Ideas: Online Lessons this summer

[Abuz Zubair]

As-salaamu ‘alaikum…

I have been thinking about suggesting a few ideas for sometime, knowing that I will have some spare time during the summer. Please let me know what everyone thinks.

alHamdulillah, it is encouraging the see that many of us are interested in knowing the truth about beliefs, ‘Aqida, history, scholars, madhab, etc. Yet, I think some of us get too involved in refutations, at the expense of learning the beneficial knowledge.

The correct way to learn is to learn the truth and through that know the falsehood. Not the other way around. Of course, our problem in the West is the lack of traditional academic institutes, coupled with the lack of time, due to which we cannot properly develop ourselves. Very few people consider taking a year out studying abroad, and even that comes to a halt after a year.

My idea is, if people can spend time on the internet getting busy with refutations, why can’t they use this time actually developing themselves?

It was to actualise this idea that we started online Fiqh lessons last year. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to discontinue, even though we did get quite a bit done in Fiqh.

We couldn’t get Arabic and Aqida lessons off the ground, because it proved difficult to find someone who would be willing to take some time out.

Since I will have some time this summer, and also that I know of someone who would be able to help me out in this, how about if we were to not only resume the Fiqh lessons, but also the following lessons, aimed at giving a student the proper foundations on which he can build?

My idea was, apart from resuming the Fiqh lessons, to introduce:

1) Lessons on Islamic ethics and etiquettes, a subject that should be taught before anything else, for it shapes a student’s inner and outer personality. The Salaf would spend years learning just ethics (adab) before even learning the various sciences. The book I had in mind is Mandhumat al-Adab, a poem on ethics by Ibn ‘Abd al-Qawi al-Hanbali, based on various explanations including that of al-Hajjawi, al-Saffarini and others.

2) Lessons on ‘Aqida, aimed at studying al-Saffarini’s famous poem on the Athari creed, with the objective of learning the truth about Ahl al-Sunnah, who they are, what are their principles and beliefs, in comparison to the rationalist approach to theology as represented by the three most influential rationalist movements, i) the philosophers, ii) the Mu’tazilites and iii) the Ash’arites. Since it will be a comparative study, we will be studying Kalam, the bedrock of Ash’arite philosophy to understand their viewpoint.

3) Lessons on Arabic, where we can only aim to teach how to read and write (or type, rather!). Since, the study is purely internet based, people cannot be promised that they will be fluent Arabic speakers! Yet, this is the most we can do by teaching people at least, how to read a simple Arabic text, and understand Arabic grammar and morphology. Arabic is the door to all Islamic sciences, and if one does not get beyond this barrier, he can never study Islam.

I did also think about Usul al-Fiqh, Mustalah al-Hadith and Jarh and Ta’dil, but it is quite useless for those who have yet to learn Arabic.

InshaaAllah, if we ever go beyond learning Arabic, we can perhaps consider learning the aforementioned sciences. But we do have a long way to go.

If you think that the idea is great, then please let me know. However, what I am more interested in knowing is how many people will be seriously interested and committed in learning?

One also needs to see it from the teacher’s perspective too, that if he puts a lot of effort teaching and sacrificing his time for absolutely free, he expects the same from the students. Do we have enough students who are zealous about actually achieving something in life with respect to their Islamic academic career?

These lessons will require consistency and commitment, which is what separates the men from the boys.

Please give me your thoughts…

wasalam

[asharee_salafi]

Assalaamulekum,</p>





Great Idea,</p>



I was in fact going to suggest it (....really! I was...). Will you do this on Paltalk or by other means. I think Sh Muhammed Adly does his on his own server).</p>



I would certainly be up for it.******* And yest those topics would be really good. It would be good also to go over basic hanbali fiqh,</p>



In the aqeeda talks, you may want to consider books which are more popular such as Aqeedah wasityah, instead of Imam Safarni's poem as I dont think people would have it.</p>





Please let us know when you do it, so I can tell tell brothers in my area to come online and I can also get a notice up in the local Masjid.</p>



WS</p>

[Abuz Zubair]

As-salaamu ‘alaikum…

Paltalk for me isn’t a good idea. Plus, we’d rather conduct these lessons in written form. That way it is more flexible for students and teachers.

The reason I suggested al-Saffarini’s poem is that it would give us a chance of delving into Kalam and logic towards the end. Al-Wasitiyya is pure Athari, and very basic.

Before we start the lessons, we would rather renovate the whole site and the forums (as you probably noticed the awkwardness in posting!)

So it would, perhaps, be a month from now?

