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gtkm, about me.

Name: Nur Azhana Shafwani Binti Azree

Nickname: Zhana, Zana, ازهانا, 아즈하나

Matric Number: 255450

Usrah Section: 57 (SEM 1) 51 (SEM 2)

Course: English For International Communication

Campus: CFS IIUM Kuantan

Hometown: Labuan F.T., Malaysia

Birthdate: 29 April 2007

Birthplace: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Highschool: SMK Pantai, Labuan F.T.

Email: zanaazree2020@gmail.com

Facebook: Azhana Shafwani

more about me

thought daughter, in a 100 different fandoms (i vibe with everything, trust me), book lover! (pref. Ann Liang and manga), strawberry tea enthusiast (or anything strawberry related drink tbh), ISTP.

now playing:

Highway 1009 - ENHYPEN

La La Lost You - NIKI

Lost Island - ENHYPEN

Dial Tragedy - EVAN

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1. Adab in Seeking Knowledge

Purpose: Brings us closer to Allah.

Hadith: Seeking knowledge = path to Paradise.

Outward Manners:

Repeat & review

Take notes

Ask & attend

Prepare for class

Inward Manners:

Correct intention

Defined goals

Respect teachers

Good manners

Consistency

2. Al-Quran as the Book of Guidance

What: Quran vs previous books.

How:

Signs of Creator

Proofs of Oneness of God

Stories of Prophets

Sirah (Prophet’s life)

Best way: Reliable translations, scholars, apps.

Why: Know our role as Allah’s creation with responsibilities.

Adab of the Quran

Be in wudu’

Sit respectfully

Use miswak

Begin with Ta’awwudh & Bismillah

Recite calmly, melodious, not too fast

Pronounce letters properly

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Hadith Jibril (Seeking Knowledge)

Narrated in Riwayat Muslim (Hadith 8).

Jibril came in human form, sat with the Prophet ﷺ and asked:

1. What is Islam? → 5 pillars.

2. What is Iman (Faith)? → 6 articles of faith.

3. What is Ihsan (Excellence)? → Worship Allah as if you see Him.

4. When is the Hour (Qiyamah)? → Only Allah knows.

5. Signs of the Hour → Slave giving birth to her mistress, barefoot shepherds competing in tall buildings.

After Jibril left, Prophet ﷺ told companions:

“That was Jibril, he came to teach you your religion.”

Lessons on Seeking Knowledge

Asking questions is a way of learning.

Sit humbly and respectfully with teachers.

Knowledge should be learned step by step (Islam → Iman → Ihsan).

The goal of knowledge = to perfect worship and prepare for the Hereafter.

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In week 3, we've discussed...

Hadith of Jibril (Arba’in Nawawi No. 2)

It explains:

Islam, Iman, and Ihsan.

Islam: Shahadah, prayer, zakat, fasting, Hajj.

Iman: Belief in Allah, angels, books, messengers, Last Day, and Qada and Qadar.

Ihsan: Worship Allah as if you see Him.

Pillars of Iman

Belief in Allah (God)

Dalil: Al-Baqarah 163, Al-Hashr 22, Al-Ikhlas.

Application: Prayer, Qur’anic reflection, observing nature, strengthening tawhid.

Belief in Malaikah (Angels)

Angels created from light, record deeds, deliver revelations, praise Allah.

Dalil: Surah Al-Baqarah 30, Surah Al-Infitar 10-12.

Application: Remember angels witness our actions → encourages righteousness.

Belief in Kutub (Holy Books)

Allah revealed Tawrat, Zabur, Injil, and Qur’an.

Dalil: Surah Al-Baqarah 136, Surah Ali Imran 3, Surah Al-Baqarah 2.

Application: Study and follow teachings, especially Qur’an.

Implementation of Qur’an in daily life

Steps: Study, integrate, practice, share, seek guidance.

Qur’an:

Miraculous nature (linguistic, literary).

Fulfilled prophecies.

Consistency and preservation.

Scientific accuracy.

Challenges and rhetorical power.

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Continuation of Week 3...

