Study Arabic online with Ar Rihla.

Ar Rihla is committed to providing you with Authentic Islamic Knowledge. All our courses are designed using the traditional sources of Shar’eeah via a golden chain of knowledge which finds it source with Nabi Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wa Sallam.

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about Islam and sign up for one of our online courses.

Our online courses guarantee simplicity and authenticity. Drawing on authentic,traditional scholarly methods we pride ourselves on offering courses that are founded upon reliable & authentic sources of Islamic Knowledge.
Our unique syllabus has been designed specifically with the needs of non-native speakers of Arabic in mind.The easy-to-understand methodology combined with the exceptionally light workload provide the perfect foundation towards understanding Arabic.

Why choose Ar Rihla:

- All our online courses are fully live.There are no recordings or downloads involved.
- You are guaranteed personal attention during lesson time and support via our dedicated help desk.
- The syllabus we use has been designed in-house.
- Hundreds of students (ages 13- 70) have already successfully graduated from our courses with an enhanced understanding of Arabic.
- Our pioneering methods have set us apart as leaders in the field of Arabic Tuition.

Course Details:

- A basic introductory course to Arabic grammar, reading and speaking
- Study Arabic from the comfort of your own home
- This basic course is a 6 hour course offered over 3 weeks
- Classes are fully live
- All course material will be provided electronically upon registration
- The only requirement to register for the course is the ability to read Arabic, i.e. Qur’aan


Lesson Times:

Lessons commence Tuesday 23rd  November 2010 Insha Allah. Lessons are held twice weekly.

Tuesday: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Course Fee: R 495.00

Should you have any queries or require further course details, email Ar Rihla Online (online@rihla.co.za)

Register for Ar Rihla’s Basic Arabic Online Course Here!!!

Stay in touch with Ar Rihla and learn of upcoming online courses in various fields of Islamic Studies.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Ar.Rihla.Foundation

Follow Ar Rihla on Twitter at http://twitter.com/arrihla

The wrapping has finally come off the new design for the MyUmmah website, this being the fourth redesign since launching in 2007.  Times change, technology advances and MyUmmah.co.za continues to evolve:)

On the technical and design side.
You’ll notice the categories have been reshuffled and several new ones added while older ones removed. Things have been  categorized to improve  navigation and finding information.  The colors are more softer on the eyes as well as text being more readable and spaced out to make reading and general usability a better experience.

On the content side:
A few weeks ago  a “submission” form was setup and your content is wanted!
Topics that we would like to see include Islamic History, Humour & Satire, Current News on Muslim communities in South Africa as well as overseas and Islamic opinions and analysis on local South African issues.

If you would like to write for MyUmmah, please get in touch and we can setup an account or you can use the public submission page.

If this is your first visit to MyUmmah, remember you can get the latest MyUmmah updates  by signing up to our Email Newsletter (top left of this page), RSS readers,   Liking our Facebook Page or Following us on Twitter

For Ramadaan and beyond.

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Click on preferred image to open in a new window. Right click on enlarged image and save.

For more desktop wallpaper designs visit www.saaleha.com

Registrations are now open for Ar Rihla’s 4 Week Basic Arabic Course in Johannesburg. Course commences 14th August 2010 Insha Allah.

The Ar Rihla “Basic Arabic Course for Beginners” has been designed to meet the needs of  individuals whose first language is English. We pride ourselves on offering a course so simple that participants as young as 13 and as old as 70 have successfully graduated with an enhanced understanding of Qur’aan and Salaah.

Our syllabus and teaching methodology have both been specially designed by leading experts in the field of Arabic linguistics.Our simple methodology, exceptionally effective teaching style and vast experience in the study of Arabic make Ar Rihla leaders in the field of Arabic tuition.

The Rihla Guarantee

We at Ar Rihla are so confident of the success of our tried-and-tested methodology which over 700 students have experienced, that we invite you to attend the first session FREE Of CHARGE and under no obligation whatsoever and then decide if you would like to register or not.

