1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) LESSON # 1 – 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

2. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) LESSON FROM – STORY OF THE ANIMAL IN THE FARM And say: O Lord! Increase for me my knowledge 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)” UPDATED APRIL 2011 A SATIRE (PARABLE) TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

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42. --------------------- END OF STORY --------------------- ( THE STORY IS A SATIRE/FICTIONAL ) ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ANY PERSON OR PERSONS, DEAD OR ALIVE, IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL. CHARACTERIZATION INTENDED TO CONVEY A MESSAGE - AND NOT TO INSINUATE TOWARDS WHOEVER WHO MAY FEEL OFFENDED BY THEM. WE ARE NOT CONCERNED WITH THE VERACITY OF THE STORY, BUT THE TRUTH IN THE MESSAGE CONVEYED. http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/2008/10/introduction-to-ilm-al-akhlaq.html All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

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63. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) CLEAR MESSAGE IN THE QUR’AN

64. “ By the Nafs (Self or Soul of man), and the proportion and order given to it; and its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right; ― truly he succeeds that purifies it, and he fails that corrupts it!” ( Qur’an: as-Shams: 91: 7-10 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

65. “ Verily we have honoured the children of Adam. We carry them on the land and the sea, and have made provision of good things for them, and have preferred them above many of those whom We created with a marked preferment.” ( Qur’an: al-Isra’: 17: 70 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

66. ““ Verily We have created Man into toil and struggle. Thinketh he, that none hath power over him? He may say (boastfully): "Wealth have I squandered in abundance!" Thinketh he that none beholdeth him? ” ( Qur’an: al-Balad: 90: 1-7 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

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68. “ Have we not made for him a pair of eyes? ― And a tongue and a pair of lips? ― And shown him the two highways? But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep. And what will explain to thee, the path that is steep? (It is:) freeing the bondman; Or the giving of food in a day of privation. To the orphan with claims of relationship, or to the indigent (down) in the dust. ” ( Qur’an: al-Balad: 90: 8-16 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

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70. “ Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) companions of the Left Hand. On them will be Fire Vaulted over (all round).” ( Qur’an: al-Balad: 90: 17-20 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

71. “ Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).” ( Qur’an: al-Insan: 76:2-3 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

72. “ 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 ( FITwRAH ): no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not.” ( Qur’an: Rum: 30: 30 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

73. “ Many are the Jinns and men We have made for Hell: they have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle nay more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning).” ( Qur’an: al-A’raf: 7:179 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

74. “ Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls).” ( Qur’an: ar-Ra’d: 13: 11 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

75. “ Say: Our life takes its colour from Allah! And who could give a better colour (to life) than Allah? And it is He (alone) Whom we worship.” ( Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 138 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

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77. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 2011 Tau h eedic paradigm

78. ‘ 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 2011

79. ‘ 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 2011

80. ‘ 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 2011

81. ‘ 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 2011

82. ‘ 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 2011

83. ‘ 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 2011

84. ‘ 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 2011

85. 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)

86. “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail 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)” 16 weekly class starting: 15 October April 2011 Every Saturday night @ 8pm – 10pm Wisma Indah, 450 Changi Road, #02-00 next to Masjid Kassim IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 ) And say: O Lord! Increase for me my knowledge THE ANNOUNCEMENT