August 7th, 2010 & August 8th, 2010
After Maghrib Prayer

It is that time of year again, when batteries recharge, spirits rebuild, masjids abound with new faces and open hearts, homes fill with the sweet aroma of iftari dishes and deep-fried delight, all in preparation for the great month of Ramadan! It is the month of mercy, the month of forgiveness, and the month of salvation.

Ramadan is more than just tolerating thirst and hunger. It is a time to accumulate the power needed to drive the vehicle of life. What should you know about this month in order to maximize your spiritual output? What are common mistakes committed by people in Ramadan? How can you avoid them? What rulings should everyone know about the deeds   associated with this month.

Join us for an evening of rememberance and learning and explore the secrets of Ramadan.

August 7th, 2010

The Fiqh of Fasting:
Shaykh Ehzaz Ajmeri

MSI Masjid
1785 Bloomingdale Rd
Glendale Heights, IL

(After Maghrib)

August 8th, 2010

The Month of Mercy:
Shaykh Mubeen Kamani

ICC Masjid
5933 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

(After Maghrib)

Contact Info:

Men’s Contact – 847.903.7860   |    Women’s Contact – 847.532.2119   |   info@darulhikmah.com

• Open to Brothers & Sisters
• Sisters-only Sessions
• Two night Brothers Stay-over
• Q & A Sessions
• Babysitting Services Provided
• Program is Free; Minimum Costs for Meals

Topics Include

• Physical Health
• Pure Consumption
• Lawful Sustenance
• Mental Well-Being
• Worldly Bliss

Venue and Date

1. Venue: Islamic Community Center Of Des Plaines 480 potter Road, Des Plaines, IL
2. Date : June 4th – June 6th, 2010
3. Time : Friday Asr until Sunday Asr

Speakers

• Shaykh Murabit Benevidez (California)
• Shaykh Abdullah Nana (California)
• Shaykh Amin Kholwadia
• Shaykh Bilal Ali Ansari
• Shaykh Abdullah Madyun
• Shaykh Minhajuddin Ahmad (Missouri)
• Shaykh Nabeel Khan
• Shaykh Azeemuddin Ahmed
• Shaykh Hussain Kamani
• Shaykh Saad Baig
• and more…

The theme for this summer’s retreat is Living the Good Life. The topic of the retreat derives inspiration from Surah an-Nahl, Ayah 97, in which Allah (SWT) states, “Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall, most surely, cause him to live a good life.” Lectures will focus on the concept of a pure and good life as represented by the prophetic Sunnah while exploring how every aspect of the “good life” can be actualized in our daily existence. Topics include discussions on physical health, pure livelihood, mental well-being, satisfaction, and lawful consumption.

For the full schedule, please click here – The Good Life schedule

1) What is the Good Life and How do I Attain it?

The first main session will expound upon aspects of Surah an-Nahl, Ayah 97 that pertain to the concept of the “good life.” A full explanation of the verse’s context and how it was understood by the scholars of the past will set the tone for the rest of the retreat’s speeches. General advice about pure and lawful sustenance, worldly bliss, leading a life of obedience, and achieving satisfaction with what is destined will be included. Lastly, the speaker will address the antithesis of the “good life” and how one can avoid living an unhappy life.

Subtheme: Physical Health

2) Prophetic Parallels: Healthy Eating and the Sunnah  -  (Sisters' Session)

Eating habits and healthy living are inseparable from the Prophetic way of life. This session will discuss how the Sunnah beautifies and perfects different aspects of life, amongst them being health and appearance.

3) Keeping it Clean: Fiqh of Taharah Workshop and the Importance of Hygiene

"From the acts of nature are five: circumcision, removing pubic hairs, trimming the mustache, cutting the nails and plucking the hair from under the armpits." The speaker will discuss the concept of being clean and upholding a high standard of hygiene. This is part of the fitrah (innate nature) of human beings. Purification and cleanliness not only refers to ablution, but apply to other sectors of life as well. This section will be conducted in a workshop format. The Fiqh of Purification (Taharah) will be discussed as well as the different aspects of hygiene mentioned in the above hadith.

