The seven ways to fight laziness, boredom and weakness when trying to study

The Questioner says:

"I'm weak in my reading the books of benefit and when I begin to read some of the books of `Ilm (knowledge) I feel weakness and boredom; so what is your advice for me, and what is the correct path in reading the books which contain beneficial knowledge; benefit us (those seeking reward)?"

Firstly:
It is a must for the one who seeks knowledge to purify his intention for Allah the Lord of the worlds, and make his seeking the `Ilm (knowledge) being only for the purpose and goal of obtaining the pleasure of Allah; and in order to know the truth, to act by it, and to know falsehood so as to refrain from it.

Secondly:
To act by that, which he has learned from knowledge within in himself, and to try and teach what he has learned from knowledge to others.

Thirdly:
To safeguard what he has learned by memorizing it, and reviewing the `Ilm (knowledge) so it does not escape him.

Fourthly:
To be steadfast in learning what he does not know, so to add knowledge on top of knowledge.

Fifthly:

To ask Allah constantly to bestow & grant him with beneficial knowledge and provisions that are vast, and actions that are accepted; and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say if he prayed the Fajr prayer after he would make Taslim (Salam to the right then the left) this Du'a:

"O Allah, I ask you for knowledge which is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are acceptable." (To be said after making salaam for the Fajr prayer)

Sixthly:
If he was to feel tired and weak when he is in front of knowledge and ready to study, then he should ask Allah to make for him will power and a desire to gain knowledge and dedicate himself to it.

Seventhly:
Its obligatory on the student of knowledge to refrain from disobedience, for indeed disobedience kills the heart and weakens the understanding and its narrated about Imam Shafi'i he said: "I complained to my teacher Wa'ki about my weak memory so he directed me to leave of sin and then he said, `know!!!! That knowledge is light; and the light of Allah He does not give it to a disobedient person." And I say the proof for that is found in the Book of Allah when He Glorified be He Says,

"O you who believe! If you obey and Fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion, and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty." [Noble Quran 8:29]

"O you who believe Fear Allah, and believe too in His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), he will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and he will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and he will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. So what is important is that the student of knowledge needs consistent striving, striving against himself and against ones passions and lower desires and its greed, and to tire himself out in acquiring knowledge, and to hope that Allah will enable him to achieve that, and the success (Tawfiq) is from Allah." [Noble Quran 57:28]

Source: www.islamswomen.com

 From Imam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

There are six stages to knowledge:

1. Asking questions in a good manner.
2. Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
3. Understanding well.
4. Memorizing.
5. Teaching.
6. Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits.

Fruits of Humility

One of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) said: "Indeed a servant commits a sin by which he enters Paradise; and another does a good deed by which he enters the Fire." It was asked: How is that? So he replied: "The one who committed the sin, constantly thinks about it; which causes him to fear it, regret it, weep over it and feel ashamed in front of his Lord - the Most High - due to it. He stands before Allah, broken-hearted and with his head lowered in humility. So this sin is more beneficial to him than doing many acts of obedience, since it caused him to have humility and humbleness - which leads to the servant's happiness and success - to the extent that this sin becomes the cause for him entering Paradise. As for the doer of good, then he does not consider this good a favor from his Lord Upon him. Rather, he becomes arrogant and amazed with himself, saying: I have achieved such and such, and such and such. So this further increases him in self adulation, pride and arrogance - such that this becomes the cause for his destruction."

Purifying the Heart

"There is no doubt that the heart becomes covered with rust, just as metal dishes - silver, and their like - become rusty. So the rust of the heart is polished with Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), for Dhikr polishes the heart until it becomes like a shiny mirror. However, when Dhikr is abandoned, the rust returns; and when it commences then the heart again begins to be cleansed. Thus the heart becoming rusty is due to two matters: sins and Ghaflah (neglecting remembrance of Allah). Likewise, it is cleansed and polished by two things : Istighfar (seeking Allah's forgiveness) and Dhikr."

Jihad Against the Self

"Jihad" (striving) against the soul has four stages:

1. To strive in learning guidance and the religion of truth, without which there will be no success. Indeed, there can be no true happiness, nor any delight in this world and in the Hereafter, except through it.

2. Striving to act upon what has been learnt, since knowledge without action will not benefit, rather it will cause harm.

3. Striving to invite others towards it and to teach those who do not know, otherwise he may be considered from those who hide what Allah has revealed of guidance and clear explanation. Such knowledge will neither benefit, nor save a person from the punishment of Allah.

