This document outlines a beginner's course on Islam conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail, focusing on the importance of seeking knowledge, Islamic etiquette, and foundational teachings for Muslim converts and young adults. The curriculum emphasizes various aspects of Islamic education, including personal and community obligations, the concept of 'deen' as a total way of life, and the significance of having the right intentions in learning. Classes are held weekly in Singapore, promoting understanding and adherence to Islamic principles.

1. “ A BEGINNERS’ COURSE ON ISLAM” Lessons on Fardhu ‘Ain in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail INTRODUCTION LESSON # 1 Using textbook & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” IT CAN ALSO BE A REFRESHER COURSE FOR MUSLIM PARENTS, EDUCATORS, IN CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE. OPEN TO ALL UPDATED OCTOBER 2011 Every Friday night @ 8pm – 10pm Wisma Indah, 450 Changi Road, #02-00 next to Masjid Kassim All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 (PART 1 INTRODUCTION) 14 OCTOBER 2011 IN-TAKE

2. A REMINDER TO MUSLIMS FROM LESSONS ON ISLAMIC “ADAB” IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

3. From LESSON # 4 LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

4. From LESSON # 4 LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 “ We are (much) in need of a little ‘adab’ , rather than to go out (seeking) after much of ‘ilm (knowledge)” – Imam ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak

5. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

6. “ It is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify (purify) them, and to instruct (teach) them in Scripture and Wisdom― although they had been, before, in manifest error―” ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62:2 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

7. Purify his soul ( nafs ) from impure traits and blameworthy characteristics. Such as:- ‘ ujub (self-conceit) Ju h ud (obstinacy) Kibr (arrogance) Hasd (jealousy) Riya’ (ostentatious) Hub al-jah (love for status) Hub ad-dunya (love of the world) Etc. .. amongst others .... He is indeed successful who purify and causes it to grow, ( Qur’an: Shams: 91: 10 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

8. Remove impediments (affairs of the world) to devote with undivided attention to the study. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) “ Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body “ ( Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 4 )

9. Never scorn knowledge nor exalt himself/herself over the teacher. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) “ Whosever has humility (tawwadhu’), Allah will raise his rank (and status); and whosoever is arrogant (proud - takabbur) Allah will humiliate him.” ( Hadith of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

10. Observe priority in learning and submit to the advise of the teacher in the matters of his learning. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) “ ... and be satisfied with your ignorance if you have wronged a teacher.” A POEM FROM KITAB “TA’LIM MUTA’LLIM”

11. Must be patient and not be hasty in learning as one may need to master praiseworthy knowledge. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) “ Calmness is from Allah, and (whereas) hastiness is from satan.” ( Hadith reported by Baihaqy from Anas r.a .) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

12. Do not attempt to address every branch of knowledge but must observe order and begin with the most important. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) O ye who believe! put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger: but fear Allah: for Allah is He who hears and knows all things. ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 1 )

13. Learn to ascertain the noble nature of this or other science. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) Such as to know value & priority:- Fardh ‘Ain (personal obligation) Fardh Kifaya (community obligation) Muqaddimat (introductory) Mukhtasar (Summary) Mufasssal (Detail) Mujmal (General) Khususiya (Specialised) Usul (Principles) Furu’ (Branches or secondary) Manfa’at (beneficial) Ghoyr Manfa’at (not beneficial) Etc. .. amongst others ....

14. Purpose of learning is for the adornment of inner self with virtues – seeking nearness to Allah (“ Taqarrub-il-lAllaah ”) and attainment of piety (“ Taqwa ”). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 13 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

15. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

16. “ Whoever seeks knowledge (intending) to argue with the learned (scholars), or to brag with the foolish; or with it to attract peoples’ attention to himself; Allah will make him to enter the Hell-fire.” ( Hadith also reported by Tirmidzi and Ibn Majah ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

17. Avoid polemics. (Difference: ‘ Maslahat al-mursalah ’ and ‘ Bid’ah ’) Niyyat : Essentials ( rukn ’ ) in every worship (servitude). Intention is formulated in the heart and mind. In language that one understands. Conscious awareness accompanying the act. Clarity of action and purpose. To eradicate ambiguity. Sincerity towards Allah s.w.t. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

18. As an example of the intention (and Du’a): as formulated by Imam Qutb al-Irshad al-Habib ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad ( rahimahullah ) – may we benefit from his Wisdom and secrets. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

19. As an example of the intention (and Du’a): as formulated by Imam Qutb al-Irshad al-Habib ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad ( rahimahullah ) – may we benefit from his Wisdom and secrets. “ I intend to learn and teach (knowledge), to gain and to share benefits, to receive and to give reminders, to seek (Allah’s) bestowals and to bestow (upon others), to holdfast to the teachings of the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and As-Sunnah of His Messenger s.a.a.w. , to invite towards the right guidance, to show to the path of goodness, beseeching and seeking to please Allah s.w.t., so as to gain nearness to Him and hoping for (His acceptance and) His reward. Amin” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

