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.

Quranic Arabic Essentials

"And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for remembrance" [QS al-Qamar 54:17]

AlhamdulilLah, the Ustazah outlined the essential points during the 25 Mar 2011 talk, which include blessings and benefit of Quranic Arabic knowledge as it is a constant reminder of Allah's miracles around us so that we put ourselves in the right place in the scheme of things as 'Abd (Servants of Allah SWT) and stay true to the true purpose of our existance in this world.

Having studied at Tarim, she shared the beauty of palindrome, syntax, rootwords and semantic network as well as tafsir and ta'wil of Quranic Arabic (with anecdotes from her personal life, which made for a personable session).

Allow me to end this post with other good resources such as Bayyinah Institute, Masud, Project Root List :)

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]

Fiqh Muslimah

[Source courtesy of Ibnu Sina Institute, Sg]

AlhamdulilLah, we have completed Module 3 and will commence Module 4 soon, insya Allah. All Muslimah are welcomed to enrol... the course is conducted in the Malay Language :)

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.

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 :)

Ma'al Hijrah - 1432

Here's wishing the ummah a blessed Ma'al Hijrah 1432 which falls on 7 Dec 2010. May we continue to uphold and preserve the Islam prescribed by Allah SWT and the true and complete teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'Alameen :)

Islamic Economics & The Idea of "Unlimited Wealth"

[Source courtesy of Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim]

AlhamdulilLah, I attended a talk by Sheikh Abdul Halim on 28 Nov and what I took away from this talk is the need to operationalise the Tawhidic paradigm fully in one's life.

To be committed to submit and subject oneself to pattern one's life in accordance to the will of Allah SWT seems like a daunting task for many especially if there is confusion at the level of knowledge, confusing terminologies prescribed by the Western and/or Secular worldview with that of Adeenul Haq. What Sheikh did was to highlight the comparison in the effort to create an awareness of the need to seek clarity especially at the level of definitions.

Truly the evil in duniya lies in its quality to distract us, nauzubillah! One have to be mindful in differentiating between illusion and illusory - there is neither real scarcity nor abundance; only problem with availability and distribution... as a result of man's greed.

Indeed, mankind needs to be more al-Ghaniy (devoid of needs) but of course in another sense, we are all in need of Allah's mercy and redha, making us Faqir, subhan Allah. Truly everything shall return to Allah Azza wa Jalla. Zuhud is not a term one knows but to embrace it as part of one's life, so do not despair and remain hopeful by perpetually seeking Allah's help for us to get there, insya Allah ameen ya Rabb.

Let me end this post with some beautiful verses and hadith shared by Sheikh Abdul Halim as a point of introspection:

Preoccupation with this world - "The Day of Judgment has come close, and mankind will only increase their desire for this Duniya (world), and they will only go farther and farther away from Allah." [Reported by al-Hakim, who declared this is hadith saheeh]

Hadith on wealth - "The plentiful i.e. the rich will be the lowest on the Day of Judgment, except he who distributed his money left and right i.e. at all times, while he earned from pure means." [Reported Ibn Majah, et. al. Al-Busayri: This is hadith saheeh]

Life of Duniya is temporary - "And coin for them the similitude of the life of the world as water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingleth with it and then becometh dry twigs that the winds scatter. Allah is Able to do all things." [QS al-Kahf: 45]

Hereafter is better, more enduring - "He is successful who groweth. And remembereth the name of his Lord, so prayeth, but ye prefer the life of the world although the Hereafter is better and more lasting." [QS Al-Ala: 14 -17] 

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 :)

Taqwa

"And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allaah is Most Merciful to you."  [QS an-Nisaa: 29]

Anas (B. Malik) reported Allah's Messenger SAW as saying: "None of you should make a request for death because of the trouble in which he is involved, but if there is no other help to it, then say: O Allah, keep me alive as long as there is goodness in life for me and bring death to me when there is goodness in death for me".

[Hadith Muslim #6480]

The Prophet SAW said, "Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever."

[Hadith Bukhari 7:670, Narrated Abu Huraira]

Subhan Allah, my heart weeps when I hear a fellow Muslim contemplates suicide, nauzubillah! Truly, this is a sign of one's level of iiman, 'ilm and taqwa. If you ever encounter such a situation, please get the person to say, "AstaghfirulLah wa atubu alaih" (May Allah have mercy on me and accept my repentance) 100 times a day, as was a sunnah of Prophet SAW. And when fearful, say "La ilaha ill Allah" (there is no deity but Allah). Read rulings on suicide here.

