Surah Yusuf - What Is In It For Me?

The early-bird discount for the up-coming 2-day Ramadhan seminar is ending soon. Please book your place now. The power and strength derived from this Surah is equally applicable to a young Muslim living in this modern society as it was to a great classical scholar.

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi wrote in Saydul Khatir:

<<Once a situation compelled me to be associated with a matter that is not Islamic. My mind gave me a lot of excuses and tried to hide the sin in it from me. But, it was indeed not Islamic. I prayed to Allah and sought His help to resolve the issue. I took the Qur'an and started reading it as I had to teach Surah Yusuf on that day. When Zulekah invited Yusuf (may peace be upon him) to the ugly act, he said: “I seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is my Master, who has made good my residence”. I was shocked when I read this verse. I woke up all of a sudden. The veil was removed from my mind. Yusuf (AS) was a free man, but was brought to slavery forcefully. Still he recognizes the favour and calls the one who favoured him his master. I then told my mind: “Now you think, in reality you are a slave. Your Master has been helping you since your birth. He gave you a healthy body, a protective religion and many capabilities. You can never count His blessings on you. How insulting is it then to act against His commands”.>>

This is only one example of how one can learn from Surah Yusuf. Containing the best of stories, narrated by the Creator of the all the worlds, the story of Yusuf (AS) is the story of life with invaluable lessons for every one of us.

Coming up this Ramadan is a detailed explanation of Surah Yusuf by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, an expert of Hadith and Tafsir and one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world. This is an unmissable seminar for everyone, young and old, men and women, students and scholars....

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

Ramadan 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 and 50% student 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 Ramadan whilst also learning the principles of understanding the Qur'an with an extraordinary scholar & teacher of our time, plus Ijaza for each student linking them to the Prophet (SAW) for listening to the recitation of certain parts of the Qur'an.

Why Have We Forgotten Our Destination?

There is no doubt that we as Muslims know, or ought to know, our destination - Paradise. But we act and behave as if we do not know. We have become distracted by the present, causing us to forget the future. This is similar to what Allah (SWT) describes the disbelievers in the Qur'an.

<<These people love the fleeting life. They put aside [all thoughts of] a Heavy Day.>> [Surah Al-Insan 76:27]

Why do we allow ourselves to be distracted and forget the destination? The simple answer is that we don't really believe in Paradise. It is not deeply rooted in our hearts and minds as it must be. Surah Al-Insan has come to cure this illness. It gives us a detailed description of Paradise to create a longing for it, along with a description of the provisions we need to take with us on this arduous journey.

This Saturday, get a detailed explanation of Surah Al-Insan by an expert of tafsir and hadith and one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is an unmissable seminar for anyone concerned for their real future.

Bonus Question & Answer Session on "Doubts and Controversies about Islam"

These days, many contentious and sensitive issues related to Islam have arisen which lead to questions and doubts in the minds of many Muslims with few reliable sources to turn to for proper answers. In the forthcoming seminar on Surah Al-Insan, there will be a special bonus session giving all attendees the opportunity to have their questions answered by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of today.

Surah Al-Insan
Man The Unknown - What is His Destiny?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series

With Bonus Session on "Doubts and Controversies about Islam"

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 22nd June 2013  |  Time: 9.30AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

Features: Course Notes, Childcare/Crèche, Free Parking, Group Discounts and Scholarship

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

Testimonials

"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

"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

"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, Cambridge/London

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

Previous Posts

Man The Unknown - Surah Al-Insan - What is His Destiny? (plus Bonus Open Q & A Session)"Doubts and Controversies about Islam" in the Light of Surah Al-Insan

"Doubts and Controversies about Islam" in the Light of Surah Al-Insan

These days, many contentious and sensitive issues related to Islam have arisen which lead to questions and doubts in the minds of many Muslims with few reliable sources to turn to for proper answers. In the forthcoming seminar on Surah Al-Insan, there will be a special bonus session giving all attendees the opportunity to have their questions answered by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of today.

