First Day of Classes

The sisters’ had the unique opportunity to study with female teachers inside the Masjid. As we entered the administrative office of the women’s section, we recognized many familiar faces, and they recognized a few of us too. Our first class was taught by Umm Abdullah, the wife of Muhammad Jibaly, on the topic of Ikhlaas.

Many of the scholars have defined Ikhlaas in different ways to try and convey its deep meaning. So what is Ikhlaas? To single out Allah subhana wa ta’al in your obedience. It is the perfume of the heart; the spring of the heart. Ikhlaas is to strain your actions so they are solely for Allah. It is protection from riyaa’ and shirk. It is when the apparent actions and hidden actions are the same.

We have to struggle to be sincere in our worship. One of the first people who will be thrown in the hellfire will be the alim – the one who wanted to show off in front of others.* So how can we protect ourselves from being amongst those whose deeds are not for Allah but for others? There are four ways that were discussed.

The first way to fulfill Ikhlaas is by knowing Allah subhana wa ta’ala, seeking knowledge about him, and learning Aqeedah. The second way is by knowing that the main goal is to seek Allah’s pleasure, and not the people’s. Whoever seeks Allah’s pleasure despite people’s anger, Allah will be pleased with him. And whoever seeks acceptance of the people despite Allah’s displeasure, Allah will be displeased with him.* The third way is to hide your ibaadah. And the fourth way is ask Allah subhana wa ta’ala for Ikhlaas by making dua’.

This short lecture caused me to reflect on my own deeds. What a scary thought to think you are performing good deeds and being rewarded for them when you are actually arousing Allah’s displeasure. May Allah subhana wa ta’ala help us all be sincere in our worship and keep us away from falling into riyaa’ and shirk.

*Need to get precise wording for these hadeeth.