20. Refer also to the traditional text : “ Ta’lim Muta’allim Tariqit Ta’allum” تَعْلِيْم الْمُتَعَلِّم طَرِيْقَ التَّعَلُّم “ INSTRUCTION OF THE STUDENT : THE METHOD OF LEARNING” by Sheikh Imam Tajuddin Nu’man al-Zarnuji. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

21. ISLAM : A BRIEF INTRODUCTION How would you respond to basic questions regarding your religion? All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

22. UNDERSTANDING FROM THE TERMS “ AD-DEEN” - usually translated as “ the religion ” more accurately it should be “ a total way of life or a comprehensive system of living ” a Muslim regard his/her entire life as a religious experience. Islam provides for guidance in, not only matters of worship, but as to how he/she is to conduct oneself in daily matters - be it social, economic etc. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

23. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Usually translated as “religion” – (borrowed from the available Western equivalent, but it does not accurately convey the Arabic significance of this term). In Arabic, a word is derived from its tri-lateral roots (when written has no vowels) which can be variously pronounced (with vowels and other emphasis) from a broad semantic field of meanings possible from this root: Further elucidation of word “ Deen ”

24. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Further elucidation of word “ Deen ” from root word “ daa-na “which can also mean : “be indebted; to owe one’s thanks; to be subjected; bow; yield; owe allegiance.” from “ dain ” which means “debt; obligation; liability.” from “ dai-nuu-na ” which means “judgement; Last Judgement.” related to the word “ maad-dana ” which means “to build or found cities to civilise, to refine and to humanise” from which is derived the word “ tamaddun ” meaning “civilization and refinement in social culture”

25. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Further elucidation of word “ Deen ” The primary significations of the term “ deen ” thus can be reduced to four: Indebtedness (2) Submissiveness/submission/surrender (3) Judicious power (4) Natural inclination or tendency

26. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Further elucidation of word “ Deen ” Thus, the implication of “ religion ” in the ordinary usage which tends to be affected by secular thoughts is not in accord to Islam’s concept of religion which is life in totality, all-encompassing and where worldly and heavenly concern cannot be dichotomised. A Muslim always is mindful that ultimately he is a servant of God whether in mosque or in the market place, in private or in public etc. Life of this world is intrinsically linked with the Hereafter (also referred to as ‘Yaum al-Deen’ -The day of Judgement).

27. UNDERSTANDING FROM THE TERMS “ ISLAM” - “( peaceful) submission and obedience to God” name and description of the religion revealed by God from Adam, continuously established by many prophets and culminated with Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

28. UNDERSTANDING FROM THE TERMS “ MUSLIM” - literally it means “ one who submits and obey, willingly surrenders to the will of God ” it refers to followers of Islam, which now numbers over 1.5 billion people of diverse race and nationality. It is wrong and in bad taste to refer to them as “ Muhammadan ” or “ Mussalman ” All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

29. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Significance of the name. “ Islam ” which literally means “ submission, resignation, reconciliation (to the will of God” – and with the addition of “al-“ (a definite article) it refers to the name of this religion. It comes from same root as “ s-l-m ” meaning “ peace ”; “ saleema ” meaning “ to be safe and sound, secure, to be free, blameless ” etc. The term “ Muslim ” literally mean “ one who submits, is reconciled to the will of God ”. And its usage is not limited to only the time of Muhammad [peace be upon him] but also to all those who genuinely submit to the divine will revealed to in the past.

30. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Significance of the name. It is thus that Muslims regard the religion revealed by God to mankind, in essence, as being one and the same, from the prophets Adam, Nuh .. up to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all), referred to as “al- Islam ”. For its basic teachings can be summarised as the call to man towards “the way of total servitude to God’s will .” It is to be noted that Muhammad [pbuh] did not himself named this religion, but the term “ Islam ” as well as “ Muslimun (Muslims)” is based on the revelation which he received from God (i.e. the Qur’an) :

31. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Significance of the name. “ Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is “al-Islam” (man’s self-surrender unto Him)” ( Qur’an: aali-Imran: 3 : 19 )

32. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Significance of the name.

33. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 Significance of the name. “ And strive hard in God’s cause with all the striving that is due to Him: it is He Who has elected you [to carry His message] and has laid no hardship on you in [anything that pertains to] religion, [and made you follow] the creed of your forefather Abraham. It is He Who has named you - in bygone times as well as in this (divine writ) “ al-Muslimin ” (“those who have surrendered themselves to God”), so that the Messenger might bear witness to the Truth before you, and that you might bear witness to it before mankind.” ( Qur’an: al-Hajj : 22 : 78 )

34. UNDERSTANDING FROM THE TERMS “ ALLAH” - the name of God in Arabic. It refers to the One and only God of the Universe. In Arabic it is in a proper noun, the name which has no equivalent in other non-Semitic language. “ Allah is the Unique, the Absolute One having no partners, Creator and Lord (Sustainer) of the Universe.” All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

35. OUR BASIC STAND All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

36. OUR BASIC STAND All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 “ Say : We believe in Allah, and in that which has been revealed to us and that which has been sent down on Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and the prophets of their lord; we make no division between any of them, and to Him (Allah) we surrender (as Muslims).” ( Qur’an : al- Baqarah : 2 : 136 )

37. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet)

38. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36)

39. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

40. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36)

41. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36)

42. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) “ And indeed, within every community have We raised up a Messenger [entrusted with this message]: "Worship God, and shun the powers of evil!" And among those [past generations] were people whom God graced with His guidance, just as there was among them [many a one] who inevitably fell prey to grievous error: go, then, about the earth and behold what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth!” ( Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16: 36 )

43. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THESE PREVIOUS MESSENGERS FROM GOD WAS ….

44. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, (other nations) a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ABRAHAM ( Ibrahim ) Important historical personality recognised by Jews, Christians and Muslims today.

45. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ASIA AFRICA EUROPE KA’ABA In BAKKA (MAKKAH) FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE-EAST CROSS-ROAD CONNECTING THREE MAJOR CONTINENTS

46. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE-EAST CROSS-ROAD CONNECTING THREE MAJOR CONTINENTS

47. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE-EAST CROSS-ROAD CONNECTING THREE MAJOR CONTINENTS

48. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, (other nations) a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ABRAHAM ( Ibrahim ) (1st Born) ISHMAEL ( Isma-’il )

49. Some interesting Biblical records: Genesis 21: 18-21 “ ... And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar ? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water ; and she went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. And God was with the lad, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran ...” All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

50. Some interesting Biblical records: Genesis 21: 18-21 “ ... And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar ? Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him fast with your hand; for I will make him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water ; and she went, and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. And God was with the lad, and he grew up; he lived in the wilderness, and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran ...” All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

51. Some interesting Biblical records: Regarding : Genesis 21: 18-21 All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 To Muslims, the above (Genesis 21: 18-21) relates to the history of the beginning of Makkah, with the tribulation of the family of Prophet Ibrahim a.s.- Hajar and his first-born infant Isma’il a.s. After Hajar had frantically ran between the two hillocks of Safa and Marwa whilst at the same time supplicating to Allah s.w.t. in search of water, they were bestowed with the well of zam-zam . This is the SA’IE , one of the rites re-enacted till today by pilgrims. And beside the well of zam-zam , Prophets Ibrahim and Isma’il a.s. were later shown the foundation of the oldest house of worship upon which they rebuild the Ka’bah. IMPORTANT NOTE: “MAKKAH is in PARAN”

52. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, (other nations) a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ABRAHAM ( Ibrahim ) (1st Born) (2nd Born) ISHMAEL ( Isma-’il ) ISAAC ( Is-haq )

53. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, (other nations) a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ABRAHAM ( Ibrahim ) (1st Born) (2nd Born) ISHMAEL ( Isma-’il ) ISAAC ( Is-haq ) JACOB ( Ya’akub ) JOSEPH ( Yusuf ) MOSES ( Musa ) DAVID ( Dawud ) SOLOMON ( Sulaiman ) (many others amongst Israelite) JOHN THE BAPTIST ( Yahya ) JESUS CHRIST (‘ Isa al-Maseeh )

54. All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 ADAM (other nations) NOAH ( Nuh ) (Shem) (Ham) (Yaphet) “ for We assuredly sent amongst every nation, (other nations) a Messenger” (Q: Nahl : 16:36) ABRAHAM ( Ibrahim ) (1st Born) (2nd Born) ISHMAEL ( Isma-’il ) ISAAC ( Is-haq ) JACOB ( Ya’akub ) JOSEPH ( Yusuf ) MOSES ( Musa ) DAVID ( Dawud ) SOLOMON ( Sulaiman ) (many others amongst Israelite) JOHN THE BAPTIST ( Yahya ) JESUS CHRIST (‘ Isa al-Maseeh ) (The Quraysh tribe in Mecca, direct descendants of Ishmael) MUHAMMAD (The chosen Seal of Prophethood)

55. Origin of Ka’abah The great Flood of the Prophet Nuh’s a.s. period Prophet Ibrahim a.s. – an exemplary “Muslim”. Significance of Bakkah (ancient name of Makkah)...... All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011

56. History of Makkah and the Awaited Seal of Prophethood All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee2011 TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2 .... INSHA-ALLAH

57. http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/ All welcome to visit my web-blog: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )