Peals of The Qur'an - Registrations Open

Exploring The Pearls of The Qur'an

Detailed Study of Al-Fatiha & The Last Ten Surahs

Their Coherence, Meaning & Universal Message

Al Fatiha and the last ten surahs are parts of the Qur’an which would be familiar to us all. Often the first surahs to be memorised and regularly recited in prayers, they are the smallest of surahs in length yet they are vast in their meaning. Al Fatiha is the Mother of the Qur’an and is a pillar of our prayer and among the last ten surahs are those which are likened to a third of the Qur’an . Each surah is perfect and complete in itself, yet it is beautifully connected with the others to form a meaningful and coherent whole. Together they give us pearls of essential knowledge and precious insights into the purpose of our lives. This seminar will explore these surahs of the Qur’an in depth, studying their magnificent words and their amazing coherence and extracting invaluable lessons to apply in our lives today. This seminar will moreover help to uplift and enrich our hearts with the words of Allah, to regain our connection with the Qur’an and to strengthen our prayers, the key to all our other good deeds. Without a doubt, the Pearls of the Qur’an is a seminar which one cannot afford to miss. 

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 25 June 2011   Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

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Why Is The Islamic Seminar In A Church?

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullah

Some people were asking this question as it seems a bit strange to plan an Islamic Seminar in a church. The simple answer to the question is that it is the Will of Allah as it is the only place which worked out with all the facilities we require for a seminar of such a scale within budget. Apart from that it also seemed not-a-bad-idea to have this particular seminar - The Legacy of Ibrahim - in a church because the Christians and Jews also share some of that legacy. Alhamdulillah quite a few non-Muslims have already signed up for the seminar and I know that some of you have invited your friends and colleagues. MEOC has also sent invitations to churches and synagogues in Cambridge.

We still have some guest spaces for non-Muslims and perhaps a few new-Muslims too. So if you want to invite any other guests or you want to qualify as a guest you are welcome to do so. This is not discrimination against "old-Muslims" but an encouragement especially for non-Muslims :-) Those who genuinely cannot afford to pay the full course fee can apply for a scholarship. As you can imagine running these seminars is quite an expensive operation although people involved are all volunteers.

As usual the first session would be open (free) to all, subject to availability of seats. We will also have the book sale and exhibition going on from 9:30AM - 6:30PM. This is also open to all.

According to Shaykh Akram this is the most beloved subject for him and he is very emotional about it. So we can expect the best and the most spiritually uplifting seminar so far InshaAllah.

Hope to see most of you on Saturday, InshaAllah.

Wassalaam

PS: You can use the attached email template to remind your friends and neighbours about the seminar.

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The Legacy of Abraham - Universal Model for Individuals, Families and Nations

"Abraham was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to God, a man of pure natural belief - he was not one of the idolaters" [Qur'an 16:120]

 

You are invited to attend a seminar on the Legacy of Abraham this coming Saturday 28th May 2011 at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, 72 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RR. It is a day-long seminar (10am-6pm) and you are invited to attend all or part of it as our guest with no entrance fee. (Free whole day parking is arranged at the Sidgwick Site, Sdigwick Avenue, CB3 9DA)

The Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, is a figure of such importance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam that they are often referred to as the Abrahamic faiths, but how much do we really know about the way of this great prophet of God? This seminar, taught by Shaykh Muhammad Akram Nadwi, a well-known speaker and a researcher at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, aims to explore the way of Abraham as a universal model for communities and individuals alike. 

Please feel free to drop in and enjoy the seminar, ask questions, meet people and share an interesting experience. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

"Who could be better in religion than those who direct themselves wholly to God, do good, and follow the religion of Abraham who was true in faith. God took Abraham as a friend" [Qur'an 4:125]

Hope to see you there!

Sunnah of The Prophet (SAW) and Shari'ah Has No Meaning Unless...

