1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ “ Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the most exalted (Kuluq) disposition.” Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail LESSON # 4a – ABOUT THE ‘ NAFS’ (SELF) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

2. “ And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul ( RU H ). Say, "The soul ( RU H ) is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little.” ( Qur’an: al-Isra‘: 17: 85 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL.

3. “ Guide us to the straight path -The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. ( Qur’an: al-Fatihah: 1: 5-7 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL.

4. “ But as for those who strive hard in Our cause ( JAHIDU ) -We shall most certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, Allah is indeed with the doers of good.” ( Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 69 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL.

5. “ O you who have attained to faith! ( ISwBIRU ) Be patient in adversity, and ( SwOBIRU ) vie in patience with one another ; and ( ROBITwU ) remain stationed (ever ready to do what is right) and (be conscious and) fear Allah ( TAQWALLAH ); that you may be successful.” ( Qur’an: Aali-’Imran: 3: 200 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL.

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7. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Consider the human self ( NAFS ), and how it is formed in accordance with what it is meant to be, and how it is imbued with moral failings as well as with consciousness of Allah! To a happy state shall indeed attain he who causes this [ NAFS - self] to grow in purity, and truly lost is he who buries it [in darkness].” ( Qur’an: Shams: 91: 7-10 )

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9. “ And, indeed, He has enjoined upon you in this divine writ that whenever you hear people deny the truth of Allah's messages and mock at them, you shall avoid their company until they begin to talk of other things - or else, verily, you will become like them. Behold, together with those who deny the truth Allah will gather in hell the hypocrites,” ( Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 140 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

10. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ And [know that true servants of Allah are only] those who never bear witness to what is false, and [who], whenever they pass by [people engaged in] frivolity, pass on with dignity;” ( Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 72 )

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12. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ LET IT NOT deceive thee that those who are bent on denying the truth seem to be able to do as they please on earth: it is [but] a brief enjoyment, with hell thereafter as their goal - and how vile a resting-place! -whereas those who remain conscious of their Sustainer shall have gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide: a ready welcome from Allah. And that which is with God is best for the truly virtuous.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 196-198 )

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

15. “ We are (much) in need of a little Adab , from (that of) going out (seeking) after much of ‘ilm (knowledge)” – (Imam ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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17. “ He (Allah) it is who has sent unto the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves, to convey unto them His messages, and to cause them to grow in purity, and to impart unto them the divine writ as well as wisdom - whereas before that they were indeed, most obviously, lost in error.” ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

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19. “ And recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is no changer of His words, and never will you find in other than Him a refuge. And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.” ( Qur’an: Kahfi: 18: 27-28 )

20. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

24. (C) Rise / election of False leaders External Loss of Adab (B) Internal (A) Confusion and Error in Knowledge “ This state of perpetual confusion at all levels of societal leadership is ingeniously termed by al-Attas as the loss of adab. [1] The loss of Adab in the community. Thus restoration of Adab has higher priority for Adab precedes even learning. [2] Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud’s “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas” (ISTAC publication 1998) p 74 All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

26. “ The learned and wise among Muslims must use constant vigilance in detecting erroneous usage in language which impinges upon semantic change in major key elements and creates general confusion and error in the understanding of Islam and of its worldview .” Quote: “The Concept of Education in Islam” pp. 37-38 All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas : REMINDER FROM MY PREVIOUS LESSONS

27. "Indeed the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, but if they fall into covetousness and greed, who shall be taken as leaders? The merchants and businessmen are the trustees of Allah, so if they are treacherous, who can be trusted? The warriors are the guests of Allah so if they become extreme (or take spoils without right), with whom can we defeat the enemies? The righteous and ascetic ones are the kings of the earth but if they become insincere (i.e. have riya’ ), who shall be followed? The governors/rulers are the shepherds (protectors) of the people, but if the shepherd becomes a wolf, who shall protect the flock?" - Imam 'Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

28. “ He who does not exert abstinence ( WARA’) while learning, God (Allah) the Almighty chastise [him] in one of three ways: [1] either deprives him of life in his youth, or [2] exiles him into [far-off] regions, or [3] punishes him [by forcing him to enter] the service of the Sultan.” A SCHOLARS’ ADVICE FROM KITAB “ TA’LIM MUTA’LLIM ” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

29. “ ( ‘ilm ) Knowledge without Adab , is like (having) fire (but) without wood (fuel); and Adab without knowledge ( ‘ilm ) , is like (having) the Soul (but) without body.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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

