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Welcome to Sheikhy Notes, unique website that features, videos, notes given by traditional Muslim scholars. As well my posts/articles on particular subjects. Scroll down for various topics, scholars, links, quotes and monthly archives or use search engine to find posts. Please note that articles are copyright and cannot be copied without express permission. Allah Subhanu wa Ta’ala knows best. Est. 2005, ma sha Allah.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf
Creed parts one to five - if it doesn't play click on the menu button and choose the first video
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Yahya An-Ninowi
THE NOBLE WOMEN OF ISLAM
(Jakallah khair Arshad for the notes)
The shaykh talks about the ayah of the Quran, “We have honoured the offspring of Adam”.
Allah Subhanu wa ta'ala distinguished Adam from the creation, honoured him and gave him prophecy, as well as ordering the Malaika (angels) to bow to him.
Adam [Upon him peace] is the father of all prophets in terms of genealogy, but Rasoolullah (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam), is the father of all the Prophets in terms of prophecy because of the hadith “I was a prophet when Adam was not created yet”.
Everything that is connected to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) is honoured because of him.
He (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) is the only one who has the ultimate Maqam of shifa’a (station of intercession). He is the shaf’ee (intercessor) of all the prophets and the creation and yet not in need of anyone’s shifa’a. (intercession)
You eat the dates because he (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) ate them.
Medina became Munawarra (enlightened) due to his Nur (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
His book became the most honourable book, his Sunna became the most honourable, his Sahaba (Companions) [Radiallahu Anhum] became the most honourable people….
His family became the most honourable family, and his wives became the “mothers of the believers” and that is what we are here to talk about today.
They are amongst the most honourable women to ever put foot on earth.
Sayyida Amina
We do injustice to this noble woman because we do not learn enough about her and don’t talk much about her.
We are often shy to talk about her, because some strange people are eager to make her destiny hellfire.
Abdul Mutalib [Radiallahu anhu] use to have 10 sons and he use to walk with them, and it would appear as the sun and the planets around him.
Abdullah [Radiallahu anhu] went for trading with his father and got use to doing trading and earning for his family…
After Abdullah [Radiallahu anhu] was free from being sacrificed, he was with his father and a woman [Qutaila] approaches him and says that if you leave your father, and marry me, I will give you millions, due to his beauty.
He looks at her and says, “I can not disobey my father”.
Abdul Mutalib [Radiallahu anhu] goes to the Bani Zuhra tribe, very educated people and asked for Sayyida Amina [Radiallahu anha], and the marriage takes place immediately there.
That day, all the women of the city were crying, because they all wanted to marry him.
After 3 days his father informs him that he has to go to Shaam for trading, obeying his father and on the way he sees the same woman who offered him marriage and she ignores him, and he stops and says “How come you are not offering me marriage now and you were before?”.
She replied “Because the light that was between your face has now gone”.
While in Shaam, he dies, and Sayyida Amina [Radiallahu anha] was pregnant and carried that light, and had Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
Amina [Radiallahu anha] was a woman of high morals, well raised, well educated and very sensitive personality.
She hears of the death of her husband [while being 2 months pregnant] and says a few lines of poetry in his honour…
Days of sadness start for her until the beloved is born.
There are many narrations that mention that the angels use to be around her during her pregnancy.
The birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) comforts her.
She gave the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) for nursing in the desert, as the tradition of those days.
He (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) had a great relationship with his mother, as you can see in the hadith.
Do you see the pattern, that the women in the family of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) did not live very long… as if Allah Subhanu wa’ ta’ala wants to take her to a better place…
We take many things from her personality, like Sabr (patience) after her husband died, and the difficulties she faced during bringing up the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
She once went to Medina, before her death and took the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) with him and she started crying, and the women in Medina, cried with her too.
This family is to sustain lots of hardships and days of sadness, but the price they paid was worth it.
She taught our mothers and wives, so much patience and maturity - that is needed.
Sayyida Aisha
A different personality from the household of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
She lived 66 years approximately, and she was a Faqiha (jurist) who taught many of the Sahaba [Radiallahu Anha], she was a Madrassah (school) herself.
She rejected the narration of various Sahaba [Radiallahu Anhum], indicating her vast knowledge.
She once came to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) and said “ya Rasool-allah, all your wives have their nicknames, yet I don’t have one.
He tells her, “We will call you umm abdullah”.
She says, “I was thin with a light face, and I went with him and he said lets race and see who is going to go ahead, we raced and I went ahead of him and won him, and he smiled. Then few years later when I put weight on, we raced and he beat me and reminded me that this is the revenge for the last defeat”.
He (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) would also take her for night walks many times, and he would teach her Quran and Tafseer etc…
She would ask lots of questions naturally and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said to her, I know when you are happy and when you are angry….
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said, “This life has many things to offer, but the best thing life has to offer is the pious wife. The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives”.
When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) was with Sayyida Aisha [Radiallahu Anha], Umm Salama sent a plate, and Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] got a little jealous and pushed the plate and it fell on the floor, but look at the akhlaq (character) of the beloved. He never shouted at her or said anything to her, but he smiles and picks the food and the plate himself, and calls the servant who came with the food, tells him to wait and says “your mother got jealous”. He tells Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] to cook food and gives a plate to the servant and says “tell Umm Salama that this is from Aisha [Radiallahu Anha]”.
