Allahu Akbar

[Source courtesy of Khalifah Klothing]

This is a beautiful lecture by Sheikh Navaid Aziz. Indeed innalilLahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun so tawassul with the magnificent names of Allah SWT :)

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)

Quality of Ummah

[Source courtesy of Al Maghrib Institute]

Sheikh Navaid Aziz, as he unfolds the sirah of the last few days of our beloved Prophet's life, he outlined the legacy of Prophet SAW, so that we keep them in mind as we go about our daily lives:
- do not worship the Prophet SAW the way the Christians worship Jesus AS i.e. grave worship (tawhid)
- fear the day every individual willl return to Allah SWT i.e. reinstate honour, purify self on earth
- honour convenant (agreement) by holding on to al-Quran and Sunnah (straight path in era of fitan)
- hold on to your solat and that which your right hand posses i.e. zakah (consistency to purify oneself)
- die in the hope to meet Allah SWT (have hope in the mercy of Allah SWT)

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]

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.

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!

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.

Kalimah "Allah"

This post was initiated due to my personal reflection of the Origins of Religion discussed previously in class. After reading this article and that article from Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, I understood his intent and where he is coming from - evaluate the maslahat against the mudarat and make an informed decision such that one preserves the true image of Islam while defending one's a'qidah.

I also understood where Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas is coming from when he discusses about kalimah Allah - in theological, epistemological and ontological sense. That Christians are not using it in the same manner as the Muslims use it (similar to what Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin's comment about Trinity) because Allah SWT prescribes the kalimah exclusive for the use of Muslims all over the world.

I agree when Syeikh Abdul Halim cautioned us to be mindful and be able to distinguish the intent of the scholars and which school of thought they belong to:

"O Allah! Let us see the good as good, and bless us with following it. And show us the falsehood as falsehood, and bless us with staying away from it, with Your mercy, O Most Merciful!"

I also will heed mum's advice not to be taksub (following blindly any school of thought without question) but hold firmly to the al-Quran (wahyu Allah SWT) and Hadeeth (RasululLah's guidelines).

Truly in Islam, there is the concept of Unity that the Quran emphasises upon, commanding the Ummah not to disunite and become scattered groups:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember Allah's favour unto you: how you were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that you became brothers by His grace; and (how) you were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah makes clear His revelations unto you, that haply you may be guided.” [Surah al e-Imran: 103]

May Allah SWT bestow us with hikmah (wisdom), protects us from the whispers of Satan and the wrath of the Hellfire, insya Allah.

True 'Aqidah

"The most beautiful names belong to Allah, so call on Him thereby. Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah, for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction." [Surah al-Araf: 180 and Surah al-Rad: 28]

Many recite Surah al-Ikhlas during their daily prayer. Many acknowledge there is one Rabb (Tawheed Uluhiyyah) but only some truly worship Allah alone (Tawheed Rububiyah). To know the true meaning of this Surah, read this tafseer. 

In view of this, we are compelled to not only know the Asma ul-Husna (the 99 attributes of Allah SWT) but also to acknlowledge, at a deeper level, how these attributes will instil true Tawheed Rububiyah in us:

‘Abd (from the stem "`a - ba - da,") means to submit, to worship and to obey, creatively expressed in `ibadah (worship), `ubudiyyah (pure worship and trust - a specific type and a general type), and `ubudah (ultimate perfect worship and internal unlimited submission and denial of the share of the self). [Source: Ibn `Ajeebah, `Iqadh Al-Himam fi Sharh Al-Hikan. Cairo, 1985, p.8]

Download The Belief of the Ahlul Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, a must read containing important Ilm' (knowledge) for True Muslims.

References:
- The meaning of 'abd.
- Types of 'ubudiyyah. 

Labels

"Speech about people must be with knowledge and justice, not with ignorance and injustice..." - Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimullaah)

I personally believe that mankind, by design, has a good heart. It is our fitrah. And it is out of love for one's Ummah, for the sake of Allah SWT, that a piece of advice, gentle reminder or a friendly nudge was given when one sees something 'amiss' from one's perspective. Nonetheless, the intent is always good but sometimes the approach may be unsuitable for the situation or context.

