Ar Rihla aims to give you access to authentic Islamic knowledge in a professional, friendly and understanding environment. We also provide you with a platform to air your religious and spiritual problems. You are assured of our continued support and commitment towards finding a solution for whatever problems you may be facing.

Ar Rihla will be hosting a web seminar on Thursday, 18 February 2010 from 19:30 to 20:30.
Topic: Tafseer of Surah fatiha.
Pre-registration is essential.
To register email events@rihla.co.za with your FULL NAME and the word “WEB001″ in the subject line.
Seats are extremely limited.
Please note that there is NO COST INVOLVED.

Below is an Audio clip from them talking about the Quran and giving an overview of Ar Rihla,

Visit www.Rihla.co.za for more information.

This comes from ProductiveMuslim

As Muslims, we cannot underestimate the importance of reading, especially when the first word revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was “Read!”. But whenever the topic of reading comes up, even though we recognise its importance, we always bombard ourselves with reminders of how busy we are, or we think that reading is a waste of time compared to our other chores we have to do during the day.

I was reminded about the importance of reading recently in a self-development book that encourages its readers to read extensively into many topics and widen their horizon. You can evidently see the difference between someone who reads and someone who doesn’t read, at least in the vocabulary they use, never mind the ideas, and creative thinking that book lovers would have.

As Productive Muslims, we should have two types of reading: 1) Islamic reading (Quran, Hadeeth, Islamic books) 2) General reading. If I were to ask any Muslim today, which is more important? They’d say Islamic reading is more important than general reading. I would agree and would be hard for anyone to argue otherwise. But I would also argue here that general reading is important depending on the intention you make. If I were to read a book on marketing skills, and my intention is to improve my business, make more profits and be able to give more Zakat and support my family better, won’t that be considered beneficial? + wouldn’t I get rewarded for such reading? If I were to read the latest industry journal so I become acutely aware what’s happening in the industry and attempt to “stay on top of it all” and my intention is to better the Ummah by being a leader in this industry instead of a follower, isn’t that something great?

One might argue, that after the Quran, the Prophets Hadeeth books and other Islamic books there’s no need to read any further. And I would agree with that; those are part of the Sacred Knowledge that one should know and continue to explore and if we truly understand the Quran or sincerely attempt to understand it, we’ll find wisdom in there that suffices for all the books in the world! But, I would also argue that there’s a case for reading extensively in numerous topics that interest you, from either reading into your University degree widely, or reading your industry’s journal. Reading biographies of great men and women who achieved great things regardless of circumstances, to self-help books that work on personal self-development or any other habits/traits in us that need developed. We should read, read, read and constantly read.

So yes be selective, and Islamic reading should be a priority over any type of reading, but also read extensively and be open minded about things, and you’ll note yourself develop!

Now, the question begs itself? How should we read? Or more specifically, how should we develop a reading habit so that we constantly read, both Islamic reading + general leading. Below are some tips:

1) If you haven’t yet developed a habit of reading Quran + islamic knowledge daily, start developing this habit first. I advise to set yourself 10 minutes after fajr in your first week into this exercise and read 5 minutes of Quran + 5 minutes of Islamic knowledge or Hadeeth. Do this daily! The key is to do it after fajr salaat, as it’ll truly set your day straight.

After one week, add 10 minutes to your time. So now you’re reading 10 minutes of Quran + 10 minutes of Islamic knowledge + hadeeth.

In the third week, do this for half an hour and read 20 minutes of Quran + 10 minutes of Islamic knowledge + hadeeth…and now just stick to that! 30 minutes, no more! You might say, I can do more, I’ll say go ahead, but for our purposes, it’s important you develop a “habit” that’s consistent rather than go to extremes and then forget about this whole exercise.

2) Similarly, let’s develop a reading habit for general knowledge. Again, start with 10 minutes per day on any beneficial book you want to read. Do this before you sleep (as it is highly advisable) since it relaxes your mind yet exercies it at the same time. Do this for a week. But stick to it!!! No matter how tired, just read for 10 minutes. In the following week, extend your “bed-time” reading to 20 minutes, and following that by 30 minutes, and that’s it. Stick to that and be consistent.

