Many of us Muslims like to compare the problems we face in our
lives with the struggles of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions and
we think that we are disliked by some Non-Muslims due to the same
reasons that the early Muslims were disliked and opposed by the
Non-Muslims of their time. The early Muslims were opposed and even
persecuted because of the unwavering conviction of their faith. This
conviction helped them to hold fast and persevere with the best of
character and manners, and they eventually conquered the hearts and
minds of their opponents, their hatred and animosity replaced by love
and faith and a longing to join the Muslims and be like them.
Today, the circumstances are very different and we are not
disliked because of our conviction but because of our lack of
conviction. This lack of conviction comes out clearly in our character,
attitude, actions and manners.
<<Do you not see how God makes
comparisons? A good word is like a good tree whose root is firm and
whose branches are high in the sky, yielding constant fruit by its
Lord’s leave– God makes such comparisons for people so that they may
reflect– but an evil word is like a rotten tree, uprooted from the
surface of the earth, with no power to endure. God will give firmness to
those who believe in the firmly rooted word, both in this world and the
Hereafter, but the evildoers He leaves to stray: God does whatever He
will.>> [Qur'an 14:24-27]
Our character and manners stem from what we have deep
in our hearts. No amount of cosmetic or superficial tinkering can remedy
our situation as our true character and manners can never be kept
hidden.
"Our manners are, after our skin, and
then our clothes, the point of contact between us and the world,
especially other people. It is an interface that should be looked after
and kept in good order. Just as we care for our body’s cleanliness and
good health and just as we care that our clothes are clean and do not
offend others or leave a bad impression, so also we should regard
manners as something requiring regular attention and maintenance. In
Islam, manners are not a superficial polish, nor a specialised routine
for special occasions, nor a preserve of the upper classes. Rather, the
same manners are commended for all Muslims, of high or low status, rich
or poor, and for all occasions." - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (from his seminar notes)
So what is the way forward?
Join Shaykh
Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi this Saturday in Luton for a heart-melting
seminar with deep insights on Manners in Islam that teaches the core and
the real substance of manners as opposed to superficial etiquettes
that people focus on today. If you are looking for real change in your
life and the people around you then this is a must-go seminar for you.
Please register now to reserve your place.
Al-Jalal Masjid, Luton supported by MEOC - Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars Present
The Best of Manners in Islam
Seminar on Perfecting Our Manners based on Selected Prophetic Traditions from the Book of Manners - Sunan Abu Dawud
By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)
Date: Saturday, 11 May 2013
Time: 09:30am - 4:00pm
Venue: Al Jalal Masjid, 314 Biscot Road, Luton LU3 1AZ
Course Fee: £10 (includes course booklet and refreshments)
Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/luton-best-of-manners.html
Contact: Al Jalal Masjid: 07739850155 /
info@aljalalmasjid.org
"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 8,500 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 (London)
"I was just wanted to add to the growing feedback
of how remarkable that weekend was for me. By Allah, I do not say it
lightly that it was possibly the best weekend I've ever had. The
introduction to the study of Hadith, Shaykh Akram's Nadwi teaching and
the impeccable jems and one-liners he would dish out regularly stunned
me constantly throughout the course. But more than that, being taught by
such a knowledgeable and humble scholar, masha'Allah, was a unique and
awe-inspiring experience for me. Alhamdulillah, I was able to stay after
Maghrib and also after Fajr, to listen to his lectures outside of the
course. So in essence, my entire weekend was spent in the Shaykh's
company and I could understand -- rather, catch a glimpse of -- how
students in the past would love to remain in their teacher's company,
soaking up their knowledge and benefiting from their wisdom. Jazkallahu
khair for the opportunity to attend such an incredible course, and
insha'Allah, I pray I can attend it again (up north!). May Allah SWT
bless Shaykh Akram Nadwi and preserve his likes, Ameen. (I'd also like
to add that the book stall was amazing, masha'Allah -- I don't think
I've spent so much on books in one go!)" - Aanisah Rahim (London)Wassalaam
Muslim Education & Outreach Cambridge (MEOC)
Tel: 07736 779448 / 01223 655223 Email: courses@meoc.org.uk
