear out the a'leem with good opinion (don't be too quick to judge, allow the a'leem to complete his piece... be mindful to maintain the unity of the Ummah). For areas which cast doubt in your heart (it could be the whispers of Shaytaan), go back and research on those areas and verify if it is aligned to the Quran and Sunnah. And if you stll have doubts after that, seek clarification (not confrontation) with the same a'leem and others (for second opinion).

Afternote: It is obligatory (wajib) to seek the truth from authoritative sources when in doubt especially in matters relating to Fiqh as one will be held accountable for all actions and deed pertaining to amal ibadah. May Allah SWT protect us from the Hellfire, ameen ya Rabbal a'lameen.

Challenges for Modern Muslims

Subhan Allah. Just as I've been asked questions about challenges for the modern Muslims, I found a series of talk by Sheikh Yusuf Estes that provide answers to the questions, alhamdulilLah.

Part 1 which I've shared here is on a sensitive topic about celebrating birthdays (the credit should rightly go to one's mother, subhan Allah!). View part 2 here and further elaboration here on the sun calendar vs.lunar calendar and the origin of candles from the Celtic or Majusi religion.

Afternote: For a change, commemorate one's birthday by offering beautiful doa for one's mother when prostrating to Allah Azza wa Jalla and expressing one's gratitude by being a better daughter or son with each year to one's age. In Islam, every day should be Mother's Day :)

Islamic Concept of Adab - 15 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Zhulkeflee felt the need to cover the topic of Taqlid tonight, which I agree is essential in preserving the unity of the Ummah. View his slides here.

What I took away is that one cannot taqlid without the conviction that the amal ibadah one does supports the true Aqeedah. In Islam, there is consensus when it comes to Aqeedah while there are differing opinions on matters relating to Fiqh. It is obligatory to seek 'ilm and have yaqin when doing an ibadah coz truly one will be accounted for all his/her deeds in the Hereafter.

Subhan Allah, I also have a deeper appreciation for the aleem ulama for their selfless and tireless dedication in striving to attain the deep knowledge and judiciously conveying it in a manner that greatly benefit the ummah in our times.

Allow me to also share the first of a series of 14 videos by Sheikh Abu Yusuf Riyadh Ul Haq. He explains at great length the importance of following one of the Mujtahid Imams (i.e. a Madhab), its basis, and dispels a lot of the contemporary misconceptions about Taqlid, subhan Allah!:

Afterthought: I'm constantly reminded by mum to have good opinion of people. The Prophet SAW said, "Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility agains...t one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah." [Hadith Muslim 6214]... Truly there is adab in giving Islah, doing it with hikmah (wisdom)

Islamic Concept of Adab - 8 May 2010

"And lower unto them (parents) the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little. [Surah al-Isra': 23]

[Source courtesy of Islamic Media]

As I share this video by Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman on "Respecting the parents", I'm constantly reminded to recite the above dua in my daily prayer. Truly, The Prophet SAW mentioned that 3 things continue to benefit a Muslim even after death - charity which he had given (which continues to benefit others), beneficial knowledge which he had left behind (authored or taught), and supplication on his behalf by a righteous child (narrated by Saheeh Muslim). May Allah SWT accepts my dua for my beloved parents, ameen.

"Show gratitude to Me and thy parents: to Me is thy final goal." [Surah Luqman: 14]. Truly, Allah is pleased with one when he has pleased his parents - "And serve Allah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) kindness unto parents... Lo! Allah loves not such as are proud and boastful." [Surah an-Nisa: 36].

Ustaz Zhulkeflee elaborated on one's adab towards his/her parents and it starts by being shukur (showing gratitude to Allah SWT and one's parents) and he outlines the 3 criteria of being grateful. In my humble opinion, this is an important point. Being grateful to one's parents makes him grateful to Allah SWT and ungratefulness to them is ungratefulness to Allah SWT. One who does not prove to be thankful to his parents, he is lacking thankfulness to Allah SWT, nauzubillahi min zaliq!

Among the emphasis on pleasing one's parents, Ustaz outlined one's adab to parents vs. the acts of disobedience. Truly, among the major sins is disobedience to parents. Narrated by Abu Bakar RA - Our beloved Prophet SAW said, "Shall I inform you of the greatest sins?". We the companions said, "Certainly, O messenger of Allah!" He (SAW) said: "Associating anyone with Allah, disobedience to parents". [Source: Bukhari & Muslim].

