Peace2u
Turn To Islam
Islam is truly a way of life. It deals with every corner life can offer, including the tough edges of it too.
Islam has its own constitution. Not onlydoes it include roles and responsibilities upon individuals but also it dictates the rights of both men and women, which they need to get hold of.
One of the many rights that Islam offers is gaining knowledge. This is where the uniqueness of Islam comes along. Islam is not just a religion that requires one to pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah all day. Instead, one is required to seek knowledge from this life to help him- or herself succeed and be a winner in the hereafter.
Unfortunately, many people, including some Muslims, think that Muslim women cannot seek knowledge, saying that the hijab (headscarf) is one great barrier.
I wonder if they would still say this when they know that women in the West were allowed to access education only in 1792. That's not too far — just 215 years ago. On the other hand, Islam has granted women education more than 1,400 years ago. I will let the reader be the judge now.
The first verse that was ever revealed upon our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) started with the word read, and reading is definitely the key to knowledge.
Allah's Messenger said, "Allah makes the way to Paradise easy for those who tread the path of searching for knowledge" (Muslim).
Knowledge is surely a continuous process that has no end. For those of us who are still discovering the world, how do we choose our sources of knowledge? And how do we know which knowledge is more important than another? Let's see how the youth of Australia think about this.
Essence Of Islam
Mariam is a 20-year old girl. She is an Australian of a Jordanian origin. She views knowledge as part of the essence of Islam:
Knowledge for me is a connotation for Islam. It is known that Islam is a detailed manual for life, but after I lived it, I literally was able to see how it is a practical religion.
Nowadays, knowledge is easily accessed. Back at the time of the Prophet and the people that came a little after him, the people had to travel for years to get one piece of information. It would then take them many more years to pass it on to somebody to put it in a book.
Now, al-hamdu lillah, things like this would be on the other end of the world in a click. Books are no longer needed to be purchased (at least for some); you can just download a book or read it online. Instead of traveling thousands of miles to ask a scholar, you can just post your question without a difficulty.
Knowledge has many areas to it, and it doesn't restrict itself to Islamic knowledge. From an Islamic point of view, whatever worldly knowledge we learn has to be used for the benefit of Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
I always thought that Islamic knowledge has no place to start at. But after I asked some knowledgeable people to help me begin somewhere, I was told about the importance of forming my own little library: a copy of the Qur'an, a book of tafseer [exegesis] (e.g. by Ibn Kathir or Al-Mawdudi), a book of Hadith (e.g. Riyad As-Saliheen), and a book on fiqh [Islamic jurisprudence] (e.g. Fiqh As-Sunnah).
Whenever I am to inquire about something, I would use these manuals or post it [the inquiry] online.
One of the hadiths that I really like and that motivates me to keep learning is when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon) said, "When a person dies, his or her deeds come to an end except for three things: ceaseless charity, a knowledge that is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him or her [for the one who deceased]."
I ask Allah to make us with at least one of those categories.
Profound understanding
Olga, 27, is an Australian of Palestinian origin. She has her special view of knowledge:
I believe that seeking knowledge empowers a person to better understand the world where we live in and aids in seeking the true path in life. Also, deeper understanding of Islam and of our Creator is achieved by attaining knowledge.
My understanding of Islamic knowledge involves knowing the content of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and understanding it, as well as knowing how to apply them in our daily lives.
I mostly use the Internet, Islamic books, as well as the documentaries and Islamic lectures to gain knowledge. If you want to start gaining knowledge, start by grabbing a copy of the English translation of the Qur'an as well as its tafseer. A good Hadith book would also be handy, such as Riyad As-Saliheen.
In terms of the Internet, there are heaps of information. However, you need to be careful which sites to use because some may be set up by non-Muslims or deviant Islamic sects). Sites such as IslamOnline.net or IslamWay.com are great sites to browse.
Al-hamdu lillah, at this point in time, I feel like I have a mixture of knowledge: I finished a degree in science and a diploma in teaching, but most importantly I have acquired knowledge by living life. But it must be noted that this search for knowledge will inevitably be a lifelong search that every human should do.
One of the most amazing and unique things about Islam is the compatibility of science and Islamic knowledge; hence it can be said that general knowledge and Islamic knowledge cannot be viewed individually; they, by nature, go hand in hand.
