Discover the SunniPath Degree Programs

Last week there were two special events held at SunniPath. I didn’t manage to attend the special lecture on non-Arab imams, but alhamidullah did manage to attend Shaykh Hamza Karamali’s class titled “Discover the Degree”. It was a fabulous session, and I’m really glad I went. The Shaykh went through the different curriculum tracks and gave us a fascinating look on how the different curriculum programs fit together and are composed of courses that successively build on each other. Aside from getting a glimpse of the different curriculum programs, Shaykh Hamza also emphasized the importance of knowing where we are going with the activities that we are doing. Before we embark on something, we need to ask ourselves: where will this take me? So we always need to know our goals are, and then determine the best means is to get us where it is we wish to go. Without knowing where we want to go, and what it is we want though,  it will be hard for us to figure out what the best path is for us personally.

Imam Nawawi Hadith #19-Divine Destiny

Last Saturday SunniPath had a special lecture on the 19th Hadith from Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadith collection. In the spirit of the hadith of the Prophet  (may peace be upon him) “Let him among you who (was present and) saw, inform him who was absent”, here are some gems from my notes of this mubarak event.

Firstly, a bit about Imam Nawawi:

Imam Nawawi is from Syria, and is called Nawawi because he was from the village of Nawa. He was born in 1233 C.E and is an Imam of the later Shafi’i school. He was the scholar of his time, and a master of the hadith sciences in particular. He is known especially for his book Riyad as-saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous), and his Kitab Adkar (a book of invocations). He compiled his collection of Forty Hadith however, because he wanted Muslims to have access to the foundational hadiths of Islam.

The narrator of this hadith is ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet and the son of the Prophet’s paternal uncle. He was born 3 years before the  Hijrah, during the difficult time when the nascent Muslim community was being boycotted.  It was a source of hope for Muslim community to have children born in this time, and the Prophet made dua for ibn Abbas and asked Allah for knowledge and understanding of the deen for him.

The text of Hadith #19 is as follows. (translation from the SP event)

Abu al-Abbas ‘Abdullah bin Abbas (radiyallahu anhuma) reported: I was behind the Prophet  (sallallahu alayhi wasalaam) when he said: Oh young man, I will teach you some words (of wisdom). Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah. Know that if the whole community were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”

According to a line of transmission of other than that of al-Tirmidhi, it reads:

“Keep Allah in mind and you will find Him in front of you. Get acquainted with Allah in times of ease and He will know you in days of distress. Know that what missed you could not have hit you, and what hit you could not have missed you. Know that victory comes with patience, relief follows distress, ease follows hardship.

We see in this hadith the Prophet in the role of a father figure, as ibn Abbas is very young when this incident occurs.  There are so many images in the media of the Prophet that are not favourable, and with representations it is important to be conversant with the hadith collections of the Prophet so we are able to counter these images with knowledge.

There are two different versions of this hadith, and it is important to reflect on the meanings of these two different narrations.

We brainstormed as a class about these differences, but one key difference is in the manner that the hadith talks about divine destiny. Each hadith gives us a different understanding of destiny. This is noteworthy because qada and qadr are fascinating topics that have fascinated Muslim theologians for centuries, and in this hadith we have a couple of different glimpses of this concept.

(Refer back to the hadith of Jibril to get an explanation of Qada and Qadr)

This hadith explain  divine decree as knowing that  what has passed you by was not going to benefit you. In other words, Allah is in control of our affairs and creates means and outcomes. This does not mean that Muslims are fatalists, but that with complete and total trust in Allah, whenever difficulties/sadness occurs, we have trust in Allah although we take the means available to us.

This hadith offers encouragement, something that is a common feature of the hadiths of the Prophet. We have many examples of hadiths where the Prophet lays out appropriate behaviour and encourages believers. Rarely do you find statements where the Prophet prohibits actions and does not offer alternatives. Here for example, we see the Prophet saying be mindful, and mindfulness has its own reward.

In this hadith we are taught about proper adab (etiquette) which is that as Muslims we rely on Allah in all affairs. This means that we take the best means possible, but we leave the outcome to Allah. Supplication is a powerful tool however, and it is possible that through supplication Allah will cause our destiny to unfold in different ways. Through supplication it is possible that Allah may ward off harm or cause some benefit.  Which is why when we ask, we ask Allah.

Book recommendation: Reflections of Pearls.

What is Mindfulness?

To be truly mindful, one is cognizant and conscious. It means to respect Allah’s limits, and adhere to the sacred law and have taqwa. At the highest levels, it is to have scrupulousness, (wara’a).

Mindfulness is a covenant between us and Allah. If we remember Allah, Allah will remember us. Deeply reflected upon, this hadith acts as a balm for troubled hearts.

Verse for contemplation: Ali Imran: Verse 186 (3:186)

back to school..

In just a few days students all over the world (except places where the school calendar is structured differently of course) return to school. And for the first time in my life, I’m not one of them. I’m happy I graduated in May alhamidullah, but it is strange not to be thinking of school supplies right now, or agonising over lovely stationary and pens and notebook purchases. And it’s strange not to feel anticipation and excitement and nervousness about school–the feelings I usually have around this time of year.

Insha’Allah I will return to university soon for more schooling.

In the meantime though, this is a good opportunity to use the time I have to learn things I’ve wanted to learn for a while, and devote more time to things that haven’t received much attention in the past several months with the intensity of uni involvement and graduation.

For instance: Insha’Allah I finally have time to devote to SunniPath! Not all the courses for the fall term are up yet, but I’m having a really hard time choosing what I want to take from the current courses offered. A few courses I’m wrestling with..

1) Introductory Arabic 1: This is a class I’ve been wanting to take for a while now, but with uni classes, I always thought I didn’t have enough time. Also, in the past I’ve been a bit apprehensive about learning Arabic (can I really do it? But everyone says Arabic is sooo hard! What if the Arabic in the class doesn’t have diacritic marks and I can’t read it?) On the Rihla though we had a lovely Arabic class, I was surrounded by arabic during the trip, and generally, it finally dawned on me that if I don’t just start, I really won’t learn the language. I’ve got to stop making excuses and roll up my sleeves. So insha’Allah this semester will be my first foray into the structure of the Arabic language. Please make dua it goes well!

2) Introduction to Classical Logic: I can’t decide whether to take this class, but I really really want to. It’s taught by Shaykh Hamza Karamali who is an amazing teacher masha’Allah, and I’ve always left every class I’ve taken with him with lots to think and reflect upon. In his class “Finding the Straight Path” ( I don’t think it’s offered this semester) he spoke a great deal about the importance of thinking critically about issues and just generally using our brains, rather than being reactionary to whatever we read. I think a course devoted on sharpening my brain could be a wonderful learning opportunity, but it’s part of the SP transitional curriculum, which means technically I should be finishing the Foundations and Seekers curriculum before taking the course. But i really really want to take it now…

3) A Hanafi fiqh class: My confusion is over whether or not to take the Essentials class, or the Intermediate class. They seem pretty similar, but the Essentials class covers basic aqida, an intro to ihsan and prayer, whereas the intermediate class covers purification and prayer in detail. There is lots to learn from a beginner class, but I tried taking the intermediate class last year and didn’t get very far (too much going on!), so it would be a cheaper option..Aaah decisions!

Also the Ramadhan class on the spiritual aspects of Ramadan looks good too. Actually everything looks good..which is why it’s always agonising making SP decisions!

There is also a Saturday morning creative writing class at one of the local universities that looks lovely. I would looove to take it, but it’s an expensive course. Would it be better to get a book on creative writing?

so many debates.

To end off, things I love: ramadan excitement/shehzad’s roy new song laga reh/chaat papri surprises/mithai/sunshine/lipgloss/new SP course discoveries/meccaone lectures/comfy abayas/cosy lunches/solitude/yellow walls/newly vacuumed floors/reflection time/creamy moleskine pages

If I could pack the perfect book box..

Every so often, I like to treat myself with a little parcel of books. This is mostly something I used to do during my last year of university, when I decided to commute to school and give myself a little book budget in exchange for the saved rent. It was a nice way to keep my sanity on days that the transit system could have driven me crazy.

I’m not commuting anymore, but here are some books that I really want to get for myself in the near future insha’Allah. (Hmm…right now my bookshelf has books stacked on top of each other, so I think a trip to the furniture store is in order too.

My Wishlist..

a) Rethinking Muslim Women and the Veil: Challenging Historical and Modern Stereotypes by Katherine Bullock. I’ve heard incredible things about this book, and generally enjoy anything written by Dr Bullock. For a taster of her work, I highly recommend this short article.

b) Etiquette with the Quran by Musa Furber. This is another text I’ve been meaning to get for a while. When I took “The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith” at Sunnipath a few years ago, this was one book we were highly encouraged to get a copy of. I love everything published by Starlatch Press, so I’m looking forward to reading this book.

c) Salat and Salam: In Praise of Allah’s most Beloved. This is a book published by White Thread Press, and is a beautiful compilation of salawat you can send to the Prophet. I saw lots of girls with this book when I was travelling, and it’s a gorgeous little text.

d) Prayers for Forgiveness. A excellent companion of the above mentioned text. A book that would have been nice to have while travelling.

e) Famous Women in Islam: CD Set by Dr Umar al Faruq: I really enjoy listening/reading work by Dr Umar. And I’ve heard fantastic things about this course. Plus the course clips I’ve heard online are very intriguing.

f) Two Treatises on Mutual Reminding and Good Manners by Imam Haddad: We studied parts of this book in the SP Journeys course (or the class Attaining Good Character)

f) Quran: A New Translation by Thomas Cleary: I have his book The Essential Koran, which is excellent, and I’ve heard good things about this longer translation as well.

g) The Story of the Quran: Its History and Place in Muslim Life by Ingrid Mattson: Ingrid Mattson is the author of this book. Nuff said.

Ok, I”m getting WAY too excited, going to stop now. And yes, I do read more than just books about Islam. And yes, I do love public libraries. But a girl can dream of the perfect parcel…

Active Gratitude

Making an active effort to be grateful this week has been an incredibly useful exercise. Yesterday I was feeling a bit down, so I thought I’d make a partial list of things I’m thankful for, that have come to mind over the last little while. That always, always seems to instantly boost my spirits. Try it, it really works.

So here goes, a few random thoughts about gratitude, as well as things I am grateful about right now.

The upcoming SP semester. There are lots of perennial favourites being offered that look fantastic, updates to course software that are being made, and plans in the works to offer many new courses this semester. Shaykh Abdul Kareem Yahya will be offering a new class, there will be a new Sirah course insha’Allah, and now SunniPath will even be offering tajweed courses! Alhamidullah, it’s good to know that I can continue my learning while I’m still at home, with teachers that exude an incredible love for the deen at all times, and in a setting that is incredibly cosy. (Separate post about SP coming soon insha’Allah)

I’m glad I can close my eyes and remember and visualise Madinah. It is a real gift having managed to travel there this summer, and I’m glad that when we have the gift of salawat-a chance for us to deliver salaams to the Prophet wherever we are in the world. That helps with the emotions of being away from the City of the Beloved.

I’m grateful for sturdy hijab pins. It’s much easier being able to wrap my scarf in the morning, and not have to worry about all day, then constantly fussing about it all the time.

I’m happy that Ramadhan is just around the corner, and alhamidullah I don’t have too many other commitments going on at the same time this year. For the first time in many years insha’Allah I’ll have more time to devote to maximizing the month. Yay Ramadhan! And I’m excited about the SunniPath Ramadan classes.

I’m grateful to have people in my life who care enough to point things out when my behaviour needs a bit of readjusting.

I’m grateful for online bookstores (where else would we be able to find great resources about Islam?), and the ability to read.

I’m grateful for the chance to get to know the coolest, newest member of our family. He is awesome.

hurrah!

Printable Sunnipath Curriculum guides!!! To read and re-read and get inspired by. One of the (many) things I really like about Sunnipath is their commitment to excellence and their attention to the student experience. The curriculum info is available on the website, but being able to have your own curriculum guide of each level with a really pretty cover just makes learning more fun.

More info here.

6 means to improve character..

From the SP character class with Shaykh Abdul Kareem Yahya. A class I highly recommend.

6 means to improve character

1) Sincere truthful seeking (giving your all to the endeavour, devoting all your faculties)

2) Having a firm resolve

3) Engaging in self observation, persisting in muraqba

4) Remembering Allah’s reward

5) Reading the narrations of those who possess noble qualities

6) Affecting the qualities you wish to inculcate in yourself..discipling the soul.

A beginning..

Assalamu alaykum, -)

I was reading “Wayfarers to God” by Habib Ali Jifry today, and Habib Ali has a beautiful section in the book where he says:

“Allah has commanded us to do three things: to acquire knowledge, to act in conformity with that knowledge and to teach. Whoever learns and does not act upon his knowledge and does not teach, has fulfilled one obligation and neglected two. Yet, he who learns and teaches others whilst falling short in conforming to that knowledge has fulfilled two obligations and neglected one. Action, by fulfilling two obligations whilst neglecting one obligation, is better than fulfilling one obligation whilst neglecting two. And what is best and what is more excellent and fitting, is to fulfill all three obligations. And for this reason, you should establish this understanding firmly within you.”

Actions are according to intentions, as the famous hadith tells us. And so, despite the multitude of masha’Allah incredible blogs out there, reading Habib Ali’s words was enough motivation to start a blog of my own. Insha’Allah this will be a place to reflect on what I’m reading, courses that I’m taking, life events that are happening, and anything else that seems appropriate, so that I can strengthen my own learning and share what is going on with others.