# data[].attributes.body
He (the man) said: “Tell me about Eemaan.”

He (the Prophet, ﷺ) replied: “It is to believe in Allaah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny (qadr), both the good and the evil of it.”

He said: “You have spoken rightly.”

He (the man) said: “Then tell me about Ihsaan.”

He (the Prophet, ﷺ) replied: “It is to worship Allaah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then (knowing that) truly He sees you.”

He said: “Then tell me about the Hour.”

He ﷺ replied: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.”

He said: “Then tell me about its signs.”

He ﷺ replied: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefooted, naked destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.”

Then he (the man) left, and I stayed for a time. The he ﷺ said: “O `Umar, do you know who the questioner was?”

I said: “Allaah and His Messenger know best.”

He said: “It was Jibreel, who came to teach you your religion.”

It was related by Muslim.

# data[].attributes.body
Today, we learnt about the importance of The Five Pillars of Islam which consists of:

The Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)

5 Obligatory Prayer (Salah)

Almsgiving (Zakat)

Fasting in the month of Ramadan

Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

# data[].attributes.body
Discussed about the tafseer of Surah Al-Isra, ayah 9-21

Learnt about the importance of having adab in seeking knowledge

Prime examples of having adab while seeking knowledge:

Be good & treat your fellow teachers and colleagues with respect

Always be nice while talking to your teachers

Conclusion:

-It is always important & having adab comes first before seeking knowledge.

# data[].attributes.body
Explains about faith (Iman), Islam and excellence (Ihsan).

Provides comprehensive insights into the religion, specifically the core aspects; worship, faith and the unseen.

# data[].attributes.body
Credits:

Adlina (244548)

Ainul (240612)

Aryssa (241220)

Dina (241538)

# data[].attributes.body
Assalamualaikum and hello! My name is Dina Sofea binti Ahmad Saifuddin (241538) but my friends usually call me Dina :)

I'm from Kajang, Selangor and I'm currently pursuing ENCOM for my foundation studies here in CFS IIUM. I was born on the 15th of January, 2006. My hobbies & my favourite pastimes would be listening to music & reading books!! Definitely super obsessed with anything matcha-related ✨ (real) 🍵📚💕

Get to know more about me here!

Instagram: @dinsfea

Email: @dinasofea150@gmail.com

# data[].attributes.headline
The Concept of Ihsan & Its Relation to Islamic Eschatology

# data[].attributes.subject
The Concept of Ihsan & Its Relation to Islamic Eschatology

# data[].attributes.body
What is the definition of Ihsan?

Ihsan is generally defined as someone who is a good person. But in Islam, Ihsan is a concept in Islam that refers to the act of doing good or performing one's duties or any lawful/productive task in the best possible way, with excellence and perfection. The term Ihsan is derived from the Arabic root word: حسن, which means beauty, goodness, and excellence.

According to the Al-Quran, there are 3 characteristics of Al-Muhsin (A person who has the quality of Ihsan)

1. Spreading kindness to other people/parties.

2. Giving goodness to other people/parties at the level that is

at its best as possible.

3. Doing the things mentioned above (1&2) because of Allah SWT.

Overall, we learnt about the characteristics & the importance of Ihsan in our daily lives & we learnt about how it is applied according to the Prophets.

E.g: Prophet Yusuf, Prophet Nuh & Propher Ibrahim.

# data[].attributes.headline
Adab w/ Friends, Lecturers, Knowledge (Ilmu), & Roommates 🫶🏻

# data[].attributes.subject
Adab w/ Friends, Lecturers, Knowledge (Ilmu), & Roommates 🫶🏻

# data[].attributes.body
—Today, we learnt about the importance of having adab (good manners) with the people around us such as our lecturers, friends, etc and it is also mentioned that it is also crucial to have adab when seeking knowledge (ilmu).

Adab with Friends

Don’t make hurtful jokes.

Don’t spread about their aib.

Don’t whisper with someone when you are surrounded by lots of other friends around you.

Helping your friend without expecting anything in return (Ikhlas).

Adab with Lecturers

Refer to them nicely.

Speak eloquently to them.

Don’t eat or drink in class. (with the cases of exceptions with some lecturers.)

Pay attention in class.

Don’t spread bad things about them & do not talk over them.

Adab with Roommates

Tolerate one another.

Be understanding of each other. E.g: Be mindful & do not disturb them or make too much noise.

Adab with Knowledge

Niat comes first & it is important to reaffirm & renew your niat before seeking knowledge in order to make sure you are on the right path while seeking knowledge.

