A gentle breeze passed over us as we sat on a ledge close to the water. The setting sun left a red glow in the sky. We looked on at the picturesque scene of the dark cool colors of the sky meeting the green shades in the water. The rocks, the sand, the people on the beach were all so clear and detailed. I looked across the tranquil land to see what was ahead. And then I woke up…we were no longer in Jeddah.
If only my dream had lasted a little longer. Thinking back about our trip this summer invites a flood of emotions: Sad to have left, happy to have gained so much. Expressing my thoughts about this seminar causes my eyes to tear and my heart to ache.
I miss my dearly beloved teachers. Their speech was only a fraction of what they imparted on us. Their manners, etiquettes, patience, humbleness, gratitude, generosity, and love were what I remember the most. These are the people of Ahlus Sunnah, who understand the deen of Islam. They teach by their example. This is one gem of knowledge that I will treasure.
Although the scope of the courses was broad and detailed, a common element referred to in many of the lectures by different scholars was Ikhlaas. Being sincere in our worship to Allah subhana wa ta’ala is so important, and so easily forgotten. We studied various definitions of Ikhlaas, and there are many ways to interpret the meaning. The illuminating words of the scholars of the past made it clear. The second gem which I have taken back with me is to be more mindful of Ikhlaas in every action.
This experience would never be the same without the beautiful sisters whom I had the pleasure of meeting. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded by sincere, loving people. I took the time to meet every single one of the sisters and I feel that I benefited in some way by each of them. May Allah subhana wa ta’ala reward them and their families. I hope to stay in touch with them to continue to reflect on our blessed time together and keep each other in high spirits.
Scrolling through the many pictures I took encourages me to believe that I was actually there only a few weeks ago, and that it wasn’t merely a dream. But the pictures don’t give justice to the scene; pictures can’t capture the magnificence or the peace of the land. The ending of one trip creates a yearning for another. May Allah subhana wa ta’ala grant us the tawfeeq to attend this seminar once again and continue on the path to seek knowledge.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
AIAT - TOP TEN
10. The view from the hotel (in Madinah)
9. Jeddah beach
8. Shaykh Ghudyaan
7. Channel 2 interviews
6. Praying at the Rawdah
5. Camel ride
4. Ruqyah
3. Umm Abdullah's class on Ikhlaas
2. Aadil as-Subayee
1. Quran class with Khadijah
9. Jeddah beach
8. Shaykh Ghudyaan
7. Channel 2 interviews
6. Praying at the Rawdah
5. Camel ride
4. Ruqyah
3. Umm Abdullah's class on Ikhlaas
2. Aadil as-Subayee
1. Quran class with Khadijah
Friday, August 15, 2008
Last Day
Sadness. Only a few hours left to remain in this blessed place. When will we return? Will we ever get this opportunity again?
We made tawaaf-al-wida, snapped some quick pictures, bought another suitcase, and quickly packed. In the afternoon we headed for Jeddah beach – a last trip before our departure. Before leaving we said our goodbyes to the UK sisters who would be traveling on different days. I really hope to stay in touch will all the sisters we met on this trip.
We spent about an hour and a half at the beach, walking along the water’s edge, a nice way to end the seminar.
Alhamdulillah we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to check-in and relax. While waiting at the airport the sister made their final rounds, said goodbye, exchanged hugs, tears, and email addresses. Most people were sad to leave but home sick too. I can’t say that I was ready to leave, but accepted it as a reality. Insha’Allah maybe next year…
Exams
The day for exams was getting closer and everyone was in a panic. There was so much information, so many important details, it became difficult to figure out what to study. A few sisters got together to review. We shared notes on Qawaaid al Fiqhiyyah, Usool al Fiqh, Zakaat, Qawaaid al Arba, Conditions of La illaha ilallah, and Hadeeth. Alhamdulillah the group study sessions were beneficial – we got a chance to fill in the notes that we missed while dozing off in the lecture.
The first part of the exams were for Quran, Hadeeth, and Adhkaar memorization. Our teachers from Um al Qura administered the exams. Each person was asked to recite 3 surahs from the ones we memorized, 3 different dua’, and as many hadeeth from Imam Nawawee’s 40 hadeeth. But before they began the testing, the teachers presented us with gifts and they each gave a short farewell speech. They reminded us that they had been waiting for us this year since the day we left last year. They were happy to see us but sad that our time together had come to an end. Almost all the sisters shed tears that morning. It truly is a beautiful thing to meet people who love you deeply for the sake of Allah, and no other reason.
