Understanding Adab

UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEEN (AL-ISLAM)
Intermediate Islamic (FIQH) course in English
Conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
LESSON # 5bLESSON # 5b
Using text & curriculum he has developed especially forUsing text & curriculum he has developed especially for
Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims.Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims.
““To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)”
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016))
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.
"O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of
Truth and Honour, and likewise my exit by the
Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from
Thy Presence an authority to aid (me)”
(Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 80)
RENEW TO THE SHIP (UMMAH)RENEW TO THE SHIP (UMMAH)
EDUCATION (KNOWLEDGE)EDUCATION (KNOWLEDGE)
Elucidation of the problem identified –Elucidation of the problem identified –
Breakdown of AdabBreakdown of Adab (continuation)(continuation)
Updated 19 NOVEMBER 2016
PARTPART # 4# 4
(Aug-(Aug-20162016))

“O Allah! Grant favours in our hearing, in our sight and in our strength to be
always upon Your Path. And make our yearnings and desires to be in accord
with everything (teachings and guidance) which has ben brought by Your
beloved Muhammad - salutations of Allah and peace be upon him.”
ALLAA-HUM-MA – MA-TI’-NAA – BI-AS-MAA-INAA – WA
– AB-SWAA-RI-NAA – WA- QUW-WAA-TI-NAA- FEE- SA-BEE – LIK, -
WAJ – ‘AL – HA-WAA-NAA –TA-BA-’AN- LI-MAA – JAA – A – BI-HI – HA-BEE-BU-KA
– MUHAM-MADUN – SWOL-LAL-LAA-HU –’ALAI-HI - WA-SAL-LAM
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016)) PREVIOUS LESSON

Hadith extracted from: ‘NASA-IHU AL-’IBAAD ‘ALAA SHARHI AL-
MUNABBIHAT ‘ALA AL-ISTI’DAD LI-YAUMI AL-MA-’AD’
Sheikh Imam Muhammad Nawawi bin Umar al-Jawi al-Bantani
famous Nusantaran scholar and Imam in Makkah (1813-1897)

O Aba Dzar! Renew the ship, for verily the ocean is deep,
And take complete provision, for verily the journey is far,
And lighten the load, for verily the obstacles are almost insurmountable,
And be sincere in your deeds, for verily the scrutinizer of faults
is The Seeing (Allah).
AN-NAASEEHAH
The Sincere Advice
THE HADITH
PREVIOUS LESSON

CHALLENGES TOWARDS THIS UMMAHCHALLENGES TOWARDS THIS UMMAHEXTERNAL
IDENTIFYING
THE THREAT
PREVIOUS LESSON

LACKING ISLAMIC
PHILOSOPHICAL
RESPONSE TO
‘SECULARISM’
NEGLECT MASTERY
OF LANGUAGES
CONFUSION
IN KNOWLEDGE
ABSENCE OF
AN ACTIVE
CULTURAL
EDUCATION
BREAKDOWN
OF ADAB
RISE OF FALSE LEADERS
AND FAILED LEADERSHIP
SCARCITY OF TRULY
ISLAMIC EDUCATORS
AND THINKERS
TRUNCATION FROM
HISTORY OF ISLAMIC
CIVILIZATION
LACK OF READING
CULTURE AND OF
SERIOUS RESEARCH
All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2016)) PREVIOUS LESSON

LACKING ISLAMIC
PHILOSOPHICAL
RESPONSE TO
‘SECULARISM’
NEGLECT MASTERY
OF LANGUAGES
CONFUSION
IN KNOWLEDGE
ABSENCE OF
AN ACTIVE
CULTURAL
EDUCATION
BREAKDOWN
OF ADAB

““Although ultimately Islamic teaching advocatesAlthough ultimately Islamic teaching advocates
IhsanIhsan andand RahmaRahmah (Doing good and spreadingh (Doing good and spreading
Mercy), this can only be pursued firstly withMercy), this can only be pursued firstly with
establishing Truth and Justice (establishing Truth and Justice (HaqqHaqq andand ‘Adala‘Adala).”).”
““LESSON ON ISLAMICLESSON ON ISLAMIC
CONCEPT OF ADAB”CONCEPT OF ADAB”
Intermediate Fardhu ‘Ain in English for AdultsIntermediate Fardhu ‘Ain in English for Adults
EXTRACTED FROM MODULE (2011)
RE-CAP PREVIOUS LESSON

““STANDING FIRM UPONSTANDING FIRM UPON ‘ADL‘ADL (JUSTICE),(JUSTICE),
IIHHSANSAN (DOING GOOD), GIVING WHAT IS(DOING GOOD), GIVING WHAT IS
THE DUE RIGHT TOWARDS OTHERS ...”THE DUE RIGHT TOWARDS OTHERS ...”
10

““Behold, Allah commands justice (‘Behold, Allah commands justice (‘ADLADL), the doing of good), the doing of good
((IHSANIHSAN), and the giving (i.e. generosity -), and the giving (i.e. generosity - ITAA-I-DZIL-QURBAITAA-I-DZIL-QURBA) to) to
kith and kin (i.e. fellow man), and He forbids (kith and kin (i.e. fellow man), and He forbids (YAN-HAAYAN-HAA) all) all
shameful deeds (shameful deeds (FAH-SHAFAH-SHA), and injustice (), and injustice (MUNKARMUNKAR) and rebellion) and rebellion
BAGHYIBAGHYI): He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”): He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”
((Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16 : 90Qur’an: an-Nahlu: 16 : 90))

Although both terms imply “Although both terms imply “justicejustice”, yet there is a”, yet there is a
slight difference in their meanings :slight difference in their meanings :
In a transaction between 2 parties (e.g. Buying andIn a transaction between 2 parties (e.g. Buying and
selling), to accord to both parties their due rightsselling), to accord to both parties their due rights
whence both are satisfied (win-win) – the Arabic termwhence both are satisfied (win-win) – the Arabic term
. (. (QISTwQISTw ) is used. This may require) is used. This may require
willingness on one or both party to show benevolence,willingness on one or both party to show benevolence,
goodwill and generosity to the other.goodwill and generosity to the other.

In an adjudication (In an adjudication (judgingjudging ), where justice requires), where justice requires
that one party gains and one party has to suffer loss,that one party gains and one party has to suffer loss,
the Arabic termthe Arabic term ((‘‘ADLADL )) is used. This,is used. This,
perhaps is the minimal form of justice required.perhaps is the minimal form of justice required.
Even to those amongst your enemy whom you hate,Even to those amongst your enemy whom you hate,
you must not deprive them of theyou must not deprive them of the ‘ADL‘ADL..

Thus, (Thus, (QISTwQISTw ) would be a higher form of) would be a higher form of
justice – a justice tempered withjustice – a justice tempered with IIHHSANSAN andand
generosity.generosity.
As Muslims, we are to strive for this higherAs Muslims, we are to strive for this higher
standard, if not, then uphold the minimal.standard, if not, then uphold the minimal.
““ADAABADAAB “ encompass both these understandings.“ encompass both these understandings.

15

To haveTo have AdabAdab is (inter alia), to be taught not to forgetis (inter alia), to be taught not to forget
what is appropriate and what is not in our perception andwhat is appropriate and what is not in our perception and
attitude towards others, and the ability to actattitude towards others, and the ability to act
appropriately with justice (appropriately with justice (‘‘ADLADL) and goodness () and goodness (IHSANIHSAN).).
ThusThus AdabAdab is not mere possession of ‘is not mere possession of ‘knowledgeknowledge’. To be’. To be
lacking knowledge is “lacking knowledge is “ignoranceignorance”, but to lack”, but to lack AdabAdab isis
““ignorance compounded with conceitignorance compounded with conceit””

Ignorance can be removed with knowledge. But withoutIgnorance can be removed with knowledge. But without
AdabAdab, how can education take place? To learn without, how can education take place? To learn without
AdaAdab may even worsen the self-conceit and arrogance inb may even worsen the self-conceit and arrogance in
that person.that person.
Such is the gravity regarding the “Such is the gravity regarding the “loss ofloss of AdabAdab”, that it”, that it
deserved immediate “chastisement” rather than teachingdeserved immediate “chastisement” rather than teaching
and enlightenment.and enlightenment.

Actually, it was when this loss ofActually, it was when this loss of AdabAdab occurs; when falseoccurs; when false
pride and conceit reigns; even in the presence of Allahpride and conceit reigns; even in the presence of Allah
azzawajallaazzawajalla – this was beginning of evil.– this was beginning of evil.
WaAllaahu a’lamWaAllaahu a’lam

““ADAB IN LEARNING”ADAB IN LEARNING”
- ON THE LIGHTER SIDE .......- ON THE LIGHTER SIDE .......
Adapted from Idries Shah’s “Thinkers of the East” – Penguin BookAdapted from Idries Shah’s “Thinkers of the East” – Penguin Book
IN THE NAME OF ALLAHIN THE NAME OF ALLAH
MOST COMPASSIONATEMOST COMPASSIONATE
MOST MERCIFULMOST MERCIFUL

Some may find in the previous story,
perhaps the seeker was unfairly
treated by the Sheikh... Or was he?
Adapted from Idries Shah’s “Thinkers of the East” – Penguin BookAdapted from Idries Shah’s “Thinkers of the East” – Penguin Book

Someone asked Shah Naqshband: “It must
have caused you pain to dismiss a certain
student.”
He replied:
“The best of all ways to test and help a disciple,
if it is possible and most appropriate, may
actually be to dismiss him!”

He then went on to explain:He then went on to explain:
““.. If he (because of the dismissal) then turn.. If he (because of the dismissal) then turn
against you (the teacher), he has a chance ofagainst you (the teacher), he has a chance of
observing his own shallowness and the defectsobserving his own shallowness and the defects
which led to his dismissal.....”which led to his dismissal.....”

He then went on to explain:He then went on to explain:
“.. If he forgives you, he has an opportunity
of seeing whether in that there is any
sanctimonious-ness (i.e. sort of
pretentiousness that in this, he may think
he is still better ... another extreme
state)”

He then went on to explain:
“.. If he regains his balance, then he will be
able to benefit from this, of our teaching
method (which ultimately seeks to instil
justice and Adab) and thus especially
benefitting himself.”

““We are (much) in need of a little adab, fromWe are (much) in need of a little adab, from
(that of) going out (seeking) after much of(that of) going out (seeking) after much of
‘ilm (knowledge)”‘ilm (knowledge)”
–– Imam ‘Abdullah al-MubarakImam ‘Abdullah al-Mubarak

ArabicArabic (plural) of(plural) of AdabAdab : meanings – “good breeding, decency,: meanings – “good breeding, decency,
nurture, good manners, refinement, cultured, decorum, courteous,nurture, good manners, refinement, cultured, decorum, courteous,
etiquette, propriety, social grace, to educate, discipline, theetiquette, propriety, social grace, to educate, discipline, the
humanities, etc.”humanities, etc.”
sense of proportion and knowledge of their
rightful place in the order of things, the
absence of which indicates injustice

“LOSS OF ADAB”
– the main contemporary problem affecting the
Ummah, which then leads to perpetuation of
continuous confusion in knowledge and education.

““An immoral man of learning is a great evil,An immoral man of learning is a great evil,
yet a greater evil is an ignoramus leading a ‘godly’ life.yet a greater evil is an ignoramus leading a ‘godly’ life.
Both are a great trial (FITNAH) everywhere,Both are a great trial (FITNAH) everywhere,
to whomever depends to them both (for guidance),to whomever depends to them both (for guidance),
in holding on to his religion”in holding on to his religion”
((From Imam Zarnuji -From Imam Zarnuji -“Ta’lim Muta’allim Tariqit Ta’allum” )

External
Loss of Adab (B)
Internal
(A)
Confusion and Error in Knowledge
.
 It is because of (A) the confusion and error in Knowledge that lead to
condition for
 (B) The loss of Adab in the community. Both internally and externally.

(C)
Rise / election of
False leaders
External
Loss of Adab (B)
Internal
(A)
Figure 1
The condition arising out of (A) and (B) is:
 (C) “The rise of leaders who are not qualified for valid leadership of the
Muslim Community, who do not possess the high moral, intellectual
and spiritual standards required for Islamic leadership..”

(C)
Rise / election of
False leaders
External
Loss of Adab (B)
Internal
(A)
 “These false leaders then usurped Islamic leadership, who (then)
perpetuate the condition in (A) [1] above and ensure the continued
control of the affairs of the Community by leaders like them who
dominate in all fields.” [2]
[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

 With the “loss of Adab”, even the knowledge of who the
true leaders and scholars is lost, and the confusion compounded.
 Actually this confusion in knowledge can be corrected
through Education.
 Yet, education in man cannot be truly done without his
having basic “Adab” itself.
 Thus the importance of restoring the “Adab” in every
Muslim.
 It may even have to begin by correcting their misuse of
“terms” (istilah) and clarifying wrongly assumed “definition”
(ta’rifat) that may have caused whatever misunderstandings.

““The learned and wise among Muslims must use constantThe learned and wise among Muslims must use constant
vigilance in detecting erroneous usage in language whichvigilance in detecting erroneous usage in language which
impinges upon semantic change in major key elements andimpinges upon semantic change in major key elements and
creates general confusion and error in the understanding ofcreates general confusion and error in the understanding of
Islam and of its worldviewIslam and of its worldview.”.”
Quote: “The Concept of Education in Islam” pp. 37-38Quote: “The Concept of Education in Islam” pp. 37-38
Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas :

factsfacts,, informationinformation
SkillsSkills
KnowledgeKnowledge
educationeducation
MA’-LUMAT
(information; facts)
SINA’-AH (skills, industrious);
FANNIYAH (artistry);
’ILM –
(science and knowledge)
TA-ADDIB; - which includes
TA’-LIM; TAR-BIYYAH;
TAZKIYYAH, etc.
EQUIVALENT TERMS USED IN ISLAM

Thus, perspective of Education in Islam can be defined:
““... Recognition and acknowledgement, progressively instilled... Recognition and acknowledgement, progressively instilled
into man, of the proper places of things in the order ofinto man, of the proper places of things in the order of
creation, such that it leads to the recognition andcreation, such that it leads to the recognition and
acknowledgement of the proper place of God in the order ofacknowledgement of the proper place of God in the order of
being and existence.”being and existence.”
EPISTEMOLOGY
In other words, it is all about – “ADAB ”
Quoted from: “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of SyedQuoted from: “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed
Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas” by Wan Mohd Nor Wan DaudMuhammad Naquib Al-Attas” by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud
(ISTAC publication).(ISTAC publication).

LEST WE FORGET
PERSPECTIVE FROM ANPERSPECTIVE FROM AN
ISLAMIC WORLDVIEWISLAMIC WORLDVIEW
TASAWWUR ISLAM

Ta’lim ( (generally it means, “to teach” or “the teaching”
of knowledge as different from information, but a profound
understanding of this word requires us to know the root word
“‘ilm” which is different from “ma’lumat ”
Ta’allum ( ) “to learn or be taught knowledge”

consider definition of knowledge ( ) .
TASAWWUR ISLAM

Tarbiyyah ( ) – although used by many Islamist to
refer to education (perhaps influenced by the Western
methodology).
It’s use to refer to ‘education’ is not appropriate due to its narrow
and limited scope when applied to the Islamic approach to
education, because our Islamic worldview regarding man is unlike
those from the Western outlook that still regards man as an
animal specie (although evolved).
TASAWWUR ISLAM

Tarbiyyah ( ) – has the meanings “education,
upbringing, breeding, raising (of animals), instruction, pedagogy,
etc.
From which we have term “murabbin” ( ) “educator, (as
well as) breeder, tutor etc.
Yet, it is too general a term and can also be applied in terms of
raising, breeding and training of animals.
TASAWWUR ISLAM

Darasa ( ( – “to learn, to study under a teacher,
instructor, lecturer etc. ( mudarris - ).
Thus a school is called a “madrasah” ( )
TASAWWUR ISLAM

TASAWWUR ISLAM

““Ta’-dibTa’-dib”” ( )( ) –– preferred term forpreferred term for ‘education’,‘education’, from thefrom the
termterm ‘Adab’‘Adab’ (( )) meaning: –meaning: –
““good breeding, nurture, manners, refinement, cultured,good breeding, nurture, manners, refinement, cultured,
decorum, propriety, social grace, educated, etc.”decorum, propriety, social grace, educated, etc.”
TASAWWUR ISLAM

Hadith from Ibn Mas’ud r.a.:
IN-NA HAA-DZA-AL-QUR-’A-NA MA’-DU-BA-TULLAAHI – FIL-ARDWI
FA-TA’-LA-MUU – MIN – MA’ – DA-BA-TIHI
““Verily! The Qur’an is Allah’s Banquet on earth,Verily! The Qur’an is Allah’s Banquet on earth,
so learn thoroughly, then, from (or of) His Banquet.”so learn thoroughly, then, from (or of) His Banquet.” [1][1]
[1] S.M.Naquib Al-Attas “Islam and Secularism” page 150
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

Thus,“ Adab” in the original basic sense (in Arabic) is the “inviting to
a banquet.”
The idea of a banquet implies the host is a man of honour and
prestige, and that many people are present; that the people who
are present are those who in the host’s estimation are deserving of
the honour of the invitation, and they are therefore people of
refined qualities and upbringing who are expected to behave as
befits their station, in speech, conduct and etiquette.” [1]
[1] S.M.Naquib Al-Attas “Islam and Secularism” page 149
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

““From amongst the rights of a children upon their parents are,From amongst the rights of a children upon their parents are,
that they be instilled (to be educated by them) withthat they be instilled (to be educated by them) with AdabAdab andand
to be given a good name.”to be given a good name.”
((Hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. reported by BaihaqyHadith of the Prophet s.a.w. reported by Baihaqy
from Ibnu ‘Abbas r.afrom Ibnu ‘Abbas r.a.).)
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

““Educate (nurture – ‘Educate (nurture – ‘ad-dibuad-dibu’) your children with the best’) your children with the best
education (education (ADABADAB).”).”
((Hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. narrated by Ibnu MajahHadith of the Prophet s.a.w. narrated by Ibnu Majah))
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

AD-DA-BANI – ROB-BEE - FA -AH-SA-NA – TA’ –DI-BEE
““My Lord educated me, and madeMy Lord educated me, and made
my education most excellent.”my education most excellent.”
(Hadith)(Hadith)
PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.A.W. SAID:PROPHET MUHAMMAD S.A.A.W. SAID:
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS
[1] S.M.Naquib Al-Attas “Islam and Secularism”
[1]

AD-DI-BUU -AU-LAA-DA-KUM – ‘ALAA – THA-LAA-THA- HI-SWAL, HUB-BU-
NA-BIY-YI-KUM, WA –HUB-BU –AA-LI –BAI-TI-HI, WA –TI-LA-WA-TIL-QUR-’AAN
“Educate (nurture with Adab – ‘addibu ’) your children upon three
things: To Love your Prophet (s.a.w.), and to love the Family
members of his household (Aali Muhammad), and (learn) to recite
Al-Qur’an.”
(Hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. narrated by Tabrani)
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

‘AL-LI-MUU – AU-LAA-DA-KUM –
WA – AH-LEE-KUMUL-KHAY-RA
WA– AD-DI-BU HUM
““ Teach your children and your family members with the best, andTeach your children and your family members with the best, and
educate them (instil in themeducate them (instil in them AdabAdab).”).”
((Hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. reported by ‘Abdur Razaq and Sa’id ibn
Manshur as quoted by Dr. ‘Abdullah Nashih ‘Ulwan)
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

MAA- NA–HALA – WAA-LI-DUN - WA –LA-DANMAA- NA–HALA – WAA-LI-DUN - WA –LA-DAN
MIN – NUH-LIN – AF-DWA-LA – MIN – A-DA-BIN - HASANMIN – NUH-LIN – AF-DWA-LA – MIN – A-DA-BIN - HASAN
““There is no gift (that you can give) to your childrenThere is no gift (that you can give) to your children
better than (instilling in them) the goodbetter than (instilling in them) the good AdabAdab.”.”
((Hadith of the Prophet reported by TirmidziHadith of the Prophet reported by Tirmidzi ))
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

AK-RI-MUU – AU-LAA-DA-KUM –
WA– AH-SI-NUU –A-DA-BA-HUM.
“Honour your children by (educating) instilling
in them the best Adab.”
(Hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. reported by Ibnu Majah
from Ibnu ‘Abbas r.a.)
TASAWWUR ISLAM
BASIS
BASIS

““THE SIGN OF THE TRULY LEARNED ISTHE SIGN OF THE TRULY LEARNED IS
HUMILITY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ALL-HUMILITY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ALL-
KNOWING – WHILE THE HEEDLESS ANDKNOWING – WHILE THE HEEDLESS AND
ARROGANT MAY BREACH THE ADAB”ARROGANT MAY BREACH THE ADAB”

If you hope to be known
Plant much seeds upon the padi feild
Follow the padi for how it is grown
Humbling to ground the heavier becomes its yeild
English translationEnglish translation

When you wish to be seen as great
Avoid bragging, self-praise and arrogance
The behavior of the hen don’t you ever imitate
Only a single egg yet it raised much commotion.

Avoid acting as if you know all
Conceited with pride pounding your chest
Remember well the turtle’s lesson to us all
Hundred eggs laid yet concealing them is best

To be admired like the rose with its fragrance
Rid yourself of boastful speech and of being arrogant
A snake do not lose its venom, guile yet having patience
Though amongst thorns of bushes it chose to remain hidden

““We do raise to [high] degrees [of knowledge]We do raise to [high] degrees [of knowledge]
whomever We will - but above everyone who iswhomever We will - but above everyone who is
endowed with knowledge there is One who knowsendowed with knowledge there is One who knows
all.”all.”
((Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 76Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 76))

““And turn not thy cheek away from people in [false]And turn not thy cheek away from people in [false]
pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold,pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold,
Allah does not love anyone who, out of self- conceit,Allah does not love anyone who, out of self- conceit,
acts in a boastful manner.”acts in a boastful manner.”
((Qur’an: Luqman: 31: 18Qur’an: Luqman: 31: 18))

“Hence, be modest in thy bearing, and lower thy voice:
for, behold, the ugliest of all voices is the [loud] voice
of asses (donkeys).”
(Qur’an: Luqman: 31: 19)

““For, [true] servants of the Most Gracious are [only]For, [true] servants of the Most Gracious are [only]
they who walk gently on earth, and who, wheneverthey who walk gently on earth, and who, whenever
the foolish address them, reply with [words of] peace.”the foolish address them, reply with [words of] peace.”
((Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 63Qur’an: Furqan: 25: 63))

““And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him withAnd remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with
[complete] devotion. [He is] the Lord of the East and the West; there is[complete] devotion. [He is] the Lord of the East and the West; there is
no deity except Him, so take Him as Disposer of [your] affairs. And beno deity except Him, so take Him as Disposer of [your] affairs. And be
patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.”patient over what they say and avoid them with gracious avoidance.”
((Qur’an: Muzzamil: 73: 8-10Qur’an: Muzzamil: 73: 8-10))

"Verily Allah does not removeVerily Allah does not remove knowledge from the (hearts ofknowledge from the (hearts of
the) peoplethe) people, rather he takes away knowledge by taking away, rather he takes away knowledge by taking away
its people (the true scholars –its people (the true scholars – ‘ULAMA‘ULAMA), until there are no more), until there are no more
scholars, the people then take leaders that are ignorant, andscholars, the people then take leaders that are ignorant, and
when they are asked, and givewhen they are asked, and give fatwasfatwas – religious rulings, (they– religious rulings, (they
give) without knowledge, so they misguide and are misguided.“give) without knowledge, so they misguide and are misguided.“
((Hadith reported by Ashaab as-Sunnan from Ibnu ‘Umar r.aHadith reported by Ashaab as-Sunnan from Ibnu ‘Umar r.a.).)

““Whoever seeks knowledge (intending) to argue withWhoever seeks knowledge (intending) to argue with
the learned (scholars), or to brag with the foolish;the learned (scholars), or to brag with the foolish;
or with it to attract peoples’ attention to himself;or with it to attract peoples’ attention to himself;
Allah will make him to enter the Hell-fire.”Allah will make him to enter the Hell-fire.”
((Hadith also reported by Tirmidzi and Ibn MajahHadith also reported by Tirmidzi and Ibn Majah))
WARNING

““Whosever has humility (Whosever has humility (tawaadhutawaadhu’),’),
Allah will raise his rank (and status);Allah will raise his rank (and status);
and whosoever is arrogant (proud - takabbur)and whosoever is arrogant (proud - takabbur)
Allah will humiliate him.”Allah will humiliate him.”
((Hadith of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.Hadith of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.))

““ The beginning of Wisdom is when youThe beginning of Wisdom is when you
realize you do not know! ”realize you do not know! ”
69
*Extracted and elaborated from “Beginners’ Manual on Islam” by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj ismail (PERGAS)
TASAWWUR ISLAM

““Those who do not know that they do not know.”Those who do not know that they do not know.”
““Those who know that they do not know.”Those who know that they do not know.”
““Those who do not know that they know.”Those who do not know that they know.”
““Those who know that they know.”Those who know that they know.”
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRULY WISE
And the wise (those who truly know), will always look at what they are stillAnd the wise (those who truly know), will always look at what they are still
ignorant of, maintaining humility , striving to continue learning, rather thanignorant of, maintaining humility , striving to continue learning, rather than
become conceited with whatever little they had already learnt.become conceited with whatever little they had already learnt.
THE HEEDLESS
THE IGNORANT
THE NEGLIGENT
THE WISE
ADDENDUMADDENDUM

BLACK space represents
Infinite Knowledge
“We don’t even know
that we don’t know them”
The GREEN area represents
whatever Knowledge that we
have.
RED line (circumference) indicates our
encounter with knowledge which we now
realize we do not know; which motivates
us to acquire them.
The beginning of Wisdom is when you realize you do not know!The beginning of Wisdom is when you realize you do not know!
ADDENDUMADDENDUM

Infinite Knowledge
have.
When we acquire these, our knowledge
grows and grows (DARK GREEN area )
ADDENDUMADDENDUM

Infinite Knowledge
When knowledge grows, the circle will
expand. But with this expansion the
circumference (RED line) also increases.
Remember: RED line (circumference)
indicates our encounter with
knowledge
which we now realize we do not know.
have.
When we acquire these, our knowledge
grows and grows (DARK GREEN area )
“The more we know, the more will we encounter aspects of knowledge which
we do not know. And only realization of this which motivates us to grow in learning”
ADDENDUMADDENDUM

ADDENDUMADDENDUM

””It is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the UnletteredIt is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the Unlettered
a messenger (Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.) froma messenger (Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.) from
among themselves, toamong themselves, to YAT-LU ‘ALAY-HIM AA-YAATIHIYAT-LU ‘ALAY-HIM AA-YAATIHI
rehearse to them His Signsrehearse to them His Signs, to, to YU-ZAK-KIHIMYU-ZAK-KIHIM sanctifysanctify
them (to make them grow)them (to make them grow), and to, and to YU-’AL-LI-MU-HUMYU-’AL-LI-MU-HUM
instruct (teach) theminstruct (teach) them in Scripture and Wisdom―in Scripture and Wisdom―
although they had been, before, in manifest error― “although they had been, before, in manifest error― “
((Qur’an: Jumu’ah:62: 2Qur’an: Jumu’ah:62: 2))
ADDENDUMADDENDUM

"We raise in degrees whom We will,"We raise in degrees whom We will, but over everybut over every
possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowingpossessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing.“.“
((Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 76Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 76))
WA – FAU-QA – KUL-LI – DZEE - ‘IL -MIN – ‘A-LEEMWA – FAU-QA – KUL-LI – DZEE - ‘IL -MIN – ‘A-LEEM

"Exalted are You (O Allah); we have no knowledge"Exalted are You (O Allah); we have no knowledge
except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is Youexcept what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You
who is the Knowing, the Wise."who is the Knowing, the Wise."

IMAM ‘ABDULLAH IBN AL-MUBARAK
WE NEED TO EMULATE OUR GREAT SCHOLARS
“ May Allah SWT help us all ”
WALLAAHU MUSTA-’AN
AN-NASEEHAH
Sincere Advice
whereas in EDUCATING MUSLIMS TODAY,
WHY HAVE THE inculcation OF ‘ADAB ’
Not BEING EMPHASISED OR ITS even BEEN
IGNORED totally IN THEIR CURRICULUM?

IMAM MALIK MOTHER’S ADVICE REGARDING LEARNING
“ May Allah SWT help us all ”
WALLAAHU MUSTA’ANAN-NASEEHAH
Sincere Advice

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

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Aubergine (egg-plant):
The Mullah had recently moved up in the world and was now at the
court of the Sultan.
As it happened the Sultan loved aubergines (eggplants) and asked
the chef to cook him aubergine dishes every day.
Each day the chef devised different ways of presenting aubergines
to the great Sultan and the Mullah who was seated near the king
would pontificate on the wonderful health giving characteristics of
the aubergine.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

He would explain how the aubergine would heal all diseases known
and unknown. He explained how this wondrous vegetable reduced
one's temperature if one had a fever or raised it if it dropped too low.
It was full of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, to Z and furthermore had mystical
properties that would absolve one of one's sins if eaten every day.
For six months the chef would cook the aubergine, the Sultan would
relish the dishes, while the Mullah would sing the praises of
aubergine.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

As thing happen, eventually the great Potentate became sick to
death having aubergines everyday and ordered the chef on pain of
death to never again cook aubergines.
The Mullah who heard this immediately said, "Your Highness, you
are so right. This plant is a curse to humanity. It is full of noxious
poisons and is the cause of most maladies known and unknown.“
The Sultan asked the Mullah, "Mullah, only yesterday you said
aubergine was the king of all vegetables, how come you change your
tune so soon.
" "Sire,“ the Mullah replied, "I AM THE SULTAN’S SERVANT NOT THE
AUBERGINE’S."
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

HE WHO SERVES TWO MASTERS
IS FALSE TO ONE OF THEM
(Arabic Proverb)
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
MOST COMPASSIONATE,
MOST MERCIFUL.
AN-NASEEHAH
The Sincere Advice
““Allah has not made for any man two heartsAllah has not made for any man two hearts
in his (one) body “in his (one) body “
((Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 4Qur’an: Ahzab: 33: 4))

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