Friday 29 July 2011

From Fiqh of Ramadhan To The Fruits of Ramadhan

It is so important to know the purpose, wisdom and the greatness of Ramadhan. But what is more important is to act upon what Allah and His Messenger have instructed us to do in this blessed month. The actions are the fruits of Ramadhan and the success of one's Ramadhan depends on the quality and the quantity of the fruits produced. Moreover the quality of the fruits depend on how closely they resemble the sunnah or the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - both inwardly and outwardly. Otherwise what is produced may be bad fruits with no benefit to anyone. The Prophet (PBUH) alluded to this when he said “Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness”.

This is the reason why people should learn the detailed rulings or the Fiqh of fasting and the other aspects of Ramadhan. Without this one is sure to miss the purpose and the benefits of Ramadhan. Everyone knows that Fasting is a pillar and an obligation (fard) in Islam. But not many people know that learning about Fasting & Ramadhan is also an obligation in Islam, for "whatever leads to the fulfilment of a duty is itself a duty and what leads to the establishment of an obligation is itself an obligation".

So this is your opportunity to acquire a detailed understanding of the Fiqh of Ramadhan including preparation, fasting (sawm), charity (sadaqah), Qur'an, night prayers (tarawih), night of decree (laylathul qadr), staying in the mosque ('itikaaf), supplication (dua'), repentance (tawbah) and the concluding celebration ('eid al-fitr). You will not only learn about the outward aspects of these but also the inward aspects (state of the heart and mind) of the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Last few places are left for the unique one-day seminar on Saturday Exploring the Treasures of Ramadhan by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. In addition to the Fiqh of Ramadhan you will also learn about many other treasures and secrets of Ramadhan in this seminar. (See related posts below for further details)

Exploring The Treasures of Ramadhan
Detailed Study Of Ramadhan Focusing On Purification & Self-Development
 
Instructor: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 30th July 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge United Reformed Church      Free Parking: Cambridge University
 
Facilities & Features: crèche/childcare, free 2 nights accommodation for travellers, free parking

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

Transportation: Car sharing may be arranged for people travelling from London and other cities.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Shaykh Akram Nadwi Videos

If you have not come across Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi before you can watch some seminar clips of him below.

Legacy of Ibrahim (AS) - Universal Model for Families & Nations
http://vimeo.com/26015814 (one-minute video)

Marriage & Family Life in Islam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2iX46g_hrE (one-hour video)

Testimonials

"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

"Jazakumullah khair for the efforts of the MEOC for arranging these blessed gatherings of knowledge. The seminars I've attended so far have several elements that make them very special, starting from the choice of topics themselves which cater to the more profound needs of the people rather than addressing some superficial issues that seem to be more fashionable today. Even the content of the seminars and the manner of teaching by Shaikh Akram Nadwi are directly focussed towards developing a deeper understanding of these issues. In these seminars, one gets a glimpse of the years of learning that have gone into the brilliant scholarship of Shaikh Nadwi. Furthermore his knowledge seems to be blessed by an acute understanding of the needs of the Ummah. The seminar on the 'Legacy of Ibrahim (a.s.)' was exceptionally beautiful, wherein, the Shaikh in his own words confessed that he was attempting to transmit, not knowledge, but the state of his heart, to the others present. While the knowledge and the insight that one gains into the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the history of Muslims through these seminars is invaluable, I personally feel that these sessions are more than just one-day courses. I am inclined to call them gatherings of Remembrance of Allah, and we all know the blessings of such gatherings!" - Mohini Verma, PhD Student, Cambridge University

"I have been fortunate enough to attend some of the classes given by Shaykh Mohammed Akram Nadwi in Oxford and London, and I would certainly recommend them to anyone seeking to increase their understanding of the sciences of Islam. Masha'Allah, Shaykh Akram's knowledge is both broad and deep, his training is traditional, his presentation is lively and relevant to our lives today, and one feels that his intention is truly to raise the level of every Muslim. His work on the women scholars of Islam is timely and inspirational, revealing the little-known fact that many thousands of women scholars were involved in developing and maintaining the tradition of scholarship in Islam. This was the case right from the earliest community in Madina until only about 200 years ago. Shaykh Akram makes sure that his knowledge is accessible to all seekers, regardless of gender, in the most correct and generous way, and his courses thus contribute to restoring a balance and harmony. May Allah bless him and preserve him. The courses planned for Cambridge are an opportunity not to be missed!" - Aziza Spiker, Cambridge

"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 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/London

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related Posts

How To Benefit From The Qur'an This Ramadan?

The Secrets of Fasting - Revealed!

Ramadhan - The Month of Revolution

Why Is Ramadhan Dead (for most people)?


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Wednesday 27 July 2011

How To Benefit From The Qur'an This Ramadan?

The month of Ramadan IS the month of Qur'an and one of the greatest treasures in this month is to engage with the Qur'an. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave extra attention to the Qur'an in this month as it was in this month that the Qur'an was sent down from beyond seven heavens to the skies of this world. Jibreel (AS) would come to the Prophet (PBUH) every night in Ramadan to rehearse the Qur'an with him.

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast..." [Qur'an 2:185]

It is said that fasting has been prescribed in Ramadan because the Qur'an was sent down in this month as a guidance with clear proofs and criterion. It is as if we are being prepared to receive the guidance of the Qur'an through fasting. So how could one fast but not engage with the Qur'an? The Qur’an is guidance for the people of Taqwa (God-consciousness) and fasting has been prescribed to attain Taqwa.

How Do We Engage With The Qur'an?

Surely reciting the Qur'an in Arabic or listening to it without understanding will not give us guidance or clear proofs or the criterion. Although there is immense benefit in reciting and listening to the Qur'an our engagement should be more than that. It is to ponder and reflect over the Qur'an - "(This is) a Book that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that those of understanding may reflect." [Qur'an 38:29]. It is this pondering (tadabbur) and reflecting (tadhakkur, tafakkur) that can bring the ultimate benefit - guidance, clear proofs and the criterion - of the Qur'an. Sadly many people do not know what pondering (tadabbur) and reflecting (tadhakkur, tafakkur) mean in practice let alone actually practicing them upon the verses of the Qur'an.

This is your opportunity to acquire a framework for pondering and reflecting over the Qur'an with the invaluable upcoming seminar Exploring the Treasures of Ramadhan by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. In addition to this you will learn many more aspects of Ramadhan in this unique one-day seminar on Saturday. There are only a few more places left so register today to avoid regret and disappointment. This seminar would be invaluable not just for the coming Ramadan but for your whole life.

Exploring The Treasures of Ramadhan
Detailed Study Of Ramadhan Focusing On Purification & Self-Development
 
Instructor: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 30th July 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge United Reformed Church       

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

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

Transportation: Car sharing may be arranged for people travelling from London and other cities.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Shaykh Akram Nadwi Videos

If you have not come across Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi before you can watch some seminar clips of him below.

Legacy of Ibrahim (AS) - Universal Model for Families & Nations
http://vimeo.com/26015814 (one-minute video)

Marriage & Family Life in Islam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2iX46g_hrE (one-hour video)

Testimonials

"I have been to few of the CISS courses and can say with certainty that they have been inspiring to the highest degree. Shaikh Akram's style of teaching ensures that you are connected from the start, not only in terms of the relevance of the knowledge he is sharing, but also through the openness of the sessions. He not only shares the important knowledge on the topic but also encourages the questioning of all that knowledge in order to make it relevant for us in today's world. These courses have helped me to reinvigorate and renew my passion for my faith and have encouraged me to continuously seek and apply the vast knowledge there is in Islam." - Rimla Akhtar, Chairperson, Muslim Women's Sport Foundation, London

"Jazak'Allah khair for a fabulous seminar. I truly enjoyed it and it was very much worth the trek from London to Cambridge" 
- Antti Kangaslahti, London
"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

"The course was very good and very well managed. The structure of the course and the timing of the breaks were aslo very good. I learned alot from Sheikh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi and I left loving the Prophet (pbuh) even more and determined to investigate more about him. Jazak Allah khair for the experience and may Allah reward both the Sheikh and the organisers in their efforts." - Ayan Adan, London

"The course was simply amazing, it was a lot of information to take in but was definitely worthwhile. As for Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi, words cannot serve justice for explaining how humble yet knowledgeable he is. Alhamdulillah I went with my whole family and intend to attend all of his future courses InshaAllah"  - Rahee Ahmed, Law Student, Kent University
 
More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related Posts

The Secrets of Fasting - Revealed!

Ramadhan - The Month of Revolution

Why Is Ramadhan Dead (for most people)?


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Sunday 24 July 2011

The Secrets of Fasting - Revealed!

"Piety cannot be imposed on the people. It has to come from within. Fasting is a good training ground for that" - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

<<O you who believe fasting has been prescribed upon you as it had been prescribed upon those before you so that you may attain Taqwa (piety, god‐consciousness)>> [Qur'an 2:183]. Not everyone who fasts purifies themselves and attains Taqwa. The goal of Fasting can only be achieved when Fasting is of a certain standard. Fasting has two dimensions to it - the inner dimension and the outer dimension. People focus on the outer dimensions of Fasting such as abstaining from food and drink and neglect the more important inner dimensions, thereby loosing the benefits and missing the goals of Fasting. The Prophet (PBUH) alluded to this when he said “Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness”. So Fasting is not just a bodily experience but it also has to be combined with the mind and the spirit (heart).

The inner dimension of Fasting is not just the "intention" or "niyyah" as many people think. It is much more deeper and comprehensive than that. These are the Secrets which if people knew and practised, they would have a very different experience in their Fasting and enjoy every moment of it. These secrets cannot be found easily from reading books or gained from listening to a lecture. They need to be imparted and explained by people of deep insight. So this is your opportunity to learn these "secrets" or inner dimensions which have been passed on from people of insight from generation to generation all the way from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The one-day seminar Treasures of Ramadhan by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi coming up this Saturday would be invaluable not just for the coming Ramadhan but for your whole life. Please sign up today to reserve your place for this unique seminar.

Exploring The Treasures of Ramadhan
Detailed Study Of Ramadhan Focusing On Purification & Self-Development

Instructor: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 30th July 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

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

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

"Alhamdulillah I've attended 3 seminars of Sheikh Akram's so far, and Insha Allah I will keep coming back for more! He was introduced to me by my brother who attends his study circles regularly in Oxford. I loved the seminar on Women scholars in Islam, it was a total eye opener into what a Muslim woman's role in society is, which surprisingly (or not) goes against many cultiural and conventionally held notions of Muslim women. My other favourite one was the tafseer of Surat al Fatiha and the last ten surahs, I will not be exaggerating when I say that I truly found it mind blowing. Sheikh Akram is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge but Masha Allah he always carries himself with the utmost humility. I have already had a look at the list of future seminars and I think MEOC is doing a great job in giving the layman an opportunity to have an exciting insight into the world of Muslim scholarship with its choice of highly intellectual topics. Last but not least, its a great opportunity to meet new people of diverse backgrounds. Well done all of you and may Allah reward you for your efforts." - Dr Fathima Shyma Fazal, Boston, Lincolnshire

"I want to thank your organisation for arranging these series of lectures by Dr Nadwi. I have attended few of the seminars 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 practiced 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

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Ramadhan - The Month of Revolution

Ramadhan is no ordinary month - it is The Month of Revolution. The greatest revolution the world has ever seen happened during this month with the revelation of the Qur’an from the loftiest of stations to the heavens of this world. This event was so extraordinary that the night that it happened has been described as better than a thousand months. This is the night the whole world was lit up by the light of the Qur’an piercing through the seven heavens and shining on the earth.

This is a historical event but it has been made timeless for us to re-live that experience every year in the month of Ramadhan and create our own personal revolution within us. The Qur’an is a light for the people of Taqwa (God-consciousness). Fasting has been prescribed in the month of Ramadhan so that people may attain Taqwa. Perhaps that is the reason why we fast during the day and engage with the Qur’an in Night Prayers so that our hearts become ever more deeply longing to receive the light of the Qur’an to create that personal revolution. This is even more intensified with all the other blessings surrounding Ramadhan including the Night of Qadr.

Sadly many people miss out on this because they only have a very shallow understanding of Ramadhan. For them Ramadhan is just another ritual that they want to get over with. If this is your situation then here is your opportunity to change it by acquiring a much deeper understanding of Ramadhan which if practiced would create the inner revolution that would make you wish Ramadhan stayed forever. It is not difficult, sign up today for the unique one-day seminar The Treasures of Ramadhan by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi coming up just in time for this Ramadhan. This seminar can transform your Ramadhan to heights that you have never seen before and give you the real experience of Ramadhan that many have never tasted before.

Exploring The Treasures of Ramadhan
Detailed Study Of Ramadhan Focusing On Purification & Self-Development

Instructor: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 30th July 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

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

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"Jazakumullah khair for the efforts of the MEOC for arranging these blessed gatherings of knowledge. The seminars I've attended so far have several elements that make them very special, starting from the choice of topics themselves which cater to the more profound needs of the people rather than addressing some superficial issues that seem to be more fashionable today. Even the content of the seminars and the manner of teaching by Shaikh Akram Nadwi are directly focussed towards developing a deeper understanding of these issues. In these seminars, one gets a glimpse of the years of learning that have gone into the brilliant scholarship of Shaikh Nadwi. Furthermore his knowledge seems to be blessed by an acute understanding of the needs of the Ummah. The seminar on the 'Legacy of Ibrahim (a.s.)' was exceptionally beautiful, wherein, the Shaikh in his own words confessed that he was attempting to transmit, not knowledge, but the state of his heart, to the others present. While the knowledge and the insight that one gains into the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the history of Muslims through these seminars is invaluable, I personally feel that these sessions are more than just one-day courses. I am inclined to call them gatherings of Remembrance of Allah, and we all know the blessings of such gatherings!" - Mohini Verma, PhD Student, Cambridge University


"Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi is a great asset to the Muslims in the UK and his 57 volume work on al-Muhaddithaat (The Women Scholars of Islam) is no doubt going to be a lasting legacy of this great man. I had the blessed opportunity of spending a day with him recently; he is one of those few individuals who in a short period of time can change your entire thinking. May Allah bless the brothers and sisters in Cambridge and those in Oxford who organise and help the Shaykh in his works." - Nasar Ishfaq, Manchester

"As a non Muslim (currently!) I have been delighted by the whole experience of the MEOC lectures and have found them so helpful in my studies and 'quest for the Truth'. I had been doing lots of reading and studying and had started to read the Qur'an and this lecture seemed to come at the perfect time.The whole experience has been well organised, welcoming and informative and the depth and breadth of knowledge of Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akran Nadwi is truly inspiring and motivating. Excellent course delivery with suitable breaks allowing for reflection and brief stretch of legs, plus useful and interactive question and answer sessions.The two lectures I have attended thus far have benefited me enormously and I look forward to more God willing." - Sarah Jarman, Bedford

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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Friday 15 July 2011

Why Is Ramadhan Dead (for most people)?

Ramadhan comes and goes every year but the effect of each Ramadhan is meant to stay not just until next Ramadhan but for the rest of a Muslim’s life. So more Ramadhans one goes through the more they should be spiritually pure, morally upright and intellectually wise. However this is not the case for the vast majority of the Muslims because they misunderstand the purpose, wisdom and the practicalities of Ramadhan. For many Fasting is just another ritual. This was alluded to by the Prophet (PBUH) when he said: “Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness”. Surely no one wants to be in this state but sadly many are. This is easily seen by looking at the effect Ramadhan has on ones life. Unfortunately for many there is no effect - their life before and after Ramadhan is the same. They have a dead Ramadhan.

If you want to change this situation then this is your opportunity to do so. Register for the unique one-day seminar The Treasure of Ramadhan by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi coming up just 2 days before Ramadhan. This seminar can transform your Ramadhan to heights you have never seen before and give you the real experience of Ramadhan that many have never tasted before. Register today to experience a living Ramadhan.

The Treasures of Ramadhan
Detailed Study Of Ramadhan Focusing On Purification & Self-Development

Instructor: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)

Date: Saturday 30th July 2011      Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Venue: Cambridge University

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

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

"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/London

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