Venue: WITS UNIVERSITY (Venue details supplied on registration)
Date: 14th August 2010 Insha Allah
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Required Material : Notebook/Writing material for observations,notes etc.
Course Fee: R 600.00 per person inclusive of all notes

For further details & to register visit  www.rihla.co.za

Course : The Real Deal
Venue : The University of Witwatersrand , Parktown
Date : 17th and 18th July 2010
Register online or call : 082 740 8021

“And Allah has permitted trade, but forbidden riba” [AlBaqarah: 275]

One of the most difficult and confusing issues to Muslims now a days are the matters pertaining to the rulings of buying and selling. With trade and commerce having expanded with such rapid force, many are searching for what Islam has to say about it all. Of recent, a surge in global Islamic finance and the renewed interest in Shariah business law – requires us to understand the basic principles upon which Islam bases its ruling.

In this course, you will be introduced to:

The fiqh of Commerce in Shariah
Transactions and their classifications
Forbidden contracts and their understanding
The correct understanding and application of Riba
Understand heylah and how to detect it
Understand how the element of uncertainity may affect the validity of a transaction
Principles of halal investment
Manners of a Muslim businessman
Comparisons between Western commercial law and Shariah business law
Discussion of tens of the most popular modern business transactions – everything from credit cards, road side assistance, pyramind schemes, ebay, unlimited downloads, no deposit lay-bys, cash back policies, modern Islamic mortgages and investments in bonds, stocks and metals, laws on business and intellectual property, franchising..
Discussion of sample contracts from Islamic financial institutions
A preliminary study of how to Islamize large scale economic policies and ensure smooth transition to a riba free economy.

I’d like to take this post to introduce a very talented friend of mine who specialises in Voice Overs,  below is a short introduction from Mahmoud Taji.  Many South Africans find it difficult for voice over artists to do Islamic projects and I’m sure Taji could fill this gap nicely.

Mahmoud Taji is a Muslim voiceover artist based in Cairo. He does not apologize for his faith instead he tries to educate his customers on what is acceptable for Muslims to work on.

“The first thing I ask my clients to read is my list of restrictions, if they agree to my terms then we can work… otherwise they can hire someone else.”

This is the list that Mahmoud asks potential customers to read before approaching him:

As a devout Muslim Mahmoud does not work on projects for the following firms:

1. Cigarette Companies – Their advertising might have been restricted in the West / Europe but in the Middle East and in many 3rd world Countries… they don’t have these restrictions… that’s how they can still turn a profit when smoking is on a decline in their countries of origin.

2. Adult Industry Companies – No pornography in any way shape or form.

3. No Banks / Lottos / Insurance Companies – Islam dictates that Muslims are not to work with institutions that deal with Usury , unfair trade, or gambling .

4. Breweries, Alcoholic retailers, Bars etc. - That includes places that serve it … manufacture it, market it, transport it.

5. Hotels & Resorts – This has to do with part 4 of the list… places that serve alcohol… hotels  that do not serve Alcohol are exempt but this is rarely the case.

6. Work that promotes Atheism or contains Blasphemous Material – Anything that contains statements that can be disrespectful to God, his Angels, His Prophets or the messages and doctrines that they were sent with.

7. Music / Music Radio Stations – No Music  station imaging, Song introduction or anything similar.

8. No Islamic Sects or Other Religions – I am Sunni Muslim. I don’t do work for things that promote Sufism, The Shiaa or Church Charities be they Christian or Scientology based.

9. I Am Palestinian – And because I am Palestinian I don’t work with any company remotely associated with Israel so please don’t try. Your money doesn’t interest me.

“I don’t think it’s harsh for me to be upfront and candid with my clients. They should know this stuff before we start negotiating. I don’t want to start a project, promise a client my time and then discover that what they actually wanted me to work on was on the restriction list. Does this limit my income… sure it does … banks are always looking to promote their riba infested accounts… I once got a request from the church of Scientology wanting me to voice their garbage. Subhan allah, Are these people nuts? Whatever income comes from that kufr I am not in need of … no Baraka would come from it and I’d be taking part in spreading fosooq and shirk. A’ooth billah.”