4. Striving to be patient and persevering against those who oppose this Dawah (call) to Allah and those who seek to cause harm - patiently bearing all these hardships for the sake of Allah.

When these four stages are completed then such a person is considered to be amongst the pious. The Salaf were agreed that a scholar does not deserve the title of pious until he recognizes and knows the truth, acts upon it, and teaches it to others. So whosoever has knowledge, acts upon it, and teaches this knowledge to others, is considered from the pious.

Trials of the Heart

Ibn al-Qayyim said, whilst commenting upon the following Hadith: "Trials and tribulations will be presented to hearts, as a reed mat is interwoven stick by stick. Any heart which absorbs these trials will have a black mark put in it. However, any heart that rejects them will have a white mark put in it. The result is that hearts will be of two kinds: one white like a white stone, which will not be harmed by trials as long as the heavens and earth endure; and the other dark and rusty, like an over-turned vessel; not able to recognize the good, nor reject evil, but rather being absorbed with its desires."

"The Fitna (trials) which are presented to the hearts - and which are the cause of its weakness - are: The trials relating to Shahwah (false desire) and The trials relating to Shubhah (doubt) .... so the first causes intentions and desires to be corrupted, whilst the second causes knowledge and beliefs to be corrupted."

Speaking about such trials, he said: "Hearts - when exposed to such Fitan (trials) - are of two types:

The first type: a heart, which, when exposed to such trials, absorbs it like a sponge that soaks-up water, leaving in it a black stain. Such a heart continues to soak-up the various trials that are presented to it, until it becomes dark and corrupted - which is what is meant by "an over-turned vessel. "So when this occurs, two dangerous and deadly diseases take hold of it and plunge it into destruction:

(i) confusing good with evil, so it neither recognizes the good, nor rejects the evil. This disease may take hold of it to such an extent that it believes good to be evil; and evil to be good, Sunnah to be Bid'ah (innovation); and innovations to be the Sunnah. and the truth to be falsehood: and falsehood the truth.

(ii) judging by its whims and desires, over and against what Allah's Messenger ( peace and blessings be upon him) came with being enslaved by its whims and desires and being led by them also.

The second type: a white heart in which the light of remain is bright and its radiance is illuminating. So when trials are presented to such a heart, it rejects and turns away from them. This further increases its light and illumination and its strength."

Four Principles of Worship

(The Ayah): "You alone do we worship." [Surah al Fatihah 1:5] is built upon four principles: Ascertaining what Allah and His Messenger love and are pleased with, from 

(i) the sayings of the heart and
(ii) of the tongue; and
(iii) the actions of the heart and
(iv) of the limbs.

So al-'Ubudiyyah (servitude and slavery to Allah) is a comprehensive term for all these four Stages. The one who actualizes them has indeed actualized: "You alone do we worship."

(i) The saying of the heart: It is I'tiqad (belief) in what Allah - the Most Perfect - informed about His Self; concerning His Names, His Attributes, His Actions, His Angels, and all that He sent upon the tongue of His Messenger ( peace and blessings be upon him).

(ii) The saying of the tongue: It is to inform and convey (what Allah has revealed), to call to it, defend it, to explain the false innovations which oppose it, to establish its remembrance and to convey what it orders.

(iii) The action of the heart: Such as love for Him, reliance upon Him, repenting to Him, having fear and hope in Him, making the Deen purely and sincerely for Him, having patience in what He orders and prohibits, having patience with what He decrees and being pleased with it, having allegiance and enmity for His sake, humbling oneself in front of Him and having humility in front of Him, becoming tranquil with Him and other than this from the actions of the heart which are actually connected to the action of the limbs ... and actions of the limbs without the action of the heart is of little benefit if any benefit at all.

(iv) The action of the limbs: Such as Prayer and Jihad, attending the congregation and being with it, aiding those who are unable and displaying goodness and kindness to the creation, and other than this.

Source: www.islamswomen.com

by Shaykh `Aa'id Abdullah al-Qarnee

Lack of Understanding of Religion is what distinguishes the hypocrites, that they and all praise be to Allaah, do not understand a thing about the Religion. The hypocrite knows how to drive a car and its mechanics, he knows the nations of the world and their capitals, he also knows lots of trivial things and various other useless facts which do not benefit him, if they do not harm him. However, when you approach him with things from the Religion which are common knowledge, he doesn't know a thing about them.

Allaah, the Sublime, says:

"But the hypocrites do not understand." [Al-Qur'aan, Al-Munaafiqoon (63):7]

The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam, said as is reported in the Saheehs of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim: "Whomsoever Allah wishes to show goodness, he gives him understanding of the Religion."

