Event Review: Pearls of Wisdom from The Victorious One (pt3)

Pearls of wisdom collected by students from The Victorious one.
See our event review Part 1 and Part 2
Pictures availabe here

• You can have your different cars, properties, cultures, etc, but Islaam brings us all together
• The masaajid today have lost their role which the masjid in the time of Nabi (pbuh) used  to play! Can we truly call every masjid around the world our home? Or is it just a place of prayer and education only?
•  The Ansaar were prepared to divorce any 1 of their wives to give to their muhaajir brother based on the choice of the muhaajir! the spirit of brotherhood!
• In this day and age has ‘I love you for the sake of allah’ become an empty statement? Consider the associations and brotherhood between the sahaba!
• The umbrella of this brorherhood in madina was their Aqeedah!
• Look for your own happiness and give it to others as well!Prejudices break down the society!
• An important lesson from the life of the prophet is image building.
• Wherever justice is, that’s where Islaam is!
• From the seerah we learn that we should have a positive approach. Positive approach results in a successful outcome.
• Islaam came with a just system. Whoever is with that is with us.
• Think good until bad is proven!
• One of the leadership skills of the Prophet (pbuh) was humbleness. Humbleness is not a form of weakness. Humbleness is strength. In order to reach the level of the character of the prophet, we need to purify our souls
• We should be open to other opinions especially when in leadership positions!
• Nobody has the right to take justice in their hand and fight others.
• The solution is simple, but we have to find it within ourselves first.
• Muslims won at uhud, why? Cos if you donot make mistakes then you won’t be able to learn from it! And the muslims learnt from their mistakes in uhud.
• If the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a dictator as some people claim, then how is it that he went for days on end without food? How is it that there was no food in his house for months on end at times?
• The campaign of the prophet muhammad (pbuh) was to win hearts, not minds. Cos if you win someone’s mind, its temporarily. But if you win someone’s heart, then you own them!
• Everyone of us are beautiful! And we can make ourselves more beautiful by our (good) actions!
• We have to protect our people, be they muslims or not. This is justice and the manner of the prophet muhammad (pbuh)
•  We get divided by not understanding what our vision should be!
• Injustice is currently the most enormous  social issue.
• As Muslims we are losing our identity and sense of belonging. 95% of muslims cannot answer who they are and where they belong
• Concession does not mean that you throw away your basic rules and principles.
• The Quraysh (polytheists) in makkah were the first to recognise the Islamic state
• Divine restrictions are actually an enrichment and not a restriction
• There is no state in this world which found itself in 8 years, like how the state of Madinah did under the leadership of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
• Everything which you do in your life with the correct intention, correct steps,  can turn out to be a blessed goal
• The biggest strength of Islaam as a religion is towbah (repentance), as Islaam wipes out everything (every sin) that was before
• The victory of Makkah was actually an emotional victory
• When Makkah was conquered by prophet Muhammad (pbuh), it was the first time that the kaabah was returned to its original state which was when prophet abraham and ismail built it, (i.e. Purified from idols)
• The strongest form of forgiveness is when you are in power and you forgive.
• The biggest winners are thos who are able to forgive. The biggest losers are those who take advantage of your forgiveness
• You don’t have to forgive, but the more you forgive the more better you will be able to live! The more you forgive, the more free you will be able to feel
• Its better to forgive, but that does not obligate friendship henceforth
• The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) physically passed away, but his teachings never did.
• The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was not afraid that his ummah will vanish, but he was afraid that their priorities will change.
•  You are not obligated to do what you can’t do.
• Uniting the ummah should be our greatest concern and effort!
• From a human perspective we can’t understand the seerah/prophet Muhammad (pbuh), because? … he fit many roles. He could step aside his human-ness and be just, as well as implement Allah’s laws without implementing his opinion in it. The Seerah as it was lived by the prophet (pbuh) evoked different responses from people. So many different insights and wisdoms and lessons, that it is difficult to internalize the reality of it. subhanallah.
• What a beautiful Eeman boost to imagine living with Prophet Mohammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him when we studied the Seerah on the weekend. Can you imagine to live with him in Jannah. Allahu Akbar. So, let’s walk in his footsteps, revive his Sunnah ourselves first, and then pass onto others
• The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) physically passed away, but his teachings never did!
• The Prophet didn’t appoint himself as a leader. He grew as a leader through different positions to become the Greatest Leader
• The success of our Nabi (SAW) cannot be understood using only intellect. One has to employ the heart to really appreciate it.
• Salaah and changing of Qiblaah was a preparation for obedience and discipline , to the Prophet and the leader and the imam and the leader in the army
• Do everything in ur ability to attain that which is beneficial to ur Eemaan and ur Aakhira. Fill ur life with sincerity, resolve, reliance on Allah.
• Capitalise on the opportunities that arise from a conflict situation – specifically those that will benefit the Muslims in the long term! -Treaty of Hudaibiyah.
• The Believer stands firm even in the face of taunting and provocation – Treaty of Hudaibiyah
• Story of the Prophet SAW and Aysha RA and the door that closed- Lessons for married couples on how to turn a tense situation to one of pleasantries
• Makkah is the Homesickness of the Soul
• The Athaan reminds you of your identity (as a muslim)

Event Review: The Victorious One – Seerah from the Madinian Period (pt.2)

See Part 1 of this post.

Day 2 of the course picks up the pace with the major battles of islam up for discussion regarding the historic and strategic stances taken for each of them.  From the Battle of the Trench we see the proposition to dig a trench as brought forward by Salman Farsi, who was persian. It serves as a means of education to expand our horizons into the ways of other nations and not be tunnelled visioned by societal norms.  The prophet SAWS showed wisdom of getting the ‘right person for the job’ – This was apparant in the Pledge of Aqaba where  Mus’ab ib Umayr RA was sent to teach Islam to the people of Madina, and again in the consultation with Salman Farsi RA and adoption of the trench.

The above image is a scene from the Class Discussion. Students are given a small role playing task of protraying conflict in the workplace, to highlight the actualization of human response. There after we see conflicts that are addressed in the Seerah, and the manner in which Nabi SAWS handles these points. The prophet SAWS lead by example as is seen :

In the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) commanded the Muslims to shave their heads, to make sacrifices, and to return from Makkah to Medina according to the settlement, most of them did not obey. When Umm Salamah saw the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) grief, she offered a wise suggestion and said:
“O Messenger of Allah! It is too hard for them to accept the settlement since they desired victory. You should stand up and go out without uttering a word, then sacrifice and shave your own head, and then they will obey!”

The focus on the farewell hajj brings about reflection on the Final Sermon of the Prophet SAWS. The course highlighted the Final Sermon with it being read at the beginning of the course. For those individuals who have been on hajj, it conjures up many thoughts of the Day of Arafah and Mount Jabal Rahma.  A brilliant beginning and pre-conclusion tie that contextualizes what we have been left with  i.e Quraan , Sunnah and Islam.  There is a sheer hust of humility to know that each of us was thought of at the time of delivery of the last sermon. It is indeed such an honour to be part of the Ummah of Nabi SAWS.

The closure of the course stirred emotions and teary eyes as the congregation of students listen to Shaykh Mohammed Cheppih read aloud an exerpt from Tariq Ramadan’s book ‘The Messenger’. This exerpt concentrates on the details and description of the demise of the Prophet SAWS. Hearts are touched, the tears begin to flow, emotions stir and not a dry eye is left amongst the students. The course concludes, and each attendee walks away feeling like they have connected with , and learnt many valuable lessons from the Seerah of Nabi SAWS.

The feeling and internalisaton of this incredble loss to mankind – the Demise of the prophet SAWS- lingers for days after the course. It is an honour and priveledge it is to be from amongst the Ummah of Nabi SAWS.  Allah has bestowed us many favours including a seerah for character aspiration.The final post in this review series will share pearls of wisdom from the course.

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Event Review: The Victorious One – Seerah from the Madinian Period (pt.1)

The Victorious One was a 2 day long course on the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammed SAWS from the Madinian Period , held in Durban as well as Johannesburg.

There are many tales from the seerah which we discover as we go through life, most deeply seated in historic events. This brilliant course, the victorious one, draws on on human insight and the reality of the life of Nabi SAWS. It lets you consider his character and personality in relation to the world and propogating deen- as well as the struggles and approaches when dealing with people so as not to force or hurt anyones feelings, but rather to encourage them towards the islamic perspective.

Shaykh Mohammed Cheppih begins by reading aloud the Final Sermon of the Prophet SAWS. It reminds one of the message of Islam and the finality of revelation. AlKauthar cleverly afforded each student a beautiful laminated copy of the final sermon, perfect to stick up on the fridge as a reminder.

We traverse the seerah from the point of hijrah to madina, contemplating on ‘What did Madina look like?’ -
A brief snippet of the movie The Message is shown where the arrival of the Prophet SAWS is marked by the singing of “Twala al Badroo Alayna” See clip below. (Apologies for being unable to get a version with english subtitles)

One may question “Why watch bits of a movie in the course?” Simply put it serves and a means to contextualize the journey of the seerah, by visually allowing the students to identify the state of orignal Madina, the anticipation of the muslims to receive the Prophet SAWS as well as the ambience that lead to the selection of the site for the building of Masjid-Al-Quba. This initial depiction, sets the scene for the rest of the course, the students being presented with an all new perspective on the Seerah – The emotive perspective of being human in relation to the teachings of Islam.

The building of the masjid al quba shows the laying of  the foundation of the masjid as well the palm leaves for the roof,and the course steers to the perspectives of masaajid.

Students evaluated the perspective on whether or not the masjid in our community is fulfilling its roles for muslims. With focus on South Africa there are many mixed emotions about the lack of accommodation for women in masaajids, in parts of our country viz, Durban and Johannesburg.

The Battle of Badr draws light on a variety of conditions for war and a brief synopsis is present by Shayk Ismail Kamdar. A clip of the battle is seen and is met with astonished amusement that the muslims went to war chanting as if happy to be striving in the path of Allah SWT for the purpose of deen.

Pearls of Wisdom from Shaykh Ismail Kamdar:

• The islamic definition of TawaKkul is to do everything you can, and then only whatever is beyond your ability you place your trust in Allah! (Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar)
• Succes doesn’t happen overnight. The Battle of Badr was a climax of 15 years of hardship! Allah will help you when the time is right and when you have proven yourself. (Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar)
• The Problem in our ummah is that we all want the world to change, we all want khilaafah, but we all expect 1 person to do it. We have a lot of ideas but we don’t want to implement it.  (Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar)
• When we die, people are not going to miss our great ideas, but they will miss the great work we have done! (Abu Muawiyah Ismail Kamdar)

December 2011 – Events in Pictures

December and January have been abit of a time stretch so we’re playing catch up with this post. The necessary events will be linked back here in the week. Stay tuned

World House Party Week :

International Dawah iniative by Mercy Mission international. Alhumdulillah, a brilliant collation of events.

• Hijab Tutorials – A first ever hijab event for South Africa featuring a variety of style by Muslimah(Life)Style
• Ladies Breakfast – With Edris Khamissa and Safeeya Moosa
• Kid’s Day – funfilled activities at amphiteatre gardens

Souk -  Pictures from the Al Ansaar Souk

The Rabia Z fashion show

I cannot begin to express how gorgeous and talented these designs were, showcased in a full on fashion show. A first ever of its kind for South Africa.

View Pictures here

Visit Rabiaz.com to see and order her designs.

I scored a picture with Rabia Z (woot)  – Ed

Quraan Exhibition by Exhibition Islam -

A brilliant exhibition that collates the journey of islam pictorially and presents the visual evolution of the quraanic calligraphy over time.

Lots of great pictures and the astounding model of orignal Madina depicting the houses of the Sahaba AS. View Pictures Here

And lastly, let your heart reach out to palestine on this pictorial walk through by SA Relief. Discovering the heartaches and trials of a torn land and its people. View pictures of the Palestine Walk-Through

 

Event Review: The Believer’s Mark #2

Some pictures from the course. Should you want to view more pictures and keep up to date with the courses by AlKauthar Academic Institute, please visit their Facebook Fanpage.  Are you on twitter? Follow AlKautharZA

Click here for more Pictures

Event Review: The Believer’s Mark #1

When the billions from humanity stand on the plains of their reckoning, on that appointed day there will be only one way to identify them via the believer’s mark – the signs of shining light from the parts of their bodies that they had purified for their worship of Allah, the Most High.

The Believer’s Mark   was an excellent not to be missed course that focussed on the fiqh of tahara.
AlKauthar Academic Institute  hosted a 2 day course in Johannesburg as well as Durban in December, presented by Shaykh Bilal Ismail.  The course criteria was very well structured, with key points of illustration to make it easy for the student to internalise.

The course was very interactive and engaging. Shaykh Bilal Ismail surprises and amuses the students with his experiments to indicate the purity of water. A very apt way of depicting whether water is tahara or najis, and how its properties are defined within this criteria.

‘Can you make wudhu with orange juice or coca cola?’

” Is water with teabags still water or has the properties changed? Is it tea water?”

These are practical illustrative examples where the student has to engage with the lesson visually as well as mentally.

In totality the course covered 11 extensive chapters. The sections roll out well, with many questions from the students as regards the permissibility / impermissibility of substances in relation to food, purification, clothing, and many more. Excellent session to educating and removing alot of cultural mindsets instilled within the South African climate.

Rulings on utensils and other objects – whereby the use of gold and silver as well as use of utensils belonging to non-muslims. Principles with regards to the permissibility of food, including the ettiquettes of eating.  As a student you may be of the mindset that you know everything in relation to halaal and haraam foods and manner of eating, however this course allows you to reflect on your own habits, and you feel inclined to better yourself for the pleasure of Allah and to reap the rewards thereof.  Alhumdulillah.

We take for granted that our bathroom manners are correct, this refresher section enable you to adjust your mindset to different scenarios like shortage of water.

Whudu, using the siwaak, wiping over the khuffs, socks as well as the turban are interesting topics. We perform whudhu but in knowing the finer details of permissibility, this too becomes a point of ease.

Alkauthar Academic institute was kind enough to hand out miswaaks to all the students as gifts. Alhumdulillah, really great gifts in keeping with the theme of Tahara

The final chapters of tayammum and ghusl draw on alot of examples where the students apply their minds to scenarios.  The concluding chapter on Menstruation and Post-Natal bleeding address alot of the sisters questions in relation to female concerns.

By far one of the most interesting AlKauthar courses, where newly substantiated knowledge becomes applicable and implementable as soon as one heads off for salah on the break.

Launch Review: An illuminated heart, An Elevated Soul

The Pavilion hotel and conference center in Durban seems a great venue for a cosy ‘Ladies ONLY’ event like this. A warm welcome ensues by Nazeemah Soomar as the itinerary for the afternoon is mapped out and the  audience is introduced to Sarah Joosab. The opening dua is a fundamental for an event like this, which brings to the literary world an anthology deeply rooted in the Islamic consciousness.

Tahiyya Square Publishing is launched with “An illuminated heart, An Elevated Soul” being its debute release. Sarah Joosab  draws on a powerful question: ‘Are we going upwards towards an elevated soul?’ Excerpts are read, captivating the audience and steering the concept of inner reflection. There the reality of trials in relation to the human spirit.

Let Allah’s Light wash away the Anger

Let Allah’s light  wash away the Anger,
Let Allah’s light  wash away the hurt,
Let Allah’s light  wash away the fear,
Let Allah’s light  wash away the sadness,
Let Allah’s light  wash away all the distress,
Let Allah’s light  wash away all the pain

 Until only Allah’s light remains.

The audience expresses their affirmation in hushed tones.

Being an anthology that is deeply seated in the religious perspective, it draws on Islamic History as well as reaffirming our mental ideal by words like ‘Allah will test us with out wealth’ and pointers  to elevating the soul

Tazmin Mohomed, Author of ‘Secrets of a Muslim Heart’ says
‘Poetry speaks to the heart. Sarah’s book conveys many potent images and it does move you’

The Q&A  session covers the conceptualization of poetry and the ideals of the book coming into being.

A guided meditation session by Rokaya Vawda focuses on ‘Ya Nooru’ – 1 of the 99 names of Allah SWT, and the excerpt from Joosab’s book ‘Let Allah’s light’ (See above)

Teatime offers a delectable table of scrumptious goodies and booksigning with the author.

The program closes with an exercise on ‘Discover yourself through writing’. A session that allows the one to focus deeply on oneself, one’s ideals, as well and allowing the individual to sift through the mental clutter and reconnect with the essence of themselves. A wonderful exercise of self reflection  which opens a doorway of interaction amongst the ladies.

More pictures can be found on Muslimah(Life)Style’s Fanpage on Facebook.

Article proprietership of Muslimah(Life)Style
Contact style[dot]muslimah[at]gmail[dot]com

Event Review: Pink Hijab Day

Pink Hijab Day South Africa in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness was  hosted by Durban Muslima & Scarves Unlimited on Thursday 6 October 2011 at NMJ Islamic Centre Durban. An event to  raise funds for CANSA . There were a number of stalls for a proudly women’s ONLY event. Something for everyone including talks, tea and confectionary corner, accessories, scarves, clothing, and even a foot massage for those weary feet. Muslimah(Life)Style managed to score some pictures to showcase the event. View our Event Album coverage on the Muslimah(Life)Style Facebook Fanpage.

Itenerary

Stage

Draping and decor by Dazzling Events – Durban
Email: dazzlingebentssa@gmail.com

Essence Collection – Pure Fashion Indulgence
Shop A, 122 Crescent Street, Overport, Durban SA
Email: essence.collection@gmail.com

Previews of others stalls

Hijab accessories

Jewelled boxes and trays

Dress up your phone….

And of course Pink Hijabs.

Jewelry by Cazabella

and the CANSA tea garden

Stalls included: Scarves Unlimited, BLING! Cazabella, AMC Cookware, Essence Collection, Motala’s Sweets, Enchanted health and soon to be launched officially, Sarah Joosubs ‘An Illuminated heart, An Elevated Soul’

Event Review : The World of the Unseen #3

More pictures from the World of the Unseen course by Alkauthar Institute South Africa.

See also :
Part#1 and Part #2 of our review series for this course

You may connect with them via twitter on: @AlKautharZA

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Some pictures from the <a href=”http://muslimahstyle.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/event-review-the-world-of-the-unseen-alkautharza/”>World of the Unseen course</a> by Alkauthar Institute South Africa.
For more information on their courses visit the <a href=”http://www.alkauthar.org/”>Official Alkauthar Website</a>
View more pictures from this even on <a href=”http://www.facebook.com/pages/AlKauthar-Institute-South-Africa/265314556824841″>Alkauthar South Africa’s Facebook Fanpage</a>.
You may connect with them via twitter on: <a href=”http://www.twitter.com/AlKautharZA”>@AlKautharZA</a> </p>

Event Review: The World of the Unseen #2

Some pictures from the World of the Unseen course by Alkauthar Institute South Africa.
For more information on their courses visit the Official Alkauthar Website
View more pictures from this even on Alkauthar South Africa’s Facebook Fanpage.
You may connect with them via twitter on: @AlKautharZA