June 27, 2024

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AL-MAQASID seminary Commencement ceremony

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)

Imam Tom Facchine delivered an inspiring commencement address, urging students to persevere in their pursuit of sacred knowledge.

Shaykh Abdulkarim Yahya also gave a heartfelt speech, highlighting the virtues of knowledge and the responsibilities it entails. He encouraged students to use their education to benefit their communities and uphold their faith's values. His address, rich with wisdom and compassion, left a lasting impression on all attendees. It was a wonderful conclusion to a successful year, Alhamdulillah.

The Seminary Commencement Ceremony was a truly joyous occasion, marking the culmination of a year of rigorous study. After receiving their certificates, students expressed heartfelt gratitude to their teachers by presenting them with meaningful gifts.

Join us on July 4th for the international book launch of “The Kingdom of the Heart” by Habib Umar Bin Hafiz.
More details at https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/event/the-kingdom-of-the-heart/

"Within every human being is a Kingdom. The heart is the ruler of this Kingdom, and the rest of the body are its subjects. If the heart rules with justice and excellence, the body will perform good actions and the Kingdom will flourish. If, however, the heart neglects its duties, the body will be in a state of disobedience to Allah ﷻ and the entire Kingdom will suffer the consequences. Allah made this Kingdom so crucial that through it the eternal and everlasting dominion of the next life is either gained or lost."

The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib 'Umar Bin Ḥafīẓ gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of cultivating the spiritual kingdom of the heart. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation into how outward actions have spiritual consequences. Some of the topics covered are:

The Tongue & Its Effects
Looking at Creation with Love & Mercy
The Impact of Shaking Hands
Attending to the Ending of Our Lives
The Impact of Intention

This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ.

Upcoming programs

InshaAllah the next session of "Wayfarers to God - A Sisters Series on Suluk" will take place this Saturday, June 29th from 11-1 pm with Sayyida Nejma Davis at Al-Maqasid in the Green Barn.

'Wayfarers to God: A Sister’s Series on Suluk' by Habib Ali Al-Jifri, facilitated by Sayyida Nejma Davis, serves as a comprehensive guide for all those on a journey of Spiritual Wayfaring or Suluk. Rooted in principles of self-reflection and sincere effort, this lecture series gently navigates the intricacies of understanding the nafs (ego) and the detrimental impact it can have. Habib Ali Al-Jifri sheds light on the path to liberating oneself from the nafs, delving into the exploration of base desires, evil inclinations, and diseases of the heart. His approach resonates deeply, permeating the soul and igniting a call to action.

Please feel free to contribute to a light potluck for the gathering by bringing refreshments, tea, fruit, pastries, etc.

This is a ladies (16+) only class.

The next Heart to Heart will be on Sunday, July 7th in the Green Barn at 10:30 AM.

Heart to Heart is a monthly discussion over coffee and brunch. We seek to come together as a community and discuss topics related to Islamic spirituality.

Our discussions are centered around the book ‘The Path of the Worshipful Servants' by Imam al-Ghazali, which is a unique book that discusses the ways to overcome the obstacles on the spiritual path.

For parents with young children, we kindly urge you to include your blessed children only if they can sit quietly next to you.

If you would like to contribute to the potluck please sign up by clicking the button below:

Learn more

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

The Sweetness of Faith - Habib Ali al-Jifri

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ

When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. (Quran 2:186)

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LOVING THE BELOVED ﷺ

This weekly Majlis includes a recitation of the prophetic biography in poetry form followed by a counsel intended to connect the listener to the Prophet ﷺ and his teachings. The more we know about his life, character, and way, the more we will come to love and follow the one beloved to Allah.

Preserving your Deen - Sayyid Abdal Fattah Ba Alawi

"When a person's heart is attached to the Dunya, the lowly aspects of the world, they forget everything and, with that, they are in a state of forgetfulness. They become heedless of Allah and the Prophet.”

وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ

Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason! (Quran 2:197)

The Path of Seeking Knowledge - Syed Zaid Mohammad | Year 1 Seminary Student

"The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn."

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِي بَيْتٍ مِنْ بُيُوتِ اللَّهِ يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَيَتَدَارَسُونَهُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِلاَّ نَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّكِينَةُ وَغَشِيَتْهُمُ الرَّحْمَةُ وَحَفَّتْهُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَذَكَرَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ

"Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the book of Allah and studying it together, but that tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near him."

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2699

Coming to Know Allah - Malik Kiswani | Year 2 Seminary Student

"These gatherings remind us of our purpose. The Awliya, the people who have reached high stations with Allah, give the impression that, if you ever sit with one of them, it's like they are not even with you; they are always present with Allah.”

Ibn Abbas reported: It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, which gathering is best?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A gathering of those who inspire you to remember Allah when you see them, whose discourse increases your knowledge, and whose good deeds inspire you to remember the Hereafter.”

Source: Musnad Abī Ya’lá 2408

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Busiri

JUMU’A KHUTBA

The weekly Jumu'a, or Friday, Congregational prayer is live streamed from Al-Maqasid from 12:15pm-1:10pm.

Loving One Another, in Allah and for Allah - Shaykh AbdulKarim Yahya

“The aim of all of this is what? That Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, be more beloved to us than everything else, and that every other attachment other than Him is removed from our hearts.”

In this khutba, Shaykh AbdulKarim Yahya explains how the religion of Islam is all about love, including Allah’s love for us, our love for Him Ta’ala and His Messenger ﷺ, and our love for one another.

Citing numerous verses from the Quran, as well as Hadith and Hadith Qudsi (where the meaning is from Allah, but phrasing from the Prophet ﷺ), AbdulKarim discusses a simple way how to obtain Allah’s love, a love that even the prophets and martyrs envy.

ARTICLES

Seeking Allah With Every Breath

Advice from Habib Ali al-Habashi (may Allah have mercy upon him and benefit us by him)

I encourage you to organise your time to prevent a single breath (which is in reality a priceless jewel) from being wasted. Allot for yourself a portion of time in which you recite the Qur’an, a portion of time in which you remember Allah and a portion of time in which you reflect upon the immense blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you and upon His creation. If you are able to allot a time every day in which you are alone with your Lord and you take yourself to account then this is very good. The Greatest Beloved (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Call yourselves to account before you are called to account.” Whoever prepares for the next life by calling themselves to account here, will have an easier reckoning there.

Apportion for yourself a time in which you read the books of Tasawwuf, a time in which you keep the company of the pious, a time in which you visit your brothers for the sake of Allah and a time in which you reflect upon your actions. Seek forgiveness from Allah for any wrong action.

Know, my brother, that in every breath and at all times there are secrets and gifts which descend from the Divine Presence to hearts that are prepared to receive them. So prepare for them by purifying your heart from all types of filth, by being constantly focused on Allah and by throwing aside everything other than Allah. The one who receives these gifts will attain everything that they could hope for. That which comes from the Divine outpouring cannot be described by words.

Rely upon your Lord and witness truly that He is the Giver and the Provider. I warn you against desiring what other people possess, for this is an incurable disease. Instead, raise your gaze to the One in Whose hand is the provision of the whole of creation.

Via MUWASALA - https://muwasala.org/2021/11/24/seeking-allah-with-every-breath/
Muwasala is an online repository for the scholarly teachings of the blessed tradition of Hadramawt.