The people of knowledge have said the opposite to this is that whomsoever Allaah does not wish to show goodness, He does not bestow upon him the understanding of the Religion.

The sign of a believer is that he understands the Religion and is constantly increasing his knowledge of certain matters and benefits and he is covetous of all that is good, as well as the gatherings wherein it is disseminated. The hypocrite, however, completely turns away. When the people talk in a gathering about matters to do with the Prayer or worship, it is to him as if they are speaking in a different language. However, when a matter of this world comes up such a price of goods, vouchers, bills, travellers cheques, the yen and the dollar (and I do not say that the believer does not know these matters, rather he knows these matters but he also knows the affairs of the Religion) then he (the hypocrite) speaks as if that is the only thing in the world which interests him besides food and drink. So he whoknows these matters but does not know a thing about the Religion, then that is a sign of hypocrisy and refuge is only with Allaah!

Shaykh Salih bin `Abdul-`Aziz bin Muhammad Aal ash-Shaikh

'All praise is due to Allaah, as He deserves, and I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, may His honor be exalted, and I bear witness that Muhammed is His slave and messenger, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him and upon his family and companions and whosoever follows in his footsteps till the last day.

I ask Allah Al-Kareem by His most beautiful names and most lofty attributes to make me and all of you of those who are motivated for Allah, and do actions for Allaah, and seek knowledge for Allah's sake, and speaks for Allah's sake and does deeds fo Allah's sake , Jalla jalalahu, for indeed ACTIONS ARE BY INTENTIONS AND EVERY MAN SHALL HAVE BUT THAT WHICH HE INTENDED.

There is no doubt that seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, as has been authentically reported from Al-Mustafa. Seeking knowledge has its principles and its stages; so whoever fails to acquire or seek knowledge based on these principles and on this gradation of talab al-'ilm (seeking knowledge) such will fail to acquire it. And this is an issue we repeatedly emphasize hoping to drive this into the hearts of the students of knowledge and those who ove knowledge, and that is to acquire knowledge piecemeal, bit by bit , over the passage of time. As was said by the famous scholar Ibn Shihab Az-Zuhri, "Whoever aims to acquire knowledge all at once, it will leave him all at once. Rather knowledge should be acquired over the passage of days and nights"

Just as when a child is taught the basics of writing and the basics of speaking and anunciating, he has to be taught this gradually, bit by bit, so if he continues to do this, he improves till he is eventually able to write and speak well. Knowledge, likewise has its young and its old, depending on the amount of understanding and their actions; and considering that knowledge is from Allah and His rasool (salla Allahu 'alaihi wa sallam) , there isn't anything in this 'ilm that is simple.

Malik, rahimahullah, when it was said to him that this is from the simple part of knowledge replied: There is nothing easy in the knowledge of the Quraan and the Sunnah. Rather it is as Allaah has said: "Verily we shall send down to you a weighty word."

So one who considers knowledge to be weighty and difficult will obtain it. But as for one who takes issues up saying: this is clear, and this is straightforward..., such a person will just pass over it rapidly and in doing so will lose out on a lot. Therefore, it is imperative to take things step by step in the acquisition of knowledge with the idea that nothing in it is simple - rather that all of it is weighty, with regards to its understanding, with regards to consolidating what is known, and wth regards to persevering in acquiring knowledge; for it is weighty and it requires continuance and following up - for knowledge is forgotten if it is left, but if a taalib ul-ilm perseveres in it and continues, it will remain. So this emphasizes persistence on the part of the student of knowledge, so as not to be neglectful in the talab ul-ilm.

So let not one say, for example,"this book is simple, why is this text being explained since it is so simple and clear- they are known ahadeeth....". Such a person has come from this angle to wrongly simplify the complexities and principles of knowledge. A group from among the people of knowledge have said:"'Ilm comprises intricate knots ('Uqad) and Mulahh- so whoever is able to dea with the knots, 'Ilm becomes easy for him,and whoever fails to undo the knots, fails to acquire knowledge." And this will only occur by the perfection of the foundations - the usool - of the sciences. So if a seeker of knowledge perfects the known texts in hadeeth and the different fields of knowledge, he will then be prepared to proceed to a higher level, after having consolidated and understood what has preceded.

For this reason I strongly urge all the brothers and all the students of knowledge who hear what I say to approach knowledge and to take it with resolve and firmness, and to not take every issue and say this is simple, that is clear....Rather he should repeat that which is clear to make it clearer; repeat the knowledge he has so he can increase in his knowledge of what he knows, and so on.

