[slideshare] tafaqqahu-#4(january-2016)-lesson-#1b -introduction-to-module-(30-january-2016)

UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEEN (AL-ISLAM)Intermediate Islamic (FIQH) course in English

Conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

LESSON # 1 (b)LESSON # 1 (b)

Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims.

““To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016))

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.

"O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour, and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from

Thy Presence an authority to aid (me)”(Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 80)

THEME: “Advice regarding Four aspects”“Advice regarding Four aspects” Introductory abstract for this module Introductory abstract for this module

REFLECTION – what is Al-Hikmah?REFLECTION – what is Al-Hikmah?Approach of our lesson – understanding the terms and Approach of our lesson – understanding the terms and metaphorsmetaphors in the Advice. in the Advice.

PARTPART # # 4 4(January -(January -20162016))

Updated 30 JANUARY 2016

“O Allah! Grant favours in our hearing, in our sight and in our strength to be

always upon Your Path. And make our yearnings and desires to be in accord

with everything (teachings and guidance) which has ben brought by Your

beloved Muhammad - salutations of Allah and peace be upon him.”

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016)) PREVIOUS LESSON

ALLAA-HUM-MA – MA-TI’-NAA – BI-AS-MAA-INAA – WA

– AB-SWAA-RI-NAA – WA- QUW-WAA-TI-NAA- FEE- SA-BEE – LIK, -

WAJ – ‘AL – HA-WAA-NAA –TA-BA-’AN- LI-MAA – JAA – A – BIHI – HA-BEE-BU-KA

– MUHAM-MADUN – SWOL-LAL-LAA-HU –’ALAI-HI - WA-SAL-LAM

“Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is

exalting Allah, (AL-MAALIK) the Sovereign , (AL-QUDDUS) the

Pure, (AL-’AZEEZ) the Exalted in Might , (AL-HAKEEM) the

Wise .

It is He (Allah) who has sent among the unlettered a

Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses

(Signs) and purifying them (to grow in purity) and teaching

them the Book (AL-KITAAB) and wisdom (AL-HIKMAH) -

although they were before in clear error –”

(Qur’an: Juma’ah: 62: 1-2)



“.. and teaching them the Book (AL-KITAAB) ..”

PREVIOUS LESSON


“And Allah has revealed to you (O Muhammad) the

Book (AL-KITAAB) and wisdom (AL-HIKMAH) and has

taught you that which you did not know. And Allah’s

favour upon you is tremendous (‘AZEEM) indeed"

(Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 113)

PREVIOUS LESSON

““O you who have believed, ( O you who have believed, ( ISTAJIBUISTAJIBU) respond to ) respond to

Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to

that which gives you life (that which gives you life (LI-MAA-YULI-MAA-YUHH-YEE-KUM-YEE-KUM). ).

And know that Allah intervenes between a man and And know that Allah intervenes between a man and

his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.”his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.”

((Qur’an:Anfaal: 8: 24Qur’an:Anfaal: 8: 24) )



Allah SWT even highlighted one of the most important favour for us to

be grateful for, to rejoice, to appreciate its true value and strive in our

entire life to celebrate and live up to – i.e. to refer to His sending our

Prophet Muhammad ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص as the EDUCATOR par excellence.

And the nature of EDUCATION of the DEEN is throughout our whole life.

Note: It even stipulates the proper approaches – (which alludes to

ADAB), and the ultimate attainment is in the learning of the KITAB (Al-

Qur’an) and AL-HIKMAH (the Prophetic Wisdom).

Although HIKMAH is referring to SUNNAH AN-NABAWWIYYAH, yet the

Qur’anic usage of the term AL-HIKMAH must be profoundly

understood, not relegated simplistically to be mere learning or quoting

of Qur’an, Ahadith and As-Sunnah alone.

PREVIOUS LESSON


“… and teaching them the Book (AL-KITAAB) and wisdom (AL-HIKMAH) ..”

PREVIOUS LESSON


"I have been sent with JAWAMI’ AL-KALEEM (i.e., the shortest expression

carrying the widest meanings), and I was made victorious with awe (fear

cast into the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of

the treasures of the earth were brought to me and were put in my hand."