But until then, you can get hold of a number of committed students, for now, judging by the response, it does not seem many are interested in real, free and flexible learning.

wasalam

[ibn 'abd al-jabbaar]

as-salaamu 'alaikum ikhwaan</p>



i would most definitely appreciate lessons in the aforementioned categories, and would be happy to exert the necessary*******time and committment in learning and improving my understanding, if it is decided that you will go ahead with it. i do*******agree that gaining a degree of*******competence in arabic is required before attempting much of the more intensive areas.</p>





(edit: i could always try to get some more brothers interested insha allah)</p>



jazaakallahu khair</p>

[Logic lover]

Assalamu alaikum.</p>

As proposed by brother Abuz Zubayr - I would like to learn in the areas where a beginner must start with. The language is proving to be a must for me as I do not possess any knowledge of the language apart from few words of the Arabic.</p>

[abootalha]

AssalamuAlikum,</p>

Insha'Alllah i would be interested too. definetly the written format is good since some of us dont have the time for paltalk. Insh'Allah even if its 5 brothers but we are really commited, that will be great.</p>

[ss4]

Bismillah walhamdulillah</p>

Asalamu wa alaykum</p>





I would be very much interested in gaining some serious Ilm.******* My only questions is....do we need to know Arabic first?******* I am trying to make a concerted effort with that.******* Insha'Allaah all goes well.</p>



Wa salamu alaykum</p>

[imran30]

good idea

how frequent will these lessons be though?

someone like me does not have regular internet access

[Abuz Zubair]

jk bros for showing interest.

Although, I do know from experience that over a period of time, the number of committed students does go down. So it will be a good idea for more people to join. Whatever the case, InshaaAllah I think the lessons will go ahead.

Before we begin the lessons, the Fiqh lessons are already online, and I guess the brothers can use this time to catch up on what they've missed?

We did do quite a bit, so there is considerable amount bros need to catch up with.

Bros that are concerned about their level of Arabic, are right to be concerned, and to that end, we will be concentrating on Arabic on various levels InshaaAllah. Arabic is THE key to ALL Islamic sciences.

The frequency of lessons... it depends on both the teacher and the students. if the students are energetic and want more at short intervals, the teacher no doubt will too become energetic.

If the students are lazy, and take ages to respond, then I guess the teacher troo will probably become lazy.

Basically, since the lessons will be interactive, it is upto the students to make it as interesting as possible.

wasalam

[asharee_salafi]

Assalam'ualykum,</p>



I just checked the Fiqh section. To tell you the truth I didn't know all that stuff was there as I have always been looking in the aqeedah, dawah methodology section!</p>





Forgive my ignorance, how does all this stuff work? So you just type in the learning zone ( basically the bulk of a fiqh book)*******and we ask questions upon that?</p>



Also when you bring people to the learning zone, they have to sign up for the usergroups section ( and that way you assess wether you would carry out the classes*******by the number of students) right?******* So if thats the case they must contribute, they can't be silent observers as that defeats the purpose. Right?</p>



Im also a bit unsure as to how you can teach arabic online, as one of my arabic teachers ( whom I dont learn from now) says you can never learn from transliterations. So please tell me how you will do it.</p>



Forgive me for asking the above, as people often ask 50 questions before you ask them to join online .</p>



Am I also*******correct in thinking that, as from your madhab article, that its not you who is issuing fatawa on these issues, rather its the Sheikhs, whose books to whom you are using.</p>

Therefore its perfectly fine for the da'ee to go over the works of people whom are qualified to give fatwa, even if the da'ee is himself not qualified to issue fatwa as he is only transmitting.******* Right?</p>



And will you be teaching minority posistions for us to *follow*. I ask because I used to ring Sh Haytham about basic prayer rules*******( and I will now as he has a new number for fatwa which I'm, going to get soon).</p>



And I feel a bit weird if*******I have to change my opinions that I have after asking a Scholar like Sh Haytham*******on the issue. As the level of trust will be stronger ( understandably). I hope you see what I'm saying. </p>















Thanks,</p>

JA</p>



WS</p>

[ss4]

Bismillah walhamdulillah</p>

asalamu wa alaykum</p>





When will the classes start...I am especially looking forward to the Arabic and Adab lessons.******* I was wondering, instead of Aqeedah...what about the sciences of the Qur'an?******* If that is not possible then I guess I'll just focus on what you presented for now, I am really anxious for this series which you are trying to accomplish, insha'Allaah much good will come out of it, Ameen</p>

[ibn 'abd al-jabbaar]

as-salaamu 'alaikum,</p>



perhaps we could also do a little bit of taareekh and take a look at some personalities (notable authorities, contraversial figures and so on) which could also be*******integrated into the*******relevant*******subject that is being covered. i'll have a good read of the fiqh section*******insha allah. i think coverage of 'aqeedah and certain matn would be really useful especially considering the times we are in. regardless,*******jazaakallahu khair akhee for proposing to take some time out to spread knowledge, the inheritance of the messenger of allah salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.</p>

[abu imaan an-nepalee]

As-sallamu 'alaikum</p>



I'm up for these classes...who will*******try get the sunniforum brothers to attend aswell.....:)</p>

[Abuz Zubair]

As-salaamu ‘alaikum…

Bro Ashari Salafi,

Also when you bring people to the learning zone, they have to sign up for the usergroups section ( and that way you assess wether you would carry out the classes by the number of students) right?******* So if thats the case they must contribute, they can't be silent observers as that defeats the purpose. Right?

Exactly… There is no point of me translating the text and typing large chunks of text, if no one participates. So people must take part, ask any thing they don’t understand, and that way at least I know it is worth me doing it!

Im also a bit unsure as to how you can teach arabic online, as one of my arabic teachers ( whom I dont learn from now) says you can never learn from transliterations. So please tell me how you will do it.

You must have access to Arabic enabled windows to be able to type in Arabic. This is a must, of course.

For more details, just click on the relevant thread in the Arabic section.

Am I also correct in thinking that, as from your madhab article, that its not you who is issuing fatawa on these issues, rather its the Sheikhs, whose books to whom you are using.

Therefore its perfectly fine for the da'ee to go over the works of people whom are qualified to give fatwa, even if the da'ee is himself not qualified to issue fatwa as he is only transmitting.******* Right?

The lessons have nothing to do with Fatwa. The lessons are meant to be a study, and not a Fatwa session. If anyone is after a fatwa, he should refer to the scholar he trusts. The lessons are not at all for Fatwa. Moreover, these lessons will certainly not make one of us a Mufti in any sense of the word.

And will you be teaching minority posistions for us to *follow*.

Our objective is to learn the Madhab, although now and then, I will mention the preferred opinions of a number of scholars within the Madhab, and often their evidences.

And I feel a bit weird if I have to change my opinions that I have after asking a Scholar like Sh Haytham on the issue. As the level of trust will be stronger ( understandably). I hope you see what I'm saying.

As stated earlier, since it is not a Fatwa sessions, you can continue to follower which ever scholar you trust. The purpose of these lessons is not to necessarily tell you which is the correct opinion amongst all the other opinions. The main purpose is just to give you familiarity with the Islamic Fiqh, where we would try our best to stick to the mainstream Hanbali views, without digressing into difference of opinions.

Please read the introduction to the Fiqh lessons.

Bro ss4,

When will the classes start...I am especially looking forward to the Arabic and Adab lessons.******* I was wondering, instead of Aqeedah...what about the sciences of the Qur'an?

InshaaAllah… VERY soon, make dua.

The reason we cannot/should not begin with Ulum al-Quran, is the same reason we should not yet begin with Usul al-Fiqh, Mustalah, etc, because it needs some familiarity with the Arabic language, to be fully appreciated.

Bro Ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar,

perhaps we could also do a little bit of taareekh and take a look at some personalities (notable authorities, contraversial figures and so on) which could also be integrated into the relevant subject that is being covered.

Definitely, InshaaAllah, this will be integrated in ‘Aqida and Fiqh sections.

Bro Napalee,
I'm up for these classes...who will try get the sunniforum brothers to attend aswell

Yeah! They are more than welcome to come here and learn. If they come here to teach, I will deal with them outside the ‘Knowledge Zone’ forums ;)

[ss4]

Bismillah walhamdulillah wa salatu wa salamu alaa rasulillah</p>



Asalamu wa alaykum</p>



Alhamdulillah, I look forward to the start of the class.******* FYI, I'm a sister....it mentions that on my profile as well</p>



Wa salamu******* alaykum</p>

[asharee_salafi]

Salaams, When shall we start inviting people? Maybe put soem stuff up then we can start the inviting. WS

[Abuz Zubair]

'alaikum as-salaam...

well, the Fiqh classes are already up for a long time.

Just now I posted the first introduction to Adab.

I will do something in Arabic tomorrow, InshaaAllah.

wasalam

[Tauheed]

Asalaam alaikum

Insha'Allah I would like to commit myself to the Arabic, Adab and Aqeedah. I have already joined the relevant learning zones, so just waiting for to begin insha'Allah

[asharee_salafi]

Assalaamulekum,

How actually do you use the learning zone forum, I tried posting but I cant, I havent got suffiecient privalleges it says, how do you become a member ?!

[asharee_salafi]

Maybe it takes time to activate

[Sufyaan]

Maybe it takes time to activateYou need to go to User CP (http://forums.islamicawakening.com/usercp.php) and select Group Memberships from the menu on the left hand side.
Then choose the group/(s) you wish to join.

[asharee_salafi]

Thanks! for the reply,

Still don't get it though, you click on usercp then you get seetings and option, private mesasages etc, I think I am subscribed ( because it talks about on each forum how to unsubscribe) but I cant post for some reason?

Please give me more info.

[Sufyaan]

Try this akhee, User CP >>> Miscellaneous >>> Group Memberships >>> (choose a group, and select) Join Group.

A box will appear that reads, "The following groups are available for you to join".
If you have already subscribed to a group, it will also state further down the page, "You are a member of the following groups..."

You should then inshallaah be able to post into the sub-forum of the group you joined.