Have clear & defined goals that will help you in the future. E.g: Have niat to learn in order to be successful in the dunya & akhirah, not to learn just for the sake of passing exams.

# data[].attributes.body
For this week, we covered about the Six Pillars of Iman in Islam, specifically about the:

Belief in His Prophets

Belief in His Books

Belief in the Resurrection

Belief in His Angels

Belief in the Qadar (Divine Decree)

- We learnt about the story of His Prophets, specifically Prophet Soleh, Prophet Yahya & others.

- We also learnt about the small & big signs of the Resurrection Day (Qiyamah)

# data[].attributes.body
Overall, it could be said that it is important to implement all of the things said above in our daily life in order to improve every aspect that is embedded in us as humans to achieve a greater level that is as close to perfection.

# data[].attributes.body
All in all, all that I could say is that I’ve learned & have gained a lot of knowledge throughout these 7 weeks of Usrah. I’ll be sure to apply what I’ve learned so far in my daily routine, Insyaallah. I also feel really blessed to have good groupmates & have fun with my other usrah-mates. Special thanks & shoutout to our Naqibah, Aisyah for being so supportive & really helpful throughout these 7 sessions of usrah. I also sincerely wish all the best for Aisyah & my other usrah-mates in the future. Furthermore, I do hope that the upcoming sessions of Usrah in the future will become even more interactive & fun to learn more about the depths of Islam itself as a whole, that is outside of our syllabus.

# data[].attributes.body
In Islam, intention (niyyah) is of great importance as it is the:

foundation of one’s actions and deeds.

an essential and basic prerequisite for performing any form of worship and/or good deed.

Allah knows the true intention of every individual and judges them accordingly. It is believed that Allah is all-knowing and all-seeing. He knows the secrets of the heart and the intentions of every individual. The concept of Allah knowing what is inside our hearts is mentioned numerous times in the Quran and is emphasized in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said,

“The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what they have intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His Apostle, then their emigration was for Allah and His Apostle. And whoever emigrated for worldly gain or for a woman to marry, their emigration was for what they emigrated for.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Imaan, Hadith No. 54)

In Islam, Niyyah holds great importance in the lives of every Muslim. It is what helps you differentiate between different acts of worship. For example, “I make Niyyah to perform Fajr prayer or I make Niyyah to perform Isha prayer.”

Most importantly, it helps you distinguish between the acts that you solely perform for the sake of Allah SWT and those that you perform for the sake of others. This means that any deed performed without Niyyah might not be accepted by Allah SWT.

Therefore, in Islam, it is believed that Allah knows what is inside our hearts and that our intentions play a crucial role in determining the value of our actions. It is essential for Muslims to strive to have pure and sincere intentions in all their actions, seeking Allah’s pleasure and reward in the Hereafter.

In Islam, the intention must precede the action. This means that a person must set a pure intention before performing any action, as the intention is what determines the value of the action. If the intention is not pure, the action will not be rewarded, even if it appears to be good on the surface.

Whether in a verbal or non-verbal form, the purpose of making Niyyah before performing any good deed is to remind your soul (inner self) that you are doing this act with the intention to seek the pleasure and blessings of Allah SWT.

With pure intention comes great reward. Thus, to be successful in life, every Muslim must have the purest of intentions because Allah SWT prioritizes your Niyyah over the actual deed.

So, if you are performing even a small deed for the sake of Allah SWT, the Almighty will ensure that the reward you receive for it is even greater.

May we all benefit from this, Insyaallah.

# data[].attributes.headline
W2: The Unique Aspects of Islam (Salah, Fasting, Zakat, Hajj & The Specialty of Islam)

# data[].attributes.subject
W2: The Unique Aspects of Islam (Salah, Fasting, Zakat, Hajj & The Specialty of Islam)

# data[].attributes.body
Islam is the religion of truth. It is the embodiment of the code of life which Allah, the Creator and Lord of the universe, has revealed for the guidance of mankind.

For the proper development of human life, man needs two elements: (a) the resources to maintain life and to fulfill the material needs of the individual and society, and (b) knowledge of the principles of individual and social behavior to enable man to fulfill himself and to maintain justice and tranquillity in human life. The Lord of the universe has provided for both of these in full measure. To cater to the material needs of man, He has put all of nature's resources at his disposal. To provide for his spiritual, social, and cultural needs, He has raised His prophets from among men and has revealed to them the code of life that can guide man's steps to the right path. This code of life is known as Islam, the religion preached by all of the prophets of Allah.

Allah said:

Say, "[0 Muhammad] we believe in Allah and in the Revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac Jacob and the Tribes. We believe in the Revelation that was sent to Moses, Jesus and all other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and to Him we surrender." (3:83; 2:136)

He has revealed to you (O Muhammad) the scripture with truth, confirming that which was revealed before it even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel before as a guide to mankind and has revealed the Criterion (for judging between right and wrong). (3:3-4)

All of them called humanity to the way of the Lord, the way of submission to Allah. All of them gave the same message, and all of them stood for the same cause: Islam.

Salah, also known as Salat or Prayer, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a fundamental act of worship for Muslims. It involves the obligatory act of praying 5 times a day at set times, and is a direct means of communication with Allah.

Muslims perform Salah as an essential part of their daily lives to seek guidance, forgiveness, and blessings from Allah and to fulfil their rights to Him. It involves performing specific physical movements and recitations whilst facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah). The key in Salah is to be focused and concentrate on the presence of Allah.

Muslims must perform 5 daily prayers. These are:

Fajr – this takes place at pre-dawn.

Dhuhr – this takes place just after the sun reaches its zenith.

Asr – this takes place between noon and sunset.

Maghrib – this takes place just after sunset.

Isha – this takes place during the night/at night-time.

Salah is an integral part of the lifestyle of a Muslim. Through prayer, Muslims are required each day to ponder on the verses of the Qur’an, the Shahadah (the declaration of faith), and Allah’s attributes.

Muslims across the world unite in prayer at five specified times each day in the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca, as a means of connecting to Allah and their purpose in life – to remember and worship Him.

Fasting, or sawm in Arabic, is a religious practice in Islam that involves abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and anything that substitutes for food and drink. Muslims observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Fasting in Islam is seen as an act of worship and submission to God. It is also a way to practice self-restraint, cultivate gratitude, and grow closer to God.

When to fast

Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, which is marked by the adhan of the Maghrib prayer.

What to eat

Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor to prepare their bodies for the fast. After breaking their fast at sundown with dates and milk, they eat a larger meal after evening prayers.

What to avoid

Muslims also avoid bad deeds like gossiping and try to increase good deeds.

What to do

Muslims often spend more time in mosques for congregational prayers, reading the Quran, and giving charity.

What to do if you can't fast

If you are unable to fast, you can make up the lost days by fasting on other days or give charity.

# data[].attributes.body
The word “zakat” translates to “purification” in Arabic. It signifies the act of cleansing one’s wealth by sharing a portion with those in need. This practice, rooted in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizes the ethical responsibility of individuals to contribute to the well-being of their community.

Zakat is obligatory for all financially capable Muslims who meet specific criteria. This includes having possession of a minimum amount of wealth (known as the nisab – value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver) for a specific period (a lunar year). If an individual’s wealth exceeds the nisab, they are required to donate 2.5% of its value, once one year has passed, to designated recipients.

The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients

The Quran identifies eight categories of individuals and causes deserving of zakat:

1. The poor: Those who lack the basic necessities of life.

2. The needy: Those who have some means but are insufficient to meet all their essential needs.

3. Zakat collectors: Individuals appointed to collect and manage zakat funds.

4. To Incline the Hearts: Those who are open to Islam, or a Muslim to strengthen his faith or ward of evil.

5. Those in debt: Individuals struggling with debt who cannot fulfill their obligations due to circumstances beyond their control.

6. For the Cause of Allah: Those defending in Allah’s cause.

7. Travelers: Muslims who are stranded or in need of assistance during travel.

8. Freeing Captive: To free a Muslim imprisoned or kidnapped.

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.

It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha.

The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is comprised of a series of rites and rituals – some in order – that provide a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for the pilgrim. For example, a pilgrim can expect to walk between 5km-15km per day, as Hajj requires some travel between several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah. Much of the pilgrimage takes place at the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.

Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, and for many, it is a once in a lifetime event. Going more than once during your lifetime is permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s (SWT) (which means ‘The Most Glorified, The Most High) pleasure.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”

Islam has a number of unique characteristics compared to other religions, including:

Monotheism

Islam is a strict form of monotheism, where Muslims believe in Allah as the only deity to worship.

Tawḥīd

The central concept of Islam is tawḥīd, which means the oneness of God. Muslims believe that God is incomparable and without multiplicity, such as in the Christian Trinity.

The Quran

Muslims believe that the Quran is God's direct speech, and therefore cannot be dismissed as irrelevant.

No mythology

Islam is free from mythology and irrational beliefs.

Garden imagery

Islamic art often features garden imagery, such as flowers and plants, on rugs, ceramics, and manuscript ornamentation. This is believed to be due to the Qur'an's description of heaven as a garden paradise.

Prayer

Muslims pray five times a day in the direction of Mecca. On Fridays, Muslims gather in mosques to pray.

# data[].attributes.body
Sawm is the Arabic term used to describe the act of fasting. Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, from dawn until dusk.

How is Sawm practiced?

Sawm is observed during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, sexual activity, and displeasing speech and behavior from dawn until dusk.

Muslims break their fast after sunset with a meal that usually includes dates.

The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Feast of Fast-Breaking”.

Why is Sawm practiced?

To obey God

To learn self-discipline

To become spiritually stronger

To appreciate God's gifts

To share the sufferings of the poor

To realize the value of charity and generosity

To give thanks for the Qur'an

To fellowship with other Muslims

Who is exempt from Sawm?

Children under twelve years old, the elderly, pregnant or breast-feeding women, travelers (Musafeer), and the mentally ill.

During this sacred time, Allah asks that Muslims temporarily abstain from their needs and base desires that make up our human selves.

Doing so provides Muslims with the opportunity to acquire a sense of control over their needs, desires and distractions, giving them room for a heightened sense of introspection and their purpose in life – to worship Allah.

Keeping the Sawm for the sake of Allah alone, is a special act of devotion for which there is a unique reward.

# data[].attributes.body
POSTER ROLEPLAY - TAZKIYYAH

Members (Group 2):-

1) Sofia binti Azri (248239)

2) Nurul Fateen Mysara Binti Azrul Hisham (247427)

3) Dina Sofea binti Ahmad Saifuddin (241538)

4) Dhia Shazwina Safiyyah Binti Shahrir (241522)

5 ) Sarah Batrisyia binti Mohammad Syahmi (247918)

# data[].attributes.headline
W4: Summary of Virtues Found in Salah w/ Khusyuk

# data[].attributes.subject
W4: Summary of Virtues Found in Salah w/ Khusyuk

# data[].attributes.body
Taah, Jihad, Muhasabah, Iffah, Tawaddu

"Taah in salah with khusyuk" means to perform a prayer (salah) with deep concentration and humility, fully focusing on the act of worship and feeling a deep connection with Allah, essentially meaning to pray with utmost sincerity and presence of mind, without distractions.

Key points about "khusyuk" in prayer:

Meaning:

"Khusyuk" translates to "humbleness" or "attentive humility" in prayer, signifying a state of complete focus and submission to Allah while performing salah.

Importance:

Achieving khusyuk is considered a crucial aspect of a meaningful prayer, as it allows for a deeper connection with the divine.

How to achieve khusyuk:

Mindfulness: Being fully present in the moment, focusing on the words being recited and the movements of the body.

Understanding the meaning: Reflecting on the meaning of the Quranic verses recited during prayer.

Slow and deliberate movements: Performing the prayer with calm and controlled motions, avoiding unnecessary haste.

Lowering the gaze: Looking down modestly during prayer

Jihad

Jihad is an Islamic term that refers to a struggle or effort, and it appears in the Qur'an and in Muslim practices. It can refer to a spiritual and moral struggle, or to war and physical struggle.

Explanation

Spiritual and moral struggle

Striving to be virtuous and moral

Making an effort to do good works

Helping to reform society

Overcoming anger, greed, hatred, pride, or malice

Giving up smoking

Cleaning the mosque

Taking part in Muslim community activities

Working for social justice

Forgiving someone who has hurt you

War and physical struggle

Self-defense

Response to aggression towards other Muslims

Fighting in the way of Allah (qital fi sabilillah)

The word jihad comes from the verb jahada, which means "he exerted himself". The Qur'an often uses the idiomatic expression "striving in the path of God (al-jihad fi sabil Allah)".

Muhasabah

Muḥasābah, an action of the heart, is to evaluate one’s actions and behaviour of the nafs (inner self); and then rectifying the mistakes, and continuing the good deeds.

When we evaluate our daily, weekly, and monthly actions, we should identify our sins and repent sincerely. We should ask Allah to forgive us, and make a firm resolve to stay away from that sin in the future. We should identify the root causes of the sin, and plan how we can stay away from what causes us to fall into that particular sin.

Similarly, we should identify where we are falling short in terms of fulfilling the rights of Allah. Doing this will mean we do not become deceived with our ʿibādah. Instead, we will put our hope and trust in Allah, and not our own paltry actions. This should be followed by asking Allah to help us worship Him with excellence.

Whilst we are reflecting on our shortcomings, we should contrast this with the immense blessings of Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) upon us. This should fill our hearts with ḥayā (shyness). How much He blesses us, and how little we thank Him! How much He does for us, and yet we disobey Him. How often we disregard His commands, yet He does not deprive us!

If we fail to hold ourselves accountable and do not live a life of taqwā, we will become like the people who Allah describes as:

وَلَا تَكُوْنُوْا كَالَّذِيْنَ نَسُوا اللّٰهَ فَأَنْسىٰهُمْ أَنْفُسَهُمْ أُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْفٰسِقُوْنَ

“And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. It is they who are defiantly disobedient” (59:19).

If we are heedless of Allah, and we fail to remember Him and uphold His rights, Allah will cause us to forget that which is actually beneficial for our souls. In effect, it is we who lose out, when we move far away from our Creator, and surrender to the whims and desires of our souls.

The Prophet ﷺ would seek the protection of Allah from ‘the evils’ of the nafs. If our nafs is left to its own devices, and we allow it to lead us, instead of leading it, it will lead us to sin and evil.

Iffah

The Meaning of Iffah (Chastity)

Among the things asked by the Prophet PBUH is the attribute of ‘iffah (chastity). It means abstaining oneself from any form of sinful acts and the prohibitions. Imam al-Nawawi explained: “Afaf (الْعَفَافَ) and ‘iffah (العِفَّة) mean distancing and abstaining oneself from prohibited actions.” (See al-Minhaj fi Syarh Sahih Muslim Ibn al-Hajjaj, 17/41). This is as stated by Ibn ‘Allan which states, “Al-‘Afaf (الْعَفَافَ) means protected from all sins and wrongdoings. (See Dalil al-Falihin, 7/275)

While al-Qadhi ‘Iyadh explains: Al-‘Afaf is avoiding prohibited actions as well as abstaining oneself from them. (See Ikmal al-Mu'lim bi Fawa'id Muslim, 8/224). The same is stated by al-Hafiz Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti. (See al-Dibaj 'ala Sahih Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, 6/70)

Among other meanings of ‘iffah (العِفَّة) is one is made sufficient of his provision as well as protected from prohibited actions. Mulla ‘Ali al-Qari in his commentary states: “Al-‘Afaf (الْعَفَافَ) means al-kafaf (الكَفَاف) (made sufficient of one’s provision). Some scholars state, its meaning is al-‘iffah (العِفَّة) (protected from the sins). Some scholars state, its meaning is one is protected from the prohibitions. It is cited from Abu al-Futuh al-Naisaburi, he said: “Al-‘Afaf (الْعَفَافَ) means the goodness of one’s soul and heart.” (See Mirqat al-Mafatih Syarh Misykat al-Masabih, 5/1721).

While when we carefully analyze the order of requests in the said du’a, it starts with asking for guidance, piety, then the attribute of ‘iffah (العِفَّة). Pertaining to this matter, Ibn ‘Allan explains: “Al-Huda (guidance) is made as the first as it is the base, and piety is built on top of it. While al-‘afaf (الْعَفَافَ) is linked with al-huda (الهُدَى) in a linkage between something specific with something general, to highlight the specific matter. This is because lust and desire has the tendency to call against al-‘afaaf (which is sins and evildoings). Then, one should ask for help from Allah SWT to leave them.” (See Dalil al-Falihin, 7/275)

Conclusion

Al-Iffah (العِفَّة) as stated by the scholars is being protected from sinful and prohibited acts as well as given the goodness of heart and soul.

Tawaddu

The Arabic word tawadhu (تَوَاضُع) means "humility" or "modesty". It is a combination of the words ta and wadha'a, where ta is a prefix that indicates an action, and wadha'a means to place or put oneself in a low position.

Meaning of tawadhu

Tawadhu* is the opposite of pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. It is a state of being aware of one's true position before God, and letting that realization guide one's conduct.

It is a recognition of one's limitations, so one does not feel haughty or proud.

It is a realization that all the good things one has come from Allah, so there is no sense of being superior to others.

Tawadhu in Islam

In Islam, tawadhu is a core teaching, and the Prophet Muhammad set an example of this attitude in his interactions with others.

In Islam, tawadhu is a way of acknowledging that one is nothing before Allah.

In Islam, tawadhu is a way of not oppressing others who have been deprived of knowledge, position, or property.