“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF TAUHEED” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

1. “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF TAU H EED” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 16 weekly class starting: 3 March 2012 Every Saturday night @ 8pm – 10pm Wisma Indah, 450 Changi Road, #02-00 next to Masjid Kassim INTRODUCING START OF A NEW COURSE [2012] Using curriculum he has developed especially for English-speaking Muslim converts and young English-speaking Adult Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” IT CAN ALSO BE A REFRESHER COURSE FOR MUSLIM PARENTS, EDUCATORS, IN CONTEMPORARY SINGAPORE. OPEN TO ALL IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST COMPASIONATE MOST MERCIFUL #1 For further information and registration contact E -mail : [email_address] or +65 81234669 / +65 96838279 All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 LESSON

2. REMEMBER THE …. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

3. (Say:) ”Behold, my prayer, and [all] my acts of worship, my living and my dying are for God [Allah alone, Who is], the Sustainer of all the worlds, in whose divinity none has a share: for thus have I been bidden – and I shall [always] be foremost among those who surrender themselves to Him (Muslimeen).” ( Qur’an: al-An’am:6:162 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

4. ” So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the faith: (establish) Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.” ( Surah Rum: 30: 30 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

5. ” Seest thou not how Allah sets forth a parable?― a goodly Word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens― It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition;” ( Qur’an: Ibrahim: 14: 24-25 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

6. REFLECT : COMPONENTS OF A TREE seed Sprou t Roots Trunk Leaves Layers of Bark Grow towards sunlight & Power to break rocks Fruits All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

7. “ .. Islamic education is organic, just like a plant, it has to be continuously nurtured to develop a Muslim to grow to be like the good tree’ .. insha-Allah! ...” ( Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail ) WHAT’S NEXT ? (FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE BEGINNERS’ COURSE) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

8. WHAT’S NEXT ? All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

9. WHAT’S NEXT ? All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

10. Tau h eedic paradigm ‘ ILM TAU H EED - ‘AQIDAH (Creed or Theology) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

11. ‘ ILM TAU H EED - ‘AQIDAH (Creed or Theology) Purpose / Objective Development of Certainty (Belief) Awareness of Reality / Truth Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood, What is involved ? ‘ Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect) Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception) Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions What is the Effect ? To develop firm conviction, strong principle, Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah (Tau h eed); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man. Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

12. ‘ ILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAH (Creed or Theology) Purpose / Objective Development of Certainty (Belief) Awareness of Reality / Truth Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood, What is involved ? ‘ Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect) Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception) Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions What is the Effect ? To develop firm conviction, strong principle, Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah (Tau h eed); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man. RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: Languages, Logic & philosophy, Epistemology, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Physical sciences, Astronomy, Geology, History, Anthropology, Marine & Space, Etc. Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

13. Tau h eedic paradigm ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

14. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

15. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. BROAD EXTENT OF TOPICS COVERED IN FIQH ‘ ibadah (personal devotion / worship) Muamalah (social transaction) Munakahah (Marriage & family) Irth / fara’id (Distribution of wealth) Jinayah (crimes & punishment) Qodha’iyah (judiciary) jihad / Da’wah (struggle in war & peace) imarah (Leadership/government) Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

16. ‘ ILM FIQH (Practical Laws for life; Learning of the Shari’ah) Purpose / Objective Development of Correct Practices; Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam) What is involved ? Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life Capability to implementing them in life What is the Effect ? To develop a community of people, Inviting to what is good Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil, Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust) As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent), Establishing the Brotherhood of Man in The servitude of One God. RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: All applied sciences, technology and skills, knowledge of economics, politics, social & administrative sciences etc. that can assist in the fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace, harmony, prosperity, physical with moral progress, and the well-being of Man & society, etc. Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

17. Tau h eedic paradigm ‘ ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN (Science of human Disposition/ Sufism) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

18. ‘ ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN (Science of human Disposition/ Sufism) Purpose / Objective Development of Righteous Personality Purification/perfection of the Self What is involved ? Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs) Best behaviour in relationship with Allah, within oneself, and with others. Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis) What is the Effect ? Development of Most noble personality traits Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [ Nabiyyin ] especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w., his Household [ itrah or Ahlul-bayti wa Aali -Rasul ] and loyal Companions [As haab] , In fellowship with the Truthful [ siddiqqin ], the Witnesses & martyrs [ shuhada ] and the Righteous servants of Allah [ Solihin ]; Striving to purify the Self ( Nafs ) and adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. (The Perfected Man – “ Insan Kaamil”) Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

19. ‘ ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN (Science of human Disposition/ Sufism) Purpose / Objective Development of Righteous Personality Purification/perfection of the Self What is involved ? Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs) Best behaviour in relationship with Allah, within oneself, and with others. Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis) What is the Effect ? Development of Most noble personality traits Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [ Nabiyyin ] especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w., his Household [ itrah or Ahlul-bayti wa Aali -Rasul ] and loyal Companions [As haab] , In fellowship with the Truthful [ siddiqqin ], the Witnesses & martyrs [ shuhada ] and the Righteous servants of Allah [ Solihin ]; Striving to purify the Self ( Nafs ) and adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. (The Perfected Man – “ Insan Kaamil”) RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE: This aspect of development requires practical behaviour, the aspect of being and becoming. Its area of development is the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ or the state of the Soul reflected in his Disposition ( Akhlaq ). Therefore, the close equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology, behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc. Tau h eedic paradigm All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

20. Development of Certainty (Belief) Awareness of Reality / Truth Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood, All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

21. Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: WARNING! All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

22. “ Whoever seeks knowledge (intending) to argue with the learned (scholars), or to brag with the foolish; or with it to attract peoples’ attention to himself; Allah will make him to enter the Hell-fire.” ( Hadith also reported by Tirmidzi and Ibn Majah ) Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w. said: WARNING! All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

23. WARNING! All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

25. As an example of the intention (and Du’a): as formulated by Imam Qutb al-Irshad al-Habib ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad ( rahimahullah ) – may we benefit from his Wisdom and secrets. ADDENDUM All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

26. As an example of the intention (and Du’a): as formulated by Imam Qutb al-Irshad al-Habib ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad ( rahimahullah ) – may we benefit from his Wisdom and secrets. “ I intend to learn and teach (knowledge), to gain and to share benefits, to receive and to give reminders, to seek (Allah’s) bestowals and to bestow (upon others), to holdfast to the teachings of the Book of Allah (Qur’an) and As-Sunnah of His Messenger s.a.a.w. , to invite towards the right guidance, to show to the path of goodness, beseeching and seeking to please Allah s.w.t., so as to gain nearness to Him and hoping for (His acceptance and) His reward. Amin” ADDENDUM All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

27. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE & METHOD OF APPROACH All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

28. Lesson # 1 A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE & METHOD OF APPROACH By : Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail Intermediate Islamic Course conducted (since 1990's) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

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47. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 “ If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); they will certainly reply "Allah (God)." How are they then deluded away (from the truth)?” ( Qur’an: Ankabut: 29: 61 )

48. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 Say: "who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of land and sea, when ye call upon Him in humility and silent terror: `if He only delivers us from these (dangers), (we vow) we shall truly show our gratitude'.?" ( Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 63 )

49. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 Say: "It is Allah that delivers you from these and all (other) distresses: and yet ye worship false gods!" ( Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 64 )

50. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 Say: "He hath power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance― each from the other." See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols) that they may understand. ( Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 65 )

51. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 “ and yet, to all this thy peoples have given the lie, although it is the truth. Say [then]: "I am not responsible for your conduct. Every tiding [from Allah] has a term set for its fulfilment: and in time you will come to know [the truth].". ( Qur’an: An-’am: 6: 66-67 )

52. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 Atheism is a new phenomena in the history of mankind and cannot be said to be natural. It is totally against the pure instinct of man, not to believe in a supernatural being - for this would only be replacing the idea of ‘God’ (the intelligent Force), with ‘nature’ (an unknown entity without any will nor intelligence, yet said to be the cause) capable of creating many amazing things in this universe ! Historically, atheism or agnosticism came about because of rejection of certain absurd myths attributed to God, not an absolute rejection of the idea of God.

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57. [Or do they deny the existence of God?] Have they themselves been created without anything [that might have caused their creation]? or were they, perchance, their own creators? [And] have they created the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no certainty of anything!” ( Qur’an: Tur: 52: 35-36 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

58. “ Had there been in heaven or on earth any deities other than Allah, both [those realms would surely have fallen into ruin! But limitless in His glory is Allah, enthroned in His awesome almightiness far] above anything that men may devise by way of definition!” ( Qur’an: Tur: 52: 35-36 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

59. Say: "If there were as some people assert [other] deities side by side with Him, surely [even] they would have to strive to find a way unto Him who is enthroned on His almightiness?“ Limitless is He in His glory, and sublimely, immeasurably exalted above anything that men may say [about Him]” ( Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 42-43 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

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61. “ Never did Allah take unto Himself any offspring, nor has there ever been any deity side by side with Him: [for, had there been any,] lo! each deity would surely have stood apart [from the others] in whatever it had created, and they would surely have [tried to] overcome one another! Limitless in His glory is Allah, [far] above anything that men may devise by way of definition,” ( Qur’an: al-Mu’minun: 23: 91 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

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67. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE & METHOD OF APPROACH TO CONTINUE ... All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

82. The true aspiration towards being close to our Compassionate and Loving Creator, has to begin by knowing Him and with striving towards achieving His Pleasure ( Mardhaa-tillah - ) following the path of TAU H EED – leading to the love of Allah. To attain this, Allah s.w.t. has provided the Guidance and the Guide, the Last Messenger, Seal of the Prophethood, Prophet Muhammad s.a.a.w.: All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

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84. Say [O Prophet]: "If you love Allah, follow me, [and]Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.“ Say: “Pay heed unto Allah and the Messenger.” And if they turn away - verily, Allah does not love those who deny the truth.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 31-32 ) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

85. CONCLUSION: Thus the Concept of Tau h eed which serves as the foundation of the teachings of Islam can only be accomplished by following no other way except the way shown by Allah s.w.t. through His prophets and Messengers. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

86. CONCLUSION: The Last of Allah’s Prophets and Messengers, who came to supersede them all, guided by Allah's revelation to establish al-Islam as the perfected Deen al-Islam , is prophet Muhammad ibnu 'Abdillah s.a.w - the Last Messenger and the Seal of prophethood. All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

87. CONCLUSION: And certainly there will be no other prophet after him. That is why the Kalimah of al-Islam for every Muslim must be completed with : MUHAM-MADUR-RA-SUU-LULLAH "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

88. CONCLUSION: And further elaborations after TAU H EED would include aspects emanating from it such as: (AL- ‘ADALAH) : QADHA’-WAL-QADR (SAM-’IYYAT) : AL-GHAYB– RISAALAH - NUBUWWAT (AL-AAKHIRAH) All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012

89. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ITS HISTORY AND RELEVANCE FOR MUSLIMS All Rights Reserved ©Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail.2012 TO BE CONTINUED ..... INSHA-ALLAH

90. 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 (2012)