[Slideshare]intermediate islam introductnakhlaq-lesson#4b(26-nov2011)

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

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)”

““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 # 4b – LESSON # 4b –

ABOUT THE ‘NAFS’ (SELF)

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011))26 Nov 2011

1 Muharram 1433AH

““And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul (And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul (RURUHH). ).

Say, "The soul (Say, "The soul (RURUHH) is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind ) is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind

have not been given of knowledge except a little.”have not been given of knowledge except a little.”

((Qur’an: al-Isra‘: 17: 85Qur’an: al-Isra‘: 17: 85))


All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

““Guide us to Guide us to the straight path the straight path -The path of those upon whom -The path of those upon whom

You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked

[Your] anger or of those who are astray.[Your] anger or of those who are astray.

((Qur’an: al-Fatihah: 1: 5-7Qur’an: al-Fatihah: 1: 5-7))



“O you who have attained to faith! (ISwBIRU) Be patient in

adversity, and (SwOBIRU) vie in patience with one another ;

and (ROBITwU) remain stationed (ever ready to do what is

right) and (be conscious and) fear Allah (TAQWALLAH); that

you may be successful.”

(Qur’an: Aali-’Imran: 3: 200)



“But as for those who strive hard in Our cause (JAHIDU) -We

shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us:

for, behold, Allah is indeed with the doers of good.”

(Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69)





““Consider the human self (Consider the human self (NAFSNAFS), and how it is ), and how it is

formed in accordance with what it is meant to be, formed in accordance with what it is meant to be,

and how it is imbued with moral failings as well as and how it is imbued with moral failings as well as

with consciousness of Allah! with consciousness of Allah!

To a happy state shall indeed attain he who causes To a happy state shall indeed attain he who causes

this [this [NAFSNAFS - self] to - self] to grow in puritygrow in purity, and truly lost is , and truly lost is

he who buries it [in darkness].”he who buries it [in darkness].”

((Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10))


The teaching of Islam is not merely concerned about the

outward manifestation of one’s submission (although important and

indispensible).

Its perfection which as important and indispensible – perhaps

many may disregard - is the concept of IHSAN that requires the inner

dimension of a Muslim’s servitude and worship. Since the essence of

‘ibadat is the intention, residing in our spiritual heart/mind (QALB)

which requires sincerity (IKHLAS), knowledge on how to maintain it’s

purity and growth is vital.

Thus knowledge about the nature and state of our spiritual Self

(NAFS) is very important.


“He (Allah) it is who has sent unto the unlettered

people a messenger from among themselves, to convey

unto them His messages, 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,

most obviously, lost in error.”

(Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2)



Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was sent as the educator of mankind

par excellence. The previous verse explains the manner of his

approach and most significant (important and indispensible) is the

stage of TAZKIYYATUN-NUFUS (Purification and growth of the spiritual

Selves) before his imparting or teaching them the Qur’an (al-Kitab) and

As-Sunnah (al-Hikmah).

And unlike secular education, what truly defines the essence of a

person in Islamic worldview is his soul or spiritual Self. Mere outward

transformation only is unacceptable without also a corresponding

inner change.


For in Islam, the success of our education is not merely in Muslims

being knowledgeable but requires that such knowledge must transform

their disposition (AKHLAQ) with noble virtues - the raison d'être of our

Prophet’s mission as in one of his sayings.

““Verily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except toVerily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except to

perfect the noble perfect the noble AkhlaqAkhlaq (disposition of mankind).” (disposition of mankind).”

((Hadith reported by MalikHadith reported by Malik) )


And “ AKHLAQ “, as asserted by Imam Hujwiri rahm.a. :

“are non-contrived praiseworthy actions not proceeding from

particular motives. Their outer form is in harmony with their

inner truth; they are actions devoid of pretension.”


““Consider the human self (Consider the human self (NAFSNAFS), and ), and how it is how it is

formed in accordance with what it is meant to beformed in accordance with what it is meant to be,”,”

((Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10))



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?

NON-LIVING PLANTS ANIMALS HUMANSNON-LIVING PLANTS ANIMALS HUMANS

Sustenance

Growth (Physical)

Reproduction (sexual)

Movement at will

Thought & Speech

.

..

.

. .

.

.

..

.

X

X

X X

X

X X

X

X


““THE MOST GRACIOUS has imparted this Qur’an THE MOST GRACIOUS has imparted this Qur’an

[unto man]. He has created man: He has imparted [unto man]. He has created man: He has imparted

unto him articulate thought and speech (unto him articulate thought and speech (AL-AL-

BAYANBAYAN).”).”

((Qur’an: Rahman: 55: 1-4Qur’an: Rahman: 55: 1-4))



““[At His behest] the sun and the moon run their [At His behest] the sun and the moon run their

appointed courses; [before Him] prostrate them appointed courses; [before Him] prostrate them

selves the stars and the trees. And the skies has He selves the stars and the trees. And the skies has He

raised high, and has devised [for all things] a raised high, and has devised [for all things] a

measure, so that you [too, O men,] might never measure, so that you [too, O men,] might never

transgress the measure [of what is right]:weigh, transgress the measure [of what is right]:weigh,

therefore, [your deeds] with equity (therefore, [your deeds] with equity (QISTwQISTw), and cut ), and cut

not the measure short!”not the measure short!”

((Qur’an: ar-Rahman: 55: 5-9Qur’an: ar-Rahman: 55: 5-9))



““Alif. Lam. Ra. A DIVINE WRIT [is this -a revelation] Alif. Lam. Ra. A DIVINE WRIT [is this -a revelation]

which We have bestowed upon thee from on high in which We have bestowed upon thee from on high in

order that thou might bring forth all mankind, by order that thou might bring forth all mankind, by

their Sustainer's leave, their Sustainer's leave, out of the depths of out of the depths of

darkness into the light: onto the way that leads to darkness into the light: onto the way that leads to

the Almightythe Almighty, the One to whom all praise is due -”, the One to whom all praise is due -”

((Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 1Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 1))


“Verily we have honoured the children of Adam. We carry

them on the land and the sea, and have made provision of

good things for them, and have preferred them above many

of those whom We created with a marked preferment.”

(Qur’an: al-Isra’: 17: 70)All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

“Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order

to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.

We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful

(rests on his will).”

(Qur’an: al-Insan: 76:2-3)


“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until

they change it themselves (within their own souls/selves).”

(Qur’an: ar-Ra’d: 13: 11)



“Many are the Jinns and men We have made for

Hell: they have hearts wherewith they understand

not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears

wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle nay

more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning).”

(Qur’an: al-A’raf: 7:179)


“But nay - they who are bent on evildoing follow but their

own desires, without having any knowledge (of the truth).

And who could guide those whom Allah has [thus] let go

astray, and who (thereupon) have none to succour them?”

(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 29)



“AND SO, set thy face steadfastly towards the [one

ever-true] faith, turning away from all that is false,

in accordance with the natural disposition

(FITwRAH) which Allah has instilled into man: [for,]

not to allow any change to corrupt what Allah has

thus created this is the [purpose of the one] ever-

true faith; but most people know it not.-”

(Qur’an: Rum: 30: 30)


““VERILY, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a VERILY, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a

good example good example for everyone who looks forward [with hope for everyone who looks forward [with hope

and awe] to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah and awe] to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah

unceasingly.unceasingly.””

((Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 21Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 21))


““Verily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except toVerily, I have not been sent (as Prophet) except to

perfect the noble perfect the noble AkhlaqAkhlaq (disposition of mankind).” (disposition of mankind).”

((Hadith reported by MalikHadith reported by Malik) )


““And you (Q Muhammad, stands) on an And you (Q Muhammad, stands) on an exalted standard exalted standard

of character (disposition).”of character (disposition).”

((Qur’an: Qalam: 68: 4Qur’an: Qalam: 68: 4))


“Say: Our life takes its colour from Allah! And who could give a

better colour (to life) than Allah? And it is He (alone) Whom we

worship.”

(Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 138)



ANGELSANGELSJINN (spirits)JINN (spirits)MANKINDMANKINDANIMALSANIMALSPLANTSPLANTS

Elevated to the Elevated to the highest, even highest, even higher than higher than AngelsAngels

Debased to be Debased to be the lowest of the the lowest of the low.low.

IN THE CENTRE

All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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


‘‘AQLIYYAHAQLIYYAH

WAHM/KHAYALIWAHM/KHAYALI

FITRAH SALIMAFITRAH SALIMA

BAHIMIYAHBAHIMIYAH

NABATIYYNABATIYY

Al-‘Al-‘AQLIYYAHAQLIYYAH

Power of intelligencePower of intelligence

Al- WAHMIYYAH / KHAYALIYYAHAl- WAHMIYYAH / KHAYALIYYAH

Power of abstraction / imaginationPower of abstraction / imagination




AL-GHADABIYYAHAL-GHADABIYYAH

Power of angerPower of anger

AL-SHAWIYYAHAL-SHAWIYYAH

Power of desiresPower of desires





The function and value of every one of these powers or faculties The function and value of every one of these powers or faculties

of the “of the “nafsnafs” is commonly well understood. If man did not have the ” is commonly well understood. If man did not have the

power of reason (intelligence), it would have been impossible for power of reason (intelligence), it would have been impossible for

him to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, true and him to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, true and

false. false.

If he did not possess the faculty of anger, he could not defend If he did not possess the faculty of anger, he could not defend

himself against attack and aggression. himself against attack and aggression.


If force of sexual attraction and desire did not exist in man, the If force of sexual attraction and desire did not exist in man, the

continued existence of the human species would be endangered. continued existence of the human species would be endangered.

And finally if man lacked the power of imagination, he could not And finally if man lacked the power of imagination, he could not

visualise universals or particulars, and he would be unable to make visualise universals or particulars, and he would be unable to make

any inference based on them. any inference based on them.


As in all things which Allah has created, the principle of moderation As in all things which Allah has created, the principle of moderation

and balance is applicable. The principle also applies to these faculties and balance is applicable. The principle also applies to these faculties

which are to be developed in man. which are to be developed in man.

The means to attain to this Islamic principle of “justice; excellence; The means to attain to this Islamic principle of “justice; excellence;

balance or equilibrium” in the Qur’anic terms balance or equilibrium” in the Qur’anic terms of of ‘ADALA, IHSAN, QISTw‘ADALA, IHSAN, QISTw

etc. manifesting these in ourselves as witnesses to etc. manifesting these in ourselves as witnesses to TAUTAUHHEEDEED - -

attestation to Oneness of Allah.attestation to Oneness of Allah.

The golden rule is moderation - The golden rule is moderation - WASATWASAT - neither lacking in nor too - neither lacking in nor too

much excessive use of these inherent powers - it will produce certain much excessive use of these inherent powers - it will produce certain

traits or disposition (traits or disposition (AKHLAQAKHLAQ) in man. The following chart may explain:) in man. The following chart may explain:


“ “ Quwwah Quwwah ””

((Faculty or PowerFaculty or Power))

IntelligenceIntelligence

AngerAnger

DesireDesire

Imagination /Imagination / abstractionabstraction

DEFICIENTDEFICIENT

StupidityStupidity

CowardiceCowardice

LethargyLethargy

SubmissiveSubmissive

EXCESSIVEEXCESSIVE

SlynessSlyness

FoolhardinessFoolhardiness

RapaciousRapacious

TyrannyTyranny

MODERATIONMODERATION

WisdomWisdom

CourageCourage

ChasteChaste

JusticeJustice

“Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire?

Then would you be responsible for him? Or do you think that

most of them hear or reason? They are not except like livestock.

Rather, they are [even] more astray in [their] way.”

(Qur’an:Furqan: 35: 43-44)


““And We gave them clear proofs of the matter [of religion]. And And We gave them clear proofs of the matter [of religion]. And

they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out

of jealous animosity between themselves. Indeed, your Lord will of jealous animosity between themselves. Indeed, your Lord will

judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that

over which they used to differ.”over which they used to differ.”

((Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 17Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 17))


“Then We put you, [O Muhammad], on an ordained way concerning the

matter [of religion – SHARI’AH]; so follow it and do not follow the

inclinations of those who do not know. Indeed, they will never avail you

against Allah at all. And indeed, the wrongdoers are allies of one

another; but Allah is the protector of the righteous.”

(Qur’an: Jatsiyah: 45: 18)


“Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women

and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded and sons; heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded

(for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled

land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness

to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).”to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).”

((Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:14Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3:14))


"But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, "But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee,

the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world:

but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not

(occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who

do mischief." do mischief."

((Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 77))


““Behold, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and the Behold, Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and the

giving (i.e. generosity) to kith and kin (i.e. fellow man), and giving (i.e. generosity) to kith and kin (i.e. fellow man), and

He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He

instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”

((Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16 : 90Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16 : 90))


TO BE CONTINUED - TO BE CONTINUED -


"O Allah! I ask Your Blessings and peace be upon Muhammad "O Allah! I ask Your Blessings and peace be upon Muhammad

and his Household and companions.”and his Household and companions.”


““O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the

ability to follow it.ability to follow it.

And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the

ability to reject it.”ability to reject it.”






O Allah, Thou art the All-Eternal the ever O Allah, Thou art the All-Eternal the ever

Existing the Source of every great Bestowals. Existing the Source of every great Bestowals.

And thanks to Thy great mercy and grace And thanks to Thy great mercy and grace

which is the source of everything happening.which is the source of everything happening.


This new year we beseech You (O Allah) to accept This new year we beseech You (O Allah) to accept

our supplication seeking (Your) protection for us our supplication seeking (Your) protection for us

all from satan, and from his allies and from his all from satan, and from his allies and from his

armies.armies.


And help us to overcome our commanding Self And help us to overcome our commanding Self

((NAFS -AL-AMARAHNAFS -AL-AMARAH) which inclines towards evil ) which inclines towards evil

and wrong. and wrong.

Make it (our Self –Make it (our Self – NAFS NAFS) to always be engaged ) to always be engaged

and busy in matters that will bring us closer to You.and busy in matters that will bring us closer to You.

““O Allah! Verily I beg of You for a O Allah! Verily I beg of You for a NAFSNAFS (self-soul) that is in (self-soul) that is in

tranquillity with You, a tranquillity with You, a NAFS NAFS (a self-soul) that is certain and (a self-soul) that is certain and

believes in meeting with You, (a self-soul that is always) pleased believes in meeting with You, (a self-soul that is always) pleased

with whatever You have decreed for me, and satisfied with all that with whatever You have decreed for me, and satisfied with all that

You have given me.”You have given me.”



O You Who is the Possessor of Honour and Majesty.O You Who is the Possessor of Honour and Majesty.

O You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show O You Who is the Most Merciful of those who show

Mercy.Mercy.





"Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may "Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may

have done that transgressed our duty; establish our have done that transgressed our duty; establish our

feet firmly and help us against those that resist feet firmly and help us against those that resist

Faith." Faith."


"Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have

forgotten or erred. forgotten or erred.

Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which

You laid upon those before us. You laid upon those before us.

Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no

ability to bear. ability to bear.

And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us.

You are our protector, so give us victory over the You are our protector, so give us victory over the

disbelieving people."disbelieving people."



““Our Lord! we believe; then do Thou forgive Our Lord! we believe; then do Thou forgive

us, and have mercy upon us: for Thou art the us, and have mercy upon us: for Thou art the

Best of those Who show mercy!” Best of those Who show mercy!”


"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives/husbands and "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives/husbands and

offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes

and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous." and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."


"Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and "Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and

dispose of our affair for us in the right way! “dispose of our affair for us in the right way! “


““Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls: Our Lord! we have wronged our own souls:

if Thou forgive us not and bestow not upon if Thou forgive us not and bestow not upon

us Thy Mercy we shall certainly be lost." us Thy Mercy we shall certainly be lost."


"O our Lord! cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness― "O our Lord! cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness―

me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day

that the Reckoning will be established!" that the Reckoning will be established!"


"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who

came before us into the Faith and leave not in our came before us into the Faith and leave not in our

hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those

who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full

of Kindness, Most Merciful.“of Kindness, Most Merciful.“


“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and

good in the Hereafter and save us from the

torment of the fire!"

And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our

Leader Muhammad, and upon His household Leader Muhammad, and upon His household

and Companions .and Companions .


And all the Praises belongs to Allah, And all the Praises belongs to Allah,

Lord Sustainer of all the worldLord Sustainer of all the world


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:

72All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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[Slideshare]intermediate islam introductnakhlaq-lesson#4b(26-nov2011)

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