"The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has no meaning unless connected to the Millah of Ibrahim (AS)" - Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi

Strange as it may seem Ibrahim (AS) takes a central position in the life of every Muslim, sometimes more so than our own Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The daily prayers (salaat) sometimes starts with the dua' (supplication) of Ibrahim (AS) and ends with salawaat (invoking blessings) upon him and his family. The whole of Hajj is connected with Ibrahim (AS) and his family. But more importantly Allah constantly tells us in the Qur'an to follow the Millah of Ibrahim (AS) while no other Prophet or Messenger is mentioned in that way.

<<And who would be averse to the Millah of Ibrahim except one who makes a fool of himself. And We had chosen him in this world, and indeed he, in the Hereafter, will be among the righteous.>> [Qur'an 2:30]

<< And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the Millah of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend.>> [Qur'an 4:125]

<<Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammad], to follow the Millah of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with Allah.>> [Qur'an 16:123]

Not only the ordinary people but even the greatest of human beings - Prophet Muhammad (SAW) - has been ordered to follow the Millah of Ibrahim (AS).

So what is special about Ibrahim (AS) and more importantly what actually is the Millah of Ibrahim (AS)? Why are the teachings and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have no meaning unless connected to the Millah of Ibrahim (AS)?

This is your opportunity to explore these and many other important issues in detail in this amazing first-of-its-kind seminar by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi titled Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families and Nations this Saturday.

Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families & Nations

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 28th May 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge    Free Parking: Cambridge University

Facilities & Features: crèche/childcare, free 2 nights accommodation for travellers

Special Offers: Buy One Get One Free, Group of 5 Discount, Scholarships, Free Non-Muslim Friend Pass

Restricted Venue - Only A Few More Places Available

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"The course was extremely well organised and expertly delivered. What I find most impressive about Shaykh Akram Nadwi is not only the astounding depth and breadth of sacred knowledge that he possesses, but also his awe-inspiring humility. When sitting in one of his lectures, it becomes clear very early on that you are in the company of a scholar of great rank. The series of structured and high quality seminars fills a long unfulfilled niche here in Cambridge and so the community is very much indebted both to the shaykh and you, the organisers, for providing us with such a great and regular blessing. JazakumAllah kheiran." - Yassar Mustafa, Medical Student, Cambridge University

"Many thanks for organising the course yesterday; I just wanted to say how impressive it was and how much of a boost it is to the community to know that we have such a blessing amongst us on an insha-Allah regular basis." - Dr Mohsin Badat, Cambridge

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related Posts

Why Aren’t As Many People Accepting Islam Today?

Secrets of Islamic Spirituality - Unveiled!

Are Revolutions The Way Forward For The Muslims?

Why Aren’t As Many People Accepting Islam Today?

We are surrounded by people who would love to accept Islam if they only knew that Islam is the truth and that it would benefit them in this world and the next. However most Muslims nowadays do not have much of an idea on how to convey this message in an effective way that people are more likely to understand and accept. The problem is aggravated by the confusion created by the conflicting claims of various Muslim groups that their way of telling people about Islam or Dawah is better than any other way.

But is there a more definitive method of Dawah that is simple, effective and universal? Fortunately there is in the example of Ibrahim (AS). The Dawah of Ibrahim (AS) touches the core of human soul in its need to connect with The Divine. Thus it is universal because it is the same need that is felt by each and every human soul whether that human lived in an Arabian desert millions of years ago or they lived in a posh suburb of London in the 21st century. Secondly it is so effective because it directly addresses the deeper needs of the human soul, fulfilment of which overshadows every other human need. Thirdly, it is so simple that each and every Muslim can easily learn and apply the principles of his Dawah. Of course all of the Prophets and Messenger were more or less engaged in the same Dawah but never is this method of Dawah so emphasised and elaborated as in the case of Ibrahim (AS). No doubt this is so because he is an Imaam (leader/example) over whole of humankind until the Day of Judgement (Qur'an 2:124) and people need to know his example to follow. Furthermore our Prophet Muhammad and the rest of the Muslims are explicitly commanded by Allah in the Qur'an to follow the way (millah) and example of Prophet Ibrahim (Qur'an 3:95, 60:4).

So what are the secrets of the Dawah of Ibrahim (AS)?

This is your opportunity to explore these and many other important issues in this amazing first-of-its-kind seminar by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi titled Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families and Nations on Saturday 28th May 2011. Please invite your non-Muslims friends and colleagues as guests.

Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families & Nations

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 28th May 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Emmanuel United Reformed Church     

Free Parking: Cambridge University

Facilities & Features: crèche/childcare, free 2 nights accommodation for travellers

Special Offers: Buy One Get One Free, Group of 5 Discount, Scholarships, Free Non-Muslim Friend Pass

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"The sincerity and piety of sheikh Akram Nadawi was a great source of inspiration for me. His great knowledge was beautifully expressed masha' Allah in a very simple way that touches everyone in the audience regardless of their marital status. I came along with a friend who is a new Muslim not intending to attend all sessions, but we ended up there all day. The emphasis on the importance of the family, how simple are Islamic rules, the distinction between our cultural heritage and the true message of Islam and his openness to answer all audience questions, in my opinion were the reasons behind the great success of the session yesterday. It was a great honour for me to attend yesterday's session and I thank Allah for giving me the unique chance to attend a session by a great a scholar to guide me through out my marriage-life." - Mona ElQazzaz, PhD Student, Cambridge University

"It was a very informative day with everyone I was introduced to or spoke to being kind and helpful. I was warmly welcomed and felt "at home" right away as it appears were all the visitors who were not of Islamic faith. Questions were answered in a loving way so as not to make me feel that it was a "silly thing" to be asking about, as sometimes happens in this type of situation. I was very grateful to be introduced to some of the ladies who had converted to Islam from either another or no faith. That way I was able to see that these people were not just following the faith of their parents or the faith of the home they had grown up in. It also meant these people had probably, at some stage, had the same sort of questions that I had. To have the opportunity to purchase books etc. was lovely. It was a wonderful feeling to come away with my purchases and my notes I had taken (information overload, probably describes how my mind was feeling!!) to meditate on. I look forward to speaking to someone in the near future about my questions from the day and additional ones I have since reading the books. Thanks once again for a lovely experience." - Dianne Holt, Cambridge

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related Posts

Secrets of Islamic Spirituality - Unveiled!

Are Revolutions The Way Forward For The Muslims?

Secrets of Islamic Spirituality - Unveiled!

Islamic Spirituality or what is commonly known as Tasawwuf is sometimes a very complicated subject for many people to grasp and understand especially when it is enshrouded with deep philosophical concepts and examples of strange mystical experiences of people. However at the same time spirituality is at the root of the religion because any outward action devoid of spirit (or inner state) is of no real significance or value. Thus Islamic Spirituality is of utmost importance to every Muslim. But is there a more definite and straightforward way of understanding and practising it?

Fortunately there is, in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in the Qur'an. The life of Ibrahim (AS) is filled with spiritual awakenings which he experiences in his childhood, youth, maturity and old age. Apart from being a Messenger of God, he attained the high station (maqaam) of being the Khalilullah or the intimate friend of Allah. The Qur'an tells us that he is a prime example of one who perfected the outer (dhahir - physical) as well as the inner (bathin - spiritual) dimensions of life in perfect 'uboodhiyyah (slavery) to Allah. As such our Prophet Muhammad and the rest of the Muslims are commanded by Allah in the Qur'an to follow the philosophy (millah) and example of Ibrahim (Qur'an 3:95, 60:4).

So what are the secrets of Ibrahim (AS) in achieving these levels of spirituality at different stages of his life? How did he achieve the highest state of Ihsan (spiritual excellence)? What was his philosophy? What was his practice? In other words what is "Ibrahim's way of Tasawwuf"?

This is your opportunity to explore these and many other important issues in this amazing first-of-its-kind seminar by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi titled Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families and Nations on Saturday 28th May 2011.

Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Individuals, Families & Nations

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 28th May 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

Facilities & Features: Free parking, crèche/childcare, free 2 nights accommodation for travellers

Special Offers: Buy One Get One Free, Group of 5 Discount, Scholarships, Free Non-Muslim Friend Pass

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Register today to help you in your journey to reach the state of Ihsan and be one of the Awliya (friends) of Allah like Ibrahim (AS).

"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 Qur'an, 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 40 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

"MashaAllah the course was excellent so JazakAllah khair for arranging it. Shaykh was brilliant as expected" - Hammad Hanif, Bristol University

"These are some of the best courses I have attended. Addictive knowledge and life changing, inspiring advice is to be found here. I am a 100% supporter of this organisation. It must be blessed by Allah. May He reward the few committed individuals of the organisation" - Omar Hajaj, London
 
More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Are Revolutions The Way Forward For The Muslims?

There is no doubt that the Muslims in general are in state of frustration and disappointment at all levels - individual, family, community, national and global levels. And they are desperately looking for a way out of this dilemma. The recent and ongoing revolutions in North Africa and Middle East seems to have provided a tinge of hope, but is this really the way forward for the Muslims? Is this what a Messenger of God would have guided the people to do in this situations or would he have taken a different course of action?

Explore this and many other important questions in the forthcoming amazing seminar by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi titled Legacy of Ibrahim - The Universal Model for Families & Nations on Saturday 28th May 2011.

Prophet Ibrahim was a visionary, leader-par-excellence and a master-nation-builder. He is called a Ummah or "Nation" by himself and a people's leader (Qur'an 16:120, 2:124). His long term vision encompassed the last human on earth. The advent of our own Prophet Muhammad was a result of his dua' (request) to Allah (Qur'an 2:129). So who is better to take as an example than Prophet Ibrahim in building solid and strong individuals, families, communities and nations? So much so that even Prophet Muhammad was instructed to follow the way of Ibrahim and take him as an example (Qur'an 3:95, 60:4).

This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich legacy that would help you become a strong individual and also help your family and community stand out as shining examples for others to follow. This is a first-of-its-kind one-off seminar with very limited number of seats due to change of venue. So book your place now to reserve your seat.

LEGACY OF IBRAHIM
The Universal Model for Individuals, Families & Nations

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 28th May 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

Facilities & Features: Free parking, crèche/childcare, free 2 nights accommodation for travellers

Special Offers: Buy One Get One Free, Group of 5 Discount

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
"I want to thank your organisation for arranging these series of lectures by Dr Nadwi. I have attended many of these lectures and have found them immensely enlightening. Dr Nadwi is a rare scholar of our times and although he is knowledgeable enough to talk at length on issues of philosophy, literacy or poetry, he is always keen to emphasise the practical implications of his teachings - that Islam in essence is a religion to be practised with real actions and not confined to theory written in textbooks. MEOC has done an excellent job in the way they have taken care of all the details required of organising such events. I pray that Allah rewards all those involved in all aspects of these courses." - Dr Atiqul Baree, Portsmouth

"I thought the course was really excellent, with a speaker in command of such vast knowledge of the topic.  The organisation was also very good in every way." - Helen Gramy, London

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

Legacy of Ibrahim - Registration Open

LEGACY OF IBRAHIM
The Universal Model for Families & Nations

“Abraham was indeed a nation, devoutly obedient to God, true in Faith, and he joined not partners with God” Qura'n 16:120
“So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright” Qur'an 3:95
“Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Abraham and those with him” Qur’an 60:4

Why is Prophet Ibrahim called a “nation” although he was only one man? Why are we asked to follow the religion of Ibrahim when we have the religion of Prophet Muhammad? Why are we asked to take the example of Ibrahim when we have the example of Prophet Muhammad? How are they linked together? How did he bring up his family and how did they respond to that? What was his vision and strategy for the future for building great nations?

Register today for this amazing seminar which explores the life and legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and his family, and draws valuable and practical lessons for individuals, families and nations to follow universally.

Instructor: Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 28 May 2011   Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER