28 September 2014 Musa and Magicians 2

28 September 2014 Musa (part 11) and Magicians 2

Life of Musa*
(Recap last week)
Pharaoh scared of Musa* so he invited the best of the best magicians to humiliate Musa* publicly.
He did not want to kill/martyr Musa* (yet) as the message may become strong.
'Magic' does not exist in the real world (as opposed to 'illusions')
Even if magic exists it is not allowed to get involved in it
The Prophets were given permission to perform 'miracles' to show their authenticity as Prophets
Musa*'s stick became a real live snake and ate up all the sticks! Was this snake fat or thin??!

Muslims in Pharaoh’s Court
The confrontation between the Prophet Musa* and those opposing him resulted in a completely unexpected end for Pharaoh, the magicians and the spectators alike. The people in subject, who had been so self-assured and arrogant of their superiority, were defeated. Furthermore, this total defeat took place right before the eyes of the people of Egypt. The impact of the defeat was even greater for those opposing the Prophet Musa*. Their spectacle, which was merely an illusion, they knew very well not to have been real. They had devised tricks to deceive people into believing that their system—and consequently Pharaoh's system—was allegedly divinely powerful (Allah is beyond that). However, the Prophet Musa* appeared with an obvious miracle. The staff of the Prophet Musa* had actually devoured their trickery. These people, therefore, grasped that this was a real miracle, and a sign of the existence of Allah, and an evidence of Allah's support to the Prophet Musa*. Thereupon, they embraced faith:
Anyone who was important in Egyptian society was invited to the Palace for the battle. The outcome was unexpected and more people knew about the battle. The magicians, who were the best of the best, realised Musa* was the real deal and believed in his miracle and message. Had Musa* been a magician they would surely have known about him. Originally they wanted fame, money, power and privilege but were now happy to die for Allah purely for the afterlife.
The magicians threw themselves down in prostration. They said, "We have faith in the Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Moses and Aaron." (Surat al-A'raf: 120-122)
Pharaoh said, "Have you believed in him before I authorised you to do so? This is just some plot you have concocted in the city to drive its people from it." (Surat al-A'raf: 123)

Pharaoh accuses
Pharaoh made up completely a story - fabricated plot in his paranoid mind to justify the defeat and protect his kingdom. Hence, people who are twisted, jealous and don't like you will always be against the true Muslims and will look for the negative side of things or even make up stories. We can also expect that today with people around us and we see in society.
Thought Police – shows his arrogance and complete astonishment / desperation !!
He offered himself false interpretations, fabricating scenarios which he himself knew were imaginary. Pharaoh, with this crooked logic, made very wicked slanders. Allah relates in the verse:
"…He is your chief, the one who taught you magic…" (Surah Ta-Ha: 71)
In one way or another, he would have to defuse the situation and re-establish his power. For this purpose, he resorted to violence, threatening the believing people with torture and death:
"…I will cut off your hands and feet alternately and have you crucified on palm trunks. Then you will know for certain which of us has the harsher and longer lasting punishment."
They said, "We will never prefer you to the Clear Signs which have come to us nor to Him Who brought us into being. Decide on any judgement you like. Your jurisdiction only covers the life of the earth." (Surah Ta-Ha: 71-73)
They said, "We are returning to our Lord. You are only avenging yourself on us because we had faith in our Lord's Signs when they came to us. Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and take us back to You as Muslims." (Surat al-Araf: 125-126)
They said, "We do not care! We are returning to our Lord. We remain hopeful that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes for being the first of the believers." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 50-51)

Disquiet in Bani Israel
There was utter humiliation for the Pharaoh as he had lost so publicly and so comprehensively. A PR (Public Relations) disaster with his esteemed Magicians not just losing but completely changing sides and becoming Muslims! Pharaoh had taken counsel after his humiliation at the hands of Musa* and Harun*. The vested interests of the ruling elite and cronies (Malla) could not bear to see the Pharaoh potentially lose his power and authority and so challenged him to stand up the Musa* and his people – because they would lose power, money and influence.
How many people control a society? In the UK today only a few thousand maximum (if you think putting a cross on a paper controls the laws you are sadly mistaken!). Likewise in Ancient Egypt only a few thousand maximum were the rulers and they controlled all of society.
So, Pharaoh became more oppressive with increased surveillance and laws directed at Bani Israel. Then, Pharaoh also proclaimed some of the children on Bani Israel be killed to show his power over them. And people complained to Musa* that his birth was a bad omen for them and now his challenge of Pharaoh was bad for them. Moses said to his people:
"Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The Earth belongs to Allah. He bequeaths it to any of His servants He wills. The successful outcome is for those who have fear for Allah."
They said, "We suffered harm before you came to us and after you came to us."
He said, "It may well be that your Lord is going to destroy your enemy and make you the successors in the land so that He can see how you behave." (Surat al-Araf: 128-129)

Aasiya and other women who were the best
One of those to have put her faith in the Prophet Musa* was the wife of Pharaoh. This noble woman, who previously shared so many worldly favours with Pharaoh, not only dared to leave all such riches behind, but also to make herself the object of Pharaoh's violence. Her choice is clearly the sign of a very profound and sincere faith. Indeed, along with Maryam, the Qur'an refers to the wife of Pharaoh as a faithful woman whose conduct was exemplary:
Allah has made an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, "My Lord, build a house in Paradise for me in Your Presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing people." (Surat at-Tahrim: 11)
The sincere devotion of Pharaoh's spouse to Allah is a great example for all Muslims. This true believer abandoned the riches of this world, and acknowledged that the real life would be in the hereafter. She preferred the blessings of the hereafter over the benefits of this short, though deceptively dazzling life. She prayed to Allah only for a house in Paradise. Without a doubt, such a sincere prayer, filled with a spiritual devotion towards the hereafter, is a fine example for all those who believe.
The four best women mentioned by the Prophet*
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: Allah's Messanger* said, "Many amongst men attained perfection but amongst women none attained the perfection except Maryam (Mary), the daughter of 'Imran, and Aasiya, the wife of Fir'aun (Pharaoh)…." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
The Messenger of Allah* drew four lines on the ground, then he said, “Do you know what this is?” We said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Messenger of Allah* said: “The best of the women of Paradise are Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid, Faatimah bint Muhammad, Aasiyah bint Mazaahim the wife of Pharaoh, and Maryam bint ‘Imran. [Imaam Ahmad]

3 babies who spoke
There are many hadith about babies who spoke when they were babies. Generally accepted as:
- Prophet Isa
- The Pharaoh’s hairdresser
- The child in the Boy and the King story

Main Topic: 10 Days Dhul-Hijjah and Iraq War part 3

Importance of first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah
Encouraged all to increase their good deeds and fasting to benefit from these 10 days. Immense benefit from doing good.

