Chapter 8
I want to join a class about speaking arabic with locals in arab worlds, but in doing so I may have to skip my quran class. Should I join the club?
No, while speaking arabic with locals could benefit you in the long run, currently you are no sufficient in one of the basic islamic knowledge. First focus on the quran, then you can go learn other things.
What was the main idea of the 2nd chapter we read today?
We read chapter 9 where the main topic was how to give advice (for or against something) in a prophetic manner
What specific event are they describing in this section?
Praying with the Prophet Muhammad SAW
What are some key steps we can follow to make sure that we are giving good advice?
1. Always try to relate what youre saying back to something you know the person cares about (the prophet SAW focused on pleasing Allah swt)
2. Be gentle, do not try to immediately correct them (the prophet SAW waited till the third time)
What is the difference between supererogatory and obligatory?
Obligatory action are things we must do
Supererogatory acts are extra good deeds that are great to do, but not fard upon us
What can we use to differentiate between what is worth concerning ourselves with and what is not?
Quran, Sunnah, Fiqh. Anything promoted is something we should do and anything denounced is something we should avoid
In the beginning of the chapter, there was a scene about a man who asked for charity 3 times. What can we learn from this incident?
The prophet SAW used this as a teaching moment for Hakeem (the man who request the money) rather than a pure "do not do this" moment. He used islamic teachings to help Hakeem understand why what he was doing was incorrect.
What supplications did the Prophet make during bowing and prostration?
Examples include "Glory be to my Lord, the All Mighty" and "How Perfect is He Who has all Power, Kingdom, Magnificence, and Supremacy"
In the book, they give the example of learning how to debate. The author said that he was making excuses for himself by saying this is to benefit people. Why did the author mention this?
The author highlighted that the man's main intention may have not been to benefit people. If that was the case, he would have began by correcting his character.
I have to go help my grandma clean her kitchen, but I have not prayed yet. What should I do?
Pray first as that is the obligatory act and then go help your grandma as that is the supererogatory act
What was the main idea of the first chapter we read today?
The first chapter we read today (Chapter 8) surrounded a hadith from Tirmidhi stating: "From a man's perfecting his religion is leaving that which does not concern him"
You have a friend who addicted to reading specific, not very appropriate, books. You recently found out about this but you want to help her. Based on how the prophet SAW addressed Hakeem, how would you go about this?
Group Discussion
How long did the Prophet bow and prostrate during prayer?
For a duration similar to his standing
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand" What does this quote mean? What does this tell us?
The one who gives charity is better than the one who recieves charity. We should strive to be of those who help others and give charity regularly.
If you cannot change evil with your hand, you change it with your --(1)-- and if not that, then --(2)--.
If you cannot change evil with your hand, you change it with your --(1)-- and if not that, then --(2)--.
Islam consists of acting as well as ______ (hint: word relates to main topic of chapter 8)
Abstaining
The passage highlighted a few key characteristics that Hakeem held after this incident that are lesson for our Ummah. What are they?
Patience, Power of Determination, firm will, and acting upon knowledge
What was the verse that caused the Prophet to cry?
The verse about being brought as a witness against his nation on the Day of Judgment
What was the Prophet's inital reaction upon hearing the verse about the Day of Judgement?
He said "Enough for now" and began crying
As much as spending time going to halaqahs and attending lectures is important, we should try to improve ourselves. What questions can we sue to reflect on our own closeness to Allah SWT?
How is my relationship with Allah SWT?
How is my humbleness in prayer?
How soft is my heart?
Have I noticed any of my duas being answered?
How do I react to halal and haram things when they are presented before me?
In the midst of a tough call, am I able to enjoin good and forbid evil?
In life, there are things we need to think about and things we do not. What types of things do we need to consider (or be concerned about)?
Things that are essential for our livelihood, things necessary for life, basic hygiene and amenities (clothes, food, etc.), and things to benefit them in the hereafter
After the prophet SAW told Hakeem his advice, how did Hakeen react? Do you think this was appropriate?
He vowed not to take anything from anyone after that point, even if it was given to him without asking. This is seen where Abu Bakr RA and Umar RA tried to give him a portion of the spoils of war but he refused. (Open Discussion on Appropriate-ness)
What lessons can Muslims learn from the Prophet's reaction to this verse (verse on the Day of Judgement)?
The importance of contemplating the Quran's verses and reflecting on their meaning
What does this information in chapter 10 reveal about the Prophet's relationship with Allah?
It highlights his deep devotion, humility, and intimate connection with Allah through prayer and reflection on the Quran.
Is doing miswaak before salah an obligatory or supererogatory act?
Supererogatory. Miswaak is the tree bark toothbrush that the prophet SAW used to use. It is sunnah to do miswaak while making wudu, but you doo not need to go out fo your way to brush your teeth before salah especially if you are running late.