A man once came to her and asked her a Mas’ala (issue) about wiping over the socks and she said, “Go to Ali [Radiallahu Anha], and ask him, as he has more knowledge than me”.
She use to cry so much that her veils use to become pitch wet, she was very spiritual…
The eye that pours and cries to Allah Subhanu wa’ta’ala is the eye that is forgiven.
On her death bed, Ibn Abbas [Radiallahu Anhu], asked to come and give her salams, but she says, “Tell him not to come, because he will say good things about me, and I wish I was forgotten”. But he goes in and says good things about her…
We learn that the wives role is not just to be in the kitchen, look at the roles of Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] as a wife, she was doing many other things, including taking place in battles, and serving the Mujahideen in the wars…
Sayyida Khadija
A very unique woman, who was very beloved to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) and he said in a (authentic) sahih hadith “Allah gave me the love of Khadija”.
There is a difference between saying, “I love her” and “her love was given to me”.
The first Muslim/Muslima and one of the 4 perfect women, and they are “Asiya, Maryam, Khadija, Fatima”. So if you want to be a perfect woman, then they are your examples.
She is the supporter of Islam and Muslimeen, and many scholars say, if it was not for the money of Khadija [Radiallahu Anhu] and the Sword of Ali, Islam would not have spread.
She was a billionaire, owning thousands and thousands of camels, and after her marriage she put everything before Quraish, and said, “Be a witness that everything I own, is owned by Muhammad,” (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
A very mature and very balanced woman, with her sight on the future..
Look at the Imaan (faith) of Khadija that when the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) came back from Hira, she never asked him, “What were you doing alone in the cave etc” rather supported him and said “Allah will never abandon you”.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) was sitting and Jibreel came to him and Khadija was walking with food in her hand. Jibreel said, “Ya Rasoolallah, tell Khadija that Allah sends her salam and also give her my salam too”.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) tells her that Allah sends you his salam, and she smiles and says “Allah is salam” and Jibreel can take the salam from me. Jibreel then says “ Take the good news that there is a house waiting for you in Jannah where there is no noise and no trouble”.
She was also one of those who was put in jail for 3 years, and as a result of that , shortly after she died.
After her passing away, he would have food slaughtered and send it to her friends
Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] says that, “Why do you keep mentioning you her when you have someone better than her.” He replied, “No, she believed in me, when everyone abandoned me, she gave me, when people took from me, she protected me, when people wanted to kill me. And Allah gave me from her offspring and he didn’t give me children from any other woman.”
So Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] said, “I will never mention Khadija [Radiallahu Anha] in front of you again.”
Sayyida Fatima
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said, “Fatima is a piece of me.”
Everybody is something else, except Fatima, she is a piece of me.
Opinion of Umar [Radiallahu Anhu] said, “Nobody is better than Fatima [Radiallahu Anha] because the Prophet (sallalalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) said “Fatima is a piece of me.”
She was born on a Friday, another blessing of the day of Friday.
Fatima as a name comes from Fatama, which means “when you breast feed a baby for 2 years and then you stop feeding and prevent it from milk”. So Fatima is prevented but from what? She is protected from the hellfire.
Khadijas nick name was “Tahira”, but Fatimas nick names were “As-Siddiqa”, “Radia” , “Mardiya” , “Zakiya” also “ummu abeeha [the mother of her father]”.
Also she was called “Zahra”, and that comes from “glooming or shining”, so she is glooming and shining. Imam Baqer said, “When she stands for salah, her light shines from there to the heavens”.
The wife of Abu Talib [Radiallahu Anha] use to love the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) more than her own kids, and he use to call her “Mother after my mother”. She was called Fatima Bint Assad, and when she died “The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) went into her grave and lay there first, and then came out and said , now bury her”. Due to her name being Fatima, he also called his daughter Fatima.
After the death of Khadija [Radiallahu Anha] and all the close ones to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam), Fatima was the one who use to take care of his needs, hence called “the mother of his father.” yet she was only 8 years old or so.
Umm Salama [Radiallahu Anha] says, “No person of the family resembled him (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) more than Fatima, and when the Sahabiyyas (companions) wanted to see a glimpse of the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam), they would just look at Fatima [Radiallahu Anha], because they saw him (sallalalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) in her.
Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] said, “Nobody is close to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) in talk, in speech and walk than Fatima [Radiallahu Anha].
Look as the way she raised her son Hassan [Radiallahu Anhu], and sees him making duas (supplication) and says “Did you make dua (supplication) for the neighbours too?”
She comes to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) once and her hands are not smooth due to the grinding of wheat etc…. and says, “Can you spare us a khadim (servant) who can help us?” The Prophet (sallalalahu alaihi wa alihi wssalam) says, “I will give you something that is better than a servant and tells her to recite Allah o akbar 34 times, Subhanllah 33 times, Alhamduillah 33 times, so that Allah will alleviate all her pains for her.
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) use to kiss her hands and forehead, and she would get up for him and seat him vice versa….
