A Brief Introduction to Islamic Sciences

Image result for islamic booksIt is compulsory for a Muslim to acquire knowledge. [Hadith] The journey of seeking knowledge must not be restricted to any gender, era or age; rather, acquire knowledge from the cradle to the grave. The very first instruction of the Qur`an was to “read”. Seeking knowledge is a pathway to enter into Jannah (paradise). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever treads a path seeking knowledge therein, God directs him to a path leading to Jannah.” To acquire true knowledge and to share it with others is a great act of continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah) for even after one`s demise. [Hadith] In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained, “Verily God, His angels, the inmates of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea send salutation on the one who teaches good to the people.”

The numerous religious sciences include: Quran, Hadith and Seerah, Arabic, Fiqh and Aqa`id.

 
Qur`an

Why study the recitation and meaning of the Qur`an?

• “The best amongst you is he who learns The Qur`an and (or) teaches it.” [Hadith]

• Reading the Quran is the fulfilment of an Islamic duty

• The Quran will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment [Hadith]

• The Quran will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment • “Verily Allah will raise nations [and their status in both worlds] by this book (The Qur`an). [Hadith]  Image result for islamic sciences

• The Quran is the key for peace, contentment and satisfaction in this world and a source for blessings in the hereafter. [Qur`an, 20: 124-6]

• There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Holy Quran. [Hadith]

• The reciters of the Quran will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. [Hadith]

• Your rank in Jannah is determined by the portion of The Quran you have memorised. [Hadith]

Hadith and Seerah (The Prophet`s Life)

This entails various aspects of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, including: Makkah period, Migration (Hijrah), Madinah period, Character, Miracles and lessons from the Seerah etc.
The life of the Prophet has several hidden gems and practical lessons for us to adopt in everyday life which have been acknowledged not only by Muslims but also non-Muslims. “Who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?” (Alphonse de Lamar tine) “I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.” (George Bernard Shaw)

Why study seerah?

To study seerah:
• Increases our love for the Prophet (Peace be upon Him)

• educates us about the meaning of The Qur’an

• raises our aspirations and elevates our spirits

• strengthens our faith, belief and soul

• outlines a precise methodology of reviving our communities Image result for seerah

• provides peace and solace to the heart

• invokes the prophet`s intercession on the day of judgement

• “Verily in God`s Messenger (peace be upon him) there is for you a most perfect and beautiful model [of life] for every such person that expects and aspires [to meet] Allah and the Last Day and remembers God abundantly.” [Al-Qur`an: 33:21]

Arabic

Why learn Arabic?

The Arabic language is:
• the language of the Holy Qur’an;

• the mother tongue of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions;

• the language of the people of Jannah;

• the primary vehicle for transmitting of Islamic sciences;

• Arabic is the mother of all tongues, first taught to Adam in Paradise;

• a means of great reward and worship if acquired with a sincere intention;

• part of the religion. “Learn Arabic for it is part of your religion.” (Umar R.A.) “Learn Arabic as you learn the [Islamic] obligations and practices.” (Ali R.A.) “Teach Arabic like you teach the memorisation of the Qur’an (Ubay ibn Ka’b R.A.).”

Fiqh (Jurisprudence)

This entails rulings pertaining to various laws including: purification, prayer, fasting, alms, hajj, Islamic etiquette and manners, transactions, marriage and divorce and various other issues.

Why learn Fiqh?

To learn fiqh:
• increases us in reward. Few actions with fiqh are more rewarding than more actions without any fiqh.

• is one of the best forms of worship. “To learn of one issue [of the religion] is better for me than to pray the entire night.” [Abu Darda] • brings forth the khasyah and consciousness of God. “Indeed those who fear God from his servants they are the knowledgeable, Indeed God is The Mighty, the Most-Forgiving.” [Qur’an 35:28]

• increases a person in rank above all other creation. “The superiority of a learned man over a worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon over the other stars.” [Hadith] “Are those who know equal with those who do not know? But only men of understanding will pay heed.” [Al-Qur’an 39:9] “A single faqih [a person with deep understanding in Islam] is more severe upon the devil than a thousand worshippers.”

• is a sign of goodness from God. “Whosoever God wishes good for, He bestows upon him understanding of the religion. [Hadith]

Aqa`id (beliefs)

Why study Islamic creed?

• To gain salvation in both the worlds;

• To perform each action with full conviction and faith;

• To create eagerness to enter Jannah;

• To become aware of the requirements and essentials of true faith;

• To recognise and know Allah with all His attributes. “Indeed, God has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one; whoever enumerates them shall enter Jannah.” [Hadith]

• It is a prerequisite for all actions. “We learned Iman (faith) and then we learned The Qur’an and