6th issue of the Hablullah - a quarterly newsletter issued by the Markaz al Ihsaan Institute of Islamic Theology, Trinidad.

1. And hold fast, all together, by the rope
which Allah (stretches out for you),
Institute of Islamic Theology
and be not separated among yourselves.
(3:103)
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE MARKAZ AL IHSAAN Jumadul Aakir 1432 / May 2011 Issue 6 / 2011
EDITORIAL GRADUATION WALKING BAREFOOTED
By Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed THROUGH THE THORNS
The Markaz held its
graduation cere-
One difference between human beings and
mony on the Satur- The transformation that Worship ef-
animals is that human beings, in spite of
day 16th April 2011. fects on the life of a believer is em-
their differences in the colour of their skin Certificates were
and appearance, can all glorify the Lord in a awarded to gradu- bodied in the development and attain-
uniform language and method; as is found ates of the Certifi- ment of Taqwa. While Taqwa is
in Islam. In addition, they can all aspire to cate, Diploma and translated as “warding off evil,” there
be righteous by upholding universal moral Alim le ve l 3 is no equivalent English word or
principles, and avoiding what Islam defines courses. In his feature address Dr. Waffie Mohammed phrase that truly defines the term.
as evil. Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'an: urged the graduates to inculcate and display refinement in Even limiting Taqwa as a „term‟ does
We created you from a single pair; and their personalities. He also reminded them of the impor-
tance of demonstrating humility and wisdom in their inter-
injustice to what it represents, for it is
made you into nations and tribes, in order an idea, a state of consciousness and
that you may know that, verily, the most actions with society. Earlier, specially invited guest
Sheikh Munaf Mohammed advised the graduates that one being and a way of living.
honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the
most righteous of you. (49:13) can never cease being a student and that the learning
process is a continuous one. Attaining Taqwa is a labour of love.
This unifying factor can only be found in The Quranic commentator Abdullah
Islam, as in this Faith, every single person Yusuf Ali, described Taqwa as Fear
glorify and praise Allah, using the same
prayer, and reciting the same words, re-
of Allah, but as a quality of Fear in-
gardless of what language a person may separable from Love. There are
speak. Not only do human beings recite the those who will not entertain the no-
Dr. Waffie (left)
common prayers found in the Holy Qur'an, issuing certificates
tion of Fear and Love as related and
but they are the words of Allah, so, Muslims to Diploma gradu- compatible concepts, because for the
recite the same words Allah recited, thereby ates. romantics, true love expresses itself
binding themselves together, as one big without fear; absent of fear.
human family, and to their Lord, the Creator
and Sustainer, through the words of the To appreciate Yusuf Ali‟s point we
Holy Qur'an. NEWS must think outside the box and be-
It would be an additional blessing for the yond pre-defined notions of these
New book: ‘The Hereafter’
Muslims if they can remove selfish feelings concepts. He says that when some-
from among themselves by doing things for The Markaz al Ihsaan is pleased to make available a
one truly loves another they will be
the sake of Allah. In this way the bond of concise presentation about man's journey from the grave
right up to the entry into Paradise / Hell. The Book, enti- fearful of acting in a way to hurt that
Islamic brotherhood will be strengthened
tled “The Hereafter”, has been written by Maulana Dr. person. They will do everything in
and valuable resources shall not be wasted
in fighting one another. Allah says: Waffie Mohammed. Anyone wishing to pick up a free their power to please the other by
copy can do so at the Markaz‟s office. ensuring that they act appropriately
Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single
and avoid situations that sour and
Brotherhood, and I am your Lord, so serve Lecture screening
Me (and no other). (21:92) disrupt the relationship. This fear
The Markaz al Ihsaan has embarked on a new da‟wah enhances the love. In the same way,
May Allah enable the Muslims to live with initiative entitled „The Public Lecture Screening‟. This
project will see the Markaz go to various Masjids / Islamic
this is likened to the Taqwa that a
peace, love for each other. believer develops in which Love for
centres throughout T&T to screen Islamic lectures, initially
from Dr. Waffie‟s hugely successful Asian Lecture Tour. the Beloved Creator is heightened
Patience of a Believer Any Jammat desirous of hosting a screening can contact through the Fear and avoidance of
Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah (ra) re- the Markaz office at 653-3546 or email Haji Aleem at sin, and efforts made to seek His
ported that the Prophet Muhammad aleem.mohammed@markazalihsaan.org Pleasure.
(saw) said: “Never a believer is stricken
University of Cambridge
with a discomfort, an illness, an anxi- Embracing and living Taqwa necessi-
ety, a grief or mental worry or even the The Markaz is pleased to announce that we will be offer-
ing the Cambridge O‟ Level course in Islamic Religion and tates great and sometimes monumen-
pricking of a thorn but Allah will expi- tal efforts on our part as we are am-
ate his sins on account of his patience” Culture. For more information contact the Markaz via
phone or email. Information on the course syllabus can bushed daily by malevolent forces
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim) be accessed on the University of Cambridge website.

2. that tear at our very beings, chal- GRILLED SALMON ILLUMINATED PERSONALITIES
lenging our morals and faith and
enticing and tempting us with false
WITH INDIAN SPICES
Ghaus Al Azam Sheikh Hazrat
promises. Many of us feel inade- Ingredients Abdul Qadir Jilani (ra)
quate and ill-equipped to deal with
½ cup: coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
them. While all sometimes seem Abdul Qadir Jilani (ra) was indeed a great worker
¼ cup: vegetable oil (plus more)
hopeless, one will appreciate, that for Allah and His Deen. He was specially chosen
1 ½ tbsp: garam masala
nothing of any true merit and value by the Lord to revive true Islam when the Muslims
2: garlic cloves, coarsely chopped seemed to have diverted their focus from what is
in life comes without sacrifice and 2 tsp: ground coriander
effort. required of a true believer.
1 ½ tsp: ground cumin
2 pound: center-cut boneless salmon fillet As a result of the success of his mission and his
Hadhrat Umar (RA), one of the (skin on) spiritual elevation, it seems fitting to conclude that
greatest leaders of Islam, described 1 cup: plain whole-milk yogurt he is one of those about whom the Prophet (saw)
striving to develop and attain Taqwa ¾ cup: finely chopped, peeled, seeded spoke about in his narration reported by Muaz bin
in life, as maneuvering barefooted cucumber Jabal (ra):
through thorns. If one was placed 2 tbsp: finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more
in such a predicament, the mode of for garnish For those who love one another for the sake of
travel would be careful, stepping 2: onions, finely chopped Fear of My Majesty and Magnificence, there will be
1 tbsp: fresh lime juice high seats of light that will be the envy of prophets
gingerly through the prickles and and martyrs (for them in the Hereafter). Tirmizi
salt and freshly ground black pepper
thorns to avoid the pain and discom-
fort of sudden contact. In his meta- Preparation Sheikh Jilani (ra) was a wealthy, learned, highly
phor Umar (RA) implied that our spiritually disciplined person. He was dedicated to
 Prepare grill (medium-high heat). the service of humanity and did so in a very humble
strivings in life to uplift ourselves
 Purée ginger, 1/4 cup oil, 1 tablespoon garam way. He kept a close watch on his ego and demon-
morally and spiritually comes masala, garlic, coriander, and cumin in a blender.
through sustained effort, vigilance strated complete reliance on Allah and knew that
 Put salmon into a baking dish and season with Allah was everything for him.
and perseverance on a path that can salt and pepper.
at any moment, be distracting and  Coat salmon with ginger pureée. Let marinate at One of the great teachings of this elevated Sheikh
destructive. room temperature for 15 minutes. is that he was able to revive the believers' under-
 Stir yogurt, cucumber, cilantro, scallions, lime standing of the role of Prophet Muhammad (saw)
Careful living, choosing and doing juice, and ½ tbsp garam masala in a bowl. which was not only to receive the Qur'an on behalf
the right thing (Taqwa) may be a  Season raita to taste with salt and pepper. of the Muslims, but to apply it in ones daily life.
challenge but the alternative (while  Brush the grill rack with oil. Brush off marinade
appealing in some instances), will The message given by this great Sheikh was so
for easier grilling (or leave it on for a better crust).
effective that thousands accepted Islam, the Muslim
be our undoing, as it will wound  Grill salmon, turning once, until it just begins to Ummah revived their spiritual focus, and they de-
and torment our souls here and in flake in center, 4 - 5 minutes per side. sisted from taking help from any other creature
the Hereafter, much like the thorns  Transfer salmon to a platter. besides Allah. They learnt to respect and love the
to which Umar (RA) referred.  Garnish with cilantro and Serve with raita. Prophet (saw) and underwent all the training for the
purpose of controlling their nafs.
Even today the teaching of this great Sheikh is held
in high esteem and the spiritual students of the
Qadriyah Order recognize the connection he still
maintains with all those who are aspiring to get
close to Allah and His Rasul by cultivating humility
and patience. May Allah bless him immensely and
perfume his resting place.
Children’s Corner
Connect the dots
and colour
to make a lovely picture
Markaz al Ihsaan, 161 Dumfries Road, Hermitage Village, La Romain, Trinidad, W.I.
Telephone: 1 (868) 653-3546/652-4924 ; Fax: 1 (868) 657-2082; website: www.markazalihsaan.org; email: info@markazalihsaan.org