The document discusses important lessons from Ramadan, emphasizing the significance of fasting as a means to achieve self-improvement and a closer relationship with Allah. It highlights the concepts of 'taqwa' (consciousness of Allah), the importance of sincere worship, and fulfilling religious duties for personal development. The conclusion encourages gratitude for divine guidance and communal unity, with a call to celebrate by glorifying Allah and adhering to the teachings of Islam.

1. BY: USTAZ ZHULKEFLEE HJ ISMAIL 5 SEPTEMBER 2010 26 RMADHAN 1431 (HIJRIYAH) @ GALAXY, GEYLANG SINGAPORE Time: 5-15pm “ IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM MADRASAH OF RAMADHAN ” IN-HOUSE TALK FOR THE “MABUHAY CLUB” DARUL ARQAM SINGAPORE AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 SURAH AL-BAQARAH:2: 183-185

2. “ The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and who teaches it.” (Hadith reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmidzi and Ibnu Majah ) AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010

3. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL

4. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

5. بُنِيَ اْلإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ “ Islam (submission to the Will of Allah) is built upon five .... (Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.) “ Do not regard your duty in ‘ibadat as mere rituals, For they are for your education and development to become truly a Muslim” AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED?

6. Reflect upon the purpose and objective of Fasting in Ramadan ..... AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010

7. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

8. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

9. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

10. MUSLIM FIRST LEVEL TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OF AL-ISLAM Submission Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

11. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Follow the rules of Fasting as taught by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w.

12. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Follow the rules of Fasting as taught by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. Re-orientating from following self-desire to following the commands of Allah.

13. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Follow the rules of Fasting as taught by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. Re-orientating from following self-desire to following the commands of Allah. Re-programming schedules and strive to adopt a disciplined life of worship (servitude).

14. MUSLIM LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Submission Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

15. MUSLIM MU’MEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

16. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to ‘ Believe ’ is that one: [1] must have trust, feeling secure,;

17. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to ‘ Believe ’ is that one: [1] must have trust, feeling secure,; [2] accept willingly and undergo the test given;

18. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to ‘ Believe ’ is that one: [1] must have trust, feeling secure,; [2] accept willingly and undergo the test given; [3] what one claims to believe in, one must manifest this into action in life.

19. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to ‘ Believe ’ is that one: [1] must have trust, feeling secure,; [2] accept willingly and undergo the test given; [3] what one claims to believe in, one must manifest this into action in life. [4] having no doubt of the promises of eternal reward and the many bestowals in this month;

20. MUSLIM MU’MEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

21. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

22. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to be ‘ Righteous ’ is : [1] to be serving or in constant devotion “ to Allah as though we are seeing Him..... ”;

23. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to be ‘ Righteous ’ is : [1] to be serving or in constant devotion “ to Allah as though we are seeing Him..... ”; [2] our being good or righteous must be for the benefit of others, for Allah has no need from us.

24. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of to be ‘ Righteous ’ is : [1] to be serving or in constant devotion “ to Allah as though we are seeing Him..... ”; [2] our being good or righteous must be for the benefit of others, for Allah has no need from us. [3] it is not out of vanity but as an expression of gratitude to Allah.

25. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

26. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

27. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of ‘ Sincerity ’ is : [1] linked closely to TAU H EED .

28. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of ‘ Sincerity ’ is : [1] linked closely to TAU H EED . [2] to remove or turn away from other consideration except for seeking nearness to Allah. It pertains to our innermost intention – our consciousness in our hearts/mind.

29. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Meaning of ‘ Sincerity ’ is : [1] linked closely to TAU H EED . [2] to remove or turn away from other consideration except for seeking nearness to Allah. It pertains to our innermost intention – our consciousness in our hearts/mind. [3] to become aware of the subtlety of the many ‘ enemies within ’ and must wage a relentless struggle ( jihaad ) against these distractions and destructive forces.

30. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

31. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN MUTTAQEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity God-consciousness or Piety Extracted from: LESSONS ON ISLAMIC ADAB By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

32. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Although one may taste this stage of “ TAQWA ”, yet we must constantly strive to remain steadfast and seek Allah’s bestowal of “ ISTIQOMAH ” – to make us to remain firmly established on this spiritual state.

33. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Although one may taste this stage of “ TAQWA ”, yet we must constantly strive to remain steadfast and seek Allah’s bestowal of “ ISTIQOMAH ” – to make us to remain firmly established on this spiritual state. This is the highest standard of Nobility ( akram ), according to Allah, which we are always commanded to attain to.

34. What is Taqwa ? The usual translation into English is ‘reverential fear of Allah’ , which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of this term still evades many. I prefer to use term “the ‘ consciousness of Allah’ , which entails factors which lead to true obedience to Allah s.w.t. and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. - obedience to what Allah ordered and staying away from what Allah forbade. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

35. What is Taqwa ? Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali rhm . [Ref: “al-Ghazali – Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship”] has listed six important qualities in ‘ Taqwa ’ (consciousness of Allah): AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

36. What is Taqwa ? [1] AWARENESS By conscious awareness we mean the state in which one’s mind and feelings are in no way distracted from what one is doing and saying. Perception is united with action and speech. Thoughts do not wonder. When the mind remains attentive to what one is doing, when one is whole-heartedly involved, and when nothing makes one heedless, that is when one has achieved conscious awareness. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

37. What is Taqwa ? [2] UNDERSTANDING Understanding the meaning of one’s words is something that goes beyond awareness, for one may be conscious of making an utterance, yet not be aware of the meaning of that utterance. What we mean by understanding therefore is an awareness that also include comprehension of the meaning of one’s utterance. People differ in this respect, not sharing a common understanding of the Qur’an and the glorifications (we uttered). AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

38. What is Taqwa ? [3] REVERENCE As for reverence, this is something beyond both awareness and understanding. A man may address his servant in full awareness and understanding the meaning of his words, yet without reverence, for reverence is in additional element. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

39. What is Taqwa ? [4] AWE As for awe, it is over and above reverence. In fact, it represents a kind of fear that grows out of the latter (i.e. reverence). Without experiencing fear, one will not stand in awe. There is an ordinary fear of things we find repugnant, like scorpions or bad temper, but this is not awe. What we called awe, is the kind of fear we have for a mighty king. Awe is the kind of fear induced by a sense of majesty. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

40. What is Taqwa ? [5] HOPE As for hope, this is unquestionably something else again. There are many who revere one or other, and who are in awe of him or afraid of his power, yet do not hope to be rewarded by him. In our prayers, however, we must hope for the reward of God, Great and Glorious is He, just as we fear His punishment for our faults. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

41. What is Taqwa ? [6] SHAME As for shame, it is something additional to all the rest, for it is based on the realization of one’s deficiencies and the apprehension of sin. It is quite possible to conceive of reverence, fear and hope, without this element of shame. AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

42. What is Taqwa ? In summary, TAQWA is that state of consciousness of Allah s.w.t. with: [1] AWARENESS [2] UNDERSTANDING [3] REVERENCE [4] AWE [5] HOPE [6] SHAME AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010 TASAWWUR ISLAM

43. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

44. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

45. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

46. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

47. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The benefit of the commandments in fulfilling the Fardh (obligation) is for us, for our development.

48. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The benefit of the commandments in fulfilling the Fardh (obligation) is for us, for our development. Indeed it is only with Allah’s Mercy and Generosity that made it possible for us to do what we did in this blessed month.

49. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The benefit of the commandments in fulfilling the Fardh (obligation) is for us, for our development. Indeed it is only with Allah’s Mercy and Generosity that made it possible for us to do what we did in this blessed month. To complete the prescribe period contains many Wisdom.

50. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

51. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of Allah’s Guidance shown to us.

52. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of Allah’s Guidance shown to us. Gratefulness requires knowledge of the guidance, appreciation of their values, the eagerness to speak and to share them with others.

53. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010

54. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of the Guidance shown to us, exuding sense of gratefulness.

55. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of the Guidance shown to us, exuding sense of gratefulness. Also, the manner of rejoicing is by glorifying Allah SWT.

56. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of the Guidance shown to us, exuding sense of gratefulness. Also, the manner of rejoicing is by glorifying Allah SWT. Thus the obligation to give “ Sadaqat-al-Fitr ”.

57. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of the Guidance shown to us, exuding sense of gratefulness. Also, the manner of rejoicing is by glorifying Allah SWT. Thus the obligation to give “ Sadaqat-al-Fitr ”. Manifesting the Symbols of our Faith, our unity and Universal brotherhood, our generosity, our reconciliations, our freedom.

58. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 The real celebration should be with our realization of the Guidance shown to us, exuding sense of gratefulness. Also, the manner of rejoicing is by glorifying Allah SWT. Thus the obligation to give “ Sadaqat-al-Fitr ”. Manifesting the Symbols of our Faith, our unity and Universal brotherhood, our generosity, our reconciliations, our freedom. Maintaining the bounties, till the coming Ramadhan .....

60. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great

61. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Laa ilaa-ha – il-lAllah Allaahu Akbar there is no God, but Allah Allah is Great

62. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Allaahu Akbar Wa-lil-laa-hil-Hamd Allah is Great And to Him belongs all Praises

63. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Allaahu Akbar – ka-bee-ra Wal-Hamd-du-lil-laa-hi katsii-ra Allah is the Greatest And to Him belongs Much Praises

64. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Wa-sub-Haa-nallaahi buk-ra-tan wa- a -swee-la And glory be to Allah, in every evening and morning

65. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Laa-ilaa-ha- il-lallaa- hu waH-dah Swa-da-qa-wa’ –dah There is no god, except Allah, Unique He has fulfilled His Promise

66. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Wa-na-swo-ra ‘ab-dah Wa- a- ‘az - za – jun-dah and made Victorious His servant and made Mighty His soldiers

67. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Wa- ha-za-mal – ah-zaa ba waH-dah and by His Unique (Power) He defeated the confederates,

68. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Laa-ilaa-ha- il-lallaah Wa-laa – na’ – bu-du- il-laa –iy-yaah There is no god, except Allah, And we worship (serve) none other (as God) except Him

69. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Mukh-li-swee-na – lahud- deen Wa-lau- ka-ri-hal kaa –fi-ruun with sincere and exclusive devotion even though the unbelievers hate it

70. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Laa ilaa-ha – il-lAllah Allaahu Akbar there is no God, but Allah Allah is Great

71. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Allaahu Akbar Wa-lil-laa-hil-Hamd Allah is Great And to Him belongs all Praises

72. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 Allahumma salli ‘ala sayyed-na Muhammad wa ‘ala - aalie sayyed-na Muhammad O Allah, have Mercy on our Prophet Muhammad and on the family of our Prophet Muhammad

73. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 wa -‘ala as-Haabie sayyed-na Muhammad wa-’ ala an-swari sayyed-na Muhammad and on the companions of our Prophet Muhammad and on the helpers of our Prophet Muhammad

74. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 wa -‘ala azwaa-jie sayyed-na Muhammad Wa-’ ala dzur-riy-ya-tie sayyed-na Muhammad and on the wives of our Prophet Muhammad and on the progeny of our Prophet Muhammad

75. AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2010 wa – sal-lim tas-lee-man ka-thee-ra and Bestow upon them much peace.

76. السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُاللّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُه All welcome to visit my web-blog: 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/ AllRightsReserved©ZhulkefleeHjIsmail2010