4) Fiqh of Salah Workshop

Subtheme: Pure Consumption

5) The Spiritual Dimensions of Halal Consumption

This session will explore the spiritual importance of eating lawful food as well as the physical benefits of exercising precaution in food consumption. The audience will be made aware of the central importance of lawful eating in a Muslim’s life and the spiritual drawbacks of eating unlawful food. Examples will be given from the lives of the Prophets and Companions, as well as anecdotes from the lives of the pious predecessors.

6) You Are What You Eat: Educating Ourselves about What We Eat

Most people know very little about their dinner. Where did the food come from? What was put in it? How did it reach them? This session will seek to educate the Muslim about the origins of their food, both produce and meat, and expose the food industry for what it is: edible garbage. The speech will discuss conventional vs. organic food sources, the irony of organic industrialization, and the benefit of local food markets and informed consumption. Lastly, the speaker will provide practical solutions on how to eat healthy and minimize the harmful effects of the food industry.

7) Is it Really Halal? A Deeper Look at the Meat Industry

With a detailed account of the current state of the meat industry, the scholar will provide invaluable information from personal experiences after traveling the world investigating slaughterhouses, farms, and butcher shops. Statistics, procedures, and legal issues will be presented as well as solutions to the most common problems in the meat industry. The speaker will try to educate the audience about how they can help bring about change in the industry and improve the quality of their meat from health, hygiene, and halal perspective.

Subtheme: Lawful Sustenance

8) The Business of Contentment

The speaker will elucidate how the road of extravagance and materialism takes one farther away from the concept of simple living. Current economic turmoil has spawned depression and anxiety in the masses, a phenomenon that has not left Muslim communities untouched. The speaker will discuss how one can live a life of contentment and leave the “money brings happiness” paradigm of modernity by relating stories of the apparent poverty our pious predecessors lived in, while they remained the happiest people in the world. Why was that? What was their secret? After attending this lecture, one will, Inshallah, be educated with regards to avoiding frivolous spending habits and taking account of where wealth come from and goes to. This lecture will not cover the financial industry or its financial concepts.

9) Understanding Islamic Finance: Problems and Solutions

Islam is a complete way of life, one that encompasses the social, political, and economic realities of the world. In this session, the speaker will educate the audience with regards to the basic concepts of Islamic financing. Importanly, he will share his experience and expertise with regards to current financing vehicles and modalities. After attending this session, the audience will have an appreciation of the need to seek out Halal financing alternatives. They will also have a fuller understanding of Islamic financing options available today, their limitations, and an appreciation of the need for progressive solutions in this key sector.

Subtheme: Mental Health

10) Party Hard, Die Harder: The Dangers of the Entertainment Industry

The speaker will focus on the adverse social, emotional, and psychological effects that television, music, video games, and the internet can have one’s wellbeing, as well as the use of the mobile phone and how it is affecting social relationships. Overall, the speaker will explore the birth of social ineptitude within our communities and the manner in which it may ultimately lead to physical and mental problems. Not only is this overemphasis on entertainment destroying physical stamina and social aptitude, but it is also leading to spiritual destruction as well.

11) Can’t Find Peace: Battling Unease by Developing a Sound Heart

The speaker will discuss the consequences of choosing not to lead a good lifestyle: anxiety and depression. He will further address ways to develop a spiritual routine to prevent such ailments. Reciting Qur’an regularly or selected Surahs can help create barakah and fulfillment in one’s life. The speaker will further emphasize on such fundamental acts which bring merit, not only a spiritual, but also sustenance and psychological standpoint, as well.

12) Food for the Brain: The Mental and Social Benefits of Learning the Gracious Qur'an

Learning and teaching the Gracious Qur'an, even a single verse, are amongst the most virtuous and blessed acts a Muslim can undertake. Whether one has memorized a small or large portion of the Qur'an, one should be asking himself/herself, "How can I spend my life learning and teaching the Qur'an? And what, practically, are the benefits?" This session will elucidate how pursuing the memorization of the Qur'an and spending one's life reciting it,  learning about it, and living by it increases one's happiness, intellectual abilities, and social aptitude. After attending this session, individuals will be motivated to increase their interaction with the Holy Qur'an and see the worldly benefits attained by learning the Holy Qur'an. 