Iraq War (Part 3)
Brief discussions on the Iraq War part 3 vote in Parliament where the UK has (yet again) voted to bomb Iraq and the Muslims - yet again.
Although not many people and Muslims support ISIS (as they do not represent Muslims and do many openly unislamic things) there is no real justification for more war and bombs on the innocent Muslims in the region – especially from countries continually engaged in war on the Muslims there (direct or indirect through their proxies and puppets)
This also demonstrates the power of our media which is far from a ‘free press’ as it always promotes the government agenda. This is manipulation of public opinion by the controlling elite (much like in the times of Musa / Pharaoh).
And then these war-hungry countries wonder why there follows ‘Blowback’ when the chickens finally come home to roost!!
We should not be fooled that this is a 'humanitarian' war because these same people did not care about the massacre in Gaza or Syria.
It is also shocking how quiet the Muslim community and scholars and imams are with the bombing of Muslims. It is okay and right to criticise ISIS for the wrong they do, but please be consistent! Where were the Saudis and Qataris a few months ago in Gaza, where were they when Assad was butchering the Syrian people etc.
There is rank hypocrisy in these wars and the Muslims should not be duped.

21 September 2014: Musa and Magicians Duel, Scottish Independence

21 September 2014: Musa and Magicians Duel, Scottish Independence

Musa and Magicians Duel
 
Musa* has 2 objectives from Allah:
- Talk to Pharaoh and convince him about Islam
- Ask Pharaoh to free Bani Israel as he has been oppressive
He entered into Pharaoh’s court and made his demands and showed his miracles but Pharaoh didn’t but it.
Egyptian Headlines

We started off with some mock news headlines that we could expect from this propaganda battle between Pharaoh and his elite with the Muslims of the day = Musa* (referenced to today’s tabloid reaction to Muslims):

Egyptian Propaganda
Issues from the discussion of headlines and how the propaganda would be spun!:
- Terror threat as Musa challenges Pharaoh
- No real magic
- Ministry of Magic to train the best / brightest talent
- Society based upon superstitions and magicians (as priests) provide link between gods and people
- Role of magic in Egyptian society to control the people and show godliness of Pharaoh
- Egypt was the most advanced society and yet Bani Israel wanted out of the structure of civilisation
- Musa*’s demands were a direct challenge to the authority of Pharaoh and if Pharaoh accepted demands it would show weakness and his power would collapse
- Bani Israel was a foreign community and kept themselves distinct and easy target for bigotry
- Not too different between how Muslim’s of today are exposed to propaganda when compared to the Muslims at the time of Musa*
Pharaoh was not impressed with the display of miracles and said it was cheap magic and assumed that Musa* wanted to overtake his authority and take control, come to power and overthow the government of the time. Pharaoh knew that he couldn’t give in to Musa* if he wanted to keep his power and control. Hence, this was an existential threat to how society has been run.
[ Just like to day Muslims want to dismantle the oppression of modern governments and implement the Justice of Allah over the people. For example, aim to eradicate poverty and provide basic necessities for all citizens. This would be funded by exploiting natural resources (oil wealth, whatever is mined underground) for the benefit of the whole population not just a few families or elite. ]

Pharaoh rejects the Miracles and summons his magicians
Pharaoh claimed the miracles of the Prophet Musa* were a magician's tricks, and according to his shallow mindset believed that they could be undone by his own magicians. Therefore, he could allegedly defeat the Prophet Musa* to regain his leverage.
He said, "Have you come to us to expel us from our land by means of your magic, Moses? We will bring you magic to match it. So fix a time between us and you which neither we nor you will fail to keep at a place where we can meet halfway."
He (Moses) said, "Your time is the day of the festival. The people should gather in the morning." (Surah Ta-Ha: 57-59)
Musa* chose the festival where most people would be and he knew this as he grew up in this environment. In this way, all the people would hear the message of the Prophet Musa* and witness the defeat of Pharaoh and his magicians. Pharaoh summoned the top magicians from all over Egypt and told them of what ‘tricks’ Musa had which they needed to compete with. They demanded what payment they would receive and they were promised fame, money, power and influence.
(They said) "To bring you all the skilled magicians."
The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked, "Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?"
He (Pharaoh) said, "Yes, and you will be among those brought near." (Surat al-A'raf: 112-114)


The Battle commences...
The most able magicians of Egypt were brought against the Musa* and the Harun. The Prophet Musa* was asked to decide who should start after he gave them one last chance to change their mind:
Moses said to them, "Woe to you! Do not fabricate lies against Allah or He will annihilate you with His punishment. Fabricators of lies are bound to fail."
They argued among themselves about the matter and had a secret conference.
They said, "These two magicians desire by their magic to expel you from your land and abolish your most excellent way of life, so decide on your scheme and then arrive together in force. He who gains the upper hand today will definitely prosper." (Surah Ta-Ha: 60-64)
They said, "Moses, will you throw or shall we be the first to throw?" He said, "No, you throw!"
And suddenly their ropes and staffs appeared to him, by their magic, to be slithering about. (Surah Ta-Ha: 65-66)
He (Moses) said, "You throw." And when they threw, they cast a spell on the people's eyes and caused them to feel great fear of them. They produced an extremely powerful magic. (Surat al-A'raf: 116)
When the (about 70 or so) magicians performed their magic, their ropes and staffs appeared to slither. As Allah informs us in the verse, all were deceived into seeing ropes and staffs as moving by themselves. Just an optical illusion. All the top people in society were invited to show up Musa* but this worked against Pharaoh in the end. With their illusions, the magicians of Pharaoh won the public over.
These are the top magicians in the world at the time and if there was anyone else who could do ‘magic’ they would certainly know about it. Just like the top scientists know each other. The example of Ben Johnson ‘coming from nowhere’ to win the Olympic medal – had to be cheating! Hence, they were confident they would win and ‘magic’ was the thing that the people in society excelled in. Hence, the miracle was all the greater.
They threw down their ropes and staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh we are the winners." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 44)
Moses experienced in himself a feeling of alarm. We said, "Have no fear. You will have the upper hand. Throw down what is in your right hand. It will swallow up their handiwork. Their handiwork is just a magician's trick. Magicians do not prosper wherever they go." (Surah Ta-Ha: 67-69)
When they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of corrupters." (Surah Yunus, 10: 81)
Following these words related in the verses, the Prophet Musa* threw down his staff. The result was terrifying for the magicians. The Prophet Musa’s*staff swallowed the sorcery of Pharaoh's magicians:
We revealed to Moses, "Throw down your staff." And it immediately swallowed up what they had forged. So the Truth took place and what they did was shown to be false. They were defeated then and there, transformed into humbled men. (Surat al-A'raf: 117-119)
Unlike the illusory tricks of magicians, the Prophet Musa* worked a real miracle by his staff. Consequently, contrary to what the unbelievers expected, the Prophet Musa* defeated the magicians. So, everybody witnessed that Allah's promise was true. 


Main topic: Scottish Independence

What can link Scottish Independence vote with Islam...?
55% has voted for Scotland to remain as part of the Union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland against 45% who voted for independence. So what can be learned?
- Turnout: The very high turnout of around 90% indicates something important – people are generally disillusioned with main-stream politics / democracy where only 60% vote. Westminster politicians are disconnected from the ordinary people with politicians considered to be amongst the least trustworthy of all.
- Britain has an identity crisis! Does being ‘British’ or ‘Scottish’ depend upon geography, ancestry, tribe, skin colour or language? It is simply not about culture or a shared history. It is about beliefs and values. After 300 years the Union of England and Scotland, capitalism has failed to melt people together in a single nation state into one identity. What do we consider our identity to be here?
- As a Muslim we should be unified as we are One Ummah: One Book, One Allah, One seal of Prophets. The idea / concept of a ‘Nation State’ was and is associated with the rise of the modern system of states, often called the "Westphalian system" in reference to the Treaty of Westphalia (1648). Modern Muslim countries are only about one hundred years old or younger and have no justification in Islam. Nationalism is an alien concept to Muslims – although we acknowledge where we come from we don’t have allegiance to the soil. Many countries were drawn up by 2 people: The Sykes–Picot Agreement was a secret agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom and France defining their proposed spheres of influence and control in the Middle East upon defeating the Ottoman Empire. The agreement was concluded on 16 May 1916.

14 September 2014 Musa and Pharaoh, Current Politics & Islam

14 September 2014 Musa and Pharaoh, Current Politics and Islam

Musa* and Pharaoh
Musa* has 2 objectives from Allah:
- Talk to Pharaoh and convince him about Islam
- Ask Pharaoh to free Bani Israel as he has been oppressive

Musa converys the message
Musa* had easy access to see Pharaoh through their knowledge of the palace and local contacts. He came to challenge their way of life – their gods and beliefs. Pharaoh and Musa* have extensive conversations (with Musa* speaking mildly but being firm):
Pharaoh said, "Who then is your Lord, Moses?"
He said, "Our Lord is He Who gives each thing its created form and then guides it."
He (Pharaoh) said, "What about the previous generations?"
He said, "Knowledge of them is with my Lord in a Book. My Lord does not misplace nor does He forget."
It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and threaded pathways for you through it and sent down water from the sky by which We have brought forth various different types of plants. Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are Signs in that for men of understanding. From it We created you, to it We will return you, and from it We will bring you forth a second time. (TMQ 20: 49-55)
Pharaoh accuses Musa* of overthrow
Pharaoh accused Musa* of trying to overthrow his godhood, and trying to take over Egypt for himself. Why did Musa* hate their way of life? Despite being brought up in Pharaoh’s palace and with all the luxuries of modern civilisation why would Musa* now turn his back on Pharaoh and be so ungrateful?
They said, "Have you come to us to turn us from what we found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you." (TMQ 10: 78)
Moses said, "Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say nothing about Allah except the truth. I have come to you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So send the tribe of Israel away with me." (TMQ 7: 104-105)
He (Pharaoh) said, "Did we not bring you up among us as a child and did you not spend many years of your life among us? Yet you committed the deed you did and were ungrateful."
He (Moses) said, "At the time I did it I was one of the misguided and so I fled from you when I was in fear of you but my Lord gave me right judgement and made me one of the Messengers."
And anyway you can only reproach me with this favour because you made the tribe of Israel into slaves! (TMQ 26: 18-22)
The only reason Musa* was brought up in the palace was because Pharaoh was killing children, and that forced the mother of Musa* to throw him in the river and then he ended up there. No killing = Musa* would be brought up with his family! Pharaoh then changed tack and started attacking / insulting Musa*:
Pharaoh said, "What is the Lord of all the worlds?'
He (Moses) said, 'The Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between them if you knew for sure."
He (Pharaoh) said to those around him, "Are you listening?"
He (Moses) said, "Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers, the previous peoples."
He (Pharaoh) said, "This Messenger, who has been sent to you, is mad."
He (Moses) said, "The Lord of the East and the West and everything between them if you used your intellect."
He (Pharaoh) said, "If you take any god other than me, I will certainly throw you into prison." (TMQ 26: 23-29)
Musa* shows his miracle
This tactic of undermining Musa* and discrediting him was something that also happened to our Prophet Muhammed, and happens to sincere Muslims today too! Musa* was not distracted by these insults and he stuck to his message.
He (Moses) said, "Even if I were to bring you something undeniable?"
He (Pharaoh) said, "Produce it then if you are someone telling the truth."
So he threw down his staff and there it was, unmistakably a serpent. And he drew out his hand and there it was, pure white to those who looked. (TMQ 26: 30-33)
He (Pharaoh) said to the High Council round about him, "This certainly is a skilled magician who desires by his magic to expel you from your land, so what do you recommend?" (TMQ 26: 34-35)
But when Moses brought them Our Clear Signs they said, "This is nothing but trumped-up magic. We never heard anything like this among our earlier forefathers." (TMQ 28: 36)
Pharaoh and his inner circle (the elite also known as MALLA) clearly preferred taking the route of denial and evil rather than choosing to be rightly guided. Despite these miracles, they decided to defy the Prophet Musa*. Pharaoh grasped the challenge to his authority and consulted with his elite on how to defeat Musa*.
They said, "Detain him and his brother and send out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the skilled magicians." (TMQ 7: 111-112)

Main Topic: Brief Recent Political Stories
Pakistan
Quasi-revolution and some people calling for a change of leadership in Pakistan (‘Go Nawaz Go!) because of corruption, nepotism, failed leadership and election fraud. Can Imran Khan (or even Tahir al-Qadri) make any serious change to the political landscape as they are only calling for more of the same but done differently. It is unlikely that any change will be meaningful if it happens.

Gaza
The Israeli war (massacre) of the Muslims of Gaza. Although the pretext was the unfortunate death of the 3 Israeli teenagers (putting aside the fact that the Israeli government knew it wasn’t Hamas and that the kids had died straight way but kept the information secret to whip up hysteria) the real reasons predate this – especially with the Unity Agreement between HAMAS and FATAH (Palestinian Authority), and issues around gas, pipelines, water and land access.
Very unilateral / one-sided attack – disproportionate and essentially a massacre. Now, thankfully an open-ended ceasefire.
However, the medieval boycott / siege still exists!
How do we solve the problem?
- we can have HUMANITARIAN support (more charity work). This necessary work (more blankets and food) will not solve the problems for the people in Gaza
- POLITICAL discussion to address Israel, one-state or two-state, or UN discussions. Or try to dismantle Israel or make the government more fair.
- but we don’t often hear about the ISLAMIC solution. Islam is quite clear that this is Islamic land and belongs to the Muslims and we should increase our efforts to bring Islam back to this land and we should empower the Muslim armies to support the oppressed people in Gaza.

ISIS
A lot of controversy about the new off-shoot of al-Qaeda called ‘Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’.
We should be careful with the news that we know of until we are able to verify the news and not always be taken in by any propaganda from any side.
The action of beheading journalists and aid workers cannot be justified by Islam – this is against the Shariah and we should condemn this. However, there is a context to the instability in Iraq/Syria. Just as Musa* contextualised his upbringing in Pharaoh’s court as a problem caused by Pharaoh, so the issues we are seeing in Iraq/Syria are a direct result of Western policy and interference in Muslim lands. This goes back through 9/11, the Iraq sanctions, the First Gulf War, the rise of Ba’athism and the injustices of Saddam and the Assad family.
A quick discussion about the belief system of the Yazidis who venerate Iblis. Whatever their beliefs, there is no justification to persecute or kill them as we are told ISIS want to do.
ISIS are not a proper Islamic State and the ISIS militia do not fulfill the criteria for a functioning state or a Khilafah. An Islamic State should be a place of sanctuary and justice – not what we are seeing in Iraq/Syria. We should criticise them when they do wrong (like the beheadings) and we should criticise the bombing of Muslims by the West as a supposed reaction to this wrong action. As Muslims in the West we do not need to apologise for the bad actions of bad Muslims, any more than the West apologises for the bad actions of the bad Christians from Hitler through to Anders Breivik (who killed 69 people, mostly teenagers, in a mass shooting in Norway 2011).

Peace

7 September 2014: Recap / Synopsis

7 September 2014: Recap / Synopsis of last 7.5 years

Harborne Islamic Study Circle (HISC) Topics 2007-2014

Seerah of Prophet Muhammed*

Born to Abdullah (son of Abdul Muttalib) and Aminah; Care of Halimah -  Abdul Muttalib and then Abu Talib;

Muhammad*’s* Birth and Forty years prior Prophethood,  Bahira, the Monk, Al-Fudoul confederacy, Rebuilding Al-Ka‘bah and the Arbitration Issue. Muhammad*’s* Early Job, Marriage to Khadijah

In the Cave of Hira, Gabriel brings down the Revelation, Khadija, Waraqa - Interruption of Revelation

Private and Secret stage - House of Arqam - The Early Converts, As-Salat (the Prayer), Quraishites learn about the Call

Public Stage – banquet, Calling the Closest Kinspeople, On Mount As-Safa, society ills

Pilgrims from Muhammad*’s* Call, Attempts made to check the Onward March of Islam, Persecutions

The Conversion of Hamzah, The Conversion of `Umer ibn al Khattab

The Reaction to the Dawa: Mockery, jealousy and hatred, Insults, bullying and harassment, Slander (character assassination) , insane / mad, magician, liar, soothsayer, Corrupting the message

Bargaining, negotiations and Temptations, Setting challenges, Pressurising, Persecution and torture

The First Migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Quraish’s Machination against the Emigrants, Once more Quraish approaches Abu Talib

Attempted Assassination

Quraish’s Representative negotiates with the Messenger of Allah*

General Social Boycott of the Muslims: Pact of Injustice and Aggression

The Year of Grief, Abu Talib’s Death, Khadijah passes

Miraculous events surrounding the Prophet

The Third Phase: Calling unto Islam beyond Mecca, Islam being introduced to Arabian Tribes and Individuals

Hope from the Medina

Marriage of the Prophet* to Aisha

Al-Isra’ and Al-Mir‘raj

The First ‘Aqabah Pledge, The Muslim Envoy in Medina - The Second ‘Aqabah Pledge: The Vanguard of Migration

In An-Nadwah (Council) House - The Parliament of Quraish

Migration of the Prophet*, The Cave and setting up Mosque in Quba and planning overthrow of Medina government to take control with those pledged

Life in Medina: The First Phase ... The Status Quo in Medina at the Time of Emigration

A New Society being built, A Charter of Islamic Alliance, A Cooperation and Non-Aggression, Pact with the Jews

The Prophet* on the Battlefield. Pre-Badr Missions and Invasions

The Battle of Badr and Reaction in Mecca. Medina receives the News of Victory

The Military Activities between Badr and Uhud

An Attempt on the Life of the Prophet* - Invasion of Bani Qainuqa‘, The Qainuqa‘ Jews breach the Covenant

Ka‘b bin Al-Ashraf, killed

Zaid bin Harithah leads a Compaign on the Trade Routes of Quraish

The Battle of Uhud - A Consultation Assembly for a Defence Plan. Dividing the Islamic Army into phalanxes and Departure to the Battlefield. Parading the Army. The Rebellion of ‘Abdullah bin Ubai and his Followers. The Defence Plan. Political Manoeuvres of Quraish. The Combat: Assassination of Asadullah (the Lion of Allah) Hamzah. Bringing the Situation under Control. The Contribution of the Archers squad to the Battle and The Archers’s Fatal Mistake. The Most Awkward Hour in the Messenger’s Life - Multilation of the Martyrs. Burial of the Martyrs.

The Observations of the Noble Qur’an on the Battle of Uhud

Tragedy of Ma‘una Well – 70 Qur’anic reciters killed. Du’a Qanoot

Banu Nadir: Jews were plotting to kill him by dropping a stone from top of the house. The Seige, Allah casts terror in their hearts. Surah al-Hashr (The Banishment)

Marriage to Umm Salamah.

Alcohol banned

Conversation between the Prophet* and Jabir (camel & wedding)

Invasion of Badr, the Second

Salman al-Farsi

Battle of the Trench / Confederates (Coalition), The Jews make alliance with the Quraish. Prophet* Plans the Defence of Medina. Miracles during the Battle of the Trench, Banu Quraizah's treachery. The Prophet* Offers dates to buy off Ghatafan. Nu’aym is told ‘War is Deceit’. The Tide Turns Against the Coalition (Hudhayfah’s Mission)

Banu Quraizah - Huyay convinced Banu Quraizah to commit Treason. Ka‘b bin Asad gives 3 options after defeat. Abu Lubabah says no way out. The Prophet* offers to marry Rehana, a Jewish captive.

Saad bin Muadh passes away.

Banu Mustaliq and Abdullah ibn Ubai (Leader of the Hypocrites), Tribalism (nationalism) leading to the argument and in-fighting

The incident of the Ifk (Slander) against Aisha - The Necklace

The Death of Abu Rafi’ in Khaibar

Some other Expeditions and Battles after Khandaq

The Prophet* Marries Zainab with Zaid. The Prophet* Marries Zainab. Clarification of Adoption

Uraynah Robbers and punishment

The Story of Salamah bin Al-Akwa

Prophet* Marries Umm Habibah (Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan)

Al-Adba – The Prophet’s Camel

The Treaty of Hudaibiyah:  the journey the Mecca, The Envoys, The Prophtet* sends Uthman to Mecca. Signing the Treaty

The Prophet’s struggle to this point has been intense: The Quraish were criticised for going against their core beliefs – now Western countries do the same against Muslims. The Prophet* took an oath (Bayah) from his followers. The Treaty appeared one-sided, The Muslims were unhappy with the Treaty. Hudaibiyah’s Importance. The Treaty was a Revelation from Allah. A propaganda victory for the Muslims - now recognised as a formal Islamic State

Muslims are not allowed to marry polytheists

Abu Basir and his Guerrilla Army

The Muslims could concentrate on Dawah elsewhere – Islam spread rapidly

The Prophet*’s Letter to Heraclius, Abu Sufyan meets the King. The Prophet*’s other Letters to Rulers. Amr ibn al-As realises the truth only after getting punched by the Negus. How Khalid bin Waleed became Muslim

Refuting the story of magic on the Prophet* and The start of the Khaibar Campaign: The Khaibar campaign and how the fortresses fell one by one. The Prophet’s banner and his advice to Ali. The Bedouin who was true to Allah. The use of catapults in warfare. The little girl and the Prophet. Khaibar falls. Stealing from the Spoils of War

Zainab tries to poison the Prophet*; Umm ul-Muhminin Safiyyah: The Jewish Wife of Muhammad*

Arrival of Jafar from Abyssinia, Abu Hurairah becomes a Muslim. Forgiving the vanquished - The Jews are expelled from Khaibar. Hajjaj gets his money from Mecca

The Expedition called Dhat-ur-Riqa

Muhalim wrongly kills a person who said ‘Assalamu Alaikum’ - Obey your leader – but only in Islam (the Good)

The Compensatory ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgrimage) - Preparing for the Journey. Entering the emptied city of Mecca. The Prophet* marries Maymunah.

‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah and the whale (Rizq from Allah)

The Battle of Mu'tah

Banu Bakr and Quraish break the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. The Bani Ka'b of Khuza’ah immediately sent a deputation to Medina. The Prophet* reassures the Khuza’ah. Abu Sufyan humiliates himself in Medina. Abu Sufyan tries the Companions

Preparing for the Conquest - News Blackout. Hatib's letter to the Quraish - “Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists, etc.) as friends”  Abu Sufyan gets caught by the Muslim army

Conquest of Mecca: The Armies March to Mecca and stop Fasting. Abu Sufyan becomes a Muslim. Intimidating the Quraish (and Abu Sufyan). Mecca Surrenders Without Bloodshed - Military Forces Of Islam Enter The City. The Prophet* cleanses the Kaaba of idols. The Prophet* grants general immunity but The Blacklist. Bilal Pronounces Adhan and Returning the keys to the Kaaba. Non-superiority On Account Of Being An Arab - Forgiving Safwan bin Umayyah

Khalid bin Walid and his mistake with the people of Bani Jazimah. Khalid bin Walid and the idol (al-Uzza)

Rivalry between Mecca and Taif. Hawazin gather forces. Enemy's march and encampment at Uwtas: Malik & Duraid argue about tactics: The Messenger Of Allah* Leaves Mecca For Hunain. The Tree and superstitions. Guarding the Muslims before battle. The Ambush And Panic: The Islamic Army Stunned The Archers And The Attackers

The Battle (Siege) of Ta'if: The March to Ta’if; The Destruction of the idol Yaghuth at Dhu al-Kaffyan by Tufayl ibn ‘Amr al-Dawsi. Trying to break the Siege. Economic and Moral Strategy to Break the Siege. Another Tactic to Break the Siege

Hunain (Distribution of Spoils).  The Prophet* waited for Hawazin to reclaim booty. The Prophet* gave from his share (20%) of wealth to people who were newly into Islam to soften their hearts and bring them closer to Islam. The Prophet* didn’t give to others because he loved them more and knew they would be happier with it. Ansar were initially unhappy but the Prophet* asked Allah to forgive 3 generations of Ansar

A later leader of Khawarij (Zul Khuwaysirah) accused the Prophet* of being unjust in distributing the Spoils. The Prophet* predicted how he would lead people to and away from Islam.

Prophet* waited ten days before giving the spoils - Then the Hawazin returned and became Muslims, but the Prophet* could only give either the wealth or families back. The Tribe chose their families!

Ka'b ibn Malik was a poet who had criticised the Prophet* and he was afraid for his life as poetry was the main media (way of communicating ideas) of the Prophet's* era. The Prophet* accepted Ka'b ibn Malik's Islam and he became one of the chief poets, and earned the Prophet's cloak with his first composition

Lesser Pilgrimage (Al-‘Umrah) To Mecca And Leaving For Medina after these wars

Adi bin Hatim’s sister was captured and released by the Prophet*, who knew more about his religion than Adi

The Prophet* prophesised the conquering of Persia, the immense wealth of the early Muslims and the security provided to the Ummah by the early Khulafah (Caliphs)

The Battle of Tabuk – Preparations.  The Romans / Byzantines now feared the rise of the Muslims (and Islam) so Prophet* mobilised every able bodied Male to fight and spend for the upcoming war. Good reasons not to go out fighting as the Prophet* had announced their enemy this time. Some Muslims gave generously (Uthman was promised Paradise because of his giving to the Muslim cause). Journey. Ali is upset about being left in Medina with the hypocrites but the Prophet* compares him to Haroon. Jaysh al-Usrah (Army of Hardship). The Muslims pass by the ruins of Thamud (Prophet Saleh). Abu Khaythamah procrastinates but joins the Prophet* late. Abu Dharr joins the Prophet* on foot and his lonely death in the desert was prophesised by the Prophet*

Return Journey. No-Show from the Romans at Tabuk so The Prophet* consolidates the Islamic State through treaties with the Christian Kings (agreeing to pay JIZYA) Khalid bin Al-Waleed captures the King ‘Ukaidir who was hunting Bulls. Returning to Medina from Tabuk - Hadhaifa disrupts a plot to kill the Prophet*

The People Who lagged Behind made their excuses to the Prophet* Destroying the Masjid of Dirar. Allah revealed their plot.

Seerah: Story of Ka’b ibn Malik and the Battle of Tabuk. Ka'b was able to go but kept delaying preparing. Only hypocrites and elderly/infirm left behind in Medina.  Ka'b panics - Hypocrites give their excuses and the Prophet* seeks their forgiveness but leaves their hearts to Allah. Ka'b and 2 others are boycotted for a total of 50 days - Ka'b feels the city is alien and feels constricted in his repentance. The non-Muslims try to recruit Ka'b and divide the Muslims. Allah then accepts his repentance and Ka'b is overjoyed, and the other 2 men. The hypocrites are condemned to Hellfire by Allah

Surah at-Taubah (Chapter 9: vv 1 - 129)

Negus the king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) died.

The death of ‘Abdullah Ibn Ubayy - the head of hypocrites

Abu Bakr leads the Hajj delegation. People embrace the Religion of Allah in Large Crowds

The Delegations: Lots of leaders and tribes now becoming Muslim and pledging allegiance (bayah) to the Prophet* and to the Islamic State. The people who became Muslim before Conquest of Mecca are higher ranked than those now joining Islam. Taif wanted to keep their goddess – NO!.

Musailima al-Khathhab (the Liar) wanted to lead the Muslims after the death of the Prophet* and asked for this right but the Prophet* refused. The Prophet* refused to kill the messengers of Musailima. spear of Wahshi

Najran Delegation Christians agree a peace treaty and to pay Jizyah and the death of the Prophet*’s son (Ibrahim) followed by coincidental eclipse -

2 men from Bani ‘Amir bin Sa‘sa‘a try to kill the Prophet*, one dies of illness and the other struck by lightning

Prophet* sends Leaders to Yemen (Muadh and Abu Musa). Prophet* approved of Muadh doing Ijtehad - Muadh tells Abu Musa how to get reward for sleeping

The Farewell Pilgrimage: The Prophet* sets out to perform his Farewell Pilgrimage with all the Muslims. The Prophet* teaches the people the rituals of Hajj and links them back to Ibrahim. Muslim Brotherhood, abolishing pagan rituals and practices, abolishing usury (interest), treating women properly, staying true to the Qur’an and Sunnah, and basic duties

Allah reveals His final revelation that Islam is Perfected

The Prophet*’s Final Days, Death and Burial: The Prophet* gives final advice to Ummah, including: not making his tomb a place of worship, being good to the Ansar (Helpers), no Jews or Christians should remain in Arabia, Delegations and ambassadors be respected, Sending out Ussama's army, Treating the wives and slaves well

The Prophet* ordered Abu Bakr to lead the prayers.

Before death the Prophet* gave away all his wealth. The final day he briefly appears better and smiles at the Muslims who are praying. Abbas predicts his death but Ali refuses to ask for leadership. The Prophet* predicts Fatimah will die, and kisses Al-Hasan and Al-Husain. The Jewish poison from Khaibar now takes effect. The Prophet* uses miswak just before dying - In Ayesha's lap the Prophet* breathes his last saying "The most exalted Companionship on high"

Umer finds is hard to believe the death, Abu Bakr reminds all that the Prophet* was mortal. The Muslims agree to appoint Abu Bakr as Khalifah. Ali and the family prepare the Prophet*s body for burial and wash over his clothes. The Prophet* is buried where he died on 12 Rabi' Awwal (6 June, 632)

Lives of the previous Prophets:

We study the Lives of the Prophets because: Allah commanded the Prophet* to tell these stories, So we can reflect on these, We should follow their advice (as role models), So we learn to love them

Nabi (plural Ambiya) are Prophets from Allah (124,000) / Rasool (plural Musul) are special Prophets that have also been given a Law for people to follow. Everything was written down by Allah 50,000 years before the creation of the Heavens and Earth

Creation of Universe in Six "Days" / Long Periods of Time. Big Bang and Life from Water.

The place of Jinn and Angels

Khalifah = assumed responsibility after The Prophet* and is succeeding after The Prophet*

Creation of Adam from Turaab (dirt / soil) - Teen (clay) - Teen al-laazib (sticky clay) - Hama`im masnoon (black, smooth mud) - Salsaal (sounding clay)

Allah created Adam on the image of Adam

Creation of Adam from Turaab (dirt / soil) - Teen (clay) - Teen al-laazib (sticky clay) - Hama`im masnoon (black, smooth mud) - Salsaal (sounding clay) - dirt from different places. Allah puts the Soul (Ruh) in to Adam and he sneezes. Allah asks the angels and Iblis to bow before Adam - Iblis refuses (fire, not dirt). Adam said to the angels: As salaamu ‘alaykum. They replied: wa ‘alakas salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu  - Adam taught the names (uses) of things and given Speech. The angels realise the superiority of Adam as a creation

Allah Creates a Partner for Adam – Hawa from his rib. The Test from Allah: Don’t Go Near The Tree. Satan (Iblis) tempts them both with Eternal Kingdom & Immortality. Adam & Hawa Cast Out of Paradise for disobeying Allah. Adam knows he has wronged himself and unless Allah forgives him he will be a loser.

Cain kills his brother Abel. Adam Preaches to His Children. Adam is Shown His Descendants & Death of Adam

Allah sent down 104 scrolls, of which 50 were sent down to Sheeth

Prophet Idrees came between Sheeth and Nuh (Noah) and is ‘elevated to a high level’

Before Nuh: Beginning of Shirk (Idolatry) when people started worshipping righteous people after they died. Ten Generations of Muslims between Adam & Nuh. Nuh was the first Prophet to the people of the world. Da’wah Methods of Nuh: open, private calling, but people ignored him. concept of Prophets. Oneness of Allah. The weak and poor follow Noah. Leaders of society (Malla) dismiss Noah, because he is not an angel, he is not rich or noble, and won't disown his poor followers

The Disbelievers Nuh - Nuh Prays for the Disbeliever's End as they will cause corruption on Earth. Nuh Builds the Ark under Allah's guidance - The Flood begins - The Number of Believers of Nuh are few (less than 80) waves like mountains. The Flood ends

Prophet Hud and the Malla – Aad in desert. Tall Buildings reduced to dust after wind

Prophet Saleh and the Malla – lived Rocks Thamud. She-Camel. Soundwave

Prophet Ibrahim his father. CSI Babylon. Sun/Moon in Haraan. Ibrahim in Egypt with Sarah / Hajar and birth of Prophet Ismail. Building the Kaaba

Prophet Lut - Sodom

Prophet Shoaib and the Malla – Midian: Secularism. Thunderous Blast

Prophet Yaqub, Prophet Ishaaq - Prophet Yusuf

Yusuf has a dream, His brothers plot against him, His owner’s wife attempts to seduce him, Her friends attempt to seduce him, Yusuf is imprisoned, The king has a dream, The king’s dream is interpreted, Yusuf is released from prison. The ladies confess, His former owner’s wife confesses, Famine, reveals his identity, Prophet Yaqub cries but doesn't give up hope. His brothers learn their lesson. Yusuf dream is interpreted and realized.

The Patience of Prophet Ayub (Job) – patience losing family, wealth, health

Story of Prophet Yunus/Jonah – 3 darkness town saved

Dhul-Kifl

Dhul-Qarnayn – Gog & Magog

Prophet Musa, birth, thrown in the Nile River. Leaves Egypt after Accidental Killing - settles in Madian. Prophet Musa* at the Valley Of Tuwa and the First Revelation - Journey to Egypt. Asks Allah for Help – Prophet Harun* and other matters. How to do Dawah: Advice from Allah. Meeting with Pharaoh

Hadith Studies

Riyadh as-Salihin: On Sincerity and having an intention for all actions, words and states, outward and inward

On Repentance (seeking Forgiveness)

On Steadfastness (dependable, reliable, patient)

Nawawi’s 40 Hadith

1: Actions are but by intentions

2: “O Muhammad*, tell me about Islam / Iman / Ihsan / the Hour / its signs.” “It was Jibreel, who came to teach you your religion.”

3: Islam has been built on five [pillars]

4: angel who blows his soul into him and who is commanded with four matters: to write down his rizq (sustenance), his life span, his actions, and whether he will be happy or unhappy

5: He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e. Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah]”.

6: That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know

7: "Religion is sincerity". We said: "To whom?" He said: "To Allah and His Book, and His messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk"

8: "I have been ordered to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the messenger of Allah and until they perform the prayers and pay the zakat

9: "What I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have ordered you [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their prophets that destroyed those who were before you."

10: O ye messengers! Eat of the good things and do right". while his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered!"

11: Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt

12: Part of the perfection of one's Islam is his leaving that which does not concern him.

13: None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.

14: It is not permissible to spill the blood of a Muslim except in three [instances] : the married person who commits adultery, a life for a life, and the one who forsakes his religion and separates from the community.