Belief in Rasul and Anbiya

"We make no distinction of His messengers"

Definition:

Belief in Rasul refers to:

1. Firm Belief that Allah SWT sent a messenger in every nation and to call them to worship Allah alone without any partners (Tawhid)

2. His messengers: Truthful, virtuous, trustworthy, rightly-guided.

3. Believing the sound reports narrated from the messengers

Necessities of the messengers:

1. Guide Humanity to the way of Islam = Worship Allah SWT.

2. Clarifying to humans the purpose of creation.

3. Showing and lead humanity to the right path.

4. Establishing proofs againts humanity, so that there are no excuse for them in the Judgement Day.

5. Uncovering the 'unseen' world that exists beyond normal sense

6. Providing humanity practical examples to lead moral, righteous, purpose-driven lives.

Greatest Blessing Given to Prophet Muhammad SAW:

1. Allah SWT sent him to mankind and jinn

2. Allah SWT supported him against his enemies by striking fear

3. The Earth was a place made for prayer and as a mean of purification for him

4. War Booty was made permissible for him

5. Granted position of greater intercession (Syafaah)

Belief in the Hereafter

Definition:

Belief in the Hereafter includes:

1. The life of this world and all that is in it will come to an end on an appointed day.

2. That day, people who have lived will be brought back to life and presented before God, who will be the Judge.

3. The entire record of man and woman will be presented (deed and sins)

4. Those who presents virtue will be rewarded and those who their sins overweight their deed will be severely punished.

5. Those who succeed with their deed will enter Paradise, and those who are condemned and deserve punishment will be sent to Hell the abode to fire and torture.

Effects of believing in the Last Day:

1. Demonstrates the completeness, greatness, and uniqueness of Allah's names and attributes

2. Increases the love for meeting Allah

3. Establishes fear from Allah SWT

4. Supports a Muslim in hastening towards good people

5. Aids in patience (Sabr) during times of hardship.

Belief in Qada' and Qadr

Definition:

Qada: Judged, ordained, executed perfectly

Qadr: Allah's complete knowledge that is writted in the Safe Tablet.

4 Components of Qada' wa Qadr:

1. Knowledge

2. Writing

3. Will

4. Creation

Benefits of Belief in Qada' and Qadr:

1. Peace of Mind

2. Establish good manner

3. Eliminate bad manners, such as envy and jealousy

4. teaches you to be modest, humble and content

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1) Ihsan (إحسان)

Man's Nature:

Weak by nature → easily bothered, hurt, and affected.

Powerless → faces many trials and enemies.

Poor in needs → has endless desires but limited ability.

Lazy & incapable → yet life’s burdens are heavy.

Attached to the universe → loves temporary things, but separation causes pain.

Intellect → shows him great hopes, but:

Life is short.

Strength and patience are limited.

Characteristics of Ihsan:

1. Verified Faith (Iman Al-Tahqiqi)

Strong belief in Allah.

Always aware Allah is watching.

Doesn’t seek attention/help from others besides Him.

2. Ikhlas (Sincerity)

Do deeds to please Allah, not people.

Only Allah’s pleasure matters, not the world’s opinion.

3. Following the Sunnah

Practicing the Sunnah connects us to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Reminds us of Allah’s presence, even in daily actions (eating, drinking, sleeping).

4. Salah

Prayer is the believer’s mi’raj (spiritual ascension).

In Attahiyyat, recall the conversation between Allah, Prophet SAW, Jibril (AS), and the angels.

Feel as if standing before Allah during Salah.

Ihsan to Parents:

Obey them in what is good (as long as it doesn’t go against Islam).

Speak kindly and never be harsh.

Care for them in old age with patience and mercy.

Make du’a for them

Provide support (financial, emotional, physical) whenever needed.

2) As-Sā‘ah (الساعة) – The Hour.

referring to Qiyamah. (Judgement Day)

We do not know the exact time.

We only know the signs and what will happen on that Day.

Minor Signs (already happened / happening)

The coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (last Prophet).

Women will outnumber men

Good decrease will decrease

Time will pass rapidly

Competing in tall buildings.

Hadith of Tamim ad-Dari (RA)

Tamim ad-Dari (RA), a Christian who later became Muslim, once went on a sea journey with some companions.

They were lost at sea and ended up on an island.

On the island, they met a strange creature called Al-Jassasah (a beast covered with hair, so much that front and back could not be distinguished).

Al-Jassasah directed them to a man in a monastery.

They met a huge man, tied in heavy chains.

This man asked them about conditions in the world:

The state of the date palms of Baisan (Palestine).

The water of Lake Thabariyyah

The spring of Zughar.

Whether the Prophet Muhammad SAW had appeared

After their answers, he revealed:

“I am the Dajjal. Soon I will be permitted to leave, and I will travel the earth for 40 nights. I will not leave any town without entering it, except Makkah and Madinah, which are protected by angels.”

Dajjal:

One-eyed → One eye is defective/blind (the right eye according to Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim).

The other eye looks like a floating grape.