Subtheme: Worldly Bliss

13) God-Given: Attaining Goodness by Seeking Knowledge

“When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen” (Bukhari). Knowledge is the cornerstone to living a good life. It embellishes the life of a Muslim by providing it with meaning and focus. What does seeking knowledge require? How does one attain its goodness? How does one create the means to seek knowledge while going to school or work? The focus of this session is to recognize knowledge as a cornerstone to living 'The Good Life'. Additionally, the session will highlight that seeking knowledge is not as far-fetched as one may think. It will expound on various ways a Muslim can put himself/herself upon this noble path and thereby learn the conduits of worldly bliss.

14) Priceless Surroundings: Finding and Keeping Good Friendship

Life can get lonely and finding a good friend can make all the difference in the world. What are the qualities of a good friend? How far will a good friend take one in this world and the next? Where can one find such priceless souls? And a bad friend? This session will seek to educate the Muslim about the importance of seeking quality friends and how this leads to a more well-balanced social life. In a time when the environment may not be conducive to upright morals, friendships play a key role in building good character.

15) A Breath of Fresh Air: The Importance of Recreation in Islam

Exercise and activity has become a national agenda for the country. The reality is that this emphasis has always been there in Islam. In this session, the speaker will define what recreation means based on the prophetic model. Recreation has a meaning beyond just enrolling in a gym; it requires being active and positive throughout the course of one’s day while avoiding laziness. The speaker will also address ways in which women can lead a more active lifestyle.

16) Happily Ever After (Parallel sessions)

Healthy Marriage Life (Couples-Only Session, Upstairs)

In this session, the speaker will share concepts and practical advice to help couples, old and new, lead a blissful married life. In a time where more and more couples are suffering from discord, this is a must attend session. When life at home is peaceful, life in general becomes a bed of roses. After attending this session, individuals will walk away with practical advice on how to improve their married life and achieve fulfillment and happiness.

Healthy Abstinent Life (Singles-Only Session, Downstairs)

The trial of the age is that of chastity. Everywhere one turns, temptation lurks around the corner. When every day is a struggle, how can one find a place to sound anchor? In this session, the speaker will educate the audience on how to achieve and maintain an abstinent lifestyle while staying active, happy, and fulfilled. After attending this session, the audience will walk away with practical advice on how stay clean until marriage.

17) Holding Hands: Healthy Communal Relationship

The speaker will discuss how to maintain strong ties of brotherhood and sisterhood despite differences of opinion. The key issue of tolerance will be addressed. Many people lack the ability to communicate with different kinds of people merely because of their lack of exposure. Ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural differences when handled in an un-Islamic manner creates imbalance. Due to this imbalance, our community is becoming a community of two extremes. We are either socially impotent or too outspoken to the point of hurting others around us. After attending this session, the audience should be able to interact with others maturely regardless of the type and extent of differences. The need to move beyond ethnic and cultural divides will also be stressed.

18) Globetrotting: The Importance of Traveling

In this session, the speaker will discuss how traveling allows one to learn about other cultures and educational traditions. He will encourage the audience to immerse themselves in the company of those outside his or her own cultural comfort zone in order to understand and embrace the historical, ethnic, and cultural diversity that comprises Islamdom.

For the full schedule, please click here – The Good Life schedule

Shaykh Haroon Firdausi was one of the first American-born, Chicago-based scholars to travel abroad to study the Islamic sciences. Having attained a bachelor's degree in the field of electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, Shaykh Haroon travelled to Pakistan to pursue advanced Islamic sciences. He first took an intensive course in Arabic and Qur'anic philosophy at the Quran College in Lahore. After devoting months of his time to the work of da'wah and tabligh, he enrolled in Madrasah 'Arabiyya in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and completed studies in Arabic, fiqh, adab, balaghah, tafsir, and hadith. Shaykh Haroon later traveled to Multan and completed ifta' at one of the top Islamic jurisprudence programs in the country, Khayr al-Madaris, under Mufti 'Abd al-Sattar al-Multani (may Allah lengthen his life). Mufti Haroon is currently a teacher at Darul Uloom Chicago and is also a licensed funeral director. Along with his academic commitments, he is administering a funeral services institution called Muslim Funeral Services.

Shaykh Bilal Ali Ansari

Shaykh Bilal Ali Ansari was born and raised in Chicago, IL. After studying two years of computer engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana, IL, his desire for Islamic knowledge drove him to the Indian subcontinent, where he decided to pursue an education in Islamic studies. Shaykh Bilal started his Islamic studies at Jami‘a al-Hasanayn in Faisalabad, Pakistan under the auspices of the famous orator and da‘i of Islam, Mawlana Tariq Jameel. There, he spent nearly four years in the company and service of his beloved and talented teacher, Shaykh Ramzi al-Habib al-Tunisi al-Maliki. Later, he traveled to Karachi and enrolled at the famous Jami'ah Dar al-‘Ulum Karachi where he completed his hadith studies under prominent scholars of fiqh and hadith, such as Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, Mufti Muhammad Rafi Usmani, Mufti Mahmud Ashraf Usmani, Mufti ‘Abd al-Ra‘uf al-Sikharwi, Mawlana ‘Abdullah al-Burmi, Mawlana Iftikhar Ahmad al-A‘zami, among others. Afterwards, Shaykh Bilal enrolled in a specialization course in hadith and studied under Allamah Dr. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Halim al-Nu’mani (al-Chishti), the brother of the famous hadith researcher, Allamah Muhammad Abd al-Rashid al-Nu'mani. Shaykh Bilal Ali also has ijazahs in hadith from some of the most senior ‘ulama’ of Pakistan, namely Mawlana Salimullah Khan, Mawlana Sarfaraz Khan Safdar, Mawlana 'Abd al-Halim al-Nu’mani, and Mawlana Khan Muhammad, all direct students of Shaykh al-Islam Husayn Ahmad al-Madani. Currently, Mawlana Bilal Ali Ansari is teaching Islamic studies full-time at the Ma'had Talim al-Islam (Institute of Islamic Education, Elgin IL) and resides with his wife in Glendale Heights, IL.

Shaykh Abrar Mirza

Shaykh Abrar Mirza was born in India, raised in Saudi Arabia, and subsequently moved to the US in 1994 at the age of 10, where he received the majority of his education.  While enrolled at Benedictine University (Lisle, IL), he started his studies in Islamic education by first learning the essential rules of Arabic grammar and morphology at the university.  In addition to taking Arabic classes at BU, however, Shaykh Abrar also enrolled at the well-known institute for Islamic and Arabic studies, Darul Qasim (Lombard, IL), headed by Shaykh Amin Kholwadia. 

After attending a summer Arabic program at the Ma’had Ta‘lim al-Islam (Institute of Islamic Education, Elgin, IL) Shaykh Abrar, along with a handful of other students, decided to continue his studies in the religious sciences there and helped form the first batch of ‘alim-course students at the Ma‘had.  He has thus had the opportunity to study under several recognized scholars, including Mawlana Abdullah Saleem (may Allah lengthen his life) and his father, the renowned mufassir of the Qur’an and Shaykh al-Hadith of Dar al-‘Ulum in Deoband, Mawlana Muhammad Na‘im (may Allah have mercy on him), under whom he completed the study of Sahih al-Bukhari.  Mawlana Muhammad Na‘im, a contemporary of Hakim al-Islam Qari Muhammad Tayyib al-Qasimi, Shaykh al-Islam Husayn Ahmad al-Madani, ‘Allamah Shabbir Ahmad al-‘Uthmani, and other great scholars of the near past was one of the last great sages of his time, and through him Shaykh Abrar’s sanad of hadith is equal to or higher than the sanad of many recognized scholars around the world.