Mahmoud also runs a blog called Taji’s Voice Emporium where he writes articles about the voiceover business where he injects the Islamic understanding of ethics and morality into the narrative. “It’s very important that people realize, whether they are Christian or not, that there are consequences to our actions. A Muslim will sometimes contemplate the repercussions of working to promote something. It is not just a paycheck that is demanded but the blessings of Allah and his pleasure. People of other faiths often skip that moment of contemplation and figure that the ends justify the means.”

The business of voiceovers is a relatively new profession starting from the early days of the radio. It is not like the carpenter or the butcher because it depends largely on technological   advancements in vocal projection and recording. More recently with the increasing sophistication of the personal computer as well as recording software, home studios have become more accessible and have allowed the voiceover artist to work from home making trips to the recording studio obsolete and unnecessary.

Commitment is what Mahmoud says his clients pick him for. He describes his email checking as his personal OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). “I promise my clients fast turnaround…  you can’t promise that and not be constantly in contact with your clients. Scripts change and deadlines tighten, that’s just how the business is … if you can’t get back to your client within 10 to 30 minutes of them emailing you then you shouldn’t bother getting into this business.”

With clients spanning all 5 continents Mahmoud comes in contact with many different cultures and customs. “Business is supposed to be the international language… but sometimes you have to educate yourself in how a culture functions so you can communicate with them. It is very easy to misunderstand someone or be misunderstood with an online business. You don’t have second chances here… you have to learn quickly… or sink!”

Visit his websites below:
http://www.mahmoudtaji.com

http://www.voiceemporium.com/

http://www.vopavilion.com/

In the hit Fox TV thriller “24” Counter Terrorism agent Jack Bauer (played by Kiefer Sutherland) usually gets his man. And more often than not it will involve a fair dose of urgent persuasion.Although illegal (and the programme makers stress the illegality of his actions) Jack Bauer will routinely cut off his opponents fingers (with a cigar cutter), inject all manner of chemicals, or simply beat them to near death in the interests of gathering a vital morsel of information. It’s an example of the “ticking bomb” scenario – faced with a ticking bomb, all formalities and rules go out the window. Of course in a 24 part series with each part representing only 1 hour of Jack’s frantic life, not a minute can be lost – so much so that the torture tactics appear regularly – on average every 2 hours in fact! While “24” doesn’t represent reality, it has managed very effectively to desensitize the American public to the use of torture.

But Binyam Mohamed is no fictional character, and the repeated torture he suffered at the hands of his captors was no illusion.Where was the ticking bomb in his case? What was the urgent life or death information that had to be extracted with the greatest reluctance? In his case, and those of many others, the ‘ticking bomb’ is as real as Saddam’s WMD.

In Binyam’s case, a US judge reported that his “trauma lasted for two long years. During that time he was physically and psychologically tortured. His genitals were mutilated …All the while he was forced to inculpate (incriminate) himself and others in various plots to imperil Americans.”

The supposed ‘ticking bomb’ scenarios initially used to justify the use of torture, have now been replaced by sustained and routine torture of detainees in the off chance that some useful intelligence can be gained. Supposed “life saving” emergency action is now intimidation and humiliation as witnessed at Guantanamo bay, Bagram Air base,Abu Ghraib and many other less publicised rendition centres.

The 1984 UN Convention against torture that Western states supposedly uphold is explicit. It defines torture as “the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering whether physical or mental”. The US only ratified this law 10 years later in 1994 and have been reigning back on it ever since. President Bush set out a new directive redefining what constitutes torture in a communiqué of August 2002:“the infliction of pain equivalent to serious physical injury, such as organ failure, impairment of bodily functions or even death”.Anything less than such a draconian beating merely constitutes “coercive interrogation” in the US leadership’s eyes.