Surah Al-Insan
Man The Unknown - What is His Destiny?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series

With Bonus Session on "Doubts and Controversies about Islam"

By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 22nd June 2013  |  Time: 9.30AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

Features: Course Notes, Childcare/Crèche, Free Parking, Group Discounts and Scholarship

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

Sample Video



Testimonials

"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

"I wanted to thank you for organising the seminar about 'Eesa (AS) on Sunday. For me personally, it was truly very very beneficial and I learnt so much and it has opened my eyes to a lot I had no knowledge of before. I attended with the intention of learning so I could speak to my Christian friends but it was an eye opener for me personally as a Muslim. Brother Akram Nadwi is a very wise brother MashaAllah and its our privilege to have him around. Jazakumullahu Khairan and may Allah SWT reward all of you with His best reward - ameen" - Umm Haroon, Cambridge

“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

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

Previous Posts

Man The Unknown - Surah Al-Insan - What is His Destiny? (plus Bonus Open Q & A Session)

Shariah, Khilafah and Politics in the Light of Surah Yusuf

Today there is often so much confusion between Shariah, Khilafah and politics, not just among non-Muslims but among Muslims too. There are some who call for "Shariah law" to be implemented in the UK and there are others who say one's Islam is not complete without the Khilafa or "Islamic state". There are yet others who say application of Shariah law and Khilafah are obsolete and the way to go forward for Muslims is through a democracy. So who is right and and how should one seek the correct solution?

The solution can be found in Surah Yusuf - in the 'the best of stories'. When we look into the story of the Prophet Yusuf (AS), we find that the answers are not always black and white as some would have us believe but they depend on the time, place and condition. The amazing beauty of the story is that it covers every possible situation. Surah Yusuf provides a complete and comprehensive lesson in how to conduct oneself in any circumstance, whether one is free or oppressed; having authority or not; achieving an "Islamic state" or not; possessing power or in weakness; living among Muslims or non-Muslims; with the ability to implement Shariah law or not; no matter what our condition may be, the story of Yusuf (AS) will be relevant. The Prophet (SAW) followed the example of Yusuf (AS) not only when he and his companions were being oppressed and persecuted in Makkah prior to the Hijrah, but also after the Hijrah, when he returned to Makkah as the conqueror and the one in authority. The story of Yusuf (AS) also teaches us it is not Shariah Law or Khilafah or politics that matters the most but the soul of the religion - something very deep, universal and permanent, without which nothing has any value or importance. This shows us the power of this story and how important it is to understand it.

Coming up this Ramadan is a detailed explanation of Surah Yusuf by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world and an expert of both Hadith and Tafsir - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is an unmissable seminar for everyone, young and old, men and women, students and scholars....

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

Ramadan 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 Ramadan whilst also learning the principles of understanding the Qur'an with an extraordinary scholar & teacher of our time, plus Ijaza for each student linking them to the Prophet (SAW) for listening to the recitation of certain parts of the Qur'an.

Man The Unknown - Surah Al-Insan - What is His Destiny? (plus Bonus Open Q & A Session)

Man The Unknown - Surah Al-Insan - What is His Destiny?

Surah Al-Insan is a powerful Makkan surah giving a vivid reminder to man of his weak and humble beginning and his ultimate destiny.

<<Was there not a period of time when man was nothing to speak of? We created man from a drop of mingled fluid to put him to the test; We gave him hearing and sight; We guided him to the right path, whether he was grateful or not.>> [Surah Al-Insan 76:1-3]

While the earlier Surahs of the Qur’an drew man’s attention to the grave danger that awaits him if he chose to be ungrateful, Surah Al-Insan gives the glad tidings of Paradise and all that awaits therein for those who choose the right path, being grateful to their Lord and following His Command until they depart from this world successful. This Surah also directs man to a truth he cannot forget - his success and the endless reward of Paradise is achieved only by the grace and mercy of his Lord, so he must take the way to Him.