Shaykh Abrar Mirza graduated from Benedictine University in 2006 with honors and a degree in Information Systems while simultaneously pursuing his Islamic studies full-time.  He graduated from Ma’had Ta’leem al-Islam in July, 2007. Thereafter, he enrolled at Madrasah In'aamiyyah (Camperdown, South Africa) to specialize in the field of jurisprudence (fiqh) and completed his iftaa under the tutelage of Mufti Ebrahim Desai (may Allah lengthen his life).  Currently, Shaykh Abrar continues to answer for AskImam.org, in addition to teaching at Darul Hikmah Academy and An-Noor.  In addition, he also works full-time at Orbitz Worldwide (Chicago, IL).

Shaykh Azeemuddin Ahmed

Shaykh Azeemuddin Ahmed was born and raised in the Chicago-land area. After completing the memorization of the Qur’an, he went on to complete a rigorous 8-year ‘alim and ‘ifta course at Darul Uloom Zakariyya in Johannesburg, South Africa based on the traditional darse-nizami cirriculum of Islamic education, under some of the world's greatest scholars such as Mufti Rada al-Haq. Following his graduation with top honors, Shaykh Azeemuddin earned authorizations in the Islamic sciences, which included but was not limited to, Arabic language, exegesis (tafsir), hadith, and jurisprudence (fiqh). He is currently Imam at the AIA Masjid in Frankfort, IL and also holds private Islamic studies classes at his newly established masjid and institute of learning, Darus Salam, located in Lombard, IL. (www.masjiddarussalam.org)

Shaykh Nabeel Ahmed Khan

haykh Nabeel Ahmed Khan was raised in the Bay Area of northern California. At the tender age of 12, he went to Pakistan to memorize the Quran. By the grace of Allah, he completed the memorization of the Qur’an at the age of 13 at the famous Qur’an school of the great Shaykh and scholar, Shah Hakeem Akhtar (may Allah lengthen his life), Ashraf al-Madaris, whereupon he returned to the United States and went on to complete his high school education. Shaykh Nabeel later attended San Jose State University, majoring in computer science. Afterwards, he traveled to South Africa, where he studied Islamic studies at the famous Islamic seminary, Dar al-‘Ulum Azaadville, for four years. He also studied at Dar al-‘Ulum London in the U.K. Shaykh Nabeel studied privately for three years under the tutelage of his teacher, Shaykh Mumtaz ul-Haq Nazir, a prominent student of the great muhaddith, Allamah Yusuf al-Binnori. He is also a deputy (khalifah) of the great spiritual master and guide, Shaykh Shah Hakeem Akhtar (may Allah lengthen his life) and is experienced in the field of tazkiyah (purification of the soul). He is currently an Islamic studies teacher at the College Preparatory School of America in Lombard, IL and an instructor with Darul Qasim, a traditional learning institute located in the suburbs of Chicago.

Shaykh Hussain Kamani

Shaykh Hussain Kamani was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. After completing the memorization of the Qur'an in Buffalo, New York, he went on to complete a rigorous eight year ‘alim and ‘ifta course at Darul Uloom Bury, located in the United Kingdom. His studies were based on the traditional Darse-Nizami curriculum of Islamic education and under some of the world's greatest scholars such as Shaykh Yusuf Motala and Shaykh Bilal Bawa. Following his graduation with top honors, Shaykh Hussain went on to earn his post-graduate degree in Business Management & Strategy at the University of Coventry (RDI). Aside from being a teacher at Darul Hikmah, Shaykh Hussain holds various programs around the city of Chicago and beyond for Muslim youth. He is also currently serving as the Imam of the ICC Masjid in Chicago and teaches for the Sacred Learning educational institute (www.sacredlearning.org).