A note to myself: to be strong mentally, emotionally and spiritually when faced with such a tribulation and to counsel the ummah to the best of my ability... may Allah SWT guide me to the Straight Path, ameen ya Rabbal 'alameen.

Afternote: For those who abuse the oppressed, please reflect on the doa in the video as the doa of the oppressed is makbul. And may Allah saves us from the Hellfire by protecting us from such a situation, insya Allah, ameen ya Rabbal a'lameen.

Zhulhijjah

[Source courtesy from Huda TV]

Subhan Allah, Sheikh Yasir Qadhi outlined the ibadah for the first 10 days of Zhulhijjah. May our deeds be accepted by Allah Azza wa Jall, insya Allah ameen ya Rabbal 'alameen :)

Fiqh Muslima

AlhamdulilLah, Module 3 will commence on 20 Nov 2010 onwards. I'm looking forward to this, insya Allah!

Lifelong Learning

[Source courtesy from Sheikh Abdul Halim]

It is wajib (compulsory) for Muslims to continue seeking 'ilm (knowledge) and AlhamdulilLah, the courses I've been attending will resume lesson, starting with Fiqh and Muslimah today =)

I also recommend that my brothers and sisters in Islam to consider enrolling in Worldview of Islam (Tasawwur Islam) as it provides the Ummah with the right framework to operationlise one's life, like a compass, see the world through Islam's lenses, which is prescribed by Allah SWT and taught by our beloved RasululLah SAW =)

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 :)

7 wonders of the Muslim World?

Was watching this video via Discovery Channel with my lil nephews who came visiting their grandma today. They may not understand what is happening; therein lies the beauty - the opportunity for me to pitch the content at their level, prick their inquisitive nature to understand and appreciate what Islam is all about. After all they are only 2 and 5+... too young but not too young to start progressive tarbiyah. Go and view the 8 series of the video via youtube :)

Afterthought: This may be the 7 wonders defined by the Westerners, Muslims may have our own interpretation but it was a commendable effort nonetheless... at least they did not say that Prophet Muhammad SAW introduced Islam, instead it existed during the time of Prophet Abraham AS :)

Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 16 Jul 2010

"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]

AlhamdulilLah. Ustaz Rahmat completed Chapter 38 on "Urging one's kith and kin to Obey Allah and refrain from evils". Truly, tarbiyah (discipline training) and proper upbringing of kids are essential in order for them to be good citizens of this world and the Hereafter.

Which is why Islam is beautiful - kids are encouraged to pray starting from the age of 7 and they have 3 years to 'play act' on it such that when they reach 10 years old, it would become second nature and a routine in their daily life. It is the amanah (responsibility) of the parents to consistently provide the fundamental religious knowledge and be good role models in practice. Help your kids help themselves in the long run.

Afternote: To bring one who is lost back to the straight path is to encourage him or her to start praying regularly. If one truly contemplates on the surah al-Fateha alone... it is enough to make one humble, grateful for all the ni'mat bestowed upon him or her and to seek help only from Allah SWT. InnalilLahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return).

Hadith Riyadhus Solihin - 28 May 2010

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Rahmat completed Chapter 37 - Spending favourite things for Allah's sake. Ustaz demonstrated examples via sirah of our beloved Prophet SAW and his generosity... how he (pbuh), together with his family and companions led a simple life full of barakah, subhan Allah. I'm reminded of the advice to always give what you like best to others and not vice versa. That is a sign of a truly sincere and generous heart.

Afternote: Ustaz invited the Ummah to contemplate on how fortunate our lives currently are and if we are truly grateful by way of elevating our ibadah to the Creator, Allah Azza wa Jalla and by way of our contribution to our Ummah.

Women and Fiqh - 22 May 2010

"Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful." [Surah ale-Imran: 31]

AlhamdulilLah, Ustaz Ghazali covered Chapter 6 of Kitab Da'wah Mahabbah, Ustaz touched on special and privileged place the following have in the eyes of Allah SWT and our beloved Prophet SAW - those who love Allah SWT and love others for the sake of Allah Azza wa Jalla, mothers exhibiting unconditional love, those who experienced death of a beloved child, widows and the poor.

What I took away from this session is the need for wives to make managing the household a priority in life versus seeking ilmu (if the husband can provide the Islamic guidance needed), going to work, doing their own business, etc. Truly, the status of a wife and mother is placed high in an esteemed position in the eyes of Islam, subhan Allah.

Afternote: I'm instinctively reminded of mum's advice - to forgive and forget for the sake of Allah SWT. Yes it is not easy to do but if you have good opinion of people and put your trust in Allah (tawaqal ilalLah) and believe in the Day of Judgment, you'll be at peace with things that come your way... ridha, subhan Allah.