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Reaction Paper (1) on WISDOM Learning Module One: “Authentic Knowledge of Islam: The Key to Development and Supreme Success.”
By
Elizabeth Anne Ribbeck
B.A.
Politics and Spanish, M.A. Philology /Linguistics
Portland, Oregon, USA
eribbeck@hotmail.com
Published
by the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND) http://www.wefound.org, July
21, 2002
The
management and staff of the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND) wish to
extend thanks and gratitude to sister Elizabeth Anne Ribbeck for her
enlightening reaction paper. The
author is from Portland, Oregon, USA. She
finished Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish for her undergraduate
studies and Masters of Arts in Spanish Linguistics for her graduate studies.
She taught at Islamic School of Muslim Educational Trust and did
administrative work for American Muslim Foundation Oregon Chapter prior to the
birth of her baby who is now more than one year old.
Presently she is a teacher at Masjid Assabr's Islamic School.
All
thanks and praise is due to Allah who made this study possible.
Please
overlook my imperfections, as only Allah is perfect.
Assalamu
alaykum dear Brother or
Sister in Islam. Through this
paper, I selected 15 Islamic teachings, Qur'anic ayaat (verses)
and ahadith (Prophetic teachings), which I feel very important for
me to ponder upon and implement in order to be closer to Allahu ta ‘alaa.
Additionally, I attempt to include a plan for each teaching on how
I will implement it for myself, family and, if possible, for others.
Below I have noted each point, followed with suggestions:
(1)
As always, we begin with Bismillahi Arrahmani Arrahiim, in the Name of
Allah, the most Merciful, the most Benevolent.
The Surah Al-Fatiha begins our
creator’s name, as it is a constant reminder that without Allah we are doomed
to perdition and only Allah alone can assist us, guide us and grant us our
needs. The Basmallah is so
significant, that the Qur’aan al-Kariim reinforces Allah’s magnitude
by mentioning Him at the start of each Surah in request of His guidance.
As if we are not humbly appealing to Him alone for assistance and seeking
only his promised rewards, Allahu Akbar can seal our hearts or impede us
from understanding the correct meaning. SubhanAllah
wa ta ‘alaa, without Allah’s guidance we cannot fathom studying Islam
and all that he has ordained.
(Implementation)
The Basmallah must be ubiquitous in my daily life and in the lives
of my family and community. Insh’Allah,
in order to achieve this, it is important to constantly remind myself that I
must purify my intentions before beginning anything and remember to do it simply
for the sake of Allah azawajal. As
a mother and a teacher, my rule is to verbally remind others to remember the Basmallah
several times daily at appropriate times (i.e. before eating, as we begin
studying, etc.).
(2) Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1): “Read! In the Name of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) Who has created (all that exists).[1]”
All
thanks and praise is due to Allah; therefore, we must obey even His most mundane
commandments. SubhanAllah,
it is amazing that the simplest ordainments end up being the most complex.
It appears that reading in the name of Allah would be unproblematic;
however, we often fail to study in the name of Allah!
Sometimes we study in order to meet societal pressures or obtain numerous
degrees, but we forget that the most important reading and studying that we can
undertake is that which will grant us knowledge and success in the hereafter!
(Implementation)
Insha’Allah, I intend to devote time aside each week in which I can
specifically gain knowledge a propos Islam and all that Allah has ordained for
me. Alhamdulillah, Allah has
granted me so many blessings, the least I can do is spend several hours in
reading Qur’aan or Islamic materials to become more familiar with what Allah
desires of me. This also invokes my
husband to continue his studying and supplies me with more knowledge when
interacting with my students and my son. Insha’Allah,
I want to memorize from Surat Al-Duha to the end of the Qur’aan and
understand its meaning by Ramadan this year.
(3)
Surah
Al-‘Alaq
(96:2-3).
“He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood.
Read! And your Rabb (Cherisher
and Sustainer) is the Most Generous.”
Here is proof of Allah’s power and
supremacy. There are people who
doubt Allah’s greatness or do not believe that Allah can grant us all our
needs because they fail to understand that Allah made us from the smallest
building blocks before we were nurtured into the human beings we are today.
With that in mind, it is important to realize that Allah has promised us
reward for the slightest good we do. For
every ounce of studies and reading we undertake, Allah has promised that it will
save us and protect us! Allah has
promised that we will benefit from the minutest studies we undertake in order to
please Him and be better Muslims. And
let us not forget that it is a commandment that we study, learn and read,
seeking Allah’s guidance and reward only.
(Implementation)
With the aforementioned in mind, it is important to undertake even the
most mundane and simple matters in order to perform Islam in a manner that is
pleasing to Allah. On a daily
basis, I plan to read or learn something about Islam.
Whether I question my husband and community members or I research my own
books, I must constantly seek the truth in order to improve my religion and
assist others in acquiring knowledge.
(4)
Al-‘Alaq (96:4-5). “Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.
He has taught man that which he knew not.”
The revelation itself is a miracle, as even the Prophet Mohammed (salalahu
alayhi wa salam) lacked formal education!
This warning can have several meanings.
First, although one might appear to lack worldly education, with
Allah’s guidance and knowledge you will be blessed.
There is nothing better than the words of Allah Akbar.
If we only know that which Allah has ordained, we are headed for success.
It is also an admonition that we can have thousands of university
degrees, yet until we realize that it is only by Allah’s grace, mercy and
permission that we have attained them, we will receive little real benefit from
them.
(Implementation) Thus, it is imperative that I become more particular about how I spend my time studying. There are millions of matters to study, but pursuit of Islamic studies and knowledge that will lead me to paradise are the most essential to my salvation. I am prioritizing my studies, placing other pursuits secondary to my pursuit of Islam. Therefore, I am attempting to study one Hadith or ayah each day before I begin studying anything else.
(5)
Al-‘Alaq (96:6-8).
“Nay! Verily, man does
transgress (in disbelief and evil deed). Because
he considers himself self-sufficient. Surely,
unto Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is the return.”
Often, we take credit for what Allah had
granted, and we disregard that Allah has blessed us with all our achievements.
(Implementation)
The only solution is to pass time contemplating the infinite blessings
that Allah has bestowed on my family, my community and myself.
This should be incorporated into my daily life and prayers.
For instance, learning the du’a that thanks Allah for our
sustenance each morning and evening is imperative.
Insh’Allah, this will help me improve my Islam by remembering to thank
Allah for all that he has granted me and humbly reminding myself that without
him I would not have any portion of success. After
all, when we return to Allah we will be held accountable for everything!
(6)
Al-‘Alaq (96:9-10). “Have
you (O Muhammad salalahu alayhi
wa salaam) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents a slave (Muhammad salalahu
alayhi wa salaam) when he prays?”
Daily we face the struggle of standing
against our opponents that wish to impede us from Islam.
Even the Prophet Muhammad salalahu
alayhi wa salaam was challenged with evil or ignorant people that sought to
ruin his success in paradise. If we
apply this to our daily lives, it is apparent that we should never permit the
West or those that follow the West to influence us from adherence to Allah’s
commandments. Sometimes, we are
troubled with others’ reactions to our religion.
We worry about how others perceive our praying and submission to Allah.
Really, we should not consider others’ dislike of what Allah has
ordained because Allah is the best Guider and Protector.
We must be careful not to let others impede us from performing our
religious duties, but disregard and ill treatment.
(Implementation) Presently, I struggle to wear Hijab in Western society. On a daily basis, sisters tell me that I divert attention to me because I wear Hijab. Non-Muslims mock me and discriminate against me. Nonetheless, having the courage to rely on Allah empowers me to face others that would impede my path toward righteousness. At times it is difficult because my parents and siblings are not Muslims. Their criticism and rejection can be touching. Nonetheless, when I read this ayah I am reminded about how Allah’s approval blatantly outweighs anyone else’s approval. Especially the disbelievers that are more likely to lead me down the wrong path. Insh’Allah, continuing to stand firm on Allah’s commandments is essential to continued Islamic improvement.
(7)
Al-‘Alaq (96:11-13). “Tell
me if he (Muhammad salalahu
alahi wa salaam) is on the guidance (of Allah) or enjoins piety!
Tell me if he (Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this Qur’aan) and
turns away!”
Here we find an excellent comparison.
Should we follow the evildoers or the pious people?
The answer is crystal clear: we must obey Allah and follow the example of
the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salaam.
By examining the life of the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him), we have clear examples of moral, humanitarian behavior and
good character.
(Implementation)
At times when I am faced with the most complex obstacles and
confrontations, my solution will be to read the Sirah (Life
story) of the Prophet Muhammad salalahu
alayhi wa salaam. One finds
countless examples of patience and all good qualities that Allah has ordained in
the Sirah. This is an
excellent manner to rely on Allah and divert my negative feelings to a positive
outlet.
(8)
Al-‘Alaq (96:14-16). “Knows
he not that Allah does see (what he does)?
Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases
not, We will catch him by the forelock – A lying, sinful forelock.”
Clearly, those that continue down the wrong
path will be punished. They should
realize the significance of Allah’s blessings and admonitions.
(Implementation)
This part of the Surat is particularly important to me as it
reminds me that we must implore those who are against us to come to Islam.
Often, those that impede us from our religion can be people that we love
or people we interact with in our community.
With non-Muslim family members, Allah has ordained that I present them
with Islam and its teachings. Alhamdulillah,
my family has learned about Islam and I have presented them with learning
materials. Nonetheless, I must make
better efforts to verbally discuss issues of Islam with them.
Particularly, through weekly visits to my family, I must begin preparing
lessons that I plan to discreetly incorporate into our discussions,
insha’Allah. I do not
wish for my family to suffer in the Hereafter as those that die as disbelievers,
so I must effectively teach them essential elements of Islam.
(9)
Al-Alaq (96:17-18). “Then
let him call upon his council (of helpers).
We will call out the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!”
Woe! Here
is mighty admonition for those that refuse to accept Islam.
Not only are we reminded that none will avail us but Allah, but we are
also informed of the punishment that awaits those that deny what Allah has
ordained.
(Implementation)
Alhamdulillah, this surah enables me to stand firm in my
beliefs when presented with those who disagree with me.
I will also remember that even though relaying Islamic education to my
family is a difficult task, Allah is the Only One Who can assist me and give me
ease in the matter. Insh’Allah, I
plan to rely on Allah for guidance and make du’a for His assistance
with giving Islamic information to my family.
(10)
Al-Alaq (96:19)
“Nay! (O Muhammad salalahu
alahi wa salaam)! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl).
Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!”
Alhamdulillah, when we feel destroyed
and defeated we should not give in to our enemies, but seek Allah’s favor and
guidance.
(Implementation) Insha’Allah I must work hard to please Allah and seek to please Allah in all my undertakings. Insh’Allah if I constantly remind myself that all research done for Allah will please Allah and also prepare me to interact with my family I will be successful. Alhamdulillah, I must remember Allah’s promise when aspects of life seem most troubling and bleak.
(11)
Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners Compiled by Muhammed
Ibn Ismail Al Bukhari and translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Hadith 715
“…Nu’man
ibn Bashir related that the Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him, said, “Verily, du’a is
worship.” Thereafter
he recited: “Call me, and I will answer you” (Qur’aan 40:60).
Alhamdulillah, Allah is promising us
that He will fulfill our needs if we ask Him.
Asking Allah is like worship because we realize Allah’s greatness.
(Implementation)
With this in mind, I will make sincere du’a at least five times
a day. Insh’Allah I will make a
conscious effort to avoid being distracted with worldly matters when praying.
I will remind myself with a few moments of thought before I perform my
prayers each day. Then I will
request everything from Allah and realize that Allah is the only one that can
grant me anything and everything I need.
(12)
Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners Compiled by Muhammed
Ibn Ismail Al Bukhari and translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Hadith 58
“…Ibn
Umar said, “Those who are conscious of their Rabb and maintain family ties
will have increase in their age and their wealth, and their family will love
them.” Allah
will give us a multiplied return on all the efforts we expend on our family and
in treating them Islamically.
(Implementation)
As a Muslim, it is a duty to visit my family at least weekly.
Insha’Allah I will improve at telephoning my brothers and sisters that
I cannot see every week.
(13)
Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners Compiled by
Muhammed Ibn Ismail Al Bukhari and translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Hadith 55
“…’A’ishah
said, ‘The Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,
‘Kinship is a trial from Allah. Whoever
maintains its ties will have ties with Allah, and whoever severs those ties will
have them severed by Allah.”
This wisdom shows us the importance of enduring hardships when it comes
to one’s family. Although at
times it may be difficult to interact with our families, Allah has commanded us
to be close to them. Should we
reject our families, we disobey Allah.
(Implementation)
Obviously, when there are disputes within my family I will patiently
attempt to endure them in order to maintain myself close to them.
Insha’Allah by being patient they will acquire a better understanding
of Islam and be inspired to investigate Islam more.
(14)
Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners Compiled by
Muhammed Ibn Ismail Al Bukhari and translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Hadith 21
“…Abu
Hurayrah reported that, The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
said, ‘Shame on him!’ three times. The
Companions asked, ‘O Prophet of Allah, shame on who.’
He replied, ‘He whose parents, or one of them, grows old and who enters
the Fire.’”
Obviously, this is proof that those that do not take care of their
families are committing a sin and going against what Allah has ordained.
A simple act, such as assisting one’s family can reap immense benefits.
When neglected we have no excuse.
(Implementation)
Again, this is a reiteration of the significance of serving one’s
parent in order to come closer to Allah. Insha
Allah, I will take advantage of my opportunity to teach Islam to my family and
assist them with anything Allah ordains.
(15)
Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners Compiled by
Muhammed Ibn Ismail Al Bukhari and translated by Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Hadith
754
“…Abu
Hurayrah reported that the Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him, said, “Our Rabb descends to the nearest heaven every night, until
there remains only a third of it, and says: ‘Who will call upon Me so that I
may answer them? Who will petition
Me so that I may bestow on them? Who
will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive them?’”
In this authentic hadith Allah is inspiring us to humble
ourselves and sacrifice our rest for Him. In
return, Allah has promised us numerous blessings!
(Implementation)
SubhanAllah, Allah knows how difficult it is to wake for Fajr
prayer! And the virtue of the
morning prayer is apparently excellent.
Insha’Allah I want to make du’a a propos my overall
implementation goals and my life in general during the last third of the night.
My goal is to achieve this by waking early sometime between now and
Ramadan this year.
(OVERALL
IMPLEMENTATION) In closing, there
are several points above that all relate to the importance of pursuing what
Allah has ordained and the knowledge that leads us to piousness.
My long-term community goal includes making a women’s learning resource
center in which women have local access to books, computers and resources that
will assist them in obtaining knowledge. Presently,
I am fixing my short-term goal at recruiting an all women’s Board of Directors
to design the organization and execute the work we attempt to accomplish, Insha’Allah.
__________
[1] For my analysis, I made use of the Translation of the meanings of the Noble Qur’an in the English Language by Dr. Muhammed Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammed Muhsin Khan.
Note: Rabb: means Cherisher and Sustainer. It is used instead of the word Lord. As much as possible, we change all the words referring to "Lord" in all our publications to its Arabic term "Rabb". We retain the original Arabic word “Rabb” to mean “the Only Cherisher and Sustainer” because the word “Lord has human connotations. Christians not only use the term “Lord” to refer to Jesus Christ but also to other human beings. It refers to “a person having great power and authority; ruler and master.” In Great Britain “Lord” refers to “a) a nobleman holding the rank of baron, viscount, earl, or marquis; member of the House of Lords; (and) b) a man who by courtesy or because of his office is given the title of Lord, as a bishop, the son of a duke, or a lord mayor.” This is to avoid associating partners with Allah. Verily, Allah the Creator of all (2:29, 117 and 6:73) and the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds (1:2 and 39:75) has no partner (6:163). There is nothing whatever like unto Him (42:12). Allah is the One, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him (112:1-4). (WEFOUND Editor)
Elizabeth
Anne Ribbeck
B.A. Politics and Spanish
M.A. Philology / Linguistics
Interesting
Comments Regarding this Reaction Paper:
Sun,
21 Jul 2002 20:05:08 +0300
Assalamu
Alaykum.
May
Allah bless you all and Sister Elizabeth for enlightening our hearts, by reading
her article (Reaction
Paper on WISDOM Learning Module One: Authentic Knowledge of Islam).
Indeed, when we become busy in surfing the internet, we forget or perhaps
neglect to keep reading Islamic books or visit Islamic sites on the internet.
However, when receiving Islamic texts (emails) from Wisdom
Enrichment Foundation,
it reminds us of our duty to keep reading about Islam in order to rejuvenate our
faith and strengthen our heart and soul in an Islamic way.
Insha
Allah, you will be rewarded for your good deeds.
Amen
Panolong
"apanolong" apanolong@neointernational.com
*
* * * *
Mon,
22 Jul 2002 07:56:22 +0300
Assalamualaikum.
May
Allah bestow upon our sister Elizabeth all the blessings in this world and in
the hereafter. Her paper reminds me of my shortcomings in my daily undertaking.
I
will try to put more effort and reflections so that I can also attain the
pleasure of our Rabb, Allah Ta ala. Thank you very much.
Ahmadjibric V Salas asalas@stc.com.sa
*
* * * *
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