14
Jul 2023
The Etiquettes of Wudu The wudu is divinely prescribed (tawqifi). It was demonstrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his companions. The differences of opinion between the different schools arise due to their using different narrations. It is not the case Imam Abu Hanifa, or Malik or Shafi are creating their own styles of wudu; there is no way a faqhi will rely on his own opinion in these matters. Ali and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) would perform wudu in public to show them how they saw......
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11
Jul 2023
Tahara (purification) Not everyone is aware that the parts of wudu are divided into the obligations (fard) and the Sunnah, which are rewarding but not essential for a wudu to be valid. Why is this important? If one finds they are short of water, they can do the minimum aspects of wudu for it to be valid. When they have no problems accessing or performing wudu, they can do the more rewarding wudu with all the sunnah elements. The obligations are mentioned in the Quran. Mulla Ali begins by listing the obliagation......
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13
May 2023
Fiqh is a heavy topic for many people but it can also be fascinating. I have chosen to take you through this journey to give you a fresh look at this topic by going through some carefully selected excerpts from Mulla Ali al Qari’s renowned work, “Fath Bab al Inaya Sharh Kitab al-Nuqaya,” a 10th Century commentary on a Hanafi book. My journey with this book The decision to choose this particular book holds a deep personal significance and cherished memories from the past. In the 1988s I had the privilege to......
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09
Oct 2022
Mu’awiya (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.’ Bukhari and Imam Muslim This very hadith is a very well-known hadith, which has been memorized by many and is often found quoted at the beginning of many books etc. It’s an important hadith, which is actually part of a longer hadith. Imam Ibn Hajar placed it under the topic of good character. To have a deep understanding of the deen is something everyone......
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07
Jul 2020
Possessing books As a student of knowledge, we should try own as many books as we need for they are our tools of learning. However, we should not get into the trap of collecting books or creating a library of books without reading them. Every book we buy, it should be read at least once, then re-read again with the purposes of furthering understanding or for research and reference. Books are for self-development, Not for shelf-development. So what books should we have in our personal library? Here is a list of recommended......
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15
Feb 2019
The Origins of the Fiqh Schools Fiqh at the Time of the Prophet (peace be on him) During the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be on him) how was fiqh decided? If someone needed a ruling on a case what did the Prophet (peace be on him) himself do? The first thing the Prophet (peace be on him) would do was wait for revelation. The revelation is of two types: Qur’an and Sunnah. Classifying the Sunnah as revelation might seem strange to some, but nevertheless the Prophet (peace be on him) is the authority......
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14
Feb 2019
Why Scholars Differ This was the first course I delivered in the UK in 2001, but it is as relevant today as it was then, if not more. I used to deliver this course over three months at shariah college, so here I am going to condense it and give you an overview. Why do we need to know why scholars differ? This is an important topic. Usually we have questions regarding how we pray, and every year, as soon as Ramadan approaches, moon-sighting and moon-fighting begins. Why do we have these......
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21
Jan 2019
Where Do You Derive Your Knowledge From? Knowledge comes from seeking it. It does not just descend on you. But then where is the best place to seek it from? The Need for Scholars For many of us Islam was passed down to us culturally and evolved through contact with books, courses and video clips. How do we know if our understanding is correct? To gain sound understanding, knowledge should be sought from trusted scholars. Allah Almighty says: So ask the people of the knowledge if you do not know (21:7) You......
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