15: him who believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good, or keep silent; and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbour and his guest.

16: Do not become angry.

17: Verily Allah has prescribed Ihsaan (proficiency, perfection) in all things. So if you kill then kill well; and if you slaughter, then slaughter well.

18: Have Taqwaa (Fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people.

19: Be Mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be Mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah [alone]. And know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already prescribed for you.

20: Verily, from what was learnt by the people from the speech of the Earliest Prophecy is : If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.

21: "Say: 'I believe in Allah', and then stand firm and steadfast."

22: "Do you see, if I pray the prescribed (prayers), fast during Ramadhan, treat the lawful as permissible and treat the forbidden as prohibited, but do nothing more than that, shall I enter Paradise?” He (the Prophet*) answered: “Yes.”

23: "Purification is half of iman (faith). Saying 'Al-Hamdulillah' fills the scales. Saying 'Subhanallah wa al-Hamdulillahi' fills the space between the heavens and the earth. Salah is a light. Sadaqah is a proof. Sabr is a shining glory. The Qur'an is an argument either for you or against you. Everybody goes out in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves

24: "O My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another. seek guidance, hungry , naked seek Allah. seek forgiveness

25: rich can give charity.: Verily in every tasbih (i.e. saying Subhanallah) there is a sadaqah, every takbir (i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) is a sadaqah, every tahmid (i.e. saying Alhamdulillah) is a sadaqah, every tahlil (i.e. saying Lailaha illallah) is a sadaqah, enjoining of good is a sadaqah, forbidding of evil is a sadaqah, and having sexual intercourse with your wife is a sadaqah.

26: sadaqah (charity) every day the sun rises. Doing justice between two people is sadaqah; assisting a man to mount his animal, or lifting up his belongings onto it is sadaqah; a good word is sadaqah; every step you take towards prayer is sadaqah; and removing harmful things from pathways is sadaqah."

27: Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and which you do not want people to know about.

28: I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if a slave is made a ruler over you. He among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So for you is to observe my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-principled and rightly-guided successors, holding on to them with your molar teeth. Beware of newly-introduced matters, for every innovation (bid'ah) is an error

29: Deeds for paradise: 5 pillars, Fasting is a shield; charity extinguishes sin; The peak of the matter is Islam (submission to Allah), the pillar is prayer; and its topmost part is jihad; Restrain your tongue

30: Halal & Haram - prescribed the obligatory deeds, so do not neglect them; He has set certain limits, so do not go beyond them

31 (Loved Actions) "Be indifferent to the world and Allah will love you; be indifferent to what people possess and they will love you."

32  "There should be neither harming [darar] nor reciprocating harm

33: But the burden of proof is upon the claimant and the taking of an oath is upon the one who denies (the allegation)."

34: Changing the Evil:  let him change it with his hand – tongue - heart,  =  weakest (kind of) faith."

35: Do not Envy, artificially raise prices, hate one another, turn your back on each other, undercut one another in business transactions. Be brothers. A Muslim doesn’t wrong a Muslim. He does not fail him. lie to him, show contempt for him. Piety is in the heart. A Muslim’s blood, his wealth and his honour is sacred

36: Brotherhood - relieves a believer’s distress, conceals [the faults of] a Muslims. Allah makes it easy for the one seeking knowledge – and Paradise is closer

37: Intentions, Actions and Rewards - ”Verily, Allah recorded the good deeds and the evil deeds.”

38: Drawing Nearer to Allah Through Obligatory Duties

39: Truly Allah has for my sake pardoned the mistakes and forgetfulness of my community, and for what they have done under force or duress."

40: "Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveller/wayfarer."

41: None of you (truly) believes until his desire or inclination is in accordance with what I have brought or subservient to what I came with

42: Allah's Mercy - were your sins to reach the clouds in the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive you

Some of the General Topics covered in HISC

Tawhid – Proof of Allah. Thinking & Aqeeda.

Proof of Quran

Valentine’s Day & Eid

Satanic Verses

Need for Messengers, how to worship. Prophets & miracles.

Youth in Islam

Understanding Hukm Sharaih (Fard – Haram)

What is Islam

End of the World signs

Beliefs and actions

Infallibility of Prophets – their need

Usul al-Fiqh intro

Quran and Science

Role of Mosque

Role of the Mind

Fundamentalism

Evolution

Modern Western Society and values

‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ actions

Introduction to Hadith

Measuring Progress in society

Importance of Salah

Taqwa

Zakah

Importance of Salah – Rules

What is the Sunnah

Seeking Knowledge (Fard. Daleel)

Following Sunnah

Ramadhan Muslims

Capitalism & Communism & Islam

Power of IDEAS

Origins of Christmas

Muharram / Ashura

Why we have Laws

Sources of Shariah

Qati / Zanni

Why study Seerah

Prophet Lut

What is Shahada – contract

Death of Michael Jackson – journey soul

hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter

The Purpose of Knowledge – East / West

Parents in Islam

Al-Qadhaa wal-Qadr

How we see ourselves as Muslims today - esteem

Choosing friends and feeling good as Muslims -  ‘The Muslim is a mirror to a Muslim

Lessons from Hajj

Dhikr (Zikr) of Allah

End of the World: Major and Minor Signs of the Day of Judgment

Issues about Christianity

Khushoo in Salaat

Refutation to the “Satanic Verses” Incident

Preparing for the Month of Ramadhan

Selected verses from Surah Al-Ahzab [33]

Al Qadha Wal-Qadr is different to Al-Qadaria al-Ghaibiya

Some Etiquettes of Visiting the Grave

Difference between Proof & Evidence

Surah an-Nur (24)

The Greatness of the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

Highlights from the Life of Ibrahim

Prophets on the different levels of Heaven: 1. Adam 2. Isa & Yayha 3. Yusuf 4. Idris  5. Harun  6. Musa 7. Ibrahim

The significance of Muharram and Ashura - Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram

Abrahah and the Year of the Elephant

Tests From Allah, Preparing for Exams & Preparing for Death

Tips on how to pray during school hours

Making 70 Excuses for Others in Islam

Society and Politics: Revolution and Revival, liberalism / democratic Capitalism Communist How Islam views Society

How to get to Jannah (what it takes)

Tests in Life

Session on Being a Happy Muslim

Some of the Ghaib (Unseen dimensions)

Ya'juj and Ma'juj and Dhul-Qarnayn

Timeline of the Universe

A believer is a mirror to another believer

Every Prophet a Shepherd

Night of Power: Lailatul-Qadr

Scary Words (or Concepts): Allah, Shaytan, Day of Judgement, …mine is FOREVER

Critique of Islam: The Untold Story on Channel 4

Hypocrisy of UK justice system in extraditing Muslims to America

Time and short Tafsir on Surah al-Asr

Recap on Evolution

How to choose Friends

Islam and Dreams

Fundamentalism

The Top Twenty Topics to discuss Survey:

Birthdays

The creation of a happy daily balance for children – prayer, entertainment, schoolwork and family interaction

