fiqh - Class 1
KNOWLEDGE & PILLARS OF ISLAM
KNOWLEDGE
Allaah created man and provided him with the tools for acqruiring knowledge, namely hearing, sight and wisdom. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And Allâh has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allâh) [al-Nahl 16:78]
Islam is the religion of knowledge. The first aayah of the Qur’aan to be revealed enjoined reading which is the key to knowledge. Allaah says in Surah al-‘Alaq [96:1-5] (interpretation of the meaning):
“Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists).
He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).
Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.
Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.
He has taught man that which he knew not”
In Islam, knowledge comes before action; there can be no action without knowledge.
SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IS AN OBLIGATION
The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: ‘Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.’” (Ibn Majah, Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani). What is meant by knowledge here is knowledge of sharee’ah (Islamic knowledge). Al-Thawri said: “It is the knowledge for which no person has any excuse for not knowing.”
Seeking knowledge – which a Muslim needs in order to establish what is binding on him from worship of his Lord – is an obligation that is compulsory on him (fard ayn). Like how to offer Salah, make Wudoo & Ghusl, rulings of fasting, how & who to give Zakah to, Hajj etc knowing about these are an obligation for all of us. Similarly a business man should learn about the rules of trading to ensure he does not indulge in Riba. As for what exceeds those limits, then acquiring knowledge of that falls under the collective obligations (fard kifaayah), and it is something recommended and extra for the student of knowledge.
VIRTUE OF ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE
Islam calls us to seek knowledge. The Messenger ﷺ made seeking knowledge an obligation upon every Muslim, and he explained that the superiority of the one who has knowledge in many ahadeeth.
A person of knowledge is like the Moon in the sky in front of other stars, he is better than a devout worshipper because he not only learns, he spreads it and benefits others, the Prophet ﷺ said
“The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. (Abu Dawood, classed as Sahih by Albani)
"The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the most inferior amongst you (in good deeds)." [At-Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan].
Proper understanding of Islam is one of the best of good characteristics with which a Muslim may be honoured, The Prophet ﷺ said: “When Allaah wishes good for a person, He makes him understand the religion.” (Agreed upon. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 69)
It is only one of two things for which being envious is permitted. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Allah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives knowledge which he applies and teaches it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
VIRTUES & REWARDS OF ILM
Their ranks are raised in the sight of Allah
“Allah will raise those who believe among you and those who were given knowledge, by many degrees. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do”. (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11)
It is Inheritance of the Prophets
The Prophet ﷺ said “The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion”. (Abu Dawood, classed as Sahih by Albani)
The Path to Paradise is made Easy
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allaah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-‘Ilm, 10)
Rewards of spreading the Knowledge
There are many rewards for Dawah like we are rewarded the same as the person who learns it from us and implements it, it is amongst the best form of Sawab-e-Jaariya (continuous rewards) and the angels along with living beings including the fish & ants supplicate for the one who learns, implements and spreads.
Ignorance is NOT bliss
“No, stop! I don’t need to know,” interrupted a friend not wanting to discuss religion. “I’m not ready to practise just yet and Allah is too kind to punish anyone for things they are unaware of.” This is one of the Tricks of Shaitaan, as one could indulge in its sinfulness without carrying the burden of any guilt. After all, you can’t be held responsible for something you didn’t know about in the first place, says the clear enemy – The Shaitaan. By choosing to remain in ignorance we end up giving ourselves up to the devil and allow him to steer us along a blinded path and consequently live a life we hardly have any control over. Is this how we want to continue to live until ultimately death pushes us into the realm of the afterlife? And especially no when we see so many sudden deaths even young ones dying of sudden heart attacks.
When it comes to the hereafter, the outcome rests exclusively on our ability to keep to the fundamentals. Like everything else, religion is composed of a set of rules too; a guideline for all to follow if we want to achieve a state of true peace and tranquillity. There are only two possible ends to our existence; heaven or hell. One is a result of confusion, doubt, negligence and disregard of the divine principles; the other an outcome of knowledge, understanding, realization and complete obedience. Hence, we have to stop living in this shared delusion of ours and instead of choosing to remain ignorant, strive for knowledge and understanding. The more we learn and the more we struggle to follow the divine laws, the better will be our chances of attaining immortality in a state of indescribable ecstasy rather than chaotic wretchedness. I’d rather be aware and in control of my future than take the foolish risk of losing paradise—for there is not a soul that would ever knowingly trade absolute bliss with eternal damnation.
So, think again; is ignorance really bliss? We say Ignorance is NOT bliss, it is a weapon of Iblees.
DEFINITION OF ISLAM:
Submitting to the Will of Allah (The only True God who deserves to be worshipped) & obeying His Laws.
PILLARS OF ISLAM
I) TESTIFYING THAT NONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED EXCEPT ALLAH, AND THAT MUHAMMAD ﷺ IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH.
II) ESTABLISHMENT OF SALAAH.
III) GIVING ZAKAAH.
IV) FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN.
V) MAKING HAJJ (PILGRIMAGE) TO MAKKAH.
1ST PILLAR- The Shahadah
Allah (S.W.T) says in the Quran:
{And I created not the jinn and mankind except they should worship Me} (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
{Say, verily, my salaah, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the all that exists} (Al-Anáam 6:162)
NOTE: -
The definition of Worship ('Ebaadah) is everything that Allah Loves & is acceptable to Him from words and deeds; they are done in full submission, inwardly & outwardly, with Sincerity & Humility.
THE SHAHADAH:
“I TESTIFY THAT NONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPED EXCEPT ALLAH, AND THAT MUHAMMAD ﷺ IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH.”
2ND PILLAR - ESTABLISHMENT OF SALAAH
Allah (S.W.T) says in the Quran:
Ibraheem (A.S) asks Allah’s support in his duty saying, interpretation of the meaning is: -
{O MY LORD, MAKE ME ONE WHO ESTABLISHES SALAAH AND ALSO FROM MY OFFSPRING} (IBRAHEEM (14):40)
Allah (S.W.T) spoke to Musa (A.S) saying, interpretation of the meaning is : -
{AND ESTABLISH SALAAH FOR MY REMEMBRANCE} (TAAHA (20):14)
‘Issa (A.S) says of Allah (S.W.T) interpretation of the meaning is: -
{AND HE HAS ENJOINED ON ME SALAAH AND ZAKAAH AS LONG AS I LIVE} (MARIAM (19):31)
Allah (S.W.T) orders Muhammed ﷺ saying, interpretation of the meaning is: -
{RECITE WHAT WAS REVEALED TO YOU OF THE BOOK AND ESTABLISH SALAAH} (AL-‘ANKABOOT (29):45)
Allah (S.W.T) orders the believer saying:
{ESTABLISH SALAAH, FOR SALAAH HAS BEEN ENJOINED ON THE BELIEVERS AT STATED TIMES} (AN-NISAA (4):103)
3rd PILLAR - GIVING ZAKAH
Allah S.W.T. says in the Qur'an interpretation of the meaning is:-
So Establish Salah & give Zakah and Obey the Messenger that you may receive MERCY (Al –Noor (24):56)
BENEFITS OF ZAKAH:-
Above all it is an act of Obedience to Allah.
Helps the Poor & the Needy.
Purifies a person from greed & teaches generosity.
Purifies the Heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy against the Rich.
FORMS OF WEALTH:-
Gold/Silver/Money
Trade goods for sale (Ex. Vehicles, Land, Animals, Food etc)
Sheep/Cows/Camels
Certain produce of the Earth (Ex. Wheat, Barley, Dates etc)
RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAH: -
Allah S.W.T. says in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning is): -
As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakat ) are only for the Fuqara' (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds), and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam), and to free the captives, and for those in debt, and for Allah's Cause (i.e. for Mujahidun - those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise. (AT-TAWBAH-(9):(60)
4TH PILLAR - FASTING IN THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
Allah S.W.T. says in the Qur'an interpretation of the meaning is:-
(O you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may achieve Taqwa) (Al-Baqarah 2:183)
MERITS OF FASTING:-
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Allah said, Every good deed of the son of adam is multiplied in reward 10 to 700 times (depending on one’s intention and sincerity) ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will grant the reward for it. He leaves his passions and his food for My sake!
The fasting person has two moments of Joy, one when he breaks his fast and the other when he meets his Lord and the smell that comes from the mouth of the fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the smell of Musk” (Collected by Bukhari & Muslim)
BENEFITS OF FASTING:-
Above all it is an act of obedience to Allah.
Trains believers in TAQWA (Being Mindful of Allah & Fearing Him by doing all that He ordered & avoiding all that He has forbade).
Teaches Patience & sincerity
5th PILLAR - MAKING HAJJ TO MAKKAH
Allah SWT says in the Quran: -
(Pilgrimage to the house is duty mankind owes to Allah, those who are able to make the journey but if they deny faith Allah is not in need of any of His creations) (Ala-Imran 3:97)
MERITS OF HAJJ: -
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: -
“he who makes Hajj for Allah and avoids obscene language and immoral behavior will return (without his sin) like the day his mother gave birth to him” (Collected by Bukhari & Muslim)
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: -
One Umrah to another Umrah erases sins committed between them and Hajj (accepted by Allah has no reward except Al-Jannah (Paradise)”. (Collected by Bukhari & Muslim)
BENEFITS OF HAJJ: -
Above all it is an Act of obedience to Allah
Shows the universality of Islam.
Reminds us of The Day of Judgement.
TIPS FOR THE TEST
Memorize the Pillars
Read the Definitions
Remember the Virtues of Knowledge
No need to memorize the Aayahs or Hadeeths for the test although it is highly recommended for personal betterment InShaAllah.
ATTENDANCE/ASSIGNMENT
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Share all 4 notes of the week 2 Marks.
Pray for the Ummah 1 Mark
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