Wednesday 29 May 2013

Surah Yusuf - The Best of Stories - London Ramadhan Ijaza Seminar



Surah Yusuf - The Best of Stories at The Best of Times
Including Principles of Understanding The Qur'an

Ramadhan Ijaza Weekend London Seminar


By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Weekend 27-28 July 2013 | Time: 9.30AM - 6.30PM

Venue: Edmonton Islamic Centre London + Live Online Worldwide

Overnight accommodation (for men and women) and crèche facilities available.Limited seats - previous London seminar attracted over 200 people.

35% early bird discount.

Buy your tickets now: http://courses.meoc.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/310119099121919

A unique opportunity to study the amazing story of Yusuf (AS) this Ramadhan while also learning the principles of understanding the Qur'an with an extraordinary scholar & teacher of our time, including Ijaza for each student linking them to the Prophet (SAW) for hearing certain parts of the Qur'an.

Friday 17 May 2013

Surah Al-Qiyamah - Dawah To Islamophobes & Liberals

Lately, there has been a lot in the news that is stirring up anti-Muslim sentiments on issues ranging from women's rights (eg. topless jihad) and gay rights (eg. same-sex marriage) to gender segregation of ISOC events at British universities. As one would expect, there has been much analysis from Muslim organisations and individuals in trying to uncover the motives behind these phenomena and respond with reasoned arguments. However, what we as Muslims fail to realise is that these responses are going to have very little or no effect at all.

"We Muslims are not serious because we want to address these issues in the society which are necessary consequences of some deeper values that this society is built upon. These values trace back to the principles of the French Revolution such as freedom, equality and fraternity. If we are serious and we want to see these issues go away, then we have to teach people that they are not free but they are slaves of Allah. We must teach them the slavery of Allah and constantly think and plan how we can change the minds of the people. If somebody is a slave then he or she would want to do what his or her master would want them to do. Otherwise it is impossible to stop these issues and if we try to we will only end up fighting and achieving nothing" - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi

One of the most powerful surahs in the Qur'an - Surah Al-Qiyamah - teaches us how to make a real impression in the society by taking the conversation to a different level. It tells us
  1. we should teach people the right message (slavery, resurrection and accountability)
  2. we should not hurry but rather, take our time to learn, understand, plan and act in the way that Allah (SWT) wants us to and not how we want (verses16-19)
This Surah is such a deep surah that if we understand it properly, it would give us the confidence and the ability to deal with anyone regardless of their position and status.
We have a very blessed opportunity this Saturday to study the deeper aspects of the Qur'an with one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi - who is not only an expert in Hadith but in Tafsir as well. The seminar coming up on Saturday is for anyone who is serious about understanding the Qur'an with real depth.

Sign up now for this unmissable seminar on its own or for an annual pass with 50% discount...

Surah Al-Qiyamah
The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series


By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 18th May 2013    Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

http://courses.meoc.org.uk << Click Here To Register 

"This course has really been far beyond my expectations  Sheikh Akram has given me a new perspective on the topics covered, including a lot of wisdom and bringing the topic away from the superficial discussions to the core essential foundations that need to be understood by every da'ee. It has completely change my perspective on the inner dimension of a da'ee and the outer expectations of a da'ee. I have rarely seen that depth of understanding when it comes to the dawah. May Allah bless him, increase him in knowledge and wisdom and allow all the da'ees to benefit from his wisdom and his understanding." - Steeve Brador, London

“There are not many people that you meet and in the first hour of sitting with them you decide you love them for the sake of Allah, but for me that was the case one week ago, when I had the honour of sitting in on a course by Shaykh Akram Nadwi. The next week I was with him again and by no means did he cease to amaze me any less. When someone like Shaykh Akram speaks and explains things the way he does, you know that anyone who is not benefiting from him will look back in 10 years and think, man I totally lost out there. You may know a topic inside out but because of the depth of his knowledge and more importantly his understanding, when he explains something you are thrown back by how he explained it in a way you never heard it before. MashaAllah. These courses are essential for every Muslim. If people are sincere about seeking knowledge that will connect them to their Creator, Allah (SWT), then they will take full advantage as they will not only help one understand their purpose in life in a deeper and more meaningful way but they will also be in a strong position to articulate Islam to the people around them in a way that makes sense and appeals the the hearts and minds.” - Tariq Shaekh, London

"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

More Testimonials (including videos): http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Previous Posts

"Inconsistencies" in The Qur'an - Exposed!

The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality - How Can People Know?

 

Thursday 16 May 2013

"Inconsistencies" in The Qur'an - Exposed!

When one reads the Qur'an (or a translation of it) one cannot but wonder why certain seemingly non-related verses have been placed in the midst of an otherwise perfectly connected passage of verses. One such example is in Surah Al-Qiyamah. This surah is about The Resurrection. However, in between the verses about The Resurrection, there appear some instructions to the Prophet (SAW) which seem to have no relationship to what is before or after. The verses are:

<<[Prophet], do not rush your tongue in an attempt to hasten [your memorization of] the Revelation: We shall make sure of its safe collection and recitation. When We have recited it, repeat the recitation and We shall make it clear.>> [Surah Al-Qiyamah 75:16-19]

The natural reaction of many of us Muslims when we come across such verses is to refer to books of tafsir and if we can't find a satisfactory explanation, then, to just swallow the "inconsistency" and move on. If this happens often, then the Qur'an - which is supposed to be clear guidance - turns into a puzzle and this creates a mental block in understanding the Qur'an. The reality is that no single verse in the Qur'an is unrelated but it is our minds that have not been trained to think deeply enough to understand. Unsurprisingly, books cannot teach us how to reach this type of thinking as this requires interaction with a qualified and experienced teacher whose level of thinking is both broad and deep.

We have a very blessed opportunity this Saturday to study such deeper aspects of the Qur'an with one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi - who is not only an expert in Hadith but in Tafsir as well. The seminar coming up on Saturday is for anyone who is serious about understanding the Qur'an with real depth.

Sign up now for this unmissable seminar on its own or for an annual pass with 50% discount...

Surah Al-Qiyamah
The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 18th May 2013    Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

http://courses.meoc.org.uk << Click Here To Register 

"The Magnificent Journey continues... Today's seminar was yet another awesome seminar in the series with exceptional crowd and amazing insights from Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is truly a historic seminar series on the explanation of The Quran and is redefining our understanding and relationship with the Book of ALLAH. The emphasise of Dr Nadwi on establishing our connection with ALLAH and utilising the space given to us for recognising one God, is the key highlight of these seminars. Each seminar begins by strongly negating the wrong practises which have been introduced in the true teachings of worshipping one ALLAH and then builds on it by inviting us to ponder on the sings of ALLAH and get closer to our Rabb. Truly inspiring series, I would strongly recommend everybody including men, women and families to attend the Magnificent Journey Seminars as these are life changing and truly install this urge of loving the Book of ALLAH. The subtle nuances of the language which make the Qur'an such a powerful speech are beautifully explained by Dr Akram Nadwi in a nice balanced way keeping the things simple and interesting at the same time. His tremendous scholarships of Hadith literature and exceptional skills of Arabic language make this series a unique experience and a historic event in the city of Cambridge." - Awais Ahmed Awan, Cambridge

"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 recently attended the Tafsir of Surah Nuh. Whilst I had heard much about Shaykh Akram, this was my first class with him. The first thing that you cannot help but appreciate is how the Shaykh hooks you with his connection to knowledge, in a pure sense, there was no need to employ any speaking tactics to keep the attendees engrossed. The Shaykh, made every point relevant, to connect the text with our lives today and our response to get closer to our Creator. Indeed the Shaykh mentioned countless gems that he mentioned offhand but when contemplated on, really struck a chord in the heart. It was also great that the Shaykh was very open to questions, however sensitive, and tackled them head on, without compromising the principles of our faith, exemplifying that Allah azza wa jal has not only blessed him with knowledge, but also wisdom. I don't say this lightly, I genuinely believe, if you have the opportunity to study with the Shaykh, and you don't take it, then you have missed out on tasting the fruits of the knowledge of the Scholarship of our time and land" - Umer Suleman, South London

More Testimonials (including videos): http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Previous Posts

The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality - How Can People Know?

Thursday 9 May 2013

The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality - How Can People Know?

There is no religious belief more disputed in the entire history of mankind than the belief in the resurrection. Even many with religious inclinations completely deny the resurrection or at least take it as a metaphor with no reality. The rise of atheism in modern times has only increased this tendency. Their usual line is <<There is nothing except our life on this earth, and never shall we be raised up again>> [Qur'an 6:29]

The Qur'an tell us that the The Resurrection is clear and obvious and its evidence is within us and all around us. So what is this evidence and why can't people see it? This is the subject of one of the most powerful early Makkan Surahs of the Qur'an - Surah Al-Qiyamah, which starts with <<Does man think We shall not put his bones back together?>> [75:3] and ends with <<Does He who can do this not have the power to bring the dead back to life?>> [75:40]

Join the Magnificent Journey Series Seminar on Surah Al-Qiyamah for a detailed explanation of this surah that would make you wonder how you could have missed such a seminar. This really is a life-saving seminar for Muslims (as well as for non-Muslims) in this day and age where the thinking of the human being has been reduced to what is immediate and apparent as described in the same surah <<Nay, but you do love the fleeting Now and neglect the Hereafter>> [75:20-21]

Sign up now for this unmissable seminar on its own or for an annual pass with 50% discount...

Surah Al-Qiyamah
The Resurrection - A Fantasy or A Reality?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 18th May 2013    Time: 10AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

http://courses.meoc.org.uk << Click Here To Register

"Jazakumullahu khayran. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity. I am so impressed by the Sheikh, subhanallah, mashaAllah. A very rare example of tradition fused with awareness of the environment and reality while not compromising God consciousness. If only there were more like him. Questions, I'm so glad we can ask them even if it's not about the sura. Yes, how else are we to learn from his wisdom and experience if we don't ask? The issues facing Muslims in the West are so many and so confusing and I just love the fact that he does not have an inferiority complex about Islam. It's really sad to see psychologically defeated scholars start throwing away tradition in the name of progress and fitting in. Sheikh Akram Nadwi gives you the sense that the real life is in the hereafter so don't have to get so tied up with the philosophies and controversies that sometimes take away our attention from the real purpose. The onus is on us, are we being pious?" - Aisha Barkatulla, Cambridge

More Testimonials (including videos): http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html

Why Are Muslims Hated Today in The East and The West?

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