Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah Rescheduled and Fiqh of Love Scheduled

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

Due to unforseen circumstances the scheduled Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah Course on 18th December 2010 had to be cancelled. It is now rescheduled to Saturday 29th January 2011. Registration has been reopened for the course.

Fiq of Love, Marriage and Family has been scheduled to Saturday 19th February 2011.

You can register for both courses at http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Jazakumullahu Khair

This Saturday - Aqeedah Tahawiyyah - 2 Free Nights Accomodation

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

We are pleased to announce the arrangement of up to 2 nights of free accommodation for the forthcoming Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah Course on Saturday for those travelling from outside of Cambridge. People can stay overnight on Friday and/or Saturday at the Cambridge Mosque. Separate areas are arranged for brothers and sisters. People are expected to bring their own sleeping gear such as sleeping bags as only carpeted space is provided.

This offer is available for those who have already registered and those wishing to register now. We have a very limited number of seats left. So register now to secure your place for this unmissable course.

Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

We have people travelling from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford, Blackburn, Leicester, Ipswich, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Windsor, Slough, Oxford, St Albans, Hatfield, Carlisle (Lake District) and towns around Cambridge. We hope and pray that all those who are travelling and the Cambridge residents who are attending the course will be included among those that are described in the following prophetic tradition.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If anyone traverses a path in search of sacred knowledge, God will cause him to travel on one of the paths of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks sacred knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and (even) the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man or woman. The superiority of the learned over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave (no monetary inheritance), they leave only sacred knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion".  [Abu Dawood]

Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Course Outline: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/2010/12/most-spiritually-uplifting.html

About Teacher: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/teacher.html

Testimonials: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Al-Aqeeda of Imam al-Tahawi is a simple yet profound expression of the essential points of Muslim belief. In this course Shaykh Akram explains these points in an intellectually liberating and spiritually uplifting way showing, how they can be the basis for unifying divergent theological positions in this day and age. Undoubtedly this will be one of the best 'Aqeedah courses you would have ever attended InshaAllah.

The Most Spiritually Uplifting & Intellectually Liberating Aqeedah Course

Introduction to 'Aqeedah Tahawiyyah

By Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 29th January 2011      Time: 10AM - 6PM

Free Parking and On-Site Crèche/Childcare (at cost). Course Notes will be provided.

Al-Aqeeda of Imam al-Tahawi is a simple yet profound expression of the essential points of Muslim belief. In this course Shaykh Akram explains these points in an intellectually liberating and spiritually uplifting way showing, how they can be the basis for unifying divergent theological positions in this day and age. Undoubtedly this will be one of the best 'Aqeedah courses you would have ever attended InshaAllah.

The questions discussed in the text include:

• The nature of Allah - The Most High, His Qualities and His Attributes
• The nature of Iman (belief), Kufr (disbelief) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)
  
• The nature of Divine Decree and the Will of Allah
• The nature of Prophethood and the Word of Allah (Qur'an)
• Discussion on Seeing Allah on the Day of Judgement
• Discussion of heavenly phenomena such as Al-Mi'raj (Heavenly Ascension), Al-Hawd (The Pool), Al-Shafa'a (The Intercession), Al-Lawh (The Tablet), Al-Qalam (The Pen), Al-'Arsh (The Throne) and al-Kursi (The Chair)
• Nature of Life in Grave and the Hereafter
• Nature of Al-Sirat (The Bridge) and Al-Mizan (The Balance), Al-Jannah (The Garden) and Al-Naar (The Fire)
• Nature of Good and Evil in people
• Discussion of the preferred stance towards the Companions and the Family of the Prophet
• Discussion of the Caliphate after the death of the Prophet

In addition to the text of the 'Aqeedah Tahawiyyah other issues discussed during the seminar include:

• Definition of ‘Aqeedah and issues relating to it
• Nature of discussion of 'Aqeedah at the time of Prophet and his Companions
• The development of the science of ‘Aqeeda
• Sources of knowledge of 'Aqeedah
• The role of human language and reason in the formulation of 'Aqeedah
• The reasons for the appearance of different sects with opposing ‘Aqeedah
• Discussion of these sects highlighting their differences
• The reason why Imam al-Tahawi wrote the book
• Definition of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jam’ah and their approach to ‘Aqeedah
• The reasons for differences within the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama’ah
• The different schools of 'Aqeedah and their propositions
• The questions of ‘Aqeedah that trouble people today
• The advice for the people in approaching the issues of ‘Aqeedah
• The way to avoid divisions and sects

In addition to this: YOU CAN ASK QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE!