"I looked at all friends, and did not find a better friend than safeguarding the tongue. I thought about all dresses, but did not find a better dress than piety. I thought about all types of wealth, but did not find a better wealth than contentment in little. I thought of all types of good deeds, but did not find a better deed than offering good advice. I looked at all types of sustenance, but did not find a better sustenance than patience." Umar(May Allah be pleased with him)
(Jakallah khair Arshad for the notes)
The shaykh talks about the ayah of the Quran, “We have honoured the offspring of Adam”.
Allah Subhanu wa ta'ala distinguished Adam from the creation, honoured him and gave him prophecy, as well as ordering the Malaika (angels) to bow to him.
Adam [Upon him peace] is the father of all prophets in terms of genealogy, but Rasoolullah (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam), is the father of all the Prophets in terms of prophecy because of the hadith “I was a prophet when Adam was not created yet”.
Everything that is connected to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) is honoured because of him.
He (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) is the only one who has the ultimate Maqam of shifa’a (station of intercession). He is the shaf’ee (intercessor) of all the prophets and the creation and yet not in need of anyone’s shifa’a. (intercession)
You eat the dates because he (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) ate them.
Medina became Munawarra (enlightened) due to his Nur (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
His book became the most honourable book, his Sunna became the most honourable, his Sahaba (Companions) [Radiallahu Anhum] became the most honourable people….
His family became the most honourable family, and his wives became the “mothers of the believers” and that is what we are here to talk about today.
They are amongst the most honourable women to ever put foot on earth.
Sayyida Amina
We do injustice to this noble woman because we do not learn enough about her and don’t talk much about her.
We are often shy to talk about her, because some strange people are eager to make her destiny hellfire.
Abdul Mutalib [Radiallahu anhu] use to have 10 sons and he use to walk with them, and it would appear as the sun and the planets around him.
Abdullah [Radiallahu anhu] went for trading with his father and got use to doing trading and earning for his family…
After Abdullah [Radiallahu anhu] was free from being sacrificed, he was with his father and a woman [Qutaila] approaches him and says that if you leave your father, and marry me, I will give you millions, due to his beauty.
He looks at her and says, “I can not disobey my father”.
Abdul Mutalib [Radiallahu anhu] goes to the Bani Zuhra tribe, very educated people and asked for Sayyida Amina [Radiallahu anha], and the marriage takes place immediately there.
That day, all the women of the city were crying, because they all wanted to marry him.
After 3 days his father informs him that he has to go to Shaam for trading, obeying his father and on the way he sees the same woman who offered him marriage and she ignores him, and he stops and says “How come you are not offering me marriage now and you were before?”.
She replied “Because the light that was between your face has now gone”.
While in Shaam, he dies, and Sayyida Amina [Radiallahu anha] was pregnant and carried that light, and had Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
Amina [Radiallahu anha] was a woman of high morals, well raised, well educated and very sensitive personality.
She hears of the death of her husband [while being 2 months pregnant] and says a few lines of poetry in his honour…
Days of sadness start for her until the beloved is born.
There are many narrations that mention that the angels use to be around her during her pregnancy.
The birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) comforts her.
She gave the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) for nursing in the desert, as the tradition of those days.
He (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) had a great relationship with his mother, as you can see in the hadith.
Do you see the pattern, that the women in the family of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) did not live very long… as if Allah Subhanu wa’ ta’ala wants to take her to a better place…
We take many things from her personality, like Sabr (patience) after her husband died, and the difficulties she faced during bringing up the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
She once went to Medina, before her death and took the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) with him and she started crying, and the women in Medina, cried with her too.
This family is to sustain lots of hardships and days of sadness, but the price they paid was worth it.
She taught our mothers and wives, so much patience and maturity - that is needed.
Sayyida Aisha
A different personality from the household of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
She lived 66 years approximately, and she was a Faqiha (jurist) who taught many of the Sahaba [Radiallahu Anha], she was a Madrassah (school) herself.
She rejected the narration of various Sahaba [Radiallahu Anhum], indicating her vast knowledge.
She once came to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) and said “ya Rasool-allah, all your wives have their nicknames, yet I don’t have one.
He tells her, “We will call you umm abdullah”.
She says, “I was thin with a light face, and I went with him and he said lets race and see who is going to go ahead, we raced and I went ahead of him and won him, and he smiled. Then few years later when I put weight on, we raced and he beat me and reminded me that this is the revenge for the last defeat”.
He (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) would also take her for night walks many times, and he would teach her Quran and Tafseer etc…
She would ask lots of questions naturally and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said to her, I know when you are happy and when you are angry….
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said, “This life has many things to offer, but the best thing life has to offer is the pious wife. The best of you are those who are best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives”.
When the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) was with Sayyida Aisha [Radiallahu Anha], Umm Salama sent a plate, and Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] got a little jealous and pushed the plate and it fell on the floor, but look at the akhlaq (character) of the beloved. He never shouted at her or said anything to her, but he smiles and picks the food and the plate himself, and calls the servant who came with the food, tells him to wait and says “your mother got jealous”. He tells Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] to cook food and gives a plate to the servant and says “tell Umm Salama that this is from Aisha [Radiallahu Anha]”.
