The Quran and Sunnah

From IslamOnline Live Fatwa

Salam,
Dear Scholars,
Someone told me that learning Al-Qur'an is obligatory, i.e., the meaning and tafsir of the Qur'an, not just how to recite it. What do you say about this, and could you please elaborate your answer? Does it also apply to learning authentic ahadith? Jazakumullahukhair

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, thanks for you good question which is a sign of your good faith and keenness to abide by the primary sources of Shari`ah (Islamic Law) i.e. the Qur'an and Sunnah. May Allah reward you and increase your knowledge.

First of all, we'd like to state that the Qur'an is the Word of Allah. It is the most sacred book. Muslims must respect this book and must honor it.

Five things that the Qur'an demands from every Muslim are as follows:

1. The Muslim is required to believe in the Qur'an,

2. He is required to read it,

3. He is required to understand it,

4. He is required to act upon its teachings, and

5. He is required to convey its teachings to others.

To understand the Qur'an well, you may refer to books of tafsir. Moreover, we are also commanded by the text of the Qur'an to abide by the Prophet's Sunnah, the second source of legislation. This may require some persons to be specialized in the field of Hadith and its sciences. But it is not obligatory on all Muslims to specialize in the sciences of Hadith. However, it is obligatory to follow the Prophet's guidance and Sunnah.

Finally, what should be emphasized is that Muslims are to get the religious knowledge that enables them to know their Lord on a basis of true faith, to know Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), to believe in his Prophethood, and to know that the Qur’an is sent to them from Allah Almighty. They are also to know the principles of the Islamic creed with regard to theology, prophethood, and the Unseen.

You can also read:

The Obligations Muslims Owe the Qur’an

Showing Due Respect When Reading the Qur’an

How Much Knowledge of `Aqeedah Must a Muslim Attain?

Allah Almighty knows best.

Jama' and Qasar

Akademi Al-Nidaa', Bandar Tasik Selatan
May 27, 2005

• Qasar (shortened prayer) is exclusive for those travelling (musafir) only. Rasulullah always shortened his prayers whenever he's travelling, even up to 20 or more days
  
• Jama' (combined prayers) is for any inconveniences, travelling or otherwise, such as in fear, rain, or any business. Rasulullah had even prayed combined prayers in Madinah for no specific reasons other than to give an example of not burdening the ummah
  

There are a number of different opinions regarding some aspects of jama' and qasar. When we see different opinions, do our best to look for the one with the strongest dalil (proof), not the person who gives the opinion. ".. so announce the Good News to My Servants, -- Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom God has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding." (Az-Zumar (The Hordes) /39: 17-18)

Any weaknesses are my own.

Wallahu'alam.

Seeing the Signs

Interesting article in http://www.islamicity.com
The Ability to See the Signs of God

Sadly, this applies to yours truly too: In the Islamic world, in general, very few people know the contents of the Quran.

Sometimes we love to look at the beauty of the decorative Quranic verses displayed on the wall etc.. but is it attractive to the eyes, or the heart?

"This is a communication to be transmitted to mankind so that they can be warned by it and so that they will know that He is One God and so that people of intelligence will pay heed." (Ibrahim: 52)

Let's observe and think..

God invites people to reject blindly accepting the beliefs and values society imposes on them and to ponder

".. - there are indeed Signs for men of understanding - Men who celebrate the praises of God, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides.." (Ali 'Imran: 190-191)

As we see in these verses, people of understanding see the signs of God and try to comprehend His eternal knowledge, power and art by remembering and reflecting on them, for God's knowledge is limitless, and His creation flawless.

For men of understanding, everything around them is a sign of this creation.

The next time I am awed by brilliant sunsets, cheerful sunrises, soothing seaview, unbelievable biological facts, amazing human spirit.. everything, I hope to always be ever reminded of The Majestic Creator.

Bid'ah and Khilafiah: Reasons and Manners

Masjid Al-Falah USJ

• The most dangerous bid'ah is the one affecting the aqidah and iman. eg: syirik and khurafat, prevalent in the Malay society. Animals, graves, dead people, do not have any power.
• Don't be too quick to judge something as haram, sinful, deviant. Listen to the argument and the elaboration first
• Try to understand what we do, don't just follow whatever "people are doing"
  
• Open our minds to different interpretations of Al-Quran and Sunnah, as long as they do not contradict the essence of Islam. Don't be taksub with any opinions, the mazhabs' or other imams'
  
• Share our knowledge and spread da'wah with wisdom, beauty, and kindness
  

Let us all be united and strong in doing 'amar makruf nahi mungkar, bringing the ummah to greatness. In doing so, let us all be kind to each other and tolerate our differences in opinions.

I personally think that we should continuously learn. Don't be contented with all that we learned in school years ago. Upgrade by exploring beyond the ritual how-to, going to the meaning and the essence. There are a lot of ways and understanding of specific questions, and the best way is always the one closest to the way of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

May Allah bless us.