[Slideshare] akhlaq-course (february 2013-batch) -# 3a-preparation for learning(2-march-2013)

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL. ““INTRODUCTION TO THE INTRODUCTION TO THE

STUDY OF ‘STUDY OF ‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ””Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for AdultsIntermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults

conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailLESSON # 3 a – LESSON # 3 a –

PREPARATION FOR LEARNINGPREPARATION FOR LEARNING

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OFINTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘‘ILM AL-AKHLAQILM AL-AKHLAQ

“Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the most exalted (Kuluq) disposition.”

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 (2013)) UPDATED – UPDATED – 2 March 2013 2 March 2013

It is called “It is called “RuhRuh” – ‘spirit’, when we refer to its essence, which we do ” – ‘spirit’, when we refer to its essence, which we do

not know except very little.not know except very little.

When it is in cognitive mode of its own existence, awareness of its identity, When it is in cognitive mode of its own existence, awareness of its identity,

it is called “it is called “NafsNafs” – ‘self’. And it may go through many ‘states’ (” – ‘self’. And it may go through many ‘states’ (AHWALAHWAL))

The word The word ““QolbQolb” – “” – “Fu-adFu-ad” ‘heart’, also refers to our Soul, ” ‘heart’, also refers to our Soul,

when it is in the mode of reflection, or contemplation in understanding when it is in the mode of reflection, or contemplation in understanding

meanings. Maintining its well-being and purity must be of the ultimate concern.meanings. Maintining its well-being and purity must be of the ultimate concern.

When Allah s.w.t. grants When Allah s.w.t. grants TaufiqTaufiq whereupon its understanding of ‘Reality’ whereupon its understanding of ‘Reality’

penetrates deeply, it is referred to as “penetrates deeply, it is referred to as “LubbLubb” - ‘innermost’” - ‘innermost’

If is guided by Allah to go deeper still, it is referred to as “If is guided by Allah to go deeper still, it is referred to as “SirrSirr” – ‘secret’” – ‘secret’

But all these terms refer to the same thing i.e. Our Spiritual Self.But all these terms refer to the same thing i.e. Our Spiritual Self.

WaAllaahu a’lamWaAllaahu a’lam

EPISTEMOLOGY

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013))


Information gathered are like pieces of jig-saw puzzle.

It may seem quite easy to get them, especially when they seemed

to be scattered about almost everywhere.

Some people are keen to only gather them, to pick them up, to

steal these pieces, and are obsessed with merely having as much of

them as possible – not realizing its true meaning, its true significance,

its true worth to benefit from it, its place and purpose to us.


Thus, some people may feel that they have ‘knowledge’, whereas

what they possess may just be merely ‘information’.

Actually by “knowledge”, we are referring to the relevant

“meaning” from that subject that we “seek to acquire, arriving in our

soul ...” – not merely the subject.

The “Soul” (or sometimes referred to as the ‘heart’, ‘mind’ or

‘intellect’) is the spiritual Self (of who we are our Self ‘Nafs’ ) - our

cognitive essence, capable of knowing and of learning.


Thus education is said to be “organic” liken to a living organism –

which pertains, primarily, to the growth (of meaning, realization and

actualization) of our soul - Self.

Education, from the Islamic perspective, is not a mechanical

construct, but it entails nurturing of a Muslim with ‘Life’ – and the

Islamic educators to be likened as the ‘gardeners ’ not ‘engineers’.

Actually, (in Islamic education), when acquiring any pieces of it

(information), a student should also be learning what its meaning and

significance is, and how it is to be applied (fixed or connected) unto what

he/she already possess thus far – increasing spiritual growth.


This can only be possible when such pieces are given to them by one

who has true ownership of these, and who consents to give these to

them and helps them with how they should understand these, and to

form (or attach) them unto their overall worldview.

Thus, students must be learning from the right person, i.e. those who

has ‘seen’ the full (at least)- the completed picture.; or preferably those

who have traversed the path themselves.

Only such are the ones who can rightfully teach them how they are to

make each pieces to become meaningful to what they already posses.


And the manner or approach towards making it meaningful

(enlightening), may be seen from various perspectives (angles)

amongst fellow students in the same class, because each student,

although may have a limited vision of what the teacher was teaching,

may be granted new meanings - ‘arriving in his soul’. Thus in a

traditional teaching sessions, ‘knowledge’ expands and increases.

Thus being physically present in class with a teacher, learning face-

to-face, sharing what they have learnt with the teacher and fellow

students, seeking constant guidance etc. has always been a highly

valued traditional method (which, unfortunately, we may have lost or

slowly loosing through neglect).


“TRADITIONAL LEARNING FROM ISLAMIC TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS”


O YOUNG MAN: .......

“And it behoves you not to be deceived by the escapades

and antics of the charlatan sufis. The true spiritual journey

of the Sufi Path is not the path of these pretenders. It is

the path of self-remonstrance and the removal of carnal

desires (and their inner promptings) with the Sword

of Vigilance.“

“May Allah bless his soul, elevate his rank and make us to benefit from his knowledge, wisdom and secrets.”


O YOUNG MAN: ....... O YOUNG MAN: .......

““There are four matters that the traveller (salik) must observe There are four matters that the traveller (salik) must observe

during the spiritual journey:during the spiritual journey:

ONEONE, sound belief that is free from innovation., sound belief that is free from innovation.






TWOTWO, sincere and genuine repentance with the resolve not to , sincere and genuine repentance with the resolve not to

return to a life of carnal pleasure.return to a life of carnal pleasure.






THREETHREE, to try to make peace with your adversaries so that no , to try to make peace with your adversaries so that no

claims can be laid against you.claims can be laid against you.






FOURFOUR, to acquire sufficient knowledge of the Sacred Law to , to acquire sufficient knowledge of the Sacred Law to

enable you to perform the orders of Allah, the Most High. enable you to perform the orders of Allah, the Most High.

Then there is the Then there is the knowledge of the Hereafter knowledge of the Hereafter that is necessary that is necessary

for success.for success.




““what is necessary for those who choose to travel upon the

path of Truth...

Know that it is essential for you to attach yourself to a Spiritual

Guide and Teacher who, through his spiritual instructions, will

purify yourself from evil tendencies and replace them with

nobility of character.




“ the signs by which you may recognise the true guide ..

who renounces love of the world and the desire for rank;





he who follows an enlightened guide whose spiritual chain

extends in unbroken sequence to Muhammad, the Lord of the

Messengers





and he who excels in refining himself by observing modesty

in eating, speaking and sleeping, and by much praying,

almsgiving and fasting;





he who, in imitation of an enlightened guide, makes virtue

his way of life-amongst which are counted patience, prayer,

thanksgiving, dependence on Allah, certainty of knowledge,

generosity, contentedness, inner peace, clemency, humility,

knowledge, truthfulness, modesty, reliability, sobriety,

tranquillity, and perseverance. “May Allah bless his soul, elevate his rank and make us to benefit from his knowledge, wisdom and secrets.”


““An immoral man of learning is a great evil,An immoral man of learning is a great evil,yet a greater evil is an ignoramus leading a ‘godly’ yet a greater evil is an ignoramus leading a ‘godly’ life.life.Both are a great trial (FITNAH) everywhere,Both are a great trial (FITNAH) everywhere,to whomever depends to them both (for guidance), to whomever depends to them both (for guidance), in holding on to his religion”in holding on to his religion”

REFLECTIONREFLECTION:: We would indeed be afflicted with this We would indeed be afflicted with this FitnahFitnah (trial). Only with appropriate (trial). Only with appropriate knowledge and knowledge and irshaadahirshaadah, and more importantly , and more importantly Taufiq wal-Hidaa-ya Taufiq wal-Hidaa-ya from from Allah SWT. would we be saved from its evil.Allah SWT. would we be saved from its evil.



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


“ “It is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a It is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a

messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, to messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, to

rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to

instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom― although they instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom― although they

had been, before, in manifest error― had been, before, in manifest error― .“.“

((Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2))



““As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who

have not already joined them: and He is Exalted in Might, Wise.”have not already joined them: and He is Exalted in Might, Wise.”




“Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will:

and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.”

(Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 4)



““Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah,

works righteousness, and says "I am of those who bow in Islam"works righteousness, and says "I am of those who bow in Islam"




““Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent

from every expedition remained behind, they could devote from every expedition remained behind, they could devote

themselves to studies in religion (themselves to studies in religion (LIYA-TAFAQQAHU -FID-DEENLIYA-TAFAQQAHU -FID-DEEN) )

and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus

they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).” they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).”

((Qur’an: Taubah: 9:122Qur’an: Taubah: 9:122))


Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do

not know? It is those who are endued with understanding not know? It is those who are endued with understanding

that receive admonition.“that receive admonition.“

((Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 9Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 9))


““So ask the people of the ‘Remembrance’ So ask the people of the ‘Remembrance’

(i.e. those who know) in matters which you (i.e. those who know) in matters which you

do not know.do not know.““

((Qur’an: Anbiya’: 21: 7Qur’an: Anbiya’: 21: 7))


““Verily those who truly fear Allah from among His Servants, Verily those who truly fear Allah from among His Servants,

those who have knowledge (those who have knowledge (AL-’ULAMAAL-’ULAMA): for Allah is ): for Allah is

Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.““

((Qur’an: Fatir: 35: 28Qur’an: Fatir: 35: 28))


“ “ Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees),

those of you who believe and who have been granted those of you who believe and who have been granted

Knowledge (Knowledge (UU-TUL-’ILMAUU-TUL-’ILMA): and Allah is well-acquainted ): and Allah is well-acquainted

with all ye do.”with all ye do.”

((Qur’an: Mujadilah: 58: 11Qur’an: Mujadilah: 58: 11))


He (Allah) grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to He (Allah) grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to

whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit

overflowing; but none will grasp the message but men of overflowing; but none will grasp the message but men of

understandingunderstanding.“.“

((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 269Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 269))



“Whomsoever that Allah wishes for him goodness, He will

make him a FAQIH (learned) in matters of the

religion(Deen); and for everything there is a pillar, and the

pillar of this religion is AL-FIQH – (the profound

understanding of the Deen); a learned scholar (of the Deen)

is more difficult upon satan than a thousand worshippers.”

((Reported by Bukhary and MuslimReported by Bukhary and Muslim))


““Whosoever sets out upon the path in which to seek knowledge Whosoever sets out upon the path in which to seek knowledge

((‘ILMA‘ILMA), Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” ), Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.”

((Reported by Abu Daud & TirmidziReported by Abu Daud & Tirmidzi))


““The best ones amongst you is the person who makes your The best ones amongst you is the person who makes your

remember Allah when you look upon him; and whenever he remember Allah when you look upon him; and whenever he

speaks it increases you your knowledge (of the Deen), and with speaks it increases you your knowledge (of the Deen), and with

his deeds it inspires (motivates) you to strive for your his deeds it inspires (motivates) you to strive for your

Hereafter.”Hereafter.”

((Hadith reported by Hakim from Ibnu ‘Umar r.aHadith reported by Hakim from Ibnu ‘Umar r.a.).)All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013))


““Indeed, Allah bestowed a favour upon the believers when he raised up in Indeed, Allah bestowed a favour upon the believers when he raised up in

their midst a Messenger from among themselves, to convey His messages their midst a Messenger from among themselves, to convey His messages

unto them, and to cause them to grow in purity, and to impart unto them unto them, and to cause them to grow in purity, and to impart unto them

the divine writ as well as wisdom - whereas before that they were indeed, the divine writ as well as wisdom - whereas before that they were indeed,

most obviously, lost in error.”most obviously, lost in error.”

((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 163Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 163))


““Knowledge is not from the listening of much narrations Knowledge is not from the listening of much narrations

(or merely reading books), verily knowledge is light (or merely reading books), verily knowledge is light

(which Allah s.w.t. casts) into the heart.”(which Allah s.w.t. casts) into the heart.”

((Saying of Saying of ** Ibnu Mas’ud r.a Ibnu Mas’ud r.a.).)

