This document provides an introduction to the study of 'ilm al-akhlaq (the science of ethics) according to Islamic scholarship. It discusses definitions of key terms like Ruh, Nafs and Qalb which refer to the human soul and spirit. It emphasizes seeking knowledge from Islamic scholars and maintaining spiritual states through righteous deeds. Quotes from the Quran and hadiths encourage acquiring knowledge, especially of jurisprudence, to strengthen one's faith and guard against evil.

1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ “ Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the most exalted (Khuluq) disposition.” Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail LESSON # 3B – (cont’d) PREPARATION FOR LEARNING

3. PREVIOUS LESSON All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

4. “ TRADITIONAL LEARNING FROM ISLAMIC TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS” PREVIOUS LESSON All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

5. TO CONTINUE LESSON All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

6. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

7. “ It is He (Allah) Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom― although they had been, before, in manifest error― .“ ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 2 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

8. “ As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not already joined them: and He is Exalted in Might, Wise.” ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 3 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

9. “ Such is the Bounty of Allah, which He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the Lord of the highest bounty.” ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 4 ) IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

10. “ Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says "I am of those who bow in Islam" ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 41: 33 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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12. “ Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion ( LIYA-TAFAQQAHU -FID-DEEN ) and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).” ( Qur’an: Taubah: 9:122 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

13. Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.“ ( Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 9 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

14. “ So ask the people of the ‘Remembrance’ (i.e. those who know) in matters which you do not know. “ ( Qur’an: Anbiya’: 21: 7 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

15. “ Verily those who truly fear Allah from among His Servants, those who have knowledge ( AL-’ULAMA ): for Allah is Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving. “ ( Qur’an: Fatir: 35: 28 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

16. “ Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted Knowledge ( UU-TUL-’ILMA ): and Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do.” ( Qur’an: Mujadilah: 58: 11 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

17. He (Allah) grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the message but men of understanding .“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 269 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

18. Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

19. “ Whomsoever that Allah wishes for him goodness, He will make him a FAQIH (learned) in matters of the religion( Deen ); and for everything there is a pillar, and the pillar of this religion is AL-FIQH – (the profound understanding of the Deen ); a learned scholar (of the Deen ) is more difficult upon satan than a thousand worshippers.” ( Reported by Bukhary and Muslim ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

20. “ Whosoever sets out upon the path in which to seek knowledge ( ‘ILMA ), Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” ( Reported by Abu Daud & Tirmidzi ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

21. “ The best ones amongst you is the person who makes your remember Allah when you look upon him; and whenever he speaks it increases you your knowledge (of the Deen), and with his deeds it inspires (motivates) you to strive for your Hereafter.” ( Hadith reported by Hakim from Ibnu ‘Umar r.a .) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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23. “ Indeed, Allah bestowed a favour upon the believers when he raised up in their midst a Messenger from among themselves, to convey His messages unto them, and to cause them to grow in purity, and to impart unto them the divine writ as well as wisdom - whereas before that they were indeed, most obviously, lost in error.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 163 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

24. “ Knowledge is not from the listening of much narrations (or merely reading books), verily knowledge is light (which Allah s.w.t. casts) into the heart.” ( Saying of * Ibnu Mas’ud r.a .) * The famous companion (SAHABI) of the Prophet s.a.a.w. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

27. “ Learn (seek knowledge)! For the learning is an adornment for the one who (strive and) possesses it; a virtue and a prelude to every praiseworthy action.” * Muhammad ibn al-Hassan Abu ’Abdallah al-Shaibany r.h.m. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

32. REMEMBER FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS EPISTEMOLOGY All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

33. Knowledge is a collection of facts , information , and/or skills acquired through experience or education or (more generally) the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. It can be implicit (as with practical skill or expertise) or explicit (as with the theoretical understanding of a subject); and it can be more or less formal or systematic. OXFORD DICTIONARIES’ DEFINITION: REMEMBER FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS EPISTEMOLOGY All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

34. facts , information Skills Knowledge education MA’-LUMAT (information; facts) SINA’-AH (skills, industrious); FANNIYAH (artistry); ’ ILM – (science and knowledge) TA-ADDIB ; - which includes TA’-LIM ; TAR-BIYYAH ; TAZKIYYAH , etc. EQUIVALENT TERMS USED IN ISLAM REMEMBER FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS EPISTEMOLOGY All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

35. REMEMBER FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS EPISTEMOLOGY All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

41. Note : Arabic word “ universe ” and “ a scholar; one who is knowledgeable ” is spelt: ( ) REMEMBER FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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47. “ The knowledge is what benefits, not what is memorized” ( Imam Muhammad Idris ash-Shafi’e rhm. a .) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

48. “ O YOU who have attained to faith! Why do you say one thing and do another? Most loathsome is it in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do!” ( Qur’an: Saff: 81: 2-3 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

49. “ Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you forget your own selves - and yet you recite the divine writ? Will you not, then, use your reason?” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 44 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

50. “ THE PARABLE of those who were graced with the burden of the Torah, and thereafter failed to bear this burden, is that of an ass that carries a load of books [but cannot benefit from them]. Calamitous is the parable of people who are bent on giving the lie to Allah's messages - for Allah does not bestow His guidance upon such evildoing folk!” ( Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 62: 5 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

51. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Now there is a kind of man whose views on the life of this world may please thee greatly, and [the more so as] he cites Allah as witness to what is in his heart and is, moreover, exceedingly skilful in argument.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 204 ) “ NIFAAQ” - SICKNESS OF THE HEART (SOUL)

52. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ But whenever he prevails, he goes about the earth spreading corruption and destroying [man's] tilth and progeny: and God does not love corruption.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 205 ) “ NIFAAQ” - SICKNESS OF THE HEART (SOUL)

55. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ And whenever he is told, "Be conscious of Allah ( TAQWA )," his false pride drives him into sin: wherefore hell will be his allotted portion-and how vile a resting-place! ” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 206 ) “ NIFAAQ” - SICKNESS OF THE HEART (SOUL)

56. ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

57. “ Hast thou not observed those who assert that they believe in that which hath been sent down unto thee and that which hath been sent down before thee desiring to go to TAGHUT (the devil) for judgement, whereas they have been commanded to disbelieve in him; and Satan desires to lead them far astray.” ( Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 60 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

58. “ As for those who take the deniers of the truth for their allies in preference to the believers - do they hope to be honoured by them when, behold, all honour belongs to Allah [alone]?” ( Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 139 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

60. “ When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed and to the Messenger": thou sees the Hypocrites ( Munafiqun ) , avert their faces from thee in disgust.” ( Qur’an: Nisa’: 4: 61 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

61. ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

62. “ Of the people there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day" but they do not (really) believe. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not! In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves). ” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 8-10 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

63. “ When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth", they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!" ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 11 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

64. “ When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 13 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

65. “ When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe" but when they are alone with their evil ones ( SHAYAATIN – their leaders) they say: "We are really with you, we (were) only jesting.“ ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 14 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

67. “ Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses ( TUGHYAN ) ; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro)” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 16 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

68. “ These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 16 ) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

70. “ Of those who reject faith the patrons are the TAGHUT – (Evil Ones): from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (for ever).” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 257) ATTITUDE OF THE ‘MUNAFIQUN’ All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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73. “ O you who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport ,― whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but (be conscious and) fear you Allah, if you have Faith (indeed).” ( Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 57 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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75. “ Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say: "The Guidance of Allah that is the (only) Guidance." Were you to follow their desires, after the knowledge which has reached you, then would you find neither protector nor Helper against Allah.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 120 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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77. “ O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your AULIYA’ (friends, helpers, protectors, etc.): they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship, patronage) is of them . Verily Allah guides not a people unjust.” ( Qur’an: Ma-idah: 5: 51 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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79. “ And, indeed, He has enjoined upon you in this divine writ that whenever you hear people deny the truth of Allah's messages and mock at them, you shall avoid their company until they begin to talk of other things - or else, verily, you will become like them. Behold, together with those who deny the truth Allah will gather in hell the hypocrites,” ( Qur’an: An-Nisa’: 4: 140 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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81. “ O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy ( bitaanah * ) those outside your ranks; they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom. ( Qur’an : Aali’Imran: 3:118 ) * bitaanah : advisors, consultants, protectors, intimate friends, helpers ... All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

82. “ O ye who believe! (Be conscious of Allah and) Fear Allah ( TAQWA ) and be with those who are true (in word and deed).” ( Qur’an: Taubah:9: 119 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

83. “ He is not from my Ummah (community), One who do not respect our elders, or One who is not merciful (kind) to our young, and One who do not know our ‘Ulama’ - Islamic scholars (and respect their rights ) .” ( Hadith of our Prophet s.a.w. Reported by Tabrany ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

84. “ A person is upon the religion (way of life) of the ones (friends) he is close to, therefore look to whom you (love to be) close to.” ( Hadith reported by Tirmidzi ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

85. ” Verily this is knowledge (contains the rules) of the DEEN (Religion), so look thoroughly into the person from whom you acquire (the knowledge of) your DEEN (Religion).” Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rhm.a) advices and warns us Muslims: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

86. “ Whosoever has an increase in knowledge without any increase in his detachment ( ZUHD ) for the world, would not have any increase with Allah except in his distancing himself further” ( Hadith reported by Dailami from ‘Ali ibn Abi Tolib r.a .) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

87. “ He is not an ascetic ( ZAHID ) he who is detached (denounce) the dirham and dinar (i.e. money), but verily a true ascetic ( ZAHID ) is one who detaches himself from all other except the Irresistable ( Allah jallaajalaa-luh )” ( Explanation of “ ZUHD ” by Ibn ‘Arabiy ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

88. “ He who does not exert abstinence ( WARA’) while learning, God (Allah) the Almighty chastise [him] in one of three ways: [1] either deprives him of life in his youth, or [2] exiles him into [far-off] regions, or [3] punishes him [by forcing him to enter] the service of the Sultan.” A SCHOLARS’ ADVICE FROM KITAB “ TA’LIM MUTA’LLIM ” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

89. “ O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the ability to follow it. And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the ability to reject it.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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91. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people." All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

92. http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/ All welcome to visit my web-blog: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)