Later that afternoon we had to take written exams. Alhamdulillah we got lucky, and 2 exams were dropped – we were only tested on Usool al Fiqh, Qawaaid al Fiqhiyyah, and Zakaat. How were they? Definitely a challenge, but it was a good exercise to solidify all that we had learned in the past few weeks.
The first part of the exams were for Quran, Hadeeth, and Adhkaar memorization. Our teachers from Um al Qura administered the exams. Each person was asked to recite 3 surahs from the ones we memorized, 3 different dua’, and as many hadeeth from Imam Nawawee’s 40 hadeeth. But before they began the testing, the teachers presented us with gifts and they each gave a short farewell speech. They reminded us that they had been waiting for us this year since the day we left last year. They were happy to see us but sad that our time together had come to an end. Almost all the sisters shed tears that morning. It truly is a beautiful thing to meet people who love you deeply for the sake of Allah, and no other reason.
Later that afternoon we had to take written exams. Alhamdulillah we got lucky, and 2 exams were dropped – we were only tested on Usool al Fiqh, Qawaaid al Fiqhiyyah, and Zakaat. How were they? Definitely a challenge, but it was a good exercise to solidify all that we had learned in the past few weeks.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Makkah Tours
On Saturday the Albaseerah attendees headed out to visit some interesting sites around Makkah. Our first stop was the factory of the Kiswa, the black covering of the Ka’bah. The tour began at the Kiswa museum diplaying the historical kiswa pieces. Red, green, and the traditional black Kiswas embroidered with different ayaat hung throughout the hall.
We then made our way through the factory where we could see the workers embroidering the beautiful cloth. The tour begins with the last stage of the process. The designs are traced onto the black fabric, and then yellow and white threads are used to embroider the calligraphic ayaat. After that, gold and silver wire is stitched over the threads to create the look that is familiar to so many of us.
We also got to see the looms and machines used to prepare the silk. It was interesting to see the entire process from spinning thread to the gold embroidery. The Kiswa is changed every year during Hajj. This year’s Kiswah is already made, so the one we saw them working on is for next year’s Hajj insha’Allah.
Our next tour stop was the museum for the exhibition of the two holy mosques. This modest-sized museum houses artifacts from Masjid an Nabwi and Masjid al Haram from hundreds of years ago. We had the opportunity to take lots of pictures of the beautiful calligraphy on wall hangings, decorations pieces, doors, and other structures.
The last place we visited was Jabl Rehmah. When our bus came to a stop, we were greeted with over 20 camels and their drivers. The brothers and sisters enjoyed camel rides, ATVs, climbing the mountain, and even riding the camels up the mountain. On our way back to the hotel we passed by the holy sites for Hajj and some historical landmarks as well. Alhamdulillah it was a great tour and everyone enjoyed themselves.
We then made our way through the factory where we could see the workers embroidering the beautiful cloth. The tour begins with the last stage of the process. The designs are traced onto the black fabric, and then yellow and white threads are used to embroider the calligraphic ayaat. After that, gold and silver wire is stitched over the threads to create the look that is familiar to so many of us.
We also got to see the looms and machines used to prepare the silk. It was interesting to see the entire process from spinning thread to the gold embroidery. The Kiswa is changed every year during Hajj. This year’s Kiswah is already made, so the one we saw them working on is for next year’s Hajj insha’Allah.
Our next tour stop was the museum for the exhibition of the two holy mosques. This modest-sized museum houses artifacts from Masjid an Nabwi and Masjid al Haram from hundreds of years ago. We had the opportunity to take lots of pictures of the beautiful calligraphy on wall hangings, decorations pieces, doors, and other structures.
The last place we visited was Jabl Rehmah. When our bus came to a stop, we were greeted with over 20 camels and their drivers. The brothers and sisters enjoyed camel rides, ATVs, climbing the mountain, and even riding the camels up the mountain. On our way back to the hotel we passed by the holy sites for Hajj and some historical landmarks as well. Alhamdulillah it was a great tour and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Sisters Tajweed Classes
A few days ago we were blessed to meet our teachers from Um ul Qura University: Ustadah Maryam, Ustadha Abeer, Ustadha Khadija (who was my teacher last year), and a new teacher, Ustadha Reem. So far we've had three classes for Tajweed and Quran Memorization in Makkah.
Our teachers greeted us with beautiful words. Ustadha Maryam addressed us with tears in her eyes when she told us they have been waiting a year for us to return. She reminded us of the reward for the person who recites in a skillful way and the double reward for the person who struggles with her recitation. She reminded us of the etiquettes of reciting Quran, and answered various questions.
We were divided into three levels. Each teacher presented a tajweed lesson for her group and then we each had an opportunity to recite a portion of the Quran that we were working on. The small group instruction was great. Each person had an opportunity to recite whatever Surah she wanted to learn. The teacher sat with us individually and modeled the correct pronunciation and then assigned a few ayaat for us to memorize.
I’ve always found it difficult to memorize Quran. Maybe it’s because of the blessing of this land, but Alhamdulillah I found it very easy to memorize with these teachers. May Allah reward them for their effort. Some sisters have memorized as many as 6 surahs in just three days. Masha'Allah these teachers are excellent.
The Quran classes were one of the things I missed most last year after returning from the seminar. I am considering keeping in touch by phone with Ustadha Khadija so I can continue to memorize.
Grand Mufti Attends Albaseerah Seminar
The other night we were honored by the presence of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , scholar of scholars, Shaykh Abdul Aziz Ala’ Shaykh. His wise words were concise but heavy with meaning and full of guidance.
He expressed his gratitude the Quran was Sunnah Society of New York for arranging this seminar and made dua’ that Allah subhana wa ta’ala grant us Tawfeeq. He spoke about the importance of making da’wah in our home countries and emphasized adorning oneself with Islamic manners and behaviors.
He continued by reminding us of the blessed place we are in, the city most beloved to Allah subhana wa ta’ala. He advised us to be patient and peaceful with others as this city is a sanctuary.
The Shaykh concluded his talk by reminding us of the importance of the 5 prayers, the Jumu’ah prayer, and adhering to the Jam’ah, and making dua’ that Allah subhana wa ta’ala allows us to see his noble face.
Alhamdulillah his advice was simple but meaningful. May Allah subhana wa ta’al lengthen his life so that he can continue to share his knowledge and advise us, and grant him the highest level of Jannah.
He expressed his gratitude the Quran was Sunnah Society of New York for arranging this seminar and made dua’ that Allah subhana wa ta’ala grant us Tawfeeq. He spoke about the importance of making da’wah in our home countries and emphasized adorning oneself with Islamic manners and behaviors.
He continued by reminding us of the blessed place we are in, the city most beloved to Allah subhana wa ta’ala. He advised us to be patient and peaceful with others as this city is a sanctuary.
The Shaykh concluded his talk by reminding us of the importance of the 5 prayers, the Jumu’ah prayer, and adhering to the Jam’ah, and making dua’ that Allah subhana wa ta’ala allows us to see his noble face.
Alhamdulillah his advice was simple but meaningful. May Allah subhana wa ta’al lengthen his life so that he can continue to share his knowledge and advise us, and grant him the highest level of Jannah.
Qawaaid al Fiqhiyyah
Qawaaid al Fiqhiyyah
Alhamdulillah we had the opportunity to sit with Shaykh Abdussalam AshShuwayer from Riyadh, a very young and noble Shaykh (only 43). He explained the 5 Great Principles of Fiqh. These principles are general rules that are applied when scholars derive fiqh rulings. They are short concise sentences which come from texts of Quran or Hadeeth. There are many principles but for this course we focused on the 5 Great principles which are as follows:
Al Umuru Bi Muqaasidiha Matters are based on the intentions behind them
Al Yakeenu La Yazulu Bi Shakk Certainty is not removed by doubt
Al Mashaqatu Tajlibu At Tayseer Burden Necessitates Ease
Al ‘Aadatu Muhkamah Habits are Considered in the Deen
La Darara wa La Diraar There is no harm or reciprocating harm (harming oneself or harming others)
Studying these Qawaaid is necessary to fully understand how the scholars derive fiqh. Throughout the other lectures other mashaykh mentioned these Qawaaid when explaining other legal rulings, so it was beneficial to have gone over them in detail.
