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by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailfor talk ”Liberalism & its Effect”
Saturday , 14 March 2015 – @ 3.00 pm
venue: Singapore Post Centre10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAH
Keynote Message Keynote Message : : Primary problem faced by Muslims today is regarding their confusion in Primary problem faced by Muslims today is regarding their confusion in Knowledge. The solution agreed upon may be in regard to their Education. Knowledge. The solution agreed upon may be in regard to their Education. Yet even in this, another issue (though subtle) has to be critically explored.Yet even in this, another issue (though subtle) has to be critically explored.What kind of education? What kind of education? Whether their education Whether their education is “is “of Islamof Islam” or “” or “with Islamwith Islam”. ”. Is there any difference? What are its implications? How have we come to this?Is there any difference? What are its implications? How have we come to this?
””Verily this is knowledge (which contains the rules) of Verily this is knowledge (which contains the rules) of
the the DEENDEEN (Religion), so look thoroughly into (Religion), so look thoroughly into
the person from whom you acquire the person from whom you acquire
(the knowledge of) your (the knowledge of) your DEENDEEN (Religion).” (Religion).”
Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rhm.a) advices and warns us MuslimsImam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rhm.a) advices and warns us Muslims
The command warns us Muslims to be wary and cautious from whom we The command warns us Muslims to be wary and cautious from whom we
derive our knowledge, advice, direction and guidance. Unfortunately derive our knowledge, advice, direction and guidance. Unfortunately
today, Muslims have already accepted trend of getting knowledge of today, Muslims have already accepted trend of getting knowledge of
their their DEENDEEN from ‘dubious’ sources especially those from ‘dubious’ sources especially those OrientalistsOrientalists (with their (with their
agenda) or agenda) or Orientalists-mindedOrientalists-minded or or SecularistSecularist who may even be Muslims. who may even be Muslims.
The traditional The traditional UlamaUlama’ of Islam, “’ of Islam, “The Heirs to the ProphetsThe Heirs to the Prophets”, are being ”, are being
maligned, marginalized, sidelined, ignored and their efforts undermined. maligned, marginalized, sidelined, ignored and their efforts undermined.
Even the knowledge (and Even the knowledge (and ADABADAB) as to who they are, is seemingly ) as to who they are, is seemingly
forgotten or lost, while sources from other faith system are being forgotten or lost, while sources from other faith system are being
popularized “popularized “shamelesslyshamelessly” as though Islamic heritage has become ” as though Islamic heritage has become
‘bankrupt’ or redundant in their mind – (i.e. certain Muslim ‘‘bankrupt’ or redundant in their mind – (i.e. certain Muslim ‘eliteselites’ ) who ’ ) who
are in awe of the West and the ‘modern, progressive’ learning system. are in awe of the West and the ‘modern, progressive’ learning system.
As Muslims, we are indeed blessed because the teaching of As Muslims, we are indeed blessed because the teaching of AD-DEE-NUL-AD-DEE-NUL-
ISLAMISLAM has, in fact, generally been preserved and faithfully transmitted by has, in fact, generally been preserved and faithfully transmitted by
generations of teacher-scholar traditionally.generations of teacher-scholar traditionally.
Yet today, with internet and social-media; with easy exposure to non-Yet today, with internet and social-media; with easy exposure to non-
traditional or even ‘secular’ approaches to learning; with callous disregard traditional or even ‘secular’ approaches to learning; with callous disregard
for for ADABADAB; etc. ; etc. unfortunately this has led to a truncation in the way many unfortunately this has led to a truncation in the way many
Muslims understand Muslims understand their own history, identity, heritage and even of Al-their own history, identity, heritage and even of Al-
Islam – which the following Qur’anic verses allude to, may summed up Islam – which the following Qur’anic verses allude to, may summed up
what we Muslims are in dire need of. what we Muslims are in dire need of.
After all, we seek from Allah SWT to guide us upon the After all, we seek from Allah SWT to guide us upon the SWSWIRAA-TWAL-IRAA-TWAL-
MUSTAQEEMMUSTAQEEM – and therefore, this is a direct response as guidance …. An – and therefore, this is a direct response as guidance …. An
urgent priority requiring “urgent priority requiring “holding fastholding fast” to, not merely of learning ! ” to, not merely of learning !