Shaykh Noman Hussain

Shaykh Qari Noman Hussain was born and raised in the Chicago-land area. He began his schooling at the College Preparatory School of America in Lombard, Illinois. At the tender age of 9, he enrolled at the Institute of Islamic Education (Maulana Abdullah Saleem’s Madrasa in Elgin, Illinois) to begin the memorization of the Qur’an. He later finished the memorization under Mufti Haroon Firdausi in Kankakee, Illinois. Qari Noman then wanted to further his learning in the Islamic Sciences. For this reason, he traveled across the world to South Africa and enrolled in the rigorous 7-year ‘alim course at Darul Uloom Zakariyya in Johannesburg, South Africa based on the traditional dares-nizami curriculum. Qari Noman earned authorizations (Ijazah) in several Islamic sciences, including, but not limited to the Arabic language, exegesis of the Holy Qur’an (tafsir), hadith, and jurisprudence (fiqh), studying under some of the world’s most renowned scholars such as Shaykhul Hadith Mufti Raza-ul-Haq, Qari Ayub Ishaq, and Shaykh Sulaiman Moola.

While at Darul Uloom Zakariyya, Qari Noman was also selected to be a part of the competitive Saba’ah Qir’ah program, which covers the 7 different ways of reciting the Qur’an. Qari Noman earned authorization in this science over the course of 2 years.Qari Noman recently completed the Ashara Qira’ah program at Darul Uloom Zakariyya as well. This program covers the additional 3 ways of reciting the Qur’an. Alhamdullilah, Qari Noman has earned authorization in this science as well

Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia

Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia completed his memorization of the Quran in Taraj, Gujarat, and then traveled to several seminaries in the Indian subcontinent. These included Sabil al-Rashad, Jami’ah Islamiyyah in Binnori Town, Dar al-’Ulum, Deoband, and Miftah al-’Ulum. At Dar al-’Ulum, Deoband, India – the dean, Qari Muhammad Tayyib, honored Shaykh Amin by granting him ijazah in Hadith at a private ceremony held at his home in Deoband. He also received ijazah in Islamic law from Qadi Mujahidul Islam al-Qasimi – a highly distinguished Muslim jurist of the 20th century. Along with his expertise in Islamic law, Shaykh Amin is also known for his prowess in Islamic theology. He received training in this field from a current justice of the Pakistan Supreme Court, Dr. Allamah Khalid Mahmood. Furthermore, Shaykh Amin received instruction in Islamic theosophy from his mentor Shaykh Muhammad Meeran, which included the theories of al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Shaykh Sarhindi, and Shah Wali-Ullah. Shaykh Amin has written numerous articles and a booklet on the exegesis of the first part of Surah al-Muddaththir named: “A Spark from the Dynamo of Prophethood.” He has been serving the Chicago-land Muslim community since 1984. Currently, he is the director of Darul Qasim – an institute for higher Islamic learning.

Shaykh Minhajuddin Ahmed

Shaykh Minhajuddin Ahmed, born and raised in Chicago, has studied under some of the world’s greatest scholars, receiving several formal authorizations in the sacred sciences with top honors. His commitment to the sacred sciences began early in his life when at age ten he completed the memorization of the Holy Qur’an. He also received authorizations in various recitations of the Holy Qur’an. Later, he completed an eight-year ‘alim course at Darul Uloom Zakariyya in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he delved into the higher Islamic sciences, which included but was not limited to, language, exegesis (tafsir), prophetic tradition (hadith) and jurisprudence (fiqh). Following graduation, he earned authorizations in giving Islamic legal verdicts (ifta’) and in hadith under the Grand Mufti of South Africa, Shaykh Rada al-Haq (may Allah preserve him). Currently, he serves as a counselor, mufti, and community leader of the St. Louis area (Missouri) and speaks at various programs at masjids, universities, and inter-faith events. He is the head Imam at the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis.

Darul Hikmah Academy was founded with the objective of fulfilling the spiritual and academic needs of today’s Muslims. The Academy is dedicated to community service by offering Muslims advanced educational opportunities under the tutelage and guidance of experts in the Islamic sciences and formally-trained educators.