Main criticisms of Islam and how to challenge these

Life of other Prophets (Ibrahim and Isa)

Music and clapping

The relationship between teenage children and their parents – the importance of rules, respect, etiquette in the family

Signs of the End of the World

Unifying the Muslims

Real meaning of ‘Jannah is under the mother’s feet’

The rewards of charity and Zakat; how to set up a charity

Celebrating our Deen – why we should be happy and proud

Halal marriage

The role of Women in Islam

Transplants

Basics of Belief

Stories and interpreting them

Evolution and Big Bang

Responsibilities for actions

Discussing other main religions – similarities and differences with Islam

Tafsir of some Surahs

Guest Speakers

Hadith of the Assassin

Feedback Salah and how to have Khushu in Salah

Exhibition Muhammad* at Birmingham Central Mosque

Jinn

Practical Guide to a Better Umrah

Faraz and his Umrah Experiences: Islam, Arts and Music

Du'a

Child Protection in Islam

Surah al-Falaq

Palestine, Jerusalem and Masjid al-Aqsa

Trips and other activities organised by HISC

Bank of Akhirah

Quiz

Pictionary for Kids
Iftar in the Park
 

British Museum Hajj Exhibition

Trip to Mughal Exhibition (British Library, London) and London Kew Botanical Gardens

Manchester / Bradford

[Palestine / Living Islam]

Selected News Topics covered during HISC

Supercasino & Gambling

Big Brother & racism

Snow

Gun Crime

Crufts and Dog Show

Alcohol & drugs

Earthquake

Superstitions

Forced marriages

Easter and Christianity

Marriage

Accents

MMR – Proof / Evidence

Suicide Mark Speight

Josef Fritzl and freedom

Abortions

Muslims are new Jews of Europe

Credit Crunch (2008)

Caution with Obama election

Crime and Punishment in Islam

Piracy

Gaza / Palestine / Israel (Jan 2009)

MPs Expenses

European Prejudice

Iarqi Shoe Thrower

Royals

Government anti-terrorism strategy 'spies' on innocent), PREVENT

Halloween

Obama-mania

Indonesian Events ~ Earthquake, Tsumani & Volcano

The Rescue of the miners in Chile

Piracy

Wikileaks:  puppet Muslim leaders

BNP and EDL

Murder near Jerusalem

Cops Say Firewood Chore May Have Prompted Boy to Murder Mom

Egypt, Bahrain and other people power movements: unrest Muslim world (Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq and Iran) sovereignty & authority

Ousting out of power of Hosni Mubarak

Multiculturalism & Munich speech

Western Bombing of Libya

Tsunami and Earthquake

Saudi Arabia bans all marches as mass protest is planned for Friday

Different treatment of Radko Mladic and Ossama bin Laden

News International arrests and evidence

Norway shootings

Amy Winehouse's death

Norway shootings

rioters and bankers have a lot in common

Funeral of 3 Birmingham Muslims killed in riots

Hurricane Irene

Vandalism of Graves in Israel/Palestine

The Death of Gaddafi

Woolwich murders

Trojan Horse / Hoax ~ British and Islamic Values

Naveed's Belief Pathway

Belief: Proof of Allah. Fundamental Questions about Life

How strongly do we believe in Allah? Myth or reality?

How do we know that the Amazon Jungle exists? Oral and Written Tradition

Attributes of Allah - build a wall over which he cannot jump

Logical, Scientific and Rational thought

Arguments about the nature of matter, universe and Allah: The limited nature of existence / Science

Who Created Allah? [someone else, creator of himself, eternal – limitless]

To 'Know' as a command on every soul

The knock on the door

3 fundamental Questions: Why am I here (alive)? Where did I come from? What happens when I die?

Why do we need Messengers or Prophets? Why can't we rely on our mind for how we pray, and live?

organic needs of man and Instincts (Survival or self-preservation) Procreation or sexual/family, and Religiousness/worship

The Feral Child and How we think. The need for the Mind, Reality, Senses and Previous Information / Common Sense

Prophetic Miracles - Impossible Events ~ Allah sends Prophets and Messengers with Laws and Guidance; Proof of their message is through acts of miracles that set them aside from other humans

Miracles in the Qur’an

Importance and Power of Thought

Belief: The Miraculous Qur’an ~ Only the Qur’an has been able to synthesise these three elements Grammar (syntax), Poetry (Style) and Meaning in a written form

Who authored the Qur'an - Non-Arab, Arab, Companions, Muhammad*, The Creator

Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Law)

Aqeeda and The Qur'an: the need for certainty

Types of Hukm Shara’i, Fard al Ayn and Fard al Kifaya.

The four definitive sources of Hukm Shar’i are; the Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma’ as-Sahabah , Qiyas.

Linguistically & Shariah Meanings

Thanniy (speculative), Qatai (definitive), Amm (general text), Khass (specific), Haqiqi (literal), Majaazi (metaphorical)

Meccan Surahs: 86 chapters / Medinan Surahs: 28 chapters

Abrogation / Cancellation

Introduction to Daleel / Evidence (Thaboot (source) or Riwayah (reportage) & Dalalah (meaning)

Proof and Chain of Narrators

Basic Terms in Hadith - Sanad , Qudsi,  Methods of Transmitting Mutawatir / Tawatur and Ahad ; Mashoor: Aziz  Gharib  Sahih   Hasan  Dha’eef

Daleel in Detail

Compilation of the Qur’an: What is Qur’an

Asbaab an-nuzool (Circumstances of revelation) / types of abrogation

What is Sunnah? Linguistically, means a path or a way. Qawli (verbal) Taqriri (Approval) Fa’eli (Actions)

Actions as part of Prophet*’s Nature as a human / Specifically for the Prophet* / Legal Consequences

Ijma’ as-Sahabah

Qiyas (Divine Analogy)

Fiqh: Sources of Hukm Shar’i not agreed upon by all the Ulema. Ijma’ al Ummah Ijma’ al Mujtahideen Ijma al-Ulema Ijma’ Ahlel Bayt Ijma’ Ahlel Medinah Istihsan Masalih Al Mursalah Laws revealed before Islam

Ijtihad & Mujtahid

Differences of Opinion – sources or understanding or Methodology of Usul al-Fiqh

Madhabs / Early Islamic Scholars (Schools of Fiqh/Thought) Main Sunni Scholars & Shi'a Scholars, Taqleed (Following scholars)

Sahabah &  Tabi’een

Some Fiqh Topics

Fiqh of Ramadhan & Tips

Fiqh of celebrating Birthdays

Fiqh of Music

Fiqh of the Beard

Fiqh of Photos / Drawing and TV

Celebrating Eid

Islam and how Muslims should interact with the Jews

Zina / Adultery

Obeying the Laws

Fiqh of Halal Meat

Islamic Opinion on Moonsighting

Thanks to all the children and their parents for coming over the years. I hope that everyone has learned new things about Islam and hopefully this has helped with creating a better Islamic identity. Please continue to make du'a that I carry on with this and people continue to benefit. And remember, the HISC is for all to get a better understanding of Islam and I have always encouraged questions...