“O you who have attained to faith! Be conscious of (and fear) Allah
with all the consciousness (TAQWA) that is due to Him, and do not
allow death to overtake you ere you have surrendered yourselves
unto Him (MUSLIMUUN).”
(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102)
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAHIN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.
To strive till the end to be Muslims - the first pillar is the To strive till the end to be Muslims - the first pillar is the SHAHAADA-TAINSHAHAADA-TAIN--
a serious commitment to uphold with a serious commitment to uphold with TAQWATAQWA; ;
a sacred a sacred spiritual covenant spiritual covenant renewed; renewed;
a solemn pledge to holdfast to throughout our life; a solemn pledge to holdfast to throughout our life;
a preparation for the trial and tribulation that most certainly we will be a preparation for the trial and tribulation that most certainly we will be
made to face in this worldly life; made to face in this worldly life;
It in fact requires theIt in fact requires the self-actualization self-actualization towards becoming whom we towards becoming whom we
should essentially be, above all other identities; should essentially be, above all other identities;
the entrance into a single universal (the entrance into a single universal (UMMAHUMMAH) community of Faith of ) community of Faith of
((TAUTAUHHEEDEED) transcending racial, geographical, time and history;) transcending racial, geographical, time and history;
Which therefore must Which therefore must be consistently be consistently and and fervently upheldfervently upheld, till , till deathdeath..
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMANDS
TADZKIRAHTADZKIRAHIN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.
Unfortunately, many Muslim parents do not subscribe to such philosophy Unfortunately, many Muslim parents do not subscribe to such philosophy
of education, although they may provide lessons on Islam (IRK - Islam of education, although they may provide lessons on Islam (IRK - Islam
Religious Knowledge) for them who Religious Knowledge) for them who then learnt Islam merely as subjectsthen learnt Islam merely as subjects, ,
whereas their whereas their dominant philosophy in education still remain seculardominant philosophy in education still remain secular ..
Their drive and primary motivation for their children’s education is purely Their drive and primary motivation for their children’s education is purely
‘‘pragmatismpragmatism’ i.e. for socio-economic reasons, while learning and ’ i.e. for socio-economic reasons, while learning and
inculcation of the inculcation of the DEEN-AL-ISLAMDEEN-AL-ISLAM (if at all) relegated to be less important, (if at all) relegated to be less important,
as part-time extra-curricular sessions, i.e. learning of Islam as subjects. as part-time extra-curricular sessions, i.e. learning of Islam as subjects.
Many religious teachers too are now directed to imitate and adopt the Many religious teachers too are now directed to imitate and adopt the
conventional (secular) schooling approach of teaching, devoid of the conventional (secular) schooling approach of teaching, devoid of the
traditional Prophetic method that exude the spirit of traditional Prophetic method that exude the spirit of DA’WAHDA’WAH (calling (calling
others to Islam) and others to Islam) and ISLAISLAHH (reconciling and reforming the Muslims). (reconciling and reforming the Muslims).
These new “These new “elites, intellectuals, progressive, liberal-minded, rational, elites, intellectuals, progressive, liberal-minded, rational,
moderate, academic, etcmoderate, academic, etc.” fancy themselves as rational thinkers, whereas .” fancy themselves as rational thinkers, whereas
they take their cue from the Orientalists, who researched on Islam and are they take their cue from the Orientalists, who researched on Islam and are
trying to re-introduce into Islamic discourse using arguments from the trying to re-introduce into Islamic discourse using arguments from the
early Muslim ‘rationalists’ – early Muslim ‘rationalists’ – MU’TAZILITEMU’TAZILITE who dare to oppose ‘revelation’, who dare to oppose ‘revelation’,
whereas such views have already been refuted by Muslim scholars.whereas such views have already been refuted by Muslim scholars.