Only a few places left, register now at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

The Most Spiritually Uplifting Aqeedah Course

Al-Aqeeda of Imam al-Tahawi is a simple yet profound expression of the essential points of Muslim belief. In this course Shaykh Akram explains these points in an intellectually liberating and spiritually uplifting way showing, throughout, how they can be the basis for unifying divergent theological positions in this day and age. Undoubtedly this will be one of the best Aqeedah courses you would have ever attended InshaAllah.

Register today at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Registration Open: Introduction to Al-Aqeedah At-Tahawiyyah

Assalaamu 'Alaykum

Registration is now open for the forthcoming Introduction to Al-Aqeedah At-Tahawiyyah (Principles of Clasical Islamic Theology) Course by Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi.

Please register at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

What Will You Be Gaining This Saturday (Tomorrow)?

 Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullah

People were asking what this Introduction to Usul al-Tafsir Course by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadw is about on Saturday (tomorrow) in Cambridge. Before answering this question let me assure you that this is going to be one of the most interesting and enlightening courses in the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars series, InshaAllah. It touches upon the core of all of the Islamic disciplines and sciences - the Qur'an - word of God and the primary source of guidance, inspiration and law.

For those who would like to know more about the course please find attached below an outline. The course will be based on this.

In case you missed the mail from Mamoon Yusaf, Coach, Quran for Busy People excerpts from that email are attached below as well.

If you would like to know about the teacher please visit: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/teacher.html

If you would like to know how good these courses are please visit: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

If you would like to register for the course please visit: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If anyone traverses a path in search of sacred knowledge, God will cause him to travel on one of the paths of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks sacred knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and (even) the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man or woman. The superiority of the learned over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave (no monetary inheritance), they leave only sacred knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion".  [Abu Dawood]

Best Regards

---------------------------

Introduction to Usul At-Tafsir

Principles of Quranic Exegesis & Sciences

by Dr. Mohammed Akram Nadwi

Introduction: The Compilation of the Qur’an

·        The first to be revealed from the Qur’an

·        Compilation of the Qur’an

o       Compilation at the time of the Prophet

o       Compilation at the time of Abu Bakr

o       Compilation at the time of ‘Uthman

·        The order of the verses (ayaat) and the chapters (suar, sg. surah) of the Qur’an

First Chapter: Tafsir (Quranic Exegesis/Commentary) and its History

·        Difference between Tafsir (exegesis) and Ta’wil (interpretation)

·        The need for Tafsir

·        Compilation of the science of Tafsir

·        The books of Tafsir

o       Tafsir Ibn Jarir

o       Tafsir Ibn `Atiyyah

o       Tafsir Ibn Katheer

o       Tafsir Al-Kashaaf (by Az-Zamakhshari)

o       At-Tafsir Al-Kabir  (by Ar-Razi)

Second Chapter: The Sciences of the Qur’an

·        The Qur’an as an articulate Arabic text

·        Meccan and Medinan Qur’an

·        Contexts of/reasons for revelation (asbabu nnuzul)

·        The Muhkam (explicit/decisive/clear) and the Mutashabih (equivocal/ambiguous)

·        The abrogating (an-nasikh) and the abrogated (al-mansoukh)

·        Divisions of the Qur’an

·        The miraculous nature of the Qur’an

·        The coherence of the verses and the chapters of the Qur’an

Third Chapter: Tafsir based on Transmission

·        Tafsir of the Qur’an by the Qur’an

·        Tafsir of the Qur’an by the Hadith

·        Tafsir of the Qur’an by the sayings of the Companions

·        Tafsir of the Quran by the sayings of the Followers (at-tabi`een)

·        The status of the Ahaadeeth (sg. Hadeeth) of Tafsir

·        Differences between the righteous Predecessors (salaf) in Tafsir

·        The Isra’iliyyat (traditions from Jewish and Christian sources)

Fourth Chapter: Tafsir based on reasoning

·        Blameworthy reasoning

·        Praiseworthy reasoning

·        Groups of blameworthy reasoning

·        What is mandatory on the student of Tafsir

Conclusion: The sufficiency of the Qur’an 

-------------------------------------

Email from Mamoon Yusaf, Coach, Quran for Busy People

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <quranforbusypeople@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Subject: How To Access Tafsir

Salams,

One of the most powerful
ways to deepen your
understanding of the Quran
is to study and easily access
tafsir.