Alhamdulillah we had the opportunity to sit with Shaykh Abdussalam AshShuwayer from Riyadh, a very young and noble Shaykh (only 43). He explained the 5 Great Principles of Fiqh. These principles are general rules that are applied when scholars derive fiqh rulings. They are short concise sentences which come from texts of Quran or Hadeeth. There are many principles but for this course we focused on the 5 Great principles which are as follows:
Al Umuru Bi Muqaasidiha Matters are based on the intentions behind them
Al Yakeenu La Yazulu Bi Shakk Certainty is not removed by doubt
Al Mashaqatu Tajlibu At Tayseer Burden Necessitates Ease
Al ‘Aadatu Muhkamah Habits are Considered in the Deen
La Darara wa La Diraar There is no harm or reciprocating harm (harming oneself or harming others)
Studying these Qawaaid is necessary to fully understand how the scholars derive fiqh. Throughout the other lectures other mashaykh mentioned these Qawaaid when explaining other legal rulings, so it was beneficial to have gone over them in detail.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Washing the Kaaba
We got the opportunity to watch the "washing" of the Kaaba on August 2nd. Members of the royal family and ministers perform this ceremony twice a year. There is no religous significance for this ceremony. In this short video you can see people making tawaaf outside the guarded area where the royalties are.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
From Madinah to Makkah
With great sadness we left Madinah after only 4 days. Alhamdulillah Allah granted this opportunity to get the reward for 1000 prayers for each prayer in the masjid, and pray at the Rowdah. I can only make dua’ and hope that we will be blessed to return to this place.
Other classes that we took during our stay in Madinah were: Qawaaid al Arbaa (sisters only), 8 conditions of La illaha ilallah (sisters only), The Rites of Umrah, Seeking Knowledge and Ali ibn Abi Taalib by Shaykh Adbullah Jarboo, and The 6 Fundamental Principles by Shaykh Muhammad Bakheet.
Soon after our departure we stopped at Masjid Quba. The reward for praying at Masjid Quba is like an Umrah. We then proceeded to the Meeqat Dhul Hulaifah to make the intention to perform Umrah.
I felt Umrah was more challenging this year than last summer. Because of the construction for the expansion parts of the Haram are blocked off. The masjid is more congested, the Saeey area was packed. Our usual routes were blocked off so it took some time to maneuver our way around and get back to the hotel. May Allah accept our deeds and give us the opportunity to make another Umrah, insha’Allah.
Other classes that we took during our stay in Madinah were: Qawaaid al Arbaa (sisters only), 8 conditions of La illaha ilallah (sisters only), The Rites of Umrah, Seeking Knowledge and Ali ibn Abi Taalib by Shaykh Adbullah Jarboo, and The 6 Fundamental Principles by Shaykh Muhammad Bakheet.
Soon after our departure we stopped at Masjid Quba. The reward for praying at Masjid Quba is like an Umrah. We then proceeded to the Meeqat Dhul Hulaifah to make the intention to perform Umrah.
I felt Umrah was more challenging this year than last summer. Because of the construction for the expansion parts of the Haram are blocked off. The masjid is more congested, the Saeey area was packed. Our usual routes were blocked off so it took some time to maneuver our way around and get back to the hotel. May Allah accept our deeds and give us the opportunity to make another Umrah, insha’Allah.
Tours in Madinah
Lectures by scholars, Umrah, excellent accommodations, and field trips too? The first trip was for brothers only to the University of Madinah. The brothers met with some administrators who gave a short talk, entertained questions, and provided gifts. Everyone was given a leather briefcase with the University logo and an application.
The next tour was of Masjid an Nabwi. We got to meet with members of the management staff who showed us the control room of the Masjid where all the electrical power is managed. We also viewed short video about the history of the Masjid, outlining all the recent expansion projects.
Our last excursion in Madinah was to the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex. The presenter discussed the process of producing copies of the Quran. It was interesting to find out the original is hand-written and not created electronically. A team of scholars are required to revise the work before it goes into printing. This facility produces thousands and thousands of Qurans in different sizes, different translations, that are sent all over the world.