A man once came to her and asked her a Mas’ala (issue) about wiping over the socks and she said, “Go to Ali [Radiallahu Anha], and ask him, as he has more knowledge than me”.
She use to cry so much that her veils use to become pitch wet, she was very spiritual…
The eye that pours and cries to Allah Subhanu wa’ta’ala is the eye that is forgiven.
On her death bed, Ibn Abbas [Radiallahu Anhu], asked to come and give her salams, but she says, “Tell him not to come, because he will say good things about me, and I wish I was forgotten”. But he goes in and says good things about her…
We learn that the wives role is not just to be in the kitchen, look at the roles of Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] as a wife, she was doing many other things, including taking place in battles, and serving the Mujahideen in the wars…
Sayyida Khadija
A very unique woman, who was very beloved to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) and he said in a (authentic) sahih hadith “Allah gave me the love of Khadija”.
There is a difference between saying, “I love her” and “her love was given to me”.
The first Muslim/Muslima and one of the 4 perfect women, and they are “Asiya, Maryam, Khadija, Fatima”. So if you want to be a perfect woman, then they are your examples.
She is the supporter of Islam and Muslimeen, and many scholars say, if it was not for the money of Khadija [Radiallahu Anhu] and the Sword of Ali, Islam would not have spread.
She was a billionaire, owning thousands and thousands of camels, and after her marriage she put everything before Quraish, and said, “Be a witness that everything I own, is owned by Muhammad,” (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam).
A very mature and very balanced woman, with her sight on the future..
Look at the Imaan (faith) of Khadija that when the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) came back from Hira, she never asked him, “What were you doing alone in the cave etc” rather supported him and said “Allah will never abandon you”.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) was sitting and Jibreel came to him and Khadija was walking with food in her hand. Jibreel said, “Ya Rasoolallah, tell Khadija that Allah sends her salam and also give her my salam too”.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) tells her that Allah sends you his salam, and she smiles and says “Allah is salam” and Jibreel can take the salam from me. Jibreel then says “ Take the good news that there is a house waiting for you in Jannah where there is no noise and no trouble”.
She was also one of those who was put in jail for 3 years, and as a result of that , shortly after she died.
After her passing away, he would have food slaughtered and send it to her friends
Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] says that, “Why do you keep mentioning you her when you have someone better than her.” He replied, “No, she believed in me, when everyone abandoned me, she gave me, when people took from me, she protected me, when people wanted to kill me. And Allah gave me from her offspring and he didn’t give me children from any other woman.”
So Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] said, “I will never mention Khadija [Radiallahu Anha] in front of you again.”
Sayyida Fatima
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) said, “Fatima is a piece of me.”
Everybody is something else, except Fatima, she is a piece of me.
Opinion of Umar [Radiallahu Anhu] said, “Nobody is better than Fatima [Radiallahu Anha] because the Prophet (sallalalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) said “Fatima is a piece of me.”
She was born on a Friday, another blessing of the day of Friday.
Fatima as a name comes from Fatama, which means “when you breast feed a baby for 2 years and then you stop feeding and prevent it from milk”. So Fatima is prevented but from what? She is protected from the hellfire.
Khadijas nick name was “Tahira”, but Fatimas nick names were “As-Siddiqa”, “Radia” , “Mardiya” , “Zakiya” also “ummu abeeha [the mother of her father]”.
Also she was called “Zahra”, and that comes from “glooming or shining”, so she is glooming and shining. Imam Baqer said, “When she stands for salah, her light shines from there to the heavens”.
The wife of Abu Talib [Radiallahu Anha] use to love the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) more than her own kids, and he use to call her “Mother after my mother”. She was called Fatima Bint Assad, and when she died “The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) went into her grave and lay there first, and then came out and said , now bury her”. Due to her name being Fatima, he also called his daughter Fatima.
After the death of Khadija [Radiallahu Anha] and all the close ones to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam), Fatima was the one who use to take care of his needs, hence called “the mother of his father.” yet she was only 8 years old or so.
Umm Salama [Radiallahu Anha] says, “No person of the family resembled him (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) more than Fatima, and when the Sahabiyyas (companions) wanted to see a glimpse of the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam), they would just look at Fatima [Radiallahu Anha], because they saw him (sallalalahu alaihi wa alihi wassalam) in her.
Aisha [Radiallahu Anha] said, “Nobody is close to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) in talk, in speech and walk than Fatima [Radiallahu Anha].
Look as the way she raised her son Hassan [Radiallahu Anhu], and sees him making duas (supplication) and says “Did you make dua (supplication) for the neighbours too?”
She comes to the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) once and her hands are not smooth due to the grinding of wheat etc…. and says, “Can you spare us a khadim (servant) who can help us?” The Prophet (sallalalahu alaihi wa alihi wssalam) says, “I will give you something that is better than a servant and tells her to recite Allah o akbar 34 times, Subhanllah 33 times, Alhamduillah 33 times, so that Allah will alleviate all her pains for her.
The Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa’alihi wassalam) use to kiss her hands and forehead, and she would get up for him and seat him vice versa….