Inciting use of ‘reasoning’ and being too obsessed with ‘rationalizing’ that Inciting use of ‘reasoning’ and being too obsessed with ‘rationalizing’ that
led to skepticism towards the ‘revelation’ , already has precedence even in led to skepticism towards the ‘revelation’ , already has precedence even in
the beginning of creation as mentioned in teachings of Qur’an and its the beginning of creation as mentioned in teachings of Qur’an and its
parables. It is therefore very relevant to reflect so as to be understood by parables. It is therefore very relevant to reflect so as to be understood by
us, their lessons learnt and their intended warnings heeded.us, their lessons learnt and their intended warnings heeded.
In this narration, the inquisitive angels were rather perplexed towards In this narration, the inquisitive angels were rather perplexed towards
Allah’s decree in appointing Adam a.s. the vicegerent on earth. In Allah’s decree in appointing Adam a.s. the vicegerent on earth. In
accordance with their reasoning they judged that man, as compared to accordance with their reasoning they judged that man, as compared to
angels, would be unsuitable for this. angels, would be unsuitable for this. Implicit in the questioning Implicit in the questioning was actually was actually
an an attempt at levelling attempt at levelling – a serious breakdown in – a serious breakdown in ADABADAB towards Allah. towards Allah.
In response to such ‘In response to such ‘insolenceinsolence’ although unintended, Allah SWT replied with ’ although unintended, Allah SWT replied with
a terse chastisement, : a terse chastisement, : "Indeed, I know that which you do not know.“
Their inability to ‘rationalize’ or rather the need to satisfy their ‘reasoning’ ,
is irrelevant in the face of Allah’s Wisdom and eternal Knowledge.
Thus the Angels then accepted the rebuke and ceased questioning.
Now compare this to what Iblis did when relying upon his ‘reasoning’ in
To be clear, To be clear, Islam is not against inquisitiveness Islam is not against inquisitiveness as a as a valid method valid method in seekingin seeking
knowledgeknowledge. The actual concern, as in the story of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. is . The actual concern, as in the story of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. is
when questioning which is intended to oppose Faith and exalt skepticism – when questioning which is intended to oppose Faith and exalt skepticism –
i.e. the arrogant use of “i.e. the arrogant use of “reasonreason” to subvert “” to subvert “revelationrevelation.” .”
Behold! Abraham said: "My Lord! show me how You give life to Behold! Abraham said: "My Lord! show me how You give life to
the dead. He said: "Do you not then believe?" the dead. He said: "Do you not then believe?"
He said: "Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.“ He said: "Yea! but to satisfy my own understanding.“ * *
((Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 260Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 260) ) ** literally: “to make my heart tranquil”literally: “to make my heart tranquil”
When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. arrived (during the Hijrah) in When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. arrived (during the Hijrah) in QUBAQUBA
(outskirt of Madina) he stayed there and built the first mosque - which he (outskirt of Madina) he stayed there and built the first mosque - which he
referred to as the "referred to as the "MASJID of TAQWAMASJID of TAQWA" upon which was associated the " upon which was associated the
building of strength of Islam through his frequent visits and building of strength of Islam through his frequent visits and DA’WAHDA’WAH . .
Some of the hidden enemies of Islam, known as Some of the hidden enemies of Islam, known as MUNAFIQUUN MUNAFIQUUN (Hypocrites) (Hypocrites)
from from Bani GhanamBani Ghanam, knew the importance of mosque as the sacred , knew the importance of mosque as the sacred
institution of Islam, also built a mosque there, pretending to be similarly institution of Islam, also built a mosque there, pretending to be similarly
advancing the cause of Islam. In reality, they were in league with one advancing the cause of Islam. In reality, they were in league with one Abu Abu
'Ameer'Ameer, a notorious enemy who fought against the Prophet s.a.a,w. in , a notorious enemy who fought against the Prophet s.a.a,w. in
UHUDUHUD and and HUNAINHUNAIN, and was then based in Syria., and was then based in Syria.
WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS ?WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS ?
Rise of the false leaders, especially the dangers of the Rise of the false leaders, especially the dangers of the MUNAAFIQUUNMUNAAFIQUUN
(Hypocrites) and their attempts to undermine Islam – e.g. by their (Hypocrites) and their attempts to undermine Islam – e.g. by their
misrepresenting Islam’s symbols, weakening its institutions, misrepresenting Islam’s symbols, weakening its institutions,
disconnecting the Muslims from their true leaders, subvert and hijack disconnecting the Muslims from their true leaders, subvert and hijack
Islam’s teachings and discourses with something false although Islam’s teachings and discourses with something false although
presented as resembling Islam, etc. - for the unwary Muslims to be presented as resembling Islam, etc. - for the unwary Muslims to be
duped into following these.duped into following these.