The Importance of Qur'an
Fatuma is 23 years old. She is an Australian of a Somali origin.
It is obvious that Islam promotes seeking knowledge. The Qur'an was revealed to be read, not to be put up for decorations and sometimes be left forgotten. The mixture of knowledge that is in the Qur'an includes both deen [Islamic religion] and information on life skills.
Al-hamdu lillah, Allah has blessed me with parents who got me used to attending Islamic classes, Islamic lectures held at university, and talks at local mosques. At my personal pace, I browse authentic websites like IISNA.com [Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia] and IslamOnline.net. It is important to always make sure of any online material as it can be misinterpreted.
Some people who want to gain more specific Islamic knowledge may at times be restricted by family members who think that it may lead to something a little unsafe. In situations like this, the least that they can do is to choose the right company, because as we know, "You are what your friends are."
The friendship that is built on staying away form the haram [what is prohibited by Allah] will help to strengthen the relationship with Allah and that will help to keep holding on. Personal research and readings would be helpful too.
Islamic knowledge is unique in the sense that it doesn't have to be acquired through reading slabs of information, but rather the people of the past, along with their stories, are another way to learn and gain knowledge.
So, for example, when reading the seerah [biography] of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we see how he went when he dealt with situations or dilemmas in a specific manner. Also, when looking at the life of the Companions of the Prophet, we get to see how they behaved, responded, and acted, too. All this adds to our life- and deen-related knowledge.
I'm hoping, as I keep my readings, research, and lecture attendances, that I will be able to balance and mix the knowledge I have acquired in this life. I'm sure there is a lot of catching up to do.
Conclusion
Islam has its many roads to success. One best way is to seek Islamic knowledge. We are required to sacrifice time, money, efforts, and — most importantly — patience.
Sometimes, humans make it harder for themselves: We hit too big. To start in a simple manner will hopefully help in reaching a high step of knowledge.
Through knowledge, we come to know the greatness of Allah, and through that we come to learn sincerity, and that is the key to the success of all actions. Allah said in the Qur'an, [Read in the name of your Lord Who created [all that exists]. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is Most Honorable, Who taught [to write] with the pen [and] taught man what he knew not] (Al-`Alaq 96:1–5).
Islam has its own constitution. Not onlydoes it include roles and responsibilities upon individuals but also it dictates the rights of both men and women, which they need to get hold of.
One of the many rights that Islam offers is gaining knowledge. This is where the uniqueness of Islam comes along. Islam is not just a religion that requires one to pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah all day. Instead, one is required to seek knowledge from this life to help him- or herself succeed and be a winner in the hereafter.
Unfortunately, many people, including some Muslims, think that Muslim women cannot seek knowledge, saying that the hijab (headscarf) is one great barrier.
I wonder if they would still say this when they know that women in the West were allowed to access education only in 1792. That's not too far — just 215 years ago. On the other hand, Islam has granted women education more than 1,400 years ago. I will let the reader be the judge now.
The first verse that was ever revealed upon our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) started with the word read, and reading is definitely the key to knowledge.
Allah's Messenger said, "Allah makes the way to Paradise easy for those who tread the path of searching for knowledge" (Muslim).
Knowledge is surely a continuous process that has no end. For those of us who are still discovering the world, how do we choose our sources of knowledge? And how do we know which knowledge is more important than another? Let's see how the youth of Australia think about this.
Essence Of Islam
Mariam is a 20-year old girl. She is an Australian of a Jordanian origin. She views knowledge as part of the essence of Islam:
Knowledge for me is a connotation for Islam. It is known that Islam is a detailed manual for life, but after I lived it, I literally was able to see how it is a practical religion.
Nowadays, knowledge is easily accessed. Back at the time of the Prophet and the people that came a little after him, the people had to travel for years to get one piece of information. It would then take them many more years to pass it on to somebody to put it in a book.
Now, al-hamdu lillah, things like this would be on the other end of the world in a click. Books are no longer needed to be purchased (at least for some); you can just download a book or read it online. Instead of traveling thousands of miles to ask a scholar, you can just post your question without a difficulty.
Knowledge has many areas to it, and it doesn't restrict itself to Islamic knowledge. From an Islamic point of view, whatever worldly knowledge we learn has to be used for the benefit of Islam and the Muslim Ummah.
