Update: We’d like to thank everyone who attended this seminar. Alhamdulillah, it was a great class, filled with many enlightening notes and anecdotes. We look forward to seeing you at our next class, The Prophet’s Smile!

The Conqueror’s Perspective

Stories are often told from the perspective of the conqueror: Ancient maps depicting exaggerated sizes of the European continent; stories told from a Euro-centric perspective; significant chunks in timelines distorted or removed entirely to cover up empowering truths.

The time is long overdue for the Muslim Ummah to reclaim its story…

Africa is a treasure cove embedded with scholarly tribes and ilm-powered cities.

Expand your knowledge on:

• The roots of Africa and its name

• Africa’s first encounter with Islam

• The role of Africans as Sahabah

• The extensive advancements of Islamic scholarship as result of African schools.

• The importance and history of major cities like Timbuktu and Qayrawaan

• African Heroes who saw to it that Islam remains upon the Quran and Sunnah

• The various movements and eras Africa witnessed among the Muslims

.:Increase Your Knowledge:.

ENROLL TODAY!

With the upcoming seminar in April: Precious Provisions, I thought I’d share a few thoughts.  While the seminar will focus on the fiqh of food and clothing, I think it is worth our time to consider the provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us that go beyond just those two areas.  The word “beyond” is a bit of a misnomer in that my points are more for the individual to look closer to home.

We all know that if we were to try and count the blessings of Allah, we would not be able to.  Allahu akbar.  But that does not mean we are not obligated to at least remember and acknowledge the blessings that are right before us.  Even as a simple du’a or saying “alhamdulillah”, gratitude towards Allah is still recognized and recorded.  The fingers I am typing with, the eyes that I am viewing this text with, my lungs and my ability to breathe freely.  These obvious blessings go unnoticed every day.

The Global Deaf Muslims event at ADAMS has really put things into perspective for those of us that have our sense of hearing.  Subhanallah, how beautiful is the Qur’an as it is recited?  Even the Prophet Muhammad (saw) would ask his companions to recite so that he could hear the beautiful words of Allah.  There is an inherent and inexplicable effect on the heart from hearing the Qur’an.  It is a profound thing when a Muslim cannot hear.  They never hear the adhan, the Qur’an, nothing.  Yet they stand next to us in prayer, they are still the most righteous among us, and their emaan is immensely strong.

I remember this past November I was performing tawaaf and noticed a fairly large hole in the crowd.  In the middle was a man missing his right leg from the thigh down.  He was on crutches, but I could see sweat and determination on his face.  This image is etched into my memory forever.  The brother, despite his setback, pushed himself in ‘ibada to Allah.  It really put me to shame for not being more grateful about the simplest things I had, down to my feet and toes.  It was a swelling of emotion, seeing that.  Ah to see…

Again in Mecca, a brother told me of how he saw a man leading an elderly brother into the haram, right up to the ka’ba.  The old man was completely blind, yet he wept because he knew where he was.  How many of us would trade our ability to see for any amount of wealth or power in the world?  The single blessing of sight is such a constant mercy of Allah, and it is free.  Allah asks nothing in return for it, yet it is heavier on the scale than any number of good deeds we could accumulate in a lifetime.

I urge everyone to take some time to look inward, notice and understand the provisions that Allah has given to you from birth.  To understand them and appreciate them is to imagine living without them.  Take a moment to remember the blind man who can never read the Qur’an or see the Ka’bah.  Remember the deaf brother who can never hear the adhan or the recitation of the Qur’an or even a simple greeting of peace.  Remember the brother missing his leg performing tawaaf the next time you go for a walk or a run or even get out of bed.  Now remember that you have all of the things that these fellow muslims do not have, subhanallah.

I promise, you will find a whole new dimension in your salah when you are suddenly very aware of all the limbs that allow you to perform sujood and to stand back up before Allah… and to understand that it is Allah that has given them to you and continues to allow you to use them.  Please take the time to reflect on what Allah has blessed you with already.  I think it will give us all a great perspective, and will make us much more appreciative of the many things Sheikh Yasir Qadhi will be teaching us come April inshaAllah.

Any good from what I have written is from Allah because He is the source of all that is good.  Anything bad that I have written or communicated is from my own faults and I ask forgiveness for them.

And Allah knows best.

“Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” [Saheeh Muslim]

The first meaning of path is a path that one walks on, such as when people leave their home to any location to gain knowledge.  The specific destination does not restrict the meaning.  Thus, the meaning includes a person traveling to a masjid, school, university, or any other location where knowledge is being dispensed. This meaning also includes a student of knowledge traveling from his city to another city to seek knowledge as the first meaning includes anyone literally ‘treading’ a path (stepping the steps on a path) towards knowledge.

A secondary meaning of path is defined as a process by which an individual seeks knowledge from scholars and books. Therefore, treading a path is not contingent on the actual movement of an individual-for example, one who investigates rulings without leaving his city or attends classes with scholars is indeed treading a path in search of knowledge according to this definition.

In summary, “treading on a path” is categorized into two primary definitions:
a)      Physically walking upon a path.
b)      Intention to connect oneself to knowledge, irrespective of ones physical state.

Whosoever treads this path, Allah subhana wa ta’ala facilitates for him a path to Paradise.   This is due to the significance placed on learning knowledge of the Shariah (Islamic Law), which enables an individual to understand the rulings that Allah has sent down. With this type of knowledge, both prohibitions and commands can be understood in there proper light, identifying the path that pleases Allah, and connect oneself with Paradise.  This connection will manifest itself in the obedience of Allah in ones life, and every time the desire for treading on the path increases, so too will ones connection with Paradise.

In this hadith, describing the fruits of the path to gaining knowledge, we learn that it is critical to take advantage of the opportunity to seek knowledge, specifically in times of our lives when we may be free from other difficulties. If the goal is to tread a path to your Lord by seeking knowledge, the efficient student would take heed before the obstacles of life litter his path (and distance his goal).

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Advising a Muslim of His Faults

If a Muslim sees a shortcoming in another Muslim’s deen, then he should not point him out in public in front of others and make apparent to other’s his shortcoming(s). This is not the correct etiquette in dealing with one’s brother in deen and giving him advice. The Muslims are suppose to try and increase love and harmony between each other but such attitudes only cause disharmony and enmity between Muslims in the community. Rather, it is a way of putting one’s brother or sister down in front of others and degrading them from respect and labeling them with bad attributes. This hurts the honor and position of a Muslim in the community and in particular in front of those Muslims amongst whom he is ridiculed. And the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said when asked which believer in Islam is most excellent that, “One from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe” (Muslim). When finding faults in other Muslims, a Muslim should keep some of the following points (amongst others) in mind:

Be aware of the differences of opinion – It is well known that the scholars of Islam differed on many issues of the deen, which resulted in many differences of opinion among them. It may be that the brother/sister follows an opinion that views that action as permissible. Or maybe he follows the opinion that the action is not obligatory but rather just recommended. So the Muslim should think about this before trying to criticize his brothers and sisters. And he should research thoroughly to make sure there are not any other valid opinions on this matter before opening one’s mouth.

Ignorance of the ruling – It may be that he/she is ignorant of the ruling that it is prohibited. It may be that the knowledge and the evidence regarding that particular action being prohibited never reached the individual. So, rather than openly criticizing other Muslims, one should take the possibility that his brother in the deen may be ignorant of the ruling, which is a valid excuse.

Weakness in one’s faith – It may be that that brother or sister is just weak in faith. And it may be that he/she is under certain circumstances, problems, concerns, etc. which one may not be aware of. We are not in their shoes and are not aware of the circumstances in their lives and why they are choosing to do a certain prohibited action. It may be that he/she feels bad in their heart but are not currently able to leave that prohibition either due to weak faith, certain circumstances, problems, and other possible scenarios. So a Muslim should always give his brother or sister the benefit of doubt before judging them.