View this video for impact. I personally feel that when one's parents are pleased with him, they will freely make beautiful dua, as highlighted by the video, coz truly the dua and zikr of believing parents are mustajab (accepted), ameen. Similarly, the danger when one's parents (mother-in-law included) are displeased, what is uttered in their hearts and speech out of that displeasure will be accepted, nauzu billahi min zaliq.

Ustaz also covered how one can ta'dib (teach and nurture) their young kids. This is essential especially since we are relating to the relationship schema and both sides of the same 'coin' are provided guidance. View Ustaz's slides here.

Other good references which I benefitted from include:

• The status of parents in Islam
• Social manners with one's parents
• A muslimah and her parents

 Afternote: Subhan Allah. Islam is indeed a beautiful and straightforward religion. It is not hard to gain barakah from Allah SWT if only one knows the blessing of taking care of one's parents. What I took away from the lesson was also the need to be mindful that the way Muslims engage their parents shall be different from the millah of the Westerners especially since we are a minority living in a secular community. May Allah SWT grant us all the knowledge to understand Islam and its principals and the taufeeq to be well mannered towards our parents and all parents, insya Allah. Ameen.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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 :)

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.

The Concept of Education in Islam

Following up from my earlier post on Child Education, being an instructional designer whose work is closely-related to human resource development either nurturing the young or training the corporate workers, I am keen to apply the concept of Education in Islam to my work, insya Allah.

I'm currently reading a book by Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas entitled The Concept of Education in Islam - A framework for an Islamic Philosophy of Education and will follow-up with another book by Mohd Nor Wan Daud entitled Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas.

Afternote: I hope Sheikh Abdul Halim will soon conduct a program on this to provide elaborate explanation on ways to operationalise the concept of Education as envisaged by Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, insya Allah. The knowledge would motivate me to take up early childhood education.

Ulum al-Hadith

Following from my earlier post on Ulum al-Quran, the follow-up is the study of Science of Hadith i.e. to take the definitions and define the parameters of the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW. I've included one of the series of lectures by Sheikh Navaid Aziz, subhan Allah.

From Lughrawi or linguistic meaning, Sunnah is defined as Sirah (History) and Tareeq (Path or way that you follow). From conventional meaning, each respected specialists of Islamic Sciences have its own definition:

1. Muhadithin (Scholars of Hadith) defined Sunnah as that which is attributed to Prophet SAW i.e. statement, action or acceptance and which the Prophet SAW sifat Halaqiah (physical description) and sifat al-Huluqiha (character).

2. Fuqaha (Scholars of Fiqh or Islamic jurisprudence) defined Sunnah as a synonym for Mustahab (recommended). In Islam all our actions fall under 5 categories - Fard (obligatory), Mustahab, Mandhu and Sunnah (recommended), Mubah (neither disliked nor preferred), Makruh (disliked) and Haram (prohibited).

3. Scholars of Usul Fiqh (specialised in rules applied to the text of the Quran and Sunnah to derive Fiqh) defined Sunnah as anything that is established from Prophet SAW i.e. statement, action and acceptance that is suitable as proof other than Quran, Sunnah, Ijmah (consensus of Ulama) and Qiyas (analogy).

4. Scholars of Aqidah defined Sunnah as anything that the Syariah approves. The antonym is bid'ah, which is coming from Aqidah perspective in terms of ibadah only.

What I took away from this video is that it is essential to understand factual history of Islam in order to make an informed decision on discerning between true hadith and those which are false. And when quoting a Sunnah, be mindful which angle it was taken from based on the perspective of the 4 specialists of Islamic Sciences. Here is a link on An Introduction to the Sciences of Hadith.

Afternote: Imam Bukhari prayed 2 raka'at to Allah SWT, asking for divine guidance if he should compile a hadeeth. Allah SWT has blessed us with such pious predecessors who were able to preserve the hadeeth till it reaches us today, subhan Allah. Shouldn't we follow it and continue its preservation?

Seeking 'Ilm

"Read - In the name of thy Lord Who creates, Creates man from a clot. Read - And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who teaches by the pen, Teaches man that which he knew not." [Surah al-Alaq:1-5]

[Source: Courtesy of Islamic Media]

The difference between the 'abd and the 'aleem is that the former can easily be tricked by Syaitan. Indeed, the road to paradise is the road of knowledge ('Ilm). View also this video, which outlines the ni'mah of the 'aql - The Position and Role of the Mind in Islam.

Afternote: Truly, Allah SWT rewards those who seek and gain knowledge, subhan Allah!

Niqab: Fard' or Sunnah?

[Source: Courtesy of Islamic Media]

Hejab = [a] khimar + [b] niqab

[a] khimar = cover the head, neck and bossom
- Fard upon baligh of a woman
- No disagreement between the scholars on this matter

[b] niqab = covers the face with or without the eyes
- it is never a habit or a customary act
- minority of the scholars said it is fard (with no clear cut dalil)
- majority of the scholars said it is sunnah

What is jelbab?
- minority of the scholars defined it as covering from top to bottom
- majority of the scholars defined it as dress, as in the arabic language, it is a normal dress

References
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.” [Surah An-Nur: 31]

Abu Dawood narrates that `Aishah RA said: "Asmaa' the daughter of Abu Bakr RA came to see the Messenger of Allah SAW wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger SAW turned away from her and said: O Asmaa', once a woman reaches the age of menstruation, no part of her body should be seen but this (he pointed to his face) and that (he pointed to his hands).”

“O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around them; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle.” [Surah al-Ahzab: 59]

Aishah RA narrated in a hadeeth that women in ihram do not wear the niqab and gloves. In another hadeeth: Our beloved Prophet SAW provided the dalil that women in ihram during hajj do not wear niqab and gloves, indicating that the face is not aurat.

Afternote:
Subhan Allah, I was just enquiring from Ramzan if niqab is fard’ or sunnah and coincidentally, my cousin shared this video with me. It is very clear to me now, alhamdulilLah :)

What I like about the approach in the video is that Syeikh Shady al-Suleiman provides an overview of both schools of thought and leaves it to the Ummah to adopt what is comfortable for her. Truly, there is no compulsion in Islam.

More importantly, the Ummah is fully aware of the dire implications of labeling something that is not fard’ fard’… The key takeaway is that to speak with wisdom, we must have ilm’ and adab.

The conclusion based on personal opinion is to go with majority of the scholars (jumhur ulama’) without denying the opinions of the minority of scholars i.e. accept that some of our Muslim sisters practice wearing the niqab for the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Commemoration

“Say (O Muhammad): If you truly love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins” [Sural al-E-Imran: 31]

[Video courtesy of Huda TV of Sheikh Assim al-Hakeem]

A friend shared this article with me. Honestly, this is not a new problem - Some celebrate it with great devotion while some reject it with an equally great vengeance. Such differing opinions split up families, divide friendships as a result of unnecessary hurt. More importantly, it divides the Ummah. Sad isn't it?

So what is it that I'm talking about? It is Mawlid - commemorating (instead of celebrating) the birthday of our beloved Prophet SAW.

It is our prerogative to examine the facts, return to the Quran and Hadeeth about the reality regarding this. What is the history of Mawlid? If it is permissible, as mentioned by another article, what are the boundaries of Adab? If it is not persmissible, what are the justifications? Seek both perspectives fully and justly from authoritative ulama' before one speaks with wisdom about his or her position about this matter.

Read these as well and make an informed decision from there:
- Reprehensible innovations
- Abstinence from celebrations
- Yusuf al Qardhawi approves Mawlid
- Permissibility of Mawlid
- Fatwa on Celebrating Mawlid
- Commemorating Mawlid

To conclude, there is a great need to revive the Sunnah in this age of heedlessness and decadence. The birth of RasululLah SAW is a great blessing and we should express our joy by following his lifestyle perpetually.

Afternote: I appreciate the perspective of both sides. It is always with good intentions that the Ummah debate about this. It shows that we care (maslahat vs. mudarat). Personally, I'm perpetually trying to fully practice TRUE love for our beloved Prophet SAW by following closely the guidance that he brought to his Ummah. May our beloved Prophet SAW be a constant in our hearts and minds as we go about our daily deeds, insya Allah. The good comes from Allah SWT and the bad comes from me.