Essential of Islam – Fard Ulum Course Date: June 7, 2023

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Key Points

1. Importance of Knowledge in Islam:
   • Seeking knowledge is a fard (obligation) upon every Muslim, based on the Hadith narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه:
     • “Seeking knowledge is an obligation on every Muslim (man and woman).”
   • Knowledge is categorized into:
     • Fard ‘Ayn: Obligations every individual must know (e.g., Salah, Zakat).
     • Fard Kifayah: Obligations that, if fulfilled by some, relieve others of responsibility (e.g., becoming a scholar).
2. Types of Obligations:
   • Obligations of the Body: Actions like Salah, Zakat, Hajj, marriage, and sacrifice (Qurbani).
   • Obligations of the Heart: Concepts like humility, sincerity, controlling anger, and avoiding jealousy.
3. Fundamentals of Faith (Aqeedah):
   • Belief in Allah عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ, the messengers, angels, the Day of Judgment, and the afterlife is critical.
   • Understanding the principles of faith is necessary for being a true Muslim.
4. Categories of Knowledge:
   • Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence):
     • Governs day-to-day life.
     • Fiqh is derived through sources like Qur’an, Sunnah, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogical reasoning).
     • The four major schools of thought (Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) simplify learning by providing structured rulings.
   • Tafseer:
     • Requires expertise in multiple sciences (e.g., Arabic grammar, principles of interpretation).
5. Role of Taqlid (Following an Imam):
   • Muslims not trained in jurisprudence are required to follow one of the four Imams for practical rulings.
   • Taqlid applies only to Fiqh, not Aqeedah, as belief must be internalized and understood.
6. Ijma and Qiyas:
   • Ijma: Consensus of the pious predecessors, especially the Sahaba and Tabi’een.
   • Qiyas: Applying established rulings to new situations through analogy.
7. Practical Examples of Obligations:
   • Marriage and Divorce: Understanding rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of uttering certain words.
   • Business: Islamic rulings on trade, employment, and ethical transactions.
8. Respect for Scholars:
   • Importance of consulting knowledgeable scholars in cases of doubt, based on the Quranic verse:
     • “Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Surah An-Nahl: 43)

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Quranic References

1. Obligation to Seek Knowledge:
   • “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 286)
2. Consulting Scholars:
   • “Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Surah An-Nahl: 43)

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Hadith Highlights

1. Seeking Knowledge:
   • “Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.” – Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه.
2. Righteous Leadership:
   • “The best of generations is my generation, then the one that follows, and then the one that follows.”

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Questions and Answers Highlighted in the Document

1. Difference between Obligations of the Body and Heart:
   • Question: “What is the difference between the obligations of the body and the obligations of the heart?”
   • Answer: Obligations of the body pertain to physical acts like prayer, fasting, and charity, while obligations of the heart include sincerity, humility, and avoiding negative traits like jealousy.
2. Clarifications on Ijma:
   • Question: “What does Ijma mean?”
   • Answer: Consensus of the pious predecessors, not modern gatherings or agreements.

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Important Information Summarized

• Focus Areas for Learning:
  • Prioritize Aqeedah (faith) as a foundation.
  • Learn Fiqh related to personal obligations (e.g., Salah, Zakat) and societal obligations (e.g., marriage, business).
• Guidance on Practice:
  • Avoid independent interpretations of Qur’an and Hadith without proper knowledge.
  • Follow established scholars or Imams to ensure accuracy in Islamic practices.