The next tour was of Masjid an Nabwi. We got to meet with members of the management staff who showed us the control room of the Masjid where all the electrical power is managed. We also viewed short video about the history of the Masjid, outlining all the recent expansion projects.
Our last excursion in Madinah was to the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex. The presenter discussed the process of producing copies of the Quran. It was interesting to find out the original is hand-written and not created electronically. A team of scholars are required to revise the work before it goes into printing. This facility produces thousands and thousands of Qurans in different sizes, different translations, that are sent all over the world.
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.
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.
The View
We anxiously opened the door to our room. Although the hotel did border the NW side of the masjid, chances that we would have a nice view were still slim. Spacious, clean, comfortable with all the necessary amenities. Dar al Iman Intercontinental: A real 5 star hotel. This was too good. Pulling back the curtains we were enraptured with a great view of Masjid an-Nabwi. We could have sat staring at it for hours.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
And we're off...
Detroit – Houston – New York City – Jeddah – Madinah
5 cities in 4 days. We finally depart for our final destination – The City of the Prophet. After experiencing the usual ordeal of delayed flights, bad weather, cancelled flights, re-bookings, post-midnight arrivals, crazy cab drivers, and angry bus drivers, we finally made it by the will of Allah subhana wa ta’ala. And without any problems with luggage, Alhamdulillah. All the trials make the experience more valuable, and more memorable. And what’s the fun of traveling without any of mishaps? Everyone needs a little adventure in their lives.
5 cities in 4 days. We finally depart for our final destination – The City of the Prophet. After experiencing the usual ordeal of delayed flights, bad weather, cancelled flights, re-bookings, post-midnight arrivals, crazy cab drivers, and angry bus drivers, we finally made it by the will of Allah subhana wa ta’ala. And without any problems with luggage, Alhamdulillah. All the trials make the experience more valuable, and more memorable. And what’s the fun of traveling without any of mishaps? Everyone needs a little adventure in their lives.
All of ours worries seemed to melt away when we sat down in the hotel lobby, with our cups of tea in hand. What a grand place we were in! What a beautiful city! Was it worth the headache and hardships? Definitely!
Looking around the lobby we saw some new faces and some old. Our old acquaintances were just as eager to return as we were. This was the second time we’ve attended Albaseerah’s Summer Seminar.
During the travel, many questions came to mind. I wondered what was ahead of us. Would this year’s seminar be as great as last year? Was it possible to improve? Would there be separate classes for women in the Haram? Would the exams be open-notes? No chance. Would we get to kiss the black stone? Would our deeds be accepted? Would we remember to make dua’ for all the people who asked us to make dua’ for them during our Umrah? Will it change me? Will I get closer to Allah subhana wa ta’ala? With questions swimming inside my head we headed to our room and anticipated the next day.
Looking around the lobby we saw some new faces and some old. Our old acquaintances were just as eager to return as we were. This was the second time we’ve attended Albaseerah’s Summer Seminar.
During the travel, many questions came to mind. I wondered what was ahead of us. Would this year’s seminar be as great as last year? Was it possible to improve? Would there be separate classes for women in the Haram? Would the exams be open-notes? No chance. Would we get to kiss the black stone? Would our deeds be accepted? Would we remember to make dua’ for all the people who asked us to make dua’ for them during our Umrah? Will it change me? Will I get closer to Allah subhana wa ta’ala? With questions swimming inside my head we headed to our room and anticipated the next day.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Intro
By the grace of Allah subhana wa ta'ala we were blessed to attend last year's seminar - Uthman ibn Affan Seminar and have been eagerly awaiting this year's trip. I hope that by creating this blog to post daily notes and photos of the seminar others will be encouraged to seek knowledge and perform Hajj and Umrah if they have not done so already.
Our journey begins on July 24th when we will depart from JFK airport, land in Jeddah via Saudi Airlines and take a bus to Madinah. The hotel location can not be disclosed at this time, however, I am excited to say that we will be staying directly in front of Masjid an-Nabwi!!!
Our journey begins on July 24th when we will depart from JFK airport, land in Jeddah via Saudi Airlines and take a bus to Madinah. The hotel location can not be disclosed at this time, however, I am excited to say that we will be staying directly in front of Masjid an-Nabwi!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