(Hadith reported by Bukhary)

PREVIOUS LESSON

JAWAMI'-AL-KALEEM means (“comprehensive

speech”) that Allah SWT has granted the Prophet ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص ability to

speak in the shortest expression carrying the widest meanings;

expressions in one or two statements or thereabouts the

numerous matters that used to be written in the books revealed

before him.

This epitomizes the Wisdom (AL-HIKMAH) granted to our Prophet

Muhammad ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص .

In this module we shall try to reflect upon the significance as in

just one Hadith – the Prophet Muhammad’s ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص advice to a

Sahaabiy Abu Dzar al-Ghifari r.a., which we hope Allah SWT will

grant us profound understanding of the DEEN – insha-Allah.All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016)) PREVIOUS LESSON

IMAM ABU HAMID AL-GHAZALIE (R.A.)AN-NASEEHAH

The Sincere Advice

IDZAL – MAR – U – KAA - NAT - LAHU – FIK –RAH

FA – FEE - KUL – LI – SHAY- IN – LA – HU – ‘IB - RAH


Hadith extracted from: ‘NASA-IHU AL-’IBAAD ‘ALAA SHARHI AL-MUNABBIHAT ‘ALA AL-ISTI’DAD LI-YAUMI AL-MA-’AD’

Sheikh Imam Muhammad Nawawi bin Umar al-Jawi al-Bantanifamous Nusantaran scholar and Imam in Makkah (1813-1897)


O Aba Dzar! Renew the ship, for verily the ocean is deep,

And take complete provision, for verily the journey is far,

And lighten the load, for verily the obstacles are almost insurmountable,

And be sincere in your deeds, for verily the scrutinizer of faults

is The Seeing (Allah).AN-NAASEEHAHThe Sincere Advice


THE HADITH

PREVIOUS LESSON

TA’ARUF AND SHORT GROUP DISCUSSION

Break into groupings (of not more

than 8 person in each).

Do brief introduction of each other.

Proceed to discuss

“Salaam .. Nice to get to know you. …. So …….What have we learnt?”


What is the meaning of “What is the meaning of “JADDIDJADDID - - renewalrenewal”? ”?

Discuss its implication when applied to :Discuss its implication when applied to :

1)1) ““AD-DEENUL-ISLAMAD-DEENUL-ISLAM””

2)2) The teachings, understanding and practice of IslamThe teachings, understanding and practice of Islam

3)3) Your (Your (NAFSNAFS) self-identity, faith () self-identity, faith (IIMANIIMAN), spiritual-state (), spiritual-state (HAALHAAL) )

INSHA-ALLAH - NOW TO CONTINUE


1. to begin or take up again, as an acquaintance, a conversation, etc.; (to

resume)

2. to make effective for an additional period: (to renew a lease).

3. to restore or replenish: (to renew a stock of goods).

4. to make, say, or do again.

5. to revive; (re-establish).

6. to recover (youth, strength, etc.).

7. to restore to a former state; make new or as if new again.

8. to begin again; recommence.

9. to renew a lease, note, etc.

10. to be restored to a former state; become new or as if new again.

IT CAN NEVER BE MEANT TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING ELSE

““INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF FIQH FIQH ””

Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for AdultsIntermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.

Extracted from:


The state of us Muslims today, regarding the loss of many of our The state of us Muslims today, regarding the loss of many of our

Islamic heritage, especially in preserving and benefitting from Islamic heritage, especially in preserving and benefitting from

the legacy of Islamic education, knowledge, science and history the legacy of Islamic education, knowledge, science and history

etc. is like the story of Aladdin and his magical lamp in the etc. is like the story of Aladdin and his magical lamp in the

collection of fables in “collection of fables in “ALF - WA-LAYLAALF - WA-LAYLA” (“Thousand and One ” (“Thousand and One

nights” or better known in the West as “the Arabian Nights”).nights” or better known in the West as “the Arabian Nights”).

This is not just a story, but contain a profound lesson of This is not just a story, but contain a profound lesson of

wisdom, highlighting the foolishness and naivety which must be wisdom, highlighting the foolishness and naivety which must be

avoided.avoided.

REFLECT


In this story, Aladdin’s maid-servant was duped into exchanging In this story, Aladdin’s maid-servant was duped into exchanging

his master’s magical (but it looked rather old, odd and seemingly his master’s magical (but it looked rather old, odd and seemingly

useless) lamp for a new one, peddled by the evil sorcerer. useless) lamp for a new one, peddled by the evil sorcerer.

He cunningly peddled his ‘new wares’ and making it seemed that He cunningly peddled his ‘new wares’ and making it seemed that

those who still cling to old stuff are foolish for not grabbing this those who still cling to old stuff are foolish for not grabbing this

fantastic offer of a much superior alternative. fantastic offer of a much superior alternative.

The maid’s ignorance of the true value of his master’s magical The maid’s ignorance of the true value of his master’s magical

lamp; and her folly (nay breach of trust and loyalty to her master) lamp; and her folly (nay breach of trust and loyalty to her master)

of not consulting the true owner, led to the tragic dispossession.of not consulting the true owner, led to the tragic dispossession.

REFLECT


If only the old lamp was to be polished and rubbed (i.e. if she was If only the old lamp was to be polished and rubbed (i.e. if she was

to try to clean it to shine) as what the maid servant should have to try to clean it to shine) as what the maid servant should have

been doing, she would already know that a wonderful genie been doing, she would already know that a wonderful genie

would have emerged and she would know the true value of the would have emerged and she would know the true value of the

rather old-looking lamp. rather old-looking lamp.

Aladdin too has to be blamed. Being the inheritor of this lamp, he Aladdin too has to be blamed. Being the inheritor of this lamp, he

should have imparted such crucial knowledge of the lamp to should have imparted such crucial knowledge of the lamp to

those in his household and ensure that such precious possession those in his household and ensure that such precious possession

be well-guarded and cherished.be well-guarded and cherished.

REFLECT


Alas today, the penchant to discard old stuff (without understanding Alas today, the penchant to discard old stuff (without understanding

its true value), just because we think the 'new' is better. It is naive to its true value), just because we think the 'new' is better. It is naive to

believe in whatever others may say about what we possess believe in whatever others may say about what we possess

(intending to dispossess us) without we being careful as to where (intending to dispossess us) without we being careful as to where

they are leading us to. This surely is foolish, don’t you think so?they are leading us to. This surely is foolish, don’t you think so?

And although we cannot accuse others of stealing from us, but And although we cannot accuse others of stealing from us, but

today, such evil trade-off are being done subtly through what they today, such evil trade-off are being done subtly through what they

termed as encouraging your right to personal “termed as encouraging your right to personal “freedomfreedom” and ” and

consensual “consensual “exchangeexchange” (even if unfair) is not thievery.” (even if unfair) is not thievery.

REFLECT


Well, there are some who may label me and my other colleague Well, there are some who may label me and my other colleague

fellow fellow asaatizahasaatizah as “traditional” or traditionalists. We believe that as “traditional” or traditionalists. We believe that

those who are wont to label us such may not have understood our those who are wont to label us such may not have understood our

concern, and the seriousness of holding fast to the trust - may Allah concern, and the seriousness of holding fast to the trust - may Allah

give them Guidance, and the realization to repent and mend their give them Guidance, and the realization to repent and mend their

ways. ways.

Actually those who ignorantly disregard our traditional ways, are Actually those who ignorantly disregard our traditional ways, are

having the naïve mentality like that of Aladdin’s maid-servant. Let them having the naïve mentality like that of Aladdin’s maid-servant. Let them

be reminded that this our tradition belongs to Islam and the Muslims. be reminded that this our tradition belongs to Islam and the Muslims.

We must remain trustworthy (We must remain trustworthy (AMANAHAMANAH).).

REFLECT


They who styled themselves as ‘They who styled themselves as ‘liberal & progressiveliberal & progressive’ Muslims ’ Muslims

who are anti-traditionalist ought to know that they are mere who are anti-traditionalist ought to know that they are mere

‘servants’ - but they don’t know that they are servants of whom?‘servants’ - but they don’t know that they are servants of whom?

They should do They should do MUMUHHAASABAHAASABAH - ( - (may Allah guide them), and may Allah guide them), and

they must be told that they must be told that they do not have the right to be they do not have the right to be

exchanging and be replacing our traditionexchanging and be replacing our tradition on behalf of Islam and on behalf of Islam and

the Muslims. the Muslims.

To insist in doing so is treachery (To insist in doing so is treachery (KHKHIYAANAHIYAANAH).).

waAwaAllaahu a’lam.llaahu a’lam.

REFLECT



JADDID

(RENEW)


IKHTIYAAR

Man’s knowledge is only regarding what has happened or is Man’s knowledge is only regarding what has happened or is

happening.happening.

He cannot claim (on his own) to know the future – as to what He cannot claim (on his own) to know the future – as to what

will occur, or what his fate will be.will occur, or what his fate will be.

Yet, he knows things do occur according to certain laws of cause Yet, he knows things do occur according to certain laws of cause

and effect (and effect (sunna-tullaahsunna-tullaah). And that Allah has given him free-). And that Allah has given him free-

will to participate in determining his destiny.will to participate in determining his destiny.

This free-will is termed, “This free-will is termed, “ikhtiyarikhtiyar””

28All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2015)

EXTRACTS FROM PREVIOUS MODULE“BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”

What is What is ““ikhtiyarikhtiyar” ” ? ?

It is derived from the root word It is derived from the root word ““khayrkhayr” ” meaning meaning

“ “good” good” andand “ “akhyarakhyar” - “better”” - “better”



Therefore the freedom given to man to determine for Therefore the freedom given to man to determine for

themselves their destiny, is only in choosing to do good. themselves their destiny, is only in choosing to do good.

Although he may abuse this privilege and if he chose to Although he may abuse this privilege and if he chose to

do bad, he is said to have committed do bad, he is said to have committed “zulm” “zulm”

(injustice) (injustice) to himself. to himself.

Thus, man is to be responsible for his choices in his life Thus, man is to be responsible for his choices in his life

as well as face consequences for his neglect and abuse.as well as face consequences for his neglect and abuse.



The key to The key to

succeed in this life-test as succeed in this life-test as

well as to deserve well as to deserve

achieving further increase achieving further increase

of bestowals from Allah.of bestowals from Allah.

yet how does one become yet how does one become

grateful? What are the grateful? What are the

important criteria?important criteria?

1.1. Acknowledge and extol praises of Acknowledge and extol praises of

the true giver, Allah Who alone is the true giver, Allah Who alone is

God, the Bestower of all favours.God, the Bestower of all favours.

2.2. Learn the value of what is given, Learn the value of what is given,

do not take any of these favours do not take any of these favours

for granted. Bring to mind and for granted. Bring to mind and

speak about it.speak about it.

3.3. Utilize what is given in accordance Utilize what is given in accordance

to what may please the Giver (i.e. to what may please the Giver (i.e.

do not abuse the gift), so as not to do not abuse the gift), so as not to

cause His wrath to befall us.cause His wrath to befall us.




“ Verily, We create man in (AH-SANI TAQWIM) the

best conformation; and thereafter We reduce him

to the lowest of low excepting only such as (AA-

MANU) attain to faith and (‘AMILUS-SWO-LI-HAAT)

do good works: and theirs shall be a reward

unending!”

(Qur’an: At-tin: 95: 4-6)

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2015)

““A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”Lessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for AdultsLessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for Adults

conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailExcerpts from

ANGELSANGELS

JINN JINN (spirits)(spirits)

MANKINDMANKIND

ANIMALSANIMALS

PLANTS PLANTS (ORGANISM)(ORGANISM)

REALM OF THE REALM OF THE UNSEEN UNSEEN

(AL-GHAYB)(AL-GHAYB)

REALM OF THE REALM OF THE PHYSICAL WORLD PHYSICAL WORLD

(AL-SHAHAADAH)(AL-SHAHAADAH)

Barrier




‘‘AQLIYYAHAQLIYYAH

WAHM/KHAYALIWAHM/KHAYALI

FITRAH SALIMAFITRAH SALIMA

BAHIMIYAHBAHIMIYAH

NABATIYYAHNABATIYYAH

AngelicAngelic

SatanicSatanic

AdamicAdamic

AnimalisticAnimalistic

VegetativeVegetative

WITHIN MAN, HE SHARES MANY POWERS AS IN OTHER SPECIESWITHIN MAN, HE SHARES MANY POWERS AS IN OTHER SPECIES

MANKIND CREATED IN THE BEST OF MOULDMANKIND CREATED IN THE BEST OF MOULD


( intellect – reasoning )

( extrapolation - imagination )

( pure humanitarian innocence )

( predatory instinct)

( growth – survival instinct ) ““A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM”Lessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for AdultsLessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for Adults


The first that a person is naturally aware of is – “himself /

herself”. This consciousness naturally develops and everything else

becomes identified relative to it.

As mankind is created in “the best conformation”, he is equipped

with capabilities. Inherent within him are faculties with great

potentials, if not properly nurtured may cause its growth to become

distorted or unbalanced.

Amongst the latent powers or faculties termed as “Quw-wah”,

some of which are also inherent in some other beings, yet it is

mankind that possess all of these. Yet which one uniquely

distinguishes mankind as human?


““INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ””

Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for AdultsIntermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

Excerpts from

NON-LIVING PLANTS ANIMALS HUMANSNON-LIVING PLANTS ANIMALS HUMANS

Sustenance

Growth (Physical)

Procreation (sexual)

Movement at will

Thought & Speech

.

..

.

. .

.

.

..

.

X

X

X X

X

X X

X

X


ANGELS

JINN (spirits)

MANKIND

ANIMALS

PLANTS

Can be Can be ElevatedElevated to to the highest, even the highest, even higher than Angelshigher than Angels

Can be Can be DebasedDebased to to be the lowest of the be the lowest of the low.low.

IN THE CENTRE





““Do men think that on their [mere] saying, ‘We Do men think that on their [mere] saying, ‘We

believe,’ they will be left to themselves, and will not believe,’ they will be left to themselves, and will not

be put to a test? be put to a test? Yea, indeed, we did test those who Yea, indeed, we did test those who

lived before them; and so too, [shall be tested those lived before them; and so too, [shall be tested those

Muslims who is now living Muslims who is now living and] most certainly will He and] most certainly will He

mark out those who prove themselves true, and most mark out those who prove themselves true, and most

certainly will He mark out those who are lying.”certainly will He mark out those who are lying.”

((Qur’an: al- Ankabut: 29: 2-3Qur’an: al- Ankabut: 29: 2-3))


“ “Verily, Verily, Allah does not change men’s condition unless they Allah does not change men’s condition unless they

change their inner selveschange their inner selves;”;”

((Qur’an: Ra’ad : 13:11Qur’an: Ra’ad : 13:11))


““This, because This, because Allah would never change the blessings with Allah would never change the blessings with

which He has graced a people unless they change their inner which He has graced a people unless they change their inner

selvesselves: and [know] that Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.”: and [know] that Allah is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.”

((Qur’an: Al- Anfal : 8:53Qur’an: Al- Anfal : 8:53))


Without a doubt life requires us to constantly change or if not be

changed.

The crucial issue of concern is “how do we change?” or into “what

should our change be?”. There is a wise Arabic saying (proverb):

Much of what we have become may perhaps be due to our apathy,

laziness, habit, heedlessness, aging, neutrality etc. which may cause us

to be changed or even deviate from the right and straight path.

AL-WAQ-TU KAS-SAIF, IN-LAM – TAQ-TWA-UHU – QO-TWA-’AK“Time is like a sword, if you do not (use it to) cut, it will cut you”


It is in this context that advice to change (“re-new” or “reform”) in Islam’s

teaching is to be understood. This is a reality.

Therefore we should not adopt extreme interpretations :

1) Neither of those liberal who exhort changing or reform in the Western

reformist post-modernist sense which seek to undermine even the

principles and fundamental teachings of all religion especially Islam;

2) Nor the other Muslims with their rigid interpretations, resisting anything

deemed as new because they regard every new thing as BID’AH

(innovation), and every BID’AH without exception as “deviation leading us

astray” (DOLAALAH). To them “re-new” would mean going back totally to

the era of the Prophet ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص , ignoring the legacies of Islamic civilization.


It would therefore be helpful to know how “change, renewal or reform”

can be acceptable from the Islamic perspective – by making a qualification

or necessary criteria for such change by us Muslims.

When we study holistically the Islamic teachings; Qur’anic exhortations;

history of Muslim scholars, their concerns, wisdom and precedence; etc.

there are consistent principles involved when undertaking change.

The following are important principles as criteria not to be neglected:

1) Principle of going back to the FITRAH –

2) Knowledge of the ORIGIN and the ORIGINAL -

3) Principle of understanding the CURRENT context and problems –

4) Apply wisdom as in principle of DA’WAH-BIL-HIKMAH -

We shall now elaborate these.


JADDID

(RENEW)

THAT IT MUST NOT LEAD TO REPLACING THE ESSENTIAL FITRAH


JADDIDJADDID - - renewalrenewal

Inherent in INSAN (mankind) is FITRAH to realize that there is a

God, although in this world they have forgotten – thus the root word for

INSAN is also NASIYAN; NASIY (forgetfulness; to forget).

Allah SWT in the Qur’an, reminds us:



And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their

loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to

them], "them], "Am I not your Lord?Am I not your Lord?" (" (ALAS-TU-BI-ROB-BI-KUMALAS-TU-BI-ROB-BI-KUM) . They said, ") . They said, "Yes, Yes,

we have testifiedwe have testified." (." (BA-LAA-SHA-HID-NAABA-LAA-SHA-HID-NAA). [This] - lest you should say on ). [This] - lest you should say on

the day of Resurrection, "Indeed, we were of this unaware." the day of Resurrection, "Indeed, we were of this unaware."

((Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 172Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 172))

Inherent in INSAN (mankind) is FITRAH to realize that there is a

God, although in this world they have forgotten – thus the root word for

INSAN is also NASIYAN; NASIY (forgetfulness; to forget).

Allah SWT in the Qur’an, reminds us:



Basically the teaching of Islam is to restore TRUTH and every goodness

inherent and then to guide mankind towards a higher goodness - with

warning of the punishment for evil and the promise of forgiveness with

glad tidings of everlasting reward in the Hereafter.



““And indeed, within And indeed, within every community every community have We raised up a Messenger have We raised up a Messenger

[entrusted with this message]: "[entrusted with this message]: "Worship Allah, and shun the powers of Worship Allah, and shun the powers of

evil!evil!" And among those [past generations] were people whom Allah graced " And among those [past generations] were people whom Allah graced

with His guidance, just as there was among them [many a one] who with His guidance, just as there was among them [many a one] who

inevitably fell prey to grievous error: go, then, about the earth and behold inevitably fell prey to grievous error: go, then, about the earth and behold

what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth!” what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth!”

((Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16: 36Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16: 36))

Basically the teaching of Islam is to restore TRUTH and every goodness

inherent and then to guide mankind towards a higher goodness - with

warning of the punishment for evil and the promise of forgiveness with

glad tidings of everlasting reward in the Hereafter.



Although we may be living in different times, yet our essential purpose,

pattern of life and challenges revolve around similar raison d’etre for

which we were all created for.

Mankind’s history attest to this reality, and we are invited to verify these

with empirical evidence preserved in many parts of the world. Even the

current problems we face are obvious, yet we are oblivious.









“[Since they have become oblivious of Allah,] corruption has appeared

on land and in the sea as an outcome of what men’s hands have

wrought: and so He will let them taste [the evil of] some of their doings,

so that they might return [to the right path].”

(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 41)









Say: “Go all over the earth, and behold what happened in the end to

those [sinners] who lived before [you]: most of them were wont to

ascribe divine qualities to things or beings other than Allah.”

(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 42)



All divinely revealed religion emanated from Allah, One Divine Being. Thus

they all ought to share similar traits and not lead to sects and animosity.

It is the inevitable mankind’s abuse in exercising of free-will, corrupted by

jealousy which led to tampering which then may have caused deviations.

When mankind discarded certain fundamentals God-given favours -

especially the innate nature (inherently created) - ignore the guidance

given to them, and follow their whims (DZONN) and desires (HAWA’),

succumbing to temptations of greed, power and self-conceit – that many

sects and religions then arose.

Prophet Muhammad ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص was sent to “renew” or to “reform” these

deviation, restoring the TAUHEEDIC paradigm of all revealed religion.


“And they did not become divided until after knowledge

had come to them - out of jealous animosity between

themselves. And if not for a word that preceded from your

Lord [postponing the penalty] until a specified time, it

would have been concluded between them. And indeed,

those who were granted inheritance of the Scripture after

them are, concerning it, in disquieting doubt.”

(Qur’an: Ash-Shura: 42: 14)



““AND THEY say, "Be Jews" - or, "Christians" - and you shall be on AND THEY say, "Be Jews" - or, "Christians" - and you shall be on

the right path.“ Say : "the right path.“ Say : "Nay, but [ours is] the creed of AbrahamNay, but [ours is] the creed of Abraham, ,

who turned away from all that is false, and was not of those who who turned away from all that is false, and was not of those who

ascribe divinity to aught besides God (Allah).ascribe divinity to aught besides God (Allah).””

((Qur’an : al- Baqarah : 2 : 135Qur’an : al- Baqarah : 2 : 135))



““Then We revealed to you (O Muhammad): "Follow the way Then We revealed to you (O Muhammad): "Follow the way

of Abraham of Abraham HHANEEFANANEEFAN (with exclusive devotion to Allah). He (with exclusive devotion to Allah). He

was not was not one of one of MUSH-RIKEENMUSH-RIKEEN (those who associated others (those who associated others

with Allah in His Divinity.)“with Allah in His Divinity.)“

((Qur’an : An-Nahlu: 16: 123Qur’an : An-Nahlu: 16: 123))



““So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to

truth. [Adhere to] the FITRAH (the natural disposition) of

which Allah has created [all] people. No change should

there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct

religion, but most of the people do not know.”

((Qur’an : Rum: 30: 30Qur’an : Rum: 30: 30))




“ Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (pure innocence);

it is the parent that will make him to be a Jew, or a Christian,

or a pagan (Majusi).”

(Hadith reported by Bukhary)



“Every person is born from his mother upon his FITRAH (true

human nature – pure innocence). It is subsequently his parents

who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Pagan. Had his parents

been Muslim he would have also remained a Muslim.”

(Hadith reported by Muslim)



This principle in fact is linked to the command to inculcate in ourselves

the virtue of “SHAKUR” (gratefulness).

Amongst the criteria for SHAKUR, after acknowledging that Allah SWT

(as Giver), is show appreciation by ensuring that it be faithfully cherished

and preserved; and thence to fulfil the AMANAH (trust) in ensuring that

it be utilized and not abused or be wasted.

This then lead us to the next principle to have as criteria:

“TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORIGIN AND THE ORIGINAL”



a. KNOWLEDGE OF THE ‘TEXT AND ITS CHAIN’ - b. KNOWLEDGE OF THE HISTORYc. KNOWLEDGE OF PRESERVATION OF OUR LEGACY

To ‘renew’ implies ‘restoration’ or returning to its essential characteristic

as when it was ‘new.’ Thus before attempting to renew something, it is

imperative that we have the knowledge of the ‘origin’ and the ‘original’.

Without which no one should be trusted to attempt at ‘reformation’

There is only one DEEN-AL-ISLAM, faithfully practiced and conveyed

since the Prophet’s ملسو هيلع هللا ىلصملسو هيلع هللا ىلص period, continuously up to present era.

Attempt at ‘renewing’ matters regarding Islam specifically, the aspects of

knowledge required, amongst others are:

TO BE CONTINUED – INSHA-ALLAH

[slideshare] tafaqqahu-#4(january-2016)-lesson-#1b -introduction-to-module-(30-january-2016)

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