Importance of Importance of TAQWATAQWA and and SWOLAHSWOLAH – as the foundational criteria and – as the foundational criteria and
essential virtue to promote, which every Muslim must aim for and set for essential virtue to promote, which every Muslim must aim for and set for
whatever endeavor and program they are involved in – so as to be whatever endeavor and program they are involved in – so as to be
deemed Islamic; absence of which or hesitancy to upholding these or deemed Islamic; absence of which or hesitancy to upholding these or
disregarding its importance, almost always indicate a kind of deviation. disregarding its importance, almost always indicate a kind of deviation. WALLAAHU-A’-LAM
Another type or example of “Another type or example of “REASONING challenging REVELATIONREASONING challenging REVELATION: is : is
contained in this story. By them laying the fish trap before Sabbath, and after contained in this story. By them laying the fish trap before Sabbath, and after
observing the sanctity of the day for worship they then harvested the catch observing the sanctity of the day for worship they then harvested the catch
on Sunday – so technically, they did not break the law of Moses a.s. Yet Allah on Sunday – so technically, they did not break the law of Moses a.s. Yet Allah
cursed and punished them. What can we learn from this?cursed and punished them. What can we learn from this?
Beware of those who harbor the dislike for Allah’s Beware of those who harbor the dislike for Allah’s
commandments – commandments – because of worldly gain and pragmatic attitude because of worldly gain and pragmatic attitude - who - who
would try to use their intellectual reasoning and employ legalistic minds to would try to use their intellectual reasoning and employ legalistic minds to
finding ways to technically ‘conform’ but finding ways to technically ‘conform’ but yet go around the spirit of the yet go around the spirit of the
commandcommand which perhaps, they deemed as ‘impractical; uneconomical; which perhaps, they deemed as ‘impractical; uneconomical;
backward thinking; too traditional-fundamental, etc.’ – whereas theirs has backward thinking; too traditional-fundamental, etc.’ – whereas theirs has
achieved ‘win-win’ outcome. It can be deemed as ‘betrayal of the intellect.’achieved ‘win-win’ outcome. It can be deemed as ‘betrayal of the intellect.’
Our traditional Islamic scholars are required to be those who fulfill the Our traditional Islamic scholars are required to be those who fulfill the
criteria of being “criteria of being “learned and practicing the learned and practicing the DeenDeen accordingly accordingly” in the term - ” in the term -
‘ULAMAA-’UL-’AA-MI-LEEN.‘ULAMAA-’UL-’AA-MI-LEEN.
Those who may have knowledge but failed to benefit from it, Allah SWT Those who may have knowledge but failed to benefit from it, Allah SWT
likens such people only as ‘donkeys’ – although carrying precious loads.likens such people only as ‘donkeys’ – although carrying precious loads.
Unfortunately, Muslims today are easily satisfied only with someone’s Unfortunately, Muslims today are easily satisfied only with someone’s
academic achievements or being impressed by their scholastic learning in academic achievements or being impressed by their scholastic learning in
Islam and Islamic studies, whereas he may not even believe in Islam nor even Islam and Islamic studies, whereas he may not even believe in Islam nor even
become Muslim. When Muslim elites and parents today regard such persons become Muslim. When Muslim elites and parents today regard such persons
as though they are in the same class as our traditional as though they are in the same class as our traditional ‘ULAMA ‘ULAMA and relent to and relent to
sending their children to learn Islam from them - it is a tragic calamity, and sending their children to learn Islam from them - it is a tragic calamity, and
((KHIYAANAHKHIYAANAH) grotesque blunder of treacherous proportion. ) grotesque blunder of treacherous proportion.