And I ask Allah to make this explanation that is is before us a complete and comprehensive one, and mayit benefit the presenter and the listeners, and make us of those who have insight in it, of those who speak from knowledge, not out of opinions and whims.'

Source: www.kalamullah.com

Narrated Abu Said: A woman came to Allah's Apostle (SAW) and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Men (only) benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from (some of) your time, a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you." Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place." They gathered and Allah's Apostle came to them and taught them of what Allah had taught him. He then said, "No woman among you who has lost her three children (died) but that they will screen her from the Fire." A woman among them said, "O Allah's Apostle! If she lost two children?" She repeated her question twice, whereupon the Prophet said, "Even two, even two, even two!" (Bukhari, 6840)

It is known from the teachings of Islam that seeking knowledge and seeking to understand the religion is one of the best acts of worship and obedience to Allah. The same is true for studying Quran and trying to recite and memorize it as much as one can. All of these are among the best acts of worship.

Allah says in the Noble Quran:

"Say (O Muhammad): 'This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah -- Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah, i.e. to the Oneness of Allah -- Islamic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah; those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah)'" [Yusuf 12:108]

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"When Allah wills good for a person, He grants him proper understanding of religion." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The believer will never have enough of listening to good things (seeking knowledge) until he reaches Paradise."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:

"Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise. The angels beat their wings in approval of the seeker of knowledge, and those who are in the heavens and on earth pray for forgiveness for the scholar, even the fish in the water. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all other heavenly bodies. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, for the Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams, rather they left behind knowledge, so whoever gains knowledge has gained great good fortune.'" Narrated by al-Tirmidhi

Allah has given us many ways nowadays that make it easy to seek knowledge without any hardship and without having to go of the house; that is by means of cassette tapes, the computer and the internet.

Women - and also men - must follow the right way of acquiring knowledge, starting with what is easy before embarking on difficult matters. It is also essential to use a balanced approach and not to take on more than you can handle so that you will not give up.

TIPS FOR SEEKING KNOWLEDGE:

We advise our sisters to do the following:

1. Be Sincere:
Remember, seeking knowledge is an act of worship and Allah will not accept any act of worship unless it's done sincerely for His sake. Fame, status, wealth, arguing with people or debating with scholars, are all things that will corrupt the sincerity of the heart. Seek knowledge for the pleasure of Allah alone, to obey His commands, and to remove ignorance from yourself and others.

2. Memorize Quran:
Do your best to memorize a portion of the Quran on a daily base. Stick to a daily schedule and memorize a few verses. It may be a good idea to commit to a small daily portion, and do not increase it even if you find that you have more time and energy on some occasions, for a small deed that is done regularly is better than a large deed done intermittently.

3. Overall Knowledge:
Read summaries of all branches of knowledge, and leave the detailed works for later. Every branch of knowledge has books which give a gradual approach, starting with brief discussions and ending with lengthy and detailed analysis.
Read a little about Tawheed, Hadith, Fiqh and all other branches of knowledge.

4. Understand & Memorize What You Read:
Do your best to memorize these texts if you can, because memorizing evidence, whether from the Quran or Sunnah will help you in following the correct path to knowledge. The scholars said, "Whoever memorizes the texts has excelled."

5. Commentaries and Notes:
Try to acquire books with commentaries by trustworthy scholars. And never hesitate to fill the margin of your book with notes that will help you remember things later.

6. Study with a Trusted Sheikh, or Other Sisters:
Seek someone with a religious commitment and knowledge. If that is not possible, then look for sisters who are seekers of knowledge and ahead of you on the path.

7. Stay Away From Confusion & Doubt:
Do not start with controversial books before you have mastered the basics of evidence from the Quran and the correct Sunnah.

8. Seek Knowledge that Relates to You:
You should seek out knowledge specifically relating to women in Islam, about being a daughter, wife and mother, your role in society and within you neighborhood and community.

9. Make the Best Use of Time:
Make the most of your youth and your whole life by learning. Do not be deceived by procrastination and wishful thinking about the future. Every hour of your life that passes cannot be replaced. Do away with whatever you can of distractions and obstacles which prevent you from striving your utmost to attain knowledge.

10. Be Creative in Finding Time:
Having kids or household chores does not have to be a barrier, rather it can be an excuse to learn more! Play a lecture or an audio book while ironing, pairing the socks, dusting the room, or washing the dishes. Praise be to Allah, now you are seeking knowledge and getting your chores done too. And it makes the chores go quicker!!

11. Vary Your Means of Acquiring Knowledge:
Use a variety of methods of seeking knowledge so that you will not get bored, such as reading, listening and watching.

12. Be Patient - Do Not Be Hasty:
The path is long and hard, and whoever strives hard at the beginning will reach their target.

13. Act Upon What You Learn:
Knowledge calls for action, but if it meets with no response, it will move on.

14. Be Humble Towards Allah:
Beware of two dangers: arrogance, and destructive envy (hasad).
The early companions would listen to those who were older than them in order to learn good manners, and they would listen to those who were younger than them in order to learn humility.

One of the salaf said, "No shy or arrogant person will ever seek knowledge." So shyness should not stop you from asking questions about Islam. And arrogance is harmful in this world and in the Hereafter; one of its harmful effects in this world is that it keeps a person from asking and learning.

15. Ask Allah to help:
You should seek the help of Allah in your pursuit of knowledge and Dawah. Putting one's trust in Allah, pursuing the appropriate means, and praying to Him to make things easy are all among the greatest and most beneficial means of reaching one's goal.

And Allah Knows Best 

Source: www.islamswomen.com

By Peace

The Black and white perspective of Islamic class

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104)

The Prophet (SAW) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence...” (Bukhari)

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“Islamic class? Why? What happened to you? You are young right? Someone’s already acting soo matured”

Ya Allah!  How many comments when I informed them that I’m joining an Islamic etiquettes and manners class on Friday mornings. But honestly hearing these comments, within me there was a conflict “Will I feel like an alien there? Would I feel bored like all others (who haven’t gone to such gatherings)."

Aoodubillah, the shaitaan had already begun his job to discourage me from going. Yet, Alhamdulillah, Allah SubhanaAllah Wa Taala gave me the strength to go ahead with my decision.

"And whomsoever Allah guides, for him there will be no misleader." (39:37)

Prophet Muhammad sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Race to good deeds before a time and a fitnah (test) comes that will sweep over you like the darkest of the darkest nights”

Allah blessed me with the right companions who encouraged me to go attend the gathering. May Allah Bless them all and give them the best of provisions in this world and Aakhirah. Ameen

For this reason, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend" (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).

“A believer with respect to another believer is like a building; one part strengthens and reinforces the other.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

My 1st day at the most beautiful gathering in the eyes of Allah Azzawajal

My friend and I decided to go for this class. But then my friend had to take an emergency leave on the very first day of our class and I felt uneasy thinking about going without her for the lectures. I entered the gate and saw three sisters sitting outside the tent.

They greeted:

“ASSALAMUALAIKKUM WARAHMUTULLAH sister” (Coupled with Big warm innocent excited smiles)

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it or at least return it equally.” (4:86)

I thought to myself “wow what a pleasant greeting … so much peace and happiness it brought to my mind... It was obvious that they saw one of their BEST friends and was greeting her". I turned back to see who their blessed BEST friend was ..! But didn’t see anyone. While my eyes were searching for that friend, one of those sisters interrupted my search..

“SISTER, how are you? Assalamualaikkum Warahmutullah! "

"When those who believe in Our Ayah (proofs, verses, signs, etc.) come to you, say: "Salaamun Alaikum" (peace be on you)...…" (Surah al-An'aam:54)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "The best of the two persons is the one who begins with salaam." (Related by an-Nawawi)

SubhanaAllah! That best friend was me! They were talking to me! I greeted back with utmost happiness but shyly,

“Waalaikkum Assalam Warahmutullah”

After enquiring about my registration one of them guided me to the hall in the tent. A huge hall with more than 150 sisters. The light of Imaan shone on all of their faces. MashaAllah! I sat on one of those seats looking out for any familiar faces to get to talk to. A sister came forward, she put forward her hand to give me a handshake.

The Prophet (SAW) also said, "When two Muslims meet (give salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other)." (Abu Dawud)

“Assalamualaikkum Warahmutullah…” “Waalaikkum Assalam Warahmutullah”

“How are you sister? (Smiling with all the love, care and peace)”

“I am fine, Alhamdulillah”

“JazakAllah Khair (May Allah Reward you for the good) Sister. May Allah bless us all”

She smiled and greeted the sister sitting next to me, and then the next and next…

The Prophet (SAW) said: "When one of you joins a gathering, he should greet those present; and when he leaves them he should salute them, because the first salutation is not better than the last one." (AbuDawud and Tirmithi)

Wow! What Etiquette of Greeting and Welcoming! What beautiful short talks those sisters had with me!.... but in those short moments they made duas for me:

• Assalamualaikkum Warahmutullah-May Peace and Mercy of Allah Be upon you.
• JazaAllah Khair-May Allah Reward you for the good.
• May Allah bless us all.

I later realized these Etiquettes are learnt from the Quran and Sunnah, which every Muslim is obliged to practice when meeting each other.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "Allah will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His. (Among the seven, one of them is) two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only." (Bukhari)

When driving back home, I asked myself...”Is it this place I had second thoughts of coming? Is it this place people comment as a place for only grownups?”

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SubhanaAllah! Once we step into this world of people, who meet and part in the sake of Allah, who love each other for the sake of Allah, who teach, learn and practice the teachings of Quran and Sunnah, who share their knowledge having concern for each other, we realize that we have stepped onto a blessed shade filled with unpolluted, unmasked, sincere love and care; helping one another to increase and strengthen their Imaan to please Our Creator The Exalted.

Portrayal of Islamic/Quran classes by people who haven’t had an experience of attending such class is not what it actually is. All what I and my friends’ experience is that there is sharing of knowledge in the most beautiful way, helping each other to love for their sisters and brothers what they love for themselves, learning duas and so much more Alhamdulillah (All Praise to Allah). The peace of mind we get there, makes our heart content and makes us realize the beauty of there is none worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) is His Messenger.

The innocent jokes and those giggles…and the Beautiful Salaams and the big hugs …Alhamdulillah . You never get to make a “group” or a “gang” of friends there…all of us are one group / gang of friends who learn and teach each other with the intention of pleasing our Creator...The Most Merciful...The Most Gracious...

Allah Says “Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety)…” (5:2)

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heaven and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in Water) supplicate in favour of those who teach people knowledge.'' (Tirmidhi)

O Allah, make us from Your devoted slaves. O Allah, do not prevent us from being among those Whom You protect; Allah make us from those who are close to you, O Allah, Lord of the worlds. Ameen

Source: http://muslimahsworld.wordpress.com/

by Muhammad Alshareef

Many years ago in Uzbekistan, a baby boy was born blind. His mother, the strong mu'minah that she was, did not lose sight of He who had the power to cure him. She prayed and prayed for her son’s sight, and within a few years the boy regained his eyesight. But furthermore, she was widowed, and the boy an orphan. Regardless, she traveled with him to Makkah so that he could receive an Islamic education. She arranged for him to attend the circles of the scholars. He began excelling in the science of hadith. He traveled to distant villages in search of the most authentic sayings of RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam. His mother named him Muhammad ibn Isma'il. Many of us know him today by the book he compiled – the book that stands after the Qur’an in authenticity – Saheeh Al-Bukhari.

In another land, in another time, chilly Baghdad winds would wake up another boy. His mother would bundle him in warm shawls and escort him through the darkness before fajr making sure he reached the masjid safely. After fajr she would wait for him as he read hadith to the biggest scholars of the land. Then she would meet him outside and together they would walk home. She was a strong mother indeed, for her son grew up to become an imam of the Muslim ummah, an imam by the name of Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Manaaqib Ahmad, by Ibn Al-Jawzi).

Another scholarly name we are familiar with is that of Imam Suyuti. What many of us may not know is that he authored his first book, Tafseer Bismillaah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheeem, when he was in the 2nd grade!

Why should we try to follow in the footsteps of these stars of Islam? The knowledge they had was unlike anything else. It was the law of Allah and the inheritance of the Prophets. It is our duty to preserve and protect the estate of Rasul Allah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam, and that cannot happen without there being serious and sincere brothers and sisters spending long days and nights reading, reflecting, and teaching others.

Every Islamic revival that takes place is built on something. Some revivals are built on emotions, others on politics. The only one that will remain firm is the one that is built on the sound knowledge of the words of Allah and the Sunnah of Rasul Allah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam.

A sincere man once stood on the beach shore watching the waves thrashing a fish up and down. The man decided that he must save the fish. He thrashed into the water and grabbed the fish by the tail. Then he went back to the shore and threw the fish on the beach, satisfied that he had saved it from the water! When we work for the sake of Allah without knowledge of what the path of Allah is, many times we do as this young man did.

We are living in an age of information. We have lights in every corner of the house when only yesterday our ancestors read by the light of the moon. We have publishing houses when only yesterday our ancestors wrote the books they owned with their own hands. We have CD's to search the hadith archives when our scholars spent days upon days searching for proof and evidence in their libraries. Knowledge should increase with all this ease, but it has not.

When a prize is great, the responsibility and work required for it shall also be great. The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever seeks out a path to acquire knowledge (of the deen), Allah makes easy a path for him to Jannah" (Muslim).

Mu'aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan narrated that the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever Allah wishes good for, he grants them fiqh (understading) of the deen."

He also told us that the sincere scholars have a place with Allah no one else can reach. He sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"The virtue of the scholar to a worshipper (‘aabid) is similar to the virtue of the moon when it is full to the rest of the stars. And verily the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. Verily the Prophets did not leave behind dirhams and dinars, but rather they left behind knowledge. Thus whoever takes it, takes it as a bountiful share" (Authentic; narrated by Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah).

The position of the people of Islamic knowledge reaches such a level that Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala and the angels pray for them! Abu Umaamah narrated that RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"Verily Allah and His angels, even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea, verily (they all) pray for he who teaches people good."

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam also made du’a for them, as narrated by Zayd ibn Thabit:

"May Allah grant light (and happiness and beauty in the face) of someone who hears a hadith from us and memorizes it until he passes it on to others" (Authentic, narrated by Tirmidhi).

One of the hadith scholars that Imam Bukhari took from, Hisham ibn Ammar narrates an incident that happened to him when he was 8 years old. He said, "My father sold a house of his for 20 dinars so that I could go for Hajj (and study Islam). When I arrived in Madinah, I went to the circle of Imam Maalik. He was sitting amongst his students like a king. People would ask him questions and he would answer. When I entered the crowd and my turn came up I said, ‘Haddathani (recite to me)!’

“He said, ‘Rather you read.’

“I said, ‘No, you haddathani!’

“Imam Maalik said, ‘No you read!’

“When I talked back and argued, he got angry and said to another student, go outside with me and hit me 15 times! That student took me outside and hit me 15 times with a stick and then brought me back to Imam Maalik. I said, ‘You have wronged me! My father sold his house so that I could come to you and be honored by listening to your teaching and seeking knowledge from you. But you smacked me 15 times without any crime on my part. I shall not forgive you!’

“Imam Maalik then said, ‘What is the expiation for this wrong?’

“I said, ‘You have to recite 15 hadith to me as expiation.’

“So Imam Maalik began reciting the hadith to me until he completed 15. When he ended I told him, ‘Beat me more and read more hadith to me.’

“Imam Maalik laughed and said, ‘Be off’” (Ma'rifat Al-Qurraa' al-Kibaar by Imam Adh-Dhahabi)!

From the beginning of time, there has been a race between the doers of good and the doers of evil. Adam and Iblis, Musa and Fir'own, Muhammad sal Allahu alay wa sallam and Abu Jahl. Today, that race has not ended. How hard are the doers of evil working and how hard are we?

‘Umar radi Allahu anhu once said, "I seek Allah's protection from the jalad (the strength and enthusiasm) of the sinner, and the laziness of the God-fearer." It is as if he was contemplating the time that we are now living in.

Why are we too lazy to pray 2 rakaat at night, when the people of the dunya spend the entire night watching movies? Why do we cringe at paying 6 dollars for an Islamic book, when the people of the dunya spend thousands in pursuit of their sin?

Some of the fuqahaa' who came before us said, "For years I desired to eat hareesah (a sweet dish) and I wasn't able to because it was only sold during class time."

Imam Su'bah said, "If I ever saw someone running in the streets of the village I would only think one of two things: He was either crazy or a student of hadith!"

Ibn Al-Jawzi said, "I haven't seen a flaw more sad in the community than those who stop working even though they have the ability to continue."

To correct the situation we must reflect on the following:

First, we must be sincere in our desire to learn Islam. We are learning this deen to rid ourselves of ignorance and then to help others to rid themselves of ignorance. It is not a coincidence that the first hadith in Saheeh al-Bukhari is, "Verily actions are (judged) by their intentions…" The scholars are reminding us from page one that our path to learning must be for the sake of Allah. Allah ordered us to be sincere to Him in our actions:

And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith) (Al Bayyinah 98/5).

RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever studies that which is meant for the sake of Allah, desiring only a piece of the dunya, he shall not smell the frangrance of Jannah on the Day of Judgement" (Authentic; narrated by Ahmad and Tirmidhi).

Ibn Abbas said, "Verily a man shall be protected (by Allah) in proportion to his niyyah (intention for doing what it is he is doing)."

The issue of intention is not an easy matter. Sufyan Ath-Thawree said, "I have never nursed something more rebellious than my intentions" (Al-Ja'mi' li akhlaaq al-Raawee by Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadi).

Listen to the advice of Imam Ibn Jamaa'ah on what it takes to correct your intention: "A proper and sincere intention when studying Islam is to intend to win the pleasure of Allah by what you are doing. You should intend to practice what you learn and to resurrect the Shari'ah, hoping that this knowledge will shine light on your heart, cleanse your soul, and bring you closer to Allah on the Day of Judgement…Your intention for studying Islam should not be to win any worldly commodity, like leadership, or fame, or riches. It should not be learnt so that you can show off to your colleagues or so that people will revere you and sit you in a chief position in their gatherings, and so on…" (Tadhkirat as-Saami' wal Mutakallim).

Secondly, we should understand that we are in a continuous war with Shaytaan, and that he does not want us to succeed in this studying. Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala says:

When thou does read the Qur’an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the Rejected One (An-Nahl 16/98).

The Shaytaan shall sit in the face of every good thing that you try to do. RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam told us:

"The Shaytaan sits in the path (of every goodness) that the son of Adam (may try to take). He sat in front of him when he took the path to Islam and asked him, ‘How could you leave the religion of your fathers and your forefathers?’ But he disobeyed him and became Muslim. Then Shaytaan sat in front of him in his path to hijrah and asked, ‘How could you leave your land and your sky?’ But he disobeyed him and migrated (from Makkah). Then he sat in front of him in his path of jihaad and said, ‘Why should you do jihaad? It will only exhaust your wealth and body. You'll be killed, your wife will marry someone else, and your wealth will be divided (to others).’ But he disobeyed him and went for jihaad."

Rasul Allah then said, "Whoever does this, it is a duty upon Allah that He shall enter him into Jannah!"

One way Shaytaan will sit in your path is by making you procrastinate. He will tell you that you are busy now and that later in your life you shall take the time out to study Islam. Life will pass and the ‘after’ shall live forever. Shaytaan will tell you that the situation of the ummah is lost and that your studying will not help anything. Combat this with what you've seen from the jihaad of knowledge and teaching that RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam and those that came before us did.

Shaytaan will tell you that there are enough scholars and so you are not needed. But scholars will die, and if the knowledge is not passed onto the next generation, it will die in the community. There are 1.4 billion Muslims and the problem that always comes up is that there are not enough teachers and scholars. Everyone is a shepherd and everyone shall be responsible for his or her flock.

Thirdly, we should never forget to pray to Allah to bless us with His Mercy in succeeding in our intentions to learn Islam for His sake. Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala says:

When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me… (Al-Baqarah 2/186)

Source: www.khutbah.com
Re-published with permisson

Written by Shaikh Ahmad Kutty

It all depends what we mean by preaching. If by preaching we mean transmitting the message of Islam through words and actions, then most of the prominent women of the sahabah as well as the wives of the Prophet  were transmitters of knowledge to individuals and groups who sought out for them. This is why the works of hadith are full of narrations from them. However, the wives of the Prophet, peace be upon him, played a far greater role as they served as retainers and transmitters of Prophetic wisdom. Aishah and Umm Salamah stood out as the most prominent among them. As for Aishah, her home was almost like a university, for hundreds of men and women transmitted traditions and insights in fiqh and tafsir from her; among them were the seven foremost jurists of Madinah in the next generation.

Thanks to her contributions, when the Umayyad Caliph Umar b. Abd al-Aziz commissioned scholars to compile traditions, he specifically requested them to compile all of the traditions transmitted by Aishah through her students.

Aishah was also recognized for her oratorical skills as well besides her deep grasp of hadith, fiqh, tafsir and Arabic language. Mu’awiyah, the Umayyad caliph, and the companion of the Prophet said, “I never heard a more eloquent speaker after the Prophet, peace be upon him, comparable to Aishah.” It is well known that Aishah used to address people whenever there was a need to do so in order to clarify an issue or pass on a valuable piece of information. Thus when she heard that, following Abu Bakr’s death, some people were criticizing him for some of his policies, she gathered them and addressed them covering all of the points they had raised. She then asked them, whether they still had any question, to which all of them remained quiet, for they could not but be convinced of her presentation.

Thanks to the legacy of Aishah, Umm Salamah and others, Islam produced hundreds of women scholars, who were known for their expertise in various fields such as hadith and fiqh. Even some of the greatest imams such as Imam Shafi, Ibn Taymiyya, Dhahabi, and Ibn Hajar had women scholars as teachers. Dr. Akram Nadvi has brought out a multi-volume work on women scholars in Islam.

In conclusion: It is perfectly fine for women to speak to men or address them or teach them

Source: http://islahicentre.org/