24
Jul 2020

The etiquette of seeking knowledge In Islam, it is not just knowledge which we are interested in, but how we seek knowledge is also important. Our attitude towards learning, and our teachers and fellow students. There is a huge body of literature and learning on the etiquette of learning itself, which has been passed down from the circles of the Prophet (peace be on him). These show us the correct etiquette between scholars, as well as between students and teachers, and even the process of learning – how to receive, write down,......
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22
Jul 2020

Aside from the entertaining aspect of the stories, there are many valuable lessons we can glean from Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah’s 400 page book, The Patience of the Pious Predecessors, which he divided into 8 chapters. When I re-read the lengthy (50 page!) conclusion of the book I couldn’t help thinking that it is the cream of the cream of his book. Knowledge rests on giants of the past The first and second generation of scholars carried the knowledge, whose fruits we are enjoying to this day. Throughout the book, we saw......
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15
Jul 2020

Ali ibn Hasan (Abu Qasim) Ibn Asakir al Dimashqi The great scholar Ibn Asakir is one of the very well known scholars of the 6th century Hijri. Born in Damascus in 499AH, he passed away in 571AH. (1105–1175AD). He was so dedicated to knowledge that he was al hafidh as well as the top of every science he decided to write about or master. Most historians were Muhaddith He was renowned as a great historian but before that he was a great Muhaddith. The majority of historians, including Ibn Kathir were also......
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19
Jun 2020

Sacred knowledge brings us closer to Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said, ‘Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.’ (Muslim) ‘Verily, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure of what he is doing. Verily all in the heavens and earth seek forgiveness for the knowledgeable, even the fish in the water. The excellence of the knowledgeable over the servant is like the excellence......
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12
Jun 2020

The determination of the scholars and how they tread the path of knowledge was accompanied by continual sacrifice on their part. Sacrifice of their sleep, the luxuries and the pleasures of life. They were not choosing between halal or haram when they gave them up, but were made knowledge their priority over enjoyment, relaxation and rest. To the extent that some did not marry, even though it is the Sunnah and it is recommended, because it would have interfered with their single-minded pursuit of knowledge. Their dedication was well beyond anyone’s expectations. Ibn......
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05
Jun 2020

The importance of purity of reflection is a powerful combination with high himma, which is the quality of tenacious determination. Khatib al Baghdadi was one of the great scholars of hadith and such a prolific writer that he contributed a book to every branch of Islamic knowledge, so that everyone who came after him, could not help but refer to his work. Such was his vast legacy. Born in 392, in Baghdad, as suggested by his name, he died in 463 AH. Among the hundreds of books which he wrote, is the......
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31
May 2020

Travelling is part of seeking knowledge The importance of travelling to seek knowledge is highlighted in the book of Patience by Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah who has described some of the arduous journeys undertaken by great scholars of the past. The virtues of seeking knowledge There are many verses which talk about the importance of seeking knowledge. For instance: أَمَّنْ هُوَ قَانِتٌ آنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ سَاجِدًا وَقَائِمًا يَحْذَرُ الْآخِرَةَ وَيَرْجُو رَحْمَةَ رَبِّهِ ۗ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ Is he who worships devoutly during......
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29
May 2020

There is a split of opinion among scholars on the topic of poverty and wealth – whether it is better to be poor or well off. The high status of the poor Imam Bukahri wrote a chapter on the virtues of poverty in his Sahih, called Fadlu al faqr. So scholars commented that this showed he liked the virtues of poverty. Allah Almighty also mentioned the fuqara (destitute people) in the Quran many times. Among these were the ahlu Suffah, a group of companions, who were very poor. The Prophet (peace be......
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07
Feb 2020

Carry the knowledge We need to deliver knowledge in a prophetic manner. Make it relevant. We often lack this element when delivering Islamic knowledge. There is a deep disconnect between the knowledge in our books and mosques and every day life. As a result we do not find many people attending circles or khutbas because they have no bearing on their lives. When I delivered my first Utrujj course, it was on the origin of fiqh (Islamic law), and I discovered not everyone knew what fiqh meant as one of the students......
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28
Feb 2019

‘They want to extinguish the light of Allah Almighty but Allah Almighty will complete His light, even though the disbelievers dislike it’. (9:32 and 61:8) Allah Almighty is highlighting the fact that whenever we have the truth, there are always enemies against it. The truth always faces challenges. How can we identify those who are misrepresenting and tarnishing Islam by commercialising and politicising the deen? The Challenge to the Truth Throughout our history today until the Day of Judgement, there is an on-going challenge between truth and falsehood. Ever since, Allah......
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26
Jan 2019

To Obey or Not to Obey? Oh you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. (4:59) This is a common verse referring to obedience towards Allah Almighty, the Messenger (peace be on him) and those who are in authority. Obeying Allah Almighty and His Messenger (peace be on him) is......
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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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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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