After working on the above exercise for a month, you can take a step further. For Islamic knowledge, try to develop a habit to constantly read “Islamic knowledge” after every prayer. Or between 2 salats, e.g. Maghreb and Isha, this is where you dig deeper into the reading and perhaps memorize or use it to “study” Islam. Similarly for general reading, after a month of the above exercise, have some reading which you can do at work during lunchbreak for example that’s related to your work (e.g. FT, industry magazines, competitor work..etc) and leave your “bed-time” reading to self-development books, biographies, and books to inspire and motivate you.

I hope that sets us all up for reading and constantly reading. Finally, when ProductiveMuslim.com first started, we had a books page where I posted weekly a recommended book to read. I’ve had to remove it for various reasons, but inshaAllah would introduce it back soon, so do check the website often, and hopefully the ProductiveMuslim reading list would give some guidance on books to read that would be beneficial inshaAllah.

If you have ideas, tips, books you want to share, add to the comments below!

Ever since its revelation 1400 years ago, the Qur’an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world who believe it to be immutable word of God. Hardly a generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur’an and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary perspective.

In The Shade Of The Qur’an is more than ‘just another’ commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and sober look at man’s contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur’an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly ‘sophisticated’ , yet highly perplexed modern society.

The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb’s largest and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur’an. It was written, and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950s and 1960s. In it is embedded Sayyid Qutb’s insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigor, and his widely-acclaimed literary prowess.

In The Shade Of The Qur’an has been universally recognized as an outstanding contribution to Islamic thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary Islamic revivalist movements all over the world, owe a great deal. Now that it is available in English, it will continue to enlighten and inspire millions more. It will take its rightful place as an indispensable work of reference for a proper understanding of contemporary Islamic thinking.

Download from Kalamullah here:
http://www.kalamullah.com/Books/Fi%20Dhilal/Volume_1_(surah_1-2).pdf

his summary, of the fourth Juz commences at the beginning of Sûrah Nisâ and concludes at the end of the fifth Juz (verse 147 of Sûrah Nisâ).

To avenge their defeat at Badr, the Mushrikîn of Makkah mustered large force to attack Madinah the following year. The two armies locked in combat near Mount Uhud. The Muslims were on the brink of victory when a dispute between some Muslims resulted in their defeat. Instead of remaining at their posts as instructed, they left their posts to gather the booty. As a result of this, victory was turned into bitter defeat and Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam sustained a serious injury to his face. The Munâfiqîn [hypocrites] also plotted against the Muslims and made every effort to cause discord within the ranks of the Muslims. In this part of Sûrah Nisâ, Allâh points out the weaknesses of the Muslims and provides corrective measures to remedy them.

Allâh also mentions the people who misinterpret the verses of the Qur’ân to meet their own ends. Such people are warned about a terrible punishment from Allâh. Allâh also forbids the Mu’minîn from taking the Kuffâr as their confidantes.

Allâh emphatically prohibits false oaths and miserliness. Allâh also declares that a person’s family and wealth are tests for him and should not be regarded as the criteria for salvation. Salvation can be attained only by developing Taqwa. The Mu’min sincerely believes in the Qur’ân, begs Allâh for his needs in all sincerity and does not seek payment from people for reciting the Qur’ân. The rewards for the pious Mu’minîn are secure with their Rabb in the Âkhirâh, where they will definitely receive it.

Allâh exhorts the Mu’minîn to remain steadfast on the battlefield when confronted by the enemy and not to falter in their tracks. Allâh also praises the gentle temperament and excellent character of Rasulullâh towards the Muslims, a factor that contributed greatly towards the spread of Islâm.