"I looked at all friends, and did not find a better friend than safeguarding the tongue. I thought about all dresses, but did not find a better dress than piety. I thought about all types of wealth, but did not find a better wealth than contentment in little. I thought of all types of good deeds, but did not find a better deed than offering good advice. I looked at all types of sustenance, but did not find a better sustenance than patience." Umar(May Allah be pleased with him)
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf
From protest to engagement
Part one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3XH48wWWw
Part two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIpHqJvHwcw
Part Three
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpPGaroXDkU
Part four
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jgHs2vzcrs
Part one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR3XH48wWWw
Part two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIpHqJvHwcw
Part Three
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpPGaroXDkU
Part four
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jgHs2vzcrs
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Sidi Yahya Rhodus, Sheikh Ibrahim Osi Efa
The Creed of Imam Al-Tahawi – May 20, 2007 Birmingham
بسمِ الله
Shaykh Ibrahim
Referring to putting effort into seeking knowledge: ‘He who does not have a burning desire at the beginning will not be illuminated in the end.’
The emphasis on Sidi Yahya’s talk will be on practice and this is the most important thing to take out of the event: the need to act.
Sidi Yahya Rhodus
Intention
Hamd/Salawat
Allah’s Subhanu wa ta’ala promise of victory in the Qur’an is predicated by the Muslims not differing amongst themselves.
When making intention, it is best to make multiple intentions, and such was the importance placed on making intentions that students would be taught how to make the correct intentions for acts.
A easy and comprehensive intention is that which Imam Haddad (may Allah show him mercy) taught; I intend:
1. Learning and teaching
2. Receiving and giving admonition
3. Giving and receiving benefit and gain
4. Encouraging adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
5. Calling to right guidance
6. And leading to goodness
7. [This is] out of a desire for Allah’s countenance, His pleasure, and nearness to Him and reward His reward.
Sidi Yahya added that other praiseworthy intentions can be simple, such as meeting your brothers and sisters in faith, visiting a masjid (with associated intentions), etc. Particularly commendable is the desire to bring life to Islam.
Indeed, one who dies seeking knowledge in order to bring life to Islam will have but one degree between them and the Prophets (upon them peace) on the last day.
When you come to someone’s house it is the hosts responsibility to take care of you, thus when you enter a house of Allah, you should know that your affairs will be seen to.
[From later: If you have a good opinion of your Lord, He will give you what you need; conversely, if you enter with pessimism Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala will confirm that: So have high hopes wherever you go!]
Introductory Remarks on Aqida
Offer some introductory remarks on the work being studied, and on the relationship between creed and certainty.
One of the great things of Islam is that it can be expressed in differing levels according to those involved in the discussion.
Any changes that will occur in the Ummah must centre on the three spheres of Iman, Islam, and Ihsan.
Aqida comes from the word ‘knot’, i.e. tying a knot around one’s belief to secure it.
Extremely important to remember that Aqida differs from belief as one can memorise books on Aqida and not believe anything in them.
Aqida is the first science a person must learn: one needs to know what they believe in.
Shaykh Nuh has written an article on Aqida, found here http://www.livingislam.org/k/ki_e.html , in which he elucidates different aspects (or levels?) of Aqida: personal theology, discursive theology, and speculative theology.
The science of Aqida can be divided into three categories:
1. Ilahiyaat – that which relates to Allah
2. Nabuwaat – that which relates to the Messengers
3. Sami’aat – those things of which we have been informed (Regarding eschatology- the latter days)
Traditionally in certain areas of the Muslim world, such as Mauritania, the ulema tended not teach the more complex forms of theology. For example, a man came to Murabit al-Hajj (May Allah preserve him) and asked to be taught Aqida; the Shaykh delayed doing so, but the man persisted so the Shaykh taught him Surat al-Ikhlaas as it was all he really needed.
However, in the West now, it is perhaps more appropriate for some. Nevertheless, still potentially problematic avenue; hence, Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy) related discursive theology to medicine: little if needed.
The necessity to develop higher forms of theological discourse is apparent in history as the later texts on Aqida went beyond the initial discussion of theology from the Companion as the needs of the Umma changed.
Important to remember that saying, ‘I don’t know’ is half of faith.
The Importance of Iman
Only through Iman can the world be cultivated in due measure, kufr leads to the destruction of the world.
Thus, we are not anti-modernists, but we have the understanding that all progress must be rooted in the idea that we are the vicegerents (deputies/servants) of Allah on Earth (which entails responsibility with our rights).
This vicegerency has three aspects:
1. Our relationship with our Lord, recognising that we are the means of implementation of the Divine will on Earth.
2. Our relationship with the rest of humanity.
3. Our relationship with the rest of Creation (which was created for our benefit).
The disastrous impact of acting without the responsibility found in this correct understanding of our place in the world is most apparent now, with the threat of Global warming, etc. (Sidi Yahya mentioned a number of facts from Al-Gore’s documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’).
Thus, we must realise the fragility of our affair and a fundamental aspect of our vision to the world, as Muslims, must be how to address these critical issues as custodians of the Earth.
Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala promises that those who have taqwa (piety) will receive aid from where it is least expected/not expected, thus if we have taqwa, perhaps Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala will provide us a new form of renewable resource that can provide energy in place of fossil fuels, etc.
Disbelief
Kafir means ‘farmer’ as they are those ‘who cover’ the seed with soil; the human is therefore one who covers the Adamic potential/fitra.
The greatest proof of Allah’s Subhanu wa ta’ala existence is fitra.
Many people ask why there are so few believers, or why people refuse to believe: the refusal to submit or the fear to submit is a reason for so many people’s disbelief. So it is not necessarily a question of faith always; rather, arrogance, pride, and the unwillingness to submit.
In addition, people will not believe as Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala has stated in the Qur’an, that he has placed, ‘Yokes around their necks,’ and that a barrier has been placed, ‘before and behind them,’ so they won’t believe. Faith is a gift.
Thus, arguably the best faith is the faith of the elderly people: who simply submit and believe.
It is the Sunnah of Allah to place His gifts where they are least expected so it is important never to belittle anyone (even the simple person).
Action from faith is the very important as faith is like sugar in tea à must be stirred to be tasted.
The Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that, ‘Believers are sweet and love sweet things’
Aqida, Iman, and Certainty (Yaqin)
Creed (Aqida) differs from belief (Iman), but there is a relationship between certainty and belief.
Thus, Iman can only be based on certainty, not on probability.
The Qur’an mentions those who are, ‘firmly planted in faith’ (rasik ul ‘ilm), and the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) explained that these people are not the ones who have know everything, rather:
1. They are always true to their word
2. Their tongues always speak the truth
3. Their hearts are in an upright state
4. They are temperate (balanced) in relationship to their stomach and private parts.
Thus, those planted in faith are not necessarily those who are the most learned, but the ones who acts on their knowledge.
In addition, their characteristics are:
1. Taqwa with Allah
2. Humble with people
3. Zuhd (Abstain) with dunya
4. Striving against his/her self
Regarding treating other people well, there is a Hadith which states that if you make space in your gatherings for other people (even if things are tight), Allah will make space for you.
Knowledge is both earned and given as a gift from Allah. The latter is greater.
Hadith: All of you will find easy that which you were created for. (Imam Suhaib: so everyone can contribute in their own way).
Coming back to the importance of action, there is a Hadith that when people are discussing the decree of Allah, refrain from doing so and instead act.
Hadith: When answering questions about who created Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala and His decree, say: “I believe in Allah and His Messenger (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).” Amantubillah warasul
So the crux of this science is the centrality of action/practice as it relates to theology.
The Introductory quote of Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy)
The reasons Shaykh Hamza included this at the very beginning of the book (and the very beginning of the Zaytuna Curriculum Series), is that speculative theology cannot take you anywhere: practice is key and faith is Allah’s mercy.
Imam Haddad (may Allah show him mercy) mentioned three things to increase certainty:
1. Reflection on the Qur’an and the Hadith: not just flicking through, but true though, what is Allah telling me? Implementation should follow this reflection.
2. Reflection on the Signs of Allah: Allah mentions in the Qur’an that He will show His signs to man in the horizon and within until it is apparent that this is true. Science has contributed immensely to expanding our knowledge of both the external and the internal worlds. Also, it is important that just as we explore the earth for all its treasures, we need to explore our hearts as well (look within).
3. Acting upon one’s knowledge: This is how learning is actualised in a person’s life. Luqman the Wise said that, ‘None of you will act except based on his certainty’, this is a good test for everyone: death is certain, so how much are you preparing? Some people wouldn’t change a thing if they knew they were going to die in a few hours as they have filled their time with activity and devotion to Allah, for example, a Shaykh in Hadramawt was given a watch that he had to wind up every day for it to function. The person who gave him the watch later asked him if he was using it; the Shaykh replied that he couldn’t find time to wind it every day as he was so busy all the time. These aren’t fairytales; these are real people and real examples.
There are three levels of certainty:
1. ‘Ilm ul Yaqeen: Knowledge of something; ‘There’s going to be a talk in the masjid’
2. Ain ul Yaqeen: Eye of (Witnessing something; ‘I can hear the talk coming from the masjid’)
3. Haq ul Yaqeen: Truth of (Experiencing something; ‘I’m at the talk in the masjid’)
Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said that, ‘Were the Veil lifted from me, I would not increase in certainty.’
So in the East, there has traditionally been less focus on discursive theology and more on personal theology (which is sufficient); this should lead to action, which in turn, will lead to true certainty.
Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy) mentions in the quote that those who believe speculative theology will increase them in certainty are at fault, only action will lead to certainty. His entire life can be seen as proof of this, and his realisation of the importance of practice is the reason for the Ihya being written.
Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy): If you find yourself hastening to action, you are seeking guidance; if you find yourself ignoring it, then you are focussed on dunya, and if you are procrastinating, you are in between the two. [Missed part of this]
There is a verse in the Qur’an in which Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala discusses the light given to a person, and how this light emanates form him and pervades those around him when he walks. Thus, it is important to ask for light in one’s life, as the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did in his famous du’a before fajr:
‘O Allah, place light in my heart, and on my tongue light, and in my ears light and in my sight light, and above me light, and below me light, and to my right light, and to my left light, and before me light and behind me light. Place in my soul light. Magnify for me light, and amplify for me light. Make for me light and make me a light. O Allah, grant me light, and place light in my nerves, and in my body light and in my blood light and in my hair light and in my skin light. O Allah, make for me a light in my grave... and a light in my bones.’
