Matric: 240140

Course: Laws

Usrah: 104

Contacts: adamuw4is@gmail.com

Hobbies: Gym, Driving, Going out

My goals in the future: become a better Muslim

Assalamualaikum wbt., for our first week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

First, Adab (good manners) in seeking knowledge is essential in Islam. It ensures that knowledge is gained properly, applied sincerely, and benefits both the individual and society. The key adabs in learning knowledge are as follows:

Be sincere (Ikhlas) : We have to seek knowledge for Allah's sake, not for fame or arguments.

Respect teachers and scholars : Honor and listen attentively to those who teach.

Stay humble : Avoid arrogance and always be open to learning.

To conclude, Adab in learning knowledge is important because it brings blessings, wisdom, and humility.

Second, The Qur’an is Allah’s final revelation and the ultimate guide for all aspects of life. The key roles of the Qur'an are as follows:

Guidance : The Qur’an teaches Muslims how to live, worship, and deal with others fairly. (“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the righteous.” (Qur’an 2:2))

Warning and Reminder : The Qur’an warns about the consequences of sins and reminds believers to repent and seek Allah’s mercy.

Miracle & Proof : The Qur’an remains unchanged for over 1400 years, unlike other religious texts.

To summarise, Adab in learning ensures knowledge is used wisely and with sincerity while the Qur’an is the best guide for success in this life and the Hereafter.

Assalamualaikum wbt., this week we learned about The Pillars of Islam are five main acts of worship that every Muslim must follow. They were explained in Hadith Jibril, when Angel Jibril (Gabriel) asked Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about Islam. The Prophet replied:

"Islam is to declare that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger, to pray, to give zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to perform Hajj if able." (Sahih Muslim).

The Five Pillars of Islam includes:

Shahada (Faith) – Declaring "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."

Salah (Prayer) : Performing five daily prayers at their fixed times.

Zakat (Charity) : Giving a portion of wealth to the poor and needy.

Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan) : Abstaining from food, drink, and bad deeds from dawn to sunset in Ramadan.

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) : Performing Hajj at least once in a lifetime if financially and physically able.

In summary, the Pillars of Islam is considered important because they build a strong relationship with Allah and ensure spiritual and personal growth.

Assalamualaikum wbt., this week we learned about the Pillars of Iman (the first 3 out of 6).

The Pillars of Iman are six core beliefs in Islam. They were explained in Hadith Jibril, when Angel Jibril asked Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) about faith. The Prophet said:

"Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and destiny (qadar), both good and bad." (Sahih Muslim).

The following are the first 3 Pillars of Iman:

1. Belief in Allah (Tawhid)

Allah is One, Eternal, and has no partners.

He is the Creator and Sustainer of everything.

2. Belief in Angels (Malaikat)

Angels are created from light and obey Allah.

Some important angels are Jibril, Mikail and Israfil.

3. Belief in Divine Books (Kitab)

Allah sent holy books to guide people:

Tawrah (Torah) : To Musa a.s. (Moses).

Zabur (Psalms) : To Dawud a.s. (David).

Injil (Gospel) : To Isa a.s. (Jesus).

Al-Qur’an : The final and unchanged revelation to Prophet Muhammad a.s. (ﷺ).

“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.” (Qur’an 5:44)

In conclusion, the Pillars of Islam strengthen faith and help Muslims understand Allah’s guidance.

Assalamualaikum wbt., this week we continued to learn about the remaining 3 Pillars of Iman which are:

4. Belief in Rasul (Messengers) and Anbiya' (Prophets)

Rasul (Messengers) are chosen by Allah to deliver His message to people.

Anbiya' (Prophets) are also chosen by Allah, but they may not necessarily bring a new book or law, they follow the guidance given by the previous messengers.

More famous Prophets include Adam, Nuh a.s. (Noah), Ibrahim a.s. (Abraham), Musa a.s. (Moses), Isa a.s. (Jesus), and the final Prophet Muhammad a.s. (ﷺ).

“Indeed, We have sent to every nation a messenger.” (Qur’an 16:36)

5. Belief in Qiyamah (The Last Day)

Qiyamah refers to the Day of Judgment when everyone will be resurrected and judged by Allah.

On this day, everyone will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds.

6. Belief in Qada' and Qadar (Divine Will and Destiny)

Qada' and Qadar refer to the belief that everything that happens is part of Allah’s divine plan and will.

Allah knows what will happen in the future, and everything happens according to His will, but humans still have free will to choose their actions.

Qadar means Allah’s predestination, while Qada' refers to Allah’s decision that has been carried out.

“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He has power over everything.” (Qur’an 39:62)

Assalamualaikum wbt., this week we learned about Ihsan and Eschatology.

Ihsan means doing everything with excellence and sincerity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) defined it as:

"Worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, know that He sees you." (Sahih Muslim).

Ihsan has 3 key aspects:

In Worship : Praying and obeying Allah sincerely.

In Actions : Being kind, honest, and helpful.

In Character : Treating others with respect and patience.

To conclude, Ihsan is important because it strengthens faith and brings you closer to Allah.

For Eschatology, Islam teaches that life continues after death, leading to either Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam) based on one's deeds. The journey of the afterlife is as follows:

Death : The soul leaves the body.

Barzakh : A waiting period in the grave before resurrection.

Day of Judgment : Everyone will be resurrected and judged by Allah.

Final Destination:

Jannah (Paradise): For those who did good.

Jahannam (Hell): For wrongdoers (some may later be forgiven).

The major signs of the end times are as follows:

Corruption and dishonesty increase.

The coming of Dajjal (Antichrist) and Prophet Isa a.s. (Jesus).

The final trumpet will be blown, signaling the Day of Judgment.

In conclusion, Ihsan and Eschatology are connected because practicing Ihsan helps prepare for the afterlife.

1. Adab towards Parents:

In Islam, showing respect, kindness, and care for one's parents is of utmost importance. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the central role of parents in a person's life and their right to be treated with dignity.

•Obligations include:

•Being respectful and obedient to them, especially in their old age.

•Providing for their needs, both emotionally and materially, whenever possible.

•Praying for them, asking Allah for their well-being and forgiveness, especially after they pass away.

•Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father.” (Sahih Muslim). This highlights the special status of mothers, but both parents are deserving of respect

2. Adab towards Neighbours and Society:

Islam teaches a strong sense of community and mutual respect, urging individuals to maintain good relations with their neighbors and society as a whole. Helping others, being patient with them, and treating them with fairness and kindness is seen as part of good character.

•Obligations include:

•Treating neighbors with kindness, generosity, and respect, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim.

•Avoiding actions that would harm or upset others, such as causing noise, disturbance, or harm to their property.

•Upholding social responsibilities, such as supporting the weak and less fortunate in society.

•Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor goes hungry.” (Sahih Bukhari). This emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and caring for the welfare of others.

3. Adab as a Student:

Adab as a student is about approaching learning with sincerity, humility, and a strong work ethic. Islam emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge, both religious and worldly, and encourages a respectful attitude towards teachers and the learning process.

•Obligations include:

•Showing respect and gratitude towards teachers, recognizing their role in one’s education.

•Being punctual, attentive, and diligent in one’s studies.

•Striving to acquire beneficial knowledge that can contribute positively to society and one’s faith.

•Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This highlights the importance of learning in Islam.

Each of these forms of Adab emphasizes respect for others, personal integrity, and social responsibility, which are essential aspects of being a good Muslim and contributing positively to society

1. Appreciation for Nature and Environment:

Islam encourages a deep appreciation and respect for nature, seeing it as a sign of Allah’s creation. The natural world is viewed as a reflection of Allah’s power, wisdom, and beauty.

Key principles:

•Nature as a Sign of Allah’s Greatness: In Islam, nature is seen as a manifestation of Allah’s creative power. The Qur'an contains numerous verses that highlight the beauty, diversity, and order found in the natural world, urging humans to reflect on it as a way to strengthen their faith.

•Respecting All Forms of Life: All living beings, whether animals, plants, or the earth itself, are respected in Islam. Every creature has a purpose, and humans are encouraged to treat them with kindness and mercy.

•Surah Al-An'am (6:141):

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنشَأَ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ مَّعْرُوشَـٰتٍۢ وَغَيْرَ مَعْرُوشَـٰتٍۢ وَٱلنَّخْلَ وَٱلزَّرْعَ مُخْتَلِفًا أُكُلُهُۥ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُتَشَـٰبِهًۭا وَغَيْرَ مُتَشَـٰبِهٍۢ ۚ كُلُوا۟ مِن ثَمَرِهِۦٓ إِذَآ أَثْمَرَ وَءَاتُوا۟ حَقَّهُۥ يَوْمَ حَصَادِهِۦ ۖ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ ١٤١

"And He it is who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date palms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof (its Zakah) on the day of its fruits' ripening, and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)."

This verse encourages humans to appreciate the bounty of nature, while also reminding them not to waste or misuse it.

2. Sustainability in Islam:

Islam has a strong emphasis on sustainability, advocating for the responsible use of resources, avoiding waste, and ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Key principles:

•Balance and Moderation (Mizan): Islam teaches that everything in the world is created in a state of balance and harmony, and humans are entrusted with maintaining this balance. Resources should be used wisely and sustainably, without excess or destruction.

•Avoiding Waste (Israf): The Qur'an and Hadith both emphasize that wastefulness is sinful. Whether it’s in the use of water, food, or any other resources, Islam encourages moderation.

•Surah Al-A'raf (7:31):

يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِين ٣١

"O children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess."

•Environmental Stewardship (Khilafah):

Islam teaches that humans are stewards (Khalifah) of the earth, meaning they are responsible for maintaining the environment and protecting it from harm. This includes the proper management of resources and protecting the ecosystem for future generations.

Both topics reinforce a holistic view of humanity’s relationship with nature, where respect, moderation, and care are key principles in maintaining a harmonious and sustainable world.

Matric: 240140

Course: Laws

Usrah: 104

Contacts: adamuw4is@gmail.com

Hobbies: Gym, Driving, Going out

My goals in the future: become a better Muslim

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for our first week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) The definition of Hikmah which is intellect, wisdom, & knowledge.

2) It is believed that engaging in ibadah (acts of worship) can help one to acquire hikmah. This is because ibadah involves the cultivation of humility, sincerity, and devotion. Therefore, by engaging in ibadah with the right intention, one can develop said qualities and acquire hikmah.

3) The objective of hikmah in Islam is to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of the religion & live in accordance to its teachings.

4) The definition of Niyyah in Islam is the intention or motive behind an act. Setting the right niyyah is important to help distinguish between different acts of worship.

5) The definition of Amal is the practice of performing good deeds and acts of worship. Amal can be branched into salah, zakat, fasting, hajj, & kindness.

6) The definition of Ehsan is positive virtues that are considered to be essential for leading a good life. An example of Ehsan is compassion.

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for our 2nd week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) The Quran (29:45) states,

"Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing."

Salah (prayer) prevents evil as it serves as a direct connection with Allah that disciplines the heart & mind. According to Al-Azhar, salah is a "spiritual ascension" which elevates a believer's consciousness.

2) The Quran (2:183) states,

"O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you... so you may become mindful of Allah."

According to Al-Azhar, fasting is a "school of patience" (madrasat al-sabr) that teaches self-restraint in desires such as lust and food. Fasting also builds taqwa in us.

3) The Quran (9:103) states,

"Take charity from their wealth to purify them."

According to Al-Azhar, zakah is a "test of sincerity" because detatching from greed unlocks divine barakah (blessings). It also prevents economic injustice by circulating wealth in the society.

4) The Quran (2:197) states,

"Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (righteousness). And fear Me, O you of understanding."

According to Al-Azhar, the fixed months that hajj can happen teaches us discipline & time management. Hajj is also regarded as a "spiritual bootcamp" as you have to refrain from doing things such as arguing to build self-control.

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for the 3rd week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) Khusyu' is full concentration and humility in prayer.

The Quran (23: 1-2) states

"Successful are the believers who are khusyu' in their prayer."

2) If one condition (syarat) of salah is missing, your prayer will not be accepted. Some conditions (syarat) of salah are being Muslim, baligh (adult) & sane, & clean from hadath (impurity).

3) If one of the pillars (rukun) of salah is missed, the prayer is considered invalid. Some of the pillars (rukun) of salah are Takbiratul Ihram (saying "Allahu Akbar"), Qiyam (standing straight, if able), and reciting Al-Fatihah in every rakah.

4) However, Islam does provide flexibility in prayer during difficult circumstances like illness or travelling. For example, if you cannot pray standing up, you may pray sitting down (on a chair or bed). When travelling, you are permitted to do either Qasr (shortening prayers) or Jamak (combining prayers).

5) To achieve khusyu' in salah, you must make wudu' properly and wear clean clothes before praying. During prayer, you have to understand what you recite and also slow down your movements.

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for the 4th week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) Jihad (struggle in the path of Allah) is one of the virtues found in salah with khusyu'. The biggest Jihad is fighting against your own bad habits such as laziness. For example, praying salah on time is considered Jihad against your laziness.

2) Iffah (modesty/self-restraint from sinful behaviour) means being pure in actions. The Quran (24:33) states,

"Allah will make them rich from His bounty."

This verse means that Allah will provide for those who stay dignified. For example, not watching harmful videos is considered Iffah for your eyes.

3) Muhasabah (reflection) is akin to doing daily "heart scans" before bed. This can be done by asking yourself questions to better yourself such as "Did I hurt anyone today?" or "Did I thank Allah enough today?".

4) Al-Taah (submission/loyalty) means following Allah's rules. When you practise Al-Taah, your life will become smoother. The Quran (65:2) states,

"Whoever obeys Allah, He will make a way out for them."

5) Tawaddu' (humility/humbleness) means being humble. By doing this, Allah will raise your status. Hadith Muslim states

"Lower yourself, Allah will elevate you."

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for the 5th week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) One of the key virtues found in sawm is drawing us closer to Allah. This is because we give up food, drink, and desires only to please Allah, which further strengthens our bond with the Creator.

2) Fasting also builds patience & strong will. The reason is because fasting trains you to control desires (hunger, lust). The Prophet S.A.W. also called Ramadhan as "the month of patience".

3) Furthermore, you can save time & reduce trouble during Ramadhan due to not eating or cooking which means more time to worship, work or even rest. Less distractions leads to a clearer mind.

4) Finally, fasting strengthens unity among Muslims. Iftar gatherings helps bring families & communities closer to each other.

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for the 6th week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) Zakāh is the obligatory charity in Islam, amounting to 2.5% of surplus wealth held for one lunar year. The Quran (9:103) states,

"Take from their wealth charity to purify and bless them."

2) There are 8 groups that are eligibile to receive zakah namely fuqara (the poor), masakin (the needy), 'amilina 'alayha (zakah collectors), mu'allafatu qulubuhum (new Muslims), fi ar-riqab (freeing slaves), al-gharimin (the debt-ridden), fi sabilillah (in Allah's cause), and lastly ibn as-sabil (stranded travelers)

3) There are 2 main virtues in zakah & sadaqah. Firstly, Ukhuwwah is the bond of faith that unites Muslims beyond race or nationality. The Quran (49:10) states,

"Believers are brothers."

When you help a Muslim brother, Allah helps you back.

4) Secondly, Tawakkul is trusting Allah’s plan after taking practical steps. The Quran (65:3) states,

"Whoever relies on Allah, He is sufficient for them."

This ensures a balanced approach such as working hard to seek halal income & also trusting Allah's decree.

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt., for the 7th week of Usrah, we learned about the following:

1) The relation between Taḍḥiyyah (sacrifice) and Hajj is that Hajj is a journey full of sacrifices such as giving up wealth, comfort, and desires for the sake of Allah SWT. Hajj trains us to sacrifice worldly attachments for Allah's pleasure. The Quran (22:37) states,

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor their blood, but what reaches Him is your piety."

2) Hajj also builds Taqwā and is the main goal of Hajj. Hajj cultivates Taqwā by emphasizing obedience over comfort. Following strict Hajj rules even when you're tired is akin to training for lifelong obedience to Allah. In addition, there is humility in Ihram because wearing simple white cloth serves as a reminder of death and equality before Allah.