The following guidance for social reformation is given:

1. Allâh strictly prohibits unlawful earnings and extorting money and property from others. For example, Allâh enjoins people to fully restore the wealth and property belonging to orphans. Allâh also cautions the guardians of orphans against substituting the good possessions of the orphans with their inferior ones.

2. Allâh makes it clear that a man is limited to only four wives at a time. Allâh also tells man that he should rather have only one wife if he fears that he would be unable to deal justly with them all. Due and amicable payment of dowry is emphasised in this Sûrah along with the specific shares of inheritance that heirs are to receive. Of course, Allâh clarifies that the settlement of debts is of paramount importance before dissolving any estate.

3. To purge society of the filth of adultery and fornication, Allâh has ordained that when four upright persons testify to witnessing any of these acts, those found guilty must be severely punished. Allâh also emphasises the importance of Taubah [repentance], which will be accepted only when it is sincerely done before a person’s dying moments.

End of Fourth Juz

Beginning of Fifth Juz

4. The laws pertaining to marriage and dowry are discussed. Allâh enumerates all those women whom a person cannot marry, as well as those whom he is allowed to marry. Allâh also states that the stipulated dowry may be increased or decreased after marriage with the mutual consent of the couple.

While it is permissible to take a profit from a mutually agreed contract of sale, extortion and oppression are forbidden in all circumstances. Jahannam will be the punishment for committing these grave sins. When a person abstains from major sins and carries out good acts, his minor sins are forgiven.

Allâh also says that a wife may be disciplined if she is disobedient and cannot be controlled. However, it is a grave sin to search for her faults so that she can be disciplined. If discord creeps into marriage and the couple cannot reconcile by themselves, an arbiter should be appointed to settle the matter.

Furthermore, Allâh states that a humiliating punishment will seize people who are miserly and ungrateful. With regard to the laws Salâh, Allâh mentions that Salâh may not be performed in a state impurity and in a state of intoxication. It is a major sin to perform Salâh in any of these conditions. If water is not available for wudhu for a bath, a person may purify himself for Salâh by making Tayammum.

Allâh exhorts Muslims to return to the rightful owners the trusts of others that they have in their possession, and that they should abstain from oppression and treachery. Allâh also commands the Mu’minîn to wage jihâd, emphasising that martyrdom is an exalted position and that fear for death is an act of cowardice.

Man is told in this part of Sûrah Nisâ that testimony should be given truthfully and in unambiguous terms even though it may have adverse repercussions on oneself or on one’s family members. Another statement of extreme importance is the verse where Allâh declares that although He may forgive any sin, He will never forgive the act of shirk.

End of Fifth Juz

This summary of the third Tarawîh commences at verse 18 of Sûrah Âl Imran and concludes at the end of Sûrah Âl Imrân.

Allâh speaks of Hadhrat Îsa Alayhis Salâm and his mother Hadhrat Maryam Radiallâhu anha. When she was placed in the care of Hadhrat Zakariyya Alayhis Salâm he noticed that she used to eat fruits that were not in season. Upon enquiry, she told him that it was from Allâh who sustains whomsoever He wills without any restrictions. This Sûrah mentions the miraculous birth of Hadhrat Îsa Alayhis Salâm from Hadhrat Maryam Radiallâhu anha without a father. As an infant in his cradle, Hadhrat Îsa spoke to the people and attested to his miraculous birth. This was just one of his many miracles that are mentioned in this Sûrah. Allâh assures people that Hadhrat Îsa Alayhis Salâm was neither killed nor crucified, but that he was lifted alive to the heavens.

Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam has informed us that Hadhrat Îsa Alayhis Salâm shall return to this world just before Qiyâmah to slay Dajjâl. He will then pass away naturally. However, the Christians adamantly believe that he was crucified.

The Christians were just as opposed to Islâm as the Jews were. Therefore, Allâh instructed Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam to issue a challenge of Mubâhala to them. The term Mubâhala is a challenge between two opposing factions where each gathers his family members and they collectively invoke Allâh’s punishment on the opposite faction saying, “O Allâh! Curse the party of us that is false and lying.” However, the group of Christians whom Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam challenged shrank in fear from the challenge.