(From: http://survivorsareus.com/index.cfm/Spiritual_Warfare_Prayer_Ruqyah_III)
Light is amazing, Albert Einstein was reported to have said that he wished he could spend his whole life just reflecting on light.
بسمِ الله
Shaykh Ibrahim
Referring to putting effort into seeking knowledge: ‘He who does not have a burning desire at the beginning will not be illuminated in the end.’
The emphasis on Sidi Yahya’s talk will be on practice and this is the most important thing to take out of the event: the need to act.
Sidi Yahya Rhodus
Intention
Hamd/Salawat
Allah’s Subhanu wa ta’ala promise of victory in the Qur’an is predicated by the Muslims not differing amongst themselves.
When making intention, it is best to make multiple intentions, and such was the importance placed on making intentions that students would be taught how to make the correct intentions for acts.
A easy and comprehensive intention is that which Imam Haddad (may Allah show him mercy) taught; I intend:
1. Learning and teaching
2. Receiving and giving admonition
3. Giving and receiving benefit and gain
4. Encouraging adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
5. Calling to right guidance
6. And leading to goodness
7. [This is] out of a desire for Allah’s countenance, His pleasure, and nearness to Him and reward His reward.
Sidi Yahya added that other praiseworthy intentions can be simple, such as meeting your brothers and sisters in faith, visiting a masjid (with associated intentions), etc. Particularly commendable is the desire to bring life to Islam.
Indeed, one who dies seeking knowledge in order to bring life to Islam will have but one degree between them and the Prophets (upon them peace) on the last day.
When you come to someone’s house it is the hosts responsibility to take care of you, thus when you enter a house of Allah, you should know that your affairs will be seen to.
[From later: If you have a good opinion of your Lord, He will give you what you need; conversely, if you enter with pessimism Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala will confirm that: So have high hopes wherever you go!]
Introductory Remarks on Aqida
Offer some introductory remarks on the work being studied, and on the relationship between creed and certainty.
One of the great things of Islam is that it can be expressed in differing levels according to those involved in the discussion.
Any changes that will occur in the Ummah must centre on the three spheres of Iman, Islam, and Ihsan.
Aqida comes from the word ‘knot’, i.e. tying a knot around one’s belief to secure it.
Extremely important to remember that Aqida differs from belief as one can memorise books on Aqida and not believe anything in them.
Aqida is the first science a person must learn: one needs to know what they believe in.
Shaykh Nuh has written an article on Aqida, found here http://www.livingislam.org/k/ki_e.html , in which he elucidates different aspects (or levels?) of Aqida: personal theology, discursive theology, and speculative theology.
The science of Aqida can be divided into three categories:
1. Ilahiyaat – that which relates to Allah
2. Nabuwaat – that which relates to the Messengers
3. Sami’aat – those things of which we have been informed (Regarding eschatology- the latter days)
Traditionally in certain areas of the Muslim world, such as Mauritania, the ulema tended not teach the more complex forms of theology. For example, a man came to Murabit al-Hajj (May Allah preserve him) and asked to be taught Aqida; the Shaykh delayed doing so, but the man persisted so the Shaykh taught him Surat al-Ikhlaas as it was all he really needed.
However, in the West now, it is perhaps more appropriate for some. Nevertheless, still potentially problematic avenue; hence, Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy) related discursive theology to medicine: little if needed.
The necessity to develop higher forms of theological discourse is apparent in history as the later texts on Aqida went beyond the initial discussion of theology from the Companion as the needs of the Umma changed.
Important to remember that saying, ‘I don’t know’ is half of faith.
The Importance of Iman
Only through Iman can the world be cultivated in due measure, kufr leads to the destruction of the world.
Thus, we are not anti-modernists, but we have the understanding that all progress must be rooted in the idea that we are the vicegerents (deputies/servants) of Allah on Earth (which entails responsibility with our rights).
This vicegerency has three aspects:
1. Our relationship with our Lord, recognising that we are the means of implementation of the Divine will on Earth.
2. Our relationship with the rest of humanity.
3. Our relationship with the rest of Creation (which was created for our benefit).
The disastrous impact of acting without the responsibility found in this correct understanding of our place in the world is most apparent now, with the threat of Global warming, etc. (Sidi Yahya mentioned a number of facts from Al-Gore’s documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’).
Thus, we must realise the fragility of our affair and a fundamental aspect of our vision to the world, as Muslims, must be how to address these critical issues as custodians of the Earth.
Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala promises that those who have taqwa (piety) will receive aid from where it is least expected/not expected, thus if we have taqwa, perhaps Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala will provide us a new form of renewable resource that can provide energy in place of fossil fuels, etc.
Disbelief
Kafir means ‘farmer’ as they are those ‘who cover’ the seed with soil; the human is therefore one who covers the Adamic potential/fitra.
The greatest proof of Allah’s Subhanu wa ta’ala existence is fitra.
Many people ask why there are so few believers, or why people refuse to believe: the refusal to submit or the fear to submit is a reason for so many people’s disbelief. So it is not necessarily a question of faith always; rather, arrogance, pride, and the unwillingness to submit.
In addition, people will not believe as Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala has stated in the Qur’an, that he has placed, ‘Yokes around their necks,’ and that a barrier has been placed, ‘before and behind them,’ so they won’t believe. Faith is a gift.
Thus, arguably the best faith is the faith of the elderly people: who simply submit and believe.
It is the Sunnah of Allah to place His gifts where they are least expected so it is important never to belittle anyone (even the simple person).
Action from faith is the very important as faith is like sugar in tea à must be stirred to be tasted.
The Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that, ‘Believers are sweet and love sweet things’
Aqida, Iman, and Certainty (Yaqin)
Creed (Aqida) differs from belief (Iman), but there is a relationship between certainty and belief.
Thus, Iman can only be based on certainty, not on probability.
The Qur’an mentions those who are, ‘firmly planted in faith’ (rasik ul ‘ilm), and the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) explained that these people are not the ones who have know everything, rather:
1. They are always true to their word
2. Their tongues always speak the truth
3. Their hearts are in an upright state
4. They are temperate (balanced) in relationship to their stomach and private parts.
Thus, those planted in faith are not necessarily those who are the most learned, but the ones who acts on their knowledge.
In addition, their characteristics are:
1. Taqwa with Allah
2. Humble with people
3. Zuhd (Abstain) with dunya
4. Striving against his/her self
Regarding treating other people well, there is a Hadith which states that if you make space in your gatherings for other people (even if things are tight), Allah will make space for you.
Knowledge is both earned and given as a gift from Allah. The latter is greater.
Hadith: All of you will find easy that which you were created for. (Imam Suhaib: so everyone can contribute in their own way).
Coming back to the importance of action, there is a Hadith that when people are discussing the decree of Allah, refrain from doing so and instead act.
Hadith: When answering questions about who created Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala and His decree, say: “I believe in Allah and His Messenger (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).” Amantubillah warasul
So the crux of this science is the centrality of action/practice as it relates to theology.
The Introductory quote of Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy)
The reasons Shaykh Hamza included this at the very beginning of the book (and the very beginning of the Zaytuna Curriculum Series), is that speculative theology cannot take you anywhere: practice is key and faith is Allah’s mercy.
Imam Haddad (may Allah show him mercy) mentioned three things to increase certainty:
1. Reflection on the Qur’an and the Hadith: not just flicking through, but true though, what is Allah telling me? Implementation should follow this reflection.
2. Reflection on the Signs of Allah: Allah mentions in the Qur’an that He will show His signs to man in the horizon and within until it is apparent that this is true. Science has contributed immensely to expanding our knowledge of both the external and the internal worlds. Also, it is important that just as we explore the earth for all its treasures, we need to explore our hearts as well (look within).
3. Acting upon one’s knowledge: This is how learning is actualised in a person’s life. Luqman the Wise said that, ‘None of you will act except based on his certainty’, this is a good test for everyone: death is certain, so how much are you preparing? Some people wouldn’t change a thing if they knew they were going to die in a few hours as they have filled their time with activity and devotion to Allah, for example, a Shaykh in Hadramawt was given a watch that he had to wind up every day for it to function. The person who gave him the watch later asked him if he was using it; the Shaykh replied that he couldn’t find time to wind it every day as he was so busy all the time. These aren’t fairytales; these are real people and real examples.
There are three levels of certainty:
1. ‘Ilm ul Yaqeen: Knowledge of something; ‘There’s going to be a talk in the masjid’
2. Ain ul Yaqeen: Eye of (Witnessing something; ‘I can hear the talk coming from the masjid’)
3. Haq ul Yaqeen: Truth of (Experiencing something; ‘I’m at the talk in the masjid’)
Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said that, ‘Were the Veil lifted from me, I would not increase in certainty.’
So in the East, there has traditionally been less focus on discursive theology and more on personal theology (which is sufficient); this should lead to action, which in turn, will lead to true certainty.
Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy) mentions in the quote that those who believe speculative theology will increase them in certainty are at fault, only action will lead to certainty. His entire life can be seen as proof of this, and his realisation of the importance of practice is the reason for the Ihya being written.
Imam Ghazali (may Allah show him mercy): If you find yourself hastening to action, you are seeking guidance; if you find yourself ignoring it, then you are focussed on dunya, and if you are procrastinating, you are in between the two. [Missed part of this]
There is a verse in the Qur’an in which Allah Subhanu wa ta’ala discusses the light given to a person, and how this light emanates form him and pervades those around him when he walks. Thus, it is important to ask for light in one’s life, as the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did in his famous du’a before fajr:
‘O Allah, place light in my heart, and on my tongue light, and in my ears light and in my sight light, and above me light, and below me light, and to my right light, and to my left light, and before me light and behind me light. Place in my soul light. Magnify for me light, and amplify for me light. Make for me light and make me a light. O Allah, grant me light, and place light in my nerves, and in my body light and in my blood light and in my hair light and in my skin light. O Allah, make for me a light in my grave... and a light in my bones.’
(From: http://survivorsareus.com/index.cfm/Spiritual_Warfare_Prayer_Ruqyah_III)
Light is amazing, Albert Einstein was reported to have said that he wished he could spend his whole life just reflecting on light.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
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