Saturday 22 September 2012

Why The Qur'an Is The Way It Is - Do We Not Think?

The following are 5 different translations of the same ayah in Surah Muhammad [47:24]
  • Will they not contemplate the Qur an? Do they have locks on their hearts? [Abdel Haleem]
  • Will they then not meditate on the Qur'an, or are there locks on the hearts? [Pickthall]
  • Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up by them? [Yusuf Ali]
  • Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? [Saheeh International]
  • Do they not then think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? [Muhsin Khan]
What is interesting to notice is that the word Tadabbur in Arabic has been translated in 5 different ways. This is part of the power of the Qur'an. Each and every word in the Qur'an is chosen and placed in such a way to give rise to a rich array of related meanings and implications. No doubt this is one reason why we have been urged to do Tadabbur (contemplate, meditate, reflect and think deeply) on the Qur'an and not just read it, as words, sentences and surahs are coherently and miraculously connected to each other and this would not be apparent by a superficial reading of the Qur'an. Contemplating, meditating and reflecting upon the Qur'an opens up new worlds into the Qur'an. It is these new worlds that reveal the miraculousness of the Qur'an, pouring out unimaginable blessings for the reader. Those who do not do Tadabbur are severely reprimanded by Allah (SWT).

This is a blessed Scripture which We sent down to you [Muhammad], for people to think about its messages, and for those with understanding to take heed. [Surah Saad 38:29]

The blessings of the Qur'an are connected to Tadabbur and Tadhakkur (taking heed, receiving admonition). Tadabbur of the Qur'an requires training, practice and guidance. It is very sad to see that there are hardly any classes or lessons teaching people how to do Tadabbur of the Qur'an. If there are any classes, they are on Tafsir (explanation) of the Qur'an which, although very beneficial, do not necessarily train people to reflect and contemplate.

The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series is designed to fill this vacum. In addition to Tafsir, the seminar demonstrates and teaches how to reflect, contemplate, meditate and think deeply (i.e do Tadabbur) on the Qur'an. It is undertaken with one of the foremost Islamic scholars and thinkers of the Western world today - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford University.

Those who undertake this journey will receive a formal certificate from Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi.


Please watch what attendees say about these seminars: Tariq Pandor (Birmingham)  http://vimeo.com/28135910


The Magnificent Journey

An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Thabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of The Qur'an From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)


Starting:
Sunday 23rd September 2012     Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue:
Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University

Schedule:

  1. Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University
    67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam
  2. Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University
    69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij
  3. Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University
    71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn
  4. Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University
    73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah
  5. Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University
    76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat
  6. Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University
    78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa
  7. Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University
    81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq
  8. Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University
    85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr
  9. Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University
    90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq
  10. Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University
    97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas
  11. Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi
  12. Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an
There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course.

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

Testimonials

Video Testimonial:  
Hammad Buriname (France)  http://vimeo.com/27990418
Tariq Pandor (Birmingham)  http://vimeo.com/28135910



"This was an excellent course. The course progressed at a good pace and the amount of time allowed for questions was appropriate. In addition to the content, much of the benefit of these courses is from the aproach, experience and perspective of the shaykh. He is humble, approachable and good-humoured. He is clearly steeped in knowledge but his courses are never purely about information - he emphasises the fact that our purpose is to live for the afterlife. Jazakumullahu khayran for your efforts." - Naveed Khan, Cambridge

"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


"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 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

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


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Thursday 20 September 2012

In Defence of The Prophet - Surah Al-Qalam - The Magnificent Journey


It appears to be a time of the year when some ridicule is trying to be hurled at the Prophet (SAW) and the Muslims. This is not a new occurrence but is as old as the advent of the Prophet (SAW). It is a coincidence that Surah Al-Qalam is to be explored this weekend together with Surah Al-Mulk in the first of a year-long series of seminars. Surah Al-Qalam is the response of Allah (SWT) to the ridicule and abuse made towards His Messenger - Muhammad (PBUH) by the disbelievers and the hypocrites.

Like Surah Al-Mulk which starts by powerfully exalting Allah (SWT), Surah Al-Qalam starts by Allah (SWT)'s exaltation of  the Messenger (SAW).

Nun. By the pen! By all they write! Your Lord’s grace does not make you [Prophet] a madman: you will have a never-ending reward–– truly you have a strong character–– and soon you will see, as will they, which of you is afflicted with madness. Your Lord knows best who strays from His path and who is rightly guided. So do not yield to those who deny the truth–– they want you to compromise with them and then they will compromise with you–– do not yield to any contemptible swearer, to any backbiter, slander-monger, or hinderer of good, to anyone who is sinful, aggressive, coarse, and on top of all that, an imposter. [Surah Al-Qalam 68:1-13]

Oaths are often used in the Qur'an. They are connected to what follows in that Surah. In this instance, Allah (SWT) swears by the pen and what is written by the pen. Is there a relationship between the pen and what is written here in this Surah? According to Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi and others there is a very strong relationship. The oath is there to make people understand that men of letters (those who write) know for sure that what the Prophet (SAW) came with (the Qur'an) is not something a mad person or a liar or a lunatic could come up with and that the Prophet (SWT) could never be a mad person or a lunatic or liar because "you are on an exalted standard of character" (ayah #4). The rest of the Surah then elaborates on this argument. The Surah ends with:

The disbelievers almost strike you down with their looks when they hear the Qur an. They say, ‘He must be mad!’ but truly it is nothing other than a Reminder for all peoples. [Surah Al-Qalam 68:51-52]

This Surah is as if it has been revealed to us fresh from the heavens with regards to the incidents of the past weeks. What better opportunity can we have to explore this Surah in detail and have a greater understanding of the Prophet (SAW) than to study it with one of the foremost Islamic scholars and thinkers of the Western world today? Furthermore, if one cannot attend the seminars in person they can access it live online from anywhere in the world and follow it with their family and friends. In these seminars you will study the intricate and subtle but very important connections between words and ayahs within the surahs to gain a well rounded and deep understanding of the Qur'an, which is very rare these days to find. No amount of reading books or listening to talks can compare to studying with a qualified scholar and a teacher of this calibre even for a short timeSo please sign up without delay to begin Your Magnificent Journey with the Qur'an. This is an opportunity one can hardly miss.

Please watch what the attendees say about these seminars: http://vimeo.com/27990418.

The Magnificent Journey

An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Thabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of The Qur'an From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)


Starting: Sunday 23rd September 2012     Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University

Schedule:
  1. Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University
    67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam
  2. Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University
    69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij
  3. Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University
    71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn
  4. Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University
    73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah
  5. Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University
    76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat
  6. Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University
    78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa
  7. Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University
    81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq
  8. Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University
    85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr
  9. Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University
    90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq
  10. Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University
    97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas
  11. Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi
  12. Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an
There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course.

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

Wednesday 19 September 2012

The Great Intercessor - Surah Al-Mulk - What is The Secret?

The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Verily there is a Surah in the Qur'an which has 30 Aayaat. It intercedes for a person till he is forgiven. That Surah is tabaarakalladhiy biyadihil mulk (Surah Al-Mulk)". [Tirmidhi]
 
The Prophet (PBUH) gave this good news to those who regularly recite and reflect on Surah Al-Mulk. Surah Al-Mulk is one of the most powerful surahs in the Qur'an. But what is the secret behind the power of this surah?

The Surah starts by describing the greatness, power, dominion and sovereignty of Allah (SWT) and goes on to describe the natural world, hinting that there is a great connection between the two. Then, two types of people described - those who are losers and those who are winners.

They will say, ‘If only we had listened, or reasoned (used our minds), we would not be with the inhabitants of the blazing fire,’ [Surah Al-Mulk 67:10] But there is forgiveness and a great reward for those who fear their Lord though they cannot see Him. [Surah Al-Mulk 67:12]

Is this the key to the message of this surah - that we should develop our minds to see Allah (SWT) although the eyes cannot see Him; that we should use our minds and reflect on the Ayaat (signs) of Allah (SWT) both in the Qur'an and in the universe; and how does Surah Al-Mulk help us to achieve this? Why would the Prophet (SAW) would not go to sleep until he recited Sural Al-Mulk every night? How does Surah Al-Mulk give us safety and security in the grave? Why is Surah Al-Mulk the great intercessor?

This is your opportunity explore Surah Al-Mulk and the rest of the last 2 Juzu of the Qur'an in the forthcoming seminar series - The Magnificent Journey starting on Sunday 23rd September 2012.

The Magnificent Journey

An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Thabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of The Qur'an From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)


Starting: Sunday 23rd September 2012     Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University

Schedule:
  1. Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University
    67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam
  2. Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University
    69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij
  3. Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University
    71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn
  4. Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University
    73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah
  5. Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University
    76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat
  6. Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University
    78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa
  7. Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University
    81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq
  8. Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University
    85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr
  9. Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University
    90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq
  10. Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University
    97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas
  11. Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi
  12. Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an
There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course.

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

Sunday 16 September 2012

How To Sharpen Your Thinking With The Qur’an?

"One must worship Allah (SWT) with their mind, body and spirit (heart). Thinking is the 'Ibaadah (worship) of the mind" - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Despite all the advances in education, science and technology, the level of thinking of people has fallen drastically. The people do not think anymore - they either don't have the time to think or they do not know how to think. If at all they think, their thinking is very shallow and narrow - i.e. very superficial. But what differentiates humans from animals is their ability to think deeply and broadly. If man does not think that way he becomes like an animal or even worse, as described in the Qur'an:

We have created many jinn and people who are destined for Hell, with hearts they do not use for comprehension, eyes they do not use for sight, ears they do not use for hearing. They are like cattle, no, even further astray: these are the ones who are entirely heedless. [Surah Al-'A'raaf 7:179]

They will say, ‘If only we had listened, or reasoned (used our minds), we would not be with the inhabitants of the blazing fire’ [Surah Al-Mulk 67: 10]

How do we become people who think and how can we sharpen our thinking? No doubt it is only through engaging with the Qur'an intimately that we can become people who think. Qur'an urges us to think, reflect, ponder, explore, see, hear, read, research and imagine. It also teaches us how to do these with the advice and the examples of the greatest of thinkers of all time such as Ibrahim (AS) - the beloved of Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) - the messenger of Allah (SWT).

The last 2 Juzu of the Qur'an are the ideal places to start as the Surahs therein are succinct, yet with very deep and profound meanings that would shake and change the thinking of the people. The forthcoming seminar series - The Magnificent Journey - is an essential guide in that direction. It is starting coming Sunday 23rd September 2012 with Surah al-Mulk and Surah al-Qalam.

The Magnificent Journey

An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Thabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of The Qur'an From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University)


When: 3rd or 4th Saturday/Sunday of the Month     Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University

Schedule:
  1. Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University
    67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam
  2. Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University
    69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij
  3. Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University
    71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn
  4. Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University
    73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah
  5. Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University
    76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat
  6. Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University
    78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa
  7. Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University
    81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq
  8. Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University
    85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr
  9. Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University
    90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq
  10. Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University
    97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas
  11. Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi
  12. Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University
    Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an
There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course.

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