As you may know, 'tafsir' is
Quranic exegesis, and allows
us to put the Quran in context
so we can understand what
it means for us, in our lives.

There are many ways to study
tafsir, and in the future I'll show
you some great online resources
as well as very affordable books.

But, right now there's something
un-missable happening...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UN-MISSABLE QURAN TAFSIR COURSE
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This Saturday...

I'm not sure if you've heard, but
Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars
is great little organisation that have
teamed up with one of the top Islamic
scholars in the world - Shaykh Akram
Nadwi.

You can read his bio here:

http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/teacher.html <-----meet Sh Akram

Together, they've created a program
that could transform your understanding
of the Quran. At their course, you'll...

-> appreciate the different levels of
depth of understanding the Quran

-> know how far you can go in your
own Quran studies, before needing to
ask a scholar

-> Spend time with a real Quran scholar
and let his knowledge and wisdom rub
off on you

-> Get your questions answered, by asking
Sh Akram himself

-> Understand what Usul at-Tafsir
(the principles under-pinning Quran
exegesis) is, why it's needed, and
how it applies to you.

I know you'll love the course, and to be
honest, I was meant to email you last
week, but I've been busy preparing a
few treats for you, so keep an eye
on your email inbox...

Warmest Salams,


Mamoon Yusaf
Quran Coach
Barcelona
+44 (0)208.133.4520
www.quranforbusypeople.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Discover The Quickest, Easiest, Most
Effective Way To Understand The Entire
Quran In Arabic Within A Few Weeks, In
Just Minutes Each Day... For FREE!...
www.quranforbusypeople.com

----------------------------------

Register at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Tafsir Course is Over 90% Booked

Assalaamu 'Alaykum

Just wanted to update that the Introduction to Usul al-Tafsir (Principles of Quranic Sciences) Course by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi is now over 90% booked. We have only a very few places left if you would want to join. This is your final opportunity.

Jazakumullahu Khair

The Seminar of the Month - 8 Great Reasons Why You Should Attend

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

Perhaps you already know about the forthcoming Introduction to Usul al-Tafsir (Principles of Quranic Sciences) Course by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi in Cambridge but, even though you could attend, have not yet signed up. You may be having some uncertainties about the course. This is totally understandable as it is sometimes difficult to see the benefits clearly and take the next steps with confidence. If that is the case then perhaps the following 8 reasons will give you enough motivation to sign up for the course without any further worries.

1. This course provides a solid foundation in the history, sciences, interpretation and understanding of the Qur'an without which one may not necessarily know how to seek to understand the Qur'an.
   
   "Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up?" [Qur'an - Surah Muhammad 47:24]
   
   The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.'' [Al-Bukhari].
   
2. The course is structured in a way that, although intensive, it is easy to follow. The feedback of those who attended the previous courses speak volumes.
   
   "Alhamdulillah I was fortunate enough to attend the first of the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars which attracted many from within Cambridge and without, both young and old. Sheikh Akram Nadwi is a true gem within the Muslim community here in the UK; with such a wealth of knowledge, he kept us engaged and gave us a sound introduction into the Sciences of Hadith. I came away from the course reignited in my pursuit for knowledge. I look forward to attending most, if not all, future courses throughout the year inshaAllah and would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to get acquainted with the Islamic sciences. " - Maria Alfaradhi, PhD Student, Cambridge University
   
3. The course is taught by one of the best and the most knowledgeable scholars/teachers in the western world today, MashaAllah.
   
   "Of all the scholars I have had the opportunity to study with, I have found Shaikh Akram Nadwi to be the closest, in knowledge, manners and teaching, to how I would imagine some of the great Hadith scholars of the past would have been. He has a vast knowledge of Hadith, Fiqh and Qur'an, a down-to-earth, humble, approachable style, and great teaching ability. His classes are not just beneficial from a learning perspective, but also to marvel at the awe-inspiring wealth of knowledge of our scholars masha Allah. His 57 volume work going through the biographies of some 8,000 women scholars of Hadith is a monumental endeavour. The mere fact of its existence can be a major talking point in discussion with Muslims and non-Muslims, and is almost a stand-alone proof of Islam's unparalleled wealth of female scholarship." - Dr Omar Mahroo, Cambridge/London
   
4. The courses are held at the historic and prestigious Cambridge University - a world-class leading seat of learning and a fitting place for the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars.
   
5. You may, if you wish, request a Certificate of Attendance for your participation in the course.
   
6. There is a significant discount if you book in advance.
   
7. Your course fee is either fully refundable or fully transferable so you will not loose anything in case you are unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.
   
8. What's more - if you attend the course and think that this course is not for you after the first session (for whatever reason) then you will be entitled to a full refund of your course fee. Yes, it is a 100% money back guarantee!
   

We hope that these are enough reasons for you to join the upcoming course on Saturday 6th November InshaAllah. This is simply a brilliant and invaluable course that anyone would be hard-pressed to find something similar. 

Please note that the course is already 75% booked and also many sign up during the final week before the course. So if you are thinking of attending, then please sign up immediately before it is too late.

Register at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html 

Introduction to Usul al-Tafsir (Principles of Quranic Sciences) - Registration Open

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

Registration is now open for the third of the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars
 
Introduction to Usul al-Tafsir (Principles of Quranic Sciences) 
By Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi

In this course you will learn about the principles surrounding understanding, interpreting and reflecting upon the verses of the Qur'an. Through this you will also come to appreciate the depth and the breadth of the meanings of the Qur'an. This is an amazing course from an amazing teacher and it is not to be missed.

Register now at:  http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html as places are strictly limited.

Jazakumullahu Khair

Bonus Session: "How to Use Your Time Effectively" by Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi - This Saturday

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

Shaykh Akram has agreed to do an extra bonus session on Saturday during the Usul al-Fiqh Course, InshaAllah. This is titled "How to Use Your Time Effectively" and it will be based on his experience in balancing and managing many different activities at the same time as well as his traditional knowledge of effective time management. 

 

If you still have not signed up for the course then you will not only miss such important knowledge of Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence) from a scholar of this calibre but you will also miss the timeless and life-changing advice that we can expect from Shaykh Akram, InshaAllah. Did you ever wonder how the Shaykh managed to write a 57-volume monumental work on female Hadith scholars of Islam plus various other books while he has many other commitments. He is a research fellow at Oxford University, he regularly teaches to the general public, he has a family of six children, he has many dedicated students, he travels widely and so on. MashaAllah!

"Of all the scholars I have had the opportunity to study with, I have found Shaikh Akram Nadwi to be the closest, in knowledge, manners and teaching, to how I would imagine some of the great Hadith scholars of the past would have been. He has a vast knowledge of Hadith and Fiqh, a down-to-earth, humble, approachable style, and great teaching ability. His classes are not just beneficial from a learning perspective, but also to marvel at the awe-inspiring wealth of knowledge of our scholars masha Allah. His 57 volume work going through the biographies of some 8,000 women scholars of Hadith is a monumental endeavour. The mere fact of its existence can be a major talking point in discussion with Muslims and non-Muslims, and is almost a stand-alone proof of Islam's unparalleled wealth of female scholarship." - Dr Omar Mahroo, Cambridge/London

If you want to know more then please sign up for the course now. We only have ten or so places left.

http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Welcome to Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars Blog

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakaathuh

I am pleased to inform that we have now created a dedicated site for the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars organised by the Muslim Education & Outreach Cambridge (MEOC). You will find lots of useful information and resources regarding these courses on this site InshaAllah.

The registration for the Introduction to Usul al-Fiqh Course is now open. Places are filling up fast so you don't want to miss this opportunity. Register now at: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

"I found the Usul-ul-Hadith course by Shaykh Akram Nadwi to be very inspirational and beneficial. The course was very well structured, excellently delivered, and very easy for the student to absorb. I found Shaykh Akram to be a fountain of knowledge, and I found myself wanting the course to keep on going come evening time. The course was very well organised, prompt start, good arrangements for lunch, refreshments and prayer. I would recommend those who missed out on this first course to not make the same mistake twice and register for his coming talks as soon as they can InshaAllah." - Hammad Parwaiz, Medical Student, Cambridge University

You can see many more testimonials at:
http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Jazakumullahu Khair