Orientalism and its approach to learning Islam has now been promoted Orientalism and its approach to learning Islam has now been promoted
by some Muslims – especially since it is easily available in English. Yet, by some Muslims – especially since it is easily available in English. Yet,
many overlooked or naively unaware of the history; their insidious many overlooked or naively unaware of the history; their insidious
attempts towards the Muslim Ummah; their program to undermine and attempts towards the Muslim Ummah; their program to undermine and
usurp the position of our traditional Ulama’; their determined efforts, usurp the position of our traditional Ulama’; their determined efforts,
research, institutions and enormous funds, scholarship and investment to research, institutions and enormous funds, scholarship and investment to
distort the Islamic legacy and tradition etc. - even to secularized Muslims. distort the Islamic legacy and tradition etc. - even to secularized Muslims.
These intended sinister objectives of the Orientalist agenda had been These intended sinister objectives of the Orientalist agenda had been
employed since post-Crusade Western colonial-imperialist period. To employed since post-Crusade Western colonial-imperialist period. To
assume that today (post-colonial) they have adopted a more neutral or assume that today (post-colonial) they have adopted a more neutral or
sympathetic stance towards Islam and Muslims, is to be naïve. Now with sympathetic stance towards Islam and Muslims, is to be naïve. Now with
post-modernism and secularism era, it is even worst – post-modernism and secularism era, it is even worst – Allaahu Musta’an Allaahu Musta’an
KUTTABKUTTABBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLS
Seen as alien (and Christian), generally Seen as alien (and Christian), generally the indigenous Malay-Muslims then, the indigenous Malay-Muslims then, were afraid to sending their childrenwere afraid to sending their children
KUTTABKUTTABBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLS
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLS
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ( ( MadrasahMadrasah))
More such school teaching the religion sprouted. More such school teaching the religion sprouted. And to emphasize its religious orientation, these And to emphasize its religious orientation, these
schools then were simply called “Sekolah Agama” schools then were simply called “Sekolah Agama” or the Arabic “Madrasah”or the Arabic “Madrasah”
KUTTABKUTTABBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLS
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLS
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ( ( MadrasahMadrasah))Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)SEKOLAH AGAMA (SEKOLAH AGAMA (MadrasahMadrasah))
KUTTABKUTTABBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLS
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLS
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ( ( MadrasahMadrasah))Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)
With the availability of lesson on Islam, With the availability of lesson on Islam, the general Malay-Muslim population’sthe general Malay-Muslim population’s
concern for their children’s Islamic concern for their children’s Islamic education were resolved and accommodatededucation were resolved and accommodated
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLSQUR’AN SCHOOLQUR’AN SCHOOL MOSQUEMOSQUE
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ((MadrasahMadrasah))
INTEGRATED SCHOOLSINTEGRATED SCHOOLS
Government controlledIndependent – by community
BRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLSKUTTABKUTTAB
Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)SEKOLAH AGAMA (SEKOLAH AGAMA (MadrasahMadrasah))
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLSQUR’AN SCHOOLQUR’AN SCHOOL MOSQUEMOSQUE
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ((MadrasahMadrasah))
INTEGRATED SCHOOLSINTEGRATED SCHOOLS
FULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLSFULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLS
Government controlledIndependent – by community
BRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLSKUTTABKUTTAB
Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)SEKOLAH AGAMA (SEKOLAH AGAMA (MadrasahMadrasah))
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLSQUR’AN SCHOOLQUR’AN SCHOOL MOSQUEMOSQUE
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ((MadrasahMadrasah))
INTEGRATED SCHOOLSINTEGRATED SCHOOLS
FULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLSFULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLS
Government controlledIndependent – by community
BRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLSBRITISH ENGLISH SCHOOLS
ENGLISH SCHOOLSENGLISH SCHOOLSKUTTABKUTTAB
Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)
Asaatizah Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.(Islamic Religious knowledge)(Islamic Religious knowledge)
VERNACULAR SCHOOLSVERNACULAR SCHOOLSQUR’AN SCHOOLQUR’AN SCHOOL MOSQUEMOSQUE
ARABIC SCHOOL ARABIC SCHOOL ((MadrasahMadrasah))Asaatizah absorbed by Asaatizah absorbed by M.O.E into vernacular M.O.E into vernacular schools to teach I.R.K.schools to teach I.R.K.