The British government, despite protestations of principle against torture in all its guises, is in reality complicit with American policy.The Binyam Mohamed case has exposed the hypocrisy of their position. Binyam Mohamed complained that British agents attended his interrogation/torture sessions.A case confirming British involvement (MI5 and MI6) in his torture by the CIA, was tried at court in 2009. Despite attempts by the UK foreign secretary, David Miliband, to suppress the evidence, citing that such disclosure would harm national security because it was given in confidence by the US authorities, the government lost the case at the high court. On 14 December 2009, Miliband appealed against the high court ruling, that CIA information on Binyam Mohamed’s treatment, and what MI5 and MI6 knew about it, must be disclosed.

The British government’s excuses for their attempted and failed cover-up run hollow. There was no vital and confidential information extracted from Binyam Mohamed only that they tortured him and British agents happily watched/assisted. Furthermore if you make it known that you are prepared to accept the unreliable intelligence gained via torture, you are hardly doing anything to discourage the continuation of such torture – which further exposes the lie that they really oppose its use.

The subsequent decision of the UK Attorney General that MI5 and MI6 will not be investigated or prosecuted in connection with their complicity in the torture of detainees, only adds to the clear impression that such detestable and illegal activity is now being officially condoned at the highest levels.

The Debate

Some people in the West feel sad that principles of ‘human rights’, that some in earlier generations fought hard for in Europe, such as the outright forbiddance of torture, have now so easily fallen by the wayside in the so-called “free” world.

But outside those individuals who do actually care about these principles, there are  leading legal or journalistic figures who are not merely debating the abhorrent idea but actively trying to justify it, which shows the depths to which some will stoop in their “war on terror”. In a recent article, the media commentator Bruce Anderson not only declares it a right to torture, but states Britain has a “duty” to torture, even advocating the torture of a suspect’s family to achieve the desired aims.

It is little wonder that trust and respect for the secular values espoused by western governments hold little acceptance anywhere in the Muslim world. Pre­emptive strikes for regime change, military occupation, and now pre-emptive torture to elicit confessions, desired intelligence or to simply bully, show the true face of a morally bankrupt regime, and Muslims have already experienced enough of those on our side of the fence. Democracy and freedom are merely slogans designed to attract the unthinking to their side, when in reality the old doctrine of “might is right” holds the true leadership.The battle for ideas was lost long ago.They disqualify themselves even before the starting blocks.

But there is also an inherent schizophrenic identity crisis in Western states. On one hand there is a strong claim of a principled commitment to human rights. But in truth these states regularly discard their human rights ideals for narrow interest based/utilitarian ideals. Moreover, much of the argument against torture is not that it is wrong in principle, but that it simply does not work, as if it would be any less repugnant if it had a modicum of success.The hypocrisy of such people that advocate human rights but hide behind legal injunctions and court actions to keep silent the truth of what their security services have done, does not do them or the system they represent any good.

If they really had confidence in the principles they profess then surely they would have confidence that the arguments driven from these principles would win the debate. But the only plausible alternative explanation of this contradiction is that they (the ruling establishment in the West) know that the system is not truly fit for purpose. Hence they maintain an elaborate charade necessary to at least keep concerned individuals amongst the general public happy. But many Muslims are not so easily deceived.

Islam

Islam in contrast prohibits torture or any mistreatment of prisoners of war whatsoever.A common criticism of Shariah law is that it is absolutist on some issues, but this includes an absolute prohibition of torture.

The Messenger (Sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Providing a proof is incumbent on the plaintiff and giving an oath is a must on the defendant, if he denies.’

The Messenger of Allah explained that providing the initial proof is for the plaintiff to provide which also indicates conclusively that the defendant is treated as innocent until proven guilty. Coersion, the use of force and threatening behaviour towards the accused is also prohibited.

Hizb ut-Tahrir listed as Article 12 in the Draft Constitution for the Islamic State: Initially every person is innocent.And no one is to be punished except by a rule of court. It is not permitted to torture any one and whosoever does so will be punished.

