On seeking Knowledge

A resource of some sort

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

The past few weeks, something happened that had me rethinking an initial plan that I had been making for the academic year in regards to continuing my studies. A lot of people said, “I thought you had finished”, and my response has been, “I finished a level and apparently, a certificate doesn't quench that zeal.” Alhamdulillah.

The path is neither linear nor has a peak, unlike Western education. So, I have done a lot of research, I have found pathways, I have spoken to teachers and students, and I am in awe of the generosity of Allah…Alhamdulillah

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Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ

Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.

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One question I get a lot is, "Where do I start from?" Another is "Can you suggest a program for me?" I have decided to put together a lot of what I have found in one place in Sha'a Allah and I hope to keep updating as I go. I am humbled and grateful to Allah for the internet, so much at just the click of a button. Alhamdulillah!

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There are many evidence and virtues of seeking, acquiring and spreading the knowledge of the deen, that can be found in the ahadith. I don’t think I am qualified to talk about a journey. I do not believe I am in the position to even speak about seeking knowledge.

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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, Grade: Sahih

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Someone else recently said to me, when will you be done? What is like a PhD for you on this journey? And SubhanAllah it allowed me to see just how different this journey is, unlike any other journey.

I mean, there are PhDs but even the ones who have earned it aren't done. I have found people who have reached where I aspire to and I see them aspire further which in turn inspires me too. So much knowledge, so little time. We pray Allah allows for it to benefit us. May Allah grant us tawfeek and make us sincere in our actions for His sake.

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Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When a person dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: Continuing charity, knowledge that others benefited from, and a righteous son who supplicates for him.

— Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1376

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A bit of a disclaimer: I have not studied in all the institutions or taken all the classes but I have taken some and interacted with some of the teachers on some level or have found people who have found benefit. So….

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Bismillah

Jannah Institute: Imagine a space where women like you come together to get inspired. A space for you to learn and apply the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. A space for you to gain sound Islamic knowledge, increase your iman and get closer to Allah.

Qalam Institute: Based in Texas, United States. They have a lot of courses and programs that cuts across various price levels as well as match the different seasons of your life. They have a podcast which their instructors take and you can listen anywhere. They also have free online weekly classes and they recently launched Qalam Academy to make sacred knowledge available for those unable to commit to a full time schedule. And then there is the Qalam Seminary.

• Qalam Academy: The primary focus of the Academy is to offer a rich, comprehensive and well-structured learning experience that empowers individuals in their journey of understanding Islam.

• Qalam Seminary: The Qalam Seminary strives to develop Islamic thought and community leaders by means of education, practical training, and mentorship. Qalam aims to bridge the gap between text and context and living the tradition in a modern context.

• Qalam Online: They are dedicated to making knowledge accesible to everyone. Free courses and resources online

Al-Huda institute: They also have a lot of courses that allow for full time or part time commitment. Their motto is the Quran in every heart and hand and they have apps with recorded lessons, you can find the lessons on Muslim central as well and follow a live class. They have sub-centers in so many countries. The courses are designed to enable students to develop an intimate relationship with their Creator; find inner peace, develop good character, demonstrate effective interpersonal relations and become beneficial members of society working to better serve humanity.

Maryam Institute: Maryam Institute is a non-commercial, non-political educational institute for women dedicated to classical Islamic learning and spirituality. Its core objectives are to provide a structured educational approach to classical Islamic scholarship, offer a flexible learning environment and impart an educational experience that is at once intellectually rigorous and spiritually uplifting.

Sealed with Misk: An online Islamic education platform. They follow the established and successful Islamic studies curriculum of Ma’had Al-Haram, taught in Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

AMAU: It's the perfect opportunity for anybody who wants to take seeking Islamic knowledge seriously in order to get closer to Allah. They have different programs and are committed to seeing you through a lifetime of seeking knowledge. You can sign up here and have the doors of knowledge at your fingertips. They have a dedicated app which makes it so much easier to navigate. Feel free to use my referral code, it benefits you and me and at no cost to you at all.

Tajweed Made Easy Academy Global: Students can learn the Qur’an with a qualified and trained female teacher, from the comfort of their homes.

Qur'an Reflections: This is a platform for online classes on various Islāmic sciences ranging from Tafsīr to Ḥadīth, Purification of the Heart-Nafs to Manners and Character Building, and Tawḥīd. These are conducted in the form of bi-weekly classes and also unique courses taught over weekends. The target audience for these classes is exclusively women. The aim is to hold regular circles of knowledge to facilitate knowledge for women all over the world. There is no fee for registering and attending classes.

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Mu’awiyah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ يُرِدْ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ

If Allah intends goodness for someone, he gives him understanding of the religion.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 71, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

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In order to take knowledge there is preparatory work that we need to put in.

• As always, it starts with a sincere intention. Stop a lot and renew them.

• Decide and follow through with consistency. The idea is fabulous in anyone's mind but it requires work. Some of these are available for free so your taking benefit will be based entirely on your effort.

• Take action and do not be stuck in the researching phase. Don’t underestimate small consistent actions. It is only after we start that we start to see the benefits of seeking knowledge.

• And repent to Allah much.

If you have any comments or questions please drop them and if you find this beneficial, please share. And I will keep updating as I find more so maybe bookmark it.

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