“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail “On striving as Muslims towards higher noble stations”

1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ “ Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the most exalted (Khuluq) disposition.” Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail LESSON # 9 (e) – “ On striving as Muslims towards higher noble stations” ” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

2. FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 6 – All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

3. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 7 a –

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6. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 7 b –

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8. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 7 b –

9. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 7 b –

10. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 8 a –

11. “ You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.) a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah. “ ( Qur’an: al-Ahzab: 33: 21 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

12. (When) ‘A-isha r.a. was asked as to the Prophet’s s.a.a.w. disposition ( akhlaq ) she replied: “ (His nature or disposition) is the Qur’an”. ( Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud and Muslim ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

13. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 8

14. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 8

15. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

16. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him ( TAQWA ). Behold, Allah is all-knowing, all-aware.” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 13 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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29. Alif-Lam-Meem! THIS DIVINE WRIT - let there be no doubt about it is [meant to be] a guidance for all the God-conscious ( MUTTAQEEN ). Who believe in [the existence of] that which is beyond the reach of human perception, and are constant in prayer, and spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance; And who believe in that which has been bestowed from on high upon thee, [O Prophet,] as well as in that which was bestowed before thy time: for it is they who in their innermost are certain of the life to come! It is they who follow the guidance [which comes from their Sustainer; and it is they, they who' shall attain to a happy state!” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 1-5 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

30. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ BEHOLD, as for those who are bent on denying the truth - it is all one to them whether thou warnest them or dost not warn them: they will not believe. Allah; has sealed their hearts and their hearing, and over their eyes is a veil; and awesome suffering awaits them.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 6-7 )

31. “ And there are people who say, "We do believe in Allah and the Last Day," the while they do not [really] believe. They would deceive Allah and those who have attained to faith-the while they deceive none but themselves, and perceive it not.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 8-9 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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33. “ In their hearts is disease, and so Allah lets their disease increase; and grievous suffering awaits them because of their persistent lying. And when they are told, "Do not spread corruption on earth," they answer, "We are but improving things!“ Oh, verily, it is they, they who are spreading corruption but they perceive it not? “ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 10-12 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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35. And when they are told, "Believe as other people believe," they answer, "Shall we believe as the weak-minded believe?" Oh, verily, it is they, they who are weak-minded but they know it not! And when they meet those who have attained to faith, they assert, "We believe [as you believe]"; but when they find themselves alone with their- evil impulses, they say, "Verily, we are with you; we were only mocking!“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 13-14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

36. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Allah will requite them for their mockery, and will leave them for a while in their overweening arrogance, blindly stumbling to and fro: [for] it is they who have taken error in exchange for guidance; and neither has their bargain brought them gain, nor have they found guidance [elsewhere].” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 15-16 )

37. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Their parable is that of people who kindle a fire: but as soon as it has illumined all around them, Allah takes away their light and leaves them in utter darkness, wherein they cannot see : Deaf, dumb, blind and they cannot turn back.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 17-18 )

38. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Or [the parable] of a violent cloudburst in the sky, with utter darkness, thunder and lightning: they put their fingers into their ears to keep out the peals of thunder, in terror of death; but Allah encompasses [with His might] all who deny the truth.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 19 )

39. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ The lightning well-nigh takes away their sight; whenever it gives them light, they advance therein, and whenever darkness falls around them, they stand still. And if Allah so willed, He could indeed take away their hearing and their sight: for, verily, Allah has the power to will anything.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 20 )

40. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto Allah, and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 208 )

41. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O you who have attained to faith! Be patient in adversity, and vie in patience perseverance with one another, and [remain stationed] be ever ready [to do what is right], and remain conscious of Allah, so that you might attain to a happy state!” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 208 )

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43. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ [MANY] WAYS of life have passed away before your time. Go, then, about the earth and behold what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth: this [should be] a clear lesson unto all men, and a guidance and an admonition unto the God-conscious ( MUTTAQEEN ). Be not, then, faint of heart, and grieve not: for you are bound to rise high if you are [truly] believers ( MU’-MINEEN ).” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 137-139)

44. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ But as for those who strive hard ( JAAHADU ) in Our cause -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, Allah is indeed with the doers of good ( MU H SINEEN ).” ( Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69 )

45. MUSLIM LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Submission TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) MUNAFEEQIN FASIQEEN MUJRIMEEN ZOLIMEEN GHOFILEEN MUSRIFEEN MUFSIDEEN IF NO EFFORT DONE TOWARDS STRIVING FOR HIGHER STATIONS, A MUSLIM MAY END-UP BECOMING .... MUTTAQEEN ETC . God-consciousness or Piety

46. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN MUTTAQEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity God-consciousness or Piety TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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51. (C) Rise / election of False leaders External Loss of Adab (B) Internal (A) Confusion and Error in Knowledge “ This state of perpetual confusion at all levels of societal leadership is ingeniously termed by al-Attas as the loss of adab. [1] The loss of Adab in the community. Thus restoration of Adab has higher priority for Adab precedes even learning. [2] Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud’s “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas” (ISTAC publication 1998) p 74 REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

53. Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.“ ( Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 9 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

54. “ So ask the people of the ‘Remembrance’ (i.e. those who know) in matters which you do not know. “ ( Qur’an: Anbiya’: 21: 7 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

55. “ Verily those who truly fear Allah from among His Servants, those who have knowledge ( AL-’ULAMA ): for Allah is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving. “ ( Qur’an: Fatir: 35: 28 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

56. “ Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted Knowledge ( UU-TUL-’ILMA ): and Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do.” ( Qur’an: Mujadilah: 58: 11 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

57. He (Allah) grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the message but men of understanding .“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 269 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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59. “ Whomsoever that Allah wishes for him goodness, He will make him a FAQIH (learned) in matters of the religion( Deen ); and for everything there is a pillar, and the pillar of this religion is AL-FIQH – (the profound understanding of the Deen ); a learned scholar (of the Deen ) is more difficult upon satan than a thousand worshippers.” ( Reported by Bukhary and Muslim ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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61. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ When Allah intends for a community goodness, He makes of their leaders those who are intelligent (with forbearance); and judgement (rulings) are made amongst them by those who are truly learned (and just scholars); and He places wealth in the hands of those who are charitable (and kind). And when Allah intends for a community bad, He makes of their leaders those who are foolish (uncouth); and judgement (rulings) are made amongst them by those who are ignorant (reckless); and He places wealth in the hands of those who are miserly (selfish).” ( Hadith reported by Ad-Dailamy )

62. "Indeed the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, but if they fall into covetousness and greed, who shall be taken as leaders? The merchants and businessmen are the trustees of Allah, so if they are treacherous, who can be trusted? The warriors are the guests of Allah so if they become extreme (or take spoils without right), with whom can we defeat the enemies? The righteous and ascetic ones are the kings of the earth but if they become insincere (i.e. have riya’ ), who shall be followed? The governors/rulers are the shepherds (protectors) of the people, but if the shepherd becomes a wolf, who shall protect the flock?" - Imam 'Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

63. “ ( ‘ilm ) Knowledge without Adab , is like (having) fire (but) without wood (fuel); and Adab without knowledge ( ‘ilm ) , is like (having) the Soul (but) without body.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

64. “ We are (much) in need of a little Adab , from (that of) going out (seeking) after much of ‘ilm (knowledge)” – (Imam ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

65. “ The learned and wise among Muslims must use constant vigilance in detecting erroneous usage in language which impinges upon semantic change in major key elements and creates general confusion and error in the understanding of Islam and of its worldview .” Quote: “The Concept of Education in Islam” pp. 37-38 Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas : REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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70. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

71. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT THE BEDOUIN (Arab) say, “We have attained to faith.” Say [unto them, O Muhammad]: “You have not [yet] attained to faith; you should [rather] say, ‘We have [outwardly] surrendered’ - for [true] faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you [truly] pay heed unto Allah and His Messenger, He will not let the least of your deeds go to waste: for, behold, Allah is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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74. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT [Know that true] believers are only those who have attained to faith ( AAMANU ) in Allah and His Messenger and have left all doubt behind ( LAM YARTAA-BU ), and ( WA-JAHADU ) who strive hard in Allah’s cause with their possessions and their lives: it is they, they who are true to their word ( AS-SWAADIQUUN )! ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

75. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

76. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT Say: “Do you, perchance, [want to] inform Allah of [the nature of] your faith although Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth? Indeed, Allah has full knowledge of every­thing!” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 16 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

77. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

78. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT “ Many people think that they have bestowed a favour upon thee [O Prophet] by having surrendered [to thee]. Say thou: “Deem not your surrender a favour unto me: nay, but it is Allah who bestows a favour upon you by showing you the way to faith - if you are true to your word!” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 17 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

79. LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Verily, Allah knows the hidden reality of the heavens and the earth; and Allah sees all that you do.” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 18 )

82. Points for discussion and reflection In all humility, we should praise Allah s.w.t. thus: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) "All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us unto this; for we would certainly not have found the right path unless Allah had guided us!” ( Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 43 )

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85. ALLAA-HUM-MAR – H AM-NI - BIL – QUR- ‘AA-N WAJ- ‘AL – HU – LEE – IMAA-MAN - WA – NUU – RAN – WA – HU-DAN WA RA H - MAH All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O Allah! Bestow mercy upon me through the Quran and make it for me a leader (leading to Truth), a light, a Guide, and a Mercy. O Allah! “

86. ALLAA-HUM-MA – DZ AK – KIR – NEE – MIN-HU-MAA NA –SEE –TU – WA – ‘AL –LIM – NEE MIN – HU-MAA - JA – HIL -TU All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Remind me of that which I have forgotten, teach me those (parts of the Quran) of which I am ignorant,”

87. WAR – ZUQ – NEE – TI – LAA – WA - TA – HU AA – NA – AL – LAI – LI - WA – A TW TRAA – FA - AN - NA - HAAR All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Grant me (ability for) Its recitation in the hours of the night and different parts of the day,”

88. WAJ – ‘AL – HU – LEE – H UJ – JA-TAN YAA – ROB – BAL – ‘AA – LA – MEE-N All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ And make it as argument point in my favour, O Lord of all the worlds.”

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90. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people." All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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92. “ O Allah, make my speech be guidance, inspire me with reverential fear, give me success in that which is most pure, and employ me in what is most pleasing to Thee! O Allah, let me tread the most exemplary path and make me live and die in Thy creed! O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, give me to enjoy moderation, make me into one of the people of right behaviour, the proofs of right conduct, and the servants of righteousness," All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

93. O Allah! Make faith ( iiman ) dear to us and beautify it in our hearts and make disbelief ( Kufr ), sinning ( Fusuq ) and rebelliousness ( `isyan ) hateful to us, and make us among the rightly guided ( Raa-shi-duun ). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

94. O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims, live as Muslims and join us with the ranks of the righteous ones, without tasting humiliation or turmoil. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

95. ‘ And (may All a h send) salutations and prayers upon Mu h ammad and upon the household and companions of Mu h ammad (the pure ones of his family and all the loyal followers). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

96. “ Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

97. http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/ All welcome to visit my web-blog: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)