There is no ‘ends justifies the means’ argument in Islam, no ticking bomb clauses and no conviction without the presentation of evidence, the right to defend oneself in a valid court of law, and the right to a fair trial.The fact that torture exists today in Muslim countries is because these countries have adopted an ‘ends and means’ argument – where the ends are to secure regimes, and the means are torture to create fear and to keep western allies happy.The next Caliphate will have a constitutional prohibition on torture absolutely, and there is nothing that Jack and his friends at Fox can do to change that.

source: http://www.khilafah.eu/kmag/article/to-torture-or-not-to-torture-a-question-that-troubles-the-west

This 39 page  book covers an area about which most people have very little knowledge but which is at the same time, of vital interest to all human beings. It outlines what happens to the human soul from the moment of death until the arrival of the Day of Judgement. It describes the death profess itself, the exact relationship of the soul to the body, the states of the soul after it leaves this world, and the nature of the ongoing relationship between the dead and those who are still alive. Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah was born into a scholarly and virtuous family in 691 AH/ 1292 A.D. At that time Damascus was a centre of literature and thought.

Many schools were located there and he studied and graduated under the protection, direction and sponsorship of his father. He was particularly influenced by his Shaykh and teacher Ahmad b. Taymiyyah, and also by Ibn ash-Shirazi amongst others. Layla Mabrouk, an eminent, contemporary, Egyptian scholar has skillfully abridged a classic work by the well known scholar.

click here to download

or read it online below:

The Soul Journey

Alkauthar Institute Presents : Mercy to the Worlds , by Sheik Tariq Appleby
Date : 13th and 14th March 2010
Time : 8:00 – 19:00
Wits Medical School , Parktown
Contact : johannesburg@alkauthar.org or 082 740 8021 for more details

“Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any difficulty. He is anxious over you, for the believers full of compassion, kindness, and mercy.” [At-Tawbah:128]

AlHasan alBasri said: I heard once that a tree cried from missing the Prophet. Are not then, a people who say that they love the Prophet, more worthy of crying from missing him?

And Anas radiallahu anhu used to say: “Wallahi I see the Prophet in my dreams every night… Except the odd nights.” Then he would fall down crying begging Allah to allow him to see his beloved even on the odd nights.

Welcome to the first in the series of indept courses on the life of the greatest man that ever lived. Join us as we relive the moments of his life in Makkah from before prophethood to after it and share with our beloved Prophet his times of joy and sorrow. The Mercy to the Worlds is unique in its teaching of Seerah, because it emphasises:

•Authenticity to the highest degree from the works of some of the best muhaqiqeen such as Ibn Hajr rahimahullah.
•Encourages passionate discourse about the effect of each of the major incidents of the Prophet’s life and how we can use it as a springboard to giving dawah.
•Encourages critical analysis of the series of events and attempts to draw the maximum benefit from each.
•Attempts to paint a complete picture of the life of the Prophet from all facets.
•Is filled with the most amazing details and benefits gathered from the largest sources of seerah available.
“For me, the study of the seerah was a labour of love. I can’t wait to share the joy of studying seerah with my friends.” [Quote from a student of Knowledge]

“Its like walking with the Prophet, talking to the Prophet, crying with him, laughing with him. I have never experienced a joy greater than studying about my beloved Prophet.” [Quote from a student of Knowledge]

The believers will meet their Prophet at the pond of alKauthar on the plains of resurrection – is it not then appropriate that you study about him at alKauthar as well?

Who is this course for?

•Every Muslim who dearly loves his/her Prophet and wants to learn about his seerah in greater detail
•For every daee who wishes to use the seerah as a platform for dawah
•For the student of the life of the Prophet who wishes to understand the most authentic information available regarding him.
•For every Muslim teacher in Islamic schools who wishes to raise his/her students with the knowledge of the seerah.
What will you come out with at the end of the course?

•A binder complete with notes on the details of the Seerah.
•Hundreds of examples, points of benefit from each incident and how to use it as a platform for dawah.
•Tremendous boost to your emaan.
•Clarification of doubts about the life of the Prophet.
•Motivation to start applying your knowledge of seerah in dawah.
Course materials

When you sign up for a course, at the first session, you will be given a binder full of notes and important reading regarding Seerah. You will be able to take down notes directly in the folder – this will stay with you for your future reference. In addition, the online facility will have extra points for reading and analysis including sample tests to check your understanding.

Course particulars

Faculty: Seerah and History
Type: Core topic
Credits: 3
Duration of Course: 18 hours which includes 4 instructor led sessions of 4 hours each + 2 hours of online tasks

Timing and Venue

Please check the enrolment page for course timings and venue in your city.

Why Enrol?

Knowledge is power. It increases when you give it. It is needed by Kings and beggars alike. It eases the path to paradise. We are constantly reminded in the Qur’an and Sunnah of the importance of gaining Islamic knowledge so as to apply it in our lives. At AlKauthar Institute we have attempted to make this path as easy as possible for a Muslim, but in the end it will require your own individual commitment, dedication and hardwork to gain the pleasure of Allah.

Remember:

•The benefits you receive for the fee you pay for these courses will far out weigh the benefits you will receive from the payment of any other course such as university fees, professional membership fees, conference fees amongst many others.
•Practicality is always emphasised. You will learn so much in such little time and in such a manner that will ensure that you will be able to impart that knowledge straight away. Come and experience the AlKauthar Method and the world’s first Case based islamic learning.
•Give your islamic education solid direction. One course at a time you will edge closer to a diploma, degree and honours.
•Instructors who will provide engaging and enjoyable university level lessons in a professional manner at ideal venues complimenting our technology focused teaching style. Our instructors also have plenty of experience dealing with Muslim affairs in the West.
•Our student advisors and online student centre, combined with the support of an online community consisting of your instructors and your fellow students from around Australia and the world.

AlKauthar Institute is aiming to develop a pioneering world class Islamic learning institute, providing a professional and refreshing approach to Islamic courses which will touch the hearts and revive the souls. Come and see for yourself how we attempt to seek the reward of Allah by enriching the lives of individuals and communities.

Rarely do opportunities like this come our way whilst we are healthy and able. Take advantage of the chance! What will you be missing out on if you don’t?

Host: AlKauthar Institute South Africa
Type: Education – Workshop
Start Time: Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 7:00pm
Location: WITS Med School
City/Town: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contact : 082 740 8021

A-Z of Love and Mercy
The Fiqh of Marriage and Divorce by Sheikh Bilal Ismail

Everything you wanted to know about the rulings of marriage and divorce in one beautiful single weekend!

AlKauthar has designed this course to be practical, informative, engaging, exciting and energising. Making the most difficult of topics – easy to understand, practical and simple to digest in a single intensive weekend is what we specialize in! That is precisely why our students say:

“AlKauthar is Fiqhtastic!” [London AlKauthar student]

Some of the things you will learn in this course:

* The importance of learning about Marriage and divorce
* All about the rulings of Islam pertaining to the marriage contract, its conditions and invalidators
* Modern methods and types of marriage and their rulings in Islam
* Clear understanding about the rulings of illegal marriage, zina and their consequences
* Discussion of all the rulings pertaining to the islamic manner of divorce and annulment (khula’)
* Clear and detailed understanding of the aftermath of divorce such as child custody laws in Islam

Who is this course for?

* Every Muslim trying to understand his or her deen whether they be married, looking to get married or looking to learn about its rulings.
* Teachers who may not have a solid background in the Islamic sciences.
* Marriage celebrants who need to understand the Islamic rulings of marriage and divorce.
* Anyone who want to have a deeper insight into understanding islamic family law.
* University students or High school seniors involved in calling to this religion.
* New Muslims who want to understand their Deen.

What will you come out with at the end of the course?

* A binder complete with notes on the details of the fiqh of marriage and divorce.
* Appreciation of the rulings about the vast majority of the questions about marriage and divorce that plague us today.
* Understanding step by step how to get nuture love through a blessed islamic marriage or to end it with mercy and compassion.

Fore more info on the course:

http://www.alkauthar.org/content.asp?pgc=less_alm&From=Our%20Courses

or email:
johannesburg@alkauthar.org