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

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42. 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)

43. 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)

45. “ O ye who believe! (Be conscious of Allah and) Fear Allah ( TAQWA ) and be with those who are true (in word and deed).” ( Qur’an: Taubah:9: 119 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

46. “ He is not from my Ummah (community), One who do not respect our elders, or One who is not merciful (kind) to our young, and One who do not know our ‘Ulama’ - Islamic scholars (and respect their rights ) .” ( Hadith of our Prophet s.a.w. Reported by Tabrany ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

47. “ A person is upon the religion (way of life) of the ones (friends) he is close to, therefore look to whom you (love to be) close to.” ( Hadith reported by Tirmidzi ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

48. ” Verily this is knowledge (contains the rules) of the DEEN (Religion), so look thoroughly into the person from whom you acquire (the knowledge of) your DEEN (Religion).” Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rhm.a) advices and warns us Muslims: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

49. “ Whosoever has an increase in knowledge without any increase in his detachment ( ZUHD ) for the world, would not have any increase with Allah except in his distancing himself further” ( Hadith reported by Dailami from ‘Ali ibn Abi Tolib r.a .) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

50. “ He is not an ascetic ( ZAHID ) he who is detached (denounce) the dirham and dinar (i.e. money), but verily a true ascetic ( ZAHID ) is one who detaches himself from all other except the Irresistable ( Allah jallaajalaa-luh )” ( Explanation of “ ZUHD ” by Ibn ‘Arabiy ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

51. “ O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the ability to follow it. And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the ability to reject it.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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53. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people." All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

54. ROB-BANAA- AN-FA’-NAA -BI-MAA- ‘AL-LAM-TA-NAA O our Lord! Make us to benefit from what You have taught us . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

55. ROB-BI –’AL-LIM- NAL- LA-DzEE- YAN-FA- ‘U-NA O Lord! Teach us whatever that is beneficial for us . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

56. ROB-BI –FAQ-QIH-NAA -WA -FAQ-QIH – AH-LA-NAA O Lord! Grant upon us profound understanding, (as also grant upon) our family members. . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

57. WA –QO-RAA-BAA-TIN-LA-NAA -FEE -DEE-NI-NAA MA-’ A -AH-LIL-QUTw-RI- UN-THA - WA DzA-KAR And also to those in the Faith who are close to us , Amongst fellow citizens, the female and the male. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

58. ALLAA-HUM-MAJ- ’AL-NAA - HAA-DEE-NAA - MUH-TA-DEEN O Allah! Make us to be people who guide (others) and who are (always) guided (by Your Guidance) . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

59. GHOY-RA- DwAA-L-LEE-NA WA LAA- MU-DwIL-LEEN Not of those who are astray and who lead people astray. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

60. ALLAA-HUM - MAH-DI-NAA BI – HU-DAAK O Allah! Guide us all with Your Guidance . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

61. WAJ-’AL-NAA MIM-MAN - YU-SAA - RI-’U – FEE - RI-DwAAK And make us people who hasten towards what pleases You. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

62. WA- LAA TUWAL-LI-NAA - WA-LIY-YAN SI-WAAK And do not let us be protected (by others) except only with Your Protection (as our Guardian). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

63. WA- LAA TAJ-’AL –NAA - MIM-MAN - KHAA-LAFA AM-RAKA WA- ‘A- SwAAK And do not make us to be of those who differ from Your command and are disobedient towards You. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

64. WA- HAS - BU-NALLAA-HU - WA NI’-MAL - WA-KEEL And sufficient is Allah for us, for He is the Best Protector. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

65. WA- LAA HAW- LA -WA –LAA -QUW-WATA - IL-LAA BIL-LAA – HIL - ‘ALEE-YIL - ‘A-ZEEM And there is no power nor strength except with Allah The Most High, the Most Esteem. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

66. WA- SwOL-LALLAA-HU- ‘ALAA SAY-DI-NAA - MUHAMMADIN WA ‘ALAA – AA-LIHI -WA SwOH-BI-HI - WA-SAL-LAM And salutations of Allah and Peace be upon our Leader Muhammad, and upon His household and Companions . All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

67. WAL-HAM- DU-LIL-LAA-HI - ROB- BIL - ‘AA – LA - MEEN And all the Praises is for Allah, Lord Sustainer of all the worlds. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011

68. 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 )