Truly, it takes hikmah (wisdom: putting things in its proper place i.e. Adab) to do da'wah. In essence, before one speaks, ensure one must be equipped with Ilm' (knowledge). Know when to speak and when to be silent. Know how to speak and to whom one should speak.

Afternote: I don't understand the 'labelling culture' of calling someone salafi or wahhabi, etc. Always bear in mind Satan's determined whispers to break the Ummah. Mum's constant reminder stays with me - that we should always see the good in people because that was how our beloved Prophet SAW treated people of all walks of life, race or religion. Indeed, his mercy and compassion for humankind was beyond compare.

Child Education in Islam

"If you are a teacher, just think of the delicate, sensitive and affectionate Prophet SAW conveying the pearls of his heart to the students of Suffa by the Masjid'un-Nabawi... If you have children then learn the affectionate conduct of the father of Fatimah, the grandfather of Hasan and Husayn... Whoever you may be and in whichever circumstance you may find yourself in, you will find in Muhammad SAW as the most perfect master and most beautiful guide at all times and places."

[Source: The Exemplar Beyond Compare: Muhammad Mustafa SAW by Osman Nuri Topbas]

Following from my post earlier on Bedtime Storytelling, I agree with Syeikh Abdul Halim on the topic of Childhood Education from the Islamic perspective or worldview.

Truly, Islam is syumul and there is clear guidance in all aspects of a Muslim's life. For example, it is stipulated that children below the age of 9, should not be 'burdened' with heavy-duty concepts or 'Ilm (knowledge) simply because they are not ready for such (they have not developed the ability and maturity to reason).

Instead, before the age of 9, Muslim parents are encouraged to constantly engage their child in conversations or play about love for mother, love for family and politeness, with the aim of instilling Adab in the child.

Download the guide on Child Education in Islam. Syeikh Abdul Halim encouraged educators or parents to also read "The educational philosophy and practice of Syed Muhammad Naguib Al-Attas: an exposition of the original concept of Islamization" by Wan Mohd. Nor Wan Daud. May we benefit from the information, insya Allah.

77 Branches of Imaan

RasululLah SAW said there are over 70 things which are connected with Imaan, the highest of which is the Kalimah Shahadah and the lowest is the removal of a harmful object from the road. Modesty and hayaa is also a major part of Imaan.

Imaan means to accept in your heart (Tasdiq Bil Qalb) and bear witness verbally (Iqrarun Bil Lisaan).

When you scan through the list and read the commentaries, you will realise that Islam is indeed syumul (complete). Every good deed, even one which is 'as small as an atom' gets rewarded by Allah SWT by elevating one's Imaan to a higher point, Subhan Allah.

If you are keen to know the details, with ayat and hadeeth cited, download the book Furu' ul Imaan.

The Opening Chapter

It is our fitrah to affirm that every word of the Surah al-Fatihah is the compulsive voice of our syahadah. I was compelled to pick up this book - The Opening Chapter of the Quran: Surah Al-Fatihah by Mawlana Abdul Kalam Azad - about the Quranic concept of God, the role of Islam not as a new religious doctrine but as the reminder of the Divine Message proclaimed by numerous Prophets in different places and at different times. 

Surah al-Fatihah is referred to as Al-Kafia (the Sufficient), Asasul-Quran (the Basis of the Quran), Sab’a al-Mathani (the Oft-repeated 7), ’Umm-ul-Quran (the Core of the Quran). If one reads this Surah and grasps its true meaning, he, with the Grace of Allah SWT, will understand the essence of the Islamic Faith which forms the subject of detailed explanation in the Quran – the human devotion to God and all that it implies presented via 7 brief phrases, each of not more than 5 words, every word crystal clear and impressive. Every word reveals the great purposes which underlie the Deen (way of life) sponsored by the Quran, Subhan Allah.