Classes begin October 10th. Register online at darulhikmah.com

Our Instructor;
Shaykh Bilal Ali
Shaykh Haroon Firdausi
Shaykh Ehzaz Ajmeri
Shaykh Nabeel Khan
Shaykh Hussain Kamani
Shaykh Abdel Hakeem Dickenson
Shaykh Mubeen Kamani

Subject taught:
Islamic Law
Islamic Creed
Prophetic Bigraphy
hatidh Commentary
Islamic Jurisprudence
Qur’anic Exegesis
Sciences of the Qur’an
Principles of Hadith
Principles of Qur’anic Recitation

contact : Nassir kotelensky 630.677.8448

“This work is a very important service, as it is the job of the prophets, and therefore those who do this job are deputizing on behalf of the prophets and none can deserve the blessings of Allah more than them. This task, however, demands much care and a heavy sense of responsibility. In fact, tablīgh is not for bringing others to the straight path. It is a process of self-reformation and a service to Allah by His humble slaves. The main object is to win the pleasure of Allah and reach success through His service and obedience. The following instructions should, therefore, be remembered:

(1) If you can afford it, pay from your own pocket for the food, passage, etc. Do not hesitate to spend upon your needy companions as well.

(2) To be able to serve and encourage those who are devoted to this work is a great blessing of Allah. Never fail to treat them with respect and regard them with deference.

(3) Be humble towards Muslims in general. Speak to them softly and respectfully. Do not look down upon any of them. Show special veneration to the ‘ulamā of Islam. Just as it is essential to feel reverence for the Quran and the hadīth, so it is essential to extend our profound respect towards the persons who carry the knowledge of the Quran and the wisdom of the hadīth in themselves. The disrespect of ‘ulamā is in fact disregard for the religion and deserves the anger and curse of Allah.

(4) Instead of wasting your time in telling lies, backbiting, picking up quarrels, and other useless pursuits, utilize it in the study of books on religion and in profiting from the company of adherents to Islamic practices so that your knowledge about these may increase day by day. Be particularly cautious about saving yourself from useless and superfluous pursuits while you are out in the path of Allah and spend your time exclusively in the pursuits mentioned below:

(i) Ta’līm, i.e. collective teaching and learning under the supervision of the mu’allim (the instructor).

(ii) Reading the Qur’an, extolling the glory and sanctity of Allah, and individual study of religious books.

(iii) Explaining the object of the mission to other people and exhorting them to join the mission.

(5) Earn your living through clean and fair means. Be frugal in spending, but give members of your family and others kinsman their full dues as enjoined by Islam.

(6) Never enter into controversies and discussions about unimportant things. Restrict your call to basic beliefs and practice.

(7) Beautify your actions with sincere intentions. An act of religion is fruitful (both here and in the Hereafter) only when it is done with sincerity of the heart. Mu’ādh (may Allah be pleased with him) was appointed governor of Yemen. When he was being sent off by the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him), he requested a word of advice. The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said:

“O Mu’adh! Be very particular about sincerity in all your deeds. A little done with sincerity can lead you to success.”

In another hadīth it is said: “Allah accepts only that which is done to seek His countenance.”

The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) is reported to have said: “Allah does not look towards your appearances nor towards your possession, but He does look towards your hearts and your deeds.”

Sincerity is therefore the most essential demand of this mission. Ostentation and acting for the sake of show have no room in this program and its performance. The more sincerely the work is done, the more rapidly the movement will flourish and prosper.”

Surviving school as a Muslim youth in the West is not easy. The social requirement upon youth to not only excel in studies but also to exhibit ideal, Islamic behavior outside and inside the home makes leading a healthy student life a truly daunting task. With the combined social pressures of school, family, and friends many youth wonder if it is even possible to balance school and Islam. Sadly, the question is now being increasingly asked: “Is it even feasible to practice Islam in the West?”

It is important to remember that today’s problems are not new nor are their solutions impossible to find. While admittedly the situation of students in the West is far from ideal, all hope is not lost. Here are some quick and simple tips to help the average Muslim student survive school:

1. Find a good social circle: The most driving influence in the life of a student is his social circle, upon which he depends for fulfilling his social and recreational needs. Depending on one’s group of friends, a person is likely to make strikingly different choices in life. A good friend is one who can entertain you and at the same time bring you closer to Allah. If you cannot discuss serious, personal, or religious issues with a colleague, it is likely that your relationship with him is shallow and improvident. Pick friends whose company will improve your character and provide you focus and direction in life. Do not be afraid to lose friends in pursuit of saving your iman. In the end, it is your religion that has priority.
2. Halal-ify your home: Half of a successful student life involves improving the environment outside the house, while the other half depends on having a healthy and Islamically-conducive home. In order to make your home free from distractions, create a quiet and comfortable workspace for yourself. Avoid at all costs the proximity of a television and the internet. Limit your useless activities on the computer by placing it in a high-traffic room. Try to spend as less time alone as possible. Study with someone nearby who will not distract you from your work but will also prevent your mind from wandering and engaging in harmful activities.
3. Spend quality time with family: An important aspect of improving the home environment is improving one’s relationship with family. Avoid domestic quarrels and familial disputes by spending quality time with parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, etc… Take out a half-hour daily to sit and converse with parents. Let them know what you do outside the home and you will gain their trust. Talk to them about your problems and personal dilemmas even if the solutions they provide seem wrong. If individuals inside the home seem unapproachable, look for counsel outside the direct family. Most importantly, if you yourself are an older sibling, make the effort to be a good adviser and counselor for your younger brothers and sisters.
4. Guard your gaze: The most common cause for loss of focus and poor memory is negligence in guarding the gaze. When a student’s mind wants to concentrate on reading, lectures, or work, his evil gaze forces it to daydream about sports, movies, cars, the opposite gender, etc… Avoid these distractions by looking down in the hallways at school and spending as little time as possible in mixed settings. Free yourself from television and internet addiction by simply ridding yourself of access to them. Have a parent regulate and supervise your internet usage through parental control software. Share your passwords with family members to avoid the possibility of engaging in illicit relationships.
5. Go to the masjid at least once daily: Make it a habit to visit the masjid at least once daily. If you live near a masjid, attend as many congregational salats as your schedule allows. Sit in the daily and weekly halaqahs conducted in the masjid. Make your local masjid the centerpiece of your social activities. Do not be afraid to sit down and discuss personal issues with masjid imams, community leaders, and even just fellow musallis. Sometimes good advice comes from the least expected places.
6. Assert your identity: Youth is the time for recognizing and developing a strong sense of Muslim identity. Reading books on the Prophets, Companions, and pious predecessors will help tremendously in this respect. Read a book of sirah (prophetic biography) at least once a year. Keep the company of friends who are proud to be Muslim and do not shun their religious culture and beliefs. Be careful not to get lost in pop-culture, fashion, and in ever-changing, anti-Islamic social trends.
7. Complete your daily tilawat, dhikr, and ta’lim: Key to surviving student life is regularity in good actions. The habits that you develop as a youth and as a student will stick with you your entire life. Develop the habit of reciting the Qur’an daily (half a juz to a full juz is ideal). Perform the daily dhikr of (1) istighfar, (2) salat, and (3) the third kalimah at least one hundred times each before going to bed. Collectively read a book of hadith on the virtues of actions daily with the family at a time when everyone can be present.
8. Find a good adviser: Hired school counselors often do not provide the help you need or the constructive advice that you seek. Do not let that prevent you from seeking good advice from knowledgeable community leaders, wise relatives, and even your parents. Make sure that the adviser has no motives other than wishing the best for you. If you find a good and trustworthy counselor/adviser, hold onto him and do not let him go.
9. Du’a! Du’a! Du’a!: In the end, your survival in school and in life in general depends solely upon Allah’s acceptance and mercy. Always supplicate to Allah for His help and trust in Him to be sufficient for your needs. Make it a habit to spend fifteen minutes a day conversing with Allah in any language that you are comfortable with and at whatever time is convenient for you. Developing a relationship with Allah is the secret to true bliss and felicity.