On his forehead will be written the word “Kāfir” (ك ف ر), readable by every believer, literate or illiterate.

Large and strong-built man with curly hair.

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1.Strengthen Iman

- Knowledge makes our faith stronger because we understand the purpose of life, the reality of the Hereafter, and our duties to Allah. The more we learn, the more our hearts are convinced of Islam’s truth.

2. Correct Worship

- With knowledge, we learn the proper way to pray, fast, recite the Qur’an, and worship. Deeds without knowledge may be wasted, but deeds with knowledge are accepted by Allah.

3. Avoid Misguidance.

-When we have the knowledge, we have the awareness of the things at are right or wrong. Therefore, we know that we have to avoid bad guidance, as we know the consequences of it.

Eg. We have the knowledge to know which is the true belief (Our Aqidah) and we know to avoid False Belief.

4. In⁠crease Good Deeds.

-When we have more knowledge, we know that when we commit righteous acts, we’ll get good deeds. Therefore we act upon it, doing good every day. Not only that, gaining knowledge will also increase our deeds.

5. Improve Akhlaq – Study builds patience, kindness and discipline

-Studying builds patience because learning takes time and effort. It also teaches kindness, since knowledge guides us to speak politely and treat others with respect. At the same time, it builds discipline, because we learn to manage our time and be consistent, just like in our worship.

6. To earn Allah’s pleasure – Knowledge leads to Allah’s love

-With knowledge, we can understand Allah’s greatness better, whether through science or religion. Allah loves people with knowledge because their worship is guided and correct. Knowledge makes our amal more sincere and more accepted by Allah.

7. Becoming a Good Example

-Knowledge that is practiced makes us a role model to others.

-Our actions can inspire—not just our words.

-We become leaders through character and knowledge.

8. Success in This World and the Hereafter

-Knowledge helps us make wise decisions in life.

-Actions based on knowledge are of higher quality and more likely to be accepted by Allah.

-Knowledge is a light that guides us toward success in the Hereafter.

Teammate:

Azhana

Iklil

Kila

Mimi

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Selected Issues: Adab (ادب)

Definition of Adab.

Literally: To refine, to educate, to discipline.

Technically: Habit, an etiquette, a manner of conduct, refinement, good actions.

Not quality — but a process

Something that can be learnt and established

Adab Vs. Akhlaq

Adab (Manners) ادب

Outward behavior that people show.

Akhlaq (Morality) أخلاق

The qualities that reside in the heart.

Prophet Ibrahim A.S (Example)

Adab towards Parents!

1. Conveys deep respect and intense love for

one’s father.

2.Ibrahim A.S did not insult or confront his father for his disbelief. Instead, he merely invited his father’s attention to the helplessness and insensitivity of his idols they cannot hear, see or give benefit in any way he might realise the fallacy of his beliefs.

3.Prophet Ibrahim AS refrained from using rude/ vulgar words that could hurt his father’s feelings.

4.He kept using يأبت which meant “My lovely father/ My father whom I love the most”

5. He didn’t fight back when his father threatened him with death. Instead he kept Sabr.

6.Allah SWT grants him a better family which consists of Prophets after he left his family.

Adab with Friends.

Always shares with them

Always be happy with them

Always forgiving between each other

Not acting arrogant

Not leaving another friend out while being in a trio

No mocking one another (Hurt their feeings)

Not displaying sharp stuffs towards them.

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Hope

I hope that the knowledge gained from these six weeks of Usrah will not only strengthen my understanding of Islam but also guide me to apply it in my daily life. I wish to continue improving myself, becoming closer to Allah, and sharing beneficial knowledge with others.

Overall Conclusion

In conclusion, the six weeks of Usrah have been meaningful and beneficial. Through the discussions and lessons, I learned more about Islamic values, responsibilities, and the importance of practicing them consistently. This program has reminded me that learning is a continuous journey, and with sincerity and effort, I can strive to become a better Muslim and contribute positively to society.

I am also very thankful to have a very kind and smart Naqibah for this semester. Thank you!

Love,

Azhana.

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1. Longer Break Between Classes and Usrah
– The timing gap between classes and Usrah could be extended slightly to allow students to rest, refresh, and mentally prepare for the session.
– This could help everyone be more focused and engaged during discussions.

2. Encourage More Open Discussions
– Allow more time for everyone to share personal reflections or experiences. This promotes bonding and deeper understanding among group members.

3. Occasional Outdoor or Thematic Sessions
– Holding Usrah outdoors or tying sessions to special themes (e.g. Ramadan prep, gratitude journaling, volunteering) could make it more refreshing and engaging.