According to Bukhari and Muslims, the Islamic form of prayer is incomplete without a recitation of this Surah – When one recites it in the daily prayers, it brings to mind, everyday, the substance of his beliefs and his program of righteous living. The prayer form helps to voice the inward condition of one who, in sincerity, invokes Allah SWT. During salah, Allah SWT will reply to us:

When one recites the first ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:

“My servant has praised me.”

When one recites the second ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:

 “My servant has extolled me.”

When one recites the third ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:

“My servant has glorified me.” 

(On 1 occasion, Allah SWT says: “My servant has submitted to My power.”)

When one recites the fourth ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:

“This is between Me and My servant and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”

And when one recites ayat 5 to 7 and pauses, Allah SWT replies:

“This is for My servant and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”

[Source: Hadith Qudsi]

Afternote: From Deen Show's Library, download The Spiritual Cure.  

Back to Basics - Tawheed

I attended a talk on "The need to redefine the Islamic Education" by Ustaz Mokhtar Stork and here's what I took away from the session:

True wisdom comes from honesty, character building, discipline and seeking knowledge (which must have substance; not superficial understanding of the religion just to get you by... reflect on the true meaning of progress in Islam) in order for a morally righteous system to exist.

To attain true wisdom, Ustaz Mokhtar talked about purity of the heart and adab - look inwardly (introspect on our shortcomings and struggle towards progress at our own pace, that is the individual's jihad to the way of Islam as we are accountable for the Hereafter).

In 'redefining' Islamic education, he meant to get back to basics. He urged the Ummah to begin with Allah SWT and submit fully to the will of Allah SWT in order to attain the True Path. Having a deep and strong foundation in Tawheed is essential to one's well-being.

He also gently reminded educators to be flexible and compassionate - by offering choices to their students as not everyone have the same level of imaan and taqwa.

Narrated Anas bin Malik: "The Prophet said, "Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam)." [Source: Bukhari Book 1 Volume 3 Hadith 69]

At the end of the day, we have the freedom of choice as there is no compulsion in the religion. Truly, all rights bestowed upon us ultimately belong to Allah SWT and that hidayah is the sole rights of Allah SWT.

Narrated Muawiya: "I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. (And remember) that this nation (true Muslims) will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by anyone going on a different path till Allah's order (Day of Judgment) is established." [Source: Bukhari Book 1 Volume 3 Hadith 71]

Afterthought: From my personal observation, our elders who have deep understanding of Tawheed also have a high level of adab, which the youths of today should emulate.

Salat - A Direct Contact with Allah

"I have not created jins and humans but, for my worship" - Holy Quran

What is Salat (Prayer)?
A medium (through worship) where a man establishes a direct relationship with his Creator.

Why Salat?
It is one of the main doors which leads to man's complete submission to Allah's will. It is a guarantee from Allah that if a worshipper observes his salat, with all its conditions, it will prevent him from wrongdoings.

Allah says:"Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil."

The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) asked to the companions, "If one of you had a stream running by his door and he takes a bath in it five times a day, would any dirt be left on him?."

They replied, "No dirt would be left on him".

The Holy Prophet said: "This is the case with Salat (the five daily prayers) Allah makes the Salat wipe out his sins".

Who do I worship during my salat?
When we reflect on the creation of the universe and the law that governs it and the design and variety that pleases our eyes, we naturally are convinced of existence and greatness of Allah.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: "In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed signs for men of understanding;"

Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth: "Our Lord, Thou hast not created this in vain; nay, Holy art Thou; save us, then, from the punishment of the Fire." (Aal-e-Imran, v19l-192)

This verse implies that when a worshipper reflects upon the structure of the Universe, he becomes overwhelmed with the greatness of its Creator. The ENTITY Who created such an awe-inspiring structure with such detailed arrangement and accuracy. He is alone to be worshipped and so right for protection.

How many times must I salat in a day?
There are five daily prayer services participation in which is obligatory. This may seem a little too much, but it is all a matter of comparative values. Those who realize the true value of prayer through experience are convinced that time spent in it is occupied much more beneficially than that spent in other pursuits.

Find out more about:
Wudhu (Ablution)
Types of Salat
Rakaats in Salat