I always thought that Islamic knowledge has no place to start at. But after I asked some knowledgeable people to help me begin somewhere, I was told about the importance of forming my own little library: a copy of the Qur'an, a book of tafseer [exegesis] (e.g. by Ibn Kathir or Al-Mawdudi), a book of Hadith (e.g. Riyad As-Saliheen), and a book on fiqh [Islamic jurisprudence] (e.g. Fiqh As-Sunnah).
Whenever I am to inquire about something, I would use these manuals or post it [the inquiry] online.
One of the hadiths that I really like and that motivates me to keep learning is when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon) said, "When a person dies, his or her deeds come to an end except for three things: ceaseless charity, a knowledge that is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him or her [for the one who deceased]."
I ask Allah to make us with at least one of those categories.
Profound understanding
Olga, 27, is an Australian of Palestinian origin. She has her special view of knowledge:
I believe that seeking knowledge empowers a person to better understand the world where we live in and aids in seeking the true path in life. Also, deeper understanding of Islam and of our Creator is achieved by attaining knowledge.
My understanding of Islamic knowledge involves knowing the content of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and understanding it, as well as knowing how to apply them in our daily lives.
I mostly use the Internet, Islamic books, as well as the documentaries and Islamic lectures to gain knowledge. If you want to start gaining knowledge, start by grabbing a copy of the English translation of the Qur'an as well as its tafseer. A good Hadith book would also be handy, such as Riyad As-Saliheen.
In terms of the Internet, there are heaps of information. However, you need to be careful which sites to use because some may be set up by non-Muslims or deviant Islamic sects). Sites such as IslamOnline.net or IslamWay.com are great sites to browse.
Al-hamdu lillah, at this point in time, I feel like I have a mixture of knowledge: I finished a degree in science and a diploma in teaching, but most importantly I have acquired knowledge by living life. But it must be noted that this search for knowledge will inevitably be a lifelong search that every human should do.
One of the most amazing and unique things about Islam is the compatibility of science and Islamic knowledge; hence it can be said that general knowledge and Islamic knowledge cannot be viewed individually; they, by nature, go hand in hand.
The Importance of Qur'an
Fatuma is 23 years old. She is an Australian of a Somali origin.
It is obvious that Islam promotes seeking knowledge. The Qur'an was revealed to be read, not to be put up for decorations and sometimes be left forgotten. The mixture of knowledge that is in the Qur'an includes both deen [Islamic religion] and information on life skills.
Al-hamdu lillah, Allah has blessed me with parents who got me used to attending Islamic classes, Islamic lectures held at university, and talks at local mosques. At my personal pace, I browse authentic websites like IISNA.com [Islamic Information and Services Network of Australasia] and IslamOnline.net. It is important to always make sure of any online material as it can be misinterpreted.
Some people who want to gain more specific Islamic knowledge may at times be restricted by family members who think that it may lead to something a little unsafe. In situations like this, the least that they can do is to choose the right company, because as we know, "You are what your friends are."
The friendship that is built on staying away form the haram [what is prohibited by Allah] will help to strengthen the relationship with Allah and that will help to keep holding on. Personal research and readings would be helpful too.
Islamic knowledge is unique in the sense that it doesn't have to be acquired through reading slabs of information, but rather the people of the past, along with their stories, are another way to learn and gain knowledge.
So, for example, when reading the seerah [biography] of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we see how he went when he dealt with situations or dilemmas in a specific manner. Also, when looking at the life of the Companions of the Prophet, we get to see how they behaved, responded, and acted, too. All this adds to our life- and deen-related knowledge.
I'm hoping, as I keep my readings, research, and lecture attendances, that I will be able to balance and mix the knowledge I have acquired in this life. I'm sure there is a lot of catching up to do.
Conclusion
Islam has its many roads to success. One best way is to seek Islamic knowledge. We are required to sacrifice time, money, efforts, and — most importantly — patience.
Sometimes, humans make it harder for themselves: We hit too big. To start in a simple manner will hopefully help in reaching a high step of knowledge.
Through knowledge, we come to know the greatness of Allah, and through that we come to learn sincerity, and that is the key to the success of all actions. Allah said in the Qur'an, [Read in the name of your Lord Who created [all that exists]. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is Most Honorable, Who taught [to write] with the pen [and] taught man what he knew not] (Al-`Alaq 96:1–5).