15
May 2019
Acting upon what you know Islam is a practical religion, in which the highest virtue is to combine knowledge with action. When this is achieved a person is worshipping Allah Almighty as He commanded him. In the Qur’an, Allah Almighty has linked belief and actions in numerous places. Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an: ‘Those who believe and do righteous deeds.’ . ‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you.’ ‘O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah and do this often.’ ‘O you who......
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10
Feb 2019
The Mistake Hunters What do you focus on when you attend a gathering? What do you remember when you left? Was it the mistakes of the speakers? The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him said): Seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim. (Ibn Majah) The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘The likeness of the one who sits and listen to wisdom then only speaks of the mistakes that he had heard, is that of a man who comes to a shepherd and says: ‘O shepherd, give me the......
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24
Jan 2019
Identifying the Right Teacher Different Types of Teacher There are many different types of scholars in our midst today. Some scholars are strict and literal in their understanding, some liberal and reforming, some practical and balanced, some politically minded, some spiritually orientated, some self taught (desktop scholar), some well-known and others not so well-known. The big question is who to choose as your teacher and guide. There is a well known narration from the Prophet (peace be on him) who said: ‘The upright in every generation will carry this knowledge, rejecting the......
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27
Dec 2018
Seeking Knowledge over Sleep There are so many studies about the benefits of sleep and the its healing effects for the body and the mind. However there is still much we can learn from the scholars of the past about maximising energy and productivity through managing our sleep. Here is a brief look… Burning the Midnight Oil Imam Nawawi came from Nawa and studied in Damascus in 649 AH. It is said that he would not sleep except when sleep overtook him. He would rest......
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30
Aug 2018
The Connection between Abstinence and Knowledge Counter intuitively, instead of pursuing material gain, the best teachers of deen practice zuhud; abstaining from the quest for the perks of worldly life and possessing little of its luxuries. Ibn Abi’d-Dunya was told by some scholars: ‘The scholar should praise Allah for having deprived him of the luxuries of this life, in the same way that he should praise Him for what He has bestowed upon him. How can you compare the blessings and luxuries for which he will be accountable to the deprivation of......
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19
Jul 2018
The Importance of Being Open Minded Islam is far greater than any school, any imam, any sect and any opinion. It is the Divine Revelation to perfect human character and conduct to spread peace and justice. ‘It is not advisable for the believers to march out altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group remain behind, to gain understanding of the religion, and to notify their people when they have returned to them, that they maybe aware.’ (9:122) Allah the Almighty says in surah Taubah, it is not necessary for all Muslims to go......
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03
Jul 2018
Inheriting a Lasting Legacy Allah Almighty chooses individuals amongst humanity to lead people to Him. These Messengers are receiving divine revelation from Allah Almighty. It is neither their wealth or possession but rather their knowledge and their responsibility that separates them from the rest of humanity. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets (peace be on them). The prophets (peace be on them) do not leave behind gold coins nor silver coins. They only leave behind knowledge, so whoever takes hold......
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27
Jun 2018
What gives scholars superiority over others? The Lofty Task of Transmitting Knowledge The blessing of knowledge is essential for the advancement of humanity and its happiness in this life and the next, for knowledge is a lofty blessing whichever form it takes; seeking it is a blessing, benefiting from it and benefiting others by it is a blessing, preserving it and transmitting it to the following generation is a blessing, as is spreading to people. Those who are nearest to the source of knowledge are the scholars. The Messenger of Allah (peace......
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26
Jun 2018
Does Allah really suffice People of Knowledge? ‘Whosoever acquires an understanding of the religion of Allah, Allah suffice him in his, matters of concerns and provides him sustenance from source which he could not expect.’ (Abu Hanifah heard Abdullah Ibn Jaz’ relate what the Prophet (peace be on him) said in Makkah) Allah Almighty facilitates everything for ordinary people who are just working and living in the world, would He not facilitate a living for people who are trying to attain the nearness to him? People often equate provision with simply......
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11
Jun 2018
The Greatest Gift is to understand the Deen The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) mentioned one of the greatest virtues of knowledge as recorded by Imam Bukhari, he said: ‘Whomsoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding in Deen (religion)’ The person who finds Deen understands the basic principles of this life and the next life to come. He comes to understand three basic aspects to his existence in this world, namely, how he came to exist, why he exists or what is behind the purpose of his......
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13
May 2018
Our Amanah (trust) from Allah It has been narrated in Imam Nasa’i’s Sunan Al-Kubra and Ibn Hibban on the authority of Anas bin Malik (Radiallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, Allah will ask every guardian about the Amanah which he has been given. Did he keep it or did he lose it? Even the man will be asked about his family.” Amanah: Family There are plenty of narrations in the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) which speak about the importance of looking after......
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11
May 2018
The connection between knowledge and spirituality How does knowledge lead to illumination? Why knowledge is a lifelong quest. Why we need knowledge more than food and water And say (Muhammad): ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’ The more we know the more we feel closer to Allah. And for this reason, the Messenger of Allah used to make this supplication as it was mentioned in the Qur’an. When Allah mentions increase in the Qur’an, He refers to two things; knowledge and piety. The more knowledge you have, the more......
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12
Apr 2018
What is the secret to effective learning? Where do students go wrong in the acquisition of knowledge? ‘And say, My Lord increase me in knowledge’ (20:114) Many Muslims know that seeking knowledge is encouraged in Islam, but few know what is necessary as far as intention, deeds, manners and etiquettes when seeking knowledge. The more you know the more you feel closer to Allah. The true experience of seeking knowledge can be transformational and joyous. If your seeking is coupled with clear and pure intention, love and determination, the process itself cannot......
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