INTEGRATED SCHOOLSINTEGRATED SCHOOLS
FULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLSFULL ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOLS
Muslim must not equate this task (DA’WAH) as being similar with other kinds of professions. It is AMANAH as a mission and sacred trust – not a vocation nor even to be likened as any other ‘career’.
Remember, it has been carried out by an unbroken chain of DU’AT, faithfully linked to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w.
This legacy is the foremost concern because DEEN-AL-ISLAM has been perfected and there will be no more new prophet sent to all mankind after our Muhammad s.a.a.w.
Every Muslim are to be developed towards assisting DA’WAH ISLAMIYYAH, in whatever capacity they attained, the most basic is to become Witnesses of Islam with their life for others.
“ … “ … and and [to cause this message to spread] from them unto other [to cause this message to spread] from them unto other
people as soon as they come into contact with thempeople as soon as they come into contact with them: for He alone is : for He alone is
almighty, truly wise! Such is Allah's bounty: He grants it to anyone almighty, truly wise! Such is Allah's bounty: He grants it to anyone
who is willing [to receive it]: for Allah is limitless in His great bounty.”who is willing [to receive it]: for Allah is limitless in His great bounty.”
AN ADDENDUM TO EXPLAIN WHAT IS MEANT BYAN ADDENDUM TO EXPLAIN WHAT IS MEANT BY
IIMANIIMAN
BeliefBeliefFaithFaith
ConvictionConviction
IHSANIHSAN
Best or Best or Righteous Righteous ConductConduct
‘‘AMALAMAL [Islam][Islam]
SubmissionSubmissionObedienceObedience
PracticePractice
Faith without obedience is meaningless; and obedience without Faith is Faith without obedience is meaningless; and obedience without Faith is mere rituals and may even lead to hypocrisy. mere rituals and may even lead to hypocrisy.
Together, Faith and Obedience must lead to Righteousness with IHSAN Together, Faith and Obedience must lead to Righteousness with IHSAN which essentially focus in our intention to sincerely serve Allah s.w.t. which essentially focus in our intention to sincerely serve Allah s.w.t.
Thus, in these three aspects can one be said to be true in his submission Thus, in these three aspects can one be said to be true in his submission to the Will of Allah (as Muslim).to the Will of Allah (as Muslim).
and skills, knowledge of economics, politics, social & and skills, knowledge of economics, politics, social & administrative administrative
sciences etc. that can assist in the sciences etc. that can assist in the fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace, fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace,
harmony, prosperity, physical harmony, prosperity, physical with moral progress, and the well-being with moral progress, and the well-being
‘ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)
Purpose / Objective
Development of Righteous PersonalityPurification/perfection of the Self
What is involved?Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,
within oneself, and with others.Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)
What is the Effect?
Development of Most noble personality traitsFounded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [Nabiyyin] especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,
his Household [itrah or Ahlul-bayti wa Aali -Rasul] and loyal Companions [Ashaab], In fellowship with the Truthful [siddiqqin], the Witnesses & martyrs [shuhada] and the
Righteous servants of Allah [Solihin]; Striving to purify the Self (Nafs) and adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
‘ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)
Purpose / Objective
Development of Righteous PersonalityPurification/perfection of the Self
What is involved?Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,
within oneself, and with others.Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)
What is the Effect?
Development of Most noble personality traitsFounded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [Nabiyyin] especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,
his Household [itrah or Ahlul-bayti wa Aali -Rasul] and loyal Companions [Ashaab], In fellowship with the Truthful [siddiqqin], the Witnesses & martyrs [shuhada] and the
Righteous servants of Allah [Solihin]; Striving to purify the Self (Nafs) and adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
(The Perfected Man – “Insan Kaamil”)
RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:This aspect of development requiresThis aspect of development requires
practical behaviour, the aspect of being practical behaviour, the aspect of being and becoming. Its area of development and becoming. Its area of development is the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ oris the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ or
the state of the Soul reflected in his the state of the Soul reflected in his Disposition (Disposition (AkhlaqAkhlaq). Therefore, the close ). Therefore, the close
equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology, equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology, behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc.behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc.