Introduction to 'Ilm Al-Akhlāq

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL. “INTRODUCTION TO THE
STUDY OF ‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ ”
Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults
conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
LESSON # 3 b –

PREPARATION FOR LEARNING
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF
‘ILM AL-AKHLAQ
“Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the
most exalted (Khuluq) 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)”

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2013)
) UPDATED – 9 March 2013

PREVIOUS LESSON
EPISTEMOLOGY

 It is called “Ruh” – ‘spirit’, when we refer to its essence, which we do
not know except very little.
 When it is in cognitive mode of its own existence, awareness of its identity, it
is called “Nafs” – ‘self’. And it may go through many ‘states’ ( AHWAL)
 The word “Qolb” – “Fu-ad” ‘heart’, also refers to our Soul,
when it is in the mode of reflection, or contemplation in understanding meanings.
Maintaining its well-being and purity must be of the ultimate concern.
 When Allah s.w.t. grants Taufiq whereupon its understanding of ‘Reality’
penetrates deeply, it is referred to as “Lubb” - ‘innermost’; ‘core’
 If is guided by Allah to go deeper still, it is referred to as “ Sirr” – ‘secret’
 But all these terms refer to the same thing i.e. Our Spiritual Self.
WaAllaahu a’lam

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PREVIOUS LESSON

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PREVIOUS LESSON

“TRADITIONAL LEARNING FROM ISLAMIC TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS”

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PREVIOUS LESSON

“Whomsoever that Allah wishes for him goodness, He will
make him a FAQIH (learned) in matters of the
religion(Deen); and for everything there is a pillar, and the
pillar of this religion is AL-FIQH – (the profound
understanding of the Deen); a learned scholar (of the Deen)
is more difficult upon satan than a thousand worshippers.”

(Reported by Bukhary and Muslim)

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PREVIOUS LESSON

“The best ones amongst you is the person who makes you
remember Allah when you look upon him; and whenever he
speaks it increases you your knowledge (of the Deen), and with
his deeds it inspires (motivates) you to strive for your
Hereafter.”
(Hadith reported by Hakim from Ibnu ‘Umar r.a.)
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PREVIOUS LESSON

“Knowledge is not from the listening of much narrations
(or merely reading books), verily knowledge is light (which
Allah s.w.t. casts) into the heart.”

(Saying of * Ibnu Mas’ud r.a.)

* The famous companion (SAHABI) of the Prophet s.a.a.w.

)

)

ING
RN
WA

“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)
)

“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)

)

"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
)

“(‘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.”

)

 Purify his soul (nafs) from impure
traits and blameworthy Such as:-

characteristics. ‘ujub (self-conceit)
Juhud (ungrateful; 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)
) 15

 Remove impediments (affairs of the world)
to devote with undivided attention to the
study.

“Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body “
(Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 4)

) 16

 Never scorn knowledge nor exalt
himself/herself over the teacher.

Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

“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.)
) 17

 Observe priority in learning and submit
to the advise of the teacher in the
matters of his learning.

“... and be satisfied with your ignorance
if you have wronged a teacher.”

A POEM FROM KITAB “TA’LIM MUTA’LLIM”

) 18

 Must be patient and not be hasty in
learning as one may need to master
praiseworthy knowledge.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said:

“Calmness is from Allah, and (whereas)
hastiness is from satan.”
(Hadith reported by Baihaqy from Anas r.a.)

) 19

 Do not attempt to address every branch
of knowledge but must observe order
and begin with the most important.

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)
) 20

 Learn to ascertain the noble nature of
this or other science. 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 ....
) 21

 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)
) 22

Avoid polemics.
(Difference between Maslahat al-mursalah and Bid’ah)
1. Niyyat : Essentials (rukn ’) in every worship (servitude).
2. Intention is formulated in the heart and mind.
3. In language that one understands.
4. Conscious awareness accompanying the act.
5. Clarity of action and purpose.
6. To eradicate ambiguity.
7. Sincerity towards Allah s.w.t.

)

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”
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.
)

 Refer also to the traditional text :

“Ta’lim Muta’allim Tariqit Ta’allum”

“INSTRUCTION OF THE STUDENT : THE METHOD OF
LEARNING”

by Sheikh Imam Tajuddin Nu’man al-Zarnuji.

) 27

EPISTEMOLOGY

)

EPISTEMOLOGY
OXFORD DICTIONARIES’ DEFINITION:

Knowledge is a collection of facts, information,
and/or skills acquired through experience or education or
(more generally) the theoretical or practical understanding of
a subject.

It can be implicit (as with practical skill or expertise) or
explicit (as with the theoretical understanding of a subject);
and it can be more or less formal or systematic.

)

EPISTEMOLOGY

EQUIVALENT TERMS USED IN ISLAM

MA’-LUMAT
facts, information (information; facts)

SINA’-AH (skills, industrious);
Skills
FANNIYAH (artistry);

’ILM –
Knowledge (science and knowledge)

education TA-ADDIB; - which includes
TA’-LIM; TAR-BIYYAH;
TAZKIYYAH, etc.

)

EPISTEMOLOGY

Amongst the definitions:

“....... Knowledge is the arrival (husul- )* of the meaning
(ma’na- ) of a thing or object of knowledge in the soul
of the subject; and simultaneously,..... Knowledge is the soul’s
arrival (wusul- ) at the meaning of that thing or the
object of knowledge.”

By “meaning” (ma’na- ) is: “the recognition of the proper
place of anything in a system ...”
Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas

)
* “attainment; acquirement” is a better translation.

Whatever is outside of the Knowledge resides in the
person – to be regarded as person – and is also an
information ( ) – not attribute (sifat- ) of the
knowledge ( ). person him/herself.

* By person we mean the
“spiritual soul” - RUH.

* Unlike those with secular worldview that regard
knowledge to reside in the person’s ‘physical’ (brain).

)

Information may not necessarily Knowledge has to do with
convey any meanings, but can be “meanings” – which may
subjected to process or include abstract concepts and
interpretation – by a human – construct, beyond the
striving to seek and arriving at material forms.
understanding of “meanings”
from it.

)

Every one may have equal access Yet, there can be difference
to a given information. in levels and depths of
knowledge to a given
information, depending
upon who contemplates
upon it.

)

Just as raw data input are meant It is when cognition of man
to be processed by the computer , are applied to process
our readings, observations, news, these information, that he
data and information etc. are may be said to arrive at
objects to be understood and ‘knowledge’ (i.e. when it
possible meanings from it to be becomes meaningful).
comprehended by us human.

)

THUS the Qur’an categorize THUS the Qur’anic approach
these (information) as: “Signs” – for man’s education enjoins

him to “Read” ( )
aayat ( )
these signs to arrive at the
Al-Qur’an – aayat Qawliyyah “meanings” – regarding the
Universe – aayat Kauniyah REALITY.

)

Note:

Arabic word “universe” and “a scholar; one who
is knowledgeable” is spelt:

( )

)

“ If it [Tasawwuf] consisted of practices, it could be acquired by
effort(mujahadah), and if it consisted of sciences, it could be gained by
instruction (ta'allum ) but it is akhlaq and it is not acquired until you
demand from yourself the requirements (hukm) of akhlaq, conform
your actions to them, and do justice to them.

Imam ‘Ali Hujwiri [May Allah be pleased with him]

)

The distinction between practices (rusum) and akhlaq is this, that
practices are contrived (bi-takalluf) actions proceeding from particular
motives (asbab), such that their "outer form" (zahir) is at variance with
their "inner truth" (batin); they are actions devoid of essence (ma'na).

Akhlaq, on the other hand, are non-contrived praiseworthy actions
not proceeding from particular motives. Their outer form is in harmony
with their inner truth; they are actions devoid of pretension.”

Imam ‘Ali Hujwiri [May Allah be pleased with him]

)

“The knowledge is what benefits,
not what is memorized”

(Imam Muhammad Idris ash-Shafi’e rhm. a.)

)

“O YOU who have attained to faith! Why do you say
one thing and do another?
Most loathsome is it in the sight of Allah that you
say what you do not do!”
(Qur’an: Saff: 61: 2-3)

)

“Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you
forget your own selves - and yet you recite the divine
writ?
Will you not, then, use your reason?”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 44)

)

“THE PARABLE of those who were graced with the
burden of the Torah, and thereafter failed to bear
this burden, is that of an ass that carries a load of
books [but cannot benefit from them]. Calamitous
is the parable of people who are bent on giving
the lie to Allah's messages - for Allah does not
bestow His guidance upon such evildoing folk!”
(Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 5)

)

“NIFAAQ” - SICKNESS OF THE HEART (SOUL)

“Now there is a kind of man whose views on the life of this
world may please thee greatly, and [the more so as] he cites
Allah as witness to what is in his heart and is, moreover,
exceedingly skilful in argument.”
)


“But whenever he prevails, he goes about the earth spreading
corruption and destroying [man's] tilth and progeny: and Allah
does not love corruption.”

)


REFLECTION:
Today, leaders are chosen by people based on their ability to impress and
dazzle others with their speeches.

Even those with better character, outstanding moral qualities, proven
ability to serve, etc. may simply be ‘passed-over’ by such people who can
mesmerised others. They may even claim to religiosity and piety;
exceedingly skilful in imitating the learned with information they may
read in books and internet; and with their social skills they often
manoeuvre and position themselves amongst religious groups seeking to
gain ‘credentials’ through such associations.
)

REFLECTION:
It is frightening that Islamic values and principle in ascertaining the
rightful leadership of the Muslims have been replaced with the secular
culture of “corporate governance”, where economic consideration and
pragmatism is unashamedly embraced over ethical-religious
consideration.

“TAQWA” or any references towards adhering to Islamic principles are
regarded as orthodox, antiquated and irrelevant to their “progressive”,
“open-minded”, “liberal” and “moderate” religiosity (as though coining a
new type of ‘Islam’, whatever that means!).
)


“And whenever he is told, "Be conscious of Allah (TAQWA)," his
false pride drives him into sin: wherefore hell will be his
allotted portion-and how vile a resting-place! ”

)

ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’

)


“Hast thou not observed those who assert that they believe in
that which hath been sent down unto thee and that which hath
been sent down before thee desiring to go to TAGHUT (the devil)
for judgement, whereas they have been commanded to
disbelieve in him; and Satan desires to lead them far astray.”
(Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 60)

)


“As for those who take the deniers of the truth for their allies in
preference to the believers - do they hope to be honoured by them
when, behold, all honour belongs to Allah [alone]?”
(Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 139)

)


REFLECTION:
From being a Muslim, actually one has to strive towards being true
believer – Mu’-meen. Without which, hypocrisy (NIFAQ) may afflict such
Muslim - especially when they lack sincerity towards Allah and the
Prophet s.a.a.w.

Such people would inwardly rejects Islam and its teachings, preferring
other “-isms”, ways or rules, even when these are contrary to the Islamic
principles. Their ignorance of Islam would be obvious yet, they may styled
themselves as being well-read, intellectual and ‘knowledgeable ’ on the
subject of Islam.
)


“When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed and
to the Messenger": thou sees the Hypocrites (Munafiqun) , avert
their faces from thee in disgust.”
(Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 61)

)


“Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and
the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe. Fain would they
deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive
themselves, and realize (it) not! In their hearts is a disease; and
Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they
(incur), because they are false (to themselves).”
(Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 8-10)

)


“When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth", they
say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"

)


“When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say:
"Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are
the fools, but they do not know.“
)


“When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe" but when
they are alone with their evil ones (SHAYAATIN – their leaders) they
say: "We are really with you, we (were) only jesting.“

)


REFLECTION:
These Muslims, referred to as hypocrites, would outwardly insist their
loyalty and affiliation is with the Muslims, yet they are merely mocking
Islam.

They may have a hidden agenda for this, because their true loyalty is in fact
with their ‘leaders’ whom Allah describes as their ‘Satans’ (SHAYAATIN).

)


“Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope
in their trespasses (TUGHYAN) ; so they will wander like blind ones
(to and fro)”

)


“These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their
traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.”

)


REFLECTION:
Although it may seem that they are successful in their scheme, having their
ways infiltrating into the Muslim community and institutions, this is only
because Allah has gave them temporary leeway, to test all of us mankind.

Yet, the reality is that they (MUNAFIQUN) have no true direction in life,
they are astray, groping like the blind.

)


“Of those who reject faith the patrons are the TAGHUT – (Evil Ones):
from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They
will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever).”

)

REFLECTION:
Allah tells us that these hypocrites (MUNAFIQUN) and the Unbelievers
(KAFIRUN) are in fact being led by TAGHUT, who is their WALIY (patron,
protector, friend, helper, etc.).

When judged in the light of Islam, their life is moving along a slippery
downward path into further unbelief.

One of the most glaring sign of the MUNAFIQUN is their ‘intimate’ alliance,
and almost sycophantic dependence upon the help and patronage of those
whom Allah had warned us to be vigilant against.

)

“O you who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those
who take your religion for a mockery or sport,― whether among
those who received the Scripture before you, or among those
who reject Faith; but (be conscious and) fear you Allah, if you
have Faith (indeed).”
(Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 57)

)

“Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless
you follow their form of religion.

Say: "The Guidance of Allah that is the (only) Guidance." Were you
to follow their desires, after the knowledge which has reached you,
then would you find neither protector nor Helper against Allah.”

)

“O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your
AULIYA’ (friends, helpers, protectors, etc.): they are but friends
and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to
them (for friendship, patronage) is of them. Verily Allah guides
not a people unjust.”
(Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 51)
51

)

“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)

)

) 78

“O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy (bitaanah*)
those outside your ranks; they will not fail to corrupt you.
They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared
from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is far worse. We
have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom.

(Qur’an : Aali’Imran: 3:118)

*bitaanah : advisors, consultants, protectors, intimate friends, helpers ...
) 79

“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)

) 80

“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 )
81

“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)

) 82

Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rhm.a) advices and warns us Muslims:

”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).”

) 83

“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 .)

) 84

“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)

) 85

A SCHOLARS’ ADVICE FROM KITAB “TA’LIM MUTA’LLIM”

“He who does not exert cautious 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.”
) 86

“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.”

)

"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."

)

"Verily Allah does not remove knowledge from the (hearts of
the) people, rather he takes away knowledge by taking away
its people (the true scholars – ‘ULAMA), until there are no more
scholars, the people then take leaders that are ignorant, and
when they are asked, and give fatwas – religious rulings, (they
give) without knowledge, so they misguide and are misguided.“

(Hadith reported by Ashaab as-Sunnan from Ibnu ‘Umar r.a .)

)

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/

) 93

Introduction to 'Ilm Al-Akhlāq

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