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Goals:

Learn a lot more about Islam

Get to make new friends from Usrah Sessions!

Become a better Ummah, and strive for excellence!

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Topic coverage: Hikmah, Niyyah - Amal, Ehsan

Definition of Hikmah:

Ibn Qutaiba: Hikmah is a blend of knowledge and deed.

Ibn Zayd: The concept of comprehending the commands of Allah.

Relationship between Hikmah & Ibadah

Engaging in acts of worship can help one to acquire Hikmah

Right intention (Niyyah) and mindset

Definition of Niyyah:

Intention or motive behind an act, which to attain Allah’s reward and draw oneself closer to Him

Setting the right niyyah is important.

Any deed performed without niyyah might not be accepted by Allah SWT.

Differentiating between the acts we do solely for the sake of Allah and those for the sake of others.

Definition of Amal:

The practice of performing good deeds and acts of worship

Fundamental aspect of the Islamic Faith.

Have a positive impact on the wider community.

Amal consists of:

1. Salah

2. Zakat

3. Fasting

4. Hajj

5. Kindness

Definition of Ehsan:

Positive virtues that are considered to be essential for leading a good life.

Example: Compassion, Honesty, Humility and Patience.

Internalising Ehsan involves making these virtues a part of one’s character and way of life.

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Virtues Found in Salah with Khushu

Definition of Khushu:

Presence of heart and mind before Allah SWT

Calmness, Humility & Attentiveness.

The Virtues?

1. Strengthen relationship with Allah

2. Shapes inner characteristics (Akhlaq)

3. Prevents sinful behaviour.

Salah with Khushu

1. Al Taah (Submission & Loyalty)

Trains discipline and obedience

2. Al Jihad (Striving in the Path of Allah)

Inner struggle (Jihad Al-nafs)

3. Muhasabah (Self-reflection)

Evaluating action and intentions

4. ‘Iffah (Modesty & Self-Restraint)

Guarding oneself from sinful acts

5. Tawaddu’ (Humility)

Recognising dep

Impact of Khushu’

Builds strong Islamic Personality

Improves behaviour and self-control

Strengthen faith (Iman)

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Benefits of Good Niyyah (Intention)

1. Actions Become Acts of Worship
Even everyday deeds gain reward when done sincerely for Allah.

2. Brings Allah’s Acceptance
Good intentions make actions more meaningful and pleasing to Him.

3. Guides the Heart & Decisions
A pure niyyah keeps you focused on what is right.

4. Builds Sincerity & Strong Character
Helps develop honesty, humility, and good manners.

5. Protects Actions from Showing Off (Riya’)

Pure intentions keep deeds sincere and for Allah alone.

I did and explained the 5th point: Protects Actions from Showing Off (Riya’)

Usrah Roleplay Group Members:

1. NUR AZHANA SHAFWANI BINTI AZREE (255450)

2. ENNY HAZNIYRAH BINTI ENRIH (251709)

3. ⁠ALIA NAJWA BT ALI (250873)

4. ⁠KHAIRUN MUNIRAH BINTI AZMI (252426)

5. UMMI BALQIS BINTI MOHAMAD NIZAR (259497)

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Reasons & Sources of Hikmah from Ibadah:

Prayer:

- Goal: Restrains from immorality and wrongdoing

Fasting:

- Goal: Journey towards taqwa

Zakat:

- Reason for the revelation of the verse: Tabuk War

- Goal: Developing by purifying and cleansing

Hajj:

- Goal: Manifestation of Total Devotion to Allah SWT

Ibadah's Projection:

Preparation for the Servant to become someone who:

- Compatible to be a Khalifa that manage the World according to Allah's will.

- Compatible for the Akhirah (HereAfter)

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Preparation of Salah with Khushu'

Salah (Prayer)

Mandatory Conditions of Salah:

1. Islam

2. Sane

3. Baligh

Valid Conditions of Salah:

1. Clean from minor and major impurity

2. Body, clothes, prayer place is clean from impurities

3. Covering the aurah

4. Prayer time is correct (with confidence)

5. Facing the Qiblah with confidence

6. Knows the steps of Salah

7. Leaving things that invalidate prayer

Pillars of Prayer:

1. Niyyah (Intention)

2. Stand if you can for obligatory prayers.

3. Takbiratul Ihram

4. Recite Surah al-Fatihah

5. Ruku'

6. I'tidal after ruku'

7. Sujood twice on every rakaah

8. Sit between two Sujoods

9. Sit for Tahiyah Akhir

10. Recite Tahiyah Akhir

11. Sending blessings upon the Prophet after reciting the final tashahhud

12. Give first Salam

13. Do all the rules in order.

Things that invalidate prayer:

1. Talking

2. Major movements (many times)

3. There is dirt on the clothes.

4. Not covering the aurah

5. Eating or drinking

6. Impurities before the first greeting.

7. Changes the niyyah

8. turn your back againts the Qiblah

Sunnah Matters in Salah:

1. Facing the Sujood place

2. Reciting Dua Iftitah

3. Filtering reading and slowing down where appropriate

4. Saying "Amiin" after reciting the al-Fatihah

5. Reciting the tasbih during ruku' and sujood

6. Dua before first Salam

7. Khushu' throughout the Salah

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Fasting & Its Virtues

1. Ayah on Fasting (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Fasting is obligatory for believers

It was prescribed for people before us

Purpose: to gain taqwa (God-consciousness)

2. “O Believers” – What It Means

A call specifically to people of faith

Shows that fasting requires true belief

Believers are expected to prove their faith through action

3. “As It Was Prescribed for Those Before You”

Who are “those before you”?

Most common view: Jews and Christians

Another view: all previous nations

Why is this mentioned?

To ease the burden (you’re not alone)

To motivate Muslims to do better than previous nations

4. Purpose of Fasting: Taqwa

What is Taqwa?

Being mindful, careful, and aware of Allah

Avoiding sins and harmful actions

Relation to fasting:

Fasting trains self-control

Makes Muslims more careful in actions and words

5. Sabr (Patience) & Self-Restraint

Fasting teaches three types of sabr:

1. Patience in obeying Allah

2. Patience in avoiding what Allah forbids

3. Patience during hardships and hunger

6. Levels of Fasting (According to Al-Ghazali)

1. Minimum: Avoid eating, drinking & sexual relations

2. Intermediate: Control body parts (eyes, tongue, hands, ears) from sin

3. Optimal: Keep the heart away from worldly distractions

7. Rahmah (Mercy & Empathy)

Fasting builds mercy by:

Helping Muslims feel the hunger of the poor

Encouraging feeding others

Hadith (At-Tirmidhi):

Feeding a fasting person earns the same reward as the one fasting

8. Good Character in Fasting

Hadith (Al-Bukhari):

If a person does not avoid lying and bad behavior, fasting loses its value

Fasting is not just about food, but character

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Zakah and Sadaqah

Introduction

Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam

It is compulsory for Muslims who meet the conditions

It helps both individuals and society

Mentioned together with prayer many times in the Quran

Meaning of Zakah

Literal meaning:

Growth and increase

Purification and cleanliness

Blessing and goodness

Technical meaning:

A fixed portion of wealth given to specific people

A form of worship involving wealth

Helps purify wealth and the heart

Teaches social responsibility

Zakah in the Quran

Zakah is also called Sadaqah in the Quran

Given to:

Poor and needy

Zakah collectors

New Muslims

People in debt

For Allah’s cause

Travellers in need

Difference Between Zakah and Sadaqah

Zakah

Compulsory

Has fixed rules, amount, and recipients

Two types: Zakah al-Fitr & Zakah al-Mal

Sadaqah

Voluntary

No fixed amount or time

Any form of charity or giving

Virtues of Zakah

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

Trusting Allah instead of wealth

Belief that Allah will replace what is given

Shows reliance on Allah for provision

Ukhuwwah (Brotherhood)

Strengthens unity among Muslims

Encourages helping and caring for others

Reduces selfishness

Builds empathy and love in the community

Conclusion

Zakah strengthens:

Relationship with Allah

Relationship with people

Helps Muslims:

Rely on Allah

Feel peace and gratitude

Be less attached to wealth

Encourages care for the needy

Promotes unity and togetherness in society

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More variety in activities
Maybe sometimes we can have a walking usrah (walk-and-talk) or sit in a different place, so it doesn’t feel too static and helps us relax while discussing.

Occasional outdoor sessions
Having a session outdoors once in a while can refresh our minds and improve focus.

Overall, the sessions were beneficial.

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Lastly, I would like to thank our usrah assistant, Sr Hidayati, for guiding us throughout these sessions. I truly learned a lot from the discussions and reminders, and I appreciate the effort and patience in sharing knowledge with us.

The usrah sessions made me more mindful of my relationship with Allah and encouraged me to reflect on my iman and actions. They reminded me of the importance of practising Islam consistently in my daily life.