Name: Anisha binti Iftikhar Ahmad Asim

Matric No. : 249099

Nickname: anisha/nisha/sha

Birthdate: July 8, 2006

Born/Raised in: Selangor/Negeri Sembilan

Hobbies: spending time with friends, singing and watching dramas, movies and videos on YouTube

Course: Human Sciences (HS)

Quotes: "Life is like learning to play a guitar, your finger will hurt the first few days of learning but eventually you will get used to it and master it. It's not about the guitar, but about anything in your life. After you endure the hard time with a little patience, you'll smile and shine someday eventually."

❤️💙💗

- Adab (good manners, etiquette) is considered essential in seeking knowledge in Islam. Adab is seen as a necessary limit for people of knowledge guiding them in submitting their knowledge in daily life and understanding its nature and blessings. Some scholars suggest that acquiring adab is preferable to gaining a lot of knowledge. Imam Shafi'i stated that acquiring one chapter of adab is better than acquiring seventy chapters of knowledge.

- The most important elements of adab in learning are:

1. Prioritizing adab: Etiquettes must comes first before seeking knowledge. The development of good character is said to be a struggle that a smart person must undertake.

2. Intention of learning: The intention of gaining knowledge must be so that one becomes a better human being, disseminating adab that brings about taqwa (God-consciousness).

3. Humility: Maintaining humility is essential while acquiring knowledge. This includes how one behaves towards scholars and places of learning.

4. Learning from teachers: Gain knowledge through learning and studying with teachers. Students should discuss with scholars and ask questions to clarify confusion.

5. Consistency: Adab is consistency which will aid with iman fluctuations. Apply adab in everything we do in life, which makes us good human beings, respected and loved by others.

Al-Qur'an as the Book of Guidance

We need to have proper manners and respect that a Muslim should show towards the Qur'an. There are some explanations:

1. Purify oneself before touching the Qur'an: A Muslim should perform wudhu' (ablution) before handling or reciting the Qur'an.

2. Place the Qur'an in a clean and respectful place: The Qur'an should not be placed o the floor or in a disrespectful area.

3. Avoid eating, drinking, or being distracted while reciting: One should dedicate their full attention to the Qur'an.

4. Reflect on the meanings of the Qur'an: The Qur'an should not just be recited but understood and implemented in daily life.

It has three aspects:
- Tawhid al-Rububiyyah: Faith in Allah's lordship and dominion of the universe.
- Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah: Recognition of Allah as the one and only one to be worshipped.
- Tawhid al-Asma wa al-Sifat: Faith in Allah's names and attributes as found in the Qur'an and Hadith without rejection or distortion. This faith establishes a Muslim's relationship with Allah, cultivating love, respect, and worship.

2. Faith in Angels (Malaikat)
- Definition: Angels are invisible creatures made by Allah from light and given different duties in the world.
- Importance: Muslims believe in angels as a part of their faith.

Some of the most important angels include:
- Jibril: The angel who brought revelations to the prophets.
- Mikail: The one who brings sustenance and rain.
- Israfil: The angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment.
- Malik: The guardian of Hellfire.

Angels have no free will; they obey Allah's commands without question. Belief in angels reinforces the idea that there are supernatural forces guiding and watching over human beings and encourages accountability and vigilance.

3. Belief in Divine Books (Kitab)
- Definition: This pillar entails belief in all the books sent down by Allah to guide human beings throughout history.
- Importance: Muslims have faith in different holy books, which are as follows:
- The Qur'an: Last revelation to mankind, carrying messages for every section of society.
- The Tawrat: Sent down to Prophet Musa.
- The Zabur: Presented to Prophet Dawud.
- The Injil: Sent down to Prophet Isa.

The Qur'an is taken as the ultimate source of guidance, intact in its original form. This belief centers around looking for knowledge in these scriptures and following their commandments as the path to spiritual growth and righteous living.

Some of the most significant ones include:
- Adam: The first man and prophet.
- Nuh: Renowned for his unwavering faith during the flood.
- Ibrahim: A model of monotheism and surrender to Allah.
- Muhammad (ﷺ): The final prophet, whose life is a model of ideal behavior and obedience to Allah.

Every prophet had a message suited to their time and folk, leading up to the ultimate revelation in the person of Muhammad (ﷺ). This belief creates respect for all the prophets and motivates Muslims to learn from them.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah)
- Definition: Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment when all will be resurrected and judged for their actions in their life on earth.
- Importance: It provides a feeling of responsibility and urgency to live a righteous life.

On this day:
- Humanity will be judged based on their intentions and actions.
- Those who have lived according to Allah's guidance will be rewarded with paradise, and those who have rejected faith will be punished.

The imminence of this day compels Muslims to strive to perform good deeds, atone for their shortcomings, and pray for Allah's forgiveness.

6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qada' & Qadar)
- Definition: Qadar is the belief that everything occurs according to Allah's will, predestination as well as free will.
- Importance: This belief teaches that:
- Allah has knowledge of everything before it occurs.
- All that happens is subject to His divine will, whether good or bad.

The concept of Qada' and Qadar provides Muslims with a means to deal with tribulations and trials in life by giving them courage and faith in the wisdom of Allah. It leads believers to endure their situations while doing the best possible within the limits of divine knowledge.

These six pillars together present a comprehensive model of Islamic faith, teaching Muslims about their faith, behavior, and how to relate to others.

Definition and Importance: Ihsan is often defined as the act of worshipping Allah as if one sees Him, and if one cannot see Him, then knowing that He sees them. This concept emphasizes excellence, beauty, and perfection in one's actions and intentions. It is considered the highest level of faith, following Islam (submission) and Iman (belief).

Dimensions of Ihsan:

1. Worship: Ihsan in worship means performing acts of devotion with sincerity and mindfulness, striving for perfection in prayer, fasting, and other religious duties.

2. Social Responsibility: Ihsan extends to interactions with others, encouraging kindness, generosity, and justice towards all beings. It involves fulfilling the rights of parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and neighbors.

3. Personal Conduct: Practicing Ihsan entails excellence in everyday tasks, whether at work or in personal life. It encourages individuals to perform their duties to the best of their ability while maintaining a sincere intention to please Allah.

Ihsan serves as a guiding principle for Muslims to cultivate a deep sense of spirituality and social responsibility, fostering a community that embodies compassion and excellence.

Eschatology

Definition: In Islamic theology, eschatology refers to the beliefs regarding the end of the world, resurrection, judgment day (Yawm al-Qiyamah), and the afterlife. It encompasses what happens after death and the ultimate fate of humanity.

Key Beliefs:

1. Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that all individuals will be resurrected on this day to account for their deeds. Those who have lived righteously will be rewarded with paradise (Jannah), while those who have rejected faith or committed grave sins without repentance will face punishment in hell (Jahannam).

2. Signs of the Hour: Various signs precede the Day of Judgment, including moral decay, natural disasters, and the appearance of figures like the Mahdi and Isa. These events serve as reminders for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

3. Accountability and Divine Justice: The belief in eschatology emphasizes that Allah is just and merciful. Every action will be weighed fairly, reinforcing the importance of living a life aligned with Islamic teachings.

   
   

Connection Between Ihsan and Eschatology

The concepts of Ihsan and eschatology are interconnected in that practicing Ihsan prepares Muslims for accountability on the Day of Judgment. By striving for excellence in worship and social conduct, believers align themselves with divine expectations, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility that extends beyond this life. This awareness encourages Muslims to live ethically and compassionately while maintaining hope for Allah’s mercy in the hereafter.

In summary, both Ihsan and eschatology play crucial roles in shaping a Muslim's worldview, guiding them toward a life characterized by excellence in faith and actions while preparing them for their ultimate destiny.

1. Etiquette with Neighbors

- Helping each other: Neighbors are considered an extension of one’s family in Islam. It is encouraged to assist them in times of need, whether through offering help with chores, sharing food, or providing emotional support. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of treating neighbors well, stating that they have rights over us.

- Avoid making noise: Being considerate of noise levels is essential to maintaining a peaceful environment. Avoid loud music, shouting, or any disruptive behavior that may disturb neighbors, especially during late hours. This consideration fosters a sense of community and respect.

2. Etiquette with Teachers

- Greet them and respond politely: Acknowledging teachers with respect is crucial in Islamic etiquette. Always greet them warmly, using titles such as “Ustaz” or “Ustazah” (if applicable), and respond to their instructions or questions with politeness. This not only shows respect but also creates a positive learning atmosphere.

- Show gratitude: Expressing gratitude for their efforts in teaching and guiding you is also important. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in establishing a respectful relationship.

3. Etiquette as a Student

- Apologize and give a reason when late: If you arrive late to class or an appointment, it is courteous to apologize sincerely and provide a brief explanation for your tardiness. This shows respect for your teacher's time and acknowledges the importance of punctuality in Islam

- Listen attentively: Pay attention during lessons and avoid distractions such as using your phone or talking to classmates. This demonstrates respect for the teacher and the learning process.

4. Etiquette with Friends

- Do not insult or speak badly: Maintaining a respectful demeanor among friends is essential. Avoid making derogatory comments or engaging in gossip about others. Instead, encourage positive conversations that uplift one another and strengthen friendships.

- Support each other: Be there for your friends during difficult times, offering encouragement and assistance when needed. This builds trust and deepens bonds within friendships.

5. Etiquette with Beggars

- Do not chase them away, speak kindly: When encountering beggars or those in need, approach them with compassion and kindness. Instead of dismissing them harshly, offer words of encouragement or assistance if possible. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that helping those less fortunate is a significant aspect of faith.

- Give what you can: If you are able to help financially or through charitable acts, do so generously without expecting anything in return. This reflects the spirit of charity (sadaqah) emphasized in Islam.

Being part of Usrah has been a valuable journey for personal growth, learning, and building a sense of togetherness. Through open discussions, sharing experiences, and personal reflections, we were able to dive deeper into Islamic teachings and see how they shape our daily lives. The culture of mutual respect and support created a safe space for personal development and strengthened our spiritual bond. It also allowed us to uplift each other emotionally and spiritually, fostering a deep sense of unity.

One important takeaway from Usrah is the significance of living by Islamic principles in solving conflicts, showing good manners (akhlaq karimah), and being aware of our duties as Muslims. The conversations often reminded us that Islam is not only about gaining knowledge, but also about putting that knowledge into practice in our actions.

Suggestions for Improvement

- More Engaging Activities

• Adding creative elements like role-playing, interactive quizzes, and icebreaker sessions could make the learning process more fun and relatable.

- Smaller Discussion Circles

• Dividing into smaller groups for conversations could help boost participation and make it easier for everyone to voice their opinions comfortably.

Joining Usrah has been a meaningful journey that encouraged both spiritual growth and self-improvement for me. It provided a space where we could learn, reflect, and connect with one another on a deeper level. The open sharing of thoughts and experiences helped us understand how Islamic teachings can guide our daily choices. The atmosphere of trust, encouragement, and respect made it easier for everyone to grow together, strengthening our bonds as a community and as believers. It was not just about learning, but about supporting each other in becoming better Muslims.

One of the most meaningful reflections is how each discussion helped shape the way we see and live our faith. Starting from the taaruf, we learned the value of building sincere connections and unity as part of the ummah. As we moved through topics like ibadah, salah with khushu’, sawm, zakah, and hajj, we realized that worship is not just about fulfilling obligations, but about transforming ourselves from within. Every session reminded us that true ibadah guides our character, teaches patience, builds humility, encourages generosity, and strengthens our bond with Allah and each other. Usrah taught us that Islam is a way of life which it’s about turning knowledge into action, showing good character, and striving to be better Muslims in how we think, speak, and act every day.

Suggestions for Improvement

- More Engaging Activities

• Adding creative elements like role-playing and interactive quizzes could make the learning process more fun and relatable.

- Smaller Discussion Circles

• Dividing into smaller groups for conversations could help boost participation and make it easier for everyone to voice their opinions comfortably.