1. النصيحة THE SINCERE ADVICE : “BE A MUSLIM STUDENT” BY: ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL For “NUSMS - National University of Singapore Muslim Society” – workshop. Prince George Park, Function Room 4, National University of Singapore. 20 August 2009 / 29 Sha’ban 1430 AH AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

2. University Preparatory Workshop for Muslims Synopsis The first year of University is a crucial year that determines how the individual will do in the next few years of his/her undergraduate life. Having the right footing from the start can make a difference in the subsequent years in University. This two-day workshop aims to share with freshmen starting out in their first year, invaluable advice, experiences and tips from successful and holistic individuals who have been through it all, from fellow undergrads, Dean's listers, PhD students and Profs. ADVERTISEMENT IN ISLAMIC EVENT AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

3. TO BEGIN AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

4. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين وصلاة والسلام على اشرف الأنبيأ والمرسلين وعلى آله وصحبه اجمعين In The Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. The Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. And Salutation and the Peace be upon the Leader of all the Prophets and Messengers, and upon his family and all his companions. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

5. "Glory to Thee (Allah): of knowledge we have none, save that Thou hast taught us: in truth it is Thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom." AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

6. يَا فَتَاحُ يَاعَلِيْمُ إِفْتَحْ لَنَا فَتْحًا قَرِبًا “ O (Allah! Who is the) Opener, O (Allah! Who is the) All-Knowing, open for us the opening that brings us closer (to You).” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

10. ADVICE AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

14. “ MUSLIM” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

20. “ STUDENT” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

26. “ EDUCATION” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

28. WHAT IS THE AIM OF EDUCATION FROM THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE? Syed M. Naquib Al-Attas asserts is: “... to produce a good man. What is meant by good in our concept of ‘ good man ’? The fundamental element inherent in the concept of education in Islam is the inculcation of ‘ adab ’ ( ta’dib ), for it is ‘ adab ’ in the all-inclusive sense I mean, as encompassing the spiritual and material life of a man that instils the quality of goodness that is sought after. Education is what the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. meant by Adab : أَدَّبَنِيْ رَبِّي فَأَحْسَنَ تَأْدِبِيْ AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

29. WHAT IS THE AIM OF EDUCATION FROM THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE? Syed M. Naquib Al-Attas asserts is : “... to produce a good man. What is meant by good in our concept of ‘ good man ’? The fundamental element inherent in the concept of education in Islam is the inculcation of ‘ adab ’ ( ta’dib ), for it is ‘ adab ’ in the all-inclusive sense I mean, as encompassing the spiritual and material life of a man that instils the quality of goodness that is sought after. Education is what the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. meant by Adab : “ My Lord educated me, and made my education most excellent.” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

30. QUOTE – (MY REFLECTIONS): What I’ve learnt from the ways of my Islamic teachers: “Sometimes a way to motivate action in students is to tolerate their childish fantasy in regard to their high sense of self-esteem; but do not overlook to remind them of Adab ” “ Adab ” – sense of proportion and knowledge of their rightful place in the order of things, the absence of which indicates injustice ( zulm ). ” “ BIADAB” – Malay mean “uncouth, ill-mannered, uncultured, gross, etc.” which aptly typify a person who lacks the kind of education which Islam aims for – not mere paper-chase, but the moulding of a good person. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

31. أَدِّبُوْا أَوْلاَدَكُمْ عَلَى ثَلاثِ خِصَالٍ ، حُبِّ نَبِيِّكُمْ ، وَحُبِّ آلِ بَيْتِهِ ، وَتِلاَوُةِالْقُرْآنِ “ Educate (nurture) your children upon three things: To Love your Prophet (s.a.w.), And to love the Family members of his Household, and learn to recite Al-Qur’an.” (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. narrated by Thabrani) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 GENERALLY IT ENCOMPASSES: TASAWWUR ISLAM

32. LEARNING PATH OF A MUSLIM Note the link between the Fardhu ‘Ain ( Deeniyat ) aspects IIMAN-’AMAL-IHSAN , with the relevant Worldly sciences and empirical knowledge ( Dunyawi ). “ TAUHIIDIC PARADIGM” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 THEN , FROM HADITH JIBRIL A.S. IT STIPULATES: TASAWWUR ISLAM

33. ‘ ILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAH (Creed or Theology) Purpose / Objective Development of Certainty (Belief) Awareness of Reality / Truth Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood, What is involved ? ‘ Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect) Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception) Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions What is the Effect ? To develop firm conviction, strong principle, Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah (Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man. IIMAN Tauhiidic paradigm AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

34. ‘ ILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAH (Creed or Theology) Purpose / Objective Development of Certainty (Belief) Awareness of Reality / Truth Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood, What is involved ? ‘ Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect) Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception) Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions What is the Effect ? To develop firm conviction, strong principle, Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah (Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man. IIMAN RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: Languages, Logic & philosophy, Epistemology, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Physical sciences, Astronomy, Geology, History, Anthropology, Marine & Space, Etc. Tauhiidic paradigm AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

35. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. ‘ AMAL (ISLAM) Tauhiidic paradigm AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

36. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. ‘ AMAL (ISLAM) Tauhiidic paradigm BROAD EXTENT OF TOPICS COVERED IN FIQH ‘ ibadah (personal devotion / worship) Muamalah (social transaction) Munakahah (Marriage & family) Irth / fara’id (Distribution of wealth) Jinayah (crimes & punishment) Qoda’iyah (judiciary) jihad /Da’wah (struggle in war & peace) imarah (Leadership/governmen t) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

37. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. ‘ AMAL (ISLAM) Tauhiidic paradigm BROAD EXTENT OF TOPICS COVERED IN FIQH ‘ ibadah (personal devotion / worship) Muamalah (social transaction) Munakahah (Marriage & family) Irth / fara’id (Distribution of wealth) Jinayah (crimes & punishment) Qoda’iyah (judiciary) jihad (struggle in war & peace) imarah (Leadership/government ) RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: All applied sciences, technology and skills, knowledge of economics, politics, social & administrative sciences etc. that can assist in the fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace, harmony, prosperity, physical with moral progress, and the well-being of Man & society, etc. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

38. ‘ ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN (Science of human Disposition/ Sufism) Purpose / Objective Development of Righteous Personality Purification/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 traits Founded 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 [As haab] , 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”) IHSAN Tauhiidic paradigm AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

39. ‘ ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN (Science of human Disposition/ Sufism) Purpose / Objective Development of Righteous Personality Purification/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 traits Founded 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 [As haab] , 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”) IHSAN RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: This aspect of development requires practical behaviour, the aspect of being and becoming. Its area of development is the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ or the state of the Soul reflected in his Disposition ( Akhlaq ). Therefore, the close equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology, behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 Tauhiidic paradigm

43. “ Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of Night and Day,― there are indeed Signs for men of understanding.―” (Qur'an: Aali ‘ Imran: 3: 190) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 ALLAH (AZZAA-WA-JALLA) SAYS: TASAWWUR ISLAM

44. “ Men who remembers (celebrate the praises of) Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth...” (Qur'an: Aali ‘ Imran: 3: 191) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 ALLAH (AZZAA-WA-JALLA) SAYS: TASAWWUR ISLAM

45. “ ... (with the thought): "Our Lord! not for naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. ” (Qur'an: Aali ‘ Imran: 3: 191) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 ALLAH (AZZAA-WA-JALLA) SAYS: TASAWWUR ISLAM

46. "The erudite among His bondmen fear Allah alone. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Forgiving.“ (Qur'an: Fatir: 53: 28) AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 ALLAH (AZZAA-WA-JALLA) SAYS: TASAWWUR ISLAM

47. NEED FOR A RE-ORIENTATION ON HOW WE LEARN AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 “ have we learnt how to learn?” TASAWWUR ISLAM

54. DILEMMA ? AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009

56. A SUGGESTION AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 TASAWWUR ISLAM

61. رَبَّنَا أنْفَعْنَا بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنَا رَبِّ عَلِّمْنَا الَّذِي يَنْفَعُنَا “ O our Lord! Make us to benefit from what You have taught us . O Lord! Teach us whatever that is beneficial for us.” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 OUR DU’A TASAWWUR ISLAM

62. رَبِّ فَقِّهْنَا وَفَقِّهْ أَهْلَنَا وَقَ رَابَاتٍ لَنَا فِي دِيْنِنَا مَعَ أَهْلِ الْقُطْرِ أُنْثَ وَذَكَرَ “ O Lord! Grant upon us profound understanding, (as also grant upon) our family members profound understanding. And also to those in the Faith who are close to us, amongst fellow citizens, the female and the male.” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 OUR DU’A TASAWWUR ISLAM

63. رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ “ Our Lord ! Let not our hearts swerve from the truth after You have guided us; and bestow upon us the gift of Thy Grace (Mercy): verily, You are the (true) giver of Gifts (bestowals).” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 OUR DU’A TASAWWUR ISLAM

64. رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةً۬ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً۬ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ “ Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 OUR DU’A TASAWWUR ISLAM

65. وَصَلّى اللَّهُ عَلَى سَيْدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلَى آلِهِ وصَحْبِهِ وَسَلّم “ And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon His household and Companions .” AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009 OUR DU’A TASAWWUR ISLAM

66. وَاللّهُ أَعْلَم وَأخِرُ دَعْوَنَا والْحَمْدُ لِلَه رَبِ الْعَالَمِين Q & A DISCUSSION AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2009