<<This is a reminder. Let whoever wishes, take the way to his Lord. But you will only wish to do so if God wills– God is all knowing, all wise– He admits whoever He will into His Mercy and has prepared a painful torment for the disbelievers.>> [Surah Al-Insan 76:29-31]

Bonus Question & Answer Session on "Doubts and Controversies about Islam"

These days, many contentious and sensitive issues related to Islam have arisen which lead to questions and doubts in the minds of many Muslims with few reliable sources to turn to for proper answers. In the forthcoming seminar on Surah Al-Insan, there will be a special bonus session giving all attendees the opportunity to have their questions answered by Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of today.

Surah Al-Insan
Man The Unknown - What is His Destiny?
The Magnificent Journey Seminar Series
 
With Bonus Session on "Doubts and Controversies about Islam"
 
By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

Date: Saturday 22nd June 2013    Time: 9.30AM - 6PM

Venue: Cambridge University and Live On-line Web Access

Features: Course Notes, Childcare/Crèche, Free Parking, Group Discounts and Scholarship

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

Testimonials

"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

"I wanted to thank you for organising the seminar about 'Eesa (AS) on Sunday. For me personally, it was truly very very beneficial and I learnt so much and it has opened my eyes to a lot I had no knowledge of before. I attended with the intention of learning so I could speak to my Christian friends but it was an eye opener for me personally as a Muslim. Brother Akram Nadwi is a very wise brother MashaAllah and its our privilege to have him around. Jazakumullahu Khairan and may Allah SWT reward all of you with His best reward - ameen" - Umm Haroon, Cambridge

“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

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

Navigating Life Through Troubled (and Good) Times as a Muslim in the UK - The Story of Yusuf (AS)

There has been a lot of concern and anxiety over incidents of the last few days in the UK. These incidents span from acts of violence committed by young Muslims in the name of religion to the backlash from the wider community that resulted from these acts. This has left many Muslims feeling helpless, frustrated, insecure and even threatened, not knowing what to make of it nor what to do. This trend is expected to continue...

So where should we Muslims stand and what should we do? There is no shortage of advice (or ill-advice) being given to us with bizarre statements and conflicting comments made in the media by people professing to represent the Islamic viewpoint (sometimes with good intentions but often with ulterior motives and agendas). Are we to listen to them while entertaining the ugly debates and arguments prevailing on public forums such as television and social media?

<<Whenever news of any matter comes to them, whether concerning peace or war, they spread it about; if they referred it to the Messenger and those in authority among them, those seeking its meaning would have found it out from them. If it were not for God’s bounty and mercy towards you, you would almost all have followed Satan.>> [Qur'an 4:83]

Are we following Satan or are we following Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW)?

Allah (SWT) has given us clear guidance to navigate our life through every situation. In this regard the Story of Yusuf (AS) is one of the most comprehensive as it deals with all aspects of faith in Allah (such as piety, trust, certainty, patience, gratitude, truthfulness, repentance and acceptance of divine pre-ordainment), all aspects of human emotions (such as love, care, passion, greed, envy, jealousy and hatred), all aspects of human conditions (such as oppression and injustice to leadership and authority) and much more.

The importance of the story of Yusuf (AS) is made clear to us by Allah (SWT) referring to it as the best of stories (Qur'an 12:3) and by the Prophet (SAW) taking Yusuf (AS) as an example for himself in all aspects of his life (SAW), following even the minutest details. This can be seen at the conquest of Makkah, when the Prophet (SAW) chose to use the exact words of Yusuf (AS) when speaking to his opponents,

<<"You will hear no reproaches today. May God forgive you: He is the Most Merciful of the merciful">> [Qur'an 12:92]

Therefore if we are to live as faithful believers in this society, then understanding the story and following the example of Yusuf (AS) is indispensable.

Coming up this Ramadhan is a detailed explanation of Surah Yusuf by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world and an expert of both Hadith and Tafsir - Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is an unmissable seminar for everyone, young and old, men and women, students and scholars....

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.