Advise with wisdom – If a Muslim really feels that he would like to give advice to his brother or sister regarding a prohibited action, then it should be done with wisdom. He should not call him out in front of others and put them on the spot. Rather, there are certain etiquettes in prohibiting evil in others. Of these etiquettes is that you take him to a separate location and talk to him in secret and advise him with love, care, and kindness. It is not appropriate to point people out in public with regards to their faults and is usually only done by the ignorant. The people of knowledge do not do this nor do they advise others to do so. Rather, they take people to the side and advise them in privacy or advise in a general manner to everyone not specifying who they are referring to. Because this is the proper etiquette when advising your brothers and sisters in Islam. Another etiquette is that you advise them at appropriate times and places. A Muslim should look for the appropriate time and place to advise his brother. For example, it is not appropriate to advise them when they are in a hurry to leave your company due to an important matter. So, the point here is that it should be done with wisdom and a Muslim should try to seek the appropriate manner, time, and place to advise his brother in Islam.

And Allah Knows Best.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said in a well-known hadeeth, “A person will be with whom he loves.” [Bukhari] Companionship, as we learn from the Qur’an, can help one attain success in the hereafter or bring them great loss.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam stated that loving for the sake of Allah is one of the three ingredients needed for the slave to taste the sweetness of emaan [Bukhari], showing us the elevated status and the magnitude of the blessing of loving for the sake of Allah Alone. This bond of the believers is so strong that Allah declares friendship on the Day of Judgment will only be for the Muttaqoon. [Surah Zukhruf]

On the other hand, Allah gives the example of a person who took an evil companion in the dunya and will cry with regret on the Day of Judgment. [Surah Furqan]

In this talk  which was given a few months ago at MCC (Muslim Community Center) in Maryland (and was recorded by a special Nurayn “pearl” :) ), Br Nouman discusses in detail the types of friendship found in the Qur’an and the importance of company.

Listen and download it here – jazakum Allahu khayran to HalalTube for posting it for Qabeelat Nurayn.

May Allah grant us righteous companionship and allow us to be in the company of His Prophet and the believers on the Day of Judgment.

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It was supposed to be a normal free Friday at Qabeelat Nurayn. At least that’s what everyone told him…..

1 WEEK BEFORE: Abdullah was just like any other Muslim born and raised in America- he enjoyed basketball, ice hockey, and the occasional round of croquet with the boys while gulping down a cold glass of Rooh Afza in the middle of the summer. But if there was anything he loved more than croquet, it was learning about Islam. And oh, how he loved it! He was a regular at the masjid, had more CD sets than he could keep track of, and his iPod only had lectures by people with the first name ‘Shaykh.’ Abdullah was no scholar, sure, but he was a person striving to learn about his religion.

One day, while at salatul jumuah, he came across a flier. The flier was brown in color and read ‘Torch Bearers’; intrigued- as he would be- he grabbed a few for him and his family. He rushed home, registered, paid, and found out about the AlMaghrib Forums. There, he discovered an ocean of people just like him! He read posts on a host of issues, and was able to access opinions of shuyukh, all at the convenience of his home. It was like a dream come true….or was it?

2 days before the class, a harsh reality sets in on Abdullah…….he has NO CAR!!!! How will he get to the class? In a desperate plea to find a ride, he contacts everyone he knows on a massive email with subject line: “I NEED A RIDE.” Only a handful of responses come back, all either apologizing for not being able to give him a ride, or laughing at his misfortune.

It’s finally Friday and Abdullah still keeps up hope. Surely someone would give him a ride. But as the clock ticks, the minutes pass like days, and hours like weeks. Agonizing over his dilemma, Abdullah feels helpless….and then, four hours later, the unthinkable has occurred:

Abdullah has missed all of the first Friday…Friday the 14th.

O’Nurayni and O’Nurayniiyah, (especially O’Nurayniiah because this scenario often happens to sisters), don’t let this happen to you or someone you know!

All you have to do is put your junk in your trunk and leave that extra seat for the brother or sister in need of a rideJ. They might be on your way, or a few turns away, but inshaAllah with the right intention, no curve or turn will go without the malkayn recording awayJ. So come on, sign up and help your peer in tawheed, and let your sister or brother in Islam experience the joy you’ve been waiting for—today!

Remember: “Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all.” –Prophet Muhammad Sallah Allahu Alyhi Wasalam [Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa'ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah]

Let’s work together to make sure that everyone who needs a ride gets one: Click HERE.

Jazakum Allahu khairan

Bismillah

Alhamdulillahi wahdah, was Salaatu was Salaamu ‘alaa man laa Nabiyy ba’dah.

SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi. I am speechless.

There’s nothing more I can say to you all then Jazaakum Allahu khayran. We say this after every seminar, and we mean it every single time.
Shaykh AbdulBary said to us that don’t look at this work as a burden, rather thank Allah that you are working for His sake and that He choose YOU to be apart of this da’wah. I look to our volunteers and can’t ask for them and their families anything except Firdaws al ‘Alaa with the companionship of our Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, Allahumma Ameen.

I thank Allah ta’ala that He united us for these weekends to journey with shaykh AbdulBary through the life of our Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. I thank Allah ta’ala that He blessed us to gather only for His Sake, and I thank Him azza wa jal for granting us success in this seminar and ending it in the most beautiful way. We ask Him to accept our deeds and work.

This seminar has already gone down in our history; and it is one I will never forget.

I reminder myself and everyone with what shaykh AbdulBary told us: the journey is FAR from over. Remember that.

Let’s get to work Nurayn. We have a long way to go inshaAllah.

Share comments here.

JazakAllah khair Sis Asma for the naseeha…

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 was a special day and an historical day as Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. The days that follow should be ones of reflection for the Ummah of Muhammad and the Nation of the United States. We should be assessing who we are as nations among the nations of the world.

Do we not stand up for Justice and against oppression? Will we follow Truth? Will we hold our own selves accountable or look for others on whom to shift blame. Will we be brave and follow the examples of the righteous amongst our predecessors? Or will we continue to emulate and imitate the actions of tyrants in the name of political ideologies, economic strategies, and world hypocrises?

The Ummah of Muhammad has the Best Guidance, in the Best Book, from the Best Teacher, and the best among his Successors. The Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr as Siddiq – Umar ibn Khattab – Uthman ibn Affan – Ali ibn Abi Talib – all were the Best of Blessings given to Mankind from the One and Only Creator, and One worthy of worship – Allah azza wa jallallahu.

So in light of that auspicious occasion, let us share with our nations and the United States in particular, the just speech of the Inaugural Address of Abu Bakr and Umar. May these appropriate excerpts from their inaugural addresses serve as reminders to us the Nation of Muhammad firstly and to all other nations thereafter.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq’s

Inaugural Address

When Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq was made caliph, he delivered a khutba before the people. In it, after describing Allah’s praise and laudation, he said: “O people! I have been appointed the amir of your caravan though I am not better than you are. If I work properly, help me and if I do not work well, correct me. Truthfulness is a deposit and falsehood is defalcation. The weak amongst you is strong in my sight. I will surely try to remove his pain and suffering. And the strong amongst you is weak to me. I will – Allah willing – realize the right from him fully… When obscene things spread among my nation, calamities generally continued to descend upon them. As long as I obey Allah and His messenger, you should obey me, and if I do not obey Allah and His messenger, then obedience to me is not incumbent upon you. (Now prepare for prayer).”

Umar’s Inaugural Address

“O ye faithful! Abu Bakr is no more amongst us. After having led us for about two years, he has returned to his Maker. He has the satisfaction that he has successfully piloted the ship of the Muslim state to safety after negotiating the stormy sea.

After Abu Bakr, the mantle of Khilafat has fallen on my shoulders. I swear it before Allah that I never coveted this office. I wished that it would have devolved on some other person more worthy than me. But now that in national interest, the responsibility for leading the Muslims has come to vest in me, I assure you that I will not run away from my post, and will make an earnest effort to discharge the onerous duties of the office to the best of my capacity in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.

In the performance of my duties, I will seek guidance from the Holy Book, and will follow the examples set by the Holy Prophet and Abu Bakr. In this task I seek your assistance. If I follow the right path, follow me. If I deviate from the right path, correct me so that we are not led astray.

Peace upon all those who seek true Guidance.

May Allah bless us with courage, His Mercy, and His Pleasure. Ameen.