Islamic studies A.I. course - Session 11

Islamic Studies A.I. Course - Session 11

Welcome to another session of our Islamic Studies A.I. Course. This is our eleventh session, and we thank Allah for allowing us to reach this stage. I pray that everyone is benefiting not just from the knowledge but also from the ability to apply this information and improve our character. The objective is to enhance our character solely for the pleasure of Allah and to be true representatives on Earth by His permission.

Outline of the Session

Introduction by Brother Fareed

• Alhamdulillah, we've completed three of the foundational principles so far. In this session, we will begin with the fourth foundation.
• The Shaykh starts by addressing the severity of the shirk (polytheism) of people today compared to past generations.

Exploration of the Fourth Foundation

• The Shaykh mentions that the polytheism of our times is worse than that of previous generations.
• In times of ease, past polytheism was prevalent, but during times of hardship, people reverted to sincere worship of Allah alone.
• For today's polytheists, shirk persists during ease and hardship, which makes it more severe.

Quranic Evidence and Explanations

• The Shaykh uses an Ayah from Surah Al-Ankabut to support his point. It states that people called out to Allah with sincerity during distress, but reverted to shirk during ease.
• Example: The story of Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl during the conquest of Makkah.
  • Ikrimah, fleeing by sea, encounters a storm, realizes the idols cannot help him, and calls upon Allah sincerely.
  • Upon surviving, he returns to the Prophet Muhammad and converts to Islam.

Reflection on Past and Present Shirk

• The Shaykh emphasizes the contradictory behavior in today's society.
• People today invoke others besides Allah during both ease and hardship.
• Examples include people calling upon figures like 'Mad,' 'Ali,' or 'Hussain' for help, indicating persistent shirk.

Advice and Caution

• Scholars caution against prematurely labeling someone as a disbeliever or a polytheist. This requires senior and knowledgeable authority to assess the situation.
• Widespread ignorance often perpetuates these practices, making guidance and education crucial.

Conclusions by the Shaykh

• Four major points:
  • The earlier generations practiced shirk mainly during ease.
  • In despair, earlier generations called upon Allah alone.
  • Modern shirk persists in both states.
  • A call for education and guidance to rectify these behaviors.

Qur’anic Surahs Review and Practical Application

• Recap of Surahs: Surah An-Nas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Masad, Surah An-Nasr, and Surah Al-Kafirun.
• Emphasis on the protective nature of these surahs, their context, and application in daily life.
• The importance of using these surahs for protection as per the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

Questions and Interactive Discussion

• Open floor for questions.
• Clarification about the fourth foundation and its significance.

Key Points

• The comparison between contemporary and past shirk.
• Real-life examples from the Seerah.
• Explanation and significance of various surahs.
• Guidance on the proper invocation of Allah.

Keywords

• Shirk
• Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl
• Surah Al-Ankabut
• Surah An-Nas
• Surah Al-Falaq
• Surah Al-Ikhlas
• Surah Al-Masad
• Surah Al-Nasr
• Surah Al-Kafirun

FAQ

1. What is the main objective of this course session? The objective is to improve our character and understanding of Islamic principles for the pleasure of Allah, making us true representatives on Earth.

2. How does the Shaykh compare the shirk of today to that of past generations? The Shaykh states that today's shirk is more severe as it persists during both ease and hardship, unlike past generations who turned to Allah alone in difficult times.

3. Can you give an example from the Seerah that illustrates this point? The story of Ikrimah Ibn Abi Jahl during the conquest of Makkah, where he sincerely called upon Allah during a storm, serves as an example.

4. What are some key surahs discussed for protection? Key surahs include Surah An-Nas, Surah Al-Falaq, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Masad, Surah Al-Nasr, and Surah Al-Kafirun.

5. Why should we not hastily label someone as a disbeliever or a polytheist? Such labeling requires careful assessment and authority as widespread ignorance often perpetuates these practices. Providing guidance and education is vital.

6. How did the Prophet (SAW) use the protective surahs in his daily life? He recited them before sleeping, when sick, and whenever he sought protection.