* The famous companion (SAHABI) of the Prophet s.a.a.w.The famous companion (SAHABI) of the Prophet s.a.a.w.


““The most meritorious of knowledge is knowledge of The most meritorious of knowledge is knowledge of

the ‘the ‘HaalHaal’ (spiritual state); and the most meritorious of ’ (spiritual state); and the most meritorious of

actions (deeds) is to maintain one’s standing (goodly actions (deeds) is to maintain one’s standing (goodly

spiritual state attained).”spiritual state attained).”

* Muhammad ibn al-Hassan Abu ’Abdallah al-Shaibany r.h.m. said:

•The famous student of Imam Abu Hanifah r.h.mThe famous student of Imam Abu Hanifah r.h.m. Amongst the teachers of Imam Ash-Shafi’ie r.h.m


• REFLECTION:REFLECTION:

Our concern should be towards drawing close to Allah Our concern should be towards drawing close to Allah

spiritually described as states (spiritually described as states (HaalHaal). In the incremental ). In the incremental

states which we gained, we must strive to maintain with states which we gained, we must strive to maintain with

‘amal ‘amal (practice) as we can regress. When ‘(practice) as we can regress. When ‘istiqomahistiqomah’ in ’ in

one’s Haal is achieved, it is called ‘one’s Haal is achieved, it is called ‘MaqomMaqom’’



““Learn (seek knowledge)! For the learning is an Learn (seek knowledge)! For the learning is an

adornment for the one who (strive and) possesses it; a adornment for the one who (strive and) possesses it; a

virtue and a prelude to every praiseworthy action.”virtue and a prelude to every praiseworthy action.”



• REFLECTION:REFLECTION:

Certainly, this is from the Islamic perspective of Certainly, this is from the Islamic perspective of

knowledge linked to knowledge linked to ‘ibaadah ‘ibaadah – not the secularist-culture – not the secularist-culture

of learning which is attached to value-system quite of learning which is attached to value-system quite

opposed to Islamic ideals.opposed to Islamic ideals.



““Give yourself up to the study of jurisprudence (FIQH), for

the knowledge of jurisprudence is the best guide to piety and

the fear of God and it is the straightest path to the ultimate

goal.”.”

• REFLECTION:REFLECTION: “ “FiqhFiqh” – literally means “profound understanding (of the ” – literally means “profound understanding (of the

Deen)” – ref: al-Qur’an Surah Taubah : 9: 122, which later Deen)” – ref: al-Qur’an Surah Taubah : 9: 122, which later was used to refer to the studies of Islamic jurisprudence.was used to refer to the studies of Islamic jurisprudence.



“It is the milestone leading to the ways of proper guidance;

it is the fortress that saves [one] from all hardships. “

• REFLECTION:REFLECTION: Again, one has to understand Islam’s value system which do Again, one has to understand Islam’s value system which do

not separate the eternal goodness and hardship in Hereafter not separate the eternal goodness and hardship in Hereafter with present life which is temporary and fleeting. Thus, with present life which is temporary and fleeting. Thus, those with secular worldview, may not be able to appreciate those with secular worldview, may not be able to appreciate profoundly this message.profoundly this message.



“Indeed, one godly person versed in jurisprudence is more

powerful against Satan than a thousand [ordinary] worshippers.”

• REFLECTION:REFLECTION: Only by knowing the boundaries between obedience and Only by knowing the boundaries between obedience and

disobedience, instilled withdisobedience, instilled with Taqwa Taqwa (fear of transgression) (fear of transgression) that can effectively equip a Muslim against being tempted or that can effectively equip a Muslim against being tempted or deceived by Satan. Thus, the emphasis upon this knowledge.deceived by Satan. Thus, the emphasis upon this knowledge.



TO BE CONTINUEDTO BE CONTINUED


http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/

http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/

http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/

http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/

http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/

http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/

http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/

http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

All welcome to visit my web-blog:All welcome to visit my web-blog:

49All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013))

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[Slideshare] akhlaq-course (february 2013-batch) -# 3a-preparation for learning(2-march-2013)

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