This part of Sûrah Âl Imrân discusses both the Battle of Badr as well as the Battle of Uhud. During the Battle of Badr the Muslims were only 313 in number and did not even have sufficient arms to fight with. On the other hand, the Mushrikîn were over a thousand and were armed to the teeth. However, Allâh sent thousands of angels to assist the Muslim army and they convincingly vanquished the enemy. This battle was the first battle that the Muslims fought.

This summary of the second Tarawîh begins at the second quarter of the second Juz and concludes midway into the third Juz (at verse 18 of Sûrah Âl Imrân).

To a very large extent, Sûrah Baqara discusses the complete message of Islâm, dealing with matters such as the rights of Allâh, the rights of man, the method of living and the principles of social interaction. It also outlines laws pertaining to Salâh, Zakâh and Haj. In addition to this, charity, social welfare, mutual consultation, marriage, divorce, Iddah [waiting period after a woman is divorced or widowed], bequests, commerce and giving loans are also discussed. The Sûrah also presents many commands and prohibitions, devoting much attention to matters that are permissible and those that are not. These may be referred to as a complete code of life.

The details of Imân and the criteria of Imân are also discussed in this part of the Sûrah. Allâh emphasises that people should believe in Allâh, His Rasul it, the Day of Qiyâmah, the angels, all His other Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm and all the Divine Scriptures that were revealed to various Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm during their respective periods. Allâh also commands Muslims to spend generously on their parents, relatives, the poor, orphans, travellers and those slaves who wish to purchase their freedom.

Allâh commands that a murderer be executed [Qisâs]. However, if the heirs of the murdered person choose to rather accept the blood money, it will have to be paid. Fasting is ordained in this Sûrah, but people who are unable to fast have been granted certain concessions. Allâh makes it clear that marriage of Muslims to Mushrikîn men and women is prohibited. In addition to this, the Sûrah makes it clear that children are allowed to be suckled for a maximum period of two years.

End of Second Juz

Beginning of Third Juz

Allâh declares all interest-related transactions to be undeniably Harâm towards the end of Sûrah Baqara. The Sûrah also relates the incidents of two Ambiyâ Alayhimus Salâm whose hearts Allâh put at ease when He demonstrated to them how He resurrects the dead. Throughout Sûrah Baqara, Allâh repeatedly emphasises the importance of pondering over the verses of the Qur’ân. At the very end of the Sûrah, Allâh teaches man the method of making du’â as well as the words to be used.

The first eighteen verses of Sûrah Âl Imrân make it clear that only Allâh is worthy of worship, that the Day of Qiyâmah will certainly dawn and that the people will definitely be rewarded and punished for their actions. Allâh tells mankind that the Qur’ân was revealed to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Allâh also speaks of the Battle of Badr in this Sûrah. If the Mu’minîn were to ponder about the stunning victory that the Muslims earned in this battle, they can learn volumes about Allâh’s power. The true Mu’minîn are defined as people who persevere through hardships, who spend their wealth in Allâh’s way and awaken during the latter part of the night to beg pardon from Allâh.

 
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Inshallah I will try to post each nights Taraweeh prayer’s summary.  This is from Mufti Elias’s book: Gift of Tarawih

DAY ONE:

This summary covers the first one and a quarter Juzus of the Qur’ân, beginning with Sûrah Fâtiha and concluding with verse 176 of Sûrah Baqara.
Start of First Juz

Sûrah Fâtiha is usually referred to as Al Hamd Sharîf. Although this Sûrah was not the first Sûrah of the Qur’ân to be revealed, it is the first to be written in Qur’ânic manuscripts and the first to be recited when commencing recitation (Tilâwah) of the Qur’ân.Sûrah Fâtiha is a du’â [supplication] that Allâh has taught mankind. Therefore, when a person recites Sûrah Fâtiha, s/he is actually making a du’â to Allâh. The rest of the Qur’ân follows as a reply to this du’â. In this du’â a person pleads to Allâh to show him the straight path [Sirâtul Mustaqîm]. Thereafter, Allâh gives man the entire Qur’ân as the guidance he asked for and as a description of the Sirâtul Mustaqîm which he wants to tread.

Sûrah Baqara follows Sûrah Fâtiha, in which Allâh says that the Qur’ân is a guide for people who have Taqwa.[1] Therefore, the Qur’ân may not benefit those who have no desire for guidance and direction. Such people will be deprived of its illumination and shall remain spiritually deaf, dumb and blind. In Sûrah Baqara, Allâh invokes man to believe in the unseen, to establish Salâh and to spend in Allâh’s way from the provisions that He has granted. The details of Imân are described as belief in the Qur’ân, belief in all the previously revealed Divine Scriptures and conviction in the Âkhirâh.
Allâh also warns people against hypocrisy, warns the Kuffâr about the punishment of Jahannam, while also conveying the glad tidings of Jannah to the Mu’minîn. It is in this part of Sûrah Baqara that Allâh speaks about the creation of Hadhrat Âdam Alayhis Salâm and his appointment as Allâh’s viceroy on earth. The test between the knowledge of Hadhrat Âdam and the angels is mentioned, together with Allâh’s command to the angels to prostrate before Hadhrat Âdam. While all the angels complied, Iblîs refused. As a result of his arrogance, he was cursed and expelled from Jannah. Thereafter, the accursed Iblîs, tricked Hadhrat Adam Alayhis Salâm and Hadhrat Hawa Radiallâhu anha into eating from the forbidden tree. Thereafter, they were sent to live on earth. They repented to Allâh and were forgiven.

Allâh also speaks of the time when He summoned Hadhrat Mûsa Alayhis Salâm to Mount Tûr to receive the Torah [Taurat]. In his absence, the Bani Isrâ’îl began to worship the calf. However, they were forgiven for this act when they repented. On a daily basis Allâh provided them with Mann and Salwa to eat from the heavens, and also provided water for them from twelve springs that gushed from a rock. Allâh describes how the Jews were ungrateful for Allâh’s bounties and how they behaved rebelliously and insolently. This, together with their hypocritical conduct drew Allâh’s punishment upon them.

Thereafter, Allâh speaks about Hadhrat Ibrahîm Alayhis Salâm who was successful in every trial that Allâh put him through. As a reward for this, Allâh made him a guide of mankind. Allâh commanded him and his son Hadhrat Ismâ’îl Alayhis Salâm to construct the Ka’bah, which they duly did. Hadhrat Ibrahîm Alayhis Salâm made du’â to Allâh to raise a Nabî from among his progeny who would be a guide for mankind. Allâh accepted this du’â by raising Hadhrat Muhammad Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam, as a Nabî to the universe, via whom guidance spread throughout the world.
End of First Juz

Beginning of Second Juz

The beginning of the second Juz discusses the change of Qiblah. Allâh commands the Muslims to face towards the Ka’bah instead of Baitul Muqaddas [Jerusalem] when performing Salâh. Consequently, Muslims will always be required to face towards the Ka’bah wherever they may be. Allâh also prohibits the eating of carrion (dead animals), blood, swine and all animals that have been sacrificed in the name of any being besides Allâh.

With the massive interest shown in yesterdays announcement of the Imaam & Khateeb of Madina’s Masjid Nabawai coming to South Africa.  I decided to post a sample of his recitation and a link to download some surah’s that he has recited. This emotional recitation of Surah Taubah is truly awe inspiring!
With the ongoing “No longer available” error common on Youtube these days, I’ll try embedding videos from Google Video instead.

To download some free Mp3′s of Al-Budairs recitations, visit Islamway

I’v managed to get these beautiful recitations from our local Imam, we truly are fortunate enough to listen to his superb recitations.

Below is Surah Fatiha: (rightclick, save as..)

Surah Ar Rahman: (right click, save as..)